Rookie sparks Texans attack in 24-14 win
NFL.com wire reports
HOUSTON (Aug. 12, 2006) -- If the Houston Texans hope to justify spending their No. 1 pick on Mario Williams, he'll have to contribute more than he did against the Chiefs.
Williams assisted on one tackle in a quarter of play in Houston's 24-14 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Shuffled all around the defensive line, Williams looked tentative at times and was stood up on a couple of plays.
"I kind of got too excited and that made me get a little tired," Williams said. "But I was not nervous at all."
He finally registered his first stat late in the first, when he joined second-round pick DeMeco Ryans to stop Larry Johnson for a 3-yard gain.
In his 11 plays, Williams mostly lined up against Chiefs left tackle Kyle Turley, who was playing in his first game since 2003 because of back problems. Turley was thrust into the starting lineup when 11-time Pro Bowler Willie Roaf unexpectedly retired the night before training camp.
"I have a lot to learn," Williams said. "I was moving up and down the ball. I'm used to just coming off the edge and it's a lot different here."
While Williams' debut was forgettable, another Houston rookie -- sixth-round draft pick Wali Lundy -- had a head-turning first outing.
Mario Williams showed his inexperience at times, but the Texans prevailed.
With Domanick Davis out recovering from a lingering knee injury, the Texans started 10-year veteran Antowain Smith. Smith was ineffective early and the Texans turned to Lundy, who ran for 25 yards on his first carry and waltzed into the end zone untouched for Houston's first touchdown on a 3-yard run three plays later.
He finished with nine carries for 59 yards and had one reception for 9 yards for a performance coach Gary Kubiak said he was impressed with.
The former Virginia standout also returned one kickoff for 30 yards and a punt for 12 yards.
"I'm just happy I'm getting an opportunity to play in the NFL," Lundy said. "Anything I can do to help this team ... that's what I'm going to do."
Though it was a preseason game, Houston has to be happy with its first look at the team that was revamped after last season's 2-14 finish. The Texans had 325 yards of offense while holding the Chiefs to 172.
"I like how hard we played," Kubiak said. "I thought we were still pretty sloppy at times."
Johnson had seven carries for 30 yards with no scores for Kansas City in its first game under coach Herm Edwards. Dee Brown added 23 yards on five carries and had a 12-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
"Larry Johnson did a good job," Edwards said. "He was supposed to come out of the game, but he wanted to stay out there a couple of more times."
Trent Green was 5 of 6 for 34 yards before leaving after the first quarter. Canadian League Football star Casey Printers played the rest of the game and was 6 of 12 for 71 yards with no touchdowns and an interception.
"He was real jittery at times," Edwards said of Printers. "He kept his poise for the most part. He lost it a couple of times, but that's kind of the problem at times of having a young quarterback."
Houston's first team managed to move the ball well in its first game under Kubiak. David Carr was 3 for 5 for 23 yards and added 20 yards rushing in the first.
Carr's first two plays of the night went to offseason acquisition Eric Moulds. Carr found Moulds for an 11-yard gain on the right side of the field before hitting him for an 8-yard gain on the next play.
After being sacked more than 200 times in his career, Carr stayed on his feet in this game -- a prospect that excites the quarterback.
"We didn't have a sack in the game and it's been a while since we've done that here," Carr said. "Keeping the quarterback clean, we're going to be able to score points."
Backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels had a 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and Kris Brown kicked a 22-yard field goal in the third. Damien Rhodes added a score on a 4-yard run in the fourth.
Notes: Texans TE Bennie Joppru, who had season-ending injuries the past three seasons, appeared in his first NFL game. He had a 9-yard reception in the fourth quarter. ... Michael Bennett, who was recently traded from the Saints, did not play while he struggles with a sore hamstring. ... This is the second time the Texans have played the Chiefs in the preseason, losing 19-9 in their inaugural season. ... Houston's 24 points scored was a preseason franchise record.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Dolphins Daunte Culpepper Goes 1-2; Jacksonville Jaguars Win 31-26
Marcus Vick catches two passes in game.
Jags upend Dolphins in preseason opener
NFL.com wire reports
MIAMI (Aug. 12, 2006) -- Daunte Culpepper 's teammates slapped him on the back as he came out of the game -- the only blows the Dolphins' new quarterback would absorb in his brief Miami debut.
Culpepper settled for one 2-yard completion, while the Jacksonville Jaguars completed four touchdown passes of 50 yards or more to beat Miami 31-26 in the exhibition opener for both teams.
Backup David Garrard connected on scores of 62 and 55 yards for the Jaguars, whose three quarterbacks netted 321 yards passing.
Culpepper tested his surgically repaired knee by playing one series, throwing two passes and directing his new team to a field goal.
"It felt great," he said. "You get those first little jitters out after the first play, and you're back into the game situation and game mold. It felt good to get my feet wet a little bit."
Miami's other new quarterback, Joey Harrington, completed his first pass to Randy McMichael for an 18-yard touchdown. Harrington later fumbled twice, bobbling a snap that the Jaguars' Tony Williams recovered to set up a field goal.
"We did some good things, and we did some first-game things," Harrington said.
Daunte Culpepper has shown he's ready to perform for the Dolphins.
Jacksonville's first-team offense sputtered until Miami began substituting on defense. The Jaguars' Byron Leftwich, playing for the first time since a broken ankle sidelined him for the final five games last season, threw a 50-yard touchdown pass to Matt Jones.
"We didn't start very well," Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. "We settled down a little bit at the end of the half and got some things going and looked a little bit better."
Chad Owens, battling for a roster spot with the Jaguars, beat the Dolphins deep to catch a 62-yard touchdown pass. Second-round draft pick Maurice Jones-Drew caught a short pass from Garrard and wove through the secondary to complete a 55-yard TD.
Jacksonville's final score came on a 51-yard pass from Quinn Gray to George Wrighster.
Miami's first-round pick, safety Jason Allen, was on the field for Jacksonville's first three touchdown completions. He played only four days after ending a 10-day holdout.
The Dolphins mounted a strong pass rush against Leftwich and knocked him down several times, but Culpepper never came close to absorbing a hit. While he has yet to miss a practice in training camp, the game was his first exposure to contact since a knee injury ended his 2005 season with the Minnesota Vikings last October.
"I had a vision of seeing myself being ready for this first preseason game from the time I got hurt," Culpepper said. "It was very important to me to go out and show I'm ready to play."
Culpepper took six snaps, four of which were running plays. He missed Chris Chambers open over the middle on a short pattern and hit McMichael for 2 yards on third-and-7. Olindo Mare then kicked a 52-yard field goal.
Harrington played the rest of the first half and finished 10-for-19 for 99 yards.
Leftwich, who threw only five interceptions last season, was picked off on the Jaguars' second series by Eddie Jackson. Two plays later, Harrington threw to McMichael in the end zone for a touchdown and a 10-0 lead.
Leftwich played most of the first half and finished 6-for-12 for 100 yards. He connected on a long pass to Jones, who beat Dolphins newcomer Will Allen for a score in the second quarter.
"We have a lot of work to do on offense, but it was great to get that much work," Leftwich said.
He was replaced by Garrard, who went 6-for-11 for 172 yards.
With Josh Scobee sidelined by a leg strain, Seth Marler did all the place-kicking for the Jaguars and made a 21-yard field goal. Jacksonville re-signed him this week.
Cleo Lemon, Miami's third-string quarterback, directed a 15-play drive in his first series that led to a field goal and threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jason Willis.
Undrafted rookie Marcus Vick, a former Virginia Tech quarterback trying to make the transition to receiver, caught two passes from Lemon for 12 yards.
Jags upend Dolphins in preseason opener
NFL.com wire reports
MIAMI (Aug. 12, 2006) -- Daunte Culpepper 's teammates slapped him on the back as he came out of the game -- the only blows the Dolphins' new quarterback would absorb in his brief Miami debut.
Culpepper settled for one 2-yard completion, while the Jacksonville Jaguars completed four touchdown passes of 50 yards or more to beat Miami 31-26 in the exhibition opener for both teams.
Backup David Garrard connected on scores of 62 and 55 yards for the Jaguars, whose three quarterbacks netted 321 yards passing.
Culpepper tested his surgically repaired knee by playing one series, throwing two passes and directing his new team to a field goal.
"It felt great," he said. "You get those first little jitters out after the first play, and you're back into the game situation and game mold. It felt good to get my feet wet a little bit."
Miami's other new quarterback, Joey Harrington, completed his first pass to Randy McMichael for an 18-yard touchdown. Harrington later fumbled twice, bobbling a snap that the Jaguars' Tony Williams recovered to set up a field goal.
"We did some good things, and we did some first-game things," Harrington said.
Daunte Culpepper has shown he's ready to perform for the Dolphins.
Jacksonville's first-team offense sputtered until Miami began substituting on defense. The Jaguars' Byron Leftwich, playing for the first time since a broken ankle sidelined him for the final five games last season, threw a 50-yard touchdown pass to Matt Jones.
"We didn't start very well," Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. "We settled down a little bit at the end of the half and got some things going and looked a little bit better."
Chad Owens, battling for a roster spot with the Jaguars, beat the Dolphins deep to catch a 62-yard touchdown pass. Second-round draft pick Maurice Jones-Drew caught a short pass from Garrard and wove through the secondary to complete a 55-yard TD.
Jacksonville's final score came on a 51-yard pass from Quinn Gray to George Wrighster.
Miami's first-round pick, safety Jason Allen, was on the field for Jacksonville's first three touchdown completions. He played only four days after ending a 10-day holdout.
The Dolphins mounted a strong pass rush against Leftwich and knocked him down several times, but Culpepper never came close to absorbing a hit. While he has yet to miss a practice in training camp, the game was his first exposure to contact since a knee injury ended his 2005 season with the Minnesota Vikings last October.
"I had a vision of seeing myself being ready for this first preseason game from the time I got hurt," Culpepper said. "It was very important to me to go out and show I'm ready to play."
Culpepper took six snaps, four of which were running plays. He missed Chris Chambers open over the middle on a short pattern and hit McMichael for 2 yards on third-and-7. Olindo Mare then kicked a 52-yard field goal.
Harrington played the rest of the first half and finished 10-for-19 for 99 yards.
Leftwich, who threw only five interceptions last season, was picked off on the Jaguars' second series by Eddie Jackson. Two plays later, Harrington threw to McMichael in the end zone for a touchdown and a 10-0 lead.
Leftwich played most of the first half and finished 6-for-12 for 100 yards. He connected on a long pass to Jones, who beat Dolphins newcomer Will Allen for a score in the second quarter.
"We have a lot of work to do on offense, but it was great to get that much work," Leftwich said.
He was replaced by Garrard, who went 6-for-11 for 172 yards.
With Josh Scobee sidelined by a leg strain, Seth Marler did all the place-kicking for the Jaguars and made a 21-yard field goal. Jacksonville re-signed him this week.
Cleo Lemon, Miami's third-string quarterback, directed a 15-play drive in his first series that led to a field goal and threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jason Willis.
Undrafted rookie Marcus Vick, a former Virginia Tech quarterback trying to make the transition to receiver, caught two passes from Lemon for 12 yards.
Buffalo Bills First String Lackluster; Panthers Win 14-13
Panthers hot early, beat Bills 14-13
NFL.com wire reports
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Aug. 12, 2006) -- It didn't take Keyshawn Johnson long to show the Carolina Panthers are no longer a one-dimensional passing team centering around Steve Smith.
Johnson, in his first game with Carolina, caught an 18-yard pass from Jake Delhomme on the first play from scrimmage, the beginning of a game-opening touchdown drive on the way to a 14-13 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Delhomme hit Johnson twice for 27 yards on the opening series, then threw a 14-yard scoring pass to Drew Carter as Smith watched from the sideline with a strained left hamstring.
"You want to get the ball in certain guys' hands to get them off early, so they can stay in tuned to the flow of the game," Johnson said. "It's important to get off to a good start. Jake's starting to learn a little more and I'm learning him more."
Delhomme, who completed 5 of 6 passes for 64 yards before giving way to Chris Weinke, showed the Panthers could move the ball without Smith.
That wasn't the case last season. Smith led the league with 103 catches for 1,563 yards and 12 touchdowns, but no other Panthers receiver caught more than 25 passes.
Carter had three catches for 20 yards and Keary Colbert caught two balls for 23 yards in place of Smith, who was injured on the first day of training camp.
New receiver Keyshawn Johnson notched his first catch as a Panther.
"Naturally, adding Keyshawn is going to attract attention," fullback Brad Hoover said. "He's going to help us out a lot. But I think it's the confidence of the other guys and just how they've matured that's sort of helped out."
Carolina's reserves didn't fare as well, as Casey Cramer and Efrem Hill both lost fumbles, but the Panthers were able stop the Bills' reserves on fourth down in the final minute.
Buffalo's quarterback troubles appeared no closer to a resolution. Kelly Holcomb and J.P. Losman both struggled in Dick Jauron's first game as coach.
Holcomb, who got the start, completed 2 of 4 passes for 16 yards and one interception, a poorly thrown ball that Ken Lucas returned 23 yards for a touchdown late in the first quarter to give Carolina a 14-0 lead.
"I read the coverage wrong. I thought I had something I didn't have," Holcomb said. "I'm disappointed, I wanted to play better. It just didn't seem like I could get in a rhythm."
Holcomb was sacked by Julius Peppers on the opening drive and failed to lead the Bills to a first down in three series.
"Obviously Kelly had a rough night," Jauron said. "It was a sloppy start for us. The beginning of the game wasn't anything like we wanted to have happen."
Losman took over early in the second quarter and started with three straight incompletions. But he settled down and got into a rhythm in the second half against the Panthers' second and third strings. Losman was 15 of 24 for 144 yards for the Bills.
"We started off a little rusty, especially bringing in a new offense, new players, new coaches" Losman said. "I've always said the more I play, the more I'm in there, the more comfortable I'll get. As the game went on, I saw things better, but being in the offense for the first time, it takes time, it takes trust."
Running back Lionel Gates, who didn't play a down for the Bills last season, rushed for 31 yards on eight carries, including an acrobatic touchdown early in the third quarter.
Gates was sandwiched by Nate Salley and Keith Adams and did a complete 360 in the air, but came back down on his feet at the two-yard line. He then broke Jermaine Hardy 's tackle to get into the end zone.
Bills first-round pick Donte Whitner, who began practicing with the team Aug. 7 after an eight-day holdout, led the team in tackles. Matt Bowen, who started ahead of Whitner at strong safety, injured his right leg early in the second quarter. X-rays were negative.
Panthers first-round pick DeAngelo Williams had eight carries for 21 yards.
"I'm pleased with the way we came out on offense and defense and even in the kicking game," Panthers coach John Fox said. "After that we seemed to get a little sloppy and it leaves us with a lot of things to work on."
NFL.com wire reports
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Aug. 12, 2006) -- It didn't take Keyshawn Johnson long to show the Carolina Panthers are no longer a one-dimensional passing team centering around Steve Smith.
Johnson, in his first game with Carolina, caught an 18-yard pass from Jake Delhomme on the first play from scrimmage, the beginning of a game-opening touchdown drive on the way to a 14-13 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Delhomme hit Johnson twice for 27 yards on the opening series, then threw a 14-yard scoring pass to Drew Carter as Smith watched from the sideline with a strained left hamstring.
"You want to get the ball in certain guys' hands to get them off early, so they can stay in tuned to the flow of the game," Johnson said. "It's important to get off to a good start. Jake's starting to learn a little more and I'm learning him more."
Delhomme, who completed 5 of 6 passes for 64 yards before giving way to Chris Weinke, showed the Panthers could move the ball without Smith.
That wasn't the case last season. Smith led the league with 103 catches for 1,563 yards and 12 touchdowns, but no other Panthers receiver caught more than 25 passes.
Carter had three catches for 20 yards and Keary Colbert caught two balls for 23 yards in place of Smith, who was injured on the first day of training camp.
New receiver Keyshawn Johnson notched his first catch as a Panther.
"Naturally, adding Keyshawn is going to attract attention," fullback Brad Hoover said. "He's going to help us out a lot. But I think it's the confidence of the other guys and just how they've matured that's sort of helped out."
Carolina's reserves didn't fare as well, as Casey Cramer and Efrem Hill both lost fumbles, but the Panthers were able stop the Bills' reserves on fourth down in the final minute.
Buffalo's quarterback troubles appeared no closer to a resolution. Kelly Holcomb and J.P. Losman both struggled in Dick Jauron's first game as coach.
Holcomb, who got the start, completed 2 of 4 passes for 16 yards and one interception, a poorly thrown ball that Ken Lucas returned 23 yards for a touchdown late in the first quarter to give Carolina a 14-0 lead.
"I read the coverage wrong. I thought I had something I didn't have," Holcomb said. "I'm disappointed, I wanted to play better. It just didn't seem like I could get in a rhythm."
Holcomb was sacked by Julius Peppers on the opening drive and failed to lead the Bills to a first down in three series.
"Obviously Kelly had a rough night," Jauron said. "It was a sloppy start for us. The beginning of the game wasn't anything like we wanted to have happen."
Losman took over early in the second quarter and started with three straight incompletions. But he settled down and got into a rhythm in the second half against the Panthers' second and third strings. Losman was 15 of 24 for 144 yards for the Bills.
"We started off a little rusty, especially bringing in a new offense, new players, new coaches" Losman said. "I've always said the more I play, the more I'm in there, the more comfortable I'll get. As the game went on, I saw things better, but being in the offense for the first time, it takes time, it takes trust."
Running back Lionel Gates, who didn't play a down for the Bills last season, rushed for 31 yards on eight carries, including an acrobatic touchdown early in the third quarter.
Gates was sandwiched by Nate Salley and Keith Adams and did a complete 360 in the air, but came back down on his feet at the two-yard line. He then broke Jermaine Hardy 's tackle to get into the end zone.
Bills first-round pick Donte Whitner, who began practicing with the team Aug. 7 after an eight-day holdout, led the team in tackles. Matt Bowen, who started ahead of Whitner at strong safety, injured his right leg early in the second quarter. X-rays were negative.
Panthers first-round pick DeAngelo Williams had eight carries for 21 yards.
"I'm pleased with the way we came out on offense and defense and even in the kicking game," Panthers coach John Fox said. "After that we seemed to get a little sloppy and it leaves us with a lot of things to work on."
Ben Roethlisberger Returns; Cardinals Play In New Stadium - Win 21-13 - NFL.com
The highlight of this game was the play of Steelers backup QB's Boyd and Jacobs, as well as the new stadium itself.
Cardinals open dome, top Steelers 21-13
NFL.com wire reports
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 12, 2006) -- Ben Roethlisberger didn't mind that his appearance at the grand opening of the extravagant new home of the Arizona Cardinals was as brief as it was fruitless.
After what the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has been through, simply taking the field at all was enough.
"It kind of hit me right before the kickoff," Roethlisberger said, "to sit here and say thank you that I'm able to be out here, to put on the jersey, to be in front of people and playing again two months to the day after a pretty bad accident."
Roethlisberger played one series that ended in a missed field goal.
Then his Arizona counterpart Kurt Warner took over, christening the place with a touchdown in the Cardinals' first drive, following it with another in a 21-13 preseason victory against the Super Bowl champs.
A capacity crowd of 63,400 attended the unveiling of the $455 million stadium in western suburban Phoenix.
"It's an awesome stadium," Roethlisberger said, "big, loud, very nice and the field is real good."
Roethlisberger, who lobbied his way into the starting lineup two months after sustaining serious head and facial injuries in a motorcycle crash, played one series. He completed 3 of 4 passes for 29 yards, the longest an 11-yard screen pass to Verron Haynes.
Warner played most of the first half, going 9-for-13 for 118 yards. The 35-year-old former NFL and Super Bowl MVP even ran for 5 yards.
"For the most part I thought it was really good for the first preseason game," Warner said. "We're so much farther along from where we were last year."
Ben Roethlisberger was sacked here, but walked away unhurt.
Roethlisberger drove the Steelers to the Arizona 26, but drew some shouts of caution after he escaped from a near-sack by Adrian Wilson and scrambled before throwing the ball. Coach Bill Cowher came onto the field a bit to tell him to take it easy.
"I just told him in the future that considering where we are right now, I would rather have him go down rather than trying to fight to get free," Cowher said.
The drive ended when Roethlisberger was sacked by Bertrand Berry on third down, and Jeff Reed's 54-yard field goal try was wide left.
"We came away with nothing on that first drive, but I'm glad from Ben's perspective," Cowher said. "He was able to get out there and I thought he made some plays."
Then the Cardinals drove for a touchdown on their first possession in their new home.
Warner went 5-for-6 for 59 yards, capped by a 5-yard touchdown pass to Bryant Johnson. Four of the completions came on third down, including a 20-yarder to Larry Fitzgerald on third-and-13 to the Pittsburgh 7.
After Reed's 48-yard field goal, Warner directed an 11-play, 71-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by Johnson's one-handed grab of a 20-yard pass. The catch came on third-and-9 at the Arizona 46.
Fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo took a short pass from Warner and rambled 15 yards for a touchdown to put the Cardinals up 14-3 with 3:31 left in the half.
The arrival of star free-agent acquisition Edgerrin James had no immediate impact on what has been a woeful Arizona running game. James carried twice, once for a 2-yard loss and once for no gain.
Not to worry, said James, who would have preferred to sit out the game entirely to wait for the regular season.
"I kind of went through the motions. I just wanted to get off the field healthy," he said. "I did my job."
With rookie Matt Leinart still unsigned, Arizona backup John Navarre was intercepted twice -- both by rookie Anthony Smith.
On the first, Navarre was hit as he threw and Smith picked it off at the Cardinals 35. Third-string quarterback Shane Boyd threw 13 yards to Quincy Morgan to set up rookie Mark Brubaker's 24-yard field goal that cut the lead to 14-6 as the half ended.
Navarre completed 11 of 15 passes for 60 yards.
"Just OK," coach Dennis Green said of the quarterback's performance. "He did some good things, made one real blunder, and I think that always taints it a little bit."
Diamond Ferri ran 5 yards for Arizona's third touchdown with 9:41 to play. Omar Jacobs threw a 1-yard pass to fellow rookie Isaac Smolko for the Steelers' lone touchdown, with 1:25 to play. The Cardinals recovered the subsequent onside kick and ran out the clock.
"We got through the game with really no injuries," Cowher said. "That's the good news, but from an execution standpoint, we've got a long way to go, and I think that was very evident today."
GAME NOTES:
Many of the fans were late arrivals because of traffic jams on the surrounding streets.
The Cardinals sold out a home game for the first time since Sept. 24, 2000, against Green Bay. They are sold out for the entire regular season.
Leinart is the only first-round draft pick unsigned.
In 2003, the Steelers also opened Ford Field in Detroit.
Cardinals open dome, top Steelers 21-13
NFL.com wire reports
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 12, 2006) -- Ben Roethlisberger didn't mind that his appearance at the grand opening of the extravagant new home of the Arizona Cardinals was as brief as it was fruitless.
After what the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has been through, simply taking the field at all was enough.
"It kind of hit me right before the kickoff," Roethlisberger said, "to sit here and say thank you that I'm able to be out here, to put on the jersey, to be in front of people and playing again two months to the day after a pretty bad accident."
Roethlisberger played one series that ended in a missed field goal.
Then his Arizona counterpart Kurt Warner took over, christening the place with a touchdown in the Cardinals' first drive, following it with another in a 21-13 preseason victory against the Super Bowl champs.
A capacity crowd of 63,400 attended the unveiling of the $455 million stadium in western suburban Phoenix.
"It's an awesome stadium," Roethlisberger said, "big, loud, very nice and the field is real good."
Roethlisberger, who lobbied his way into the starting lineup two months after sustaining serious head and facial injuries in a motorcycle crash, played one series. He completed 3 of 4 passes for 29 yards, the longest an 11-yard screen pass to Verron Haynes.
Warner played most of the first half, going 9-for-13 for 118 yards. The 35-year-old former NFL and Super Bowl MVP even ran for 5 yards.
"For the most part I thought it was really good for the first preseason game," Warner said. "We're so much farther along from where we were last year."
Ben Roethlisberger was sacked here, but walked away unhurt.
Roethlisberger drove the Steelers to the Arizona 26, but drew some shouts of caution after he escaped from a near-sack by Adrian Wilson and scrambled before throwing the ball. Coach Bill Cowher came onto the field a bit to tell him to take it easy.
"I just told him in the future that considering where we are right now, I would rather have him go down rather than trying to fight to get free," Cowher said.
The drive ended when Roethlisberger was sacked by Bertrand Berry on third down, and Jeff Reed's 54-yard field goal try was wide left.
"We came away with nothing on that first drive, but I'm glad from Ben's perspective," Cowher said. "He was able to get out there and I thought he made some plays."
Then the Cardinals drove for a touchdown on their first possession in their new home.
Warner went 5-for-6 for 59 yards, capped by a 5-yard touchdown pass to Bryant Johnson. Four of the completions came on third down, including a 20-yarder to Larry Fitzgerald on third-and-13 to the Pittsburgh 7.
After Reed's 48-yard field goal, Warner directed an 11-play, 71-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by Johnson's one-handed grab of a 20-yard pass. The catch came on third-and-9 at the Arizona 46.
Fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo took a short pass from Warner and rambled 15 yards for a touchdown to put the Cardinals up 14-3 with 3:31 left in the half.
The arrival of star free-agent acquisition Edgerrin James had no immediate impact on what has been a woeful Arizona running game. James carried twice, once for a 2-yard loss and once for no gain.
Not to worry, said James, who would have preferred to sit out the game entirely to wait for the regular season.
"I kind of went through the motions. I just wanted to get off the field healthy," he said. "I did my job."
With rookie Matt Leinart still unsigned, Arizona backup John Navarre was intercepted twice -- both by rookie Anthony Smith.
On the first, Navarre was hit as he threw and Smith picked it off at the Cardinals 35. Third-string quarterback Shane Boyd threw 13 yards to Quincy Morgan to set up rookie Mark Brubaker's 24-yard field goal that cut the lead to 14-6 as the half ended.
Navarre completed 11 of 15 passes for 60 yards.
"Just OK," coach Dennis Green said of the quarterback's performance. "He did some good things, made one real blunder, and I think that always taints it a little bit."
Diamond Ferri ran 5 yards for Arizona's third touchdown with 9:41 to play. Omar Jacobs threw a 1-yard pass to fellow rookie Isaac Smolko for the Steelers' lone touchdown, with 1:25 to play. The Cardinals recovered the subsequent onside kick and ran out the clock.
"We got through the game with really no injuries," Cowher said. "That's the good news, but from an execution standpoint, we've got a long way to go, and I think that was very evident today."
GAME NOTES:
Many of the fans were late arrivals because of traffic jams on the surrounding streets.
The Cardinals sold out a home game for the first time since Sept. 24, 2000, against Green Bay. They are sold out for the entire regular season.
Leinart is the only first-round draft pick unsigned.
In 2003, the Steelers also opened Ford Field in Detroit.
Arizona Cardinals first game in New Stadium Draws Fans from L.A. Desperate for NFL Football, Even Without Matt Leinart
Our man, Bill Chachkes
During our arrival in Arizona for our vacation (and our visit to Cardinals training camp) we met several fans on their way to the game between the Cards and the Steelers (the first game ever in the new stadium).
There were the Steelers fans who flew in from Pittsburg, but more surprising were the large amount of Cards fans from Los Angles who flew in for the game. We spoke with one father and son duo who told us that football fans in L.A. are so desperate to see Pro Football that they bought Cardinals season tickets! "we don't have a team at home anymore so we will come here for every home game" He said. His son continued "Even without Matt signed, this is an improved team. Now lets see them get him in here".
Vince Young's 4 of 10 Most Electrifying - Bush Thrills for Saints - Saints Win 19-16
Young makes NFL debut in preseason opener
By Craig Tapper
Titans Online
Rookie QB Vince Young made his NFL debut in the Titans' preseason opener vs. New Orleans Saturday night at LP Field.
NASHVILLE, TN, Aug. 12, 2006 -- The NFL debuts of Vince Young and Reggie Bush were expected to be the big story of the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints preseason opener. But while Young and Bush compiled their share of highlight worthy moments, the game was decided by a third-string quarterback.
Todd Bouman connected with Lance Moore for a 22-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter, giving the Saints a 19-16 lead that held up Saturday night at LP Field.
Young made his first appearance with about nine minutes remaining in the second quarter. At times, Young displayed the strong arm and play-making ability that led him to be the #3 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. However, the rookie quarterback was unable to establish a legitimate groove, completing 4-of-11 passes for 56 yards, including a long pass of 19 yards. Young also ran four times for 28 yards before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a mildly sprained left ankle.
Regardless, Young was enthusiastic about being back in a game situation for the first time since January’s Rose Bowl.
“It’s been a long time since the Rose Bowl game,” Young said, “I was excited and the guys on the sidelines were pushing me, saying, ‘let’s go V, it’s your turn, so I was excited and then it slowed down and got more relaxed.”
Young’s first offensive drive began with a pair of runs and ended with an incomplete pass. During his second drive, Young managed to break through with his first professional reception — a 14-yard strike to rookie tight end Jamie Petrowski. As the game progressed, Young seemed to settle in and feel more comfortable leading the offense.
“In the first series guys were flying around real fast,” Young said, “I thought in the back of my mind, ‘I’m fast too, so put your speed with those guys’ and that’s what I did and went back to just playing football. I kind of relaxed and slowed down and as you can see, the game went on.”
With the Titans leading 10-9 in the third quarter, Young effortlessly flung a 50-yard pass down the sideline intended for Roydell Williams. The pass hit Williams in stride, but the second year receiver out of Tulane was unable to corral the ball.
During the fourth quarter, Young displayed his scrambling ability by evading defenders and connecting with Courtney Roby for 10 yards. The positive gain was disallowed due to an offensive holding penalty, but Young’s ability to create helped excite the already exuberant crowd.
The Titans had a scary moment midway through the fourth quarter when Young was tackled from behind by Saints defensive end Tommy Davis. Young remained on the ground for a few seconds following the third down play with a left ankle sprain, but he was able to leave the field under his own weight.
“I guess the most notable (injury) and most curious was Vince,” Fisher said. “He’s got a mild ankle sprain. He should be fine, probably a little sore in the morning. I don’t expect him to miss much.”
Young was replaced by undrafted rookie Cody Hodges on the team’s next offensive drive, although according to Fisher, he was going to be replaced following the previous drive even before sustaining the injury.
“I didn’t take him out because of the ankle,” Fisher said. “We had intended to take him our prior to the drive, to take him out and give Cody [Hodges] and Matt [Mauck] some work. I think he could have probably finished if we had taped him up.”
While Young did not make many highlight-caliber plays, the Saints first round draft pick Reggie Bush immediately displayed the game-changing ability and pure athleticism which earned him the 2005 Heisman Trophy and helped cement him as one of the most explosive running backs in the nation.
Bush compiled 59 yards on six carries, but his night was highlighted by a 44-yard run during the first quarter. With uncanny vision, Bush first ran to his left, then changed direction and darted his way around the backside of the defense. While Bush managed to evade defenders during that run, the defense was pleased with its overall performance in containing Bush.
“We did bend a little coming out of the gate on Reggie’s one particular long run,” said linebacker David Thornton, “but all in all, I think the defense came out with some intensity and we established some things we wanted to do on the side of the ball. I’m really looking forward to the defense playing solid this year and tonight was a great start.”
During the second quarter, Bush collided with Titans cornerback Pacman Jones. Jones and Bush exchanged words and Jones was handed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Following the game, Jones was far from awestruck of Bush’s talents.
“He doesn’t run up the middle, period,” Jones said. “If you can contain him outside, you can contain him. He doesn’t want to run up the middle. He’s not very, very strong, pretty fast. That’s about it.”
By Craig Tapper
Titans Online
Rookie QB Vince Young made his NFL debut in the Titans' preseason opener vs. New Orleans Saturday night at LP Field.
NASHVILLE, TN, Aug. 12, 2006 -- The NFL debuts of Vince Young and Reggie Bush were expected to be the big story of the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints preseason opener. But while Young and Bush compiled their share of highlight worthy moments, the game was decided by a third-string quarterback.
Todd Bouman connected with Lance Moore for a 22-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter, giving the Saints a 19-16 lead that held up Saturday night at LP Field.
Young made his first appearance with about nine minutes remaining in the second quarter. At times, Young displayed the strong arm and play-making ability that led him to be the #3 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. However, the rookie quarterback was unable to establish a legitimate groove, completing 4-of-11 passes for 56 yards, including a long pass of 19 yards. Young also ran four times for 28 yards before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a mildly sprained left ankle.
Regardless, Young was enthusiastic about being back in a game situation for the first time since January’s Rose Bowl.
“It’s been a long time since the Rose Bowl game,” Young said, “I was excited and the guys on the sidelines were pushing me, saying, ‘let’s go V, it’s your turn, so I was excited and then it slowed down and got more relaxed.”
Young’s first offensive drive began with a pair of runs and ended with an incomplete pass. During his second drive, Young managed to break through with his first professional reception — a 14-yard strike to rookie tight end Jamie Petrowski. As the game progressed, Young seemed to settle in and feel more comfortable leading the offense.
“In the first series guys were flying around real fast,” Young said, “I thought in the back of my mind, ‘I’m fast too, so put your speed with those guys’ and that’s what I did and went back to just playing football. I kind of relaxed and slowed down and as you can see, the game went on.”
With the Titans leading 10-9 in the third quarter, Young effortlessly flung a 50-yard pass down the sideline intended for Roydell Williams. The pass hit Williams in stride, but the second year receiver out of Tulane was unable to corral the ball.
During the fourth quarter, Young displayed his scrambling ability by evading defenders and connecting with Courtney Roby for 10 yards. The positive gain was disallowed due to an offensive holding penalty, but Young’s ability to create helped excite the already exuberant crowd.
The Titans had a scary moment midway through the fourth quarter when Young was tackled from behind by Saints defensive end Tommy Davis. Young remained on the ground for a few seconds following the third down play with a left ankle sprain, but he was able to leave the field under his own weight.
“I guess the most notable (injury) and most curious was Vince,” Fisher said. “He’s got a mild ankle sprain. He should be fine, probably a little sore in the morning. I don’t expect him to miss much.”
Young was replaced by undrafted rookie Cody Hodges on the team’s next offensive drive, although according to Fisher, he was going to be replaced following the previous drive even before sustaining the injury.
“I didn’t take him out because of the ankle,” Fisher said. “We had intended to take him our prior to the drive, to take him out and give Cody [Hodges] and Matt [Mauck] some work. I think he could have probably finished if we had taped him up.”
While Young did not make many highlight-caliber plays, the Saints first round draft pick Reggie Bush immediately displayed the game-changing ability and pure athleticism which earned him the 2005 Heisman Trophy and helped cement him as one of the most explosive running backs in the nation.
Bush compiled 59 yards on six carries, but his night was highlighted by a 44-yard run during the first quarter. With uncanny vision, Bush first ran to his left, then changed direction and darted his way around the backside of the defense. While Bush managed to evade defenders during that run, the defense was pleased with its overall performance in containing Bush.
“We did bend a little coming out of the gate on Reggie’s one particular long run,” said linebacker David Thornton, “but all in all, I think the defense came out with some intensity and we established some things we wanted to do on the side of the ball. I’m really looking forward to the defense playing solid this year and tonight was a great start.”
During the second quarter, Bush collided with Titans cornerback Pacman Jones. Jones and Bush exchanged words and Jones was handed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Following the game, Jones was far from awestruck of Bush’s talents.
“He doesn’t run up the middle, period,” Jones said. “If you can contain him outside, you can contain him. He doesn’t want to run up the middle. He’s not very, very strong, pretty fast. That’s about it.”
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Apple Sues Steven Speilberg and H.G Wells For Use Of The World "Pod"
This just in. Apple Computer's suing Steven Speilberg and H.G. Wells for the use of the word "POD" in both the original "War Of The Worlds" and the 2004 remake produced by Speilberg.
Well, almost. Read below. I personally think Apple's going the way of Major League Baseball in its questionable view of how a word they didn't create is used by others just because they decided to name their device "iPod."
Personally, Apple's legal slopiness is going to run up against someone's first use trademark rights -- and Apple will have egg on its face. Or is it pod?
One part of me just thinks this is a way for their lawyers to justify their salaries. Another part of me holds that Apple's generally crack marketing staff -- cracked.
Don't believe me? Check out this article by David Berlind of zdnet.com. Apple's going after a small business -- a family.
What's up, Steve Jobs?
Ravens Steve McNair Goes 4 of 5; NY Giants Steal Show 17-16
Giants boot the Ravens, 17-16
NFL.com wire reports
BALTIMORE (Aug. 11, 2006) -- The first quarter belonged to Steve McNair, who produced a touchdown on his first series with the Baltimore Ravens before sitting out the rest of the game.
McNair didn't get a win to savor, however, because the New York Giants dominated the fourth quarter and rallied for a 17-16 victory.
In his lone drive, McNair moved the Ravens 80 yards in 12 plays. He went 4 for 5 for 45 yards and ran for a 6-yard touchdown.
"It was what we were looking for, offensively, to start us out," McNair said. "That's the kind of drive we want to establish during the course of the season."
Baltimore built a 16-7 lead before Michael Jennings returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown with 8:44 left. The Giants then forced a punt and moved 62 yards behind third-string quarterback Jared Lorenzen before Jay Feely kicked a 29-yard field goal as time expired.
"It's always nice to win, and we were very happy to come back and win the game," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "Jennings, with a big punt return, kind of gave us a shot in the arm there."
Steve McNair carried three defender into the end zone on his only drive.
McNair was obtained in a June trade with the Tennessee Titans to provide direction to an offense that struggled for three seasons under Kyle Boller. The 2003 NFL co-MVP made an immediate impression, completing his first pass to tight end Todd Heap for 17 yards.
On third down from the New York 6, McNair burst from the pocket and carried Corey Webster and Chase Blackburn into the end zone.
"I had an opportunity, I got flushed out of the pocket, I saw the end zone and I just tried to make the best out of something," McNair said at halftime. "This is my style of play. I play to win, regardless of it's a preseason or a regular-season game. Once the blood gets flowing, you can't shut it off."
Unless your coach tells you to, and Brian Billick decided one series was enough for McNair -- especially after watching his star quarterback take off in the open field.
"I told him he and I are both too old to do a whole lot of that," Billick said with a chuckle. "But it's what he does. He's an incredible competitor."
Offensive coordinator Jim Fassel didn't need to see anything more, either.
"Steve managed the game well and made good decisions," Fassel said. "It was crisp for an opening drive in the first preseason game."
The Giants' No. 1 defense, conversely, was left smarting.
"I was disappointed in the way we came out defensively," end Osi Umenyiora said. "We really allowed them to make too many plays, and we weren't making any plays. We have a lot of things we need to get back to work on."
Eli Manning led the Giants to a touchdown on his third and final series, the key play a 43-yard pass to Plaxico Burress. After Derrick Martin was called for pass interference in the end zone on a third-down play, Brandon Jacobs scored from the 1.
"For the first group, we got in the end zone, which was kind of our goal," Manning said. "I would have liked to have done it on our first or second possession rather than our third, but that's just the way it goes."
Giants running back Tiki Barber, who ran for 1,860 yards and nine touchdowns in 2005, was held out by Coughlin despite being healthy. New York was also without tight end Jeremy Shockey (concussion).
Manning went 4 for 7 for 74 yards. His backup, Tim Hasselbeck, was 7 for 13 for 79 yards before leaving late in the third quarter.
Boller, now No. 2 on the depth chart, completed 12 of 18 passes for 100 yards.
Matt Stover kicked field goals of 27 and 43 yards in the second quarter to give Baltimore a 13-7 halftime lead, then added a 43-yarder in the third quarter.
Notes: Ravens LB Ray Lewis did not play (coach's decision). ... Baltimore WR Derrick Mason left after one series with a mild concussion. ... The Giants had 10 players catch passes, led by Tim Carter with three for 36 yards. ... Feely missed a 44-yard FG; Stover clicked on all three of his attempts.
NFL.com wire reports
BALTIMORE (Aug. 11, 2006) -- The first quarter belonged to Steve McNair, who produced a touchdown on his first series with the Baltimore Ravens before sitting out the rest of the game.
McNair didn't get a win to savor, however, because the New York Giants dominated the fourth quarter and rallied for a 17-16 victory.
In his lone drive, McNair moved the Ravens 80 yards in 12 plays. He went 4 for 5 for 45 yards and ran for a 6-yard touchdown.
"It was what we were looking for, offensively, to start us out," McNair said. "That's the kind of drive we want to establish during the course of the season."
Baltimore built a 16-7 lead before Michael Jennings returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown with 8:44 left. The Giants then forced a punt and moved 62 yards behind third-string quarterback Jared Lorenzen before Jay Feely kicked a 29-yard field goal as time expired.
"It's always nice to win, and we were very happy to come back and win the game," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "Jennings, with a big punt return, kind of gave us a shot in the arm there."
Steve McNair carried three defender into the end zone on his only drive.
McNair was obtained in a June trade with the Tennessee Titans to provide direction to an offense that struggled for three seasons under Kyle Boller. The 2003 NFL co-MVP made an immediate impression, completing his first pass to tight end Todd Heap for 17 yards.
On third down from the New York 6, McNair burst from the pocket and carried Corey Webster and Chase Blackburn into the end zone.
"I had an opportunity, I got flushed out of the pocket, I saw the end zone and I just tried to make the best out of something," McNair said at halftime. "This is my style of play. I play to win, regardless of it's a preseason or a regular-season game. Once the blood gets flowing, you can't shut it off."
Unless your coach tells you to, and Brian Billick decided one series was enough for McNair -- especially after watching his star quarterback take off in the open field.
"I told him he and I are both too old to do a whole lot of that," Billick said with a chuckle. "But it's what he does. He's an incredible competitor."
Offensive coordinator Jim Fassel didn't need to see anything more, either.
"Steve managed the game well and made good decisions," Fassel said. "It was crisp for an opening drive in the first preseason game."
The Giants' No. 1 defense, conversely, was left smarting.
"I was disappointed in the way we came out defensively," end Osi Umenyiora said. "We really allowed them to make too many plays, and we weren't making any plays. We have a lot of things we need to get back to work on."
Eli Manning led the Giants to a touchdown on his third and final series, the key play a 43-yard pass to Plaxico Burress. After Derrick Martin was called for pass interference in the end zone on a third-down play, Brandon Jacobs scored from the 1.
"For the first group, we got in the end zone, which was kind of our goal," Manning said. "I would have liked to have done it on our first or second possession rather than our third, but that's just the way it goes."
Giants running back Tiki Barber, who ran for 1,860 yards and nine touchdowns in 2005, was held out by Coughlin despite being healthy. New York was also without tight end Jeremy Shockey (concussion).
Manning went 4 for 7 for 74 yards. His backup, Tim Hasselbeck, was 7 for 13 for 79 yards before leaving late in the third quarter.
Boller, now No. 2 on the depth chart, completed 12 of 18 passes for 100 yards.
Matt Stover kicked field goals of 27 and 43 yards in the second quarter to give Baltimore a 13-7 halftime lead, then added a 43-yarder in the third quarter.
Notes: Ravens LB Ray Lewis did not play (coach's decision). ... Baltimore WR Derrick Mason left after one series with a mild concussion. ... The Giants had 10 players catch passes, led by Tim Carter with three for 36 yards. ... Feely missed a 44-yard FG; Stover clicked on all three of his attempts.
Michael Vick Throws 3 of 4, Runs for 16 - Falcons Win 26-23
The real story is Michael Vick's passing and running. A short but complete game. If he does this during the season, the Falcons will march into the playoffs.
Falcons top Pats on late field goal
NFL.com wire reports
ATLANTA (Aug. 11, 2006) -- The Atlanta Falcons have been looking far and wide for a young kicker who won't count too much against the salary cap.
They may have found him -- and he's already on the payroll.
Michael Koenen, who handled the punting and kickoff duties as a rookie last season, appears ready to take on another job after booting four long field goals, including a 40-yarder as time ran out for a 26-23 preseason victory over the New England Patriots.
Coach Jim Mora said he doesn't want to overwork Koenen, but he had to be impressed with the youngster's performance. The Falcons already dumped two kickers over the summer and two more in training camp, leaving Koenen and Tony Yelk.
Yelk booted an extra point and handled three kickoffs, but Koenen did the rest. He also kicked field goals of 44, 45 and 50 yards, averaged 44 yards on four punts and kicked off three times.
"I have reservations about it," Mora said. "I can't say he won the job. I liked what I saw tonight, but I'm concerned about having a guy do all three jobs. I'll take another week or so to see how he is, see how he feels. The last thing I want to do is wear him out. But with his ability to affect the game, like he did tonight, it's something we have to think long and hard about."
If Koenen is able to handle triple-duty this season, it would give the Falcons an extra roster spot and free up more cap room to bring in a player who can bulk up the interior of the defensive line. Chad Lavalais, last year's starter at nose tackle, has fallen out of favor and played sparingly in the preseason opener.
Falcons backup quarterback D.J. Shockley excited the local crowd late.
"I've got to take care of my body," Koenen said. "I'm just as worried about it as they are. But if it happens, awesome."
Rookie quarterback D.J. Shockley, who grew up in suburban Atlanta and played for the Georgia Bulldogs, thrilled the home fans with an impressive debut in the fourth quarter.
Cheered on with barks from fans who remember him leading Georgia to the Southeastern Conference title last season, Shockley guided the Falcons on a 14-play, 56-yard drive in the final 2:06. The biggest play was a 14-yard pass to Kevin Youngblood, who made a leaping catch over the middle. After a spike and a short run, Koenen trotted on the field and kicked the winning field goal.
Shockley completed 4 of 10 passes for 40 yards, his percentage hurt by a couple of clock-stopping spikes on the final drive. He also ran twice for 12 yards.
"I wondered if I would be nervous," Shockley said. "I was pleased."
Another Falcons rookie got off to a rousing start. Third-round pick Jerious Norwood turned two short passes into long gains, fitting right in with a team that already has Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett.
Norwood rambled 37 yards down the right sideline after hauling in a pass from No. 2 quarterback Matt Schaub. Then, with the third quarter winding down, he grabbed a pass from Bryan Randall and went 34 yards for a touchdown, making a great move to lose one defender and then turning on the speed.
"Whatever it takes," Norwood said. "If I have to run over somebody, I'll do that. If I have to juke somebody, I'll do that."
Michael Vick and Tom Brady played to a draw.
Vick, who broke his leg in a 2003 preseason game, ran only one series for the Falcons. He completed 3 of 4 passes for 26 yards and broke off a 16-yard run that put Atlanta in position for Koenen's first field goal.
Brady also played one series, completing three straight passes for 24 yards before an incompletion at the Atlanta 7. The Patriots got the first of three field goals. Martin Gramatica, seeking to replace Adam Vinatieri, made kicks of 26 and 30 yards. The other candidate, Stephen Gostkowski, made a 34-yarder.
Matt Cassel went the rest of the way at quarterback for New England, trying to show he's ready to be Brady's backup. Cassel was the Patriots' third-stringer last season and he barely played at Southern California, where he was stuck behind Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart.
Cassel was stripped of the ball on his first possession, but also threw a 57-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Cobbs.
In the fourth quarter, Cassel directed drives of 80 and 77 yards that helped the Patriots overcome a 10-point deficit. He finished 13 of 26 for 229 yards.
"I need to play a lot better," Cassel said. "I left a lot of throws out there."
Notes: The Patriots didn't have many of their biggest stars. LB Tedy Bruschi is expected to miss the entire preseason and maybe longer after undergoing wrist surgery. DL Richard Seymour, S Rodney Harrison and TE Daniel Graham are nursing injuries. WR Deion Branch is holding out for a new contract. ... Atlanta LB Keith Brooking went out in the first quarter with a sprained right ankle. He didn't return.
Falcons top Pats on late field goal
NFL.com wire reports
ATLANTA (Aug. 11, 2006) -- The Atlanta Falcons have been looking far and wide for a young kicker who won't count too much against the salary cap.
They may have found him -- and he's already on the payroll.
Michael Koenen, who handled the punting and kickoff duties as a rookie last season, appears ready to take on another job after booting four long field goals, including a 40-yarder as time ran out for a 26-23 preseason victory over the New England Patriots.
Coach Jim Mora said he doesn't want to overwork Koenen, but he had to be impressed with the youngster's performance. The Falcons already dumped two kickers over the summer and two more in training camp, leaving Koenen and Tony Yelk.
Yelk booted an extra point and handled three kickoffs, but Koenen did the rest. He also kicked field goals of 44, 45 and 50 yards, averaged 44 yards on four punts and kicked off three times.
"I have reservations about it," Mora said. "I can't say he won the job. I liked what I saw tonight, but I'm concerned about having a guy do all three jobs. I'll take another week or so to see how he is, see how he feels. The last thing I want to do is wear him out. But with his ability to affect the game, like he did tonight, it's something we have to think long and hard about."
If Koenen is able to handle triple-duty this season, it would give the Falcons an extra roster spot and free up more cap room to bring in a player who can bulk up the interior of the defensive line. Chad Lavalais, last year's starter at nose tackle, has fallen out of favor and played sparingly in the preseason opener.
Falcons backup quarterback D.J. Shockley excited the local crowd late.
"I've got to take care of my body," Koenen said. "I'm just as worried about it as they are. But if it happens, awesome."
Rookie quarterback D.J. Shockley, who grew up in suburban Atlanta and played for the Georgia Bulldogs, thrilled the home fans with an impressive debut in the fourth quarter.
Cheered on with barks from fans who remember him leading Georgia to the Southeastern Conference title last season, Shockley guided the Falcons on a 14-play, 56-yard drive in the final 2:06. The biggest play was a 14-yard pass to Kevin Youngblood, who made a leaping catch over the middle. After a spike and a short run, Koenen trotted on the field and kicked the winning field goal.
Shockley completed 4 of 10 passes for 40 yards, his percentage hurt by a couple of clock-stopping spikes on the final drive. He also ran twice for 12 yards.
"I wondered if I would be nervous," Shockley said. "I was pleased."
Another Falcons rookie got off to a rousing start. Third-round pick Jerious Norwood turned two short passes into long gains, fitting right in with a team that already has Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett.
Norwood rambled 37 yards down the right sideline after hauling in a pass from No. 2 quarterback Matt Schaub. Then, with the third quarter winding down, he grabbed a pass from Bryan Randall and went 34 yards for a touchdown, making a great move to lose one defender and then turning on the speed.
"Whatever it takes," Norwood said. "If I have to run over somebody, I'll do that. If I have to juke somebody, I'll do that."
Michael Vick and Tom Brady played to a draw.
Vick, who broke his leg in a 2003 preseason game, ran only one series for the Falcons. He completed 3 of 4 passes for 26 yards and broke off a 16-yard run that put Atlanta in position for Koenen's first field goal.
Brady also played one series, completing three straight passes for 24 yards before an incompletion at the Atlanta 7. The Patriots got the first of three field goals. Martin Gramatica, seeking to replace Adam Vinatieri, made kicks of 26 and 30 yards. The other candidate, Stephen Gostkowski, made a 34-yarder.
Matt Cassel went the rest of the way at quarterback for New England, trying to show he's ready to be Brady's backup. Cassel was the Patriots' third-stringer last season and he barely played at Southern California, where he was stuck behind Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart.
Cassel was stripped of the ball on his first possession, but also threw a 57-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Cobbs.
In the fourth quarter, Cassel directed drives of 80 and 77 yards that helped the Patriots overcome a 10-point deficit. He finished 13 of 26 for 229 yards.
"I need to play a lot better," Cassel said. "I left a lot of throws out there."
Notes: The Patriots didn't have many of their biggest stars. LB Tedy Bruschi is expected to miss the entire preseason and maybe longer after undergoing wrist surgery. DL Richard Seymour, S Rodney Harrison and TE Daniel Graham are nursing injuries. WR Deion Branch is holding out for a new contract. ... Atlanta LB Keith Brooking went out in the first quarter with a sprained right ankle. He didn't return.
Jay Culter Does "Leinart" -- Lions New Team Wins 20-13
While Leinart sits looking for more money, Jay Cutler, who some believe is better, makes a fine start for Denver.
Cutler impressive, but Lions edge Broncos
NFL.com wire reports
DETROIT (Aug. 11, 2006) -- Rod Marinelli remembers scurrying along the sideline before The Star-Spangled Banner, making sure the Lions were standing and holding their helmets properly.
Before Marinelli knew it, his debut as a head coach at any level was over.
Each of the Lions' quarterbacks -- Jon Kitna, Dan Orlovsky and Josh McCown -- led scoring drives and Detroit's defense caused three turnovers in a 20-13 victory against the Denver Broncos.
"I love to win," said Marinelli, a former defensive line coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "If we're playing marbles, I'm going to get you."
Third-string quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt drove Denver deep into Detroit territory in the final minute, but on a fourth-and-goal at the 9 his pass behind David Kircus was dropped.
"You couldn't have a better way to finish," Marinelli said. "I like pressure."
Kircus, a former Lions receiver competing for a spot on Denver's roster, had six catches for 76 yards and a score. But he only lamented his final opportunity.
"Any time you get a chance for the ball, have it touch your hand in the end zone on the last play of the game, it's heartbreaking when you don't bring it in," he said.
Even though his team lost, Broncos safety John Lynch was happy to see one of his former coaches get a chance to lead a team.
"This opportunity has been long overdue," Lynch said. "He was a defensive line coach with the Bucs, but he was more than that to guys on both sides of the ball. He's a special coach, and a great guy."
Damian Gregory (93) and Claude Harriott gang up on Denver's Bradlee Van Pelt.
The Lions led 10-0 early in the second quarter and, after losing the lead, went back ahead 17-13 midway through the third. Artose Pinner's 2-yard run was the go-ahead score, set up by Mike Williams' 24-yard catch from McCown. After Denver's third turnover, Matt Prater's field goal early in the fourth quarter gave Detroit a 20-13 lead.
Jay Cutler had a solid debut for the Broncos. The 11th pick in the draft was 16-for-22 for 192 yards and a touchdown.
"He played well, executed the offense," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said. "Both teams were very vanilla in their approach, so you don't get too excited. But a guy's got to go out there and perform, and I thought he showed a lot of poise."
Both starting quarterbacks, Kitna and Denver's Jake Plummer, played only one series and each moved the ball about 60 yards.
Kitna, signed as a free agent to replace Joey Harrington, converted consecutive third downs with an 18-yard pass to Roy Williams and a 10-yard run to set up Jason Hanson's 36-yard field goal.
Plummer got the Broncos past midfield with a 16-yard pass to Darius Watts, then Mike Bell fumbled two plays later -- less than a week after the undrafted rookie moved past Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne to become the No. 1 running back.
"We didn't like the fumble, but that's typical of young guys in the NFL," Shanahan said. "It's similar to what Clinton Portis went through as a rookie. That's why you play those guys in these situations."
Marinelli said earlier in the week McCown would be the second quarterback to play, but Orlovsky took snaps after the coaching staff decided to change plans. The second-year pro made a 24-yard pass to Corey Bradford on his first play and ended his first possession with a good read and accurate toss to running back Arlen Harris for a 20-yard TD and a 10-0 lead.
Cutler took advantage of a turnover by threading a pass through a zone to Tony Scheffler for a 15-yard gain, which set up Jason Elam's 36-yard kick. With 44 seconds left in the half, Cutler threw three passes for 27 yards and Tatum Bell had a 15-yard run before Elam made another field goal to make it 10-6 at halftime.
Tatum Bell finished with 26 yards on five carries and Mike Bell had 20 yards on seven rushes.
Denver went ahead 13-10 early in the third quarter. Cutler looked right and threw left to a wide-open Kircus.
The Lions had 16 players inactive, including five starters on defense and two first-string linemen on offense.
Denver had seven inactives, including receivers Javon Walker (knee) and Rod Smith (hamstring), cornerback Champ Bailey -- coming off a season slowed by shoulder and hamstring injuries -- and defensive end Courtney Brown, whose latest knee surgery was Aug. 9.
GAME NOTES:
After an impressive training camp and one reception for 9 yards, Broncos rookie WR Brandon Marshall left the game in the first half with a strained right knee. Shanahan said he didn't think the injury was serious.
Detroit TE Casey FitzSimmons, who had moved past Marcus Pollard on the depth chart, might be out for two weeks with an injured left wrist.
Cutler impressive, but Lions edge Broncos
NFL.com wire reports
DETROIT (Aug. 11, 2006) -- Rod Marinelli remembers scurrying along the sideline before The Star-Spangled Banner, making sure the Lions were standing and holding their helmets properly.
Before Marinelli knew it, his debut as a head coach at any level was over.
Each of the Lions' quarterbacks -- Jon Kitna, Dan Orlovsky and Josh McCown -- led scoring drives and Detroit's defense caused three turnovers in a 20-13 victory against the Denver Broncos.
"I love to win," said Marinelli, a former defensive line coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "If we're playing marbles, I'm going to get you."
Third-string quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt drove Denver deep into Detroit territory in the final minute, but on a fourth-and-goal at the 9 his pass behind David Kircus was dropped.
"You couldn't have a better way to finish," Marinelli said. "I like pressure."
Kircus, a former Lions receiver competing for a spot on Denver's roster, had six catches for 76 yards and a score. But he only lamented his final opportunity.
"Any time you get a chance for the ball, have it touch your hand in the end zone on the last play of the game, it's heartbreaking when you don't bring it in," he said.
Even though his team lost, Broncos safety John Lynch was happy to see one of his former coaches get a chance to lead a team.
"This opportunity has been long overdue," Lynch said. "He was a defensive line coach with the Bucs, but he was more than that to guys on both sides of the ball. He's a special coach, and a great guy."
Damian Gregory (93) and Claude Harriott gang up on Denver's Bradlee Van Pelt.
The Lions led 10-0 early in the second quarter and, after losing the lead, went back ahead 17-13 midway through the third. Artose Pinner's 2-yard run was the go-ahead score, set up by Mike Williams' 24-yard catch from McCown. After Denver's third turnover, Matt Prater's field goal early in the fourth quarter gave Detroit a 20-13 lead.
Jay Cutler had a solid debut for the Broncos. The 11th pick in the draft was 16-for-22 for 192 yards and a touchdown.
"He played well, executed the offense," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said. "Both teams were very vanilla in their approach, so you don't get too excited. But a guy's got to go out there and perform, and I thought he showed a lot of poise."
Both starting quarterbacks, Kitna and Denver's Jake Plummer, played only one series and each moved the ball about 60 yards.
Kitna, signed as a free agent to replace Joey Harrington, converted consecutive third downs with an 18-yard pass to Roy Williams and a 10-yard run to set up Jason Hanson's 36-yard field goal.
Plummer got the Broncos past midfield with a 16-yard pass to Darius Watts, then Mike Bell fumbled two plays later -- less than a week after the undrafted rookie moved past Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne to become the No. 1 running back.
"We didn't like the fumble, but that's typical of young guys in the NFL," Shanahan said. "It's similar to what Clinton Portis went through as a rookie. That's why you play those guys in these situations."
Marinelli said earlier in the week McCown would be the second quarterback to play, but Orlovsky took snaps after the coaching staff decided to change plans. The second-year pro made a 24-yard pass to Corey Bradford on his first play and ended his first possession with a good read and accurate toss to running back Arlen Harris for a 20-yard TD and a 10-0 lead.
Cutler took advantage of a turnover by threading a pass through a zone to Tony Scheffler for a 15-yard gain, which set up Jason Elam's 36-yard kick. With 44 seconds left in the half, Cutler threw three passes for 27 yards and Tatum Bell had a 15-yard run before Elam made another field goal to make it 10-6 at halftime.
Tatum Bell finished with 26 yards on five carries and Mike Bell had 20 yards on seven rushes.
Denver went ahead 13-10 early in the third quarter. Cutler looked right and threw left to a wide-open Kircus.
The Lions had 16 players inactive, including five starters on defense and two first-string linemen on offense.
Denver had seven inactives, including receivers Javon Walker (knee) and Rod Smith (hamstring), cornerback Champ Bailey -- coming off a season slowed by shoulder and hamstring injuries -- and defensive end Courtney Brown, whose latest knee surgery was Aug. 9.
GAME NOTES:
After an impressive training camp and one reception for 9 yards, Broncos rookie WR Brandon Marshall left the game in the first half with a strained right knee. Shanahan said he didn't think the injury was serious.
Detroit TE Casey FitzSimmons, who had moved past Marcus Pollard on the depth chart, might be out for two weeks with an injured left wrist.
Chad Pennington Sharp; Tampa Bay Bucs Rush For 167 - Get Win 16-3
Don't count Chad out; remember, he was injured.
Pennington plays well, but Bucs win 16-3
NFL.com wire reports
TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 11, 2006) -- Even if Eric Mangini isn't ready to say it, Chad Pennington looks like a quarterback ready to reclaim his job.
Playing for the first time since undergoing a second major operation on his right shoulder, Pennington worked two series in the New York Jets' 16-3 preseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"It's fun to be back out there with my teammates. That's most important," Pennington said. "You miss that when you're injured."
The seventh-year pro completed 9 of 14 passes for 54 yards and lost a fumble when he was sacked early in the second quarter. But more important for him and the Jets, his surgically repaired shoulder withstood the first hits he has taken since Week 3 of last season.
"I feel pretty good. I took a few shots, but everything worked out fine. That's what you work hard for," Pennington said. "I was pleased how everything turned out."
Whether he's officially No. 1, though, is unclear.
"That's completely up in the air," Mangini, the Jets' first-year coach, said when asked about the quarterback rotation for the next preseason game.
Rookie Bruce Gradkowski threw second-half touchdown passes of 11 yards to Paris Warren and 2 yards to third-round draft pick Maurice Stovall for Tampa Bay, which pulled its first-team defense after Pennington kept them on the field for a few more plays than the Bucs would have liked.
"We didn't give up any points," Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay's All-Pro linebacker said. "But obviously we would like to get off the field a little sooner."
Pennington completed his first five passes -- all short throws -- for 30 yards. He took his first real hit since the latest operation on his right rotator cuff when he ran for 5 yards and was tackled by cornerback Juran Bolden.
Maurice Stovall's touchdown catch closed the scoring.
The New York quarterback sustained his first drive with three third-down conversions, one a 9-yard completion to Tim Dwight. He moved the ball deep into Tampa Bay territory on the Jets' second possession, but fumbled when sacked by safety Kalvin Pearson on third-and-goal from the 5.
Mangini declined to reveal a starter for the preseason opener. Nevertheless, it wasn't a surprise when Pennington trotted onto the field to take the first snap. He has been No. 1 for parts of the past four seasons and has been having the best camp of any of the candidates for the job.
"I thought Chad did a really nice job with handling the huddle, with moving the football, with his decisions," Mangini said. "I thought he did a really good job."
The coach gave a less favorable review of the Jets' performance overall.
"Before the game, I talked to the players and said the important things were focus, communication and finish. That's what I was looking for," Mangini said.
"I think we did a pretty good job in the first half of moving the football. But we couldn't finish the drives and they could finish drives. That was the difference."
Rookie Kellen Clemens followed Pennington in the second quarter, leading a drive that produced Mike Nugent's 20-yard field goal on the last play of the half. Patrick Ramsey finished up for the Jets, who did not use Brooks Bollinger.
Chris Simms started for Tampa Bay and played one series. Tim Rattay directed a first-half field goal drive and Gradkowski, a sixth-round draft pick from Toledo, played most of the second half, completing 11 of 13 passes for 104 yards against New York's reserves.
"Of course we had some mistakes, but you expect that in the first preseason game," said Simms, who completed 2 of 3 passes for 5 yards. "We did some things well, too. It is a good building block."
Nearly all of Tampa Bay's starters were out by the second series, and three regulars on offense -- running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, receiver Joey Galloway and tackle Kenyatta Walker -- didn't play. Cornerback Brian Kelly was missing on defense after being excused to attend to a personal matter.
GAME NOTES:
The Bucs rushed for 167 yards, with Earnest Graham gaining 69 on 17 carries and Carey Davis 67 on 14 attempts.
The Jets appeared to stop the second-quarter drive that ended with Matt Bryant's 25-yard field goal when they recovered Michael Pittman's fumble at the Bucs 42. Pittman was ruled down by contact, and the Jets challenged the call. The replay review confirmed that Pittman fumbled. However, the Jets were not awarded possession because the officials couldn't determine who immediately recovered the ball.
Bucs first-round draft pick Davin Joseph started at right guard and second-rounder Jeremy Trueblood started at right tackle.
The Jets waived CB Bruce Thornton and claimed FB Jamar Martin off waivers. DT Sione Pouha was placed on injured reserve.
Pennington plays well, but Bucs win 16-3
NFL.com wire reports
TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 11, 2006) -- Even if Eric Mangini isn't ready to say it, Chad Pennington looks like a quarterback ready to reclaim his job.
Playing for the first time since undergoing a second major operation on his right shoulder, Pennington worked two series in the New York Jets' 16-3 preseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"It's fun to be back out there with my teammates. That's most important," Pennington said. "You miss that when you're injured."
The seventh-year pro completed 9 of 14 passes for 54 yards and lost a fumble when he was sacked early in the second quarter. But more important for him and the Jets, his surgically repaired shoulder withstood the first hits he has taken since Week 3 of last season.
"I feel pretty good. I took a few shots, but everything worked out fine. That's what you work hard for," Pennington said. "I was pleased how everything turned out."
Whether he's officially No. 1, though, is unclear.
"That's completely up in the air," Mangini, the Jets' first-year coach, said when asked about the quarterback rotation for the next preseason game.
Rookie Bruce Gradkowski threw second-half touchdown passes of 11 yards to Paris Warren and 2 yards to third-round draft pick Maurice Stovall for Tampa Bay, which pulled its first-team defense after Pennington kept them on the field for a few more plays than the Bucs would have liked.
"We didn't give up any points," Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay's All-Pro linebacker said. "But obviously we would like to get off the field a little sooner."
Pennington completed his first five passes -- all short throws -- for 30 yards. He took his first real hit since the latest operation on his right rotator cuff when he ran for 5 yards and was tackled by cornerback Juran Bolden.
Maurice Stovall's touchdown catch closed the scoring.
The New York quarterback sustained his first drive with three third-down conversions, one a 9-yard completion to Tim Dwight. He moved the ball deep into Tampa Bay territory on the Jets' second possession, but fumbled when sacked by safety Kalvin Pearson on third-and-goal from the 5.
Mangini declined to reveal a starter for the preseason opener. Nevertheless, it wasn't a surprise when Pennington trotted onto the field to take the first snap. He has been No. 1 for parts of the past four seasons and has been having the best camp of any of the candidates for the job.
"I thought Chad did a really nice job with handling the huddle, with moving the football, with his decisions," Mangini said. "I thought he did a really good job."
The coach gave a less favorable review of the Jets' performance overall.
"Before the game, I talked to the players and said the important things were focus, communication and finish. That's what I was looking for," Mangini said.
"I think we did a pretty good job in the first half of moving the football. But we couldn't finish the drives and they could finish drives. That was the difference."
Rookie Kellen Clemens followed Pennington in the second quarter, leading a drive that produced Mike Nugent's 20-yard field goal on the last play of the half. Patrick Ramsey finished up for the Jets, who did not use Brooks Bollinger.
Chris Simms started for Tampa Bay and played one series. Tim Rattay directed a first-half field goal drive and Gradkowski, a sixth-round draft pick from Toledo, played most of the second half, completing 11 of 13 passes for 104 yards against New York's reserves.
"Of course we had some mistakes, but you expect that in the first preseason game," said Simms, who completed 2 of 3 passes for 5 yards. "We did some things well, too. It is a good building block."
Nearly all of Tampa Bay's starters were out by the second series, and three regulars on offense -- running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, receiver Joey Galloway and tackle Kenyatta Walker -- didn't play. Cornerback Brian Kelly was missing on defense after being excused to attend to a personal matter.
GAME NOTES:
The Bucs rushed for 167 yards, with Earnest Graham gaining 69 on 17 carries and Carey Davis 67 on 14 attempts.
The Jets appeared to stop the second-quarter drive that ended with Matt Bryant's 25-yard field goal when they recovered Michael Pittman's fumble at the Bucs 42. Pittman was ruled down by contact, and the Jets challenged the call. The replay review confirmed that Pittman fumbled. However, the Jets were not awarded possession because the officials couldn't determine who immediately recovered the ball.
Bucs first-round draft pick Davin Joseph started at right guard and second-rounder Jeremy Trueblood started at right tackle.
The Jets waived CB Bruce Thornton and claimed FB Jamar Martin off waivers. DT Sione Pouha was placed on injured reserve.
Alex Smith Leads 49ers Over Chicago Bears 28-14 - NFL.com
The 49ers best addition was Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner, and it showed.
49ers impress in 28-14 opening win
NFL.com wire reports
SAN FRANCISCO (Aug. 12, 2006) -- Frank Gore can see it in his quarterback's eyes. Alex Smith is ready to lead the San Francisco 49ers.
Brian Griese seems just as ready to lead the Chicago Bears -- and that might be bad news for Rex Grossman.
Smith passed for 137 yards and led the 49ers to a big early lead in their 28-14 exhibition victory over the Bears.
The 49ers had the league's worst offense and defense last season, but they were up 17-0 when Smith left after going 16 for 21 with no interceptions in perhaps the most confident performance of his short NFL career. New receiver Antonio Bryant had five receptions for 54 yards, and running back Frank Gore also caught five passes from last season's No. 1 overall draft pick.
"He's a grown man now," said Gore, who rushed for 49 yards and a score. "I looked in his eyes last year, and his eyes were like this."
Gore widened his eyes until his lids disappeared, suggesting fear and uncertainty.
"Now, he's a grown man," Gore concluded. "Alex wants it. That's what I respect about him. He wants to be great."
Alex Smith had one of his best performances as a pro quarterback.
Keeping the athletic Smith on the move with play-action and rollouts, the 49ers drove the ball with surprising ease against the defense that allowed the NFL's fewest points last season.
Smith led a 13-play scoring drive in the second quarter, pushing San Francisco 68 yards before Gore's 1-yard TD plunge.
"It was a ton of fun," said Smith, who had one touchdown pass and 11 interceptions in nine appearances last season. "I had so much anxious energy to go out and get something done. We worked really hard during this offseason and camp, and it's starting to show up."
Meanwhile, Chicago's first-team offense did nothing to erase memories of last season's bumbling unit, which was carried to the NFC North title by an outstanding defense. Grossman, who missed the first 13 regular-season games with a broken ankle, went 3 of 11 for just 47 yards while Chicago struggled to move forward.
The Niners forced two first-quarter turnovers that led to 10 points, including linebacker Jeff Ulbrich 's 32-yard TD return of Grossman's fumble.
"I just never really established any kind of rhythm," Grossman said. "I wasn't able to calm down and really feel in control of what I was doing. Tonight just wasn't a good night, and I'm glad it's over."
But Griese, signed in the offseason to give provide an alternative to the injury-plagued incumbent, led a 75-yard scoring drive late in the first half, capped by Gabe Reid 's 12-yard TD catch.
Griese did it again in the second half, guiding an 83-yard drive ending in Rashied Davis' 41-yard TD reception. Nearly 10 months after Griese's season ended in Tampa Bay with a knee injury, the veteran showed he's ready for more action.
"My biggest goal of this preseason is to make sure my knee feels good, and then show this team that I can lead them down the field and score," Griese said.
Coach Lovie Smith has insisted the Bears have faith in Grossman, but Griese -- who went 6 for 7 for 134 yards -- says he wants to start in Chicago.
When asked if a quarterback controversy was brewing, Smith smiled and said: "Rex is our starting quarterback. This is our first game. We'll go on to next week."
Gore got 10 carries and most of the first-team action in the latest indication he has passed Kevan Barlow, who got just one carry while nursing a bruised thigh, on the 49ers' depth chart.
But the 49ers' defense also did its share: Mark Bradley fumbled after a short reception on the Bears' opening drive, and Walt Harris recovered. Smith moved the 49ers into scoring range with short passes, and Joe Nedney hit a 33-yard field goal.
Grossman made the Bears' next big mistake, muffing a third-down snap and then fumbling the ball straight to Ulbrich, who returned it down the Chicago sideline for his first touchdown. Grossman then missed two open receivers on the Bears' first drive of the second quarter.
Notes: The 49ers replaced Smith with Jesse Palmer and Shaun Hill, who scrambled for a fourth-quarter touchdown. ... Chicago rested running backs Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones with minor injuries in front of a half-full Candlestick Park. ... Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher, whose NFL-record 108-yard return of a missed field goal ended the first half of Chicago's victory over the 49ers last season, was shaken up on a hit in the first quarter, but returned to the game.
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