Favre Not Interested in Tampa - 07/28/2008 Source: Tampa Tribune
As a trade for QB Brett Favre seems increasingly likely, it looks like that trade won't be to Tampa Bay. Favre wants the list of teams expanded beyond Tampa and the Jets, and many believe he'd prefer the Vikings. However, the Packers have said they won't trade him within the division.
Fantasy Impact: This news makes the Jets the front runners to land his services at this point, and they'll be a fun team to watch with a quarterback that can throw the ball more than 20 yards.
RB Ronnie Brown says the hardest part of coming back from season ending knee surgery last year is going to be mental, not physical. He has slimmed down and appears able to do all of the things he could before the injury.
Fantasy Impact: That defenses will be able to consistently put 8 or 9 guys in the box against the Dolphins due to inexperienced quarterbacks and wide receivers will hamper his value more than the injury. A more powerful runner, like say, Ricky Williams, may fare better against such fronts.
WR Joe Horn still wants a trade from the Falcons, though he has reported to camp and is ready to go. He admittedly hasn't studied the playbook though, as he expected to be dealt.
Fantasy Impact: Horn is no longer worthy of a starting spot in most leagues, but could be a useful backup if he gets out of Atlanta.
While everyone is paying attention to Brett Favre, the surprising star of last season, RB Ryan Grant, isn't in camp either. The Packers own his rights, but he is not under contract, and cannot be fined for missing camp. He's unhappy with the current offer, which pales in comparison to the contract signed by LB Brady Poppinga in the offseason.
Fantasy Impact: Grant should get this resolved before it affects his play. The team should make a reasonable offer though, as his agent says that with the incentives in the Packers offer, "If he does what he did last year (956 yards, 8 TDs on a team that ran on only only 39.4% of its plays), he wouldn't even earn $1 million." That is insulting.
LenDale White Looks Healthy - 07/28/2008 Source: The Tennessean
RB LenDale White, after reporting to camp last year out of shape, is impressing coaches and teammates this year with his quickness and footwork. Amusingly, says veteran center Kevin Mawae, "Last year he came in out of shape, trying to get back into shape to his playing weight, whatever that is — I don't think anyone knows what that is yet; I don't think he knows."
Fantasy Impact: White will have to fend off first round pick RB Chris Williams, but should be able to do so and exceed his production last year.
QB Jon Kitna: Tough Guy - 07/28/2008 Source: Detroit News
QB Jon Kitna looks good after playing through a litany of injuries during last season. Per Mike O'Hara:
"I thought a month after the season, he still looked miserable," coach Rod Marinelli said. "Now he looks great. He's a highly conditioned guy."
Fantasy Impact: Kitna, with WR Roy Williams and WR Calvin Johnson ready to go, could have another good year.
QB Brady Quinn got off to a terrible start at camp, throwing 3 INTs and fumbling a snap in his first ten plays. Since then he's shown himself to be reasonably competent under center.
Fantasy Impact: Derek Anderson is still the guy in Cleveland, and easily a top 10 fantasy quarterback. Quinn will have to wait.
Rookie RB Jonathan Stewart, as well as RB DeAngelo Williams, are impressing defenders in Panthers camp this week. Said one DB of Stewart, "I went over to the sidelines and told the guys, ‘We've got us something here.' He's going to be able to get a lot of those tough yards for us when we need them." Interestingly, Stewart also stayed in a Motel 6 recently after being told his contract wouldn't be finished by the time he arrived at the facility, as earlier indicated.
Fantasy Impact: Williams hasn't done much to grab the job thus far in his career, and Stewart shows all indications of being a stud. He should make a good #2 RB by mid-season.
McGahee: Shows Up Late, But Will Get More Touches - 07/28/2008 Source: Baltimore Sun
RB Willis McGahee, despite showing up late for training camp and missing most voluntary Ravens functions in the offseason, will get an increased load under new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
Fantasy Impact: Cameron's last RB while a coordinator was LT, so he knows how to use tailbacks. He's looking to increase McGahee's presence on third downs and in the passing game.
Terry Glenn Gets Interest - 07/28/2008 Source: The Times Union
Two Florida teams have needs for a veteran wide receiver, and Terry Glenn could fit the bill.
Fantasy Impact: Glenn will catch on somewhere, and is productive when he's on the field. A stop in Jacksonville would give them an interesting wide receiving corps for QB David Garrard to throw to, with WRs Reggie Williams and Jerry Porter also there (though currently on the PUP list).
More Of The Same Under Center For The Bears - 07/28/2008 Source: Chicago Tribune
This from the Chicago Tribune's David Haugh:
4:45 p.m.: After Grossman floats a wobbly duck that's picked off by Charles Tillman, a cynic in the crowd yells, "Now that looks familiar!"
4:50 p.m.: Orton keeps up with Grossman by telegraphing a quick slant pass Hunter Hillenmeyer picks off.
Fantasy Impact: I'm sure they'll both get things straightened out and....haha, sorry, couldn't say that with a straight face. Don't draft either one unless you start 4 QBs.
Hester Signs New Deal, Worth Up To $40M - 07/28/2008 Source: Chicago Tribune
Return specialist and aspiring wide receiver Devin Hester signed a four year contract extension with the Bears, guaranteeing him up $15M and worth up to $40M in incentives
Fantasy Impact: This is the clearest indication yet that the Bears intend to use Hester more prominently on offense. If your league keeps return yards / TDs, then Hester may make his way into the top 15 among wideouts this year.
Troy Smith Impresses - 07/26/2008 Source: Baltimore Sun
After a couple of days of poor quarterback play at Ravens camp, QB Troy Smith finally made a statement and played well.
Fantasy Impact: Smith is an intriguing option at quarterback. He's mobile, can make most throws, and has a pedigree of winning, coming off a solid career Ohio State. He strikes me as a guy that scouts talked themselves out of leading up to the NFL draft, and he may have a very productive year if he earns the starting role. However, as with any young QB, ups and downs are to be expected.
McCarthy: Rodgers is Our Starter - 07/26/2008 Source: Miami Herald
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy said that Aaron Rodgers is his starting quarterback, regardless of what happens to QB Brett Favre.
Fantasy Impact: Sounds like Favre is going to be traded, leaving Rodgers to run the offense in front of rookies Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn
The MRI for Saints RB Deuce McAllister came back negative, and he is expected to resume practicing soon, though on a limited basis.
Fantasy Impact: Having knee problems so early in camp is not a good sign for McAllister, and any of his owners may want to pick up Reggie Bush and / or Pierre Thomas, depending on how the roles shake out during the preseason.
Pats Sign LaMont Jordan - 07/26/2008 Source: Boston Herald
After the Raiders released LaMont Jordan, the Patriots have signed him, presumably as a backup to RB Laurence Maroney.
Fantasy Impact: Jordan would be a good choice to handcuff with Maroney.
Saints RB Deuce McAllister is having an MRI after he needed fluid drained from his left knee, the same knee that required surgery last year after he tore his ACL.
Fantasy Impact: This is not a good sign, but it opens the door for RBs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas to show what they can do. I wouldn't be drafting McAllister with any confidence until he can stay on the field for more than a couple of days at a time.
49ers RB Frank Gore is optimistic that he can replicate Marshall Faulk's success with new coordinator Mike Martz. Gore says that Martz told him, 'All the great players, when they begin to fail in my offense, it's because they didn't study the playbook.'
Fantasy Impact: With no other great options on offense, Gore will once again be the focal point, and with Martz running the show should have a year reminiscent of 2006.
Plaxico's Training Camp Vacation - 07/26/2008 Source: Daily News
WR Plaxico Burress sat out of training camp yesterday just a day after coach Tom Coughlin declared him fit to practice once a day. Most players under that restriction participated in the morning practice, but Burress sat out both.
Fantasy Impact: It's unclear whether this is his ankle injury still healing or a "business decision," as it was in prior team workouts. If last year is any indication though, as long as he sees the field on game day he'll be fine.
WR Marvin Harrison Looks Good - 07/26/2008 Source: Indianapolis Star
WR Marvin Harrison looks like his old self at camp, according to Coach Tony Dungy. "For me, I try to read his face, when he's smiling and doesn't have that worried look, then I think things are pretty much normal"
Fantasy Impact: If Harrison can make it through the whole preseason, he may be worthy of being a top 10 WR again, but that's a big if. He's coming off of two knee surgeries, but he'd also been remarkably healthy throughout his career.
WR Matt Jones Finds His Cocaine Arrest "Embarrassing" - 07/26/2008 Source: The Times-Union
WR Matt Jones was arrested outside of Fayetteville, Arkansas earlier this year with 6 grams of cocaine in the car. His father says the cocaine wasn't his (shocker!), and Jones says he's embarrassed (double shocker!).
Fantasy Impact: Jones didn't have much fantasy impact before this, and I'm sure the resulting suspension that ultimately comes down won't help matters any.
St. Louis Rams star RB Steven Jackson is holding out in hopes of getting his contract negotiated.
Fantasy Impact: Jackson is seemingly unstoppable if he's healthy, and missing some extra wear and tear on his body may not be a bad thing. As long as he's around by the middle of camp he shouldn't be downgraded on fantasy boards.
Bears WR / KR Devin Hester, who wants to be paid like a top WR despite having no credentials at the position, is back in camp today.
Fantasy Impact: Seems that the $15,000 tab for each missed day was too much for someone that is making "only" $445,000 this year. While he does deserve a raise based on his kick returning skills, we're also hard pressed to come up with a kick returner that was on top of the position for more than a few years, save Mel Gray.
Jets Get Permission to Talk to Favre - 07/25/2008 Source: NY Post
The Jets have asked for and been granted permission to talk to QB Brett Favre about a trade. The Packers would obviously prefer to trade him to a team they do not play this year, and the Jets fit that bill.
Fantasy Impact: Favre on the Jets would be interesting, as he'll have no shortage of weapons with WRs Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles, in addition to draft pick TE Dustin Keller.
Favre to Report to Training Camp - 07/25/2008 Source: Miami Herald
Packers QB Brett Favre has informed the team of his intention to reply for reinstatement and attend training camp. One report says that this is a maneuver to force a trade, which would make sense for Brett, giving his as much time as possible to learn a new offense. Another report says the Packers caved and are willing to hand him the job again.
Fantasy Impact: Favre is just gonna go out there slangin' that darn pigskin around and havin' a great time! Like a little kid out there!
But seriously, if he's starting in the NFL he should be worthy of a starting spot in most fantasy leagues
RB Brian Westbrook reported to Eagles camp, but is doing so on a temporary basis. After switching agents, "I just wanted to give my agent an opportunity to talk with team president Joe Banner and see if we can get something done," he said.
Fantasy Impact: While a lengthy holdout would hurt his value, I doubt anyone would allow that to happen with the optimism surrounding the Eagles this year.
The Indianapolis Colts have brought in former Jacksonville Jaguars QB Quinn Gray to compete with Jim Sorgi for the backup job. Normally with the Colts this means the right to play the 2nd half of the last game of the season, but with Peyton Manning's injury this role may carry more significance this season.
Fantasy Impact: This doesn't show a lot of confidence in Sorgi, and Gray was fairly competent in Jacksonville.
Raiders RB LaMont Jordan was told he was not welcome at training camp. However, since he's under contract with the Raiders, they can't bar him from participating. This is essentially the same situation Steve McNair faced with the Titans before his trade.
Fantasy Impact: Jordan is oft-injured, and the article cites New Orleans as a possible landing spot. With a backfield of Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister, and the intriguing Pierre Thomas, he could jump from one overcrowded running back situation to another. Wait to see where he lands.
WR Devin Hester is holding out, costing himself $15,000 a day. He's only making $445,000 this year, so a one week holdout would cost him approximately a quarter of what he'll see after taxes.
Fantasy Impact: I'd imagine this comes to an end quickly. He's not making enough money to justify losing all that money holding out, and he's simply not good enough on offense to get a lot of money. Much of his effectiveness can be negated by the fact that punters don't have to actually kick him the ball. He is probably the best returner in the game, but we all remember how long Dante Hall lasted, right?
QB Jeff Garcia takes a vacation - 07/23/2008 Source: The Tampa Tribune
QB Jeff Garcia is going to miss training camp this weekend to attend the 25th reunion of a Ju-Co football championship team coached by his father.
Fantasy Impact: The man is about 47 years old, he probably needed the weekend off anyway. QB Chris Simms will get a chance to impress and drive up his trade value, as he appears unlikely to start the season in Tampa.
Baltimore QB Update - 07/23/2008 Source: Baltimore Sun
QBs Kyle Boller, Troy Smith, and Joe Flacco were in action on the first day of camp in a red zone drill. Smith was not impressive in 5 attempts, including 3 INTs, 1 to the DB coach who was participating.
Fantasy Impact: My personal feeling is that Boller is ready to succeed, but I acknowledge I'm in the vast minority here. Whoever wins this job will need to prove themselves before being picked up on a fantasy team, barring a brilliant preseason performance.
Terry Glenn: Negotiating with Cowboys - 07/23/2008 Source: Dallas Morning News
WR Terry Glenn hopes to have a deal in place with the Cowboys before Friday when training camp opens. Glenn is set to be payed $1.74 million, but the Cowboys want him to sign a waiver that stipulates he be payed only $500,000 if he hurts his knee again. Understandably, Glenn is not enthused.
Fantasy Impact: This seems like it will get done and Glenn's knee will be the only issue affecting him as he prepares for the season.
Cincinnattica Bengals coach has decided that the most recently released prisoner, WR Chris Henry, is no longer welcome on their team, contrary to what Henry's agent said.
Fantasy Impact: Lesson 1, you can never trust agents. Lesson 2, never draft Chris Henry.
Marvin Harrison Finally Healthy. Finally. - 07/22/2008 Source: Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis Colts WR Marvin Harrison is ready to play after knee surgery sidelined him for 11 games, far more than were expected when he initially suffered the injury.
Fantasy Impact: I'm not a doctor, but it seems like the next knee injury Harrison suffers may be his last after a career at Syracuse University (turf) and Indianapolis (turf). I've always been a big fan of Marvin, but you might want to let someone else take the risk this year.
Mark Bradley: Ready to Go...For Now - 07/22/2008 Source: Chicago Tribune
Chicago Bears WR Mark Bradley has been cleared to play after having his knee scoped. He missed part of the Bears' offseason program.
Fantasy Impact: Bradley can never stay healthy anyway, but if he can find a way to stay on the field he makes for an interesting sleeper, despite the shifty quarterback situation in Chicago.
WR Chad Johnson will report to camp on time, though he claims his surgically repaired ankle isn't at full strength.
Fantasy Impact: The status of Johnson's ankle is of much greater concern to fantasy owners than his contract status. He'll be a top-10 WR if he is healthy.
Boldin Will Report to Camp - 07/21/2008 Source: Arizona Republic
WR Anquan Boldin will report to training camp despite being unhappy with his contract.
Fantasy Impact: The Cardinals should really consider giving Boldin an extension. If his Sugar Bowl performance against Georgia was any indication, he's probably the second best quarterback on the roster, too.
TE Jeremy Shockey: A Saint! Seriously. - 07/21/2008 Source: New York Daily News
The popularity of bleached blonde hair just skyrocketed in New Orleans as TE Jeremy Shockey is now a Saint. The unhappy tight end didn't like his situation in NY and wanted out, now he's got it.
Fantasy Impact: TE Kevin Boss now becomes a decent fantasy option, and pending Shockey's ability to stay healthy, his situation improves as well. QB Drew Brees is the big winner here, adding another weapon to an already loaded offense. Meanwhile, the poor people of New Orleans are still getting over Hurricane Katrina, and now they get former Hurricane Shockey.
Jerry Porter: Bad Hammy Rules Out Preseason - 07/19/2008 Source: Florida Times-Union
WR Jerry Porter will be out 6-8 weeks following surgery to correct a hamstring tendon issue that wasn't progressing as quickly as he and the team would have liked.
Fantasy Impact: Porter was brought in to be the #1 guy for David Garrard, but it appears that this will have to wait. Porter likely won't return at full strength, so draft him with the knowledge that the first four weeks of the season probably won't be impressive.
The Falcons can't find anyone that's interested in disgruntled WR Joe Horn. The Cowboys could find him as a logical replacement if WR Terry Glenn isn't back, but so far there have been no discussions.
Fantasy Impact: He may be worth considering if he ends up in Dallas, but probably not even then.
WR Chris Henry claims the Bengals are one of the teams interested in his services after he's been cleared of the charges from April that led to his release.
Fantasy Impact: Give me a break.
WR Brandon Marshall Catching With Two Hands - 07/18/2008 Source: Denver Post
Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall began catching a ball with two hands recently in coming back from a severed vein, artery, nerves and a tendon suffered in March.
Fantasy Impact: It looks like he should be ready by camp. The knock on Marshall has always been his focus, and Jay Cutler made comments in the offseason indicating he was unhappy with Marshall's injury, as it came while wrestling with some family members. If that relationship can be mended, Marshall should have another big year.
Bears: Interested in Chris Simms - 07/18/2008 Source: Chicago Tribune
The Tampa Tribune listed the Bears as a possible destination for QB Chris Simms, who appears to be on his way out in Tampa.
Fantasy Impact: Adding Simms to the Bears mix of quarterbacks doesn't make much sense for them, as his ability isn't much greater their two current options, QBs Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton. It would, however, give him a shot at some fantasy value in 2008.
QB Brett Favre claims he'd like to comeback, but is not feeling the love from Green Bay. This is unsurprising considering he canceled announcing his comeback on two occasions when the Packers were willing to support him. Even more annoyed must be QB Aaron Rodgers, who sat behind Favre for three years, was told that he is now the man, and has to deal with this. Making Favre look even more like an baby, he went out of his way to tell FoxNews Greta Van Susteren that he "never gave him (Rodgers) advice, really."
But he looks like he's having so much fun out there, trashing the organization that stood by him for many years. And oh yeah, they really helped to push that painkiller addiction under the rug for you too, Brett.
Fantasy Impact: While Favre may be acting like a petulant child, he's definitely a good fantasy option pending where he lands. The most common whispers are that he'll be in Tampa or Kansas City, two teams in desperate need of the quarterback. The Vikings no longer appear to be an option, as the Packers have just filed tampering charges against them, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.
QB McCown Expected to be Ready for Camp After Chainsaw Accident - 07/16/2008 Source: ESPN
Miami Dolphins QB Josh McCown is expected to be ready for training camp after suffering a cut to his hand, requiring 6 stitches.
Fantasy Impact: McCown is competing with QBs John Beck and Chad Henne for the starting spot in Miami.
Bears Sign RB Kevin Jones - 07/16/2008 Source: ESPN
RB Kevin Jones, who coming off of a serious knee injury, signed a contract with the Chicago Bears.
Fantasy Impact: With the release of RB Cedric Benson and RB Adrian Peterson having never carried the load for an entire season, Jones is a logical signing for the Bears and could be a very good fantasy option if he gets enough touches. His main competition seems to be Peterson and rookie RB Matt Forte.
Kevin Jones: Continues to Impress - 06/30/2008 Source: Yahoo! Sports
RB Kevin Jones continues to impress following recent knee surgery. Originally told that he'd have to wait 10 months before returning to football after the January procedure, Jones appears to be well ahead of schedule and worked out for four teams over the weekend, and the Browns requested a video tape of the workout.
Fantasy Impact: Jones was once a hot commodity in fantasy circles, and after a few injury riddled years he may be back on the right track. He's certainly an ideal handcuff candidate, if you're a fan of that strategy.
RB Marshawn Lynch lost his New York Driver's License (ironically, just one day after getting it after replacing his California license) for hitting a woman with his SUV. Lynch claims that he slowed to avoid a woman dancing in the street, and in the heavy rain did not notice a second pedestrian. Police believed him as he made no effort to hide or fix his vehicle, parking it in his driveway after returning home.
Fantasy Impact: It seems that this was a complete accident, and any punishment from Roger Goodell would cause the greatest hit to his fantasy value. I would be very surprised to see a suspension.
The Steelers released RB Najeh Davenport recently. This move came after unsuccessful efforts to trade Davenport following the addition of RB Rashard Mendenhall during the draft. The team also features RB Willie Parker, recently signed RB Mewelde Moore and second year RB Gary Russell from Minnesota.
Fantasy Impact: This move comes as no real surprise, as there simply weren't going to be enough carries to go around with the addition of Mendenhall. Davenport averaged 4.7 ypc last season, but was ineffective in the Steelers' final two games when forced to replace Parker, who was out with an injury. Keep an eye on Davenport, and he may be worth grabbing with a late flier if he lands in the right place. However, as a back who relies primarily on his strength, if he goes to a team with an established goal-line runner he is not worth considering.
Boldin Threatens To Skip Camp - 06/19/2008 Source: Yahoo
Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin said recently that he may skip training camp in a contract dispute.
Fantasy Impact: This sounds like posturing at its finest, as Boldin will be fined $15,000 per day of camp missed. If he does holdout, the values of QBs Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner take a hit as Boldin is one of the premier wide receivers in football when healthy.
Marvin Harrison: No News is Good News? - 06/19/2008 Source: Yahoo
There have been no recent developments in the Marvin Harrison case, and its becoming increasingly unlikely that the incident outside of his bar will have any effect on his status this season.
Fantasy Impact: Harrison played in only 5 games last year, and his comeback took much, much longer than originally expected. This is a much bigger concern for fantasy owners than the shooting case.
The quarterback competition is wide open in San Francisco, and whoever gets the job could be a potential sleeper with Mike Martz running the offense.
Fantasy Impact: If anyone not named Alex Smith is the starting quarterback, I would be shocked. He may have some flaws, but if he's no better than J.T. O'Sullivan or Shaun Hill the 49ers scouting staff needs to take a long hard look at itself.
Jason Taylor: Packers Still Interested - 06/19/2008 Source: Yahoo
The Packers continue to inquire about the price tag on Jason Taylor, but they refuse to budge off their demand of a number one pick. The Packers also want Taylor to play commit to playing more than one season, should they agree to trade for him.
Fantasy Impact: Taylor would likely benefit from a change of scenery, and Green Bay's defense might rise a notch or two in the rankings.
Kevin Jones: Rehab Ahead of Schedule - 06/19/2008 Source: Yahoo
After undergoing knee surgery in January, former Lions RB Kevin Jones was told he'd need 10 months to recover. Instead, he has workouts scheduled for June 28th and several teams plan to send representatives. He believes he'll be ready for full non-contact drills by the time training camp rolls around.
Fantasy Impact: Jones seems quite optimistic about his status, though we've seen this before. Keep an eye on him if he lands in a good situation.
Laveranues Coles looked fine physically,
the cut on his chin from the vicious hit he took from Miami's Zach
Thomas barely visible.
The New York Jets wide receiver was also his normally spunky
self Thursday, showing no signs of a head injury suffered on the
hard smash that left him motionless on the Dolphin Stadium turf for
a few seconds Monday night.
"If y'all want to talk to me about something, talk to me about
football," Coles said when asked about being listed as
questionable for Sunday's game against Oakland with head and jaw
injuries.
When told coach Eric Mangini said Coles had "a little bang on
the jaw, a hit in the head," the receiver cut short any further
questions about his playing status.
"Whatever he says, that's what it is," he said curtly.
That's how it's been all season for the Jets, who are banned
from discussing injuries with the media. Luckily for New York, and
unlike last year, significant injuries have been few and far
between -- a major factor in their surprising playoff push.
But heading into their regular-season finale and needing a win
to seal a postseason berth, the Jets are banged up probably more
than at any other point this year.
Along with Coles, safety Kerry Rhodes (knee), cornerbacks Andre
Dyson (knee) and David Barrett (hip) and running backs Cedric
Houston (calf) and Kevan Barlow (thigh) were among the players
listed as questionable Thursday for the game against Oakland.
While the lengthy list is nothing new -- the Jets have regularly
posted players' minor ailments all season -- the injuries to Coles
and Dyson, in particular, could have a big impact on the team's
plans Sunday.
The Jets haven't acknowledged that Coles suffered a concussion
when he was leveled by Thomas, but Mangini said the team went
through precautionary tests on the sideline before allowing him
back into the game.
Coles hasn't fully participated in practice this week, leading
to speculation as to his availability for Sunday. He's known for
his toughness and knack for being ready to play despite injuries,
but instead of it being his leg, foot, back or ribs, it's his head
this time.
Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey
missed practice with a sore ankle for a second straight day
Thursday, putting his status in question for New York's
regular-season finale against Washington on Saturday night.
Shockey did not speak to reporters Thursday, but was seen
walking through the locker room with a noticeable limp and appeared
to favor his left ankle.
The Pro Bowl tight end was hurt in Sunday's 30-7 loss to New
Orleans. He has been listed as questionable for Saturday night's
game.
"He's getting better, but he couldn't practice," coach Tom
Coughlin said.
Coughlin said a decision on whether to play Shockey might be
delayed until 90 minutes before kickoff. The Giants (7-8) will
virtually assure themselves of a playoff berth with a win.
Offensive lineman Rich Seubert also missed practice Thursday
with a leg injury and is listed as doubtful.
Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme
practiced again Thursday and was upgraded to probable for the
Panthers' final regular season game at New Orleans.
Delhomme. who has been sidelined since suffering ligament damage
in his right thumb against Philadelphia on Dec. 4. will likely
start Sunday against the Saints in a game the Panthers must win to
keep their playoff hopes alive.
They also could be eliminated by the time they play if the New
York Giants beat Washington Saturday night.
Coach John Fox said Delhomme suffered no setbacks after his
first practice in more than three weeks on Wednesday. He again
worked with the first team on Thursday, while wearing a protective
glove on his throwing hand.
"He slung it around pretty good today," Fox said.
Chris Weinke has struggled filling in for Delhomme in the past
three games, although Carolina (7-8) beat Atlanta 10-3 last Sunday
to stay alive in the playoff race.
If the Giants lose to Washington on Saturday night, Carolina
would have to beat the Saints on Sunday afternoon and Green Bay
would have to lose to Chicago Sunday night.
Delhomme, who led the Panthers to the NFC championship game last
season, has had an up-and-down season. He has 15 touchdown passes,
11 interceptions and passer rating of only 79.4. In three losses
he's thrown fourth-quarter interceptions to end Carolina's chances,
including the last pass he threw against the Eagles.
Fullback Daimon Shelton will miss the
Buffalo Bills' season finale at Baltimore this weekend because of
the lingering effects of a concussion.
Coach Dick Jauron ruled Shelton out on Thursday, saying he has
not fully recovered from a concussion sustained while blocking
during a kickoff return against Miami two weeks ago. Shelton hasn't
practiced since the injury and missed last weekend's game against
Tennessee.
The Bills (7-8), eliminated from playoff contention, will
continue to use reserve tight end Brad Cieslak as primary blocker
for running back Willis McGahee against the AFC North-leading
Ravens (12-3).
Rookie starting strong safety Donte Whitner was added to the
injury report, listed as probable after he sprained a toe in
practice Wednesday. Whitner missed practice Thursday, but Jauron
was confident the injury was not serious.
The Denver Broncos don't need to be reminded of
the kind of season San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore is
having. With 1,542 yards, he leads the NFC in rushing and trails
only LaDanian Tomlinson and Larry Johnson in the NFL.
"We are aware of him," defensive tackle Gerard Warren said.
"We will be aware of him."
The second-year pro needs 29 yards to set the franchise's single
season rushing record, surpassing Garrison Hearst mark of 1,570 set
in 1998.
"You don't have to know his stats to know what kind of year
he's having," safety Domonique Foxworth said. "You can tell by
looking at film."
Gore has a good chance of finishing the season as the conference
rushing leader. He takes a 114-yard lead over Tiki Barber (1,428)
of the New York Giants into the final weekend of play.
Top running backs aren't something new for the Broncos this
season. Denver faced San Diego's Tomlinson, the NFL's rushing
leader with 1,749 yards, and Johnson of Kansas City, who has run
for 1,651 yards and Seattle's Shaun Alexander on successive weeks.
"We've dealt with a couple of pretty good ones within our
division," defensive end Kenard Lang said.
^------=
EARLY IMPRESSIONS@: San Francisco coach Mike Nolan got an early
glimpse of Jay Cutler long before Cutler's run of four straight
multi-touchdown passing games.
The two were on opposite sidelines of the Senior Bowl. Nolan was
coaching the South squad and Cutler was playing for the North.
"We didn't get a chance to coach him," Nolan said. "I
remember he did very well in the game."
Cutler said he had little contact and even less of a memory of
Nolan at that game.
When the Dallas Cowboys left Texas Stadium
a few nights ago, they were in shambles.
Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn were whining about not getting
enough passes. Cornerback Terence Newman was telling his teammates
to shut up. Bill Parcells was grouchy and Jerry Jones was at a
17-year boiling point.
By Wednesday, the message changed drastically enough to make
political spin doctors get whiplash.
Parcells was pushing the theory that all is fine because the
Cowboys already are in the playoffs, which means they have a chance
to win the Super Bowl.
Plus, he optimistically noted, the NFC is as wide open as it's
ever been.
"No one knows what's going to happen here," Parcells said,
offering to take a blind poll and predicting that all five teams
that are in would get votes -- and that as soon as the sixth team is
decided, "somebody would vote for them."
"The team that plays the best from here on out has the best
chance. That's the way I look at it," Parcells added.
And he was only getting warmed up.
"What is the objective of the season? Tell me what the
objective is," Parcells said later.
Upon hearing the answer he wanted (win the Super Bowl, of
course), he continued: "Now, are we going to have the opportunity
to do that? How about 20 of the other teams that are sitting home.
Are they going to have that opportunity? How about the other 20?"
Parcells essentially admitted he was adopting a new approach
with this statement: "If I don't have hope, then who has it?"
The Cowboys (9-6) were hailed as a possible Super Bowl
front-runner in the weak NFC when they won five of Tony Romo's
first six starts, including four in a row.
Then, playing for second place in the conference, they lost
42-17 at home against New Orleans. They beat Atlanta next, but
allowed 28 points, the most the Falcons had scored in seven games.
Then they were trounced 23-7 by Philadelphia in a game that
could've locked up the division title and kept alive their chances
for grabbing the No. 2 seed.
The wasted opportunity was bad enough, but the lousy way they
played on both sides of the ball against the Eagles is what
triggered all the fallout and finger-pointing.
When players arrived in the locker room Wednesday morning,
before Parcells spoke, the memo about his attitude adjustment
apparently hadn't been received.
Newman was still telling everyone to let their actions speak
louder than their words and linebacker Bradie James echoed it.
Owens was a rare Wednesday no-show and Glenn was absent, as usual.
Then there was Romo, who showed Pro Bowl-caliber elusiveness to
stay on message -- the likely result of what Parcells described as a
"personal conversation" between coach and quarterback earlier in
the day.
Tank Johnson sounds like a man ready to
put his recent troubles behind him.
The Chicago Bears defensive tackle thanked his teammates and the
organization for their support and said he can't wait to play
against Green Bay on Sunday night.
Johnson returned to practice Wednesday after serving a one-game
suspension against Detroit last week. That punishment came after he
was arrested on misdemeanor weapons charges, and then went to a
nightclub with a friend who was shot to death.
"Football is my focus," Johnson said. "I'm excited about work
today. I'm excited about learning more about the game this week.
Having two weeks off just makes you want to go out and play even
more. I want to be a student of the game, and yes, I am very much
still focused, very much ready to play, and I'm very attuned to
what's going on."
Johnson was charged with six counts of possession of a firearm
without a gun owner identification card Dec. 14 after police found
six guns in a raid on his home. His friend and bodyguard Willie B.
Posey, who was living there, was also arrested on felony drug
charges.
It was the third arrest in 18 months for Johnson, who publicly
apologized the next day and got a warning from general manager
Jerry Angelo. That night, Johnson and Posey went to the Ice Bar, a
trendy nightclub in Chicago's River North neighborhood, and Posey
was shot to death.
Johnson was inactive for the game against Tampa Bay that
weekend.
The Bears then suspended Johnson for one game, rather than cut
him, on Dec. 19 for going to the club. Three days later, a judge
ruled Johnson must stay at home except to go to work and needs
permission to leave Illinois until it is determined whether he
violated his probation on a 2005 gun charge.
Johnson still has two court dates scheduled:
-- Jan. 9 in Lake County for the latest weapons charges, which
carry up to a year in jail.
Vince Young has been the driving force
behind the Tennessee Titans' six-game winning streak. It
finally resulted in an AFC Offensive Player of the Week award
for the rookie quarterback.
Young passed for two touchdowns and raced for a 36-yard score to
engineer his fourth comeback in the fourth quarter or overtime
in a 30-29 win at Buffalo last Sunday.
The third overall pick in the draft, Young is 8-4 since taking
over as the Titans' starter.
Linebacker Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers was named
as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Running back Steven Jackson of the St. Louis Rams and defensive
end Aaron Kampman of the Green Bay Packers were named as the NFC
Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week.
Merriman had three sacks, two other quarterback pressures, two
passes defensed and five tackles in the Chargers' 20-17 win at
Seattle.
A first-round pick in 2005, Merriman earned his second career
AFC Defensive honor.
Jackson rushed for 150 yards on 33 carries, including a 21-yard
touchdown in overtime, and caught six passes for 102 yards in
the St. Louis Rams' 37-31 victory over Washington. It is his
third career Player of the Week award.
Kampman tied his career high with three sacks and recorded seven
tackles in the Packers' 9-7 win over Minnesota.
Kickers Robbie Gould of the Chicago Bears and Kris Brown of the
Houston Texans were named as the NFC and AFC Special Teams
Players of the Week, respectively.
Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end
Michael Strahan will miss the rest of the season for the New York
Giants after aggravating a sprained right foot last weekend against
the New Orleans Saints.
He was placed on injured reserve Tuesday and could need surgery,
the team said.
The Giants (7-8) can almost surely clinch a playoff berth by
beating the Redskins (5-10) in the regular-season finale at
Washington on Saturday.
New York also placed offensive tackle Luke Petitgout and
returner Chad Morton on injured reserve. Morton injured his knee
Sunday; Petitgout broke a leg against Chicago on Nov. 12.
The Giants had kept Petitgout on the active roster hoping he
might play again this season. However, he has not made enough
progress.
The 35-year-old Strahan, who shares the Giants' career sacks
record of 132.5 with Lawrence Taylor, hurt his foot Nov. 5 against
Houston. He was playing for the first time since the injury in
Sunday's 30-7 loss to New Orleans. The 14-year veteran had five
tackles (three solo) and knocked down a pass before reinjuring the
foot late in the game.
New York Jets receiver Laveranues Coles left
Monday's game against Miami with a cut on his head after a jarring
tackle by Zach Thomas.
After Thomas' hit broke up a pass, Coles remained on the ground,
then finally rose and walked slowly to the bench for treatment. He
returned to the field in the third quarter.
Coles left the game with 88 receptions this season, five shy of
Al Toon's team record set in 1988.
Eagles tops in NFC East with 23-7 win - 12/26/2006 Source: NFL.com
The Philadelphia Eagles were supposed to get buried by December road games against all three division foes, especially with retread backup Jeff Garcia running the offense.
Turns out, that challenge was exactly what they needed to grab control of the NFC East.
After close calls in Washington and New York, Garcia and the Philadelphia defense made it a clean sweep with a surprisingly easy 23-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day.
Garcia led the Eagles (9-6) to scores on four of their first five drives and the defense forced Tony Romo and the Cowboys into easily their least-productive game of the season. The victory -- actually Philadelphia's fourth straight -- clinched a wild-card berth and moved it into first place in the division with one game left in the season.
"We took a situation where things weren't looking good, with some major hurdles to overcome, and we found a way to win," said Garcia, who improved to 4-1 since replacing an injured Donovan McNabb. "It's this playoff mentality we've had over the past month that's carried us."
Philadelphia coach Andy Reid laughed about how easy it's been since his club was 5-6 after losing Garcia's first start.
"We thought it would be a cakewalk," he said with a wry smile. "Every one of those games has been huge. The guys have buckled down against some good teams. Our players knew what was ahead of them. Everybody really pulled closer together."
The Eagles can win the division for the fifth time in six years by beating Atlanta at home in Week 17. Philadelphia also could clinch if Dallas loses its finale to Detroit.
The only way the Cowboys (9-6) can win the NFC East is by beating the Lions and by the Falcons knocking off the Eagles. Dallas no longer has a shot at the conference's No. 2 seed and a first-round bye; this game clinched that for New Orleans.
The NFC East winner will host the lower-seeded wild-card team, while the division runner-up will play at Seattle.
Garcia was 15 of 23 for 238 yards with a touchdown and an interception, and ran for 43 yards. Brian Westbrook ran for 122 yards and Correll Buckhalter had 38 yards and a touchdown.
Jaguars running back Fred Taylor will
miss Sunday's game against New England because of a lingering
hamstring injury.
Taylor, who hurt his right hamstring against Indianapolis on
Dec. 10, aggravated the injury on his second carry last week at
Tennessee and sat out the rest of the game. Taylor missed three
days of practice this week, and coach Jack Del Rio downgraded him
from questionable to out Friday.
"He's just not ready to go," Del Rio said. "We'll give him
the weekend to rest it, and hopefully we'll have him back at
practice next week."
Del Rio said rookie Maurice Drew will start in Taylor's place,
and LaBrandon Toefield will serve as the backup.
Taylor had started the previous 14 games, gaining 1,120 yards
and averaging a career-best 5.0 yards a carry. He was voted the
AFC's first alternate in Pro Bowl balloting.
Taylor said he agreed with the decision to hold him out of
Sunday's game.
"I think that it's the smart thing to do at this point,"
Taylor said. "For my future, my well being ... I don't want to rip
it. I don't want to tear it. I have all the faith and confidence in
my team to get this win on Sunday."
Indianapolis Colts rookie runner Joseph
Addai practiced Friday and has been cleared to play Sunday against
the Texans in his hometown of Houston.
Addai had sat out two days of workouts this week to rest a
sprained right ankle that he hurt in the third quarter of Monday
night's 34-16 win over Cincinnati.
Initial reports had Addai sidelined indefinitely with a high
ankle sprain, but Colts coach Tony Dungy was adamant the injury
wasn't serious and that Addai might be ready to play at Houston.
The Colts' first-round draft choice from LSU wore a walking boot
while he watched the team practice Wednesday and Thursday.
"My ankle feels better now," Addai said Friday. "I feel like
I'll be playing this week. We've been taking it slow, but it's been
getting better day-by-day."
Tank Johnson posts bond, must stay in Illinois - 12/22/2006 Source: ESPN
Chicago nose tackle Tank Johnson needs court permission to travel outside Illinois, a decision that would become a factor this season only if the Bears make the Super Bowl.
A judge ruled Friday that he must stay home, except to work or travel to work, until it is determined whether his Dec. 14 arrest for having firearms without a gun-owner identification card violated his probation on a 2005 gun charge.
He already is suspended for Sunday's game at Detroit, the Bears' regular season ends at home against Green Bay, and Chicago has home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The Super Bowl is Feb. 4 in Miami.
The judge also said the 25-year-old Johnson cannot drive himself, and denied a request to let him travel to Tempe, Ariz., for a holiday trip. Instead, his family will come to Illinois to see him, defense attorney Lorna Propes said.
Cook County Judge John Moran set bond at $100,000 for Johnson, who was briefly taken into custody during his court appearance. Johnson later posted bond and left the courthouse in north suburban Chicago.
Propes said Johnson is committed to making positive changes.
"He wants now more than any other thing to be the best possible representative of the Chicago Bears and the city of Chicago he can be and that's his goal going forward," Propes said outside of court.
Bears officials did not immediately comment on the judge's decision.
During the hearing, Johnson, dressed in a brown-striped suit, was not handcuffed and said nothing, frequently staring at the floor.
Defense attorney Frank Himel told the judge he thought a reasonable bond would be $10,000, arguing Johnson was not a flight risk and promising he would show up for future court dates.
"It's a misdemeanor violation on top of a misdemeanor violation," Himel said, referring to the charges stemming from Johnson's recent arrest and the 2005 case for which he is serving probation.
Johnson was sentenced to 18 months probation in November 2005 after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an arrest after a nightclub valet reported seeing Johnson with a handgun in his sport utility vehicle.
A petition filed Monday by the Cook County Adult Probation Department alleged that Johnson's arrest earlier this month in Lake County on misdemeanor weapons charges violated his earlier probation terms.
Johnson was charged with six counts of possession of a firearm without a gun owner identification card after police found six guns in a raid on his Gurnee home.
Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Rick Cenar said Friday that authorities found a semiautomatic rifle with 19 live rounds in the master bedroom, four unloaded weapons -- two rifles and two handguns -- and 300-350 rounds of ammunition in a basement utility closet and a loaded .45-caliber handgun under a leather chair in the basement.
Less than 48 hours after Johnson was arrested, he was at a bar when his friend, Willie B. Posey, was shot and killed. Posey also had been arrested on drug-possession charges when police raided Johnson's home.
Johnson is not a suspect in Posey's death, but the Bears suspended him for Sunday's game for being at the club.
The Cook County probation-violation petition also alleges that Johnson failed to provide verification of court-mandated community service hours and that he underwent drug and alcohol evaluation. Cenar said Johnson has so far completed eight of the 40 community service hours.
A third-year player, Johnson has said he will seek counseling.
"I don't believe the team has to tell me it's my last chance, I know the opportunity that I have in front of me and it's great, it's immense and to squander that opportunity would be a tragedy at this point and that's not gonna happen," Johnson said Tuesday.
Johnson is due in court in Lake County on Jan. 9 and in Cook County on Jan. 23 on the probation-violation allegations.
The already long odds of the San Francisco 49ers making the playoffs became significantly longer Friday when the NFL suspended wide receiver Antonio Bryant four games for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy.
The sanction stems from Bryant's arrest last month on suspicion of drunken driving, reckless driving and resisting arrest.
Bryant, 25, will miss the final two regular-season games and, if the 49ers advance to postseason play, the suspension will carry into the playoffs. If San Francisco does not make the playoffs, Bryant will sit out the first two games of the 2007 season, a league spokesman said late Friday afternoon.
The wide receiver will forfeit $147,058 of his $1.25 million base salary for 2006. He will be docked the same amount for the first two games in 2007 if the suspension carries over to next year. Bryant signed a four-year, $15 million with the 49ers as an unrestricted free agent this spring.
In 14 games this season, including 13 starts, Bryant has 40 receptions for 733 yards and three touchdowns. The receiving yards and his average yards per catch (18.3) are team highs. The three touchdown catches tie for the club lead.
Bryant was arrested Nov. 20, hours after the 49ers upset the Seattle Seahawks in a home game. The incident occurred on Highway 101 near San Mateo, Calif., when Bryant was stopped by local police for allegedly driving "in excess of 100 mph" in his orange Lamborghini, according to an official report.
The report noted that Bryant was "uncooperative and combative," and he subsequently was jailed for several hours.
Bryant refused to take a field sobriety test, according to Capt. Kevin Raffaelli of the San Mateo Police Department. Officers were forced to use leather restraints to get Bryant into the police cruiser.
Under state law, Bryant had his driver's license suspended because he did not agree to the field sobriety test. The wide receiver is scheduled to appear in court next week to address the charges. Bryant already has dropped his appeal with the league.
If the suspension carries into the 2007 season, Bryant will be able to attend training camp and to play in the preseason. The continuation of the suspension would pick up the first week of the regular season.
Already with his third NFL franchise in only five seasons, Bryant has long had a reputation as a troubled player, dating back to his college career at the University of Pittsburgh. He entered the league with the Dallas Cowboys in 2002 and, in 2004, had an infamous flare-up in camp, in which he tossed his practice shirt at coach Bill Parcells.
The Cowboys traded Bryant to Cleveland in 2004 and, after two productive seasons with the Browns, he signed with the 49ers this spring.
In 77 games, including 56 starts, Bryant has 250 receptions for 3,837 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Michael Vick says his sore groin has
improved, even though he didn't test the injury as he took a
reduced role in Wednesday's practice.
Vick had to leave late in the Atlanta Falcons' loss to Dallas on
Saturday night due to the injury. He was listed as probable for
Sunday's game against Carolina and reported the sore groin "feels
better."
"I just wanted to take a day off and make sure when I came back
to practice I'd be able to practice at 100 percent and feel good
about it," Vick said. "I'm just making sure I don't do anything
to reinjure it and making sure the pain goes away on its own."
After Saturday night's game, Vick said he "felt a pain I have
never felt before."
Backup Matt Schaub took the majority of the snaps with the
first-team offense as he prepares for what could be his first start
since Oct. 9, 2005 against New England. Vick, who has never started
more than 15 games in a season, has made every start in 2006.
"As far as going a long period of time without starting, it
doesn't help you," Schaub said. "You've just got to be focused
and stay sharp in practice.
"I think if anything you're still fresh. You haven't taken the
beating and you've got your routine down during the week as far as
your method of preparation."
Schaub attempted only one pass this season before going 3-for-5
for 33 yards when playing behind Vick in the 38-28 loss to Dallas.
Cincinnati's Chad Johnson refused to utter one
word of smack against Denver's Champ Bailey, the league co-leader
in interceptions and fellow Pro Bowl player he's facing on Sunday.
"Never, never, never, never," Johnson, the league's leading
receiver in yards said Wednesday. "He is the best man to ever wear
a uniform, period. I mean, besides Deion (Sanders)."
With Johnson having taunted, trash talked and even made lists of
cornerbacks he's burned, Bailey smelled a trap.
"He's going to hype me up as much as he can and make me get my
head swollen up," said Bailey, who was named to his seventh Pro
Bowl on Tuesday. "People compliment me all the time, criticize me
all the time, I can take whatever you say. I know what I am."
In Johnson's opinion, Bailey's the best in the business -- no
strings attached, no qualifiers, the most difficult corner to beat.
"Everybody says, 'Why is Champ so good?" said Johnson,
heading into the matchup with major playoff implications. Both
teams are 8-6. "There are two kinds of corners in the NFL. There
are corners that play not to get beat. That's your regular corners.
Then you have Champ Bailey, who plays to make a play. Period. He's
in a class of his own. Deion played the game to make a play.
Everyone else plays the game not to get beat."
Johnson got the better of Bailey in a game in 2004 when he
caught seven passes for 149 yards and one score. When asked how he
happened to torch Bailey so much, Johnson, not usually the modest
type, simply said, "Get lucky."
"It kind of puts myself in perspective to where my game is as
one of the elite receivers in the game," Johnson said. "His game
already speaks for itself."
Teams are throwing away from Bailey and yet he's still tied for
the league lead in interceptions with eight. Bailey also has an
NFL-best 17 interceptions since 2005. Kansas City's Ty Law is next
with 13.
The last time Vince Young completed just
eight passes, the rookie quarterback bounced back with his best day
in the NFL. The Titans need a repeat performance.
Clinging to slim playoff hopes and a chance at their first
winning season since 2003, the Titans (7-7) visit Buffalo (7-7) on
Sunday coming off their worst offensive performance this season.
The offense netted a season-low 98 yards, went 0-of-8 on third
downs and managed only 15 minutes, 38 seconds of possession.
Thankfully, the defense returned three turnovers for touchdowns,
and the Titans beat Jacksonville 24-17 for their seventh victory in
nine games.
It sure makes the plan for Sunday pretty simple.
"If we get a chance, we've got to get on the field," receiver
Brandon Jones said Wednesday. "We get on the field, we have to
make the best of it. We have to move the ball, keep our defense off
the field. (The defense) stayed on the field enough last week. We
have to make up for it."
The Titans went three-and-out on four of their eight drives,
turned it over on downs once. Five times they couldn't pick up a
first down, and their only scoring series was set up by a 70-yard
kickoff return.
But coach Jeff Fisher said he isn't concerned about the offense.
"We still haven't forgot how to run it, throw it or catch it.
The hard part, the challenge this week is we're going to play a
pretty good defense," Fisher said.
Early in the season, the Texans passing game
soared while the running game was the worst in the league. Now,
because of the struggles of David Carr and the resurgence of Ron
Dayne, things are just the opposite.
Dayne has 276 yards rushing in the last three games for the best
three-game stretch of his career. The 459 yards the 1999 Heisman
Trophy winner has gained in nine games this season is the most he's
had since 2001.
The 28-year-old was drafted in 2000, but hasn't had the wear and
tear of some backs his age since he was inactive all of 2003 and
played sparingly the last two seasons.
"I haven't took a lot of the beatings like a lot of the backs
have that came in when I came in," he said. "I'm just kind of
getting out there and feeling young."
Dayne began his streak after sitting out for three straight
games while dealing with a nagging injury. In his return, he ran
for 95 yards to carry the team to a win over the Raiders despite
finishing with negative yards passing. He had 21 carries for 87
yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago in a loss to the Titans and
94 yards and Houston's only touchdown in a blowout at New England.
"I feel like maybe Ronny's career is taking off again and
that'd be a dang good thing for our football team," said coach
Gary Kubiak. "Because if he can stay healthy and play like that
then we get him some help back there too, I think he'll only get
better because he's very tough to tackle. He's a big kid."
Through the first four games, Houston was averaging just 76
yards a game. The emergence of Dayne has helped up that average to
a respectable 100 yards per game.
Rookie Wali Lundy, who has started eight games for the Texans
and leads the team in rushing with 473 yards, has been impressed
with Dayne's recent surge.
Julius Jones already has his first
1,000-yard rushing season for the playoff-bound Dallas Cowboys. The
running back is healthy and hasn't missed a game.
It's the exact scenario Jones hoped for this year, except for
one thing. He's getting fewer chances to carry the ball and score
since Marion Barber III has excelled on third downs and in
goal-line situations.
"My playing time has been down because I've split time with
Marion. Other than that, things have gone pretty well," Jones said
Wednesday, making a rare appearance in the locker room during media
availability. "But we're winning, I've got 1,000 yards, we're in
the playoffs. There could be worse things happening to me."
Such as losing his starting job, though that's not likely to
happen. Bill Parcells has repeatedly said he doesn't want to change
how he's using Barber.
"I think having a closer is important. I think Marion's in a
good role," Parcells said. "He's productive in that role pretty
consistently. ... I think I'm going to keep it the way it is."
Barber leads the NFC with 15 touchdowns (13 rushing, two
receiving) and is coming off his fourth multi-TD game. The Cowboys
trailed until his two TD runs in the second half Saturday night in
a 38-28 victory at Atlanta.
Jones has four TDs, a career-long 77-yard run on the second
offensive snap against New Orleans being his only one the last
seven games.
"I'm hoping Julius can get back a little on track," Parcells
said.
The Cowboys (9-5) can clinch the NFC East title with a victory
Monday at home against Philadelphia (8-6). They are also still in
contention for the NFC's No. 2 overall seed, which would mean a
first-round bye and a home game in the second round of the
playoffs.
Terrell Owens usually talks on Wednesday, but wasn't in the
locker room for the open period that was several hours earlier than
usual. It came a day after Owens was snubbed in Pro Bowl voting
despite his NFL-high 11 receiving TDs.
Since three straight 100-yard rushing games to start October,
Jones has had only one more -- against New Orleans, when the long TD
run bolstered his stats. He was limited to 26 yards on 13 carries
in a victory at Atlanta last week.
"He had a couple of reads the other night that looked real good
on film for gains and it looked like he had his mind made up to do
something else," Parcells said. "I spoke with him about it
already, trusting his reads a little more because we're going to
need to get him going a little bit better than recently."
While Jones' 247 carries are only 10 below his career high, he
missed 11 games because of injuries his first two seasons after
being the Cowboys' first pick in 2004. Plus, he's averaging less
than 18 carries a game this year, less than 14 the past six games.
"Get back on track, I'm not sure what he means," Jones said.
"I want to get back on track. I really haven't been playing that
much, so maybe that's what he means."
Before Thanksgiving, Parcells talked about trying to limit
Jones' carries to keep him fresh for late in the season -- and
beyond. But Jones has only 45 carries the past four games, a
stretch that started with 11 rushes against Tampa Bay on
Thanksgiving Day.
Jones last week became the first Cowboys runner with a
1,000-yard season since NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith in
2001. His 1,019 yards rank eighth in the NFC, 13th in the NFL.
Rex Grossman has gone from on the outs to
the top of the heap.
The maligned quarterback of the Chicago Bears, Grossman was
named NFC Offensive Player of the Week by the NFL on Wednesday.
The Bears (12-2) have locked up home-field advantage throughout
the NFC playoffs, although many feel their success had been in
spite of Grossman rather than because of him.
Calls for a quarterback change began when the Bears lost two
games in November. Grossman threw three interceptions in the
setbacks and was no better in a 23-13 win over Minnesota on
December 3 as he completed just 6-of-19 passes for 34 yards and
three interceptions.
Grossman started to turn things around in a win over St. Louis
and he earned the NFC honor with one of the best games of his
career in Sunday's 34-31 overtime victory over Tampa Bay.
Grossman threw two TD passes against the Rams and followed up
that performance by establishing career highs in completions
(29), attempts (44) and yards (339) as the Bears maintained the
best record in the NFL with San Diego.
It was the first 300-yard game by a Bears quarterback since
2002. Grossman is 8-2 all-time at Soldier Field and has won 16
of 21 career starts.
A strong all-around performance in a key divisional showdown
earned Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins NFC Defensive
Player of the Week honors while St. Louis Rams punter Matt Turk
was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
LaDainian Tomlinson of San Diego was named AFC Offensive Player
of the Week for the second consecutive week and fourth time this
season. Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney earned
the conference's defensive award and Buffalo Bills punter Brian
Moorman captured special teams honors.
Named to his sixth Pro Bowl on Tuesday, Dawkins was honored for
his play in a 36-22 victory over the NFC East rival New York
Giants. Dawkins was all over the field at Giants Stadium,
recording 12 tackles, an interception and two forced fumbles to
win the award for the second time in his career.
Turk punted five times for an average of 49.8 yards and placed
two inside the 10-yard line in the Rams' 20-0 victory over the
Oakland Raiders.
Tomlinson had the national stage of a Sunday night game against
the Kansas City Chiefs to show his stuff and did not disappoint.
He racked up a season-high 199 yards on 25 carries in a 20-9
victory.
Tank Johnson is getting yet another chance from
the Chicago Bears.
Arrested three times in 18 months, and at a bar when his friend
was shot to death last week -- about 12 hours after he'd apologized
for his latest run-in with the law -- Johnson's punishment was a
one-game suspension.
The team considered releasing Johnson but chose the lesser of
sanctions when convinced that he would change his lifestyle and
seek counseling, the defensive tackle's idea. He also submitted a
list of changes he needed to make.
"If we didn't see the remorse, if we didn't see a plan in place
-- through him, not through us -- I can't say that this decision
would have been made the way it was made," general manager Jerry
Angelo said Tuesday.
Angelo insisted the decision was not based on the Bears' playoff
fortunes. The NFC North champions already have lost defensive
tackle Tommie Harris to a season-ending hamstring injury and
without nose tackle Johnson -- who was inactive last week -- their
tired defense faltered before beating Tampa Bay 34-31 in overtime
to clinch home-field advantage.
"Collectively, as an organization -- ownership, coaches,
players, myself -- we all agreed that the right thing to do was to
keep Tank and keep working with him," Angelo said of a decision
that will certainly draw criticism.
"We know we're vulnerable going forward. I'm not going to sit
here and tell you I'm 100 percent on board and trust all the things
that we've talked to Tank about."
Johnson will miss Sunday's meaningless game against the woeful
Detroit Lions, but will be able to return for the season finale on
New Year's Eve against the Green Bay Packers in what might be Brett
Favre's final game.
Johnson was arrested Thursday, and the following night was at a
night club when his friend, Willie B. Posey, was shot and killed.
Johnson is not a suspect in the death.
The Tennessee Titans have learned that a
young team can cover up all kinds of problems by making big plays
and lots of them.
Offense can't move the ball?
Defense stranded on the field for 44 minutes, 22 seconds?
Not a problem. Three different Titans grabbed turnovers and
scored on returns of 83, 92 and 61 yards to pull out a fifth
straight victory, a 24-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on
Sunday.
"We've had to do things the hard way to win ball games,"
Titans coach Jeff Fisher said Monday. "The wins keep you going,
but they realize that winning's not easy."
A team that started 0-5 now has won seven of the last nine,
putting the Titans at 7-7. At .500 for the first time this season,
they still have faint playoff hopes despite trailing five teams for
the AFC's two wild cards with two games left.
"It's probably unrealistic for us to think we could step out
there, take control of a game from start to finish and win it
considering where we are with our youth and our injuries," Fisher
said. "But what is realistic is this is a sign of good things to
come. We have found ways to win, very unique ways, week after
week."
That's putting it mildly.
The winning streak -- and the big plays -- started Nov. 19 in a
31-13 victory at Philadelphia. Rookie Vince Young completed only
eight passes for 84 yards.
Thanks to Tim Rattay, Tampa Bay no longer is
the lowest scoring team in the NFL.
Now, the Buccaneers will find out if the veteran quarterback can
help them stop a four-game losing streak.
Coach Jon Gruden said Monday that the seventh-year pro will make
his first start of the season, replacing rookie Bruce Gradkowski
when the Bucs (3-11) travel to Cleveland (4-10) on Sunday.
"It's just common sense right now based on performance and who
gives us a better chance win a football game," Gruden said. "We'd
like to finish the season as strongly as we can, and I think Bruce
is struggling to a degree right now."
Rattay replaced Gradkowski during the first half of Sunday's
34-31 overtime loss at Chicago. He led Tampa Bay's first touchdown
drive in 14 quarters, then threw for three fourth-quarter TDs to
help the Bucs force the extra period.
A week after appearing briefly against Atlanta and showing signs
he might be able to spark the offense, Rattay threw for 268 yards
to lead the Bucs back from a 24-3 deficit against the Bears.
Joey Galloway's 64-yard TD reception capped a 95-yard drive, and
Ike Hilliard scored on a 44-yard pass play to tie the game 31-all.
The performance raised the question of whether Gruden might have
been able to save Tampa Bay's season if the coach had not turned to
Gradkowski, a sixth-round draft pick, when Chris Simms was lost for
the season in Week Three.
Rattay has made 16 starts -- all with San Francisco -- in seven
NFL seasons. Nevertheless, Gruden elected to try to develop
Gradkowski rather than placing hope for salvaging the year in the
hands of the more experienced backup.
Marvin Harrison has played through the
tingling in his left hand for nearly a month.
Rookie running back Joseph Addai might need to follow the
11-year veteran's lead when it comes to his injured right ankle.
The Indianapolis Colts (11-3) need both playmakers to make a
playoff charge.
Harrison, in line for his eighth straight Pro Bowl selection
Tuesday, hasn't let team doctors examine the hand nor has he missed
any practice time, although coach Tony Dungy acknowledged it has
bothered the receiver.
"I think it will be that way the rest of the year," Dungy said
of Harrison, who had surgery on his elbow in May. "But he doesn't
seek treatment and he doesn't seek a diagnosis. I think there's
only one person who knows what it is, but I do know that if the
ball hits it a certain way, it tingles."
Addai rolled his right ankle Monday night on a 41-yard run -- the
Colts' longest of the season -- to set up Manning's third touchdown
pass to Harrison.
Dungy said after the game and Tuesday that it was not a
high-ankle sprain and he expected Addai to play Sunday in his
hometown of Houston.
"I heard on the news reports that it was a high ankle sprain,
and I thought I made it pretty clear last night that it wasn't,"
Dungy said. "It's a basketball-type sprain. It's sore, but I think
he should be OK."
There's a part of Tarvaris Jackson
that was thrilled to see the first extensive action of his career
for the Minnesota Vikings, a part that can't wait to get out there
and do it again.
The rookie quarterback sprinted onto the field when he got the
call late in the third quarter of a 26-13 loss to the Jets on
Sunday and delighted in throwing his first career touchdown pass
later in the game.
"I haven't played in a meaningful game, really, since
college," Jackson said with a smile after the game. "It was
fun."
However, another part of him was crushed after watching veteran
starter Brad Johnson, who has been a mentor, friend and confidante
to Jackson in his first season, get booed off the field while the
crowd chanted Jackson's name.
"He's a leader of the team and he's still going to lead the
team," Jackson said. "It's hard for me to just hear the fans do
him like that."
This is not your garden variety quarterback controversy in
Minnesota.
It's no "Any Given Sunday," Oliver Stone's football movie in
which Willie Beamen, a young, ambitious black quarterback butts
heads with Cap Rooney, the savvy, veteran white QB who perhaps has
seen better days.
Jackson is in no hurry to unseat Johnson as the team's starting
quarterback. Instead, he has shown a fierce loyalty to the player
who has arguably taught him more about football in the last five
months than he learned in his entire playing career.
Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora
believes quarterback Michael Vick and defensive end John Abraham
will start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers even though both
players have significant injuries.
Abraham underwent surgery Monday to have a pin placed in his
left thumb after he tore ligaments in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Mora said Abraham will wear a cast and start against Carolina.
Vick, who limped off the field with a groin injury on the
Falcons' final possession Saturday night, continues to undergo
treatment. Matt Schaub will start if Vick can't.
"Our guys are resilient," Mora said. "They bounce back. They
get refocused. I am excited to get back to work on Wednesday."
Atlanta (7-7) has lost three straight home games for the first
time since Dan Reeves' final season in 2003. The Panthers (6-8)
dropped their fourth consecutive game last week with an
embarrassing performance against Pittsburgh.
Neither team has played well in NFC games. In their last seven
matchups with conference opponents, the Falcons have four losses
and Carolina five.
Before 2005, Atlanta had beaten the Panthers in eight of nine
tries, but Carolina swept the division series last season. The
Falcons won the season-opener in Charlotte 20-6 behind Vick and
Abraham.
Vick improved his career record to 6-2 against the Panthers by
completing 10 of 22 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns. He
also ran seven times for 48 yards.
Abraham earned his first NFC defensive player of the week honor
with five solo tackles, two sacks for minus-20 yards, two forced
fumbles and a pass breakup. Unfortunately, he strained a groin
muscle late in the fourth quarter and played just one of the next
eight games -- a stretch during which he had abdominal surgery.
David Carr has had plenty of bad days in his five
seasons with the Houston Texans, but what happened in an
embarrassing loss to New England has left him at the lowest point
in his career.
Carr threw a career-high four interceptions in the 40-7 loss to
the Patriots, which again raises questions about whether he can
lead Houston to respectability.
"This is as hard as anything I've gone through playing
football," he said Monday. "I've never had to work so hard to
achieve so little. You wish you had the answers, and if I did I
would just go out there and find a way to win."
Carr was 16-of-28 for 127 yards and was sacked four times
Sunday. He has 11 interceptions and 10 touchdowns with two games
left and could finish with more interceptions for the first time
since 2003.
Coach Gary Kubiak said Carr did not play well against New
England but cautioned against faulting him entirely for the loss.
"There's plenty of blame to go around," Kubiak said. "The
quarterback gets a lot of credit and gets a lot of blame, but we
had plenty mistakes in a lot of areas."
Carr said his mistakes came because he was trying to do too
much. While he is upset and frustrated, he said Sunday's outing has
not shaken his confidence.
"I will never lose my confidence in what I can do," he said.
"I still know what I'm capable of doing with the football in my
hand."
Carr said he isn't worried about his position with the team
despite the restlessness of fans who believe he is no longer what
is best for the Texans. Houston had a two-year option on Carr's
contract before the season but decided on a three-year extension.
Kubiak wouldn't discuss Carr's future Monday.
A classless act cost Terrell Owens in the
wallet.
The Dallas Cowboys' temperamental wide receiver was fined
$35,000 by the NFL on Monday for spitting in the face of Atlanta
Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall in last Saturday's 38-28 win.
The fine by new commissioner Roger Goodell is more than double
the $17,000 fine levied by former commissioner Paul Tagliabue
against Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor for spitting in
the face of Tampa Bay running back Michael Pittman in a playoff
game last season. Taylor was ejected from the game for
unsportsmanlike conduct.
Owens spit on Hall after Dallas' sixth play from scrimmage, but
it was not seen by the officials. Earlier in the series, Hall
used his forearms to shove Owens. Then after tight end Jason
Witten caught a pass, Owens spit on Hall before heading back to
the huddle.
"I got frustrated and I apologize for that (spitting)," Owens
said. "It was a situation where he (Hall) kept bugging me and
getting in my face."
"I lost all respect for the guy," Hall said of Owens. "You
don't spit in another grown man's face."
Owens later beat Hall for a seven-yard touchdown late in the
first quarter and a 51-yard score midway through the second
quarter. He has 77 catches for 1,040 yards and 11 touchdowns
this season.
Owens played just seven games with the Philadelphia Eagles last
season before the club banished him for conduct detrimental to
the team. He publicly criticized numerous members of the
organization - including star quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Steve McNair is expected to start this
Sunday for the Baltimore Ravens, although his injured right hand
might affect his practice time this week.
McNair played only two series in the Ravens' playoff-clinching
27-17 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. He left shortly
after Cleveland linebacker Andra Davis accidentally stepped on his
throwing hand, opening up a cut that made it difficult for the
quarterback to take snaps from center.
McNair could have returned if needed, but backup Kyle Boller
played well enough to make that a moot point.
"Steve was certainly ready to go back in should something have
happened to Kyle, so that was a comfort zone," Ravens coach Brian
Billick said Monday. "It was my call. He was ready to go, but I
thought it was the prudent thing to do -- and now I'm glad we did."
McNair wanted to play, but the pain he experienced in taking
snaps persuaded Billick to avoid using him unless it was absolutely
necessary.
"My concern was the quarterback-center exchange. Plus, 60 snaps
was going to do nothing but irritate that," Billick said. "I
don't know if that would have in our best interest in the long term
-- the long term being next week and the week after next."
Boller went 13-for-21 for 238 yards and two touchdowns, and
Baltimore (11-3) clinched a playoff berth with its s
