NFL 2008 RSS
"It’s a great way to start the season," says wide receiver LARRY FITZGERALD of the 2-0 Arizona Cardinals.
"But it would be a lot better to be 3-0. That’s where my mind-frame is."
If there have been great starts to the season, there have also been great comebacks. Just look at Week 2.
Three teams – Carolina, Indianapolis and San Francisco -- overcame deficits of at least 14 points to win –
the first time that many teams have done so since Week 13 of 2006. "You have to continue to fight and continue
to battle," says Indianapolis head coach TONY DUNGY. "That’s the way a lot of NFL games are."
So let’s see what’s in store for Week 3. Five games – but far from the only ones – that should provide some
fireworks.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-0) at WASHINGTON REDSKINS (1-1)
STORYLINE: Veteran quarterback, young quarterback – both adapting well.
And it has produced the kind of results they’ll want to continue this week.
Of course, Cardinals QB KURT WARNER – in his 11th NFL season – has seen it all and knows that each game can
call for different tactics. In Week 1 against San Francisco, it was mostly a stay-on-the-ground second half to
preserve a 23-13 win. Last Sunday, he brought out the cannons against Miami, throwing for 361 yards and three
scores as WRs ANQUAN BOLDIN and LARRY FITZGERALD each had 100-yard receiving efforts for the sixth time in the
same game.
New Redskins head coach JIM ZORN – a 12-year NFL QB – sees the same adaptability developing in his young
quarterback – 26-year-old JASON CAMPBELL. Twice last Sunday in the Redskins’ 29-24 win over New Orleans,
Campbell audibled and completed key passes. The most important was his 67-yard TD strike to WR SANTANA MOSS
that produced the winning points.
"I want to see even better play in the weeks to come," says Zorn. Cards coach KEN WHISENHUNT couldn’t agree
more.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-0) at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-1)
STORYLINE: Roethlisberger vs. McNabb; Parker vs. Westbrook; and DeSean vs. Hines.
This Keystone State matchup – the teams have not met since 2004 -- just may have it all.
The Steelers are 2-0 and the Eagles – scoring 75 points in their first two games – certainly could be that
way after their wild, back-and-forth classic against Dallas Monday night.
The matchup should have the state rocking. The quarterbacks have been fairly flawless this season, with
neither throwing an interception. Both have above-100.0 passer ratings, with the Steelers’ BEN ROETHLISBERGER
leading the NFL in the category (136.3), while Eagles QB DONOVAN MC NABB has fired for the second-most yards in
the league (642 to JAY CUTLER’s 650).
The running backs – Pitt’s WILLIE PARKER and Philly’s BRIAN WESTBROOK – have started the season hot.
Westbrook leads the NFL in TDs with five (3 rushing, 2 receiving) and Parker, with the most carries in the
league (53), ties Westbrook and Dallas’ MARION BARBER for the most rush TDs (3).
Finally, there’s the matchup between Eagles wide receiver DE SEAN JACKSON -- who Monday night tied former
Eagle DON LOONEY (1940) as the only NFL rookie to open his career with two consecutive 100-yard receiving
games -- and the Steelers’ 11-year veteran HINES WARD, who ties for the league lead in TD catches (3).
There were seven lead changes in Week 2’s Monday Night Football game won by Dallas over Philadelphia, 41-37.
That is the most in an NFL game since seven on December 24, 2006 when Tennessee topped Buffalo 30-29.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-1) at DENVER BRONCOS (2-0)
STORYLINE: May seem like a division game for Drew Brees!
This will be the first meeting with an AFC West team for New Orleans QB DREW BREES since his San Diego
Chargers days (2001-05), and he will be competing against the NFL’s top-rated offense (463.5 yards per game).
The Saints will try to replicate their Week 1 performance when Brees threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns
and RB REGGIE BUSH was scooting through the secondary with eight catches for 112 yards and a TD.
New Orleans will face a hot team. QB JAY CUTLER leads the NFL in passing yards (650). Denver’s second-round
draft choice, WR EDDIE ROYAL, had 146 receiving yards in Week 1. Last Sunday, WR BRANDON MARSHALL tied TOM
FEARS (12/3/50) for the second-most receptions in a game (18) behind TERRELL OWENS’ 20 on 12/17/00.
That all said, Brees is ready for the AFC West Broncos. "We just haven’t hit our stride yet," he says.
"But it’s coming."
DALLAS COWBOYS (2-0) at GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-0) (Sunday, NBC, 8:15 PM ET)
STORYLINE: Romo vs. Rodgers – again!
Sure, this is Packers QB AARON RODGERS’ first year as an NFL starter, but the four-year veteran received his
first extensive career action last year when he replaced an injured BRETT FAVRE in the second quarter of a
game on November 29 on the road against the Dallas Cowboys. Rodgers compiled then-career highs in attempts
(26), completions (18) and yards (201), and threw his first NFL touchdown in a 37-27 Green Bay loss.
Fast forward to 2008 and the lone Week 3 matchup of 2-0 teams features Rodgers against the QB he competed
against last November, TONY ROMO – who threw four TDs in that game and set the Dallas season record for TD
passes with 32.
Rodgers has yet to throw an interception this year and is fresh off engineering his first fourth-quarter
comeback win. He will face a Cowboys 3-4 defense that will try to rattle him with its diverse blitzing
packages. Wisconsin-native Romo, who grew up a Packers fan, comes off a raucous 312-yard, three-TD
victory (41-37) over Philadelphia Monday night. But the Cowboys have never won in five trips to Lambeau Field (including playoffs) since their inception in 1960.
NEW YORK JETS (1-1) at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (0-2) (Monday, ESPN, 8:30 PM ET)
STORYLINE: Brett likes Mondays, but Antonio and Quentin will be waiting.
Jets QB BRETT FAVRE has had some of his most memorable games on Monday night. He ranks second all-time to
DAN MARINO on Mondays in passing yards (7,678 to Marino’s 9,654) and touchdowns (57 to Marino’s 74). Plus he
has the longest TD completion ever on MNF (99 yards).
Thing is, he also has thrown 37 interceptions on Mondays (the record) and will face a unit that led the NFL
in pickoffs last year with 30, sparked by speedy CBs ANTONIO CROMARTIE (with a league-leading 10) and QUENTIN
JAMMER.
The Jets, meanwhile, will have to prepare for an excitable guy who can remind you of a young Favre --
Chargers QB PHILIP RIVERS. Coming off a 377-yard, three-TD game in Denver, Rivers ties the Broncos’ JAY
CUTLER for the most touchdown passes through two weeks, with six. And he’s not worried about 0-2! "It’s
too early to get carried away with an 0-2 or 2-0 record," says Rivers.
Had It All Along!
Week 2 of the 2008 NFL season saw eight teams overcome fourth-quarter deficits to win – the third-most
comeback victories ever to take place on a single NFL weekend. Week 5 of the 1990 season and Week 2 of 1997
each featured nine fourth-quarter comebacks.
0 and 2 Teams are Down But Not Out
History shows that 0-2 teams advance to the playoffs more often than people might think. Since 1990, 19
teams started 0-2 and still qualified for the postseason, including the Super Bowl XLII-champion New York
Giants.
The Giants lost a 45-35 shootout against NFC East-rival Dallas in Week 1 of 2007, then fell to 0-2 after a
35-13 loss to Green Bay in Week 2 before rebounding to a 10-6 record, a Wild Card berth and the franchise’s
third Super Bowl win.
"It's like trying to predict who's going to win the 100-yard dash after the first step," says Giants center
SHAUN O’HARA of judging an NFL season on early results. "Everybody has a chance to catch up."
The 1993 Dallas Cowboys also started 0-2 before winning Super Bowl XXVIII. The 0-2 New England Patriots of
1996 played in Super Bowl XXXI, and in 2001, the 0-2 Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI.
Following are the 0-2 teams since 1990 to qualify for the playoffs:
1990 Houston Oilers (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs 1990 Philadelphia Eagles (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs 1990 New Orleans Saints (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs 1991 Atlanta Falcons (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs 1992 San Diego Chargers (0-4) Divisional Playoffs 1993 Pittsburgh Steelers (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs 1993 Dallas Cowboys (0-2)Won Super Bowl XXVIII 1994 New England Patriots (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs 1995 Detroit Lions (0-3) Wild Card Playoffs 1996 New England Patriots (0-2) Lost Super Bowl XXXI 1998 Arizona Cardinals (0-2) Divisional Playoffs 1998 Buffalo Bills (0-3) Wild Card Playoffs 1998 New York Jets (0-2) AFC Championship Game 2001 New England Patriots (0-2) Won Super Bowl XXXVI 2002 Atlanta Falcons (0-2) Divisional Playoffs 2002 Pittsburgh Steelers (0-2) Divisional Playoffs 2003 Philadelphia Eagles (0-2) NFC Championship Game 2006 Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs 2007 New York Giants (0-2) Won Super Bowl XLII
Tony Gonzalez Goes for Record
Kansas City Chiefs tight end TONY GONZALEZ is already the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions (831) and
touchdowns (67) at his position. This week, he aims to become the career leader in receiving yards by a
tight end when the Chiefs travel to Atlanta.
Gonzalez (9,976) needs 85 yards to surpass SHANNON SHARPE (10,060) on the all-time list.
The top five tight ends in career receiving yards:
Shannon Sharpe Denver, Baltimore 1990-03 10,060 Tony Gonzalez Kansas City 1997-08 9,976 Ozzie Newsome Cleveland 1978-90 7,980 Jackie Smith St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas 1963-78 7,918 Kellen Winslow San Diego 1979-87 6,741
Action Jackson
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver DE SEAN JACKSON, a second-round selection, this week can become the
first player in history with 100 receiving yards in each of his first three NFL games.
Jackson, whose Eagles face Pittsburgh in Week 3, became the second player to begin a career with back-to-back
100-yard receiving games with a six-catch, 110-yard performance against Dallas on Monday night. The only other
player in history to accomplish the feat is another Eagles wide receiver – DON LOONEY in 1940.
Following is a look at Jackson’s and Looney’s first two NFL games:
Don Looney, Philadelphia
9/15/40 vs. Packers 115 Receiving Yards
9/22/40 vs. Browns 129 Receiving Yards
DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
9/7/08 vs. Rams 106 Receiving Yards
9/15/08 vs. Cowboys 110 Receiving Yards
Tomlin's Team Start Fast
With a win over the Eagles in Week 3, MIKE TOMLIN of the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) can become the fifth head
coach since 1970 to lead his team to 3-0 starts in the first two years of his head-coaching career.
Three of the four head coaches to accomplish the feat guided their teams to a Super Bowl appearance in one of
their first two seasons, including GEORGE SEIFERT, who led the San Francisco 49ers to victory in Super Bowl XXIV.
Tomlin, who in 2007 became only the third head coach of Pittsburgh since 1969, led the Steelers to an AFC
North title and 10-6 record in his first season.
The four coaches who took their teams to 3-0 starts in the first two years of their head-coaching career
(since 1970):
Sam Rutigliano, Cleveland
1978 8-8, Missed playoffs
1979 9-7, Missed playoffs
George Seifert, San Francisco
1989 14-2, Won Super Bowl XXIV
1990 14-2, NFC Championship
Mike Martz, St. Louis
2001 14-2, Lost Super Bowl XXXVI
2002 7-9, Missed playoffs
John Fox, Carolina
2002 7-9, Missed playoffs
2003 11-5, Lost Super Bowl XXXVIII
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh
2007 10-6, Wild Card Playoffs
2008 2-0, ??
Marvelous Marshalll
Denver Broncos wide receiver BRANDON MARSHALL caught 18 passes against San Diego last week, matching TOM
FEARS for the second-most receptions in a game in history. With nine catches this week against New Orleans,
Marshall will set a record for the most receptions by a player in his first two games of a season.
Marshall’s 18-catch output is only his latest in a string of prolific performances. He has registered at
least 10 receptions in four of his past five games dating back to 2007, becoming the first player in history
to accomplish the feat.
The most receptions in history in the first two games of a season:
Andre Rison Atlanta 1994 26 Receptions
Rod Smith Denver 2001 23 Receptions
Isaac Bruce St. Louis 1998 21 Receptions
Jimmy Smith Jacksonville 2000 21 Receptions
Marshall Faulk St. Louis 2002 21 Receptions
Brandon Marshall Denver 2008 18*
* Through first game
Kurt's So Good
By posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating in a 31-10 win over Miami last week, Arizona Cardinals quarterback
KURT WARNER became the second player in history with three such career games (min. 15 attempts), joining PEYTON
MANNING of the Indianapolis Colts.
In the games following Warner’s first two 158.3-rating performances, he posted passer ratings of at least
99.3.
Following is a look at Warner’s trio of 158.3 game performances and the games that followed:
St. Louis at Cincinnati, 10/3/99, W 38-10
17 of 21 (81.0 pct.), 310 yards, 3 TD & 0 INT
Passer Rating: 158.3
St. Louis vs. San Francisco, 10/10/99, W 42-20
20 of 23 (87.0 pct.), 323 yards, 5 TD & 1 INT
Passer Rating: 140.2
St. Louis vs. San Diego, 10/1/00, W 57-31
24 of 30 (80.0 pct.), 390 yards, 4 TD & 0 INT
Passer Rating: 158.3
St. Louis vs. Atlanta, 10/15/00, W 45-29
24 of 40 (60.0 pct.), 313 yards, 3 TD & 1 INT
Passer Rating: 99.3
Arizona vs. Miami, 9/14/08, W 31-10
19 of 24 (79.2 pct.), 361 yards, 3 TD & 0 INT
Passer Rating: 158.3
Edgerrin James and Clinton Portis Highlight Week 3 NFC Showdown
When the Arizona Cardinals visit the Washington Redskins this Sunday, two of the NFL’s most accomplished
running backs – Arizona’s EDGERRIN JAMES and Washington’s CLINTON PORTIS – will be in the spotlight.
Both attended the University of Miami, won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and have been selected to
at least one Pro Bowl. But the similarities don’t end there.
Edgerrin James and Clinton Portis are two of only six players in NFL league history to average at least
110.0 scrimmage yards per game (minimum 85 games). James ranks fourth all-time (115.55 yards per game),
while Portis is sixth (111.47). The six players to average at least 110.0 scrimmage yards per game are
either still active or members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
James, who is in his 10th season after being selected in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft, is the NFL’s career rushing leader among active players with 11,762 yards and has 419 receptions for 3,260 yards. The four-time Pro Bowl selection started his career with Indianapolis (1999-05) before coming to Arizona and last week became only the 14th player in NFL history to reach 15,000 career scrimmage yards (15,022).
"Edgerrin is a very patient runner and a cut-back runner," says Cardinals offensive coordinator TODD HALEY. "He has a shiftiness to him and he’s deceptive because of his style. His shoulders are always square and his hips are always square up the field, so he is always getting a little more than you think he’s getting.
"He also has been successful as a receiver because he has the ability to catch and has great vision. He has developed a feel for how to get open. That takes instincts and skill and he is very good in those areas."
Portis, who was drafted in the second round by Denver in 2002, has 7,895 career rushing yards along with 207 catches for 1,691 yards. The seven-year veteran played two years with the Broncos before the Redskins acquired the 2003 All-Star in a trade.
"Clinton has outstanding athletic ability," says Redskins running backs coach STUMP MITCHELL. "He has worked with some great coaches and has played in some very successful systems. He’s been very dedicated and he works hard. That combination has helped him achieve success at every level."
Washington head coach JIM ZORN knows that Portis’ various talents will keep him on the field for every down and have defenses guessing.
"Watching Clinton Portis strain for the extra yard can fire you right up," says Zorn. "That is what a running back is made for in this game. He has excellent vision and is disciplined moving in the hole. He is the ideal every-down back. He’s the kind of guy that can pass-protect, run the ball and catch it out of the backfield. We can be more elusive in what we want to do because of him."
Rookie Running Backs Off to Fast Start
Many say the 17-week NFL season is an uphill battle, but NFL rookie running backs are learning that
"downhill" is a great option.
"Downhill runners are guys that don’t waste a lot of time going sideways," says NFL Network analyst TERRELL
DAVIS, who holds the Denver Broncos’ career rushing mark (7,607 yards).
"They want to go to the end zone," says Davis. "They let their eyes see certain things, watch their blocks
come down, play with the linebackers and make them over-read the play."
Their eyes are certainly seeing the results. Through Week 2, NFL rookie running backs have totaled 1,197
rush yards – the most through the first two weeks of a season in 29 years (1,306 rush yards in 1979) and have
totaled 257 rush attempts -- the most through the first two weeks of a season since 1993 (262).
"When you look at the class of 2008, you see a number of excellent backs," says CHARLEY CASSERLY, CBS NFL
Today analyst and former general manager of the Washington Redskins and Houston Texans.
"Every one of these backs can make an impact with their team this year."
NFL 2008: Week 3 Matchups
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-2) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (1-1)
The Kansas City Chiefs lead the series 5 games to 1. The Falcons and Chiefs last met in Kansas City on
October 24, 2004. In that game the Chiefs destroyed the Falcons by a score of 56 - 10. Kansas City RB
Priest Holmes ran for 139 yards & scored 4 TDs. Chiefs QB Trent Green added 269 yards passing.
Last week both teams lost. The Chiefs lost at home to the Raiders 23 - 8, while the Falcons lost on the road
to Tampa Bay 24 to 9.
Kansas City Chiefs Notes:
Club is 5-3 (.625) vs. NFC under HERM EDWARDS For career, QB DAMON HUARD has 15 TDs vs. 5 INTs & 101.5 passer rating vs. NFC. Huard's teams are 8-0
when has 100+ passer rating. QB TYLER THIGPEN registered first career TD pass last week Since 12/11/05, RB LARRY JOHNSON averages 102.6 rush yards per game vs. NFC as starter (924 total).
Chiefs are 21-6 (.778) when Johnson has 100+ rushing yards. KC is 12-1 (.923) when Johnson has 30+ carries In 2 career games against Falcons, TE TONY GONZALEZ has totaled 7 receptions for 105 yards (15.0 avg.)
with 1 TD. Gonzalez (23) needs 2 100-yard receiving games to surpass KELLEN WINSLOW (24) for most career
100-yard receiving games by TE WR DWAYNE BOWE posted 8 receptions for 97 yards (12.1 avg.) with TD in last meeting against NFC LB DONNIE EDWARDS leads NFL active LBs with 28 career INTs S BERNARD POLLARD recorded career-high 2 FRs last week
Atlanta Falcons Notes:
Rookie QB MATT RYAN (first round, No. 3) aims for second consecutive victory at home. Posted 137.0 passer
rating in home opener Falcons lead NFC in rushing (211.5 yards per game). RB MICHAEL TURNER has rushed for 262 yards in first
2 games with Falcons, including team-record 220 yards in home opener. When Turner has 8+ carries, his teams are
12-1 (.923). Made first career start vs. KC (1/2/05 with SD) & rushed 15 times for 87 yards (5.8 avg.).
RB JERIOUS NORWOOD has 4 career rush TDs & 3 have been 67+ yards WR RODDY WHITE has 7 career 100-yard rec. games. Needs 2 receptions (148) to reach 150 for career DE JOHN ABRAHAM has 14.0 sacks in past 17. Leads NFL with 4.0 sacks this year. Has 71.5 sacks since
2000, 7th-most in NFL. Aims for 4th meeting in row with sack & has 3.5 sacks in 3 games vs. Chiefs. DT JASON
JEFFERSON had first career FR last week vs. Tampa Bay K JASON ELAM became 5th player in NFL history with 400 FGs. Has made 400 of 495 (80.8 pct.) FGs.
OAKLAND RAIDERS (1-1) AT BUFFALO BILLS (2-0)
The Oakland Raiders lead the series 19 to 15 and have won the past 4 meetings.
The teams last met on October 23, 2005 with the Raiders winning at home 38 to 17. Oakland RB LaMont
Jordan rushed for 122 yards & 3 TDs (1, 17, 7) & the Raiders defense limited Buffalo to 210 total net yards.
Last week the Raiders beat the Chiefs on the road 23-8 to even their record at 1 ana 1 while the Bills beat the
Jaguars in Jacksonville 20 to 16.
Oakland Raiders Notes:
Dating back to 10/17/99, club aims for 5th consecutive win against Bills Raiders totaled 300 rushing yards last week for first time since 11/30/87 In 3 career starts, QB JA MARCUS RUSSELL has completed 46 of 74 passes (62.2 pct.) for 459 yards
with 3 TDs vs. 1 INT & 87.6 passer rating Rookie RB DARREN MC FADDEN (first round, No. 4) posted career high 164 rush yards (7.8 avg.) on 21 attempts
with TD last week. McFadden leads AFC rookies with 210 rush yards (7.0 avg.) on 30 attempts RB MICHAEL BUSH
gained career high 16 attempts for 90 rush yards (5.6 avg.) with TD In 1 career start vs. Bills (with Denver 9/9/07), WR JAVON WALKER totaled 119 receiving yards on
9 rec. In 1 career meeting vs. Bills, WR RONALD CURRY totaled 5 rec. for 89 yards (17.8 avg.), including
43-yard TD catch. TE ZACH MILLER has 1 or more receptions in 17 of 18 career games Defense totaled 5 sacks last week Since 2007, LB THOMAS HOWARD (6) is ranked first & LB KIRK MORRISON is tied for second for most INTs in
NFL among LBs Since 2005, CB DE ANGELO HALL is tied for 4th in NFL among active CBs with 15 INTs
Buffalo Bills Notes:
The Bills aim for their first 3-0 start since 1992 QB TRENT EDWARDS has 7-4 (.636) record as starter & has completed 180 of 304 passes (59.2 pct.)
for 1,987 yards with 8 TDs vs. 7 INTs & 78.9 passer rating. The Bills are 5-0 when Edwards has 80+ passer
rating. Edwards set career high with 119.8 passer rating last week RB MARSHAWN LYNCH has 70 or more rush yards in 8 of past 10. In past 5 at home, Lynch is averaging 98
rush yards per game. RB FRED JACKSON set career high with 7 rec. for 83 yards (11.9 avg.) last week WR LEE EVANS has 5 70+ yard TD rec. – tied for most in NFL since 2000 (CHAD JOHNSON, 5). Evans aims for
3rd consecutive game with long of 30+ yards. Rookie WR JAMES HARDY (second round, No. 41) recorded first TD rec. of
career last week Since 2003, DE AARON SCHOBEL ranks second in NFL with 53 sacks (JASON TAYLOR, 60) Team has 13-2 (.867) record when CB TERRENCE MC GEE has INT. Aims for 3rd straight game with INT.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-1) AT CHICAGO BEARS (1-1)
The Chicago Bears lead the all-time series 35 to 17 and have won the past 2 games. In their last encounter
on December 17, 2006, the Bears won in overtime at home by a score of 34 to 31. In that game, Chicago QB Rex
Grossman completed 29 of 44 passes for 339 yards & 2 TDs. Bears K Robbie Gould kicked the game winning
25-yard FG in OT.
Last week the Bucs defeated the Falcons at home handily 24 to 9, while the Chicago Bears lost on the road
to the Carolina Panthers in a close game 20 to 17.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Notes:
Under head coach JON GRUDEN, the Bucs are 17-0 since 2002 when not committing turnover QB BRIAN GRIESE spent past 2 years with the Chicago Bears & played in 13 games (6 starts). In his
tenure with the Bears, Griese passed for 2,023 yards & 11 TDs. In his only start against the Chicago
Bears (10/24/04 with Tampa Bay), Griese won the game & posted 100.5 passer rating RB EARNEST GRAHAM has 698 scrimmage yards (116.3 per game) in past 6 road games & has scored 4 TDs.
Graham rushed 15 times for 116 yards (7.7 avg.) & TD (68 yards) last week. RB WARRICK DUNN had 100-yard
game (119) vs. Bears on 12/21/97 and had a 17-yard TD run last week WR JOEY GALLOWAY aims for 3rd 100-yard game in row vs. the Chicago Bears Has 10 catches for 245 yards
(122.5 per game) & TD (64 yards) in those 2 Rookie CB AQIB TALIB (first round, No. 20) had first career INT last week. CB RONDE BARBER (12) &
LB DERRICK BROOKS (8) are franchise leaders in TDs by def. player (including playoffs). When Brooks has INT-TD
(including playoffs), Tampa Bay is 7-0. Brooks selected to Pro Bowl 4 of 5 seasons when Bears head coach Smith was
LB coach
Chicago Bears Notes:
The Bears have an NFL-best 60 wins in home openers with 60-24-4 (.714) record. Head coach LOVIE SMITH
was Bucs linebacker coach from 1996-2000 QB KYLE ORTON has won 8 starts in row at home & overall is 9-1 (.900). Orton is 13-7 (.650) in his NFL
career as a starter. He has won only start vs. Tampa Bay (11/27/05) Rookie RB MATT FORTÉ (second round, No. 44) has rushed for 215 yards in first 2 games. Aims for 3rd in row
with 90+ yards Pro Bowl PR-KR-WR DEVIN HESTER has 14 career TDs & averages 80.9 yards per TD, highest avg. in NFL
history (the Minnesota Vikings 10 TDs). Hester has PR-TD in 4 of past 7 home games with 1+ PR. WR BRANDON LLOYD scored TD off
blocked punt by LB DARRELL MC CLOVER last week DE ADEWALE OGUNLEYE had 2.0 sacks in 11/27/05 meeting. When Ogunleye has 2+ sacks, his teams are 10-2
(.833). LB LANCE BRIGGS had FF in last meeting. LB BRIAN URLACHER has INT in past 3 at home, including
85-yard INT-TD. DE ALEX BROWN had 2.0 sacks in 11/27/05 meeting. Bears are perfect 5-0 when Brown has
2+ sacks.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-0) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-2)
The Vikings hold a slim 4 to 3 series edge while the Panthers have won 3 of their past 4 meetings. In their
last head-to-head matchup on 9/17/2006, the Vikings won at home by a sim margin of 16 to 13 in overtime.
In that game, Minnesota K Ryan Longwell became the second player in NFL league history to pass for a tying TD
(16 yards) & kick the game-winning field goal (19 yards).
In week 2 of the NFL 2008 Season, the Panthers defeated the Bears 20 - 17 at home to improve to 2 and 0, while
the Vikings lost to the Colts 18 to 15 at home.
Carolina Panthers Notes:
The Panthers aim for their first 3-0 start since 2003, when the won their division & advanced to
Super Bowl XXXVIII In 10/30/05 start vs. the Minnesota Vikings, QB JAKE DELHOMME completed 21 of 30 (70.0 pct.) for 341
yards with 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 141.1 rating, second-highest mark in career. As starter, when Delhomme has 110.0+
rating, his teams are perfect 11-0 Rookie RB JONATHAN STEWART (first round, No. 13) rushed for career-high 77 yards & 2 TDs last
week. When RB DE ANGELO WILLIAMS rushes for 80+ yards, Panthers are perfect 6-0. Rushed 13 times for
74 yards (5.7 avg.) & 1 TD in only meeting WR MUHSIN MUHAMMAD has 29 100-yard receiving games, including 9/24/06 vs. the Minnesota Vikings (with
the Chicago Bears) when he had 9 catches for 118 yards. Reached 10,000 career receiving yards last week
(10,049) DE JULIUS PEPPERS ranks first in team history with 56.0 sacks & 19 FFs. In last meeting, Peppers
tied career-high with 3.0 sacks. In career, Peppers has 6 games with 3.0+ sacks. LB JON BEASON & CB
CHRIS GAMBLE each had FR last week. LB THOMAS DAVIS & S CHRIS HARRIS each had FF last week
Minnesota Vikings Notes:
QB TARVARIS JACKSON has won 5 of past 7 starts at home. Has 3 TD passes of 60+ yards. Vikings are
3-0 when Jackson has 60-yard TD pass In 8 career home games, RB ADRIAN PETERSON has 962 rush yards (120.3 per game) & 7 rush TDs. '
Averaging 100.3 rush yards per game since entering NFL in 2007, best mark in NFL. Rushed for 160 yards
last week. In last game vs. the Carolina Panthers, RB CHESTER TAYLOR had 24 rushes for 113 yards. When Taylor
has 100+ rush yards, his teams are 7-1 (.875) WR BERNARD BERRIAN has 13 career TD catches & 8 have been 30+ yards. WR SIDNEY RICE has 4 TDs
in past 8 games. Has 5 rec. TDs in career & 3 have been 20+ yards DE JARED ALLEN has 44.0 sacks since 2004, second most in NFL. S DARREN SHARPER has 48 INTs since 2000,
most in NFL. Sharper's teams have won 6 of 9 meetings vs. the Carolina Panthers DT KEVIN WILLIAMS had sack
in last meeting vs. Car In last meeting, K RYAN LONGWELL had 16-yard TD pass & kicked 3 FGs, including game-winner in OT.
Has converted 10 of 12 FGs (83.3 pct.) in career vs. the Carolina Panthers Tied career-high with 5 FGs last
week.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-2) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-0)
The Patriots have won 8 of the last 11 meetings versus AFC Rival Dolphins, but the Miami Dolphins lead the
series by a margin of 47 to 35.
In their last meeting (12/23/2007), the Patriots beat the Dolphins 28 to 7 at home. In that game, New
England QB Tom Brady passed for 3 TDs & RB Laurence Maroney rushed for 156 yards & 1 TD. The Patriots
became the first team in NFL league history with a 15-0 regular-season record & tied their own NFL record
with 18th consecutive victory.
Last week the Patriots defeated the NY Jets on the road 19 - 10 without Tom Brady who is out for the season, while
the Dolphins continued their losing ways falling to the Cardinals in Arizona by a score of 31 to 10.
Miami Dolphins Notes:
Head coach TONY SPARANO was an assistant coach at Boston University (1988-93) For career, QB CHAD PENNINGTON is 2-1 (.667) at Patriots & has completed 64 of 96 passes (66.7 pct.)
for 615 yards with 4 TDs vs. 1 INT & 93.9 passer rating. Pennington has 9 career TDs against Patriots (second
most vs. any opponent). Rookie QB CHAD HENNE (second round, No. 57), made NFL debut last week & completed 7 of 12 passes
(58.3 pct.) for 67 yards In last meeting against the New England Patriots (1/1/06), RB RICKY WILLIAMS posted 28 attempts for 108
yards (3.9 avg.) with 1 TD. RB RONNIE BROWN has 5 TDs in past 3 on road against AFC East (4 rush, 1 rec.)
& aims for 4th consecutive road game against division with 1 or more TDs WR GREG CAMARILLO has 7 receptions for 86 yards (12.3 avg.) in past 2 games Dating back to 2005, team has recorded at least one sack in 38 of past 40 games
Rookie DE KENDALL LANGFORD (3rd round, No. 66) leads team with 2 sacks & aims for 3rd consecutive
game with sack
New England Patriots Notes:
The New England Patriots have a 21-game regular season win streak dating back to 2006 & aims to be
first team in NFL history to win 22 regular season games in a row Club aims for 8th in row against division In first career start, QB MATT CASSEL completed 16 of 23 passed (69.6 pct.) for 165 yards with &
89.9 passer rating In last meeting vs. Dolphins, RB LAURENCE MARONEY gained career-high 156 yards on 14 attempts (11.1 avg.)
with TD. RB LA MONT JORDAN averages 95.3 rush yards in past 3 against Dolphins. RB SAMMY MORRIS spent 3 seasons with Miami (2004-06) & totaled 981 rush yards (4.1 avg.) on 240
attempts with 8 TDs WR RANDY MOSS aims for 3rd consecutive game with 2 TDs against Dolphins. Moss averaged 99.9 receiving
yards in 7 games vs. AFC East teams as a new England Patriot (699 total yards) In 2 career meetings vs. the Miami Dolphins (former team), WR WES WELKER has 14 receptions for 187
yards (13.4 avg.) with 2 TDs S BRANDON MERIWEATHER record first career INT last week LB MIKE VRABEL has 7.5 career sacks against Dolphins (most vs. any opponent) LB ADALIUS THOMAS aims for 4th consecutive game with sack.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-2) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (2-0)
The Giants have won 2 of the past 3 meetings while the Bengals are the series leader at 5 and 2. The Bengals
and Giants last met on December 26, 2004 in Cincinnati. The Bengals defeated the Giants 23 to 22 when Cincinnati
WR Chad Johnson scored a 4-yard TD with 44 seconds remaining in the game. At the time it was 8th consecutive loss
for the Giants.
Last week the Giants continued their winning ways and their road winning streak by easily defeating the Rams 41
- 13. On the other hand the Bengals loast to the Titans at home by a score of 24 to 7.
Cincinnati Bengal Notes:
The Bengals aim for second in row against Giants Bengals are 29-4 (.878) with positive turnover differential under head coach MARVIN LEWIS For career, QB CARSON PALMER is 9-5 (.642) against NFC & has 26 TDs vs. 15 INTs & 92.1 passer
rating. Palmer will make first career start against Giants RB CHRIS PERRY had career high 21 rush attempts & registered first career rushing TD last week.
RB KENNY WATSON averages 5.1 yards per carry against NFC in past 4 WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH averages 85.5 receiving yards per game & 8.25 receptions in past 4 against
NFC. WR CHAD JOHNSON posted 2 TD receptions in last meeting vs. NYG. In past 5 at NFC, Johnson is averaging
120.8 receiving yards per game (604 total) Since 2003, team is 22-5 (.814) when defense has 2+ INTs LB DHANI JONES spent 4 seasons with Giants (2000-03). Jones leads team with 20 tackles DE ANTWAN ODOM posted 1 sack & forced fumble last week WR-KR GLENN HOLT averages 30 yards per KR (5th in NFL)
New York Giants Notes:
The Giants seek their 7th consecutive win (including playoffs). Giants look for first 3-0 start since
2000, when team finished 12-4, won division & advanced to SB XXXV QB ELI MANNING is 16-4 (.800) in past 20 starts (including playoffs). Has won 4 of past 5 starts vs.
AFC, including SB XLII. Passed for 3 TDs & 131.4 rating last week RB BRANDON JACOBS has 100+ yards in 3 of past 4 vs. AFC & Giants are 5-1 (.833) when he has 100+
yards. RB AHMAD BRADSHAW had rush (31 yards) & rec. (18) TD last week WR PLAXICO BURRESS has 3 100-yard games in career vs. Cincinnati Bengals His teams are 8-2 (.800) vs.
Bengals. In past 8 vs. AFC, Burress has 33 catches for 702 yards & 9 TDs. Has TD catch in 7 of those 8. WR AMANI TOOMER has 11 100-yard games vs. AFC, compiling 74 catches for 1,518 yards (138.0 per game)
& 13 TDs in those 11. Has 8,996 rec. yards & needs 4 to become first Giant to reach 9,000 DE JUSTIN TUCK had first career INT last week, 41-yard INT-TD. Added 2.0 sacks & has 5.0 sacks in
past 3 games (including SB XLII). When Tuck has 1.0+ sack, Giants are 8-3 (.727). Club had 6 sacks last week:
Tuck (2.0), DT FRED ROBBINS (2.0), DT JAY ALFORD (1.0) & LB ANTONIO PIERCE (1.0).
HOUSTON TEXANS (0-1) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (2-0)
The Titans hold a commanding 10 - 2 margin in the series and have won the last 6 head-to-head meetings in a
row. The teams last met on December 2, 2007 in Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texans by a score of 28 to
20. Tennessee QB Vince Young passed for 248 yards & 2 TDs. Titans RBs LenDale White & Chris Brown
ran for 1 TD apiece.
Last week the Texans' game against the Ravens was cancelled due to Hurricane Ike. Meanwhile the Titans
beat the Bengals 24 to 7 in Cincinnati.
Houston Texans Notes:
The Texans are 3-1 (.750) when QB MATT SCHAUB has a 100+ passer rating. In month of September, Schaub
has completed 116 of 157 passes (73.9) for 1,207 yards with 6 TDs vs. 5 INTs & 95.2 passer rating RB CHRIS TAYLOR attended Cordova HS in Memphis, Ten WR ANDRE JOHNSON aims for 3rd consecutive game with 9+ receptions & second consecutive 100-yard
receiving game at Ten. Houston has won 5 of past 7 when Johnson has 100+ receiving yards. Johnson aims
for consecutive 100-yard games for 5th time in career. Johnson (4,916) needs 85 receiving yards to surpass
5,000 for career. WR KEVIN WALTER has 2 TD receptions in past 3. WR ANDRÉ DAVIS has 9 receptions for 187 yards (20.8 avg.) in 2 career starts vs. Titans TE OWEN DANIELS aims for reception in 21 consecutive games Pro Bowl LB DE MECO RYANS posted 5th career fumble recovery in Wk. 1 DE MARIO WILLIAMS posted 2.5 sacks in last game against Titans. Has posted sack in 8 of past 9 games.
Since 10/1/07, Williams ranks 3rd in NFL with 14 sacks
Tennessee Titans Notes:
The Titans aim for their 7th consecutive win against the Texans Since 2006, Titans have a 15-4 (.789) record when scoring 20+ points In past 2 games as starter, QB KERRY COLLINS has completed 39 of 63 passes (61.9 pct.) for 408 yards
with TD vs. 0 INTs & 85.9 passer rating Rookie RB CHRIS JOHNSON (first round, No. 24), posted first 100-yard rushing game last week with 109
yards & aims to become first Ten. rookie RB to record 100+ rush yards in consecutive games since EDDIE
GEORGE in '96 (10/06-10/13) RB LEN DALE WHITE aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD against Houston & averages 82 rush yards in
past 2 games vs. Texans...WR JUSTIN GAGE has 5+ catches in 5 of past 6 vs. AFC South Since 2006, team is 13-2 (.867) when it records 2 or more INTs Defense ranks first in AFC & second in NFL with 8 sacks DE KYLE VANDEN BOSCH has 6.5 career sacks vs. Hou. (most vs. any opponent) including postseason, CB CORTLAND FINNEGAN aims for 4th game in row with INT LB KEITH BULLUCK has 5 career sacks vs. Texans (most vs. any opponent). LB DAVID THORNTON's teams
are 11-0 vs. Texans.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-0) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (1-1)
The Washington Redskins lead the series 72-44-2 and have won 8 of the past 9 meetings versus the Cardinals.
The two teams last met on October 21, 2007 in Washington. The Redskins were fortunate and barely won by a score
of 21 to 19. Arizona kicker Neil Rackers missed a 55-yard field goal attempt with 2 seconds remaining as
Washington held off the Cardinals.
Last week both teams won at home. The Cardinals 31-10 winners vs. the Dolphins and Redskins defeated the
Saints 29-24.
The game features 2 of the NFL's top 3 active leaders in scrimmage yards per game in Arizona's EDGERRIN JAMES (second, 115.6 yards per game) & Washington's CLINTON PORTIS (3rd, 111.5)
Arizona Cardinals Notes:
Aim for first 3-0 start since 1974. Have scored 20+ points in 10 games in row, longest current streak in NFL QB KURT WARNER posted perfect 158.3 rating last week, his 3rd of career & tied for most in NFL history
(PEYTON MANNING). In Warner's starts with 15+ attempts (including playoffs), his teams are 31-3 (.912) when he has
100+ rating RB Edgerrin James became the 14th player in NFL history last week to reach 15,000 scrimmage yards (15,022) RB TIM HIGHTOWER (5th round) is first Ari. rookie with rush TD in each of first 2 games WR ANQUAN BOLDIN had career-high 3 TDs last week & recorded 2second 100-yard game (140 yards), tied
for most in club history. WR LARRY FITZGERALD had 153 yards week, 6th time he & Boldin had 100+ yards
in game S ADRIAN WILSON has INT in 2 of past 3 vs. Was., including 61-yard INT-TD. S ANTREL ROLLE had INT
(29 yards) in 12/11/05 meeting
Washington Redskins Notes:
QB JASON CAMPBELL won only career start vs. Arizona (10/21/07). Passed for 321 yards last week In 3 career meetings, RB Portis has 376 rush yards (125.3 per game) & 5 TDs. Had career-high 228
rush yards in 12/29/02 meeting (with Den.). When Portis has 100+ yards, his teams are 28-9 (.757). Aims for
4th in row vs. Ari. with rush TD. Has 15 rush TDs in past 14 at home TE CHRIS COOLEY has 27 TDs since 2004, most in NFC among TEs. WR SANTANA MOSS had 7 catches for 164
yards & TD (67 yards) last week. Averages 15.7 yards per catch (363 rec., 5,698 yards), 3rd-highest
among active players (the Minnesota Vikings 5,000 yards). including playoffs, WR-PR ANTWAAN RANDLE EL
had 52-yard PR-TD in 11/9/03 game vs. Cardinals (with Steelers) LB-DE JASON TAYLOR has 118.0 sacks, most among active players. Since 2000, is only player with 100+
sacks (101.5). Had sack in last game vs. Ari. (11/7/04 with the Miami Dolphins). LB LONDON FLETCHER had
27-yard INT-TD in last meeting. DE ANDRE CARTER has 5.0 sacks & 3 FFs vs. Ari. CB SHAWN SPRINGS had
56-yard INT-TD vs. Ari. (9/13/98 with Seahawks).
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-1) AT DENVER BRONCOS (2-0)
The Broncos lead the series 6 to 2 and have won the past 2 games. They last played each on 11/21/2004 in
New Orleans as the Broncos defeated the Saints 34 to 13. In that game, Denver QB Jake Plummer threw 2 TD
passes & RB Reuben Droughns rushed for 166 yards, including a 51-yard TD run.
Last week the Saints lost on the road 29-24 to the Redskins while the Broncos defeated the Chargers at home
39 to 38.
HEAD COACHES SEAN PAYTON (NO) & MIKE SHANAHAN (Den.) both attended Eastern Illinois
New Orleans Saints Notes:
In 8 games vs. AFC with the Saints, QB DREW BREES has 4 games with 383+ pass yards, including
400-yard game (445) & 500-yard performance (510). When Brees has 100+ rating, his teams are 25-5
(.833). Since joining Saints in 2006, Brees has passed for 9,400 yards, most in NFL & 58 TDs,
second-most in NFC. Has 3+ TD passes in 3 of past 4 road games RB-PR REGGIE BUSH has 3 100-yard rec. games in career & Saints are 3-0. Aims for 3rd in row vs.
AFC with 100+ scrimmage yards. Has 4 TDs in past 3 vs. AFC (3 rush, 1 rec.). Had 55-yard PR-TD last week.
When RB DEUCE MC ALLISTER has 24+ carries, Saints are 11-0 Since entering NFL in 2002, TE JEREMY SHOCKEY has 379 receptions, second-most in NFL. WR DEVERY
HENDERSON has 12 career TD catches & 11 have been 20+ yards. WR ROBERT MEACHEM had first career
catch last week: 19-yard TD. WR DAVID PATTEN aims for 3rd in row at Den. with 60+ rec. yards DE WILL SMITH has 6.0 sacks in past 10. Has 8.5 sacks in past 14 vs. AFC. In past 7, S ROMAN HARPER
has 3 INTs & 2 sacks
Denver Broncos Notes:
The Broncos aims for their first 3-0 start since 2003 Broncos have 3-1 record (.750) vs. the Saints at home In past 2 games vs. NFC teams, QB JAY CUTLER has completed 43 of 68 passes (63.2 pct.) for 548 yards
with 4 TDs vs. 1 INT & 101.8 passer rating. Club is 7-0 when Cutler has 100+ passer rating.
Cutler has 98.7 passer rating at home & has 4 TD passes in 2 of past 3 at home In past 2, RB SELVIN YOUNG is averaging 7.6 yards per carry (15 attempts, 114 rush yards) WR BRANDON MARSHALL has 18 rec. last week & tied for second most in NFL history (Rams TOM FEARS,
18 vs. GB on 12/3/50). Marshall aims for 4th consecutive 100-yard rec. game at home dating back to 12/9/07
(115, 114, 166). Rookie WR EDDIE ROYAL (second round, No. 42) aims for 3rd game in row with TD TE TONY SCHEFFLER tied career high with 2 TDs last week CBs CHAMP BAILEY (43) & DRE' BLY (38) rank first & second among active CBs for most INTs
since 1999.
DETROIT LIONS (0-2) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-1)
The 49ers have won 10 of the past 11 meetings versus the Lions and lead the series 32 to 26 with one tie.
The two teams last met on 11/12/2006 in Detroit. The 49ers won 19 to 13 as San Francisco's defense registered
4 turnovers & RB Frank Gore ran for 159 yards, including a 61-yard TD run.
Last week the Lions lost at home to the Packers 48-25. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks in Seattle
33-30 in overtime.
Detroit Lions Notes:
In 3 games vs. the 49ers, QB JON KITNA has completed 45 of 63 (71.4 pct.) for 479 yards with 3 TDs vs.
1 INT for a 102.5 passer rating RB KEVIN SMITH (3rd round, No. 64) leads rookie RBs with 8 receptions (53 yards). RB RUDI JOHNSON
rushed for 174 yards (21 attempts, 8.3 avg.) & 2 TDs in 12/14/03 game vs. SF (with Cincinnati Bengals).
When Johnson has 145+ rush yards, his teams are 6-0 WR CALVIN JOHNSON had career-high 129 receiving yards (6 catches, 21.5 avg.) last week & 2 TDs
(47 & 38 yards). Has recorded back-to-back 100-yard games for first time in career. WR ROY WILLIAMS
has 13 career 100-yard receiving games. Had 5 catches for 81 yards (16.2 avg.) in only meeting. WR SHAUN
MC DONALD caught first career TD vs. the 49ers (10/3/04 with StL) DT CORY REDDING had career-high 2.0 sacks vs. SF (11/12/06). DE DEWAYNE WHITE had sack & FF
last week. Aims for 3rd in row with sack
San Francisco 49ers Notes:
The 49ers have won 10 of the past 11 meetings against the Lions Offensive coordinator MIKE MARTZ spent 2006-07 with Lions QB J.T. O'SULLIVAN spent 2007 with Lions. Passed for career-high 321 yards last week & 106.4
rating In only meeting, RB FRANK GORE had 22 carries for 159 yards (7.2 avg.) with 61-yard TD. When Gore has
140+ rush yards, 49ers are 4-0. Since start of 2006, Gore has 3,968 scrim. yards (2,954 rush, 1,014 rec.),
3rd-most in NFL In last game vs. the Lions (10/1/06 with StL), WR ISAAC BRUCE had 7 catches for 100 yards & 1 TD.
Bruce ranks 3rd in NFL history with 14,262 receiving yards & tops active players. Had 153 yards last
week, most in game since 11/29/04 (170 vs. Packers). WR BRYANT JOHNSON aims for 4th game in a row vs. Lions with 4+ catches LB PATRICK WILLIS had 86-yard INT-TD last week, longest INT-TD by 49ers LB. CB WALT HARRIS had
45-yard INT-TD vs. Det. on 12/30/01 (with the Chicago Bears). Had INT last week. Has 17 FFs since
entering NFL in 1996, tied for most among CBs in that span. CB NATE CLEMENTS, who entered NFL in 1998,
also has 17 FFs.
ST. LOUIS RAMS (0-2) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (0-2)
The Seahawks hold a 10 to 9 edge in the series and have won the past 6 games versus the Rams. The teams last
met on 11/25/2007 as the Seahawks won 24 to 19 in Saint Louis. Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck finished the game
with 249 yards passing & 1 TD.
Last week both teams lost for the second week in a row. The Rams lost at home to the Giants 41-13. The
Seahawks lost at home to the 49ers 33-30 in overtime.
Saint Louis Rams Notes:
QB MARC BULGER has 5 300-yard games vs. Seattle Seahawks (including playoffs). Bulger has 28 career
300-yard games, including postseason RB STEVEN JACKSON has rush TD in 5 of past 6 meetings. Aims for 4th in row vs. the Seattle Seahawks
with TD. In past 5 vs. the Seattle Seahawks, Jackson has 588 scrimmage yards (386 rush, 202 rec.), averaging
117.6 per game. When Jackson has 22+ carries the Rams are 14-4 (.778). In those 18 games, Jackson has 2,077
yards (115.4 per game) & 13 TDs Since 2000, WR TORRY HOLT leads the NFL with 760 receptions & 11,161 yards. Holt has 4 100-yard
receiving games in career vs. the Seattle Seahawks Had 6 catches for 76 yards & TD (45 yards) last week S O.J. ATOGWE has 7 INTs in past 10 games. Had INT in last meeting. DE LEONARD LITTLE has 6.5 sacks
vs. the Seattle Seahawks. DE VICTOR ADEYANJU scored first career TD on 89-yard FR-TD vs. the Seattle Seahawks
(11/12/06). DT LA'ROI GLOVER has 7 sacks in past 9 vs. the Seattle Seahawks Aims for 3rd meeting in row with
sack. CB RON BARTELL had INT in last game at the Seattle Seahawks Rookie DE CHRIS LONG (first round, No. 2)
had first career sack last week
Seattle Seahawks Notes:
The Seahawks have won 24 of their past 29 games at home (including playoffs). Club has won 15 of past
20 vs. division QB MATT HASSELBECK has won 5 in row vs. Rams. Since 2005, Hasselbeck is 13-4 (.765) as starter vs. NFC
West. In starts with 10+ attempts (including playoffs), Hasselbeck is 30-6 (.833) when posting 95+ rating In last game vs. the Rams (9/30/07 with Dal.), RB JULIUS JONES had rush TD. Rushed for 127 yards &
TD last week TE JOHN CARLSON (second round, No. 38) leads rookie TEs with 10 catches & 130 yards DE PATRICK KERNEY aims for 7th consecutive game vs. division with sack & 4th in row vs. NFC West
with 2+ sacks. Has 11.0 sacks in past 6 division contests. Has 6.0 sacks in past 3 meetings. LB JULIAN PETERSON has 9.5 sacks in past 12 vs. StL. Has 22.5 sacks in 38 games with the Seattle
Seahawks (including playoffs). Rookie DE LAWRENCE JACKSON (first round, No. 28) had 2.0 sacks last week, first 2 sacks of career.
CB MARCUS TRUFANT aims for 3rd meeting in row with INT. KR-CB JOSH WILSON had an 89-yard kick return for a touchdown in last meeting.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-2) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-0)
The Ravens lead the series 11 to 7 with the Cleveland Browns winning the past 2 games head-to-head.
The Ravens and Browns last face each other on 11/18/2007 in Baltimore. The Browns needed overtime to win 33
to 30. Cleveland kicker Phil Dawson's 33-yard FG in OT gave the Browns their first 3-game win streak since 2001.
Browns RB Jamal Lewis rushed for 4 TDs.
Last week the Browns lost at home to the Steelers by a score of 10 to 6 while the Ravens were given a bye as
their game versus the Texans in Houston was cancelled due to Hurricane Ike. In week 1, the Ravens defeated the
Bengals 17 to 10 at home.
Cleveland Browns Notes:
The Cleveland Browns aim for their 3rd consecutive win vs. Ravens for first time in franchise history Cleveland Browns are 5-0 under ROMEO CRENNEL when scoring 30 or more points For his career, QB DEREK ANDERSON is 2-1 (.667) as starter against the Baltimore Ravens & has
completed 57 of 88 passes (64.8 pct.) for 701 yards with 4 TDs vs. 4 INTs & 85.5 passer rating. Cleveland
Browns are 4-0 when Anderson has 100+ passer rating RB JAMAL LEWIS spent 6 seasons (2000-06) with the Baltimore Ravens & aims for 3rd consecutive game
with rush TD against former team. Lewis' teams are 22-3 (.880) when he has 25+ carries In 4 career games vs. the Baltimore Ravens, WR BRAYLON EDWARDS (366 total yards) averages 91.5 receiving
yards per game (most vs. any opponent) & has TD rec. in 3 of 4 meetings Cleveland Browns are 3-0 when TE KELLEN WINSLOW has 100+ rec. yards. Aims for 4+ receptions in
5 consecutive games against Ravens DT SHAUN ROGERS posted first sack as Brown last week LB KAMERION WIMBLEY has 1.5 sacks in past 2 at Baltimore S BRODNEY POOL notched 100-yard INT-TD return in last meeting
Baltimore Ravens Notes:
Baltimore Ravens have won 4 of past 5 at home against Browns Ravens have 7-5 record (.583) after bye weeks In his NFL debut, rookie QB JOE FLACCO (first round, No. 18) completed 15 of 29 passes (51.7 pct.) for
129 yards & rushed for 37 yards with TD. RB WILLIS MC GAHEE aims for 4th consecutive game with 100+ rush yards against Cleveland (105, 104, 102). RB LE' RON MC CLAIN posted career high in attempts (19) & rush yards (86) in season opener Since 2003, WR DERRICK MASON ranks 3rd in NFL with 452 rec. (TORRY HOLT, 506; CHAD JOHNSON, 467). In
past 2 meetings vs. Browns, Mason has 16 receptions for 161 yards (10.1 avg.). WR MARK CLAYTON posted career long 42-yard TD run in season opener TE TODD HEAP (3,902) needs 99 receiving yards to surpass 4,000 receiving yards for career Since 2003, the Baltimore Ravens are 31 and 9 (.775) when their defense posts 3 or more sacks The Baltimore Ravens defense has not allowed an opposing running back to gain 100+ rush yards in
20 games LB RAY LEWIS has 6 career sacks against the Browns (most vs. any opponent) Since 2002, S ED REED leads NFL safeties with 34 INTs CB CHRIS MC ALISTER has 5 career INTs against Cle. (most vs. any opponent).
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (0-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1-1)
The Colts lead the series 11 to 3 and have won 5 of the 6 past games against the Jaguars. The teams last
played on December 2, 2007 when the Colts defeated the Jagaurs 28 to 25 at home. In that game, Indianapolis
QB Peyton Manning passed for 4 TDs as the Colts extended their lead over Jacksonville in the AFC South to 2 games.
Last week, the Jaguars lost to the Bills at home 20 to 16, while the Colts came from behind to
defeat the Vikings in Minnesota 18 - 15.
Jacksonville Jaguars Notes:
Since 2006, the Jacksonville Jaguars are 13-4 (.764) when gaining 150 or more rushing yards in a game In past 2 games against the Colts, QB DAVID GARRARD has completed 32 of 41 (78.0 pct.) passes for 329
yards with 2 TDs vs. 1 INT & 106.2 passer rating Since 2003, RB FRED TAYLOR has averaged 98.4 rush yards per game (492 total) at Indianapolis. The
Jacksonville Jaguars are 14-5 (.736) when Taylor has 25 or more rushing attempts. RB MAURICE JONES-DREW aims for 5th consecutive game with TD vs. Colts. Jones-Drew has averaged 93.2 rush
yards per game against Colts (373 total) Team is 11-3 (.785) when WR REGGIE WILLIAMS scores a touchdown. WR MATT JONES aims for 4th consecutive game with 5+ receptions The Jaguars defense aims for their 4th consecutive game with an interception against Colts & team
has totaled 10 sacks in past 5 vs. Indianapolis Rookie DE QUENTIN GROVES (second round, No. 52) posted first career sack & 1 FF last week DE PAUL SPICER has 2.5 sacks in past 2 games against Colts Rookie CB-KR BRIAN WITHERSPOON averages 34.8 yards on 6 KR (209 total yards) & ranks second in
AFC & 3rd in NFL
Indianapolis Colts Notes:
Indianapolis Colts are 28-8 (.778) against AFC South & has won 5 of past 6 against their division rivals
The Colts have won 13 of past 14 games played in September The Colts have won 6 of 7 all-time vs. Jaguars at home QB PEYTON MANNING has a 10-3 record (.769) against the Jaguars & has completed 277 of 452 passes
(61.3 pct.) for 3,473 yards with 25 TDs vs. 8 INTs & 96.2 passer rating. For his career, Manning has 91.7
passer rating vs. AFC South. Including postseason games, the Colts are 10-2 (.833) when RB JOSEPH ADDAI has 20 or more carries WR REGGIE WAYNE aims for 4th consecutive game with 100+ receiving yards against Jaguars & averages
133 receiving yards per game in past 3 vs. Jax. Including postseason, Wayne aims for 4th consecutive game with
TD. WR MARVIN HARRRISON has 90+ receiving yards in 3 of past 4 games against Jaguars. WR ANTHONY GONZALEZ led team with career high 9 receptions for 137 yards (15.2 avg.) last week Defense has 6 INTs in past 4 against Jaguars & 8 sacks in past 4. Colts aim for 3rd consecutive
game with 3 sacks vs. Jaguars The Colts are 13-2 (.867) when DE DWIGHT FREENEY records 2 or more sacks. Freeney posted 1 sack &
1 FF last week & aims for 3rd consecutive game with sack.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-0) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-1)
The Eagles lead the all-time series with 45-27-3 record versus the Steelers and have won 2 of the
past 3 games. The Philadelphia Eagles have not lost to the Steelers at home since 1965.
The last time these two in-state rivals met was on November 7, 2004 in Pittsburgh. The Steelers
won 27 to 3 as Pittsburgh RB Jerome Bettis rushed for 149 yards while WR Hines Ward scored 2 TDs. The Steelers'
defense limited Philadelphia to 113 total net yards.
Last week, the Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns on the road to improve their record to 2 and 0, while the
Eagles lost on monday night in a back-and-forth offensive shoot out to the Cowboys in Dallas 41 to 37.
Pittsburgh Steelers Notes:
The Pittsburgh Steelers aim for their 3rd consecutive win against an NFC opponent QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER has 13-2 (.867) career record against NFC teams with 22 TDs vs. 8 INTs &
104.9 passer rating. Pittsburgh Steelers are 25-2 (.925), when Roethlisberger has 100 plus passer
rating & aims for 4th consecutive game with 100+ passer rating Since 2006, RB WILLIE PARKER ranks second in NFL with 3,053 rush yards (3,412; LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON).
In past 10 games against NFC opponents, Parker has averaged 94 rush yards per game (940 total).
Pittsburgh Steelers are 20-3 (.869) when Parker has 100+ yards WR HINES WARD aims for 3rd consecutive game with a TD reception & has franchise-record 68 career TD
receptions. Since 2007, WR SANTONIO HOLMES ranks first in AFC with 17.9 yards-per-reception average. Since 2004, the Steelers are 23-7 (.767) when their defense records 3 or more sacks The stingy Steelers defense allowed 53 rush yards last week & ranks second in AFC & 3rd
in NFL allowing only 64 rushing yards per game in 2008 DE AARON SMITH had career high 2 sacks last week S TROY POLAMALU registered 12th career INT last week. Steelers are 9-2 (.818) when Polamalu has INT
Philadelphia Eagles Notes:
The Philadelphia Eagles have not lost to the Steelers at home since 1965 The Philadelphia Eagles have scored 75 points, most by club in first 2 games Since 2003, QB DONOVAN MC NABB is 12-5 (.706) vs. AFC. In past 6 starts at home with 15 or more
attempts, McNabb has a 103.6 rating. Including playoff games, when McNabb has 100+ rating, the Eagles are
37-1 (.974). McNabb has 175 TD passes in his career & needs only 1 touchdown pass to surpass RON JAWORSKI
for most in Eagles franchise history RB BRIAN WESBROOK has 1,051 scrimmage yards (131.4 per game) in past 8 games vs. AFC opponents.
He is 1 of 7 players in NFL history with 25 plus rush (30) & receiving (25) TDs. He had 2 rush & 1
receiving TD last week. That was his 10th game with both a rushing & receiving TD WR DE SEAN JACKSON is the second rookie in NFL history with 100 plus receiving yards in each of his first
2 games. DE SEAN JACKSON had 6 catches for 110 yards last week. WR HANK BASKETT has 4 career TDs & 3 have been 85+ yards. All 4 TDs have come at home DE TRENT COLE has 11 sacks in past 15. CB ASANTE SAMUEL had first INT as Eagle last week. Has 17 INTs
since 2006, most in NFL. S BRIAN DAWKINS had INT in last meeting. Last week, Dawkins had FF in endzone that
LB CHRIS GOCONG recovered for first career TD.
DALLAS COWBOYS (2-0) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-0)
The Dallas Cowboys hold an 11 - 10 edge in the series and have won 2 of the past 3 versus the Green Bay
Packers. The two teams last met in Dallas on 11/29/2007. In the first matchup between two 10-1 teams since
1990, Dallas QB Tony Romo threw for 309 yards & 4 TDs (3, 26, 10, 4) as the Cowboys defeated the Packers
37 to 27.
Last week the Cowboys defeated the Eagles at 41-37. The Packers beat the Lions on the road 48-25.
Last season the Cowboys and Packers 13 and 3 records were the best in the NFC.
Dallas Cowboys Notes:
Last year vs. Green Bay, Dallas Cowboys QB TONY ROMO completed 19 of 30 (63.3 pct.) for 309 yards with
4 TDs vs. 1 INT for 123.5 rating. Dallas Cowboys are 15-2 (.882) when Romo has 100 plus passer rating When RB MARION BARBER has 11+ carries, the Cowboys are 21-1 (.955). Barber Has 32 TDs (27 rush, 5 rec.)
in past 33. Rookie RB-KR FELIX JONES set a Dallas Cowboys team record with 247 kick return yards last week against the Eagles,
including 98-yard kick return for a touchdown WR TERRELL OWENS (132) had 2 receiving TDs last week & passed CRIS CARTER (130) for second in
NFL history. TERRELL OWENS has TD in 5 consecutive meetings (6 TDs). Aims for 3rd game in a row vs. Green Bay Packers
with 150 plus receiving yards & TD. WR PATRICK CRAYTON had 2 TDs in last meeting. TE JASON WITTEN has 14 catches for 179 yards & 1
TD (42 yards) in 2 career meetings LB DE MARCUS WARE had sack in only meeting. Had sack last week & aims for 6th game in row with
sack. LB GREG ELLIS has 14.5 sacks in past 15 games. S KEN HAMLIN & CB TERENCE NEWMAN each had INT in
last meeting
Green Bay Packers Notes:
The Green Bay Packers are 5-0 all-time vs. the Dallas Cowboys at home in Green Bay including playoff games.
Green Bay Packers are averaging 35.8 points per game in those 5. Under head coach MIKE MC CARTHY, team has won
19 of past 22 games QB AARON RODGERS passed for 201 yards with 1 TD for 104.8 rating last year vs. Dal. In first his 2 starts,
Rodgers has completed 42 of 60 (70.0 pct.) for 506 yards with 4 TDs for 117.8 rating, including first 300-yard
game (328) last week Last year vs. the Dallas Cowboys, RB RYAN GRANT rushed for 94 yards & 2 TDs, including a 62-yard TD run.
When Grant has 15+ attempts, Packers are a perfect 8-0 WR DONALD DRIVER had 33-yard TD in last game vs. the Cowboys at home. In last meeting,
WR GREG JENNINGS had 5 catches for 87 yards & 1 TD. Had career-high 167 yards last week DE AARON KAMPMAN has 30.0 sacks since 2006, most in NFC. S NICK COLLINS (42 yards) & CB CHARLES
WOODSON (41) each had INT-TD last week. LB A.J. HAWK had career-high 2.0 sacks last week.
NEW YORK JETS (1-1) AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (0-2)
The Chargers lead the series that dates back to the AFL 18 to 11 with one tie. The Jets have won 3 of the
past 5. They last played each other on November 6, 2005 in Giants Stadium. The Chargers when on the road 31 to
26 thanks to San Diego RB LaDainian Tomlinson. In that game Tomlinson rushed for 107 yards & scores 4 TDs
(3 rush, 1 receiving). The Chargers survived a 13 point 4th quarter rally by the New York Jets.
Last week the Jets lost to the Patriots at home 19 - 10 while the Chargers lost on the road to the Broncos
39-38 primarily due to an erroneous dead ball whistle.
New York Jets Notes:
The New York Jets aim for back-to-back road wins for first time since 12/25/06 For his career, QB BRETT FAVRE is 5-0 against Chargers & has completed 98 of 156 passes (62.8 pct.)
for 1,197 yards with 13 TDs & 4 INTs & 103.5 passer rating. Favre has 57 TDs vs. 37 INTs & 83.8
passer rating on MNF RB THOMAS JONES is averaging 85.5 rush yards in past 2 (171 total). Jones' teams are 26-13 (.667) when
he records 20+ attempts FB TONY RICHARDSON has 4 career rush TDs against Chargers (tied for most against any opponent) WR LAVERANUES COLES is averaging 19.3 yards per catch in 2008 (4 receptions, 77 yards) WR CHANSI STUCKEY aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD reception DT KRIS JENKINS posted first sack as Jet last week Since 2001, Jets lead the NFL with 10 kick return touchdowns
San Diego Chargers Notes:
The San Diego Chargers aim for their 3rd consecutive win on MNF QB PHILIP RIVERS has 15-2 career record as starter at home & has completed 289 of 461 passes
(62.7 pct.) for 3,222 yards with 19 TDs vs. 11 INTs & 87.2 passer rating. Rivers is 2-0 on MNF
& has 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 112.8 passer rating RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON has 6 TDs (5 rush, 1 rec.) in 3 games vs. NYJ. Aims for 3rd consecutive game
with 100+ rush yards on MNF & aims for 5th game in row with TD In last meeting against Jets, TE ANTONIO GATES posted 8 receptions for 132 yards (16.5 avg.).
San Diego Chargers are 8-0 when Gates has 2 or more TDs in a game WR CHRIS CHAMBERS aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD reception & has 3 TDs in past 2 games.
In last meeting (with Miami 9/23/07), Chambers recorded 6 receptions for 101 yards (16.8 avg.) San Diego Chargers are 6-0 when CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE has and interception. Rookie CB ANTOINE CASON
(first round, No. 27) posted first career INT last week RB-KR DARREN SPROLES totaled career-high 192 KR yards, including 103-yard kick return TD & recorded 66-yard
TD-reception last week.
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RELATED: NFL 2008 Week 3
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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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