FanHouse ClintonHart

FanHouse's resident referee will chime in weekly with thoughts on major topics relating to officiating. We call it The Zebra Report. Matt Snyder is a high school official with eight years experience. While this is like a third-year resident critiquing the work of a world-renowned surgeon, it's still better than someone who has never worn the stripes.

Lots of controversy this week surrounding the boys in stripes, whether warranted or not, so let's jump right in ...

Incident 1: Mike Martz says the Niners were "screwed every way possible" by the officials. Ah, I love a good example of lacking accountability. I'm sure it was the officials who told Martz to run the football on the previous play with around 10 seconds left and no timeouts. I mean, that's the only way "every way possible" works as an accurate statement.

Each week in the NFL, there are players that impress and players that distress. One week a certain quarterback might toss four touchdowns and run around with his finger in the air while the next he's laying on his back, holding his facemask as the other team returns one of his three interceptions for the game-winning score. With that in mind, here's Studs and Duds.

Here's Week 10 at a glance, where we point out the horses destined for the Kentucky Derby and jeer those headed to the glue factory.

Studs

Thomas Jones, RB NY Jets (26 carries, 149 yards, 3 TDs) -- Three weeks ago the Jets looked absolutely dreadful, losing their third of four games and having people question just about every decision they'd made (i.e., Brett Favre). Well thanks to Jones, who has scored in three straight, all victories, New York looks like they could sneak in the playoffs and play the role of team you wouldn't enjoy seeing on the opposing sidelines. In the largest victory in Jets history, Jones found holes in a pitiful Rams defense and decided to hang out in the end zone three times. Mr. Jones, how does it feel to be the AFC leading rusher?

You think the Chargers could use Wes Welker this weekend? Welker actually started his NFL career in San Diego; the team signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech in 2004, and he made the roster out of training camp.

That lasted a week, when the Chargers waived him to make room for safety Clinton Hart. Seems ridiculous in retrospect, but who the hell knew Welker would be one of the league's best all around players?

It's easy to take shots at San Diego general manager A.J. Smith (although it's become less so now that Norvell has gotten the team out of the first round of the playoffs), but the guy has an eye for talent. Can't really blame him for cutting a rookie free agent, particularly, as Welker points, one that was 12th on the depth chart at wide receiver when training camp began.

Ironically, San Diego has been looking for a competent wideout to complement tight end Antonio Gates and running back LaDainian Tomlinson (the Chargers' top two receivers, by the way). The team drafted Buster Davis in the first round last April, but he only caught 20 passes during the regular season. He could be a fine wide receiver one day, it's just not likely to be this Sunday. Which is kind of a problem since San Diego's Big Three are iffy for the AFC Championship game.