Last Place Update - October 18, 2011

So much for the Cam Newton warning.  He played like a rookie quarterback against the Atlanta Falcons and threw three picks.  He still has the potential to be a very good quarterback and Carolina will improve.  Now for this week’s Last Place Update.

The 0-6 Indianapolis Colts once again earned their Kings of the Cellar title for the week by losing to rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and the 4-2 Cincinnati Bengals 27-17.  The 0-5 Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams are a close second.

Speaking of, this week’s honorable mention goes to Miami, because their loss to the New York Jets extended their losing streak to eight games.  Except for a 17-16 loss to Cleveland, the Dolphins have been easily beaten every week this season. 

A second honorable mention goes to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have also lost five straight.  Yes, they are rebuilding.  Yes, they’re not expected to do that well.  Their only saving graces are that they’re 10^th in rushing and 8^th in opponents’ passing yards.  They face the Baltimore Ravens this week on Monday Night Football for their sixth straight loss.  Look at the bright side.  They face a slumping Houston Texans in two weeks.

Next Loss…

Indy goes to the newly named Mercedes-Benz Superdome to face the 4-2 New Orleans Saints, who just got stung by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  This is their first meeting since Super Bowl XLIV.  Andy Dalton is no Drew Brees and Indy's only hope is a suspect Saints defense.  Expect the Saints to bring their A-game and spank the Colts. 

Miami hosts the 1-4 Denver Broncos.  This may be an Upset Special.  Tim Tebow starts for the Broncos.  Can Denver’s defense stop Reggie Bush?  Well…yeah, because he’s averaging 3.8 yards per carry this season.  He still dances too much.  This could be an ugly game and it’s Miami’s to lose.

The St. Louis Rams visit the 2-3 Dallas Cowboys.  Upset Special II?  Not if Dallas gets its act together.  Dallas had one of the hardest schedules up to this point in the season, facing teams that are .500 or better.  Okay, never mind.  This should be an easy Rams loss.