Posted by ESPN.com’s Mike Sando
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune wonders whether the Seahawks would make a run at Mike Holmgren as their general manager. I’m not sure how the organization could put coach Jim Mora in such an uncomfortable situation, but the Seahawks do hold Holmgren in high regard. Would Holmgren take such a role? Let me put it this way: He has done nothing to discourage such talk.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com checks in with cornerback Josh Wilson, who made a run for the end zone instead of taking a knee against the Lions.
Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks think their running game is showing signs of life. Mora on Julius Jones: “He’s starting to pick up the scheme. He’s seeing things much better. I think he’s understanding where the cut’s going to be much better. I feel like he’s gaining more yards after contact than he was earlier in the year.”
Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says Mora felt like joining Seattle fans who booed the home team after the Seahawks fell behind, 17-0, to the Lions.
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says Seahawks receiver Nate Burleson guaranteed — sort of, anyway — a Seattle victory at Arizona. Burleson: "I don’t want to give anybody bulletin board material, but I do believe it was Herman Edwards (who said), 'We play to win the game. Period.' So, we’re going on the road to play a football game, and we’re gonna win. I don’t care what you say. People can print it in the paper, they can send it to the teams we’re playing. But they know just like we know, we’re going to win the game. I’m not taking away anything from the teams we’re going to play on the road the next few weeks, but we’re gonna get on the plane with the mindset that we’re going to win, and we need to win."
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt renewed his support for Matt Leinart after benching the backup quarterback following an interception Sunday. Also, the Cardinals’ offense finally found a way to pick up big chunks of yardage.
Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals’ focus this week is restoring home-field advantage at University of Phoenix Stadium. Whisenhunt: “After two and half years of being here and just getting killed for not being any good on the road, it’s certainly nice to play better on the road. But now we’ve got to play better at home. If we can do that, maybe we’re on to something.”
Paola Boivin of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals have done just fine without Anquan Boldin. Boivin: “With his continued willingness to take shots at the organization and the increasing evidence that the team can survive without him, the odds are great he won’t be sticking around.”
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says inconsistency remains the top issue for the Cardinals even though they are 5-3 and leading the NFC West by two games.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch checks in with the Rams while they prepare to face the 8-0 Saints at the Edward Jones Dome. Defensive end Leonard Little: “We’ve got a great challenge because they’ve got some great skill position players. Great receivers, great quarterback, great running back. But every week is a challenge.”
Also from Thomas: The Rams are not expecting right guard Richie Incognito to return from a foot injury this week. Thomas: “Once again, the Rams are expected to go with Adam Goldberg at right guard and rookie Jason Smith at right tackle against the Saints. Incognito hasn’t played or practiced since suffering a mid-foot sprain Oct. 25 against Indianapolis.”
More from Thomas and colleagues: How can the Rams beat the Saints? Bryan Burwell: “After seeing Carolina run up and down the field against the Saints, the run-oriented Rams certainly have a chance. If the Rams can stick to a Steven Jackson rushing attack and keep Drew Brees off the field, the home crowd could become a huge factor.” Carolina is a contender when Jake Delhomme throws the ball to the right team.
Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat says the schedule is doing no favors for the Rams.
Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Titans coach Jeff Fisher offered high praise for 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis, the lone defender with a chance against the Titans’ Chris Johnson on Sunday. Fisher, as quoted in the Tennessean: “I think he knew once 52 (Willis) was nowhere in the vicinity that no one was going to catch him. Willis on the field yesterday was the only one that could catch him. I have to compliment him and his play because I have not seen an effort out of a linebacker like I’ve seen out of the effort out of him. C.J. would have had three more touchdowns yesterday had he not been on the field. It was an outstanding defensive effort by Patrick Willis.”
Also from Maiocco: Mike Singletary played for the Bears, but they’re just another opponent Thursday night.
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News says it’s desperation time for the 49ers. How will they respond?
Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers quarterback Alex Smith graded out better on video than on the stat sheet. Singletary: “It was, unfortunately, one of the better offensive performances that I’ve seen since I’ve been here. Take away the turnovers and we have a chance to really have a good offensive game and have some excitement and momentum going forward.”
John Crumpacker of the San Jose Mercury News says Smith did a “good job throwing the football” in Singletary’s eyes.
Also from Crumpacker: Jason Hill got a chance to play a more prominent role after performing well in 49ers practices.
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