Teddy's tidbits: Numbers lie; Stafford is regressing

Teddy spends every Sunday typing furiously at his laptop as he watches the games, giving you the key info that the box scores and game recaps simply don’t have. This week: NFC tidbits from around the league from Week 11.

San Francisco 49ers

San Fran was outgained by 300 yards and earned just one first down in the first half. In the second half, the Niners spread out the offense and, all of a sudden, the passing game started to click.

It was a similar story in their loss at Houston last month -- a bad first half, followed by an impressive downfield passing attack when trailing by three touchdowns at the break. Bet on the 49ers in the second half after a miserable first half -- we've got a nice track record in this role under Mike Singletary.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman is taking a few downfield shots, but he only completed 10 passes longer than 10 yards in his first three career starts. He's pretty mobile for a 260-pound quarterback and he’s capable of scrambling for first downs.

This team has better chemistry than most bottom-tier squads - I'll give Raheem Morris credit in that regard. Freeman's teammates seem to respond to his leadership, even as a rookie.

Arizona Cardinals

For the first seven games of the season, Arizona ranked dead last in rushing yards. In the last three weeks, the Cards are averaging more than 150 rushing yards per game. More of the same here against the Rams.

Detroit Lions

Don’t be fooled by the final score or the stats that show 422 yards and five passing touchdowns. Matthew Stafford is getting worse, not better.

He's developed happy feet, unable to keep steady in the pocket. Stafford continues to stare down receivers and throw into coverage.

There's no question that he's got the physical tools and ridiculous arm strength, capable of throwing 60 yard bombs off his back foot. This kid has guts and the respect of his teammates after throwing the game-winning TD pass following what might be a serious shoulder injury. But let’s not forget that he was facing the Browns’ defense – this is one rookie QB who still has a long way to go.

Green Bay Packers

The offense has 'quick strike' potential. Aaron Rodgers is at his best when he can throw downfield and let his receivers make plays to get the ball in the end zone. Not only does this offensive line allow sacks in bunches, they also lead the NFL in holding penalties; by far the weakest link on the entire team.

St. Louis Rams

Leonard Little is having a resurgent season, Chris Long puts pressure on quarterbacks and rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis leads the team in tackles. Aside from those three players, there are no bright spots on this defense -- a balanced attack has little trouble moving the ball up and down the field against this stop unit.

This crowd is silent, the conditions in the dome are always ideal for good offensive teams -- that's bad news for this defense. The Rams might have the smallest home-field edge in the entire league.

Washington Redskins

This defense has been very good against the pass all year long, but without Albert Haynesworth in the lineup, they were quite susceptible to opposing ground games.

The attitude and energy here have been completely transformed -- one come-from-behind win against Denver last week and suddenly, the entire team seems revitalized. Will that renewed energy carry over to next week after another heartbreaking loss and another dose of impact injuries?

New Orleans Saints

I'm amazed at how many different weapons Drew Brees has to work with -- no wonder this is the highest scoring offense in the league. Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush in the backfield; Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Lance Moore, Daniel Thomas and Jeremy Shockey catching passes downfield.

The depth of skill position players is virtually injury proof -- any two or three guys could go down from the eight listed above and New Orleans wouldn't skip a beat.

Minnesota Vikings

Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson garner all the headlines in Minnesota these days, but it's this dynamic receiving corps that has impressed me the most in recent weeks. Sidney Rice is a star in the making, Bernard Berrian is right there with him and Percy Harvin is every bit the electric playmaker that he was in college.

Defenses can’t double team any of them, with the safeties needed for run support against Peterson.

Good passing equals a good red zone offense -- this team scores touchdowns when they have the opportunity. This was a Super Bowl caliber performance.