11/30/03
- Strickland ready when Bucks call
WEEK 13: Stats, Stories & Pictures
11/28/03
- Charity: It's showtime (Warfield)
11/27/03
- [Chicago Bears] CB Ralph Brown (shoulder) is still listed as Out.
- [Chicago Bears] S Mike Brown (leg) is listed as Probable for Week 13.
11/26/03
- [Green Bay Packers] Running back Ahman Green of the Green Bay Packers, cornerback Brian Williams of the Minnesota Vikings and kicker Paul Edinger of the Chicago Bears are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 12. ...more... (NFL.com)
- [St. Louis Rams] DE Grant Wistrom as their nominee for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Wistrom participates in a number of programs, most of them involving children with cancer. "A lot of guys on the team deserved it," said Wistrom, who was chosen from a group of finalists that included Kurt Warner, Robert Thomas, Marshall Faulk and Tyoka Jackson. "I really appreciate the honor." (St. Louis Post)
- [CFL, Montreal Allouettes] According to the Montreal Gazette, veteran DB Barron Miles, after an unhappy season that ended with a Grey Cup loss for him and his teammates, could retire from the 'Als' to launch a coaching career.
- Mike Rucker will go into Week 13 tied for third in the NFL with 11 sacks behind Simeon Rice (12) and Shaun Ellis (11.5).
- Bob Gretz of KCChiefs.com responds to fans questions & comments--
Q, From jarabas: "Perhaps it is never shown on T.V. however I have yet to see anything positive from Eric Warfield. There has got to be someone better out there than this guy. How many mistakes can one man make?"
A, From Bob Gretz: "You are coming down way too hard on Eric Warfield. First of all, when he does make a mistake and you see it, that means it’s probably going for a touchdown. That’s part of playing the corner in the NFL. A guy on the line or a linebacker can make a mistake and you would never know it. No. 2, Warfield has had a good year. Not a great year, but a good year. He’s improved from his performance in 2002. Will he be beaten for a play now and then? Absolutely. But Eric Warfield is a better than average NFL cornerback, so back off a bit."
- [Oakland Raiders] DT John Parrella (groin) did not practice Wednesday and will miss his seventh consecutive game with a groin tear. Raiders head coach Bill Callahan said Parella's status remains the same: He's not ready to practice or play. (KFFL)
- [St. Louis Rams] LB Scott Shanle has been listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings because of a severe hamstring injury suffered in Week 12. It looks as if Shanle could miss the next couple of games. (KFFL)
WEEK 12: Stats, Stories & Pictures
11/23/03
- [Green Bay Packers] Green continues to Ramble
11/22/03
- Favre passes torch to Green
11/21/03
- Former Patriots offensive lineman Brenden Stai has filed for reinstatement with the league from the Patriots reserve/retired list. Stai left the Patriots during training camp, telling them he had no desire to play and that he was going to file his retirement papers. If he clears procedural recall waivers, the Patriots would most likely release him from the list. (The Herald News)
- [Dallas vs Carolina] This Sunday will be the Cowboys' big showdown game in the NFC when the Carolina Panthers come to town. It is the only game between winning teams this weekend and it could decide home-field advantage should both teams qualify for the NFC playoffs.
"Man for man? Carolina's better than Tampa, I think," Parcells said this week. "Just my opinion. Well, physically, they're bigger and stronger than Tampa. And they've got good pass rushers on the corner too. (Mike) Rucker — he's got 11 sacks. (Julius) Peppers has got ability, he proved that last year. They've got a good group." (Fox Sports)
- [Oakland Raiders] Other than exhibition games, the last time Eric Johnson saw any significant playing time outside of special teams was his senior year at Nebraska. Romanowski and now Travian Smith sustaining season ending injuries will press Johnson into duty Sunday against Kansas City and perhaps beyond.
Johnson has mostly be a special teams performer since making the team as an undrafted free agent in 2000. Johnson, who played mostly weakside in college, will start at the strongside spot. He is listed as a linebacker/safety.
"I’m looking forward to the challenge," Johnson said. "They run the ball real well. They have a real explosive offense. I think they have the best offensive linemen in the NFL besides ours."
The Raiders converted Johnson to safety as a rookie and then as a cornerback the next season before making him a hybrid linebacker/safety. Johnson is undersized by linebacker standards at 220, which could make him an inviting target for the Chiefs massive line leading the way for Priest Holmes.
"I don’t think they’ll change the game plan for one player," Oakland starting middle linebacker Napoleon Harris said. "They’re going to try to get the ball to their playmakers." (Silver & Black Illustrated Online)
- Fox Sports' assessment: The Raiders have lost two starting linebackers and could get run over by the Chiefs this weekend with Eric Johnson, a former safety, playing linebacker.
- [Oakland Raiders] DT John Parrella will be out again this week but numerous sources report that his return to the field could be just around the corner, possibly as early as next week.
11/20/03
- No playoff chatter from the Panthers, Rucker
- [St. Louis Rams] Defensive end Grant Wistrom exited practice on Thursday with a left knee contusion. He returned with an ice pack, and the problem does not appear to be serious.
11/17/03
- [AFL] David White re-signs with Tampa Bay
WEEK 11: Stats, Pictures and Stories
11/16/03
- [San Francisco 49ers] No unit on the 49ers ranks higher in the league than the second-ranked punt-coverage team, which is yielding an average of 5.4 yards per return. That unit will be challenged Monday by the Steelers' Antwaan Randle El, who is averaging 10.6 yards per punt return and has taken two back for touchdowns. "It is really important that we get some hang time on the football so that we can get some coverage on it," Erickson said. "We have been fortunate that (punter Bill LaFleur) has been able to hit them and they have hit the ground or they have bounced and we were able to get down and cover it. But if you kick one flat to (Randle El), he is going to make you pay. He is that good." (Contra Costa Times)
11/14/03
- [St. Louis Rams] Wistrom starting to see results match effort
SportsLine: Raiola a Pro Bowler?
- [Detroit Lions] Pete Prisco of SportsLins.com listed Lions C Dominic Raiola on his "Don't leave them off your Pro Bowl ballot" list.
He noted- "(Raiola) isn't one of those big, 315-pound centers like Minnesota's Matt Birk, but Raiola does a good job of moving people with his quickness and his technique. If the Lions had a decent running back, they would find room to run behind Raiola. In Birk and San Francisco's Jeremy Newberry, Raiola has some stiff competition for the Pro Bowl team."
- Bucs T Kenyatta Walker was fined $5,000 by the league Thursday for grabbing the face mask of Panthers defensive lineman Mike Rucker, twisting it and head-butting him in a 27-24 loss Sunday. Playing mostly against Rucker, the league sack leader, Walker was called for three personal fouls for grabbing the face mask. He also received a holding penalty that the Panthers declined. (St. Petersburgh Times)
11/13/03
- [Arizona Cardinals] G Chris Dishman will be taking snaps in place of injured G Cameron Spikes (thumb), if Spikes can't play in Week 11 against Cleveland. (AZCentral.com)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] RB Correll Buckhalter (ribs) has been upgraded from questionable to probable for Week 11. (KFFL)
- [Carolina Panthers DE Mike Rucker (ankle) was able to practice on Thursday. (KFFL)
Comments from Carolina Panthers Head Coach John Fox following the team's practice- "Mike Rucker practiced again today. He is on target. He is taking it day-to-day and is listed as probable on the injury report. There were no setbacks and continues to look good."
- [St. Louis Rams] LB Scott Shanle (hamstring) is listed as probable. (ESPN.com)
- [Green Bay Packers] RB Dahrran Diedrick was re-signed to the Packers's practice squad.
11/12/03
- [Carolina Panthers] DE Mike Rucker did not practice Wednesday and is listed as Probable for Week 11.
- [Kansas City Chiefs] OG Will Shields injured his shoulder but it was not serious enough to keep him out of practice.
- [Oakland Raiders] The Raiders are hopeful that DT John Parrella will be able to return to practice next week.
- [Philadelphia Eagles] RB Correll Buckhalter is listed as Questionable for Week 11.
- Ahman Green was nominated for NFC Offensive Player of the Week along with Redskins wide receiver Laveranues Coles, Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, and Bucs wide receiver Keenan McCardell.
On the the defensive side of the NFL Player of the Week included Panthers safety Mike Minter, as well as Eagles safety Michael Lewis, and Bucs cornerback Tim Wansley.
The winners of this week's honor however, went to Atlanta running back Warrick Dunn, St. Louis defensive tackle Brian Young and Detroit kicker Jason Hanson. (SportsNetwork.com)
11/11/03
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter helps Panthers to NFC's best record
- [Green Bay Packers] Green continues to make mark on record book
- Ahman Green Shares 'Snickers Hungriest Player' Award With McNabb
- [Carolina Panthers] Defensive end Mike Rucker played well on a sore ankle but was on crutches after the game. "He was evaluated today; they feel good about it," Fox said. "He felt much better today." (Charlotte Observer)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] RB Correll Buckhalter (ribs) suffered a rib contusion during Monday night's game, but he continued to play and Eagles head coach Andy Reid said Tuesday he "should be fine." (KFFL)
- [New Orleans Saints] CB Keyuo Craver returned from a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Saints head coach Jim Haslett said he was not sure what role Craver would play, if he is active for the game against the Atlanta Falcons. (New Orleans Times-Picayune, KFFL)
- [St. Louis Rams] On Wednesday of last week RB Dan Alexander was signed by St. Louis,, by Sunday he was roaming the sidelines in a Ram uniform but by Tuesday, he was cut.
WEEK 10: Stats, Pictures and Stories
11/10/03
- [Carolina Panthers] Mint(er) still a breath of fresh air
- [Green Bay Packers] For Pack, Green's been better than gold
- [High School] The Absegami Braves (5-3) clinched their first playoff berth in 11 years with a 34-14 defeat of Atlantic City.
The Braves celebrated Saturday's victory by dumping a bucket of water over first-year coach Doug Colman.
- [Detroit Lions] From Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy, "Football is the greatest game going. There's nothing like the excitement and the exciting players that come with it. Guys like Lions fullback Cory Schlesinger, who is known for shattering 23 facemasks this season, which is undoubtedly an NFL record. They have a counter on the Lions website that shows how many he has broken; the rest of the team has broken one combined." (NFL.com)
11/08/03
- "Swerb" of the Cleveland Browns @ The Insiders listed Michael Rucker as 7th in the NFL MVP race; he noted that Rucker "Continues to dominate. Leads the NFL in sacks with 10, and is amongst the tackle leaders for DE’s as well." Swerb also listed Packers RB Ahman Green at #11.
- [CFL] Barron Miles, the all-star defensive back from the Nebraska Cornhuskers who does a great deal more running during a game than some of his teammates, said that's what it all comes down to, the fun of the game:
"I just play to have fun and I always told my wife: 'When I'm not having fun any more, then I'm going to stop.' As long as I'm having fun, I try to keep playing. If you play because you enjoy the game, then you're going to play at a high level." (Montreal Gazette)
- Out- Chargers DT John Parrella (groin); Questionable- Chiefs CB Eric Warfield (ankle), Panthers DE Mike Rucker (ankle)
Praise for Groce; Party at Wistrom's
- [St. Louis Rams] Head coach Mike Martz, Friday press conference comments, "We would like to be able to get yourself in great field position based on special teams and possibly score. That’s our goal every week. I think Mike (Furrey) and DeJuan (Groce) can do that. No question. They’ve got the speed and they’ve done it before and been successful at it. We need to make sure we’re executing and doing what we need to do upfront."
"Kevin Garrett and DeJuan Groce on the kickoff are fantastic..." (StLouisRams.com)
11/07/03
- More than 300 turned out at Grant Wistrom's Halloween Party for charity on Oct. 27. Wistrom dressed as Mr. T. Guests included Rams owner Georgia Frontiere, team president John Shaw, team VP Bob Wallace, and 20 Rams players including Turley (as Michael Meyers), Rich Coady (wearing a banana suit) Marshall Faulk, and Adam Archuleta. The highlight? Faulk dancing with Frontiere. (St. Louis Post)
- [Green Bay Packers] Rivera Surrenders To Green In Friendly Feud
- Ahman Green Named Player of the Week
- [Green Bay Packers] For the third time this season, Packers running back Ahman Green was named FedEx ground NFL player of the week.
- From Packers.com-- There is debate between them as to who started it, but offensive guard Marco Rivera made it clear Friday that he's the one calling for a truce in the friendly practical joke war he'd been waging with running back Ahman Green since training camp.
In what turned out to be the game's final move, Green had all four wheels of Rivera's Hummer H2 secretly removed while the team was in meetings Wednesday morning.
"How about that?" Rivera marveled Friday. "Ahman Green grabbed my wheels. Did you see, it was on SportsCenter?
Rivera had previously swiped the remote control for Green's garage door.
Although that hardly matches Green filling Rivera's truck with live insects.
"He went to Petco and bought like 50 crickets and threw them in my car," Rivera said. "That was pleasant. I had crickets in my car for weeks. I think I still have them there. Every now and then I hear one. Then this: then he took the tires off."
Green admitted that the crickets weren't his brainchild but refused to divulge which teammate came up with the idea. Green insists it was Rivera who started the feud, but the guard remembers it differently. ...more...
- [Indianapolis Colts] The Colts brought some players in for tryouts to help fill the depth needs due to injuries; among the players was Fullback/Tight end Joel Makovicka. (ColtsNews.US)
- [Oakland Raiders] DT John Parrella (groin) visited Buccaneers team doctor Dr. Joseph Diaco, specialist in hernia and groin injuries and will not need surgery. Parrella is expected to be out for at least two more weeks. (KFFL)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] CB Eric Warfield went through a light practice one day after leaving practice early because of a strained right Achilles' tendon. An MRI on the foot revealed no serious damage, and Warfield said he felt better. He is listed as questionable because of an ankle injury on the injury report.
"I'm ready right now," Warfield said. "They just wanted me to rest." (KC Star)
- [Oakland Raiders] DT John Parrella (groin) has been downgraded to OUT for the Raiders game Sunday, Nov. 9, against the New York Jets because of a severe groin injury. Parrella is not expected to return for at least two more weeks. (KFFL)
- [Carolina Panthers] DE Mike Rucker (ankle) missed practice Thursday but expects to play this Sunday. (KFFL)
11/06/03
- [Houston Texans] Texans kicker Kris Brown made good on a wager, with a little editing. Brown, a former Nebraska Cornhusker, bet assistant trainer Jon Ishop he would wear burnt orange if Texas won Saturday. Ishop's alma mater came through with a 31-7 blowout, and he supplied Brown with a long-sleeved shirt Wednesday.
Ishop added a personal touch, though. Printed on the back was the phrase, "Mack Brown is my daddy." It's both a play off the kicker's last name and a reference to the Longhorns' 4-0 record against the Cornhuskers under the coach.
"I'm a gracious loser," said Kris Brown. "We got beaten Saturday. Texas played a great game and our guys, for whatever reason, didn't show up and didn't play very well."
Brown drew the line at the Mack Brown reference, though.
"He thought I was not going to notice it," he said. "I noticed it, so I put a little piece of paper on what he had down there."
The piece of paper covering "Mack Brown" said "Bob Stoops," a reference to the Oklahoma coach who has won four straight against Texas.
"I had to remind him of a certain team in the Big 12 that basically owns Texas," Brown said.
11/05/03
- [St. Louis Rams] The Rams plan to use newly acquired RB/FB Dan Alexander at running back and on special teams – not at fullback. (KFFL)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs cornerback Eric Warfield hurts Achilles' tendon
- [Oakland Raiders] The Oakland Tribune evaluated the Raiders and determined that they "are bad"; when commenting on the defensive line specifically they noted that "other than John Parrella, who's hurt, it looks like a wasteland."
- [Carolina Panthers] SportsLine.com's Pete Prisco unveiled his "Halfway Report" and designated Mike Rucker as the Best defensive player. "Carolina's Mike Rucker leads the NFL with 10 sacks and he plays the run well, so he gets the edge over Dallas safety Roy Williams and San Francisco linebacker Julian Peterson. Rucker is one of those guys who play hard all the time. He's much more than just a guy who benefits from playing opposite Julius Peppers."
- [Oakland Raiders] DT John Parrella (groin) visited Tampa Bay Buccaneers team doctor Dr. Joseph Diaco, specialist in hernia and groin injuries and will not need surgery but won't be back on the field for another two weeks.
- [Carolina Panthers ] DE Mike Rucker (ankle) missed practice Wednesday with a sore ankle and is listed as questionable for Week 10.
- [Kansas City Chiefs] CB Eric Warfield injured his Achilles and missed the remainder of practice Wednesday. He will be listed as questionable for the game against the Cleveland Browns. If CB Eric Warfield is unavailable for the game, he would be replaced by CB William Bartee. (Kansas City Star)
11/04/03
- [Philadelphia Eagles] David Weinberg of the Press of Atlantic City in his "Observations from the Eagles' 23-16 win at Atlanta:- "With apologies to Brian Westbrook, (Buckhalter) is the best running back on the team.
- [Oakland Raiders] DT John Parrella (groin) did not play Sunday, Nov. 2, against the Detroit Lions and is "very doubtful" to face the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 9, according to head coach Bill Callahan.
- [New Orleans Saints] CB Keyou Craver, who was suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, was eligible to return to the Saints on Tuesday. Craver's status was unclear. A Saints spokesman said late Tuesday that he did not believe Craver had been activated yet. The NFL policy calls for a four-week suspension only after a player has entered stage two of the program, indicating that there were multiple violations of the policy. Violations include repeated substance abuse or refusal to comply with treatment terms. (AP)
- [Green Bay Packers] Buckhalter or Back Pack?
- Green gobbles yards
- Green Among Nominees For NFL Ground Player Of The Week
11/03/03
- [Detroit Lions] Schlesinger burns Raiders
- Schlesinger, Lions RBs grind out key yards
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter busting out!
WEEK 9: Stats, Pictures and Stories
11/01/03
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Life more fun for Warfield, defense
- Warfield a good cover story