October 8, 2009

James Durrant
UteZone.com Senior Writer

Bye weeks have begun and the Carolina Panthers (0-3) received a much needed break in week four. The Panthers have been out-of-sync on offense and can use the week off to get back on the same page. Jordan Gross has been playing well at left tackle and has not allowed a sack in the first three games. Steve Smith leads the Panthers in receiving but does not have a receiving touchdown yet.

The San Francisco 49ers (3-1) are on a roll and are a last second touchdown from being 4-0 on the season. The two Utes on the 49ers roster are not playing much. Alex Smith is the backup quarterback and offensive lineman Barry Sims plays only a handful of snaps each game.

Cleveland Browns (0-4) quarterback Brett Ratliff has been the inactive third quarterback all season and does not look to be moving up the depth chart despite the struggles of the two quarterbacks in front of him.

Cincinnati Bengals (3-1) defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene played in the Bengals 23-20 overtime win over the Browns but did not record any stats.

Paul Kruger finally saw his first action of the season in the Baltimore Ravens (3-1) 27-21 loss to the New England Patriots. Kruger was used mainly as a pass rush specialist and recorded an assisted tackle.

Kelly Talavou was inactive for the second consecutive week.



Sione Pouha continues to play a great deal for the New York Jets (3-1). Pouha's solid play at both nose tackle and defensive end has helped the Jets become one of the better defenses in the NFL. Pouha recorded three tackles in the Jets 24-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

The San Diego Chargers (2-2) have not performed to expectations, especially on the defensive line. Safety Eric Weddle is making far too many tackles and opponents are running wild on the Chargers, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Weddle is second on the team in tackles and added 7 more tackles and a tackle for loss in the Chargers 38-28 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith has started all four games and leads the Dolphins in passes defended. Smith recorded 2 tackles and 2 passes defended as the Dolphins defeated the Buffalo Bills 38-10 to earn their first win of the season.

Paul Soliai played well for the Dolphins as the backup nose tackle but did not record any stats in the win over the Bills.

Houston Texans (2-2) cornerback Brice McCain played a great deal as the nickel back in the Texans 29-6 win over the Oakland Raiders. McCain recorded a solo tackle in the win.