NFL League and Player Capsules: Tom Brady's rise to stardom started at Michigan
DETROIT (AP) — Tom Brady has become one of the NFL's best quarterbacks, leading New England to three Super Bowl titles and winning two MVP awards.
Brady said his "incredible" experience in college at Michigan prepared him to play for Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
"It's a very tough football program," he said. "I think our head coach, Lloyd Carr, really demanded the best out of us every day in practice — very much along the lines of what coach Belichick does. That taught me about competition and what it means to be a leader."
He learned well: Brady's career record is 119-36, including the playoffs. Since he became a starter in 2001, the Detroit Lions are 35-119.
The league has matched up the lowly Lions with a marquee QB for their annual showcase game on Thanksgiving, as usual in the hopes of holding viewers for a game that is often lopsided. Detroit has lost a franchise-high six straight games on the holiday by an average of 23.2 points, and eight of nine in its showcase game.
"It presents a platform and opportunity to show people who don't watch us on a weekly basis that we are better than a 2-8 team," said Lions quarterback Shaun Hill, who will start in place of injured Matthew Stafford for a third straight week and eighth time this season.
New England (8-2) is tied for the NFL's best record and Detroit's mark is better than only the one-win Carolina Panthers.
"We still believe we've got the pieces to be a good team, and at times we're playing really well," Lions defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch said. "But it's a bottom-line business and our record isn't good. It's time to start winning and beating a good team at home would be big for this locker room and the perception of this team.
"The thing we feel good about in a way is that we haven't been outclassed or overmatched by anybody in the league. It's just a matter of winning."
Brady's path to being one of the best winners in sports began on the bench at Michigan.
"Tommy had to work for everything he had," said Florida Gators quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler, who tutored Brady as a student and graduate assistant. "But you always knew he was going to be a winner because his intangibles are off the charts."
Brady barely played as an underclassmen, backing up Brian Griese on the 1997 national championship team. As a senior, he had to compete with Drew Henson for playing time. That perhaps led to him being a sixth-round pick, drafted 199th overall, behind four teammates.
"He was hoping to play sooner than he did, then he had to prove himself again and again," said Lions offensive tackle Jeff Backus, a teammate of Brady's at Michigan. "He has talked about playing with a chip on his shoulder for not being drafted until the later rounds. He just wasn't going to be stopped because he just has a natural ability to stay poised. Anybody in a huddle with him can tell that right away."
Carr hasn't been in a huddle with Brady, but he has looked into his eyes enough to see something special. The last time Carr did it, he knew New England's upcoming opponents were in trouble.
The former Michigan coach went to Cleveland earlier this month to watch Brady play the Browns with one of his former teammates and best friends, Aaron Shea.
"We talked a little bit before the game and only for a minute after the game because he was not happy," Carr recalled. "After seeing the look he had in his eye, I told Aaron, 'Watch what this team does going forward.'"
Brady and the Patriots bounced back from a 20-point loss at Cleveland by winning at Pittsburgh in a rout and beating Indianapolis by three points on Sunday to tie the New York Jets for the best record in the AFC East.
"He's got one thing on his mind: winning another Super Bowl," Carr said.
If Brady can lift New England to another championship, his fourth would tie Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana for the most by a QB in league history.
If the Lions don't win another game this season, they will sink to the NFL's lowest winning percentage over a 10-season span. The Philadelphia Eagles won just .219 percent of their games from 1933-42 and an 0-6 finish would make the Lions' mark a fraction worse than that.
Detroit linebacker Julian Peterson, who pulled off a rare feat against Brady by holding off his comeback attempt at Michigan State in 1999, said the Lions are still determined to turn around the season.
"This is like a playoff game with us because I doubt we'll make the playoffs this year," Peterson said. "If we can beat a great team like the Patriots, this would be a stepping stone for us."
Sensational Sanchez an exciting leader for Jets
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Meadowlands Mark has even Broadway Joe on his feet cheering these days.
Joe Namath stood anxiously in front of his TV — there was no way he could sit through this — at his home in Florida on Sunday during the Jets' latest tension-filled game. As he watched Mark Sanchez coolly lead New York to yet another stunning victory, the Hall of Fame quarterback saw shades of himself.
"I don't think anyone would hesitate to say, yeah, this kid, he can be one of the best," Namath said. "No doubt about it."
From a guy who made perhaps the most famous guarantee in sports history, that's quite an endorsement.
But that's the kind of reputation Sanchez is earning with late-game comebacks, overtime victories, clutch performances and levelheaded leadership for a team tied for the best record in the league. It's an exciting combination the Jets haven't seen from a young quarterback since Namath delivered the franchise its only title more than 40 years ago.
"Every week, Mark has that confidence," running back LaDainian Tomlinson said, "that he can do it week after week if we need him to."
They certainly have the last few games, and he's delivered in a big way.
"He's a force to be reckoned with," center Nick Mangold said.
There were the two winning drives in overtime on the road at Detroit and Cleveland, when Sanchez went into the huddle each time and commanded the confidence of his teammates.
"You can see the fire in his eyes," fullback Tony Richardson said.
Then there was Sunday's improbable victory over Houston when he marched New York down the field with less than a minute left.
"My daughter, she looked at me after Houston scored and I said, 'Hey, we've got enough time here. This is terrific,'" said Namath, who still connects with fans on his site, BroadwayJoe.tv, as well as Facebook and Twitter. "Sanchez and those guys have already shown me that they can win in the end and play the full 60 minutes — and then some."
Comeback ability was a knock on Sanchez coming out of the draft, only because no one saw it. He benefited from playing at Southern California, which rarely trailed opponents.
"It's always been something that I've kind of wanted," Sanchez said. "To me, that was, 'All right, give me a chance to come back. I'm going to win it, not making a miraculous play, but just making the plays we know how to make.'"
Sanchez watched a television special with some teammates last week on some of the NFL's top 10 comeback wins. That was something he thought about before taking the field for his own shot against the Texans.
"Boom, we're in that situation," Sanchez said. "I'm playing catch on the sidelines like, 'All right, here we go.'"
Sanchez, the AFC player of the week, has thrown for an NFL-leading 1,206 yards in his last four games. But it hasn't been all about his arm. An increased focus on making plays with his legs has paid off, just as it did for one of his favorites, Hall of Famer John Elway.
"One of those guys that's a fighter, just never dies," Sanchez said. "He always gave his team another chance."
That's what Sanchez, who recently turned 24 and is just 25 regular-season games into his career, is doing for the Jets. He's already led them to the AFC championship game and coach Rex Ryan hasn't been hesitant to declare his team a Super Bowl favorite despite having a young quarterback.
"Lady Luck will help, as well as his continued growth, but I wouldn't put any limitations on Mark Sanchez," Namath said. "No way."
Tomlinson said the thought of playing with Sanchez helped make up his mind this offseason about signing with New York. Ryan calls him "Cool Hand Luke," and it has been particularly fitting during this recent stretch.
"They know he's the guy and he's the boss out there," Ryan said before smiling. "The kid doesn't have a whole lot going for him, to be honest with you, but we'll settle for him."
Serious in the huddle, the kid in Sanchez comes out after big plays — fist pumps, mad dashes down the field and hugs on the sidelines. He has become the type of electrifying player that even opposing players appreciate.
"We're both Mexican," Cincinnati wide receiver Chad Ochocinco said, laughing. "Of course he's exciting."
And, also quite the prankster.
"He's a big kid," Richardson said. "I think that's something outside people don't see."
Like the times he sneakily covers the black seats in the offensive meeting rooms with water, so offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's pants get soaked when he sits.
Or, like last Saturday, when Schottenheimer had a doughnut on a table and Sanchez came along and stuck his finger in it. Disgusted, Schottenheimer pushed it aside and Sanchez stuffed it into his mouth.
Punter Steve Weatherford has become close with Sanchez, hanging out with him away from football.
"My little boy loves him," he said. "Just a good dude. He's not like some guys you play with where the media portrays them as a really good guy, but off the field, he's not. Mark's the real deal."
Just like Namath in his prime, everyone always wants to know what Sanchez is up to now. Who's he dating? What Broadway show is he seeing next? What kind of endorsement deals is he signing off on?
"To be able to come into that atmosphere, that environment in New York, with the monster that the media is there," Ochocinco said, "and to be successful and to be able to carry that weight on your shoulders ... he's handling it perfect, man."
Namath agrees, saying Sanchez has proven himself to be a humble guy who thrives in pressure.
"I see his intensity when he's playing and his love for the game and respect for his teammates, big-time," Namath said. "The spotlight, it can draw him away from the focus, but he hasn't allowed that to happen. He's learning on his feet and he's doing a wonderful job of it."
Win after thrilling win.
-- Dennis Waszak Jr.
Picks: Thanksgiving matchups lack spice
If the folks who make the NFL schedule are grimacing, it's understandable. Those spicy Thanksgiving matchups have lost their spark.
With the tradition of staging the holiday games in Detroit and Dallas, the key is finding attractive opponents for the Lions and Cowboys. Especially the Lions, who haven't had a winning season since the Pilgrims landed. Well, almost.
So the schedule makers came up with, fittingly, the Patriots at Detroit. New England (8-2) is tied for the league's best record and figures to put on a good show as a 6½-point favorite.
They also must have been salivating about having the Saints visit the Cowboys in what they envisioned as an NFC championship preview. Sorry: Dallas spoiled that scenario by flopping to 3-7.
At least defending champion New Orleans (7-3) held up its end and is a 3-point favorite at Jerry's palace near Dallas.
The night game, which rotates locations, landed at the Meadowlands for a rematch of not only a wild-card playoff game from January, but of the 2009 season finale in which the Jets closed down Giants Stadium by routing the Bengals to sneak into the postseason.
That one has lost its juice, too, with the Jets (8-2), 8½-point choices and headed back toward the playoffs, and the Bengals (2-8, seven straight defeats) already in oblivion.
Jacksonville (plus 9½) at New York Giants
Jags are in the mix for the playoffs. Hey, they actually lead the AFC South with a tiebreaker over Indy. Giants are banged-up at receiver and on the offensive line. New York still has enough to win, but not by this margin. BEST BET: GIANTS, 18-14
Kansas City (minus 1) at Seattle
Seahawks are another bird at home. Chiefs struggle on the road and Qwest Field is as tough as any venue. UPSET SPECIAL: SEAHAWKS 17-13
New England (minus 6½) at Detroit
How can anyone pick against the Patriots on Thanksgiving? New England's precision offense will dominate. PATRIOTS, 30-16
New Orleans (minus 3) at Dallas
This is the true test whether the Cowboys have waded out of mediocrity and turned around their fortunes. Saints can't afford a stumble in next three winnable games before tough closing stretch. SAINTS, 27-20
Cincinnati (plus 8½) at New York Jets
Jets haven't played a complete game since early October. Bengals haven't played one all season. JETS, 27-16
Minnesota (plus 1½) at Washington
On the theory that Vikings get a boost from their coaching change, just like Dallas did. VIKINGS, 20-19
Green Bay (pick-em) at Atlanta
Best game on this week's schedule, with two teams that might meet up again in January. Packers don't fear the road, not even Georgia Dome where Falcons are perfect. PACKERS, 27-24
Tampa Bay (plus 9½) at Baltimore
Next-best game on this week's schedule, despite the overblown spread. A win can establish Bucs as what coach Raheem Morris claims they are: the best team in NFC. RAVENS, 20-17
Philadelphia (minus 3½) at Chicago
Another terrific matchup now that the Bears look for real. Michael Vick looked more real and less like a video game superhero last week. Can Chicago's defense keep up with him? EAGLES, 17-14
San Diego (plus 3) at Indianapolis
Chargers are on their usual midseason/late season rampage. Colts nearly won at Patriots despite being so short-handed. This is in Indy and Chargers aren't the Patriots. COLTS, 30-24
Pittsburgh (minus 6) at Buffalo
How is Buffalo's worst-ranked run defense going to handle Rashard Mendenhall and Pittsburgh's strong running game? Not well. STEELERS, 23-10
St. Louis (plus 5) at Denver
If this was in St. Louis, we'd make Rams the BEST BET. But they are shoddy on the road, so we don't even consider them the UPSET SPECIAL. A win, though, is not out of the question. RAMS, 21-20
San Francisco (minus 2½) at Arizona (Monday night)
Now this one really must embarrass whoever puts together the schedule. 49ERS, 16-13
Carolina (plus 11) at Cleveland
Can Jake Delhomme play QB for both teams? Probably not. BROWNS, 14-6
Tennessee (no line) at Houston
A month ago, this was an intriguing matchup. Then these AFC rivals went backward. TEXANS, 24-14
Miami (no line) at Oakland
Raiders' schedule gets tougher in December, so they need this one to stay in contention in AFC West. They should get it against injury-ravaged Dolphins. RAIDERS, 21-13
RECORD: Versus spread, 8-7-1 (overall 85-66-2); Straight up, 14-2 (overall 105-55); Best Bet: 5-6 against spread, 7-4 straight up; Upset Special: 7-4 against spread, 7-4 straight up.
-- Barry Wilner
League News
AP Source: NFL, union make progress in talks
NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL and the players union made "some progress" during a meeting Monday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
The talks were "encouraging" and centered on the proposed 18-game regular season and limiting offseason workouts, according to the person who requested anonymity because negotiations are ongoing.
The NFL Network first reported the details of Monday's session, which was attended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith.
Both the union and league spokesman Greg Aiello on Wednesday confirmed the meeting, which also involved union president Kevin Mawae, Dominique Foxworth of the Ravens and team presidents Rich McKay of the Falcons, Mike Holmgren of the Browns and Bill Polian of the Colts.
A proposal to extend the regular season by two games and reduce the preseason from four games to two was presented to the union a few weeks ago. The union made a counteroffer in which it asked for more roster spots — the players want three or four more, the league so far has suggested one — and fewer offseason workouts. The NFLPA wants those workouts reduced by about one-third from the 14 weeks currently allowed.
Players fear the chance for injuries is too high with so many offseason practices that include contact drills.
The players also want the practice squads retained, which is likely even if the regular season remains at 16 games. As of now, there are eight players on those squads.
NFL owners opted out of the collective bargaining agreement in 2008, and it expires on March 3. Little progress had been made on major issues during negotiations, with the key point the owners' demand that the players' cut of designated revenues be restructured.
-- Barry Wilner
Bills WR Johnson fined $5,000 for TD celebration
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Stevie Johnson found out how serious the NFL is about enforcing its rules against over-the-top touchdown celebrations.
The Buffalo Bills receiver said Wednesday the league fined him $5,000 for showing off the message — "Why So Serious?" — Johnson had written in black marker on his T-shirt after scoring the first of three touchdown catches in a 49-31 win at Cincinnati on Sunday.
"Yeah, I got in trouble," Johnson said. "I don't regret it."
Johnson said he was informed of the fine in a letter the league sent him by courier on Tuesday. NFL spokesman Corry Rush declined to confirm the receiver was disciplined, noting the league doesn't make that information available until Friday.
Johnson was surprised the league took action for something he referred to as "a fun gesture."
It happened early in the third quarter, when Johnson stumbled into the end zone for a 28-yard score. After spiking the ball, Johnson pulled up his jersey to show what he had written on the T-shirt underneath.
"Why So Serious?" was used by the Joker in the Batman movie "The Dark Knight." Johnson used the phrase to poke fun at Bengals receivers Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, who have referred to themselves as Batman and Robin this season.
Johnson meant no disrespect toward the two Bengals receivers. And he even joked about it after the game with T.O., who played with Johnson in Buffalo last season.
"(Owens) was laughing about it, saying, 'You're crazy, man,'" Johnson said. "But it's all respect and it's all love."
This marks the second time this season Johnson has been disciplined by the NFL for an inappropriate touchdown celebration. He was fined $10,000 for pretending to shoot off a rifle — mimicking what the Patriots' Minutemen do following a New England score — after a 37-yard touchdown catch in a 38-30 loss at New England on Sept. 26.
Johnson said he's gotten the message and learned his lesson.
"I'm not trying to get any more fines," he said. "I want to keep my money."
Buffalo's 2007 seventh-round draft pick out of Kentucky, Johnson is enjoying a breakout season as a first-time starter. He's tied for fifth in the NFL with nine touchdowns, two short of matching the franchise single-season record set by Bill Brooks in 1995. And he's tied for 10th in the league with 728 yards receiving.
Coach Chan Gailey was disappointed by Johnson's celebration.
"I think he's not a bad person. But he's making some bad decisions along those lines," Gailey said. "Hopefully, I can help him make better decisions. That's part of my responsibility as well."
-- John Wawrow
Samuel fined $40,000 for helmet-to-helmet hit
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Asante Samuel plans to go low.
Samuel, the Philadelphia Eagles' three-time Pro Bowl cornerback, is not happy with his $40,000 fine for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Giants wide receiver Derek Hagan that drew an unnecessary roughness penalty. Now, a change of tactics is in order.
"If you're not looking, I'm going low," he said Wednesday.
Samuel is not known as a physical player, often criticized for shying away from tackles. He is, however, one of the top playmakers. Samuel leads the league with seven interceptions and has 42 for his career.
"They don't pay me to tackle," he joked. "Now they're charging me to tackle."
The league has cracked down on hits to the helmet in the last month, with Samuel's fines among the NFL's biggest. Samuel lowered his shoulder on the hit and appeared to try to lead that way, his helmet making contact with Hagan's face mask.
"I think they want us to go low on the defenseless receiver and break some legs, that's probably what they want," he said. "It seems like that's what they prefer. I would hate to have to hit a guy low and he's not looking. You know what I'm saying?"
Samuel said the league called him a repeat offender in a letter outlining the fine, but he hasn't been fined for another hit.
"I never got fined for a hit before, so I don't know what they're talking about," he said.
-- Rob Maddi
Mariani earns AFC special teams honor
For the third time in six weeks, a former University of Montana football player has been named the AFC special teams player of the week by the NFL.
Tennessee Titans rookie return man Marc Mariani of Havre, Mont., won the award after totaling 169 return yards, including an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown, in a 19-16 overtime loss to Washington on Sunday.
Mariani is the only player in the NFL this season to return both a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown. He had a 98-yard kickoff return for a score against Denver on Oct. 3. He leads the NFL with a 17.1 yard punt return average.
Miami Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter of Helena, Mont., was named the AFC special teams player of the month for October after twice being named the AFC player of the week during October.
Union warns lockout could cost Green Bay $160M
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The NFL Players Association warns in a letter to local and state leaders in a letter that Green Bay could see more than $160 million in lost jobs and revenue if a lockout occurs next football season.
According to a report in the Green Bay Press-Gazette, the association sent letters to Gov. Jim Doyle, Gov.-elect Scott Walker and Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt says that the players are happy and want to keep the current agreement in place.
The letter wants local leaders to consider the economic impact of a lockout and to emphasize to Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy the importance of negotiating in good faith.
Local tourism officials estimated in September that each home game brings about $8 million in direct spending to Green Bay.
Injuries
Chargers WR Crayton has wrist surgery
SAN DIEGO (AP) — San Diego Chargers wide receiver Patrick Crayton had surgery on his left wrist on Wednesday, two days after he was hurt in a victory against the Denver Broncos.
The team didn't give details about the surgery, or when or if he'll return.
Coach Norv Turner met with the media before the surgery was announced. At that point, Turner said that Crayton could be out two to three weeks.
Crayton was hurt while falling into the end zone at the end of a 40-yard catch-and-run Monday night. He had three catches for 105 yards.
Crayton's injury comes just as Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson is preparing to make his season debut when the Chargers (5-5) visit Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts (6-4) on Sunday night. Jackson was activated off the roster exempt list on Tuesday.
Also, star tight end Antonio Gates missed practice again. He said he'd like to try to practice this week to see if his torn right plantar fascia has healed enough to allow him to play Sunday night. Gates has missed two straight games — sandwiched around the Chargers' bye week — and said the injury is still painful.
"I've still got a long week. I think the biggest key for me at this point is to somehow try to practice to get a good idea about what I can do and what I can't do, what I can tolerate, because that's going to be determination, what's tolerable and what's not," Gates said. "Probably not a full practice, but just to see how I feel and see where it takes me.
"My biggest obstacle with this is just, can I deal with the pain?" he added. "Can I deal with the pain in the game, can I deal with the pain for four quarters? Obviously they have some things that can help eliminate the pain, but it's not going to take it away. I haven't really had that game atmosphere, the adrenaline pumping, you're sweating, you're moving around, blood flowing, it's circulating through the foot, and it kind of loosens the foot up. That's probably why I need to practice sometime this week to give myself a good idea, can I go in the game and sustain it through four quarters?"
Gates hasn't played since Oct. 31. He missed a victory at Houston on Nov. 7 and Monday night's game. The Chargers have won three straight to pull into a second-place tie with Oakland in the AFC West, one game behind Kansas City.
Jackson spoke with reporters for the first time since reporting on Oct. 29. When he hadn't signed his $3,268,000, one-year tender as a restricted free agent by June 15, the Chargers slashed it by $2.5 million. After missing training camp and the first seven games, Jackson reported in time to serve his three-game suspension on the roster exempt list — he was placed there in a hardball move by general manager A.J. Smith — and then play the final six games to accrue a season toward unrestricted free agency.
Asked if he had any regrets, Jackson said: "Absolutely not."
Otherwise, he wouldn't talk about his decision to sit out.
"I'm here now. I'm not looking back," he said. "I'm excited about what this season can become. This team is on an upward swing right now, got a lot of momentum. We're trying to get guys healthy, but we make no excuses. We're going to go out there and we're going to fight each and every game, and I expect us to do very well."
Jackson said he's fresh and ready to go.
"I've always taken care of my body. I'm always out here working hard throughout the season. There's a lot of things you've got to do on and off the field to be fresh late in the year. Some of these young guys, a lot of young guys, rookies, you gotta learn that the first couple of years in the league."
He also spoke highly of quarterback Philip Rivers, who hasn't flinched even though some of his favorite receivers have been hurt. Rivers leads the NFL with 3,177 yards and 23 touchdowns.
"He's made do with whoever's stepped up," Jackson said. "Our coaches do a great job with these young receivers, getting 'em coached up out here, making sure they're fundamentally sound, running good routes. It makes Philip's job a lot easier. But again, you can't take it away from that guy. I mean, what he's done with running backs, hitting 14-15 different receivers this year. He's one of the top players in the league, without a doubt."
Among the other Chargers who didn't practice were wide receiver Malcom Floyd (hamstring), running back Ryan Mathews (ankle), tight end Randy McMichael (hamstring) and right guard Louis Vasquez (neck).
-- Bernie Wilson
Williams' foot injury Seattle's biggest question
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Matt Hasselbeck talked Wednesday about the ease of throwing to Seattle wide receiver Mike Williams, especially when he's in single coverage.
Then Hasselbeck proceeded to say he's not planning on Williams playing this week when the Seahawks host AFC West leading Kansas City.
It's not the words Seattle wanted to hear especially, with the rise of its passing game in the past few weeks.
"Right now I'm treating it like he cannot go. That's really how I'm going into it — that's how I'm studying film, that's how I think this game plan is set up, as if he's not playing," Hasselbeck said. "So if he can play that would just be an added bonus."
Williams is the biggest unknown for the Seahawks going into Sunday's home game against the Chiefs.
Coach Pete Carroll didn't provide much of an update on the left foot injury Williams suffered late in Sunday's loss at New Orleans. Carroll gave a vague description of Williams' injury, calling it a "foot strain" while also saying the specifics of the injury are something doctors haven't seen.
Carroll said Williams has responded well to treatment during the past few days. Williams did not participate in practice and was again in a walking boot on Wednesday, same as he was after Sunday's game.
"It seems like, from what I'm hearing from the trainers and the doc, that it's the worst it's already been and it's improving from this point forward and there's not a concern about it continuing to worsen," Carroll said. "It's just how long does it take it to get well enough to where he can go full-speed."
In the last six weeks Williams has caught 41 of his 52 passes, including two games with 11 receptions and another with 10. Williams had six catches for 109 yards last week against New Orleans.
Williams' increased catches have coincided with increased production from Hasselbeck. Seattle has mostly abandoned trying to establish its running game the past two weeks, instead relying on Hasselbeck and an increased aggressiveness throwing downfield.
The result: the past two games have been among the 12 best yards passing games in Hasselbeck's career. Hasselbeck threw for 333 yards against Arizona, then picked on the Saints' secondary for 366 yards last Sunday, the fourth-highest total of his career.
"I'm not sure we've ever been so dependent on one guy just winning one-on-one matchups," Hasselbeck said. "I think we've been more dependent on guys knowing what to do and doing it with the right timing and that kind of thing. And then the system just sort of works that way. But Mike is a guy that if you get him one-on-one, you take advantage. You go for it."
Along with the Williams uncertainty, the Seahawks are always waiting to see about guard Chester Pitts and cornerback Marcus Trufant.
Pitts seems the most unlikely to play on Sunday. Carroll wouldn't rule Pitts out with an ankle injury suffered against New Orleans, but spoke as if Mike Gibson or Tyler Polumbus will start at left guard on Sunday.
Trufant suffered a concussion early against the Saints and is undergoing the league-mandated concussion testing. Carroll said Trufant will have a significant exam on Thursday that will go a long way in determining if he'll be cleared to play against the Chiefs.
-- Tim Booth
Raiders scramble to cover for Scott
ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Raiders might find it easier getting over last week's blowout loss to Pittsburgh than overcoming Trevor Scott's knee injury.
Scott was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, leaving the Raiders minus one of their most productive and versatile players.
The third-year defensive end, who tied for the team lead in sacks each of the last two seasons, was also a key member of Oakland's special teams before suffering a torn ACL while covering a punt against the Steelers.
"I think it's huge," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "We've been fortunate to not lose too many guys like this. He does do a lot for our football team, playing in base defense as well as third down and (on) a number of special teams. It's a big loss but we're going to have to rally."
Scott's injury left the Raiders in a scramble mode trying to find a replacement.
Second-year player Matt Shaughnessy is expected to replace Scott in Oakland's starting lineup but the Raiders have discussed using outside linebackers Quentin Groves and Bruce Davis there. They also signed free agent Jarvis Moss, who was released by the Denver Broncos last week.
Of the three, Shaughnessy figures to get the most playing time. He is tied with linebacker Kamerion Wimbley for the team lead in sacks with five and has been splitting time with Scott on the right side of Oakland's defensive line all season.
"They're all going to have to play a little more just because of the situation until we can settle on who we feel like can give us some help," Cable said.
Moss was drafted 17th overall in 2007 to be a pass-rusher in Denver's 4-3 defense. His development was slow, however, and the Broncos moved him to outside linebacker when the team went to a 3-4 in 2009. When that failed — Moss hasn't had a sack since '08 — Denver gave him his walking papers.
"I'm not the first person that it happened to and I won't be the last," said Moss, who has only five tackles this season. "I'm just going to do what they ask me to do and whatever ends up happening this weekend, that's exactly what I'm going to do. I'm just learning (and) trying to adjust."
The Raiders haven't said how they plan to use Moss or even if he'll suit up for Sunday's game against Miami.
Cable said earlier this week the team might use Groves at defensive end, something he did during two seasons with Jacksonville. The coach reiterated his stance Wednesday but added that the Raiders are also looking at using Davis.
Cable conceded that replacing Scott won't be easy, even though the 26-year-old didn't get his first full sack until last week against Pittsburgh and has only five quarterback hurries this season.
As a team, the Raiders are fourth in the NFL with 29 sacks.
"(Scott's) tempo, his effort to the quarterback has pushed that quarterback to a lot of sacks with the other guys," Cable said. "They've benefited from Trevor's effort, no question."
Notes: The Raiders released a statement given by DE Richard Seymour on Monday regarding his ejection from Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh. Seymour apologized for hitting Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and called his actions unprofessional. He was fined $25,000 by the NFL earlier this week. ... Injured CB Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle sprain) was limited in practice but should be in the lineup against Miami barring a setback.
Dolphins' Marshall doesn't practice Wednesday
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall didn't practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury, raising questions as to whether he'll play Sunday at Oakland.
"It's a little slower thing than I'd like it to be, or Brandon would like it to be," said coach Tony Sparano of Marshall's recovery. Marshall wasn't available for comment on Wednesday.
Miami also has a quarterback question because Sparano hasn't named a starter. Tyler Thigpen and Chad Henne took snaps with the first team on Wednesday.
Those are two major issues for a 5-5 Dolphins team that probably has to win its remaining six games to have an outside shot at a playoff berth.
Marshall, the Dolphins' big offensive free agent acquisition, is seventh in the NFL in receptions and 16th in receiving yards. He has 58 receptions for 693 yards and one touchdown this season.
Despite Sparano's uncertainty, Thigpen makes it sound like Marshall won't play.
"With Brandon being out, I think that's going to leave a lot more 1-on-1 matchups that we're going to have to win," he said.
Without Marshall, the Dolphins are left with a relatively pedestrian wide receivers crew among Brian Hartline, Davone Bess and rookies Marlon Moore and Roberto Wallace, although tight end Anthony Fasano is certainly capable.
Thigpen was the third-string quarterback two weeks ago but injuries to Henne (knee) and Chad Pennington (shoulder) made Thigpen a starter in last week's 16-0 loss to Chicago. But Thigpen threw two interceptions against the Bears and Henne is on the mend, so the starting job is up for grabs.
"I feel pretty good," said Henne, who suffered his injury in a 29-17 victory over Tennessee on Nov. 14. "I've been rehabbing and it's been going better each and everyday. I haven't had any setbacks. Right now I don't know where it is but I'm practicing and it's getting better."
There's been other good news related to the Dolphins' injuries. Center Joe Berger, who missed the Chicago game with a knee injury, returned to practice. That means right guard Richie Incognito can stay put this week. Left tackle Jake Long (left shoulder), who wears a protective harness, practiced and it appears that he'll start at Oakland.
Miami had given up just 12 sacks heading into the Chicago game but surrendered six sacks to the Bears.
Injury ends season early for Redskins' RB Portis
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Clinton Portis' season has come to an early end for the second year in a row.
Coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday that the Washington Redskins running back will be placed on injured reserve with a torn muscle in the lower abdomen.
The new injury is just above the area of the torn left groin that caused Portis to miss five games. Portis returned from the groin injury for Sunday's game against Tennessee but lasted only five carries before getting hurt again.
Portis will have surgery and require at least two months of rehabilitation, ending his season with a career-low 227 yards on 54 carries with two touchdowns.
The move could bring an end to Portis' career with the Redskins after seven seasons. The 29-year-old back is 77 yards short of 10,000 for his career and 648 yards shy of John Riggins' franchise record.
Portis missed the last eight games of the 2009 season with a severe concussion, and the Redskins brought in veterans Willie Parker and Larry Johnson to challenge him for playing time this season. Parker and Johnson were eventually cut, but youngsters Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams have taken over the bulk of the tailback duties since Portis first hurt his groin against Philadelphia on Oct. 3.
Torain isn't expected to play this week against the Minnesota Vikings because of a hamstring injury, leaving Williams as the starter and James Davis and Andre Brown as the likely backups. Davis was promoted from the practice squad Monday, and Brown will be signed if he passes a physical.
Portis has three years left on his contract, but his salary would increase to $8.25 million in 2011. Shanahan said he has no doubts that Portis can still in the NFL.
"He's got such a strong will. It all depends on 'Does he come back 100 percent?' 'Does he want to come back and play?'" Shanahan said. "Because he's got that inner drive that most people don't have. But obviously he's got to get well."
Shanahan said he isn't second-guessing whether Portis returned from the groin injury too soon. The coach said Portis was ready to play the week before but was held back as a precaution.
"How do you know for sure?" Shanahan said. "You've just got to go with your gut and see how a guy practices, and he practiced really well, so who knows for sure?"
In another roster move, the Redskins signed offensive lineman Jacob Bender to the practice squad.
-- Joseph White
Alexander ready to return to Rams' lineup
ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danario Alexander may return against Denver this weekend after missing a month following arthroscopic knee surgery.
After practice Wednesday, rookie quarterback Sam Bradford thought Alexander looked ready.
"He looked good, he was flying around," Bradford said.
Alexander had four catches for 72 yards and a 38-yard touchdown against the Chargers in Week 6, his only extensive action. He was injured in practice in late October and underwent a fifth procedure on his left knee to remove torn cartilage.
Alexander said he probably would have had to have surgery after the season in any case, and feels better now than anytime prior to the injury.
"I'm feeling pretty good about my body and stuff like that," Alexander said. "I was fresh again and Sam put some out there for me to go get them, and it happened."
Philip Rivers threw four touchdown passes against the Broncos secondary on Monday night.
"Their secondary is kind of struggling a little bit," Alexander said. "We're going to try to go out and be explosive against them."
Offensive tackle Rodger Saffold also practiced and anticipates playing Sunday at Denver. Saffold, a rookie who won the left tackle job in training camp, aggravated a left shoulder injury late in last week's loss to the Falcons.
"I've been dealing with this for a while," Saffold said. "They always try to attack that outside shoulder when they're trying to get around the edge, so I'm having to deal with a lot of that."
Spagnuolo said Saffold took "a steady diet" of plays on Wednesday.
-- R.B. Fallstrom
Patriots QB Brady questionable for Thursday
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Tom Brady was listed as questionable for the New England Patriots game on Thanksgiving Day against the Detroit Lions after missing a walkthrough practice Wednesday.
Brady also sat out Tuesday's only full workout of the week with a foot injury after participating on a limited basis in a walkthrough on Monday. A questionable listing means a player has a 50-50 chance of playing in a game.
With just three days between Sunday's 31-28 win over the Indianapolis Colts and Thursday's game, the Patriots cut back on their physical work.
Brady also was listed with a shoulder injury, as he has been every week in recent seasons.
The quarterback took one day off from practice during the weeks leading to the team's previous two games. Both times, however, he was listed as probable. Brady played well in both games, victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis, and showed no signs of being hurt. He walked without a limp in the locker room Tuesday.
The only other quarterback on the Patriots is Brian Hoyer. He spent all last season with the team after being signed as a rookie free agent out of Michigan State. In seven games, he has completed 19 of 29 passes with no touchdowns and one interception, including 0 for 2 with an interception in two games this season.
Brady has started every game beginning with last year's opener after suffering a season-ending knee injury in the first game of 2008.
The Patriots (8-2) list six other players as questionable for Thursday's game at Detroit: guard Stephen Neal (shoulder), cornerback Jonathan Wilhite (hip), defensive tackle Mike Wright (neck/concussion), running back Fred Taylor (toe), nose tackle Myron Pryor (back) and safety Jarrad Page (calf).
Browns QB McCoy not practicing with ankle sprain
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Browns rookie quarterback Colt McCoy has a dreaded high ankle sprain, an injury that sidelined Cleveland's other quarterbacks, Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, for weeks.
McCoy is not practicing after injuring his left ankle on a sack in the second half of Sunday's 24-20 loss at Jacksonville.
Browns coach Eric Mangini, normally ultra-secretive about injuries, confirmed on Wednesday that McCoy has a similar injury to the ones experienced by Delhomme and Wallace.
Mangini does not expect McCoy to be back this week, meaning Delhomme will start on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, his team for seven seasons. Mangini remains optimistic that McCoy won't be out as long as either Delhomme or Wallace, who made four starts when Delhomme was hurt.
Mangini said he's favoring Delhomme over Wallace this week because of the 35-year-old's familiarity with the Panthers (1-9).
Delhomme suffered a high ankle sprain in the season opener on Sept. 12, re-injured it on Oct. 10 against Atlanta and hasn't played since.
-- Tom Withers
Bills CB McGee leaves practice with knee injury
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills cornerback Terrence McGee has left practice because of a knee injury, and it's uncertain if he'll play against Pittsburgh this weekend.
The Bills did not update McGee's status following practice Wednesday, except to list him on their injury report with a knee injury.
McGee headed to the sideline during an individual drill. He was joined by a trainer and slowly walked down the sideline before being driven off in a cart.
He played as backup the past two games after missing five games while recovering from surgery to repair a nerve problem behind his knee.
Buffalo (2-8) is home Sunday against a Steelers team that is 7-3 and tied for the AFC North lead.
Cotchery, Lowery out for Jets, Woody questionable
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery will miss his second straight game as he recovers from a groin injury.
Cotchery has not practiced Wednesday, and is listed as out for the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night. He suffered a slight tear to his left groin at Cleveland on Nov. 14.
Backup defensive back Dwight Lowery also has not practiced and is out with a concussion.
Right tackle Damien Woody has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee and is listed as questionable. He was injured Sunday against Houston. Wayne Hunter will start if Woody can't play.
Also questionable are defensive backs Marquice Cole (left hamstring) and Drew Coleman (groin), who were limited at practice.
Vikings place Herrera on IR
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have placed right guard Anthony Herrera on injured reserve with a torn ACL in his left knee, ending his season.
The Vikings made the move on Wednesday, three days after he was injured in a 31-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Herrera started every game for the Vikings this season and is the emotional leader of the offensive line. Herrera says he actually played about four or five more plays after he was hurt.
The Vikings called up Patrick Brown from the practice squad to replace Herrera. They also signed defensive back Cary Harris to the practice squad.
Eagles' Samuel hobbled; Hobbs out for season
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Just when it seemed their defense was back on track, the Philadelphia Eagles are suddenly thin in the secondary.
Asante Samuel is hobbled and Ellis Hobbs is done for the year, so the Eagles signed cornerback Brandon Hughes off the New York Giants practice squad to add depth.
Hughes spent time last week pretending to be Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin while working with the scout team in practice. Now, he's playing with Maclin.
-- Rob Maaddi
Player Moves
Jaguars giving waiver-wire pickup Hill a shot
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jason Hill figured he would move across the country, get a fresh start and have plenty of time to get acclimated to his new team, new offense, new coaches and new teammates. Not quite.
With Mike Sims-Walker dealing with a high ankle sprain and Tiquan Underwood coming off a game in which he dropped two passes, the Jacksonville Jaguars are giving former San Francisco 49ers receiver a "good look" in practice. A third-round draft pick in 2007 who was claimed off waivers last week, Hill might even get some playing time Sunday when the Jaguars (6-4) play the New York Giants (6-4).
"I'm still learning, but I've got a couple more days to learn as much as I can," Hill said Wednesday. "I'm embracing it. I'm asking tons of questions, trying to get to know the guys. It's a fun experience. I kind of feel like a rookie all over again."
There's one major difference, though: Hill no longer has the expectations that come with being an early round draft pick or the pressures that come with playing in his hometown.
"That part is enjoyable," he said. "I'm away from my family. I get to focus a little bit more. Being from San Francisco, that was a big deal having my family near by. But getting away, it's like going to college all over again and starting off fresh. I had a great college career when I moved away, so hopefully I'll move away now and have a great rest of my career."
Hill caught 148 passes for 2,704 yards and a school-record 32 touchdowns at Washington State. The 49ers selected him with the 76th pick in 2007 — three spots higher than the Jaguars took Sims-Walker.
Hill caught 30 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns in his second season, but his progression was slowed by coaching, coordinator and quarterback changes.
He played for coaches Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary; worked under offensive coordinators Jim Hostler, Mike Martz, Jimmy Raye and Mike Johnson; and caught passes from Trent Dilfer, Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, Chris Weinke, J.T. O'Sullivan, Troy Smith and David Carr.
"It's just one of those things," Hill said. "You get a new GM, a new coach, new coordinators every year, changing quarterbacks. It was a number of things that went wrong in San Francisco. You could tell by the records we had. ... I haven't had the type of career that I wanted to have. I'm past that. I'm here now and I plan on making the best of this."
Hill might not have to wait long for a chance.
Sims-Walker sprained his right ankle against Houston and was inactive last week against Cleveland. Although coach Jack Del Rio was optimistic Sims-Walker could return to practice later this week and be able to play Sunday, it's unlikely he would even be close to full speed against the Giants.
Underwood, a second-year player, started in place of Sims-Walker against the Browns. But he dropped two passes and finished with one receptions despite five targets. He also muffed a kickoff.
"You can't worry about a guy being fragile," Del Rio said. "He's going to have to fight his way back. We put him in a spot. The spot was maybe a little too big for him. He didn't play well. He had an opportunity. He's going to have to fight his way back to get that opportunity again.
"We're not just going to keep handing a guy an opportunity that doesn't take advantage of it like that. He's a great kid, he's full of energy, loves to play. He'll work at it. He'll have to work his way back. But we're not just going to keep going to the same place."
Aside from leading receiver Mike Thomas and tight ends Marcedes Lewis and Zach Miller, the Jaguars don't have a lot of pass-catching options. Receivers Jarett Dillard and Nate Hughes are on injured reserve, special teams ace Kassim Osgood has just two receptions in the last six games, and newcomer John Matthews spent most of the season on the practice squad. So Hill has a chance.
"Everybody around the league has injuries. We're not any different than everybody else," quarterback David Garrard said. "Guys are banged up, but everybody's banged up. We're going to have to count on whoever's out there ready to make plays and I'm not going to see anybody any different. If they're open, I'm going to throw the ball to them."
-- Mark Long
Giants get Thomas on waivers, put Hedgecock on IR
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants have been awarded receiver Devin Thomas on waivers from the Carolina Panthers.
A former second-round draft pick of the Washington Redskins, Thomas is the second receiver signed by the Giants this week. They signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Michael Clayton on Tuesday, a day after leading receiver Hakeem Nicks had an emergency procedure to relieve pressure in his right leg.
To make room for Thomas on Wednesday, the Giants placed fullback Madison Hedgecock on injured reserve. He has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury against the Bears in early October.
Thomas appeared in five games with Washington and Carolina this season and did not have a catch. He returned 15 kickoffs with a 26.6-yard average.
Will Blackmon, who has returned punts and kickoffs for the Giants the past two games, did not practice on Wednesday because of a chest injury.
Thomas has 40 catches for 445 yards and three touchdowns in 35 career games.
Defensive end Justin Tuck, who had a career-best three sacks on Sunday against Philadelphia, did not practice on Wednesday because of a quad injury. He expects to play Sunday against Jacksonville.
Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Nicks is still expected to miss three weeks with his leg injury.
"He's optimistic about a speedy recovery," Coughlin said.
Tight end Jake Ballard and defensive back Woodny Turenne were signed to the Giants practice squad. Ballard was signed to the active roster on Saturday. He played as an extra tight end in Philadelphia and was waived when the Giants signed Clayton yesterday.
Turenne replaces Brandon Hughes, who was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles' active roster this week.
Battered Bengals promote S Miles
CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals have signed rookie safety Jeromy Miles from their practice squad in time for Thursday night's game with the New York Jets.
The Bengals earlier this week signed free agent defensive backs Jonathan Wade and Fred Bennett for their injury-depleted secondary. They put safety Chris Crocker on injured reserve Monday, and four other defensive backs are hampered by injuries.
Miles, from University of Massachusetts, played for the Bengals in all five preseason games after being signed as a college free agent.
The Bengals on Wednesday waived defensive end Victor Adeyanju, signed last week as a free agent. He didn't play in Sunday's 49-31 loss to Buffalo.
Elsewhere
Ochocinco bares almost everything in anti-fur ad
NEW YORK (AP) — Chad Ochocinco is baring it all — almost — in a new anti-fur ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Wearing nothing but a carefully placed football, the outspoken Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver has his tattoos on full display as part of PETA's "Ink, Not Mink" campaign. The ad will debut Friday.
Ochocinco calls himself an avid animal lover. He's certainly comfortable with exposure, with his reality shows, frequent tweets and "Dancing With the Stars" appearance.
PETA says the football in the photo is made from synthetic material, not leather.
