Trotter's Takes

Jim Trotter

November 19, 2007

Second-year nickelback Antonio Cromartie (right) leads the NFL with six interceptions after picking off Peyton Manning three times on Sunday night. Cromartie's size (6'2", 203), athleticism (he's arguably the team's fastest player) and big-play ability (TD returns this season off an interception and a missed field goal) explain why G.M. A.J. Smith is comfortable letting starting corner Drayton Florence leave as an unrestricted free agent after this year.... How much was the Rams' 0--8 start eating away at coach Scott Linehan? Players said Linehan got emotional on Sunday when QB Marc Bulger presented him with the game ball after the Rams beat New Orleans. Later, when Linehan met with the media, his voice quavered when talking about never taking winning for granted.... The Titans, who were allowing 66 yards rushing per game with DT Albert Haynesworth in the lineup, gave up 166 when Haynesworth sat out injured against the Jags. Think his free-agent value isn't rising?