NFL 2008 RSS
"That’s the NFL," says Pittsburgh Steelers head
coach MIKE TOMLIN, fresh off a thrilling Monday night win over Baltimore. "That’s what makes this thing so
awesome. You can’t blink."
So, as the NFL scoring average per game (45.2) through four weeks ties 1989 for second highest since 1980
after the 45.3 of 2002, here are some, but far from the only, "can’t blink" Week 5 games:
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-1) at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-2)
Another week, another NFC East knock-down, drag-out!
The history built into the division makes every game seem epic. This Sunday, it’s Redskins-Eagles.
Washington comes off an invigorating defeat of division-rival Dallas. Philadelphia was edged by Chicago, the first loss of an NFC East team outside the division. But that was last week. In the NFC East, who knows what’s in store this week?
Philly is aware that head coach JIM ZORN appears to be opening up the Redskins’ passing game. Washington’s JASON CAMPBELL – the only ranked QB in the league without an interception – still concentrated on the underneath game against Dallas, but also opened up more with long strikes.
"I’m loving it," says Redskins WR SANTANA MOSS of Zorn’s West Coast scheming. The focal point of Sunday’s matchup should be the deep game that is accelerated by the speed of Moss and Eagles rookie WR DE SEAN JACKSON, who both rank in the top 10 in NFL catches and receiving yards.
TENNESSEE TITANS (4-0) at BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-1)
Seven straight vs. top "D"
And that’s just one of the notable matchups in this meeting of former AFC Central rivals.
The Titans have the longest current victory streak in the NFL with seven wins in a row. To continue that, they are going to have to penetrate the No. 1 defense in the league (186.7 yards per game) and the top pass defense (117.0).
But there’s more. Tennessee rookie RB sensation CHRIS JOHNSON – seventh in the league in rushing with 337 yards – will confront a defense that has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 22 consecutive games, the best such mark in the league.
Meanwhile, Ravens rookie QB JOE FLACCO (who, says Baltimore WR DERRICK MASON, "didn’t get rattled and showed the poise of a veteran" Monday night when Pittsburgh threw numerous fronts at him) will be tailed by the league leader in interceptions, CB CORTLAND FINNEGAN (four, with one TD).
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-1) at DENVER BRONCOS (3-1)
Another Griese homecoming.
Two weeks ago, Buccaneers QB BRIAN GRIESE (3-0 this year) defeated Chicago, his team the past two seasons, in overtime (27-24) while throwing 67 times for 407 yards. This week, he takes on his first NFL club (1998-02), for which he ranks as the highest-rated passer in history (84.1). "I always enjoyed Brian," says Broncos head coach MIKE SHANAHAN. "He is as smart as they come."
It will be a power vs. stealth matchup of offense and defense. The Broncos, under QB JAY CUTLER, lead the league in offense (435.5 yards per game). The opportunistic Bucs tie for the NFL lead in interceptions and come off a three-pickoff, three-sack game against Green Bay with a fumble-return TD thrown in.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-1) at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-2) (Sunday night, NBC, 8:15 PM ET)
Second division game in a row for the Steelers?
No, but they well might think so. These two were AFC Central Division rivals from 1995 (the Jaguars’ first year of existence) until realignment in 2002 while splitting the season series every year but one (1999, Jaguars). And they’ve played every year since realignment except 2003. The average winning margin in those six games since ’02? A minimal 4.5 points. That includes last season’s 31-29 Wild Card win by Jacksonville in which QB DAVID GARRARD’s memorable 32-yard fourth-down run set up the winning field goal with 37 seconds left.
Now it’s ’08, both come off overtime wins, and will be ready for more nail-biting. Pittsburgh may have to go with MEWELDE MOORE – signed in the offseason primarily as a kick returner – at running back due to injuries. No problem. Monday night, Moore made two key catches in overtime to position the game-winning kick.
The Steelers will have to get ready for the "Jones Gang." WR MATT JONES leads the Jaguars in catches (21) and receiving yards (244) and has not had a game this year of under five receptions. And FB GREG JONES is a key to the Jaguars’ offense as a blocker springing RBs MAURICE JONES-DREW and FRED TAYLOR on their jaunts.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-3) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-2) (Monday night, ESPN, 8:30 PM ET)
Top pass offense vs. tough defense…and Reggie vs. Adrian.
Who will dominate?
Will the Saints continue their offensive onslaught that has produced the No. 1 passing game in the NFL, even without their starting receivers? Or will it be the Vikings’ defense -- particularly their dominant front four – that will control things?
New Orleans QB DREW BREES comes off a 363-yard, three-TD game against San Francisco. Those yards were mostly distributed to backup receivers LANCE MOORE, ROBERT MEACHEM and DEVERY HENDERSON, who all got good playing time due to injuries to the starters.
Monday night will be the first NFL meeting of two the league’s most explosive young players – RBs ADRIAN
PETERSON of the Vikings and REGGIE BUSH of the Saints. Last time they met? In the 2005 Orange Bowl national
championship game when Bush’s USC Trojans defeated Peterson’s Oklahoma Sooners 55-19. Sophomore Bush
accumulated 149 all-purpose yards, and freshman Peterson ran for 82 yards on 25 carries.
The Second Quarter of the NFL 2008 Season Starts. Who Knows What's in Store?
Through the first four weeks of the NFL season, the league has delivered 400-yard passers, a 200-yard rusher,
game-winning field goals and exciting returns on kickoffs and punts. But as the league gets deeper into its
season as autumn develops, the agenda for teams will not alter.
"We're just trying to win another game," says Tennessee Titans head coach JEFF FISHER, whose squad is one of
three teams that is still undefeated. "We've finished the first quarter the way we'd hoped to, the way we
expected to, and now we're moving forward. It's still early in the season. We're just stressing improvement.
It's really pretty simple."
A look at some of the fast starts in the AFC through the first quarter of the season:
AFC East
BUFFALO BILLS (4-0)
Led by second-year quarterback TRENT EDWARDS and a stout defense, the Bills are off to a 4-0 start as they
aim to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1999.
Running back MARSHAWN LYNCH has led a steady rushing attack. Lynch has four touchdowns and is on pace to tie
O.J. SIMPSON (16 in 1975) for the most rushing TDs in Bills history
Wide receiver LEE EVANS is in his fifth
season in Buffalo and leads the team with 332 receiving yards. The veteran receiver is on track to surpass
his career-high of 1,292 yards in 2006.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-1)
Quarterback MATT CASSEL has taken over the reins for an injured TOM BRADY and has displayed accuracy with the
AFC's third-best completion percentage (66.7)
Kick returner-cornerback ELLIS HOBBS ranks first in the NFL with a 36.0-yard average. If he maintains that
figure, he would set the Patriots' kickoff-return record (RAYMOND CLAYBORN; 31.0 in 1977).
NEW YORK JETS (2-2)
Fresh off a career-high six touchdowns passes last Sunday, quarterback BRETT FAVRE is on pace (48) to surpass
VINNY TESTAVERDE (29 in 1998) for most touchdowns in a season by a Jet LAVERANUES COLES and JERRICHO COTCHERY
are Favre's main pass-catching weapons. Coles (257) and Cotchery (243) aim to become the first Jets wide
receiver duo to gain 1,000 yards apiece since KEYSHAWN JOHNSON (1,131) and WAYNE CHREBET (1,083) in 1998.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-2)
Rookie head coach TONY SPARANO has Dolphins fans excited about a heavy dose of the run game and an aggressive
defense
Running back RONNIE BROWN (5) is tied for the league-high in rushing touchdowns and takes aim at
surpassing RICKY WILLIAMS (16 in 2002) for most Dolphins touchdowns in a season
Veteran linebacker JOEY PORTER (4.0) is on pace to surpass his career-high of 10.5 sacks in 2000 and 2005.
AFC North
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-1)
MIKE TOMLIN has the Steelers rolling with a 3-1 start in back-to-back seasons. The NFL's second ranked
defense is sparked by safety TROY POLAMALU, who has three interceptions and is on pace to surpass MEL BLOUNT
(11; in 1975) for most club interceptions in a season. The NFL sack leader through Week 4, JAMES HARRISON
(5.5) is on track to set a career-high, surpassing his 8.5 total of last year
On offense, SANTONIO HOLMES and HINES WARD can challenge to become the first Pittsburgh wide receiver duo to
gain 900 or more receiving yards since 2002 (PLAXICO BURRESS, 1,325 and Ward, 1,329).
BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-1)
Under the leadership of rookie head coach JOHN HARBAUGH, Baltimore has a 2-1 record and boasts the NFL's top
defense. Led by linebacker RAY LEWIS, the Ravens' defense has allowed a league-low 186.7 yards per game
Through three games, rookie quarterback JOE FLACCO is building chemistry with veteran wide receiver DERRICK
MASON, who aims to join DERRICK ALEXANDER (1995-96) as the only receivers in franchise history to record
back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-3)
With an offensive line led by former first-round pick JOE THOMAS, JAMAL LEWIS (235) is on target to become
the first Cleveland running back to gain 900 or more yards in consecutive seasons since MIKE PRUITT in 1981
On the defensive side of the ball, veteran safety MIKE ADAMS (2) and second-year cornerback ERIC WRIGHT (2)
are on pace to tie for the third-most interceptions in franchise history (8).
CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-4)
Pro Bowl wide receiver T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH has been an example of consistency. Houshmandzadeh leads the
Bengals with 266 receiving yards and is on track to reach the 1,000-yard mark for a third consecutive season
Named the starting running back prior to the season opener, CHRIS PERRY has 208 rushing yards and is on pace
to gain over 800 yards for a career-high.
AFC South
TENNESSEE TITANS (4-0)Sparked by a stingy defense and a run-pounding offense, the
Titans (4-0) are off to the best start in franchise history
First-round selection CHRIS JOHNSON and LEN DALE WHITE are developing into one of the league's premier
running back tandems. Johnson ranks second in the AFC in rushing yards (337) and is on pace (1,348) to become
the first Titans / Oilers rookie running back to gain 1,000 yards since EDDIE GEORGE in 1996. White is tied for
the league lead with five rushing touchdowns and is on track (20) to break EARL CAMPBELL's club season touchdown
record (19 in 1979)
The AFC's third ranked defense has been disruptive upfront, led by defensive end KYLE VANDEN BOSCH and
defensive tackle ALBERT HAYNESWORTH, who ranks second in the AFC with five sacks.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-2)
DAVID GARRARD is in his second season as the Jaguars' starting quarterback and is on pace to reach 3,000
passing yards. Garrard can become the first Jacksonville QB to hit the mark since MARK BRUNELL (3,309 in 2001)
Eleven-year running back FRED TAYLOR has continued his downhill running style and is on track to lead the
Jaguars in rushing for the ninth time in his career.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1-2)
Under the guidance of head coach TONY DUNGY, the Colts are 11-0 in the month of October since 2005
Wide receivers REGGIE WAYNE (253), ANTHONY GONZALEZ (222) and MARVIN HARRISON (132) can become the first
Colts' threesome to each record 500 or more receiving yards since 2005 (Harrison, 1,146; Wayne, 1,055; and
BRANDON STOKLEY, 543).
HOUSTON TEXANS (0-3)
Rookie running back STEVE SLATON has emerged as the starter for the Texans. The West Virginia product has
192 yards (4.7 average) on 41 carries through three games and can challenge the franchise record for most
rushing yards in a season (DOMANICK WILLIAMS; 1,188 in 2004)
Wide receiver KEVIN WALTER has used his 6-3, 215-pound frame as a big target for quarterback MATT SCHAUB and
leads the team with three touchdowns. Walter is on track to set the Texans' season mark for touchdown
receptions (12; ANDRE JOHNSON, 8 in 2007).
AFC West
DENVER BRONCOS (3-1)
JAY CUTLER has orchestrated the NFL's top offense (435.5 yards per game) as the Broncos enter October with a
3-1 record. The third-year quarterback ranks second in the league in passing yards (1,275) and touchdowns (9).
Cutler is on track to set the franchise record in passing yards (5,100; JAKE PLUMMER, 4,089 in 2004) and
touchdowns (36; Plummer; 27 in 2004 and JOHN ELWAY, 27 in 1997)
Cutler's top receiver BRANDON MARSHALL is
tied for the league lead with 31 receptions and is on track (124) to surpass ROD SMITH (113 in 2001) for most
catches in a season in Broncos history.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (2-2)
Quarterback PHILIP RIVERS ranks second in the AFC with 1,024 passing yards and is on pace (4,096) to become
the first Chargers 4,000-yard passer since DAN FOUTS (4,802) in 1981
The NFL leader among tight ends with three touchdown receptions, ANTONIO GATES can challenge (12) his
career-high of 13 touchdowns in 2004
Cornerback ANTONIO CROMARTIE leads the NFL with 12 interceptions since 2007.
OAKLAND RAIDERS (1-3)
Quarterback JA MARCUS RUSSELL and rookie running back DARREN MC FADDEN look like a formidable 1-2 punch for
years to come for the Raiders. A former No. 1 overall pick, Russell has four touchdowns versus one interception
and an 84.9 passer rating. McFadden ranks second among AFC rookies with 272 rushing yards and is on track
(1,088) to surpass MARCUS ALLEN (697 in 1982) for most rushing yards by a Raiders rookie
Cornerback DE ANGELO HALL has an interception in two consecutive games and seeks to become the first Raider
to post double-digit interceptions since LESTER HAYES (13 in 1980).
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-3)
The Chiefs debuted the youngest roster in the NFL on Kickoff Weekend (25.57 average) and started six rookies
in the season opener
Veteran TONY GONZALEZ (10,058) needs three yards to surpass SHANNON SHARPE (10,060) and become the career
leader in receiving yards by a tight end
Running back LARRY JOHNSON (415) has gained 100-plus rush yards in consecutive weeks and is on the pace to
surpass 1,500 yards for the third time in his career.
THERE'S A LOT HAPPENING AS NFC KICKS OFF SECOND QUARTER
In the NFC, fans saw records broken, dominant performances, comebacks and surprises galore and that was just the first
four weeks of the 2008 NFL season.
There's more excitement in store this week as the NFC's second quarter gets under way for the majority of
clubs with a primetime matchup featuring two of the league's most electrifying running backs.
On Monday night, the New Orleans Saints will host the Minnesota Vikings and the spotlight will be on the
Saints' REGGIE BUSH and the Vikings' ADRIAN PETERSON. Bush, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft,
is tied for the NFL lead with 31 receptions. He has 192 career catches, the most ever by a running back in his
first 32 games.
Peterson, the No. 7 overall selection in the 2007 draft, is second in the NFL with 420 rushing yards and has
averaged 97.8 yards per game since entering the league, the highest such mark in the NFL.
A look at some of the NFC's sizzling starts through the first quarter of the season:
NFC East
NEW YORK GIANTS (3-0)
The Super Bowl XLII champions are a perfect 3-0 and remain the only unbeaten team in the NFC. New York has
outscored opponents by 40 points, the biggest net differential in the conference. The Giants have scored 83
points and will challenge the team record of 448 (1963)
Quarterback ELI MANNING is on pace for his first career 4,000-yard season (4,080) and the third in team
history (PHIL SIMMS, 1984 and KERRY COLLINS, 2002)
Running back BRANDON JACOBS has 244 rushing yards and is on track for 1,301 yards. Jacobs would join TIKI
BARBER and JOE MORRIS as the only Giants to reach the 1,300-yard mark
The defense has 13 sacks and is on pace for a team-best 69 (68 in 1985). Defensive tackle FRED ROBBINS
(4.0) and defensive end JUSTIN TUCK (3.0) lead the team in sacks and are aiming for career-bests in the
category.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-1)Quarterback JASON CAMPBELL is on track for 3,512 passing
yards, which would be the highest such total by a Redskins quarterback since 1999 (BRAD JOHNSON, 4,005).
Campbell currently ranks second in the NFC with a 102.2 passer rating and aims to join Pro Football Hall of
Famer SAMMY BAUGH as the only players in club history with a rating of at least 100.0
Running back CLINTON PORTIS has 369 rushing yards and looks to challenge his team record of 1,516 set in 2005
Wide receiver SANTANA MOSS is on pace to set franchise records in receptions (108) and receiving yards (1,684)
Rookie safety CHRIS HORTON leads the club with three interceptions and is on track for 12, which would be the
most by a Redskin since 1964 (PAUL KRAUSE, 12).
DALLAS COWBOYS (3-1)
The Cowboys have scored 120 points and are on pace for a team-record 480, besting the 479 points scored by
the 1983 team
Quarterback TONY ROMO has posted a 99.0 passer rating, which would be the second highest in team history
(104.8, ROGER STAUBACH, 1971). Romo can become the first Cowboys QB to post a rating of at least 95.0 in
three consecutive seasons
Running back MARION BARBER is on pace for a career-best 1,244 yards and can become the first Cowboy to rush
for 1,200 yards since EMMITT SMITH in 2000
JASON WITTEN is on track for 108 receptions and 1,452 yards, both records for an NFL tight end
Wide receiver TERRELL OWENS is on pace for 16 receiving touchdowns, which would surpass the team mark (15)
he set last year
Linebacker DE MARCUS WARE leads the team with four sacks and can set a club record with 16.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-2)
Earlier this season, quarterback DONOVAN MC NABB (177) passed RON JAWORSKI (175) for the most touchdown
passes in team history. McNabb is on pace for a career-high 4,400 yards, which would be the first 4,000-yard
season in club annals
Running back BRIAN WESTBROOK has 30 career rushing touchdowns and 25 receiving TDs. With five receiving
touchdowns, Westbrook will become the sixth player in NFL history with 30 rushing and receiving scores
Rookie wide receiver DE SEAN JACKSON is on track for 88 catches and 1,308 yards. Both would be club rookie
records
The Eagles have 17 sacks and are on pace for 68. The team record is 62, set in 1989. Defensive end JUQUA
PARKER leads the club with 3.5 sacks and is closing in on a career-high in the category (6.0 in 2006).
NFC North
GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-2)In his first year as the team's starter, quarterback AARON RODGERS is on pace for 3,844 yards and has a 91.4 passer rating. Rodgers can become the fourth quarterback in team history to pass for 3,500 yards in a season, joining LYNN DICKEY, BRETT FAVRE and DAN MAJKOWSKI. Favre and Pro Football Hall of Famer BART STARR are the only Packers to post a passer rating of at least 90.0 in a season Wide receiver GREG JENNINGS leads the NFL with 482 receiving yards and is on track for 100 catches and 1,928 yards. That yardage total would be the most in team history (1,497, ROBERT BROOKS, 1995) and Jennings would be the first Packer to lead the league in the category since ANTONIO FREEMAN in 1998 (1,424) Safety NICK COLLINS and cornerback CHARLES WOODSON each have three interceptions and are on pace for 12. The team record is 10, set in 1943 by IRV COMP.
CHICAGO BEARS (2-2)Rookie running back MATT FORTÉ leads the team with 347 rushing yards and is on pace for 1,388. Forté would become the first Bears rookie to rush for 1,300 yards and would join Pro Football Hall of Famer WALTER PAYTON as the only players in franchise history to rush for 1,350 yards in a season. Forté ranks second in the NFL with 494 scrimmage yards and can become the second player in team annals (Payton) to record 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season Quarterback KYLE ORTON is on track for 3,064 passing yards, which would be his first career 3,000-yard season and the sixth such season in Bears history Defensive ends ALEX BROWN and ISRAEL IDONIJE lead the team with two sacks and each is on pace to set career highs with eight.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-3)Running back ADRIAN PETERSON, the 2007 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, led the NFC with 1,341 rushing yards last year. He currently ranks second in the NFL with 420 yards and aims to become the first player to lead the NFC in rushing in each of his first two seasons since Pro Football Hall of Famer BARRY SANDERS (1989-90). No Viking has ever led the NFC in rushing in back-to-back seasons Defensive end JARED ALLEN led the league with 15.5 sacks last year with Kansas City. Allen has two sacks this year and will look to join DOUG MARTIN (1982), CHRIS DOLEMAN (1989) and JOHN RANDLE (1997) as the only Vikings to lead the NFL in sacks.
DETROIT LIONS (0-3)Quarterback JON KITNA has thrown for 684 yards in three games and is on pace for 3,648 yards. That would mark Kitna's third consecutive season with at least 3,500 yards and only the fourth in team history Wide receiver CALVIN JOHNSON has 17 catches for 276 yards. Johnson (1,472) is on track to join HERMAN MOORE (1,686 in 1995) and BRETT PERRMIAN (1,488 in 1995) as the only Lions with 1,400-yard seasons Running back KEVIN SMITH leads the team in rushing and can become the first rookie since KEVIN JONES in 2004 to lead the club in that category...Defensive end DEWAYNE WHITE has a team-best two sacks and is on track for his first 10-sack season.
NFC South
CAROLINA PANTHERS (3-1)Quarterback JAKE DELHOMME is on track for his fourth career 3,000-yard season (3,440) Wide receiver MUHSIN MUHAMMAD leads the team with 22 receptions and aims to become the first player in franchise history with four 90-catch seasons. Muhammad's 287 receiving yards lead the team and he can join STEVE SMITH as the only players in club history with four 1,000-yard seasons. Smith has four such seasons and seeks his fifth 1,000-yard season Running backs DE ANGELO WILLIAMS and rookie JONATHAN STEWART aim to become the first Panthers tandem to rush for 800 yards apiece. Williams leads the team with 201 yards and Stewart is second with 197 Defensive end JULIUS PEPPERS aims for his fifth season with at least 10 sacks.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-1)The Buccaneers have won three in a row led by quarterback BRIAN GRIESE, who has passed for 716 yards in those games. Griese is on track for his first career 3,500-yard season Running back EARNEST GRAHAM is on pace for a career-high 1,336 rushing yards, which would be the second-best total in team history (1,544, JAMES WILDER, 1984) Defensive end GAINES ADAMS and linebacker BARRETT RUUD lead the team with two interceptions apiece. Adams needs one more pickoff to set a franchise mark for interceptions by a defensive lineman. Ruud is on pace to pass DERRICK BROOKS (5) and CECIL JOHNSON (5) for the most interceptions by a linebacker in team annals.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-2)Quarterback DREW BREES leads the NFL with 1,343 yards and is on track for an NFL-record 5,372 yards. Brees is on pace for his third consecutive 4,000-yard season and is the only quarterback in franchise history to reach the 4,000-yard plateau. Brees has a 106.9 passer rating and can become the first Saint to post a 100.0 rating in a season Running back REGGIE BUSH is tied for the NFL lead with 31 receptions and is on pace for a team-record 124 catches, which would be the most in league history by a running back. Bush can become the first running back in NFL annals with 100 catches and 1,000 receiving yards in a season Defensive end CHARLES GRANT leads the club with three sacks and is looking for his third career 10-sack season.
ATLANTA FALCONS (2-2)In his first season with the Falcons, running back MICHAEL TURNER leads the NFL with 422 rushing yards, including a team-record 220 yards in Week 1. Turner is on track for 1,688 rushing yards and can join JAMAL ANDERSON (1,846 in 1998) and GERALD RIGGS (1,719 in 1985) as the only Falcons to rush for 1,600 yards in a season Wide receiver RODDY WHITE is on pace for 1,288 yards and would become the first Falcon to post consecutive 1,200-yard seasons Defensive end JOHN ABRAHAM leads the league with 6.0 sacks and seeks to challenge PATRICK KERNEY's team record of 13.0 set in 2004 Kicker JASON ELAM has scored 36 points and looks to break the club mark of 138 (JAY FEELY, 2002).
NFC West
ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-2)Wide receivers LARRY FITZGERALD (1,660) and ANQUAN BOLDIN (1,464) are on pace to each post 1,000 yards receiving for the second time (2005). Boldin and Fitzgerald each have two 100-catch seasons and can join JERRY RICE (4), MARVIN HARRISON (4) and HERMAN MOORE (3) as the only players in history with at least three 100-catch seasons Running back EDGERRIN JAMES has rushed for 277 yards and is on track (1,108) for the eighth 1,000-yard season of his 10-year career Quarterback KURT WARNER is on pace for a club-record 4,888 passing yards (4,614, NEIL LOMAX, 1984), 32 touchdowns (28, CHARLEY JOHNSON, 1963 and Lomax, 1984), and can become the first Cardinals quarterback to post a passer rating of 100.0 (100.8).
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-2)Running back FRANK GORE leads the NFL with 525 scrimmage yards (369 rushing yards and 156 receiving yards). Gore is on pace for 2,100 scrimmage yards, which would be the second most in team history behind his 2,180 yards in 2006. The four-year veteran would join ROGER CRAIG as the only 49ers with two 2,000-yards seasons In his first season as the starter, quarterback J.T. O'SULLIVAN has posted a 90.0 passer rating and can join JOHN BRODIE, JEFF GARCIA and Pro Football Hall of Famers JOE MONTANA and STEVE YOUNG as the only QBs in club history with a 90.0 rating. O'Sullivan is on pace for 3,848 passing yards and would join Garcia, Montana and Young as the only 49ers with at least 3,800 passing yards Linebacker PARYS HARALSON (3.0) seeks to become the first 49er with 15 sacks since CHRIS DOLEMAN in 1998.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-2)The Seahawks have won the NFC West each of the past four years and are looking for their fifth consecutive division title Quarterback MATT HASSELBECK aims for his team-record sixth career 3,000-yard passing season Running back JULIUS JONES, who was acquired this offseason after spending the previous four years with Dallas, leads the team with 312 rushing yards in three games. Jones is on pace for 1,664 yards and would join SHAUN ALEXANDER as the only Seahawks to eclipse the 1,600-yard mark Rookie tight end JOHN CARLSON leads the club with 12 receptions and 168 yards. Carlson is on track for 64 catches and 896 yards, which would both be team records for a tight end Defensive end PATRICK KERNEY has three sacks and looks to challenge the club mark set by MICHAEL SINCLAIR (16.5, 1998).
SAINT LOUIS RAMS (0-4)Running back STEVEN JACKSON leads the Rams with 269 rushing yards and 211 receiving yards. Jackson, who had 2,334 yards in 2006, has 480 scrimmage yards and aims to become the third player in team history with multiple 2,000-scrimmage-yard seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer ERIC DICKERSON and MARSHALL FAULK Wide receiver TORRY HOLT aims for his ninth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season. Holt can join JERRY RICE (14), TIM BROWN (9) and JIMMY SMITH (9) as the only players with nine 1,000-yard seasons Rookie defensive end CHRIS LONG, the second overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, is tied for the team lead with two sacks and can surpass the team rookie record of six set in 1995 by KEVIN CARTER.
NFL 2008 WEEK 4 RESULTS (SEPTEMBER 28 - 29)
Byes: Detroit, Indianapolis, Miami, New England, N.Y. Giants, Seattle
CAROLINA 24, Atlanta 9 San Diego 28, OAKLAND 18 Cleveland 20, CINCINNATI 12 Buffalo 31, ST. LOUIS 14 JACKSONVILLE 30, Houston 27 (OT) Washington 26, DALLAS 24 KANSAS CITY 33, Denver 19 CHICAGO 24, Philadelphia 20 NEW ORLEANS 31, San Francisco 17 N.Y. JETS 56, Arizona 35 TAMPA BAY 30, Green Bay 21 PITTSBURGH 23, Baltimore 20 (OT)
NFL 2008 Week 5 Schedule (OCTOBER 5 - 6 )
Byes: Cleveland, N.Y. Jets, St. Louis, Oakland
All Times Local
Tennessee at Baltimore, 1:00 PM Tampa Bay at Denver, 2:05 PM Kansas City at Carolina, 1:00 PM Buffalo at Arizona, 1:15 PM Chicago at Detroit, 1:00 PM Cincinnati at Dallas, 3:15 PM Atlanta at Green Bay, 12:00 PM New England at San Francisco, 1:15 PM Indianapolis at Houston, 12:00 PM San Diego at Miami, 1:00 PM Seattle at N.Y. Giants, 1:00 PM Washington at Philadelphia, 1:00 PM Pittsburgh at Jacksonville, 8:15 PM (NBC) Minnesota at New Orleans, 7:30 PM (ESPN) - Monday, October 6
Week 5 NFL 2008 Matchups
TENNESSEE TITANS (4-0) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-1)
The Baltimore Ravens lead the series 8 to 7 and have also won 5 of past 6 versus the Titans. In their last
meeting (11/12/06) the Ravens defeated the Titans 27 to 26 on the road. Baltimore QB Steve McNair threw an 11-yard
TD pass to WR Derrick Mason with 3:35 remaining in 4th quarter as the Ravens erased a 26 to 7 deficit for the come-from-behind
victory.
Last week the Titans beat the Vikings at home to extend their perfect season to 4 - 0 while the Ravens lost
a hard fought battle to the Steelers on the road losing 23 to 20 in overtime.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Club aims for first 5-0 start in franchise history Dating back to 12/16/07, the Titans have 7 consecutive regular-season wins (longest current streak in NFL) In 2008, QB KERRY COLLINS has completed 47 of 83 passes (56.6 pct.) for 577 yards with 2 TDs vs. 1 INT &
81.3 passer rating. Collins is 1-0 against the Baltimore Ravens (w/Car. on 12/15/96) as starter & has 82.0
passer rating Rookie running back CHRIS JOHNSON (first round, No. 24) ranks 2nd in AFC with 337 rush yards. Johnson recorded
career-high 2 rush TDs last week running back LEN DALE WHITE has rush TD in 4 consecutive games & can tie franchise record for most consecutive
games with rush TD (running back EARL CAMPBELL, 5 in 1979) WR JUSTIN GAGE led team with 5 rec. for 92 yards (18.4 avg.) last week Since 2006, the Titans are 14-2 (.875) when it records 2 or more INTs Defense is tied for first in NFL with 8 INTs CB CORTLAND FINNEGAN leads NFL with 4 INTs
DTs ALBERT HAYNESWORTH (5) & TONY BROWN (3.5) have totaled 8.5 of Titans 15 sacks
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Baltimore Ravens aim for 3 consecutive wins at home to start season for first time since 2001 Rookie QB JOE FLACCO (first round, No. 18) posted first career TD pass last week vs. 0 INTs In 1 career meeting vs. the Titans (with Bills on 12/24/06), running back WILLIS MC GAHEE totaled 22 attempts for 95
yards (4.3 avg.) with 1 TD. FB LE’ RON MC CLAIN has 3 TDs in past 2 & aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD WR DERRICK MASON spent 8 seasons (1997-2004) with Ten. & aims for 3rd consecutive game with 8 receptions
& TD against Titans. Since 2003, Mason ranks 3rd in NFL with 464 rec. (TORRY HOLT, 514; CHAD JOHNSON, 473) TE TODD HEAP (3,934) needs 67 receiving yards to surpass 4,000 Baltimore Ravens Defense has not allowed a running back to gain 100+ rush yards in 22 games Since 2002, S ED REED leads NFL safeties with 35 INTs. Including postseason, Reed has 2 INTs in 4
career meetings vs. Ten CB SAMARI ROLLE posted 23 INTs in 7 seasons (1998-2004) with Titans.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-3) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (3-1)
The Kansas City Chiefs lead the all-time series 2 games to 1. In their last meeting
on 9/19/2004 the Panthers won 28 to 17 in Kansas City. Carolina QB Jake Delhomme threw 3 TD passes & running back
DeShaun Foster ran for 174 yards, including a 4th-quarter 3-yard TD.
Last week the Chiefs won at home upsetting the Broncos 33 - 19, while the Panthers defeated the Falcons at home 24-9.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Kansas City Chiefs are 5-4 (.556) vs. NFC under head coach HERM EDWARDS For his career, QB DAMON HUARD has 15 TDs vs. 5 INTs & 101.5 passer rating vs. NFC. Huard posted
100.3 passer rating last week & his teams are 9-0 when he has 100+ passer rating running back LARRY JOHNSON is averaging 159.5 rush yards per game in past 2 (319 total) & aims for his 3rd consecutive
100-yard game. Johnson averages 104.5 rush yards per game against NFC as starter (1,045 total) & aims for 7th
100-yard game vs. NFC. Chiefs are 22-7 (.759) when Johnson has 100+ rushing yards. Kansas City Chiefs are
12-1 (.923) when Johnson has 30+ attempts TE TONY GONZALEZ (10,058) needs 3 rec. yards to surpass SHANNON SHARPE (10,060) for first among TEs WR DWAYNE BOWE aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD reception against NFC Chiefs are 5-1 (.833) under Edwards when opponents score 10 or fewer points LB DERRICK JOHNSON registered 1 INT & 1 FF last week Rookie CB BRANDON CARR (5th round, No. 140) recorded first career INT last week & 1 FR
CAROLINA PANTHERS
The Carolina Panthers recorded their 100th victory in franchise history last week Carolina Panthers Offense had 401 total yards vs. the Atlanta Falcons In his only start vs. the Chiefs, QB JAKE DELHOMME passed for 3 TDs. In 19 games vs. AFC teams
(Including playoffs), Delhomme has 31 TDs vs. 15 INTs. As starter, when Delhomme has 110.0+ rating, his
teams are perfect 12-0, Including last week when he completed 20 of 29 (69.0 pct.) for 294 yards with 2
TDs vs. 0 INTs for 124.8 rating. Rookie running back JONATHAN STEWART (first round, No. 13) aims for 4th game in row with rush TD. Has 4 TDs in
past 3 games. The Panthers are a perfect 6-0 when running back DE ANGELO WILLIAMS rushes for 80+ yards WR STEVE SMITH has 7 100-yard receiving games vs. AFC teams. Had 6 catches for 96 yards with 56-yard TD
last week. WR MUHSIN MUHAMMAD had 8 catches for 147 yards with 1 TD (36 yards) last week. Has 30 career
100-yard receiving games, Including 12/10/00 vs. KC Chiefs DE JULIUS PEPPERS ranks first in team history with 58.0 sacks & 19 FFs. Had 2.0 sacks & FF in only career
meeting. CB CHRIS GAMBLE has forced turnover in 3 of past 4 games (1 INT, 2 FRs). Rookie DE HILEE TAYLOR
(7th round, No. 221) had first career sack last week.
CHICAGO BEARS (2-2) AT DETROIT LIONS (0-3)
The Chicago Bears hold an 87-64-5 series record versus the Detroit Lions. However, the Lions have won the last 2
meetings. Last season the Detroit Lions won at home 37 - 27 on September 30, 2007. In that game the Detroit Lions
scored an NFL-record 34 points in the 4th quarter behind 247 yards & 2 TD passes by QB Jon Kitna. The Lions then
beat the Bears on the road (10/28/07) 16 to 7. Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones ran for 105 yards & 1
TD. The Lions defense intercepted 3 passes in end zone.
Last week the Lions had a bye while the Bears defeated the Eagles at home 24 - 20.
CHICAGO BEARS
QB KYLE ORTON has won 13 of his past 18 starts. Is 2-0 in career vs. the Detroit Lions, completing
31 of 52 (59.6 pct.) for 380 yards with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 95.0 rating. In career as starter, 2 of Orton’s
3 highest passer ratings have come vs. Lions. Had career-high 3 TDs last week running back MATT FORTÉ (2nd round, No. 44) leads NFL rookies with 347 rushing yards Pro Bowl PR-KR-WR DEVIN HESTER has 14 career TDs & averages 80.9 yards per TD, highest avg. in NFL
history (min. 10 TDs). Had 97-yard KR-TD & 219 KR yards in last game at the Detroit Lions WR MARTY BOOKER
had 23-yard TD last week. TE GREG OLSEN had 20-yard TD in last meeting LB LANCE BRIGGS had sack in last meeting. Has 2 INTs vs. Lions, Including 38-yard INT-TD (12/26/04).
DE ADEWALE OGUNLEYE aims for 3rd in row vs. the Detroit Lions with sack. Has 3.0 sacks in past 2 meetings.
When Ogunleye has 2+ sacks, his teams are 10-2 (.833). DT TOMMIE HARRIS aims for 4th meeting in row with sack.
Has 4.0 sacks in past 3 vs. the Detroit Lions Bears are 5-0 when DE ALEX BROWN has 2+ sacks
DETROIT LIONS
QB JON KITNA aims for 5th in row vs. the Chicago Bears with a 90+ passer rating. In last home game vs.
Bears, Kitna completed 20 of 24 (83.3 pct.) for 247 yards with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 137.3 rating. Aims for
3rd win in row as starter vs. the Chicago Bears running back KEVIN SMITH (3rd round, No. 64) leads team in rushing with 102 yards. Is 1 of 5 rookies to
lead club in rushing. In only game vs. the Chicago Bears (9/25/05 with the Bengals), running back RUDI JOHNSON
rushed for 84 yards WR CALVIN JOHNSON has 17 catches for 276 yards (16.2 avg.). Averaging 92.0 yards per game. WR ROY
WILLIAMS aims for 6th game in row vs. the Chicago Bears with 5+ receptions. Has 13 100-yard games In last game, defense had 4 INTs. S GERALD ALEXANDER had INT & 36 return yards in last meeting.
CB KEITH SMITH aims for 3rd meeting in row vs. Bears with INT. Had 64-yard INT-TD in last meeting at home.
DE DEWAYNE WHITE has 3.0 sacks in 5 games vs. the Chicago Bears. DE JARED DE VRIES had career-high 3.0 sacks
in last home game vs. the Chicago Bears. LB ERNIE SIMS had only career INT vs. Bears (9/30/07).
ATLANTA FALCONS (2-2) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-2)
The Green Bay Packers lead the series 12 games to 10 and have won 3 of the past 4 against the Falcons.
The two teams last met on November 13, 2005 when the Packers defeated the Falcons in Atlanta by a score of 33 to
25. In that game, Green Bay running back Samkon Gado, making his first NFL start, ran for 103 yards & 3 TDs (9, 1, 2).
Last week both teams lost on the road as the Packers lost to the Panthers 24 - 9, while the Falcons lost to
the Buccaneers 30 to 21.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Rookie QB MATT RYAN (first round, No. 3) has 120+ rating in 2 of first 4 starts. Had career-high 21 completions
& 41 attempts last week The Falcons lead the NFL in rushing averaging 181.8 yards per game. Running back MICHAEL TURNER has
rushed for 422 yards in first 4 games with the Falcons, Including a Falcons team record 220 yards in Week 1 of the NFL 2008 Season.
Turner is averaging 105.5 yards per game. When Turner has 8+ carries, his teams are 13-2 (.867). RB-KR
JERIOUS NORWOOD has 4 career rush TDs & 3 have been 67+ yards WR RODDY WHITE had 7 catches for 90 yards last week. Has 12 catches for 209 yards (104.5 per game) & 1
TD (70 yards) in past 2. In last meeting, White had 19-yard TD catch. WR MICHAEL JENKINS has 6 catches &
4 have resulted in first down or TD (66.7 pct.) DE JOHN ABRAHAM has 16.0 sacks in past 19. Leads NFL with 6.0 sacks. Has 73.5 sacks since 2000,
6th most in NFL K JASON ELAM has converted all 9 FG attempts this year. Ranks 5th in NFL history with 404 FGs. Has 38
FGs of 50+ yards, 2nd in NFL history. Ties for 2nd in NFC with 36 points
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Under head coach MIKE MC CARTHY, the Green Bay Packers have won 19 of their past 24 games In 2 starts at home, QB AARON RODGERS has completed 40 of 61 (65.6 pct.) for 468 yards with 1 TD vs. 0
INTs for 94.2 passer rating When running back RYAN GRANT has 18+ attempts (Including playoffs),
Packers are perfect 7-0. In 4 home games with 20+ attempts (Including playoffs), Grant has 564 yards (141.0
per game) & Packers are 4-0 WR DONALD DRIVER has reception in 99 consecutive games, 2nd-longest
streak in team history (STERLING SHARPE, 103). In last meeting, Driver had 10 catches for 114 yards.
WR GREG JENNINGS has 16 career rec. TDs & 9 have been 40+ yards. Had 2 TDs last week. Leads NFL with
482 rec. yards & aims for 4th in row with 100+ yards DE AARON KAMPMAN has 31.5 sacks since 2006, most in NFC. Had sack in last meeting. S NICK COLLINS aims
for 4th in row with INT. In past 3, Collins has 3 INTs, 109 INT-return yards & INT-TD. CB CHARLES WOODSON has
3 INTs in past 3, Including 2 INT-TDs (62 & 41 yards). Has 6 career INT-TDs.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1-2) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (0-3)
The Indianapolis Colts lead the series 11 games to 1. Last season the Colts defeated the Texans on two occassions.
In Houston on 9/23/2007, the Colts defeated the Texans 30 - 24. Indianapolis running back Joseph Addai had 91 scrimmage
yards (72 rushing, 19 receiving) & 2 rushing TDs as Colts started their season 3-0 for 4th time in 5 years. Then on 12/23/2007 in
Indianapolis, the Colts defeated the Texans 38 to 15. Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning passed for 3 TDs as the Colts scored 38
unanswered points to sweep Houston in the season series for 5th time in 6 years.
Last week the Colts had a bye while the Texans lost to the Jaguars 30 to 27 in overtime in Jacksonville.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The Colts are 5-1 (.833) at Houston & aim for their 3rd consecutive win against Texans Colts aim for 4th consecutive win on road against AFC opponent In 12 career meetings against Houston, QB PEYTON MANNING has completed 270 of 375 passes (72.0 pct.)
for 3,292 yards with 29 TDs vs. 4 INTs & 120.0 passer rating. Manning has 10 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 127.7 passer
rating in past 4 against Houston. Running back JOSEPH ADDAI attended Sharpstown HS in Houston, TX & averages 86 rush yards per game at
Houston (172 total). Including postseason, Colts are 10-2 (.833) when Addai has 20+ carries WR REGGIE WAYNE has 14 receptions for 227 yards (16.2 avg.) with 1 TD in past 2 against Texans. Club is
12-0 when Wayne has TD reception against division opponent. WR MARVIN HARRRISON averages 100 receiving yards
per game in past 4 against Houston TE DALLAS CLARK has 7 TDs vs. Texans (most vs. any opponent) Defense has 5 INTs in past 2 against Houston Colts are 13-2 (.867) when DE DWIGHT FREENEY records 2 or more sacks
HOUSTON TEXANS
The Texans finally play their home opener delayed by Hurricane Ike Aim for their 5th consecutive win at home dating back to 11/18/07 Texans are 1-1 (.500) against Colts at home under head coach GARY KUBIAK QB MATT SCHAUB tied career high with 3 TDs last week & aims for consecutive 300-yard passing games for
first time in career In past 2 as starter, rookie running back STEVE SLATON (3rd round, No. 89) has totaled 240 total yards
(149 rush yards, 91 receiving yards). Slaton aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD FB VONTA LEACH has 2 of 3 career TD receptions against Colts WR ANDRE JOHNSON has 4+ receptions in 7 of 8 career games against Colts. Johnson (4,983) needs 18
receiving yards to surpass 5,000 for career. WR KEVIN WALTER posted career-high 2 TD receptions last week
& has 3 TDs in past 3 TE OWEN DANIELS aims for reception in 23 consecutive games. Daniels averages 13.6 yards per catch in
2008 (14 receptions for 191 receiving yards) Since 10/1/07, DE MARIO WILLIAMS is tied for 4th in NFL with 14 sacks.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (2-2) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-2)
The Dolphins lead the series 11 - 10 and have won the past 6 meetings versus the Chargers. The two teams last
met on 12/11/2005 when the Dolpins won in San Diego 23 to 21. Miami QB Gus Frerotte passed for 229 yards, including
2 TDs to WR Chris Chambers, as Dolphins survived a 14 point 4th quarter rally by the San Diego Chargers.
Last week the Dolphins had the week off following their stunning 38 to 13 defeat of the Patriots in New England, while
the Chargers defeated the Raiders in Oakland 28-18
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
For his career against AFC opponents, QB PHILIP RIVERS has 21-6 (.778) record as starter with 39 TDs
vs. 24 INTs & 87.3 passer rating. Rivers has completed 71 of 110 passes (64.5 pct.) for 1,024 yards with 10
TDs vs. 4 INTs in 2008. Rivers will make his first career start against Dolphins Running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON aims for 3rd consecutive game with 2 rush TDs. Club is 28-4 (.875)
when Tomlinson has 25+ carries on road In last meeting against Miami, TE ANTONIO GATES posted 13 receptions for 123 yards (9.5 avg.) with 1 TD.
Gates has 3 TDs in past 4 & aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD reception WR CHRIS CHAMBERS spent 2001-07 with Dolphins (traded to SD on 10/16/07) & totaled 405 receptions for
5,688 yards & 43 TD rec Defense has 5 INTs in past 3 Since 2007, CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE leads NFL with 12 INTs. Club is 7-0 when Cromartie has INT LB TIM DOBBINS recorded first career INT last week LB SHAUN PHILLIPS aims for 3rd consecutive game with 1 or more sacks
MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Miami Dolphins aim for their 7th consecutive win against Chargers (longest current streak against any
team) Miami is 11-8 (.578) after their bye week Including playoffs, QB CHAD PENNINGTON is 3-0 against the Chargers & has completed 73 of 99 passes (73.7
pct.) for 790 yards with 5 TDs vs. 0 INT & 113.6 passer rating Running back RONNIE BROWN posted 5 TDs (4 rush, 1 pass) last game & set franchise record for most rush
TDs in game. Brown became first Dolphins non-QB to record TD pass since TERRY KIRBY (1995). In 1 meeting at
home against Chargers, running back RICKY WILLIAMS gained 143 rush yards (4.9 avg.) on 29 attempts with 2 TDs WR GREG CAMARILLO aims for 3rd consecutive game with 4 receptions TE ANTHONY FASANO has TD reception in 2 of past 3 Dating back to ’05, team has sack in 38 of past 40 games Dolphins have a 5-0 record when allowing 10 or fewer points against Chargers LB JOEY PORTER tied career high with 3 sacks in last game. Porter has 3.5 career sacks in 4 career games
vs. SD Rookie DE PHILLIP MERLING (2nd round, No. 32) posted first NFL sack last game.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-2) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (3-0)
The Seahawks have won the past 2 meetings with the Giants holding a 7 to 5 edge in the series. The two teams
last met on 9/24/2006 in Seattle when the seahawks defeated the Giants 42 to 30. In that game, Seattle QB Matt
Hasselbeck threw 5 touchdown passes (12, 4, 10, 21, 12) & S Ken Hamlin intercepted 2 passes as the Seahawks remained
undefeated.
Last week both teams had a bye.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
In past 2 starts vs. the New York Giants, QB MATT HASSELBECK has completed 45 of 70 (64.3 pct.) for
476 yards with 7 TDs vs. 4 INTs for 93.5 rating. In starts with 10+ attempts (Including playoffs),
Hasselbeck is 31-6 (.838) when posting 95+ rating. In last start vs. the New York Giants, Hasselbeck
tied career-high with 5 TDs running back JULIUS JONES aims for 3rd 100-yard game in row. Has 267 rush yards (133.5 per game) in past
2 with 2 TDs. Running back T.J. DUCKETT has 3 rush TDs in past 2 WR BOBBY ENGRAM had TD in last meeting. When WR DEION BRANCH has TD catch, his teams are 19-4 (.826),
Including playoffs. TE JOHN CARLSON (2nd round, No. 38) leads rookie TEs with 12 catches & 168 yards. 10 of
his 12 catches (83.3 pct.) have gone for first down DE PATRICK KERNEY aims for 4th in row vs. the New York Giants with 0.5+ sack. Has 2.5 sacks in past 3
meetings. In 4 games vs. the New York Giants (Including playoffs), LB JULIAN PETERSON has 2 INTs, 1.0 sack & 1
FF. Has 23.5 sacks in 39 games with Sea. (Including playoffs). In last meeting, DE DARRYL TAPP had sack
NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants aim for their 8th consecutive win (Including playoffs). Giants look for their first 4-0 start
since 1990, when the team finished 13-3, won their division & won Super Bowl XXV In 2 meetings vs. the Seahawks, QB ELI MANNING has passed for 619 yards (309.5 per game) & 5 TDs. He is
17-4 (.810) in past 21 starts (Including playoffs) When running back BRANDON JACOBS has 100+ yards, Giants are 5-1 (.833). When Jacobs has 10+ attempts
(Including playoffs), Giants are 15-3 (.833). running back DERRICK WARD averaging 6.8 yards per carry
(26 attempts, 177 yards) WR AMANI TOOMER aims for 3rd in row vs. Seahawks with TD. WR STEVE SMITH had career-high 7 catches & 60
yards in last game. TE KEVIN BOSS had TD catch in Week 3 Defense aims for 3rd game in row with 6+ sacks. Last team to have 6+ sacks in 3 consecutive games was
1999 Rams. DE JUSTIN TUCK has 5.0 sacks in past 4 games (Including SB XLII). When Tuck has 1.0+ sack, Giants
are 8-3 (.727). DT FRED ROBBINS aims for 3rd consecutive game with career-best 2.0+ sacks. Giants have won 10
of past 11 when DE MATHIAS KIWANUKA plays. Had sack in last game.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-1) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-2)
The Redskins are the series leader at 75-65-5. However the Eagles have won 3 of the past 4 games. Last
season the two teams split the season series by defeating their opponent on the road.
On 9/17/2007 the Redskins won 20 - 12 in Philadelphia. Washington converted 8 of 15 3rd down situations &
QB Jason Campbell threw for 209 yards & 1 TD.
On November 11, 2007 the Eagles defeated the Redskins 33 to 25 in Washington. Philadelphia QB Donovan
McNabb threw 4 TD passes & running back Brian Westbrook scored 3 TDs as the Eagles remained in the playoff hunt.
Last week the Redskins won in Dallas defeating the Cowboys 26 to 24, while the Eagles lost on the road to
the Bears 24 to 20.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
After season opening loss to the Giants, the Redskins aim for their 4th win in row in 2008 In last meeting, QB JASON CAMPBELL threw 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs & posted 114.2 passer rating. Has posted
100+ rating in past 3 & is 2nd in NFC with 102.2 rating In last meeting, running back CLINTON PORTIS rushed for 137 yards & added 4 catches for 20 yards. When
Portis has 100+ yards, his teams are 29-9 (.763). Portis has 6 rush TDs in past 6 meetings, Including 2 games
with 2 TDs. When Portis rushes for 2+ TDs, his clubs are 14-4 (.778) TE CHRIS COOLEY had 16-yard TD in last meeting at Phi. Has 27 TDs since 2004, most in NFC among TEs.
WR SANTANA MOSS had 8 catches for 145 yards (18.1 avg.) last week. Aims for 4th in row with 7+ catches.
Including playoffs, WR-PR ANTWAAN RANDLE EL has 25 career TDs (14 rec., 6 PR, 4 pass, 1 KR) LB-DE JASON TAYLOR has 118.0 sacks, most among active players. Since 2000, is only player with 100+
sacks (101.5). Has sack in 2 of 3 career meetings. CB SHAWN SPRINGS had first career INT-TD vs. Phi.
(9/6/98 with Sea.). DE ANDRE CARTER had sack & FF in last meeting
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
QB DONOVAN MC NABB is 10-5 (.667) in career vs. the Washington Redskins with 25 TDs vs. 11 INTs. In
last meeting, McNabb had 4 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 138.5 passer rating. When McNabb has 100+ rating (Including
playoffs), Eagles are 37-1 (.974) In past 4 vs. the Washington Redskins, running back BRIAN WESTBROOK has 621 scrimmage yards (155.3 per
game), Including 397 rush yards (99.3 per game) & 19 catches for 224 yards. Is 1 of 7 players in NFL history
with 25+ rush (30) & rec. (25) TDs WR DE SEAN JACKSON (2nd round, No. 49) leads NFL rookies with 327 yards (22 catches, 14.9 avg.) WR HANK BASKETT has 4 career TDs & 3 have been 85+ yards. WR REGGIE BROWN has 4 TDs vs. Was. & both
are 45+ yards (56, 45) Defense leads NFL with 17 sacks. DE JUQUA PARKER has sack in 2 of past
3 meetings. Has 3.5 sacks in past 2. DE TRENT COLE has 13.0 sacks in past 18. CB ASANTE SAMUEL has 18
INTs since 2006, most in NFL. S BRIAN DAWKINS has 6 INTs vs. the Washington Redskins Eagles have won 16 of past 19 when Dawkins
has INT.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-1) AT DENVER BRONCOS (3-1)
The Broncos are the series leader at 4 and 2 and have won 2 of the past 3. They last faced each other on
10/3/2004 as the Broncos defeated the Buccaneers 16 to 13 in tampa Bay. Denver Broncos QB Jake Plummer threw a
5-yard TD to TE Patrick Hape & K Jason Elam converted all 3 FG attempts as the Broncos outlasted Tampa Bay.
Last week the Bucs defeated the Packers 30 - 21 in Tampa Bay. The Broncos lost to the Chiefs in Kansas City
33 - 19.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Under head coach JON GRUDEN, the Bucs are 17-0 since 2002 when not committing a turnover QB BRIAN GRIESE is 3-0 as starter this season. Was drafted by Denver in 3rd round in 1998. Played 5
years with Broncos (1998-2002). As starter, when Griese has 95+ rating, his teams are 23-8 (.742) running back EARNEST GRAHAM rushed for 111 yards & 1 TD last week. Bucs are 5-0 when Graham has 20+ att WR JOEY GALLOWAY averages 15.2 yards per catch vs. Den. (50 for 759 yards). TE ALEX SMITH had TD last
week LB DERRICK BROOKS had INT vs. Den. in 9/15/96 meeting. Had INT & FF last week. His FF led to 38-yard
FR-TD by S JERMAINE PHLLIPS. LB BARRETT RUUD had sack & INT last week. Has INT in each of past 2. Bucs are
4-0 when Ruud has INT. DE GAINES ADAMS aims for 3rd game in row with INT. Has INT in each of past 2,
Including 45-yard INT-TD. CB RONDE BARBER (12) & Brooks (8) are franchise leaders in TDs by def. player
(Including playoffs). When Brooks has INT-TD (Including playoffs), TB is 7-0
DENVER BRONCOS
The Broncos are 2-1 (.667) vs. the Bucs at home Dating back to 11/19/07, Broncos aim for 6 consecutive wins at home In past 2 vs. NFC at home, QB JAY CUTLER is 2-0 & has completed 47 of 71 passes (66.2 pct.) for 510 yards
with 4 TDs vs. 1 INT & 100.1 passer rating. Club is 7-0 when Cutler has 100+ passer rating In past 4, running back SELVIN YOUNG is averaging 6.2 yards per carry (37 attempts, 228 rush yards).
Running back MICHAEL PITTMAN spent 6 seasons with TB (2002-07) WR BRANDON MARSHALL aims for 3rd consecutive 100-yard receiving game vs. NFC & is averaging 134.5
receiving yards per game in past 2 vs. NFC. Marshall aims for 5th consecutive game with TD. Rookie WR
EDDIE ROYAL (2nd round, No. 42) is 2nd in AFC with 27 receptions. Marshall (31 receptions, 398 yards) &
Royal (27 receptions, 298 yards) have combined for 58 receptions for 696 yards CBs CHAMP BAILEY (43) & DRE’ BLY (38) rank first & 2nd among active CBs for most INTs since 1999 LB NATE WEBSTER spent 4 seasons with TB (2000-03).
BUFFALO BILLS (4-0) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-2)
The Buffalo Bills lead the series 5 - 3 and have won the past 4 against the Cardinals. The two last met on
10/31/2004 when the Bills won convincingly at home by a margin of 38 to 14. In that game Buffalo Bills running
back Willis McGahee ran for 102 yards & 2 TDs in game played in 30 mph winds & rain.
Last week the Bills defeated the Rams in Saint Louis 31 - 14 while the Rams lost to the New York Jets at Giants
Stadium 56 to 35
BUFFALO BILLS
The Buffalo Bills aim for their first 5 - 0 start since 1991 & 4th time in franchise history (1964, 1980, 1991) In 4th quarter this season, QB TRENT EDWARDS has completed 27 of 35 passes (77.1 pct.) for 350 yards
with 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 136.6 passer rating. Edwards has 9-4 (.692) record as starter with 11 TDs & 9 INTs &
79.3 passer rating. Team is 7-0 when Edwards has 80+ passer rating In 2 career road games vs. NFC teams, running back MARSHAWN LYNCH averages 81 rush yards per game (162
total). Running back FRED JACKSON recorded first career rush TD last week WR LEE EVANS aims for 5th consecutive game with rec. of 30+ yards. Evans averages 23.7 yards per catch
in 2008 (14 rec., 332 yards). Evans averages 95 rec. yards per game in past 2 vs. NFC The Buffalo Bills are 11-2 (.846) under head coach DICK JAURON when holding opponents to 300 yards or
fewer Since 2003, DE AARON SCHOBEL ranks 2nd in NFL with 53 sacks (JASON TAYLOR, 60) CB JABARI GREER posted first career INT-TD return last week
ARIZONA CARDINALS
In his career vs. AFC teams (26 games, Including playoffs), Arizona Cardinals QB KURT WARNER has
completed 583 of 841 (69.3 pct.) for 7,751 yards with 51 TDs vs. 19 INTs for 109.1 rating. In 10 home games
vs. AFC, Warner has 70.9 completions pct. (246-347) for 3,293 yards with 28 TDs vs. 8 INTs for 118.0 rating.
In Warner’s starts with 15+ attempts (Including playoffs), his teams are 31-3 (.912) when he has 100+ rating In 6 meetings, running back EDGERRIN JAMES has 4 100-yard games & 750 scrimmage yards (125.0 per game).
His teams are 5-1 (.833). Has 330 rush yards (110.0 per game) & 6 TDs in past 3 meetings. Rookie running back
TIM HIGHTOWER has TD in 3 of 4 games WRs STEVE BREASTON (9 rec., 122 yards), LARRY FITZGERALD (8, 122) & ANQUAN BOLDIN (10, 119) were 2nd
Arizona Cardinals trio with 100+ yards in a game (1968). Boldin has 23 100-yard games, most in club history.
Has 4 100-yard games in past 6 vs. AFC. Fitzgerald has 16 catches for 273 yards (136.5 per game) in past 2 at
home vs. AFC DE BERTRAND BERRY has 4.5 sacks in past 4 vs. AFC. DE TRAVIS LA BOY had sack vs. Buffalo (12/24/06 with
Ten.)
CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-4) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (3-1)
The Cowboys lead the series 5 to 4 whereas the Bengals have won 2 of past 3. In their last meeting
(11/7/04) The Bengals defeated the Cowboys at home 26 - 3. Cincinnati QB Carson Palmer passed for 212 yards
& 1 TD & the Bengals defense forced 5 turnovers.
Last week both teams lost at home to division rivals as the Cowboys fell to the Redskins 26 - 24 and the
Bengals lost to their intrastate rival Cleveland Browns 20 - 12.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Bengals are 4-1 (.800) against NFC East teams under head coach MARVIN LEWIS For his career, QB CARSON PALMER is 9-6 (.600) against NFC & has completed 354 of 535 passes
(66.2 pct.) for 3,886 yards with 27 TDs vs. 15 INTs & 92.6 passer rating. Palmer posted 94.8 passer rating in
last meeting against Cowboys. Last week, QB RYAN FITZPATRICK posted first TD pass as Bengal in first start with
club running back CHRIS PERRY has rush TD in 2 of past 3 running back KENNY WATSON averages 5.1 yards per carry against NFC in past 5 WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH has 17 receptions for 208 yards (12.2 avg.) with 1 TD in past 2 meetings against
NFC. In past 6 at NFC, WR CHAD JOHNSON is averaging 105.5 receiving yards per game (633 total). Johnson aims
for 97th consecutive game with reception Since 2003, team is 22-5 (.814) when defense has 2+ INTs LB DHANI JONES leads team with 40 tackles S CHINEDUM NDUKWE posted 1 INT & 1 sack last week
DALLAS COWBOYS
Dallas Cowboys QB TONY ROMO has won 5 of 6 career starts vs. AFC. Aims for 3rd in row vs. AFC with 100+
passer rating. Team is 15-2 (.882) when Romo has 100+ rating When running back MARION BARBER has 11+ carries, Cowboys are 22-1 (.957). Has 33 TDs (28 rush, 5 rec.) in
past 35. Has 9 rush TDs in past 8 vs. AFC. Ties for NFL lead with 5 TDs (4 rush). RB-KR FELIX JONES has 3
TDs (2 rush, 1 KR) in first 4 games In 3 games vs. Bengals, WR TERRELL OWENS has 21 catches for 366 yards (122.0 per game) & 2 TDs (45, 58
yards). Aims for 4th in row vs. AFC with TD. Has 19 TDs in past 21 vs. AFC. TE JASON WITTEN has 340 catches
& 3,999 yards since 2004, most by TE in NFC. Had 6 catches for 97 yards (16.2 avg.) in only meeting. Ties
for NFL lead with 9 receptions on 3rd down (110 yards, 12.2 avg.) LB DE MARCUS WARE had sack last week & aims for 8th game in row with sack. Has 8.0 sacks in past 7.
Has 3.5 sacks in past 4 vs. AFC. LB GREG ELLIS has 14.5 sacks in past 17. Has 3.0 sacks in past 3 vs. AFC.
CB ANTHONY HENRY aims for 3rd in row vs. Cin. with INT. DE JAY RATLIFF has sack in 2 of past 3.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-1) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-2)
The 49ers lead the series 7 to 3 as the Patriots have won the past 2 games. They last played each other on
1/2/2005 when with the Patriots winning at home 21 - 7. In that game, New England QB Tom Brady threw for 226
yards & 2 TDs. Patriots running back Corey Dillon ran for 116 yards & 1 TD.
Last week the Patriots had a bye while the 49ers lost to the Saints on the road 31-17.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The Patriots are 10-9 (.523) after a bye week Since 2003, Patriots are 19-3 (.863) in October Club aims for 3rd in row against 49ers &
12th consecutive win against NFC In past 3, QB MATT CASSEL has completed 48 of 72 passes (66.7 pct.) for 448 yards with 2 TDs vs. 1 INT
& 87.0 passer rating Running back LAURENCE MARONEY has 3 TDs in past 2 against NFC. Running back LA MONT JORDAN averaged 5.9
yards per carry in last meeting against 49ers (12 attempts, 76 rush yards on 10/8/06 w/Oak.) WR RANDY MOSS has 4 TDs in past 2 against 49ers & has 4 TDs in past 4 against NFC WR WES WELKER aims for 5th game in row with 6+ receptions. Aims 3rd consecutive game with 100+ rec.
yards against NFC & averages 121 rec. yards per game against NFC w/NE DE RICHARD SEYMOUR will play 100th career game Rookie LB JEROD MAYO (first round, No. 10) ranks 2nd on team with 30 tackles CB-KR ELLIS HOBBS set franchise record with 237 KR yards last game. Hobbs leads NFL with 36.0 KR avg K STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI has made all 7 FG attempts in 2008
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
49ers QB J.T. O’SULLIVAN has completed 30 of 43 (69.8 pct.) for 384 yards with 2 TDs vs. 1 INT for 103.2
passer rating in 2 starts at home. Has 90.0 rating & would become 5th 49ers QB to post 90+ rating in season
with min. 200 attempts (JOHN BRODIE, JEFF GARCIA, JOE MONTANA, STEVE YOUNG) When running back FRANK GORE has 20+ attempts, 49ers are 12-2 (.857). Leads NFL with 525 scrimmage yards
(369 rush, 156 rec.). Has 4,243 scrimmage yards since start of 2006, 2nd in NFL & most in NFC In 2 career meetings vs. NE, WR ISAAC BRUCE has 11 catches for 189 yards (94.5 per game) & 1 TD.
Ranks 3rd in NFL history with 14,335 receiving yards & tops active players. WR ARNAZ BATTLE had 7 catches for
career-high 120 yards (17.1 avg.) last week CB WALT HARRIS 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. Clements has 3 INTs in career vs. NE. LB TAKEO SPIKES had
career-high 2 INTs vs. NE (9/7/03 with Buf.) K JOE NEDNEY leads NFC with 38 points. KR ALLEN ROSSUM leads NFC with 29.6 KR avg.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-1) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-2)
The Jaguars lead the series 11 - 8 and have won the past 3 meetings. In their last meeting the Jaguars
won 29 to 22 in Pittsburgh. Jacksonville QB David Garrard threw 3 TD passes & Jaguars running back Fred Taylor
added 147 rushing yards & 1 TD.
Last week both teams won at home and in overtime. The Steelers defeating the Ravens 23 - 20 (OT). The Jaguars
beating the Texans 30-27.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers have won past 2 of 3 at Jaguars In 3 career meetings against the Jaguars, QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER has completed 46 of 81 passes (56.8 pct.)
for 504 yards with 5 TDs vs. 2 INTs & 85.6 passer rating. Including playoffs, team is 27-2 (.931), when
Roethlisberger has 100+ passer rating running back MEWELDE MOORE tied team high with 3 receptions for 37 yards (12.3 avg.) last week In WC game against Jaguars (1/5/08), WR HINES WARD recorded 10 receptions for 135 yards (13.5 avg.).
Ward (8,963) needs 38 receiving yards to surpass 9,000 for career Since 2007, WR SANTONIO HOLMES ranks 2nd in AFC with 17.7 yards-per-reception average Including postseason, TE HEATH MILLER has TD reception in 3 of past 4 against Jaguars & aims for 3rd
consecutive game vs. the Jaguars with TD reception Steelers Defense ranks 2nd in AFC allowing 74 rush yards per game in 2008 S TROY POLAMALU has INT in 3 of past 4 & Including playoffs, club is 11-3 (.786) when Polamalu has INT
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Since 2006, the Jaguars are 14-4 (.778) when gaining 150+ rush yards In 1 career regular season start against Pit., QB DAVID GARRARD completed 17 of 33 (51.5 pct.) passes for
197 yards with 3 TDs vs. 1 INT & 87.6 passer rating In 10 career games vs. Pit., running back FRED TAYLOR averages 91.5 rush yards (915 total). Team is 15-5
(.750) when Taylor has 25+ attempts Against AFC, running back MAURICE JONES-DREW averages 5.4 yards per
carry (299 attempts, 1,614 yards) Team is 11-3 (.785) when WR REGGIE WILLIAMS scores TD. WR MATT JONES aims for 5th consecutive game with
5+ receptions Including postseason, CB RASHEAN MATHIS has 5 INTs in past 4 vs. Steelers. Including playoffs, team is
13-6 (.684) when Mathis has INT Including postseason, DE PAUL SPICER aims for 3rd consecutive game with sack vs. Pit K JOSH SCOBEE has made game-winning FGs in consecutive weeks & has made 10 FGs in row.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-3) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-2)
The Vikings hold the all-time series lead 17-7 and have won 6 of past 7. They last met on
9/25/05 when the Vikings defeated the Saints 33 - 16 at home. In that game, Minnesota QB Daunte Culpepper
threw for 300 yards & 3 TDs (24, 13, 53) & running back Mewelde Moore added 101 yards rushing.
Last week the Vikings lost to the Titans 30 - 17 on the road while the Saints beat the 49ers at home by a score of
31 to 17.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Including playoffs, the Vikings have won 7 of past 8 meetings & have scored 30+ points in 6 of past 7 vs.
the Saints QB GUS FREROTTE is 2-0 as a starter vs. the Saints, completing 27 of 44 (61.4 pct.) for 369 yards with 2
TDs vs. 1 INT for 93.8 passer rating Running back ADRIAN PETERSON is averaging 97.8 rush yards per game since entering NFL in 2007, best in
NFL. Has 181 yards (90.5 per game) & 3 TDs in 2 MNF games. Rushed for 2 TDs last week. When running back
CHESTER TAYLOR has 100+ rush yards, his teams are 7-1 (.875) Including playoffs, WR BERNARD BERRIAN has 15 career TD catches & 10 have been 30+ yards. Aims for 3rd
in row vs. the Saints with TD, Including 2006 NFC Champ (with Chicago). WR BOBBY WADE led club with 7 catches
(75 yards) last week DE JARED ALLEN has 45.0 sacks since 2004, 2nd most in NFL. Has sack in 2 of past 3. CB ANTOINE WINFIELD
aims for 3rd in row vs. NO with INT. Needs 1 INT to reach 20 for career. S DARREN SHARPER has 48 INTs since
2000, most in NFL
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
In past 7 at home, QB DREW BREES has completed 176 of 247 (71.3 pct.) for 2,201 yards with 15 TDs vs. 5
INTs for 110.4 passer rating. When Brees has 100+ rating, his teams are 26-6 (.813). Since joining Saints
in 2006, Brees has passed for 10,184 yards, most in NFL. Passed for 363 yards last week & has 784 yards
(392.0 per game) in past 2 Running back REGGIE BUSH ties for NFL lead with 31 receptions, most among RBs. When Bush has 100+ rec.
yards, Saints are perfect 3-0. Running back DEUCE MC ALLISTER has 3 TDs in past 2 vs. Min. & aims for 3rd
meeting in row with TD WR LANCE MOORE had career-high 101 yards (7 catches) last week with 2 TDs. WR ROBERT MEACHEM had
career-best 99 yards last week & 1 TD. WR DEVERY HENDERSON had 81-yard catch last week, 2nd 80+ yard reception
this year (84-yard TD in Week 1) The Saints had 6 sacks last week. DE WILL SMITH has 7.0 sacks in past 12 games, Including 1.0 sack & FF
last week. DE CHARLES GRANT had 2.0 sacks last week.
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RELATED: NFL 2008 Week 5
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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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