by Adam Schein

And I like my crow as a side dish, thank you very much.

We attack another amazing week in the NFL while going big picture for our weekly Tuesday SCHEINERS in our SCHEIN 9.

1. Foaming at the mouth

There was a point last year where New Yorkers believed we were truly on a collision course for an all-New York Super Bowl. Then Plax carried a gun, Eric Mangini turned his players as tight as prisoners by walking around Jets headquarters like he was packing one, Brett Favre's pistol turned into a sprinkler and the dreams were dashed much to the dismay of New York City and the delight of football fans nationwide.

Well, welcome to 2009, where New Yorkers can gloat and the dream is complete reality.

The Giants and Jets are 6-0 combined, two of the elite teams in the NFL and destined for the postseason and success in the playoffs.

Look, this isn't hyperbole before the calendar even flips to October. I told you in the preseason that the Jets would make the wild card and would have a top-five defense. You laughed. Turned out, five was too wide of a number.

I picked the Giants to make the NFC title game. I might have actually undersold them. The Giants just pitched a shutout in Tampa and have been great on defense despite a rash of injuries. And that's what wins. Both the Giants and Jets are New York-tough on defense. Plus, they both have great coaching, cohesive offensive lines and talented running backs. And while the Giants have a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, the Jets have a youngster with all the ingredients to become one.

And here's the beauty — or pain if you truly hate New York: Both teams have already dealt with adversity and punched it squarely in the face.

The Jets blow a 14-0 lead at home to the well-coached, talented and desperate Tennessee Titans. "Sanchise" doesn't complete a pass in the second quarter. And yet, New York answers in a game that historically the Jets, of 'same old Jets' fame, would normally lose.

The anatomy of the comeback is why Rex Ryan's team is only getting better. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer stayed aggressive. In the third quarter, Mark Sanchez hit Jerricho Cotchery twice on perfect throws, the second dart for the go-ahead score after a Tennessee special-teams turnover. Sanchez then tossed a gorgeous bomb to set up a field goal and put the Jets up by a touchdown. Ryan and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine were as aggressive on defense, as usual. They kept coming at Kerry Collins late in the game. Star in the making David Harris had a key sack and pick in the fourth quarter.

Jets fans have vivid memories of Mangini slipping into the prevent defense as Oakland, Denver, San Francisco and Seattle completed upset specials. The Jets under Herm Edwards, Rich Kotite and Joe Walton lose these types of games. Those nightmares are a thing of the past.

The Jets have a great, aggressive, hard-hitting team under Rex Ryan, who has totally changed the culture in New York. And if you don't believe me, ask Bart Scott. He'll be the first to tell you. This is no fluke. Now, the Jets will lose a game this year, probably six including this week in New Orleans. The Patriots still remain the team to beat in the division. They are, after all, the Patriots and still have the Jets in New England. But under Ryan, the Jets are not a flash in the pan. Defense makes them relevant, dominant and playoff-bound in Year 1 of the Ryan program.

While the Jets get the attention for the new attitude and most especially for the win against New England two weeks ago — and the back pages of the New York Post and New York Daily News toast the Yankees' beautiful sweep of the Red Sox to clinch the AL East — there isn't a happier human than Tom Coughlin.

His 3-0 outfit flies under the radar even in Coughlin's town. And that's just how the Giants want it.

Up-and-coming star safety Kenny Phillips gets placed on IR. Justin Tuck is banged up. So is big-ticket free agent Chris Canty. Aaron Ross and Domenik Hixon are hurt. The Giants couldn't score in the red zone in the first two weeks and couldn't run in Dallas.

So what do Eli Manning and company do? They humiliate the Bucs in Week 3 with dominant efforts in the passing attack, run game and offensive line. And I'm pretty sure Byron Leftwich will have nightmares about the Giants defense. Manning was flawless and Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw were the ultimate blend of power and speed, gashing the Bucs' hapless defense.

The Giants are 3-0 and will be 5-0 with upcoming games against the hapless Chiefs and Raiders. Plus, they still have the Cowboys and Eagles in New York.

The win in Dallas, which spoiled Jerry Jones' homecoming, showed the championship heart of this team.

Manning has been great this season sans Burress and Amani Toomer. It starts with his offseason work with Steve Smith and Mario Manningham. I thought Smith would catch 80 balls this year. It will be 90. And Manning has helped Manningham use his raw talent. And stop the presses! There was even a touchdown pass to (gulp) Sinorice Moss this weekend.

Coughlin doesn't get enough credit for being a great coach who keeps his team focused each week.

Prediction: The Jets make it to at least the divisional round of the playoffs with their defense. The Giants have the early look of a Super Bowl participant.

Remember all that talk last year about the league busting up championship Sunday if the Meadowlands would host both games? Don't rule it out in 2010. And you are just going to have to deal with it.

2. Rise and SCHEIN

It's a good week to look at both players and teams.

How about my Lions! There's a reason I picked them "video style" this week on FOXSports.com as an upset special. Jim Schwartz has his team playing hard. Matthew Stafford doesn't get rattled and made clutch plays late. The defense showed up. So did RB Kevin Smith.

And I just loved the genuine emotion after the game from the players who took this losing streak so personally. Even newcomers like ex-Steeler Larry Foote and rookies Louis Delmas and Stafford were beyond jubilant, understanding what this meant. And I really loved how the players went back on the field to celebrate with the fans who have been through so much torture.

I'll write it again — the Lions will win five games this year.

The Bengals aren't that bad. There isn't that much separating Cincy and Pittsburgh, and the Bengals proved it with a tough, comeback win over the Super Bowl champs. The Bengals will be 3-1 after a win in Cleveland this weekend.

Josh McDaniels has three straight wins to start his coaching career after the single worst offseason for a newbie in NFL history. No team needed to win more out of the gate. McDaniels has stayed consistent through the adversity and his boy Kyle Orton isn't holding him back.

And my guy Brett Favre had a classic scramble and gorgeous touchdown to Greg Lewis in the final seconds to give Minnesota a huge win over San Francisco. In a Hall of Fame career, Favre has had the flair for the moment. I thought those moments were over. He proved me wrong with an unforgettable dash and toss for a victory, legendary even by Favre's lofty standards. With all of his game winners, it was Favre's first career winning touchdown in the final 10 seconds of a game. Beautiful.

3. Hide the women, children and Matt Millen

I can cite play-calling, quarterback play, play in the defensive backfield, not cashing in on the goal line, or anything else.

When you lose to Millen's old team, the Washington Redskins become the laughingstock of the NFL.

4. Backseat coaching

Jack Del Rio deserves some praise after leading the Jags to victory in Week 3. (David J. Phillip / Associated Press)

I always think it is important for someone like me who gets paid to give an educated opinion to admit a first guess where you disagree with a coach, even when the man on the sideline proves to be correct.

I couldn't believe Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio decided to go for it in field goal range with the Jags and Texans tied at 24 at the start of the fourth quarter. I was screaming to put the points on the board.

Del Rio dialed up Maurice Jones-Drew, who pounded out the first down. And then, he sealed his coach's genius with a touchdown and a huge Jacksonville win in Houston.

Del Rio 1. Schein 0. Good one, Jack.

I also couldn't believe Bill Belichick went for it deep in his own territory against Atlanta. Of course, the Pats also made it.

5. Schein's anatomy

As a person and a leader, it doesn't get any better than Chad Pennington. My heart sank upon finding out his season is likely done with a shoulder injury.

I always liked Chad Henne and think he can be a strong starter. But not yet. And Miami's dreams of making the playoffs for the second straight year are over. If I am running the Dolphins, I wouldn't mess around with Pat White in the wildcat as much as I want Henne to get valuable time under center.

6. This week's hot seat

The Bills are 1-2 and T.O. seems more interested in Twitter than touchdowns. I know the game is in Miami this weekend, but it's a must-win and dare I say a should-win for Dick Jauron and the Buffalo Bills if they want to get off their seemingly permanent hot seat.

7. My guys

My goats, My goats

After some exciting NFL action over the weekend, Adam Schein names his Five Guys and Five Goats from Week 3.

Carson Palmer

He is on record that he hates the Steelers. What a win for Palmer and the Bengals in comeback fashion over Pittsburgh. It was a long time coming for the oft-injured Palmer. He deserved to toss that game winner at the gun. I felt great for him.

Maurice Jones-Drew

MJD had 119 rush yards with three touchdowns and converted that huge first down when Jack Del Rio rolled the dice on a fourth and 1. Jones-Drew just embarrassed the Texans.

Jim Caldwell

I wondered in the preseason if the Colts would take a major step backwards losing Tony Dungy. Caldwell has had his team ready for three tough foes while dealing with a plethora of key injuries. Look at all the newcomers and reserves who have made a difference. I'm impressed. That's coaching.

Fred Taylor gave the Patriots a spark in the backfield vs. the Falcons. (Charles Krupa / Associated Press)

Joe Flacco

Have you noticed just how good Flacco has been this year? He's a budding star. Flacco made the Browns look like the freshman team with 342 yards in the passing attack.

Fred Taylor

The Pats needed a spark in the ground game, and it was the seasoned vet who churned out 105 yards on the ground.

8. My Goats

Oakland Raiders

They tried to ban my co-host Rich Gannon from the CBS production meetings when he spoke the truth about his former club. That's what you call classless and clueless. My words. And I would think the Raiders have bigger issues — like the forward pass.

Eric Mangini

Wouldn't it be great if Cleveland fans could fine Mangini?

Tim Hightower

The Cardinals running back fumbled away a golden opportunity for an Arizona touchdown and a momentum swing after a Peyton Manning pick. It's easy to forget, but 'Zona had a chance to win the game and go up 10 if Hightower had hands!

Byron Leftwich

His play on Sunday was the most dreadful of any quarterback not named Quinn or Russell so far this season. And then Leftwich loses his job Monday. It doesn't get much worse.

NFL Week 11

Week 11 action (all times ET)

MIA 24, CAR 17 -- Recap | Box
IND 17, BAL 15 -- Recap | Box
DAL 7, WSH 6 -- Recap | Box
GB 30, SF 24 -- Recap | Box
MIN 35, SEA 9 -- Recap | Box
NYG 34, ATL 31 (OT) -- Recap | Box
NO 38, TB 7 -- Recap | Box
JAX 18, BUF 15 -- Recap | Box
KC 27, PIT 24 (OT) -- Recap | Box
DET 38, CLE 37 -- Recap | Box
ARZ 21, STL 13 -- Recap | Box
SD 32, DEN 3 -- Recap | Box
NE 31, NYJ 14 -- Recap | Box
OAK 20, CIN 17 -- Recap | Box
LIVE: PHI-CHI -- Box score
TEN-HOU, 8:30 p.m. (Mon.) -- Preview


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HELP THE TROOPS: NFL on FOX is making DVDs of our pregame show from Afghanistan available for purchase, with all proceeds going to military charities.

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Dan Snyder

He hired Jim Zorn. He first hired him to run the offense, then to coach the team. HE HIRED JIM ZORN!

9. Three and out

1. The Baltimore Ravens are currently the best team in the NFL and have more than a realistic chance to win in New England this week.

2. Tough loss for the Niners, but they will go to 3-1 with the Rams coming to town this week — even with a banged-up Frank Gore. But that ankle injury scares me for the big picture.

3. What was uglier? Seattle uniforms? Offense? Defense? Special teams? Jim Mora went off on Olindo Mare for missing key kicks! How about an answer of 'Yes' to all the above! Good luck in Indy this week, Jim Mora.

You can watch Schein and Chris Carlin on Loud Mouths, weeknights at 6 p.m. ET on SNY (DIRECT-TV 639).

You can listen to Schein and Rich Gannon on the Sirius Blitz, weekdays from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. ET on Sirius NFL Radio 124.

Adam Schein has joined the Twitter craze. Follow his work on FOXSports.com, SNY and Sirius NFL Radio at twitter.com/AdamSchein

Email Schein at adamjschein@hotmail.com