NFL 2008 RSS
NFC OFFENSE: QB DREW BREES, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
For the month of September 2008, Drew Brees led the NFC in attempts (148), completions (107), completion
percentage (72.3 percent), yards (1,343), average gain (9.07), passer rating (106.9) and tied for first in
touchdowns (8).
During September 2008, Saints Quarterback Drew Brees averaged 335.7 passing yards per game, putting him on
pace to set the single-season NFL record.
The eight-year veteran posted a passer rating of 100.0+ in three of the month’s four games and recorded three
300-yard games. He had 11 completions of at least 25 yards, including four of more than 50 yards.
Since joining the Saints in 2006, Brees has passed for 10,184 yards, the most in the NFL.
In his eighth season from Purdue, this is Drew Brees’ first career Player of the Month Award. He joins BOBBY
HEBERT (October 1989) as the only quarterbacks in Saints franchise history to be honored. The last Saint to win
offensive honors was running back DEUCE MC ALLISTER (October 2002).
AFC OFFENSE: QB JAY CUTLER, DENVER BRONCOS
The leader of the NFL’s top-ranked offense, Jay Cutler ranks first in the AFC in passing yards (1,275) and
completions (102) as the Denver Broncos posted a 3-1 record in September.
For the month of September 2008,
Broncos QB Jay Cutler directed an offense that averaged an NFL-best 435.5 yards per game, while scoring an NFL 2008
league-high 126 points. He has completed 65.0 percent of his 157 attempts with nine touchdowns versus four
interceptions and a 98.6 passer rating. His three 300-yards plus passing games were the most by an AFC player
for the month and tied for the most in the NFL (DREW BREES and TONY ROMO, 3).
In his third season from Vanderbilt, this is Cutler’s first career Player of the Month Award. Cutler joins
JOHN ELWAY (October 1996 and November 1997) and BRIAN GRIESE (September 2001) as the third Broncos quarterback
to win Offensive Player of the Month.
AFC DEFENSE: DT ALBERT HAYNESWORTH, TENNESSEE TITANS
For the undefeated Titans, Haynesworth has been a disruptive force up front for a defense that ranks first in
the NFL in points per game allowed (11.5 average) and takeaways (12).
The 6-6, 320-pound defensive tackle has at least one sack in three of his team’s first four games and ranks
second in the AFC and first among NFL defensive tackles with five sacks.
In NFL 2008 Week 4 (9/28), against Minnesota,
Haynesworth registered seven tackles with two sacks as he helped limit the Vikings rushing attack to 80 total
rushing yards. His five sacks in 2008 are second only to his six-sack total of 2007.
In his seventh year from Tennessee, this is Haynesworth’s first Player of the Month Award. He joins defensive
end JEVON KEARSE (1999) as the only defensive player to win the award since the franchise moved to Tennessee in
1997 and is the first defensive tackle to win the award in franchise history.
NFC DEFENSE: CB CHARLES WOODSON, GREEN BAY PACKERS
Charles Woodson tied for the NFC lead with three interceptions and had an NFL-best two interception-return
touchdowns during September. All three of his interceptions came in the fourth quarter and each one resulted
in a Packers’ touchdown.
Against the Detroit Lion in NFL 2008 Week 2, Woodson sealed the victory with a pair of fourth-quarter
interceptions, including one he returned 41 yards for a score.
In NFL 2008 Week 4, the 11-year veteran had a 62-yard interception-return touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccanners
to give the Green Bay Packers a fourth-quarter lead.
In his 11th year from Michigan, this is Woodson’s first career Player of the Month Award. He is the second
consecutive Packer to be honored on defense (ATARI BIGBY, December 2007) and the first cornerback in franchise
history to win the award. Bigby and Woodson are the only Packers defensive backs to be honored.
AFC SPECIAL TEAMS: KR-RB DARREN SPROLES, SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
A major contributor for the Chargers' special team units, Darren Sproles totaled 453 yards (32.4 average) on
14 kick returns, including a kick return-touchdown. His 32.4 kick return average ranks second in the NFL.
In NFL 2008 Week 2 against the Denver Broncos (9/14), Sproles tied a San Diego Chargers team record with a 103-yard kickoff return-touchdown, and
he is one of two players in the NFL with a kick return-touchdown through Week 4 (Dallas, FELIX JONES, 1 KR-TD).
The Kansas native also has totaled 106 rushing yards on 20 carries (5.3 average) and five receptions for 116
receiving yards (23.2 average) with one touchdown.
In his fourth year from Kansas State, this is Sproles’ first Player of the Month Award. Sproles is the first
San Diego Chargers player to win Special Teams Player of the Month since kick returner RONNEY JENKINS (October
2001).
NFC SPECIAL TEAMS: P SAV ROCCA, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
In his second NFL season with the Eagles after a career in the Australian Football League, Rocca led the NFL
in September with a 44.1 yards per punt net average, including punts of 65, 64 and 61 yards.
Rocca placed seven of his 18 punts inside the 20-yard line and limited opponents to nine returns for 15 yards
(1.7 average).
In all four of Philadelphia’s games during the month, Rocca posted a net average of at least 42.0 yards per
punt, including a 48.0 mark in NFL 2008 Week 2 versus the Dallas Cowboys.
In his second NFL season, this is Rocca’s first career Player of the Month Award. He is the first Eagles
punter to win the award and joins kicker DAVID AKERS as the only players in franchise history to be honored
on special teams.
The last punter to win Special Teams Player of the Month was Buffalo’s BRIAN MOORMAN (November 2006).
Johnson & Horton Named NFL 2008 Rookies of the Month for September 2008.
Running back CHRIS JOHNSON of the Tennessee Titans and safety CHRIS HORTON of the Washington Redskins are the NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Month for September, the NFL announced today.
OFFENSE: RB CHRIS JOHNSON, TENNESSEE TITANS
A first-round pick (No. 24 overall) from East Carolina, Johnson ranks second in the AFC with 337 rushing
yards and has played a pivotal role in Tennessee’s 4-0 record in September.
For the month of September 2008, Johnson totaled 67 carries and averaged 5.0 yards per carry. He rushed for
two touchdowns and hauled in 10 receptions for 65 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown catch in the month.
The 5-11, 200-pound running back ranks second in the AFC with 402 yards from scrimmage. Johnson is averaging
84.2 rush yards per game and posted his first career 100-yard rushing game in NFL 2008 Week 2 against the
Cincinnati Bengals (109 yards).
He is on pace (1,348) to become the first Tennessee Titans rookie running back since EDDIE GEORGE (1,368 in
1996) to gain 1,000 rushing yards.
Johnson is the first Titans player to earn Offensive Rookie of the Month honors since George collected the
award in September of 1996.
DEFENSE: S CHRIS HORTON, WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Horton, a seventh-round selection (No. 249 overall) from UCLA, made an immediate impact in his first month,
tying for the NFC lead with three interceptions.
Making his first start in NFL 2008 Week 2 against New Orleans, his hometown team, Horton earned NFC Defensive
Player of the Week honors by notching two interceptions and a fumble recovery to become the first Redskins rookie
with two interceptions and a fumble recovery in a game since BRIG OWENS on November 27, 1966.
For the month, Horton recorded three interceptions and a fumble recovery, becoming the first rookie since
1982 (ANDRE YOUNG) to post four takeaways in his first four games.
Horton is the first Redskins player to earn Defensive Rookie of the Month honors since cornerback FRED
SMOOT collected the award in September of 2001.
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RELATED: NFL 2008 Week 6
"We still have a chance to go 4-12," says Titans linebacker KEITH BULLUCK.
Another team – that other club in New York, the Super Bowl champion Giants who were quiet in their bye week while BRETT FAVRE was throwing six touchdown passes -- will look to up their record to 4-0 for the first time since 1990.
NFL 2008 Week 4: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
AFC & NFC Players of the Week - Jets QB Brett Favre AFC Player of the Week For 6 TD Passes Against Cardinals
Quarterback BRETT FAVRE of the New York Jets, linebacker DERRICK JOHNSON of the Kansas City Chiefs and kicker
JEFF REED of the Pittsburgh Steelers are the Week 4 AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for
games played the fourth week of the NFL 2008 season (September 28-29)
Quarterback JAKE DELHOMME of the Carolina Panthers and linebacker DERRICK BROOKS and kicker MATT BRYANT of the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the Week 4 NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the fourth week of the NFL 2008 season (September 28-29)
NFL 2008 Week 4:
The Pressure is Already On with Big Division Matchups & Old Rivalries
In the National Football League, whether it is Week 4, like this week, or
Week 14 of the NFL 2008 season, the pressure is always on.
Sure, you’d rather be undefeated – as six NFL teams are – or at least have a winning record as the last
weekend of September looms.
But all those teams on the downside of the won-loss ledger should remind themselves of the
2007 San Diego Chargers.
The Chargers began last season at 1-3, won their final six games then took an 11-5 record into the
playoffs, advancing all the way to the AFC Championship Game.
"It doesn’t matter whether you’re the favorite now or the least favorite," says quarterback TONY ROMO of the 3-0 Dallas Cowboys. "The reality of it is you’ve got to keep playing games. You’re not trying to be the favorite now, you’re trying to be the favorite at the end of the year."
NFL 2008 Week 3: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
RB Michael Turner of the Falcons Earns 2nd Player of Week Honor in Young Season
Running back MICHAEL TURNER of the Atlanta Falcons, safety BRIAN DAWKINS of the Philadelphia Eagles and kicker
JOHN CARNEY of the New York Giants are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for
games played the third week of the NFL 2008 season (September 21-22).
Running back RONNIE BROWN of the Miami Dolphins, cornerback ANTONIO CROMARTIE of the San Diego Chargers and kicker JOSH SCOBEE of the Jacksonville Jaguars are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the third week of the NFL 2008 season (September 21-22).
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Kurt Warner QB, Arizona Cardinals
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NFL 2008 Week 3: Fall's Coming Up & the NFL is Heating Up!
NFL 2008 WEEK 3 TOPS OFF WITH ROMO VS. RODGERS, FAVRE VS. RIVERS
Great way to start. Great way to come back.
That easily summarizes developments in the NFL so far this NFL 2008 Season that have already packed a season's worth of
surprise and suspense into the league’s first two weeks. As autumn looms on Monday, who can imagine what's in store?
Look at things so far.
Three of the 2-0 teams (Buffalo, Carolina and Denver) won only seven games apiece last year. So things are looking up for them.
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But, hold on. Just look at last year. The Giants started 0-2
and won the Super Bowl. The Chargers began 1-3 and reached the AFC Championship Game. It’s two weeks down –
and a long way to go!
NFL 2008 Week 2: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
Saint Louis Rams QB Kurt Warner named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his perfect performance
In the NFC, Quarterback KURT WARNER of the Arizona Cardinals, safety CHRIS HORTON of the Washington Redskins
and kick returner-running back FELIX JONES of the Dallas Cowboys are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special
Teams Players of the Week for games played the second week of the NFL 2008 season.
Wide receiver BRANDON MARSHALL of the Denver Broncos, safety TROY POLAMALU of the Pittsburgh Steelers and
linebacker KEITH BULLUCK of the Tennessee Titans are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of
the Week for games played the second week of the 2008 NFL season (September 14-15).
NFL 2008 Week 2: Big Division Games Highlight Week 2
It's only Week 2 of the 2008 NFL season & already "big games" is a term that will be heard repeatedly.
On top of them being key division games, the matchups have intriguing storylines as well. It is only Week 2
of the 2008 NFL season and already "big games" are on tap.
"It's a rival game every time we play in our division," says linebacker BRADIE JAMES of the Dallas Cowboys,
who play NFC East foe Philadelphia on Monday night. "Everybody approaches it like it's a playoff game."
So after a Kickoff week that saw such thrills as a TD on a first pass (Atlanta rookie MATT RYAN on his first
NFL attempt) and one on a last pass (by Carolina quarterback JAKE DELHOMME to win a game with no time left),
here comes Week 2 of what promises to be another memorable NFL season.
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Willie Parker of the Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC Offensive Player of the Week
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NFL 2008 Week 1: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
Willie Parker, Cortland Finnegan, Roscoe Parrish, Michael Turner, Adewale Ogunleye & Will Blackmon
Running back Willie Parker of the Pittsburgh Steelers, cornerback Cortland Finnegan of the Tennessee Titans
and wide receiver - punt returner Roscoe Parrish of the Buffalo Bills are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played on NFL Kickoff 2008 Weekend.
In the NFC, Running back Michael Turner of the Atlanta Falcons, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye of the Chicago Bears and punt returner - kick returner Will Blackmon
of the Green Bay Packers are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games
played on NFL 2008 Opening 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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