The players' off days started on Thursday, but there were still some stories. Andrew Luck won again. And someone thinks the defense is letting the team down. Read up on what you like the most.
Arizona Cardinals links:
Arizona Cardinals coordinator Ray Horton’s message to the defense: Just tackle
His defense is the strength of the team, yet it looked worse than ordinary in the first halves of the past two games.
LIVE on azcentral
Chat replay with Kent Somers
Bye week a welcome break for Arizona Cardinals - ArizonaSports.com
Not only has Arizona struggled to find ways to win over the past five weeks, they've struggled to get players back from injury. This is the perfect time to take a break, recharge physically and mentally and re-evaluate this team.
ESPN analyst says Arizona Cardinals defense has let the team down - ArizonaSports.com
We knew early on in the year the Arizona Cardinals would only go as far as their defense could take them. Through four games, it seemed like the defense could take them a long way.
NFC West puts 10 among NFL's Top 50 - NFC West Blog - ESPN
One year ago Wednesday, Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. ranked four NFC West players among the NFL's 50 best.
Long Career A Snap For Mike Leach
Steady play means special teamer is always behind the scenes
Word From the Birds Blog | Routt not on radar
The Cards might have looked into the possibility, but I have been told the Cardinals do not have interest in signing Routt
NFL stories and news:
Colts down Jaguars for fourth straight win - SBNation.com
Andrew Luck scored a pair of rushing touchdowns as the Indianapolis Colts routed the Jacksonville Jaguars, 27-10, on Thursday night.
Football Father: Violence, rage, dementia, and the love between father and son - SBNation.com
What started as an exploration of the consequences of football’s head trauma epidemic ended up being a story about how sports can bond a father and son.
Advanced NFL Power Rankings: Which team is flying under the radar now? - SBNation.com
Previously, the Miami Dolphins were the team flying under the radar getting little respect. This week, there is a very clear heir to that "under-rated" throne.
The List: Plenty of questions raised by players missing games for babies being born - SBNation.com
Mike Florio said, "Players missing games for babies being born raises plenty of questions." Tom Ziller and Jason Kirk have compiled those questions.
Sean Weatherspoon injury: Falcons LB will miss another game - SBNation.com
The Atlanta star will miss at least one more week with an ankle injury.
Calvin Johnson's injuries include nerve damage - SBNation.com
Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson says he suffered nerve damage against the Minnesota Vikings in September, which caused him to have difficulty gripping the ball. It's just another injury on the long list of them Johnson has suffered in 2012.
Peyton, Eli and a Manning Super Bowl - SBNation.com
Looking at the prospects of an all-Manning Super Bowl.