It Looks Like a Point Well-Taken for Wannstedt

1. Question: Is Miami Dolphin Coach Dave Wannstedt better than his predecessor, Jimmy Johnson, who was considered the best coach of the ‘90s?

Answer: Well, look at it this way. Wannstedt’s team has given up 22 points in four games. Johnson’s Dolphins gave up 62 points in his last game. At this rate, it will take Miami 12 games to surpass Johnson’s farewell effort.

You make the call.

2. Question: With Johnson no longer considered a genius, are there any out there?

Answer: Obviously, Detroit Lion Coach Bobby Ross qualifies. He has found a way to win without an offense, going 3-1 even though his team has scored only four offensive touchdowns.

3. Question: Why didn’t NFL officials step in when San Francisco 49er receiver Terrell Owens taunted the Dallas Cowboys by running to midfield at Texas Stadium and strutting on the Cowboys’ star logo?

Answer: NFL officials quickly saw that nobody, with the exception of Owens, was enjoying his ridiculous outburst.

Officials are under orders from Commissioner Paul Tagliabue to react only if teams appear to be having fun.

4. Question: After being picked first and second in the 1998 draft, quarterbacks Ryan Leaf of the San Diego Chargers and Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts have gone in opposite directions. Why is that?

Answer: Manning has four advantages--Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, the arm strength to get him to the top and the humility to keep him there.

5. Question: Why has Minnesota Viking quarterback Daunte Culpepper been so successful running the ball?

Answer: “He doesn’t do the quarterback slide,” said Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache. “He tries to Jim Brown you. I told our defensive backs, ‘Don’t try to tackle him high or you’ll bounce off him like BBs off a Sherman tank.’ ”