12/31/03
- [Green Bay Packers] ESPN's Chris Mortensen answered questions in his December 31st chat--
Jordan(Warrensburg,MO): Mort,whenever I hear talk about the league MVP or even about who the best running back in the league is, I never hear Ahman Green's name even mentioned. In fact he didn't receive any votes for offensive player of the year(four other rb's did).In my eyes, not only is he underrrated, but he is also very much disrespected. He ranks second in both rushing yards(1883) and total TD's(20). Can you please tell me why Ahman Green has gotten no credit for any of his accomplishments this year?Thank you.
Chris Mortensen: I feel bad because I should have weighed Green more seriously as an MVP candidate, even though in the end I probably would have still voted for Manning. But he and Ladainian Tomlinson, in my humble opinion, are the two best backs in football. Green also is a devastating blocker in the Packers pass protection scheme (and they set a franchise record for fewest sacks). Great, great player. (complete chat)
- [Green Bay Packers] Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander claims that Ahman Green owes him a dinner.
- [Carolina Panthers] Carolina faces the Dallas Cowboys in round one of the NFL playoffs, and Dallas knows they will have to face a touch Panther defense- one that features two former Blackshirts.
From DallasCowboys.com-- "They are just pretty stout up there, pretty good, and their strong safety (Mike Minter) is a pretty good tackler," Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said of the Panthers' eighth-ranked defense. "Pretty good front-line defense. I'm impressed with them."
Seems when you think of Carolina's defense, immediately the focus goes to defensive ends Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker, who have combined for 18 sacks this season. But forgotten is defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, the Pro Bowl defensive tackle, and Brenston Buckner, the 310-pound defensive tackle. And like Parcells said, this Minter is a good player - one of Parcells' favorites.
12/30/03
- [Houston Texans] RG Zach Wiegert is scheduled to undergo surgery next month on his right elbow and right big toe. The hyperextended elbow limited Wiegert to only three plays in Sunday's loss to the Colts. (NFLInsider.com)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs Head Coach Dick Vermeil confirmed in his weekly news conference on Tuesday afternoon that cornerback Eric Warfield should be ready for their first playoff game.
Warfield has been dealing with a sore back and the Chiefs held him out of the Bears game in hopes he could get back on the field for the playoffs.
Warfield's replacement William Bartee did an outstanding job in filling in for Warfield. That bodes well for the Chiefs secondary to have Warfield back on the field and Bartee making contributions. (NFLInsider.com)
- [Green Bay Packers] Green rakes in honors
- [Green Bay Packers] Thomas adds depth to Packers' playoff roster
- [Green Bay Packers] Green, Tomlinson cap off remarkable seasons with 200-yard rushing days
- [Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green was named NFL Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season.
- [Green Bay Packers] Green Named NFL Offensive Player Of The Week
- [Green Bay Packers] From Packer Report: True, the Packers needed a bit of luck to get those chips to fall into the right places, but Green’s performance went a long way toward taking the luck out of the Packers’ side of the equation. It also caused quite a shakeup in the Packer media guide; anyone who happens to have 2003 edition, hang on to it. The pre-Green records are now antiques. (Packers.TheInsiders.com)
- [Green Bay Packers] A conversation with Seahawks head coach (and former Packers coach) Mike Holmgren from NFL.com- Seth Joyner: "Coach, you're going back to a place that holds a lot of sentimental value to you. Holmgren Way. Lambeau Field. A lot of history there. You turned that program around. There's one guy, you know, Ahman Green. You traded this guy, and he's been very, very instrumental in Green Bay's rise to the playoffs. How does your defense go in and combat this guy? I mean, he's put up some monster games this year, and going into the playoffs, you can't expect anything different."
Mike Holmgren: "No, and he had a very fine game against us the first time we played them this year. Ahman was with us, you know, and at the time, we had Ricky Watters and then Shaun Alexander came, and so … I made that trade and it turned out great for Green Bay. It really did. And Ahman Green … he's really a wonderful young guy and I'm happy for his success. I really am. Now, I don't want him to have a great day when we play him on Sunday, but he has been a big key to their season and he's a nice -- a wonderful complement to what Brett does in the passing game, and that's what makes him so dangerous. I think you just have to play good team defense and make sure you have pretty good gap control, 'cause they do a nice job of trying to cut you off, and then he has good vision. And he's got great speed, so … like I said, our ability to stop the run will be a big key in that game."
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Kansas City's offensive line -- Willie Roaf, Brian Waters, Casey Wiegmann, Will Shields and John Tait -- started its 32nd consecutive game as a unit. That's the longest streak since 1971-73, when the Chargers' line started 40 games in a row. (CNN/SI)
12/29/03
- [Detroit Lions] Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola will have a procedure done on his heart similar to the non-surgical one Joey Harrington had last year to correct an accelerated heartbeat. No date has been set for the surgery. Harrington had no problem returning from his procedure. (AP)
- [Detroit Lions] Before going their separate ways, the Lions players voted for team awards. FB Cory Schlesinger was voted the Bobby Layne Offensive MVP. (Detroit Free Press)
- [Detroit Lions] Schlesinger's season ends with 22 broken facemasks.
- [San Diego Chargers] Linebacker Carlos Polk and running back Leon Johnson were named Chargers Co-Special Teams Players of the Year. (CharegersUpdate.com)
- [Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green finished the season as the NFC's top rusher with 1,883 yards. Yet another Packer record was broken in Week 17, Ahman broke the franchise record for touchdowns in a season with 20 (previous record was set in 1962). Not to mention, Green was the #2 fantasy player of 2003. After what is no doubt Ahman's best season as a pro its good to see that he and the Pack' will be around for at least another week.
The NFL gods provided the Packers with a little luck in Week 17- at the expense of the Vikings (the NFL's version of the Chicago Cubs). After learning the details of the Vikings last second choke to the lowly Cardinals, Broncos' wide receiver Ashley Lelie even had to admit "I'm telling you, man... somebody is looking out for the Packers." (Denver Post)
While the NFL spotlight is firmly fixed upon Brett Favre, the Packers themselves insist that the Packers only go as Ahman Green goes.
- [Green Bay Packers] Green assaults the record books
- Green’s 218 yards breaks own team rushing record
- Green gashes Denver defense with record-setting day
WEEK 17: Stats, Pictures and Stories
12/27/03
- 12/28/03 - Buffalo Bills] Bills reserve DE Chris Kelsay had his most active game, he had 4 tackles against the Patriots.
- [NBA] Journeyman center Mikki Moore, recently signed by New Jersey, is better known for his exotic pet collection than anything he has done on the basketball court. Moore owns three Burmese albino pythons and three baby alligators. "The only reason I have those pets is because you can leave them," Moore said. "The snakes don't have to eat for a whole three months. The only thing they need is water." It remains to be seen if Moore, who had been playing in the NBDL, still will be with the Nets when his snakes next have to eat. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
- [St. Louis Rams] Predictions from Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-- Will prospective free-agent defensive end Grant Wistrom return to the Rams? Prediction- Yes. It could come down to a decision between Wistrom and potential free-agent guard Adam Timmerman, and Wistrom is younger. Wistrom can make it happen by accepting less to stay in St. Louis.
- [Oakland Raiders] Linebacker Napoleon Harris hasn't practiced all week and is "very questionable" to play Sunday. If Harris can't play he would be replaced by Eric Johnson who has started just one NFL game at linebacker (though he did start at the "XS" position in Week 15). Johnson has filled in for Harris during practice. (Mercury News, AP)
- [Oakland Raiders] Adam Treu will make his fourth start in a row at center. (Mercury News)
12/26/03
- [Injury Report] Questionable- Carolina DE Mike Rucker (knee); Doubtful- Kansas City CB Eric Warfield (back) according to the Chiefs Warfield is "very very doubtful", Houston G Zach Wiegert (elbow); Probable- San Diego LB Carlos Polk (shoulder).
- With lingering injuries still hampering the Raiders center position, Adam Treu will be making only his 18th career NFL start.
- [Carolina Panthers] Don Banks of Sports Illustrated listed the Panthers Mike Rucker and Giants Michael Strahan as the defensive ends of his All-NFL team. Of Rucker, Banks said "When the Panthers needed to make a play, it seemed as if Rucker was the one to step up. Even more than his 12 sacks, he helped give the Carolina defense a fiesty attitude." (..More..)
- [Green Bay Packers] Running back Ahman Green has rushed for 1,665 yards this season, which places him ahead of New Orleans running back Deuce McAllister (1,592).
If Green can hold off McAllister, he can become the first Packer to lead the NFC in rushing since John Brockington did so in 1973. (PackersNews.com)
- Though the Packers offensive line deserves a large part of the credit for allowing only 17 sacks, there are several other reasons for it; among them, running backs Ahman Green and Tony Fisher are fundamentally sound blockers who have been schooled in picking up the blitz. (PackersNews.com)
- The five players on the Packers’ practice squad and one player on practice squad/injured reserve will be offered 2004 contracts by the team before they become free agents after the season.
"We’ll try to sign them all," McKenzie said. "We like all of them."
The list includes linebacker Steve Josue, tackle Jason Jimenez, wide receiver Frank Rice, cornerback Calvin Carlyle and running back Dahrran Diedrick. (VikingsUpdate.com)
12/23/03
- [Houston Texans] Kris Brown's Kick Club held its holiday gift drawing Tuesday with Lori Lessman of Allen the grand prize winner.
Lessman will receive a package that includes two tickets to Sunday's game, a $200 shopping spree at Academy Sports and Outdoors, a round of golf for two at Redstone Golf Club, a facial and massage from Trellis (the Spa at the Houstonian) and a Houstonian Hotel weekend getaway.
With one game remaining in the regular season, the Kick Club, a fund-raising project for Texas Children's Hospital, has collected $114,000 through donations.
Brown and his wife, Amy, have teamed up the past two seasons with five Houston-area corporate partners to raise money for the program. Each corporate sponsor donates $250 for each point Brown scores this season as the Texans' kicker, and the Browns also pledge the same amount for each point.
The Browns will make their presentation to Texas Children's Hospital during the week of the Super Bowl. To make a donation or for information, visit www.krisbrownskickclub.com.
"I would just like to say thank you to all who have participated this season, and we appreciate all of the support," Brown said. (Houston Chronicle)
- [Houston Texans] Kris Brown Kick Club
- [Kansas City Chiefs] From KCChiefs.com: Will Shields will start his 175th consecutive game for the Chiefs this Sunday against Chicago. Every game he plays, he moves nearer to a spot in Canton. Not just because of his longevity, but because of his excellence. With his ninth consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl already wrapped up, he’s in the rarified company of names in team history of guys like Bobby Bell, Derrick Thomas, Buck Buchanan and Willie Lanier.
- [Carolina Panthers] ESPN's Len Pasquarelli conjured up a list of "lesser known players who could impact the playoffs"; among the names, Carolina strong safety Mike Minter. Len commented that "Minter has always been very solid, rarely gets the attention he deserves, and is an underrated two-way defender." (..full article...)
- [St. Louis Rams] From NFL analyst Brian Gillespie- Grant Wistrom had a huge day with 2 1/2 sacks and eight tackles despite struggling with fatigue. Wistrom tallied 2 1/2 sacks in a game for the first time since the New Orleans contest in 2001, a span of 32 regular-season games.
"It's been a frustrating couple of years for me," Wistrom said. "But you've just got to go out there and work every day, keep plugging along and things are going to happen for you, just like they did Sunday." (ClickOnDetroit.com)
- Speaking of Wistrom, Grant's Week 16 performance earned him a nomination for NFC Defensive Player of the Week. ( other Week 16 winners/nominees)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] CB Eric Warfield (back) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 24, and is very unlikely to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears. (KC Star, KFFL)
- [Carolina Panthers] Safety Mike Minter is one of seven players in the NFC to have at least 100 return yards on interceptions. Minter has three interceptions for exactly 100 yards in returns. (Panthers.com)
- [Carolina Panthers] Panthers Julius Peppers said he was not slighted that he was not named to the NFC Pro Bowl team, but thought that teammate Mike Rucker (DE with 12 sacks) "would have made it. He was the one who really got jerked around." (InsideCarolina.com)
- Carolina Panthers Head Coach John Fox provided little information at his weekly press conference about when Rucker might return. "He is making progress." Fox said. "I don't have an exact comeback date yet." (Panthers.com)
- [San Diego Chargers] Chargers linebacker Carlos Polk grabbed a fan who had run onto the field near the Chargers bench in the fourth quarter of their game against Pittsburgh. Chargers personnel detained the fan until Heinz Field security arrived. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
- [NBA] The New Jersey Nets, who are battling a rash of injuries, signed F/C Mikki Moore because they needed "another body".
Moore, 28, might be slightly more than that, ranking first in the N.B.D.L. in rebounding (9.8 per game) and second in scoring (20.8 points) for the Roanoke Dazzle.
"We need his size and athleticism," Nets head coach Byron Scott said of Moore. "He's a pretty good defender in this league. He's got pretty good touch from outside. So hopefully he can give us a little bit of a presence in there." (NY Times)
- Ever hear of Mikki Moore? Moore is a "journeyman," and journeymen make sports fascinating.
Undrafted out of Nebraska, the 7-footer signed with the Timberwolves and was waived a month later. After two CBA seasons and one in Greece, he signed with the Timberwolves again and was waived a month later.
He signed with the Pistons. He was waived two weeks later. He signed with the Pistons again, got waived again. He signed with the Spurs, got waived, signed for 10 days with the Celtics, signed another 10 days with the Hawks, then he signed with the Supersonics before playing in the bright lights of the NBDL's Roanoke Dazzle.
Tuesday night he suits up against the Chicago Bulls as the center for the New Jersey Nets. (Chicago Tribune)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] The postgame fight on Saturday between Chiefs defensive end Eric Hicks and defensive tackle Ryan Sims is no longer an issue, Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said Monday. Hicks and Sims were trash talking each other following the Chiefs’ 45-20 loss at Minnesota and eventually led to a fight between the two.
The locker room was closed to the press following the incident. Chiefs cornerback Eric Warfield was upset by the fight and hopes the incident is over.
"Whatever happened in the locker room happened," Eric Warfield said. "That’s something that we don’t want to happen. Hopefully it will never happen again." (St. Joseph News-Press)
12/23/03
- [San Francisco 49ers] Punter Bill LaFleur's season-long struggles hit their peak Sunday, from another botched hold on a short field goal attempt, to a shanked punt that went 8 yards, to a punt that was returned 81 yards for a touchdown. By the second quarter his holding duties were turned over to backup quarterback Tim Rattay (former La. Tech QB). (Contra Costa Times)
- [NBA] Nets Find That Moore's Biggest Asset Is His Health
12/22/03
- The Chiefs already shaky defensive picture didn't look any better when cornerback Eric Warfield left the locker in visible pain with a back injury. Warfield said he would try to be ready for the Chicago game, but right now he looks very questionable. (MorningSun.net)
- LaFleur made a hasty exit from the locker room, only to return when he realized he needed to charge his cell phone. LaFleur answered questions about his forgettable afternoon nevertheless.
LaFleur dropped a snap on a 31-yard field-goal attempt, and shanked a punt that went for 8 yards.
"I wish there was something I could tell you," LaFleur said of botched hold. "I've always been good holder everywhere I've been. It's been one of my strengths."
LaFleur switched to holding for a left-footed kicker when the 49ers signed Owen Pochman, and then went back to a right-footer kicker when Todd Peterson came aboard. (SF Chronicle)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Correll Buckhalter, the Eagles' starting running back, was deactivated by coach Andy Reid after the third-year player skipped a meeting and was late to practice on Saturday.
Bucky apologized and said "I was late. I overslept." (SF Chronicle)
- [San Francisco 49ers] LaFleur doesn't hold onto his holding duties
WEEK 16: Stats, Pictures and Stories
12/21/03
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter inactive after missing team meeting
- [St. Louis Rams] DE Grant Wistrom received notice of a $5,000 fine for a hit on Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck and is eager to have his appeal heard because film of the hit has to be shown. Wistrom has yet to see tape of the hit. "I don't remember hitting him, as much as he hit me. He was probably trying to draw a 15-yard penalty at the end of the game," Wistrom said. (Oakland Tribune)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] RB Correll Buckhalter was deactivated for the Eagles' game against San Francisco on Sunday, a day after he missed a team meeting and was late for a walkthrough.(AP)
12/19/03
- Flashback- Six months ago Thunder Collins was accused of breaking into a north Corvallis apartment and attacking Oregon State football player Jamaal Jackson while he was asleep. Jackson and his girlfriend, Shannon Howell — who dated Collins while she attended Nebraska — eventually escaped. Collins was charged with burglary in the first degree and assault in the second degree. He said he decided to stay in jail rather than attempt to raise bail, which he said was set at $250,000.
Update- After a three-day trial, which began on Dec. 15, the jury took four hours before finding Collins not guilty on both charges. Collins claimed self-defense, and the state is required to prove the crimes beyond a reasonable doubt and disprove the self-defense claim beyond a reasonable doubt.
Football Future- Collins said he will spend the holidays with family and then start workouts to prepare for pro football tryouts. He has slimmed down to 190 pounds from 220 during his prison stay.
He said four teams are interested in signing him for NFL Europe. "I run a 4.2 40, have a 40-inch vertical and can catch the ball out of the backfield," Collins said. "I can also play defense, so I think a lot of teams will be interested in me for a pro career."
(Full Article)
- Collins acquitted in beating of OSU player
- [Pro Bowl] There's no surprise that Chiefs G Will Shields will once again represent the AFC in the NFL's annual all-star game in Hawaii, or that Packers RB Ahman Green will wear the NFC's colors. However, what is surprising to some is that Panthers DE Mike Rucker was not selected. Rucker is currently 3rd in the NFC (4th in the NFL) in sacks after missing Week 14 with a knee injury. Though he was not named to the actual NFC Pro Bowl team he was named as a first alternate. Detroit Lions FB Cory Schlesinger was also named as an alternate.
Random Comments:
- Coach Dick Jauron was asked if he thought more Bears were worthy of the Pro Bowl. He started to steer away from the question before stumping for one of his favorite players, free safety Mike Brown, who had one of his best games last week with a season-high 10 tackles.
"Once you get into names, you're always leaving somebody out," Jauron said. "Mike Brown has not been [to the Pro Bowl], and I think Mike is a terrific safety and a terrific leader for us, too." (Chicago Sun-Times)
- "Honestly, I think Ruck should have made it on before anyone else," said Kris Jenkins (who was selected to the Pro Bowl). "I think he had an outstanding year. The sacks, the impact he had out there, emotionally the team was rallying behind him.
"He was a real big cornerstone to the defense this year and it puts a damper on the whole thing. I hope somebody doesn't go so he can go and enjoy that experience."
"A guy leads the league all year long in sacks, but nobody knows his name," safety Mike Minter said. "We ain't been winning, and now that we are, people will start knowing his name. Next year, if he has another good season, he'll be there. But he should be there right now."
Rucker was beat out in voting by St. Louis' Leonard Little, Tampa Bay's Simeon Rice and the New York Giants' Michael Strahan - all worthy candidates, he said. "I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, but am I going to go jump off a bridge? No," he said. "I can only do what I do on the field and then it is out of my hands. If I know I had been the best player possible on the field, then that is all I can do." (AP)
- Lions head coach Steve Mariucci felt Schlesinger's versatility played a big role in his selection.
"Cory, part of the reason that he made the Pro Bowl I would believe is his value to the team in more than just playing fullback. He’s a 53 percent offensive player. That means he plays 53 percent of the snaps versus an offensive lineman who never comes off the field. But he plays 34 percent of our special teams snaps too so that’s the added value that he has to this football team. It’s not just blocking for the tailbacks but he’s caught some passes and he plays on special teams. He’s a very versatile athlete that way and he’s very willing to do that. He’s a team player and he’s being recognized for that." (LionsFans.com)
- The Texans joined the Raiders, Chargers and Browns in getting shut out for the 2004 Pro Bowl. The team's top candidates were considered to be CB Marcus Coleman or LB Jamie Sharper. A longshot was guard Zach Wiegert, who helped shore up the Texans' offensive line and has paved the way for running back Domanick Davis to have a shot at offensive rookie of the year. (AP)
12/18/03
- [Carolina Panthers] Panthers place three on Pro Bowl roster, annoyed by Rucker snub
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Against Moss, Warfield Can't slip up
- [Carolina Panthers] Rucker gets the point
- [Dallas Cowboys] Cowboys linebacker Scott Shanle, claimed off waivers Dec. 10 after being released by the St. Louis Rams, has not practiced since joining the Cowboys because of a hamstring injury, but Parcells said he might practice later in the week. (DallasCowboys.com)
- [Oakland Raiders] C Adam Treu will start for the third consecutive week.
- [Seattle Seahawks] With just two weeks remaining in the season K Josh Brown still holds the title of having kicked the longest field goal of the season. A 58-yarder vs Green Bay on October 5 is just above David Aker's 57-yarder for the Eagles. Not bad for a rookie kicker.
12/17/03
- [Green Bay Packers] Green headed for Pro Bowl
- [Miami Dolphins] The Dolphins held workouts for three free agent wide-receivers on Tuesday, among them- Wilson Thomas. The others were Herb Heygood and Quinton McCord. (Sun-Sentinel)
12/16/03
- [New York Giants] The Giants today announced that they have placed cornerback Ralph Brown on injured reserve and signed cornerback Ray Green. Brown re-injured his shoulder Sunday night in New Orleans. He dislocated the shoulder on Nov. 9 against Atlanta and missed the following three games. Brown returned to start at cornerback against Washington on Dec. 7. He started against the Saints, but hurt the shoulder on the game's first series and did not return. Brown is the ninth Giants player to go in injured reserve this season. (Giants.com)
- [Miami Dolphins] Wilson Thomas Shines During Workout for the Dolphins
- [CFL] Scott Tomalty, 11, a tailback who plays football for the mosquito Triple-A St. Bruno Barons, presented Alouettes defensive-back Barron Miles and the Royal Victoria Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with a $400 cheque to be used to care for premature babies in the Cuddles program.
Tomalty's family first met Miles four years ago, when the youngster attended a football camp for juniors conducted by the team. Last March, they attended a charity basketball game Miles runs annually to raise money for the Cuddles program. It was there the younger Tomalty first learned about premature babies - their size and special needs - deciding they would best benefit from this year's goodwill gesture.
"It makes me feel good to give money to people who need it more than I do," said the Grade 6 student, who attends Courtland Park in St. Bruno. "Barron is my favourite Alouettes player, both on and off the field. I look up to him and find he's a really good player."
"I was shocked, surprised and touched," said Miles, the spokesperson of four years for the Cuddles program. (..more..)
- Chris Mortensen offers his usual array of Top-Five Lists to summarize NFL Week 15. In his Top 5 Defensive Notables- #8. Mike Minter, "He is definitely Pro Bowl-worthy, and his interception return for a TD was a reminder in Arizona." #9 & 10. Leonard Little and Grant Wistrom, "Wistrom had the better numbers, but Little's amazing speed and hustle when he ran down Shaun Alexander were testimony that he's as good as it gets in the NFL."
- [Seattle Seahawks] K Josh Brown surpassed 100 points against the Rams (104) and broke the club record for a rookie kicker that was held by John Kasay (102 in 1991). (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
- [New York Giants] There was no word on CB Ralph Brown from Fassel. Brown hurt his shoulder in the first series Sunday night and did not return. The injury was to the same shoulder Brown dislocated last month. That injury cost him three games. Fassel said it was too soon to tell whether Brown might be able to play at Dallas next weekend. (NY Daily News) There is speculation that the injury might have ended Brown's season.
- [Carolina Panthers] DE Mike Rucker (knee) sat out the Sunday, Dec. 14, game against the Arizona Cardinals with a sprained wrist. His status for the Sunday, Dec. 21, game against the Detroit Lions is uncertain.
- [Houston Texans] OG Zach Wiegert (elbow) missed his first start of the season Sunday, Dec. 14, with a hyper-extended elbow. Wiegert did not practice all last week, so it did not come as a surprise that OG Fred Weary started at right guard. Wiegert will return to practice on a limited basis Wednesday, Dec. 17, wearing a fitted brace on the elbow. (Houston Chronicle, KFFL)
- [New York Giants] CB Ralph Brown (shoulder) suffered a separated shoulder during Week 15 and his status for Week 16 is uncertain. Brown aggravated the same shoulder injury that sidelined him earlier this season.
WEEK 15: Stats, Pictures and Stories
12/15/03
- [San Diego Chargers] Chargers bank on stopping Green
- [Houston Texans] It would have been hard for Kris Brown to bemoan having his 59-game scoring streak end Sunday.
"I don't really know which streak you're talking about," Brown acknowledged, not realizing he had scored in nearly six seasons' worth of games in a row.
He had no chance to extend it in the Texans' 27-0 loss at Jacksonville: His only appearance on the field was the kickoff to begin the second half. Those vagaries of field goal kicking — the chance of not having an opportunity to succeed or fail — make scoring streaks a little meaningless, Brown said.
"That's kind of how it goes. You just kind of take it as it comes," he said.
The game also illustrates the life of a kicker, Brown added. While it turned out he never was called upon, there are close games where the kicker isn't needed until a crucial moment late in the game.
"To a certain extent you've got to make sure you stay in the game because you never know," Brown said. "That's why the position is somewhat of a challenge to play." (AP)
- [Green Bay Packers] Green realizes record on first series
- Green breaks Jim Taylor's single-season rushing record
12/13/03
- [CFL] The Blue Bombers added a fast, young, experienced linebacker to their roster with the signing of Tony Ortiz.
"Tony Ortiz is an exceptional linebacker that brings a lot of attitude with him," said Brendan Taman, general manager & vice-president of football operations of the Blue Bombers. "He is a very active linebacker who runs well. His style is very well suited to the CFL game." (BlueBombers.com)
Linebacker was not an area of need for the Bombers but Taman said Ortiz was just too good to pass up. "Usually we wouldn't sign a linebacker, but he's such a good talent we didn't want to pass him up," Taman said. "The thing that he really brings to the table is he's really athletic and he can run. (Winnipeg Sun)
Pro Bowl Ballot
- NFL Huskers listed on the Pro Bowl ballot: Correll Buckhalter, RB-NFC; Ahman Green, RB-NFC; Schlesinger, FB-NFC; Kris Brown, K-AFC; Josh Brown, K-NFC; Bill Lafleur, P-NFC; Will Shields, OG-AFC; Zach Wiegert, OG-AFC; Dominic Raiola, C-AFC; Eric Warfield, CB-AFC; Tyrone Williams, CB-NFC; Mike Minter, SS-NFC; Mike Brown, FS-NFC; Grant Wistrom, DE-NFC; Mike Rucker, DE-NFC; Jay Foreman, ILB-AFC; John Parrella, DT-AFC; Carlos Polk, Special Teams-AFC.
12/12/03
- Raiders DT John Parrella (groin) was placed on IR and will be Out for the remainder of the season. Raiders' LB/S Eric Johnson had been listed as Probable but was removed from the injury report on Thursday. The only other injuries this week are all listed as Questiobable: Carolina DE Mike Rucker (knee), San Diego LB Carlos Polk (ankle), and Houston OL Zach Wiegert (chest).
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter Honored By Team
- [CFL] Bombers add American Linebacker Ortiz
12/11/03
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Thirty-two players are vying for the 2003 title of WALTER PAYTON MAN OF THE YEAR, the only league award that recognizes player off-the-field community service as well as playing excellence. This year’s finalists– one player chosen by each NFL team– have demonstrated an outstanding balance in their lives between civic and professional responsibilities.
Shields is the third NFL Husker to be nominated for the honor, the others being Rams' DE Grant Wistrom and Panthers' DE Mike Rucker.
The winner will be announced January 30 during NFL Commissioner PAUL TAGLIABUE’s annual news conference prior to Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Texas.
The winner is selected by an elite panel of judges including Commissioner Tagliabue, Sports Illustrated writer PETER KING, CONNIE PAYTON (wife of the late Walter Payton), and former players FRANK GIFFORD, JACK KEMP, JOHN MACKEY, and last year’s award winner, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback TROY VINCENT.
The winner will receive $25,000 to donate to his selected charity. Each finalist will receive a $1,000 contribution towards a charity of his choice. (KCChiefs.com)
- [Oakland Raiders] Center Barret Robbins (degenerating right knee) is "very doubtful" to play against the Ravens, Head coach Bill Callahan said. Adam Treu would make his second consecutive start. (Sacramento Bee)
- It finally happened, the most painfully obvious of the 10 additions to the Raiders' injured-reserve list since their sickly season began. John Parrella's season is officially finished. (..more..)
- [Oakland Raiders] Groin injury finally ends Parrella's year
- Raiders place veteran DT Parrella on injured reserve
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Shields a Finalist for Walter Payton Man of the Year
- [Dallas Cowboys] Linebacker Scott Shanle was signed to the Cowboys' roster Wednesday. Shanle replaces running back Aveion Cason, who was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. There was no word on whether or not Shanle would play for the Cowboys this weekend or if he'll be listed on the injury report.
12/10/03
- [St. Louis Rams] LB Scott Shanle was waived by the Rams on Tuesday. Shanle had been listed as Probable on the Rams injury report before being cut.
- [Kansas City Chiefs] As expected, the Chiefs signed S Clint Finley from the practice squad.
- [Kansas City Chiefs] A number of player moves are expected out of KC this week in light of an injury to backup safety Lyle West. Head coach Dick Vermeil said yesterday that West, who injured his foot in last week’s game in Denver, would be examined further and if the injury was expected to last more than a few weeks might be put on injured reserve. Such a move would necessitate the signing of another safety which Vermeil said could be practice squad player Clint Finley. (KCChiefs.com)
12/09/03
- [Carolina Panthers] Rucker has MRI on injured left knee
- [New England Patriots] According team sources, an MRI yesterday revealed that snapper Lonie Paxton tore his right anterior cruciate ligament in Week 14 and may be done for the season. Reserve Offensive lineman Russ Hochstein is the backup long snapper though he never has snapped in a regular-season NFL game.
An AFC scout who has watched Hochstein snap in warmups said, "He did OK. From what I saw, it looked like he could do it in an emergency situation. I'm sure he could come in and do a decent job. But I'm not sure if he could do it for the rest of the season or long-term."
Should the Patriots shut down Paxton, the Boston Globe lists Aaron Graham among others as a possible free agent replacement. (Boston Globe)
12/08/03
- [Green Bay Packers] Green can wait rushing record
12//03
- [New Orleans Saints] Craver returns, in more ways than one
WEEK 14: Stats, Pictures and Stories
12/06/03
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] QB turned safety seeks only a chance (Frost)
- [Green Bay Packers] The Packers promoted cornerback Erwin Swiney from the practice squad after placing safety Antuan Edwards (hamstring) on injured reserve.
12/05/03
- [Kansas City Chiefs] G Will Shields has 171 consecutive starts, tied with former center Jack Rudnay for most in franchise history. Shields could break the record Sunday against the Broncos this week. (Denver Post)
- [Carolina Panthers] Panthers pick Rucker as Man of the Year
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Newly aquired Scott Frost, signed as a safety to help play special teams, succeeded Tommie Frazier as Nebraska's quarterback.
"It was tough taking his spot. They went undefeated twice in a row. I came in and we went 11-2," Frost said. "In most places, you'd be a hero. They were breathing down our throats. They're spoiled. Then we turned around the next year and won a championship." (The Herald Tribune)
- [Oakland Raiders] When Matt Stinchcomb and then Barret Robbins moved ahead of Adam Treu on the depth chart after Treu started in last January's Super Bowl, the coach said long snapping was part of the decision-making process.
In effect, Treu's opportunity to start was compromised in part because he was too good at something else -- all of which leads to frustration.
"I think that had a lot to do with it," Treu said.
But he added a second reason.
"This is a business and Player X is supposed to make Y amount (of money) ... how are they going to have him not play?" he said.
Stinchcomb, a first-round pick, and Robbins, a Pro Bowler, have contracts that dwarf Treu's. Needless to say, Treu has been frustrated over having lost his chance to start.
"But it is a job and in the long run, maybe it will keep me around longer," he said. "I am old enough to understand that and to realize this is my seventh year. Unlike some other guys, I haven't hit a big payday and don't know if that will ever happen. But longevity can make up for that.
"This is an opportunity to go out and put some stuff on tape so hopefully they will keep me around."
- Robbins was downgraded from questionable to doubtful the NFL injury list and Stinchcomb is on the IR with a shoulder injury. If Robbins cannot play, the starting center would be Adam Treu.
- [Oakland Raiders] Head coach Bill Callahan conceded that it was unlikely defensive tackle John Parrella would recover from his groin injury sufficiently to figure in the team's plans for the last month of the season.
"It has not improved," Callahan said.
Asked if there was any chance he might play this year, Callahan said it was "unlikely if it doesn't respond."
He also said Parrella had not been placed on injured reserve because the player was holding out hope he could return.
"Is he fighting us on that? Yeah, he wants to come back and is trying very hard to come back," Callahan said. (Oakland Tribune)
- LP Caught in Canada
12/04/03
- [Green Bay Packers] Taylor happy for Green but has some advice
- [Detroit Lions] Schlesinger calls Solich firing 'disappointing'
- [Detroit Lions] CHS grad making name in NFL (Schlesinger)
- Kiffin, Frost discuss current state of the Huskers
- a href="http://packers.com/news/stories/2003/12/04/1/">Green closes in on record
- [New York Giants] CB Ralph Brown (shoulder) practiced Thursday and was upgraded to probable. (KFFL)
- [Green Bay Packers] With SS Antuan Edwards out, either CBs Bhawoh Jue or Erwin Swiney will take Edwards' spot in the dime package. (KFFL)
- [Houston Texans] The Texans signed DT Jeremy Slechta after safety Matt Stevens' season ended when he was placed on the IR with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
The 6-6, 285-pound Slechta played for the Eagles last season as an undrafted rookie free agent.
Slechta joins fellow Huskers K Kris Brown, LB Jay Foreman, and lineman Zach Wiegert on the Texans squad. (Houston Chronicle)
12/02/03
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] The Bucs have signed DB Scott Frost. Frost is the only Husker player on the Tampa Bay squad but his Defensive Coordinator will be former Husker Monte Kiffin.
- [New York Giants] Head coach Jim Fassel is hopeful that CB Ralph Brown (shoulder) will return for their Week 14 matchup against the Redskins.
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Shields Set to Own the Most Starts in Chiefs History
- [St. Louis Rams] The Columbus Telegram profiles Scott Shanle
- [New England Patriots] Hochstein reacts to Solich's Firing