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POSTED 9:44 p.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

TARVARIS ERA ENDING QUICKLY?

The talk in league circles after yet another subpar performance from Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is that the franchise plans to target another starting quarterback for 2008.

Per a league source, the Vikings will explore all options -- unrestricted free agency, restricted free agency (Derek Anderson, for example), the draft (including a trade up), and the trade market.

Jackson has struggled badly, despite having a two-headed tailback tandem of Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson, which should be creating opportunities for Jackson to find open receivers down the field.

Presumably, a dramatic turnaround from Tarvaris would alter those plans.

POSTED 5:31 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 6:01 p.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

ROMO PULLS A HAMSTRING

On a crazy play with less than two minutes remaining in the first half of the Vikings-Cowboys game, Dallas quarterback Tony Romo pulled a hamstringwhile chasing down a Patrick Crayton catch-and-fumble, recovered by the Vikings and returned for a touchdown following a pitch, fumble, run, recovery, and run.

The outcome gave the Vikings a 14-7 lead in a game that the Cowboys have dominated statistically.

Stay tuned for word on the condition of Romo. If he can't go, former Vikings starter Brad Johnson will take over.

UPDATE: Romo will play in the second half with a hamstring injury.

RANDOM ANNOUNCER GOOFINESS

We've heard, and we've heard about, several funny comments (intentional and otherwise) made by the guys who get paid to sit around and talk about football.

Per a reader, Brian Baldinger of FOX referred to the Wonderlic exam as a test that is "given to all incumbent players coming into the league."

We heard Matt Vasgersomething of FOX make a dig at retired Giants running back Tiki Barber, explaining that Barber now spends his days talking about shoes and handbags on a couch with Al Roker.

A reader says that Dick Enberg referred to Texans quarterback Sage Rosenfels as Drew Rosenfels.

But at least Enberg was in the right neighborhood. Keyshawn Johnson called Rosenfels' teammate Matt Schaub "David Carr" during the ESPN pregame show.

UPDATE: Howie Long said during halftime of the late game that the Giants are breathing down the Cowboys "throats."

POSTED 4:13 p.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

LEFTWICH ALREADY HURT

Oft-injured in Jacksonville, quarterback Byron Leftwich punctuated his first start in Atlanta with an injury that knocked him out of the game.

Leftwich injured his leg on a play during which he was sacked by Will Smith of the Saints, and Leftwich has not returned.

All of the key injuries from Sunday's games are summarized right here by NFL.com.

POSTED 2:11 p.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

BRADY IS BLOWING UP

Pats quarterback Tom Brady has thrown eleven passes. All of his attempts have been caught. For an average of 20 yards each. And four touchdowns.

Two have gone to Randy Moss, whose receptions in the end zone conjure memories of some of his best "run under it and out-jump everyone else" work in Minnesota.

Brady has thrown 25 touchdown passes in less than seven full games.

POSTED 1:31 p.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

PATS ALL OVER FINS EARLY

So much for the Dolphins giving the Pats fits in Miami.

Already, New England is up by 14 points, courtesy of two touchdown passes from quarterback Tom Brady.

As of this posting, Brady is also 7-for-7.

The touchdowns were caught by receiver Donte' Stallworth and tight end Kyle Brady, who has replaced starter Ben Watson.

POSTED 12:58 p.m. EDT, UPDATED 1:17 p.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

LINEHAN OUT AT THE BYE?

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Rams coach Scott Linehan is indeed on the hot seat. And though Linehan previously was believed to be safe through the end of the season, Mort hints that Linehan could be gone as soon as the bye week if the Rams lose this week to the Seahawks and next week to the Browns.

Mort also mentioned Linehan's Thursday blow-up at the team, which has prompted some league insiders to conclude that Linehan is "cracking up" under the pressure.

Though the Rams have faced more than their fair share of injuries, Mort points out that other teams (like the Ravens) have overcome a rash of key injuries.

And, as we've said before and will say again, injuries should never be an excuse. If they are, the players who move up to hit the field will think it's permissible to not play well.

PFTV LOOKS AT L.T. VERSUS A.P.

In our final PFTV segment for the week, we look at whether rookie Adrian Peterson already has eclipsed LaDainian Tomlinson as the best running back in the league.

Here it is.

POSTED 12:48 p.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

HOLMES TO LIGHT FIRE UNDER L.J.?

Jay Glazer of FOX reports that one of the primary benefits of the return of running back Priest Holmes could be that his presence will push starter Larry Johnson to get back to the form that got him that big contract after a long preseason holdout.

Holmes reportedly caused a stir in practice this week by decisively hitting the hole when he got the ball. Johnson, on the other hand, has been too hesitant.

"It'll be interesting to see how it affects L.J.," one team source told Glazer. "But now at least the coaches don't have to walk on egg shells around him. If he pulls that same stuff, we may have another option."

Glazer said that the coaches already are telling L.J. to hit the holes like Holmes. If Johnson gets moody or resentful, the bulk of the touches could swing to the once-forgotten veteran.

POSTED 12:38 p.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

GREEN KNOWS HIS CAREER IS LIKELY OVER

Jay Glazer of FOX reports that quarterback Trent Green still wants to play, but that Green recognizes that no doctor is likely to clear him to play. Thus, Green realizes that he likely won't play again.

Per Glazer, the Dolphins still want Green to work for the team.

Green, 37, was placed on injured reserve on Saturday, ending his season.

POSTED 12:32 p.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

EMMITT COINS ANOTHER NEW TERM

During a spot on the Sports Junkies' unauthorized pregame show on WJFK in D.C. earlier this hour, I mentioned that, with the Bengals struggling, it's now easy to make receiver Chad Johnson the scapegoat.

It would have been a great time to add, "Or, as Emmitt Smith would say, an 'escape goat.'"

Apparently, Emmitt beat me to the punch. During discussion after what several readers are describing as an excellent interview of Mucho Stinko by Keyshawn Johnson, Smith coined his latest addition to the American lexicon.

And, yes, we're still compiling some of Emmitt's best moments for a separate page chronicling his bastardization of the King's English. We have a feeling that this latest malaprop will be near the top of the list.

POSTED 12:19 p.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

WARNER ACTIVE FOR SUNDAY

Per the official list of deactivated players on NFL.com, quarterback Kurt Warner is among the active members of the roster for Sunday's game against the Redskins.

It's unclear, however, whether Warner will start.

Here's a thought -- what if Tim Rattay plays the Matt Leinart role, and Warners comes in as needed? It worked well before Leinart's clavicle busted apart.

Stay tuned.

POSTED 11:46 a.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

YOUNG WON'T START FOR TITANS

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that Titans quarterback Vince Young won't start on Sunday due to a quad injury suffered last week.

But Young is working out prior to the game in the hopes of serving as the primary backup to starter Kerry Collins.

Stay tuned.

POSTED 11:31 a.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

HOLMES TO GET SOME TOUCHES ON SUNDAY

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Chiefs running back Priest Holmes will get a few touches in his first game back since the 2005 season, and that Holmes eventually will get the ball 15 times via rushing attempts and pass receptions.

Coach Herm Edwards doesn't expect Holmes' return to cause problems with starting running back Larry Johnson.

And if Edwards keeps saying it, he might some day be able to say it with a straight face.

Meanwhile, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli makes a mistake of the "Max McGee was the MVP of Super Bowl I" variety when noting that Holmes' single-season record of 27 touchdowns was broken in 2006 by LaDainian Tomlinson. Actually, Holmes' mark was busted in 2005 by Shaun Alexander.

We can understand why Len overlooked Alexander, given that Alexander has been MIA since his MVP season. Apparently, Shaun got locked in the bank vault.

POSTED 11:20 a.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

PENNINGTON GETTING PULLED?

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that Jets quarterback Chad Pennington is a "few bad plays away" from being benched.

Per Mort, coach Eric Mangini has told Pennington that the end could be coming.

Pennington was one of four first-round picks for the Jets in 2000, and re-earned the job in 2006, Mangini's first season with the team. Pennington has struggled throughout 2007, however, as last year's second-round pick Kellen Clemens could be ready to go.

POSTED 11:15 a.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

SUPER BOWL I HERO DIES

Max McGee, an aging backup receiver who lit up the Chiefs in the first AFL-NFL Championship Game, died on Saturday after falling from the roof of his home in Minneapolis.

McGee was blowing leaves off of the roof when he fell.

"I just lost my best friend," former Packers great Paul Hornung said. "[His wife] Denise was away from the house. She'd warned him not to get up there. He shouldn't have been up there. He knew better than that."

McGee had caught only four passes during the entire 1966 season and, as legend has it, partied hard the night before the game. When starter Boyd Dowler suffered an early injury, McGee borrowed a helmet (he'd left his in the locker room) and went to work.

Seven receptions, 138 yards, and two touchdowns later, McGee cemented his spot in Super Bowl history.

UPDATE: I previously wrote that McGee was the MVP of Super Bowl I. He wasn't. It was Bart Starr.

POSTED 11:06 a.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

GOODELL, ROBINSON MET AT CARDINALS GAME

Jay Glazer of FSN's Pro Football Preview reported on the most recent episode of the show that Commissioner Roger Goodell and receiver Koren Robinson met during the Panthers-Cardinals game at University of Phoenix Stadium in advance of Goodell's decision to reinstate Robinson after a one-year suspension for multiple violations of the substance-abuse policy.

Per Glazer, Goodell called Robinson via cell, because Goodell knew that Robinson has been staying in Arizona. Goodell told Robinson, "I'm at the Cardinals game." Robinson said, "So am I."

So they got together in a room at the facility and Goodell saw and heard enough to conclude that Robinson was ready to return.

POSTED 10:35 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 10:58 a.m. EDT, October 21, 2007

WATSON OUT FOR PATS

Tight end Benjamin Watson has been downgraded to out for the Patriots on Sunday, according to the Boston Globe.

Watson suffered an ankle injury last week in the Pats' win over the Cowboys.

Not downgraded to out is running back Laurence Maroney, who has missed several week with a groin injury and is expected to play.

The fact that the Pats declared Watson and four others (including running back Sammy Morris) to be out before the Sunday morning submission of the list of inactive players suggests that the Patriots might have been getting a little heat from the league office as to the practice of identifying multiple players as being limited participants in practice, then listing them all as questionable on Friday, and then dropping some of them off of the active game-day roster at the last minute.

UPDATE: A reader points out that the Pats will do the early downgrade for injured players who don't make the trip to a road game, but that they won't do the early downgrade for a home game.

POSTED 10:11 p.m. EDT, October 20, 2007

NO MORE STINKO FROM OCHO CINCO?

Bengals receiver Chad Johnson hears the criticism of his antics, which an increasing number of people believe undermine the goals of his team.

And now Johnson vows to tone it down.

"I'm all about fun and entertainment," Johnson told Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com on Friday. "But when you try to lump me in that category as selfish and all this other stuff, no. I've got to turn it into a positive.

"The only way to do that is out there on Sunday. Believe me, I am. No celebrations, no entertainment."

And Bengals coach Marvin Lewis finally sounds like a guy who isn't going to tolerate any longer the antics of Johnson, a former junior college player who is living up to the reputation of guys who are forced to go the junior college route.

"My job is to get the junior college guys to act like they've gone to Notre Dame and Michigan," Lewis said. "As we go, we'll continue to get more of those stable guys. But unfortunately, that's what we're dealing with -- a bunch of junior college guys."

Meanwhile, we'll believe that Johnson has changed when we see that he has changed. Until then, we'll rely on the wisdom of Emmitt Smith, who said last month that "you cannot change the stripes of a leopard."

POSTED 9:57 p.m. EDT, October 20, 2007

GREEN TO IR

We were at the West Virginia-Mississippi State game on Saturday, so we couldn't post the news that, as reported by Jay Glazer of FOX, the Dolphins have placed quarterback Trent Green on injured reserve.

When we say "we" in this case, it's not just to make the web site look like a bigger enterprise than a man in a messy basement that may or may not contain a chicken. I couldn't send an e-mail to MDS from my Sprint wireless device to ask him to post the story while I was at the West Virginia game because MDS was standing right next to me at our tailgate party when I got the word about Glazer's report. Yes, MDS and Mrs. MDS came to the land known as Almost Heaven for the first PFT editorial meeting and strategic planning session.

And with the help of MDS, we'll get that chicken.

So, anyway, Green is on IR. Which means that he gets paid the balance of his base salary, and he can't play again until 2008, at the earliest.

Green suffered a Grade 3 concussion on October 7. It was his second Grade 3 concussion in less than 13 months.

POSTED 8:41 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 9:47 a.m. EDT, October 20, 2007

OCHO CINCO LOOKING TO SAY VAYA CON DIOS TO BENGALS?

Adam Schefter of NFL Network says that there are people in the Bengals organization who believe that receiver Chad Johnson is angling to get out of Cincinnati after the season.

Johnson denies it, but the rumors likely won't subside anytime soon.

But even if Johnson wants to leave, and if the team is inclined to move him, the question becomes whether the cap hit can be managed. Johnson was rewarded for his halftime meltdown in the 2005 wild-card playoffs with a contract that runs through at least 2010, with $8.5 million in new bonus money, which would be partially subject to acceleration if he is traded or released. There also likely would be a cap consequence from his prior contract, which was extended by the team with four years left on it.

. . . . BUT BUYER BEWARE

Before any coaches or owners out there begin to delude themselves into thinking that Chad Johnson a/k/a Ocho Cinco a/k/a Much Stinko could provide a Randy Moss effect in 2008, we suggest taking a long look at Jason Whitlock's most recent column.

Whitlock, whose national stuff now appears at FOXSports.com, believes that successful NFL teams are shying away from cultural dynamics that undermine the greater goals of a franchise.

"African-American football players caught up in the rebellion and buffoonery of hip hop culture," Whitlock writes, "have given NFL owners and coaches a justifiable reason to whiten their rosters. That will be the legacy left by Chad, Larry and Tank Johnson, Pacman Jones, Terrell Owens, Michael Vick and all the other football bojanglers."

The evidence that it's happening? Whitlock points out that the Colts have 24 non-African-American players on their roster, and that the Patriots have 23.

"Hip hop athletes are being rejected because they're not good for business," Whitlock writes, "and, most important, because they don't contribute to a consistent winning environment."

To support his case, Whitlock takes specific aim at a pair of Johnsons -- Chad and Larry.

And this excerpt from the item sums up the situation perfectly:

"Race is not the determining factor when it comes to having a good or bad attitude. Culture is.

"Hip hop is the dominant culture for black youth. In general, music, especially hip hop music, is rebellious for no good reason other than to make money. Rappers and rockers are not trying to fix problems. They create problems for attention.

"That philosophy, attitude and behavior go against everything football coaches stand for. They're in a constant battle to squash rebellion, dissent and second opinions from their players.

"You know why Muhammad Ali is/was an icon? Because he rebelled against something meaningful and because he excelled in an individual sport. His rebellion didn't interfere with winning. Jim Brown, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, etc. rebelled with dignity and purpose.

"What we're witnessing today are purposeless, selfish acts of buffoonery. Sensible people have grown tired of it. Football people are recognizing it doesn't contribute to a winning environment."

Though we're not sure whether the hip hop industry is the cause of the problem or a symptom of something deeper and beyond our abilities of comprehension and articulation, the reality is that the desire to win football games does not discriminate. With the exception in some cities of the last few spots on the roster, the NFL is the ultimate meritocracy. If a player has the physical skills to perform and the temperament to not disrupt the atmosphere of team, nothing else about him matters.

So, as Whitlock aptly points out, this isn't about race. It's about behavior. And the days of bad behavior are ending. Players unable to conform will find this out the hard way.

But rather than simply rejecting those men whose attitudes and actions are deemed to be unacceptable, we think that the best NFL franchises eventually will find ways to change the Chads and Larrys of the world. And the league and its member clubs also should do whatever they can to bring more favorable attention to all players, of every race, who demonstrate at every turn the meaning of playing for a team.

Regardless of how all of this shakes out, it's clearly an area that is drawing attention. As of this posting, Whitlock's column has generated 252 pages of reader comments.

PFTV PONDERS WHETHER THERE WILL BE AN 0-16 TEAM

Here's another one of our five PFTV segments for the week.

This one looks at whether the 0-6 Rams or the 0-6 Dolphins (or both can make it through the 2007 season at 0-16).

Have a look-see.

POSTED 8:22 a.m. EDT, October 20, 2007

PRAYERS ANSWERED FOR WARNER?

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, who was expected to miss at least one game with a torn ligament in his elbow, plans to try to play on Sunday in Washington.

Schefter says that the issue will be the extent to which Warner can tolerate the pain, and whether the contraption he wears to protect his elbow will insulate him against the expected onslaught from the Redskins.

Warner officially is listed as questionable. If he can't play, Tim Rattay will start.

POSTED 6:53 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 7:42 a.m. EDT, October 20, 2007

YOUNG WILL BE A GAME-TIME DECISION

Titans quarterback Vince Young has a strained quad, which kept him from practicing on Wednesday and Thursday. Though he was able to take some snaps with the scout team on Friday, his availability for the annual Uncle Rico homecoming game in Houston is a game-time decision.

"He was limited. He participated in warm-ups, threw the ball and participated in limited practice," coach Jeff Fisher said. "That would imply that he's improving. He will still be a game-time decision, but it was encouraging to see him on the field today."

If Young can't play, Kerry Collins will get the start.

WEEK SEVEN FINAL INJURY REPORT

The NFL has released the injury report for Week Seven.

You can read it right here.

Notable players include Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin, who is probable with a hip injury; Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler, who is doubtful with knee and ankle injuries; Ravens tight end Todd Heap, who is doubtful with a thigh injury; Eagles tight end L.J. Smith, who is doubtful with the lingering effects of his sports hernia; Pats running back Laurence Maroney, who remains questionable with a groin injury; Pats running back Sammy Morris, who is doubtful with a chest injury; Bengals running back Rudi Johnson, who is doubtful with a hamstring injury; 49ers tight end Vernon Davis, who is probable with a knee injury; Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, who is questionable with an ankle injury; Rams receiver Isaac Bruce, who is probable with a hamstring injury; Titans running back Chris Brown, who is questionable with an ankle injury; Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, who is questionable with a quad injury; and Colts receiver Marvin Harrison, who is questionable with a knee injury.

HESTER WINS POW AWARD IN DEFEAT

Ideally, I'll mention in this space the winners of the various Players of the Week awards in this space on Wednesday or Thursday. Sometimes, I'll forget. Other times, I'll remember.

This time, I forgot, but then remembered.

In the AFC, Pats quarterback Tom Brady was the offensive player of the week, Jags defensive end Paul Spicer was the defensive player of the week, and Ravens kicker Matt Stover was the special teams player of the week.

For the NFC, two of the winners played in the same game, and all three came from the NFC North. Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was the offensive player of the week, and Bears all-around dynamo Devin Hester was the special teams player of the week. Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, who once upon a time won the Heisman Trophy, was the defensive player of the week.

Hester is the only player of the week award winner in any category this season who played for a team that didn't win its game. If we had an actual research staff, we'd ask the person or persons to figure out the last time this happened.

PATS-COWBOYS GENERATES HUGE RATINGS

The Week Six game between the Patriots and the Cowboys drew 29.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched regular-season game since November 10, 1996, when 29.7 million viewers tuned in for a Cowboys-49ers contest.

That 11-year high-water mark could be in danger in two weeks, when this decade's Cowboys-49ers rivalry -- the Colts and the Patriots -- renews itself in Indy on November 4.

For the week, pro football games were the top-rated television shows in 23 of 30 NFL markets for the week of October 8 through 14. The seven markets in which the NFL didn't rule were Boston (due to the presence of the Red Sox in the baseball playoffs), Pittsburgh (whose Steelers were on a bye), New York (where the Giants didn't play until October 15 and the Jets, well, suck), Detroit (where the Lions were on a bye), Cleveland (whose Indians are in the baseball playoffs), Denver (where the Broncos were idle), and St. Louis (whose Rams are as bad as they've ever been).

POSTED 4:25 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 5:45 p.m. EDT, October 19, 2007

VICK SELLING GEORGIA HOME

If you've got several million bucks laying around, you can buy the Georgia home of Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

Per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Vick's seven-bedroom, 8.5-bath estate at Sugarloaf Country Club is available for $4.5 million. Vick bought the house in April 2005 for $3.6 million. The yearly property taxes are $26,720.

The attempted sale comes amid a storm of legal actions against Vick, and while he is awaiting sentencing on federal conspiracy charges. He has been sued by several banks in connection with multi-million-dollar loans, and he eventually will owe the Falcons nearly $20 million in bonus money.

Several readers have asked why Vick would borrow money for various investments when he has plenty of his own money to spend. It's a good question. As we understand it, folks with plenty of money (we'll let you know if we ever meet any) will merely use that money as collateral for loans when they think that they can get a greater return on the borrowed money than the borrowing of the money will cost.

For example, if you can take out a home equity loan at seven percent and invest the money at 10 percent or more, it's a no-brainer.

In Vick's case, the fact that he's heading to jail and his revenue stream is evaporating has caused the banks to swoop in for full payment, in the apparent hopes of getting something/anything if/when he declares bankruptcy.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON NFC ONE-LINERS

LB Greg Ellis might start for the Cowboys on Sunday.

The Giants are less selfish and more united in 2007.

Despite whispers of retirement, Eagles S Brian Dawkins returned to practice on Thursday; LT William Thomas, however, didn't go.

The Redskins will let CB Shawn Springs play on Sunday despite the fact that he has not practiced this week while visiting with his ailing father, Ron Springs.

So how far will the Mike Vick shenanigans set back the Falcons franchise?

Panthers C Justin Hartwig talks about the fact that different quarterbacks apply different types of pressure . . . down there.

K Olindo Mare could go back to handling kickoffs for the Saints.

Bucs RB Michael Pittman could be back in two weeks.

Bears LB Brian Urlacher has a stick up his butt.

The Lions used a 24-hour extension to sell the rest of the seats at Ford Field, avoiding a local television blackout.

Packers CB Frank Walker will miss a month after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee.

Vikings S Dwight Smith could miss Sunday's game with a hamstring injury.

Cards S Adrian Wilson won't be fined for a hit he placed on Panthers WR Steve Smith.

Rams coach Scott Linehan is going bonkos.

49ers TE Vernon Davis has been upgraded to probable and is expected to play on Sunday.

The Seahawks are gonna miss DT Chuck Darby.

POSTED 3:18 p.m. EDT, October 19, 2007

N.F.L. DROPS THE JERSEY INITIALS

A reader recently asked us why Patriots quarterback Tom Brady didn't have a "T" on the back of his jersey, given the presence of Kyle Brady on the team.

Is it another example, the reader asked, of the brash Pats doing what they want to do?

As it turns out, the league as of this year has dropped the practice of putting initials on jerseys. Moving forward, it will be last name and number only.

"That's why we have numbers on the jersey," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said via e-mail regarding the de-emphasis on distinguishing, for example, one guy named Brady from another guy named Brady.

But there's a caveat. Players who previously used initials will have the right to continue to do so.

Our all-time favorite jersey names were Jack and Jim Youngblood of the Rams. They both had their full first names on their jerseys, centered above their last names.

POSTED 3:05 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 3:18 p.m. EDT, October 19, 2007

FINS GIVE PATS A LITTLE BULLETIN BOARD MATERIAL

Usually, it's hard for a 6-0 team to find ways to get itself pumped up when facing an 0-6 team.

Miami linebacker Channing Crowder has made that process a bit easier for the New England Patriots.

In an interview posted October 18 on the team's web site, Crowder initially says all the right things about the Pats. But then Crowder pops off a bit about the team that is giving the Fins 17 points.

"I don't think we should be any underdog," he said. "I don't think the team's that much better than us."

It's not really earth-shattering stuff. But for a team that needs every ounce of potential motivation that it can find when getting ready to face one of the worst teams in the league, Channing's comments can't hurt.

And thanks to the reader who pointed this out to us. There's only so much time for us to track this stuff down, and the process is easier when our audience helps direct us to the more interesting nuggets.

Crowder, by the way, crammed his foot into his chowder hole last month before the Fins played the Raiders. Regarding Oakland quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who would account for five touchdowns against his most recent former team, Crowder said, "He's still limping around. He's not 100 percent. He's still not the Daunte Culpepper of back with Minnesota."

POSTED 1:47 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 1:58 p.m. EDT, October 19, 2007

RICE REGRETS SIGNING WITH DENVER

Defensive end Simeon Rice was cut by the Buccaneers at the outset of training camp. Eventually he signed with the Broncos.

But now he wishes that he hadn't.

Asked whether he is regretting the decision, Rice told the Rocky Mountain News: "At this point I am. My energy and purpose is to play and be the best. I'm not suiting up week to week and I don't have any plain, concise answers."

Coach Mike Shanahan says that Rice didn't dress for the October 7 game against the Chargers because Rice's shoulder was "about 80 percent" and "it was in our best interest to go in a different direction."

Rice disagrees, and doesn't sound very happy.

"I'm really just trying to lock myself in and just make it through the year because I have no idea why I've been brought here -- at all," he said. "Things have been said. Things have been promised. Things have been told. And I'm at the point where I'm ready to perform and help this team out. They don't have anything like me on this defense. But it is what it is."

To the extent that Rice is ready to help, he apparently won't get a chance to do so on Sunday night against the Steelers. Rice says that he already has been told that he won't be activated.

"I've been brought here to rehab," he said.

Simeon, it could have been worse. You could have signed with the Rams.

PFTV LOOKS AT THE NFC ELITE

So with the Cowboys losing last week to the Patriots, who is the best team in the NFC?

Funny you should ask that.

PFTV takes a look at it. Right here.

POSTED 11:51 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 1:17 p.m. EDT, October 19, 2007

TAYLOR DENIES THAT HE WANTS TO BE TRADED

Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor denies that he told Peter King "of All NFL Media" that it would have been best if Taylor had been traded.

On the current edition of Inside the NFL on HBO, King says he asked Taylor if he was sorry that he hadn't been moved before the October 16 deadline.

"[T]aylor said, 'You're putting me in a tough spot here,'" King said. "'I've had 10 great years here. I owe a lot to the Dolphins.'"

But King also said, "Clearly, Jason Taylor thinks not only would it be in the team's best interests for him to go in the offseason, but it would be in his best interests to go to a contender in the offseason for the last couple of years of his career.'"

In this case, we think both men are right. Taylor apparently never said that he thinks he should have been traded. Instead, King apparently was divining Taylor's thoughts based on his reaction to King's question. And King probably is on the money -- why would Taylor want to remain on a team that won't be rebuilt until after he's gone?

Still, if that's what really happened, King probably should have been more clear, especially since he was embroiled in a pissing match last week over whether Cowboys coach Wade Phillips had said what everyone else is thinking (and some are openly saying) about the Patriots' cheating scandal.

And while King has been able to develop a vast network of NFL folks who will happily talk to him on the record about potentially sensitive subjects, it might be a good idea for him to minimize the he-said/he-said situations. Eventually, it could affect the extent to which people will talk without first insisting that the discussion occur off of the record.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON AFC ONE-LINERS

Bills TE Kevin Everett thanks everyone who is supporting him.

Fins WR Ted Ginn will get increased playing time after the departure of Chris Chambers.

Pats RB Laurence Maroney, who doesn't want to have a reputation for being injury-prone, could use a sprained tongue: "'Man, I just can't get rid of these things.' I missed two games in college due to an ankle sprain, but those were the only games I missed in my football career. I come up [to the NFL], and it seems like I just can't get rid of these things."

The Jets think that their offensive line is coming together.

With the quarterback that the Texans could have had coming home on Sunday, the team and the local media are pumping up Matt Schaub.

Colts LB Tyjuan Hagler is bumping Rocky Boiman to the bench.

Jags coach Jack Del Rio says that the Colts are even better than they were last year: "It's amazing, but true. You just watch the tape and you can see it. They're better, they're faster, they're more physical."

If Titans QB Vince Young can't go on Sunday, the offense will be different: "We are not going to run the option with Kerry Collins," C Kevin Mawae said.

In his contract year, Ravens DE Terrell Suggs isn't worried that, like most men, he has only one sack.

Despite getting yanked last week after giving up 2.5 sacks in seventeen minutes to Chiefs DE Jared Allen, Bengals LT Levi Jones will return to the starting lineup.

The Brown? Playoffs? You kiddin' me? Playoffs?

The Steelers don't plan to back down from Broncos CB Champ Bailey.

The Broncos rank 26th in the league in getting off of the field on third down.

Chiefs RB Priest Holmes practiced on Thursday and could play on Sunday.

The Raiders' defense can't stop the run.

POSTED 10:18 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 11:33 a.m. EDT, October 19, 2007

WALKER'S KNEE WORSE THAN ADVERTISED?

A league source tells us that the re-injury to the knee of receiver Javon Walker, which received a new ACL two years ago, is believed by some to be worse than reports indicate.

Though, as we understand it, the knee is not yet to the point of needing microfracture surgery, the removal of cartilage via arthroscopic surgery will only increase the chances that Walker will need to undergo at some point the crapshoot procedure aimed at stimulating the growth of scar tissue that then simulates cartilage.

Questions also are being raised about the decision to delay the surgery. If, as coach Mike Shanahan says, Walker is expected to miss only a couple of weeks, why not 'scope the knee so that part of the recovery period would have included the bye week?

UPDATE: A reader asks if there's any truth to the rumor that Shanahan wants Walker's knee to take a lie detector test in order to find out if it's really injured.

SPRINT PRESENTS PRO BOWL BALLOTING

Attention, present and soon-to-be Sprint customers. You can now cast your ballots for the 2008 Pro Bowl on your Sprint phone.

Just send the message "PRO" to 7777 on your Sprint device to vote for players at select positions. Standard data service and text messaging rates apply.

Ballots also can be cast at NFL.com/probowl, and the online selection process is also sponsored by Sprint.

Voting ends December 11, and the results will be announced December 18 on NFL Network's signature show, Total Access.

Fans who submit ballots will also be able to enter for a chance to win a five-day, four-night trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl.

So cast your ballot from your Sprint wireless device, or do so at NFL.com. And, as always, be sure to support the wireless company that supports the NFL and ProFootballTalk.com.

POSTED 9:37 a.m. EDT, October 19, 2007

URBANSKI SUES TITANS, LEAGUE

Tommy Urbanski, who was paralyzed as a result of a February shooting at a Las Vegas strip club, reportedly plans to sue the Tennessee Titans and the NFL for failing to rein in Pacman Jones.

"The writing was on the wall because this guy already had problems in college," Urbanski said. "It wasn't like they didn't know this guy was a bad apple. Nobody turns a blind eye that much. They are more worried about putting people in the seats."

We agree with Urbanski -- the writing was indeed on the wall. In big, glowing letters. And the Titans never should have drafted the guy. Though few if any teams would ever publicly admit such blunders, we doubt that the Titans could manage to utter with a straight face that they have no regrets.

But holding the league and the team responsible for the actions of Jones seems to be a stretch. Though I don't know whether the laws of Nevada sweep broadly enough to include such a claim, it seems unlikely that any employer would be responsible for the off-duty actions of one of its employees -- especially when the conduct occurs in a city where the employer has no operations, and when the player is not in that city on official business.

If the Titans had been playing a game in Las Vegas and if Jones had broken a curfew that the team chronically failed to enforce, the claims would be stronger (or, better said, less weak). As it stands, there's simply no connection between anything that the league or the team did or should have done and the conduct that resulted in Urbanski's injuries.

Jones is an American citizen, and is free to travel to other cities, attend strip clubs, and incite violence there. Though such conduct will potentially subject him to civil and criminal penalties, there's nothing that the league or the Titans can do or should do to prevent it.

We suppose that Urbanski could argue that Jones had the financial wherewithal to be in Las Vegas with a trash bag full of $83,000 because of his NFL career. But, again, Jones is free to do what he wants when he's not working.

The term "frivolous lawsuit" gets thrown around frivolously nowadays. We've said in the past that the term is best described as "any lawsuit that gets filed against me." But this specific suit stinks of frivolity, in our view.

We're not saying that Urbanski doesn't deserve compensation for the medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the actions of others. If Pacman Jones cajoled someone into shooting Urbanski, Jones is responsible. If their security procedures at the club were inadequate, the club is responsible. The person who shot the gun is clearly responsible.

But the Titans and the NFL are no more responsible for this result than the cops are for not locking up Jones a long time ago -- or than his mother is for giving birth to him.

POSTED 7:14 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 9:37 a.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

JAVON GONE INDEFINITELY

Broncos receiver Javon Walker is out indefinitely after having surgery on the knee that he injured in 2005, his last season with the Packers.

Coach Mike Shanahan thinks that Walker will be gone for only a few weeks.

"Doctors don't think it's very serious, but serious enough to go in there and clean it out because he's been off of it for a few weeks and it hasn't gotten much better," Shanahan said.

Without Walker, the top two wideouts on the team are Brandon Marshall and Brandon Stokley.

DID DALLAS FUMBLE CHANCE TO GET COWBOYS.COM?

According to DomainNameNews.com, by way of SportsByBrooks, the Dallas Cowboys apparently thought that they were buying the "cowboys.com" web address, but that a misunderstanding arose regarding price.

The Cowboys reportedly believed that the "275" tag meant $275.00. It actually meant $275,000.

So the deal, as the reports go, fell apart.

Frankly, we're not sure how much stock we put into this report. Surely, the Cowboys are sufficiently sophisticated to realize that a domain name as simple as "cowboys.com" wouldn't go for the price of a few tanks of gas.

For example, we could have had "PFT.com" earlier this year for $10,000. We opted against the expenditure, primarily because we're cheap. But also because we realize that folks who want to find us will find us.

And the same is even more true for the Dallas Cowboys. While the "cowboys.com" domain has value to others because it will pick up plenty of unintended traffic from folks looking for the NFL team -- I still punch in the short version from time to time -- folks who want to find the team's official web site will do so, whether the name is "DallasCowboys.com" or "DallasCowboys.net" or "GetchaPopcornReady.gov."

And remember that there's also a direct pipeline to it at the top of NFL.com, which we encourage you to visit often through the links on this site.

UPDATE: The Dallas Morning News reports, and Cowboys P.R. director Rich Dalrymple has confirmed to us via e-mail, that the Cowboys did indeed believe that they had purchased "cowboys.com" for $275.

SECOND UPDATE: A reader asks, "Are the Cowboys aware that their new stadium costs $1 billion dollars and not $1 million?"

POSTED 7:32 p.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

DILFER STILL GETS THE START FOR NINERS

Despite optimism regarding the possibility that 49ers starting quarterback Alex Smith will be able to return from a shoulder injury this weekend, Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Trent Dilfer will get the start on Sunday when San Fran takes on the Giants.

The Giants have one of the better defenses in the conference, after limping through the first two weeks of the season.

The Niners are 2-3, and were idle in Week Six.

POSTED 5:26 p.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

TANK RETURNS . . . TO PRACTICE

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Commissioner Roger Goodell has informed Cowboys defensive tackle Tank Johnson that he can immediately return to practice, but that he will not be permitted to play until November 11.

This means that Johnson's eight-game suspension has not been reduced. However, by allowing him to come back to practice, the NFL is giving Johnson a chance to be ready to play upon the expiration of the ban.

Johnson's eight-game suspension could have been reduced to six games. A subsequent arrest for suspicion of DUI likely blocked his early return to game action.

POSTED 3:15 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 3:32 p.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

NFL NEEDS TO CLOSE BRYANT LOOPHOLE

Though it's very possible that the lawsuit filed by free-agent receiver Antonio Bryant against the NFL will result in yet another in-court victory for the league, resolution of the threshold question presented by the action could allow the case to proceed to a determination on the merits of the claim.

Bryant argues that, because he was not with an NFL team and was not actively seeking employment, he should not have been subjected to the substance-abuse policy or any other rules or regulations that apply to NFL players. The league will argue that any claims to be made by Bryant must be made through the grievance procedure under the CBA and/or the substance-abuse policy.

The focal point of the dispute will be the preamble to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players. The one-page opening portion of the CBA pulls within its scope all current players, all drafted rookies, and all undrafted rookies who commence negotiation with an NFL team.

The preamble also applies to "[a]ll professional football players who have been previously employed by a member club of the National Football League who are seeking employment with an NFL Club."

So if a former NFL player isn't seeking employment in the NFL, the player arguably isn't subject to the CBA.

Bryant asserts that he wasn't seeking employment until recently, and thus that during the period of time after he was cut by the 49ers and before he tried to get hired by a new team, he should not have been subject to the drug-testing requirements and other procedures of the NFL's substance-abuse policy. The final decision could require a factual finding, which will turn on whether a judge or a jury believes that Bryant was not actively seeking employment with an NFL team during his period of unemployment.

Regardless of whether the NFL prevails on its argument that Bryant was and is still covered by the CBA, the league's lawyers need to suggest some immediate changes to the procedures that apply after a player is released from a team. For example, the league should send to each such player and/or his agent a one-page document that reads as follows:

"It has come to our attention that you no longer are employed by an NFL Club. Please return the enclosed card as soon as possible indicating whether you are seeking employment with an NFL Club. Until we receive a response indicating that you are not seeking employment with an NFL Club, we will assume that you are seeking employment with an NFL Club."

The pre-metered card would then have two sentences, and a box in front of each that the player or his agent would check to indicate whether the player is or is not seeking employment.

The clincher would be to include in the next revision to the CBA a statement that only those players who are actively seeking employment with an NFL Club may be signed by an NFL Club.

Though such changes would be too late to deliver victory in Bryant's case, they would likely be enough to prevent someone else in the future from making the same argument.

ATTENTION MEATHEADS

Last week, I cruised through the PFT Pick Challenge with a 10-3 record, including the out-on-a-limb selection of the Vikings to upset the Bears.

This week, I'm going for 14-0. I'll inevitably fail. But the ride will be fun.

And it can be fun for you, too. Click here to get started.

The user whose name is drawn from the names of all users who get more games right than me (is that even possible?) wins a free Fathead product, under our "Meathead or Fathead?" contest (and in the unique case of Jags assistant Mike Tice, the correct answer is "both").

The folks who get the most games right for the week are entered into a separate drawing, and the winner gets a free one-year subscription to Sporting News.

Under the "Refer A Friend" program, the winner of the drawing made up of all folks who refer (not reefer) someone else to the game gets the 2008 Rotoworld online draft guide.

And everyone who correctly guesses the outcome of the Steelers-Broncos game is entered into a separate drawing, and the winner gets a copy of The Bus: My Life In And Out Of A Helmet, which has been made available to us at no charge by Jerome Bettis and by Doubleday Books.

Finally, remember that every game picked correctly is an entry into the end-of-season grand-prize drawing for two tickets to the Football Game of Significant Significance, which will be played this year in Arizona. The tickets have been available to us at face value from our friends at NFL.com.

For this week, my picks are: Titans, Lions, Saints, Bills, Giants, Redskins, Patriots, Raiders, Bengals, Vikings, Eagles, Seahawks, Steelers, and Jaguars.

POSTED 2:45 p.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

THE SKY CAM WAS FALLING

We recently mentioned the difference of opinion regarding the question of whether an aerial camera crashed near Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck or whether the thing descended to the turf as a "controlled descent."

A league source who was at the game and witnessed the incident says that the camera made "the loudest crashing noise" when it hit the ground "two feet from Hasselbeck."

The source thinks that the camera could have killed Hasselbeck if it had landed on his head.

Will anything change? In our view, not until the thing that didn't happen to Hasselbeck happens to someone else. It's our nature as humans to learn lessons not from close calls, but from worst-case scenarios.

And then we assuage (thanks, Tiki) our guilt by overreacting in our efforts to prevent the thing that was preventable from ever happening again.

POSTED 2:19 p.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

NFLPA LOOKING INTO AGENT RUMORS

Liz Mullen of SportsBusiness Journal recently reported that the NFL Players Association will investigate whether an NFLPA-regulated agent spread a rumor that agents Roosevelt Barnes and Eugene Parker were going to be suspended, which rumor supposedly prompted Bears receiver Bernard Berrian to dump them.

"We are most definitely looking into this," NFLPA General Counsel Richard Berthelsen told Mullen. "We urge anyone who has direct knowledge of who is spreading this false information to contact us. Any solicitation of a player client on false pretenses is a violation of our regulations."

Actually, any solicitation by one agent of a player under contract with another agent is a violation, too. And if another agent was telling Berrian that his current agents were getting suspended in an effort to persuade Berrian to drop them, a violation of the rules resulted, regardless of whether the rumor was true.

Mullen also reports that the NFLPA told Berrian that Barnes and Parker are not facing discipline before Berrian terminated them. The fact that Berrian followed through on firing them -- and in replacing them with Drew Rosenhaus -- would seem to suggest that any rumors had nothing to do with the decision.

Moreover, it's not as if the rumor is recent. We heard the rumor several months ago.

The reality, in our view, is that the investigation will go nowhere, especially since the presumptive prime suspect (Rosenhaus) represents NFLPA president Troy Vincent.

So, as we see it, the NFLPA will huff and puff and continue to selectively enforce its rules.

We're not saying that Rosenhaus violated said rules. We're only saying that, in the unlikely event that the NFLPA would be able to conjure evidence that he did, the union wouldn't do anything about it.

The message to all agents is that, when it comes to keeping other agents from messing with your clients, you're on your own. And that makes us even more convinced that, eventually, an agent or a runner is gonna get stabbed or shot or otherwise beaten with a shoe.

POSTED 1:46 p.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

BILLS LOOKING TO BLOCK TORONTO TEAM?

Amid reports that the owners of the CFL Toronto Argonauts hope to bring an NFL franchise to town, the Buffalo Bills are in the process of securing permission to play at least one preseason and one regular-season game in Toronto.

Various levels and types of approval are necessary, and it's currently unclear whether the effort will be successful.

On the surface, the move appears to be an effort by the Bills to keep Toronto from landing an NFL franchise of its own. Such a move would potentially devastate the Bills, removing from the pool of potential fans (and paying customers) Canadians who would be more apt to rally around the Toronto team.

It also could be that Ralph Wilson wants to position his Bills to be the logical candidate for purchase by Canadian interests after his death, while at the same time keeping the franchise (at least for part of the season) in Western New York. Eventually, there could be a Milwaukee-Green Bay arrangement for the Bills, with the team playing half of its home games in Toronto and the other half in Buffalo -- and with fans from both cities attending all of them.

Either way, it's a shrewd move by Wilson, and it shows that he truly cares about whether the franchise stays put even after he's gone and, as expected, his family sells the team.

For Toronto, a split schedule could also help to calm concerns that the arrival of the NFL will kill the CFL.

POSTED 9:58 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 10:06 a.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

BEARS BATTLING SUPER BOWL FATIGUE?

As everyone in Chicago tries to figure out how the 2006 NFC champs are residing in the NFC North basement after six weeks of play, some members of the Bears are linking this year's performance to last year's close-but-no-cigar success.

"I think the hunger probably just was satisfied at the Super Bowl," defensive tackle Tommie Harris said on Wednesday, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"It's one thing to go to a Super Bowl and win and it's another to go there and lose and I think it's more difficult," Harris said. "When you win it, you get to stand up like, 'We're keeping this trophy, this is ours.' But it really takes a lot out of you if you get that far [and lose]."

If Harris is accurately gauging the temperature of the team, then maybe coach Lovie Smith shouldn't have gotten a contract extension. Because it's his job to figure out what it will take to motivate a team that had to start all over again after climbing the most of the mountain.

Look at the Colts, coached by Smith's good friend Tony Dungy. They continued for years to pound on the door until they busted it open, coming back to win the Super Bowl the season after a 13-0 start was derailed by the death of Dungy's son and a stunning one-and-done home loss in the playoffs to the Steelers.

And Dungy has kept the Colts focused even after planting a blue and white flag at the summit of the NFL's Matterhorn -- unlike teams like the Steelers, whose 15 years of hunger under Coach Chin was satisfied by winning the big one in 2005.

So what Harris essentially is saying is "our coaching staff has failed to do its job properly," because it's the responsibility of the folks who set the agenda to also set the tone -- and to persuade the players to be hungry every season, regardless of what happened last year.

MARGIN OF ERROR GETS VERY NARROW FOR LOSER OF BEARS-EAGLES GAME

PFTV takes a look at this weekends game between the Bears and the Eagles in Philadelphia, and explains how this likely is a do-or-die game for both teams.

Have a look-see. It's short. (Just like Dante.)

And the Bears will have their hands full with the Eagles. As one league source tells us, the players in Philly have a strong desire and passion to support coach Andy Reid, whose off-field problems only got worse this week when a second son was sent to jail.

THURSDAY MORNING ONE-PER-CLUB ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Giants RBs Derrick Ward and Brandon Jacobs are nursing sore ankles.

Asked about splitting time with Marion Barber, Cowboys RB Julius Jones said, "I can't do nothing about it." [Editor's note: Technically, then, Jones is saying that he can do something about it.]

Eagles CB Lito Sheppard expects to play Sunday.

Vikings coach Brad Childress says he has no hard feelings toward T.O.

The Redskins still don't have a touchdown from a wide receiver this season.

Bears DT Darwin Walker is likely to be in the lineup against his former team on Sunday.

Lions RB Kevin Jones will make his first start of the season against Tampa Bay.

The NFL acknowledges that Packers TE Bubba Franks was robbed of a touchdown by a bad official's call.

Falcons rookie CB Chris Houston appears ready to move into the starting lineup.

Panthers LB Jon Beason is willing to move to the outside if Dan Morgan comes back to reclaim his spot in the middle.

The Saints' lease is becoming an issue in the Louisiana gubernatorial race.

The Buccaneers are impressed with the toughness of the quarterback they'll face Sunday.

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin has finally participated in a full practice after missing three games with a hip injury.

Rams RB Steven Jackson practiced Wednesday, but he's still at least a week away from playing.

Less than a month after tearing the MCL in his right knee, 49ers TE Vernon Davis expects to play Sunday against the Giants.

Says Seahawks DT Brandon Mebane of playing special teams: "That kickoff return, that is not a joke. You've got to be the hammer, not the nail. If you're the nail, you are going to get knocked out and you'll forget how you got to the stadium."

The Bills say the move to Trent Edwards as the starting quarterback isn't necessarily permanent.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick on Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown: "Best player I've seen this year offensively."

Patriots DT Richard Seymour may not be ready to play until Week 10.

Jets WR Justin McCareins has three catches and a $2.4 million salary.

Ravens LT Jonathan Ogden says of talk that he'll go on injured reserve, "I'm not going to think about that. I've just got to get myself back on the field. And it's coming. It's feeling a lot better."

Six of Bengals QB Carson Palmer's eight interceptions have come on passes intended for Chad Johnson.

Browns owner Randy Lerner attributes the team's turnaround to "staying the course" and switching to QB Derek Anderson. (Isn't switching quarterbacks after Week One the opposite of staying the course?)

Another Steeler with an unpaid ticket: LB Larry Foote.

The Texans have painful memories of Titans QB Vince Young running through their secondary last year.

Colts TE Dallas Clark always wanted to play running back.

Jaguars QB David Garrard likes offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter's halftime adjustments.

Titans WR Eric Moulds wants to catch some long passes.

Says Broncos coach Mike Shanahan on the health of CB Champ Bailey, "We've got to keep our fingers crossed."

Chiefs RB Priest Holmes: "One of the things I can take from practice is that I still have a lot in me. That was one of the surprising things."

The Raiders worked out WR Tim Dwight Wednesday.

New Chargers WR Chris Chambers will wear No. 89.

POSTED 9:36 a.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

STINKO SAYS HE'S NOT SELFISH

With the Cincinnati Bengals sputtering at 1-4, Johnson is doing his best to persuade the media (and, in turn, the rest of us) that he's not a problem.

Per NFL.com video of his Wednesday remarks, Johnson said: "As soon as I [show] emotion, everybody's first word is 'selfish.' Y'all know Chad better than that. Y'all know been around me long enough to know I'm about winning, and that's it."

Sorry, but we ain't buying it. Johnson is about Johnson, and his actions speak far more loudly than any words he ever could utter.

Last week, Jay Glazer of FOX reported that the "Chad being Chad" excuse within the organization is wearing thin, especially after he had another locker-room meltdown during a Monday night loss to the Patriots. Per Glazer, Johnson was "screaming, ranting and raving" at halftime of the game.

In January 2006, we reported that Johnson had an even bigger blowup at halftime of a playoff game that the Bengals were winning at the time. Johnson initially said nothing happened, but subsequent reports confirmed that it did.

POSTED 9:09 a.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

PETERSON RUNNING FOR THE MONEY

Vikings rookie phenom Adrian Peterson is making a name for himself in the NFL. He's also poised to make a lot of money.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network points out that Peterson will pocket an extra $250,000 if he's named the NFL offensive rookie of the year. With 607 yards rushing in only five career games, he's well on his way to the prize.

Schefter reports that Peterson will get another $250,000 if he wins the league MVP award. But that's a taller order, as we see it. Though running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Shaun Alexander have taken the honors in 2006 and 2005, respectively, via campaigns in which each set the single-season touchdown record, Pats quarterback Tom Brady currently has the inside track to the MVP award.

But even though the extra bump for winning the MVP award seems to be a longer shot, Peterson's strong performance is putting him in line for more money down the road.

As we reported after Peterson signed with the Vikings in late July, the base value of his contract is $24.75 million over five years, if he rushes for 1,000 yards in a season only one time. He's 393 yards from making that happen.

If he rushes for 1,300 yards only once, the base value will be $28 million over five years. If he does so twice, the number will be more than $30 million.

The high-end value of the deal -- $40 million over five years -- requires some "super high-end stuff." But since we've seen "super high-end stuff" from Peterson thus far, we're not ruling anything out at this point.

By the way, Peterson currently is on pace to run for 1,942 yards. And he's not even the starter.

POSTED 8:44 a.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

UNCLE RICO RANKLED BY INJURY QUESTIONS

Titans quarterback Vince Young could soon be throwing steaks at reporters.

Per the Nashville Tennessean, Young didn't want to talk to the media on Wednesday, and when he did Young tried to get them not to ask about a strained quad that might prevent him from making his second annual grand return to his hometown of Houston.

"That's enough about the injury, please, I'm begging you,'' Young said. "It's enough. I can't do nothing about it. What do you want me to say? I am saying the same thing over and over, the same question. Y'all are just re-wording it.

"I can't just tell you I'm playing and then don't play,'' Young added. "That is like me lying not only to my teammates, but to the rest of the people in the world that want to see me play.'

"It is getting on my nerves, man, because y'all be pumping it up for some reason and it is not that crucial. It is a regular game. . . . It is not all about Vince Young going against the Texans and I am tired of hearing that.''

Young didn't practice on Wednesday, and he reportedly has a noticeable limp. If Young can't play, Kerry Collins will get the start.

POSTED 8:36 a.m. EDT, October 18, 2007

CARDS LAMENTING FAILURE TO LAND VINNY

A league source tells us that some members of the Arizona Cardinals quietly are expressing disappointment over the inability of the team to persuade quarterback Vinny Testaverde to join the cause for the balance of the 2007 season.

Per the source, the failure to get Testaverde is being regarded as a "huge mistake" in some corners of the locker room.

The Cards reportedly tried to get Testaverde, but Testaverde declined, eventually landing in Carolina, where he started and won last weekend in a win over the Cardinals.

Arizona has added Tim Rattay and Tim Hasselbeck. Matt Leinart is on injured reserve, and Kurt Warner will miss at least one game with an injury to his non-throwing elbow.

VINNY SAVES FOX?

Speaking of Vinny Testaverde, the talk in league circles that the soon-to-be 44-year-old might have saved the coaching career of John Fox in Carolina.

The thinking is that Fox had been destined to be fired, but that a 4-2 record at the bye has put the team on the right path toward getting Fox another season.

Then again, Fox's ultimate fate could be tied to the year in which North Carolina resident Bill Cowher puts his name back in the hat for a coaching job. If Cowher sticks to his reported plan not to come back in 2008 and if the Panthers hire a new coach, it's unlikely that the team would fire the guy after only one season in order to clear a path for Cowher.

POSTED 10:10 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 11:10 p.m. EDT, October 17, 2007

DID THEISMANN GET KIMMEL BANNED FROM ESPN?

Though former Monday Night Football analyst Joe Theismann opted for the high road in the wake of Jimmy Kimmel's repeated swipes at Theismann during a visit to the booth during this week's Giants-Falcons game, we've got a feeling that ESPN's decision to ban Kimmel from any future appearances on the show was made either at the request of Theismann, or in an effort to placate him.

We recently reported that Theismann's relationship with ESPN has ended, and ESPN spokesman Mac Nwulu told us that the two sides had reached a settlement.

Settlements of this nature typically include a term requiring the parties not to say anything bad about each other. It's called a "non-disparagement clause."

Moreover, deals like this usually apply not only to the employees and agents of the corporate party but also to all employees and agents of the corporate party's affiliated companies. In the case of ESPN, that includes Kimmel's employer, ABC.

And since Kimmel was ostensibly in the booth to promote his upcoming week of hosting Regis & Kelly Lee (or Whoever She Is) in New York and Kimmel's own show on Los Angeles, it could be argued that Kimmel's comments about Theismann can be imputed to ESPN/ABC.

Why else would ESPN be making such a big deal about this? Did they not expect Kimmel to be an irreverent smartass? Last year, he asked Theismann about the leg that was broken by Lawrence Taylor in a Monday night game in the 1980s.

Per Richard Sandomir of the New York Times, MNF producer Jay Rothman called Kimmel's comments "classless and disappointing. It was cheap. The more he went on, the worse he got."

Again, what did they expect from Kimmel?

Look, if ESPN doesn't like what Kimmel had to say, then ESPN has only itself to blame. And since ESPN typically isn't keen on admitting that it screwed up (as evidenced by the ongoing employment of Emmitt Smith), the fact that Bristol is making a big deal about this strongly suggests that the company wants to avoid an allegation that it has violated the terms of the settlement agreement with Theismann.

PORTER HAS TICKET ISSUES, TOO

Our own MDS noted earlier in the day a report from WTAE-TV, former Steelers receivers Plaxico Burress and Antwaan Randle El could soon be arrested for unpaid tickets.

But, as several readers have pointed out, another player with a connection to the team needs to get his affairs in order quickly.

We're referring to former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter.

We suppose it could be another Joey Porter from Bakersfield, California, who was born in 1977. But we have a feeling that it isn't.

PFTV TACKLES CAROLINA QB SITUATION

It's time for a new set of PFTV segments. All of them can be seen right here.

One of them can be seen right here, regarding whether the Panthers should go with David Carr or Vinny Testaverde as the starting quarterback.

WEEK SEVEN WEDNESDAY INJURY REPORT

It's Wednesday, and that means that the various NFL teams have identified who has and hasn't participated in practice.

The list is right here.

It'll be updated on Thursday and on Friday.

POSTED 9:30 p.m. EDT, October 17, 2007

NFL SAYS BRYANT SUIT IS "WITHOUT MERIT"

In response to the lawsuit filed by free-agent receiver Antonio Bryant against the NFL, spokesman Greg Aiello told us that the league is taking a dim view of the action.

"It is without merit," Aiello said. "The rules of the program are well established and collectively bargained with the Players Association."

In other words, the NFL's argument will be that Bryant's remedies are set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and that he is not permitted to file suit raising a variety of common-law remedies that, as a matter of federal labor law, are trumped by the CBA.

The question, as explained below, is whether a player who is not a party to a player contract is a member of the NFL Players Association. If he is, the suit dies. If he's not, it could get interesting.

POSTED 9:07 p.m. EDT, October 17, 2007

BRYANT SUES NFL

Receiver Antonio Bryant, currently unsigned by any NFL team and apparently facing a one-year suspension for allegedly failing to comply with the substance-abuse policy, has sued the National Football League.

Bryant raises a novel yet no-nonsense argument. He claims that he was subjected to the requirements of the substance-abuse policy at a time when he was not employed by any NFL team and, consequently, not subject to league scrutiny.

The suit, filed on Wednesday in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, alleges tortious interference with Bryant's prospective contractual and business relationships, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and deceit based on fraud. Perhaps the most intriguing theory is one of false imprisonment; Bryant asserts that the NFL detained him unlawfully in order to compel him to provide urine samples under circumstances in which the NFL had no such authority, since Bryant was not employed by any NFL team.

Bryant's legal counsel is also his agent, Peter Schaffer of All Pro Sports & Entertainment. Schaffer has filed a motion for a temporary restraining order aimed apparently at compelling the NFL to permit Bryant to join an NFL team.

The fact that Bryant saw fit to file suit suggests that one or more NFL teams might be inclined to sign him, if he is able to play without the looming threat of a one-year suspension.

Our guess is that the NFL will argue that the case should be dismissed because the relationship between Bryant and the league is governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association, and that Bryant's remedies are exclusively set forth in the CBA.

But is he a member of the union? Per the NFLPA constitution, a player actively seeking employment is "eligible" to be a member. This means that the player who is not with a team is not a member of the union, unless he wants to be.

Though it's too early to tell how this will play out, if Bryant can prove he was not in the union at a time when the NFL was subjecting him to testing, Bryant's claims might very well be permitted to proceed.

Bryant was suspended for four games late last year. He served two games as a member of the 49ers, who cut him on March 1, 2007. He received credit for the other two games of the suspension while unsigned.

POSTED 6:12 p.m. EDT, October 17, 2007

ANOTHER CREDITOR COMES AFTER VICK by Michael David Smith

Suspended Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is facing another lawsuit from a bank that says he defaulted on a loan.

This time it's Wachovia Bank, which is seeking about $940,000 from Vick and a business partner, claiming they defaulted on a 2006 loan to set up a wine shop and restaurant.

In a lawsuit filed in federal court, the bank says Vick and his partner in Atlantic Wine & Package LLC have failed to make monthly payments on a $1.3 million loan they took out in May 2006, and that Vick's obligations "are impaired due to recent events involving Defendant Vick."

The Associated Press reports that Vick and a business partner opened Atlantic Wine & Spirits and The Tasting Room restaurant in East Point, Georgia, in March 2007, a month before authorities began investigating Vick's connection to dog fighting.

Wachovia also claims that Atlantic Wine has multiple checking accounts, and that two of those accounts were overdrawn by a total of $34,680.

Vick already has been sued by one bank that claims he failed to repay a multi-million dollar loan for a car rental business, and by another bank that claims he owes more than $2.3 million for real estate investments. And he eventually will be ordered to pay back $19.9 million in bonus money he previously received from the Falcons. And his legal fees must be mounting.

It all could add up to Vick being forced into bankruptcy, less than three years after he signed what was advertised as the biggest contract in NFL history.

POSTED 4:39 p.m. EDT, October 17, 2007

LEFTWICH TO START FOR FALCONS by Michael David Smith

Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com is reporting that the Atlanta Falcons will start Byron Leftwich at quarterback for Sunday's game at New Orleans.

The Falcons have struggled all season with Joey Harrington at quarterback, and when they acquired Leftwich, who was released by the Jaguars just before the season, it was generally considered just a matter of time before Harrington lost the starting job.

Leftwich came in briefly to replace Harrington in Week Five against the Tennessee Titans and looked like a guy who hadn't learned the offense, finishing 2-for-8 for 28 yards, with one interception.

Leftwich signed a two-year contract with the Falcons on September 18, and most observers think the Falcons will want to give him a look for the rest of the season to see whether he has a future in coach Bobby Petrino's offense. From Petrino's standpoint, the ideal scenario may be to have Leftwich as the placeholder for now, and then draft quarterback Brian Brohm, whom Petrino coached at Louisville, next year.

POSTED 1:32 p.m. EDT, October 17, 2007

CHIEFS COULD USE FRANCHISE TAG ON ALLEN by Michael David Smith

Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen has recorded six sacks, broken up four passes, and forced two fumbles in the last four games, and he's doing it at the right time, as his contract expires after the season.

But the Chiefs have no intention of letting Allen get away as a free agent.

"We will not lose Jared Allen," Chiefs General Manager Carl Peterson told Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star. “I’m always willing to use that franchise tag. At the numbers there are for the top-five-paid defensive ends, I think he'd be very happy."

If Peterson seriously believes Allen would be happy to get the franchise tag, he's foolish. Even though the franchise tag for defensive ends next year will be, per Covitz, more than $10 million, players in the prime of their careers are never happy getting slapped with the franchise tag. They'd always prefer to test the market.

Of course, getting the franchise tag doesn't preclude a player from getting a huge deal. Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney got the exclusive version of the franchise tag in February 2007 and still managed to work out a deal that guaranteed him $30 million.

The biggest question with Allen will be how much his offfield problems will affect his bargaining power. Allen had two DUIs in 2006 and served a two-game suspension at the start of this season. Before agreeing to any long-term deal with Allen, the Chiefs will probably want to put specific language in the contract making clear that any "guaranteed" money isn't actually "guaranteed" if Allen gets himself suspended again.

But Peterson doesn't seem too worried about that.

"He's earning every dollar of it, and I couldn't be more proud of the guy," Peterson told Covitz. "Not only on the field — and we've had some discussions privately — but what he's doing off the field. He's got his life in good order, and he's working at it every single day."

POSTED 12:51 p.m. EDT, October 17, 2007

RAMS' BYRD PLEADS NO CONTEST by Michael David Smith

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Rams tight end Dominique Byrd pleaded no contest to charges of driving under the influence of alcohol Tuesday in Los Angeles. Byrd was sentenced to three years' probation, fined, and ordered to participate in alcohol-treatment counseling.

That doesn't put all of Byrd's legal problems behind him, though, as he still has another legal entanglement to deal with. Byrd is scheduled to go to trial in December in St. Louis on charges of assault and armed criminal action related to an incident in December of 2006.

Per Thomas, the NFL says it will review both the drunk driving case and the assault case. Rams coach Scott Linehan indicated that the club would take no action beyond whatever discipline the NFL metes out.

Byrd was the Rams' third-round pick in 2006. In 10 career games he has six catches, four of which came Sunday in Baltimore. The Rams benched and fined Byrd last month for missing a special-teams meeting.

POSTED 12:15 p.m. EDT, October 17, 2007

NFL REINSTATES KOREN ROBINSON by Michael David Smith

Chris Mortensen of ESPN is reporting that the NFL has reinstated Packers wide receiver Koren Robinson.

Robinson, who was given a one-year suspension in 2006 for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, can begin practicing with the team immediately.

The incident that led to last year's suspension took place in August of 2006 while Robinson played for the Vikings. Robinson led police on a high-speed chase, and when he was apprehended, his blood-alcohol content was found to be above the legal limit.

The Vikings cut Robinson after that incident. He then signed a two-year contract with the Packers and played in four games with Green Bay before he was suspended.

Robinson is the first player to be reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after such a lengthy ban. Goodell has said suspended players need to earn their way back into the league by showing they've taken proactive steps toward turning their lives around. Robinson evidently has done enough to convince Goodell to give him another chance.

POSTED 11:59 a.m. EDT, October 17, 2007

PLAXICO HAD BETTER PAY HIS TICKETS by Michael David Smith

WTAE news in Pittsburgh is reporting that next month, Pittsburgh police will start issuing arrest warrants for 37,000 people who have unpaid tickets for offenses ranging from running red lights to parking in handicapped zones to speeding.

A reader alerted us to the fact that residents who want to know if they're on the list can search for their names online. And if you go to the state web site and search "Burress" and you'll see two citations listed for a Plaxico A. Burress of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.

One of the charges against Burress, the former Steeler who now plays for the Giants, reads, "Illegal to park on sidewalk" and the other reads, "Failure to stop at red signal."

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes that another former Steelers receiver, Antwaan Randle El, is also on the list. As is current Steelers offensive lineman Max Starks.

The Post-Gazette couldn't reach Burress or Randle El for comment, but a Steelers spokesman said Starks was taking care of his fine. Let's hope Burress and Randle El do, too. We'd hate to have to re-set the "days without an arrest" counter for something as trivial as an unpaid traffic ticket.

POSTED 9:22 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 10:15 a.m. EDT, October 17, 2007

NFL FINES TOM BRADY FOR CHIN STRAP VIOLATION by Michael David Smith

When it comes to the NFL's uniform police, no one is above the law.

That's the only conclusion to be drawn from the news today, via Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe, that Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been fined for not having his chin strap properly buckled.

Reiss reports that Brady's agent, Don Yee, confirmed the fine but would not say how much Brady was fined or which game the violation occurred in.

This isn't the first such fine for the Patriots this season; defensive lineman Ty Warren was fined $7,500 for not having his chin strap buckled in a September 23 game against the Bills. Warren's teammate, Vince Wilfork, was fined $12,500 for an illegal hit on Bills quarterback J.P. Losman in the same game.

So, if you're an NFL player, taking out an opponent's knee will cost you $5,000 more than not buckling your chin strap.

Reiss quotes NFL spokesman Greg Aiello saying teams were notified before the season and reminded multiple times that the league would be cracking down on unbuckled chin straps as an effort to prevent concussions.

Players are only fined if they fail to buckle their chinstraps after a warning, but Reiss reports that Brady wears a chin strap with two buckles, one that fastens near the top of his head, and he doesn't always realize when it's not fastened. Both Brady and Warren are appealing the fines.

[Editor's note: As a couple of readers have pointed out, perhaps Brady is allergic to plastic and or latex products. It would explain at least one other recent development in his life.]

WEDNESDAY MORNING ONE-PER-CLUB ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Former Cowboys DT Tony Casillas reminisces about Barry Switzer's tenure: "The hardest part was some of the guys didn't respect him. Troy [Aikman] never gave him the time of day."

The Giants' defense is only allowing first downs on 18 percent of running plays.

The Eagles' cornerbacks say size doesn't matter.

Redskins CB Shawn Springs has left the team to be with his father, former Cowboy Ron Springs, who is in a coma in a Dallas hospital.

Bears coach Lovie Smith's decision to get rid of last year's defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera, isn't looking so good right now.

Lions K Jason Hanson thinks calling timeout just before a field goal attempt is good strategy but bad sportsmanship.

Packers CB Charles Woodson is glad he's getting noticed again.

When asked why RB Adrian Peterson is second on the depth chart behind Chester Taylor, Vikings coach Brad Childress said, "It doesn't bother him, it doesn't bother me. I don't know -- if it bothers you guys, it will give you an article to write."

Says Falcons coach Bobby Petrino, "I'm frustrated, but everybody's frustrated."

Panthers LB Dan Morgan might not have a spot in the starting lineup when he's medically cleared to play.

Says Saints coach Sean Payton of first-round rookie WR Robert Meachem, "He's made progress, but if it were to my liking, we'd be having him in the game."

The Buccaneers gave up multiple draft picks for RB Michael Bennett.

Arizona is so desperate for a quarterback, the name of Jake Plummer has actually been mentioned. (But it's not happening.)

The Rams signed WR Travis Taylor.

Former 49ers K Owen Pochman writes in his new autobiography that former San Francisco defensive coordinator Jim Mora Jr. screamed "I can't put my kids through [expletive] college because our kicker can't make a field goal" after Pochman missed a kick.

Frustration is mounting on the Seahawks' offense as RB Shaun Alexander matched his lowest two-game rushing total as a starter.

A Buffalo News poll showed fans preferred QB Trent Edwards to J.P. Losman by a 2-to-1 margin.

The Dolphins are already thinking about next year.

Patriots QB Tom Brady has had his share of struggles against the Dolphins.

There's grumbling in the Jets' locker room about coach Eric Mangini's punishing practices.

Ravens CB Chris McAlister is likely out Sunday with a knee strain.

Bengals WR Tab Perry and S Ethan Kilmer are done for the season.

The Browns enter their bye week feeling good about the health of the team.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is diplomatic in saying his team has blown opponents out whereas the Broncos have skated by in their victories: "This team has been in more rubber-meets-the-road moments than we have."

The Texans' offense is stalling in the red zone.

Tickets to the upcoming Colts-Patriots game are going for $1,275 to $4,500.

Rookie WR John Broussard is helping the Jaguars' offense even when he isn't getting the ball.

The Titans have released P Josh Miller.

The Broncos will memorialize Darrent Williams and Damien Nash on Sunday night before playing the Steelers.

On deciding whether to activate RB Priest Holmes, Chiefs coach Herm Edwards says, "I go with my gut. Your gut always tells you what's right."

Raiders coach Lane Kiffin on having been in first place after five weeks: "It means nothing."

Chargers C Nick Hardwick will miss three to four weeks with a sprained foot.

POSTED 8:26 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 8:53 a.m. EDT, October 17, 2007

KOREN HOPES FOR DECISION TODAY

A league source tells us that Packers receiver Koren Robinson hopes to hear on Wednesday the fate of his request for reinstatement to the league.

Robinson was suspended for a year due to chronic violations of the substance abuse policy.

If he is reinstated, Robinson will be the first player allowed back into the league by Commissioner Roger Goodell after a one-year banishment. Others who have tried and failed under the Goodell regime include running back Onterrio Smith and running back Ricky Williams.

Assisting Robinson in his efforts to avoid the demons that have plagued his professional career is Packers quarterback Brett Favre, who recently spoke candidly about his own struggles with substance abuse.

"I was taking 15 Vicodin, all at one time," Favre told USA Today. "And then I'd drink right after that. A six-pack was just a starter.

"I had a seizure. I'm lucky I'm alive. I'm lucky I'm still here doing what I love to do."

Favre was outspoken in late 2006 regarding the NFL's rule that players who are banished for a year must stay away from the team facility. Though we didn't think of it in these terms at the time, it could be that Favre realizes that his ability to interact with teammates and otherwise "go to work" provided a helpful distraction as he was trying to overcome his own issues with alcohol and drugs.

KOLBER IS EXPECTING A LITTLE SUZY

An industry source tells us that MNF sideline reporter Suzy Kolber is expecting company. And it's not a visit from Joe Namath.

Per the source, Kolber is due to give birth to a junior version of herself, complete with Leather Tuscadero mullet and turtleneck.

Word is that it's a girl. The due date is presently unknown. As is the identity of the father. (We assume that Suzy knows.)

We're hoping to eventually rule out Tom Brady. And Michelle Tafoya. (Zing! Thank you . . . I'm here all week. Actually, I'm here until I drop dead.)

All kidding aside, congratulations to Kolber, and best wishes for a healthy and safe arrival.

FEAR THE SAINTS?

The talk in league circles is that teams believe that the Saints have worked out their early-season struggles, and that they'll be back with a vengeance as the season unfolds.

After the 2007 Saints fell to 0-4, we explained that the 2006 version of the team likely would have been 1-3 with that same opening schedule, with the only aberration being a loss to the Bucs in Tampa.

The difference between the last year and this year is that the 2006 Saints would have been hard pressed to put a beating on the Seahawks in Seattle.

Of all of the one-win teams in the league, the Saints are the one that folks believe can turn it around. They'll have a chance to move another step closer when facing the Falcons on Sunday.

POSTED 11:57 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

AFL IN TURMOIL

The Arena Football League made a rare offseason ripple in the news cycle on Tuesday when it was reported that Browns legend Bernie Kosar will be the CEO and President of the Las Vegas Gladiators, who will be moving to Cleveland.

But that nugget -- which can only be considered "good news" if it's a positive sign for a team located in a city with no major league sports teams to move to a Rust Belt town with three of them -- isn't the only development of late for the leading indoor football league, which seems to be moving in the wrong direction.

The Nashville Kats, for example, have folded. The decision recently was announced by owner Bud Adams, who also owns the Titans.

Also, the Austin Wranglers (whose ownership group includes Deion Sanders) have shifted from the AFL to af2. If the AFL had not approved the move, the team likely would have folded.

And as the AFL will have three less teams in 2008, a source tells us that, "for the first time in recent memory," it won't add any expansion teams.

In the midst of these disturbing developments, the AFL has extended Commissioner David Baker's contract by three years, which suggests that Colorado Crush co-owner John Elway has either lost or abandoned his effort to get Baker bumped out of the job.

We heard in the wake of the dissolution of NFL Europe that Elways wants to position the AFL to become a true minor league for the NFL.

POSTED 11:26 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

ROUND ONE EXPECTED TO BE CUT TO 10 MINUTES

Lost in the news from Monday regarding NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's musings about a Super Bowl being played on foreign soil is the revelation that the time limit for the first round of the 2008 draft will likely be reduced from 15 minutes to 10 minutes, as soon as next week.

The other half of this looming development is that round one will be moved into prime time on Friday night, where the ad revenues (and rights fees) would be much higher.

We've previously suggested that only the first half of round one be moved to Friday night, since movement of the entire first round will create some of the timing issues that plague Monday night football.

How late to start is too late to finish on the right side of the Mississippi? How early to start is too early in California?

Even with only 10 minutes, the first round could take up to five hours and twenty minutes.

So start at 9:00 p.m. EDT on Friday with the first half of round one, which would take, at most, three hours and a little change. And then pick it up with pick 17 the next day at noon in New York.

POSTED 10:51 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

EDWARDS TO START

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that Bills coach Dick Jauron will announce on Wednesday that rookie quarterback Trent Edwards will get the start on Sunday over J.P. Losman.

Mort says that it's believed that owner Ralph Wilson had input in the decision.

We posted earlier in the evening that the issue would indeed be resolved by Wilson, without realizng that Mort already had put this specific angle out there.

POSTED 8:58 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

DOLPHINS DUMP DARIUS

Quick -- what one-time former first-round draft pick has been cut by three NFL teams in little more than four months?

Well, if your read the title you know the answer.

The Fins have cut safety Donovin Darius. He was first released by the Jags on June 14, and he later signed with the Raiders. And then was cut. And then signed with the Dolphins.

He played in three games, starting in two, since joining the Fins.

POSTED 8:51 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

LOSMAN, EDWARDS DEBATE WILL BE DECIDED BY OWNER?

A league source tells us that the ongoing question of whether the starting quarterback of the Buffalo Bills will be veteran J.P. Losman or rookie Trent Edwards will ultimately be made by owner Ralph Wilson.

Working against Losman, we're told, is his contract. He makes a lot more money than Edwards, and will be a free agent after the 2008 season. So Losman is now in danger of getting traded after 2007.

And though we don't have many (any) details about his incentives package, we suspect that his $1.8 million base salary that drops to $650,000 next season will shoot up if he were to meet certain triggers based on playing time and/or performance.

Leaving Losman on the bench will keep that from happening, and will make Losman's contract more attractive on the trade market.

Does Wilson have the right to make such decisions for his football team? Sure. Is it smart for an owner to do so? Um, not really.

But, as we understand it, it wouldn't be the first time that Wilson makes such decisions, and does so based on money.

Another source tells us that the locker room is split regarding Losman and Edwards, generally along the lines of experience. The younger guys want Edwards, and the older ones want Losman.

Losman was injured in Week Three when struck in the knee by Pats defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Edwards has played well (but not as well as some of the sock puppets would have you think) in Losman's absence.

POSTED 8:34 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

EVERETT STILL IMPROVING

Bills tight end Kevin Everett, who suffered a broken neck in Week One, continues to make progress as he recovers from this serious injury.

Everett reportedly can move his wheelchair with his feet, and can hold himself up briefly on a walker. He can also open and close both hands.

He is still hospitalized but eventually will undergo treatment on an outpatient basis.

POSTED 6:11 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

BOSTON BUSTED

Former NFL receiver David Boston, a first-round draft pick in 1999 who once was a big-money free-agent acquisition of the Chargers, has been arrested after a bizarre domestic dispute involving his wife and his one-month-old son.

Boston allegedly left the couple's home with the baby inside, and an argument ensued once his wife returned home. He allegedly threw a pillow cushion at his wife, and yanked the phone cord from the wall as she tried to call 911.

He was arrested for felony false imprisonment, misdemeanor domestic battery, culpable negligence and resisting an officer without violence, and released on $10,000 bond.

Boston was in the midst of a comeback with the Bucs when he was arrested for DUI, and later tested positive for GHB.

It's safe to say that Boston's NFL days are finally over. Unless he can play quarterback.

POSTED 5:51 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

MORE TROUBLE FOR REID

With one of his troubled twosome of sons already in jail, the other of the oldest children of Eagles coach Andy Reid is joining him.

Why is this starting to remind us of a My Name is Earl episode?

Anyway, Garrett Reid was a no-show for a court-ordered drug test. And so he has been arrested, and incarcerated.

This development will do little to squelch rumors that the team has been trying hard (too hard, in our view) to quiet that Reid will call it quits at or before the end of the season.

POSTED 5:44 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

PARKER TO IR

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Chargers have placed receiver Eric Parker on injured reserve. Parker suffered a foot injury during training camp.

The move comes on the same day that the Chargers acquired receiver Chris Chambers via a trade from the Miami Dolphins.

And it was wise for G.M. A.J. Smith to wait, since placing Parker on IR before doing the deal for Chambers could have increased the Fins' leverage.

Then again, how much more could Miami have gotten for a one-time second-round pick who isn't the guy he once was supposed to be?

Indeed, could it be that Chargers G.M. A.J. Smith gladly gave up a second-rounder that, if the team doesn't turn things around quickly, he won't be there to use? It's the same reason, in our view, that Smith opted not to get value in exchange for running back Michael Turner, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Really, what does Smith care about picking up a second-rounder (or more) for Turner if L.T. gets dinged up and Turner isn't there to help save Smith's skin?

Whether Chambers is enough to propel the Chargers to the playoffs remains to be seen. As a reader pointed out, if the Chargers don't get back to the postseason, Smith might get to use that second-round pick after all -- as the G.M. of the Dolphins.

POSTED 3:28 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 3:40 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

NO DEAL ON MEWELDE

With the trade deadline coming up soon and the Bucs no longer looking for a new tailback, the Vikings most likely won't be trading Mewelde Moore.

Per a league source, the Vikings decided that Moore, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, is worth more to the team than what others were offering.

If either Adrian Peterson or Chester Taylor gets injured, Moore can step right in. He also can handle punt-return duties if receiver Bobby Wade goes down.

JIMMY GIVE JOEY SOME RAZZING

Last year, a visit from Jimmy Kimmel to the MNF booth included a "How's the leg?" to former analyst Joe Theismann.

On Monday night, Kimmel continued to bash the man we call Joey Sunshine. The highlights were chronicled in real time (as opposed to FieldTime) in our Live Blog. Via the folks at Awful Announcing, here's the video.

The best line from Kimmel, which isn't contained on the video clip, was this one: "Harrington's not a very good quarterback but he's very nice to his pets."

That might be the funniest line ever uttered on Monday night football.

POSTED 3:17 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

BOLTS GIVE UP A SECOND-ROUNDER FOR CHAMBERS

A league source tells us that the San Diego Chargers sent their second-round pick in 2008 to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for receiver Chris Chambers.

Chambers was a second-round pick in 2001, so getting a second-rounder seven years later is a decent deal for a franchise with plenty of holes to fill.

And Chambers has to be thrilled with the move. He goes from an 0-6 train wreck to a team that is 3-3 and on the upswing.

POSTED 3:13 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

BOLTS BAG CHAMBERS

The San Diego Chargers have acquired receiver Chris Chambers from the Miami Dolphins, according to various media reports.

Chambers reportedly was on the block before the start of the season.

The move means that two former Wisconsin Badgers from the same draft class were traded on the same day -- running back Michael Bennett, a first-rounder in 2001, and Chambers, a second-rounder that same year.

POSTED 11:13 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 12:30 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

NO DECISION YET ON TANK

Earlier this year, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended then-Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson for eight games, with the possibility that the suspension will be reduced to six games. Johnson expressed confidence at the time that he'd qualify for a reduction.

Most league observers presumed that Johnson's subsequent arrest on suspicion of DUI, which prompted the Bears to bump him from the roster, would prevent Johnson from returning early.

Johnson has since signed with the Cowboys, and he's expected to officially join the team after Dallas plays its eighth game.

But there's still a chance that he gets back earlier than that. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said on Tuesday via e-mail that no decision has been made.

If he's going to be reinstated in time for Week Seven, a decision needs to come soon. Practices in preparation for a home game against the Vikings get started on Wednesday.

PORTER-JONES I, ON TAPE DELAY

FOX's Jay Glazer's most recent video "get" involved the tape from the surveillance cameras that captured images of Fins linebacker Joey Porter (and others) pounding the poo out of Bengals left tackle Levi Jones. For those of you who haven't seen it, here it is.

There's been some chatter in media circles that this video already had been published, but we've confirmed that it had not previously been released. It is brand-new stuff, and another coup for FOX's in-studio info guy.

As one reader said on Monday night: "What are the odds that Jay Glazer will have video next week recorded from the sky camera that fell in Seattle on Sunday night?"

Meanwhile, we continued to be befuddled by the failure of the league to suspend Porter. Apart from the fact that he pleaded guilty to battery, the battery occurred on another employee of an NFL club. And that would appear to be a separate violation of the Personal Conduct Policy, which expressly prohibits "[v]iolence or threatening behavior among employees, whether in or outside the workplace."

SKY CAMERA STARTS SPIN CYCLE

We haven't said anything about the fact that a camera ended up on the field during Sunday night's Saints-Seahawks game because, well, we simply didn't know that the thing had actually ended up on the field.

And that's a compliment (we think) to NBC, whose "show must go on" attitude apparently included suggesting to the guys in the booth that they shouldn't talk about a portion of the show that actually had gone on.

Even now, there's a difference of opinion as to what happened.

The Tacoma News Tribune reports that the camera "dropp[ed] out of the sky like some otherworldly flying saucer, nearly hitting [Matt] Hasselbeck in the head."

"I really don't know what to say," Hasselbeck said. "I just feel really fortunate it didn't hit me on top of the head."

Predictably, the company that operates the camera calls the incident a "controlled descent," according to Michael Hiestand of USA Today.

The NBC and the NFL are satisfied with Cablecam's explanation as to what happened.

In an unrelated development, each of the 32 teams on Monday made sure that they have purchased the "falling equipment on wires" endorsement for their workers' compensation policies.

EAGLES GOT A FREEBIE

As it turns out, the only touchdown scored by the Eagles in their Week Six win over the Jets should have been blown dead before the play even began.

Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer noted on Monday that the 75-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Donovan McNabb to receiver Kevin Curtis was the result of a play that began after the clock struck zero.

So the third-and-eight effort from the Philly 25 should have been a third-and-thirteen from the Eagles' 20.

Later, the officials failed to throw a flag for delay of game. That time, however, the play that was allowed to proceed resulted in an interception of McNabb.

TUESDAY MORNING ONE-PER-CLUB ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Says Giants DE Osi Umenyiora, "I think we've got a chance to do something special."

Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall after the Monday night loss: "We got to go back this week in practice and do it, do it for coach [Bobby] Petrino. He doesn't deserve to be 1-5 right now." [Editor's note: Okay, I thought there was supposed to be no booze in the locker room.]

Bills QB J.P. Losman on whether he's still the starter: "I don't know. I have no clue. But there are so many other factors involved that I'm not quite sure I'm ready to share at this point."

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron says of the team's 0-6 start, "This is not unbearable."

Patriots coach Bill Belichick says of the players on the Physically Unable to Perform list, "No update. When we make that decision we'll let you know."

Jets backup QB Kellen Clemens didn't want to talk about starter Chad Pennington.

Everyone in Baltimore insists there's no quarterback controversy.

Marvin Lewis' contract as Bengals head coach runs through the 2010 season.

The Browns will wait at least another week before allowing C LeCharles Bentley to practice.

The Steelers expect all of their injured starters to be ready to play Sunday.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak thinks C Chris White is showing promise.

The Colts expect to have S Bob Sanders, WR Marvin Harrison, and RB Joseph Addai back at practice this week.

Jaguars LB Mike Peterson says of being overlooked, "I love that position. Sneak up on everybody and bite them. Like a snake. Everybody hates that snake that sneaks up and bites you."

Titans WR Brandon Jones will miss 1-2 weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery.

Broncos CB Champ Bailey hopes to return to practice Wednesday despite a pulled quadriceps.

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards thought the officials should have ejected CB Benny Sapp after a personal foul Sunday.

Says Raiders coach Lane Kiffin of QB JaMarcus Russell, "When we think he can help us win, we'll put him in."

Chargers DT Jamal Williams had arthroscopic surgery on both knees Monday, but won't be out long.

WR Patrick Crayton is confident that the Cowboys are going to the Super Bowl.

The Eagles are getting worried about Bears return man Devin Hester.

The Redskins are shuffling their offensive line.

Bears coach Lovie Smith wishes he hadn't kicked to Adrian Peterson Sunday.

Lions coach Rod Marinelli said WR Calvin Johnson "worked pretty good" with a back injury.

Packers TE Bubba Franks will likely miss two to four weeks with a knee injury.

Vikings LB Ben Leber will get more playing time.

What does it say about Panthers QB David Carr that so many people want him benched for a guy who's 15 years older and doesn't even know the playbook?

When asked whether his team had turned the corner, Saints coach Sean Payton said, "There is no corner. We're 1-4 and we won a game."

The injuries to Buccaneers TE Alex Smith and DE Patrick Chukwurah weren't as serious as the team feared.

Cardinals special teams standout Aaron Francisco is expected to miss three to four weeks with a sprained MCL.

Rams CB Tye Hill got up and celebrated after breaking up a pass Sunday, even though the Rams were down by 16 in the fourth quarter at the time.

QB Alex Smith hopes to start for the 49ers Sunday against the Giants, saying, "The shoulder feels great."

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren scripts the team's first 15 offensive plays, and this season he hasn't been pleased with the results.

POSTED 11:03 a.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

EXCITEMENT BUILDING IN CLEVELAND

With the Browns at 3-3 after six games and featuring a nucleus of talented young players on offense and an improving defense, the word on the league grapevine is that Cleveland's NFL franchise is feeling pretty good about itself right now.

The key has been the unexpected development of Derek Anderson, who wasn't good enough to win the Week One starting job from Charlie Frye but now is becoming a solid quarterback. With first-round pick Brady Quinn in the wings, Anderson's performance is creating a potential Drew Brees-Philip Rivers situation in Cleveland, which generally is a good problem to have, given the current demand for retreads elsewhere.

Receiver Braylon Edwards is delivering on his stature as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2005 draft, and tight end Kellen Winslow has made an amazing recovery from microfracture surgery. When we reported earlier in the year that the Browns weren't counting on Winslow to make much of a contribution in 2007, the report was accurate -- they weren't expecting much, if anything, from the No. 6 overall pick in 2004. But they've gotten plenty, and he's one of the big reasons why the Browns are unexpectedly in the mix for a wild-card berth.

The offensive line is also cause for celebration in Cuyahoga County, with rookie Joe Thomas and veterans Eric Steinbach and Kevin Shaffer performing more than capably. If/when LeCharles Bentley can return to action, the Browns could have one of the best offensive lines in the league.

So it's a new day for Cleveland, and the fans there deserve it. After 12 years of mainly bad news and worse football, the possibility that good things could be in store for this franchise makes the sun shine a little brighter, the air smell a little sweeter, and E. Smith sound a little smarter.

POSTED 8:59 a.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

SHOULD PETERSON HAVE BEEN NO. 1?

With Adrian Peterson putting the NFL on notice that, if he can stay healthy, he will be the next dominant NFL running back, a common question making the rounds in league circles is whether Peterson should have been the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

The Raiders held that selection, and on the surface didn't need to add Peterson, since they have LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes, and Justin Fargas.

But that argument only goes so far, since the Vikings had Chester Taylor, Mewelde Moore, and Ciatrick Fason, yet pounced on the chance to pick Peterson.

Though no NFL team is ever going to admit to having regrets about draft-day decisions, the folks in silver and black surely have been pondering what might have been if they had brought into L.T.'s division a guy who might be even better than him.

And what about the Lions at No. 2? Calvin Johnson was/is a can't-miss prospect at receiver, but the impact of an equally skilled Peterson, who can touch the ball 20-plus times per game, is undeniable.

The Browns at No. 3? They got their left tackle of the next decade, but they could have had their next Jim Brown.

The Bucs at No. 4? They didn't need A.P. in April, but they sure could use him now.

The Cards at No. 5? Yeah, they signed Edgerrin James in 2006. The day after the Vikes signed Chester Taylor.

The Redskins at No. 6? Okay, we'll give them a pass since they have Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts.

And what about the teams drafting after the Vikes at No. 7? The Texans, who regularly are criticized for taking Mario Williams instead of Reggie Bush or Vince Young a year ago, clearly should have made the move to land the Palestine, Texas native.

With all that said, there were legitimate concerns about Peterson's durability prior to the draft. And there still are. The Vikings, to date, have been fortunate. But there's no guarantee that, if the Raiders had dumped $32 million guaranteed into Peterson's pockets, he would have made it through a full season.

That continues to be the problem with taking running backs at the top of round one. The financial investment for a player who is, at any time, one play a away from becoming "just a guy" is too great.

Still, when that player is lighting up the league, it's hard for other teams that had their shot not to think about what might have been.

POSTED 8:02 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 8:29 a.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

UNCLE RICO IS DAY TO DAY

Titans quarterback Vince Young returns to his hometown of Houston on Sunday to face the Texans. Whether Young actually plays in the game remains to be seen.

On Monday, Young had an MRI on his strained quadriceps muscle. Though the results have not been revealed, he is considered to be day to day.

The only other quarterback on the roster is Kerry Collins. Ingle Martin is on the practice squad.

Coach Jeff Fisher suggested that Young could be able to play on Sunday, even if he can't practice. "I would say there would be a chance he could play if he felt good enough to play without practicing. He's going to be there, he's going to watch. He's really done a good job," Fisher said.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect from the AP story regarding Young's situation is that Fisher apparently said that Young is a quick healer and has recovered quickly from "other undisclosed injuries."

Hmmm. You'd think that a member of the competition committee wouldn't be failing to disclose injuries to his starting quarterback.

COMING SOON: THE E. SMITH BLOG

We're forging a cottage industry out of the malapropisms and other mess-ups of ESPN's Emmitt Smith. So, at the suggestion of several readers (and with nods of approval from some members of the media who might or might not be participants in the PFT Media Fantasy Challenge), we'll soon be rolling out a separate page devoted to the broadcasting ineptitude that is, as he called himself last night, "E. Smith."

For now, Emmitt's most recent misstatements and other blunders are summarized in our Live Blog of the Monday night yawn-o-rama between the Giants and the Falcons. The best/worst? He said, "It's gonna be a long fall -- a quick fall."

After the game, Emmitt attempted on SportsCenter to describe the Giants as a "formidable opponent." Instead, he called them an "affordable pornoponent."

Are we too hard on him? Maybe. But this is a supply-and-demand industry, and PFT Planet is demanding their supply of tidbits from the first bona fide Yogi Berra of the 21st Century.

POSTED 7:11 a.m. EDT, October 16, 2007

BENNETT TO THE BUCS

The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs have traded backup running back Michael Bennett to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It's a move that came out of nowhere, at a time when all rumor and speculation had linked the Bucs to Vikings running back Mewelde Moore.

The trade apparently was fueled by the availability of running back Priest Holmes, who reportedly will emerge from the non-football injury list and practice with the team on Wednesday. Holmes hasn't played since 2005.

For the Bucs, it's the fourth straight deadline trade.

On October 17, 2006, the Bucs traded defensive tackle Booger McFarland to the Colts for a second-round pick that was used on the defensive back with a name that sounds like the Wednesday special at the Olive Garden.

On October 18, 2005, the Bucs acquired quarterback Tim Rattay from the 49ers for a second-day draft pick.

On October 19, 2004, the Bucs traded receiver Keenan McCardell to the Chargers for a three and a six.

Bennett, a first-round draft pick in 2001, emerged as a potential star in 2002, but a foot injury derailed his career.

POSTED 8:01 p.m. EDT, October 15, 2007

JETS WILLING TO ENTERTAIN OFFERS FOR CHAD

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that the New York Jets are willing to entertain trade offers for quarterback Chad Pennington.

The trade deadline is 4:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday.

Pennington has performed poorly this year after having a solid season in 2006. So poorly that it's unlikely that someone will make a move.

Then again, with guys like Tim Rattay and Vinny Testaverde and Tim Hasselbeck getting work, shouldn't someone make a play for Pennington?

POSTED 7:15 p.m. EDT, October 15, 2007

PUP LIST PLAYERS ELIGIBLE TO RETURN

Adam Schefter of NFL Network points out that the completion of Week Six means that players on the Physically Unable to Perform list are now eligible to return.

The biggest name is Pats defensive end Richard Seymour, who'll only upgrade an already powerful defense.

Other guys eligible to return are Bengals running back Chris Perry, Browns center LeCharles Bentley, and Patriots receivers Troy Brown and Chad Jackson.

Players on the PUP list must be activated within three weeks, or they will be unable to return for the season.

The same procedure applies to players on the non-football illness/injury list. Chiefs running back Priest Holmes is on this list, but only because league rules prevent guys who were injured more than a year prior to the current season from being placed on the PUP list. Also on the NFI/I list is Raiders rookie running back Michael Bush.

POSTED 4:32 p.m. EDT, October 15, 2007

LINEHAN SAFE FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON?

With the St. Louis Rams mired in one of the worst seasons in franchise history, speculation is running high in league circles as to whether coach Scott Linehan will make it to the end of the year.

The team is 0-6, and losing badly. The offense is sputtering even worse under Gus Frerotte than it did with Marc Bulger taking the snaps.

The thinking in some circles is that Linehan will make it until the end of the season, due in part to the fact that the decision to yank Bulger came from upstairs. Per a league source, persons higher than Linehan in the club feared that Bulger (who was playing with broken ribs) was at unnecessary risk of significant injury if he hadn't been removed.

As a result, Linehan is likely to be held less accountable for the team's ongoing struggles than he would have been if the decision to bench Bulger had been made by the head coach.

After the season, however, all bets are off -- and Linehan is now regarded as being likely to be fired, barring the kind of turnaround that this team simply doesn't seem to be capable of generating.

Still, we don't rule out Linehan getting a horn in the hiney, especially with the bye coming up in just two weeks.

POSTED 3:53 p.m. EDT, October 15, 2007

HARGROVE PLEADS GUILTY

Bills defensive end Anthony Hargrove pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of disorderly conduct. The original charges of resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and harassment arose from an August 2007 incident outside a Rochester, New York night club.

Hargrove was fined $300 and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.

He also was suspended for four games at the start of the season for violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. The guilty plea subjects him to separate discipline under the league's Personal Conduct Policy.

Hargrove is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in March.

POSTED 12:09 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 1:11 p.m. EDT, October 15, 2007

BENGALS BLOWUP COMING?

With the Cincinnati Bengals limping to an all-too-familiar 1-4 record and a last place position in the AFC North, there is increasing chatter in league circles that the situation there soon could explode. Or implode. Or whatever the right word is.

As one source with knowledge of the dynamics tells us, "[Coach Marvin Lewis] has to be feeling the heat. That team is getting ready to implode."

Okay, so it's implode. Carry on.

"I can feel it," the source said in reference to the potential implosion. "That's what happens when you build a straw house. They need to change that culture bad. Some teams can weather adversity and injuries. Some can't."

The "straw house" reference arises from the teams decision to load up on players who are believed to have a high level of talent, without regard to their character.

Another league source tell us there's a belief in some circles that Lewis might try to leave after the 2007 season and that, if he stays, he wants to have full and final authority over personnel. (Though it's believed by some that he has had such powers for his entire tenure with the team, others contend that he still does not truly have final say in all instances.)

This new rumor doesn't completely mesh with the recent scuttlebutt that Lewis wants a "real" G.M. to be hired -- unless Marvin's ultimate goal is to create a Belichick-Pioli situation in which Lewis has the final say but he's getting his advice from someone who knows what he's doing.

Lewis has been credited with changing a chronic culture of losing in Cincinnati. And though he might not instantly be hired elsewhere to serve as the head coach, he likely wouldn't be relegated for long to a coordinator position.

DUNKING, LEAPING STILL ALLOWED

Several readers have expressed confusion regarding the ability of Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez to dunk the ball over the upright after a touchdown, given the rule against using the ball (see T.O.) or the post (see Mo-Jo Drew) as props.

(One guy who raised the question signed his e-mail message as "Bengals fan who has nothing better to ask after that game.")

Per NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, the dunking over the goalpost routine and the leaping into the stands are still permitted.

"We drew the line there in terms of using props," Aiello said.

NEW TEN-PACK IS UP

Some Internet hack has written a long, boring diatribe for SportingNews.com about ten things that he thinks were interesting about the Week Six action -- and so he presumes that the rest of you might give a crap.

The full article can be read right here.

Topics addressed include why anyone facing Devin Hester should just kick out of bounds (and why no one does it that way), why the Jets should trade Chad Pennington right now, why the Raiders shouldn't trade Andrew Walter, why Jason Garrett might be the coach of the Cowboys next year, and why am I listing them all here when you only need to click on the link and read them for yourself?

BRANDON LLOYD SPECULATES THAT AIKMAN IS GAY

Redskins receiver Brandon Lloyd has some eye-opening comments about former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman during a Monday visit with the Sports Junkies on WJFK in D.C.

"I don't believe Troy Aikman anyway," Lloyd said. "He wasn't man enough to admit his personal life situation when he was a player."

Pressed by the Junkies to clarify his comments, Lloyd tried to backtrack. "I'm speculating," he said, laughing, "just like he speculates."

The full spot is right here.

Later in the spot, Lloyd says that his former teammate, Jeff Garcia, isn't gay.

Lloyd's remarks, which come at about nine minutes and seventeen minutes of the spot, further illustrate how difficult it would be for a guy who comes out of the closet to survive in the locker room.

POSTED 11:53 a.m. EDT, October 15, 2007

GREEN RETIREMENT COMING?

A league insider who has a pretty good feel for the various goings-on around the league (which would justify the moniker of, you know, league insider) recently expressed to us a belief that Dolphins quarterback Trent Green will retire from the NFL either this week or next week.

A decision by Green to retire would be, in our view, the best evidence that he has regained his mental faculties after his second Grade 3 concussion in less than 13 months.

Green, 37, has had a long NFL career, and he should be proud of his accomplishments. Hopefully, he'll be even prouder 37 years from now that he had the foresight to call it quits before getting knocked out cold a third time.

POSTED 9:42 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:19 a.m. EDT, October 15, 2007

BARBER SAYS HE'S NOT BUC BOUND

Buried in the most recent installment of NBC's Football Night in America (and What Is Postseason Baseball, Chopped Liver?) was some actual news.

You might have missed it, especially if you decided to change the channel at some point during the mini-episode of Siskel & Ebert that was sparked by Keith Olbermann's noggin-scratching essay on the Saints that arose from a little known Charlton Heston movie.

But there it was -- Tiki Barber saying that his brother, Ronde, and his mother want the retired Giants tailback to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Tiki saying that he's not gonna do it.

Since they spent (wasted) so much time talking about sports movies, there was no mention of the mechanics that would apply, even if Tiki wanted to come back.

Per league rules, the Giants still hold his rights. They can trade his rights to another team during the 2007 season only through tomorrow, October 16.

Keep in mind, however, that Tiki has until November 30 to unretire and join the Giants. If he does, the Giants presumably would have to decide whether to welcome him back -- or cut him loose.

If Tiki is released, he'd be required to pass through waivers, as are all vested veterans terminated after the trade deadline. So every team, from the worst to the best, would have a chance to claim his contract.

If no one makes a waiver claim, then Tiki would become a free agent.

This issue last arose in 2002, when Deion Sanders was trying to finagle his way to the Raiders a season after he "retired" from the Redskins due in large part to his unwillingness to play for new coach Marty Schottenheimer.

The Redskins released Deion's rights, but the Chargers (who were out of contention for the postseason) submitted a waiver claim and were awarded his rights.

The coach of the Chargers at the time was, you guessed it, Marty Schottenheimer.

Though it's unclear whether anyone other than the Bucs would make a claim for Tiki due to either strategy or spite, the implicit notion that whether Tiki plays for Tampa is a call that Tiki alone can make is flat-out wrong, and NBC would have been providing a far better service to its audience by tackling that issue than by discussing how in the movie Wildcats the skin color of a guy who catches a touchdown pass changes when the camera cuts to a new angle.

CLEARING UP THE RUNOFF RULE

We've gotten a bunch of e-mails from readers who want to know why ten seconds wasn't removed from the game clock in the second quarter of Super Bowl XLI-I/II after the Cowboys were called for a false start.

By rule, a false start that occurs with a running clock and less than 60 seconds to play in the half or in the game results in a five-yard penalty and a removal of ten seconds from the clock.

When it happened to the Cowboys with 59 ticks in quarter two, referee Mike Carey announced the situation via his microphone -- but the 10 seconds never came off of the clock.

Though the situation was not explained by Carey or by the sock puppets (who later in the same drive found time to discuss whether the word "whoops" is sufficiently macho for the sport of football), the Cowboys exercised their option to use a remaining time out in lieu of the ten-second runoff.

The official play-by-play on NFL.com shows that the Cowboys used their second time out of the first half at that point.

So there's the answer. The Cowboys didn't get ten extra seconds that, in the end, they didn't need, since they scored with 51 seconds left in the half.

MONDAY MORNING ONE-PER-CLUB ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Giants CB Sam Madison is tired of hearing that he's lost a step. [Editor's note: How about this? "Everyone else has gained a step."]

Says Falcons RB Warrick Dunn of QB Joey Harrington, "He's played well above what anyone thought he would because of his history."

QB Drew Brees says the Saints can build on last night's win over the Seahawks.

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said after the loss to the Saints, "Our special teams, we have been struggling with that during the season. And if we don't get it fixed, it's not good."

The Jets' defense had no answer for Eagles RB Brian Westbrook.

The son of Buster Ramsey, the Buffalo Bills' first head coach, is sick of seeing his dad characterized as profane, hard-drinking, and racist.

Is 0-16 a real possibility for the Dolphins?

Patriots WR Wes Welker says of QB Tom Brady, "He's been unbelievable -- his preparation, his leadership, everything he does."

Ravens coach Brian Billick loves DT Kelly Gregg.

An hour after FOX showed Bengals LT Levi Jones getting beaten up, CBS showed Jones getting benched.

Browns QB Derek Anderson is making people forget about Brady Quinn.

Some Steelers say they miss LB Joey Porter, but it doesn't show on the field.

Texans backup QB Sage Rosenfels completed 11 of 12 passes in mop-up duty against the Jaguars.

The Jaguars rushed for a season-high 244 yards.

The Colts' schedule won't be easy the next few weeks.

The injury to Titans QB Vince Young does not appear to be serious.

Broncos C Chris Myers says he's ready to step in for the injured Tom Nalen.

Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez has the career touchdown record for tight ends.

RB Dominic Rhodes saw his first action as a Raider Sunday, but his only carry was negated by a holding penalty.

Chargers CB Quentin Jammer changed the momentum of the game with a big tackle Sunday.

The Cowboys committed 12 penalties for 98 yards against the Patriots.

Philadelphia's David Akers just can't kick at the Meadowlands.

Redskins WR Santana Moss took the blame for Sunday's loss to the Packers.

Bears Hall of Famer Gale Sayers thinks Devin Hester is "terrific."

Says Lions special teams coach Stan Kwan of long snapper Don Muhlbach, "What makes Don so good is he's got these loose wrists."

Packers coach Mike McCarthy is coming close to just abandoning the running game.

Vikings K Ryan Longwell tweaked his technique in the off-season and found that it paid off when he hit a 55-yard game winner Sunday.

The Panthers' 37-year-old kicker, John Kasay, likes having 43-year-old QB Vinny Testaverde around.

After improving to 3-0 at home, Bucs CB Ronde Barber said, "I couldn't be happier with our position."

Cardinals CB Rod Hood blew the coverage on Panthers WR Steve Smith's 65-yard touchdown catch Sunday.

QB Gus Frerotte on the Rams' performance: "It makes you sick, it makes you want to throw up."

P Andy Lee is having a great year for the 49ers, in part because the 49ers' offense is giving him so many opportunities to ply his trade.

POSTED 9:23 a.m. EDT, October 15, 2007

WARNER HAS TORN LIGAMENTS IN HIS ELBOW

Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports reports that Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner has torn ligaments in his non-throwing elbow, and that he will miss a protracted period of time.

Per Silver, Warner broke the news to friends and family members in a Sunday night e-mail message.

The veteran graybeard will have an MRI on Monday, and he reportedly wrote in the e-mail that prayer might somehow reconnect the torn ligaments.

Frankly, I've got no remaining patience for these athletes who think that their God-given talents automatically qualify them for miracles that the rest of us don't get. God's will is just that, and His will isn't going to be changed simply because Brenda Warner says "pretty please."

The most common prayer in Christianity is the ultimate proof of this. It's "thy will be done," not "my will be done." And the use of prayer as a vehicle for asking God to do anything other than provide us with the bare necessities of life and the strength to adapt to the changes in our lives that His will brings about is, in my own personal opinion and not the opinion of Football Talk, LLC or its sponsors, a direct contradiction of the way that we were taught to pray by the guy that God sent to teach us stuff like that.

I'm not saying that it's useless to try to persuade God to exercise His will in a manner that meets our own perceived needs and wishes. But should a football player who has already seen more than his own fair share of blessings be asking for God to heal an injury that presents no threat to his life?

In Warner's absence, Tim Rattay likely will continue to start. But the team reportedly will be signing Tim Hasselbeck soon, and he could push Rattay for playing time.

POSTED 9:00 a.m. EDT, October 15, 2007

PETERSON RESTORING HOPE

On a morning that is prompting many Vikings fans to compare the fifth game of the 2007 season to the fifth game of the 1998 season, we think that a little objectivity, reality, and/or cold water is in order.

First, the coming-out party of then-rookie Randy Moss came in a Monday night matchup of two 4-0 teams at Lambeau Field. This time around, the first huge game in the short career of Adrian Peterson (with 224 yards rushing, three touchdowns, 361 all-purpose yards, and a long kickoff return that set up the game-winning field goal) occurred between teams with a combined record of 3-6.

Second, the Vikings' defense is suddenly playing a lot like those units of the late 1990s and early '00s, giving up 31 points to an otherwise lethargic Bears offense.

Third, the win merely pulled the Vikings out of the NFC North cellar, giving them a scant 1/2-game lead over the Bears. Minnesota is still chasing the 5-1 Packers (who vanquished the Vikes in the Metrodome) and the 3-2 Lions (who beat Minny in overtime after Sunday's final hero, Ryan Longwell, shtoinked a potential game-winner at the end of regulation off of an upright).

But there is cause for hope among the fans of a franchise who have experienced an increased sense of hopelessness since Moss was traded out of town more than two years ago. After a string of ugly on-field and off-field incidents, plenty of the most die-hard fans rightly had become numb to the fate of the franchise, with some simply no longer caring whether the team tries to find the path that led the local NBA team out of town many Minneapolis moons ago, the emergence of Peterson as not only the premier member of the 2007 rookie class but as potentially the best running back in the NFL has created a vague feeling that something good could be coming for this franchise.

"Good" is relative, of course. After only one playoff appearance in the six seasons since getting beanstalked by the Giants in the 2000 NFC title game, a wild-card berth might be nice. Or maybe (perish the thought) a first-ever NFC North crown for the team that once ruled the NFC Central.

No good things might come at all this year, given a crippling schedule and a head coach whose overall strategy seems to be "keep it close and hope for the best." Moreover, the injury-prone Peterson could get blown into 10,000 pieces before he ever gets a chance to parlay his potential into a prize of polished silver.

Still, there is hope. For now. And that's something the folks in Minnesota haven't had for a long time.

POSTED 5:02 p.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

WARNER ALREADY HURT

In his first game as the Cardinals' starting quarterback, Kurt Warner has been injured and is out of the game.

As a result, the two quarterbacks currently playing in the game between Arizona and Carolina were unemployed last week at this time -- Tim Rattay for the Cardinals and Vinny Testaverde for the Panthers.

It's a good thing that no one is paying attention to this game.

POSTED 4:14 p.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

EPIC GAME IN CHICAGO

The Bears have roared back from a 14-point deficit to tie the Vikings at 31 all with less than two minutes to play.

The game-knotter came on a bomb from Brian Griese to Devin Hester. Griese had Brady-esque time as he set up to throw the long ball to Hester.

Meanwhile, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson responded by taking the ensuing kickoff all the way to the Bears' 38 yard line.

POSTED 3:59 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 4:05 p.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

PETERSON IS UNSTOPPABLE

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has set the franchise single-game rushing record of 231 yards during a Sunday romp over the Bears at Soldier Field.

Peterson's 231 yards on the ground is also only 20 yards short of Mike Anderson's rookie record.

The win over Chicago will move the Vikings to 2-3. They travel next week to Dallas.

UPDATE: Hold the phone. Trailing 31-17, the Bears scored a touchdown with 2:36 to play, cutting the margin to seven. With another long run, Peterson could set the all-time single-game rushing record.

SECOND UPDATE: The Bears inexplicably tried an onside kick, showing no faith in their defense's ability to stop the Vikings.

POSTED 3:54 p.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

ANOTHER RECORD FOR LORD FAVRE

Well, it's finally happened.

Packers quarterback Brett Favre, two weeks after setting the all-time record for passing touchdowns in Minnesota, has broken the all-time interception record at Lambeau Field.

Hooray?

Though we've poked plenty of fun at Favre over the years, the fact that he has established this record is further proof of his amazing durability.

POSTED 3:21 p.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

PETERSON CARRYING THE VIKES

With a passing game that is a far cry from the "Three Deep" attack of nine years ago, the Minnesota Vikings have wisely realized that the best way to complement a solid defense is by riding rookie running back Adrian Peterson.

Peterson has busted off two long touchdown runs (67 yards and 73 yards) to give the Vikes a 21-14 lead late in the third quarter.

He has 176 yards on only eleven carries. For the season, he has 556 yards in less than five full games.

POSTED 2:56 p.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

UNCLE RICO GETS HURT

Titans quarterback Vince Young has left his team's game at Tampa Bay with a leg injury.

Young apparently pulled a quadriceps muscle while running out of bounds during a third-quarter drive. His return reportedly is probable.

Kerry Collins has taken Young's place in the 3-3 defensive struggle.

POSTED 1:32 p.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

HESTER TO THE HOUSE

Memo to all NFL coaches. Except Bears coach Lovie Smith.

Do not kick to Devin Hester.

Pinned near his own ten at the left side of the field with a first-quarter punt, Hester navigated a sea of purple and white as he moved to the right side of the field and ultimately sailed free to the end zone.

Bears lead, 7-0.

POSTED 12:55 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 2:08 p.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

FOX HAS TAPE OF PORTER-JONES FIGHT

Though the whole thing happened several months ago, no one previously had obtained a copy of the surveillance tape of the fight between Fins linebacker Joey Porter (and others) and Bengals left tackle Levi Jones.

Porter and several others jumped Jones at a blackjack table at a Las Vegas casino.

Glazer, who exclusively obtained a copy of the tape, reports that Jones might be filing suit against Porter, who told Glazer that it's "old news."

But it isn't. Jones still has plenty of time to file a legal action, and his lawyer only obtained the surveillance tape recently. With every state have clear laws imposing liability on someone who beats up another person, Porter will easily be responsible for any actual damages suffered by Jones (including compensation for pain and suffering) and an award of punitive damages aimed at deterring folks like Porter from engaging in this kind of conduct.

Though Porter received a fine in the amount of three game checks after pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery charges, how in the world was the guy not suspended by the NFL?

As we've previously suggested, Porter might have avoided a suspension because the Fins gave up a home game for the league's effort to export the game to other countries.

Regardless, we think a suspension was in order in this case.

LATE INJURY STUFF

Though we would have liked to get this info up before the early games, not only fantasy goobers (like yours truly) are interested in the status of players.

Per ESPN's Chris Mortensen, running back Rudi Johnson is active for the Bengals in Kansas City, but Kenny Watson gets the start. Mort also says that tailback Fred Taylor will start for the Jags, and that running back Brian Westbrook, tight end L.J. Smith, and left tackle William Thomas are back for the Eagles.

Also, early inactives (per our friends at NFL.com) include Eagles safety Brian Dawkins, Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher, Redskins linebacker Marcus Washington.

NFL.com also reports that Kyle Boller will start at quarterback for the Ravens, Baltimore cornerback Samari Rolle is back from an undisclosed illness, Packers receiver Greg Jennings (shoulder) was active and starting, Chiefs receiver Eddie Kennison is out, Rams wideouts Isaac Bruce, Dante Hall, and Dane Looker are all inactive.

POSTED 12:36 p.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

CAMERON MIGHT NOT LET GREEN COME BACK

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that a "decision on retirement is near" for Dolphins quarterback Trent Green.

Green suffered a Grade 3 concussion last week while delivering a low blow to Texans defensive tackle Travis Johnson. It was Green's second knock-out blow in 13 months.

But while Green, who says that initial neurological tests are encouraging, might ultimately choose to give it a go, Miami coach Cam Cameron might not let him.

Per Mort, Cameron is hesitant, and he plans to leave the game of football "with a clear conscience."

Kudos to Cameron for having integrity. Though it might prevent him from winning many Super Bowls, it is a trait that is all too rare today in pro sports.

POSTED 12:18 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 1:08 p.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

GLAZER HAS ANOTHER TAPE

Check out the FOX pregame show at 12:30 p.m. EDT or so.

Yes, Jay Glazer has another tape.

Last time around, Glazer had the video that was confiscated from the Pats on September 9. The disclosure prompted an in-house investigation by the league as to how it was leaked.

Maybe the new tape is a tape of the guy leaking the last tape to Glazer.

LEINART NOT HAPPY WITH IR DESIGNATION

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart was not pleased with the decision of the team to place him on injured reserve after he suffered a broken collarbone last Sunday.

Per Mort, Leinart wanted to return to action once the bone healed.

In our view, Leinart likely was hoping to meet the play-time trigger in his contract for his big-money back-end incentives. Now, there will be more pressure on him to stay healthy and effective in future years.

MORE FUN WITH EMMITT

It's Sunday, and that means it's two more days of ESPN's Emmitt Smith saying goofy stuff.

For starters, he said (in reference to the New England Patriots) that "the Paints" have an "arrow of invincibility."

Later, Emmitt stammered through this one: "Vikings running back Adrian Peterson who rushed for over 300 ya-- over 100 yards in three of his last games."

UPDATE: Emmitt stole Steve Young's reference to the Packers as "leaking oil," with a demeanor from Emmitt suggesting that it was all his own.

SECOND UPDATE: "T.O. just do not draw the double team."

THIRD UPDATE: On the Jets' quarterback situation, Emmitt said, "Until they change quarterbacks for the Jets, I am not believing in Chad Pennington." So, Emmitt, once Pennington is benched, he's your guy?

FOURTH UPDATE: Emmitt says that the Cowboys "are not that deep in depth" on defense.

POSTED 11:49 a.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

T.O. CLOSE TO IMPLOSION?

Ed Werder of ESPN reports that Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens "has a lot on the line from an ego standpoint today," given that he's up against Pats receiver Randy Moss.

As one player told Werder, "If it doesn't happen for him today, look out."

Werder also reports that Owens criticized quarterback Tony Romo as much as he encouraged him during Monday night's nightmare against the Bills.

Just another intriguing subplot for Super Bowl XLII-I/II.

POSTED 10:59 a.m. EDT, October 14, 2007

MARONEY OUT VS. COWBOYS by Michael David Smith

Although the official word out of Patriots camp is that he's a game-time decision, it looks like running back Laurence Maroney will miss his third straight game with a groin injury.

John Tomase of the Boston Herald reports that although Maroney made the trip to Dallas with the Patriots, he will not play.

That means there's just a little less star power today for today's match-up between the undefeated Cowboys and the undefeated Patriots, also known as Super Bowl XLI-I/II. Still, in Sammy Morris, the Patriots have a backup who has had back-to-back 100-yard games in Maroney's absence.

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