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Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Falling

Russell

1. JaMarcus Russell's pass attempts: Even when they are trying to play catch up, the Raiders are not opting to do so with Russell’s passing. He attempted just 13 passes Sunday in a 44-7 loss to the New York Giants.

According to ESPN’s Stats & Information, it tied an NFL record for the fewest pass attempts by a team that lost by 35 points or more. It is clear Oakland just doesn’t trust Russell.

2. Chargers’ harmony: The Chargers made some bye-week noise when general manager A.J. Smith called the team soft. Linebacker Shawne Merriman said the comments by the boss were unnecessary. The Chargers are 2-2 and not all is well as they prepare to face first-place Denver.

3. Chiefs’ pass defense: The Chiefs’ pass defense wasn’t great going into Week 5, but now it is struggling badly. Dallas torched Kansas City in the fourth quarter and in overtime on Sunday in a 26-20 win.

Dallas had 348 yards passing and receiver Miles Austin scored on pass plays of 59 and 60 yards in the fourth quarter and in overtime. Austin had 250 yards receiving.

Rising

Orton

1. Kyle Orton's pass attempts: Denver beat New England in large part because of Orton. He completed 35 of 48 passes for 331 yards.

Orton showed that he can lead Denver even if he has to drop back and throw.

Orton was brilliant in the fourth quarter and in the lone overtime drive as he outdueled Tom Brady and showed great leadership.

Royal

2. Eddie Royal, Broncos, receiver: The second-year receiver finally had the big game that had been expected from him all season. Royal had 91 catches as a rookie, but had just eight catches for 58 yards in the first quarter of the season.

Sunday, though, Royal had 10 catches for 90 yards.

Seven of his catches went for first downs. Royal looks like a Wes Welker-type player in coach Josh McDaniels’ system.

Bowe

3. Dwayne Bowe, receiver, Chiefs: Bowe gave the Chiefs a chance to win Sunday against Dallas before the Cowboys won in overtime. Bowe had a 16-yard touchdown catch in the final moments of regulation as the Chiefs sent the game to overtime. He had 74 yards on five receptions. Bowe has been slowed by injuries and a preseason trip to the bench. But he showed Sunday he can help Kansas City.