The first came late in the second quarter when defensive tackle Brentson Buckner hit Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer with a forearm to the throat well after Plummer had released a pass.

Buckner was called for roughing the passer. Plummer didn't miss a play, and the penalty helped set up one of Cedric Oglesby's three field goals.

Plummer said the only thing that hurt about Buckner's blow is that it caused him to bite his tongue. "I couldn't talk," he said. "That is the reason I was standing there trying to shake it off. My neck was fine. He didn't get me that bad in the neck."

"The Snake" was diplomatic after the game, saying he expects to be hit when he drops back to throw. "From what they say, from the replay it looked pretty vicious," Plummer said. "But the NFL will take care of it.

"He (Buckner) asked me if I was all right as he went back, kind of half-hearted, (saying) 'Are you OK? I got pushed into you.' I'm sure he knows he did wrong, and he'll probably get fined."

The replay showed that Buckner was not pushed and that he intentionally hit Plummer with a forearm.

The hit angered more than a few of Plummer's teammates. Buckner beat guard Leonard Davis on the play, and Davis was not pleased to see Buckner flatten Plummer.

"He beat me, but it was so late," Davis said. "The ball was gone. He took two or three steps and lowered the boom on (Plummer). It was uncalled for. I took it personally. I was more heads up, and anytime there was a cheap shot before the whistle, I was going to take it on him. ..."

But nobody was angrier than head coach Dave McGinnis, who said on Wednesday: "Several years ago that would have cleared benches in this league. That's just not the fiber and the fabric of this game and to have potentially lost two players on something like that, makes me mad, real mad. ..."

Other notes of interest. ...

Plummer hasn't been intercepted in his last 121 passes and has just one interception in his last 183 attempts. ... David Boston had seven catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers and leads the NFL with nine 100-yard games. The former Ohio State star has 96 receptions for 1,540 yards. ... As mentioned above, Oglesby, filling in for injured rookie Bill Gramatica, converted all three of his field goal attempts -- 41, 18 and 26 -- in Sunday's win.

And finally. ... Wide receiver MarTay Jenkins, who has been sidelined for two weeks by a sore ankle, returned to practice on Wednesday. ... "It was kind of sore," Jenkins said after the session was over. "But I just went out there and did the best I can to try to loosen it up. I should know a lot more [Thursday]. ..."

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Cardinals have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: M. Pittman, T. Jones, M. Shipp

FB: J. Makovicka, D. McKinley

WR: D. Boston, F. Sanders, M.T. Jenkins, A. Jackson, B. Gilmore

TE: T. Mitchell, S. Bush, L. Hart

PK: C. Oglesby

"We don't have any plans for Tony for next year," head coach Dan Reeves said while explaining the move to reporters. "Shawn Jefferson will be the one who will get more playing time, and we'll try to get Quentin McCord in the game and see how he does."

Martin, who helped the Falcons make their only trip to the Super Bowl in 1998, re-signed with the team in June after spending two years with the Miami Dolphins. The 36-year old, 13-year NFL veteran leads Atlanta with 548 yards receiving this year, despite missing four games with a broken collarbone. He ranks third on the Falcons with 37 catches and was tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions.

Martin rejoined Atlanta after getting a contract offer from Seattle coach Mike Holmgren. Tampa Bay, Washington and the New York Jets also pursued him.

Martin has 593 career receptions for 9,065 yards and 56 touchdowns.

Mills joined the Falcons as a rookie free agent out of Southern Mississippi in April and was signed to the practice squad Oct. 2 when the team released Eugene Baker. ...

Other notes of interest. ...

The Falcons entered last week's game against the Dolphins with all 53 players able to go through the week of practice and no players missing the game due to injury. ... That won't be the case this week after starting quarterback Chris Chandler was sidelined after injuring the elbow on his throwing arm in the second quarter. X-Rays taken shortly after he was hurt were negative, but the veteran signal caller did not return to the game. Rookie QB Michael Vick entered the game in his place.

Tight end Reggie Kelly injured his right upper rib cage early in the game. He did come back for a period before being sidelined. A combination of Alge Crumpler, Brian Kozlowski and Derek Rackley absorbed Kelly's responsibilities.

Chandler and Kelly missed Wednesday's practice and both are considered doubtful for this week's season closer. ...

As noted by Falcons insider Charles Odum, Vick committed three turnovers in relief of Chandler last Sunday, but the youngster still demonstrated considerable promise with 275 total yards. ... Vick and Brian Finneran have connected for 50- and 52-yard passes this year, including a 52-yarder Sunday. Terance Mathis had a 34-yard catch, his longest of the year. ... Derek Rackley became the team's third tight end with a touchdown catch -- his first career catch.

The Dolphins came away from the game singing Vick's praises. ... "With [Vick's] arm, he's just a freak of nature," Miami cornerback Sam Madison said. Teammate Jason Taylor added: "He had us dragging."

Vick said he could tell Miami, which entered with the NFL's top-ranked pass defense, was getting winded as the game wore on.

"I could see it in their eyes how tired they were,'' Vick said. "I scrambled around a couple of times, and they were huffing and puffing. They could hardly get a pass rush, and that allowed me to get back there and make some good reads, get the ball out of my hands and get it up-and-down quick to the receivers. ..."

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Vick is going to change the way the game is played. Sooner rather than later. ...

And finally. ... In an article published Sunday afternoon, SportsLine.com insider Jay Glazer reminded readers how Reeves said a few weeks ago that new team owner Arthur Blank told him he wanted to bring the coach back next year. Reeves also said he wanted to sign an extension as the game has again become fun for him.

However, when Blank had the chance to solidify Reeves' future to the players, he was rather vague. According to Falcons players, Blank told the team that Reeves would be a part of the organization next season but seemed to go out of his way not to say that Reeves would return as the coach.

"That stood out, he certainly didn't tell us that he was going to be our coach, he only said that Coach Reeves would be part of the organization next year," said one player who requested anonymity. "It seemed clear to us that he was avoiding committing to Coach to return in that role. We noticed it."

Reeves believes he will return as the coach next season. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Falcons have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: M. Smith, R. Thomas, T. Jervey

FB: B. Christian, G. Layne

WR: T. Mathis, S. Jefferson, B. Finneran, Q. McCord, S. Mills

TE: A. Crumpler, B. Kozlowski, D. Rackley, R. Kelly

PK: J. Feely

Which makes the following tidbit a vital piece of information: If Grbac plays for the Ravens next year, his salary-cap number will be $4 million. If Elvis Grbac is cut by the Ravens, his salary-cap number for the Ravens will be $4 million. ...

Billick continued to back Grbac after the former Chief tossed a pair of interceptions in last week's loss to the Buccaneers.

"If I did not have confidence in Elvis Grbac, he would not be my quarterback," Billick said.

And despite a five-sack beating administered by Tampa Bay's defense, Billick said team doctors assured him that Grbac was fine. Billick said he monitored Grbac closely, noting that he stuck with Grbac in an early season loss at Cleveland, only to find that he wasn't healthy enough to play.

While the coach wouldn't rule out possible changes to the team's offensive line, replacing one or two players wouldn't necessarily help a team that surrendered five sacks to Tampa Bay and 38 on the season. ... "If it were a single problem, that would be easy to do, but it's not," Billick said. "I can't just put five new guys in there. ..."

Other notes of interest this week. ...

Veteran halfback Terry Allen carried the ball 20 times for 74 yards in Tampa last week, giving him 155 yards in his last two games. ... Allen should continue to carry the load, but Jason Brookins isn't listed on the team's injury report this week after running with the scout team all last week. ... Keep an eye on this week's Late-Breaking Updates for more info on the team's plans at halfback. ...

One last note here. ... Second-year wide out Travis Taylor has pulled in eight catches for 117 yards -- including one touchdown catch -- over the past two weeks.

Week 17 Playoff Implications: Baltimore can clinch AFC playoff berth with EITHER win or tie against Minnesota next Monday night OR Seattle loss or tie OR New York Jets loss.

RB: T. Allen, M. Williams, J. Brookins, O. Ayanbadejo

FB: S. Gash, O. Ayanbadejo

WR: Q. Ismail, T. Taylor, B. Stokely, J. Lewis, P. Johnson

TE: S. Sharpe, T. Heap, J. Jones

PK: M. Stover

Johnson's tendency to get hurt and the $11.2 million he's scheduled to make in the final year of his contract are two major concerns, Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe said Wednesday.

Van Pelt's status is more secure, after filling in impressively for Johnson, who has missed the last half of the season with a broken collarbone.

"We definitely want Alex to be here and he's expressed to us that he wants to be here," Donahoe said, "We hope that he's found a permanent home here in Buffalo. And we're going to do whatever we can to try to keep him here."

With one game left, Sunday at Miami, the Bills have another major quarterback decision to make in the off-season.

Last February, the team put its faith in the young, strong-armed Johnson in releasing Doug Flutie, who is now in San Diego.

This February, the decision will be whether to keep Johnson.

"We all recognize Rob's ability, we all recognize his talent. He's had an unfortunate run here with injuries," Donahoe said. "Some may be within his control, some may be outside of his control but the injuries are definitely a factor."

As for Johnson's salary, Donahoe said he's already informed the quarterback and his agent David Dunn that the contract would have to be re-negotiated and extended because it's too expensive for the salary-cap strapped team to afford.

"Obviously for Rob to come back here, a couple of things have to happen," Donahoe said. "A: he has to want to be here. And B: something has to be done with his contract to make it feasible for him to be here. ..."

Also of interest this week. ...

In an article published Wednesday, AP sports writer John Wawrow reported that we can add Eric Moulds to the list of unhappy NFL receivers who think they can jump to professional basketball -- even if it means giving up multiyear contracts worth millions.

Frustrated by a losing season, Moulds said Wednesday that he is toying with the idea of giving up football to pursue his hoop dreams.

"It's definitely a possibility," Moulds said following practice. "I'd love to get my feet wet. If I have to go the NBA developmental league, I'd love to do that first. But that's a ways away. We're going to see what happens in this offseason and go from there."

Moulds' comments follow those made by Kansas City tight end Tony Gonzalez, who last week expressed interest in landing a 10-day contract with an NBA team this winter.

Moulds said he's spoken to Gonzalez on a number of occasions to exchange ideas of how to make the jump from one sport to the other.

Although Moulds became the third Bills player to surpass the 5,000 yards receiving plateau earlier this season, the former first-round draft pick has been unhappy, believing he's been an underused threat in Buffalo's offensive scheme.

His 61 receptions are well short of the 94 he had in setting a franchise record last season. And his 822 yards receiving rank second on the team behind Peerless Price.

Before he makes any decision, Moulds said he wanted to talk to head coach Gregg Williams in order to see what kind of improvements might be in store this off-season.

Williams said this was the first he had ever heard about Moulds' interest in playing basketball.

At 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds, Moulds is highly regarded for his athletic abilities and is one of the team's best leapers.

Moulds stressed that he enjoys football and playing in Buffalo, but always wondered how good of a basketball player he was.

"You're a competitor and you want to see if you could have done it a long time ago," Moulds said. "It's got to be the right situation. I'm not going to just jump at the chance because it's there.

"I'll just finish this last game and then make a decision then."

And a few final notes. ... Williams told reporters on Tuesday that running back Travis Henry has made "significant steps" in his return from a sprained knee. ... However, a decision on the rookie's status for Sunday's game against Miami won't be made until later in the week. ...

Even if Henry plays, Shawn Bryson is expected to get the bulk of the carries. ...

Bryson rushed for 107 yards against the Jets last Sunday, his second straight 100-yard game. He is the first Bill to post consecutive 100-yard games since Thurman Thomas in 1996. ... Tight end Jay Riemersma was a big factor in the win, catching a career-high eight passes. His 78 yards were eight short of his career high. ... Fullback Larry Centers extended his streak of consecutive games with a catch to 135. ... Centers also ran for a touchdown. Both of his rushing touchdowns this season have come against the Jets.

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Bills have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: S. Bryson, T. Henry, S. Morris

FB: L. Centers, P. Crosby

WR: E. Moulds, P. Price, R. Germany, J. McDaniel, A. Black

TE: J. Riemersma, S. Jackson, S. Osborne

PK: S. Graham

Weinke completed 36 of 63 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown. He threw one interception that led to an Arizona touchdown, and he had several other bad passes that fell incomplete, especially in the first half.

"You are going to have to throw the football that many times if you are behind," Weinke said. "But the consistency wasn't there in the first half, and that started with me. ... You look at the first half and there were some opportunities there for me to make some plays, and I didn't hit the open receiver. I've got to be able to deliver the ball to an open guy, and I wasn't able to do that on a consistent basis in the first half.

"It had nothing to do with the receivers. We threw the ball 63 times today. And when I threw it the way I was supposed to throw it, those guys made plays. It's tough to make the play if I throw the ball three yards over their heads or three yards to the outside of them."

According to one report this week, all the team's losses are starting to wear on Weinke, who was on the losing team only three times in his 35 starts at Florida State.

"What can I say? We've lost 14 straight games," Weinke said. "It's no secret. We didn't get it done. We haven't gotten it done the last 14 games. I'm not going to be able to sit here and say anything that's going to change the outlook on 14 straight losses because there is nothing that I can put into words that can describe how this football team is feeling right now.

"We kind of had the feeling that this would be the week that we would get it done. ..."

Other notes of interest this week. ...

Isaac Byrd will miss the season finale against the New England Patriots because of a concussion.

Byrd, who had started the past two games in place of injured Muhsin Muhammad, was hurt in the 30-7 defeat Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina's record-tying 14th consecutive defeat this season. ... Fellow starter Donald Hayes is expected to start and play as usual after spraining his right ankle against the Cards.

Byrd had 37 catches for 492 yards a touchdown this season. Because Muhammad is not expected to play again this week because of turf toe, Patrick Jeffers will make his first start in almost two years this Sunday.

Tight end Wesley Walls' knee might be worse than originally expected. According to the Charlotte Observer, an MRI showed a slight tear in his injured ACL. ... "The plan right now is to treat it and see how far he can go with it," head coach George Seifert said. "I guess he could play with a brace on. I wouldn't hold out any particular hope he would play this week. I'm suggesting he will not. They're just going to see how it responds now to treatment."

Seifert later added that surgery would indeed be an option if the knee didn't heal.

Walls, 36, was picked for his fifth Pro Bowl despite having one of the worst seasons of his career -- he has 43 catches for 452 yards and five touchdowns. ... Kris Mangum will get the start if Walls doesn't play against the Patriots this Sunday.

And finally. ... John Kasay missed field goals of 42 and 52 yards against the Cardinals, the first time he's had more than one miss in a game since missing three times against San Francisco on Nov. 8, 1998.

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Panthers have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: R. Huntley, N. Goings, B. Hoover

FB: B. Hoover, C. Hetherington

WR: D. Hayes, P. Jeffers, S. Smith, K. Hankton, M. Muhammad, I. Byrd

TE: K. Mangum, L. Broughton, C. Crawford, W. Walls

PK: J. Kasay

All in all, it's been a pretty good year in Chicago.

Head coach Dick Jauron will probably be granted a contract extension at the end of the year, rookie running back Anthony Thomas has surpassed 1,000 yards and receiver Marty Booker has set a team record with 94 receptions.

The Bears have also been able to sidestep major injuries with the exception of wide receiver Marcus Robinson, who's out for the season after blowing out his knee.

Booker has stepped in and become one of the league's top receivers, breaking Johnny Morris' single-season club record of 93 catches set in 1964.

Booker would like to get six more catches so he could hit 100, but that's not his priority.

"I still have a chance for that but the most important thing is to go out and win this next game so we get the division title," he said.

With a little help from Atlanta, the Bears could ensure home field advantage throughout the playoffs. If the Falcons upset St. Louis on Sunday and the Bears also win, Chicago would get all home games.

But right now, winning the division is what they're playing for Sunday. The game against the Jaguars is a makeup of a game postponed the second week of the season following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"We'd like to be 15-0, but 12-3 isn't bad," said Thomas, the ninth runner in Bears history to gain 1,000 yards.

"We've gotten ourselves into position where all we have to do is win our games. We don't have to rely on anyone else."

Other notes of interest this week. ...

Wide receiver Dez White was scheduled to have his strained hamstring re-evaluated on Wednesday and hopes to be ready for this Sunday's game against the Jaguars. White first injured the hamstring during practice last Friday and held out of the team's win in Detroit. ... Rookie David Terrell and D'Wayne Bates would continue to split time in his place if White can't play this weekend. ...

One last note. ... Starting tight end Fred Baxter suffered a sprained ankle in Detroit and is currently considered day to day. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: Chicago has clinched NFC playoff berth. Can clinch NFC Central division title and 1st round bye with EITHER win or tie against Jacksonville OR Green Bay loss or tie. Can clinch home field advantage throughout playoffs with win against Jacksonville AND St. Louis loss.

RB: A. Thomas, L. Johnson, J. Allen, A. Denson

FB: D. Shelton, S. Pritchard

WR: M. Booker, D. Terrell, D. Bates, D. White

TE: F. Baxter, J. Davis, D. Lyman

PK: P. Edinger

Facing the NFL's top-ranked defense, Cincinnati rolled up a season-high 544 total yards. ... QB Jon Kitna attempted 68 passes -- the third most in league history behind Drew Bledsoe (70) and Vinny Testaverde (69) -- and completed 35 for 411 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. His 35 completions were the second most in club history behind Ken Anderson's 40 on Dec. 20, 1982 at San Diego. ...

Wide receiver Peter Warrick had 10 catches for 109 yards. ... Place-kicker Neil Rackers missed field goals of 32, 28 yards and extra point before finally connecting on a 31-yard attempt in overtime. ...

Other notes of interest. ...

According to Seattle Times columnist Les Carpenter, Dick LeBeau has gone 8-19 as head coach of the Bengals, but that doesn't mean the team is looking to get rid of him. In fact, LeBeau feels confident president Mike Brown will bring him back for another year.

Given the way Cincinnati stuck with Bruce Coslet year after year despite horrendous records, he is probably right. Even though the team is 4-10, LeBeau contends the Bengals' 4-3 start this year showed improvement.

In an article published last Friday, ESPN.com insider Len Pasquarelli also wrote that LeBeau will probably be asked to make some changes on his staff. ... However, quarterbacks Ken Anderson and offensive line coach Paul Alexander probably aren't going anywhere since both men recently -- and very quietly -- signed two-year contract extensions.

And finally. ... In an article published last Monday, Pro Football Weekly reported that the Bengals -- in light of the way Steelers QB Kordell Stewart has developed with an offense built around his strengths -- are re-thinking the situation with Akili Smith, and they may try to do the same thing with him. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Bengals have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: C. Dillon, B. Bennett, C. Keaton, R. Johnson

FB: L. Neal, N. Williams

WR: D. Scott, P. Warrick, C. Johnson, D. Farmer, R. Dugans, T.J. Houshmandzadeh

TE: K. McMullen, N. Williams

PK: N. Rackers

It was the team's first win over the Titans in six meeting since re-entering the league. The Browns had lost the previous five meetings by an average of 16.6 points. ...

Before the day was over, quarterback Tim Couch had thrown for 336 yards and three touchdowns. ... Wide receiver Kevin Johnson had six catches for 70 yards, becoming the fourth Browns fourth wide receiver to top 1,000 yards in a season. ...

As CNN/SI insider Peter King noted this week, with 15 starters (at some point during the season) either on IR or unable to play due to injury last Sunday, and the game meaning absolutely nothing in the grand playoff scheme of things, head coach Butch Davis prepared his team to play a superb game.

King went on to note that Cleveland is 7-8 and it's hard not to respect the job Davis has done with a team that went 5-26 in its first two seasons. ...

Other notes of interest this week. ...

In an article published early last Sunday, Seattle Times columnist Les Carpenter noted that after Couch had three passes intercepted in Green Bay last week, the question around Cleveland was whether he truly is the team's quarterback of the future. ... Carpenter went on to point out that Couch started well this year, with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in the first eight games. But he had 13 passes intercepted in the last six contests and given that he is due an $8.7 million bonus after this year, there could be a chance the team will let him go as a free agent after the season. ...

Just for the record, most team observers believe it is far more likely that team officials with have to renegotiate Couch's deal rather than cutting him loose. ...

According to Pro Football Weekly, there have been some reports that veteran running back Ricky Watters could be headed to Cleveland next season as a free agent. But those who follow the team closely say Davis still believes in rookie James Jackson.

It's also worth noting that the Browns had a chance to obtain Watters in a trade before the season started, but never pulled the trigger. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Browns have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: J. White, B. Gay, C. Fair

FB: R. Monroe

WR: K. Johnson, Q. Morgan, D. Northcutt, J. Dawson, A. King

TE: O.J. Santiago, J. Moreland, A. Morrow

PK: P. Dawson

Rookie Quincy Carter played his best game as a pro, completing 15-of-25 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns. ... Wide receiver Joey Galloway had six receptions for 146 yards as Dallas enjoyed a huge advantage in time of possession while racking up 420 yards of total offense and 24 first downs.

In an article published Sunday afternoon, Dallas Morning News beat reporter Jean-Jacques Taylor noted that the Cowboys have spent the entire season trying to figure out whether they have a quarterback they can build around for the future. And they found out last Sunday that Carter clearly has the talent to play in the NFL.

He went on to note that Carter's career-high 241-yard output against the Niners wasn't a case of receivers making dazzling runs after short completions. Carter hit Galloway in stride on a 47-yard touchdown pass between two defenders. He also threw a 44-yard pass along the right sideline to Galloway, who was tightly covered on the play. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Cowboys have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: E. Smith, T. Hambrick, M. Wiley

FB: T. Hambrick, T. Witherspoon, J.J. Huggins

WR: J. Galloway, R. Ismail, R. Swinton, D. Chiaverini, K. Rambo, R. Williams

TE: J. Harris, M. Lucky, J.J. Huggins, M. Solwold

PK: J. Hilbert

QB Brian Griese returned after missing three games with a concussion and completed 19-of-26 passes for 142 yards with one touchdown while running for another score. ...

Wide receiver Rod Smith hit two milestones near the end of his outstanding season.

Smith broke the franchise record of 101 catches, set last season by Ed McCaffrey. Smith finished the game with 106 catches, and can add to his own record next Sunday at Indianapolis.

With his 12-yard TD catch in the fourth quarter, Smith tied Lionel Taylor, Haven Moses, Shannon Sharpe and McCaffrey for the franchise record with 44 TD receptions.

"I'll look back on it when the season's over, but (the season) is a failure," Smith said. "I don't feel like I personally failed. But as a group, we didn't reach the goal that we set out."

Other notes of interest. ...

According to reports out of Denver following last Sunday's win, Terrell Davis, the most prolific running back in Denver Broncos history, may have played in his last home game with the team.

Davis rushed for 89 yards and passed Floyd Little to become Denver's career leader in yards from scrimmage against the Raiders.

Afterward, the oft-injured running back walked out of Invesco Field at Mile High with little idea what his future holds.

There's widespread speculation the Broncos will be forced to drop Davis' pricey contract, which pays him $4.7 million in base salary next season -- especially with proven backs Mike Anderson and Olandis Gary as replacement options.

The Broncos restructured the current year of Davis' contract, which runs through 2006, before this season. Because of that restructuring, his salary cap figure for next year would be a whopping $8.7 million.

Davis, who said he hopes to remain with the team, insists he's not worried about playing for his future in Denver as the season winds down. The Broncos finish their season Sunday at Indianapolis.

"I'm dealing with the here and now," he said. "Anytime I go into a game, I just try to put my best foot forward and just give it all I have. Whatever happens, happens."

Davis, the NFL's MVP in 1998 when he rushed for 2,008 yards, has battled a spate of injuries since the 1999 season, when he tore a ligament in his right knee. This year alone, he has had surgery on both knees.

"I have to get to the point where ... I'm not rehabbing anything," he said, "Where I can work just strictly on building my strength and conditioning. That's what my goals are this offseason."

And finally. ... In an article published last Monday, Pro Football Weekly reported that the Broncos are saying place-kicker Jason Elam, who has had an excellent year except for his kickoffs, is their top free agent priority. ... However Elam -- who is likely to command an Olindo Mare-type deal averaging about $2 million on the open market -- acknowledges the possibility that he could be moving on with the Broncos facing the need to cut as much as $8 million in salaries this offseason.

Elam might feel differently had the Broncos attempted to re-sign him before the season, but they didn't, which has him at least thinking about some other teams -- one of which is Atlanta, where he lives during the offseason.

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Broncos have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: T. Davis, M. Anderson, K. Coleman

FB: T. Carter, P. Hape, D. Smith

WR: R. Smith, K. Kasper, C. Cole, S. Montgomery, P. McGeoghan, M. Dominguez

TE: D. Carswell, D. Clark, M. Dominguez

PK: J. Elam

Detroit has been blanked twice at home for the first time since an 0-11 season in 1942. ...

On a more positive note, fullback Cory Schlesinger had 11 receptions for 67 yards and wide receiver Johnnie Morton caught seven passes for 95 yards in Sunday's loss. ...

Team officials aren't dismissing the possibility of running back James Stewart playing this weekend against the Cowboys. Stewart spent last Sunday on the inactive list, but was scheduled to test his sprained right ankle in practice on Wednesday. ... The former Jaguar injured the ankle in the first quarter of the team's Week 15 game against the Steelers and did not return. It's the same ankle that sidelined the former first-round draft pick for four weeks earlier this season. ... Lamont Warren is the backup and would start again if Stewart is unable to play. ...

The word on McMahon isn't as good. ... According to the Detroit News, the former Rutgers star is likely to this week's season finale against Dallas. ... "I think there's a small possibility [that McMahon will play]," head coach Marty Mornhinweg said on Tuesday before admitting: "The odds are low."

Barring a miraculous recovery, Detmer will make his second start in a row this week.

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Lions have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: L. Warren, R. Droughns, A. Cason, J. Stewart

FB: C. Schlesinger, B. Olivo, S. Trejo

WR: J. Morton, B. Emanuel, S. Anderson, L. Foster, D. Howard

TE: D. Sloan, S. Trejo, B. Banta

PK: J. Hanson

That's exactly what the Vikings did last Sunday when they loaded up on the running game by putting an eighth defender near the line of scrimmage.

The Packers totaled only 56 yards rushing on 20 carries, and 31 of those yards came on a reverse by receiver Donald Driver.

Green -- who a week earlier gained 150 yards on 21 carries against Cleveland -- had 31 yards on 16 carries against the Vikings. Green Bay's other three running plays totaled minus-6 yards.

The lack of consistency in the running game so bothered head coach Mike Sherman that he reportedly drove to the office in the middle of the night on Sunday to watch the film again.

"It looked like it was a 9-on-7 drill -- a drill we have in camp with just the inside guys and the linebackers not playing the pass and just coming after you with everything they've got," Sherman said. "That's why the reverse was so effective. We probably should have run five of them."

Sherman said the reverse, which resulted in a touchdown, was so effective because the Vikings were over pursuing the run and bit on the first handoff to Green, who then handed off to Driver.

"If you want to stop the run, you can stop the run," Sherman said. "That was their intention."

The bottom line is this: Teams commit to stopping the Packers' running game because they can. They're willing to take their chances playing one-on-one coverage in the secondary against the Packers' receivers, who simply haven't come up with enough big plays to keep opposing defenses honest. ...

Other notes of interest. ... Even though he had a rough outing in the frigid cold, Favre improved his record to 29-0 at home when the game time temperature is 34 degrees or below. ... Favre did have one impressive series -- the series that essentially won the game for Green Bay -- in which he completed 5-of-5 passes for 72 yards. ...

And finally. ... Seattle Times columnist Les Carpenter confirmed what others have reported recently when he noted on Sunday that despite being on pace for the worst season of his career, Antonio Freeman seems to be more responsible this season. ... The veteran wide out only has 48 catches for 748 yards this year, but given the way he missed time last season with suspensions for tardiness, this is a vast improvement.

A bigger problem is the seven-year, $42 million deal he signed before the 1999 season. ... Chances are, Freeman will be asked to renegotiate. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: Green Bay has clinched NFC playoff berth. Can clinch NFC Central division title and first round bye with win at New York Giants AND Chicago loss.

RB: A. Green, D. Levens, H. Goodman

FB: W. Henderson

WR: B. Schroeder, A. Freeman, C. Bradford, D. Driver, C. Lee, R. Ferguson

TE: B. Franks, T. Davis, D. Martin

PK: R. Longwell

James, a former University of Miami star, has reportedly told numerous associates he doesn't like living in Indianapolis and he's done the rehabilitation on his surgically repaired right knee in South Florida, despite the Colts' objections.

A trade seems unlikely, however, because the salary-cap ramifications created by James' current contract would be difficult to handle.

A source said Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt is "interested" in obtaining either running back if available. ...

Other notes of interest. ...

The Colts have lost seven of their last eight games, including last Sunday's lopsided loss in St. Louis. In their latest defensive debacle, the Colts surrendered 483 total yards and 27 first downs. ... Over its last seven games, Indianapolis is surrendering 36 points per contest. ...

On a more positive note, wide receiver Marvin Harrison caught five passes for 96 yards, giving 100 receptions for the season. He's only the third player in NFL history -- joining Herman Moore and Jerry Rice -- to have three straight 100-catch seasons. ...

Harrison also extended his club-record streak to 90 consecutive games with a reception and has produced his third straight double-digit touchdown season (13), a feat that had only been previously accomplished in team history by former Colts running back Tom Matte. ... And the former Syracuse star has 26 100-yard receiving games, breaking Raymond Berry's team mark of 24.

And with 513 career receptions, Harrison has surpassed Green Bay's Sterling Sharpe (501) for the most in NFL history after six seasons. ...

According to Pro Football Weekly, quarterback Peyton Manning has been playing up his strong relationship with head coach Jim Mora recently, and most Colts observers believe Manning's words are not just lip service. Manning and Mora have always been close, and Manning has said he'd support the return of Mora as head coach next season.

Many observers believe that the verbal barbs thrown between the two through the media a few weeks ago were simply an argument between two friends, and that things have truly been patched up. That's a good sign for Mora, since Manning certainly will be given a major say as to who will coach the team next season, regardless of whether it's Mora or someone else.

One last note out of Indy tonight. ... Dominic Rhodes suffered a sprained ankle during last Sunday's loss to St. Louis and had an MRI performed on Tuesday. ... Rhodes is currently considered day to day, but those who follow the team closely expect the youngster to hit the field against the Broncos this Sunday, when he's likely to become only the sixth player in club history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in a season. ... So far this year, Rhodes has run for 963 yards.

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Colts have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: D. Rhodes, K. McDougal, S. Stith

FB: J. Finn, W. Ours

WR: M. Harrison, T. Wilkins, R. Wayne, T. Insley, T. Simmons

TE: K. Dilger, M. Pollard, J.D. Davenport, J. Snow

PK: M. Vanderjagt

"I've never told you guys my take on this organization and Tom Coughlin himself," said Hollis, one of four Jaguars left from the inaugural 1995 team. "I'm speaking for myself and maybe a few other people, but coming to work at this organization and things that Tom has done as far as rules and fines, it's very hard to come to work happy."

Coughlin's reputation as an unbending taskmaster prone to fines has been long documented. But Hollis is one of the very few to speak critically on the record about Coughlin. Most of the rest of the Jaguars have been reluctant because they fear retribution from the coach.

Hollis, who has missed nine of 27 field goals this year and is all but certain to become a free agent this offseason, has clearly lost his inhibitions.

He said one problem is that Coughlin isn't specific enough when he explains his long list of rules. He recalled one teammate being fined for wearing his overcoat too long in a hotel.

"We have a strict dress code in hotels, which is fine," Hollis said. "But you need to be more specific when you're talking about an overcoat being too long, that kind of foolishness. He lays down rules, but he's not specific enough with the rules, and then guys are getting fined for silly, petty things. I feel like I can say this now that I'm probably not going to be around."

Coughlin said he didn't remember fining a player for a long overcoat, but said it could have happened.

Hollis has been upset all season because he felt the Jaguars didn't make good on a promise to give him a new contract in the offseason. He came into the season as the third-most accurate kicker in NFL history, but he has struggled this year.

He doesn't blame the Jaguars or his contract situation for his problems.

"I'm not making any excuses," he said. "The way I kicked, I don't blame them one bit for not talking to me or re-signing me. That's my fault. I just hope I didn't hurt myself in the market. ..."

Other notes of interest this week. ...

The Jaguars activated troubled wide receiver R. Jay Soward on Wednesday, ending the receiver's third suspension of the season with just one game left.

But according to Coughlin, Soward -- the team's top pick in the 2000 draft -- will not play against the Chicago Bears this Sunday. He is only being activated because NFL rules state a team can suspend a player for only four games at a time.

Coughlin suspended Soward on Dec. 8 for violating undisclosed team rules. That came days after he returned to the team from two league suspensions for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. That caused him to miss the Jaguars' first 10 games.

During his league suspension, Soward spent three months in a South Florida substance abuse treatment facility and vowed upon his return to change. He practiced a week, did not play that Sunday and was then suspended by Coughlin, who is expected to cut Soward after the season. ...

Heading into the final week of the season, Coughlin still hasn't ruled out the possibility of Fred Taylor returning to action. ...

Despite Stacey Mack's success the past three weeks, Coughlin said last he wants Taylor to keep pushing himself on the practice field, and, if possible, get some action in Sunday's regular season finale against the Bears. ...

And as Florida Times-Union beat writer Bart Hubbuch noted, Coughlin still won't commit to the run unless Fred Taylor is the player running.

Coughlin showed a remarkable lack of faith in replacement Stacey Mack last Sunday, and it came back to haunt the Jaguars in their loss to Kansas City. Mack had 123 yards rushing in the first two quarters, then -- inexplicably -- was given only three more carries the rest of the way.

Coughlin's explanation was that the Jaguars were behind and needed to pass to get back in the game, but that didn't hold up upon inspection. The club's biggest deficit was only 10 points, and that was with a full 18 minutes left in the game.

There was no reason for Coughlin or the Jaguars to panic, especially against one of the NFL's worst rushing defenses, but that's exactly what Coughlin did. Even his own players were baffled by the play calling in the second half.

The more logical reason is that Coughlin has yet to regain his trust in Mack after two key fumbles in a loss to Seattle three months ago. Mack spent considerable time in Coughlin's doghouse after that and apparently still hasn't redeemed himself despite three consecutive 100-yard rushing performances in December. ...

And finally. ... WR Keenan McCardell had seven catches for 132 yards and a touchdown, surpassing 1,000 yards for the season. McCardell and Jimmy Smith are only the second tandem in league history to surpass 1,000 yards in the same season -- joining Minnesota's Cris Carter and Jake Reed. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Jaguars have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: S. Mack, E. Joseph, R. White, F. Taylor

FB: P. Washington

WR: J. Smith, K. McCardell, S. Dawkins, D. Gibson, R. Micah

TE: K. Brady, R. Prince, J. Zelenka

PK: M. Hollis

As Pasquarelli noted, Gonzalez wasn't considered a viable NBA prospect when he exited the University of California in 1997 after an inconsistent tenure when he wasn't even a full-time starter at power forward for the Bears hoops team. And it's going to take more than a handful of good performances in a summer league peopled with NBA players to catapult him into another echelon.

Or as Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi put it, Gonzalez jumping to the NBA is about as likely as Ozzy Osbourne jumping to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

And just in case there's any lingering doubt, when Pasquarelli asked five NBA coaches and general managers their opinion last week, they unanimously advised Gonzalez not to give up his day job.

Gonzalez might be disillusioned by the Chiefs' poor season, and by his own disappearance from the offense, but his chances of escaping from Kansas City -- and signing with a team that would make better use of his talents, like San Francisco, whose West Coast style would be more conducive to his skills -- are slim at best.

The general consensus among those who follow the team closely says if two sides haven't agreed to an extension by the middle of February, the Chiefs will simply slap the "franchise" designation on Gonzalez and then things will really get acrimonious. ...

Other notes of interest. ...

No. 2 tight end Jason Dunn is done for the season after suffering a dislocated elbow in Sunday's victory over the Jaguars.

Head coach Dick Vermeil confirmed Monday that Dunn, 28, will be unable to play. It remains to be seen if Kansas City places him on injured reserve and signs a player, perhaps from its own practice squad, for the one remaining contest. The rehabilitation time for such an injury is about six to eight weeks.

"Jason is an integral part of our running game so, from that respect, it's a big loss," Vermeil said. "He's done a nice job for us."

Indeed, while Dunn is not much of a threat in the passing game, his ability to seal the outside, and to sustain blocks against most defensive ends and strongside linebackers, has helped running back Priest Holmes become the NFL's second-leading rusher this season.

A five-year veteran, Dunn has played in all 15 games and started six, all in contests where Kansas City opened in a two-tight end set and he played in tandem with Tony Gonzalez. He has just four catches for 54 yards and one touchdown but has been a solid performer.

For his career, the former Eastern Kentucky standout has appeared in 70 games and has started 34 of them. He has 46 catches for 637 yards and five touchdowns.

Dunn began his career in Philadelphia, played three seasons for the Eagles (1996-98) and was out of the NFL in 1999. He signed with Kansas City as a free agent in 2000. ...

In his third game since signing with Kansas City, WR Eddie Kennison had six catches for 121 yards against the Jaguars. ... Holmes, who rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown, heads into this week's regular season finale with 1,438 yards on the season, leaving him seven yards behind Curtis Martin of the New York Jets for the league lead.

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Chiefs have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: P. Holmes, M. Cloud, D. Blaylock

FB: T. Richardson

WR: D. Alexander, M. Minnis, E. Kennison, D. Hall, R. Jones, L. Parker

TE: T. Gonzalez, M. Ricks, J. Dunn

PK: T. Peterson

Williams and James, according to several sources, have reiterated to friends and associates they wouldn't object to being traded to the Dolphins this offseason.

A radio report on Tuesday out of Austin, Texas, where Williams starred with the Longhorns, said Williams will push for a trade to Miami this offseason. Williams wanted to be traded last April after the Saints drafted running back Deuce McAllister in the first round. The Dolphins investigated the situation, but were turned down.

James, a former UM star, has reportedly told numerous associates he doesn't like living in Indianapolis. James has done his rehabilitation on his surgically repaired right knee in South Florida, despite the Colts' objections.

A trade seems unlikely, however, since both players are under contract and salary-cap ramifications would be difficult to handle.

A source said Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt is "interested" in obtaining either running back if available. ...

As Houston Chronicle columnist John McClain noted last week, at this time last year Lamar Smith was on his way to 1,139 yards rushing, 31 receptions and 16 touchdowns in his first season with the Dolphins.

After bouncing from Seattle to New Orleans and registering a career-high 680 yards with the Seahawks in 1996, Smith signed a two-year deal with Miami. He spent two seasons with the Saints and totaled 662 yards rushing. With Williams on board, Smith bolted for the Dolphins and led them to an AFC East title.

The 5-11, 224-pound Smith, who played for the University of Houston in 1992-93 before the Seahawks selected him in the third round, played the best game of his career in the wild-card playoff victory over Indianapolis.

In the 23-17 victory, Smith established career highs with 40 carries and 209 yards. He scored two TDs. He was the toast of Miami, and everyone figured he would sign an extension with the Dolphins in the offseason, but the two sides didn't come to an agreement.

Smith, 31, has been getting a lot of criticism because of his 2.9-yard average per carry. His 283 carries have generated only 810 yards because of an injury-depleted offensive line, and he's at the mercy of eight-man fronts designed to stuff the run and force quarterback Jay Fiedler to pass.

Heading into Sunday's game against the Bills, Smith needs 190 yards to reach 1,000 for a second consecutive season. If he regains the playoff form he embarrassed Indianapolis with last season, he might be in for a nice raise, but he's not going to break the bank. ...

It's also worth noting that Travis Minor got most of the carries against Atlanta last Sunday. The rookie compiled 98 all-purpose yards and a touchdown in the game, and may have overtaken Smith as Miami's featured back. ...

Despite a sore left hamstring, Oronde Gadsden played against Atlanta, catching three passes for 15 yards with a touchdown. Gadsden did not run full speed or jump during the game. "You saw how I was looking," Gadsden told reporters later. "I was just out there for the people in the locker room. I'm a team player. ..."

Gadsden and fellow wide out James McKnight both head into the closer listed as questionable. ... Gadsden with same sore hamstring that's bothered him for almost a month now and McKnight after suffering a concussion and a cut lip during Sunday's win over the Falcons. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: Miami has clinched AFC playoff berth. Can clinch AFC East division title with EITHER win against Buffalo and New England loss or tie OR tie and New England loss. Can clinch 1st round bye with EITHER win against Buffalo and New England loss or tie OR tie and New England loss and Oakland loss or tie.

RB: L. Smith, T. Minor, J.J. Johnson

FB: D. Dyer, R. Konrad

WR: C. Chambers, O. Gadsden, J. McKnight, J. Ogden, D. Ward

TE: H. Goodwin, J. Weaver, E. Perry

PK: O. Mare

Moss caught two passes for 10 yards, the second-lowest yardage output of his career, behind only a one-catch, six-yard performance against New Orleans in 1998. Fox television cameras captured him gesturing and speaking animatedly toward head coach Dennis Green; Moss did not speak to the media afterward.

The pair of receptions gave Moss 80 for the season, tying his career high set in 1999.

Carter, meanwhile, caught one pass for 11 yards, his fewest yards in a regular-season game since catching one pass for 8 yards against Detroit in 1997.

Carter appeared agitated on the sidelines in the early going but said he was not complaining about the play calling.

"I was frustrated when we had to call a timeout," Carter said. "I knew what the game plan was coming in. You adapt your mentality. It wasn't as if I'm getting a whole bunch of balls thrown at me, anyway. I'll block and do my part. I'm going to be just as effective blocking and running decoy routes as I was when I was the feature receiver."

Heading into what likely will be his last game with the Vikings, Carter has caught 68 passes. Unless he catches 10 passes against the Baltimore Ravens, Carter will finish with his fewest receptions in a season since 1992, when he missed four games because of a broken collarbone.

Carter joked last week about signing with the Packers this winter as a free agent, a move endorsed neither by Packers quarterback Brett Favre nor safety LeRoy Butler. Carter said Sunday he was not insulted by their reluctance.

It's probably worth noting that Carter talked one on one to Packers receivers coach Ray Sherman, the Vikings' former offensive coordinator, for about two minutes after Sunday's game. Later, the former Ohio State star expressed his fondness for Green Bay.

It started with a simple question: "Was this your last game at Lambeau Field?"

"I don't know that," said Carter, who caught just one pass for 11 yards against Green Bay. "I love playing here. It's the purest form of football in the National Football League.

"The fans, the team, the organization is absolutely great."

Much was made about Carter's comments in a conference call with Wisconsin media leading up to Sunday's game. A reporter asked Carter if he'd like to play in Green Bay. Carter somewhat surprisingly said, "Yes," though he laughed while saying it.

Nobody was sure if Carter was serious or not.

When he was asked to comment further after the game Sunday, Carter praised the Packers and the city of Green Bay in a sincere manner.

"It's like I'm going to my high school stadium," Carter said of Lambeau Field. "It's been great to play against (Green Bay) for 12 years, but I don't know (if this is my last game here). ... They have a tremendous situation here. ..."

Other notes of interest this week. ...

According to Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi, the most overblown story of the past five years is how Carter had taken Moss under his wing and turned him into a fine, upstanding human being. ... In hindsight, it looks like Moss has rubbed off more on Carter than vice versa. ...

It looks like the Vikings will finish the season in Baltimore with third-string quarterback Spergon Wynn under center for the second week in a row with Todd Bouman still nursing a very sore right thumb. In fact, Bouman said the thumb is actually in worse shape Monday than it was the day after he first sprained ligaments in it following their week 14 game.

"I don't know why it's not getting better. ..." Green told reporters Monday. "There is no reason to think it will come around now. I think that it appears to be a long-term ligament [healing] process. It just doesn't seem to be improving like he thought it would. I anticipate Spergon playing."

Rookie running back Michael Bennett was scheduled to have his bruised right heel re-evaluated on Wednesday. Bennett injured his foot against the Packers on Sunday, but stayed in the game and rushed for 104 yards on 25 carries. Green said Monday that he anticipates Bennett will be limited this week and that Doug Chapman will get extra work this Monday in Baltimore whether Bennett plays or not. ...

And finally. ... Fullback Jim Kleinsasser is listed as doubtful this week after aggravating an ankle injury from earlier this season against the Packers. Harold Morrow will start at fullback against the Raven Monday night if Kleinsasser can't play.

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Vikings have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: M. Bennett, D. Chapman, T. Prentice

FB: H. Morrow, J. Kleinsasser

WR: R. Moss, C. Carter, J. Reed, C. Walsh, T. Walters, N. Jacquet

TE: B. Chamberlain, A. Jordan

PK: G. Anderson

Media critics were so harsh that one suggested the 6-2, 228-pound Smith would be more productive by merely falling forward than actually trying to fight for yards.

Smith, who played for the Houston Cougars in 1995-96, stewed privately while the quarterback controversy between Doug Flutie and Rob Johnson raged out of control in what would be coach Wade Phillips and general manager John Butler's last seasons with the Bills.

Smith had been Buffalo's No. 1 pick in 1997, and he rewarded Butler's confidence in him by rushing for 840 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie and 1,124 yards and eight touchdowns in his second season.

Smith's role was diminished in 1999 when he ran for 614 yards and seven touchdowns. He bottomed out last season when he gained 354 yards and caught a career-worst three passes for 20 yards.

To show how bad things were for Smith in what would be his fourth and final season with Buffalo, 43 players rushed for more yards and 311 caught more passes.

Smith, 29, resides in Houston in the offseason. In retrospect, new Bills head coach Gregg Williams did him a favor by not bringing him back. Smith's style didn't fit the West Coast system Williams had installed.

Patriots honcho Bill Belichick had coached against Smith so he knew what the former Bill was capable of doing. New England didn't have money to spend on high-priced free agents, but Smith was looking for opportunity more than money. The Patriots got him for the bargain-basement minimum of $425,000.

A lot of people call Oakland receiver Jerry Rice the free-agent acquisition of the year, but not so.

With one game remaining against Carolina, Smith has rushed for 1,076 yards, a four-yard average, and 11 touchdowns. He also has 19 catches for 192 yards (10.1 average) and a touchdown. Imagine what he could have done if he'd played more in the first three games when the Patriots were 1-2.

Smith's finest performance was his last one. In the Patriots' 20-13 victory over Miami that moved them into first place in the AFC East with a 10-5 record, he carried 26 times for 156 yards and a touchdown.

Smith, who has shown the burst and breakaway speed that impressed defenses during his first two years with the Bills, is running like a wild stallion that has escaped from a corral.

In a perfect world, Antowain Smith would lead the Patriots to the Super Bowl and then return home to Houston after signing a multimillion-dollar contract with the expansion Texans. But it won't happen. The Texans don't plan to spend big bucks on free agents, especially a running back who will be 30 next season.

Smith has played too well this season for the Texans to get him the way the Patriots did. The best thing for Smith is to re-sign with the Patriots. He's more valuable to them than any team. He has answered the problem at running back that has existed since Robert Edwards blew out his knee in a beach football game at the Pro Bowl following his rookie season. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: New England has clinched AFC playoff berth. Can clinch AFC East division title with EITHER a win at Carolina OR tie and Miami loss or tie OR Miami loss and New York Jets loss or tie. Can clinch 1st round bye with EITHER win at Carolina and Oakland loss OR tie and Miami loss or tie and Oakland loss or tie.

RB: A. Smith, K. Faulk, J.R. Redmond

FB: M. Edwards, P. Pass

WR: D. Patten, T. Brown, T. Glenn, C. Johnson, F. Coleman

TE: R. Rutledge, J. Wiggins, A. Love

PK: A. Vinatieri

"Right now we're kind of fragile," head coach Jim Haslett said Monday at his weekly news conference. "We haven't done a very good job of overcoming adversity the last three weeks."

New Orleans was 7-5 and in strong contention for an NFC playoff berth before it lost to the St. Louis Rams, 34-21, three weeks ago. The Saints still controlled their postseason fate until a 48-21 loss at Tampa Bay two weeks ago in a game that was practically decided on the opening kickoff.

Then 24 hours after being mathematically eliminated from playoff consideration, the Saints yielded the final 40 points of the game in a 40-10 loss to the Washington Redskins last Sunday night.

"Last year we were a team when something bad happened to us we just fought through it and we made something positive out of something bad," Haslett said. "These last few weeks when something goes wrong we haven't done a very good job of that.

"It's like, 'Oh, no. Here we go again. What else can go wrong?' It kind of accumulates. When negative things happen to you, you have to learn to overcome them and keep moving on."

Haslett said it's too early to assess what went wrong this season because the Saints still have to play San Francisco in the season finale Sunday in the Superdome.

"Any time you go through a three-game losing streak there are a lot of 'whys' and 'what ifs' and 'what's wrong?' " Haslett said. "I think that's something you assess when the season's over -- where you're at personnel-wise, where you're at coaching-wise, where you're at in every aspect of the organization.

"We'll see who wants to be around here next year. We're going to evaluate our players. We'll find out who wants to play and who doesn't want to play. I think the most important thing is to try and take care of business this week. We'll see what happens when the season's over."

Haslett said the Saints will treat the game against the 49ers as they would any other, even though it has no postseason implications for New Orleans.

"We're going to go try and win the game," he said. "That's the most important thing. Anything I do in life I want to win. If I play basketball against my kid I'm going to beat him. He knows. He's not going to like it.

"So if I ever play in a game I'm going to try and win. We're going to try and win this game. That's what we're here for. Now, we've got to play smarter and we've got to play better than we've played the last three games."

Haslett said he doesn't think any part of the team can blame any other part for the drop-off.

"I don't think you can point too many fingers because the offense, defense and special teams have all had their hand in everything," he said. "You can spread the wealth around."

Haslett apologized for quarterback Aaron Brooks leaving the locker room without answering questions after his three-interception performance.

It was the second time this season Brooks didn't stay around to answer questions after a loss.

"That's something we'll talk to Aaron about," Haslett said. "He's still a young kid and he's growing up. I would love to have him be more of a leader and stand up and take some of the heat. He will do that in the future. I promise you that. ..."

Also of interest. ...

A radio report on Tuesday out of Austin, Texas, where Ricky Williams starred with the Longhorns, said Williams will push for a trade to Miami this offseason. Williams wanted to be traded last April after the Saints drafted running back Deuce McAllister in the first round. The Dolphins investigated the situation, but were turned down.

And even though a source said Dolphins head coach Dave Wannstedt would be "interested" in obtaining either Williams or Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James if possible, a trade is reportedly unlikely since both players are under contract and salary-cap ramifications would be difficult to handle. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Saints have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: R. Williams, D. McAllister, F. McAfee

FB: T. Smith, M. Norris, K. Houser

WR: J. Horn, W. Jackson, R. Wilson, W. McGarity, O. Ojo

TE: E. Williams, L. Hall, J. Mitchell,

PK: J. Carney

After reviewing New York's last-play hook-and-ladder trickery, the Giants and league statisticians agreed that Ron Dixon was tackled by Damon Moore at the Philadelphia four-yard line instead of the six as time expired Sunday. The Eagles won 24-21 to clinch the NFC East title -- their first since 1988.

On a play that started at the New York 20 with seven seconds remaining in Philadelphia, Kerry Collins threw a 14-yard to Tiki Barber. The halfback made a lateral to Dixon coming across the field, and the speedy receiver turned the left corner and almost scored. ...

As New York Newsday beat writer Neil Best noted following Sunday's game, Kerry Collins has been playing inspired ball over the last three weeks after leading the Giants to back-to-back comeback victories and then posting a solid game against the Eagles. He finished 22-for-39 for 301 yards, and again looked poised under pressure late in the game. ...

Despite a stellar effort in which he posted a total of 208 all-purpose yards, including 71 on the ground and 87 receiving, Barber was responsible for two big errors in the first half, fumbling one ball and dropping a key third-down pass. ...

According to Pro Football Weekly, wide receiver Ike Hilliard isn't likely to be 100 percent against Green Bay this Sunday after re-injuring his toe two weeks ago. ... There is a chance Hilliard will have to undergo further surgery on the toe after the season. ...

And finally. ... Joe Jurevicius, who suffered bruised ribs during last week's game, finished the contest, but was held to only one catch for 18 yards. ... Barber also remained in the game after suffering a mild ankle sprain. ... Neither man is included on this week's injury report. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Giants have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: T. Barber, R. Dayne, D. Washington

FB: G. Comella, A. Green

WR: A. Toomer, I. Hilliard, J. Jurevicius, R. Dixon, T. Davis, J. Carter

TE: H. Cross, D. Campbell, M. Rivers

PK: M. Andersen, O. Pochman

Here's how King saw it: "With 13 seconds remaining and the Jets driving for the winning touchdown with no timeouts left, Testaverde executed the play he said was sent in from Hackett: He threw a shallow cross across the middle to Curtis Martin. What an idiotic play. It allowed the clock to run down to zero just as Testaverde made a desperation throw that went incomplete beyond the end zone. There is no excuse for a play to be called that would dump the ball over the middle like that with the clock running out and no timeouts left. But there is no excuse for Testaverde to throw the ball to a receiver who can't get out of bounds unless there's a great chance he's going to score; there certainly would be second and third options closer to the sidelines on such a play. Testaverde just has to know better. That play might cost the Jets a playoff berth. ..."

Testaverde insisted on Wednesday that he is getting along just fine with Hackett. And the veteran signal caller added that he didn't mean to sound so harsh the other day when he questioned the offensive coordinator's play-calling and communication skills.

An irked Testaverde said his remarks about the offense's performance at the end of Sunday's loss to the Bills were misconstrued.

"I saw the headlines that said I was blaming coach Hackett for what happened in the game and that really wasn't the case," Testaverde said Wednesday. "When I talked to everybody on Monday afternoon, I talked about a lot of things, such as it should not have come down to the end of the game."

Testaverde said he most regretted using the word "unprepared" regarding the team's inability to get off an effective final play after Martin was tackled. More appropriate would have been "surprised," he said.

"We are definitely all at fault for not being able to perform better, but by no means is the relationship between coach Hackett and I any different than it was before the game. We have always had a good working relationship and it remains that."

It didn't sound that way after Sunday's game denied the Jets a playoff berth. Now they must win at Oakland on Sunday or have Seattle lose at home to Kansas City.

After the defeat, Testaverde wondered about the play call with 13 seconds to go.

"All I'm going to say is the play came in from the sideline, and we executed it the best we could," Testaverde said last Sunday. "I'm not going to say 'What if,' because then it looks like I should be calling the plays and whatever play came in was wrong. You guys can make your own decision based on what happened."

A day later, Testaverde explained he wasn't aware he had the option of changing such calls; something Hackett said always is available to the quarterback.

"I read somewhere in the papers I had the authority to change the plays," Testaverde said Monday. "I didn't know that yesterday. I know that today. Maybe things would be different. Having a better feel for what is going on the field, I would have done that."

Head coach Herman Edwards spoke with his quarterback and his offensive coordinator on Wednesday. Edwards insisted the team won't be distracted by any perceived split between Testaverde and Hackett.

"It is settled and he understands how I feel and I understand how he feels - and how Paul feels," Edwards said. "All three of us are on the same page. We are making this bigger than the game and the football team, and it is not."

At 38, Testaverde certainly has the experience to make adjustments on the field. Although he is in his first season of a West Coast system, Testaverde is a quick study.

He also has been considered a strong team leader, and is one of the few Jets who is willing to speak his mind. Or speak at all.

"I went to talk to (Edwards) because it bothered me a little bit after looking at the papers," Testaverde said. "I wanted to clear things up as to my intention, that maybe you are assuming I am saying bad things, but I am not.

"My intent was to give the picture so you can understand it," he told reporters in an impromptu news conference. "I hear you get upset with guys in the locker room who don't talk to you or not being in the locker room. You are given an opportunity to explain yourself and that is what I am doing. ..."

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Jets can clinch AFC playoff berth with EITHER win or tie at Oakland OR Seattle loss or tie. Can clinch AFC East division title and 1st round bye with win at Oakland AND New England loss and Miami loss.

RB: C. Martin, L. Jordan, C. Morton

FB: R. Anderson, J. Sowell

WR: W. Chrebet, L. Coles, K. Swayne, S. Moss, M. Hatchette, C. Yeast

TE: A. Becht, J. Dearth, D. Wilcox

PK: J. Hall

"That's the place for him to be, because family is most important," head coach Jon Gruden said. "We've got to plan for him not being here. If there's any way for him to be here, he will."

Rice, selected as an alternate to the Pro Bowl on Wednesday, is Oakland's second-leading receiver with 71 catches for 973 yards, just short of his 13th season with 1,000 yards receiving.

Gruden also said kicker Sebastian Janikowski was checked into a hospital for cellulitis, a swelling condition, in his kicking foot.

Janikowski, also a Pro Bowl alternate, missed two games last year with the same condition.

"He'll remain in the hospital for a day or two and hopefully this thing will clear up and he'll be ready to go on Sunday," Gruden said.

The Raiders have made inquiries into signing another kicker as early as Thursday. ...

Other notes of interest this week. ...

Gruden told reporters he respects Rich Gannon's opinion, even when he thinks the veteran quarterback is completely wrong.

After the Oakland Raiders lost 23-17 to Denver on Sunday to blow their shot at home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, Gannon vented his frustration over the Raiders' five weeks of inconsistent play.

To make a long diatribe short, Gannon said the Raiders lack discipline and attention to detail. A day later, Gruden respectfully disagreed.

"Rich Gannon can say what he wants to say. I respect his opinion, but his opinion isn't the only one on this football team," Gruden said Monday.

"There were some excellent signs of effort and discipline from this football team yesterday. When you lose, people are going to be emotional, and they're going to say what they feel. I respect what every man has to say."

Gruden and Gannon are workaholics who pride themselves on obsessive preparation, which must have made Gannon's comments sting his head coach.

Wide receiver Tim Brown also disagreed with Gannon's statements after Sunday's game, in which the Raiders made a final drive that died with an interception at the goal line.

Like Gruden, Brown interpreted Gannon's comments as a backhanded slap at the team's mental state, which is partly determined by the way in which the coaches prepare the players.

"That's not what we need to be talking about," Brown said. "We need to be talking about turnovers and penalties and all that kind of stuff. That's why we lost this game. ..."

In an article published last Monday, Pro Football Weekly pointed out that Tyrone Wheatley, who led the NFL's top rushing attack last season, has slowly been phased out of the Raiders' offense this year. ... Gruden has been turning to the passing game more often with Rice, free agent acquisitions Charlie Garner and Roland Williams giving the Raiders more options than the usual heavy dose of Brown.

Wheatley was outwardly disgruntled after losing his starting job in Week Five to Garner but now says he is abiding by the hierarchy and practicing as if he's the starter in case his number is called. Wheatley compares his career to the stock market, which has its ups and downs, but believes he will rebound. ...

But it ain't gonna happen this year. ...

According to the Contra Costa Times, Gruden said the Raiders had no new injuries following the loss to Denver. However, Gannon said his neck was sore from the hit he took from Bill Romanowski in the first quarter. "That was a career hit," said Gannon, who fumbled on the play. ...

And finally. ... CNN/SI insider Peter King believes Rice has decided to return for at least one more season with the Raiders. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: Oakland has clinched AFC West division title. Can clinch 1st round bye with EITHER win and either New England win or Miami loss or tie OR tie and New England loss and Miami loss.

RB: C. Garner, R. Jordan, T. Kirby, T. Wheatley

FB: J. Ritchie, Z. Crockett, J. Williams

WR: T. Brown, J. Rice, J. Porter, M. Knight, J. Jett

TE: R. Williams, J. Brigham, M. Fulcher

PK: S. Janikowski

Pressure? McNabb didn't feel any, and he made sure his teammates didn't either.

When the Philadelphia Eagles needed McNabb most, he came through, leading the offense to 10 points in the final 2:33 of Sunday's NFC East-clinching 24-21 victory over the New York Giants.

"He responded like a champion, like he always does," wide receiver James Thrash said. "He just continues to amaze me out there on that field, how calm he is. Every situation that we have been in up to this point, regardless of the circumstances, he is always well poised, smiling. When he comes into the huddle smiling, he calms everybody down. We just want to go out there and play for guys like that. I know I do. The whole offense revolves around Donovan and he just calms everybody down. He's the general."

McNabb finished 21-of-39 for 270 yards, three TDs, one interception, plus a team-high 48 yards rushing against the Giants. His fourth-quarter heroics were the kind that set elite quarterbacks apart from the others.

First, McNabb threw a 57-yard TD pass to Thrash that gave the Eagles a 14-10 lead less than a minute into the fourth. After the Giants took a 21-14 lead with 2:48 left, McNabb delivered again.

He drove the Eagles 67 yards in 54 seconds, throwing a seven-yard TD pass to Chad Lewis that tied it at 21-21 with 1:53 left.

After New York went three-and-out, McNabb moved the Eagles 54 yards in the final minute to set up David Akers' 35-yard game-winning field goal with 7 seconds left.

He was 5-of-9 for 88 yards passing, and ran three times for 20 yards in the last two drives.

"He was extremely confident, he's a warrior," Lewis said. "He was looking everyone in the eyes, saying 'Let's go, let's go.' There was no hesitation in his game at all. He was a leader, he was fearless. I think everyone on the team drew energy from looking at his eyes in the huddle."

McNabb was an unpopular choice when the Eagles selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1999 draft. The fans wanted running back Ricky Williams. But nobody is booing McNabb anymore.

He led the Eagles from worst to first in just his second full season as a starter. The last time the Eagles won the NFC East in 1988, McNabb was a 12-year-old growing up in Chicago.

"We're NFC East champions no matter how you look at it," McNabb said, his sarcasm aimed at critics who jeered him on draft day and doubted him ever since.

McNabb had a breakout season last year, finishing runner-up to Marshall Faulk for NFL MVP and leading the Eagles into the second round of the playoffs.

But Philadelphia's success last year came against a last-place schedule, and McNabb regressed this season. He struggled with his accuracy, was reluctant to run and unwilling to take chances at times.

In Philadelphia's five losses, McNabb played poorly. The low point was a 13-3 defeat to Washington on Nov. 25. McNabb was 15-of-27 for a career-low 92 yards passing.

After three straight victories, the offense struggled again in a 13-3 loss to San Francisco two weeks ago. McNabb threw an interception from the 1-yard line that killed a potential go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter.

But it all came down to his performance against the Giants, the team that has given McNabb the most trouble. With the game -- and perhaps the season -- on the line, McNabb stepped up, just like Joe Montana and John Elway, Steve Young and Brett Favre, quarterbacks who have excelled in the West Coast offense the Eagles play.

"Through all the pressure, he evolved and matured," head coach Andy Reid said. "He really showed what he was all about. I told you before that he is one of the more competitive guys that I've been around. Sometimes that's hidden by his great sense of humor and demeanor. There's a fighter in there. ..."

Also of interest this week. ...

The Eagles head into Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with a number of key offensive skill players on their injury report, including Thrash and tight end Chad Lewis, who are both listed as doubtful.

Reid said on Wednesday that Lewis would miss Wednesday's practice in order to have an abrasion on his eye examined by a specialist. ... At this point Reid is likely to sit both Lewis and Thrash, who also missed Wednesday's practice, out of Sunday's game as a precautionary measure.

The status of running backs Duce Staley, listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, and Correll Buckhalter is less certain. ... Keep an eye on this week's Late-Breaking Updates for further news regarding both players. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: Philadelphia has clinched NFC East division title. Will host Tampa Bay on Wild-Card Weekend.

RB: D. Staley, C. Buckhalter, B. Mitchell, R. Smart

FB: C. Martin, J. Reader

WR: T. Pinkston, F. Mitchell, N. Brown, G. Scott, D. Douglas, J. Thrash

TE: J. Thomason, T. Stewart, M. Bartrum, C. Lewis

PK: D. Akers

Bettis, the NFL's rushing leader earlier this season, has missed four games with a groin injury. He would like to get some carries before the playoffs, but while he said that "would be nice, it's not necessary."

Bettis, listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Cleveland, hasn't played since Dec. 2 against Minnesota.

Because the Steelers have a first-round bye and won't play again until Jan. 19 or 20, Bettis would go a month and a half without game action if he doesn't play Sunday.

Even if he does play, it probably won't be for long. The Steelers have clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, and head coach Bill Cowher probably won't play most of his starters past the first half.

Despite missing a fourth of the regular season, Bettis was chosen Wednesday for the Pro Bowl for the fifth time. He also was picked in 1993, 1994, 1997 and 1998.

"It's a great individual honor, but at this stage of the season I'm concentrating on something else," said Bettis, who has never played in the Super Bowl in nine NFL seasons. ...

Other notes of interest this week. ...

Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress might not be household names yet, but they already have joined the ranks of former Pittsburgh Steelers greats.

Ward owns the Steelers season record with 90 receptions, breaking Yancey Thigpen's 1995 standard of 85. He and Burress have combined for 153 catches, snapping the 16-year-old record of 134 set by John Stallworth and Louis Lipps.

"For Plaxico and I to go out there and pass Stallworth and those guys, it is a big honor to even be a part of that, especially being on a predominantly running team," Ward said.

The two remain in the running to become the only Steelers receivers to each finish with 1,000 yards in the same season. Ward has compiled 971 yards; Burress 960 on 63 receptions. ...

And finally. ... Amos Zereoue is listed as questionable heading into Sunday's game against the x after suffering a shoulder injury during the first quarter of the team's loss to the Bengals. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: Pittsburgh has already clinched the AFC Central division title and home-field advantage throughout playoffs.

RB: J. Bettis, C. Fuamatu Ma'afala, A. Zereoue

FB: J. Witman, D. Kreider

WR: H. Ward, P. Burress, B. Shaw, T. Edwards, L. Jackson

TE: J. Tuman, M. Cushing, C. Geason

PK: K. Brown

The only question is: Who should win it this year?

A few weeks ago, the Rams coach made a case for Kurt Warner, the quarterback who won the award in 1999.

"The great players step forward, and that's certainly what he's done," Martz said Dec. 20. "It's hard to imagine a guy more deserving of the league MVP than Kurt."

Running back Marshall Faulk, last season's winner, scored four touchdowns Sunday in a 42-17 rout of the Indianapolis Colts, greatly improving his chances to repeat as MVP.

Martz hasn't backed off his endorsement of Warner, but he's billing the duo as Misters December, and says it's hard to imagine anyone other than those two winning.

"I think they're the two best players in the league right now," Martz said Monday. "I would think one of them has to win, but again I'm biased."

There is a chance they'll cancel each other out and clear an opening for Brett Favre or Kordell Stewart. It's tough to say who is more valuable to the Rams, let alone the league, or which player the Rams would stick with if they let one go for say, salary cap considerations.

Warner has 15 touchdown passes and only four interceptions in December, leads the NFL in passer rating, and has broken his two-year-old team record with 4,550 passing yards.

With 253 yards passing in the regular-season finale Sunday against the Falcons, just an average day, Warner could surpass Dan Fouts' 1981 total of 4,802 yards and post the second-highest season yardage total in NFL history.

Even if he doesn't play in the finale, Warner's yardage total is the ninth-best in league history. He has nine 300-yard passing games this season, tying an NFL record and matching his showing from 1999, his MVP season.

Warner has an NFL-high 33 touchdown passes, two shy of hitting the NFL's career top 10, and 19 interceptions. He's completed 67.8 percent of his passes, by far the best in the league and to Martz's way of thinking Warner's "truly remarkable" statistic.

"I didn't realize some of his numbers were as substantial as they are," Martz said.

Seven of his interceptions came in a two-game midseason span when Warner's sprained thumb, an injury sustained in the season opener, was particularly bothersome. Since he received a cortisone injection Nov. 17, he has 19 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.

Despite missing two games with a knee injury, Faulk is second in the NFL in combined rushing-receiving yardage. He needs 79 yards in the season finale against the Falcons to become the fourth player in league history with four straight 2,000-yard seasons, and he's only 79 yards behind league leader Priest Holmes of the Chiefs.

Of course, there's always that nose for the end zone. Faulk leads the NFL with 122 points, and on Sunday he joined Emmitt Smith (1994-95) as the only players with back-to-back 20-touchdown seasons.

He has 58 touchdowns since joining the Rams in 1999, tying Eric Dickerson for the franchise record, and Dickerson needed five years. Plus, with 109 career touchdowns he's tied for ninth with Barry Sanders on the NFL career list.

"Obviously, I think we've got the best quarterback and the best running back in the game," tight end Ernie Conwell said. "I think when you look at all the characteristics of what MVPs are made of, these two guys exude it."

On the down side, Faulk has feasted a bit on inferior competition, piling up 385 yards -- his two biggest games -- in two games against the 1-14 Panthers.

Martz left both of his stars in until the end Sunday, but not to pad their statistics. He wanted them to be on the field when the Rams clinched the NFC West and a first-round playoff bye, and didn't mind the injury risk or the perception that perhaps he was rubbing it in.

"These guys have been so intimately involved with where we are, you'd like to leave them in the game and let them be in the game when you win it all," Martz said. "I think it's important to them. ..."

Also of interest. ...

According to St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bernie Miklasz, Martz would like to see Faulk hit that 2,000-yard mark. ... He probably wouldn't mind Warner pick up that record-setting tenth 300-yard game, either. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: St. Louis has clinched NFC West division title and 1st round bye. Can clinch home field advantage throughout playoffs with EITHER win or tie against Atlanta OR Chicago loss or tie.

RB: M. Faulk, T. Canidate, R. Holcombe

FB: J. Hodgins, J. Watson

WR: T. Holt, I. Bruce, A. Hakim, R. Proehl, Y. Murphy

TE: E. Conwell, J. Robinson, B. Manumaleuna

PK: J. Wilkins

Riley, who never held an NFL job before being hired by then-general manager Bobby Beathard in January 1999, was fired by GM John Butler hours after the Chargers lost 25-22 to Seattle, finishing the collapse that left them with a 5-11 record. San Diego's season is finished because it has a bye the final week.

"It just came down to the bottom line, and that's winning football games," Butler said at a news conference. "Unfortunately, that didn't take place as much as we'd hoped this year, and in previous years."

While Butler and team president Dean Spanos were grim-faced, Riley was his usual pleasant self when he met with reporters a short time later.

When asked what he accomplished, Riley said: "I don't know, but I did it my way. I treated people the way I wanted to, and I coached the team the way I wanted to. I feel good about that."

After Butler and Spanos told Riley he was fired, Riley said he thanked Spanos for the opportunity to coach in the NFL.

"The best deal in a thing like this is to be grateful," Riley said. "I told Dean Spanos, 'Not many people get a chance like this.' "

The only coach from Riley's staff who will be retained is offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who has three years left on his contract. Butler was noncommittal when asked if Turner would be considered for head coach.

Turner coached the Washington Redskins for eight seasons until being fired in December 2000. The Chargers hired Turner last Jan. 9.

The Chargers will pay the final two years of Riley's contract, at $750,000 a year. The contracts for the rest of the staff expire at the end of January.

The Chargers will be searching for their fourth head coach since the popular and successful Bobby Ross was forced out following the 1996 season in a power struggle with Beathard.

Butler, Buffalo's GM from 1993-2000, has surrounded himself with former Bills players and front-office personnel. A possible replacement for Riley is Ted Cottrell, the New York Jets' defensive coordinator-assistant head coach. He was with the Bills from 1994-2000, the last three seasons as defensive coordinator.

Riley had a six-game losing streak in his rookie season of 1999 and an 11-game losing streak to open 2000.

Riley barely survived last year's 1-15 disaster, and speculation about his dismissal this year has grown along with the Chargers' losing streak, which followed a promising 5-2 start.

Butler, hired last January, inherited Riley and his staff. Riley and Butler have vastly different personalities. Riley is friendly and easygoing while Butler is intense and impatient. ...

Otherwise. ... Rookie running back LaDainian Tomlinson had a stellar year, rushing for 1,236 yards and catching 59 passes for 367 more.

Even though he posted decent totals on occasion this year -- despite the team's nine-game losing streak -- Doug Flutie couldn't make the big play when he had to. ... And he had people who could make plays. Flanker Curtis Conway looked every bit the go-to receiver over the past two weeks. He caught 11 passes for 156 yards against Seattle and ended the year with 71 catches for 1,125 yards and six scores. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Chargers have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

The 49ers' talented and controversial receiver placed himself on a self-imposed gag order for much of last week. And he was just as silent for most of Sunday on the occasion of his much-anticipated return to Texas Stadium.

He provided his biggest impact some 30 minutes after the team's damaging upset loss to the Dallas Cowboys when he questioned the strategy of coach Steve Mariucci, with whom he's been feuding publicly since the team's last trip here.

Specifically, Owens was upset that he wasted away for most of the first half. Owens caught his only pass of the first half in the final minute. The 37-yard reception helped set up a go-ahead touchdown.

"I'm supposed to be the best player on the team and I couldn't get but one ball in the first half, yeah, it's frustrating," Owens said.

"I'm not the one who decides how many balls I get. ... I don't call the plays. I don't call my own number."

Mariucci was unavailable for comment immediately after Owens' sharp critique of the offense, but shortly after the game, the coach said the Cowboys were using coverages that made it more prudent for Jeff Garcia to look for other receivers.

"It's not a matter of not trying to get him the football," said Garcia, who completed 21 of 36 passes for 229 yards and two touchdown passes to J.J. Stokes.

"We realize the talent he possesses, the ability he has, the capability he has of making big-time plays. I'm as frustrated as anybody at halftime when your big-time receiver only has one catch and I'm trying to think of extra ways we can work him into the offense."

Owens was held to five catches for 93 yards and no touchdowns.

It wasn't the first time Owens has been critical of Mariucci's offensive approach -- though offensive coordinator Greg Knapp is mostly in charge of calling plays. He was critical of Mariucci for letting a 19-point lead in Chicago slip away, intimating that Mariucci let up because of his friendship with Bears coach Dick Jauron.

The 49ers, who have relied heavily on their running game, managed a season-low 56 yards rushing on 18 carries. Running back Garrison Hearst gained just 35 yards on 11 carries.

"Don't ask me," Owens said when quizzed Sunday if the 49ers try to be too much of a ball-control team. "I'm a player. He's the coach. When my number was called today, I made the catch."

Well. ... That might be debatable, something Mariucci unequivocally said his play calling wasn't when he finally addressed Owens' comments on Monday.

According to San Jose Mercury News reporter Dennis Georgatos, the coach offered a detailed response to Owens' claim of being overlooked in the game plan, at one point saying: "There were a lot of plays that were designed to have him in mind and the ball simply went elsewhere because of the coverage or blitzes or whatever," Mariucci said.

He also said of the 49ers' 27 plays in the first half, 14 had Owens as Garcia's first or second choice. Owens was first or second in the progression 14 more times in the second half, when he caught four of his five passes.

And Garcia re-iterated his previous statements indicating that Dallas' coverage dictated the flow of passes to Owens.

"In watching the film, there aren't any situations where he was just running scot-free. It never was like that," Garcia said.

Owens offered no comment Monday.

Mariucci, when asked if he believed his volatile relationship with Owens could become detrimental to the team, said, "No, I don't."

But Garcia described the tension between Owens and Mariucci as "tiresome."

"This team has grown and progressed in so many ways and we've proven a lot of people wrong. Yet, there's always a negative distraction, and that wears on a team. ..."

Other notes of interest. ...

Don't be surprised if the Niners seriously consider signing a veteran free agent to take over for place-kicker Jose Cortez, who extended an untimely slump by missing a 46-yard attempt wide left last Sunday. ... As noted in an Update last Sunday, Richie Cunningham and Brad Daluiso both worked out for coaches last week. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: San Francisco has clinched NFC playoff berth.

RB: G. Hearst, K. Barlow, P. Smith, J. Lewis

FB: F. Beasley, T. Jackson

WR: T. Owens, J.J. Stokes, T. Streets, C. Wilson, V. Sutherland

TE: E. Johnson, J. Swift, B. Jennings, G. Clark

PK: J. Cortez

Head coach Mike Holmgren, who said Monday that he might go back to the injured Matt Hasselbeck, said Wednesday that Dilfer would be his starter against Kansas City on Sunday at Husky Stadium.

Replacing Hasselbeck, Dilfer passed for three long touchdowns and 267 yards in Seattle's 25-22 victory Sunday in San Diego to run his winning streak as a starting quarterback to 14 games, including three with the Seahawks this season.

Holmgren said Hasselbeck's separated left shoulder, which kept him from playing against the Chargers, was still not completely healthy. Hasselbeck is listed as questionable for Kansas City.

"The decision to start Trent was not a difficult decision," Holmgren told his weekly news conference. "Had Matt been 100 percent healthy and raring to go and not hurting, yeah, I might have had something to weigh there."

Dilfer was 14-for-23, with no interceptions, last week after not playing in seven consecutive games. Dilfer said he felt much sharper in Wednesday afternoon's practice.

"I'm excited about playing and I'm excited about having a chance to win a game," Dilfer said.

Against the Chargers, he had scoring passes of 48 and 43 yards to Darrell Jackson and 37 yards to James Williams. He said he couldn't promise more long TD passes against the Chiefs.

"Throwing the deep ball is something that you can't force," Dilfer said. "I've been a victim before of taking too many shots. I think you just have to wait for the opportunities to present themselves. When the defense is playing passive, it's better to throw the ball underneath."

The coach said Hasselbeck, who has started 12 games for the Seahawks this season, was feeling better, but Holmgren said he was concerned about him taking a hit on his injured left shoulder. He said there was a chance Hasselbeck would be inactive and the team's emergency quarterback again this week.

Third-string quarterback Brock Huard was Dilfer's backup in San Diego.

Hasselbeck, acquired in a trade with Green Bay in March to become the starting quarterback in Seattle, has a 70.9 quarterback rating. Dilfer, who was signed as a free agent in August to be Hasselbeck's backup, has a 100.6 quarterback rating.

Hasselbeck has completed 54.8 per cent of his passes (176-for-321) for seven touchdowns and has been intercepted eight times. Dilfer has five touchdown passes, two interceptions and has hit 60.7 of his passes (51-of-84). Hasselbeck has been sacked 38 times in 13 games, while Dilfer has been sacked nine times in five games.

Holmgren replaced Hasselbeck with Dilfer at halftime of the Washington game Nov. 4, a loss, because Hasselbeck was playing poorly. The Seahawks were 5-7 with Hasselbeck as their starting quarterback, including a 19-7 defeat in Kansas City Nov. 25.

Despite Dilfer's strong performances, Holmgren is committed to Hasselbeck.

"I really feel strongly that Matt's our quarterback of the future," Holmgren said.

Holmgren said he hopes to retain Dilfer, who signed a one-year contract with the Seahawks, as Hasselbeck's backup next season.

"I'm hoping I can keep Trent," Holmgren said. "But I also know that he wants to be the starter."

Dilfer was the starting quarterback in Baltimore's win over the New York Giants in the Super Bowl, but was not re-signed by the Ravens and had trouble finding a job during the off-season. He's receiving $1 million from the Seahawks.

Holmgren gave Hasselbeck a $24 million, five-year contract after acquiring him from the Packers.

Other notes of interest this week. ...

According to the Seattle Times, Holmgren benched rookie wide receiver Koren Robinson for Sunday's game in San Diego because of Robinson's habitual tardiness. "Koren was late," Holmgren said. "You can pick any day. He has a problem with tardiness. It reminds me of when I was teaching in high school. You're giving little pink slips to guys who are late all the time. But I can't send Koren to detention. But I'd had it." Mr. Holmgren continued: "We're going down the stretch. I don't have a lot of rules, believe it or not, but one of them is being on time. He's not a belligerent guy. He just has a problem and I just wanted to send a little message, so I started [Williams]."

It's not yet clear whether Robinson will return as a starter or not this week. ... Keep an eye on this week's Late-Breaking Updates for a more definitive report. ...

And finally. ... According to Pro Football Weekly, now that Ricky Watters has been placed on injured reserve with a broken right ankle, it's likely he's played his last game as a Seahawk.

With the emergence of Shaun Alexander, it's doubtful the Seahawks will pay to re-sign Watters. Furthermore, it's doubtful that Watters will want to return as a situational, third-down back, a role in which Watters would likely thrive. He still wants the chance to be a featured back. However, there may not be a ton of openings for No. 1 backs around the league and if he has trouble attracting interest on the open market, the veteran superstar might consider coming back to Seattle. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: Seattle can clinch AFC playoff berth with win against Kansas City AND EITHER Baltimore loss OR New York Jets loss.

RB: S. Alexander, J. Graham, C. Rogers

FB: M. Strong, H. Evans

WR: D. Jackson, J. Williams, B. Engram, K. Robinson, A. Bannister, F. Bownes

TE: C. Fauria, I. Mili, R. Stewart

PK: R. Lindell

Tampa Bay returned to power football, triple-teaming at the point of attack and pounding away with Mike Alstott behind Jameel Cook.

Long stretch plays that were devised to feature Warrick Dunn are gone.

"There's been a little bit of an adjustment there in terms of attacking more north-south even with Warrick," Dungy said. "We've adjusted our line blocking a little bit to get more double-teaming at the point of attack as opposed to down-and-around blocking. But mostly it is just fundamentally being sound, coming off the ball, playing with good technique and getting more chances to run the ball."

Other notes of interest this week. ...

In order for Bucs wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson to set the NFL's all-time single-season receptions record, he must have an all-time performance in Sunday night's regular-season finale against Philadelphia.

Johnson caught four passes Saturday night against the Baltimore Ravens, improving his NFC-leading total to 106. The all-time reception record is 123, set by Detroit Lions receiver Herman Moore in 1995.

Could Johnson stage an 18- catch game against the Eagles, particularly with the Bucs' playoff fate settled? The odds are against such a performance.

The NFL's single-game record is 20 by San Francisco's Terrell Owens last season. Former Rams great Tom Fears had held the previous record (18 catches against the Packers) since 1950. Johnson's NFL-high mark is 12 against the Bears this season.

"If we're in the playoffs and everything is settled, maybe we rest our guys and we go for the record," Johnson said playfully. "But at the same time, I'm not doing anything stupid to deter us from making a playoff run to set some record. It's not that big of a deal. The playoffs are the big deal."

Dungy said he isn't inclined to change a game plan and pursue an individual record, particularly if it's an unlikely chase.

"Keyshawn may have to be like Barry Bonds, trying to get an individual accomplishment within the framework of winning games in a pennant race," Dungy said. "He's still had a magnificent season, regardless of the final numbers.

"Last season, we had [Dunn] with [210 rushing yards] against Dallas. He was close to the team record [219 by James Wilder]. We knew about it because they had called down to the bench, but we had important games coming up and didn't want to risk anything. You've got to keep the bigger things in mind and that's advancing in the playoffs. ..."

With the playoffs a done deal, word out of Tampa is that the Bucs will rest the injured Martin Gramatica in the season finale. Gramatica missed Saturday's game because of a bum hamstring.

Doug Brien, who started against the Ravens, will most likely get the call again.

"I think we'll definitely keep (Brien) until we see that Martin is definitely out of this," Dungy told the St. Petersburg Times. "Muscle pulls can be a tough thing. We don't have an urgent need for that roster spot right now. A guy who kicked you into the playoffs, you don't necessarily want to let him go."

It helped that Brien had a solid game against Baltimore. He made three of his four attempts against the Ravens.

"He did a great job," Dungy said. "It's one thing to be a good kicker, which he is, but to have not kicked competitively in a long time and come in a pressure situation where you're trying to get your team in the playoffs, that said something about the type of guy he is. We're happy to have him. He did a great job for us (Saturday) night. ..."

The Bucs took the field at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday for their first practice of the week without a number of key offensive starters held out due to injuries, including Dunn (listed as doubtful with a turf toe), Johnson (listed as questionable with a sore ankle), tight end Dave Moore (listed as questionable with a bruised thigh) and Gramatica.

In effect, the Bucs took the opportunity to get his key injured players some rest that they haven't been able to get for months.

"We need this and we'll see what happens," said Dungy. "Hopefully some of these guys will be able to play. But we have gone about 14 weeks in a row now playing and we haven't had a chance to rest some guys who have been banged up. A couple of days, and they'll get those competitive juices going. A night game and everything - there will be some guys that bounce back. Nobody really wants to (miss the game). Everybody wants to get out there and play on national TV. ..."

Keep an eye on this week's Late-Breaking Updates for the latest on all Tampa Bay's walking wounded. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: Tampa Bay has clinched NFC playoff berth. Will play at Philadelphia on Wild-Card Weekend.

RB: M. Alstott, A. Stecker, R. Abdullah, W. Dunn

FB: M. Alstott, J. Cook

WR: K. Johnson, K. Williams, J. Green, R. Anthony, F. Murphy, M. Wynn

TE: D. Moore, T. Yoder, S. McDermott

PK: D. Brien, M. Gramatica

McNair has battled shoulder, elbow, hand and back pain all year long. He has been held out of practices and been a daily visitor to the trainer's room. But the Titans are looking to finish the season on a positive note and aren't likely to sit McNair simply to give him a rest. ...

Other notes of interest this week. ...

Eddie George finally found his stride against the Browns last Sunday. ... The former first-round draft pick ran with power and confidence, finishing with 130 yards. It was his first 100-yard game of the season and the Titans finished with 188 yards rushing in the game. ...

According to those who follow the team closely, the fact that backup running back Skip Hicks was bothered the same hamstring problem that sidelined him last Sunday when he first joined the team back in September means he'll be watched closely this week. The Titans haven't officially ruled him out for Sunday's closer against the Bengals, but it's very unlikely the former UCLA star will play. ...

Meaning George can be expected to handle the vast majority of the team's carries again. ...

And finally. ... Tight end Frank Wycheck left Sunday's game in the first half after suffering a deep thigh bruise and was unable to return to action. ... Wycheck's absence took the Titans out of much of their two-tight end looks forcing them to go with more three-wide receiver and two-back sets than they normally do. ... Erron Kinney would get most of the work in the passing game at the position if Wycheck, who is currently considered day to day, can't play in the season finale.

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Titans have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: E. George, M. Green, D. Alexander, S. Hicks

HB: E. Kinney, S. Meier

WR: D. Mason, K. Dyson, D. Bennett, E. Berlin, C. Coleman, C. Sanders, J. McCareins

TE: F. Wycheck, E. Kinney, S. Meier

PK: J. Nedney

And as Washington Post staff writer Mark Maske noted on Wednesday, the Skins will almost certainly be among the teams investigating a trade for quarterback Drew Bledsoe this offseason but would be unlikely to complete a deal if the New England Patriots set a high asking price for their demoted starter, league sources said.

Jim Miller, who is eligible for unrestricted free agency in the offseason, apparently could be another quarterback candidate for the Redskins if his team, the Chicago Bears, were to trade for Bledsoe instead of re-signing Miller. The Bears reportedly have made Miller a two-year contract offer worth about $3 million.

Only one quarterback, rookie Sage Rosenfels, is under contract for next season. Starter Tony Banks and veteran backup Kent Graham are eligible for unrestricted free agency. Team officials are evaluating where Banks might fit into the club's plans, but Schottenheimer declined to say this week where Banks will stand when the season ends.

"I think what we'll do is wait until the season concludes and we'll evaluate every and all positions with regard to next year," Schottenheimer said.

Schottenheimer said the Redskins have not begun the formal process of considering their quarterback options. But some club officials have begun to sort through the options informally and sources said the Redskins, like virtually every other team in the league in need of help at quarterback, plan to monitor the Bledsoe situation.

Many NFL executives believe that Bledsoe, who turns 30 in February, will be traded in the offseason. He has not regained his starting job since suffering a serious chest injury during a game in September. Tom Brady has led New England to the playoffs and is a younger and less expensive quarterback.

But Bledsoe's 10-year, $103 million contract does not necessarily preclude him from being traded for salary cap reasons. Trading Bledsoe would, in effect, cost New England only an additional $1 million against next season's salary cap. The Patriots would have to absorb a $6 million salary cap hit for the previously uncounted portions of Bledsoe's signing bonus, but they would save $5 million in cap costs by unloading his 2002 salary.

Any team trading for Bledsoe would inherit his contract and would have to either rework the deal or pay his scheduled salaries of $5 million next season, $5.5 million in 2003 and $6 million in 2004. The team would have until Nov. 1, 2004, to decide whether to exercise an option in Bledsoe's contract for the 2005 to 2010 seasons.

The Patriots could try to wipe Bledsoe's contract off their salary cap completely by making him available to the Houston Texans in the expansion draft. But if they lose Bledsoe in the expansion draft or release him, the Patriots would get nothing for him, and some front-office executives believe New England's initial asking price for him in a trade could be two first-round draft picks.

The Redskins would be unlikely to meet that price, sources said, but perhaps would consider trading for Bledsoe at a lower cost. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection who threw for at least 3,200 yards in each of the previous seven seasons. But teams are concerned about the severity of the injury he suffered this season, and about his mobility and potential future durability.

The Bears reportedly have had Bledsoe under consideration. But they have been one of the league's success stories this season with Miller, 30, and could re-sign him instead.

If Miller is available when the NFL's free agent market opens in March, though, he could be an option for the Redskins. Schottenheimer said before the Redskins faced the Bears a few weeks ago that he always has liked Miller as a quarterback going back to Miller's first few years in the league with the Pittsburgh Steelers between 1994 and '96.

The Baltimore Ravens could consider releasing quarterback Elvis Grbac, who played for Schottenheimer in Kansas City. Jay Fiedler can utilize an option in his contract with the Miami Dolphins to become a free agent. But otherwise, the top free-agent quarterbacks could be Trent Dilfer and Gus Frerotte.

Other notes of interest this week. ...

In an article published last Friday, ESPN.com insider Len Pasquarelli noted that the many conspiracy theorists who reside in and around the nation's capital are having a field day surmising that Redskins owner Dan Snyder's leak to his favorite media outlet, a story in the Washington Post suggesting he might hire a general manager, is his latest attempt to come up with a viable way of ousting Schottenheimer.

But if that's the case, Schottenheimer isn't biting yet, acknowledging that he would prefer to run the show himself but allowing that his contract permits the owner to bring in somebody to run the personnel operation.

Suggestions that such a person might be named Ron Wolf are rampant, but there are no signals the former Green Bay general manager is anxious to end his self-imposed hiatus -- to leave his Annapolis sanctuary to work for Snyder and look over his interests. Whether the Redskins can coax Wolf back into the league remains to be seen but what has not been written is this angle: Wolf remains under contract to the Packers, is employed as a "consultant" and still draws an annual salary.

And according to Pasquarelli, the folks in Green Bay have told him on several occasions that, if Wolf wants to return to the league before his contract lapses, the Packers will want compensation for allowing him to depart the team's employ.

The bottom line is this: Tired of being outside the loop in the franchise he owns, Snyder probably will bring in a front-office type -- a guy who will further the owner's agenda. Just don't count on that guy being Ron Wolf. ... In fact, team sources on Wednesday indicated that Snyder is seriously interested in former Redskins and San Diego Chargers general manager Bobby Beathard for the job. ...

Stephen Davis, whose 111 rushing yards against the Saints gave him 1,284 for the season -- 121 shy of the single-season team record he set in 1999, left Sunday's game in the third quarter as a precautionary measure after suffering what team officials called a minor knee sprain. But Davis said afterward he hopes to play against Arizona this Sunday and Schottenheimer said the former Auburn star was feeling much better Tuesday. ...

Davis is listed as questionable on the team's injury report this week along with wide receiver Michael Westbrook, who suffered a sprained ankle in New Orleans. ... "I don't think it's going to be an issue, but it was swollen [Sunday] and he wasn't able to go back in the ballgame," Schottenheimer told the Washington Post. "That would be the one [injury] we'll have to monitor."

Keep an eye on this week's Late-Breaking Updates for more on Davis and Westbrook as game day draws nearer. ...

Week 17 Playoff Implications: The Redskins have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

RB: S. Davis, K.J. Carter, M. Bates

FB: D. Bennett, B. Johnson

WR: R. Gardner, M. Westbrook, K. Lockett, D. Thompson, D. McCants, E. Metcalf, J. Skaggs

TE: W. Rasby, Z. Flemister, M. Battaglia

PK: B. Conway