NFL Week 5 Early Game Recaps: Eagles, Giants, Vikings Look Strong. Rams, Browns, Raiders Keep Losing

In his second game as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, Derek Anderson did his best JaMarcus Russell impersonation today, going 2/17 for 23 yards and an interception. The Browns have serious quarterback issues, and the only reason they won this game against a Bills team, that didn't play well, was because they were able to run the ball with Jamal Lewis. Lewis who was back from injury, rushed for over 100 yards on the day.

You keep waiting for the Oakland Raiders to show some sign of improvement, and it's become hard to watch this team. Though, one positive from today's Oakland game, quarterback JaMarcus Russell, didn't throw an interception, and actually completed 8/13 passes for 100 yards. However, the Raiders running game was non-existent against a tough Giants defense, and the game was out of hand quickly. The Raiders face another difficult game next week, against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Raiders will once again have a high draft pick next year, and if history is any indication, maybe they should trade the pick.

The Cincinnati Bengals are on top of the AFC North with a 4-1 record and are 3-0 against their divisional opponents. The Bengals beat the Baltimore Ravens today, on their last drive of the game. The Ravens have now lost 2 games in a row, after their tough lost against the Patriots last week. The Bengals offense is more balanced this year, with Chicago Bears cast off, Cedric Benson, finally running like a 1^st round draft pick. Baring injuries, the Bengals look like they may contend for the AFC North title, in a very competitive division.

The Philadelphia Eagles looked impressive in their win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Eagles are one of the best drafting teams in the NFL, and today Jeremy Maclin provided further proof. The rookie receiver had 6 catches, for 142 yards and a touchdown. Tampa Bay has yet to win a game this season, but their young quarterback, Josh Johnson, has ability. His problem, like most inexperienced QB's, is interceptions.

The Dallas Cowboys needed overtime to defeat the winless Kansas City Chiefs. They also needed a blocked field goal attempt and a monstrous game from Miles Austin, playing in place of Roy Williams. Quarterback, Tony Romo, lost another fumble today, on a botched exchange from center, and against a better team, Dallas may not have recovered from such a slow start. The Cowboys didn't score a touchdown until the third quarter. In arguably the toughest division in football, Dallas is clearly the third best team in the NFC East, behind the New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Carolina Panthers finally got a win today, over the underachieving Washington Redskins. Delhomme threw only one pick on the day and the Panthers scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, for a comeback win. It appears the Redskins will soon be in search of another head coach, with Zorn seemingly unable to motivate this team to play up to its ability.

The Detroit Lions, playing without rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, put up a good fight against the Superbowl Champs. Veteran quarterback Daunte Culpepper did an admirable job, but Big Ben was better on this day. The Steelers were also able to get more out of their running game, with Rashard Mendenhall playing well for the injured Parker. The Pittsburgh Steelers would win the game, but the Lions gave them all they could handle.

The Minnesota Vikings keep winning, and are now 5-0. Brett Favre is having fun. Jared Allen, who scored a touchdown today on a fumble recovery, is having fun. Adrian Peterson added two touchdowns, and the Vikings easily beat an overmatched St. Louis Rams team. The Vikings have a great offense, and a defense that's playing hard, aggressive football. The Vikings face a tougher match up next week, when they face the Baltimore Ravens.

With the exception of the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills game, the early games were all pretty entertaining. There were three games decided in the fourth quarter, and one, the Cowboys vs. Chiefs, decided in overtime. Hopefully, next weeks games will be just as good.

Sources:
　
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2009/10/11/3469_boxscore.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2009/10/11/3475_boxscore.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2009/10/11/3478_boxscore.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2009/10/11/3455_boxscore.html