Take away 5 starters, mix, match an O-line, throw in sore ...prod.static.steelers.clubs.nfl.com/assets/images/imported/MediaCon… · Take away 5 starters, mix, match an O-line, throw

SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL

Take away 5 starters, mix, match an O-line, throw in sore QB, still adds up to a 4-1 mark for Steelers Monday, October 13, 2008 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana / Post-Gazette

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin celebrates after beating the Jaguars Oct. 5 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.

It's not surprising the Steelers are 4-1 and already have a two-game lead in the AFC North Division. After all, they don'treally enter the brutal part of what is the NFL's toughest schedule until the Super Bowl champion New York Giants come to town in two weeks.

But, when they report back to work today after having four days off because of an open date in their schedule, the Steelers should not be surprised as much as they should be thrilled with their position.

Consider: They have managed to post the second-best record in the league with injuries to at least five starters, an offensive line that has been ineffective at best and confused at worst, and a sore-armed quarterback who has been banged up and banged around.

"Looking at the total picture, you couldn't ask for a better situation to be in," inside linebacker James Farrior said. "To be 4-1 with all the injuries we have, things are going good right now. We have to keep it together."

The Steelers have a chance to get four of their starters back and continue their good start when they resume play Sunday in Cincinnati, where they have won their past seven games. One of those expected to return is Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker, who has missed the past two games with a sprained knee.

Yet, even without Parker and four other starters, the Steelers were dominant in their 26-21 victory in Jacksonville, Fla., outgaining the Jaguars in the first half, 300-49, and holding them to 14 first downs and 38 yards rushing.

How do they manage to do it?

"It's testament to the character of this team and the players we have waiting to come in and play," said defensive end Brett Keisel, who will return against the winless Bengals (0-6) after missing three games with a calf injury. "When they get their opportunity and they come in and play and we win, it says something about this team."

"It shows the dedication and preparation every player on this team has, no matter if they're a starter or a backup," outside linebacker James Harrison said. "If a starter does go down, you got a guy who can come in and play to that level, if not better, on some occasions."

One of those is nose tackle Chris Hoke, who has started the past two games for injured Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton (groin). In both games he played, Hoke was double-teamed in much the same manner the Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens would have double-teamed Hampton.

The Jaguars coaches conceded after watching film on the game that their inability to block Hoke, an eight-year veteran, was

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one of the reasons their running game struggled.

"The depth is probably as good as I've seen it," said Farrior, an 11-year veteran. "We have a lot of guys who can come in, we've already seen guys come in and take over starting roles and excel. I feel like this is one of the best, as far as depth, that we've had around here."

But it wasn't just Hoke.

After already playing without Keisel, the defensive line also lost backup Nick Eason (groin), forcing Orpheus Roye, 36, to be part of the rotation against the Jaguars.

Offensively, the Steelers were playing without Parker, guard Kendell Simmons (torn Achilles/injured reserve), fullback Carey Davis (ankle sprain) and rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall (broken scapula/injured reserve). In the second half, they also lost left tackle Marvel Smith because of cramps, forcing Trai Essex into the game.

And yet the Steelers finished with 129 yards rushing on 26 carries -- statistically, their second-best performance of the season; but, given their injuries, likely their most impressive. Mewelde Moore had 99 yards on 17 carries and combined with Gary Russell to produce three runs of 15 yards or longer -- one more than they had in the first four games combined.

"It's the expectation we have -- you don't drop when you go in there," said inside linebacker Larry Foote. "It's just contagious around here because of the way we are, the way we play. No matter how much money you make, when your number is called we're going to look for you to play."

The Steelers have done that, and find themselves in an enviable position -- at least for now -- because of it.

"Any time you have starters down and you're able to go in there and do well and get your guys back without having too much damage done to your record, it's good," Harrison said.

Gerry Dulac can be reached at [email protected].

First published on October 13, 2008 at 12:00 am

Tough road ahead

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Sweed shows patience despite lack of time"I'm playing behind some guys on fire right now ... My time is coming" -- Limas Sweed Monday, October 13, 2008 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Limas Sweed was among those who had high expectations when the Steelers drafted him in the second round -- a big and fast receiver who conceivably could be the team's No. 3 receiver and a big-play threat to pair with Santonio Holmes.

But, not only was Sweed unable to beat out Nate Washington for the third receiving spot, he hasn't been able to move past Dallas Baker as the No. 4 receiver.

That has produced one of the most popular questions in town -- what's wrong with Sweed?

"Just tell 'em patience is a virtue," said Sweed, who was drafted out of Texas. "I'm playing behind some guys on fire right now. It's their time right now and I'm the younger guy. My time is coming."

It doesn't appear, though, that it will be anytime soon.

Sweed finally got to dress for his first NFL game in Jacksonville, Fla., but that was only because the Steelers had so many injured players who were deactivated. He never appeared in the game, not even on special teams.

He likely will go back to being deactivated when the Steelers resume their season Sunday in Cincinnati.

"I wouldn't say I'm impatient, but I want to play, I definitely want to play," Sweed said. "I love the game of football. I want to get out there and play, but I understand the situation. So I can't get mad. I just accept it. It makes me work harder and keep sharpening my sword for my opportunity.

"I understand things. This is the professional level. Some things may take a little time. Due to different situations, you might have to sit back and wait your turn."

Sweed and running back Rashard Mendenhall, the team's No. 1 pick, were expected to be part-time contributors this season. Mendenhall, though, is out for the season with a fractured scapula and Sweed is not likely to play unless there is an injury.

His biggest problem: Holding on to the ball and getting comfortable with his routes.

"Working hard is not an issue," Sweed said. "It's like Santonio told me -- he came in and had to work hard and when he got the opportunity, he stepped in and never looked back. I listen to what guys like Santonio tells me, what Hines [Ward] tells me, to keep working, keep working and, when you get the opportunity, you step in and take it. When the opportunity comes, I'll seize it."

Gerry Dulac can be reached at [email protected].


Page 1 of 1Sweed shows patience despite lack of time



NFL Notebook: Palmer to have injured elbow examinedMonday, October 13, 2008 From wire dispatches

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer will have his ailing elbow examined by a New York Mets team doctor.

Palmer said after the Bengals lost, 26-14, to the Jets yesterday he would remain in New York to be examined by Dr. David Altchek. Palmer was designated as the third quarterback for the game behind Ryan Fitzpatrick and Palmer's brother Jordan, the second game this season he has missed with the injury.

"I'll play whenever they give me clearance," said Palmer, who injured his elbow against the Giants three weeks ago, missed a game against the Browns, then played against Dallas last week. He said he had been told that his injury is the kind common to baseball pitchers, one reason he decided to consult Altchek.

The Bengals (0-6) and Detroit (0-5) are the NFL's only remaining winless teams. The Bengals play host to the Steelers Sunday.

Eagles

Quarterback Donovan McNabb set the franchise's career records for pass attempts and yards passing in yesterday's win at San Francisco. McNabb threw a 26-yard completion to rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson midway through the second quarter to pass Ron Jaworski on the attempts list, then eclipsed Jaworski's passing yardage mark in the fourth quarter. McNabb heads into the off week with 3,943 career attempts and 26,980 passing yards. Jaworski held the previous records with 3,918 pass attempts and 26,963 yards. McNabb also holds the franchise records for career completions and touchdowns. ... Running back Correll Buckhalter rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown while filling in for injured All-Pro Brian Westbrook. The Eagles also played without injured receivers Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown.

Browns

Tight end Kellen Winslow has been released from a hospital after a four-day stay for tests and evaluation related to an undisclosed illness. The Browns downgraded the Pro Bowler from questionable to doubtful for tonight's game against the Giants. If Winslow is out, Steve Heiden most likely would start and backup Darnell Dinkins, a former Pitt player, would get more playing time. Winslow was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic on Thursday.

Saints

Running back Reggie Bush tied an NFL record with his 200th career reception in only his 34th game against the Oakland Raiders. The only other player to catch 200 passes in his first 34 games is Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Bush's mark stands alone among running backs.

Dolphins

Former Steelers outside linebacker Joey Porter had a sack against the Texans to bring his total to 61/2 this season, surpassing his total

of 51/2 sacks in 2007.

Colts

Wide receiver Marvin Harrison's two touchdown receptions gave him 126 in his career, moving him past Walter Payton and into 10th place on the league's career list.

Jaguars

The Jaguars are just the third team since 1999 to post wins in Denver in consecutive seasons.

Rams

Cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. broke a bone in his ankle. Running back Brian Leonard (shoulder) and tackle Orlando Pace (pulled quad) were also hurt.


Page 1 of 1NFL Notebook: Palmer to have injured elbow examined


NFL officials squander credibility By John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Monday, October 13, 2008

They say never send a boy to do a man's job, but that's precisely what the NFL does, week after excruciating week.

The NFL is a full-time job for players and coaches. For officials, it's a part-time gig, a chance to earn extra cash on weekends. All of which makes officials targets for criticism.

"There's a fine balance between doing what's right and overstepping your boundaries, but we've just got to find that place where we can all get along," Steelers inside linebacker and defensive captain James Farrior said last week.

"If they make a bad call that's affecting the outcome of a game, and it's the wrong call, I think that they should be held accountable," Farrior said. "I feel like they should be held to the same standards. We get fined for stuff we do wrong. I think they should get fined."

With officials directly affecting the outcome of games, even the likes of the decorated Ed Hochuli, who has been the referee in two Super Bowls, hasn't been immune from criticism. Wall Street is having a better year than Hochuli.

In two of the first five weeks, Hochuli's officiating crew made bad calls. Both times, the team that the calls went against lost. In the first instance, the league admitted Hochuli's mistake in the San Diego Chargers' loss to the Denver Broncos.

Last Monday night, Hochuli's crew made a terrible call in the Minnesota-New Orleans game that went against the Saints. Reggie Bush's fumble was recovered by the Vikings, but replays showed that a facemask penalty was missed.

It gets worse. Saints coach Sean Payton was forced to use a challenge to correct what the officials called a completed pass to Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian.

On another play, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson appeared to fumble. The Saints recovered, but the play was blown dead because the ruling on the field was that Peterson's knee touched the ground before he fumbled. Replays showed Peterson losing the ball before being brought down.

I asked Farrior in the wake of a $20,000 fine levied against Steelers outside

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linebacker James Harrison for criticizing officials if he was willing to comment about officiating in general. Upon being reminded of the potential consequences in speaking about the performance of officials, Farrior, who was recently fined $7,500 by the league for making an obscene gesture to Cleveland Browns fans, agreed to speak anyway.

"I feel like the rules lean more on us," Farrior said. "When we break the rules, we gotta pay tougher consequences. They (officials) just try to do better next week."

It doesn't help the NFL's credibility that Hochuli, a prominent Arizona attorney, isn't employed by the league full time. NFL officials are the only referees among the major sports leagues with part-time status. It also doesn't help the league's credibility when those part-time officials make bad calls affecting the outcome of games.

John Harris can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.

Images and text copyright © 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

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Harrison, Woodley are a dynamic duo By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer

[email protected]

PITTSBURGH - With the Steelers on their bye week, quarterbacks around the league got a break from seeing what is one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL.

Steelers outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley served notice over the first five weeks of the season that they should be included among the great pass-rushing combinations at linebackers in team history.

Harrison has 61/2 sacks and Woodley 51/2, putting each on pace to shatter the team record of 15 set by Mike Merriweather in 1987.

"You can't say enough about what those two guys are doing," said Steelers linebacker Larry Foote. "They're doing a great job of winning their battles and getting after the quarterback. It makes everybody else's job easier."

The scary thing for opponents is that harrison and Woodley are going to get better with more experience.

Though he's 30 years old, Harrison has made just 29 career starts, 16 of which were last season, when he earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl and team MVP honors after recording a team-high 81/2 sacks.

Woodley, meanwhile, is in just his second season and became a starter this year after Pittsburgh did not re-sign Clark Haggans. The 2007 second-round draft pick was on the field for only 80 defensive plays last season but had four sacks, the same number as Haggans.

"When you have two good pass rushers on the outside, it helps change the whole game," said Woodley. "They can't key on just one of us. If they double James, then they're going to leave me one-one-one. If they double me, James is one-on-one. If they try to double us both, that's going to allow somebody else to come free up the middle."

Thus far, no team has been able to figure out how to slow the pass rush. The Steelers (4-1) have 18 sacks. The Steelers are already halfway to their 2007 total of 36 sacks. The team record is 55, set in 1994 and matched in 2001.

Kevin Greene and Greg Lloyd combined for 24 sacks in that 1994 record-setting season, and Joey Porter and Jason Gildon had 21 in 2001. Harrison and Woodley are well on their way to putting together seasons that match the ones recorded by those duos.

"There's a little competition between us, healthy competition," said Woodley. "We're pushing each other, making each other better. That can only help the team."

Odds and end zones

After being off since Thursday, the Steelers will return to practice today in preparation a game Sunday at Cincinnati. ... Baltimore's loss Sunday at Indianapolis drops the Ravens to 3-3, two games behind the Steelers in the loss column in the AFC North. The Ravens are at Miami next Sunday.

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

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Some of the best parts of Hines Ward's game don't show up on stat sheetSunday, October 12, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana / Post-Gazette

There is a part of Hines Ward's game for which no statistics are recorded and no records kept.

Hines Ward came right out of the chute Sunday night in Jacksonville and gave the Jaguars his best shot.

Mike Peterson was the victim. On the first play from scrimmage that night, Mewelde Moore took a handoff from Ben Roethlisberger and Ward did his thing. He slammed his 205 pounds into the side of the 238-pound linebacker. Moore ran for 19 yards that ended out of bounds. Another 15 yards was tacked on because defensive end Paul Spicer, upset that Ward had the audacity to throw such a hard block, shoved the Steelers wide receiver after the play.

Ward had set a tone, again.

"I knew it was going to be one of those nights," Ward recounted the other day. "I knew it was going to be a physical night, so I just went out and had the mentality that I was going to initiate everything and keep it going.

"It took a toll out of me physically but from the first play on they ended up getting a personal foul. I think I cracked down on the linebacker, put him down and the next thing you know Spicer's responding and they got a flagrant foul and later in the next drive they got another flagrant foul."

Ward's response?

"I didn't say anything. I got up smiling."

You'd expect something different from the most vicious blocker among wide receivers in the NFL?

Ward not only holds every meaningful Steelers receiving record, he has that extra tool in his repertoire -- blocking. It has paid them many dividends through the years, and none more than the past two games.

He drew another personal foul retaliation from cornerback Will James that tacked on another 15 yards to a 13-yard pass reception by Moore. That put the ball on the Jacksonville 15, and Ben Roethlisberger tied the score with a 1-yard pass to Heath Miller.

Jacksonville's coaches privately acknowledged that Ward was a beast last Sunday night. It's something coach Mike Tomlin learned long ago when he coached the secondary in Tampa Bay.

"It dominates their thoughts the entire game week," Tomlin told Steelers Digest early this season. "They have their heads on a swivel, looking for Hines Ward, and I know it because I've competed against these guys and prepared for them. His reputation precedes him, and it's well deserved. It's something that's talked [about] in secondary rooms the week people play the Pittsburgh Steelers 17 weeks a year."

THE WARD LEGACY

Steelers franchise

Category No. Rk.

Receptions 743 1

Receiving yards 9,053 1

Receiving TDs 69 1

100-yard games 16 2

Page 1 of 2Some of the best parts of Hines Ward's game don't show up on stat sheet


Ward loves hearing that.

"It's a big honor, a compliment, that their coaches said I was all over the field creating havoc. That's my job; you wouldn't expect that from a wideout."

He performed a similar trick Sept. 29 in the Monday night game against Baltimore. He riled up the Ravens with a block during Nate Washington's 8-yard pickup on an end-around that prompted Baltimore linebacker Jarret Johnson to shove Wardout of bounds after the play. The 15-yard penalty and run gave the Steelers a first down at Baltimore's 44. Three plays later Roethlisberger threw a 38-yard touchdown to Santonio Holmes that brought the Steelers to within 13-10. On the next play, they took a 17-13 lead on a sack and LaMarr Woodley fumble return for a touchdown.

Those extra yards in two tight Steelers victories made a difference. Johnson later said he lost his cool.

"That's what you can't do as a defense, that's hidden yardage in the game," said Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith. "Those defenders don't like that when he's hunting them down. I'm surprised more receivers don't do that."

"That's just Hines being Hines," offensive tackle Trai Essex said. "He's a physical player and everybody in the league knows that. And he's out there still smiling. You can't get him mad. He's going to play the game no matter what. That plays into the mental aspects of the game. He gets under their skin and that gives us an advantage."

Ward has even more reason to smile this season. He leads his team with 24 receptions, with 316 yards and with four touchdowns.

And ...

"I'm healthy now," Ward said. He missed two games in 2006 with a knee injury, missed three more last season with a knee injury and had knee surgery early this year. Tomlin gives him Wednesdays off from practice.

"My weight's down and I feel good. The rest coach Tomlin's giving me is doing wonders for me personally. I'm fresher on Sundays. ... It's not that I can't [go], he just doesn't want me to.

"He told me that's what they did with Joey Galloway in Tampa. They knew what Joey was going to bring to the table. He was in his 30s but there was a lot of good football left."

Ward is 32 and it appears he has plenty left as well.

"For the first five games, it's worked wonders for me, something I had to get accustomed to and used to. But it's starting to show on the field. I have more energy. I can be more physical and I'm healthy."

It should keep the talk humming next week in the secondary room in Cincinnati.

Ed Bouchette can be reached at [email protected].


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Ed Bouchette on the Steelers: A tour any fan will wish they made A look inside the team, the issues & the questions Sunday, October 12, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Steeler Nation: A Pittsburgh Team, An American Phenomenon" by Jim Wexell.

Greg Lloyd talks about his anger growing up, about his ex-wife and how he believes she forced their son to lie that Lloyd put a gun to his head.

And he talks about how he came to the Steelers an angry young man.

"That anger was there because I came from a little old black college right here in Fort Valley, a sixth-round draft pick, and then I've got these big jokers coming from these big schools and they are wimps and they [stink] and they're getting millions of dollars and they're there for two years and they're gone. They're set for life if they take care of their money, but I've got to make that up. I can play three years and not make that up. But I'm going to do it in practice. I'm going to find out if they breed them the way as they do in Fort Valley. Do you think you can play this game better than me? Well let's strap it up."

Lloyd paused, according to author Jim Wexell, and then stated, "There's no way that we shouldn't have won two Super Bowls."

The chapter on Lloyd is worth the price of admission alone in Wexell's latest and best book, "Steeler Nation: A Pittsburgh Team, An American Phenomenon." But this is not just another book on former Steelers and what they are doing now. It's different, based on the author's 9,928-mile road trip over six weeks around the country, from Pittsburgh through the South, across the Southwest to California up to Seattle and back home across the midsection of the nation.

Along the way, Wexell, his car toted behind a friend's RV, stopped to visit the small towns and large ones of current and former Steelers, taking time to interview their friends and families. He also stopped at various Steelers bars throughout the nation and was at times treated as royalty by fans.

The Irwin resident took time off from his job as a Steelers freelance beat writer -- he's covered the team since 1995 -- during the 2007 season for his research. The result is a delicious read about the life of Steelers fans and players' families away from Pittsburgh.

"The idea for the book struck me while reading Kevin Chong's road trip book Neil Young Nation," Wexell writes. "Chong made no point or broke no new ground. He just drove around North America and talked to people about rock and roll. The journey was the thing, and it was a fun read. I decided to do the same with Steelers Nation, the only true sports nation."

He scored a touchdown in doing so as dramatically as that 8-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Hines Ward last Sunday in Jacksonville.

He visited the small town of Tenmile in southern Oregon, population 539, where Troy Polamalu grew up with the family of his uncle Salu Polamalu. Troy Aumua lived in a violent suburb of Los Angeles without a father, and a mother who had to work to support her five children. Troy visited his cousins in Tenmile and did not want to leave. His uncle, with his mother's

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permission, took him in and Troy asked to change his name to Polamalu.

As Troy told Wexell about his experience in Santa Ana, "My mom worked so I was basically on my own. I'd stay out till 12 or 1 in the morning. I'd go out late at night with 15 cents in my pocket and walk a half hour to get some candy. I loved candy so much my front six teeth were black. But I'd walk down the middle of the road so no one could jump out at me."

Wexell paid a visit to Colorado Springs and interviewed Aaron Smith's four older brothers and how their late father, a 6-foot-5, 320-pounder was a disciplinarian, to say the least. He kicked three of the brothers out of the house at age 16 and Aaron was forced out at age 12 and grew up in poverty.

"I got kicked out because I wouldn't do the dishes," brother Steve said.

"Aaron ... was so fearful of his father he began sleeping with a Bokuto -- a long wooden sword used to train Samurai fighters -- next to his bed," Wexell wrote.

"He even slept with it next to his bed the next couple years after my father passed away," Steve Smith told the author. "It tells you a little bit about what type of childhood we had."

Wexell produces gems like this over and over throughout his 223-page book.

You can find the book, published last month, at [email protected], or by calling 724-861-3554.

Status report: The sale of the team

The NFL conducts its short two-day fall meeting starting tomorrow in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Steelers ownership issue will be the subject of a finance committee report, but no vote will take place and no recommendations are expected.

The club's ownership issue could remain in limbo for awhile. Dan Rooney's four brothers decided last month not to accept a bid from billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller nor one from Dan and his son Art Rooney II.

The four brothers hoped to open it to more bidding through their investment firm, Goldman Sachs, but a family source indicated that with the sudden downturn in the economy, they expect little action.

The Post-Gazette reported that at the four brothers' meeting Sept. 18 to consider offers, John Rooney pushed for them to take the Dan/Art Rooney offer. A family source subsequently told the Post-Gazette that Art Rooney Jr. also could not bring himself to sell the team outside the family, and that one more brother -- either Tim or Pat -- wanted to keep the status quo.

That's where the franchise remains. The impetus for the brothers to seek a sale came two years ago from the NFL because some of the Rooney owners are not in accordance with league rules. The issues are that they also run casinos at their two racetracks, and because none owns at least 30 percent of the franchise, which is a league requirement.

Ed Bouchette can be reached at [email protected].


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Harrison, Roethlisberger shining team lightsSunday, October 12, 2008 By Ron Cook, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It's never too early to hand out awards. Why wait for the halfway point of the NFL season? Let's do it now -- during the Steelers' off week -- and beat the rush ...

Speaking of beating the rush, let's take a moment to wish Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a pain-free day. He was a much younger man the last time he didn't ache on a Sunday.

Offensive MVP: Roethlisberger, who else? Quite simply, he's the NFL's best quarterback with Tom Brady out, the No. 1 reason the Steelers are 4-1 and in control of the AFC North Division.

Defensive MVP: Linebacker James Harrison, who else? Actually, if you want to make a case for defensive end Aaron Smith -- an absolute beast of a player -- you wouldn't be far off base. But Harrison is virtually unblockable and brings a mean streak that any great defense needs.

Special Teams MVP: Kicker Jeff Reed, who else? I used to think Gary Anderson was the best in franchise history. Now, I'm not so sure.

Best Comeback: Safety Troy Polamalu. What a waste of time in the summer, fretting if he would be able to stay healthy and be productive. The man has never been better.

While we're on the subject of needless worry ...

Most Overblown Story: The Steelers' schedule. How tough can it be with six games against the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens?

Most Enjoyable Moment: Wide receiver Hines Ward marking his spot in the Cleveland Dawg Pound's end zone after catching a touchdown pass to beat the hated Browns.

Best Play: Roethlisberger's 18-yard pass to Ward on third-and-8 and under tremendous pressure to beat Jacksonville. "That's why he's Big Ben," teammate Mewelde Moore said.

Honorable Mention: Harrison's sack and forced fumble and linebacker LaMarr Woodley's touchdown return against Baltimore.

Worst Play: A third-and-16 against Philadelphia. Roethlisberger was chased right by heavy pressure and threw an incompletion in the direction of wide receiver Santonio Holmes, but that wasn't nearly the worst of it. Guard Chris Kemoeatu was called for holding and Big Ben for an illegal forward pass for desperately trying to get rid of the ball past the line of scrimmage. That play perfectly summed up the Steelers' only loss.

Along those same lines ...

Worst Sequence Of Plays: An earlier series against Philadelphia. The Steelers went sack, sack, false start on tackle Willie Colon, interception. That was an ugly day.

Most Underrated Player: Nose tackle Chris Hoke. The Steelers are 14-2 when he starts. Casey Who?

Most Underused Player: Tight end Heath Miller. Guys, can you call his number a few more times? He never disappoints.

Most Amazing Man At Team Headquarters: Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, 71 and in his 50th NFL season. He's every bit as remarkable as the great Joe Paterno.

Lou Gehrig/Wally Pipp: Cornerback Bryant McFadden. Starter Deshea Townsend got hurt and McFadden stepped in to play lights-out football. He -- not Townsend or Ike Taylor -- is the team's best corner.

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Best Coaching: Mike Tomlin at Jacksonville. He wouldn't allow his players to use an unbelievable run of injuries as an excuse.

Worst Coaching: Tomlin and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians at Philadelphia. The Steelers seemed surprised by the Eagles' blitzing and never adjusted.

Biggest Bust: The 2008 draft class, at least so far. And you thought I was going to say tackle Max Starks. It's hard to believe the same brain trust that brought the team Lawrence Timmons and Woodley in the '07 draft looks as if it will get virtually no help from the '08 bunch.

Tough Luck: Guard Kendall Simmons. At 29, he's facing a long road back from a ruptured Achilles injury.

Worst Use Of $7 Million: Starks. What? You didn't think I'd get there?

Dumbest Penalty: Wide receiver Nate Washington's unsportsmanlike conduct call on the winning drive against Jacksonville. At least linebacker James Farrior had a good reason when he was penalized for throwing the bird at a Cleveland fan; the fan gave him the middle finger first and was cheering an injury to teammate Ryan Clark. Who wouldn't be tempted to respond in kind? But there's no justification for Washington's foolish, selfish act. It could have cost the Steelers the game.

Say What? Ward's $5,000 fine for what the NFL called his "unnecessary roughness" in the Baltimore game. He wasn't penalized during the game. Maybe Jack Lambert had it right all of those years ago. Maybe they should put 'em all in skirts.

Ron Cook can be reached at [email protected].


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Steelers' depth keeps team afloat By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Sunday, October 12, 2008

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season, and the ageless Hines Ward is fourth among NFL wide receivers in touchdown receptions (four).

Outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley are each on pace to break the Steelers' single-season sack record (15), and Troy Polamalu has shown why he might be the best safety in the NFL.

But as good as their stars have been, the Steelers' 4-1 start is as much a testament to their Mewelde Moores as it is their marquee players.

Moore barely played in the Steelers' first three games. But the Steelers might not be taking a two-game winning streak into Cincinnati next Sunday -- they have a bye this week -- if not for the scatback.

If Moore has been a revelation, the same holds true of the Steelers' overall depth.

"It's probably as good as I've seen it since I've been here," said linebacker James Farrior, who has been with the Steelers since 2002. "We've seen guys take over starting roles and excel."

Nowhere has that been bigger for the Steelers, both literally and figuratively, than along the defensive line.

Two of the team's three starters up front have missed a pair of games because of injuries. Yet, the Steelers have hardly been overpowered at the point of attack.

Nose tackle Chris Hoke has played like he did in 2004 when he started 12 games -- and excelled -- after Casey Hampton went down with a knee injury.

Travis Kirschke, meanwhile, has more then held his own at right defensive end in the three games he has started for the injured Brett Keisel. The Steelers have also gotten key contributions from reserve defensive ends Nick Eason and Orpheus Roye.

Through at least the first quarter of the season, the defensive line has stood up against the opposition as well as criticism that it is too old -- Eason and tackle Scott Paxson are the only players on the unit that are younger than 30 -- and

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lacking in quality depth.

"I can't say enough about Hokie, Kirschke and Roye," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "We've got starters -- and starters in waiting."

That is ideally what a team wants when putting together its roster.

Injuries are becoming more prevalent in the NFL, given the speed of the game and the size of its players. The rash of injuries the Steelers have weathered shows just how critical it is for teams to fill the final spots on the roster with quality players -- and to make the correct personnel decisions when paring the roster to the 53-man limit.

"Depth is a huge issue in this league," said ESPN analyst and former Cowboys safety Darren Woodson, who played on three Super Bowl champion teams in the 1990s. "Our teams in '92 and '93, our backups could have beaten teams in the league. We were just so deep."

The Steelers showed some of their depth against the Ravens, when Moore was their only remaining healthy running back. Moore made the biggest play of the game, a 24-yard catch-and-run, in the Steelers' 23-20 overtime win.

He followed that by rushing for almost 100 yards in a 26-21 win over the Jaguars while starting in place of the injured Willie Parker.

Just as vital to the offense in recent weeks has been the play of Darnell Stapleton, who signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2007 and took over at right guard after Kendall Simmons went down with a season-ending foot injury.

In his first career start at Jacksonville, Stapleton helped pave the way for Moore and a Steelers ground game that rolled up 129 yards -- 91 more than the Jaguars and their vaunted running back duo of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew managed.

"We have guys itching to come in here and showcase what they can do," Ward said. "That's the way it should be."

It has certainly been that way at right cornerback.

Bryant McFadden started the Browns game on Sept. 14 because of a foot injury that sidelined first-stringer Deshea Townsend. McFadden has played so well that Townsend has not been able to reclaim his starting job.

"Players are waiting for their chance to play," said Keisel, who will return to action against the Bengals. "When they get that chance, they play well -- and we win games."

Scott Brown can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.







MONDAY OCTOBER 13, 2008 :: Last modified: Sunday, October 12, 2008 12:22 AM EDT

Steelers could be grooming Stapleton to take over at center By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers may have found their center of the future. And no, it’s not Justin Hartwig, who’s playing the position right now. Don’t be surprised if the Steelers’ next center is Darnell Stapleton, who’s starting to put together a rather remarkable success story.

For this season, Stapleton likely will remain at right guard. He’s there as a replacement for Kendall Simmons, who’s done for the year with a ruptured Achilles heel. But when he played college football at Rutgers, Stapleton was a center. “Center … that’s easy,” Stapleton said when asked where he’d prefer to play. “I love center. I just feel that the center is the leader of the offensive, and I like that type of responsibility. I feel that I’m more naturally built to play center.” Not that he’s small, but at 6-foot-3 and 306 pounds, Stapleton is the Steelers’ smallest offensive lineman. He only bench presses 395 pounds. That’s not a lot of weight for an offensive lineman to put up. Perhaps it’s Stapleton’s strong legs — “I’m big squats guy,” he said — that serve him best when he blocks opposing defenders. His coaches have raved about his leverage the past two games. He’s able to move larger obstacles by staying low and taking the correct blocking angles and techniques. Stapleton made his debut with the first-team offense when Simmons was hurt in the Sept. 29 game against Baltimore. Stapleton isn’t the main reason why the Steelers won that night. But when he entered the game, the Steelers trailed 13-3. With Stapleton, the Steelers outscored the Ravens 20-7. Last week when Stapleton made his first pro start, the Steelers beat Jacksonville 26-21. “I’d like to think I held my own,” Stapleton said. “I made a few mistakes. But I didn’t allow any sacks.” Stapleton, who turned 23 on Sept. 21, earned a roster spot with the Steelers last summer as undrafted rookie free agent out of Rutgers. Even though a knee injury kept him from playing in three of five preseason games, he was impressive enough to win a roster spot. He even beat out guard Cameron Stephenson, his ex-Rutgers teammate who was picked by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2007 draft. “I just think we saw something in him for down the road,” O-line coach Larry Zierlein said at the time.

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That could be as the starting center. Sean Mahan, acquired last year via free agency, failed at the position. Mahan has since been traded. Justin Hartwig, acquired this year on the free-agent market, hasn’t performed at the level the Steelers hoped. His long-range future with the team is iffy. Stapleton, who’s listed as the backup center this year even though he didn’t dress for a game last season, may replace Hartwig as early as next year. “I’m a competitor. I just love to compete,” Stapleton said. “I just want to help this team in any way I can. I’ll play wherever they put me”

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Stapleton steps in nicely for Simmons By John Grupp TRIBUNE-REVIEW Friday, October 10, 2008

By any standard, Steelers right guard Darnell Stapleton is undersized for an NFL offensive linemen.

Even coach Mike Tomlin called him "short" after his first pro start.

But the 6-foot-3, 305-pound Stapleton is tall enough to see where he stands.

"I'm not as heavy as most guards, and I may not be 6-6 or 6-5," Stapleton said, "but I think I'm smart enough to play the position, and I've got the will and the heart."

Stapleton, 23, has emerged from nominal obscurity as an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers to become a starting right guard for the first-place Steelers.

"He's pretty athletic, and he's physical," starting left guard Chris Kemoeatu said. "He's a smart guy, and he stepped up and did a good job."

Stapleton, who made his first NFL start in the nationally televised, 26-21 victory last Sunday at Jacksonville, is expected to be in the lineup in place of injured Kendall Simmons when the Steelers travel to the Bengals on Oct. 19.

"This is no big surprise," said Steelers offensive line coach Larry Zierlein, who first spotted Stapleton on a video of the Texas Bowl college all-star game. "We have known this kid can play."

Said Tomlin: "Darnell is not small; he's short. He played with great leverage. He had an opportunity, and he delivered."

As for Stapleton's stature, he's smaller than most of the 64 first-string offensive guards in the league.

A handful of them are shorter than Stapleton, and a half-dozen or so don't weigh as much. But no starting guard in the NFL is shorter than Stapleton without pushing the scales to at least 305 pounds.

"I know a lot of people were worried about me starting last week," he said. "I really don't care what the outside world thinks. I'm just trying to do my job for my teammates. They are the people who are relying on me."

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Stapleton, a Union, N.J., native, has overcome tough odds all his life:

• He made the Steelers' roster last year despite being sidelined for much of training camp due to knee surgery, while his former Rutgers teammate, 2007 fifth-rounder Cameron Stephenson, was cut.

• He made the team again this year despite not dressing for any regular-season games as a rookie.

• He moved up the depth chart this season, and when Simmons suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the second quarter against the Ravens in Week 4, Stapleton -- not fourth-year veteran Trai Essex -- was summoned.

Through it all, Stapleton never wavered against Jacksonville.

"I felt like if I let myself get wound up and nervous, I would have gone out there and (played poorly)," he said. "I felt like I had to go in there calm, cool and collected. I didn't want my teammates to have to worry, 'Is Darnell shaky? Is he nervous?' "

While it's not all Stapleton's doing, the Steelers line has played better since his arrival. Ben Roethlisberger was sacked 15 times in 14 quarters to open the season but only three times in the past six quarters.

"Everybody said I did pretty good," Stapleton said. "But it's only one game, and we've got a long season ahead of us."

John Grupp can be reached at [email protected] or 412-320-7930.



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October 13, 2008

Palmer seeks second opinion

He'll see New York elbow specialist By Mark Curnutte [email protected]

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Quarterback Carson Palmer, who did not play Sunday in a 26-14 loss to the Jets, stayed in New York overnight and was scheduled to see an elbow specialist early this morning.

Palmer said he wants a second opinion, "someone other than our doctors," to examine his elbow.

Palmer said he would not "shut down" his season, though the Bengals are 0-6.

"I'm not shutting anything down," Palmer said after the game at the Meadowlands. "I'll play when I get clearance to play. If they tell me to sit, I'll sit. If they give me clearance - it doesn't matter whether we're 9-6 or 0-15 - if they clear me, I'm going to play."

Dr. David Altchek, one of the doctors for baseball's New York Mets, will see Palmer. He has worked with pitchers Pedro Martinez and Carl Pavano, among others.

• http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=AB&Dato=20081012&Kategori=SPT02&Lopenr=810120804&Ref"=PH target="_new">Photos: Jets 26, Bengals 14 • http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081012/SPT02/310130016/1066" target="_new">Poll: Who's to blame for 0-6? • http://cincinnati.sportsdirectinc.com/football/nfl-boxscores.aspx?page=/data/NFL/results/2008-2009/recap25264.html" target="_new">Game statistics

"I'm going to see the supposed best elbow guy, one who worked with a bunch of major league pitchers," Palmer said.

"Hopefully we can get a chance to evaluate it and hopefully I can get out there and practice," Palmer added. "It's a big concern of mine to get out there and play. ... It's not my concern whether or not my injury is season-ending.

"I was told it would get better after about a month, and every day it's gotten better, so that's a good thing. Hopefully it got better over the last week. It was my decision to get a second opinion and have someone else look at it other than our doctors. Hopefully they'll have a different opinion and say it looks a lot better and I'll be able to play."

Palmer watched the Bengals' offense score just one touchdown with backup Ryan Fitzpatrick starting for the second time in three games. The Bengals had just 171 total net yards.

"It's very frustrating," said Palmer, who had started 51 games in a row before sitting in Week 4 against the Browns. "I enjoy practice. It's frustrating watching practice, and it's very frustrating on game day."

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Palmer is 75-for-129 passing for 731 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions this season. His passer rating is 69.0, significantly worse than the 90.1 career passing rating he had compiled prior to the start of the season.

Palmer sustained the injury three weeks ago in the Week 3 loss at Giants Stadium when he was hit by New York cornerback Corey Webster while attempting to throw the ball in the first quarter. Palmer stayed in the game and practiced early the next week before being relegated to third-string quarterback duty for the Cleveland game.

Palmer was in street clothes Sunday for the Jets game.

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October 13, 2008

JETS 26, BENGALS 14

Jets Win Ugly Against Bengals

By GREG BISHOP

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals walked through the same tunnel at Giants

Stadium after Sunday’s game ended, slapping palms and shaking hands. They wore different jerseys but

similar blank expressions.

None of the players smiled. Nor did they frown. In fact, had anyone in the tunnel not witnessed what

happened on the field, there would be no distinguishing the winning team from the losing one.

The scoreboard read Jets 26, Bengals 14, and in front of an announced crowd of 78,161, running back Thomas

Jones scored three touchdowns and quarterback Brett Favre was responsible for three turnovers.

The Jets (3-2) improved to 3-0 after the bye week under Coach Eric Mangini, a stretch that includes upsets at

New England in 2006 and against the Steelers here last season. But while those victories were signature

moments of Mangini’s tenure, the latest post-bye victory most certainly was not.

“It was a weird day,” right tackle Damien Woody said. “We were kind of lethargic. We were just sputtering.

Sometimes, you’re going to have games like this. Sometimes, you’re going to have ugly games.

“Fortunately, we came out on the winning side.”

Three weeks ago, Favre limped out of San Diego with an injured ankle. The Jets had fallen to 1-2. The offense

seemed confused. The defense had allowed 48 points to the Chargers.

David Bowens, the veteran linebacker who often serves as a peephole into the Jets’ psyche, voiced the feeling

of the silent locker room.

“Whatever kind of team we thought we were, we’re not,” Bowens said then.

Then, two weeks ago, Favre tied a team record with six touchdown passes against the Arizona Cardinals, the

Jets’ offensive explosion overshadowing a leaky second half on defense. And Sunday, when the Jets did not

pass the ball efficiently, when Favre threw two interceptions and fumbled, the defense made amends.

“We’ve come a long way, and I don’t mean since training camp,” Bowens said Sunday. “I’m talking about

since the Miami game, since San Diego.”

Especially on defense.

That unit gathered in the tunnel before Sunday’s game. Responding to a suggestion from linebacker Eric

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Barton, the defensive players did not run out of the tunnel screaming the way most defenses do. Instead, they

walked, slowly and together, like a group of heroes returning from a mission in slow motion on the big

screen.

“We didn’t want to run,” Bowens said. “We wanted to walk and show that we meant business.”

The Jets’ defenders knew their recent performances ended without swagger and with questions about whom,

if anyone, they could stop. They also knew that the Bengals were entering the game with an 0-5 record and

without the injured quarterback Carson Palmer.

The backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the pride of Harvard, started in Palmer’s place. Fitzpatrick had not

thrown a pass in an N.F.L. game from 2005 until recently, when he tossed three interceptions against

Cleveland in late September.

Of Fitzpatrick’s performance Sunday, Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis said, “I’d rather reserve my judgment

until I watch the tape.”

The Jets’ defensive game plan contained three keys:

The Jets wanted to stop the run and did, allowing the Bengals a paltry 2.0 yards a carry. They wanted to

pressure Fitzpatrick and did, sacking him five times. And they wanted to contain the potent receiving tandem

of T. J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ocho Cinco, and did that, too; they were held to 106 yards and no

touchdowns.

After Favre spotted the Bengals a 7-0 lead — his fumble in the first series was recovered by safety Chinedum

Ndukwe and returned for a touchdown — Bowens found Favre on the sideline, gave him a high-five and told

him, “Don’t worry about it.”

Still, Favre gave the Jets’ faithful more reasons to worry. Although he ended the game with a 71.3 completion

percentage for the season, the highest after five games in his career, it was not his finest performance with

the Jets, as evidenced by the two interceptions, which came on throws toward the end zone.

Those mistakes allowed the Bengals to hang around, and their offense actually had the ball midway through

the fourth quarter trailing by 20-14. The Jets’ defense continued applying pressure, like a masseuse with a

mean streak, ending that drive with a sack and forcing a quarterback scramble to nowhere.

The Jets’ defense remembered its second-half collapse against the Cardinals. The theme, during the bye week

and during the week leading up to the game, was to finish: finish plays, finish quarters, finish halves and

finish games.

“The first four games, the second half we came out flat,” cornerback Darrelle Revis said.

After the defense returned the ball, the Jets’ offense put the game away. Behind a steady diet of Jones, they

slowly and surely moved down the field.

Jones scored from a yard out, his second rushing touchdown and third over all Sunday. Last season, Jones



scored one rushing touchdown.

“It goes without saying how important it is, not only to have balance on offense, but in all three phases of the

team, to be productive,” Favre said. “It wasn’t our best performance, but it was a win. I don’t believe in ugly

wins.”

Less than a year ago, when the Jets traveled to Cincinnati to face the Bengals, a little-known running back

named Kenny Watson gashed the Jets’ defense for three touchdowns. The Jets lost, 38-31, falling to 1-6 and

all but guaranteeing a lost season.

“We’ve been in their shoes,” defensive end Shaun Ellis said of the Bengals. “We know how they feel.”

Now, Mangini and the Jets stand at 3-2 with three of their next four games against league bottom feeders in

the Oakland Raiders, the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Rams. Meanwhile, Mangini’s wife missed her

first game Sunday in a long while, but with good reason.

She gave birth to the couple’s third son Friday. The Manginis named him Zach Brett, borrowing the middle

name from the quarterback his father traded for this off-season.

The child was born Oct. 10, Favre’s 39th birthday. And for a team with 40 years of tortured history since its

last Super Bowl appearance, that qualified as a good omen.

Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company

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By Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

TAMPA — Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden had that maniacal, yet controlled look on his face, the kind of intense expression he gets when he is passionate.

In his postgame press conference, Gruden bypassed Warrick Dunn's 100-yard rushing performance and singled out running back Earnest Graham.

PHOTOS: NFL Week 6 THE HUDDLE BLOG: Week 6 bests and worsts

The Buccaneers' 27-3 victory over Carolina Sunday was the physical, in-the-trenches game Gruden loves. Graham's performance was not lost on Gruden.

BOX SCORE: Buccaneers 27, Panthers 3

Without a fullback after Byron Storer left the game with an injury, Graham, the starting running back and team's leading rusher, volunteered to play that position.

"What he did today is what this game is all about," Gruden. "He stepped up, unselfishly so, and played as good as we've had a fullback play since I've been here. Even though he didn't show up on the stat sheet, what he did today makes coaching worthwhile."

Graham's carries went to Dunn, who played for the Buccaneers from 1997-2001 then spent the next six seasons in Atlanta before returning to Tampa Bay this year. He turned back the clock in Tampa for an afternoon. Dunn rushed for 115 yards on 22 carries. It was his first 100-yard game since Week 9 in 2007.

"You can't really say enough about Earnest," Dunn said. "The guy sacrificed his day to get in there and block."

Said Graham: "Growing up, all the kids in the neighborhood wanted to be Warrick, and now I'm blocking for him. ... I had a great time, and this is something I will always remember — playing with him and blocking for him."

Tampa Bay dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides, didn't turn the ball over, intercepted three passes — on deflected or broken-up attempts — and special teams created points.

"Our defense played outstanding throughout the game, Gruden said. "I was really pleased with our offense, and our ability to run the ball and sustain some drives against a great defense was a great accomplishment."

Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia started for the first time since being benched after the season opener against New Orleans and managed a solid game with Brian Griese injured. Garcia completed 15-of-20 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown. Gruden said Garcia will start again next week.

"I think Jeff is a great quarterback, and I believe in him," Gruden said. "Today, he showed you his mobility and his ability to work the pocket."

It didn't take long for Tampa Bay's special teams to get involved. On the fourth play from scrimmage, linebacker Geno Hayes ran up the middle and blocked a punt by Carolina's Jason Baker. He returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.

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Safety Tanard Jackson's interception set up Garcia's 2-yard touchdown pass, giving the Buccaneers a 14-0 lead with 2:40 left in the first quarter.

Tampa Bay secured the win after a 10-play, 56-yard touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter. Eight of the plays were runs, and Graham's 1-yard rush put the Bucs ahead 27-3.

The Panthers had 40 rushing yards on 20 carries and 123 of Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme's 242 passing yards came in the fourth quarter when the Panthers trailed by 24 points. The Buccaneers pressured Delhomme in the first three quarters, and Carolina went three-and-out seven times.

"We didn't give our defense much of a shot today from an offensive standpoint," Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams said.

Now there is congestion in the NFC South. The Buccaneers, Panthers and Falcons are 4-2, and the Saints are 3-3.

"It's a game showing that Tampa Bay is a team to be reckoned with in the NFL right now," Hayes said.

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By Michael Hiestand, USA TODAY

You're not doing well in the court of public opinion when Terry Bradshaw derides your intelligence. With Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones potentially facing league discipline this week for fighting his team-supplied bodyguard last week, the TV talking heads piled on Sunday. Said Fox's Bradshaw: "One thing we know for certain — he's not smarter than a fifth-grader."

Ouch. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday that if he had suspended Jones, who played Sunday, he "would have had to suspend half the team over the last 20 years. … This was a nothing."

At least CBS' Boomer Esiason seemed to agree: "This is nothing more than a child going after the baby sitter. … I don't think this is really that big of a deal."

Jones has been arrested six times and been involved in 13 incidents with police since 2005. Sunday, Fox's Jay Glazer suggested Jones will "probably not" get an NFL lifetime ban.

But the on-air TV posse was less-than-forgiving. CBS' Shannon Sharpe said Jones — "unplug the Pacman!" — shouldn't have played Sunday. After Fox's Jimmy Johnson said the bodyguard should be fired, Fox's Michael Strahan added the bodyguard should then be re-hired so Jones would have somebody to "beat up." ESPN's Cris Carter suggested "the difference between 'champs' and 'chumps' is adding a 'u' … And it's 'u' Pacman!" — adding the Cowboys should say, "We don't need this mess anymore."

Whatever the NFL decides, Jones shouldn't count on TV work as a fallback.

Clip 'n' save:

On speculation that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez will be dealt before the NFL's trading deadline Tuesday, CBS' Charley Casserly said Sunday the Chiefs are just looking for a third-round pick while Fox's Glazer said the team wants a second- and fifth-round pick. Said Fox's Johnson: "If I were coaching a contending team, I'd give up a second-round and third-round pick for him."

Spice rack:

Charles Barkley, on TNT's Denver-Phoenix outdoor NBA exhibition game Saturday, suggested the Nuggets forward who goes by one name — Nene — is being too brief: "He hasn't done enough in the NBA to go by one name." … Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona, on TBS, on the overhead catwalks in the Tampa Bay Rays' stadium potentially leading to confusion on pop-ups: "You hate to see a baseball field start to look like a pinball game." … TBS studio analyst Cal Ripken avoids much irrational — or rational — exuberance on-air. But after Tampa Bay's 9-8, 11-inning win against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, he argued he can get excited even if viewers don't see it: "It was a really exciting game to watch. We were on the edge of our seats the whole time."

Early return:

Fox drew 5.1% of U.S. TV households for its Los Angeles Dodgers-Philadelphia Phillies NLCS Game 1 Thursday — up 6% from its Cleveland Indians-Boston playoff game in the time slot last year. (FYI: That 5.1% rating is about one-tenth the total ratings that NFL regular-season games produce weekly, albeit via action spread across five TV time slots.) While Fox understandably wants a World Series between the brand names in the big markets — L.A. vs. Boston — its rating for NLCS Game 1 suggests there might be a consolation prize if the Phillies make the Series. Philadelphia, the USA's No. 4 TV market, turned in by far the highest local rating Thursday — 23.9% of households — followed by L.A.,

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with just 9.4%.

NFL Net:

In its dispute with Comcast, the NFL Network got momentum from the Federal Communications Commission on Friday. A preliminary FCC ruling said the network had established grounds for its claims against Comcast and sent both sides to an administrative law judge for a decision to be made within 60 days.

At issue: whether Comcast gives preferential treatment to sports networks it owns and whether it unfairly asked for a stake in the NFL Network in return for carrying it. Comcast, which argues it had the right to drop the NFL Network from basic digital cable available to its 8.6 million subscribers and instead put it on a pay tier, had asked the FCC to dismiss the case. Find this article at: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/hiestand-tv/2008-10-12-pacman-jones_N.htm

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Sunday, October 12, 2008

Haslett likely to be rewarded in '09 if Rams win six in '08

By Chris Mortensen ESPN.com Jim Haslett's debut as the interim coach of the St. Louis Rams came with a lot of fanfare -- and hope for the future.

After the Rams beat the Washington Redskins 19-17 on a last-second field goal by Josh Brown on Sunday, Haslett confirmed what team sources had said earlier, that the contract he signed as an interim coach could earn him and some defensive assistants an extension if the team wins at least six games. He downplayed the long-term security aspect of it, however.

Earlier, team sources said six wins combined with other performance factors would earn the staff extensions and salaries for 2009 even if they get fired.

"Look, there are a lot of stipulations in this deal and they certainly would be able to fire me if they wanted to or buy me out [if team is sold]," Haslett said. "As a coaching staff, I told our guys our job is to change the culture. ... Maybe we get a shot here, maybe we get a shot somewhere else. If nothing else, I want to leave the building in better shape, and if the team does sell, the [new owner] feels better about it, the city feels better about and the players feel better about how they stand in the community."

Rams ownership and management felt incentives for Haslett and his staff were good motivational tools to salvage a disastrous start to the year.

The team fired Scott Linehan last week after an 0-4 start and promoted Haslett from defensive coordinator to interim head coach.

After Sunday's game, Haslett said stories of his contract incentives "don't mean all that much." What did matter, he said, is changing the bad vibes around the organization that had contributed to an 0-4 start. So what did Haslett do when everyone reported to work this past Monday after a bye? He had a pep rally of sorts earlier in the week with everyone in the organization. Corny? He could care less.

"Before the Redskins even scored their last touchdown to take a [17-16] lead, I called the offense over and said, 'Hey, they're going to score a touchdown here but [bleep] that. We're going to get the ball back, take it down and win the game.' I think some of them looked at me like I was crazy."

It's exactly what happened, even after a 15-yard unsportsmalike conduct penalty put the Rams out of a short field goal range as time was winding down. Two plays later, Brown kicked a 49-yarder to give the Rams their first win of the season.

"The problem we've had around here is every time something bad happened, we'd just die," Haslett said. "Heck, we fumbled the ball to give them a touchdown in the first half. Had some other stuff happen. I told them at halftime, I don't care we're ... winning it."

As for that "pep rally," Haslett simply invited all employees in the building to the team meeting room

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and embraced their interaction with players and coaches.

"It's not just players that win championships, organizations win," Haslett said. "I asked them to come eat with the coaches, the players, come to practice. ... Let's have some fun and be positive. We have to change the culture. If we have anybody who gets negative around here, I want them fired."

Chris Mortensen is a senior NFL analyst for ESPN.

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