NFL 2008 RSS
Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC Player of the Week - Offense)
In a 38-17 win over the Texans on Kickoff Weekend, Steeler Running Back Willie Parker rushed for
138 yards (5.5 avg.) on 25 attempts and tied a franchise record with three rushing touchdowns in his first
game back since suffering a broken leg in Week 16 last season against the St. Louis Rams (12/20/07).
Parker scored on runs of 7, 13 and 4 yards and became the first Pittsburgh Steeler running back to reach the
end zone three times since JEROME BETTIS (1/1/06). The former undrafted free agent posted 100 rushing yards for
the fourth time of his career on opening day as he helped the Steelers win their sixth consecutive on Kickoff
Weekend.
Parker’s 138 rushing yards in Week 1 led the AFC and ranked second in the NFL (MICHAEL TURNER, 220 yards).
In his fifth season from North Carolina, this is Parker’s third career Player of the Week Award. Parker
last won the award in Week 10 of 2006.
Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans (AFC Player of the Week - Defense)
Entering his second season as a full-time starter, Finnegan registered a career-high two interceptions and
seven tackles as the Titans defeated the Jaguars 17-10 for their second consecutive win on Kickoff Weekend.
In a key AFC South match-up, Finnegan picked off Jaguars’ quarterback DAVID GARRARD twice in the second
half and helped the Titans limit Jacksonville to 189 total yards. The former seventh-round selection posted
his first interception in the third quarter while wrestling the ball away from Jacksonville wide receiver TROY
WILLIAMSON, and his second interception came midway through the fourth quarter on the Titans’ 43-yard line.
Finnegan led the NFL with two interceptions on Kickoff Weekend.
In his third year from Samford, this is Finnegan’s first career Player of the Week Award. The last
Tennessee player to be named AFC Defensive Player of the Week was linebacker KEITH BULLUCK in 2007 (Week 3).
Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills (AFC Player of the Week - Special Teams)
Roscoe Parrish, who led the NFL with a 16.3 punt return average last season, is off to a fast start in
2008. The 5-9, 168-pound returner totaled a franchise record 120 punt return yards (20.0 avg.) on six
returns, including a second quarter 63-yard Punt Return TD en route to a 34-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks
on Kickoff Weekend.
His Punt Return TD was the third of his career, and he became the first player in NFL history with a punt return
touchdown in consecutive season openers. Parrish also tied the franchise record for most career punt return
touchdowns (KEITH MOODY, 3) and surpassed JEFF BURRIS (1,045) for most career punt return yards in Bills
history with 1,110.
In his fourth season from Miami (Florida), this is Parrish’s second career Player of the Week Award. He
previously won the award in 2006 (Week 12). The last Buffalo player to win Special Teams Player of the
Week was K RIAN LINDELL in 2007.
Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons (NFC Player of the Week - Offense)
In his first game with the Atlanta Falcons, Michael Turner set a franchise record with 220 rushing yards
(GERALD RIGGS, 202 yards, September 2, 1984) in the Falcons’ 34-21 victory over the Detroit Lions. Turner’s 220
rushing yards were the most in NFL history by a player in his first game with a team and the second-highest
total on Kickoff Weekend in league history (Pro Football Hall of Famer O.J SIMPSON, 250 yards, September 16,
1973).
The five-year veteran, who signed with Atlanta as an unrestricted free agent after serving as a back-up to
San Diego’s LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON, scored a career-high two touchdowns on the day, including a 66-yard score.
Michael Turner carried the ball 22 times and averaged 10.0 yards per attempt. The Falcons finished with a
team-record 318 rushing yards for the game.
In his fifth season from Northern Illinois, this is Michael Turner’s first career NFL Player of the Week
Award. He is the first Falcons running back to win the award since WARRICK DUNN in 2003 (Week 10). The
last Atlanta player to be named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Kickoff Weekend was Riggs in 1984, when
he rushed for a then-team record 202 yards.
Adewale Ogunleye, Chicago Bears (NFC Player of the Week - Defense)
Adewale Ogunleye had six tackles, including three for losses, one which resulted in a safety in the Chicago Bears’
29-13 victory at Indianapolis on Sunday night in a rematch of Super Bowl XLI. In the first game at Lucas Oil Stadium,
the Bears handed the Indianapolis Colts their first September loss since 2004. In the second quarter, with Chicago
ahead 10-6, Ogunleye extended the lead by tackling the Indianapolis running back in the end zone for a safety.
For the game, the Chicago Bears held the Indianapolis Colts to 293 total yards. In addition to the safety,
Chicago’s defense scored when cornerback CHARLES TILLMAN forced a fumble that linebacker LANCE BRIGGS returned
for a touchdown.
In his eighth year from Indiana, this is Ogunleye’s third career Player of the Week Award. Ogunleye won
the award twice with the Miami Dolphins (Week 11, 2002 and Week 3, 2003). The last Bear to be named NFC
Defensive Player of the Week on Kickoff Weekend was Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle DAN HAMPTON in
1989.
Will Blackmon, Green Bay Packers (NFC Player of the Week - Special Teams)
With the Green Bay Packers ahead 10-6 in the third quarter, Will Blackmon increased the lead with a 76-yard
punt-return touchdown in Green Bay’s 24-19 victory on Monday night over the division-rival Minnesota Vikings.
For the game, Will Blackmon averaged 26.0 yards per punt return (three returns, 78 yards) and 23.0 yards per
kickoff return (three returns, 69 yards). The touchdown was the third of his career and his second on a punt
return.
Blackmon’s previous two touchdowns came last year versus Oakland (December 9, 2007) when he recovered a
fumble in the end zone and returned a punt 57 yards for a score.
In his third season from Boston College, this is Will Blackmon’s second career Player of the Week Award. He
was honored in Week 14 of last year for his two-touchdown performance against Oakland.
Other nominees for NFC Offensive Player of the Week NFL 2008 Week 1
New Orleans quarterback DREW BREES, who completed 23 of 32 passes (71.9 percent) for 343 yards with three touchdowns and one interception for a 124.9 passer rating in the Saints’ 24-20 win versus Tampa Bay.
New York Giants wide receiver PLAXICO BURRESS, who had 10 receptions for 133 yards in the Giants’ 16-7 win over Washington.
New Orleans running back REGGIE BUSH, who compiled 163 scrimmage yards, including eight catches for 112 yards and a 42-yard game-winning touchdown.
Carolina quarterback JAKE DELHOMME, who completed 23 of 41 passes (56.1 percent) for 247 yards and threw a game-winning 14-yard touchdown as time expired in the Panthers’ 26-24 win at San Diego.
Chicago rookie running back MATT FORTÉ, who rushed 23 times for 123 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown.
Arizona running back EDGERRIN JAMES, who rushed for 100 yards in the Cardinals’ 23-13 win at San Francisco.
Philadelphia quarterback DONOVAN MC NABB, who completed 21 of 33 passes (63.6 percent) for 361 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions for a 131.0 passer rating in the Eagles’ 38-3 win against St. Louis.
Green Bay quarterback AARON RODGERS, who completed 18 of 22 passes (81.8 percent) for 178 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions for a 115.5 passer rating in his first career NFL start. Rodgers added 35 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Dallas quarterback TONY ROMO, who completed 24 of 32 passes (75.0 percent) for 320 yards with one touchdown and one interception for a 103.6 passer rating in the Cowboys’ 28-10 win at Cleveland.
Carolina tight end DANTE ROSARIO, who had a career-high seven catches and 96 yards, including a 14-yard game-winning touchdown as time expired.
Other nominees for NFC Defensive Player of the Week NFL 2008 Week 1
Atlanta defensive end JOHN ABRAHAM, who had four tackles and three sacks, the fourth time in his career he has recorded at least three sacks in a game.
Philadelphia linebacker STEWART BRADLEY, who had a team-high 13 tackles, including a sack.
Tampa Bay cornerback PHILLIP BUCHANON, who had five tackles and returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown.
New Orleans linebacker SCOTT FUJITA, who had 10 tackles and sealed the Saints’ victory with an interception with 44 seconds remaining.
Arizona defensive end TRAVIS LA BOY, who had five tackles, two sacks, a tackle-for-loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
New York Giants defensive end JUSTIN TUCK, who recorded six tackles and a sack.
Other nominees for NFC Special Teams Player of the Week NFL 2008 Week 1
Tampa Bay punter JOSH BIDWELL, who had a net punting average of 40.4 yards and placed four punts inside the 20-yard line.
New York Giants kicker JOHN CARNEY, who converted all three field-goal attempts (24, 25, 47 yards) and a PAT.
Philadelphia rookie punt returner DE SEAN JACKSON, who averaged 12.1 yards-per-return (8 returns, 97 yards), including a long of 60 yards.
Carolina kicker JOHN KASAY, who was four-of-four on field-goal attempts (44, 33, 30, 49 yards) and connected on both PATs.
Philadelphia punter SAV ROCCA, who placed three of his four punts inside the 20-yard line.
Other nominees for AFC Offensive Player of the Week NFL 2008 Week 1
Denver quarterback JAY CUTLER, who completed 16 of 24 passes (66.7 pct.) for 299 yards with two touchdowns and a 137.3 passer rating in a 41-14 over the Raiders.
New York quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who completed 15 of 22 passes (68.2 pct.) for 194 yards with two touchdowns and a 125.9 passer rating in a 20-14 win against Miami.
Baltimore rookie quarterback JOE FLACCO, who completed 15 of 29 passes (51.7 pct.) for 129 yards in his NFL debut as the Ravens defeated the Bengals 17-10.
New York running back THOMAS JONES, who gained 101 yards (4.6 avg.) on 22 carries with one touchdown.
Denver rookie wide receiver EDDIE ROYAL, who posted nine receptions for 146 yards (16.2 avg.) with one touchdown.
Other nominees for AFC Defensive Player of the Week NFL 2008 Week 1
Tennessee defensive tackle TONY BROWN, who had a career-high two sacks and four tackles.
New York defensive end SHAUN ELLIS, who posted four tackles and one sack.
Pittsburgh linebacker JAMES HARRISON, who had a team-high eight tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble.
Tennessee defensive tackle ALBERT HAYNESWORTH, who had a four tackles and two sacks.
Baltimore linebacker RAY LEWIS, who posted a team-high 11 tackles and one forced fumble.
New York rookie cornerback DWIGHT LOWERY, who recorded four tackles and three passes defensed.
New York linebacker CALVIN PACE, who tallied four tackles and one sack.
Buffalo defensive end AARON SCHOBEL, who posted four tackles and one sack.
Buffalo defensive tackle MARCUS STROUD, posted a half sack and six tackles.
New York linebacker BRYAN THOMAS, who registered two tackles and two sacks.
Denver linebacker NATE WEBSTER, who had a team-high 11 tackles.
Pittsburgh linebacker LA MARR WOODLEY, who had had two tackles, one sack, one interception and one fumble recovery.
Other nominees for AFC Special Teams Player of the Week NFL 2008 Week 1
Buffalo punter BRIAN MOORMAN, who punted nine times for 419 yards (46.6 avg.) and recorded a 19-yard touchdown pass.
Denver kicker MATT PRATER, who connected on two field goal attempts (29, 43) and all five extra points.
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RELATED: NFL 2008 Week 1 - NFL Kickoff Weekend
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Adrian Peterson, NFL Rookie of the Year & Pro Bowl MVP
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NFL 2008
Rookie of the Year & Pro Bowl MVP Adrian Peterson Ready to Pick Up Where He Left Off
2008 NFL Football Player Profile: Adrian Peterson Running Back Minnesota Vikings
During the NFL 2007 Regular season, Minnesota Vikings rookie sensation ADRIAN PETERSON ranked second in the NFL (and first in the NFC) with
1,341 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, carried the ball 238 times and led the league rushing for 95.8
yards per game.
Adrian Peterson also rushed for 296 yards rushing against the San Diego Chargers (November 4, 2007), setting
the single-game rushing record. Peterson also made 19 receptions for 268 yards including a 60 yard touchdown,
and amassed 2,021 combined net yards.
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NFL 2008: Chargers' Running Back La Dainian Tomlinson Closes in On Records
2008 NFL Football Player Profile: La Dainian Tomlinson Running Back San Diego Chargers
In 2008, San Diego Chargers running back La Dainian Tomlinson can pass Pro Football Hall of Famer ERIC
DICKERSON and become the only player in history to begin a career with eight consecutive 1,200-yard rushing
seasons. Tomlinson can also extend his streak of consecutive seasons to start a career with at least 10 rushing
touchdowns to eight. With nine rushing touchdowns, Tomlinson (currently 115) will pass Pro Football Hall of Famer MARCUS ALLEN
(123) to move into second place all-time.
Atlanta Falcons running back MICHAEL TURNER, who served as Tomlinson’s understudy for four seasons in San Diego, observed Tomlinson’s attributes firsthand.
NFL 2008 Quarterbacks Review & Preview
Last Season 7 QBs threw for 4,000 yards, the most ever in a single season
The NFL has a long history of excellence at the quarterback position, but the recent influx of poised
and accurate passers has been steady and remarkable. Coaches’ schemes continue to grow more
and more complex, taking advantage of the unique talents of today’s QBs. Last season Seven quarterbacks threw
for 4,000 yards, the most ever in a single season; PEYTON MANNING continued to rise to the top of
the NFL’s record books; Tom Brady was named the 2007 AP NFL MVP after a record-shattering regular season
who set or tied nine NFL records; and Eli Manning took charge and marched the Giants to Super Bowl Victory and
was named Super Bowl XLII MVP.
NFL 2008: Peyton Manning Colts QB Continues Rising to Top of NFL Record Books
Peyton Manning can become 1st to throw 25 TDs 11 years in a row & pass for 4,000 yards in 9 different seasons.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING continues to rise to the top of
the NFL’s record books. In 2008, Manning can become the first QB in NFL annals to
throw 25 touchdowns in 11 years in a row as well as become the first to pass for 4,000
yards in nine different seasons. Manning’s success has been attributed to his superior
work ethic, preparation, focus, dedication and competitive spirit.
NFL 2008 Kickoff & Punt Returners: Thank Devin For Many Happy Returns
Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears is Widely Considered the King of Return Specialists
With six combined kick-return touchdowns in 2007 (four punt and two kickoff), Chicago’s DEVIN HESTER -- a Pro Bowl All-Star in each of his two NFL seasons -- is widely considered the
king of the return specialists. But there are several worthy adversaries to his throne. Though Hester’s kick-return touchdown total set an NFL record, he led in neither kickoff nor
punt return average.
NFL 2008: Double Trouble Running Backs & Big Play Excitement Wide Receivers
Momentum comes in the form of a big play in the running or passing game.
Double-Trouble Running Backs seem to be all over the NFL. Guys like La Dainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook,
Joseph Addai and others. These are the running backs that can hurt you two ways: rushing or catching the ball.
Wide Receivers such as Torry Holt and Braylon Edwards produce momentum-changing exhilaration from their
teammates and the crowd.
NFL 2008: Active Streaks & Individual Accomplishments on the Horizon
Patriots & Colts Active Win Streaks; Peyton Manning & La Dainian Tomlinson Headline Individual Accomplishments
The National Football League's 2008 Season should be a year full of major individual and team record-breaking
performances. The New England Patriots look to continue building upon their regular season all-time winning streak
while the Indianapolis Colts are on track to extend their consecutive 12 or victories per season to six. Peyton Manning and La Dainian Tomlinson continue to expand on their Hall of Fame in the making individual
performances. Plus other NFL Players are likely to set or build upon great individual accomplishments.
NFL 2008 Running Backs: Tandem Backfields - Good Things Come in Pairs
Last season, 12 clubs boasted 2 running backs with at least 500 rushing yards apiece, including 5 playoff teams
"Tandem" backfields continue to grow! Last season, 12 clubs boasted two running backs with at least 500 rushing yards apiece, including five
playoff teams – the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks.
Additionally, the Super Bowl XLII champion Giants became the fifth Super Bowl winning team since 2000 to feature
two running backs with more than 500 rushing yards each (2006 Colts, 2003 Patriots, 2002 Buccaneers, 2000 Ravens).
In the eight prior seasons, only one such team won the coveted Lombardi Trophy (1996 Packers)
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