Puffins Notebook: When the going gets tough...

...the tough get going. If that's the case, it'll be interesting to see how the Puffins respond this week when they face off against the Carpetbaggers. The team has lost two of its last three and need a win to maintain the division lead over the Buffet Boys.
"We're in the midst of a tough stretch right now, but that's just the way it is," stated a testy GM Derek Harlan. "You think someone's gonna feel sorry for us? Maybe momma can come and give our players a kiss on the cheek? I mean, seriously, just get it done. I'm tired of excuses and I'm tired of guys playing like dogs. Chris Chambers, where you at? Donald Driver, you come in and don't do squat! Mark Clayton, don't let the door hit you in the @ss on the way out! And L.J., it must be nice getting two weeks off in a row! I'm just sick of everyone relying on LaDainian all the time. At some point we need some guys to grow some balls around here and produce!"

In other news...
...Harlan's tirade was no shock to a few of the veterans, namely Tomlinson and Willis McGahee. Said McGahee, "Hey, I was around here last year and know he don't play no games. If he expects a lot out of you then you best give 110% or he'll get rid of you."...the RB situation may get dicey beginning in week 10. The reason? The emergence of rookies Wali Lundy and Leon Washington. Washington is on his bye this week, meaning that LDT, McGahee, and Lundy will be active, but beginning next week a weekly decision will have to made as to which guy will sit. "It's a nice problem to have," said Harlan. "Ultimately we may end up making a deal for a WR, but we'll have to see what develops over the next week or so."...the team made a move this morning in picking up free agent TE David Martin. Martin may have a broken jaw, but the team is in need of a TE for this week with L.J. Smith on his bye week...and finally, big props to the 2006 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Harlan has publicly stated that David Carr's comments a few weeks back about the Cards played no role in his being traded to the Creamers, but some within the organization have doubts. "I have no doubt at all that it was his way (Harlan's) of telling David that he didn't appreciate what he said about them. It was basically an 'Eff you buddy, we'll win the world series and you can suck on that while playing for a non-playoff team,' but that's how he is," said an unnamed source. "When it gets down to it, Harlan is nuts," the source added.