NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays

The Joe Haden situation certainly seems to be indicative of everything that is wrong in Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns:  In a situation that could probably only come up in Cleveland, the Browns star defensive back Joe Haden apparently decided not to play against the Chargers last week in a game-time decision.  Head coach Mike Pettine was obviously irked by that a day later when addressing the media, though the team is now insisting that Haden was legitimately injured and could not play.

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys running back rotation will be without Lance Dunbar who is having season ending surgery for a torn ACL.  This comes at a time where the coaching staff is at odds with current starter Joseph Randle for a risky goal line play that had the coaches visibly upset with the running back.

Denver Broncos: Von Miller is a jerk.  However, he is a jerk capable of learning from costly mistakes.  The star linebacker has cut out his sack dance after the NFL has fined him due to their representing a lewd act.

Chiefs’ take

: But still no fine for a blatant cheap shot on Alex Smith after the whistle on a no-play?  Ok…whatever.

Jim Caldwell took to his owner’s defense. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions:  The Lions were the victim of a huge blown call on Monday Night Football, and apparently team owner Martha Ford is making her feelings known to the league.  Fans have been upset that the team hasn’t made any public statements regarding the blown call.  The official reaction of the team has been pretty reflective of the single expression that ever shows on coach Jim Caldwell’s face…something I like to call “Resting Caldwell Face”.

Houston Texans: Ryan Mallett remains the starting quarterback for the Texans, despite being benched last week.  The Texans are in the midst of a full blown quarterback controversy.  To make matters worse, whoever the quarterback is, they’ll be without receivers Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington.  The Texans have dealt with injuries since Week 1, but at this point it has to be getting to be too much.

Chiefs’ take

: When you start talking about the Chiefs benching Alex Smith, take a look at Houston.  Smith is better than both Hoyer and Mallett…who are, in turn, both better than Chase Daniel.  Replacing a quarterback during the season almost never works out.

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