NFL Football News

Will Chargers move upstream with Rivers?

2006-08-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

In letting Drew Brees go, the Chargers put their faith in Philip Rivers. The quarterback tried to reward that faith with a strong showing in San Diego's win over Green Bay. Recap

Reggie Bush with solid debut

2006-08-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

A 44-yard run on his second carry highlighted Reggie Bush's pro debut with the Saints as 14 teams took to the field Saturday in preseason action. Week 1 scoreboard
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NFL Network: Four replays on Sunday Photos Radio
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Cardinals top Steelers Rookie sparks Texans to win
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Full preseason schedule Email Tony Kornheiser a question
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2006 NFL training camps Gatorade days Photos Video

Atlanta's Expectations

2006-08-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Expectations are high in Atlanta. And after watching the Falcons at training camp, Pat Kirwan says it's clear the goal is much higher than just making the playoffs. Full Story
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Falcons preseason primer Offseason moves Draft picks
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Falcons Pro Bowl cornerback Hall wants to play on offense
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Falcons receiver Finneran out for season with knee injury
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2006 NFL training camps Gatorade days Photos Video

Caution with QB's

2006-08-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO (Aug. 7, 2006) -- Though football is back, not all quarterbacks are. At least not yet.
When the Bengals host the Washington Redskins Sunday night on national television, Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer will not play, a team spokesman said Monday.
Not only will Palmer not play Sunday night, he is not expected to play in the Bengals' next preseason game Friday night Aug. 18 at Buffalo against the Bills.
More likely, Palmer will play in the Bengals' third preseason game, Monday night, Aug. 28 against the Green Bay Packers, and then be on the field for the team's Sept. 10 regular-season opener at Kansas City against the Chiefs.

Carson Palmer is making progress, but his team will hold him out this week.
But before Palmer is officially cleared to return, he still must overcome mental obstacles related to his knee injury as much as the physical ones.
"Every time I step on the field it's a step forward and I need to take steps forward," Palmer told reporters after the team's weekend scrimmage. "So far in this camp, I think I've done that."
Other quarterbacks have done the same, but not enough to be cleared to play preseason football just yet.

Dolphins coach Nick Saban hasn't announced whether or not he will play quarterback Daunte Culpepper -- who, like Palmer, is recovering from significant knee surgery -- in the team's preseason opener Saturday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars. But Saban emphasized Monday that player safety is the most critical aspect in his decision, and that it's more important to get Culpepper ready for the first regular-season game, not the first preseason game.
Based on those statements, Saban is likely to rest Culpepper and not allow him to play behind an offensive line that still is uncertain who it will start at left tackle and right guard. But Saban has told very few, if any, people inside the Dolphins organization his playing plans for Culpepper this preseason.

It is a similar story in Pittsburgh, where Steelers coach Bill Cowher has deflected any and all questions about when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger might see his first playing action since suffering the June motorcycle accident. In training camp, Roethlisberger has not been limited in any way. He has been able to do every drill. But those drills are without contact.
When the Steelers kick off their preseason schedule Saturday night in Arizona's new football stadium, there will be contact. But there might not be Roethlisberger, who has said he would like to play. Cowher is not expected to announce his starter until later this week, possibly Thursday when he conducts his next press conference.
But no one should be surprised if Cowher opts to rest Roethlisberger and keep him out of the preseason opener. There will be time for the quarterback to return.

A quarterback who can be counted on returning for his team's preseason opener is New Orleans' Drew Brees. The Saints kick off their preseason Saturday night in Nashville, Tenn. against the Titans, and Brees, despite his offseason shoulder surgery, is expected to be behind center, a Saints official said Monday.
Brees has looked strong this summer and has validated the Saints' decision to pursue him. Soon enough, but not necessarily this weekend, it's going to be time for defenses to start pursuing all these high-profile quarterbacks.

ROSE BOWL REMATCH

2006-08-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

Preseason football turns into fantasy football Saturday night when the Saints play at the Titans, and New Orleans running back Reggie Bush squares off in a Rose Bowl rematch with Tennessee quarterback Vince Young.
Reggie Bush is drawing rave reviews headed into his Rose Bowl rematch.
There cannot be a more appealing preseason matchup the entire summer than the one that pits two of this year's most ballyhooed rookies.
Already, Bush has wowed the Saints. One Saints official gushed Monday when talking about Bush's performance in the team's scrimmage this weekend.
On his very first carry, a delayed handoff, the entire offensive line moved left, as did Bush. But then, he suddenly stopped cold, changed direction, sprinted back to the right and, in the blink of an eye, was 20 yards downfield on the right.
It was the same type of run college football fans have witnessed in recent seasons.
It looks like the same type of run pro football fans are going to witness for plenty of future seasons.

Owens' hamstring injury; Parcells colding the media

2006-08-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Terrell Owens can't help but grab headlines, though Bill Parcells wants that to change. Following speculation on Owens' injury, Parcells scolded the media. Full Story

Roger Goodell as the NFL's new commissioner

2006-08-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

He emerged as the leading candidate weeks ago, but now it is official. The owners have selected league COO Roger Goodell as the NFL's new commissioner. Full Story
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Carucci: A true American success story Goodell's edge
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Kirwan: Goodell is the right fit for commissioner Reaction
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Schefter: A quiet Goodell now comes to the forefront
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2006 NFL training camps Gatorade days Photos Video

Week 12 Results and News

2005-11-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

NFL.com national editor Vic Carucci says the Bears continued to use what has worked for them each the past seven weeks -- a dominating defense and a low-risk offense. Full Story
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Week 12 scoreboard Leaders Photos Video Radio
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Bears outgrind Buccaneers 13-10, improve to 8-3
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Sharpe Edge: The playoff races Upon further review
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Vote now for the 2006 Pro Bowl 2006 Pro Bowl

·Lions tentatively set press conference for 4 p.m. ET
·Jags' Leftwich out at least a month Seattle's Herndon hurt
·Ex-Cowboys receiver Irvin arrested Packers' Franks out
·Martin reaches 14,000 yards
·Bengals (8-3) roll to 42-29 victory against Ravens
·Vikings top Browns, extend winning streak to four
·More headlines

Vic Carucci
Colts should be too much for Steelers
Adam Schefter
Steelers might be Colts' toughest remaining test

Analyze This: Who's No. 2 behind Indianapolis?Sharpe: Chargers and Chiefs should be in playoffsSchefter: Bush could win in '06 ... if he elects to go proSchefter: Parcells hopes business is good Video
Easterbrook: Tuesday Morning Quarterback Readers
-->More from NFL.com Analysts

Bengals: Bengals already focusing on Steelers
Redskins: Defense frustrated with late-game struggles
Bears: Dominant Brown leads inspired defensive effort

•Week 12 Judgements: Eli's the guy; Jags OK without Leftwich
•Judge: Chargers clearly the NFC's best; unfortunately ...
•Prisco: It's a Thanksgiving miracle: Former butterball gobbles up yards

Week 12 Headlines and Reports

2005-11-28T07:03:00.000-08:00

Clayton: Timing and good fortune
Hawks capitalize on Giants' mistakesby John ClaytonSEATTLE -- The Giants had the false starts. The Seahawks had the big finish. Advantage, Seattle.In perhaps the strangest game of the season, the Seahawks beat the Giants in overtime Sunday 24-21 even though they were outplayed, outhustled... by John Clayton on 11/27/2005 8:20 AM
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Pasquarelli: Hands-on approach
Bears D causes early turnover to set toneby Len PasquarelliTAMPA, Fla. -- When quizzed Sunday afternoon, not a single starter on the Chicago Bears defensive line knew the meaning of laissez faire, the term used a few weeks ago by ESPN studio analyst Steve Young to describe the upbringing of Bucs starting quarterback... by Len Pasquarelli on 11/27/2005 5:52 AM
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Michael Irvin on drug charge: Paraphernalia not mine
Irvin charged in Texas; says pipe belonged to friendby ESPN.com news servicesDALLAS -- Former Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin said Sunday night that a drug pipe police found in his car belonged to a longtime friend whom he's trying to help recover from an addiction.Irvin, an ESPN studio analyst and semifinalist for the... by ESPN.com news services on 11/27/2005 7:59 AM
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Eagles file complaint vs. Cowboys
Eagles file tampering complaint against Cowboysby Associated PressNEW YORK -- The Philadelphia Eagles have filed a tampering complaint against the Dallas Cowboys after Dallas owner Jerry Jones suggested on a radio show that his team is often interested in players such as suspended wide receiver Terrell Owens."In... by Associated Press on 11/27/2005 5:37 AM
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Ripe for the pickin': Wesley's 3 INTs lift Chiefs over Pats
Johnson runs for 119 yards in Chiefs' win over Patriotsby RecapVisit ESPN.com for the complete story. by Recap on 11/27/2005 10:01 AM
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LT's TD run lifts Chargers over Redskins in OT
LT's 41-yard TD run lifts Chargers over Redskins in OTby RecapVisit ESPN.com for the complete story. by Recap on 11/27/2005 7:35 AM
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Leftwich could miss month with broken ankle
Jags' Leftwich could miss month with broken ankleby ESPN.com news servicesTEMPE, Ariz. -- Jacksonville Jaguars starting quarterback Byron Leftwich broke a bone in his left ankle Sunday early in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals."He's got a crack in the ankle," coach Jack Del Rio said after his team's 24-17... by ESPN.com news services on 11/27/2005 4:57 AM
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Four! Johnson throws 3 TDs as Vikes win fourth straight
Vikings beat Browns, push record to 6-5by RecapVisit ESPN.com for the complete story. by Recap on 11/27/2005 7:33 AM
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Delhomme TD pass lifts Panthers as Bills continue slide
Delhomme TD pass lifts Panthers as Bills continue slideby RecapVisit ESPN.com for the complete story. by Recap on 11/27/2005 8:10 AM
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Fitzpatrick rallies Rams to OT win over Texans
Fitzpatrick rallies Rams to comeback OT win over Texansby RecapVisit ESPN.com for the complete story. by Recap on 11/27/2005 7:23 AM
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Sun. roundup: Feagles sets consecutive games record
Giants' Feagles sets consecutive games recordby Associated PressNew York Giants: Punter Jeff Feagles set the NFL record for consecutive games with his 283rd on Sunday.Feagles broke the record when he kicked a 39-yard punt with 7:35 left in the first quarter. Referee Larry Nemmers gave Feagles the ball and shook... by Associated Press on 11/27/2005 8:19 AM
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Saints hold off late rally, hand Jets sixth straight loss
Saints hold off late rally, hand Jets sixth straight lossby RecapVisit ESPN.com for the complete story. by Recap on 11/27/2005 9:18 AM
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Dolphins end losing streak, shut down Collins, Raiders
Dolphins end losing streak, shut down Collins, Raidersby RecapVisit ESPN.com for the complete story. by Recap on 11/27/2005 7:19 AM
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Palmer, Bengals pound Ravens early, hang on for win
Palmer, Bengals jump out to early lead, hold off Ravens by RecapVisit ESPN.com for the complete story. by Recap on 11/27/2005 7:28 AM
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Raiders' Sapp to have season-ending surgery
Sapp to have season-ending shoulder surgeryby ESPN.com news servicesALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders placed defensive tackle Warren Sapp on injured reserve Saturday with a right shoulder injury, prematurely ending his 11th NFL season.Sapp, who turns 33 next month, had been listed as doubtful during the week... by ESPN.com news services on 11/26/2005 11:05 PM
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Mariucci says he doesn't need vote of confidence
Mariucci watch: 'Business as usual' at Lions HQby ESPN.com news servicesFriday came and went and Steve Mariucci remained the Detroit Lions' coach, despite a report that his firing was being discussed by team officials.Despite his seemingly shaky footing as the team's head coach, Mariucci told reporters he doesn't need a... by ESPN.com news services on 11/25/2005 6:29 PM
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Eagles line gets thinner as Thomas put on IR
Eagles line gets thinner as Thomas put on IRby Len PasquarelliThe injury problems that have plagued the Philadelphia Eagles continued Friday, as the team was forced to place starting left offensive tackle Tra Thomas on injured reserve with a back problem that will require surgery to repair a lumbar disc.Thomas... by Len Pasquarelli on 11/24/2005 11:07 PM
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2005-11-24T07:27:00.000-08:00

ESPNEWS HEADLINES
• Dolphins LB Seau on IR, vows to play again
• Browns Hall of Famer Frank Gatski dies at 83
• 'Herm's not leaving,' Jets owner Johnson says
• Saints' Horn rips Tagliabue for not visiting team
• Cincy fan who took ball from Favre gets probation
• Naval Academy funeral for Belichick's dad Pats practice
• Bears QB Grossman expects to suit up vs. Bucs
• A second start for Bills QB Losman And 49ers' Dorsey
• Clayton's Quick Hits: Latest NFL news & notes

Owens caught 124 passes for 1,963 yards in 21 games with the Eagles.
Gone ... For Now
Terrell Owens will end up somewhere in the offseason, but an arbitrator's decision to uphold his suspension means that T.O. is out of the picture for the Eagles, writes Len Pasquarelli. Story
• Arbitrator rules against T.O. What it means Cossack

• Text of ruling NFLPA angry Kreidler Theismann Vote

Texans flee Houston in wake of Hurricane Rita

2005-09-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

NFL.com wire reports

HOUSTON (Sept. 21, 2005) -- The Houston Texans canceled their Sept. 22
practice and asked all players to leave town immediately as Hurricane
Rita barreled toward the Texas coast with 165-mph winds.
Coach Dom Capers said the team, which has a bye this week, was looking
at alternatives that include practicing next week in Cincinnati before
the Texans' game on Oct. 2 against the Bengals.

Between 2 a.m. and 4 p.m., the hurricane went from a 115-mph Category
2 to a 165-mph Category 5. The storm is expected to reach the Gulf
Coast early Sept. 24.

Texans players were planning to secure their homes and then scatter,
from California to Florida.

Andre Johnson has dealt with a hurricane before. In 1992, he watched
Hurricane Andrew plow by from his grandmother's screened-in porch.

"It was crazy to see things flying around like that," he said. "I'm
not doing that again. I'm getting out this time."

At the Texans' practice facility, workers took down the goal posts on
the practice field and moved all other items indoors.

Team officials walked through the locker room yelling at players to
"pack your bag like you're going to a game."

Texans offensive lineman Steve McKinney said he was going to board up
his home and ride out the storm in the small town of Centerville, two
hours north of Houston.

"If not for Katrina, people wouldn't be as panicked as they are about
Rita," he said. "But I've never been through a full-blown hurricane,
so I don't know and I'm not going to experience this one, either."

Currently, the Texans are scheduled to return to Houston for a morning
meeting Sept. 26, but Capers said that could change depending on
damage from the storm.

Week tidbits for Week 3

2005-09-22T08:36:00.001-07:00

Extra points
If the Bengals win this weekend, they'll be 3-0. The last two times
they started 3-0 they made the playoffs: 1988 (lost to San Francisco
in Super Bowl XXIII) and 1990 (lost to Oakland in divisional round).

Favre and Hasselbeck have passed for touchdowns in 22 and 18
consecutive home games, respectively, the best active streaks for all
quarterbacks. Both play at home this weekend.

If Carnell Williams gains 100 or more yards rushing this weekend, he
will become the first rookie in NFL history with three consecutive
100-yard games to start a career.

Ryan Longwell has kicked a field goal in 14 consecutive games and
needs one for a club record.

Derrick Brooks has started 144 consecutive games -- the most by an
active defender.

In two games this season, Dilfer has three touchdown passes of over 60 yards.

The Denver Broncos have won the last seven games they have played at
home in the month of September.

The Kansas City Chiefs have won the last three Monday Night Football
games they have played on the road.

Since 1990, 17 teams have started 0-2 or poorer and made the playoffs.
Two (Dallas in 1993 and New England in 2001) won the Super Bowl after
starting 0-2.

Kenny Stabler win 50 games in his first 62 starts as a quarterback.
Tom Brady has won 49 games in 64 starts and could be the
second-fastest player in NFL history to win 50 games. Danny White of
the Cowboys is currently the second-fastest with 50 in 69 starts.

Look ahead to Week 3 games

2005-09-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Falcons at Bills: Before you do anything, you have to see if QB
Michael Vick is going to play. If Vick doesn't play, then Matt Schaub
becomes the quarterback and in Schaub's only start last year, he was
17 of 41. ... It had been very hard to run on Buffalo over the
previous 17 games, but Tampa Bay ran for 191 yards last week. I like
RB Warrick Dunn -- it looks like he'll get 75 percent of the carries
for Atlanta this season with T.J. Duckett getting the rest. It's hard
to play anyone else for Atlanta if Vick is out, but TE Alge Crumpler
is the best bet. ... For Buffalo, I like RB Willis McGahee. The
Falcons are 18th in the NFL against the run, and McGahee is due to
break out. ... The Bills play better at home than on the road. You can
pass on Atlanta, but I'm not sure that J.P. Losman is the person to do
it. ... The first inclination is to not play WR Lee Evans because CB
DeAngelo Hall will probably cover him, but the guy that Hall's been on
each of the last two weeks -- Terrell Owens and then Darrell Jackson
-- has notched over 100 yards.

Bengals at Bears: Their first meeting in Chicago since 1992. ... I
like WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. They've combined for 26
receptions between them in two weeks. In two games, QB Carson Palmer
has thrown for 5 TDs, an average of 308 yards and a 107.0 QB rating.
... You have to be careful with RB Rudi Johnson because the Bears do a
good job stopping the run. ... This game pits the No. 1 team on
offense versus the No. 2 team on defense. Cincinnati is averaging 32
points per game; the Bears allow 7.5 points per game. ... I like RB
Thomas Jones, who has had three TDs in two games. That said, rookie RB
Cedric Benson will start to becomes more of a factor -- he had three
carries in Week 1, 16 last week. ... I like WR Muhsin Muhammad, maybe
to a lesser extent only because he's working with a rookie QB -- even
though Kyle Orton has not been bad.

Buccaneers at Packers: Tampa Bay has been playing very well -- it
controlled the ball for 38 minutes versus Buffalo last week. The Bucs
have lost 12 straight on the road against Green Bay, though. ... I
like RB Cadillac Williams here, even though the Packers are better
against run this year. ... I like Bucs WRs Joey Galloway and Michael
Clayton, in that order. ... For the Packers, I like RB Ahman Green,
even though it's been extremely tough to run on Tampa Bay. The Bucs
are the only team that has not allowed a rushing or passing TD so far
this year. They've allowed a total of only 395 yards and 16 points.
That said, I think QB Brett Favre will do well.

Browns at Colts: For the Browns, I like RB Reuben Droughns. QB Trent
Dilfer has played very well, but the Colts are very good defending the
pass -- they've got nine sacks in two games, and the pass rush will
make it tough on Dilfer. ... For the Colts, I like QB Peyton Manning,
WR Marvin Harrison and RB Edgerrin James. ... Stat of the week:
Manning has played a home game in Week 3 of the NFL season three
times. In those three games, he's got 11 TDs, one INT and 1,049 yards.
... It's not unusual for Manning to start slow (he's got two TDs, a
53.1 completion rate and 376 yards). But the Browns are 31st overall
on defense and 30th against the pass. Romeo Crennel, while at New
England, had great success against Manning -- holding him to nine TDs
while intercepting 10 passes in six games.

Panthers at Dolphins: Miami coach Nick Saban believes in taking out
the opponents' best player, but he must decide whether that will be WR
Steve Smith or RB Stephen Davis. For now, I like both in this game,
although Carolina is 16th overall on offense and Miami is good on
defense. ... QB Jake Delhomme usually starts poorly, and that's been
the case this year, but don't forget how hot he got as the season
progressed last year. ... For Miami, I like WR Chris Chambers, WR
Marty Booker and TE Randy McMichael, who has 14 catches and two TDs in
two games. ... QB Gus Frerotte plays much better at home than on the
road, so that translates into better numbers for those guys.

Saints at Vikings: We thought RB Deuce McAllister would struggle
against the Giants, and he did, but he should do well here. I also
like WR Joe Horn and QB Aaron Brooks. One fly in the ointment is a
possible letdown after a short week, and you don't know if and when
the Saints lose some of the extra adrenaline they've been playing on.
... You have to like QB Daunte Culpepper here, but he is dead last
among starting QBS -- 0 TDs, eight INTs and a 41.6 rating. He does
have 12 TDs and a 119.0 rating in four games vs. New Orleans. ... The
Vikings are 30th overall on defense, 32nd versus the run, but they
play better at home. I like RB Michael Bennett.

Jaguars at Jets: This should be a low-scoring game, but I like Jags RB
Fred Taylor and WR Jimmy Smith. It's almost unbelievable what Smith
has done as a 36-year-old receiver. ... For the Jets, it's important
to see if Curtis Martin plays, but he's gotten off to a much slower
start than he did last year. People might be overestimating backup RB
Derrick Blaylock based on last year. ... I also like WR Laveranues
Coles.

Raiders at Eagles: I like WR Randy Moss and RB LaMont Jordan. I think
you can run on Philadelphia, as Atlanta did. QB Kerry Collins is
playing better than he gets credit for -- he's got four TDs and zero
INTs. ... In saying all of that, the Eagles play very good pass
defense -- they haven't allowed a TD yet, with four INTs and seven
sacks. ... I like RB Brian Westbrook in this game -- he's got eight
straight games with 100 yards from scrimmage. ... You have to like QB
Donovan McNabb and WR Terrell Owens. Owens needs one TD catch for 100
in his career. ... The Raiders seem to be playing much better defense
this year, but still rank 28th overall and 27th versus the pass.

Titans at Rams: Since 1995 when he became head coach, Jeff Fisher has
the best road record in the NFL. ... I like QB Steve McNair -- in 19
career games vs. the NFC West, he's got 28 TD passes and a 15-4
record. ... Check on the health of Titans DT Albert Haynesworth --
without him, the Rams have a much better chance of running the ball.
One of these days, rookie WR Brandon Jones is due to break out. ... I
keep hearing that the Rams are going to run the ball more, but it
hasn't happened yet. If RB Steven Jackson gets the ball more than 20
times, he should have a big day. I like QB Marc Bulger and WR Torry
Holt. Isaac Bruce needs 27 receiving yards to pass Michael Irvin for
11th on the all-time list.

Cowboys at 49ers: Dallas RB Julius Jones has never carried less than
20 times a game in his career, averaging 24 carries. He hasn't had a
run longer than nine yards this season, but he has become a bigger
part of the passing game. This could be his breakout week. ... I like
WR Keyshawn Johnson. ... I don't like anyone for the 49ers, but if
you're strapped, RB Kevan Barlow or WR Arnaz Battle has a chance to do
something. Look for TE Eric Johnson to be active for the first time
this season.

Cardinals at Seahawks: I like RB Marcel Shipp, even though the Cards
pass more than they run. Shipp is becoming a more active pass catcher.
... WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin might rotate this season in
terms of who is the main target from week to week. It's most likely
Fitzgerald here. ... Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck is better than average
at home -- he's thrown 18 TD passes in his last 10 at home. ... I like
WR Darrell Jackson and RB Shaun Alexander. Arizona seems to do a good
job stopping the run early in the game and then letting up a bit late.
So if Alexander doesn't have big numbers early, don't worry. He's got
eight career TD runs versus Arizona, his most against any team.

Patriots at Steelers: A rematch of last year's title game. I like QB
Tom Brady, WR Deion Branch and TE Ben Watson. It's tough to run on
Pittsburgh even though it ranks 17th against the run so far. ... Brady
goes for his 50th win in 65 starts. The only QB to reach 50 wins
quicker was Kenny Stabler (50 wins in 62 starts). ... For Pittsburgh,
RB Willie Parker should be able to run on New England. ... QB Ben
Roethlisberger has a 139.0 rating after two weeks, but he'll have a
tougher time here because they'll try to confuse him, as they did last
year.

Giants at Chargers: For the Giants, I like QB Eli Manning and WRs
Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress. Eli has a better rating right now
than his brother. Peyton really matured in his second year as the
starter, and that could be the same pattern here. ... RB Tiki Barber
should have a good, not great, game -- it's tough to run on San Diego.
... San Diego star RB LaDainian Tomlinson has yet to break out, and
the Giants are second overall against the run. ... TE Antonio Gates
will have a good game, as will WR Keenan McCardell, who has played
very well against the Giants. ... WR Eric Parker is starting to become
a little more of a factor.

Chiefs at Broncos: For Kansas City, I like WR Eddie Kennison, QB Trent
Green and RB Larry Johnson, who has scored a TD in eight straight
games. ... Green plays well against Denver -- he's passed for eight
TDs and 1,233 yards in his last five against them. ... Chiefs WR Samie
Parker is getting into the mix more. ... For Denver, I like WR Ashley
Lelie. ... I don't understand why RB Tatum Bell isn't playing more, or
why they re-signed RB Quentin Griffin. ... WR Rod Smith has 95 catches
on Monday night -- most among active receivers. He also needs 55 yards
to become the 23rd player to reach 10,000 receiving yards.

-thanks to www.nfl.com

Warner close, but no cigar

2005-09-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- Any last minute drive to win a game would be
great. For Kurt Warner, to do it against the St. Louis Rams would have
been perfect.

Warner and his Arizona Cardinals fell a few yards shy, though, doomed
by Adam Archuleta's sack and a false start penalty as time ran out in
the Rams' 17-12 victory Sunday.

"A perfect scenario, a perfect place to be in," Warner said. "But then
a lot of times it's more disappointing when you don't get it done in a
situation like that."

Warner, 29-for-42 for 327 yards in his first game against the St.
Louis franchise he directed to two Super Bowls and one NFL crown,
drove the Arizona Cardinals to the St. Louis 5 in the final seconds.

But Archuleta, playing on the field where he was a college star for
Arizona State, burst through for a sack.

"They did a good job coming down the field," Archuleta said, "and we
needed that play."

The Cardinals scrambled into formation for another play, but a flag
was thrown against tackle Leonard Davis, and under NFL rules the clock
kept running to end the game. Davis was getting an intravenous
injection of fluids after the game and wasn't available.

Chiefs take care of Raiders

2005-09-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Randy Moss delivered the breathtaking big play
the Oakland Raiders expected when they acquired him. But when it came
time for a potential game-winning drive, the Kansas City Chiefs made
sure he wouldn't get free.

Kansas City's defense came through for a second straight week,
stopping Oakland at the 10-yard line in the final minutes of a 23-17
victory Sunday night.

Trent Green offset Moss' 64-yard touchdown catch early in the third
quarter with two long field goal drives for the Chiefs (2-0) in the
second half. Moss had only one catch after the touchdown and was
nowhere to be found on Oakland's final drive.

"He's going to make some plays. That's Randy Moss," Chiefs safety
Sammy Knight said. "Hopefully we can contain him and we did that at
the end."

Winning with defense is a welcome change in Kansas City, where a
high-scoring offense hasn't been enough in recent years. That led to
an overhaul of the defense in the offseason and the results after two
weeks have been positive.

After taking a shutout into the final minute of a season-opening 27-7
win over the New York Jets, the Chiefs held off the Raiders when they
needed to.

"It's just the second game. We don't feel like we're at our peak yet,"
cornerback Patrick Surtain said. "But to hold a great offense to 17
points is something you can be proud of. But in no way, shape or form
are we satisfied with how we played. We know we can play better."

After Samie Parker's fumble set up a final drive for Oakland, Kerry
Collins led the Raiders (0-2) to the 10 with 1:58 to go. On fourth
down, Collins looked for Moss but he was covered, so instead he lofted
a last-ditch pass to Jerry Porter. Porter leaped and had the ball on
his fingertips, but Benny Sapp knocked it away.

"They had some people on him," Collins said of Moss. "I was certainly
trying to go his way. They were putting two or three guys on him."

After the Raiders took over on their 36 early in the third quarter,
Collins dropped back for a play-action pass. Moss ran past Surtain and
then outleaped Knight at the 20 before running it in the rest of the
way. He turned back toward the defense as he crossed the goal line and
then did a dance move as he celebrated with his new fans. He finished
with five catches for 127 yards.

The Chiefs answered with a methodical 15-play drive that was slowed by
back-to-back holding calls against Jordan Black after Priest Holmes'
20-yard run set up a first-and-goal at the 9. A 39-yard field goal by
Lawrence Tynes made it 20-17 after three quarters.

Green then led Kansas City on an 11-play, 54-yard drive, completing
key third-down passes to Parker and Tony Gonzalez to set up a 42-yard
kick by Tynes.

Green was 18-for-28 for 238 yards, and Holmes ran for 75 yards and a
score for Kansas City.

Moss was the last player introduced before the game and received the
loudest cheers. He caught an 18-yard pass to set up Oakland's first
score, a 1-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter by
LaMont Jordan.

Moss got louder cheers when he appeared to catch a 6-yard touchdown
throw early in the second quarter. But those quickly ended when the
play was called back by an pass interference on Moss and Oakland
settled for a 29-yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski.

Jordan also had a touchdown called back when Langston Walker held on a
56-yard run. After committing 16 penalties in the season-opening loss
at New England, flags again hurt the Raiders, who committed two key
penalties to stall a drive earlier in the fourth quarter.

"We're not lacking for confidence, we're just lacking for wins,"
Porter said. "It's dumb to get frustrated now, it's Week 2. We have 14
more games to play."

Kansas City struggled on the ground without injured 10-time Pro Bowl
tackle Willie Roaf, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry but the Chiefs
did get two TDs rushing. Chris Carr muffed a punt at Oakland's 17
after the first drive of the game and the Chiefs converted two fourth
downs, including Holmes' 1-yard score.

Holmes briefly left the game after being nicked up in the second
quarter, but Larry Johnson came in and carried twice for 17 yards to
make it 14-7.

"We knew the yards were going to be hard," Johnson said. "We knew they
would try to shut down the run as much as they could. Trent did a good
job hitting the receivers on some third-down passes."

Collins was 21-for-35 for 263 yards, but was booed frequently as he
often threw the ball short on third downs.

Game notes
Kansas City also had a score called back when Dante Hall's long punt
return in the final minute of the first half was negated by an illegal
block. ... The Raiders have won nine of their last 11 home openers,
with both losses coming to Kansas City. ... Raiders WR Ronald Curry
will have an MRI exam Monday after injuring his right leg late -- the
same side as his torn Achilles' tendon a year ago.

Week 2 tidbits

2005-09-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

Baltimore Ravens: Quarterback Kyle Boller will see a specialist in
North Carolina today, the Baltimore Sun reported.

His hyperextended right big toe could even need surgery.

Coach Brian Billick has been cautious since the injury opening
weekend, saying Boller could be back by Oct. 2 or out as long as two
months. After a TV report about potential surgery, he had this to say:

"He's been told that there's a possibility of surgery since the injury
happened," Billick told the Sun. "There was always that possibility. I
don't know if it's any more viable now than it was before."

Boller doesn't want to talk about surgery and is nocommital about
playing against the Jets on Oct. 2.

"Right now, I have no idea," Boller told the paper. "I'm taking it day
to day and trying to get my toe healthy. I'm going to do whatever the
doctors tell me. If I do that, hopefully, I'll be out there very
soon."

Pittsburgh Steelers: Willie Parker has earned the starting job with
consecutive 100-yard games -- regardless of the health of Jerome
Bettis and Duce Staley.

"Willie's starting again next week," coach Bill Cowher told the
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette after Sunday's win. "He's our starter."

Parker, who rushed for 111 yards Sunday after gaining 161 yards in
Week 1, remained humble about his prospects.

"It's a surprise," he told the Post-Gazette. "I try to stay away from
who's a starter and who's not a starter. Jerome, Duce and those guys
have been great.

"I'm still not [convinced], I don't care what coach Cowher or anybody
thinks. I'm just really trying to help the team out anyway I can."

Philadelphia Eagles: Shawn Andrews left in the second half Sunday
with a bruised shoulder and will have an MRI today.

The right offensive guard told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he would be fine.

He missed the third preseason game with a shoulder injury, but coach
Andy Reid said this was not the same injury.

NFL news and notes

2005-09-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

At The End of The Day ...
Statement Sunday for NFC favorites

by Michael Smith (Thanks to ESPN)

At the end of the day ... order had been restored in the universe.

Well, at least in the NFC.

The last two NFC champions, Carolina and Philadelphia, are among the
favorites (you can throw Atlanta in there, too, if you'd like) to
represent the conference in Super Bowl XL. Many prognosticators have
one or the other winning in Detroit. But both lost their openers last
week, and there they were Sunday, perhaps not panicking, but standing
on the edge of a dreaded hole named 0-2 that only two teams (Dallas in
1993 and New England in 2001) have escaped and gone on to win the
title.

Eagles QB Donovan McNabb took a helmet to the chest in last Monday's
loss at Atlanta, leaving his status for Week 2 in question. And there
were doubts whether the Eagles had completely put their tumultuous
offseason behind them. The Panthers, meanwhile, lost by three at home
to the inspired Saints, lost DT Kris Jenkins in the process and had
defending world champion New England coming to town. Carolina, which
climbed out of a 1-7 crater last year to contend for the playoffs, was
poised to stumble out of the blocks yet again.

After Sunday, though, we can wait a while before we worry about these
two teams again.

Both clubs made statements Sunday, winning games they "had" to win, if
a Week 2 game can hold such importance. The Eagles crushed the 49ers,
though the ease with which they did so may say more about the level of
competition than it does Philly's level of execution. And the Panthers
held off the Patriots to avoid dropping two straight at home to start
the year. When you knock off a team, a dynasty, that has lost just
four games in two seasons -- and do so by 10 points -- simply put,
that's saying something.

Speaking of verbal communication, there was something of a major
development toward the end of the Eagles-49ers game: McNabb and
Terrell Owens spoke cordially. To each other! And based on their
expressions, they seemed to enjoy the conversation. Sure their
personal relationship probably is dysfunctional, at best, but there is
no denying how well they function together on the field. Sunday,
McNabb tied his career high with five touchdown passes, two of which
went to T.O. If they stay healthy, each should again merit MVP
consideration and lead Philly to another division title.

If the Eagles are the NFC's version of the Patriots in terms of
philosophy, Carolina is the equal to the champs in terms of physical
toughness. On offense and defense, the Panthers are just plain
aggressive. Nasty, even. QB Jake Delhomme is a poor man's Tom Brady in
the way Carolina's offense and team responds to him. You can't explain
how he makes plays. He just does. Leave it at that.

With the Vikings and Packers 0-2 and the Falcons having been grounded
by the Seahawks, the hierarchy of the NFC stands as it did before the
season started: It's still the Eagles, Panthers -- maybe the Falcons
-- and everyone else.

Week 2 Roundup

2005-09-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

• Chicago 38, Detroit 6
One week the Lions look ready to challenge in the NFC North, the
next they look clueless.
• Tennessee 25, Baltimore 10
Winless Ravens looking up at two 2-0 teams in AFC North and still
searching for the Wright QB.

• Pittsburgh 27, Houston 7
Big Ben and Willie Parker keep it going. Still waiting for that
drop-off people predicted.

• Tampa Bay 19, Buffalo 3
Cadillac in high gear, while Mike Mularkey goes Steve Spurrier with
QBs in the fourth quarter.

• Indianapolis 10, Jacksonville 3
Buc Ball lives ... in Indy. Colts D delivers, and Byron Leftwich
faces more shots than 50 Cent.

• Cincinnati 37, Minnesota 8
Missing Randy? Or offensive coordinator Scott Linehan? Culpepper
picked off five more times.

• Carolina 27, New England 17
Stephen Davis hitches up the Carolina bandwagon and rolls to three
TDs in a super rematch.

• Philadelphia 42, San Francisco 3
Eagles roll up a team-record 583 yards of offense; 49ers have only
359 ... in two games!

• Seattle 21, Atlanta 18
Michael Vick grabbing his hamstring is a much bigger concern than a
loss to the Seahawks.

• St. Louis 17, Arizona 12
Kurt Warner is now 0-2 this season vs. former teams. Think they know
something?

• New York Jets 17, Miami 7
Jets win ugly, but nowhere near as ugly as 78,000 angry New Yorkers
had they lost to Miami.

• Cleveland 26, Green Bay 24
Favre came back for this? Lambeau just ain't what it used to be.
Congrats, Romeo, on win No. 1.

• Denver 20, San Diego 17
Winless Chargers' next seven? At Pats, vs. Steelers, at Raiders, at
Philly, vs. K.C., at the Jets.

• Kansas City 23, Oakland 17
Randy Moss went deep once, but the Chiefs flexed their newfound
defense to move to 2-0.

Houston Texans fire offensive coordinator

2005-09-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Texans fired offensive co-ordinator Chris
Palmer on Monday following the team's second straight embarrassing
loss.
Palmer will be replaced by offensive line coach Joe Pendry, according
to a source who asked not to be identified because the team had not
yet made the announcement. Coach Dom Capers had his regularly
scheduled news conference set for later in the day.
The Houston Chronicle first reported the firing on its website. ESPN
also reported Palmer's dismissal. Palmer, who has been the offensive
co-ordinator since the team's inception, also called the plays.
The Texans lost to Pittsburgh 27-7 on Sunday after losing to Buffalo
22-7 in the opener. Houston has averaged the fewest yards (170.5),
fewest passing yards (66.5) and points (7) in the NFL through its
first two games.
In Sunday's game, quarterback David Carr appeared to be confused and
bewildered. He was sacked eight times - the most since the expansion
year in 2002 and one shy of the most in the team's 50-game history.
Against Buffalo, Houston allowed five sacks and had five turnovers.
Palmer joined the Texans after being fired following one season as
coach of the Cleveland Browns. Pendry was the offensive co-ordinator
under Capers for three seasons at Carolina. He spent 1998-2000 in the
same position with Buffalo.
Houston has a bye this week before travelling to Cincinnati on Oct. 2.

Saints march into NY...Game 1 of Monday Night double-header

2005-09-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - With an unprecedented nationwide disaster
relief effort as a backdrop, the New York Giants and New Orleans
Saints meet Monday night in a game that could provide a huge boost to
the winner.

The Giants have not opened with two straight wins since 2000, the year
they reached the Super Bowl, and haven't won consecutive games since
last October. The Saints are coming off an emotional win at Carolina
in their first game since being displaced by hurricane Katrina.

Monday's game was to be the Saints' home opener on Sept. 18 before
damage to the Louisiana Superdome three weeks ago caused the NFL to
move it to Giants Stadium. The league is using the rare Monday night
doubleheader - Washington and Dallas play at 9 p.m. EDT, 90 minutes
after the New York-New Orleans kickoff - to broadcast a telethon to
raise money for victims of the disaster.

While Saints players have used the devastation suffered by residents
of the Gulf Coast as a rallying point, it is worth remembering that
the team has won five straight games dating back to last season,
second best in the league behind New England's six-game streak.

"I keep saying this, but before the hurricane got here, we were
focused," wide receiver Joe Horn said from San Antonio, where the team
has relocated for the season. "The New Orleans Saints football team
was focused to try and win a Super Bowl. By the hurricane coming and
the homeless people that are here now watching us play, it gives us a
little more initiative to play harder and play smarter and go out and
win a Super Bowl."

Week 2 late game

2005-09-19T05:24:00.000-07:00

KC 23 @ LA 17

Monday Night Predictions:
=====================

New Orleans over the NY Giants
Dalllas over the Washington Redskins

Week 2 Results

2005-09-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

MIN 8 @ CIN 37
JAX 3 @ IND 10
BUF 3 @ TB 19
PITT 27 @ HOU 7
ATL 18 @ SEA 21
CLE 26 @ BG 24
DET 6 @ CHI 38
BAL 10 @ TEN 25
SF 3 @ PHI 42
NE 17 @ CAR 27
STL 17 @ ARZ 12
SD 17 @ DEN 20
MIA 7 @ NYJ 17

Saints 2005-2006 Home Schedule

2005-09-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

Saints 2005 home schedule:

Week 2 -- New York Giants (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Week 4 -- Buffalo (San Antonio, Texas)
Week 6 -- Atlanta (San Antonio, Texas)
Week 8 -- Miami (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Week 9 -- Chicago (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Week 13 -- Tampa Bay (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Week 15 -- Carolina (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Week 16 -- Detroit (San Antonio, Texas)

Saints v/s Giants Monday Night Football Game Events/Plans

2005-09-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

(Sept. 14, 2005) -- The NFL announced details of its activities to
focus on the Gulf Coast recovery and rebuilding effort as part of the
New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants game on Monday night, Sept. 19.
Under the theme "Recover and Rebuild," special guests and entertainers
from New Orleans and décor changes at Giants Stadium will reflect the
special character of what was scheduled to be the Saints' home opener
in New Orleans against the Giants. The game was originally scheduled
for the Louisiana Superdome but moved to Giants Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
ET Monday due to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

The NFL will host New Orleans police chief Eddie Compass and other
members of the New Orleans Police and Fire Department who will
participate in the coin toss along with former presidents George H.W.
Bush and Bill Clinton, who lead the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. In
addition, the NFL has arranged through several relief agencies for
more than 600 residents of New Orleans who were displaced by Hurricane
Katrina to the northeast to attend the game.

There will be several performances at Giants Stadium by artists with
Gulf Coast ties.

New Orleans natives and music superstars Harry Connick Jr. and
Branford Marsalis will perform the national anthem on piano and
saxophone. Irvin Mayfield, the famed New Orleans jazz trumpeter and
cultural ambassador for the city, will perform "America the
Beautiful." The band 3 Doors Down from Escatawpa, Miss., will perform
during halftime.

The west end zone will say "Saints" and feature the team's helmet
logo. Team banners will be placed on the sideline walls. In addition,
banners with the website address and phone number for the Bush-Clinton
Katrina Fund will be on the walls and the fund's logo will be screened
onto the field on the sidelines near the bench areas.

The New Orleans Saints cheerleaders, the "Saintsations," also will be on hand.

Tickets for the game are still available through Ticketmaster by
phone, (201-507-8900 or 212-307-7171), online ( www.ticketmaster.com)
or by visiting a Ticketmaster outlet.

Every NFL game on Sept. 18 and 19 will include elements that will
highlight and contribute to the national relief effort. The NFL's
network television partners (ABC, ESPN, CBS and FOX), and national
radio partner, Westwood One/CBS Radio Sports, will promote the relief
effort during their pregame shows and game telecasts.

ABC, ESPN and the NFL are teaming on an unprecedented telethon to
raise funds and bring attention to the massive needs of the Gulf Coast
region. The Monday night telethon will emanate from ABC's Times Square
studio in New York City. The telethon will raise money for the
Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund ( www.bushclintonkatrinafund.com). Former
Presidents Bush and Clinton lead the fund, which serves as an umbrella
organization for three special funds established by the governors of
Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to assist in the long-term recovery
plan for those states.

Current and former NFL players, including Hall of Famers Marcus Allen,
Eric Dickerson, Mike Haynes, Steve Largent, Ronnie Lott, Art Shell and
Bart Starr, will be on hand at the studio to answer calls and accept
pledges.

The Saints vs. New York Giants game will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET. ABC
will televise the game until the 9 pm ET start of the Washington at
Dallas game. At that time, the Saints vs. Giants telecast will switch
to ESPN in most markets. New York, Louisiana and selected
hurricane-affected areas will see the Giants-Saints game to its
conclusion on ABC. The Cowboys-Redskins game will begin on ESPN in
those markets and switch to ABC following the conclusion of the Giants
vs. Saints game.

The NFL, its owners, clubs and players have contributed nearly $10
million so far to Hurricane Katrina relief. Saints owner Tom Benson
donated the first $100,000 to a special relief fund created by the
team -- the New Orleans Saints Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund (
www.saintshurricanefund.org), which will provide assistance to people
in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.

McNabb to Start against 49ers

2005-09-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 16, 2005) -- Donovan McNabb will start in the
Eagles ' home opener against San Francisco despite a bruised chest.

The quarterback practiced Sept. 16 for the second straight day and did
not seem bothered by the injury he sustained in the first quarter of
Philadelphia's 14-10 opening loss at Atlanta on Sept. 12. Coach Andy
Reid said McNabb will start "unless something crazy happens."

McNabb looked fine during running drills, dropping back and making
little-defended passes with ease. He said Sept. 15 there was "no
doubt" he'd start.

"I was being a little bit cautious with him yesterday and he didn't
want any part of that," Reid said. "He felt good and went out and made
all his throws. I was not sure how he was going to do with the deep
ball yesterday, but I think he answered that. He threw the ball well."

Reid said the injury will not prevent McNabb from running.

"I don't necessarily want him to get hit there again, but if needed,
he will run," Reid said.

McNabb didn't miss any plays after a crushing hit from Chad Lavalais
sent him wincing to the sideline, but he struggled the rest of the
game against the Falcons. Lavalais was fined $7,500 for using his
helmet on McNabb.

McNabb missed practice Sept. 14. McNabb threw one interception, lost
two fumbles and often missed his target with erratic passes. He
finished 24-of-45 for 257 yards and one touchdown.

The Waiitng Game....Time really is everything

2005-09-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

If Redskins owner Daniel Snyder could turn back the clock, Patrick
Ramsey would be the Miami Dolphins starting quarterback and A.J.
Feeley might be one of the Eagles backups vying for playing time in
case McNabb couldn't play.

In the winter of 2004, the Dolphins offered Snyder and the Redskins a
first-round pick for Ramsey. Snyder and the Redskins turned it down,
and the next day, the Dolphins dealt a second-round pick to
Philadelphia for Feeley.

Now, with the NFL's Oct. 18 trading deadline five weeks away, there's
not a team in the league that would surrender a first-round pick to
Washington for Ramsey, partly because of the way he has played, partly
because there aren't many, if any, teams that would be willing to part
with a draft pick for a quarterback who would take all season to learn
its system.

But Ramsey can take solace that the Redskins have cast off
quarterbacks who have gone on to thrive in other cities.

Former Redskins quarterback Trent Green turned into a Pro Bowl
quarterback in Kansas City.

Former Redskins quarterback Gus Frerotte led the Broncos to the
playoffs in 2000 and is now starting in Miami.

Former Redskins quarterback Brad Johnson won a Super Bowl in Tampa.

And now, eventually, Ramsey is likely to become the latest Redskins
castoff quarterback.

Will McNabb PLay against 49ers this Sunday?

2005-09-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

(Sept. 14, 2005) -- Some interesting subplots surround Donovan McNabb's rib/chest/sternum/whatever injury.

For starters, if McNabb cannot play, the Eagles either could start Koy Detmer or Mike McMahon. Even though Detmer warmed up after McNabb was injured during the loss to Atlanta, there are no assurances he would get the nod. It's possible coach Andy Reid could turn to McMahon, a former Detroit starter whom the Eagles like.

But whichever quarterback starts needs to brace for an improved San Francisco pass rush. The 49ers piled up seven sacks during their Kickoff Weekend victory against the St. Louis Rams, including three from Bryant Young and 2½ from Julian Peterson. Even more worrisome for the Eagles is that San Francisco uses a 3-4 defense, which typically has given Philadelphia some problems.

So if McNabb is healthy enough to play -- and he insists he will be -- then he needs to pad his ribs and brace himself. The 49ers are going to be targeting him, like every team will.

Week 2 Predictions

2005-09-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

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2005-09-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

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