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BALTIMORE RAVENS
In an article published Tuesday, Baltimore Sun staffer Jamison Hensley suggested a five-game winning streak over the Tennessee Titans gives the mental edge for Saturday's wild-card game to the Ravens.
But emotionally, the Ravens admit they have some ground to make up.
Following the Ravens' intense and hard-hitting 13-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, their worries extend beyond matching up with top-rated quarterback Steve McNair or cracking the league's No. 1 run defense.
"My biggest concern right now is the emotional fatigue this team has gone through," head coach Brian Billick said.
"We'll have to rebound that way. Physically, we'll be fine. But getting them back emotionally is crucial."
Despite having clinched the franchise's first division title before Sunday night's kickoff, the Ravens heavily invested themselves in a game that had no bearing on the playoff picture.
Amid the trash talking and violent collisions, Billick made a debatable decision to keep his starters in for all four quarters and overtime just six days before the Ravens' first playoff game since the 2001 season. In Billick's mind, the chance to end a roadblock against their chief division rival put meaning in a technically meaningless game.
"We knew we weren't going anywhere until we beat the Pittsburgh Steelers," Billick said. "This was the biggest, most significant regular-season win we've had, clearly, since I've been here when you factor in all that was involved. I think we've gained a certain playoff mentality. "To come out of that with a loss, it would have been difficult to go forward. I can't conceive of us having any success going forward had we not won that game."
And as Hensley noted, the roles have been reversed this week.
Just like the Steelers had the Ravens' number, the Ravens have dominated Tennessee in similar fashion.
The Titans haven't beaten the Ravens since Oct. 22, 2000. So, stirring up emotions won't be a problem for Tennessee.
In winning the past five meetings, the Ravens celebrated the Titans' first loss at the Coliseum, knocked them out of the playoffs in the 2000 season and handed them their only loss in the last 11 weeks of 2002.
In fact, Tennessee has lost only 27 times since 1999, and more than one-fifth of those losses have been to the Ravens.
It's also worth noting that even Baltimore has gone from one of the most experienced teams in 2001 to the youngest team in the playoffs this season, but their method of winning remains the same.
Like their playoff teams in 2000 and 2001, the Ravens have a rushing offense ranked in the NFL's top 11 and a defense among the top three. They even have the same seed - No. 4 in the AFC - that set their path for the Super Bowl title.
"Our profile is what it is," Billick said. "We are the youngest team in the playoffs, I don't have a Pro Bowl quarterback, we have one hell of a defense, we are running the ball well, and we are showing the ability to make big plays under the right circumstances. ..."
Other notes of interest. ...
In case you weren't paying attention, Jamal Lewis did most of his damage early last Sunday, gaining 73 yards on his first seven carries. He tailed off in the final three quarters with 41 yards on his last 20 attempts. The Ravens offensive line opened huge holes at the beginning but had trouble creating running lanes when Pittsburgh dropped an eighth man in the box.
Lewis finished as the league's second-most prolific single-season rusher and 39 yards shy of Eric Dickerson's 1984 NFL mark of 2,105 yards, and on Wednesday was named Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year.
"It's a great honor, it's everything that I worked for in the offseason, everything that I strived for," Lewis said of the AP honor. "It's like everything is coming together. I'm actually showing I'm a premier back in this league. ..." Anthony Wright had another erratic outing against the Steelers, forcing too many deep throws. He finished 16-for-27 for 163 yards and an interception. After passing for 38 yards in the first half, he connected with his favorite target, Marcus Robinson, three times for throws of 20 yards or more.
Todd Heap was nonexistent in the game plan, getting three passes thrown his direction. He finished with one catch for one yard and doesn't seem to have a connection with Wright -- even though the two men have reportedly put in extra time after practices trying to make one.
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THIS WEEK'S INITIAL INJURY REPORT:
| Questionable: LB Peter Boulware (knee); TE John Jones (hip); WR Frank Sanders (back)
Probable: C Mike Flynn (ankle); RB Chester Taylor (knee) |
As the two teams prepare to meet in the first round of the playoffs Saturday night in Charlotte, the Panthers feel overlooked.
"I don't think we get the respect we deserve," defensive end Julius Peppers said Tuesday. "Just before this year, everybody was like 'They ain't going to do that good.' But now we are here and ain't nobody giving us a chance to beat them."
The fact that Dallas has won four straight games over the Panthers, including a 24-20 victory in November, has more than a little to do with that belief.
And much of the Cowboys' confidence this season came from their win over the Panthers. Dallas head coach Bill Parcells said at the time it was their biggest win of the season -- it improved Dallas to 8-3 after three consecutive 5-11 seasons.
The loss was a bitter setback for the Panthers, who at the time had one of the best records in the NFC. It led to a three-game losing streak that created a frustrating push to clinch the NFC South title.
The Panthers, particularly head coach John Fox, took little comfort in Dallas marking its improvement by beating them. "That was a big game for them, a home game," Fox said. "At that point in the season, getting to that level of a number of victories is important. It would have been an important win for us. I'm not sure there would have been tears, but every win is important."
Yet not even 11 of them -- including two early season victories over Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay -- has the Panthers garnering much respect around the league. And as much as they'd like to downplay it and act like it doesn't bother them, it does.
That's why a win over Dallas won't be enough for the Panthers, who are in the postseason for the first time in seven years and hosting a playoff game for just the second time in franchise history. The last time? 1996 against the Cowboys, when the Panthers beat Dallas to advance to the NFC Championship game.
But any shot at building a reputation quickly unraveled with a string of losing seasons, capped by the 1-15 campaign two years ago.
Other notes of interest. ...
In an article published Monday, Charlotte Observer beat man Stan Olson noted that Stephen Davis, who broke the Panthers' season rushing record earlier this year, surpassed his personal season's high in last Sunday's victory against the New York Giants. But he was most happy about being healthy again.
"The week off did me a lot of good," said Davis, who has been recovering from a nagging ankle injury and some lesser aches.
"I was kind of banged up a little bit, but I'm not the type of guy who'll complain about it. But [Fox] saw something that really needed dealing with, a chance to get myself ready. Everything worked out for the best."
Fox said he felt the rest allowed Davis to get his "zip" back.
Or as Gaston Gazette staffer Steve Reed suggested, Davis "showed good balance and explosiveness in hitting the hole."
Asked about his ankle, Davis said, "It's feeling pretty much back to normal, and it's getting there at a time when we're going to the playoffs and getting a chance to play a second season."
Davis, who finished the day with 57 yards on 11 carries before sitting out the second half, ran his total to 1,444. His previous best was 1,432, set with Washington in 2001.
"It's great," he said of his mark, "but like I've said, I'm more concerned with the team goals. All this other stuff will work out for itself. ..."
In an article published Monday, Pro Football Weekly cited sources as saying the team will be even more conservative in the playoffs, with an eye on shortening the game and just getting to the fourth quarter in striking distance while hoping the opponent makes a mistake.
Jake Delhomme will be making his first playoff appearance, and the pressure of the postseason can get to even the most grizzled vet. But according to PFW, the Panthers have gained confidence in Delhomme as the season has progressed and Fox will be keeping a close eye on how much poise Delhomme shows in the first round.
At any rate, the Panthers will stick with the system that got them to the postseason -- run Davis 25-30 times a game and keep their defense off the field. The Panthers might even get DeShaun Foster and Rod Smart more carries in an effort to keep the clock rolling. ...
Also according to Reed, Muhsin Muhammad continues to improve for the Panthers down the stretch, showing he can make tough catches in traffic. ... John Kasay has made all seven field-goal attempts since missing three in one game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
And finally. ...
Carolina reached 30 points for the first time this season, and did so in the first half, taking a 30-10 lead over New York at the break. The team's previous high was 27, against Tampa Bay on Nov. 9.
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THIS WEEK'S INITIAL INJURY REPORT:
| Questionable: TE Marco Battaglia (knee)
Probable: DT Brentson Buckner (knee) |
"It's a trend."
And as Taylor further suggested, if head coach Bill Parcells doesn't find a way to make his offense more productive away from Texas Stadium, there's a good chance Dallas' first playoff appearance since 1999 is going to be a short one.
"I don't think I need to go into all the whys and what-ifs," Parcells said. "The road doesn't have anything to do with it. I can tell you that."
So what does?
Turnovers. And penalties. And mental mistakes.
Dallas committed three turnovers and seven penalties in its 13-7 loss to New Orleans. That frustrates Parcells because he knows his team is not talented enough to consistently overcome self-inflicted miscues and win games.
So do his players.
"Hopefully we'll play well, eliminate the mistakes and put ourselves in position to win the game," receiver Joey Galloway said. "We're starting a brand new season."
Making the offense more productive on the road starts with better play and decision-making from Quincy Carter.
As a 16-game starter for the first time, Carter has been inconsistent, with 17 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
Parcells can live with Carter's flaws as long as he's careful with the football and uses good judgment, especially inside the opponents' 20.
He hasn't always done that.
Four weeks ago in a 36-10 loss to Philadelphia, he made a poor throw under pressure that resulted in an interception on the first series of the third quarter. Five plays later, Philadelphia led, 17-0.
He threw two interceptions inside the 20 against the Saints.
On the first, receiver Antonio Bryant ran a poor route that put him behind safety Tebucky Jones instead of in front of him. On the second, receiver Terry Glenn slipped and fell, leading to an easy New Orleans interception at the Saints 9.
Carolina, which has one of the NFL's best defensive lines, has 40 sacks. The Panthers can create pressure without blitzing.
That concerns Parcells because he knows Carter -- like most quarterbacks -- makes most of his mistakes under duress.
"I think you are going to have a little up and down here and there with that spot," said Parcells, "but really not a whole lot of it matters right now. Now there is more on the line. These things add up and they can affect your year's work. ..."
Other notes of interest. ...
As reported by the Sports XChange, Carter's 290 passing yards gives him 3,302 for the season, the fifth-best passing season in franchise history.
He trails Danny White's 3,980 in 1983, Roger Staubach's 3,586 in 1979 and Troy Aikman's 3,445 and 3,304 in 1992 and 1995, respectively.
"I threw a lot of interceptions, though," said Carter, who was picked off three times. "The yardage is good. But the biggest thing is we won 10 games. But I definitely want to cut down on my interceptions."
Carter threw 17 touchdowns and 21 interceptions this season. His first interception Sunday ended a streak of 66 passes without an interception, dating to a loss at Philadelphia on Dec. 7. ...
Galloway had three catches for 71 yards last Sunday, including a 30-yard reception in the second quarter. He also had one carry on a reverse for 10 yards. He had one catch for 64 yards in his past three games. ...
Fullback Richie Anderson had a career-best receiving day against the Saints, but the Cowboys ran for only 85 yards against the league's 28th-ranked rush defense. Troy Hambrick managed only 26 yards, falling 28 short of 1,000 for the season. ...
And finally. ...
Michael Bates, who was signed last Friday, averaged 22.5 yards on four kickoff returns. Bates returned New Orleans' first kickoff, following a field goal, 27 yards to the Cowboys' 32.
Parcells added the 11-year veteran looking for a spark on kick returns. The Cowboys entered the game ranked 14th in the NFL with a 21.5 yards-per-attempt average. Bates' best return was for 30 yards on the opening kickoff of the second half.
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THIS WEEK'S INITIAL INJURY REPORT:
| Out: CB Andrew Davison (knee) |
Sunday's performance notwithstanding -- and Denver began without five offensive starters, including quarterback Jake Plummer -- the Broncos believe they have hit the postseason at the most opportune time.
Head coach Mike Shanahan also decided earlier this week, with little to gain, to give many of his key players a break in the regular-season finale. He just didn't tell them until Saturday night, preferring that the regulars prepare at practice as if they would play.
Third-stringer Jarious Jackson started at quarterback, but backup Danny Kanell entered in the second quarter and finished, completing nine of 18 passes for 61 yards and one interception. Wide receiver Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe also were among the inactives, giving extensive playing time to Jeb Putzier and Adrian Madise. Running backs Cecil Sapp and Quentin Griffin combined for 33 carries for 105 yards with Clinton Portis out and with Mike Anderson used sparingly.
The Broncos' most recent playoff wins came during those 1997-98 championship seasons. Denver was one-and-done as a wild-card entry the last time it reached the postseason, losing at Baltimore to cap the 2000 season.
But as Sharpe recalled, the Broncos also managed to go on the road for two of three wins as a wild card on the way to that first title, too. The Broncos will have to one-up themselves to do it this time, facing three consecutive games in hostile environments in order to reach the Super Bowl.
No matter, according to Sharpe.
"I know there are a lot of teams kind of disappointed that we made the playoffs, because our quarterback, running back and offensive line have been as hot as anybody in this league," Sharpe said. "And with the weapons that we have on offense -- and we know our defense can go out there and shut anybody down -- we're going to be difficult to beat."
Denver will enter the playoffs near full strength. Portis, fullback Reuben Droughns and right guard Dan Neil are all in much better shape after resting last weekend.
Portis said he was about 90 percent last Thursday after missing the previous game with a high ankle sprain. By this Sunday he said he should be 100 percent, so look for him to return to the practice field on Wednesday.
The only concern currently is the concussion suffered by wide receiver Ed McCaffrey during the second quarter Sunday. It was the second injury of that type in three weeks.
Fortunately, test results showed no abnormalities Monday.
McCaffrey had an MRI and a CAT scan, Broncos spokesman Jim Saccomano said.
Before the results were released, Shanahan said he wasn't sure if McCaffrey will be able to practice Wednesday.
"He's taken a bunch of shots and he's a guy that keeps on getting back up," Shanahan said. "If he's worried about it I'm worried about it, but before we kind of jump off a cliff let's find out where he's at."
McCaffrey was kept in the lineup because he hadn't played much in the last half of the season.
"We weren't going to play him the whole game but wanted to get him a little playing time in there," Shanahan said. "I'm glad we did. It's unfortunate he got a little bit of a headache, a couple of good hits in there, but that's part of the game."
McCaffrey is fifth on the team with 16 catches for 166 yards.
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THIS WEEK'S INITIAL INJURY REPORT:
| Questionable: WR Ed McCaffrey (concussion)
Probable: RB Reuben Droughns (ankle); CB Kelly Herndon (hand); DT Darius Holland (ribs); G Dan Neil (ankle); RB Clinton Portis (ankle); T Ephraim Salaam (knee) |
"They've got a well-balanced team," Packers vice president of football operations Mark Hatley said. "They know us. We know them. The offenses are similar." The Seahawks are quarterbacked by Matt Hasselbeck, the one-time backup to Brett Favre who was traded to Seattle in March 2001. He has an 88.9 passer rating, just behind Favre's 90.4.
"He's looked good all year to me," Hatley said. "I think he's been the difference for them this year."
Hasselbeck had a passer rating of just 64.6 in the first game between the two teams.
Other notes of interest. ...
Ahman Green finished second to Baltimore's Jamal Lewis in rushing with 1,883 yards. "He's awesome," guard Mike Wahle said. "It couldn't happen to a nicer guy, either. It's too bad he didn't get to 2,000. Maybe next year."
Donald Driver led the Packers in receptions with 52 catches. That's the lowest total to lead the Packers receiver since Walter Stanley had 38 in 1987. That season was shortened to 12 games by a player strike.
Robert Ferguson (Achilles' tendon) was withheld from the Denver game but should be good to go versus Seattle.
And finally. ...
Favre addressed the media for the first time Sunday since the death of his father, Irvin, eight days ago. "My emotions right now, I'm numb, to be honest with you," he said. "I've cried as many tears as I could possibly cry. And I'm so proud of this team and what we've been able to overcome."
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THIS WEEK'S INITIAL INJURY REPORT:
| Doubtful: LB Marcus Wilkins (calf)
Questionable: CB Mike McKenzie (toe); DE Chukie Nwokorie (wrist) Probable: DT Gilbert Brown (knee); LB Na'il Diggs (shoulder); WR Donald Driver (ankle); QB Brett Favre (thumb); WR Robert Ferguson (Achilles); CB Al Harris (knee); WR Javon Walker (knee/hamstring) |
They have lost five straight playoff games since 1995 and haven't won a home playoff game since the 1970 season.
Head Tony Dungy has endured three straight first-round exits in either Tampa Bay or Indianapolis, and Peyton Manning has done just about everything except win in the playoffs.
This week, as the Colts try to revise history, coaches and players are again being peppered with the annual question: Can Indianapolis win a playoff game?
"We'll get another chance and I think we have the players to do it," Dungy said.
The Colts have traditionally stumbled this time of year.
Some have tried to pin the blame on Manning or Dungy, suggesting they can't win big games. But the Colts' playoff hex began long before Manning or Dungy ever wore a horseshoe.
Since beating Dallas 16-13 in the fifth Super Bowl, the Colts are just 2-11 in postseason games -- a mark they intend to change Sunday when they host Denver in their second home playoff game since 1977.
"We lost three in a row to Oakland and Pittsburgh when I was there," former Baltimore Colts quarterback Bert Jones said. "If you look it up, Oakland and Pittsburgh were pretty good teams."
The Raiders and Steelers won five Super Bowls in six years, including all three years they beat Jones' Colts in the mid-1970s.
While part of the trouble has been the opposition, since moving to Indianapolis in 1984, the Colts have played indoors and the results have been telling.
In five postseason games played in cold-weather environments, the Colts have been outscored 148-61, with only one win -- 10-7 at Kansas City in 1995.
They actually beat San Diego in a warm-weather game 35-20. They lost 19-16 in their only other playoff game in Indianapolis, against the Titans.
The Colts are hoping by being home Sunday they can change course.
"Being home means a lot for us," Edgerrin James said. "We don't always play that well in the cold weather, so that's important for us."
There are other issues.
Indianapolis' defense wasn't staunch enough to win in 1999 and 2000, and last year James was still fighting his way back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He wasn't running with the same power he did when he won rushing titles in 1999 and 2000. He is now.
The Colts also were a young team when Manning guided them to his first two playoff appearances.
Denver, which has two Super Bowl wins under head coach Mike Shanahan, knows there is no substitute for postseason experience.
"You definitely need some veteran leadership to make it to the bowl," cornerback Lenny Walls said. "We have it on offense and defense, guys who have been there."
This week, the Colts face another predicament: The Broncos ran for 227 yards without their top runner, Clinton Portis, in a 31-17 victory at Indianapolis two weeks ago.
If the Colts are to change their postseason history, they must find a way to stop the Broncos' ground game and keep Manning & Co. on the field for more than 37 plays.
If they succeed Sunday, the Colts know they'll finally have an answer to the annual question -- and a new one to answer: How far can they go in the playoffs?
"I guess most people would say we haven't done very well, we haven't won too many," Dungy said. "A playoff win is the next step for us. ..."
Other notes of interest. ...
As Indianapolis Star News staffer Phil Richards noted Tuesday, James rushed 27 times against Houston last Sunday. He finished with 171 yards, a touchdown and a shrug.
"They didn't want Peyton to get loose," James said. "Once Peyton gets on fire, it's hard to contain him. They dropped everybody. That opened up the lanes and the offensive line did a great job blocking. It was just a matter of finding the seam and hitting it."
James rushed for 1,259 yards and 11 touchdowns in 13 games. He missed three games with fractured bones in his lower back, but his 1,259-yard season projects to 1,549 yards over 16 games.
He led the league in rushing with 1,553 yards as a rookie in 1999. ...
Marvin Harrison was limited to just two receptions against the Texans. He finished the season with 94, snapping his NFL record of consecutive seasons with at least 100 catches at four.
Brandon Stokley had been hurt most of the year (foot, hamstring, concussion) but he responded with a career-best nine catches for 67 yards, while . Manning spread the ball out among six different receivers.
My guess is Manning will make a concerted effort to move Harrison back into the forefront in postseason play.
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THIS WEEK'S INITIAL INJURY REPORT:
| Out: TE Dallas Clark (ankle)
Questionable: S Cory Bird (shoulder); CB Cliff Crosby (groin); S Mike Doss (ankle); LB Marcus Washington (chest) Probable: S Idrees Bashir (shoulder/arm); CB Nick Harper (back); CB Walt Harris (knee); LB Jim Nelson (collarbone); TE Marcus Pollard (knee); RB Dominic Rhodes (knee/shoulder); CB Donald Strickland (back/shoulder) |
For one thing, his Kansas City Chiefs might be completely healthy for the first time in several weeks by the time they host a second-round game on Jan. 11.
"We've already played 21 games, including the Hall of Fame game as a fifth preseason. I think the players appreciate and need the break," Vermeil said Tuesday.
The Chiefs plan a very light week, with the players doing only conditioning work until Saturday's sole full practice.
"I think the bye is an advantage," Vermeil said. "We've earned the right. It might also allow us to suit up our complete starting lineup for the first time in a number of weeks."
The Chiefs have been amazingly healthy while going 13-3 in the regular season, tying a team record for wins. The entire offensive line has started the same five men for 32 straight games -- the longest streak by that position group in the NFL in 30 years. Offensive stars such as running back Priest Holmes, tight end Tony Gonzalez and quarterback Trent Green have not missed a start either.
The light work week is a departure from the way Vermeil approached bye weeks with other playoff teams, but is in keeping with his handling of the 2003 Chiefs.
"I trust what they'll do with their spare time," he said. "I know they had a nice team party yesterday. The offensive line hosted. About 80 percent of the team went. I understand they did a great job and had a lot of fun. This is a very together team."
The shouting match between defensive linemen Ryan Sims and Eric Hicks following a humiliating loss to Minnesota in the Chiefs' last regular-season road game was not indicative of the team's chemistry, Vermeil said.
As much as possible, the Chiefs will spend the week preparing for all three of their next possible opponents: Baltimore, Indianapolis and Tennessee.
"You break them all down," Vermeil said. "You study them. Every week we have guys who have breakdown responsibilities for preparation. Let's say you're in charge of blitzes, all their tendencies -- how they do them, those that will create the most problems for our schemes and formations. They'll do it for three teams."
Also of interest. ...
In an article published Tuesday, Topeka Capital-Journal beat man Rick Dean suggested the selection of NFL record-holder Holmes as the Kansas City Chiefs' Most Valuable Player could easily be "automatic every year," as Vermeil said Monday.
But after honoring Holmes' contributions to the rebuilding franchise in his first two seasons in Kansas City, the Chiefs decided to honor another three-year member of the turnaround process.
Green, the first player Vermeil acquired upon taking the Chiefs job in 2001, was named winner of the team's Derrick Thomas Award as selected by his teammates Monday.
Green, who topped 4,000 yards on the season, was voted the Chiefs' MVP."Trent is our heart and soul," said Hicks. "He plays every play, and you're talking about a guy who came back from major, major knee surgery. I think guys have rallied around that.
"Trent doesn't make many mistakes and he gives you a chance to win every Sunday. That's what you want a leader to do."
After being derided by fans and media in 2001, when he led the NFL in interceptions (24) in his first full season back from a 1999 career-threatening knee injury, Green engineered a Kansas City offense that has been the league's most productive unit over the past two seasons.
In their 13-3 season that earned a return to the playoffs for the first time since 1997, the Chiefs scored an NFL best 484 points, beating the club record of 467 set just a year ago when they were 8-8. Green played a huge role in that efficiency by completing 63 percent of his 523 passes for 4,039 yards and 24 touchdowns with only 12 interceptions. He was voted into his first Pro Bowl after finishing third among AFC quarterbacks with a 92.6 efficiency rating. ...
For what it's worth, Holmes' record-setting two-TD day against Chicago was even more significant given the determination of a good Bears defense not to let him get the 26th and 27th TDs that broke Marshall Faulk's record for single-season touchdowns.
"It was pretty clear to everybody that they were overplaying the run," said Green. "We were laughing about it a little bit, saying if we ran some bootlegs or nakeds we'd really have something. But it was important to get [Holmes] as many opportunities to get the record as we could. ..."
And finally. ...
There is suddenly some question as to whether the 67-year-old Vermeil, the oldest head coach in the NFL, will return for another season?
Vermeil promises an answer soon, possibly even before the Chiefs, the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, conclude their season.
"If I feel real good about I can help this organization be better than they were this year. ... Then chances are I'll stay on and keep trying to do it," he said Monday.
Vermeil acknowledges he vacillates -- thinking he would like to put it all behind him after discouraging losses such as the 45-20 setback to Minnesota two weeks ago, then changing his mind after a heartening win such as Sunday's 31-3 decision over Chicago.
"That's why I've just got to get everything in a balanced and even frame of mind and be able to project where that same frame of mind would be next year," he said.
"I couldn't wait to come to work this morning. But I'm very, very realistic," he added. "The term I always use is that there are no guarantees in this league. I look at the big picture and how it will be next year and where I fit in terms of the contribution I think I can help make."
He raised the subject Monday morning with his staff.
"I told them I'm not going to leave them in limbo," he said.
"When you're the first seed, you don't know who you'll be playing," a stonefaced Belichick explained the day after New England wrapped up the regular season with a 14-2 record and home-field advantage through the AFC playoffs. "I think we are going to have to be prepared for all of them."
The Patriots beat the Buffalo Bills 31-0 on Saturday for their franchise-record 12th consecutive victory. New England has a bye in the first round of the playoffs, so it can rest this weekend and watch while the AFC field is winnowed from six to four.
Belichick gave his players Sunday and Monday off, and they will also have Thursday through Sunday off so they can recover from the bruises acquired over the season. The extra week also could have been a boon for Belichick, a master at preparation, if he had known whom to prepare for.
But when the Patriots' game was done, there were five potential opponents for the second-round game Jan. 10 or 11. The end of the regular season trimmed that to three: Denver, Tennessee or Baltimore, whichever is the lowest seed remaining in the conference after the first round.
The Patriots have already played Denver and Tennessee, as well as Indianapolis, which could be a conference championship game opponent; Kansas City is the other AFC playoff team.
"The next team will be a darn good team that will have to come here and beat a dang good team," kicker Adam Vinatieri said.
And they will have to do it in a building that has been downright inhospitable to opponents this season.
The Patriots went 8-0 in Foxboro this year, and they have won 11 of their last 12 home games and 13 of 16 since they moved into their new stadium in 2002. They had three shutouts in their last four home games and allowed just 22 total points in their last six games at home, an average of 3.7 per game.
Tom Brady did not throw an interception at home this season in 241 pass attempts, but he insisted home-field advantage isn't exactly a ticket to the championship.
"I don't think anybody cares, to tell you truth," he said. "Every team that is in the playoffs has had a successful season and they are really the best teams. Tampa Bay won it last year and they didn't have home field. We won it two years ago, we didn't have home field. And then Baltimore won it three years ago, they didn't have home field. So having home field is important. I think a bye is more important than that."
Belichick agreed.
"Look, we are happy to play them here, don't get me wrong," he said. "But our focus and our energy is playing the best we can play and it will be against a good team, we know that."
Belichick insists there's nothing to celebrate yet, and his team seems to have gotten the message.
"As high as we are right now, tomorrow we have got to come down," linebacker Tedy Bruschi said Saturday. "However many we won in a row, the division title, it doesn't matter if we lose. The veterans are going to stress that around here starting tomorrow."
And no one around here needs to be reminded what happened to the last NFL team to go 14-2, the 2001 St. Louis Rams: They lost in the Super Bowl to New England.
"In reality, only one team has a great season," Brady said. "You can have a good season, but only one team wins it all."
Also Sunday, Belichick said he expected to give permission for his assistants to interview for head coaching jobs. New York Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi said he is seeking to interview off coordinator Charlie Weis and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.
They are expected to be considered for other jobs as well.
Belichick said he would not stand in their way as long as it doesn't get in the way of the team's playoff preparation.
"It has to be worked out with us around our schedule," Belichick said. "I am sure that we will be able to do that."
Other notes of interest. ...
According to the Sports XChange, Brady's knee is apparently fine. The veteran signal caller was hit on the side of his left knee by former teammate Lawyer Milloy in the second quarter of the season finale and limped off the field before returning for the next series.
The chewed up field at Gillette Stadium may have saved Brady since his foot actually slid through the dirt a bit as he was hit, which took away from the severity of the blow. ...
In an article published Monday, Pro Football Weekly reminded readers the receiving corps has played extremely well down the stretch.
Deion Branch has worked up an excellent rapport with Brady this season in the absence of Troy Brown, who missed five games with a hamstring injury.
Brown, meanwhile, has stepped it up since he returned in Week 15 and has even been returning punts from the moment he returned to action.
But the most impressive turnaround may be that of David Givens, who has caught three TD passes in the past two games. Givens has worked extremely hard to improve his game, and his pass-catching skills, specifically, have developed nicely from last year.
The trio made a huge impact in the team’s regular-season finale, catching two touchdowns and racking up nearly 200 yards through the air. ...
And finally. ...
Vinatieri's 24-yard miss Saturday has to have Belichick somewhat concerned about his kicker's reliability even though Vinatieri's track record as a clutch performer is impeccable.
That miss was the shortest of his career and a career-worst ninth miss of the season. He missed eight as a rookie and again in 1998. He is 12-for-16 all-time in the postseason, including three successful game-tying or game-winning kicks in the Patriots' 2001 Super Bowl run.
"I'm sure that is a kick Adam would like to have back," Belichick said. "Any time you send the field goal team out there, you want to come away with points. We want to make them and he wants to make them too. We will just keep working hard to get our accuracy and execution on that whole play as high as we possibly can."
Vinatieri is 16-for-17 from 20-29 yards, 4-for-8 from 30-39, 5-for-8 from 40-49, and 0-for-1 from 50-plus.
By the end of it, they had home-field advantage in the NFC, a sliver of hope that Brian Westbrook might still be able to join them in the playoffs, and a possible date with Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers in two weeks.
Head coach Andy Reid was no less grateful that the NFC road to the Super Bowl will have to go through Philadelphia. He said he sat alone in his office at team headquarters and watched the Detroit Lions upset the St. Louis Rams to give the Eagles home-field advantage.
The Lions are coached by Steve Mariucci, who was an assistant coach along with Reid at Green Bay. Both men served as the quarterbacks coach for Favre, whose team was the most fortunate of the day, sneaking into the playoffs after Arizona stunned Minnesota with a touchdown on the final play of the game.
"Congratulations to Detroit," Reid said. "Steve's a good friend. Obviously we need to take care of business now. You've got to come out and get yourself ready to play whether it's at home or on the road. You have to prepare yourself properly and not have any letdowns."
Brookover went on to remind readers the main order of business this week will be to determine whether Westbrook will be able to participate in the playoffs after suffering a torn left triceps in Saturday's season finale against Washington. An MRI performed Sunday confirmed the injury, and trainer Rick Burkholder said Eagles team physicians have advised Westbrook to get a second opinion on what he should do.
Burkholder said Eagles physicians are leaning toward operating immediately, which would prevent Westbrook from being part of the team's playoff run.
"We feel pretty sure that at some point in time, he's going to need to have this thing fixed," Burkholder said. "One of the options is to wait a week or two and see how he does functionally, whether he can actually play with the injury. We could see how our playoffs go and operate on him at the end. Or we could operate on him now. Some of it's up to Brian, and some of it's up to the physician."
Because the Eagles don't have to play this weekend, Westbrook has time to make a decision.
"He's actually not too uncomfortable today," Burkholder said. "He tore the tendon. When it tore, it was painful [Saturday] night, but today he doesn't have much discomfort. We don't think pain is going to be the problem. If we would go with the scenario where he played, he would have to be able to function as a running back in this league. The thing he can't do very well right now is push out. If he was an offensive or a defensive lineman, he probably couldn't do it."
That said, Burkholder has concerns about Westbrook trying to play with the injury, which he categorized as a complete tear even though he said a few tendons are still attached.
"We're worried about if he has to protect himself against somebody where he puts his hand out to the side on an oncoming tackler or if he's in pass protection where he'd have to put his hand up," Burkholder said.
Though Westbrook may have been the team's offensive MVP during the regular season, it's well documented that the Eagles have plenty of depth at running back.
"We're very fortunate to have a couple of good running backs," Reid said. "It's not all one guy. They mixed it up pretty well between the three of them. I have full confidence in Correll [Buckhalter] and Duce [Staley] and Reno Mahe. If [Mahe] steps in, we know what he can do. We'll be fine."
According to Pro Football Weekly, if Westbrook doesn't play, the value of the rest of the team's pass catchers increases. While most opponents don't consider Philadelphia's wideouts a top-notch group, James Thrash, Todd Pinkston and Freddie Mitchell have been terrific in recent games, making tough catches and changing the way teams will try to defend the Eagles in the playoffs.
After disappointing for most of his short career, Mitchell especially has pleased the coaching staff, and Donovan McNabb has looked to him more often in clutch situations.
Veteran tight end Chad Lewis also has re-emerged as a clutch receiver along with rookie L.J. Smith, who should be healthy for the playoffs.
The Eagles become a very dangerous club when the three receivers are playing well because it forces teams into their nickel packages. ...
And finally. ...
Reid gave his players off until Friday and said he hopes the time off recharges them before they start their bid to win the franchise's first league championship since 1960. The Eagles and their coach understand better than anyone that home-field advantage doesn't guarantee a trip to the Super Bowl.
"I want them to step back and get away from it a little bit, then come back Friday ready to go," Reid said. "I'm not really big on either home or away. I think it's great for the fans. They don't have to travel. I know they would travel, but they don't have to. If we do this thing right, we can play right here. It's a great treat for the people of Philadelphia if we handle the situation right."
Martz seemed surprised to learn there was something wrong with Bulger's arm.
"His forearm is fine as far as I know," Martz said.
Martz said he had been planning all along to get Warner some playing time in the game.
"You want Kurt to have some playing time before the playoffs in the event that we would need him," Martz said. "I wanted to play Kurt more, to be honest with you. I really felt like I wanted to get him a half in this game."
Bulger remains the Rams' starting quarterback. He completed 18 of 31 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown against the Lions.
"I think he was doing fine until we turned a couple of guys loose on him," Martz said. "In the protections, we had an awful lot of mental errors. We had some dogs and blitzes that are routine, basically. We had guys not picked up. He took some shots."
Bulger was sacked four times, including a big hit from Shaun Rogers that caused a fumble on the third play of the second half.
Bulger also took a shot from blitzing cornerback Otis Smith that caused another fumble early in the fourth quarter.
"Within the protections, we just had some things happen on three different occasions, and two of them resulted in the sack fumbles," Martz said. "They are just assignment errors. They should never happen, but they did. We've made those corrections."
Martz said he also thought Warner, who saw his first action since Week 1 this season, played well under difficult circumstances. He entered the game with just under 10 minutes left and the Rams trailing by 10.
"He played very well," Martz said. "With the circumstances he was in, I thought he did an excellent job. I was very pleased with his performance."
Also according to Korte, Martz said wide receiver Isaac Bruce was "no worse for the wear" for playing against the Lions despite having a sprained ankle.
For the record, Bruce was on the field for only a handful of plays against Detroit, failed to catch a pass and wound up 19 yards short of his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season. Bruce actually went over 1,000 on the first play from scrimmage, but the play was called back because of an illegal motion penalty on Torry Holt.
Martz said he expects Bruce to practice next week.
"Having this week off completely, not running on it at all, should be good for him," Martz said.
Also of interest. ...
In an article published last Monday, Pro Football Weekly noted that with the team's aggressive, opportunistic defense stealing much of the offense’s thunder recently, the effectiveness of the team’s receiving corps beyond starters Bruce and Holt has been somewhat overlooked.
But the Rams couldn’t be more pleased with the emergence of Dane Looker and Mike Furrey, who together have done a great job finally filling the gaping hole resulting from Az-Zahir Hakim’s departure via free agency before last season.
"We know Isaac and Torry demand a lot of attention out there, and when our number is called, we have to step up and make plays," Looker told PFW. "We’ve learned so much from those two. Just the other day while watching film, Isaac leaned over and suggested perhaps a better way to run a route against a particular technique. He and Torry are just like an extension of the coaching staff."
Looker, who has been compared favorably to former Ram Ricky Proehl (the two of them have become good buddies), told PFW that the biggest thing he needs to keep working on is developing more patience in his route running.
Minnesota's last-second loss to Arizona on Sunday meant the Seahawks would be heading instead to Green Bay's Lambeau Field, where Holmgren coached from 1992-98. His 1996 Packers won the Super Bowl.
Lambeau also is the place where the Packers drubbed the Seahawks 35-13 this season.
"That's a great place -- always will be for me," Holmgren said Monday. "I certainly trust we'll play better this time."
Sunday's game also provides a shot at homecoming redemption for Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, Brett Favre's backup under Holmgren in Green Bay. But most of the Seahawks -- only a handful have been to the playoffs -- are looking at it as a chance to bring Seattle its first postseason win in 20 years.
The Seahawks last made the playoffs after the 1999 season.
"For coach and for Matt, it might be something personal for them," wide receiver Koren Robinson said. "For the rest of us, we just look at them as the Green Bay Packers."
The Seahawks finished 10-6 after winning 24-17 in San Francisco on Saturday. They needed help from other teams to make the playoffs: a loss by Dallas, Minnesota or Green Bay on Sunday would have done it.
They got two out of three. Green Bay whipped a team of Denver backups 31-3.
Holmgren told his assistants Monday to begin studying tape from the loss at Green Bay in October -- and to be "brutally honest" about what went wrong. The coach said he could immediately think of three things the Seahawks need to do better this weekend: limit turnovers, contain Green Bay running back Ahman Green and improve on special teams.
That's not to mention Favre, who passed for nearly 400 yards and four touchdowns against Oakland on Dec. 22, fewer than 24 hours after the death of his father.
"He's a unique guy," said Holmgren, who always found Favre loose and relaxed before big games. "He had a way about him that really gave a coach confidence."
Hasselbeck, who set a Seahawks passing record by throwing for 3,841 yards this season, was likewise reverent in describing Favre's performance against the Raiders.
"That Brett Favre was unstoppable," Hasselbeck said. "That's one of the things you get when you play a future Hall of Famer. You have to just hope he doesn't have one of those days."
When the Seahawks played in Green Bay in October, Hasselbeck was caught up in the homecoming and didn't focus on the game. This time around, he's not worried about seeing friends and family, and plans to do things differently.
For one, he plans to sit down with the Seahawks' defense Tuesday to review tapes of the October loss and to help pinpoint what they should expect from Favre. That's something he didn't do before the October game.
Other notes of interest. ...
According to the Sports XChange, Shaun Alexander continued to become more of a hard-nosed runner Saturday. The 49ers held him to nine yards on nine first-half carries, but Alexander showed increasing determination as the game progressed. His strong fourth quarter was critical to the outcome.
And finally. ...
Also according to the XChange, Hasselbeck survived the regular-season finale without aggravating injuries to his ankle and knee.
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THIS WEEK'S INITIAL INJURY REPORT:
| Out: G Chris Gray (knee)
Questionable: DT Rocky Bernard (toe) Probable: WR Darrell Jackson (ankle); DE Chike Okeafor (ankle); S Reggie Tongue (hamstring) |
That would be McNair's first practice in three weeks. A strained right calf and sprained left ankle that also has a cracked bone spur had kept him off the field and out of two of the past three games. Both injuries are significantly improved, according to Fisher.
"We talked with him earlier, and he was adamant about getting taped and going out there and checking both legs out," Fisher said. "He was happy with the way things went. He dropped, set, he threw and felt good, so he will practice tomorrow."
McNair was pleased with the workout.
"It felt good. I didn't feel any pain," McNair said. "I got a little fatigued, and that's normal when you haven't done anything in three weeks. That's going to come as I continue every day to improve and build up the strength in it. It's going to be fine."
All of which probably means Neil O'Donnell's very efficient effort against Tampa Bay last weekend will turn out to be the last action of his NFL career. He hit on a variety of throws en route to 232 passing yards, including two TDs to Derrick Mason.
Pass protection and timing were great, as the Buccaneers barely laid a hand on O'Donnell and recorded no sacks.
Other notes of interest. ...
Robert Holcombe will get a look in the pregame, but chances are he won't play with a strained hamstring. Eddie George and Chris Brown will continue to take over Holcombe's third down work and tight end Shad Meier will work as a lead-blocking H-back in Baltimore.
George went over 1,000 yards for the season and 10,000 yards for his career in the closer. ... Tight end Frank Wycheck had sore ribs after Sunday's game but X-rays were negative. ...
And finally. ...
According to Pro Football Weekly, Drew Bennett missed four games with a calf injury and Justin McCareins used that opportunity to assert himself. He then finished the year by scoring touchdowns in five of his last eight games.
Because of better blocking and route-running skills, Bennett began the season as the No. 2 wide receiver. McCareins has since improved in the latter category.
As a result, the Titans’ coaching staff views them as co-No. 2 wide receivers.
At 6-2, 218 pounds, McCareins provides Tennessee with a big, athletic target, and he does a good job getting separation from defenders.
Both Bennett and McCareins are restricted free agents at year’s end, and we hear that the cap-strapped Titans will tender them one-year offers. However, after 2004, their futures are up in the air.
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THIS WEEK'S INITIAL INJURY REPORT:
| Questionable: WR Eddie Berlin (concussion); WR Tyrone Calico (knee); LB Rocky Calmus (leg); WR Darrell Hill (knee); RB Robert Holcombe (hamstring); DE Jevon Kearse (hip); LB Jordan Kramer (ankle); WR Derrick Mason (rib); QB Steve McNair (ankle/calf); WR Jake Schifino (leg); TE Frank Wycheck (ribs) |