'Your papers, please' must never be heard in America
On Monday, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brady Quinn missed his second consecutive game as he recovers from a concussion. On Sunday, one-fourth of the games featured a starting quarterback who was knocked out of action with a concussion. At least nine other players suffered similar head injuries in Week 10 (making it a typical NFL week), but they're virtually an afterthought.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith threw a 14-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter of Sunday's 24-24 tie against the Rams while playing with blurred vision before coming out with a concussion.
Next week's big, nationally televised "Monday Night Football" showcase could feature a quarterback matchup of journeyman Jason Campbell of the Bears vs. untested Colin Kaepernick of the 49ers. Not exactly the creme de la creme of the NFC.
Quarterback Robert Griffin III was surprised not to feel very sore when he woke up Monday morning. In addition to being knocked to the ground 13 times before the whistle in Sunday's 31-28 loss to the St. Louis Rams, he absorbed some punishment after it, as well.
Matthew Stafford stayed cool and calm after the shakiest first half of his career.
Drew Brees piled up points, yards and accolades in a record-setting season for the New Orleans Saints. Much of the time, Alex Smith did just enough to get the San Francisco 49ers back in the playoffs for the first time in nine years while a dominant defense and kicking game did the rest.
When Sean Payton met with his players on Monday, he took a moment to recognize his team for a trait that any coach would envy.
The New Orleans Saints are a missed chip-shot field goal away from being 3-0 and having a two-game lead on NFC South rival Atlanta.
"This is a game where the better defense will definitely win the game," New Orleans linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar said. "It's about us stopping them from doing whatever they want to do. They have to play a different brand of ball and we have to play good in all three phases of the game."
"Every time we came off the field, he was around saying something, whether it was me or a different guy ... to let us see the whole picture," Dunbar said. "He did a great job of it and I appreciate that."
