V23 Iss 13

OCTOBER 5, 2008
AFTER ADISASTROUS START, WHATCAN BE DONE TO FIXTHE MESS IN ST. LOUIS? ...ONLYATPROFOOTBALLWEEKLY.COM
COWBOYS KNOCKING OUT
OPPONENTS WITH 1-2 RB PUNCH
THE WAYWE HEAR IT:
BRADY QUINN ERA NEARING?
Clean slate
STEVE SMITH HAS BEEN FORGIVEN
BY HIS TEAMMATES FOR A
TRAINING-CAMP FIGHT WITH KEN LUCAS
BUT HAS SMITH FORGIVEN HIMSELF?
Clean slate
Marion Barber is one-half of Dallas explosive RB tandem.
CREATORS & FOUNDERS
Arthur Arkush, Robert Drazkowski and Joel Buchsbaum
ADMINISTRATION
Publisher/Editor Hub Arkush
General manager Mike Waters
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-chief Keith Schleiden
Managing editor Mike Holbrook
Executive editors Dan Arkush
Neil Warner
Senior editors Nolan Nawrocki
Eric Edholm
Mike Wilkening
Associate editors Matt Sohn
Dan Parr
Michael Blunda
Production assistant Matt Quinnan
Editorial assistants Matt Feminis
Seth Gruen
COLUMNISTS
Ron Borges, Barry Jackson, Jerry Magee
AFC REPORTERS
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Buffalo Bills Chuck Pollock
Cincinnati Bengals Mark Curnutte
Cleveland Browns Tony Grossi
Denver Broncos Frank Schwab
Houston Texans Megan Manfull
Indianapolis Colts Tom James
Jacksonville Jaguars Vito Stellino
Kansas City Chiefs Rick Dean
Miami Dolphins Harvey Fialkov
New England Patriots John Tomase
New York Jets Mark Cannizzaro
Oakland Raiders Michael Wagaman
Pittsburgh Steelers Jim Wexell
San Diego Chargers Chris Jenkins
Tennessee Titans Jim Wyatt
NFC REPORTERS
Arizona Cardinals Kent Somers
Atlanta Falcons D. Orlando Ledbetter
Carolina Panthers Charles Chandler
Chicago Bears Bob LeGere
Dallas Cowboys Mickey Spagnola
Detroit Lions Nicholas J. Cotsonika
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Minnesota Vikings Sean Jensen
New Orleans Saints Mike Triplett
New York Giants Paul Schwartz
Philadelphia Eagles Dave Weinberg
St. Louis Rams Jim Thomas
San Francisco 49ers Kevin Lynch
Seattle Seahawks Clare Farnsworth
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Roy Cummings
Washington Redskins John Keim
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Pat Fitzmaurice, Court E. Mann
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14
CONTENTS
2 Pro Football Weekly October 5, 2008
2008-09
PRO
PROSPECTS
PREVIEW
Look for it
on newsstands now
COVER STORY 12
In an exclusive profile, PFWs Eric Edholm explains the many reasons
why this could be a career year for Panthers WR Steve Smith.
THUNDER AND LIGHTNING 14
Marion Barber and Felix Jones do their best to avoid the media spot-
light, preferring to let others do the talking. However, this lethal RB duo
is making a bold statement with their play on the field.
FANTASY FOOTBALL 18
The Fantasy Buzz presents trends to be aware of, which players to
exploit or avoid, and the latest fantasy news heading into Week Five.
Plus, the Fantasy Doctor offers up winning advice to help your roster.
THE WAYWE SEE IT..................3
POWER RANKINGS ..................3
THE WAYWE HEAR IT ..............4
OPINION: Editorial, Letters,
Publishers Pen ..........................16
COLUMNISTS:
Jerry Magee, Ron Borges,
Dan Arkushs A-bombs ............17
HANDICAPPERS CORNER:
Staff selections,
Stephen Nover column ..........20
WEEK FIVE GAME PREVIEWS ..22
WEEK FOUR GAME COVERAGE....28
INDIVIDUAL STATS LEADERS....30
TEAM STATISTICS..................32
TEAM RANKINGS....................33
2009 NFL DRAFT NOTES ......34
AUDIBLES................................35
NFLIST: Which winless teams
are most likely to
bounce back? ..........................35
ONLYAT PROFOOTBALLWEEKLY.COM
2009 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS Nolan Nawrocki ranks the top 10 draft
prospects at each position and the top 100 overall players in this exclu-
sive sneak peek at the 2009 NFL draft. His top overall player is Ohio
State LB James Laurinaitis.
THE WAYWE HEAR IT After a horrendous start, which included a QB
switch and players losing confidence in coach Scott Linehan, a major
overhaul of the Rams organization could occur in the not-too-distant
future. NFL insiders sound off on how to fix the mess that is now playing
out in St. Louis.
FANTASY PLAYER RANKINGS Each Tuesday, fantasy football expert
Pat Fitzmaurice ranks the players by position, according to that weeks
matchups. The rankings are updated daily up until kickoff Sunday.
Cover photos by Harry Scull Jr. (Smith) and SportPics (Quinn)
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
Brett Favre, donning the old New York Titans uniform, was even better than his vintage self in tossing six TD passes last Sunday.
POWER RANKINGS
Monday-night game results not factored in.
RANK THE SKINNY
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New York Giants The underdog routine
isnt flying these days.
Tennessee Titans On pace to force 48
turnovers in 2008, as Chargers did in 07.
Dallas Cowboys What happened to
getting Felix Jones involved as a receiver?
Buffalo Bills The Fred Jackson story
never gets old.
Pittsburgh Steelers Those pesky
Jaguars are on deck.
Philadelphia Eagles Nearly won in
Chicago despite injuries, missed field goals.
San Diego Chargers Strong finishers,
but need to learn to avoid the bad starts.
Washington Redskins Only one
turnover this season.
Denver Broncos We knew the defense
would catch up with them at some point.
Carolina Panthers Still too many criti-
cal errors if they want to be an elite team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Barrett
Ruud playing at a Pro Bowl level.
Indianapolis Colts Tony Dungys
trademark is not panicking.
New England Patriots Have to think
Kevin OConnell will play at some point.
Green Bay Packers Ryan Grant had
his second 15-carry, 20-yard game.
Jacksonville Jaguars Nearly gave Dick
Enberg a heart attack two weeks in a row.
New Orleans Saints Good to see
Deuce McAllister get going again.
Chicago Bears Learning to finish off
games late.
New York Jets Amazingly, they didnt
score in either the first or third quarters.
Baltimore Ravens Joe Flacco asked to
grow up in hurry with more tough D ahead.
Minnesota Vikings More salt in the
wounds: facing Drew Brees next.
Arizona Cardinals Got Jet-lagged de-
spite spending week on East Coast.
Seattle Seahawks Getting receivers
healthy at right time.
San Francisco 49ers Over-under on
J.T. OSullivan sacks taken in 2008: 56.
Atlanta Falcons Finding it a lot easier
to run the ball at home.
Miami Dolphins If theres ever a time to
play the Chargers, its now.
Cleveland Browns Interceptions help,
but still too many problems.
Houston Texans Sometimes it looks
like Mario Williams is all alone on defense.
Kansas City Chiefs Rookie corners
played outstanding vs. Broncos.
Oakland Raiders Is Sea Bass leg really
stronger than JaMarcus Russells arm?
Cincinnati Bengals In real trouble if
Carson Palmer is out for any stretch.
Detroit Lions Expect to see them come
out throwing against the Bears.
St. Louis Rams Whose job is in more
jeopardy Scott Linehans or Trent Greens?
Saints pricey DEs
need to keep it up
After investing $133 million
in contract extensions for
DEs Charles Grant and Will
Smith over the past two sea-
sons, the Saints finally saw
some returns on their D-line
investments in Week Four.
After getting just four sacks
in the previous three games,
New Orleans had six sacks
vs. San Francisco including
two from Grant and one from
Smith. Thats great, but those
kinds of performances need
to happen much more fre-
quently. With the Saints of-
fense banged up, its time for
the D-line duo to earn its big
money. Dan Parr
In the first couple of games, the Jets shackled Brett Favre.
In Week Three, they forced the issue with him. In Week Four,
they finally allowed him to operate a balanced game plan. The
result? A 289-yard, six-touchdown effort vs. the Cardinals. Of-
tentimes, a headlining offseason acquisition results in a
coaching conundrum: Does the new guy play decoy or center-
piece? Favres quarterbacking masterpiece on Sunday proved
that the best thing is to simply allow him to play the game. In
so doing, special players can produce very uncommon results.
Clearly, Favre and Brian Schottenheimer are getting on the
same page. But even more important is the fact that Favre is de-
veloping a rapport with WR Laveranues Coles, who hauled in
eight receptions for 105 yards and three touchdowns against Ari-
zona. Coles got off to a rocky start with Favre, who replaced Coles
close friend Chad Pennington in the lineup. The closest thing
the Jets have to an offensive game-breaker, Coles 2008 com-
ing-out game serves notice that New York has the goods to get
back to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus.
With Tom Brady out of the picture, the Jets boast not only
the best quarterback in the AFC East, but the most talented
roster as well. As such, anything less than a postseason berth
should be considered a flop. No pressure, Brett. Matt Sohn
Favre best when operating well-rounded offense
BALANCING ACT
PAYING OFF
NFL must suspend
Jets Smith for hit
If Roger Goodell wants his
NFL-wide player-safety memo
to hold water, he must sus-
pend Jets SS Eric Smith, as he
did Bucs CB Elbert Mack.
Smith led with his helmet,
knocking Cards WR Anquan
Boldin out and endangering
his safety. Goodell wrote: Any
conduct that unnecessarily
risks the safety of other play-
ers has no role in the game of
football and will be disciplined
at increased levels, including
on a first offense. Smith isnt
a household name, but sus-
pending him would be as ef-
fective as any fax or memo.
Eric Edholm
UNACCEPTABLE
K.C. needs to stick
to bread and butter
Larry Johnson has shared
more time in the backfield as
the Chiefs have replaced him
in passing situations, where
backups Kolby Smith and Ja-
maal Charles have been more
reliable catching and block-
ing. However, if the Chiefs
want to win more games this
season, they need to stick to
their bread and butter like
they did against the Broncos
and force defenses to stop
the run. Pounding the rock,
creating turnovers and win-
ning ugly are staples of a
Herm Edwards team, and the
formula worked vs. Denver.
Nolan Nawrocki
KEEP IT SIMPLE
NFC East filled
with quality
Avery good team is going
to be left out of the NFC play-
offs. Going off the first four
games, we reasonably can
conclude this after seeing the
clubs of the East Division in
action. The Giants are un-
beaten. The Cowboys have
the leagues most potent of-
fense. The Redskins are im-
proving by leaps and bounds,
as evidenced by their impres-
sive win at Dallas in Week
Four. The Eagles? Atop-class
group, too just ask the
Steelers. What a division race
this will be the playoffs be-
fore the playoffs, it appears.
Mike Wilkening
LOADED
Our weekly take on the hottest
topics from around the NFL.
THE WAY WE SEE IT
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THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC EASTBy Matt Sohn
WHISPERS
The Dolphins have
exposed weaknesses
in the coverage ability
of the Patriots line-
backers. Word out of
Foxborough is that as
instinctive as they
are, the backers have
difficulty playing the
pass if theyre read-
ing run first. The
most athletic line-
backer they have,
rookie ILB Jerod
Mayo, has been
caught out of posi-
tion too often, even
though he has racked
up a lot of tackles.
The Jets believe
that getting ultra-ath-
letic rookie TE Dustin
Keller more involved
in the offense is one
of the keys to getting
Brett Favre more
comfortable. Kellers
been making strides
recently, and his
presence should only
grow as the season
wears on. Keller
caught one of Favres
career-high six
touchdown passes
a 24-yarder in
Week Fours 56-35
thrashing of the Car-
dinals at the Mead-
owlands.
The newest wrinkle
to the Dolphins play-
book includes show-
casing OLT Jake
Long and ORT Ver-
non Carey next to
each other, with one
shifting to guard, in
an effort to get their
two best run blockers
working in tandem
with one another. The
formation worked
brilliantly against the
Patriots.
Word from inside
the Bills organization
is that a contract ex-
tension for head
coach Dick Jauron is
well in the works.
Owner Ralph Wilson
sees it as the logical
and correct thing to
be done, given the
culture of trust that
Jauron has helped
foster within an or-
ganization surging
with momentum
right now. The Bills
are off to a 4-0 start
for the first time
since 1992. The play-
ers have been rallying
behind their coach,
sources tell us.
Despite the dubious track record
of DT Marcus Stroud, the Bills had
no apprehension when they traded
for the Jaguars Pro Bowl defensive
tackle in the offseason. The con-
cerns for many entities in the
league were long and well-founded,
given Strouds steroid-related sus-
pension, injury history and ques-
tionable work ethic. Yet four games
into his tenure in Buffalo, Stroud
has more than quieted any skep-
tics who believe Buffalo invested
too heavily in a player who had so
many question marks. Word were
hearing from inside the organiza-
tion is that Stroud has been the
squads defensive MVP this sea-
son, helping to establish Buffalos
run defense as a formidable unit a
season after it served as a liability
against the power running teams
of the AFC. The most impressive
aspect of his game has been his
ability to stay on the field on a full-
time basis, rather than being taken
out on passing downs.
Many teams are handcuffed by
the 53-man roster, which prevents
them from establishing the kind of
depth they want at numerous posi-
tions, especially at physically de-
manding positions that require
many bodies to ensure proper in-
game rest. The Jets, apparently,
are not among the teams who feel
that way. In one of the oddest per-
sonnel makeups in the league, New
York boasts two punters, two
placekickers and four quarter-
backs. The standard for most
teams is one kicker, one punter
and two or three QBs. The Jets de-
cision to carry four kickers is not
surprising, considering that in-
juries have contributed to the deci-
sion. However, theres a mild sense
of confusion over why a team that
cannot afford positional luxuries
would carry four QBs. The thought
is that New York does not want to
give up hope on rookie QB Erik
Ainge, despite his poor perform-
ance in training camp.
The future is now for the young
Dolphins defensive line. The man-
ner in which they bottled up New
England stands as the latest evi-
dence that the players that were
brought in to anchor the defensive
line for the future have jumped the
learning curve. Spearheading the
effort has been DE Kendall Lang-
ford, a Hampton product who
ranks among the early leaders for
defensive rookie of the year. Con-
sidering most viewed him as a de-
velopmental player, his ascension
to the top of the depth chart has
been a pleasant surprise in Miami.
Flanking him at D-end is fellow
rookie Phillip Merling, who has
been showing why he was consid-
ered by many to be the best 3-4
end in this class. One of the keys to
their development, sources say, is
their responsibility to merely hold
their ground as Miamis lineback-
ers rush the passer. Therefore, any
additional pass rush from the ends
themselves is merely gravy.
Bill Belichick is saying all the
right things about WR Randy
Moss. The Patriots' head coach in-
sists there is nothing different
about his star receiver, that this is
still the same player who broke the
NFL single-season record with 23
touchdown receptions in 2007. I
think Randy is one of our most
consistent players, Belichick said.
I think hes been like that since he
got here last year. On a daily basis
practice, games, preparation I
think hes one of our most consis-
tent players.
But those words dont exactly
jibe with the body language Moss
is exhibiting. Sources in New Eng-
land are beginning to question, if
not doubt, whether Moss is playing
with the same passion that fueled
his epic season a year ago. After
torching the Chiefs for 116 yards
and a touchdown on six receptions
in Week One, Moss has just 47
yards on six catches with no scores
in the two games since.
More distressing than his num-
bers is his distancing from his
teammates and coaches. During
Week Threes embarrassing 38-13
loss to the Dolphins, Moss isolated
himself from his team on the
bench, seemingly disinterested in
conversing with anyone. Addition-
ally, he failed to run through his
routes on the field and didnt exert
much effort in going after some
catchable balls. It stood in stark
contrast to the image he presented
in the seasons first two weeks,
when he was actively engaging
with his teammates even in the
wake of Tom Bradys season-end-
ing knee injury.
So, the question lingers: Was
Moss Week Three behavior an
aberration, or will he revert to be-
coming the passive bystander who
frittered away two seasons in Oak-
land?
The way we hear it, the answer
will hinge more on whether the Pa-
triots are able to get back on the
winning track than whether hes
putting up big numbers himself.
Unlike many star receivers, Moss
isnt opposed to being a decoy if
his fellow receivers are getting
open underneath. What he is not
OK with is being a decoy, and QB
Matt Cassel being unable to take
advantage of the matchup edges
he has with his other receivers. If
that remains the case, Moss track
record suggests that hell feel a
loss of purpose and therefore may
not be willing to do his part in help-
ing the club.
Mike Nugent is one of two placekickers on a Jets roster that also features four quarterbacks.
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JETS
MIAMI
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NEWENGLAND
PATRIOTS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC NORTHBy Mike Wilkening
WHISPERS
The feeling in
Cleveland is that RS
Joshua Cribbs isnt
quite 100 percent; he
has played with
ankle, hamstring and
shoulder injuries this
season, and he has
not been quite the
gamebreaker he was
in 2007, although he
did have a 44-yard
kickoff return in Week
Four vs. the Bengals.
Whether the Steel-
ers can retain CB
Bryant McFadden, a
free agent at sea-
sons end, figures to
be a topic of discus-
sion around Pitts-
burgh in the months
to come. McFadden
has played very well
since Deshea
Townsend left the
lineup with a heel in-
jury. McFadden, who
turns 27 in Novem-
ber, figures to be one
of the better players
available at his posi-
tion in free agency,
and hell command
starters money and
a starting job.
Ravens RB Willis
McGahees return to
the lineup in Week
Three will be remem-
bered most for him
being poked in the
left eye and cut over
his right eye. How-
ever, McGahees
hard-charging run-
ning style was also
noteworthy, and we
hear that some in
Baltimore believe its
no small coincidence
McGahee delivered
such a strong per-
formance after dress-
ing, but not playing,
in the opener vs.
Cincinnati.
The Bengals sign-
ing of veteran CB
Jamar Fletcher un-
derscored the stress
that the injuries to SS
Dexter Jackson and
CB Johnathan
Joseph put on the
young DB group, as
well as the need for
another experienced
presence in the de-
fensive backfield.
One of the Bengals glaring flaws
in the opening weeks of the season
has been the lack of a consistent
pass rush. In the first four games,
the Bengals have notched only two
sacks, which hasnt helped a
game-but-banged-up secondary
coping with injuries to SS Dexter
Jackson (thumb) and CB
Johnathan Joseph (ankle). DRE
Antwan Odom, the Bengals high-
est-paid free-agent signee of the
offseason, has generated some
pressure and has one of the teams
two sacks. However, the Bengals
are undoubtedly looking for more
production from DLE Robert
Geathers, who notched only 3
1
2
sacks in 2007 and, while getting
close to the quarterback at times
this season, hasnt quite finished.
The Bengals also could use more
of a push up the middle from DTs
Domata Peko and John
Thornton, both of whom have
shown some pocket-collapsing
ability in the past.
How the Steelers protect QB
Ben Roethlisberger is again a hot-
button issue. Entering Week Four,
and encompassing a span that
started last November and in-
cludes the postseason, Roethlis-
berger had been sacked at least
three times in 9-of-12 starts. And
rarely, if ever, has Roethlisberger
been under more pressure than he
was in the Steelers 15-6 loss to the
Eagles on Sept. 21, when Philadel-
phia sacked him eight times and
knocked him out of the game with
a hand injury. The way we hear it,
no one factor is leading to the pass
protection issues. Each of the
Steelers five starting linemen had
surrendered at least 1
1
2 sacks
through three games. Communica-
tion is an issue to keep an eye on,
as breakdowns plagued the Steel-
ers at Philadelphia. Another story
line to watch is whether the Steel-
ers make any schematic adjust-
ments on offense with an eye on
protecting Roethlisberger better.
The Ravens defense has en-
dured a few injuries, most notably
the neck injury suffered by SS
Dawan Landry in Week Three and
the knee injury that has sidelined
DT Kelly Gregg. But their replace-
ments, S Jim Leonhard and DT
Justin Bannan, have played well.
(Bannans solid play is especially
important, given that head coach
John Harbaugh has said Greggs
injury status will be determined on
a weekly basis.) Also, the Ravens
can rely on ex-Raiders CB Fabian
Washington if Samari Rolles in-
jury is a long-term concern. Con-
trast this situation to 2007, when a
wave of injuries in the secondary
hampered the defense. At present,
this is a deeper and healthier
group, which is allowing coordina-
tor Rex Ryan to turn up the pres-
sure. Ryans complicated system
demands cohesion, and the
Ravens have had that, as evi-
denced by their No. 1 ranking en-
tering Week Four.
Already off the pace in the AFC
North, a division they were pro-
jected to win by so many experts,
the Browns now have a QB contro-
versy on their hands a year later
than expected, you might say.
With starter Derek Anderson
struggling, second-year QB Brady
Quinn got more work with the first
team in the week leading up to the
Week Four game at Cincinnati, an
effort to hurriedly get the former
Notre Dame star ready to take over
the position if Anderson faltered
further.
However, if a QB change occurs
in Cleveland, that might not be the
end of the controversy, with a
source close to the club suggesting
the team could very well go back to
Anderson if Quinn doesnt play
well. Anderson would be no ordi-
nary backup, of course, coming off
a 3,787-yard, 29-touchdown cam-
paign in 2007 that earned him a
three-year, $24 million contract in
the offseason.
Quinn was expected to push for
the starting job in 07, but his deci-
sion to hold out at the start of
training camp eliminated him from
the running and opened the door
for Anderson to overtake the now-
departed Charlie Frye.
But this season, Anderson rarely
has looked like the player he was in
07, when his strong arm and confi-
dent demeanor helped make the
Browns offense the most explosive
it had been in recent memory.
So why has Anderson started so
slowly? One of the theories is that
Anderson hasnt quite been the
same player since suffering a con-
cussion in the Browns second pre-
season game. Anderson missed
the Browns' final two preseason
games but returned for the regu-
lar-season opener.
(His) decisions arent glaringly
bad, said one personnel man,
speaking on condition of
anonymity. The accuracy is just
off.The personnel man suggested
that Andersons return to past
form might be a matter of playing a
few more games.
Anderson likely bought himself
some extra time by helping the
Browns to their first victory in
Week Four, a 20-12 win at Cincin-
nati. After struggling for a good
portion of the game, and after head
coach Romeo Crennel contem-
plated pulling him, Anderson set-
tled down as the second half
progressed. That will probably
quiet the calls for Quinn during the
Browns Week Five bye.
DT Justin Bannan has been a prime example of the Ravens improved depth on defense this season.
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THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC SOUTHBy Mike Wilkening and Matt Sohn
WHISPERS
Now that Texans
RB Steve Slaton has
the starting job, its
hard to see him giv-
ing it up this season,
the way we hear it.
Its unlikely that in-
jury-prone veteran
Ahman Green will be
asked to take on a
heavy workload any-
more, and Slaton is
going to have every
chance to remain the
starter.
In the rash of in-
juries the Colts have
sustained, the seam-
less transition that C
Jeff Saturday has
made back into the
lineup has gone a bit
unnoticed. Word is
that he has helped
stabilize the offense
in dramatic fashion
since returning in
Week Three.
Word out of Jack-
sonville is that free-
agent acquisition WR
Jerry Porter was a
little too comfortable
being out of the
lineup with his ham-
string injury. Porter
returned to action in
Week Four, but hardly
made an impact,
catching one pass for
six yards. Meanwhile,
embattled WR Matt
Jones is slowly start-
ing to make believers
out of a coaching
staff that was ready
to give up on him in
training camp. Jones
has led the team in
receiving in three of
the first four games
this season.
Although WR
Justin McCareins
played well (three
catches, 86 yards) in
Justin Gages ab-
sence in Week Three,
we hear that theres
no sense that the Ti-
tans suddenly have a
go-to receiver. In
other words, look for
QB Kerry Collins to
keep spreading the
ball around to the Ti-
tans many targets.
The Jaguars are
having difficulty with
their two-minute de-
fense. In the last
three weeks, the Bills,
Colts and Texans
have moved the ball
late in games too
easily against them.
Expect the Texans to continue to
move DRE Mario Williams around
to create mismatches and to give
opposing offenses another wrinkle
to prepare for, the way we hear it.
The Texans will occasionally have
the 6-6, 283-pound Williams stand
up and rush the passer, a strategy
that some say helped him hit his
stride in the second half of the
2007 season. In Week Three, the
Texans even used what head coach
Gary Kubiak called a spinner
package, which called for Williams
to rush up the middle from a
standing position. Judging from
the early returns, Williams looks to
be as formidable a pass rusher as
he was in 07, when he had 14
sacks. The bad news for the Tex-
ans: a consistent complementary
pass rusher hasnt emerged either
at end (DLE Anthony Weaver is
best vs. the run) or at the DT spot,
where Amobi Okoyes lack of pro-
duction since a strong start as a
rookie in 07 hasnt helped matters.
Although theyve publicly denied
any suggestions that theyre not
happy with their patchwork defen-
sive personnel, the Colts are inter-
ested in beefing up some
positions, the way we hear it. Indys
D-line, which averaged 265 pounds
across its starting four in Week
Three, is particularly thin at the DT
spot (Eric Foster, Raheem Brock,
Keyunta Dawson), as the Jaguars
proved by gashing it for 236 yards
on the ground. But the problem in
making personnel upgrades is
twofold. First, the Colts dont see
any sizable tackles available on the
open market who have the quick-
ness to fit the Tampa-2 scheme,
and even if they did, theyd likely be
handcuffed by the salary cap in
making a move for such a player.
Limited salary-cap maneuverability
might also be the reason theyll
find it difficult to add ex-Bucca-
neers and Broncos S John Lynch
as an injury replacement for Bob
Sanders.
Regardless of whether he can
stay healthy after being bit by the
injury bug in 2006 and 07, MLB
Mike Peterson wont be suiting up
for the Jaguars in 09. Thats the
word were hearing from inside
sources in Jacksonville, where
coach Jack Del Rio has quietly
soured on his defensive center-
piece. Petersons contract expires
after the season. The notion that
Del Rio doesnt fully trust Peterson
was evident in his preseason deci-
sion to appoint soft-spoken OLB
Daryl Smith as a team captain
over Peterson. The decision was re-
versed when the coach reopened
the captainships to a team consen-
sus after many in the locker room
voiced their displeasure over the
appointment, but it nevertheless il-
luminated the fact the Del Rio
wants to forge ahead with a
younger unit for the future. In
Smith, Clint Ingramand Justin
Durant, he already has a promising
LB trio on the roster.
Entering Week Four, only one
safety Steelers star Troy Pola-
malu had as many interceptions
as the Titans Michael Griffin. And
only Griffins teammate, CB Cort-
land Finnegan, whos playing like
hell get strong Pro Bowl consider-
ation, had more picks.
Thats what you call keeping
good company. And its a testa-
ment to the rapid improvement
that Griffin, Tennessees free
safety, is making in his second NFL
season. Since taking over as the Ti-
tans starting free safety late last
October, Griffin has intercepted six
passes in 14 starts, with three com-
ing in the first three games of this
season.
Griffin told PFWthat simply get-
ting his hands on the ball more is
the area where he has improved
the most in his second NFL season.
Of course, it also helps that he has
been able to get a good jump on
the ball in key situations, some-
thing he chalks up to an improved
understanding of down-and-dis-
tance situations. Griffin cited the
example of his fourth-quarter in-
terception of Texans QB Matt
Schaub in Week Three. The Texans,
facing 4th-and-10 and trailing 24-
12 with 4:26 left, had to throw it
deep. Griffin, who knew that Andre
Johnson would be the primary re-
ceiver on the play, picked off the
pass, ending the Texans drive.
The Titans drafted Griffin, who
starred at Texas, in Round One of
the 2007 draft. At first, they tried
him at cornerback, a position that
appeared to be lacking after the
suspension of Pacman Jones. But
Finnegan kept getting better and
better, and ex-Colt Nick Harper
proved a good fit at the other CB
spot. This freed up Griffin to move
back to his natural position of
safety. In 10 starts in 2007, the 6-
foot, 202-pound Griffin notched
54 tackles, intercepted three
passes and showed exceptional
athleticism for a safety. Now mix in
a better grasp of the defense, and
you have the elements for his im-
pressive start to his second sea-
son.
Griffin told PFWthat one of the
challenging aspect of his position
is reading quarterbacks while try-
ing to make everything look the
same, meaning that he doesnt
telegraph his intentions. This is all
the more important now that the
Titans are playing Griffin closer to
the line more often something
else for which opposing offenses
will have to prepare.
The salary cap is limiting the Colts from adding an injury replacement for S Bob Sanders.
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HOUSTON
TEXANS
INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
TENNESSEE
TITANS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC WESTBy Dan Parr and Michael Blunda
WHISPERS
The Chiefs have
not denied reports
that they called the
Browns recently to
check on the avail-
ability of QB Brady
Quinn, meaning
those rumors are
likely true. The fact
that the Chiefs are
considering acquiring
another young quar-
terback shows that
they lack confidence
in Brodie Croyle,
whos struggled with
injuries and poor
play, to be their quar-
terback of the future.
Word out of Oak-
land is that RB Justin
Fargas will regain his
spot as the starter
when he recovers
from a groin injury
that has sidelined
him the past two
weeks because he
did nothing to play
himself out of the No.
1 role.
Broncos C Tom
Nalens career is in
doubt now that he
has been placed on
injured reserve. The
15th-year veteran,
who will become a
free agent this winter,
has been plagued by
knee pain and hasnt
played in a game
since Week Five of
last season, but
sources in Denver
would not rule out his
return to the team
next season. Head
coach Mike Shana-
han is extremely
loyal, particularly to a
player like Nalen, who
has spent his entire
career with Denver.
We hear that
Chargers ILB Matt
Wilhelmadmitted he
got complacent early
this season, leading
to subpar efforts in
the first two games.
His play has picked
up, but he may not be
able to hold off surg-
ing LB Tim Dobbins.
Dobbins has been a
pleasant surprise for
a San Diego defense
thats missing LB
Shawne Merriman
and could find him-
self in the starting
lineup before long.
Theres no doubt the Broncos
defense has struggled, but sources
in Denver say MLB Nate Webster
has been one of the teams more
pleasant surprises. Webster moved
to the middle after playing on the
strong side last season, and hes
been a much better fit inside. Hes
fiery, and although CB Champ Bai-
ley and WLB D.J. Williams were
voted defensive captains, insiders
say Webster is the one who brings
the most energy to the defense.
The Broncos signed Niko Koutou-
vides for a starters salary in the
offseason, and he was expected to
get the nod at middle linebacker.
However, Webster, who is in much
better shape this season, sources
say, outplayed Koutouvides all
through training camp and took
the job away. The ninth-year vet-
eran doesnt have a whole lot of
range or speed, but the coaches
know his weaknesses and he typi-
cally is pulled off the field in pass-
ing situations.
For as much grief as the Chiefs
offense has taken for the teams
early-season struggles, the defense
was almost equally responsible for
their 0-3 start. Kansas City has
been horrible at stopping the run,
giving up 5.3 yards per rush and
176.5 yards on the ground per
game. Theyve also had difficulties
against the pass, ranking near the
bottom of the league by allowing 7.0
yards per pass play. Because of this
ineptitude, we hear that the Chiefs
defensive players have been hesi-
tant to speak out against the failing
offense, knowing that the blame
rests on their shoulders, as well. In
fact, LB Derrick Johnson said as
much last week, declaring that K.C.
should still be able to remain com-
petitive even when they have trou-
ble moving the ball. The Chiefs
moved the ball just fine on the
ground in their Week Four upset of
the Broncos, racking up 213 rushing
yards. However, the Chiefs defense
surrendered 446 net yards.
Second-year WR Johnnie Lee
Higgins has emerged as a dual
threat for the Raiders this season.
He has big-play ability, whether its
as a receiver or a returner, and his
game is built on pure breakaway
speed, an attribute owner Al Davis
is fascinated by. However, consis-
tency has been a major problem
for Higgins. Until he resolves that
issue, sources say to not count on
Higgins gaining a bigger role in the
offense. Higgins roller coaster ap-
proach is not the only problem
holding the Raiders back from air-
ing it out to deep threats on a more
frequent basis. Head coach Lane
Kiffin has been conservative with
QB JaMarcus Russell. Kiffin tried
to limit Russells number of throws
through the first three contests,
but opened things up a bit in Week
Four. Russell completed 22 of a ca-
reer-high 37 pass attempts vs. the
Chargers, and he threw his first in-
terception of the season in a 28-18
loss.
Although fans and media might
have been ready to declare the
Chargers a bust following their 0-2
start, the team never felt like those
two last-second losses were a sign
of things to come.
Riddled by injuries in the offsea-
son and training camp, San Diego
was not close to being at full
strength for its first two contests.
Still, the club almost won both
games, losing by a combined three
points. But the way we hear it, the
Chargers are nearly back to health
across the board, and they are
ready to assume their role atop the
AFC.
Possibly the most overlooked of
the Bolts injuries were the ones on
their offensive line. Two-time Pro
Bowl OLT Marcus McNeill missed
the first two games with an injured
neck, leaving the team without a
cornerstone lineman. As expected,
his return in Week Three was felt
immediately by the entire offense,
especially QB Philip Rivers, who
was not sacked once in a win over
the Jets. However, Rivers was
sacked four times in Week Four vs.
the Raiders.
The other missing link on the O-
line had been C Nick Hardwick,
who was recovering from offsea-
son foot surgery. Hardwick made
major strides prior to Week Four
and wound up making his first start
of the season vs. the Raiders.
We also hear that RB LaDainian
Tomlinson, who has been dealing
with a sore big toe for the past cou-
ple weeks, is feeling the best he
has in a while. His injured toe has
limited him severely, allowing him
only to run straight ahead without
cutting. Now, though, he should re-
turn to being the explosive, shifty
L.T. that weve become so used to
seeing. Against the Raiders, Tom-
linson rushed for 106 yards and
two touchdowns on 20 carries and
caught two passes for nine yards.
On the defensive side of the ball,
CB Antonio Cromartie is 100 per-
cent after experiencing hip pain
early on. It showed in his perform-
ance against the Jets, when he
picked off QB Brett Favre twice on
his way to winning AFC Defensive
Player of the Week. And although
LB Shawne Merriman wont be
back this season, NT Jamal
Williams is holding up well despite
his bad knees.
All told, with the team in good
health, a complete turnaround
from their early-season form would
not be a shock to anyone within
the Chargers' organization.
LB Derrick Johnson has acknowledged that he and the Chiefs defense must get much better.
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DENVER
BRONCOS
KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS
OAKLAND
RAIDERS
SAN DIEGO
CHARGERS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC EASTBy Eric Edholm
WHISPERS
Eagles WR Kevin
Curtis expects to
play soon, perhaps
by the Week Five
matchup against the
Redskins but almost
certainly by the fol-
lowing week. He has
recovered well from
surgery in August to
repair a sports hernia
and has begun prac-
ticing on a limited
basis, and although
Andy Reid has not
said much on the
matter, spies say
Curtis has looked fine
so far.
The Cowboys are
finally healthy at wide
receiver and could
have all five players
active going forward,
considering that re-
serves Miles Austin,
Sam Hurd and Isa-
iah Stanback all
contribute heavily on
special teams. The
team was encour-
aged by Austins big
performance in Week
Three at Green Bay
and believe he can
contribute more of
the same. Austin had
three catches for 45
yards and TD in Week
Four. He has a better
grasp of the routes
hes being asked to
run and a more di-
verse package of
plays hell be involved
in.
It will be interesting
to see what the Gi-
ants do at place-
kicker, where
replacement John
Carney is 9-for-9 on
field goals, including
the game-winner
against the Bengals
in Week Three, and
perfect on extra
points. Sure, he could
use more distance on
his kickoffs, but Car-
ney consistently has
kicked it inside the
five-yard line. Mean-
while, Lawrence
Tynes continues to
hold a roster spot
and should return for
the Seattle game in
Week Five, after the
bye. But there are
some who believe
that Carney would be
the more consistent
option, even if Tynes
has greater leg
strength.
After four games, the Eagles are
among the best in the NFL at stuff-
ing the run. They are flying to the
ball, gang-tackling and filling their
gap responsibilities well. And the
statistics do not appear to be mis-
leading, considering the Eagles
have faced four of the leagues top
running backs in the Rams Steven
Jackson, the Cowboys Marion
Barber (and Felix Jones), the
Steelers Willie Parker and the
Bears Matt Fort, holding them
all under 64 yards. The overall
numbers are shockingly good: the
team is surrendering just 60 rush-
ing yards per game and 2.1 yards
per carry and has allowed only 12
rushing first downs. One reason for
this superb showing is the LB play.
Stewart Bradley is the teams
biggest middle backer since Jere-
miah Trotter, but hes far more
athletic like a jacked-up safety.
And Chris Gocong gives the team
its best SLB play since Carlos Em-
mons was in his prime.
The early returns on top draft
pick WR Devin Thomas were dis-
couraging through a preseason
that saw him injured and struggling
to learn the playbook and route as-
signments. James Thrash began
the season as the No. 3 receiver,
and Malcolm Kelly appeared
ahead of Thomas on the totem pole
despite also being hobbled by an
injury. But the team has seen im-
provements from Thomas, and
those kernels first showed them-
selves in the Week Three win over
Arizona. He caught only one pass
(for seven yards) and had an end-
around for 16 yards, but he was
more involved in the offense and
competed for a bigger role. He had
a long TD wiped out by a penalty
and, on the negative side, twice was
flagged for offensive pass interfer-
ence. Thomas had less action vs.
Dallas, but the coaches think that
he knows his assignments better
and will be ready to contribute
more in the near future.
The Giants made it clear why
they suspended WR Plaxico Bur-
ress for one game (but two pay-
checks, counting the bye week). He
missed the Monday film and
weight-room sessions after the
overtime win over the Bengals and
couldnt be reached. The coaching
staff requires players to phone in
when personal matters arise
that was the excuse given for Bur-
ress absence but he wasnt
reached until director of player de-
velopment Charles Way got in
touch with him late that night. Bur-
ress was suspended for one quar-
ter against the Chargers in 2005,
and team sources say Burress has
problems with responsibility and
authority. Although the staff isnt
fed up with Burress, it is frustrated
that he has not conformed to team
rules that have been in place for
years. He most likely wouldnt have
been suspended had this been his
first offense or had he made a call
to let the team know where he was.
One of the slight adjustments in
the Cowboys defensive scheme this
season has been the willingness to
send any of the linebackers not
just OLBs Greg Ellis and DeMarcus
Ware in on a blitz. Its not that the
Cowboys never blitzed their inside
guys last season, but it was more
rare, and if they did, it typically was
only Bradie James (three sacks in
2007) who was pressuring.
The coaches have dialed up sev-
eral pressure packages this season
that take advantage of the different
personnel getting up in quarter-
backs faces this season. New start-
ing ILB Zach Thomas has been
among the new guys who are asked
to pressure more, as is Kevin Bur-
nett, a reserve who played mostly
outside last season but has been
the primary backup and nickel
player inside.
Ware is his typical self, racking up
sacks in seven straight games dat-
ing back to last season, and his pur-
suit appears stronger than ever. And
it appears that Anthony Spencer,
the third outside linebacker whom
the coaches would like to rotate in
heavily, should be back close to full
health in the next few weeks as he
plays through a knee injury.
The Cowboys also have a number
of defensive backs who can come in
on blitzes, as seen by CB Anthony
Henrys two sacks vs. the Packers.
CB Terence Newman isnt a fre-
quent blitzer mainly because he
is so good in coverage but he has
shown in the past that he can do it.
The coaches spent extra time
with the defenders this offseason
with timing their blitzes, and
Thomas leadership has helped. He
has given players hints on what a
QB might do pre-snap that indicates
hes about to snap the ball. Those
are more effective indicators often
than hard cadences, which could re-
sult in an encroachment penalty.
In other Cowboys news, team
sources say that Terrell Owens isnt
any less of a self-promoter, but he is
getting high marks from coaches
and teammates for being a team-
first guy. Owens is off to a relatively
slow start, getting shut out in the
second half of the Eagles game and
having only two receptions in the win
at Green Bay. But Owens told the
media that he was not upset with the
low production, saying that he just
wanted the team to win, and his
teammates like the fact that Owens
hasnt crowed much about the num-
ber of passes thrown his way, saying
its a good form of leadership for a
team with such high expectations.
Veteran ILB Zach Thomas has helped the Cowboys be more unpredictable with their blitz packages.
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PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
NEWYORK
GIANTS
DALLAS
COWBOYS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC NORTHBy Dan Arkush and Eric Edholm
WHISPERS
Our Bears sources
continue to shake
their heads over how
much of a nonfactor
DRE Mark Anderson
has become, dating
back to last season.
Hes been really in-
visible, one team in-
sider said of
Anderson, who burst
on the scene as a
rookie with 12 sacks
but had only one
sack in his final 10
games of 2007 be-
fore missing the last
two due to a knee in-
jury. Hes a physical
freak who appears to
have benefited from
what was an excep-
tionally good defen-
sive line in his first
season.
We hear Packers
DT Justin Harrell,
who is on the physi-
cally-unable-to-per-
form list due to a
back injury that pre-
vented him from tak-
ing a snap this
summer, is progress-
ing nicely and ap-
pears to be in the
best shape since he
joined the Packers as
a first-round draft
pick in 2007.
Dont count on
Vikings FS Madieu
Williams (neck) to
return to action in the
next couple of weeks.
Team doctors still
havent cleared him
for action, even
though he was sup-
posed to return in
Week Four. Williams
probably will need at
least a full week of
practice before he
could come back and
play in a game.
Lions WLB Ernie
Sims hasnt been his
dominant self this
season, although hes
playing far better
than most of the De-
troit defenders.
Sources say the rea-
son is a painful ankle
injury that has hurt
Sims mobility and
planting, but that he
should be fine after
extra rest during the
Week Four bye.
Another high draft choice bit the
dust when the Bears decided to re-
lease WR Mark Bradley, the
teams second-round pick in the
2005 draft. Mentioned by head
coach Lovie Smith as a legitimate
No. 1 WR option back in February,
Bradley, who had arthroscopic sur-
gery on his right knee in May, never
was able to fulfill the considerable
potential he showed as a rookie be-
fore tearing his ACL seven games
into the season. His catches
dropped off steadily from that
point on, a longtime daily team ob-
server told PFW. His best mo-
ments were in preseason games
when he was matched up against
third-stringers. He never seemed
to get it and thought he was much
better than he really was, and he
was constantly sidetracked by nag-
ging injuries.We hear one big rea-
son behind the release of Bradley
was to move 2008 third-round
rookie Earl Bennett up a peg on
the depth chart.
The Vikings still rank as one of
the top rushing defenses this sea-
son after finishing the past two
years as the NFLs statistically best
run defense. And though their line-
backers are playing very good
football, most observers know that
the teams defensive line has a lot
to do with its success at stopping
opponents on the ground. But NT
Pat Williams, long recognized as
one of the leagues best run clog-
gers, is getting more breathers
these days as he reaches an age
(he turns 36 in a month) where he
cant be as effective playing 50-60
snaps anymore. So the coaches
have allowed Williams to take
more plays off, rotating in Fred
Evans and Ellis Wyms, who have
played well in relief, more at his
spot. The idea is to get Williams
about 35-40 snaps in a normal
game, rotating him in and out by
series but also removing him in
certain nickel and dime packages
in passing situations.
It appears the Packers have
dodged a bullet after learning that
veteran CB Al Harris, who suffered
what initially was considered a po-
tential season-ending spleen injury
in the Week Three loss to the Cow-
boys, will probably end up missing
only 3-4 weeks. In the meantime,
the Packers are planning on sec-
ond-year pro Tramon Williams
being the starting right corner for
the foreseeable future. Hes not a
starter, but he could grow into one,
a team source said of Williams, who
was signed by the Packers in late
November 2006 after being cut by
the Texans and effectively replaced
Jarrett Bush as the teams nickel
back last season. Hes pretty fast,
and hes no coward.Williams had
an interception, which he returned
39 yards, in Week Four. Team insid-
ers, however, arent nearly as sold
on the very athletic but inexperi-
enced Will Blackmon, who is ex-
pected to be Williams primary
replacement in the nickel role.
William Clay Fords decision to
fire Lions president Matt Millen
has led him to vow that the organi-
zation will undergo a comprehen-
sive evaluation once the season is
over. For now, executive vice presi-
dent/COO Tom Lewand will as-
sume most of Millens duties as
team president, and assistant GM
Martin Mayhewwill handle per-
sonnel matters and other GM du-
ties. In addition, Cedric Saunders
was bumped up to the position of
vice president of football opera-
tions.
None of those positions are set
in stone following the 2008 sea-
son, nor is the job of head coach
Rod Marinelli.
The Lions have started 0-3 this
season and had a 31-84 record in
Millens tenure, and although the
team has almost uniformly sup-
ported Marinelli through his 10-25
mark as coach, the team will use
the next 13 weeks as an audition of
sorts for next season.
NFL anti-tampering rules pro-
hibit the Lions from interviewing
potential GM candidates from ex-
ecutives who currently are em-
ployed by rival teams. After the
season interview restrictions are
lifted, but the Lions would need
permission from respective teams
to interview potential candidates
who hold full say over personnel
matters or for whom the Lions GM
job would be considered a promo-
tion.
Although the timing of Millens
firing appears to be strange to
some outside the team, we hear
that problems had been brewing all
along, and the timing of the bye
week had as much to do with
Millen's ouster as did the forebod-
ing comments of Bill Ford Jr. two
days earlier that he would have
gotten rid of Millen had he pos-
sessed the authority.
We hear that there had been
some internal strife within the
front office, but its not clear who
was having the most trouble. Ex-
pect Lewand and Mayhew to be
very active over the next few
months to try to revamp the roster
and make decisions that get the
team into a competitive position
quickly.
The season likely will be judged
on a 13-game basis, from here on
out. If the Lions were able to turn
things around and come close to a
.500 mark from this point on, we
hear that Marinelli who remains
well liked in the building very
well could keep his job.
Bears rookie WR Earl Bennett is expected to see more time now that Mark Bradley has been released.
D
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CHICAGO
BEARS
MINNESOTA
VIKINGS
GREEN BAY
PACKERS
DETROIT
LIONS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC SOUTHBy Dan Parr
WHISPERS
Time is running out
for Panthers RB
DeAngelo Williams.
He earned the start-
ing role heading into
the season but has
been outplayed by
rookie RB Jonathan
Stewart, who is aver-
aging nearly a yard
per carry more than
Williams. Head coach
John Fox is loyal to
veterans, but his pa-
tience will be tested if
Williams doesnt
emerge as the
speedy, big-play back
hes expected to be in
the next couple of
weeks.
While Buccaneers
WR Joey Galloway
sits out with a foot in-
jury, sources say WR
Antonio Bryant has
stepped up and as-
sumed the go-to role
in Tampa Bays pass-
ing game. Close ob-
servers of the team
described Galloway
as appearing slug-
gish, even before the
injury, but Bryant has
looked determined
and hungry.
If Saints PK Martin
Gramatica continues
to miss high-pressure
kicks, as he did in
Week Three, we hear
the team will look to
other options at the
position, but there
will not be any call-
backs for its sixth-
round pick this year,
Taylor Mehlhaff,
who was released
after camp. The
Saints would likely
turn to a veteran free
agent, not an inexpe-
rienced player who
might have the same
kind of trouble Gra-
matica is dealing with
in tense situations.
Sources in Atlanta
say Falcons CB
Domonique Fox-
worth, acquired in a
trade with the Bron-
cos prior to the sea-
son, is not happy with
his role on the team.
Hes stuck behind
Chris Houston,
Brent Grimes and
Chevis Jackson and
hasnt seen much
playing time. Hes in
his contract year and
was hoping to show-
case his skills before
entering free agency.
Most rookies hit a tough stretch
at some point in their debut sea-
sons, and sources say Falcons OLT
Sam Baker might be getting his
out of the way early. Baker suffered
a concussion in Week Two when he
banged his head on a players knee
while attempting a cut block. We
hear he hasnt been quite the same
since. The first-round pick from
USC was unable to finish that
game, and after starting the game
in Week Three, he missed the sec-
ond half of Atlantas win over the
Chiefs. Baker was inactive in Week
Four. He has been suffering
through some dizziness and nau-
sea, which has kept him out of
practice, but its unclear whether
those symptoms are related to the
original injury. Baker has played
well, and the Falcons have consis-
tently sent RB Michael Turner to
his side in the running game. This,
however, is the first head injury
Baker has ever dealt with, and it
has been a major setback for him.
Bucs DRE Gaines Adams had a
strong finish to his rookie year, and
it appears he successfully carried
the momentum into this season.
Adams has looked more comfort-
able in Monte Kiffins defense,
and he also has displayed an ag-
gressive, physical style that has so-
lidified his standing as one of best
young defensive players in the
NFC. We hear hes still getting by
more on raw skill than technique,
but he also has made great strides
in conditioning and looks much
more cut than he was last season.
Being around veterans like DT
Chris Hovan and DE Kevin
Carter, who have demonstrated
the proper way to do things in the
pros, has been a big help to the 25-
year-old. Sources say at some
point down the road, perhaps as
early as next season, Adams could
be moved permanently to the left
side, but he needs to become a
better run stuffer before that can
happen.
Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett
still has not shown enough to con-
vince coaches that he should be on
the active roster every Sunday, the
way we hear it. The Panthers are
not going out of their way to in-
clude him as part of the game plan,
although sources say Jarrett, a
second-round pick in 07, has
shown signs of improvement from
where he was at the end of last
season, and he often will be the
odd man out on game day. Car-
olinas top three receivers, Steve
Smith, Muhsin Muhammad and
D.J. Hackett, are firmly en-
trenched in their slots and Mark
Jones and Ryne Robinson, who
has been out with a knee injury but
is expected back shortly, are regu-
lars because they have extra value
as kick returners. We might not see
an exact repeat of Jarretts disap-
pointing rookie year, but as the sit-
uation stands now, Jarrett will have
a difficult time finding the field on
Sundays.
Injuries have torn through the
Saints roster, leaving their offense
shorthanded, but there is little
room for a letdown during their
current crucial three-game home
stretch. Sources in New Orleans
say this is a period in the campaign
where the team can least afford a
prolonged slump. The Saints beat
the 49ers, 31-17, on Sept. 28, but
they face a grueling series of road
contests and will not host a game
at the Superdome from Oct. 13 to
Nov. 23, including a matchup in
London vs. the Chargers and a bye
week.
If the Saints cant make due with
the remaining healthy pieces, their
season could deteriorate quickly
and leave them as afterthoughts in
the NFC playoff picture.
Head coach Sean Payton will be
without two main cogs in the pass-
ing game for at least another
month as WR Marques Colston
(thumb) and TE Jeremy Shockey
(sports hernia) recover from in-
juries and starting OLG Jamar
Nesbit is serving a four-game sus-
pension, which will keep him off
the field until Oct. 20.
Despite the myriad of issues this
presents for the squad, insiders
say they dont expect Payton to
dumb down the offense at all.
The Saints still believe they can
continue running an efficient, ex-
plosive offense as long as QB Drew
Brees is under center guiding the
unit. After building a lead against
the 49ers last week, New Orleans
was able to place a much greater
emphasis on its running game, but
sources dont expect the team to
scrap its pass-first philosophy.
Payton will continue to center his
game plans around RB Reggie
Bush, who has been making a
much bigger impact as a receiver,
and WRs Devery Henderson and
Robert Meachemare being
counted on to step up and fill voids
left in the aerial attack. Fans were
clamoring for RB Deuce McAllis-
ter, who, prior to Week Four, had
been used sparingly while the
Saints eased him back from a torn
ACL and microfracture surgery on
his knee, to get an increased role,
and Payton finally unleashed him
against San Francisco. McAllister
had 20 carries for 73 yards and a
touchdown.
While conditions around him
change, all indications are Payton
wont shift gears. He has a plan in
place and intends to stick with it as
he steers his club through a
chaotic, injury-riddled time.
The Saints arent planning to change their approach even with key cogs like TE Jeremy Shockey injured.
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TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
CAROLINA
PANTHERS
NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC WESTBy Dan Arkush
WHISPERS
Dont be surprised
if Cardinals starting
ORG Deuce Lutui
starts losing more
playing time to
backup Elton Brown.
Said one insider of
Lutui: Hes not mak-
ing as many mental
errors as he has in
the past, but hes
been too intent on
plastering people in
run situations and is
playing too much
with his head down.
He needs to keep his
head up on a swivel,
which will allow him
to react better to
stunts in pass-block-
ing situations.
Our Rams sources
tell us the broken
hand that C Brett
Romberg suffered
during training camp
no longer causes pain
when he snaps but
that he remains
firmly entrenched be-
hind Nick Leckey,
who very surprisingly
worked his way up
the depth chart to
win a starting job.
Unlike fellow young
WR Courtney Taylor,
who has been a bit
overwhelmed by the
speed of the game at
the pro level, we hear
the Seahawks have
been very pleasantly
surprised by un-
drafted rookie
Michael Bumpus,
who scored the
teams first touch-
down in its Week
Three win over the
Rams. Word is the
coaching staff has
been very impressed
by Bumpus fearless-
ness over the middle
in the slot role, as
well as his ability to
find seams.
Based on the way
hes been perform-
ing, it doesnt look
like 49ers RB Frank
Gore is at less-than-
full strength physi-
cally, but daily team
observers believe he
is nursing some sort
of pulled muscle. We
hear Gore was limp-
ing badly after the
Detroit game, in
which he rushed for
130 yards and scored
a TD. In Week Four,
Gore rushed for 82
yards on 16 carries.
The consensus in the desert is
that veteran SS Adrian Wilson,
who was a late scratch in Week
Four with a hamstring injury, was
off to a decent start on the field.
But our sources believe his notice-
able transformation off the field
into more of a team leader is
equally noteworthy. He felt like he
needed to be more accessible, a
longtime team insider told PFW.
Before this season, he kept more
to himself and downplayed the
need to be a leader. He could be
moody and get a certain look on
his face that could be very intimi-
dating. As (fellow safety) Antrel
Rolle put it: Sometimes he could
be quite mean about things. But
the new Adrian Wilson appears to
be making a concerted effort to be
more responsive to the teams
younger players, particularly Rolle,
whom we hear Wilson has gone out
of his way to help make the transi-
tion this season from cornerback
to the starting FS role.
Team insiders consider the sea-
son-ending torn ACL suffered by
No. 3 CB Shawntae Spencer a
substantial blow to the Niners sec-
ondary. Shawntae has become a
very solid veteran player with good
cover skills and excellent tough-
ness, one source said of the teams
second-round pick in the 2004
draft who was a starter his first
three seasons before Nate
Clements came aboard from Buf-
falo. He is a good team guy, a real
professional who was capable of
stepping in for (No. 2 CB) Walt Har-
ris with no real drop-off. Providing
some consolation is the increase in
playing time for promising second-
year CB Tarell Brown, who had an
interception in the Week Three win
over Detroit, as well as the presence
of mind to call a timeout when he
noticed the defense had only 10
men on the field. He fills the nickel
role quite well, the source said of
Brown. He can handle press cover-
age well and is a good tackler.
Was head coach Mike Holm-
gren really serious when he said he
was planning to return to a RB-by-
committee game plan with Mau-
rice Morris expected to be
recovered from his knee injury in
time for the teams Week Five
game against the Giants? Consid-
ering the way Julius Jones carried
the offense the past two games
averaging 24 carries, 134 rushing
yards and 5.6 yards per carry
team insiders are somewhat skep-
tical. Holmgren had always said he
would stick with the hot hand, so
you have to think Jones will con-
tinue to get most of the playing
time, one source told PFW. But
Morris was running well before he
got hurt, and he will still get his
share of opportunities. In Morris
absence, the light really came on
for Jones, who took a while to get
comfortable enough with Holm-
grens offense to let more of his
natural instincts take over, daily
team observers believe.
The day after the Rams meekly
succumbed to the division-rival
Seahawks, head coach Scott Line-
han tipped his hand regarding pos-
sible lineup changes, telling the
local media youd have to be crazy
not to do something.
But nobody close to the team
expected the wholesale changes
Linehan had decided on by mid-
week that team sources tell us
arent likely to keep him from los-
ing his job.
The big headline grabber was
Linehans decision to replace high-
priced QB Marc Bulger with Trent
Green, who previously thrived in
offensive coordinator Al
Saunders system in Kansas City.
But that move didnt raise nearly
as many eyebrows as the decision
to release starting CB Fakhir
Brown, who was playing a lot bet-
ter than many of his fellow defend-
ers.
Nobody saw that one coming at
all, one veteran team insider said
of a move that also resulted in
struggling former first-round CB
Tye Hill returning to the starting
lineup opposite Ron Bartell. Hill
has turned into the Teflon Corner;
he keeps coming back but sticks to
nothing.
Linehan was quick to deny ru-
mors that Brown, who served a
four-game suspension last season
for violating the leagues sub-
stance-abuse policy, was being re-
leased because of another
imminent off-the-field infraction.
We signed Jason Craft (who
we hear the Rams had been moni-
toring closely since the end of
training camp), and we had to re-
lease somebody, Linehan said. So
we decided that (Brown) was the
player we were going to release.
In addition, Linehan made a
switch at strong-side linebacker,
replacing Quinton Culberson with
Chris Draft (When Chris is on the
field, he settles things down a bit,
Linehan said). Linehan also in-
serted DT Clifton Ryan and DE
Victor Adeyanju into the starting
defensive line in place of LaRoi
Glover and James Hall, respec-
tively, in an effort to improve the
teams sagging run defense.
Did these moves change a situa-
tion that OLT Orlando Pace said
was the worst I have ever been
around a few days before they
were made?
Not really, as the Bills beat the
Rams 31-14, dropping St. Louis to
0-4 as the club heads into its Week
Five bye.
RB Julius Jones carried the Seahawks offense in the two games prior to their Week Four bye.
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CARDINALS
SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS
ST. LOUIS
RAMS
COVER STORY
TIME WILL
TELL
n 30 seconds, he feared it all might be
gone.
Life had taken a strange, wonderful
arc over the past year for Steve Smith.
Even though his Carolina Panthers
had come off 8-8 and 7-9 seasons in
which the team had struggled to do most
things offensively, including getting him the
ball as much as he was used to, there was too
much else to be happy about.
Smith spent the offseason watching his
dream house being built, a $4 million estate
in a tony Charlotte suburb that sits at the end
of a cul de sac, backed by sheets of three-sto-
ry Carolina pitch pine trees. He had seen his
children grow to ages 10, 7 and 3 and began
to appreciate their young lives far more than
he ever did his own at those ages. He had
been curious about learn-
ing more about finances to
protect their futures, so
he took an internship at a
branch of Morgan Stanley,
twice a week wearing the
suits he once said he hat-
ed to wear and taking tests
about dividends and asset-
equity ratios alongside col-
lege undergraduates.
There was the baseball
ballpark tour his wife got
him for his 29th birthday,
going to games at places
like Wrigley Field and Yan-
kee Stadium. There was
the father-daughter date
he had with 7-year-old
Baylee, the first time in for-
ever that he got to enjoy
eating chicken fingers with his little girl with-
out being bothered by fans and autograph
seekers. There was the nervous speech he
gave about his own humble Los Angeles be-
ginnings at the Fathers Connection Break-
fast at his oldest son Peytons school, work-
ing his way through how he came about find-
ing God and getting closer to his son than
his father ever did to him.
When Smith repeatedly pounded at a
monster-truck tire, some five feet wide, with
a large wooden mallet over and over as part
of his Friday offseason workouts to build up
his core and hand strength, the hammer
blows didnt come from anger as much as
they did from excitement. He knew he had
a chance to be great again in what should
be the peak years of his career.
Steve Smith no longer felt the need to
prove people wrong, which had driven him
through most of his first seven seasons in the
NFL. He was finally content. Not satis-
fied. Not unmotivated not by a long shot.
He was just happy with his place in life.
Everything was just good, Smith told
PFW. I could get up and play nine holes of
golf if I wanted. I could take my kids some-
where for the day. I could run errands with
my wife. I was working hard on my own this
offseason, but things were in a good place.
But when a flicker of
that old anger rippled
through him on that swel-
tering August day in train-
ing camp, Smith thought
he might have let it all go.
It wasnt until after he
punched teammate Ken
Lucas on the sideline that
day that he thought about
what he did and what it
might mean. In the mo-
ments following the inci-
dent, the embarrassment
and disappointment set
in. There was John Kasay,
Smiths closest friend on
the team, talking to him.
There was Muhsin
Muhammad, his one-time
rival but now close compa-
triot and reunited teammate, escorting
him back over to Lucas, who sat under a
canopy, icing his swollen face. Smith hung
over Lucas shoulder, trying to find the
words to apologize. They came out fast and
furious, mumbled but sincere.
Everything hit Smith at once the emo-
tions, the shock, the faces of the people he
knew hed soon have to face just as hard
as his fist hit his teammate. He knew he
screwed up. He might have screwed it all up.
He called me right after it happened and
said, I just took 10 steps backward, said
his wife, Angie.
Smiths agent and one of his closest con-
fidants, San Diego-based Derrick Fox, had
just finished walking the dog when Steve
called and told him what happened.
I was disappointed, of course, Fox said.
I couldnt have seen it coming. We all had
worked so hard for him, including Steve for
himself, and I just had no idea this would
happen.
Smith said, I just thought, How stupid.
It was one of those moments where you just
dont think. You just react.
All the work he had done since his fight
with former teammate Anthony Bright in a
film-room incident back in 2002 that was
all but forgotten, all the goodwill and the
charity events and the leadership he tried to
show and the respect he didnt know team-
mates had for him it all seemed to float
away in an instant.

In the days following the fight, a funny
thing happened. Lucas forgave Smith. Com-
pletely.
The two had been at odds roughly from
the day Lucas came to Carolina as a free
agent before the 2005 season. They often
covered each other in practice, and they
werent going for burgers afterward, thats
for sure. But neither man knew exactly why
they didnt like each other. They just didnt.
Two guys, just doing their own things,
Smith said.
But there was Lucas, standing before the
media a mere four days after the incident,
wounds still shining, saying that all was for-
given. He spoke of both men being close to
God and how that connection would get
them through it. Not all, however, had
been repaired.
A team source said not every Panther was
as forgiving as Lucas and some thought
Smiths two-game punishment was harsh but
perhaps didnt send enough of a message.
The defensive backs on the team are a
tight-knit unit, and they wanted to protect
their own, even if he had been forgiving.
Smith continued to practice with the team
through the preseason, but things were
awkward. He spoke to PFW the morning be-
fore facing the team in a players-only meet-
ing that included Lucas the following Mon-
day, saying he had to work toward gaining
that respect back from my teammates and
from everyone else it has affected.
At the meeting, Smith nervously ad-
dressed the team about wanting to earn back
their trust. He then turned it over to the
team, allowing anyone who had something
to say to chime in. Many did.
Players young and old, newcomers and
Panthers veterans Thomas Davis, Richard
Marshall, Ken Lucas, Brad Hoover, Nate Sal-
ley, Dante Rosario, Jon Beason, just to
name a few spoke from the heart and ex-
plained to Smith how he let them down. A
captain in 2007, Smith would have that hon-
or, which was voted on by fellow players, tak-
en from him this season.
When youre down, you get to see how
people really view you, Smith said. Adver-
sity brings out a lot in people. I have a lot
more respect for Ken and my team now.
Smith and Lucas sat down during camp
and talked for almost three hours. They got
out all the things they had never bothered
to say before. Turns out they are more sim-
ilar than they thought they were.
Were both kind of loners; we both kind of
do our own thing and dont necessarily need
a group to survive, Smith said. I used to iso-
late myself because I thought, I dont have
anything in common with these guys, so I
would just sit at my locker and read a book.
But it turns out I have a lot in common
with these guys, especially Ken. I just had
it in my mind I didnt, and did my own thing.
Guys left me alone, and I left them alone.
This changed all that.
And both men pointed to their relation-
ship with God as a main reason they were
able to move on and actually become friends.
Angie watched her husband struggle to
deal with the confluence of emotions and the
frustrations Steve had, and although the
transformation was not overnight, she knew
he and his teammates were getting past it.
It was extremely tough for him (to be
away from the team), she said. I think the
Steve Smith and the Panthers say they have moved on
from his training-camp fight with teammate Ken Lucas,
and Smith has vowed not to repeat his old mistakes
By ERIC EDHOLM SENIOR EDITOR
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The Panthers say Ken Lucas
(above) absolution has helped
make them a better team.
I
biggest thing was for a while there, he felt
like he had to prove himself to everyone
around him, including his teammates. And
I think he has realized now that he doesnt
have to anymore.
Smith spent his week thinking about his
return, and his teammates were left a surprise
the Tuesday before the Week Three game with
the Vikings: a T-shirt sitting in each of their
lockers that read, I draw my strength from
the guy next to me. Can I count on you?
Everyone who wears the shirt is saying,
I am accountable to everyone else, Smith
said. One thing that people have said (be-
fore he returned to the field) was that you
dont have to press. I know I cant make up
for lost time. So, the best thing I can do is
take the time that I have and make the best
out of it.

Smiths best game in 2007 might have
been the one where he caught one pass for
10 yards in a narrow win over the Falcons
in Atlanta. DeAngelo Hall was covering
Smith most of that game, and they had their
share of NFC South run-ins over the years,
not exactly big fans of one another. But on
one series, Smiths patience and calm helped
turn the tide of the game and show a side
of himself few knew he had.
With the Panthers backed up at their own
20, down 17-10 in the third quarter, Smith
drew an interference call on Hall for what
became a 37-yard gain. Hall barked at
Smith after the play and continued to do
so through the next play, when Hall shoved
Smith and was flagged for 15 more yards
on a personal foul. Three plays later, Halls
incessant jawing at Smith drew a 15-yard
unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty. Each
time, Smith just walked away and went
back into the huddle, having changed his
teams fortunes without catching a pass. The
Panthers went on to score the tying touch-
down a couple of plays later and eventual-
ly won 27-20.
Derrick Fox said the fight with Lucas does-
nt mean that Smith is going in the wrong
direction, but rather that the emotion that
drives him is still there but needs harness-
ing.
This happened in practice as a result of
competition, Fox said. That drive of Steves
has driven him to success. This was a result
of being highly competitive.
I dont want him hitting people, and he
doesnt want to hit people. As long as he has
learned to channel that aggression, which
I think he has, he ll be fine. He is not going
to do this again.
With two games under his belt following
the Panthers two-game suspension, Smith
and the team remain works in progress, but
there are positive signs. The Panthers are 3-
1, but they continue to be mistake- and
penalty-prone. In two games, Smith has
caught 10 passes for 166 yards including
a 56-yard catch and run against the Falcons,
Smiths first score since returning. He
spiked the ball into the stands before de-
manding it back from a fan and hand-de-
livering the gift to Lucas on the sideline.
The season is far from over. There are
weeks of preparations, and perhaps months
to go before the Panthers or Smiths
fate is clear. In an NFL season that has
changed by the moment thus far, its only fit-
ting that Smiths life and career are on sim-
ilar curves. No more looking forward, no
more assumptions of how things will work
out. Smith has vowed to treat every day as
its own entity.
Its a good day to play football, pitch and
catch, baby, Smith said into the Fox TV cam-
era before the Week Four game against the
Falcons. It turned out to be true.
Day to day, hour to hour, minute to
minute. You never know when it all might
get turned upside down.
Steve Smith has returned to what he does best catch passes and make big plays but
he says hes working hard on being just as good a teammate as he is a player.
JEFF BARCA
SILENT
IRVING, Texas One guy smiles a lot a
big, wide, all-tooth grin. The other guy rarely
smiles, almost walks around with this perpet-
ual scowl, as if hes mad about something.
One guy is very cordial and polite during those
rare times he does talk with the media, just aw-
fully shy for a first-round draft choice. The oth-
er guy never does interviews, whether it be for
the nationally televised, five-episode HBO
Hard Knocks series or one he said hed do just
the other day, taking reticence to a quieter lev-
el.
One guy has sprinters speed, gliding on the
football field as if hes on a moving sidewalk and
everyone else is on their own. The other is a bruis-
er, one who would just as soon run through you
as around you, causing John Madden to say, He
runs like hes mad all the time.
Never have two guys so different been so much
alike, and that has been just fine so far this sea-
son with the Cowboys, who have unleashed this
one-two running punch of Marion Barber and
rookie Felix Jones on the NFL the first month
of the season with great satisfaction.
Barber is the pounder who would rather do
a U-turn after walking through the curtain en-
trance to the locker room than stand in front of
his locker with 10 Minicams in his face. Jones
is the glider who seems to defuse those uncom-
fortable moments with that great big smile.
Together, they have created a delicate balance
for a high-powered Cowboys offense that has
steered this club to a 3-1 start and rekindled all
this talk about a team without a playoff victo-
ry since 1996 being this years Super Bowl fa-
vorites.
Barber has totaled 311 yards on 70 carries (4.4-
yard average), scoring four touchdowns, in the
first starting role of his four-year NFL career.
Jones has chipped in another 148 yards and two
touchdowns on only 18 carries (8.2), including
an electrifying, 60-yard touchdown run to
stake the Cowboys to a lead against the Packers
they would never relinquish in their first victo-
ry in six appearances at Lambeau Field. And
none of that accounts for the first-round picks
98-yard touchdown return on a kickoff against
the Eagles in a crucial Monday Night Football
victory.
But its a good thing there is tape and written
documentation of their production. Because
youd never know any of this if it were up to them.
Neither one has a real big ego; theyre both
unselfish, Cowboys RB coach Skip Peete says.
They want the team to do well before (their own
success), and I think thats part of the reason why
were having success right now.
They are the antithesis to their blocking full-
back, Deon Anderson, who seems to live his life
on a perpetual adrenaline rush. Where they are
rather reserved, Anderson is out there on the
edge, but hes been keeping an eye on his run-
ning mates.
All-around good dude, but he needs to join
me on the dark side, Anderson joked about the
reserved Jones. Hes very humble hes like,
uh, sorta like Marion. Never hear him bragging,
never him, Oh, did you see that run? or Ooh,
I just scored, or whatever. Just plays the game
to play the game.
And Marion is the same way?
Oh yeah ... Marion sometimes is too quiet,
Anderson said. You wonder what is going on in
his mind.
Now dont get the idea these guys are hermits.
The other day Barber was in the equipment
room, yukking it up with the guys who work in
there. Like real big smiles rarely seen when he
walks through the locker room. Yes, he does
laugh.
Jancy Briles, the teams public-relations assis-
tant, said Barbers a great guy to talk with, and
really is quite funny, but that hes just uncomfort-
able doing interviews, so he just doesnt do many,
if any. And evidently the trade-off for the folks
producing Hard Knocks for not granting them
an interview was allowing their cameras to
film him playing the piano at his high-rise, down-
town condo about as much of a peek into his
personal life as he has given since arriving here.
That he was signed to a seven-year, $45 mil-
lion contract, including $12 million up front and
FEATURE STORY
Marion Barber and Felix Jones
might not talk much, but their
complementary running styles
have helped make the Cowboys
offense deadly By MICKEY SPAGNOLA
Marion Barber is capable of running around, over or through opponents, and hes
been doing it with ease this year in a high-powered Cowboys offensive attack.
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KILLERS
$16 million guaranteed for what could have been
his restricted free-agency season, or selected to
the Pro Bowl last season without even starting
one regular-season game apparently has made
no difference to this 25-year-old, who is the son
of a seven-year NFL player, Marion Barber Jr.
He hasnt changed since Ive been here, said
Anderson, in his second season here. Its still
Marion.
Jones, too, is quite cordial, even somewhat
of a prankster if truth be known. Maybe,
though, hes just used to playing this second-
banana role, having been in the same position
behind Darren McFadden at Arkansas for vir-
tually his entire college career.
Thats why it was surprising last week to see
Jones appearing on Terrell Owens weekly ra-
dio show at the House of Blues in downtown
Dallas. He was funny, and when asked to fire
a question at Owens, the somewhat sheepish
Jones wanted to know why T.O. would catch a
pass against the Cowboys back in 2000 my
favorite team and then race 50 yards to pose
on the star at Texas Stadium.
You broke my heart, Jones said to a laugh-
ing Owens.
Evidently that was his first appearance at a
live event, even if he already had won the NFC
Special Teams Player of the Week Award, fol-
lowed by the Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week
Award not to mention the demand there
must have been for the teams first-round
draft choice.
Very quiet, but once you start talking to them,
they open up and will hold a conversation, joke
with you, Peete said of his RB combo. Very
down to earth, both are very, very respectable.
Pranksters and kidders in their own way. They
will joke and kid with each other or joke and kid
with me. Pull a prank or say something to some-
body else to get a response, a reaction, a laugh.
You mean Felix, too?
Felix too, Peete said. He doesnt come across
that way, but he is.
Most important to the Cowboys, though, is
how they come across on the field, the NFLs
newest thunder-and-lightning combo. Teams
know what they are getting from Barber: a
whole lot of pounding. In four starts, he has an
80-yard performance on just 16 carries against
Cleveland before prematurely retiring to the
bench in the fourth quarter, a 114-yard
rushing/receiving night with two touchdowns
in Week Two vs. the Eagles, a 142-yard game
against the Packers and a disappointing 37-yard
total (on just eight carries and two catches) in
last weeks loss to the Redskins.
Jones is the changeup guy. On his first NFL
carry, he hit a draw play up the middle so fast
no Browns defender even touched him on the
11-yard run. He nearly broke his second NFL
carry for a touchdown, only to be brought down
22 yards later by a shoestring tackle. And
against the Packers, with the Cowboys trailing
6-3, he took off on a 60-yard touchdown run,
escorted by Owens, without being touched.
Owens was proud of his guide service, near-
ly running step for step with the rookie, even
yelling at him, according to Jones, Come on,
lets go, when he turned the corner. But as Peete
would point out Jones is far too shy to have
said this to Owens himself Funny thing was,
I told him that was a great job by T.O. getting
the block on the safety to kind of spring you, and
he said, Coach, I had the safety beat already.
He said, I didnt know about that backside guy,
but I had him beat already.
And this Jones is just what the doctor ordered
for the Cowboys, knowing they would go with
Barber this year as the starter after allowing for-
mer starter Julius Jones to go unchallenged in
free agency to Seattle.
The Cowboys just had to add some speed to
this offense that had bogged down in the play-
offs add someone capable of threatening de-
fenses with go-the-distance speed.
Well, uh, I think we felt like thats what we
needed, head coach Wade Phillips said. I dont
know at what point last year, but we werent run-
ning the ball as well later in the year. We
dropped down statistically, and that was part
of the reason we put Barber in there in the play-
off game, which he made (129) yards.
I think we needed that, and thats the direc-
tion we needed to go.
And the darn thing about this, the Cowboys
somehow were able to mesh the two perfect per-
sonalities needed for this RB timeshare to work.
Neither guy is a complainer. Neither guy is a me-
first person. Neither guy seems to pout or be-
come jealous over the other guys success.
So un-NFL these days, but so far, so effective.
I think their different styles are something
that presents a problem to the defense also be-
cause you have Marion thats more of a pounder
but also has speed that sometimes people
misjudge his speed. And then Felix comes in,
and they are used to taking an angle to tackle
Marion, and all of a sudden the guy now is a lit-
tle faster and the angles are off, Peete said.
They know hes in there, but all of a sudden
you are reacting like youve been reacting for
five or six plays to tackle Marion and now sud-
denly there is a different guy in there and the
speed is different.
Different guys for sure, but really, so much
alike.
Mickey Spagnola covers the Dallas Cowboys
for dallascowboys.com.
First-round rookie Felix Jones has accepted his complementary role happily and
has contributed several big plays early in his young professional career.
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OPINION
PUBLISHERS PEN Hub Arkush, publisher/editor
WHAT WE THINK WHAT YOU THINK
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(847) 940-1108or byU.S. mail toLetterstotheEditor,
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S
ince the near anarchy of 2006, when
no fewer than 10 teams brought in
new head coaches and many made
significant changes in their front offices,
life at the top has been relatively stable
around the league. But the fact is that no
fewer than seven of those teams De-
troit, St. Louis, Kansas City, Minnesota,
Houston, N.Y. Jets and Oakland are in
worse, or almost as bad, shape than they
were at the end of 05, and now is the time
to be thinking about extending or termi-
nating contracts for most of those 06 in-
coming head coaches. Add the destabiliz-
ing situations in Cleveland, Cincinnati,
San Francisco and Chicago as well, and we
need to look out below.
Matt Millen was a great football player,
an outstanding broadcaster and is an ex-
tremely knowledgeable football man, but
for whatever reasons, his skills didnt
translate to the front office. The time for
a move had come, and what is most inter-
esting is that it took Bill Ford Jr. to pub-
licly throw him under the bus to get Ford
Sr. to pull the trigger. It is only logical to
assume the bigger significance of this
move is that it signals the changing of the
guard from father to son, that the
younger Ford will want all his own people
in place as soon as it is practical and that
it will take a near miracle for Rod
Marinelli to survive past this season.
As much as I hate being the messenger
here, is there one of you who doubts that
Scott Linehan in St. Louis and Lane Kiffin
in Oakland arent dead men walking? In
the case of Linehan, it doesnt really mat-
ter what kind of coach he is. When your
players display a lack of effort and will,
and the star running back you just made
one of the highest-paid in the NFL is crit-
icizing you for a quarterback switch made
out of sheer desperation, its over. And in
the case of Kiffin, you can blame Al Davis
all you want, and certainly theres plenty
of blame to go around, but Kiffin has been
publicly thumbing his nose at his boss
and calling him out since last December.
If theres a better way to sign your own
death warrant, Im not sure what it is.
A 21 start against one of the softer
slates in the league has quieted the rumor
mill in San Francisco for now, but its
hard to imagine anything short of seven
or eight wins saving Mike Nolans job,
and its awfully hard to imagine the Nin-
ers winning that many.
Romeo Crennel, justifiably or not, is in
big trouble in Cleveland. Whatever
worked for the Browns in 07 has failed
miserably to date this year, and in spite of
his extension last year, the Dawgs in the
pound are going to get somebodys head if
the Browns cant claw their way back to at
least .500.
As I wrote in The Way We See It two
weeks ago, its a complete mystery to me
how Marvin Lewis has gotten the pass he
has over the last couple of years of radical
underachieving by his Bengals. Lewis is a
defensive guru overseeing a high-pow-
ered offense, but the D has been unable
to defend a thing. Now that the wheels
have come off the offense as well, how
does he survive?
Herm Edwards fate appears to be tied
directly to his GM, Carl Peterson. Peter-
son is one of the smartest front-office
folks in the league, but new owner Clark
Hunt is rumored to be less a fan than his
father was, and the Chiefs are 515 in
2007-08 after a 97 start under Edwards.
Eric Mangini, Brad Childress and Gary
Kubiak are at clear crossroads with the
Jets, Vikings and Texans, and should they
continue to stumble, the wolves will come
out after all of them.
In Chicago, the questions are mounting
about Lovie Smith, whos probably way
too expensive for the frugal Bears to fire
before the end of 2010, but if the bottom
falls out over the next few weeks, it ll get
very ugly in Chicago.
And finally, we know Mike Holmgren is
conducting his farewell tour in Seattle,
but ask yourself this: If things dont get
better soon in Indianapolis, what might
Tony Dungy do at the end of the season
after hinting at retirement each of the
last few seasons?
Keep an eye on the coaching treadmill,
people. If you blink, before you know it,
you may not be able to tell the players
without a scorecard.
I
ts looking more and more likely that
the NFL will move to a 17- or 18-game
regular season, perhaps as soon as
2010. Count us among those who think
its an idea whose time has come.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has
said in several recent interviews that the
league is seriously considering the idea of
shortening the four-game preseason
schedule and adding a game or two to the
regular season. He has made it clear that
he favors the idea.
I dont think the quality of the preseason
meets NFL standards, Goodell said in an
interview last week on Sirius NFL Radio.
Fans who are paying regular-season
prices to watch meaningless preseason
games would no doubt agree.
While most football fans would wel-
come two more Sundays of regular-sea-
son action, the real reason the idea is
gaining momentum now is the prospect
of players and owners having to negotiate
a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Owners voted in May to terminate the
current agreement in 2011, two years ear-
lier than it was scheduled to expire. The
current deal gives players approximately
60 percent of the games gross revenues,
up from 55 percent previously and too
much for owners liking. Owners contend
that the current deal does not adequately
recognize their costs, such as operating
expenses for new stadiums.
For owners to take back some of that
share, more revenue needs to be found.
While a longer regular season might
mean a bit more ticket, concession and
parking revenues, the only real sources of
new cash are the leagues TV and radio
deals. The NFL currently gets about $3.6
billion a year from its TV partners and
would demand even more if the networks
had another couple of weeks of regular-
season games to sell.
The main argument against a longer
regular season is the additional strain on
players. Sirius host and NFL analyst John
Madden said a shorter preseason would
mean players would be less prepared for
the regular season.
I think youre going to have a heck of a
lot more injuries, and I think theyre go-
ing to be less ready to play, Madden said.
Were inclined to agree with Goodell,
however, that players dont need four pre-
season games. And injury concerns could
be mitigated by adding a second bye week
to the schedule (which also would mean
an extra week of TV revenue).
While many important details will have
to be worked out, we dont see much
standing in the way of this change. If col-
lective-bargaining Armageddon is to be
avoided, a longer regular season has to be
part of the solution.
Coaching carousel soon to spin wildly
Longer season is part of solution
Give Broncos D a break
While I am one Broncos fan who is not
already making playoff plans, I think there
are three overlooked factors when you
consider the long-term competency of
the defense.
The first is the fact that against both
San Diego and New Orleans, the Broncos
were on the cusp of landing the kill shot,
only to turn the ball over and give the op-
ponent hope and momentum. Against
San Diego, the Broncos faced 1st-and-
goal from the 2, only to see Jay Cutler
throw an interception in the endzone.
Against New Orleans, the Broncos faced
1st-and-goal from the 7, only to see Tony
Scheffler fumble the ball away. If Denver
scores TDs in both scenarios, Denver
wins easily rather than barely hangs on.
Second, the Denver defense has played
very well early in games and has also
been able to tighten up when needed.
This points to the fact that Denvers de-
fense plays more conservatively with a
bigger lead. If this is the case, a minor
change in philosophy might return this
defense to a level of competency. Finally,
and most importantly, the Denver D has
surrendered some very long plays but
has played very well inside the red zone.
San Diego was forced to kick short field
goals in all but one visit to the red zone
and New Orleans was stopped dead on a
1st-and goal inside the 5. Denver has con-
sistently made important stops in 3rd-
and-short situations.
Im not ready to claim that the Broncos
are poised for a return to the NFL elite
this year. However, Im also not ready to
concede that scenario as impossible.
Lets give it a few more games and see
how the defense responds in a game that
is close and hotly contested throughout.
So far, the shootouts have been paced by
the Broncos offense. Im not going to give
up on this defense until we see a
shootout paced by the opposing offense.
Andrew Thornberry, Enid, Okla.
Billick to the Lions?
My thoughts on the Lions next moves:
(Bill) Cowher is a pipe dream. So is
Jimmy Johnson. (Martin) Mayhew is a
good candidate, but he is stained by al-
ready being a Lion. We dont want any-
thing associated with the same old. I want
Brian Billick as head coach with input on
personnel. I want an up-and-comer at
GM, a guy like Jacksonvilles Gene Smith
or Ed McGuire in San Diego. Billick is an
offensive guru who won a Super Bowl
with defense, and he did a great job devel-
oping young talent and forging a team.
Julie
OPINION
MR. DEPENDABLE Ron Borges
T
roy Brown should have retired in a
leather helmet, because thats the
kind of player he was.
For 15 years the tiny receiver made plays
for the New England Patriots in whatever
way they would allow. For four years it was
simply as a trusted special-teams per-
former, albeit one who was threatened
every year with being cut. That happened
once, in his second season, and for two
months, the Patriots were not as good a
team as they had been. Fortunately, for all
involved, Bill Parcells asked him to come
back and, as always, he showed up.
That is one of the things you could rely
on. Troy Brown showed up. Not given a
chance to become a focal point of the of-
fense until seven years into his career,
Brown retired last week as the all-time
leading receiver in team history. Asked to
return punts, he retired last week as the
all-time leading punt returner in team
history. Asked to play in the secondary
four years ago when the team came up
woefully short at cornerback, he did it for
12 games and intercepted three passes.
He was something you see less and less
of these days in pro football. He was not a
designated pass rusher or a third-down
back or a slot receiver or a cover corner or
a run stopper. He was certainly not a
diva, as so many top wide receivers seem
to be. He was simply a football player,
which was quite enough.
He is the kind of player valued by
teammates, opponents and coaches but
noticed only by fans who see his work
over many years and learn to rely on him
to make the play that needs to be made,
whether its a catch on third down or be-
ing the only player to stop and shake the
hands of every military man on the side-
line following a tough game the weekend
after the 9/11 tragedy.
He was known as a possession receiver,
which is another way of saying you could
count on the guy in any situation. Al-
though he once caught a then-club-
record 101 passes in a season, it is not re-
ally his presence that reminded you of his
true value. It was his absence on Jan. 26,
1997, a day when the odd disappearance
of Troy Brown very likely cost the Patriots
Super Bowl XXXI.
That afternoon in New Orleans, Par-
cells deactivated Brown because of a per-
sistently painful hernia problem that
Brown had played through in the previ-
ous two playoff games. Those who came
to value Browns reliability over the years
always will believe that had Brown been
on the field instead of Hason Graham
when Desmond Howard caught Adam
Vinatieris kickoff in the third quarter of a
six-point game, he would have made the
tackle Graham missed on what became a
99-yard touchdown return that iced the
game for the Packers.
Troy Brown would not have missed.
There is no way we can know this for cer-
tain except for this when did he ever
let the Patriots down?
Not once, right to the end, when he re-
fused a contract offer from the New York
Jets, his teams hated rival, and chose to
leave the game instead. He left last week
with a tear in his eye and his head held
high, saying, Red, white and blue are the
only colors I ll ever wear on my back. Im
proud of that.
Frankly, he should be.
Read more of longtime football colum-
nist Ron Borges at www.ronborges.com.
Patriots could always count on Brown
THE MORE THINGS CHANGE Jerry Magee
T
his is the final piece I shall submit to
PFW as a newspaper guy. I do intend
to hang around on this page for a
time, for how long we shall see, but as a
newspaper guy I never thought of my-
self as a journalist this is where I get off.
After serving The San Diego Union-
Tribune for 51 years and 10 months, I
have accepted a buyout. The newspaper is
for sale. Too few persons read newspapers
these days. My dodge is not what it was.
Color me gone.
I take no joy in this. I love newspapers.
Every morning, I have four of them de-
posited at my doorstep and I read their
every page. Well, almost every page. But
while newspapers were successful in sur-
viving the arrival of television, they have
been helpless to cope with the Internet.
Newspapers have sought to make the In-
ternet their ally when they would have
been better served, in my thinking, to ap-
proach the Internet as an enemy.
Once, a legion of newspaper guys went
from place to place in the NFL on Sundays
and Mondays. They were known as nation-
al writers, accomplished men and women,
every one. These days, there are few such
writers. Our ranks have been decimated.
I dont want this to read like a dirge be-
cause I am, after all, going to continue to
have my say in PFW, but this publication
has been a mighty asset to me. It has giv-
en me a national voice that I otherwise
would not have had.
Let me go back to my beginning with
what you are reading: sometime in the
1960s, becoming aware that PFW did not
have a columnist hanging around the
AFL, at the suggestion of Bill Gleason, a
Chicago columnist, I raised my hand and
petitioned Hub Arkushs late father for
the position. Come on in, he said.
In those days, I was traveling about a
good deal. I determined to take PFWs
readers with me, in a sense, not only to
cities and stadiums but to places where
the lighting was dim and the smoke thick.
Before sitting down at a typewriter, if you
remember typewriters, I would try to put
myself in a flip frame of mind and off I
would go.
Funny thing. At times, I would receive
calls from guys unknown to me. Hey,
John from Kansas City, I would hear.
Wheres the action in Buffalo?
I never wanted to do personality pieces
for PFW. I sought to deal with issues. I
still will, I promise. We have some. I
might note that I dont like the idea of the
NFL offering its counsel to the Detroit
Lions concerning the Lions choosing a
general manager to replace Matt Millen.
Thats a matter the Lions must resolve,
not the league. For the league to become
involved in it to me smacks of socialism.
As I write this, I am in Oakland. This
morning, standing in front of a hotel in
downtown Oakland, I became aware of a
limousine parked there. On the vehicles
dashboard was a placard reading Millen.
Hmmm. Millen and Al Davis are
known to maintain a close and amicable
relationship. Interesting, isnt it? But in
what capacity could Al, baby, employ the
deposed former Detroit executive?
Some of my former colleagues at PFW
certainly would have something erudite
to say concerning it. Yes, those early days
of PFW were good times.
Jerry Magee has covered pro football
since 1961 and for PFW since its incep-
tion in 1967.
Grateful for PFWs national forum
A-BOMBS
Divisional disparity
On the one hand, you have the high and
mighty NFC East, which heads into Week
Five with an 8-1 record outside the divi-
sion that would have been 9-0 if not for a
great fourth-quarter goal-line stand by
the Bears in their 24-20 victory over the
Eagles. That record has an excellent shot
at being 10-1 after Week Five, with the
well-rested defending Super Bowl cham-
pion Giants entertaining a Seahawks
team that has had all kinds of problems
playing in Eastern time zones, and the
Cowboys, featuring 13 Pro Bowlers, enter-
taining the winless Bengals. On the other
hand, you have the lowly NFC West, with
nary a team above .500 entering October.
There still might be hope for the top three
teams in the West you can forget the
utterly hopeless Rams but after the
way the Cardinals defense got carved up
by Brett Favre, and the Niners pass pro-
tection caved in once again (19 sacks al-
lowed in the first four games) against the
Saints, its starting to look like a .500 fin-
ish might be enough to earn a division
title.
Buffalo filling the bill
Nice guys dont always finish last, as
evidenced by the early success this sea-
son of Bills head coach Dick Jauron,
whose undefeated team is in first place in
the AFC East with a game-and-a half lead
on the Patriots at the 2008 quarter pole.
The Pats could be hard-pressed to keep
pace with the 08 Bills, who are looking
more and more each week like the 01
Bears, who earned Jauron a new contract
with an unexpected 13-3 record. In the
final year of his Bills contract, its only a
matter of time before Jauron is rewarded
with a new deal. The Bills, who pulled
away from the Rams in Week Four with a
19-point fourth quarter, have a 4-0 record
for the first time since 1992. Its not un-
reasonable to assume that they might
still be undefeated when they face the
Pats for the first time this season in Week
10, as none of the teams theyll be facing
in their next four games currently pos-
sesses a winning record.
Health issues bugging Pack
You knew the injury worm might be
turning in Green Bay when OLB A.J.
Hawk, who had never even missed a prac-
tice at any level, suffered a mysterious
chest injury earlier this season. Suddenly,
the Packers, arguably the leagues healthi-
est team the last two years, are dealing
with a world of hurt that could be real
cause for concern. QB Aaron Rodgers,
who believes he might have separated his
throwing shoulder in the Week Four loss in
Tampa Bay, currently heads a lengthy in-
jury list that also includes DE Cullen
Jenkins, who also hurt his shoulder and
was off to a great start; CB Al Harris; and
safeties Atari Bigby and Aaron Rouse.
Dan Arkush un-
leashes his Week
Four reflections.
By Michael Blunda
Associate editor
No matter how much credit you give
Saints QB Drew Brees for what hes done
through four games, its probably not
enough.
Just one quarter of the way into the sea-
son, Brees already has passed for 1,343 yards
and eight TDs, a rate that would give him
5,372 yards and 32 TDs for the campaign.
To put that in perspective, the current
record for passing yards in a season is
5,084, set by Dan Marino in 1984. As you
can see, Brees is on pace to shatter that mark.
And its not like the Saints signalcaller is
piling up these stats simply by chucking it
50-plus times a game. In fact, he has
thrown only 37 passes per contest. So how
is he doing it? Well, a 72.3 percent comple-
tion percentage, 9.1-yard average and 106.9
passer rating certainly havent hurt.
All these big numbers are undoubtedly im-
pressive, but Brees accomplishments are
even more incredible when you look at the
supporting cast with which he has done it.
Outside of dynamic RB Reggie Bush, who
has accounted for 257 receiving yards and
caught two scores, he hasnt exactly been
throwing to big-time targets.
Marques Colston, by far the teams top re-
ceiver, has missed the past three games fol-
lowing thumb surgery and is expected to be
out for a few more. And TE Jeremy Shock-
ey hadnt even caught a TD pass before in-
juring his groin in Week Three, likely
sidelining him for a couple more games.
That has left the QB with a receiving corps
consisting of aging David Patten, enigmat-
ic Devery Henderson, inexperienced Robert
Meachem and Lance Moore. And yet, even
with a no-name group like that, Brees has
managed to rack up yardage at a record-set-
ting pace. This speaks volumes for not only
the talent of Brees but also the offensive
scheme of head coach Sean Payton.
Its scary to think that Brees numbers
could get even better considering Colston and
Shockey are due back for the second half of
the season. With very little running game or
defense to speak of, the Saints might still have
room for improvement. A 5,000-yard sea-
son is a realistic possibility.
If Brees can reach this elusive mark and
also throw 30-plus TD passes, he ll almost
certainly finish as the top fantasy player. If,
on top of that, he can guide New Orleans to
a playoff berth, hell likely take home an MVP
trophy as well.
WEEK FIVE
Matchups to
exploit or avoid
If you were ever going to start Bears QB
Kyle Orton, it would be Sunday at De-
troit. The Lions are giving up 222.7 pass-
ing yards per game, and Ortons numbers
have been improving. TE Greg Olsen
also should be a nice play in this
matchup.
If the Buccaneers mimic the Chiefs
game plan against the Broncos, RB
Earnest Grahamshould have a big
game Sunday. Larry Johnson ran all over
Denver for nearly 200 yards, and Graham
could do the same if given the opportu-
nity. He is gaining 5.9 yards per carry.
You might be tempted to start return-
ing Seahawks WRs Bobby Engramand
Deion Branch this week, but the Giants
arent likely to give them a warm welcome
back. New York has been tough to pass
on, allowing just 167.7 yards per game,
and has put heavy pressure on opposing
quarterbacks. That could lead to a long
day for Matt Hasselbeck and the entire
Seattle aerial attack.
Despite the sudden resurgence of
Saints RB Deuce McAllister, you should
hold off before inserting him into your
starting lineup. Teams simply do not run
up the middle on the Vikings, meaning
New Orleans may opt to use outside run-
ner Reggie Bush more often against
them. McAllister wont find the same type
of room that he saw against the 49ers.
MARKET REPORT
Stock rising
Jaguars QB DAVID GARRARD
Had TD passing, rushing vs. Texans.
Saints RB DEUCE McALLISTER
Shockingly had 20 carries, TD vs. 49ers.
Cardinals WR STEVE BREASTON
Starter if Boldin out; 9-122 in Week Four.
Titans WR JUSTIN GAGE
10-151 receiving, TD with Collins at QB.
Raiders TE ZACH MILLER
Came alive with 95 yards, TD vs. Chargers.
Stock falling
Browns QB DEREK ANDERSON
Hasnt had game with more than one TD.
Packers RB RYAN GRANT
Last three games: 43-94 rushing, 0 TDs.
Bills WR JAMES HARDY
Besides one TD grab, hes done nothing.
Panthers WR D.J. HACKETT
5-83 receiving over past three games.
Jaguars TE MARCEDES LEWIS
Six receptions, zero TDs on the season.
Just Brees-ing to a record year
Even with an unimpressive cast of receivers, Saints QB Drew Brees is on pace to break the
single-season passing record and could finish as fantasy footballs top performer.
Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson is
notoriously known as a slow starter, and
form held true through the first two weeks of
08. But L.T., now over his bothersome toe in-
jury, has turned it on in Weeks Three and
Four, rushing for two TDs in each contest.
Hes still on pace to have a big year, and Sun-
days matchup with Miami should only help.
Any fears about QB Brett Favre strug-
gling to learn the Jets offense were quelled
Sunday with his six-TD performance against
the Cardinals. Favre now has a league-lead-
ing 12 TD passes and has developed a nice
rapport with WRs Laveranues Coles and
Jerricho Cotchery, who combined for 12
catches, 172 yards and five scores vs. Ari-
zona. With the Jets having some favorable
matchups following their Week Five bye,
Favre should be in your starting lineup.
The versatility of Texans RB Steve Slaton
makes him a solid fantasy start even against
difficult opponents. Although he only man-
aged 33 yards rushing Sunday at Jack-
sonville, Slaton made up for it by catching
eight passes for 83 yards and a score. With
Houston lacking backfield options, the
rookie is guaranteed around 20 touches per
game, something few players can say.
The Rams QB switch from Marc Bulger
to Trent Green might not have done much
to spark the passing attack, but it seemed to
have a positive effect on RB Steven Jack-
son. Jackson had by far his most productive
game of the season Sunday, scoring his first
TD while gaining 188 yards from scrimmage.
Those ready to give up on the talented back
should feel a bit better about him now.
Apparently, the Chiefs coaching staff lis-
tened to RB Larry Johnsons complaints
about not getting enough action. Just one
week after seeing 24 carries for 121 yards
and a TD, L.J. had 28 attempts for 198 yards
and two scores Sunday against Denver.
Johnson appears to be as big a part of K.C.s
offense as ever, but the odds of him repeat-
ing this amazing effort are slim. It might be
wise to deal him while his value is peaking.
Keep an eye this week on the status of
Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin, who took a
vicious helmet-to-helmet hit at the end of
Sundays loss to the Jets. Boldin, who has
five TD grabs this season, was down on the
field for several minutes before being taken
off on a stretcher. His absence obviously
would be a big blow to the Arizona offense.
After a lackluster Week One, Redskins QB
Jason Campbell has played like a fantasy
starter over the past three games. He has
thrown for 745 yards and five TDs during
that span, showing a much better grasp of
the teams new offense. WR Santana Moss
also looks like a fantasy force again, racking
up 421 yards and three TDs on the season.
THE BUZZ
J
E
F
F
F
I
S
H
B
E
I
N
FANTASY FOOTBALL
FANTASY FOOTBALL
FANTASY DOCTOR Michael Blunda
A
reader wrote in with an interesting
question, published in this space last
week, asking whether or not he should
continue starting his early-round draft
picks even though theyve been severely un-
derperforming. So that got me thinking:
When is the right time to bench a top fan-
tasy choice that has not been producing at
a high level?
Well, there are a couple factors to consid-
er here. For one, theres a reason you picked
a player in the first few rounds of your draft.
Obviously, he must be very talented, and he
probably has had at least one big season in
recent years. Because of that, you dont want
to pull the plug too abruptly.
On the flip side, the NFL season is very
short, so a few bad games is no small mat-
ter. If a guy struggles for the first four
weeks or so, thats already a third of the fan-
tasy regular season gone. Youd like to be pa-
tient, but itd be foolish to keep a failing play-
er in your lineup for weeks on end. At some
point, you have to admit that the pick is a
bust and start the players who actually are
putting up numbers.
I think the length of a players leash
should depend on: one, his past success; and
two, the likelihood you give him to make a
turnaround. If were talking about someone
like LaDainian Tomlinson, who has had nu-
merous years of terrific production, his
stumbling out of the gate this season
shouldnt have you itching to plant him on
the bench. Until he has a prolonged slow-
down a la Shaun Alexander in 2007
L.T. should continue to get the benefit of the
doubt.
As for gauging the odds of a guy getting
back on track after a poor start, look at the
results of his offensive unit and the size of
his role in the offense. If a good player (Lar-
ry Johnson) plays for a team that cant move
the ball (the Chiefs) effectively from week
to week, its not likely thats suddenly going
to change, so you might have a quicker trig-
ger with him. Or if you see the amount of
someones opportunities is rapidly diminish-
ing, like what has been happening with
Chester Taylor early on, you ll probably
want to stop wasting a starting spot on him.
Ive had a couple of these dilemmas al-
ready this season. I used a first-round pick
in one league on Steven Jackson, and Ive
been extremely hesitant to sit down the
struggling back thus far. Based on his past
production, I believe he soon will return to
being a fantasy force.
Conversely, in a league in which I draft-
ed Laurence Maroney in the early rounds,
it took me only one game to realize Id made
a mistake. After he got just 10 carries in Week
One and was splitting time with other
backs, I benched him for Chris Johnson, a
mid-round choice. To this point, Id say that
move has paid off.
So when is it time to bench your stuck-in-
neutral stars? About right now. If a guy that
hasnt done anything yet has another bad
showing, you might be forced to give his
starting spot to a better producer. Like I said
earlier, the season is only so long. Go with
the players who are getting you points now,
and just hope that you can get by without
the help of your top picks.
Q. I have an offer on the table of Tony Gon-
zalez to me for Hines Ward. My tight end
is Anthony Fasano, and my other WRs are
Greg Jennings, DeSean Jackson, Chad
Ocho Cinco and Antonio Bryant. What is
your prescription?
GK
A. I dont necessarily know if Gonzalez is
going to outproduce Ward the rest of the way,
but given the makeup of your roster, why not
do this trade?
Really, how many weeks are you going to
start Ward over Jennings or Ocho Cinco?
Probably not many, I would guess. And when
those guys are on bye, you can always plug
in Jackson, a more-than-viable option.
At tight end, however, I think you would
start Gonzalez over Fasano on a weekly ba-
sis, so this deal seems like a very nice one
for you. If you believe, like I do, that Gon-
zalez and Ward will put up fairly even num-
bers going forward, pulling the trigger on
this trade should give your team a big up-
grade at a position where you really need
one.
Season too short to stick with struggling stars
To have your questions answered by the Fantasy Doctor,
send your inquiries to [email protected].
TOTAL POINTS
Fant
Player Team Pos Pts
Cutler Den. QB 102
Brees N.O. QB 99
Favre N.Y.J. QB 95
Rivers S.D. QB 94
Warner Ariz. QB 93
Romo Dall. QB 91
Rodgers G.B. QB 91
McNabb Phil. QB 80
Turner Atl. RB 73
Gore S.F. RB 71
OSullivan S.F. QB 71
Barber Dall. RB 70
J. Campbell Wash. QB 70
Boldin Ariz. WR 66
Peterson Minn. RB 65
Edwards Buff. QB 64
Moss Wash. WR 62
Orton Chi. QB 62
Bush N.O. RB 61
Garrard Jax. QB 61
L. Johnson K.C. RB 60
Jennings G.B. WR 60
Schaub Hou. QB 60
Manning N.Y.G. QB 60
Forte Chi. RB 60
Lynch Buff. RB 59
Tomlinson S.D. RB 58
Portis Wash. RB 57
Johnson Ten. RB 57
Russell Oak. QB 56
Kitna Det. QB 56
Marshall Den. WR 56
Brown Mia. RB 55
Delhomme Car. QB 55
Jackson St.L. RB 53
Fitzgerald Ariz. WR 53
Manning Ind. QB 52
Griese T.B. QB 51
Owens Dall. WR 51
Westbrook Phil. RB 50
Coles N.Y.J. WR 49
Graham T.B. RB 49
Prater Den. PK 48
James Ariz. RB 46
J. Jones Sea. RB 46
White Ten. RB 46
Parker Pitt. RB 44
Royal Den. WR 44
Ryan Atl. QB 44
Stewart Car. RB 43
Anderson Clev. QB 43
Scobee Jax. PK 43
Chambers S.D. WR 43
Witten Dall. TE 42
Cotchery N.Y.J. WR 42
Evans Buff. WR 41
Jones-Drew Jax. RB 41
Nedney S.F. PK 41
D. Jackson Phil. WR 41
Slaton Hou. RB 40
Elam Atl. PK 40
Collins Ten. QB 40
Longwell Minn. PK 40
Kaeding S.D. PK 40
C. Johnson Det. WR 39
Bowe K.C. WR 38
White Atl. WR 38
Hasselbeck Sea. QB 38
Lindell Buff. PK 38
Gates S.D. TE 38
Wayne Ind. WR 37
Pittman Den. RB 37
Pennington Mia. QB 37
Janikowski Oak. PK 37
Akers Phil. PK 37
Kasay Car. PK 37
McFadden Oak. RB 37
Carney N.Y.G. PK 37
J. Lewis Clev. RB 36
Roethlisberger Pitt. QB 36
Jones N.Y.J. RB 35
Bruce S.F. WR 34
Ward Pitt. WR 34
A. Bryant T.B. WR 34
C. Perry Cin. RB 34
Addai Ind. RB 34
Gould Chi. PK 34
Muhammad Car. WR 34
Hightower Ariz. RB 33
Dunn T.B. RB 33
Bush Oak. RB 33
Suisham Wash. PK 33
Norwood Atl. RB 33
Bulger St.L. QB 33
Houshmandzadeh Cin. WR 32
Palmer Cin. QB 32
L. Moore N.O. WR 32
Lloyd Chi. WR 32
Cassel N.E. QB 32
Meachem N.O. WR 32
Crosby G.B. PK 32
Mare Sea. PK 32
Stuckey N.Y.J. WR 31
Jacobs N.Y.G. RB 31
Walter Hou. WR 31
Scheffler Den. TE 31
Folk Dall. PK 31
Buckhalter Phil. RB 31
Burress N.Y.G. WR 31
Jackson S.D. WR 30
Sproles S.D. RB 29
Austin Dall. WR 29
M. Jones Jax. WR 29
Young Den. RB 29
L. McClain Balt. FB 29
P. Thomas N.O. RB 29
Gonzalez K.C. TE 29
Hilliard T.B. WR 28
Frerotte Minn. QB 27
Hanson Det. PK 27
Fasano Mia. TE 27
Henderson N.O. WR 27
Gramatica N.O. PK 27
Rackers Ariz. PK 26
Duckett Sea. RB 26
Baskett Phil. WR 26
Gostkowski N.E. PK 26
Jackson Buff. RB 26
F. Jones Dall. RB 26
Graham Cin. PK 25
T. Jackson Minn. QB 25
J. Brown St.L. PK 25
Taylor Jax. RB 25
Holt St.L. WR 24
Morris N.E. RB 24
Randle El Wash. WR 24
Thigpen K.C. QB 24
M. Bryant T.B. PK 23
Driver G.B. WR 23
Huard K.C. QB 23
Gage Ten. WR 23
Winslow Clev. TE 23
Novak K.C. PK 23
D. Williams Car. RB 22
Ward N.Y.G. RB 22
Moss N.E. WR 22
Dawson Clev. PK 22
K. Brown Hou. PK 22
Smith Car. WR 22
Reed Pitt. PK 22
Gonzalez Ind. WR 22
Miller Oak. TE 21
Flacco Balt. QB 21
Kev. Smith Det. RB 21
Johnson S.F. WR 21
Battle S.F. WR 21
Feely N.Y.J. PK 20
Tolbert S.D. FB 20
Toomer N.Y.G. WR 20
Keller N.Y.J. TE 20
Jackson G.B. RB 20
Breaston Ariz. WR 19
Rosario Car. TE 19
Harrison Ind. WR 19
R. Johnson Det. RB 19
Reed Buff. WR 19
Crayton Dall. WR 19
Berrian Minn. WR 19
Daniels Hou. TE 19
Bradshaw N.Y.G. RB 19
Grant G.B. RB 18
Welker N.E. WR 18
Shiancoe Minn. TE 18
Stokley Den. WR 18
Williams Mia. RB 18
Patten N.O. WR 18
Higgins Oak. WR 17
Ocho Cinco Cin. WR 17
A. Johnson Hou. WR 17
Cooley Wash. TE 17
Jenkins Atl. WR 17
R. Williams Det. WR 17
McKie Chi. FB 16
D. Martin Mia. TE 16
Looker St.L. WR 16
Nelson G.B. WR 16
Carlson Sea. TE 16
Vinatieri Ind. PK 15
Olsen Chi. TE 15
McAllister N.O. RB 15
Garcia T.B. QB 15
Shockey N.O. TE 15
Royal Buff. TE 15
Wade Minn. WR 15
Fargas Oak. RB 15
Fitzpatrick Cin. QB 15
Edwards Clev. WR 15
L. Washington N.Y.J. RB 15
Holmes Pitt. WR 15
Scaife Ten. TE 15
Smith T.B. TE 15
Camarillo Mia. WR 14
G. Lewis Phil. WR 14
Carpenter Mia. PK 14
Avery St.L. WR 13
Hackett Car. WR 13
Clayton Balt. WR 13
Hall Den. RB 13
McGahee Balt. RB 13
McMichael St.L. TE 13
Lelie Oak. WR 13
McCareins Ten. WR 13
Stevens T.B. TE 12
Burleson Sea. WR 12
Taylor Minn. RB 12
Miller Pitt. TE 12
Avant Phil. WR 12
Walker S.F. TE 12
Harrison Clev. RB 12
Parrish Buff. WR 12
McMullen Sea. WR 12
Charles K.C. RB 12
Green St.L. QB 11
Urban Ariz. WR 11
R. Williams Jax. WR 11
G. Jones Jax. RB 11
Boss N.Y.G. TE 11
M. Owens Jax. RB 11
Gilmore T.B. TE 11
Chatman Cin. WR 11
D. Jackson Den. WR 10
L.J. Smith Phil. TE 10
Hunt Phil. RB 10
Rice Minn. WR 9
Rice Balt. RB 9
Stover Balt. PK 9
Bumpus Sea. WR 9
Smith N.Y.G. WR 9
Young Ten. QB 9
M. Booker Chi. WR 9
FitzSimmons Det. TE 9
Jordan N.E. RB 9
Betts Wash. RB 9
Rhodes Ind. RB 8
Curry Oak. WR 8
D. Lee G.B. TE 8
Mason Balt. WR 8
Davis S.F. TE 8
Hixon N.Y.G. WR 8
B. Jones Ten. WR 8
Darling K.C. WR 8
Clayton T.B. WR 8
Douglas Atl. WR 8
Jones G.B. WR 8
Hardy Buff. WR 7
Ginn Mia. WR 7
Galloway T.B. WR 7
R. Brown Phil. WR 7
N. Jackson Den. TE 7
Jones Chi. RB 7
Kelly Cin. TE 7
Clark Chi. TE 7
Faulk N.E. RB 7
Thrash Wash. WR 7
Miller N.O. TE 7
Griffith Oak. FB 7
Graham Den. TE 7
Davis Hou. WR 7
Baker N.Y.J. TE 6
McDonald Det. WR 6
Yoder Wash. TE 6
Lewis Jax. TE 6
Maroney N.E. RB 6
Patrick Ariz. TE 6
Hall G.B. FB 6
Allison Minn. WR 6
Robinson Atl. WR 5
Taylor Sea. WR 5
Bennett Dall. TE 5
Walker Jax. WR 5
Steptoe Clev. WR 5
Mills Minn. FB 5
Hagan Mia. WR 5
Celek Phil. TE 5
King Car. TE 5
Washington Pitt. WR 5
Weaver Sea. FB 5
Northcutt Jax. WR 5
Clark Ind. TE 5
Gaffney N.E. WR 5
Walker Oak. WR 5
Furrey Det. WR 4
Franks N.Y.J. TE 4
Crumpler Ten. TE 4
Dorsey Cin. RB 4
Vickers Clev. FB 4
Croyle K.C. QB 4
D. Thomas N.E. TE 4
Davis S.D. WR 4
Wolfe Chi. RB 3
L. Booker Phil. RB 3
Ko. Smith K.C. RB 3
Jarrett Car. WR 3
Payne Sea. WR 3
Henne Mia. QB 3
Bess Mia. WR 3
Schouman Buff. TE 3
Cox K.C. FB 3
Santi Ind. TE 3
Mendenhall Pitt. RB 3
Morgan S.F. WR 3
Lumpkin G.B. RB 3
Kolb Phil. QB 3
Taylor Hou. RB 3
J. Wright Clev. RB 3
Heap Balt. TE 3
D. Hall St.L. WR 3
T. Brady N.E. QB 3
Askew T.B. FB 3
Leftwich Pitt. QB 3
Morris Sea. RB 3
Foster S.F. RB 3
Watson Cin. RB 3
Barnes Buff. FB 3
Peelle Atl. TE 2
Minor St.L. RB 2
Hoover Car. FB 2
Manumaleuna S.D. TE 2
Green Hou. RB 2
Kleinsasser Minn. TE 2
Campbell Det. TE 2
Nugent N.Y.J. PK 2
Keasey S.F. FB 2
Hartsock Atl. TE 2
Utecht Cin. TE 2
Gaines Det. TE 2
Webb K.C. WR 2
Williams Balt. WR 2
Pope Ariz. TE 2
Stanbeck Dall. WR 2
Moss N.Y.G. WR 2
Colston N.O. WR 2
Schilens Oak. WR 2
D.Thomas Wash. WR 2
Choice Dall. RB 2
Davis Ten. WR 2
Naanee S.D. FB 2
Total fantasy points = TD passes (4 fantasy points each) + passing-yardage points (1 point for every 20 yards) + rushing/receiving TDs (6 points) + rushing- or receiving-yardage points (1 point for every 10 yards) + two-point passes (1 point) + two-point scores (2
points). For kickers, total fantasy points = 18-39-yard field goals (3 fantasy points each) + 40-49-yard field goals (4 points) + 50-plus-yard field goals (5 points) + extra points (1 point). Week Four Monday-night game not included.
FANTASY STATS
HANDICAPPERS CORNER
PFW
consensus
WEEK FIVE Early pointspreads as of Sunday, Sept. 28
Hub
Arkush
Publisher/
editor
Keith
Schleiden
Editor-
in-chief
Mike
Holbrook
Managing
editor
Dan
Arkush
Executive
editor
Eric
Edholm
Senior
editor
Mike
Wilkening
Senior
editor
Matt
Sohn
Associate
editor
Dan
Parr
Associate
editor
Michael
Blunda
Associate
editor
After taking a
pounding last
week in
Chicago, the
Eagles come
home in last
place in the
NFC East and
can pull even
with a win over
the Redskins.
TheLions hada
week off after
thefiringof
Matt Millen, and
RodMarinelli is
nowcoaching
for his job. The
Bears wont
helpthecoach
inthejob-secu-
rity department,
as they easily
winandcover.
The Titans will
stuff the
Ravens run-
ning game and
force rookie
Joe Flacco into
mistakes, play-
ing right into
the oppor-
tunistic
Tennessee de-
fenses hands.
The Giants
and Seahawks
should be feel-
ing fresh after
enjoying byes
last week, but
the Seahawks
have a ten-
dency to trip
up after mak-
ing cross-
country trips.
For the Steel-
ers, beating
the Jaguars
has proven dif-
ficult, with
three close
losses the past
two seasons,
but the de-
fense will have
the edge over
the Jaguars
offense.
I dont think
the Cardinals
are as bad as
they looked vs.
the Jets, and I
expect a signif-
icantly better
effort vs. the
Bills, who let
St. Louis hang
around far too
long last week.
Baltimore only
getting three
points against
the best team
in the NFLis
preposterous.
Pick Ten-
nessee and
kick off the
shoes for the
second half.
The Cowboys
should be hun-
gry coming off
last weeks
loss, and play-
ing against the
Bengals is a
good way to
get back in the
win column.
Even on the
road, I love the
thought of the
Titans' swarm-
ing defense
giving inexperi-
enced QB Joe
Flacco fits. I
won't believe
in the Ravens
until they beat
a true con-
tender.
LOCK OF THE WEEK
Which of your best bets do you feel
strongest about?
PFW STAFF
SELECTIONS
BEST BETS
Tennessee -3 vs. BALTIMORE
Chicago -2
1
2 vs. DETROIT
San Diego -7 vs. MIAMI
NEWORLEANS vs. Minnesota (45
1
2) OVER
LAST WEEK: 0-5 / SEASON: 8-8
EARLY LAS VEGAS LINE Home team in caps. Asterisk (*) denotes team will cover pointspread but lose game. Boldface selection indicates best bet. Some Over/Unders were not available at presstime.
Tennessee -3 vs. BALTIMORE Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Baltimore Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee
CAROLINA-10 vs. Kansas City (37) Kansas City* Kansas City* Carolina Carolina Carolina Carolina Kansas City* Carolina Kansas City* Carolina
Chicago-2
1
2 vs. DETROIT(44
1
2) Chicago Chicago Chicago Chicago Detroit Detroit Chicago Chicago Chicago Chicago
GREEN BAY-7
1
2 vs. Atlanta Green Bay Atlanta* Atlanta* Green Bay Green Bay Atlanta* Atlanta* Atlanta* Atlanta* Atlanta*
Indianapolis -3 vs. HOUSTON(47
1
2) Indianapolis Indianapolis Houston* Houston Indianapolis Indianapolis Houston Indianapolis Indianapolis Indianapolis
San Diego -7 vs. MIAMI (43
1
2) San Diego San Diego Miami* San Diego San Diego San Diego San Diego San Diego Miami* San Diego
N.Y.GIANTS-7vs.Seattle (45) N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants Seattle* N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants
PHILADELPHIA-6 vs. Washington Philadelphia Washington* Philadelphia Philadelphia Washington* Washington* Washington* Washington* Washington* Washington*
DENVER-3
1
2 vs. Tampa Bay (49) Denver Denver Denver Denver Tampa Bay Denver Tampa Bay Denver Denver Denver
ARIZONA-1
1
2 vs. Buffalo (46) Buffalo Buffalo Arizona Arizona Buffalo Arizona Buffalo Buffalo Arizona Buffalo
DALLAS-14 vs. Cincinnati Dallas Cincinnati* Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Cincinnati* Dallas
New England -3
1
2 vs. SAN FRANCISCO(42) New England New England New England New England New England New England New England New England New England New England
SUNDAY NIGHT
JACKSONVILLE-3 vs. Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Jacksonville Jacksonville Jacksonville Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Jacksonville Jacksonville Jacksonville
MONDAY NIGHT
NEWORLEANS-3 vs. Minnesota (45
1
2) New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans Minnesota New Orleans Minnesota Minnesota New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans
Last week vs. spread 8-5 9-4 9-4 7-6 5-8 7-6 4-9 5-8 4-9 6-7
Season to date vs. spread 28-31 33-26 36-23 32-27 27-32 32-27 29-30 31-28 24-35 31-28
Last week best bets 2-1 1-2 1-1 1-1 2-1 2-2 1-3 1-2 1-3 0-5
Season to date best bets 7-5 5-7 7-4 5-5 7-5 7-5 7-5 5-6 6-6 8-8
Last week straight-up 8-5 9-4 8-5 10-3 7-6 8-5 7-6 7-6 7-6 8-5
Season to date straight-up 33-26 37-22 38-21 36-23 33-26 37-22 34-25 35-24 31-28 37-22
WEEK FIVE OPPONENTS VS. SPREAD H home, A away, N neutral, followed by teams score; number in parentheses is number of points by which that
team was favored to win; E game was rated as even; W beat the pointspread; * team beat the pointspread in both regular-season meetings that year; T neither beat
the pointspread; P playoff game; OT overtime; ^ at San Antonio
10-YEAR SERIES RECORDS
Tennessee at BALTIMORE 7-6 (3-3) (3-3)
Kansas City at Carolina 1-1 () ()
CHICAGO at Detroit 11-9 (4-6) (5-5)
Atlanta at Green Bay 2-2 (Atl. 2-1) (Atl. 3-0)
INDIANAPOLIS at Houston 11-1 (5-1) (2-4)
San Diego at MIAMI 5-0 (2-0) (1-1)
Seattle at N.Y. Giants 2-2 (NYG 2-0) (Sea. 1-0-1)
Washington at PHILADELPHIA 13-7 (6-4) (5-4-1)
Tampa Bay at Denver 1-1 () ()
BUFFALO at Arizona 2-0 (1-0) (1-0)
Cincinnati at Dallas 1-1 (Dall. 1-0) (Dall. 1-0)
NEWENGLAND at San Francisco 2-0 () ()
Pittsburgh at JACKSONVILLE 9-5 (4-3) (6-1)
MINNESOTAat New Orleans 5-1 (2-1) (2-1)
Series leader is listed in CAPS with its record
below. Series leaders record at this weeks game
site is listed in parentheses, followed by series
leaders record vs. pointspread at this weeks site.
This years games not included.
MATCHUP 2007 2006
Tennessee Did not play H-26W
at Baltimore A-27(-7)
Kansas City Did not play Did not play
at Carolina
Chicago H-7(-6) A-27(-2
1
2) A-26(-6) H-34(-7)W
at Detroit A-16W* H-37W H-21W A-7
Atlanta Did not play Did not play
at Green Bay
Indianapolis H-38(-6
1
2)W A-30(-6
1
2) A-24(-9) H-43(-12)W
at Houston A-15 H-24W H-27W A-24
San Diego Did not play Did not play
at Miami
Seattle Did not play H-42(-3
1
2)W
at N.Y. Giants A-30
Washington H-25(-2
1
2) A-20W H-19 A-3
at Philadelphia A-33W H-12(-6
1
2) A-21(-2)T H-27(-8)W
MATCHUP 2007 2006
Tampa Bay Did not play Did not play
at Denver
Buffalo Did not play Did not play
at Arizona
Cincinnati Did not play Did not play
at Dallas
New England Did not play Did not play
at San Francisco
Pittsburgh H-29W H-22(-3) A-0(-2
1
2)
at Jacksonville A-31(-3)P A-29W H-9W
Minnesota Did not play Did not play
at New Orleans
WHOS HOT
LAS VEGAS CALLING Stephen Nover
Betting public piling on
the Cowboys bandwagon
T
he Dallas Cowboys arent just Americas
Team when it comes to popularity,
marketing and picking up players with
shady pasts.
Bettors love them, too. No team is bigger
with the general betting public than Dallas.
Dallas always is, said Kevin Klein,
sportsbook manager for the Cannery Casi-
no and Hotel in Las Vegas. There are a lot
of Pittsburgh backers, too, and Green Bay
people. Once you get past those teams, its
whoever has a dominant team.
The Cowboys are strong on both counts
theyre popular and good, very good.
Right now Dallas is at the top of the heap,
said Ken White, head oddsmaker and chief
operating officer for Las Vegas Sports Con-
sultants, the company that makes the bet-
ting line for many of Nevadas sportsbooks.
The Cowboys have always been one of the
biggest pubic teams. But when they werent
playing well, they really werent that big of
a major wager for the general public.
Thats certainly not the case right now.
By winning their first three games, the
Cowboys set a fast tone. Beating Philadel-
phia and Green Bay in marquee national-
ly televised games adds to the luster. White
and his fellow oddsmakers already have had
to make big line adjustments on Dallas.
We dont like to do that (shade a num-
ber) until Week Five or Six and only if we
see a trend, White said. Right now Dallas
is a trend. Money and public favoritism is
showing on the Cowboys.
LVSCs first send-out number to its
sportsbook clients in the Week Four Wash-
ington-Dallas matchup was Cowboys minus-
eight. But when a prominent Internet book
opened Dallas minus-11
1
2 and the number
briefly skyrocketed to minus-13 before com-
ing down, White adjusted his opening
number to Dallas minus-10
It tells us the general public is all over that
team, White said. Next week we ll proba-
bly shade Dallas a point higher than it should
be.
Bookmakers cant shade Dallas too high.
The public might blindly back the Cowboys,
but professional gamblers always are on the
lookout for value. One big bet from a wise
guy could wipe out 100 wagers from recre-
ational bettors.
Professional money still outweighs pub-
lic money during the regular season, White
said.
Wise guys frequently play NFL underdogs
because of the value factor. They were all over
the Bengals in Week Three, for instance, tak-
ing 13 points against the Giants. The Giants
ended up winning in overtime.
In the case of the NFL, it really helps in
the long run, said Jim Kruger, a profession-
al sports bettor in Las Vegas. People need
to realize that getting the best line can make
a difference between having a winning and
losing season.
Dallas, Pittsburgh and Green Bay have
been traditional public teams. They still are,
although the Packers might lose populari-
ty with the departure of Brett Favre.
There was no greater public team than the
49ers when they dominated with Joe Mon-
tana and Jerry Rice.
Everyone was a 49ers fan in that past era,
Klein said.
It was the same way during the first half
of last year when New England steam-
rolled opponents. Bettors jumped off New
Englands bandwagon in the second half
when its lines became too obviously overin-
flated.
High-octane offenses have also made
the Colts and Chargers very popular with the
public.
Some recreational bettors love to play par-
lays. Many of these parlays feature the
Cowboys, Colts and Chargers. Its not a co-
incidence these three teams all have super-
stars on offense.
The most popular parlay is Cowboys or
Colts, coupled with the total going over. The
thinking is if the high-scoring favorite is go-
ing to win, there probably are going to be lots
of points scored.
White said about 65 percent of the par-
lays made in Las Vegas are some form of fa-
vorite and over.
The public loves points, he said. They
want to bet the favorite and over. So that
makes them (the Cowboys) very attrac-
tive.
The Baltimore Ravens are a good foot-
ball team. But theyre not a huge fan favorite
team because theyre not going to score a lot
of points.
Which teams are the most non-public?
Klein quickly rattled off the Titans, Texans,
Cardinals and Bengals.
Some of these below-the-radar teams, such
as the Titans and Panthers, have excellent
spread marks when getting points, indicat-
ing they are good value plays. For instance,
the Panthers have a 31-16-1 (66 percent)
record as an underdog under John Fox. The
Titans are 16-6 (72 percent) as an underdog
since 2006.
For much of the public, though, its all
about the Cowboys.
Writer, analyst and handicapper Stephen
Nover has been covering the Las Vegas
sports betting scene since 1984. He is the au-
thor of three books, Las Vegas Sportsbeat,
Sports Gamingbeat and Winning Fantasy
Football.
LEADERS FOR SEASON TO DATE
(Sept. 4 - Sept. 28)
1. Maddux Sports* ........................................2,960
2. Cajun Sports*............................................2,010
3. All-Star Sports ..........................................1,790
4. Picks4Players ............................................1,730
5. Lekota Sports* ..........................................1,280
WON-LOST PERCENTAGE LEADERS
1. Maddux Sports* ..........................10-3 ....76.9%
2. Cajun Sports* ..............................10-5 ....66.7%
2. Lekota Sports* ..............................8-4 ....66.7%
4. All-Star Sports ............................12-7 ....63.2%
5. Picks4Players ............................20-12 ....62.5%
LEADERS FOR SEASON TO DATE
1. Maddux Sports* ........................................4,060
2. Football Picks............................................2,310
3. Lekota Sports* ..........................................2,060
4. Cajun Sports* ............................................1,960
5. Bruce Hall Sports* ....................................1,720
WON-LOST PERCENTAGE LEADERS
1. Lekota Sports* ..............................8-1 ....88.9%
2. Cajun Sports* ................................7-1 ....87.5%
3. Tony Diamond Sports ..................6-1 ....85.7%
4. Maddux Sports* ..........................12-3 ....80.0%
5. MTI Sports Forecasting ................9-4 ....69.2%
NFL EDITION
Fol l ow t he Nat i onal Handi capper s Bowl onl i ne at NHBowl . com
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know how to contact them to obtain or inquire about their service. The sequence in which they appear has no bearing on their performance.
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follow the National Handicappers on a weekly basis and see which participants are
leading the weekly statistics and season to date visit us online at NHBowl.com
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below. Services marked with (P) have passed for the week and made no selections.
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NFL OVER / UNDERS EDITION
GAME OF THE WEEK
Jon Grudens team is 3-0 since
changing quarterbacks.
Mike Shanahans Broncos are
tough to beat at home.
BUCCANEERS
AT
BRONCOS
When the Buccaneers
have the ball
Buccaneers head coach Jon Grudens
complex variation of the West Coast of-
fense features a passing game composed
of short and intermediate throws and a
pounding, between-the-tackles rushing
attack. The Bucs frequently will put
players in motion before the snap, forc-
ing the Broncos to stay on their toes and
react to shifts.
Denvers defense has struggled, and it
got shredded last week, allowing Chiefs
RB Larry Johnson to score two TDs
and gain 198 yards on 28 carries. Bucs RB
Earnest Graham should shoulder a heavy
workload against the Broncos vulnera-
ble run defense. Graham rushed 20
times for 111 yards and a TD last week vs.
Green Bay, and Tampa Bay has an 8-2
record the past two seasons when he rush-
es for 75 yards or more. RB Warrick
Dunn, who rushed 16 times for 63 yards
as a change-of-pace option vs. the Pack-
ers, also could make an impact if Denver
continues to show its not capable of clog-
ging up running lanes.
Although the Bucs are undefeated
with Brian Griese under center, his mis-
takes have been frequent (three intercep-
tions each of the past two weeks) and Den-
ver has two corners in Champ Bailey and
Dr Bly who can make him pay for any er-
rors. Tampa Bays passing game would get
a boost if WR Joey Galloway returns from
a foot sprain, but the club has shown it
can win without him.
Denvers D-line hasnt been generating
enough pressure on opposing QBs, and
the key to doing that successfully, DE
Elvis Dumervil, is still without a sack.
That could change this week with
Dumervil facing a favorable matchup
against Bucs OLT Donald Penn.
When the Broncos
have the ball
Denvers reputation as a run-first team
is being deconstructed this season. QB Jay
Cutler fell a bit off course last week, com-
pleting just 29-of-49 passes for a TD and
two interceptions, but hes the foundation
of the Broncos offense.
Cutler has the arm strength to throw
deep and he fires the ball with zip on short
and intermediate routes. The Broncos will
try to spread out Tampa Bays cover-2 de-
fense, and they can sprinkle dangerous
targets all over the field.
Tampas defensive backfield is one of the
leagues best, but the Broncos receiving
corps matches up well against it. Look for
Cutler to go after CB Ronde Barber, who
appears a step slower in his 12th year, ear-
ly and often. Barber will be covering WR
Brandon Marshall, and the veteran corner
will be at a severe height disadvantage, giv-
ing up six inches to Marshall. WR Eddie
Royal and TE Tony Scheffler can both find
openings in the coverage, and they will
come up with big plays if Tampa Bay pays
too much attention to Marshall.
The secondarys tall task will not be as
tough if DEs Gaines Adams and Greg
White keep up the pressure theyve dis-
played in recent weeks. The Bucs defense
is fast, opportunistic and well-coached.
It has been disruptive in the past three
weeks, with seven interceptions over
that span, but it faltered in its one meet-
ing with a quarterback of Cutlers caliber,
giving up 343 passing yards and three
touchdowns to the Saints Drew Brees in
a Week One loss.
Denvers RB stable has not received a
heavy workload thus far, but Selvin
Young (6.2 yards per carry) is a breakaway
threat and ex-Buc Michael Pittman (four
TDs) is tough on the goal line.
BUCCANEERS SCHEDULE
Pointspread Refers to Tampa Bay
DATE OPPONENT SPREAD SCORE
Sept. 7 At New Orleans (+3) 20-24
Sept. 14 Atlanta (-7) 24-9
Sept. 21 At Chicago (+3) 27-24*
Sept. 28 Green Bay (-2) 30-21
Oct. 5 At Denver
Oct. 12 Carolina
Oct. 19 Seattle
Oct. 26 At Dallas
Nov. 2 At Kansas City
Nov. 9 BYE
Nov. 16 Minnesota
Nov. 23 At Detroit
Nov. 30 New Orleans
Dec. 8 At Carolina
Dec. 14 At Atlanta
Dec. 21 San Diego
Dec. 28 Oakland
* Overtime
BRONCOS SCHEDULE
Pointspread Refers to Denver
Sept. 8 At Oakland (-3) 41-14
Sept. 14 San Diego (-1) 39-38
Sept. 21 New Orleans (-5.5) 34-32
Sept. 28 At Kansas City (-9) 19-33
Oct. 5 Tampa Bay
Oct. 12 Jacksonville
Oct. 20 At New England
Oct. 26 BYE
Nov. 2 Miami
Nov. 6 At Cleveland
Nov. 16 At Atlanta
Nov. 23 Oakland
Nov. 30 At New York Jets
Dec. 7 Kansas City
Dec. 14 At Carolina
Dec. 21 Buffalo
Dec. 28 At San Diego
T
I
M
S
A
D
L
O
N
T
I
M
S
A
D
L
O
N
THE MATCHUPS
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 4:05 p.m. ET
LOCATIONInvesco Field at Mile High TURF Grass MEETING OF THE YEAR Only

QB
RB
WR
OL
DL
LB
DB
ST
Coach
WEEK FIVE
OVERVIEW
Both of these teams are off to surprising
starts and are among the biggest success sto-
ries of the seasons first quarter, but the out-
come of last weeks games sent them in op-
posite directions. The Buccaneers come
into Denver riding a wave of momentum
similar to what the Broncos were feeding on
prior to last week. Tampa Bay has won three
straight since head coach Jon Gruden made
a change at quarterback, substituting Bri-
an Griese, who began his career in Denver,
for Jeff Garcia. The Broncos won their first
three contests, displaying an explosively po-
tent offense, before falling to the lowly
Chiefs in a disappointing Week Four loss.
The Bucs look like a much more balanced
team than the Broncos, whose defense
hasnt proven it can stop anyone. Mike
Shanahans club is very difficult to defeat at
home, posting a 48-18 home mark since
2000. Tampa Bay is just 21-29 on the road
since Gruden took over in 2002.
3-1-0 Season record 3-1-0
3-1-0 Season record vs. spread 1-2-1
1-1-0 Home/road record 2-0-0
1-1-0 Home/road record vs. spread 0-1-1
3-0-0 Record on natural turf 3-1-0
3-0-0 Record on natural turf vs. spread 1-2-1
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Advantage DENVER BRONCOS
BRONCOS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 15 Marshall
OLT 78 Clady* / 76 Polumbus*
OLG 50 Hamilton / 67 Lichtensteiger*
C 62 Wiegmann
ORG 73 Kuper / 67 Lichtensteiger*
ORT 74 Harris / 64 Pears
TE 89 Graham / 88 Scheffler / 81 N. Jackson
WR 19 Royal* / 82 D. Jackson / 14 Stokley
QB 6 Cutler / 11 Ramsey
RB 35 Young / 23 Hall / 28 Pittman
FB 48 Hillis* / 28 Pittman
DEFENSE
DLE 60 Engelberger / 96 Crowder / 91 Ekuban
DLT 63 Robertson / 90 Peterson
DRT 79 Thomas / 95 Shaw
DRE 92 Dumervil / 94 Moss
SLB 97 B. Bailey / 52 Green
MLB 58 Webster / 53 Koutouvides
WLB 55 D. Williams / 51 Winborn
LCB 24 C. Bailey / 26 J. Williams*
RCB 32 Bly / 41 Paymah
SS 33 Manuel
FS 20 McCree / 37 Lowry
SPECIALISTS
P 1 Kern*
PK 5 Prater
H 1 Kern*
PR 19 Royal* / 82 D. Jackson
KR 19 Royal* / 23 Hall
LS 83 Leach
* Rookie
BUCCANEERS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 84 Galloway / 85 Stovall / 10 D. Jackson*
OLT 70 Penn / 69 A. Davis
OLG 78 Sears
C 52 Faine / 79 Mahan
ORG 76 Zuttah* / 75 Joseph
ORT 65 Trueblood / 79 Lee
TE 81 Smith / 88 Gilmore / 86 Stevens
WR 89 A. Bryant / 19 Hilliard / 80 Clayton
QB 8 Griese / 7 Garcia / 12 McCown
RB 34 Graham / 28 Dunn / 29 Bennett
FB 35 Askew / 44 Storer
DEFENSE
DLE 93 Carter / 91 White
DLT 95 Hovan / 96 Peterson
DRT 71 Haye / 98 Sims
DRE 90 Adams / 97 Wilkerson
SLB 59 June / 58 Black
MLB 51 Ruud / 57 Hayward / 41 McCoy
WLB 55 Brooks / 54 Hayes*
LCB 31 Buchanon / 25 Talib*
RCB 20 Barber / 43 Mack*
SS 23 Phillips / 21 Piscitelli
FS 36 T. Jackson / 26 Allen
SPECIALISTS
P 9 Bidwell
PK 3 M. Bryant
H 9 Bidwell
PR 10 D. Jackson* / 19 Hilliard
KR 10 D. Jackson*
LS 48 Economos
* Rookie
GAME PREVIEWS
WEEK FIVE
TITANS GAME PROFILE RAVENS
1-0-0 Road/home record 2-0-0
1-0-0 Road/home record vs. spread 2-0-0
1-0-0 Record on artificial turf 2-0-0
1-0-0 Record on artificial turf vs. spread 2-0-0
TITANS
AT
RAVENS
TITANS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Tennessee
Sept. 7 Jacksonville (+3) 17-10
Sept. 14 At Cincinnati (0) 24-7
Sept. 21 Houston (-5) 31-12
Sept. 28 Minnesota (-3.5) 30-17
Oct. 5 At Baltimore
Oct. 12 BYE
Oct. 19 At Kansas City
Oct. 27 Indianapolis
Nov. 2 Green Bay
Nov. 9 At Chicago
Nov. 16 At Jacksonville
Nov. 23 NewYork Jets
Nov. 27 At Detroit
Dec. 7 Cleveland
Dec. 14 At Houston
Dec. 21 Pittsburgh
Dec. 28 At Indianapolis
TITANS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 19McCareins / 87 Hawkins* / 17 C. Davis
OLT 71 Roos / 70Loper / 66Otto
OLG 54Amano / 64Harris
C 68Mawae / 64Harris
ORG 73Scott / 70Loper
ORT 76Stewart / 70Loper
TE 83Crumpler / 80Scaife / 88Stevens*
WR 12Gage / 81 B. Jones / 11 P. Williams
QB 5Collins / 8Simms / 10Young
RB 25White / 28C. Johnson* / 42Henry / 35Ganther
FB 45Hall
DEFENSE
DLE 90Kearse / 78Ford/ 95Hayes*
DLT 97 Brown/ 91 J. Jones* / 96Vickerson
DRT 92Haynesworth/ 96Vickerson
DRE 93VandenBosch/ 98Ball / 91 J. Jones*
SLB 53Bulluck / 59Keglar*
MLB 55Tulloch/ 52Fowler / 56Allred
WLB 50Thornton/ 51 Cordova / 59Keglar*
LCB 20Harper / 21 Hill / 29Carr
RCB 31 Finnegan/ 30King
SS 24Hope / 23Nickey / 29Carr
FS 33Griffin/ 22Fuller
SPECIALISTS
P 15Hentrich
PK 2Bironas
H 15Hentrich
PR 29Carr / 17 Davis / 81 Jones
KR 29Carr / 28C. Johnson* / 87 Hawkins*
LS 58Amato
* Rookie
OVERVIEWTwo of the leagues top defenses square off in Bal-
timore. The Titans are 4-0 for the first time in franchise history
thanks to that ferocious D and an offense sparked by QB
Kerry Collins ascension to the starting lineup and the addition
of rookie RB Chris Johnson, who has rare speed. The Ravens
played Monday night at Pittsburgh.
MATCHUP TO WATCH The Ravens will rely heavily on the run,
but that doesnt mean Ravens offensive coordinator Cam
Cameron wont try to make the Titans pay for stacking the
box. But this could be easier said than done. Titans RCB Cort-
land Finnegan is playing at a Pro Bowl level, and LCB Nick
Harper is capable of baiting rookie QB Joe Flacco into poor
throws. Ravens WRs Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton can
help their young quarterback with good routes by cluing
Flacco in to the tendencies of the Titans cornerbacks.
BYTHE NUMBERS Titans RB LenDale White has scored in
every game this season. Titans DT Albert Haynesworth has
five sacks in four games; his career high is six sacks.
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 1 p.m. ET
RAVENS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Baltimore
Sept. 7 Cincinnati (+2) 17-10
Sept. 14 BYE
Sept. 21 Cleveland (-2.5) 28-10
Sept. 29 At Pittsburgh
Oct. 5 Tennessee
Oct. 12 At Indianapolis
Oct. 19 At Miami
Oct. 26 Oakland
Nov. 2 At Cleveland
Nov. 9 At Houston
Nov. 16 At NewYork Giants
Nov. 23 Philadelphia
Nov. 30 At Cincinnati
Dec. 7 Washington
Dec. 14 Pittsburgh
Dec. 20 At Dallas
Dec. 28 Jacksonville
RAVENS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 89Clayton/ 87 D. Williams
OLT 71 Gaither / 78Terry / 64Cousins*
OLG 66Grubbs / 65Chester / 76Hale*
C 60Brown/ 65Chester
ORG 73Yanda / 65Chester
ORT 78Terry / 79Anderson
TE 86Heap/ 83Wilcox
WR 85Mason/ 16Figurs / 81 Ma. Smith*
QB 5Flacco* / 2Bouman/ 10T. Smith
RB 23McGahee / 27 Rice* / 33L. McClain
FB 33L. McClain/ 42Neal
DEFENSE
DLE 90Pryce / 91 Douglas
NT 94Bannan/ 96Divens* / 97 Gregg
DRE 92Ngata / 94Bannan
LOLB 95Johnson/ 53J. McClain*
LILB 52Lewis / 59Greisen
RILB 57 Scott / 56Gooden* / 51 Ayanbadejo
ROLB 55Suggs / 50Barnes
LCB 21 McAlister / 41 Walker / 35Ivy / 25Oglesby
RCB 22Rolle / 31 Washington/ 29Martin
SS 26Landry / 28Zbikowski* / 43Nakamura*
FS 20Reed/ 36Leonhard
SPECIALISTS
P 4Koch
PK 3Stover
H 4Koch
PR 16Figurs / 36Leonhard/ 28Zbikowski*
KR 16Figurs / 36Leonhard/ 27 Rice*
LS 70Katula
* Rookie
CHIEFS GAME PROFILE PANTHERS
CHIEFS
AT
PANTHERS
CHIEFS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Kansas City
Sept. 7 At New England (+16) 10-17
Sept. 14 Oakland (-3.5) 8-23
Sept. 21 At Atlanta (+6) 14-38
Sept. 28 Denver (+9) 33-19
Oct. 5 At Carolina
Oct. 12 BYE
Oct. 19 Tennessee
Oct. 26 At NewYork Jets
Nov. 2 Tampa Bay
Nov. 9 At San Diego
Nov. 16 New Orleans
Nov. 23 Buffalo
Nov. 30 At Oakland
Dec. 7 At Denver
Dec. 14 San Diego
Dec. 21 Miami
Dec. 28 At Cincinnati
CHIEFS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 82Bowe / 85Franklin*
OLT 76Albert* / 75Taylor
OLG 54Waters / 74W. Smith/ 60De La Puente*
C 64Niswanger / 74W. Smith
ORG 73Jones / 74W. Smith/ 60De La Puente*
ORT 77 McIntosh/ 75Taylor / 67 Richardson*
TE 88Gonzalez / 87 Cottam* / 84Foschi
WR 81 Darling / 80Webb
QB 11 Huard/ 4Thigpen/ 12Croyle
RB 27 L. Johnson/ 25Charles* / 21 K. Smith
FB 42Cox*
DEFENSE
DLE 90McBride / 70Boone
DLT 93Tyler / 95R. Edwards
DRT 72Dorsey* / 99Jackson
DRE 91 Hali / 97Johnston*
SLB 53Williams / 52Walden* / 59D. Edwards
MLB 55Thomas / 50Harris / 57 Dacus*
WLB 56D. Johnson/ 53Williams / 52Walden*
LCB 39Carr* / 23Surtain
RCB 24Flowers* / 22Patterson/ 31 Leggett*
SS 49Pollard/ 38Morgan*
FS 44Page / 47 McGraw
SPECIALISTS
P 2Colquitt
PK 9Novak
H 2Colquitt
PR 30Sams / 29Savage* / 25Charles*
KR 29Savage* / 30Sams / 25Charles*
LS 51 Darche
* Rookie
OVERVIEWAfter a disappointing 2007 campaign, the Pan-
thers have worked their way into a tie for the top spot in the
NFC South. Aside from a Week Three loss to the Vikings, Car-
olina has successfully blended a powerful running game and a
tough, hard-hitting defense, which could be a tough combina-
tion for the rebuilding Chiefs, who rode powerful RB Larry
Johnson (198 rushing yards, two TDs) to their first victory of
the season by knocking off the previously unbeaten Broncos.
MATCHUP TO WATCH Panthers RBs DeAngelo Williams and
Jonathan Stewart shouldnt have much trouble wearing down
and breaking through a relatively unimpressive Chiefs run de-
fense. Kansas City has one of the youngest interior D-lines in
the league, and while DTs Tank Tyler and Glenn Dorsey have
shown promise, theyre learning on the job and havent been
able to stuff the run very effectively thus far.
BYTHE NUMBERS In their win over the Broncos, the Chiefs
snapped a franchise-record 12-game losing streak and took a
lead for the first time in 22 quarters (since Dec. 16, 2007).
PANTHERS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Carolina
Sept. 7 At San Diego (+9) 26-24
Sept. 14 Chicago (-3) 20-17
Sept. 21 At Minnesota (+3) 10-20
Sept. 28 Atlanta (-7) 24-9
Oct. 5 Kansas City
Oct. 12 At Tampa Bay
Oct. 19 New Orleans
Oct. 26 Arizona
Nov. 2 BYE
Nov. 9 At Oakland
Nov. 16 Detroit
Nov. 23 At Atlanta
Nov. 30 At Green Bay
Dec. 8 Tampa Bay
Dec. 14 Denver
Dec. 21 At NewYork Giants
Dec. 28 At New Orleans
PANTHERS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 89Smith/ 80Jarrett
OLT 69Gross / 76Omiyale
OLG 70Wharton/ 63Hangartner / 73Bridges
C 67 Kalil / 63Hangartner
ORG 68Vincent / 73Bridges
ORT 79Otah* / 76Omiyale
TE 47 King / 88Rosario / 82Barnidge*
WR 87 Muhammad/ 18Hackett / 10Robinson
QB 17 Delhomme / 12McCown/ 3Moore
RB 34Williams / 28Stewart*
FB 45Hoover / 37 Goings
DEFENSE
DLE 96Brayton/ 95Johnson
DLT 99Kemoeatu/ 91 Gibson
DRT 92Lewis / 93Walker
DRE 90Peppers / 66Taylor*
SLB 53Diggs / 54Johnson/ 55Curry
MLB 52Beason/ 59Seward/ 57 Connor*
WLB 58Davis / 50Anderson
LCB 20Gamble / 31 Marshall
RCB 21 Lucas / 23Wesley / 27Wilson
SS 43Harris / 26Teal
FS 30Godfrey* / 25Salley
SPECIALISTS
P 7 Baker
PK 4Kasay / 5Lloyd
H 7 Baker
PR 84Jones / 28Stewart * / 10Robinson
KR 84Jones / 10Robinson
LS 56Kyle
* Rookie
BEARS GAME PROFILE LIONS
BEARS
AT
LIONS
BEARS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Chicago
Sept. 7 At Indianapolis (+10.5) 29-13
Sept. 14 At Carolina (+3) 17-20
Sept. 21 Tampa Bay (-3) 24-27*
Sept. 28 Philadelphia (+3) 24-20
Oct. 5 At Detroit
Oct. 12 At Atlanta
Oct. 19 Minnesota
Oct. 26 BYE
Nov. 2 Detroit
Nov. 9 Tennessee
Nov. 16 At Green Bay
Nov. 23 At St. Louis
Nov. 30 At Minnesota
Dec. 7 Jacksonville
Dec. 11 New Orleans
Dec. 22 Green Bay
Dec. 28 At Houston
* Overtime
BEARS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 81 R. Davis / 23Hester / 85Bennett*
OLT 78St. Clair / 74C. Williams*
OLG 67 Beekman/ 60Metcalf
C 57 Kreutz
ORG 63Garza / 72Buenning
ORT 76Tait / 69Miller
TE 88Clark / 82Olsen/ 87 K. Davis*
WR 80Lloyd/ 86Booker
QB 18Orton/ 8Grossman/ 12Hanie*
RB 22Fort*/ 27Jones / 29Peterson/ 25Wolfe
FB 37 McKie
DEFENSE
DLE 93Ogunleye / 71 Idonije
DT 91 Harris / 94Harrison*
NT 98Dvoracek / 95A. Adams / 75Toeaina
DRE 96A. Brown/ 97Anderson
WLB 55Briggs / 52J. Williams
MLB 54Urlacher / 53Roach/ 90LaRocque*
SLB 92Hillenmeyer / 58McClover
LCB 33Tillman/ 21 Graham/ 24 Hamilton
RCB 31 Vasher / 26McBride
SS 44Payne
FS 30M. Brown/ 38D. Manning / 20Steltz*
SPECIALISTS
P 4Maynard
PK 9Gould
H 4Maynard
PR 23Hester / 31 Vasher / 85Bennett*
KR 23Hester / 38D. Manning / 81 R. Davis
LS 65Mannelly / 82Olsen/ 88Clark
* Rookie
OVERVIEWComing off their bye week, the winless Lions hope
to start turning their season around against a Bears team
they defeated twice in 2007. Chicago moved to the .500 mark
with a 24-20 prime-time win at home over the Eagles that re-
quired a dramatic fourth-quarter goal-line stand. Detroits de-
fense, which is on pace to give up more than 600 points, must
figure out a way to stop the passing of Kyle Orton, who tossed
a career-high three TD passes last week, and the running of
rookie Matt Fort, who managed only 43 yards rushing vs. the
Eagles but picked up a crucial first down late in the game.
MATCHUP TO WATCH Lions WRs Calvin Johnson and Roy
Williams, who have combined for three scores so far this sea-
son, will test the mettle of a Chicago CB corps that could be
missing Charles Tillman, who injured his shoulder against the
Eagles.
BYTHE NUMBERS The Bears have surrendered fourth-quar-
ter leads in five of their last six defeats. The Lions have
trailed by at least 18 points in each of their games.
LIONS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Detroit
Sept. 7 At Atlanta (-3) 21-34
Sept. 14 Green Bay (+3) 25-48
Sept. 21 At San Francisco (+5) 13-31
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 5 Chicago
Oct. 12 At Minnesota
Oct. 19 At Houston
Oct. 26 Washington
Nov. 2 At Chicago
Nov. 9 Jacksonville
Nov. 16 At Carolina
Nov. 23 Tampa Bay
Nov. 27 Tennessee
Dec. 7 Minnesota
Dec. 21 New Orleans
Dec. 28 At Green Bay
LIONS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 11 R. Williams / 84McDonald
OLT 76Backus / 77 Cherilus*
OLG 64Mulitalo
C 51 Raiola / 67 McCollum
ORG 66Peterman/ 63Ramirez
ORT 72Foster / 77 Cherilus* / 74Cook
TE 89Campbell / 86Gaines / 82FitzSimmons
WR 81 C. Johnson/ 87 Furrey
QB 8Kitna / 6Orlovsky / 5Stanton
RB 34Kev. Smith* / 32R. Johnson/ 33Thomas
FB 45Felton*
DEFENSE
DLE 95DeVries / 97Alama-Francis
NT 91 Darby / 75Cody / 98Cohen*
UT 78Redding / 79Moore / 96Fluellen*
DRE 99White / 93C. Smith/ 92Avril
SLB 59Lewis / 54Gardner
MLB 53Lenon/ 57 Dizon*
WLB 50Sims / 55Nece
LCB 25Kelly / 23Kei. Smith
RCB 30Bodden/ 21 Fisher / 38Robinson
SS 26D. Smith
FS 27 Bullocks / 42Alexander / 32Pearson
SPECIALISTS
P 2Harris
PK 4Hanson
H 2Harris
PR 87 Furrey / 84McDonald
KR 87 Furrey
LS 48Muhlbach
* Rookie
GAME PREVIEWS
WEEK FIVE
FALCONS GAME PROFILE PACKERS
FALCONS
AT
PACKERS
FALCONS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Atlanta
Sept. 7 Detroit (+3) 34-21
Sept. 14 At Tampa Bay (+7) 9-24
Sept. 21 Kansas City (-6) 38-14
Sept. 28 At Carolina (+7) 9-24
Oct. 5 At Green Bay
Oct. 12 Chicago
Oct. 19 BYE
Oct. 26 At Philadelphia
Nov. 2 At Oakland
Nov. 9 New Orleans
Nov. 16 Denver
Nov. 23 Carolina
Nov. 30 At San Diego
Dec. 7 At New Orleans
Dec. 14 Tampa Bay
Dec. 21 At Minnesota
Dec. 28 St. Louis
FALCONS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 12Jenkins / 19Robinson
OLT 72Baker* / 74Weiner / 76Ojinnaka
OLG 63Blalock / 67Wilkerson
C 62McClure / 69Stepanovich/ 67Wilkerson
ORG 73Dahl / 77 Clabo
ORT 77 Clabo / 74Weiner
TE 89Hartsock / 87 Peelle
WR 84White / 83Douglas* / 86Finneran
QB 2Ryan* / 8Redman/ 3Shockley
RB 33Turner / 32Norwood/ 44Snelling
FB 34Mughelli
DEFENSE
DLE 98J. Anderson/ 75Fraser
NT 91 G. Jackson/ 99Jefferson
UT 95Babineaux / 94Moorehead
DRE 55Abraham/ 92Davis
SLB 59Boley / 54Nicholas
MLB 50Lofton* / 51 Gilbert
WLB 56Brooking / 52Wire
LCB 20Grimes / 22C. Jackson*
RCB 23Houston/24Foxworth/ 30Irons
SS 36Milloy / 41 Harris
FS 26Coleman/ 28DeCoud*
SPECIALISTS
P 9Koenen
PK 1 Elam
H 9Koenen
PR 81 Jennings / 83Douglas*
KR 32Norwood/ 81 Jennings
LS 46Schneck
* Rookie
OVERVIEWThe Falcons moved to 0-2 on the road after get-
ting a 24-9 spanking by the division-rival Panthers, with much
of the damage being done by Panthers WRs Steve Smith and
Muhsin Muhammad (a combined 243 yards receiving and a
pair of scores). The Packers made four turnovers that set up
24 points in a 30-21 road loss in Tampa Bay. They also contin-
ued to get zapped by the injury bug, with QB Aaron Rodgers,
among others, suffering an injury to his throwing shoulder late
in the game that should be monitored closely.
MATCHUP TO WATCH Falcons rookie RB Michael Turner
(only 56 yards on 18 carries vs. Carolina) just might find Lam-
beau Field to his liking, matched up against a shaky Green Bay
run defense that has allowed at least 178 yards rushing in
three of four games.
BYTHE NUMBERS Falcons rookie QB Matt Ryan has com-
pleted only 46 percent of his passes away from home this sea-
son. Packers RB Ryan Grant has only one run of 20 yards or
longer so far this season.
PACKERS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Green Bay
Sept. 8 Minnesota (-2.5) 24-19
Sept. 14 At Detroit (-3) 48-25
Sept. 21 Dallas (+3) 16-27
Sept. 28 At Tampa Bay (+2) 21-30
Oct. 5 Atlanta
Oct. 12 At Seattle
Oct. 19 Indianapolis
Oct. 26 BYE
Nov. 2 At Tennessee
Nov. 9 At Minnesota
Nov. 16 Chicago
Nov. 24 At New Orleans
Nov. 30 Carolina
Dec. 7 Houston
Dec. 14 At Jacksonville
Dec. 22 At Chicago
Dec. 28 Detroit
PACKERS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 85Jennings / 82Martin
OLT 76Clifton/ 73Colledge
OLG 73Colledge / 78Barbre
C 63Wells / 72Spitz
ORG 72Spitz / 75Moll / 71 Sitton*
ORT 65Tauscher / 75Moll / 68Giacomini*
TE 86D. Lee / 84Humphrey / 88Finley*
WR 80Driver / 89Jones / 87 Nelson*
QB 12Rodgers / 10Flynn* / 11 Brohm
RB 25Grant / 32Jackson/ 28Lumpkin*
FB 35Hall / 30Kuhn
DEFENSE
DLE 74Kampman/ 96Montgomery
DLT 79Pickett / 90Cole
DRT 97Jolly / 77Jenkins
DRE 77Jenkins / 94Gbaja-Biamila / 57 Hunter
SLB 51 Poppinga / 54Chillar
MLB 56Barnett / 55Bishop
WLB 50Hawk / 59T. White
LCB 21 Woodson/ 27 Blackmon/ 22P. Lee*
RCB 38Williams / 24Bush/ 31 Harris
SS 20Bigby / 37 Rouse
FS 36Collins / 26Peprah
SPECIALISTS
P 6Frost
PK 2Crosby
H 6Frost / 10Flynn* / 82Martin
PR 27 Blackmon/ 38Williams / 87 Nelson*
KR 27 Blackmon/ 87 Nelson* / 38Williams
LS 61 Goode* / 75Moll / 97Jolly
* Rookie
COLTS GAME PROFILE TEXANS
COLTS
AT
TEXANS
COLTS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Indianapolis
Sept. 7 Chicago (-10.5) 13-29
Sept. 14 At Minnesota (-1.5) 18-15
Sept. 21 Jacksonville (-4.5) 21-23
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 5 At Houston
Oct. 12 Baltimore
Oct. 19 At Green Bay
Oct. 27 At Tennessee
Nov. 2 New England
Nov. 9 At Pittsburgh
Nov. 16 Houston
Nov. 23 At San Diego
Nov. 30 At Cleveland
Dec. 7 Cincinnati
Dec. 14 Detroit
Dec. 18 At Jacksonville
Dec. 28 Tennessee
COLTS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 87Wayne / 11 Gonzalez / 85Garcon*
OLT 67 Ugoh/ 76Federkeil
OLG 76Federkeil / 53Justice* / 78Pollak*
C 63Saturday / 61 Richard* / 53Justice
ORG 74Ch. Johnson/ 78Pollak*
ORT 71 Diem/ 72Hilliard
TE 44Clark / 47 Robinson
WR 88Harrison/ 83Hall / 10Roby
QB 18Manning / 12Sorgi
RB 29Addai / 38Rhodes / 32Hart*
TE 84Tamme* / 86Santi*
DEFENSE
DLE 98Mathis / 91 Thomas / 94Cu. Johnson*
DLT 96Dawson/ 68Foster* / 95Reid
DRT 79Brock / 90Muir
DRE 93Freeney / 92Howard*
SLB 55Session/ 50Wheeler*
MLB 58Brackett / 52Davis
WLB 54Keiaho / 51 Senn*
LCB 26Hayden/ 31 Ratliff
RCB 28Jackson/ 23Jennings / 20Hughes
SS 33Bullitt / 43Giordano
FS 41 Bethea / 21 Sanders
SPECIALISTS
P 17 Smith
PK 4Vinatieri
H 17 Smith
PR 85Garcon*
KR 10Roby
LS 48Snow
* Rookie
OVERVIEWThe winless Texans return to Houston for the first
of four straight home games. The Colts, a surprising 2
1
2 games
back in the AFC South race after home losses to Chicago and
Jacksonville, have dominated the all-time series with Houston,
winning 11-of-12 games, but the Texans have played the Colts
tough at home each of the past two seasons, with a win in 06.
MATCHUP TO WATCH Keep a close eye on how Colts CBs
Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson fare vs. Texans WRs Andre
Johnson and Kevin Walter. The Jaguars tightly covered John-
son last week, limiting him to three catches and 38 yards, but
Walter worked free for eight catches, 76 yards and a pair of
touchdowns. Strong coverage by Hayden and Jackson will
force QB Matt Schaub to check down, something he did well
last week because his offensive line was sound in pass protec-
tion, allowing no sacks.
BYTHE NUMBERS Texans RB Steve Slaton has 240 total
yards in his two starts. Colts QB Peyton Manning threw for
584 yards with four TDs vs. Houston in 2007.
TEXANS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Houston
Sept. 7 At Pittsburgh (+6.5) 17-38
Sept. 14 BYE
Sept. 21 At Tennessee (+5) 12-31
Sept. 28 At Jacksonville (+7) 27-30*
Oct. 5 Indianapolis
Oct. 12 Miami
Oct. 19 Detroit
Oct. 26 Cincinnati
Nov. 2 At Minnesota
Nov. 9 Baltimore
Nov. 16 At Indianapolis
Nov. 23 At Cleveland
Dec. 1 Jacksonville
Dec. 7 At Green Bay
Dec. 14 Tennessee
Dec. 21 At Oakland
Dec. 28 Chicago
* Overtime
TEXANS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 80A. Johnson/ 11 Davis
OLT 76D. Brown* / 74Salaam
OLG 69Pitts / 64Studdard
C 55Myers / 63White / 65Brisiel
ORG 65Brisiel / 63White
ORT 73Winston/ 78Butler / 75Frye
TE 81 Daniels / 87 Bruener / 85Dreessen
WR 83Walter / 12Jones / 89Anderson
QB 8Schaub/ 18Rosenfels
RB 20Slaton* / 27Taylor / 37Walker / 30Green
FB 44Leach/ 27Taylor
DEFENSE
DLE 98Weaver / 94Kalu/ 96Cochran
DLT 91 Okoye / 66De. Robinson
DRT 99T. Johnson/ 92Zgonina / 97 Okam
DRE 90Williams / 93Bulman
SLB 54Diles / 51 Thompson
MLB 59Ryans / 57 Bentley
WLB 56Greenwood/ 52Adibi*
LCB 32Bennett / 28Molden*
RCB 35Reeves / 38Faggins /26Wilson
SS 24C.C. Brown/ 34Barber*
FS 47 Demps / 25Ferguson/ 31 Harrison
SPECIALISTS
P 1 Turk
PK 3K. Brown
H 1 Turk / 18Rosenfels
PR 12Jones / 89Anderson/ 20Slaton*
KR 11 Davis / 20Slaton*
LS 48Pittman
* Rookie
CHARGERS GAME PROFILE DOLPHINS
CHARGERS
AT
DOLPHINS
CHARGERS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to San Diego
Sept. 7 Carolina (-9) 24-26
Sept. 14 At Denver (+1) 38-39
Sept. 22 NewYork Jets (-8) 48-29
Sept. 28 At Oakland (-8.5) 28-18
Oct. 5 At Miami
Oct. 12 New England
Oct. 19 At Buffalo
Oct. 26 At New Orleans
Nov. 2 BYE
Nov. 9 Kansas City
Nov. 23 Indianapolis
Nov. 30 Atlanta
Dec. 4 Oakland
Dec. 14 At Kansas City
Dec. 21 At Tampa Bay
Dec. 28 Denver
CHARGERS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 89Chambers / 84Davis / 80Floyd
OLT 73McNeill / 70Shelton
OLG 68Dielman/ 67 Forney
C 61 Hardwick / 62Newberry / 63Mruczkowski
ORG 79Goff / 63Mruczkowski
ORT 66Clary / 70Shelton/ 75Clark*
TE 85Gates / 86Manumaleuna / 88Wilson
WR 83Jackson/ 11 Naanee / 81 Osgood
QB 17 Rivers / 7Volek / 6Whitehurst
RB 21 Tomlinson/ 43Sproles / 22Hester*
FB 35Tolbert* / 22Hester*
DEFENSE
DLE 99Olshansky / 97 Bingham
NT 76Williams / 97 Bingham/ 98Scott / 91 McKinney
DRE 93Castillo / 74Cesaire
OLB 95Phillips / 92Harris
ILB 58Smith/ 54Cooper / 53Waters
ILB 57Wilhelm/ 51 Dobbins / 59Siler
OLB 94Tucker / 90Applewhite
LCB 23Jammer / 24Gordon
RCB 31 Cromartie / 20Cason*
SS 42Hart / 28Gregory
FS 32Weddle / 27 Oliver
SPECIALISTS
P 5Scifres
PK 10Kaeding
H 5Scifres
PR 43Sproles / 31 Cromartie / 84Davis
KR 43Sproles / 31 Cromartie / 84Davis
LS 50Binn
* Rookie
OVERVIEWThe Chargers have won two consecutive games
after a 0-2 start and are looking a lot like their 2007 edition
that rebounded from a 1-3 start to win the division. The Dol-
phins, who have had two weeks to prepare for San Diego after
a 38-13 throttling of New England, also are rounding into
shape. The 3-4 defenses that each team employs will be
tested by the game-breaking RB presences of LaDainian Tom-
linson and Ronnie Brown. The passing games are a bit differ-
ent San Diego doesnt mind mixing in the deep throws, and
Miami keeps it short with weak-armed QB Chad Pennington.
MATCHUP TO WATCH Much of the success Brown and Ricky
Williams enjoyed in Week Three can be attributed to the suc-
cess rookie OLTJake Long had against DE Richard Seymour. In
Luis Castillo, Long faces another elite end, but one who boasts
even greater quickness. Long not only must neutralize Castillo
but also be cognizant of the Chargers frequent blitzes.
BYTHE NUMBERS Miami, which has won six straight in the
series, hasnt lost to San Diego since 1993.
DOLPHINS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Miami
Sept. 7 NewYork Jets (+3) 14-20
Sept. 14 At Arizona (+6.5) 10-31
Sept. 21 At New England (+12.5) 38-13
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 5 San Diego
Oct. 12 At Houston
Oct. 19 Baltimore
Oct. 26 Buffalo
Nov. 2 At Denver
Nov. 9 Seattle
Nov. 16 Oakland
Nov. 23 New England
Nov. 30 At St. Louis
Dec. 7 At Buffalo
Dec. 14 San Francisco
Dec. 21 At Kansas City
Dec. 28 At NewYork Jets
DOLPHINS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 19Ginn/ 15Bess* / 18Wilford
OLT 77 Long* / 68Ndukwe
OLG 65Smiley / 61 Murphy*
C 64Satele / 57Alleman
ORG 61 Murphy* / 73Mathis
ORT 72Carey / 75Garner*
TE 81 Fasano / 88Martin/ 89Ryan
WR 83Camarillo / 82Hagan / 17 London
QB 10Pennington / 7 Henne* / 9Beck
RB 34Williams / 23Brown/ 38Cobbs
FB 30Cramer
DEFENSE
DLE 70Langford* / 94Starks / 90Wright
NT 95Ferguson/ 96Soliai
DRE 97 Merling* / 91 Holliday / 71 Dotson*
OLB 55Porter / 56Anderson
LILB 52Crowder / 53Torbor
RILB 51 Ayodele / 53Torbor
OLB 98Roth/ 74Moses
LCB 25W. Allen/ 22Lehan
RCB 21 Goodman/ 33Jones
SS 37 Bell / 24Hill
FS 20Crocker / 32J. Allen
SPECIALISTS
P 2Fields
PK 5Carpenter*
H 2Fields
PR 15Bess*
KR 15Bess*
LS 92Denney
* Rookie
GAME PREVIEWS
WEEK FIVE
SEAHAWKS GAME PROFILE GIANTS
SEAHAWKS
AT
GIANTS
SEAHAWKS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Seattle
Sept. 7 At Buffalo (+1.5) 10-34
Sept. 14 San Francisco (-6) 30-33*
Sept. 21 St. Louis (-8.5) 37-13
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 5 At NewYork Giants
Oct. 12 Green Bay
Oct. 19 At Tampa Bay
Oct. 26 At San Francisco
Nov. 2 Philadelphia
Nov. 9 At Miami
Nov. 16 Arizona
Nov. 23 Washington
Nov. 27 At Dallas
Dec. 7 New England
Dec. 14 At St. Louis
Dec. 21 NewYork Jets
Dec. 28 At Arizona
* Overtime
SEAHAWKS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 18Robinson/ 17 McMullen/ 13Colbert
OLT 71 W. Jones / 77Womack
OLG 68Wahle / 77Womack
C 65Spencer / 69Vallos
ORG 77Womack / 66Wrotto
ORT 75Locklear / 74Willis
TE 89Carlson* / 85Heller / 88Putzier
WR 83Branch/ 84Engram/ 86Taylor
QB 8Hasselbeck / 5Frye / 15S. Wallace
RB 22J. Jones / 20Morris / 45Duckett
FB 43Weaver / 35Schmitt*
DEFENSE
DLE 97 Kerney / 59Atkins
DLT 92Mebane / 94Green/ 79Bryant*
DRT 99Bernard/ 93Terrill
DRE 95Jackson* / 55Tapp
OLB 56Hill / 58Lewis / 50Laury
MLB 51 Tatupu/ 58Lewis / 59Hawthorne*
OLB 98Peterson/ 58Lewis
LCB 23Trufant / 32Hobbs
RCB 21 Jennings / 26Wilson
SS 24Grant / 27 Babineaux
FS 25Russell / 39C.J. Wallace
SPECIALISTS
P 9Ryan
PK 10Mare / 7 Coutu*
H 9Ryan/ 8Hasselbeck
PR 16Bumpus / 15Wallace
KR 26Wilson/ 16Bumpus
LS 49Robinson
* Rookie
OVERVIEWBoth teams emerge a little healthier after the bye
week, especially the Seahawks, but the Giants will be short-
handed without WR Plaxico Burress, who was suspended for
this game for violating team rules. The Seahawks expect to get
several injured players back: WRs Bobby Engram (shoulder),
Deion Branch (knee) and Koren Robinson (hamstring), plus
RB Maurice Morris, who could help balance the run game, al-
though Julius Jones has been on fire lately.
MATCHUP TO WATCH The Giants RB trio of Brandon Jacobs,
Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw could give a smaller Seat-
tle front some trouble, but Jacobs didnt run effectively in
Week Three. Ward might be earning a slightly larger role in the
offense. The Seahawks still feature a Pro Bowl-laden defense,
although the secondary has struggled. But with Burress out,
QB Eli Manning and the passing game might take a backseat.
BYTHE NUMBERS The Seahawks have a 10-18 record under
Mike Holmgren in the Eastern time zone, including 4-11 the
past five-plus years. They have lost five of the last six out East.
GIANTS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to NewYork
Sept. 4 Washington (-5) 16-7
Sept. 14 At St. Louis (-8.5) 41-13
Sept. 21 Cincinnati (-13) 26-23*
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 5 Seattle
Oct. 13 At Cleveland
Oct. 19 San Francisco
Oct. 26 At Pittsburgh
Nov. 2 Dallas
Nov. 9 At Philadelphia
Nov. 16 Baltimore
Nov. 23 At Arizona
Nov. 30 At Washington
Dec. 7 Philadelphia
Dec. 14 At Dallas
Dec. 21 Carolina
Dec. 28 At Minnesota
* Overtime
GIANTS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 87 Hixon/ 82Manningham* / 17 Burress
OLT 66Diehl / 77 Boothe
OLG 69Seubert / 65Ruegamer
C 60OHara / 65Ruegamer
ORG 76Snee / 77 Boothe
ORT 67 McKenzie / 61 Koets
TE 89Boss / 88Matthews / 84D. Johnson
WR 81 Toomer / 12Smith/ 83Moss
QB 10E. Manning / 2Wright / 8Carr
RB 27Jacobs / 34Ward/ 44Bradshaw
FB 39Hedgecock
DEFENSE
DLE 91 Tuck / 99Wynn/ 95McDougle
NT 96Cofield
DT 98Robbins / 93Alford
DRE 97 Kiwanuka / 71 Tollefson
SLB 55Clark / 51 DeOssie
MLB 58Pierce / 57 Blackburn/ 54Goff*
WLB 59Wilkinson/ 53Kehl*
LCB 31 Ross / 35Dockery / 30Thomas*
RCB 23Webster / 29Madison/ 25McQuarters
SS 37 Butler / 26Knight
FS 20M. Johnson/ 21 Phillips*
SPECIALISTS
P 18Feagles
PK 5Carney / 9Tynes
H 18Feagles
PR 25McQuarters / 44Bradshaw/ 87 Hixon
KR 44Bradshaw / 87 Hixon/ 34Ward
LS 51 DeOssie / 93Alford
* Rookie
REDSKINS GAME PROFILE EAGLES
REDSKINS
AT
EAGLES
REDSKINS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Washington
Sept. 4 At NewYork Giants (+5) 7-16
Sept. 14 New Orleans (0) 29-24
Sept. 21 Arizona (-3) 24-17
Sept. 28 At Dallas (+10) 26-24
Oct. 5 At Philadelphia
Oct. 12 St. Louis
Oct. 19 Cleveland
Oct. 26 At Detroit
Nov. 3 Pittsburgh
Nov. 9 BYE
Nov. 16 Dallas
Nov. 23 At Seattle
Nov. 30 NewYork Giants
Dec. 7 At Baltimore
Dec. 14 At Cincinnati
Dec. 21 Philadelphia
Dec. 28 At San Francisco
REDSKINS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 89Moss / 83Thrash/ 12Kelly*
OLT 60Samuels / 75Rinehart*
OLG 66Kendall / 76Jansen
C 61 Rabach/ 68Geisinger
ORG 77Thomas / 69Fabini
ORT 76Jansen/ 74Heyer
TE 47 Cooley / 86Davis*
WR 82Randle El / 11 Thomas*
QB 17J. Campbell / 15Collins / 5Brennan*
RB 26Portis / 46Betts / 31 Cartwright
FB 45Sellers
DEFENSE
DLE 92Evans / 95Wilson/ 78James / 55Taylor
DLT 96Griffin/ 79Alexander
DRT 64Golston/ 94Montgomery
DRE 99Carter / 98Jackson*
SLB 53Washington/ 51 Fincher
MLB 59Fletcher / 54Blades
WLB 52McIntosh/ 50K. Campbell
LCB 24Springs / 29Torrence
RCB 22Rogers / 27 Smoot / 20Tryon*
SS 48Horton* / 37 Doughty / 39Fox
FS 30Landry / 41 Moore*
SPECIALISTS
P 14Brooks*
PK 6Suisham
H 14Brooks*
PR 82Randle El / 83Thrash/ 89Moss
KR 31 Cartwright / 83Thrash/ 46Betts
LS 67Albright
* Rookie
OVERVIEWRedskins head coach Jim Zorn has turned things
around quickly in Washington, leading the team to three
straight wins including the shocker in Dallas without Jason
Taylor and into contention in the loaded NFC East. The Ea-
gles, amazingly, find themselves in last place, having lost both
of their road games. They were severly hindered offensively
with RB Brian Westbrook (ankle) missing the game in Chicago.
MATCHUP TO WATCH Zorns offense has been on a roll the
past three games, finding a good rhythm and seams in oppos-
ing defenses, especially on third downs and late in games. Ea-
gles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson loves to send
pressure, but the Bears counteracted that with a no-huddle at-
tack, using screens and attacking the Eagles corners in man
coverage. The Redskins wont shy away from throwing the ball
downfield if they can pass-protect.
BYTHE NUMBERS Redskins rookie S Chris Horton made his
first start of the season last Sunday and collected his third in-
terception of the short season.
EAGLES SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Philadelphia
Sept. 7 St. Louis (-8.5) 38-3
Sept. 15 At Dallas (+6.5) 37-41
Sept. 21 Pittsburgh (-3.5) 15-6
Sept. 28 At Chicago (-3) 20-24
Oct. 5 Washington
Oct. 19 BYE
Oct. 26 Atlanta
Nov. 2 At Seattle
Nov. 23 At Baltimore
Nov. 27 Arizona
Dec. 7 At NewYork Giants
Dec. 15 Cleveland
Dec. 21 At Washington
Dec. 28 Dallas
EAGLES DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 84Baskett / 81 Avant / 80Curtis
OLT 72T. Thomas / 74Justice
OLG 79Herremans / 68McGlynn*
C 67J. Jackson/ 59N. Cole
ORG 62Jean-Gilles / 73Andrews
ORT 69Runyan / 74Justice
TE 82L.J. Smith/ 87 Celek / 89Schobel
WR 10D. Jackson* / 86R. Brown/ 83G. Lewis
QB 5McNabb/ 4Kolb/ 14Feeley
RB 36Westbrook / 28Buckhalter / 25Booker
FB 29Hunt
DEFENSE
DLE 75Parker / 91 Clemons / 78Abiamiri
DLT 98Patterson/ 93Laws
DRT 97 Bunkley / 68Klecko
DRE 58Cole / 90Howard/ 63B. Smith*
SLB 57 Gocong / 50Daniels
MLB 55Bradley / 51 Mays*
WLB 96Gaither / 56Jordan
LCB 22Samuel / 21 Hanson
RCB 24S. Brown/ 26Sheppard
SS 27 Mikell / 37 Considine
FS 20Dawkins / 30Reed/ 39Demps*
SPECIALISTS
P 6Rocca
PK 2Akers
H 6Rocca / 4Kolb/ 14Feeley
PR 10D. Jackson* / 39Demps* / 30Reed
KR 39Demps* / 25Booker / 30Reed
LS 46Dorenbos
* Rookie
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GAME PREVIEWS
WEEK FIVE
BILLS GAME PROFILE CARDINALS
BILLS
AT
CARDINALS
BILLS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Buffalo
Sept. 7 Seattle (-1.5) 34-10
Sept. 14 At Jacksonville (+4.5) 20-16
Sept. 21 Oakland (-10) 24-23
Sept. 28 At St. Louis (-8.5) 31-14
Oct. 5 At Arizona
Oct. 12 BYE
Oct. 19 San Diego
Oct. 26 At Miami
Nov. 2 NewYork Jets
Nov. 9 At New England
Nov. 17 Cleveland
Nov. 30 San Francisco
Dec. 7 Miami
Dec. 14 At NewYork Jets
Dec. 21 At Denver
Dec. 28 New England
BILLS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 83Evans / 11 Parrish/ 13St. Johnson*
OLT 71 Peters / 77 Bell*
OLG 66Dockery / 65Whittle
C 67 Fowler / 75Preston
ORG 60Butler / 75Preston
ORT 68Walker / 73Chambers
TE 84Royal / 80Schouman/ 86Fine*
WR 81 Hardy* / 82Reed
QB 5Edwards / 7 Losman/ 10Hamdan
RB 23Lynch/ 22Jackson/ 25Omon*
FB 36Barnes
DEFENSE
DLE 90Kelsay / 92Denney
DLT 99Stroud/ 97 McCargo
DRT 95Williams / 91 Sp. Johnson
DRE 94Schobel / 96Bryan/ 93Ellis*
SLB 56Ellison/ 54Costanzo
MLB 51 Posluszny / 52DiGiorgio
WLB 59Mitchell / 57 Corto
LCB 33Greer / 28McKelvin*
RCB 24McGee / 26Youboty / 27 Corner*
SS 20Whitner / 43Scott / 29Wendling
FS 30Simpson/ 37Wilson
SPECIALISTS
P 8Moorman
PK 9Lindell
H 8Moorman
PR 11 Parrish/ 28McKelvin*
KR 24McGee / 28McKelvin*
LS 72Neill
* Rookie
OVERVIEWThe Bills overcame a slow start in St. Louis to clob-
ber the Rams in the second half and bump their record to 4-0
for the first time since 1992. The fact that they turned on the
afterburners late shouldnt come as much of a surprise consid-
ering the Bills have dominated the fourth quarter each of the
past three weeks, with Trent Edwards operating Turk Schon-
erts offense to near perfection in crunch time. Hell have every
opportunity to carve up a D that yielded six TD passes and 56
points to Brett Favre and the Jets last week. The normally high-
powered Cardinals could be without WR Anquan Boldin after
he took a vicious blow to the head last week.
MATCHUP TO WATCH Cardinals QB Kurt Warner will make
the boneheaded interception a play after making the thread-
the-needle TD throw. When hes careless with the ball, Bills S
Donte Whitner will make him pay. Whitner plays similarly to
Jets S Kerry Rhodes, who had a big day vs. Warner last week.
BYTHE NUMBERS Warners 472 passing yards last week
were the second most of his career (484 vs. the 49ers in 07).
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 4:15 p.m. ET
CARDINALS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Arizona
Sept. 7 At San Francisco (-2.5) 23-13
Sept. 14 Miami (-6.5) 31-10
Sept. 21 At Washington (+3) 17-24
Sept. 28 At NewYork Jets (+1) 35-56
Oct. 5 Buffalo
Oct. 12 Dallas
Oct. 19 BYE
Oct. 26 At Carolina
Nov. 2 At St. Louis
Nov. 16 At Seattle
Nov. 27 At Philadelphia
Dec. 7 St. Louis
Dec. 14 Minnesota
Dec. 21 At New England
Dec. 28 Seattle
CARDINALS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 11 Fitzgerald/ 85Urban/ 87 Morey
OLT 69Gandy / 72Keith*
OLG 74Wells / 81 E. Brown
C 63Sendlein/ 70Ross
ORG 76Lutui / 61 E. Brown
ORT 75L. Brown/ 68Vallejo
TE 82Pope / 89Patrick / 84Tuman
WR 81 Boldin/ 15Breaston/ 80Doucet*
QB 13Warner / 7 Leinart / 2St. Pierre
RB 32James / 34Hightower* / 28Arrington
FB 45T. Smith/ 46Castille
DEFENSE
DLE 94A. Smith/ 91 Iwebema*
NT 97 B. Robinson/ 98Watson/ 78Branch
DT 90Dockett / 93Campbell*
DRE 55LaBoy / 92Berry
SLB 56Okeafor / 53Haggans
MLB 54Hayes / 52Beisel
WLB 58Dansby / 95Highsmith*
LCB 26Hood/ 29Rodgers-Cromartie*
RCB 25Green/ 20R. Brown
SS 24Wilson/ 47 Francisco / 35Celestin
FS 21 Rolle / 22Ware
SPECIALISTS
P 9D. Johnson
PK 1 Rackers
H 9D. Johnson/ 87 Morey
PR 15Breaston/ 21 Rolle / 26Hood
KR 15Breaston/ 87 Morey / 28Arrington
LS 48Hodel / 84Tuman
* Rookie
BENGALS GAME PROFILE COWBOYS
BENGALS
AT
COWBOYS
BENGALS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Cincinnati
Sept. 7 At Baltimore (-2) 10-17
Sept. 14 Tennessee (0) 7-24
Sept. 21 At NewYork Giants (+13) 23-26*
Sept. 28 Cleveland (-1) 12-20
Oct. 5 At Dallas
Oct. 12 At NewYork Jets
Oct. 19 Pittsburgh
Oct. 26 At Houston
Nov. 2 Jacksonville
Nov. 9 BYE
Nov. 16 Philadelphia
Nov. 30 Baltimore
Dec. 14 Washington
Dec. 21 At Cleveland
Dec. 28 Kansas City
* Overtime
BENGALS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 85Ocho Cinco / 89Simpson* / 16Holt
OLT 76L. Jones / 73Collins*
OLG 77Whitworth/ 61 Davis
C 53Ghiaciuc / 64Cook
ORG 63Williams / 75Kooistra
ORT 79Andrews / 73Collins*
TE 82Kelly / 81 Utecht / 86Coats
WR 84Houshmandzadeh/ 89Simpson*
QB 9C. Palmer / 11 Fitzpatrick / 5J. Palmer
RB 23Perry / 33Watson/ 27 Dorsey
FB 86Coats / 36Mauia
DEFENSE
DLE 91 Geathers / 68Fanene
DLT 94Peko / 95Harris
DRT 97Thornton/ 90Sims*
DRE 98Odom/ 92Rucker
SLB 93Jeanty / 56Blackstock
MLB 57 Dh. Jones / 51 Mays
WLB 55Rivers* / 59B. Johnson
LCB 22Joseph/ 20Da. Jones / 25Fletcher
RCB 29Hall / 20Da. Jones / 21 Castille*
SS 41 Ndukwe / 28Jackson
FS 26White / 34Hebert
SPECIALISTS
P 19Larson
PK 17 Graham
H 19Larson
PR 83Chatman/ 84Houshmandzadeh
KR 16Holt / 27 Dorsey / 87 Caldwell*
LS 48St. Louis
* Rookie
OVERVIEWThe Cowboys were surprised by upstart Washing-
ton, which rolled up 381 yards of offense and threw Dallas of-
fense off-rhythm just enough to score the upset. But relief for
Dallas might come in a visit from the 0-4 Bengals, who lost to
Cleveland as QB Carson Palmer sat out with a right elbow in-
jury. The Bengals hope the week of rest will help Palmer return
in Week Five; Ryan Fitzpatrick will start if Palmer cant go.
MATCHUP TO WATCH It would be surprising if the Cowboys
didnt look to run quite a bit more against the Bengals than
they did vs. the Redskins. RB Marion Barber, who carried only
eight times for 26 yards in Week Four, is likely to get at least
double that many hand-offs against Cincinnati, which is sur-
rendering 164.3 rushing yards per game. Barber has had a lot
of success running to his right this season, so Bengals DLE
Robert Geathers and DLT Domata Peko must hold their own in
matchups with ORT Marc Colombo and ORG Leonard Davis.
BYTHE NUMBERS The Bengals are 2-10 in their last 12
games on the road.
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 4:15 p.m. ET
COWBOYS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Dallas
Sept. 7 At Cleveland (-6) 28-10
Sept. 15 Philadelphia (-6.5) 41-37
Sept. 21 At Green Bay (-3) 27-16
Sept. 28 Washington (-10) 24-26
Oct. 5 Cincinnati
Oct. 12 At Arizona
Oct. 19 At St. Louis
Oct. 26 Tampa Bay
Nov. 2 At NewYork Giants
Nov. 9 BYE
Nov. 27 Seattle
Dec. 7 At Pittsburgh
Dec. 14 NewYork Giants
Dec. 20 Baltimore
Dec. 28 At Philadelphia
COWBOYS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 81 Owens / 17 Hurd/ 19Austin
OLT 76Adams / 68Free
OLG 71 Procter / 64Holland/ 63Kosier
C 65Gurode / 71 Procter
ORG 70Davis / 67 Berger
ORT 75Colombo / 77 McQuistan
TE 82Witten/ 89Curtis / 80Bennett*
WR 84Crayton/ 86Stanback / 85Jefferson
QB 9Romo / 14B. Johnson
RB 24Barber / 28F. Jones* / 29Choice*
FB 34Anderson
DEFENSE
DLE 96Spears / 97 Hatcher
NT 90Ratliff / 66T. Johnson
DRE 99Canty / 72Bowen
LOLB 98Ellis / 93Spencer
LILB 56James / 54Carpenter / 50Rogers
RILB 55Thomas / 57 Burnett
ROLB 94Ware / 53Walden*
LCB 41 Newman/ 31 Jenkins* / 20Ball
RCB 42Henry / 21 A. Jones / 32Scandrick*
SS 38Williams / 27 Brown
FS 26Hamlin/ 25Watkins
SPECIALISTS
P 1 McBriar
PK 6Folk
H 14B. Johnson/ 1 McBriar
PR 21 A. Jones / 84Crayton
KR 28F. Jones* / 26Scandrick / 19Austin
LS 91 LaDouceur
* Rookie
PATRIOTS GAME PROFILE 49ERS
PATRIOTS
AT
49ERS
PATRIOTS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Patriots
Sept. 7 Kansas City (-16) 17-10
Sept. 14 At NewYork Jets (-1) 19-10
Sept. 21 Miami (-12.5) 13-38
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 12 At San Diego
Oct. 20 Denver
Oct. 26 St. Louis
Nov. 2 At Indianapolis
Nov. 9 Buffalo
Nov. 13 NewYork Jets
Nov. 23 At Miami
Nov. 30 Pittsburgh
Dec. 7 At Seattle
Dec. 14 At Oakland
Dec. 21 Arizona
Dec. 28 At Buffalo
PATRIOTS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 83Welker / 10Gaffney / 15Washington/ 17 Price*
OLT 72Light / 65Britt
OLG 70Mankins / 71 Hochstein
C 67 Koppen/ 63Connolly
ORG 74Yates / 64LeVoir
ORT 77 Kaczur / 65Britt
TE 84Watson/ 86Thomas
WR 81 Moss / 18Slater* / 41 Ventrone
QB 16Cassel / 5OConnell* / 7 Gutierrez
RB 39Maroney / 33Faulk / 34Morris
FB 44Evans / 32Jordan
DEFENSE
DLE 94Warren/ 99Wright
NT 75Wilfork / 90Smith
DRE 93Seymour / 97 Green
LOLB 50Vrabel / 58Woods
LILB 51 Mayo* / 59Guyton*
RILB 54Bruschi / 52Alexander / 53Izzo
ROLB 96Thomas / 98Crable*
LCB 29Sanders / 22Wheatley* / 21 ONeal
RCB 27 Hobbs / 24Wilhite*
SS 37 Harrison/ 31 Meriweather
FS 36Sanders / 31 Meriweather
SPECIALISTS
P 6Hanson
PK 3Gostkowski
H 6Hanson
PR 21 ONeal / 83Welker
KR 27 Hobbs / 18Slater*
LS 66Paxton
* Rookie
OVERVIEWThe Patriots have had a week off to lick their
wounds after the Dolphins humiliated them at Foxborough. In
the 49ers, the Pats face off against an opponent they can right
the ship against. Although 2-2 on the season, the 49ers were
beaten soundly by the Saints last week, showing signs of being
the troubled club most figured theyd be. San Franciscos J.T.
OSullivan has been the more impressive of the two young
quarterbacks in this matchup, but both he and New Englands
Matt Cassel should be able to produce against a pair of sec-
ondaries that have given up big plays through the air.
MATCHUP TO WATCH Patriots RB Laurence Maroney has
gotten on Bill Belichicks bad side for a perceived lack of
toughness, and he might be even more prone to avoid contact
going against 49ers outstanding second-year ILB Patrick
Willis. With Maroneys shoulder banged up, Sammy Morris and
LaMont Jordan might need to work laterally against Willis.
BYTHE NUMBERS The Patriots have not lost consecutive
games since Weeks Nine and 10 in 2006.
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 4:15 p.m. ET
49ERS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to San Francisco
Sept. 7 Arizona (+2.5) 13-23
Sept. 14 At Seattle (+6) 33-30*
Sept. 21 Detroit (-5) 31-13
Sept. 28 At New Orleans (+4) 17-31
Oct. 5 New England
Oct. 12 Philadelphia
Oct. 19 At NewYork Giants
Oct. 26 Seattle
Nov. 2 BYE
Nov. 10 At Arizona
Nov. 16 St. Louis
Nov. 23 At Dallas
Nov. 30 At Buffalo
Dec. 7 NewYork Jets
Dec. 14 At Miami
Dec. 21 At St. Louis
Dec. 28 Washington
* Overtime
49ERS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 82Johnson/ 84Morgan* / 89J. Hill
OLT 74Staley / 65Sims
OLG 68Snyder / 64Baas
C 66Heitmann/ 59Wallace*
ORG 69Wragge / 62Rachal*
ORT 65Sims / 75J. Jennings
TE 85Davis / 46Walker / 47 Bajema
WR 88Bruce / 83Battle
QB 14OSullivan/ 13S. Hill / 10Martin
RB 21 Gore / 29Foster / 24Robinson
FB 45Keasey
DEFENSE
DLE 91 McDonald/ 96Balmer*
NT 90Sopoaga / 92Franklin/ 93Fields
DRE 94J. Smith/ 96Balmer*
OLB 99Lawson/ 95Banta-Cain
ILB 51 Spikes / 53Ulbrich
ILB 52Willis / 55Brooks
OLB 98Haralson/ 54Green
LCB 22Clements / 25Brown/ 30Strickland
RCB 27 Harris / 23Hudson/ 31 R. Smith*
SS 32M. Lewis / 28K. Lewis
FS 26Roman/ 38Goldson
SPECIALISTS
P 4Lee
PK 6Nedney
H 4Lee / 83Battle
PR 20Rossum/ 83Battle / 22Clements
KR 20Rossum/ 46Walker / 24Robinson
LS 86B. Jennings / 47 Bajema
* Rookie
GAME PREVIEWS
WEEK FIVE
STEELERS GAME PROFILE JAGUARS
STEELERS
AT
JAGUARS
STEELERS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Pittsburgh
Sept. 7 Houston (-6.5) 38-17
Sept. 14 At Cleveland (-7) 10-6
Sept. 21 At Philadelphia (+3.5) 6-15
Sept. 29 Baltimore
Oct. 5 At Jacksonville
Oct. 12 BYE
Oct. 19 At Cincinnati
Oct. 26 NewYork Giants
Nov. 9 Indianapolis
Nov. 16 San Diego
Nov. 20 Cincinnati
Nov. 30 At New England
Dec. 7 Dallas
Dec. 14 At Baltimore
Dec. 21 At Tennessee
Dec. 28 Cleveland
STEELERS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
SE 86Ward/ 85Washington
OLT 77 M. Smith/ 79Essex / 66Hills*
OLG 68Kemoeatu/ 72Stapleton
C 62Hartwig / 72Stapleton
ORG 73Simmons / 72Stapleton
ORT 74Colon/ 78Starks
TE 83Miller / 89Spaeth/ 49McHugh
FL 10Holmes / 14Sweed*/ 81 Baker
QB 7 Roethlisberger / 4Leftwich/ 2Dixon*
RB 34Mendenhall* / 21 Moore / 39Parker
FB 38Davis
DEFENSE
DLE 91 Aa. Smith/ 90Kirschke / 96Roye
NT 76Hoke / 98Hampton
DRE 99Keisel / 93Eason
LOLB 56Woodley / 53Davis*
LILB 51 Farrior / 57 Fox
RILB 50Foote / 94Timmons
ROLB 92Harrison/ 54Frazier / 95Woods*
LCB 24Taylor / 22Gay / 37 Madison
RCB 26Townsend/ 20McFadden
SS 43Polamalu/ 23Carter
FS 25Clark / 27An. Smith
SPECIALISTS
P 17 Berger
PK 3Reed
H 17 Berger
PR 21 Moore
KR 34Mendenhall*
LS 60Warren
* Rookie
OVERVIEWThe Cardiac Cats continue to live dangerously, but
now find themselves on the winning side of the nailbiters. The
Jaguars four games have been decided by an average of just
four points, and theyve won the last two on their final drive
and in overtime, respectively. The offensive identities of both
clubs are rooted in the power running game, but offensive line
troubles on both clubs have placed more of a premium on the
arms of Ben Roethlisberger and David Garrard to move the
ball. The last time these clubs met, the Jags topped the Steel-
ers 31-29 in the wild-card round of last seasons playoffs.
MATCHUP TO WATCH Jaguars ballhawking CBs Rashean
Mathis and Drayton Florence have the speed and physicality
to stick with WRs Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes one-on-
one. If the Steelers receivers cant gain separation, safeties
Brian Williams and Reggie Nelson can creep into the box, mak-
ing the sledding that much tougher for Steelers backs.
BYTHE NUMBERS The Jaguars have won four straight vs.
the Steelers by an average of six points.
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 8:15 p.m. ET
JAGUARS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Jacksonville
Sept. 7 At Tennessee (-3) 10-17
Sept. 14 Buffalo (-4.5) 16-20
Sept. 21 At Indianapolis (+4.5) 23-21
Sept. 28 Houston (-7) 30-27*
Oct. 5 Pittsburgh
Oct. 12 At Denver
Oct. 19 BYE
Oct. 26 Cleveland
Nov. 9 At Detroit
Nov. 16 Tennessee
Nov. 23 Minnesota
Dec. 1 At Houston
Dec. 7 At Chicago
Dec. 14 Green Bay
Dec. 18 Indianapolis
Dec. 28 At Baltimore
* Overtime
JAGUARS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 18M. Jones / 80Porter / 86Northcutt
OLT 69Barnes / 72Spencer
OLG 77 Nwaneri / 78Reyes
C 62Norman/ 77 Nwaneri / 63Meester
ORG 64Brown/ 65Naeole
ORT 79Pashos / 70Wade
TE 89Lewis / 83Estandia / 85Angulo
WR 11 R. Williams / 84Williamson/ 81 Walker
QB 9Garrard/ 17 Lemon
RB 28Taylor / 32Jones-Drew/ 34Washington*
FB 33G. Jones / 24Owens
DEFENSE
DLE 95Spicer / 93Groves*
DLT 92Meier / 66Landri
DRT 98Henderson/ 96McDaniel / 73Kennedy
DRE 97 Hayward/ 91 Harvey*
SLB 52Smith/ 59Iwuh
MLB 54Peterson/ 53T. Williams
WLB 56Durant / 51 Ingram
LCB 27 Mathis / 31 Starks / 36Gardner*
RCB 21 Florence / 22James / 38Witherspoon*
SS 29B. Williams / 43Sensabaugh
FS 25Nelson/ 20Prioleau
SPECIALISTS
P 3Podlesh
PK 10Scobee
H 3Podlesh
PR 86Northcutt
KR 32Jones-Drew/ 38Witherspoon*
LS 88Zelenka
* Rookie
VIKINGS GAME PROFILE SAINTS
VIKINGS
AT
SAINTS
VIKINGS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to Minnesota
Sept. 8 At Green Bay (+2.5) 19-24
Sept. 14 Indianapolis (+1.5) 15-18
Sept. 21 Carolina (-3) 20-10
Sept. 28 At Tennessee (+3.5) 17-30
Oct. 6 At New Orleans
Oct. 12 Detroit
Oct. 19 At Chicago
Oct. 26 BYE
Nov. 2 Houston
Nov. 9 Green Bay
Nov. 16 At Tampa Bay
Nov. 23 At Jacksonville
Nov. 30 Chicago
Dec. 7 At Detroit
Dec. 14 At Arizona
Dec. 21 Atlanta
Dec. 28 NewYork Giants
VIKINGS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 87 Berrian/ 89Ferguson
OLT 74McKinnie / 79Hicks / 72M. Johnson
OLG 76Hutchinson
C 78Birk / 65Sullivan*
ORG 64Herrera
ORT 62Cook / 60Radovich*
TE 81 Shiancoe / 40Kleinsasser / 45Mills
WR 18Rice / 19Wade / 84Allison
QB 12Frerotte / 7T. Jackson/ 4Booty*
RB 28Peterson/ 29Taylor / 43Hicks
FB 44Tapeh/ 83Dugan/ 38Tahi
DEFENSE
DLE 91 Edwards
NT 94P. Williams / 90Evans
UT 93K. Williams / 97Wyms / 98Guion*
DRE 69Allen/ 73Grigsby / 96Robison
SLB 51 Leber / 58Herron
MLB 56E.J. Henderson/ 54Ciurciu
WLB 52Greenway / 50Er. Henderson
LCB 26Winfield/ 21 McCauley
RCB 23Griffin/ 41 Gordon/ 22Sapp
SS 42Sharper / 39Abdullah
FS 25T. Johnson* / 37 Frampton
SPECIALISTS
P 5Kluwe
PK 8Longwell
H 5Kluwe / 12Frerotte
PR 84Allison
KR 43M. Hicks / 84Allison
LS 46Loeffler
* Rookie
OVERVIEWThe Saints got back in the win column with a solid
all-around performance, and theyll be looking to get over the
.500 mark against a Vikings team thats searching for an iden-
tity. Minnesota contained the Titans run game for the most
part last week, but Tennessee scored three rushing TDs and
forced four turnovers. For the Saints, the big news last week
was the play of RB Deuce McAllister, who rushed 20 times for
73 yards and a TD in his first extended playing time in 08.
MATCHUP TO WATCH The Vikings need to pass-protect
against the Saints, and theyll get help from the return of OLT
Bryant McKinnie from suspension. McKinnie hopes to boost a
line that has only looked dominant for a few short stretches
this season. Last week vs. the 49ers, the Saints got the pass
rush they expected to have this season with six sacks. They
could take a similar approach against Vikings QB Gus Frerotte.
BYTHE NUMBERS Saints QB Drew Brees had his second
three-TD game last week . ... Frerotte attempted 43 passes and
passed for 266 yards against Tennessee but no TDs.
Monday, Oct. 6, 2008 8:30 p.m. ET
SAINTS SCHEDULE
Point spread refers to New Orleans
Sept. 7 Tampa Bay (-3) 24-20
Sept. 14 At Washington (0) 24-29
Sept. 21 At Denver (+5.5) 32-34
Sept. 28 San Francisco (-4) 31-17
Oct. 6 Minnesota
Oct. 12 Oakland
Oct. 19 At Carolina
Oct. 26 San Diego
Nov. 2 BYE
Nov. 9 At Atlanta
Nov. 24 Green Bay
Nov. 30 At Tampa Bay
Dec. 7 Atlanta
Dec. 11 At Chicago
Dec. 21 At Detroit
Dec. 28 Carolina
SAINTS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 81 Patten/ 16Moore / 12Colston
OLT 70Brown/ 74Bushrod
OLG 77 Nicks*
C 76Goodwin/ 68Lehr
ORG 73Evans
ORT 78Stinchcomb/ 64Strief
TE 80Campbell / 83Miller / 88Shockey
WR 19Henderson/ 17 Meachem
QB 9Brees / 11 Brunell
RB 25Bush/ 23Thomas / 26McAllister
FB 44Karney
DEFENSE
DLE 94Grant
NT 71 Clancy / 66B. Young
UT 98Ellis* / 96Lake
DRE 91 Smith/ 93McCray
SLB 55Fujita / 54Evans
MLB 51 Vilma / 50Mitchell
WLB 58Shanle / 56Dunbar
LCB 34McKenzie / 42David
RCB 20Gay / 22Porter* / 28U. Young
SS 41 Harper / 39Reis
FS 43Kaesviharn/ 29Bullocks
SPECIALISTS
P 7Weatherford
PK 1 Gramatica
H 7Weatherford
PR 25Bush/ 16Moore
KR 23Thomas / 27 Stecker
LS 47 Houser
* Rookie
PRO
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NFL STANDINGS
WEEK FOUR
EAST W L T PCT PF PA DIVISION CONF
Buffalo 4 0 0 1.000 109 63 0 0 0 2 0 0
New England 2 1 0 .667 49 58 1 1 0 2 1 0
New York Jets 2 2 0 .500 115 116 1 1 0 1 2 0
Miami 1 2 0 .333 62 64 1 1 0 1 1 0
NORTH W L T PCT PF PA DIVISION CONF
Baltimore* 2 0 0 1.000 45 20 2 0 0 2 0 0
Pittsburgh* 2 1 0 .667 54 38 1 0 0 2 0 0
Cleveland 1 3 0 .250 46 78 1 2 0 1 2 0
Cincinnati 0 4 0 .000 52 87 0 2 0 0 3 0
SOUTH W L T PCT PF PA DIVISION CONF
Tennessee 4 0 0 1.000 102 46 2 0 0 3 0 0
Jacksonville 2 2 0 .500 79 85 2 1 0 2 2 0
Indianapolis 1 2 0 .333 52 67 0 1 0 0 1 0
Houston 0 3 0 .000 56 99 0 2 0 0 3 0
WEST W L T PCT PF PA DIVISION CONF
Denver 3 1 0 .750 133 117 2 1 0 2 1 0
San Diego 2 2 0 .500 138 112 1 1 0 2 1 0
Kansas City 1 3 0 .250 65 97 1 1 0 1 2 0
Oakland 1 3 0 .250 78 101 1 2 0 1 3 0
* Monday-night game not included
EAST W L T PCT PF PA DIVISION CONF
New York Giants 3 0 0 1.000 83 43 1 0 0 2 0 0
Washington 3 1 0 .750 86 81 1 1 0 3 1 0
Dallas 3 1 0 .750 120 89 1 1 0 2 1 0
Philadelphia 2 2 0 .500 110 74 0 1 0 1 2 0
NORTH W L T PCT PF PA DIVISION CONF
Green Bay 2 2 0 .500 109 101 2 0 0 2 2 0
Chicago 2 2 0 .500 94 80 0 0 0 1 2 0
Minnesota 1 3 0 .250 71 82 0 1 0 1 1 0
Detroit 0 3 0 .000 59 113 0 1 0 0 3 0
SOUTH W L T PCT PF PA DIVISION CONF
Tampa Bay 3 1 0 .750 101 78 1 1 0 3 1 0
Carolina 3 1 0 .750 80 70 1 0 0 2 1 0
New Orleans 2 2 0 .500 111 100 1 0 0 2 1 0
Atlanta 2 2 0 .500 90 83 0 2 0 1 2 0
WEST W L T PCT PF PA DIVISION CONF
San Francisco 2 2 0 .500 94 97 1 1 0 2 2 0
Arizona 2 2 0 .500 106 103 1 0 0 1 1 0
Seattle 1 2 0 .333 77 80 1 1 0 1 1 0
St. Louis 0 4 0 .000 43 147 0 1 0 0 3 0
NFC AFC
WEEK FOUR RESULTS
Carolina 24, Atlanta 9
Cleveland 20, Cincinnati 12
Jacksonville 30, Houston 27 (OT)
Kansas City 33, Denver 19
New Orleans 31, San Francisco 17
NewYork Jets 56, Arizona 35
Tampa Bay 30, Green Bay 21
Tennessee 30, Minnesota 17
San Diego 28, Oakland 18
Buffalo 31, St. Louis 14
Washington 26, Dallas 24
Chicago 24, Philadelphia 20
Baltimore at Pittsburgh (Mon.)
Bye: Detroit, Indianapolis, Miami,
New England, NewYork Giants, Seattle
WEEK FIVE MATCHUPS
ALLTIMES EASTERN
Atlanta at Green Bay, 1:00 p.m.
Chicago at Detroit, 1:00 p.m.
Indianapolis at Houston, 1:00 p.m.
Kansas City at Carolina, 1:00 p.m.
San Diego at Miami, 1:00 p.m.
Seattle at NewYork Giants, 1:00 p.m.
Tennessee at Baltimore, 1:00 p.m.
Washington at Philadelphia, 1:00 p.m.
Buffalo at Arizona, 3:15 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Denver, 4:05 p.m.
Cincinnati at Dallas, 4:15 p.m.
New England at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville, 8:15 p.m.
Minnesota at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m. (Mon.)
Bye: Cleveland, NewYork Jets,
Oakland, St. Louis
LINE OF THE WEEK OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK TEAM ON THE DECLINE
Brett Favre QB New York Jets
And to think, Brett Favre almost didnt play because of an ankle injury. That joke
perhaps has as much mileage as Favres career, but the joke was on the Cardinals
defense, which allowed the future Hall of Famer a career first. Favre completed 24-
of-34 passes for 289 yards and a career-best six touchdown passes in the Jets wild,
56-35 win over Arizona at home. Three of Favres TD passes went to WR Laveranues
Coles, who the critics have said lacks any chemistry with his new quarterback. Con-
sider that problem solved. Though Favre said the offensive output shows what the
Jets are capable of, he also warned after the game for Jets fans not to rush out and
buy Super Bowl tickets just yet.
Albert Haynesworth DT Tennessee Titans
Want to know why the Tennessee Titans are 4-0 for the first time in the history of
the franchise? The simple answer is defense, and the teamss 46 points allowed and
12 turnovers are key statistics. And though the secondary is receiving a lot of the
credit, just as much praise should be heaped on the Titans heaping man in the mid-
dle. Haynesworth had another huge game in Week Four, with six tackles, two sacks
(for minus-11 yards) and one pass defended. Haynesworths first sack came in the
second quarter, stopping a Vikings drive on third down, and his second sack helped
seal the win in the Vikings final possession, after the Titans had knocked Gus
Frerotte out of the game.
Matt Bryant PK Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Just one day after burying his three-month-old son, Bryant kicked all three of his
field-goal attempts the margin of victory in a 30-21 Bucs win over the Packers. A
visibly shaken Bryant talked after the game about playing just days after Matthew
Tryson Bryant, who was born June 16, died unexpectedly. I wanted to honor
Trysons name, Bryant told the media. I didnt think it was very fair for his life to
end so short. This is the best way, I believe, that I could get out and honor him. I miss
him. I wish he was here. But he was here with me. He helped out. Bryants first field
goal, a 23-yarder, broke a second-quarter, 7-7 tie. His final kick, a 24-yarder with 2:26
remaining, gave the Bucs a lead they would not relinquish.
Larry Johnson
So much for being phased out. Two weeks after complain-
ing about not getting enough opportunities, Johnson broke
out for his most rushing yards in a single game since Jan. 1,
2006 as the Chiefs, who hadnt won a game since Oct. 21,
2007, beat the previously unbeaten Broncos 33-19. It was the
29th time Johnson has rushed for 100 yards or more in his
career.
OPPONENT RUSHES YDS. AVG. TD
Denver 28 198 7.1 2
It only took a 2-0 start for some to ask Brett who?Aaron
Rodgers was crowned in Green Bay and all the grumbling
about Favres departure fell silent. Two weeks and two losses
later, the chatter is back. The Packers have lost consecutive
games for the first time since 2006 and Rodgers might have
separated his shoulder in a Week Four loss to the Bucs. If
Rodgers is out for an extended period of time, Green Bay
might not win again until he returns. The squads two back-
ups, Matt Flynn and Brian Brohm, are both rookies ill-pre-
pared to handle the duties of being a starter at this point.
Green Bay Packers
TEAM ON THE RISE
In three weeks, the Redskins have reinvented themselves
as a force in the leagues best division. Washington didnt
look like it belonged, mustering only seven points in a Week
One loss to the Giants, but first-year head coach Jim Zorn
has led the club to three consecutive wins over three sound
conference opponents and there was none more impressive
than the most recent road victory over the Cowboys. They
quietly are building an identity as perhaps the most efficient
team in the league, having committed only one turnover thus
far.
Washington Redskins
T
O
M
B
E
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RUSHING
Player Team Att Yds Avg Lg TD
L. Johnson K.C. 86 415 4.8 65 3
Johnson Ten. 67 337 5.0 51 2
Tomlinson S.D. 77 296 3.8 41 4
Lynch Buff. 79 275 3.5 21 4
McFadden Oak. 51 272 5.3 50 1
Parker Pitt. 66 263 4.0 32 3
Jones N.Y.J. 67 254 3.8 16 1
J. Lewis Clev. 69 235 3.4 24 1
Young Den. 37 228 6.2 49 1
Taylor Jax. 59 213 3.6 34 0
C. Perry Cin. 72 208 2.9 25 2
Bush Oak. 44 193 4.4 32 1
Slaton Hou. 41 192 4.7 50 1
Jones-Drew Jax. 38 169 4.4 19 2
Brown Mia. 34 161 4.7 62 5
White Ten. 60 161 2.7 17 5
L. McClain Balt. 36 152 4.2 17 2
Williams Mia. 37 150 4.1 28 0
Addai Ind. 43 142 3.3 13 3
Fargas Oak. 27 140 5.2 42 0
Hall Den. 27 131 4.9 16 0
Jackson Buff. 28 118 4.2 22 1
Sproles S.D. 20 106 5.3 21 0
Jordan N.E. 19 90 4.7 11 0
Rice Balt. 27 85 3.1 11 0
Garrard Jax. 18 83 4.6 13 1
Pittman Den. 23 80 3.5 18 4
Morris N.E. 27 80 3.0 22 2
Charles K.C. 17 80 4.7 13 0
Maroney N.E. 18 67 3.7 17 0
McGahee Balt. 15 64 4.3 10 1
L. WashingtonN.Y.J. 16 62 3.9 17 0
Anderson Clev. 12 43 3.6 15 0
Clayton Balt. 1 42 42.0 42 1
Fitzpatrick Cin. 4 41 10.3 13 0
M. Owens Jax. 1 41 41.0 41 1
Schaub Hou. 10 40 4.0 10 1
Palmer Cin. 6 38 6.3 15 0
Taylor Hou. 14 37 2.6 17 0
Flacco Balt. 10 35 3.5 38 1
Watson Cin. 7 32 4.6 7 0
Collins Ten. 10 32 3.2 17 0
Rhodes Ind. 6 31 5.2 20 0
Green Hou. 5 28 5.6 14 0
Cutler Den. 10 28 2.8 11 0
Mendenhall Pitt. 10 28 2.8 9 0
Cassel N.E. 8 25 3.1 9 0
Thigpen K.C. 2 24 12.0 6 0
Roethlisberger Pitt. 7 23 3.3 17 0
J. Wright Clev. 6 23 3.8 9 0
Harrison Clev. 5 22 4.4 12 0
Faulk N.E. 4 22 5.5 7 0
Welker N.E. 1 19 19.0 19 0
Ko. Smith K.C. 4 19 4.8 6 0
Tolbert S.D. 5 18 3.6 11 0
B. Smith N.Y.J. 1 17 17.0 17 0
Russell Oak. 7 15 2.1 7 1
Edwards Buff. 9 15 1.7 11 0
Royal Den. 3 15 5.0 7 0
RECEIVING
Player Team No Yds Avg Lg TD
Marshall Den. 31 398 12.8 35 3
Royal Den. 27 298 11.0 29 2
Houshmandzadeh Cin. 24 266 11.1 26 1
Bowe K.C. 22 267 12.1 30 2
M. Jones Jax. 20 233 11.7 33 1
Welker N.E. 19 178 9.4 26 0
Winslow Clev. 19 170 8.9 20 1
Coles N.Y.J. 18 257 14.3 54 4
Wayne Ind. 18 253 14.1 40 2
Cotchery N.Y.J. 18 243 13.5 56 3
Gonzalez K.C. 18 176 9.8 23 2
Reed Buff. 17 192 11.3 24 0
Gonzalez Ind. 16 222 13.9 58 0
Jackson S.D. 15 246 16.4 60 1
Gates S.D. 15 205 13.7 25 3
Stokley Den. 15 181 12.1 32 0
A. Johnson Hou. 15 179 11.9 24 0
Ward Pitt. 15 169 11.3 31 3
Walter Hou. 15 132 8.8 21 3
Slaton Hou. 15 97 6.5 30 1
Evans Buff. 14 332 23.7 49 1
Daniels Hou. 14 191 13.6 34 0
Stuckey N.Y.J. 14 134 9.6 28 3
Scaife Ten. 13 154 11.8 44 0
Jones-Drew Jax. 13 138 10.6 26 0
Harrison Ind. 13 132 10.2 27 1
Scheffler Den. 12 194 16.2 72 2
Gage Ten. 12 176 14.7 28 1
Moss N.E. 12 163 13.6 51 1
Lynch Buff. 12 81 6.8 17 0
L. Washington N.Y.J. 12 76 6.3 15 0
Miller Oak. 11 153 13.9 63 1
Fasano Mia. 11 150 13.6 24 2
Camarillo Mia. 11 146 13.3 33 0
Ocho Cinco Cin. 11 116 10.5 16 1
R. Williams Jax. 11 110 10.0 19 0
Edwards Clev. 11 95 8.6 17 1
Royal Buff. 11 94 8.5 30 1
Jackson Buff. 11 93 8.5 33 0
Kelly Cin. 11 72 6.5 15 0
Holmes Pitt. 10 145 14.5 48 0
Tolbert S.D. 10 134 13.4 67 1
Chatman Cin. 10 118 11.8 25 0
Johnson Ten. 10 65 6.5 20 1
Tomlinson S.D. 10 58 5.8 16 0
McCareins Ten. 9 136 15.1 37 0
Miller Pitt. 9 122 13.6 21 0
J. Lewis Clev. 9 78 8.7 14 0
Jones N.Y.J. 9 47 5.2 19 0
C. Perry Cin. 9 26 2.9 12 0
Chambers S.D. 8 196 24.5 48 4
D. Martin Mia. 8 106 13.3 24 1
Mason Balt. 8 86 10.8 19 0
B. Jones Ten. 8 86 10.8 19 0
Bush Oak. 8 85 10.6 25 0
Ginn Mia. 8 75 9.4 18 0
Charles K.C. 8 46 5.8 15 0
Morris N.E. 8 41 5.1 11 0
Griffith Oak. 7 75 10.7 24 0
Parrish Buff. 7 60 8.6 16 1
Steptoe Clev. 7 58 8.3 17 0
Taylor Jax. 7 44 6.3 12 0
McFadden Oak. 7 43 6.1 11 0
Williams Mia. 7 37 5.3 15 0
Keller N.Y.J. 6 84 14.0 24 2
Graham Den. 6 72 12.0 21 0
Baker N.Y.J. 6 69 11.5 29 0
Lewis Jax. 6 63 10.5 15 0
G. Jones Jax. 6 58 9.7 22 1
Faulk N.E. 6 56 9.3 22 0
Brown Mia. 6 56 9.3 13 0
Walker Jax. 6 54 9.0 13 0
Gaffney N.E. 6 51 8.5 12 0
Franks N.Y.J. 6 47 7.8 25 0
Rhodes Ind. 6 38 6.3 10 0
Santi Ind. 6 37 6.2 13 0
L. Johnson K.C. 6 12 2.0 12 0
Higgins Oak. 5 119 23.8 84 1
Sproles S.D. 5 116 23.2 66 1
Lelie Oak. 5 71 14.2 23 1
Clark Ind. 5 55 11.0 29 0
Northcutt Jax. 5 55 11.0 14 0
Washington Pitt. 5 51 10.2 16 0
Crumpler Ten. 5 46 9.2 14 0
Clayton Balt. 5 35 7.0 12 0
Ko. Smith K.C. 5 27 5.4 8 0
Walker Oak. 4 52 13.0 29 0
D. Thomas N.E. 4 42 10.5 18 0
Vickers Clev. 4 32 8.0 16 0
Williams Balt. 4 29 7.3 12 0
Addai Ind. 4 26 6.5 14 0
Bess Mia. 4 25 6.3 8 0
ManumaleunaS.D. 4 20 5.0 6 0
Utecht Cin. 4 20 5.0 9 0
N. Jackson Den. 4 12 3.0 6 1
Cox K.C. 4 10 2.5 4 0
Green Hou. 4 3 0.8 6 0
Darling K.C. 3 89 29.7 68 0
Davis Hou. 3 74 24.7 49 0
Pittman Den. 3 53 17.7 40 0
Hagan Mia. 3 51 17.0 20 0
Harrison Clev. 3 47 15.7 23 1
Davis S.D. 3 43 14.3 20 0
Heap Balt. 3 37 12.3 17 0
Curry Oak. 3 29 9.7 14 1
Webb K.C. 3 25 8.3 15 0
Rice Balt. 3 19 6.3 8 0
Leach Hou. 3 14 4.7 5 0
Dorsey Cin. 2 49 24.5 36 0
Barnes Buff. 2 34 17.0 25 0
Schouman Buff. 2 32 16.0 21 0
Schilens Oak. 2 29 14.5 19 0
L. McClain Balt. 2 24 12.0 13 0
J. Wright Clev. 2 19 9.5 10 0
Young Den. 2 15 7.5 8 0
Robinson Ind. 2 15 7.5 12 0
Cobbs Mia. 2 14 7.0 9 0
Hardy Buff. 2 12 6.0 7 1
Fargas Oak. 2 12 6.0 12 0
Williamson Jax. 2 11 5.5 6 0
Hall Ten. 2 7 3.5 5 0
Watson Cin. 2 3 1.5 3 0
SCORING
Player Team TD XP/att FG/att 2XP Pts
Prater Den. 0 14/14 9/10 0 41
Kaeding S.D. 0 14/14 8/10 0 38
Scobee Jax. 0 7/7 10/11 0 37
Lindell Buff. 0 11/11 8/10 0 35
Janikowski Oak. 0 7/7 9/10 0 34
Bironas Ten. 0 12/12 6/6 0 30
Brown Mia. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
White Ten. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Gostkowski N.E. 0 4/4 7/7 0 25
Chambers S.D. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Coles N.Y.J. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Lynch Buff. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Pittman Den. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Tomlinson S.D. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Dawson Clev. 0 4/4 6/6 0 22
Graham Cin. 0 4/4 6/7 0 22
Novak K.C. 0 6/6 5/7 0 21
K. Brown Hou. 0 5/5 5/5 0 20
Feely N.Y.J. 0 8/8 4/6 0 20
Addai Ind. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Cotchery N.Y.J. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Gates S.D. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
L. Johnson K.C. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Johnson Ten. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Marshall Den. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Parker Pitt. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Reed Pitt. 0 6/6 4/4 0 18
Stuckey N.Y.J. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Walter Hou. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Ward Pitt. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Carpenter Mia. 0 8/8 2/2 0 14
Royal Den. 2 0/0 0/0 1 14
Sproles S.D. 2 0/0 0/0 1 14
Vinatieri Ind. 0 5/5 3/4 0 14
Bowe K.C. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Fasano Mia. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Gonzalez K.C. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Jones-Drew Jax. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Keller N.Y.J. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
L. McClain Balt. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Morris N.E. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Parrish Buff. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
C. Perry Cin. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Scheffler Den. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Slaton Hou. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Wayne Ind. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Stover Balt. 0 6/6 1/3 0 9
Evans Buff. 1 0/0 0/0 1 8
Barrett N.Y.J. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Bulluck Ten. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Bush Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Clayton Balt. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Cromartie S.D. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Curry Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Denney Buff. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Edwards Clev. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Finnegan Ten. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Flacco Balt. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Gage Ten. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Garrard Jax. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Greer Buff. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hardy Buff. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Harrison Clev. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Harrison Ind. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Higgins Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Houshmandzadeh Cin. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
D. Jackson Den. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Jackson Buff. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
N. Jackson Den. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Jackson S.D. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
G. Jones Jax. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
M. Jones Jax. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Jones N.Y.J. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Joseph Cin. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Lelie Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
J. Lewis Clev. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
D. Martin Mia. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Mathis Jax. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
McFadden Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
McGahee Balt. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Miller Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Moss N.E. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Ocho Cinco Cin. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
M. Owens Jax. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Reed Balt. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Revis N.Y.J. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Royal Buff. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Russell Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Schaub Hou. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Tolbert S.D. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Webster Den. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Winslow Clev. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Young Den. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Cox K.C. 0 0/0 0/0 1 2
Naanee S.D. 0 0/0 0/0 1 2
Nugent N.Y.J. 0 2/2 0/1 0 2
Rhodes Ind. 0 0/0 0/0 1 2
L. Washington N.Y.J. 0 0/0 0/0 1 2
Wilson Oak. 0 0/0 0/0 0 2
AFC INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
WEEK FOUR Monday-night game not included.
PUNT RETURNS
Player Team No FC Yds Avg Lg TD
Faulk N.E. 5 2 87 17.4 24 0
Royal Den. 5 2 83 16.6 36 0
Witherspoon Jax. 6 1 95 15.8 29 0
Parrish Buff. 11 2 167 15.2 63 1
Figurs Balt. 4 1 56 14.0 35 0
L. Washington N.Y.J. 6 1 73 12.2 20 0
Carr Ten. 8 4 85 10.6 20 0
Chatman Cin. 9 1 93 10.3 34 0
Jones Hou. 8 2 73 9.1 33 0
Cribbs Clev. 9 0 78 8.7 12 0
Higgins Oak. 14 0 118 8.4 20 0
Sams K.C. 7 3 58 8.3 16 0
KICKOFF RETURNS
Hobbs N.E. 10 360 36.0 81 0
Sproles S.D. 14 453 32.4 103 1
L. Washington N.Y.J. 8 250 31.3 94 0
Witherspoon Jax. 13 386 29.7 51 0
McKelvin Buff. 10 277 27.7 56 0
Carr Ten. 10 271 27.1 52 0
Higgins Oak. 17 456 26.8 69 0
Holt Cin. 17 446 26.2 44 0
Cribbs Clev. 5 118 23.6 44 0
Leonhard Balt. 4 92 23.0 30 0
Hall Den. 9 206 22.9 28 0
Forsett Ind. 6 133 22.2 27 0
Player Team No Yds Lg TD
Finnegan Ten. 4 100 99 1
Revis N.Y.J. 3 32 32 1
Griffin Ten. 3 15 15 0
Polamalu Pitt. 3 12 12 0
Cromartie S.D. 2 52 52 1
E. Wright Clev. 2 37 20 0
McAlister Balt. 2 28 16 0
Hall Oak. 2 21 21 0
Adams Clev. 2 18 18 0
McFadden Pitt. 2 0 0 0
McGee Buff. 2 0 0 0
Mathis Jax. 1 61 61 1
Branch Oak. 1 36 36 0
Greer Buff. 1 33 33 1
Reeves Hou. 1 33 0 0
Reed Balt. 1 32 32 1
Carr K.C. 1 32 32 0
Hayden Ind. 1 28 28 0
B. Williams Jax. 1 27 27 0
Barrett N.Y.J. 1 25 25 1
Sensabaugh Jax. 1 23 23 0
Jackson Clev. 1 16 16 0
Ndukwe Cin. 1 12 12 0
C. Johnson Oak. 1 12 12 0
Harper Ten. 1 11 11 0
Cason S.D. 1 10 10 0
Starks Mia. 1 8 8 0
D. Johnson K.C. 1 7 7 0
Woodley Pitt. 1 6 6 0
Meriweather N.E. 1 6 6 0
E. Smith N.Y.J. 1 6 6 0
Dobbins S.D. 1 4 4 0
Cousin Clev. 1 4 4 0
Hobbs N.E. 1 3 3 0
Weddle S.D. 1 3 3 0
Rolle Balt. 1 2 2 0
C. Bailey Den. 1 0 0 0
Morrison Oak. 1 0 0 0
Harvey Jax. 1 0 0 0
PASSING
Comp TD Int Avg
Player Team Att Comp Pct Yds TD Pct Lg Int Pct Gain Rating
Favre N.Y.J. 124 87 70.2 935 12 9.7 56 4 3.2 7.54 110.8
Rivers S.D. 110 71 64.5 1,024 10 9.1 67 4 3.6 9.31 109.8
Roethlisberger Pitt. 59 39 66.1 447 3 5.1 48 1 1.7 7.58 98.6
Cutler Den. 157 102 65.0 1,275 9 5.7 72 4 2.5 8.12 98.6
Edwards Buff. 119 78 65.5 930 4 3.4 49 2 1.7 7.82 93.5
Pennington Mia. 83 53 63.9 589 2 2.4 33 1 1.2 7.10 87.9
Cassel N.E. 72 48 66.7 448 2 2.8 51 1 1.4 6.22 87.0
Russell Oak. 99 54 54.5 668 4 4.0 84 1 1.0 6.75 84.9
Collins Ten. 84 48 57.1 581 2 2.4 44 1 1.2 6.92 81.5
Garrard Jax. 117 79 67.5 783 2 1.7 33 4 3.4 6.69 77.7
Schaub Hou. 110 71 64.5 697 4 3.6 49 5 4.5 6.34 75.5
Manning Ind. 120 71 59.2 784 3 2.5 75 4 3.3 6.53 73.1
Palmer Cin. 90 52 57.8 514 1 1.1 36 3 3.3 5.71 63.8
Flacco Balt. 48 28 58.3 258 0 0.0 19 2 4.2 5.38 55.7
Anderson Clev. 117 58 49.6 543 3 2.6 23 6 5.1 4.64 49.9
Thigpen K.C. 69 28 40.6 279 2 2.9 30 4 5.8 4.04 38.3
NON-QUALIFIERS
Huard K.C. 44 31 70.5 295 2 4.5 68 2 4.5 6.70 84.9
Croyle K.C. 19 11 57.9 88 0 0.0 20 0 0.0 4.63 69.6
Young Ten. 22 12 54.5 110 1 4.5 27 2 9.1 5.00 45.6
Fitzpatrick Cin. 35 21 60.0 156 1 2.9 22 3 8.6 4.46 44.5
PUNTING
Gross Ins Ret Net
Player Team No Yds Lg Avg TB 20 Blk Ret Yds Avg
Koch Balt. 8 387 59 48.4 0 1 0 6 35 44.0
Lechler Oak. 21 1,041 70 49.6 4 8 0 8 64 42.7
Scifres S.D. 11 560 65 50.9 2 3 0 7 55 42.3
Colquitt K.C. 23 1,096 73 47.7 1 12 0 15 121 41.5
Moorman Buff. 23 1,069 62 46.5 2 10 0 10 121 39.5
Zastudil Clev. 20 908 59 45.4 4 5 0 5 39 39.5
H. Smith Ind. 12 541 60 45.1 0 5 0 7 68 39.4
Berger Pitt. 14 609 55 43.5 0 7 0 9 60 39.2
Hanson N.E. 10 473 70 47.3 4 2 0 2 17 37.6
Hentrich Ten. 25 1,117 70 44.7 3 8 0 11 151 36.2
Graham N.Y.J. 14 606 56 43.3 0 2 0 9 101 36.1
Turk Hou. 10 430 57 43.0 1 3 0 5 55 35.5
Podlesh Jax. 13 577 60 44.4 2 6 0 8 76 35.5
Larson Cin. 22 938 56 42.6 1 5 1 13 120 34.7
Fields Mia. 16 661 60 41.3 0 6 0 9 116 34.1
FIELD-GOAL ACCURACY
Avg Avg Avg
1-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50 or Yds Yds Yds
Player Team Yds Yds Yds Yds Longer Total Att Made Miss Lg
Gostkowski N.E. 0-0 3-3 3-3 1-1 0-0 7-7 33.0 33.0 0.0 44
.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 .000 1.000
Bironas Ten. 0-0 1-1 2-2 3-3 0-0 6-6 37.7 37.7 0.0 49
.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 .000 1.000
Dawson Clev. 0-0 2-2 4-4 0-0 0-0 6-6 32.5 32.5 0.0 38
.000 1.000 1.000 .000 .000 1.000
K. Brown Hou. 0-0 2-2 1-1 2-2 0-0 5-5 35.2 35.2 0.0 47
.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 .000 1.000
Reed Pitt. 0-0 0-0 1-1 2-2 1-1 4-4 45.5 45.5 0.0 53
.000 .000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Scobee Jax. 0-0 4-4 2-3 2-2 2-2 10-11 36.5 36.5 37.0 51
.000 1.000 .667 1.000 1.000 .909
Janikowski Oak. 0-0 4-4 3-3 1-1 1-2 9-10 36.9 32.6 76.0 56
.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 .500 .900
Prater Den. 0-0 3-4 2-2 1-1 3-3 9-10 37.2 38.2 28.0 56
.000 .750 1.000 1.000 1.000 .900
Graham Cin. 0-0 2-2 1-2 3-3 0-0 6-7 34.3 33.8 37.0 45
.000 1.000 .500 1.000 .000 .857
Lindell Buff. 0-0 1-1 4-4 3-4 0-1 8-10 40.0 37.8 49.0 45
.000 1.000 1.000 .750 .000 .800
Kaeding S.D. 0-0 4-4 2-2 2-4 0-0 8-10 36.1 33.8 45.5 49
.000 1.000 1.000 .500 .000 .800
Vinatieri Ind. 0-0 0-0 2-3 1-1 0-0 3-4 37.5 40.0 30.0 47
.000 .000 .667 1.000 .000 .750
Novak K.C. 0-0 2-2 1-2 2-3 0-0 5-7 34.3 32.0 40.0 43
.000 1.000 .500 .667 .000 .714
Feely N.Y.J. 0-0 2-2 2-3 0-1 0-0 4-6 29.7 25.8 37.5 32
.000 1.000 .667 .000 .000 .667
Stover Balt. 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-2 0-0 1-3 38.7 21.0 47.5 21
.000 1.000 .000 .000 .000 .333
Player Tm Sks
Haynesworth Ten. 5.0
Porter Mia. 4.0
Thomas N.Y.J. 4.0
T. Brown Ten. 3.5
K. Edwards Oak. 3.0
Ellis N.Y.J. 3.0
J. Harrison Pitt. 3.0
Tucker S.D. 3.0
Vanden BoschTen. 3.0
Pace N.Y.J. 2.5
Phillips S.D. 2.5
Bowens N.Y.J. 2.0
Freeney Ind. 2.0
Hall Clev. 2.0
Langford Mia. 2.0
Peterson Den. 2.0
Rogers Clev. 2.0
Sands Oak. 2.0
Aa. Smith Pitt. 2.0
Stroud Buff. 2.0
Suggs Balt. 2.0
A. Thomas N.E. 2.0
Vrabel N.E. 2.0
Warren Oak. 2.0
M. Williams Hou. 2.0
Woodley Pitt. 2.0
Burgess Oak. 1.5
Castillo S.D. 1.5
Foote Pitt. 1.5
Kearse Ten. 1.5
Bannan Balt. 1.0
Boone K.C. 1.0
Denney Buff. 1.0
Ekuban Den. 1.0
Engelberger Den. 1.0
Griffin Ten. 1.0
Groves Jax. 1.0
Harris S.D. 1.0
Hayward Jax. 1.0
Hobbs N.E. 1.0
Howard Oak. 1.0
Ingram Jax. 1.0
Jenkins N.Y.J. 1.0
D. Johnson K.C. 1.0
J. Johnson Balt. 1.0
S. Johnson Buff. 1.0
Johnston K.C. 1.0
Kelsay Buff. 1.0
Leonhard Balt. 1.0
Mathis Ind. 1.0
Meier Jax. 1.0
Merling Mia. 1.0
Mitchell Buff. 1.0
Morrison Oak. 1.0
Ndukwe Cin. 1.0
Odom Cin. 1.0
Olshansky S.D. 1.0
Pryce Balt. 1.0
Da. Reid Ind. 1.0
Richardson Oak. 1.0
Roth Mia. 1.0
Schobel Buff. 1.0
Seymour N.E. 1.0
Smith Jax. 1.0
Starks Mia. 1.0
Team Den. 1.0
Team S.D. 1.0
Thompson Hou. 1.0
Whitner Buff. 1.0
K. Williams Buff. 1.0
D.J. Williams Den. 1.0
Wimbley Clev. 1.0
Youboty Buff. 1.0
SACKS
INTERCEPTIONS
RUSHING
Player Team Att Yds Avg Lg TD
Turner Atl. 77 422 5.5 66 5
Peterson Minn. 83 420 5.1 34 3
Gore S.F. 76 369 4.9 41 3
Portis Wash. 86 369 4.3 31 3
Forte Chi. 92 347 3.8 50 1
Graham T.B. 57 334 5.9 68 2
J. Jones Sea. 61 312 5.1 32 2
Barber Dall. 70 311 4.4 25 4
James Ariz. 71 277 3.9 16 2
Jackson St.L. 74 269 3.6 29 1
Jacobs N.Y.G. 50 244 4.9 30 1
Norwood Atl. 34 237 7.0 44 1
D. Williams Car. 55 201 3.7 21 0
Dunn T.B. 42 197 4.7 18 1
Stewart Car. 45 197 4.4 24 4
Grant G.B. 55 186 3.4 57 0
Bush N.O. 52 183 3.5 26 1
Ward N.Y.G. 26 177 6.8 22 0
Westbrook Phil. 42 161 3.8 18 3
F. Jones Dall. 18 148 8.2 60 2
Buckhalter Phil. 28 114 4.1 25 1
Kev. Smith Det. 29 102 3.5 14 1
R. Johnson Det. 18 99 5.5 27 0
Jackson G.B. 18 93 5.2 19 1
McAllister N.O. 22 83 3.8 10 1
Duckett Sea. 21 82 3.9 29 3
Taylor Minn. 21 81 3.9 10 0
Betts Wash. 22 80 3.6 14 0
Rodgers G.B. 19 78 4.1 21 2
P. Thomas N.O. 23 76 3.3 18 3
Hightower Ariz. 29 73 2.5 13 3
Jones Chi. 20 71 3.6 15 0
T. Jackson Minn. 11 65 5.9 19 0
OSullivan S.F. 16 65 4.1 16 0
Bradshaw N.Y.G. 7 54 7.7 31 1
Weaver Sea. 9 41 4.6 12 0
Wolfe Chi. 1 38 38.0 38 0
Avery St.L. 1 37 37.0 37 1
D. Jackson Phil. 3 36 12.0 21 0
Ryan Atl. 14 34 2.4 7 0
Douglas Atl. 3 32 10.7 33 0
Morris Sea. 6 31 5.2 17 0
Hasselbeck Sea. 3 31 10.3 15 0
Orton Chi. 9 30 3.3 12 0
J. Campbell Wash. 11 30 2.7 16 0
Moss Wash. 1 27 27.0 27 0
L. Booker Phil. 12 27 2.3 5 0
Choice Dall. 5 26 5.2 15 0
Kitna Det. 6 26 4.3 10 0
Foster S.F. 7 21 3.0 9 0
Lumpkin G.B. 1 19 19.0 19 0
Battle S.F. 1 18 18.0 18 0
R. Davis Chi. 1 17 17.0 17 0
McNabb Phil. 10 16 1.6 10 0
D.Thomas Wash. 1 16 16.0 16 0
Hester Chi. 1 15 15.0 15 0
McKie Chi. 6 13 2.2 6 2
RECEIVING
Bush N.O. 31 257 8.3 42 2
Moss Wash. 27 421 15.6 67 3
Boldin Ariz. 27 366 13.6 79 5
Witten Dall. 27 363 13.4 42 1
Jennings G.B. 25 482 19.3 62 2
Fitzgerald Ariz. 24 415 17.3 75 2
D. Jackson Phil. 22 327 14.9 60 1
Muhammad Car. 22 287 13.0 36 1
Jackson St.L. 20 211 10.6 53 0
White Atl. 18 322 17.9 70 1
Burress N.Y.G. 18 259 14.4 33 1
Randle El Wash. 18 185 10.3 26 1
Hilliard T.B. 18 164 9.1 18 2
Forte Chi. 18 147 8.2 19 1
C. Johnson Det. 17 276 16.2 47 2
Owens Dall. 17 264 15.5 72 4
A. Bryant T.B. 17 220 12.9 38 0
L. Moore N.O. 17 203 11.9 33 2
Cooley Wash. 17 179 10.5 27 0
Driver G.B. 16 174 10.9 50 1
Shockey N.O. 16 151 9.4 26 0
Lloyd Chi. 15 249 16.6 32 1
Battle S.F. 15 202 13.5 36 0
Crayton Dall. 15 192 12.8 26 0
Holt St.L. 15 187 12.5 45 1
Gore S.F. 15 156 10.4 24 0
Baskett Phil. 13 207 15.9 90 1
Breaston Ariz. 13 194 14.9 40 0
Wade Minn. 13 152 11.7 23 0
Toomer N.Y.G. 13 143 11.0 31 1
Carlson Sea. 12 168 14.0 22 0
Rosario Car. 12 138 11.5 24 1
Barber Dall. 12 98 8.2 25 1
Bruce S.F. 11 226 20.5 63 2
Berrian Minn. 11 195 17.7 48 0
McMichael St.L. 11 139 12.6 31 0
Avant Phil. 11 126 11.5 31 0
Smith N.Y.G. 11 94 8.5 15 0
D. Lee G.B. 11 84 7.6 26 0
Smith Car. 10 166 16.6 56 1
Johnson S.F. 10 151 15.1 31 1
G. Lewis Phil. 10 149 14.9 52 0
Hackett Car. 10 131 13.1 37 0
Shiancoe Minn. 10 129 12.9 34 1
Olsen Chi. 10 94 9.4 29 1
Buckhalter Phil. 10 83 8.3 20 1
Dunn T.B. 10 82 8.2 17 0
McDonald Det. 10 69 6.9 11 0
Patten N.O. 9 127 14.1 39 1
Nelson G.B. 9 102 11.3 29 1
Smith T.B. 9 98 10.9 20 1
R. Davis Chi. 9 92 10.2 34 0
Clayton T.B. 9 88 9.8 17 0
Peterson Minn. 9 52 5.8 13 0
R. Williams Det. 8 113 14.1 23 1
Hightower Ariz. 8 84 10.5 20 0
Galloway T.B. 8 74 9.3 13 0
Kev. Smith Det. 8 53 6.6 12 0
James Ariz. 8 52 6.5 16 0
Westbrook Phil. 8 46 5.8 18 2
Norwood Atl. 8 45 5.6 30 0
Askew T.B. 8 39 4.9 18 0
Austin Dall. 7 172 24.6 63 2
McMullen Sea. 7 124 17.7 34 0
Clark Chi. 7 79 11.3 26 0
Jackson G.B. 7 57 8.1 18 0
P. Thomas N.O. 7 48 6.9 18 0
Taylor Minn. 7 41 5.9 14 0
Henderson N.O. 6 213 35.5 84 1
Jenkins Atl. 6 113 18.8 62 1
Looker St.L. 6 108 18.0 30 1
Hixon N.Y.G. 6 89 14.8 32 0
R. Brown Phil. 6 79 13.2 31 0
Patrick Ariz. 6 60 10.0 19 0
King Car. 6 55 9.2 23 0
Ward N.Y.G. 6 55 9.2 13 0
Celek Phil. 6 55 9.2 19 0
Douglas Atl. 6 52 8.7 21 0
L.J. Smith Phil. 6 49 8.2 10 1
Avery St.L. 6 46 7.7 15 0
Furrey Det. 6 44 7.3 14 0
Portis Wash. 6 36 6.0 10 0
J. Jones Sea. 6 35 5.8 17 0
D. Hall St.L. 6 34 5.7 8 0
D. Williams Car. 6 24 4.0 12 0
Tahi Minn. 6 13 2.2 7 0
Meachem N.O. 5 204 40.8 74 2
Davis S.F. 5 87 17.4 37 0
Miller N.O. 5 71 14.2 28 0
Allison Minn. 5 65 13.0 21 0
Stevens T.B. 5 61 12.2 31 1
Burleson Sea. 5 60 12.0 20 1
Robinson Atl. 5 52 10.4 23 0
Urban Ariz. 5 50 10.0 14 1
Taylor Sea. 5 50 10.0 17 0
Graham T.B. 5 42 8.4 18 0
Hunt Phil. 5 40 8.0 18 0
Hester Chi. 5 40 8.0 20 1
FitzSimmons Det. 5 37 7.4 16 1
McKie Chi. 5 31 6.2 12 0
Curtis Dall. 5 17 3.4 8 0
L. Booker Phil. 5 10 2.0 8 0
Walker S.F. 4 65 16.3 24 1
Mills Minn. 4 59 14.8 23 0
Gilmore T.B. 4 53 13.3 36 1
Bumpus Sea. 4 38 9.5 19 1
Jones G.B. 4 29 7.3 9 1
Bennett Dall. 3 57 19.0 20 0
Boss N.Y.G. 3 51 17.0 26 1
R. Johnson Det. 3 48 16.0 34 1
Payne Sea. 3 39 13.0 22 0
Rice Minn. 3 37 12.3 23 1
Morgan S.F. 3 36 12.0 18 0
M. Booker Chi. 3 34 11.3 23 1
Colston N.O. 3 26 8.7 16 0
Gaines Det. 3 26 8.7 15 0
Keasey S.F. 3 25 8.3 12 0
Lumpkin G.B. 3 22 7.3 12 0
Betts Wash. 3 19 6.3 11 0
Hedgecock N.Y.G. 3 18 6.0 9 0
Thrash Wash. 3 16 5.3 8 1
Turner Atl. 3 11 3.7 6 0
Karney N.O. 3 7 2.3 3 0
SCORING
Player Team TD XP/att FG/att 2XP Pts
Nedney S.F. 0 8/8 10/12 0 38
Akers Phil. 0 12/12 8/10 0 36
Elam Atl. 0 9/9 9/9 0 36
Carney N.Y.G. 0 8/8 9/9 0 35
Longwell Minn. 0 5/5 10/12 0 35
Kasay Car. 0 8/8 8/8 0 32
Suisham Wash. 0 8/8 8/11 0 32
Crosby G.B. 0 13/13 6/7 0 31
Barber Dall. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Boldin Ariz. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Gould Chi. 0 9/9 7/8 0 30
Turner Atl. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Westbrook Phil. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Mare Sea. 0 8/8 7/7 0 29
Folk Dall. 0 13/13 5/5 0 28
Gramatica N.O. 0 13/13 4/6 0 25
Rackers Ariz. 0 10/10 5/7 0 25
Bush N.O. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Owens Dall. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Stewart Car. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
M. Bryant T.B. 0 8/8 5/5 0 23
Hanson Det. 0 6/6 5/5 0 21
Gore S.F. 3 0/0 0/0 1 20
J. Brown St.L. 0 4/4 5/6 0 19
Duckett Sea. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Hightower Ariz. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
F. Jones Dall. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Moss Wash. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Peterson Minn. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Portis Wash. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
P. Thomas N.O. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
James Ariz. 2 0/0 0/0 1 14
Lloyd Chi. 2 0/0 0/0 1 14
Austin Dall. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Bradshaw N.Y.G. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Bruce S.F. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
A. Bryant T.B. 0 3/3 3/3 0 12
Buckhalter Phil. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Fitzgerald Ariz. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Forte Chi. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Graham T.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Hilliard T.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Jennings G.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
C. Johnson Det. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
J. Jones Sea. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
McKie Chi. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Meachem N.O. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
L. Moore N.O. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Rodgers G.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Woodson G.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Adams T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Avery St.L. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Baskett Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Blackmon G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
M. Booker Chi. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Boss N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Briggs Chi. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Buchanon T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Bumpus Sea. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Burleson Sea. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Burress N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Collins G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Driver G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Dunn T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
FitzSimmons Det. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Gamble Car. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Gilmore T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Gocong Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hall G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Henderson N.O. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hester Chi. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Holt St.L. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Houston Atl. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hunt Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Jackson G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Jackson St.L. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
D. Jackson Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Jacobs N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Jenkins Atl. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
R. Johnson Det. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Johnson S.F. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Jones G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Looker St.L. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Manning N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
McAllister N.O. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Muhammad Car. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Nelson G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Norwood Atl. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Olsen Chi. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Patten N.O. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Phillips T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Randle El Wash. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Rice Minn. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Rosario Car. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Rossum S.F. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Shiancoe Minn. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
L.J. Smith Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Smith Car. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Smith T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Kev. Smith Det. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Stevens T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Terrill Sea. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Thrash Wash. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Toomer N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Tuck N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Urban Ariz. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Walker S.F. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
White Atl. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
R. Williams Det. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Willis S.F. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Winfield Minn. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Witten Dall. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Yoder Wash. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Ogunleye Chi. 0 0/0 0/0 0 2
NFC INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
WEEK FOUR
PUNT RETURNS
Player Team No FC Yds Avg Lg TD
Hixon N.Y.G. 9 1 124 13.8 50 0
Blackmon G.B. 9 1 115 12.8 76 1
D. Jackson Phil. 16 5 157 9.8 60 0
Bumpus Sea. 7 0 66 9.4 30 0
Furrey Det. 4 4 36 9.0 20 0
Jones Car. 12 5 105 8.8 31 0
D. Hall St.L. 5 1 41 8.2 26 0
Vasher Chi. 6 1 46 7.7 18 0
Jennings Atl. 16 2 120 7.5 37 0
Breaston Ariz. 7 4 48 6.9 17 0
Randle El Wash. 10 1 68 6.8 14 0
Allison Minn. 6 3 40 6.7 27 0
KICKOFF RETURNS
Rossum S.F. 14 414 29.6 55 0
F. Jones Dall. 13 370 28.5 98 1
D. Manning Chi. 7 191 27.3 46 0
D. Jackson T.B. 11 285 25.9 45 0
Taylor Minn. 7 181 25.9 37 0
Cartwright Wash. 13 329 25.3 50 0
Demps Phil. 13 325 25.0 47 0
Wilson Sea. 13 319 24.5 54 0
Hester Chi. 9 219 24.3 51 0
Stewart Car. 13 310 23.8 38 0
Bradshaw N.Y.G. 8 190 23.8 33 0
Middleton Det. 12 283 23.6 42 0
Player Team No Yds Lg TD
Collins G.B. 3 109 42 1
Woodson G.B. 3 103 62 2
Horton Wash. 3 13 10 0
Payne Chi. 2 61 49 0
Adams T.B. 2 50 45 1
Samuel Phil. 2 14 14 0
Ruud T.B. 2 10 10 0
Willis S.F. 1 86 86 1
Rogers Wash. 1 42 42 0
Tuck N.Y.G. 1 41 41 1
T. Williams G.B. 1 39 39 0
Okeafor Ariz. 1 39 39 0
Milloy Atl. 1 38 38 0
Grant Sea. 1 31 31 0
Wilson Ariz. 1 28 28 0
Buchanon T.B. 1 26 26 1
Tillman Chi. 1 26 26 0
Grimes Atl. 1 25 25 0
Porter N.O. 1 25 25 0
Piscitelli T.B. 1 22 22 0
Gamble Car. 1 19 19 0
Atogwe St.L. 1 19 19 0
E. Coleman Atl. 1 16 16 0
McKenzie N.O. 1 14 14 0
Kaesviharn N.O. 1 13 13 0
Houston Atl. 1 10 10 1
Howard Phil. 1 8 8 0
Bigby G.B. 1 7 7 0
Briggs Chi. 1 3 3 0
Fujita N.O. 1 2 2 0
Talib T.B. 1 2 2 0
Winfield Minn. 1 1 1 0
W. Harris S.F. 1 1 1 0
Brown S.F. 1 1 1 0
C. Gordon Minn. 1 0 0 0
Mikell Phil. 1 0 0 0
Vasher Chi. 1 0 0 0
Smoot Wash. 1 0 0 0
J. Smith S.F. 1 0 0 0
Spikes S.F. 1 0 0 0
Brooks T.B. 1 -2 -2 0
June T.B. 0 1 1 0
PASSING
Comp TD Int Avg
Player Team Att Comp Pct Yds TD Pct Lg Int Pct Gain Rating
Brees N.O. 148 107 72.3 1,343 8 5.4 84 4 2.7 9.07 106.9
J. Campbell Wash. 124 81 65.3 878 6 4.8 67 0 0.0 7.08 102.2
Warner Ariz. 141 94 66.7 1,222 8 5.7 79 4 2.8 8.67 100.8
Romo Dall. 139 90 64.7 1,192 8 5.8 72 4 2.9 8.58 99.0
McNabb Phil. 146 95 65.1 1,100 6 4.1 90 2 1.4 7.53 95.7
Rodgers G.B. 126 78 61.9 961 6 4.8 62 3 2.4 7.63 91.4
Manning N.Y.G. 107 65 60.7 765 4 3.7 33 1 0.9 7.15 91.1
OSullivan S.F. 111 68 61.3 962 4 3.6 63 3 2.7 8.67 90.0
Delhomme Car. 120 72 60.0 860 3 2.5 56 1 0.8 7.17 86.8
Orton Chi. 121 72 59.5 766 5 4.1 34 4 3.3 6.33 78.0
Kitna Det. 104 60 57.7 684 5 4.8 47 5 4.8 6.58 73.6
Bulger St.L. 89 52 58.4 519 2 2.2 50 2 2.2 5.83 73.2
Frerotte Minn. 71 41 57.7 470 1 1.4 48 2 2.8 6.62 70.7
Ryan Atl. 105 55 52.4 669 2 1.9 70 2 1.9 6.37 70.7
T. Jackson Minn. 60 31 51.7 316 1 1.7 24 1 1.7 5.27 65.7
Griese T.B. 128 71 55.5 716 4 3.1 38 6 4.7 5.59 62.5
Hasselbeck Sea. 97 47 48.5 551 2 2.1 34 3 3.1 5.68 60.1
NON-QUALIFIERS
Garcia T.B. 41 24 58.5 221 1 2.4 26 1 2.4 5.39 71.3
Green St.L. 32 17 53.1 236 0 0.0 53 1 3.1 7.38 64.1
PUNTING
Gross Ins Ret Net
Player Team No Yds Lg Avg TB 20 Blk Ret Yds Avg
Rocca Phil. 18 829 65 46.1 1 7 0 9 15 44.1
Jones St.L. 25 1,318 63 52.7 0 7 0 22 271 41.9
McBriar Dall. 14 674 65 48.1 1 3 0 10 88 40.4
Bidwell T.B. 23 1,052 64 45.7 3 7 0 10 99 38.8
Maynard Chi. 26 1,088 67 41.8 1 11 0 11 80 38.0
N. Harris Det. 17 702 57 41.3 0 7 0 10 57 37.9
Frost G.B. 19 853 65 44.9 3 1 0 11 73 37.9
Koenen Atl. 20 809 60 40.5 2 6 0 7 19 37.5
Baker Car. 20 926 59 46.3 2 9 2 10 67 37.2
Kluwe Minn. 22 1,064 57 48.4 2 6 0 14 213 36.9
Feagles N.Y.G. 11 461 54 41.9 1 5 0 4 36 36.8
Weatherford N.O. 17 739 61 43.5 2 3 0 11 85 36.1
Brooks Wash. 17 687 60 40.4 0 6 0 10 93 34.9
Lee S.F. 13 543 59 41.8 1 5 0 5 71 34.8
Plackemeier Sea. 11 450 56 40.9 0 2 0 6 120 30.0
FIELD-GOAL ACCURACY
Avg Avg Avg
1-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50 or Yds Yds Yds
Player Team Yds Yds Yds Yds Longer Total Att Made Miss Lg
Elam Atl. 0-0 4-4 2-2 2-2 1-1 9-9 34.0 34.0 0.0 50
.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Carney N.Y.G. 0-0 5-5 2-2 2-2 0-0 9-9 31.8 31.8 0.0 47
.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 .000 1.000
Kasay Car. 0-0 0-0 3-3 5-5 0-0 8-8 40.6 40.6 0.0 49
.000 .000 1.000 1.000 .000 1.000
Mare Sea. 0-0 1-1 4-4 1-1 1-1 7-7 38.6 38.6 0.0 51
.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Hanson Det. 0-0 0-0 1-1 2-2 2-2 5-5 47.0 47.0 0.0 53
.000 .000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
M. Bryant T.B. 0-0 1-1 4-4 0-0 0-0 5-5 31.8 31.8 0.0 37
.000 1.000 1.000 .000 .000 1.000
Folk Dall. 0-0 1-1 2-2 1-1 1-1 5-5 39.6 39.6 0.0 51
.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Gould Chi. 0-0 3-3 0-0 4-5 0-0 7-8 36.6 34.9 49.0 43
.000 1.000 .000 .800 .000 .875
Crosby G.B. 0-0 1-1 4-5 1-1 0-0 6-7 35.1 35.5 33.0 42
.000 1.000 .800 1.000 .000 .857
Longwell Minn. 0-0 4-4 2-2 3-5 1-1 10-12 38.4 36.5 48.0 53
.000 1.000 1.000 .600 1.000 .833
Nedney S.F. 0-0 4-4 3-3 3-5 0-0 10-12 36.2 35.0 42.0 49
.000 1.000 1.000 .600 .000 .833
J. Brown St.L. 0-0 1-1 0-0 2-2 2-3 5-6 46.2 45.2 51.0 54
.000 1.000 .000 1.000 .667 .833
Akers Phil. 0-0 3-3 4-4 1-2 0-1 8-10 33.7 30.0 48.5 44
.000 1.000 1.000 .500 .000 .800
Suisham Wash. 0-0 3-3 4-5 1-2 0-1 8-11 35.2 32.0 43.7 48
.000 1.000 .800 .500 .000 .727
Player Tm Sks
Abraham Atl. 6.0
Kampman G.B. 4.0
Robbins N.Y.G. 4.0
Ware Dall. 4.0
Parker Phil. 3.5
White T.B. 3.5
Berry Ariz. 3.0
Grant N.O. 3.0
Haralson S.F. 3.0
Kerney Sea. 3.0
Tuck N.Y.G. 3.0
Carter T.B. 2.5
Jenkins G.B. 2.5
Klecko Phil. 2.5
Adams T.B. 2.0
Allen Minn. 2.0
A. Brown Chi. 2.0
Ellis Dall. 2.0
R. Green S.F. 2.0
Hawk G.B. 2.0
Henry Dall. 2.0
Howard Phil. 2.0
Idonije Chi. 2.0
Jackson Sea. 2.0
LaBoy Ariz. 2.0
Little St.L. 2.0
Long St.L. 2.0
Okeafor Ariz. 2.0
Peppers Car. 2.0
Peterson Sea. 2.0
Ratliff Dall. 2.0
Smith N.O. 2.0
J. Smith S.F. 2.0
White Det. 2.0
K. Williams Minn. 2.0
Gaither Phil. 1.5
Adeyanju St.L. 1.0
Babineaux Atl. 1.0
Barber T.B. 1.0
Bernard Sea. 1.0
Bradley Phil. 1.0
M. Brown Chi. 1.0
Bunkley Phil. 1.0
Canty Dall. 1.0
Carter Wash. 1.0
Clancy N.O. 1.0
Cofield N.Y.G. 1.0
T. Cole Phil. 1.0
N. Cole Phil. 1.0
Dansby Ariz. 1.0
Dawkins Phil. 1.0
Diggs Car. 1.0
Dockett Ariz. 1.0
Ellis N.O. 1.0
Gocong Phil. 1.0
Godfrey Car. 1.0
Golston Wash. 1.0
H. Green Sea. 1.0
Greenway Minn. 1.0
Griffin Wash. 1.0
Harrison Chi. 1.0
E.J. Henderson Minn. 1.0
Hillenmeyer Chi. 1.0
Kiwanuka N.Y.G. 1.0
M.M. Lewis S.F. 1.0
Lewis Car. 1.0
McCray N.O. 1.0
Mebane Sea. 1.0
Mikell Phil. 1.0
Pierce N.Y.G. 1.0
Porter N.O. 1.0
Reis N.O. 1.0
Robinson Ariz. 1.0
Ruud T.B. 1.0
C. Smith Det. 1.0
Taylor Wash. 1.0
Taylor Car. 1.0
Thomas Dall. 1.0
Tollefson N.Y.G. 1.0
Webster N.Y.G. 1.0
Wilkerson T.B. 1.0
Wilson Wash. 1.0
Winfield Minn. 1.0
Witherspoon St.L. 1.0
SACKS
INTERCEPTIONS
NFL TEAM STATISTICS
2-2-0 2-2-0 1-2-0 0-3-0 4-0-0 2-0-0 1-3-0 3-1-0 2-2-0 0-3-0 2-2-0 1-2-0 1-2-0 3-0-0 3-1-0 2-2-0
70 59 59 61 65 42 63 65 63 50 74 58 62 70 79 85
33 20 16 16 30 25 26 23 26 16 22 19 28 28 29 24
29 37 37 39 34 15 34 38 35 30 45 36 31 36 44 54
8 2 6 6 1 2 3 4 2 4 7 3 3 6 6 7
1354 1279 939 937 1222 631 1145 1209 1236 859 1424 974 1010 1201 1368 1459
338.5 319.8 313.0 312.3 305.5 315.5 286.3 302.3 309.0 286.3 356.0 324.7 336.7 400.3 342.0 364.8
727 374 192 300 544 380 554 410 534 227 433 337 499 471 530 354
181.8 93.5 64.0 100.0 136.0 190.0 138.5 102.5 133.5 75.7 108.3 112.3 166.3 157.0 132.5 88.5
627 905 747 637 678 251 591 799 702 632 991 637 511 730 838 1105
156.8 226.3 249.0 212.3 169.5 125.5 147.8 199.8 175.5 210.7 247.8 212.3 170.3 243.3 209.5 276.3
129 96 53 71 143 90 112 113 131 53 110 77 101 88 123 101
5.6 3.9 3.6 4.2 3.8 4.2 4.9 3.6 4.1 4.3 3.9 4.4 4.9 5.4 4.3 3.5
105 131 120 110 106 48 133 120 121 109 110 96 97 107 125 155
55 80 71 71 60 28 71 72 72 62 71 61 47 65 82 102
52.4 61.1 59.2 64.5 56.6 58.3 53.4 60.0 59.5 56.9 64.5 63.5 48.5 60.7 65.6 65.8
7 9 5 8 2 1 12 9 10 12 6 6 7 4 7 10
42 62 37 60 13 7 76 61 64 58 33 38 40 35 51 66
2 3 4 5 3 2 6 1 4 6 4 1 3 1 0 3
24 14 89 105 56 16 90 26 53 122 58 0 87 0 0 49
0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 0
20 19 12 10 25 8 23 22 26 17 11 16 18 11 17 18
40.5 44.9 45.1 43.0 44.7 48.4 47.7 42.1 41.8 41.3 50.9 41.3 38.5 41.9 40.4 46.1
2 3 0 1 3 0 1 2 1 0 2 0 1 1 0 1
37.5 37.9 39.4 35.5 36.2 44.0 41.5 37.2 38.0 37.9 42.3 34.1 29.2 36.8 34.9 44.1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
16 9 4 8 10 5 8 13 13 4 6 5 11 13 10 17
7.5 12.8 9.5 9.1 9.1 15.4 7.4 8.1 6.2 9.0 7.5 9.6 10.9 11.2 6.8 9.2
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 20 12 15 11 5 17 15 18 19 16 11 13 10 14 16
20.0 19.4 19.8 17.8 26.1 20.6 22.6 22.9 24.3 21.7 29.6 17.9 24.5 22.4 24.7 21.8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
24 35 17 9 22 14 15 39 28 19 19 15 20 20 23 19
195 322 122 68 154 104 109 251 215 131 124 136 160 179 158 172
3 8 1 5 7 3 5 4 5 5 4 5 5 2 1 6
1 3 1 1 3 2 1 3 4 0 1 0 3 0 1 3
4 4 3 4 10 2 10 4 3 3 6 6 4 2 4 7
1 1 1 2 4 1 7 3 3 1 3 2 2 0 2 5
54 53 35 38 56 28 62 51 63 34 49 34 41 35 50 53
18 21 16 15 18 12 25 13 27 9 24 10 14 16 17 21
33.3 39.6 45.7 39.5 32.1 42.9 40.3 25.5 42.9 26.5 49.0 29.4 34.1 45.7 34.0 39.6
3 6 3 7 5 4 3 3 2 2 1 4 2 0 3 2
0 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 0 2 0
0 33.3 33.3 28.6 40.0 50.0 33.3 33.3 50.0 50.0 100.0 75.0 50.0 0 66.7 0
29:10 28:36 24:42 29:53 30:24 37:01 30:13 30:26 30:21 26:30 29:00 29:52 30:33 32:27 32:26 32:39
9 13 6 6 12 6 7 8 10 6 16 8 8 8 9 12
6 3 3 2 7 5 3 4 3 1 4 5 5 3 3 5
2 6 3 4 3 0 4 3 5 5 10 3 2 4 6 6
1 4 0 0 2 1 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 1 0 1
9/9 13/13 5/5 5/5 12/12 6/6 6/6 8/8 9/9 6/6 14/14 8/8 8/8 8/8 8/8 12/12
0/0 0/0 1/1 0/1 0/0 0/0 1/1 0/0 1/1 0/0 2/2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/1 0/0
9/9 6/7 3/4 5/5 6/6 1/3 5/7 8/8 7/8 5/5 8/10 2/2 7/7 9/9 8/11 8/10
90 109 52 56 102 45 65 80 94 59 138 62 77 83 86 110
83 101 67 99 46 20 97 70 80 113 112 64 80 43 81 74
72 78 58 61 60 19 74 63 81 67 90 51 47 48 77 55
24 36 29 26 15 4 36 22 22 34 19 16 10 15 23 12
44 33 26 33 39 12 35 36 54 29 60 27 31 27 48 36
4 9 3 2 6 3 3 5 5 4 11 8 6 6 6 7
1321 1446 1021 1023 1054 323 1517 1145 1303 1291 1505 954 943 757 1261 982
330.3 361.5 340.3 341.0 263.5 161.5 379.3 286.3 325.8 430.3 376.3 318.0 314.3 252.3 315.3 245.5
517 631 598 476 347 143 706 457 317 623 400 272 264 254 369 215
129.3 157.8 199.3 158.7 86.8 71.5 176.5 114.3 79.3 207.7 100.0 90.7 88.0 84.7 92.3 53.8
804 815 423 547 707 180 811 688 986 668 1105 682 679 503 892 767
201.0 203.8 141.0 182.3 176.8 90.0 202.8 172.0 246.5 222.7 276.3 227.3 226.3 167.7 223.0 191.8
115 121 123 100 93 39 133 111 86 111 89 82 76 67 85 84
4.5 5.2 4.9 4.8 3.7 3.7 5.3 4.1 3.7 5.6 4.5 3.3 3.5 3.8 4.3 2.6
129 141 67 76 143 61 113 128 178 74 175 83 94 98 146 122
76 71 43 50 82 23 67 73 105 49 114 57 58 62 86 70
58.9 50.4 64.2 65.8 57.3 37.7 59.3 57.0 59.0 66.2 65.1 68.7 61.7 63.3 58.9 57.4
7 9 4 3 15 7 3 7 8 3 11 9 10 13 6 17
40 54 24 15 104 39 25 40 68 10 66 44 60 93 50 93
4 8 1 1 8 4 2 1 5 0 5 1 1 1 5 4
89 258 28 33 126 62 39 19 90 0 69 8 31 41 55 22
1 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
23 18 12 11 23 14 16 23 22 11 14 11 17 18 19 26
45.3 42.5 41.5 44.5 40.5 44.1 44.8 45.0 44.1 41.4 48.8 42.7 48.4 46.2 43.7 45.6
2 2 1 0 2 2 3 3 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 0
38.3 33.9 36.7 37.9 34.8 35.7 37.4 37.9 40.4 36.3 44.1 38.4 40.1 38.2 36.9 39.6
1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 11 7 5 11 6 15 10 11 10 7 9 8 4 10 9
2.7 6.6 9.7 11.0 13.7 5.8 8.1 6.7 7.3 5.7 7.9 12.9 18.5 9.0 9.3 1.7
19 17 12 14 16 9 16 10 16 11 22 9 12 19 17 20
19.8 22.5 22.3 21.9 27.8 21.2 23.1 24.3 21.6 24.8 25.8 31.7 24.8 20.6 17.8 27.6
30 29 14 14 20 14 19 28 25 18 23 17 17 20 21 27
227 206 109 143 145 105 135 243 191 160 165 95 125 132 182 214
53 56 43 35 57 26 54 52 53 38 48 41 42 43 47 51
19 21 20 17 18 5 25 16 15 17 13 16 14 16 21 15
35.8 37.5 46.5 48.6 31.6 19.2 46.3 30.8 28.3 44.7 27.1 39.0 33.3 37.2 44.7 29.4
3 5 1 3 9 2 1 5 3 2 7 4 2 3 0 1
1 3 0 3 5 0 1 1 0 1 4 3 1 2 0 0
33.3 60.0 0 100.0 55.6 0 100.0 20.0 0 50.0 57.1 75.0 50.0 66.7 0 0
11 10 5 12 5 2 10 7 8 14 12 8 8 4 9 8
5 4 3 7 4 0 6 1 3 6 1 2 2 1 2 1
6 5 0 4 1 1 3 4 4 6 9 6 4 3 6 6
0 1 2 1 0 1 1 2 1 2 2 0 2 0 1 1
11/11 9/9 5/5 12/12 4/4 2/2 10/10 7/7 8/8 14/14 9/9 6/6 8/8 4/4 7/7 8/8
0/0 0/1 0/0 0/0 0/1 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/3 0/1 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0
2/3 10/10 10/11 5/5 4/7 2/2 9/10 7/7 8/10 5/6 9/10 3/4 8/10 5/5 6/6 6/6
4-0-0 2-2-0 2-1-0 2-2-0 3-1-0 3-1-0 0-4-0 3-1-0 2-1-0 2-2-0 1-3-0 2-2-0 1-3-0 2-2-0 0-4-0 1-3-0
70 92 50 78 81 100 57 93 49 78 72 83 58 71 51 58 67.7
24 23 19 21 22 31 14 34 16 30 26 21 17 17 19 26 23.2
43 60 26 45 53 58 37 53 27 45 39 54 32 47 28 27 39.0
3 9 5 12 6 11 6 6 6 3 7 8 9 7 4 5 5.5
1278 1511 814 1338 1444 1742 927 1664 766 1210 1292 1657 843 1230 987 1232 1193.2
319.5 377.8 271.3 334.5 361.0 435.5 231.8 416.0 255.3 302.5 323.0 414.3 210.8 307.5 246.8 308.0 323.6
408 348 309 474 535 485 329 496 333 506 565 348 351 346 336 620 426.7
102.0 87.0 103.0 118.5 133.8 121.3 82.3 124.0 111.0 126.5 141.3 87.0 87.8 86.5 84.0 155.0 115.7
870 1163 505 864 909 1257 598 1168 433 704 727 1309 492 884 651 612 766.5
217.5 290.8 168.3 216.0 227.3 314.3 149.5 292.0 144.3 176.0 181.8 327.3 123.0 221.0 162.8 153.0 207.9
116 108 80 101 106 104 95 101 89 117 121 103 98 91 84 130 101.1
3.5 3.2 3.9 4.7 5.0 4.7 3.5 4.9 3.7 4.3 4.7 3.4 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.8 4.2
120 144 87 111 169 158 125 140 70 117 131 148 117 129 122 99 118.1
79 96 58 68 95 102 73 90 43 79 72 107 58 90 69 54 72.0
65.8 66.7 66.7 61.3 56.2 64.6 58.4 64.3 61.4 67.5 55.0 72.3 49.6 69.8 56.6 54.5 60.9
11 12 10 19 4 2 12 3 13 10 10 4 9 10 13 10 8.3
79 92 44 98 28 18 72 24 74 79 59 34 51 77 104 56 54.1
2 4 1 3 7 4 6 4 1 4 3 4 6 5 3 1 3.3
19 80 8 66 124 63 70 98 0 29 37 36 70 100 105 4 53.1
0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 0.5
23 11 10 13 23 9 23 14 14 13 22 17 21 14 25 21 17.1
46.5 42.1 47.3 41.8 45.7 47.0 40.8 48.1 43.5 44.4 48.4 43.5 44.8 43.3 52.7 49.6 44.6
2 2 4 1 3 1 1 1 0 2 2 2 4 0 0 4 1.5
39.5 37.1 37.6 34.8 38.8 39.3 34.7 40.4 39.2 35.5 36.9 36.1 39.1 36.1 41.9 41.8 38.0
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1
16 7 7 3 12 5 9 11 3 8 13 5 11 6 5 14 9.0
15.3 6.9 12.7 12.7 5.0 16.6 10.3 4.2 1.0 14.0 5.7 19.0 9.2 12.2 8.2 8.4 9.4
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.1
14 17 12 19 16 16 17 18 10 17 14 16 14 14 25 17 15.0
25.1 21.2 30.9 24.7 23.1 22.1 26.2 24.2 17.2 25.6 24.4 20.3 17.4 26.0 20.1 26.8 22.9
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1
14 29 7 24 32 16 24 31 18 18 27 29 37 19 26 31 22.5
114 198 50 173 291 124 187 259 136 156 197 280 237 166 207 246 175.7
5 7 5 8 2 7 8 7 5 2 7 5 5 5 4 8 5.0
3 5 3 6 2 3 3 2 3 1 4 3 1 2 2 5 2.3
5 6 1 6 4 7 6 7 2 4 8 3 4 8 4 8 5.0
3 4 0 2 1 3 4 2 2 1 3 3 2 4 1 2 2.3
52 51 42 45 56 44 56 47 35 51 56 48 50 46 49 53 47.4
18 22 17 16 19 21 19 27 11 21 20 22 18 17 11 13 17.8
34.6 43.1 40.5 35.6 33.9 47.7 33.9 57.4 31.4 41.2 35.7 45.8 36.0 37.0 22.4 24.5 37.4
2 5 4 2 3 1 4 2 3 6 3 2 1 7 6 6 3.3
2 4 3 2 1 1 2 1 1 5 2 0 0 6 2 4 1.8
100.0 80.0 75.0 100.0 33.3 100.0 50.0 50.0 33.3 83.3 66.7 0 0 85.7 33.3 66.7 52.3
32:07 31:43 29:37 29:28 30:34 29:24 26:48 30:08 29:33 32:47 31:57 30:45 27:15 29:01 26:40 29:38 30:00
12 13 4 9 11 15 5 15 6 7 6 14 4 15 4 7 9.1
5 5 2 4 3 5 2 6 3 4 3 5 1 1 2 3 3.6
5 8 2 4 5 9 2 8 3 2 2 8 3 12 2 4 4.5
2 0 0 1 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 0.9
11/11 10/10 4/4 8/8 11/11 14/14 4/4 13/13 6/6 7/7 5/5 13/13 4/4 10/10 4/4 7/7 8.4/8.4
1/1 1/2 0/0 1/1 0/0 1/1 0/1 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/1 0/1 0/0 1/4 0/0 0/0 0.3/0.6
8/10 5/7 7/7 10/12 8/8 9/10 6/7 5/5 4/4 10/11 10/12 4/6 6/6 4/7 5/6 9/10 6.5/7.5
109 106 49 94 101 133 52 120 54 79 71 111 46 115 43 78 83.4
63 103 58 97 78 117 87 89 38 85 82 100 78 116 147 101 83.4
61 74 49 78 59 78 80 73 53 74 62 83 79 89 91 82 67.7
28 26 19 32 16 22 36 21 13 26 18 23 32 21 38 27 23.2
31 42 30 39 39 53 36 44 35 42 41 52 40 63 47 44 39.0
2 6 0 7 4 3 8 8 5 6 3 8 7 5 6 11 5.5
1122 1223 1001 1343 1258 1635 1320 1257 702 1305 1117 1488 1252 1362 1647 1304 1193.2
280.5305.8 333.7 335.8 314.5 408.8 330.0 314.3 234.0 326.3 279.3 372.0 313.0 340.5 411.8 326.0 323.6
448 405 422 498 392 531 657 414 193 405 287 491 504 302 664 453 426.7
112.0 101.3 140.7 124.5 98.0 132.8 164.3 103.5 64.3 101.3 71.8 122.8 126.0 75.5 166.0 113.3 115.7
674 818 579 845 866 1104 663 843 509 900 830 997 748 1060 983 851 766.5
168.5 204.5 193.0 211.3 216.5 276.0 165.8 210.8 169.7 225.0 207.5 249.3 187.0 265.0 245.8 212.8 207.9
107 101 84 125 110 106 152 99 68 100 100 94 122 99 140 113 101.1
4.2 4.0 5.0 4.0 3.6 5.0 4.3 4.2 2.8 4.1 2.9 5.2 4.1 3.1 4.7 4.0 4.2
121 117 78 132 131 135 117 131 103 118 128 147 106 148 113 127 118.1
60 78 55 75 74 98 70 78 69 78 79 87 71 101 73 71 72.0
49.6 66.7 70.5 56.8 56.5 72.6 59.8 59.5 67.0 66.1 61.7 59.2 67.0 68.2 64.6 55.9 60.9
10 10 6 8 11 6 2 12 10 5 7 10 6 13 7 12 8.3
73 49 53 50 74 34 21 73 73 37 49 66 36 78 60 81 54.1
3 2 2 5 8 1 1 0 6 4 2 4 6 5 1 5 3.3
33 67 9 88 109 0 12 0 18 111 1 54 75 63 19 69 53.1
1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0.5
26 13 14 16 23 11 19 17 14 15 23 15 15 12 16 19 17.1
47.6 42.2 43.6 39.3 41.6 50.4 46.1 46.4 47.1 44.3 43.2 43.1 45.9 42.9 45.1 49.2 44.6
2 0 1 1 3 3 3 2 1 2 0 1 1 2 2 2 1.5
36.7 38.5 35.8 35.6 36.3 37.4 38.1 41.3 45.5 34.2 40.0 35.5 37.9 33.5 40.1 40.9 38.0
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1
10 2 2 5 10 7 13 10 9 8 14 11 5 9 22 10 9.0
12.1 7.5 8.5 14.2 9.9 7.0 9.2 8.8 6.7 9.5 15.2 7.7 7.8 11.2 12.3 8.3 9.4
17 14 8 18 19 20 10 21 11 14 17 17 12 17 12 14 15.0
26.1 17.0 21.1 22.4 18.9 28.1 23.1 19.9 19.1 16.9 26.0 25.1 21.7 20.9 24.8 25.6 22.9
19 20 13 36 30 27 29 27 22 17 33 23 29 23 21 15 22.5
140 190 110 299 249 252 181 197 170 128 248 175 237 177 200 91 175.7
52 44 37 53 60 49 55 50 39 46 53 43 47 51 48 51 47.4
10 16 18 21 20 21 23 18 16 23 19 14 18 23 21 19 17.8
19.2 36.4 48.6 39.6 33.3 42.9 41.8 36.0 41.0 50.0 35.8 32.6 38.3 45.1 43.8 37.3 37.4
7 5 1 5 5 5 4 3 1 2 2 3 6 5 1 1 3.3
3 5 0 3 2 3 0 1 0 1 1 2 4 4 1 1 1.8
42.9 100.0 0 60.0 40.0 60.0 0 33.3 0 50.0 50.0 66.7 66.7 80.0 100.0 100.0 52.3
6 12 7 10 8 13 9 8 3 10 9 10 10 14 17 12 9.1
4 3 4 4 0 5 5 3 1 4 6 3 6 6 7 7 3.6
2 8 3 5 7 7 3 4 2 6 2 5 3 7 8 5 4.5
0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 0.9
6/6 10/10 7/7 10/10 7/7 11/11 9/9 8/8 3/3 10/10 8/8 8/8 9/9 12/12 16/16 10/10 8.4/8.4
0/0 1/1 0/0 0/0 1/1 1/2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/1 1/2 0/1 1/2 1/1 2/2 0.3/0.6
7/8 6/8 3/4 9/10 7/8 8/11 8/9 11/11 5/5 5/5 6/8 10/12 3/4 6/7 9/9 5/8 6.5/7.5
BUF AZ NE SF TB DEN CIN DAL PIT JAX MIN NO CLE NYJ STL OAK NFL
AVG
GAMES (W-L-T)
FIRST DOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Penalty
TOTALYARDS GAINED
Average Per Game
RUSHING (NET)
Average Per Game
PASSING (NET)
Average Per Game
RUSHES
Average Yards
PASSES ATTEMPTED
Completed
Percent Completed
Sacked
Yards Lost
Had Intercepted
Yards Opp. Ret.
Opp. TDs On Int.
PUNTS
Gross Average
Touchbacks
Net Average
Blocked
PUNT RETURNS
Average Return
Return For TD
KICKOFF RETURNS
Average Return
Returns For TD
PENALTIES
Yards
FUMBLES
Fumbles Lost
Opponent Fumbles
Opponent Fumbles Rec.
3RD-DOWNATTEMPTS
Conv. to 1st Down
3rd Down Efficiency
4TH-DOWNATTEMPTS
Conv. to 1st Down
4th-Down Efficiency
Time of Possession
TOUCHDOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Returns
1-PT. PAT/ATTEMPTS
2-PT. PAT/ATTEMPTS
FG/FGA
Total Points
OPP. POINTS
OPP. 1ST DOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Penalty
OPP. YDS. GAINED
Avg. Per Game
RUSHING (NET)
Avg. Per Game
PASSING (NET)
Avg. Per Game
OPP. RUSHES
Avg. Yards
OPP. PASSES
Completed
Pct. Comp.
Sacked
Yards Lost
Intercepted By
Yards Ret.
Ret. for TD
OPP. PUNTS
Gross Avg.
Touchbacks
Net Avg.
Blocked
OPP. PUNT RET.
Avg. Ret.
OPP. KICKOFF RET.
Avg. Ret.
OPP. PENALTIES
Yards
OPP. 3RD-DOWNATT.
Conv. To 1st Down
3rd Down Efficiency
OPP. 4TH-DOWNATT.
Conv. To 1st Down
4th-Down Efficiency
OPP. TOUCHDOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Returns
1-PT. PAT/ATTEMPTS
2-PT. PAT/ATTEMPTS
OPP. FG/FGA
ATL GB IND HOU TEN BAL KC CAR CHI DET SD MIA SEA NYG WAS PHI OFFENSE
BUF AZ NE SF TB DEN CIN DAL PIT JAX MIN NO CLE NYJ STL OAK NFL
AVG
ATL GB IND HOU TEN BAL KC CAR CHI DET SD MIA SEA NYG WAS PHI DEFENSE
NFL TEAM RANKINGS
Total Yards/Game
Rushing Yards/Game
Avg. Gain/Rush
Passing Yards/Game
Avg. Gain/Pass Play
Pct. Had Intercepted
Pct. QB Sacks Allowed
First Downs/Game
Avg. Gain/Off. Play
3rd Down Efficiency
4th Down Efficiency
Punt Return Avg.
Kickoff Return Avg.
Gross Punting Avg.
Net Punting Avg.
Points/Game
Extra Point Pct.
Field Goal Pct.
Opp. Yards/Game
Opp. Rush Yds./Game
Avg. Gain/Rush
Opp. Pass Yds./Game
Avg. Gain/Pass Play
Pct. Intercepted By
QB Sack Pct.
Opp. 1st Downs/Game
Avg. Gain/Def. Play
3rd Down Efficiency
4th Down Efficiency
Opp. Punt Return Avg.
Opp. Kickoff Ret. Avg.
Opp. Gross Punt Avg.
Opp. Net Punt Avg.
Opp. Points/Game
Opp. Field Goal Pct.
Point Differential
Turnover Edge
Penalty Yards Edge
Punt Ret. Differential
KO Return Differential
Time of Possession
17 16 31 32 1 19 18 24 27 13 28 22 21 29 8 23
1 21 30 25 14 22 32 12 7 16 19 28 5 17 18 8
16 28 30 27 10 15 26 12 4 11 21 23 7 24 19 22
31 12 28 32 2 14t 6 20 29 14t 24 11 27 30 7 23
27 8 30 32 4 20 16 19 31 14 25 11 17 24 2 13
27 8 30 31 14 29 22 23 28 5 6 25 4 7 24 18
3 25 26 19 1 16 8 23 24 11 30 20 27 32 9 2
6 19t 31 29t 1 9 12 13t 26t 15 21t 18 29t 23 16 24t
27 16 31 32 2 20 14 19 29 10 26 13 17 30 4 24
8t 20 23t 17 3 15 5t 10 12 28 11 16 31 27 2 26
13t 1t 13t 28t 1t 27 20t 6 20t 8t 8t 5 10t 20t 1t 19
3 4 12 16 2 17 14 5 25 13 7 9 20 32 23t 18
23 8 4 31 19 30 27 7 17 29 1 6 3 32 2 5
4 10 29 15 9 21 13 17 7 27 8 20 3 18 2 16
2 8 31 12 10 25 9 26 6 30 17 24 5 11 3 22
16t 8t 30 31 2 24 27 21 29 19 28 4 23 25 1 12
1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t
32 23t 18t 1t 15t 1t 26 14 28t 1t 1t 31 15t 1t 23t 1t
1 7 19 10 30 25 23 18 29 15 21 24 17 2 28 5
3 17 28 22 24 27 31 14t 30 10 25 5 18 2 13 8
8 19 20 17 27 25 26 15 31 5 28 4 13 2 22 10
1 5 3 10 31 9 2 24 14 26 12 30 20 6 32 8
1 6 10 24 30 26 15 28 27 29 25 23 18 3 14 2
1 18 28 5 30 23 22 10 19 24 17 11 7 3 14 6
3 13 32 21 26 30 20 27 31 4 14 10 8 7 17 6
1 5 24 23 20t 26 19 15t 15t 11 10 29 27 12 31 4
1 7 10 21 31 25 17 26 29 24 28 15 13 2 23 3
1t 1t 22 18 23 30 29 32 28 19 31 27 16 21 3 7
1t 13 1t 23t 20t 28t 1t 14t 28t 26 1t 27 28t 1t 19 18
4 26 19 12 8 24 22 21 14 28 16 25 15 6 13 29
11 28 19 13 31 14 15 1 18 32 10 9 25 5 26 30
14 28 24 23 32 17 4 16 18 8 12 9 31 27 30 2
7 11 20 17 15 19 12 5 16 22 8 2 29 32 31 1
1 5 17 9t 29 30 19 15 20t 16 8 28 23t 3 27 2
22t 15t 17 5t 4 22t 21 22t 18t 5t 5t 14 2 22t 18t 1
3 4 29 27t 10 30 25 22 27t 19 24 18 26 9 7 1
11t 11t 30t 11t 24t 24t 24t 15t 7t 7t 21t 7t 11t 3 4t 1t
15 11t 17 16 1 3 22 24 11t 26 4 14 32 8 7 21
3 10 14 12 2 23 17 7 20 25 8 15 16 30 18 28
17 18 9 27 31 26 23 2 16 32 1 4 13 22 8 21
1 6 29 28 23 17 32 2 15 18 20 25 19 21 26 13
BAL BUF CIN CLE DEN HOU IND JAX KC MIA NE NYJ OAK PIT SD TEN OFFENSE
5 10 25 20 2 26 15 14 3 4 6 12 11 30 7 9
26t 2 20 10 13 31 23 6 26t 4 24 15 3 29 9 11
32 1 25 17 6 14 20 9 31 2 29 8 5 18 3 13
4 26 18 21 3 16 10 19 1 8 5 13 22 25 9 17
5 18 15 21 3 23 10 26 1 9 6 7 28 29 22 12
17 9 2 21 19 32 11t 11t 15t 3 10 15t 20 13 26 1
22 13 17 21 4 29 14 18 6 7 12 31 15 28 5 10
4 19t 24t 26t 3 21t 28 17 7 2 5 13t 8 32 10 11
7 8 18 25 1 21 11 22 3 5 9 6 23 28 15 12
7 25 30 8t 1 29 13t 18 4 5t 13t 19 21 32 23t 22
7 28t 20t 13t 13t 13t 20t 10t 28t 28t 28t 1t 13t 20t 20t 10t
26 23t 22 28 31 19 6 29 1 10 15 8 11 21 30 27
22 26 16 13 14 21 28 12 24 18 20 10 11 25 15 9
22t 30 22t 25 6 28 14 5 19 24 11 26 32 1 12 31
19 18 29 14 7 15 16 20 23 21 1 28 32 4 13 27
10 16t 20 14t 3 22 8t 26 5 6 7 14t 11 32 13 18
1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t
28t 1t 1t 17 1t 1t 18t 20t 30 1t 23t 20t 1t 20t 1t 27
9 20 8 16 11 32 26 6 27 4 3 22 12 31 13 14
14t 23 19 6 16 32 26 4 20 7 1 21 9 29 12 11
14 23 16 9 18 32 29 3 30 11 1 12 6 24 7 21
16 13 7 28 18 22 15 17 29 4 11 19 25 27 21 23
21 13 5 7 12 32 8 19 20 4 9 16 22 31 17 11
20 13 29 15 31t 31t 4 21 16 26 12 8 25 27 2 9
11 24 22t 25 9 29 16 22t 15 2 1 19 5 18 12 28
15t 13 8 25 14 30 20t 6 28 9 2 20t 7 32 3 18
22 18 6 9 14 32 20 8 27 4 5 12 16 30 11 19
14 11t 6 4 13 26 17 11t 8 15 5 20 9t 24 9t 25
28t 10t 9 1t 10t 14t 20t 14t 23t 23t 1t 20t 14t 28t 12 1t
10 2 7 9 17 3 5 31 11 18 1 30 32 27 23 20
2 6 20 12 7 21 17 27 24 8 29 16 22t 22t 4 3
6 21 19 15 26 3 7 11 10 25 22 1 29 20 5 13
23 13 18 24 30 9 4 26 6 21 25 3 28 27 10 14
25 14 6 11 18 32 23t 13 22 4 7 20t 26 31 9t 12
5t 3 22t 10t 22t 12t 22t 5t 12t 22t 22t 18t 10t 22t 15t 22t
17 15 13 11 6 31 14 23 12 2 5 20 21 32 8 16
24t 7t 15t 15t 30t 32 4t 21t 15t 15t 4t 21t 24t 24t 15t 1t
19t 9 19t 23 29 10 31 5 30 28 6 2 25 18 27 13
19 6 13 21 27 9 5 32 1 11 4 22 31 26 29 24
6 14 19 10 5 24 25 20 29 12 30 11 15 28 7 3
8 24 12 14 16 31 27 7 9 4 3 22 11 30 10 5
AZ ATL CAR CHI DAL DET GB MIN NO NYG PHI SF SEA STL TB WAS
BAL BUF CIN CLE DEN HOU IND JAX KC MIA NE NYJ OAK PIT SD TEN DEFENSE AZ ATL CAR CHI DAL DET GB MIN NO NYG PHI SF SEA STL TB WAS
BAL BUF CIN CLE DEN HOU IND JAX KC MIA NE NYJ OAK PIT SD TEN MISCELLANEOUS AZ ATL CAR CHI DAL DET GB MIN NO NYG PHI SF SEA STL TB WAS
AFC NFC
TEN. 1 0 1 3 3 6 3 1 4 4 8 12 +6
WASH. 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 5 7 +6
PITT. 0 0 0 3 1 4 0 0 0 2 6 8 +4
G.B. 1 3 4 3 3 6 0 3 3 1 8 9 +3
PHIL. 1 1 2 3 3 6 2 2 4 5 4 9 +3
S.D. 0 2 2 1 4 5 1 1 2 3 5 8 +3
ATL. 0 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 1 4 5 +2
K.C. 1 0 1 1 6 7 2 2 4 7 2 9 +2
MIA. 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 3 +2
N.Y.J. 0 1 1 2 5 7 4 3 7 4 5 9 +2
BALT. 0 0 0 2 2 4 0 0 0 1 4 5 +1
BUFF. 0 1 1 3 2 5 1 1 2 3 3 6 +1
CLEV. 1 1 2 1 6 7 2 3 5 2 6 8 +1
OAK. 1 1 2 5 1 6 0 2 2 2 5 7 +1
CAR. 0 0 0 3 1 4 0 0 0 3 1 4 +0
CHI. 2 2 4 4 4 8 1 1 2 3 5 8 +0
JAX. 0 0 0 1 4 5 0 0 0 1 4 5 +0
N.O. 1 1 2 3 4 7 1 2 3 3 4 7 +0
N.Y.G. 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 +0
T.B. 0 3 3 2 7 9 1 3 4 1 8 9 +0
MINN. 3 1 4 4 3 7 1 0 1 3 2 5 -2
N.E. 0 0 0 3 1 4 0 0 0 0 2 2 -2
S.F. 1 2 3 6 3 9 1 1 2 2 5 7 -2
ARIZ. 4 3 7 5 4 9 0 1 1 4 2 6 -3
DEN. 2 2 4 3 4 7 1 0 1 3 1 4 -3
HOU. 0 0 0 1 5 6 0 0 0 2 1 3 -3
IND. 0 0 0 1 4 5 0 0 0 1 1 2 -3
SEA. 0 0 0 3 3 6 0 0 0 2 1 3 -3
ST.L. 1 1 2 2 3 5 0 1 1 1 1 2 -3
CIN. 2 3 5 3 6 9 1 1 2 4 1 5 -4
DALL. 0 1 1 2 4 6 0 0 0 2 0 2 -4
DET. 0 0 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 1 0 1 -5
GAME SEASON GAME SEASON DIF
Fum Int Tot Fum Int Tot Fum Int Tot Fum Int Tot
1. Dall. 244 4.91 8.17 6.82
2. Den. 264 4.66 7.86 6.60
3. N.O. 255 3.38 8.61 6.50
4. S.D. 226 3.94 8.54 6.30
5. N.Y.G. 199 5.35 6.58 6.04
6. S.F. 231 4.69 6.65 5.79
7. Ariz. 264 3.22 7.46 5.72
8. Atl. 241 5.64 5.60 5.62
9. Phil. 266 3.51 6.70 5.49
10. Mia. 179 4.38 6.25 5.44
11. G.B. 236 3.90 6.46 5.42
12. Wash. 255 4.31 6.35 5.36
13. N.Y.J. 230 3.80 6.36 5.35
14. Ind. 178 3.62 5.98 5.28
15. T.B. 279 5.05 5.25 5.18
16. Buff. 247 3.52 6.64 5.17
17. Oak. 239 4.77 5.61 5.15
18. Car. 242 3.63 6.19 5.00
19. Jax. 244 4.32 5.54 4.96
20. Hou. 189 4.23 5.40 4.96
21. Det. 174 4.28 5.22 4.94
22. Minn. 262 4.67 5.16 4.93
23. Sea. 205 4.94 4.91 4.93
24. Ten. 251 3.80 6.28 4.87
25. Chi. 262 4.08 5.36 4.72
26. N.E. 177 3.86 5.21 4.60
27. Balt. 139 4.22 5.12 4.54
28. St.L. 219 4.00 4.82 4.51
29. K.C. 257 4.95 4.08 4.46
30. Pitt. 172 3.74 5.22 4.45
31. Cin. 232 3.46 4.37 4.00
32. Clev. 224 3.58 3.90 3.76
1. Balt. 107 3.67 2.65 3.02
2. Pitt. 181 2.84 4.50 3.88
3. Ten. 251 3.73 4.47 4.20
4. N.Y.G. 178 3.79 4.53 4.25
5. Phil. 223 2.56 5.52 4.40
6. Car. 246 4.12 5.10 4.65
7. Buff. 238 4.19 5.15 4.71
8. Minn. 235 2.87 6.15 4.75
9. Chi. 272 3.69 5.30 4.79
10. Cin. 271 4.32 5.57 4.87
11. T.B. 252 3.56 6.10 4.99
12. S.F. 265 3.98 6.04 5.07
13. Oak. 252 4.01 6.12 5.17
14. Dall. 242 4.18 5.90 5.19
15. N.Y.J. 260 3.05 6.58 5.24
16. Sea. 180 3.47 6.53 5.24
17. Atl. 251 4.50 5.91 5.26
18. Ind. 194 4.86 5.96 5.26
19. Wash. 237 4.34 5.87 5.32
20. G.B. 271 5.21 5.43 5.34
21. Clev. 234 4.13 6.68 5.35
22. Ariz. 228 4.01 6.44 5.36
23. S.D. 275 4.49 5.94 5.47
24. Mia. 174 3.32 7.41 5.48
25. Hou. 179 4.76 6.92 5.72
26. Jax. 223 4.05 7.32 5.85
27. N.O. 251 5.22 6.35 5.93
28. N.E. 168 5.02 6.89 5.96
29. K.C. 249 5.31 6.99 6.09
30. St.L. 260 4.74 8.19 6.33
31. Den. 247 5.01 7.83 6.62
32. Det. 188 5.61 8.68 6.87
OFF RUSH PASS OFF
OFFENSE PLAYS AVG AVG AVG
DEF RUSH PASS DEF
DEFENSE PLAYS AVG AVG AVG
OFF TOT TOT SCOR TD
OFFENSE POSS TD FG % %
OFF TOT TOT SCOR TD
DEFENSE POSS TD FG % %
1. Ten. 13 10 3 1.000 .769
2. Pitt. 8 6 1 .875 .750
3. Mia. 10 7 1 .800 .700
4. Det. 3 2 1 1.000 .667
5. N.O. 11 7 2 .818 .636
6. Ind. 8 5 2 .875 .625
7. G.B. 10 6 3 .900 .600
8. Den. 19 11 5 .842 .579
9. Dall. 16 9 3 .750 .563
10. Car. 9 5 3 .889 .556
11. Buff. 11 6 5 1.000 .545
12. K.C. 13 7 3 .769 .538
13. S.D. 15 8 6 .933 .533
14. N.Y.J. 17 9 4 .765 .529
15. Ariz. 21 11 4 .714 .524
16. Wash. 16 8 7 .938 .500
17. Chi. 10 5 4 .900 .500
18. Phil. 17 8 7 .882 .471
19. N.Y.G. 11 5 6 1.000 .455
20. S.F. 14 6 6 .857 .429
21. Balt. 7 3 1 .571 .429
22. Hou. 12 5 4 .750 .417
23. Clev. 10 4 5 .900 .400
24. Sea. 10 4 4 .800 .400
25. T.B. 18 7 8 .833 .389
26. Atl. 13 5 6 .846 .385
27. Cin. 8 3 3 .750 .375
28. N.E. 11 4 6 .909 .364
29. Jax. 14 5 5 .714 .357
30. Oak. 12 4 7 .917 .333
31. St.L. 3 1 1 .667 .333
32. Minn. 9 2 6 .889 .222
1. Buff. 9 2 4 .667 .222
2. Car. 9 2 5 .778 .222
3. Ind. 8 2 5 .875 .250
4. T.B. 8 2 6 1.000 .250
5. G.B. 15 4 8 .800 .267
6. Pitt. 7 2 4 .857 .286
7. Ten. 13 4 3 .538 .308
8. Balt. 3 1 1 .667 .333
9. S.F. 15 5 6 .733 .333
10. N.O. 18 6 8 .778 .333
11. N.Y.G. 5 2 3 1.000 .400
12. Chi. 14 6 7 .929 .429
13. Cin. 14 6 7 .929 .429
14. Dall. 16 7 9 1.000 .438
15. Sea. 9 4 5 1.000 .444
16. S.D. 19 9 6 .789 .474
17. Den. 17 9 6 .882 .529
18. K.C. 13 7 5 .923 .538
19. N.Y.J. 22 12 5 .773 .545
20. Phil. 7 4 1 .714 .571
21. Atl. 12 7 1 .667 .583
22. Mia. 10 6 1 .700 .600
23. St.L. 15 9 5 .933 .600
24. Wash. 10 6 4 1.000 .600
25. Minn. 11 7 2 .818 .636
26. Ariz. 11 7 4 1.000 .636
27. Clev. 12 8 0 .667 .667
28. N.E. 9 6 1 .778 .667
29. Det. 12 8 3 .917 .667
30. Oak. 13 9 3 .923 .692
31. Jax. 12 9 3 1.000 .750
32. Hou. 11 10 1 1.000 .909
TURNOVERS TAKEAWAYS TEAM EFFICIENCY INSIDE THE RED ZONE
To get daily tips
on picking
the winners, visit
for staff selections,
trends and tips, blogs
and handicapping column.
By Nolan Nawrocki
Senior editor
Mix a heavy dose of aggressiveness with
a glass of complacency and you have a
week of major upsets in college football, as
three of the nations top-five ranked teams
USC, Georgia and Florida went down
one-by-one against hungrier opponents.
It started Thursday night when Oregon
State continually pressured a young but tal-
ented USC offensive line, sacking Mark
Sanchez three times after he had been tak-
en down only once entering the game.
On defense, USC was outmatched by
the physical play of the Beavers and could
not contain diminutive but tough freshman
RB Jacquizz Rodgers, who diced through the
defense. USC standout junior FS Taylor Mays
had to leave the game with a chest injury that
left him coughing up blood. USC senior SLB
Brian Cushing broke a bone in his hand, and
senior MLB Rey Maualuga left the game af-
ter spraining his knee in the fourth quarter.
Oregon State head coach Mike Riley,
who upset the Trojans for the second time
in three years, set the tone for a surprising
weekend by catching the Trojans sleeping
and running off to a 21-0 start from which
the Trojans never recovered in a 27-21 loss.
Alabama worked a similar number on
Georgia, as the Tide stacked the box and suf-
focated third-year sophomore RB Knowshon
Moreno, who finished the game with 34 yards
rushing and struggled to find room to run
before leaving the game late with an elbow
injury. Part of Morenos problem was that the
Bulldogs could not afford to attack on the
ground after falling behind 31-0 at the half.
Alabama OLT Andre Smith initially
struggled with the speed of DT Geno Atkins,
but together with OLG Mike Johnson who
filled in very ably for Smith at the OLT spot
early in the season continually moved the
line of scrimmage and plowed running
lanes for whomever was carrying the ball.
The defense created turnovers behind a de-
fensive line where NT Terrence Cody con-
tinued his stellar dominance in the middle.
Georgia QBMatthew Stafford was pressured
all night long in the Dawgs 41-30 loss.
Mississippi beat the Gators soft offensive
line and wound up winning 31-30. Twice,
ORT Jason Watkins let blitzers cross his face
as the Rebels continually brought heavy pres-
sure that kept Tim Tebow on edge. Tebow,
who has never won when trailing at halftime,
shouldered the blame after the loss. He con-
sistently held on to the ball too long, over-
threw the deep ball and was stopped on 4th-
and-1 on the games final drive.
DRAFT AUDIBLES
(LSU OG) Herman Johnson scares
me to death. Hes a big-boned man, but
hes only a guard. He cannot play tackle.
Hes a great run blocker, but thats all he
can do. He can help a power running
game. What scares you is that he has been
over 400 pounds at times throughout his
career. How many guys that size ever re-
ally make it? Hes a buffet-line guy.
I like (LSU FS) Curtis Taylor. Hes ex-
tremely athletic, has outstanding move-
ment skills and can cover like a
cornerback. When he gets done testing,
he will blow up the charts.
(Ole Miss OLT) Michael Oher has to
be a guard. He gets beat on the outside
too much. I dont even think hes a right
tackle. Hes an inside guy.
(Penn State S Anthony Scirrotto) is
a tough overachiever. He is built more like
a cornerback than a safety. He has good
production on the ball. He can cover. He
does not have any lead in his (pants) he
is the nail as much as he is the hammer.
(Mississippi DT) Peria Jerry really dis-
appointed me (live in person). He strug-
gled to get off blocks and didnt dominate
the way I had hoped to see. He didnt use
his hands for (nothing). Im going to have
to go back to look at 07 tape.
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
Many in the media have focused on the
struggles of RB Reggie Bush and his in-
ability to run inside.
But the way we hear it, Bush is becom-
ing a bona fide superstar,game-
changer and difference-maker.
He is everything they drafted him to
be, one veteran evaluator said. He is just
not what the NFL would classify as a true
running back, and thats why he is being
labeled a bust.
The passing game, the running game
everything goes through Reggie. If you
find a way to stop Reggie, you will beat
the Saints. In the NFL, if you can make a
defense look bad, you are special. He can
do that. He makes it look like he is out in
the school yard as an 18-year-old playing
fifth- and sixth-grade kids. What he did to
Denver was embarrassing he made
about four plays in that game that no one
in the NFL can make.
Bush led all NFL backs with 9.6 yards
per catch entering Week Four.
Reggie is having his coming-out
party, the evaluator continued. Hes
(warranting) a lot of zone coverage that
Drew Brees is able to pick apart be-
cause you cannot man (Bush) up. You
might be able to, but you are going to see
a double cover on a back and one-on-one
on receivers.
BCS powers caught sleeping
Oregon State RB Jacquizz Rodgers rushed for 186 yards and two TDs in the win over USC.
Scouts have been very disappointed with
the talent at Michigan, as all three senior de-
fensive linemen, including the highly re-
garded Terrance Taylor, have been
disappointing. Taylor, who has dropped 30
pounds, plays too straight-legged for a 6-
footer and shows underachiever tendencies.
Senior DT Will Johnson lacks functional
strength and struggles on contact. Senior DE
Tim Jamison, who had a clear lane to the
quarterback against Wisconsin and com-
pletely whiffed trying to bring him down, is
an average athlete who struggles to bend
and break down.
Georgia senior LB Dannell Ellerbe left
the game on the first defensive series with a
left kneecap injury and never returned.
Washington sophomore QB Jake Locker
broke his right (throwing) thumb after
throwing a big block on a reverse that sprung
a 27-yard gain and had to leave the Stanford
game. The 0-4 Huskies will be majorly chal-
lenged to win a game without him.
Florida WR-RB Percy Harvin looked like
the best athlete on the field vs. Ole Miss, slip-
ping out of tackles, doing a lot of damage on
the ground and through the air. He is a more
natural receiver than Reggie Bush al-
though he has the run skills and instincts to
contribute out of the backfield and he will
bring the most value as a slot receiver in the
pros. Like Bush, however, he needs to learn
how to take better care of the football, as his
third-quarter fumble proved to be a very
costly momentum-changer.
Notre Dame sophomore QB Jimmy
Clausen passed for a career-high 275 yards
and three TDs against Purdue, but his arm
strength appears marginal and his accuracy
sporadic. If Clausen is able to fend off fresh-
men Nate Montana, the son of Hall of
Fame QB Joe Montana, and Dayne Crist
for the top job over the course of the next
two years, it would be a surprise.
North Carolina senior WR Brooks Foster
has been overshadowed by the spectacular
play of teammate Brandon Tate, who con-
tinued to dazzle against Miami (Fla.), but it
was Foster who came up big in the corner of
the endzone against the Hurricanes, stretch-
ing out to haul in the game-winning TD with
less than a minute left to play.
Penn State senior WR Derrick Williams
accomplished what no player has ever done
in Joe Paternos storied 43-year career,
rushing, catching and returning a kick for a
TD in a 38-24 victory over Illinois. Williams
was barely touched on his 94-yard kickoff re-
turn as he decisively hit the wide lane that
unraveled. Penn States offense, behind the
improved leadership and fine athletic ability
of junior QB Daryll Clark, has been churn-
ing on high octane.
COLLEGE NOTES
J
O
N
A
T
H
A
N
F
E
R
R
E
Y
/
G
E
T
T
Y
I
M
A
G
E
S
NFL DRAFT 2009
AUDIBLES NFList
Jeff Fisher is one helluva coach. The offense is clicking without Vince Young. (Offensive
coordinator Mike) Heimerdinger has incorporated elements of Denvers running game.
They run play-action well. And the defense is always going to be sound defense is
Fishers baby.
Part of the problem with the Lions is
that you dont have a lot of blue-chippers
on the roster. There is not a single one on
either line. Its difficult to just chop off one
man (Matt Millen) at the top and leave
everything else the same and expect better
results.
I dont like the fact that these (salary)
cap guys are able to point the finger at the
personnel people and ultimately succeed
in taking over (GM) positions. They dont
have to deal with winning. They are mas-
querading as football people and getting
these high-level jobs overseeing football.
Ultimately, the person in charge of the
purse is in charge. And too many of them
want to make the scouts stepchildren.
Thats how they survive.
Rod Marinellis specialty is defense,
and (the Lions) defense sucks. Its awful.
Watching (the defense) play is like watch-
ing paint dry.
The Rams have three former head
coaches on their staff. It allows them to
easily anoint an interim head coach. You
never want to fire someone unless there is
someone on the staff who can handle the
job.
The Saints are taking a beating on of-
fense. (Jeremy) Shockey is out for a
while. (David) Patten has been out. (OG
Jamar) Nesbit is suspended four
games. Their big receiver (Marques Col-
ston) has been out. (Jammal) Brown is
hurting. All they have is Reggie (Bush).
We should start to see if (Robert)
Meachemhas anything to him
(Titans CB) Cortland Finnegan is
playing like Asante Samuel. Hes a big
part of the reason it made it easier to run
off Pacman Jones. It helps when youve
got a seventh-rounder playing like a first-
rounder.
One of the most difficult parts of scouting
is when you know a guy is going to be a top-
15 pick and you have to tell everyone in the
room you dont see it, that the guy is going
to be a bust. How many evaluators can put
their nuts on the line and go against the
room? I gave (Cardinals DT) Alan Branch a
sixth-round grade. We stuck him in the sec-
ond round (collectively as a group on the
draft board). I laughed. He was slow-
twitched, played soft and had no instincts.
He could stare you in the eyes and there was
no intensity. And thats how I hear hes been
in Arizona. He was not hard to figure out.
(Saints DL coach Ed) Orgeron is
shooting gaps with his inside guys, and
(MLB Jonathan) Vilma has to be kept
clean to produce. He is still creating some
production, but hes not as good as he
would be if you put two big bodies in front
of him over the guard and center and just
let (him) go side to side. Right now he is
being forced to fight through too many
blocks and a lot of (his) plays, when you
watch it, are down the field for six- or
seven-yard tackles.
The Bears look like they are clearing out
all their bad (draft) picks all at once. Its
starting to reek like a rebuilding year.
Chiefs, Rams have longest
roads back from slow starts
By Mike Wilkening
Senior editor
History is not on the side of clubs that
start 0-3. Only one in the past 10 years the
1998 Buffalo Bills has rallied to make the
playoffs. In the days leading up to Week Four,
we asked a panel of scouts and personnel
men for their take on the leagues five 0-3
clubs (Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas
City and St. Louis), as well as 0-2 Houston.
We asked them to rank those teams from the
ones most likely to bounce back from their
tough starts to those least likely to make a
comeback.
Heres how they ranked the clubs. All com-
ments were made on the condition of
anonymity:
1. Houston Texans Theyll get some-
thing going up front (on defense). Its a diffi-
cult division, one scout said. Another
respondent said, In my mind, they have the
right guy (Steve Slaton) running the ball.
But another NFL personnel man noted that
QB Matt Schaub is making too many mis-
takes.
2. Cleveland Browns In my opinion,
Brady Quinns the better quarterback, an
NFC scout said. Another evaluator noted,
Its a team that has a lot of what it had last
year and then some. You wonder why its not
clicking.
3. Cincinnati Bengals By and large,
the evaluators polled were less negative on
the Bengals than you might think. You have
a quarterback (Carson Palmer) whos on the
verge of moving into the elite, an AFC scout
said. I think they need to build more around
him; hes a steadying presence. Even the
Bengals much-maligned defense has some
things going for it, according to one person-
nel man. You look at the defense, and they
are capable of playing sound and stopping
you, he said.
4. Detroit Lions Calvin Johnson
that guys a beast, one scout marveled.
Hes a bright spot. However, the scout
added, They just cant seem to find an iden-
tity. Then there was this interesting take
from another evaluator: The whole organi-
zation may come together (after the firing of
president/CEO Matt Millen). Everybodys job
is on the line.
5. St. Louis Rams No one on our
panel was holding out a lot of hope for the
Rams. One evaluator said the Rams prob-
lems ran deep and throughout both sides of
the ball. First and foremost, although they
have two good tackles (OLT Orlando Pace
and ORTAlex Barron), thats where it ends
(along the offensive line). He added, You
have to figure out whether youre a running
or a passing team. You havent been very
creative as to how you get the ball to (RB
Steven Jackson).The defenses problems
were also jarring. Its really a team strug-
gling up front due to youth and inexperience,
a secondary that cant cover well and an un-
dersized LB corps, the panelist said. Also, a
couple of personnel men indicated they
could not understand why head coach Scott
Linehan replaced QB Marc Bulger with Trent
Green. Once you start switching quarter-
backs, one personnel man said, it leads me
to believe the coach doesnt believe in his
system. Once you do that, you lose every-
thing.
6. Kansas City Chiefs Id say (the
issue is) just quarterbacking, one AFC scout
said, citing the uncertainty at the position
even before Brodie Croyle got hurt. It is
pretty much up in the air. They were the only
team that didnt completely decide on their
quarterback. Theyre just so young. Noted
another evaluator, Youre talking about a
team (that was) going with their third quar-
terback (Tyler Thigpen). Most teams strug-
gle when they get down to their second.
J
E
F
F
B
A
R
C
A
Chiefs head coach Herman Edwards
M
I
K
E
P
R
O
E
B
S
T
I
N
G
/
P
R
O
C
A
S
E
The following quotes are from NFL scouts, coaches and front-office personnel, speaking
on the condition of anonymity.

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OCTOBER 5, 2008

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