Cowboys power past tricky Falcons, 38-28 as Terrell Owens Admits Spitting In Cornerback D-Hall's Face.
NFL.com wire reports
ATLANTA (Dec. 16, 2006) -- Michael Vick and Morten Andersen got their records. Terrell Owens and the Dallas Cowboys got a crucial victory.
Owens hauled in a couple of touchdown passes, Marion Barber scored on two punishing runs and the Cowboys protected their NFC East lead with a 38-28 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Dallas (9-5) bounced back from a 42-17 home loss to New Orleans to bolster its playoff hopes. It was a devastating defeat for the Falcons (7-7), who had climbed back into the NFC wild-card race with two straight wins and overcame an early 14-0 deficit in this one.
Owens, who was kept out of the end zone by Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall when the two faced off in the 2005 opener, took care of that blemish. Owens made a 7-yard touchdown reception with a brilliant one-handed catch, then blew past Hall to haul in a 51-yarder.
T.O. toasted both scores with the same gesture. He faced the crowd with his arms outstretched -- that's the 'T' -- then clasped his hands in a circle above his head -- that's an 'O.'
Vick tied a career high with four touchdown passes and eclipsed Bobby Douglass' 34-year-old record for most rushing yards in a season by a quarterback. He has 990 yards, breaking Douglass' mark of 968 with the 1972 Chicago Bears.
Andersen, meanwhile, became the leading scorer in NFL history. The 46-year-old kicker booted four extra points, giving him 2,437 points for his career and breaking Gary Anderson's mark of 2,434.
It wasn't enough to hold off the Cowboys. Barber put them ahead for good on a 9-yard run with 2 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter, leaving Chris Crocker sprawled on the turf.
Barber added a 3-yard TD run with 2:18 remaining to clinch the victory.
Tony Romo, coming off his worst game since taking over the starting job, completed 22 of 29 for 278 yards. He spread it around -- Terry Glenn had five receptions for 96 yards, Owens caught five for 69 yards and Jason Witten pulled in five passes for 56 yards.
Vick had one horrible pass, which was intercepted by DeMarcus Ware and returned 41 yards for a touchdown on the first play of a wild second quarter. Otherwise, the Atlanta quarterback played well, completing 16 of 24 for 237 yards and running eight times for 56 yards.
The four touchdown passes tied Vick's personal best from an overtime tie with Pittsburgh in 2002, his first year as a starter.
Still smarting from their blowout loss to New Orleans, the Cowboys started this one like they wanted to do the same thing to the Falcons.
Dallas jumped ahead on Romo's first TD pass to Owens, who pulled the ball in with his right arm before falling out of bounds with Hall all over him. Then it was Ware's turn for an even more spectacular play.
Vick, under pressure from Chris Canty as he dropped back to throw, managed to flip a pass over the defensive end -- and right into the arms of Ware, lurking behind his teammate. He took off the other way, breaking a feeble attempt at a tackle by Vick on the way to giving the Cowboys a 14-0 lead.
The Falcons didn't fold, however, getting back in the game after a big play by their defense.
Just three plays after an interception by Lawyer Milloy was wiped out by a penalty, Romo had a pass tipped at the line by Rod Coleman. The fluttering ball fell into the arms of Atlanta linebacker Michael Boley, who returned it 40 yards to the Dallas 12.
Vick ripped off an 11-yard run, then flipped a 1-yard touchdown pass to Griffith to pull the Falcons to 14-7.
The Atlanta offense did all the work on its next possession, driving 63 yards in five plays for the tying touchdown. Vick threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins, left all alone in the left side of the end zone.
After that touchdown, Andersen punched through the extra point that broke Anderson's career scoring record. The 46-year-old kicker threw up his arms and leaped into the arms of holder Matt Schaub before being mobbed by his teammates.
Romo went deep to Owens to put Dallas back ahead. The receiver cut to the inside and ran right past Hall, catching the ball in stride for a 51-yard touchdown.
Vick capped off the 35-point quarter with his third TD pass, this one with just 11 seconds remaining in the half.
After an illegal formation penalty negated a scoring pass to Griffith, Vick fired a blistering pass to Ashley Lelie for an 8-yard touchdown, the ball seeming to go right through the hands of defender Roy Williams.
Vick put the Falcons ahead for the first time on the first series of the second half. He hooked up for the second time with Griffith, who again managed to get all alone for a 5-yard TD catch.
It was all Dallas from there. Martin Gramatica connected on a 48-yard field goal, and Barber did the rest.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Terrell Owens Admits Spitting In Atlanta Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall's Face During Game
The Dallas Cowboys won a hard fought battle against their NFC foes the Atlanta Falcons 38 to 28 tonight. It was a game played with emotion -- perhaps too much so. After the game, Falcons Cornerback De Angelo Hall said Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver Terrell Owens spit in his face during the contest.
De Angelo Hall said that in the middle of the first quarter after a third down play they wer walking back to the huddle and "He just hauled off and spit in my face."
Approached with this accusation during an after game interview with Rich Isen, Deion Sanders, and Steve Marriuci, Owens admitted that he did just that. When Deion Sanders asked him why he did it, Owens said "The kid was bothering me. He was annoying me. Getting into my face." Sanders then asked "You know what you did was wrong? Owens said that he appologized for it and it's time to "move on."
Wow. He admitted it. And as I write this, Isen, Sanders, Marriuci, and now Marshall Faulk are still talking about it.
The next question is what will the NFL do about it in the way of a fine? Another question is how will this alter Owens reputation around the league? If the reaction of the seasoned NFL alumns on the NFL Network is any indication, it's taken an immediate turn for the worst.
Stay tuned for more on this.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Indianapolis Colts v. Cinncinati Bengals Game Notes - From Indy Colts
From NFLMedia.com and Colts
Making a nationally-televised appearance for the fourth time this season, the Indianapolis Colts, 10-3, host the Cincinnati Bengals, 8-5, on Monday, December 18 in the RCA Dome. Kickoff for the contest, broadcast coast-to-coast by ESPN and Westwood One, is 8:30 p.m. (EST).
The Colts and Bengals are meeting for the second straight season in a high-profile regular-season contest. Indianapolis, sporting a 9-0 mark, visited the 7-2 Bengals last November 20, taking a 45-37 shootout. The win gave the Colts a 13-8 edge in the league series. Both clubs enter Monday battling for playoff positioning. Indianapolis is coming off a 44-
17 loss last Sunday at Jacksonville. Cincinnati posted its fourth consecutive win with a 27-10 home verdict last Sunday over Oakland.
Indianapolis is 3-0 in nationally-televised games this season, takingSunday Night verdicts at the New York Giants (26-21 on September 10), at New England (27-20 on November 5) and versus Philadelphia (45-21 on November 26).
The Colts own the NFL's best regular-season record (87-38) since the start of the 1999 season, while being the only team to earn six playoff appearances in the last seven seasons. Indianapolis enters Monday's game as victors in 32 of its last 38 league games. Indianapolis' winning ways include a 23-6 record in AFC South play (including 12 wins in its last 14 divisional games), while the club has owned or shared the lead in 75 of 82 weeks of the division's existence.
Series Notes
The league series stands 13-8 in favor of the Colts, and 1-0 in favor of the Colts in post-season play. Indianapolis forged a 45-37 win at Cincinnati last November 20. Taking a 35-27 halftime lead with touchdowns on the first five possessions, the Colts earned an offensive shootout victory. QBPeyton Manning was 24-40-365, 3 TDs/1 int. passing to lead the Colts. WRReggie Wayne was 5-117, 1 TD, while TE/FB-Dallas Clark was 6-125, 1 TD and RB-Edgerrin James was 24-89, 2 TDs rushing. James tallied a rushing score in a 6th consecutive game as the Colts moved to 10-0. WR-Marvin Harrison was 5-42 to surpass 900 career receptions in his 149th game, the fastest pace in NFL history. Cincinnati produced 492 yards behind QBCarson Palmer (25-38-335, 2 TDs/1 int.).
Cincinnati rushed for 164 yards, while WR-Chad Johnson was 8-189, 1 TD receiving. The Colts posted a 28-21 victory over the Bengals on October 6, 2002 in the last regular-season series renewal in Indianapolis. In that contest, Indianapolis raced to a 21-0 first-half lead and never trailed. Manning was 21-34-224, 2 TDs/1 int. and tallied on an 11t rush to open scoring matters. Manning teamed with TEMarcus Pollard (3t) and Harrison (9-145, 1 TD, 3t) on first-half scoring plays, while James' (22-60, 1 TD) 3t fourth-quarter rush provided the winning points.
Cincinnati cut the deficit to 21-14 and 28-21, but DB-Idrees Bashir's last-minute interception of QB-Jon Kitna (31-43-244, 1 TD/3 ints.) sealed the outcome. DB-Walt Harris had two interceptions, while Cincinnati's RB-Corey Dillon (23-164, 2 TDs rushing) had a big day. The clubs met on October 24, 1999, with the Colts winning in the RCA Dome, 31-10. Cincinnati's last win in the league series came on November 9, 1997, 28-13 in Indianapolis. The Colts won the only playoff encounter between the clubs, 17-0 in Baltimore on December 26, 1970. The teams met annually in league play from 1992 through 1999.
Making a nationally-televised appearance for the fourth time this season, the Indianapolis Colts, 10-3, host the Cincinnati Bengals, 8-5, on Monday, December 18 in the RCA Dome. Kickoff for the contest, broadcast coast-to-coast by ESPN and Westwood One, is 8:30 p.m. (EST).
The Colts and Bengals are meeting for the second straight season in a high-profile regular-season contest. Indianapolis, sporting a 9-0 mark, visited the 7-2 Bengals last November 20, taking a 45-37 shootout. The win gave the Colts a 13-8 edge in the league series. Both clubs enter Monday battling for playoff positioning. Indianapolis is coming off a 44-
17 loss last Sunday at Jacksonville. Cincinnati posted its fourth consecutive win with a 27-10 home verdict last Sunday over Oakland.
Indianapolis is 3-0 in nationally-televised games this season, takingSunday Night verdicts at the New York Giants (26-21 on September 10), at New England (27-20 on November 5) and versus Philadelphia (45-21 on November 26).
The Colts own the NFL's best regular-season record (87-38) since the start of the 1999 season, while being the only team to earn six playoff appearances in the last seven seasons. Indianapolis enters Monday's game as victors in 32 of its last 38 league games. Indianapolis' winning ways include a 23-6 record in AFC South play (including 12 wins in its last 14 divisional games), while the club has owned or shared the lead in 75 of 82 weeks of the division's existence.
Series Notes
The league series stands 13-8 in favor of the Colts, and 1-0 in favor of the Colts in post-season play. Indianapolis forged a 45-37 win at Cincinnati last November 20. Taking a 35-27 halftime lead with touchdowns on the first five possessions, the Colts earned an offensive shootout victory. QBPeyton Manning was 24-40-365, 3 TDs/1 int. passing to lead the Colts. WRReggie Wayne was 5-117, 1 TD, while TE/FB-Dallas Clark was 6-125, 1 TD and RB-Edgerrin James was 24-89, 2 TDs rushing. James tallied a rushing score in a 6th consecutive game as the Colts moved to 10-0. WR-Marvin Harrison was 5-42 to surpass 900 career receptions in his 149th game, the fastest pace in NFL history. Cincinnati produced 492 yards behind QBCarson Palmer (25-38-335, 2 TDs/1 int.).
Cincinnati rushed for 164 yards, while WR-Chad Johnson was 8-189, 1 TD receiving. The Colts posted a 28-21 victory over the Bengals on October 6, 2002 in the last regular-season series renewal in Indianapolis. In that contest, Indianapolis raced to a 21-0 first-half lead and never trailed. Manning was 21-34-224, 2 TDs/1 int. and tallied on an 11t rush to open scoring matters. Manning teamed with TEMarcus Pollard (3t) and Harrison (9-145, 1 TD, 3t) on first-half scoring plays, while James' (22-60, 1 TD) 3t fourth-quarter rush provided the winning points.
Cincinnati cut the deficit to 21-14 and 28-21, but DB-Idrees Bashir's last-minute interception of QB-Jon Kitna (31-43-244, 1 TD/3 ints.) sealed the outcome. DB-Walt Harris had two interceptions, while Cincinnati's RB-Corey Dillon (23-164, 2 TDs rushing) had a big day. The clubs met on October 24, 1999, with the Colts winning in the RCA Dome, 31-10. Cincinnati's last win in the league series came on November 9, 1997, 28-13 in Indianapolis. The Colts won the only playoff encounter between the clubs, 17-0 in Baltimore on December 26, 1970. The teams met annually in league play from 1992 through 1999.
NFL TO HONOR MIAMI DOLPHINS GREATS DAN MARINO AND DON SHULA AT SUPER BOWL XLI - NFLMedia.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - NFL Media.com
NFL TO HONOR MIAMI DOLPHINS GREATS
MARINO AND SHULA AT SUPER BOWL XLI
Marino to Toss Coin and Shula to Participate
In Vince Lombardi Trophy Presentation
The NFL will salute two of the most revered names in South Florida sports history during Super Bowl XLI on
Feb. 4, 2007, it was announced today. The Super Bowl coin toss featuring DAN MARINO and the Vince
Lombardi Trophy presentation with DON SHULA will be televised live by CBS at Dolphin Stadium in South
Florida.
Marino, the Dolphins’ Hall of Fame quarterback, will toss the coin moments before the start of the game.
Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history who led the Dolphins to five Super Bowls, will participate in the
Vince Lombardi Trophy ceremony following the game. Shula will carry the Vince Lombardi Trophy, given to
the Super Bowl champion, to the stage for its presentation to the winning team.
Watched by more than 141 million viewers in the U.S. last year, the Super Bowl is annually the nation’s
highest-rated TV program. The game will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion people
in more than 230 countries and territories. Pregame activities begin at Dolphin Stadium at 5:40 p.m. ET.
Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005, Marino ranks among the NFL’s all-time greatest
quarterbacks. Marino, who was the 1998 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, holds 17 NFL records and is
tied for six others. He played in 242 games, ranking first all-time in pass attempts (8,358), completions
(3,686), passing yards (61,361) and touchdowns (420).
Marino joins an esteemed list of Super Bowl coin toss participants, including former Presidents RONALD
REAGAN (from the Oval Office in 1985) and GEORGE H.W. BUSH; MARIE LOMBARDI, wife of Vince
Lombardi; and Pro Football Hall of Famers EARL CAMPBELL, FRANK GIFFORD, RED GRANGE,
GEORGE HALAS, DON HUTSON, TOM LANDRY, BRONKO NAGURSKI, ALAN PAGE, ART SHELL,
and GENE UPSHAW. (see below for complete list of past coin toss participants)
The two-tone commemorative flip coin is silver with 24kt gold highlights and is minted by The Highland Mint
Company. The coin will feature the Super Bowl XLI logo on one side and the Vince Lombardi Trophy and
competing team logos on the other.
Shula has coached in the most Super Bowls ever (one with the Baltimore Colts, Super Bowl III and five with
the Dolphins, VI, VIII, VIII, XVII and XIX). Shula’s record as head coach of the Baltimore Colts from 1963 to
1969 and the Miami Dolphins from 1970 to 1995 is unmatched in NFL history. In 1995, he concluded his
33rd season as the winningest NFL head coach ever with a career mark of 347-173-6 (.665). Of all NFL
coaches, only Shula and the immortal George Halas attained 300 victories. The Colts under Shula enjoyed
seven straight winning seasons and in 26 years at Miami, his Dolphins experienced only two seasons below
.500. Shula’s teams reached the playoffs 20 times in 33 years and won at least 10 games 21 times. In
Super Bowl VII, the 1972 Dolphins completed their historic 17-0-0 campaign – the only perfect season in
NFL history – with a 14-7 win over the Washington Redskins. In 1973, Miami defeated the Minnesota
Vikings in Super Bowl VIII to culminate a two-season span in which the Dolphins won 32 of 34 games.
BART STARR, Super Bowl I MVP, participated in last year’s Vince Lombardi Trophy ceremony, which was
expanded to include a legend from a prior Super Bowl.
# # #
HISTORY OF SUPER BOWL COIN TOSS
SUPER
BOWL
COIN TOSS
I-XI Game Official
XII Red Grange
XIII George Halas
XIV Art Rooney
XV Marie Lombardi
XVI Bobby Layne
XVII Elroy Hirsch
XVIII Bronko Nagurski
XIX Hugh McElhenny (with President Ronald Reagan on video)
XX Bart Starr (representing 17 MVP’s who were present)
XXI Willie Davis
XXII Don Hutson
XXIII Nick Buoniconti, Bob Griese* and Larry Little
XXIV Mel Blount, Terry Bradshaw, Art Shell and Willie Wood*
XXV Pete Rozelle
XXVI Chuck Noll
XXVII O.J. Simpson
XXVIII Joe Namath
XXIX Otto Graham*, Joe Greene, Ray Nitschke and Gale Sayers
XXX Joe Montana, representing 25 MVPs present
XXXI Mike Ditka, Tom Flores, Tom Landry, Chuck Noll, George Seifert and Hank
Stram*
XXXII Joe Gibbs*, Eddie Robinson and Doug Williams
XXXIII Raymond Berry, Sam Huff, Roosevelt Brown, Art Donovan, Frank Gifford, Tom
Landry, Gino Marchetti*, Don Maynard, Lenny Moore, Jim Parker and Andy
Robustelli
XXXIV Bud Grant, Lamar Hunt*, Bobby Bell, Paul Krause, Willie Lanier, Alan Page and
Jan Stenerud
XXXV Marcus Allen, Ottis Anderson, Tom Flores* and Bill Parcells
XXXVI Former President George H.W. Bush* and Roger Staubach
XXXVII Miami Dolphins Hall of Famers from Undefeated ’72 Team: Don Shula*, Bob
Griese, Larry Csonka, Larry Little, Jim Langer, Nick Buoniconti and Paul
Warfield
XXXVIII Hall of Famers from Texas—Earl Campbell, Ollie Matson, Don Maynard, Y.A.
Tittle, Mike Singletary and Gene Upshaw
XXXIX Four young players, ages 7-10, from Jacksonville’s Pop Warner and Police
Athletic League teams and two coaches from New Orleans and Hyattsville,
Maryland (2004 NFL HS COY)
XL Super Bowl MVPs. Tom Brady performed toss.
XLI Dan Marino
NFL INJURY REPORT - WEDNESDAY 12/13/1006 - MORTEN ANDERSEN CAN BECOME NFL'S ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER
From NFL Media.com
FOR USE AS DESIRED
NFL-PER-15A 12/13/06
ANDERSEN CAN BECOME NFL'S ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER
Atlanta Falcons kicker MORTEN ANDERSEN has 538 field goals and 2,433 points in his 24-year career.
Andersen needs one field goal and two points to pass GARY ANDERSON (538 field goals, 2,434 points) for
the most in NFL history.
Andersen and the Falcons host the Dallas Cowboys this Saturday night (8:00 PM ET, NFL Network).
4=1
Following is a list of quarterback injuries for Week 15 Games:
Minnesota Vikings Questionable Brooks Bollinger (Left Shoulder)
Carolina Panthers Questionable Jake Delhomme (Right Thumb)
Cleveland Browns Questionable Charlie Frye (Right Wrist)
Miami Dolphins Probable Joey Harrington (Ankle)
New England Patriots Probable Tom Brady (Right Shoulder)
New York Jets Probable Chad Pennington (Calf)
St. Louis Rams ms Probable Marc Bulger (Ribs )
Following is a list of injured players for Week 15 Games:
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS on Thursday
San Francisco 49ers
OUT TE Eric Johnson (Knee); LB Derek Smith (Hamstring); T Adam
Snyder (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE LB Jeff Ulbrich (Foot)
PROBABLE DT Anthony Adams (Knee); CB Shawntae Spencer (Ankle); T
Jonas Jennings (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
TUES Adam Snyder; Eric Johnson; Derek Smith; Jonas Jennings
WED Eric Johnson; Derek Smith; Adam Snyder
Seattle Seahawks
OUT C Robbie Tobeck (Hip); WR Darrell Jackson (Toe); TE Itula Mili
(Concussion)
QUESTIONABLE DT Rocky Bernard (Foot); G Floyd Womack (Groin); WR Bobby
Engram (Illness)
PROBABLE DE Joe Tafoya (Calf)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
TUES Robbie Tobeck; Darrell Jackson; Itula Mili; Rocky Bernard; Floyd
Womack
WED Robbie Tobeck; Darrell Jackson; Itula Mili; Rocky Bernard; Floyd
Womack
DALLAS COWBOYS AT ATLANTA FALCONS on Saturday
Dallas Cowboys
QUESTIONABLE RB Oliver Hoyte (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Complete
Atlanta Falcons
QUESTIONABLE RB Warrick Dunn (Calf); RB Jerious Norwood (Knee); CB Jason
Webster (Groin)
PROBABLE DT Grady Jackson (Knee); T Todd Weiner (Knee); C Todd
McClure (Back); WR Ashley Lelie (Thigh); CB DeAngelo Hall
(Knee); LB Keith Brooking (Knee); LB Edgerton Hartwell (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Warrick Dunn; Jerious Norwood; Grady Jackson; Todd Weiner;
Todd McClure; Ashley Lelie; DeAngelo Hall; Keith Brooking;
Edgerton Hartwell
DETROIT LIONS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS
Detroit Lions
DOUBTFUL DT Marcus Bell (Hand); CB Fernando Bryant (Concussion); G
Ross Verba (Groin); G Blaine Saipaia (Chest)
QUESTIONABLE LB Teddy Lehman (Hamstring)
PROBABLE T Jeff Backus (Foot); WR Eddie Drummond (Hip)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Marcus Bell; Fernando Bryant; Ross Verba; Blaine Saipaia;
Teddy Lehman; Jeff Backus; Eddie Drummond
Green Bay Packers
OUT DE Mike Montgomery (Knee)
DOUBTFUL T Mark Tauscher (Groin)
QUESTIONABLE WR Ruvell Martin (Chest); S Atari Bigby (Hamstring); WR
Donald Driver (Shoulder); LB Ben Taylor (Hamstring); TE David
Martin (Ribs)
PROBABLE RB Ahman Green (Knee); C Scott Wells (Illness); CB Charles
Woodson (Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Mike Montgomery; Mark Tauscher; Ruvell Martin; Atari Bigby;
Donald Driver; Ahman Green; Scott Wells; Charles Woodson
WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Washington Redskins
QUESTIONABLE C Casey Rabach (Hand); T Jon Jansen (Calf)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Casey Rabach; Jon Jansen
New Orleans Saints
QUESTIONABLE S Omar Stoutmire (Knee); TE Mark Campbell (Knee); WR Joe
Horn (Groin); RB Aaron Stecker (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Omar Stoutmire; Mark Campbell; Joe Horn
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT TENNESSEE TITANS
Jacksonville Jaguars
OUT S Nick Sorensen (Hamstring)
QUESTIONABLE P Chris Hanson (Left Hamstring)
PROBABLE CB Ahmad Carroll (Groin); LB Jorge Cordova (Hamstring); CB
Terry Cousin (Groin); WR Cortez Hankton (Hamstring); LB Clint
Ingram (Shoulder); RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Calf); G Vincent
Manuwai (Calf); RB Montell Owens (Shoulder); LB Kenneth
Pettway (Knee); LB Daryl Smith (Shoulder); DT Marcus Stroud
(Ankle); RB Fred Taylor (Hamstring); CB Brian Williams
(Hamstring); RB Derrick Wimbush (Ankle); TE George Wrighster
(Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Nick Sorensen; Chris Hanson; Maurice Jones-Drew; Fred Taylor
Tennessee Titans
OUT DE Antwan Odom (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE WR Drew Bennett (Knee); RB Travis Henry (Ankle); G Benji
Olson (Back); TE Bo Scaife (Ankle); WR Brandon Jones (Chest);
RB LenDale White (Hip); DE Josh Savage (Hamstring); DE Kyle
Vanden Bosch (Illness)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Antwan Odom; Drew Bennett; Travis Henry; Benji Olson; Bo
Scaife; Kyle Vanden Bosch
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT CHICAGO BEARS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QUESTIONABLE LB Shelton Quarles (Knee); DT Ellis Wyms (Ankle); CB Juran
Bolden (Quadricep)
PROBABLE CB Phillip Buchanon (Groin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Phillip Buchanon
Chicago Bears
OUT DT Tommie Harris (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE LB Leon Joe (Hamstring); RB Thomas Jones (Ankle); S Todd
Johnson (Ankle); T John Tait (Ankle); CB Nathan Vasher
(Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Conducted
NEW YORK JETS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS
New York Jets
QUESTIONABLE RB B.J. Askew (Foot); CB David Barrett (Hip); LB Matt Chatham
(Foot); S Eric Smith (Foot); DE Bryan Thomas (Shoulder)
PROBABLE RB Kevan Barlow (Calf); LB Brad Kassell (Shin); WR Justin
McCareins (Foot); DT Rashad Moore (Hand); QB Chad
Pennington (Calf); DT Dewayne Robertson (Shoulder); TE Sean
Ryan (Thigh); WR Brad Smith (Shoulder); S Jamie Thompson
(Ankle); DT Kimo Von Oelhoffen (Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED B.J. Askew; David Barrett; Matt Chatham; Eric Smith; Bryan
Thomas
Minnesota Vikings
QUESTIONABLE RB Chester Taylor (Ribs); QB Brooks Bollinger (Left Shoulder)
PROBABLE DT Pat Williams (Knee); CB Cedric Griffin (Neck); LB Napoleon
Harris (Wrist); WR Marcus Robinson (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Chester Taylor; Brooks Bollinger; Pat Williams; Cedric Griffin;
Napoleon Harris; Marcus Robinson
CLEVELAND BROWNS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS
Cleveland Browns
DOUBTFUL LB D'Qwell Jackson (Toe); G Joe Andruzzi (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE LB Willie McGinest (Pectoral); WR Dennis Northcutt (Shoulder);
DE Nick Eason (Foot); LB Mason Unck (Groin); DT Ted
Washington (Knee); TE Kellen Winslow (Knee); CB Leigh
Bodden (Knee); QB Charlie Frye (Right Wrist)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED D'Qwell Jackson; Joe Andruzzi; Dennis Northcutt; Mason Unck;
Ted Washington; Charlie Frye
Baltimore Ravens
OUT RB Musa Smith (Neck)
QUESTIONABLE S Gerome Sapp (Thigh); WR Derrick Mason (Thigh); LB Dan
Cody (Knee)
PROBABLE T Adam Terry (Back)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Musa Smith; Gerome Sapp; Derrick Mason; Dan Cody; Adam
Terry
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT BUFFALO BILLS
Miami Dolphins
OUT RB Ronnie Brown (Hand)
QUESTIONABLE WR Chris Chambers (Knee); G Jeno James (Knee)
PROBABLE C Rex Hadnot (Shoulder); QB Joey Harrington (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Ronnie Brown; Chris Chambers
Buffalo Bills
QUESTIONABLE LB John DiGiorgio (Ankle); CB Terrence McGee (Ankle); T
Jason Peters (Knee); LB Takeo Spikes (Ankle); S Donte Whitner
(Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED John DiGiorgio; Jason Peters; Takeo Spikes
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS
Pittsburgh Steelers
DOUBTFUL S Mike Logan (Hamstring); S Troy Polamalu (Knee); WR
Cedrick Wilson (Ankle)
PROBABLE S Ryan Clark (Groin); C Jeff Hartings (Knee); WR Hines Ward
(Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Mike Logan; Troy Polamalu; Cedrick Wilson
Carolina Panthers
QUESTIONABLE WR Taye Biddle (Groin); QB Jake Delhomme (Right Thumb);
CB Chris Gamble (Thigh); RB Nick Goings (Shoulder); LB
Brandon Jamison (Thigh); CB Ken Lucas (Thigh); TE Kris
Mangum (Hip)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Taye Biddle; Jake Delhomme; Chris Gamble; Nick Goings; Ken
Lucas; Kris Mangum
HOUSTON TEXANS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Houston Texans
OUT RB Jameel Cook (Knee)
DOUBTFUL S C.C. Brown (Foot)
PROBABLE C Drew Hodgdon (Foot); WR Jerome Mathis (Groin); DE
Anthony Weaver (Knee); DE Mario Williams (Foot)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Jameel Cook; C.C. Brown; Jerome Mathis
New England Patriots
OUT LB Don Davis (Knee/IR); RB Patrick Pass (Hamstring/ R)
DOUBTFUL S Rodney Harrison (Shoulder)
QUESTIONABLE CB Ellis Hobbs (Wrist); TE Daniel Graham (Ankle); LB Eric
Alexander (Shoulder); S Rashad Baker (Thigh); WR Chad
Jackson (Groin); RB Laurence Maroney (Back); T Ryan
O'Callaghan (Neck); TE Benjamin Watson (Knee); DT Vince
Wilfork (Ankle); DE Mike Wright (Shoulder)
PROBABLE QB Tom Brady (Right Shoulder); LB Corey Mays (Hamstring);
DE Richard Seymour (Elbow)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Rodney Harrison; Ellis Hobbs; Daniel Graham; Eric Alexander;
Rashad Baker; Chad Jackson; Laurence Maroney; Ryan
O'Callaghan; Benjamin Watson; Vince Wilfork; Mike Wright
ST. LOUIS RAMS AT OAKLAND RAIDERS
St. Louis Rams
OUT LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (Hand)
QUESTIONABLE DE Victor Adeyanju (Forearm); S Jerome Carter (Ankle); RB
Paul Smith (Neck)
PROBABLE DE Leonard Little (Neck); LB Isaiah Kacyvenski (Concussion);
QB Marc Bulger (Ribs)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Complete
Oakland Raiders
OUT RB LaMont Jordan (Knee); DE Lance Johnstone (Knee)
DOUBTFUL WR Jerry Porter (Hip); G Corey Hulsey (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE T Robert Gallery (Elbow); WR Randy Moss (Ankle)
PROBABLE DT Tommy Kelly (Knee); G Barry Sims (Abdomen); CB Nnamdi
Asomugha (Quadricep)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Complete
DENVER BRONCOS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS
Denver Broncos
QUESTIONABLE TE Stephen Alexander (Ribs); T Adam Meadows (Hamstring)
PROBABLE S Hamza Abdullah (Hamstring); K Jason Elam (Left Hamstring);
S Quentin Harris (Finger); WR Brandon Marshall (Ankle); T Erik
Pears (Ankle); WR Rod Smith (Hip); CB Darrent Williams
(Shoulder); LB Al Wilson (Thumb)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Stephen Alexander; Adam Meadows; Darrent Williams
Arizona Cardinals
DOUBTFUL RB Marcel Shipp (Ribs)
PROBABLE CB Robert Tate (Illness); T Reggie Wells (Illness); DE Chike
Okeafor (Calf); S Hanik Milligan (Illness)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Marcel Shipp; Robert Tate; Reggie Wells; Chike Okeafor; Hanik
Milligan
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT NEW YORK GIANTS
Philadelphia Eagles
QUESTIONABLE LB Matt McCoy (Shoulder); LB Shawn Barber (Neck); CB
Roderick Hood (Hamstring)
PROBABLE C Jamaal Jackson (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Shawn Barber
New York Giants
OUT T Luke Petitgout (Fibula)
DOUBTFUL DE Michael Strahan (Foot)
QUESTIONABLE C Shaun O'Hara (Ankle); CB Corey Webster (Toe)
PROBABLE K Jay Feely (Right Foot); T Kareem McKenzie (Neck)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Luke Petitgout; Michael Strahan; Shaun O'Hara
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Kansas City Chiefs
QUESTIONABLE DE Jimmy Wilkerson (Hamstring); T Kyle Turley (Shoulder); LB
Rich Scanlon (Neck)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Jimmy Wilkerson; Kyle Turley; Rich Scanlon
San Diego Chargers
OUT WR Malcom Floyd (Ankle)
DOUBTFUL G Scott Mruczkowski (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE DE Luis Castillo (Ankle); LB Randall Godfrey (Calf); LB Marques
Harris (Hamstring); WR Keenan McCardell (Calf); LB Shaun
Phillips (Hamstring); DE Derreck Robinson (Foot)
PROBABLE C Nick Hardwick (Ankle); S Marlon McCree (Calf); S Bhawoh
Jue (Knee); DT Jamal Williams (Knee); RB Michael Turner
(Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Complete
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS on Monday
Cincinnati Bengals
OUT WR Kelley Washington (Hamstring)
DOUBTFUL C Rich Braham (Knee); T Levi Jones (Knee)
PROBABLE LB Caleb Miller (Ankle); TE Tony Stewart (Ankle); T Willie
Anderson (Foot)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Walk through Conducted
Indianapolis Colts
OUT TE Dallas Clark (Knee); WR Brandon Stokley (Achilles)
QUESTIONABLE S Bob Sanders (Knee); RB Dominic Rhodes (Wrist); WR Aaron
Moorehead (Back); CB Marlin Jackson (Shoulder); CB Nicholas
Harper (Ankle); T Ryan Diem (Groin); CB Antoine Bethea
(Shoulder); RB Joseph Addai (Foot)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Conducted
FOR USE AS DESIRED
NFL-PER-15A 12/13/06
ANDERSEN CAN BECOME NFL'S ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER
Atlanta Falcons kicker MORTEN ANDERSEN has 538 field goals and 2,433 points in his 24-year career.
Andersen needs one field goal and two points to pass GARY ANDERSON (538 field goals, 2,434 points) for
the most in NFL history.
Andersen and the Falcons host the Dallas Cowboys this Saturday night (8:00 PM ET, NFL Network).
4=1
Following is a list of quarterback injuries for Week 15 Games:
Minnesota Vikings Questionable Brooks Bollinger (Left Shoulder)
Carolina Panthers Questionable Jake Delhomme (Right Thumb)
Cleveland Browns Questionable Charlie Frye (Right Wrist)
Miami Dolphins Probable Joey Harrington (Ankle)
New England Patriots Probable Tom Brady (Right Shoulder)
New York Jets Probable Chad Pennington (Calf)
St. Louis Rams ms Probable Marc Bulger (Ribs )
Following is a list of injured players for Week 15 Games:
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS on Thursday
San Francisco 49ers
OUT TE Eric Johnson (Knee); LB Derek Smith (Hamstring); T Adam
Snyder (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE LB Jeff Ulbrich (Foot)
PROBABLE DT Anthony Adams (Knee); CB Shawntae Spencer (Ankle); T
Jonas Jennings (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
TUES Adam Snyder; Eric Johnson; Derek Smith; Jonas Jennings
WED Eric Johnson; Derek Smith; Adam Snyder
Seattle Seahawks
OUT C Robbie Tobeck (Hip); WR Darrell Jackson (Toe); TE Itula Mili
(Concussion)
QUESTIONABLE DT Rocky Bernard (Foot); G Floyd Womack (Groin); WR Bobby
Engram (Illness)
PROBABLE DE Joe Tafoya (Calf)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
TUES Robbie Tobeck; Darrell Jackson; Itula Mili; Rocky Bernard; Floyd
Womack
WED Robbie Tobeck; Darrell Jackson; Itula Mili; Rocky Bernard; Floyd
Womack
DALLAS COWBOYS AT ATLANTA FALCONS on Saturday
Dallas Cowboys
QUESTIONABLE RB Oliver Hoyte (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Complete
Atlanta Falcons
QUESTIONABLE RB Warrick Dunn (Calf); RB Jerious Norwood (Knee); CB Jason
Webster (Groin)
PROBABLE DT Grady Jackson (Knee); T Todd Weiner (Knee); C Todd
McClure (Back); WR Ashley Lelie (Thigh); CB DeAngelo Hall
(Knee); LB Keith Brooking (Knee); LB Edgerton Hartwell (Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Warrick Dunn; Jerious Norwood; Grady Jackson; Todd Weiner;
Todd McClure; Ashley Lelie; DeAngelo Hall; Keith Brooking;
Edgerton Hartwell
DETROIT LIONS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS
Detroit Lions
DOUBTFUL DT Marcus Bell (Hand); CB Fernando Bryant (Concussion); G
Ross Verba (Groin); G Blaine Saipaia (Chest)
QUESTIONABLE LB Teddy Lehman (Hamstring)
PROBABLE T Jeff Backus (Foot); WR Eddie Drummond (Hip)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Marcus Bell; Fernando Bryant; Ross Verba; Blaine Saipaia;
Teddy Lehman; Jeff Backus; Eddie Drummond
Green Bay Packers
OUT DE Mike Montgomery (Knee)
DOUBTFUL T Mark Tauscher (Groin)
QUESTIONABLE WR Ruvell Martin (Chest); S Atari Bigby (Hamstring); WR
Donald Driver (Shoulder); LB Ben Taylor (Hamstring); TE David
Martin (Ribs)
PROBABLE RB Ahman Green (Knee); C Scott Wells (Illness); CB Charles
Woodson (Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Mike Montgomery; Mark Tauscher; Ruvell Martin; Atari Bigby;
Donald Driver; Ahman Green; Scott Wells; Charles Woodson
WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Washington Redskins
QUESTIONABLE C Casey Rabach (Hand); T Jon Jansen (Calf)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Casey Rabach; Jon Jansen
New Orleans Saints
QUESTIONABLE S Omar Stoutmire (Knee); TE Mark Campbell (Knee); WR Joe
Horn (Groin); RB Aaron Stecker (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Omar Stoutmire; Mark Campbell; Joe Horn
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT TENNESSEE TITANS
Jacksonville Jaguars
OUT S Nick Sorensen (Hamstring)
QUESTIONABLE P Chris Hanson (Left Hamstring)
PROBABLE CB Ahmad Carroll (Groin); LB Jorge Cordova (Hamstring); CB
Terry Cousin (Groin); WR Cortez Hankton (Hamstring); LB Clint
Ingram (Shoulder); RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Calf); G Vincent
Manuwai (Calf); RB Montell Owens (Shoulder); LB Kenneth
Pettway (Knee); LB Daryl Smith (Shoulder); DT Marcus Stroud
(Ankle); RB Fred Taylor (Hamstring); CB Brian Williams
(Hamstring); RB Derrick Wimbush (Ankle); TE George Wrighster
(Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Nick Sorensen; Chris Hanson; Maurice Jones-Drew; Fred Taylor
Tennessee Titans
OUT DE Antwan Odom (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE WR Drew Bennett (Knee); RB Travis Henry (Ankle); G Benji
Olson (Back); TE Bo Scaife (Ankle); WR Brandon Jones (Chest);
RB LenDale White (Hip); DE Josh Savage (Hamstring); DE Kyle
Vanden Bosch (Illness)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Antwan Odom; Drew Bennett; Travis Henry; Benji Olson; Bo
Scaife; Kyle Vanden Bosch
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT CHICAGO BEARS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QUESTIONABLE LB Shelton Quarles (Knee); DT Ellis Wyms (Ankle); CB Juran
Bolden (Quadricep)
PROBABLE CB Phillip Buchanon (Groin)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Phillip Buchanon
Chicago Bears
OUT DT Tommie Harris (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE LB Leon Joe (Hamstring); RB Thomas Jones (Ankle); S Todd
Johnson (Ankle); T John Tait (Ankle); CB Nathan Vasher
(Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Conducted
NEW YORK JETS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS
New York Jets
QUESTIONABLE RB B.J. Askew (Foot); CB David Barrett (Hip); LB Matt Chatham
(Foot); S Eric Smith (Foot); DE Bryan Thomas (Shoulder)
PROBABLE RB Kevan Barlow (Calf); LB Brad Kassell (Shin); WR Justin
McCareins (Foot); DT Rashad Moore (Hand); QB Chad
Pennington (Calf); DT Dewayne Robertson (Shoulder); TE Sean
Ryan (Thigh); WR Brad Smith (Shoulder); S Jamie Thompson
(Ankle); DT Kimo Von Oelhoffen (Shoulder)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED B.J. Askew; David Barrett; Matt Chatham; Eric Smith; Bryan
Thomas
Minnesota Vikings
QUESTIONABLE RB Chester Taylor (Ribs); QB Brooks Bollinger (Left Shoulder)
PROBABLE DT Pat Williams (Knee); CB Cedric Griffin (Neck); LB Napoleon
Harris (Wrist); WR Marcus Robinson (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Chester Taylor; Brooks Bollinger; Pat Williams; Cedric Griffin;
Napoleon Harris; Marcus Robinson
CLEVELAND BROWNS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS
Cleveland Browns
DOUBTFUL LB D'Qwell Jackson (Toe); G Joe Andruzzi (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE LB Willie McGinest (Pectoral); WR Dennis Northcutt (Shoulder);
DE Nick Eason (Foot); LB Mason Unck (Groin); DT Ted
Washington (Knee); TE Kellen Winslow (Knee); CB Leigh
Bodden (Knee); QB Charlie Frye (Right Wrist)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED D'Qwell Jackson; Joe Andruzzi; Dennis Northcutt; Mason Unck;
Ted Washington; Charlie Frye
Baltimore Ravens
OUT RB Musa Smith (Neck)
QUESTIONABLE S Gerome Sapp (Thigh); WR Derrick Mason (Thigh); LB Dan
Cody (Knee)
PROBABLE T Adam Terry (Back)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Musa Smith; Gerome Sapp; Derrick Mason; Dan Cody; Adam
Terry
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT BUFFALO BILLS
Miami Dolphins
OUT RB Ronnie Brown (Hand)
QUESTIONABLE WR Chris Chambers (Knee); G Jeno James (Knee)
PROBABLE C Rex Hadnot (Shoulder); QB Joey Harrington (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Ronnie Brown; Chris Chambers
Buffalo Bills
QUESTIONABLE LB John DiGiorgio (Ankle); CB Terrence McGee (Ankle); T
Jason Peters (Knee); LB Takeo Spikes (Ankle); S Donte Whitner
(Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED John DiGiorgio; Jason Peters; Takeo Spikes
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS
Pittsburgh Steelers
DOUBTFUL S Mike Logan (Hamstring); S Troy Polamalu (Knee); WR
Cedrick Wilson (Ankle)
PROBABLE S Ryan Clark (Groin); C Jeff Hartings (Knee); WR Hines Ward
(Knee)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Mike Logan; Troy Polamalu; Cedrick Wilson
Carolina Panthers
QUESTIONABLE WR Taye Biddle (Groin); QB Jake Delhomme (Right Thumb);
CB Chris Gamble (Thigh); RB Nick Goings (Shoulder); LB
Brandon Jamison (Thigh); CB Ken Lucas (Thigh); TE Kris
Mangum (Hip)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Taye Biddle; Jake Delhomme; Chris Gamble; Nick Goings; Ken
Lucas; Kris Mangum
HOUSTON TEXANS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Houston Texans
OUT RB Jameel Cook (Knee)
DOUBTFUL S C.C. Brown (Foot)
PROBABLE C Drew Hodgdon (Foot); WR Jerome Mathis (Groin); DE
Anthony Weaver (Knee); DE Mario Williams (Foot)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Jameel Cook; C.C. Brown; Jerome Mathis
New England Patriots
OUT LB Don Davis (Knee/IR); RB Patrick Pass (Hamstring/ R)
DOUBTFUL S Rodney Harrison (Shoulder)
QUESTIONABLE CB Ellis Hobbs (Wrist); TE Daniel Graham (Ankle); LB Eric
Alexander (Shoulder); S Rashad Baker (Thigh); WR Chad
Jackson (Groin); RB Laurence Maroney (Back); T Ryan
O'Callaghan (Neck); TE Benjamin Watson (Knee); DT Vince
Wilfork (Ankle); DE Mike Wright (Shoulder)
PROBABLE QB Tom Brady (Right Shoulder); LB Corey Mays (Hamstring);
DE Richard Seymour (Elbow)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Rodney Harrison; Ellis Hobbs; Daniel Graham; Eric Alexander;
Rashad Baker; Chad Jackson; Laurence Maroney; Ryan
O'Callaghan; Benjamin Watson; Vince Wilfork; Mike Wright
ST. LOUIS RAMS AT OAKLAND RAIDERS
St. Louis Rams
OUT LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (Hand)
QUESTIONABLE DE Victor Adeyanju (Forearm); S Jerome Carter (Ankle); RB
Paul Smith (Neck)
PROBABLE DE Leonard Little (Neck); LB Isaiah Kacyvenski (Concussion);
QB Marc Bulger (Ribs)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Complete
Oakland Raiders
OUT RB LaMont Jordan (Knee); DE Lance Johnstone (Knee)
DOUBTFUL WR Jerry Porter (Hip); G Corey Hulsey (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE T Robert Gallery (Elbow); WR Randy Moss (Ankle)
PROBABLE DT Tommy Kelly (Knee); G Barry Sims (Abdomen); CB Nnamdi
Asomugha (Quadricep)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Complete
DENVER BRONCOS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS
Denver Broncos
QUESTIONABLE TE Stephen Alexander (Ribs); T Adam Meadows (Hamstring)
PROBABLE S Hamza Abdullah (Hamstring); K Jason Elam (Left Hamstring);
S Quentin Harris (Finger); WR Brandon Marshall (Ankle); T Erik
Pears (Ankle); WR Rod Smith (Hip); CB Darrent Williams
(Shoulder); LB Al Wilson (Thumb)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Stephen Alexander; Adam Meadows; Darrent Williams
Arizona Cardinals
DOUBTFUL RB Marcel Shipp (Ribs)
PROBABLE CB Robert Tate (Illness); T Reggie Wells (Illness); DE Chike
Okeafor (Calf); S Hanik Milligan (Illness)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Marcel Shipp; Robert Tate; Reggie Wells; Chike Okeafor; Hanik
Milligan
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT NEW YORK GIANTS
Philadelphia Eagles
QUESTIONABLE LB Matt McCoy (Shoulder); LB Shawn Barber (Neck); CB
Roderick Hood (Hamstring)
PROBABLE C Jamaal Jackson (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Shawn Barber
New York Giants
OUT T Luke Petitgout (Fibula)
DOUBTFUL DE Michael Strahan (Foot)
QUESTIONABLE C Shaun O'Hara (Ankle); CB Corey Webster (Toe)
PROBABLE K Jay Feely (Right Foot); T Kareem McKenzie (Neck)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Luke Petitgout; Michael Strahan; Shaun O'Hara
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Kansas City Chiefs
QUESTIONABLE DE Jimmy Wilkerson (Hamstring); T Kyle Turley (Shoulder); LB
Rich Scanlon (Neck)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Jimmy Wilkerson; Kyle Turley; Rich Scanlon
San Diego Chargers
OUT WR Malcom Floyd (Ankle)
DOUBTFUL G Scott Mruczkowski (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE DE Luis Castillo (Ankle); LB Randall Godfrey (Calf); LB Marques
Harris (Hamstring); WR Keenan McCardell (Calf); LB Shaun
Phillips (Hamstring); DE Derreck Robinson (Foot)
PROBABLE C Nick Hardwick (Ankle); S Marlon McCree (Calf); S Bhawoh
Jue (Knee); DT Jamal Williams (Knee); RB Michael Turner
(Hamstring)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Complete
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS on Monday
Cincinnati Bengals
OUT WR Kelley Washington (Hamstring)
DOUBTFUL C Rich Braham (Knee); T Levi Jones (Knee)
PROBABLE LB Caleb Miller (Ankle); TE Tony Stewart (Ankle); T Willie
Anderson (Foot)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Walk through Conducted
Indianapolis Colts
OUT TE Dallas Clark (Knee); WR Brandon Stokley (Achilles)
QUESTIONABLE S Bob Sanders (Knee); RB Dominic Rhodes (Wrist); WR Aaron
Moorehead (Back); CB Marlin Jackson (Shoulder); CB Nicholas
Harper (Ankle); T Ryan Diem (Groin); CB Antoine Bethea
(Shoulder); RB Joseph Addai (Foot)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Conducted
Thursday, December 14, 2006
My Lamar Hunt Story
As you may know, Kansas City Chiefs Owner Lamar Hunt passed away yesterday at the age of 74 and from complications developing from prostate cancer. What you may now know is that Lamar Hunt is truly a kind man.
Now I'm not passing myself off as his good friend or buddy. Not even close. I'm just an acquaintance. But Mr. Hunt did something I will always remember -- indeed, I have a reminder of it. It's a note from him.
I met Mr. Hunt at my first NFL Owners Meeting as I headed the effort to bring the Super Bowl to Oakland. This meeting was in the fall of 1999, specifically November 1-3rd, and at the Hyatt Regency O'hare. Because the league's business in naming the Houston Texans the 32nd NFL Franchise had been conducted at the previous NFL meeting, the schedule was shortened and the "Super Bowl Policy Committee Meeting" that was to be the destination for the Oakland and Alameda County elected officials involved was moved up one day. Now, only one Oakland representative was in Chicago to be at that meeting.
Me.
I presented the case for Oakland to a committee that consisted of then-NFL Chief Operating Officer Neil Austrian, NFL Senior Vice President of Special Events ("Mr. Super Bowl) Jim Steeg, the now late NY Giants Co-Owner Bob Tisch, Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay, and Mr. Hunt.
After a presentation that Mr. Irsay said was "outstanding" both he and Mr. Hunt were kind enough to just grab my bags and help me pack my equipment. All the while Mr. Hunt said "So where are we going this weekend, Jim?" And basically teasing Irsay about the upcomming game between the Colts and the Chiefs. So there I was being helped by these giants of the league and just plain having a great time talking. Mr. Hunt asked me what I thought about the talent of Peter Warrick (I told him I thought he had other-worldly speed and that he should be gotten if possible.) Then Mr. Hunt gave me his card and told me to keep in touch.
Much later -- in late 2000 after we lost to Jacksonville for the right to host the 2005 Super Bowl -- I got a small envelop in the mail and which contained one 3-by-5 inch note paper with a message scribbled on it. "From The Desk Of Lamar Hunt."
The hand writing was such that I had to read it and re-read it, but Mr. Hunt thanked me for leading Oakland's effort and encouraged me not to give up. Given all that I'd went through, it was more than welcome. But what got me then and now is that the note didn't come from the City of Oakland or the mayor, or any California official, or from anyone connected with the Oakland effort. It came from Lamar Hunt.
For that, Mr. Hunt always has a special place in my heart and memory.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Lamar Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs Owner Passes At 74
AFL founder, Chiefs owner Hunt dead at 74
NFL.com wire reports
DALLAS (Dec. 14, 2006) -- Lamar Hunt, the pro sports visionary who owned the Kansas City Chiefs and came up with the term "Super Bowl," died Dec. 13. He was 74.
Hunt, the son of a famous and wealthy Texas family, died at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas of complications from prostate cancer, Chiefs spokesman Bob Moore said.
Lamar Hunt 1932-2006
Lamar Hunt founded the AFL and helped shape the modern NFL.
Hunt battled cancer for several years and was hospitalized the day before Thanksgiving with a partially collapsed lung. Doctors discovered that the cancer had spread, and Hunt had been under heavy sedation since last week.
"He was a founder. He was the energy, really, that put together half of the league, and then he was the key person in merging the two leagues together," said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Hunt's neighbor. "You'd be hard-pressed to find anybody that's made a bigger contribution (to the NFL) than Lamar Hunt."
The son of Texas oilman H.L. Hunt, Lamar Hunt grew up in Dallas and attended a private boys' prep school in Pennsylvania, serving as captain of the football team in his senior year. His love of sports led to his nickname, "Games."
Hunt played football at SMU, but never rose above third string. His modest achievements on the field were dwarfed by his accomplishments as an owner and promoter of teams in professional football, basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer and bowling.
Hunt's business dealings were also the stuff of headlines. Hunt didn't need to make money -- his father was an oil wildcatter who was often referred to as the richest man in the world. But he tried to build on his father's wealth.
Along with two brothers, Hunt tried to corner the silver market in 1979 and 1980. Their oil investments also soured in the 1980s. Some estimated the family's losses in the billions.
Hunt also suffered setbacks in the world of pro sports, but overcame them.
When NFL owners rebuffed Hunt's attempt to buy a franchise and move it to Dallas, Hunt -- ignoring his father's advice -- founded the AFL. He owned one of the AFL's eight original teams from the inaugural 1960 season, the Dallas Texans.
The Texans, however, struggled in head-to-head competition with the expansion Dallas Cowboys of the NFL. Convinced that both franchises would suffer as long as Dallas remained a two-team city, Hunt moved the Texans to Kansas City in 1963.
"I looked around and figured Kansas City could be a success," he told The Associated Press. "By our fourth or fifth year, we started to succeed. The Cowboys, of course, did very well, too."
Hunt realized his dream of becoming an NFL owner after the two leagues reached a merger deal in 1966.
In 1967, the Chiefs lost the first AFL-NFL championship -- it was then called the World Championship Game. Three years later, the Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings for the title.
By then, the championship game had been christened the Super Bowl. Hunt came up with the name while watching his children play with a SuperBall.
In 1972, Hunt became the first AFL figure to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and each year the Lamar Hunt Trophy goes to the winner of the NFL's American conference.
Hunt long campaigned to let teams other than Dallas and Detroit play at home on Thanksgiving Day. To honor his effort, the NFL scheduled a third game on the holiday this year -- in Kansas City. Hunt missed it, though, because he was in the hospital and couldn't get the game on TV.
For several years, Hunt also owned the minor-league baseball Dallas-Fort Worth Spurs, but his 1964 effort to bring major league baseball to the Dallas area failed. After the 1971 season, the Washington franchise moved to suburban Arlington and became the Texas Rangers.
In 1967, Hunt was one of 10 original founding partners in the Chicago Bulls basketball franchise. He was the last remaining original owner.
Also in 1967, Hunt started the first organized effort at a pro tennis tour with World Championship Tennis, and in 1968 he helped bring pro soccer to the United States with his Dallas Tornado of the old North American Soccer League.
More recently, Hunt and his sons owned Hunt Sports Group, which manages Major League Soccer franchises in Dallas, Kansas City and Columbus, Ohio.
In 1969, Hunt tried to buy Alcatraz, the island in San Francisco Bay that once housed a federal prison, and develop it with a tourist park and shopping destination. The idea died amid local protest.
Hunt created Worlds of Fun, a $50 million amusement park, and Oceans of Fun, a $7 million water recreation park, in Kansas City. He opened a pro bowling arena in Dallas -- actress Jayne Mansfield was the opening-night draw.
Hunt was part of H.L. Hunt's "first family" -- the wildcatter had 15 children by three women. Despite huge losses in the silver and oil markets, family members kept much of their wealth protected by elaborate trusts, and their names have long dotted lists of the wealthiest Americans.
Counting pro football, Hunt has been inducted into eight halls of fame, including ones for soccer and tennis as well as the Texas Business Hall of Fame and the Kansas City Business Hall of Fame.
Hunt is survived by wife Norma, children Lamar Jr., Sharron Munson, Clark and Daniel; and 13 grandchildren.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
NFL.com wire reports
DALLAS (Dec. 14, 2006) -- Lamar Hunt, the pro sports visionary who owned the Kansas City Chiefs and came up with the term "Super Bowl," died Dec. 13. He was 74.
Hunt, the son of a famous and wealthy Texas family, died at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas of complications from prostate cancer, Chiefs spokesman Bob Moore said.
Lamar Hunt 1932-2006
Lamar Hunt founded the AFL and helped shape the modern NFL.
Hunt battled cancer for several years and was hospitalized the day before Thanksgiving with a partially collapsed lung. Doctors discovered that the cancer had spread, and Hunt had been under heavy sedation since last week.
"He was a founder. He was the energy, really, that put together half of the league, and then he was the key person in merging the two leagues together," said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Hunt's neighbor. "You'd be hard-pressed to find anybody that's made a bigger contribution (to the NFL) than Lamar Hunt."
The son of Texas oilman H.L. Hunt, Lamar Hunt grew up in Dallas and attended a private boys' prep school in Pennsylvania, serving as captain of the football team in his senior year. His love of sports led to his nickname, "Games."
Hunt played football at SMU, but never rose above third string. His modest achievements on the field were dwarfed by his accomplishments as an owner and promoter of teams in professional football, basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer and bowling.
Hunt's business dealings were also the stuff of headlines. Hunt didn't need to make money -- his father was an oil wildcatter who was often referred to as the richest man in the world. But he tried to build on his father's wealth.
Along with two brothers, Hunt tried to corner the silver market in 1979 and 1980. Their oil investments also soured in the 1980s. Some estimated the family's losses in the billions.
Hunt also suffered setbacks in the world of pro sports, but overcame them.
When NFL owners rebuffed Hunt's attempt to buy a franchise and move it to Dallas, Hunt -- ignoring his father's advice -- founded the AFL. He owned one of the AFL's eight original teams from the inaugural 1960 season, the Dallas Texans.
The Texans, however, struggled in head-to-head competition with the expansion Dallas Cowboys of the NFL. Convinced that both franchises would suffer as long as Dallas remained a two-team city, Hunt moved the Texans to Kansas City in 1963.
"I looked around and figured Kansas City could be a success," he told The Associated Press. "By our fourth or fifth year, we started to succeed. The Cowboys, of course, did very well, too."
Hunt realized his dream of becoming an NFL owner after the two leagues reached a merger deal in 1966.
In 1967, the Chiefs lost the first AFL-NFL championship -- it was then called the World Championship Game. Three years later, the Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings for the title.
By then, the championship game had been christened the Super Bowl. Hunt came up with the name while watching his children play with a SuperBall.
In 1972, Hunt became the first AFL figure to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and each year the Lamar Hunt Trophy goes to the winner of the NFL's American conference.
Hunt long campaigned to let teams other than Dallas and Detroit play at home on Thanksgiving Day. To honor his effort, the NFL scheduled a third game on the holiday this year -- in Kansas City. Hunt missed it, though, because he was in the hospital and couldn't get the game on TV.
For several years, Hunt also owned the minor-league baseball Dallas-Fort Worth Spurs, but his 1964 effort to bring major league baseball to the Dallas area failed. After the 1971 season, the Washington franchise moved to suburban Arlington and became the Texas Rangers.
In 1967, Hunt was one of 10 original founding partners in the Chicago Bulls basketball franchise. He was the last remaining original owner.
Also in 1967, Hunt started the first organized effort at a pro tennis tour with World Championship Tennis, and in 1968 he helped bring pro soccer to the United States with his Dallas Tornado of the old North American Soccer League.
More recently, Hunt and his sons owned Hunt Sports Group, which manages Major League Soccer franchises in Dallas, Kansas City and Columbus, Ohio.
In 1969, Hunt tried to buy Alcatraz, the island in San Francisco Bay that once housed a federal prison, and develop it with a tourist park and shopping destination. The idea died amid local protest.
Hunt created Worlds of Fun, a $50 million amusement park, and Oceans of Fun, a $7 million water recreation park, in Kansas City. He opened a pro bowling arena in Dallas -- actress Jayne Mansfield was the opening-night draw.
Hunt was part of H.L. Hunt's "first family" -- the wildcatter had 15 children by three women. Despite huge losses in the silver and oil markets, family members kept much of their wealth protected by elaborate trusts, and their names have long dotted lists of the wealthiest Americans.
Counting pro football, Hunt has been inducted into eight halls of fame, including ones for soccer and tennis as well as the Texas Business Hall of Fame and the Kansas City Business Hall of Fame.
Hunt is survived by wife Norma, children Lamar Jr., Sharron Munson, Clark and Daniel; and 13 grandchildren.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
NFL WEEK 15 INJURY REPORT -- TUESDAY
FOR USE AS DESIRED
NFL-PER-15 12/12/06
WEEK 15 INJURY REPORT -- TUESDAY
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS on Thursday
San Francisco 49ers
OUT T Adam Snyder (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE TE Eric Johnson (Knee); LB Derek Smith (Hamstring); CB Shawntae Spencer
(Ankle); LB Jeff Ulbrich (Foot)
PROBABLE DT Anthony Adams (Knee); T Jonas Jennings (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
TUES Adam Snyder; Eric Johnson; Derek Smith; Jonas Jennings
Seattle Seahawks
OUT C Robbie Tobeck (Hip); WR Darrell Jackson (Toe); TE Itula Mili (Concussion)
QUESTIONABLE DT Rocky Bernard (Foot); G Floyd Womack (Groin); WR Bobby Engram (Illness)
PROBABLE DE Joe Tafoya (Calf)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
TUES Robbie Tobeck; Darrell Jackson; Itula Mili; Rocky Bernard; Floyd Womack
NFL-PER-15 12/12/06
WEEK 15 INJURY REPORT -- TUESDAY
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS on Thursday
San Francisco 49ers
OUT T Adam Snyder (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE TE Eric Johnson (Knee); LB Derek Smith (Hamstring); CB Shawntae Spencer
(Ankle); LB Jeff Ulbrich (Foot)
PROBABLE DT Anthony Adams (Knee); T Jonas Jennings (Ankle)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
TUES Adam Snyder; Eric Johnson; Derek Smith; Jonas Jennings
Seattle Seahawks
OUT C Robbie Tobeck (Hip); WR Darrell Jackson (Toe); TE Itula Mili (Concussion)
QUESTIONABLE DT Rocky Bernard (Foot); G Floyd Womack (Groin); WR Bobby Engram (Illness)
PROBABLE DE Joe Tafoya (Calf)
Listed players who did not participate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
TUES Robbie Tobeck; Darrell Jackson; Itula Mili; Rocky Bernard; Floyd Womack
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Indianapolis Coach Problem - Defensive Line Injuries Galore!
Yep.
You know I'm really surprised at how the media misses the important details in football. Take the Colts Defense. Do you know that three of their defensive line people -- two of them starting tackles -- have been out for the year?
Look at this:
20 Doss, Mike Defensive Back IR Knee 12-11-06 - 04:40 PM
96 Goddard, Johnathan Defensive End IR Foot 12-11-06 - 04:40 PM
23 Mungro, James Running Back IR Knee 12-11-06 - 04:40 PM
90 Reagor, Montae Defensive Tackle Non-Football Illness/Injury 12-11-06 - 04:40 PM
97 Simon, Corey Defensive Tackle Non-Football Illness/Injury 12-11-06 - 04:40 PM
That list also includes Mike Doss and for some reason Bob Sanders is missing from this sheet, which comes from their website. That's six defensive players. It's not to so much the Colts personel as just plain injuries. But the Colts have to find a way, and there's an answer at least for the short term.
You know I'm really surprised at how the media misses the important details in football. Take the Colts Defense. Do you know that three of their defensive line people -- two of them starting tackles -- have been out for the year?
Look at this:
20 Doss, Mike Defensive Back IR Knee 12-11-06 - 04:40 PM
96 Goddard, Johnathan Defensive End IR Foot 12-11-06 - 04:40 PM
23 Mungro, James Running Back IR Knee 12-11-06 - 04:40 PM
90 Reagor, Montae Defensive Tackle Non-Football Illness/Injury 12-11-06 - 04:40 PM
97 Simon, Corey Defensive Tackle Non-Football Illness/Injury 12-11-06 - 04:40 PM
That list also includes Mike Doss and for some reason Bob Sanders is missing from this sheet, which comes from their website. That's six defensive players. It's not to so much the Colts personel as just plain injuries. But the Colts have to find a way, and there's an answer at least for the short term.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Chicago Bears Clinch Division; Beat Rams 42-27
Bears profit on Hester's returns 42-27
NFL.com wire reports
ST. LOUIS (Dec. 11, 2006) -- Devin Hester expects teams to keep on kicking deep to him. And he expects to keep right on returning those kicks to the end zone.
The high-stepping rookie got the Rams' home dome rocking with chants of "Let's Go Bears!" as he set an NFL record with his fifth and sixth returns for touchdowns this season, a 94-yard kickoff runback in the second quarter and a 96-yarder in the final period. That sparked a 42-27 victory that gave the NFC North champions (11-2) a bye for the first week of the playoffs.
"It's the NFL, and a team is not going to bow down to one player," Hester said. "They'll continue to kick to me."
They're fools if they do.
"It's like the gates of Heaven opening up for me," he added.
A second-round draft pick, Hester also has three punt return touchdowns and ran back a missed field goal 108 yards against the Giants to tie the longest play in NFL history. But he had returned only six kickoffs all season before his historic romps that made the thousands of fans who trekked from Chicago rise from their seats.
"I almost thought we were back at Soldier Field," coach Lovie Smith said.
Hester struggled to find a position in college at Miami, but he has been a sensation with the ball in his hands on kick returns for the Bears.
"The story of the game is Devin Hester," Smith said. "It's time we start looking at him as an offensive player. There are a lot of good offensive rookies in the league making big plays, but who has had as much impact as Devin Hester has in the league as a rookie right now?"
He came through the middle on the first runback, then swiftly cut to his left untouched and sped down the sideline, high-stepping like a drum major the last few yards while holding up the football for the raucous Bears fans.
Hester outdid himself in the fourth quarter when it appeared the Rams might try an onside kick. The only Bear standing deep, he went straight up the center of the field, again untouched, and turned around at the Rams 20 looking for pursuers. No one was there.
He admitted it was a tribute to his friend Deion Sanders.
"That played a major role in us losing the game," Rams cornerback Ron Bartell said. "We lost by 15. You take away those two returns, we've got a pretty good game."
Beleaguered quarterback Rex Grossman had a pretty good game and the Chicago running attack dominated the last two quarters.
Carrying a 14-13 lead into the second half, the Bears outgained the Rams (5-8) 191 yards to 31 in the third quarter. They scored on Thomas Jones' 30-yard run and Muhsin Muhammad's superb fingertip catch of a 14-yard pass from Grossman, who probably quieted calls for his benching -- particularly from the thousands of fans who outshouted Rams rooters much of the evening.
Rex Grossman temporarily silenced his critics with a mistake-free two-touchdown performance.
"They were all over the place tonight," linebacker Lance Briggs said. "I could hear the crowd chanting 'Bears, Bears, Bears.' Man, that's a warm feeling being away from home."
Grossman was 6-for-19 for 34 yards in a victory against Minnesota last week and had registered six interceptions and no touchdowns in the past two games, but was 13-for-23 for 200 yards and two scores against St. Louis. Aside from the fade pass to Muhammad, he hit Bernard Berrian on a perfect slant pattern for a 34-yard score late in the second period.
"The best way of describing it is efficient and decisive and getting the ball to guys I needed to," Grossman said.
Chicago rushed for only 65 yards against the Rams' porous run defense in the first half, then Jones gained 58 yards on the Bears' first series of the second half. That included a 24-yarder featuring a flashy spin move.
The Rams did get a 6-yard TD pass to Torry Holt midway through the fourth quarter, and a 6-yarder to Steven Jackson with 4:41 left. But they barely stung thanks to Hester's heroics.
"To beat a team like that you almost have to play perfect, and we didn't," QB Marc Bulger said. Now the Rams have lost seven of eight and are all but eliminated from playoff consideration.
Chicago kicker Robbie Gould missed twice on field-goal attempts -- from 37 and 49 yards. They were only his second and third misses of the season.
When Chicago's special teams came through early -- on Brad Maynard's punt downed at the St. Louis 1 -- the defense couldn't. Holt caught back-to-back passes of 13 and 16 yards, then Marc Bulger's perfect throw on third-and-13 found Kevin Curtis for 39 yards. Looking like the vintage Rams of the early decade on the 99-yard drive, they also converted a fourth-and-1 on Stephen Davis' 16-yard run to the 1 before Holt's double move beat Hester for the score.
A bad snap botched the extra point.
To their credit, the Rams responded immediately to Hester's first TD return with a 72-yard drive featuring Jackson, who gained 35 yards and ran in from the 2.
It was then the Bears' turn for an impressive drive that covered 74 yards, capped by Berrian's 34-yard TD catch and run for a 14-13 halftime edge.
NFL.com wire reports
ST. LOUIS (Dec. 11, 2006) -- Devin Hester expects teams to keep on kicking deep to him. And he expects to keep right on returning those kicks to the end zone.
The high-stepping rookie got the Rams' home dome rocking with chants of "Let's Go Bears!" as he set an NFL record with his fifth and sixth returns for touchdowns this season, a 94-yard kickoff runback in the second quarter and a 96-yarder in the final period. That sparked a 42-27 victory that gave the NFC North champions (11-2) a bye for the first week of the playoffs.
"It's the NFL, and a team is not going to bow down to one player," Hester said. "They'll continue to kick to me."
They're fools if they do.
"It's like the gates of Heaven opening up for me," he added.
A second-round draft pick, Hester also has three punt return touchdowns and ran back a missed field goal 108 yards against the Giants to tie the longest play in NFL history. But he had returned only six kickoffs all season before his historic romps that made the thousands of fans who trekked from Chicago rise from their seats.
"I almost thought we were back at Soldier Field," coach Lovie Smith said.
Hester struggled to find a position in college at Miami, but he has been a sensation with the ball in his hands on kick returns for the Bears.
"The story of the game is Devin Hester," Smith said. "It's time we start looking at him as an offensive player. There are a lot of good offensive rookies in the league making big plays, but who has had as much impact as Devin Hester has in the league as a rookie right now?"
He came through the middle on the first runback, then swiftly cut to his left untouched and sped down the sideline, high-stepping like a drum major the last few yards while holding up the football for the raucous Bears fans.
Hester outdid himself in the fourth quarter when it appeared the Rams might try an onside kick. The only Bear standing deep, he went straight up the center of the field, again untouched, and turned around at the Rams 20 looking for pursuers. No one was there.
He admitted it was a tribute to his friend Deion Sanders.
"That played a major role in us losing the game," Rams cornerback Ron Bartell said. "We lost by 15. You take away those two returns, we've got a pretty good game."
Beleaguered quarterback Rex Grossman had a pretty good game and the Chicago running attack dominated the last two quarters.
Carrying a 14-13 lead into the second half, the Bears outgained the Rams (5-8) 191 yards to 31 in the third quarter. They scored on Thomas Jones' 30-yard run and Muhsin Muhammad's superb fingertip catch of a 14-yard pass from Grossman, who probably quieted calls for his benching -- particularly from the thousands of fans who outshouted Rams rooters much of the evening.
Rex Grossman temporarily silenced his critics with a mistake-free two-touchdown performance.
"They were all over the place tonight," linebacker Lance Briggs said. "I could hear the crowd chanting 'Bears, Bears, Bears.' Man, that's a warm feeling being away from home."
Grossman was 6-for-19 for 34 yards in a victory against Minnesota last week and had registered six interceptions and no touchdowns in the past two games, but was 13-for-23 for 200 yards and two scores against St. Louis. Aside from the fade pass to Muhammad, he hit Bernard Berrian on a perfect slant pattern for a 34-yard score late in the second period.
"The best way of describing it is efficient and decisive and getting the ball to guys I needed to," Grossman said.
Chicago rushed for only 65 yards against the Rams' porous run defense in the first half, then Jones gained 58 yards on the Bears' first series of the second half. That included a 24-yarder featuring a flashy spin move.
The Rams did get a 6-yard TD pass to Torry Holt midway through the fourth quarter, and a 6-yarder to Steven Jackson with 4:41 left. But they barely stung thanks to Hester's heroics.
"To beat a team like that you almost have to play perfect, and we didn't," QB Marc Bulger said. Now the Rams have lost seven of eight and are all but eliminated from playoff consideration.
Chicago kicker Robbie Gould missed twice on field-goal attempts -- from 37 and 49 yards. They were only his second and third misses of the season.
When Chicago's special teams came through early -- on Brad Maynard's punt downed at the St. Louis 1 -- the defense couldn't. Holt caught back-to-back passes of 13 and 16 yards, then Marc Bulger's perfect throw on third-and-13 found Kevin Curtis for 39 yards. Looking like the vintage Rams of the early decade on the 99-yard drive, they also converted a fourth-and-1 on Stephen Davis' 16-yard run to the 1 before Holt's double move beat Hester for the score.
A bad snap botched the extra point.
To their credit, the Rams responded immediately to Hester's first TD return with a 72-yard drive featuring Jackson, who gained 35 yards and ran in from the 2.
It was then the Bears' turn for an impressive drive that covered 74 yards, capped by Berrian's 34-yard TD catch and run for a 14-13 halftime edge.
Indianapolis Coach Tony Dungy On The Day After The Jacksonville Loss - Colts.com
The Colts took it on the chin Sunday, weathering a stunning 44 to 17 loss to their division rivals the Jacksonville Jaquars. Coach Dungy sounds ready to learn from the game, and prepare for the Bengals.
STILL TIME
By John Oehser - Colts.com
Colts Have Opportunity to Improve in December, Dungy Says
INDIANAPOLIS – Tony Dungy’s mood didn’t improve much Monday.
Because what the Colts’ head coach saw watching tape Monday was pretty much what he saw from the sidelines of Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., the day before.
Way too many rushing yards.
Way too many mistakes.
Way too much of a lot of things, with the result being a 44-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, a loss that not only kept the Colts (10-3) from clinching a fourth consecutive AFC South championship, but also set off a barrage of questions and criticism from outsiders.
On Monday, at his weekly next-day news conference, Dungy – in his fifth season with the Colts – arrived ready for the questions, and his message was that which he gave the team:
Yes, Sunday’s loss was disappointing.
And yes, the Colts must improve.
But he said he very much believes the Colts – who have lost three of four regular-season games for the first time since 2002 – can make that improvement, and Dungy said despite criticism to the contrary, there is plenty the Colts can accomplish.
“Obviously, not one of our better days yesterday, and that makes the next day a little tough,” Dungy said early Monday afternoon, a day after the Colts slipped from the No. 1 seed in the AFC for the first time since the end of the 2004 season.
“That makes the next day a little bit tough, but what we have to do from here is look at things, examine the breakdowns and improve. That’s going to be our task.
“Fortunately, we still have time to do that.”
Said Colts linebacker Rocky Boiman, “We’ve had a lot of success, especially in the regular season, around here. We’ve got to put this in perspective and say, ‘Hey, winning every game in the regular season is not something that happens all the time.’ ”
The Colts, who won their first nine games of the season, had a chance each of the last two weeks to clinch the AFC South with victories over division opponents. The loss to Jacksonville trimmed their division lead to two games, and meant that a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals (8-5) Monday won’t necessarily clinch the division.
The Colts can clinch the South this weekend if the Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans Sunday.
“We’re not going to lose sight of the fact that we’re 10-3,” Dungy said. “It’s easy to forget that at this time, after a game like this. What we have to do is watch the tape, get the corrections, and get ready for Cincinnati. Nothing more, nothing less.”
If the Jaguars win Sunday, the Colts can clinch a wild-card spot with a victory over Cincinnati.
The Colts are currently tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the second-best record in the AFC, and hold the AFC’s No. 2 seed because of strength of victory.
“We don’t have that No. 1 seed in our hands right now,” Dungy said. “We did up until yesterday (Sunday). We have to continue to play and win, and win as many games as we can. But right now, we’re in the thick of things.
“We’re still in the No. 2 slot. We’ve got a lot of good things that can still happen for us, but the big thing for us is going to be playing well. If we’re playing well, I don’t think it really matters what seed you are. You can be the No. 1 seed – if you’re not playing well, it’s not going to help us.
“So, that’s our concern, is to try to get ourselves back playing well. That’s everything.”
The Colts
on Sunday allowed the Jaguars 375 yards rushing, setting a record for the most yards the team allowed by the Colts in franchise history.
The loss also was the third in four games, the first time since 2002 – when the Colts lost three consecutive games in October and early November – the Colts have lost three games in a four-game stretch.
The Colts, after winning 30 consecutive games from mid-2004 to mid-2006 in which they had yet to clinch their playoff seeding, lost to Dallas (21-14) on November 19, beat the Philadelphia Eagles (45-21) on November 26 and lost to the Tennessee Titans (20-17) on December 3.
“It happens,” Dungy said. “You go through those times. You wish you didn’t. Ours is happening at the wrong time, but we still have three games left in December to get it going. We have a very hot team we’re playing, and we’ve got to play a lot better than we did yesterday (Sunday). . . .
“It’s going to take work. It’s not going to be easy. But I think we’ve got the people here who can do it.”
But on Monday, Dungy and Colts players spent less time talking about the scenarios for a fifth consecutive playoff appearance and more about correcting mistakes that have caused a recent slump.
“The thing we have to do is look forward, and pull out of this,” Dungy said. “There are some teams that have had some similar-type things, and they have pulled out of it. We’ve done that in the past as well.
“That’s our task right now, and that’s what we look forward to doing.”
Dungy, as was the case Sunday afternoon, on Monday pointed to several cases in which teams have struggled before recovering for successful late-season runs. One such case: 1999, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – with Dungy as head coach – lost to the Oakland Raiders, 45-0, late in the season before losing in the NFC Championship Game.
“It was much worse than this game – I promise you,” Dungy said. “It’s hard to believe, but it was. . . .
“It was 45-0 only because they slowed the game down and didn’t make it 75-0. We came back and won the last two we had to win and went to the playoffs and played pretty well. Sometimes, those games come out of the blue and you don’t know where they came from. Sometimes, it’s just that particular day, a style.
“One week doesn’t have to say what’s going to happen the next week. It may, but it doesn’t have to.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers last season lost three consecutive games in November and December, including 26-7 at Indianapolis, before winning their final eight games of the season, including Super Bowl XL.
Dungy said the message he gave to the players Monday was the same he gave the Buccaneers in 1999 – that one loss, even a bad loss, in December doesn’t necessarily end a team’s hopes of a postseason run. It’s a message Dungy said he believes the Colts have received.
“I think our team is still upbeat,” Dungy said. “I think they understand that we’re in the middle of a playoff race, and we’ve got a record that a lot of teams would like to have. The negative for us is the last four weeks we really haven’t played up to our standards and played as well as we can play. . . .
“We’re all frustrated. We’re all disappointed. We know we have to play better, but we all feel like we can play better and that’s what’s got to happen these last few weeks. My thought is to look ahead to see how we can improve it and get ourselves going and win these last three games.”
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Citigroup Inc Pays $400 Million For New Mets Stadium; Jets and Giants Next? - Naming Rights Deals Make Rebound
Stadium Naming Rights Deals Make Rebound
By Ben Klayman
Reuters
Sports stadium naming rights deals seemed bad karma a few years ago amid accounting scandals and the dot-com bust, but they have rebounded with a vengeance, with bigger dollar amounts and more comprehensive plans.
Companies are no longer simply slapping a name on a stadium. They are devising complex brand-burnishing strategies involving logos, advertising and technology deployment with a view to boosting profits.
Financial services company Citigroup Inc. agreed last week to pay the New York Mets a reported record $400 million over 20 years for rights to name their new baseball park, set to open in 2009, Citi Field. In California, the Oakland A’s said network equipment maker Cisco Systems Inc. would pay $120 million over 30 years to name their new stadium Cisco Field, to be built in nearby Fremont.
“What you’re seeing today and why you’re able to get $20 million a year out of a relationship with Citibank, for instance, is that these are strategic alliances designed to drive business between the two organizations,” said David Carter, executive director of the USC Sports Business Institute.
The Mets-Citigroup agreement tops the 30-year, $300-million naming rights deal the National Football League’s Houston Texans have with Reliant Energy Inc., according to Bonham Group, a Denver sports marketing and consulting firm that has negotiated a number of similar deals.
Teams are only too happy to sign such deals as they look to squeeze every possible dollar from their properties, analysts said. And past scandals have not scared off either side.
The most infamous name change occurred in 2002, when the Houston Astros baseball team re-acquired their stadium naming rights from bankrupt energy trader Enron Corp. in order to sell them to Coca-Cola Co.’s Minute Maid.
Other sports venues have seen similar changes. The football stadiums of the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens, respectively, switched from names linked to a former unit of cable company Adelphia Communications and Internet services provider PSINet, both of which filed for bankruptcy.
As companies look to connect with customers, naming rights deals will remain lucrative for the teams, said Fred Popp, chief executive of SME, a New York sports branding and design firm.
“Clients need to bypass the brain and go right for the heart,” Popp said. “Sports brands are surrogates. They allow the typical consumer brand to engage the consumer in a highly emotional way, in a way that you just can’t establish with your product alone.”
Naming rights alone are not enough, however, The Mets deal also includes the right to put the Citi brand throughout the new park, the use by Citigroup of Mets logos, the bank’s purchase of advertising on the Mets’ cable network and the joint development of business opportunities.
The Cisco deal includes the sale by the company of 143 acres of land to the Oakland team for a new stadium. Cisco’s technology in the ballpark will allow services such as the ability to upgrade tickets in on-site ticket kiosks, order souvenirs or food using a mobile device, and view replays at your seat and save them to a personal Web page.
Cisco treasurer, David Holland, who negotiated the deal, said it aligns closely with his San Jose, California-based company’s business objectives, which include getting more of its technology into sports venues.
“In the past, we have not been a company that looks to hang our sign on these kinds of venues,” he told Reuters. “If you look at how Cisco’s business has evolved, particularly in the last few years and most recently with the acquisition of Scientific Atlanta, we are moving closer and closer to the (consumer) of our equipment.”
While still growing accustomed to new ballpark names, fans accept them as the price to be paid for competitive teams and lower taxes related to stadium construction.
“Nowadays, when you talk about the costs of stadiums, you understand eventually it’s going to go to the highest bidder,” said Mets fan Nick Parente.
“I’m just looking forward to the new stadium, in all honesty, because even though Shea was one of the older stadiums, it wasn’t one of the prettiest,” said the 37-year-old Hoboken, New Jersey, resident, who works in aviation insurance underwriting.
The Mets shouldn’t get too comfortable with their record-setting deal, however.
Analysts said the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets’ new football stadium—planned for 2010—features a large venue, two major teams in a popular sport and the New York market, suggesting yet another new record is likely.
By Ben Klayman
Reuters
Sports stadium naming rights deals seemed bad karma a few years ago amid accounting scandals and the dot-com bust, but they have rebounded with a vengeance, with bigger dollar amounts and more comprehensive plans.
Companies are no longer simply slapping a name on a stadium. They are devising complex brand-burnishing strategies involving logos, advertising and technology deployment with a view to boosting profits.
Financial services company Citigroup Inc. agreed last week to pay the New York Mets a reported record $400 million over 20 years for rights to name their new baseball park, set to open in 2009, Citi Field. In California, the Oakland A’s said network equipment maker Cisco Systems Inc. would pay $120 million over 30 years to name their new stadium Cisco Field, to be built in nearby Fremont.
“What you’re seeing today and why you’re able to get $20 million a year out of a relationship with Citibank, for instance, is that these are strategic alliances designed to drive business between the two organizations,” said David Carter, executive director of the USC Sports Business Institute.
The Mets-Citigroup agreement tops the 30-year, $300-million naming rights deal the National Football League’s Houston Texans have with Reliant Energy Inc., according to Bonham Group, a Denver sports marketing and consulting firm that has negotiated a number of similar deals.
Teams are only too happy to sign such deals as they look to squeeze every possible dollar from their properties, analysts said. And past scandals have not scared off either side.
The most infamous name change occurred in 2002, when the Houston Astros baseball team re-acquired their stadium naming rights from bankrupt energy trader Enron Corp. in order to sell them to Coca-Cola Co.’s Minute Maid.
Other sports venues have seen similar changes. The football stadiums of the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens, respectively, switched from names linked to a former unit of cable company Adelphia Communications and Internet services provider PSINet, both of which filed for bankruptcy.
As companies look to connect with customers, naming rights deals will remain lucrative for the teams, said Fred Popp, chief executive of SME, a New York sports branding and design firm.
“Clients need to bypass the brain and go right for the heart,” Popp said. “Sports brands are surrogates. They allow the typical consumer brand to engage the consumer in a highly emotional way, in a way that you just can’t establish with your product alone.”
Naming rights alone are not enough, however, The Mets deal also includes the right to put the Citi brand throughout the new park, the use by Citigroup of Mets logos, the bank’s purchase of advertising on the Mets’ cable network and the joint development of business opportunities.
The Cisco deal includes the sale by the company of 143 acres of land to the Oakland team for a new stadium. Cisco’s technology in the ballpark will allow services such as the ability to upgrade tickets in on-site ticket kiosks, order souvenirs or food using a mobile device, and view replays at your seat and save them to a personal Web page.
Cisco treasurer, David Holland, who negotiated the deal, said it aligns closely with his San Jose, California-based company’s business objectives, which include getting more of its technology into sports venues.
“In the past, we have not been a company that looks to hang our sign on these kinds of venues,” he told Reuters. “If you look at how Cisco’s business has evolved, particularly in the last few years and most recently with the acquisition of Scientific Atlanta, we are moving closer and closer to the (consumer) of our equipment.”
While still growing accustomed to new ballpark names, fans accept them as the price to be paid for competitive teams and lower taxes related to stadium construction.
“Nowadays, when you talk about the costs of stadiums, you understand eventually it’s going to go to the highest bidder,” said Mets fan Nick Parente.
“I’m just looking forward to the new stadium, in all honesty, because even though Shea was one of the older stadiums, it wasn’t one of the prettiest,” said the 37-year-old Hoboken, New Jersey, resident, who works in aviation insurance underwriting.
The Mets shouldn’t get too comfortable with their record-setting deal, however.
Analysts said the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets’ new football stadium—planned for 2010—features a large venue, two major teams in a popular sport and the New York market, suggesting yet another new record is likely.
