Monte Poole - Oakland Tribune Columnist Sounds Early Death Tong On Raiders Season

Poof goes buzz: Raiders face most demoralizing year
Column by Monte Poole - Oakland Tribune

THEY HAVE endured losing seasons, 14 in all. They have submitted atrocious seasons, six times owning or sharing last place in the division.

So the Raiders are more familiar with failure than they are willing to acknowledge.

But never have they been as pathetic as they are now.

To contrast the anticipation in the air 60 days ago to the powerlessness now felt is to realize 2006 is making a strong bid to become the most depressing, demoralizing season in Raiders history.

Or have you forgotten the vigor of springtime?

They rehired head coach Art Shell, a popular former Raider who symbolizes the glory days and did a good job the first time around. There was just enough comfort and applause to obscure the skepticism.

They unveiled a new ticketing system, dumping the despised public seat licenses, theoretically righting a colossal wrong. This didn't please all, but it was spun as a goodwill gesture from an organization perceived to be disdainful of the concept.
They spoke boldly in training camp, describing power running and deep passing, about imposing their will and dominating opponents.

They generated momentum in the preseason, winning four of five, seemingly a response to Shell and his staff. They sold out their home opener, sending the Raider Nation, eager to purge the past three years, to the edge of frenzy.

The plan, it appeared, was working. The Raiders were ready to reclaim lost respect.

And . . . poof! In minutes, the buzz was gone.

That was nine days ago. So soundly was the team overpowered and the coaching staff overmatched that the Raiders were showered with boos in the first quarter of the first game.

So much for consistently selling out home games and taking advantage of the advertising that comes with appearing on local TV.

Suddenly, Oakland has gone from being a sleeper pick to make the playoffs to a team some speculate is the worst in the league.

It's not speculation, though, that the Raiders will attempt to alienate selected individuals, weakening the team and putting chemistry at risk.

Seeing Shell face media and fans, insisting the team is better with wide receiver Jerry Porter on the bench, mocks the "Just win, baby," slogan. Maybe that slogan should have died 15 years ago, when Marcus Allen, a great player and teammate, was punitively benched to the detriment of the team.

To paraphrase defensive tackle Warren Sapp, a blind man can see Porter can help Oakland's offense.

It's not speculation that the Doug Gabriel trade baffles or that Alvis Whitted, 32, is seeking his first productive season.
Gabriel had become a solid, versatile receiver, demanding attention from defenses, and moving him put a smell in the locker room. It's unfair to ask Whitted, who should be a fourth receiver, to compromise his speed by running into traffic.

It's not speculation that Randy Moss, the team's most gifted weapon, is displeased. His enthusiasm is dimming — he went into cruise control a couple of times Sunday at Baltimore — suggesting his hopes are rapidly deflating.

It's not speculation that Oakland's offensive unit is the league's worst and its line embarrassingly bad.
"We can't even get the quarterbacks into their stances," concedes tight end Courtney Anderson.

"We have the makings of a good offense," running back LaMont Jordan says. "But what we don't have is execution that we need to show it. We can talk about how we have good players, talk about this, that and the other. But in the NFL, the only time talking gets you a victory is when you're on the debate team."

Instead, debate around the league regarding the Raiders is about their ineptitude. ESPN is piling on, with unflattering columns and TV commentators openly wondering if they can win one game.

Always willing to stand up for themselves, the Raiders are in no position to fight back. They are no closer to the playoffs than W's posse is to Osama. No closer to the Super Bowl than you are to $1-a-gallon gasoline.

The Raiders are close, however, to NFL irrelevance.

During losing seasons past, there was the sense Al would wake up and reset his brain cells. He did it when John Madden retired, did it when he hired Mike Shanahan, did it after the mistake that was Joe Bugel.

Somehow, Davis manages to remind us he remains a potent force.

Can't help wondering now if Al is out of comebacks. That seen during spring and summer was a mirage. Visible now is a deficient roster, discouraging the fan base, hurting marketing in an important year.

The Raiders set out to make a statement in'06. They are doing exactly that, presenting a team without answers, an organization grasping at straws, quite capable of reaching a new low.

Art Shell - Raiders Head Coach's Press Conference After Ravens Game - Video Set

This is a three-part video set of the press conference featuring Oakland Raiders Head Coach Art Shell after the lost to the Baltimore Ravens. In it, Coach Shell adresses a lot of questions about the offense.

Part One:



Part Two



Part Three

NY Giants Eli Manning To Plaxico Buress TD Vs. Phili Eagles - Video

This is a video of that dramatic touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Plaxico Buress to give the NY Giants the win in overtime vs. the Eagles.

Billy Volek To Chargers - Titans Erase Mentors For Vince Young

One by one, they're eliminating the mentors for Vince Young. Let's see how this approach works.

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- After watching two division rivals lose their starting quarterbacks to injuries, the San Diego Chargers obtained Billy Volek from Tennessee on Tuesday to give them a veteran behind first-year starter Philip Rivers.

Volek wanted out of Tennessee since being demoted to third-stringer behind rookie Vince Young after the Titans signed Kerry Collins. He got his wish, but the deal was delayed for obvious reasons because the Titans played the Chargers on Sunday. San Diego won 40-7 to improve to 2-0 atop the AFC West. Volek was the inactive third QB.

"He's awfully enthusiastic about joining a team with the quality that the Chargers represent," said his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. "This is a nice opportunity for Billy to go to a team that is playing very well right now, and has a need for a veteran quarterback."

Rosenhaus was involved in the deal because Volek, who played at Fresno State, had to waive his no-trade clause in order to return to his home state.

The Chargers, who opened the season with the untested Rivers and rookie Charlie Whitehurst as their only quarterbacks, gave up a sixth-round draft pick that could become a fifth-rounder if Volek participates in 50 percent of San Diego's offensive plays this year.

"I think we're a good football team and I'd like to protect it," general manager A.J. Smith said. "We just like his experience factor, and he's a pretty solid quarterback. More importantly, the reason is it adds depth. He was looking for a change of scenery and we were contemplating if he was the right guy to add to our depth."

Division rival Kansas City reportedly inquired about Volek after Trent Green suffered a concussion in the Chiefs' season opener. On Sunday, Oakland lost Aaron Brooks for two to four weeks with a strained pectoral muscle. The Chargers sacked Brooks nine times in a season-opening 27-0 win.

Volek was chosen as the Titans' starter in June after Steve McNair was traded to Baltimore. But when the Titans signed Collins on Aug. 29, Volek was dropped behind Young on the depth chart.

Rivers, a third-year pro, began the season with zero NFL starts and one touchdown pass. In San Diego's two routs, he's completed 33 of 46 passes (71.7 percent) for 343 yards and two touchdowns.

San Diego's only other quarterback through two games was rookie Charlie Whitehurst. He made his NFL debut in mop-up duty Sunday and scored on a 14-yard run with 1:53 left. His father, David, played for the Green Bay Packers from 1976-83.

San Diego released veteran backup A.J. Feeley on Aug. 28.

Volek is 3-7 as a starter, including eight starts in 2004 when McNair had a sternum injury. He made his second career start that season at San Diego, throwing for 279 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-17 loss.

Rosenhaus said he anticipated Volek would fly to San Diego on Tuesday. The Chargers are off this weekend before facing their toughest test yet, at Baltimore on Oct. 1.

"It's very fortuitous that the club has a bye this week because it gives Billy a chance to learn the system and acclimate himself before the next ballgame," Rosenhaus said.

COLTS RB JOSEPH ADDAI, SAINTS WR MARQUES COLSTON, 49ERS LB MANNY LAWSON, PATRIOTS RB LAURENCE MARONEY, & PANTHERS RB DE ANGELO WILLIAMS For ROW

From NFL Media.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLTS RB JOSEPH ADDAI, SAINTS WR MARQUES COLSTON,
49ERS LB MANNY LAWSON, PATRIOTS RB LAURENCE MARONEY
& PANTHERS RB DE ANGELO WILLIAMS

CANDIDATES FOR DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF WEEK HONORS

Fans To Vote For Winner On NFL.com and Via Sprint Wireless Service

Running back JOSEPH ADDAI of the Indianapolis Colts, wide receiver MARQUES COLSTON of the New Orleans
Saints, linebacker MANNY LAWSON of the San Francisco 49ers, running back LAURENCE MARONEY of the New
England Patriots and running back DE ANGELO WILLIAMS of the Carolina Panthers are the finalists for DIET PEPSI
NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK honors for games played on September 17-18, the NFL announced today.

Fans can vote for one of these five players on NFL.com beginning Tuesday at 9am EST and ending on Thursday at 5pm
EST to determine the DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK. The DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK will be
announced Thursday evening on NFL.com.

In addition, for the second year, NFL fans may cast their votes for the DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK using
phones with Sprint wireless service - an opportunity available only to Sprint customers. This fast, convenient voting
method involves texting the word PEPSI to short code 7777. Sprint customers will then receive an interactive text
message that links fans to the ballot with the five finalists each week. Data and text messaging rates may apply.
After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for
the winner on NFL.com and via Sprint wireless service throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced
at a press conference at Super Bowl XLI in South Florida.

A closer look at the finalists:

- Indianapolis' Joseph Addai carried 16 times for 82 yards in the Colts’ 43-24 victory over the AFC South-rival
Houston Texans. Addai added two receptions for 22 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown catch-and-run to put
the Colts up 14-0 in the first quarter. It was Addai’s first career NFL touchdown.

- New Orleans' Marques Colston caught four passes for 58 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown reception in the
fourth quarter of the Saints’ 34-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Colston has now caught a touchdown
pass in each of his first two NFL games.

- San Francisco's Manny Lawson recorded three tackles, two sacks and two quarterback pressures in the 49ers’
20-13 win over the St. Louis Rams. Lawson was a key factor in San Francisco’s defense holding the Rams to 185
passing yards on the day. He recorded sacks on the Rams’ opening drives of both the first and third quarters.

- New England's Laurence Maroney ran for 65 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries in the Patriots’ 24-17
victory over the New York Jets. Maroney recorded his first career NFL touchdown on a one-yard run in the third
quarter to put the Patriots in front 24-0.

- Carolina' s DeAngelo Williams carried 13 times for 74 yards and one touchdown in the Panthers’ 16-13 overtime
loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Williams scored his first career NFL touchdown on a three-yard run in the second
quarter. He also added five catches for 24 yards and returned four kickoffs for 86 yards in the game.

This is Pepsi’s fifth year as the official soft drink sponsor of the NFL and the second year that Diet Pepsi will present the
NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL Rookie of the Year awards.

Selma Blair Caught In Argument With Ex-Hubby - Enquirer

Man, I didn't know Selma Blair was even married until now! Where have I been? I've got to admit she's got the simple combination West Cost / Midwest girl-next-door look down to a fine science. I guess her now-ex-hubby Ahmet Zappa (think son of the late and lengendary rocker Frank Zappa) thought so too, because he married her in 2004.

I only became aware of Selma via the movie "Cruel Intentions" -- one of my favorites. In the movie, which also features now coupled Ryan Philippe and Reese Witherspoon, Blair became very well-known for this kiss:



Well she's not going to be kissing on Zappa anytime soon because they had a nasty argument in a parking lot, which ended with her screeching off in her car after he walked off.

She's on the market and free to give a kiss like the one above to some deserving guy -- this time!

Suri Cruise Rumored Not To Be Tom Cruise's Baby - Enquirer

The Enquirer reports that the much celebrated baby of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes is not the product of whatever sexual intercourse the couple had. This news was covered in several other online media publications like Gawker and Perezhilton.com and led to speculation regarding who the father may be.

Some pointed to old Holmes flame Chris Klein as the father because of the similarity in the shape of their eyes. But regardless of who the real father may be, it's certainly clear that Suri is the child of Tom and Katie now.

Amanda Congdon - "Amanda Across America" Is Her New Project

Former Rocketboom host Amanda Congdon has announced the launch of "AmandaAcrossAmerica.com" her new vlog which takes her on a tour of our country starting in New York. The new show launches on Tuesday.

Amanda Condgon on Saturday September 16th at the Blip.TV office in NYC talking about some of her new projects and AmandaAcrossAmerica.com. "I'm really excited to be doing this with Blip and I want to thank Paltalk.com for supporting this wonderfiul party thank you all for coming. I have a lot of exciting... I've got TV projects and a bunch video blog projects to do when I get to LA and I'm really excited to go out in such a creative and innovative and really I guess the first person to go across the country and document it in a hybrid vehicle. So awesome thank you for coming and being part of this really creative and innovative event. Thank you. Party on!"

Louisiana Superdome Video Tour 9-11-2006

This amazing amateur video was taken as part of a tour to record the progress of the renovation of the Louisiana Superdome for this Monday September 21st game pitting the visiting Atlanta Falcons with the New Orleans Saints.

As the video shows, the "new" Superdome really is, all the way down to the new seats and redone luxury boxes and cleaned up and painted cooridors. The video shows it all and also gives one an idea of just how massive the Superdome complex really is.

Although beset with lawsuits over the roof, the path toward the reopening is ahead of schedule and the new facility will be a showcase of the rebirth of New Orleans.

Here's the video:

"Greatness Of The Raiders" May Cease This Season: Oakland Raiders Would Fall To Miami Dolphins As Team With Most Wins In NFL History

After this last and most disasterous loss to the Baltimore Ravens -- and the continued problems with the offense -- I decided to review the last Oakland Raiders press release and found this bit of information:

THE GREATNESS OF THE RAIDERS
The Raiders, who began play in the American Football League in 1960, enter their 47th year of professional
football competition in 2006, and 36th year as a member of the National Football League. For over five
decades -- the 1960s, '70s, '80s, ‘90s and the 2000s -- the Raiders have been the most dominant team in
professional football since Al Davis first pledged in 1963 to build the finest organization in pro sports.
Since 1963, when Al Davis first took over the failing Oakland franchise that had struggled to win only nine of 42
league games in the initial three seasons of the new American Football League, the Raiders have totally
dominated professional football in terms of consistent victory. During those decades of dominance in Oakland
and Los Angeles, the Raiders have won 385 league games and continue to stand atop the NFL for this period
with their winning percentage of .602.

TOP PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL RECORDS
(1963-2005)
TEAM WINNING %
1. OAKLAND RAIDERS .602
2. Miami Dolphins (since 1966) .599
3. Dallas Cowboys .592

So I did some calculations and determined that if the Raiders won 385 games and that was .602 of the total, then the full number of games in their history was 639.534 (Where there's half a game, I don't know. Maybe the "Heidi Game").

I then determined that if the Raiders lost just six (6) games, they would be at .596 and fall behind the Miami Dolphins for claim of best record in pro football. At of now, the Raiders have lost two of those six games. Still, if this happened, the Raiders total record would be 10 wins and 6 losses, certainly at or near what it takes to win the AFC West. But many in the media are picking the Silver and Black to not win one game, and there's nothing in their current statistical performance to show a reason to expect a rebound.

If the Raiders lose 10 total games -- 6 and 10 -- then they would not only fall below the Miami Dolphins for best overall record in NFL history, but be in a statiscal tie with the Dallas Cowboys at .592; one more game lost and they fall below the Cowboys.

I hate to say this, but this year -- unless the team and organization shows a remarkable turn around -- the "Greatness of The Raiders" will be over and a thing of the past. The PR department will have to eliminate this statistic from their record books they use to claim bragging rights over the NFL.

Moreover, the Raiders organization could not claim the "2000s" as a decade where they were a dominant organization because they lump their overall record into that claim. Since the overall record's in danger of dropping below that of the Dolphins, the claim to being the dominant organization of the opening decade of the 21st Century would be false by the end of this season if the team loses over five games.

But beyond that, this statistic sheds a light on how far the Oakland Raiders organization has fallen over the past three years alone. If legacy is important to the Raiders, then this should give cause for alarm bells to sound.

NFL CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

WWW.NFLMedia.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NFLH- 1 9/18/06

NFL CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
TWO SPOTS TO AIR LIVE IN NFL STADIUMS AND ON SELECT TV STATIONS

Each year NFL teams celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with festivities across the country at their games.
This year 15 clubs have designated home games to commemorate the month with in-stadium entertainment
and activities to highlight the Latino culture and the contributions by Hispanics to the league.

Nationally, the NFL is launching a Spanish TV campaign with spots airing on Telemundo and ESPN Deportes,
as well as in NFL stadiums on jumbotrons during Hispanic Heritage Month. Additionally, the campaign will run
in print in USA Today and ESPN Deportes Magazine, as well as on radio.

The NFL’s new Spanish commercial titled, “Futbol /Football,” captures the excitement of NFL football creating
a contagious passion that will encourage Latinos to make the excitement of the game their very own.
The voiceover says: “The colors of your team. The passion for the game. The will to win,” while images of
fans cheering and current Latino NFL players in action are shown. The spot ends with “Celebrating Hispanic
Heritage Month.”

For the second year in a row, the NFL has teamed up with Pedro Resto to conceive and execute a spot
directed at the Latino community. “The overall commitment by the NFL and everyone involved to introduce
Latinos to the game of football is absolutely beautiful and a sign of great things to come for the Latino
community,” says Resto.

The NFL Creative Group collaborated with Resto previously for the NFL’s first-ever Spanish youth football
public service announcement. The PSA featured Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz and Chiefs TE Tony
Gonzalez. In a first for an NFL PSA, Spanish was spoken and viewers saw English subtitles. This spot will
continue to air this season on ESPN Deportes as well as on CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network with
English subtitles.

Through his newly formed production company, ProudFilms, Resto engaged the Yellow Butterfly Project to do
the creative work, Animal Sound for the original music and sound, and Moving Images for its post production
services.

Log on to www.NFLatino.com for real-time NFL and team news, fantasy football, schedules, scores, standings,
expert analysis and more in Spanish.
# # #

Indy Colts Blast Houston Texans 43-24; Joe Addai With 82 Yards

Joseph Addai's slowly becoming a force in the Colts' offense.

Aerial attack lifts Colts over Texans 43-24

NFL.com wire reports

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 17, 2006) -- The NFL's biggest perfectionist found little to quibble with. Sure, Peyton Manning would have preferred scoring a few more touchdowns and less mistakes.

But what more could the two-time MVP really ask of his teammates?

Manning threw three touchdown passes, broke John Unitas' franchise record for completions and led the Colts to scores on six of their first seven possessions in a 43-24 rout over Houston that wasn't that close.

"The main thing our veterans are having to battle is enjoying regular-season victories," he said. "All everybody wants to talk about is what are you going to do when you get to the playoffs? You hang 43 on a team, you ought to be happy about it."

Again, Indy's offense dominated the Texans, who have lost all nine games in the series.

Indy (2-0) produced 515 yards, converted on eight of its first 10 third-down chances and didn't punt until early in the fourth quarter as the record-setting combination of Manning and Marvin Harrison had another milestone day.

Manning's second TD pass, a 21-yarder to rookie Joseph Addai in the first quarter, gave him 2,797 completions -- one more than Unitas had in his Colts career. He finished 26 of 38 for 400 yards, his seventh-highest yardage total as a pro, and with 2,820 career completions.

"I always feel uncomfortable, a little awkward when you're talking about records of Johnny Unitas," Manning said. "That's a real special mention any time you can be in the same sentence as him."

Harrison and Reggie Wayne also were busy.


Marvin Harrison caught nine passes for 127 of Peyton Manning's 400 yards through the air.
Wayne caught six passes for 135 yards, while Harrison had seven catches for 127 yards and passed Art Monk for fifth on the career receptions list. Harrison now has 943 career receptions.

"I did meet him quite a few times, he's a terrific person and a great player and just to be in the same company as those guys means a lot to me," Harrison said.

Houston (0-2), meanwhile, looked its old self -- misfiring from the start.

On the game's first offensive play, David Carr was sacked by Robert Mathis before he could even set up to throw. Carr fumbled the snap on the next play and Raheem Brock recovered for the Colts at the Texans 16. Three plays later, Manning and Brandon Stokley hooked up for a 10-yard TD pass.

Less than 12 minutes into the game, Carr had already been sacked twice, the Texans had three fumbles and they trailed 14-0.

"You can't have things happen to you like we let happen early. That's nervous stuff," Gary Kubiak said. "That's no excuse, we can't use it as an excuse."

The Texans defense allowed a stagnant Colts ground game to rush for 125 yards, including 82 from Addai, and their beleaguered offensive line took some big hits, too.

Left tackle Charles Spencer fractured his lower left leg midway through the third quarter and could be lost for the season, Kubiak said. Center Mike Flanagan hobbled off in the fourth quarter with a left foot injury and did not return.

It was that kind of day.

"Down 14-0 at this place, I don't think it's helpless but it's tough," Carr said. "It's tough to beat these guys 0-0. When you're down 14-0, it's incredibly difficult."

But the Colts' proficient offense caused the most grief for Houston.

The only time the Colts didn't score in the first three quarters was when Addai was stood up at the goal line and guard Dylan Gandy ran into him, jarring the ball loose. Houston recovered in the end zone.

Otherwise, Indy was unstoppable.

Adam Vinatieri connected on three field goals from 39, 43 and 38 yards.

The Texans got a 39-yarder from Kris Brown with 1:54 left in the half, and Carr threw three touchdown passes in the last 12 minutes. Carr was 22 of 26 for 219 yards and was sacked four times.

"We controlled the momentum, we controlled the game and I thought, did some awfully good things," Dungy said. "We just have to clean up our mistakes a little bit."

Pamela Sue Anderson and Courtney Love Roasted

This a totally funny video of both Pamela Sue Anderson and Courtney Love being roasted on the Comedy Central program.

FIRST TIME ALL NFL TV BLACKOUTS LIFTED FOR FIRST TWO WEEKS OF SEASON

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
WWW.NFLMedia.com

Joe Browne, Executive Vice President-Communications
Greg Aiello, Vice President-Public Relations

FOR USE AS DESIRED

NFL-66 9/15/06
ALL WEEK 2 GAMES SOLD OUT;
FIRST TIME ALL TV BLACKOUTS LIFTED
FOR FIRST TWO WEEKS OF SEASON

For the second consecutive week, all 16 games of the NFL schedule have sold out in
advance of the local TV blackout deadline, enabling every game to be televised in the hometeam
market, the NFL announced today.

This is the first time since the NFL blackout policy took effect in 1973 that all blackouts were
lifted for the season's first two weeks. All blackouts were lifted on NFL Kickoff 2006
Weekend (September 7, 10-11).

It will be the 15th time in NFL history that blackouts have been lifted for all games on a single
weekend. The previous 14 times have been on Kickoff Weekend in 1998; three times in
2000; once in 2001; four times in 2002 and 2005; and on Kickoff 2006 Weekend.

The NFL blackout policy states that games sold out 72 hours prior to kickoff can be televised
in the home city.
# # #

San Diego Chargers' Steve Foley To Be Tested For Steriod Use

You can read more about this story by clicking on the link to this post's title, but I think this is absolutely silly.

Did someone check the sobriety of the off-duty cop who was following Foley? I'll bet even money the guy was drunk. I'll also wager the cop was coming from a bar during, what, 3 AM?

Come on!

John Williams "Sunday Night Football" Theme Music Press Release By NBC

I found this press release on John Williams Sunday Night Football Theme Music on NBC, and thought I'd post it. I also found the theme music as well.

"NBC Sunday Night Football" Theme Music to Debut Sept. 7 on Inaugural NBC Regular Season Broadcast


NEW YORK – August 30, 2006 – Academy Award-winning composer and music director John Williams, the Academy's most nominated living person with 45 nominations, and an 18-time Grammy Award-winner, has composed the new theme music for "NBC Sunday Night Football," and NBC's "Football Night in America" studio show, it was announced today by Dick Ebersol, Chairman, NBC Sports & Olympics and Executive Producer, "NBC Sunday Night Football." Williams previously worked with NBC Sports on the network's theme music for the Olympic Games, and has composed the themes to films including Star Wars, Jaws, Superman and ET. The "NBC Sunday Night Football" and "Football Night in America" themes will be used as the show opens, and throughout the broadcasts.

"I'm not only excited but also privileged to have one of America's greatest musical talents make his first foray into our country's premier sport of football on television's premier night," said Ebersol. "We at NBC have enjoyed a special relationship with John for two decades through the Olympics and News division. It's a relationship I hope will last forever."

"It has been great fun and a rare privilege to have been asked to contribute music for NBC's broadcast of one of our country's greatest traditions – football!" said Williams. "The outstanding athletes that play this game are similar to our great musicians in that they all require complete dedication and rigorous daily practice to stay sharp. I can also say that the members of our orchestra are all avid football fans and they were very excited when, on the day we recorded this music, we were visited by Al Michaels.

"Short of being at the games or meeting Al Michaels in person, the next best thing will be to turn on NBC and enjoy one of these great events. Personally, I'm extremely proud to be a small part of it."

Williams has composed the music and served as a music director for more than one hundred films, including, War of the Worlds, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Terminal, Catch Me If You Can, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Minority Report, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, The Patriot, Angela's Ashes, Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, Stepmom, Saving Private Ryan, Amistad, Seven Years in Tibet, The Lost World, Rosewood, Sleepers, Nixon, Sabrina, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Far and Away, JFK, Hook, Presumed Innocent, Born on the Fourth of July, the Indiana Jones trilogy, The Accidental Tourist, Empire of the Sun, The Witches of Eastwick, E.T. (the Extra-Terrestrial), Superman, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Star Wars trilogy, Jaws, and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. He has received forty-five Academy Award nominations, most recently for his scores from Memoirs of a Geisha and Munich, making him the Academy's most nominated living person. He has been awarded five Oscars, seven British Academy Awards (BAFTA), eighteen Grammys, four Golden Globes, four Emmys and numerous gold and platinum records. In addition, Mr. Williams has composed the well-known NBC News theme "The Mission," "Liberty Fanfare" composed for the rededication of the Statue of Liberty, "We're Lookin Good!," composed for the Special Olympics in celebration of the 1987 International Summer Games, and themes for the 1984, 1988, and 1996 Summer Olympic games and the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

Many of Williams' film scores have been released as recordings; the soundtrack album Star Wars has sold more than four million copies, making it one of the most successful non-pop albums in recording history. Mr. Williams' highly acclaimed series of albums with the Boston Pops Orchestra began in 1980 on the Philips label, for which he recorded Pops In Space, Pops On The March, Aisle Seat, Pops Out Of This World, With A Song In My Heart (a collaboration with soprano Jessye Norman), America, The Dream Goes On (a collection of favorite Americana), Swing, Swing, Swing, Pops In Love, By Request…(featuring music composed by John Williams), Holst's The Planets, Salute To Hollywood, and an all-Gershwin album entitled Pops By George. In 1990, John Williams and the Boston Pops started making recordings exclusively for the Sony Classical label. To date, these have included Music Of The Night (an album of contemporary and classical show tunes), I Love A Parade (a collection of favorite marches), The Spielberg / Williams Collaboration (featuring John Williams' music for Steven Spielberg's films), The Green Album (which includes "This Land Is Your Land," "Simple Gifts," and "Theme For Earth Day"), a Christmas album entitled Joy To The World, an album of music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, and Jerome Kern entitled Unforgettable, a tribute to Frank Sinatra entitled Night And Day, an album featuring music by John Williams and Aaron Copland entitled Music For Stage And Screen, It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing, with vocalist Nancy Wilson, and Williams on Williams: The Classic Spielberg Scores. Mr. Williams' most recent recording with the Boston Pops Orchestra is entitled Summon The Heroes, the title track of which was the official theme for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

Williams has led the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra on United States Tours in 1985, 1989, and 1992 and on a tour of Japan in 1987. He led the Boston Pops Orchestra on tours of Japan in 1990 and 1993. In addition to leading the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall and at Tanglewood, Williams has appeared as guest conductor with a number of major orchestras, including the London Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Dallas Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, with which he has appeared many times at the Hollywood Bowl. Williams holds honorary degrees from twenty-one American universities, including The Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music in Boston, Boston College, Northeastern University, Tufts University, Boston University, the New England Conservatory of Music, the University of Massachusetts at Boston, The Eastman School of Music, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and the University of Southern California. Williams recently served as the Grand Marshal of the 2004 Rose Parade in Pasadena, and was the recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor in December of 2004.

John Williams was born in New York and moved to Los Angeles with his family in 1948. There he attended UCLA, Los Angeles City College, and studied composition privately with Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. After service in the Air Force, Williams returned to New York to attend Juilliard University, where he studied piano with Madame Rosina Lhevinne. While in New York, he also worked as a jazz pianist, both in clubs and on recordings. He then returned to Los Angeles, where he began his career in the film industry, working with such composers as Bernard Herrmann, Alfred Newman, and Franz Waxman. He went on to write music for many television programs in the 1960s, winning four Emmy Awards for his work.

# # #

Reggie Bush Voted Rookie Of The Week By Diet Pepsi

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS RB REGGIE BUSH

VOTED WEEK 1 DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Winner Selected By Fan Vote on NFL.com and Via Sprint Wireless Service Voters on NFL.com and via Sprint wireless service have made their choice. Running back REGGIE BUSH of the New Orleans Saints is the DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK for games played on September 7-11, the NFL announced today.

Bush ran for 61 yards on 14 carries and caught eight passes for 58 yards in the Saints’ 19-14 victory over the
Cleveland Browns. Bush, who added three punt returns for 22 yards, recorded 141 all-purpose yards in his NFL debut.

More than 38,500 fans voted this week on NFL.com and via Sprint wireless service. Bush was selected from among five finalists. The other finalists were running back MIKE BELL of the Denver Broncos, defensive back CORTLAND FINNEGAN of the Tennessee Titans, punter RYAN PLACKEMEIER of the Seattle Seahawks and linebacker DE MECO RYANS of the Houston Texans
After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com and via Sprint wireless service throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a press conference at Super Bowl XLI in South Florida.

This is Pepsi’s fifth year as the official soft drink sponsor of the NFL and the second year that Diet Pepsi will present the NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL Rookie of the Year awards.

2006 DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Wk 1 RB Reggie Bush (Southern California)

NFL GAMES RANK 1-2 AMONG ALL PROGRAMS FOR WEEK OF SEPT 4 - 10

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 450-2000 * FAX (212) 681-7573
WWW.NFLMedia.com

Joe Browne, Executive Vice President-Communications
Greg Aiello, Vice President-Public Relations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NFL 9/12/06
NFL GAMES RANK 1-2 AMONG ALL PROGRAMS FOR WEEK
NFL Games Top Ratings in 27 Local NFL Markets

Beginning with the Thursday night NFL season opener, viewers across the country tuned their televisions to NFL games in impressive numbers last week.

Fox’s doubleheader game on Sunday (mostly Cowboys-Jaguars) was the week’s mostwatched show (22.7 million viewers), while the Sunday night opener on NBC (Colts-Giants) ranked second (22.6 million viewers).

NFL games topped the local ratings in 27 of 29 NFL markets*(*New Orleans data excluded by Nielsen).

Following are the NFL markets where football was the top-rated program for the week of September
4-10:

Week of 9/4 - 9/10 HH HH RTG
Market Game Date RTG SHR Rank
Pittsburgh Dolphins @ Steelers 9/7/06 50.5 67 1
Indianapolis Colts @ NY Giants 9/10/06 43.3 58 1
Milwaukee Bears @ Packers 9/10/06 39.1 61 1
Buffalo Bills @ Patriots 9/10/06 37.9 69 1
Dallas Cowboys @ Jaguars 9/10/06 32.2 54 1
Kansas City Bengals @ Chiefs 9/10/06 31.2 57 1
Denver Broncos @ Rams 9/10/06 28.5 59 1
Jacksonville Cowboys @ Jaguars 9/10/06 28.2 45 1
Chicago Bears @ Packers 9/10/06 27.5 50 1
Charlotte Falcons @ Panthers 9/10/06 27.4 51 1
Cincinnati Bengals @ Chiefs 9/10/06 27.1 57 1
Tampa Ravens @ Bucs 9/10/06 26.1 48 1
Philadelphia Eagles @ Texans 9/10/06 25.1 53 1
St. Louis Broncos @ Rams 9/10/06 24.0 49 1
Nashville Colts @ NY Giants 9/10/06 22.4 32 1
Miami Dolphins @ Steelers 9/7/06 22.1 32 1
Boston Bills @ Patriots 9/10/06 21.5 52 1
Seattle Seahawks @ Lions 9/10/06 21.2 49 1
Baltimore Ravens @ Bucs 9/10/06 19.9 43 1
Detroit Seahawks @ Lions 9/10/06 19.1 38 1
Phoenix 49ers @ Cardinals 9/10/06 17.8 33 1
New York Colts @ NY Giants 9/10/06 17.7 26 1
Houston Eagles @ Texans 9/10/06 16.9 33 1
Washington, D.C. Colts @ NY Giants 9/10/06 16.9 27 1
San Diego Colts @ NY Giants 9/10/06 16.6 28 1
San Fran./Oakland 49ers @ Cardinals 9/10/06 15.7 39 1
Minneapolis Dolphins @ Steelers 9/7/06 14.2 25 1
* Local affiliate & ESPN combined
Source: NFL & Nielsen Media Research

NFL General Council Jeff Pash Interviewed By Bob Ley of ESPN

From NFLMedia.com

JEFF PASH INTERVIEW WITH BOB LEY

ESPN’s Outside the Lines

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Ley: Let’s say good morning now to the executive vice president of the National Football League, Jeff Pash. Good morning, Jeff.

JP: Good morning, Bob.

Ley: If you think of the popularity of the NFL as a pie chart in front of you, how big a slice of the popularity of this league is because folks can bet on it?

JP: Very, very small, Bob. People like the NFL, and our popularity is a result of the great players, the coaches, the close and exciting action, and the physical nature of the game. It doesn’t have anything to do with gambling or point spreads for the vast, vast majority of people who follow the NFL.

Ley: Even though those in the gaming world point out that Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest day of the year? And point out that fall Sundays like this are, by far, the high blips in revenue handle?

JP: It might be the high blip in a revenue handle, but it’s a small, small slice of the overall pie. Keep in mind, people who point to that are people that have an interest in promoting gambling and an interest in using the NFL as a vehicle for their own operation.

Ley: What’s the league’s position? Do you want online gambling on the NFL prohibited?

JP: Absolutely. It is prohibited. That’s our position. We think that law today, both federal and state law, stops this and the legislation that Congressman (Jim) Leach, Congressman (Bob) Goodlatte, Senator (Jon) Kyl and others are supporting would give law enforcement additional enforcement tools. But the question of whether it’s legal or not, that’s been answered a long time ago.

Ley: (It’s illegal) to take bets, but folks at home, according to experts now, can legally make a bet.

JP: You have to have someone to take the bet and complete the transaction. Ley: Two to tango?

JP: Exactly.

Ley: What does the league gain by prohibiting it?

JP: We’ve always said there needs to be a clear-cut separation between gambling and the NFL. It’s an “integrity of the game” issue. It’s a “perception” issue. One of the things that gives us the popularity that we have, Bob, is people believe our games are honest. People believe there is that separation and they respect it. You can look at other sports where that separation hasn’t been quite so clear and their popularity has, rather sharply, declined. That’s not the case with the NFL.
Ley: You heard the US Attorney that is prosecuting this case talk about the money leaving the country untaxed and unregulated. If it was taxed and it was regulated and there was piece of the pie to be derived to the leagues involved
here, what would your league’s position be?

JP: We could take money today. We could take advertising from casinos and the like. We don’t do that now. We’re not looking for money. It’s not a money issue to us.

Ley: Jeff Pash, the NFL executive vice president. We appreciate you taking the time this morning, Jeff.

JP: My pleasure, Bob.

NFL INJURY REPORT FOR WEEK TWO - NFLMEDIA.COM

NFL INJURY REPORT FOR WEEK TWO - NFLMEDIA.COM

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Following is a list of injured players for Week 2 Games (September 17-18):
DETROIT LIONS (0-1) AT CHICAGO BEARS (1-0)
Detroit Lions
OUT TE Casey Fitzsimmons (Wrist); WR Shaun Bodiford (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE G Ross Verba (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Casey Fitzsimmons; Shaun Bodiford; Ross Verba
Chicago Bears
QUESTIONABLE WR Justin Gage (Rib); S Chris Harris (Ankle); DT Tommie Harris
(Ankle); LB Hunter Hillenmeyer (Concussion); DE Israel Idonije
(Ankle); TE Gabriel Reid (Back); RB J.D. Runnels (Ankle)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Chris Harris; Gabriel Reid
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-0) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (0-1)
New Orleans Saints
OUT RB Keith Joseph (Knee--Injured Reserve); RB Mike Karney
(Calf); S Bryan Scott (Hamstring)
QUESTIONABLE DE Michael Haynes (Back); DT Rodney Leisle (Knee)
PROBABLE CB Dejuan Groce (Hamstring); LB Terrence Melton (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Keith Joseph; Mike Karney; Bryan Scott; Michael Haynes
Green Bay Packers
OUT T Junius Coston (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE G Jason Spitz (Thigh); RB William Henderson (Knee); CB Will
Blackmon (Foot)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Junius Coston; Jason Spitz; Will Blackmon
CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-1) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-0)
Carolina Panthers
OUT LB Dan Morgan (Concussion)
QUESTIONABLE WR Steve Smith (Thigh); RB Nick Goings (Thigh); C Justin
Hartwig (Groin)
PROBABLE LB Jason Kyle (Shoulder); DT Jordan Carstens (Elbow); LB Na'il
Diggs (Knee)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Dan Morgan; Steve Smith; Nick Goings; Justin Hartwig
Minnesota Vikings
PROBABLE RB Ciatrick Fason (Shoulder); CB Will Hunter (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED All Players Practiced
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (0-1) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (1-0)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OUT G Davin Joseph (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE G Dan Buenning (Ankle); TE Dave Moore (Rib); LB Shelton
Quarles (Groin)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Davin Joseph; Dave Moore
Atlanta Falcons
QUESTIONABLE LB Edgerton Hartwell (Knee); DE John Abraham (Groin)
PROBABLE RB Fred McCrary (Foot); WR Roddy White (Hamstring); DE
Patrick Kerney (Triceps)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Edgerton Hartwell; John Abraham; Roddy White; Patrick Kerney
OAKLAND RAIDERS (0-1) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-0)
Oakland Raiders
QUESTIONABLE CB Nnamdi Asomugha (Foot); DE Kevin Huntley (Foot)
PROBABLE TE James Adkisson (Knee); QB Aaron Brooks (Knee); TE John
Madsen (Ankle); LB Sam Williams (Ankle)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Nnamdi Asomugha; Robert Gallery; Chris Carr; Kevin Huntley;
Sam Williams
Baltimore Ravens
QUESTIONABLE RB P.J. Daniels (Thigh); C Mike Flynn (Ankle); DT Aubrayo
Franklin (Thigh); TE Todd Heap (Back); RB Jamal Lewis (Hip); S
Ed Reed (Thigh); K Matt Stover (Back); TE Daniel Wilcox (Back)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED P.J. Daniels; Mike Flynn; Aubrayo Franklin; Todd Heap; Jamal
Lewis; Ed Reed; Matt Stover; Daniel Wilcox
CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-1) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-0)
Cleveland Browns
OUT WR Joe Jurevicius (Ribs); TE Darnell Dinkins (Hamstring)
DOUBTFUL DE Nick Eason (Ankle)
QUESTIONABLE S Brian Russell (Elbow); CB Daylon McCutcheon (Knee)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Joe Jurevicius; Darnell Dinkins; Nick Eason; Brian Russell;
Daylon McCutcheon
Cincinnati Bengals
OUT WR Antonio Chatman (Groin)
QUESTIONABLE DE Frostee Rucker (Shoulder)
PROBABLE WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Heel); T Levi Jones (Ankle); CB
Deltha O'Neal (Knee); DT Sam Adams (Knee)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Antonio Chatman; Frostee Rucker; T.J. Houshmandzadeh; Levi
Jones; Deltha O'Neal; Sam Adams
HOUSTON TEXANS (0-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1-0)
Houston Texans
OUT CB Demarcus Faggins (Foot); CB Phillip Buchanon (Ankle)
PROBABLE C Mike Flanagan (Groin)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Demarcus Faggins; Phillip Buchanon; Mike Flanagan
Indianapolis Colts
OUT RB De De Dorsey (Ankle); DE Josh Thomas (Hip)
QUESTIONABLE TE Ben Utecht (Finger); CB Nicholas Harper (Ankle); TE Ben
Hartsock (Hamstring); CB Tim Jennings (Ankle); LB Freddie
Keiaho (Knee); G Ryan Lilja (Knee); LB Rob Morris (Foot); DT
Montae Reagor (Knee); S Bob Sanders (Knee); G Jake Scott
(Knee); DT Corey Simon (Knee); QB Jim Sorgi (Right Shoulder);
WR Brandon Stokley (Ankle); LB Gary Brackett (Calf); CB Jason
David (Tooth); T Ryan Diem (Hand); LB Gilbert Gardner (Hand)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED De De Dorsey; Josh Thomas; Ben Hartsock; Freddie Keiaho;
Ryan Lilja; Montae Reagor; Bob Sanders; Corey Simon; Brandon
Stokley; Jason David
BUFFALO BILLS (0-1) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-1)
Buffalo Bills
OUT S Troy Vincent (Hamstring)
QUESTIONABLE S Matt Bowen (Shin); LB Takeo Spikes (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Troy Vincent; Matt Bowen; Takeo Spikes
Miami Dolphins
OUT G Joe Berger (Foot)
QUESTIONABLE CB Travis Daniels (Ankle)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Joe Berger
NEW YORK GIANTS (0-1) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-0)
New York Giants
OUT RB Derrick Ward (Foot)
QUESTIONABLE G Chris Snee (Ankle)
PROBABLE TE Jeremy Shockey (Ankle)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Derrick Ward; Chris Snee; Jeremy Shockey
Philadelphia Eagles
OUT CB Lito Sheppard (Ankle)
QUESTIONABLE RB Reno Mahe (Ankle)
PROBABLE DE Jerome McDougle (Rib); S Quintin Mikell (Thumb); LB
Jeremiah Trotter (Ankle)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Lito Sheppard
ST. LOUIS RAMS (1-0) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (0-1)
St. Louis Rams
QUESTIONABLE LB Jamal Brooks (Knee); DT Jimmy Kennedy (Hand); LB Pisa
Tinoisamoa (Foot)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Jamal Brooks; Jimmy Kennedy; Pisa Tinoisamoa
San Francisco 49ers
OUT G Larry Allen (Knee); TE Delanie Walker (Shoulder)
DOUBTFUL DE Parys Haralson (Foot); T Jonas Jennings (Ankle)
PROBABLE TE Vernon Davis (Hip)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Larry Allen; Delanie Walker; Parys Haralson; Jonas Jennings;
Vernon Davis
ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-0) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-0)
Arizona Cardinals
PROBABLE DE Calvin Pace (Ankle); G Milford Brown (Ribs); LB Karlos
Dansby (Toe); T Oliver Ross (Knee)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Milford Brown
Seattle Seahawks
OUT LS J.P. Darche (Hip); TE Jerramy Stevens (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE LB LeRoy Hill (Shoulder)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED J.P. Darche(IR-Hip); Jerramy Stevens
TENNESSEE TITANS (0-1) AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (1-0)
Tennessee Titans
OUT DE Antwan Odom (Knee); TE Erron Kinney (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE RB LenDale White (Ankle); T Jacob Bell (Toe); RB Ahmard Hall
(Ankle); G Benji Olson (Hamstring); RB Travis Henry (Toe); DT
Robaire Smith (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Antwan Odom; Erron Kinney; LenDale White; Jacob Bell; Ahmard
Hall; Benji Olson; Travis Henry; Robaire Smith
San Diego Chargers
DOUBTFUL TE Aaron Shea (Back)
QUESTIONABLE TE Ryan Krause (Hamstring); T Leander Jordan (Neck); G Kris
Dielman (Hamstring); DE Igor Olshansky (Knee)
PROBABLE CB Cletis Gordon (Wrist)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Aaron Shea; Ryan Krause; Leander Jordan; Igor Olshansky
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-1) AT DENVER BRONCOS (0-1)
Kansas City Chiefs
OUT QB Trent Green (Head)
PROBABLE DE Tamba Hali (Glute); LB Boomer Grigsby (Foot)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Trent Green; Tamba Hali; Boomer Grigsby
Denver Broncos
DOUBTFUL DE Courtney Brown (Knee)
PROBABLE WR Brandon Marshall (Knee); RB Mike Bell (Finger); DE Patrick
Chukwurah (Ankle); RB Cecil Sapp (Hamstring)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Courtney Brown
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-0) AT NEW YORK JETS (1-0)
New England Patriots
QUESTIONABLE TE Garrett Mills (Flu); LB Tedy Bruschi (Wrist); WR Chad
Jackson (Hamstring); T Nick Kaczur (Shoulder)
PROBABLE WR Doug Gabriel (Hamstring); QB Tom Brady (Right Shoulder)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Garrett Mills; Tedy Bruschi; Chad Jackson; Nick Kaczur; Doug
Gabriel
New York Jets
DOUBTFUL C Trey Teague (Ankle)
QUESTIONABLE CB David Barrett (Hip); WR Tim Dwight (Thigh); G Pete Kendall
(Thigh)
PROBABLE DE Trevor Johnson (Neck); S Kerry Rhodes (Ankle); CB Derrick
Strait (Chest); LB Matt Chatham (Foot)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Trey Teague; Tim Dwight
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (0-1) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (0-1)
Washington Redskins
DOUBTFUL CB Shawn Springs (Abdomen)
QUESTIONABLE RB Clinton Portis (Shoulder)
PROBABLE TE Christian Fauria (Shin); DE Renaldo Wynn (Ankle)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Shawn Springs; Clinton Portis
Dallas Cowboys
QUESTIONABLE WR Jamaica Rector (Ankle)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED All Players Practiced
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-0) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-0) on Monday
Pittsburgh Steelers
QUESTIONABLE TE Jerame Tuman (Hamstring); QB Ben Roethlisberger
(Appendectomy); S Troy Polamalu (Shoulder)
PROBABLE T Max Starks (Knee); WR Hines Ward (Hamstring); WR Nate
Washington (Knee)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Hines Ward
Jacksonville Jaguars
QUESTIONABLE TE Marcedes Lewis (Ankle); LB Mike Peterson (Knee); S Gerald
Sensabaugh (Ankle); DE Paul Spicer (Groin); DT Marcus Stroud
(Ankle)
Listed players who did not particiapate in ''team'' practice:
(Defined as missing any portion of 11-on-11 team work)
WED Practice Not Conducted

NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL On CBS NFL Pregame Show

From NFL Media.com

COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL WITH CBS NFL TODAY PREGAME SHOW
SEPTEMBER 10, 2006

James Brown: We are thrilled to be joined by the new man in charge of the NFL, Roger Goodell.

Dan Marino: Before we get started, real quick: We go back a little ways, and I figured I have to go to the top guy. The
Super Bowl’s in Miami, I’m going to need some tickets and some favors down there. It’s going to be a big game for us in Miami. Also, If you need a place to stay or anything you’re always welcome to stay with me.

Roger Goodell: I thought we were going to come to you for tickets.

J.B.: We heard you talk a number of times about the unparalleled success of the league as the number one sport in
America. You’re a big technology guy, and you want to improve the game. What in the world can you improve on the
field?

Goodell: J.B., the most important thing is that we are not satisfied with our leadership position, and we keep trying to
find ways to improve the game and make sure that we find new ways in delivering football to our fans.

J.B.: Is there a number one area that you would consider in terms of technology on the field?

Goodell: I think one of the things that would be key for us is trying to find a better communication system between the
players. So let the quarterback be able to come up and call his audible at the line of scrimmage and allow our players
to play at the highest possible level. I think that is important as we go into some of these very noisy stadiums, which is
a great benefit for the home team but you don’t want to penalize the visiting team.

Boomer Esiason: You talk about leadership. The NFL was a leader back in the early ‘90s. I remember and Dan, I
think; we can all speak to this how you guys really combated the steroids, with testing and the NFLPA went right
along with you. Now the drug of choice seems to be human growth hormone. What is in the future of that and will the
NFL test for that?

Goodell: We don’t know if it’s the drug of choice. It’s really an issue that goes well beyond sports also. It’s a drug that
is being used by a lot of people because they want to try to feel younger. We’re not sure about its performance
benefits but the most important thing for us in keeping our leadership position is to make sure we do develop a test,
and there is no known test right now to be able to detect HGH. So we’re working hard with our experts to be able to
develop that kind of a test so that we can make sure that we do everything to protect the safety and health of our
players.

Shannon Sharpe: We all know how important it is to the NFL to have a team or teams in the LA market. What makes
you think now that the LA market is ready for a team or teams when they haven’t been ready in the past?

Goodell: Well, Shannon, I think we’ve got millions of fans in southern California who are dying to have NFL football
back. Our challenge is to try to do it correctly. We want to make sure when we come back it’s a great success and
that’s what the people of southern California are looking for. That’s why we’re working with all of the public authorities
and all of the leadership in the private sector to figure a way to do it correctly.

J.B.: One of the teams mentioned prominently, in that context, are the New Orleans Saints, who by the way, are a
feel-good story. Season ticket sales at an all-time high but we know that corporate support is key to success there.
How long will you give New Orleans a chance to be successful?

Goodell: Well, J.B. you know there are a lot of questions about the New Orleans market right now. None of us seem
to know the answers to those long term about how is New Orleans really going to come back. The NFL has been
there from day one; we brought our team back in there as soon as we possibly could. We are
there as a good strong corporate citizen to make sure that we do everything possible to get that dome back up and
operating which they identified as a key factor in their economic recovery down in New Orleans. So we’re thrilled
about being back there for the opening of the dome in just two weeks.

J.B.: So you’re optimistic about corporate support?

Goodell: I am. I think they’re down there and going to do what’s necessary to make that team successful.

Marino: Commissioner, we want to see how authentic your autograph is. We got a (football), let me get you a pen.

Sharpe: Don’t sign that football; he’ll sell it.

Marino: That’s what I’m going to do when I get my Super Bowl tickets, sell them on EBay.

Goodell (Signing football): This is a change -- me signing something for Dan Marino.

Marino: It’s the real deal.

J.B.: Mr. Goodell thank you so much, buddy. A man that’s been with the NFL all his life.

Goodell: Thank you, guys.

Samkon Gado To Houston Texans For Vernand Morency - ESPN

The bottom line is the Texans should have picked Reggie Bush, then all of these moves would not have been necessary. Now comes the Indy Colts and the first real test of the logic of picking Mario Williams.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers traded running back Samkon Gado to the Houston Texans on Wednesday for another young running back, Vernand Morency.

The trade is pending both players passing physicals with their new team.

The Texans have been looking for reinforcements at running back since Domanick Davis, the franchise's leading rusher, was placed on the injured reserve two weeks ago. Houston claimed 1999 Heisman Trophy Winner Ron Dayne off waivers after he was released by Denver last week.

Coach Gary Kubiak said he made the trade for Gado because he wanted to add a big, power runner to his duo of smallish running backs -- rookies Wali Lundy and Chris Taylor.

Taylor, who has been on the active roster, is currently on the practice squad.

"We feel like it gives us two big, banging-type backs and we've got two younger smaller backs in Wali and Chris," Kubiak said. "We like the way that evens out and we hope he can help us."

Houston's running game struggled in a 24-10 opening loss to Philadelphia where the running backs gained just 55 yards. Morency had five carries for 13 yards.

Gado, in his second-season, was one of the few bright spots in the Packers' 4-12 season last year, advancing from the practice squad to become the team's starting running back near the end of the season. But Gado has struggled to adjust to the zone-blocking scheme being run by new Packers coach Mike McCarthy -- interesting to note since Kubiak employs a similar scheme.

Season-ending injuries to running backs Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport gave Gado, who started just two games in four seasons at Division I-AA Liberty University, an improbable chance to start for the Packers last year.

In eight games, including five starts, he gained 582 yards on 143 carries and scored six touchdowns.

Kubiak said Gado would be valuable in short-yardage situations, but Texans general manager Rick Smith said he thinks he could do even more.

"I think he's already proven that he can be an every-down back," Smith said. "He's a kid that is a power type of back with good speed and balance and agility. So to put him in this offense will be an asset for us."

Morency was a third-round pick in 2005 after running for 1,454 yards and 12 touchdowns in his last season at Oklahoma State. He's a bit older than most second-year players at age 26, having played four seasons of minor league baseball before enrolling at Oklahoma State.

He had 46 carries for 184 yards with two touchdowns in 13 games last season.

Kubiak wasn't too fond of his running style when he arrived in Houston and encouraged him to cut to the hole quicker instead of "dancing" in the backfield. He noted Morency's improvement in that area and praised him after he ran for 95 yards and two scores in a preseason win over St. Louis.

With the trade, Gado will be reunited with former Packers coach Mike Sherman, who was hired as an assistant head coach and offensive line coach for the Texans after he was fired by the Packers.

"We've got coaches on our staff who know this player very well," Kubiak said. "We feel good about this kid's chances of helping us."

Gado also brought an infectious sense of optimism into an otherwise downtrodden locker room. Gado, who worked at a Green Bay hospital in the offseason, hopes to become a doctor after his football career is over and return to his native Nigeria to help fight the AIDS crisis in Africa.

Gado was in the middle of an interview session in the Packers locker room on Wednesday when running backs coach Edgar Bennett summoned him to a private meeting.

Gado had just been asked whether the Packers could recover from a 26-0 defeat by the Chicago Bears in their season opener at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

"The season's not over yet," Gado said. "It's just beginning. And we got off on the wrong foot, and I think it's just foolhardy to just go ahead and throw the whole season out."

Gado should arrive in Houston early Thursday and is expected to available for Sunday's game at Indianapolis.

Morency was informed of the trade about 10 minutes before Houston's afternoon practice, Kubiak said.

Trent Green Still Inactive - NFL Says Hit Not A Foul - ESPN

After seeing that Bengals defender Robert Gathers was blocked in the back, I'm forced to agree with this.

NFL says Geathers' hit on QB Green wasn't a foul - ESPN

The NFL ruled Wednesday that Robert Geathers' hit on Chiefs quarterback Trent Green was not a foul because he did not have complete control of his body.

"In other instances this contact might be illegal, since a defensive player has the responsibility to avoid unnecessary contact even when he is blocked by an opponent. However, in this case, the late slide and the block in the back were mitigating factors," NFL senior vice president of football operations Ray Anderson said in a statement.

Green, 36, one of the oldest starting quarterbacks in the NFL, was going feet-first into a hook slide right in front of the Chiefs bench. The Bengals' Geathers, possibly pushed from behind at least somewhat by Kansas City wide receiver Eddie Kennison, came flying in. Geathers' right shoulder slammed Green's chest and head and snapped the back of Green's head violently to the turf.

Officials did not call a foul, explaining to the enraged Chiefs sideline that Geathers' momentum had carried him into the player.

"In my opinion, I think it was a late hit. I think it was obviously a very vicious hit,'' Chiefs president Carl Peterson said earlier this week, "one that unfortunately Trent Green and the Kansas City Chiefs are paying a price for."


"In other instances this contact might be illegal, since a defensive player has the responsibility to avoid unnecessary contact even when he is blocked by an opponent. However, in this case, the late slide and the block in the back were mitigating factors."
-- Ray Anderson
However, the NFL disagreed.

The NFL concluded that Geathers was indeed blocked from behind and the Bengals defensive end even twisted his torso to avoid helmet-to-helmet contact.

"I couldn't have done anything different," Geathers said Wednesday, choosing his words carefully and sparingly.

A source close to Geathers told ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli that the defensive end was prepared to appeal a fine, had one been forthcoming.

Anderson said quarterbacks who want to take advantage of the protection of a slide must start it before the prospect of imminent contact.

He cited a play in the Seattle-Detroit game as an example of an illegal hit. In that case, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck broke out of the pocket and began a slide. Lions rookie linebacker Ernie Sims, who had the opportunity to avoid contact, drove his helmet into Hasselbeck while another defender, Cory Redding, jumped over the quarterback.

Sims drew a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness. Anderson said the play is being reviewed for a possible fine.

Green spent two days in a Kansas City-area hospital for tests, but was released Tuesday. He's out for Sunday's game against the Broncos and a source close to the quarterback told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that he was likely to miss an additional game as well.

Michael Sliver Gives Great Interview With Chiefs Kyle Turley

This interview's a bit different than Sil's general more narrative approach, in that it's Q and A, but he does slip in that we should eat at Dick Clark's restaurant in Overland Park, KS.

Click on the link to read the article.

St. Louis Rams Top Predictable Denver Broncos 18 - 10

Rams ride defense, Wilkins past Denver

NFL.com wire reports

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 10, 2006) -- Jeff Wilkins ' nickname is "Money," as in money in the bank. Thanks to the St. Louis Rams' new-look defense, his franchise-record six field goals was just enough of a deposit.

Wilkins bailed out a shaky offense, accounting for all the scoring in an 18-10 opening victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. In the process, he became the first Ram to score 1,000 points.

"He's almost automatic and when he misses one, you sit there and you're a little bit dejected because you think he's always going to make them," quarterback Marc Bulger said. "We know when the game's on the line or it's really, really important, he's going to make it. He has for years now."

The Rams' aggressive schemes on defense forced five turnovers. Jake Plummer's third interception, by Corey Chavous with 2:26 to go, was the clincher.

"They made a couple of big plays, but we didn't let it shake us up and say: 'Oh wow, here it goes,"' middle linebacker Will Witherspoon said. "We dug back in and stuck our feet in the ground and went back at it."

Plummer, who was 13-for-26 for 138 yards, expects Broncos fans will be clamoring for first-round pick Jay Cutler. The Broncos committed 16 turnovers all last season, and only seven interceptions.

"I'm sure they will," Plummer said. "They've been calling for him since he got drafted."

The Rams defense pressured Jake Plummer into a number of mistakes.
Scott Linehan's NFL coaching debut was a success, but much of it was owed to Jim Haslett, the new St. Louis defensive coordinator who was Saints head coach the previous six seasons.

"I couldn't be more proud of our team," Linehan said. "I think there's no such thing as style points in winning."

Defense ruled for both sides in a game that bore no resemblance to the last time the Rams and Broncos opened the season, a 41-36 shootout won by St. Louis in 2000. The only touchdown was a 1-yard run by Denver's Mike Bell in the second quarter.

Linehan was hired by the Rams after his success reviving the Dolphins' offense last season, and he helped the Vikings rank at the top of the league three straight seasons before that. His attack mostly sputtered in the opener, though, with Bulger looking shaky at times and the Rams mostly settling for short gains.

Linehan scoffed at criticism when the Rams' first-string offense scored no touchdowns in 11 preseason possessions. In the opener the regulars were 0-for-11 again, including the end of the game when they killed the clock at the Denver 6.

Wilkins, who tied his career best of six field goals with the 49ers in 1996, hit two long field goals, from 51 and 48 yards, and also connected from 26, 38, 29 and 24 yards.

"I always try to predict for myself to try and get ready, but six wasn't anywhere near the prediction this week," Wilkins said. "But I'll take it. I love the opportunity."

In the fourth quarter, Witherspoon tipped Plummer's pass for Rod Smith into the arms of Fakhir Brown, and Brown's 20-yard return gave the Rams possession at their 40 with 2:26 left.

Rookie Tye Hill, the Rams' first-round pick, and Chavous also had interceptions. Leonard Little had two of St. Louis' four sacks, forcing a Plummer fumble that ended up giving the Rams the ball at the Denver 3.

The Broncos' defense kept it from becoming a blowout, holding the Rams to only six points off three consecutive takeaways in the first half. St. Louis ran 23 straight plays in Denver territory at one point, but the offense kept stalling.

St. Louis held a 12-7 lead at halftime. Wilkins missed a 44-yarder on a fifth attempt in the half.

The Broncos' lone highlight came in the second quarter when coach Mike Shanahan, trailing 12-0 and frustrated by a lack of production, elected to go on fourth-and-1 from the Denver 31. Mike Bell got 2 yards and the Broncos ended with an 11-play drive capped by Bell's 1-yard run with 26 seconds to go in the half.

New England Patriots Survive Buffalo Bills Challenge 19-17

If J. P. Losman avoids the safety, the Bills may have escaped with a win.

Patriots squeak past Bills, 19-17

NFL.com wire reports

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (Sept. 10, 2006) -- The scoreboard looming over J. P Losman as he scrambled behind the Bills ' own goal line showed a tie game. Ty Warren was determined to change that.

"My priority was to get him in the end zone," the Patriots defensive end said. "We're tied up, so I'm thinking, 'Let me get this dude.' "

Losman went down, the official's arms went up and New England beat the Buffalo Bills 19-17 with poise under pressure and increasing pressure by a defensive line.

"I should have gotten rid of the ball, but the game was on the line," Losman said. "I dipped under one defender, but then there was another guy."

Warren's game-winning safety with 8:33 left completed a comeback from a very poor start that had the Patriots trailing 17-7 at halftime. Even the pregame activities were missing something.

For the first time in three years, the Patriots' season opener was not preceded by the unveiling of a championship banner. Kicker Adam Vinatieri, wide receiver David Givens and linebacker Willie McGinest were elsewhere after leaving as free agents.

The Patriots didn't have holdout wide receiver Deion Branch or injured linebacker Tedy Bruschi either.

And on the game's first play from scrimmage, Tom Brady fumbled as he was belted by Takeo Spikes, and London Fletcher ran the recovery in for a 5-yard touchdown.

"It's no way to start the season, but we recovered and came back and put together a nice drive after that," said Brady, who was disappointed with his performance: 11 for 23 for 163 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Bill Belichick became the 31st coach in NFL history with 100 regular-season wins, improving his record to 100-77.

New England cut the lead to 17-14 with 2:52 left in the third quarter on Brady's 17-yard pass to Kevin Faulk after Buffalo went for it on fourth-and-1 at the Patriots 7-yard line and the line stopped Willis McGahee for no gain.

"That felt great," Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork said. "The fans got into it and we got into it."

McGahee wasn't sure what was happening.


Corey Dillon and the rest of the Patriots are breathing easier now.
"I wasn't worried. I thought it was third down," he said. "It was the play to run."

The pressure was on again when Stephen Gostkowski, the rookie replacing Vinatieri, connected on a 32-yard field goal that tied the game at 17 with 9:33 remaining.

Exactly one minute later, the Patriots took the lead for good on the third play of Buffalo's possession, sending the Bills to their sixth straight loss against New England.

On the first two plays, Losman threw the ball away under a heavy rush and McGahee was thrown for a 1-yard loss.

Then Losman dropped about 4 yards into the end zone as linebacker Tully Banta-Cain rushed from Losman's left and got a hand on the quarterback. Warren, charging in from the other side, tackled Losman for the safety.

"We handled it early, but their pressure mounted as the game went on," Buffalo coach Dick Jauron said.

On the third play of the Bills' next possession, Richard Seymour sacked Losman for a 6-yard loss, Brian Moorman punted and the Patriots held the ball for the remaining 6:15. Losman finished 15 for 23 for 164 yards.

"You can tell why they have won three of the last five Super Bowls," defensive end Aaron Schobel said. "They know how to finish games."

Buffalo, with a new coaching staff, dominated early, starting with the sack by Spikes, who missed the last 13 games last season with a torn Achilles' tendon and left this game on the Patriots second series with a mild hamstring injury that he doesn't expect to hold him out of next week's game at Miami.

The Patriots tied it 7-7 on their next possession on Brady's 9-yard scoring pass to Troy Brown. Buffalo regained the lead on Rian Lindell's 53-yard field goal then made it 17-7 on an 18-yard run by Anthony Thomas.

The Patriots put together a 183-yard running attack with rookie first-round draft pick Laurence Maroney gaining 86 yards and Corey Dillon adding 73.

"He runs one way, I run another and we keep fresh legs in the game," Maroney said.

On defense, they were fresh enough to send Losman and the Bills to defeat.

"We're as good as we want to be," Warren said, but " it's too early in the season to be putting crowns on anyone's head."

"The Long Tail" - Book Points To An Economic Revolution But There's A Catch

Wired Magazine Editor Christopher Anderson just wrote a book with a title that's going to be the next phrase you hate to hear: "The Long Tail."

The idea of the book is that because of the Internet, the World is divided into smaller economies of scale. Economies of scale is defined according to the Investopedia as...

"Economies of scale gives big companies access to a larger market by allowing them to operate with greater geographical reach. For the more traditional (small to medium) companies, however, size does have its limits. After a point, an increase in size (output) actually causes an increase in production costs. This is called "diseconomies of scale".

Mr. Anderson's book points to the new dynamic, where I can make money from a small niche demand for my product. But in thinking about the perspective he introduces, it occurs to me that there may be an "enemy" of the Long Tail: the very idea that -- even for a moment -- people beyond the small target market may want that product, causing a potential increase in production costs.

Specifically, let's say you've got a new kind of online simulation game for a specific market as my company, Sports Business Simulations does, and it's existence is captured by a national TV news program (YIPPEE!). Now, you've got more traffic than your server can handle, leading toward 1) a crash, and 2) a higher cost to pay for a better server. (OUCH!)

That's the increase in production cost at play. It's not something he adresses in the book, and so this System Dynamicist may have uncovered a "limit to growth" in any Long Tail industry dynamic. What could break that cost logjam is that the very dynamic of increased demand via national exposure may -- may -- lead to investment in the product, thus removing the production cost barrier and allowing more dramatic growth in product sales.

But the limit to growth remains...

There's more to that dynamic relationship with respect to The Long Tail and I will explore it soon.

The book, released in June of this year, is very timely. A launch party was held in NYC, and you can see the highlights of it here:

Peyton Manning Sharp; Eli Manning Too - Colts Win 26 to 21

Peyton has to do better at his throwing decisions on short passes. Several times he almost threw interceptions because of poor judgement.

Manning guides Colts to win over Giants

NFL.com wire reports

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Sept. 10, 2006) -- After beating little brother Eli, all Peyton Manning felt was relief and pride.

Relief that the much-hyped battle of the brothers was over, and pride in the way they handled it. No gloating, no giddy postgame interviews, no big scene as the two met when it was over.

"I told him I loved him," Peyton said after the Indianapolis Colts outlasted Eli and the New York Giants 26-21.

"I enjoyed watching him play in person," the elder Manning added. "He's every bit as good as he looked on TV. He's going to be a great player in this league for a long time. I'm proud to be related to the guy. I'm proud to be his brother."

As for the game itself, the "Manning Bowl" actually lived up to the hype. The brothers played well and so did their teams, though the Giants made far too many mistakes to win the first NFL game to feature two brothers starting at quarterback.

Peyton finished 25-of-41 for 276 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The two-time MVP also led the Colts to scores on five of their first seven possessions.

Eli was 20-of-34 for 247 yards and touchdowns passes to Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey. He also had two costly second-half mistakes -- a fumble and an interception, both of which came with New York down two points. Both led to Indianapolis scores.

After it was over, the siblings came to midfield, surrounded by photographers, big brother patting little brother on the back of his head.

"It kind of hit me in the pregame when I was out there talking to someone and I see this guy walk by and it was my brother," Peyton said. "I found myself watching him during warmups. I was peeking at him during the national anthem. It was kind of neat to be on the same field as him, knowing that's my little brother out there."

Peyton threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Dallas Clark and Dominic Rhodes scored on a 1-yard run for the Colts' touchdowns.

Adam Vinatieri, the hero of two Super Bowl wins by the New England Patriots, kicked four field goals in his first game for the defending AFC South champions, including a 32-yarder with 1:12 to play to push the lead to five points.

Trailing 23-21, Eli Manning tried to drive the Giants for a late go-ahead score. A play after a questionable offensive pass interference call against Tim Carter denied New York a first down at its own 37, Manning was intercepted by Nick Harper and Peyton moved the Colts 19 yards for an insurance field goal.

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"It was very difficult for me to think that play was a foul," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said, adding that his team also hurt itself with way too many mistakes.

While Eli had a big fumble and interception, he wasn't the only one to make errors.

Giants defenders dropped two potential first-half interceptions that could have stopped scoring drives. Jay Feely missed a 40-yard field goal and the Giants had a plethora of penalties that slowed or ended drives, including an illegal snap by center Shaun O'Hara with 17 seconds to play that forced officials to take 10 seconds off the clock.

That allowed Eli Manning to throw one more pass -- and it fell incomplete.

The Giants, who also got a 110-yard rushing effort from Tiki Barber, had closed to within 23-21 on a 1-yard touchdown run by Brandon Jacobs with 8:01 to play. It marked the second time that the Giants, who had trailed 13-0 late in the first half, had rallied to close the gap to two points.

The 15-yard touchdown pass to Shockey cut the lead to 16-14, but Manning fumbled a snap near midfield and Indianapolis recovered, setting up Rhodes' touchdown.

Peyton Manning was nearly unstoppable in the first half. The Colts had the ball four times, scoring on each possession. Big brother hit 17-of-27 passes for 196 yards, converted 9-of-11 third-down chances and helped Indianapolis control the ball for 17:37 in taking a 16-7 halftime edge.

Vinatieri capped the first two drives -- which included a 17-play, nearly nine minute march to open the game -- with field goals of 26 and 32 yards for a 6-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Seconds before the first field goal, Giants backup safety James Butler had a chance to end the first drive. But he dropped what should have been an interception of a Peyton Manning pass that was right in his hands.

Another mistake kept New York off the scoreboard following Vinatieri's second field goal.

Burress, who got called for two illegal blocks in the first half, made a one-handed catch for a 37-yard gain to the Colts 26. However, Feely missed a 40-yard field goal four plays later.


Peyton Manning kept his cool in leading his Colts to victory over the Giants.
Peyton Manning made the Giants pay on the next possession, moving the Colts 70 yards in 10 plays and finishing it with a 2-yard strike to tight end Dallas Clark. Peyton outran blitzing safety Gibril Wilson on a rollout to the right and put a deft touch on a pass over the outstretched hands of Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan, who was in zone coverage.

The touchdown gave Indianapolis a 13-0 lead, and for a moment the so-called Manning Bowl looked like it would be lopsided.

But Eli countered with a beautiful drive, moving the Giants 86-yards in eight plays. Barber got it going with 17 reception and two 11-yard runs, and Manning capped it with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Burress, who won a jump ball with Harper near the goal line.

The score got New York within 13-7 with 32 seconds left in the half, but that was enough time for Peyton to do some more damage.

Taking over at his own 38 with 25 seconds to go, Manning hit Marvin Harrison on three straight passes for 30 yards, setting up a 48-yard field goal by Vinatieri, who was signed in the offseason as a free agent to replace Mike Vanderjagt.

Baltimore Ravens Defense Hold Bucs To 26 Yards Rushing; Win 27 - 0

The Ravens are playing defense with a fire that could take them back to the Super Bowl.

Ravens steamroll Buccaneers 27-0


NFL.com wire reports

TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 10, 2006) -- It didn't take Steve McNair long to show what he can mean to the Baltimore Ravens.

Playing with the confidence and poise that figures to relieve pressure from a perennially stout but overworked defense, the 2003 NFL co-MVP led a long touchdown drive after the opening kickoff and spent the rest of the gamae enjoying Ray Lewis & Co. at their best in a 27-0 rout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"This team knows what I can do. It's the people that's outside looking in that don't know," said McNair, obtained from Tennessee in a trade after the Titans decided he no longer fit their plans. "I'm still able to play this game to a high level."

Chris McAlister returned one of the Ravens' three interceptions 61 yards for a touchdown and 340-pound rookie Haloti Ngata lumbered 60 yards with a tipped pass to set up a field goal to help build a 17-0 halftime lead.

Baltimore (1-0) won on the road for the first time since beating the New York Jets 20-17 in overtime on Nov. 14, 2004, ending an 11-game skid that was the longest in the NFL. The Bucs (0-1) were shut out at home for the first time since 1996 after going 77 games without being blanked.

"We had a mind-set just to come play our type of football and we did," Lewis said. "Our offense, you have to tip your hats to them. They came out first drive, and they made life easy for us."

McNair completed 17 of 27 passes for 181 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions against the league's No. 1 defense from last season. The only time he was sacked, the three-time Pro Bowl selection lost the grip on the ball attempting to pass and fell on the fumble.

The Ravens sacked Chris Simms twice, limited Carnell "Cadillac" Williams to 22 yards rushing on eight carries and held Simms' favorite target, speedy receiver Joey Galloway, without a catch. The Bucs managed just 142 yards total offense.

"We fell behind," Williams said, "and things just fell apart."

Jamal Lewis scored on a 4-yard run in the first quarter and McAlister returned his interception for a 14-0 lead on the first play of the second. Ngata's first career pick led to Matt Stover 's field goal, and Ed Reed finished the raid on Simms' errant passes with a fourth-quarter interception that led to McNair's 4-yard TD pass to Daniel Wilcox.

Simms was 17 of 29 for 133 yards and was benched by coach Jon Gruden midway through the fourth quarter. Rookie Bruce Gradkowski replaced him to cheers from what was left of a crowd of 65,087. The sixth-round draft pick was no match for the Ravens either.


The Ravens took a page from their history, relying on Jamal Lewis to win.
The Bucs could have avoided a shutout by kicking a field goal late in the third quarter, but elected to try for a touchdown when Simms threw an incompletion on fourth-and-4 from the Baltimore 6.

"A loss is a loss," Simms said, shrugging off the final score. "We could have kicked a field goal just to say we weren't shut out. ... We'll be back. We're not going to let one game ruin our season."

Baltimore struggled to move the ball after McNair directed a 14-play, 80-yard drive that lasted more than nine minutes. But with the Ravens' defense re-energized with Ray Lewis back in the lineup after missing most of 2005 with an injury, the outcome was never in doubt.

McAlister picked off an underthrown ball intended for Anthony Becht and returned the interception up the sideline, racing into the end zone with help from a convoy of blockers that prevented Williams -- the last player with a chance to stop him -- from making the tackle.

Ngata, the Ravens' first-round draft pick, intercepted a pass tipped by linebacker Bart Scott. He took off for the sideline, turned the corner and rumbled up field before running out of gas and being forced out of bounds at the Bucs 9.

"I never ran that far. I think that explains why I ran out of bounds," Ngata said. "I was looking for somebody to pitch it to, but I didn't feel like I could. I saw blockers in front of me, so I just kept running."

Ray Lewis sat out the last 10 games of 2005 with a hamstring injury that required surgery, and Baltimore stumbled to a 6-10 record, missing the playoffs. His return, coupled with McNair's arrival, are the main reasons the Ravens think they have a chance to contend for a championship.

"It's one step," the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year said. "We're not claiming nothing else. We'll go back and watch film Monday and then we restart again."

Chad Pennington Sharp And Gets Win Over Titans 23-16

Titans Rookie QB Vince Young played and completed 75 percent of his passes.

Pennington, Jets fine in 23-16 win

NFL.com wire reports

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 10, 2006) -- Chad Pennington not only has returned strong after a second shoulder surgery in as many years, he might be even better than 2002.

All Pennington did that year was lead the NFL in passer rating.

Pennington threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns to lead the New York Jets to a 23-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans after having to beat out three quarterbacks in preseason to reclaim his starting job.

"Chad has done a great job in preparing himself and getting himself back to the point of being our starting quarterback," Jets receiver Laveranues Coles said. "I'm just happy that he now has a game under his belt and showed he's back."

The Titans had trailed 16-0 until Travis Henry tied the game, rushing for two fourth-quarter touchdowns within five minutes of each other. His 1-yarder with 5:58 left came one play after Pennington was sacked and fumbled.

Pennington needed seven plays to take back the lead after Justin Miller's 41-yard kickoff return, going ahead on a 12-yard touchdown pass to Chris Baker with 2:10 left in helping make coach Eric Mangini a winner in his head coaching debut.

"The mechanics were excellent, the tempo was excellent, and I'm proud that he was poised," Mangini said.

Tennessee had one last chance and drove to the Jets 8. But Kerry Collins missed tight end Bo Scaife while trying to reach David Givens in the end zone on fourth-and-6 with 35 seconds to go.

"I'm proud of the way our guys fought, but I also believe the bottom line is about wins and losses and we didn't get that done today," Collins said.

This opener matched teams that went 4-12 in 2005 and came into this season with questions at quarterback.


Chad Pennington looked good, throwing for 319 yards with two touchdowns.
Pennington played only three games last season before hurting his right shoulder. He couldn't have looked much better in posting a 123.2 passer rating and said he was happy to be playing again with lots of friends and family in the stands from his hometown of Knoxville, Tenn.

"It's just truly a blessing to be able to come out here and play this game. It's an honor to play this game, and that's the way I look at it," he said.

His father, who has been ailing recently, stayed at home and watched his son on television.

"I hope he enjoyed it," Pennington said.

The Titans didn't announce their starter until 90 minutes before kickoff, and gave the job to Collins, who opened his 12th NFL season with his fifth team. Rookie Vince Young also played a series.

Andre Dyson, who started his career in Tennessee, intercepted each of them. The Jets ended three of four Tennessee drives with interceptions and had two sacks.

The Jets could have avoided all the late drama if only kicker Mike Nugent had been better. He missed an extra point and a 34-yard field goal, then bounced a 30-yarder off the right post. Mangini said he would talk to Nugent, among others, about mistakes. Without Pennington, the Jets had the next-to-last ranked offense in the NFL in 2005. He picked apart the Titans and helped the Jets pile up 393 yards of offense.

Kevan Barlow scored for New York on 1-yard run two plays after a Titans' interception was overturned by a defensive pass interference call in the second quarter.

A sellout crowd didn't waste any time sharing its anger early, booing Collins when he replaced Young and alternately chanting for Young and Billy Volek, the quarterback who lost his starting job when the team signed Collins on Aug. 29.

Collins, starting 13 days after being signed to a one-year contract, looked out of sync early and often with several balls sailing out of bounds and at least three batted down. His receivers didn't help with a couple drops. He finally clicked in the fourth quarter when he went 4 of 6 for 56 yards in setting up Henry's first TD run.

He finished 17 of 38 for 223 yards.

"This team is not happy right now and does not have a right to be," coach Jeff Fisher said.

Young made his NFL debut in the second quarter, entering with 8:55 left to a round of cheers. The No. 3 pick overall out of Texas looked like an immediate improvement over Collins as he completed his first three passes and moved the Titans to the Jets 29.

Then he came up short on a pass to Givens, which Dyson picked off.