Giants can't be expected to go all-out
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin is in the same boat as Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy entering this final weekend of the 2007 NFL regular season.
Both of their teams have clinched playoff seeds and have nothing to play for, but the Giants-New England game Saturday night will have a huge TV audience (at least as huge as an NFL Network audience can be) because the Patriots have a chance to make history. The Tennessee-Colts game Sunday night will determine if the final AFC wild-card playoff team will be the Titans or Cleveland.
The Giants and Colts both will be playing at home, and their fans expect to see them to be competitive within reason.
But anything beyond token appearances by star players on the Giants and Colts would not be reasonable.
You can be sure that New England coach Bill Belichick will be using all of his healthy first-line players. He'd love to make 16-0 history, particularly after Week 1's Spygate controversy.
But Coughlin is under no obligation to use his starters in a game the Giants probably couldn't win even if they all played.
He would not be compromising the integrity of the NFL by resting many of his regulars. In fact, it would be prudent to conserve their energy for the team's wild-card game the following week.
Some Miami Dolphins fans and NFL purists might be critical of the Patriots for wrapping up a 16-0 season against an opponent at less than full strength. Anyone who has watched New England play all season should realize that the Patriots probably could beat the best team the Giants ever had.
# The Patriots have scored 71 touchdowns this season. The three other AFC East teams — Buffalo, the New York Jets and Miami — have a total of 76 touchdowns. ... The Patriots have a point differential of plus-312. That's more points than 15 teams have scored this season.
# The Buffalo Bills are ninth in the 32-team NFL in average home attendance this season at 71,064 for their eight games at Ralph Wilson Stadium. That average will drop in 2008 with a home game in Toronto. ... I know Bills left tackle Jason Peters was excited being picked to start in his first Pro Bowl in February, but here's one thumb down on risking further damage to the groin injury that knocked him out of last Sunday's loss to the Giants and this Sunday's game in Philadelphia. I don't think the Bills should let him play in a meaningless exhibition game coming off an injury and seven weeks of inactivity.
# It has been a very good year for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He hired Wade Phillips as coach. He signed underachieving Arizona Cardinals offensive guard Leonard Davis and he's going to the Pro Bowl with 10 other Cowboys. He signed relatively inexperienced quarterback Tony Romo to a long-term deal. He kept Terrell Owens, who has been a big playmaker (instead of a troublemaker). He was elected to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and selected Texas Sports Personality of 2007 by The Dallas Morning News. The new palace for the Cowboys is almost finished. And his 13-2 team can win 14 games in a season for the first time Sunday (the Cowboys have lost their last seven regular-season finales).
# I know some of you agree with the following steroids take from Framingham, Mass., attorney Rob Meltzer. But I hope it isn't a huge number of you. Here's what he contributed to his local newspaper: "For their money, the fans are entitled to the best show that organized athletics can offer. If that means that the players want to shoot up vast quantities of steroids for exciting home-run derbies and 75-yard touchdown passes, which ultimately adds to the thrill of the game, then fans should be outraged at sport managers who ban the drugs that make these events worth watching."
I'm outraged that anyone could be so irresponsible, shortsighted and oblivious to the multitude of negative consequences tied to the unrestricted use of performance-enhancing drugs.
# Not surprisingly, the defending champion Rochester Knighthawks received an outpouring of respect in Inside Lacrosse magazine's National Lacrosse League preseason players' survey:
Best offense — Rochester 90 percent, Buffalo 3 percent, New York 3 percent, San Jose 3 percent, Toronto 1 percent.
Best defense — Buffalo 27 percent, Rochester 23 percent, San Jose 19 percent, Calgary 5 percent, Toronto 5 percent.
Toughest defender — Regy Thorpe (Rochester) 20 percent, Cam Woods (Toronto) 16 percent.
Fastest player — Steve Toll (Rochester) 24 percent, Josh Sims (Colorado) 17 percent, Jarett Park (New York) 13 percent, Chris Schiller (Rochester) 10 percent.
Best shooter — John Grant Jr. (Rochester) 50 percent, John Tavares (Buffalo) 11 percent, Dan Dawson (Portland) 3 percent.
Most creative player — John Grant Jr. (Rochester) 70 percent, Colin Doyle (San Jose) 4 percent.
Best unknown player — Defenseman Sandy Chapman (Rochester) was one of four players tied for the top spot with 5 percent.
Inside Lacrosse analyst Brian Shanahan also rated the Knighthawks No. 1 in the preseason 2008 rankings, followed by Colorado, Buffalo, Calgary, San Jose, Philadelphia, Toronto, Minnesota, Edmonton, Portland, Chicago and New York. He projects Rochester over Colorado in the Champion's Cup Final.
So let's not book the circus during the playoffs.
democratandchronicle.com
Panthers end Peppers' season by placing him injured reserve with knee injury
December 26, 2007
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -Julius Peppers' disappointing season is over.
The Carolina Panthers placed the defensive end on injured reserve Wednesday with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. The injury forced Peppers to miss Saturday's loss to Dallas, ending his consecutive games streak at 78.
Peppers finished with only three sacks in 14 games, ending a streak of three straight years with at least 10 1/2 sacks. He was not elected to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2003.
The poor year leaves Carolina with a decision to make in the offseason. With one year left on Peppers' contract, the Panthers will likely have to rework his deal before next season to open up salary-cap space.
Before this season, it was assumed Peppers would get a new contract rivaling the six-year, $72 million deal given to Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney.
Peppers, who had a career-high 13 sacks last year, said earlier this month that he doesn't believe his low numbers this year will affect his value.
Rookie Charles Johnson, who got his first start against the Cowboys, will likely start in Sunday's season finale at Tampa Bay.
Taking Peppers' place on the roster is kicker Rhys Lloyd, signed from Baltimore's practice squad to give Carolina a stronger leg for kickoffs. John Kasay has a league-low two touchbacks and has put five kickoffs out of bounds.
The Panthers also signed receiver Travis Taylor, who played briefly with St. Louis and Oakland this season. Taylor replaces center Justin Hartwig, who was placed on injured reserve Monday with a knee injury.
Also Wednesday, tackle Jordan Gross (ankle), safety Chris Harris (neck) and quarterback Vinny Testaverde (Achilles) missed practice.
The Panthers added two players to the practice squad on Wednesday: former Wake Forest safety Patrick Ghee and defensive back Eddie Canonico, who has played in the Arena Football League.
Dolphins place CB Andre Goodman on IR
December 26, 2007
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -Miami Dolphins cornerback Andre Goodman was placed on injured reserve Wednesday with a knee injury, and the team signed guard Ikechuku Ndukwe off Baltimore's practice squad.
Goodman played in 13 games this season and started four. He had two interceptions and made 20 tackles.
Miami is Ndukewe's fourth team since he joined the NFL in 2005.
49ers QB Hill questionable
December 26th, 2007
Santa Clara, CA (Sports Network) - San Francisco 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill is questionable to start Sunday's season-finale at Cleveland due to a back injury that he sustained in the win over Tampa Bay this past weekend.
Hill, who was forced out of the game for one play in the third quarter before returning to the contest, sat out practice on Wednesday.
"Right now we're just taking it a day at a time," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "We rested him today. I'm hopeful that he'll play on Sunday and right now the rest is important in order for him to do that. He'll be questionable right now. He's got back spasms."
Nolan said with Trent Dilfer ruled out for Sunday, other possibilities at QB are Chris Weinke and Drew Olson. Alex Smith is already out for the season due to a separated right shoulder.
Weinke hasn't played in a game this year and has seen action in six contests since the conclusion of the 2002 season.
"He took a lot of reps today," Nolan said of Weinke. "He did a good job. It's going to have to do with him utilizing the guys around him, feeding them the ball. He's played in games. He's an experienced and mature guy. If we have to go with him he gives us our best chance."
Bengals place three more players on IR
December 26, 2007
Associated Press
CINCINNATI (AP) -- Running back DeDe Dorsey, center Eric Ghiaciuc and safety Madieu Williams will miss the Cincinnati Bengals' season finale after they were placed on injured reserve Wednesday.
The Bengals signed free agent running back Quincy Wilson and promoted guard Nate Livings off their practice squad. They have 52 players, one shy of the roster limit, for their final game in Miami.
Cincinnati (6-9) was down to running back Kenny Watson after Dorsey sprained his right ankle during a 19-14 loss to Cleveland on Sunday. Running back Rudi Johnson was inactive with a chronic hamstring injury; Johnson didn't practice Wednesday.
Ghiaciuc sprained his left foot during the game. Alex Stepanovich filled in at center for three games when Ghiaciuc was hurt earlier this season.
Williams aggravated a thigh injury during practice last week. He and starting safety Dexter Jackson were inactive for the win over Cleveland because of injuries.
Livings, a first-year player from Louisiana State, has been on the practice squad all season. Wilson, a second-year player, was waived by the Bengals on Sept. 2.
Steelers say they'll be motivated against Ravens
December 26, 2007
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Najeh Davenport, unexpectedly the Steelers' top running back with the playoffs only a week away, looked up in surprise when asked about resting Sunday in Baltimore.
To the Steelers (10-5), no game against the Ravens (4-11) is inconsequential, even if Pittsburgh can claim nothing more by winning than a higher seeding in the AFC playoffs that begin Jan. 5.
"I was under the impression I was playing the whole game," Davenport said Wednesday, after the Steelers practiced for the first time in a week. "That's something new to me."
Wide receiver Hines Ward and defensive end Brett Keisel also said they're going into this game as if it were like any other -- even if it isn't, not with Pittsburgh already assured a division title and at least one home playoff game.
"I think we're going to play," Keisel said. "From everything I've heard, we're going to play and try to win the game and finish out the season right."
To the Steelers, that means going into the playoffs with some momentum after dropping two of their last three. They also want to end their long losing streak in Baltimore -- they've lost four in a row there -- and sweep all six games against AFC North rivals.
There's more to play for, too: Should the Steelers win and the Raiders (4-11) upset the Chargers (10-5), Pittsburgh -- and not San Diego -- would be No. 3 rather than No. 4 in the AFC playoffs.
That could prove significant because the fourth-seeded team must play streaking Jacksonville (11-4) next weekend, with the winner likely facing New England (15-0) in the divisional round.
The third-seeded team will play Cleveland (9-6) or Tennessee (9-6) next weekend and, more than likely, Indianapolis (13-2) the weekend after.
"It's a single-elimination tournament and we've got to come into this thing rolling and that's why we're approaching this week the way we are," Keisel said.
That approach is to treat the game, at least publicly, like any game. Coach Mike Tomlin, however, is dropping hints some of his less-than-healthy regulars might get some time off, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (sprained ankle) and safety Troy Polamalu (knee).
It seems unlikely Tomlin will sit down a majority of his starters, not with the Steelers already without two key injured regulars the rest of the way in running back Willie Parker (broken leg) and defensive end Aaron Smith (torn biceps).
The Steelers haven't played since beating St. Louis 41-24 on Dec. 20, so any player sitting out Sunday would be idle for more than two weeks going into the playoffs. With the way New England, Indianapolis and Jacksonville are playing, that might not be the ideal approach.
"He (Tomlin) knows what's best for the team," Ward said.
The Steelers haven't had an easier game all season than their 37-7 rout of Baltimore on Nov. 5, when Roethlisberger threw five touchdown passes before halftime. Afterward, Ravens wide receiver Bart Scott said he "threatened" Ward and, when he saw him again Sunday, planned to "threaten him" again.
Scott laughed that off Wednesday, saying, "I was just upset with Hines at the time. Once I looked back and analyzed it, I said, "Hey, I love him.' "
A feeling not shared by many Ravens and Steelers, especially given the one-sided scores in their recent games. Last season, the Ravens won 27-0 in Baltimore and 31-7 in Pittsburgh, a game that ended up putting the Steelers out of the playoffs.
"It (this game) matters to us," Roethlisberger said. "It's Baltimore.
Holmgren says Seahawks first-stringers will start
ASSOCIATED PRESS
KIRKLAND, Wash. -- According to coach Mike Holmgren, the Seahawks won't be easing into the playoffs.
The Seahawks coach welcomed his NFC West champions back from a two-day Christmas break on Wednesday with the message that Seattle's veterans will start Sunday at Atlanta. He said he wants them to play it as if it was Week 2 - not a meaningless game inside a lifeless, half-empty dome, with Seattle already locked into the No. 3 seed for the playoffs that begin the following weekend.
''We kicked it around a lot,'' Holmgren said of meetings with his assistants on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day weighing maintaining momentum for the postseason versus resting starters to avoid the possibility of injury.
''We're going to play the game just as we've played every game so far this season,'' he said.
He particularly hopes to continue an improved rushing offense from last weekend's win over Baltimore.
''We want to go into the playoffs as strong as we can be,'' he said. ''We're going to play the guys hard ... and keep our fingers crossed.''
He said the only players who may miss the game are the ones already injured. Wide receiver Deion Branch (calf), defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (groin) and Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones (sore shoulder) missed practice Wednesday.
That practice showed Holmgren's decision between playing and preservation, as he substituted more liberally than usual with the starting units.
Then there was his answer to whether quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, now even more important while having a career year for what has become a pass-first offense, would exit the game early in favor of Seneca Wallace if Seattle (10-5) gets a big lead on the Falcons (3-12).
''Probably, yeah,'' Holmgren said.
''It will be talked about - not just with us but a lot of teams - this week on how to do this,'' Holmgren said, thinking of the perfect New England Patriots and other playoff teams. ''I'm not sure there's a right way to do it.
''I believe in momentum going into the playoffs. At the same time, everyone hold their breath that no one gets hurt. So how do you balance that?''
His players say they want business to be usual.
''They pay us to play,'' veteran guard Chris Gray said.
''Any kind of a letdown, though it might be human nature, is not what you can do at this level, especially with the competition that will happen in the playoffs,'' Patrick Kerney said.
Kerney holds a half-sack lead on Mario Williams of Houston for the league lead. He is also returning to the city in which he played eight seasons until last spring. It is still home to his charitable foundation and the many friends he hopes to see Saturday afternoon.
''Certainly don't want to let this week pass by,'' he said. ''It will definitely be a special time for me to get back to Atlanta and play.''
Shaun Alexander is a native of Florence, Ky., who played at the University of Alabama. He said ''pretty much the whole state of Kentucky is invited, and the whole state of Alabama,'' to Sunday's game. But the running back, coming off his best game since September, is playing with a wrist that he broke in Week 1.
''It's more important just to make sure that we have everything ready to go for the playoffs,'' he said. ''There are little things that we've got to do. But at the same time, the risk (is) always there.''
Holmgren's decision may prove to be similar to the one he made two years ago entering the finale at Green Bay. Those Seahawks also had everything they could clinch taken care of, in that case home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Holmgren rested only nicked-up starters, including Jones and cornerback Marcus Trufant. He then pulled the first-team offense at halftime, after Alexander scored his league-record 28th touchdown.
He said it was the only time in his 16 seasons as an NFL head coach he's done that. Seattle lost to Green Bay - then went on to its first Super Bowl.
Yet Holmgren still doesn't like that he made ''wholesale changes'' for a meaningless game.
''We were able to keep guys healthy, but that particular Sunday wasn't much fun,'' Holmgren said.
''I'm going to push them hard, just like I always do. And I'm going to go at the game hard and try to set an example that way.''
He said the competitor in him, in anybody, mandates that.
''Last night, we were playing a game my kids got for Christmas - Name This Movie. It got a little wild,'' Holmgren said, shaking his head, flailing his arms. ''So it's just how you do stuff.''
Pushing the Envelope
VegasInsider.com
Take a look at the home teams appearing on the 2007 NFL final regular season card this week. Notice anything peculiar? If you said half of them are dogs (aka: home dogs), you are correct. More importantly, three of them are winning teams that will dress up as home dogs – all three of whom are playoff bound.
This in itself, according to the our numbers, is any interesting situation. That’s because winning teams, playing as home dogs in regular season finales, are a robust 15-9 SU & 16-8 ATS in all games since 1980. Think about that for a moment. In 37 years a play like this generates an average of less than two plays every three years. However, because the new wave of thinking by coaches approaching the playoffs (opting to rest starters rather than risk injury), we are seeing more and more qualifying plays lately.
Let’s examine the coach’s tendencies throughout their NFL career of the three teams that qualify this weekend, namely the Giants, the Colts and the Bucs…
Tom Coughlin – 8-3 SU & 9-2 ATS in Last Game of the Season, including 5-0 SU at home… 36-23 SU at home versus AFC opponents, with three losses by more than 11 points… 59-41 SU all home games, with ten losses by more than 15 points… 4-0 ATS as a home dog of more than 7 points.
Tony Dungy – 8-3 SU & 4-7 ATS in Last Game of the Season, including 5-1 SU & 2-4 ATS at home… 9-2 SU in Last Home Games… 78-24 SU in all home games, with 12 losses by more than 6 points… 9-5 SU & 10-4 ATS as a home dog, including 8-1 SU & 7-2 ATS if his team has at least one win on the season – and – 7-2 SU & 8-1 ATS versus an opponent with a winning record.
Jon Gruden – 4-5 SU & ATS in Last Game of the Season, including 2-3 SU & ATS at home… 3-6 SU & ATS in Last Home Games… 52-32 SU & 44-38-2 ATS all home games, including 12-5 SU with a winning record versus and opponent with a losing record (two losses by more than 3 points)… 16-4 SU & 15-5 ATS at home off a SU favorite loss, including 14-2 SU & 13-3 ATS if current win percentage is .454 or better, and 9-0 SU & 8-1 ATS if current win percentage is .454 or better and they are hosting an opponent with a win percentage less than .666… 9-5-1 ATS as a home dog, including 5-1 SU & 6-0 ATS versus and opponent off a loss.
In closing, as you can readily decipher, each coach is in a role in which they proven they can handle. Will they rest the regulars? That remains to be seen.
Looking at these games from an opponent’s point of view, one would have to agree that both New England and Tennessee have reasons to play. The Pats to preserve a perfect season; the Titans to earn a playoff berth. But Carolina certainly has little-to-no reason to come with an exerted effort, even if they were capable of doing so (0-3 SUATS last three road games, average loss more than 26 PPG).
It will be interesting to see how this theory pans out this final week of the season. Will these home teams mail it in, or will they play with pride? Stay tuned…
Five NFL matchups that mean something
Covers.com
Everyone wants to know if the New England Patriots will top the New York Giants and finish as the first team in NFL history with a 16-0 regular season record.
But really, who cares?
We all know how this is going to play out. The Giants won’t risk an injury in a useless exhibition when their first playoff game is a week away.
There are several matchups with playoff implications on the line. Here are five matchups worth wagering on:
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
I call this the Jim Sorgi effect. The Colts get points at home as often a Spears uses birth control so it’s apparent the books don’t think Indy’s starters will see the field on Sunday.
“I know Jim Sorgi’s going to play at least a half,” Colts coach Tony Dungy told the Indianapolis Star of his backup quarterback. “I don’t know how early he’ll get in the game, if he’ll get in the first half.”
Recent history says Peyton Manning won’t play more than the first series. The All-Pro quarterback was on the field for just three plays for the final game of 2004 (against the Denver Broncos) and 2005 (against the Arizona Cardinals). Indy failed to cover the spread each time.
A Titans’ win will secure Tennessee with the final playoff spot in the AFC and end any chance of the Cleveland Browns sneaking in. The Titans couldn’t ask for a better scenario heading into the RCA Dome.
San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns
The Browns are in a dicey situation because of last weekend’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Now the club’s fate is completely dependent on what Tennessee does against Indy.
Cleveland quarterback Derek Anderson took much of the heat for the setback to the Bengals. He threw four interceptions (two inside the red zone) but don’t expect rookie Brady Quinn on the field against San Francisco.
“Derek’s been our quarterback all year and I don’t see why you would switch,” center Hank Fraley told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “He’s been playing well.”
“I think if we had it wrapped up and we were going to the playoffs, you might do something like that, just give (Brady) some game experience. But we’re still fighting since the beginning of the year and we’re playing as a team. “
The 49ers, on the other hand, could start their fourth different signal-caller this season. Recently signed Chris Weinke could start against the Browns because of third-stringer Shaun Hill’s sore back.
Hill missed practice on Wednesday but he’s confident he could play Sunday even without practicing all week.
“I’ve done that before,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle. “That’s part of life as a backup quarterback anyway. I’ll get mental reps.”
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
The Redskins are in the same position as the Titans: Win and they’re in. Kind of amazing if you remember three weeks ago Washington was two games below .500 (5-7).
It’s hard to imagine the Cowboys doing anything to help out a long-time rival but Dallas already has home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs secured.
Cowboys coach Wade Phillips isn’t sharing his plans for the playing of his starters this weekend.
“We haven’t finalized everything as far as who’s playing,” Phillips told reporters. “We have to see who’s healthy, see who’s ready to go. And then we’re gonna approach it like we’re gonna try to win the game. That’s what you play for.”
This could be a bluff from Dallas. The Cowboys certainly don’t want to risk another injury to a star player after Terrell Owens suffered a high ankle sprain Saturday.
Either way Washington is preparing for Dallas’ best performance.
“I expect them to come out here and play us,” Skins receiver Santana Moss told the Washington Post. “The rivalry speaks for itself. I think they’re going to be smart, but at the same time we’re going to be smart. We’ve got to go out there and try to win regardless of the situation.”
Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos
The Vikes seemed to be a sure thing in the NFC playoffs but a 32-21 setback to the Skins has Minnesota scrambling to continue its season.
The purple-people eaters need a victory and a Washington loss to creep into the NFL tournament. The Cowboys should expect gift baskets care of the Vikings if Dallas beats Washington.
Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson isn’t finding much room to run these days but the rookie back faces the league’s third-worst rushing defense this time out. The Broncos inability to stop the run has led to two embarrassing losses in which the club has been outscored 54-16.
“Obviously, (Peterson) wants to contribute, and you don’t begrudge him for that,” Vikings head coach Brad Childress told the Pioneer Press. “It’s just you don’t want him to get frustrated and see ghosts and go somewhere it doesn’t belong.”
New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears
The Saints playoff chances are slim but still existent. A win over the Bears along with a Washington and Minnesota loss puts New Orleans back in the dance.
Of course Chicago is the same team that beat New Orleans on Soldier Field in the NFC Championship game last season. The Bears aren’t playing anywhere close to the level they were last season and are just looking to end their miserable campaign.
“The season seems like it has just drawn on long for us,” Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher told the Chicago Tribune earlier this week.
The Saints play before Washington and Minnesota, so bettors shouldn’t expect any type of second-half letdown because of an out-of-town score.
Brodie Croyle figures to start at QB for Chiefs on Sunday
ASSOCIATED PRESS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Brodie Croyle was able to throw without any problem Thursday, and he will probably start Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs try to snap an eight-game skid in their season finale at the New York Jets.
Croyle missed most of last week's game at Detroit when he bruised his throwing hand while trying to tackle a defender who was running back an interception for a touchdown.
He was not able to throw the ball effectively Wednesday and was listed as questionable.
''It went good. The hand's feeling better; the grip's better,'' the second-year pro said. ''Hopefully, we'll give it a whirl. It's by far the best it's felt since it happened. The swelling's down, and it's getting better.''
In eight games, including five starts, Croyle has had some impressive moments in an audition for Kansas City's quarterback of the future. He has a strong arm and a quick release and has hit 107 of 181 passes for 1,032 yards with five touchdowns and six interceptions.
His rating is a lowly 70.5, but of greater concern to the Chiefs is his tendency to get hurt. Coach Herm Edwards said as much Wednesday when asked if he had seen enough this year to know whether Croyle is the quarterback he wants to build around.
During an otherwise productive college career at Alabama, injuries dogged Croyle and caused him to drop into the third round of the 2006 draft. Croyle bristles when asked about the injury-prone tag that seems to have attached itself to his slender frame.
''Whatever,'' he said with a shrug of his shoulders. ''There's only one way to get rid of that, and that's to play a whole season without being hurt and without missing any time. Hopefully, next year the 16th week we're not sitting here talking about the same thing, we're talking about going to the playoffs.''
He said he's not feeling any pressure to prove to anyone he can stay healthy.
''No, I want to play. There's nobody on this team that enjoys competing more than I do,'' he said.
He was hurt in the Lions game doing something quarterbacks are taught not to do after they've thrown an interception.
''That's probably half the reason I end up getting hurt, because I don't really think that through all the time,'' he said. ''Like trying to tackle somebody when I knew I had no chance. Hindsight's 20-20. It would have been easier to let him go. But that's something I have a tough time with.''
Jets' Clemens likely to start
Quarterback's health is improving
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Though no official announcement was made about the Jets' quarterback situation yesterday, it is expected that Kellen Clemens will start the season finale against the Chiefs Sunday, barring any setbacks.
Neither Clemens nor Jets coach Eric Mangini gave a definitive answer -- Mangini said he won't know until Sunday -- but Clemens said he has "made some strides healthwise," three days after he was healthy enough to be the team's No. 2 option against Tennessee.
Clemens was injured on the Jets' first play against the Patriots on Dec. 16, but since he took over the starting job in Week 9, Mangini has maintained that Clemens is the No. 1 quarterback and will play if he is healthy.
"I've been improving," said Clemens, who was limited in practice yesterday. "I'm just continuing to get treatment, and I'm doing my best to play, at least to be ready to play."
Former starter Chad Pennington has taken over since Clemens' left shoulder was driven into the turf when he was sacked by New England's Richard Seymour. The team has said Clemens' ribs were injured on the play.
In last Wednesday's practice, Clemens, 2-5 as a starter, was barely able to throw the football and favored his left shoulder. But yesterday, he seemed to be fully mobile and engaged in all the team's passing drills during the 30 minutes of practice open to the media.
Several times this season, veteran cornerback Ty Law of Kansas City has left Jets rookie Darrelle Revis a voice-mail tutorial on defending the NFL's primo receivers. The hometown friends plan to chat this week, too, but Revis isn't expecting any pointers: On Sunday, Revis will compete against his mentor for the first time.
"It's going to be fun," Revis said yesterday. "I always watch him and see him; now I'm actually going to be on the field with him, too."
Revis and Law, a former Jet, both grew up in Aliquippa, Pa., a small town northwest of Pittsburgh. Law is more than a decade older than Revis but grew up playing sports with Revis' uncle, Sean Gilbert, a former professional defensive lineman.
They are among the professional athlete fraternity of Aliquippa, including Mike Ditka and Tony Dorsett, and are both known for their physical play. Revis has an impressive 82 tackles, 16 pass deflections and three interceptions in his first pro season.
"I think it was bred in both of us from our hometown," said Law, a five-time Pro Bowler. "As he gets more mature in the game, and as he learns to pick on nuances throughout, you're looking at an All-Pro."
Mangini said the decision to use punter Jeremy Kapinos against the Titans instead of Ben Graham was based on Graham's up-and-down season.
"The consistency needs to improve, and Ben knows that and is working at that," Mangini said. "With Jeremy doing as well as he's done, it was time for him to get a chance."
Third-year nose tackle Sione Pouha, who made his first start in Week 14, had a career-high eight solo tackles against the Titans. Pouha missed last season after tearing his ACL in training camp and said it wasn't until after the bye week this year that he understood how he fit into the Jets' 3-4 defense.
"It comes in segments," Pouha said. "(Earlier this year), I was more of a one step, two step kind of a guy. I think later in the season, after the bye week, I've become more of an instinctive player."
The Jets placed linebacker Jason Trusnik on injured reserve yesterday with a foot injury. The rookie played in six games this season, with six tackles on special teams. The Jets also signed OL Wayne Hunter, a fifth-year pro, to their practice squad.
starledger.com
Schaub may play in finale
Although Matt Schaub took most of his reps with the scout team Wednesday, he showed enough to revive hopes that he will play against Jacksonville in the Texans' final game Sunday.
"As I've said all along, I'm hoping that he is able to play," coach Gary Kubiak said. "At the same time, he's only going to play if I think he's 100 percent."
No matter how things play out against the Jaguars, though, Schaub later confirmed for the first time that he will have surgery to repair his dislocated left shoulder after the season.
"We don't have anything set in stone. I want to get through the season first," he said. "But it's something that's going to happen. I've heard multiple doctors tell me it's the best option and the only way to go. They know more about it than I do."
Schaub, acquired last offseason in a trade with Atlanta to replace David Carr, admits he has never had an operation of any kind, but he didn't sound apprehensive about going under the knife.
"I'm only losing sleep over not being able to play," he said.
Schaub last played against Tennessee on Dec. 2, going out in the first quarter when he fell awkwardly on a sack.
chron.com
Roethlisberger likely to sit vs. Ravens
December 27, 2007
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't practice with the starting offense for the second day in a row Thursday, a sign he is unlikely to play in the team's final regular-season game Sunday in Baltimore.
With the Steelers (10-5) already assured of playing a home playoff game Jan. 5 or 6, it appears unlikely coach Mike Tomlin will risk Roethlisberger aggravating the right ankle he sprained late in the team's 41-24 win at St. Louis on Dec. 20.
Charlie Batch took the snaps with the starters again Thursday and is expected to start for the fourth time in the last three seasons. He was 2-0 as a starter in 2005 and 1-0 last season, but hasn't started since the Steelers' 2006 opener against Miami -- when Roethlisberger sat out after having his appendix removed four days before.
Until Roethlisberger was hurt, he was in position to start all 16 regular season games for the first time in his four-season career.
Earlier Thursday, Roethlisberger was chosen as the AFC offensive player of the week for going 16-of-20 for 261 yards and three touchdowns against St. Louis. He also had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 for the second time this season.
Colts' Harrison practices after 10-game hiatus
December 27, 2007
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Eight-time Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison returned to practice with the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday after missing 10 games.
Harrison took part in a full practice Thursday and may be available for limited work against Tennessee on Sunday night.
Harrison has not played since Oct. 22 because of a left knee injury. The lingering injury that he suffered against Denver on Sept. 30 has forced Harrison to miss 10 games this season, the last nine in a row. It has been unclear whether Harrison would play again this season.
"We would like for Marvin to be able to go and get some playing time in. That's our hope. We'll see if it materializes," coach Tony Dungy said earlier this week.
Whether Harrison plays Sunday may dictate how many snaps Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning gets. On Monday, Dungy said if Harrison played this week he might keep Manning in the game longer to work on their timing.
Offensive tackle Ryan Diem (knee) sat out Thursday's workout and is not expected to play this week. Also sitting out were middle linebacker Gary Brackett (team decision), defensive tackle Raheem Brock (rib), wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (foot), cornerback Kelvin Hayden (illness), cornerback Tim Jennings (concussion), defensive end Robert Mathis (knees), defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock (groin), cornerback Keiwan Ratliff (hamstring), safety Bob Sanders (team decision), and tight end Ben Utecht (shoulder).
Brackett, Sanders and Hayden are all expected to start against Tennessee.
Safety Antoine Bethea (knee), running back Luke Lawton (illness) and defensive end Josh Thomas (illness) all returned to practice and also could play against the Titans.
Shaq, Jason Williams day-to-day for Heat
December 27, 2007
Associated Press
MIAMI (AP) -- Heat center Shaquille O'Neal and point guard Jason Williams were listed as day-to-day Thursday, after both had nagging injuries checked out by Miami team doctors.
O'Neal got treatment on his achy hips. Tests performed on Williams' sore left knee did not reveal any major problems, and both may be available when the struggling Heat (8-21) host the Orlando Magic on Friday.
O'Neal, who has played this season with a sore thigh muscle, said he aggravated the hip problem by diving for a loose ball last Saturday in a win over the Utah Jazz. He has played in both of Miami's games since, although he managed only five points in Wednesday's loss at Philadelphia.
Williams' injury is believed to be a flareup of tendinitis, something he's battled often in recent years. He underwent right-knee surgery to relieve the problem after Miami won the 2006 NBA championship.
In other injury news, the Heat are not certain if backup point guard Chris Quinn will be available Friday.
Quinn is no longer wearing the walking boot on his sprained left ankle, but the team doesn't know if the second-year player from Notre Dame is ready for a return to game action.
Without Williams and Quinn, Miami played in Philadelphia without any available point guards. The team's third point, Smush Parker, has not been with the Heat in several weeks following an altercation with a female valet parking attendant.
If none of the three can play Friday, Miami coach Pat Riley indicated that rookie Daequan Cook may start at point guard.