Week 5 - Where We Went Wrong

Special to edMaddenReports
by Cody Ness

It was supposed to be the start of something special. What it ended up being was another frustrating chapter in the ineffectual career of No. 2 and the number 1 bust in town.

After four ineffectual starts, Tim Couch looked like he was getting his legs. He had thrown a touchdown, been accurate and smart with his throws up until his season was ended when a shot to the back stopped everything cold.

The crowd was silent, the teams stood silently. Some of that persuasion even held hands in prayer, regardless of affiliation.

"It was nice to see," said coach Mike Sherman. "The boys really came together to support and hope for the continued health of our guy."

After a stay in the hospital that included tests, needles and a surgery to fuse two vertebrae, Couch's season is over. The spinal fusion does not mean, however, that his career is over.

"I wouldn't put it past the man to come back," said broadcaster and coaching-hopeful Warren Moon. "If the constant setbacks he's suffered haven't stopped him, this won't."

It was a positive spin compared to the ridicule that Couch has been forced to endure in his time as a professional quarterback. Now, comments from the pundits don't matter. All that matters is recovery and rehabilitation.

As of the time of publication, Couch was unavailable for comment but his standout stand-in, Doug Pederson, had plenty to say.

"We can't let this get to us. Yes, Tim is hurt and that is a shame But there is nothing we can do about it and we've still got a season to play."

This was nearly a word-for-word copy of what was said by coach Sherman in the press conference.

The question that needs to be answered is, does this injury put the spotlight on G.M. Collins who was all-too-eager in his haste to rid Wisconsin of Brett Favre? L. Johnny is the only man who can answer that, and he is not talking.