Midwest Football

Peyton's charge: Colts make short work of Dolphins, 27-23

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:57:00 +0000

Peyton Manning spent most of the night on the sideline and just enough time reaching the end zone.

The Indianapolis Colts had the ball for less than 15 minutes, but Manning made the most of his chances, helping his team come from behind four times to beat the Miami Dolphins 27-23 Monday night.

Manning threw touchdown passes of 80 yards to Dallas Clark and 48 yards to Pierre Garcon. The first score came on the first play from scrimmage, the latter with 3:18 left for the game's final points.

"It was about being efficient when it counted, in the fourth quarter," Manning said. "That's really what the game's about."

While the Miami Dolphins' celebrities were making a Hollywood-style grand entrance, Manning slipped in a side door and stole the show.

The Dolphins rolled out an orange carpet for the pregame arrival of new owner Stephen Ross' celebrity partners. The crowd included Serena and Venus Williams, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Buffett and Colts rooter Tiger Woods.

But Manning was the big star. He finished 14 for 23 for 303 yards, and the Colts improved to 2-0. The Dolphins fell to 0-2 even though they had 239 yards rushing, including 107 with the wildcat.

The Colts had the ball for only 14:53, the lowest time of possession for a winning team in the NFL since 1977. They ran 35 plays to 84 for the Dolphins.

"It's really disheartening," Miami coach Tony Sparano said. "That's exactly the formula to beat that team."

Indy trailed 10-7, 13-10 and 20-13, but each time pulled even. Down 23-20 after Miami scored with 3:50 left, the Colts rallied one more time with a big play by Garcon.

"Pierre was patient," Manning said. "He was more talkative than he had been all game, saying, 'I can beat him. I can beat him.' Of course we didn't get many possessions, but he came up big when we really needed him."

After completions of 15 and 17 yards, Manning hit Garcon with a short pass on the right side. Garcon cut to the middle, then broke back toward to the corner of the end zone to score.

Miami reached the Colts 30-yard line with 6 seconds left, but Chad Pennington's desperation pass was intercepted in the end zone by Antoine Bethea .

"Give credit to our defense," Clark said. "They were out there for probably 100 plays, and for that last drive I know they were tired. For them to come up with those plays and keep them from scoring was just tremendous effort."

Bethea's interception was the Dolphins' lone turnover. They were 15 for 21 on third-down conversions, punted once and controlled the ball for a team-record 45 minutes. They had to wonder how they lost.

The answer: Manning. He earned his 119th victory with the Colts, breaking the team record for a quarterback he shared with Johnny Unitas.

"I don't feel comfortable with these comparisons to Unitas," Manning said. "But I'm very proud to wear the same uniform as Johnny Unitas. He was a real winner."

Miami's Ronnie Brown rushed for 136 yards, including 62 in the wildcat, taking a direct snap each time. Teammate Ricky Williams added 69 yards rushing.

Against Manning, it wasn't enough.

"To have as few plays as he did and to do what he did, you just don't see that," Pennington said.

Manning took only three snaps in the third quarter, and the Colts had just three possessions after halftime.

"You just feel like you didn't really letter in the second half," Manning said.

The Dolphins controlled the ball for nearly nine minutes on an 80-yard touchdown drive that put them ahead 20-13 early in the final quarter.

Indy quickly pulled even again. Manning hit Clark for 49 yards to set up a 15-yard scoring run by Donald Brown. Clark had seven catches for a career-high 183 yards.

Miami drove 51 yards and broke a 20-all tie with Dan Carpenter's 45-yard field goal with 3:50 left. He made two other field goals but also missed from 49, which kept the Dolphins from trying a game-winning kick in the final seconds.

"That's one of the strangest losses I've ever been part of," Wilson said. "For us to come up short was very heartbreaking."

Notes: Manning's first pass was his longest completion since 2005. ... The highest previous time of possession in the Dolphins' record book was 43:39 against the Jets on Dec. 7, 1987.

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Not like old times: Jets beat up Pats, seek control of AFC East

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:06:00 +0000

After a smooth takeoff last week, the newNew York Jets appear to be settling into an unfamiliar cruising altitude.

More than 40 years after their only championship season, the Jets staked an early claim to first place in the AFC East with a 2-0 start after Sunday's 16-9 win against the New England Patriots.

The victory came under a new coach, revamped defense and rookie quarterback in his second start. And it came against the division's powerhouse for nearly a decade, a bitter rival that has usually left a bad taste in the Jets' mouth since Bill Belichick left New York for the New England coaching job in 2000.

"We're a football team that should be respected," first-year Jets coach Rex Ryan said.

Ryan's retooled defense proved last week's debut win vs. the Houston Texans was no fluke and has the look of a unit that could keep the Jets - who have won six playoff games since Joe Namath's famous guaranteed win against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III in 1969 - flying high for some time.

"The past is the past," said linebacker Bart Scott, who followed Ryan to the Jets from the Baltimore Ravens. "It's a new day. It's a new team. It's not the same old Jets people are used to."

New York's defense, which allowed 183 yards and no touchdowns vs. Houston (which was third in offense in 2008 and scored 34 points Sunday), kept New England out of the end zone for the first time since 2006. The last time the New York defense did not permit touchdowns in consecutive weeks was in 1993.

"That's a statement not just to us but to the league that every week we're going to come out and try and get a shutout," said Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis, who picked off Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the first half.

In his second start since last year's season-ending knee injury, Brady completed 23 of 47 passes for 216 yards and the interception. It was the second time since December 2006 that he failed to complete at least half his passes. The other time came in 2007 against the Ravens defense then coached by Ryan.

Ryan's defenses never ranked lower than sixth in his four years as coordinator with the Ravens (2005-08). The Jets have had a defense ranked as high as sixth once (1995) since 1982.

"Our defense is just filled with studs," Sanchez said. "I felt for Tom."

The 2007 MVP, who was coming off an uneven performance against the Buffalo Bills in a Monday night win, seemed to struggle with timing and execution on short and long routes. Wideout Randy Moss was limited to four catches and 24 yards largely because of Revis' blanket coverage.

"You could just see the timing disrupted a little bit," Sanchez said. "You could see a pass here or there, an important comeback route ... the ball's not thrown yet, or it's thrown too early."

Brady, who missed several open receivers, was critical of his performance but gave the Jets credit. "It's a very talented team," said Brady, who was without injured wide receiver Wes Welker (knee).

"We're not really firing on all cylinders right now," Brady added. "To not get the ball in the end zone is unacceptable."

New England took four delay-of-game penalties and went 0-for-3 in the red zone (failing to score a TD) for the first time in nearly six years.

"I've got to do a better job," Brady said. "They (delay-of-game penalties) don't come up very often, but when they do, they hurt. And they hurt us today."

Sanchez steps up in second half

Sanchez came out on the winning end of his first matchup with Brady. Limited in the first half (3-for-5, 15 yards), the rookie came out slinging in the third quarter.

With New York trailing 9-3, Jets kick returner Leon Washington set the stage for a comeback with a 43-yard return to open the second half.

Sanchez took over, hooking up with Jerricho Cotchery for a 45-yard gain to the New England 11. Two plays later Sanchez lofted a 9-yard touchdown strike between two defenders to tight end Dustin Keller.

"He has been the leader that we need. That is going to take us a long way," Cotchery said of Sanchez.

Sanchez's final stats line was efficient - 14-for-22 for 163 yards - and devoid of turnovers. Sanchez, who led the Jets to two field goals after his touchdown strike, became the first Jets rookie quarterback to win his first two starts.

"This guy's not a rookie," Washington, who led the Jets with 58 rushing yards, said of Sanchez.

Said offensive tackle Damien Woody: "I'm glad (Sanchez is) on our team. And he's only going to get better."

The Meadowlands' infamous swirling winds weren't a factor, but the Jets did back up a lot of bluster, much of it from Ryan.

"I never came here to kiss Bill Belichick's rings," Ryan said about New England's three-time Super Bowl champion coach in an offseason radio interview. He also questioned the toughness of the Patriots defense and touted his team's newly instilled smash-mouth ethos, all before encouraging season ticketholders last week - via voice mail - to make themselves heard on game day.

Apparently, his message got through. "I think our fans might have been the difference today," said Ryan, who granted his new 12th man a game ball.

Ryan's father, Buddy, was the linebackers coach for the Jets' 1968 title team. He also was the architect of the 1985 Chicago Bears defense that helped win a Super Bowl, and he later built imposing crews as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I said we were going to be the No. 1 defense, and I thank everyone here who laughed at me," Rhodes said. "He got it from his father. We know he's going to give us the stuff we need to get after the quarterback."

Fans make their statement

The fans helped, too.

"It's a hostile environment," said former Jets tight end Chris Baker, who signed with the Patriots in February. "I knew it was going to be part of the game."

The Jets also noticed.

"I actually felt the ground vibrating," said defensive end Shaun Ellis, the only player remaining on the Jets roster since they last beat the Patriots at home in 2000.

The Patriots came into the game with Ryan's quotes on their bulletin board as well as those from Rhodes, who said during the week that he hoped to "embarrass" the Patriots. Rhodes downplayed his comments, but like many of his teammates he has embraced the swagger brought by Ryan and Scott.

"They just outplayed us. They outcoached us, Belichick said."

Last year in Baltimore, Ryan watched his swarming defense and rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, who often effectively managed games, advance to the AFC Championship Game. He appears to be putting together a similar formula with the Jets.

"Sometimes we talk a little bit, but only because we have confidence," Ryan said. "We believe we are an outstanding team. We have to go out and show it."

And despite beating the Patriots, more challenges lie ahead. The Titans (NFL-best 13 regular-season wins in 2008) are next, followed by the New Orleans Saints (Drew Brees has a league-best nine TD passes in two weeks) and the Miami Dolphins (reigning AFC East champions).

The Jets know looking ahead to Super Bowl XLIV is premature. "We haven't arrived yet," Sanchez said.

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Big Ben's lawyer says rape allegation fueled in part by job fears

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Lawyers for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said in court documents made available on Thursday that the woman who has accused him of raping her concocted the story, in part, to try to shield herself from losing her job.

Andrea McNulty fabricated the rape allegation against the two-time Super Bowl winner to try to prevent Harrah's Lake Tahoe resort from terminating her after she had taken prolonged bereavement leave, Roethlisberger's lawyers said.

McNulty has said she was hospitalized for several months last autumn because of trauma from the alleged July 11, 2008 attack by Roethlisberger.

The quarterback's lawyers have said McNulty's emotional collapse had nothing to do with a rape but resulted from a failed relationship with a married man and then a long-distance relationship that turned out to be a hoax.

The 31-year-old VIP hostess filed a civil suit in July, alleging Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her in his penthouse suite while he was at Lake Tahoe the previous summer to compete in a celebrity golf tournament. The suit says she was hospitalized for several months because she was traumatized after the alleged attack.

Roethlisberger denies the allegation.

After McNulty returned to work in November 2008, she received a reprimand after having an emotional public outburst, Roethlisberger's lawyers said in documents filed in Washoe District Court in Reno.

"Plaintiff realized at this point that her emotional condition would not serve as a shield from possible termination. This realization led plaintiff to conclude that she needed more," lawyers said in the documents.

A telephone message The Associated Press left with McNulty's lawyer, Cal Dunlap, wasn't immediately returned.

The filing, made in support of the defense's motion to dismiss the lawsuit, included copies of e-mails from McNulty allegedly to the long-distance beau.

"Lots and lots of people getting laid off and lots of downsizing and consolidating departments," she writes in one, dated Aug. 21, 2008. "My 'Yikes' e-mail is in reference to me heading into a meeting to find out whether or not I get to stay. I was given the opportunity to resign with a good severance package but the timing didn't seem right so I passed on it and took the chance that I would not be picked to be laid off."

McNulty's suit seeks a minimum $440,000 in damages from Roethlisberger, unspecified punitive damages and at least $50,000 in damages from eight Harrah's officials she accuses of orchestrating a cover-up of the incident.

Her lawyers, however, have offered to settle the civil suit if Roethlisberger admits to the alleged rape, apologizes and gives $100,000 to a nonprofit agency that helps victims of domestic violence.

NFL Insider: Sure hands turn tight ends into premier options

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron nailed a Week 1 tight-end trend in discussing how a healthy Todd Heap can accelerate Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco's second-year growth.

A dozen tight ends led or tied for their team lead in catches, receiving yards or touchdowns in the opening week. Heap matched wide receiver Mark Clayton for a Ravens-best five receptions and generated 74 yards and a 9-yard touchdown in Baltimore's 38-24 win against Kansas City.

Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez, San Diego's Antonio Gates, Seattle's John Carlson, New England's Ben Watson, Washington's Chris Cooley, Philadelphia's Brent Celek, the New York Jets' Dustin Keller and Jeremy Shockey of the New Orleans Saints emerged trusted, check-down targets for quarterbacks facing more complex blitzes than during preseason.

"There's more tight ends coming out of college who are better receivers and worse blockers," Cameron said. "That's the reality of it. You don't try and make a player into something he isn't."

While that explains the influx of dynamic pass-catching tight ends, a rejuvenated Heap is healthy after back, ankle and hamstring injuries forced the ninth-year veteran to miss valuable practice time during Flacco's impressive rookie season.

"We're very fortunate because Todd is good at both receiving and blocking," Cameron said. "We were able to run for some late yards against Kansas City because Todd's an outstanding blocker.

"Todd being healthy, the quarterback being more mature … last weekend was our starting point. The key for Joe and Todd is the trust they're developing. They can be special."

The 6-5, 262-pound Heap again resembles the red-zone target with a career-best 75 receptions and seven touchdowns in 2005.

Heap had 35 catches and three touchdowns last season.

His return to two-time Pro Bowl form and the increased role of second-year running back Ray Rice in the passing game can help Flacco become the first Ravens quarterback to throw for 20-plus touchdowns since Vinny Testaverde's 33-touchdown season in 1996.

Sanchez booster:Trent Dilfer was a founding member of the Mark Sanchez fan club six weeks before Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum traded up 12 spots to select Sanchez fifth overall in last April's draft.

After studying game video of the former Southern California standout, the former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst said in early March: "Sanchez has an electric presence. He's an alpha male other alpha males trust and follow.

"He plays the game very much like Matthew Hasselbeck."

Sanchez's pocket awareness and mobility reminded Dilfer of Hasselbeck, his former Seattle Seahawks teammate and a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback.

The $50-million quarterback justified Dilfer's early prediction by being paying off on the money down in a 24-7 opening win against the Houston Texans.

Sanchez completed 12 of 15 passes (80%) for 191 yards on third down, including a 30-yard touchdown to wide receiver Chansi Stuckey in the face of a seven-man blitz.

It probably helps that Sanchez faces coach Rex Ryan's blitzing defense in practice. He stared down 10 Texan blitzes, eyes focused downfield as he side-stepped pressure a la Hasselbeck, Tom Brady and Drew Brees.

Just don't expect Sanchez to be as successful on third down against three-time Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

Belichick, whose 1-0 squad visits the Jets on Sunday, is 5-1 as Patriots coach against rookie quarterbacks. Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger counts the lone victory against Belichick in 2004, a setback the Patriots atoned for with a 2004 AFC Championship game win.

Roethlisberger, Chris Weinke, Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich and Vince Young combined for five touchdowns and 12 interceptions against Belichick's schemes.

"He's going to be one of the premier quarterbacks in the league for years," Dilfer says of Sanchez. "The best we can expect of Mark Sanchez is Joe Flacco's (11-5) performance last year, where he gets better each week, plays top-end football by the end and the Jets are in the playoff mix.

"They're going to lose quite a few games early on. The aura he exudes through those bumpy roads will allow him to take over that football team for years to come."

Even with 12 QB Pro Bowls on roster, Eagles turning to Kolb

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:44:00 +0000

In Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick and Jeff Garcia, the Philadelphia Eagles have three quarterbacks who have been to a combined 12 Pro Bowls.

Yet it's unproven Kevin Kolb could be making his first NFL start Sunday when the Eagles host the New Orleans Saints.

"Twelve Pro Bowls with those three guys and you just never think you'd be in the same room with all three of them," Kolb, a third-year pro at 25, said after practicing with the first unit Wednesday.

McNabb, Eagles' starter and five-time Pro Bowler, broke a rib in Sunday's opening week victory against the Carolina Panthers. He did not practice Wednesday.

His status for Sunday will depend on how quickly he heals. But it's a complete fracture, not just a crack, of a rib on his back, right side.

On Monday the Eagles signed the 39-year-old Garcia, an 11-year veteran who during a previous 2006 stint in Philadelphia filled in ably for McNabb.

Vick, three-time Pro Bowler, is back practicing his week. But under the terms of his NFL reinstatement after serving a prison sentence for dog fighting, he will not be eligible to play until the third game.

Kolb's signature NFL moment so far was a shaky 2008 appearance in relief of McNabb

Last Nov. 23, McNabb was benched at halftime of a 36-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. McNabb had thrown two interceptions. Kolb came in and threw two more, one returned 108 yards for a touchdown by Ed Reed.

"I just pressed too much, tried to show everybody right now, 'hey, I'm ready' ... You can't press as a quarterback," said Kolb, drafted in the second round in 2007 out of the University of Houston.

Eagles coach Andy Reid on Kolb: "He's a young guy and doesn't have a lot of experience, so there might be a misfire here or there. But I think overall I feel very comfortable with him in there."

If Kolb falters, Garcia could get the opportunity to elevate his status from short-term fill-in to primary backup for McNabb.

In 2006, Garcia led the Eagles to a 5-1 record down the stretch in the regular season and a playoff victory after McNabb was sidelined by a torn knee ligament.

"I'm very capable of playing this position still and if I'm given that opportunity I just want to make the most of it," said Garcia, released by the Oakland Raiders on the final cut this preseason after spending two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Vick adds another layer of uncertainty to the backup quarterback situation. Why would Garcia elect to join a crowd of quarterbacks by signing with Philadelphia?

"It's tough to keep your self on the street," said Garcia, who joined Vick Wednesday in running scout team plays to simulate the Saints. "As much as I knew this was a crowded situation, it also is the most comfortable situation for me being that I'm able to come back to a team that I have had success with."

McNabb was hurt when hit in the end zone after a 3-yard TD run in the third quarter of Sunday's 38-10 victory vs. Carolina.

"The rib was fractured all the way through," said Reid. "The term the doctors use is that rib has to get 'sticky.' In other words, when he's moving, that it's not moving up and down. ... Donovan's normally a fast healer. We'll just have to see."

Eagles running back Brian Westbrook sustained rib fractures last season and in 2004 and missed one game each time. "Donovan, he's a tough guy. He might be able to take a little more pain that I can. So hopefully we'll have him back," said Westbrook.

He also said he is confident in Kolb. "If we have Donovan in there, we're excited. If we have Kevin in there, we're excited," said Westbrook. " ... We just need to be prepared to go out there and win the football game."

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NFL fines Jets, Eric Mangini for Favre coverup

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:35:00 +0000

The NFL assessed $125,000 in fines to the New York Jets and former coach Eric Mangini on Wednesday for violating the league's rules on injury reporting with former quarterback Brett Favre (FSY) last season.

The Jets failed to place Favre, now with the Minnesota Vikings, on the injury report during the final month of last season even though he had a torn biceps tendon.

The league announced it had fined the Jets $75,000, and Mangini and Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum $25,000 apiece. Mangini now coaches the Cleveland Browns.

"We have been fully cooperative with the league throughout this investigation and respect their decision," the Jets said in a statement. Mangini was not immediately available for comment on his fine.

Mangini wants to put the situation behind him.

"I have worked with the league on this matter and now consider it closed," he said in a statement. "My focus is on our preparations for the Broncos."

Hiding injuries could affect an opponent's preparation and the NFL has stepped up policing such practices. Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday that the case would be an opportunity for the league to stress that all teams must abide by the injury report rules.

Last week, Tannenbaum admitted the Jets should have listed Favre as "probable" on their injury reports. That came a day after Favre said he thought he was hurting the Jets because of the injury and discussed it with the coaches and the front office. He said he would have been willing to sit out, even though that would have ended his streak of consecutive starts, which now stands at 270 games.

Tannenbaum said the team didn't list Favre on the report because the injury wasn't severe enough to require daily treatment and there was never any doubt Favre would play. Tannenbaum also assumed full responsibility for the mistake.

Mangini said he has always abided by the league's guidelines for injury reports.

"That was true there (in New York). It's true here," Mangini said. "It'll be true every week of the season and that's how we approach it."

Favre led the Jets to an 8-3 start and first place in the AFC East. But he threw nine interceptions down the stretch and the team lost four of its last, missing the playoffs.

He retired after the season, and was later released by the Jets. He came out of retirement - for the second time - last month and signed with Minnesota.

Favre told reporters last week he may not be able to play all 16 games with the Vikings, even after the biceps tendon was surgically repaired. He said he's playing with a torn rotator cuff and suggested he might have a cracked rib.

Favre completed 14 of 21 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings' season-opening 34-20 win over Mangini's Browns on Sunday.

A gunslinger no more? Vikes' Peterson uptages Favre in win

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:01:00 +0000

On a Sunday he could have spent at home in Mississippi watching on TV from an easy chair, Brett Favre instead got a field-level view of the Adrian Peterson show.

In his first regular season start as quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, his fourth NFL team, Favre's stats were not Favre-like: 14 for 21 passes for 110 yards and one touchdown. But his 25 handoffs to Peterson made the difference in the Vikings' 34-20 opening day victory vs. the Cleveland Browns.

"I haven't played with a running back like that. The guy is pretty awesome. I guess it's an understatement," Favre said after Peterson ran for 180 yards and three touchdowns, including a 64-yard highlight clip romp in the final quarter.

The game illustrated that Favre, 39, who came out of his second retirement in mid-August to sign a two-year, $25 million contract, doesn't have to carry the Vikings' offense, at least not every week.

What was Favre's take on his performance at the start of his 19th NFL season?

"I had a blast. It wasn't a 400-yard passing game, and it doesn't have to be," he said. "I'll be the first to tell you I'll take that any day of the week as long as we win."

But he acknowledged there will be days down the road when Peterson isn't running wild and the passing game will have to step up. There were moments Sunday when it was apparent Favre still is getting to know his receivers. But modest stats aside, he did also make some Favre-like plays. Peterson took note of that.

"We're going to balance it out," Peterson said. "That's our approach, to have people play us even and not overload the box. ... He helps me out. I help him out, and hopefully we will continue to win."

In his last game of the 2008 season with the New York Jets, Favre threw for one touchdown and was intercepted three times. Favre did not throw an interception against Cleveland. He was sacked four times, but Vikings coach Brad Childress didn't have a problem with him taking sacks instead of forcing throws.

"I'll take a sack anytime as opposed to turning the ball over," Childress said. He described Favre's play as "workmanlike."

"There were no blips," said the coach. "Not to make it sound like unspectacular is a bad thing. It's making the routine plays routinely. ... That's just something we're looking for."

The game manager role is a new one for Favre, who has been known during his 16 years with the Green Bay Packers as a quarterback with a so-called 'gun-slinger' mentality.

On the Vikings' second drive, they had third-and-goal at the Cleveland 3. Favre and receiver Sidney Rice got their signals crossed. Favre threw into the end zone, but his pass sailed one way, Rice turned the other and the Vikings settled for a field goal.

"I still think there's a lot of chemistry yet (to be developed)," Favre said. "It was evident on numerous plays. ... He (Rice) was right. I was wrong."

Favre, who joined the reigning NFC North champions Aug. 19, hasn't had time to jell completely with his receiving corps. And the three-time league MVP, who turns 40 on Oct. 10, is coming off a season in which he threw for 3,472 yards, 22 TDs and 22 interceptions in his one year with the Jets.

"Is he completely, completely comfortable? I'm not sure he's ready to make that assertion," Childress said. "But ... he goes to school every week. Nothing like a game to see what you've really got."

In the third quarter, Favre faced a second-and-18 at the Vikings 21. He responded with a 21-yard completion down the middle to rookie Percy Harvin. Though Favre had surgery over the summer to repair a torn biceps tendon in his throwing arm (an injury that hampered him in his final weeks with the Jets), he showed zip on the throw to Harvin.

"That's the type of play we have to make," Favre said.

The pass keyed an 82-yard touchdown drive capped by his 6-yard pass to Harvin that gave the Vikings a 24-13 lead.

Favre, who was one of five captains selected in a team vote over the weekend, tackled the rookie in celebration.

"I feel like I'm gaining the trust of these guys, and I felt like over time that I did that last year," Favre said.

It was the 465th TD pass of Favre's career, extending his NFL record.

"I don't know how many I've thrown, but they've all been a blast," he said.

The victory spoiled the debut of Eric Mangini, Favre's coach with the Jets last season, as head coach of the Browns.

"In the second half, I'm not sure how many times he actually threw the ball or threw it downfield or was asked to do those things," Mangini said. "He can do those things. I think it was more of an emphasis on running the football at that point."

Three of Cleveland's defensive starters also were former Jets.

"It was nice to see Eric. I had a nice moment with him before and after the game," Favre said.

He also chatted during and after the game with his former Jets teammates.

"I shouldn't say it felt weird looking across (the line)," he said. "If you play long enough, that happens. Guys come and go. Coaches come and go."

Then he added a line that drew a laugh: "I've come and gone."

Peterson: 'As long as he gets the job done'

Peterson, the NFL rushing leader last season with 1,760 yards and 363 carries, managed just 25 yards on nine carries in the first half. In addition to feeling what he described as "light-headed" and "weak," he also said he sustained a cut to his left arm in the first half.

At halftime, Peterson said that for the first time in his three-year career he was given intravenous fluids. They appeared to work, because in the second half, he ran for 155 yards on 16 carries.

"I was able to come back in the second half, get back in sync with those guys and take care of business," he said.

On his 64-yard scoring run, at least five Browns defenders got at least a hand on him.

"It was pretty good," he said.

Just pretty good?

"I didn't go untouched, but that was fine," he said.

Peterson did his press conference in a stylish, checked sports coat and tie. He couldn't help but notice that Favre dressed entirely differently.

"He's been doing it for a long time," said Peterson. "... He can come in here with T-shirts and Wranglers as long as he gets the job done."

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No Plax, no problem: Giants receivers rise to the challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:46:00 +0000

The New York Giants' season-opening 23-17 victory against the Washington Redskins on Sunday suggested they may be able to use many hands to help replace big-time playmaker Plaxico Burress.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning spread the ball to seven receivers in hitting 20 of 29 pass attempts for 256 yards and a touchdown with one interception.

"I know they wanted to come out and play well," said Manning of a young receiving corps that was questioned throughout the offseason. "They saw what was being said in the papers and on TV. They don't like hearing that."

But the question had to be asked. After Burress accidentally shot himself in the thigh at a New York City nightclub last November, the NFC's top seed lost its way without him. New York dropped four of its last five games and its offense was feeble in a 23-11 divisional playoff loss to the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles.

While rumors swirled that general manager Jerry Reese would trade for an established wideout such as the Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin or the Cleveland Browns' Braylon Edwards, he invested first- and third-round draft choices in Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden, respectively. Beyond that, he kept faith in young wideouts such as Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon as well as tight end Kevin Boss.

Smith (six catches, 80 yards), Boss (three grabs, 62 yards), Manningham (three receptions, 58 yards, one TD), Nicks (two catches, 18 yards) and Hixon (one reception, 10 yards) all did their part. The one negative was that Nicks left with a foot injury that required X-rays. The results were not immediately known.

"We know what we can do," said Smith. "Showing it on game day makes it official."

Burress is preparing to serve a two-year jail sentence under a plea agreement stemming from his possession of an unlicensed firearm. His loss is enormous because he used his tremendous reach and leaping ability to make one sensational catch after another for New York.

His one-man highlight film included the winning catch with 35 seconds left to secure a 17-14 Super Bowl XLII victory against the previously perfect New England Patriots to close the 2007 season.

According to Boss, the offseason made a world of difference in the team's ability to adjust to life without a go-to receiver such as Burress and someone as dependable as Amani Toomer, the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (668) and receiving yards (9,497). He signed with the with the Kansas City Chiefs but was released.

"Having that opportunity to work through mini-camp and spring practices and training camp and getting our timing down helped a lot instead of having it happen in the middle of the season," said the third-year tight end who represents an inviting target at 6-6, 253 pounds.

Manningham produced only four catches for 26 yards and failed to score in a disappointing rookie season in which he was limited by injuries. He showed big-play potential, though, with a 30-yard catch and run that gave New York a 10-0 advantage early in the second quarter against Washington.

Manningham made a sure-handed grab along the right sideline. He then showed his strength in pulling out of one tackle, his elusiveness when he abruptly pulled up to avoid onrushing cornerback DeAngelo Hall and his speed as he accelerated to reach the end zone.

Manningham said receivers are so eager to do well that they practice moves in the hallways of Giants Stadium on the way to meetings. But he added, "In the game, it's just straight reaction."

Smith, in his third year, came up big when he made consecutive catches, for 10 and 26 yards, early in a critical 7-play, 72-yard drive that consumed 6 minutes and 11 seconds of the fourth quarter. The march ended in a 28-yard Lawrence Tynes field goal that pushed the Giants' margin to 23-10 with 3:22 left.

"I think it's something we can build on," Manning said. "We can't start thinking we're invincible or anything. Some things can get better but they definitely did some good things."

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Three NFL players to donate brains for concussion research

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Three active NFL players are joining former players in agreeing to donate their brains after death to a Boston University medical school program that studies sports brain injuries.

The donations by Matt Birk of the Baltimore Ravens, Lofa Tatupu of the Seattle Seahawks and Sean Morey of the Arizona Cardinals were announced Monday.

Morey says his donation will help improve the safety of retired and future athletes.

The players' brains and spinal cord tissue will go to the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy so researchers can better understand the effects of concussions. More than 150 former athletes, including 40 retired NFL players, are already in the program's brain donation registry.

The center was created in 2008 as a collaborative venture between BU and Sports Legacy Institute.

McNabb injured in Eagles' 38-10 rout of Panthers

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:45:00 +0000

Donovan McNabb was walking gingerly to the locker room with a cracked rib about the same time Jake Delhomme was mercifully yanked after his fifth turnover.

It was the third quarter of the Philadelphia Eagles' 38-10 rout of the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, and both franchises suddenly had big worries about their veteran quarterbacks. One was injured two weeks before Michael Vick is eligible to return, the other can't seem to throw it to the right team anymore.

With Delhomme increasing his two-game turnover total to 11, the Eagles' dominating defensive performance in their second straight season-opening rout was tempered by concerns about McNabb, who was crunched by several tacklers on a 3-yard touchdown run.

"He's sore right now. He's got a broken rib," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "We'll just see how he does over the next little bit."

With the suspended Vick watching from a luxury suite, Kevin Kolb finished at quarterback as the Eagles ran out the clock on a miserable day for the Panthers.

Reid wouldn't rule out McNabb, who did not speak to reporters, from playing next week against New Orleans.

"Don is very resilient," said running back Brian Westbrook, who caught one of McNabb's two touchdown passes. "He heals fast."

While Panthers coach John Fox hinted Delhomme will remain the starter, his teammates were peppered with questions about their confidence in the 34-year-old quarterback two years removed from reconstructive elbow surgery.

Playing his first meaningful game since throwing five interceptions and losing a fumble against Arizona in the playoffs, Delhomme was constantly under pressure and nearly as bad in a miserable start for the defending NFC South champions.

With the boos increasing before he was finally replaced by Josh McCown, Delhomme was 7 of 17 for 73 yards with four interceptions and a lost fumble. His passer rating was 14.7.

"I hope so," Delhomme said, when asked if he deserves to be the starter next week against Atlanta. "I'm not looking for the easy way out."

He may have to start since McCown left with knee and foot injuries. Third-stringer Matt Moore threw his own interception, one of Carolina's team record-tying seven turnovers.

"Offensively, we just sucked. Let's be honest," receiver Steve Smith said.

Victor Abiamiri picked up Delhomme's fumble and plunged 2 yards for the go-ahead touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. Moments later, DeSean Jackson returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown - the second longest in franchise history.

Delhomme soon collapsed under the relentless blitzing from the Eagles, who were playing their first game since the death of longtime defensive coordinator Jim Johnson from cancer.

Sheldon Brown had two of the interceptions and Akeem Jordan and Asante Samuel each had one on consecutive Delhomme throws in the third quarter.

"The combination of hitting him, and him throwing a couple picks, it seemed like he got a little streaky," linebacker Chris Gocong said. "We kind of got him on his heels a little bit. It was a tough day for him."

McNabb, who finished 10 of 18 for 79 yards, rumbled for a TD after the Jordan pick for the game's final score. He was on the ground for several minutes after a hard hit by several would-be tacklers. Vick, watching from Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie's suite, looked concerned.

McNabb was moving slowly a few minutes later when he headed to the locker room. McNabb last year started all 16 games for the first time since 2003.

With Vick not eligible to return until Week 3 from penalties related to his dogfighting conviction, the Eagles could have uncertainty at quarterback next week against New Orleans.

Fresh off receiving a five-year, $42.5 million deal in the offseason that includes $20 million in guaranteed money, Delhomme and the Panthers may have bigger worries.

After DeAngelo Williams' 11-yard TD run on the opening drive, Delhomme imploded.

"He probably won't sleep very much tonight," Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad said. "It's a cruel environment and people only love you when you're winning in this league, in this game. Obviously he's having a tough time right now."

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Eric Mangini won't name Browns starting QB for Week 1

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:27:00 +0000

Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson still don't know who won their competition. The Vikings are in the dark, too.

Cleveland's starting quarterback remains Eric Mangini's secret. And he'll keep it as long as he can.

Mangini has finally made his choice between Quinn and Anderson, but the Browns' first-year coach declined to identify who will start Sunday's season opener against Minnesota. On Monday, he said won't reveal who will open at QB anytime between now and kickoff.

"In terms of announcing it publicly, that's not something I plan to do," he said. "It will be internal. I understand everybody has a different opinion on it. I respect that. I understand the excitement in relationship to that and I respect that as well. But that will be something that will be internal."

Before practice, Mangini said he had not yet told the quarterbacks who won the job and that he plans to meet with them individually to discuss his decision.

Months of speculation will last at least a few more days.

Both Quinn and Anderson claimed ignorance about a topic that dominated Cleveland's training camp and exhibition season.

"I know as much as you guys know," Anderson said as he dressed at his locker stall.

Quinn didn't seem to be in any rush to find out.

"I'm not worried about it," he said. "You guys are more worried about it than I am."

It was not clear if Mangini talked to either of the players following his news conference and before practice. During the 30 minutes the workout was open to the media, both Quinn and Anderson went about their business without any visible signs of a winner - or loser - being declared.

As the players stretched out, Lady Gaga's hit single "Poker Face" blared through the outdoor speakers, an appropriate tune on another day when Mangini refused to tip his quarterbacking hand.

A former defensive coordinator, Mangini said he wants to keep the Vikings quessing.

"It is more difficult to plan for two (quarterbacks) than it is to plan for one," he said. "I'm not saying that's going to be the difference or not the difference, but I know that there is time allotted to that and you can't put the same amount of time into focusing on one player."

Vikings coach Brad Childress was asked if the uncertainty of Cleveland's quarterback would affect Minnesota's defensive game plan.

"It doesn't," he said. "Just schematically, you're going to go back and look at tape and see what you've seen. And then I know, as do our guys, that there will be unscouted looks. They certainly haven't showed their whole hand, offensively and defensively. So you're just going back and looking at formation-wise where they're putting people and what kind of players they are. It will be more about us deploying to what they do."

Childress' starter at quarterback was resolved when the club signed Brett Favre. He said he'll wait until Sunday before choosing Tavaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels as his backup.

"But at least you know who the starter is here," he said, playfully jabbing Mangini.

Quinn and Anderson have been competing almost since the moment Mangini was hired as Cleveland's coach in January. He had no track record with either player and wanted to evaluate them through minicamps, training camp and four exhibition games before making his decision.

Surprisingly, he sat Quinn and Anderson in last week's preseason finale in Chicago. The pair finished in a virtual statistical stalemate, with Quinn throwing the lone touchdown pass and Anderson tossing two interceptions.

Mangini felt both QBs improved during their battle and said he plans to keep Quinn and Anderson on the roster.

"I have been happy with the progress that both guys made," he said. "I'm happy with the way they've worked. I'm happy with the way they approached this competition, and it's not always easy to approach a competition in a team fashion, and I respect the way they've handled it."

Wide receiver Joshua Cribbs said he's looking forward to Mangini's secret being revealed.

"Both of them are great quarterbacks," he said. "You can look at through our preseason and see the success that both of them had. There's a lot of room for both of them to get better. Yeah, I'm interested and whoever the coach chooses we're behind him 100%."

Quinn and Anderson are expected to speak with reporters on Wednesday, when they'll face a barrage of questions. As much as he'd like to control everything, Mangini understands there's only so much he can do.

"I know how we're going to approach it and I know that the team should be focused on Minnesota," he said, "and should be focused on doing everything that we can do to maintain any competitive advantages."

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Move over, AFC powerhouses; now it's time for NFC to reign

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:25:00 +0000

In the bipartisan world of the NFL, another power shift is underway. The AFC's decade-long NFL dominance is about to be undercut by a deeper and more-talented NFC.

This is not to suggest the Patriots are retreating or the Steel Curtain is falling. But beyond the dynamic duo is a new group of superheroes waiting to claim NFL supremacy and most are wearing an "N" on their chests.

The NFC is deeper, and we don't mean that in any Deepak Chopra kind of way.

We present as evidence.. .

Last season's final statistics.

The top four passers in the NFL in 2008 all are NFC guys this season: the Saints' Drew Brees, the Cardinals' Kurt Warner, the Packers' Aaron Rodgers and the Bears' Jay Cutler, who came from the AFC's Broncos in the offseason.

The top four rushers in the NFL in 2008? All NFC guys: Minnesota's Adrian Peterson, Atlanta's Michael Turner, Carolina's DeAngelo Williams and Washington's Clinton Portis.

The NFC also was tops in team offense, passing and rushing.

The support of Las Vegas.

Say what you will about oddsmakers, but they do their homework. Almost every sports book has New England and Pittsburgh as the first and second choices, respectively, to win the Super Bowl.

After that, five of seven teams are from the NFC: Philadelphia, New York Giants, Minnesota, Dallas and Chicago. Only the AFC's Chargers and Colts squeezed inside that group.

The agreement of analysts.

ESPN's current power rankings, for example, have four AFC teams in the bottom six. The West Division is well represented by Denver, Kansas City and Oakland. And don't forget about Cleveland — did the Browns really hire the Raiders' defensive coordinator?

That's one reason the scales are tipping in the NFC's favor. The cream of the slop in the NFL is definitely on the AFC side.

No offense, gentlemen.

Meanwhile, some of the NFC's perpetual cellar-dwellers — hello, Cardinals — have done an about-face.

There never is an easy answer as to why the power shifts when it does in the NFL.

Part of it simply is the swing of the league's talent pendulum. Years of head-scratching drafts will catch up with a team.

But it also is about those rare organizations that can build dynasties.

Beginning in 1985, the NFC won 13 consecutive Super Bowls. The power shifted in 1998 and the AFC has won nine of the past 12, including five of the past six.

Much of that had to do with a few teams who put together strong runs. During the NFC's surge. San Francisco and Dallas combined to win seven of the 13 Super Bowls.

During the AFC's run, it has been the Patriots who captured three Super Bowls and the Steelers and Broncos who won two each.

Offseason moves appear to be helping the NFC's case this year. Brett Favre jumped from the AFC's Jets to the NFC's Vikings. Cutler went from the Broncos to the Bears.

Injuries also can play a role. The Patriots know what losing a player the caliber of quarterback Tom Brady can do.

The Patriots and the AFC still have plenty of muscle. But in terms of depth, this is the NFC's year.

No Harrison, no Dungy: Times changing for Peyton Manning

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Peyton Manning, who has thrived on repetition and consistency as one of the finest quarterbacks in NFL history, faces new challenges entering his 12th NFL season.

He must embrace change.

The Indianapolis Colts mainstay could not help but think of how different game days will be as he was driving to training camp in Terre Haute, Ind., this summer. He reflected on Tony Dungy, his head coach for the last seven years, and their success: a triumph in Super Bowl XLI, five consecutive AFC South titles, a playoff appearance every year and at least 12 wins in each of the last six seasons.

He recalled wideout Marvin Harrison and all the time they spent together during practice, after practice, in meeting rooms and before games. They dissected defenses and perfected routes until each could anticipate the other's every move. And they became the most potent quarterback-wide receiver tandem in history with 112 touchdowns.

"I sent both of them a text on the way (to camp), telling them that the whole team will miss them, that I will miss them," says Manning, 33. "You always take time to let that sink in a little bit. That's not something that you can get over right away, (not only) what both of those guys have meant to this team but to me."

Dungy provided a sea of calm for the ever-intense passer. They enjoyed a level of trust that also can be established with new coach Jim Caldwell, but not overnight. It will take time as Caldwell, the ex-quarterbacks coach, adjusts to new responsibilities after serving as Dungy's longtime aide and confidant.

Harrison? It seemed he was always where he was supposed to be. Always open.

"Really all that I've ever known is that 88 will be out on the right," Manning says.

They established a rare and immediate rapport. Manning recalls that his first NFL pass involved a three-step drop and a toss that Harrison turned into a 48-yard completion for a score during a preseason road game against the Seattle Seahawks.

"I was thinking, 'Man, this NFL is pretty easy. All you do is throw the ball to Marvin Harrison and he catches touchdowns,' " Manning says. "And for the most part, that's what he and I did for 11 years."

Harrison, released in February because of declining skills and salary-cap constraints, set franchise records with 1,102 receptions and 14,580 receiving yards, among numerous other marks in his 13-year Colts career.

While Anthony Gonzalez has the enormous task of replacing at least some of Harrison's production, he is quick to limit expectations. "How do you fill Marvin Harrison's shoes?" he asks rhetorically. "I don't think you do."

Those words cannot be comforting to Manning. But change also has a way of motivating and keeping things fresh.

He is taking that approach.

"I felt like a rookie. I was excited to drive up here," he says of the ride to training camp.

After texting Dungy and Harrison, he began calling many of his teammates, excitedly outlining the challenges ahead.

"I talked to him on the way to camp," wide receiver Reggie Wayne says. "He hit me up on the phone, and you could tell in his voice he was fired up and ready to go."

Given the circumstances, Manning, a nine-time Pro Bowler, comes off what was possibly his finest year. He dealt with his first significant injury last preseason as he recovered from two surgical procedures that dealt with an infected bursa sac in his left knee.

He spent most of camp rehabbing or in his dorm room reviewing practice film. He did not begin practicing until 11 days before the regular-season opener.

"It just wasn't a fun time for me last year, rehabbing and not being able to go out on the field with all the guys," he says. "I've always believed that training camp is when you form the foundation of your team and truly iron out the little details that you're going to need to be on the same page with as you go into the season. I definitely think it had an effect on the way I started the season last year."

Manning threw almost as many interceptions (nine) as touchdown passes (10) while Indianapolis stumbled to a 3-4 record. He then made up for lost time by completing 72.1% of his passes with 17 scores and three interceptions as the Colts rattled off victories in each of the last nine regular-season games before their season abruptly ended with a 23-17 overtime loss at the San Diego Chargers in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Manning calls it "the most rewarding regular season that I've been a part of." It culminated in his third MVP award, equaling Brett Favre for the most MVPs. Manning shared his first with the late Steve McNair in 2003 before earning another after the 2004 season, when he threw a record 49 TDs (a mark since eclipsed by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady).

But even without Dungy and Harrison, no one expects Manning, also the MVP of Super Bowl XLI, to stop there. Colts owner Jim Irsay compares him to Tiger Woods and Brady, a three-time Super Bowl winner.

"Those are the three guys I think about in terms of what they do in preparation and how much that fire burns," Irsay says. "And it's no coincidence that Tiger and Peyton are friends because Peyton has that understanding.

"It's kind of like you run a marathon - you think you run your best time, and then you get to the starting line again and they say, 'We need five more minutes.' You have to find a way to bring it to the next level, and that serves us well, having that kind of leadership."

Center Jeff Saturday emphasizes that the new-look Colts will rely on Manning more than ever. "With Tony moving on and Marvin moving on, he's been around the team and knows how to set the pace for coaches and players alike," he says.

Manning still has plenty of weapons. Wayne will pursue his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season and his fourth Pro Bowl berth in a row. Dallas Clark comes off franchise records for catches (77) and receiving yards (848) by a tight end. Gonzalez has produced 94 receptions for 1,240 yards and seven scores in his first two years. A running game that ranked 31st received help when Donald Brown was drafted in the first round to complement Joseph Addai, who battled injuries in 2008.

When Manning was asked what he will do when he glances right and does not see Harrison and his No. 88 that provided Manning with a target for so long, he doesn't miss a beat with his answer. "I think my head will be turning a little bit more to the left, toward No. 87," he says, referring to Wayne.

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Economy affects some NFL teams' worth

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:53:00 +0000

Here's how nasty this recession is: NFL teams now are worth only as much as they were a year ago.

So says Forbes in its annual ranking of NFL team values at Forbes.com, which concludes teams are still worth last year's average - a cool $1.04 billion.

That might not seem like much of a setback these days. But consider that most of the league's revenue comes from national TV money - split evenly between teams - that's guaranteed via long-term deals. So while those TV deals this year boosted team revenue by 7%, Forbes says, eight teams' values - the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons and Oakland Raiders- are down this year.

Which means this is the first time in a decade that any NFL team's value dropped from the previous year. The question for the rest of us: What can we do to help?

Sorry, not much. Unless you want to buy luxury suites. Or beg your local politicians to use taxpayer money to build lavish new digs for your NFL team.

NFL teams are largely in the commercial real estate business. Beyond their TV deals, teams also split national radio and merchandising money, then have the less-than-Herculean task of selling out eight regular-season home games.

Meaning the big variable is whether teams have an edifice complex and milk every nickel out of their stadiums. This year's seven most-valuable teams - led by the Dallas Cowboys at $1.65 billion and followed by the Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, the New York Giants, New York Jets, Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles- were ranked in the same order last year.

Breathe easy: It will take more than this recession for any NFL owner's private jet to go wheels-up without enough Grey Poupon onboard.

Clear skies ahead? Henry ready to haul in success with Bengals

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:48:00 +0000

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has upset some players because of the frequency with which he fines and suspends them.

Wide receiver Chris Henry, one of his most habitual violators of the personal-conduct policy after being arrested five times, is not among them as he shows signs of reviving his career.

"Yeah, it helped me," Henry says. "It helped me focus up, and it made me realize that if I continually wanted to play, I had to do right and be a professional."

Henry, 26, was suspended for two games during the 2006 season, the first eight games in 2007 and the first four games last year. He has been arrested on charges of marijuana possession, carrying a concealed weapon, drunken driving, providing alcohol to minors and assault.

The assault charge, which led to his being sidelined at the start of the 2008 schedule, was dropped after a trial resulted in a hung jury.

Cincinnati, which drafted the 6-4, 200-pound wideout out of West Virginia in the third round in 2005, became so weary of his transgressions that he was waived April 3, 2008. Owner Mike Brown decided to give him yet another chance, despite objections from coach Marvin Lewis, and he was re-signed last August.

Henry leads Cincinnati with 13 catches for 217 yards and three scores this preseason entering today's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is convinced his oft-troubled teammate is at last ready to fulfill his considerable potential.

"I'm very close with him. We spend a lot of time together. I've seen it firsthand. He's a different person," Palmer says.

He says the suspensions forced Henry to reflect on his mistakes and to make changes.

"Goodell's taken a lot of heat," Palmer says, "but his system works where you sit a guy out and you threaten to take the game away from him."

Lewis, in his seventh season as Cincinnati's coach, recalls how ill-equipped Henry was at the start of his career for life away from the field.

"Chris came here very unprepared for the NFL and all the challenges he was going to have," he says, adding, "Chris had to learn some social skills."

Henry's hometown is Belle Chasse, La. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, he needed to respond to urgent calls for help from his family and those he viewed as extended family.

As Lewis sees it, that burden became too great.

"He was put, for a guy with his maturity level, in a very difficult position where it was going to be very difficult for him to succeed," Lewis says.

Henry, in his own way, was a victim of Katrina.

"My whole family is from New Orleans. It was tough, man," he says. "It was a lot of pressure on me to help people. But we got through it.

"I'm not going to sit here and say that had anything to do with me getting into the things I got into, but it was tough. I had people lose houses, lose a bunch of things. But it's four years later now, so everything is cool."

The fifth-year veteran returned from last year's suspension to make 19 catches for 220 yards and two scores. Given that limited production, his preseason statistics are particularly encouraging for the Bengals even as Lewis pushes him to work harder and to sharpen his blocking skills.

Palmer builds his confidence by referring to him as Randy Moss Jr.

"It's tough to compare anybody to Randy. Randy is going to go down as one of the best to play the game," Palmer says of the New England Patriots star. "But he's (about) 6-5, he can run by every-body and he's very good at jumping and attacking the ball."

Henry talks of outperforming Moss. "I'm totally focused," he says. "Now it's time for me to go out there and show my fans and the world that I'm a great ballplayer."

For Lewis, seeing is believing.

"People here have worked very closely with Chris on being a professional and being what a young man should be. He has a ways to go in different areas," Lewis says. "Now he's got to match on the field what he's done off the field.

"He's got incredible athleticism, but there are a lot of guys hanging on street corners with athleticism in their pockets."

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Brady looks fine at practice four days after hurting shoulder

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:50:00 +0000

Tom Brady zipped passes from 10 yards, lofted softer ones from 25 and showed no sign that his shoulder hurt.

It certainly was much better at Tuesday's practice than it was four days earlier when 350-pound Albert Haynesworth of the Washington Redskins landed on him, forcing his throwing shoulder into the ground on an incomplete pass.

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick didn't say if Brady would play Thursday night against the New York Giants, although he prefers not to use starters much in the final exhibition game.

He's more interested in watching backup quarterbacks Andrew Walter and Brian Hoyer than exposing his two-time Super Bowl MVP to hard hits.

They should get more playing time now that Belichick has cut Kevin O'Connell, a third-round draft pick last year who became the No. 2 quarterback behind Matt Cassel after Brady's season-ending knee injury in the opener.

"Kevin was put in a position last year because of some circumstances. I think he's worked hard. I think he's a very athletic player," Belichick said. "We gave him the opportunities that we could and we evaluated what we saw from our players and we made decisions based on that."

O'Connell, who was cut Monday, took over for Brady on the first series of the second half of the Patriots' 27-24 win at Washington and completed only 3 of 10 passes for 18 yards and two interceptions. Brady had gone 12 for 19 for 150 yards and two touchdowns before suffering what the team called a sore shoulder just before the two-minute warning.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Kevin played in this league with another team and another offensive system," Belichick said. "One of the things that's working against Kevin, right now, unfortunately, is the fact that he's not practice-squad eligible."

That's because O'Connell was on the active roster last year for more than eight games, the cutoff point for a player to be eligible. Any team that signs and keeps him would have to put him on the 53-man roster.

His departure leaves Walter, who has been with the Patriots only since Aug. 4 after being waived by Oakland, and Hoyer, a free agent rookie from Michigan State, as Brady's backups.

Belichick wouldn't rule out adding a more experienced quarterback.

"Am I saying there's going to be no more player movement? No, I'm not saying that," Belichick said. "Could something happen at any position? Yeah, it could."

Walter is trying to catch up on the playbook after spending three years with the Raiders, who drafted him in the third round in 2005. But he played just 15 games for them.

"It's the first time in my career I've had to learn an offense in this amount of time," he said. "So (there's) a lot of work to be done."

Belichick is being patient.

"We want to give him a fair opportunity to pick things up. He's improved in a lot of areas," Belichick said. "There're some things that we've asked him to do that he hasn't had a chance to do yet or he's only had a chance to do them one or two times."

Walter wears No. 16, the same number Cassel had when he was forced into the starting role after spending three years as Brady's seldom-used backup. Cassel had an outstanding season and was traded to Kansas City, where he signed a six-year, $63 million contract.

Walter and Hoyer have had much less time to familiarize themselves with the offense.

Fortunately for the Patriots, Brady is throwing again with speed and accuracy.

As practice began Tuesday, the three quarterbacks took turns throwing to a Patriots staffer, gradually lengthening their passes. Then Walter and Hoyer went to the other end of the field, leaving Brady with the staffer and quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien.

Brady threw 16 more passes - some after faking handoffs, others about 10 yards straight ahead, and more throwing across his body from right to left and then from left to right.

Then he lined up and called signals in an 11-on-11 drill. He won't be doing that much, if at all, on Thursday.

"I would expect that the players that played more against Washington will probably play a little less against the Giants," Belichick said.

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Blackout blues? NFL ticket sales slumping in some cities

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:44:00 +0000

If the economy is slowly rebounding, ticket sales for many NFL teams have yet to take the corresponding bounce for the upcoming season.

Two teams - the San Diego Chargers and the Jacksonville Jaguars- say it's likely they will have home TV blackouts this season due to an inability to sell out their stadiums. At least 10 other teams could also face blackouts.

The Jaguars, in the northern Florida economy that was hit hard by the housing crunch, are bracing for a worst-case scenario in which all eight of their home games fail to sell out. NFL rules require local TV blackouts for any games that fail to sell out 72 hours prior to kickoff. That blackout also extends to DirecTV's premium package. There were nine such blackouts league-wide last season.

"People are having it tough down here," Jaguars senior VP of business development Tim Connolly said. "People are watching their dollars and they're being tighter than ever."

At least 12 teams, including stalwart franchises such as the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, New York Giants and Washington Redskins, have sold out stadiums for the season. Twenty-four teams kept their 2009 ticket prices steady with last season.

Chargers COO Jim Steeg, after acknowledging earlier this month that "blackouts are likely," even for the defending AFC West champs, said his organization will "think outside the box and pull out all the stops" in sales efforts.

The sluggish economy, poor performance in recent seasons and the high cost of tickets (which averaged more than $72 last season) all can contribute to slow ticket sales, said David Carter, a sports business professor at USC. "You add those things up," Carter said, "and it results in empty seats for those teams that don't have a compelling offering."

The demand for tickets in some cities has resisted the down economy. The Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers have sellout streaks that date back to the 1970s, and fans who cancel their season tickets would quickly be replaced by those on a waiting list. But in cities where there's less demand, there's less pressure to prioritize spending on tickets.

Connolly said fans are "taking a breather" from anything that's not essential to their budgets. "There are a lot of people saying, 'Well we're a year away,' " he said, "and they'll put off this purchase."

Blackout forecast: Teams' outlook for potential TV blackout of home games in 2009

Arizona Cardinals: Too early to tell. Sold out all regular-season games in three-year history of University of Phoenix Stadium.
Atlanta Falcons: Anticipate all eight games sold out.
Baltimore Ravens: Sold out all eight games.
Buffalo Bills: Four sold out. Anticipate all seven games sold out by early October. (Does not include Dec. 3 game in Toronto.)
Carolina Panthers: Blackouts unlikely.
Chicago Bears: Anticipate all eight games sold out.
Cincinnati Bengals: Too early to tell. "Hopeful of selling out the entire schedule," spokesman Jack Brennan said by e-mail. Have had 44 consecutive sellouts, but did not sell out first preseason home game.
Cleveland Browns: Too early to tell. Have sold out four games.
Dallas Cowboys: No blackouts expected as they open new stadium.
Denver Broncos: Sold out all eight games.
Detroit Lions: Too early to tell. Had five blackouts last season.
Green Bay Packers: Sold out all eight games.
Houston Texans: Sold out all eight games.
Indianapolis Colts: Sold out all eight games.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Blackouts are likely. Team spokesman Dan Edwards said by e-mail they are "not certain how many."
Kansas City Chiefs: Spokesman Bob Moore said by e-mail they don't expect any blackouts "at this time." They have sold out 149 consecutive regular-season and playoff games.
Miami Dolphins: Spokesman Harvey Greene said by e-mail they don't expect blackouts, but he was unable to rule them out. Said Green, "We are working hard to insure all our home games are televised locally."
Minnesota Vikings: Too early to tell.
New York Giants: Sold out all eight games.
New York Jets: Anticipate all eight games sold out.
New England Patriots: Sold out all eight games.
New Orleans Saints: Sold out all eight games.
Oakland Raiders: Too early to tell. Had two blackouts last year and Saturday's preseason game was blacked out.
Philadelphia Eagles: Sold out all eight games.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Sold out all eight games.
San Diego Chargers: Team COO Jim Steeg said in early August that "blackouts are likely."
San Francisco 49ers: Declined to share details of ticket sales.
Seattle Seahawks: Sold out all eight games.
St. Louis Rams: Had two blackouts last year. Spokesman Ted Crews said the team is "focused on selling out all our games" and will release details on a week-by-week basis.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Too early to tell. Spokesman Jeff Kamis said the team is "hopeful there will be no blackouts." (Does not include Oct. 25 game in London.)
Tennessee Titans: Sold out all eight games.
Washington Redskins: Sold out all eight games.

Cutler leads Bears past former team; Orton suffers finger injury

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:49:00 +0000

Jay Cutler got the last laugh.

The Pro Bowl passer, who forced a blockbuster trade out of Denver last spring and became the Chicago Bears' first franchise quarterback since Sid Luckman, returned to Invesco Field on Sunday night and led his new team to a 27-17 preseason win over the Broncos.

Cutler disregarded the thousands of hecklers, including Broncos pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil, in leading Chicago on three scoring drives, capped by a 12-play, 98-yarder just before halftime that gave the Bears a 17-3 lead.

The adversary he left behind, Broncos rookie coach Josh McDaniels, had a distressing home debut, as did Denver's new quarterback, Kyle Orton, who gashed his right index finger to cut short a middling performance against his former team.

Cutler threw for 144 yards and a score in a crisp 15-for-21 performance before calling it a night at halftime and basking in the glow of his successful return to Invesco Field, where just eight months ago he was a beloved figure, a Pro Bowl passer and the heir apparent in this town to Hall of Famer John Elway.

While fans came to jeer him, they also saw why they'll miss this immensely talented young quarterback.

"I thought it was going to be like this," Cutler said. "They got good fans here. A lot of boos - they got pretty loud there at one point. It was what we kind of prepared for."

At one point on the Bears' 98-yard TD drive, the jeers turned to cheers when Dumervil blew past left tackle Orlando Pace for a third time and put a hit on Cutler after he had released the ball. The personal foul gave the Bears (2-1) a first down at the Denver 14 but the riled-up crowd didn't care.

Two plays later, Cutler feathered a 6-yard pass to running back Matt Forte in the end zone.

Some of the night's catcalls were directed at McDaniels, the brash, 33-year-old rookie head coach who chased off his franchise quarterback shortly after replacing Mike Shanahan and now finds himself in a bitter feud with star receiver Brandon Marshall, whom he suspended for insubordination last week.

"He's such a talent and he's such a good guy off the field, I just want to see him get back out there and start playing again because he's good for the game," Cutler said. "He's exciting for the game."

Wearing a hoodie like his mentor, Bill Belichick, McDaniels was hampered by an ineffective offense that committed multiple mistakes and plenty of penalties.

After his follow-through on an incomplete pass to Correll Buckhalter before halftime, Orton glanced down at his bloody finger, held it up for the sideline to see and then trotted off the field.

Although the bloody finger was captured by the NBC cameras for all to see, the Broncos announced Orton's problem in the press box only as "an upper extremity injury" and said he was questionable to return.

McDaniels told NBC that Orton's finger wasn't broken but that more tests were needed.

Orton was 12-for-16 for 96 yards - good numbers, sure, but in a half-dozen drives, he only led the Broncos (0-3) to a single field goal, not the kind of home debut he was anticipating after getting off to a rocky start in Denver.

Orton's poor performance in a stadium scrimmage three weeks ago spawned the catch phrase "Orton hears a boo," and he threw four interceptions in his first two exhibition games for the Broncos, including three against San Francisco in the opener and then a left-handed pickoff in the end zone at Seattle.

Broncos starting receiver Jabar Gaffney didn't play Sunday night after hurting his thumb in practice Friday and could be out a month. Denver lost right guard Chris Kuper to an apparently serious right leg injury when he was rolled up on in the first quarter.

Cutler received a rude reception from Denver's pass rush that hounded Chicago into three three-and-outs in the Bears' first four possessions.

But the Bears went ahead 10-3 on Forte's 1-yard run that followed Devin Hester's 54-yard punt return to the Denver 4.

Peyton Hillis and Darius Walker had TD runs for Denver in the second half, and Adrian Peterson had a 12-yard run for Chicago.

When McDaniels replaced Shanahan in January, it looked as though the Broncos had the makings of a juggernaut with the 25-year-old Cutler and the offensive wunderkind hooking up in a town where expectations of a high-flying offense are a mile high.

But Cutler grew disenchanted with McDaniels after learning that the new coach talked about trading him for Matt Cassel, his former pupil in New England, and he said he wanted a fresh start somewhere else.

After several weeks of acrimony, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, miffed that Cutler wouldn't return his calls to talk about a reconciliation, ordered the quarterback's trade.

McDaniels shipped him to Chicago for Orton and a handful of draft picks.

Asked by NBC what he had learned from his trade, Cutler said: "It's a business. You never know exactly what's going to happen. There's coaching changes, there's player changes every day. You just have to stay in the game and wherever you land, you land.

"I'm happy I'm in Chicago. We got a great thing going right now and we just need to keep heading that way."

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QB Quinn paces Browns to win over Titans

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:33:00 +0000

One Browns quarterback threw a touchdown pass. The other did not.

And for Brady Quinn, that perfect pass may have pushed him over the top.

Quinn threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards and outplayed Derek Anderson in perhaps their final auditions for coach Eric Mangini to be Cleveland's starting quarterback, and the Browns beat the Tennessee Titans 23-17 in an exhibition game Saturday night.

Quinn and Anderson entered the third preseason game in a virtual dead heat. Earlier this week, Mangini described their summer-long competition as "very close" and it remains that way. They've posted similar stats with Quinn's TD pass - the only one by a Cleveland QB in the preseason - as the only thing separating the pair.

Mangini said he is no nearer to naming his starter for the Sept. 13 opener against Minnesota.

"I'll look at the tape tomorrow, talk to the coaches and continue to evaluate it," Mangini said. "When the decision is made, I'll let everyone know."

After coming off the bench last week, Quinn got the start and finished 11 of 15 for 128 yards. He led the Browns to one TD and two field goals in his four series.

Anderson went 7 of 11 for 77 yards and led the Browns to one field goal on two possessions. He didn't have an interception, but one poorly thrown ball was dropped by Tennessee cornerback Tenard Davis.

Both QBs were happy with their performances and both did their best to sidestep questions about who they think will win their race.

"It's out of my hands," Anderson said. "Let the chips fall."

Quinn was asked if he expected a decision to come this week.

"I expect to practice on Monday," he said. "Derek and I are mentally tough guys. If our coach wants us to go forever, I'm sure we can go forever."

Quinn was given a short field to work with in the third quarter when the Browns recovered a Tennessee fumble on a kickoff at the Titans 34. On first down, Quinn threw underneath to Jamal Lewis who weaved 14 yards on a screen.

Quinn then fired his TD pass on an inside slant to Edwards, who moments earlier made a sensational one-handed catch in the end zone on a pass from Anderson but could only get one foot down.

Edwards refused to handicap the Browns' quarterback derby.

"That's up to coach," he said. "Whatever decision he makes we'll support. Right now, they both look good."

While Cleveland's quarterbacks were under the microscope, Tennessee's Kerry Collins looked best.

Collins went 11 of 14 for 102 yards and threw a 6-yard TD pass to Justin Gage in the first quarter. The 36-year-old Collins can still throw it as hard and far as always and he showed soft touch on several balls.

"Kerry spread the ball around quite a bit," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. "We got some things accomplished that we didn't see last week. I was pleased with the drives. We gave up a couple of plays, but I thought we handled the run with the starters"

With Patrick Ramsey nursing sore ribs, Vince Young played three quarters and went 17 of 24 for 174 yards. He threw a 15-yard TD pass to tight end Matthew Mulligan, but also threw an interception that was returned 11 yards for a TD by Browns linebacker Alex Hall.

Young accepted blame for the pick.

"It was my fault," he said. "(Hall) made a great play. I threw a ball behind him (Matt Mulligan). I should have thrown it into the ground."

Collins threw a touchdown pass and played the whole first half last week in a loss at Dallas. But Tennessee's first-team offense managed just 78 yards. The Titans nearly equaled that the second time they had the ball as Collins capped a 75-yard drive with his TD pass to Gage.

Quinn displayed nice arm strength on an 18-yard pass to Mike Furrey and later stepped up and drilled a pass to Joshua Cribbs on third down for another 18 as Cleveland moved to the Titans 10. But the Browns had to settle for Phil Dawson's 21-yard field goal to pull within 7-3.

Anderson impacted the game in a strange way before it was his turn to play.

On Tennessee's first play after Dawson's kick, Collins threw a deep pass down the right side that fell incomplete. However, field judge Terry Brown called a 15-yard penalty on Anderson, who was standing on the Browns sideline, for being outside the restricted bench area.

Brown tripped and fell over Anderson, who appeared to be trying to get out of the official's way.

Anderson admitted he was watching the play on the scoreboard and the next thing he knew the play was on top of him.

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Brett Favre: Fitting in with Vikings a 'work in progress'

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:12:00 +0000

Thanks to 16 years in the same offensive system at Green Bay, Brett Favre already feels at home with the Minnesota Vikings playbook.

His familiarity with the teammates who are running those plays still has a way to go.

Favre has been in Minnesota for only 10 days, so he's still getting acquainted with his new Vikings teammates, something the 39-year-old quarterback believes will only take a matter of time.

"Obviously chemistry is maybe the most important factor in winning and losing. There's some work to do in that area," Favre said after practice on Thursday. "I've been here a little over a week, and that's the reason there's work to do. I think the locker room has been fine. I don't know what it was like before I got here. I wasn't here.

"I know every guy in that room wants to win, and we're going to do everything we can do to try to see that that happens."

Vikings coach Brad Childress picked up Favre from the airport on Aug. 18 after not seeing enough from incumbents Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels during training camp.

It's been a whirlwind since then for a three-time MVP who still doesn't know the names of all 78 teammates in purple. He has been staying late at team headquarters to study film and learn the tendencies of his new receivers. He's also getting to know the rest of the team to better put him in a position to be a leader once the season begins.

Favre called it "a work in progress." But he also says he is confident that he will fit in just fine in Minnesota.

"I'd be a fool to sit here and tell you I've won everyone over in the locker room, and that's not what I'm trying to do. I was brought in here to help this team win, not to make friends, even though I felt like that's an easy thing for me to do," he said. "I will continue to work on that part of it. I think my experience can only go so far on the field, but it can pay huge dividends off the field and in the locker room.

"You know what, you've got to be yourself, and I'm pretty content with my personality. I think it's able to fit in with just about everyone."

The signs have been promising so far, despite a generation gap between Favre and most of the players in the locker room. He will turn 40 in October and 56 of the 79 players on the roster on Thursday were under the age of 10 when he was drafted by the Falcons in 1991.

He has already received ringing endorsements from every significant veteran on the Vikings roster, including guard Steve Hutchinson, running back Adrian Peterson and defensive end Jared Allen.

"He's the type of guy that can keep a smile on your face, keep you laughing," Peterson said after Favre's first preseason appearance last Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs. "He's been doing this for 18 years, so I'm sure it's not hard for him to connect with guys."

Rookie receiver Percy Harvin called it "an honor" and "a blessing" to play with the future Hall of Famer while left tackle Bryant McKinnie said he had trouble believing his eyes on the first day of practice when Favre called the play in the huddle.

"Brett has fit in great. He's one of the guys," safety Madieu Williams said on Thursday. "Everybody has welcomed him with open arms. He's fit right in. He's been a great locker-room guy."

Now it's time to see what the old man has left on the field. He played in the preseason game last Friday night just three days after signing with the team and completed one pass for four yards in 4 attempts over two series.

The Vikings don't play again until Monday night at Houston, giving Favre a full week of practices to get a better feel for his teammates and work his body back into playing shape.

"The one thing we want to do is we want him to do things the way we've been doing it for the last couple of weeks, with all the guys in training camp," offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. "Get him up to speed where they are. Then, once we get him to there, then we can start to evolve and do some other things we want to do."

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Byron Leftwich outplays Luke McCown in Bucs' loss to Dolphins

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:07:00 +0000

The race for Tampa Bay's starting quarterback job may finally have a clear-cut winner.

Given roughly the same amount of playing time to make their final cases during a 10-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Byron Leftwich outperformed Luke McCown to likely create the separation Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris sought to make a decision.

Chad Pennington led a drive that produced a field goal just before halftime, then led a long touchdown drive in the third quarter for the Dolphins (3-0). Mike Nugent kicked two field goals for Tampa Bay (1-2) on drives led by Leftwich.

Leftwich completed 9 of 17 passes for 100 yards in just over a quarter, working four possessions. He overthrew some open receivers in the rain, but was impressive on third down with throws of 21, 21 and 18 yards to Maurice Stovall to extend drives.

McCown also played a little more than a quarter without nearly as much success. He misfired on his first four passing attempts, finished 5 of 11 for 38 yards. He also was sacked twice while not producing any points for the second time in three games.

Throughout training camp, Morris said he wanted to make a decision on the starting quarterback before the third preseason game. His plan changed after neither player established himself as a clear-cut winner.

Leftwich played well one week and McCown had the stronger performance the next, with neither leading a long scoring drive but demonstrating an ability to take advantage of short fields to get the ball in the end zone.

The latest test allowed both to play a comparable amount of time with the first-team offense, minus injured starting receivers Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton.

"I felt good," said Leftwich, whose night ended after lightning sent the teams to the locker room for a 45-minute weather delay in the second quarter. "I missed a few, but I hit a few also. Luckily for me on the ones I missed, I made plays on the following play to get those first downs."

The best news of the night for the Bucs was the running of Cadillac Williams, who made his preseason debut seven months after having major knee surgery for the second time in a little more than a year.

The 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year has been limited the past three seasons because of injuries, but looked a lot like his old self against the Dolphins. He started and carried eight times for 54 yards, with a long of 19 yards.

"The knee is not an issue to me. ... I feel great," Williams said. "I'm just loving what I do."

Pennington set up Dan Carpenter's 34-yard field goal with a 19-yard completion on third-and-10 to Ted Ginn. His 54-yard completion to Brian Hartline led to a 2-yard touchdown throw to Anthony Fasano in the third quarter.

Nugent kicked field goals of 29 and 38 yards for Tampa Bay.

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The next Broadway Joe? High expectations for Mark Sanchez

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:53:00 +0000

The striking asymmetry of two Mark Sanchez passes encapsulated the yin and yang of a rookie NFL quarterback.

The first pass in his first preseason game was a deep ball, good for 48 yards to David Clowney.

The first pass in his second preseason game was intercepted by the Baltimore Ravens' Haloti Ngata and returned for a touchdown.

One throw unleashed the potential for greatness, the other deflated high hopes. Expect those high and lows this season, warns CBS analyst and former New York Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason.

Sanchez, the Jets' $50 million rookie quarterback with a big arm and bright smile, takes center stage now. Coach Rex Ryan on Wednesday named Sanchez, the fifth pick in the draft from Southern California, the starter over fourth-year veteran Kellen Clemens.

"I've been trying to caution people to keep their expectations to a realistic minimum and recognize that he's a rookie and playing the hardest position in all of sports," Esiason says. "I think he has the poise and the presence to be a really good quarterback, but I just think we have to take baby steps his rookie year."

Small steps with rookie quarterbacks in recent seasons have yielded positive results, further eroding the axiom that first-year quarterbacks should sit.

Ben Roethlisberger helped the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs in 2004, and the Baltimore Ravens' Joe Flacco and the Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan reached the playoffs last season. And others, such as Eli Manning of the New York Giants and Trent Edwards of the Buffalo Bills, benefited from playing in their first seasons.

"It's a special opportunity," Sanchez says. "But with that opportunity comes a ton of responsibility to this team, to this organization, to the community here. It's an all-around job on the field and off the field."

Sanchez, 22, earned a job in a unique and demanding setting.

Not only is he replacing Brett Favre, who went 9-7 last season, but like all Jets quarterbacks since the 1968 season, Sanchez will play in the ubiquitous shadow of Joe Namath and the Super Bowl III victory - the team's only Super Bowl appearance.

"When you look at Joe Namath's overall run as the Jets quarterback, I'm not going to sit here and tell you that it's great, but the fact that he won the Super Bowl makes it very significant," Esiason says. "And Joe has a name that resonates with all professional football fans."

Rookie QBs can win

Sanchez was in a close competition with Clemens, who entered camp No. 1 on the depth chart and started the first preseason game. Ryan says "statistically, they were very similar, whether you were tracking throws in a preseason game, whether you're doing it on the practice field or whatever" and "I think we can win with Kellen, also."

Ryan informed Sanchez and Clemens of his decision in a meeting. "(Ryan) was either going to tell us a really good joke or the decision. He has done both," Clemens says.

Ryan says he relied on informed opinions, including his own, and instincts. He did not get into the specifics that led to his choice, but he's impressed with Sanchez's physical attributes - 6-2, 225 with an accurate arm and elusiveness - and grasp of the playbook. "Right now," Ryan says, "I think Mark gives us the best opportunity to win."

The Flacco example helps to examine the Jets' situation.

As Baltimore's defensive coordinator in 2008, Ryan saw first-hand what a rookie quarterback can do.

"We were going to do it the traditional way," Ryan says of Baltimore's handling of Flacco. "Sit the guy. Let him learn. All the reports said that's how you win."

When Troy Smith suffered from a tonsil infection and Kyle Boller went down with a season-ending shoulder injury in the preseason, Flacco became the starter and the Ravens went 11-5.

There is a way to win with a rookie quarterback. When Roethlisberger, Ryan and Flacco were rookies, they were not asked to carry the team with big passing totals. They were not asked to win games by themselves. They were asked to protect the football (none of them threw more than 12 interceptions as a rookie), and give the defense a chance to be successful.

"Joe clearly had the ability for it, but we relied on the football team," Ryan says. "The quarterback has to be part of the solution. He doesn't have to be the solution. Regardless of who the quarterback is, it's about relying on your teammates.

"How our team plays is going to determine whether we win or lose."

The Clemens-Sanchez relationship is much more cordial than one might expect. Clemens has no reservations helping the guy who beat him out for a job.

"When I was a rookie, I came in hoping to play and Chad Pennington was the veteran," Clemens says. "Chad was very gracious with his knowledge, sharing it with me despite the fact that we were competing.

"I guess it's kind of my way of paying it forward. ... And someday Mark will be the old guy and there will be some wet-behind-the-ears kid that got drafted and he'll do the same thing for him."

Says Sanchez: "He's awesome, and he doesn't have to be that way. I'm sure there are plenty of veterans who aren't like that."

Passion for the game

Sanchez says football hasn't turned into a business for him. He has a childlike love for the game.

"August, you kind of have this time clock and then, when you're still in school, it's like, 'Aw man, we have school in two weeks. I wish we could just keep going through camp.' And now, you get to just play. I wouldn't want to do anything else.

"At the end of the day, you want to do well in the scrimmages but you get to go home and lay your head down at night as an NFL quarterback. That's all (I've) ever wanted to be."

Sanchez is not immune to rookie hazing. He heard it from his teammates when a GQ photo spread made him look part David Hasselhoff (Sanchez had on lifeguard swim trunks) and part Namath (at the beach shirtless with model Hilary Rhoda).

At training camp, he has had to sing in front of the team and has to carry veterans' helmets off the field. "That is what being a rookie is all about," he says.

Team Sanchez - Mark's older brother Nick Sanchez Jr. is his agent - has been careful not to overexpose him. He has an endorsement deal with Nike, and a Toyota commercial with the Giants' Manning is expected to air in September. But Sanchez has turned down more offers than he has accepted, Nick says.

Madison Avenue Mark isn't quite the same as Broadway Joe but opportunities to cash in exist. Nick wants Mark to be a success on the field before he becomes a marketing success.

"You don't necessarily want to be the rookie who comes in and has his face plastered all over the place and doing every endorsement," Nick says. "In some ways, we felt you have to earn that."

The Sanchezes had conversations with Peyton and Archie Manning and conducted an informal case study on how Eli handled New York. "We've tried to encourage Mark to learn from that," Nick says.

Eli Manning understands the pressure generated by fans and journalists in New York City. In 2004, his rookie season, he lost his first six starts before closing out the season with a win against the Dallas Cowboys. His quarterback rating was 0.0 in Week 14 against the Ravens. But every year since his rookie season, the Giants have reached the playoffs.

"It can be a tough place to play, but there's not a better place to win than New York," says Eli, who was the MVP in the Giants' 17-14 victory vs. the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

Winning solves most everything. How soon can Sanchez win? The Jets' AFC East foes - Buffalo, New England and the Miami Dolphins- ranked in the top 15 in defense and scoring defense in 2008.

"I'm hoping five years from now we're talking and it's three Pro Bowls and a couple playoff appearances and they're ready to make a run at the Super Bowl," Esiason says. "From all indications in talking to him and watching him, the two Ps - poise and presence - are definitely there."

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Jay Cutler on Josh McDaniels: 'He's going to be a good coach'

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:46:00 +0000

Now that they've been separated for five months, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has high praise for Broncos rookie coach Josh McDaniels, whom he'll see in a preseason game at Invesco Field this weekend.

Cutler says in the brief time he spent with McDaniels he could tell Bill Belichick's latest disciple was an offensive mastermind. Cutler said the Broncos are in good hands with McDaniels and quarterback Kyle Orton.

"He's going to be a good coach," Cutler told Denver reporters in a conference call Wednesday. "I think their offense is going to be fine. I think Kyle's going to be fine. (McDaniels) is an offensive mind.

"Just the brief amount of time I was able to spend with him, he's impressive. He knows a lot about offenses, he knows a lot about getting guys open and scoring points, as everyone's seen when he was in New England, so I think they're going to be fine."

The Broncos traded Cutler to Chicago for Orton and three draft picks in April after Cutler's rift with McDaniels became irreparable.

The genesis of their disagreement came when Cutler learned McDaniels had talked to the Patriots about acquiring quarterback Matt Cassel in a three-way trade that would have sent him to Tampa Bay. Cassel was dealt to Kansas City instead, but in subsequent conversations, Cutler couldn't get assurances from the 33-year-old rookie coach that his name wouldn't come up again in trade talks. So he asked out.

Cutler said he doesn't want to rehash the details of their ugly divorce, but feels both sides are happier now that they're apart.

"I think both sides would change certain things and go about it a different way, but I think both sides are happy now and we're moving on," Cutler said of the way his stint in Denver came to an acrimonious end.

Cutler said he's not exactly hyped for his return to the Mile High City, where he's still trying to sell his multimillion dollar home.

"It's a preseason game, we've got to keep that in perspective," Cutler said, suggesting the Bears' real focus is on their opener against Green Bay next month.

Cutler added he expects a rude reception from the fans Sunday night and wouldn't expect anything less.

"I mean, they're good fans there and you know we left ... it wasn't the best situation," Cutler said.

That's about all Cutler would say about Denver's fans after dissing them in a Chicago radio interview during training camp, when he said Broncos fans were a 6 and Bears fans a 9. He later clarified his remarks to say he was talking about the bigger crowds at Bears training camp practices, that's all.

Cutler also said he wouldn't snub McDaniels if they happen to run into each other before the game, but won't go out of his way to shake his hand.

"I'm not going to seek him out. I've got business I've got to take care of there," Cutler said. "I've got a game I've got to play in, so we'll see how it goes."

Cutler expects to see a heavy dose of blitzing from the Broncos.

"It's the third preseason game, so offenses and defenses are adding a little bit more and a little bit more and some different wrinkles out there. So, we're just going to be on our toes and be prepared for anything," he said.

Cutler also said he had no advice for Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall, whose trade request this summer was denied.

"None of my business. I'm out of the loop on that whole thing," Cutler said.

In a bit of a surprise, Cutler said he hasn't spoken with former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, who was fired Dec. 30 after the Broncos' monumental collapse cost them a division title and a trip to the playoffs.

"Mike's busy playing a lot of golf," Cutler cracked.

After telling reporters in Lake Forest, Ill., he didn't miss a thing about Denver, Cutler told a different story on his conference call.

"I had fun in Denver. It's not like I didn't enjoy my time there because I did. I loved my teammates, I loved playing there. But certain things happen that force you to move and one of those things did happen. I had to move on."

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Healthy diet has Gonzalez in shape, ready to shine in Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon Schenz) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:17:00 +0000

Tony Gonzalez swears he has found a personal fountain of youth, and that it explains how he has so majestically defied pro football's hourglass.

It's on the menu.

Gonzalez, 33, enters his 13th season as the NFL's longest-tenured starting tight end, with no apparent signs of disintegration. Nearing the 200-game milestone, he still has soft hands. His feet remain quick enough to pivot free in the red zone. And as demonstrated during a congested-traffic, 11-on-11 goal-line drill in the Atlanta Falcons camp, he has not lost the knack for making the paydirt catch while two defenders cling tight like parasites.

He's working on a streak of 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections and last season was named first-team all-pro - significantly enough, for the first time in five years.

This, he insists, emanates from a decision three years ago to adopt Vegan principles for his diet.

"It's clean eating, from a 100% grass-fed source," says Gonzalez, obtained in April from the Kansas City Chiefs for a second-round pick.

"You have to put good stuff in your body. Everybody should, but especially athletes. We're high-performance machines. You wouldn't put regular gas in a race car. Jimmie Johnson is going to put the high-octane, good stuff in there. It's the same thing for football players. You'd be surprised by how many players don't do it. But I've seen the results."

Before: Fast food. TV dinners. Bacon cheeseburgers. Potato chips. Soda.

After: Seafood. Steamed vegetables. Rice. Salads with Balsamic vinegarette.

Because he eats fish and occasionally has organic chicken, Gonzalez isn't a true vegetarian. He's a flexitarian who views vegetables as the main course. He says he often cooks for his family, because, well, his wife Tobie is "quasi on-board."

"She's having trouble," Gonzalez says. "When I cook, she's eating good. But if she has to do it on her own, she might not make the best choices."

Gonzalez has become so hooked on his lifestyle change that he collaborated with nutritionist Mitzi Dulan on a new book, The All-Pro Diet. Recipes included.

"If you don't want to read my book, fine," says Gonzalez, who also recommends a documentary, Food, Inc. "But I encourage everybody to get something that tells you how nutrition affects your body. Try it and see how it feels."

Family history has played a role in his evolution. Gonzalez says that an uncle and some cousins have Type 2 diabetes.

"It's really rampant among minorities," Gonzalez says. "And if you're of a lesser income, it's harder to eat healthy, which is sad. That's another thing I can see myself trying to change ... The stores don't care about what we eat. They just want to make money. It's really up to us as people to wake up."

The turning point for Gonzalez began during a cross-country flight about three years ago, he says, as he sat next to a vegan. After observing the man's meal, Gonzalez peppered him with questions. The conversation led him to read The China Study and ultimately speak to its author, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, about theories of a plant-based diet increasing energy and reducing risks for illness such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Two other incidents in 2006 also shook him up. After feeling numbness on the right side of his face, Gonzalez was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a form of facial paralysis stemming from nerve malfunction. After receiving treatment, he hasn't had any recurring symptoms. A mixup with a blood test, later rectified, also hit home.

"I laugh about it now," he says, "but it was one of the scariest moments in my life when they told me, 'Your white blood cell count is way too low. Could be leukemia, but we don't want to startle you.' By then, you're like, 'What the hell are you talking about?'

"That was the defining moment. You hear all the statistics out there about the mortaility rate for football players. Life is too short."

No tight end has ever been to as many Pro Bowls as Gonzalez (6-5, 243), but the past two seasons he produced some of his best numbers with 99 and 96 receptions, while surpassing one NFL marker after another (most career catches, yards, TDs, 1,000-yard seasons by a tight end). In his view, it gets back to the diet.

"I've seen the difference on the field and noticed it after the game," he says. "My recovery is way better. My endurance is better. My focus has improved. Before I drastically changed my eating habits, I was sore. My bones were hurting. But not anymore."

The Falcons, trying to build on last season's 11-5 record and playoff berth, envision Gonzalez as an ultimate security blanket for young quarterback Matt Ryan. He will stretch the middle of the field and provide a trusted option in the end zone.

"Even before I got here, I always thought I'd love to get that quintessential all-pro tight end," says Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, like coach Mike Smith in his second year on the job. "You can talk to some coordinators in this league and they say you need to go all wideouts. But a guy like this is special, a high-percentage shot underneath."

They've also acquired a resident nutritionist.

During training camp meals, Gonzalez says some teammates cover their plates when they see him coming. But at least one, backup tight end Ben Hartsock, is inspired.

"I've watched him eat, and he's pretty serious about it," Hartsock says. "But if Tony sipped Crisco through a straw, he'd still look as good as he does. His genetics and my genetics come from a different tree."

Hartsock, a sixth-year pro, was undoubtedly affected by Gonzalez's arrival. He lost his starting job. But there are no hard feelings.

"You just adjust to your role," Hartsock says. "If I were in the front office or the head coach and had an opportunity to get a future Hall of Fame talent like Tony Gonzalez, I'd do the exact same thing. We're a better team with him."

Gonzalez is staying in a suite with Ryan and veterans Chris Redman and Brian Finneran during camp. He says it has been a solid bonding experience, and there are times when football doesn't enter the conversation.

But food is fair game.

Is Ryan, a second-year pro, ready to become a vegan?

"Nah, he's not doing it," Gonzalez says. "He told me he wasn't doing it until he's older. He says he's young; he can burn it off and not feel it.

"I'm like, 'You'd better, or you'll be out of the league.' "

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