Eric Walden's NFL Four Downs: Don't dwell on the past, unless you were better then

First down

Carolina at Miami, 11 a.m., Ch. 13 • Some say the Panthers got away with one against the Pats, while others argue the end result was just in that they outplayed New England throughout. However you feel about it, it's irrelevant in this game. After all, the Fins' O-line seems unlikely to fend off the Panthers' defense long enough for this one to come down to a ref's no-call on the game's final play.

Second down

Indianapolis at Arizona, 2 p.m., Ch. 2 • While no one discounts the job new Cards coach Bruce Arians did in relief of Chuck Pagano last season in Indy, this year's results may redistribute a little of the shine from him to the Colts players. Amazing, isn't it, that a team with Carson Palmer as its quarterback doesn't quite achieve the same standards as one with Andrew Luck? Arians will surely be painfully reminded of that Sunday.

Third down

Dallas at N.Y. Giants, 2:25 p.m., Ch. 13 • Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones told Dallas radio station KRLD-FM on Friday: "The facts are I really do think, the way things have rolled out, I'm getting to do some of the best work that I've done, relatively speaking in my career, over these last several years." I could argue with him, given that the 'Boys are 6-6 this year and 133-133 since he took over as GM in 1997. But, he may be right. Perhaps he's just so mediocre, going .500 really is the best he can do.

Fourth down

Denver at New England, 6:30 p.m., Ch. 5 • Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady? Whatever. Let's revisit the Patsies' decision to let Wes Welker walk on account of a $2M difference in their offer and his asking price. You think they wish for a mulligan every time one of their non-Gronk "receivers" drops a pass? Every time Danny Amendola stubs his toe and misses three games? Every time Welker catches a TD from Manning? Me too.