David Boston is one of the NFL's best and leads a group that is fast and deep. Freddie Jones was a key offseason addition and should occupy the attention of safeties, freeing Boston from frequent double coverage. If Boston is double-teamed, Jones should be able to work the middle of the field.

In an article published last Monday, Pro Football Weekly noted that even though the Cardinals claim they will distribute the ball more evenly among all their receivers this season, PFW's sources say they'll be very surprised if Boston doesn't get the lion's share of opportunities again this fall.

Of course, Thomas Jones must prove he's not the biggest bust of the 2000 draft. But as the only running back on the roster to ever carry the ball in an NFL game, he'll certainly get ample opportunity to get the job done. According to Somers, coaches plan to feed Jones plenty of carries, so they should find out whether he's a bust or a late bloomer.

Other notes of interest. ... Backup quarterback Chris Greisen was among 14 players released last Saturday as the Cardinals reduced their roster to the 53-man limited required by the NFL.

Greisen, who spent the last three seasons as Arizona's third-string quarterback, was listed as No. 2 behind Plummer throughout training camp after the team decided against re-signing veteran Dave Brown over the offseason Greisen's release leaves rookie Josh McCown as Plummer's backup.

Other cutdown casualties included tight end Tywan Mitchell and place-kicker Tim Duncan, who was only narrowly beaten out by Bill Gramatica. ... Running back Josh Scobey, a sixth-round draft pick, was placed on the injured list with a thumb injury, meaning he will not play this season.

The Falcons chose to ignore the need for a deep threat at wide receiver in the draft and then finally signed Willie Jackson shortly before camp. Jackson will help, but he doesn't fill the glaring need for a pure speed threat to help stretch defenses and open up running room for Dunn and Duckett.

Odum also pointed out that the team lacks a veteran safety net at quarterback to provide support for Mike Vick in his first season as a starter. Third-year QB Doug Johnson, who has only two career starts, and rookie Kurt Kittner open the season at the No. 2 and 3 spot, respectively, behind Vick.

Other notes of interest. ... Shawn Jefferson, who left Thursday's (Aug. 29) game with an ankle injury, is currently listed as day to day; Brian Finneran (hip) played against the Bengals last Thursday and will be ready for Sunday's regular season opener against Green Bay.

Trevor Gaylor, acquired in a trade with the Chargers this weekend, is expected to come off the bench as Atlanta's fourth-receiver.

Running back Maurice Smith was among 13 players waived by the Falcons on Saturday (Aug. 31). ... Smith, who started the last 12 games after Jamal Anderson tore a knee ligament last year, became expendable Dunn and Duckett on board. The Falcons kept Travis Jervey, a special teams standout, instead of Smith.

"It was close between he and Travis," Reeves said. "Probably Travis has really improved as a running back, but he's also one of the best special teams players."

Receivers Travis McGriff, Alvis Whitted, Quentin McCord and Kahlil Hill were also among those released over the weekend.

Billick told the Baltimore Sun: "We are as committed to Chris Redman as any organization can be. Chris Redman is our quarterback. I've seen nothing in the four preseason games that hasn't indicated that Chris continues to get better, doing positive things."

Of course, Redman's rather pedestrian performances this summer -- along with Jeff Blake's presence on the roster -- have prompted the local media to question the decision to go with the far-less-experienced former Louisville star. ...

But quarterback isn't the only area of concern heading into the season. ... As Sun staffer Mike Preston recently noted, the Ravens still need to find a go-to receiver -- something they failed to do during camp this summer. Starters Travis Taylor and Brandon Stokley lack speed, which hurts the team's ability to stretch the field.

The bottom line, according to Preston, is that Baltimore's vertical game is likely to struggle with Redman, who hasn't shown he can throw deep as much as the team has preferred in the past, and what might be kindly referred to as a rather pedestrian receiving corps. Redman is a fairly accurate passer, but the team must be careful not to lean too hard on him early.

A few final notes here. ... Stokley missed last Thursday's (Aug. 29) game, but the move was precautionary measure and coaches expect him to start and play as usual against Carolina this weekend. ... The Ravens signed fullback Sam Gash to a one-year last week. Second-year man Alan Ricard will remain the starter for the time being, but coaches will have a very hard time keeping Gash off the field.

The Bills have perhaps their best group of receivers since the Super Bowl years of the early 1990s. Eric Moulds seems poised for another Pro Bowl season and Peerless Price is in the final year of his contract, so a big year would mean a big payday.

And in an article published Sunday (Sept. 1), Wilson noted that years of wear and tear haven't taken anything off Bledsoe's fastball. He still possesses great arm strength and a hair-trigger release. He shows great zip on deep out patterns and remarkable touch on long passes. At 6-5 240, he can see the entire field.

Just as important is his leadership. His downside is his lack of mobility. His slowness in the pocket makes him vulnerable to taking a lot of hits, and he sometimes fails to make quick decisions when under heavy pressure. His confidence in his strong arm gets him in trouble at times because he will force throws into tight coverage.

In an article published last Monday (Aug. 26), Pro Football Weekly noted the effects of Bledsoe's presence have quickly become apparent. ... The newfound consistency in the passing game has clearly opened more holes for Travis Henry, who is more of a straight-ahead, bruising type of running back.

One last note out of Buffalo this week. ... Richard Huntley's release means Shawn Bryson will once again serve as Henry's primary backup in 2002 -- although some sources still say the Bills are open to trade discussions. ... Sammy Morris rounds out the depth chart at halfback and coaches plan to use him more as a receiving option and on special teams, where he has done a very good job this summer.

Team and league sources confirmed that, after evaluating the position, the organization feels Peete offers the Panthers the best chance to win.

"It's just something we felt we had to do after looking at the situation," said one Panthers official.

Offensive coordinator Dan Henning coached the 36-year old Peete during a two-year stint (1992-93) as Detroit's coordinator.

For what it's worth. ... Peete hasn't started a game since 1998. ...

According to Charlotte Observer staffer Pat Yasinskas, the release of wide receiver Patrick Jeffers, who was hampered by knee problems, leaves the team very thin at the position. Muhsin Muhammad, Isaac Byrd and Steve Smith are the top three receivers, but there's little depth.

Anthony Bright has shown excellent speed, but his hands aren't great. Karl Hankton is also an option as the fourth receiver, but he's never been more than a special teams player. ...

Also according to Yasinskas, 36-year old Wesley Walls, who is coming off ACL surgery for the second straight year, appears healthy and is ready to be a big part of the offense. The veteran tight end will be a fixture in the red zone, where he's at his best. He has great hands and a knack for being in the right place.

If Walls can get plenty of action over the middle, it will open the sidelines for Muhammad. Walls' only downside is his blocking, which he will be asked to do more because of the team's new emphasis on the running game.

And finally. ... In case you missed it, DeShaun Foster's knee injury could keep him out for three games and will limit the offense. The Panthers will place a heavy emphasis on the running game this year and coaches wanted to mix Foster's outside speed with Lamar Smith's inside running ability. But with Foster out, there's no speed back to pair with Smith.

Fortunately, Smith is capable of wearing down opposing defenses and -- at least in past seasons -- has demonstrated a tendency to run more effectively the more rushes he gets.

By the way. ... Foster -- seen limping through the locker room with the aid of just one crutch on Monday -- is pleased with the pace of his recovery from last week's knee surgery.

"I'm just taking it week-by-week right now," the former UCLA star told the Charlotte Observer. "I'm at the one-crutch stage, I guess. It's coming along real well; I'm right on schedule, I think. I'm not pointing toward any game. I'm just going to get out there and when I feel good, that's when I'm going to play."

Marcus Robinson's knee will be a question until he proves he can cut and jump like he used to. Even when Robinson plays, he'll be more of a deep-threat role player.

Although second-year receiver David Terrell has made progress, he still is too inconsistent with his hands and route running to challenge White.

White, the team's fastest receiver, is catching with softer hands than in his first two seasons and blocks well, something coaches are demanding from all wideouts. ...

Also according to Mullin, the Bears will open the season without starting fullback Daimon Shelton, who will miss three games while finishing off a substance-abuse suspension. The Bears don't rely heavily on a fullback, but Shelton is the backfield's best blocker and a big reason for Anthony Thomas' 1,183 rookie rushing yards.

Tight ends will help, but no one on the team blocks as well as Shelton. ...

Other notes of interest. ... Jim Miller, who twisted an ankle last Friday (Aug. 29), didn't practice Sunday (Sept. 1) but will do so either Monday or Wednesday and then start the regular season opener against Minnesota. ... And finally. ... Tight end Luther Broughton was among those released by the team on Sunday (Sept. 1). Fred Baxter will open the regular season as Chicago's No. 1 tight end.

Bennett and Johnson are solid complements to Dillon. Bennett hits the hole with good quickness, has open-field elusiveness and is a fine receiver. Johnson doesn't have great speed but moves the chains with his power and balance. ...

Also according to Ludwig, receiver Ron Dugans, a special teams contributor, has emerged as a reliable weapon in the passing game. He's running crisp routes, showing toughness in traffic and turning upfield quickly for more yards after the catch. His versatility makes him one of the team's most valuable players. ...

As reported by Associated Press sports writer Joe Kay, the Bengals' decision to allow their place-kicking competition linger on into the regular season comes as no real surprise.

The Bengals decided to keep both Neil Rackers and Travis Dorsch, leaving themselves short at cornerback so they wouldn't have to choose between the two.

"The first thing Neil told me when I came in for mini-camp is don't be surprised by anything," Dorsch said. "So I don't think I was real surprised. Can I be disappointed? Yeah."

The Bengals had two overriding decisions in training camp -- picking a quarterback and a kicker. They waited until after the third preseason game to choose quarterback Gus Frerotte over Jon Kitna and Akili Smith.

Down to the wire on the other decision, the Bengals essentially put it off.

Rackers was only 29-of-49 on field goal attempts in his two seasons, prompting the Bengals to draft Dorsch in the fourth round out of Purdue. Special teams coach Al Roberts talked about Rackers in the past tense on draft day, but noted that he always looks great in practice.

It happened again. Rackers and Dorsch were perfect on preseason field goal attempts, and Rackers' kickoffs carried farther.

"It isn't the norm to go with the two kickers," stone-age GM Mike Brown said. "We decided to do it this year because we think they both did well enough, and it gives us some insurance if it doesn't go right -- we have somewhere else to turn to quickly. It also gives us the flexibility to look for trades."

Cincinnati has the NFL's worst record since 1991, in part because it has mishandled its quarterbacks and punters/kickers. Brown said during training camp that he doesn't like carrying two kickers and a punter on the roster, but head coach Dick LeBeau wanted the option.

One of the two kickers likely will be inactive each week. LeBeau said Rackers will be the kicker in this Sunday's regular season opener against San Diego. In effect, the two of them will be under pressure to make every kick in a game, or risk being inactive the next week.

"This is a pressure-packed profession," LeBeau said. "You've got someone sitting over your shoulder, I've got someone sitting over mine and you'd better be able to perform. I don't take that into the equation."

Also of interest. ... Michael Westbrook (wrist) missed last Friday's preseason finale, but the veteran receiver is expected to be ready for Sunday's game against the Chargers. ... And finally. ... Tests performed on Sean Brewer's knee last week revealed a bruised kneecap and the second-year tight end is currently listed as day to day.

"In my mind, I think I'm going to go," said Couch, who sat out Friday (Aug. 30) night's preseason finale against Carolina with what was called a bruised forearm. "I'm not going to know how it feels until after I throw a couple balls really hard."

After watching Couch practice on Monday, head coach Butch Davis felt confident about his quarterback's chances of playing.

"Right now, there's nothing that leads us to believe that Tim won't be the starter," Davis said.

Couch revealed for the first time that scar tissue in his elbow -- the result of years of tendinitis -- pulled away from the ligament or muscle after he took a hit in last Monday night's game at Green Bay.

Scar tissue is the fourth different reason given in less than a week for Couch's pain.

After he left in the second quarter against the Packers, the Browns initially said their starting QB had strained his elbow. Then, they said he had strained his forearm. Following an MRI taken last Tuesday, Davis told reporters Couch had bruised his forearm.

Now, it's scar tissue, which Couch thinks pulled free after he completed a second-quarter pass to Quincy Morgan.

"From what I understand it can break loose at any time," Couch said. "On a throw or a hit or anything like that can cause it to break loose."

Couch, who went 30-of-39 during the best preseason of his four-year career, said surgery is not an option now, but it's a possibility in the off-season. The swelling in his elbow has gone down, and he'll continue to treat it with ice and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Couch does not want to sit, but he's not going to risk hurting himself worse just to play in the opener.

"I'm definitely willing to throw through the pain as long as it's not affecting the kind of throws I'm trying to make," he said. "If I can't go out there and throw a certain route, then I'm not going to go out there and hurt the team. If I can't make all the throws, then I'm not ready to go."

During the first half-hour of practice that reporters were allowed to watch Monday, Couch played catch with quarterbacks coach Carl Smith and participated in a few passing drills, but didn't throw a pass longer than 10 yards.

Davis said the only time Couch sat out was during the two-minute drill that ended practice as backup Kelly Holcomb worked with the starting offense.

"He did everything," Davis said. "He did some easy throwing. He said after he got done throwing that it felt really good. I thought he threw it fairly crisp."

The Browns are off on Tuesday, but by Wednesday Davis said he'll have a better idea if Couch will start or Cleveland's offense will be run by Holcomb, who has made just one career start.

Couch has accepted the fact that if his arm isn't ready by mid-week, he'll have to watch.

"I'll be disappointed," he said. "Obviously, I want to be out there on opening day when everyone is fired up to get the season started right. I want to be out there with my guys, but we have to see how it goes.

"We don't want to do anything that's going to keep me out for a whole year if another week's rest would have done me some good."

Other notes of interest. ... Davis didn't have any more surprises as he cut down to the NFL's 53-man roster limit Sunday (Sept. 1), one day after catching most of the world off guard by releasing starting tight end Rickey Dudley. Other than Dudley, the two most notable players cut were wide receiver JaJuan Dawson and running back Autry Denson. ...

According to Medina County Gazette staffer Steve King, the team will rely on some combination of Mark Campbell, rookie Darnell Sanders and Aaron Shea to replace Dudley.

Campbell is a consistent receiver whose blocking has improved, but he doesn't have ideal athletic ability. Sanders is making strides and should get more playing time as he learns the offense. Shea, currently the starting H-back, is more of receiver than a blocker.

However, Shea, who has an injured shoulder, might not be able to play against the Chiefs. If that's the case, look for Campbell or newcomer Steve Heiden, acquired in a trade with San Diego, to serve as the team's H-back. Most observers expect the 6-5, 270-pound Heiden to ultimately take the starting job from Shea once he's more familiar with the offense.

New kicker Billy Cundiff has a powerful leg and should give the team an opportunity to score every time it moves inside the 35-yard line.

With Quincy Carter the unquestioned starting quarterback and Chad Hutchinson set as his backup, Dallas opted to go with Clint Stoerner as the No. 3 man instead of Wright. Wright was the first to replace Carter last season and even led the Cowboys to their first victory. He later re-aggravated a knee injury he'd had since college and chose to have season-ending surgery.

Owner Jerry Jones acknowledged that letting Wright go this late could hurt his quest for another job. Coach Dave Campo said coaches opted to go with Stoerner as the third-stringer because he can handle the role better than Wright, who still wants to be a starter.

"He can go in with a limited number of reps and be successful," Campo said of Stoerner. "I think Anthony still has a future in this league."

In an article published last Sunday (Aug. 26), Dallas Morning News staffer Jean-Jacques Taylor noted that the team has plenty of speed at wideout, even after losing Raghib "Rocket" Ismail to a season-ending neck injury. Joey Galloway, Ken-Yon Rambo and Reggie Swinton are blazers.

To take advantage of their speed, the team will call for a lot of crossing patterns and five-yard hitches to put them in position to turn short passes into long gains. The team also expects rookie Antonio Bryant to make an impact working as the No. 2 man opposite Galloway. ...

It's worth noting that Swinton tried to play in the final preseason game, but his hamstring tightened up in pregame warmups and the club opted to let him miss the game to save him for the regular season. But if the injury continues to linger, he might not be ready for the opener, which means the Cowboys likely would use Rambo to return punts. Rambo did well at returning punts in the preseason, so the Cowboys have no doubts about letting him do it in the regular season. ...

The Cowboys are reportedly interested in signing Darnay Scott. In fact, the Morning News is reporting that a deal could be reached on or before Sept. 9.

Scott, who played for offensive coordinator Bruce Coslet in Cincinnati, could step in as the Cowboys' No. 3 receiver.

Other notes of interest. ... The Cowboys officially ended Ismail's season by placing him on the injured reserve list Sunday (Sept. 1); rookie running back/return man Woody Dantzler and receiver Jermaine Copeland were among the team's final cuts.

Of course, as most of you know, Shanahan -- or "Skeletor" as he's known here at TFL Report world wide headquarters -- is among the league's most devious head coaches. Meaning he's hardly above blowing a little smoke in an attempt to confuse opponents.

We'll keep an eye on this one throughout the week and let you know of any changes as they develop. In the meantime, we'll remind you that we believe it doesn't really matter who starts at halfback this weekend, we're convinced Portis will emerge as the top threat soon enough.

So does Terrell Davis. ... In an article published last Monday (Aug. 26), Pro Football Weekly noted that Davis views Portis as his "heir apparent." When asked what impresses him most about Portis to this point, Davis said his maturity, not the speed or hard running everyone else is talking about.

"[Gary] is a proven back. [Anderson] is a proven back. Then you have Clinton, who is coming in as a rookie, but his upside is out of this world," Davis said. "I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if I looked up seven, eight years from now and my records are just gone. Obliterated. I wouldn’t even be surprised at all. Because the man is talented like that, yes he is."

Protecting the football has been the only real problem for Portis thus far, but it is a significant one, as evidenced by his three fumbles in a recent preseason game.

For what it's worth, here's what Portis told the Boulder Daily Camera about the whole thing Tuesday: "I don't know, but it's really not a big deal. Hopefully, we'll both play. I'm guessing just like you guys, I don't know. We're not caught up in that, we've got the Rams. We're not worrying about who's going to start, who's going to be on the field. I think we both have capabilities to help this team out. ..."

In an article published Sunday (Sept. 1), Denver Post staffer Patrick Saunders advised readers that even though Brian Griese says he's ready for the regular season, his preseason numbers don't show it. Griese completed 68.5 percent of his passes, but had no touchdowns, was picked off twice and looked rusty in the pocket.

Griese has made a concerted effort to be more of a leader and less of a loner, but concerns remain about his on-field abilities. He looked fine delivering dink-and-dunk passes in preseason but wasn't impressive when he tried to go downfield. ...

Also according to Saunders, Shanahan predicts Mike Anderson, who has embraced his new role as the starting fullback, will make the Pro Bowl. Though Anderson has had some trouble adjusting to lining up so close to the line, his blocking is getting better. He's excellent at picking up blitzes and is improving as a lead blocker. ... The team knows Anderson can carry the ball, so he will get five touches a game, maybe more. He has worked hard to improve his receiving skills but has a long way to go. ...

One last note here. ... Tight end Desmond Clark, the team's second-leading receiver last season, was released on Saturday (Aug. 31). Clark, a free agent at the end of the season, was expected to miss the first few games of the season after breaking his forearm during training camp.

The Broncos let Clark go a day early so he could catch on with another team.

"It's just a tough situation," Clark said. "What happened didn't have anything to do with the on-field stuff. Everybody knows I can play. But it was pretty much how was I going to be used this year, and then going into next year, were they going to be able to keep me around or not."

But Mornhinweg’s rookie head-coaching campaign wasn’t seen as a total loss. The Lions lost eight games by one score -- eight or fewer points -- with a roster that was both young and beat up.

While many NFL insiders wonder if team president and CEO Matt Millen is still comfortable with the hire, Millen remains quietly confident in the former 49ers offensive coordinator despite a 3-20 combined record in the preseason and regular season. At this point, the Lions don’t feel it would be fair to consider Mornhinweg’s job at risk unless the team gets off to a miserable start. ...

According to published reports, Mornhinweg has decided to move rookie quarterback Joey Harrington ahead of Ty Detmer on the depth chart. The first-round draft pick will open the season as the No. 2 man behind Mike McMahon.

We'll remind you once again, however, that Harrington wasn't brought on board to pull clipboard and ball cap duty. Meaning the youngster is going to take over as the starter. It's only a matter of time. In fact, more than a few observers believe Mornhinweg intends to bring Harrington along in much the same way Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid brought Donovan McNabb, who started six games as a rookie, along back in 1999. ...

In an article published Sunday (Sept. 1), Booth Newspapers staffer Tom Kowalski wrote that team officials hoped this year's rookie class would provide help for its many roster holes. But with running back Luke Staley (knee) and tackle Victor Rogers (ankle) already on the injured reserve list, that's not going to happen.

Fifth-round tight end John Owens might be the only rookie who has a starting job, and it won't be full-time. Owens, who is more of a blocker, will split time with Mikhael Ricks, who will be used a great deal in the passing attack. ...

Also according to Kowalski, Scotty Anderson, who will open the regular season as Detroit's third receiver, was thin and undisciplined last season as a rookie, but he spent the offseason being tutored by fellow receiver Germane Crowell on the importance of year-round dedication to the job.

Anderson ate better, worked out more and improved his focus. The results were evident early -- Anderson not only has the speed to get upfield, but also the toughness to go inside, too.

Anderson doesn't have the outright speed of Bill Schroeder or Az-Zahir Hakim, but he might be more consistent. ...

Also of interest. ... James Stewart (knee) practiced on Tuesday. However, observers say he seemed to be in some pain as he left the practice field. Nonetheless, Stewart is currently expected to start and play as usual this Sunday.

Schroeder (hip) returned to full practice on Tuesday. He is probable for Sunday's game against Miami. Remember: Miami has a fairly a formidable secondary.

Offensive coordinator Tom Rossley confirmed that Driver would start opposite Terry Glenn in Sunday's regular season opener against the Falcons, although he was quick to say Ferguson would get a lot of playing time.

According to Silverstein, it's been clear from the start of training camp that Driver was going to command playing time, but it wasn't until Glenn returned from a knee injury that it became clear he would be starting on the other side. What the Packers found out quickly is that Driver now has the experience to go with the athletic tools that made him a prospect the past two seasons.

"Donald is capable of doing everything that we've asked of him," Rossley said. "He's a good blocker, he'll make the tough catch and he's got enough speed to run right by somebody.

"Every year he got better. He got more confident and I think he showed last year when he got his opportunities that he was explosive and made big plays, especially on third down. We're just giving him more opportunities and he should be able to make more big plays."

"That was never my mission," Driver said of winning a starting job and proving to everyone he made the right choice. "My mission was to come in and get better. I think I proved that. Everything else falls into place. Everyone wants to be [a starter], but my thing was to try to keep getting better. For me nothing else matters."

The Packers don't seem to be overly concerned that Driver, who is 6-0, 188 pounds, is small for the split end position. He hasn't shown any fear going across the middle, but he has never had to do it on a consistent basis like Antonio Freeman, the team's split end during the Super Bowl years.

Last year, Driver missed three games in November with a quadriceps contusion originally suffered in the victory over Baltimore on Oct. 14. It was the only injury in his three-year career that forced him to miss a game.

At 6-1, 209 pounds, Ferguson is built to run across the middle and will take over at split end when he is part of three-receiver sets. But on early downs, Driver will be counted on to get open wherever the play takes him.

"I don't look at it like X (split end) or Z (flanker) are different," Driver said. "They both have to go across the middle. I've been here four years and I've taken hits and still gotten up. You can't be afraid to go across the middle. Everything happens in the middle of the field."

What separates Driver from the rest of the receivers is his knowledge of quarterback Brett Favre. Following the release of Charles Lee on Sunday, Driver is the only receiver on the roster who has caught a pass from Favre in a regular-season game.

Though Glenn will be the first option on most passing plays, Driver might be the receiver who piles up the big numbers early in the season. In tight situations, Favre will go to the receiver with whom he feels most comfortable. Since Driver has proved to be especially good on third downs, he can expect to be that receiver. In three seasons with the Packers, 17 of his 37 receptions have come on third or fourth down and 15 of those have resulted in first downs.

"I think Brett will have confidence over there if he needs to go in that direction," Rossley said. " He was a big third-down receiver last year. He's always been a good route runner. He can drop his weight, he shows burst, he can get up and make the catches. He dropped a couple in training camp; that's the one thing we want to get him better at is catching everything 100%."

In the meantime, Ferguson seems to be handling his demotion well. The job was his to lose following a wasted rookie season, but with his lack of experience and missed practice time with a groin pull, he wasn't able to hold off the veteran.

"I'm going to shine," Ferguson said. "I'm going to get mine. It's a long season, we have a lot of games, a lot of things can happen between then. I'm just going to get focused and be ready to get on the field and perform when I get out there."

Also of interest. ... Silverstein is convinced the Packers are poised to compete for the NFC championship. In fact, he believes that anything less will be a major disappointment. All of coach Mike Sherman's offseason acquisitions were aimed at producing immediate results. But unless he gets Glenn on the field full-time and gets Ferguson to be more than just a bystander, finding a way past the Rams and Eagles won't be possible. ...

Carr, the first pick in the NFL Draft, was injured when his knee hit a teammate's helmet during Friday's (Aug. 30) loss to Tampa Bay.

Carr put a scare into team officials when he went down following the hit, but the bruised knee should not keep him out of Sunday's regular season opener against the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday.

Head coach Dom Capers is excited about having Carr, who was 5-of-9 for 58 yards before he was injured, in charge of the offense.

"A rookie quarterback is going to go through some growing pains," Capers said. "I think we all know that. The physical ability is there. The mental approach is there. He is just going to continue to get better as he has more of a repertoire to draw from."

Other notes of interest out of Houston. ... The Texans cut 19 players last Saturday (Aug. 31), including veteran signal caller Kent Graham, who had been signed to be the starter while Carr was groomed. But Graham fell to No. 3 on the depth chart.

"Things just didn't quite work the way Kent wanted them here," Capers said. "I gained a lot of respect for Kent. He was very professional in the way he handled the whole situation."

Tony Banks, who was signed Aug. 21, and Mike Quinn will back up Carr.

Running back Travis Prentice, tight end Kaseem Sinceno and receiver Tony Simmons were also released over the weekend.

In an article published Sunday (Sept. 1), Houston Chronicle staffer Carlton Thompson pointed out that Houston started six rookies against Tampa Bay and likely will start at least five in this weekend's opener, including Carr and fullback Jarrod Baxter, both of whom worked with the first-team offense throughout the preseason.

Thompson went on to say that rookie halfback Jonathan Wells will, at the very least, split time with opening day starter James Allen and that receiver Jabar Gaffney will be a key part of the offense even if he isn't on the field for the first play of the game.

Indianapolis traded with New Orleans for the undrafted Williams on Sunday but he did not make it to Indianapolis in time for the Colts' short practice Monday. "We tried to get him on a flight last night, and we couldn't," coach Tony Dungy said. "He should be here sometime today."

When Williams arrives, he's likely to get a crash course in the Colts offense because injuries have decimated the running back corps.

Indianapolis had only two backs available Monday -- James and Shyrone Stith, who practiced for the first time since twisting his left knee in the preseason opener.

The Colts already have lost two backs for the season, Dominic Rhodes, who ran for 1,104 yards in 2001, and sixth-round pick Brian Allen. Both are on injured reserve after having knee surgery.

James, the NFL's two-time rushing champ, has not played in a game since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last October.

Stith started against Seattle on Aug. 10 and played well, rushing eight times for 29 yards and catching two passes for 50 yards.

He was involved in light workouts Aug. 12 and Saturday, but Monday was the first time he carried the ball. That was a good sign for the Colts, who remain hopeful Stith will be at full speed Sunday.

The Colts have only four running backs on their 53-man roster -- James, Stith, Williams and Jim Finn, the team's only fullback, who is expected to miss four to six weeks with a sprained right foot.

So the Colts have been scouring the waiver wire to find anybody who might be able to help.

Veterans who were released in this weekend's final cutdown include Skip Hicks and Terry Allen. Two others -- Ki-Jana Carter and Jason Brookins -- were released last week. The Colts contacted Jamal Anderson more than a week ago, and his agent, James Sims, said Friday (Aug. 30) that nothing appeared imminent.

"There are a few interesting guys, we just have to wait and see what happens," Dungy said. "We're going forward under the assumption that these are our guys. ..."

The Colts did sign Detron Smith to a contract Wednesday in order to replace Finn.

One last note here. ... According to those who follow the team closely, veteran Qadry Ismail has reportedly looked like the team’s second-best receiver this summer -- ahead of second-year man Reggie Wayne. Nonetheless, the team has yet to officially announce Ismail as their opening day starter. ...

"What we brought Darnay here to do, he was unable to do. It's very unfortunate," head coach Tom Coughlin said.

Scott was signed by the Jaguars after he was waived by the Cincinnati Bengals. He had 386 receptions for 5,975 yards in eight years with the Bengals.

Smith, the NFL's most prolific receiver over the last six seasons, was a preseason holdout.

Smith was scheduled to make just $2.15 million in 2002, a figure that does not even rank in the top 10 among NFL receivers. Under the new deal, Smith reportedly will receive $10.5 million over the next two years.

A nine-year veteran, Smith has 562 receptions for 7,972 yards over the last six seasons with the Jaguars.

Asked whether he can get into playing shape and help turn around one of this summer's worst offenses in just seven days, Smith replied with a question of his own:

"Who knows?" the veteran wideout asked rhetorically.

Despite his reluctance to say so, Smith, the most prolific receiver in the league over the last six seasons, believes he's the guy who can make a difference for Jacksonville. But he felt he had to get the contract he deserved before that could happen.

"Obviously, I want to play," he said. "I didn't want to go through this thing. I love football. The business side of it is hard to deal with."

Smith said the new deal has smoothed over some of the rather harsh accusations he made about the Jaguars -- saying they failed to keep promises to make him one of the NFL's highest paid receivers. Smith got about $3 million in raises in contract renegotiations over the last few years, but wasn't among the 10 highest-paid receivers in the league before this new deal.

"I don't want to get into that," he said. "Those were misunderstandings, or whatever. All that is behind us. The good thing now is the air is clear, I've had a lengthy talk with Wayne Weaver and I'm happy to resume my career in Jacksonville."

As Florida Times-Union staffer Bart Hubbuch pointed out on Sunday (Sept. 1), no one is happier to see Smith back in the fold than Mark Brunell, who never was on the same page with his new cast of receivers in the preseason. Brunell frequently was off-target with his throws and seemed to have lost some confidence in the pocket.

Brunell and the first unit had one field goal and 16 punts in 17 preseason possessions. ...

For the record: Smith will start in Sunday's game against Indianapolis. He is in good shape physically, and will not be limited in the number of snaps he plays.

"He was committed to working out [during the dispute], so I don't think there's going to be a problem," Brunell said.

In a regular season preview published last Sunday (Aug. 25), Hubbuch noted that Fred Taylor showed enough flashes in the preseason to tantalize Jaguars fans. Best of all, Taylor stayed healthy after missing 14 games last season with a groin injury. With hard-running Stacey Mack as a complement, the team has the key ingredients for an outstanding running game.

Hubbuch added that Jacksonville also have the one of the league's best tight end pairs -- veterans Kyle Brady and Pete Mitchell. Remember: Coughlin will be calling the plays again this fall and he tends to rely heavily on formations that use two tight ends.

Brady has outstanding size and is an excellent blocker, and Mitchell has the most reliable hands on the team. Look for Coughlin to move Mitchell around -- even using him out of the backfield -- to take advantage of his talents.

On special teams, Coughlin knew he was taking a risk by going with a rookie kicker, and it looks like a failed gamble. Seventh-round pick Hayden Epstein has been inconsistent, drilling 50-yarders into the wind one moment and drilling his blockers the next.

And finally. ... The team signed journeyman quarterback Kent Graham on Monday (Sept. 2) in order to give themselves some veteran experience behind Brunell. Graham, who was released by the Texans over the weekend, joins his seventh NFL team. He played last year for the Redskins.

Coughlin gave extended playing time to rookie fourth-round draft pick David Garrard in the preseason, in hopes Garrard would make him comfortable enough to forgo signing a veteran backup. But Garrard was up-and-down -- he completed 57 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and two interceptions -- and Coughlin pursued Graham.

Gonzalez practiced for the first time since ending his holdout on Monday (Sept. 2) and was on in on approximately 25 consecutive plays before taking a break.

Gonzalez makes the team far more dangerous in the passing game than Jason Dunn, who now will play mostly in running situations. ...

Teicher offered the following take on Trent Green in that same article: "One key to the season is Trent Green's ability to avoid interceptions better than last year, when he led the league. The answer, judging by training camp and the preseason, is unclear. Green still shows the tendency to force the ball into coverage. ..."

As reported by the Associated Press, Sylvester Morris, the team's first-round draft pick in 2000, was placed on injured reserve Sunday and will miss the entire season for the second year in a row. The Chiefs placed fellow wideout Marvin "Snoop" Minnis, their top pick in 2001, on the physically unable to perform list.

Morris injured his right knee during an offseason workout in 2001 after catching a team rookie-record 48 passes in 2000. He missed all last season and worked hard to be ready this season.

"I don't think Sylvester Morris' career is in jeopardy," head coach Dick Vermeil said. "It's just, as we all know, he made a tremendous effort to come back off that knee and he just can't do it."

Morris had some good moments during training camp, giving hope that he was ready to play.

"He just could look good one day and the next day he can't go," Vermeil said. "It's just safer for his own career and the stability of his knee to take a slower pace and give him a lot more time to gradually work that back to 100 percent."

Kansas City could get Minnis back by the seventh game. The slender 172-pounder, who led all Chiefs wide receivers with 33 catches for 511 yards last year, broke his right foot during mini-camp on May 3.

"We've been working him out and he's not there, he's not 100 percent," Vermeil added. ...

All of which makes the decision to add Johnnie Morton to the roster this spring that much more important. As Teicher noted, Morton is everything last season's No. 1 receiver, Derrick Alexander, was not. His talents are a nice mesh for what the team requires from its top wide receiver, and he sets an example with his hard work and consistent practice work. ...

The team wants to use three- and four-wide receiver formations, but it's still unclear whether Dante Hall and Marc Boerigter can produce consistently. One of them may be forced to step into the starting lineup if an injury strikes either Morton or Eddie Kennison. ...

And one last note. ... Although Priest Holmes left last Friday's (Aug. 30) game early with bruised ribs, X-rays taken later came back negative. "He's fine," Vermeil said. "He'll be good to go this week."

"It's not the ideal situation, that's for sure," left tackle Mark Dixon said.

To compound concerns, Dixon will start at tackle for the first time in Sunday's opener against Detroit, and left guard Jamie Nails will play in his first regular-season game since 2000. Injuries have so depleted the depth chart that a rookie, Seth McKinney, begins the season as the top backup at guard and center.

The Dolphins envisioned a different scenario. Their biggest goal this summer was to upgrade the offensive line, but for the second consecutive year it has been the area hardest hit by injuries.

Brent Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp, as he did in 2001. Leon Searcy strained his right triceps warming up for the final preseason game last week and was released with an injury settlement. Nails (bruised knee) and right tackle Todd Wade (sore ankle) missed playing time during the exhibition season, and Dixon moved from guard to tackle after two games. So much for head coach Dave Wannstedt's goal of giving his linemen a lot of playing time together during camp.

"The best-laid plans of mice and men -- out the door, right?" center Tim Ruddy said with a smile. "Unfortunately we haven't had time to really develop that good coordination, and that's when you're going to have the best performance on the offensive line. But we have proven guys."

Ruddy and right guard Todd Perry are eighth-year starters. Nails started 22 games in four seasons with Buffalo, and Wade is a third-year starter. Dixon hasn't played tackle since his days in the Canadian Football League, but he's in his fifth year as an NFL starter.

"Obviously the disappointing thing is the injuries," Wannstedt admitted. "But the five guys who will start for us were the five guys who in my mind were going to be the starters. I like our guys."

Miami's offense sputtered last year behind an injury-plagued line. Now, with a franchise running back in Williams, the play of the front five will be under even more scrutiny. The first test will be a stiff one, with the Lions' defensive front four considered the strength of their team.

Miami's attack should be improved with the addition of Williams, rookie tight end Randy McMichael and offensive coordinator Norv Turner. They join a maturing quarterback in Jay Fiedler and a blossoming receiver in Chris Chambers.

So the Dolphin offense could be a potent one -- as long as the front five get the job done this year.

"I have a good feeling for what we're going to do offensively, and I haven't had this feeling since I've been here," Wade said. "It's time for the line to prove something. We've got the talent around us. It's time for us to step up. There are no excuses for us not to move the ball. ..."

The Dolphins claimed tight end Desmond Clark, who caught 51 passes last season for the Denver Broncos, off waivers Monday (Sept. 2). Clark was waived injured by the Broncos on Saturday with a dislocated left forearm and is expected to sidelined another two to three weeks, personnel boss Rick Spielman said.

Clark was Denver's second-leading receiver last season and caught six touchdown passes. He becomes the fourth tight end with the Dolphins, who are expected to throw to the tight end more this season with Turner calling the plays.

"Clark fits with what we're doing on offense," Spielman explained. ...

Other notes of interest. ... Robert Edwards took a big step in his comeback from a devastating knee injury he suffered three and a half years ago by making the Dolphins' regular-season roster. "I'm excited," Edwards said. "I've always had confidence that I can get it done. I just needed the opportunity."

Edwards nursed a groin injury early in training camp but carried 11 times for 43 yards and a touchdown in the third preseason game at Houston.

"I'm looking forward to it," the former first-round draft pick said. "There's not a lot of pressure on me. I'm not getting the bulk of the carries. ..."

In an article published last Monday (Aug. 26), Pro Football Weekly advised readers not to expect newly-acquired quarterback Sage Rosenfels to push Ray Lucas for the Dolphins' No. 2 quarterback job this year. Dolphins observers believe that the team will give Rosenfels sort of a pass on this year so he can learn the scheme, but it expects him to battle Lucas next year for the No. 2 job.

Nonetheless, Palm Beach Post staffer Todd Archer noted this week that trading for Rosenfels could turn out to be a very good move. In limited practice time with the team Rosenfels already has shown he can make good decisions and has an accurate arm. He could win games if something were to happen to Fiedler and Lucas.

The bottom line here says, I'd be more than willing to go into a given weekend with Minnesota's place-kicker in my lineup -- no matter who it happens to be. ...

In an article published Sunday (Sept. 1), St. Paul Pioneer Press staffer Bill Williamson noted that D'Wayne Bates took advantage of Derrick Alexander's leg injury early in camp and supplanted him as the starting receiver opposite Randy Moss. But there still is room for both in the team's offensive scheme.

Bates, a career backup with the Bears, is more of a possession receiver, and the speedy Alexander can stretch defenses, which should help Moss get open deep. ...

Williamson further noted that Tice is worried about backup quarterback Todd Bouman, who wasn't sharp in the preseason and, according to the coach, made too many dumb mistakes.

As the season begins, Tice isn't sure whether the team would be in “good straits” if starter Daunte Culpepper gets hurt.

One player Tice is sure of, however, is Jim Kleinsasser. That's why he made the double-tight end set -- with Kleinsasser blocking and Byron Chamberlain receiving -- the base offense.

Kleinsasser (6-3, 274) essentially is an extra offense lineman. He is a great blocker who uses his speed and strength well, especially on running plays. He has decent hands but has been known to drop easy balls. He has difficulty changing speeds and getting downfield after the catch, but he's dangerous in short-yardage situations.

One last note here. ... The Pioneer Press reports that unsigned first round draft pick Bryant McKinnie called Tice Saturday (Aug. 31) to express his interest in getting a deal done so that he could be in uniform for Sunday's game in Chicago.

"That's the way he sounded," Tice said. "I feel encouraged after talking to him."

Graham bowled over a few defenders on the way to his first score, and he made a nice diving grab in the end zone for the second touchdown. The Pats were hoping to see more of those skills this summer, but injuries slowed him. ...

According to Sports Illustrated insider Peter King, the Patriots appear to have hit the jackpot at tight end.

In an article published last Monday (Aug. 26), King wrote: "They signed ex-Seahawk Christian Fauria for a million a year out of Filene's Basement and ex-Saint Cam Cleeland for the minimum out of Wal-Mart and they drafted Daniel Graham in the first round last April.

"Today, Fauria would start because he's the best combination of blocker and receiver. Today, Cleeland would be the tight end against the nickel because he's the best receiver. Today, Graham would be the goal-line and short-yardage tight end because he's the best blocker of the three.

"Graham clearly has the biggest upside, and once he gets in the offense enough (he's had a bum knee for much of camp), he'll give the Patriots one of the best tight end situations in football. ..."

It's probably worth noting. ... Bill Belichick "expressed optimism" on Sunday (Sept. 1) that Cleeland will be able to play in Sunday's regular season opener. Cleeland missed the team's final preseason game due to tightness in his leg muscles.

One last note. ... According to Felger, seventh-round pick David Givens has made a strong push for the fifth receiver job. He has caught Belichick's eye in the kicking game, and he also has shown value on offense.

With most of the Pats' receivers on the small side, the coaches value Givens' size (6-0, 217).

The starting unit features speed and versatility at every position and should be much more unpredictable than the Ricky Williams-oriented units of the past three seasons. Halfback Deuce McAllister has looked dynamic -- if not downright unstoppable at times -- in the preseason and should make fans forget about Williams.

The team's top receivers -- Joe Horn, Jerome Pathon, Donte' Stallworth and Jake Reed -- form its fastest and deepest group in years.

Unfortunately, lingering injuries to tight end David Sloan, Stallworth and Pathon have robbed the starters of valuable practice time together. That could lead to a slow start because the West Coast system is based on timing and rhythm.

With six new starters on offense the Saints will have to come together early to avoid falling in a hole. ...

And in an article published Sunday (Sept. 1), Duncan noted the team finally got a backup for McAllister by acquiring Curtis Keaton in a trade with the Bengals. Team officials simply weren't happy with the progress of Terry Allen, who missed most of training camp with various injuries and who was released shortly after Keaton's arrival.

Keaton, a fourth-round pick in 2000, has great speed and has better size (5-10, 219) than most third-down backs. He should fit nicely into offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy's West Coast system.

Keaton's return skills also will bolster the special teams. ...

Also according to Duncan, Stallworth (hamstring) is coming into form after three weeks on the sideline. He showed his explosiveness on a 59-yard touchdown pass against the Colts, racing past Indy corner Clifton Crosby with ease.

Stallworth will open the season as the team's third receiver, working primarily out of the split end position in three-receiver sets.

And finally. ... According to the Times-Picayune, there is some doubt as to whether Reed, who is bothered by a sore hamstring, will be ready for Sunday's regular season opener.

The Giants kicker in Thursday night's season opener against the San Francisco 49ers will be Matt Bryant, who was released last Friday, signed to the practice squad Tuesday morning and then promoted to the active roster later Tuesday afternoon.

While Pochman had battled an inflammation in his left knee for the past two weeks, putting him on injured reserve 48 hours before gametime was a surprise. He kicked well in practice the past two days, missing only one field goal and ending Monday's display with a 50-yarder down the middle.

However, the medical staff told Fassel that Pochman's knee wasn't going to improve. So Fassel turned to Bryant, who has spent more time working as a pawnbroker in K&C Pawn in Orange, Texas, than kicking over the past four years.

"All he has to do is go out and do his job," Fassel said of Bryant, who was described by Associated Press reporter Tom Canavan as being somewhat of a ghostlike figure in training camp because no one seemed to talk to him and he rarely played. He was 1-o- 2 in the preseason, hitting from 39 yards and missing badly from 48.

Even Fassel said he didn't talk to Bryant in the first few weeks of camp because he was kicking so badly.

Bryant, who was jet-skiing in Texas when the Giants summoned him back to New Jersey, doesn't recall that. All he remembers early in camp was stepping on the field for a kick and hearing Fassel say: "OK guys, five seconds, we're down by two.''

Bryant responded with a 35-yard field goal. He wouldn't mind if it came down to another kick Thursday.

"You want it to come down to you,'' Bryant said. "It would be great if we blew them out 52-0. If it comes down to 21-21 and three-seconds left, then I want to put my stamp in the book. It's time for me to step up and show what I can do and I think I can, or else I wouldn't be here. ...''

According to the New York Daily News, Tiki Barber practiced on Monday and his hamstring is slowly improving.

"Right now I'm probably 75 percent," Barber said. after working out "I can play effectively at 85-90 percent. So that's my goal for the next few days, to rest it and to let it heal."

For the record, Barber, who fully expects to play against the Niners on Thursday, was held out of Tuesday's practice as a precaution. ...

In an article published last Monday (Aug. 26), Pro Football Weekly noted that while all eyes have been on rookie Jeremy Shockey, a lesser-known tight end has impressed coaches this summer.

Dan Campbell, a third-rounder in 1999, figured he could be out of a job when the Giants moved up in the first round to pick Shockey. In fact, there were members of the front office who were in favor of dumping Campbell because they felt his blocking declined last season (a decline that has been attributed to a shoulder injury).

But the coaches have been very impressed with Campbell’s toughness so far this year, and he also has emerged as somewhat of a leader. He added 10 pounds in the offseason, bulking him up to 265, which should help his blocking. Considering he’s really the only true blocking tight end on the roster -- coupled with the fact that the Giants plan on using a lot of two-tight end sets this season -- Campbell could prove to be very valuable.

In an article published Sunday (Sept. 1), New York Newsday beat man Neil Best wrote that fullback Charles Stackhouse began camp as a starter, lost that designation, then regained it. But the team won't use a traditional fullback much. Stackhouse can be an effective lead blocker, and he has shown some ability as a receiver. ...

Also according to Best, Tiki Barber insisted he would be at or near full strength for the opener, but he hasn't had much time to bounce back from his hamstring problem. He is the key to making the offense go. Ron Dayne can't match his quickness or versatility.

And finally. ... Shockey, who missed last week's game in order to rest a sore ankle, has reportedly been chomping at the bit to get back on the field. The first-round pick has said he'd be ready for the regular season opener since he sprained the ankle on Aug. 17.

Likewise, the coaching staff has faith in Testaverde. The result should be a more wide-open offense, with aggressive play-calling from Hackett. With running back Curtis Martin and a trio of talented wideouts, the team has enough weapons to be productive if not prolific.

If a healthy Santana Moss emerges as a big-play weapon, the Jets will use three-wideout packages, with Moss and Laveranues Coles drawing double coverage on the outside. That would open the middle for Wayne Chrebet.

On a less positive note. ... Cimini believes that after losing two starters, the offensive line -- one of the best in 2001 -- will suffer a drop-off. The Jets have two new starters -- guard J.P. Machado and right tackle Kareem McKenzie -- and a rookie line coach in Doug Marrone. If the line gets off to a slow start, it will affect Hackett's play-calling. And if he reverts to his conservative ways, there might be a revolt among some veterans. ...

And in an article published Sunday (Sept. 1), Cimini stated that Chad Pennington's preseason performance eased concerns about the backup quarterback situation. He showed significant improvement, making quicker reads, playing with more confidence and even exhibiting a stronger arm.

Testaverde still is entrenched as the starter, but it won't be a disaster if the team has to use Pennington. ...

A few final notes here. ... Moss, who has been bothered by sore hamstrings for more than a week now, is expected to play in the season opener. His current status is day to day. ... By signing Martin and Chrebet to long-term contract extensions, the Jets secured two core players and created $2.3 million in salary-cap room. ... However, second-year running back LaMont Jordan, considered Martin's heir apparent, has to be wondering about his future. He may have to leave to get his shot as a feature back.

Corkran further opined that Callahan is an unknown as a head coach, and it's hard to predict how he'll handle adversity and oversee every aspect of the team. Rich Gannon is one of only three quarterbacks to start every one of his team's games the last three seasons. Odds are he won't make it through another year without an injury that necessitates second-year man Marques Tuiasosopo taking over for a stretch. Tuiasosopo looks promising but is untested.

The veteran-laden Raiders didn't play well down the stretch, which doesn't bode well for a team with many players in their mid- to late 30s.

According to Pro Football Weekly, Callahan stuck with his game plan in training camp -- a plan that called for very little contact, despite mixed reviews. The players, especially the older ones, appreciate the coach's efforts to keep them from wearing down like they have the past few seasons. But critics see that the Raiders looked awful in their first two preseason games, and blame the team's lack of hitting as the cause of some sloppy play and lack of discipline.

In an article published Sunday (Sept. 1), Corkran wrote that Tyrone Wheatley still has enough left to be a productive every-down player. He lost his starting spot to Charlie Garner and missed significant playing time because of a knee injury last season.

Wheatley arrived at training camp healed, in great shape and dedicated to regaining the form that made him one of the league's top backs in 1999 and 2000. He also worked on his receiving skills and now is a better all-around player.

"I feel good about the progress that he's made," Callahan said of the former first-round draft pick. "He's been an asset in the passing game, which is a big step for him. I don't want to earmark Tyrone and say he's just a between-the-tackles hammer. ... That's not him. He can run the ball outside. He can do the things in the passing game that we want him to do."

It's also worth noting that rookie tight end Doug Jolley (groin) is finally healthy after rehabbing for the majority of training camp. According to Corkran, the former BYU star is a talented receiver who can make plays downfield. He has good hands, impressive speed and solid route-running skills. Blocking and adding bulk are imperative for Jolley. ...

And finally. ... Tight ends Brandon Christenson and Marcus Williams; quarterback Ronald Curry; running back Madre Hill; and wide receivers Elijah Thurmon and Reggie Barlow were all released over the weekend. ... The Raiders also placed backup tight end Jeremy Brigham on injured reserve Sunday (Sept. 1) because of a strained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

With those two sentences, Aikman ignited a loud, passionate week-long debate on TV and radio talk shows, the Internet and at the Eagles Novacare practice facility.

Even McNabb, who rarely cares and never reacts specifically to anything said about him, could not resist getting into the act.

"It's always something, when he comes up," said McNabb, using the derisive pronoun "he" to refer to Aikman. "'I'm not accurate. I'm not running as much as I used to. I don't look comfortable back there.' I'm just going out there and playing my game and compete and improve."

McNabb, who accounted for 75 percent of the Eagles offense last year, said that on Monday (Aug. 26). By Tuesday (Aug. 27), Aikman was interviewed by the Eagles Web site, no doubt at the behest of the Eagles public relations department. The next morning, Aikman was a featured guest on the area's most popular radio sports talk show.

He praised McNabb's overall ability, but Aikman refused to back down on his main point -- that in the short passing game, the bread-and-butter of the West Coast offense, McNabb is not consistently accurate enough.

Local columnists chimed in, one calling Aikman's complaints "nit-picking." Ex-Giants quarterback Dave Brown, appearing on local TV, said the same thing about Aikman's analysis.

Paolantonio went on to note that in all honesty, Aikman hit a raw nerve in this town. And there is a simple reason why. Philadelphia's first team offense was plagued by poor execution, dropped balls, missed opportunities and almost no production throughout the preseason. The argument from the Eagles is this: The preseason offense has been vanilla. There has been no game planning for the opposition and no red-zone package was installed prior to any game.

But as Paolantonio pointed out, that logic doesn't wash.

Why use the preseason to evaluate every other position on the field except the offense? And why, after the loss to Baltimore, did the Eagles feel compelled to finally sign free agent wide receiver Antonio Freeman, install him as the third wide receiver and, in the process, demote Freddie Mitchell, last year's first-round draft pick?

You don't demote a guy who has been your No. 3 receiver for the last 16 months unless you're unhappy with what you see on the field.

And the rationalization of a vanilla game plan doesn't explain this: On Friday night against Baltimore, McNabb's performance on third down consisted of holding onto the ball too long even though two receivers were wide open; throwing the ball over wide receiver Todd Pinkston's head; a sack; a completion to running back Dorsey Levens that resulted in a one-yard loss; an overthrow to Mitchell; and a pass that hit tight end Chad Lewis on the shoe tops, incomplete.

Then, in the two-minute drill at the end of the first half, McNabb found Pinkston on a crossing route that looked like a potential home run. Pinkston was running free and, with his speed, might have scored. But the ball was thrown too high and behind Pinkston. He had to stop to catch it and was tackled immediately.

But what's really behind the furor over McNabb's preseason performance?

Perhaps the fact Reid announced -- prior to the preseason -- that this was to be McNabb's real breakout season. Historically in the West Coast offense, Reid said, something clicks with QBs in year four. Reid said he watched it happen to Brett Favre in Green Bay, and he expected to see that from McNabb, who was drafted in the first round four years ago by Reid. ...

We'll see soon enough. ...

In an article published Sunday (Sept. 1), Trenton Times beat writer Mark Eckel noted that despite missing almost all of camp, Freeman will be an immediate help in the passing game. His knowledge of the West Coast offense and his on-the-field savvy are welcome additions to an inexperienced group of wide receivers.

Freeman's signing was a bit of an indictment of the team's ability to draft, and develop, receivers. Na Brown, a 1999 draft pick, was released to make room for Freeman; and Mitchell, the team's No. 1 pick in 2001, was demoted to the No. 4 spot. ...

Also according to Eckel, the offense still will be pass-first, but look for more balance this because the team will run the ball more than it has in the past under Reid. Running backs Duce Staley and Levens are healthy and will share time. Rookie Brian Westbrook also will get some work, likely on third down. ...

A few final notes here. ... Mitchell left Friday's (Aug. 30) loss to the Jets after being poked in the eye. The injury is not considered serious, and the former UCLA star should be ready Sunday's regular season opener against Tennessee. ... Rookie Fred Milons, the team's fifth-round pick, suffered a broken leg against New York. The rookie from Alabama was playing well and had made the team, but he wasn't likely to get a lot of playing time during the season. He is expected to miss six weeks.

Randle El has picked up the offense quickly and has astounded coaches with his route-running ability, especially for a converted quarterback. He still must be more disciplined with those routes, though, and it remains to be seen how he handles press coverages when opponents start to game plan for him.

When the team goes to three wide receivers, Randle El will play the slot receiver position and veteran Terance Mathis will line up at Ward's flanker position. ...

That said Ward was cleared to return to practice this week and will be listed as probable for the team's Monday night regular season opener against the Patriots.

Also according to Dulac, one challenge facing offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey is how he reacts to defenses that will try to imitate what the Patriots did to his offense in last year's AFC title game. The Patriots gave the Steelers so many different looks up front that the offensive line was confused well into the third quarter.

Other notes of interest. ... As reported by the Associated Press, Troy Edwards, a 1999 first-round draft choice who had fallen out of the Steelers' receivers rotation, was traded to the St. Louis Rams for a sixth-round draft pick last Saturday (Aug. 31).

Edwards, no longer being used regularly by the Steelers in any role, said the day before he was resigned to being traded or released.

"I just want to play for someone who wants me," said Edwards, who made a combined 37 catches for no touchdowns the last two seasons. "I never felt comfortable here. Me and coach [Bill] Cowher, we just had an attitude clash. This wasn't the right situation for me. My style of play is totally different."

The Rams were aware the Steelers planned to release Edwards on Sunday, but they were fearful another team would claim him on waivers first.

According to Dulac, the development of rookie receiver Lee Mays, who also proved his prowess as a kick returner this summer, was among the reasons team officials were comfortable letting Edwards move on.

Troy Edwards, who will miss another couple of weeks because of a strained knee, was too good to pass up in a trade with Pittsburgh for a sixth-round draft pick in 2004. Edwards has the speed and competitiveness head coach Mike Martz craves in a receiver. ...

In an article published last Monday (Aug. 26) Pro Football Weekly noted that Martz doesn’t make a habit of publicly criticizing his players, but that sure hasn’t stopped him from lashing out at a select few the last few weeks.

Less than a week after proclaiming that third-year tackle John St. Clair was "just not ready" to take over the starting role on the right side, Martz didn’t hesitate to blast backup running backs Trung Canidate and rookie Lamar Gordon after what he considered to be half-hearted efforts in the team's Aug. 22 loss to San Diego.

Martz was said to be particularly perturbed with former first-round pick Canidate, who has lost two fumbles this preseason.

"To me, it looked like neither of them wanted to play," Martz bluntly said after losing to the Chargers. "I’m sure that’s not the case, but that’s the feeling that I got."

But Martz was singing a different tune last Saturday (Aug. 31), when he stated that Canidate is still the No. 2 man behind Marshall Faulk, relegating Gordon to third-team status.

"Oh, there's no comparison right now between the two," Martz told the Post-Dispatch. "Truthfully, to be honest with you, there never really has been. Trung's light years ahead of Lamar in a lot of respects - in just being able to deal with all the things that you've got to deal with at this level. ..."

Jeff Wilkins might begin kicking barefoot. He did so earlier in his kicking career, and he decided to try it again in St. Louis' preseason finale. Wilkins was pleased with the results. "It seemed like the ball was coming off my foot a lot better," Wilkins told the Post-Dispatch on Tuesday. ...

On the injury front. ... No. 2 QB Jamie Martin, who suffered a separated shoulder on Aug. 10, is questionable for the opener. He did some light throwing last week, but he couldn't really cut loose on this throws. The Rams might have to use Marc Bulger as Kurt Warner's backup against the Broncos.

And finally. ... Rookie receiver Eric Crouch will not be ready for the season opener thanks to a bruised thigh he suffered during the preseason opener against Tennessee. The former Nebraska signal caller did, however, start getting in some work late last week.

To many, it appeared Flutie was ahead by a bit in the quarterback derby, but Schottenheimer consistently declared the race too close to call before finally anointing Brees the starter. The consensus is that the job was Brees’ to lose all along. Flutie went so far as to admit that his winning the job was probably a long shot.

The feeling is that Schottenheimer handled the situation the right way by holding the open competition, even if it was more for show than anything else. Flutie voiced his support for Brees to teammates prior to the start of practice the day after Schottenheimer announced his decision. ...

According to San Diego Union-Tribune beat writer Jim Trotter, the decision to trade tight end Steve Heiden to the Browns was a curious move.

Heiden was the best run-blocking tight end on the roster, and the Chargers plan to lean on LaDainian Tomlinson while breaking in Brees. Also, the team now lacks an experienced backup tight end, which is a concern because starter Stephen Alexander has a history of being slowed by injuries.

Rookie backups Justin Peelle and Josh Norman are excellent receivers, but their run-blocking skills don't compare with Heiden's quite yet. ...

Also according to Trotter, the team traded third-year receiver Trevor Gaylor to the Falcons on Sunday, and that's a shame. Gaylor performed each time he was given a chance and led the team in receptions in the final two exhibition games.

Gaylor's lack of attention to detail got him in Schottenheimer's doghouse early in camp, and he never was able to get out.

Gaylor's departure opens the door for rookie Reche Caldwell to work as the team's No. 3 receiver. Some observers believe Caldwell will ultimately beat out Tim Dwight to become the team's No. 2 man.

One last note here. ... Terrell Fletcher, projected to be the team's third-down back, is expected to be sidelined two weeks with a sprained ankle he suffered last Wednesday (Aug. 28). Tomlinson will pick up the slack, just as he did last year when Fletcher missed the final three games with a hamstring injury.

It's probably worth noting that Tomlinson had 19 receptions in those games, his second-best three-game total of the year.

According to PFW's sources, Owens looks to be in the best condition of his life, routinely out-muscling defenders and running crisper patterns after being told by receivers coach George Stewart that he had a tendency to rush his routes. Apparently, Owens is determined to make a run at Jerry Rice’s NFL record for yards receiving in a season (1,848 in 1995) and believes there’s no reason he can’t crack the 2,000-yard barrier, provided he gets the ball enough.

But will he get the ball enough if the Niners and Mariucci stick with their run-first philosophy and try to spread the ball around more to other worthy targets such as fellow wideout J.J. Stokes and steadily improving tight end Eric Johnson?

That remains to be seen, but if Owens does feel he’s being shortchanged, there’s no doubt he’ll let Mariucci know about it, as he did on more than a few occasions last season.

The big difference this year, though, could be in the manner in which Owens lets his head coach know about any potential displeasure -- with the likelihood being that he’ll let Mariucci know privately before spouting off to anybody within earshot.

Whatever the case, Owens and Mariucci are getting along much better this season, a development that hasn’t gone unnoticed by upper management.

A case in point was when Mariucci told Owens point-blank that he would be used sparingly in the Niners’ last two preseason games, and Owens graciously accepted the decision without any resistance.

Owens also has been added by Mariucci to the team’s special leadership committee known as the "Dirty Dozen" and was even seen hugging his head coach recently in a rare public display of affection.

Will Owens and Mariucci continue to get along as the season wears on?

The early signs seem to suggest that they will, which could very well result in a monster season for both Owens and the 49ers.

Other notes of interest. ... Despite losing his battle to Jose Cortez, Jeff Chandler was not released -- primarily because team officials handed the fourth-round draft pick $300,000 in guaranteed money.

Chandler could also be trade bait for other NFL teams don't that don't currently enjoy the luxury of such high quality at place-kicker.

And finally. ... Receiver Cedrick Wilson, who bruised his ribs on Aug. 28, practiced over the weekend and is likely to play in the opener. Although he remains the fourth receiver behind Tai Streets, Wilson had a solid preseason and some observers believe he'll cut into Streets' snaps this fall.

Head coach Mike Holmgren said Tuesday he’s uncertain of Dilfer’s status. Dilfer was in uniform, but not in pads, and did not take part in Tuesday’s 90-minute practice.

"Little by little, he’s getting better every day," Holmgren said. "As far as exactly where he is and when he can come back and play, no one can exactly tell me that."

Dilfer sprained his right knee in the Seahawks’ exhibition opener Aug. 10 and Hasselbeck started the last three exhibition games. The injury was supposed to keep Dilfer sidelined four to eight weeks.

Demoted by Holmgren when the Seahawks re-signed Dilfer as a free agent during the offseason, Hasselbeck did not have a good exhibition season. He had a 40.3 quarterback rating, throwing five interceptions and one touchdown pass.

He was intercepted twice in Seattle’s 31-0 loss in its exhibition finale in Denver last Thursday night.

If Hasselbeck gets hurt in the Seahawks’ opener, Holmgren’s replacement quarterback would be either Dilfer, if he’s healthy enough to play, or newly signed third stringer Dave Dickenson.

"I’d consider dressing him, yeah," Holmgren said of Dilfer.

The Seahawks signed Dickenson as a free agent Monday after waiving 1992 Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien, 39. Dickenson, 29, was released by the San Diego Chargers.

Rypien was with the Seahawks 15 days after being signed as insurance because of Dilfer’s injury.

"Dickenson became available and we like him," Holmgren said. "We just went for a younger guy who’s a little more mobile who, if inserted into a game, can maybe get out of trouble if he had to get out of trouble."

And finally. ... According to Pro Football Weekly, team officials expected first-round draft choice Jerramy Stevens to enter the season as their starting end, they didn't expect incumbent Itula Mili to have the best training camp of his career. However, PFW noted that Mili won't easily step aside and that the starting job is still his despite the fact Stevens has lived up to expectations for the most part.

Farnsworth confirmed that report early this week by writing that Mili is blocking as well as ever and is displaying a nasty streak. He also has become more consistent as a receiver and has found a way to combat mental lapses that used to drive coaches crazy.

In an article published last Monday, Pro Football Weekly noted that they're hardly panicking, but team officials were getting a little concerned about the former Cardinal, who was slowed all summer by a lingering ankle injury.

Pittman, who new head coach Jon Gruden envisions as a bigger, stronger version of the Raiders’ Charlie Garner, sprained his right ankle on the opening day of training camp and PFW's sources believe the former Fresno State star might have tried to come back too quickly from the injury and re-aggravated it in team's Aug. 16 game against Jacksonville.

Pittman was subsequently held out of the Bucs’ Aug. 24 shellacking at the hands of the Redskins and is expected to be ready for the season opener, but the Bucs clearly would have preferred to have seen more of him in the preseason -- especially given the prominent role he’s expected to play.

Without Pittman on the field, the Bucs’ ground game has suffered this preseason, gaining only 137 yards on 45 attempts in two games after ripping off 182 yards on the ground in their preseason debut. ...

For what it's worth. ... Gruden still plans on using Pittman as much as he can in the regular season opener.

"I told Mike that '[come Sunday], I'm going to wear you out,'" the coach said Tuesday.

Pittman, who claims his ankle is currently at about 90 percent, says he will be ready to play.

"My first couple of plays might not be big plays, but I'll keep plugging and doing my job and I'll get it done," the former Cardinal said. A few final notes out of Tampa. ... According to the St. Petersburg Times, Rob Johnson held off Shaun King for the No. 2 quarterback position.

"Again, it was his overall performance, that first ballgame, the way the reps have been worked the last few weeks of training camp," Gruden explained. "I think Rob has had a little bit more reps in terms of underneath center. I think that experience alone is something that weighed heavily, and we think Rob's a good player. Shaun is a good player, but we had to make a decision and give our players some focus in terms of this ballgame. At the same time, Shaun King will be a part of the game plan. We expect him to be ready to play."

Anybody else starting to get the feeling that Gruden is likely to break out the hook quickly if he feels the need?

And finally. ... Receiver Reggie Barlow signed a one-year contract with the Buc on Wednesday.

Barlow is entering his seventh NFL season after playing with Jacksonville from 1996-2000 and spending 2001 on injured reserve with the Oakland Raiders. He has 33 receptions for 472 yards in 69 games. He's also returned kicks, scoring twice on punts and once on a kickoff.

Offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger has the team doing far more in the passing game than at any time in Jeff Fisher's nine-year tenure as coach. There are more pass routes, the routes are run better and Steve McNair is being asked to look deeper and to take chances to make bigger plays.

Wycheck, who averaged 11.2 yards per catch last season, should see fewer safeties trying to track him than in past years because opposing secondaries now have to honor the wide receivers. ...

As reported by the Associated Press, Skip Hicks, claimed off waivers by the Titans nearly a year ago, was released on Sunday (Sept. 1). Hicks had been competing with Robert Holcombe to back up Eddie George. But Holcombe played well on special teams and led Tennessee in rushing this preseason, while Hicks averaged nearly a yard less per carry.

Holcombe carried 27 times for 100 yards with a long run of 23 yards. Hicks, who dropped a swing pass Friday (Aug. 30) night in a one-point loss to Green Bay, carried 32 times for 94 yards. ...

Also of interest. ... Although he's fully expected to start and play as usual this Sunday, George, who is bothered by a sore ankle, is currently listed as day to day. ... McNair (back) returned to practice on Tuesday. He took his usual snaps with the first-team offense and is expected to do so for the remainder of the week.

"But I'm ready to go," McNair said. "Let's get this thing going."

And finally. ... According to Pro Football Weekly, the Titans place a lot of emphasis on second-year growth spurts in determining the make-up of their roster. The team believes that rookies should make huge strides after a full year of adjusting to the speed of the game and being exposed to the team’s offseason workout program.

And as we've been stating since May, one player who has showed a lot of growth is last year’s fourth-round draft pick Justin McCareins.

The second-year receiver played in four games as a rookie, starting one, before missing the remainder of the season with a fractured ankle. In fact, McCareins, who has also worked as a punt returner this summer, has been playing so well that team sources say he could unseat Kevin Dyson for the No. 2 spot job.

In an exclusive interview, McCareins told PFW why he has been able to excel so quickly in the NFL:

"I just think I am a pretty versatile player. I can do a lot of things. I’m willing to block, willing to go over the middle or do things in the return game, so I take pride in being versatile and more of a blue-collar type player. But I still have a ways to go. Experience-wise, I missed a lot last year, and I’m just focusing on making sure I am in the right place and know the playbook like I am supposed to, and I think I am doing that. Physically, I know I am there with anyone in the league, so I feel good about it."

According to Pasquarelli, Wuerffel was clearly the man Spurrier wanted to start, in part because he wanted to show the rest of the NFL that he could win with a quarterback no one else wanted. But under heavy pressure from the New England pass rush -- mostly because backup left tackles Reggie Coleman and Alex Sulfsted resembled turnstiles in replacing the injured Chris Samuels -- Wuerffel came undone.

And not without good reason. After all, he was sacked five times. Unfortunately, Wuerffel fumbled three times when hit and in general, looked like the proverbial deer in the headlights.

There is no doubt, say Redskins insiders, that Wuerffel would have been the regular-season starter had he just survived his one half of action. But when an upset Spurrier exited the field, and a television station poked a microphone under his nose and asked who would start in Sunday's regular season opener against Arizona, he blurted out Matthews' name.

"It was a knee-jerk thing," Pasquarelli quoted a source as saying. "I don't know how much thought he gave it. It was the result of him being (miffed) at Danny, and the timing of the question."

Ironically enough, most NFL pundits -- including those of us here at FSP -- figured when the Redskins signed Matthews earlier in the spring, he was best-suited anyway for the starting job.

According to Richmond Times-Dispatch staffer Paul Woody, Matthews doesn't have the strongest arm, but he is capable of making throws necessary to successfully run Spurrier's offense. Woody added: "If the team is going to throw 60 percent of the time, passes will be intercepted occasionally no matter who is at quarterback.

"Matthews is smart, poised and getting the hang of the offense again after spending nine seasons in the West Coast offense.

"If he stays free of injury, he needs to be consistently good over 16 games. If he's not, the team will struggle, and Matthews will be replaced by [Wuerffel]. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... The Washington Post reported that wide receiver Derrius Thompson will be the Week 1 starter opposite Rod Gardner.

"Right now, going off the preseason, I'd say it would be Derrius and Rod," Spurrier said. "They started the last couple games and nothing really changed."

Of course, we're looking for all the team's wideouts -- including Gardner, Thompson, Kevin Lockett and Jacquez Green to get their fair share of action in Spurrier's pass-happy scheme.

Although he missed last Thursday's (Aug. 29) preseason closer, place-kicker Brett Conway's sore hip flexor is reportedly improving and the veteran place-kicker was reportedly able to kick without difficulty over the weekend and team officials fully expect him to be ready for action this Sunday. ...

And finally. ... Injuries to Walter Rasby (sprained knee) and rookie Robert Royals (sprained ankle), leave Zeron Flemister in the catbird's seat heading into Sunday's opener. It's worth noting, however, that the tight end hasn't been especially active with Spurrier calling the shots this summer. ...

For what it's worth. ... Rasby will be out several more weeks, which is a tough blow for the team. He is the best blocking tight end, and the problem created by his absence is compounded by Royals' injury. In obvious running situations, the team is going to have to use an extra offensive lineman as a blocker from the tight end spot because Flemister simply isn't a good enough blocker to get the job done.

By the way. ... Royals, who suffered a high ankle sprain, will miss the 2002 season after being placed on the injured reserve list. ...