Hot Seat: Norv has to produce vs. Pats - New York Giants News at Giantsground.com

1. Norv Turner

If you had no preconceived notions about teams going into the season, you would've thought the Dolphins were a playoff contender and San Diego was a bottom feeder.

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Fact is, even with injuries, San Diego remains one of the most talented teams in the NFL. But, LaDainian Tomlinson didn't do anything last week. The San Diego defense has been pushed around and Ted Cottrell has done a poor job with the unit. The Chargers didn't look prepared against Miami. Phil Rivers didn't take advantage of match-ups. That's all on Norv Turner.

Turner meets Bill Belichick this week in San Diego. Give me one reason why I would believe in the San Diego staff in this match-up.

Tomlinson and the Chargers have always had a hatred for New England. This game is going to be feisty. But bank on the Belichick-coached team to be more disciplined.

2. Sean Payton

Here's how you have to look at it in the NFC — if you want to make the playoffs you have to win the division. You must assume that three playoff teams will come out of the NFC East. That's why the Saints' loss to the Vikings in a game where New Orleans grossly outplayed Minnesota was a horrendous one. The Saints are 2-3.

New Orleans shot itself in the foot on numerous occasions. The penalties come back to the head coach. And why on earth Payton opted for the onside kick in the first quarter against a team that struggled all season I will never know. Payton's had an odd season, from the curious decisions on Monday to forgetting about Deuce McAlister in the Denver loss.

There are no excuses against the Raiders.

You can't be more disorganized than Oakland, right?

3. Ed Hochuli

I hate to phrase it like this, but didn't Hochuli seem very nervous and unsure of himself on Monday night? That's scary. Remember when Hochuli, with his bulging muscles and lengthy explanations of why he made calls, was actually cocky? He was in control and you knew it. Not anymore.

Hochuli botched two more gigantic calls on Monday night. There was a blatant face mask on Minnesota on Reggie Bush. And Adrian Peterson fumbled the football. You cannot debate it. Hochuli got it wrong. It changed the game.

Hochuli and his crew seem to be spooked by the horrendous mistake in the Denver/San Diego game. It is starting to be a credibility issue in games he works.

4. Plaxico Burress

To say Burress was unimpressive and unapologetic during his conference call on Monday would be an understatement.

But I think the Giants have too many good leaders (Manning, O'Hara, Toomer, Pierce, and Tuck) to let the Burress issues become a distraction.

8. Gary Kubiak

The Texans are winless. There is no excuse for that. There is no excuse for Houston collapsing and Sage Rosenfels trying to do too much down the stretch of the Houston debacle.

Miami, playing with tremendous confidence after beating the Patriots and Chargers, comes to town this week. In theory, Houston's defensive line should be up for the challenge of Miami's strong running attack. If the reality proves to be different, you will have to start wondering when Houston will actually win a game.

9. Indy run defense

You have to believe that the Colts offense will click. Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne made incredible plays in the gigantic comeback last week. Marvin Harrison and Manning are close to kicking. Joe Addai made progress.

But the Colts run defense is a total disaster.

Even Marlin Jackson this week on Sirius NFL Radio talked about potential new pieces being added to the mix on the defensive line. Tony Dungy talked about players being out of position. I don't think this is fixable.

Indy hasn't won yet at beautiful Lucas Oil Stadium. The Ravens come to town this week and John Harbaugh's squad is going to run getting off the bus.

The Colts are that close to being 0-4. They cannot lose this game because of their run defense.

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