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 Bargain-basement linemen step up
Posted: Tuesday October 05, 1999 03:48 PM
Last October, I went out for dinner with then-out-of-football offensive lineman Keith Sims and had a heart-to-heart discussion with him about life after the NFL. We both concluded that if the rest of the season came and went without an invite for a workout, his career was probably over; a month later he got a chance to finish up the season with the Redskins. Sims didn't like how it felt to see the end in sight, so he worked himself back into his former Pro Bowl shape. After watching him as the starting left guard for the 3-1 Redskins, he's some bargain at the NFL minimum salary, and it wouldn't surprise me if he gets back to the big contract status soon. Down in Dallas, the Cowboys asked two of their young linemen to step in for injured starters Erik Williams and Everett McIver. With Solomon Page at tackle and Tony Hutson at guard, the Dallas offense didn't miss a beat against a pretty good Cardinals defensive front. Two quarterbacks have to be recognized this week. Chicago fans are waiting for Cade McNown to take the field and lead the Bears into the 21st century. After Sunday's fourth-quarter performance by longtime journeyman Shane Matthews , the fans will have to wait a little longer. Matthews was 13 of 17 for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter comeback victory over the Saints. Out in San Francisco, former CFL player Jeff Garcia had a good day filling in for the injured Steve Young. I spent some time with the 49ers this summer, and it was obvious this guy has something special. Players I know believe in him and, most importantly, believe they can win with him under center. Before they took the field against the Titans, that was only a "gut" feeling about Garcia; now they have proof. Garcia was 21 of 33 for 243 yards, with two TDs and no interceptions. He completed passes to six different receivers and earned 13 first downs with his arm. One 49ers player said to me, "If the Rams can win with Kurt Warner, we can win with Garcia." Why not? I'm sure Chicago VP for Football Operations, Mark Hatley, is glad he picked up Shane Burton when he was cut by the Dolphins. Quality backup defensive linemen are very hard to find, and when you pick one up for the minimum wage and he delivers his third sack in four games you have a right to be happy. At this rate Burton could have 10-plus sacks this year. I know the Eagles are 0-4, but on Sunday their defense played as if they were undefeated. Leading the way against the Giants was linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, a 1998 third-round draft pick. Trotter had three tackles all of last year; on Sunday he had 11 solos, 3 assists, 1 interception, and a pass defended. My coach of the week is Jacksonville defensive coordinator Dom Capers. I've gone into Pittsburgh like many coaches in this league and it's hard to win. Capers -- a former Steelers defensive coach -- brought his blitz package with him. With four sacks, one fumble recovery and a safety, the Jaguars defense held Pittsburgh to one field goal and just 216 yards. Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years in the NFL as a coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/SI. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
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