Interference Calls Can Be All Relative

Times NFL writer Sam Farmer poses--and answers--the league’s burning questions:

Q: Why does David Boston leave cornerbacks quaking?

A: The Arizona receiver has drawn a league-high seven pass-interference penalties. Then again, his father is an NFL official. Figures.

Q: What’s the definition of folding in the fourth quarter?

A: Ask Carolina or Indianapolis. The Panthers have lost five games after leading in the final five minutes. The Colts have been outscored, 111-43, in the fourth quarter, and 46-3 in the last four games (all losses).

Q: Where did you go, Flutie Magic?

A: In their five-game losing streak, the Chargers have dropped three on the road. Doug Flutie has thrown one touchdown pass and seven interceptions in those losses. San Diego plays at Philadelphia on Sunday, and the Eagles have the league’s best pass defense.

Q: Still think the NFL is a breeze?

A: San Francisco kicker Jose Cortez is having second thoughts. He began the year with 11 consecutive field goals, a 49er rookie record, but since has missed five of nine. Four of those kicks were blocked.

Q: After almost trading for Darrell Russell, then wisely reconsidering, how do the New York Jets feel?

A: Ecstatic.