"We’ve got one more week left," McGinnis told East Valley Tribune staffer Dan Zeigler Monday. "We’re going to put everything we have going to Denver. We’ll come back Tuesday, get a game plan for [the Broncos] and go up expecting to win."

A loss to Denver would guarantee the Cardinals a last-place finish in the NFC West -- a sober ending to a season in which early promise was buried under the rubble of losses and injuries.

On Saturday, offensive lineman Leonard Davis suffered a left knee sprain that will keep him inactive for at least six weeks. Davis is the 13th Arizona player to suffer a season-ending injury.

Of the five starting offensive lineman going into training camp, only left tackle L.J. Shelton has managed to stay healthy.

"I just want to win," Shelton said. "I’ll go down if we can beat Denver."

On a more positive note. ... The team's season-long injury woes have allowed new talent to emerge. Marcel Shipp could start in 2003 and rookie receiver Jason McAddley is also a future first-stringer.

And on Saturday, receiver Kevin Kasper -- claimed off waivers last month by the Cardinals, his third team this season -- has shown the potential to be a reliable receiver and kick returner. Kasper, who is signed through next year, scored both Arizona touchdowns against the 49ers.

"We just have to keep our heads up and keep going to work and put this thing together," Shipp said. "But the [last two games] have been hard. ..."

Speaking of Shipp. ... In a move that may not bode well for the future of former first-round choice Thomas Jones, the Cardinals signed Shipp to a four-year contract extension on Tuesday. According to ESPN.com, the new deal -- which runs through the 2006 campaign -- is worth about $8 million. ...

I'll have further details on Shipp's new deal later this weekend.

By the way. ... McGinnis insists Shipp, who's lost three fumbles -- all inside the opposition's 10-yard line -- this year, doesn't have a fumbling problem.

"He's scored a lot down there, too," the coach pointed out. "It's not like every time he steps across the 10-yard line he drops it. Any time you drop it, it's bad, and when you drop it inside the 10, it's magnified even more. ..."

In an article published Tuesday, Arizona Republic staffer Kent Somers noted there have been questions about Shipp's alleged lack of speed and ability to make big plays. But the last two weeks, he took a screen pass 80 yards for a touchdown and busted a run for 40. Somers added that what he lacks in speed, Shipp makes up for with instinct, vision and toughness. ...

Also of interest. ...

Jake Plummer has struggled noticeably this season -- he has made questionable decisions and poor throws -- raising speculation it could be his last as the starter.

Plummer has said he would like to stay in Arizona, but the club doesn't seem eager to take him up on it. If he returns, he will have to compete with Josh McCown, a rookie this year, and possibly a veteran who will be brought in.

McCown has a decent arm and runs well, but he has played in just one game -- something that might or might not change this Sunday. According to Somers, the team's injury-ravaged offensive line might keep coaches from playing McCown in Denver.

McGinnis said it's possible that McCown could play, but he wants to see how the offensive line functions this week in practice.

"We'll see how the situation comes down," McGinnis said. "We've got a little bit of issue with our offensive line being juggled around. That is something I'd like to get stabilized during the week, but there is a possibility [McCown] could play."

Plummer has been "kind of a stabilizing force these last few weeks, with what's been going on with this offense," McGinnis said.

One last note on "The Snake. ..." Asked about his future with the team in the wake of Saturday's loss to the Niners, Plummer said: "If you want to know the answer, call Miss Cleo. ..."

And finally. ... The Cardinals are near the end of their second consecutive losing season under McGinnis, but owner Bill Bidwill isn't expected to make a coaching change.

But McGinnis knows, too, that eventually the Cardinals must win if he wants to keep his job.

"To me, you're judged on one thing as a head coach. ... How many you win and lose," said McGinnis, who has two years remaining on his contract. "I've never been one in my career to say, 'Yeah, but.' Everybody will be evaluated at the end of the year, starting with me, I'm sure."

"I [think about] it about every year, and last year about week to week," the 33-year old fullback said. "Obviously, with the events that just happened, losing memory, and having it happen twice in one year, that would encourage one to hang it up. But I want to take some time to get past this, and when it's not so fresh in my mind make a decision like that."

Doctors ruled Christian out for two to four weeks after he suffered a concussion Sunday in the fourth quarter of a 36-15 win over the Lions. Second-year pro George Layne, who missed the final two preseason games after suffering a concussion, will be the fullback in Sunday's critical game at Cleveland. The Falcons' chances of making their first postseason appearance in four years could hinge on beating the Browns.

Christian learned that he wouldn't play from team doctor Andrew Bishop.

"He said that from having had two concussions that severe so close together. ... That I'm more susceptible to having another one, and a more severe one," he said. "They want to be safe. I want to be safe."

Christian also was knocked out in an Oct. 20 home win over Carolina.

"Both times. ... Bob's been out before he even hit the ground," head coach Dan Reeves said. "So yeah, that's scary."

Concussions have hastened the end of several NFL careers, including those of former quarterbacks Steve Young, Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach.

Christian said he had concussions playing high school and college ball and might have had several others in a 10-year NFL career.

"I don't know where they draw the line of being a concussion exactly," he said. "In '99, there [was] a whole quarter and half against Minnesota that I don't remember. There was a time against the Saints in '99 where I blanked for just a few seconds."

Perhaps the most frightening part of Christian's concussion Sunday was that the blow that caused it seemed relatively harmless. After Christian caught a pass and headed down the left sideline, Detroit linebacker Barrett Green swiped a forearm across the right side and top of Christian's helmet.

Christian went limp in mid-stride, dropping the ball before crashing to the field. Some team officials pulled out a crisis plan, fearing he broke his neck bouncing on the turf.

Earlier in the game, Christian missed part of the second quarter after taking a blow to the head. It's unclear if the first blow made him more susceptible to being knocked out.

"When I came to the sideline after that series [in the second quarter], my vision kind of started shaking a little bit," Christian said.

"I sat out for a while, and my vision cleared back up, and I felt OK to go back in. In hindsight, you might say I should've known something from that, but there's a fine line with all this stuff."

Both blows, Christian said, were to the side of his head, which appears to be a problem.

"Bob takes [a lot of] hits head on," Reeves said. "If anything comes from the side. ... That's kind of the way Roger Staubach was. Blows to the side of the head seemed to be the things that knocked him out."

Christian doesn't remember the play, and his memory is fuzzy until about 20 minutes after the injury.

"I vaguely remember Mike [Vick] calling it [in the huddle]," he said. "I don't remember leaving the field. ... I remember being in the ambulance. I vaguely remember being in the training room, and my family, and I think [former teammate] Jamal [Anderson] was [in the locker room]."

Team officials said Anderson was indeed in the locker room.

If the Falcons go to the playoffs, Christian probably won't play. That's nothing new. He has played for three playoff teams (Chicago in 1994, Carolina in 1996 and Atlanta in 1998) but missed the postseason each time with injuries.

"It's a crazy thing," Christian said. "I think my mom said in the ambulance, 'Well, at least I know we're going to make the playoffs.' "Hopefully we go far enough into the playoffs where I can return. It's something we all, when we strap on that helmet and go on the field, we know we're taking risks. It's a violent game."

Other notes of interest. ...

According to Winkeljohn, Vick is getting better at unloading the ball, addressing one of the reasons he was sacked so often early in the season.

In his first nine games, he was sacked 25 times (2.8 times per game), an average of once every 10.1 dropbacks.

In the past five games, even though Vick is passing more -- averaging 30.6 attempts vs. 25.3 in his first nine games -- he's getting sacked less. He has been sacked six times in those five games (1.1 per game), an average of once every 26.5 dropbacks. ...

It's impossible to completely explain second-year wide receiver Quentin McCord catching seven passes for 182 yards and a touchdown, given that he had four career catches before playing the Lions.

But there's a partial explanation for why he was so popular Sunday. The Falcons spread the field far more than in the previous two months, so McCord played a lot as the third wide receiver (split end Shawn Jefferson was out with a left hamstring injury).

Atlanta is not considered one of the league's most ardent matchup teams, where offensive coaches formulate game plans based on the weaknesses of individual opposing defenders.

Sunday, however, Falcons coaches loved McCord's matchups with Detroit rookie cornerbacks Chris Cash and Andre Goodman, who both started and at times worked in the slot in passing situations. ...

Place-kicker Jay Feely redeemed himself somewhat by kicking five field goals, one short of the team record. Last week, his overtime miss against Seattle led to a loss that still could loom large at the end of the season.

"To be honest, I've thought about it a lot," Feely said. "It was a missed opportunity. We could have already clinched a playoff spot by now. ..."

And finally. ... According to Falcons insider Charles Odum, T.J. Duckett has to improve as a pass blocker and a receiver before he can be a full-time lead back. Too often, he is left lunging in vain while trying to block a pass rusher.

Head coach Brian Billick said weeks ago that he would consider playing Redman again only if the Ravens were out of playoff contention. While the Ravens have an extremely remote chance at getting one of the two AFC wild-card spots, Billick plans to stick with Jeff Blake for the season finale Sunday in Pittsburgh.

"Given Chris' medical situation, [him playing] is not going to happen unless Jeff gets hurt," Billick said. "We don't want to put Chris in that position if we don't have to, and that's a medical decision. It's unfortunate. We'd love to get Chris some playing time, but that's just not going to happen."

Redman, who has not played since starting the first six games, had a magnetic resonance imaging exam last week that again showed he had a herniated disc. Redman originally was sidelined with the injury -- which prevents a full range of motion in his back -- the weekend of the first Pittsburgh game (Oct. 27). He likely will be listed as questionable but will be the top backup to Blake.

Blake, meanwhile, will have one final chance to prove he could be the long-term quarterback for the Ravens. The 11-year veteran is 4-5 as a starter, completing 54.3 percent of his passes for 1,748 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

"I'm just going to go out and play my best," said Blake, who signed a one-year deal and is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. "I don't even think about that. If they want me, they want me. If they don't, they don't."

In an article published Tuesday, Sun beat writer Mike Preston reminded us that Blake and Redman are free agents at the end of the season, but the team hopes to re-sign both. The team believes it can win with either one.

Blake has more experience and a stronger arm, and that allows the Ravens to have a more wide-open offense. Redman has started only six games -- all this season. He has only fair arm strength and can't consistently make throws to the wide side of the field, which forces a conservative offense.

The No. 3 quarterback is Anthony Wright, who has the most mobility of the three. Wright has yet to play a down for the Ravens. ...

And finally. ... Todd Heap and Travis Taylor made an assortment of big plays in a losing effort against Cleveland last Sunday. The second-year tight end pulled off a handful of circus catches en route to a career-high seven receptions for 61 yards while Taylor racked up 59 yards on six touches, half of them end arounds.

It had one of the league's most explosive units in the season's first half, but it hit rock bottom in the 10-0 loss at Green Bay.

Drew Bledsoe has thrown 10 interceptions to seven touchdowns in his last seven games. He is missing open receivers and making bad decisions.

The offense's woes are magnified because the defense is playing its best football of the season. The secondary is making more big plays, and the pass rush has resurfaced. But it was too little, too late. ...

Also of interest. ...

In an overview of the team's quarterbacks, Wilson wrote the Bills have one of the better situations in the league; they have two players with extensive starting experience.

Bledsoe has good size (6-5, 240), can make all the throws with his strong and accurate arm and can make the smart call at the line. He has decent footwork but isn't nimble enough to avoid a heavy pass rush. He also tends to force or rush throws into tight coverage when pressured, especially up the middle.

Backup Alex Van Pelt doesn't have Bledsoe's gifts, but he rarely makes mistakes and is an expert at reading defenses and playing within his physical limits.

The team is very high on No. 3 Travis Brown, who, unlike Bledsoe and Van Pelt, moves well and can make strong throws when he's on the run. He can be pressured into mistakes at times, but he has shown good poise in limited action. ...

In an article published last Friday, ESPN.com insider Len Pasquarelli reported that Peerless Price all but kissed Buffalo good-bye after being informed he was not chosen for the AFC Pro Bowl team the day before.

The four-year veteran, who is eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring, acknowledged that he could return to the Bills and put up big numbers again in 2003 and perhaps make the all-star squad. But he also allowed it will be a difficult task playing in the same offense as Eric Moulds, and that he might be better served as the lead receiver for another team.

There are some skeptics around the league who wonder how Price will perform elsewhere as a No. 1 wideout, without the complementary skills of Moulds, but several franchises seem set on paying him the big bucks to find out if he can measure up.

Put Atlanta, Jacksonville and perhaps Washington at the top of the list.

Meanwhile, the Bills have too much money invested in Moulds, and too much confidence in the future of current rookie wideout Josh Reed, to afford the price of keeping Price around for beyond this season. ...

As reported by the Sports Xchange, Mike Hollis missed wide left from 33 yards in Sunday's 10-0 loss at Green Bay. The conditions were challenging, unpredictable 25 mph winds and poor sod, but Hollis didn't use that as an excuse.

"This was one of the windiest places I've played," he said. "The combination of the field conditions and wind, it's tough. But it was a very makeable kick. I feel very bad for missing it." The Packers Ryan Longwell made the same kick for his team.

And finally. ... After catching passes in 143 consecutive games, Larry Centers failed to catch a pass for the second time this year.

"Everyone was chanting, 'Put him in coach,'" Walls said. "That was fun. I hope someone got it recorded.

"I'd like to hear that. I can play that when I'm 60 years old one day with my grandchildren. It would have been nice to catch a pass right then, but it wasn't get the ball to Wesley time. It was time to get a first down and win the game. Taking the whole game in today was quite an experience."

Walls, 36, admitted feeling a little nostalgic on Sunday in what was likely his final home game with the Panthers, capping a stellar seven-year run that included five Pro Bowl selections.

In all likelihood, Walls is expected to be released after the season in part because of the $4 million he's set to cost the team under the salary cap.

"Wesley has been a warrior," Fox said. "He had a great career. We've had our ups and downs this year and so has he as far as injuries. He's got a very bad foot injury that he played with today. I am very honored to have been able to coach him this season."

Walls is expected to decide after the season whether or not he will retire or try to catch on with another team once he's released.

"It's a decision that he and his family are going to need to make as far as from his perspective," Fox said. "In our perspective, we won't make any of those personnel decisions until after this season."

Walls, who had several members of his family attend the game, admitted he spent a lot of time on the sidelines soaking in the moment.

"I'll be honest with you, I was staring around and looking around and taking it all in and letting it soak in ad what a great opportunity I've had here," Walls said.

For what it's worth. ... Kris Mangum, Walls' backup, is heir apparent, but Keith Heinrich also could be in the mix next season. ...

According to Charlotte Observer staffer Pat Yasinskas, Chris Weinke, once thought to be quarterback of the future, appears on his way out.

Weinke lost his starting job to Rodney Peete from the start and has not been able to reclaim it. The fact the coaches stayed with Peete even after the team fell out of contention is a strong sign a decision has been made that Weinke can't run the offense.

At times, Peete has been efficient. But he's 36 and never has been spectacular.

Peete's contract is up after the season, but it's possible he will be re-signed. Ideally, the team would like to keep Peete and use him as a mentor for a young quarterback.

Rookie Randy Fasani has some potential, but the team can't afford to count on him to be anything more than a No. 3 quarterback.

For the record. ... The Panthers promoted Fasani to the No. 2 quarterback spot Sunday ahead of Chris Weinke, who struggled against Pittsburgh the week before.

Also of interest this week. ... Peete's 4-yard touchdown pass to Muhsin Muhammad was his 14th of the season, setting a new single-season career high at age 36. His previous best came in 1990 when he threw 13 for the Detroit Lions.

Muhammad, who has a cap figure of more than $5 million next season, is one player the Panthers may ask to restructure his deal in the off-season. ...

Dee Brown injured his shoulder in Sunday's game and was replaced by Joe Montgomery. However, Brown did return late in the game. But Fox said on Monday that Brown's shoulder is worse than first expected and said his status for this week's game against New Orleans is uncertain.

According to those who follow the team closely, Montgomery appears to have lost a lot of the speed he had at Ohio State and early in his career with the New York Giants.

Two days after sustaining the fifth concussion of his career, Chandler took most of the snaps at practice Tuesday. But head coach Dick Jauron said he still plans to wait until later in the week to decide whether Chandler will start Sunday night's season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"Today was a good sign," Jauron said. "I'm optimistic because he practiced today, but we want to watch it very closely. We won't take any risks with it."

Chandler was badly shaken up after being driven into the ground by Carolina defensive tackle Brentson Buckner midway through the second quarter Sunday. Chandler lay on the ground for several minutes, and was clearly dazed and disoriented when he finally got up.

He staggered twice and had to be helped off the field. He wasn't able to talk clearly.

"That's serious to see someone like that," receiver Marcus Robinson said.

But Jauron said doctors classified the concussion as a mild one, and Chandler didn't show any symptoms of it Tuesday. Teammates said he seemed to be his usual self during practice, and didn't complain of any abnormal aches or pains.

"You'd have to ask him, but he looked fine and normal to me," center Olin Kreutz said.

Tackle Mike Gandy agreed.

"Obviously he's taken some bumps and bruises, but he's a warrior," Gandy said.

Chandler also sustained a mild concussion last season when he was with the Atlanta Falcons. He was back in the starting lineup the following week.

He left the practice field without comment Tuesday. When the Bears resume practice Thursday -- they're off Wednesday for Christmas -- Jauron expects him to get the majority of work again.

"He's just sore," Jauron said. "But it's not Wednesday after Sunday, it's Tuesday after Sunday."

Still, concussions aren't something anyone in the NFL takes lightly. The more concussions a player has, the more susceptible he is to them in the future.

But Gandy said the offensive line won't feel any added pressure to protect Chandler if he plays this weekend.

"We want to keep guys off of him, period," Gandy said. "Our main goal is to play well and not even make it an issue."

If Chandler can't go, backup Henry Burris will get the start. Burris replaced Chandler on Sunday in Carolina, and was 8-of-22 for 50 yards, though he struggled for much of the game.

Burris has thrown only four other passes the rest of the year, completing two of them for 51 yards.

Also of interest. ...

In an article published Tuesday, Chicago Tribune staffer John Mullin noted that injuries at tight end have forced coaches to rely more heavily on fullback Stanley Pritchett, who has evolved into a 12th man and is virtually a starter in run and pass sets. The evolution has proved productive for the offense.

Pritchett can work as H-back and as an in-line blocker, which fits with his fullback skills. He also is an underrated receiver who has shown the ability to make catches on difficult throws.

Pritchett is a better pure blocker than rookie tight end John Gilmore, although he's not as big. Pritchett also gives the offense another dimension in the short passing game.

Also according to Mullin, receiver Jamin Elliott suited up for the first time this season against the Panthers. Coming from a wing-T offense in college, he was overwhelmed by the play-calling complexity with the Bears. But he has speed once he gets pointed in the right direction, and he should be someone to watch in camp next season.

The answer is, he's the former Nick Williams, a four-year veteran who has bounced between fullback and tight end, and who legally changed his last name to Luchey this summer because it was the surname of his biological grandfather.

According to Dayton Daily News beat writer Chick Ludwig, Luchey is a pleasant surprise because of his versatility.

Luchey is a fine blocker because he gets good leverage with his wide frame. He also shows excellent hands out of the backfield. He has the makeup of an ideal cold-weather back because he's big, strong and powerful. He has good vision, makes smart cuts and pushes the pile when he hits the line of scrimmage because he keeps his legs driving. ...

Also according to Ludwig, Jon Kitna has stabilized the most turbulent position on the roster. He shows good pocket presence and is doing a better job of protecting the ball and not forcing it into tight spaces. Look for Kitna to return as the starter.

Gus Frerotte won the job at the start of the season because of his superior arm strength but couldn't learn the system thoroughly enough to make a positive impact.

Akili Smith, the 1999 first-round draft bust, has shown flashes of speed, athleticism and arm strength. But his questionable work ethic and leadership skills have caused his career to stagnate.

Joe Germaine could play a backup role if Smith and Frerotte don't return.

Don't look for the Bengals to use the top pick of the draft on a quarterback. They have defensive needs, starting with the line and secondary, that are more pressing.

In a related note. ... Kitna finally hit his 80 percent snap quota for the season. He'll need to play most of next week's finale at Buffalo to keep that percentage and qualify for a $1.65 million incentive. There are a few Cincinnati players, Smith among them, who feel that owner Mike Brown will have his staff sit Kitna for at least a part of the game, to avoid paying the bonus.

I'm of the opinion that Brown has to be smart enough to realize such a move would result in far more than $1.65 million in PR damage, but I'll continue to monitor the situation and let you know if anything changes.

It's worth noting, however, that Green wasn't much of a factor after taking a shot to the groin early in last Sunday's game. Green finished with 56 yards on 20 carries. ... Jamel White got a lot of playing time with Green out and caught four passes for 63 yards. His running after a short catch on the game-winning drive provided the big play the offense needed to win the game. ...

As reported by the Sports Xchange, Tim Couch continues to tempt fate when the game is on the line. Couch drove the length of the field on the team's last possession last Sunday -- with no timeouts and no margin for error. And unlike a week earlier when he didn't make the plays at the end, Couch finished this game the right way with a one-yard touchdown pass that beat the Ravens.

In an overview of the team's situation at quarterback, King reminded us this was supposed to be the season when it was finally determined whether Couch would be the quarterback to take this franchise where it wants to go. But he has been inconsistent, and that's about the only definitive thing about him.

At times, he has played like the quarterback of the future. At other times, he has looked lost.

If Couch isn't the answer, then who? Kelly Holcomb has the ability but lacks the arm strength and mobility necessary to be an every-down quarterback. He's just a good backup.

Josh Booty lacks experience, and he can't yet be considered starting material.

Also according to King, what has gone unnoticed is that wide receiver Quincy Morgan and the other receivers have become excellent blockers. That has boosted the running game downfield, and it has also helped when receivers catch short passes in traffic and try to turn them into big gains.

Morgan is much better than people give him credit for. When he goes up against big, physical cornerbacks, he has the size and strength to outmuscle them for the ball. When he goes up against smaller, faster cornerbacks, he has the speed to run past them.

Because of his ability to adapt his game to fit the coverage, he is becoming Couch's most reliable receiver. ...

And finally. ... Rookie tight end Darnell Sanders has been playing catch-up since having to finish up classes at Ohio State. That put him behind in his development, and it is why he has been virtually a non-contributor this season. Sanders is big and strong with average speed and hands. He's not a starter, but he can be a complementary player.

However, that change, be it to Bill Parcells or another coach, won't necessarily bring lots of other changes.

In fact, Jones made it clear Sunday that no matter who is coaching his team next season, he doesn't want to make wholesale changes to his coaching staff and prefers to keep the West Coast offense that coordinator Bruce Coslet brought to Dallas this season.

"It is troubling to think about making a change again offensively, so I am real reluctant," Jones said. "To me that's a sensitive factor.

"As you know, the West Coast has many variations -- the running game, the crossing passing game, throwing deep. I am committed to that. I don't want to draw any lines in the sand here. But I am reluctant to go in a different direction in a second year after making a significant change last year."

This is the third offense for the Cowboys in four seasons. They brought in Coslet's offense after two seasons with Jack Reilly's vertical passing game, which followed two seasons with Chan Gailey's multiple offense.

Jones said he expected the Cowboys' offense to struggle early this season but thought it would improve, especially after rookie Chad Hutchinson took over at quarterback in the eighth game of the season.

The offense hasn't improved, limited in large part by poor play up front. The blocking was so bad in Saturday's 27-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that Campo said it was impossible to evaluate Hutchinson, who was sacked seven times.

The three-point output against the Eagles followed last week's 37-7 loss to the New York Giants. It marked the second time this season the Cowboys have scored only 10 points over two games, and those are the only two times since 1990 that the Cowboys have scored 10 points or less in a two-game stretch.

"It's disappointing we haven't seen progress," Jones said. "There are a lot of reasons for it. I don't accept the results, but I understand."

Coslet and Campo said the Cowboys must establish some type of continuity on offense -- to aid Hutchinson's development and to aid the team's search for some long-term success.

"The more continuity you have the better," Campo said. "It's extremely important. It was very difficult on us the last two or three years of having different offenses."

Coslet pointed out that he has had the same quarterback in consecutive seasons only twice in his career. Both times, the quarterback went to the Pro Bowl in the second season.

"I'm not saying Chad is ready for that," Coslet said. "But I would like to have a chance to work with him some more."

Keeping the offense under a new coach might mean that the offensive staff would remain intact.

Those under contract for two more seasons include Coslet, receivers coach Wes Chandler, quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson, running backs coach Galen Hall and offensive line coach Frank Verducci. With Jones contemplating opening his checkbook up for a high-profile coach such as Parcells, he would prefer not to be in the double whammy of paying off the final years of his assistants' contracts.

"Those are things we have to consider when you are thinking about changes," Jones said.

The Parcells situation has made for some uneasy feelings among the coaching staff.

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and linebackers coach Gary Gibbs are under contract for two more years. However, the contracts of defensive tackles coach Andre Patterson, defensive ends coach Jim Jeffcoat and secondary coach Clancy Pendergast expire at the end of this season.

"There is uncertainty for us all," said a coach who asked not to be identified. "It's a big distraction for us. We don't know what's going to happen. All we can do is get ready for the final game against the Redskins."

A personal observation: Based on his play calling last Saturday night, Coslet obviously has no interest in seeing Campo return. ...

I'll have the latest details on this one in a Late-Breaking Update Thursday.

By the way. ... Hutchinson spent much of the Week 16 game game running for his life. He was sacked seven times, fumbled three times -- losing one -- and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Hutchinson passed for only 128 yards, the fourth consecutive game he has had fewer than 175 yards passing.

In a related note. ... According to TSN columnist Dan Pompei, team officials must determine if Quincy Carter can handle a backup role at some point in the near future. If Carter indicates a willingness to be No. 2, the Cowboys are set at the position. But if Carter balks, the Cowboys will have to sign a free agent or draft a quarterback.

Initially, Carter did not handle his reduced role well, making a scene during practices and on the sideline of one game. But since then, he has been a good soldier. Another issue is Carter's strained relationship with the team's coaches and his distaste for the team's offensive system. ...

And one last note of interest. ... Emmitt Smith played in his 200th regular season game last Saturday night making him just the third running back in NFL history to achieve that feat. Marcus Allen and Earnest Byner are the others.

Head coach Mike Shanahan said Steve Beuerlein will start against the Cardinals on Sunday as Denver clings to slim playoff hopes.

"It would be very important for me to finish on the field. But Mike told me that Steve is going to play on Sunday so I'm not going to have that opportunity," Griese said. "It hurts. That's not my decision to make. If I could change it I would, I can't so I've got to deal with it."

Griese re-injured his left knee in a 28-16 loss to Oakland on Sunday when he was sacked in the second quarter by Bill Romanowski.

Before he was injured, Griese had thrown two interceptions and had a quarterback rating of 14.2 as Oakland opened up a 21-0 lead.

Griese has thrown for 3,214 yards and 15 touchdowns but has also thrown 15 interceptions and has made some key mistakes late in several games.

In an overview of the team's quarterback situation published Tuesday, Denver Post staffer Patrick Saunders reminded readers this was supposed to be Griese's breakout season. It turned out to be a giant disappointment. Griese has proved he's a decent system quarterback, but he can't lift his team in crunch time and his game lacks imagination.

Griese will count more than $4 million against the cap next season, and the team can't afford to cut him, but someone must be brought in to push him.

Beuerlein has shown flashes of brilliance, but he was 0-2 in starts this season and couldn't quite bring the team back against the Raiders. He's 37 and playing well enough to be a backup next year, but if the team brings in a player to compete with Griese, will there be room on the roster for Beuerlein?

Don't count on third-string Jarious Jackson next season. He has failed to improve the past two years and the team has run out of patience.

Also according to Saunders, the team must take a hard look at its aging receivers. Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey and Shannon Sharpe all are quality players, but none is a game breaker anymore and Denver needs to add some spark to its offense. With rookie wide receiver Ashley Lelie coming on, there might not be room for all three veterans next season. ...

On the injury front. ... McCaffrey had a bruised sternum and hand, and running back Clinton Portis had a bruised knee cap. Shanahan thought both would be ready for the Cardinals on Sunday.

Keep an eye on this week's Late-Breaking Updates for more on their status.

James Stewart should have no trouble getting his second 1,000-yard rushing season in three years with the Lions. Stewart needs just four yards in Sunday's season finale to reach the traditional benchmark for NFL running backs. Stewart's biggest rushing season was his first with the Lions when he gained 1,184 yards in 2000, but his best per-carry season was last year when he averaged 4.8 but was limited to 143 carries by injuries.

According to Booth Newspapers staffer Tom Kowalski, Aveion Cason finally showed some of the flash the Lions had been looking for when he had 62 yards against the Bucs' top-rated defense. Cason has excellent speed and decent running skills, but he's not big enough to be a workhorse. Once he gains experience, he could develop into a solid third-down back. ...

Bill Schroeder was acquired by the Lions to upgrade their passing game but the former Packer is destined for his least productive season in seven NFL seasons, mostly because of the sporadic nature of the Lions quarterbacks. Including his two receptions in the 36-15 loss to Atlanta on Sunday, Schroeder has 26 catches -- his least since catching just two balls with the Green Bay Packers in 1997.

Also according to Kowalski, the fact that Germane Crowell was benched last Sunday doesn't bode well for his return next season. Crowell has a $2 million roster bonus coming in March, and the Lions clearly don't think he is fully recovered from knee problems. ...

Mikhael Ricks got off to a fast start with the Lions and even earned an alternate spot on the NFC Pro Bowl team but might have a tough time finishing the season Sunday against Minnesota after suffering a sprained knee in the loss to Atlanta. Ricks had two catches for seven yards before he was injured.

And finally. ... Veterans who were solidly in the corner of head coach Marty Mornhinweg for most of the season now believe a coaching change might be what the team needs because morale has sunk so low.

The players know it's not all Mornhinweg's fault, but losing head coaches always pay the price.

At 12-3, the Packers are third in the NFC playoff seedings. However, if the Packers beat the New York Jets Sunday in the Meadowlands and both the No. 1 Philadelphia Eagles and No. 2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose a game, Green Bay would catapult to No. 1.

By beating Buffalo Sunday, the Packers clinched the 11th unbeaten home record in their 84-year history. Both the 1996 and '97 teams, which made the Super Bowl, also were unbeaten.

"I don't think we're as good as we were in '96," Brett Favre said. "But that doesn't mean we can't go all the way. It just means we can't take anything for granted. We can't look past anyone or any play. From here on out it only gets tougher.

"The great thing about this team, this team just enjoys playing together and never quits. There's no substitute for that. This team is unselfish."

According to Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel staffer Tom Silverstein, the Packers are going to have a hard time getting Ahman Green the rest he needs to be at full strength in the playoffs.

Green gets a day off each week in practice, but he must play Sunday because the team is fighting for home-field advantage.

When Green is rolling, Favre plays better. Green still is running with authority, and he'll get rest if the team can lock up a bye.

Other notes of interest. ...

Bubba Franks dropped what would have been a tough catch at the Buffalo 3 in the second quarter and was shut out. He had caught at least one ball in all 14 games this season. Thus, Franks remained stuck at 51. The club record for a tight end is 56 by Paul Coffman in 1979.

Tony Fisher didn't endear himself to the coaches by fumbling inside his own 10 in the second half. Luckily for Fisher, Donald Driver was johnny on the spot and made the recovery.

Rookie Javon Walker played about one-fourth as many plays as Robert Ferguson last Sunday. Clearly, Ferguson has surpassed Walker as the No. 3 behind Driver and Terry Glenn. The Packers think Ferguson is more physical than Walker, especially as a blocker.

According to Kowalski, Walker has yet to show the breakaway ability he had in college, but the rookie still is grinding as he learns the nuances of the offense. He isn't tapping into all of his natural ability. ...

In an article published Dec. 16, Pro Football Weekly warned readers against jumping to conclusions when they hear Favre's $1.385 million Green Bay-area home has been on the market for the past few months. While Favre, 33, hasn’t said for sure whether he will play next season or beyond, he hasn’t said he will not. Favre’s reasoning for putting his Wisconsin home up for sale is that he doesn’t want to own two large homes -- the family also owns an estate in Mississippi.

Favre says he intends to buy a townhouse in the Green Bay area before the 2003 season.

And finally. ... The Packers on Wednesday signed Eric Metcalf, the NFL's all-time leader in punt returns for touchdowns.

Metcalf, 34, is a three-time Pro Bowl selection who has been out of the league since serving as Washington's punt returner in 2001, when he averaged 7.0 yards on 34 attempts.

A 5-10, 195-pounder, Metcalf has totaled more than 9,000 return yards during a 12-year career. He has averaged 20.8 yards per kickoff return and 9.9 with 10 touchdowns on punts.

Metcalf also has 541 catches for 5,572 yards and 628 rushes for 2,385 yards since he was a first-round draft choice by Cleveland in 1989. The son of former NFL running back Terry Metcalf is joining his seventh NFL team.

Instead he has endured a December to forget.

Including Sunday's 26-10 loss to the Redskins, the Texans have been held to one offensive touchdown in four games this month. They are 1-3 in those games.

"I've been embarrassed every time we go out and do something like this," David Carr said. "We never got into a rhythm, and it seems that's been the case every week. I'm baffled just like you guys."

For the sixth time this season, they failed to score an offensive touchdown against the Redskins. The running game was held to 67 yards, Carr was sacked three times to push his season total to 73 and they did not have a single pass play longer than 16 yards. On the rare occasion they had chances, the Texans hurt themselves with penalties and dropped passes.

Of their 13 offensive possessions, the Texans were held to one or zero first downs 12 times. They drove inside the Washington 10-yard line four times, but those four possessions ended in a field goal, two turnovers and the clock running out at end of the game.

"Obviously, we're not pleased with where we are," offensive coordinator Chris Palmer said. "Having gone through this once before (as head coach of the expansion Cleveland Browns), I know the bumps in the road. I'm frustrated, but I'm encouraged where we're going."

The lack of big plays on offense will be one of the first priorities.

"If you're going to win in this league, you've got to make plays," Palmer said. "If you're a coach and study this film, you'll see we had a chance to make several plays. Washington made the plays, and we didn't. When we get good, those plays will be there. It's frustrating, but when you've gone through it one time, you know what it's all about."

Also of interest. ...

All the beatings Carr has taken during his rookie season have not gone unnoticed by teammates.

"This is David's team," tight end Billy Miller said. "He's our leader. He's become a little bit more of a vocal guy. He's starting to treat this like it's his team and he should, because it is."

Carr was sacked for the 73rd time this season against the Redskins, breaking the NFL single-season record previously set by Philadelphia's Randall Cunningham in 1986. Miraculously, Carr has taken every snap for the Texans this season.

"He doesn't have anything left to prove to us," Miller said. "He's hung in there all year. Whatever we do (in the future) he's going to lead the way."

In an overview of the team's quarterback situation published Tuesday, Houston Chronicle staffer Carlton Thompson noted that Carr has the arm strength to make all the necessary throws. For the most part, he makes good decisions with the football. His mobility is surprisingly good, which comes in handy considering the lack of protection he is getting from the line.

Carr's low release point was a topic of discussion entering the draft but a non-issue during the season.

The only things keeping Carr from big things in the NFL are experience and a better supporting cast.

Tony Banks was Carr's backup and hasn't been needed. Banks can become a free agent and likely will look for a starting job, but the Texans would love to have him back.

Mike Quinn was the emergency QB for the first 15 games. A free agent after the season, he's familiar with the system and is a good candidate to be re-signed.

And finally. ... Miller called his performance Sunday against the Redskins the "worst of my career." Miller was called for holding and eventually tackled Redskins defensive end Ladairius Jackson in the end zone on a punt that resulted in a safety. Miller was also called for two other penalties in the game.

Manning needed 311 yards going into Sunday's game against the New York Giants and set the mark on a 40-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne with 4:44 remaining. Manning also threw a 25-yard TD pass to Marvin Harrison with 4:51 to go before the Colts recovered an onside kick.

He finished 30-of-46 for 365 yards as the Colts lost to the Giants 44-27. That gave him 4,054 for the season, breaking a tie with Dan Marino and Dan Fouts, who each had three straight 4,000-yard years. ...

Harrison extended his NFL single-season reception record to 137 after catching 10 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown against the Giants. Harrison now has a career-best 1,694 yards receiving this season. He trails Jerry Rice (1,848, 1995) and Isaac Bruce (1,781, 1995) for the league single-season receiving yardage record.

Harrison's 128 yard game Sunday was his 10th of the season, breaking his own team record. He can tie the league mark, which was set by Michael Irvin in 1995, against Jacksonville this week. Harrison has caught at least nine passes in six consecutive games, which is an NFL record.

Also of interest this week. ...

In an article published Tuesday, Indianapolis Star News staffer Phil Richards noted the bells were ringing in Qadry Ismail's ears, but it was Wayne who answered the call.

Ismail, the Indianapolis Colts' No. 2 wide receiver, suffered a concussion five minutes into the second half of the Sunday's loss. Wayne came off the bench to replace Ismail.

Wayne caught each of the six passes Manning threw in his direction. They went for 104 yards, five first downs and a pair of touchdowns. The TDs measured 21 and 40 yards.

Being ready is Wayne's business. He got on the field only twice the week before at Cleveland. That's two plays, not two series.

"I'm not the best guy as far as patience, but I'm getting better at it," said Wayne. "I guess this is Patience 101 for me. With the talent you have on this offense, you've got to be patient. If you're not the centerfold, you just kind of wait until your number's called."

Depending on an opponent's strengths and tendencies, the Colts generally choose between their two-tight end and three-wide receiver sets, said head coach Tony Dungy. When they opt for tight ends Marcus Pollard and Joe Davenport, Wayne frequently plays little despite his productivity.

Wayne has caught 46 passes for 687 yards (14.9) and four touchdowns. Ismail, who has played considerably more, has 44 receptions for 462 yards (10.5) and three touchdowns. The Colts have thrown to Ismail on 82 occasions, to Wayne on 69.

"It's just kind of a personnel situation with the two tight ends, but we need to find a way to get him on the field regardless of what personnel we're in," said Manning. "He has produced when he's been in there and he made some really good plays yesterday."

Also according to Richards, Ismail said Monday that he feels fine but Dungy expected him to undergo some neurological tests before he can be declared fit to practice Wednesday.

Dungy said that fullback Jim Finn suffered a high ankle sprain against the Giants and is likely to miss at least a week. Finn's backup, Detron Smith, is expected back this week after missing five games with a hamstring injury. Both players are special teams regulars.

"Sure, it worries me," he said. "Everything worries me."

After a 28-10 loss to Tennessee on Sunday that dropped the Jaguars to 6-9, Coughlin is now guaranteed his third straight losing season. He is 72-63 over eight seasons with the Jaguars, but only 19-28 over the last three years.

He said he worries not only for himself, but for his assistants, many of whom would be expected to lose their jobs if Coughlin goes.

"I certainly do" worry about them, Coughlin said. "We've got young guys, guys who just got here, it's the Christmas time of year, and all that stuff."

His fate likely will be determined in a meeting early next week with owner Wayne Weaver, who reiterated Sunday that he would evaluate the team only after the last game is played. The Jaguars close the season at Indianapolis.

Coughlin said he usually meets with Weaver to discuss the future within the first two or three days after the season ends. This time, however, it's hard to imagine Coughlin will be as involved in the decision-making process, because it's his job on the line.

The team averaged 56,277 fans this season, about 4,000 fewer than last year, and Weaver's willingness to live with sagging attendance could play a big role in his decision.

Either way, the 56-year-old Coughlin conceded coaching is an obsession to him.

"That's what we do," he said.

But asked if he would be willing to be an assistant if he lost his job in Jacksonville, he simply walked away from the lectern and out of the room, ending what could be one of his final news conferences with the Jaguars.

In a related note. ... A biplane that flew over the stadium summed up the mood of the city with the message it carried that read, simply, "Coughlin?"

Mark Brunell was still sore Monday after pulling his right hamstring against Tennessee and Coughlin said he would determine the veteran signal caller's status for Sunday's game against Indianapolis later in the week.

Also hurt Sunday were receiver Jimmy Smith (shoulder) and running back Fred Taylor (ankle), although Coughlin said neither injury appeared serious.

Rookie David Garrard replaced Brunell in the fourth quarter Sunday and led the Jaguars to their only touchdown, on an 85-yard drive that ended with 8 seconds left in the game.

Also of interest. ...

In an article published Wednesday, Florida Times-Union reporter Bart Hubbuch noted that Smith was continuing a recent trend when he caught just three passes for 14 yards in Sunday's loss to Tennessee.

Smith, whose streak of five consecutive Pro Bowl berths ended last week, hasn't mustered more than 30 receiving yards in three of the past four games and is on pace for his worst statistical season since 1995.

Smith enters Sunday's regular-season finale at Indianapolis with 77 catches for 992 yards. His previous low over the past seven seasons is 78 catches for 1,182 yards in 1998.

Smith, 33, missed all of training camp in a contract dispute but blames a lack of opportunity -- not declining skills -- for his statistical slump.

"It's hard to produce when you're not getting the attempts," said Smith, who has just 15 catches combined in his past four games.

Coughlin agreed, saying Smith has made the most of his limited chances.

"We're not getting him the ball enough," Coughlin said.

Also according to Hubbuch, Coughlin changed his explanation Monday, now saying that wide receiver Patrick Johnson has lost his spot in the rotation because Kevin Lockett is playing better.

"There was some consistency there with Kevin Lockett, and I didn't see anything in practice that created the opinion that we should change that," Coughlin said Monday.

Johnson has been inactive in seven of the nine games since he sustained an abdominal strain. When Coughlin said last week that Johnson wasn't playing because he didn't appear to be healthy, Johnson reacted angrily.

Johnson insists he is 100 percent healed and, because of the recent demotion, said he doesn't expect to be back with the Jaguars when his contract expires this winter.

Holmes, who is just two touchdowns away from the NFL single-season record of 26, injured his hip at Denver on Dec. 15. He missed last week's game against San Diego.

The 2001 NFL rushing champion was leading the league with a team-record 1,615 yards rushing when he was hurt at Denver. Holmes' 2,287 yards from scrimmage this year is just 142 shy of the NFL record.

"He had been optimistic about playing this week, but he will not play," head coach Dick Vermeil said Wednesday.

Of course, the Chiefs fared well enough without Holmes -- an a number of other key players -- last Sunday.

Replacing kicker Morten Andersen was Michael Husted, who had spent the past year an a half kicking imaginary field goals on a soccer field in California. Fourth-year backup Mike Cloud replaced Holmes. Starting wide receiver Johnnie Morton, out with a bad back, was replaced with Marc Boerigter, an NFL rookie who spent the previous two years in the Canadian Football League. And rookie Omar Easy filled in for fullback Tony Richardson, who has a shoulder injury.

Every one of the replacements made key contributions.

"Mike put his head down and got the necessary yardage," defensive end Eric Hicks said. "Omar caught a big pass. Mike Husted was signed to back up our Hall of Fame kicker, and he sure did it.

"That's the American dream. It's part of the NFL dream -- guys who come in from nowhere and step up and play big."

Boerigter caught two of Trent Green's three touchdown passes, an 8-yarder and a 99-yarder that tied the NFL record. Easy had a 6-yard TD pass and a key 11-yard reception on the final drive that handed Husted just the opportunity he'd been yearning for since Washington cut him in 2000.

With a little over a minute to play, he trotted onto the field to try a 38-yarder. Make it and all his hard work is justified. Miss it and Charger head coach Marty Schottenheimer tastes victory one more time at Arrowhead Stadium.

He swung his foot and sent the ball goalward. There was never a doubt.

"I told myself, 'Hey, just be ready to go out there,'" he said. "Be relaxed. Be smooth and do the same thing you've been doing the last year and a half since you decided to rededicate yourself to this career. And give it all you've got."

Boerigter, ironically, was not even the primary receiver on his 99-yard touchdown pass from Green.

"It's just a play where I'm getting up field to occupy the safety and get across his face, clear it out for Tony [Gonzalez] crossing the middle," he said. "I don't know what happened. Trent stepped up and just threw it out there." He caught the ball on the Kansas City 40 and easily outran safety Rogers Beckett.

"It was a great throw and I knew there was only one guy to beat," Boerigter said.

"It's been a long journey so far this year," he said. "I'm thankful for the opportunities that I've been given..."

In an article published Monday, ESPN.com insider Len Pasquarelli offered the following take on Boerigter's emergence:

"Every so often, you wonder why the Chiefs spend so much time and money scouting the CFL and every other league in existence. And then some guy has a terrific performance like that enjoyed by first-year wide receiver Marc Boerigter on Sunday afternoon -- five catches for 144 yards, two touchdowns, including a 99-yarder -- and you wonder no more. For the year, Boerigter has just 18 catches. But he's averaging one touchdown every 2.25 receptions and averaging 22.3 yards per catch. This month alone, the former Hastings College star has five touchdowns on only eight catches. Those are eye-opening numbers."

Speaking of eye-opening numbers. ... With 466 points, the 2002 Chiefs broke their team record of 442 set in 1965. ...

And finally. ... In an article published Monday, TSN columnist Dan Pompei suggested now that he's finally starting to hit his stride, the Chiefs might not be able to keep Green around much longer. The problem is Green is due for an $8 million roster bonus in the offseason and has a 2003 salary-cap number of $10.6 million.

In order for Green to remain in Kansas City, he must be willing to restructure his contract. But he has the Chiefs right where he wants them. He's coming off a fine season, and next year probably will be Vermeil's last before retirement.

Vermeil doesn't want to start over with a new quarterback.

The fear in Kansas City is Green will refuse to renegotiate, forcing the Chiefs to either pay him an inordinate amount or make him a free agent. ...

In an article published by The Sporting News, Pompei reminded readers that in Williams, the Dolphins have the NFL's most effective and diversified running game. And the Patriots have the NFL's 29th-ranked rush defense. But New England held Williams to 2.9 yards per rush (36 for 105) in their first meeting, a 26-13 Dolphins victory in October.

This is just the type of game for which the Dolphins acquired Williams. They've struggled on the road in December in recent years, partly because of the lack of a solid running game that could overcome bad weather. Williams would seem to be the ideal answer, although entering this season his career average per carry during games in December and January (3.1) was nearly a yard less than his average in games before the start of December (4.0). This season, however, Williams has averaged 6.1 yards per carry in four December games. So much for wearing down.

Williams is running better than ever for a number of reasons. Part of it is his weight, which is down 20 pounds from last season, and better conditioning. Part of it is his development as a runner. And part of it is the way he is being used by the Miami coaching staff.

What the Dolphins do as well as any rushing offense is stretch the field horizontally, which prevents defenders from ganging up on Williams. In one-on-one situations, Williams is capable of running through defenders, like a sledgehammer through rotted wood. And he is capable of making potential tacklers miss, like a rabbit eluding gardeners. Rare is the back who can do both as well as Williams.

"Early in the year, he was relying more on power and breaking tackles," Dolphins offensive coordinator Norv Turner says. "But the last four or five weeks, he's running with confidence and quickness and making people miss."

Bills middle linebacker London Fletcher is an expert on Williams, having played on a division rival in each of Williams' four seasons in the league. Fletcher says he has noticed a difference in Williams' burst and acceleration this year. "In New Orleans, he was a power back," the former Rams linebacker says. "He had some nice runs, but he wasn't able to go the distance."

This year Williams has 50 runs of 10 yards or more, second highest in the NFL to Kansas City's Priest Holmes, who has three more.

Fletcher believes Williams is more difficult to bring down because he can burst through weak tackle attempts, and his new explosiveness demands more patience from the defender, which can lead to missed tackles.

The versatility of Williams and the Dolphins' running game often leaves defenders guessing, and doing a poor job of it. On the Dolphins' first offensive play from scrimmage at Buffalo, Fletcher guessed Williams would cut back inside and try to bull forward after veering outside. Instead, Williams stayed outside, Fletcher was pinned inside, and the play went for a 45-yard touchdown.

The foundation of the Dolphins' run game is the run between the tackles. The Dolphins have been able to lure defenders into running at Williams, which has opened up the express lane to the end zone. Because the Dolphins are effective up the middle, they are able to play off that and attack defenses with misdirection.

In spurts this season, the Dolphins have made a living off either the "counter trey" or the "power O." In consecutive games against the Bills (Week 13) and Bears (Week 14), 25 of Williams' 58 running plays were either counters or power Os, and 284 of his 444 yards came on those plays.

Williams' 63-yard touchdown run against Chicago is a good example of the counter trey. The strongside tackle, guard and center block down. The weakside tackle seals the end. Weakside guard Jamie Nails pulls to block strongside linebacker Rosevelt Colvin. Randy McMichael, one of two tight ends Miami uses in this formation, comes from the weak side and follows Nails across the line to clean up on middle linebacker Brian Urlacher. The ensuing hole and his jet pack are all Williams needs. The power O differs only in that the fullback throws the lead block while the guard cleans up.

Since Williams' back-to-back 200-yard rushing games, Nails was lost for the season with a torn left Achilles'. Rookie Seth McKinney, his replacement, might actually run the counters and power O's better because he's more athletic, in the estimate of Miami offensive line coach Tony Wise. The downside: Nails packs more punch.

The past two weeks, the Raiders and Vikings effectively eliminated the counters and power O's by filling the correct gaps. But that's OK with the Dolphins, because there is always another way to run the ball. Williams has been tremendously effective on cutback runs. The Dolphins pounded the Vikings with two tight ends and then gave Williams the option to bounce the run to a different hole. He rushed for only 67 yards, but then he had only 15 carries in a game in which the Vikings had the ball 12 minutes longer than the Dolphins. The cutbacks work because of Williams' patience and vision, which he attributes to experience.

"He's more patient this year; he's waiting to find the open creases," Vikings safety Corey Chavous says. "His feet have really improved. His footwork is excellent."

Williams also has developed into a dangerous runner on sweeps. He beat Vikings safety Ronnie Bradford to the corner for a 16-yard gain Saturday.

When asked about which plays he most likes, Williams, a man of few words, says, "I just like to run wherever they're not."

The Patriots will have to be everywhere Sunday to have a shot at the AFC East. ...

Other notes of interest. ...

In an article published Monday, Sports Illustrated insider Peter King offered the following thoughts on Sunday's loss to the Vikings:

"No ifs, ands or buts, Cris Carter: You have to make that catch in the end zone. ... In case you missed it, Miami was down 17-14 in the fourth quarter, in field-goal range but wanting more, when Jay Fiedler threw slightly behind a stretching Carter in the end zone. Tough catch, but a grab Carter has made 300 times in his life. Carter reached just behind him and the ball went through his hands."

And of Williams, King noted: "15 carries? Geez, what a horrible bit of strategy, Dolphs."

And finally. ... According to Palm Beach Post staffer Todd Archer, McMichael's production has tailed off late in the season because of the added attention he has gotten from defenses, but he has not allowed that to affect his blocking. He has thrown many key blocks to spring Williams. For a rookie, McMichael has shown poise when the ball has not come his way.

Those are serious building blocks for a team that will be drafting high and be more than $25 million under the salary cap for next season. ...

Moss, who is shattering his reception totals this season, also is improving the nuances of his game, particularly blocking. With Bennett breaking so many long runs, Moss' blocking ability downfield has become crucial. ...

And in an analysis of the team's quarterback's appearing in that same article, Williamson reminded us that Culpepper has had an up-and-down season, but for more than the past month, it has been up. He has shown the ability that makes the Vikings believe he is a franchise quarterback.

Culpepper, 25, has great physical skills. He is a strong runner and has a rare combination of size and speed. He runs recklessly, which is a big problem for defenses. Culpepper has a strong arm, but the team has been throwing more intermediate routes, so he can throw in all directions.

When he is struggling, he lacks accuracy. Much of that stems from his not reading defenses well. Culpepper still needs to study more, the coaching staff believes.

Backup Todd Bouman, 30, wants to start, but it will have to be elsewhere; the Vikings would like to keep him as a backup. Bouman has a great arm and a gunslinger's mentality. Rookie Shaun Hill is smart and accurate but does not have a strong arm.

Other notes of interest. ...

Vikings owner Red McCombs told reporters Monday that Mike Tice, who is under contract through 2004, would be returning as head coach in 2003.

"I think Tice has done a good job," McCombs said. "I really thought he would have done a better job than what he has, but he's done a good job. He's never backed up with all the setbacks that we've had. It's always been, 'Let's take a step forward and fix it.' He's going to be a very good NFL coach. ..."

Tight end Byron Chamberlain has a high right ankle sprain and was wearing a walking cast Tuesday. His status for the season finale against the Lions is questionable. But Tice told the Associated Press that Chamberlain is "more towards doubtful for the game, and if we need to downgrade him at that time we will. ..."

And finally. ... Kickoff specialist Hayden Epstein will have surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Epstein, a rookie who was released by Jacksonville and signed by the Vikings on Oct. 23 to handle kickoffs, was hurt in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game while trying to make a tackle.

With only one game left, Tice said the Vikings probably won't make any roster moves to replace Epstein.

Tice also said running back Harold Morrow, a special teams player, was hospitalized Saturday with an allergic reaction that caused him to have trouble breathing. Morrow was released, but it was the second time he's had a reaction like that at the Metrodome.

"We're going to check and see if there might be something in the turf," Tice said. "Who knows what it could be?"

And finally. ... Asked about the game-winning 53-yard field goal he nailed against Miami, veteran Gary Anderson said: "You've got to bring your driver out. It's not a 5-iron shot."

Of all the factors that have gone into the Patriots' disappointing 2002 season, perhaps none has been overlooked more than the injury factor. And those health problems were highlighted further Tuesday, as they placed rookie tight end Daniel Graham (ribs) on injured reserve and signed Coleman and Baxter to the active roster. Baxter hasn't played a game since early November. Coleman hasn't even worn football pads since August.

"[We're] just trying to put as many bullets in the holster as we can for this game," head coach Bill Belichick said. "We've got to use every resource we've got, take every available option."

If Coleman is a "resource," then the Pats truly are in trouble. The XFL alum made two huge plays for the Pats during their Super Bowl run last season -- a 46-yard reception against the Jets and an onside kick recovery against the Dolphins -- but he's spent the entire 2002 season at home in Tyler, Texas.

Coleman was beaten out by Givens in training camp and released by the Pats Sept. 1. When the Pats called Monday, Coleman was considering whether to try out for an Arena League team. Yesterday, he sat in front of his locker casually munching a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He was asked what he had been doing the past four months.

"Nothing much. Just relaxing," said Coleman, who added that he has been working out nearly every day and running patterns. However, he said he "hasn't really been catching passes."

Baxter would appear to have a better chance of making an impact. The 31-year-old, 10-year veteran played five games for Chicago this year, catching five passes before being released Nov. 12. Baxter is another ex-Jet, having played in Charlie Weis' offense from 1997-99.

The one positive note on the injury front is that rookie receiver Deion Branch (groin) appears closer to returning. Otherwise, the outlook is as grim as it's been all season. ... Felger went on to state it's become apparent that the ultra-important Troy Brown (knee), is nowhere near 100 percent. ...

And in an analysis of the team's quarterbacks published Tuesday, Felger reminded readers that Tom Brady is having a better year than his storybook 2001. He has made more plays (27 touchdown passes in '02; 18 in '01) while keeping mistakes to a minimum (13 interceptions in '02; 12 in '01). He has improved his play-action fakes and deception on screens. But he must work on his mobility and downfield accuracy.

Backup Damon Huard understands his role, but he has not thrown a pass.

Rohan Davey is a project, well behind Huard on the depth chart.

With Jerome Pathon ailing with a bruised knee this week and Joe Horn less than 100 percent, Stallworth might have to play a big role Sunday against the Panthers, with a playoff berth on the line.

"The coaches haven't told me they plan to go to me any more than usual," Stallworth said. "But I'm looking to step up because this game is so important. The thing I remember about the first game against [Carolina] is that before I made that long catch, I'd dropped a lot of passes. So hopefully that won't happen Sunday."

Stallworth was one bright spot in Sunday's 20-13 loss at Cincinnati. He caught six passes for 111 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown that gave New Orleans a 10-7 lead. All were his best single-game statistics with the Saints.

Stallworth wants more.

"The thing is, I still haven't had a complete game yet," he said. "And this is the last game of the season, so I would like to have a big game. The important thing, though, is that we win."

For the record. ... Pathon (bruised knee) did not practice Tuesday and will be listed as questionable on this week's injury report.

... Also of interest this week. ...

In an article published Monday, ESPN.com insider Len Pasquarelli quoted an unnamed AFC pro personnel director as saying: "There's something wrong with the passing arm of Aaron Brooks. I'm serious. Have you seen this guy throw lately? The last three weeks, he's been absolutely awful, and part of it looks to me to be a lack of velocity. He got hurt against Tampa Bay [on Dec. 1]and couldn't finish that game, I remember, and he hasn't been the same since then. I guess I could be wrong but, when I turn on the tape and look at Brooks, he isn't right. Three [poor] games in a row. That doesn't lie. ..."

Healthy or not, Brooks threw his team-record 27th TD pass, the Saints set a club record for points in a season. John Carney set a club record for points in a season and Michael Lewis set an NFL record for combined punt/return yards in a season. ...

And finally. ... A few notes on last Sunday's surprising whupping at the hands of the Bengals -- a game in which Deuce McAllister came up small against a team that had allowed 155 rushing yards per home game and had not held an opponent below 100 yards in Paul Brown Stadium this season.

The second-year star, who racked up 295 yards and five touchdowns over the previous three games, finished with a very disappointing 26 yards on 15 carries against Cincy. ...

Among the more interesting postgame quotes last Sunday:

"It's embarrassing. Everybody in the nation and their mamas knows that." -- Horn.

"Everything was in our court today, but we were the Aints and they weren't the Bungles." – Offensive tackle Kyle Turley.

"The flea flicker last week was a wow. I ran two slants that game that were wow routes. There was a crossing route," Toomer said.

Toomer stopped suddenly when he realized he could have mentioned dozens more.

Collins might be having the best season of his career and is playing his best football with the Giants ready to play the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday in a game with major playoff implications.

If the Giants win their fourth straight, they will make the playoffs as one of the two NFC wild-card teams. If the Eagles win, they get home-field advantage for the playoffs.

"Kerry is on fire," Eagles head coach Andy Reid said Tuesday. Collins certainly had a career game last Sunday in a 44-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts. He hit 23-of-29 for 366 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. His 158.3 quarterback rating was the highest under the system, a so-called perfect game.

"I think I am playing with confidence," Collins said. "I feel good about my decision making and the way I am approaching games. My feel for the offense is better than it has ever been."

Toomer and tight end Dan Campbell said that Collins seems to be reading defenses so well that he knows who is going to be open even before the ball is snapped.

"He has come into his own," Campbell said. "Every week it seems like he keeps feeding off himself. Every time he makes a good throw or makes a good play, he gets more pumped. Every time you don't think he can get better, he does."

A big part of Collins' success has been the improved play of the offensive line and the overall protection. The nine-year veteran has only been sacked eight times in the last eight games, twice in the last four and not once in the last two.

"Our emphasis has been to protect Kerry," Campbell said. "Not only keep people from sacking him, but to get them out of his face. We don't let anyone be around him. That's hard to do all the time, but for the most part we have done a good job of that."

The added time has allowed Collins to use his incredible arm strength, which he showed off against Indianapolis on Sunday.

After he told the Giants they were going to open the second half with a flea-flicker, head coach Jim Fassel warned Toomer about the slow-developing play that would start with a handoff to Tiki Barber and a pass back to Collins.

"Don't outrun his arm," Toomer recalled the coach saying.

As soon as the words were out of the Fassel's mouth, Collins' head popped up.

"I told him, 'You can't outrun my arm, You can't,"' Collins said Tuesday.

Collins hit Toomer in full stride with a rope of about 55 yards on the 82-yard scoring pass.

Backup quarterback Jason Garrett smiled when he talked about the play.

"I play the position, so I know how tough that was," Garrett said. "He had to catch the ball, gather himself and get it downfield.

"He didn't put it in a bad spot either," Garrett said as he extended his hands just slightly to show a picture perfect pass and reception.

"He has played well since I have been here, and he is only getting better and better. He is seeing the field real well and throws the ball as well as anyone I have ever seen."

The Giants will need that against the Eagles if they want to get to the playoffs.

In their first meeting this season, Collins completed 20-of-34 passes for 251 yards in a 17-3 loss. However, he couldn't get the team into the end zone.

"We are going to try to do what we do every week, try to get pressure on the quarterback," Eagles defensive end Hugh Douglas said. "When you can get pressure on the quarterback, you can make him make those decisions that he doesn't want to make or make him make those quick throws."

If the Eagles don't do that, Collins has a chance to lead the Giants to the playoffs.

A few final notes of interest. ...

The Giants have scored 81 points the last two weeks, the most they've scored in back-to-back games since Sept. 29-Oct. 6, 1968. ...

And last but not least. ... New York Newsday staffer Neil Best noted on Tuesday that after weeks of speculation surrounding Fassel's future in New York, there now appears to be no doubt he'll return in 2003. He again has come through when the times were toughest, and the team has an 18-5 record in December in his six seasons.

Pennington himself.

Even his coach, Herman Edwards, and offensive coordinator Paul Hackett couldn't have envisioned what Pennington has provided for the New York Jets.

He's carried them back from a 1-4 start into playoff contention. Should the Jets beat Green Bay on Sunday and New England beat Miami, the AFC East title will belong to New York.

Other factors have led to New York's resurgence:

Curtis Martin getting over an opening-game ankle sprain; six new defensive starters finally grasping the system; the offensive line coming together after an abysmal start. But none has been anywhere near as significant as Pennington's rapid development.

Pennington, 7-4 as a starter, leads the league in completion percentage (68.8) and tops the AFC with a 101.2 passer rating.

"We're just getting to see and know what he can do," Hackett said of the 2000 first-round draft pick who sat behind Vinny Testaverde until a Week 4 loss to Jacksonville. "He does not make bad decisions. He goes through the process and come up with a positive result.

"Our job is to put the pieces around him to make sure he does what he's capable of doing. We're at the infant stage of what we're trying to do here."

Pennington is acting like anything but a baby. In addition to his accuracy, he's displayed remarkable calm and leadership for such an untested pro. Nowhere was that more evident than in last Sunday night's 30-17 victory at New England.

Against the Super Bowl champions and what can be the most-confusing of defenses, Pennington didn't flinch. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, a defensive mastermind, has befuddled some of the best quarterbacks in the league, but his schemes could not rattle Pennington, who was 23-for-33 for 285 yards with three touchdowns.

Pennington hit his first 11 passes.

In the final period, he led the Jets on a 74-yard touchdown drive and an 11-play march to John Hall's clinching field goal.

"I think the fourth quarter, that's the true test of a quarterback," Edwards said. "When games are tight and you can manage yourself to go on a drive, and they went on a nine-play drive and scored. ...

"I thought it was very important for his maturity as a quarterback, for our offense, just for the whole deal."

Edwards called it Pennington's most impressive performance thus far, then added he expects even more.

The Jets could need even more on Sunday, when Pennington might have to outplay Brett Favre to get the Jets into the playoffs. Not that Pennington is likely to back off such a challenge.

Hackett knows that won't happen.

"I don't think that'll cross his mind," Hackett said, emphasizing that Pennington has studied Favre all seasons on film.

Besides, what his student did to the Patriots was about as impressive as anything Hackett could imagine from Pennington.

"The way he took control of the game from the very beginning was the most significant thing," Hackett said. "It tells me he's getting better. That's quite an accomplishment against any defense. In Foxboro on a Sunday night in that environment -- that tells you something."

What it tells the Jets is that their future is secure at the most important offensive position. Hackett notes that when Pennington was drafted by the prior regime, Bill Parcells, who made the selection, saw a player around whom a franchise could build.

Nothing Pennington has done on the field would convince Hackett otherwise.

"For this team, everything has been new," he said. "When it's new, you have a tendency to be more up and down. That's where Chad Pennington plays beyond his years, in a much more steady fashion than young people who are enamored by their success.

"What this guy does is accomplish more and more each week. As he becomes more comfortable in what he is doing, it allows me to be more creative. The way we're developing now, it's' 'Let's go ahead and push the envelope.'"

Also of interest this week. ...

According to TSN columnist Dan Pompei, it makes sense for the team to bring 39-year-old Vinny Testaverde back for another season to serve as Pennington's backup. In fact, when the Jets extended Testaverde's contract, they structured it figuring he'd be a backup next season.

Testaverde will count $4.5 million against the Jets' salary cap next season, but his base salary is only $1 million. They can't cut him prior to June because they'd have to take a cap hit of $7.3 million. Cutting Testaverde after June would count $3.5 million against their cap, and then they still would have to find another backup quarterback.

His 18 completions against the Broncos went to just four receivers, a season low. There were no catches by tight ends.

Gannon's one touchdown pass (to Charlie Garner) was a mistake. Garner missed the audible call and ran a circle route in the end zone. Gannon was trying to throw it away. Garner caught it anyway. There were no interceptions. Four more sacks gave the Raiders nine in the last two games. There had only been nine in the previous seven games total. It's an area to watch in the playoffs.

There were holes in the middle of the Denver defense wide enough to drive a semi through and Tyrone Wheatley took advantage. The Raiders finished the game with a flourish on the ground. At 137 yards, it was only the team's second 100-yard rushing game since September. They are 4-0 when they rush for 100 yards.

By the way. ... Gannon broke Warren Moon's 11-year-old single-season NFL record for completions in the second quarter of Sunday's game.

Gannon threw a 5-yard pass to Garner for his 405th completion of the season, breaking the mark set by Moon with the Houston Oilers in 1991. Moon was at the game as a radio commentator.

In the final two games of a landmark season, Gannon also moved within striking distance of Dan Marino's 1984 record of 5,084 yards passing. He entered Sunday's game with 4,409 yards passing, and his completion to Garner gave him 12 completions for 113 yards against the Broncos.

Also of interest. ...

Place-kicker Sebastian Janikowski pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of drunken driving.

Janikowski will be placed on three years' probation. He also was fined $1,292 and ordered to perform community service and enroll in a DUI school.

He was not in court Monday, and lawyer Laurel Headley entered the plea.

Janikowski was cited Oct. 1 by a highway patrol officer who pulled him over. His blood-alcohol level registered .20, well above the state's legal limit of .08.

In 2001, Janikowski was acquitted on charges of possessing GHB, the "date-rape" drug. In 2000, he was acquitted on a charge that he offered a Tallahassee, Fla., police officer $300 to release his roommate after an argument with a nightclub bouncer.

In an article published last Friday, ESPN.com insider John Clayton noted that Janikowski was among those snubbed in this year's Pro Bowl voting. The former Seminole was so far down the list, he wasn't even among the top three alternates.

Janikowski said Thursday that he was passed over because there is a perception that he parties too much.

Wonder where that came from?

And finally. ... In an article published Monday, ESPN senior writer Len Pasquarelli offered readers the following tidbit: "Courtesy of allowing coach Jon Gruden out of the final year of his contract, the Oakland Raiders have two first-round picks again in the 2003 draft, and they might want to package them to pry tailback Corey Dillon away from the Bengals. ..."

It will be Feeley's fifth straight start. He replaced Detmer in Week 13 after Detmer dislocated his left elbow in the second half of the Eagles' 38-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Detmer had replaced Donovan McNabb, who suffered a broken right ankle the week before against Arizona.

"I spoke to Koy this morning and he is getting better," Reid said. "Koy is such a competitor and would like to play this weekend. But his arm is not in a position where he could play a complete game right now. As I said Sunday, we have complete confidence as a football team that A.J. will continue to do a nice job."

Detmer could play if he had to. For the third straight week, he'll be the club's No. 2 quarterback and also handle the holding chores on field goal and point after attempts for kicker David Akers.

In his five starts, Feeley has completed just 56.6 percent of his passes and thrown 6 touchdowns and four interceptions in 129 attempts. But the Eagles are 5-0 when he's been behind the wheel.

"I was indifferent on the decision," Feeley said. "I would love to see Koy play, but he's not 100 percent healthy yet. And that's the only reason why I am the starter. I'm excited to play this week as I am every week. Everyone knows the ramifications of this week's game, and we just have to go out and execute like we have been in recent weeks. We just need to take care of business."

In an article published Dec. 16, Pro Football Weekly suggested the real hero during the team’s rash of QB injuries has been offensive coordinator Brad Childress.

Observers say it is Childress’ system and Reid’s even temperament that have kept the team in the hunt for home-field advantage with Feeley running the team.

Also of interest this week. ...

Wide receiver Todd Pinkston didn't practice Wednesday because of a turf toe. If he can't play against the Giants, Freddie Mitchell will start in his spot. Mitchell, a first-round pick in the 2001 draft, has just eight catches for 70 yards this season. He lost his spot as the slot receiver to Antonio Freeman, who signed with the Eagles late in training camp.

Freeman will remain as the No. 3 receiver if Pinkston doesn't start.

Maddox was hurt when Bucs defensive lineman Warren Sapp rolled across his leg well after Maddox had thrown a pass. Sapp was penalized for a late hit, but Cowher tiptoed around saying whether it was intentional.

"A flag was thrown so there was some question as to the intent. ... But Warren has not had a history of being that kind of player, so you like to think it was a coincidental thing that took place," Cowher said.

The Steelers beat the Bucs 17-7 to clinch the AFC North title.

However, even if the Steelers beat the Ravens on Sunday, they are guaranteed only a wild-card home playoff game if the Raiders beat the Chiefs on Saturday and the Titans beat the Texans on Sunday.

If that happens, the Steelers not only will play on a weekend the Raiders and Titans are resting, they also might have to win two road playoff games just to get to the Super Bowl.

"No question that if we have to go on the road, this is something we can draw from," Cowher said Tuesday, only a few hours after the Steelers returned from Tampa. "Playing the caliber of team we were playing, with the ramifications of the outcome and the buildup between the two teams, it had a playoff atmosphere."

Going on the road in the postseason would be new experience to nearly all these Steelers. Pittsburgh has played only one road playoff game -- a 1996 second-round loss at New England -- since 1993. Not counting the Super Bowl in January 1996, nine of the Steelers' last 10 postseason games have been at home.

"A win Sunday gives us the potential for a bye and it would be nice to have it, and it would be one less game we have to play but, if not, that's the road we have to take," Cowher said.

What especially encourages Cowher is the way his defense is playing as the postseason approaches. The Steelers have allowed only 27 points and 455 yards in their last three games -- an average of 151.5 yards, almost all of them essentially meaningless second-half yards by the Panthers and Buccaneers.

The NFL's No. 1 defense a year ago, the Steelers were uneven all season until picking up their play against Houston, limiting the Texans to only three first downs and 47 yards on Dec. 8. They have played at a comparable level since, and Cowher said it's not a coincidence.

"I feel like we entered the playoffs a couple of weeks ago," Cowher said. "We gave ourselves no margin for error. If was different than in years past, when (the Steelers clinched early) and we had to take to another level for the playoffs.

"Maybe we're going into the playoffs right now playing that way, so it not going to be anything we have to turn on."

That means Scott Covington could find himself on the hot seat next Monday night as the defending NFC champions limp to the finish line against the playoff-bound 49ers. Head coach Mike Martz didn't exactly have a glowing endorsement for Covington, signed Oct. 1 after being released at the end of the preseason by the Bengals, saying "He has to be ready."

"Maybe we'll have to get somebody else out there and get them ready in three days. We'll figure something out."

Covington, who played at Miami, was a seventh-round pick of the Bengals in 1999.

"I'm obviously here, in this building, for a reason," Covington said. "I'm not here to hang out. If it's time, it's time."

Bulger was hurt when he was sacked early in the game. An MRI exam Monday revealed the spinal injury, described as three compression fractures.

Team physician Matt Matava said Bulger should be healthy in six to eight weeks. He finishes the year with an NFL-leading 101.5 passer rating, three-tenths of a percent better than the Jets' Chad Pennington.

"There's no risk for long-term side effects, this is not a career-threatening injury and he should not miss any time in mini-camp," Matava said.

Martin was ineffective before he injured his left knee at the end of Sunday's game, throwing three interceptions. He struggled on longer throws and was 31-for-48 for 259 yards with one touchdown and no completion longer than 18 yards.

In three starts, Martin has four touchdown passes and eight interceptions and the Rams have scored 13, 10 and 10 points with him.

"He made some mental errors in that game," Martz said. "Just not playing, that's going to happen, and when you're behind and you're trying to throw it all the time that really compounds it."

Martin hurt the same knee in Game 4 against the Cowboys when he stepped in after Warner broke his pinkie, and aggravated the injury the following week against the 49ers. That opened the door for Bulger, who was 6-0 as the starter before the Seahawks game and left with Sunday's game scoreless.

Matava said fluid was drained from Martin's knee after the game. When the Rams return to practice on Thursday, Covington almost certainly will be working with the No. 1 offense.

That unit won't include Trung Canidate, who spent most of Sunday's game on the bench after two early fumbles -- one of which led to the Seahawks' opening field goal. Canidate, who fell out of favor after fumbling three times in the preseason, finished with 4 yards on three carries. In an article published Tuesday, St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Nick Wishart confirmed that Martz does indeed plan to go back to rookie Lamar Gordon, who had started the previous five games.

Gordon has had fumbling problems of his own. But until Canidate impressed Martz last week with his kick return ability, Gordon appeared to be the lesser of two trouble spots.

For Canidate, the start against Seattle was his first since October 2001. It also was strikingly short-lived. Canidate fumbled three times during the preseason out of 60 touches. He has now fumbled once in 21 touches during the regular season. He also lost the ball on his first carry in the game, but he was ruled down by contact.

"I'm obviously disappointed with the way Trung started the game," Martz said Monday. "He fumbled twice and we lost one of them. It's devastating. I really felt like he'd play very well, and I think he was excited about playing. But you jeopardize this team when you do things like that. You've got to hang on to the ball."

One problem with Canidate, Martz said, is that when he's falling to the ground he often extends one arm to break his fall. That's not acceptable. Gordon has been known to do that, too.

"Backs that put one arm down to always catch themselves when they go to the ground have a tendency to fumble," Martz said. "You've got to cover the ball and take the hit with the ground. You watch Marshall when he goes to the ground. He wraps up the ball. He doesn't put his arm down to protect himself or break his fall."

Faulk will continue to figure into the mix even though with 910 yards rushing he is likely to fall short of 1,000 for only the second time in his nine-year career.

In an analysis of San Diego's situation at quarterback published by The Sporting News Tuesday, Trotter noted the team has a nice blend of youth and experience in Brees and backup Doug Flutie.

Brees has been asked to manage games rather than win them. Injuries along the offensive line and at wide receiver have limited his effectiveness, but Brees has had problems with his accuracy, regularly failing to hit receivers in stride. He has been at his best throwing between the numbers and sidelines, but he still must show he can work the middle of the field, particularly on the deep post.

Head coach Marty Schottenheimer believes Flutie's scrambling ability makes him a greater threat coming off the bench.

No. 3 quarterback Seth Burford has a strong arm but heavy feet. He played on a lower level in college and still must show he can perform in the NFL.

Also according to Trotter, reserve running back Terrell Fletcher can contribute when used properly, but LaDainian Tomlinson's emergence as an every-down back has limited Fletcher's opportunities in the offense.

Fletcher is quick and tough, but he's not built for taking punishment over the long haul. In the right offense, he could be dangerous as both a runner and receiver.

In a related note. ... Tomlinson tied the team's single-season mark with his seventh 100-yard rushing game. He shares the mark with Don Woods. ...

And finally. ... Curtis Conway (shoulder) played sparingly in the second half last Sunday and didn't have a catch. He has been bothered by a shoulder injury for several weeks.

"'Do you think any other coach who's just clinched a division title has to answer questions about that?' asked Mariucci.

"On Sunday, the San Francisco Chronicle ran a letter from a Mike Mitchell of Magalia, Calif., that said, in part: 'I have been a 49er fanatic since the late 1950s -- they have been the love of my life ... [But] this is a boring football team, and I don't care much about them any longer. If Mariucci continues beyond this season, I will never again waste my money to see this football team.'"

King went on to state: "Bill Walsh averaged 9.2 wins per regular season in 10 years, playing with Joe Montana and Steve Young; Mariucci has averaged 9.5, playing with the latter-day Young and Jeff Garcia.

"The man, with help from the front office, has presided over the rebuilding of a once-great team that is now good. He has won 13, 12, 4, 6, 12 and 10 (with one game left) games in his six seasons. That should be acceptable, Mike Mitchell."

King summed up by noting: "Having praised the man, I now send this one message: Go get a new kicker, Mooch. Jeff Chandler will kill you in the playoffs."

Also according to King: Terrell "Lucky" Owens has 100 catches for 1,300 yards, a 13.0-yard average. With 13 touchdowns.

I'll continue to monitor reports regarding potential playing time throughout the weekend, but we'll start with the following, as reported by the Sports Xchange:

Tim Rattay, who has attempted just 25 passes in his three-year NFL career, might see considerable playing time Monday night against the St. Louis Rams. Mariucci said he will decide how much he will play Garcia in the game as this week progresses.

Owens is still nursing a sore right groin and a right heel bruise and is not expected to suit up for the 49ers' Monday night game against the St. Louis Rams.

"Since the team had to go with [Matt] Hasselbeck as the starter, they've averaging about 100 yards more per game than when Dilfer was playing. They're suddenly a top 10 team offensively.

"And their two good, young receivers, [Koren] Robinson and [Darrell] Jackson, are playing a lot better. I like both those kids. They can play. And since I like Holmgren, and want to see him keep his job, this is a good stretch. I'd say there is no way they get rid of him now."

In naming him his Coach Of The Week, Sports Illustrated's Peter King wrote: "It's a sign of a very good coach, one who hasn't lost his team even in the tough times, when he gets his team so ready to play that they outscore a dangerous Kansas City team 39-32; go down to the wire with the 49ers before losing 31-24, do the same before losing to Philadelphia 27-20; go on the road and beat a likely playoff team in Atlanta (in OT, 30-24); and then stay home to beat a similarly playing-for-nothing Rams team. I say Holmgren deserves another year in Seattle. ..."

I agree. ...

Also of interest this week. ...

According to the Sports Xchange, Seattle's top three receivers hardly practiced last week and it showed last Sunday.

The only thing that overshadowed their rustiness against the Rams was the surplus of talent that carried Seattle to a 30-10 victory.

Robinson, Jackson and Bobby Engram are three big reasons Seattle is averaging a league-high 452.8 yards over the last five games.

While Engram was his usual trusty self Sunday, Jackson and Robinson dropped first-half passes that probably should have resulted in touchdowns. But the Seahawks' young guns combined to catch eight passes for 165 yards by day's end, taking turns against cornerback Travis Fisher.

Robinson beat Fisher for a 13-yard gain and a 13-yard pass-interference penalty. Jackson beat him for a 38-yard touchdown, plus a 14-yard interference penalty.

"I have always said I don't think that [other] secondaries can match up with our receiving corps," Robinson said.

Robinson leads Seattle with 69 catches for 1,137 yards. Jackson has 57 catches for 787 yards despite missing a month to injury. Engram has 44 catches for 535 yards, with the bulk of his damage coming on third down.

"Look, I don't like our record right now," Holmgren said, "but I do like some of these things that are happening now.

"What's happening now doesn't balance, but it's something you can kind of grab onto."

And finally. ... In an article published Dec. 16, Pro Football Weekly suggested the Seahawks would love it if the rest of the league continued to avoid Jeff George because of his lingering reputation as a bad apple and they were able to bring him back as a No. 3 QB on the cheap.

Sources say George, who spent a good amount of time with the first team in practice last week due to Hasselbeck’s tender foot, can still thread the needle downfield with the best of them. George has also been a model citizen since coming to Seattle.

Brad Johnson was not expected to practice Wednesday because of a lower back contusion, leaving head coach Jon Gruden contemplating another change under center for Sunday night's game against the Bears at Champaign, Ill.

After his performance in the Bucs' loss to the Steelers on Monday night, Shaun King likely won't start if Johnson is not ready. Making his first start in nearly two years, King completed just 9-of-26 passes for 73 yards and had an interception returned for a touchdown.

Rob Johnson, who won his only start this season against Carolina, is expected to be Gruden's choice to play against the Bears. Johnson relieved King in the third quarter and led the team on its only scoring drive, hitting Keyshawn Johnson for an 18-yard touchdown with 1:14 to play.

"I'm going to think about it further today," Gruden said Tuesday. "In fairness to Shaun, I said it before the game, he has been inactive for a long time. He has not played [significantly] in a game since the Houston Texans the last preseason game. He played limited last year, in the last game of the year, against the Eagles, only 36 plays.

"To go out there and win against a defense of that style is very difficult. I'm not down on him. I am disappointed in the way it turned out. We like Rob, we like Shaun and we will start whoever we feel gives us the best chance to win."

Gruden said his decision will be based on the performance of both players in Monday night's game, as well as his belief that Rob Johnson is better prepared to adjust to the speed of a regular-season game.

"[Monday's] performance is big, honestly," Gruden said. "My gut feeling. ... It's tough. You have your starting quarterback who takes 85 percent of the reps during the week for 15 weeks and goes down, you're talking about a guy who's a little bit rusty coming in there and playing. I'll use my best professional judgment with the help of our coaches and we'll do what we feel gives our team the best chance. It's not going to be an easy decision, but we feel we'll come to a conclusion here shortly.

"[Rob Johnson] might be more acclimated to game speed. We blitzed a lot on the practice field trying to simulate as much game-like speed as possible, but when it's all said and done and you go out there and play the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that they have to have and you're getting their A game, their best shot, the speed is going to take you a little while to get accustomed to. I think that shocked Shaun a little bit, early particularly, and that will have some impact on the decision that we make."

Not that Rob Johnson played flawlessly. Though he was 12-of-18 for 159 yards and a touchdown, he also was sacked five times and lost a fumble. His first drive was a typically mixed bag: He passed for 99 yards but failed to get the Bucs on the board because of sacks and the turnover.

Gruden explained his decision to yank King.

"We were down 17-0 and Shaun missed some throws that he has to make, he knows he has to make, and I think a couple looks he missed that he needs to see," Gruden said. "Just to change the style, to give us a fresh look, I thought it was appropriate to go with Rob. I thought Rob handled himself pretty good and conducted a couple of nice drives."

The scary thing for Gruden and the Bucs is not having any way to gauge when Brad Johnson will be ready to return to the lineup.

"Unfortunately for us right now he is limited in terms of his mobility, and until it subsides we won't be able to suit him up," Gruden said. "We have every expert in the world looking at Brad, me included. I'm trying to urge him back into the lineup. But sometimes when you bruise in that area, it takes a while until the pain goes away. Sometimes it's seven days, sometimes it's 17 days and sometimes it's longer than that. Unfortunately it's still limiting him, and to play quarterback in the NFL, as we all know, you have to move around and throw the ball from awkward positions. Right now, that's very difficult for him.

"I can't say I've been through this before. You talk about the teams that will be in the playoffs, or the teams striving to make the playoffs, if you take away their starting quarterback this late in the season, whether it be Brett Favre or Rich Gannon, it's going to affect your team to some degree. But we are not going to make excuses. If we don't turn the ball over twice inside the 5-yard line and throw an interception for a touchdown, we have a chance to win that game."

Though he said he does not know much about Brad Johnson's prognosis, Gruden dispelled reports that the 11-year veteran has a fracture in his spine.

"I heard that," Gruden said. "We have given him an inordinate amount of tests, I'm told. We have a great medical staff here, I believe great, and we would not overlook any injury to any player. We have not found any fracture. They are telling me that all X-rays are negative and that's all the information I have.

"We're going to be confident and hopeful that he can return. At the same time, we are going to be realistic and move on as if he is not going to play and find a way to win without him."

Also of interest this week. ...

In an article published prior to Monday night's loss, Associated Press sports writer Fred Goodall reported that Keyshawn insists he's happier than he sounds.

But Johnson is also going through a divorce from his wife of four years and wouldn't mind playing a bigger part in Gruden's version of the West Coast offense, an attack that's sputtered at times this season.

"When you're winning it makes it a little bit easier to accept the fact that you're not getting the ball like you wish you would get it," Johnson said.

"But when you're looking at other people [around the league] getting the ball as much as they get it, and you know you're unstoppable. ... It raises an eyebrow in your mind to ask: Do people around you really know what you can do, or how you can dominate the game, or are they still trying to figure it out?"

Johnson said he doesn't have a problem with Gruden or the offense, and he'll gladly take his numbers over those of others because of Tampa Bay's success.

Still, the way he's occasionally disappeared from Tampa Bay's offense has him questioning his future. There's been speculation Gruden might trade the three-time Pro Bowl selection, although Johnson's eight-year, $56 million contract would seem to make a deal unlikely.

Johnson is due a $3 million roster bonus after the season and would count about $7.5 million toward the salary cap if he doesn't remain with the Bucs next year.

Johnson has had four head coaches, six offensive coordinators and caught passes from 12 different quarterbacks in seven seasons. He has said he will assess his situation at the end of the season.

"Hopefully, I'll be here for four or five more years and then walk away with a thousand catches, 10,000 yards, 100 touchdowns and a Super Bowl ring," he said. "That's what the goals are. But if it has to happen somewhere else, it'll just have to happen somewhere else."

Only Marvin Harrison, Jimmy Smith, Tim Brown and Keenan McCardell have had more receptions than Johnson since he entered the league as an overall No. 1 pick with the Jets in 1996. But unlike last season, when he was Tampa Bay's only reliable target, the Bucs' overhauled receiving corps now includes McCardell and Joe Jurevicius. Gruden wants to keep all three busy.

Johnson has three 100-yard games, but also has been limited to two receptions on three occasions. Two of those two-catch games came during a three-week stretch in which he also filed for divorce from his wife, Shikiri.

He lost 10 pounds during that time but scoffed at suggestions that his personal life affected his performance.

"Don't use my divorce as a mechanism to sugarcoat things and say that's why I'm not getting the football," Johnson said.

"I'm a dominant force in the league. When I catch the football, I do my thing. When the opportunities are there for me, I do my thing. Do I feel like I can carry a team offensively on my back? Of course I do. Because I've done it before. Time and time again. ..." And one last item of interest here. ... According to ESPN.com insider Len Pasquarelli, Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton, stripped of his play-calling duties earlier in the season, might not return to New York in 2003. And if he doesn't, one place he might end up is Tampa Bay, since he and Gruden once worked on the same staff in Philadelphia and have stayed close. ...

McNair threw for 115 yards and ran for a season-high 58 yards in a 28-10 victory over Jacksonville on Sunday. He left the game early in the fourth quarter and watched the end with ice strapped to his lower back.

Head coach Jeff Fisher said McNair was doing better Monday.

"He's dealing more specifically now with some low back tightness and soreness," Fisher said. "The ribs may perhaps be a thing of the past. I'd really like to try to get him to practice this week. It sounds like I've been there before."

McNair had surgery to repair a ruptured disc in his lower back in September 1999, and he returned and led Tennessee to the first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

Fisher has hoped to see McNair practice at least one day each week over the past month. The most McNair has been able to do was take part in a passing drill before their 24-7 victory over New England on Dec. 16. He also worked on dropping back to pass last Friday.

In an article published Tuesday, Nashville Tennessean staffer Jeff Legwold suggested that someday people will appreciate what McNair does. Finally set free in the offense, he is having a career year.

Coordinator Mike Heimerdinger hasn't focused on what McNair can't do and hasn't forced him into a run-first offense. Instead, he gave McNair a full load of plays and a spread offense to work with.

Heimerdinger is demanding, but McNair is more efficient in the pocket than he ever has been, and he still can run when he gets in trouble.

Backup Neil O'Donnell is a savvy veteran with a strong work ethic. With McNair unable to practice the last month, O'Donnell effectively prepared the offense, paving the way for wins on Sunday.

Also according to Legwold, despite putting together his sixth 1,000-yard season, running back Eddie George's abilities are being questioned.

Certainly all of his carries in seven seasons have taken their toll, and his average yards per carry is 3.3 rather than his career-best 4.1. But George remains the pound-it-between-the-tackles runner the team needs.

Sure, Robert Holcombe and John Simon are getting more plays at George's expense. But that means defenses can't get a way with focusing solely on George. ...

And finally. ... As t he Titans used more two-back and three-wide receiver formations, tight end Frank Wycheck's production dipped significantly. He's on pace for his first season with the team with fewer than 40 catches.

Wide receiver Derrick Mason is the chief third-down passing option, and Wycheck's role is likely to stay diminished.

Other than No.1 wideout Rod Gardner and Chris Doering, who was not considered starter material, that was the state of the receiving corps that was supposed to provide the fun in the Fun 'N' Gun. So head coach Steve Spurrier and the rest of the Washington Redskins' braintrust had planned to look for two top wideouts during the offseason to use alongside Gardner in 2003.

But not only has Gardner had a fine season and McCants his moments of late, Thompson might have changed the team's plans. Over the past four games -- the last two since rookie Patrick Ramsey regained the starting quarterback job that he's expected to keep next season -- Thompson has caught 24 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns.

That tops his production through the first 11 games and, projected over a 16-game season, would produce Pro Bowl numbers: 96 catches, 1,436 yards and 12 touchdowns. And Thompson wasn't performing against porous defenses. Dallas, the New York Giants, Philadelphia and Houston all ranked in the top 13 when the Redskins played them.

"I feel like I've grown a lot over the past few games," Thompson said. "I've been given more opportunities to show what I can do. Just being around the guys and watching film helped me. Every week I feel more and more comfortable."

Doering, who played in Spurrier's scheme at Florida, knows it better than any of the other receivers, and he sees the 6-foot-2, 216-pound Thompson as a legitimate Fun 'N' Gun starter.

"Derrius is big, strong and pretty darn fast," Doering said. "You want to be able to stretch the defense once in a while, but it's more important in this offense to run good routes, put your foot in the ground and separate. Derrius had to learn that this year. You can see how he's catching up to the learning curve now. He's making a lot of plays."

Thompson had two superb catches in Sunday's 26-10 victory over the Texans, a 14-yard grab on a crossing pattern against Pro Bowl cornerback Aaron Glenn and a leaping 13-yard touchdown on which he readjusted to Ramsey's underthrown pass.

"It wasn't that great a throw by Patrick, but Derrius made him look real good," tight end Walter Rasby said. "The one across the middle was even better. When you can start making big-time plays like that, that really weighs on a coach's mind. They start developing plays for you and calling your number. Derrius has shown that he has the talent. The whole question -- and I'm sure the coaches are asking themselves -- is, 'can he be consistent?'"

It took Thompson, who joined the Redskins as a very raw rookie free agent out of Baylor in 1999, nearly 2½ seasons to catch his first pass, but he's still just 25. And Doering expects the newcomers to the offense like Ramsey and Thompson to make a "quantum leap" next season after this year's experience and a full offseason together.

"It's just a matter of time before I feel comfortable and live up to my potential," Thompson said. "I need another year or two. I have so much more to give to the game."

Thompson will be a free agent come March, and his late-season surge could generate some interest in the marketplace, but he would like to remain a Redskin. Washington is interested in potential free agents David Boston of Arizona and Peerless Price of Buffalo, but each would be a very expensive addition for a team likely to have little salary cap room. Thompson would come much cheaper and already has a year in the system.

Gardner and McCants will be back and Doering probably will be. The Redskins, who might well use their first-round draft pick on a receiver, also have ex-Utah speedster Cliff Russell on injured reserve. Russell, Washington's third-round draft pick in 2002, is doing well in his rehabilitation after blowing out a knee last summer and will be ready for mini-camp.

"Derrius has come around nicely," Spurrier said. "He's got some excellent hands. When the ball hits, he usually hangs on. He makes some nice catches in traffic. It seems like everybody has to do that in this league. You just don't get as open as [in college].

"We've talked about trying to find one real fast guy, maybe a 4.3-type guy [like Russell. But] our top three receivers -- Derrius, Rod and Darnerien -- have a lot of ability."

I'll have more on the team's interest in Price on Thursday. ...

Also of interest. ...

In an article published Monday, Sports Illustrated insider Peter King wrote: "Ladell Betts and Kenneth Watson both rushed for more than 110 yards in Washington's 26-10 win over Houston. The 'Skins went 46 rushes for 247 yards on the day, a remarkable total for a team that has run so inconsistently all year. Is it possible that Steve Spurrier, who swore before the opening game to me that he didn't care whether he won by running or passing, is starting to mean it?"

And finally. ... Spurrier doesn't expect Stephen Davis (shoulder) to return for the final game. "I would think he would want to get well," the Ballcoach said on Monday.