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Countdown: Players say no bounties, just hard hits
NFL Week 17
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Week 17 action
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Vikings 20, Giants 19 -- Recap | Box
Panthers 33, Saints 31 -- Recap | Box
Packers 31, Lions 21 -- Recap | Box
Falcons 31, Rams 27 -- Recap | Box
Texans 31, Bears 24 -- Recap | Box
Patriots 13, Bills 0 -- Recap | Box
Colts 23, Titans 0 -- Recap | Box
Steelers 31, Browns 0 -- Recap | Box
Raiders 31, Bucs 24 -- Recap | Box
Bengals 16, Chiefs 6 -- Recap | Box
Eagles 44, Cowboys 6 -- Recap | Box
Dolphins 24, Jets 17 -- Recap | Box
49ers 27, Redskins 24 -- Recap | Box
Ravens 27, Jaguars 7 -- Recap | Box
Cardinals 34, 'Hawks 24 -- Recap | Box
Chargers 52, Broncos 21 -- Recap | Box
Analysis
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Baltimore's Terrell Suggs talked about such bounties on Steelers rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall — teammate Ray Lewis hit Mendenhall so hard that he dislocated the runner's shoulder — and receiver Hines Ward. "We definitely like to send messages to rookie running backs," Suggs said of Mendenhall, who is out for the season. "We did a good job of sending a message. Hines Ward is definitely a dirty player, a cheap-shot artist. We got something in store for him."
NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson, who visited the Steelers this week to meet with coaches and players about their negative comments about unnecessary-roughness fines, said that the league "certainly will look into (the bounties) aggressively."
Anderson sent Suggs a warning letter on Saturday, basically telling the player to end such talk or expect to be fined. When asked again about his comments, Suggs said in a statement: "We, the players, don't pay each other to take another player out of the game. I did repeat the word 'bounty' early in the interview after the guy asking me the question used the word. That was a mistake. I misspoke, and I'm sorry for that. I hope that clears this up." Suggs insisted there was never a bounty.
There is no doubt that the Ravens and the Steelers possess some of the best and toughest defensive players in the league, including Suggs, Lewis and Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu, who believes the league is unnecessarily trying to tone down players' aggressiveness. Ward is one of the toughest and most gifted blockers in the league. He is one receiver who doesn't shy away from contact. In fact, Ward wasn't fined when he broke Cincinnati Bengals rookie linebacker Keith Rivers' jaw last Sunday with a hard-hitting block that ended his season.
But Ward was fined $5,000 for a hit on Ravens cornerback Corey Ivy on Sept. 29 at Heinz Field. In Suggs' opinion, Ward also delivered cheap shots on linebacker Jarret Johnson, safety Ed Reed and linebacker Bart Scott during that game. Remember, Scott was so upset with Ward that he threatened to kill Ward after being blasted by him last season on a crushing sideline block.
"There is no bounty on Hines Ward," Suggs said. "We're watching out for him. I don't want my jaw broke. I don't want to be out for the season."
Circle the date. Dec. 14, the Steelers visit Baltimore.
GAME: Tampa Bay at Dallas
TIME: 1 ET
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The Cowboys plan to simplify their defense and come after Bucs QB Jeff Garcia. They need to put pressure on Garcia because the secondary hasn't played well. Suspended Pacman Jones has 11 pass breakups while the rest of the secondary has only eight. Safety Ken Hamlin hasn't played very well, and injured safety Roy Williams may have played his last game in Dallas. On the flip side, few coaches know Dallas QB Brad Johnson better than Monte Kiffin and Jon Gruden. Johnson, 40, must get rid of the ball quicker. He was sacked three times and threw three interceptions in last week's loss to the Rams. With their balanced offense, the Bucs have dominated the first half of games this season, out-scoring opponents, 94-35. The defense has allowed only four TDs in 13 red-zone possessions to lead the league. The Bucs have a couple game-time worries with WR Ike Hilliard and RB Warrick Dunn, who is bothered by a neck strain. However, both figure to play, and we know that WR Joey Galloway is ready to go, too.
CZAR'S SCOOP: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, counting the $9 million average for new WR Roy Williams, has given out $85 million in signing bonuses this season, $30 million more than any other team. The Cowboys, though, trail the Raiders by $3 million in committed cash this season. The Cowboys paid out $142 million this year. Jones will make the TV rounds Sunday, being interviewed on FOX, the NFL Network and later on NBC's postgame show. Bucs RB Cadillac Williams returned to the practice field this past week, but there is no reason to rush him back into action with Dunn and Earnest Graham doing so well. The Cowboys haven't lost three straight since 2004, but after starting 12-1 last season, the Cowboys are 5-6 since, including the first-round playoff loss. Terrell Owens has only eight catches in the last three games, and he's been held under 100 receiving yards in 10 straight games.
GAME: Atlanta at Philadelphia
TIME: 1 ET
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Falcons QB Matt Ryan struggled against Monte Kiffin's defense in Week 2 when he was sacked four times and hit 14 times. You can bet that Jim Johnson's unique blitz schemes could rattle the rookie. "But he's done a good job recognizing blitzes," said Falcons WR Brian Finneran. "The line has done an awesome job picking them up. Hopefully we can continue that trend and be all right." Still, this will be a tough, noisy environment for Ryan, and he will need a big game from RB Michael Turner. The Eagles get RB Brian Westbrook back, but he still has two broken ribs. Donovan McNabb also gets WR Kevin Curtis in the lineup for the first time this season, and you can bet they will test new Atlanta LCB Domonique Foxworth.
CZAR'S SCOOP: This coming Thursday could be a very big day for Michael Vick, the ex-Falcons quarterback. Vick's attorneys will attempt to resolve Virginia's dogfighting case, and if they are successful, the hope is that Vick will be released early from federal prison — he is scheduled to be released on July 20, 2009 — and enter a halfway house. If Vick gets his wish, he could be out in January. The Commonwealth of Virginia never wanted to bring the case and will probably allow some form of probation plus a fine. Vick's bankruptcy is still out there, but the hope is that with time served and with good conduct, Roger Goodell will allow him to sign with a team next training camp. Philadelphia is Ryan's hometown, but he hasn't many ticket requests because many of his friends and extended family are Eagles season-ticket holders. There may be 100 of them here.
GAME: Arizona at Carolina
TIME: 1 ET
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| WR Anquan Boldin returns to the Cardinals lineup for the first time since being knocked out against the Jets. (Stephen Dunn / Getty Images) |
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin will make his first start since being knocked out by Jets safety Eric Smith. Boldin is playing with seven titanium plates, held down by 40 tiny screws, in his face. Boldin is the ultimate warrior because he needed no painkillers after his facial surgery. He won't be limited in this big game against the Panthers. This should be a huge test for the Carolina defense — fifth overall and tied for third in scoring defense — because Kurt Warner is averaging 285 passing yards a game, plus the Cardinals have scored 30 or more points in nine of their last 14 games. But the Cardinals haven't won three straight games since 2002, and they can be horrible in East Coast games. The Panthers won't play keep-away with their running game.
CZAR'S SCOOP: Julius Peppers is playing much better after a dismal 2007 season when he had only 2½ sacks and seemed to lack energy. Peppers has four sacks, all in the past five games, and 12 quarterback pressures. He had his best game of the season last week against New Orleans with a sack, a forced fumble, a pass deflection and a tackle on fourth and short near the goal line to force the Saints to turn the ball over on downs. He also chased down New Orleans TE Jeremy Shockey and used his right arm to knock the ball loose. Carolina safety Chris Harris recovered the fumble at the Saints' 40-yard line, and the Panthers scored a TD four plays later. Cardinals RB Edgerrin James has only 363 yards on 101 carries and is on pace to fall below 1,000 yards. He isn't happy about sharing time with rookie Tim Hightower. James, who needs 105 yards to pass Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas for 12th on the all-time list, is 30 yards shy of 12,000. If Hightower continues to get more carries, James could be playing elsewhere next year.
GAME: Washington at Detroit
TIME: 1 ET
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: This could be another long game for the winless Lions. The Lions rank last or next to last in every major defensive category, in part because Detroit falls behind every week and the defense spends far too much time on the field. Can they stop or even slow down Washington RB Clinton Portis, who leads the NFL with 889 yards from scrimmage, tops in the NFL? The Redskins are loaded on offense, and QB Jason Campbell has thrown 224 straight passes without an interception. Detroit hasn't scored a first-quarter point all season. Somehow they need to find balance with RBs Rudi Johnson and Kevin Smith taking some of the pressure off inexperienced QB Dan Orlovsky. The Lions will start TE John Owens. With Roy Williams gone, WRs Calvin Johnson and Shaun McDonald need to make big plays down the field.
CZAR'S SCOOP: Redskins DE Jason Taylor plans to play before entering the hospital on Monday for further surgery on his calf. With the Lions winless and the auto industry struggling and laying off thousands, this will be the first blackout game at Ford Field. There is a chance that Shaun Alexander may get a few carries when Portis needs a rest. Detroit PK Jason Hanson, a 17-year veteran, hit two field goals from at least 50 yards for the third time in his career last Sunday. The Lions have trailed at halftime this season by a total of 103-26. Redskins coach Jim Zorn calls his veteran offensive line the "Salty Dogs."
GAME: St. Louis at New England
TIME: 1 ET
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| Rams QB Marc Bulger has regained some of his former confidence. (Chris McGrath / Getty Images) |
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The Patriots are short at running back, and they will need big games from Kevin Faulk and Heath Evans. Even rookie free agent BenJarvus Green-Ellis will get a few carries, maybe. The Rams are saying that Steven Jackson (quad) is 85 percent not to play, so stay tuned. If Jackson doesn't play, Antonio Pittman and Travis Minor will share the load. Rams QB Marc Bulger, though, is starting to play with his old confidence and has found a new target in rookie WR Donnie Avery. DT Adam Carriker didn't make the trip, so that means La'Roi Glover starts for the Rams. Last year, with Tom Brady under center, the Patriots surrendered 21 sacks ALL season. This year, the Patriots have surrendered 26 sacks through six games — 25 taken by Matt Cassel, one by Kevin O'Connell. The Patriots have their offensive line intact now, too, with the return of guard Stephen Neal. The problem is that Cassel often holds the ball too long or is more deliberate with his reads. The Rams have noticed and plan to bring some pressure to see how Cassel reacts.
CZAR'S SCOOP: Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (torn quad muscle) is lost for the season, and at his age (35), this could be it. Harrison has had a Hall of Fame-like career, and he may not want to try another comeback. He has always talked about a TV career. There has been much misinformation about QB Tom Brady's knee surgery — MCL and ACL replacements — but the Patriots said they are in communication with their quarterback and not upset that he had his surgery in Los Angeles. Brady's infection is reportedly under control and his rehab may be only a few weeks behind. Citing the Rooney Rule, the NFL voided Jim Haslett's contract with the Rams, which would have made him the head coach next season if he wins four more games. Haslett won his first two and could still receive a bonus.
GAME: N.Y. Giants at Pittsburgh
TIME: 4:15 ET
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: New York has beaten only one team with a winning record this season, so this visit to Heinz Field will be a big midseason test. Ben Roethlisberger vs. Eli Manning presents one of the more intriguing matchups of quarterbacks this year. They are only the third pair from the same draft (2004) to ever win a Super Bowl. They squared off in 2004 as rookies in Giants Stadium, and the Steelers won, 33-30. The score should not be nearly as high this time. The Steelers rank first in the NFL on defense, the Giants rank fourth. The Steelers, with 25 sacks, average more per pass play than anyone else in the NFL. The Giants, with 21, are tied for second. Big Ben's right shoulder has been feeling better the past two weeks. New York's running backs, led by Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward, could provide the edge in what should be a low-scoring game. Giants LB Antonio Pierce returns to the lineup after missing a week, while this marks the first game back to Pittsburgh for Plaxico Burress. Asked if his relationship with Tom Coughlin will affect his play, Burress was succinct: "Never has, never will."
CZAR'S SCOOP: WR Nate Washington starts at split end for the Steelers after Coach Mike Tomlin benched Santonio Holmes (he will be inactive) after his arrest Thursday for having a small amount of marijuana in his vehicle. The Steelers will be without starting DLE Aaron Smith and RB Willie Parker. Smith was absent all week, the team declining to reveal why, simply saying that Smith was dealing with a personal issue. Parker has not recovered fully from a sprained MCL that was injured in the third game of the season. Dallas Baker and rookie Limas Sweed will split duties as the No. 3 receiver. Travis Kirschke will start at left defensive end, and Mewelde Moore will make his third straight start at halfback. Still, no news on the status of Dan Rooney's ownership issue with the NFL.
GAME: Seattle at San Francisco
TIME: 4:15 ET
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The 49ers have a great chance with Seneca Wallace making his second straight start in place of injured Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck. The Seahawks are averaging just 126.8 passing yards per game, which is allowing opponents to load up to stop Julius Jones. And the ground game is critical with Seattle's defense struggling. 49ers QB J.T. O'Sullivan threw for 321 yards in Seattle, and the Seahawks' defense is getting gashed for 242.2 passing yards per game. However, O'Sullivan was sacked eight times in that Week 2 overtime victory, and the 49ers have allowed a league-high 29 sacks. Given time, O'Sullivan will put up big numbers. But he has also accounted for 10 interceptions and five fumbles, so pressure could lead to the turnovers Seattle needs. Seattle WR Deion Branch (heel) is out once again. Seahawks OLB Julian Peterson has five sacks in his past three games against his former team.
CZAR'S SCOOP: There is no question that the 49ers butchered the firing of head coach Mike Nolan. Someone in the organization leaked the idea that Nolan would be fired after this game in order to give interim head coach Mike Singletary, 50, a week to get ready. The 49ers are off next weekend. Hearing the rumors, Nolan simply begged to be fired now, and the Yorks granted his wish. Nolan's biggest undoing is his, and GM Scot McCloughan's selection of Alex Smith over Aaron Rodgers in the 2004 draft. Smith, who is rehabbing from shoulder surgery, may never play again in San Francisco. Nolan's removal will ignite the Mike Holmgren rumors again. Holmgren is finished in Seattle after this disastrous season, and he may entertain an offer to be the top football executive with the 49ers. His wife, Kathy, may not allow him to coach next season.
Other Games
San Diego vs. New Orleans in London: The big news is that three Saints are currently appealing positive tests under the NFL's steroid policy. Now, the players may have taken a weight-loss pill, but the league may view the drug as a masking agent. If the Saints' DEs Charles Grant and Will Smith lose their appeals and are suspended for four games, New Orleans won't have a chance. LB Shawne Merriman is feeling so good following surgery that he feels like he could play this season.
Buffalo at Miami: The Bills' Trent Edwards is living proof that teams don't have to waste a first-round pick on a potential franchise quarterback. Edwards set a Buffalo single-game record last week by completing 25 of 30 passes, an 82.8 mark that beat Jim Kelly's best day. Edwards is 10-5 as a starter, and he's completing 69.7 percent of his passes. Edwards has a fourth-quarter passer rating of 133.1 that is second in the NFL. Buffalo RB Marshawn Lynch still doesn't have a 100-yard game.
Kansas City at N.Y. Jets: The Chiefs will start QB Tyler Thigpen after signing ex-Jaguars third-stringer Quinn Gray, who tipped the scales at 250 pounds. Daunte Culpepper basically didn't want to play with the Chiefs. Basically, the Chiefs will be looking for a quarterback in next April's draft because Brodie Croyle has started eight games in two years — all losses — and has left four of them with serious injuries. Brett Favre has thrown eight interceptions, second most in the NFL, his completion average of 9.9 yards is a career low. In a weird overtime loss to the Raiders, the Jets rushed for 242 yards — including 159 from Thomas Jones, his high as a Jet. The Chiefs have lost 14 of their last 15 games.
Oakland at Baltimore: The Ravens haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 25 straight games while the Raiders are the only team in the league with three backs, starting with healthy rookie Darren McFadden, with 200 yards or more. You can bet that Ravens rookie QB Joe Flacco will be testing shaky Raiders CB DeAngelo Hall. Baltimore's defense will also force JaMarcus Russell to adjust his calls at the line of scrimmage.
Cleveland at Jacksonville: The situation is so bad between TE Kellen Winslow and the Browns' organization that it seems unlikely that Winslow will be back next season. The team is now accusing Winslow — sounds like Manny Ramirez — of being verbally abusive of a club public relations employee last week. Winslow said he was hospitalized with a staph infection, the team's seventh reported incident since 2004. Winslow's contract is very tradeable, considering he earns $4 million, $4.5 million and $4.75 million over the next three seasons.
Cincinnati at Houston: Well, you have to wonder how Texans owner Bob McNair feels today after two of his former horses won races in Saturday's Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park. Raven's Pass won the Classic, beating last year's Horse of the Year, Curlin. The news is not good for Bengals QB Carson Palmer, who has a frayed ligament in his throwing elbow which may require surgery. The Texans are on pace for 43 penalties, which would be the fewest total since 1978, when the NFL went to a 16-game schedule. TE Owen Daniels and WR Andre Johnson are two of top receivers in the league right now.
Indianapolis at Tennessee: If the Titans want to remain unbeaten, they must get after Colts QB Peyton Manning. Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn put a life-sized "Fathead" of Manning in the team's meeting room. The team also put the No. 18 on some of their Gatorade jugs. "We need to get after Peyton," Titans DT Albert Haynesworth said. "That's the whole key, to try and hit him and get him off the spot as many times as possible. We have to rattle him. That's our goal as a defensive front."
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