After Sunday's comeback victory over Minnesota, that might have to be amended.

Miller overcame a shaky first half to complete 12 of 17 passes for 188 yards after the break, including the game-winning touchdown to David Terrell with 28 seconds left.

In the final nine minutes, Miller directed consecutive touchdown drives, completing 6-of-8 for 95 yards.

"Jim really stepped up and played well," said offensive coordinator John Shoop, who allowed Miller to stretch the field with deep routes to Marty Booker and Dez White. "I know he was hurting (because) he got hit in the hand in the first half and he had the fumble and the interception, but he sure rebounded really well."

Miller did have a fumble the Vikings converted into a touchdown, and his only interception ended the Bears' last possession of the first half. The crowd of 63,226 responded with a chorus of boos as the offense left the field after both possessions.

"You have to have thick skin in this business," Miller said. "I want to do the right things all the time, but I'm not perfect. We all make mistakes, including everybody on this offense, but we're good at saying, 'Hey, that play's over with. Let's move on to the next play and focus on the task at hand.' If you do that, I think over time you're going to have a lot of success."

Miller's mobility is nothing like that of the Vikings' Daunte Culpepper or the Falcons' Michael Vick, this week's opponent. But he and Shoop spent a lot of time in the off-season working on moving in the pocket to buy time without actually scrambling around.

"One thing with Jim," Shoop said, "he really hung in the pocket there for some time. It's one of the things we really addressed this off-season, so it's pleasing to watch him do it in the game.

"You may have to move but (you can still) reset in the pocket. We were running a few routes that took a little bit of time. If it's not there, Jim had to reset to buy a little bit of time, not just reset and dump (the ball) down. He did a nice job of doing that."

The best example came on Miller's 29-yard TD pass to Booker late in the first quarter. While Booker ran a post pattern, the pocket started to close in on Miller, but he calmly stepped up and fired a strike.

On the winning drive, Miller threw another perfect pass from midfield that led Booker perfectly inside the 10-yard line, but Booker dropped that one. One play later, Miller came back to Booker for 9 yards; three plays after that, he held the ball until Terrell got open in the end zone.

Miller's performance was so impressive down the stretch that no one remembered to ask about the sprained ankle that limited his practice time early in the week.

"It's a little swollen, but you just fight through it, you work through it," Miller said Monday. "It'll get healthier as the season goes on. Hopefully, nothing unfortunate happens again. But it's football. Everybody has their dings. I'm not the only guy that has some minor problems."

The ankle wasn't bad enough to keep Miller from bootlegging around left end for five yards on a third-and-2 from the Bears' 10-yard line late in the third quarter.

"Yeah, I showed some signs of speed, anyway," said Miller, who laughed when someone brought up running the option. "I don't know about that," he said.

But Miller was nimble enough, even on an injured ankle, to suffer just 1 sack despite several Vikings blitzes.

Miller finished with a passer rating of 97.7, more than 23 points above his career mark. If he maintains that pace, Miller will soon be described as a quarterback who can win games for you. ...

Other notes of interest. ...

Although he was held to just 45 yards (with a touchdown) by the Vikings, Anthony Thomas will be going up against an Atlanta defense that let Packer RB Ahman Green run for 155 yards last Sunday. ...

And finally. ... Despite a couple of drops -- including the above-mentioned muff that might have been good for a TD -- Booker solidified his status as one of the league's most dangerous Fantasy receivers with his eight-catch, 198-yard, one-TD effort against the Vikings.

Frerotte's thumb was wrapped Monday when he watched game film of the Bengals' season-opening 34-6 loss to the San Diego Chargers. The thumb was injured in the third quarter when Frerotte was sacked, one of four times he was tackled for a loss while trying to pass.

“I played the rest of the game with it,” he said. “It just swelled up on me last night.”

Frerotte, who was 18-of-31 passing for 198 yards and one interception, said he hasn't tried to grip a football and won't until Wednesday.

“I'm going to let the swelling go down, and we're going to see how it goes Wednesday, but right now I'm playing,” he said.

During the sack, Frerotte's thumb was bent back as he tried to cradle the ball.

Jon Kitna would start if Frerotte couldn't play. Akili Smith is the Bengals' third quarterback.

Other notes of interest. ...

Upset with what he obviously viewed as an unacceptable performance last Sunday, head coach Dick LeBeau spent considerable time on Monday promising unspecified lineup changes.

"We won't play that way again," LeBeau said emphatically. "We want to make some changes. We're not going to look like that."

According to observers, LeBeau, who turned 65 on Monday, never cracked a smile during an uncharacteristically grim news conference. A day later, he still didn't understand how a team could play so poorly on its home field in the season opener.

Neither could his players.

"I've been through lots of games where you go out psyched out, with everyone cheering in the locker room," Frerotte said. "You could see in everybody's eyes yesterday that everybody was ready to play. Then we go out and play like that. There's no explanation for it."

It was the team's most disheartening defeat during LeBeau's 30 games as head coach and their most discouraging since a 37-0 loss in Baltimore during the third game of the 2000 season. Bruce Coslet quit as head coach after that game, leaving LeBeau to take over. ...

As noted by the Cincinnati Post staff reporter Kevin Goheen, after losing to Cleveland in the first game at Paul Brown Stadium two years ago, several Browns players were caught on film talking about how out of shape the Bengals players were. Similar talk was heard out of the San Diego locker room Sunday.

"Did you see them lying on the ground?" Chargers tight end Stephen Alexander told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "They didn't know if they wanted to play or go to the sideline, every single one of them, all their front guys. The D-line and linebackers, they're on the ground, looking around. "Nah, let's shut it down.' They were terrible."

LeBeau began talking about extra running and conditioning as early as Sunday afternoon.

"I'm not saying we're in great condition," center Rich Braham said. "But a little extra conditioning wouldn't hurt us."

No. 2 halfback Brandon Bennett is expected to open the week as questionable after suffering a sprained ankle last Sunday. ... Veteran wideout Michael Westbrook didn't start but still managed to pull in two passes for 20 yards against the Chargers. The former Redskin is another player likely to play a larger role in the offense. ...

"I'm definitely feeling better and better," he said. "I definitely say the chances are a lot higher this week of me playing. The arm is less painful. The swelling went down. It's pretty much healed now."

Couch has been sidelined since Aug. 26 because of scar tissue irritating the elbow. He did not throw Monday. Tuesday is a day off.

"I think Wednesday I've got to go out and test it and see where I am with it," Couch said.

Couch was listed as the third-string quarterback Sunday against Kansas City behind starter Kelly Holcomb and backup Josh Booty.

"If worse came to worst, I could have gone in," Couch said. "I don't know how much I could have done, but I think I could have gone in and done a few things."

Holcomb's strong performance means the Browns won't have to rush Couch back. But Couch is clearly frustrated by having to watch.

"Watching a game from the sideline is something I'm not accustomed to and something I don't want to do again," he said. "It's tough, especially missing the opener when all off-season you've been thinking about opening the season right and preparing for KC and you don't get to play in it."

Other notes of interest. ...

Also according to Rabinowitz, Jamel White started at running back instead of William Green because Green missed practice Thursday with a tight back.

Green said he should be 100 percent by Wednesday. That doesn't necessarily mean he'll get the start, head coach Butch Davis indicated.

Asked if Green would be the starter if healthy, Davis said, "We'll see."

Green said his back went into spasms during stretching of a walk-through practice Thursday morning.

"Just one of those weird injuries that comes out of nowhere," he said.

Davis said Green "ran like a racehorse" in practice Friday. According to Rabinowitz, "he must have been referring to a nag. "

Green missed the afternoon practice on Thursday in which the Browns worked on blitz pickups. Green said he expected White to start because of that.

"I can't say I was 100 percent (Sunday), but I was good enough to be out there," Green said.

He ran eight times for 17 yards (2.1 per carry).

"Given where he had to run, he did OK," Davis said, referring to the lack of holes opened for Green.

White ran 12 times for 42 yards (3.5). ...

The Browns opened last week's game in a one-receiver, two-tight end set featuring: Quincy Morgan as the lone wideout and Mark Campbell and rookie Darnell Sanders at tight end. Former Charger Steve Heiden opened the game at H-back with Aaron Shea nursing a sore shoulder. Shea could return in time for this week's game.

Jones still believes Campo and Carter can return America's Team to one of the NFL's elite franchises. But he did ponder how long the process will take.

"It certainly makes you take a step back and realize you're not as far along as you thought you were," Jones said of the loss. "To say you have doubts about Quincy and Dave would be a mistake.

"We're so early in the season that we need to go with what we worked on in the off-season and the preseason. There's a time for making a lot of changes, and I don't see that. That would be a knee-jerk reaction.

"I'm sad. I'm focused. I'm resolved. I want to get to work."

So does Campo. "We should be upset. We should be disappointed and hurting, and I think they are," Campo said. "But this doesn't shake my optimism."

The Cowboys will be underdogs in each of their next three games, against Tennessee, Philadelphia and St. Louis, so a 0-4 start for the second consecutive season is a possibility. That would probably mean the Cowboys would be headed for a third consecutive losing record.

If that happens, there's no guarantee Campo would be the head coach in 2003.

Campo, who has said he doesn't worry about job security, expects the Cowboys to play much better against Tennessee. Actually, the Cowboys could play well in each of the next three and still lose.

But it won't matter, if the Cowboys don't improve their work habits. There isn't enough talent on this roster for players to go through the motions in practice. No one – not even veteran starters – is good enough to skip practice.

Part of the Cowboys' problem against Houston was that Dallas' starting offensive line did not participate together in a play in the preseason. Add an inexperienced quarterback, a rookie receiver and the installation of a new offense, and it was a recipe for disaster.

Offensive coordinator Bruce Coslet made it clear during training camp he has a disdain for players who don't practice. Now, we know why.

Taylor went on say that team officials felt good about their offense because they thought the running game would be good enough to take pressure off of Carter, but the Cowboys didn't look much different against Houston than they did in Campo's first two seasons. Each of those teams finished 5-11.

For Dallas to contend for a playoff spot and for Campo to keep his job, Carter must play better. And as a leader on offense, he must take the blame -- even if he doesn't think it's his fault.

He didn't do that Sunday night. Instead, he spoke cryptically about the lack of a running game, a clear indictment of the offensive line's performance.

Carter passed for only 131 yards, and Houston recorded 12 pass deflections -- an indication he was forcing passes. Houston dropped at least three potential interceptions.

His confidence does not waver.

"I don't have any doubts about my ability to lead this team at all," Carter said. "We have to keep working hard. We have some good veteran players on this team, and we have to follow their lead.

"It's not a life-or-death situation. We have 15 games left. There's no panic."

As Taylor noted, maybe that's the problem.

Also of interest. ...

Darnay Scott, who signed on with Dallas early this week, is expected to work as the Cowboys third-receiver this Sunday. ... Ola Kimrin, who hit a 65-yard field goal for the Denver Broncos in the preseason, was in Dallas for a workout on Tuesday. Kimrin's presence obviously isn't good news for Billy Cundiff, who took the job from Tim Seder in training camp. James Whalen, who sustained a contusion on his calf against Houston, is expected to play against the Titans this Sunday. The same can't be said of Reggie Swinton, who is listed as doubtful with the same hamstring injury that's bothered him for almost a month now.

Head coach Mike Shanahan is not going to be shy about pulling Brian Griese.

When Griese stumbled in the third quarter against the Rams, Shanahan came very close to inserting backup Steve Beuerlein. He didn't, and Griese drove the Broncos on a key fourth-quarter drive that clinched the game. The drive might have saved his job.

Still, the scenario showed that Shanahan has a lot of faith in Beuerlein and that Shanahan is not going to coddle Griese or stroke his ego while the team suffers. If Shanahan thinks Beuerlein is the answer, he won't hesitate to put him in. ...

Also according to Saunders, it looks like Olandis Gary is going to be the starting running back for the foreseeable future.

But that doesn't make him the team's feature back.

Rookie Clinton Portis is an explosive playmaker who likely will be Denver's leading rusher this season. Right now, the team has the luxury of bringing Portis around relatively slowly. ...

Of course, Mike Anderson remains in the mix, too. ... The former Marine worked as the single back in third-down sets last Sunday. He rushed for 17 yards on seven carries.

Fortunately, it wasn't hard to see this one coming.

In fact, I offered the following take on Denver's running back situation back on July 25:

"Are you familiar with the term 'crapshoot?' No? If you’d like to learn more about that colorful word [I] recommend drafting a Broncos running back this year."

And finally. ... Kevin Kasper, who missed last week's game with bruised ribs, is listed as questionable again this week and it's not yet clear whether he'll be ready for action this week.

McMahon completed 13 of 25 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown, but was intercepted on the first play of the second half, setting up an easy score for the Dolphins.

"I thought that on 90 percent of his plays, Mike played very well," head coach Marty Mornhinweg said. "But that percentage has to be up to 97 or 98. There were a few plays where he could have made a better decision, and then he had the major mistake that handed them a touchdown."

Harrington, the third overall pick in the draft, was 4-of-11 for 41 yards in his NFL debut.

Other notes of interest. ...

In an article published Tuesday, Booth Newspapers staffer Tom Kowalski noted that receiver Az-Zahir Hakim appears to be an excellent fit in the offense, but he must provide more of a downfield threat to put the safeties on their heels.

Against Miami, Hakim did a good job catching passes in underneath routes, but nothing went deep.

Bill Schroeder didn't have a catch and short-armed one of the few passes thrown his way. Mikhael Ricks was effective early but Mornhinweg failed to call his number late in the game. ...

James Stewart, a last minute scratch after tweaking his knee during pregame warmups last Sunday, says he intends to play this week. However, the former Jaguar admits he might not be ready to go full speed.

"It takes time," Stewart told the Detroit Free Press. "It's like the doc told me, I've still got the knot over the MCL and I'm going to have to play with that."

Mornhinweg said Monday he expects Stewart and Desmond Howard (concussion) to play against Carolina, but I wouldn't bank on Stewart's presence for two reasons:

1) Mornhinweg likes to keep the opposition guessing (meaning he's a big, fat liar); and 2) Stewart has missed an average of 3.5 games per season during his seven year pro career.

Though Sherman has hammered home his point, it’s too soon to tell if this team will become the cohesive unit the coach desires.

“I told [the team] that [the media] keep asking that, ‘How’s the chemistry?’ ” Sherman said. “I told them it’s going to be a long season. There’s going to be some ups and downs.”

That’s when Sherman said he’ll have a better idea about his team.

“There will be some rocky roads,” he said. “At that point, I’ll know what the chemistry is like. You can’t in the preseason. ..."

According to Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reporter Tom Silverstein, more than a few scouts had concerns about rookie receiver Javon Walker's ability to learn a complicated offense, but already he has shown a knack for reading defenses and running to open spots. His first career touchdown was a sight adjustment and another big catch he made was a physical adjustment to the ball.

The biggest thing Walker has going for him is that Brett Favre recognizes he can be a dangerous weapon in the offense. ...

Silverstein went on to say that Sherman will rotate his receivers liberally to get all of them on the field. Terry Glenn is the starting flanker and will be on the field the most if he's healthy, but Sherman has had no qualms about using Walker and Robert Ferguson off the bench.

Donald Driver and Glenn are susceptible to injury and probably would benefit from not having to play every down. It's possible Sherman will need Walker and Ferguson to start at some point this season, so keeping them active is the smart thing to do. ...

In an article published Tuesday, Silverstein opined that Ferguson is still a rookie in many ways. He spent most of last year inactive because he failed to learn the system and was injured. Ferguson was to be a starter this year, but Driver beat him out.

However, the fact he's the team's biggest, most physical receiver should be enough to keep Ferguson in the mix this year.

Other notes of interest. ...

Ahman Green, who ran for 155 yards against the Falcons last Sunday, needed intravenous fluids after practice three times last week and needed another IV at halftime Sunday. He even had to leave the game briefly because of cramping in his stomach. ...

Driver (ribs) is expected to start and play as usual against New Orleans this Sunday. ... Glenn, who sustained a mild concussion last Sunday, is also expected to start and play as usual. ... No. 2 halfback Rondell Mealey is currently listed as day to day after straining a hamstring against the Falcons. ...

And finally, the Packers re-signed No. 3 tight end Tyrone Davis just two days after releasing him.

David Carr was especially impressive in the team's win over the Cowboys. The rookie threw for 145 yards and two touchdowns. He might have finished the night with three touchdown passes if Jermaine Lewis hadn't dropped a perfectly-placed pass near the end zone.

Unfortunately, Houston's offensive line seems to have a hard time keeping opposing pass rushers off the youngster's back.

And that ain't good. ...

By the way, Corey Bradford also had a solid outing against the Cowboys, pulling in four passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Other notes of interest. ...

Hey now. ... I was just looking at Houston's officials depth chart and guess what I saw?

That's right; rookie Jonathan Wells is now listed as the starter ahead of James Allen.

It's an interesting development considering the fact that Allen started last Sunday's game and picked up 56 yard on 19 carries. Hardly impressive, but still better than Wells nine-carry, 18-yard outing. ...

According to Houston Chronicle beat writer Carlton Thompson, rookie receiver Jabar Gaffney had a tentative start but has looked like the team's best receiver the past two weeks. Having played in Florida's wide-open offense, Gaffney understands route adjustments better than the average rookie. By the end of the year, his numbers could back up his claim of being the best receiver drafted. ...

Thompson also noted that fullback Jarrod Baxter began impressing the coaching staff the first day of camp with his work ethic and desire to improve. Baxter was the feature runner at New Mexico but will seldom carry the ball in this offense.

Blocking and receiving were Baxter's preseason focus, and he showed weekly improvement in each department. Baxter and fellow rookie Ed Stansbury were so impressive that the Texans cut the only experienced fullbacks on the roster. ...

For what it's worth. ... We've moved Billy Miller ahead of Rod Rutledge on our depth chart even though Rutledge is almost certain to hit the field with the first team offense more often than not.

But make no mistake about it: Rutledge is there to block; Miller is clearly the more dangerous receiving threat.

And finally. ... The Texans signed former Cleveland wideout JaJuan Dawson to a contract on Tuesday. However, it's still not clear how coaches will use the speedy third-year man.

The continuity of the wide-open approach was assured when offensive coordinator Tom Moore was retained following coach Jim Mora's firing.

Although allowing Manning to stretch the field, Dungy will stress the importance of ball security. Manning threw 23 interceptions in 2001, the second-highest total in the NFL. ...

Other notes of interest. ...

Pollard, who left last week's game early after injuring his ribs, will miss this week's game against Miami. The good news for Fantasy owners lies in the fact that Pollard's ribs weren't fractured. The only damage done was to the cartilage in his ribcage.

In the meantime, Jermaine Wiggins and Joe Dean Davenport will try to fill the void left by Pollard's absence this week. Look for Indianapolis to line up in more three receiver sets, too. ... And finally. ... For the second time in two days, a star player has restructured his contract, and helped the team to create much-needed salary cap room for the 2002 season.

This time the benefactor was Harrison, who reduced his scheduled salary of $3 million to the league minimum of $525,000 for a veteran of his tenure. The balance, $2.475 million, becomes guaranteed, and essentially is considered a signing bonus, which the team can amortize over the remaining years of his contract.

The maneuver, which came just one day after offensive right tackle Adam Meadows reworked his contract to create an additional $1 million in salary cap room, provides the Colts another $1.66 million in cap funds.

It's worth noting that the new deal will increase Harrison's cap charge for both the 2003 and 2004 seasons by more than $800,000 apiece, and likely means the contract will have to be restructured again next spring. Harrison's salary cap charge for 2003 has now ballooned to $7.709 million and is raised now to $8.632 million for 2004.

Harrison is one of only three players in history to catch at least 100 passes in three straight seasons (Herman Moore and Jerry Rice are the others).

At 6-0 and 175-pounds, Harrison isn't a physically imposing player but he is deceptively strong and incredibly quick off the line. Opposing cornerbacks are rarely able to disrupt his release at the line. He runs precise routes and does damage over the middle and deep.

And best of all, the former Syracuse star has also been surprisingly durable, missing only four of 97 regular-season games.

Smith, a 10-year veteran, no longer is the deep threat he once was, but he showed in the team's season-opening loss that his conditioning and stamina were unaffected by a 38-day holdout that caused him to miss the entire preseason.

Playing on only three full days of practice, Smith caught eight passes for 104 yards against the Colts and didn't wear down in the fourth quarter.

According to Hubbuch, the Jaguars can count on the five-time Pro Bowl selection to be his usual sturdy self. ...

That's not the case with Damon Gibson, however.

Head coach Tom Coughlin cut the normally reliable third-year punt returner Tuesday, two days after his critical fumble cost the Jaguars a touchdown in a three-point loss to the Colts.

The Jaguars announced the transaction in a terse news release. Team spokesman Dan Edwards said Coughlin would have no comment on the move.

Gibson, who said he had never fumbled a punt in a high school, college or pro game, misjudged a long punt and watched it sail over his head. In an attempt to make something of the play, he chased it and reached down to pick it up, but fumbled. The Colts recovered, and three plays later, scored the go-ahead touchdown.

Coughlin berated Gibson at length on the sideline after the play, and came back Monday with more criticism of the player.

"I'm upset," Coughlin said. "It's something that happened that didn't have to happen."

He said he would take the next few days to think about Gibson's future, and on Tuesday, he made his decision final.

On Monday, Gibson said he knew how upset Coughlin was, but he had to press on as if he would still be on the team.

"I'm not concerned about it," Gibson said. "What's going to happen is going to happen. I always felt since I came into the league, the I don't look around the corner and worry that someone's going to cut me."

This isn't the first time Coughlin made such a snap decision. Two years ago, he released running back Chris Howard three days after Howard fumbled twice in a loss to Baltimore.

It routinely took more than one tackler to bring Holmes down against the Browns, and he got stronger in the fourth quarter, when he gained 76 of his 122 rushing yards and scored three of his four touchdowns.

The Chiefs were successful in getting him the ball in open-field situations, where he excels. He gained many of his yards on sweeps and draws when he was able to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.

By the way. ... Holmes four-TD effort -- which included three trips to the end zone in the final nine minutes of the game -- matched a club record for TD runs in a single game. Other notes of interest. ...

Head coach Dick Vermeil told reporters early this week that he'll try to get Johnnie Morton more involved in the offense. "You'll see Johnnie Morton move into the game plan a little bit more," he said.

Look for the Chiefs to send Morton in motion in an attempt to draw favorable, single-coverage matchups against the Browns' secondary. ...

Training camp? Who needs it?

Not Tony Gonzalez. ... The star tight end pulled in five passes for 87 yards and a TD against the Browns after just one week of practice. ...

And finally. ... Teicher noted that second-year halfback Derrick Blaylock -- one of the fastest players on the roster -- was overwhelmed as a rookie last year, but he is making progress. The Chiefs hope to feature his great speed in selected situations, and for now that's his best asset.

Blaylock has improved his pass protection and receiving skills, but he won't have a major role as long as Holmes remains healthy and productive.

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner is a master play-caller and knows how to create openings. ...

Which explains why Rob Konrad, who caught all of five passes last season, nearly matched that total last Sunday. Miscast in former coordinator Chan Gailey's system as a blocking fullback, Konrad is best suited for a versatile role. His top attribute is his ability out of the backfield.

Konrad has very good hands and can run away from linebackers, and run over cornerbacks. Given the way Turner uses his fullbacks, Konrad could have a career season. ...

And then there's rookie tight end Randy McMichael, who doesn't look in the least bit like a rookie.

The former University of Georgia star has adapted quickly to the pro game and has flashed more athletic ability than his combine numbers showed. He makes the one-handed catch look easy. He must be a viable threat down the middle so secondaries don't load up on the wide receivers.

Also of interest. ...

Archer is already beating the comeback player of the year drum for running back Robert Edwards.

Edwards' career appeared to be over when he suffered a severe knee injury in a flag football game after the 1998 season, but his long comeback has been rewarded with a job as the team's third-down back.

The bottom line is this: Edwards has proved to be too good to keep off the field. He can gain tough yardage between the tackles and has the speed and agility to shake free from defenders outside. ...

And finally. ... As reported by SportsLine.com insider Jay Glazer, the Dolphins reworked Ricky Williams' contract last Sunday in order to help him earn additional bonus money this season based upon hitting certain incentives. Williams had been slated to earn the league minimum this year as part of the original contract the player signed when he was drafted by the Saints.

Credit the Dolphins' front office with going out of their way to make their new featured back feel loved. His psyche has always brought concern and several personnel people say that if Williams is in a bad element, it could cause trouble.

Thus, if they are going to focus their offense around him, why not make him feel like they will go out of their way for him? The deal was consummated in time for today's game's statistics to count toward these incentives.

In the preseason, when Culpepper excelled, Tice said Culpepper took the challenge to heart. But in Week 1, Culpepper made some mistakes that frustrated his coaches. He threw two interceptions on poor decisions and ran the ball himself once when he was supposed to hand it off.

The team is frustrated but believes its franchise quarterback can correct the mistakes. ...

The Vikings clearly demonstrated that all three of their tailbacks can be effective. Starter Michael Bennett and backups Moe Williams and Doug Chapman combined for rushing 134 yards against the Bears last Sunday.

Can you say "committee?" Sure you can. ...

Bennett is the sure starter but Williams is good in short yardage and Chapman is a strong back who runs hard and provides a great change of pace late in the game. ...

Doug Brien eased Tice's mind by making all three of his field-goal attempts. He missed four of five in the preseason. Brien, a reliable veteran, was close to being cut twice, but Tice decided to keep him because of his experience and his long kickoffs. Perhaps the patience has paid off. ...

The latest word out of team headquarters says Byron Chamberlain's strained left knee could is likely to limit him the next few weeks.

Chamberlain strained the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the first half of Sunday's game and Tice told reporters on Wednesday that the former Bronco will be re-evaluated on a daily basis throughout the week.

However, Tice added: "I can tell you right now it'll be tough to get him back for this one. Even though he'll probably tell you otherwise."

Chamberlain's injury is similar to one he had last year where his knee would lock at times. With Chamberlain injured, fellow tight end Jim Kleinsasser will become a bigger part of the passing game. Kleinsasser caught five passes for 58 yards on Sunday.

"I thought he was outstanding, not only catching the football, but also blocking," Tice said. "He dominated the edge, which is something we're really excited about."

Fauria isn't physically intimidating and isn't exactly a burner, but he has good instincts and a knowledge of the game. In preseason, he used both tools to get open on several occasions, but Tom Brady didn't throw to him some of those times.

Because production was so poor at the position last year, Brady clearly is not used to having open tight ends. It may take some time for Brady to trust that Fauria, who has soft hands and can block, will be there as a safety valve. He's penciled in as the starter, but he'll face competition all year from Cam Cleeland and Daniel Graham.

For what it's worth, Cleeland had six catches Monday night while Fauria pulled in two passes including a four-yard touchdown catch against the Men Of Steel. ...

Also according to Felger, the Patriots will whether rookie receiver Deion Branch's stellar play over the summer was just a flash or an indication of things to come. Branch's speed, explosiveness and playmaking abilities are obvious. He just has to prove he can take an NFL-style beating and still be a consistent performer.

So far, so good.

Branch made his presence felt in a big way against Pittsburgh, catching six passes for 83 yards and a touchdown and throwing a devastating block to spring fellow wideout Donald Hayes for another score. ...

And a few final notes. ... New England opened Monday night's game in a two-back (Antowain Smith, Marc Edwards), one-receiver (Troy Brown), two-tight end (Fauria, Graham) set. ... Running back Kevin Faulk spent Monday night on the inactive list.

Sloan and Williams both finished last Sunday's game with one catch, but Williams' was for a 32-yard touchdown.

If Williams turns out to be a top red-zone target, Sloan's value will take a big hit.

According to New Orleans Times-Picayune staffer Jeff Duncan, team officials love the versatility they have at the position. Even though none of their top three guys are Pro Bowl-caliber players, the combination of Sloan, Williams and Lamont Hall certainly covers the bases.

Sloan is the starter and, at 6-6, gives Aaron Brooks a big target and a safety valve over the middle. Williams is the playmaker. A wide receiver in college, he holds an advantage against linebackers in coverage.

Hall is the blocking specialist. He enters the game in running situations. The Saints think the three tight ends could combine for at least 50 catches this season.

Also of interest. ...

Memo to Jerome Pathon: Enjoy your stint as the starter opposite Joe Horn while you can; it ain't gonna last very long with rookie Donte' Stallworth around.

Stallworth, who caught four passes for 63 yards in his NFL debut last Sunday, isn't just fast. He's polished -- and more importantly, he's a playmaker.

And finally. ... In case you weren't paying attention, Deuce McAllister racked up 121 yards from scrimmage against the Buccaneers -- a fairly impressive total considering he was going up against a tough defense on the road.

Barber said after practice Monday that he sprained the second toe on his right foot during Thursday's 16-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The injury was so painful that Barber had trouble walking after the game.

Barber missed Monday's practice and said he plans to practice Wednesday. He expects to play against the Rams.

However, the injury is something the Giants have to be concerned about, especially after their poor rushing performance in the season opener.

New York gained 43 yards on 22 carries. Barber led the Giants with 29 yards on 15 carries.

Barber said his injury had nothing to do with the poor performance.

"They had a good scheme and a good game plan against us," Barber said. "They were constantly trying to put eight men in the box and they always had a safety jumping up into the play. You have to hope to break one and we didn't get that done."

Head coach Jim Fassel didn't seem overly concerned about Barber's injury, which is on the same leg as the hamstring he pulled in a preseason game against the New York Jets on Aug. 24. Not practicing Monday means Barber will have five full days of rest when the team returns to practice Wednesday.

"We definitely want to run the ball better than we ran last week, and I think we can," said quarterback Kerry Collins, who threw for 342 yards and three interceptions last week. "We have the guys to do it. It's just a matter of continuing to work at it."

Receiver Amani Toomer, who had nine catches for 134 yards, said the problem was a couple of missed blocks.

"If we can get a running game going, we're going to be a tough team to stop," Toomer said.

If Barber's injury does not improve, Ron Dayne would start. The former Heisman Trophy winner gained 10 yards on six carries against the 49ers.

"I'm more disappointed we lost," Dayne said Monday. "I'm not disappointed with the work. There will be games where I get 15 or 16 carries and Tiki only gets five or six."

Other notes of interest. ...

The Giants had veteran running back Ki-Jana Carter in for a workout early this week, but those who follow the team closely say the team isn't likely to offer him a contract.

And finally. ... Tim Carter (back/ribs) took part in individual drills on Monday, but the rookie receiver is at least a week away from returning to action.

On Wednesday, Martin wasn't practicing, and he didn't know how to act or where to go. Sidelined for at least two days with a sprained and bruised left ankle, he hopes to return to work Friday.

So while the Jets practiced, Martin rode a stationary bicycle, stretched, chatted with general manager Terry Bradway and generally looked lost.

"Like a fish out of water," Martin said. "For me, it's not only (missing) the game, but a practice."

Martin was hurt near the end of the first half of Sunday's overtime win at Buffalo and did not return. Known for his high pain threshold -- Martin played with torn knee ligaments in both 2000 and 2001 -- he wanted to re-enter the game.

But head coach Herman Edwards said no.

Now, Martin, considered the Jets' most important offensive player, is setting his sights on this weekend's home opener against the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots -- Martin's former team.

"I always put my mind in one direction," said Martin, who signed a lucrative contract extension last month. "And that's where my mind is, doing everything to be ready.

"The Patriots game is one I always want to play, but I'm like that about every game. It wouldn't matter if we were playing a high school team."

Although Martin is so critical to the offense, the Jets feel a bit more comfortable this year without him, because they believe second-year running back LaMont Jordan has progressed quickly. Jordan carried seven times for 32 yards and had one catch for seven yards after Martin was hurt, but also had a fumble that set up a Buffalo touchdown.

The Jets already were using Jordan in goal-line situations to take advantage of his power. Against New England, he might have to play in every situation.

"I'm a competitor and I want to be out on the field," Jordan said. "I'm not going to say I've been frustrated, but I kind of have that itch to get on the field. When I get that opportunity, it's up to me to make the best of it."

Jordan also realizes he is playing behind a Pro Bowler, a back who has run for at least 1,100 yards in each of his seven NFL seasons. When Martin is healthy, he will be on the field far more often than he is watching from the sideline.

"Curtis is one of my biggest supporters," Jordan said. "I prepare that way every week: If Curtis is healthy or not, I am one play away from carrying the ball. But I won't go out there to try to prove a point, but to play within my ability."

Martin's ability to play with pain has made his current status a bit perplexing. He doesn't limp when he walks and doesn't appear to have much pain.

Yet he was out for half of the Buffalo game and doesn't plan to practice until the final workout of the week Friday.

"We're being patient and smart with it more than anything," he said. "For me, it really has to be something to come to the sideline. Just for me to come to the sideline, it's like, why is this happening? But I deal with the reality."

Is the reality that he will be ready for the Patriots? Martin believes so.

"I don't look at reasons why I can't do," he said. "I make my Sunday decisions now, and if I have to be pulled back, that's what happens."

It's worth noting that Jordan came out of last week's game with a sore wrist. Vinny Testaverde suffered a bruised thigh. Both men are expected to be good to go this Sunday, however.

An offense focused more on the run, with a healthy Tyrone Wheatley complementing Charlie Garner, enabled the Raiders to control the clock for nearly 35 minutes in the opener. That kind of ball control helps keep the club's defense fresh and keeps opposing defenses off-balance.

Of course, Garner is coming off a huge game. The former 49er and Eagle rushed for 123 yards and finished with 64 receiving yards with two touchdowns. ... Wheatley ran for 65 yard on 18 carries.

Also of interest this week. ...

Zack Crockett has been cleared by team doctors to play at Pittsburgh this week after injuring his neck against Seattle.

Head coach Bill Callahan listed Crockett as questionable Monday for the Sunday game against Pittsburgh. Callahan noted that the former Colt attended a team party after the game.

Crockett, who was taken off the field on a cart Sunday after hurting his neck while covering a punt, spent more than five minutes lying motionless on the Coliseum field before team doctors strapped him to a board and took him away. He was able to move his arms and legs but was taken to a local hospital for tests.

Crockett has been a valuable backup running back and special-teams player in his four seasons with the Raiders. He ran for 145 yards last season and had six touchdowns as Oakland's short-yardage specialist.

According to Eckel, the Eagles failed to make adjustments on both sides of the ball. The big problem offensively is the team can't run the ball effectively enough to hold onto a lead. That could be a major problem all season.

Duce Staley racked up 65 all-purpose yards and a touchdown against the Titans, but he only carried the ball seven times. In fact, Staley and veteran Dorsey Levens were ineffective enough for head coach Andy Reid to give rookie Brian Westbrook considerable playing time.

Other notes of interest. ...

Freddie Mitchell has not progressed as hoped, and he might play less than he did as a rookie, thanks to the addition of Antonio Freeman. Mitchell's strengths are good hands and fearlessness; he's not afraid to go over the middle. But he doesn't always run the proper route, and he struggles getting separation.

By the way. ... Freeman caught three passes for 54 yards against Tennessee and those who follow the team closely continue to say the former Packer will emerge as the team's top receiver before the season is over.

But given the development of the passing game -- and the addition of rookie receiver Antwaan Randle El -- they will throw more this season. In Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress, they have the starting receivers to create more offense. Throwing more also will force teams to back off the line of scrimmage and create more room for Jerome Bettis.

However, Dulac went on to report that Burress looked like the Plaxico of old, running lazy routes, letting balls hit off his hands and lackadaisically stepping out of bounds in the back of the end zone on what would have been a touchdown.

Ward, on the other hand, finished Monday night's game with eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. One last note here. ... The Steelers opened Monday night's game in a two-back (Bettis, Dan Kreider), one-receiver (Ward), two-tight end set (Mark Bruener and Jerame Tuman). ...

And neither is head coach Mike Martz.

In fact, the team that was a preseason favorite to make its third Super Bowl in four years is amused by local reaction that the sky is falling. "I don't know that in the first week of the season that you can draw conclusions about anything or anybody," Martz said. "All you've got to do is look at New England last year after four weeks. It's just so early."

The Rams are not accustomed to losing, going 14-2 in the regular season last year and 37-11 overall the last three years. But counting an 0-4 preseason, they're still waiting to taste that winning feeling this year.

Kurt Warner admitted that at least there's more tension than in 1998 when he was the third-stringer on a 4-12 team.

"It was a joy when we won then because it was unexpected," Warner said. "Now when we lose it's unexpected. We're not used to it and we don't like it very much."

Martz, after meeting with players for the first time since the setback, sensed quiet determination.

"It's a fairly somber mood," Martz said. "I think they're all disappointed, but we've got a chance to do something about it this week."

Martz said the team was curiously flat for the opener, blaming himself for failing to remind them there's a bulls-eye on their chests.

"We have to expect to get everybody's 'A' game, so to speak, and we have to realize that," Martz said. "You've got to work at it and it's got to be brought to their attention, and I probably didn't do a good enough job of that."

Other notes of interest. ...

Rookie Eric Crouch, the Heisman Trophy winner last year for Nebraska who tried to make the switch from quarterback to receiver with the Rams, has decided to retire.

"I have given this a lot of thought," Crouch said in a statement released Wednesday night. "This decision was tough and not something I took lightly."

Martz said Wednesday night that Crouch, the team's third-round pick, informed him of his decision last Friday. Crouch did not make the trip to Denver for the team's regular-season opener Sunday and has not practiced with the team since then. "This has caught us all by surprise," Martz said. "He came in Friday and told me the news."

And finally. ... Tight end Ernie Conwell (neck) is expected to start and play as usual against the Giants this Sunday.

Trotter also pointed out that the decision to keep two kickers was smart. Wade Richey, who lost his field-goal duties after struggling in 2001, still can be a weapon and forced three touchbacks against the Bengals.

Steve Christie complemented Richey by converting on both field-goal attempts, from 28 and 27 yards. Christie's range is suspect past 45 yards, but from that distance in he's solid.

Other notes of interest. ...

I know we're only a week into the regular season, but if you ask me, all the experts who tabbed LaDainian Tomlinson as a potential bust this year might want to start heating up some crow.

Tomlinson not only ran for 114 yards (with one TD) against Cincinnati, he added another 45 yards on three catches.

Bust my eye. ...

Undrafted rookie tight end Josh Norman will get a lot of playing time. A converted wideout, he has yet to develop bulk and strength. But he has excellent speed and hands that make him a threat in spread formations-where the Chargers want to match him against slower linebackers-and in red-zone situations. ...

And finally. ... Despite wire service reports to the contrary, rookie receiver Reche Caldwell was indeed active for last Sunday's. He didn't catch any passes, but did play.

The real problem, however, isn't the fact that Owens didn't produce; it's the fact that no other receiver emerged to make them pay. J.J. Stokes, who had three catches, was the only other wide receiver with a reception.

Look for opposing defenses to mimic New York by blanketing Owens on a weekly basis.

On a more positive note, Stokes seems to realize he needs to step up and take some of the pressure off Owens.

"Teams are going to try to force us to win without [Owens]," Stokes told the Contra Costa Times. "It seemed to be working last week, so I expect to see it again in the future. We're going to have to do something to counteract it. We're going to have to use other weapons."

Other notes of interest. ...

Though he made the game-winning kick, Jose Cortez exited Week 1 with less job security. His first field-goal attempt was low and blocked; Cortez was plagued by low kicks last season. He also missed another kick.

Cortez is safe for now, but rookie Jeff Chandler is on the roster as a developmental player and his timetable could be accelerated.

And finally. ... Triplett noted on Tuesday that Kevan Barlow is healthier, leaner, faster and more comfortable in his second year. In fact, Triplett believes Barlow would be a starter just about anywhere but San Francisco, in large part because the team signed Garrison Hearst to a big contract in the offseason.

Barlow will be used as a change-of-pace runner because he is more powerful than the shifty Hearst.

Dilfer, who sprained his right knee during Seattle's exhibition opener Aug. 10, took the majority of snaps instead of backup Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck started last week against Oakland.

"I saw things pretty well, I just made a couple of bad throws," Dilfer said.

Head coach Mike Holmgren has not made a decision yet on who will start but is leaning toward Dilfer.

"If he handles practice well this week, he'll start," Holmgren said.

It's worth noting that Hasselbeck played reasonably well against the Raiders. In fact, the former Packer, completed his first eight passes and led the Seahawks into the end zone in their first offensive series with a one-yard touchdown pass to Itula Mili.

As the starter last season, Hasselbeck was sacked six times before getting benched with the Seahawks trailing 38-0 in an eventual 38-14 loss.

Hasselbeck, who tossed five interceptions and only one touchdown during the exhibition season, injured both his wrists in Oakland and wore a brace on his left wrist Monday. However, team officials say he'll be good to go as the starter if Dilfer isn't ready.

A few final notes. ... The Raiders limited Darrell Jackson to seven yards on three receptions, but I'm looking for the speedy wideout to turn things around quickly once Dilfer is under center. ... The same goes for Shaun Alexander, who was held to just 36 rushing yards at Oakland. However, he added another 36 yards by pulling in six passes -- including an 11-yard TD reception.

Head coach Jon Gruden continued to express optimism about the veteran receiver's chances of playing this weekend even though McCardell was unable to practice Wednesday.

"We held Keenan McCardell, (though) he did participate in the walk-throughs," Gruden said Wednesday night. "His status is still questionable for the game but I'm going to be real optimistic on his behalf."

Before the team convened for practice, McCardell said the team was debating whether to let him run on Wednesday, though it didn't seem likely. Even though he was indeed held out, McCardell is confident he'll recover in time to play against the Ravens.

"I'm feeling a lot better," he said. "I think it's going to be a day-to-day process and I'm getting better. If I can just continue to get better at the rate I'm going, I think I'll be okay. I'm just biding my time. You get paid to play on Sunday, so that's what I'm waiting on. ..."

Other notes of interest. ...

Michael Pittman racked up 81 yards from scrimmage against the Saints, with 31 of those yards coming off five receptions.

But in an article published Tuesday, Tampa Tribune staffer Roy Cummings advised readers that Pittman could be hampered all season by the ankle sprain he suffered the first day of camp. The injury needs extended time to heal, but he was urged to play the last preseason game -- a regrettable move if Pittman is forced to play at less than 100 percent all season.

Holcombe won't be able to anything at all for four weeks and head coach Jeff Fisher told reporters on Wednesday: "It could be anywhere from 2-to-4 more weeks" after that initial four-week period before he's ready to play again.

Holcombe beat out Skip Hicks for the job as Eddie George's backup. Now the Titans will use Mike Green and rookie John Simon.

Other notes of interest. ...

Steve McNair suffered a minor thigh injury last Sunday, but the former first-round pick is expected to start and play as usual this weekend. ... Frank Wycheck pulled in three passes for 47 yards against the Eagles despite playing with a sore leg. ...

No. 2 tight end Erron Kinney is listed as questionable with an ankle injury this week. ... Fellow reserve Shad Meier won't play this week after dislocating his left shoulder against the Eagles. ... The Titans signed tight end Dan O'Leary to their practice squad and released tight end Brian Fletcher.

"I don't think it'll be gone by then," Davis said. "But I can't worry about it."

Davis has every bit of motivation to be ready following his performance in the Redskins season opener. After weeks of uncertainty over his role in new coach Steve Spurrier's offense, Davis turned out to be the workhorse in the 31-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Davis touched the ball 33 times -- 26 carries and seven receptions -- for 150 total yards. It's something he certainly couldn't have predicted after watching Spurrier pass 70 percent of the time in exhibition games, prompting Davis to remind anyone who would listen that "this offense has to go through me."

This week, Davis expressed his vindication.

"This is the NFL," he said. "You've got to be able to run the ball -- and pass the ball."

Added Spurrier, whose history of producing 1,000-yard running backs at Florida is often overlooked: "Sometimes you can't believe what you hear or read."

The only concern is Davis' groin, which he hurt on a first-down play in the third quarter. Even though the injury was immediately apparent, Davis stayed in the game and ran for 12 yards on a sweep two plays later. He had 39 total yards after he was hurt.

"My groin's still hurting a little bit, but it's football," Davis said. "When you see guys like Rod Gardner making plays, Kevin Lockett, you want to be out there making plays with them. You don't want to leave the field. That's what I do. I want to be out there."

Davis has had the rare luxury of three days of rest before having to test his leg. Because the next game is Monday night, the Redskins' first practice this week is Thursday.

Davis, listed as "probable" on the injury report, said he plans to practice as usual.

"We'll see how it is," he said. "I've never had one of these. My plan is it'll be all right."

Davis led the NFC in rushing a year ago with a franchise-record 1,432 yards. He passed the 5,000-yard career rushing mark Sunday, and his stated goal is John Riggins' franchise record of 7,472.

That will be possible only if Davis can renegotiate his contract in the coming months. He is scheduled to count an unaffordable $11.4 million against the salary cap next season, meaning the Redskins will have to cut him if there's no new deal.

Davis said he's leaving such matters to his agent.

"You can't worry about a contract," Davis said. "I want to stay here."

Other notes of interest. ...

The Redskins signed James Tuthill on Tuesday and placed Brett Conway on injured reserve.

Conway tore a leg muscle in Sunday's 31-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He said Monday that the injury, the fourth of his career, might force him to retire.

Tuthill, 26, was claimed off waivers from Houston last month and played two exhibition games with the Redskins, making one field goal and two extra points, before he was cut Sept. 1.

Tuthill also spent time with San Francisco and Green Bay, but his only previous appearance on a regular-season roster came for one game with the Packers last season without being activated.

He made just 20 of 38 field goal attempts at Cal Poly-SLO and has also played in NFL Europe. He had three field goals blocked in his one game kicking for the Rhein Fire, and he's known more for strong kickoffs than for his field goal accuracy.

"He'll do a good job," Conway said. "He has a very strong leg. He's great on kickoffs."

Washington also had to replace Conway early in the 2000 season. The Redskins ended up using five kickers and eventually were eliminated from the playoff race when aging Eddie Murray was short on two last-minute attempts in back-to-back games late in the season. ...

And finally. ... How 'bout that Fun 'N' Gun, eh?

Shane Matthews looked sharp against the Cardinals, completing 28-of-40 passes for 327 yards and three touchdowns. And based on his seven-catch, 131-yard, one-TD performance, second-year receiver Gardner could be in line for a breakout season.