by FOXSports.com

On NFL Network, Joey Porter went off when host Rich Eisen asked the Dolphins' linebacker whether league officials have a different set of rules for Patriots' Tom Brady than other quarterbacks and players in the league. "No question. When a guy can tell a ref to throw a flag, and he gets it, he's got his own rules," Porter said. "They made the rule that you don't go at the legs for Tom, so when he feels that someone is going at his legs, he just points to the ref and he gets a flag. So I can honestly say that he gets his own rules." -- Providence Journal .....Ben's Take: I've got no problem with star athletes getting the benefit of the doubt. They've been doing it for 20-plus years in the NBA. In baseball, pitchers have a bigger strike zone, etc.

Redskins' DeAngelo Hall calls Falcons GM a liar

Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall, while speaking to the Washington media on Thursday, fired a shot at Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff. "I didn't trust Dimitroff at all," Hall said. "He lied to me several times. He promised me he was going to get something done [on a contract] and he's behind my back trying to shop me at the draft." In his first major move, Dimitroff traded Hall to the Oakland Raiders on March 7, 2008 for a second round and fifth round pick. Hall, a two-time Pro Bowler, with the Falcons was later cut by the Raiders and signed by the Redskins. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution .....Ben's Take: Hall is one of a handful of honest NFL players. Guessing that Thomas Dimitroff would disagree with that.

Chiefs QB Matt Cassel has secret weapon against concussions

Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel has taken a beating at times this season, but he remains confident that he has an advantage when it comes to avoiding a concussion. His mouthguard. It was developed by Gerald Maher, the team dentist for the New England Patriots. Cassel spent the first four seasons in the NFL with New England before being traded to the Chiefs earlier this year. The Patriots are believed to have had the fewest concussions of any NFL team last season. "Dr. Maher's work with the Patriots is pretty well documented," Cassel said. "The guys in that locker room trust the protection that his mouthguards provide, and once I tried it, I won't wear anything else." -- KC Star .....Ben's Take: A good way to avoid concussions: Don't play QB for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Former Vikings player arrested in bar fight

Former University of Wisconsin and NFL football player Erasmus James was arrested early Thursday after a fight at a Downtown bar, Madison police said. James, 27, who was a 2005 first-round draft choice of the Minnesota Vikings, was released Thursday from the Dane County Jail after his arrest on a tentative battery charge. Police spokesman Joel DeSpain said James and a friend were at Wando's, 602 University Ave., about 2:15 a.m. when James tried to order a drink. Told it was past bar time, DeSpain said, James complained to the bartender when his friend stepped in and told James to relax. The two began to tussle, DeSpain said. The friend had James pinned to the floor, and when the friend got up, James punched him, leaving a cut below his eye. -- Wisconsin State Journal

Raiders WR Heyward-Bey ready for a breakthrough second half

Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey completed the first half of his rookie season with only five receptions for 74 yards and no touchdowns. But he believes he is primed for a breakthrough in the second half. "Looking at the first game on film, just studying myself how I've improved, I'm happy with what I see now," Heyward-Bey said. "I see improvement." Players are graded after each game. The receivers get marks for things such as route-running, blocking and catching the ball. How well Heyward-Bey has graded out gives him reason for optimism. "I haven't made the plays I wanted to make, but I've definitely been solid just looking at my grades that come out of the game," Heyward-Bey said. "I've been very solid." -- Oakland Tribune .....Ben's Take: Don't the Raiders give players drug tests? I'll believe it when Bay catches more than 5 passes.

Chiefs' Bowe continues to be a work in progress

Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe said this week that he has matured. He became willing to listen to Haley, whose hard stance first annoyed and then angered Bowe before it finally got his attention. When that happened, Bowe began making the kinds of improvements the Chiefs had been waiting for. Still, work remains if, as is Bowe's goal, he is to become a reliable and explosive wideout such as Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald -- whom Haley coached during two seasons as the Cardinals' offensive coordinator. Fitzgerald had to adapt to Haley's way, too, and he had to learn to accept some hard truths. For all the progress Fitzgerald made, Haley never let up. Bowe is learning that now. "Even when I talk to Larry," Bowe said, "he says Todd still was on him even though he tried to do everything perfect." -- KC Star

Bengals' Ochocinco sends Ravens roll-on deodorant

Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco confirmed during a radio interview that he sent gift baskets that included roll-on deodorant to the Ravens' secondary as well as linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. There were strong rumors circulating around the Ravens about Ochocinco's special deodorant delivery earlier Thursday. The implication about the deodorant is fairly obvious. "I not only sent them gift baskets, but I sent them something they could use so they don't sweat," Ochocinco told 105.7 FM. -- Carroll County Times

Roethlisberger pushing Steelers for no-huddle

One thing that stood out to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as he watched film of the Denver Broncos' 30-7 loss to the Ravens last Sunday could impact how the Steelers try to attack the No. 1 defense in the NFL. "It seemed like in the second half, (the Ravens) did a lot of no-huddle," Roethlisberger said Thursday. "They kind of just picked up tempo and had a couple of plays that got things going." So does that mean Roethlisberger, who excels in a no-huddle attack, has been lobbying Bruce Arians to employ the change-of-pace offense more against the Broncos? "He lobbies every week," Arians said. "It's something that Ben likes to do," wide receiver Hines Ward said. "We've got a great feel for it, and we've had some success running the no-huddle." -- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Saints kicker says misses are 'very concerning'

Saints kicker John Carney has made eight of 11 attempts this season, including a long of 46, but he has missed two of his past four kicks. "It concerns me," Carney said. "It's my job to correct it. So yeah, it's very concerning. My job is to not miss field goals. It's up to me to make them." The problems haven't been solely Carney's fault, according to Saints Coach Sean Payton. It's been a combination of snapper Jason Kyle, holder Mark Brunell and Carney. "I said this at the beginning of the week with our players, that there are a number of things we have to improve on," Payton said. "The snap-hold operation has to be cleaner. We had a protection snap earlier in the year. I think it's the whole operation. There's some other areas where working on and have to improve on." -- New Orleans Times-Picayune

Tom Cable doesn't think NOW will impact his Raiders future

Tom Cable said Thursday that he doesn't think outside forces such as NOW will influence his future with the Raiders. "I don't think so," Cable said. "I think it will be handled properly. I'm going to leave it at that right now." -- Oakland Tribune

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck says he's feeling better each week

Now heading into his fourth game since returning from the injury, Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck said he's getting closer to being 100 percent healthy, but that his recovery has been slowed by being out on the field. Hasselbeck took some vicious hits in the team's 38-17 loss at Dallas, at one point going down in a heap after a sack and having to be looked at by trainers on the field. "One of the things when you come back early from an injury when you really shouldn't probably, you add on some healing time," he said. "You probably add on, create some other nagging things. I think that's probably the case. But I hope that I can get there." -- Tacoma News-Tribune

LB James Harrison could play on Steelers special teams

The Steelers' kickoff coverage team may have a new addition, but it won't be Anthony Madison. Don't be shocked if James Harrison makes his debut Monday when the Steelers play the Denver Broncos. Before becoming a starting star linebacker two years ago, Harrison was a special teams phenom. There have even been instances over the past two years when Harrison has asked, and been granted, permission to cover kicks. -- Beaver County Times

Colts' Adam Vinatieri not sure when he'll return

Adam Vinatieri has encountered no setbacks after undergoing surgery Oct. 14 on his right knee, but the veteran Colts place- kicker isn't predicting when he'll return. "I'd love to give you an exact time, but I can't," he said. "I'm getting better every day. We're moving in the right direction." Vinatieri, who also had surgery on the same knee and his right hip during the offseason, has been doing some light running and might start kicking late next week. -- Indy Star

WR James Hardy ready for Bills

The Buffalo Bills' logjam at wide receiver will soon get a little more crowded. The team is expected to add second-year man James Hardy to the 53-man roster by Wednesday. That's when the 21-day window in which he can practice with the team while still on the reserve/physically unable to perform list ends. Hardy has been practicing fully since Oct. 21. "James has done a real nice job," Bills coach Dick Jauron said this week. "We have that 21-day window, and my understanding is that it runs through next Wednesday. So we'll keep looking at it and look at our roster and see what we can do and what we think at that point. We'll run it right up to that time." -- Buffalo News

Panthers QB Jake Delhomme is 6-0 as an NFL starter in his home state

The Panthers have won their last seven road games against the Saints and Louisiana native Jake Delhomme is a big reason why. Delhomme, who was born and raised in Breaux Bridge, La., always seems to take his game up a notch when playing in his home state. Delhomme is 6-0 as an NFL starter in his home state, including a 5-0 mark at the Louisiana Superdome, site of Sunday's NFC South divisional clash between the Panthers and Saints. "That's good, but I don't know that's going to help at all this weekend, but we'll see," Delhomme said with a laugh. So while the Panthers may be a huge underdog heading into the game, at least they have some good karma going for them. Here's a look at Delhomme's performances in Louisiana, all of which were played at the Louisiana Superdome except the 2005 game which was moved to Baton Rouge, La., because of Hurricane Katrina. -- Gaston Gazette

Flacco unflappable in the Ravens' no-huddle

The Ravens' no-huddle offense is keeping opposing defenses off-guard and unable to substitute, a strategy that played a major role during a 30-7 victory over the Denver Broncos last weekend. The Ravens executed the no-huddle attack 31 times, per the NFL official game book. And the offense seems perfectly suited to Flacco's high-octane, seemingly merciless style. "Definitely, I think every quarterback likes to do that kind of thing," Flacco said. "It gets the tempo going and it gets yourself in a little rhythm, and it gets your team in a little rhythm. "I think we do it well. If we didn't do it well, we wouldn't be doing it. As an offensive unit, we do it really well and it's something that we enjoy." -- Carroll County Times

Colts' Bob Sanders may be out

It's uncertain whether Bob Sanders will be available when the Indianapolis Colts host the Houston Texans on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. The veteran safety missed his second straight practice Thursday after suffering an elbow injury in last weekend's win over San Francisco. "He's getting it evaluated," said coach Jim Caldwell, who was unable to elaborate on the injury's severity. Caldwell noted the injury did not keep Sanders from finishing the 49ers game but became an issue "a little while later." If Sanders is out, Melvin Bullitt is back in the starting lineup. As has been the case whenever Sanders has missed time -- he was out for the first five games of the season while completing his rehab from offseason knee surgery -- Bullitt will be ready. -- Indy Star

Chargers center Hardwick to miss game

Head coach Norv Turner, in an uncharacteristic show of midweek candor about one of his players' availability in an upcoming game, acknowledged center Nick Hardwick is a "long shot" to play on Sunday against the New York Giants. Hardwick, who had surgery Sept. 23 to repair ligaments in his left ankle, practiced for the fifth time. He has progressively done more, and he could be available in an emergency Sunday. Returning next week against Philadelphia or Nov. 22 at Denver is more likely. -- San Diego Union-Tribune

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs says he's 'due' for 100-yard rushing game

As the Giants try to get back on track after three straight losses, running back Brandon Jacobs knows one thing that would help boost morale: A 100-yard outing. "Yeah, I tell you what, if anyone is due for one, it's definitely me," Jacobs said after practice Thursday. -- Newark Star-Ledger

Lowly St. Louis Rams soar in TV ratings

Bad pro football is better than good baseball -- or any other sport, for that matter -- to St. Louis television viewers this year. Nielsen Media Research reports that the Rams' first victory of the season, on Sunday against the one-win Lions, drew a higher rating than any World Series game, all Cardinals regular-season contests and is about eight times greater than an average Blues telecast. -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Chiefs' Todd Haley: I got last laugh on not getting golf coaching job

Chiefs coach Todd Haley's a long way away from being the interim head golf coach at UNF. At one point, he applied for the head golf coaching job at Jacksonville University and didn't get it. Haley was asked about that experience? "Yeah, the head coach at the time asked me to help him, and I don't think it was a couple days after he asked me to help, he was released from his contract. They put me in charge. I drove the team around from tournament to tournament and found places for them to play. I really enjoyed that experience. It was a great experience for a young guy coming out of college to lead a group of guys and turn them in competitive play. So when it ended, I actually applied for the job, and they didn't hire me. But I got the last laugh now." -- Florida Times Union

Andre Smith's game status still unsettled

Even though offensive tackle Andre Smith continues to make progress, it's not certain whether the Bengals' first-round pick in this year's NFL Draft will be on the 45-man roster for Sunday's game against Baltimore. Smith, the draft's No. 6 pick, fractured his left foot on Sept. 1, just two days after ending a lengthy holdout that caused him to miss most of training camp. Offensive line coach Paul Alexander would not discuss Smith's status. On Wednesday, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Smith "would have to be one of the best 45 guys" to suit up. Thursday was only the fifth full-scale NFL practice for Smith. -- Cincinnati Enquirer

Eagles McNabb will continue wearing flak jacket

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will continue to wear a flak jacket. McNabb has used the protective device since receiving a fractured rib on the lower left side in the season opener. In four games with the jacket, McNabb has thrown for seven touchdowns with no interceptions in 115 attempts. -- Dallas Morning News

Pats' Tom Brady looks human against Dolphins

While Tom Brady is a combined 25-3 for his career against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, he is just 9-5 as a starter against the Dolphins. Only one other team in the NFL, the Broncos, has pinned that many losses on him (1-5). While Brady has thrown 25 touchdown passes against the Dolphins, his 13 interceptions in the series are his highest total against any opponent. Take out his 9/2 ratio against the hapless 2007 Dolphins, and Brady's prior struggles appear even worse. His 6.3 yards per attempt in 387 career passes against the Dolphins is his lowest against any team he's faced three or more times. His 83.6 quarterback rating against the Dolphins is his worst against any team he's faced at least four times. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Archie Manning: Sons come before Saints

Archie Manning, who has lived in New Orleans for 38 years, says the Saints' undefeated season has given an "emotional life" to the city. "This is football country," he says. And Manning, who spent most of his 14-year NFL career quarterbacking some not-so-stellar Saints, says the team's success "means a lot to me." But not so much that he watches their games: He said the Saints' win against the Atlanta Falcons on ESPN Monday night -- which drew an off-the-charts 69% of New Orleans TV households -- was the first Saints game he's seen this season. On Sundays, Manning in person or on TV watches his sons, Peyton and Eli, quarterback the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, respectively. "It's funny, some people think I'd be torn when, say, the Giants play the Saints. I'm not." -- USA Today

NFL TV ratings are soaring this season

TV ratings for NFL games this season are up 15 percent from last season and are at a 20-year high for this point in a season; average television viewership is 17.2 million per game, according to the league. Through Sunday, 11 of the 12 most-watched sporting events since the Super Bowl in February were NFL games. Even with the Washington Redskins' struggles, all seven of their games have been the highest-rated shows in the D.C. area in the weeks in which they aired. -- Washington Post

Texans money for gamblers

Talk about money machines, Houston is 10-4-1 against the spread the last 15 times out, and seems to enjoy playing on the road. The Texans opened their road schedule with a 34-31 win at Tennessee, then followed with a 28-21 loss at Arizona, a 28-17 win at Cincinnati and a 31-10 W Sunday at Buffalo. Houston has covered six of its last eight on the road, and also seems to enjoy playing against Indianapolis. -- Philadelphia Daily News

Saints favored to win Super Bowl

Odds to win the 2010 Super Bowl XLIV

New Orleans Saints 3/1

Indianapolis Colts 5/1

New England Patriots 11/2

Minnesota Vikings 8/1

Pittsburgh Steelers 10/1

Baltimore Ravens 13/1

Philadelphia Eagles 14/1

Dallas Cowboys 18/1

New York Giants 18/1

Denver Broncos 22/1

San Diego Chargers 22/1 -- Bodog

Who Knew?

Ratings for NFL games this season are up 20 percent on NBC, 19 percent on Fox, 4 percent on CBS and 18 percent on ESPN, according to the league. Last Sunday's Minnesota Vikings-Green Bay Packers game on Fox drew 29.8 million viewers and was the highest-rated telecast on any network since the Academy Awards in February. -- Washington Post

Did You Know?

In their Week 2 loss to the Giants, the Cowboys allowed six completions of 20 or more yards. In their five games since, they've given up a total of 10. -- Philadelphia Daily News

How About That?

Paid attendance in the NFL's 32 cities was down a little more than 2 percent overall from a year ago through seven weeks of games, the most recent figures available. Sales of jerseys and other team merchandise are down about 2 percent, while the league's national sponsorships are up. -- Washington Post

Who Knew?

Since left tackle Chris Samuels got hurt in Week 4, the Redskins have completed just one pass that has traveled farther than 25 yards. -- Philadelphia Daily News

Did You Know?

In eight games, the 6-3, Texans WR Andre Johnson has 44 receptions for a league-high 697 yards and four touchdowns. He led the league last season in receptions (115) and yards (1,575). The only player to lead the league in receiving yards in back-to-back seasons since the 1970 merger? Jerry Rice, who did it twice. -- Indy Star

How About That?

Titans RB Chris Johnson, who leads the league in rushing with 824 yards, is averaging 6.9 yards per carry. That's the highest rushing average by an NFL rushing leader through the first 8 weeks of the season since 1970. -- Philadelphia Daily News

AFC Chamionship odds

Odds to win 2009-2010 AFC Championship

Indianapolis Colts 9/4

New England Patriots 5/2

Pittsburgh Steelers 7/2

Baltimore Ravens 5/1

Cincinnati Bengals 10/1

Denver Broncos 10/1

San Diego Chargers 10/1 -- Bodog

NFC Championship odds

Odds to win 2009-2010 NFC Championship

New Orleans Saints 3/2

Minnesota Vikings 7/2

Philadelphia Eagles 13/2

Dallas Cowboys 8/1

New York Giants 8/1 -- Bodog

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