Monday Night Football commentator Jon Gruden had it right when he called the first half of the Colts and Packers game a quarterback clinic.

Although I didn’t use my tickets to Overreaction Theater, acknowledging that it is presesaon, here are some first half observations and quick thoughts from the football game between the Rams and Patriots.

Patriots RB Laurence Maroney was one of the guys I was going to keep an eye on during the first half of the Patriots game with St. Louis, but that was kind of hard considering that he was not on the field.

The Rams may have caught a tough break in Thursday night’s preseason game when receiver Donnie Avery was carted off the field late during the second quarter with an apparent right knee injury.

The Greatest Show on Turf is back, ladies and gentlemen. St. Louis has a high-flying offense again.

Chiefs coach Todd Haley has called the battle for starting spots along the 3-4 defensive line an “open competition,” fueling the idea that one of the team’s recent top five picks at defensive end — Glenn Dorsey or Tyson Jackson — could be sent to the bench.

The Cardinals have made the switch from Matt Leinart to Derek Anderson, at least for the team’s third preseason game against the Bears.

The Packers showed just how serious they are taking the preseason by dialing up some long bombs from QB Aaron Rodgers.

Most football enthusiasts — hardened fans and fantasy players alike — were surprised that Patriots WR Wes Welker has had such a remarkable recovery from a knee injury. And if they were not, you had to be surprised at just how much the Patriots went to Welker during his first action.

Apparently Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt has seen enough of QB Matt Leinart, now he wants to see what Derek Anderson can do. Anderson will get the start for the Cardinals on Saturday, according to Darren Urban (via Twitter).

Here’s a sneak preview for you: The Cincinnati Enquirer shot this photo of Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens and The Batmobile for its Bengals season preview section.

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels updated the status of injured rookies Tim Tebow and Demaryius Thomas on Thursday.

Bucs coach Raheem Morris doesn’t appear too happy with the shape Derrick Ward is in.

Kurt Warner is not walking through that door. Warner made it abundantly clear on NFL Network on Wednesday, chatting with Rich Eisen and Trent Green.

Steelers Mike Tomlin said Dennis Dixon will take some first-team reps against the Broncos on Sunday.