Baltimore Beatdown: FanPosts

AFC & NFC Players of the Week

2009-11-20T14:20:17Z

From the NFL, here are the Players of the Week for week 10 in the NFL 2009 season. First up is the AFC and the NFC follows after the 'Jump.'

COLTS QB PEYTON MANNING, CHIEFS S MIKE BROWN &

BENGALS KR-RB BERNARD SCOTT NAMED AFC PLAYERS OF WEEK

Quarterback PEYTON MANNING of the Indianapolis Colts, safety MIKE BROWN of the Kansas City Chiefs and rookie kick returner-running back BERNARD SCOTT of the Cincinnati Bengals are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the 10th week of the 2009 season (November 12, 15-16), the NFL announced today.

OFFENSE: QB PEYTON MANNING, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Manning completed 28 of 44 passes (63.6 percent) for 327 yards with four touchdowns versus two interceptions and a 97.4 passer rating in a 35-34 win over the New England Patriots.
With four touchdowns against the Patriots, Manning now has 20 touchdown passes on the year, his 12th consecutive 20-touchdown pass season, tying BRETT FAVRE for the most all-time.
He has won 13 consecutive games when passing for 300 yards, tying Y.A. TITTLE for the third-most consecutive wins when reaching the 300-yard passing mark.
Through Week 10, Manning leads the NFL in completions (249), passing yards (2,872) and touchdowns (20).
Manning helped the Colts become the first team in NFL history to start 9-0 three times in a five-year span.
In his 12th season from Tennessee, Manning has 20 career Player of the Week Awards, most since the award originated in 1984. He most recently won the award in 2008 (Week 16).

DEFENSE: S MIKE BROWN, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

In a 16-10 win against the Raiders, Brown posted a career-high two interceptions, including a game-clinching INT with :38 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
He recorded his first interception of the game with 11:23 remaining in the fourth quarter, picking off Raiders quarterback BRUCE GRADKOWSKI at the 50-yard line.
The veteran safety sealed a Chiefs’ victory with 38 seconds to play when he intercepted Gradkowski’s pass on Kansas City’s 10-yard line.
Through Week 10, Brown has totaled 47 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery.
In his 10th year from Nebraska, this is Brown’s third career Player of the Week award. He previously won the award twice with the Chicago Bears in 2001 (Weeks 8 and 12). He is the first Chiefs defensive player to win the award since linebacker DERRICK JOHNSON in 2008 (Week 4).

SPECIAL TEAMS: KR-RB BERNARD SCOTT, CINCINNATI BENGALS

In a battle for first place in the AFC North, Scott scored on a 96-yard kick return-touchdown to help lead the Bengals to a 18-12 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
His KR-TD was the team’s first since GLENN HOLT posted a 100-yard kick return-touchdown at Buffalo (11/4/07).
Scott’s score was the only touchdown of the game by either team.
He totaled five kick returns for 206 return yards (41.2 average), the third-most by a Bengal in a game in franchise history.
In his rookie year from Abilene Christian, this is Scott’s first Player of the Week award. He is the first Bengal to win Special Teams Player of the Week since kick returner-wide receiver TAB PERRY in 2005 (Week 13).

2009 AFC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

	Offense	Defense	Special Teams
Wk 1	QB Tom Brady, New England	LB David Harris, N.Y. Jets	K Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh
Wk 2	QB Matt Schaub, Houston	DE Antwan Odom, Cincinnati	K Rian Lindell, Buffalo
Wk 3	RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville	LB Brendon Ayanbadejo, Baltimore	LB Jason Trusnik, N.Y. Jets
Wk 4	RB Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh	CB Champ Bailey, Denver	KR-WR Jacoby Jones, Houston
Wk 5	QB Kyle Orton, Denver	LB James Harrison, Pittsburgh	P Dave Zastudil, Cleveland
Wk 6	QB Tom Brady, New England	LB Brian Cushing, Houston	KR-PR-WR Eddie Royal, Denver
Wk 7	QB Carson Palmer, Cincinnati	S Brandon Meriweather, New England	P Brian Moorman, Buffalo
Wk 8	RB Chris Johnson, Tennessee	LB Brian Cushing, Houston	WR-KR Ted Ginn, Jr., Miami
Wk 9	TE Dallas Clark, Indianapolis	S Tyrone Carter, Pittsburgh	K Stephen Gostkowski, New England
Wk 10	QB Peyton Manning, Indianapolis	S Mike Brown, Kansas City	KR-RB Bernard Scott, Cincinnati

Other nominees for AFC Offensive Player of Week 10 were:

Kansas City running back JAAMAL CHARLES, who rushed for a season-high 103 yards (5.7 average) on 18 attempts with one touchdown.
Tennessee running back CHRIS JOHNSON, who rushed for 132 yards (5.1 average) on 26 attempts with two touchdowns and recorded nine receptions for 100 receiving yards (11.1 average) in a 41-17 win over Buffalo.
Jacksonville running back MAURICE JONES-DREW, who rushed for 123 yards (5.1 average) on 24 attempts with one touchdown in a 24-22 win over the New York Jets.
Denver wide receiver BRANDON MARSHALL, who had five catches for a season-high 134 receiving yards (26.8 average) with two touchdowns in a 27-17 loss to the Washington Redskins.
San Diego running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON, who rushed for a season-high 96 yards (4.0 average) on 24 attempts with two touchdowns in a 31-23 win over the Eagles .
Indianapolis wide receiver REGGIE WAYNE, who recorded 10 receptions for 126 yards (12.6 average) with two touchdowns.
Miami running back RICKY WILLIAMS, who gained 102 rushing yards (5.1 average) on 20 carries in a 25-23 win over Tampa Bay.

Other nominees for AFC Defensive Player of Week 10 were:

Buffalo rookie safety JAIRUS BYRD, who registered his eighth interception of the season against Tennessee. Byrd has an interception in five consecutive games and is one of only two players since 1970 with an interception in five consecutive games in their first season in the NFL. The other was Kansas City’s ERIC HARRIS in 1980 (six in a row).
Indianapolis defensive end ROBERT MATHIS, who registered eight tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defensed.

Other nominee for AFC Special Teams Player of Week 10 was:

Kansas City punter DUSTIN COLQUITT, who punted six times for 283 yards (47.2 average) with four punts inside the 20-yard line.

VIKINGS WR SIDNEY RICE, PACKERS CB CHARLES WOODSON

& REDSKINS P HUNTER SMITH NAMED NFC PLAYERS OF WEEK 10

Wide receiver SIDNEY RICE of the Minnesota Vikings, cornerback CHARLES WOODSON of the Green Bay Packers and punter HUNTER SMITH of the Washington Redskins are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the 10th week of the 2009 season (November 12, 15-16), the NFL announced today.

OFFENSE: WR SIDNEY RICE, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Rice had seven catches for a career-high 201 yards in the Vikings’ 27-10 win over Detroit.
It marked the fourth 200-yard receiving game in franchise history and was just nine yards shy of the team record (210 yards, SAMMY WHITE, November 7, 1976).
Five of Rice’s receptions went for at least 20 yards, including three catches of 40+ yards with a long of 56 yards.
His 201 yards are the second-most by a receiver in one game on completions from BRETT FAVRE.
Rice leads the NFC with 786 receiving yards and is averaging 17.9 yards per catch. He has nine catches of at least 25 yards, tied for the most in the league.
In his third season from South Carolina, this is Rice’s first career Player of the Week Award. He is the fourth Viking (BRETT FAVRE, CHAD GREENWAY, PERCY HARVIN) to be honored this season and second on Offense (Favre).
Rice is the fourth Vikings wide receiver to be honored on Offense, joining RANDY MOSS, CRIS CARTER and ANTHONY CARTER, and the first since Moss in 2001 (Week 10).

DEFENSE: CB CHARLES WOODSON, GREEN BAY PACKERS

Woodson had an interception, two forced fumbles, one sack and a team-high nine tackles in the Packers’ 17-7 win over Dallas.
He played a role in all three Cowboys’ turnovers and led a defense that held Dallas to just seven points.
In the second quarter, he stopped a drive in Green Bay territory by forcing a fumble that was recovered by linebacker CLAY MATTHEWS.
In the fourth quarter, with the Packers leading 10-0, Woodson sacked the Cowboys quarterback and forced a fumble that was recovered by Matthews to set up a first-and-goal for Green Bay at the three-yard line. It led to a Packers’ touchdown and a 17-0 lead.
On the next drive, with the Cowboys on the Green Bay one-yard line, Woodson intercepted a Dallas pass to thwart the scoring opportunity.
In his 12th season from Michigan, this is Woodson’s second career Player of the Week Award (Week 6, 2007). He has also been named NFC Defensive Player of the Month twice (September 2008 and September 2009).
Woodson and AL HARRIS are the only cornerbacks in team history to be named Defensive Player of the Week.

SPECIAL TEAMS: P HUNTER SMITH, WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Smith threw a 35-yard touchdown pass off a fake field-goal attempt and punted four times in the Redskins’ 27-17 win over Denver.
Smith, who shifted from his holder position in field-goal formation to take a shotgun snap, threw the touchdown pass to fullback MIKE SELLERS in the second quarter.
Smith, who earlier this season ran for a touchdown on a fake field-goal attempt, is the first punting specialist in NFL history to score a rushing touchdown and throw a touchdown pass in the same season.
He punted four times and allowed zero return yards for a 38.0-yard net average. He placed one punt inside the 20-yard line.
In his 11th season from Notre Dame, this is Smith’s second career Player of the Week Award (Week 2, 2005 with Indianapolis).
He is the third punter in franchise history to be honored, joining MATT TURK and RYAN PLACKEMEIER.

2009 NFC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

	Offense	Defense	Special Teams
Wk 1	QB Drew Brees, New Orleans	DE Justin Tuck, New York Giants	PR-WR DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
Wk 2	RB Frank Gore, San Francisco	LB Chad Greenway, Minnesota	DE Calais Campbell, Arizona
Wk 3	QB Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia	LB Lance Briggs, Chicago	KR-WR Percy Harvin, Minnesota
Wk 4	QB Brett Favre, Minnesota	S Darren Sharper, New Orleans	KR-WR Johnny Knox, Chicago
Wk 5	WR Miles Austin, Dallas	CB D. Rodgers-Cromartie, Arizona	P Jason Baker, Carolina
Wk 6	QB Drew Brees, New Orleans	S Thomas DeCoud, Atlanta	KR-WR Sammie Stroughter, Tampa Bay
Wk 7	WR DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia	S Adrian Wilson, Arizona	PR-WR Patrick Crayton, Dallas
Wk 8	QB Brett Favre, Minnesota	DE Julius Peppers, Carolina	K Josh Brown, St. Louis
Wk 9	QB Kurt Warner, Arizona	DT Anthony Hargrove, New Orleans	KR-PR Clifton Smith, Tampa Bay
Wk 10	WR Sidney Rice, Minnesota	CB Charles Woodson, Green Bay	P Hunter Smith, Washington

Other nominees for NFC Offensive Player of Week 10:

Washington running back LADELL BETTS, who rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown.
Minnesota quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who completed 20 of 29 passes (69.0 percent) for 344 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions for a 120.5 passer rating.
Carolina running back JONATHAN STEWART, who rushed for two touchdowns and 82 yards on just 11 carries (7.5 average) in the Panthers’ 28-19 win over Atlanta.
Arizona quarterback KURT WARNER, who completed 29 of 38 passes (76.3 percent) for 340 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 120.5 passer rating.

Other nominees for NFC Defensive Player of Week 10:

Washington defensive end ANDRE CARTER, who had seven tackles, 1.5 sacks and two tackles for a loss.
Minnesota defensive end RAY EDWARDS, who had five tackles, two sacks, three tackles for a loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Washington rookie linebacker BRIAN ORAKPO, who had 1.5 sacks, three tackles for a loss and six tackles.

Other nominees for NFC Special Teams Player of Week 10:

Tampa Bay kicker CONNOR BARTH, who became the fourth kicker in NFL history with three 50-yard field goals (51, 50, 54 yards) in the Buccaneers’ 25-23 loss at Miami.
Green Bay tight end SPENCER HAVNER, who had four special teams tackles and had a touchdown reception.
Minnesota punter CHRIS KLUWE, who averaged 48.0 yards on four punts with a net of 43.3 yards per punt. He had a long of 58 yards and placed two inside the 20-yard line.
New Orleans kick returner COURTNEY ROBY, who had a 97-yard kick-return touchdown in the Saints’ 28-23 win at St. Louis.

Coincidence?

2009-11-19T19:03:01Z

That the Ravens play the Colts the same weekend that "The Blind Side" is released as a movie?

For those of you who have not read the book, it ends with a reporter interviewing Dwight Freeney (a few years ago when he was viewed as the best pass rushing defensive end in the league) and telling him that Michael Oher had proclaimed, "I could take Dwight Freeney right now." Freeney kind of smiles and shakes it off but the reporter then gives a description of Oher's career (only has been playing since senior year of high school, best LT prospect in years, etc.) and Freeney stops smiling and asks:

"What's his name again?"

"Michael Oher"

"You tell Michael Oher I'll be waiting for him."

Coincidence? I think not!

I am pretty excited even though Gaither will go up against Freeney most of the time, Oher should have a few shots at him. I also doubt that the exchange between Freeney and the reporter will be in the movie, as well as a lot of the stuff about the evolution of the pass rush and left tackle, which is a huge part of the book. Michael's story is great in itself though so it could be pretty good.

SB Nation Power Rankings

2009-11-19T14:00:26Z

As part of SB Nation, we work together each week to put in our own Power Rankings by each team's representative to come up with an average ranking for every team in the NFL. Click here to see what we came up with, including the surprising ranking of your Baltimore Ravens (actually higher than even I had them).

Week 11 NFL Capsules

2009-11-19T13:58:47Z

Starting with tonight's Thursday Night Football game and followed by the Indianapolis Colts at our Baltimore Ravens, here are the NFL capsules about the key games of the weekend. The rest of the games follow these first two after the jump.

WEEK 11 – THURSDAY NIGHT, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-5) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-5)

SERIES

	DOLPHINS	PANTHERS
SERIES LEADER	3-0
STREAKS	Past 3
COACHES VS. OPP.	Sparano: 0-0	Fox: 0-1
LAST WEEK	W 25-23 vs. Buccaneers	W 28-19 vs. Falcons
LAST GAME	9/25/05: Panthers 24 at Dolphins 27. Miami S Lance Schulters intercepts pass with 1:51 remaining to set up Dolphins K Olindo Mare’s game-winning FG with 4 seconds left.
LAST GAME AT SITE	11/15/98: Dolphins 13, Panthers 9. Miami limits Carolina to 210 total yards as Dolphins S Brian Walker intercepts Panthers QB Steve Beuerlein twice.
BROADCAST	NFLN (8:20 PM ET): Bob Papa, Matt Millen. Westwood One Radio: Ian Eagle, Boomer Esiason, Laura Okmin (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 124 (WW1), 126 (Mia.), 125 (Car.). XM: 124 (WW1), 103 (Mia.), 102 (Car.).

STATS

PASSING	Henne: 110-189-1,165-5-4-76.3	Delhomme: 145-245-1,658-7-13-67.0
RUSHING	R. Williams: 105-558-5.3-6	D. Williams: 168-860 (3C)-5.1-7 (3C)
RECEIVING	Bess: 40-334-8.4-0	S. Smith: 38-512-13.5-3
OFFENSE	316.2	331.2
TAKE/GIVE	-1	-7
DEFENSE	337.0	314.6
SACKS	Taylor: 5.5	Peppers: 7
INTs	V. Davis (R): 2	Marshall, S. Martin (R): 3
PUNTING	Fields: 45.8	Baker: 45.8
KICKING	Carpenter: 68 (3C) (23/24 PAT; 15/16 FG)	Kasay: 44 (20/20 PAT; 8/12 FG)

NOTES

DOLPHINS: Have won 4 of past 6 vs. NFC…QB CHAD HENNE is 4-2 as starter & has completed 100 of 170 passes (58.8 pct.) for 1,073 yards with 5 TDs vs. 3 INTs…RB RICKY WILLIAMS gained season-high 102 rush yards last week. Williams has 21 100-yard rush games w/Miami, most by any Dolphin. Has 3 100-yard rush games vs. Panthers in 6 career meetings…Since ’08, WR DAVONE BESS leads team w/94 receptions…Rookie TE KORY SPERRY posted 1st career TD rec. in 1st NFL game last week…LB JASON TAYLOR has 2 sacks in 3 games vs. Car. Taylor (126) needs 1 sack to surpass DERRICK THOMAS (126.5) for 11th-most sacks all-time…DE RANDY STARKS (4.5) needs 0.5 sack to surpass career-high of 4.5 as rookie in ’04…KR-WR TED GINN JR. ranks 1st in AFC & 3rd in NFL w/29.4 KR avg. & is tied for league-high w/2 KR-TDs…PANTHERS: QB JAKE DELHOMME passed for 285 yards & 3 TDs in only start vs. Mia. Has won 4 of past 5 vs. AFC. Had 115.8 rating last week. In career as starter (incl. playoffs), when Delhomme has 110+ rating, team is 18-1 (.947)…RB DE ANGELO WILLIAMS aims for 5th in row vs. AFC with rush TD. Has rushed for 440 yards (110 per game) & 5 TDs in past 4 vs. AFC. Has rushed for 832 yards (118.9 per game) & 10 TDs in past 7 in Nov. Has rushed for 640 yards (128 per game) & 5 TDs in past 5. RB JONATHAN STEWART has 12 rush TDs in 13 career home games (incl. playoffs) & had 2 TDs last week…WR STEVE SMITH had 11 catches for 170 yards (15.5 avg.) & 3 TDs in last meeting. Had 2 TDs last week. WR MUHSIN MUHAMMAD had 30-yard TD in last game vs. Mia. (11/5/06 with Chi.)…DE JULIUS PEPPERS has 21.5 sacks in past 23. Rookie S SHERROD MARTIN had INT last week & has 3 INTs in past 3. CB RICHARD MARSHALL has INT in 2 of past 3.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (9-0) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-4)

SERIES

	COLTS	RAVENS
SERIES LEADER	6-2
STREAKS	Past 5
COACHES VS. OPP.	Caldwell: 0-0	Harbaugh: 0-1
LAST WEEK	W 35-34 vs. Patriots	W 16-0 at Browns
LAST GAME	10/12/08: Ravens 3 at Colts 31. Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning throws 3 1st-half TD passes, incl. 2 to WR Marvin Harrison (67, 5), as Colts jump out to 24-0 lead.
LAST GAME AT SITE	12/9/07: Colts 44, Ravens 20. Manning passes for 4 TDs as Colts score 37 1st-half points to clinch 6th consecutive postseason berth.
BROADCAST	CBS (1:00 PM ET): Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf. SIRIUS: 121 (Ind.), 129 (Bal.). XM: 107 (Ind.).

STATS

PASSING	Manning: 249-357-2,872 (1L)-20 (1L)-7-104.2 (1C)	Flacco: 196-300-2,199-12-7-90.7
RUSHING	Addai: 126-440-3.5-6	Rice: 128-662-5.2-6
RECEIVING	Wayne: 69 (1L)-879 (2L)-12.7-8 (T1L)	Rice (RB): 49-451-9.2-1
OFFENSE	401.1 (3L)	348.9
TAKE/GIVE	+7 (2C)	+4 (3C)
DEFENSE	322.7	302.8
SACKS	Freeney: 9.5 (3L)	J. Johnson: 6
INTs	Bethea: 3	Landry: 3
PUNTING	McAfee (R): 44.6	Koch: 45.3
KICKING	Stover: 31 (13/13 PAT; 6/6 FG)	---

NOTES

COLTS: Have won franchise-record 18 consecutive regular-season games & can surpass 2003-04 Patriots for 2nd-longest such streak in NFL history…Incl. postseason, team seeks 7th consecutive win vs. Ravens…In past 6 (incl. playoffs) vs. Ravens, QB PEYTON MANNING has completed 118 of 184 passes (64.1 pct.) for 1,477 yards with 11 TDs vs. 3 INTs & 102.1 passer rating. Has 8 300-yard passing games in 9 contests in ’09. Colts have won 13 consecutive games when Manning passes for 300+ yards…RB JOSEPH ADDAI scored 3 TDs in last game at Bal. (2 rush, 1 rec.)… Last week, WR REGGIE WAYNE posted 4th 100-yard rec. game of season & 3rd game w/10+ rec…TE DALLAS CLARK (320) is tied with HOFer JOHN MACKEY for most career rec. by TE in club history. Clark (3,850) needs 150 rec. yards to become 2nd Colts TE with 4,000 (Mackey, 5,126)…DE DWIGHT FREENEY has 5 sacks in 4 road games in ’09...DE ROBERT MATHIS tied career high w/3 sacks in last game vs. Ravens. Mathis aims for 5th consecutive game with at least 0.5 sack & has 4 sacks in past 4…RAVENS: In 4 games at home in ’09, QB JOE FLACCO is 3-1 & has completed 93 of 134 yards (69.4 pct.) for 1,010 yards with 6 TDs vs. 3 INTs & 96.9 passer rating. Flacco (12) needs 3 TD passes to surpass 14 as rookie last year…RB RAY RICE aims for 7th consecutive game w/100+ total yards. Rice seeks 5th consecutive game with rush TD. RB WILLIS MC GAHEE (2,114) surpassed PRIEST HOLMES (2,102) for 2nd on Ravens all-time list…WR DERRICK MASON is averaging 14.7 yards per catch in ’09…WR MARK CLAYTON (2,954) needs 46 receiving yards to reach 3,000 career…LB RAY LEWIS (35.5 sacks, 28 INTs) needs 2 INTs to become 1st player in NFL history w/35 sacks & 30 INTs…LB JARRET JOHNSON has career-high 6 sacks in ’09…S DAWAN LANDRY had 48-yard INT-TD return last week…CB CHRIS CARR posted 1st INT w/Ravens last week.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-6) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (6-3)

SERIES

	REDSKINS	COWBOYS
SERIES LEADER		57-37-2
STREAKS	2 of past 3	17 of past 23
COACHES VS. OPP.	Zorn: 1-1	Phillips: 3-2
LAST WEEK	W 27-17 vs. Broncos	L 17-7 at Packers
LAST GAME	11/16/08: Cowboys 14 at Redskins 10. Dallas QB Tony Romo throws TD pass to TE Martellus Bennett in 4th quarter. RB Marion Barber rushes for 114 yards & TD in road win.
LAST GAME AT SITE	9/28/08: Redskins 26, Cowboys 24. Washington QB Jason Campbell throws for 231 yards & 2 TDs & RB Clinton Portis adds 121 rush yards. Redskins K Shaun Suisham has 4 FGs.
BROADCAST	FOX (12:00 PM CT): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 152 (Was.), 122 (Dal.). XM: 108 (Dal.).

STATS

PASSING	Campbell: 168-254-1,870-10-8-87.9	Romo: 183-303-2,466 (3C)-14-6-93.5
RUSHING	Portis: 124-494-4.0-1	Barber: 103-473-4.6-4
RECEIVING	Moss: 35-508-14.5-2	Witten (TE): 49-438-8.9-1
OFFENSE	308.0	390.4 (2C)
TAKE/GIVE	-6	-3
DEFENSE	288.3 (3C)	330.6
SACKS	Carter: 8 (2C)	Ware: 7
INTs	Hall: 4	Jenkins: 3
PUNTING	H. Smith: 42.5	McBriar: 45.3
KICKING	Suisham: 50 (14/15 PAT; 12/12 FG)	Folk: 66 (24/24 PAT; 14/18 FG)

NOTES

7 of past 10 in series decided by 5 points or less…REDSKINS: QB JASON CAMPBELL had 100.3 rating last week & team is 6-2 when he has 100+ mark. In last meeting at Dal., completed 20 of 31 (64.5 pct.) for 231 yards with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 108.4 rating. Had career-high 348 yards at Dal. (11/18/07)…RB CLINTON PORTIS averages 108 scrimmage yards per game (11,659 yards, 108 games), 6th highest mark in NFL history (min. 100 games). RB LADELL BETTS had 114 yards & TD last week. Aims for 3rd in row with TD run. FB MIKE SELLERS had 35-yard TD catch from P HUNTER SMITH last week…WR SANTANA MOSS has 26 catches for 494 yards (123.5 per game) & 3 TDs in past 4 at Dal. WR ANTWAAN RANDLE EL had TD catch in last meeting at Dal. TE CHRIS COOLEY has 5 TDs in past 7 vs. Dal…DE ANDRE CARTER has 7 sacks in past 5. LB BRIAN ORAKPO leads all NFL rookies with 7 sacks. LB ROCKY MC INTOSH had INT in last meeting. CB DE ANGELO HALL had INT in last game vs. Dal…COWBOYS: QB TONY ROMO has won 13 of past 14 Nov. starts. Team is 23-3 (.885) when he starts & has 100+ rating. Has 593 yards (296.5 per game) & 7 TDs for 105.1 rating in past 2 meetings at home…RB MARION BARBER rushed for 114 yards & TD in last meeting. Has 35 rush TDs since 2006, most in NFC & 3rd in NFL. RB-KR FELIX JONES averages 41.8 yards per TD in career…WR MILES AUSTIN ties for 3rd in NFL with 7 rec. TDs. Leads NFL with 6 rec. TDs of 20+ yards. Had TD in last home game vs. Was. WR ROY WILLIAMS had 5 catches for 105 yards & TD last week. Since 2004, TE JASON WITTEN has 443 receptions, 2nd most among TEs. Had 7 catches for 90 yards & TD in last home game vs. Was…LB DE MARCUS WARE aims for 7th in row vs. Was. with sack. Has 41 sacks since 2007, most in NFL. Team has won 8 in row when CB TERENCE NEWMAN has INT. Has 7 INTs in past 10 meetings. DT JAY RATLIFF had 2 sacks in last meeting. LB VICTOR BUTLER is 3rd among rookies with 3 sacks. DE STEPHEN BOWEN had sack & FF last week.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-8) AT DETROIT LIONS (1-8)

SERIES

	BROWNS	LIONS
SERIES LEADER		13-4
STREAKS		4 of past 5
COACHES VS. OPP.	Mangini: 1-0	Schwartz: 0-0
LAST WEEK	L 16-0 vs. Ravens	L 27-10 at Vikings
LAST GAME	10/23/05: Lions 13 at Browns 10. Detroit defense forces 3 turnovers & records 4 sacks & offense outgains Cleveland 329-174. Lions QB Jeff Garcia rushes for team’s only TD.
LAST GAME AT SITE	10/8/95: Lions 38, Browns 20. Detroit RB Barry Sanders rushes for 157 yards & 3 TDs on 18 carries. WR Herman Moore adds 9 receptions for 125 yards as Lions post 429 total yards.
BROADCAST	CBS (1:00 PM ET): Don Criqui, Randy Cross. SIRIUS: 147 (Cle.), 155 (Det.). XM: 110 (Det.).

STATS

PASSING	Quinn: 59-108-508-1-5-51.0	Stafford (R): 144-265-1,489-6-12-59.5
RUSHING	Lewis: 108-385-3.6-0	K. Smith: 150-515-3.4-3
RECEIVING	Furrey: 21-151-7.2-0	C. Johnson: 32-436-13.6-1
OFFENSE	214.3	293.9
TAKE/GIVE	-13	-6
DEFENSE	394.1	386.2
SACKS	Wimbley: 5	Peterson: 3.5
INTs	Pool: 3	6 tied: 1
PUNTING	Hodges: 39.2	N. Harris: 42.5
KICKING	Dawson: 14 (2/3 PAT; 4/4 FG)	Hanson: 49 (13/13 PAT; 12/15 FG)

NOTES

BROWNS: QB BRADY QUINN posted season-high 205 passing yards in last game vs. NFC opponent (9/13/09, vs. Min). Quinn will make 1st road start against NFC…RB JAMAL LEWIS gained 95 rush yards in only career meeting vs. Lions (10/9/05, w/Bal). With 10 carries last week, Lewis (2,507) became 20th player in NFL history w/2,500 rush att…Rookie WR MOHAMED MASSAQUOI (2nd round, Georgia) averages 17.9 yards per catch (20 rec., 358 yards). WR MIKE FURREY spent 3 seasons in Detroit (2006-08). Furrey posted season-high 6 receptions last week…Rookie LB KALUKA MAIAVA (Round 4, USC) had career-high 8 tackles last week in 2nd career start…Club has 19 sacks after posting 17 in all of ’08…DT SHAUN ROGERS spent 1st 7 seasons (2001-07) w/Lions & selected to 2 Pro Bowls…LB KAMERION WIMBLEY aims for 4th consecutive game with sack on road in ’09…LB DAVID BOWENS tied career-high with 2 sacks last week…LIONS: Rookie head coach JIM SCHWARTZ started NFL career as scout with Browns (1993-95)…QB MATTHEW STAFFORD has 3 TD passes in past 2…RB KEVIN SMITH has TD in 3 of past 5 vs. AFC. Has 3 100-yard rush games in career…WR CALVIN JOHNSON led team with 8 catches & 84 yards last week. Has 5 rec. TDs in his past 9 in Nov. Since 2008, ties for 6th in NFL with 13 TD rec. Has 7 career 100-yard games, incl. 3 vs. AFC. WR DENNIS NORTHCUTT was Browns 2nd-round pick in ’00 & played 7 seasons with Cle (2000-06). TE WILL HELLER had TD catch last week. WR BRYANT JOHNSON had TD reception in last game vs. Cle. (12/2/07, with Arz.)…LB LARRY FOOTE has started 11 games vs. Cle. in career & his teams are 11-0. DE CLIFF AVRIL has 4.5 sacks, 4 FFs & FR in past 8 at home. LB JULIAN PETERSON had INT in 9/21/03 game vs. Cle. (with SF.). Rookie DT JOE COHEN had 1st career sack last week…K JASON HANSON needs 4 points to become 7th player in NFL history with 1,800 career. Has made 42 FGs for 50+ yards, most in NFL history.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (4-5) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (5-4)

SERIES

	49ERS	PACKERS
SERIES LEADER		28-25-1
STREAKS		Past 7
COACHES VS. OPP.	Singletary: 0-0	McCarthy: 1-0
LAST WEEK	W 10-6 vs. Bears	W 17-7 vs. Cowboys
LAST GAME	12/10/06: Packers 30 at 49ers 19. Green Bay QB Brett Favre passes for 293 yards & 2 TDs, including 68-yard TD to WR Donald Driver, who has 9 receptions & 160 yards.
LAST GAME AT SITE	11/23/03: Packers 20, 49ers 10. Favre passes for 2 TDs, including 66-yarder to WR Javon Walker. Packers RB Ahman Green rushes 27 times for 154 yards.
BROADCAST	FOX (12:00 PM CT): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick, Chris Myers (Field reporter). Westwood One Radio: Howard David, Dan Reeves. SIRIUS: 156 (SF), 127 (GB). XM: 104 (GB).

STATS

PASSING	A. Smith: 79-122-808-6-6-79.5	Rodgers: 189-296-2,444-17 (T3C)-5-101.8 (3C)
RUSHING	Gore: 105-551-5.2-6	Grant: 168-700-4.2-4
RECEIVING	V. Davis (TE): 45-493-11.0-7 (T3L)	Driver: 41-663-16.2-4
OFFENSE	277.9	366.2
TAKE/GIVE	+1	+13 (1L)
DEFENSE	336.0	282.3 (2C)
SACKS	McDonald: 3	Matthews (R): 4
INTs	Goldson, Willis: 2	Woodson: 5 (T3L)
PUNTING	Lee: 47.6 (3L)	Kapinos: 44.2
KICKING	Nedney: 52 (22/22 PAT; 10/13 FG)	Crosby: 68 (23/24 PAT; 15/20 FG)

NOTES

GAME FEATURES 1st 2 QBs selected in 2005 NFL Draft: ALEX SMITH (SF, No. 1) & AARON RODGERS (GB, No. 24). 49ERS: QB Smith had 69.6 comp. pct. last week & team is 5-0 when Smith completes 69+ pct. of his passes…RB FRANK GORE aims for 4th in row with rush TD. Has 417 scrimmage yards (139 per game) in past 3 games. Has 3 60+ yard TD runs this year, 1st RB with 3+ in season since 2003. Has 5,889 scrimmage yards since start of 2006, 3rd most in NFL. In last meeting, rushed for 130 yards & TD…TE VERNON DAVIS ties for 3rd in NFL with 7 rec. TDs. Had career-long 52-yard TD in last meeting. Rookie WR MICHAEL CRABTREE has 3+ catches in each of 1st 4 starts. WR ISAAC BRUCE ranks 2nd in career rec. yards (15,188), 5th in receptions (1,023) & 9th in rec. TD (91)…Last week, 5 49ers had INT for 1st time since 1986. LB PATRICK WILLIS has 2.5 sacks, 23-yard INT-TD & 2 FFs in past 6. DT AUBRAYO FRANKLIN had 1st career INT last week. CB TARRELL BROWN had 51-yard INT last week… PACKERS: QB Rodgers ranks 4th in NFL with 101.8 rating…When RB RYAN GRANT has 22+ att. (incl. playoffs), team is 10-1 (.909). In those 11 games, Grant has rushed for 1,318 yards (119.8 per game)…WR GREG JENNINGS has 26 rec. TDs (811 yards) & averages 31.2 yards per TD. 11 of 26 TDs have been 40+ yards. WR DONALD DRIVER had 9 catches for 160 yards & TD in last meeting. TE SPENCER HAVNER has 4 TDs in past 4…CB CHARLES WOODSON had sack, INT & 2 FFs last week. Has 24 INTs in 55 games with GB. Has 24 INTs since 2006, 2nd most in NFL. His 5 INT-TDs during that span lead NFL. S NICK COLLINS had INT in last meeting. Had 1st career sack last week vs. Dal. LB CLAY MATTHEWS ranks 2nd among rookies with 4 sacks. LB A.J. HAWK had 25-yard INT in last meeting. LB NICK BARNETT tied career high with 2 sacks last week. Packers are 11-1 (.917) when Barnett has 0.5+ sack.

BUFFALO BILLS (3-6) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (5-4)

SERIES

	BILLS	JAGUARS
SERIES LEADER	5-3
STREAKS	2 of past 3
COACHES VS. OPP.	Fewell: 0-0	Del Rio: 2-3
LAST WEEK	L 41-17 at Titans	W 24-22 at Jets
LAST GAME	9/14/08: Bills 20 at Jaguars 16. Buffalo overcomes 16-10 4th-quarter deficit as QB Trent Edwards connects with WR James Hardy on 7-yard TD & K Rian Lindell adds 45-yard FG.
LAST GAME AT SITE	9/14/08
BROADCAST	CBS (1:00 PM ET): Bill Macatee, Steve Beuerlein. SIRIUS: 144 (Buf.), 108 (Jax.). XM: 109 (Jax.).

STATS

PASSING	Edwards: 109-181-1,170-6-7-74.1 OR Fitzpatrick: 38-77-362-2-4-49.8	Garrard: 178-292-2,088-7-5-83.5
RUSHING	Jackson: 120-493-4.1-0	Jones-Drew: 169-860 (2C)-5.1-12 (1L)
RECEIVING	Evans: 27-381-14.1-5	Sims-Walker: 39-603-15.5-5
OFFENSE	268.2	358.9
TAKE/GIVE	+2	-1
DEFENSE	373.0	357.6
SACKS	Schobel: 5	D. Smith: 1.5
INTs	Byrd (R): 8 (1L)	Mathis: 3
PUNTING	Moorman: 46.3 (2C)	Podlesh: 41.3
KICKING	Lindell: 56 (14/14 PAT; 14/16 FG)	Scobee: 49 (19/20 PAT; 10/16 FG)

NOTES

BILLS: Have won 2 of past 3 against Jaguars. Teams meet for 4th consecutive season…In only start vs. Jaguars, QB TRENT EDWARDS completed 20 of 25 passes (80.0 pct.) for 239 yards w/1 TD vs. 0 INTs & 119.8 passer rating. Edwards 61.3 career completion pct. is highest in Bills history (min. 250 att.)…RB MARSHAWN LYNCH (2,405) needs 95 rush yards to reach 2,500 career. RB FRED JACKSON recorded career-high 7 rec. & tied career-best in receiving yards w/83 in last game vs. Jax…WR TERRELL OWENS (14,488) needs 93 receiving yards to surpass MARVIN HARRISON (14,580) for 4th-most receiving yards all-time. WR LEE EVANS had 2 TDs last week & posted his 7th career game w/2+ TD rec…Bills ranks 2nd in NFL w/16 INTs…DT MARCUS STROUD played 7 seasons in Jax. (2001-07) & was selected to 3 Pro Bowls…S JAIRUS BYRD (2nd round, Oregon) has INT in 5 consecutive games & is 1 of only 2 players since 1970 w/INT in 5 consecutive games in 1st season in NFL (ERIC HARRIS, KC, 1980; 6)…JAGUARS: Club aims for 4th consecutive win at home…QB DAVID GARRARD has completed 95 of 108 passes (65.3 pct.) for 1,204 passing yards with 6 TDs vs. 3 INTs & 95.0 passer rating at home in ’09. Aims for 3rd consecutive game w/100+ passer rating (110.7, 101.6) & Jaguars are 16-4 (.800) when he has 100+ rating as starter. Leads AFC & ranks 2nd among NFL QBs with 202 rush yards (AARON RODGERS, 229)…RB MAURICE JONES-DREW (12) needs 3 rush TDs to surpass FRED TAYLOR (14 in 1998) for most rush TDs in season in franchise history. Jones-Drew (860) needs 140 rush yards to reach 1,000-yard mark for 1st time. Aims for 4th consecutive game w/TD vs. Bills. In past 4, Jones-Drew is averaging 132.5 rush yards per game w/7 rush TDs. Leads NFL with 12 rush TDs in ’09…WR MIKE SIMS-WALKER is averaging 21.8 yards per catch in past 2 (9 rec., 196 yards)…LB DARYL SMITH has 100+ tackles in 4 consecutive seasons & leads team w/62 tackles in ’09…CB RASHEAN MATHIS posted 3rd INT of season last week & has franchise record 28 career INTs…DE QUENTIN GROVES posted 1st career INT last week.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6-3) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-7)

SERIES

	STEELERS	CHIEFS
SERIES LEADER	17-8
STREAKS	3 of past 5 & 8 of past 11
COACHES VS. OPP.	Tomlin: 0-0	Haley: 0-0
LAST WEEK	L 18-12 vs. Bengals	W 16-10 at Raiders
LAST GAME	10/15/06: Chiefs 7 at Steelers 45. Pittsburgh jumps to 31-0 lead with 1st-half scoring drives of 73, 58, 80, 65 & 76 yards en route to victory as Steelers climb back into AFC North race.
LAST GAME AT SITE	9/14/03: Chiefs 41, Steelers 20. Kansas City RB Priest Holmes scores 3 TDs & Chiefs defense forces 4 turnovers as club improves to 2-0.
BROADCAST	CBS (12:00 PM CT): Ian Eagle, Rich Gannon. SIRIUS: 91 (Pit.), 130 (KC). XM: 106 (Pit.).

STATS

PASSING	Roethlisberger: 205-302-2,469-14-8-97.1	Cassel: 144-259-1,472-10-6-75.3
RUSHING	Mendenhall: 113-609-5.4-4	Charles: 47-255-5.4-1
RECEIVING	Ward: 53-670-12.6-4	Charles (RB): 21-153-7.3-0
OFFENSE	364.7	266.6
TAKE/GIVE	-3	+1
DEFENSE	277.4 (1C)	375.6
SACKS	J. Harrison: 9 (3C)	Gilberry: 3.5
INTs	Polamalu: 3	M. Brown, Flowers: 2
PUNTING	Sepulveda: 44.5	Colquitt: 45.0
KICKING	Reed: 63 (24/24 PAT; 13/16 FG)	Succop (R): 54 (12/12 PAT; 14/18 FG)

NOTES

STEELERS: Club aims for 3rd consecutive win against AFC West in ’09…In only start vs. Chiefs, QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER completed 16 of 19 passes (84.2 pct.) for 238 yards with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 153.8 passer rating. Has 3 TDs & 100+ passer rating in each of past 2 road games. Incl. playoffs, team is 33-2 (.943), when Roethlisberger has 100+ passer rating…In past 2 on road, RB RASHARD MENDENHALL is averaging 116 rush yards per game (232 total). RB WILLIE PARKER posted 109 rush yards (5.2 avg.) w/2 TDs in only meeting against Chiefs…WR HINES WARD aims for 2nd consecutive 100-yard receiving game at KC (146). WR SANTONIO HOLMES (199) needs 1 reception for 200 career…Defense ranks 1st in AFC & 2nd in NFL (277.4 yards per game)…Club allows league-low 69.3 rush yards per game…LB JAMES FARRIOR leads team with 73 tackles…LB JAMES HARRISON (9) needs 1 sack to reach double-digit sacks in consecutive season for 1st time …CB IKE TAYLOR leads team w/10 passes defensed…CHIEFS: Team has won 2 of past 3 at home against Steelers…QB MATT CASSEL has 12-11 record (.521) as starter...RB JAMAAL CHARLES averages 5.4 rush yards per carry in ’09 (47 att., 252 yards). Charles posted 2nd career 100-yard rush game last week (103), incl. 44-yard rush TD (career-first)… In 2 games w/KC, WR CHRIS CHAMBERS has 6 receptions for 130 yards (21.7 avg.) w/2 TDs. WR LANCE LONG made 1st career start last week…Defense allowed season-low 90 passing yards last week…LB DEMORRIO WILLIAMS leads team w/71 tackles…LB MIKE VRABEL originally was selected in 3rd-round by Pit. in ’97 & spent 4 seasons w/Steelers. Posted INT in last game vs. Steelers (w/NE on 11/30/08)…S MIKE BROWN had career-high 2 INTs last week, incl. game-clinching INT w/38 seconds left in 4th qtr…DE WALLACE GILBERRY has career-high 3.5 sacks in ’09…P DUSTIN COLQUITT leads NFL w/27 punts inside of 20-yard line. Colquitt needs 1 more punt inside 20-yard line to surpass career-high.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-6) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (8-1)

SERIES

	SEAHAWKS	VIKINGS
SERIES LEADER	6-4
STREAKS		2 of past 3
COACHES VS. OPP.	Mora: 1-0	Childress: 1-0
LAST WEEK	L 31-20 at Cardinals	W 27-10 vs. Lions
LAST GAME	10/22/06: Vikings 31 at Seahawks 13. Minnesota RB Chester Taylor has franchise-record 95-yard TD run & RB Mewelde Moore completes 15-yard TD pass to TE Jermaine Wiggins.
LAST GAME AT SITE	12/12/04: Seahawks 27, Vikings 23. Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck throws for 334 yards & 3 TDs. Seahawks K Josh Brown seals win on 28-yard FG with 3:40 remaining.
BROADCAST	FOX (12:00 PM CT): Dick Stockton, Charles Davis. SIRIUS: 157 (Sea.), 125 (Min.). XM: 102 (Min.).

STATS

PASSING	Hasselbeck: 150-255-1,622-11-6-82.2	Favre: 194-285-2,269-17 (T3C)-3-107.5 (1L)
RUSHING	J. Jones: 107-392-3.7-2	Peterson: 181-917 (1C)-5.1-11 (1C)
RECEIVING	Houshmandzadeh: 50 (3C)-582-11.6-3	Rice: 44-786 (1C)-17.9-2
OFFENSE	337.6	369.1
TAKE/GIVE	-2	+4
DEFENSE	338.0	328.7
SACKS	Jackson, Kerney: 4	J. Allen: 10.5 (1C)
INTs	Hawthorne: 3	Greenway, Griffin: 2
PUNTING	Ryan: 46.7 (3C)	Kluwe: 43.8
KICKING	Mare: 67 (19/19 PAT; 16/18 FG)	Longwell: 77 (3C) (32/32 PAT; 15/16 FG)

NOTES

SEAHAWKS: QB MATT HASSELBECK completed 23 of 34 (67.6 pct.) for 334 yards with 3 TDs vs. 2 INTs for 103.4 rating in last start at Min. In starts with 10+ att. & 90+ rating, his teams are 39-13 (.750). Aims for 3rd in row with 300+ yards…RB JUSTIN FORSETT had career-high 123 rush yards & TD last week. RB JULIUS JONES has 20 games with 22+ att. In those 20, Jones has rushed for 2,172 yards (108.6 per game) & 16 TDs…WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH had 9 catches for 165 yards (18.3 avg.) last week. Ranks 2nd in NFL with 344 rec. since 2006. WR NATE BURLESON has 9 rec. TDs in past 15. Was drafted in 3rd round by Min. in 2003. Played 3 seasons (2003-05) with Vikings & had 1,000-yard season in 2004. TE JOHN CARLSON had 31-yard TD last week…LB DAVID HAWTHORNE has 2 sacks, 2 INTs & FF in past 3. DE PATRICK KERNEY has 9 sacks in past 15. Aims for 4th in row vs. Min. with 0.5+ sack. LB LEROY HILL had sack & FF in last meeting…VIKINGS: Have scored in 33 of 36 quarters (91.7 pct.)…Incl. playoffs, QB BRETT FAVRE has 4 games vs. Sea. with 100+ rating & is 4-0. Has 100+ rating in 5 of past 6…Since entering NFL in 2007, RB ADRIAN PETERSON leads league with 4,018 rush yards, 775 more than No. 2 CLINTON PORTIS (3,243). RB CHESTER TAYLOR rushed for career-high 169 yards & TD (95 yards) in his last game vs. Sea…WR SIDNEY RICE had 7 catches for career-high 201 yards last week, 4th player in team history with 200+ yards. Incl. playoffs, WR BERNARD BERRIAN has 26 TDs & 18 have been 30+ yards. Aims for 3rd in row vs. Sea. with 100+ yards. WR-KR PERCY HARVIN leads NFL rookies with 5 TDs (3 rec., 2 KR). TE VISANTHE SHIANCOE ties for 2nd among TEs with 6 TDs. DE JARED ALLEN has 68 sacks since 2004, 1st in NFL. Has 25 sacks in past 21 (incl. playoffs). Had INT in last meeting (10/29/06 with KC). DT KEVIN WILLIAMS had FR-TD in last meeting. Aims for 4th meeting in row with sack. LB E.J. HENDERSON had INT & 0.5 sack in last meeting. DE RAY EDWARDS had 2 sacks last week.

ATLANTA FALCONS (5-4) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (5-4)

SERIES

	FALCONS	GIANTS
SERIES LEADER	10-9
STREAKS		Past 2
COACHES VS. OPP.	Smith: 0-0	Coughlin: 4-1
LAST WEEK	L 28-19 at Panthers	Bye (Week 9: L 21-20 vs. Chargers)
LAST GAME	10/15/07: Giants 31 at Falcons 10. New York QB Eli Manning passes for 303 yards & 2 TDs as Giants win 4th consecutive game. Giants outgain Falcons 491-284 in total yards.
LAST GAME AT SITE	11/21/04: Falcons 14, Giants 10. Atlanta QB Michael Vick passes for 115 yards & 2 TDs & rushes for 104 yards as Falcons spoil starting debut of New York QB Eli Manning.
BROADCAST	FOX (1:00 PM ET): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 153 (Atl.), 123 (NYG). XM: 105 (NYG).

STATS

PASSING	Ryan: 178-298-2,008-14-12-78.8	Manning: 165-275-2,070-15-8-89.5
RUSHING	Turner: 165-831-5.0-10 (3L)	Jacobs: 151-617-4.1-2
RECEIVING	White: 47-668-14.2-6	Smith: 61 (2C)-719 (2C)-11.8-5
OFFENSE	342.8	377.7 (3C)
TAKE/GIVE	+2	+2
DEFENSE	371.0	274.4 (1L)
SACKS	Babineaux, Biermann: 4	Umenyiora: 5
INTs	DeCoud: 2	Thomas: 3
PUNTING	Koenen: 43.3	Feagles: 39.3
KICKING	Elam: 53 (26/27 PAT; 9/14 FG)	Tynes: 82 (T1C) (25/25 PAT; 19/23 FG)

NOTES

ROAD TEAM has won every meeting in series since 1979 (12 games)…FALCONS: QB MATT RYAN has won 16 of 1st 25 career starts. Falcons are 8-0 when Ryan has 100+ rating…RB MICHAEL TURNER has 27 rush TDs since joining Atl. in 2008, most in NFL. Aims for 4th in row with 100+ rush yards. Has rushed for 428 yards (142.7 per game) & 3 TDs in past 3. RB JERIOUS NORWOOD had 67-yard TD run in last meeting. RB JASON SNELLING had 61 yards & TD last week. Has 60+ rush yards in each of past 2 & previous career high was 47 yards…WR RODDY WHITE has 5 rec. TDs in past 6. Has 4 rec. TDs of 20+ yards, tied for 2nd in NFL. Had 7 catches for 98 yards last week. TE TONY GONZALEZ had 6 catches for 67 yards last week…Defense has 6 INTs in 3 games vs. NYG QB Manning & aims for 4th in row with 2+ INTs. DE JOHN ABRAHAM aims for 3rd in row vs. NYG with sack & FF. CB TYE HILL had FF in only game vs. NYG (9/14/08 with StL). DT JONATHAN BABINEAUX has 3.5 sacks in past 3. S THOMAS DE COUD has 2 INTs, 2 sacks & FF in past 5...GIANTS: QB ELI MANNING passed for 303 yards & 2 TDs in last start vs. Atl…RB BRANDON JACOBS (617 yards) & RB AHMAD BRADSHAW (515) are only NFC teammates with 500+ rush yards each. In last meeting, Jacobs rushed for 86 yards on 13 att. (6.6 avg.)…WR STEVE SMITH is 2nd in NFC with 61 receptions & 719 yards. Aims for 3rd in row with 8+ catches. Has 37 1st down receptions, 2nd most in NFC. TE KEVIN BOSS aims for 3rd in row with TD catch. Rookie WR HAKEEM NICKS has rec. TD in 4 of past 6. Tied for lead among NFL rookies with 4 rec. TDs… When DE JUSTIN TUCK has sack (incl. playoffs), team is 15-3 (.833). Have won 10 in row when Tuck has 1+ sack (incl. SB XLII). Had sack in last meeting. DE OSI UMENYIORA aims for 3rd in row with sack & FF. Has 2.5 sacks & FF in past 3 meetings. LB ANTONIO PIERCE had sack in last meeting. LB MICHAEL BOLEY played 4 seasons with Atl. (2005-08). Was 5th round pick by Falcons in 2005. CB TERRELL THOMAS has INT in 2 of past 3 games.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (9-0) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-8)

SERIES

	SAINTS	BUCCANEERS
SERIES LEADER	20-14
STREAKS		3 of past 4
COACHES VS. OPP.	Payton: 3-3	Morris: 0-0
LAST WEEK	W 28-23 at Rams	L 25-23 at Dolphins
LAST GAME	11/30/08: Saints 20 at Buccaneers 23. Tampa Bay K Matt Bryant kicks game-winning 37-yard FG with 1:55 remaining. Buccaneers defense registers 2 INTs in final minutes of win.
LAST GAME AT SITE	11/30/08
BROADCAST	FOX (1:00 PM ET): Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan. SIRIUS: 126 (NO), 158 (TB). XM: 103 (NO).

STATS

PASSING	Brees: 199-291-2,559 (1C)-19 (1C)-9-104.6 (2L)	Freeman (R): 32-63-417-4-2-79.9
RUSHING	P. Thomas: 94-492-5.2-5	Williams: 106-418-3.9-3
RECEIVING	Colston: 39-613-15.7-6	Winslow (TE): 42-454-10.8-5
OFFENSE	426.1 (1L)	276.3
TAKE/GIVE	+6 (3C)	0
DEFENSE	343.0	379.2
SACKS	Smith: 7.5 (T3C)	Wilkerson: 5.5
INTs	Sharper: 7 (1C)	Talib: 5 (T3L)
PUNTING	Morstead (R): 43.0	D. Johnson: 41.4
KICKING	Carney: 73 (40/42 PAT; 11/14 FG)	Barth: 17 (5/5 PAT; 4/5 FG)

NOTES

SAINTS: Are 9-0 for 1st time in team history. Average 36.8 points per game, most in NFL…QB DREW BREES aims for 4th in row vs. division with 300+ yards. In past 3 vs. division, has 1,024 yards, 7 TDs, 3 INTs & 104.1 rating. Since joining NO in 2006, leads NFL with 16,469 pass yards. Has 2,636 yards (329.5 per game), 24 TDs, 7 INTs & 118.9 rating in past 8 vs. NFC…RB-PR REGGIE BUSH had rush & rec. TD last week. Has 2 TDs vs. TB (65-yard PR-TD & 42-yard rec. TD). Has 30 career TDs (17 rush, 9 rec, 4 PR) & is only Saint to score via rush, rec. & PR. RB PIERRE THOMAS aims for 4th in row vs. division with rush TD. Had 20-yard TD catch in last meeting…WR MARQUES COLSTON had 6 catches for 106 yards in last meeting. Has 10 TDs in past 12. WR ROBERT MEACHEM aims for 3rd in row with TD. TE JEREMY SHOCKEY has 458 receptions since 2002, 3rd most in NFL by TE. KR COURTNEY ROBY had 97-yard KR-TD last week, his 1st TD since 2005…DE WILL SMITH has 5 sacks in past 3 & aims for 4th in row with sack. S DARREN SHARPER has INT in 2 of past 3 vs. TB, incl. 88-yard INT-TD. LB JONATHAN VILMA had sack in last meeting… BUCCANEERS: QB JOSH FREEMAN has 4 TDs in 1st 2 NFL starts…Team is 10-0 when RB CADILLAC WILLIAMS has 22+ carries. Has 3 rush TDs in past 2 meetings. Rushed for TD last week. RB-KR CLIFTON SMITH is 2nd in NFL with 30.1 KR avg…WR ANTONIO BRYANT has rec. TD in 2 of past 3 vs. NO (48 & 39 yards). Has 19 catches for 345 yards (115 per game) & 3 TDs in past 3 division games. WR MAURICE STOVALL had 33-yard TD reception last week. TE KELLEN WINSLOW had 7 catches for 102 yards last week, 2nd 100-yard game of season. Since 2006, ranks 3rd among TEs with 256 catches. WR SAMMIE STROUGHTER is tied for 3rd among NFC rookies with 15 1st down receptions…Defense has 198 INTs since 2000, 2nd most in NFL. S TANARD JACKSON has 3 INTs in past 4, incl. 2 INT-TDs. CB RONDE BARBER has posted 3 INTs in game 2 times, both vs. NO. Has 13 career return TDs. Is 1 of 4 players all-time with 20+ sacks (24) & 30+ INTs (37). CB AQIB TALIB has 5 INTs in past 6. LB QUINCY BLACK had 1st career INT last week…K CONNOR BARTH became 4th player in NFL history with 3 50+ yard FGs in game last week.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (6-3) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (1-8)

SERIES

	CARDINALS	RAMS
SERIES LEADER		30-28-2
STREAKS	Past 5
COACHES VS. OPP.	Whisenhunt: 4-0	Spagnuolo: 0-0
LAST WEEK	W 31-20 vs. Seahawks	L 28-23 vs. Saints
LAST GAME	12/7/08: Rams 10 at Cardinals 34. Arizona defense scores 2 TDs to help Cardinals clinch franchise’s first division title since 1975. WR Steve Breaston records 90 receiving yards.
LAST GAME AT SITE	11/2/08: Cardinals 34, Rams 13. Arizona QB Kurt Warner throws for 343 yards & 2 TDs & Cardinals rookie RB Tim Hightower runs for 109 yards, including 30-yard TD.
BROADCAST	FOX (3:05 PM ET): Ron Pitts, John Lynch. SIRIUS: 121 (Arz.), 91 (StL.). XM: 107 (Arz.).

STATS

PASSING	Warner: 236-353-2,515 (2C)-18 (2C)-11-91.5	Bulger: 121-210-1,254-5-5-73.0
RUSHING	B. Wells (R): 86-395-4.6-3	Jackson: 191-915 (3L)-4.8-2
RECEIVING	Fitzgerald: 63 (1C)-705 (3C)-11.2-8 (T1L)	Jackson (RB): 33-231-7.0-0
OFFENSE	355.2	303.9
TAKE/GIVE	-4	-5
DEFENSE	354.4	378.6
SACKS	Haggans: 4.5	Little: 5
INTs	Rolle: 4	J. Butler: 3
PUNTING	Graham: 48.2 (1C)	D. Jones: 45.1
KICKING	Rackers: 61 (28/28 PAT; 11/12 FG)	Jo. Brown: 34 (10/10 PAT; 8/11 FG)

NOTES

CARDINALS: In career at Edward Jones Dome, QB KURT WARNER has completed 566 of 843 (67.1 pct.) for 7,655 yards with 57 TDs vs. 30 INTs for 103.6 rating. In starts (incl. playoffs) with 100+ rating (min. 15 att.), his teams are 42-4 (.913)…Rookie RB BEANIE WELLS rushed for career-high 85 yards & 2 TDs last week. RB TIM HIGHTOWER had 1st career 100-yard rush game vs. Rams (11/2/08). Aims for 3rd in row vs. StL with rush TD…WR LARRY FITZGERALD has TD in 6 of past 7 meetings (7 TDs). Has 27 rec. TDs since start of 2008 (incl. playoffs), most in NFL & 9 more than next player (RANDY MOSS, 18). Since 2005, leads NFL in receptions (431) & yards (5,900). WR ANQUAN BOLDIN had 105 yards last week, his franchise-best 25th 100-yard game. WR STEVE BREASTON aims for 3rd in row with TD… S ADRIAN WILSON has 4.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FFs & FR in past 6 meetings. CB DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE had 99-yard INT-TD in last meeting, tied for longest in team history. S ANTREL ROLLE has 3 INTs in past 3 vs. StL, incl. 2 TDs. DT DARNELL DOCKETT had 11-yard FR-TD in last meeting. LB CLARK HAGGANS has 3 sacks in past 2… RAMS: QB MARC BULGER has TD pass in all career 12 starts vs. Arz. Has passed for 2+ TDs in 6 of those meetings. Had 298 yards & 2 TDs last week…RB STEVEN JACKSON is 2nd in NFC with 915 rush yards & aims for 4th in row with 130+ yards. Needs 85 yards for 5th 1,000-yard season in row & would pass HOFer ERIC DICKERSON for most in team annals. Has averaged 126 scrimmage yards per game since 2006, tops in NFL (6,174 yards, 49 games)…WR DONNIE AVERY had career-high 2 TDs last week. Has 4 TD receptions in past 5. In past 6, 15 of 16 catches (93.8 pct.) have been 1st down or TD. Rookie WR BRANDON GIBSON had career-high 93 yards & 7 rec. last week…S OSHIOMOGHO ATOGWE has 7 FFs & 5 INTs in past 13 in Nov. Had INT last week & has 15 INTs since 2007, tied for 3rd most in NFL. Has 2 INTs vs. Arz., incl. 52-yard INT-TD. DE LEONARD LITTLE has 5 sacks in past 7. DE JAMES HALL has 3 sacks & INT vs. Arz. CB RON BARTELL had INT in last meeting. DE CHRIS LONG aims for 3rd in row with sack.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (6-3) AT DENVER BRONCOS (6-3)

SERIES

	CHARGERS	BRONCOS
SERIES LEADER		54-44-1
STREAKS	5 of past 7	16 of past 25
COACHES VS. OPP.	Turner: 4-7	McDaniels: 1-0
LAST WEEK	W 31-23 vs. Eagles	L 27-17 at Redskins
LAST GAME	10/19/09: Broncos 34 at Chargers 23. Denver WR Eddie Royal becomes 11th player in NFL history with PR-TD (71) & KR-TD (93) in same game as Broncos improve to 6-0.
LAST GAME AT SITE	9/14/08: Broncos 39, Chargers 38. Denver QB Jay Cutler passes for 350 yards & 4 TDs. WR Brandon Marshall totals 18 receptions for 166 yards & 1 TD.
BROADCAST	CBS (2:15 PM MT): Dick Enberg, Dan Fouts. Westwood One Radio: Kevin Kugler, Mark Malone. SIRIUS: 125 (SD), 123 (Den.). XM: 105 (Den.).

STATS

PASSING	Rivers: 186-299-2,476-16-6-97.9	Orton: 181-287-2,031-11-4-91.1
RUSHING	Tomlinson: 115-385-3.3-5	Moreno (R): 132-520-3.9-2
RECEIVING	Gates (TE): 49-668-13.6-2	Marshall: 49-602-12.3-6
OFFENSE	334.9	328.8
TAKE/GIVE	+2	+3
DEFENSE	326.7	292.2 (3C)
SACKS	Phillips: 5	Dumervil: 11.5 (1L)
INTs	Cason, Cromartie: 2	Goodman: 2
PUNTING	Scifres: 46.2 (3C)	Berger: 39.7
KICKING	Kaeding: 75 (2C) (27/27 PAT; 16/19 FG)	Prater: 59 (17/17 PAT; 14/18 FG)

NOTES

CHARGERS: Team seeks 5th consecutive road win vs. AFC West…QB PHILIP RIVERS has 5-2 record against Broncos & has completed 120 of 178 passes (67.4 pct.) for 1,818 yards with 13 TDs (most against any opponent) vs. 3 INTs for 118.1 passer rating. Rivers is 9-2 (.818) vs. AFC West on road with 20 TDs vs. 9 INTs & 98.4 passer rating. Has at least 84.5 passer rating in all 9 games in ’09…RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON averages 94.4 rush yards per game vs. AFC West in career (5,005 total). Tomlinson recorded 145th & 146th career TDs last week & surpassed MARCUS ALLEN (144) for 3rd-most TDs all-time (JERRY RICE, 208; EMMITT SMITH, 175)…TE ANTONIO GATES (449) needs 1 reception to reach 450…WR VINCENT JACKSON (7) needs 1 TD rec. to surpass career set in ’08. Jackson (732) needs 268 rec. yards to become 1st Chargers WR since TONY MARTIN (1995-96) to reach 1,000 in back-to-back seasons…CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE has 2 INTs in past 3. LB BRANDON SILER had 1st career sack last week…KR-RB DARREN SPROLES had 77-yard KR-TD in last game vs. Den…BRONCOS: Have won 7 of past 9 at home vs. Chargers…QB KYLE ORTON posted 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 115.4 passer rating in last game vs. SD. Orton has 18-3 (.857) career record at home. QB CHRIS SIMMS saw 1st action w/Broncos last week…RB KNOWSHON MORENO (Round 1, Georgia) leads NFL rookies with 520 rush yards…WR BRANDON MARSHALL aims for 3rd consecutive 100-yard rec. game & is averaging 123 in past 2. Seeks 100 rec. yards in 3 games in row in same season for 1st time …Club ranks 3rd in AFC & 6th in NFL allowing 292.2 yards per game…Team ranks 1st in AFC & tied for 2nd in NFL with 29 sacks…LB-DE ELVIS DUMERVIL needs 1.5 sacks to surpass career-high of 12.5 in ’07…CB CHAMP BAILEY (44) ranks 1st among NFL CBs for most INTs since ’99. CB TY LAW aims for 3rd game in row w/INT vs. SD (9/30/07 & 12/2/07 w/KC)…In last game vs. SD, KR-WR EDDIE ROYAL became 11th player in NFL history with KR-TD (93) & PR-TD (71) in same game.

NEW YORK JETS (4-5) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (6-3)

SERIES

	JETS	PATRIOTS
SERIES LEADER	50-47-1
STREAKS	Past 2	10 of past 13
COACHES VS. OPP.	Ryan: 1-0	Belichick: 13-8
LAST WEEK	L 24-22 vs. Jaguars	L 35-34 at Colts
LAST GAME	9/20/09: Patriots 9 at Jets 16. New York’s Mark Sanchez throws 9-yard TD to TE Dustin Keller for game’s lone TD & becomes 4th rookie QB to start & win team’s 1st 2 games since 1970.
LAST GAME AT SITE	11/13/08: Jets 34, Patriots 31 (OT). New England WR Randy Moss catches TD with 1 second remaining to force OT. New York K Jay Feely converts game-winning 34-yarder.
BROADCAST	CBS (4:15 PM ET): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms. SIRIUS: 158 (NYJ), 126 (NE). XM: 103 (NE).

STATS

PASSING	Sanchez (R): 130-244-1,655-9-12-66.5	Brady: 233-352-2,739 (2L)-19 (T2L)-6-100.6 (2C)
RUSHING	Jones: 170-781-4.6-8 (T2C)	Maroney: 94-378-4.0-4
RECEIVING	Cotchery: 33-498-15.1-2	Welker: 64 (T2L)-662-10.3-4
OFFENSE	339.9	416.8 (1C)
TAKE/GIVE	-2	+8 (1C)
DEFENSE	281.6 (3L)	304.6
SACKS	Pace: 4	Wright: 4
INTs	Revis: 2	3 tied: 2
PUNTING	Weatherford: 41.9	Hanson: 39.6
KICKING	Feely: 67 (19/19 PAT; 16/18 FG)	Gostkowski: 83 (1L) (26/26 PAT; 19/22 FG)

NOTES

JETS: Team aims for 3rd consecutive win against Pats for 1st time since 11/15/99-9/23/01 (4 in row)…Club ranks 1st in NFL w/170.1 rush yards per game…In 1st meeting vs. Patriots, QB MARK SANCHEZ completed 14 of 22 passes (63.6 pct.) for 163 yards w/1 TD vs. 0 INTs & 101.1 passer rating. In past 3, Sanchez has 4 TDs vs. 2 INTs & 86.4 passer rating…RB THOMAS JONES recorded 104 rush yards with 1 TD in last game at NE. Jones has 6 rush TDs in 4 road games in ’09 & aims for 5th consecutive game w/1 or more rush TDs on road this season…WR JERRICHO COTCHERY (293) needs 7 receptions to become 13th Jet to register 300 receptions. In only game vs. Patriots (on 10/7/07 w/Browns), WR BRAYLON EDWARDS posted 6 rec. for 110 yards (18.3 avg.). Edwards (3,968) needs 32 receiving yards to reach 4,000. Has 13 1st downs out of 16 rec. (81.3 pct.) since joining Jets…TE DUSTIN KELLER tied career-high w/ 8 receptions in last game at NE…Pro Bowl CB DARRELLE REVIS has 2 INTs in past 4 vs. NE…PATRIOTS: Since 2000 (incl. postseason), club has 13-7 (.650) record vs. Jets under BILL BELICHICK…Patriots have 41-12 (.773) record against divisional opponents since ’01…QB TOM BRADY (29,185) needs 473 passing yards to surpass DREW BLEDSOE (29,657) for most passing yards in franchise history. Incl. playoffs, Brady is 12-3 (.800) as starter vs. Jets w/17 TDs vs. 7 INTs & 88.2 passer rating. Incl. postseason, Brady aims for 21st consecutive win at home. Has posted 4 consecutive 300-yard passing games (career-long)…RB LAURENCE MARONEY aims for 5th game in row w/rush TD. Incl. playoffs, Patriots are 15-2 (.882) when Maroney has rush TD. RB KEVIN FAULK had season-high 79 rush yards last week on 12 att. (6.6 avg.)…WR RANDY MOSS aims for 3rd consecutive 100-yard receiving game (147, 179). WR WES WELKER aims for 5th consecutive game w/9 or more rec. (38 total in those 4). Welker (287) needs 13 receptions to reach 300 w/Patriots (2007-present)...LB JEROD MAYO recorded 1st career sack last week.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (7-2) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (2-7)

SERIES

	BENGALS	RAIDERS
SERIES LEADER		17-8
STREAKS		3 of past 4
COACHES VS. OPP.	Lewis: 1-1	Cable: 0-0
LAST WEEK	W 18-12 at Steelers	L 16-10 vs. Chiefs
LAST GAME	12/10/06: Raiders 10 at Bengals 27. Cincinnati QB Carson Palmer passes for 297 yards & 2 TDs as Bengals win 4th consecutive game & outgain Oakland 439-223 in total yards.
LAST GAME AT SITE	9/14/03: Raiders 23, Bengals 20. Oakland K Sebastian Janikowski kicks game-winning 39-yard FG with 9 seconds remaining.
BROADCAST	CBS (1:15 PM PT): Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots. SIRIUS: 127 (Cin.), 130 (Oak.). XM: 104 (Cin.).

STATS

PASSING	C. Palmer: 178-290-2,010-14-7-88.1	J. Russell: 96-205-1,064-2-9-47.7 OR Gradkowski: 17-30-163-0-2-44.2
RUSHING	Benson: 205-859 (3C)-4.2-6	Bush: 77-350-4.5-2
RECEIVING	Ochocinco: 46-668-14.5-5	Z. Miller (TE): 29-430-14.8-1
OFFENSE	334.2	222.0
TAKE/GIVE	+3	-8
DEFENSE	314.4	367.1
SACKS	Fanene: 5	Ellis, Seymour: 4
INTs	Hall, Joseph: 4 (T2C)	Huff, C. Johnson: 3
PUNTING	Huber (R): 43.5	Lechler: 51.5 (1L)
KICKING	Graham: 52 (19/20 PAT; 11/15 FG)	Janikowski: 46 (7/7 PAT; 13/14 FG)

NOTES

BENGALS: Team is 4-0 on road in ’09 & aims for 5th consecutive road win for 1st time in franchise history…Bengals are 26-1 (.962) under MARVIN LEWIS when rusher carries 25+ times…QB CARSON PALMER (121) needs 4 TD passes for 125 career & would be 3rd Bengal in franchise history to reach mark…Has 6 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 111.0 passer rating in past 3…RB CEDRIC BENSON (859) needs 141 rush yards for 1st 1,000-yard season. Averages 106.2 rush yards per game when he has 20+ att. (1,381 total in 13 games) & his teams are 11-1-1 (.885)…WR CHAD OCHOCINCO averages 116 rec. yards per game vs. Oak. & aims for 3rd consecutive game with 100+ yards (131, 101) vs. Oak.…Club has 9 INTs in past 5…DE FROSTEE RUCKER recorded 1st career INT last week…DT JONATHAN FANENE has career-high 5 sacks in ’09, incl. career-best 2 last week…CB JOHNATHAN JOSEPH (13) & CB LEON HALL (12) have totaled 25 passes defensed this season…RAIDERS: Club 8-0 all-time vs. Cin. in games played in Oak. (since 10/27/68)…QB JA MARCUS RUSSELL (3,863) needs 137 passing yards to reach 4,000 for career. In only career start vs. Cin. (w/TB on 10/15/06), QB BRUCE GRADKOWSKI posted 2 TDs vs. 1 INT…RB MICHAEL BUSH had 1st 100-yard rush game of season & 2nd of career last week (119)…RB JUSTIN FARGAS averages 6.2 yards per carry vs. Cin. (15 att., 93 yards). Fargas aims for 3rd game in row with TD…For career, WR CHAZ SCHILENS averages 14.1 yds per catch…TE ZACH MILLER ranks 6th in club history among TEs in rec. (129) & rec. yards (1,652)… Defense has 10 sacks in past 4…Since ’08, CB CHRIS JOHNSON leads team w/6 INTs & aims for 3rd game in row w/INT…DE RICHARD SEYMOUR (43) & DE GREG ELLIS (81) have totaled 124 career sacks…LB KIRK MORRISON leads team with 80 tackles. Rookie DE MATT SHAUGHNESSY (Round 3, Wisc.) aims for 3rd consecutive game with sack.

SUNDAY NIGHT

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-4) AT CHICAGO BEARS (4-5)

SERIES

EAGLES

BEARS

SERIES LEADER

26-8-1

STREAKS

4 of past 6

Past 2

COACHES VS. OPP.

Reid: 5-2

Smith: 2-1

LAST WEEK

L 31-23 at Chargers

L 10-6 at 49ers

LAST GAME

9/28/08: Eagles 20 at Bears 24. Chicago QB Kyle Orton ties career-high with 3 TD passes, including 1 to WR Devin Hester late in 1st half to give Bears lead for good.

LAST GAME AT SITE

9/28/08

BROADCAST

NBC (7:20 PM CT): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth & Andrea Kremer (Field reporter). Westwood One Radio: Dave Sims, James Lofton, Hub Arkush (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 125 (WW1), 127 (Phi.), 126 (Chi.). XM: 102 (WW1)

Is $10K Fine For Quinn's Hit Enough?

2009-11-19T13:41:05Z

Reportedly, the "undisclosed" amount of the fine on Brady Quinn for his cheap and illegal hit that has knocked out Terrell Suggs for at least the next two games (and maybe more) is $10,000. I'm not too sure why the amount of the fine was not disclosed, as it was public when Ray Lewis was fined $25,000 for the hit on Chad OchoCinco. Speaking of that comparison, why was Ray fined $25K for a hit that the player popped right back up on while Brady's was only $10K for a hit that injured a player's knees? Do they extend the quarterback's protection to his wallet as well?

What do you all think of this?

Poll

Do you think the reported $10,000 fine for Brady Quinn's hit on Terrell Suggs compared to Ray Lewis' hit on Chad Ochocinco that drew a $25,000 fine is a fair amount for Quinn?

AFC & NFC Notes

2009-11-18T21:06:49Z

From the NFL and NFL.com, first up is the AFC and the NFC follows after the 'Jump.'

AFC NEWS ‘N’ NOTES

QUARTERBACKS-RECEIVERS SHARE UNIQUE BOND

Chemistry between a quarterback and receiver is mandatory for NFL passing attacks dependent on timing and precision.

"Every receiver and quarterback have a couple of routes that they do best, the routes they can complete in their sleep," says newly-acquired New York Jets wide receiver BRAYLON EDWARDS, who is developing a connection with rookie quarterback MARK SANCHEZ.

NFL Network analyst and Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver MICHAEL IRVIN says that comfort level is built around a common desire to win.

"The quarterback and receiver relationship begins with the mindset of winning football games," says Irvin, who shared a strong chemistry with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer TROY AIKMAN. "You have to start on that same base and the primary goal is always winning."

Quarterback PEYTON MANNING and wide receiver REGGIE WAYNE of the Indianapolis Colts have formed one of the NFL’s most dynamic duos. The tandem leads the NFL in receptions and touchdowns among active quarterback-receiver combinations. Manning says that developing confidence, timing and chemistry with a receiver is not instantly attainable.

"It takes years to get true timing down," says Manning. "Every route is going to have something a little different to it and something you can study on film. You try to work as hard as you can in the offseason and in practices and in preseason to try to get that comfort level like you had it. I learn about them. They might learn about me. That’s why every practice, every walkthrough and every meeting is valuable. You can't just take it for granted."

The most completions/receptions among active quarterback-receiver duos:

QUARTERBACK-RECEIVER DUOS	TEAM	COMPLETIONS/RECEPTIONS
Peyton Manning-Reggie Wayne	Indianapolis Colts	637
Carson Palmer-Chad Ochocinco	Cincinnati Bengals	412
Jake Delhomme-Steve Smith	Carolina Panthers	400
Ben Roethlisberger-Hines Ward	Pittsburgh Steelers	386
Donovan McNabb-Brian Westbrook	Philadelphia Eagles	352

Following are the most touchdowns among active quarterback-receiver duos:

QUARTERBACK-RECEIVER DUOS	TEAM	TOUCHDOWNS
Peyton Manning-Reggie Wayne	Indianapolis Colts	59
Jake Delhomme-Steve Smith	Carolina Panthers	40
Carson Palmer-Chad Ochocinco	Cincinnati Bengals	36
Kurt Warner-Larry Fitzgerald	Arizona Cardinals	35
Ben Roethlisberger-Hines Ward	Pittsburgh Steelers	34
Peyton Manning-Dallas Clark	Indianapolis Colts	34

Houston Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver ANDRE JOHNSON hopes that his synergy with quarterback MATT SCHAUB will continue to develop. Johnson is currently third in the league in receiving yards (800) while Schaub ranks third in the NFL with 2,653 passing yards. Johnson says the learning process between him and his quarterback started immediately after Schaub signed with the Texans in 2007.

"Since the day he got here, we’ve just been communicating a lot," says Johnson. "We talk about everything we see on the field. I have a bond with him."

San Diego Chargers All-Star quarterback PHILIP RIVERS certainly recognizes the importance of a connection with his top two pass-catching options, Pro Bowl tight end ANTONIO GATES and wide receiver VINCENT JACKSON. The duo of Jackson and Gates has combined for 92 receptions, 1,400 receiving yards and nine touchdowns this season.

"I think it’s huge," says Rivers. "It takes great schemes, X’s and O’s, and many other things to make a pass game work. Aside from pass protection, chemistry is probably the most crucial factor."

"Here, we have a bunch of guys, who have a great feel for the game," Rivers continues. "That always helps, but we also have a lot of time on the practice field and in our meetings that allows us to be on the same page."

NFC NEWS ‘N’ NOTES



http://twitter.com/nflfootballinfo

50-YARD TOUCHDOWNS ON THE RISE

"When you have more big plays than the other team," says NFL Network analyst and former running back MARSHALL FAULK, "your chances of winning are that much greater."

So far this season, there have been 95 touchdowns of at least 50 yards, the second-most through the first 10 weeks of a season since 1970 (98 in 1998). The league is on pace for 168 50-yard touchdowns, which would be the second-most in a single season in NFL history (173 in 1998).

MOST 50-YARD TDS, FIRST 10 WEEKS (SINCE 1970)		MOST 50-YARD TDS, SEASON
1998	98	1998	173
*2009*	95	2007	155
2007	91	2008	155
2003	89	1999	153
2008	89	2003	153

		*2009*	168*

*Projected for entire season

These explosive plays not only put points on the board quickly, they can shift momentum and change the complexion of the game.

"It’s a huge momentum boost when you can get a touchdown on one big play," says Arizona Cardinals quarterback KURT WARNER. "And it’s fun."

Over the past few seasons, an influx of young talent has produced 50-yard touchdowns at an increasing rate. Among these playmakers are Chicago’s DEVIN HESTER and Philadelphia’s DE SEAN JACKSON. Both players will meet this Sunday night when the Bears host the Eagles.

"These guys mean a lot to their teams," says NFL Network analyst and former cornerback DEION SANDERS. "These type of players mean a lot because they can score from anywhere on the field. Players with this type of talent and ability are tough to come by."

In 2007, Hester tied the NFL record held by Pro Football Hall of Famer ELROY "CRAZYLEGS" HIRSCH with eight 50-yard touchdowns in a single season.

"When Devin gets the ball in his hands, he’s magic," says Bears linebacker LANCE BRIGGS. "You don’t see a player like him very often. He’s a special type of playmaker."

Jackson has already scored six touchdowns of at least 50 yards (four receiving, one punt return, one rushing) through the first nine games of this season and is poised to challenge the standard set by Hirsch and Hester.

"That kid’s explosive," says Eagles head coach ANDY REID of Jackson. "He’s exciting to watch and he loves to play the game."

The second-year player out of California needs one 50-yard touchdown to become the seventh player in league history to score seven such TDs in a season. The six players to accomplish the feat are Hester, former Eagle TIMMY BROWN, who holds the club mark, and four Pro Football Hall of Famers – LANCE ALWORTH, JIM BROWN, Hirsch and GALE SAYERS.

The players with the most 50-yard touchdowns in a season:

PLAYER	TEAM	YEAR	50-YARD TDS
Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch	Los Angeles	1951	8
*Devin Hester*	*Chicago*	*2007*	8
Timmy Brown	Philadelphia	1962	7
Jim Brown	Cleveland	1963	7
Gale Sayers	Chicago	1965	7
Lance Alworth	San Diego	1965	7

*DeSean Jackson*	*Philadelphia*	*2009*	6*

*Through first nine games

"I’ve just been put in a great position by the coaching staff to go out and make big plays," says Jackson. "They’ve done a great job of creating opportunities for me to use my speed and ability to take advantage of the defense. Any time you’re able to get big plays, it takes away from the defense’s momentum and brings energy to our team, and that’s a good thing."

FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT

2009-11-18T20:18:39Z

I HAVE BEEN WONDERING FOR 10 WEEKS WHY THE RAVENS ARENT UP TO LAST YEARS PERFORMANCES.THE STAT I SAW MONDAY NITE SHOWS THE PASSING GAME IS USED MORE THAN THE RUNNING GAME. THATS THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT WE HAVE SEEN THE TWO PREVIOUS SEASONS. THEY SHOULD GO BACK TO USING THE RUN MORE. ALSO GET RID OF CAM CAMERON, HE RUINED THE DOLPHINS, IS THAT WE WANT HERE ? I DONT THINK SO, THE GUYS A LOSER.

Week 11 NFL Preview

2009-11-18T15:52:33Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11/17/09

http://twitter.com/NFLFootballInfo

TWO 9-0 TEAMS FOR THIRD TIME IN NFL HISTORY;

DIVISION LEADERS SHOWING WHAT A

DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

As the NFL season rolls into Week 11, there are still two undefeated teams. The two unbeatens – the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints – form just the third pair in NFL history to start a season 9-0, joining the 1934 Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears and the 1990 New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.

To get to 9-0, Indianapolis needed a come-from-behind victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday night. Trailing by 17 points in the fourth quarter, the Colts scored three touchdowns in the final period to pull out a stunning 35-34 victory. Indianapolis quarterback PEYTON MANNING threw four touchdowns on the night, including the game-winner to REGGIE WAYNE with 13 seconds remaining.

"Reggie called the last play," says Manning. "He kept fighting through and made an extended catch. Maybe not his best catch ever, but it sure was timely."

The Colts, who are 9-0 for the third time in the past five years, have won a franchise-record 18 consecutive regular-season games, tied with the 2003-04 Patriots for the second-longest streak in NFL history.

"We can’t be any better," says Indianapolis head coach JIM CALDWELL about the team’s 9-0 record. "But the fact of the matter is, there’s still a lot of work to be done."

New Orleans, who visits Tampa Bay this Sunday, improved to 9-0 for the first time in franchise history with a 28-23 win at St. Louis. The Saints, who were 4-5 at this time last season, are one of three 2009 division leaders – Cincinnati (7-2 in 2009; 1-8 in 2008) and Dallas (6-3; 5-4) – who were in last place after Week 10 a year ago.

The nine 2009 division leaders (Denver and San Diego are tied for first in the AFC West) are a combined 63-18 (.778) through Week 10, 22 wins better than their records from a year ago at this time (41-40, .506).

The Bengals completed a sweep of the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers last week to vault into first place in the AFC North. Cincinnati is now 4-0 against division rivals Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the two teams that met in the AFC Championship Game. The Bengals are just the third team in the Super Bowl era to go 4-0 against the reigning Conference Championship Game participants (1967 Raiders vs. Buf/KC and 2006 Chargers vs. Den/Pit/Sea).

"The Steelers and Ravens have been the cornerstones of the league the last few years," says Bengals cornerback JOHNATHAN JOSEPH. "We want to make our presence felt as well."

Some of the headline games in Week 11:

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (9-0) at BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-4) (Sunday, CBS, 1:00 PM ET)

The Colts have won 18 consecutive games, tied for the second-longest streak in NFL history (New England, 2003-04). But head coach JIM CALDWELL is looking forward, not back.

"If you take a peak in the rearview mirror, there are some teams that are behind us, but not far behind us," says Caldwell. "So we better make certain that we stay on our toes and continue to try and get better. All we have to do is look down the road to next Sunday and see who we’re playing. It’s an outstanding team in Baltimore. It’s going to be a tough battle."

That outstanding team in Baltimore is coming off a 16-0 road win at Cleveland on Monday night.

"Anytime you’re in the NFL and you get a shutout, it’s big," says Ravens linebacker RAY LEWIS.

Baltimore is gearing up for a tough series that will see them host the Colts and Steelers before traveling to Green Bay.

"This upcoming three-game stretch is probably everything for our season," says Ravens head coach JOHN HARBAUGH.

The Colts have won six in a row against the Ravens, including a 15-6 win in the 2006 Divisional Playoffs en route to Indianapolis’ Super Bowl XLI victory.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-5) at CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-5) (Thursday, NFLN, 8:20 PM ET)

"These two teams are clawing their way back into the playoff picture," says NFL Network’s BOB PAPA, who will call the game on Thursday night. "It’s power running versus power running."

It will be a matchup of two of the league’s best rush teams as the Panthers (156.6 yards per game) are third in the NFL and the Dolphins (156.2) rank fourth. Carolina’s attack will showcase DE ANGELO WILLIAMS (860 yards, 7 TDs) and JONATHAN STEWART (466 yards, 6 TDs) while Miami’s offense will feature RONNIE BROWN (648 yards, 8 TDs) and

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NFL FACTOID

There are nine quarterbacks – BRETT FAVRE, DREW BREES, PEYTON MANNING, AARON RODGERS, TOM BRADY, MATT SCHAUB, PHILIP RIVERS, BEN ROETHLISBERGER, DONOVAN MC NABB – with a passer rating of at least 95.0, the most through the first 10 weeks of a season since 1970.

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RICKY WILLIAMS (558 yards, 6 TDs). The Panthers and Dolphins are the only teams in the NFL to each feature two running backs with at least 450 yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Both teams were division winners last year and are looking to get back to the postseason after slow starts. The Dolphins and Panthers have each won four of their past six games after 0-3 starts.

"We were 1-3 in the first quarter and 2-2 in the second," says Carolina head coach JOHN FOX. "The upside of that is there is room for improvement. There is no question to get better we’ve got to take a one game at a time approach. We’ve got a lot of season left. We’ll define where the body of work is after 16 games."

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (6-3) at DENVER BRONCOS (6-3) (Sunday, CBS, 4:15 PM ET)

First place in the AFC West is on the line when these two division rivals meet on Sunday.

The streaking Chargers, who will play the 1,000th game in franchise history (including preseason and postseason), have won four in a row, including last week’s 31-23 win over Philadelphia.

"We didn’t know it would happen like this or this fast," says San Diego quarterback PHILIP RIVERS, "but we believed we could get ourselves back into the division race. There is a lot of football left and there is no telling where things can go, but it’s nice to put together a string of wins and play better football. Denver will be a tough test and we’ll put together a great week at practice and look forward to it."

Denver has stumbled after a 6-0 start, but head coach JOSH MC DANIELS knows his team is still in good position at 6-3 and tied for first place.

"We’re 6-3 and playing San Diego, who is also 6-3," says McDaniels, whose club defeated the Chargers 34-23 in Week 6. "It’s a huge division game at home. I don’t know why we wouldn’t like to be in this situation. We need to fix the problems and play good football from here on out, starting this week against a great team coming from San Diego in our division."

TENNESSEE TITANS (3-6) at HOUSTON TEXANS (5-4) (Monday, ESPN, 8:30 PM ET)

"Monday Night Football is very big," says Houston wide receiver ANDRE JOHNSON, who ranks third in the NFL with 800 receiving yards. "Everybody is watching. This is a real big game and it will be a test for us."

The Texans, coming off a Week 10 bye, will look to slow down the red-hot Titans, who have won three in a row and have averaged 35.0 points per game in their three victories, all started by quarterback VINCE YOUNG. Running back CHRIS JOHNSON, who became the second player in team history with 100 yards receiving and 100 yards rushing in a game last week, leads the NFL with 1,091 yards. He is the third player in NFL history (Pro Football Hall of Famer JIM BROWN and ADRIAN PETERSON) to rush for at least 1,000 yards and average 6.4 yards per carry in his team’s first nine games.

"My confidence level is high right now," says Johnson. "We’ve won three in a row, and like I said earlier, our goal has been to try and go 10-0 in these last games (after the team’s 0-6 start)."

"It’s all about the next game," says Titans head coach JEFF FISHER about the team’s winning streak. "We just have to keep it going."

2009 NFL STANDINGS

American Football Conference

East Division
Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Away	Conf	Div	Streak
New England Patriots	6	3	0	.667	259	150	5-0-0	1-3-0	4-3-0	2-1-0	Lost 1
Miami Dolphins	4	5	0	.444	218	227	3-2-0	1-3-0	3-3-0	3-1-0	Won 1
New York Jets	4	5	0	.444	199	158	2-3-0	2-2-0	4-4-0	1-3-0	Lost 2
Buffalo Bills	3	6	0	.333	140	210	1-3-0	2-3-0	1-5-0	1-2-0	Lost 2

West Division
Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Away	Conf	Div	Streak
Denver Broncos	6	3	0	.667	167	151	3-1-0	3-2-0	5-2-0	2-0-0	Lost 3
San Diego Chargers	6	3	0	.667	237	202	3-2-0	3-1-0	4-3-0	3-1-0	Won 4
Kansas City Chiefs	2	7	0	.222	142	215	0-4-0	2-3-0	1-4-0	1-2-0	Won 1
Oakland Raiders	2	7	0	.222	88	217	1-4-0	1-3-0	1-6-0	1-4-0	Lost 3

North Division
Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Away	Conf	Div	Streak
Cincinnati Bengals	7	2	0	.778	198	147	3-2-0	4-0-0	5-2-0	5-0-0	Won 3
Pittsburgh Steelers	6	3	0	.667	207	157	4-1-0	2-2-0	4-2-0	1-2-0	Lost 1
Baltimore Ravens	5	4	0	.556	222	154	3-1-0	2-3-0	5-3-0	2-2-0	Won 1
Cleveland Browns	1	8	0	.111	78	225	0-4-0	1-4-0	1-5-0	0-4-0	Lost 4

South Division
Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Away	Conf	Div	Streak
Indianapolis Colts	9	0	0	1.000	252	142	5-0-0	4-0-0	5-0-0	3-0-0	Won 9
Jacksonville Jaguars	5	4	0	.556	181	220	3-1-0	2-3-0	4-2-0	2-2-0	Won 2
Houston Texans	5	4	0	.556	215	188	2-2-0	3-2-0	4-3-0	1-2-0	Lost 1
Tennessee Titans	3	6	0	.333	189	255	2-2-0	1-4-0	2-6-0	1-3-0	Won 3

National Football Conference

East Division
Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Away	Conf	Div	Streak
Dallas Cowboys	6	3	0	.667	224	169	3-1-0	3-2-0	5-2-0	1-1-0	Lost 1
Philadelphia Eagles	5	4	0	.556	242	184	3-2-0	2-2-0	4-2-0	2-1-0	Lost 2
New York Giants	5	4	0	.556	232	204	2-2-0	3-2-0	3-3-0	2-1-0	Lost 4
Washington Redskins	3	6	0	.333	140	171	3-2-0	0-4-0	2-5-0	0-2-0	Won 1

West Division
Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Away	Conf	Div	Streak
Arizona Cardinals	6	3	0	.667	229	184	2-3-0	4-0-0	4-2-0	2-1-0	Won 2
San Francisco 49ers	4	5	0	.444	184	180	3-2-0	1-3-0	4-2-0	3-0-0	Won 1
Seattle Seahawks	3	6	0	.333	187	198	3-2-0	0-4-0	2-5-0	1-3-0	Lost 1
St. Louis Rams	1	8	0	.111	100	249	0-4-0	1-4-0	1-6-0	0-2-0	Lost 1

North Division
Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Away	Conf	Div	Streak
Minnesota Vikings	8	1	0	.889	271	184	4-0-0	4-1-0	6-0-0	4-0-0	Won 2
Green Bay Packers	5	4	0	.556	232	179	3-2-0	2-2-0	4-3-0	2-2-0	Won 1
Chicago Bears	4	5	0	.444	186	201	3-1-0	1-4-0	2-4-0	1-1-0	Lost 2
Detroit Lions	1	8	0	.111	143	264	1-3-0	0-5-0	1-7-0	0-4-0	Lost 6

South Division
Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Away	Conf	Div	Streak
New Orleans Saints	9	0	0	1.000	331	197	5-0-0	4-0-0	6-0-0	2-0-0	Won 9
Atlanta Falcons	5	4	0	.556	221	194	4-0-0	1-4-0	4-3-0	1-2-0	Lost 1
Carolina Panthers	4	5	0	.444	176	215	2-2-0	2-3-0	4-4-0	2-2-0	Won 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	1	8	0	.111	157	256	1-4-0	0-4-0	1-5-0	0-1-0	Lost 1

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS (NOVEMBER 12, 15-16)

Byes: Houston, NY Giants

Thursday, November 12	Sunday, November 15, cont’d
SAN FRANCISCO 10, Chicago 6	WASHINGTON 27, Denver 17
	Kansas City 16, OAKLAND 10
Sunday, November 15	ARIZONA 31, Seattle 20
CAROLINA 28, Atlanta 19	GREEN BAY 17, Dallas 7
MIAMI 25, Tampa Bay 23	SAN DIEGO 31, Philadelphia 23
MINNESOTA 27, Detroit 10	INDIANAPOLIS 35, New England 34
Jacksonville 24, N.Y. JETS 22
Cincinnati 18, PITTSBURGH 12	Monday, November 16
New Orleans 28, ST. LOUIS 23	Baltimore 16, CLEVELAND 0
TENNESSEE 41, Buffalo 17

2009 WEEK 11 SCHEDULE (NOVEMBER 19, 22-23)

(All times local)

Thursday, November 19	Sunday, November 22, cont’d
Miami at Carolina, 8:20 PM (NFLN)	Atlanta at N.Y. Giants, 1:00 PM
	New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM
Sunday, November 22	Arizona at St. Louis, 3:05 PM
Indianapolis at Baltimore, 1:00 PM	San Diego at Denver, 2:15 PM
Washington at Dallas, 12:00 PM	N.Y. Jets at New England, 4:15 PM
Cleveland at Detroit, 1:00 PM	Cincinnati at Oakland, 1:15
San Francisco at Green Bay, 12:00 PM	Philadelphia at Chicago, 7:20 PM (NBC)
Buffalo at Jacksonville, 1:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Kansas City, 12:00 PM	Monday, November 23
Seattle at Minnesota,12:00 PM	Tennessee at Houston, 7:30 PM (ESPN)

Pro Bowl Voting Still Open

2009-11-18T15:24:33Z

Pro Bowl balloting remain open for the next five weeks, so click on the link below to get your votes in for your favorite players including the Baltimore Ravens you want to see in the Pro Bowl. Currently, both Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are the leading in their respective positions, so keep on voting!

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS QB DREW BREES LEADS

PRO BOWL CHARGE WITH FIVE WEEKS OF VOTING

REMAINING ON NFL.COM

Teams to be Announced on Pro Bowl Selection Show December 29 on NFL Network

New Orleans Saints quarterback DREW BREES, with 539,228 votes, leads all NFL All-Stars in balloting for the 2010 Pro Bowl, NFL.com announced today. 2010 Pro Bowl voting will continue on NFL.com/probowl and on web-enabled mobile phones by going to NFL.com through Monday, December 21.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING (532,455 votes) ranks second overall, while Minnesota Vikings running back ADRIAN PETERSON (529,319 votes), Minnesota Vikings quarterback BRETT FAVRE (476,799 votes) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver LARRY FITZGERALD (328,451 votes) round out the top five on NFL.com.

Balloting for the 2010 Pro Bowl will conclude on Monday, December 21 following the conclusion of Monday Night Football (Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears, ESPN, 8:30 PM ET). The teams will be announced at 4 PM (ET) Tuesday, December 29 on a special NFL Total Access 2010 Pro Bowl Selection Show on NFL Network.

The 2010 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 31, 2010 and televised live on ESPN at 7:30 PM ET from Dolphin Stadium in South Florida, also the site of Super Bowl XLIV a week later on Sunday, February 7.

Fans can buy tickets to the 2010 Pro Bowl at www.NFL.com/probowl and www.TICKETMASTER.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

The AFC and NFC All-Star squads are based on the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group’s vote counts one-third towards determining the 43-man rosters that represent the American Football Conference and National Football Conference in the Pro Bowl. NFL players and coaches will cast their votes on December 22 - 23.

The NFL is the only sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its all-star teams. It was the first professional sports league to offer online all-star voting in 1995.

Listed below are the top 10 overall All-Star vote-getters and the players with the most votes at each position through November 16:

NFL ALL-STAR TOP-TEN VOTE-GETTERS

Pos.	Name, Team	Votes
QB	Drew Brees, Saints	539,228
QB	Peyton Manning, Colts	532,455
RB	Adrian Peterson, Vikings	529,319
QB	Brett Favre, Vikings	476,799
WR	Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals	328,451
RB	Cedric Benson, Bengals	321,552
QB	Tom Brady, Patriots	295,477
QB	Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers	291,466
WR	Andre Johnson, Texans	279,395
TE	Dallas Clark, Colts	274,400

AFC LEADING VOTE-GETTERS

Pos.	Name, Team	Votes	Pos.	Name, Team	Votes
QB	Peyton Manning, Colts	532,455	DE	Dwight Freeney, Colts	200,568
RB	Cedric Benson, Bengals	321,552	IL	Casey Hampton, Steelers	121,108
FB	Le'Ron McClain, Ravens	78,194	OLB	James Harrison, Steelers	124,676
WR	Andre Johnson, Texans	279,395	ILB	Ray Lewis, Ravens	148,480
TE	Dallas Clark, Colts	274,400	CB	Champ Bailey, Broncos	185,103
T	Jake Long, Dolphins	107,299	SS	Troy Polamalu, Steelers	192,289
G	Alan Faneca, Jets	122,029	FS	Ed Reed, Ravens	146,388
C	Jeff Saturday, Colts	215,658	P	Daniel Sepulveda, Steelers	48,468
K	Adam Vinatieri, Colts	72,029	ST	Joshua Cribbs, Browns	61,851
KR	Darren Sproles, Chargers	77,972

NFC LEADING VOTE-GETTERS

Pos.	Name, Team	Votes	Pos.	Name, Team	Votes
QB	Drew Brees, Saints	539,228	DE	Jared Allen, Vikings	212,605
RB	Adrian Peterson, Vikings	529,319	IL	Pat Williams, Vikings	135,669
FB	Naufahu Tahi, Vikings	63,872	OLB	DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys	169,270
WR	Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals	328,451	ILB	Patrick Willis, 49ers	115,350
TE	Tony Gonzalez, Falcons	183,979	CB	Asante Samuel, Eagles	123,107
T	Bryant McKinnie, Vikings	137,844	SS	Adrian Wilson, Cardinals	120,372
G	Steve Hutchinson, Vikings	145,279	FS	Darren Sharper, Saints	184,993
C	John Sullivan, Vikings	127,695	P	Jeff Feagles, Giants	52,952
K	Ryan Longwell, Vikings	68,197	ST	Heath Farwell, Vikings	54,830
KR	Percy Harvin, Vikings	143,880

Saints ink McCalister for stretch run

2009-11-18T13:08:08Z

Preparing for a stretch run into the playoffs and trying to shore up a secondary so depleted that the Rams almost eeked out a victory against the Saints in St. Louis last week, the Saints picked up Chris McCalister. McCalister was highly touted as a top corner with the Ravens. What should New Orleans expect?

So the Saints know that McCalister is coming off major knee surgery. But it's been almost a year of rehab so McCalister is likely back in business with the knee. The real question is can this guy cover? Was he actually a good cornerback in Baltimore of was he propped up by one of the best d-lines, the best linebacker, and one of the best defensive schemes in the league?

I'll appreciate any insight from you guys. I'm a Saints fan and am hoping that this is a diamond in the rough, but there is plenty of reason to remain skeptical. We have to believe that there is a reason McCalister was still available. Most of the NFL news media talk seems skeptical of the move.

Also, if y'all want to come on over to Canal Street Chronicles and make a fan post about McCalister we would definitely welcome the insight. http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/

Best of luck for the remainder of the season!!! -xc

Poll

What is your opinion of the Saints' signing of Chris McCalister?

Ask some Colts fans

2009-11-18T04:48:49Z

Hey there Ravens fans. I'm Shake, site editor for Stampede Blue. You might remember me from last offseason when I covered the AFC North for Mocking the Draft. Any questions you have about the Colts fire away (though try to limit comments about things Indy may have stolen from Baltimore to just Matt Stover). Looking forward to talking to you all and hoping for a great game on Sunday.

BigBlueShoe and other various Colts fans will probably be around as well.

This fanpost is about the Ravens...

2009-11-18T04:13:59Z

BOOM!!! GOTCHA!!! HIT YOU WITH THE OLD SWITCHEROOO!!!! Now that you've clicked on this, you might as well read what's below.

Courtesy of the AP:

SEATTLE — Seattle police say a man who thought he was a ninja was impaled on a metal fence when he tried to leap over it.

An officer who was looking for an assault victim nearby Monday night heard the man screaming for help.

Police supported him to prevent further injuries until medics arrived and took him to a hospital, where he was in serious condition in intensive care on Tuesday.

Police spokeswoman Renee Witt wrote in a department Web site posting that officers thought the man might have been involved in the reported assault, but he insisted he was just a ninja trying to clear a 4- to 5-foot-tall fence.

Witt says the man was "overconfident in his abilities," and that alcohol likely played a role.

His name was not released.

Organized Chaos: Sort of?

2009-11-18T00:15:39Z

Yesterday night against the Browns, Ravens fans got to see some of that old Organized Chaos from a year ago or was it? Undoubtedly all of you saw last nights game in a 16 - 0 shutout of the lowly Cleveland Browns. What you also saw was a cheap imitation of the Organized Chaos defense of last year. I'll give Greg Mattison credit for bringing some of that old flair back however it seemed forced and unnatural. We also finally were able to put pressure on the QB however it is against the Browns offense line who look disorganized and chaotic at best. In my opinion we won't be seeing such a shoddy play call from Coach Mattison next week. The Colts offense will undoubtedly use a no huddle and we will not be able to fumble around the line of scrimmage like that unless the Ravens plan to be on there backs all day.

Other notes:

- Ray Lewis is calling out Brady Quinn for his low block against T-Sizzle (Terrell Suggs) who is out indefinitely. The play was reminiscent of Favres hit earlier this season. If you ask me Brady deserves at least as much as Favre was ($10000) if not more.

- Steve Hauschka known for his 'Hauschka Hook' was released today. Who will replace him is still unknown though news should come on Wednesday.

How can we beat Peyton Manning?

2009-11-17T22:35:31Z

On Paper we can't. Plain and simple. But since we have to play them anyway, lets break it down. The first thing I would do as a Defensive Coordinator is TAKE REGGIE WAYNE OUT OF THE GAME. I have an idea of how to do that. Double team him the whole game. That being said, we do not need Foxworth covering him. If we are double teaming him the whole game, then lets do it with Fabian and Reed or Webb. Let Foxworth take their number 2 one on one. Dallas Clark another one of Mannings Favorites. I like the idea of Ray Lewis jamming him at the line of scrimmage. Beating him up in Laymans terms. All game long. We need our best on their best. Lewis can blast Clark. Beat the living daylights out of him. Althoug I doubt Ravens will use Ray this way, but I would like to see it. Ladarius Webb should be in there on every play. We are going to need a big game from him. Remember Indy is a pass first team. They strike first and we are in trouble. Now another question. Can we get to Manning with our pass rush. The answer: NO................. Indy has one of the best lines in the business. And our pass rush is not good. (do not count the Clevland game) We may get a sack or two, but I doubt we will pressure him that much. So If we can take the pass out of Manning and turn them into a running team, Maybe we have a chance. But that is our only chance. And may be a slim one at best.

Suggs Likely Out for Extended Period of Time: Ray Upset

2009-11-17T17:14:16Z

When Chris Carr was able to snag the Ravens' second interception of the game, Brady Quinn took a cheap shot at LB Terrell Suggs by trying to take him out with a hit below the knees. This caused both players to lay on the ground for a good amount of time, but the way Suggs was acting, it did not look too good.

Now, it is said to be that Suggs could miss up to a month with a sprained knee, something we do no need right now with the pass happy teams that we must pressure in the coming weeks. Ray Lewis had this to say about the cheap shot from Quinn.

"Heck yeah it was a cheap shot. When you’re running down and you’re looking at the quarterback going at somebody’s knees who doesn’t even have the ball. I want to see if he gets the same fine I got or even higher. Now this man is out four or five weeks because of some baloney like that."

Quinn stated that he did not mean to hurt Suggs and that he clearly made a mistake after he had realized what had happened.

"I was trying to go for the ball carrier, Suggs came across at the last second in my vision. I would never wish that upon anyone. I was upset about it on the field. We worked out in Arizona together. I couldn’t be any more sorry about that. That was never the intent. I’m sorry to Terrell and the rest of their team."

Thank you so much Quinn. But at least we have gotten our wish to see some more of Paul Kruger.

Where's Graham Gano Now That We Need Him?

2009-11-17T15:45:56Z

After deciding not to re-sign longtime placekicker Matt Stover in the off season, the placekicking competition came down to current kicker Steven Hauschka and rookie Graham Gano during Training camp this summer. Hauschka was sort of the incumbent, having kicked a 50+ yarder in 2008 as Stover's sidekick, while Gano was the Lou Groza Award winner, given to college football's best kicker. Gano made 24 of 26 kicks for Florida State University in 2008, a pressure packed stage every week in the ACC and the rest of their tough national schedule.

While it appeared that Gano had the stronger leg and was outkicking Hauschka in Training Camp, that did not necessarily translate into the pre season games, where Gano only made one of three attempts while Hauschka had more attempts and converted most of his chances. However, just like Training Camp is not the pre season, the pre season is not the regular season. Hauschka has proven that he cannot handle the pressure since the opening game of the season when he missed a 41 yarder that set the tone for his poor season. At the same time, where has Graham Gano gone since his release?

Graham hooked up with the Las Vegas Locos of the United Football League. The Locos are in the UFL's Championship Game on November 27th and then along with the rest of the UFL, those players will be free to sign with any NFL team that contacts them. However, the Ravens probably won't wait until then, much less another week, before signing someone else to take Hauschka's place. Gano has had a stellar season with Las Vegas, converting nine of eleven FG attempts, with a long of 53 yards , including three FG's in their 16-10 semi-final victory to put them in the Championship Game.

While it's probably too late to grab him at this point of the season, it definitely is obvious to me that the Ravens made the wrong choice at the end of Training Camp and never really gave Gano a fair shot to win the job in the pre season. However, if the team's next kicker doesn't make a huge difference, I just wanted to let them know here that Gano will be available shortly. Hint, hint.

Eerily similar on Lake Erie...

2009-11-17T15:19:48Z

Are the Ravens running the risk of turning into the Eagles offense?

It can't be out of the question. A pass-happy first-half offense, piss poor clock management, and horrible timeout management riddled the entire first half. This, to me, had "Andy Reid" written all over it. Hey, that's the guy that Harbaugh learned the intricacies of offense from. How destructive it would be if Harbaugh and Cam Cameron turned the Ravens into the Philadelphia Eagles: passing 60 times a game, neglecting a destructive 3 back system consisting of an up-and-coming grinder in Ray Rice, a 2008 Pro-Bowl fullback (but certainly capable tailback) in L'Ron McClain, and a still-serviceable Willis McGahee.

Ok, ok, a bit extreme. Harbaugh knows better than that. Right? But I think we can all agree that over the past 9 games (including last night on Lake Erie) there were times, ooooh there were times, when it sure looked like the coaching staff forgot what got the Ravens to where they were last year, which I don't believe was a fluke run- it was successful smashmouth football. That's what works. Its so simple, and the personnel is there for a ball-control, grinding offense. Sure, Flacco has the ability to send a rocket downfield, but why expose that asset with play-action fakes that no one bites on the entire first half? Pound the ball down people's throats for 30 minutes, then try play action in the 3rd quarter when everyone is tired and looking for Ray Rice to get the rock. The benefits of this are two-fold as well. Running the ball and controlling the clock will keep an over-exposed secondary off the field, and keep an aging squad of blitzing linebackers and tackles fresh.

But, in the words of Dennis Miller, "that's just my opinion, I could be wrong."

What To Look For: A Look Back at Week 10

2009-11-16T23:01:12Z

From the NFL, here is a look back at Sunday's games, including that same tidbit from last week about that Johnny Unitas record still standing proudly:

WHAT TO LOOK FOR – A LOOK BACK

COLTS WIN, MANNING REACHES 300: Indianapolis Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING passed for 327 yards in a 35-34 win against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Manning has now won 13 consecutive games when passing for 300 yards, tying Y.A. TITTLE for the third-most consecutive wins when reaching the 300-yard passing mark.

The quarterbacks with the most consecutive wins when passing for 300 yards:

QUARTERBACK,TEAM(S)	SEASONS	CONSECUTIVE WINS
Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts	1961-1969	16
Tom Brady, New England Patriots	2006-2009	14
Y.A. Tittle, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants	1953-1963	13
*Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts*	*2007-Present*	13*
Many tied		11

*Active

With four touchdowns against the Patriots, Manning now has 20 touchdown passes on the year, his 12th consecutive 20-touchdown pass season, tying BRETT FAVRE for most all-time.

PLAYER	MOST CONSECUTIVE 20+ TD SEASONS
Brett Favre	12 (1994-2005)
*Peyton Manning*	*12 (1998-present)*
Dan Marino	10 (1983-1992)
Len Dawson	6 (1962-67)
Tom Brady	6 (2002-07)

-- NFL --

SAINTS MARCHING ON: The New Orleans Saints defeated the St. Louis Rams 28-23 and improved to 9-0 for the first time in franchise history. The Saints have scored an NFL-best 331 points, the fourth-most by a team in the first nine games of a season in NFL history.

The teams with the most points in the first nine games of a season in NFL history:

TEAM	SEASON	MOST POINTS THROUGH FIRST 9 GAMES
Los Angeles Rams	1950	358
New England Patriots	2007	355
St. Louis Rams	2000	354
*New Orleans Saints*	*2009*	*331*
Dallas Cowboys	1966	320

-- NFL --

200 TIMES FOR WARNER: Arizona quarterback KURT WARNER threw two touchdown passes in the Cardinals’ 31-20 win against the Seattle Seahawks. Warner, who now has 200 touchdown passes, reached the mark in his 118th career game, becoming the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to accomplish the feat.

The quarterbacks who reached 200 touchdown passes in the fewest games:

QUARTERBACKS	NUMBER OF GAMES TO REACH 200 TOUCHDOWN PASSES
Dan Marino	89
Peyton Manning	106
Brett Favre	107
Tom Brady	116
*Kurt Warner*	*118*

Stick w/ Comcast's NFL RedZone

2009-11-15T15:31:03Z

Since the Baltimore Ravens don't play until Monday night, keep the television on Comcast's NFL RedZone all day and save yourself the problem of switching channels and missing all the live scoring action. Comcast's NFL RedZone brings you every touchdown and Red Zone drive on every game in the 1pm and 4pm time slots. They do all the work for you by switching live to show you every score as they happen, even if that means splittting the screen to display two scoring chances at the same exact time! It's a true NFL football fan's fantasy channel!

So just set the channel on Comcast's NFL RedZone and leave it there all day long as you veg out on the sofa, stuffing your face with chips, dip and cold beer!

What To Look For: Week 10

2009-11-14T15:42:38Z

Direct from the NFL and NFL.com, here is "What To Look For: Week 10 with some interesting stats, including a record still held by the late great Baltimore Colt, John Unitas.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR – WEEK 10

PATRIOTS VS. COLTS = BRADY VS. MANNING: MVP quarterbacks TOM BRADY of the New England Patriots and PEYTON MANNING of the Indianapolis Colts meet on Sunday night. The two quarterbacks represent the two teams with the most wins this decade (Indianapolis, 109; New England, 108).

With a win and a 300-yard performance, Brady will have 15 consecutive wins when passing for 300 yards and would be one shy of tying JOHNNY UNITAS (16) for the most consecutive wins with 300 passing yards in NFL history.

Manning has won 12 consecutive games when passing for 300 yards. He can tie Y.A. TITTLE (13) for the third-most consecutive wins when reaching the 300-yard passing mark.

The quarterbacks with the most consecutive wins when passing for 300 yards:

QUARTERBACK,TEAM(S)	SEASONS	CONSECUTIVE WINS
Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts	1961-1969	16
*Tom Brady, New England Patriots*	*2006-Present*	14*
Y.A. Tittle, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants	1953-1963	13
*Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts*	*2007-Present*	12*
Many tied		11

*Active

-- NFL --

SAINTS MARCHING ON: The New Orleans Saints are 8-0 for the first time in franchise history and aim to improve to 9-0 against the St. Louis Rams this Sunday.

New Orleans leads the league with 303 points through their first eight games (37.9 average).

The teams with the most points in the first nine games of a season in NFL history:

TEAM	SEASON	MOST POINTS THROUGH FIRST 9 GAMES
Los Angeles Rams	1950	358
New England Patriots	2007	355
St. Louis Rams	2000	354
Dallas Cowboys	1966	320
Baltimore Colts	1964	314

*New Orleans Saints*	*2009*	303*

*Through first eight games of season

-- NFL --

MR. NOVEMBER: Since 2006, Dallas Cowboys quarterback TONY ROMO has won 13 consecutive starts in November. With a win on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, Romo can set the record for the most consecutive wins in November since 1970.

The quarterbacks with the most consecutive wins in November since 1970:

QUARTERBACK	YEARS	CONSECUTIVE WINS IN NOVEMBER
Bob Griese	1970-1974	13
Steve Young	1992-1996	13
*Tony Romo*	*2006-Present*	13*
Ken Stabler	1975-1977	11
Trent Dilfer	1998-2005	11

*Active

-- NFL --

HOME SWEET HOME: MIKE TOMLIN and his 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the 6-2 Cincinnati Bengals in an AFC North battle for first place on Sunday at Heinz Field. The third-year head coach is 7-0 at home against AFC North opponents since the start of his career. With a Steelers victory, Tomlin will tie for the second-most consecutive wins (8) at home to start a career against divisional opponents since 1970.

The most consecutive home wins against divisional opponents at the start of a head coach’s career:

HEAD COACH	TEAM	WINS
Raymond Berry	New England Patriots	9
Steve Mariucci	San Francisco 49ers	9
Chan Gailey	Dallas Cowboys	8
Chuck Knox	Los Angeles Rams	8
Sam Wyche	Cincinnati Bengals	8

*Mike Tomlin*	*Pittsburgh Steelers*	7*

*Active

Pittsburgh has a 4-0 record at home this season and can become the ninth defending Super Bowl champion to start the following season 5-0 at home. All eight of these clubs reached the playoffs and four went on to win consecutive Super Bowl titles.

The defending Super Bowl champions to win their first five home games the following season:

DEFENDING SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS	YEAR	SEASON RESULT
Miami Dolphins	1973	*Won Super Bowl VIII*
Miami Dolphins	1974	Reached Divisional Playoffs
Pittsburgh Steelers	1979	*Won Super Bowl XIV*
San Francisco 49ers	1990	Reached NFC Championship
Green Bay Packers	1997	Reached Super Bowl XXXII
Denver Broncos	1998	*Won Super Bowl XXXIII*
New England Patriots	2004	*Won Super Bowl XXXIX*
New York Giants	2008	Reached Divisional Playoffs

-- NFL --

200 TIMES FOR WARNER: Arizona Cardinals quarterback KURT WARNER has 198 career touchdown passes in his 12-year NFL career. With two touchdown passes against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Warner will reach 200 touchdowns passes in 118 career games, making him the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to reach the milestone.

The quarterbacks who reached 200 touchdown passes in the fewest games:

QUARTERBACKS	NUMBER OF GAMES TO REACH 200 TOUCHDOWN PASSES
Dan Marino	89
Peyton Manning	106
Brett Favre	107
Tom Brady	116
Johnny Unitas	121

*Kurt Warner*	117*

*Warner currently has 198 touchdown passes

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