NFL Capsules: Favre's first outing back a quick one
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Being back on the field again meant plenty to Brett Favre, no matter if it was only for a few minutes.
No matter that he completed one pass and also got clobbered on a sack that lost Minnesota 10 yards.
Favre's highly anticipated first game back with the Vikings lasted all of four unspectacular plays and one series in a 15-10 loss to the 49ers in a nationally televised preseason game Sunday at Candlestick Park, the only NFL show of the night.
"I didn't fumble a snap, completed a pass," Favre said. "That's a win for me."
Favre completed a 13-yard pass to Adrian Peterson on his first play from scrimmage but was sacked by Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis two plays later and the Vikings wound up punting. The 40-year-old quarterback took the field just four days after his first training camp practice of the year. He decided to return for a 20th season and make yet another run at a Super Bowl title.
"There's no substitute for getting in a game, calling plays, having a 40-second clock that you have to pay attention to," said Favre, admittedly a little stiff afterward. "They blitzed on the last play. We technically could have picked it up, I could have made a call, but the mind wasn't working quick enough. ... That was obviously not a positive play but it's what you do with it from here on. I'll look at the film. I would hate for that to happen the first game in real action against New Orleans."
It's hard to make much of the small sampling. Not that Favre's numbers mattered to the Vikings, just thrilled to have him back.
Alex Smith, Favre's 49ers counterpart, went 9 of 13 for 88 yards in a solid first half. Willis had four tackles playing only nine snaps.
After that single series, Favre headed to the bench and gave way to backup Tarvaris Jackson — who had been in line to be the starter before Jared Allen, Ryan Longwell and Steve Hutchinson flew to Mississippi early last week to recruit Favre back to the Twin Cities. Favre, sporting a 5-o'clock shadow peppered with gray, could be seen laughing on the sideline in the second half.
Coach Brad Childress had planned to give Favre 10 plays, but that changed when it took so long for the Vikings offense to finally get on the field.
Smith bounced back a week after stumbling through a subpar outing in which he completed 3 of 9 passes for 37 yards and only two first downs in a win at Indianapolis. David Carr and Nate Davis rallied the Niners to 34 straight points in the 37-17 victory.
He made do for a 49ers offense missing three of its biggest stars: receiver Michael Crabtree, tight end Vernon Davis and running back Frank Gore.
"We just came out against the No. 1 rush defense in the NFL and marched it down the field," Smith said. "After last week, it was nice to come out and have some quick success and then end it with a score. ... We've been doing it all summer in practice. It was nice just to finally go do it in a game scenario."
Smith completed his first four passes for 48 yards and 5 of his first six on the Niners' opening drive, including a 24-yard strike to backup tight end Delanie Walker that set up a 4-yard scoring run by rookie Anthony Dixon.
After all the drama that surrounds Favre each offseason — will he or won't he really retire? — he's back in his No. 4 jersey and told his teammates he's as committed to this as ever.
And why not keep going?
Favre is coming off a year in which he threw for 4,202 yards and 33 touchdowns and established career highs for completion rate (68.4), quarterback rating (107.2) and fewest interceptions (seven).
Favre insists the Vikings' success will ride on the play of Peterson.
"I played the best football of my career and it wasn't enough," Favre said, referring to the Vikings losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Saints in the NFC title game.
He was booed by the crowd Sunday when running onto the field for the first time midway through the first quarter. Favre has been the Niners' nemesis for years.
In late September last year, Favre hit Greg Lewis on a 32-yard touchdown with 2 seconds left as the Vikings stunned San Francisco 27-24 in Minneapolis. That was the first of six straight road losses — five in a row by a combined 19 points — for the 49ers that helped cost them a playoff trip and a winning season.
Davis, San Francisco's No. 3 QB and fifth-round pick last year, completed a pretty 60-yard pass to Ted Ginn Jr. in the third quarter with his foot planted at the goal line when he released the ball. The pass set up Joe Nedney's 28-yard field goal. Davis later had an 18-yard completion to Nate Byham.
Longwell kicked a 40-yard field goal early in the second quarter for the Vikings' first points. Minnesota rookie quarterback Joe Webb broke loose up the middle for a 48-yard TD run with 1:54 to play, then Webb was sacked by Derek Walker in the end zone for a safety on the final play of the game.
Former Stanford star Toby Gerhart got his first of his four carries for Minnesota midway through the second quarter, a 3-yard gain. This marked the rookie's first game back in the Bay Area since the Vikings selected him at No. 51 in the second round of this year's draft. Gerhart, who rushed for 1,871 yards and 28 touchdowns for the Cardinal last year, also caught two short passes.
Notes: Vikings WR Percy Harvin is expected back on the field Tuesday. He had a severe migraine headache attack at practice Thursday that sent him to the hospital. ... Minnesota CB Chris Cook had his 87-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown overturned based on review, which showed Dixon was down by contact. ... CB Phillip Adams, the 49ers' seventh-round draft pick, broke up three passes. ... The Vikings placed WR and punt returner Jaymar Johnson on season-ending injured reserve with a broken left thumb that he hurt in the team's exhibition opener last Saturday at St. Louis. ... Former San Francisco WR Brandon Jones signed with the Seahawks.
Features
Redskins: Haynesworth vs Shanahan going into OT
WASHINGTON (AP) — Albert Haynesworth vs. Mike Shanahan. This one's going into overtime.
The conflict between two strong wills — the unyielding coach and the player with the $100 million contract — escalated this weekend when Haynesworth expressed defiant frustration at being repeatedly singled out by the coach. Shanahan responded by saying things aren't going to change.
Haynesworth fired first, breaking a week of silence after Saturday night's 23-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The two-time All-Pro defensive lineman essentially accused Shanahan of mischaracterizing the reason Haynesworth couldn't practice last week. Haynesworth suggested Shanahan did it to make the Redskins organization "look good" and to make him "look bad" because he didn't participate in the offseason conditioning program.
Shanahan last week gave a variety of reasons why Haynesworth didn't practice for 2½ days, eventually chalking it up to "more of a headache than anything else." Haynesworth said Shanahan "left out a whole lot of stuff" but didn't say what. Multiple reports said Sunday that Haynesworth was suffering from rhabdomyolysis, a muscular condition whose symptoms included weakened, stiff or aching muscles.
The Redskins had previously said Shanahan would not discuss the matter until Monday. He was not made available to local reporters Sunday, but he talked about Haynesworth in an interview with AOL Fanhouse.
Asked about the reports that Haynesworth has rhabdomyolysis, Shanahan said: "Not aware of that."
Shanahan went on to reiterate a point he has made before: Haynesworth has to practice if he wants to play.
"Albert has gotten away in the past with playing without practicing," Shanahan said. "That will not happen under this regime. If he's going to play, he's going to practice, and that is the same with every player here. The days of him playing without practicing are over."
Haynesworth has been a thorn in Shanahan's side since the coach took the Redskins job in January. Haynesworth drew Shanahan's ire by staying away from the offseason program and later lobbied for a trade because he didn't want to play nose tackle in the team's new 3-4 defense. Shanahan gave Haynesworth a chance to leave — provided Haynesworth didn't stay around to accept a $21 million contract bonus on April 1. Haynesworth took the bonus.
Haynesworth also skipped a mandatory minicamp and was fined. When he showed up for training camp, he was made to pass a conditioning test before he could practice. After several failed attempts and several days of idleness because of a sore knee, he finally passed the test on the 10th day of camp.
Then came last week's setback, when Haynesworth stood to the side over three days of practices with neither player nor coach giving a clear explanation of what was going on. During three weeks of camp, Haynesworth completed only five of 13 full practices.
Haynesworth also isn't happy that he's having to practice and play with the backups. His appearances in the two preseason games came after the starters had left. He said it's another way his offseason boycott is being held against him.
"I'm a ninth-year pro," Haynesworth said Saturday. "I don't think I should have been out there in the third quarter. But, for having 'headaches' again, that was what they wanted to do."
Shanahan said Haynesworth is "going to have to earn his way" to play with the starters.
There's no telling when that might happen, or whether the Redskins — who are hoping to a make a fresh, positive start under a new coach — can tolerate the Shanahan-Haynesworth feud much longer without it having a substantial impact on the team.
One thing is clear: Haynesworth isn't giving up. The offseason program will apparently be an issue again in 2011.
"Next year," he said, "I'm not coming either."
Assuming he's still with the team.
Notes: Starting FS Kareem Moore is expected to be out several weeks with a right sprained knee. He was injured during the Ravens' fake punt play that netted a 51-yard gain. ... FB Mike Sellers injured his left knee during the game, although his injury is not thought to be as serious. Nevertheless, the Redskins are expected to announce the signing of seventh-year FB Carey Davis on Monday. ... On a busy day — considering there was no practice — the Redskins also fired one of their main PR men, executive director of communications Zack Bolno.
-- Joseph White
Giants getting bodies back after loss to Steelers
The individual improvements Tom Coughlin saw in the Giants' 24-17 preseason loss to Pittsburgh may be better than nothing. What the New York coach really wants to see is a jump in the overall quality of his 1-1 team's offense, defense, and special teams.
Coughlin said Saturday he hoped that an infusion of starting-caliber players into next week's game in Baltimore, effectively the dress rehearsal for the regular season, would create the coherence and execution he seeks.
Quarterback Eli Manning, guards Rich Seubert and Chris Snee, and running back Brandon Jacobs will all be returning to practice this week. Manning, who suffered a 12-stitch gash in the preseason opener against the Jets, will drill in just a baseball cap.
Coughlin said he's hopeful Manning will play in Baltimore.
Coughlin also said Jacobs, out Saturday with a sore neck due to doing shoulder shrugs in the weight room, should return early in the week. Although Andre Brown did a solid job in rushing 13 times for 61 yards and a touchdown, the return of Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, given minimal work against Pittsburgh as punishment for missing a team meeting, should boost an offense that scored just one touchdown in the first half against the Steelers.
"What's important is that these guys practice together, so we get the whole group together so we can talk about overall improvement," Coughlin said. "When you look at some of the things that are happening, for example, the pass protection breakdowns, the lack of efficient route-running, the lack of cohesiveness and the timing between quarterback and receivers, all that needs work and time spent together. That's why this week will be so important to these guys."
Protecting Manning will be a major concern, however. The defense will have to be especially wary of inadvertently raking Manning's face on any pass rush. To that end, Coughlin said he'll pick his spots on when to practice his starting quarterback.
"Most of our guys are good at, if they do get free up the field, they get past the quarterback," Coughlin said. "The guys are pretty much aware. You have to be sharp, and I'm sure we'll pick our spots in that first practice, anyway, as we get a feel for what's best."
Jacobs still had issues with flexibility and movement in the neck Sunday, but Coughlin said he should practice Monday. An MRI last week showed no disk or vertebral damage.
"The expectation is he'll be able to practice," Coughlin said. "Don't ask me how this was provoked. This is the first time we've ever seen this."
Although Seubert (hand) and Snee (knee) will return with no limitations, Saturday's starting left guard, David Diehl, will remain available for duty at both left tackle and left guard.
Notes: S Kenny Phillips and MLB Keith Bulluck, both slowly working back from knee surgery, are expected to see more practice work and field time in Baltimore after getting just six snaps Saturday. ... Second-year WR Ramses Barden is not expected to return this week as he continues to battle structural issues in his spine that make it painful to run. S Michael Johnson is dealing with similar issues and is also not expected to practice this week. ... RB DJ Ware and S Sha'reff Rashad, both of whom sustained concussions Saturday, will undergo a battery of tests Monday.
Nothing on line this time as Young, Leinart meet
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — At least this time, Matt Leinart knows he'll be starting for Arizona against Vince Young's Tennessee Titans.
The NFL script hasn't gone the way many expected for either of the top two quarterbacks drafted in 2006. Leinart found himself backing up Kurt Warner since 2008 and now has the starting job back with the veteran's retirement. Young was on the bench himself last year until the Titans' 0-6 start pushed him back onto the field.
The two former collegiate superstars go against each other again Monday night, even though briefly, when the Cardinals visit Tennessee on Monday night. This also will be the first game at LP Field since flood waters engulfed it and the parking lots in May.
Leinart started against Tennessee on Nov. 29 in the Cardinals' first trip to LP Field only because Kurt Warner, now retired, was a late scratch with concussion symptoms. Now the 10th overall pick in 2006 out of Southern California is trying to earn the starter's job again.
"They're a good football team and they play well in the preseason. They show a lot of looks on defense," Leinart said. "It's going to be a challenge for us. ... Tennessee, they'll throw 10 or 15 different coverages in the preseason on you. It's going to be good for us. It's going to be good for me to try to decipher the defense and get the ball out to the right guy.
"I just want to go out there and start fast."
Leinart has 17 starts with 29 career games and a 7-10 record. Those numbers pale compared to Young who is 26-13 in his career with two Pro Bowl appearances. He has a better passer rating and has thrown for more yards (6,843-3,893). Both have more career interceptions than touchdowns, though Young has nearly twice as more of both than Leinart (32-39, 14-20).
Young, the third overall pick in 2006 out of Texas, got the better of Leinart yet again in November. He drove the Titans 99-yards over the final 2:37 to pull out a 20-17 win over the guy he beat back in the BCS national championship in 2006.
Leinart admitted feeling a bit of deja vu then watching Young beat him with another late drive. This game obviously is different.
"The mindset this year is a lot different. ... I've never really thought about last year. It has no bearing on this game. I just want to go out there and start fast," Leinart said.
That's because the Cardinals (1-0) didn't score against Houston until the backups came in to pull out a 19-16 win. Leinart played well enough, completing 6-of-7 for 49 yards, without any points.
Leinart will be without two of his top three receivers. Larry Fitzgerald is recovering from a sprained right knee with Early Doucet out with an abdominal strain. Also out is inside linebacker Gerald Hayes missed camp, which broke Saturday in Arizona, and is recovering from back surgery.
Young has the stronger position. He came off the bench and led the Titans to an 8-2 finish last season, which has erased any questions about who the starter is this season. His challenge now is picking up where he left off and show improvement in his fifth NFL season.
He is coming off a solid preseason debut where he completed his first five passes before being intercepted at the end of his second series played. He drove the Titans down on the opening drive for Chris Johnson's 1-yard TD run. But the Titans (0-1) lost at Seattle 20-18.
"Great to be at home before the fans," Young said. "We've got some great fans in Nashville plus getting under those lights on Monday night against a team that probably pretty much wants some payback from us from that ... game last year."
LP Field hosted concerts in June as part of the CMA Music Fest, but Monday night will be the Titans' first game since the flooding. Design of the stadium funneled water to the field and reached nearly to the first row of seats, but coach Jeff Fisher said water drained within 24 hours limiting damage to locker rooms and carpeting.
"People worked tirelessly to keep it under control so we were very fortunate," Fisher said.
Last November wasn't Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt's first visit to LP Field. He remembers Leinart putting the Cardinals in position to beat a hot team.
"That's a tough place to play. I've played there a number of times before. To have that opportunity to win that game I thought was a good indication of where our team was," Whisenhunt said.
With the NFL sending Arizona to Chicago on Saturday for the Cardinals' next preseason game, Monday night's game will be a prelude to a joint practice Wednesday between the teams.
-- Teresa M. Walker
QB Orton effectively leading Broncos in preseason
DENVER (AP) — Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton doesn't have an overwhelming arm, much mobility or the soaring popularity of rookie Tim Tebow.
What he does possess is a thorough grasp of coach Josh McDaniels' intricate system. Orton's complete comprehension in Year 2 of the offense is allowing him to run the show with cool confidence.
Despite a patchwork offensive line, a banged-up backfield and wide receivers he's still getting to know, Orton has effectively led the Broncos to four scoring drives in seven series so far in the preseason.
Orton's conviction has been rather contagious, his teammates firmly behind a quarterback who frequently falls under scrutiny for being too conservative and safe.
He's efficiently completed nearly 69 percent of his passes this preseason, and thrown four TD passes to four different targets.
"You can see the difference in him," wide receiver Eddie Royal said after a 25-20 loss to the Detroit Lions on Saturday night. "He's pointing out things for the linemen and pointing out things for us. He can read the coverage better."
Before camp began, Orton was virtually a lame-duck quarterback after signing a one-year tender offer. He appeared to be merely baby-sitting the job until Brady Quinn or Tebow emerged to take it over.
Throughout the summer, one theme became abundantly obvious: Orton was the clear-cut leader on the field.
"He's running the whole offense with a lot of authority and confidence," receiver Brandon Lloyd said. "It really rubs off on all of us."
The Broncos rewarded him last week by giving him an extension through 2011, a deal worth $9 million with $5.5 million guaranteed. After the game against the Lions, Orton insisted he wasn't trying to prove the money was well spent after completing 16 of 22 passes for 177 yards and two TDs.
"I feel like I go out and try to prove myself every week, prove myself to my teammates and my coaches every week," he said.
Orton sputtered early, throwing an interception when his pass bounced off the hands of tailback Lance Ball and into the arms of former Broncos cornerback Dre' Bly, setting up a Detroit touchdown.
"I told him, 'That's on me,'" Ball recounted. "I said I'll make up for it."
Ball did just that, catching a 15-yard TD pass from Orton midway through the second quarter.
Then, Orton marched the Broncos down the field in the final minute of the first half, a drive capped off with an 11-yard TD catch by tight end Marquez Branson.
Yet another confidence boost for the sixth-year pro out of Purdue.
"It's like night and day for him this year to last year," said Jabar Gaffney, who's developed quite a rapport with Orton. "He's getting us in the right play, getting us to the line fast, seeing what the defense is doing and getting us in situations that will result in a successful play."
All that with virtually no running game and spotty pass protection.
The Broncos' top three tailbacks remained sidelined Saturday and the ground game struggled to gain any traction, averaging just under 4 yards a carry.
"We'd like to get it going," said Orton, who threw for 3,802 yards and 21 TDs last season. "We've got a lot of new faces."
The same can be said of the Broncos' makeshift offensive line, where rookies Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton again saw extended playing time in an attempt to get them up to speed for the season opener in Jacksonville on Sept. 12.
Denver's wall of protection remains a work in progress until the return of All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady, who's currently on the non-football injury list after tearing his left patellar tendon while playing hoops in the offseason.
For now, D'Anthony Batiste is holding down Clady's spot. Russ Hochstein stepped in at the right guard Saturday with Chris Kuper hampered by an ankle injury.
"I think we're right where we need to be, considering what we've been through as a line," right tackle Ryan Harris said. "It's one of those things: the more experience the (rookies) get, the better they get. It's good for them and us as a team."
Orton had to make things happen with his feet in the Lions game, frequently scrambling away from hard-charging rookie Ndamukong Suh.
That's not exactly Orton's forte.
"Hope I don't have to do it too much," Orton said, grinning. "You've got to be able to extend the play every now and then."
-- Pat Graham
Peyton Hillis pushes for starting spot with Browns
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Peyton Hillis would not let a summer rainstorm, slick turf, or six St. Louis Rams stop him.
Rain-soaked Cleveland Browns fans roared as Hillis broke six tackles on a gutty 9-yard run to start the second quarter Saturday night. It sparked Cleveland to its' first touchdown in a 19-17 preseason loss.
"We got fired up seeing that," center Alex Mack said Sunday. "Anytime you see one of your guys running downhill, running over people, you just love it."
Hillis, thwarted at the line, broke to his right, and carried defenders with him. He flexed his muscles and stomped his feet after his battering Ram run.
The fans loved it. Coach Eric Mangini did, too. It was the type of effort he had seen Hillis contribute to Denver Broncos drives the past two years before being dealt for quarterback Brady Quinn in March.
"It was good to see the things he can do as a runner," Mangini said. "It was good to see things you remember him doing, which were reasons for the trade. He gives you a spark as a tough, physical guy."
Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and quarterback Jake Delhomme liked Hillis' bowling-ball routine so much they called his number four times on the next six plays: a 1-yard plunge; pass plays of 3 and 9 yards; and another bulldozing 4-yard run to the right.
"He's the epitome of tough, rugged football," Delhomme said.
Hillis gained a team-leading 51 yards on 12 carries and credited teammates for creating his pile-pushing performance.
"I just try to do the best I can," said Hillis. "A lot of guys helped out with great blocking by the offensive line and (fullback Lawrence) Vickers. We got some things going, but we still have a long way to go."
The long way includes hanging on to the football. The Browns' five turnovers — equal to the total they had in their final five games of last season, upset Mangini.
"It's critical to protect the football in any kind of weather," Mangini said. "We looked back and one team out of 40 has won (in recent years) with five turnovers. You might as well play the powerball (lottery) at that point."
Power football is Hillis' game. It is the style Mangini wants and what pleased him most as Cleveland overcame a 13-0 deficit with 17 straight points.
"We did some positive things when we played Browns football," Mangini said, adding that the squad had better get used to practicing in Cleveland's harsh climate during the season.
"It is one reason I believe so firmly in practicing in the elements," Mangini said. "We're going to rent out the indoor facility for a car show."
Mangini's glibness didn't mask his disappointment in the mistake-prone loss that included seven penalties.
Hillis, who fumbled only once in two years with Denver, said he understands keeping the football is as important as advancing it.
"We had a lot of turnovers," he said. "If we hold on to the ball, a lot of things can be different. You know weather definitely plays a factor, but you've got to overcome that. Everybody's going to play in tough-weather games — snow, rain, sleet — but you've got to hold onto the football."
Hillis had no fumbles as a rookie when he gained 343 yards on 68 runs for the Broncos in 2008. With a longest run of only 19 yards, his 5-yard average was particularly poignant as to his consistency. Denver changed coaches, however, and a new offensive philosophy limited him to 13 carries for 54 yards in 2009.
Mangini likely will give the 6-foot-1, 240-pound Hillis more opportunities to tote the football.
"He is tough with the ball in his hands," Mangini said. "He is more elusive than you think for a guy his size. He did add some, a little bit of fuel to the group. What's frustrating is we shouldn't be in the position where we need to add fuel."
Hillis' hard-hitting style can be especially valuable as a blocker for Jerome Harrison, who led Cleveland with 862 yards rushing and five touchdowns in 2009.
"I kind of like to think I can do everything decently well," Hillis said. "It's just putting me in position to be a playmaker, blocking, special teams, no matter what it may be. Whenever I go out there, I'm going to do my best."
Offseason moves not helping Panthers' passing woes
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — After Jake Delhomme's meltdown last season, the Carolina Panthers took drastic measures determined to turn around the NFL's 27th-ranked passing offense.
Delhomme, a seven-year starter who led Carolina to its only Super Bowl, was cut despite still being owed $12.7 million. Matt Moore was promoted to starter after a solid finish to last season, and the Panthers took Jimmy Clausen in the second round of the draft.
The Panthers drafted two receivers in the third round, didn't re-sign starter Muhsin Muhammad, then shook up their offseason workout program to spend extra time on the passing game.
After all that, it's hard to imagine the Panthers' passing game could look any worse halfway through the preseason.
"It's definitely fixable," left tackle Jordan Gross insisted. "It's been widely known that we have a young team. We've got a lot of new faces in the receivers and a new guy slinging the ball and I don't think it's all going to come together overnight."
Coach John Fox was doing all he could late Saturday night to mimic a political operative and try to put a positive spin on the Carolina's 9-3 loss to the New York Jets.
Moore and Clausen are still learning, he said. The Panthers didn't game plan and faced a lot of blitzing. The Jets had the top defense in the league last season. Top receiver Steve Smith (broken arm) is still sidelined.
But it's hard to ignore just how bad the Panthers have looked in failing to score an offensive touchdown in two preseason losses. From overthrown passes to poor protection to drops by a myriad of underperforming receivers, it's been brutal to watch with plenty of blame to go around.
"I'd like it to be farther along then we are now," Gross said. "But the only way to do it is to go back to — not to square one — but get back to the basics and make it better because the regular season is approaching in a hurry."
Many of Delhomme's 18 interceptions last season came on overthrown passes, and it looked like a 2009 rerun when Moore airmailed a pass for rookie Brandon LaFell on Carolina's first possession Saturday night. Jim Leonhard acted like a center fielder in picking it off.
Then came drops by LaFell and Kenny Moore, while Dwayne Jarrett couldn't get open. Armanti Edwards, being converted from a college quarterback, looks overwhelmed as a receiver and punt returner.
Perhaps the most embarrassing part of the night was the Jets yanked their starters early in the second quarter, and the Panthers' first unit failed to pick up a first down in four possessions against the Jets' reserves.
"I don't know if surprised is the word," Moore said of the slow progression of the passing game. "All I know is we need to keep working and there are plays there to be made and we know that, and we're capable of making them."
Moore was 6 of 17 for 57 yards and a passer rating of 21.0. There might be a quarterback controversy if Clausen had been halfway decent in the second half. But he was just 9 of 22 for 72 yards and a pick.
Moore, who closed last season 4-1 as a starter, has thrown for 89 yards and has a passer rating of 34.9 in two preseason games. Clausen, though, has two interceptions and a passer rating of 35.0. The Panthers have managed three field goals in 28 offensive possessions against the Ravens and Jets.
"You have to deliver the ball and catch the ball. We didn't do that as well as we needed to and it's something we'll continue to work on," Fox said. "We saw a wide variety of different pressures (Saturday) with two relatively young quarterbacks."
After giving up seven sacks against Baltimore, the offensive line was better against the Jets — although the Panthers can't seem to find a backup center who can snap out of the shotgun.
The receivers are another story.
The Panthers have been seemingly trying to find a capable No. 2 receiver for years. Smith, who is expected to be ready for the regular season, noted last week that no receiver had separated himself.
Nothing changed Saturday night. Kenny Moore's 26-yard catch was Carolina's longest play from scrimmage.
"There are plays that should have been made and we didn't make them, myself included," Matt Moore said. "I missed a couple things and those are just things that we need to learn from and get better."
Gross was quick to come to his quarterback's defense. Moore is 6-2 as a starter, but all those games were late in non-playoff seasons. Still, with Clausen looking to get comfortable — he's been quick to check down to underneath receivers or throw the ball away — the Panthers need Moore to get them out of their offensive funk.
He'll get his longest look of the preseason Saturday against Tennessee, when the starters play into the third quarter.
"He's throwing the ball well and he's making good reads," Gross said. "We need to help him more with protection and running routes better. He's doing fine. He's definitely going to be a part of the solution."
-- Mike Cranston
Injuries
Eagles O-line to get boost with Herremans' return
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia left guard Todd Herremans, sidelined by a foot injury since the Eagles' minicamps in May, will return to the lineup when the team travels to Kansas City for its third preseason game Friday night.
Herremans' return comes in the wake of an overall poor performance by the interior of the Eagles' offensive line in Friday night's 22-9 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
"I think, collectively, we can all do better," head coach Andy Reid said after Sunday's practice, which was forced to move inside because of rain. "That's what I think. So that game wasn't about the offensive line. It was about everybody doing a little bit better on the offensive side. That's me and the coaches included."
The Eagles' starting interior line of left guard Max Jean-Gilles, center Mike McGlynn and right guard Stacy Andrews allowed pressure up the middle on quarterback Kevin Kolb, forcing him out of the pocket and to hurry his throws.
Herremans' return should help. The six-year veteran has been a full-time starter since 2006 and last year graded out as the team's most consistent linemen.
"I'm not coming back to save anything, I wouldn't say that," Herremans said. "Just getting back out there, I think I can bring experience and some leadership to the guys."
Last year, Herremans had surgery to correct a stress fracture in his foot and was forced to sit out the first five games of the regular season. This year, when it started to bother him again, the team didn't take any chances and shut him down.
Last week he returned to the active roster from the physically unable to perform list, and Sunday he was running with the first team during the team's brief practice. Friday's game against the Chiefs will be his first since last year's playoff loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
"It's important to get out there," Herremans said. "Not for the speed of the game, or any of that, but just to be out there working with the guys next to me, Jason, and whoever is at center."
While Herremans returns, the center spot is still unsettled because of injury. Starter Jamaal Jackson, returning from a torn ACL, did practice Saturday but Reid ruled him out of Friday's game. And backup Nick Cole missed practice with a swollen knee.
"He did some good things," Reid said of Jackson. "Again, it was a 10-10-10 (practice), but he was able to get out there and move around. We wanted to do some contact, as much as you can do with shells on. It's not like Todd. Todd, right now, is full go. Jamaal we're just kind of treating him as contacts, very slowly and ease him into it."
Cole appears to be at least a week or so away from returning.
"Nick's a tough guy, I know that," Reid said. "Nick will go out there and push himself through, really, anything. That's just the way he's wired.
"I know what Nick can do. He got enough work in there. He's in good shape and all that. He lost some weight and he's in very good shape. That's not what I'm worried about. I just want to make sure we're smart with that knee."
Bucs expect to have injured QB Freeman for opener
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — By the time Tampa Bay closed out an exhibition victory over Kansas City, Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman had regained his composure and was talking positively about the thumb injury that will sideline him until at least the opening week of the regular season.
The second-year pro feels fortunate to have only broken the tip of the thumb on his throwing hand and doesn't think it will hinder him from being ready to play when the Bucs face the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 12.
"I was just hoping it was jammed, but it was a little different pain than just being jammed," said Freeman, who was hurt when his right hand struck the helmet of a pass rusher during the first quarter of Saturday night's 20-15 win over the Chiefs.
"When I saw the X-ray and heard the word fracture, I was kind of freaking out. They told me: 'Hey, just take care of it, and it should just be a couple of weeks. When I heard that, it made me feel a lot better."
The Bucs, too.
Freeman was the third quarterback selected in the 2009 draft behind Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez. He went 3-6 in nine starts as a rookie, and Tampa Bay — coming off its worst finish since 1991 — doesn't have an experienced veteran playing behind the 6-foot-6, 248-pound passer.
Third-year pro Josh Johnson appeared in six games and lost all four of his starts last season. Second-year backup Rudy Carpenter, who has yet to play in an NFL regular season game, spent 11 weeks on the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad before the Bucs signed him to the active roster last November.
Although coach Raheem Morris said he was encouraged by the way each played in throwing a touchdown pass after Freeman departed Saturday night, the reality is if Freeman doesn't recover as quickly as expected, the Bucs could be in the market for experienced help.
"We're very fortunate. It could have been worse," Morris said, adding that he and general manager Mark Dominik likely would have some discussions while also trying to get a better feel for exactly when Freeman might be able to practice again.
Initial expectations are for the week of the season opener against the Browns.
Even though he's played just three series and thrown eight passes this preseason, Freeman is confident he won't be rusty when he returns.
"I'll be back, ready to go. It's not like I'm just going to be sitting doing nothing. I'll still be working footwork drills, still running, still getting the mental part of the game," the 22-year-old said. "And I've still got a young arm, so I should be able to come out and wing it."
Freeman was injured on Tampa Bay's first offensive possession. He returned to the sideline with his right thumb immobilized with a splint, and the rest of his hand was bandaged, too.
As difficult as it might have been, the former Kansas State star didn't let on to teammates that there might be reason for concern.
"I could see guys looking at me and seeing how I was reacting on the sideline. Obviously, you can't act like everything is lost, because it's not," Freeman said. "It's a minor setback. I'm looking forward to attacking this thing, and getting it right, and getting ready for Week 1."
-- Fred Goodall
With Feeley injured, Bradford may start for Rams
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Sam Bradford could take over as the St. Louis Rams' starting quarterback in the next preseason game, although the promotion would be by default.
A.J. Feeley injured his thumb and elbow in the first quarter when he hit a defensive player's helmet on the followthrough of a throw in a 19-17 victory at Cleveland on Saturday night, and was scheduled to undergo an MRI exam. The Rams have a short week, playing again Thursday night at New England.
"Obviously, this goes without saying, if Feeley can't work during the week, Sam would be the guy," coach Steve Spagnuolo said Sunday. "We'll have to see where A.J. is. It's hard to tell."
Spagnuolo said Feeley had a "tingling sensation" up his arm after the throw. X-rays on the elbow were negative.
Bradford, the No. 1 pick in the draft, was the backup the first two preaseason games for a team that went 1-15 last season. He didn't have a scintillating game against the Browns, going 6 for 14 for only 24 yards in a game played in driving rain.
"I think I've played one game like this, maybe," Bradford said "You have to realize that you probably can't make all the throws that you usually can, especially for someone who throws down the field."
Spagnuolo judged Bradford's play as "a little bit up and down," while noting a few dropped passes didn't help his statistics. He also faulted the rookie for being too careful with the center snap at times, just as in the preseason opener.
At Oklahoma, Bradford took the vast majority of his snaps from the shotgun formation.
"We really preach to the quarterbacks, especially Sam, to make sure you get the snap," Spagnuolo said. "Sometimes when you do that you're overly conscious about getting the ball.
"Sam will be fine, he'll bounce back."
Bradford said he was being careful because the ball was wet.
"Considering the circumstances, it was a positive that we didn't have any balls on the ground," Bradford added.
Feeley was 5 for 6 for 45 yards and threw a touchdown after he was hurt.
"I tried to battle through it and luckily enough, we got in the end zone pretty quick," he said. "I figured if I could get a little more time, the pain would go away."
The Rams (1-1) allowed no sacks, a week after surrendering six in a 28-7 loss to the Vikings. The offensive line was intact after guard Jacob Bell returned from an injury and had a lot more success particularly in zone blocking schemes.
"Pass protection was great," Bradford said. "I think I only got hit one time and they actually brought a blitz we couldn't pick up at that time."
Spagnuolo wasn't happy that the offense produced only six points out of five turnovers, and said the Rams needed red zone work on both sides of the ball.
He wasn't happy with the tackling, either.
"It's not all pretty, but we'll take the win," Spagnuolo said. "I think the guys should feel good about that."
-- R.B. Fallstrom
Bills place rookies WR Easley and LB Batten on IR
PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills placed two rookie draft picks on the season-ending injured reserve list Sunday, and could be down to one healthy tight end after Michael Matthews limped off the field during practice.
In announcing receiver Marcus Easley and linebacker Danny Batten have been placed on I.R., coach Chan Gailey said both are expected to miss too much of the regular season for the team to carry them on the active roster.
Easley, a fourth-round pick out of Connecticut, is recovering since having surgery to repair a left knee injury he sustained Aug. 2. Batten, a sixth-round pick out of South Dakota State, has been out since hurting his right shoulder in practice on Aug. 1.
"Obviously, it's not what we wanted, but it's just something that had to be done looking at the long-term prognosis," Gailey said. "We just couldn't see time-wise that it was going to benefit them to try to make it back this year."
Losing Easley is the biggest blow because he was considered to have an outside shot at competing for the team's No. 2 job when camp opened on July 29.
The moves do allow the Bills to free up room on their roster to add players, particularly at tight end.
Matthews was hurt when he turned his ankle while running a route. After having his ankle wrapped by trainers, Matthews attempted to walk on the injured foot before being escorted to the locker room.
Gailey said it's premature to discuss the severity of the injury until after the player has tests on Monday.
The Bills are already short on tight ends.
Derek Schouman is expected to miss three to six weeks after hurting his right knee in a 34-21 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday. A day later, the team learned that tight end Shawn Nelson will miss the first four regular season games after being suspended by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Nelson is already nursing an injury that has prevented him from practicing the past two days.
And then there's tight end Joe Klopfenstein, who was placed on injured reserve a week before training camp opened.
That currently leaves the Bills with Jonathan Stupar as their only tight end eligible to play for the start of the season. The Bills are expected to sign at least one tight end this week in preparation for their preseason game against Cincinnati on Saturday.
Once Matthews left practice, Gailey was forced to use fullbacks at the tight end position.
"We've got one healthy tight end on the field right now and it makes it very difficult," Gailey said. "But that's part of it. You deal with it and go on."
Starting free safety Jairus Byrd has still not attended practice since having surgery last week to repair a groin injury. Gailey said the operation went smoothly, but Byrd is still laid up.
Gailey hasn't ruled out Byrd recovering in time for the start of the season.
-- John Wawrow
Vikings WR Jaymar Johnson goes on injured reserve
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Minnesota Vikings receiver and punt returner Jaymar Johnson has been placed on season-ending injured reserve with a broken left thumb.
He sustained the injury in the team's exhibition opener at St. Louis last Saturday. Minnesota made the announcement before the Vikings played a preseason game Sunday night at San Francisco.
The 26-year-old Johnson, who had a shot of making the 53-man roster, caught one pass for nine yards last season. He spent the 2008 campaign on the practice squad after the Vikings picked him in the sixth round of the draft out of Jackson State.
Player News
Bengals sign S Marvin White
CINCINNATI (AP) — The Bengals have added safety Marvin White, signing the former fourth-round pick two days after Gibril Wilson was injured.
The team announced the move on Sunday.
The Bengals were hoping that Wilson would provide depth at the position. He hurt his left knee during a preseason game Friday night against Philadelphia. Although the Bengals won't disclose the severity, agent Alvin Keels tweeted that he had ligament damage.
White played for the Bengals in 2007-08. He was with Dallas and Detroit last season. The Lions waived him on Aug. 18.
The Bengals also signed undrafted offensive lineman Chris Rodgers from Ohio University and released offensive tackle Andrew Mitchell.
Seahawks sign former 49ers receiver Brandon Jones
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have signed former San Francisco wide receiver Brandon Jones, a year after he signed a lucrative deal with the 49ers.
The team confirmed Jones' signing on Sunday and said there was no update on the right ankle of rookie left tackle Russell Okung. Okung was injured in Saturday night's preseason game against Green Bay. Replays appeared to show left guard Ben Hamilton getting tangled with Okung on Seattle's first play.
San Francisco was hoping Jones could develop into one of Alex Smith's favorite targets after missing much of the 2009 season with a broken bone in his shoulder. Jones played in eight games and finished with just one catch after the 49ers gave him a $16.6 million deal in free agency.
Jones was released by the 49ers last Wednesday.
Rams sign former Missouri star Danario Alexander
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Former Missouri wide receiver Danario Alexander has signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Rams.
Alexander wasn't drafted after injuring his knee before the Senior Bowl. The 6-5, 221-pounder was All-Big 12 his senior season with 113 receptions for 1,781 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading Football Bowl Subdivision players in yards receiving. He worked out with the team earlier in training camp.
The Rams are short at the position for the second straight year under coach Steve Spagnuolo. The team also released wide receiver Brooks Foster.
Elsewhere
Saints fans whoop it up in new area
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Saints fans gave good reviews to the newly opened "Champions Square" after first opportunity to visit it.
The area, across from the Superdome, drew a big crowd before the Texans-Saints game Saturday night.
The 60,000 square foot venue, built where the old New Orleans Center shops and food court used to be, can handle up to 6,000 fans. It features live music, cold drinks and local food.
On the 18-by-32-foot LED screen, fans watched highlights from last season and analysis from local sportscasters. Then a band began belting out localized versions of "You Can Call Me Al," ''What's Going On" and "Love Train."
The state, in partnership with Saints owner Tom Benson tore down the mall, which had been closed since Hurricane Katrina, and transformed into a new gathering spot for pre-game festivities.
Superdome general manager Alan Freeman says the new area will give fans a full day game activities.
"It makes for a nice build-up to the game," said Beverly Courseault of Marrero. "It's a totally different place."
Her husband, Rudy Courseault, likened the new fan experience to a miniature version of Jazz Fest.
"Everything costs too much," he explained, "but it's all cool."
The square is expected to open three hours before game time.
No outside food or drinks are allowed.
Superdome managers are hoping Champions Square will also serve as a venue for other, non-gameday related events. They are already talking about a possible October Fest, along with an afterwork concert series.
Ready for football? NFL giving chance to earn
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans and the NFL want to start a party for the beginning of the new season, and fans and schools alike can get something for themselves.
Back to Football Friday on Sept. 10 is when the NFL is encouraging fans to wear their NFL team's colors with the chance to win prizes.
Schools get an even sweeter offer. One school in each NFL team market plus two at-large can win a $10,000 NFL Play 60 grant for fitness equipment along with a visit from an NFL player just by sending in photos of their pep rally and answering some essay questions. The NFL Play 60 program helps fight childhood obesity by promoting health and fitness.
The NFL has teamed up with the United Way to offer rewards for companies who can win a visit from a player to their office with their own celebrations Sept. 10.
