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SENIOR BOWL

STANDOUTS
USCs Sedrick Ellis was among the
top prospects who excelled in Mobile

CA

2007 Team overviews & MVPs IN rankings 07 statistics


SEASON Final REVIEW
Top 10 stories

l VOL. XXII, NO. 30 l FEBRUARY 24, 2008

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Manning silences
critics with a
championship
performance

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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

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http://www.profootballweekly.com

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

Volume XXII ALSO:


No. 30

In this
edition of

Season in review
Top 10 stories ......................Pg. 12
2007 NFL standings ............Pg. 13
Team reports ........................Pg. 14
Final power rankings ..........Pg. 15
2007 team-by-team results....Pg. 24

CREATORS & FOUNDERS

Arthur Arkush, Robert Drazkowski


and Joel Buchsbaum

Publisher/Editor Hub Arkush


Editor-in-chief Keith Schleiden
Art director Bob Peters
Managing editor Mike Holbrook

DEPARTMENTS

Executive editors Dan Arkush


Neil Warner

USC duo stars


at Senior Bowl

Senior editors Trent Modglin


Nolan Nawrocki
Eric Edholm
Mike Wilkening

27

Associate editors Matt Sohn


Dan Parr
Production assistant Matt Quinnan
NEW MEDIA
Publisher Sue Nemitz
Web developer Tom OBrien
Christine Klimusko
Bob Boklewski
Arthur Arkush
Kristine Carlsson

ADVERTISING SALES
VP, Marketing Phil Hornthal
AD SALES OFFICE: 1-847-940-1100

COLUMNISTS
Ron Borges, Jim Campbell, Bob Carroll,
Glenn Dickey, Barry Jackson, Jerry Magee,
Don Pierson, Reggie Rivers, Bill Wallace
AFC REPORTERS
Baltimore Ravens Jamison Hensley
Buffalo Bills Chuck Pollock
Cincinnati Bengals Mark Curnutte
Cleveland Browns Tony Grossi
Denver Broncos Bill Williamson
Houston Texans Megan Manfull
Indianapolis Colts Tom James
Jacksonville Jaguars Vito Stellino
Kansas City Chiefs Rick Dean
Miami Dolphins Harvey Fialkov
New England Patriots John Tomase
New York Jets Andrew Gross
Oakland Raiders Michael Wagaman
Pittsburgh Steelers Jim Wexell
San Diego Chargers Jay Posner
Tennessee Titans Paul Kuharsky
NFC REPORTERS
Arizona Cardinals Kent Somers
Atlanta Falcons Steve Wyche
Carolina Panthers Scott Fowler
Chicago Bears Bob LeGere
Dallas Cowboys Mickey Spagnola
Detroit Lions Nicholas J. Cotsonika
Green Bay Packers Bob McGinn
Minnesota Vikings Sean Jensen
New Orleans Saints Mike Triplett
New York Giants Paul Schwartz
Philadelphia Eagles Dave Weinberg
St. Louis Rams Jim Thomas
San Francisco 49ers Kevin Lynch
Seattle Seahawks Dave Boling
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Katherine Smith
Washington Redskins John Keim
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tom Danyluk, Matt Duffy, Art Edelstein,
Pat Fitzmaurice, Court E. Mann,
Rick Matsumoto, Billy Wellner
STATISTICIANS
Rick Arkush, Daryl Arkush
Pro Football Weekly (ISSN: 0032-9053, USPS Pub.
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COVER STORY

USCs Sedrick Ellis and


Keith Rivers boosted
their draft stock with their
performances during
Senior Bowl week.
Who else did well?

2008 free agents

Super Bowl XLII coverage


GAME STORY: TYREES CATCH SPARKS GIANT UPSET ............Pg. 6
STATS: GAME SUMMARY, LINEUPS AND RECORDS SET ..........Pg. 8
MVP: MANNING OUTDUELS BRADY WITH CLUTCH RALLY ......Pg. 9
NOTEBOOK: NEWS & NOTES FROM SUPER BOWL WEEK ......Pg. 10

38

Take a look at which


players are slated to hit
the open market when
the free-agent signing
period opens in March.

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TO COMMENT ON ANY OF THE STORIES OR COLUMNS IN THIS ISSUE, E-MAIL PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY AT

The Way We Hear It..................Pg. 3


AFC individual statistics ........Pg. 30
NFC individual statistics ......Pg. 32
NFL team statistics..................Pg. 34
NFL team rankings ................Pg. 35
Arena Football League ..........Pg. 36
NFL transactions......................Pg. 42
The Slant with Dan Arkush ....Pg. 43

COLUMNISTS
Trent Modglin ..............................Pg. 7
Jerry Magee; Ron Borges ........Pg. 25
Barry Jackson ..........................Pg. 26

NEXT ISSUE
PFWs next edition goes to press on
Feb. 25 and will contain a detailed look at
the 2008 free-agent class and coverage of
the annual NFL Scouting Combine.

editors @ pfwmedia.com

DARK CLOUDS ON HORIZON:

Owners, players digging in on revenue-sharing issue


HUB ARKUSH

PUBLISHERS PEN

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Network support tech.
Distribution manager
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o t b a l l
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR

here was something about Super Bowl


XLII that just wasnt right from the
beginning. I couldnt really put my finger on it, but it was like when you get
home from work for dinner, the wife and
kids are sitting around the table, and you
can just feel the tension in the air, even
though youve been assured by your family members that everythings fine.
It was on Thursday of Super Bowl week
at the NFL Players Associations annual
Super Bowl press conference that NFLPA
president Troy Vincent wasted little time
lifting the lid off the soon-to-be-boiling
pot and gave us a peek at the very dark
clouds on the NFLs horizon.
Several minutes into his opening address
he told us, I dont think its appropriate for
myself and any of my colleagues to go
back and forth again in the media to negotiate this deal or what is going to happen. I
read the quotes of Mr. (Robert) Kraft and
(Mr. Pat) Bowlen about their not liking
whats been taking place. From the very
beginning of the season, during the offseason, with our regional directors to Gene
(Upshaw), from club to club, and one thing
I will confess, Im confident that our players are more educated than ever. Every
player knows from top to bottom how his
particular owner, where they are moneywise.
Vincents reference was clear. There is a
clause in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the players and owners that
allows the owners to opt out of the current
CBA next November. If they do, 2009
would be the last season of the salary cap
and 2010 would be an uncapped year. And
Mr. Kraft and Mr. Bowlen are not the only
owners to make clear their displeasure

with the current CBA.


If there was any doubt as to where this
was going, NFLPA executive director Gene
Upshaw slammed the door on it. After also
assuring us he didnt want to negotiate in
the media, Upshaw said, Troys mentioned a couple of names, and Im not
going to even mention those names, but I
am aware of the quotes. And Ive prepared
the players for the worst.
Now, the owners attitude has been the
players have too good of a deal, that the
deal we bargained and agreed to gives the
players too much. Ive talked to several
owners, and Ill continue to talk to several
owners, but I cant convince the players
that they should take less so the owners
can make more. I cant sell that.
Finally, Upshaw explained the players
game plan for what he believes is the fait
accompli if the owners opt out of this deal.
Said Upshaw: We will talk about the
strike; we will talk about a lockout. We
will also spend some time talking about
decertification. Then well spend the rest
(of our time) talking about an extension.
He put an exclamation point on his line
in the sand, saying, Were not going to
agree to a deal that rolls back the economics. We are not hockey players, and they are
not hockey owners. The economics in this
league are good and getting better. And the
players should get their fair share. They
always will. Im proud of where we are.
Asked to respond to the players position
at his annual state-of-the-league press conference, and how the fans might understand if the owners opt out, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell first stated his own
aversion to negotiating in the media. Then
he explained, I dont think its any secret

a number of our owners are concerned


with many aspects of the current labor
deal. Thats something we need to
improve, we need to address, and we will
do that, directly with the union.
Goodell added, As it relates to what I
would say to our fans, I think it is important for our fans to understand that the
labor agreement is critically important to
our business, and that our business has
changed over the past several years. The
cost of operating an NFL franchise, not
only in labor costs that are 60 percent of
the gross, but the cost in stadium operations and building stadiums, operating
them, and capital improvements, these are
all additional costs that we didnt have just
several years ago, and I think they need to
be recognized in this labor agreement, and
the union has done that. We think there is
probably going to have to be some additional consideration in how they do that,
but thats the give-and-take of negotiation.
Im sure the bottom line on this one isnt
all that hard to find. While I am not intimate with the finances of any of the 32
NFL teams, I know every one of them is
making money. And I know the NFLs CBA
is the envy of every professional sport, particularly the salary cap, which it will almost
certainly never get back if it gets to 2010
and an uncapped season. We are not stupid,
and we know those new stadiums that are
costing the owners so much are also money
machines printing new greenbacks.
This debate appears to be about greed,
particularly on the owners side. If they
allow it to do the kind of damage to the
game it threatens, the fans will almost certainly never understand, and it wont be the
players theyll blame.

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

WAY
WE

By DAN ARKUSH

it...

BUFFALO BILLS
While the Bills see new offensive
coordinator Turk Schonert as an
important step in getting more out
of the passing attack, a receiver
upgrade is sorely needed. With
Lee Evans entrenched as the No.
1 receiver, the lack of a
legitimate No. 2 option has
kept the aerial attack shackled. The Bills love Roscoe
Parrish, but at just 5-9, 171
pounds, hes strictly a
change-of-pace, deep-threat type
who cant handle the physical rigors of being an every-down receiver. Peerless Price has been a
colossal disappointment and is a
good candidate to be cut. Team

BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN

A F C lE A S T
Henning expected to
bring power mentality
to Dolphins offense
The Dolphins took a big step in
shaping the direction of the team
when they hired longtime NFL veteran Dan Henning to be offensive
coordinator. Miami will be the 65year-old Hennings 11th stop in the
league, including multiple tenures
with the Dolphins and Jets.
Dont be misled by the fact
that Henning has been a
QB and WR coach throughout parts of his career. His
offenses from Washington to San Diego to Carolina,
among others have been typified by big, physical offensive lines
paving the way for thumping running backs. The Dolphins offense
wasnt exactly gimmicky under the
one-year stewardship of Cam
Cameron, but it included the running backs in the passing game
more than almost any other
offense in the league. Between
Hennings appointment as offensive coordinator and former Cowboys OL coach Tony Sparano as
head coach, its obvious that the
Dolphins are looking to develop an
identity as a power team that wont
rush to institute the spread formations in vogue throughout the NFL.

the Patriots face a challenge


in rebuilding the franchise

ERIC EDHOLM TRENT MODGLIN NOLAN NAWROCKI


DA N PA R R M AT T S O H N M I K E W I L K E N I N G

http://www.profootballweekly.com

Salting
the wound
After a crushing Super Bowl loss,

THE

HEAR
HEAR

Filling the bill: Texas WR Limas


Sweed would be a nice fit in Buffalo
insiders tell us that the need for a
big receiver is of paramount importance. The Bills didnt have the type
of receiver to go up and grab the
key third-down reception this past
season, and theyre adamant about
filling that void. They took the first
step by signing 6-foot-7 TE-WR
hybrid Teyo Johnson a Stanford product, like Schonert and QB
Trent Edwards but he has yet
to prove to be a capable receiver at
the pro level. If either Texas Limas
Sweed or Oklahomas Malcolm
Kelly the consensus top two big
wide receivers in this years draft
are available when the Bills
select at No. 11, expect Buffalo to
choose one of them.

NEW YORK JETS


It seems as though every team
is looking for a fast, stretch-theseam tight end these days. But
while guys like Antonio Gates and
Kellen Winslow Jr. are at a premi-

After a demoralized Patriots team trudged back into


their University of Phoenix locker room following their
shocking Super Bowl loss to the Giants, they proceeded
to shed themselves of their identities as Patriots. Off went
their helmets and team-embroidered insignia and on
went their street clothes.
For many of them, it will be the last time they ever take
off their Patriots-issued uniforms.
Since the Bill Belichick-Scott Pioli machine started calling the shots in Foxborough, Mass., the Patriots
have been thought of as an organization thats always a
step or two ahead of the curve. They always seem to be
able to make smooth transitions from one season to the
next.
But the way we hear it, the Pats face a stern test in
keeping their club humming this offseason. Perhaps no
organization has as many marquee players in the unrestricted free-agent pool as the Patriots do, and the task of
re-signing all of them, while also fortifying other positions of need, is virtually impossible.
The questions begin at wide receiver, where three of
the teams four leading receivers hang in the balance.
Randy Moss and Jabar Gaffney are both free agents,
while the club holds an option on Dont Stallworth.
Among the outstanding quartet of pass catchers, only
Wes Welker is assured of being in New England in
2008.
First, the most obvious move. The Patriots will not pick
up Stallworths option, which is reportedly valued
between $6 million and $8 million. While one of the
leagues more dangerous receivers after the catch, the
first-year Patriot never could get on track, falling behind
Welker and Gaffney in the WR pecking order.
All indications point to Moss coming back. Even
though hell turn 31 on Feb. 13 and the Patriots are reluctant to shell out primo money to players that old, Moss
sensational 1,493-yard, 23-TD season served as notice
that he could very well remain among the top receivers
in the league for at least a few more seasons. That being
said, theres a strong possibility hell be offered more
money by more desperate teams, but that his desire to
stay with the Patriots will trump the greater financial
windfall he will be privy to elsewhere.
Randys a lot smarter than people give him credit
for, one team insider told PFW. He knows that his legacy and getting into the Hall of Fame will be decided
based on the end of his career and whether he can add
a Super Bowl title or two. He knows that his best chance
comes with Tom Brady.
A less likely option would be to franchise Moss, which
would count $7.85 million against the anticipated $116
million salary cap in 2008.
Gaffney is the prototypical role receiver whom the Pats
um, finding solid blockers among
the NFLs TE crop are easier to
come by, and subsequently come
with a reduced price tag. Word out
of New York is that the Jets will
look to beef up their TE corps this
offseason without sacrificing too

Likely keeper: Patriots star WR Randy Moss

would like to have back but wont overextend to re-sign.


Star CB Asante Samuel wont be as accommodating
as Moss. Samuel is free to test the market due to a clause
in the franchise tender he signed during training camp
that stated the Patriots will not franchise him a second
straight season if he satisfied certain preconditions.
Samuel and Oaklands Nnamdi Asomugha are the
unquestioned headliners of the free-agent CB crop, and
both will demand top dollar. Multiple sources have confirmed to PFW that New England would be putting itself
in a serious salary-cap bind if it coughs up the cash for
Samuel, so it seems increasingly unlikely that Samuel will
remain in Patriots colors next season.
The problem with Samuel walking is that the Patriots
are going to be in a world of hurt in their secondary.
Ellis Hobbs may very well be the most quotable Patriot in the locker room, but he falls short in his primary job
description of covering receivers. Being taken to task by
Giants WR Plaxico Burress on his Super Bowl gamewinning TD reception epitomized Hobbs shortcomings.
Venerable S Rodney Harrison, 35, had a better season
than most believed he could at his age and will likely honor
his contract, which runs through next season, but he cant be
expected to provide superior pass coverage at his age.
Linebacker presents another set of challenges. Aging
ILBs Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau are both free
agents and are unlikely to be signed to anything more
than one-year contracts if they dont retire. ESPNs
Sean Salisbury stated that, prior to the Super Bowl,
Seau told him that the games outcome would go a long
way in determining whether hed return, an omen that
bodes well for the Patriots. But neither Bruschi nor Seau
is the player he once was, and the Pats need to look to
other free agents to beef up the position. The team has
precious little depth, and Belichick has traditionally been
reluctant to build the position through the draft.
The Super Bowl flop ensured a long offseason in New
England. But at least the front office has plenty on its
plate to keep it occupied.

MATT SOHN

much of their salary-cap maneuverability. Free-agent TE Sean


Ryan doesnt offer much as
a blocker or as a receiver,
and the chances of him getting re-signed arent good.
By adding another solid
blocking tight end to line up
opposite Chris Baker, the Jets will
be able to utilize more twin TEalignments than they were able to

last season, with the hope of getting more production out of a running game that was listless for
much of 2007. Solid offensive tackles come at a steeper price than
blocking tight ends, so if the Jets
are unable to bring in a substantial
upgrade for uninspiring ORT
Anthony Clement, a physical TE

NFL remains that there are rumblings


in Kansas City that suggest it may be
difficult for the Chiefs, even with more
pressing needs on the offensive line
and at wide receiver and cornerback,
to pass on a franchise passer like
Boston Colleges Matt Ryan when
they select either fourth or fifth overall
in April, if hes still available. Chiefs

chairman Clark Hunt didnt exactly


dispel those rumors recently.
Whether its this year or another
year, if we have a shot at somebody
we think can be a franchise quarterback, I would expect us to take him,
Hunt said. That presumes we dont

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

PFW asked Chiefs RB Larry


Johnson at the Super Bowl what he
liked most from his short time watching QB Brodie Croyle in his second
year: The fact he can throw that ball,
Johnson told PFW. He can really whiz
that ball. Ive seen him at practice, and
he can throw it in there. For him, its
just making his decisions a lot quick-

er. As soon as he can begin to do that,


hell be better off because he can
move on his feet, he can do different
things and throw the ball 100 miles an
hour. Its just about him being able to
make those decisions a lot quicker.
Thats the next step.
Speaking of Croyle, enough
uncertainty about his potential in the

SCOTT WALLEM / PROCASE

W H I S P E R S

Brodie Croyle

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3


already have one on the roster, and
right now, I dont think we know that.
The surgery to repair Chargers
QB Philip Rivers torn ACL was
bumped up a few weeks in preparation for the birth of his fourth child, and
all reports are that the operation went
extremely well. The estimated timetable for his return is six months, but
Rivers suggests hes a fast healer and
will have no problems being ready for
the start of training camp in July.
This spring will be an interesting
one for Lions QB Drew Stanton, who
was a favorite of former coordinator
Mike Martz but might not fit the
offense that Jim Colletto puts
together. That said, simple terminology and a streamlined playbook might
be exactly what the freewheeling
Stanton, who spent the season on
injured reserve, could use.
Expect Vikings RB Adrian
Peterson to be more involved in the
passing game next season. The team
has told him in no uncertain terms
that, in order for him to be on the field
more, he must improve as a pass
blocker first and a receiver second.
Look for the team to spend extra time
with him on these responsibilities
during the offseason.
Were hearing the Bears will
probably try to get by with the lowest
tender on restricted free-agent WR
Rashied Davis, whom they are envisioning as their No. 4 receiver in 2008.
Word is Packers rookie DT Justin
Harrell is thinking about dropping
10 pounds before next season rolls
around after feeling sluggish tipping the scales at 310 pounds in his
first pro campaign. No matter what
the 07 first-round pick weighs, we
hear DT coach Robert Nunn wants
him to work more on his lower-body
strength and flexibility this offseason.
Packers head coach Mike
McCarthy told a team source at the
Super Bowl that the team will continue
using the zone run game for a third
straight year for better or worse.
The talk about Giants TE Jeremy
Shockey playing elsewhere next season is premature. First, his contract is
prohibitive, either by trade or by
releasing him. GM Jerry Reese might
be bold, but hes not going to give one
of the teams better weapons away.
There is a growing sense that
while the Eagles likely wont break
the bank to do so, they could make a
stronger-than-expected push to resign TE L.J. Smith. It was believed,
as his injury-plagued season wore
on, that Smith was no longer in the
teams plans, at least not at franchise
money. But there is a growing sense
that re-signing Smith might be the
best way to improve the offense,
especially in the red zone, without
overspending. It also would make QB
Donovan McNabb happy.
We hear that, despite the recent
Seattle Times report of Bucs TE Jerramy Stevens assault conviction
and accusations that he later raped a
woman while he was a star player for
the Washington Huskies, Tampas
front office has yet to sound off on the
matter. This is a public-relations
nightmare for the club, and many fans
have been outraged after reading the
story. Our source in Tampa said the
damage could affect season-ticket
renewals for next season if the Bucs
keep their silence, as well as Stevens,

who will be a free agent this offseason.


Our source in Carolina expects
the Panthers to get more creative with
their use of WR Steve Smith early
next season. First-year offensive
coordinator Jeff Davidson waited
until late in the 2007 campaign to
show some innovation, but the trick
plays were mostly successful.
Brian VanGorders return to the
Falcons coaching staff as defensive
coordinator was a welcome move in
the teams locker room, we hear. After
spending the first 13 games of this season as the Falcons LB coach, VanGorder left, following Bobby Petrinos
resignation, to become the defensive
coordinator at South Carolina. Falcons
MLB Keith Brooking was particularly vocal in his support of VanGorder.
The Saints like the versatility of
OG Jamar Nesbit, who will be an
unrestricted free agent this offseason,
but if they decide to go younger on
their offensive line, our source said
Nebsit will be the one to go. The nineyear veteran started at left guard for
New Orleans but can play any of the
O-line positions.
Ex-Browns RB Reuben
Droughns, currently with the Giants,
admires what his old team has built
and hes very impressed with QB
Derek Anderson, a restricted free
agent. I think theyve really grown up
as a team, Droughns said. They
need to bring Derek back, though.
They really do.
While Bengals WR Chad Johnson has made no secret of his unhappiness with his current team, dont
expect a trade. For one thing, we hear
the salary-cap hit would be enormous for Cincinnati.
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald
liked the approach Ken Whisenhunt took as a first-year head coach.
Coach Whisenhunt came in with a
plan, and his plan worked well,
Fitzgerald told PFW at the Super
Bowl. He came in with a concept of
building team chemistry, doing things
that were going to get guys together
and be able to rely on each other
throughout the season, and he did a
great job with that. Everybody
bought into it, and thats why we had a
little more productivity this year.
Patriots OLB Adalius Thomas,
formerly of Baltimore, was happy to
see the Ravens were able to retain
defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.
Said Thomas: I learned a lot from
him. He taught me a lot. Hes definitely one of my favorite coaches.
Browns OLT Joe Thomas, who
played no small role in the teams surprising success in 2007, played every
snap this season. Overall, injuries
were far less of a factor this season
than they were in past years, and
Thomas praised strength and conditioning coach Tom Myslinski for
his work in keeping the club relatively healthy. Thats really where it
starts, when you take care of your
body off the field and the things you
do in the weight room to prevent
injury, Thomas said
Several Patriots players, especially on defense, found reason during
Super Bowl week to praise the work
of veteran backup RB Kevin Faulk
for his unselfishness and awareness.
Honestly, Kevin Faulk is one of the
best all-around players Ive ever
played with, LB Mike Vrabel said.

HARRY SCULL, JR.

W H I S P E R S

Steve Smith

If you ever look at Kevin and see


him run a route, lets say its 3rd-and8 and he runs a six-yard route and
runs out of bounds he never does
something like that. Hes always making the right play at the right time, just
knowing the situation and executing
the situation and getting Tom
(Brady) off the hook with a checkdown for a first down.
Perhaps no player has better
epitomized the Patriots team-first
attitude throughout their modern
dynasty better than Troy Brown.
Brown has been everything from a
receiver to a punt returner to a cornerback throughout his tenure in New
England, proving to be the consummate professional. But we hear this
season will likely be his last. A veteran of 15 years, Brown has seen his
skills diminish as the Pats WR depth
has improved. Coach Bill Belichick
has too much respect for Brown to
shove him out the door, but its likely
Brown will retire of his own volition.
Looking for a concrete figure to
reflect how badly the Dolphins have
mismanaged their personnel recently? Eleven players given up on by
Miami have found homes on the rosters of the Super Bowl participants
Patriots and Giants. The Patriots, in
particular, have done an outstanding
job resurrecting the careers of players
the Dolphins deemed expendable,
such as WR Wes Welker, FB Heath
Evans, RB Sammy Morris (though
hes been on injured reserve much of
the season) and ILB Junior Seau.
The Bills are faced with a rather
pleasant conundrum at linebacker.
When standout rookie MLB Paul
Posluszny was lost early in the season with a broken forearm, secondyear pro John DiGiorgio did a better job filling in for him than anyone
could have expected. Heading into
next season, Posluszny is virtually
guaranteed of reclaiming the Mike
spot, but DiGiorgio proved hes starting-caliber-worthy. We hear its likely
that hell simply remain as a backup,
but it wouldnt be surprising if
DiGiorgio took over SLB duties and
Angelo Crowell flipped from the
strong side to the weak side, relegating Keith Ellison to a backup role.
The Colts new home, Lucas Oil
Stadium, is being hailed as an architectural gem. But the destruction of
the RCA Dome will also be a work of
art. While explosives are generally
used to tear down stadiums, the use
of dynamite will only be used to do
away with parts of the structure. Primarily, it will be a wrecking-ball project. According to a published report,
the destruction will cost upward of

$3.5 million.
Team insiders say its highly
unlikely the Jaguars will re-sign freeagent SS Sammy Knight, despite
the fact he led the team in tackles.
The 33-year-old has diminished coverage ability, and the team will likely
forge ahead with either Jamaal
Fudge or Gerald Sensabaugh,
who spent the majority of last season
on injured reserve.
We hear Rams head coach Scott
Linehan was given permission by
the Redskins to talk with offensive
coordinator Al Saunders about taking the same job in St. Louis more
than a week before the Redskins officially dismissed Saunders. Word is
Linehan got instantly excited about
the prospect of hiring Saunders, who
had previously earned favorable
reviews as an assistant under both
Dick Vermeil and Mike Martz in
the Greatest Show on Turf era. The
hiring of Saunders was praised by the
local media, which had been very
hard on Linehan and the Rams since
the end of the season.
Word is the Cardinals scouts
present at this years Senior Bowl
spent a great deal of time checking
out Michigan QB Chad Henne.
Cardinals QB Matt Leinart told
a team source at the Super Bowl that
his fractured left collarbone has
healed, but also that he was planning
on consulting with highly regarded
Dr. James Andrews about some
soreness he has been experiencing
in his knee. Also on the injury front,
we hear WR Anquan Boldin is
recovering quicker than expected
from the hip and toe injuries that limited him in 07, and he expects to be
at full strength for the opening of
training camp.
Our Niners sources have already
begun wondering how quickly new
offensive coordinator Mike Martz
will lose patience with Ashley Lelie
if the wide receiver appears as uninterested in adapting to the Niners
new system as he did in his first season with the team. We hear Lelie
drove WR coach Jerry Sullivan nuts
this past season with how long it took
for Lelie to learn his routes.
As the Niners apparently continue
working on restructuring the contract
of veteran ILB Derek Smith, who
were told is really well-liked by head
coach Mike Nolan and assistant
head coach/defense Mike Singletary, team sources simply cant
understand why LB Brandon Moore
continues to be the odd man out in the
Niners defense. Its a real mystery,
said one source. He has played well
for them when given the chance. He
should be playing a lot more than he
is. It just doesnt make a lot of sense.
While its a given the Seahawks
will search long and hard via the draft
or free agency for a tight end to
replace Marcus Pollard whose
meltdown in the NFC title game continues to leave a sour taste we hear
the team is impressed with the way
practice-squad TE Joe Newton
developed this season.
Lost in the hubbub about Steelers QB Ben Roethlisbergers recent
comments to the Pittsburgh PostGazette about wanting a taller receiver, the way we hear it, is that thirdyear WR Santonio Holmes will be
under more pressure than ever to
become both the No. 1 pass catcher

WWHI
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
addition becomes even more
important.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS


For a unit that was superb
throughout the season, the Patriots OL shortcomings in the Super
Bowl stood out. The superior
quickness of the Giants defensive
front allowed them to continuously
gain penetration into the backfield,
sacking Tom Brady five times and
hitting him on nine other
occasions. The Pats have
shown a vulnerability
against edge speed rushers this season, but not
until the Super Bowl had
their interior trio been gashed. With
a combination of speed and inside
blitzes, the Pats guards and center
two of whom are Pro Bowlers
Logan Mankins and Dan Koppen
were routinely flummoxed. I
have to give credit to the four guys
up front, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. We
hung our hat on those guys all
year long and did it again, and it
paid off. However, dont expect to
see changes made to this group
over the offseason. The Patriots
like the continuity of the group, and
outside of adding depth, are happy
with the guys they have in place.

A F C lN O R T H
Ravens are happy to
bring back defensive
mastermind Ryan
The Ravens maintained some
defensive continuity with the retention of defensive coordinator Rex
Ryan, who signed a new threeyear contract with the club. Ryan
was also named assistant head
coach, a designation that likely
would have gone to offensive coordinator Cam Cameron
were Ryan not brought
back into the fold, the way
we hear it. Ryan, 45, is
known for defensive
schemes that are stout,
creative and aggressive. The
Ravens were sixth in total defense
this past season despite finishing
in the bottom of the league in
yards per pass play allowed the
result of a secondary battered by
injuries. While well-liked and
respected by the Ravens defensive players, Ryan was not offered
the teams head-coaching job after
Brian Billick was fired, and he
likely will have to go elsewhere if
he is to garner a head-coaching
position. Ryan was thought to be
one of the favorites for the Falcons head-coaching vacancy, but
Jaguars defensive coordinator
Mike Smith got the job. For now,
though, Ryan will remain in Baltimore.

CLEVELAND BROWNS
A little more than two years ago,
Browns general manager Phil
Savage nearly lost his job in a
power struggle that left
most observers with the
impression that much was
unsettled in Cleveland. At
the end of last season, the
feeling was that head
coach Romeo Crennel had to win
in 2007 or lose his job. Now, after

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

a 10-6 record in 07, Crennel had


his contract extended through
2011. And Savage is speaking as
if he were someone who expects
to be making major decisions for
the franchise for many years to
come. The one thing that is
always at the forefront is stability
and continuity, Savage said last
week. We just feel like Romeo is
the man that can lead the team to
where we want to go. The next
step for the Browns: re-signing
unrestricted free-agent RB Jamal
Lewis and restricted free-agent
QB Derek Anderson, both of
whom have received contract
offers from the club.

CINCINNATI BENGALS
The NFLs decision to allow suspended MLB Odell Thurman to
start working out with the Bengals
once again doesnt necessarily
clear the way for Thurman to
become a part of the teams 2008
plans. Odell remains on the
leagues suspended list, and it
remains to be seen whether
he will be able to meet the
conditions for reinstatement, Bengals head coach
Marvin Lewis said in a
team-issued statement. If
he is reinstated, he will then have
to earn the confidence of our management and coaching staff that
he is ready to compete for a roster
spot as an active member of our
team. The team has said there is
no timetable for Thurmans reinstatement. However, if hes back,
weve heard he has a chance to
be a contributor on a defense that
needs playmakers. Were Thurman
to come back, his role might
change considering that the Bengals like third-year MLB Ahmad
Brooks potential.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

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Attractive end: Titans DE Antwan


Odom could have his share of suitors

coaching staffs, Dungy wants to


afford his own assistants the same
luxury. Team insiders say the most
likely option would be secondary
coach Alan Williams. The
38-year-old Williams has
worked with Dungy since
2001, Dungys last season
in Tampa Bay. Williams has
been credited for much of
the success of the Colts pass
defense in 2007, when they finished second in the league despite
breaking in two new starting cornerbacks (Marlin Jackson and
Kelvin Hayden). In the event
Dungy opts to look outside of the
organization, the prerequisite
would be that the replacement is
schooled in the cover-2 defensive
scheme he favors.

HOUSTON TEXANS
A player who has quietly garnered respect from opponents, the
way we hear it, is Texans ORT
Eric Winston. The 6-7, 310pounder started all 16 games this
season, allowing only 312
sacks, according to STATS
Inc. The Houston offensive
line isnt without its share of
issues; the teams interior
line play was not a strength
last season, and the Texans longterm plans at left tackle were
altered when promising Charles
Spencer suffered a season-ending
knee injury early in the 06 season.
So Winstons development is key
for the Texans. One area that Winston needs to shore up: moving
too early. He committed seven
false-start penalties in 2007.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger believes his team, which has


20-of-22 starters under contract
through at least 2008, is set up for
success next season. I think we
have a lot of the tools, and I
think we have a lot of the
players that are (an) essential core for next year, he
said from Arizona during
Super Bowl week. There
are some things we all need to
work on, myself included, and I
think well be just fine, because we
have each other. Everybody we
have in that room is talented, and
well get it done. OLG Alan
Faneca and LOLB Clark Haggans
are the only free agents among
the 07 starters; Roethlisberger
has lobbied for Faneca to return.
Haggans may be a long shot to
return considering the strides that
rookie LaMarr Woodley made
down the stretch.

Will DE Antwan Odom get an


offer he cant refuse from another
club in free agency? The 6-5, 274pound Odom had eight sacks in
2007 despite splitting time with
Travis LaBoy, whos also
an unrestricted free agent;
hence, it wont be a surprise if the Titans are looking for defensive ends in
the offseason, given the
demand both Odom and LaBoy
could draw on the open market.
The good news for the Titans: DL
coach Jim Washburn is one of the
very best in his profession. But losing either Odom or LaBoy would
be a blow to the Titans defensive
line, which was such a key to Tennessees first playoff berth since
2003.

A F C lS O U T H
Colts would likely
promote DB coach
if Meeks leaves
If the Redskins decide to hire
Colts defensive coordinator Ron
Meeks as head coach, we hear
that Tony Dungy would like to promote from in-house. Crediting
much of his success to former
bosses Chuck Noll in Pittsburgh
and Dennis Green in Minnesota,
both of whom allowed Dungy to
climb the ranks on their respective

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
It seems odd for a coach to willingly leave his current team to take
a lesser job with another franchise.
But thats precisely what Jaguars
assistant head coach/secondary
Dave Campo is doing. Campo
finalized a deal Jan. 29 with
the Cowboys to become
their DB coach without
the assistant head coach
label after Todd Bowles
jumped ship to Miami. Even
more interesting is the fact that
Campo decided to come back to
the franchise that dumped him as
head coach after the 2002 season.
But with his family in Dallas, it was
an easy move to make. Additionally, we hear Campo stayed in good

SPORTPICS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

graces with the team, which is


more than he can say regarding
the powers that be in Jacksonville.
Word is that Campo, who presided
over an underachieving secondary
in 2007, was likely to be shown the
door. The Jaguars hired former
Lions and Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson earlier in
the week to be an unspecified
defensive assistant, and there was
speculation that he was hired to
take over Campo's DB duties.

A F C lW E S T
Davis-Kiffin rift could
hinder Raiders free
agent game plan
Sources suggest the turmoil
stemming from the power struggle
between owner Al Davis and head
coach Lane Kiffin and the general
drama in Oakland since the season came to a close has
really taken its toll on the
Raiders fan base, and the
fear among some members
of the front office and
coaching staff is it will hurt
the teams chances of landing
impact free agents this offseason
as well. As first reported by PFW
weeks ago, the rift between Davis
and Kiffin concerning authority

over the roster and coaching staff


is very real and may still force
them to part ways sooner rather
than later. In a poll on a local
newspaper companys Web site
that asked readers who should
step down, Davis or Kiffin, the
overwhelming response was for
Davis to call it a career. We hear
the Raiders faithful who once
stood blindly behind Davis are
seriously beginning to doubt his
guidance, and the continuing lack
of stability in the coaching ranks
after Davis reportedly sent a letter
to Kiffin asking for his resignation
will undoubtedly make it difficult to
lure some prized free agents to
town.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS


Turns out the surprise firing of
WR coach James Lofton had less
to do with his solid work in San
Diego and more to do with the
Chargers opportunity to
bring Hall of Fame WR
Charlie Joiner home. Joiner not only played in a version of Norv Turners
offense, he also coached a
version of the system with the
Chargers from 1987-91 and for the
last seven years with the Chiefs
before being let go by Herm
Edwards. Turner has been a fan of

Joiners work since the late 1970s,


when he was on the receiving end
of so many of Dan Fouts passes.
When Turner was an assistant with
the Los Angeles Rams, Ernie
Zampese, the teams offensive
coordinator, used video of Joiner
and only Joiner to teach the art of
route-running. I think we have a
chance for him to bring some new
dimensions not only in terms of
the players' performance, but in
terms of our overall scheme, Turner said upon the hiring. (He's)
another guy who's got a real
strong background in this system.
Joiner will work with a WR corps
that stepped up big in the Chargers' postseason run and features
plenty of athelticism with Chris
Chambers, Vincent Jackson and
Buster Davis.

DENVER BRONCOS
With the decisions made by
Ohio States James Laurinaitis
and USCs Rey Maualuga to stay
in school, and the Broncos coming
away from the Senior Bowl not all
that impressed with Penn States
Dan Connor, it appears as
though the MLB talent pool is no
longer deep enough for them to
spend a first-round pick there. That

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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XLII

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FEBRUARY 24, 2008

REVIEW

D-stroying perfection
GIANTS OVERPOWER HEAVILY FAVORED PATRIOTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL
By HUB

ARKUSH

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

LENDALE, Ariz. Super Bowl


XLII will be etched forever in
history as the moment when the
immovable object that Bill
Belichick had molded his New
England Patriots into, met the
irresistible force the New York Giants
had become since almost budging the
Patriots on the final weekend of the regular season. And this time, the Giants
shoved the Patriots all over the field.
The tens of thousands of us who
showed up in the desert to witness a
historic football game in which the
Patriots would try to become the first
team ever to finish 19-0 were instead
treated to a heavyweight fight. And in
this championship fight, it was the
Giants who threw more punches, landed more punches and, in the end,
denied history perfection in shoulder
pads but gave us instead a new champion of near-mythical and at times mystical proportions.
It will be remembered as one of the
greatest upsets in the history of the
game, but there was no intrigue or mystery in how the Giants pulled it off. We
had known for weeks the only way a
team could even hope to have a chance
at upsetting the Patriots was to get in
Tom Bradys face and put him on his
back as often as possible, disrupting the
precision and devastation of the New
England aerial attack. We just didnt
think there was a club out there with the
weapons to get it done. And while the
Giants were the No. 1 pass-rushing
team in the league this year, there was nothing in their 3835 loss to the Pats six weeks earlier to suggest it could
happen in this Super Bowl.
But the Giants dominated the line of scrimmage on both
sides of the ball from almost the opening whistle, and still
it appeared New England had found a way to win until,
with just 1:15 left in the game and his club
trailing 14-10, Eli Manning reached into his
bag of tricks and pulled out some magic that
may very well be remembered as the greatest play in the history of the Super Bowl.
On 3rd-and-5 from his own 44, Manning dropped to
pass in the shotgun and appeared to be going down for a
seven- or eight-yard loss, trapped by three different
Patriots pass rushers. But Eli refused to be sacked and
somehow emerged from the clutter of Patriots jerseys,
slid to his right and rifled a 32-yard pass to the middle of
the field, where a well-covered David Tyree had settled
in the Patriots zone coverage. Tyree went up as high as
he could over Patriots SS Rodney Harrison and juggled
the ball at its highest point before pinning it to the top of
his helmet with his right hand while falling horizontal to
the ground and then landing flat on his back at the New
England 24 with both hands on the ball. Ive seen the
replay over a dozen times and still expect Manning to get
sacked or Tyree to drop the ball every time.
I was just trying to make a play (by) trying to get out
(and) trying to avoid a sack, Manning said. I saw him in

line. The only play longer than nine


yards on the drive was a 14-yard Manning-to-Burress toss on 3rd-and-5 from
the Giants 28. But when Manning
threw underneath to Steve Smith for
four yards on 3rd-and-11 at the New
England 18, New York was forced to
settle for a 32-yard Lawrence Tynes
field goal and a 3-0 lead. Seventeen
percent of the game had been completed, and the Pats hadnt touched the
football.
Its football, Patriots LB Junior
Seau said of the drive. It was the first
series, and we knew that there was a lot
of football left. Towards the end we
held them, but the fact is, when we
needed to make plays, we werent able
to do it. We had opportunities; we just
didnt maximize
them and didnt
Spectacular:
convert.
David Tyree made a
When
New
game-changing
catch in final minute
England finally
did get its hands
on the ball, it wasted no time in
answering. Laurence Maroney returned
the kickoff 43 yards to the New England 44, and the Patriots marched 56
yards on 12 plays, taking 5:04 off the
clock and claiming a 7-3 lead with
three seconds gone in the second quarter on a Maroney one-yard plunge. The
key play came on 3rd-and-10 at the
Giants 17-yard line when Brady found
Ben Watson open in the endzone, and
Giants LB Antonio Pierce had no
choice but to climb all over the tight
end to try to stop the touchdown, drawing a pass-interference penalty.
Maroney scored from the one on the next play.
New York started its second possession from its own 40
after Stephen Gostkowski sent the kickoff out of bounds.
On 3rd-and-7 from his own 43, Manning found Amani
Toomer on the left sideline for 38 yards at the Patriots 19,
another one of the miraculous toe-dragging catches
Toomer made regularly in the 2007 playoffs. That Toomer
got away with a cross between a mugging and assault and
battery on Ellis Hobbs, who was trying to defend him on
the play, is a footnote that will probably be lost in the history of this game, but justice would be served.
Two plays later, to be exact, on 3rd-and-5 at the Patriots 14, Manning hit Steve Smith in the hands on a fouryard square-in, but Smith bobbled the pass. Hobbs picked
the ball off and returned it 23 yards to the Patriots 33.
From that point on, both defenses would dominate for the
next two quarters of the game.
The Pats went three-and-out after the interception, and
the Giants did as well following a Patriots punt, while narrowly avoiding disaster in the process. After a Jarvis Green
sack of Manning on first down cost New York three yards,
Manning and Ahmad Bradshaw botched the exchange on an
attempted running play, and Patriots LB Pierre Woods fell
on the ball at the Giants 30-yard line. But somehow Bradshaw got his arms under Woods before the Patriot could
secure the ball, as far as the officials were concerned, and
ripped it out, allowing New York to retain possession.
Still, with the Giants forced to punt after an incompleDREW HALLOWELL / GETTY IMAGES

X L I I G I A N T S 1 7 PATRIOTS 14

SUPER
BOWL

the middle of the field, the ball just hung up there in to the
lights, and it was just an unbelievable catch.
It was a big-time play, Tyree added. What it comes
down to is making the play. Eli did an unbelievable job. I
honestly dont know how he got out of it. And when the
ball is in the air, you have to go get it. Thats the job.
Four plays later, Manning found
Plaxico Burress in the endzone for the
Game story winning points, and it was clear that
& statistics with just 39 seconds to play, history
would not be altered in this Super
Bowl after all. But in the bigger picture of the mostwatched Super Bowl and second-biggest television audience ever, it wasnt anywhere near that simple, as the first
58 minutes of the game also delivered some of the most
compelling Super Bowl theater wed ever seen.
As Tom Coughlin said afterward, The New England
Patriots are a great football team, they really are. We came
in here, and we knew what we had to do. We had to get
after the quarterback, and the response we got out of our
team was unbelievable. These guys play with great heart.
Theyre tough-minded. They never say die. They just keep
coming. It wasnt all pretty out there tonight. We had to
battle hard to get this thing.
The Giants opened the ballgame with some history of
their own, taking the opening kickoff and keeping the football for 9:59, the longest drive ever in a Super Bowl, running 16 plays and gaining 63 yards to the Patriots 14-yard

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

SUPER
BOWL
tion on 3rd-and-16, there was a feeling in the stadium that
the Patriots were ready to take command as they got the
ball at their own 30 with 8:35 left in the half. But when the
Giants followed a stop of Maroney for no gain with successive seven-yard sacks, first by Kawika Mitchell and
then Justin Tuck with Pats starting ORG Stephen Neal
needing help to get off the field following the Tuck sack
and leaving the game for good it was, in fact, the Giants
who took control of the line of scrimmage.
Getting the ball at their own 43 following a punt, the
Giants marched to New Englands 25 in six plays, setting
up a 3rd-and-4. But as Manning dropped to pass, he was
stripped and sacked by Adalius Thomas, and as Bradshaw
attempted to gather the ball at the 30, he instead swatted it
forward to the Pats 20, where Steve Smith recovered for
an apparent first down. But Bradshaw was penalized 10
yards for intentionally advancing a fumble, and after Manning missed Smith deep down the left sideline, the Giants
were forced to punt again.
New England took over at its own 11 with 1:47 remaining and mounted one last gasp, marching 45 yards to the
New York 44 with 22 seconds left in the half. But on 1stand-10, Brady dropped back to pass and was sacked again
by Tuck and this time stripped as well, with Osi Umenyiora falling on the ball at the Patriots 49. Smith appeared to
have a good shot at a Hail Mary from Manning in the
endzone had he picked up the ball and timed his leap correctly, but it fell untouched to the turf for a 7-3 New England lead at halftime.
The score was far from indicative of how the half had
gone, though, as the Giants earned a 19:27-10:33 advantage in time of possession, gained 139 yards of offense
while holding the Pats to a startling 81, and ran 34 plays to
New Englands 27. Each clubs lone turnover did as much
as anything to keep the score at 7-3.
We didnt get into a great rhythm, although we took the
ball and went right down the field and scored a touchdown, Brady said. The second drive we didnt pick up a
2nd-and-1 and a 3rd-and-1. And the next drive, another
three-and-out. We had a fourth drive before the half, and
we had a chance there at the end when there was the stripsack. Just a lot of missed opportunities. I think we were
close a lot of times, just not close enough.
New England took the second-half kickoff, looking like
it had gotten a real wake-up call from New York, and rattled off a 15-play, 48-yard drive of its own that ate 8:17 off
the clock. The key play of the drive came after Brady connected with Faulk for just three yards on a 3rd-and-5 on
the seventh play. But the Giants had 12 men on the field as
New England lined up to punt, and Chase Blackburn was
unable to get to the sideline before Chris Hanson punted.
The officials initially missed the call, but a Belichick challenge after a TV timeout caused a reversal and gave the
Patriots the ball, 1st-and-10 at the Giants 39. Six plays
later, though, on 3rd-and-7 at New Yorks 25, Michael
Strahan faked a drop into coverage and then came
untouched for the Giants fourth sack of the game and a
six-yard loss, setting up the most controversial call of the
(Continued on Page 8)

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REVIEW

PERFECT ENDING?

Avoiding retirement never looked so good to Strahan

TRENT MODGLIN

because of his dictator-like


unny how, when you
qualities early in his stint
step back and think
with the Giants, was a big
about it, Michael Strafactor in keeping Strahan
han easily could have
on board. Theres no quesmissed all this. Amidst the
tion Coughlin still has his
glitz and glamour of Super
strict set of rules, but he
Bowl week and the confihas softened a bit, allowing
dence in his team pulling off
the players in, and the
an upset for the ages, its
respectful relationship he
easy to forget that Strahan,
formed with his future Hall
the unquestioned leader
of Fame defensive end
and most recognizable face
after a couple of tenuous
of the Giants franchise,
seasons cannot be undernearly stepped aside before
stated.
the season started. In other
Strahan returned with the
words, like Tiki Barber, he
idea of enjoying himself
almost wasnt around for all
more than ever this season,
the fun.
and with how often he
Being selfish after having
Happy days: Michael Strahan never stopped smiling in Arizona
smiled during Super Bowl
enjoyed Strahans company
week and joked with his
for the entire week in
teammates on and off camera consider it a misArizona, I can say Im glad he stuck it out. But Im quite
sion accomplished and then some.
certain my sentiments pale in comparison to his 15
I came in here every day, laughing and smiling, slapyears in the league, and finally hes a Super Bowl champing Coughlin around, Strahan said. Im doing things to
pion.
him that hes not really used to players doing. Because I
This is going to take a couple of days before this sets
really dont have anything to lose. What are they going
in, Strahan said after the 17-14 triumph over the recordto do, fire me? No. Im having fun. This is the most fun
setting Patriots. I dont even know what to say. This
Ive ever had as a player.
team, this season, where we started, where we ended.
That much was obvious. During sessions with the
Totally unexpected. Five weeks ago I couldnt have told
media last week, he joked about selling advertising in
you this, when we started the playoffs, that wed be
the much-publicized gap between his two front teeth and
here.
said he wasnt interested in the hoopla and parties ragAt the beginning of Eli Mannings clutch final drive,
ing around Phoenix because, if he couldnt be there,
Strahan went from one teammate to another, telling
how good could they really be anyway?
them the final score would be 17-14, asking them to
But when the week of hype and media obligations
repeat it aloud because he wanted them to believe. One
was over and it came time to get down to business,
more drive, one more touchdown, and a world champiStrahan and the Giants were even better than they were
onship would be theirs.
in front of the microphones.
The play late in the game in which Manning miracuNew York held the previously unbeaten Patriots to 14
lously escaped a sack and threw for a key first down to
points and only 274 total yards, battering Tom Brady
a leaping David Tyree admittedly took a few years off his
with a vicious consistency that was, along with Manlife.
nings rally, the major storyline of the game. The protecWe shocked the world, Strahan said. We even
tion Brady was spoiled with all season leaked like a
shocked ourselves. No one expected us to win. We have
sieve against the hard-charging Giants, who generated
TV and cable.
five sacks and rarely allowed Brady to step into a throw.
Strahan said he finally turned off his TV for the week
Strahan said the goal was to punch the Patriots in the
when he saw his friend, Fox analyst Howie Long, talking
mouth and make them do something out of the ordinary,
about how the Giants couldnt stay with New England.
and he could sense their frustration.
Even when my parents told me we were going to win,
No quarterback likes to be on his back every time he
I didnt know if I believed them either, he added. But I
throws the ball, said Strahan, who longed for a shower
believed in the guys and I believed in all the work we put
but seemed to be in no hurry to leave the postgame
in and the confidence we had.
interview tent. We all respect the Patriots and we all
But back in August, Strahan was close, so very close,
really respect Tom Brady, but it was our time. We didnt
to calling it a career. Concerned he didnt want his body
want to make this another feel-good story for the Patriin two-a-day practices if his mind was somewhere else,
ots, make this another dynasty story. We want to start
he skipped all of training camp and the preseason while
our own dynasty. ...
mulling retirement and didnt report to the team until just
(In the first matchup in Week 17) they scored 38
before the start of the regular season. But once things
points, but you could tell they were uncomfortable in that
got rolling, he didnt play like a man contemplating the
game. I think we brought a level of physicality that they
end of a storied career as the NFLs active leader in
had not seen before. You couldnt write this story any
sacks. The 36-year-old Strahan finished the season with
better.
nine sacks and anchored a defensive line that held
The same could be said for Strahan, who could
opponents to 97.7 yards per game rushing. In the playchoose ride off into the sunset on top of the NFL world,
offs, he was even better, recording 21 tackles, two
much like John Elway and Jerome Bettis did before him.
sacks, seven QB hurries and a forced fumble in four
Or he could return for a 16th season, stretch out his
games.
career lead in sacks and attempt a repeat.
Michael Strahan is a football player, period, Giants
Im not thinking about that right now, Strahan shot
head coach Tom Coughlin said in the week leading up to
back with his ever present grin. Im thinking about the
the big game. He loves the game. He has great exciteparade that moved from Boston to New York City, Im
ment and exuberance for any aspect of it. You talk about
thinking about the beaches in California and spending
a guy who enjoys the game, enjoys his teammates,
time with my kids.
enjoys the practices, thats Michael. You couldnt do this
After nearly letting retirement get in the way of his
for as long as this guy has done it, at the Pro Bowl level
first-ever Lombardi Trophy, expect the most famous gapthat hes done it, if you didnt have great love for the
toothed smile this side of David Letterman to last awhile.
game, great love for your teammates, and also exciteAs it should.
ment and enjoyment in the everyday activities that a professional football player has to go through. Thats not
easy for everyone to understand.
PFW senior editor Trent Modglin can be reached via
The mellowing of Coughlin, who faced a near mutiny
e-mail at tmodglin@pfwmedia.com.
GETTY IMAGES

DREW HALLOWELL / GETTY IMAGES

Sack master: Giants DL Justin Tuck sacked Tom Brady twice

X L I I G I A N T S 1 7 PATRIOTS 14

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

X L I I G I A N T S 1 7 PATRIOTS 14

SUPER
BOWL
(Continued from Page 7)
game. On 4th-and-13, Belichick eschewed
a 48- or 49-yard field-goal attempt for a
seven-point lead and went for it, but Brady
threw the ball away deep out of the endzone when no one was open.
The Giants only possession of the third
quarter lasted just 3:39, garnering 28 yards
on eight plays and forcing them to punt it
back to the Pats at the New England 11,
from where the Pats managed just 36 yards
on nine plays before punting on the first
play of the fourth quarter. The most significant note of the third quarter was that New
England made up 7:42 of the Giants 8:54
time-of-possession edge in the first half.
With the Patriots leading 7-3 with 14:52
left to play and New York having 1st-and10 at its own 20, Manning and rookie TE
Kevin Boss came up with the secondbiggest play of the game. Boss ran a seam
route behind Harrison, and Manning hit
him with a 20-yard rope that Boss turned
into a 45-yard gain to New Englands 35.
With momentum seemingly favoring New
England ever so slightly to that point, it
was easy imagining New York finishing
with just three points on the board until the
Boss explosion. Two plays later, Manning
hit Smith for 17 yards to the Patriots 12.
After a seven-yard first-down run from
Bradshaw, Manning found Tyree in the
back of the endzone with a five-yard TD
toss and a 10-7 Giants lead.
Brady followed the ensuing kickoff with
a 17-yard toss to Randy Moss after being
forced to start at his own 11 due to holding
on the return. But then he managed just
three yards on three plays before the Pats
were forced to punt. New Englands
defense then held the Giants to a threeand-out, putting Brady and Co. back in
business at their own 20 with 7:54 left to
play.
Suddenly the Pats wed all come to see
appeared, and it looked as if the Giants just
might have punched themselves out.
Brady marched his team 80 yards on 12
plays with three completions to Wes Welker for 28 yards, and three to Moss for 26,
including the six-yard toss on 3rd-and-

Records set or tied


in Super Bowl XLII
INDIVIDUAL
RECORD SET
Most completions, career 100, Tom Brady,
New England. Old record: Joe Montana, 83.

RECORDS TIED
Most receptions, game 11 by Wes Welker,
New England. Tied with Dan Ross, Cincinnati vs.
San Francisco, 1982; Jerry Rice, San Francisco
vs. Cincinnati, 1989; Deion Branch, New England
vs. Philadelphia, 2005.
Most pass attempts without an interception,
game 48, Tom Brady, New England.

TEAM
RECORDS SET
Fewest rushing attempts, both teams, game
42, New England (16), N.Y. Giants (26).
Fewest rushing yards, both teams, game
136, New England (45), N.Y. Giants (91).

RECORDS TIED
Fewest field-goal attempts, both teams,
game 1, New England (0), N.Y. Giants (1).
Fewest touchdowns, rushing, game 0, N.Y.
Giants.
Fewest first downs, rushing, both teams,
game 7, New England (3), N.Y. Giants (4).

MISCELLANEOUS
RECORDS SET
Oldest player 41 years, 333 days, Jeff Feagles, N.Y. Giants.
Most years between Super Bowl appearances 13, Junior Seau, New England.

http://www.profootballweekly.com

XLII

goal that put New England up 14-10. New


England was suddenly so efficient that the
TD was the only third-down play of the
drive. With 2:42 to play, it looked like New
England had done just enough to salvage
perfection.
There is, however, a reason I used the
words mythical and mystical earlier in
this story. Starting at his own 17, Manning
hit Toomer for 11 yards. Following two
incompletions coming out of the twominute warning, he hit Toomer again for
nine yards, setting up 4th-and-1 at his own
37. Brandon Jacobs fell forward no more
than a foot more than he needed for the
first down.
I knew it was imperative that I got that
first down, Jacobs said. They tried to
give us a bad spot at first, but we werent
going to let that happen. They gave us a
bad spot the play before that, and they
tried to do it again, but the one ref said,
He went over the top and he got the fist
down. We moved the chains.
Manning scrambled for five yards and
then threw incomplete deep toward Tyree,
leaving 3rd-and-5 at his own 44 and setting up the play.
We had the guy for a sack, and he slips
us and he throws a Hail Mary up, and the
guy comes down with the ball, and the ball
is falling out of his hands, said Harrison,
who had the best shot at knocking the ball
away. It was just incredible. I thought it
was falling out. I thought it was an incomplete pass. It was a wacky and crazy play.
I cant even explain it.
After realizing that Tyree had actually
caught the ball, you could feel the air coming out of every New England fan in the
building.
But with just 59 seconds to play and the
Pats endzone 24 yards away, there was
still plenty of work to do. On first down,
Manning lost a yard after getting sacked
again by Adalius Thomas, and on second
down, he was short in the left flat with his
pass to Tyree, setting up a 3rd-and-11 at
the 25. From there, Manning found Smith
on the right sideline, where he was pushed
out of bounds by Brandon Meriweather
but not before gaining 12 yards and setting
up 1st-and-10 at the New England 13.
With 45 seconds to play, the Patriots made
a fatal decision.
New England sent an all-out blitz, leaving Burress wide to the left in obvious man
coverage. It was like shooting ducks in a
barrel from there, as the corner sat on the
route, expecting Burress to cut into the
post. When the long and lanky hero of the
Giants NFC title win over the Packers cut
it out to the fade, he and Manning had the
easiest pitch-and-catch for six points
imaginable.
And Goliath was down.
They were basically double-teaming
me all night, playing a man press, playing
a guy over the top, Burress said. We
were just waiting for that one time where
we could get him (Patriots RCB Ellis
Hobbs) over there in single coverage.
I gave him a slant fake, he bit it, Eli put
it up there and I came down with it. I just
told myself, God, if you could just get me
out here tonight, based on what Ive been
through all year with the knee and the
ankle and the back and everything. Im
just so grateful for the opportunity.
Was Manning nervous at the beginning
of the final drive that sealed the games
MVP award for him?
No, we believed in ourselves all year,
he said. Thats the position you want to

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

REVIEW
be in. You want to have the ball in your
hands, go down, youve got to score a
touchdown. Thats where you want to be, a
chance to win the game, and so many big
plays on that drive. David Tyree, man,
thats all youve got to say. David Tyree
huge catch, Plaxico (Burress) on the
touchdown. Everybody stepped up and
made huge plays. What a great win.
New England did get the ball back at its
own 26 with 29 seconds and all its timeouts, but the Giants were ready to be
crowned. Brady missed Jabar Gaffney
deep on first down. On second down, Jay
Alford just bulldozed Russ Hochstein,
who was in for the injured Neal, and
dropped Brady for a 10-yard loss. A desperation heave at Moss did appear to give
the receiver a chance to go up and make a
play that would have left the Pats on the
edge of field-goal distance with 10 seconds to play, but Moss just ran through the
play instead of attempting to stop and

high-point the ball, and the rest is now


truly history.
For New England, it was a bitter pill to
swallow, but the Pats were gracious in
defeat.
To come this far and lose the biggest
game of the year is very disappointing,
said Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi. You have
two weeks to prepare for this game and
think youre going to put a good showing
out there, and both teams think theyre
going to win the game. But congratulations to the New York Giants; they really
earned this one.
And that the Giants did.
In what may very well have been the
greatest Super Bowl of all time, they
reminded us all that football games are
won on the field by men who somehow
find the will to accomplish extraordinary
feats, regardless of the opposition.
And on any given Sunday that is why
they play the game.

SUPER BOWL XLII GAME STATISTICS | LINEUPS


GIANTS
PATRIOTS

TEAM STATISTICS

Glendale, Ariz., Feb. 3, 2008


N.Y. GIANTS
3 0 0 14 17
NEW ENGLAND 0 7 0 7 14
Attendance: 71,101.

SCORING
FIRST QUARTER
New York: Tynes, 32 FG, 5:01. Drive:
63 yards in 16 plays, 9:59. Key plays:
Bradshaw 8 run on 3rd-and-1 from
New England 37; Smith 9 pass from
Manning on 3rd-and-7 from New England 26. New York 3, New England 0.
SECOND QUARTER
New England: Maroney, 1 run
(Gostkowski kick), 14:57. Drive: 56
yards in 12 plays, 5:04. Key plays:
Welker 8 pass from Brady on 3rd-and3 from New York 35; defensive passinterference penalty on Pierce in endzone, 16 yards, enforced at New York
17. New England 7, New York 3.
FOURTH QUARTER
New York: Tyree, 5 pass from Manning (Tynes kick), 11:05. Drive: 80
yards in six plays, 3:47. Key plays:
Boss 45 pass from Manning on 1stand-10 from New York 20; Smith 17
pass from Manning on 3rd-and-4 from
New England 29. New York 10, New
England 7.
New England: Moss, 6 pass from
Brady (Gostkowski kick), 2:42. Drive:
80 yards in 12 plays, 5:12. Key plays:
Welker 13 pass from Brady on 2ndand-1 from New England 44; Welker
10 pass from Brady on 2nd-and-6 from
New York 39. New England 14, New
York 10.
New York: Burress, 13 pass from
Manning (Tynes kick), 0:35. Drive: 83
yards in 12 plays, 2:07. Key plays:
Tyree 32 pass from Manning on 3rdand-5 from New York 44; Smith 12
pass from Manning on 3rd-and-11
from New England 25. New York 17,
New England 14.

PASSING

N.Y.G N.E.
FIRST DOWNS ....................17........22
Rushing ............................4..........3
Passing ............................13........17
Penalty ..............................0..........2
TOTAL YARDS ....................338......274
Rushing ..........................91........45
Passing ..........................247......229
Passes completed ................19........29
Passes attempted ................34........48
Passes intercepted..................1..........0
Sacks allowed....................3..........5
Sacks yds. lost ..................8........37
PUNTS ....................................4..........4
Average..........................39.0 ....43.8
KICKOFFS ..............................4..........3
Endzone..............................0..........1
Touchbacks ........................0..........0
PUNT RETURNS....................3..........1
Yards returned ..................25........15
KICKOFF RETURNS ..............2..........4
Yards returned ..................39........94
PENALTIES ............................3..........5
Yards penalized ................36........35
RUSHING PLAYS ................26........16
Average gain....................3.5 ......2.8
TOTAL PLAYS ......................63........69
Average gain....................5.4 ......4.0
FUMBLES ..............................2..........1
Lost ....................................0..........1
FIELD GOALS ATT. ................1..........0
Made ..................................1..........0
THIRD-DOWN PLAYS ..........12........14
Converted to 1st down........6..........7
FOURTH-DOWN PLAYS ........1..........0
Converted to 1st down........1..........2
Time of possession..........30:27 ..29:33
Avg. yard line start ................37........23
POSSESSIONS INS. 20 ........5..........2
Touchdowns........................2..........2
Field goals ..........................1..........0

17
14

GIANTS Manning 19-34-155, 1i,


45L, 2td.
PATRIOTS T. Brady 29-48-266,
19L, 1td.

17
66
69
60
76
67
89
81
10
27
88
9

Plaxico Burress
Dave Diehl
Rich Seubert
Shaun OHara
Chris Snee
Kareem McKenzie
Kevin Boss
Amani Toomer
Eli Manning
Brandon Jacobs
Michael Matthews
Lawrence Tynes

DLE
DLT
DRT
DRE
WLB
MLB
SLB
LCB
RCB
SS
FS
P

92
96
98
72
55
58
53
31
23
37
28
18

PUNTING
GIANTS Feagles 4 for 39.0 avg,
55L, 2 ins 20.
PATRIOTS Hanson 4 for 43.8
avg, 49L, 1 tb.

PUNT RETURNS
GIANTS McQuarters 3-25, 16L.
PATRIOTS Welker 1-15, 1fc;
Faulk 1fc.

KICKOFF RETURNS
GIANTS Hixon 2-39, 25L.
PATRIOTS Maroney 4-94, 43L.

INTERCEPTIONS
PATRIOTS Hobbs 1-23.

TACKLES-ASSISTS-SACKS
GIANTS Butler 9-1-0; Pierce 73-0; Mitchell 3-5-1; Tuck 5-1-2; Wilson
3-2-0; OHara 3-1-0; Dockery 3-0-0;
Robbins 3-0-0; Strahan 2-1-1; Alford 20-1; Madison 2-0-0; Torbor 2-0-0; Ross
1-1-0; Webster 1-1-0; Cofield 1-0-0; M.
Johnson 1-0-0.
PATRIOTS Harrison 11-1-0;
Bruschi 5-3-0; Seymour 3-4-0; Warren
4-2-0; A. Thomas 5-0-2; Wilfork 4-1-0;
Sanders 3-1-0; Meriweather 3-0-0;
Seau 2-0-0; Samuel 1-1-0; Vrabel 1-10; Green 1-0-1; Woods 1-0-0; Hobbs 01-0.

FUMBLES-RECOVERED-FORCED

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING
GIANTS Bradshaw 9-45, 13L;
Jacobs 14-42, 7L; Manning 3-4, 5L.
PATRIOTS Maroney 14-36, 9L,
1td; Faulk 1-7; Evans 1-2.

Michael Strahan
Barry Cofield
Fred Robbins
Osi Umenyiora
Kawika Mitchell
Antonio Pierce
Reggie Torbor
Aaron Ross
Corey Webster
James Butler
Gibril Wilson
Jeff Feagles

GIANTS Bradshaw 0-1-0; Manning 2-0-0; Smith 0-1-0; Tuck 0-0-1;


Umenyiora 0-1-0.
PATRIOTS A. Thomas 0-0-1; T.
Brady 1-0-0.

FIELD GOALS
GIANTS Tynes 32g.

PATRIOTS STARTERS

GIANTS STARTERS
WR
OLT
OLG
C
ORG
ORT
TE
WR
QB
RB
TE
PK

RECEIVING
GIANTS Toomer 6-84, 38L;
Smith 5-50, 17L; Tyree 3-43, 32L, 1td;
Burress 2-27, 14L, 1td; Boss 1-45;
Bradshaw 1-3; Hedgecock 1-3.
PATRIOTS Welker 11-103, 19L;
Faulk 7-52, 14L; Moss 5-62, 18L, 1td;
Stallworth 3-34, 18L; Maroney 2-12,
8L; K. Brady 1-3.

WR
OLT
OLG
C
ORG
ORT
TE
WR
QB
RB
TE
PK

83
72
70
67
61
77
88
81
12
39
84
3

Wes Welker
LE
Matt Light
NT
Logan Mankins
RE
Dan Koppen
OLB
Steve Neal
MLB
Nick Kaczur
OLB
Kyle Brady
LCB
Randy Moss
RCB
Tom Brady
SS
Laurence Maroney
FS
Ben Watson
DB
Stephen Gostkowski
P

94
75
93
50
54
96
22
27
37
36
31
6

Ty Warren
Vince Wilfork
Richard Seymour
Mike Vrabel
Tedy Bruschi
Adalius Thomas
Asante Samuel
Ellis Hobbs
Rodney Harrison
James Sanders
Brandon Meriweather
Chris Hanson

GIANTS SUBSTITUTIONS

PATRIOTS SUBSTITUTIONS

12 Steve Smith, 22 Reuben Droughns, 25 R.W. McQuarters, 29 Sam Madison, 35 Kevin Dockery, 39 Madison
Hedgecock, 43 Michael Johnson, 44 Ahmad Bradshaw, 51
Zak DeOssie, 52 Tank Daniels, 57 Chase Blackburn, 59
Gerris Wilkinson, 65 Grey Ruegamer, 71 Dave Tollefson,
77 Kevin Boothe, 79 Guy Whimper, 85 David Tyree, 87
Domenik Hixon, 91 Justin Tuck, 93 Jay Alford

10 Jabar Gaffney, 15 Kelley Washington, 18 Dont Stallworth, 21 Randall Gay, 23 Willie Andrews, 26 Eugene Wilson, 33 Kevin Faulk, 38 Kyle Eckel, 41 Raymond Ventrone,
44 Heath Evans, 52 Eric Alexander, 53 Larry Izzo, 55 Junior
Seau, 58 Pierre Woods, 66 Lonie Paxton, 68 Ryan
OCallaghan, 71 Russ Hochstein, 90 Le Kevin Smith, 95
Rashad Moore, 97 Jarvis Green

GIANTS INACTIVES

PATRIOTS INACTIVES

2 Anthony Wright (DNP); 26 Danny Ware, 33 Geoffrey Pope,


61 Adam Koets, 13 Jared Lorenzen, 75 Manny Wright, 83
Sinorice Moss, 86 Jerome Collins, 99 Russell Davis

16 Matt Cassel (DNP); 7 Matt Gutierrez, 17 Chad Jackson,


28 Antwain Spann, 65 Wesley Britt, 74 Billy Yates, 80 Troy
Brown, 82 Stephen Spach, 92 Santonio Thomas

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XLII

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X L I I G I A N T S 1 7 PATRIOTS 14

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

Super Mann
By

KEITH SCHLEIDEN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
LENDALE, Ariz. He may have
been a Super Bowl quarterback, but
in the week leading up to the NFL
title game, Eli Manning was the
other one.
Eli was the other quarterback,
playing second fiddle to all-everything Tom
Brady. Brady, after all, had led the Patriots
to a remarkable 18-0 mark, setting a league
record for passing touchdowns with 50 along the
way. Manning, on the other
hand, had been inconsistent
over the course of the season
and led the league in turnovers with 27.
Eli played for the other team, a Giants
squad that was given very little chance of
pulling off the historic upset, ending the
Patriots bid for perfection. The Giants had
won an incredible 10 games in a row on the
road heading into the Super Bowl, but they
were not undefeated like their counterparts.
And Eli was the other Manning. Having
long lived in the shadow of big brother
Peyton, a Super Bowl champion and MVP
from a season ago, talking about his more
celebrated sibling came as second nature.
After leading the Giants to a pair of
fourth-quarter touchdowns and an improbable victory over New England, Eli may
still be the other Manning. But its more
complimentary, as if to suggest hes the
other Manning quarterback who can
destroy an opponent under the most difficult of conditions. The other Manning
quarterback who inspires confidence in his
teammates. The other Manning quarterback who now must be included when discussing some of the games most memorable moments.
On the final two New York scoring drives, Manning was 8-of-12 for 144 yards,
which accounted for more than half of his
passing production for the day. His final
numbers werent eye-popping 19-of-34
for 255 yards with two touchdowns and
one interception but his ability to come
up big when the odds were stacked against
him earned him Most Valuable Player honors for Super Bowl XLII.
While the two touchdowns were special,
the one play, more than any other, that may
have secured Mannings selection as MVP
will long be remembered as one of the
games most exciting. On 3rd-and-5 on the
Giants 44-yard line, with 1:15 left to play
and his team down by four, Manning came
under heavy pressure from the Patriots.
With multiple defenders getting their
hands on him, Manning somehow escaped
their clutches, stepped up and heaved a
pass downfield in the direction of unheralded WR David Tyree, who fought off
Rodney Harrison to make a circus catch,
miraculously securing the ball between his
hand and his helmet.
It was a play that left a mark on everyone
who witnessed it, including Giants coach

Tom Coughlin, who marveled at it more


than once during postgame interviews.
You see the quarterback look like hes
in the grasp, on his way down, Coughlin
said shortly after game. All of a sudden,
Elis able to shake that off. He steps up in
the pocket, fires the ball down the field.
Its a contested catch. I mean, its not like
the guys sitting in center field by himself.
Two people go up. Two people come down
with the ball, and David wrestles it away. I
dont know if theres ever been a bigger
play in the Super Bowl
play.
Super Bowl than thatthan a minute
Less
MVP
and four plays later,
Manning hit Plaxico
Burress in the endzone for the game-winning score.
He was great, Coughlin said of his
much-criticized quarterback. He did the
things in the second half and the fourth
quarter that you have to do to win a Super
Bowl. He brought it down the field and got
it in the endzone twice. So he played
very, very well. Very cool. Very calm.
Mannings Houdini act, escaping the
mitts of Richard Seymour and Jarvis
Green, wasnt lost on his teammates, who
were stunned by the moves they had never
seen before from their passer.
I saw Eli break a tackle, something I
dont think hes ever done in his life, C
Shaun OHara joked. Very Steve Youngesque, Joe Montana-like. I dont know
how he got free from that. He made a heck
of a throw. For a second there, we didnt
know who was gonna come down with
that throw.
The poise that Manning showed during
the final drive was something that
impressed his teammates. But then again,
they expected nothing less. Manning is
often bashed for his lack of emotion.
Because he is less animated than his brother, and most quarterbacks for that matter,
he has been accused of lacking leadership
ability, and others have questioned his confidence when facing adversity. After the
game, Manning said he noted that, even
after the Patriots scored to go up 14-10 late
in the fourth quarter, he was confident the
Giants would prevail.
We believed in ourselves all year, Manning said. Thats the position you want to
be in. You want to have the ball in your
hands, four minutes left go down, youve
got to score a touchdown. Thats where you
want to be, a chance to win the game, and so
many big plays on that drive. David Tyree,
man, thats all youve got to say. David
Tyree huge catch. Plaxico (Burress) on
the touchdown. Everybody stepped up and
made huge plays. What a great win.
Count OT Dave Diehl among those who
recognize Mannings leadership skills,
even if most of those who watch the game
dont. As he, along with nearly every one
of his teammates, was grilled repeatedly
about Mannings personality in the days
leading up to the game, Diehl shed some

GETTY IMAGES

Eli Manning defies skeptics and comes of age in shocking Super Bowl upset

Figuring it out: After looking lost late in the regular season, Eli Manning put it all together in the playoffs

light on the less-than-fiery passer.


Eli is Eli, Diehl said. Hes always
been that way. Hes not a big yeller. Hes
not a big screamer, and you cant fake that.
People can see right through that. But
when Eli feels like he has something to
say, when he feels like he needs to step up
and say something, he does it, and people
listen because they know that its coming
from the heart. When things dont go our
way and we lose games, then people think
its a negative. But when we win games
and Eli has that same face, its Hes so
calm and collected under pressure. Its
just the way that he approaches things.
Thats Eli, and hes always been that way.
That doesnt take away from the way he is
and his competitive attitude, because he
wants to win football games like all of us.
DE Michael Strahan, who had his signalcallers back all week during interviews, noted that the Manning-Tyree strike
took years off his life. But he never doubted that Manning had the ability to come up
big in the clutch.
I love the young boy and the composure he had to throw the ball the way he
was throwing it, and he is the two-minute
kid, Strahan said. When we got the ball,
I got everyone and was begging them to
repeat to me that we were winning it, 1714, and that was because we believe in Eli
and we know hes going to do it. Hes done
it time and time again, and now its unbelievable a Manning last year and a Manning this year are Super Bowl champions.

Late in the week, just three days before


the Super Bowl was to be played, Tyree
spoke of his relationship with, and the
development of, Manning.
Ive been here to see Eli develop, and
weve had some good moments as Ive
been playing a little more, Tyree said.
There has always been a trust between us.
He knows he can throw me the football,
and Ill be in position where I need to be. I
dont think that will change. Nothing
has changed with my relationship with Eli,
but its good watching his maturity and his
growth during this season.
The maturity really shined through in a
postseason in which he did not throw an
interception until early in the second quarter of the Super Bowl, and that came courtesy of a bobbled catch by Steve Smith.
After the game, Tyree offered his
thoughts on the cool-in-the-clutch Manning.
Hes always cool, Tyree said.
Whether were up by 20 or were down
by 20, up by five, whatever the scenario is,
hes always cool. Hes always calm, and
thats what I love about him. The guy
hasnt changed since he got here. Hes
only matured. And I always say, hes
proved his mettle. Hes the quarterback of
the New York Giants.
Going forward, maybe there will be no
other. He is simply the quarterback of
the Super Bowl-champion New York
Giants. And a very unexpected Super Bowl
Most Valuable Player.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

10

http://www.profootballweekly.com

XLII

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

REVIEW

Spygate, CBA dominate pregame talk


By

MIKE WILKENING AND TRENT MODGLIN

GLENDALE, Ariz. Even before the


Giants upset the Patriots, this was no ordinary renewal of the NFLs championship
game. Both the Patriots and commissioner
Roger Goodell had to answer another round
of questions about the teams tactics. And
NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw
indicated another round of tough negotiations about the Collective Bargaining Agreement could be coming soon.
Heres a recap of those events, as well as
the other major news from Super Bowl XLII:

Spygate casts shadow


at Goodells press conference
The fallout from the Spygate scandal
continues for the NFL and the New England
Patriots.
At the NFLs annual Super Bowl press conference, Commissioner Roger
Goodell defended the
leagues decision to destroy
tapes of New England covertly videotaping the New York
Jets defensive signals on Sept. 9, and he said
he would be willing to meet with Sen. Arlen
Specter (R-Pa.) to discuss that decision.
Specter, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told The New York Times
that the destruction of the Spygate tapes
was analogous to the CIA destruction of
tapes and indicated he wanted to meet with
Goodell both about Spygate and the NFLs
antitrust exemption.
I think there are very good explanations
for the reason why I destroyed the tape or
had them destroyed by our staff, Goodell
said. They were totally consistent with what
the (Patriots) told me. There was no purpose
for them. I believe it was helpful in making
sure our instructions were followed closely,
by not only the Patriots, but also by every
other team. I think it was the appropriate
thing to do.
The day before the Super Bowl, the
Boston Herald, citing an unnamed source,
reported that a Patriots employee filmed the
Rams final walk-through before Super Bowl
XXXVI. New England upset heavily favored
St. Louis, 20-17 for the first of three NFL titles
in Bill Belichicks tenure as head coach. The
team denied the allegation. Before that news
broke, Goodell said he believed the Patriots
taping did not affect any of their Super Bowl
victories.
When not being asked about Spygate,
Goodell addressed many other league
issues. Heres a sampling of the topics discussed:
On the prospect of the NFL returning to
Los Angeles in the near future: We want to
be back in Los Angeles. (It) is up to the NFL,
and it is up to community leaders to find a
solution where a team can have a stadium
where they can be successful [.]
On the status of negotiations between the
league and Comcast, the nations largest
cable-TV provider, on getting the NFL Network on its basic tier of programming
options: Unfortunately, there are no negotiations. (The NFL Network) deserves to go
to a broader audience. Very few of the cable
operators, two or three of the largest cable
operators, want to put it on the sports tier,

which we dont believe is the right thing for


our fans. Theyre just finding another way
which they can charge our consumers more
money.
On the effect of the more strict personalconduct policy: I think that we made
progress. I think we are beginning to understand that we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Everybody associated with the league
must do that. As I said when I first came out
with the policy, I didnt expect to solve all of
our problems in one quick moment. It was
going to take some time for people to understand. One of the most encouraging things, in
addition to there being a 20 percent reduction of incidents this year, is that we saw a
tremendous reduction in rookie incidents
because I think we were able to do programs that educated players on what we
expect of them and to help them and to
make them understand.
must tell
Super Bowl Ithis would you, none of
have been
notebook
successful without the
support of the NFL
Players Association and the players. They
wanted this and they helped make this an
important priority for us.
On trying to ensure teams that have
clinched a playoff berth have incentive to
play hard in the final weeks of the season:
We are going to into the potential of seeding our teams differently after they qualify
for the playoffs so that you could potentially
make more of the regular-season games
have significance for the postseason. Last
season there were nine games, in the last
two weeks of the season, where at least one
of the teams did not have any impact on
their postseason seeding. We think that by
looking at our seeding process that we
could have affected three of those nine
games and made those have meaning. The
Pittsburgh (wild-card) game could have
potentially been in Jacksonville and I think
the Tampa (Bay)-Giants (wild-card) game,
potentially, could have been in New York.
There has to be a lot of thought from the
Competition Committees standpoint and
broadcast standpoint. On the other hand,
one of the highlights of the 2007 season
was the Giants-Patriots game in New York
where there were no consequences to the
postseason and those teams played their
heart out.
Among the other issues the commissioner
addressed were parity vs. dominance, testing for HGH, players protecting themselves
in the wake of the murder of Redskins S
Sean Taylor, allocating more money to veterans who have earned it as opposed to rookies, the illegal-contact penalty and expansion possibilities for the league.

Upshaw expects owners to shorten CBA,


warns players wont make concessions
When the NFL and NFLPA brokered the
latest extension of their Collective Bargaining Agreement in March 2006, then-commissioner Paul Tagliabue was hailed for helping
to build consensus among owners and
keeping the labor peace. Meanwhile, NFLPA
executive director Gene Upshaw earned
praise for holding firm to his demands and

GENE LOWER / GETTY IMAGES

X L I I G I A N T S 1 7 PATRIOTS 14

SUPER
BOWL

Sticking to his guns: Roger Goodell defended the NFLs decision to destroy the Spygate tapes

striking a lucrative deal for his membership.


A little less than two years after those
events, the stage appears to be set for
another contentious round of CBA negotiations. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and Patriots
owner Robert Kraft recently have criticized
the agreement, and its believed their sentiments are shared by other owners, given
that players are promised 60 percent of total
football revenue under the current agreement. The owners can vote in November to
shorten the CBA, making 2009 the last season to be covered by a salary cap, and
Upshaw expects them to do so.
But if owners expect the NFLPA to take a
smaller share of the revenue in the next
round of negotiations, they are sorely mistaken, Upshaw said three days before Super
Bowl XLII.
The owners attitude is that the players
have too good of a deal, that the deal that we
bargained and agreed to gives the players
too much, Upshaw said. Now Ive talked to
several owners, and Ill continue to talk to
several owners, but I cant convince the players that they should take less so that the
owners can make more. I cant sell that.
Upshaw made several references to the
2004-05 NHL lockout, which resulted in the
owners winning concessions from the
players union.
We are not hockey players, Upshaw
said. And they are not hockey owners. So
this is what they have to understand.
Added Upshaw, The economics of this

league are good and getting better. And the


players should get their fair share.
Goodell, who has a good working relationship with Upshaw, as seen by the way
the NFL and NFLPA moved in almost in lockstep on toughening the player-conduct policy, addressed the CBA one day after
Upshaw made his remarks.
I dont think it is any secret (that) a number of our owners are concerned with many
aspects of the current labor deal, he said.
Thats something we need to improve, we
need to address, and we will do that, directly
with the union.
The cost of operating an NFL franchise,
not only in labor costs that are 60 percent of
the gross (revenue), but the cost in stadium
operations and building stadiums, operating
them, and capital improvements, these are
additional costs that we didnt have just several years ago, and I think they need to be
recognized in this labor agreement. And the
union has done that. We think there is probably going to have to be some additional
consideration in how they do that, but that is
the give and take of negotiation. They have,
Im sure, other issues they want us to
address.
In the meantime, Upshaw plans to prepare
his membership for all the scenarios that
could occur were the current agreement to
lapse: a players strike, a lockout by the owners and the decertification of the union.
However, the prospect of a CBA extension
also be discussed with the union, Upshaw

SUPER
BOWL
said, and both Goodell and Upshaw noted
that plenty of time remained for both sides
to find a solution.
Also, Upshaw, who has been criticized by
scores of former players who believe the
NFLPA is not doing enough for those whose
careers have ended, detailed some of the
improvements the union has made to benefits available to retired players. The unions
88 plan, named for Hall of Fame TE John
Mackey and which provides financial support for ex-players suffering from dementia,
has paid out $1.3 million in benefits to 76
former players, Upshaw said. The union has
also helped players in need of knee-, hipand ankle-replacement surgeries, as well as
those who required assisted-living facilities.
Were giving the retired players a lot, and
Im proud of what the active players are
doing, Upshaw said.
However, Upshaw knows many problems
remain with the current benefits plan.
We cant solve all of them, he said. And
we cant solve them overnight. The
retired players want more, and the owners
believe that they give us too much. Somewhere in there, I have to solve all of these
issues.
Upshaw repeatedly claimed there was
only so much he could do, and he also made
it clear he would not take away benefits from
current players and redistribute them to former players.
Well continue to work at this, he said.
Some people will be patient. Some people
will understand. But we cannot make up for
all of the mistakes that players made 30
years ago.
Upshaw also indicated the NFLPA would
be open to the idea of testing for human
growth hormone, but only when a reliable
urine test is developed. We all know now
there is no reliable test for HGH, he said.

Monk, Green headline HOF class of 2008

years, and Green is still faster than Monk.


Both are members of the Pro Football Hall
of Fames Class of 2008. Also inducted were
DE Fred Dean, CB Emmitt Thomas, OLB
Andre Tippett and OT Gary Zimmerman.
Thomas was elected by the Halls seniors
committee, which nominates two players
who are at least 25 years removed from their
final NFL season.
Monk could have been forgiven for wondering if he were destined to wait for the
Senior Committee to take up his cause.
Though blessed with a devoted group of
supporters who mounted a grassroots campaign to get him inducted, Monk didnt
make the cut in his first seven years on the
ballot.
I wasnt really expecting it, though I
knew there was the possibility of it, said
Monk of being inducted. I am greatly
honored.
Upon his retirement in 1995, Monk ranked
second in NFL history with 940 catches. He
also set a record by catching at least one
pass in 164 consecutive games.
Monk was in his fourth season in Washington when the Redskins drafted Green out
of Texas A&I in 1983. For young Green, covering Monk and the other receivers for
defending-champion Washington was a
humbling experience.
I cant cover these guys, Green
remembered thinking. They didnt run
these routes at A&I.
But the sprinter-fast Green proved a quick
study and became a star on two more
Redskins Super Bowl-winning teams. Green
played all 20 seasons with the Redskins,
tying an NFL record. His 54 interceptions
were a club record.
Thomas, who once was Greens position
coach in Washington, was also a fine player
in his own right, intercepting 58 passes with
the Chiefs from 1966-79.
Dean, the 1981 NFC Defensive Player of
the Year, was a fearsome pass rusher whose
career took off when he was traded to San
Francisco. Tippett, one the AFCs top defensive players of the 1980s, made five Pro

http://www.profootballweekly.com

11

REVIEW
Bowls and notched 100 sacks. Zimmerman,
who starred in the USFL and for the Vikings
and Broncos, was a member of the NFLs AllDecade Teams of the 80s and 90s.
Among the finalists not making the final
cut were Tagliabue, WR Cris Carter and DE
Derrick Thomas.
Tagliabue was included in the first cutdown, which winnowed the list of modernera finalists from 15 to 10, as was Randy
Gradishar, Russ Grimm, Ray Guy and Andre
Reed.
Carter, Thomas, Richard Dent, Bob
Kuechenberg and Randall McDaniel were
eliminated in the next round of cuts.
The two finalists nominated by the seniors
committee are voted on separately from the
modern-era finalists. Although Emmitt
Thomas received the 80 percent affirmative
vote of the 44-person selection committee
that is required for election, Marshall Goldberg did not.

Rude treatment: Jay Alford (left) had one of the


Giants five sacks of Patriots QB Tom Brady (right)

XLII notes: Patriots reaction; Tyrees


newfound fame; record TV numbers

Patriots head coach Bill Belichicks


decision to pass on a 48-yard field goal
attempt a little more than eight minutes into
the third quarter was one of the most curious strategic decisions of Super Bowl XLII.
Instead, the Patriots went for it on 4th-and13, and QB Tom Bradys throw into the left
corner of the endzone fell incomplete. New
England eventually lost by three points. In a
short postgame press conference marked
by Belichick giving clipped answers,
Belichick called the kick a 50-yard field
goal and the scenario presented a hard
decision. Brady defended the decision to
send out the offense instead of PK Stephen
Gostkowski. I didnt think we had any fieldgoal opportunities tonight. It didnt come
down to field goals.
Brady was sacked five times, the most
times he was brought down attempting a
pass since the Patriots last regular-season
loss: a 21-0 defeat at Miami in 2006. They
just put a lot of pressure on our offensive

DOUG PENSINGER / GETTY IMAGES

It took former Redskins WR Art Monk


eight years to get where ex-teammate and
longtime star CB Darrell Green got in one
year, and there is a joke there all of these

XLII

Redskin pride: Twenty-year veteran Darrell Green (center) discussed his and former teammate Art Monks inductions into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

scheme, Brady said of the Giants defense,


which mixed blitzes from linebackers and
defensive backs and the pass rush produced by DEs Michael Strahan and Osi
Umeniyora and DL Justin Tuck. However,
Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo noted that Brady thwarted some of the
Giants pressure strategies by changing the
Patriots protection schemes. One potential
example: Brady was not sacked in 11 pass
attempts on the Patriots penultimate drive,
one that culminated in a Brady-to Randy
Moss six-yard TD pass that gave New England a 14-10 lead.
The Patriots were not lacking for opportunities to secure victory in Super Bowl XLII,
a factor several players lamented after the
loss. The offense turned the ball over twice
in Giants territory, once on a Brady fumble
and once on downs. When youre inconsistent, youre not able to score the points you
need, Brady said. You can move the ball in
some places, and you (can complete) some
passes and run the ball, but if you cant
string it together, then you can never drive
long enough to put the ball in the endzone.
Meanwhile, the Patriots defense, so stout
throughout the playoffs, fell apart in the
fourth quarter. The signature play of Super
Bowl XLII Giants QB Eli Mannings desperation heave to little-used WR David Tyree
came only after the Patriots allowed Manning to spin free. And SS Rodney Harrison
could not end Tyrees tenuous, pigskin-tohelmet grip on the ball. I dont know what it
was, we couldnt get right, Patriots CB
Asante Samuel said of the defense. Samuel
himself missed an opportunity to end the
Giants scoring drive, letting an errant Manning pass slip through his hands.
Before Super Bowl XLII, Tyree was best
known for his special-teams play. And his
struggles catching the ball in the Giants
final practice caught his teammates attention. But now hell forever be known for his
hands after hauling in Mannings 32-yard
pass on the Giants final drive. Nobody
knows how he came down with it, said WR
Plaxico Burress. We call him Lead Hands
Incorporated because when he gets his
hands on it, he clamps down and holds it in.
Super Bowl XLII was the second-mostwatched event in television history, according to Nielsen Media Research, with 97.5
million people tuning in to watch the Giants
derail the Patriots attempt at an undefeated
season. Only the final episode of
M*A*S*H in 1983 attracted more viewers.

X L I I G I A N T S 1 7 PATRIOTS 14

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

ELSA / GETTY IMAGES

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

THE

Headlines
FROM PERFECTION
TO HORROR,
THE NFL SEASON
THAT WAS HAD
A BIT OF
EVERYTHING
By MATT

SOHN

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It happens every year.


Ground-breaking achievements.
Monumental flops. Shocking
revelations. As voted on by the
Pro Football Weekly editors, here
are the top 10 stories that
defined the 2007 NFL season.

Eli channels greatness


in leading Giants to title

The Giants werent supposed to be in


Glendale, Ariz. This was a team that was
humbled in its first two games, giving up a
combined 80 points to the Cowboys and
Packers. Even after they rallied back to
reach the postseason, they faced the daunting challenge of having to play all their
opponents on the road. Such is the life of a
wild-card team. But they battled, and won
four straight to bring the Lombardi Trophy
back to New York for the first time since
1991. Call it what you will resiliency,
confidence, audacity the Giants were first
and foremost winners. Along the way, Eli
Manning turned the corner on his enigmatic
career. Up until the 2007 playoffs, the softspoken southerner had spent the entirety of
his four-year career as the underachieving
little brother of Colts star Peyton Manning,
and as the perpetual punching bag of the
media. Six postseason touchdowns, one
interception and one Super Bowl MVP later,
Eli has garnered the admiration of a football-crazed nation and vaulted the Giants
back atop the NFL pecking order.

ELI
MANNING
WIN MCNAMEE / GETTY IMAGES

was merely ordinary. The defense choked


late in the game. In the teams second meeting of the season, the Giants exposed a vulnerability in their undefeated adversary that
few believed existed.

he was projected to be after coming into the


league as the fifth overall pick in 2004. But
in the wake of such tragedy, the Redskins
rallied. After losing a nail-biter to the Bills
on coach Joe Gibbs botched double-timeout
debacle in the first game without Taylor, the
Skins rattled off four wins to close out the
regular season, securing the NFCs final
playoff spot in the process. Making it all the
more impressive was how the Skins did it
with lightly regarded Todd Collins at quarterback. Collins replaced an injured Jason
Campbell in Week 14.

Redskins rally around


Sean Taylor tragedy

The Redskins world was torn apart in the


early-morning hours of Nov. 27. Sean Taylor, the 24-year-old safety who was well on
his way to superstardom, was dead. It was
just a day after a bullet pierced the femoral
artery in his leg, the result of a break-in at
Taylors Miami, Fla., home. He left behind
his girlfriend, their 18-month-old daughter
and a grieving Redskins team. In his fourth
NFL season, the introverted Taylor had
begun asserting his identity in a big way on
the gridiron, looking every bit like the star

Patriots let perfection slip


away in Super Bowl XLII

The Boston Globe had already begun


advanced sales of the book that chronicled
the Patriots undefeated season. In a city that
had exemplified athletic excellence by
virtue of its baseball team winning the
World Series and its basketball teams barnstorming start, the Patriots were the standard
bearers. With the greatest coach and greatest
quarterback of their generation leading the
way, the Patriots had done the unthinkable.
They proved that in a league structured to
ensure parity, one team could emerge victorious each and every week. But on the brink
of history on the grandest stage in American
sports, the Patriots finally lost. Tom Brady

MICHAEL
VICK

STEVE HELBER-POOL / GETTY IMAGES

2007

12

Michael Vick sentenced


on dogfighting charges

The news inundated the national airwaves.


It resonated not just throughout the sports
world, but throughout American society.
Michael Vick, the electrifying quarterback
of the Falcons and one of the biggest sports
stars in the country, had been indicted on
federal dogfighting charges. With a contract
worth in excess of $100 million, Vick was
not only the face of the Falcons, he was one
of the most recognizable players in the
biggest professional sports league in the
country. Along with three other co-defendants, Vick was charged with running Bad
Newz Kennels, an illegal dogfighting ring
out of his 15-acre property in southeastern
Virginia. Ordinary citizens and anti-cruelty
organizations such as the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) began
protesting at the Falcons training camp and
at the courthouse, demanding a harsh sentence for the heinous act. Like his co-defendants, Vick pleaded guilty to the charges.
But the judge opted against leniency, sentencing Vick to 23 months in prison, leaving

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

Spygate draws ire


from around NFL

The Patriots had dominated the Jets in


their Week One meeting at Meadowlands.
With QB Tom Brady and WR Randy Moss
as his leading men, coach Bill Belichick
taught Jets coach and former protg Eric
Mangini a lesson, hammering New York,
38-14. But days after the destruction, it was
revealed that Belichick had been illegally
videotaping Jets coaches hand signals.
Moreover, Mangini had blown the whistle
for his old boss seedy actions. Spygate
became a league-wide obsession, with
sportswriters and fans all having their own
opinion on what the punishment should be.
Commissioner Roger Goodell was quick
and resolute in meting out sanctions, stripping the Patriots of their first-round draft
pick as well as fining the team $250,000
and Belichick $500,000. The half-million
dollar fine was the largest fine ever
bestowed upon an individual in league history. Nevertheless, Spygate has remained
a rallying point for the numerous Patriots
detractors who have longed for a hook for
their disdain of the Patriots juggernaut. It
remained an issue leading up to the Super
Bowl, as Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) stated
his desire to meet with Roger Goodell about
why he destroyed all the tapes that the Patriots handed over.

Brett Favre taps into


fountain of youth

Brett Favre had heard it all before: Hang


it up, Brett. Youre not what you once were.
Youre souring your Hall of Fame career.
But at the age of 37, ancient in NFL years,
the Packers venerable leader decided he
had more football left in the tank. And so he
trotted back out onto the gridiron with a
team that few believed to be playoff worthy
and began making a mockery of all those
who proclaimed him a has-been. There was
the 369-yard, three TD performance against
the Chargers in Week Three followed by the
344-yard effort in Minneapolis the following week. Brett was back to being Brett, the
playmaking, freewheeling, improvising and
awe-inspiring quarterback that had earned
him the adulation of Packer Nation and the
football world since stepping onto the hallowed Lambeau Field turf back in 1992.
Alas, Favres season ended one game shy of
a return to the Super Bowl, but No. 4 had

BRETT
FAVRE

http://www.profootballweekly.com

13

once again captured the NFLs imagination


and led the Packers back to prominence.

Roger Goodell ushers in


new player conduct policy

Roger Goodell made it clear: The NFL


will not tolerate deviant behavior. In his second season after replacing Paul Tagliabue as
commissioner, Goodell began executing a
far stricter player-conduct policy than the
league had ever seen before. Mess with the
law, and wave good-bye to the gridiron. No
longer was the league-mandated four-game
suspension for violating the substance-abuse
policy enough. Now, players would have to
pay for their brushes with the law not only in
court, but on the field. The season-long suspension for Adam Pacman Jones, the
dynamic CB-RS for the Titans who had a
litany of arrests on his record, served as the
most visible and publicized execution of the
new policy, but he was hardly the only one.
There were also eight-game suspensions
handed out to Bengals WR Chris Henry and
Cowboys DT Tank Johnson, among others.

KEVIN
EVERETT

the Chargers. He inherited a team that was


arguably the leagues most talented, a squad
whose 14-2 record the previous season was
the NFLs best. But following an early exit
from the playoffs, Marty Schottenheimer
was ushered out the door, and Turner got
another chance for redemption as a head
coach. The season got off to an ugly start in
San Diego. Following an opening-week triumph over the Bears, the Bolts dropped
their next three games, prompting chants of
Marty! Marty! to rain down from the
Qualcomm Stadium stands. For a team with
Super Bowl aspirations, a 5-5 mark after 10
games was an unmitigated disaster as far
as the fans were concerned. But starting
with a Week 12 domination of the Ravens,
the Chargers went on a tear, winning their
final six-regular season games to run away
with the AFC West title, Turner inched his
way toward vindication. By beating the
Titans in the wild-card round and pulling
off a shocking upset of the Colts in the postseasons divisional round with QB Philip
Rivers, RB LaDainian Tomlinson and TE
Antonio Gates all sidelined for varying
amounts of time with injuries Turner
assured himself that he wouldnt be a oneand-done flop.

Kevin Everetts recovery


inspires hope in Buffalo

The fans stood in silence, the players


kneeled in horror. All hoped for the best but
feared the worst as Bills TE Kevin Everett
laid motionless on the turf at Ralph Wilson
Stadium. It was Week One, and all the
excitement surrounding the new season in
Buffalo had been suspended when the thirdyear pro out of Miami (Fla.) collapsed to
the ground after jamming his neck into the
Broncos Domenik Hixon while covering a
kickoff. For the next few days, Everett
showed signs of quadriplegia. Even worse,
the doctors ominously stated that he was in
danger of losing his life. But little by little,
Everett defied the medical prognostications.
First, he began moving his fingers. Then,
the bulk of his upper extremities. He
regained sensation in his legs. Rehabilitating in his hometown of Houston, Everett
actually started walking with the aid of a
walker. While hell never play football
again, Everetts miraculous recuperation
served as an inspiration to millions.

10

Norv Turner quiets


the San Diego skeptics

Adrian Peterson
announces his arrival

Adrian Peterson came into the NFL with


much fanfare. Although injury-prone, the
seventh overall pick out of Oklahoma
arrived in Minnesota with limitless
promise, boasting a rarely seen combination
of size, strength and speed. His vast potential quickly materialized into enormous production. After three 100-yard rushing outings in his first four games, Peterson boldly
announced his arrival as a potentially revolutionary talent at Soldier Field in Week
Six, romping over Brian Urlacher and Co.
for 224 yards. Three weeks later, he set the
single-game rushing record with 296 yards
against an overmatched Chargers defense.
A knee sprain that sidelined him for two
games curbed his season statistics, but that
did little to keep Peterson from running
away with Rookie of the Year honors.

The expectations were heaped upon Norv


Turner when he was named head coach of

NORV
TURNER

KEITH RANDOLPH (FAVRE) / HARRY SCULL, JR. (TURNER)

any future in the NFL in serious jeopardy.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

Other notable stories that received consideration from the PFW staff:
The Dolphins flirt with a winless season.
Distractions mount in Philadelphia.
Legendary 49ers coach Bill Walsh dies.
Derek Anderson steals Brady Quinns
thunder.
The NFL plays in London.
The Bears fall to the NFC North cellar.

2007
NFL standings
FINAL

PF

PA

New England 16 0
Buffalo
7 9
New York Jets 4 12
Miami
1 15

AFC EAST

0
0
0
0

589
252
268
267

274
354
355
437

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh
Cleveland
Cincinnati
Baltimore
AFC SOUTH

PF

PA

10 6
10 6
7 9
5 11

0
0
0
0

393
402
380
275

269
382
385
384

AFC WEST

San Diego
Denver
Oakland
Kansas City
NFC EAST

PF

PA

13
11
10
8

3
5
6
8

0
0
0
0

450
411
301
379

262
304
297
384

Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Tennessee
Houston

PF

PA

11 5
7 9
4 12
4 12

0
0
0
0

412
320
283
226

284
409
398
335

Dallas
N.Y. Giants
Washington
Philadelphia

PF

PA

13
10
9
8

3
6
7
8

0
0
0
0

455
373
334
336

325
351
310
300

NFC NORTH

PF

PA

Green Bay
Minnesota
Detroit
Chicago

13
8
7
7

3
8
9
9

0
0
0
0

435
365
346
334

291
311
444
348

NFC SOUTH

PF

PA

Tampa Bay
Carolina
New Orleans
Atlanta

9 7
7 9
7 9
4 12

0
0
0
0

334
267
379
259

270
347
388
414

NFC WEST

PF

PA

Seattle
10 6
Arizona
8 8
San Francisco 5 11
St. Louis
3 13

0
0
0
0

393
404
219
263

291
399
364
438

WILD-CARD PLAYOFFS
Seahawks 35, Redskins 14
Jaguars 31, Steelers 29
Giants 24, Buccaneers 14
Chargers 17, Titans 6

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
Packers 42, Seahawks 20
Patriots 31, Jaguars 20
Chargers 28, Colts 24
Giants 21, Cowboys 17

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Patriots 21, Chargers 12
Giants 23, Packers 20 (OT)

SUPER BOWL XLII


Giants 17, Patriots 14

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

14

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FEBRUARY 24, 2008

Noteworthy
reflections
PFW recaps the 2007 season for all
32 teams and sets table for offseason
PFW STAFF

n a stunning conclusion to an
extraordinary season, the12point underdog Giants suffocated the Patriots high-scoring offense in Super Bowl XLII,
spoiling New Englands perfect
season.
At the other end of the spectrum, though, teams like the Dolphins, Falcons and Rams, to
name a few, couldnt have suffered through more insufferable
2007 campaigns.
In PFWs annual season-inreview package, we recap the
highs and lows of all 32 NFL
teams in the season just completed, in addition to assessing each
teams immediate future with
another offseason ready to
launch into full swing.

Buffalo Bills
Overview: The Bills weathered a rash of
early-season injuries to finish a respectable
7-9. Instead of going in the tank after losing
their first three games, they rallied back to 76, only to have a season-ending three-game
slide douse their postseason aspirations. The
defense kept opponents from lighting up the
scoreboard although it gave up chunks of
yardage, while a dearth of playmakers and
schematic limitations kept the offense from
fully taking off.
Team MVP: Rookie RB Marshawn Lynch
didnt take long to make good on the
promise he showed when the Bills tabbed
him with their first-round draft pick. His
hard-charging, no-frills running style fit in
well with the blue-collar mentality of Buffalo, proving to be a better fit both on and
off the field than Willis McGahee.
Despite missing three games with a sprained
ankle, Lynch rushed for 1,115 yards and
seven touchdowns.
Biggest surprise: Unlike the immediate
results they expected from Lynch, the Bills
figured third-round pick Trent Edwards
would sit and learn behind incumbent starting QB J.P. Losman for a couple of years
before assuming the reins. But Edwards was
thrust into action in Week Three when Losman went down with a sprained knee, and
the rookie quickly showed that his feel for
the game trumped his lack of a rocket arm.
Biggest disappointments: DEs Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel were expected to be

the cornerstones of the defense, as each possessed prototypical quickness to collapse the
pocket off the edge. Yet they combined for
just nine sacks, forcing defensive coordinator Perry Fewell to lean on the blitz to generate a pass rush. The 243-pound Schobel
was an additional liability against the run.
Offseason outlook: By staying in-house to
replace departed general manger Marv Levy
and offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild,
the Bills sent a clear message that they
believe they have the nucleus of a winning
franchise already in place. Led by a young
offensive backfield brimming with potential,
the Bills are on the upswing. Adding a couple of weapons for their aerial attack both
at wide receiver and tight end would go a
long way toward enabling them to reach the
playoffs for the first time since 1999.

Miami Dolphins
Overview: The 2007 Dolphins will forever
live in infamy in South Florida. Coach Cam
Cameron may never be as reviled as predecessor Nick Saban, but the overall ineptitude
of his team reached a historic low. Only a
Week 15 upset of the hapless Ravens separated the Dolphins from the utter embarrassment of going winless.
Team MVP: Its a toss-up between DE
Jason Taylor and CB Will Allen, but were
going with Taylor because of his additional
presence in the locker room. Although hes
not the dominant force he used to be, or even
last year when he took home Defensive Player of the Year honors, Taylor still possesses
the type of speed and moves that give left
tackles fits. It took him awhile to get up to
speed playing as a full-time defensive end a
season after excelling as an OLB-DE hybrid,
but after finding his groove, the 33-year-old
looked as though hes got a least 2-3 more
quality years left in him.
Biggest surprise: Although this could
very well be filed under biggest disappointment because of the unceremonious fashion
in which his season ended, RB Ronnie
Brown finally started to tap into his well of
talent. Making a concerted effort to run with
power instead of dancing around defenders,
Brown rushed and received his way to the
top of the total-yards charts before blowing
out his knee in midseason.
Biggest disappointment: Cameron arrived
in Miami with glowing credentials from his
five-year stint in San Diego, where he coordinated some of the leagues most prolific
offenses. Clearly, calling plays from the
coaching booth didnt translate to running a
team. As egregious as his game-planning
was, even more disturbing was his inability
to command the respect of his players. Fired
after his lone season on the job, Cameron
must be considered a long shot to get another head-coaching chance in the NFL.
Offseason outlook: With a new front
office and a new coaching staff in place in
Miami, look for new vice president of football operations Bill Parcells to go to work
overhauling the roster. As he said at his

HARRY SCULL JR.

By

Record-breaker: Patriots QB Tom Brady broke Peyton Mannings single-season TD mark, among other feats

introductory press conference, when you go


1-15, there will be many changes in store. A
run defense that finished last in the league
will be the first order of business.

New England Patriots


Overview: The Patriots were on the verge
of perfection. Starting in Week One, New
Englands best team of its modern dynasty
was unrelenting in its abuse of the opposition, winning every regular-season game
while breaking the league record for points
scored in a season. But then the unthinkable
happened. In Super Bowl XLII, in what was
supposed to be a coronation of possibly the
greatest team in NFL history, the Giants
pulled off a 17-14 shocker. A sullen Patriots
team retreated back to Foxborough in
depressed disbelief, relegated to thinking
about what could have been.
Team MVP: Tom Brady put together one of

the finest seasons any quarterback has ever


had. Bolstered by the offseason additions of
WRs Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Dont
Stallworth, Brady finally had the weapons to
transform the offense from efficient to outstanding. He threw an NFL-record 50 touchdown passes, tossing at least three in each of
the first 10 games. Just as impressive as his
statistics was the cool precision he displayed
in the pocket while rallying the Pats back
from late-game deficits vs. the Colts, Eagles,
Ravens and Giants (Week 17).
Biggest surprise: The Patriots harbored
high hopes for Wes Welker when they traded away second- and seventh-round picks to
Miami for the rights to him, but even the
most optimistic projections didnt have him
making such a big impact. Welker, the consummate slot receiver, provided Brady with
the ultimate underneath option. He tied for
the league lead with 112 receptions, eight of
which went for touchdowns. Not too shab-

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

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2007 SEASON IN REVIEW


by for a former undrafted player with a
three-year total of 96 catches entering the
season.
Biggest disappointment: The Super Bowl
loss will forever live in infamy. The Pats
were instilled with bravado and installed as
double-digit favorites, yet they faltered to a
team that, on paper, was its inferior. Blame
can be spread around, but particularly on the
offensive line, which had stood as one of the
leagues best throughout the season but was
helpless against the Giants formidable pass
rush. Brady was sacked five times and
knocked to the ground countless other times
as the offense failed to mount a sustained
attack. The defense was solid but buckled
when it mattered most, allowing Eli Manning to direct a game-winning TD drive on
the Giants last possession.
Offseason outlook: The prevailing mindset in Foxborough right now is dejection, but
if weve learned one thing about this organization under Bill Belichick, its this: It is
always forward-thinking. And it will need to
be just that to reclaim its position atop the
football hierarchy. Due to age, free agency
and the ongoing Spygate scandal, this a
franchise that faces numerous hurdles in
restoring its image of infallibility.

New York Jets


Overview: After making a surprising foray
into the postseason in head coach Eric
Manginis first season in the Big Apple, the
Jets followed it up with a dud of a 2007 campaign. The tone was set as early as Week
One, when they were blasted 38-14 by the
Patriots at the Meadowlands. Unlike many of
the leagues more disappointing teams, the
Jets dont have the luxury of blaming injuries
for their pitfalls, as they stayed relatively
healthy throughout the season.
Team MVP: S Kerry Rhodes was the consummate enforcer patrolling the secondary.
Equally adept at playing deep in coverage or
creeping into the box to help out against the
run, he took the next step in his evolution as
one of the games more versatile safeties.
The defensive backfield was one of the
teams only units to meet, if not exceed,
expectations, and nobody made his presence
felt more than Rhodes.
Biggest surprise: Seeing as how they traded up in the second round to draft him, it
might not be all that surprising that rookie
ILB David Harris had such a standout rookie season. But expecting him to immediately
emerge as one of the leagues premier inside
linebackers is something that nobody
couldve predicted. After Jon Vilma went
down in midseason with a bum knee, Harris
entered the starting lineup with gusto. He
notched 41 tackles in his first two starts and
has likely supplanted Vilma permanently.
Biggest disappointment: When the Jets
traded for former Bears RB Thomas Jones
last offseason, they expected that their rushing woes would become a thing of the past.
But it didnt exactly work out that way. Without the services of a mauling offensive line to
open up running lanes, Jones was incapable
of picking up real estate on the ground.
Backup Leon Washingtons overall numbers
werent great either, but he was easily the
more dynamic of the two.
Offseason outlook: The pressures on
Mangini and general manager Mike Tannenbaum to make some big changes. The Jets
were mauled in the trenches on both sides of
the ball in 2007, so look for those areas to be
targeted for upgrades. The Jets have a notoriously unforgiving fan base, and it wont
tolerate another resounding thud. Kellen
Clemens didnt do much to prove that hes
the quarterback of the future, forcing
Mangini to make a tough call on what to do

2007

POWER RANKINGS

regarding Chad Penningtons future in New


York.

15

Baltimore Ravens
Overview: Nothing went according to plan
for the 2007 Ravens. Its easy to forget the
Ravens won the AFC North by five games in
06 and were the favorites to win the division
again, especially after the team lost eight in a
row following a 4-3 start. Injuries mounted
on both sides of the ball. The offense suffered when QB Steve McNair couldnt replicate his 06 form and missed more than half
the season with injuries. The defense was
again stout vs. the run but had myriad problems against the pass when CBs Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle were out of the lineup. The Ravens second below-.500 season
in three years cost head coach Brian Billick
his job. After Cowboys offensive coordinator
Jason Garrett turned down the position, the
Ravens hired Eagles assistant John Harbaugh.
Team MVP: RB Willis McGahee didnt disappoint in his first season in Baltimore, rushing for 1,207 yards and seven touchdowns on
294 carries. McGahee and WR Derrick
Mason (103 catches, 1,087 yards) were the
most consistent offensive weapons for the
Ravens, who were without TE Todd Heap for
much of the season and did not get the kind
of production anticipated from WR Mark
Clayton.
Biggest surprise: OLG Jason Brown made
the leap from average starter to key cog for
the Ravens offensive line. Expect Baltimore
to try to sign Brown, a restricted free agent,
to a long-term contract a year from now. In a
lost season for the Ravens, they at least
learned that the Brown-Ben Grubbs guard
tandem could be a strong one for years to
come.
Biggest disappointments: Where do we
start? The teams QB play was a problem all
season. McNairs play fell off. Kyle Boller
didnt develop as Billick had hoped; his
Ravens career could be over. The defense
was compromised by the struggles of the
backup defensive backs. A wholesale overhaul of the reserve ranks could be coming.
Offseason outlook: Billick lost his job
because of the offenses many issues, with
quarterback being the most pressing. It will
not be a surprise if Harbaugh decides his
starting quarterback isnt currently on the
roster. However, dont expect sweeping
changes the Ravens are pleased with the
vast majority of the current core of the roster,
and most of the adjustments figure to be
minor in Harbaughs first season on the job.

Cincinnati Bengals
Overview: The Bengals won their season
opener in ideal fashion: They took down the
defending division champion, Baltimore,
and they did it by forcing six turnovers and
putting up 27 points on one of the leagues
finest defenses. But that was as good as it got
for Cincinnati. The next week, the defense
surrendered 51 points to the Browns, and the
Bengals never really recovered from that jolt.
Cincinnati finished 7-9 in Marvin Lewis
fifth season, one that may be best remembered by the lack of progress on both sides of
the ball.
Team MVP: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh gets
the nod over Chad Johnson. Yes, Johnsons
propensity to draw double-teams opens
space up for Houshmandzadeh, but Houshmandzadeh (112 catches, 1,143 yards, 12
TDs) was a little more reliable than the mer(Continued on Page 16)

From the start of the season through the conference championship games, the Patriots stayed at No. 1 in the
rankings until the Giants spoiled their perfect season. Meanwhile, the amazing playoff run by the Super Bowlchampion Giants vaulted them from No. 9 when the playoffs started to the top spot at seasons end.

RANK

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

TEAM
New York

GIANTS
New England

PATRIOTS
Green Bay

PACKERS
San Diego

CHARGERS
Indianapolis

COLTS
Dallas

COWBOYS
Jacksonville

JAGUARS
Seattle

SEAHAWKS
Pittsburgh

STEELERS
Tennessee

TITANS
Cleveland

BROWNS
Washington

REDSKINS
Tampa Bay

BUCCANEERS
Philadelphia

EAGLES
Minnesota

VIKINGS
Houston

TEXANS
Arizona

CARDINALS
Buffalo

BILLS
New Orleans

SAINTS
Chicago

BEARS
Denver

BRONCOS
Carolina

PANTHERS
Cincinnati

BENGALS
Detroit

LIONS
Baltimore

RAVENS
San Francisco

49ERS
New York

JETS
Kansas City

CHIEFS
Oakland

RAIDERS
St. Louis

RAMS
Atlanta

FALCONS
Miami

DOLPHINS

THE SKINNY

Eli Manning comes of age, as upstart Giants pull off arguably


the biggest Super Bowl upset ever.
Almost but not quite perfect. Can this Super Bowl loser
defy recent history and come back strong? Stay tuned.
No way Brett Favre retires with an interception as his last
throw.
Norv Turner isnt as confused as he looks sometimes what
happened to the Marty chants?
Signing or putting franchise tag on Dallas Clark has to be top
offseason priority.
I dont blame T.O.; its perfectly normal to cry over a millionaire,
Jessica Simpson-dating QB
Maybe the most underrated and underappreciated team of
2007 just ask the Patriots.
Lambeau Field: Where Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks
dreams go to die.
Ben Roethlisberger was dark-horse candidate for Comeback
Player of the Year.
Vince Young must recover from sophomore slump if team
wants to sniff postseason again.
After Joe Gibbs retired, Romeo Crennel became oldest head
coach in the league.
So much for the head-coach job getting passed down to
Gregg Williams.
Jon Grudens contract extension means at least a few more
years of sideline grimacing in Tampa.
Let the Donovan McNabb bidding war or at least rumors
about it begin.
Brad Childress ought to spend offseason in film room with Tarvaris Jackson.
If they werent in such a great division, the Texans could be
headed for the playoffs next season.
Solid start to the Whisenhunt era, though Larry Fitzgerald
trade talk could overshadow it.
Kevin Everett continues to inspire the Bills and anyone else
who follows his story.
New Orleans' whirlwind 2006, 07 seasons set stage for next
year's trip to London to play the Chargers.
Is Rex Grossman going to be Lovie Smith's quarterback in
2008?
Defense has to improve if the Broncos want back in the playoff
conversation.
Anemic offense is relying on Jake Delhomme's comeback
from Tommy John surgery.
Chad Johnson is talking trade, but Bengals apparently are
not.
Detroit's collapse in the second half of the season was hard to
watch.
Figuring out what to do at quarterback is the first task facing
new head coach John Harbaugh.
Mad scientist Mike Martz has tough challenge ahead as he
takes over offense.
Mangenius didn't live up to billing in second year at the
helm.
A healthy Larry Johnson and a rebuilt offensive line are vital
for next season.
Watching Lane Kiffin and Al Davis duke it out is more fun than
watching the Raiders play.
Injuries to Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson derailed high hopes
for 07.
Little-known Mike Smith gives the Falcons fresh start after
tumultuous stretch.
Big Tuna has a lot of big problems as he takes over personnel management for the lowly Fins.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

16

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FEBRUARY 24, 2008

2007 SEASON IN REVIEW


is a priority. The Browns do not have a firstround pick after having dealt it to Dallas so
they could draft Quinn.

deeper and more talented receiving corps


than originally expected. WR Kevin Walter
(65-800-4) was the biggest surprise, but the
contributions of WR Andr Davis and TE
Owen Daniels should not go overlooked,
either. If Johnson plays a full season in 08,
the Texans passing offense should be one of
the AFCs more productive.
Biggest disappointment: Knee problems
prevented Green from contributing much on
offense. Green, who turned 31 in February,
rushed only 70 times for 260 yards and two
touchdowns. If hes back in 2008, hes going
to have to fight for playing time. The Texans
are expected to add at least one running
back.
Offseason outlook: Bolstering the secondary will be a top priority. CB Dunta
Robinson (knee, hamstring) is likely to miss
the beginning of the season. The offensive
line could also get a shake-up now that Alex
Gibbs has joined the staff as assistant head
coach. Schaub enters 2008 as the starter, but
the Texans want him to be more consistent
and to stay healthy. Houston is unlikely to
deal backup QB Sage Rosenfels, who
impressed when Schaub was out of the lineup.

Coming of age: In his third year, Browns WR Braylon Edwards set a new club record with 16 TD catches

(Continued from Page 15)


curial Johnson. Houshmandzadeh has made
himself into one of the games best possession receivers.
Biggest surprise: Rookie S Chinedum
Ndukwe was the third-to-last player selected
in the 2007 draft, but he performed as though
he deserved to be drafted much earlier.
Ndukwe earned an important role in the
teams sub packages and is the favorite to
become the starting strong safety next season. Ndukwe and fellow rookie S Marvin
White could comprise the Bengals last line
of defense for years to come.
Biggest disappointment: It has to be the
defense, which couldnt consistently stop
either the run or the pass. Defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan took the fall for the
defenses woes, but Lewis brought in the
bulk of the talent on hand. On offense, the
biggest problem was the running game,
which again was below-average. Whats
more, QB Carson Palmer suffered through
his worst season since 2004, his first as a
starter.
Offseason outlook: Lewis has said Johnson, whos indicated hes not entirely happy
with his situation, wont be traded. This will
keep the core of the passing game together.
Now its up to Palmer, Johnson and Houshmandzadeh to recapture the chemistry the
trio had in past seasons. New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is the latest to try to
turn around the defense. With 12 unrestricted free agents, there could be some significant roster turnover, especially on defense.

Cleveland Browns
Overview: Picked to finish last in the AFC
North, the Browns didnt disappoint in Week
One, falling 34-7 to Pittsburgh. In the after-

math, QB Charlie Frye was traded to Seattle,


and Derek Anderson was installed as the
starter. From then on, the Browns were a different team, winning two-thirds of their
games the rest of the way to finish with a 106 record, their best mark since returning to
Cleveland in 1999.
Team MVP: WR Braylon Edwards 16 TD
catches set a club record. Of NFL receivers
with 60 or more catches, only Terrell
Owens racked up more yards per catch. In
short, Edwards was the epitome of the bigplay receiver. If you wanted to make a case
for Anderson or TE Kellen Winslow (82
catches, 1,106 yards, five touchdowns), you
certainly could; the same could be said for
OLT Joe Thomas and OLG Eric Steinbach,
too.
Biggest surprise: Anderson, who threw 29
TD passes and gave the passing game new
life. Anderson isnt the most polished passer
no AFC quarterback with as many starts
as him completed a lower percentage of his
throws but he was the catalyst for needed
change in Cleveland. Hell enter training
camp as the starter and figures to hold off
Brady Quinn unless he plays terribly.
Biggest disappointment: The defense was
a sieve and played a major role in the
Browns missing the playoffs. After the season, defensive coordinator Todd Grantham
was fired and replaced by DB coach Mel
Tucker. Tuckers biggest tasks: fixing a run
defense thats long been a problem and bolstering the pass rush. The secondary
improved as the 07 season progressed, but it
can still be exploited by a good passing
game.
Offseason outlook: Next season, expectations will be as high as they have been for
the Browns this century. If the Browns are
active in free agency, it will be with an eye
on the defense. Re-signing RB Jamal Lewis

Overview: In the first half of the 2007 season, the Steelers looked like a contender for
the AFC title. But they struggled in the final
two months of the season, winning only
three of their last eight games and falling to
Jacksonville in the wild-card round. An optimist would say the Steelers took a step forward in Mike Tomlins first season as head
coach, but a pessimist would wonder if Pittsburghs play down the stretch was a signal of
a tough 08 campaign to come.
Team MVP: Hands down, its QB Ben
Roethlisberger, who had the finest regular
season of his career. Roethlisberger completed 264-of-404 passes for 3,154 yards with
32 TD passes and only 11 interceptions.
Roethlisberger thrived in spite of an offensive line that allowed too much pass-rush
pressure and with a receiving corps that
sometimes needed him to scramble for them
to gain separation. Never had the Steelers
relied so heavily on Roethlisberger, and he
thrived with the added responsibility.
Biggest surprise: James Harrison
replaced Joey Porter at right outside linebacker and gave the Steelers a strong passrushing presence. The 6-foot, 242-pound
Harrison notched 98 tackles and 812 sacks in
his first season as a starter. If young LaMarr
Woodley develops the way the Steelers
believe he will, the Steelers will have a
strong OLB tandem a key for a successful
3-4 defense.
Biggest disappointment: The offensive
line struggled like it hadnt in years. C Sean
Mahan had difficulty with bigger, pass-rushing defensive tackles. The right side of the
line (OG Kendall Simmons and OT Willie
Colon) had its share of problems. Injuries to
OLT Marvel Smith and backup Max Starks
also didnt help matters. Another concern:
OLG Alan Faneca, the teams best lineman,
is an unrestricted free agent. In short, the
offensive line is a major concern.
Offseason outlook: The Steelers will work
to sign Roethlisberger to a contract extension. They will also try to re-sign Faneca, but
the price may be too rich. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers proceed in free
agency and the draft. Dont be surprised if
there are some shake-ups on both sides of
the ball as Tomlin enters his second season
with the club.

Indianapolis Colts
Overview: Most teams would consider
securing a first-round playoff bye a successful season regardless of postseason performance. The Colts arent most teams. The
five-time defending AFC South champions
are left thinking what couldve been after a
Chargers team playing without its marquee
offensive players pulled off a postseason
stunner in the RCA Dome. It didnt help
matters that stud DE Dwight Freeney and
WR Marvin Harrison were sidelined for the
majority of the season.
Team MVP: We couldnt go wrong inserting S Bob Sanders here he did, after all,
win league Defensive Player of the Year honors but QB Peyton Manning is the
unquestioned centerpiece of the organization. Even without Harrison, Manning was
masterful in directing the offense. Much of
the credit for TE Dallas Clarks banner season and the immediate emergence of rookie

Houston Texans
Overview: The Texans finished .500 for
the first time in franchise history, but poor
play on the road and a 1-5 record vs. AFC
South foes landed them in last place. However, the Texans were resilient in the face of
injuries to WR Andre Johnson, QB Matt
Schaub and RB Ahman Green. The defense
again finished in the bottom half of the
league, but DE Mario Williams became a
star in the final two months of the season.
Team MVP: MLB DeMeco Ryans gets the
honor by a slim margin over Johnson and
Williams. After all, Johnson missed seven
games, and Williams first half of the season
was nothing special. Ryans was his steady
self all season. In only two seasons, hes
established himself as one of the top inside
linebackers in the game.
Biggest surprise: When Johnson missed
seven games, the Texans passing offense
didnt suffer much, thanks to the play of a

HARRY SCULL JR.

SPORTPICS

Pittsburgh Steelers

Big-time backer: Houstons DeMeco Ryans has


quickly become one of the leagues best MLBs

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

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http://www.profootballweekly.com

17

2007 SEASON IN REVIEW

Jacksonville Jaguars
Overview: The hot seat of head coach Jack
Del Rio became considerably cooler after
the surprising success of the 2007 Jaguars.
Perhaps no personnel decision in the league
turned out better than Del Rios decision to
cut ties with QB Byron Leftwich and forge
ahead with David Garrard. Behind Garrards
brilliant quarterbacking and a thumping running game, the offense emerged as a topflight unit while the defense did enough to
help out. Theres no shame in ending the season in Foxborough in the divisional playoff
round.
Team MVP: It has to be Garrard. A middling receiving corps devoid of any vertical
threats rendered the passing attack fairly
conservative, but few quarterbacks did a
more efficient job of distributing the football
and moving the chains. Garrards in line for
a hefty contract extension after his breakout
campaign.
Biggest surprise: We all suspected the
running game would be good; we just didnt
expect it to be this good. Only the Vikings
rushed for more yards in the regular season,
as the two-headed RB monster of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew gashed most
opposing defenses, especially in the seasons
second half. Taylor rightfully earned himself
a trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, the first of
his standout career.
Biggest disappointment: DTs John Henderson and Marcus Stroud were believed to
be arguably the leagues most dominating
tackle tandem. But neither operated with his
standard success in 07, in part because neither was fully healthy. The pair didnt
demand double-teams as they traditionally
had, which had the ripple effect of slowing
down the Jaguars defensive ends.
Offseason outlook: Signing Garrard and
Del Rio to long-term extensions figure to be
key moves, but the Jags have numerous
other areas of concern in making sure they
continue their newfound success. Chief
among them are bolstering their defensive
line and finding a vertical threat in the passing game. Football doesnt take precedence
in the beach town of Jacksonville, but if the
Jaguars get a few more pieces in place, this

team could develop into the pride of the city.

Tennessee Titans
Overview: The Titans grabbed the final
playoff spot in the AFC, thanks to a vastly
improved defense. After losing three
straight games to fall to 6-5, the Titans won
four of their last five games, and they led at
halftime at San Diego in the wild-card
round before falling 17-6. The offense did
just enough to win 10 games, but it did not
do enough to save offensive coordinator
Norm Chows job. Mike Heimerdinger,
who ran the Titans offense from 2000-04,
is charged with helping QB Vince Young
become a better passer.
Team MVP: All of the candidates are on
defense. WLB Keith Bulluck again played at
a high level. DRE Kyle Vanden Bosch was
dominant in December. WLB David Thornton had one of his best seasons. But DT
Albert Haynesworth was indispensable to
the Titans defense. The Titans three-game
November losing streak came with
Haynesworth out of the lineup. When he was
out or limited, opponents had much more
success running the ball.
Biggest surprise: The defense surrendered
more yards than any other in 06, but it was
vastly improved this season, finishing as the
leagues fifth-stingiest. The front seven was
superb, but dont overlook the play of CBs
Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper. Overall, it was a bounce-back year for a veteran
defense and a veteran coaching staff accustomed to success.
Biggest disappointment: Young threw for
more yards and completed a higher percentage of his passes than he did as a rookie. But
he threw only nine TD passes and was not as
effective a running threat as he had been in
his first NFL season. Young was bothered by
a quadriceps injury all season, and he certainly doesnt have the pass catchers other
quarterbacks have, but his play in 07 left
something to be desired.
Offseason outlook: The Titans are expected to give Haynesworth the franchise tag.
They expect DE Antwan Odom to receive a
big offer in free agency, so they may be in
the market for a replacement. On offense, the
focus will be on the passing game. The
Titans will push to re-sign WR Justin Gage,
but a quicker, faster complement to Gage
must be added. Youngs development will be
the top story line entering training camp.

Denver Broncos
Overview: The Broncos had some bright
spots, among them the emergence of WR
Brandon Marshall and RB Selvin Young and
the continued maturation of QB Jay Cutler.
But there is no denying the disappointment
hanging over the Mile High City following a
7-9 campaign that saw defensive boss Jim
Bates lose his job after just one season and
head coach Mike Shanahan feeling the heat
from a frustrated fan base. A plethora of
injuries to key players like C Tom Nalen and
WR Javon Walker played a significant role.
Team MVP: Marshall went from a talented
rookie with loads of potential to a bona fide
star in his second year, stepping up as the
teams No. 1 option in the passing game with
Walker sidelined by knee problems. Marshall, who racked up 102 receptions for
1,325 yards and seven touchdowns, is a perfect blend of size, speed and athleticism, and
he takes pride in earning yards after the
catch.
Biggest surprise: Young, an undrafted
rookie out of Texas, climbed up the depth

HARRY SCULL JR.

WR Anthony Gonzalez goes to No. 18.


Biggest surprise: The defense was the
best it has been in Tony Dungys tenure in
Indy. But what makes it all the more impressive is that it excelled with such a young cast
of characters, as only DL Raheem Brock was
a full-time starter north of 27 years old.
Injuries decimated the front seven, but no
drop-off in production was seen with the
replacement players in the lineup.
Biggest disappointment: Without doubt, it
has to be the playoff loss to the Chargers. All
anyone, inside and outside Indianapolis,
wanted to talk about was a Colts rematch
with the Patriots after their Week Nine classic, but it wasnt to be as San Diego took the
defending champs down in the last game
ever at the RCA Dome. The Colts unwittingly made a folk hero out of Chargers backup
QB Billy Volek at least for a week who
directed a game-winning TD drive late in the
fourth quarter.
Offseason outlook: When head coach
Tony Dungy made the somewhat surprising
announcement that hed be back coaching in
2008, the bulk of the Colts concerns were
alleviated. Manning may be the face of the
franchise, but Dungy ultimately pulls the
strings on the whole operation. The Colts
roster is mostly stocked with capable players, but re-signing free agent Clark and fortifying both lines are priorities.

Standout rusher: Jaguars RB Fred Taylor earned his first Pro Bowl berth after a terrific season

chart in the preseason and actually ended up


leading the Broncos with 729 rushing yards,
even holding on to the starting job over
Travis Henry upon Henrys return from a
knee injury late in the season.
Biggest disappointments: There are plenty of valid choices, but the lack of production from DT Sam Adams and DE Simeon

Rice takes the cake here. Both were pricey,


quick fix free-agent signings who contributed little and ended up getting cut during the season. Henrys minimal impact after
the first month of the season, aided by knee
trouble and the drama surrounding a positive
drug test, was an issue, as was the Broncos
(Continued on Page 18)

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FEBRUARY 24, 2008

2007 SEASON IN REVIEW


(Continued from Page 17)
inability to stop the run.
Offseason outlook: The Broncos have a
good, young talent base to build around, but
theyll have decisions to make in regard to
Henry and Walker, whose injury histories
and bloated salaries in 2008 make them
unlikely to return unless they take sizable
cuts in pay. OLT Matt Lepsis retired, and S
John Lynch is still pondering his future. The
Broncos will focus on the DT and OT positions, as well as safety and middle linebacker, in the draft and free agency.

blockers in 2007, as it was a porous offensive line that kept the Chiefs from ever finding a rhythm offensively. Having star RB
Larry Johnson sidelined the last eight games
of the year with a foot injury didnt help matters.
Offseason outlook: You dont end the year
losing nine straight and not expect a lot of
changes in the offseason. Hiring former NFL
coordinator and Georgia Tech head coach
Chan Gailey to run the offense was just the
start. CB Ty Law, WR Eddie Kennison and C
Casey Wiegmann could be among the aging
starters shown the door with Edwards desire
to get younger on both sides of the ball, and
improving the offensive line will be a major
focal point. Look for Allen to be franchised
if the two sides cannot agree on a long-term
deal.

Kansas City Chiefs


Overview: The Chiefs were a pleasant surprise with a 4-3 record after seven weeks, but
a nine-game losing streak to end the season
sent the entire franchise into a tailspin. After
averaging fewer than 14 points per game
during the losing streak and finishing 31st in
yards and points scored, head coach Herm
Edwards fired four offensive coaches,
including coordinator Mike Solari.
Team MVP: DE Jared Allen missed the first
two games of the season due to a leaguemandated suspension for repeated DUI
arrests, but he didnt let that stop him from
racking up a league-high 1512 sacks to go
along with 64 tackles, 10 passes defensed,
three forced fumbles and the first two TD
receptions of his career. In a contract year, he
assured himself of a big-time raise for next
season and appears to have his life in order
off the field, as well.
Biggest surprise: The Chiefs had high
hopes for Dwayne Bowe, hence the firstround pick spent on the LSU wideout last
April. But to say his 70 catches for 995 yards
and five touchdowns as a rookie exceeded
expectations would be an understatement,
especially considering the serious inconsistency the Chiefs had at the QB position.
Biggest disappointment: GM Carl Peterson admitted he made a mistake by believing
the Chiefs could get by with an aging crop of

HARRY SCULL JR.

Bright spot: Chiefs rookie WR Dwayne Bowe


exceeded expectations despite teams QB problems

Overview: Once upon a time in 2007, the


Raiders were 2-2 and tied for the AFC West
lead. But that surprising start, after notching
just two wins in 2006, was a distant memory
after the Raiders stumbled to a 4-12 finish.
The dark cloud that lingered over the franchise with Norv Turner and Art Shell at the
helm was lifted under the direction of firstyear head coach Lane Kiffin, who has the
support of his players. But a potential rift
between Kiffin and owner Al Davis after
Davis rejected Kiffins request to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is something to
keep an eye on.
Team MVP: Finding qualified candidates
for this title is a difficult task, considering
the Raiders finished 25th in offense and
22nd in defense, but RB Justin Fargas emergence from third on the depth chart to 1,000yard rusher is worthy of mention. A good fit
for the Raiders new zone-blocking scheme,
the hard-running Fargas rushed for 676 yards
and four touchdowns over a seven-game
span before being shelved for the final two
weeks with a bum knee.
Biggest surprise: Sure, a lengthy contract
impasse that forced him to miss his entire
first training camp and preseason set him
back quite a bit, but the biggest surprise to
come out of the Bay Area in 2007 was that
No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell got only
one start and that didnt come until Week
17. Kiffin admittedly didnt want to rush him
on the field before he was adequately prepared, but the thinking is Russell could have
used more seasoning once the Raiders spiraled out of contention.
Biggest disappointment: A Raiders
defense that returned all 11 starters from a
unit that finished third overall in 2006
couldnt come up with the answers in 07,
dropping to 22nd overall and 26th in points
allowed. Particularly troubling were the
troubles Oakland had in stopping the run.
The Raiders gave up 178 rushing yards or
more on seven occasions.
Offseason outlook: Kiffins somewhat
tenuous relationship with Davis and Ryan
bears watching as the Raiders try to restore
the luster to a once-proud franchise.
Depending on a coin flip, the Raiders will
own the third, fourth or fifth pick in Aprils
draft and will need to address the free-agent
status of DL Tommy Kelly, CB Nnamdi Asomugha and Fargas, among others. Replacing
the retired Warren Sapp is of utmost importance, as well as getting help along the offensive line, at safety and in the WR corps.

San Diego Chargers


Overview: The Chargers season ended in
disappointment with a 21-12 loss to the
Patriots, but the fact the Chargers rebounded

HARRY SCULL JR.

Oakland Raiders

Main man: The Cowboys prospered right from the start in 2007, thanks to QB Tony Romos strong arm

from a 1-3 start which had the hometown


fans calling for the return of Marty Schottenheimer to reach the AFC title game is
a testament to the resolve of the coaching
staff and a talented roster.
Team MVP: Although his 2007 season
paled in comparison to his gaudy, recordsetting 06 campaign, RB LaDainian Tomlinson was still the key cog for the Chargers playoff push as he rushed for 1,474
yards, caught 60 passes and scored 18
touchdowns.
Biggest surprise: Second-year CB Antonio Cromartie finally got the starting nod
from the Chargers coaches at midseason and
ended up earning himself a place in the
Chargers record book, snaring a league-best
10 interceptions en route to a Pro Bowl
invite. He also returned a missed field goal
109 yards for a score, setting a record guaranteed never to be broken.
Biggest disappointment: The Chargers
were hit with the injury bug at the worst possible time. Though they overcame injuries to
Tomlinson, QB Philip Rivers and TE Antonio Gates against Indianapolis in the divisional round of the playoffs, having Rivers
and Gates at less than 100 percent and Tomlinson on the sideline for most of the game

was too much to overcome against the Patriots in the AFC championship game.
Offseason outlook: The Chargers have
done a great job of locking up their major
contributors to long-term deals and have
never been overly active participants in the
leagues annual free-agency spending spree,
choosing instead to build through the draft
and sign affordable role players when necessary. Adding a playmaking safety and building depth on both lines are priorities for one
of the more complete rosters in the NFL.

Dallas Cowboys
Overview: For most teams, 13-3 represents
a rousing success. For the Cowboys, with
this team, it ended with nothing but disappointment. New head coach Wade Phillips
created a more relaxed, player-friendly environment and got a lot out of his teams
immense talent, winning the NFC East and
earning the NFCs No. 1 seed in the postseason. But the divisional-round loss to the
Giants whom it had beaten twice before
was a crushing defeat. For all the offensive explosion and defensive prowess, the

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

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19

2007 SEASON IN REVIEW

New York Giants


Overview: The doubters have been
silenced. The Giants, who entered the playoffs as major underdogs, rode a path of three
tough games away from home to improbably
win the Super Bowl. Against most odds, the
star-crossed Giants pulled off one of the bigger upsets in Super Bowl history, knocking
off the 18-0 Patriots in XLII with a stirring
17-14 win. Once-maligned Eli Manning
became a hero, winning the games MVP
award, and a defense that began the year in
horrifying fashion ended it with a nearly
flawless performance.
Team MVP: Despite Mannings late-season
heroics, the award should go to WR Plaxico
Burress. He played nearly the entire season
at a Pro Bowl level despite suffering a major
ankle injury that even left his Super Bowl
status in question. He made crucial, gamechanging catch after catch, keeping Mannings season afloat, all the way through the
Super Bowl game-winner. Burress toughness might have been underappreciated
heretofore. And even though its called
most valuable player, special merit should
be given to head coach Tom Coughlin and
defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Each man performed admirably when the
going got toughest, in the biggest games.
Biggest surprises: The performance of
the rookie class as a whole, especially in the
big games, was more than admirable. Firstrounder Aaron Ross had his moments at cornerback. Second-round WR Steve Smith battled back from injuries to be a key late-season performer. Third- and fourth-rounders

Jay Alford and Zak DeOssie were strong


special-teams additions, and Alfords finalminute sack of Tom Brady in the Super Bowl
was huge. TE Kevin Boss was a great fill-in
for an injured Jeremy Shockey. And the two
seventh-rounders, S Michael Johnson and
RB Ahmad Bradshaw, were superb, especially Bradshaw, who proved to be a productive No. 2 back.
Biggest disappointment: The season-ending injury to Mathias Kiwanuka, who was
emerging as a disruptive force, was a big
blow to the defense and prevented him from
making it an even more stout unit. He played
both defensive end and Sam linebacker
and could be a future Pro Bowl player. Many
teammates lamented the fact that Kiwi
wasnt able to play funny, few said anything similar about Shockey but he has a
bright future ahead of him.
Offseason outlook: There are several
things to watch for, including the potential
retirement of Michael Strahan, a deserved
contract extension for Coughlin and the
unknown status of Shockey, whose future
remains in some doubt. But a big loss
appears close: Spagnuolo very well could
decide to take the Redskins head-coaching
job he has been rumored to be favored for.
His Super Bowl game plan, not to mention
his work for most of the season, was nothing
short of phenomenal.

needs to add multiple defensive backs.


Offseason outlook: TE L.J. Smith is
expected to land elsewhere as a free agent,
so tight end is a position of concern. But
finding help in the secondary and getting a
return specialist are more pressing needs.
The Eagles arent flush with cap space, but
they have enough to make a few key moves.
Plus, there is talk that some high-priced veterans not named McNabb Darren
Howard, Jevon Kearse, Takeo Spikes and
others could be let go to free up more
money. As for McNabb and his plea to add
more playmakers, well, its on the list but not
necessarily at the top.

Washington Redskins
Overview: The team turned tragedy and
disappointment on its ear. The Redskins
became an inspirational story when, following the shooting death of teammate Sean
Taylor, they rallied from a 5-7 record to
make the postseason. Their stay was short,
losing in the wild-card round to Seattle, but
the impression they made was indelible. But
the father figure who guided the team
through its darkest hours, Joe Gibbs, stepped
down as head coach at seasons end. It represented yet another change of direction for
owner Daniel Snyder and his franchise, but

the respect this team earned in the face of


casualty is undeniable.
Redskins MVP: Through nine games, S
Sean Taylor was having his best season and
was the teams best player. His death sent
shock waves through the team, but the players especially on defense rallied
around his memory. The cornerbacks play
was a crucial element, but MLB London
Fletcher was the units best all-around performer. He led the team in tackles, had three
interceptions, a forced fumble and one
recovery. In his first season, Fletcher was
the teams best free-agent signing in some
time.
Biggest surprise: QB Todd Collins was an
amazing story, but there was another out-ofnowhere contributor who must be mentioned. Undrafted rookie ORT Stephon
Heyer struggled in the playoff loss to the
Seahawks, but he did an admirable job filling in for injured starter Jon Jansen and
appears to have a bright NFL future. After
subbing at times through the first part of the
season, Heyer finally took over full time just
as the Redskins went on a 4-0 late-season
run to vault them into the playoffs. The Redskins were too unbalanced in the run game at
times, running most often to the left, but
Heyer provided a nice push in the run game
(Continued on Page 20)

Philadelphia Eagles
Overview: Going into the season, Eagles
head coach Andy Reid thought he had one of
the most talented teams in his nine years in
Philadelphia, even with distractions arising.
First, there was the health of QB Donovan
McNabb, who was coming back from ACL
surgery and facing the prospect of being
backed up by his future replacement, rookie
Kevin Kolb. Reid also had to deal with family problems away from the field. But in the
end, the reason the Eagles finished 8-8 and
in last place in the NFC East was that the
team didnt make enough big plays. It was
anemic in the red zone, ranked last in defensive takeaways and didnt have a return
touchdown by punt, kickoff, fumble or interception all season.
Team MVP: RB Brian Westbrook was the
teams best player, taking that title from
McNabb with an even better season than his
breakout effort in 2006. Westbrook has
silenced critics who said he was not durable
enough to be a full-time back and established himself as one of the most dangerous
weapons in the NFL. He was the teams best
runner, receiver and even returner, though
the team resisted giving him that duty full
time.
Biggest surprise: The LB play was something of a concern entering the season, but it
became a team strength by years end. The
nicest surprise was that it was the young
guys who played the best. Omar Gaither
played well enough to more than justify the
release of Jeremiah Trotter in training camp.
But the real star of the group might be Chris
Gocong, who bounced back well from a
neck injury. The college D-lineman played
the Sam spot as if he had been doing it his
whole life. Stewart Bradleys strong effort at
seasons end caught some eyes, too.
Biggest disappointment: The secondary
was a sore spot for most of the season. CB
Lito Sheppard logged a lot of time in the
trainers room and wasnt always the shutdown corner he had been in the past. Fellow
CB Sheldon Brown has a spot on the team,
but he often gets burned and simply isnt athletic enough. And FS Brian Dawkins, the
mainstay and leader of the group, missed six
games due to injury and took a big step back
in his play. With the depth thin, the team

DAVID GRAHAM

season will be deemed a giant failure.


Team MVP: The team lived and died
behind QB Tony Romos arm all season, and
he mostly dealt aces. His 19 interceptions are
a concern, but the Cowboys records Romo
set in passing yards, TD passes and completions show just how fabulous his season was.
Romo and WR Terrell Owens made a
tremendous pair, and Owens dicey ankle
was one reason for the late-season offensive
slowdown. But it was Romo pulling the trigger on this offense every play.
Biggest surprise: Some might argue that
WR Patrick Craytons season was most
worth mentioning, but NT Jay Ratliffs performance was unexpected and outstanding.
He stepped in for injured starter Jason Ferguson and played strong run defense with a
consistently high motor and even knifed
through the backfield several times against
the pass. For that, Ratliff earned a multiyear
extension.
Biggest disappointment: SS Roy
Williams remains lost in coverage. Some
observers feel this was among his worst seasons, despite being named a Pro Bowl
replacement yet again. Teams often went
after Williams in coverage, which became a
trouble spot for the Cowboys, who often
took him out in passing defenses. He needs a
big season in 2008 to justify his salary and
starting position.
Offseason outlook: There is talk that WR
Terry Glenn, who didnt get on the field until
the end of the season, might be cut. RB
Julius Jones, a free agent, wont be back. The
coaching staff wont be as dilapidated as it
could have been if offensive coordinator
Jason Garrett had left, but there will be
coaches to replace, with Tony Sparano having gone to Miami and some Cowboys assistants likely to follow. But with two firstround draft picks and the team in solid
salary-cap shape, expect owner Jerry Jones
to do whatever he and the coaching staff feel
is necessary to upgrade the team. Cornerback and receiver are two prime spots to
address.

Dual threats: QB Eli Manning (right) and RB Brandon Jacobs provided nice balance in the Giants offense

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FEBRUARY 24, 2008

2007 SEASON IN REVIEW

Chicago Bears
Overview: One year after representing the
NFC in the Super Bowl, the Bears took a
major step backward in 2007, slipping to 79. The defense, under first-year coordinator
Bob Babich, plummeted from fifth to 28th,
coming within 55 yards of setting a franchise
high for most yards allowed in a season. The
offense, meanwhile, couldnt have been
more dysfunctional, especially the running
game, which was bogged down by former
first-round draft pick Cedric Bensons woeful 3.4 yards per carry.
Team MVP: Its unlikely theres a more
electrifying performer in the NFL than Bears
RS-WR Devin Hester, who had a leaguerecord six kick returns for TDs in 07, surpassing the league mark he had set the previous season. Hester also set the team singleseason mark for punt-return average with
15.5 yards per return, breaking Hall of
Famer Gale Sayers record of 14.9, and now
owns the league career record for puntreturn average (14.1, on 89 punt returns for
1,251 yards). He also is an extremely
intriguing work in progress as a wide receiver who displayed impressive flashes in that
role the second half of the season.
Biggest surprises: Its a tie between freeagent DT Anthony Adams and seventhround rookie CB Trumaine McBride, both of
whom earned high marks when pressed into
starting roles. Adams proved to be quite productive replacing injured DT Darwin Walker, finishing the season with six more tackles
than Pro Bowl DT Tommie Harris. McBride
showed some real skills replacing injured
CB Nathan Vasher.
Biggest disappointment: There are a lot to
choose from. Just when Benson seemed to
be getting his game in gear, he was lost for
the season with a fractured ankle in Week 12.
After spending a potential $25 million over
five years on Walker, who had recorded 2712
sacks during six seasons with the Eagles, the
defensive tackle missed five games due to
injuries and finished the season having registered a mere 33 tackles and only one sack.
But our vote for the biggest disappointment
goes to the Bears offensive line, which
seemed to age overnight. The line never had
any cohesion and turned false starts into an
art form.
Offseason outlook: Bears GM Jerry Angelo insisted there will be open competition at
quarterback and running back when training
camp opens next summer. Offensive line-

men, safeties and a back capable of churning


out multiple 20-yard runs in a game are considered top priorities in both the draft and
free agency. The Bears will be hoping for
much better health on both sides of the ball,
particularly on defense, where star players
Harris and Brian Urlacher both played at far
less than full strength in 07 due to injuries.

Detroit Lions
Overview: The Lions opened the season at
6-2 following a 44-7 rout of Denver and
appeared finally to have found a winning
formula. Or not. Head coach Rod Marinelli
thought he had built a mentally and physically tough team, but losing 7-of-8 games
plus rumors of infighting in the locker room
and among the staff, inconsistent effort from
the players and the demise of offensive coordinator Mike Martz proved otherwise.
The defense was terrible in the second half,
and No. 1 pick Calvin Johnson didnt produce as expected. The pressure on Marinelli
is raised heading into a crucial offseason.
Team MVP: Roy Williams? Jon Kitna?
Dewayne White? Well go with Ernie Sims,
who was the best player on a bad defense.
White was the only consistent pass rusher on
the team, but he did hit a bit of a wall right
about when the team went south. Sims,
though, was mostly terrific. He fought
through bigger blockers and made plays
sideline to sideline, despite being the one
true playmaker at linebacker.
Biggest surprise: There wasnt much, by
seasons end, to be thrilled about. But looking back over the course of 16 games, WR
Shaun McDonald made himself an important
member of the offensive personnel. He led
the team in receptions, receiving yards and
touchdowns on a team with Williams,
Johnson and Mike Furrey, the 2006 NFC
receptions leader, and thats saying something. Sure, McDonald dropped some catchable balls at times. But he stepped up as the
most consistent threat in a crowded group.
Biggest disappointment: Johnson was
hyped as the cant-miss prospect who would
be able to step in and dominate early. Clearly, Martzs offensive scheme proved difficult
to digest, and Johnson battled a back injury
much of the season. Pass protection and the
lack of a run game also tempered offensive
production. Yet, Johnson also struggled with
drops, didnt run crisp routes and might have
been a bit overwhelmed by the daily rigors
of NFL life. When the ball was in his hands,
he often made big plays, and expectations
remain high for the future. But Johnson
didnt make enough catches to do what many
thought he could do as a rookie.
Offseason outlook: The defense will be
the main area of attention, but the offense
isnt without its issues, either. The team will
need to add major reinforcements at multiple
spots in the secondary, add a middle linebacker who can play the Tampa-2 defense
and find another pass rusher to pair with
White. But the Lions might also need a tackle. Cory Redding was a disappointment last
season, and Shaun Rogers was alternately
hot and ice cold. Rogers did little down the
stretch, and thats where his lack of conditioning really hurt. The Lions could cut him
as a result. If the Lions do indeed want to run
the ball more with Jim Colletto calling plays,
another running back would help. So would
a right tackle, in case Damien Woody walks
in free agency. Theres a lot to accomplish.

Green Bay Packers


Overview: It was one of the most successful seasons in the teams 87-year history, as
the Packers 13-3 record matched the franchise-best records of the 1996 and 97 Super

SCOTT WALLEM / PROCASE

(Continued from Page 19)


most of the time.
Biggest disappointment: It was expected
that RB Ladell Betts would return to a backup role behind Clinton Portis, but the team
expected far more from Betts when it signed
him to a five-year, $11 million extension in
December 2006. At that time, he was in the
midst of a streak of five straight 100-yard
games, but Betts averaged only 3.6 yards on
93 carries in 07. His most memorable series
of the season was getting stuffed twice on
goal-to-go at the end of the game in a home
loss to the Giants in Week Three.
Offseason outlook: At presstime, the team
had yet to pick a head coach it didnt stop
them from hiring coordinators Jim Zorn
(offense) and Greg Blache (defense) but
appeared close to picking between Jim Fassel, Steve Spagnuolo and Steve Mariucci.
The Redskins again find themselves in
salary-cap purgatory of their own doing and
must redo some deals, such as TE Chris
Cooleys, to get the books clean. They might
not be able to spend free-agent money wildly like they typically do.

Extra special: Bears RS-WR Devin Hester is easily one of the NFLs most electrifying performers

Bowl teams. The Packers were the NFLs


youngest team, with 26 first- or second-year
players on the roster, but they were led by
38-year-old Future Hall of Fame QB Brett
Favre, who had one of the finest seasons of
his illustrious 17-year career. The Packers
dream season ended on Lambeau Fields
frozen tundra with the Giants upset victory
in overtime in a classic NFC title game that
featured five lead changes.
Team MVP: Content to peck away underneath coverage in head coach Mike
McCarthys precision short-passing game,
Favre methodically shattered league records
for career victories, TD passes, completions
and passing yards while leading the Packers
to a surprising NFC North title. After he registered a .665 completion percentage and
seven 300-yard passing games, both career
highs, and repeatedly singing the praises of
his much younger supporting cast, the odds
are strong that Favre will return for his 18th
season in Green Bay.
Biggest surprise: Green Bays ground
game was the worst in the league the first
half of the season until the Week Eight game
against Denver, when Ryan Grant, who had
been obtained in a trade with the Giants on
Sept. 1 for a sixth-round draft choice, was
inserted into the starting lineup for the first
time. Grant proved to be a revelation, finishing as the leagues second-leading rusher
behind San Diegos LaDainian Tomlinson
over the final nine games with five 100-yard
rushing performances. After his two early
fumbles set up a pair of quick Seahawks TDs
that put the Packers in a 14-0 hole in their

divisional playoff game vs. Seattle, Grant


bounced back with a team postseason-record
201 yards rushing and three TDs.
Biggest disappointment: Suffice it to say,
the Packers loss in the NFC title game was a
major downer that will take awhile to get
over. The most disappointing aspect of that
loss was the disappearance of the ground
game, which managed only 28 yards on 14
carries, the lowest total in two seasons under
McCarthy. Despite the major boost provided
by Grant, the Packers still finished the season
ranked 21st in rushing. Grants numerous
long gains overshadowed the ground attacks
season-long inconsistency, which was caused
in great part by shoddy zone run blocking.
Offseason outlook: The future looks
bright for the Packers, with or without Favre,
who said he would make a quicker decision
than he had the last couple of seasons regarding his future. Although the Packers appear
to have the financial resources to invest in
the free-agent market, GM Ted Thompson is
expected to stick to his philosophy of building primarily through the draft. McCarthy
whose 22-12 record is the same as Vince
Lombardis and Mike Shermans after 34
games as the Packers head coach followed in Thompsons footsteps after the season, receiving a new five-year contract worth
approximately $4 million per year.

Minnesota Vikings
Overview: Boiled down, it was a subpar
passing game that kept the Vikings out of the

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21

2007 SEASON IN REVIEW


postseason. In the ground game, no one was
better; the Vikings ranked first in rushing
offense behind Adrian Peterson and Chester
Taylor, and they were first defensively vs.
the run. But Tarvaris Jackson, two backup
QBs and a so-so group of pass catchers were
unable to total 200 yards passing in 11 of the
16 games. And on defense, the Vikings were
ranked dead last in passing yards allowed.
Jackson had his moments in his second season, but he and the passing game must
improve to make the offense more balanced.
Team MVPs: There are few harder positions to find outstanding players than at
defensive tackle, but the Vikings are blessed
with two. Kevin Williams and Pat Williams
form the best DT tandem in the NFL, dominating against the run despite seeing multiple blockers on every play. With no real
threats at defensive end, teams can pinch
down on the two Williams, but they made
plays every week and seldom let opponents
run the ball inside.
Biggest surprise: A close third on the
team MVP ballot might be MLB E.J. Henderson, who moved from the weak side to
take over for Napoleon Harris and had his
best season to date. Its not a surprise that
Henderson played well, but few expected
him to be so good. He totaled a team-high
and career-best 118 tackles (14 for loss), 412
sacks and three forced fumbles. Henderson
played a better Tampa-2 Mike than anyone
could have hoped.
Biggest disappointment: TE Visanthe Shiancoe was signed to a five-year, $18.2 million deal that already looks regrettable. He
was a nonfactor in the red-zone offense,
dropping three passes in the endzone and
catching only one TD after being billed as a

perfect fit in the Vikings West Coast offense.


For the season, he caught only 27 passes for
323 yards and was nothing special as a
blocker. As of now, the signing ranks as an
unwise one, and none of the other tight ends
contributed much to the passing game,
either.
Offseason outlook: With the coaching
staff appearing to remain intact, the focus
now turns to improving the teams personnel, namely upgrading the talent in the passing game and on pass defense. All indications are that owner Zygi Wilf has given the
green light for the team to spend more
money in free agency, and that could include
going after a speed receiver, a right tackle, a
cornerback or safety, and a pass rusher.
Those positions also could be addressed
through the draft, where the team picks 17th.
There are likely to be some changes among
players on the roster now. Dwight Smith,
Erasmus James, Troy Williamson and others
might not be back.

Atlanta Falcons
Overview: It will take more than an offseason to recover from the devastation the Falcons suffered in 2007. The dogfighting
charges against Michael Vick overshadowed
the start to Atlantas season, and the teams
terrible showing on the field gave fans little
to be optimistic about. First-year coach
Bobby Petrino quit and went to Arkansas
one day after Vick was sentenced to 23
months in prison, and secondary coach
Emmitt Thomas was named as the interim
head coach. In January, owner Arthur Blank

named Patriots director of college scouting


Thomas Dimitroff as the clubs new general
manager, and soon thereafter the realigned
front office chose Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith as its new head coach.
Team MVP: Only three teams scored fewer
points than the Falcons this season, but at
least one player on offense gave the unit a
jolt. The breakout season of third-year WR
Roddy White was mostly ignored nationally
because of the squads poor play and offfield embarrassments, but he emerged as one
of the NFCs better receivers, despite catching passes from three average-at-best quarterbacks. White tied for third in the NFC in
receiving yards 1,202 which was almost
300 yards more than he had in his first two
seasons combined. He has removed the tag
of first-round bust from his scouting
report.
Biggest surprise: After three seasons out
of the league, Chris Redman traded in his
insurance salesmans suit for a Falcons uniform and turned in the best performance by
any quarterback on the team. He was invited
to camp by Petrino, who coached him at
Louisville, and he started the final four
games of the year after replacing the inconsistent Joey Harrington. Redman had the
most touchdown passes on the team (10) and
made a strong case to be brought back next
season in a backup role.
Biggest disappointment: There is no
shortage of options for a winner in this category, but rookie DLE Jamaal Anderson narrowly gets the nod. The first-round draft pick
out of Arkansas started every game in his
debut season but was unable to get a single
sack and finished tied for 12th on the team in
tackles with 30. He failed to provide balance

on Atlantas defensive line, while his counterpart, DRE John Abraham, reeled in 10
sacks. However, as the Texans Mario
Williams proved this season, rookie defensive ends sometimes take time to adjust to
the pro game before breaking out.
Offseason outlook: With a new frontoffice hierarchy in place, the Falcons will
begin cleaning up the mess. Their first-round
draft pick with be either No. 3, No. 4 or No.
5 depending on a coin flip that will take
place at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Dimitroff will likely have his choice
of selecting a potential franchise quarterback, a left tackle, or a running back, all of
which are needs.

Carolina Panthers
Overview: The Panthers hit a new low in
head coach John Foxs tenure, dropping five
straight at one point, but recovered and won
three of their last five to finish 7-9 and tied
for second place in the NFC South. Many
reports speculated that Fox and general manager Marty Hurney would be fired after the
team missed the playoffs in back-to-back
seasons for the first time under Fox, but
owner Jerry Richardson announced that both
would be back for 2008.
Team MVP: Forget about panicking. When
longtime, and oft-injured, Panthers MLB
Dan Morgan was placed on injured reserve
with a partially torn Achilles Nov. 7, rookie
LB Jon Beason moved from the weak side
to the middle and established himself as
arguably the best rookie defender in the
league aside from 49ers MLB Patrick
(Continued on Page 22)

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KKR GROUP

2007 SEASON IN REVIEW

Ace in the hole: Tampa Bay RB Earnest Graham emerged as a powerful, hard-hitting force after replacing the injured Cadillac Williams

(Continued from Page 21)


Willis. In his first year out of Miami (Fla.),
Beason led the Panthers in tackles with 140
and became one of the vocal leaders on
defense.
Biggest surprise: No team in the league
faced a more desperate situation at quarterback than the Panthers. The squad was
forced to start a franchise-record four different quarterbacks, and the constant shuffling
took its toll on a struggling offense. Jake
Delhomme was off to a brilliant start, throwing eight touchdowns and just one interception in his first three games, before his season was ended when he injured his elbow.
He underwent Tommy John surgery to repair
the damage and is currently rehabbing.
David Carr, Vinny Testaverde and undrafted
rookie Matt Moore also made starts at quarterback for Carolina.
Biggest disappointment: After nearly
signing a contract extension that would have
made him the highest-paid defender in the
league, as training-camp reports indicated
had been in the making, DE Julius Peppers
went on to have his worst season statistically. The six-year veteran had just two sacks
after averaging more than 10 per season
prior to 2007. He exemplified a larger issue
for the Panthers defense, which failed to live
up to its high expectations.
Offseason outlook: Fox and Hurney will
be far more active this offseason than they
were last year as the pair tries to hold on to
its jobs for one more season. Finding another playmaker on offense whether its at
running back, tight end or wide receiver

to complement WR Steve Smith is an


absolute must. Hurney vowed to restore a
power running game in Carolinas backfield,
which could signal a shake-up at running
back and on the offensive line.

New Orleans Saints


Overview: The Saints were unable to
recapture the magic of 2006, when they
came one step short of a Super Bowl appearance, and instead missed the playoffs with a
disappointing 7-9 campaign. An 0-4 start
and three losses in their final five games
quelled a midseason surge, though New
Orleans appeared to be in good postseason
position at 7-7 with two weeks remaining.
Drew Brees set a league record for most
completions in a season while leading an
explosive offense, but the teams deficiencies on defense were too much to overcome.
Team MVP: Without question, its Brees.
He was helped by his offensive line, which
allowed the fewest sacks in the league, but
Brees accuracy and smart play drove the
Saints to the brink of a return trip to the playoffs. Of quarterbacks who had more than
260 attempts, only Patriots QB Tom Brady
had a higher completion percentage, and
Brees led the league in attempts, throwing 74
more times than the second-place finisher,
Brady. Brees accomplished this feat despite
a receiving corps that was prone to drops.
Biggest surprise: New Orleans was stunningly bad at the start of the season, losing
its first four games because of the uncharacteristic sloppiness of Brees and a defensive

line that was unable to pressure opposing


quarterbacks and relieve its struggling secondary. Brees threw nine interceptions and
only one touchdown in his first four outings,
and the defensive line had only one sack in
the same span.
Biggest disappointment: Second-year RB
Reggie Bush led the Saints in rushing yards
and was second in receptions, but he lacked
explosiveness his longest run was 22
yards and his longest catch went for 25
and he struggled to find the endzone, scoring
just six touchdowns. One reason for his
problems may have been a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament, which kept him out
of New Orleans final four games. Several
reports said he had been playing through the
ailment for weeks before he was shut down.
Offseason outlook: General manager
Mickey Loomis and head coach Sean Payton
need to address the Saints defense, whether
it be by adding players at defensive tackle,
middle linebacker or cornerback. New
Orleans selected just one cornerback in the
drafts from 2003-06, and it came in the sixth
round. The squad may have to spend heavily
on a free-agent cornerback, as well as use an
early draft choice on one to rebuild the broken secondary.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers


Overview: Jon Gruden led the Bucs from
worst to first in the NFC South, but the season ended on a sour note, as Tampa fell at
home to the Giants in the first round of the
playoffs. The 9-7 campaign was marked by

impressive contributions from young players


on the offensive and defensive lines, which
gives Tampa reason to be optimistic about
next season. Longtime defensive coordinator
Monte Kiffin was signed to a new contract,
ending weeks of speculation that he would
go elsewhere, and both Gruden and GM
Bruce Allen signed three-year extensions.
Team MVP: The addition of veteran QB
Jeff Garcia was the key to Tampas turnaround. Among qualifiers, only the Jaguars
David Garrard threw fewer interceptions
(three) than Garcia (four). Garcias efficiency and mobility sparked the Bucs offense
and jelled almost perfectly with Grudens
scheme. Playing with an offensive line that
started only one player with more than a year
of experience, Garcia took his share of hits,
missing three games with a back injury, but
he did his best to play through the bumps and
bruises and brought toughness to the Bucs.
Biggest surprise: Tampas backfield was
decimated by injury early in the season, but
the season-opening third-stringer, RB
Earnest Graham, emerged as a powerful,
hard-hitting force. Grahams contributions
had been mostly limited to special teams in
his first three seasons, but Cadillac
Williams season-ending injury in Week
Four and Michael Pittmans ongoing battle
with nagging injuries vaulted Graham to the
top of the depth chart, and he met the challenge. Graham rushed for 898 yards, had 49
catches for 324 yards and started 10 games,
fumbling just once.
Biggest disappointment: Bucs WR
Michael Clayton continued his steep decline
and had the lowest number of receptions and
fewest receiving yards in his four-year career.
Since his first season, when he broke a franchise record for receiving yards by a rookie
(1,193), Clayton has just 1,029 receiving
yards. The Bucs passing game was in desperate need of a third target to match with
veterans Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, but
the slumping Clayton did not step up.
Offseason outlook: After a slide in 2006,
the Bucs skillfully weaved together a combination of young players and veterans who
were left over from the teams Super Bowl
run in 2002, to get back on top of the NFC
South this past season. To avoid another
drop-off, Gruden and Allen will have to continue to rebuild at key positions like outside
linebacker, cornerback and wide receiver,
where stable veterans will soon need to be
replaced.

Arizona Cardinals
Overview: After their first non-losing
record since 1998 and only the third in 20
seasons in Arizona, the Cardinals feel they
are on the right track under the direction of
Ken Whisenhunt, whose 8-8 record was the
best for a first-year Cardinals head coach
since Buddy Ryan went 8-8 in 1994. A
steadily growing home-field advantage
the team finished 6-2 at University of
Phoenix Stadium in 2007 and a lively
offense that scored 30-plus points in six different games would appear to bode well for
the Cardinals future. Its worth noting,
though, that the team faces a much more difficult schedule in 08 than it did in 07.
Team MVP: The nod goes to the teams
lone Pro Bowl selection, WR Larry Fitzgerald, who had an NFC-leading 100 catches
for 1,409 yards and 10 touchdowns in 15
games. The teams 2004 first-round pick registered four 100-yard receiving games and
saved his best effort for last when he gained
171 yards receiving including a franchise-record 136 yards in the first half
and scored a pair of TDs in the Cardinals

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2007 SEASON IN REVIEW

St. Louis Rams


Overview: The Rams struggled mightily
through one of the worst seasons in franchise
history and almost certainly the most
painful. Head coach Scott Linehan was
granted a reprieve as 12 of his players, half
of them starters, finished the season on
injured reserve. But despite all the key
injuries on both sides of the ball, the offense
figured to average more than 16.4 points per
game and rank a lot higher than 24th in total
yards, and the defense didnt figure to suddenly surrender 89 points and 847 yards
combined in the last two games after showing signs of improvement up to that point.
Team MVP: Because it was such a dreadful
season for the Rams, this was a tough call.
But starting FS O.J. Atogwe, a restricted free
agent who isnt going anywhere, got better
and better as the year wore on, finishing the
season with 75 tackles and an NFC-best
eight interceptions.
Biggest surprise: The Rams drafted Adam
Carriker in the first round with the intention
of plugging him in for the next 10 years or so
as the starting nose tackle. But plans appear
to have changed, with 2007 fifth-round draft
pick Clifton Ryan, who is more of a prototypical NT type than Carriker, proving to be
a sleeper with a major upside. Ryan leveled
off a bit as the season wore on, but he
appears to be a solid blue-collar run stopper
with a burst at the point of attack.
Biggest disappointment: So much more
was expected out of an offense that had finished so strong the previous season, averaging 27.5 points in the final six games. Losing
three starting offensive linemen for the season due to injuries OLT Orlando Pace,
OLG Mark Setterstrom and ORG Richie
Incognito didnt help matters. Neither did
the fact QB Marc Bulger and RB Steven
Jackson each missed four games because of
injuries. But Bulger significantly regressed
in 07 after having signed a hefty new contract, registering a career-low 70.3 passer
rating and throwing 15 interceptions the
second-highest total of his career despite
missing a quarter of the season.
Offseason outlook: The Rams have a great

Green Bay, when they came up terribly short


on both sides of the ball in a disappointing
44-20 loss that ended the season on a sour
note for Mike Holmgren, who no doubt
thought long and hard before deciding to
return for his 10th season as the head coach.
Team MVP: Holmgrens decision at midseason to return to his roots and employ a
more pass-heavy offense was music to QB
Matt Hasselbecks ears. Despite throwing to
a WR corps operating at less than full
strength much of the season because of
injury, Hasselbeck set team passing records
for yards (3,966), completions (352) and
attempts (562) and never seemed more comfortable than he was in his seventh season.
Pro Bowl defenders Lofa Tatupu and Patrick
Kerney, the NFCs sack leader, and veteran
WR Bobby Engram, who had the best season of his 12-year career, also deserve special mention.
Biggest surprise: Third-round rookie DT
Brandon Mebane greatly exceeded expectations, performing more like a first-rounder
from the moment he became the emergency
starter in place of the injured Chuck Darby.
On his very first play as a starter, Mebane
registered a tackle for loss. Displaying great
energy and terrific leverage, Mebanes motor
just kept on running at a high level, and his
emergence as a solid starter makes the uncer-

deal of work to do on a lot of levels. Starting at the top, they need to clarify the teams
ownership situation following the Jan. 18
death of team owner Georgia Frontiere. The
team also must decide whether or not it will
bring in an accomplished heavyweight from
outside the organization to take over a personnel department that appears to be badly
in need of help. After producing only one
Pro Bowl player in the last five drafts (RB
Steven Jackson), the Rams will be under
pressure from their frustrated fan base to
score big with the No. 2 overall pick in 08.

San Francisco 49ers


Overview: Head coach Mike Nolan has his
work cut out for him after managing to survive one of the most disappointing seasons
in franchise history. A woeful offense provided most of the misery, tying the franchise
low and finishing last in the NFL with 219
points. First-year offensive coordinator Jim
Hostlers unit also finished last in total yards,
passing yards, offensive TDs, first downs,
sacks allowed and third-down conversions.
A nasty public rift between Nolan and QB
Alex Smith, whose injured throwing arm
became a major bone of contention, only
made matters worse.
Team MVP: Thank God for Patrick Willis,
the teams first-round draft pick last season,
who instantly established himself as one of
the leagues most active defenders. A firstyear Pro Bowler, Willis led the league in
tackles by a wide margin with 174, displaying superior speed and sideline-to-sideline
athleticism, combined with the instincts of a
seasoned pro. Dont be surprised if he
becomes the NFLs next truly dominant
defender not too far down the road.
Biggest surprise: Starting off the season
as the third quarterback behind Smith and
Trent Dilfer, Shaun Hill ended up providing
an unexpected spark under center. In three
late-season starts, Hill completed nearly 70
percent of his passes and registered a 5-1
TD-interception ratio while racking up a 2-1
record. Hill showed enough to earn a legitimate opportunity to challenge Smith for the
starting QB job next season in what will be a
new system for the fourth straight season, as
Mike Martz replaces Hostler as the offensive
coordinator.
Biggest disappointment: It has to be an
offensive line that was a shell of the unit that
had done such a respectable job the previous
season, with most of the same personnel. In
the process of allowing a franchise-record 55
sacks, the line showed a complete inability
to pick up blitzes up the middle. It also
blocked poorly in run situations most of the
season after doing a much better job opening
holes the year before for RB Frank Gore,
whose numbers suffered accordingly.
Offseason outlook: Nolan, who could
enter the season on a short rope, has
promised to steer clear of the offense and let
Martz run the show, which at the very least,
figures to be a lot more interesting next season. After being promoted to the GM post
with personnel authority over Nolan, Scot
McCloughans major thrust will be to provide Martz with a few more badly needed
weapons. The team has indicated it will concentrate more on the draft and not invest as
heavily in the free-agent market this offseason as it did last year.

tain future of former first-round pick Marcus


Tubbs, who has missed each of the last two
seasons with injuries to both knees, less of a
concern.
Biggest disappointment: In his seasonending press conference, Holmgren said the
teams run game was in need of a major
makeover both in scheme and personnel.
Seattles ground attack, often bogged down
by what appeared to be very tentative running
by Shaun Alexander, ranked 26th in average
gain per rush (3.8 yards) and performed miserably in the playoff loss to the Packers, managing only 28 yards on 18 carries. Shoddy run
blocking across the board on the offensive
line was a season-long problem.
Offseason outlook: After concentrating
primarily on improving the Seahawks
defense since becoming the teams president
of football operations/general manager, Tim
Ruskell is expected to turn more of his attention to the offensive side of the ball this offseason, with substantial upgrades at running
back, tight end and the interior offensive line
heading his to-do list. Early indications were
that, unlike the previous offseason, the team
would not be as active in the free-agent market and instead will concentrate on re-signing key players who will be free agents
most notably CB Marcus Trufant, PK Josh
Brown and ORT Sean Locklear.

Seattle Seahawks
Overview: The good news is that the Seahawks won their fourth straight division title,
earned their fifth straight playoff berth and
thanks mostly to their defense defeated the
Redskins in the first round of the playoffs.
The bad news came one week later in snowy

SPORTPICS

season-ending 48-19 rout of the Rams.


Biggest surprise: Seemingly in the twilight of his career, nobody expected QB Kurt
Warner to throw multiple TDs in eight
straight games and finish the season with 27
TD passes the second-highest total in
team history after replacing the injured
Matt Leinart in the starting lineup. Almost,
but not quite, as big a surprise was the unexpectedly good job that former first-round
pick Calvin Pace turned in as the teams
starting left outside linebacker in place of the
injured Chike Okeafor.
Biggest disappointment: The inability to
win on the road, slow starts and frequent
struggles with clock management were all
major concerns, but the Cards biggest disappointment was that they led the league in
penalties, many of them proving to be costly. What made the teams penchant for illtimed flags particularly disappointing is the
emphasis Whisenhunt has placed on playing
smart, fundamentally sound football from
the moment he first set foot in the desert.
Offseason outlook: The Cardinals were
reportedly about $30 million under the 2008
salary cap entering the offseason, but they
also had only 34 players under contract. The
teams priorities figure to be: signing unrestricted free-agent LBs Karlos Dansby and
Pace to new contracts, renegotiating Fitzgeralds contract (which is currently scheduled to pay him $14.6 million in 08) and
filling key needs at running back on offense
and at cornerback on defense.

Rookie revelation: Seahawks third-round rookie DT Brandon Mebane made most of starting opportunity

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FEBRUARY 24, 2008

2007 SEASON IN REVIEW


ARIZONA CARDINALS
D AT E
Sept. 10
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
At San Francisco
(+3.5)
Seattle
(+3)
At Baltimore
(+7)
Pittsburgh
(+6)
At St. Louis
(-3.5)
Carolina
(-6)
At Washington
(+8.5)
BYE
At Tampa Bay
(+3.5)
Detroit
(-2.5)
At Cincinnati
(+3)
San Francisco
(-10)
Cleveland
(-1)
At Seattle
(+7)
At New Orleans
(+4)
Atlanta
(-11)
St. Louis
(-6)
* OVERTIME

SCORE
17-20
23-20
23-26
21-14
34-31
10-25
19-21
10-17
31-21
35-27
31-37*
27-21
21-42
24-31
30-27*
48-19

ATLANTA FALCONS
D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 15
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 22
Dec. 2
Dec. 10
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
At Minnesota
(+3)
At Jacksonville
(+10)
Carolina
(+4)
Houston
(+2.5)
At Tennessee
(+7.5)
New York Giants
(+5.5)
At New Orleans
(+9)
BYE
San Francisco
(-3)
At Carolina
(+3.5)
Tampa Bay
(+3)
Indianapolis
(+12.5)
At St. Louis
(+3)
New Orleans
(+4)
At Tampa Bay
(+12.5)
At Arizona
(+11)
Seattle
(+2)
* OVERTIME

D AT E
Sept. 10
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 5
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 3
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
At Cincinnati
(+2.5)
New York Jets
(-9.5)
Arizona
(-7)
At Cleveland
(-3.5)
At San Francisco
(-3.5)
St. Louis
(-9)
At Buffalo
(-3)
BYE
At Pittsburgh
(+9)
Cincinnati
(-3.5)
Cleveland
(+1.5)
At San Diego
(+9)
New England
(+19)
Indianapolis
(+9)
At Miami
(-3.5)
At Seattle
(+12.5)
Pittsburgh
(+3)
* OVERTIME

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 8
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
Denver
At Pittsburgh
At New England
New York Jets
Dallas
BYE
Baltimore
At New York Jets
Cincinnati
At Miami
New England
At Jacksonville
At Washington
Miami
At Cleveland
New York Giants
At Philadelphia

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 22
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
At St. Louis
Houston
At Atlanta
Tampa Bay
At New Orleans
At Arizona
BYE
Indianapolis
At Tennessee
Atlanta
At Green Bay
New Orleans
San Francisco
At Jacksonville
Seattle
Dallas
At Tampa Bay

SCORE
3-24
7-13
20-27
26-16
13-20
10-31
16-22
20-16
20-13
7-31
13-31
16-28
14-34
3-37
27-30*
44-41

BALTIMORE RAVENS
SCORE
20-27
20-13
26-23
13-27
9-7
22-3
14-19
7-38
7-21
30-33*
14-32
24-27
20-44
16-22*
6-27
27-21

BUFFALO BILLS
SPREAD
(+3)
(+10)
(+16.5)
(+3.5)
(+11)

SCORE
14-15
3-26
7-38
17-14
24-25

(+3)
(+3)
(+1)
(-2.5)
(+15.5)
(+9)
(+6.5)
(-7)
(+4.5)
(+2.5)
(+9)

19-14
13-3
33-21
13-10
10-56
14-36
17-16
38-17
0-8
21-38
9-17

CAROLINA PANTHERS
SPREAD
(+1.5)
(-6.5)
(-4)
(-3)
(+3.5)
(+6)

SCORE
27-13
21-34
27-20
7-20
16-13
25-10

(+7)
(+5.5)
(-3.5)
(+10)
(+3)
(-3)
(+11)
(+7)
(+10.5)
(-3)

7-31
7-20
13-20
17-31
6-31
31-14
6-37
13-10
13-20
31-23

CHICAGO BEARS
D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 6
Dec. 17
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
At San Diego
(+6.5)
Kansas City
(-11.5)
Dallas
(-3)
At Detroit
(-2.5)
At Green Bay
(+3)
Minnesota
(-4)
At Philadelphia
(+6)
Detroit
(-6)
BYE
At Oakland
(-3.5)
At Seattle
(+6)
Denver
(-1)
New York Giants
(+1)
At Washington
(+3)
At Minnesota
(+10.5)
Green Bay
(+8)
New Orleans
(-1)
* OVERTIME

SCORE
3-14
20-10
10-34
27-37
27-20
31-34
19-16
7-16
17-6
23-30
37-34*
16-21
16-24
13-20
35-7
33-25

CINCINNATI BENGALS
D AT E
Sept. 10
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Oct. 1
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2

OPPONENT
Baltimore
At Cleveland
At Seattle
New England
BYE
At Kansas City
New York Jets
Pittsburgh
At Buffalo
At Baltimore
Arizona
Tennessee
At Pittsburgh

SPREAD
(-2.5)
(-7)
(+3.5)
(+7.5)

SCORE
27-20
45-51
21-24
13-34

(-2.5)
(-6.5)
(+4)
(-1)
(+3.5)
(-3)
(0)
(+7)

20-27
38-31
13-24
21-33
21-7
27-35
35-6
10-24

Dec. 9
Dec. 15
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

St. Louis
At San Francisco
Cleveland
At Miami

(-10)
(-8)
(+3)
(-2.5)

19-10
13-20
19-14
38-25

CLEVELAND BROWNS
D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
Pittsburgh
(+4.5)
Cincinnati
(+7)
At Oakland
(+3)
Baltimore
(+3.5)
At New England
(+15.5)
Miami
(-4)
BYE
At St. Louis
(-3)
Seattle
(-1)
At Pittsburgh
(+10)
At Baltimore
(-1.5)
Houston
(-3.5)
At Arizona
(+1)
At New York Jets
(-3)
Buffalo
(-4.5)
At Cincinnati
(-3)
San Francisco
(-11.5)
* OVERTIME

SCORE
7-34
51-45
24-26
27-13
17-34
41-31
27-20
33-30*
28-31
33-30*
27-17
21-27
24-18
8-0
14-19
20-7

DALLAS COWBOYS
D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 8
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 22
Nov. 29
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 22
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
New York Giants
(-6)
At Miami
(-3.5)
At Chicago
(+3)
St. Louis
(-13)
At Buffalo
(-11)
New England
(+5)
Minnesota
(-9.5)
BYE
At Philadelphia
(-3)
At New York Giants
(-1.5)
Washington
(-11)
New York Jets
(-14.5)
Green Bay
(-7)
At Detroit
(-10)
Philadelphia
(-10)
At Carolina
(-10.5)
At Washington
(+9)

SCORE
45-35
37-20
34-10
35-7
25-24
27-48
24-14
38-17
31-20
28-23
34-3
37-27
28-27
6-10
20-13
6-27

POSTSEASON

Jan. 13

New York Giants

(-7)

17-21

OPPONENT
SPREAD
At Buffalo
(-3)
Oakland
(-9.5)
Jacksonville
(-3.5)
At Indianapolis
(+10)
San Diego
(+1)
BYE
Pittsburgh
(+3.5)
Green Bay
(-3)
At Detroit
(+3)
At Kansas City
(+3)
Tennessee
(-1)
At Chicago
(+1)
At Oakland
(-3.5)
Kansas City
(-7)
At Houston
(-2.5)
At San Diego
(+9)
Minnesota
(+3)
* OVERTIME

SCORE
15-14
23-20*
14-23
20-38
3-41

DENVER BRONCOS
D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 29
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 19
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 13
Dec. 24
Dec. 30

31-28
13-19*
7-44
27-11
34-20
34-37*
20-34
41-7
13-31
3-23
22-19*

DETROIT LIONS
D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 22
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
At Oakland
(+2.5)
Minnesota
(-3)
At Philadelphia
(+5)
Chicago
(+2.5)
At Washington
(+4)
BYE
Tampa Bay
(-2.5)
At Chicago
(+6)
Denver
(-3)
At Arizona
(+2.5)
New York Giants
(+3)
Green Bay
(+3)
At Minnesota
(+5.5)
Dallas
(+10)
At San Diego
(+9.5)
Kansas City
(-6)
At Green Bay
(+3.5)
* OVERTIME

SCORE
36-21
20-17*
21-56
37-27
3-34

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 29
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 22
Nov. 29
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
Philadelphia
(+3)
At New York Giants
(+3)
San Diego
(+5.5)
At Minnesota
(-1)
Chicago
(-3)
Washington
(-3)
BYE
At Denver
(+3)
At Kansas City
(+2.5)
Minnesota
(-5.5)
Carolina
(-10)
At Detroit
(-3)
At Dallas
(+7)
Oakland
(-10)
At St. Louis
(-7)
At Chicago
(-8)
Detroit
(-3.5)

SCORE
16-13
35-13
31-24
23-16
20-27
17-14

Seattle
(-7.5)
New York Giants
(-8)
* OVERTIME

42-20
20-23*

23-16
16-7
44-7
21-31
10-16
26-37
10-42
27-28
14-51
25-20
13-34

GREEN BAY PACKERS

19-13*
33-22
34-0
31-17
37-26
27-37
38-7
33-14
7-35
34-13

POSTSEASON

Jan. 12
Jan. 20

HOUSTON TEXANS
D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 13
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
Kansas City
At Carolina
Indianapolis
At Atlanta
Miami
At Jacksonville
Tennessee
At San Diego
At Oakland
BYE
New Orleans
At Cleveland
At Tennessee
Tampa Bay
Denver
At Indianapolis
Jacksonville

D AT E
Sept. 6

OPPONENT
New Orleans

SPREAD
(-3)
(+6.5)
(+6.5)
(-2.5)
(-4.5)
(+6.5)
(-2)
(+9.5)
(+3)

SCORE
20-3
34-21
24-30
16-26
22-19
17-37
36-38
10-35
24-17

(-1.5)
(+3.5)
(+3.5)
(+3)
(+2.5)
(+6.5)
(-7)

23-10
17-27
20-28
28-14
31-13
15-38
42-28

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
SPREAD
(-5.5)

SCORE
41-10

Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 22
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 22
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

At Tennessee
At Houston
Denver
Tampa Bay
BYE
At Jacksonville
At Carolina
New England
At San Diego
Kansas City
At Atlanta
Jacksonville
At Baltimore
At Oakland
Houston
Tennessee

(-7)
(-6.5)
(-10)
(-9)

22-20
30-24
38-20
33-14

(-3)
(-7)
(+5)
(-3.5)
(-14.5)
(-12.5)
(-7)
(-9)
(-9.5)
(-6.5)
(+4)

29-7
31-7
20-24
21-23
13-10
31-13
28-25
44-20
21-14
38-15
10-16

Jan. 13

San Diego

(-11)

24-28

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 22
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
Tennessee
Atlanta
At Denver
BYE
At Kansas City
Houston
Indianapolis
At Tampa Bay
At New Orleans
At Tennessee
San Diego
Buffalo
At Indianapolis
Carolina
At Pittsburgh
Oakland
At Houston

SPREAD
(-8)
(-10)
(+3.5)

SCORE
10-13
13-7
23-14

(-2)
(-6.5)
(+3)
(+3.5)
(+3.5)
(+4.5)
(-3)
(-9)
(+7)
(-11)
(+3)
(-14)
(+7)

17-7
37-17
7-29
24-23
24-41
28-13
24-17
36-14
25-28
37-6
29-22
49-11
28-42

Jan. 5
Jan. 12

At Pittsburgh
At New England

(+3)
(+13.5)

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
At Houston
(+3)
At Chicago
(+11.5)
Minnesota
(-3)
At San Diego
(+11.5)
Jacksonville
(+2)
Cincinnati
(+2.5)
At Oakland
(+2.5)
BYE
Green Bay
(-2.5)
Denver
(-3)
At Indianapolis
(+14.5)
Oakland
(-4)
San Diego
(+6)
At Denver
(+7)
Tennessee
(+3.5)
At Detroit
(+6)
At New York Jets
(+4.5)
* OVERTIME

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 26
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
At Washington
(+3)
Dallas
(+3.5)
At New York Jets
(+3)
Oakland
(-3.5)
At Houston
(+4.5)
At Cleveland
(+4)
New England
(+15.5)
New York Giants
(+10)
BYE
Buffalo
(+2.5)
At Philadelphia
(+9.5)
At Pittsburgh
(+15.5)
New York Jets
(-2)
At Buffalo
(+7)
Baltimore
(+3.5)
At New England
(+22)
Cincinnati
(+2.5)
* OVERTIME

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 17
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
Atlanta
(-3)
At Detroit
(+3)
At Kansas City
(+3)
Green Bay
(+1)
BYE
At Chicago
(+4)
At Dallas
(+9.5)
Philadelphia
(0)
San Diego
(+7)
At Green Bay
(+5.5)
Oakland
(-4.5)
At New York Giants
(+7)
Detroit
(-5.5)
At San Francisco
(-8)
Chicago
(-10.5)
Washington
(-6)
At Denver
(-3)
* OVERTIME

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Oct. 1
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 3
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 29

OPPONENT
SPREAD
At New York Jets
(-6)
San Diego
(-3.5)
Buffalo
(-16.5)
At Cincinnati
(-7.5)
Cleveland
(-15.5)
At Dallas
(-5)
At Miami
(-15.5)
Washington
(-14.5)
At Indianapolis
(-5)
BYE
At Buffalo
(-15.5)
Philadelphia
(-24)
At Baltimore
(-19)
Pittsburgh
(-10.5)
New York Jets
(-20.5)
Miami
(-22)
At New York Giants
(-13.5)

POSTSEASON

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

POSTSEASON

31-29
20-31

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS


SCORE
3-20
10-20
13-10
30-16
7-17
27-20
12-10
22-33
11-27
10-13
17-20
10-24
7-41
17-26
20-25
10-13*

MIAMI DOLPHINS
SCORE
13-16*
20-37
28-31
17-35
19-22
31-41
28-49
10-13
10-13
7-17
0-3
13-40
17-38
22-16*
7-28
25-38

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
SCORE
24-3
17-20*
10-13
16-23
34-31
14-24
16-23
35-17
0-34
29-22
41-17
42-10
27-7
20-13
21-32
19-22*

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS


SCORE
38-14
38-14
38-7
34-13
34-17
48-27
49-28
52-7
24-20
56-10
31-28
27-24
34-13
20-10
28-7
38-35

POSTSEASON

Jan. 12
Jan. 20
Feb. 3

Jacksonville
San Diego
New York Giants

D AT E
Sept. 6
Sept. 16
Sept. 24
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28

OPPONENT
At Indianapolis
At Tampa Bay
Tennessee
BYE
Carolina
At Seattle
Atlanta
At San Francisco

(-13.5)
(-14)
(-12)

31-20
21-12
14-17

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS


SPREAD
(+5.5)
(-5)
(-4.5)

SCORE
10-41
14-31
14-31

(-3.5)
(+6)
(-9)
(-2)

13-16
28-17
22-16
31-10

Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 10
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

Jacksonville
St. Louis
At Houston
At Carolina
Tampa Bay
At Atlanta
Arizona
Philadelphia
At Chicago

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 15
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 29

OPPONENT
At Dallas
Green Bay
At Washington
Philadelphia
New York Jets
At Atlanta
San Francisco
At Miami
BYE
Dallas
At Detroit
Minnesota
At Chicago
At Philadelphia
Washington
At Buffalo
New England

(-3.5)
(-10.5)
(+1.5)
(-3)
(-6)
(-4)
(-4)
(-3)
(+1)

41-24
29-37
10-23
31-6
23-27
34-14
31-24
23-38
25-33

NEW YORK GIANTS


SPREAD
(+6)
(-3)
(+3.5)
(+3)
(-3.5)
(-5.5)
(-9.5)
(-10)

SCORE
35-45
13-35
24-17
16-3
35-24
31-10
33-15
13-10

(+1.5)
(-3)
(-7)
(-1)
(+3)
(-6)
(-2.5)
(+13.5)

20-31
16-10
17-41
21-16
16-13
10-22
38-21
35-38

POSTSEASON

Jan. 6
Jan. 13
Jan. 20
Feb. 3

At Tampa Bay
At Dallas
At Green Bay
New England

(+3)
(+7)
(+8)
(+12)

24-14
21-17
23-20*
17-14

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 22
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
New England
(+6)
At Baltimore
(+9.5)
Miami
(-3)
At Buffalo
(-3.5)
At New York Giants
(+3.5)
Philadelphia
(+4)
At Cincinnati
(+6.5)
Buffalo
(-3)
Washington
(+3.5)
BYE
Pittsburgh
(+9)
At Dallas
(+14.5)
At Miami
(+2)
Cleveland
(+3)
At New England
(+20.5)
At Tennessee
(+8)
Kansas City
(-4.5)
* OVERTIME

SCORE
14-38
13-20
31-28
14-17
24-35
9-16
31-38
3-13
20-23*

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
Detroit
(-2.5)
At Denver
(+9.5)
Cleveland
(-3)
At Miami
(+3.5)
BYE
At San Diego
(+9.5)
Kansas City
(-2.5)
At Tennessee
(+7)
Houston
(-3)
Chicago
(+3.5)
At Minnesota
(+4.5)
At Kansas City
(+4)
Denver
(+3.5)
At Green Bay
(+10)
Indianapolis
(+9.5)
At Jacksonville
(+14)
San Diego
(+9)
* OVERTIME

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 17
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
At Green Bay
(-3)
Washington
(-6.5)
Detroit
(-5)
At New York Giants
(-3)
BYE
At New York Jets
(-4)
Chicago
(-6)
At Minnesota
(0)
Dallas
(+3)
At Washington
(+3)
Miami
(-9.5)
At New England
(+24)
Seattle
(-3)
New York Giants
(-3)
At Dallas
(+10)
At New Orleans
(+3)
Buffalo
(-9)

NEW YORK JETS

19-16*
3-34
40-13
18-24
10-20
6-10
13-10*

OAKLAND RAIDERS
SCORE
21-36
20-23*
26-24
35-17
14-28
10-12
9-13
17-24
6-17
22-29
20-17
34-20
7-38
14-21
11-49
17-30

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
SCORE
13-16
12-20
56-21
3-16
16-9
16-19
23-16
17-38
33-25
17-7
28-31
24-28
13-16
10-6
38-23
17-9

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 5
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 26
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 20
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
At Cleveland
Buffalo
San Francisco
At Arizona
Seattle
BYE
At Denver
At Cincinnati
Baltimore
Cleveland
At New York Jets
Miami
Cincinnati
At New England
Jacksonville
At St. Louis
At Baltimore

SPREAD
(-4.5)
(-10)
(-10)
(-6)
(-5)

SCORE
34-7
26-3
37-16
14-21
21-0

(-3.5)
(-4)
(-9)
(-10)
(-9)
(-15.5)
(-7)
(+10.5)
(-3)
(-8)
(-3)

28-31
24-13
38-7
31-28
16-19*
3-0
24-10
13-34
22-29
41-24
21-27

Dec. 30

At Arizona

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 24
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
Chicago
At New England
At Green Bay
Kansas City
At Denver
Oakland
BYE
Houston
At Minnesota
Indianapolis
At Jacksonville
Baltimore
At Kansas City
At Tennessee
Detroit
Denver
At Oakland

Jacksonville
* OVERTIME

(-3)

OPPONENT
Carolina
San Francisco
At Tampa Bay
At Dallas
Arizona
At Baltimore
At Seattle
Cleveland
BYE
At New Orleans
At San Francisco
Seattle
Atlanta
At Cincinnati
Green Bay
Pittsburgh

SPREAD
(-1.5)
(-3)
(+3.5)
(+13)
(+3.5)
(+9)
(+9)
(+3)

SCORE
13-27
16-17
3-24
7-35
31-34
3-22
6-33
20-27

(+10.5)
(-3)
(+3)
(-3)
(+10)
(+7)
(+8)

37-29
13-9
19-24
28-16
10-19
14-33
24-41

SPREAD
(-6.5)
(+3.5)
(-5.5)
(-11.5)
(-1)
(-9.5)

SCORE
14-3
14-38
24-31
16-30
41-3
28-14

(-9.5)
(-7)
(+3.5)
(+3)
(-9)
(-6)
(-1.5)
(-9.5)
(-9)
(-9)

35-10
17-35
23-21
17-24
32-14
24-10
23-17*
51-14
23-3
30-17

POSTSEASON

Jan. 6
Jan. 13
Jan. 20

Tennessee
(-10.5)
At Indianapolis
(+11)
At New England
(+14)
* OVERTIME

D AT E
Sept. 10
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 12
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 15
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
Arizona
(-3.5)
At St. Louis
(+3)
At Pittsburgh
(+10)
Seattle
(+2)
Baltimore
(+3.5)
BYE
At New York Giants
(+9.5)
New Orleans
(+2)
At Atlanta
(+3)
At Seattle
(+9)
St. Louis
(+3)
At Arizona
(+10)
At Carolina
(+3)
Minnesota
(+8)
Cincinnati
(+8)
Tampa Bay
(+6)
At Cleveland
(+11.5)
* OVERTIME

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 12
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
Tampa Bay
At Arizona
Cincinnati
At San Francisco
At Pittsburgh
New Orleans
St. Louis
BYE
At Cleveland
San Francisco
Chicago
At St. Louis
At Philadelphia
Arizona
At Carolina
Baltimore
At Atlanta

17-6
28-24
12-21

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS


SCORE
20-17
17-16
16-37
3-23
7-9
15-33
10-31
16-20
0-24
9-13
37-31*
14-31
7-27
20-13
21-19
7-20

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
SPREAD
(-6)
(-3)
(-3.5)
(-2)
(+5)
(-6)
(-9)

SCORE
20-6
20-23
24-21
23-3
0-21
17-28
33-6

(+1)
(-9)
(-6)
(-3)
(+3)
(-7)
(-7)
(-12.5)
(-2)

30-33*
24-0
30-23
24-19
28-24
42-21
10-13
27-6
41-44

POSTSEASON

Jan. 5
Jan. 12

Washington
(-3.5)
At Green Bay
(+7.5)
* OVERTIME

35-14
20-42

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS


D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
At Seattle
New Orleans
St. Louis
At Carolina
At Indianapolis
Tennessee
At Detroit
Jacksonville
Arizona
BYE
At Atlanta
Washington
At New Orleans
At Houston
Atlanta
At San Francisco
Carolina

SPREAD
(+6)
(+5)
(-3.5)
(+3)
(+9)
(-2.5)
(+2.5)
(-3.5)
(-3.5)

SCORE
6-20
31-14
24-3
20-7
14-33
13-10
16-23
23-24
17-10

(-3)
(-3.5)
(+6)
(-3)
(-12.5)
(-6)
(+3)

31-7
19-13
27-23
14-28
37-3
19-21
23-31

New York Giants

(-3)

14-24

SPREAD
(+8)
(+7)
(+4.5)

SCORE
13-10
20-22
31-14

(-7.5)
(+2.5)
(+2)
(-7)
(-5.5)
(-4.5)
(+1)
(0)
(-3.5)
(+1.5)
(-3.5)
(-8)
(-4)

20-13
10-13
38-36
13-9
20-7
13-28
20-34
6-35
28-20
17-23*
26-17
10-6
16-10

POSTSEASON

Jan. 6

TENNESSEE TITANS
D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 24
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 19
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
At Jacksonville
Indianapolis
At New Orleans
BYE
Atlanta
At Tampa Bay
At Houston
Oakland
Carolina
Jacksonville
At Denver
At Cincinnati
Houston
San Diego
At Kansas City
New York Jets
At Indianapolis

POSTSEASON

Jan. 6

At San Diego
(+10.5)
* OVERTIME

D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 17
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 6
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30

OPPONENT
SPREAD
Miami
(-3)
At Philadelphia
(+6.5)
New York Giants
(-3.5)
BYE
Detroit
(-4)
At Green Bay
(+3)
Arizona
(-8.5)
At New England
(+14.5)
At New York Jets
(-3.5)
Philadelphia
(-3)
At Dallas
(+11)
At Tampa Bay
(+3.5)
Buffalo
(-6.5)
Chicago
(-3)
At New York Giants
(+6)
At Minnesota
(+6)
Dallas
(-9)

6-17

SCORE
16-13*
20-12
17-24

At Seattle
(+3.5)
* OVERTIME

14-35

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

29-31

ST. LOUIS RAMS


D AT E
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 20

19-48

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

POSTSEASON

Jan. 5

(+6)

34-3
14-17
21-19
7-52
23-20*
25-33
23-28
13-19
16-17
24-16
22-10
32-21
27-6

POSTSEASON

Jan. 5

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

25

UNEVEN WEEK:

Some good (Coughlin), some bad (Spygate) from XLII

JERRY MAGEE

LENDALE, Ariz. I keep thinking


of the scene in the motion picture,
The Caine Mutiny, where
Humphrey Bogart is being interrogated. As he continues to persist in his lies, in
one of his hands he begins to revolve
some metal balls together and their click,
click betrays him for what he is.
Would that Bill Belichick have to experience grilling of the sort that Bogie, in the
role of Captain Queeg, was subjected?
Belichick is too much in control to permit
a nervous habit to do him in, as it did
Bogie in the movie, but for once I would
like to see Belichick squirm just a little.
I say this because there seems no end to
it, this Spygate business. As Watergate
did, it is coming to us drip by drip. On the
eve of Super Bowl XLII, the Boston Herald, without identifying its source, published a report that the New England Patriots had clandestinely taped the St. Louis
Rams concluding walk-through before
Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans.
The Rams were walking through what
they planned to do in the red zone. Being
aware of that would have represented a
tremendous advantage to the Patriots.
They won the game 20-17.
The New England club has denied any
guilt in the New Orleans matter, but that
the accusations should deal with an incident six years ago was a measure of the

possible depth of the Patriots actions. We


are, you might be sure, going to hear a
good deal more concerning this Spygate
matter.
In his major news conference at the
Super Bowl site, commissioner Roger
Goodell said that the NFL has not been
tainted by the wrongdoing of the Patriots
and Belichick. Excuse me? The blot could
not be more apparrent, and it could be
spreading.
Goodell, I might note, otherwise came
off nicely at this event. In his news conference, he addressed 38 questions, by one
count, and never slurred a word. He projected a far more favorable image than
Paul Tagliabue, his predecessor, ever did.
But he lost me on that taint matter and on
why he chose to destroy the tapes that had
come into the leagues possession.
Goodells rationale was that the tapes no
longer served any purpose and that by
destroying them, he would be aware that
any other tapes of this sort that would surface would have been improperly made.
Sounded fishy to me. Destroying evidence
is not a good idea.
As for XLII, it was a hell of a football
game for 15 minutes. Through the first
45 minutes, it was pretty humdrum. A
game that is 7-3 after three quarters cant
be all that enthralling. At that point, it
occurred to me that the occasion would

have been better served had they been able


to swap this game with that 38-35 one the
teams offered in the Meadowlands on Dec.
29.
Football games, however, are remembered for how they finish. The ColtsGiants game of 1958 wasnt much, either,
until it went into overtime. When it did,
when Alan Ameche got into the endzone
for a 23-17 Colts victory, the NFL had
secured a position in televisions firmament. But the game was redeemed by a
small part of it, just as was Giants 17,
Patriots 14.
They gave the MVP trophy to Eli Manning. It just as well could have gone to
David Tyree, who scored one touchdown
and positioned the Giants to win with that
wondrous catch of his, but the figures
who stick most vividly in my mind are
Steve Spagnuolo and Tom Coughlin.
Spagnuolo, Coughlins defensive coordinator, seemed to emit an energy field in
the period before the game. The Redskins
are understood to be considering Spagnuolo as their head coach. They would be
wise to do so.
Spagnuolo came up with a way to control Tom Brady. He had his defenders
coming at the New England quarterback
not off the edges but frontally. Brady was
sacked to the ground five times. Spagnuolo was thinking with the quarterback.

When Brady would adjust to one Spagnuolo move, Spagnuolo would introduce
another. It was coaching mastery.
Coughlin not only won, but he made
some friends, including me. During the
week, Michael Strahan had identified this
as the first year Coughlin could have pronounced fun or enjoyment. In one of
Coughlins dialogues, I invited the coach
to say fun. He did. He almost smiled.
The best thing Coughlin did, in my
thinking, was act to disabuse his athletes
of the notion that we know them.
Coughlin wanted his guys to forget 38-35,
to approach the game as if they were playing it against strangers.
Phoenix, sadly, was a disappointment.
This was my 40th Super Bowl and it was
the most joyless one I have experienced.
There was no gaiety. Barricades cordoned
off the downtown streets. The Super Bowl
should be a celebration, but this one had
the feel of a national emergency. Walking
around through the week preceding the
kickoff, the only persons I would
encounter would be other representatives
of the media. Great persons, but I was
hoping for something more.
Jerry Magee has covered pro football
for the San Diego Union-Tribune since
1961 and for PFW since its inception in
1967.

IMPERFECT PERFECTION:

Patriots loss shows they lost what had made them great

RON BORGES

LENDALE, Ariz. The Patriots learned on Super


Bowl Sunday what they seemed to have forgotten
dont get ahead of yourself.
Dont plan a victory parade before the victory.
Dont have your lawyers filing papers two weeks before the
Super Bowl to trademark 19-0 and 19-0 The Perfect
Season before you actually are 19-0 and have concluded a
perfect season. Dont pile on inferior opponents until you
have humiliated them because, one day, you may find yourself on the wrong end of such a humiliation. And dont forget what made you great was that you never acted like you
thought you were great.
The franchise that once seemed to define the idea of selflessness, humility and class somehow seemed to have lost
its way on the road to perfection this year and the result
was that the nation began to hate them. Of the 97 million
people who watched Super Bowl XLII, its safe to say most
were rooting for the underdog Giants to do just what they
did, which was to slap around the Patriots by beating them
down on the field and up on the scoreboard.
The Giants 17-14 victory was an eerie role reversal that
echoed the start of the Patriots Super Bowl run when they
upset a brilliant passing team not unlike what they had
become in Super Bowl XXXVI. That night, the Patriots
upset the 14-point favorite Rams. Six Super Bowls later,
what went around came around and they were undressed by
a 12-point underdog few believed could keep the game
close.
That loss proved once again that nobodys perfect, except
the 1972 Dolphins. It ended the debate that the Patriots
might be the greatest NFL team or dynasty of all-time. New
England won three Super Bowls in seven years. The Steelers and 49ers won four but, more importantly for dynasty
purposes, didnt lose any. At 3-1, you cant call yourself
better than someone whos 4-0. And at 18-1, you cant call
yourself better than someone who went 17-0. You can, I

suppose, but what do you trademark then, 18-1, Cause


We Didnt Get It Done?
For the first time since the reign of the Patriots began,
everyone got ahead of themselves. That included beleaguered head coach Bill Belichick, who wandered out onto
the field at University of Phoenix Stadium one second too
soon to exchange handshakes with his old friend, Tom
Coughlin, after the Giants had stopped the Patriots on
fourth down.
The game was over but one second remained on the
clock. The rules state that if there is time left on a dead ball
or change of possession a final play must be run, even if it
is meaningless. Belichick ignored the rules, which is apparently not a first for him.
When he realized what he had done, as the game officials
tried to restore order and get the teams lined up for what
everyone knew would be a kneel-down by Giants QB Eli
Manning, Belichick turned and stalked off the field, pushing a referee aside as he fled the scene. Maybe those officials hadnt heard, but the rules dont apply to Bill
Belichick. Apparently, neither do the traditions of a game
he professes to love. A coach does not abandon his team
before the final gun. But he did.
Character, or lack of it, is often revealed most clearly by
how one reacts to defeat. Certainly, this was a bitter defeat,
the depths of which cannot really be understood by anyone
but the people that experienced it. Weeks ago owner Robert
Kraft, speaking like the fan he used to be, said if they did
not win the Super Bowl the year would be a failure. If its a
failure to go 18-1 and lose the Super Bowl in the final 35
seconds, then what sports is supposed to be all about needs
to be redefined.
The Patriots season might have ended in defeat, but it
was no failure. What happened on Super Sunday was that
one gallant team was beaten, barely, by another. The Giants
did what Belichick had so often said his team had done.

They made a few more plays. Not many, but enough to win.
So be it.
As for the not-quite-perfect Patriots, all that happened
to them was that they lost the last game of the season.
They didnt lose the ultimate game because as Duane
Thomas once said, Then why are they playing it next
year? All that happened was, in stirring fashion, one of
the greatest teams ever assembled was beaten by an
underdog that believed fiercely in itself and executed that
way. In this case, they executed the Patriots to prove their
point.
Yes, the peerless Patriots lost the biggest game of the
season, but they struggled and fought and gave football fans
no end of thrills and excitement right to the final second.
They were not perfect in the end but maybe that was a
reminder we all could use.
Perfect? Who is?
The Patriots lost in the Arizona desert because the Giants
played better than they did. Not a lot better. Just enough
better to leave with a big trophy and big ups from the football world. Thats all that happened. It doesnt mean New
England hadnt assembled one of the greatest teams to ever
play the game. Thats what the 19-0 Patriots would have
been and its what the 18-1 Patriots are. Maybe not as great
as some of them thought they were but great enough to be
admired.
Just because you dont win the last game doesnt mean
all the games that preceded it are meaningless. It doesnt
mean your season is a failure or you are failures just
because someone else made a few more plays than you did.
People who come to that kind of conclusion need help, and
not from a football team.
Longtime Boston Globe football columnist Ron Borges
now writes for Pro Football Weekly, ESPN.com, HBO.com
and on his own Web site, ronborges.com.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

26

http://www.profootballweekly.com

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

SUPER FOX:

Network puts on good show in stunning Super Bowl upset

BARRY JACKSON

RADIO-TV

houghts on Super Bowl TV coverage:


Fox presented an epic Super
Bowl with a thoroughly professional,
credible broadcast that like the
game got better as it went along.
Even as tension built, there was no
breathlessness or hyperbole from play-byplay man Joe Buck, who deftly described
the final minutes.
Buck didnt make any glaring errors, and
smartly suggested the Patriots might throw
deep down the middle to TE Ben Watson.
Within a minute after that, New England did
just that, and the Giants committed a penalty against Watson in the endzone.
Buck often failed to identify who made
the tackle or who was defending on pass
plays in the first half. And early in the
game, Buck left us hanging by saying, Two
players down for the Patriots, but not identifying them before a commercial break.
But Buck became more detailed in his
call in the second half and did his best work
in the games defining moments.
Several times, Fox analyst Troy Aikman noticed what viewers might have
missed, or couldnt see before replays. On
an incomplete deep pass to Giants WR
Plaxico Burress, Aikman noted WR Amani
Toomer was open and would have gained 18
yards or so. He observed that before Giants
WLB Kawika Mitchells sack against Patriots QB Tom Brady, Mitchell faked as if he
planned to drop into pass coverage, fooling
Brady.
Aikman adeptly explained how the Giants

used blitzes to harass Brady and how they


werent challenging Patriots WR Wes Welker enough at the line of scrimmage, and
alertly noted the Giants decided to doubleteam Welker instead of Randy Moss on
Moss late touchdown.
Aikman asserted that just because Moss
was being double-covered earlier, the Patriots couldnt use that as an excuse for not
getting him the ball for most of the game
because other opponents had used that strategy. They can find ways to get him the
ball, Aikman said. But he should have elaborated.
Unlike CBS, Fox doesnt superimpose
stats for quarterbacks after passing plays or
running backs after rushing attempts. Fox
could have done a better job updating stats
for the playmakers.
But Fox scored with several superslow-motion replays, including David
Tyrees remarkable catch late in the game,
and a couple of timely replays of Peyton
Mannings reactions to plays by brother
Eli.
At times, it was difficult to distinguish
Foxs pregame show from something you
might see on E! Network. Eager to appeal
to a wider audience, Fox promised more
entertainment and less hardcore football
talk.
And the imbalance was particularly striking from 3:30 to 5:10 p.m. EST, when entertainment segments dominated, and scantily
clad weathercaster Jillian Reynolds felt
compelled to ask Victoria Secret models

what makes NFL players sexy.


In Foxs defense, the musical performances, comedy bits from Frank Caliendo
and a segment on the production of Super
Bowl commercials added pizzazz and flavor
to the four-hour pregame. But Ryan
Seacrests red carpet interviews offered few
amusing or entertaining moments, and generally became a tedious exercise of asking
celebs for predictions.
How historical would it be if the Patriots
win? was the best question Seacrest could
offer commissioner Roger Goodell. (Pretty
darn historical, Im guessing.) Seacrest
oddly opted to close that interview with
thanks, man.
Biggest-name guests on the red carpet:
John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Nick
Lachey and Paula Abdul.
Fox continued to show little respect for
the 1972 Dolphins. The Steelers, 49ers,
Cowboys and Bears were actually better
teams, Jimmy Johnson said.
And Terry Bradshaw took issue with
some 72 Dolphins openly hoping to remain
the only unbeaten NFL team in history.
You shouldnt be so selfish about it,
Bradshaw said. I want to shut that bunch
up.
After Johnson suggested it wouldnt
have helped the Patriots if they indeed taped
the Rams walk-through the day before the
2002 Super Bowl (as the Boston Herald
reported), Fox host Curt Menefee said to
Johnson: You and Bill Belichick are
(friends). Youre not just covering for him?

Johnson obviously said no.


Dumbest pregame segment: Fox having
New York and Boston sports fans insult each
others cities during a staged argument on a
neighborhood street.
Most ridiculous comment of Super
Bowl week: After Burress predicted a 23-17
New York win, ESPNs Emmitt Smith said,
His prediction will get him double coverage. Burress got doubled a lot, but not
because of what he said. (Smith said after
the game that The Patriots strength got
debacled. Ugh.)
Best question of the week: NFL Networks Rich Eisen, on players taping media
day with video cameras: Who would want
to watch THAT again?
Media at its intrusive worst: To the New
York Post, which not only joined other
paparazzi by camping out in front of Bradys
apartment the week after the conference
championships, but also called doctors
offices in the Manhattan building that Brady
visited. After dialing up a podiatrist and a
chiropractor, the Post called a hair-restoration
treatment center, asked if Brady was there,
got a no comment and reported it, because,
apparently, the public absolutely must know.
Foxs bonus Super Bowl viewing facts:
13 percent of adults hold Super Bowl parties; 15 percent order take-out on game day;
and antacid sales rise 25 percent the day
after the game.
Barry Jackson covers sports broadcasting
for the Miami Herald.

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FEBRUARY 24, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

27

Trojan
horses

Sedrick
Ellis

USCS BANNER
SENIOR BOWL GROUP
LED BY STANDOUTS
ELLIS, RIVERS
By

Keith
Rivers

ERIC EDHOLM
ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SENIOR BOWL

ith the Academy Awards right around


the corner, perhaps its only fitting
that Pro Football Weekly hands out its
hardware for the best Senior Bowl
performances. Two of the big winners, naturally, are from close to Tinseltown.
For Most Impressive Physique, the award goes to LB Keith
Rivers.
And for Best All-Around Player, there was little debate that

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SCOUTING REPORTS ON OVER 350 PLAYERS
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AN EARLY MOCK DRAFT; UPDATED HEIGHTS,
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AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

SENIOR BOWL

goes to DT Sedrick Ellis.


Of course, with these two standout defenders, substance trumps style almost every time. Since 2005,
when Rivers and Ellis entered the Trojans starting lineup, the team went an amazing 34-5 with two Rose Bowl victories playing under former NFL head coach Pete Carroll.
But its not as if Rivers and Ellis didnt arrive in Mobile, Ala.,
without some question marks as they tried to show NFL people
(Continued on Page 28)

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

28

Senior Bowl

(Continued from Page 27)

sidered as top-10 selections in the 2008


NFL draft tended to stay away from the
game this year, but Ellis said coming to
Mobile to prove himself was a no-brainer.
I spoke to Coach Carroll and the rest of
the staff at USC, and they all thought it
would be a good idea if I came here, Ellis
told PFW. I wanted to stand out and show
my talent playing against a group of AllAmericans. It made a lot of sense for me to
come here.
Three of the five interior linemen on the
North squad that PFW polled during Senior
Bowl week said that Ellis was the most
dominant guy they faced. The
other two didnt name anyone.
Hes pretty awesome, said
Oregon State OG Roy Schuening, who faced Ellis each of the
past two years in college.
Great hands, so strong he
has it all.
The USC defensive scheme often asked
the linemen to hold the point of attack so
that the linebackers could flow freely and
make the plays. Despite that, Ellis made
2812 tackles for loss the past three seasons
a high total for a nose tackle.
I feel like I held the point well in college and have been able to do that (in
Mobile), too, Ellis said. If thats what a
team wants me to do, I can do that. If they
want me to rush the passer and get after it,
Ill do that.
Ellis said he knows that playing the nose
often entails a lot of the dirty work and is a
spot that rarely gets the glory, but he has the
ability to be more than just an inside plugger.
One of the things I really wanted to display was my playmaking ability, Ellis said

how good they were.


THE NOSE KNOWS
Ellis was dressed with awards coming out
of Chino (Calif.) High School, and after
redshirting in 2003 and backing up current
Eagles NT Mike Patterson in 04, Ellis took
over on the nose and began what would be
a tremendous career.
He established himself as one of the
Pacific-10s, and eventually one
of the nations, best interior
linemen. But not considered tall
at 6-foot-1 and playing much of
his college career below 300
pounds, Ellis had to answer
questions about whether he had
the size to handle constant double-teams and the 600-plus pounds of blockers that come with NFL territory.
The fears were quickly assuaged. Ellis
showed up looking big and strong at the
Senior Bowl weigh-in, clocking in at 308
pounds, almost as wide as he was tall.
He began dominating one-on-one drills
from the moment he stepped onto the practice fields and didnt stop until the final play
of the game, when he was named North
Team Defensive MVP with two tackles, a
sack and a safety on which he blew past
overmatched Bowling Green OG Kory
Lichtensteiger and took down Kentucky QB
Andre Woodson.
(Lichtensteiger) gave me a jump step,
and I took an inside move on him, Ellis
explained.
Many other senior prospects being con-

http://www.profootballweekly.com

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

with a smile. Its nice to steal some of the


thunder from those linebackers a bit.

WILLING (AND ABLE) BACKER


Rivers came to USC having played middle linebacker at Lake Mary (Fla.) High
School and saw time right away as a freshman at USC as a backup to WLB Matt
Grootegoed and an occasional rusher at
defensive end in passing situations.
He eventually settled in at the WLB spot
and became one of the more productive
defenders on one of the more talented units
in the country. Rivers led the team in tackles as a junior and finished second as a
senior, making five tackles for loss, four
pass deflections, a team-high three fumble
recoveries and one forced fumble in 07.
For that work, he was recognized as a
Butkus Award semifinalist.
I was lucky to play with a great group of
linebackers, Rivers said of fellow 07
starters Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing,
who look like first-round picks in 2009.
My role last year was more as the leader
on the field, considering I was the oldest
guy who had been around the longest. We
all pushed each other to be great.
But NFL people worried about Rivers
lean build and whether he could work in
every defensive scheme. He passed the eyeball test immediately, appearing to be one
of the more sculpted players in Mobile, and
tipped out at a very respectable 236
pounds.
Rivers probably will remain a Will
linebacker in the pros, but he showed all
week that he can make plays all over the
field and from different spots.
In Tuesdays practice, after not filling the
gap on one run play, Rivers made up for it

by showing great athleticism in passdefense drills and was instinctive when the
coaches called run plays to mix things up.
The next day, Rivers went right around
his college teammate, RB Chauncey Washington, in pass-rushing drills and laid a
heavy hit on 195-pound Oklahoma State
RB Dantrell Savage.
The big question on me coming in was
whether I was strong enough in a phone
booth, Rivers said. But I played Sam,
Mike and Will this week and felt like I
held up in each spot. I took on whoever I
needed to on each play and thought I handled myself well.
Another question was about Rivers ankle
an injury he suffered against Cal, but one
that only caused him to miss one game.
Im going back to have it worked on some
more, Rivers said. I am about 75 or 80
percent healthy, Id say.

STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT


If you choose to go to USC, you have to
have a certain temperament. You know that
the lights shine a little brighter there than
some other places, especially after the Trojans recent run of success.
Its definitely somewhere where you can
make your mark, Rivers said. But that
means everyone is watching, nothing gets
missed. But that will help (us) prepare for
the NFL, which is even more (exposed).
I wouldnt have wanted it any other
way, Ellis added.
They shouldnt.
And following their award-worthy weeks
it might have happened in dimly lit
Mobile, but you can bet what went on there
was highly scrutinized Rivers and Ellis
can feel safe about their futures.

THE

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The 2008 Draft Preview,
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The book will be nearly 200 pages.

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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

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SENIOR BOWL

By ERIC EDHOLM AND

NOLAN NAWROCKI

SENIOR EDITORS

n asking talent evaluators to name a sure-fire


first-round OL pick who attended the Senior Bowl
in Mobile, Ala. one name comes up the most consistently: Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams.
And thats about it. Its possible that Williams
could be joined in Round One by Boston College OT
Gosder Cherilus, who impressed scouts with his enormous 1112-inch hands and flashes of nastiness, especially on the first day of practice. And other linemen,
such as USC OT Sam Baker and Newberry College OT
Heath Benedict, showed surprising toughness.
But as a class, this OL group especially after
many talented players backed out of the game the
week leading up doesnt stand up to those of years
past, especially not the banner group from 2006.
Defensive linemen namely USCs Sedrick Ellis
dominated one-on-ones all week, even though those
drills tend to favor the defensive players with the
blockers getting no help on either side as they generally would in game situations.
Several O-linemen such as Arkansas OG Robert Felton, Nebraska OT Carl Nicks and Bowling Green C
Kory Lichtensteiger made immediately bad impressions with their body types at the Sunday weigh-in,
and although Nicks had a decent week of practice, it
appears that NFL people were not overly impressed
with the OL talent on the whole.
Overall, the talent level was the worst it may have
been in the last 15 years, one personnel director said.
Consider that last year, the Senior Bowl featured
three first-round picks, and the South roster alone
ended up having five offensive linemen who were top-50
draft picks in the game.
This year, it could have only one Williams and
in a good year, he would not be a top-50 pick, the personnel director said.
Williams, though, had a strong week of practice, getting better each day. He might lack the explosion that
scouts and coaches are looking for in a tackle, especially with a first-round pick, but his athleticism, reach
and ability to play both right and left tackle make him
attractive. Questions about his desire might remain
for some, but he worked hard in practices all week.

L
BOW
IOR
SEN

Cornerback turned out to be one of the more


intriguing positions to watch during the week. With a
solid group of speed receivers and lots of one-on-one
coverage drills, the corners were tested
and they held up fairly well.
The biggest surprise of the week
was the play of Tennessee States
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (yes,
hes a cousin of Chargers CB Antonio
Cromartie), who checked in with good size
(6-2, 181) and was not overwhelmed by the
competition. In fact, he jumped right in with
a solid practice on Monday and continued
to show flashes all week. Hes projected as a
corner, and he returns punts, to boot.
I definitely felt comfortable from the first
minute, Rodgers-Cromartie said.
He continued his strong play during the game,
intercepting Delawares Joe Flacco on an under-

Notebook

thrown ball but also


registering two
more passes
defended. Some
people now believe
he can test his way
into the late first
round, but at worst
he has locked up a
spot in the first 75
picks, it appears.
There was a good
deal of buzz around
Troy CB Leodis McKelvin leading up to the
week, and for good reason. He showed he has
excellent athleticism, he
was one of the most
electric punt returners in
the nation last year
(three TDs on 22 returns)
and looks like a poor mans
Terence Newman.
But McKelvins play was
up and down all week. He
struggled to catch punts
the first day and kickoffs on
Chris
Wednesday. His play at corWilliams
ner was at times good, but
the 49ers defensive staff
namely DB coach Vance
Joseph spent time on the
side working with McKelvin and
building his confidence back up.
He also missed the game on Saturday with a hamstring injury, but theres enough promise to keep him in
the first round.
LSUs Chevis Jackson, Auburns Patrick Lee and
Indianas Tracy Porter also had fine weeks. Jackson is
the most instinctive of the bunch, and his lack of topend speed doesnt appear to be a hindrance in a cover2-heavy scheme. Lee was quiet, but he blanketed most
receivers and showed good awareness once the ball
was in the air. Porter might have helped himself a lot,
showing sticky coverage skills, but his tackling ability
might keep him out of Round One.
I still need to show I can tackle, Porter said after
Tuesdays practice. Thats what I get asked about the
most (by NFL people).
The irony is that Porter was victimized on the final
play of the game a fourth-down end-around by
Florida WR Andre Caldwell as time ran out that gave
the South the win as he tried to go for the kill shot
on Caldwell and missed, along with Colorado DB
Terrence Wheatley.
BOWL
SENIOR

OL class pales
in comparison
to years past

29

Considering that Boston Colleges Matt Ryan


and Louisvilles Brian Brohm backed out of the game
in the weeks leading up, it was an opportunity for the
games other quarterbacks to step up and answer
some questions about a recognizable
group of players but one that
remained a mixed bag in some
scouts eyes.
For the most part, the quarterbacks left a lot to be desired. If
there were winners at quarterback, they were Michigans Chad
Henne and Flacco.
Henne played much of his
senior season with injury, but
he answered questions
about his health and height
right away. He measured in
at a shade less than 6foot-3, nearly an inch
taller than scouts had
Chad
Henne
estimated early in the

fall. And he got better


throughout the week, throwing the deep ball with as
much touch and accuracy
as anyone in Mobile. He had
a particularly good practice on Wednesday, hooking up with Cal WR Lavelle
Hawkins on several
streak plays. The two
also connected on a 36yard TD pass in the
game.
I did pretty well I
thought, Henne said.
I missed some throws
in practice, but I felt
good letting it rip.
Flacco had his ups
and downs, but also
showed a strong
arm and has the
size to intrigue
teams. He was
cocksure about his
ability and almost
arrogant about
fitting with the
level of competition.
Its the best
of the best here,
Flacco said, so its good to come out
here and practice well and perform to the level I know I
am capable of.
Among those who hurt themselves were Hawaiis
Colt Brennan and Kentuckys Andre Woodson.
Brennan threw from several different arm angles
sometimes even sidearm but most often a threequarters delivery. His accuracy was bad, and scouts
left town even questioning his arm strength when he
appeared to underthrow several receivers. He came in
weighing 185 pounds (which he attributed to a flu bug
he suffered from the week before), which is extremely
light for an NFL quarterback.
Woodsons long delivery hurt him all week in drills,
and 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz appeared
to spend extra time working with him on his throwing
mechanics, trying to tighten them up. Woodson overthrew several open receivers and never really looked
comfortable in the pocket. He looked less and less like
a first-round pick as the week went on.

Position changes often occur in Mobile where


undersized or miscast college players try to fit in at
the spot they most likely will play at the next level.
Consider UCLAs Bruce Davis, who struggled much of
the week. A college defensive end by trade, Davis was
slow to pick up the nuances of linebacker. At 231
pounds, its almost certain he cant play in a threepoint stance.
TE Martin Rucker played most often as a slot
receiver in Missouris spread offense, but hell be a tight
end in the NFL at 6-5 and 247 pounds. He answered
some questions about his ability to in-line block and
get off the line and into pass routes, even if he might
not ever be a classic end-of-the-line tight end.
I think (NFL teams) will want me to put my hand on
the ground, Rucker said. Its not like I cant do it or
am not willing to do it. Getting into your routes is different, and, of course, blocking angles change.
Other players who might be better suited to switch
include defensive ends, Purdues Cliff Avril and USCs
Lawrence Jackson. Both players had their moments in
Mobile but are not power players adept at handling
the run. Jackson and Wake Forests Jeremy
Thompson, another college defensive end, likely will
project to the rush-linebacker spot in the pros. Some
teams are unsure where to play Avril.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

30

NFL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

2007
FINAL

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
PACKERS-RAIDERS MONDA -NIGHT GAME NOT INCLUDED
Y

AFC
PASSING
T. Brady
Roethlisberger
Garrard
Manning
Cutler
Schaub
Palmer
Pennington
Rosenfels
Anderson
Rivers
Huard
Boller
Young
Lemon
Edwards
Croyle
Clemens

Team
N.E.
Pitt.
Jax.
Ind.
Den.
Hou.
Cin.
N.Y.J.
Hou.
Clev.
S.D.
K.C.
Balt.
Ten.
Mia.
Buff.
K.C.
N.Y.J.

Att
578
404
325
515
467
289
575
260
240
527
460
332
275
382
309
269
224
250

Comp
398
264
208
337
297
192
373
179
154
298
277
206
168
238
173
151
127
130

Comp
Pct
68.9
65.3
64.0
65.4
63.6
66.4
64.9
68.8
64.2
56.5
60.2
62.0
61.1
62.3
56.0
56.1
56.7
52.0

S.D.
Buff.
Jax.
Ten.
Balt.
Oak.
Buff.
Balt.
Den.
Mia.
Oak.
Ind.
Mia.
Oak.
Pitt.
S.D.

1
1
144
82
76
186
175
205
48
141
190
36
107
66
36
10

1
1
80
50
40
108
111
133
29
85
111
18
60
36
17
3

100.0
100.0
55.6
61.0
52.6
58.1
63.4
64.9
60.4
60.3
58.4
50.0
56.1
54.5
47.2
30.0

Yds
4,806
3,154
2,509
4,040
3,497
2,241
4,131
1,765
1,684
3,787
3,152
2,257
1,743
2,546
1,773
1,630
1,227
1,529
17
8
986
531
452
1,331
1,204
1,113
262
987
1,151
132
559
373
232
6

PUNTING

TD
50
32
18
31
20
9
26
10
15
29
21
11
9
9
6
7
6
5

TD
Pct
8.7
7.9
5.5
6.0
4.3
3.1
4.5
3.8
6.3
5.5
4.6
3.3
3.3
2.4
1.9
2.6
2.7
2.0

Lg
69
83
59
73
68
77
70
57
53
78
49
58
53
73
64
70
35
56

1
1
10
0
2
5
4
2
1
5
10
1
1
2
2
0

100.0
100.0
6.9
0.0
2.6
2.7
2.3
1.0
2.1
3.5
5.3
2.8
0.9
3.0
5.6
0.0

17
8
80
46
79
59
85
30
21
43
46
12
22
32
59
4

Int
8
11
3
14
14
9
20
9
12
19
15
13
10
17
6
8
6
10

Int
Pct
1.4
2.7
0.9
2.7
3.0
3.1
3.5
3.5
5.0
3.6
3.3
3.9
3.6
4.5
1.9
3.0
2.7
4.0

Avg
Gain
8.31
7.81
7.72
7.84
7.49
7.75
7.18
6.79
7.02
7.19
6.85
6.80
6.34
6.66
5.74
6.06
5.48
6.12

Rating
117.2
104.1
102.2
98.0
88.1
87.2
86.7
86.1
84.8
82.5
82.4
76.8
75.2
71.1
71.0
70.4
69.9
60.9

0
0
5
0
0
5
6
4
1
7
11
0
3
4
3
1

0.0
0.0
3.5
0.0
0.0
2.7
3.4
2.0
2.1
5.0
5.8
0.0
2.8
6.1
8.3
10.0

17.00
8.00
6.85
6.48
5.95
7.16
6.88
5.43
5.46
7.00
6.06
3.67
5.22
5.65
6.44
0.60

158.3
139.6
85.6
79.9
79.5
78.0
76.9
73.9
73.4
72.6
69.4
68.3
62.0
55.9
52.1
0.0

RUSHING
Team Att
Tomlinson
S.D. 315
Parker
Pitt.
321
J. Lewis
Clev. 298
McGahee
Balt. 294
Taylor
Jax.
223
Jones
N.Y.J. 310
Lynch
Buff. 280
White
Ten. 303
Addai
Ind.
261
Fargas
Oak. 222
Maroney
N.E. 185
Dayne
Hou. 194
Jones-Drew
Jax.
167
Watson
Cin.
178
Young
Den. 140
Henry
Den. 167
Brown
Mia. 119
L. Johnson
K.C. 158
Jordan
Oak. 144
Keith
Ind.
121
Chatman
Mia. 128
Davenport
Pitt.
107
R. Johnson
Cin.
170
C. Brown
Ten. 102
Ko. Smith
K.C. 112
Young
Ten.
93
Morris
N.E.
85
L. Washington N.Y.J. 71
Turner
S.D.
71
Rhodes
Oak.
75
Jackson
Buff.
58
J. Wright
Clev.
60
Faulk
N.E.
62
Mu. Smith
Balt.
75
Walker
Hou.
58
Green
Hou.
70
Hall
Den.
44
Cutler
Den.
44
Roethlisberger Pitt.
35
Garrard
Jax.
49
Dorsey
Cin.
21
Sproles
S.D.
37
Gado
Hou.-Mia. 53
McCown
Oak.
29
Harrison
Clev.
23
Holmes
K.C.
46
L. Booker
Mia.
28
Evans
N.E.
34
G. Jones
Jax.
42
Henry
Ten.
31
Clemens
N.Y.J. 27
Losman
Buff.
20
Lemon
Mia.
31
T. Brady
N.E.
37
Wright
Buff.
29
Eckel
N.E.
33
A. Thomas
Buff.
36
Boller
Balt.
19
Echemandu
Hou.
20
Ross
Balt.
12
Anderson
Clev.
32
Davis
Pitt.
17
C. Dawson
Ind.
30
Anderson
Balt.
15
Cribbs
Clev.
9
Sapp
Den.
18
Gray
Jax.
19
Marshall
Den.
5
T. Smith
Balt.
12
Schaub
Hou.
17
Rosenfels
Hou.
21
Edwards
Buff.
14
Battle
K.C.
14
C. Johnson
Cin.
6
Cobbs
Mia.
15
B. Smith
N.Y.J. 12
Vickers
Clev.
15
Culpepper
Oak.
20

Yds Avg Lg TD
1,474 4.7 49 15
1,316 4.1 32 2
1,304 4.4 66 9
1,207 4.1 46 7
1,202 5.4 80 5
1,119 3.6 36 1
1,115 4.0 56 7
1,110 3.7 28 7
1,072 4.1 23 12
1,009 4.5 48 4
835 4.5 59 6
773 4.0 39 6
768 4.6 57 9
763 4.3 24 7
729 5.2 50 1
691 4.1 33 4
602 5.1 60 4
559 3.5 54 3
549 3.8 33 3
533 4.4 22 3
515 4.0 30 1
499 4.7 45 5
497 2.9 22 3
462 4.5 42 5
407 3.6 19 2
395 4.2 21 3
384 4.5 49 3
353 5.0 49 3
316 4.5 74 1
302 4.0 25 1
300 5.2 27 0
277 4.6 18 1
265 4.3 14 0
264 3.5 24 2
264 4.6 41 1
260 3.7 18 2
216 4.9 62 2
205 4.7 31 1
204 5.8 30 2
185 3.8 19 1
183 8.7 45 0
164 4.4 34 2
150 2.8 20 4
143 4.9 24 0
142 6.2 17 0
137 3.0 11 0
125 4.5 22 0
121 3.6 11 3
119 2.8 11 2
119 3.8 24 2
111 4.1 18 1
110 5.5 17 0
102 3.3 11 4
98 2.6 125 2
94 3.2 15 0
90 2.7 14 2
89 2.5
9 0
89 4.7 15 0
85 4.3 20 0
72 6.0 32 1
70 2.2 11 3
68 4.0 12 0
64 2.1 12 1
62 4.1 16 0
61 6.8 18 0
59 3.3 12 2
57 3.0 15 0
57 11.4 24 0
54 4.5 14 1
52 3.1 12 0
51 2.4 19 1
49 3.5 14 0
47 3.4
6 1
47 7.8 16 0
47 3.1 12 1
45 3.8 11 0
43 2.9
7 0
40 2.0
9 3

Cotchery
B. Jones
Wilson
Welker
Rivers
Pennington
Green
Neal
McNair
Walter
Clark
Toefield
Griffith
Northcutt
J. Johnson
Cook
Russell
Parrish
Davis
Croyle
McClain
Holmes
Williams
Houshmandzadeh
Moorman
Lawton
Cassel
Chambers
Stallworth
M. Booker
Dwight
Beck
Ward
Watson
Reed
Palmer
Perry
Davis
G. Harris
Hall
R. Williams
Wilson
Ramsey
Chatman
Kennison
Webb
Mauia
Russell
McGraw
Wayne
Higgins
M. Bell
Davis
Ginn
Parker
Leach
Holt
Kreider
Curry
Pinnock
Green
Washington
Turk
Huard
Troupe
Jones
Figurs
Podlesh
Collins
Walker
Drummond
Zastudil
Lechler
Sorgi
Manning
Stokley
Batch
Volek
Hentrich
Jacobs

N.Y.J.
5
Ten.
2
Pitt.
2
N.E.
4
S.D.
29
N.Y.J. 20
Mia.
7
S.D.
13
Balt.
10
Hou.
5
Ind.
2
Jax.
13
Oak.
7
Jax.
6
Cin.
7
Hou.
8
Pitt.
7
Buff.
3
Ten.
2
K.C.
7
Balt.
8
Pitt.
5
Mia.
6
Cin.
5
Buff.
4
Ind.
5
N.E.
4
Mia.-S.D. 3
N.E.
1
Mia.
2
Oak.
2
Mia.
9
Pitt.
3
N.E.
1
Buff.
4
Cin.
24
Cin.
1
S.D.
3
K.C.
9
Ten.
1
Jax.
1
K.C.
3
Den.
2
Cin.
1
K.C.
1
K.C.
1
Mia.
4
Oak.
5
K.C.
1
Ind.
1
Oak.
2
Den.
6
N.Y.J.
1
Mia.
4
K.C.
1
Hou.
2
Cin.
2
Pitt.
1
Oak.
1
S.D.
4
Cin.
1
Pitt.
1
Hou.
1
K.C.
9
Ten.
1
Hou.
3
Balt.
1
Jax.
2
Ten.
3
Den.
2
K.C.
1
Clev.
2
Oak.
1
Ind.
6
Ind.
20
Den.
1
Pitt.
12
S.D.
11
Ten.
1
Den.
1

38
37
37
34
33
32
32
32
32
30
29
27
27
27
25
24
21
19
19
18
18
17
15
14
14
13
12
12
12
12
12
12
11
11
10
10
9
9
9
8
8
7
6
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
0
0
-1
-1
-1
-1
-2
-3
-3
-3
-3
-4
-4
-5
-6
-7
-7
-8
-8

7.6
18.5
18.5
8.5
1.1
1.6
4.6
2.5
3.2
6.0
14.5
2.1
3.9
4.5
3.6
3.0
3.0
6.3
9.5
2.6
2.3
3.4
2.5
2.8
3.5
2.6
3.0
4.0
12.0
6.0
6.0
1.3
3.7
11.0
2.5
0.4
9.0
3.0
1.0
8.0
8.0
2.3
3.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
1.3
0.8
4.0
4.0
1.5
0.5
3.0
0.8
2.0
1.0
1.0
2.0
1.0
0.3
1.0
0.0
0.0
-0.1
-1.0
-0.3
-1.0
-1.0
-1.0
-1.5
-3.0
-1.5
-4.0
-0.7
-0.3
-6.0
-0.6
-0.6
-8.0
-8.0

16
19
37
27
10
5
23
10
13
13
15
7
6
8
12
9
8
24
14
6
4
11
6
8
10
4
15
9
12
12
10
8
7
11
12
10
9
6
4
8
8
5
4
5
5
5
3
7
4
4
8
3
3
7
2
1
1
2
1
5
1
0
0
2
-1
4
-1
0
-1
-1
-3
0
-4
1
4
-6
0
0
-8
-8

0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0

No
73
81
95
55
68
81
54
77
66
70
44
47
78
59
49
52

Yds
3,585
3,735
4,322
2,296
2,880
3,302
2,249
3,327
2,855
2,939
1,821
2,200
3,397
2,437
2,046
2,181

Lg
70
70
81
59
59
75
76
61
62
66
64
65
64
55
64
63

Gross
Avg
49.1
46.1
45.5
41.7
42.4
40.8
41.6
43.2
43.3
42.0
41.4
46.8
43.6
41.3
41.8
41.9

TB
7
9
9
3
2
3
2
6
7
6
6
6
9
3
4
5

Ins
20
25
36
27
24
28
30
14
10
23
24
13
14
20
21
14
18

Blk
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
2
1
0
0
0

Ret
40
29
50
19
31
37
31
39
31
30
14
28
38
33
26
22

Ret
Yds
445
311
387
151
266
196
218
387
262
264
75
313
375
299
272
305

Net
Avg
41.1
39.6
39.1
37.9
37.9
37.6
36.9
36.6
36.6
36.5
36.1
36.1
36.0
35.2
34.6
34.2

Player
Paulescu
Miller
Kapinos
Ernster
Elam

Clev.
Den.
Ten.
N.Y.J.
Den.
Den.

13
5
3
5
12
1

593
221
121
208
434
31

57
51
52
48
59
31

45.6
44.2
40.3
41.6
36.2
31.0

2
0
0
1
0
0

6
1
1
2
3
1

0
0
0
0
0
0

6
3
1
1
2
0

29
21
10
6
7
0

40.3
40.0
37.0
36.4
35.6
31.0

Jackson
Ko. Smith
Henry
B. Jones
Williams
Harrison
Kelly
Davis
White
McCareins
Chatman
C. Brown
Darling
Wilson
Davenport
Lynch
Fletcher
Wrighster
Dayne
Holt
Jones
A. Thomas
Martinez
Green
Sapp
R. Johnson
Kennison
Vickers
Walker
Keith
Hartsock
D. Anderson
Coats
Gado
Heiden
Thorpe
Davis
G. Jones
Rhodes
Manumaleuna
Sproles
Estandia
K. Brady
Hall
Taylor
McClain
Camarillo
Carter
Madsen
Angulo
Naanee
Moorehead
Cook
Neal
Floyd
Aromashodu
M. Williams
Price
Henry
Dwight
W. Wright
Henry
Higgins
Putzier
Morris
J. Johnson
Wilcox
Mustard
Troupe
Davis
Spaeth
Kowalewski
Holmes
Broussard
Maroney
Dreessen
Reid
Evans
Lawton
Anderson
Dorsey
Turner
Ryan
Jacobs
G. Harris
Cribbs
N. Jackson
Green
Schouman
Wright
Hall
Osgood

Buff.
K.C.
Cin.
Ten.
Balt.
Ind.
Cin.
S.D.
Ten.
N.Y.J.
Cin.
Ten.
Balt.
Pitt.
Pitt.
Buff.
Ind.
Jax.
Hou.
Cin.
Hou.
Buff.
Den.
Hou.
Den.
Cin.
K.C.
Clev.
Hou.
Ind.
Ten.
Hou.
Cin.
Mia.
Clev.
Ind.
Pitt.
Jax.
Oak.
S.D.
S.D.
Jax.
N.E.
Ten.
Jax.
Balt.
Mia.
Clev.
Oak.
Jax.
S.D.
Ind.
Hou.
S.D.
S.D.
Ind.
Ten.
Buff.
Den.
Oak.
N.Y.J.
Ten.
Oak.
Hou.
N.E.
Cin.
Balt.
Den.
Ten.
Ten.
Pitt.
N.Y.J.
K.C.
Jax.
N.E.
Hou.
Pitt.
N.E.
Ind.
Balt.
Cin.
S.D.
N.Y.J.
Den.
K.C.
Clev.
Den.
Cin.
Buff.
Buff.
Den.
S.D.

NON-QUALIFIERS
KWR

NON-QUALIFIERS

Tomlinson
Lynch
Gray
Collins
T. Smith
Culpepper
Losman
McNair
Ramsey
Green
McCown
Sorgi
Beck
Russell
Batch
Volek

Team
Oak.
S.D.
K.C.
Hou.
Pitt.
Buff.
Jax.
Mia.
N.Y.J.
Ten.
N.E.
Den.
Balt.
Cin.
Clev.
Ind.

Lechler
Scifres
Colquitt
Turk
Sepulveda
Moorman
Podlesh
Fields
Graham
Hentrich
Hanson
Sauerbrun
Koch
Larson
Zastudil
H. Smith

Encore: LaDainian Tomlinson was NFLs


rushing leader for second year in a row
Gutierrez
Bell
R. Williams
Clayton

N.E.
Ten.
Ten.
Balt.

Welker
Houshmandzadeh
Wayne
Mason
Marshall
Gonzalez
Moss
C. Johnson
Cotchery
Winslow
Edwards
Gates
Ward
Bowe
Chambers
Walter
Daniels
A. Johnson
Tomlinson
Clark
Evans
Gage
R. Williams
Curry
Coles
Holmes
Watson
Reed
Jurevicius
M. Booker
Scheffler
Clayton
Miller
Faulk
Stallworth
Scaife
Wilford
Porter
Northcutt
Miller
McGahee
Jackson
Baker
Addai
Stokley
Jones-Drew
Brown
R. Williams
Gonzalez
Lewis
Gaffney
Watson
L. Washington
Parrish
Young
Ginn
D. Martin
Sypniewski
Davis
Moulds
B. Smith
Utecht
J. Lewis
L. Johnson
Washington
Hagan
Peelle
Webb
Jordan
L. Booker
Jones
Mu. Smith
Chatman
Walker
Griffith
Royal
Gaines
Leach
M. Jones
Parker
Graham
J. Wright
Wilson
Heap
Fargas
Parker

Team
N.E.
Cin.
Ind.
Balt.
Den.
K.C.
N.E.
Cin.
N.Y.J.
Clev.
Clev.
S.D.
Pitt.
K.C.
S.D.
Hou.
Hou.
Hou.
S.D.
Ind.
Buff.
Ten.
Ten.
Oak.
N.Y.J.
Pitt.
Cin.
Buff.
Clev.
Mia.
Den.
Balt.
Pitt.
N.E.
N.E.
Ten.
Jax.
Oak.
Jax.
Oak.
Balt.
S.D.
N.Y.J.
Ind.
Den.
Jax.
Mia.
Jax.
Ind.
Jax.
N.E.
N.E.
N.Y.J.
Buff.
Den.
Mia.
Mia.
Balt.
Hou.
Ten.
N.Y.J.
Ind.
Clev.
K.C.
Pitt.
Mia.
Mia.
K.C.
Oak.
Mia.
N.Y.J.
Balt.
Mia.
Den.
Oak.
Buff.
Buff.
Hou.
Jax.
K.C.
Den.
Clev.
K.C.
Balt.
Oak.
Pitt.

5
1
2
7

-13 -2.6
-15 -15.0
-17 -8.5
-30 -4.3

-1
-15
-6
3

0
0
0
0

Lg
42
42
64
79
68
31
65
70
50
49
78
49
25
58
44
46
28
77
36
39
85
73
48
49
57
83
43
30
50
26
41
52
29
23
69
26
35
59
55
28
30
45
22
73
58
43
43
80
57
25
56
35
18
47
24
54
28
13
53
46
29
30
34
30
40
22
35
32
27
22
25
29
22
24
29
28
20
15
48
24
28
23
31
37
17
22

TD
8
12
10
5
7
5
23
8
2
5
16
9
7
5
4
4
3
8
3
11
5
2
4
4
6
8
0
0
3
1
5
0
7
1
3
1
3
6
4
3
1
3
3
3
5
0
1
10
3
2
5
6
0
1
0
2
2
1
3
0
2
1
2
1
5
2
2
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
3
2
2
4
2
2
0
1
1
0
0

RECEIVING
No
112
112
104
103
102
99
98
93
82
82
80
75
71
70
66
65
63
60
60
58
55
55
55
55
55
52
52
51
50
50
49
48
47
47
46
46
45
44
44
44
43
41
41
41
40
40
39
38
37
37
36
36
36
35
35
34
34
34
33
32
32
31
30
30
29
29
29
28
28
28
28
27
27
26
26
25
25
25
24
24
24
24
24
23
23
23

Yds
1,175
1,143
1,510
1,087
1,325
1,172
1,493
1,440
1,130
1,106
1,289
984
732
995
970
800
768
851
475
616
849
750
719
717
646
942
374
578
614
556
549
531
566
383
697
421
518
705
601
444
231
623
409
364
635
407
389
629
576
391
449
389
213
352
231
420
303
246
583
342
325
364
248
186
450
373
228
313
247
237
217
192
161
287
165
248
215
108
317
298
246
233
180
239
188
164

Avg
10.5
10.2
14.5
10.6
13.0
11.8
15.2
15.5
13.8
13.5
16.1
13.1
10.3
14.2
14.7
12.3
12.2
14.2
7.9
10.6
15.4
13.6
13.1
13.0
11.7
18.1
7.2
11.3
12.3
11.1
11.2
11.1
12.0
8.1
15.2
9.2
11.5
16.0
13.7
10.1
5.4
15.2
10.0
8.9
15.9
10.2
10.0
16.6
15.6
10.6
12.5
10.8
5.9
10.1
6.6
12.4
8.9
7.2
17.7
10.7
10.2
11.7
8.3
6.2
15.5
12.9
7.9
11.2
8.8
8.5
7.8
7.1
6.0
11.0
6.3
9.9
8.6
4.3
13.2
12.4
10.3
9.7
7.5
10.4
8.2
7.1

22
22
21
21
20
20
20
20
20
19
19
19
18
18
18
18
18
17
17
16
15
15
14
14
14
13
13
13
13
13
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
11
11
10
10
9
9
9
9
9
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
7
7
7
7
7
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2

190
148
343
248
290
247
211
188
114
232
149
128
326
207
184
184
143
123
112
143
149
95
175
123
51
110
101
91
81
77
138
131
122
106
104
70
49
99
70
86
31
136
70
60
58
55
160
117
102
81
69
65
40
23
97
96
90
68
65
98
87
53
47
39
35
32
18
62
47
38
34
18
17
126
116
55
54
43
29
26
19
16
46
40
38
37
34
33
19
17
69
23

8.6
6.7
16.3
11.8
14.5
12.4
10.6
9.4
5.7
12.2
7.8
6.7
18.1
11.5
10.2
10.2
7.9
7.2
6.6
8.9
9.9
6.3
12.5
8.8
3.6
8.5
7.8
7.0
6.2
5.9
11.5
10.9
10.2
8.8
8.7
5.8
4.1
9.0
6.4
8.6
3.1
15.1
7.8
6.7
6.4
6.1
20.0
14.6
12.8
10.1
8.6
8.1
5.0
2.9
13.9
13.7
12.9
9.7
9.3
16.3
14.5
8.8
7.8
6.5
5.8
5.3
3.0
12.4
9.4
7.6
6.8
3.6
3.4
31.5
29.0
13.8
13.5
10.8
7.3
6.5
4.8
4.0
15.3
13.3
12.7
12.3
11.3
11.0
6.3
5.7
34.5
11.5

54
17
52
35
34
42
26
18
15
51
15
16
53
18
32
30
21
36
17
22
26
11
23
53
16
33
18
25
9
14
27
24
25
35
27
12
10
27
17
40
14
30
20
11
18
13
64
22
39
22
22
16
9
9
25
28
24
22
21
28
36
18
16
11
18
14
7
15
13
13
13
6
8
56
43
28
25
29
11
10
17
12
22
21
19
18
24
18
10
8
65
15

0
0
2
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
3
1
2
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
1
2
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
3
1
0
1
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0

Cobbs
Harrison
J. Green
C. Dawson
Grigsby
Neufeld
Echemandu
Dunn
Mauia
Vickers
Vrabel
Allen
Figurs
McFoy
Mathis
Kreider
Haynes
Mat. Willis
Aiken
Tuman
D. Thomas
Dinkins
Perry
M. Bell
Halterman
Pociask
Ealy
Eckel
Smolko
M. Maxwell
Pinnock

Mia.
Clev.
Balt.
Ind.
K.C.
Buff.
Hou.
K.C.
Mia.
Balt.
N.E.
K.C.
Balt.
Oak.
Hou.
Pitt.
Pitt.
Balt.
Buff.
Pitt.
N.E.
Clev.
Cin.
Den.
Mia.
N.Y.J.
Ten.
N.E.
Jax.
Cin.
S.D.

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

20
19
16
15
14
14
11
9
5
4
3
3
36
19
15
15
12
11
10
9
9
8
7
7
7
7
6
6
5
5
5

10.0
9.5
8.0
7.5
7.0
7.0
5.5
4.5
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.5
36.0
19.0
15.0
15.0
12.0
11.0
10.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
5.0
5.0

11
15
10
9
9
8
7
8
5
5
2
2
36
19
15
15
12
11
10
9
9
8
7
7
7
7
6
6
5
5
5

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

SCORING
Team TD
Moss
N.E.
23
Gostkowski
N.E.
0
Bironas
Ten.
0
Graham
Cin.
0
Dawson
Clev.
0
Kaeding
S.D.
0
Vinatieri
Ind.
0
K. Brown
Hou.
0
Elam
Den.
0
Reed
Pitt.
0
Nugent
N.Y.J.
0
Tomlinson
S.D.
18
Stover
Balt.
0
Janikowski
Oak.
0
Edwards
Clev.
16
Lindell
Buff.
0
Addai
Ind.
15
Feely
Mia.
0
Houshmandzadeh Cin.
12
Clark
Ind.
11
J. Lewis
Clev.
11
Carney
Jax.-K.C. 0
Scobee
Jax.
0
Jones-Drew
Jax.
10
Wayne
Ind.
10
R. Williams
Jax.
10
Rayner
S.D.
0
Gates
S.D.
9
Holmes
Pitt.
8
A. Johnson
Hou.
8
C. Johnson
Cin.
8
McGahee
Balt.
8
Welker
N.E.
8
Lynch
Buff.
7
Ward
Pitt.
7
Davenport
Pitt.
7
Marshall
Den.
7
Miller
Pitt.
7
Watson
Cin.
7
White
Ten.
7
Davis
Hou.
6
Maroney
N.E.
6
L. Washington N.Y.J.
6
Coles
N.Y.J.
6
Dayne
Hou.
6
Porter
Oak.
6
Watson
N.E.
6
Brown
Mia.
5
Winslow
Clev.
5
Bowe
K.C.
5
C. Brown
Ten.
5
Evans
Buff.
5
Gaffney
N.E.
5
Gonzalez
K.C.
5
Mason
Balt.
5
Scheffler
Den.
5
Stokley
Den.
5
Taylor
Jax.
5

XP/att
0/0
74/74
28/28
37/37
42/43
46/46
49/51
40/40
33/33
44/44
23/24
0/0
26/26
28/28
0/0
24/24
0/0
26/26
0/0
0/0
0/0
27/28
26/27
0/0
0/0
0/0
14/14
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0

FG/att 2XP Pts


0/0
0 138
21/24
0 137
35/39
0 133
31/34
0 130
26/30
0 120
24/27
0 118
23/29
0 118
25/29
0 115
27/31
0 114
23/25
0 113
29/36
0 110
0/0
0 108
27/32
0 107
23/32
0 97
0/0
0 96
24/27
0 96
0/0
1 92
21/23
0 89
0/0
0 72
0/0
0 66
0/0
0 66
12/14
0 63
12/13
0 62
0/0
0 60
0/0
0 60
0/0
0 60
15/22
0 59
0/0
0 54
0/0
1 50
0/0
0 48
0/0
0 48
0/0
0 48
0/0
0 48
0/0
1 44
0/0
1 44
0/0
0 42
0/0
0 42
0/0
0 42
0/0
0 42
0/0
0 42
0/0
1 38
0/0
1 38
0/0
1 38
0/0
0 36
0/0
0 36
0/0
0 36
0/0
0 36
0/0
1 32
0/0
1 32
0/0
0 30
0/0
0 30
0/0
0 30
0/0
0 30
0/0
0 30
0/0
0 30
0/0
0 30
0/0
0 30
0/0
0 30

FEBRUARY 24, 2008


Walter
Washington
Curry
Gado
R. Johnson
Chambers
Fargas
Henry
L. Johnson
G. Jones
M. Jones
Keith
Lemon
Northcutt
Sproles
R. Williams
Jurevicius
Anderson
Baker
Cribbs
Cromartie
Culpepper
Daniels
Darling
Evans
Ginn
Gonzalez
Jackson
Jordan
Leach
Manning
Miller
Morris
Parrish
Royal
Sapp
Spaeth
Stallworth
Wilford
Young
Hagan
Allen
T. Brady
K. Brady
Camarillo
Cotchery
Dreessen
Dwight
Eckel
Figurs
Fuller
Gage
Gaines
Graham
Green
Hall
Henry
Henry
Hobbs
Holt
Howard
B. Jones
Jones
Lewis
D. Martin
Parker
Parker
Peelle
Roethlisberger
Mu. Smith
Ko. Smith
B. Smith
Vickers
Vrabel
Wilson
Garrard
Kelsay
Walker
D. Anderson
Andrews
Angulo
Battle
Beck
M. Booker
Bowens
Brackenridge
Brackett
Broussard
Carter
Cassel
Chatman
Chatman
Clemens
Cobbs
Colvin
Crowder
Cutler
Davis
C. Dawson
Dorsey
Faulk
Gay
Giordano
A. Glenn
Griffith
Harrison
Heap
Ingram
N. Jackson
Jacobs
J. Johnson
L. Johnson
Joseph
Kowalewski
Lawton
Lehan
R. Lewis
Madsen
Manumaleuna
Martinez
Mathis
McClain
McFadden
McGee
Ndukwe
Neal
Pennington
Phillips

Hou.
Pitt.
Oak.
Mia.
Cin.
S.D.
Oak.
Den.
K.C.
Jax.
Jax.
Ind.
Mia.
Jax.
S.D.
Ten.
Clev.
Clev.
N.Y.J.
Clev.
S.D.
Oak.
Hou.
Balt.
N.E.
Mia.
Ind.
S.D.
Oak.
Hou.
Ind.
Oak.
N.E.
Buff.
Buff.
Den.
Pitt.
N.E.
Jax.
Ten.
Mia.
K.C.
N.E.
N.E.
Mia.
N.Y.J.
Hou.
Oak.
N.E.
Balt.
Ten.
Ten.
Buff.
Den.
Hou.
Den.
Ten.
Cin.
N.E.
Cin.
Oak.
Ten.
N.Y.J.
Jax.
Mia.
Pitt.
K.C.
Mia.
Pitt.
Balt.
K.C.
N.Y.J.
Clev.
N.E.
Buff.
Jax.
Buff.
Hou.
Hou.
N.E.
Jax.
K.C.
Mia.
Mia.
N.Y.J.
K.C.
Ind.
Jax.
Clev.
N.E.
Cin.
Mia.
N.Y.J.
Mia.
N.E.
Den.
Den.
S.D.
Ind.
Cin.
N.E.
N.E.
Ind.
Jax.
Oak.
Ind.
Balt.
Jax.
Den.
Den.
Cin.
Cin.
Cin.
N.Y.J.
Ind.
Mia.
Balt.
Oak.
S.D.
Den.
Hou.
Balt.
Pitt.
Buff.
Cin.
S.D.
N.Y.J.
S.D.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY


5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0

0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0

0
0
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

30
30
28
26
26
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
20
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
14
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
8
8
8
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6

Pool
Putzier
Reed
Rhodes
Rhodes
Rivers
Rosenfels
Ross
Rossum
Rushing
Ryans
Samuel
Scaife
Siler
T. Smith
Smith
Sypniewski
Taylor
Taylor
A. Thomas
A. Thomas
Thorpe
Toefield
Tucker
Tuman
Turner
Utecht
Webb
Webster
Wilcox
M. Williams
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wrighster
J. Wright
Young
Prater
Medlock
Coe
Crowell
Fletcher
Freeney
Holmes
Marshall
Pollard
Team
Team
Warren

Clev.
Hou.
Balt.
Oak.
N.Y.J.
S.D.
Hou.
Balt.
Pitt.
Ind.
Hou.
N.E.
Ten.
S.D.
Balt.
Jax.
Balt.
Mia.
Pitt.
Buff.
N.E.
Ind.
Jax.
S.D.
Pitt.
S.D.
Ind.
K.C.
Den.
Balt.
Hou.
N.E.
Pitt.
K.C.
Jax.
Clev.
Den.
Den.
K.C.
Ind.
Buff.
Ind.
Ind.
K.C.
Cin.
K.C.
Den.
Clev.
Oak.

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
1/1
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0

0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
1/4
1/2
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0

6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
4
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

INTERCEPTIONS
Team
Cromartie
S.D.
Reed
Balt.
Howard
Oak.
Samuel
N.E.
Bodden
Clev.
Nelson
Jax.
Rhodes
N.Y.J.
Hart
S.D.
Bly
Den.
Bulluck
Ten.
Jones
Clev.
Hall
Cin.
Brackett
Ind.
Morrison
Oak.
Joseph
Cin.
Bethea
Ind.
Knight
Jax.
McGee
Buff.
Harper
Ten.
Taylor
Pitt.
Gay
N.E.
Bennett
Hou.
Ndukwe
Cin.
Page
K.C.
Routt
Oak.
Seau
N.E.
McCree
S.D.
Revis
N.Y.J.
Hayden
Ind.
J. Allen
Mia.
Wilhelm
S.D.
B. Williams
Jax.
Bailey
Den.
Griffin
Ten.
Fuller
Ten.
Pool
Clev.
Giordano
Ind.
Leonhard
Buff.
An. Smith
Pitt.
Hope
Ten.
Townsend
Pitt.
Sanders
N.E.
M. Williams
Cin.
Phillips
S.D.
R. Lewis
Balt.
Sanders
Ind.
Boiman
Ind.
Surtain
K.C.
Wilson
Buff.
Pollard
K.C.
Goodman
Mia.
Cooper
S.D.
Pittman
Balt.
Porter
Mia.
Lowry
Ten.
D. Johnson
K.C.
Thornton
Ten.
Poteat
N.Y.J.
Schweigert
Oak.
Jackson
Cin.
Dun. Robinson Hou.
Florence
S.D.
Martin
Balt.
Session
Ind.
Law
K.C.
Greer
Buff.
McDonald
Clev.
Pope
Mia.
Paymah
Den.
A. Thomas
N.E.
McFadden
Pitt.
Ingram
Jax.
DiGiorgio
Buff.
Taylor
Mia.
Geathers
Cin.
Whitner
Buff.

No
10
7
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Yds
144
130
172
89
75
76
76
73
71
63
37
16
128
94
76
47
31
4
62
56
52
47
44
37
31
28
20
20
17
15
11
10
3
3
137
103
89
60
50
45
44
43
40
36
35
32
28
25
25
23
23
23
21
19
18
18
16
11
10
7
6
4
3
3
2
1
0
0
0
65
50
39
38
36
30
29

Lg
70
32
66
42
26
37
36
22
37
35
26
12
49
45
42
30
15
2
32
51
31
33
44
37
31
23
19
19
20
13
7
6
3
3
76
100
83
36
50
45
23
42
35
18
35
29
26
23
25
21
18
18
29
14
17
12
11
11
10
7
10
4
3
3
2
2
0
0
0
65
50
39
38
36
30
29

TD
1
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
0

http://www.profootballweekly.com

Daniels
A. Glenn
Dumervil
Hill
Mathis
Ivy
A. Harrison
Youboty
D. Edwards
Sapp
Finnegan
W. Allen
Foote
Peterson
Keiaho
Asomugha
Cousin
C.C. Brown
K. Thomas
Hutchins
ONeal
Starks
Gold
Wilson
Crowell
Na. Harris
Colvin
Huff
Ellison
Greenwood
Harrison
Durant
D. Coleman
Ryans
Jackson
Vilma
Clark
Barton
Edwards
D.J. Williams
Lehan
Jammer
Tripplett
Kelsay
Dyson
Barrett
M. Myers
McAlister
Rolle
Farrior
LaBoy
Hobbs
Washington
Olshansky
Hill
Fudge
Tr. Johnson
Jackson
Weddle
Bullitt
E. Wright
Thomas

Mia.
Jax.
Den.
Mia.
Jax.
Balt.
Pitt.
Buff.
K.C.
K.C.
Ten.
Mia.
Pitt.
Jax.
Ind.
Oak.
Jax.
Hou.
Buff.
Hou.
Cin.
Jax.
Den.
N.E.
Buff.
K.C.
N.E.
Oak.
Buff.
Hou.
N.E.
Jax.
N.Y.J.
Hou.
Clev.
N.Y.J.
Hou.
N.Y.J.
Balt.
Den.
Mia.
S.D.
Buff.
Buff.
N.Y.J.
N.Y.J.
Cin.
Balt.
Balt.
Pitt.
Ten.
N.E.
Oak.
S.D.
Ten.
Jax.
Hou.
Ind.
S.D.
Ind.
Clev.
Den.

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

29
28
27
24
23
22
20
19
18
15
14
14
14
12
11
10
9
9
8
8
7
7
6
5
5
4
4
4
4
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-2

29
28
27
24
23
22
20
19
18
15
14
14
14
12
11
10
9
9
8
8
7
7
6
5
5
4
4
4
4
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-2

Parrish
Cribbs
Welker
Ginn
Sproles
Jones
Davis
Northcutt
L. Washington
Drummond
Rossum
Higgins

Team No
Buff.
27
Clev. 30
N.E.
25
Mia.
24
S.D.
24
Hou. 30
Ten.
31
Jax.
26
N.Y.J. 20
K.C.
32
Pitt.
36
Oak. 20

FC
2
10
7
15
2
7
12
13
14
11
8
6

Ind.
Den.
Balt.
K.C.
Den.
Balt.
Jax.
Balt.
N.E.
Buff.
S.D.
Balt.
Oak.
Oak.
Ten.
Cin.
Ind.
Ten.
Cin.
N.E.
Pitt.
Hou.
S.D.
Oak.
Jax.
Hou.
Jax.
Jax.
Pitt.
Jax.
N.E.

13 249 13.1
12 157 11.2
9 171 10.7
3 80 10.0
0 20 10.0
3 94 9.4
0 28 9.3
0 37 9.3
2 55 9.2
2 36 9.0
6 52 8.7
0 36 7.2
7 52 6.5
3 54 6.0
3 11 5.5
8 93 5.2
0 31 5.2
0 29 4.8
12 38 4.2
0
7 3.5
1
6 3.0
1
1 0.5
0
0 0.0
0
0 0.0
0
0 0.0
0
0 0.0
1
0 0.0
0
0 0.0
0
0 0.0
0 56 0.0
9
0 0.0

0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

PUNT RETURNS
Yds
440
405
249
230
229
286
293
240
183
222
232
103

Avg
16.3
13.5
10.0
9.6
9.5
9.5
9.5
9.2
9.2
6.9
6.4
5.2

Lg TD
74 1
76 1
35 0
87 1
45 1
74 0
39 0
37 0
33 0
22 0
49 0
54 0

NON-QUALIFIERS

Rushing
Martinez
Figurs
Kennison
Bly
Reed
Jones-Drew
Sams
T. Brown
Leonhard
Davis
Ross
Carr
Dwight
Finnegan
Chatman
Thorpe
B. Jones
Green
C. Jackson
Wilson
Wynn
Osgood
Asomugha
Hawkins
D. Anderson
C. Owens
Nkang
Gay
Starks
Faulk

19
14
16
8
2
10
3
4
6
4
6
5
8
9
2
18
6
6
9
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0

90
80
75
21
10
63
17
16
28
13
24
15
24
16
9
19
29
13
9
6
6
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
56
0

1
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Team
Clev.
Hou.
N.Y.J.
S.D.
Jax.
N.E.
Balt.
Cin.
Buff.
Hou.
Pitt.
Ind.
Mia.
Oak.
K.C.

No
59
32
47
37
31
35
46
59
45
22
38
31
63
59
37

Yds
1,809
968
1,291
1,008
811
911
1,138
1,432
1,082
523
885
714
1,433
1,327
785

NON-QUALIFIERS

Andrews
Dwight
Mu. Smith
Mathis
Sams
Welker
Hall
Chatman
Miller
Faulk
Griffin
Turner
Bly
Cromartie
Martinez
Thorpe
Reid
Parrish
Henry
Perry
Webb
B. Smith
Broussard
Rhodes
Jones
Lawton
Toefield
C. Owens
Young
Davis
Ryan
Davenport
Wrighster
C. Jackson
Sapp

N.E.
Oak.
Balt.
Hou.
Balt.
N.E.
Den.
Cin.
N.Y.J.
N.E.
Ten.
S.D.
Den.
S.D.
Den.
Ind.
Pitt.
Buff.
Ten.
Cin.
K.C.
N.Y.J.
Jax.
Oak.
Hou.
Ind.
Jax.
Jax.
Den.
Ten.
N.Y.J.
Pitt.
Jax.
N.E.
K.C.

Avg
30.7
30.3
27.5
27.2
26.2
26.0
24.7
24.3
24.0
23.8
23.3
23.0
22.7
22.5
21.2

Lg TD
100 2
104 3
98 3
89 1
100 1
108 1
94 1
100 1
103 1
39 0
98 1
47 0
52 0
43 0
39 0

4
1
3
11
5
7
19
2
2
2
18
6
1
3
15
15
6
6
13
7
10
9
1
16
4
5
3
5
3
2
1
7
2
5
15

149
30
89
320
140
176
475
49
48
47
422
139
23
67
330
318
127
126
272
145
204
183
20
312
78
95
57
94
56
37
18
123
35
85
251

37.3
30.0
29.7
29.1
28.0
25.1
25.0
24.5
24.0
23.5
23.4
23.2
23.0
22.3
22.0
21.2
21.2
21.0
20.9
20.7
20.4
20.3
20.0
19.5
19.5
19.0
19.0
18.8
18.7
18.5
18.0
17.6
17.5
17.0
16.7

77
30
52
84
47
33
34
34
26
27
48
28
23
26
35
40
30
24
46
26
28
27
20
31
23
22
26
31
25
19
18
29
29
39
32

1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

K.C.
Pitt.
Balt.
Balt.
Hou.
Jax.
Clev.
Balt.
Mia.
Jax.
N.Y.J.
Ind.
S.D.
S.D.
Buff.
Buff.
Den.
N.Y.J.
Pitt.
N.Y.J.
Mia.
Hou.
Balt.
Balt.
N.Y.J.
N.E.
S.D.
Buff.
Buff.
K.C.
Den.
N.E.
Jax.
N.Y.J.
Mia.
Balt.
Pitt.
Pitt.
Balt.
Hou.
Cin.
Jax.
Balt.
N.Y.J.
Hou.
Oak.
Balt.
Clev.
Cin.
N.E.

3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0

Cook
Ross
J. Wright
Starks
Leonhard
Chatman
W. Wright
Jackson
Sapp
Da. Reid
Keith
Lowry
Cotchery
Hartsock
Leach
A. Thomas
Evans
Cramer
Kelly
Hagan
Smolko
Preston
Jacobs
Griffith
Troupe
McBride
Bowens
Dorsey
Dinkins
Cobbs
McCareins
Friedman
Baker
Anderson
Neufeld
M. Booker

Hou.
Balt.
Clev.
Jax.
Buff.
Mia.
N.Y.J.
Buff.
Den.
Ind.
Ind.
Ten.
N.Y.J.
Ten.
Hou.
Buff.
N.E.
Ten.
Cin.
Mia.
Jax.
Buff.
Den.
Oak.
Ten.
K.C.
N.Y.J.
Cin.
Clev.
Mia.
N.Y.J.
Clev.
N.Y.J.
Balt.
Buff.
Mia.

2
9
3
5
2
2
2
3
2
1
1
1
4
1
2
2
1
1
3
2
1
1
3
1
2
4
3
2
7
5
2
2
3
2
3
2

33
148
49
81
32
31
31
46
30
15
15
15
56
14
26
26
13
13
38
25
12
12
35
11
21
40
30
20
62
44
15
14
18
10
6
3

16.5
16.4
16.3
16.2
16.0
15.5
15.5
15.3
15.0
15.0
15.0
15.0
14.0
14.0
13.0
13.0
13.0
13.0
12.7
12.5
12.0
12.0
11.7
11.0
10.5
10.0
10.0
10.0
8.9
8.8
7.5
7.0
6.0
5.0
2.0
1.5

21
25
20
22
17
21
28
19
22
15
15
15
32
14
14
15
13
13
15
14
12
12
15
11
12
14
17
20
19
11
12
13
10
10
7
3

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

SACKS
Allen
M. Williams
Dumervil
Merriman
Vrabel
Vanden Bosch
Taylor
J. Harrison
Phillips
Burgess
C. Clemons
Odom
Hali
Spicer
Mathis
Farrior
Green
Schobel
A. Thomas
Haynesworth
LaBoy
Okoye
Porter
Ellis
Harris
Suggs
Wimbley
T. Brown
Colvin
Crowder
Haggans
D. Johnson
Meier
Peek
Robertson
R. Smith
Warren
Warren
Williams
Woodley
Freeney
Geathers
Hawkins
Hayward
Mallard
Olshansky
Sanders
Seau
Tucker

Tm Sacks
K.C. 15.5
Hou. 14.0
Den. 12.5
S.D. 12.5
N.E. 12.5
Ten. 12.0
Mia. 11.0
Pitt.
8.5
S.D.
8.5
Oak. 8.0
Oak. 8.0
Ten.
8.0
K.C.
7.5
Jax.
7.5
Ind.
7.0
Pitt.
6.5
N.E.
6.5
Buff.
6.5
N.E.
6.5
Ten.
6.0
Ten.
6.0
Hou. 5.5
Mia.
5.5
N.Y.J. 5.0
N.Y.J. 5.0
Balt.
5.0
Clev. 5.0
Ten.
4.0
N.E.
4.0
Den. 4.0
Pitt.
4.0
K.C.
4.0
Jax.
4.0
Clev. 4.0
N.Y.J. 4.0
Clev. 4.0
Oak. 4.0
N.E.
4.0
Clev. 4.0
Pitt.
4.0
Ind.
3.5
Cin.
3.5
Jax.
3.5
Jax.
3.5
Den. 3.5
S.D.
3.5
Ind.
3.5
N.E.
3.5
S.D.
3.5

R. Edwards
Foote
Gregg
Ivy
Kalu
McCray
McGinest
Ngata
Roth
Stroud
Bowens
Brock
Castillo
Cesaire
Kelsay
McCargo
McKinley
Mosley
Aa. Smith
Thomas
W. Allen
C. Anderson
Bannan
Barnes
Barton
Bruschi
Cooper
Crowell
DiGiorgio
D. Edwards
Gold
Harrison
Henderson
Hobson
Holliday
J. Johnson
Keisel
Kirschke
R. Lewis
Maddox
Ndukwe
Peterson
Pryce
Rhodes
Ryans
Sapp
Sapp
S. Smith
J. Smith
Wilfork

M. Williams
K. Williams
Bingham
K. Coleman
Hargrove
Harris
Na. Harris
Moses
Peko
Pitcock
Robinson
Seymour
Smith
R. Wright
M. Adams
Adams
Bly
Boone
Brooks
Charleston
Clark
Cochran
Cousin
K. Dawson
Denney
Durant
Edwards
Ellison
Engelberger
Fanene
Finnegan
Fuller
Greenwood
Haggan
Hagler
Hart
Hobbs
Howard
Huff
Ingram
Jackson
G. Jackson
L. Johnson
E. Johnson
Jones
Dh. Jones
Kelley
Kelly
Klecko
Landry

Cin.
Buff.
S.D.
N.Y.J.
Buff.
S.D.
K.C.
Mia.
Cin.
Ind.
Cin.
N.E.
Jax.
Mia.
Clev.
Cin.
Den.
K.C.
Cin.
Ind.
Pitt.
Hou.
Jax.
Ind.
Buff.
Jax.
Balt.
Buff.
Den.
Cin.
Ten.
Ten.
Hou.
Buff.
Ind.
S.D.
N.E.
Oak.
Oak.
Jax.
Clev.
Jax.
Cin.
Ind.
Balt.
Cin.
Clev.
Oak.
Ind.
Balt.

2.0
2.0
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

Lehan
Lynch
Marshall
McBride
Mincey
Morrison
Moss
M. Myers
Nelson
Nickey
Peterson
Pettway
Polk
Pollard
Richardson
Scott
Stills
Taylor
Team
Team
Team
Team
Team
Thomas
Thomas
Thompson
Thornton
Thornton
Traylor
Tripplett
Weddle
Wilhelm
D.J. Williams
E. Wright
Youboty
Brackett
Carter
Crowder
Hampton
Hoke
Hutchins
Jackson
Jackson
Jones
Keiaho
Da. Reid
Roye
Wilkerson
Winborn
Wright

Mia.
Den.
Cin.
K.C.
Jax.
Oak.
Den.
Cin.
Jax.
Ten.
Den.
Jax.
S.D.
K.C.
Oak.
Balt.
Balt.
Pitt.
Balt.
Cin.
Den.
Ind.
N.E.
Mia.
Ind.
Clev.
Cin.
Ten.
Mia.
Buff.
S.D.
S.D.
Den.
Clev.
Buff.
Ind.
Pitt.
Mia.
Pitt.
Pitt.
Hou.
Cin.
Ind.
Clev.
Ind.
Ind.
Clev.
K.C.
Den.
N.E.

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5

FIELD-GOAL ACCURACY

Reed

Team
Pitt.

Feely

Mia.

Graham

Cin.

Bironas

Ten.

Lindell

Buff.

Kaeding

S.D.

Gostkowski

N.E.

Elam

Den.

Dawson

Clev.

K. Brown

Hou.

Stover

KICKOFF RETURNS
Cribbs
Davis
L. Washington
Sproles
Jones-Drew
Hobbs
Figurs
Holt
McGee
Wynn
Rossum
Rushing
Ginn
Carr
Drummond

31

Balt.

Nugent

N.Y.J.

Vinatieri

Ind.

Janikowski

Oak.

Rayner

S.D.

1-19
Yds
0-0
.000
0-0
.000
1-1
1.000
0-0
.000
0-0
.000
0-0
.000
0-0
.000
0-0
.000
2-2
1.000
1-1
1.000
1-1
1.000
1-1
1.000
1-1
1.000
0-0
.000
0-0
.000

20-29
Yds
9-9
1.000
7-7
1.000
11-12
.917
10-12
.833
11-11
1.000
11-11
1.000
10-10
1.000
11-11
1.000
9-10
.900
6-7
.857
11-11
1.000
11-11
1.000
14-15
.933
4-4
1.000
3-3
1.000

30-39 40-49 50 or
Yds
Yds Longer Total
10-10
4-5
0-1 23-25
1.000
.800
.000
.920
6-6
7-9
1-1 21-23
1.000
.778 1.000
.913
13-13
6-7
0-1 31-34
1.000
.857
.000
.912
12-12
9-10
4-5 35-39
1.000
.900
.800
.897
7-7
4-6
2-3 24-27
1.000
.667
.667
.889
5-6
7-8
1-2 24-27
.833
.875
.500
.889
8-9
3-5
0-0 21-24
.889
.600
.000
.875
6-6
9-12
1-2 27-31
1.000
.750
.500
.871
7-8
7-8
1-2 26-30
.875
.875
.500
.867
6-6
7-10
5-5 25-29
1.000
.700 1.000
.862
7-7
8-12
0-1 27-32
1.000
.667
.000
.844
10-12
6-8
1-4 29-36
.833
.750
.250
.806
8-10
0-2
0-1 23-29
.800
.000
.000
.793
6-7
7-10
6-11 23-32
.857
.700
.545
.719
7-10
5-8
0-1 15-22
.700
.625
.000
.682

6-6
1.000
3-3
1.000
1-1
1.000
0-1
.000

3-3
1.000
5-5
1.000
0-1
.000
0-0
.000

Avg
Avg
Avg
Yds Yds
Yds
Att Made Miss
34.1 32.3 54.5

Lg
49

36.8

35.8

47.5

53

32.4

31.6

40.7

48

36.5

36.3

39.0

56

34.7

33.0

48.3

52

34.1

33.0

42.7

51

32.1

31.0

40.3

45

35.3

33.7

46.5

50

34.2

33.6

38.0

51

37.6

37.1

40.8

57

35.0

33.1

45.4

49

34.9

32.4

45.0

50

30.3

27.6

40.7

39

43.2

40.3

50.6

54

37.1

35.6

40.4

49

32.1

30.9

46.0

48

32.7

30.7

45.0

41

28.5

27.0

30.0

27

39.5

45.0

37.7

45

NON-QUALIFIERS

Scobee
Carney
Medlock
Prater

Jax.

0-0
.000
Jax.-K.C. 2-2
1.000
K.C.
0-0
.000
Den.
0-0
.000

3-4
.750
2-4
.500
0-0
.000
1-3
.333

0-0
.000
0-0
.000
0-0
.000
0-0
.000

12-13
.923
12-14
.857
1-2
.500
1-4
.250

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

32

NFL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

2007
FINAL

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
PACKERS-RAIDERS MONDA -NIGHT GAME NOT INCLUDED
Y

NFC
PASSING
Att
520
535
327
562
473
451
652
561
417
348
262
529
294
378
225

Comp
335
356
209
352
291
281
440
355
250
215
161
297
171
221
122

Comp
Pct
64.4
66.5
63.9
62.6
61.5
62.3
67.5
63.3
60.0
61.8
61.5
56.1
58.2
58.5
54.2

Yds
4,211
4,155
2,440
3,966
3,324
3,417
4,423
4,068
2,700
2,215
1,803
3,336
1,911
2,392
1,411

TD
36
28
13
28
19
27
28
18
12
7
10
23
9
11
4

TD
Pct
6.9
5.2
4.0
5.0
4.0
6.0
4.3
3.2
2.9
2.0
3.8
4.3
3.1
2.9
1.8

Lg
59
82
69
65
75
62
58
91
54
69
81
60
71
40
59

Int
19
15
4
12
7
17
18
20
11
8
12
20
12
15
7

Int
Pct
3.7
2.8
1.2
2.1
1.5
3.8
2.8
3.6
2.6
2.3
4.6
3.8
4.1
4.0
3.1

Avg
Gain
8.10
7.77
7.46
7.06
7.03
7.58
6.78
7.25
6.47
6.36
6.88
6.31
6.50
6.33
6.27

Rating
97.4
95.7
94.6
91.4
89.9
89.8
89.4
80.9
77.6
77.2
75.6
73.9
70.8
70.3
66.4

Wash.
Chi.
St.L.
Car.
Wash.
G.B.
S.F.
Sea.
T.B.
Atl.
Minn.
G.B.
S.F.
Dall.
Chi.
Minn.
Ariz.
Car.
Car.
Ariz.
Phil.
St.L.
Atl.
St.L.
Car.
S.F.
S.F.
T.B.
Det.
Sea.

1
1
1
86
105
28
79
28
139
149
50
15
22
11
80
83
27
111
172
112
103
28
58
167
136
193
219
24
26
10

1
1
1
55
67
20
54
19
94
89
33
7
13
7
43
42
15
63
94
60
59
17
32
94
73
94
113
13
13
4

100.0
100.0
100.0
64.0
63.8
71.4
68.4
67.9
67.6
59.7
66.0
46.7
59.1
63.6
53.8
50.6
55.6
56.8
54.7
53.6
57.3
60.7
55.2
56.3
53.7
48.7
51.6
54.2
50.0
40.0

15
9
2
624
888
218
501
215
1,009
1,079
391
88
104
79
478
515
164
730
952
647
681
153
279
1,014
635
914
1,166
130
148
34

1
1
1
8
5
1
5
2
5
10
1
1
1
0
3
2
3
3
5
2
5
0
1
7
3
2
7
0
1
0

100.0
100.0
100.0
9.3
4.8
3.6
6.3
7.1
3.6
6.7
2.0
6.7
4.5
0.0
3.8
2.4
11.1
2.7
2.9
1.8
4.9
0.0
1.7
4.2
2.2
1.0
3.2
0.0
3.8
0.0

15
9
2
74
54
43
26
45
60
74
50
32
21
35
55
40
42
57
65
40
47
23
23
38
38
45
57
20
42
15

0
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
3
5
1
0
0
0
2
1
3
5
6
4
8
1
2
12
5
4
12
1
2
1

0.0
0.0
0.0
1.2
0.0
0.0
1.3
3.6
2.2
3.4
2.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
2.5
1.2
11.1
4.5
3.5
3.6
7.8
3.6
3.4
7.2
3.7
2.1
5.5
4.2
7.7
10.0

15.00
9.00
2.00
7.26
8.46
7.79
6.34
7.68
7.26
7.24
7.82
5.87
4.73
7.18
5.98
6.20
6.07
6.58
5.53
5.78
6.61
5.46
4.81
6.07
4.67
4.74
5.32
5.42
5.69
3.40

158.3
143.8
118.8
111.8
106.4
106.0
101.3
99.6
91.7
90.4
88.0
87.6
86.2
85.0
73.9
73.1
71.1
67.0
65.8
61.9
61.2
60.6
59.5
58.3
58.3
57.2
55.1
52.4
48.2
10.0

SCOTT WALLEM / PROCASE

Romo
Favre
Garcia
Hasselbeck
McNabb
Warner
Brees
Kitna
J. Campbell
Harrington
Griese
Manning
T. Jackson
Bulger
Grossman

PUNTING

Team
Dall.
G.B.
T.B.
Sea.
Phil.
Ariz.
N.O.
Det.
Wash.
Atl.
Chi.
N.Y.G.
Minn.
St.L.
Chi.

NON-QUALIFIERS

Portis
Peterson
Jackson
Delhomme
Collins
Rodgers
S. Hill
S. Wallace
McCown
Redman
Bollinger
Nall
Weinke
Br. Johnson
Orton
Holcomb
Rattay
Moore
Testaverde
Leinart
Feeley
Berlin
Leftwich
Frerotte
Carr
A. Smith
Dilfer
Gradkowski
OSullivan
Frye

RUSHING
Peterson
Westbrook
Portis
James
Gore
Jacobs
Jackson
Barber
Grant
Graham
Foster
Taylor
Dunn
D. Williams
Alexander
Benson
Morris
Norwood
Ward
J. Jones
Jones
Bush
Peterson
Stecker
Duckett
Betts
Buckhalter
Leonard
Pittman
Droughns
Jackson
T. Jackson
P. Thomas
M. Bennett
McNabb
C. Williams
Wynn
Bradshaw
J. Campbell
T. Bell
Weaver
Pittman
Romo
Robinson
McCown
Hicks
Garcia
Moore
Morency
McAllister
Hasselbeck
A. Smith
Wolfe
Arrington
Sellers
Manning
Minor
Smith
Kitna
Carr
Thompson
Brees
Johnson
Pinner
Snelling
Leinart
Shipp

Team Att
Minn. 238
Phil. 278
Wash. 325
Ariz. 324
S.F.
260
N.Y.G. 202
St.L. 237
Dall. 204
G.B. 188
T.B.
222
Car. 247
Minn. 157
Atl.
227
Car. 144
Sea. 207
Chi.
196
Sea. 140
Atl.
103
N.Y.G. 125
Dall. 164
Det. 153
N.O. 157
Chi.
151
N.O. 115
Det.
65
Wash. 93
Phil.
62
St.L.
86
T.B.
68
N.Y.G. 85
G.B.
75
Minn. 54
N.O.
52
K.C.-T.B.61
Phil.
50
T.B.
54
G.B.
50
N.Y.G. 23
Wash. 36
Det.
44
Sea.
33
St.L.
38
Dall.
31
S.F.
26
T.B.
12
S.F.
21
T.B.
35
Minn. 20
G.B.
29
N.O.
24
Sea.
39
S.F.
13
Chi.
31
Ariz.
26
Wash. 26
N.Y.G. 29
St.L.
17
Car.
9
Det.
25
Car.
17
Dall.
14
N.O.
23
Det.
4
N.O.
5
Atl.
13
Ariz.
11
Ariz.
15

Yds Avg
1,341 5.6
1,333 4.8
1,262 3.9
1,222 3.8
1,102 4.2
1,009 5.0
1,002 4.2
975 4.8
956 5.1
898 4.0
876 3.5
844 5.4
720 3.2
717 5.0
716 3.5
674 3.4
628 4.5
613 6.0
602 4.8
588 3.6
581 3.8
581 3.7
510 3.4
448 3.9
335 5.2
335 3.6
313 5.0
303 3.5
286 4.2
275 3.2
267 3.6
260 4.8
252 4.8
241 4.0
236 4.7
208 3.9
203 4.1
190 8.3
185 5.1
182 4.1
146 4.4
139 3.7
129 4.2
121 4.7
117 9.8
117 5.6
116 3.3
113 5.7
108 3.7
92 3.8
89 2.3
89 6.8
85 2.7
78 3.0
78 3.0
69 2.4
68 4.0
66 7.3
63 2.5
59 3.5
54 3.9
52 2.3
52 13.0
46 9.2
43 3.3
42 3.8
41 2.7

Lg
73
36
32
27
43
43
54
54
66
28
20
84
38
75
25
43
46
67
44
25
34
22
21
26
53
20
30
31
29
45
46
32
24
28
40
20
44
88
29
24
37
43
17
28
31
18
21
17
15
15
12
25
25
12
15
18
13
22
11
15
23
9
32
49
17
20
14

TD
12
7
11
7
5
4
5
10
8
10
3
7
4
4
4
4
4
1
3
2
8
4
3
5
3
1
4
0
0
6
1
3
1
1
0
3
4
1
1
1
1
0
2
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
1

Hoover
Cason
T. Williams
R. Brown
Calhoun
Harrington
Williamson
Rodgers
Griese
Grossman
Delhomme
Dilfer
Feeley
Testaverde
Clayton
Henderson
Gradkowski
Strong
D. Hall
Tapeh
Bollinger
S. Wallace
Karney
Norris
McKie
Redman
Hunt
Tahi
Warner
Boldin
S. Hill
Bulger
Moss
Morey
Richardson
Favre
Jarrett
Darby
Bradley
Breaston
Dugan
Mughelli
Leftwich
Ryan
L. Moore
Hilliard
Shockey
Nall
Robinson
Rattay
Owens
Weatherford
Moore
Stanley
Moss
Keasey
Burleson
Battle
Driver
T. Smith
Frerotte
Barclay
Allison
Haynes
Lorenzen
McDonald
R. Williams
Frye
Avant

Car.
Det.
Atl.
Phil.
Det.
Atl.
Minn.
G.B.
Chi.
Chi.
Car.
S.F.
Phil.
Car.
T.B.
N.O.
T.B.
Sea.
St.L.
Phil.
Minn.
Sea.
N.O.
S.F.
Chi.
Atl.
Phil.
Minn.
Ariz.
Ariz.
S.F.
St.L.
Wash.
Ariz.
Minn.
G.B.
Car.
T.B.
Det.
Ariz.
Minn.
Atl.
Atl.
G.B.
N.O.
T.B.
N.Y.G.
G.B.
G.B.
Ariz.
Dall.
N.O.
Car.
St.L.
N.Y.G.
S.F.
Sea.
S.F.
G.B.
Ariz.
St.L.
N.O.
Minn.
Car.
N.Y.G.
Det.
Det.
Sea.
Phil.

12
11
1
5
7
14
2
7
13
14
6
10
7
9
5
2
7
4
3
5
5
4
11
7
6
8
10
6
17
1
12
9
3
1
7
29
1
2
5
2
2
6
6
2
2
1
1
5
1
2
1
1
3
1
1
2
2
4
2
1
6
1
2
3
1
4
2
1
1

39
38
37
36
35
33
29
29
28
27
26
25
23
22
22
20
20
19
18
18
18
17
17
17
17
16
16
15
15
14
14
13
13
13
13
12
11
9
9
8
7
7
7
7
7
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1

3.3
3.5
37.0
7.2
5.0
2.4
14.5
4.1
2.2
1.9
4.3
2.5
3.3
2.4
4.4
10.0
2.9
4.8
6.0
3.6
3.6
4.3
1.5
2.4
2.8
2.0
1.6
2.5
0.9
14.0
1.2
1.4
4.3
13.0
1.9
0.4
11.0
4.5
1.8
4.0
3.5
1.2
1.2
3.5
3.5
6.0
6.0
1.2
5.0
2.5
5.0
5.0
1.7
5.0
4.0
2.0
2.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
0.5
3.0
1.5
1.0
2.0
0.5
0.5
1.0
1.0

10
12
37
12
17
13
26
13
9
12
13
11
7
16
20
15
13
9
9
11
10
11
10
6
6
7
4
6
9
14
12
14
11
13
4
21
11
7
3
10
4
3
7
7
7
6
6
8
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
3
3
8
5
3
2
3
3
3
2
9
9
1
1

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Rookie phenom: Adrian Peterson led


NFC in rushing despite missing two games
Collins
Galloway
Berger
Crockett
Cartwright
Plackemeier
Frost
Koenen
Orton
Hasselbeck
A. Wright
Kolb
White
Martin
Randle El
Bruce
Hagans
Br. Johnson
Patten
Gilmore
Hixon
Wade
OSullivan
Hester
Berlin

Wash.
T.B.
Ariz.
Dall.
Wash.
Sea.
Wash.
Atl.
Chi.
Ariz.
N.Y.G.
Phil.
Atl.
N.O.
Wash.
St.L.
St.L.
Dall.
N.O.
S.F.
N.Y.G.
Minn.
Det.
Chi.
St.L.

8
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
5
1
1
3
1
3
4
2
2
5
2
1
1
1
4
7
3

1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
-1
-1
-1
-2
-2
-3
-3
-4
-4
-5
-5
-8
-8
-9
-10
-10
-16

0.1
1.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
-0.2
-1.0
-1.0
-0.7
-2.0
-1.0
-0.8
-2.0
-2.0
-1.0
-2.5
-8.0
-8.0
-9.0
-2.5
-1.4
-5.3

4
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
-1
-1
0
-2
-1
1
-1
-2
0
1
-8
-8
-9
2
5
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Fitzgerald
Colston
Witten
Engram
Holt
Westbrook
Smith
White
Driver
Owens
McDonald
Curtis
Bush
Berrian
Boldin
Burress
Cooley
R. Williams
Hilliard
Moss
R. Brown
Furrey
Toomer
Galloway
Shockey
Bruce
Patten
Wade
Jennings
Jenkins
Gore
V. Davis
Randle El
Peterson
Crayton
Burleson
Battle
Branch
Graham
Johnson
Lee
E. Johnson
Jones
Portis
Bry. Johnson
Jackson
King
Clark
Barber
Crumpler
Muhammad
McMichael
Olsen
Weaver
D. Carter
Jackson
Robinson
Dunn
Stecker
Bennett
Ferguson
Smith
Hackett
Colbert
L. Moore
Jones
Rice

Team No
Yds Avg
Ariz. 100 1,409 14.1
N.O.
98 1,202 12.3
Dall.
96 1,145 11.9
Sea.
94 1,147 12.2
St.L.
93 1,189 12.8
Phil.
90
771 8.6
Car.
87 1,002 11.5
Atl.
83 1,202 14.5
G.B.
82 1,048 12.8
Dall.
81 1,355 16.7
Det.
79
943 11.9
Phil.
77 1,110 14.4
N.O.
73
417 5.7
Chi.
71
951 13.4
Ariz.
71
853 12.0
N.Y.G. 70 1,025 14.6
Wash. 66
786 11.9
Det.
64
838 13.1
T.B.
62
722 11.6
Wash. 61
808 13.2
Phil.
61
780 12.8
Det.
61
664 10.9
N.Y.G. 59
760 12.9
T.B.
57 1,014 17.8
N.Y.G. 57
619 10.9
St.L.
55
733 13.3
N.O.
54
792 14.7
Minn. 54
647 12.0
G.B.
53
920 17.4
Atl.
53
532 10.0
S.F.
53
436 8.2
S.F.
52
509 9.8
Wash. 51
728 14.3
Chi.
51
420 8.2
Dall.
50
697 13.9
Sea.
50
694 13.9
S.F.
50
600 12.0
Sea.
49
661 13.5
T.B.
49
324 6.6
Det.
48
756 15.8
G.B.
48
575 12.0
N.O.
48
378 7.9
G.B.
47
676 14.4
Wash. 47
389 8.3
Ariz.
46
528 11.5
S.F.
46
497 10.8
Car.
46
406 8.8
Chi.
44
545 12.4
Dall.
44
282 6.4
Atl.
42
444 10.6
Chi.
40
570 14.3
St.L.
39
429 11.0
Chi.
39
391 10.0
Sea.
39
313 8.0
Car.
38
517 13.6
St.L.
38
271 7.1
Atl.
37
437 11.8
Atl.
37
238 6.4
N.O.
36
211 5.9
St.L.
33
375 11.4
Minn. 32
391 12.2
T.B.
32
385 12.0
Sea.
32
384 12.0
Car.
32
332 10.4
N.O.
32
302 9.4
Det.
32
197 6.2
Minn. 31
396 12.8

Lg
48
45
53
49
40
57
74
69
47
52
49
75
25
59
44
60
39
91
56
49
45
49
40
69
29
37
58
40
82
29
23
31
54
30
59
45
57
65
21
49
60
22
79
54
30
34
29
52
29
55
44
29
31
46
49
37
74
35
26
24
71
33
59
43
22
16
60

TD
10
11
7
6
7
5
7
6
2
15
6
6
2
5
9
12
8
5
1
3
4
1
3
6
3
4
3
3
12
4
1
4
1
0
7
9
5
4
0
4
6
2
2
0
2
3
2
4
2
5
3
3
2
0
4
1
1
0
0
3
1
3
3
0
2
0
4

RECEIVING

Lee
Jones
Koenen
McBriar
Baker
Ryan
Maynard
Bidwell
Weatherford
Kluwe
N. Harris
Frost
Feagles
Rocca
Plackemeier
Barr

Team
S.F.
St.L.
Atl.
Dall.
Car.
G.B.
Chi.
T.B.
N.O.
Minn.
Det.
Wash.
N.Y.G.
Phil.
Sea.
Ariz.

No
105
78
88
63
90
60
88
77
63
81
68
75
71
73
86
59

Yds
4,968
3,684
3,824
2,970
3,978
2,664
3,682
3,382
2,757
3,621
3,010
3,072
2,865
3,066
3,436
2,385

Lg
74
80
63
64
64
72
56
61
61
70
58
64
60
65
62
61

Gross
Avg
47.3
47.2
43.5
47.1
44.2
44.4
41.8
43.9
43.8
44.7
44.3
41.0
40.4
42.0
40.0
40.4

TB
13
9
5
7
5
11
9
10
4
9
5
7
5
7
6
5

Ins
20
42
18
30
17
22
18
27
30
20
34
26
23
25
24
30
15

Blk
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1

Ret
53
48
41
35
54
19
38
38
35
43
36
32
28
36
37
28

Ret
Yds
402
437
307
406
485
113
214
280
335
440
434
202
173
409
362
384

Net
Avg
41.0
39.3
38.8
38.5
37.7
37.6
37.4
37.2
37.2
37.0
36.4
36.4
36.0
34.5
34.3
31.7

4
20
2
2

199
813
53
60

60
56
28
32

49.8
40.7
26.5
30.0

1
2
0
0

1
6
1
1

0
0
0
0

3
10
0
1

22
112
0
94

39.3
33.1
26.5
-17.0

NON-QUALIFIERS

Johnson
Berger
Gould
Kasay

Chi.
Ariz.
Chi.
Car.

Morency
Leonard
Grant
Taylor
Arrington
Norwood
Pollard
Miller
Shiancoe
Horn
Pittman
Ward
Foster
James
Avant
Pope
Morris
J. Jones
D. Williams
Jacobs
Urban
Clayton
McCardell
Smith
Robinson
Moss
Walker
Betts
Henderson
Hester
Hurd
Peterson
Williamson
Stevens
Askew
Franks
McHugh
Davis
P. Thomas
Benson
Sellers
R. Martin
Celek
Baskett
Jackson
Caldwell
Copper
M. Bennett
Fasano
Cason
Hicks
Alexander
T. Bell
G. Lewis
Heller
Karney
Obomanu
Buckhalter
Minor
Schobel
Richardson
Robinson
Lelie
Stovall
Hoover
Boss
Wolfe
Thrash
Walters
Wynn
Strong
Milner
McKie
Morey
Allison
Hagans
Breaston
FitzSimmons
Middleton
Smith
Tapeh
Hall
Gilmore
Yoder
Patrick
T. Smith
Dugan
Hedgecock
Droughns
Blakley
Bienemann
Rosario
Jarrett
Bradley
Jennings

G.B.
30
St.L.
30
G.B.
30
Minn. 29
Ariz.
29
Atl.
28
Sea.
28
N.O.
27
Minn. 27
Atl.
27
T.B.
26
N.Y.G. 26
Car.
25
Ariz.
24
Phil.
23
Ariz.
23
Sea.
23
Dall.
23
Car.
23
N.Y.G. 23
Ariz.
22
T.B.
22
Wash. 22
Phil.
22
G.B.
21
N.Y.G. 21
S.F.
21
Wash. 21
N.O.
20
Chi.
20
Dall.
19
Minn. 19
Minn. 18
T.B.
18
T.B.
18
G.B.
18
Det.
17
Chi.
17
N.O.
17
Chi.
17
Wash. 17
G.B.
16
Phil.
16
Phil.
16
G.B.
16
Wash. 15
N.O.
15
T.B.
15
Dall.
14
Det.
14
S.F.
14
Sea.
14
Det.
14
Phil.
13
Sea.
13
N.O.
13
Sea.
12
Phil.
12
St.L.
12
Phil.
11
Minn. 11
S.F.
11
S.F.
10
T.B.
10
Car.
10
N.Y.G.
9
Chi.
9
Wash.
9
Det.
9
G.B.
9
Sea.
9
Atl.
9
Chi.
9
Ariz.
8
Minn.
8
St.L.
8
Ariz.
8
Det.
8
Det.
8
N.Y.G.
8
Phil.
8
G.B.
8
S.F.
7
Wash.
7
Ariz.
7
Ariz.
7
Minn.
7
StL-NYG 7
N.Y.G.
7
Atl.
7
Ariz.
7
Car.
6
Car.
6
Chi.
6
Atl.
6

199
183
145
281
241
277
273
328
323
243
191
179
182
204
267
238
213
203
175
174
329
301
256
236
241
225
174
174
409
299
314
268
240
189
175
132
252
165
151
123
117
242
178
142
130
141
126
101
143
129
86
76
63
265
82
78
180
87
86
108
89
73
115
86
58
118
117
107
101
73
72
50
33
131
122
101
92
85
70
63
50
49
111
97
73
59
57
52
49
48
46
108
73
71
62

6.6
6.1
4.8
9.7
8.3
9.9
9.8
12.1
12.0
9.0
7.3
6.9
7.3
8.5
11.6
10.3
9.3
8.8
7.6
7.6
15.0
13.7
11.6
10.7
11.5
10.7
8.3
8.3
20.5
15.0
16.5
14.1
13.3
10.5
9.7
7.3
14.8
9.7
8.9
7.2
6.9
15.1
11.1
8.9
8.1
9.4
8.4
6.7
10.2
9.2
6.1
5.4
4.5
20.4
6.3
6.0
15.0
7.3
7.2
9.8
8.1
6.6
11.5
8.6
5.8
13.1
13.0
11.9
11.2
8.1
8.0
5.6
3.7
16.4
15.3
12.6
11.5
10.6
8.8
7.9
6.3
6.1
15.9
13.9
10.4
8.4
8.1
7.4
7.0
6.9
6.6
18.0
12.2
11.8
10.3

18
16
21
50
32
46
22
57
79
26
16
17
23
26
31
31
34
24
30
34
42
39
32
26
43
20
26
28
54
81
51
60
60
24
22
24
46
36
17
19
24
36
29
25
16
19
21
23
26
20
11
18
15
50
25
11
30
14
20
18
12
20
47
13
14
23
33
31
21
18
15
15
10
62
35
23
22
22
17
12
9
10
42
30
21
16
27
9
11
11
13
54
22
19
28

0
0
0
0
1
0
2
2
1
1
0
1
1
0
2
5
1
0
1
2
2
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
3
2
1
1
1
4
0
3
0
0
1
0
1
4
1
1
0
0
2
1
1
0
0
1
0
3
3
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
1
1

Anderson
Moore
Looker
Norris
Mughelli
Matthews
Lucas
Austin
Fauria
Taylor
Calhoun
D. Hall
Becht
Duckett
Byrd
Kleinsasser
Tyree
Robinson
Shipp
Clark
McAllister
Mix
Curtis
C. Williams
Pittman
Haynes
Gilmore
S. Wallace
Klopfenstein
Mills
Darby
Lloyd
Walker
Owens
Barclay
Bradshaw
Krause
Bradley
Brees
Kuhn
Storer
Bodiford
Mahe
Owens
Kitna
Tahi
J. Hill
Hixon
Kozlowski
T. Taylor
Harrington
St. Clair
Hoyte
Pearman
Campbell

Dall.
Minn.
St.L.
S.F.
Atl.
N.Y.G.
T.B.
Dall.
Car.
Sea.
Det.
St.L.
T.B.
Det.
St.L.
Minn.
N.Y.G.
Car.
Ariz.
T.B.
N.O.
Wash.
Dall.
T.B.
St.L.
Car.
Chi.
Sea.
St.L.
Minn.
T.B.
Wash.
St.L.
Det.
N.O.
N.Y.G.
G.B.
Det.
N.O.
G.B.
T.B.
G.B.
Phil.
St.L.
Det.
Minn.
S.F.
N.Y.G.
Wash.
Car.
Atl.
Chi.
Dall.
Sea.
Det.

Crosby
Folk
Brown
Gould
Hanson
Bryant
Suisham
Rackers
Tynes
Akers
Andersen
Kasay
Longwell
Wilkins
Owens
Peterson
Nedney
Barber
Burress
Jennings
Westbrook
Burleson
Colston
Portis
Mare
Fitzgerald
Graham
Boldin
Cooley
Curtis
Grant
Hester
Jones
Holt
Bush
Crayton

Team
G.B.
Dall.
Sea.
Chi.
Det.
T.B.
Wash.
Ariz.
N.Y.G.
Phil.
Atl.
Car.
Minn.
St.L.
Dall.
Minn.
S.F.
Dall.
N.Y.G.
G.B.
Phil.
Sea.
N.O.
Wash.
N.O.
Ariz.
T.B.
Ariz.
Wash.
Phil.
G.B.
Chi.
Det.
St.L.
N.O.
Dall.

6
6
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

55
48
38
38
36
28
82
76
39
38
35
27
20
54
44
43
35
35
25
23
15
39
18
17
15
14
14
47
37
26
16
14
13
13
13
12
11
10
10
7
3
13
11
9
9
7
6
5
5
4
4
2
2
1
1

9.2
8.0
6.3
6.3
6.0
4.7
16.4
15.2
7.8
7.6
7.0
5.4
4.0
13.5
11.0
10.8
8.8
8.8
6.3
5.8
3.8
13.0
6.0
5.7
5.0
4.7
4.7
23.5
18.5
13.0
8.0
7.0
6.5
6.5
6.5
6.0
5.5
5.0
5.0
3.5
1.5
13.0
11.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
4.0
2.0
2.0
1.0
1.0

17
20
10
13
12
6
52
35
16
12
11
12
9
22
14
26
24
12
9
7
7
21
15
8
11
6
7
29
36
18
9
9
8
9
7
11
6
8
8
5
2
13
11
9
9
7
6
5
5
4
4
2
2
1
1

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0

SCORING
TD
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
15
13
0
12
12
12
12
11
11
11
0
10
10
9
8
8
8
8
8
7
6
7

XP/att
48/48
53/53
43/43
33/33
35/36
34/34
29/30
47/48
40/42
36/36
24/24
27/27
39/40
25/25
0/0
0/0
22/22
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
34/34
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0

FG/att 2XP Pts


31/39 0 141
26/31 0 131
28/34 0 127
31/36 0 126
29/35 0 122
28/33 0 118
29/35 0 116
21/30 0 110
23/27 0 109
24/32 0 108
25/28 0 99
24/28 0 99
20/24 0 99
24/32 0 97
0/0 0 90
0/0 0 78
17/19 0 73
0/0 0 72
0/0 0 72
0/0 0 72
0/0 0 72
0/0 0 66
0/0 0 66
0/0 0 66
10/17 0 64
0/0 0 60
0/0 0 60
0/0 0 54
0/0 1 50
0/0 0 48
0/0 0 48
0/0 0 48
0/0 0 48
0/0 1 44
0/0 3 42
0/0 0 42

FEBRUARY 24, 2008


James
Smith
Taylor
Witten
Battle
Droughns
Engram
Galloway
Gore
Jackson
Jacobs
Lee
McDonald
White
Alexander
Berrian
Crumpler
Johnson
Morris
Pope
Stecker
R. Williams
D. Williams
Benson
Branch
R. Brown
Bruce
Buckhalter
D. Carter
Clark
V. Davis
Dunn
Foster
Jenkins
R. Martin
Rice
Stevens
Ward
Wynn
Gramatica
T. Jackson
P. Thomas
Bennett
Curtis
Duckett
Franks
Hackett
Heller
Henderson
Jackson
G. Lewis
McMichael
L. Moore
Moss
Muhammad
Patten
Peterson
Rolle
Sellers
Shockey
Smith
Toomer
Wade
C. Williams
FitzSimmons
Olsen
Avant
Barber
Becht
M. Bennett
Betts
Blackmon
Boss
Copper
Driver
Fauria
Hood
Bry. Johnson
E. Johnson
J. Jones
Jones
Karney
King
McKenzie
Miller
Mitchell
Patrick
Pollard
Romo
Rosario
Thrash
Urban
K. Williams
Woodson
Randle El
Allison
Arrington
Atogwe
Banta-Cain
Baskett
T. Bell
Bienemann
Bradley
Bradshaw
Breaston
Brees
F. Brown
J. Campbell
Celek
David
Edwards
Fasano
Ferguson
Fletcher
Furrey
Garcia
Graham
Greenway
Griffin
D. Hall
Hall
Harper
Hatcher
Hayes
Henry
Hicks
S. Hill
Hill
Hilliard

Ariz.
Car.
Minn.
Dall.
S.F.
N.Y.G.
Sea.
T.B.
S.F.
St.L.
N.Y.G.
G.B.
Det.
Atl.
Sea.
Chi.
Atl.
Det.
Sea.
Ariz.
N.O.
Det.
Car.
Chi.
Sea.
Phil.
St.L.
Phil.
Car.
Chi.
S.F.
Atl.
Car.
Atl.
G.B.
Minn.
T.B.
N.Y.G.
G.B.
N.O.
Minn.
N.O.
St.L.
Dall.
Det.
G.B.
Sea.
Sea.
N.O.
S.F.
Phil.
St.L.
N.O.
Wash.
Chi.
N.O.
Chi.
Ariz.
Wash.
N.Y.G.
T.B.
N.Y.G.
Minn.
T.B.
Det.
Chi.
Phil.
T.B.
T.B.
T.B.
Wash.
G.B.
N.Y.G.
N.O.
G.B.
Car.
Ariz.
Ariz.
N.O.
Dall.
G.B.
N.O.
Car.
N.O.
N.O.
N.Y.G.
Ariz.
Sea.
Dall.
Car.
Wash.
Ariz.
Minn.
G.B.
Wash.
Minn.
Ariz.
St.L.
S.F.
Phil.
Det.
Ariz.
Chi.
N.Y.G.
Ariz.
N.O.
St.L.
Wash.
Phil.
N.O.
Minn.
Dall.
Minn.
Wash.
Det.
T.B.
Chi.
Minn.
Minn.
St.L.
Atl.
N.O.
Dall.
Ariz.
Dall.
S.F.
S.F.
Sea.
T.B.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY


7
7
7
7
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
0
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
8/8
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0

0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
5/5
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

42
42
42
42
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
23
22
20
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
14
14
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
8
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6

Hixon
Horn
Hunt
Hurd
Jackson
Jennings
Kleinsasser
Klopfenstein
Lenon
Lucas
Manning
Marshall
McCardell
McKie
Middleton
Mughelli
Newman
Norwood
Obomanu
Robinson
Robinson
Rogers
Rogers
Ross
Schobel
Sharper
Shiancoe
Shipp
D. Smith
Smith
K. Smith
Snelling
Spurlock
St. Clair
Stovall
Trufant
Umenyiora
Urlacher
Walker
Walters
Warner
Watkins
Weaver
Webster
Wells
T. White
White
T. Williams
Williamson
Wilson
Winfield
Yoder
Bollinger
Carriker
Golston
Norris
Scobey
Smith
Team
Team

N.Y.G.
Atl.
Phil.
Dall.
G.B.
Atl.
Minn.
St.L.
Det.
Car.
N.Y.G.
Car.
Wash.
Chi.
Det.
Atl.
Dall.
Atl.
Sea.
Atl.
G.B.
Det.
Wash.
N.Y.G.
Phil.
Minn.
Minn.
Ariz.
Minn.
Phil.
Det.
Atl.
T.B.
Chi.
T.B.
Sea.
N.Y.G.
Chi.
S.F.
Det.
Ariz.
Dall.
Sea.
N.Y.G.
Ariz.
G.B.
Det.
G.B.
Minn.
Sea.
Minn.
Wash.
Minn.
St.L.
Wash.
S.F.
Sea.
N.O.
Chi.
Minn.

Atogwe
Trufant
Henry
Rolle
Hood
Urlacher
Taylor
Hamlin
Hall
Bigby
Newman
Tatupu
D. Smith
Clements
Springs
Sharper
Madison
Woodson
F. Brown
W. Harris
Wilson
Phillips
McKenzie
Marshall
K. Smith
Harper
Dansby
Ross
Crocker
Fletcher
Grant
Tillman
Buchanon
David
Cooper
S. Brown
K. Williams
Alexander
Kennedy
Barnett
Greenway
Rouse
D. Manning
Barber
Jackson
Fisher
Sheppard
Milloy
Craft
Wilson
M.M. Lewis
Harris
Tinoisamoa
Boley
Bartell
Williams
Ruud
Bullocks
McGowan
D. Williams
Peterson
Lucas
Kelly
F. Bryant
Rogers
Lenon

Team
St.L.
Sea.
Dall.
Ariz.
Ariz.
Chi.
Wash.
Dall.
Atl.
G.B.
Dall.
Sea.
Minn.
S.F.
Wash.
Minn.
N.Y.G.
G.B.
St.L.
S.F.
N.Y.G.
T.B.
N.O.
Car.
Det.
N.O.
Ariz.
N.Y.G.
Atl.
Wash.
Sea.
Chi.
T.B.
N.O.
Car.
Phil.
Minn.
Det.
Det.
G.B.
Minn.
G.B.
Chi.
T.B.
T.B.
Det.
Phil.
Atl.
N.O.
Ariz.
S.F.
G.B.
St.L.
Atl.
St.L.
Dall.
T.B.
N.O.
Chi.
Atl.
Sea.
Car.
T.B.
Det.
Det.
Det.

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0

0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
0/0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

INTERCEPTIONS
No
8
7
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1

Yds
125
150
81
231
196
101
98
93
80
50
129
116
112
74
63
61
59
48
48
42
12
2
161
107
64
58
55
51
40
36
34
24
22
21
19
3
72
70
45
40
39
37
33
32
26
25
25
24
21
20
18
17
15
12
10
10
7
6
5
3
3
1
0
0
66
61

Lg
52
84
28
57
71
85
48
35
33
22
70
49
93
62
53
41
27
46
36
23
10
2
75
73
64
31
28
43
18
27
34
20
19
19
19
3
54
36
38
38
37
34
33
29
26
13
16
19
21
20
18
17
15
12
9
10
5
6
5
8
3
1
0
0
66
61

TD
1
1
1
3
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
2
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1

Rogers
Gaither
Smoot
Vasher
Webster
C. Harris
Hayes
White
Pierce
M. Brown
T. Williams
Mikell
Mitchell
Reeves
Pace
Winfield
Bradley
J. Williams
Hawk
C. Williams
A. Brown
R. Brown
Sims
Lewis
Archuleta
D. Smith
Manuel
Gamble
Wade
Dawkins
Russell
Kerney
James
Bashir
Leber
Peppers
June
Beason
Hill
Poppinga
Watkins
C. Gordon
Considine
Spencer
Babineaux
T. Davis
Butler
Cody
Tapp
McIntosh

http://www.profootballweekly.com

Wash.
Phil.
Wash.
Chi.
N.Y.G.
Car.
Ariz.
Det.
N.Y.G.
Chi.
G.B.
Phil.
N.Y.G.
Dall.
Ariz.
Minn.
Phil.
Atl.
G.B.
G.B.
Chi.
Ariz.
Det.
Atl.
Chi.
S.F.
Car.
Car.
St.L.
Phil.
Sea.
Sea.
Phil.
Det.
Minn.
Car.
T.B.
Car.
St.L.
G.B.
Dall.
Minn.
Phil.
S.F.
Sea.
Car.
N.Y.G.
Det.
Sea.
Wash.

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0

61
49
47
34
34
30
30
28
28
27
22
20
20
18
14
14
13
11
10
9
7
5
5
4
4
4
4
2
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-2
-4
-4

61
49
47
34
34
30
30
28
28
27
22
20
20
18
14
14
13
11
10
9
7
5
5
4
4
4
4
2
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-2
-4
0

1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

PUNT RETURNS
Hester
Burleson
Breaston
L. Moore
Crayton
Robinson
Woodson
Mahe
M.L. Lewis
McQuarters
Jennings
Randle El

Team
Chi.
Sea.
Ariz.
N.O.
Dall.
Car.
G.B.
Phil.
S.F.
N.Y.G.
Atl.
Wash.

No
42
58
42
20
22
30
33
31
44
42
30
34

FC
6
8
6
15
20
19
5
11
4
18
17
7

Yds Avg
651 15.5
658 11.3
395 9.4
185 9.3
201 9.1
262 8.7
268 8.1
249 8.0
336 7.6
318 7.6
186 6.2
209 6.1

Lg TD
89 4
94 1
73 1
48 0
49 0
34 0
34 0
32 0
51 0
27 0
23 0
27 0

Wash.
Phil.
G.B.
S.F.
St.L.
G.B.
T.B.
N.O.
Minn.
Det.
St.L.
Atl.
Det.
T.B.
St.L.
Minn.
Dall.
T.B.
Wash.
T.B.
N.Y.G.
N.O.
Phil.
Car.
T.B.
St.L.
Phil.
Atl.
N.Y.G.
Phil.
St.L.
Chi.
Chi.
G.B.
N.O.
N.O.

2
4
6
7
19
8
12
3
12
3
1
5
15
4
12
17
4
15
4
3
7
3
2
2
16
2
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0

1
0
0
0
6
0
6
1
6
4
0
1
16
3
12
13
1
4
2
2
5
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1

71
79
118
115
286
106
143
34
124
30
10
41
118
30
88
118
26
92
19
14
32
12
8
7
55
5
4
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

62
64
94
41
85
57
35
19
42
13
10
16
18
15
15
17
13
20
9
10
14
10
8
6
24
5
5
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

NON-QUALIFIERS

Thrash
Westbrook
T. Williams
Clements
D. Hall
Blackmon
Jones
Barclay
Moore
Furrey
Stanley
Hall
Walters
Spurlock
B. Williams
Wade
Newman
Hilliard
McCardell
Galloway
Hixon
Bush
Reed
Smith
Buchanon
Looker
G. Lewis
Harris
Bradshaw
Graham
Hagans
Idonije
McGowan
Bush
Craft
David

35.5
19.8
19.7
16.4
15.1
13.3
11.9
11.3
10.3
10.0
10.0
8.2
7.9
7.5
7.3
6.9
6.5
6.1
4.8
4.7
4.6
4.0
4.0
3.5
3.4
2.5
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Spurlock
Wilson
Taylor
Wolfe
Stanbeck
Peterson
Robinson
Jennings
Copper
C. Gordon
Pearman
Clark
Stecker
Arrington
Williamson
Graham
Scobey
Calhoun
Obomanu
Stovall
Betts
Walters
Clayton
Barclay
Walker
Middleton
FitzSimmons
Cox
Bodiford
N. Jones
D. Manning
Moore
Rosario
Goings
Looker
Mahe
Wade
L. Moore
Hagans
Thrash
Dugan
D. Williams
Lucas
M.L. Lewis
Randle El
King

Nedney
Andersen

Team No
Yds
Minn. 20
574
Wash. 52 1,339
Dall.
24
612
St.L.
20
509
Atl.
52 1,317
St.L.
29
729
Det.
42 1,041
N.Y.G. 20
495
N.Y.G. 38
921
N.O.
36
865
S.F.
63 1,502
G.B.
25
596
Dall.
20
471
St.L.
22
508
Car.
26
598
G.B.
30
684
Phil.
31
701
Ariz.
62 1,391
Sea.
27
590
N.Y.G. 20
437
Chi.
43
934
Phil.
37
798

Avg Lg TD
28.7 104 1
25.8 80 0
25.5 60 0
25.5 49 0
25.3 76 0
25.1 84 0
24.8 74 0
24.8 74 1
24.2 68 0
24.0 64 0
23.8 55 0
23.8 67 0
23.6 72 0
23.1 37 0
23.0 60 0
22.8 65 0
22.6 34 0
22.4 59 0
21.9 91 1
21.9 34 0
21.7 97 2
21.6 35 0

Ariz.
T.B.

40.0
28.6

Mare

40
286

40
36

0
0

444
385
27
27
78
412
51
428
49
48
71
70
137
251
387
90
112
221
88
22
108
172
172
402
63
83
62
41
41
122
61
20
39
174
19
19
19
318
130
36
18
231
35
86
17
16

27.8
27.5
27.0
27.0
26.0
25.8
25.5
25.2
24.5
24.0
23.7
23.3
22.8
22.8
22.8
22.5
22.4
22.1
22.0
22.0
21.6
21.5
21.5
21.2
21.0
20.8
20.7
20.5
20.5
20.3
20.3
20.0
19.5
19.3
19.0
19.0
19.0
18.7
18.6
18.0
18.0
17.8
17.5
17.2
17.0
16.0

90
89
27
27
35
53
30
61
25
27
33
26
41
56
56
31
29
33
25
22
36
39
26
37
30
30
41
27
22
27
21
20
25
29
19
19
19
32
22
20
18
29
18
24
17
16

1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

S.F.
Wash.
Det.
S.F.
G.B.
Sea.
Dall.
St.L.
Ariz.
Car.
Phil.
Car.
N.Y.G.
N.O.
Atl.
Ariz.
Atl.
Phil.
T.B.
Car.
S.F.
Det.
N.O.
Sea.
Dall.
Minn.
Wash.
Dall.
Car.
Dall.
N.O.
Minn.
N.O.
Ariz.
St.L.
Wash.
N.O.
Wash.
St.L.
S.F.
Car.
S.F.
Car.
Det.
Det.

4.0
4.0
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.0

Wynn
Davis
Hangartner
Mughelli
Reagor
Furrey
Minor
Engram
Moss
McQuistan
Moorehead
Saipaia
Patten
Lake
Alexander
Anderson
Curtis
Crayton
Gilmore
Yoder
Miller
J. Cooper
Babineaux
Buchanon
Eubanks
R. Martin
Peterson
Darby
Driver
Hilliard
G. Lewis
Blackmon
Grigsby
Idonije
B. Davis
C. Wallace
Shiancoe
Terrill
White
Montgomery
R. Willis
Marshall
McClover
Bentley
Baskett

G.B.
Chi.
Car.
Atl.
Phil.
Det.
St.L.
Sea.
Wash.
Dall.
Car.
Det.
N.O.
N.O.
Wash.
Dall.
Dall.
Dall.
Chi.
Wash.
N.O.
N.O.
Atl.
T.B.
Wash.
G.B.
Chi.
T.B.
G.B.
T.B.
Phil.
G.B.
Minn.
Chi.
Det.
Sea.
Minn.
Sea.
Atl.
G.B.
Sea.
Car.
Car.
Sea.
Phil.

1
12
3
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
4
2
2
1
1
1
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0

15
168
42
28
14
25
24
12
12
12
46
23
20
10
10
10
27
26
25
8
8
8
8
15
14
6
17
11
4
3
3
3
2
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4

15.0
14.0
14.0
14.0
14.0
12.5
12.0
12.0
12.0
12.0
11.5
11.5
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
9.0
8.7
8.3
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.5
7.0
6.0
5.7
5.5
4.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

15
34
16
18
14
15
21
12
12
12
17
12
10
10
10
10
16
13
15
8
8
8
8
16
14
6
14
14
4
3
3
3
2
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Willis
Wilson
Bailey
Banta-Cain
Barnett
Bernard
Canty
Chavous
Dansby
Diggs
Kearse
Lewis
Mitchell
Wynn
Babineaux
Blackstock
Boley
Bunkley
Carter
T. Davis
Douglas
K. Edwards
Fujita
Hill
James
S. Johnson
McIntosh
Ratliff
Rucker
Spencer
H. Thomas
K. Williams
B. Young
Berry
Chillar
Daniels
Grant
Griffin
J. Hall
Haralson
Jenkins
Moore
Peppers
C. Smith
Alexander

Archuleta
Briggs
Brooking
Carriker
Coleman
Davis
R. Green
Hatcher
Ta. Johnson
Lenon
Mebane
Moore
Moorehead
Ryan
Simoneau
Spears
Spires
Tafoya
Team
Team
P. Williams
Wyms
Hovan
Landry
M.M. Lewis
Peterson
Ross
Sopoaga
Alford
Babineaux
Barber
Bartell
Bradley
Bullocks
Chukwurah
Clements
Cofield
Crocker
Draft
Evans
Evans
Fields
Gocong
Golston
Grigsby
Hanson

Chi.
Chi.
Atl.
St.L.
Atl.
Atl.
S.F.
Dall.
Dall.
Det.
Sea.
Det.
Car.
St.L.
N.O.
Dall.
T.B.
Ariz.
Minn.
Phil.
Minn.
Sea.
T.B.
Wash.
S.F.
T.B.
N.Y.G.
S.F.
N.Y.G.
Sea.
T.B.
St.L.
Phil.
N.O.
T.B.
S.F.
N.Y.G.
Atl.
St.L.
Wash.
Minn.
S.F.
Phil.
Wash.
Minn.
Phil.

2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

Hawk
Howard
James
Jenkins
To. Johnson
Jolly
N. Jones
Lake
Little
Madison
R. Manning
Manuel
Marshall
McClover
McDonald
Mikell
Mitchell
E. Moore
Navies
Nicholas
Phillips
Pickett
Pierce
Reagor
Redding
Russell
Simmons
Sims
Sims
Spikes
Tatupu
Team
Team
Team
Torbor
Torrence
Vasher
Walker
Williams
A. Adams
Clancy
J. Cooper
Darby
Doughty
Montgomery
Wroten

G.B.
Phil.
Minn.
G.B.
St.L.
G.B.
Dall.
N.O.
St.L.
N.Y.G.
Chi.
Car.
Car.
Car.
S.F.
Phil.
Minn.
St.L.
S.F.
Atl.
T.B.
G.B.
N.Y.G.
Phil.
Det.
Sea.
N.O.
T.B.
Det.
Phil.
Sea.
Chi.
N.Y.G.
T.B.
N.Y.G.
Wash.
Chi.
Chi.
Chi.
Chi.
N.O.
N.O.
Sea.
Wash.
Wash.
St.L.

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
.5

FIELD-GOAL ACCURACY

Gould

1
10

16
14
1
1
3
16
2
17
2
2
3
3
6
11
17
4
5
10
4
1
5
8
8
19
3
4
3
2
2
6
3
1
2
9
1
1
1
17
7
2
1
13
2
5
1
1

SACKS

Kasay
Tynes
Bryant
Folk
Longwell
Hanson
Suisham
Brown
Crosby
Wilkins
Akers
Rackers

NON-QUALIFIERS

Morey
Jones

T.B.
Sea.
Sea.
Chi.
Dall.
Minn.
S.F.
Atl.
N.O.
Minn.
Sea.
T.B.
N.O.
Ariz.
Minn.
T.B.
Sea.
Det.
Sea.
T.B.
Wash.
Det.
T.B.
N.O.
S.F.
Det.
Det.
T.B.
G.B.
Dall.
Chi.
Minn.
Car.
Car.
St.L.
Phil.
St.L.
N.O.
St.L.
Wash.
Minn.
Car.
T.B.
S.F.
Wash.
Car.

Tm Sacks
Kerney
Sea. 14.5
Ware
Dall. 14.0
Umenyiora N.Y.G. 13.0
T. Cole
Phil. 12.5
Ellis
Dall. 12.5
Kampman G.B. 12.0
Carter
Wash. 10.5
Abraham
Atl.
10.0
Tuck
N.Y.G. 10.0
Gbaja-Biamila G.B.
9.5
Peterson
Sea.
9.5
Dockett
Ariz.
9.0
Ogunleye
Chi.
9.0
Strahan
N.Y.G. 9.0
T. Harris
Chi.
8.0
White
T.B.
8.0
Rogers
Det.
7.0
Smith
N.O.
7.0
Tapp
Sea.
7.0
C. Williams G.B.
7.0
Witherspoon St.L.
7.0
DeVries
Det.
6.5
Pace
Ariz.
6.5
White
Det.
6.5
Young
S.F.
6.5
Adams
T.B.
6.0
Glover
St.L.
6.0
Haye
T.B.
6.0
Robbins
N.Y.G. 5.5
Smith
Ariz.
5.5
Anderson
Chi.
5.0
Edwards
Minn. 5.0
Leber
Minn. 5.0
J. Thomas Phil.
5.0
Udeze
Minn. 5.0
Urlacher
Chi.
5.0
Washington Wash. 5.0
A. Brown
Chi.
4.5
Henderson Minn. 4.5
Kiwanuka
N.Y.G. 4.5
Robison
Minn. 4.5
Harper
N.O.
4.0
Hayes
Ariz.
4.0
Patterson
Phil.
4.0

KICKOFF RETURNS
Allison
Cartwright
Austin
Stanley
Norwood
D. Hall
Cason
Hixon
Bradshaw
P. Thomas
Hicks
Robinson
Thompson
B. Williams
Robinson
T. Williams
Reed
Breaston
Burleson
Droughns
Hester
Buckhalter

33

1-19
Yds
1-1
1.000
Atl.
0-0
.000
Chi.
0-0
.000
Car.
2-2
1.000
N.Y.G.
1-1
1.000
T.B.
0-0
.000
Dall.
0-0
.000
Minn.
0-0
.000
Det.
1-1
1.000
Wash.
0-0
.000
Sea.
0-0
.000
G.B.
1-1
1.000
St.L.
0-0
.000
Phil.
0-0
.000
Ariz.
2-2
1.000
N.O.
0-0
.000
Team
S.F.

20-29
Yds
5-5
1.000
9-9
1.000
7-7
1.000
6-6
1.000
9-10
.900
11-12
.917
10-12
.833
3-3
1.000
4-5
.800
10-10
1.000
12-12
1.000
8-8
1.000
7-8
.875
12-12
1.000
5-5
1.000
4-5
.800

30-39
Yds
6-6
1.000
12-12
1.000
12-13
.923
8-9
.889
5-8
.625
11-11
1.000
7-7
1.000
6-6
1.000
10-12
.833
8-10
.800
5-5
1.000
10-11
.909
6-7
.857
10-10
1.000
6-8
.750
3-4
.750

40-49 50 or
Yds Longer Total
4-4
1-3 17-19
1.000
.333
.895
4-7
0-0 25-28
.571
.000
.893
12-14
0-2 31-36
.857
.000
.861
6-9
2-2 24-28
.667 1.000
.857
8-8
0-0 23-27
1.000
.000
.852
6-7
0-3 28-33
.857
.000
.849
7-7
2-5 26-31
1.000
.400
.839
10-11
1-4 20-24
.909
.250
.833
11-13
3-4 29-35
.846
.750
.829
11-15
0-0 29-35
.733
.000
.829
8-12
3-5 28-34
.667
.600
.824
9-14
3-5 31-39
.643
.600
.795
8-13
3-4 24-32
.615
.750
.750
1-6
1-4 24-32
.167
.250
.750
5-6
3-9 21-30
.833
.333
.700
2-3
1-5 10-17
.667
.200
.588

Avg
Avg
Avg
Yds Yds
Yds
Att Made Miss
36.2 34.1 53.5

Lg
50

33.6

32.2

46.0

47

37.4

35.9

46.4

49

36.5

35.5

42.3

53

33.5

33.5

33.8

48

35.0

33.0

46.2

49

35.8

34.9

40.4

53

42.0

39.9

52.5

55

39.0

38.4

41.5

53

36.6

35.2

43.5

49

37.1

35.0

46.7

54

38.6

36.6

46.4

53

38.5

37.3

42.0

53

35.3

30.8

48.5

53

39.0

34.9

48.4

52

39.2

35.0

45.1

52

BUF

7-9-0
248
91
141
16
4434
277.1
1800
112.5
2634
164.6
448
4.0
445
263
59.1
26
208
14
291
2
81
40.8
3
37.6
0
31
15.4
1
70
20.7
1
78
633
20
7
29
12
195
65
33.3
18
8
44.4
28:51
25
8
12
5
24/24
1/1
24/27
252

BUF

354
322
104
203
15
5807
362.9
1993
124.6
3814
238.4
454
4.4
567
354
62.4
26
144
18
193
2
61
42.6
9
31.8
0
37
5.3
56
20.5
73
567
224
101
45.1
22
10
45.5
39
15
19
5
37/37
0/2
27/30

BAL

5-11-0
291
96
175
20
4832
302.0
1797
112.3
3035
189.7
446
4.0
557
341
61.2
39
273
14
293
1
79
43.0
9
36.0
1
35
9.7
2
65
23.5
1
107
873
35
26
12
6
234
90
38.5
21
11
52.4
30:46
28
11
13
4
26/26
0/2
27/32
275

BAL

384
258
69
162
27
4825
301.6
1268
79.3
3557
222.3
446
2.8
490
293
59.8
32
183
17
212
1
76
43.1
5
37.4
0
38
9.9
61
23.7
84
728
224
82
36.6
13
7
53.8
39
9
27
3
35/36
1/2
37/43

CIN

CLE

382
335
100
211
24
5753
359.6
2072
129.5
3681
230.1
460
4.5
578
340
58.8
28
186
17
216
1
69
40.2
5
32.9
0
34
9.1
76
20.9
80
581
215
79
36.7
25
11
44.0
41
8
29
4
38/38
1/3
32/35

CLE

409
306
119
168
19
5376
336.0
2282
142.6
3094
193.4
501
4.6
458
279
60.9
33
203
14
105
0
60
43.9
5
38.7
1
31
10.8
62
23.0
82
628
213
91
42.7
13
10
76.9
46
14
25
7
42/42
3/3
27/33

DEN

HOU

384
325
107
197
21
5507
344.2
1825
114.1
3682
230.1
417
4.4
546
361
66.1
31
196
11
75
0
59
43.0
3
37.1
0
19
7.9
69
23.1
81
614
198
83
41.9
16
8
50.0
43
15
25
3
42/43
0/0
28/33

HOU

8-8-0
295
96
190
9
5337
333.6
1586
99.1
3751
234.4
417
3.8
529
346
65.4
22
174
21
267
1
55
41.7
3
37.9
0
33
8.7
0
74
26.5
4
82
636
26
17
24
14
193
86
44.6
15
11
73.3
29:41
43
12
24
7
40/40
3/3
25/29
379

IND

JAX

262
288
111
162
15
4475
279.7
1711
106.9
2764
172.8
454
3.8
498
325
65.3
28
162
22
355
1
56
44.2
2
38.5
1
22
13.9
81
25.0
85
722
208
94
45.2
25
14
56.0
31
10
16
5
27/27
2/4
15/20

IND
304
286
92
181
13
5021
313.8
1605
100.3
3416
213.5
390
4.1
543
319
58.7
37
244
20
237
2
66
43.5
4
37.3
0
28
7.8
67
19.7
82
636
201
80
39.8
23
11
47.8
35
12
20
3
32/32
3/3
18/23

JAX

13-3-0 11-5-0
357
328
119
127
212
180
26
21
5739
5719
358.7 357.4
1706
2391
106.6 149.4
4033
3328
252.1 208.0
446
522
3.8
4.6
551
469
355
288
64.4
61.4
23
31
139
167
14
8
136
215
0
1
52
54
41.9
41.6
5
2
34.2
36.9
0
0
25
32
11.2
10.1
1
0
53
49
21.8
22.7
0
1
67
76
515
594
14
18
5
13
27
20
15
10
203
219
100
100
49.3
45.7
10
33
6
19
60.0
57.6
29:49 32:08
54
50
19
18
32
28
3
4
49/51 46/48
2/3
1/2
23/29 21/24
450
411

KC

MIA

335
278
104
156
18
5111
319.4
2089
130.6
3022
188.9
481
4.3
462
276
59.7
37
252
14
142
0
84
44.8
7
39.5
1
50
7.7
51
21.7
95
695
207
65
31.4
11
2
18.2
33
11
17
5
33/33
0/0
34/39

KC
437
318
129
165
24
5475
342.2
2456
153.5
3019
188.7
544
4.5
409
242
59.2
30
167
14
160
1
62
43.3
7
37.3
0
39
9.9
50
25.8
73
604
208
98
47.1
10
6
60.0
50
18
28
4
49/49
1/1
28/33

MIA

4-12-0 1-15-0
255
283
66
107
171
162
18
14
4429
4600
276.8 287.5
1248
1569
78.0
98.1
3181
3031
198.8 189.4
383
389
3.3
4.0
563
558
335
318
59.5
57.0
55
42
344
288
20
16
231
232
2
0
96
77
45.0
43.2
9
6
39.1
36.6
1
0
40
24
7.6
9.6
0
1
67
78
19.2
19.9
0
0
101
91
697
732
22
25
13
13
21
20
8
8
232
218
79
81
34.1
37.2
18
22
13
13
72.2
59.1
29:52 29:05
24
29
6
14
17
12
1
3
21/21 26/26
1/3
2/2
19/27 21/23
226
267

NE

NYJ

274
278
91
172
15
4613
288.3
1572
98.3
3041
190.1
360
4.4
526
314
59.7
47
340
19
288
3
76
43.4
9
36.9
1
14
5.4
92
22.1
96
764
187
63
33.7
20
11
55.0
34
7
23
4
34/34
0/0
12/14

NE
355
315
128
174
13
5310
331.9
2156
134.8
3154
197.1
517
4.2
470
289
61.5
29
208
15
110
0
68
42.7
14
35.9
1
32
8.4
51
24.9
93
761
211
89
42.2
10
8
80.0
38
14
18
6
36/36
2/2
29/32

NYJ

16-0-0 4-12-0
393
286
124
92
243
173
26
21
6580
4715
411.3 294.7
1849
1701
115.6 106.3
4731
3014
295.7 188.4
451
446
4.1
3.8
586
512
403
310
68.8
60.5
21
53
128
316
9
19
131
196
1
4
45
72
40.5
42.5
6
8
36.1
36.6
1
1
33
20
9.4
9.2
0
0
55
74
25.2
22.9
2
3
78
63
690
486
14
20
6
6
25
15
12
6
191
226
92
85
48.2
37.6
21
21
15
10
71.4
47.6
32:35 28:35
75
26
17
6
50
15
8
5
74/74 23/24
1/1
1/2
21/24 29/36
589
268

OAK

PIT

398
292
121
156
15
5466
341.6
2334
145.9
3132
195.8
486
4.8
439
261
59.5
27
186
18
321
2
71
42.9
2
39.4
0
40
11.1
43
22.4
99
734
210
82
39.0
11
6
54.5
46
24
17
5
43/43
1/3
25/34

OAK
269
249
74
158
17
4262
266.4
1438
89.9
2824
176.5
361
4.0
536
292
54.5
36
243
11
234
2
82
43.0
6
38.6
0
31
8.6
73
22.6
73
556
215
87
40.5
19
6
31.6
31
6
22
3
29/30
0/1
18/22

PIT

4-12-0 10-6-0
267
298
111
108
133
179
23
11
4717
5239
294.8 327.4
2086
2168
130.4 135.5
2631
3071
164.4 191.9
508
511
4.1
4.2
451
442
260
282
57.6
63.8
41
47
262
347
20
14
143
110
0
0
73
68
49.1
42.4
7
2
41.1
37.9
0
0
38
39
5.5
6.1
0
0
78
52
21.6
22.0
0
1
120
80
864
651
42
21
17
8
19
30
8
14
228
220
82
103
36.0
46.8
24
13
10
7
41.7
53.8
31:09 33:18
30
46
11
9
17
34
2
3
28/28 44/44
2/2
2/2
23/32 23/25
283
393

SD

TEN

284
297
89
185
23
5124
320.3
1712
107.0
3412
213.3
416
4.1
555
338
60.9
42
272
30
311
2
69
42.9
5
37.4
0
29
10.7
75
20.9
86
665
211
83
39.3
26
9
34.6
35
11
20
4
33/33
1/2
13/19

SD
297
268
80
165
23
4665
291.6
1478
92.4
3187
199.2
369
4.0
569
349
61.3
40
241
22
358
2
81
44.6
10
37.6
0
31
8.8
58
24.2
90
745
230
97
42.2
16
8
50.0
35
11
21
3
31/33
1/1
18/25

TEN

11-5-0 10-6-0
278
306
104
118
158
171
16
17
5044
4987
315.3 311.7
2039
2109
127.4 131.8
3005
2878
187.8 179.9
485
543
4.2
3.9
471
464
281
288
59.7
62.1
24
30
170
199
16
17
283
116
2
0
82
73
45.5
41.9
9
6
39.6
36.5
1
0
32
42
8.8
8.7
1
0
48
52
25.5
21.1
1
0
94
101
761
773
17
32
8
17
27
26
18
12
214
217
84
89
39.3
41.0
10
11
6
2
60.0
18.2
29:50 31:38
49
28
19
17
22
9
8
2
46/46 28/28
0/2
0/0
24/27 35/39
412
301

OFFENSE

OPP. POINTS
OPP. 1ST DOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Penalty
OPP. YDS. GAINED
Avg. Per Game
RUSHING (NET)
Avg. Per Game
PASSING (NET)
Avg. Per Game
OPP. RUSHES
Avg. Yards
OPP. PASSES
Completed
Pct. Comp.
Sacked
Yards Lost
Intercepted By
Yards Ret.
Ret. for TD
OPP. PUNTS
Gross Avg.
Touchbacks
Net Avg.
Blocked
OPP. PUNT RET.
Avg. Ret.
OPP. KICKOFF RET.
Avg. Ret.
OPP. PENALTIES
Yards
OPP. 3RD-DOWN ATT.
Conv. To 1st Down
3rd Down Efficiency
OPP. 4TH-DOWN ATT.
Conv. To 1st Down
4th-Down Efficiency
OPP. TOUCHDOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Returns
1-PT. PAT/ATTEMPTS
2-PT. PAT/ATTEMPTS
OPP. FG/FGA

DEFENSE

GAMES (W-L-T)
FIRST DOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Penalty
TOT. YDS. GAINED
Avg. Per Game
RUSHING (NET)
Avg. Per Game
PASSING (NET)
Avg. Per Game
RUSHES
Avg. Yards
PASSES ATT.
Completed
Pct. Comp.
Sacked
Yards Lost
Had Intercepted
Yards Opp. Ret.
Opp. TDs On Int.
PUNTS
Gross Avg.
Touchbacks
Net Avg.
Blocked
PUNT RETURNS
Avg. Ret.
Ret. For TD
KICKOFF RET.
Avg. Ret.
Ret. For TD
PENALTIES
Yards
FUMBLES
Fumbles Lost
Opp. Fumbles
Opp. Fumbles Rec.
3RD-DOWN ATT.
Conv. to 1st Down
3rd Down Efficiency
4TH-DOWN ATT.
Conv. to 1st Down
4th-Down Efficiency
Time of Possession
TOUCHDOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Returns
1-PT. PAT/ATT.
2-PT. PAT/ATT.
FG/FGA
Total Points

AZ

ATL

399
298
90
185
23
5283
330.2
1567
97.9
3716
232.3
407
3.9
570
361
63.3
36
242
18
551
6
73
43.6
4
37.1
0
38
13.1
60
23.2
118
881
218
87
39.9
15
7
46.7
45
13
26
6
39/39
2/5
28/33

AZ
414
320
105
190
25
5688
355.5
2033
127.1
3655
228.4
481
4.2
536
336
62.7
25
146
16
174
0
74
41.4
3
37.5
0
41
7.5
50
23.0
91
808
210
78
37.1
21
11
52.4
47
12
27
8
46/46
1/1
28/30

ATL

8-8-0 4-12-0
308
248
70
73
210
161
28
14
5505
4816
344.1 301.0
1440
1520
90.0
95.0
4065
3296
254.1 206.0
402
385
3.6
3.9
590
555
356
336
60.3
60.5
24
47
163
277
24
15
380
292
3
5
80
88
40.0
43.5
7
5
32.0
38.8
1
0
42
36
9.4
6.3
1
0
74
73
22.7
24.4
0
0
137
105
1128
891
27
18
12
9
23
21
11
12
203
237
75
86
36.9
36.3
14
19
12
7
85.7
36.8
30:10 28:34
49
26
9
7
32
18
8
1
47/48 25/25
0/1
0/1
21/30 26/34
404
259

CAR

347
302
100
174
28
5197
324.8
1771
110.7
3426
214.1
472
3.8
537
337
62.8
23
177
14
163
1
76
42.7
9
36.8
0
55
10.5
56
23.8
100
904
226
96
42.5
14
7
50.0
38
13
22
3
38/38
0/0
27/32

CAR

7-9-0
255
85
142
28
4559
284.9
1824
114.0
2735
170.9
451
4.0
505
285
56.4
33
206
17
150
1
92
43.9
5
36.5
0
32
8.4
0
60
19.1
0
95
801
25
12
30
16
235
85
36.2
14
6
42.9
28:44
28
7
19
2
27/27
0/1
24/28
267

CHI

348
305
100
185
20
5675
354.7
1967
122.9
3708
231.8
454
4.3
541
343
63.4
41
245
16
235
1
94
40.5
6
32.3
3
40
5.9
71
19.3
92
670
223
73
32.7
13
8
61.5
39
17
19
3
35/37
2/2
25/33

CHI

7-9-0
266
74
168
24
4692
293.3
1330
83.1
3362
210.1
423
3.1
569
327
57.5
43
339
21
285
2
94
41.9
10
37.2
0
44
14.8
4
67
18.4
2
111
839
34
13
34
17
238
81
34.0
16
7
43.8
28:22
34
8
18
8
33/33
1/1
31/36
334

DAL

325
304
86
195
23
4922
307.6
1513
94.6
3409
213.1
381
4.0
581
342
58.9
46
319
19
331
2
73
45.0
10
39.1
0
35
11.6
86
23.0
85
785
216
85
39.4
18
10
55.6
36
12
19
5
34/34
0/2
25/31

DAL

13-3-0
322
83
217
22
5851
365.7
1746
109.1
4105
256.6
419
4.2
531
342
64.4
25
185
19
191
2
63
47.1
7
38.5
0
26
8.7
0
61
22.3
0
104
815
21
5
26
10
199
84
42.2
14
10
71.4
30:34
54
14
36
4
53/53
0/1
26/31
455

DET

444
363
116
221
26
6042
377.6
1911
119.4
4131
258.2
448
4.3
602
422
70.1
37
256
17
362
3
61
44.9
9
39.6
2
36
12.1
65
26.9
113
897
213
97
45.5
12
9
75.0
56
19
32
5
53/53
1/3
17/27

DET

7-9-0
303
73
203
27
5166
322.9
1288
80.5
3878
242.4
324
4.0
587
368
62.7
54
338
22
279
2
68
44.3
5
36.4
0
18
8.2
0
72
22.6
1
100
676
35
14
40
18
190
62
32.6
10
4
40.0
27:33
37
13
19
5
35/36
0/1
29/35
346

GB

291
297
77
176
44
5013
313.3
1647
102.9
3366
210.4
424
3.9
534
295
55.2
36
218
19
233
1
80
42.5
10
33.8
0
19
5.9
77
20.9
118
908
209
69
33.0
24
9
37.5
31
6
23
2
29/29
2/2
24/27

GB

13-3-0
307
69
210
28
5931
370.7
1597
99.8
4334
270.9
388
4.1
578
383
66.3
19
127
15
166
1
62
43.0
11
37.6
2
48
10.3
2
62
21.8
0
113
1006
25
9
17
9
201
86
42.8
11
5
45.5
30:19
49
13
30
6
48/48
0/0
31/39
435

MIN

311
305
67
222
16
5410
338.1
1185
74.1
4225
264.1
379
3.1
646
415
64.2
38
275
15
298
6
82
46.1
11
40.5
0
43
10.2
65
22.2
110
763
234
94
40.2
18
7
38.9
32
7
22
3
31/31
0/1
28/32

MIN

8-8-0
294
131
139
24
5379
336.2
2634
164.6
2745
171.6
494
5.3
432
249
57.6
38
193
14
177
0
81
44.7
9
37.0
0
29
8.3
0
59
24.8
1
86
662
27
16
37
16
200
69
34.5
13
7
53.8
29:22
43
22
12
9
39/40
3/3
20/24
365

NO

NYG

388
288
80
196
12
5570
348.1
1646
102.9
3924
245.3
408
4.0
524
327
62.4
32
198
13
267
3
67
43.6
3
39.8
0
35
9.6
56
22.4
89
685
206
86
41.7
19
7
36.8
44
7
32
5
44/44
0/0
26/30

NO

351
288
83
185
20
4880
305.0
1563
97.7
3317
207.3
408
3.8
523
306
58.5
53
349
15
204
3
87
41.7
4
37.1
0
28
6.2
69
23.1
118
874
211
73
34.6
16
10
62.5
41
12
24
5
38/38
1/3
21/29

NYG

7-9-0 10-6-0
346
321
94
119
232
167
20
35
5780
5302
361.3 331.4
1466
2148
91.6 134.3
4314
3154
269.6 197.1
392
469
3.7
4.6
652
544
440
302
67.5
55.5
16
28
109
222
18
20
336
336
2
3
63
72
43.8
39.8
4
5
37.2
36.0
0
1
24
43
8.2
7.4
0
0
71
66
21.3
23.9
0
1
68
77
581
652
25
26
12
14
27
24
10
10
214
218
99
91
46.3
41.7
25
17
11
6
44.0
35.3
31:09 31:22
47
44
14
15
28
23
5
6
42/42 40/42
4/5
0/2
15/22 23/27
379
373

PHI

SF

300
279
80
177
22
4982
311.4
1533
95.8
3449
215.6
403
3.8
539
312
57.9
37
244
11
111
0
76
41.6
5
35.8
0
36
11.4
69
22.3
81
616
218
81
37.2
13
3
23.1
30
10
16
4
27/29
0/1
31/38

PHI

364
308
94
187
27
5539
346.2
1896
118.5
3643
227.7
504
3.8
543
345
63.5
31
183
12
138
0
89
40.9
7
33.9
1
53
7.6
45
21.8
89
661
241
97
40.2
13
7
53.8
39
9
24
6
37/38
0/1
31/35

SF

8-8-0 5-11-0
323
218
118
65
186
140
19
13
5729
3797
358.1 237.3
1974
1477
123.4
92.3
3755
2320
234.7 145.0
421
357
4.7
4.1
577
513
350
274
60.7
53.4
49
55
250
365
15
17
198
298
1
3
73
105
42.0
47.3
7
13
34.5
41.0
0
0
42
56
8.1
8.6
0
0
71
73
21.7
23.3
0
0
83
97
649
702
24
36
12
17
16
17
8
10
229
220
97
69
42.4
31.4
15
17
9
5
60.0
29.4
30:56 26:51
38
24
12
8
24
15
2
1
36/36 22/22
0/2
0/1
24/32 17/19
336
219

SEA

STL

291
278
78
183
17
5149
321.8
1644
102.8
3505
219.1
422
3.9
568
333
58.6
45
303
20
299
1
93
46.5
11
37.0
0
37
9.8
73
24.5
99
756
232
88
37.9
17
5
29.4
32
16
15
1
27/28
1/4
22/27

SEA

438
316
105
190
21
5457
341.1
1844
115.3
3613
225.8
445
4.1
523
318
60.8
31
234
18
200
2
66
47.7
8
39.8
0
48
9.1
58
27.2
95
732
200
78
39.0
10
6
60.0
48
16
25
7
44/44
2/4
34/39

STL

10-6-0 3-13-0
323
281
93
65
211
193
19
23
5583
4760
348.9 297.5
1619
1527
101.2
95.4
3964
3233
247.8 202.1
430
404
3.8
3.8
590
574
371
333
62.9
58.0
36
48
217
328
13
28
144
427
0
4
86
78
40.0
47.2
6
9
34.3
39.3
0
0
58
30
11.3
11.9
1
1
53
82
22.1
23.6
2
0
59
94
428
794
21
25
11
9
31
23
14
9
215
223
75
80
34.9
35.9
14
20
6
7
42.9
35.0
29:49 30:08
44
27
9
5
30
19
5
3
43/43 25/25
0/1
1/2
28/34 24/32
393
263

TB

270
258
93
158
7
4454
278.4
1726
107.9
2728
170.5
454
3.8
490
297
60.6
33
207
16
89
1
83
43.5
5
38.3
0
38
7.4
68
19.5
86
706
224
91
40.6
16
9
56.3
32
11
18
3
31/32
0/0
15/18

TB

9-7-0
281
98
162
21
5229
326.8
1872
117.0
3357
209.8
449
4.2
490
316
64.5
36
222
8
167
2
78
43.4
10
37.2
1
50
6.7
0
48
23.3
1
81
614
18
12
31
19
213
82
38.5
13
5
38.5
30:27
36
15
18
3
34/34
0/2
28/33
334

NFL AVG

NFL AVG
310
347.0
291
297.8
89
95.6
174
181.7
28
20.5
4884 5203.6
305.3
325.2
1460 1774.7
91.3
110.9
3424 3428.9
214.0
214.3
391
437.1
3.7
4.1
602
532.7
351
325.8
58.3
61.2
33
34.4
198
223.4
14
16.7
301
234.2
2
1.6
81
73.5
43.0
43.2
10
6.6
36.9
37.1
0
0.4
32
35.1
6.3
9.1
66
64.8
19.5
22.6
88
91.6
684
720.1
217
214.4
78
84.7
35.9
39.5
17
16.7
10
8.2
58.8
49.0
33
38.8
10
12.1
20
22.5
3
4.3
29/30 36.4/36.8
0/3 0.9/1.9
27/37 24.8/30.0

WAS

9-7-0
307
297.8
103
95.6
192
181.7
12
20.5
5334 5203.6
333.4
325.2
1871 1774.7
116.9
110.9
3463 3428.9
216.4
214.3
498
437.1
3.8
4.1
525
532.7
319
325.8
60.8
61.2
29
34.4
159
223.4
11
16.7
78
234.2
0
1.6
75
73.5
41.0
43.2
7
6.6
36.4
37.1
0
0.4
40
35.1
7.5
9.1
0
0.5
65
64.8
23.8
22.6
0
0.8
90
91.6
751
720.1
35
25.0
18
12.0
27
25.0
10
12.0
226
214.4
92
84.7
40.7
39.5
15
16.7
6
8.2
40.0
49.0
30:46
30:00
35
38.8
15
12.1
18
22.5
2
4.3
29/30 36.4/36.8
2/5 0.9/1.9
29/35 24.8/30.0
334
347.0

WAS

NFL

385
313
98
200
15
5580
348.8
1893
118.3
3687
230.4
449
4.2
540
353
65.4
22
128
19
220
1
58
39.7
2
36.7
1
33
9.1
76
22.8
88
712
201
86
42.8
17
9
52.9
44
11
29
4
42/42
2/2
25/27

DEN

7-9-0
305
96
187
22
5541
346.3
1957
122.3
3584
224.0
429
4.6
515
326
63.3
32
175
15
229
2
60
43.8
6
36.3
2
23
9.1
1
58
22.3
0
90
610
30
14
34
16
198
80
40.4
22
7
31.8
29:09
34
10
21
3
33/33
0/1
27/31
320

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

CIN

7-9-0 10-6-0
320
315
81
110
213
192
26
13
5568
5621
348.0 351.3
1556
1895
97.3 118.4
4012
3726
250.8 232.9
416
440
3.7
4.3
575
545
373
305
64.9
56.0
17
19
119
140
20
20
294
422
3
2
59
69
41.3
42.0
3
6
35.2
35.8
0
0
27
30
4.9
13.5
0
1
73
72
23.1
27.0
1
2
90
114
670
868
20
22
10
9
28
19
16
10
208
204
96
86
46.2
42.2
12
15
4
6
33.3
40.0
29:24 29:10
41
46
10
13
26
29
5
4
37/38 42/43
1/3
2/3
31/34 26/30
380
402

34
http://www.profootballweekly.com

TEAM ST TISTICS
A

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

2007
FINAL

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

35

TEAM RANKINGS

NFL

AFC
BAL
22

BUF
30

CIN
10

CLE
8

DEN
11

16

15

24

10

17

18

28

23

30

12

2007
FINAL

NFC

HOU
14

IND
5

JAX
7

KC
31

MIA
28

NE
1

NYJ
26

OAK
25

PIT
17

SD
20

22

18

32

23

13

19

24

22

31

16

14

23

13

11

17

20

24

25

31

TEN
21

OFFENSE
Total Yards/Game

AZ
12

ATL
23

CAR
29

CHI
27

DAL
3

DET
19

GB
2

MIN
13

NO
4

NYG
16

PHI
6

SF
32

SEA
9

STL
24

TB
18

WAS
15

13

21

Rushing Yards/Game

29

26

14

30

17

31

21

28

27

20

25

11

12

Avg. Gain/Rush

30

20

15

32

10

19

12

29

11

26

25

22

26

27

Passing Yards/Game

27

18

29

15

28

21

10

32

19

16

14
15

29

21

10

28

31

26

25

14

16

20

Avg. Gain/Pass Play

24

30

23

17

19

11

22

18

32

13

27

12

14

20

24

13

29

21

12

27

31

15

19

23

Pct. Had Intercepted

30

10

18

26

22

28

16

11

25

17

32

19

13

15

18

29

21

30

27

31

10

16

Pct. QB Sacks Allowed

24

17

22

28

26

11

25

32

14

23

20

12

20

30t

10

15

18

28t

22

21

26

17

25

14

First Downs/Game

11

30t

28t

27

16

12t

19

5t

32

5t

23t

23t

12t

28

22

10

31

26

25

24

17

18

23

Avg. Gain/Off. Play

13

21

29

30

15

12

19

11

32

16

27

14

20

18

30

11

15

28

20

19

24

16

13

3rd Down Efficiency

21

22

23

29

10

31

27

12

32

26

25

17

14

13

16

29

22t

30

6t

10

4t

14

21

11t

6t

32

4th Down Efficiency

26

19t

18

4t

22t

15

11t

17

27

6t

31

19t

28

25

22t
26

32

14

18

25

10

11

13

31

30

15

16

Punt Return Avg.

12

29

20

17

22

21

23

27

24

19

28

10

28

13

18

22

16

30

29

14

25

21

27

Kickoff Return Avg.

15

31

32

19

17

23

26

24

11

20

12

15

28

26

20

10

24

21

25

14

29

17

18

22

Gross Punting Avg.

30

12

23

16

11

32

19

31

13

27

24

10

27

23

28

31

14

16

26

22

17

Net Punting Avg.

32

18

11

20

19

13

12

25

29

30

15

21

24

30

11

21

12t

31

26t

25

23

9t

22

Points/Game

29

26t

18t

16

15

12t

14

17

32

9t

28

18t

18t

1t

1t

26

24

1t

1t

29

30t

1t

1t

1t

30t

1t

1t

1t

1t

Extra Point Pct.

23

1t

1t

1t

1t

27

1t

25

1t

32

1t

1t

1t

1t

1t

28

17

6t

11

10

12

25

8t

30

8t

23

29

6t

Field Goal Pct.

31

26

14

13

18

20t

24

19

32

15

27t

22

27t

16

20t

BAL

BUF

CIN

CLE

DEN

HOU

IND

JAX

KC

MIA

NE

NYJ

OAK

PIT

SD

TEN

WAS

31

27

30

19

24

12

13

23

18

22

14

Opp. Yards/Game

25

21

27

30

19

15

11

28

32

10

29

31

16

Opp. Rush Yds./Game

28

21

29

31

27

17t

25

30

26

20

32

14

17t

15

20

29

26

24

25

15

14

10

30

24

28

15

19

23

11

14

31

20

29

10

16

22

18

32

19

12

15

30

16

30

32

28

25

26

12

18

19

15

10

2t

29

24

31

22

30

10t

5t

27

5t

25

14

15t

DEFENSE

AZ

ATL

CAR

CHI

DAL

DET

GB

MIN

NO

NYG

PHI

SF

SEA

STL

TB

17

29

16

28

32

11

20

26

10

25

15

21

26

18

24

23

14

13

22

12

20

17

Avg. Gain/Rush

10

22

24

13

23

11

16

12

19

Opp. Pass Yds./Game

28

23

17

27

13

31

12

32

30

11

18

22

19

21

16

Avg. Gain/Pass Play

17

26

16

22

25

12

18

32

10

13

21

27

Pct. Intercepted By

17

20

25

21

13

24

28

26

23

31

29

11

14

27

QB Sack Pct.

17

29

31

20

13

23

21

11

24

22

14

27

Opp. 1st Downs/Game

17

28

18

20t

19

32

15t

20t

10t

10t

23

5t

26

2t

13

10

28

26

21

22

27

17

19

30

20

31

13

Avg. Gain/Def. Play

18

23

11

25

29

12

15

32

14

16

24

29

28

27

23

30

16

32

25

13

20

14

24

3rd Down Efficiency

17

26

15

31

18

22

10

19

11

12

21

18t

10

17

31

13t

23

12

26t

21

32

20

13t

4th Down Efficiency

11

16

13t

28

22

30

29

18t

26t

24

25

21

17

16

26

12

32

11

10

22

13

27

14

25

15

Opp. Punt Return Avg.

31

24

29

30

23

19

28

20

18

24

17

19

21

29

30

11

28

14

16

26

Opp. Kickoff Ret. Avg.

23

18

25

20

31

12

15

22

13

10

27

32

17

24

14

25

20

27

18

19

10

12

15

13

26

Opp. Gross Punt Avg.

22

11

29

28

30

23

31

32

21

16

18

23

14

22

17

27

16

29

26

19

21

Opp. Net Punt Avg.

13

20

10

28

25

32

30

15

12

31

24

11

22t

18

24

21

28

22t

10

14

30

19

26

Opp. Points/Game

27

29

15

16

13

32

6t

12

25

17

20

6t

31

11

23t

17t

20

29

13t

Opp. Field Goal Pct.

17t

32

16

10

27

25

22

12

26

11

23t

15

IND

JAX

KC

MIA

NE

NYJ

OAK

PIT

SD

TEN

AZ

ATL

CAR

CHI

DAL

DET

GB

MIN

NO

NYG

PHI

SF

SEA

STL

TB

21

28

31

30

13t

17t

BAL

BUF

CIN

CLE

DEN

HOU

26t

25

17t

14

23

17t

26t

31

22

28

16

Point Differential

15

30

21

20

24

10

19

13

11

29

32

12

32

6t

8t

19

13t

31

6t

28t

22t

20

28t

12

16

Turnover Edge

22t

10t

13t

17t

8t

17t

10t

13t

22t

26

25

30

27

21

29

21

11t

32

13

15

11t

14

27

10

28

24

25

16

Penalty Yards Edge

31

23

30

17

26

18

19

20

22

16

31

21

13

26

15

17

12

32

25

23

14

Punt Ret. Differential

29

19

24

27

30

22

20

28

11

18

10

15

14

13

19

28

26

32

24

21

17

27

KO Return Differential

16

10

31

22

20

30

11

23

12

18

25

29

9t

26

21

23

24

20

18t

16

25

28

6t

17

Time of Possession

14

29

27

30

11

31

13

22

6t

32

18t

15

12

9t

TURNOVER TABLE
TEAM

TURNOVERS
GAME

S.D.
Ind.
N.E.
T.B.
Sea.
Buff.
Jax.
Cin.
Dall.
Atl.
G.B.
Pitt.
Car.
Den.
Minn.
Ten.
Chi.
Det.
Clev.
N.Y.J.
Wash.
Ariz.
Mia.
N.O.
Phil.
N.Y.G.
St.L.
K.C.
Oak.
S.F.
Hou.
Balt.

1
1
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
3
2
2
0
0
0
2
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
3
0
0
1

0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
1
2
1
0
0
2
0
2
1
1
3
0
1
0
1
0

TAKEAWAYS

SEASON

Fum Int Tot Fum

1
1
0
1
3
0
1
1
1
0
1
3
2
0
3
2
3
2
1
0
2
2
1
3
2
1
3
0
4
0
1
1

8
5
6
12
11
7
13
10
5
9
9
8
12
14
16
17
13
14
9
6
18
12
13
12
12
14
9
13
17
17
17
26

Int

Tot

16
14
9
8
13
14
8
20
19
15
15
14
17
15
14
17
21
22
20
19
11
24
16
18
15
20
28
20
20
17
21
14

24
19
15
20
24
21
21
30
24
24
24
22
29
29
30
34
34
36
29
25
29
36
29
30
27
34
37
33
37
34
38
40

GAME

3
2
0
1
0
1
0
1
2
2
0
1
0
3
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
1

1
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
0
1
2
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
3
1
1
0
0
2
0
0
1
0
2

TEAM EFFICIENCY

DIF

OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY

SEASON

Fum Int Tot Fum

4
2
1
2
0
2
1
1
2
3
2
1
1
3
0
1
3
1
0
0
1
3
1
3
0
0
2
0
1
1
1
3

18
15
12
19
14
12
10
16
10
12
9
14
16
16
16
12
17
18
10
6
10
11
8
10
8
10
9
8
8
10
14
6

Int

48
37
31
35
34
30
30
35
29
28
28
25
30
30
31
34
33
35
27
21
24
29
22
23
19
25
27
22
26
22
25
23

+24
+18
+16
+15
+10
+9
+9
+5
+5
+4
+4
+3
+1
+1
+1
+0
-1
-1
-2
-4
-5
-7
-7
-7
-8
-9
-10
-11
-11
-12
-13
-17

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

N.E.
G.B.
Dall.
Den.
Ind.
Clev.
Jax.
Minn.
Cin.
Hou.
Phil.
N.O.
Ariz.
T.B.
Det.
Sea.
Pitt.
S.D.
N.Y.G.
Wash.
Atl.
Buff.
Ten.
Oak.
N.Y.J.
Mia.
St.L.
Balt.
Car.
Chi.
K.C.
S.F.

RUSH
AVG

PASS
AVG

OFF
AVG

1058
985
975
976
1020
1004
1022
964
1008
968
1047
1060
1016
975
965
1056
1000
980
1041
1052
987
919
1037
1000
1011
989
1026
1042
989
1035
1001
925

4.10
4.12
4.17
4.56
3.83
4.31
4.58
5.33
3.74
3.80
4.69
3.74
3.58
4.17
3.98
3.77
4.24
4.20
4.58
3.76
3.95
4.02
3.88
4.11
3.81
4.03
3.78
4.03
4.04
3.14
3.26
4.14

7.79
7.26
7.38
6.55
7.03
6.61
6.66
5.84
6.78
6.81
6.00
6.46
6.62
6.38
6.05
6.33
6.28
6.07
5.51
6.25
5.48
5.59
5.83
5.35
5.33
5.05
5.20
5.09
5.08
5.49
5.15
4.08

6.22
6.02
6.00
5.68
5.63
5.60
5.60
5.58
5.52
5.51
5.47
5.45
5.42
5.36
5.35
5.29
5.24
5.15
5.09
5.07
4.88
4.82
4.81
4.72
4.66
4.65
4.64
4.64
4.61
4.53
4.42
4.10

OFFENSE

DEF
PLAYS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

T.B.
Ind.
Pitt.
Wash.
Ten.
Dall.
N.E.
N.Y.G.
Sea.
Balt.
Car.
G.B.
S.D.
Phil.
Minn.
S.F.
Jax.
Ariz.
K.C.
N.Y.J.
Clev.
Den.
Atl.
St.L.
Chi.
Cin.
Hou.
Buff.
Det.
Mia.
Oak.
N.O.

WAS

INSIDE THE RED ZONE

DEFENSIVE EFFICIENCY

OFF
PLAYS

Tot

30
22
19
16
20
18
20
19
19
16
19
11
14
14
15
22
16
17
17
15
14
18
14
13
11
15
18
14
18
12
11
17

MISCELLANEOUS

RUSH
AVG

PASS
AVG

DEF
AVG

977
980
933
1026
978
1008
933
984
1035
968
1032
994
1013
979
1063
1078
970
1013
980
1016
1066
992
1042
999
1036
1011
994
1047
1087
983
952
964

3.80
3.77
3.98
3.73
4.01
3.97
4.37
3.83
3.90
2.84
3.75
3.88
4.12
3.80
3.13
3.76
4.12
3.85
4.34
4.17
4.50
4.55
4.23
4.14
4.33
4.22
4.38
4.39
4.27
4.51
4.80
4.03

5.22
5.25
4.94
5.39
5.23
5.44
5.31
5.76
5.72
6.81
6.12
5.91
5.72
5.99
6.18
6.35
5.89
6.13
6.06
6.32
6.07
6.30
6.52
6.52
6.37
6.56
6.38
6.43
6.46
6.88
6.72
7.06

4.56
4.57
4.57
4.76
4.77
4.88
4.94
4.96
4.97
4.98
5.04
5.04
5.06
5.09
5.09
5.14
5.18
5.22
5.22
5.23
5.40
5.42
5.46
5.46
5.48
5.52
5.54
5.55
5.56
5.57
5.74
5.78

DEFENSE

OFF
POSS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

N.O.
N.E.
Ariz.
Hou.
Oak.
Minn.
Pitt.
Sea.
Jax.
Ind.
S.D.
Clev.
N.Y.G.
G.B.
Dall.
S.F.
Mia.
Car.
Det.
Wash.
Den.
K.C.
Cin.
Phil.
St.L.
T.B.
Balt.
Chi.
Atl.
Buff.
N.Y.J.
Ten.

TOT
TD

TOT
FG

SCOR
%

50
72
50
46
35
35
55
49
58
69
52
55
55
50
56
29
39
40
50
55
51
35
56
51
39
46
45
44
43
34
49
55

36
50
34
28
21
21
32
28
33
39
29
30
30
27
30
15
20
20
25
27
25
17
27
23
17
20
19
18
17
13
18
20

9
18
13
13
9
8
19
16
18
23
17
16
14
18
18
11
12
14
14
18
19
10
24
20
14
21
18
21
20
17
21
24

.900
.944
.940
.891
.857
.829
.927
.898
.879
.899
.885
.836
.800
.900
.857
.897
.821
.850
.780
.818
.863
.771
.911
.843
.795
.891
.822
.886
.860
.882
.796
.800

.720
.694
.680
.609
.600
.600
.582
.571
.569
.565
.558
.545
.545
.540
.536
.517
.513
.500
.500
.491
.490
.486
.482
.451
.436
.435
.422
.409
.395
.382
.367
.364

OFF
POSS

TD
%

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

Phil.
K.C.
Balt.
Buff.
Minn.
S.F.
Cin.
G.B.
Wash.
Dall.
Clev.
Oak.
Ariz.
Sea.
Chi.
Car.
Hou.
N.O.
Atl.
S.D.
Ind.
Pitt.
Jax.
Den.
N.Y.J.
St.L.
N.E.
N.Y.G.
T.B.
Ten.
Det.
Mia.

TOT
TD

TOT
FG

SCOR
%

TD
%

55
43
52
56
47
53
56
43
49
44
56
55
53
41
52
46
62
47
47
37
46
38
45
54
40
57
41
42
35
40
64
52

20
16
22
25
22
25
27
21
24
22
28
28
27
21
27
24
33
25
25
20
25
21
25
31
23
33
24
25
21
24
41
34

24
24
24
19
17
23
18
14
21
15
21
19
20
14
12
18
22
18
20
7
12
14
12
17
15
19
6
12
9
11
13
17

.800
.930
.885
.786
.830
.906
.804
.814
.918
.841
.875
.855
.887
.854
.750
.913
.887
.915
.957
.730
.804
.921
.822
.889
.950
.912
.732
.881
.857
.875
.844
.981

.364
.372
.423
.446
.468
.472
.482
.488
.490
.500
.500
.509
.509
.512
.519
.522
.532
.532
.532
.541
.543
.553
.556
.574
.575
.579
.585
.595
.600
.600
.641
.654

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

36

http://www.profootballweekly.com

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

Busy offseason shakes up AFL


By

His main target, Harrell, is a game-changing receiver who arguably is the leagues
best. Both players will need to come
through for a Chicago club that lost two
key players. QB Matt DOrazio was cut
after he underwent back surgery, and WR
Bobby Sippio left for the NFLs Chiefs. But
Alexander gives the Rush a running game,
which is rare for this league. And its not
like this team is starting from scratch. A
strong nucleus from last seasons team
that won the Central Division is back.

MARK ANDERSON

The key word this political season is


change, but for the Arena Football League,
that is far from a slogan. Its a way of life.
Franchises come and go and move to other
cities. Players routinely wear multiple uniforms before they retire. And those in charge
try to find new ways to change the rule book.
So it is again as the AFL enters its 22nd
season.
Three teams moved or simply went away,
free-agency movement was strong even by
AFL standards and a significant rule change
could finally put some defense in the game.
Such news would cause tremors in other
leagues, but part of the AFLs staying power
has been an extraordinary ability to absorb
potentially crippling shocks.
The AFL set an
attendance record
last season, sold
out the ArenaBowl at a neutral
site for the first time, increased sponsorship
sales by 60 percent and extended its collective-bargaining agreement with the players
association to 2015.
So the league moves on even with the
Gladiators leaving Las Vegas for Cleveland,
the Austin Wranglers dropping to the minor
league of arenafootball2 and the Nashville
Kats shutting down operations. Imagine the
NFL enduring an offseason in which the
Jaguars moved to Los Angeles, the Dolphins
joined the Canadian Football League and the
Cardinals disbanded.
There also were plenty of personnel
shakeups, which is fairly common in the
AFL because player contracts typically are
one or two years. Each offseason becomes
like a college recruiting scramble to land the
best players, and this offseason was more of
a mad dash than usual.
The Chicago Rush landed QB Sherdrick
Bonner from the Arizona Rattlers and WR
Damian Harrell from the Colorado Crush.
Bonner led the Rattlers to five ArenaBowls
and two titles, although he missed one with
injury. Harrell won two AFL Offensive Player of the Year awards, and he was instrumental in Colorados 2005 title.
WR Siaha Burley, last seasons Offensive
Player of the Year, went from the Utah Blaze
to the Rattlers. Yet another receiver, nineyear veteran Chris Jackson, moved from the
Georgia Force to the Philadelphia Soul. Jackson made the All-AFL Team last season.
The players will have to adjust to the new
rules that many officials hope will create
more defense. That also was the hope last
season, when the league took the radical step
of allowing free substitution after many
years of priding itself on an ironman image
of players lining up on both sides of the ball.
Instead of fresher defenses, however, free
substitution added even more offense to the
game. The average score went from 50.8
points in 2006 to 53.9 last season. For the
first time in league history, three clubs (Dallas, San Jose, and Georgia) averaged more
than 60 points, and the Dallas Desperados
set an AFL record with 63.5 per game.
Georgia QB Chris Greisen threw a leaguerecord 117 touchdown passes, and Burley
became the first player with more than 2,000
yards receiving. Even the rushing game got
a lift with Nashville FB Dan Alexander rushing for a league-high 426 yards and a record
41 touchdowns.
In an attempt to make indoor football
more closely resemble the stadium game,
the jack linebacker can roam side to side and
cut down on the number of passing lanes

3. San Jose SaberCats


2007 RECORD: 13-3

With three titles in six years, the SaberCats are making a strong bid for team of
the decade. This is a veteran group led by
QB Mark Grieb, who passed for 4,605
yards and 100 touchdowns last season.
San Jose was extremely quiet during free
agency, and its only notable signing was
veteran FB-LB Frank Carter. But the
SaberCats didnt need to be active. They
already have a championship roster, and
dont discount the experience of winning
games that matter most.

ARENA
FOOTBALL

4. Los Angeles Avengers


2007 RECORD: 9-7

Next to the Rush, the Avengers can


claim the best offseason. They upgraded
their offense and defense by signing WR
Timon Marshall (102 catches for 1,134
yards and 28 touchdowns with the Grand
Rapids Rampage) and DL Ken Jones (9.5
sacks with Columbus) to supplement an
already talented roster. Even without those
signings, Los Angeles figured to be a contender with a deep group of receivers and
QB Sonny Cumbie coming off a season in
which he threw for 4,370 yards and 83
touchdowns.

5. Georgia Force

STEVE WOLTMANN, CHICAGO RUSH

2007 RECORD: 14-2

Proven addition: The Chicago Rush hopes 15-year veteran QB Sherdrick Bonner has gas left in his tank

rather than be restricted to remaining inside


the tackle box. It may not sound like a major
development to an AFL novice, but to longtime league observers, this is the equivalent
of college football deciding to go with a
plus-one playoff system.
Each and every possession will become
even more important because there will be
more defense and more stops, New Orleans
VooDoo coach Mike Neu said.
The teams that respond to that change and
others will help determine the next champion. Here is an educated guess on how the
squads will stack up:

mula the past two years, going 15-1 last


season only to fall to the Columbus
Destroyers, 66-59. Its hard to dismiss Dallas talent, though. Clint Dolezel is one of
the leagues best quarterbacks, and WRDB Will Pettis is one of the few two-way
players still around. Pettis was named the
AFL Ironman of the Year last season. The
Desperados return 13 starters, so the
experience is there. Now they need to
solve their playoff problems. We are excited to get this season going because we
have something to prove, said Desperados coach Will McClay.

1. Dallas Desperados

2. Chicago Rush

2007 RECORD: 15-1

No club was more aggressive in signing


big-name free agents than the Rush,
which landed Bonner, Harrell and Alexander. The question for Bonner, a 15-year
veteran, is how much does he have left?

6. Philadelphia Soul
2007 RECORD: 8-8

Every year, the Soul is considered a


contender. And every year, the Soul fails to
meet expectations. Could this finally be the
season Philadelphia breaks through? The
pieces are in place. Tony Graziani is one of
the AFLs top quarterbacks, and he has a
new top target in Chris Jackson, who
moves over from the Force after catching
145 passes for 1,915 yards and 42 touchdowns. The two also have a connection,
having experienced prior success in Los
Angeles. Re-establishing chemistry could
get the Soul over the hump into becoming
a serious postseason player. Graziani also
has to stay healthy. The Soul is just 1-7
over the past two seasons when Graziani
has missed starts because of injury.

2007 RECORD: 12-4

What is it with Dallas teams? Like the


Cowboys and Mavericks, the Desperados
make an art of ending outstanding regular
seasons with crushing postseason
defeats. The Desperados followed that for-

Even with Greisens return, the Force


might find it difficult to duplicate last seasons record and Southern Division title.
Free-agent WRs Chris Jackson and Derek
Lee signed elsewhere, and offensive coordinator Steve Thonn became the head
coach for Grand Rapids. But the Force still
have WR Troy Bergeron, who is coming off
a career-best season in which he caught
132 passes for 1,736 yards and 41 touchdowns. Georgia also bolstered its defense,
at least a little, through free agency after
allowing a league-high 4,831 yards passing last season.

7. Orlando Predators
2007 RECORD: 8-8

The Predators usually are in the conversation for ArenaBowl contenders, but a
year after making the championship game

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

won ArenaBowl championships. Fitzgerald


is helped, however, by a defense that
allowed just 106 touchdowns last season
fourth-best in the league and should
be even better with the acquisition of DB
Jerald Brown from Columbus.

2008 PREDICTIONS

11. New Orleans VooDoo

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:

2007 RECORD: 5-11

CLINT DOLEZEL
DALLAS DESPERADOS
COACH OF THE YEAR:

ED HODGKISS
LOS ANGELES AVENGERS
ARENABOWL RUNNER-UP:

CHICAGO RUSH
ARENABOWL CHAMPION:

DALLAS DESPERADOS
for the seventh time, they lost in the first
round of the 2007 playoffs. Then Orlando
said goodbye to star DL Greg White, who,
after making an AFL-record 15 sacks,
signed with the NFLs Buccaneers. The
Predators did sign three-time league
Defensive Player of the Year Kenny McEntyre, a defensive back who spent last season with the Kansas City Brigade. Offensively, Shane Stafford returns at quarterback, but the Predators must be concerned with last years statistical drop.
After throwing for 4,793 yards and 86
touchdowns in 2006 with the Tampa Bay
Storm, Stafford dropped to 4,284 and 76,
respectively, last season.

8. Utah Blaze
2007 RECORD: 8-8

Replacing Burley and his astounding


2,129 yards receiving will be tough. The
Blaze might have to go with more of a
committee at that position, which usually
does not translate well into victories. Utah,
though, returns Joe Germaine, one of four
quarterbacks to surpass 100 touchdown
passes last season. Utah showed its commitment to Germaine by signing him to a
precedent-setting five-year contract. But
the pressure on him will be even heavier
this time around if the Blaze is to improve
on its 2007 record. Easing some of the
burden, though, was an aggressive offseason effort to improve Utahs defense. The
club added DL E.J. Burt and DB Reggie
Doster to upgrade a defense that allowed
101 touchdown passes, the second-worst
mark in the league.

9. Tampa Bay Storm


2007 RECORD: 9-7

Tim Marcum, with seven ArenaBowl


titles and 10 appearances to his credit,
might be the leagues best-ever coach. He
did an amazing job last season in leading
an undermanned Storm club. He will need
another top coaching performance to pull
off anything close to last season, but there
is reason to believe Marcum can do it
again. QB Brett Dietz returns after being
named Co-Rookie of the Year. The Storm,
though, was not active in free agency, and
its already suspect pass rush doesnt figure to get any better.

10. Kansas City Brigade


2007 RECORD: 10-6

Its tough enough to win without a talented quarterback at any level, but its especially true in the arena game. The Brigade
took a hit when standout veteran Raymond
Philyaw fifth in the league in passing
efficiency rating last season signed with
Cleveland. Now the club is going with a
quarterback, John Fitzgerald, who spent
the 2007 season coaching in af2. Hes a
good player, but he doesnt evoke memories of the kinds of quarterbacks who have

Steve Bellisari becomes the full-time


starting quarterback this season, and
there are question marks surrounding his
ability to lead the offense. If he shows he
can sustain success for the entire season,
the VooDoo can improve on last seasons
mark. The VooDoo also suffered key
injuries last season and will get those players back as well as free-agent signee Derrick Lewis, a wide receiver who caught 139
passes for 1,903 yards and 41 touchdowns
with Austin last season. Without a question, Derrick is a player that we can build
our offense around, Neu said.

12. Columbus Destroyers


2007 RECORD: 7-9

Dont expect the Destroyers to make


another Cinderella run to the title game.
Columbus advanced there last year despite
finishing the regular season below .500.
Reality set in with a 55-33 loss to San Jose.
The Destroyers bring back QB Matt Nagy,
who not only led them to that championship
game, but took the Force there in 2005.
This time, Nagy will have to develop some
chemistry with a new receiving corps, most
notably losing Damien Groce to the New
York Dragons. Groce was the go-to receiver last season, finishing with 118 receptions
for 1,342 yards and 26 touchdowns.

13. Colorado Crush


2007 RECORD: 8-8

A team cant lose someone as talented


as Harrell and not expect to pay for it, and
the Crush could be hard-pressed to match
its record from last season. Having QB
John Dutton, though, is a good place to
start. He led the Crush to the 2005 championship and San Jose to the 2002 title.
His top receiver should be Ben Nelson,
who comes over from the SaberCats after
catching 101 passes for 1,258 yards and
25 touchdowns. The Crush also return
Rashad Floyd, one of the leagues finest
defensive backs.

14. Arizona Rattlers


2007 RECORD: 4-12

Bringing Burley back to the desert,


where he played in 2004-05, is hurt, but it
probably wont be enough to return the
Rattlers to their former glory. The club has
been on a slide since current Utah coach
Danny White led them to five ArenaBowl
appearances and two titles before being
fired in 04. The franchise also has
changed ownership hands twice since that
year. First-year coach Kevin Guy has overseen a major overhaul of the roster.

15. Cleveland Gladiators


2007 RECORD: 2-14

Seasons dont get much worse than last


years when the club was based in Las
Vegas. Coach Danton Barto was fired with
five games left, and crowds dwindled to
about 2,000 per game. Then the club left
for Cleveland, where former Browns legend Bernie Kosar will have a major hand in
the operation. The Gladiators hired coach
Mike Wilpolt, who experienced success as
the interim head coach with the Indiana
Firebirds in 2004. Positive free-agent additions should also help, especially Raymond Philyaw at quarterback.

16. New York Dragons


2007 RECORD: 5-11

Aaron Garcia, long one of the AFLs best


quarterbacks, is back after playing only six

http://www.profootballweekly.com

37

2008 REGULAR-SEASON GAME SCHEDULE


All times are Eastern; subject to change
WEEK ONE
Friday, February 29
New Orleans at Avengers, 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 1
Dallas at Georgia, 1 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Kansas City, 6 p.m.
Orlando at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Arizona at Utah, 9 p.m.
Sunday, March 2
Columbus at Colorado, 4 p.m.
Monday, March 3
New York at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
San Jose at Chicago, 9 p.m.

WEEK SEVEN
Friday, April 11
Colorado at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 12
New Orleans at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Utah at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 13
Orlando at Grand Rapids, 2 p.m.
Arizona at Tampa Bay, 2 p.m.
Columbus at New York, 3 p.m.
Monday, April 14
Chicago at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK EIGHT

WEEK TWO
Friday, March 7
Georgia at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
Columbus at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 9
Utah at Cleveland, 12:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Kansas City at New York, 3 p.m.
Orlando at New Orleans, 3 p.m.
Monday, March 10
San Jose at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.
Los Angeles at Arizona, 11 p.m.

Friday, April 18
New York at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
San Jose at Utah, 9 p.m.
New Orleans at Arizona, 10 p.m.
Saturday, April 19
Colorado at Kansas City, 6 p.m.
Orlando at Georgia, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 20
Grand Rapids at Chicago, 3 p.m.
Monday, April 31
Philadelphia at Columbus, 8 p.m.

WEEK THREE
Friday, March 14
Chicago at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.
Utah at Orlando, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 15
Cleveland at Columbus, 7 p.m.
Los Angeles at Georgia, 7 p.m.
Arizona at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 16
New York at Philadelphia, 2 p.m.
Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 3 p.m.
Monday, March 17
Colorado at Dallas, 8 p.m.

WEEK NINE
Friday, April 25
Kansas City at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.
Utah at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.
Chicago at Colorado, 9 p.m.
Georgia at Arizona, 10 p.m.
Saturday, April 26
Cleveland at New York, 7 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Orlando, 7:30 p.m.
Los Angeles at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
Monday, April 28
Dallas at Philadelphia, 8 p.m.

WEEK 10

WEEK FOUR
Thursday, March 20
Philadelphia at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m
Friday, March 21
Cleveland at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.
Columbus at Utah, 9 p.m.
New York at Arizona, 10 p.m.
Saturday, March 22
Georgia at Orlando, 7:30 p.m.
Colorado at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Dallas at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
Monday, March 24
Grand Rapids at Kansas City, 8 p.m.

Friday, May 2
Philadelphia at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Grand Rapids at Colorado, 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 3
Dallas at Columbus, 7 p.m.
New Orleans at Georgia, 7 p.m.
San Jose at Orlando, 7:30 p.m.
Kansas City at Utah, 9 p.m.
Arizona at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
Monday, May 5
Chicago at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m.

WEEK 11
WEEK FIVE
Friday, March 28
Arizona at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 29
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 2 p.m.
San Jose at Kansas City, 6 p.m.
Orlando at Columbus, 7 p.m.
Georgia at Utah, 9 p.m.
Sunday, March 30
Los Angeles at Grand Rapids, 2 p.m.
Dallas at New York, 3 p.m.
New Orleans at Colorado, 4 p.m.

Friday, May 9
Orlando at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
San Jose at Arizona, 10 p.m.
Saturday, May 10
Columbus at Kansas City, 6 p.m.
Grand Rapids at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Colorado at Utah, 9 p.m.
New York at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
Monday, May 12
Philadelphia at Georgia, 8 p.m.

WEEK 12
WEEK SIX
Friday, April 4
Kansas City at Georgia, 7:30 p.m.
Los Angeles at Colorado, 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 5
Tampa Bay at Columbus, 7 p.m.
Grand Rapids at New York, 7 p.m.
Utah at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
San Jose at New Orleans, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 6
Chicago at Orlando, 2 p.m.

Friday, May 16
Tampa Bay at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 17
Columbus at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Colorado, 8 p.m.
Arizona at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Utah at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 18
Orlando at Kansas City, 2 p.m.
Georgia at New York, 3 p.m.
Monday, May 19
Los Angeles at Chicago, 8 p.m.

games last season because of leg injuries,


but it might not be enough for the faltering
club. The Dragons signed Groce, and he
should immediately become Garcias
favorite receiver. But the Dragons were not
active on the free-agent market, a decision
they probably will come to regret.

17. Grand Rapids Rampage


2007 RECORD: 4-12

Once one of the leagues top franchises,


this has become the toughest place to
consistently win. The Rampage has not
won more than five games since 2003. I
know a lot of talented players have come

WEEK 13
Thursday, May 22
Kansas City at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 23
Dallas at Orlando, 7:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 24
New York at Columbus, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Utah, 9 p.m.
Grand Rapids at Arizona, 10 p.m.
Colorado at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
Monday, May 26
Georgia at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

WEEK 14
Friday, May 30
Columbus at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 31
Tampa Bay at Georgia, 7 p.m.
Dallas at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Arizona at Orlando, 7:30 p.m.
Kansas City at Chicago, 8 p.m.
San Jose at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 1
Utah at Grand Rapids, 2 p.m.
Monday, June 2
New York at Colorado, 10:30 p.m.

WEEK 15
Saturday, June 7
Chicago at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Colorado at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.
Georgia at Columbus, 7 p.m.
New Orleans at New York, 7 p.m.
Orlando at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 8
Arizona at Kansas City, 2 p.m.
Monday, June 9
Los Angeles at Utah, 10 p.m.

WEEK 16
Friday, June 13
New Orleans at Orlando, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 14
Grand Rapids at Columbus, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Georgia, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
New York at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Tampa Bay at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 15
Kansas City at Los Angeles, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, June 16
Colorado at Arizona, 10 p.m.

WEEK 17
Saturday, June 21
Grand Rapids at New Orleans, 7 p.m.
Columbus at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Los Angeles at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
Kansas City at Colorado, 8 p.m.
Utah at Arizona, 10 p.m.
Georgia at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 22
Philadelphia at New York, 3 p.m.
Dallas at Chicago, 4 p.m.

2008 PLAYOFFS
Wild card round
Friday, June 27, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 28, 1 p.m.
Saturday, June 28, 4 p.m.
Sunday, June 29, 3 p.m.
Divisional round
Friday, July 4, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 5, 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 5, 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 6, 8 p.m.
National Conference championship
Saturday, July 12, 12 p.m.
American Conference championship
Saturday, July 12, 3 p.m.
ArenaBowl XXII
Sunday, July 27, 3 p.m.

and gone here over the last three or four


years, new coach Steve Thonn said. We
need to get a good group of guys that
includes some leaders, quality talent and
cohesiveness. Thonn brought QB Adrian
McPherson from Georgia, where he was
the backup. The main problem for the
Rampage isnt offense anyway. Grand
Rapids ranked last in defense, allowing 63
points per game, and it didnt adequately
address that side of the ball in free agency.

Mark Anderson covers football for the


Las Vegas Review-Journal and is executive
director of the AFL Writers Association.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

38

http://www.profootballweekly.com

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

2008 FREE-AGENT LIST


List by position
Editors note: Players denoted with an
asterisk are expected to become unrestricted
free agents after voiding their contracts by
reaching various incentives.

Quarterbacks
PLAYER
Derek Anderson
Mark Brunell
Todd Collins
Daunte Culpepper
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Quinn Gray
Rex Grossman
Tim Hasselbeck
Cleo Lemon
Jared Lorenzen
Jamie Martin
Josh McCown
Craig Nall
Dan Orlovsky
J.T. OSullivan
Tim Rattay
Chris Redman
Brian St. Pierre
Marques Tuiasosopo
Billy Volek
Chris Weinke

TEAM
FA TYPE
Cleveland
RFA
Washington
UFA*
Washington
UFA
Oakland
UFA
Cincinnati
RFA
Jacksonville
UFA
Chicago
UFA
Arizona
UFA
Miami
UFA
New York Giants RFA
New Orleans
UFA
Oakland
UFA
Green Bay
UFA
Detroit
RFA
Detroit
UFA
Arizona
UFA
Atlanta
UFA
Pittsburgh
UFA
New York Jets
UFA
San Diego
UFA
San Francisco
UFA

Fullbacks
PLAYER
Casey Cramer
Justin Green
Boomer Grigsby
Brad Hoover
Dan Kreider
ReShard Lee
Corey McIntyre
Tony Richardson
Cecil Sapp
Thomas Tapeh
Leonard Weaver
Kris Wilson

TEAM
Tennessee
Baltimore
Kansas City
Carolina
Pittsburgh
Oakland
Atlanta
Minnesota
Denver
Philadelphia
Seattle
Kansas City

FA TYPE
RFA
RFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA

Running backs
PLAYER
Marion Barber
Tatum Bell
Michael Bennett
Chris Brown
Rock Cartwright
Aveion Cason
Jesse Chatman
Ron Dayne
T.J. Duckett
Justin Fargas
Samkon Gado
Verron Haynes
Maurice Hicks
Greg Jones
Julius Jones
Jamal Lewis
Travis Minor
Mewelde Moore
Vernand Morency
Alvin Pearman
Artose Pinner
Michael Pittman
Josh Scobey
Musa Smith
Aaron Stecker
Tyson Thompson
LaBrandon Toefield
Michael Turner
Derrick Ward
Shaud Williams

TEAM
FA TYPE
Dallas
RFA
Detroit
UFA*
Tampa Bay
UFA
Tennessee
UFA
Washington
UFA*
Detroit
UFA
Miami
UFA
Houston
UFA
Detroit
UFA
Oakland
UFA
Miami
RFA
Pittsburgh
UFA
San Francisco
UFA
Jacksonville
UFA*
Dallas
UFA*
Cleveland
UFA
St. Louis
UFA
Minnesota
UFA
Green Bay
RFA
Seattle
RFA
New Orleans
UFA
Tampa Bay
UFA*
Seattle
UFA
Baltimore
UFA
New Orleans
UFA
Dallas
RFA
Jacksonville
UFA
San Diego
UFA
New York Giants UFA
Buffalo
UFA

Tight ends
PLAYER
Stephen Alexander
Courtney Anderson
Richard Angulo
Billy Bajema
Anthony Becht
Dwayne Blakley
Mark Bruener
Dallas Clark
Tim Euhus
Christian Fauria
Bryan Fletcher
Michael Gaines
John Gilmore
Ben Hartsock
Nate Jackson
Eric Johnson
Bennie Joppru
Brian Kozlowski
Ryan Krause
Billy Miller
Matt Murphy
Ryan Neufeld

TEAM
Denver
Atlanta
Jacksonville
San Francisco
Tampa Bay
Atlanta
Houston
Indianapolis
Arizona
Carolina
Indianapolis
Buffalo
Chicago
Tennessee
Denver
New Orleans
Seattle
Washington
Green Bay
New Orleans
Buffalo
Buffalo

FA TYPE
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA*
UFA
UFA
UFA*
RFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA

John Owens
Marcus Pollard
Jeff Robinson
Sean Ryan
Bo Scaife
Mike Seidman
L.J. Smith
Jerramy Stevens
Ben Troupe
Ben Utecht
Aaron Walker

Detroit
Seattle
Seattle
New York Jets
Tennessee
Indianapolis
Philadelphia
Tampa Bay
Tennessee
Indianapolis
St. Louis

UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA

Wide receivers
PLAYER
Sam Aiken
Bernard Berrian
Troy Brown
Reche Caldwell
Drew Carter
Tim Carter
Antonio Chatman
Keary Colbert
Terrance Copper
Devard Darling
Andr Davis
Rashied Davis
Tim Dwight
Robert Ferguson
Jabar Gaffney
Justin Gage
Bryan Gilmore
D.J. Hackett
Devery Henderson
Bryant Johnson
Jerome Mathis
Keenan McCardell
Ahmad Merritt
Aaron Moorehead
Randy Moss
Eric Moulds
Samie Parker
David Patten
Tab Perry
Jerry Porter
Jerheme Urban
Troy Walters
Paris Warren
Nate Washington
Ernest Wilford

TEAM
Buffalo
Chicago
New England
Washington
Carolina
Cleveland
Cincinnati
Carolina
New Orleans
Baltimore
Houston
Chicago
Oakland
Minnesota
New England
Tennessee
San Francisco
Seattle
New Orleans
Arizona
Houston
Washington
Arizona
Indianapolis
New England
Tennessee
Kansas City
New Orleans
Cincinnati
Oakland
Arizona
Detroit
Tampa Bay
Pittsburgh
Jacksonville

FA TYPE
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA*
RFA
UFA
RFA
RFA
UFA

TEAM
New Orleans
Cleveland
St. Louis
Cleveland
Miami
Denver
Oakland
St. Louis
New York Jets
Cincinnati
Washington
Tampa Bay
Kansas City

FA TYPE
UFA*
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA*
UFA

Centers
PLAYER
Jeff Faine
Lennie Friedman
Andy McCollum
Seth McKinney
Gene Mruczkowski
Chris Myers
Jeremy Newberry
Brett Romberg
Wade Smith
Alex Stepanovich
Ross Tucker
John Wade
Casey Wiegmann

Offensive guards
PLAYER
Larry Allen
Jacob Bell
Joe Berger
Jason Brown
Milford Brown
Ruben Brown
Rick DeMulling
Alan Faneca
Dylan Gandy
Adam Goldberg
Jonathan Goodwin
Rex Hadnot
Geoff Hangartner
Chris Kemoeatu
Matt Lehr
Ryan Lilja
Chris Liwienski
Evan Mathis
Stockar McDougle
Scott Mruczkowski
Jamar Nesbit
Stephen Peterman
Mike Pucillo
Tutan Reyes
Jake Scott
Justin Smiley
Keydrick Vincent
Fred Weary
Jason Whittle
Floyd Womack

TEAM
San Francisco
Tennessee
Dallas
Baltimore
St. Louis
Chicago
Washington
Pittsburgh
Indianapolis
St. Louis
New Orleans
Miami
Carolina
Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay
Indianapolis
Miami
Carolina
Jacksonville
San Diego
New Orleans
Detroit
Washington
Jacksonville
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Arizona
Houston
Buffalo
Seattle

FA TYPE
UFA
UFA
RFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA

Offensive tackles
PLAYER
Flozell Adams
Stacy Andrews
Elton Brown

TEAM
Dallas
Cincinnati
Arizona

FA TYPE
UFA
UFA
RFA

Nat Dorsey
Trai Essex
Jason Fabini
George Foster
Brandon Gorin
Cornell Green
Jordan Gross
Kwame Harris
Scott Jackson
Adam Kieft
Cory Lekkerkerker
Sean Locklear
Daniel Loper
Mike Rosenthal
Max Starks
Todd Steussie
David Stewart
Barry Stokes
Will Svitek
Kyle Turley
Tyson Walter
Travelle Wharton
Maurice Williams

Cleveland
Pittsburgh
Washington
Detroit
St. Louis
Oakland
Carolina
San Francisco
Houston
Cincinnati
Miami
Seattle
Tennessee
Miami
Pittsburgh
St. Louis
Tennessee
Detroit
Kansas City
Kansas City
Green Bay
Carolina
Jacksonville

UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA*
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA*
RFA
RFA
RFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA

Defensive ends
PLAYER
Jared Allen
Adrian Awasom
Tyler Brayton
Chris Canty
Chauncey Davis
Marques Douglas
Nick Eason
Ebenezer Ekuban
John Engelberger
Demetric Evans
Jonathan Fanene
Simon Fraser
Bobby Hamilton
Tony Hargrove
Spencer Johnson
Trevor Johnson
N.D. Kalu
Kenny King
Travis Kirschke
Ross Kolodziej
Travis LaBoy
Bobby McCray
Jerome McDougle
Antwan Odom
Bryan Robinson
Mike Rucker
Bo Schobel
Darrion Scott
Antonio Smith
Corey Smith
Justin Smith
Joe Tafoya
Josh Thomas
Al Wallace
Jimmy Wilkerson
Renaldo Wynn
Bryant Young

TEAM
FA TYPE
Kansas City
UFA
New York Giants RFA
Oakland
UFA*
Dallas
RFA
Atlanta
RFA
San Francisco
UFA
Pittsburgh
UFA
Denver
UFA
Denver
UFA*
Washington
UFA*
Cincinnati
RFA
Cleveland
RFA
Cleveland
UFA
Buffalo
UFA
Minnesota
UFA
St. Louis
RFA
Houston
UFA
Baltimore
UFA
Pittsburgh
UFA
Arizona
UFA
Tennessee
UFA
Jacksonville
UFA
Philadelphia
UFA*
Tennessee
UFA
Cincinnati
UFA
Carolina
UFA
Arizona
UFA
Minnesota
UFA
Arizona
RFA
Detroit
UFA
Cincinnati
UFA
Arizona
UFA
Indianapolis
UFA
Buffalo
UFA
Kansas City
UFA
New Orleans
UFA
San Francisco
UFA

Defensive tackles
PLAYER
Tim Anderson
Rodney Bailey
Ryan Boschetti
Colin Cole
Chuck Darby
Russell Davis
Antonio Garay
Amon Gordon
Jovan Haye
Albert Haynesworth
Grady Jackson
Jason Jefferson
Spencer Johnson
William Joseph
Ethan Kelley
Tommy Kelly
Jimmy Kennedy
Cedric Killings
Dan Klecko
Damione Lewis
Anthony Maddox
Langston Moore
Rashad Moore
Kindal Moorehead
Darrell Reid
Ian Scott
Josh Shaw
Ryan Sims
Isaac Sopoaga
Randy Starks
Kimo von Oelhoffen
Ted Washington
Corey Williams
Mike Wright
Ellis Wyms
Brian Young

TEAM
FA TYPE
Atlanta
UFA
Arizona
UFA
Washington
UFA
Green Bay
RFA
Seattle
UFA
New York Giants UFA
Chicago
UFA
Baltimore
RFA
Tampa Bay
RFA
Tennessee
UFA
Jacksonville
UFA
Buffalo
RFA
Minnesota
UFA
New York Giants UFA*
Cleveland
UFA
Oakland
UFA
Chicago
UFA
Houston
UFA
Indianapolis
UFA
Carolina
UFA
Houston
RFA
Detroit
RFA
New England
UFA
Carolina
UFA
Indianapolis
RFA
Philadelphia
UFA
Oakland
UFA
Tampa Bay
UFA
San Francisco
UFA
Tennessee
UFA
Philadelphia
UFA
Cleveland
UFA
Green Bay
UFA
New England
RFA
Seattle
UFA
New Orleans
UFA

Inside linebackers
PLAYER
Tedy Bruschi
Khari Campbell
Tony Gilbert
Randall Godfrey
Larry Izzo
Leon Joe
Niko Koutouvides
Teddy Lehman
Robert Reynolds
Junior Seau
Adam Seward
Mark Simoneau
Mike Smith
Dontarrious Thomas
Jeremiah Trotter

TEAM
New England
Washington
Jacksonville
Washington
New England
Buffalo
Seattle
Detroit
Tennessee
New England
Carolina
New Orleans
Baltimore
Minnesota
Tampa Bay

FA TYPE
UFA
UFA*
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA

Outside linebackers
PLAYER
Keith Adams
Charlie Anderson
Brendon Ayanbadejo
Boss Bailey
Kevin Bentley
Darryl Blackstock
Rocky Boiman
Michael Boley
Lance Briggs
Antoine Cash
Brandon Chillar
Danny Clark
Chris Clemons
Marquis Cooper
Donte Curry
Karlos Dansby
Isaiah Ekejiuba
Heath Farwell
Keyaron Fox
Andre Frazier
Gilbert Gardner
Roderick Green
Nick Greisen
Kris Griffin
Mario Haggan
Clark Haggans
Marques Harris
Victor Hobson
Landon Johnson
Dhani Jones
Lemar Marshall
Matt McCoy
Terrence Melton
Caleb Miller
Kawika Mitchell
Shante Orr
Calvin Pace
Derrick Pope
Rich Scanlon
Raonall Smith
Donnie Spragan
Josh Stamer
Matt Stewart
Terrell Suggs
Chaun Thompson
Reggie Torbor
Tracy White
Demorrio Williams

TEAM
FA TYPE
Cleveland
UFA
Houston
UFA
Chicago
UFA
Detroit
UFA
Seattle
UFA
Arizona
RFA
Indianapolis
UFA
Atlanta
RFA
Chicago
UFA
Tampa Bay
RFA
St. Louis
UFA
Houston
UFA
Oakland
UFA
Pittsburgh
UFA
Carolina
UFA
Arizona
UFA
Oakland
RFA
Minnesota
RFA
Kansas City
UFA
Pittsburgh
RFA
Tennessee
UFA
San Francisco
UFA
Baltimore
UFA
Cleveland
RFA
Buffalo
UFA
Pittsburgh
UFA
San Diego
RFA
New York Jets
UFA
Cincinnati
UFA
Cincinnati
UFA
Cincinnati
UFA
New Orleans
RFA
Carolina
UFA
Cincinnati
UFA
New York Giants UFA
Jacksonville
UFA
Arizona
UFA
Miami
UFA
Tennessee
UFA
St. Louis
UFA
Miami
UFA
Buffalo
UFA
Cleveland
UFA
Baltimore
UFA
Cleveland
UFA
New York Giants UFA
Green Bay
UFA
Atlanta
UFA

Cornerbacks
PLAYER
Roc Alexander
Nnamdi Asomugha
Gary Baxter
Ralph Brown
Chris Carr
Ricardo Colclough
Terry Cousin
Sammy Davis
Curtis Deloatch
Travis Fisher
Drayton Florence
Domonique Foxworth
Randall Gay
Aaron Glenn
Eric Green
Joselio Hanson
Reynaldo Hill
Daven Holly
Chidi Iwuoma
William James
Nathan Jones
Brian Kelly
Michael Lehan
Omare Lowe
David Macklin
Karl Paymah
Hank Poteat
Jacques Reeves
Chris Roberson
Asante Samuel
Benny Sapp
Chad Scott

TEAM
Houston
Oakland
Cleveland
Arizona
Oakland
Cleveland
Jacksonville
Tampa Bay
Carolina
Detroit
San Diego
Denver
New England
Jacksonville
Arizona
Philadelphia
Tennessee
Cleveland
Tennessee
Philadelphia
Dallas
Tampa Bay
Miami
Atlanta
Washington
Denver
New York Jets
Dallas
Jacksonville
New England
Kansas City
New England

FA TYPE
UFA
UFA*
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
RFA
RFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA*
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA

Jeff Shoate
Keith Smith
Donald Strickland
Fred Thomas
Marcus Trufant
B.J. Tucker
Michael Waddell
Frank Walker
Jason Webster
Dante Wesley
Stanley Wilson
Dexter Wynn

New York Giants


Detroit
San Francisco
New Orleans
Seattle
San Francisco
Tennessee
Green Bay
Buffalo
Carolina
Detroit
Houston

RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA*
RFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
RFA
UFA

Safeties
PLAYER
Hamza Abdullah
O.J. Atogwe
Idrees Bashir
Yeremiah Bell
Jay Bellamy
C.C. Brown
James Butler
Jerome Carter
Oliver Celestin
Erik Coleman
Deke Cooper
Jarrod Cooper
Chris Crocker
Keith Davis
Will Demps
Mike Doss
Glenn Earl
Nick Ferguson
Vincent Fuller
Matt Giordano
Steve Gleason
Ken Hamlin
Von Hutchins
Bhawoh Jue
Sammy Knight
Jim Leonhard
Marquand Manuel
Brandon McGowan
Hanik Milligan
Mel Mitchell
Donnie Nickey
Kalvin Pearson
Pierson Prioleau
Etric Pruitt
J.R. Reed
Gerome Sapp
Bryan Scott
Lance Schulters
Gerald Sensabaugh
Jason Simmons
Nick Sorensen
Omar Stoutmire
Travares Tillman
Matt Ware
Madieu Williams
Tank Williams
Eugene Wilson
Gibril Wilson

TEAM
FA TYPE
Denver
RFA
St. Louis
RFA
Detroit
UFA
Miami
UFA
New Orleans
UFA
Houston
RFA
New York Giants RFA
St. Louis
RFA
Arizona
UFA
New York Jets
UFA
Carolina
UFA
Oakland
UFA
Atlanta
UFA
Dallas
UFA
Houston
UFA
Minnesota
UFA
Houston
UFA
Denver
UFA
Tennessee
RFA
Indianapolis
RFA
New Orleans
UFA
Dallas
UFA
Houston
UFA
Arizona
UFA
Jacksonville
UFA
Buffalo
RFA
Carolina
UFA
Chicago
RFA
St. Louis
UFA
New England
UFA
Tennessee
UFA
Tampa Bay
RFA
Washington
UFA
Detroit
RFA
Philadelphia
RFA
Baltimore
UFA
Buffalo
UFA
Miami
UFA
Jacksonville
RFA
Houston
UFA
Cleveland
UFA
Washington
UFA
Miami
UFA
Arizona
UFA
Cincinnati
UFA
Minnesota
UFA
New England
UFA
New York Giants UFA

Punters
PLAYER
Mitch Berger
Dustin Colquitt
Jeff Feagles
Derrick Frost
Michael Koenen
Kyle Larson
Matt Turk

TEAM
FA TYPE
Arizona
UFA
Kansas City
RFA
New York Giants UFA
Washington
UFA
Atlanta
RFA
Cincinnati
UFA
Houston
UFA

Placekickers
PLAYER
Morten Andersen
Rob Bironas
Josh Brown
John Carney
Jason Elam
Aaron Elling
Martin Gramatica
Dave Rayner
Lawrence Tynes

TEAM
FA TYPE
Atlanta
UFA
Tennessee
RFA
Seattle
UFA
Kansas City
UFA
Denver
UFA
Cincinnati
UFA
New Orleans
UFA
San Diego
UFA
New York Giants UFA

Long-snappers
PLAYER
Ethan Albright
Rob Davis
Nathan Hodel
Matt Katula
Ryan Kuehl
L.P. Ladouceur
Lonnie Paxton
Greg Warren

TEAM
FA TYPE
Washington
UFA
Green Bay
UFA
Arizona
UFA
Baltimore
RFA
New York Giants UFA
Dallas
RFA
New England
UFA
Pittsburgh
RFA

Return specialists
PLAYER
Eddie Drummond
Mark Jones
Michael Lewis
Reno Mahe
B.J. Sams

TEAM
Kansas City
Tampa Bay
San Francisco
Philadelphia
Baltimore

FA TYPE
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA
UFA

WWHI
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
fact, along with the feeling that
USC DT Sedrick Ellis, a favorite
of the coaching staff, doesnt figure
to last past the 10th pick, makes
the likelihood of Denver trading up
or down from the No. 12
slot grow stronger by the
day. Depending on how
they approach their first
pick, Curtis Lofton of
Oklahoma is considered
solid second-round value as a true
middle linebacker who would fill
the Broncos needs there, and
Kenny Phillips of Miami (Fla.),
although considered a bit overrated by some PFW sources, is the
top safety available and should be
available early in the second
round, as well, should the Broncos
go with a defensive or offensive
tackle in the first round.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS


At the Super Bowl media center,
PFW ran into star RB Larry Johnson, who is pleased to report he is
recovering well from the cracked
bone in his right foot that cost him
the second half of the 2007 season. He likes the freedom of being
able to finally walk without a protective boot and is finally able to
rise up on his toes, something he
wasnt able to do toward
the end of the season,
when he tried in vain to
return to the lineup. He
plans to start a running and
weightlifting regimen as
soon as he gets the OK from his
doctor in March, and hell be anxious to put behind him a difficult
season that saw him struggle
before the injury and the Chiefs
close out the year on a nine-game
losing streak without his services.
It was real tough because Id
been hurt, but Id never missed
games in my career," Johnson told
PFW. This is the first time I
missed a large amount of games
since Ive been playing football,
and it did hurt because I saw them
out there really struggling and trying to find themselves. And not
having me out there able to help

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

really frustrated me because I


always felt like I wanted to give my
teammates something more with
all they were going through.

http://www.profootballweekly.com

Best is yet to come: The Bears will


be expecting more from TE Greg Olsen
them were credited to Justice. His
struggles likely mean that the team
will pay starting OLT William
Thomas, the man Justice was
replacing in that game, in the
neighborhood of $6 million to stay
with the team this season. One
reserve who handled his pinch-hit
duty well was Max Jean-Gilles,
who stepped in for an injured
Shawn Andrews and handled
himself quite well. So much so,
team sources say, that Jean-Gilles
could vie for a starting spot at left
guard, battling with Todd Herremans, who wasnt as good in 07
as he was in 06.

N F C lE A S T
Giants should remain
in good shape even
with potential losses
Even if Michael Strahan
decides to retire now that he has a
Super Bowl title, the Giants
defense should be in phenomenal
shape. The team has only two regular starters bound for free agency
S Gibril Wilson and LB Kawika
Mitchell and both could be resigned. Plus, with Mathias
Kiwanuka expected to
rejoin the team in full health
next season, theres no
drop-off from the pass rush.
Kiwanuka will line up at a
number of spots, but hes expected
to be more of an end whether
or not Strahan retires. The biggest
potential loss, of course, is coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, should he
be wooed and subsequently
offered the Redskins head-coaching position. And head coach Tom
Coughlin, just as he did to find
Spagnuolo, might have to go outside the organization to find a
replacement, unless he thinks LB
coach Bill Sheridan could continue what Spagnuolo began.

DALLAS COWBOYS
Assuming Dom Capers joins
the team as a defensive assistant,
as has been rumored, he and new
secondary coach Dave Campo
will have many chores. The
defense was a disappointing group
in some regards down the stretch,
but admirable in others. One of
those disappointing areas
included the pass defense.
Coordinator Brian Stewart,
who has a background in
coaching defensive backs,
wasnt able to turn SS Roy
Williams into the playmaker he
has a reputation for being. So perhaps a fresh perspective from
Campo and maybe Capers
can help Williams be more effective than he was in 2007, when he
frequently was out of position in
coverage and often removed in
passing situations. The things we
saw in Roy years ago, I saw some
good things, Campo said in his
introductory speech I think I can
get with him and we can see if we
can progress. I think Roy has skills
and I think he can play better than
hes playing.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
The Eagles have enjoyed a
good deal of continuity on the
offensive line, but more so in 2006
than they had last season when a
few starters missed games with
injuries. That said, the
Eagles have taken strides
to protect themselves with
depth at the position as
well. The biggest-name
reserve is OT Winston
Justice, who came to the team
young, talented and hyped but
since has seen his stock drop
with one real games worth of
experience. It was Justices horrible struggles in the Week Four
matchup with Giants DE Osi
Umenyiora in which Umenyiora
had six sacks, and at least four of

WASHINGTON REDSKINS
There are connections between
former 49ers and Lions head
coach Steve Mariucci who has
served the past two years as an
analyst for the NFL Network to
both of the Redskins coordinator
hires, Jim Zorn (offense) and
Greg Blache (defense). And Redskins executive vice president of football operations
Vinny Cerrato worked in
San Francisco when Mariucci was hired as Niners
head coach. That said,
team sources tell us that former
Giants head coach Jim Fassel
and current Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo remain
higher on the teams list to fill their
head-coaching vacancy. Fassel
nearly was offered the job after the
conference championship game
weekend, we hear, but owner
Daniel Snyder wanted to wait
once he and his staff identified
Spagnuolo as a candidate.

TIM SADLON

N F C lN O R T H
New coordinator
Colletto plans to
simplify Lions offense

Feeling better: Larry Johnson is recovering well from his 2007 foot injury

39

All the rhetoric from new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto


seems to suggest a vast departure
from the four- and five-wide, minimum-protection days of former

SPORTPICS

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

playcaller Mike Martz. Team


sources have honed in on several
things Colletto has said recently to
the media such as its not rocket science and you dont have to
be a genius to figure these
things out when it
comes to how he plans to
run a balanced attack. It
also includes other simplicities, such as a pared-down
playbook, less motion and shifting
before the snap and simpler terminology. Colletto hinted that the
team would like to develop some
signature go-to plays a season
after the team really didnt have
any to hang its hat on. One
expected beneficiary of this new
offense, besides the running
backs, is WR Calvin Johnson,
who was said at times to have had
trouble picking up the nuances of
Martzs voluminous offense.

GREEN BAY PACKERS


While waiting for QB Brett Favre
to make up his mind about next
season, and as the final details
were being worked out in a new
five-year contract for head coach
Mike McCarthy, the Packers organization was thrown a curve
Jan. 28 when vice president
of player finance Andrew
Brandt announced his resignation. Although nobody
saw the move coming, team
insiders who said Brandt was genuinely disappointed after losing out
to Mark Murphy for the teams
president and CEO post are hardly
surprised by his decision to seek
new challenges after advancing as

far as he thought he could go in


the Packers front office. Brandts
replacement as the teams salarycap manager we hear vice-president of administration-corporate
counsel Jason Wied will handle
contract negotiations for the time
being until a new hire is made
will definitely have his work cut out
for him. By locking up a number of
key players long-term before their
contracts expired such as DE
Aaron Kampman, OT Chad
Clifton and WR Donald Driver
and structuring Favres contract so
that the team will actually gain
between $10-14 million in cap
room when he finally does decide
to retire, Brandt has created one of
the leagues most cushy salary-cap
situations at present. Not only is
the team about $24 million beneath
the salary cap at present, it also
has only one key player, DT Corey
Williams, eligible for unrestricted
free agency.

CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears will have their work
cut out for them this offseason
revamping an offense in dire need
of upgrades at almost every position except tight end. At
least thats one area beleaguered offensive coordinator Ron Turner wont have
to worry about in terms of
personnel, with 2007 firstround pick Greg Olsen, consistently underrated nine-year veteran
Desmond Clark and solid blocking
specialist John Gilmore an

CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

unrestricted free agent whom we


hear the team would like to re-sign
currently gracing the depth
chart. But word is the heat could
be considerable for Turner if Olsen
picks up where he left off in his
last six games in his rookie campaign and staggers out of the gate
in '08. In a unit that was easy to
criticize in '07, one of the major
complaints was how seldom the
Bears used Olsen to stretch the
field, which, based on his rookie
training camp, it appeared he
would be doing at least a few
times in every game. In 14 games,
Olsen ended up gaining exactly 10
yards per catch, with six receptions of 20 yards or longer and a
long gain of 31. After reaching his
high-water mark for the year in
catches with seven in the Nov. 18
loss at Seattle, Olsen only had a
combined 11 catches the final six
games, with a long gain of 20
yards. If his production isnt considerably better from the get-go
next season, it will be considered
a major disappointment.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Vikings cornerbacks have
taken their fair share of blame for
the teams woes in defending the
pass, as has the inconsistent pass
rush. Both are legitimate concerns.
But the team also has looked at

safety and most likely will try to


upgrade there as well. Although
Darren Sharper had a fine season
and was named to the Pro Bowl,
fellow starter Dwight Smith was
inconsistent. Each had four
interceptions, but Smith too
often took bad angles in
pass defense and got out
of position because of his
aggressiveness. In addition,
Smiths misdemeanor possession
of marijuana citation is something
the team really looked down upon,
given its past image problems and
the attempt to clean the team up.
With backups Mike Doss and
Tank Williams headed for free
agency, too, there also could be a
depth problem if they leave. There
is no young safety on the roster
currently who could project to
being a starter in 2008.

http://www.profootballweekly.com

years ago at the Scouting Combine. We talked about the job


being just too much at some point,
as we got closer to facing the reality of potentially a new stadium,
Blank said. We needed to split the
job, because its too much to ask
one person to be general
manager and president of
an organization, given the
complexities today in the
NFL, given the complexities
of the Collective Bargaining
Agreement. When asked why it
took two years to make such a
move, Blank responded, Were
now up to the point where we have
to start engaging the gears on a
potentially new stadium, and thats
potentially going to take a lot more
time. Blank said McKay is happy
with his new role in Atlanta,
although other sources have said
he would likely take a job elsewhere if he was offered GM
authority.

N F C lS O U T H
Falcons owner says he CAROLINA PANTHERS
considered GM change
We hear the Panthers commitment to retooling their ground
two years ago
When Falcons owner Arthur
Blank announced in December
that then president-general manager Rich McKay would be
stripped of his GM duties, it came
as a surprise to many. However,
according to Blank, the move was
years in the making. In an exclusive interview with PFW, Blank
said he first spoke with McKay
about the splitting of his job two

game could lead to another imbalanced Carolina offense.


The squad was ranked
14th in rushing and 29th in
passing this past season.
Adding a No. 2 wide receiver to pair with WR Steve
Smith is arguably an equal, if not
more pressing, need but GM
Marty Hurney and coach John
Fox seem to regard that as a sec-

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

ondary issue, and their sentiment


could be based on past experience. When the Panthers brought
in WR Keyshawn Johnson for the
2006 season, it generated a lot of
hype and media publicity, but it
didnt translate on the field, as
Carolina finished 8-8. Rather than
try to patch a hole again by adding
an expensive veteran receiver, the
Panthers will likely rebuild their
running attack by taking a longterm approach and drafting offensive linemen and a bruising running back. Its a risky strategy for
Hurney and Fox, who are under
harsh scrutiny after missing the
playoffs the past two seasons.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS


The Buccaneers secondary
took a hit when CB Brian Kelly
who has been with the team since
it drafted him in 1998 said he
would opt out of the final year of
his contract and become a
free agent. After playing
alongside CB Ronde Barber for years, the 32-yearold Kelly lost his starting
job to CB Phillip
Buchanon this past season. Kelly
battled a nagging groin injury for
much of the year and appeared in
11 games, starting just four. The
loss of Kelly breaks up Tampas
impressive nickel defense and
hurts the teams depth at cornerback. His expected departure
leaves a hole the squad will have
to address in free agency or the

KKR GROUP

WWHI
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

Bye-bye Brian: Tampa Bay CB Brian


Kelly is opting out of his contract

DAVID STLUKA / GETTY IMAGES

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

40

draft. Our source in Tampa said


Kelly could be a fit for teams who
run a scheme similar to the
Tampa-2, but probably wont get
much of a look anywhere else,
especially considering he's on the
wrong side of 30. He is viewed
largely as a product of the system
and would struggle in a place
where higher demands are placed
on cornerbacks.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS


The announcement that the
Saints will play the Chargers next
season in London, likely at Wembley Stadium the site of the 2007
regular seasons Giants-Dolphins
matchup was not received positively by everybody. While
the benefits of playing
across the Atlantic are obvious increased exposure
globally some in the city
of New Orleans are crying
foul. The Saints will be the home
team in London, meaning they will
have to give up one of the eight
scheduled contests at the Superdome in 2008. In many cities, the
loss of one home game wouldnt
cause much of a stir, but in the Big
Easy, where the economy is still
reeling from the damage cause by
Hurricane Katrina in 2005, this will
be yet another highly unpopular
decision by owner Tom Benson.
The millions of dollars that pour
into New Orleans on regular-season Sundays when the Saints play
at home will be cut by an eighth
a significant chunk of income.

N F C lW E S T
Rams need Bennett to
make a much bigger
impact next season
One of the main tasks for new
Rams offensive coordinator Al
Saunders will be to get a lot more
mileage out of 2007 free-agent
addition Drew Bennett, who up to
now has been a $30 million bust,

Time for a change: The Vikings safety unit, led by Darren Sharper (right) and
Dwight Smith (left), could be upgraded

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The way we hear it, Jim Zorn
would still be the Seahawks QB
coach, the position he had held
the past seven seasons, if the
team had been able to assure him
that he would, among other
things, become the teams
offensive coordinator after
head coach Mike Holmgren retires next season.
With the team unwilling to
do so, Zorn struck a deal to
become the Redskins next offensive coordinator. While theres no
denying that the popular Zorn, who
was a star player in Seattle, will be

http://www.profootballweekly.com

41

Key concern: Rams WR Drew Bennett


needs to turn it up a notch in 2008

sorely missed, daily team


observers doubt there will be any
drop-off in the effectiveness of QB
Matt Hasselbeck, whose comfort
level with Holmgrens offense has
never been greater. Zorn often
served as a conduit between Hasselbeck and Holmgren, but at this
stage in their sometimes-tenuous
relationship, the consensus seems
to be that the Seahawks quarterback and head coach figure to
very much be on the same page in
Holmgrens final season with the
team. As one team insider put it,
At this point, Hasselbeck has pretty much become a finished product
anyway. On the other hand, it
could take a while for the Seahawks' players to get used to not
having Zorn around anymore. Jim
is almost like a father figure to
everybody on the team, especially
the quarterbacks, backup QB
Seneca Wallace recently told the
Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Hes
been around here for a long time,
and his knowledge is amazing
not only football, but just life.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

GREG TROTT / GETTY IMAGES

according to one longtime team


insider. With the Rams reportedly
intent on lessening the role of veteran WR Isaac Bruce should they
decide to even bring him back in
08, Bennett figures to be the frontrunner for the No. 2 WR starting
job. But if his numbers dont
show substantial improvement, the Rams offense
could be in store for another problematic season in
08. The 6-foot-5 Bennett,
who was envisioned as a key redzone target, managed only 33
receptions, averaging 11.4 yards
per catch, and three TDs in his
first season with the Rams after
having averaged 61.3 catches,
14.8 yards per catch and six TDs
his three previous seasons, with
the Titans. Bennett, who missed
two games in 2007 due to quadriceps and hamstring injuries and
performed at less than 100 percent in a lot of the games in which
he played, came to the Rams with
a bit of a reputation for getting
nicked up; he remained fully
healthy through a complete season in only three of his seven pro
campaigns. But daily team
observers believe both Bennett
and another newcomer last offseason, TE Randy McMichael,
should have been used a lot more
in a passing offense that was mystifyingly bland from the get-go in
2007.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

Nobody will be able to blame


any problems the Niners offense
might have next season on inexperienced coaching. The teams
newly named offensive coordinator, the well-known Mike
Martz, and QB coach, Ted
Tollner, who also will serve
as assistant to head coach
Mike Nolan, couldnt be
more polar opposite than
the tandem of Jim Hostler and
Frank Cignetti, respectively, who
quickly proved to be in way over
their heads last season in those
same roles (Hostler in particular).
Tollner was brought in to help aid
the teams struggling offense in
late October this past season. He
offers more than 30 years of
experience in the college and pro

ranks and is in his second tour of


duty with the Niners. In his first
tour, he was the QB coach in 2002
for Jeff Garcia, who earned Pro
Bowl honors that season. Tollner
was later promoted to offensive
coordinator a role in which he
wasnt nearly as successful, as he
was released following a dismal 214 season in 2004. But team
sources believe he could now
excel as the Niners QB coach,
working in conjunction with Martz,
whose magic touch with QBs is
well-documented. Theres also
strong reason to believe Tollner
could act more as a valuable
sounding board for Nolan in his
often-sensitive dealings with Alex
Smith, who is expected to receive
serious competition for the starting

was great for the league.


Everyone would have liked to
see the Patriots go 19-0 everyone
except the Miami fans. Im tired of listening to them already. They just need
to shut up. Step aside and stay out of it.
Your time has come and gone.
When Bill Parcells and Bill
Belichick have brought their teams to
other facilities to practice, they have
always made sure everyone was out of
the building. If coaching offices were
attached to the stadium, like many of
them are at colleges, they make sure
the coaches are out of the building.
Head coaches have been forced to
leave. I know it because I have been
kicked out before. They trust no one.
Why do you think they would be that
way if they did not try to get every
advantage they could in preparation
for an opponent? This stuff has been
going on since the beginning of the
game. If the Patriots were able to gain
access to tape a Rams practice, that is
on the Rams for allowing it to happen.
Its all part of the game. Stealing signals
has been going on forever. At the end
of the day, it does not matter how prepared you are, you still have to be able
to execute. It all comes down to talent

and execution.
(Washington vice president of
player personnel) Vinny Cerrato
would have been out the door if either
coordinator (Gregg Williams or Al
Saunders) stayed in place as the head
coach. (Cerrato) knew it. So the first
thing he did when Joe stepped down
was get rid of them.
Im not sure how much longer
Marcus Spears and Bobby Carpenter are going to be in Dallas. Theyre
both on the trading block. (The Cowboys) are going to have to pay
DeMarcus Ware soon, and hes not
going to come cheap.
The Steelers have to find a way to
get more pressure off the edges. I think
they had higher expectations for rookie (Lawrence Timmons). They
wound up getting some production
from the (rookie) class, but it came
from (LaMarr) Woodley.
The way to land a GM job in the
NFL is to have an advocate.You need to
have a sponsor or someone pushing
you. If someone is not promoting you,
its really difficult to get a chance. Owners do not know any better.
You can look in the draft and at
free agency. Its difficult to find a young

QB job next summer from Shaun


Hill. Said one team insider: If Tollner would have been in that kind
of a role last year, maybe he would
have advised Nolan to react differently than he did toward Alex, and
a lot of trouble might have been
avoided.

ARIZONA CARDINALS
On a team with more than a few
high-profile players facing key contract concerns this offseason, Cardinals DE Antonio Smiths
future in the desert is far
from being the most talkedabout topic these days.
That said, team insiders tell
us the restricted free agent
probably did enough in 2007 to
assure himself a prominent spot

on the Cardinals depth chart


heading into the teams 08 training camp after making 13 starts
and registering 512 sacks the
third-highest total on the team
behind DE-DT Darnell Dockett
and SLB Calvin Pace. Hes solid,
not great but not bad, one team
source said of Smith, who equaled
his combined sack total the previous three seasons. Hes got good
instincts, and hes quick off the
ball. Hes also a good team guy,
solid in the locker room. Id say he
warrants a first-round tender.
Thats not to say Smith wont be
facing some serious competition
at defensive end this summer.
They will always be looking for an
upgrade at his position, PFWs
source said.

The following quotes are from NFL


scouts, coaches and front-office personnel, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Giants were an angry team.
You remember the last time they
played. (Vince) Wilfork poked Brandon Jacobs in the eye. Osi (Umenyiora) was insulted. You knew they were
going to bring it. All that stood in their
way was the quarterback. The biggest
thing they had to worry about was if the
game was going to be too big for (Eli
Manning). They are a balanced football team.
You knew if (Super Bowl XLII) was
a close game, it was going to be hard to
beat the Giants. They dont have an
explosive offense that could put points
on the board like the Patriots do.
Its very difficult to beat a team
three times in a season. The Patriots
beat the Giants in the preseason and
late in the year. The Patriots have not
played to their potential the last quarter of the season and in the playoffs.
They have been doing just enough to
get by. (On the other hand,) the Giants
played their best down the stretch.
The (Super Bowl) was like a boxing match. They were trading blows. It

tight end who knows how to block.


(Titans TE) Ben Hartsock is the best
of what Ive seen in free agency. Outside of the kid from Cal (Craig
Stevens) and hes got a ways to go
theres nothing to get excited about
in the draft.
Carolinas secondary has some
holes. They were lucky they were able
to land Chris Harris before the season. If they didnt have him, they would
not have a single safety on the roster.
They need to find someone to replace
Mike Minter.
If the David Garrard experiment did not work out, James Harris
would have had more say in Jacksonville. The coaches would have been
forced to make some subtractions.
When it worked out for (the coaches),
the head coach got all the juice. He can
now go to the owner directly and say,
these guys are trying to block what we
are trying to do. It will be interesting to
see how this years draft goes and who
is making decisions. Harris looks like
just a figurehead now.
Brian Brohm did himself no
favors by not showing up for the Senior
Bowl. This draft has shaped up to be a
one-quarterback draft.

JAMES D. SMITH

A U D I B L E S

Marcus Spears

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

42

COMING
IN
MARCH!
ITS NEVER
TOO EARLY
TO GET
STARTED!

http://www.profootballweekly.com

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

NFL TRANSACTIONS
(As reported, Jan. 21-Feb. 4)

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE


BALTIMORE Jan. 23: Named: Cam Cameron (Dolphins 07), offensive coordinator. Jan. 28: Named: Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, assistant head coach/defensive
coordinator. Retained: DL coach Clarence Brooks; defensive coach Mike Pettine. Jan. 30: Named: Jerry Rosburg
(Falcons 07), special-teams coordinator. Jan. 31: Named:
John Matsko (Chiefs 07), OL coach; Wilbert Montgomery
(Lions 07), RB coach.
BUFFALO Jan. 22: Named: Ray Brown (Lions player
05), assistant OL coach. Jan. 28: Named: Nathaniel Hackett (Buccaneers 07), offensive quality-control coach. Jan.
29: Roster addition for 2008: TE Teyo Johnson (released
from reserve/injured with injury settlement by Broncos 9/2).
CINCINNATI Jan. 23: Named: Jeff FitzGerald
(Ravens 07), LB coach. Jan. 30: Roster addition for 2008:
QB Jordan Palmer (released by Redskins 9/2).
CLEVELAND Jan. 22: Roster addition for 2008: WR
Steve Sanders (ended 07 season on Browns practice
squad).
HOUSTON Jan. 28: Named: Ray Rhodes (Seahawks
07), assistant DB coach.
INDIANAPOLIS Jan 23: Roster addition for 2008: P
Chad Stanley (released from reserve/injured with injury settlement by Texans 9/8).
JACKSONVILLE Jan. 21: Practice-squad contracts
expired: DT Walter Curry; TE Charles Davis; OT Samuel
Gutekunst. Jan. 22: Roster additions for 2008: OT Ryan
Gibbons (released by Jaguars 9/20, from Buccaneers practice squad 11/20, from Bears practice squad 12/18, ended
07 season on Buccaneers practice squad), OT Pete McMahon (released by Jaguars 9/2). Jan. 23: Resigned: Defensive coordinator Mike Smith (Falcons). Jan. 24: Named:
Donnie Henderson (Lions 06), defensive assistant. Jan. 26:
Resigned: DL coach Ray Hamilton (Falcons). Jan. 28:
Named: Assistant DL coach Ted Monachino, DL coach. Jan.
29: Resigned: DB coach Dave Campo (Cowboys).
KANSAS CITY Jan. 22: Named: Eric Price (Texas-El
Paso 07), WR coach. Jan. 23: Named: Joe D'Alessandris
(Georgia Tech 07), assistant OL coach. Jan. 31: Roster
addition for 2008: CB Chad Johnson (released by Vikings
9/2, from Vikings practice squad 10/23).
MIAMI Jan. 23: Named: Paul Pasqualoni (Cowboys
07), defensive coordinator; Todd Bowles (Cowboys 07),
assistant head coach/DB coach; Kacy Rodgers (Cowboys
07), DL coach; David Corrao (Ole Miss 07), defensive quality-control coach); James Saxon (Chiefs 07), RB coach;
Evan Marcus (Falcons 07), strength-and-conditioning
coach. Jan. 24: Named: Jim Reid (VMI 07), LB coach; Karl
Dorrell (UCLA 07), WR coach. Jan. 28: Roster additions
for 2008: QB Matt Baker (released by Cowboys 7/30, by
Saints 8/22, from Cardinals practice squad 10/16, 11/6); COG Trey Darilek (released by Cowboys 9/2); DE Junior
Glymph (released by Cowboys 9/2). Named: John
Bonamego (Saints 07), special-teams coordinator; Steve
Bush (West Genesee High School 07), offensive quality-

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control coach; George DeLeone (Temple 07), TE coach;


Dave Puloka (Falcons 07), assistant strength-and-conditioning coach. Feb. 4: Named: Dan Henning (Panthers 06),
offensive coordinator.
NEW ENGLAND Jan. 24: Reserve/injured: S Mel
Mitchell (biceps). Feb. 2: Roster addition: DT Santonio
Thomas (from Patriots practice squad).
OAKLAND Jan. 29: Resigned: Strength-and-conditioning coach Jeff Fish (Falcons); assistant strength-andconditioning coach Bill Hughan (Falcons). Feb. 1: Named:
Brad Roll (Rams 07), strength-and-conditioning coach.
SAN DIEGO Jan. 22: Fired: WR coach James Lofton;
RB coach Matt Simon. Jan. 23: Roster additions for 2008:
LB Antwan Applewhite, LB Terna Nande; RB Eldra Buckley;
DE Andre Coleman; NT Keith Jackson (all ended 07 season
on Chargers practice squad). Named: Charlie Joiner (Chiefs
07), WR coach. Jan. 24: Named: Ollie Wilson (Falcons 07),
RB coach. Jan. 25: Roster additions for 2008: S Tra Battle; DE Keith Grennan; OT Tony Pape (all ended 07 season
on Chargers practice squad).

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE


ATLANTA Jan. 23: Named: Mike Smith (Jaguars 07),
head coach. Jan. 24: Named: Emmitt Thomas (Falcons 07),
assistant head coach; Bill Musgrave (Falcons 07), QB
coach; Brian Van Gorder (Falcons 07), defensive coordinator. Jan. 25: Named: Mike Mularkey (Dolphins 07), offensive coordinator. Jan. 26: Named: Terry Robiskie (Dolphins
07), WR coach. Ray Hamilton (Jaguars 07), DL coach; Gerald Brown (Indiana University 07), RB coach; Glenn Thomas
(Midwestern State 07), offensive quality-control coach. Jan.
29: Named: Keith Armstrong (Dolphins 07), special-teams
coordinator; Jeff Fish (Raiders 07), strength-and-conditioning coach; Bill Hughan (Raiders 07), assistant strength-andconditioning coach. Retained: QB coach Bill Musgrave;
assistant special-teams coach Tom McMahon. Jan. 30:
Named: Chris Scelfo (Tulane 06), TE coach; Paul Dunn
(University of Pittsburgh 07), assistant OL coach. Jan. 31:
Named: Paul Boudreau (Rams 07), OL coach. Feb. 4:
Named: Joe Danna (James Madison 06), defensive qualitycontrol coach.
CHICAGO Jan. 29: Roster addition for 2008: P
Glenn Pakulak (released by Titans 8/28, from Titans practice
squad 9/27).
DALLAS Jan. 21: Practice-squad contract expired:
DT Remi Ayodele. Jan. 22: Roster addition for 2008: DT
Remi Ayodele (ended '07 season on Cowboys practice
squad). Jan. 23: Roster addition for 2008: DT Junior Siavii
(released by Chiefs 9/3/06). Resigned: LB coach Paul
Pasqualoni (Dolphins); DB coach Todd Bowles (Dolphins);
DL coach Kacy Rodgers (Dolphins). Jan. 25: Named: Todd
Grantham (Browns 07), DL coach. Jan. 29: Named: Dave
Campo (Jaguars 07), DB coach.
DETROIT Jan. 31: Resigned: RB coach Wilbert
Montgomery (Ravens).
GREEN BAY Jan. 22: Roster additions for 2008:
WR Chris Francies; LB Spencer Havner; DT Alfred Malone;
OT Cliff Washburn; CB Joe Porter; OG Ryan Keenan, OG

Cameron Stephenson; RB Corey White (all ended '07 season on Packers practice squad); QB Dalton Bell (released by
Panthers 9/2, from Packers practice squad 9/18); OT Chris
Patrick (ended 07 season on Packers practice squadinjured). Jan. 23: Resigned: Defensive quality-control
coach Eric Lewis (Louisville). Jan. 24: Roster addition for
2008: P Ryan Dougherty (released by Packers 8/27). Jan.
25: Roster addition for 2008: QB Jerry Babb (released by
Packers 6/26); WR Johnny Quinn (released by Bills 7/23).
Jan. 28: Resigned: Vice-president finance Andrew Brandt.
NEW ORLEANS Jan. 23: Named: Ed Orgeron (Mississippi 07), DL coach. Jan. 28: Resigned: Special-teams
coach John Bonamego (Dolphins).
PHILADELPHIA Jan. 28: Named: LB coach Sean
McDermott, DB coach; defensive quality-control coach Bill
Shuey, LB coach; coaching intern Otis Smith, assistant DB
coach; training-camp intern Mike Caldwell, defensive quality-control coach; Mark Whipple (Steelers 06), offensive
assistant.
ST. LOUIS Jan. 21: Roster addition for 2008: C
Donovan Raiola (ended 07 season on Rams practice
squad). Jan. 28: Resigned: Offensive coordinator Greg
Olson (Buccaneers). Jan. 30: Named: Al Saunders (Redskins 07), offensive coordinator. Feb. 1: Resigned: Assistant strength-and-conditioning coach Brad Roll (Raiders).
SAN FRANCISCO Jan. 21: Named: Mark Uyeyama
(Utah State 07), assistant strength-and-conditioning coach.
Jan. 29: Roster addition for 2008: DT Walter Curry (ended
07 season on Jaguars practice squad). Jan. 30: Named:
Offensive assistant Ted Tollner, QB coach/assistant to the
head coach; Adam Gase (Lions 07), offensive assistant.
Feb. 4: Named: Tony Nathan (Ravens 06), RB coach; scout
Trent Baalke, director of player personnel.
SEATTLE Jan. 22: Named: Assistant OL coach Keith
Gilbertson, WR coach. Fired: OL coach Bill Laveroni. Jan.
25: Named: Mike Solari (Chiefs 07), OL coach. Jan. 26:
Resigned: QB coach Jim Zorn (Redskins). Jan. 28:
Resigned: Special projects/defense coach Ray Rhodes
(Texans).
TAMPA BAY Jan. 22: Roster addition for 2008: TE
Keith Heinrich (ended 07 season on Buccaneers practice
squad). Jan. 25: Roster addition for 2008: WR Taye Biddle
(ended 07 season on Buccaneers practice squad). Named:
George Yarno (Washington State 07), assistant OL coach.
Jan. 28: Named: Greg Olson (Rams 07), QB coach. Fired:
QB coach Paul Hackett; offensive quality-control coach
Nathaniel Hackett.
WASHINGTON Jan. 22: Named: Vice president, football operations Vinny Cerrato, executive vice president, football operations. Jan. 24: Roster addition for 2008: WR
Maurice Mann (released by Browns 9/2). Jan. 26: Fired:
Associate head coach/offense Al Saunders; assistant head
coach/defense Gregg Williams. Named: Jim Zorn (Seahawks 07), offensive coordinator; DL coach Greg Blache,
defensive coordinator.Jan. 28: Roster addition for 2008:
OG Justin Geisinger (ended 07 season on Redskins practice squad).
ONLINE TRANSACTION UPDATES AT:
www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL+Zone/Transactions/default.htm

FEBRUARY 24, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

43

ONE HELLUVA SHOW:

Super Bowl XLII comes through with flying colors


EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Wow!
Was Super Bowl XLII the best Super Bowl ever?
It certainly ranks right up there with the stunning
upsets in SB III (Joe Willie Namath and the Jets over
the Colts) and SB XXXVI (Tom Brady and the Patriots
over the Rams), as well as the thrilling finish in SB
XXXIV, when Mike Jones tackle of Kevin Dyson just
short of the endzone on the games final play preserved a
pulsating 23-16 victory for the Rams over the Titans.
Suffice it to say, SB XLII was certainly the best game
this season an honor that before this years Super
Sunday would have very fittingly gone to the Patriots
38-35 gut-wrenching triumph over the Giants in Week 17
that put the finishing touches on a flawless regular season for New England.
Talk about captivating drama.
There was more edge-of-your-seat suspense in this
Super Bowl than in No Country for Old Men and
There Will Be Blood combined with an ending that,
PAUL SPINELLI / GETTY IMAGES

THE SLANT

DAN ARKUSH

New Yorkers relentless defensive front dominating the


Pats Pro Bowl-laden offensive line, the scrappy Bradshaw outwrestling Patriots defenders to recover his own
fumble, and the way the Giants just kept grinding away
while the likes of Randall Gay, Rodney Harrison,
Stephen Neal and Kevin Faulk kept staggering to the
Patriots sideline with injuries.
It was left to Manning to bring me back to my senses,
one-upping Brady with his own remarkably similar scoring drive (12 plays, 83 yards), albeit over a much shorter
period of time the most exciting two minutes, seven
seconds any of us has ever witnessed in a pro football
game.
Enter unlikely hero David Tyree, who, with apologies
to Dwight Clark, instantly moves to the top of the list of
memorable postseason receptions with his unbelievable,
helmet-assisted 32-yard circus catch with Harrison
draped all over him. Tyrees reception kept the games
final scoring drive alive, thanks in great part to Mannings equally unbelievable escape from a furious Patriots pass rush before unloading the pass.
Four plays later, Manning joined Joe Montana as the
only two quarterbacks to throw two fourth-quarter TD
passes in the Super Bowl, with his 13-yard game-winner
to a wide-open Plaxico Burress, who had raised eyebrows early in the week with his brash prediction of a
23-17 Giants victory.
Thats called talking the talk and walking the walk.
Cant beat that symmetry.
And you also cant beat how marvelously well-played
this game ended up being, with turnovers at a minimum
(one Giants interception, one
Patriots fumble) and pivotal
Determined: Giants RB
plays at a maximum, as each
Ahmad Bradshaw set the
team converted exactly 50 pertone on the opening drive
of Super Bowl XLII with
cent of its third downs (15-ofhis hard running
30 combined) and after all
was said and done consumed
a near-equal amount of possession time, with the Giants
managing a scant edge of 30:27 to 29:33.
No matter how you slant it, SB XLII shapes up as an
instant classic a tense, hard-fought game that provided a perfect ending to one of the most interesting pro
football seasons in a long time.
Not only was the Giants victory one of the greatest
upsets in NFL history, it also has to be considered among
the top five upsets in the history of professional sports.
It cant get much better than that.

A-bombs

unlike those two otherwise brilliant movies, couldnt


have been more satisfying, thanks to three fourth-quarter
lead changes, the most ever in the final quarter of a
Super Bowl.
I suspect most of you were smiling and nodding your
head just like I was when Brady finished off a methodical
12-play, 80-yard scoring drive with 2:42 remaining with a
six-yard go-ahead TD pass to Randy Moss, who arrived
in the endzone unimpeded after CB Corey Webster fell
down in hot pursuit of the Pats showcase receiver.
Webster and his fellow defenders who had given
their all, and then some, under the masterful direction of
coordinator Steve Spagnuolo looked flat-out spent at
that point. And, as theyve done with Brady at the helm so
often before, it looked like the Patriots had dodged a major
bullet, once again coming through when it counted most.
Game, set and match, I said to myself.
But enough hints had been offered that I should have
known better:
Like the Giants opening drive of the game, an epic
16-play march that lasted 9:59 the longest gameopening drive in Super Bowl history and featured four
third-down conversions, three of them on short, precise
passes by SB XLII MVP Eli Manning and the other
coming on a remarkable eight-yard run by 5-foot-9 rookie RB Ahmad Bradshaw, who somehow managed to
pick up the last five yards or so with Patriots 300-pound
DE Ty Warren riding piggy-back.
Like the physical edge the Giants clearly displayed
from beginning to end on both sides of the ball, with the

Its hard to find fault with any of this years Pro


Football Hall of Fame inductees, but its also hard to justify the absences of WR Cris Carter and DE Richard
Dent in the 08 class. Despite my urging the past few
years in this space for the induction of Art Monk, whose
selection this year was long overdue, Carters prolific
pass-catching numbers should have clinched an invite to
Canton as a first-time finalist ahead of the venerable
Redskins receiver. As for Dent, I can certainly understand why he was so disappointed after missing the final
cut, considering his career was far more accomplished by
every statistical measure than fellow defenders Fred
Dean and Andre Tippett, who both got in. The good
news? Id say the odds are extremely strong that both
Carter and Dent will be inducted next year.
One other particularly noteworthy new Hall of Fame
inductee is seniors committee selection Emmitt Thomas.
Thomas was one of the games great bump-and-run cornerbacks in a stellar career with the Chiefs from 1966-78.
And, of all the moves that new Falcons head coach Mike
Smith made in assembling his staff, the smartest one was
retaining the classy Thomas, Atlantas secondary coach
since 2002, to continue working with the secondary and
serve as his assistant head coach. While the Falcons cant
be blamed for removing as many links to this past season
as humanly possible, Thomas is an exception. He quietly
excelled in his role as the teams interim head coach last
season after Bobby Petrino abandoned ship for the University of Arkansas, and Atlantas defensive backs
couldnt be in better hands.
The more I think about it, the more I believe the

Browns should consider trading restricted free-agent QB


Derek Anderson for a couple of badly needed quality
defenders, if possible and let the chips fall where they
may with 2007 first-round draft pick Brady Quinn
under center next season. I acknowledge how instrumental Anderson was in the Browns surprising 10-win season, unleashing an impressive 29 TD passes in his first
season as a starter. But when they needed him most
down the stretch, especially against the Bengals in Week
16 when he threw four interceptions in a crushing 19-14
loss, Anderson left a great deal to be desired. Beyond
that, it now appears Anderson is far from enamored with
the Browns initial three-year contract offer to re-sign
him, having set his sights on a Tony Romo-type deal
(six years, $67.5 million, with $30 million guaranteed).
Memo to Browns GM Phil Savage and head coach
Romeo Crennel: Swallow hard, make the best trade you
can (you should be able to make a decent one) and concentrate more on re-signing unrestricted free-agent RB
Jamal Lewis.
For the longest time, it looked like the Rams
who have been a far cry, for some time now, from the
Super Bowl squads mentioned in the first paragraph of
this issues Slant were stuck in quicksand, trying to
dig out from the bottomless pit they fell into in a most
forgettable 2007 campaign. But things just might be
starting to turn around in a major way with the addition
of former Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders
in the same capacity with the Rams. The hiring of Saunders, who earned rave reviews as an assistant under both
Dick Vermeil and Mike Martz in the teams storied
Greatest Show on Turf era, was extremely well
received by the local media, which, up to that point, had
been understandably hard on head coach Scott Linehan.
After what has been a very tough season, Linehan
deserves a thumbs-up for aggressively pursuing Saunders once he became available and willingly relinquishing the teams play-calling duties so that he can concentrate on overseeing the entire team and improving his
communication with the players, which he admitted was
a problem that really needed to be fixed. In addition,
Rams management did the right thing with its decision
not to raise ticket prices for PSL holders for the first
time in nine years and also to promise to make the
Edward Jones Dome which has often resembled a
mausoleum the past few seasons a more inviting
home venue moving forward. Provided they hit a badly
needed home run with the second overall pick in the
upcoming draft, I could see the Rams getting back on a
fast track pretty quickly.
Finally, our prayers go out to ESPN.com football
analyst and former PFW colleague Len Pasquarelli, who
was forced to undergo quintuple heart-bypass surgery in
Phoenix the day before this years Super Bowl. Nobody
in our profession puts his or her heart into their work
with as much zeal and craftsmanship as Len. Hang tough,
pal. Heres hoping we can give you a big hug at the NFL
Scouting Combine at the end of the month.

The quotebook

Cardinals QB Kurt Warner on the allegations that


a Patriots staff member videotaped the Rams final walkthrough before Super Bowl XXXVI: Im not saying
theyre guilty of using that to affect the outcome of the
game. But the more you hear, the more you wonder. If
they went to those lengths, to record the final walkthrough before a Super Bowl, what else did they have?
What else have they done? You dont ever want to go
through your career thinking: What if? What if they had
an advantage in that game? It can change the course of
history. How much more difficult would it have been for
St. Louis to get rid of me had I won two Super Bowls?
How many other careers have been changed because of
that game?
New Cowboys secondary coach Dave Campo on
his new office, which also happens to be the same office
he previously had moved into upon his arrival in Dallas
in 1999 as a defensive assistant under Jimmy Johnson:
I looked out the window, and it was the same view. But
then I looked into the mirror, and I figured out it wasnt
exactly the same.

You can always rely on

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2008 Draft Preview
If you order a full-year, 30-issue subscription to
Pro Football Weekly in print, well send you our
2008 Draft Preview book, widely considered the
bible of the NFL draft. Written by PFW draft
analyst Nolan Nawrocki, the book provides a
scouts perspective on 500-plus prospects, with heights,
weights, 40-times, career notes, positives, negatives and
a summary of each prospects chances in the NFL.
Books will be shipped by the first week in April.

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