NFL WEEK 14 "TECHNICIAN'S CORNER"
CHICAGO at WASHINGTON (Thursday, December 6)...Bears have covered 3 of last 4 as visitor TY, while Skins have covered just 1 of last 7 (1-5-1 vs. number). Gibbs just 1-6-2 vs. line last 8 at FedEx Field. Tech edge-Bears, based on recent Skins home woes.
CAROLINA at JACKSONVILLE...Panthers were in a funk, no wins or covers in 5 straight, scoring just 50 points those games (10 ppg), before last week’s win over 49ers. Panthers "under" 8-4 TY. Jags are 20-12-2 vs. spread last 34 as host. Del Rio has also covered his last 4 as chalk in '07. Tech edge-Jags and "under," based on team and "totals" trends.
DALLAS at DETROIT...Dallas 9-3 vs. line TY (4-1 vs. line away). Cowboys also "over" 9-3 TY ("over" 5-0 away), "over" 12-5 last 17 since late '06. Lions no wins or covers last 4 in '07. Tech edge-Cowboys and "over," based on recent trends.
MIAMI at BUFFALO..Bills 6-1 SU, 7-0 vs. line last 7 in series. Dolphins 3-2-2 vs. line away TY (counting London game vs. Giants), also "under" 4 of last 5 in '07. Jauron 15-6 vs. spread last 21 on board, but just 1-0 as rare chalk (½-point cover vs. Dolphins) this season. Tech edge-"Under" and slight to Bills, based on "totals" and series trends.
NY GIANTS at PHILADELPHIA...Teams have split reg.-season spread decisions past 2 seasons, and Giants won and covered first meeting TY. Giants 4-1 vs. line on road TY, 11-4 vs. number last 15 as visitor dating to late '05. If Eagles favored, note Andy just 6-11 last 17 in role. Birds also "under" 8-5-1 last 14 as host. Tech edge-Giants, based on team trends.
OAKLAND at GREEN BAY...Super Bowl II rematch! Despite Dallas loss, Pack still 9-2-1 vs. line TY, 12-4-1 vs. spread last 17 on board since late '06. Raiders 4-2 vs. line away in '07. Tech edge-Pack, based on recent trends.
PITTSBURGH at NEW ENGLAND...Patriots "over" 10-2 TY, "over" 15-3 last 18 since late '06. Last five in this series "over" since '01. Pats 6-1 vs. spread last 7 as host. Steel just 1-3 vs. number last 4 on road. This will be Pittsburgh's first game as dog TY, although Steel was notoriously tough as short for Cowher (12-6 last 18 as dog for Cowher). Tech edge-"Over" and slight to Patriots, based on "totals" and team trends.
SAN DIEGO at TENNESSEE...Norv 2-4 vs. line away TY, and Bolts 2-6 vs. spread their last 8 as visitor since late LY. Bolts also "over" 5-1 away TY, "over" 10-2 last 12 as visitor. Tech edge-"Over" and Titans, based on Bolts' "totals" and road trends.
ST. LOUIS at CINCINNATI...Rams "under" 5-0 away TY. They've also covered their last 2 away after dropping first four road spread decisions TY. Marvin Lewis 6-7-1 vs. line at home since LY, 11-20-2 last 33 as host. Tech edge-Rams and "under," based on recent trends.
TAMPA BAY at HOUSTON...Gruden has won and covered last 4 TY. Bucs also now "under" 19-10 last 29 on road. Texans continue mostly pattern-less tech trends. Tech edge-slight to "under," based on "totals" trends.
ARIZONA at SEATTLE..."Overs" 6-1 last 7 in series, Cards "over” 4-2 away TY, "over" 21-8-1 away since '04. Cards 5-1-1 as dog TY, 10-2-1 last 13 in role, although they've only covered 1 of last 4 in Seattle (and have lost SU those last 4 at Qwest Field). Seahawks have won and covered last 3 as host TY, now 16-8-1 vs. line last 25 as host. Tech edge-"Over," based on Cards' "totals" trends.
MINNESOTA at SAN FRANCISCO...Ugh! 49ers "under" 4-1 as host TY, but only 1-3-1 vs. spread at home in '07. Vikes "under" 5-2 last 7 on road. Tech edge-"Under" and slight to Vikings, based on "totals" trends.
CLEVELAND at NY JETS...Browns have covered 6 of last 7 and 9 of last 11 in '07. Romeo also "over 9-2-1 TY. Jets just 4-7-1 vs. spread in '07, although they have covered their last 2 as home dog. Tech edge-Browns and "over," based on recent Romeo trends.
KANSAS CITY at DENVER...Shan has covered 2 of last 3 at home TY after dropping previous 9 spread decisions at home. Broncos have won last 6 at home vs. Chiefs and covered 5 of those. Herm, however, has managed to cover last 4 on road TY. Chiefs "under" 9-5-1 last 16 on road, although Broncos "over" 5-1 at Invesco Field at Mile High TY. Tech edge-slight to Broncos, based on extended series trend at home.
INDIANAPOLIS at BALTIMORE...Ugh! Ravens 2-10 vs. line TY. Last 4 in this series "under," including playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium LY. Colts 6-2 vs. line last 7 TY. Dungy "under" 4-2 away TY, Colts "under" 10-5 last 15 dating to late LY. Tech edge-Colts and "under," based on team and "totals" trends.
NEW ORLEANS at ATLANTA (Monday, December 10)...Last 3 and 6 of last 8 "under" in series. Saints have covered 4 of last 6 at Georgia Dome, and remember this was once the big visitor series (although trend dissipated somewhat in late '90s, and was really prominent when Falcs visited New Orleans). Saints have covered 3 of last 4 away TY and are 10-5 vs. spread as visitor since LY, and they're 3-1 as road chalk since LY. Falcs 2-4 vs. line at Georgia Dome TY, and they're "over" 4-2 as host in '07. Tech edge-Saints and slight to "under," based on team and series trends.
goldsheet.com
Vikings' Edwards suspended four games for alleged steroid use
ASSOCIATED PRESS
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on steroid use.
Edwards has been a starter for most of the season, but was replaced by Erasmus James for last Sunday's game against Detroit. Coach Brad Childress said that decision had nothing to do with Edwards' violation.
Childress said he was disappointed in Edwards and could not comment further because of the confidentiality surrounding the policy.
The Vikings will turn to James, rookie Brian Robison and Jayme Mitchell to fill in during Edwards' absence. The Vikings next game is at San Francisco.
Edwards is in his second year out of Purdue. The fourth-round draft pick has been one of the Vikings' most consistent performers at defensive end. He is eligible to return to the team after the Dec. 30 season finale against Denver and could play if the Vikings (6-6) make the playoffs.
McNabb returns to Eagles, preps for Sunday showdown with Giants
ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHILADELPHIA -- Donovan McNabb returned to the practice field with the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday, working out with teammates for the first time since spraining his right ankle and jamming a thumb two weeks ago against Miami.
''I do feel like I am ready to play,'' McNabb said as the Eagles prepped for the New York Giants, moving their practice indoors because of a light snowfall.
McNabb missed two games, heartbreaking but not season-breaking losses to the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. He returns to a team that, at 5-7, must beat the Giants on Sunday to keep any hopes of a postseason berth alive.
A.J. Feeley handled the quarterback duties in McNabb's absence. His strong showing in the team's 31-28 loss to New England overshadowed his three interceptions.
Against Seattle, Feeley struggled, throwing four interceptions, including a pick down the stretch for the second straight week that cost the Eagles a chance at a victory.
NFL poolies’ cheat sheet for Week 14
Covers.com
Chicago at Washington -3
Why Bears cover: Are second in the NFL in interceptions and third in sacks. Redskins are 1-4 ATS at home and have only covered once in their last seven games while losing four straight.
Why Redskins cover: Clinton Portis has rushed for 457 yards in three career games against Chicago. Bears have the league’s worst yards per rush average (3.2) and allow opponents to rush for 4.4 yards per carry, 28th in the NFL.
Total (37): Under is 13-6-3 in Washington’s last 22 versus NFC.
Carolina at Jacksonville -10½
Why Panthers cover: Have won last two meetings. Are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games. They have held running back Fred Taylor to 49 yards rushing per game in his career.
Why Jaguars cover: Have covered in four straight games and eight of last 10. Get DT Marcus Stroud back from suspension this week. Have rushed for almost 1,700 yards and get to face the Panthers’ 17th-ranked rush defense. David Garrard has yet to throw an interception this season.
Total (38): Over is 4-1-1 in Jaguars’ last six games on grass and 5-0-1 in their last six overall.
Dallas at Detroit +10½
Why Cowboys cover: Are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings between these two teams. Detroit is on a major slide losing four straight while failing to cover each time. WR Terrell Owens has six TDs and 444 yards receiving in his last five games against Detroit. Lions’ top receiver Roy Williams is out with a knee injury.
Why Lions cover: Jon Kitna threw for 306 yards and four TDs in his only career game against Dallas. Need to win to keep in the NFC wild-card race.
Total (51½): Both have powerful passing games and, combined, average over 55 points per game.
Miami at Buffalo -7
Why Dolphins cover: Have given up least amount of passing plays in the NFL. Only two teams have given up more offensive yards than Buffalo. With Baltimore, New England and Cincinnati left, this could be Miami’s best chance at winning a game.
Why Bills cover: Have won last three meetings and six of last seven. Are 4-1 with Trent Edwards as the starting quarterback. Fred Jackson had 151 combined yards against Washington while filling in for the injured Marshawn Lynch. Dolphins are 0-6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings and 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings in Buffalo.
Total (36½): Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia -3
Why Giants cover: Get starting running back Brandon Jacobs back from injury. League-leading pass rush could contain a hobbled Donovan McNabb. Underdog is 5-0 ATS in these teams’ last five meetings.
Why Eagles cover: McNabb has thrown for 1,376 yards and has 10 touchdowns (one rushing) in his last five games against New York. Eli Manning has throw seven interceptions in his last five games against Philadelphia and 17 on the season, most in the NFL.
Total (42): Over is 6-2-1 in the last nine meetings in Philadelphia.
Oakland at Green Bay -10½
Why Raiders cover: Have won two straight games against tough AFC opponents Denver and Kansas City. Are averaging 27.7 points per game in their last three contests. Brett Favre will play with an injured throwing elbow and a recently separated left shoulder.
Why Packers cover: Are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games. Favre has thrown for 922 yards and nine TDs in three career games against the Raiders.
Total (42): Over is 4-1 in Packers’ last five games.
San Diego at Tennessee pick
Why Chargers cover: Have won the last five meetings between these teams. Lead the league with 33 takeaways. LaDainian Tomlinson has rushed for 218 yards and three touchdowns in two career games against Tennessee. Titans leading rusher LenDale White has a dislocated finger.
Why Titans cover: Are limiting opponents to an average of 17 first downs per contest, second best in the league. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth returned from injury last week to boost a sagging rush defense. Tennessee was 0-3 ATS without him in the lineup.
Total (40½): Over is 9-2-1 in Chargers’ last 12 road games.
St. Louis at Cincinnati
Why Rams cover: Have won last three meetings. Should have starting QB Marc Bulger back from a concussion suffered in Week 12. They’ve won three of last four games after starting the season 0-8. Held Rudi Johnson to 2.7 yards per carry for 30 yards in his only game against St. Louis.
Why Bengals cover: Have one of the league’s most feared passing attacks. Rams have allowed 29 touchdowns in 12 games. Rams are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games on grass.
Total: Under is 5-1 in Rams’ last six road games.
Tampa Bay at Houston
Why Buccaneers cover: Have won six of these teams’ last seven meetings. Jeff Garcia is expected to return from a back injury. Earnest Graham has rushed for over 100 yards in three of his last four games. Only the Patriots have fewer giveaways than the Bucs.
Why Texans cover: Are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games. In five games this season Andre Johnson has 535 yards receiving and five touchdowns.
Total: Buccaneers are holding opponents to 15.6 points per game.
Arizona at Seattle -7
Why Cardinals cover: Have won last two meetings. Edgerrin James has rushed for 567 yards and five scores in his last five games against the Seahawks. Only two teams have allowed more rushing touchdowns than Seattle.
Why Seahawks cover: Shaun Alexander has rushed for 548 yards and eight TDs in his last five games against Arizona. Home teams is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings and have won seven of last eight. Arizona could be without both starting receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.
Total (44½): Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.
Minnesota at San Francisco +8½
Why Vikings cover: Have rushed for 430 yards more than any other NFL team. San Francisco is last in the league in yards per game, first downs and passing yards.
Why 49ers cover: Have 21 rushing touchdowns. Home team has won last nine meetings and is 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings. Minnesota has the NFL’s worst pass defense.
Total (39½): League’s worst offense faces league’s top run defense.
Cleveland at N.Y. Jets +3½
Why Browns cover: Are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games. Kellen Clemens has the worst rating of any quarterback not playing for the 49ers.
Why Jets cover: Coming off 40-13 whooping of the Dolphins. Cleveland’s defense is giving up 389.9 yards per game, easily worst in the NFL. Jamal Lewis only has one TD and averages 2.5 yards per carry against New York.
Total (47½): Over is 9-2-1 in Browns’ last 12 games.
Kansas City at Denver -6½
Why Chiefs cover: Are fourth in the league with 16 interceptions. Jay Cutler has thrown at least one pick in all but three games this season. Running back Kolby Smith has filled in admirably for the injured Larry Johnson and gets to test the league’s 31st-ranked rush defense.
Why Broncos cover: Home team is 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 meetings. Travis Henry won his appeal for substance abuse and will play for the rest of the season. Chiefs are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings in Denver. Kansas City is only averaging 14.3 points per game.
Total (37½): Over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
Pittsburgh at New England -10½
Why Steelers cover: Have the league’s stingiest defense, holding opponents to 230.8 yards and 12.9 points per contest. Road team is 6-2 ATS and underdog is 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings. In two career games against New England, Ben Roethlisberger has thrown four TDs and no interceptions.
Why Patriots cover: Only Jon Kitna has been sacked more times than Roethlisberger. Steelers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven meetings. Tom Brady has thrown for 937 yards and five touchdowns in three career games against the Steelers.
Total (49½): Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings between these two teams.
Indianapolis at Baltimore +9½
Why Colts cover: Won last four meetings. Have only fumbled three times all season. Baltimore leads the league in fumbles and has five more than the next worst team. Ravens are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games.
Why Ravens cover: Are holding opponents to 2.8 yards per rushing play, tops in the league. Willis McGahee has scored a touchdown in seven straight games. Lost to the Patriots by three points as 19-point underdogs.
Total (43½): Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
New Orleans at Atlanta +4½
Why Saints cover: Have won three straight meetings and are 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings. Need to win to stay in the NFC wild-card race. Falcons are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Why Falcons cover: Jerious Norwood has taken over as the starting running back and is averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Saints have one of the NFL’s worst rushing attacks. Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
Total (42½): Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
Bulger returns for Rams; Hill's out
December 5, 2007
Sporting News Staff Reports
Marc Bulger passed his medical tests Tuesday and is set to start against the Bengals, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Bulger had been benched against the Falcons because he was still showing effects from a concussion sustained November 25. His return this week means the Rams will not have to sign free agent Todd Bouman; Brock Berlin is the backup quarterback. Gus Frerotte could be the emergency backup, though he suffered a shoulder injury against the Falcons.
Rams cornerback Tye Hill is out for the season. He had surgery Tuesday after injuring his left hand in the game against Atlanta. Ron Bartell will start in Hill's place against Cincinnati.
White says he'll play despite finger stitches
Running back LenDale White has an ugly line of stitches on the middle finger on his right hand, which remained swollen Wednesday.
White, injured in Sunday's win over the Texans, squeezed a rubber ball to build up strength in the hand and said he expects to practice today or Friday and play Sunday against the Chargers.
Although the injury could make holding the ball securely more difficult, White said he's fine.
"You just have to tape it up and go out and play with it,'' said White, who has fumbled four times this season. "I don't look at it as being an issue at all.''
Four other Titans also missed Wednesday's practice: defensive tackles Albert Haynesworth (hamstring) and Tony Brown (knee), receiver Brandon Jones (groin) and strong safety Chris Hope.
Coaches had planned in advance to hold Haynesworth out for extra recovery time. He played last week after missing three games in a row.
The Titans said Hope was being tested for a concussion suffered in the Cincinnati game Nov. 25, but they now have him listed with a back injury. Coach Jeff Fisher said Hope did some running and is making progress.
Fisher said Jones would have to practice at some point this week in order to play Sunday.
Tight end Bo Scaife was limited by a shoulder injury. Guard Benji Olson, who missed the past three games with back problems, returned to practice.
tennessean.com
Texans' top QB probably out
Houston coach Gary Kubiak said Wednesday he doubts quarterback Matt Schaub will be ready for Sunday's game against the Bucs because of a dislocated left shoulder. That would leave Sage Rosenfels the starter.
Rosenfels, 29, in his seventh season, has appeared in 22 games with three starts. The last came Nov. 4, when he was 11-of-19 for 181 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 24-17 win over the Raiders. In five games this season, he is 78-of-123 for 914 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Meanwhile, second-year pro Mike Brisiel and rookies Kasey Studdard and Brandon Frye are competing at right guard after Fred Weary broke his right leg Sunday. Studdard saw his first major action Sunday. Neither Frye nor Brisiel has played a snap.
The Texans already are missing starting center Steve McKinney because of a torn ACL.
SUPPORTING CAST: Bucs fullback B.J. Askew, who has played through an ankle injury for more than a month, is wearing a hard cast on his lower left leg.
This is the first week Askew, the lead blocker for Earnest Graham who has not missed a game, has tried the more drastic approach. The cast was put on Monday, and he expects it to be cut off today so he can practice then play Sunday.
"It's giving me more time to get healthy," Askew said.
Askew was the only player to miss Wednesday's practice. Defensive ends Kevin Carter (shoulder) and Greg Spires (calf), quarterback Jeff Garcia (back), receiver Ike Hilliard (knee) and running back Michael Pittman (ankle) participated on a limited basis.
sptimes.com
Coles Is on a Mission to Be Ready for Sunday’s Game
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., Dec. 5 — On Nov. 4, Laveranues Coles was inactive against the Washington Redskins because of a concussion. The Jets lost.
On Nov. 22, Coles was inactive against the Dallas Cowboys because of a sprained left ankle. The Jets lost that one, too.
Last Sunday, despite limited practice all week, Coles caught five passes as the Jets routed the Miami Dolphins, 40-13. His ankle is still bad, but this Sunday, when the Jets (3-9) play the Cleveland Browns (7-5) at Giants Stadium, Coles seems sure to be there. The Jets need him because Jerricho Cotchery, the other starting receiver, will probably be sidelined again with an injured right index finger.
At a news conference Wednesday, Coach Eric Mangini said Coles “is a good example of toughness.”
“With L. C., if he says ‘I’m playing,’ and you’ve gone through the process and you feel good about that, you know that he’s going to be there and you can expect a certain level of performance,” Mangini said. “Some guys with injuries, they may tell you one thing and may feel one way going into the game, but you get four or five plays in and it’s over for them, and now you’ve lost that roster spot. But that’s not the case with him. You’re not wondering whether or not he can do that.”
Coles does not seem to wonder, either.
“I’m here,” he said. “It’s another day and another practice.”
He said he was unsure of his availability, but he seemed to feel he would play unless the doctors and trainers held him down.
“Last Sunday was truly a game-time decision,” he said. “I’m always trying to push myself, but it was one of those things that I didn’t actually know until it was actually time to play. I didn’t know to what extent I would be able to help the team. I didn’t want to be a detriment. Before the snap, I was feeling a lot of pain. Once the ball was snapped, I was able to push through it. I was fortunate to make it through the game.”
Coles is an offensive captain, and he takes the responsibility seriously.
“I’m willing to do anything to finish this,” he said. “I started it. I want to finish this ride with these guys.”
His fellow receivers regard him as somewhat of an icon.
“If he’s able just to walk, he’ll be out there,” Justin McCareins said. “That’s the type of player he is. When the lights come on, he’s going to perform at his normal high level.”
Brad Smith said: “He hasn’t said much, but you know he’s dinged up. He’s going 100 miles an hour and working hard. He’s a good leader in the locker room and the receivers’ room. He’s got a great perspective on things, the way he approaches games, even off the field. He’s confident. He knows what he’s doing.”
Coles has been doing it well enough to have 554 career receptions, ranking him 70th on the N.F.L.’s career list. Immediately ahead are Wes Chandler and Roy Green with 559 each, and Troy Brown and Stanley Morgan each with 557, all distinguished players with longer professional careers.
“I had no idea of that,” Coles said. “It’s nice, but numbers and statistics can never compare to the relationships you’ve made with others. I’m just happy to be around.”
nytimes.com
Thomas placed on IR because of torn calf muscle
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Backup running back Anthony Thomas' season is over, but the Bills could have starter Marshawn Lynch back for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
Thomas was placed on injured reserve Thursday, two weeks after he tore a calf muscle in a 36-14 loss at Jacksonville. The NFL rookie of the year in 2001, Thomas was in his second season with Buffalo and being used in third-down situations and as a backup.
Thomas had 36 carries for 89 yards and added 15 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown in 10 games, including two starts this year.
He became the 13th Bills player placed on IR this season, with the move coming as Buffalo (6-6) prepares to host the Miami Dolphins (0-12) this weekend.
The good news is Lynch could be ready to return after missing the past three games with a sprained left ankle.
Lynch practiced Thursday in full pads for the first time since he was hurt, leading coach Dick Jauron to say he's ''optimistic'' the rookie first-round pick will be ready to play.
Jauron noted that Lynch's ankle showed no signs of swelling after he had a limited role in practice a day earlier.
''I'm optimistic, too,'' said Lynch, who was hurt in helping the Bills secure a 13-10 win at Miami on Nov. 11. ''It's getting better every day.''
Lynch's ankle also held up as the Bills spent part of their session in the frigid outdoors, where temperatures dropped below 30. He split practice time with Fred Jackson, who made his first career start in a 17-16 win at Washington last weekend.
Lynch leads the team with six touchdowns rushing and, with another passing, has had a hand in seven of 13 TDs the offense has produced this season. He has 751 yards rushing, which still ranks 15th in the NFL.
Starting left tackle Jason Peters practiced on a limited basis for the second straight day after he hurt his groin last weekend. The Bills injury reports lists Peters having a hip injury, but Jauron referred to it as a groin on Thursday.
Starting right tackle Langston Walker left practice because of an illness. Safety Donte Whitner missed practice due to illness.
To fill Thomas' roster spot, the Bills re-signed linebacker Leon Joe two weeks after the team released him. Joe, who appeared in five games with Buffalo this season, rejoined the team after he was released by Jacksonville on Friday, a few days after the team signed him.
Redman is Falcons new starting QB
December 6, 2007
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -Another week, another change at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.
Coach Bobby Petrino announced Thursday that Chris Redman, who was out of the league the last three seasons, will start against the New Orleans Saints after a strong performance in relief of Joey Harrington.
With Byron Leftwich still hurting and Harrington clearly not the answer, the Falcons (3-9) had little choice except to go with a quarterback who was selling insurance a year ago in their Monday night game against the Saints.
``It's been different. There's no doubt about that,'' Petrino said. ``We haven't had the continuity that you normally have.''
Redman will be the third player to start at quarterback for the Falcons, who have yet to come up with a replacement for Michael Vick. This is the third time that Harrington has lost the No. 1 job, and Leftwich has yet to make it through a full game in his two starts, going down with ankle and tailbone injuries.
Redman replaced Harrington at the start of the fourth quarter last Sunday with the Falcons trailing 21-3 at St. Louis. The backup completed 16-of-24 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-16 loss.
``I did it for one quarter,'' he said. ``Now I've got to show I can do it for four quarters.''
Redman spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, playing 10 games with six starts, but his career was sidetracked by shoulder and back problems. He didn't play at all from 2004-06, getting cut by New England and Tennessee and flopping in a tryout with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Now, he's starting again in the NFL - in a prime-time game, no less.
``It's unbelievable,'' Redman said. ``I have a chance to be on a pedestal that I never thought I would be on again, to be honest. I want to take advantage of this opportunity.''
Rams lose Dante Hall for season with ankle injury
December 6, 2007
ST. LOUIS (AP) -Another day, another member of the St. Louis Rams is lost for the season.
Kick returner Dante Hall, who has been hobbled much of the season by a high ankle sprain, was put on injured reserve, coach Scott Linehan said Thursday.
``His ankle is not responding,'' Linehan said. ``He still has swelling and is unable to cut on it.''
Hall becomes the 11th Rams player to have his season ended by injury, and along with cornerback Tye Hill the second this week. Hill, the team's 2006 No. 1 draft pick, had season-ending wrist surgery.
Hall spent seven seasons in Kansas City before coming to St. Louis in a pre-draft trade. This is the first time he's been put on injured reserve.
``It's pretty tough,'' Hall said. ``I take pride in not missing games, so to be put on IR is like total devastation. But at this point, it's just a smart thing to do for me and the team.
``We were going back and forth,'' Hall said. ``It would feel good one week and then it would start to ache. It put coach in a bind not knowing who was going to be his returner every week. I'll heal up and get ready for next year.''
Surgery will not be required.
Hall aggravated the ankle on a return Nov. 25 against Seattle. The injury first occurred Oct. 7 against Arizona, forcing him to miss four games. Both injuries came in home games played on the turf field of the Edward Jones Dome.
Is there a connection?
``I hate to speculate on that,'' Hall said. ``I have no real evidence to suggest that. But I played on grass for seven years and never had any problems. I don't know.''
There were times when Hall flashed the brilliance he often displayed with the Chiefs.
On Sept. 30 in Dallas, he returned a punt 85 yards for his lone touchdown. That score gave Hall 12 career return touchdowns (six punt, six kickoff), second-most in NFL history.
``I've got very high standards for myself,'' Hall said. ``I'm not the best in the league right now. That's Mr. (Devin) Hester. Until I'm better than him, it's not good enough.''
NOTES: OT Rob Petitti was being evaluated after sustaining a concussion in Sunday's win over Atlanta. ... WR Isaac Bruce said his touchdown celebration Sunday was modeled after Chris Carter, whom he passed for fifth on the NFL's career receiving list. Bruce has 13,911 yards, 65 behind Indianapolis' Marvin Harrison and 125 behind James Lofton.
Steelers' Polamalu likely out against Pats
December 7, 2007
PITTSBURGH (AP) -Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is likely to miss Pittsburgh's game Sunday at New England after sitting out practice for the second day in a row Friday because of a sprained knee.
Polamalu, who has missed the Steelers' last two games, aggravated the injury during practice Wednesday and has been unable to practice since.
Polamalu, a Pro Bowl safety the last three seasons and the team's highest-paid player, injured the knee Nov. 18 against the New York Jets. He is not having a big year statistically - he doesn't have a sack or an interception - but his versatility is a key to Pittsburgh's zone blitz defense.
The Steelers almost never allow players to play in a game when they are physically unable to practice on Friday - one reason why wide receiver Santonio Holmes struggled through the team's workout on a sprained right ankle.
Holmes, also out for two games, continues to have pain in the ankle and was urged earlier this week to sit out another game. Holmes said the game against New England (12-0) is too important to the Steelers (9-3) to miss and he plans to play.
Holmes has averaged 17 yards per reception on 39 catches. He leads the Steelers with seven touchdown catches.
Bulger suffers setback in recovery from concussion; Berlin could start at Bengals
December 7, 2007
ST. LOUIS (AP) -Rams quarterback Marc Bulger had a setback in his recovery from a concussion, meaning it's possible Brock Berlin, who has never attempted a pass in a regular-season game, might start Sunday at Cincinnati.
Bulger began feeling poorly during meetings Thursday afternoon, said Rams coach Scott Linehan, who added that the decision on a starter is likely to be made late Saturday.
Regular backup Gus Frerotte will be the emergency quarterback for the Rams. Frerotte partially tore the labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder in Sunday's win over Atlanta. Frerotte can hand off, but is unable to throw, Linehan said.
``Right now, I'm just getting ready to play,'' Berlin said. ``If my number is called, I'll be ready to play. Football is football. I've played it my whole life. If it does come, it's a great opportunity.''
The Rams have added 35-year-old veteran Todd Bouman to the roster. The 11-year veteran out of St. Cloud State practiced Friday. He has played in 42 games with Minnesota, Green Bay, New Orleans and Jacksonsville.
Bulger, who was not made available to the media after practice Friday, was injured in the first quarter of a 24-19 loss to the Seahawks on Nov. 25. He passed a medical exam Tuesday - after failing one last week - and was cleared to practice. He worked out Wednesday and Thursday and took some limited snaps Friday.
``He was able to pass his baseline test and that put him into position to practice,'' Linehan said. ``He had, what I thought, were two really good practices Wednesday and Thursday. He didn't feel real good in the afternoon meetings. Because of that, it's put some question in my mind as to whether or not he should be cleared to play.''
The Rams' medical personnel, coaches, trainers and Bulger will discuss the situation before a decision is made.
``We're not going to put anybody who is not 100 percent in harm's way,'' Linehan said. ``After I gather the information, I'll make a decision if he'll be our starting quarterback or if he'll be up at all.''
It's been an injury-plagued season for Bulger, who has also missed time because of broken ribs and a sprained thumb. Bulger has completed 61 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and nine interceptions in what has been a disappointing season after he signed a six-year, $65 million contract extension on the first day of training camp.
That deal made him the highest-paid player in franchise history. The contract included $27 million in guaranteed money and put him in a group of six quarterbacks making $10 million annually.
The 26-year-old Berlin was activated from the practice squad Nov. 27.
``I told Brock to get ready after the meeting Thursday afternoon,'' Linehan said.
The University of Miami graduate was undrafted in 2005 despite going 19-5 as a two-year starter for the Hurricanes. He has spent time with Dallas and Miami, as well as the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe.
After practice, Berlin and Bouman stayed longer and threw passes to various receivers. In the locker room, Torry Holt spent several minutes with Berlin at his locker.
``We were chatting just in case,'' Holt said. ``We were going over some things; just trying to have some clarity. ... I thought he looked good in practice. Brock has a big arm. We'll see how it goes.''
Bouman has six starts in the NFL. He has 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 129-of-230 passing. Bouman played in 2002 for Linehan when he was in Minnesota. He was released by Jacksonville on Nov. 20 after spending three weeks on the Jaguars' active roster.
CB Eric Bassey (knee) and OT Rob Petitte (concussion) are out for Sunday's game, and kick returner/receiver Brandon Williams (ankle) is questionable. Williams will be replaced by Marques Hagans.
Knee injury could sideline Bush
Reggie Bush has a partially torn left knee ligament that likely won't require surgery but could sideline him for Monday night's game at Atlanta.
Saints coach Sean Payton said Bush would be listed as questionable on the injury report and added whether Bush plays will be a game-time decision.
"We'll monitor where he's at," Payton said after Friday's practice, which Bush sat out. "I'm still hopeful for this weekend's game."
Bush practiced Thursday and did not indicate he was having any trouble when he spoke to reporters after practice. He became sore that evening, and the team ordered a MRI, which indicated a tear in his posterior cruciate ligament.
Bush was expected to seek a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, an orthopedic surgeon based in Birmingham, Ala.
The injury is the latest setback for Bush, who took over as the Saints' featured running back after Deuce McAllister's season-ending knee injury in Week 3.
Bush has scored six touchdowns with 581 yards rushing and 417 yards receiving. His longest run so far has been 22 yards and his longest reception 25. He has 10 dropped passes and has fumbled eight times, though his team has recovered all but three of those.
Jets' Cotchery doubtful against Browns
December 7th, 2007
Hempstead, NY (Sports Network) - New York Jets wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery will likely not play Sunday against the Cleveland Browns due to an injured right index finger.
Cotchery, who is listed as doubtful, has 54 receptions for 730 yards and a touchdown in 11 games.
In other injury news, wide receiver Laveranues Coles is listed as questionable with an ankle injury.
On the year, Coles has 48 catches for 598 yards and six touchdowns.