Unsung Heroes

Vikings' Lewis has gameplan with all the backup pieces

Every Tuesday during the NFL season, CNNSI.com's Pat Kirwan will recognize the players and coaches who don't see much of the spotlight but get the job done. At the end of the season Pat will present his Unsung Coach of the Year award in the memory of former NFL player and coach Chip Myers. In January 1999, after having served as an NFL assistant for 15 years, Myers was named Vikings offensive coordinator. Just a month later Myers suffered a fatal heart attack.

Two coordinators need to be recognized for the great performances by their units this past week. As an assistant coach with the Packers, Sherman Lewis was a hot commodity a few years ago in the head-coaching candidate ranks but, like so many good coaches, the window of opportunity seemed to close on him.

Now, he's the Vikings' offensive coordinator and against the Titans his group managed to score 42 points and gain 496 yards while backup quarterback Todd Bauman completed passes to seven receivers and rookie running back Michael Bennett finally had a 100-yard effort. Lewis put together an excellent game plan in a year that has been nothing short of frustrating for Minnesota.

There's nothing frustrating about being a member of the Rams this season, especially if you are part of their high-powered offense. But defensive coordinator Lovie Smith had the St. Louis defense ready to stop the 49ers' potent attack offense. San Francisco had only 220 yards of total offense as the Rams' D sacked Jeff Garcia once and intercepted him twice. When you consider that St. Louis won the battle for time of possession by 11 minutes and that Terrell Owens was held to three receptions and no scores, it was a very good day for Smith.

Three backup receivers had good showings for their respective clubs. Atlanta's Brian Finneran, a third-year player out of Villanova, caught six passes for 92 yards against New Orleans. When you consider that the 6-foot-5 Finneran, who has bounced around NFL Europe, had nine receptions in his two previous seasons, this was quite a day.

Denver's Kevin Kasper, a late-round pick last spring, did all he could Sunday night to help the Broncos beat Seattle. Kasper grabbed two passes for 15 yards, ran a double reverse for 27 yards, and was a stellar performer on special teams.

Finally, the once great Jake Reed has been limited to backup duty since his return to the Vikings, but was an important factor in Minnesota's win against the Titans with three receptions for 47 yards and a score.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Broncos defensive end Reggie Hayward. The rookie from Iowa State has only been active for two games this season but Sunday he had three tackles, two assists and 2 1/2 sacks. My guess is that the 6-5, 255-pound pass rusher will be getting lots more playing time now.

Rams safety Rich Coady filled in for the injured Adam Archuleta and led his team in tackles with nine. Given that Coady has racked up 15 tackles and an interception in the past two weeks as a replacement, it's time to take notice of his potential as a starter. Coady got nicked up late in the 49ers game, but I, along with pro personnel people around the league, will keep an eye out for him in the coming weeks.

Last year the Jets felt it was time to move on without linebacker Roman Phifer and they released him. Like a number of former Jets players, Phifer found his way to New England and Sunday in the win against the Browns, the 11-year vet had nine tackles, two assists and a sack for the 8-5 Patriots.

Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated. Unsung Heroes appears every Tuesday at CNNSI.com.

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