Matt Cassel (QB, New England) had the biggest game of his career and was impressive even in defeat. Call it a moral victory. He piled up 400 yards on 30-of-51 passing with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. He added 62 yards on 8 carries, making him the first NFL player to gain 400 yards throwing and 60 yards receiving in the same game. He led the Pats back from an 18 point deficit at halftime, but they eventually fell 34-31 in overtime. No worries. The best game of his career was enough to win over the Sports Guy.

Lofa Tatupu (LB, Seattle) made 9 tackles in a 26-20 loss to Arizona.

LenDale White (RB, Tennessee) carried 14 times for 52 yards in a 24-14 victory over Jacksonville.

Terrell Thomas (CB, NY Giants) had a career-high 5 tackles, one for a loss, in a 30-10 win over Baltimore.

Justin Fargas (RB, Oakland) carried 17 times for 57 yards in a 17-15 loss to Miami.

Willie McGinest (LB, Cleveland) made 5 tackles in a 29-27 Monday night victory over Buffalo.

Steve Smith (WR, NY Giants) caught passes for 12 and 5 yards in the victory over Baltimore.

Frostee Rucker (DE, Cincinnati) made 4 tackles in a 13-13 tie with Philly.

Mike Patterson (DT, Philadelphia) assisted on a pair of tackles in the tie with Cincy.

Brian Kelly (CB, Detroit) had 2 tackles in a 31-22 loss to Carolina.

Shaun Cody (DT, Detroit) made a tackle in the loss to Carolina.

Sedrick Ellis (DT, New Orleans) had a tackle in a 30-20 win over Kansas City.

Lawrence Jackson (DE, Seattle) assisted on a tackle in the loss to Arizona.

Also played: Fred Davis (TE, Washington), Sammy Knight (S, NY Giants), Billy Miller (TE, New Orleans)

Matt Leinart (QB, Arizona) didn't play, as usual. Does it strike anybody else as strange that after he got in for a few minutes in week two, he hasn't even been used in garbage time during three different games decided by 21+ points?

-- Adam Rose
Photo by Luc Leclerc/US Presswire

Reggie Bush (RB, New Orleans)

Matt Cassel (QB, New England) may have become the hottest commodity in fantasy football this weekend when Tom Brady went down. But will he actually become the long-range starter? For more on his performance, click here.

Matt Leinart (QB, Arizona) didn't see any action against the 49ers. Crazy thought ... he will probably be a backup in week two, but his former backup (Cassel) could be leading the defending AFC champion.

Carson Palmer (QB, Cincinnati) was also upstaged by his former backup (again, Cassel). Still dealing with a broken nose, he was just 10-of-25 for 99 yards and an interception. He also picked up 15 yards on 3 carries. The Bengals lost to Baltimore, 17-10.

Keith Rivers (LB, Cincinnati) made a big impact in his first game as a pro, recording 10 tackles (9 solo) in the loss to the Ravens.

Frostee Rucker (DT, Cincinnati) had six tackles and forced a fumble.

Troy Polamalu (S, Pittsburgh) had a good game despite being hampered with a hamstring problem. He made three tackles and nabbed an interception in a 38-17 victory over Houston.

LenDale White (RB, Tennessee) ran 15 times for 40 yards and a touchdown, but seems to be losing the starting job to rookie Chris Johnson.

Lofa Tatupu (LB, Seattle) made 8 tackles in a 34-10 loss to Buffalo.

Dwayne Jarrett (WR, Carolina) had catches of 25 and 11 yards in a 26-24 win over San Diego.

Steve Smith (WR, New York Giants) made grabs of 8 and 7 yards in Thursday's 16-7 win over Washington.

Willie McGinest (LB, Cleveland) had three tackles in a 28-10 loss to Dallas.

Sedrick Ellis (DT, New Orleans) made a pair of tackles in the win over Tampa Bay.

Lawrence Jackson (DE, Seattle) made two tackles in the loss to the Bills..

Mike Patterson (DT, Philadelphia) had a pair of tackles in a 38-3 shelling of St. Louis.

Shaun Cody (DT, Detroit) made two tackles in a 34-21 loss to Atlanta.

Monday Night Football: With a pair of games tonight, John David Booty (QB, Minnesota), Keary Colbert (WR, Denver), and Justin Fargas (RB, Oakland) could all see some playing time.

-- Adam Rose
Photo: Crystal LoGiudice-US PRESSWIRE

Justin Fargas (RB - Oakland) ran the rock 26 times for 89 yards and a score along with a seven yard reception. He now has 1,009 yard on the ground this season, marking a major milestone for the Encino native. Unfortunately, he left in the 4th quarter with a sprained right MCL. The Raiders fell 21-14 to Indianapolis.

Carson Palmer (QB - Cincinnati) was 19-of-31 for 251 yards in a 20-13 loss to San Francisco. He completed his first touchdown pass in three weeks, giving him 100 on his career. He's the fifth fastest NFL quarterback to reach that plateau.

Troy Polamalu (S - Pittsburgh) made ten tackles in a his first game back from injury. The Steelers fell to Jacksonville 29-22.

LenDale White (RB - Tennessee) was playing through pain, but ran for 93 yards on 24 carries. He also had a catch for no gain in a 26-17 victory over Kansas City. With two games to go, he just needs 40 yards to break the 1,000 mark.

Junior Seau (LB - New England) had nine tackles and two sacks in a 20-10 win over the Jets.

Sammy Knight (S - Jacksonville) made seven tackles (one for a loss) in the Jaguar's loss.

Lofa Tatupu (LB - Seattle) made seven tackles in a 13-10 loss to Carolina.

Billy Miller (TE - New Orleans) had three receptions for 39 yards in 31-24 victory over Arizona.

Steve Smith (WR - New York Giants) was active for the first time since week two and had an 8 yard catch in a 22-10 loss to Washington.

Chris McFoy (WR - Oakland) was promoted from the practice squad but didn't have any catches in the loss to the Colts.

Shaun Cody (DT - Detroit) made a tackle behind the line of scrimmage, but his Lions were thumped 51-14 by San Diego.

Mike Patterson (DT - Philadelphia) had one tackle in a 10-6 victory over Dallas.

Willie McGinest (LB - Cleveland) made a tackle in an 8-0 loss to Buffalo.

Also Played: Dominique Byrd (TE - St. Louis), Brian Kelly (CB - Tampa Bay), Manuel Wright (DT - New York Giants).

Monday Night Football: Kenechi Udeze and the Vikings are taking on Chicago.

LenDale White (RB - Tennessee) carried the ball 30 times for 113 yards and a touchdown. He also added two receptions for another 24 yards. Tennessee fell to San Diego in overtime after the Chargers rallied from 14 points down. White's performance on the ground gives him 867 yards this season with three games to go.

Justin Fargas (RB - Oakland) had his toughest outing since stepping up for the Raiders six weeks ago. Green Bay pounded Oakland 38-7 and Fargas managed only 15 carries for 57 yards. He left in the fourth quarter with a bruised rib, but doesn't expect to miss any more playing time. With three games to go, he's just 80 yards away from his first 1,000 yard season.

Carson Palmer (QB - Cincinnati) was 21-of-29 for 189 yards and was intercepted twice. The Bengals won a sloppy game 19-10 in the pouring rain in St. Louis.

Junior Seau (LB - New England) had 6 tackles in a 34-13 victory over Pittsburgh.

Mike Patterson (DT - Philadelphia) made 5 tackles, one for a loss, as the Eagles fell 16-13 to the New York Giants.

Monday Night Football: RB Reggie Bush is out with an injured knee, but keep an eye on TE Billy Miller to continue his productive season for the Saints in tonight's game in Atlanta.

Lofa Tatupu (LB - Seattle) made 4 tackles in a 42-21 victory over Arizona.

Willie McGinest (LB - Cleveland) made a tackle for a 3 yard loss in a 24-18 win over the New York Jets.

Keary Colbert (WR - Carolina) had an 8 yard catch in a 37-6 loss to Jacksonville.

Brian Kelly (CB - Tampa Bay) made 3 tackles in a 28-14 loss to Houston.

Sammy Knight (S - Jacksonville) had 2 tackled in the victory over Carolina.

Kenechi Udeze (DE - Minnesota) made a tackled against San Francisco in a 27-7 victory.

Also Played: Dominique Byrd (TE - St. Louis), Shaun Cody (DT - Detroit), Mike Williams (WR - Tennessee), Manuel Wright (DT - New York Giants).

Justin Fargas (RB - Oakland) ran for 81 yards and had five receptions for 23 more, but the Raiders lost to Chicago 17-6. He also lost a fumble.

Reggie Bush (RB - New Orleans) wasn't a huge factor in the Saint's 37-29 loss to St. Louis. Coming into the game with a knee injury, he had 7 rushes for 17 yards and a touchdown, along with 5 receptions for 27 yards. He left the game for a few plays after a helmet-to-helmet hit ... Bush fired his marketing agent last week. The story appears unrelated to Lloyd Lake.

Dwayne Jarrett (WR - Carolina) saw action for just the second time in his career, making catches of 22 and 6 yards in a 20-13 loss to Atlanta.

Mike Patterson (DT - Philadelphia) made 6 tackles, including a sack, and forced a fumble in the Eagle's 33-25 victory at Washington.

Troy Polamalu (S - Pittsburgh) had 4 tackles, one for a loss, and participated in two interceptions as the Steelers took down Cleveland 31-28.

Frostee Rucker (DE - Cincinnati) had his biggest game of the season with 3 tackles and a forced fumble.

Billy Miller (TE - New Orleans) only had 1 catch for 1 yard -- and 1 touchdown.

LenDale White (RB - Tennessee) ran the rock 8 times for 12 yards and had a 5 yard reception. He hurt his knee in the Titan's 28-13 loss to Jacksonville.

Carson Palmer (QB - Cincinnati) was 23-for-34 and 271 yards. The Bengals won 21-7 in Baltimore.

Sammy Knight (S - Jacksonville) had four tackled and participated in an interception in a 28-13 win over Tennessee.

Shaun Cody (DT - Detroit) picked up two tackles in a 31-21 loss to Arizona.

Willie McGinest (LB - Cleveland) made two tackles as the Browns fell 31-28 to Pittsburgh.

LaJuan Ramsey (DT - Philadelphia) made a tackle for a loss in the win over Washington.

Kenechi Udeze (DE - Minnesota) made one tackle in a 34-0 loss to Green Bay.

Mike Williams (WR - Unemployed) still needs a team. If you own an NFL franchise and are in need of his services, please have your people call his people.

Monday Night Football: Lofa Tatupu's (LB - Seattle) Seahawks welcome San Francisco tonight.

Tailback U had a solid weekend in the NFL ...

Reggie Bush (RB - New Orleans) broke 100 all-purpose yards once again, with 72 on the ground and 43 in the air. He scored a touchdown both ways to help the Saints beat Jacksonville 41-24 ... After the game, he told the press, "Don't eat the cheese. Parmesan cheese, gouda cheese, Kraft single cheese, whatever it is, any kind of cheese, people want to feed us. It's just staying focused and not allowing your head to get too big, because if you eat too much cheese you may get sick -- especially if you're lactose intolerant." Cheese is metaphor for public hype, both good and bad ...

LenDale White (RB - Tennessee) earned his third straight 100 yard game, picking up exactly that many yards on 31 attempts. He had a touchdown and a fumble as the Titans took down Carolina 20-7.

Justin Fargas (RB - Oakland) had his second 100 yard game of the season, with 104 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. The Raiders fell to Houston, 24-17.

Carson Palmer (QB - Cincinnati) was 26-of-39 for 271 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The Bengals fell to Buffalo 33-21 and are now 2-6 on the season.

Billy Miller (TE - New Orleans) made a 57 yard catch, longer than his total yards all season prior to the game. He finished with three catches for 75 yards.

Keary Colbert (WR - Carolina) hauled in 3 catches for 30 yards in a 20-7 loss to Tennessee.

Sammy Knight (S - Jacksonville) had a busy Sunday with 11 tackles (one for a loss). He also participated in two interceptions in the loss to New Orleans.

Mike Patterson (DT - Philadelphia) made 8 tackles, including one for a loss, as the Eagles fell to Dallas 38-17.

Lofa Tatupu (LB - Seattle) made 8 tackles in the overtime loss to Cleveland.

Junior Seau (LB - New England) had two tackles in the Pat's big win over Indy.

Kenechi Udeze (DE - Minnesota) had two tackles (one for a loss) in a 35-17 win over San Diego.

Willie McGinest (LB - Cleveland) made two tackles in a 33-30 overtime victory over Seattle.

Brian Kelly (CB - Tampa Bay) made a tackle and participated in an interception in a 17-10 victory over Arizona.

Shaun Cody (DT - Detroit) made a tackle in a 44-7 victory over Denver.

Also Played: LaJuan Ramsey (DT - Philadelphia), Frostee Rucker (DE - Cincinnati).

Monday Night Football: Troy Polamalu and the Steelers host Baltimore.

In case you missed it: Mike Williams was cut by Lane Kiffin in Oakland last week.

Junior Seau (LB - New England) was acting like a kid again as he celebrated two interceptions against Cleveland. The 18-year veteran also made 6 tackles (one for a loss) and had 23 yards on the returns.

Keary Colbert (WR - Carolina) led the Panthers in receiving in a victory over former teammate Reggie Bush. His four grabs for 74 yards were highlighted by a 43 yard catch. He fumbled once, but Carolina recovered.

Reggie Bush (RB - New Orleans) picked up 119 total yards as the Saints fell to the Panthers. Bush became the top running back in the Big Easy due to an injury suffered last week by Deuce McAllister, but nothing was easy about his 67 yards on 21 carries. Mr. Excitement's longest run was 13 yards.

Matt Leinart (QB - Arizona) is out indefinitely. The struggling signal caller fractured his left collarbone while being sacked (you may recall that he's a lefty). Before being injured, he was 7-of-13 for 100 yards and an interception.

Sammy Knight (S - Jacksonville) led the Jaguars with 8 tackles in a win over Kansas City.

Brian Kelly (CB - Tampa Bay) overcame his struggles with turf toe to make three tackles in a loss to Indianapolis.

LenDale White (RB - Tennessee) lost a fumble and had 32 yards on 12 carries as the Titans beat Atlanta.

Shaun Cody (DT - Detroit) managed a tackle in a loss to Washington.

Lofa Tatupu (LB - Seattle) participated in seven tackles in a loss to Pittsburgh.

Willie McGinest (LB - Cleveland) made two tackles in a loss to New England.

Troy Polamalu (S - Pittsburgh) did not play due to a rib cartilage injury suffered last week. He is listed as questionable. Inactive players aren't normally mentioned in this feature, but we neglected to mention the injury last week.

Also played: Dominique Byrd (TE - St. Louis), Billy Miller (TE - New Orleans).

Justin Fargas (RB) was a surprise star for Oakland, picking up a career high 179 yards on 22 carrier with a long of 48. He replaced injured starter LaMont Jordan just before halftime.

Matt Leinart (QB) started for Arizona, was replaced by Kurt Warner, then returned in the fourth to lead a touchdown drive that put the game out of reach for Pittsburgh. He was 7-of-14 for 93 yards.

Dwayne Jarrett (WR) played in the first game of his career and had a six yard catch.

Winston Justice (LT) got the first start of his career, and boy did it look like he had never played before.

Lofa Tatupu (LB) had eight tackles and forced a fumble in Seattle's victory over San Francisco.

Troy Polamalu (S) had two tackles and forced a fumble against Matt Leinart's Cardinals.

Willie McGinest (LB) assisted on a tackle in his first game of the year as Cleveland beat Baltimore.

Keary Colbert (WR) made grabs of 10 and 6 yards in a Carolina loss to Tampa Bay.

Shaun Cody (DT) had a tackle for the Lions in a win over Chicago.

Kenechi Udeze (DE) made two tackles in Minnesota's loss to Green Bay.

Monday Night Football: New England heads to Cincinnati in a showdown of two marque NFL QBs. Carson Palmer will be at the helm for the Bengals while his former backup, Matt Cassell, plays second fiddle for the Pats. On defense, New England has a pair of Trojan linebackers named Oscar Lua and Junior Seau. Cincinnati also has DT Frostee Rucker. Lua and Rucker have yet to play this season.

...[Mark] Sanchez, a 6-4, 215-pounder who is scary good. Sanchez has an inch and 20 or so pounds on Booty, and a little more on his fastball. His release is so quick, it's a blur.

A big, bruising tailback with a gliding, upright, Dickerson-like carriage, punishing the Trojans' starting defense. The mystery back was none other than Darnell Bing, the starting strong safety, who averaged 12.5 yards per carry as a tailback at Long Beach (Calif.) Poly High, where he played both ways.

...the Trojans haven't gotten the inside push they came to take for granted last season from Mike Patterson and Shaun Cody... But defensive tackles Sedrick Ellis and LaJuan Ramsay have come on strong in the second half of the season.

Preparing for battle [SI.com]

You probably already heard that Mike Williams was chosen by the Detroit Lions when he slipped to #10.  While we're sure that Mike was somewhat disappointed, we know that #1 will come out on top--especially with the particularly nasty Williams & Williams combo in Detroit (not to mention Charles Rogers coming back and emerging Kevin Jones in the backfield).  Meanwhile, Vikings fans will be left spending the next 10+ seasons regretting the selection of Troy Williamson at #7.   

But after Mel Kiper's hysteria settled down (ESPN's draft guru had Williams #1 on his OVERALL board, and nearly had a coronary when Williams dropped to 10) and all was said and done, a grand total of five Trojans heard their name called by NFL teams on Saturday and Sunday--including two 1st rounders and two 2nd rounders.

Here's the complete list:

• Mike Williams - WR :: Detroit Lions (1st round, #10 overall)
• Mike Patterson - DT :: Philadelphia Eagles
• Shaun Cody - DT :: Detroit Lions
• Lofa Tatupu - LB :: Seattle Seahawks
• Matt Cassel - QB :: New England Patriots

And you can be sure that Matt Grootegoed will get an invite (and make the team) with some lucky NFL team.

Congrats to all of the new Trojan NFLers--you're in good company fellas.

NFL Draft: Full Coverage [ESPN]

The ESPN Gameday host was there as part of a Spring Football Tour which will air the week of April 25. Other teams will include Iowa, Florida, Texas and Notre Dame.

Chauncey Washington continues to impress. Running backs coach Todd McNair said, "He is tearing it up man, he is doing his thing. He is a combination of both of the other two. He has some of the power LenDale has and some of the speed Reggie has."

Sedrick Ellis and LaJuan Ramsey, among others, have been effective replacing All-Americans Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson.

Kicker Troy Van Blarcom was finally accepted. Van Blarcom is expected to challenge sophomore Mario Danelo to replace Ryan Killeen and fill USC's vacant placekicker duties.

Yahoo also weighs in with its picks. Should Braylon Edwards go to one of the first three picks before the Chicago Bears can draft him, Mike Williams might not be around for the Minnesota Vikings at the 7th pick. Yahoo's mock draft has Shaun Cody going to the Jets at the 26th pick.

2005 NFL Mock Draft [Fanball.com]
Submitting his rough draft [Yahoo! Sports]

According to Variety, the 8-week series is slated to premiere July 20th on Spike TV.

Chiefs star helps prospect say, ‘You're hired!' [Kansas City Star]