Missing electricity in N.Y.

For seven weeks, Eli Manning's Giants had one of the most lethal offensive units in the NFL. But for the second straight week, one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the game looked more like a mere mortal. In a 24-20 loss Sunday to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Manning completed just 10 passes in 24 attempts for 125 yards and one interception, and nearly threw another to cornerback Ike Taylor that he dropped in the end zone.

After completing just 15 of 29 for 192 yards against the Cowboys the week before, and failing to throw a touchdown pass in either game, it's safe to say that the Giants quarterback is causing an unusual amount of concern.

On Sunday against Cincinnati, Peyton Manning directed a five-play, 80-yard drive to give the Broncos the lead in the fourth quarter of a game they went on to win, 31-23. That became the 48th game-winning drive of his career, and Manning now holds the NFL record in that category. The quarterback's latest escape act included four completions, including one of his three scoring passes.

Colts head coach Chuck Pagano is winning his battle with leukemia. On Monday Pagano's physician said that the illness which has sidelined Indy's head coach for more than a month was in "complete remission." His doctor said a morning exam showed Pagano's white blood cell count and bone marrow tests were normal as he prepares to start a second round of chemotherapy. The latest medical update came less than 24 hours after Pagano returned to Lucas Oil Stadium for the first time since his disease was diagnosed on Sept. 26. He saw his team beat Miami, 23-20.

Though the 3-6 Redskins haven't been technically eliminated from the playoffs, coach Mike Shanahan made some surprising comments after a 21-13 loss to the Panthers on Sunday, almost sounding as if he was throwing in the towel.

"You lose a game like that, now you're playing to see who obviously is going to be on your football team for years to come. Obviously, we're not out of it statistically, but now we find out what type of character we've got and how guys keep on fighting."

Two unnamed Redskins told the Washington Post they were upset by Shanahan's comments, adding that talk like that can take the life out of a team.

On Monday, the coach said that he will talk to his players on Tuesday and make it clear to them that he wasn't giving up, and what his expectations are.

Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel sacked himself as defensive coordinator, and plans to spend more time with the team's inept offense. Crennel had been juggling head coaching and coordinator duties since taking over on an interim basis when Todd Haley was fired last December. Gary Gibbs will take over on 'D.'

- Inquirer wire services