NFL Capsules: Lessons learned on road to perfection

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The quarterback of the only 16-0 team in NFL history says there’s only one way to approach perfection: Don’t even think about it.

Don’t focus on what one more victory will achieve. Instead, zero in on the smaller steps that will get you there. That’s what the New England Patriots did two years ago when they also were just a win away.

It’s something neither the Saints not the Colts need be concerned with anymore.

"Every time we came in, we focused on what our job was that day, the things that we could handle that day," Tom Brady said. "For practice days, it was about how we could have a great practice and meetings and walkthroughs and so forth. And then when the game came, the game came. I think we, as a team, were mature enough to handle that, but every team is different."

The Saints, new to the national spotlight, ended their run at an unbeaten regular season in their 14th game in front of their loud home fans with a loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

The Colts pretty much handed away their chance by sitting their regulars in the third quarter Sunday with a 15-10 lead. The Jets came back for a 29-15 victory.

So the drumbeat that would have gotten louder during a countdown to kickoff in Buffalo for a 16-0 record — from bloggers, talk radio, sports television stations, beat writers, columnists and fans — won’t happen.

Going undefeated was hardly a hot topic of conversation among the 2007 Patriots even as the wins piled up, not with coach Bill Belichick discouraging such talk.

"It was more of trying to eliminate the distractions than create more for ourselves," said Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, the coordinator of the Patriots record-setting 2007 offense. "We were focused for the next game. We knew how hard that would be to accomplish, so to think ahead about doing it was a waste of time."

Safety Rodney Harrison was the go-to guy for quote-seeking reporters. From his locker at the end of a row with plenty of space for them to congregate, he would comment directly on almost any subject.

But 16-0? Oh, no.

"I can be 100 percent honest with you," said Harrison, now an analyst for Football Night in America on NBC. "I never had one discussion with anyone about it because we were in such a zone and we had been bred and taught since I got there in ‘03 to play one game at a time."

It’s the mantra of all coaches. Look ahead at your own peril. But it takes on added weight coming from the no-nonsense Belichick. The Patriots’ wins in the Super Bowls in the 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons just reinforced that.

Then came 2007.

The Patriots won their first eight games by at least 17 points. They had a close call the following week when Brady threw two of his NFL-record 50 touchdown passes in the last eight minutes to beat the Colts 24-20.

They reached 11-0 with a 31-28 win over Philadelphia, but needed Laurence Maroney’s touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter to overtake the Eagles. It was even tighter the following week in a 27-24 win at Baltimore with Brady’s scoring pass to Jabar Gaffney with 44 seconds left.

"The biggest thing was to try to play good football for 60 minutes, not feel satisfied, and not think of 16-0," said Patriots defensive end Jarvis Green, a member of that team. "At the same time, we’re human. I guess guys here and there thought about it."

After they reached 15-0 with the top seed in the AFC East clinched, the question arose: Rely on the starters the next week or rest them and avoid potential injuries?

"Play your people. Play to win," insisted Mike Ditka, the coach of the 1985 Chicago Bears who started at 12-0. "If you’re afraid of injuries, you shouldn’t play football in the first place."

Belichick played them. Colts coach Jim Caldwell did not late in the game with the Jets, and the perfecto was gone.

"If a coach doesn’t learn one thing from their history, every time they’ve sat their players, they’ve lost," Ditka said. "What do you got to do? Get hit in the head with a bat to understand that?

"They’re going to have one week off anyway; they got a bye. They’re going to take two weeks off? You watch them play defense. You think that defense can afford to take two weeks off? I don’t know. ... If you have a chance to make history, you certainly take a shot at it."

His 1985 Bears finally lost, 38-24 to Miami in their 13th game. But they never lost again, capping an 18-1 season with a 46-10 win over the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

In 2007, the Patriots made it to 16-0, barely, when they overcame a 12-point, third-quarter deficit to beat the New York Giants 38-35.

Finally, Belichick could speak about the unspeakable.

"It’s a great feeling," he conceded after that game. "Now is the time to take a day or two and appreciate what this team has done, but at the same time we have our biggest game of the year coming up."

With a bye week, the Patriots had extra time to rest. And going 16-0 may not have added to the strain of the season.

"I don’t think it took any more out of us than any other long, draining season that is always mentally and physically taxing on you," McDaniels said.

In the postseason, the Patriots beat Jacksonville and San Diego to advance to their fourth Super Bowl in seven years.

They led that game 14-10 and had the Giants 83 yards from the end zone with 2:39 left. But a 32-yard, third-down reception that David Tyree trapped on his helmet with Harrison barely getting outjumped for the ball kept the drive moving.

"We didn’t feel pressure" to go undefeated, Harrison said. "I think on that particular day the Giants played the best game of their lives."

New York finished that drive with the decisive 13-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress with 35 seconds.

Suddenly, 18-0 meant less than 0-1.

"Winning 16 and losing the last one or winning 18 and losing the last one means nothing," Ditka said. "But if you win the last one and in the process (lose along the way), which we did, yeah, you can say it can be a motivating factor. With us, I don’t think it was motivating. It just helped us refocus and understand we weren’t invincible.

"The only thing that loss did to us is hurt our feelings. It didn’t hurt anything else."

In 1991, the Washington Redskins were 11-0 before losing. They finished 14-2 and won the Super Bowl.

"We were talking about, ‘We were 11-0, we’ve got to get to 12-0.’ Not 16-0," said Joe Jacoby, an offensive lineman on that team. "Our main goal was getting back to the Super Bowl and not worrying about that. If that happened, that was great, but it didn’t, so we moved on."

Harrison likes what he sees from the Colts, whether they were 14-0 or 14-1.

"This team is dynamic," Harrison said. "This team is fantastic, with a defense that’s not really talked about, a team that’s very resilient, a very mature team.

"Kind of reminds me of the ‘07 Patriots."

Dawkins makes emotional return vs. Eagles

PHILADELPHIA — Brian Dawkins was so worried about sapping his energy and emotions early that he couldn’t even take the field with the rest of the Denver Broncos for pregame warmups.

So Dawkins patiently waited in the locker room, a thunderous stadium flooded with No. 20 jerseys waiting his arrival.

He didn’t disappoint, acting more like an Olympic gymnast than Pro Bowl safety in his first game back at Philadelphia.

Dawkins was introduced last on Sunday when the Broncos defensive starters were announced. He dropped to one knee, pointed to the sky and flexed. Dawkins then somersaulted, and turned a reverse somersault into a handstand. Dawkins nearly took out a cameraman as he charged through the line and chest-bumped his teammates.

"It’s just real, real nerve-racking," Dawkins said. "I’ve been in a lot of big games before. I was just trying to control my emotions. It was real tough for this game, mainly because we needed this game so bad."

Dawkins has played better games at the Linc than in Denver’s 30-27 loss against the Eagles that hindered the Broncos’ playoff chances. The Eagles inched closer to an NFC East title in a game that doubled as Dawkins’ Appreciation Night.

Some fans wore his Broncos or Clemson jersey with Eagles hats and jackets. Others just pulled the ol’ Eagles No. 20 jerseys out of the closet in what could be the final time they’ll get to honor one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

The 36-year-old Dawkins was the face of the Eagles and one of their most inspirational players over a 13-year career. He wanted to return to Philadelphia, but couldn’t turn down a better offer from the Broncos.

He insisted his only thoughts were about helping the Broncos win and getting engulfed in nostalgia.

"Once it was snapped, it was about playing football," Dawkins said.

But it wasn’t easy to forget all the memories and friendships forged over an Eagles career that included multiple trips to the NFC title game and a Super Bowl appearance. Some of his former teammates, such as safety Sheldon Brown, pointed toward Dawkins during the game out of gratitude and respect.

"Those are the types of things I expected from some of the guys over there," Dawkins said. "We went to battles, we went to war for many, many years. We built something."

Brown wasn’t surprised Dawkins skipped warmups. He’d seen up close Dawkins silently prepare in the locker room before big games because he was worried about wasting all his pent-up aggression.

Brown, who keeps in touch with Dawkins and watches Broncos games, joked that Dawkins "would have to come out and have an IV" if he tried to play after warmups.

Dawkins wasted little time taking aim on his former teammates. He dragged down running back Brian Westbrook from behind with a grab at the ankles.

He appeared to blame himself for missed coverage on a 47-yard TD pass from Donovan McNabb to Brent Celek. Dawkins pointed at his head, then chest after the score that seemed to indicate he knew he blew the play.

His illegal contact penalty on Philadelphia’s first possession nearly proved costly. The play wiped out a sack that would have forced a punt, but the Eagles eventually turned the ball over.

"Too many mistakes," Dawkins said. "Early one, we weren’t making the mistakes we’re making. It seems like we’re going through growing pains at the wrong time of the year."

It almost seemed like a scene right out of another playoff celebration after the game. Dawkins hugged McNabb and Westbrook, kneeled in the prayer circle, then soaked in the cheers from the fans who stuck around to show him some love one more time.

He blew kisses to the crowd, pumped his fists, and waved to the fans who haven’t stopped adoring him even though he plays for another team.

"We did some things together that I’ll remember forever," Brown said.

So will those hardened Philly fans turned softies when Dawkins came back to say hello.

-- Dan Gelston

Patriots, Bengals clinch playoff spots

New England is back in the playoffs after a performance worthy of the team of the decade, a 35-7 rout of Jacksonville on Sunday.

Also returning to the postseason after a one-year absence is Green Bay, which secured an NFC wild-card berth with a 48-10 victory over Seattle.

Cincinnati clinched the AFC North with its 17-10 win over Kansas City, and Dallas moved into position to grab the final NFC wild card if it could beat Washington on Sunday night. That was made possible when Carolina routed the Giants 41-9, pushing New York to the brink of elimination.

Philadelphia’s 30-27 win over Denver ensured the Cowboys must beat Washington at night to remain alive for the division title.

The AFC wild-card scramble got even more complicated with Baltimore’s 23-20 loss at Pittsburgh. When the Jets spoiled the Colts’ unbeaten season 29-15, it pushed New York into the driver’s seat for a wild-card, along with the Ravens. Both are 8-7 and with wins next week over Cincinnati and Oakland, respectively, they will go to the postseason.

Tennessee (7-8) was eliminated Sunday

New Orleans was stunned 20-17 in overtime by Tampa Bay, preventing the NFC South champion Saints from clinching home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. But the Saints still could get that by winning at Carolina next weekend.

Already into the postseason were Arizona, winner of the NFC West; Minnesota, which owns the NFC North title; Philadelphia from the NFC East; San Diego, champion of the AFC West; and Indianapolis, winner of the AFC South.

Tom Brady threw four touchdown passes, three to Randy Moss, and the young defense put together its third straight solid game for New England (10-5). The Patriots clinched the AFC East title after missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2002 despite an 11-5 record. Brady bounced back after throwing for just 307 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in his previous two games. He completed 23 of 26 passes for 267 yards, reminiscent of his brilliance the last time the teams met — 26 of 28 for 262 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 31-20 divisional playoff win on Jan. 12, 2008.

"It’s big, believe me. ... It’s been a long journey for us," Brady said. "You start out in the beginning of January last year not making the playoffs. ... We put a lot into it over the course of these 12 months and it really pays off when it goes the way you hope it does."

Green Bay (10-5) had four interceptions of Matt Hasselbeck. The Packers have surged after a 4-4 start.

Several Packers players, including Charles Woodson and Greg Jennings, acknowledged fans during a lap around the stadium after the game.

"I don’t think you could ask for a better day," Ryan Grant said.

Carson Palmer’s touchdown pass to Chad Ochocinco completed a 98-yard drive in the closing minutes for Cincinnati to conclude a rough week. The Bengals (10-5) moved into the playoffs for only the second time in the past 19 years after dealing with the death of receiver Chris Henry.

"To win this game, no matter how ugly, makes you closer as a team," defensive lineman Tank Johnson said, wearing a gray division champion baseball cap. "Winning makes everything feel better — a broken leg, a broken heart."

-- Barry Wilner

Carolina WR Smith, Miami RB Williams injured

Steve Smith’s season is over for the Carolina Panthers. The Miami Dolphins are hoping Ricky Williams isn’t done as well.

Smith broke his left arm in the Panthers’ 41-9 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday. Carolina coach John Fox said the star wide receiver broke his radius and would have surgery Monday.

He appeared to be injured after catching a 27-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter. Smith finished the game with five catches for 60 yards, and the season with 65 catches for 982 yards and seven touchdowns.

Williams played only one snap after leaving the Dolphins’ 27-20 loss to Houston when he injured his right shoulder on a carry in the third quarter. He returned to make a catch for 3 yards with 3 minutes left in the game, then again went to the sideline.

"I’m sure I’ll be fine," he said.

Dolphins inside linebacker Channing Crowder also left with a right foot injury on the second play and did not return. Guard Justin Smiley came out in the fourth quarter with a knee injury, while Houston safety Dominique Barber (hamstring) left in the second half.

Cincinnati rookie linebacker Rey Maualuga broke his left ankle late in the first quarter of the Bengals’ 17-10 win over Kansas City, a blow to one of the league’s stingiest defenses.

Maualuga limped to the sideline, then was put on a cart and taken for an exam that found the fracture. The second-round draft pick has started every game.

New Orleans running back Pierre Thomas left the Saints’ 20-17 overtime loss to Tampa Bay with bruised ribs. The injury appeared to occur during the second quarter on a 26-yard run. After being looked at by trainers on the sideline, Thomas went back in, but team officials said in the second half that he would sit out the remainder of the game.

Tampa Bay fullback Earnest Graham was helped off the field favoring his right leg in overtime. Defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson left under his own power with a knee injury.

Tony Gonzalez, four catches from 1,000, left Atlanta’s 31-3 rout of Buffalo with a right calf injury. The Falcons also lost punter Michael Koenen to a head injury in the third quarter, and kicker Matt Bryant was limited by a hamstring injury.

Seattle running back Julius Jones aggravated a rib injury and hurt his ankle, and cornerback Josh Wilson had a hip pointer in the Seahawks’ 48-10 win at Green Bay.

St. Louis running back Steven Jackson, the NFL’s second-leading rusher, was inactive for the Rams’ 31-10 loss at Arizona. He didn’t practice all week because of a sore lower back, and missed a game for the first time this season.

Michael Vick was listed as the third quarterback for Philadelphia’s 30-27 win over Denver after missing practice all week with a bruised quadriceps. Vick got hurt on a running play in the Eagles’ win over San Francisco last week.

Bills’ Terrell Owens has 1,000th career reception

ATLANTA — Terrell Owens had little chance to celebrate an important career milestone.

Owens became only the sixth player in NFL history to catch 1,000 passes Sunday, but his Buffalo Bills had too little offense in a lopsided 31-3 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Owens had four catches for 39 yards and said he didn’t make a big deal about joining Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison, Cris Carter, Tim Brown, and Isaac Bruce as the only players with 1,000 receptions.

"It doesn’t bother me," Owens said. "I just go out and play the game. I’m blessed to be able to play this game and to play it at a productive level."

Owens reached the milestone with an 8-yard catch in the second quarter. He had a 10-yard catch from Brian Brohm, making his first start, earlier in the drive.

Owens entered the game needing two catches to reach 1,000 for his career, which began in 1996. He was held without a catch in the first quarter but took care of the milestone with three receptions in the second quarter.

He reached the milestone in 203 games. Only Harrison and Rice reached 1,000 career receptions in fewer games.

The Bills were held to only 178 total yards.

"I don’t have any answers," Owens said. "All the guys are working hard in practice.

"We’re not executing. It’s been that way all year. I wish we could have made more plays. ... It’s hard to win games when you’re going three and out. We haven’t been able to sustain drives."

Buffalo interim coach Perry Fewell said Owens has not let a frustrating season affect his effort.

"The guy gives it his best," Fewell said. "He has each and every time."

-- Charles Odum

Start times for 2 games next week moved

NEW YORK — The NFL has announced that two games next Sunday will be moved from their original 1 p.m. EST start times.

The Philadelphia Eagles at the Dallas Cowboys will now start at 4:15 p.m. and still be broadcast on Fox. The Eagles have already clinched a playoff spot while the Cowboys are still alive in the race.

And the Cincinnati Bengals at the New York Jets will now move to 8:20 p.m. for NBC’s Sunday night’s telecast. The Jets, coming off a 29-15 win over the Colts, can clinch their first playoff berth since 2006 with a win over the Bengals.