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2008 SEASON-IN-REVIEWISSUE
Steel City
SIX-PACK
Steel City
SIX-PACK
James Harrisons game-changing
interception was a huge factor
in the Steelers capturing an
NFL-record sixth Super Bowl title
Matt Cassel was a revelation in relief of Tom Brady in 2008.
CREATORS & FOUNDERS
Arthur Arkush, Robert Drazkowski and Joel Buchsbaum
ADMINISTRATION
Publisher/Editor Hub Arkush
General manager Mike Waters
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-chief Keith Schleiden
Managing editor Mike Holbrook
Executive editors Dan Arkush
Neil Warner
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Eric Edholm
Mike Wilkening
Associate editors Matt Sohn
Dan Parr
Michael Blunda
Production assistant Matt Quinnan
Editorial assistants Matt Feminis
Seth Gruen
COLUMNISTS
Ron Borges, Barry Jackson, Jerry Magee
AFC REPORTERS
Baltimore Ravens Jamison Hensley
Buffalo Bills Chuck Pollock
Cincinnati Bengals Mark Curnutte
Cleveland Browns Tony Grossi
Denver Broncos Frank Schwab
Houston Texans Megan Manfull
Indianapolis Colts Tom James
Jacksonville Jaguars Vito Stellino
Kansas City Chiefs Rick Dean
Miami Dolphins Harvey Fialkov
New England Patriots John Tomase
New York Jets Mark Cannizzaro
Oakland Raiders Michael Wagaman
Pittsburgh Steelers Jim Wexell
San Diego Chargers Chris Jenkins
Tennessee Titans Jim Wyatt
NFC REPORTERS
Arizona Cardinals Kent Somers
Atlanta Falcons D. Orlando Ledbetter
Carolina Panthers Charles Chandler
Chicago Bears Bob LeGere
Dallas Cowboys Mickey Spagnola
Detroit Lions Nicholas J. Cotsonika
Green Bay Packers Bob McGinn
Minnesota Vikings Sean Jensen
New Orleans Saints Mike Triplett
New York Giants Paul Schwartz
Philadelphia Eagles Dave Weinberg
St. Louis Rams Jim Thomas
San Francisco 49ers Kevin Lynch
Seattle Seahawks Clare Farnsworth
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Roy Cummings
Washington Redskins John Keim
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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CONTENTS
2 Pro Football Weekly February 2009
STEELERS SIX-PACK 12
Super Bowl XLIII will be remembered for its dramatic finish and multi-
tude of memorable plays. We take you back to Tampa to re-live the stir-
ring game. Plus, find out more about MVP Santonio Holmes and our
notebook full of the biggest stories from Super Bowl week.
BEST OF THE YEAR 18
Beginning with the Super Bowl champion Steelers winning the fran-
chises sixth title, we rank the top 10 stories of the 2008 NFL season.
SEASON IN REVIEW 20
Our in-depth analysis of the 2008 season for all 32 teams offers up an
MVP, the biggest surprise and the biggest disappointment for each
squad plus an offseason outlook.
PROSPECT WATCH 40
Find out which top prospects made a splash and which took a nose-
dive at the Senior Bowl. Plus, Mike Wilkening reports on the wealth of
pass-rushing outside linebackers available in this years draft.
THE WAYWE SEE IT..................3
POWER RANKINGS ..................3
THE WAYWE HEAR IT ..............4
AFC INDIVIDUAL
STATS LEADERS ....................30
NFC INDIVIDUAL
STATS LEADERS ....................32
FINAL TEAM STATISTICS ......34
FINAL TEAM RANKINGS ........35
2008 SCHEDULE/RESULTS..36
OPINION: Editorial, letters,
Publishers Pen........................37
COLUMNISTS:
Mike Wilkening, Barry Jackson,
Dan Arkushs A-bombs ..........38
2009 FREE-AGENT LIST ........39
AUDIBLES................................43
NFLIST: Ranking the greatest
Super Bowl finishes
since 2000 ..............................43
ONLYAT PROFOOTBALLWEEKLY.COM
OFFSEASON SOURCE Check back often for the latest updates re-
garding free agency, coaching moves and draft workouts as PFWcovers
the offseason like no one else. And make sure to visit later in February
as we report on the goings on at the Indianapolis Scouting Combine.
ROAD TO THE DRAFT BLOG Check back regularly to find out the lat-
est news and information about 2009 NFL draft hopefuls as they pre-
pare for the NFL Scouting Combine and their individual workouts.
Cover photo by AP
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
The oddsmakers in Las Vegas seem to have forgotten about Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals explosive offense for 2009.
POWER RANKINGS
RANK THE SKINNY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
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31
32
Pittsburgh Steelers Setting the gold
standard for the NFL.
Arizona Cardinals Gave us a postsea-
son ride we wont soon forget.
Baltimore Ravens Will defensive domi-
nance continue without Rex Ryan?
Philadelphia Eagles McNabb rumors
will rule offseason.
Tennessee Titans QB Collins future
rests in Jeff Fishers hands.
New York Giants Have some serious
work to do after late-season slump.
Carolina Panthers Dont be surprised
if Peppers is franchised and not traded.
Indianapolis Colts Dungys a tough
act to follow, Jim Caldwell.
Atlanta Falcons That was a quick re-
building process.
San Diego Chargers Need to snap
string of poor starts next season.
New England Patriots QB contro-
versy in New England? Doubtful.
Miami Dolphins Great turnaround, but
not yet in class of AFC elite.
Minnesota Vikings A.P. needs cure for
fumble-itis.
Dallas Cowboys T.O., Cowboys could
be headed for messy divorce.
New York Jets If it isnt Favre at quarter-
back, then who?
Chicago Bears Need to inject some life
into the pass rush to shore up the defense.
New Orleans Saints Might have the
right guy in Gregg Williams to fix D.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hoping
Morris energy can inspire the troops.
Denver Broncos Defensive overhaul is
in the works.
Houston Texans Finally might be ready
to make the long-awaited jump.
Washington Redskins Zorn already
facing hot seat.
San Francisco 49ers Singletarys mo-
tivational techniques apparently working.
Green Bay Packers Rodgers sur-
passed expectations in Year One.
Buffalo Bills Hard to see them bouncing
back in tough division.
Jacksonville Jaguars Cursed as pop-
ular Super Bowl sleeper pick in 08.
Oakland Raiders Davis promises to
name head coach before Week One.
Cincinnati Bengals Will Palmer be
throwing to Housh next season?
Seattle Seahawks Mora in right divi-
sion to make quick turnaround.
Cleveland Browns Derek Anderson is
on the market, but are there any takers?
Kansas City Chiefs Hoping to be next
seasons version of Dolphins, Falcons.
St. Louis Rams Spags has his work cut
out for him.
Detroit Lions Let the healing process
begin.
Lions need to draft
QB before O-line
Heres hoping newly
minted Lions coach Jim
Schwartz noticed the bla-
tantly obvious in Super Bowl
XLIII, that you can win with-
out great OL play. All night,
both defenses treated the
opposing O-line like a revolv-
ing door of ineptitude. Yet
that didnt cripple either of-
fense. Why? Because of their
quarterbacks, who proved
again why that position is the
foundation to sustained ex-
cellence in the NFL. So forget
Andre Smith, Jim, and call on
Matthew Stafford or Mark
Sanchez at the No. 1 spot this
April. Matt Sohn
I seldom question the big boys in Vegas, but it seems to me that
MGM Mirage Race and Sports recently disclosed opening odds
for the 2009 season are more than a little off kilter.
I dont have a problem with the Super Bowl champion Steel-
ers and Patriots being ranked as co-favorites to win next years Su-
per Bowl in Miami at 6-1.
Nor can I find fault with the Manning-led Giants and Colts be-
ing tabbed right behind Pittsburgh and New England at 8-1.
But I think the MGM handicappers need to be reminded that
this years NFC champion team from the desert is hardly a mi-
rage, its numerous offseason concerns notwithstanding.
Hot on the heels of a most impressive postseason run, I believe
Arizona is definitely getting shortchanged at 15-1, which ties them
for fifth with the Saints and Ravens.
Theres no way, I think, that the Cardinals should have greater
odds than the 10-1 Panthers, who were so emphatically exposed by
Arizona in the playoff s divisional round, or the 12-1 Cowboys, the
2008 seasons biggest disappointment by a wide margin.
And how the Packers (14-1) could be ranked ahead of 2008 play-
off participant Miami (25-1) after a seven-game plunge in the stand-
ings that was the most dramatic in franchise history is beyond me.
Dan Arkush
NFL odds for 2009 season seem a bit odd
CURIOUS CRYSTAL BALL
TOP PRIORITY
Fitzgeralds playoff
run safe at the top
Next time you and your
buddies are discussing un-
breakable records in sports,
be sure to include the mind-
boggling 2008 postseason of
WR Larry Fitzgerald. All he
did in the Cards run to the
Super Bowl was catch 30
passes for 546 yards and
seven TDs. Thats right,
against the leagues top com-
petition and with the season
on the line, the wideout came
through with four straight
spectacular outings. Id be
willing to bet that no receiver
ever comes close to match-
ing Fitzgeralds awe-inspiring
numbers. Michael Blunda
UNBREAKABLE
Butler could do it
as D-coordinator
Arising coach to keep an
eye on is Steelers LB coach
Keith Butler. A10-year player
who has a decade of NFL
coaching on his rsum, But-
ler has overseen some out-
standing LB groups in
Pittsburgh and made them
better. He also has learned
the art of calling defense
from Dick LeBeau and could
replace LeBeau as the Steel-
ers coordinator down the
line or get a call from Bill
Cowher with whom he re-
mains close once Cowher
returns to coaching. Either
way, Butler deserves to get a
shot. Eric Edholm
ON THE RISE
Saints could follow
Cardinals lead
Ateam with a brilliant of-
fensive mind at head coach
and a smart, veteran quarter-
back leading one of the most
explosive passing games in
the league, but with a running
game and a defense that
cant hold up their ends of
the bargain. Sound familiar?
That told the tale of the Car-
dinals season before the
playoffs commenced. How-
ever, it also sums up the
Saints over the past two
campaigns. So, if youre look-
ing for a team with a chance
to be next years version of
the Cardinals, the Saints are
it. Dan Parr
CARDS OF 09?
Our take on the hottest topics
from around the NFL.
THE WAY WE SEE IT
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THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC EASTBy Matt Sohn
WHISPERS
Theres a growing
sentiment around
Foxborough that the
Patriots need at cor-
nerback should be
satisfied chiefly by
adding bulk to their
corps. Bill Belichick
has traditionally fa-
vored smaller,
quicker corners, but
those players have
been victimized often
by larger wideouts.
The club hasnt had a
quality, physical force
at the position since
Ty Lawleft town fol-
lowing the 2004 sea-
son.
The Patriots arent
the only AFC East
club looking for size
on the edge. The Dol-
phins are searching
for girth, as well, al-
though they are look-
ing to address their
size limitations on
the offensive side of
the ball. The club
doesnt have a big,
move-the-sticks wide
receiver theyre con-
fident in, largely be-
cause Ernest
Wilford has failed to
pan out since coming
over from Jack-
sonville.
Look for the Bills to
court a reasonably
priced, veteran quar-
terback this offsea-
son to back up Trent
Edwards. J.P. Los-
man is set to hit free
agency, and even
though it may prove
difficult obtaining a
backup better than
their former first-
rounder, we hear the
club and Losman
have a mutual under-
standing that theyre
better off parting
ways.
Rex Ryan has
made comparisons
between a couple of
his Jets defenders
and those he
coached in Balti-
more. In different
contexts, he has
likened Kerry
Rhodes to Ed Reed
and Vernon Ghol-
ston to Terrell
Suggs. It remains to
be seen whether hell
look to deploy these
players in similar ca-
pacities or whether
he has similar expec-
tations for them.
It was widely believed just a cou-
ple of weeks ago that executive VP
of football operations Bill Parcells
would not exercise an escape
clause in his contract that would
allow him to collect the balance of
his four-year contract by resigning
within 30 days of team ownership
changing hands. And since
Stephen Ross officially took over
for Wayne Huizenga at the clubs
highest post, Parcells has been
busy scouting and playing coy.
While scouting alongside GM Jeff
Ireland at the Senior Bowl in Mo-
bile, Ala., Parcells refused to give a
commitment to remaining in
Miami, raising eyebrows. Parcells
told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
that hed hate to be called a liar if
he wound up bolting. By the looks
of things, hes fully onboard with a
Dolphins club on the upswing. But
Parcells wants to use his 30-day
window to make certain Ross wont
interfere with the football side of
the operation.
Bill OBriens apprenticeship
has commenced, albeit unofficially.
The way we hear it, the Patriots WR
coachs promotion to QB coach in
the wake of offensive coordinator
and QB coach Josh McDaniels
departure to Denver serves as no-
tice that OBrien will be taking over
play-calling duties in 2010. So
who will be calling the shots in 09?
Bill Belichick. Belichick views the
position of QB coach as the step-
pingstone to the offensive coordi-
nator job, and he believes that
OBrien has the ingenuity to per-
form admirably in the post. But be-
cause OBrien who served as
Georgia Techs offensive coordina-
tor from 2001-02 will be entering
just his third NFL season, Belichick
wants to ease him into his new du-
ties. The situation is very similar to
05, when Belichick was the offen-
sive patriarch as McDaniels learned
the ropes. Some are wondering,
however, if Belichick is spreading
himself too thin.
While well have to wait to see if
Rex Ryans record with the Jets
differs from Eric Manginis re-
sults in the post, this much is clear:
The manner in which Ryan leads
the club will stand in stark contrast
to his predecessor. Unlike
Manginis gruff, cerebral and often
distant persona, which created a
rift between him and his players,
Ryans jovial attitude mirrors the
family-type atmosphere he intends
on implementing. (I have) a
K.I.L.L. philosophy, Ryan said.
Were going to Keep it Likeable
and Learnable. With Ryan already
winning over offensive coordinator
Brian Schottenheimer, who
elected to remain in his role after
losing out to Ryan in the head-
coaching derby, the focus shifts to
whether Ryan can or wants to
win over Brett Favre. There are
slim pickings at QB behind Favre,
and they might not be in position
to draft one of the two first-round
quality passers at the 17th spot.
The Buffalo faithfuls faith is
being tested. In the aftermath of a
season that crash-landed, the club
has done nothing to inspire confi-
dence that 2009 will be more than
another disappointment. Its a real-
ity that is all too familiar in Western
New York their nine-year playoff
drought is the AFCs longest.
Naturally, they cant add any im-
pact veterans until free agency
commences Feb. 27, but anything
that couldve been done to inspire
confidence that 09 will be better
than 08 hasnt happened. Coach
Dick Jauron remains in his post.
So do offensive and defensive co-
ordinators Turk Schonert and
Perry Fewell. The movers and
shakers in the front office arent
going anywhere. Whats alarming is
that those being paid to do the
moving and shaking are likely star-
ing at a financial conundrum that
will bar them from doing so.
While the nations recession has
affected all 32 teams, the Bills have
the added handicap of having been
cash-strapped even before the
economy went south. Theres a
feeling throughout the league that
there will be fewer big-buck, block-
buster deals in the upcoming free-
agency period than were
accustomed to seeing, and Buffalo
could find it particularly difficult to
execute its desired fortifications.
At least some of that reality can
be traced to decisions of prior
years that have since backfired.
Take the offensive line, for exam-
ple. For a club that historically has
been loath to dish out top dollar to
outside veteran free agents, the
Bills heavy investments in OLG
Derrick Dockery ($49 million)
and ORT Langston Walker ($25
million) in the 07 offseason stood
as bold deviations from their es-
tablished mantra. Yet neither has
approached his contract value, and
the teams long-term financial
commitment to them hampers its
maneuverability going forward.
Asimilar situation exists on the
D-line, where DEs Aaron Schobel
and Chris Kelsay are the owners
of contracts worth a combined $74
million, with Kelsays running
through the 2010 season and
Schobels not expiring until 13.
Kelsays impact since inking his
deal in 07 has been nothing more
than solid, whereas the most
telling conclusion about Schobels
contribution can be found in
backup Ryan Denneys superior
play while Schobel was sidelined
the second half of last season.
The Bills overpaid for OG Derrick Dockery in the 2007 free-agency period and are now paying the price.
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NEWENGLAND
PATRIOTS
NEWYORK
JETS
BUFFALO
BILLS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC NORTHBy Mike Wilkening
WHISPERS
Steelers LOLB
LaMarr Woodleys
transition from a de-
fensive end in a 4-3
scheme to star 3-4
outside linebacker in
a span of two sea-
sons has been noth-
ing short of
impressive. Woodley,
who had an NFL-
record six sacks in
the postseason, also
has been able to hold
up in coverage part
of the outside line-
backers job that
often goes forgotten
until its not done
well. This year Ive
covered receivers,
Ive covered tight
ends, and Ive cov-
ered backs out of the
backfield,Woodley
said in the week lead-
ing up to Super Bowl
XLIII. Thats just
something that we
have to do, and when
you know you have to
do it, you just do it.
You dont think about
it, just do it. When
you think about it,
thats when you get
beat.
New Ravens defen-
sive coordinator
Greg Mattison has
vowed not to change
much about the
clubs scheme, some-
thing that figures to
go over well with a
veteran defense that
was very fond of his
predecessor, Rex
Ryan.
The way we hear it,
the Ravens could
look to add another
pass-catching tight
end in the draft.
Starter Todd Heap
caught only 35
passes in 2008, 22
fewer than he had
caught in any other
season in which he
played in all 16
games.
Though Ravens
head coach John
Harbaugh and
owner Steve Bis-
ciotti both praised
CB Chris McAlister
at the clubs end-of-
season press confer-
ence, neither would
commit to his return
in 09, and a source
close to the club sug-
gests McAlister could
be a salary-cap cut.
Owner Steve Bisciotti said the
franchise tag is not in play as the
Ravens try to bring back free-agent
LILB Ray Lewis, meaning the
Ravens are likely to have to come
to a multiyear agreement with the
charismatic linebacker, who turns
34 in May but is coming off a very
good 2008 season. At the Ravens
season-ending press conference,
Bisciotti floated the idea of Lewis
perhaps taking a hometown dis-
count, as he put it, to stay in Balti-
more and also give the Ravens a
little more flexibility to sign free
agents. Ravens ROLB Terrell Suggs
floated a similar idea, suggesting
that he, Lewis and RILB Bart Scott
all could take less to all stay with
the club. All three linebackers are
among the most coveted in free
agency. However, in a recent inter-
view with The Baltimore Sun, Lewis
would not tip his hand as to what
his intentions were in free agency.
What Im thinking, nobody needs
to know, Lewis told the paper.
The Browns are banking on the
long-standing friendship between
new general manager George
Kokinis and head coach Eric
Mangini translating into a harmo-
nious, fruitful working relationship
that leads to the Browns new brain
trust making the correct strategic
decisions needed to turn around
the floundering franchise. Kokinis
will have the final call on the com-
position of the 53-man roster, but
(thats) not what is important
here, Kokinis said at his introduc-
tory press conference. What is im-
portant is getting together, being
on the same page and making the
decision thats best for the Cleve-
land Browns. Kokinis and
Manginis first challenge will be try-
ing to reshape the roster with only
four 09 draft picks. Whether the
Browns will be active in veteran
free agency remains to be seen.
Kokinis said hes familiar with the
free-agent class, but the Browns
want to build through the draft.
Steelers defensive coordinator
Dick LeBeau put a stop to any
speculation about his future be-
yond Super Bowl XLIII, indicating
that he intends to coach in 2009.
LeBeau, who has 50 years of NFL
experience as a player and a
coach, looks younger than his 71
years. LeBeau cited his strong rela-
tionship with his players as a rea-
son he plans to keep coaching.
Well, I think these guys play de-
fense pretty well and its kind of fun
to coach them, LeBeau said. They
keep me young theres no ques-
tion about it and thats the rea-
son why. As long as my health
holds up and people want me to
work, I think itd be pretty foolish to
leave these guys. LeBeau, the fore-
most proponent of the zone blitz,
has been the Steelers defensive
coordinator for the last five sea-
sons. The Steelers have finished
first in total defense three times in
that span and have twice won the
Super Bowl.
The Bengals have heavily in-
vested in the CB position in recent
years, selecting Johnathan
Joseph in the first round of the
06 draft and Leon Hall in the first
round in 07. The Bengals are hop-
ing the big payoff comes in 2009.
Injuries have bothered the 5-11,
193-pound Joseph in each of the
last two seasons. He suffered a
broken left foot before the 07 sea-
son but recovered in time to play
15 games, starting 14. In 2008,
ankle and foot injuries limited him
to only eight games. Really, since
his rookie season, hes not been
100 percent healthy, Bengals DB
coach Kevin Coyle told PFWat
the Under Armour Senior Bowl,
noting that Joseph is rehabilitating
his foot injury and that it should
not affect his readiness for the 09
campaign.
Joseph has flashed considerable
talent in his three NFL seasons, es-
pecially as a rookie in 06, when he
defended 20 passes. Whats more,
he defended 13 passes playing only
half the 08 campaign.
He realizes its time for him to
make that move that he has to
make, Coyle said. We have a lot of
faith and a lot of confidence in him.
Now its time for him to deliver, and
I think hell come through big-
time.
The 5-11, 199-pound Hall has
steadily improved throughout his
first two NFL seasons. Hall tied
with three other players for the
NFL lead in passes defensed this
season with 24. All three of Halls
interceptions in 08 came in
Cincinnatis Week 16 game at
Cleveland.
Coyle told PFWthat Hall was one
of the Bengals most consistent de-
fensive players last season and
noted that he, like other young cor-
ners, is starting to get better and
better at reading opponents ten-
dencies, especially those of divi-
sional foes.
The thing about Leon is hell
seldom make the same mistake
twice, Coyle said. Hes a very con-
scientious, very coachable guy who
takes a lot of pride in what he does.
If you beat him on something, hell
go back and digest what hap-
pened, and very seldom will it hap-
pen again. This year, he started out
like he finished last year and was
just consistently solid in every
phase solid in coverage, a very
good run supporter, a knowledge-
able guy (who) understood what
we were trying to do and what our
opponents were trying to do.
It is unlikely that free-agent ILB Ray Lewis will be interested in giving the Ravens a hometown discount.
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PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
CINCINNATI
BENGALS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC SOUTHBy Mike Wilkening and Matt Sohn
WHISPERS
New Texans defen-
sive coordinator
Frank Bush told
PFWhe liked what he
saw from the Hous-
ton defense in many
facets as last season
started to come to a
close. They started
to get on the same
page, said Bush, who
was a senior defen-
sive assistant to
Gary Kubiak for two
seasons before re-
placing defensive co-
ordinator Richard
Smith last month.
We started to tackle
guys better late in the
season. They did a
much better job of
taking care of their
assignments.The
Texans will continue
to employ a 4-3 front
next season; they
have used the 4-3
throughout Kubiaks
tenure.
Although the
Jaguars addition of
Russ Purnell as
their special-teams
coach was a curious
one considering how
routinely Purnells
units underper-
formed during his
tenure in Indianapo-
lis, theres a feeling
that the coach was
handcuffed by the
Colts inability to pro-
vide him with quality
options. The Colts
are notorious for in-
vesting heavily in
their upper-tier offen-
sive and defensive
personnel, and such
players rarely con-
tribute to the kicking
game. The Jags,
meanwhile, have
shown a greater com-
mitment to the kick-
ing game, as
evidenced most re-
cently by signing spe-
cial-teams captain
and seldom-used FB
Montell Owens to a
contract extension.
The Jags are hop-
ing that their young
defensive talent will
respond better to
new defensive coor-
dinator Mel Tucker,
36, than it did to
Gregg Williams,
who didnt mesh well
with his personnel.
Texans DT Amobi Okoye began
his NFL career by notching four
sacks in his first four games. But
he has notched 2
1
2 sacks in 26
games since, with only one coming
in 2008. He had a little a bit of a
sophomore slump, new Texans de-
fensive coordinator Frank Bush
told PFW. It wasnt that he didnt
work at it. Hes got to keep learn-
ing. One of the factors holding
back Okoye for the moment, the
Texans believe, is simply his youth-
fulness. Okoye entered the NFL at
age 19 and will turn only 22 in June.
He has a tremendous amount of
talent, Bush said. Hes just got to
mature. But it will come. Its just a
process.The 6-2, 306-pound
Okoye is one of the key parts of a
defensive line that Bush is count-
ing upon to create more pressure
next season. While Bush wants his
linemen to be sound vs. the run, he
stressed that were going to pin
their ears back and let them go up
the field.
When the Colts announced at
the end of the 2007 season that
assistant head coach/quarter-
backs Jim Caldwell would suc-
ceed Tony Dungy as head coach
whenever Dungy decided to retire,
the prevailing thought was that
Caldwell would lead the club in a
manner similar to his predecessor.
Now, after a few weeks on the job,
its clear that Caldwells not exactly
a carbon copy of Dungy. Most glar-
ingly, hes demonstrated his will-
ingness to part with coaches he
deems not worthy of retention.
Dungy was intensely loyal to his
staff. Yet, shortly after his appoint-
ment as Colts skipper, Caldwell
opted against allowing special-
teams coach Russ Purnell to
renew his contract. Additionally,
defensive coordinator Ron Meeks
resigned.Although Meeks, now
defensive coordinator in Carolina,
has remained mum on the matter,
speculation suggests that, for all
intents and purposes, he was fired.
The bad news for the Titans: It
will not be cheap to re-sign DT Al-
bert Haynesworth, and its going
to take a long-term contract, with
tens of millions of dollars in guar-
anteed money up front, to bring
him back into the fold. The fran-
chise tag is not an option after he
triggered a clause that prohibits
the Titans from using the franchise
designation on him in 09. The
good news: The rest of the Titans
defensive line is under contract for
next season. So, if Haynesworth re-
turns, the line could be even better
than it was a season ago, especially
if DE Kyle Vanden Bosch can
overcome the groin problems that
affected him for much of the 08
campaign. There is also reason to
be excited about the lines youth:
Second-year DT Jason Jones,
who notched 3
1
2 sacks vs. Pitts-
burgh in December, has consider-
able upside, and fellow sophomore
William Hayes is a pass-rushing
prospect to watch.
In a span of months, the Jaguars
have transitioned from one of the
egalitarian clubs in terms of their
decision-making process to one of
the most authoritarian, with re-
spect to one persons power. For
years, the Jags personnel deci-
sions were required to be mutually
decided upon by the top figures in
the football hierarchy. Although
ideal in theory, the process was
brutally inefficient much of the
time. But with the ascension of
longtime scouting fixture Gene
Smith to general manager, owner
Wayne Weaver has decided that
Smith now holds singular power
when it comes to the roster.
At his introductory press confer-
ence on Jan. 21, Smith didnt mince
words when speaking about how
he intends to rebuild a club that
plummeted to the bowels of the
AFC South in 2008.
The first thing we need to do is
protect the quarterback, Smith
said. How you do that is you fortify
your offensive line so you can run
the ball better. Something that was
a strength for us two years ago, be-
cause of injuries, became an
Achilles heel.
Smith went on to talk about the
importance of drafting well, and
how much more stock he puts in
the annual lottery in April than he
does in free agency. His belief
stems from his years as a recruit-
ing coordinator at the college level,
when he would shy away from the
junior-college ranks in favor of high
school players because those in
the program the longest have a
certain ownership over the team
so when things are going wrong,
they would correct them.
Because Smith also stressed the
importance of character, its clear
that OLT Khalif Barnes whos
been trouble both on and off the
field will not be retained. With
Smiths view of the O-line jibing
precisely with the conventional
wisdom about the club, expect the
Jaguars to target the offensive line
with their top pick in April. Al-
though he didnt provide specifics
as to their rehabilitation, he also
said that the arrow is pointing up
on injured starting OGs Maurice
Williams and Vince Manuwai.
When asked whether reliable
help can be found in the late
rounds, Smith said that wide re-
ceiver and running back were two
positions conducive to the drafts
later stages. Perhaps not coinci-
dentally, those happen to be posi-
tions where the Jags are needy.
Jim Caldwell is putting his stamp on the Colts coaching staff by replacing some of Tony Dungys guys.
A
P
HOUSTON
TEXANS
INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS
TENNESSEE
TITANS
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC WESTBy Dan Parr and Michael Blunda
WHISPERS
Although there has
been talk about the
Chiefs switching to a
3-4 defensive align-
ment with the arrival
of GM Scott Pioli,
its unlikely that the
units current person-
nel will allow K.C. to
make that change.
The team lacks a true
space-eating nose
tackle up front, and it
doesnt have four
starting-caliber line-
backers on its roster.
Amove to the 3-4
probably would re-
quire a complete
overhaul of the de-
fense, which seems
to be a long shot.
Broncos WR Bran-
don Marshall has
had difficulty staying
out of trouble during
the offseason in his
young career, but
sources tell PFWthat
Marshall has made
an effort to be more
conscious of the ef-
fects of his actions
and he knows the
margin for error is
slim. Its unclear as to
what approach new
head coach Josh
McDaniels will take
with Marshall, but we
hear its unlikely that
hes instituted a
sheriff-like pres-
ence in his dealings
with his top offensive
playmaker.
The Raiders
havent done much to
help QB JaMarcus
Russell recently,
after putting him
through the instabil-
ity of having three dif-
ferent play-callers
last season alone.
However, sources say
they did do Russell a
favor by hiring Paul
Hackett as QB
coach. Hackett, who
worked as an ad-
vance scout for Oak-
land last season, is
entering his 40th
season as a coach
and is known for his
expertise in grooming
quarterbacks.
One of the repercussions of Den-
vers transition to a 3-4 defense is
yet another change of positions for
D.J. Williams, who has not played
at the same spot in back-to-back
seasons since 2004-05. Sources
say having Williams, who is athletic
enough to play inside or outside in
a 3-4, gives the Broncos some flex-
ibility in the draft and free agency.
If the team decides to use an early
pick on a linebacker, it wont have
to stew over whether to take some-
one who can play inside or outside.
Instead, Denver can take the one
they deem the best available, re-
gardless of position, and then alter
Williams position accordingly. The
constant changes have made
things more challenging for
Williams, who recently underwent
surgery to repair a torn rotator
cuff, but he has played well no mat-
ter where he lines up and he
doesnt seem shaken by it.
Williams is expected to stay off the
practice field until traning camp.
Although Chiefs head coach
Herm Edwards was in good
standing with owner Clark Hunt
and, from what we hear, new GM
Scott Pioli as well, in the end
there were three main reasons why
he was fired. First of all, Edwards
15-33 record, which included 23
losses in his last 25 games. Even
without top talent, his .313 winning
percentage wasnt acceptable.
Secondly, the teams often dread-
ful play during Edwards tenure had
made him an enemy of many
Chiefs supporters. Had they re-
tained him, it would have further
alienated a disgruntled fan base.
Finally, if K.C. chose to allow Ed-
wards to finish out the final year of
his contract, it wouldve been clear
that he was just keeping the posi-
tion warm until all the big names
became available in 2010. Since
Pioli didnt want to begin his term
with a lame-duck coach, cutting
the cord with Edwards was the
franchises only option.
Before the Chargers decide what
to do with LaDainian Tomlinson,
they will first sort things out with
Philip Rivers. We hear GM A.J.
Smiths initial order of business
this offseason will be working out a
long-term deal with his QB, whose
contract expires after the 2009
campaign. Given how valuable
Rivers was this past season, lead-
ing the leagues second-ranked
scoring offense despite getting lit-
tle support from the running game,
he is likely to command a hefty
sum of money. One of his QB coun-
terparts from the 2004 draft
Pittsburghs Ben Roethlisberger
signed a $102 million deal last
year, and another one the Gi-
ants Eli Manning is expected
to soon do the same. Considering
Rivers 4,009 passing yards and 34
TDs in 08 are better than any stats
Roethlisberger or Manning have
put up, it wouldnt be surprising to
see Rivers join the $100 million QB
club.
After a search that stretched on
for more than a month after the
regular season ended, the Raiders
were expected to name Tom Cable
as head coach Feb. 4, the day after
this issue went to press.
PFWreported since the end of
the regular season that Cable, who
took over as interim head coach on
Sept. 30, was the front-runner to
get the job. He is Oaklands fifth
different head coach since 2002.
While Cable seemed like the ob-
vious choice after the Raiders fin-
ished the campaign strong,
winning their final two games,
owner Al Davis, was apparently
not sold on him. The candidates he
is known to have interviewed and
considered for the vacancy are Gi-
ants offensive coordinator Kevin
Gilbride and Packers assistant
head coach Winston Moss.
Cable, who led the Raiders to a
4-8 record last season, has been
involved with the interview process
for assistant coaches some of
them have already been hired, in-
cluding Paul Hackett as QB
coach and Dwaine Board as D-
line coach and Cable repre-
sented the team while scouting
prospects at the Senior Bowl, de-
spite being without a contract. He
has the support of many players,
and ditching Cable for a different
head coach at this late juncture
would have been unwise.
There are still crucially impor-
tant positions to fill, including both
coordinators, although John Mar-
shall, who was fired by the Sea-
hawks after three years as their
defensive coordinator, has been ru-
mored to be Davis top choice as
the next D-coordinator. Ted Toll-
ner, who served as the 49ers
quarterbacks coach last year, is re-
ported to be the leading candidate
to become Oaklands offensive co-
ordinator. While almost every team
has filled up its staff, moving on to
mapping out plans for the draft
and free agency, Oakland has fallen
behind the rest of the league, even
with Cable serving as the shadow
head coach.
What has been made abun-
dantly clear during this head-
coaching search is how badly
Cable wanted the job. Hes been
working basically for free, as far as
our sources can tell. While some
candidates would steer clear of
joining the oftentimes dysfunc-
tional organization, Cable was de-
termined to remain a part of it.
After a long delay, the reward for
his loyalty is imminent.
Philip Rivers could be the next quarterback from the class of 2004 to earn a $100 million contract.
K
W
R
DENVER
BRONCOS
KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS
SAN DIEGO
CHARGERS
OAKLAND
RAIDERS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC EASTBy Eric Edholm
WHISPERS
QB Donovan Mc-
Nabb told PFWthat
he wants to remain in
Philadelphia for the
duration of his career.
Theres no doubt in
my mind Ill be back
with the Eagles, he
said. I want to hoist
up that (Lombardi)
trophy and have that
parade down Broad
Street Everyone
wants a little commu-
nication and some
assurance to show
that youll be there
for years to come.
Contracts are struc-
tured now where you
get down to the later
part of the deal, you
restructure or some-
thing happens. Well
be discussing (a con-
tract) soon.
The Cowboys had
to be glad to hear
that QB Tony Romo
plans to be a better
leader next season.
The criticism that has
come down on Romo,
which some have
said caused a lack of
respect for offensive
coordinator Jason
Garrett, appears to
be legitimate. We
hear Garrett gave dif-
ferent players differ-
ent sets of rules
depending on who
they were.
Chad Ocho Cinco
to the Giants? Yes, ru-
mors have floated
that the Giants might
be interested in
adding a receiver, es-
pecially given
Plaxico Burress
legal situation and
the fact that Amani
Toomer is not likely
to be back. But as
much as GM Jerry
Reese likes talent, we
hear there might be
some people in the
organization who
would oppose the
move, given Ocho
Cincos histrionics
and the potential
clash it might cause
with the businesslike
atmosphere head
coach Tom Cough-
lin has established.
That said, the Giants
would be buying low.
Ocho Cinco is coming
off his worst season
since becoming a
star, and the Bengals
are said to be willing
to move him at a
friendly price.
WR Amani Toomer, who is 34
and certainly will not return to the
Giants as a free agent this offsea-
son, took what appears to be a
parting shot at the team for its
agenda to phase him out of the
offense as the season wore on.
They let me play myself out of it,
then kind of pulled the rug out
from under me,Toomer said. I
was fighting it for as long as I
could. I kept making big plays, but I
feel like they made a decision
(and said) Look, we cant keep this
kid around. Weve got to turn the
page. We cant just keep letting him
go on and on. QB Eli Manning
spoke to the media the following
day and disputed the claim that
Toomer was being ignored in the
offense unfairly. No, it wasnt
phasing him out, Manning said.
We just had other guys in there
also. ... Everybody cant get playing
time. We put (Toomer) in certain
situations and had to rotate a lot of
guys in.
Donovan McNabb told PFWthat
he doesnt feel the need to make a
pitch for Eagles free agents Brian
Dawkins, Tra Thomas and Jon
Runyan to return but that he hopes
they all will come back. I think
everyone knows you need a guy like
Brian Dawkins, McNabb said. As a
quarterback, you want to have that
security knowing your backside
tackle (Thomas) is there. I have
been through a situation where you
throw a new backside tackle in there
(Winston Justice for one game in
2007) and all of a sudden you get hit
with a career sack day (12 sacks al-
lowed against the Giants) against a
division rival. So thats what it
comes down to: If you feel confident
about what we accomplished this
year and show that confidence that
we can get back to that point and
win the Super Bowl, (you do it) by
bringing these guys back for one or
two years or so, whatever it may be.
Dawkins and I have said we want to
bring a trophy back to Philadelphia.
Wade Phillips wouldnt speak
with PFWabout his team when ap-
proached during Super Bowl week
in Tampa, but we hear that the
team is very serious about clean-
ing up the locker room and focus-
ing more on building character in
the locker room, something that
many observers have said was the
Achilles heel on a supremely tal-
ented but underachieving club. The
decision to go this route not only
will affect what the team will do in
terms of getting rid of players who
are considered bad for chemistry
Terrell Owens is most often
mentioned but also in terms of
demanding more accountability on
the coaching staff and in terms of
adding personnel in the offseason
who are more team-oriented play-
ers. With a gifted group of players
already in town, we hear manage-
ment might be willing to sacrifice a
little skill in players it adds in favor
for hard-working veterans who set
a tone in the locker room.
Redskins RB Clinton Portis
spoke with a small group of
media, including PFW, in Tampa
before the Super Bowl and said he
still isnt sure if hell take part in
the teams offseason workouts in
the D.C. area or if hell work out in
Miami, as he has become accus-
tomed to doing but something
the coaching staff would rather he
not do.
Im going to play it by ear, he
said. Im going to be taking my
time. I know Im winding down. Im
going to take my time and make
the decision best for me to help
carry this team.
Asked if hell talk to the staff or
head coach Jim Zorn to discuss
the matter, Portis shrugged.
Thats up to them, he said. My
talking (doesnt) do any good. Its
their decision to be made. However
they call on me and whenever they
call on me, thats when I get the
ball.
There has been a lot of talk this
past season about the relationship
between Portis and Zorn, which in-
siders describe as mildly frosty at
best. Although both men appear
fully committed to the Redskins
and winning, there appears to be a
disconnect on some level between
the coach and star. Portis, however,
denies that the two are off the
mark.
Of course were together, he
said. After the season, I left. I
havent had a film session with
anybody. Football was over with
and I left last year behind me. We
cant go back and change. Theres
no need to harp over it and have
conversations over where we went
wrong and how it happened. Im
content getting myself ready, well-
rested and being prepared for an-
other year.
Down the hall on radio row
shortly after Portis spoke, former
Redskins RB John Riggins
sounded off on Portis. The two
have sparred verbally through the
media in the past, and this ex-
change was no less rancorous.
Hes already a headache, said
Riggins. Is it going to get worse? I
dont know. I said that at the end of
the season, and I believe that un-
less he changes the way he views
himself and views his contributions
to the team, that could be prob-
lematic for the Redskins.
Its a bad situation, and its cre-
ated probably by the people who
run the team that hes been al-
lowed to take the course that he
has.
Redskins RB Clinton Portis has not decided if he will join his teammates in workouts this offseason.
S
P
O
R
T
P
I
C
S
NEWYORK
GIANTS
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
DALLAS
COWBOYS
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC NORTHBy Dan Arkush and Eric Edholm
WHISPERS
Lions WR Calvin
Johnson told Sport-
ing News Radio that
half of his teammates
heading into the fi-
nale at Green Bay
were not focused on
the game and were
making plans for the
offseason, instead of
trying to avoid be-
coming the first 0-16
team in NFL history.
Johnson also said al-
though he hasnt
spoken directly to
new head coach Jim
Schwartz, Johnson
was impressed with
what Schwartz said
on his voice mail and
is excited to work
with him.
Our Packers
sources have a good
vibe regarding new
defensive line coach
Mike Trgovac, who
resigned his post as
the Panthers defen-
sive coordinator but
thrived as Green
Bays D-line coach in
1999 under Ray
Rhodes. But the ver-
dict is still out on for-
mer NFL sack
specialist Kevin
Greene, who has
been hired to coach
the outside lineback-
ers in Green Bays
new 3-4 defense.
Greene, by all ac-
counts, is very enthu-
siastic about his new
gig, but Carolina
sources wonder just
how effective hell be
as a coach after com-
ing across as very
self-centered during
his playing days as a
Panther.
Should Bears third-
string QB Caleb
Hanie be considered
a legitimate candi-
date for the backup
QB spot next season,
presumably behind
Kyle Orton? They
liked him in the pre-
season, one team in-
sider said, but to say
hes ready to be the
No. 2, I dont know.
Ideally, I think theyd
like to keep him at
the No. 3 spot for one
more year, so he can
better learn the sys-
tem.
Bears GM Jerry Angelo re-
cently said he didnt want to use
the word enigma to describe
third-year DB-RS Danieal Man-
ning. But team insiders think that
continues to be the perfect word to
describe a guy who went from
being the teams MVP for his work
as the kickoff returner and nickel
corner in late-season wins over the
Saints and Packers to arguably the
Bears biggest goat in the season-
ending loss to the Texans, when he
was burned badly on one TD catch
as the starting strong safety in
place of the injured Mike Brown.
Daily Manning observers believe
the best approach would be to put
him at one position and keep him
there, and Angelo seems intent on
doing just that, declaring Manning
the undisputed front-runner at free
safety. Angelo also all but ruled
Brown out of the 2009 mix, but
team sources can still see Brown
returning if he doesnt get any
other serious offers in free agency.
The Brett Favre retirement
speculation has revved up again,
but the Vikings who might be a vet-
eran quarterback short of being a
Super Bowl team will watch the sit-
uation closely. Favre remains prop-
erty of the Jets, but sentiment
around the league is that he wont
play for the Jets hell either retire
or ask to play elsewhere. And the
thought is that the Vikings are the
one team Favre would consider
playing for. It makes sense for both
sides to have interest in each other,
but it remains to be seen how much
the Vikings would be willing to
trade for Favre, who some feel has
one big season left in him at best. If
Favre is to be traded to the Vikings
or any other NFC North team, it
would come at a steep cost. The
Jets would have to surrender three
first-round picks to the Packers,
which was a stipulation of last Au-
gust's trade. More likely would be
the Jets cutting Favre and him sign-
ing with the Vikings as a free agent.
With new defensive coordinator
Dom Capers gearing up for a con-
version to the 3-4, daily Packers
observers have been spending lots
of time wondering about how well
the teams current personnel will
fit. Thats especially the case in re-
gards to Aaron Kampman and
Cullen Jenkins, who figure to be
converted from 4-3 defensive ends
to OLBs in Capers scheme. We
hear Jenkins, who was playing quite
well before suffering a season-end-
ing pectoral injury in Week Four,
was initially dead set against the 3-
4 after seeing the problems former
teammate Corey Williams experi-
enced in adapting to the scheme
when traded to Cleveland. Kamp-
man, meanwhile, played some out-
side linebacker during his freshman
season at Iowa. Team sources also
have been mulling over injury-
prone Justin Harrells ability to
move from tackle to end, with
Ryan Pickett expected to be en-
trenched at nose tackle.
The Tampa-2 defense that for-
mer Lions head coach Rod
Marinelli ran the past few seasons
could be a thing of the past. New
head coach Jim Schwartz and de-
fensive coordinator Gunther Cun-
ninghamworked together in
Tennessee, and Schwartz ran what
could be called a game plan-spe-
cific defense, meaning the team
was willing to switch its approach
weekly based on its opponents
strengths and weaknesses.
Although Cunningham often de-
ferred in K.C. to head coach Herm
Edwards, who preferred the
Tampa-2 as his base scheme, Cun-
ningham always has been more
comfortable in an attacking mode.
The Lions might not have the per-
sonnel yet to run the same kind of
system that the Titans often have,
but expect the team to find players
who fit the mold of being bigger
and tougher at the point of attack,
instead of the quicker, lighter de-
fensive personnel favored in the
Tampa scheme.
Schwartz will leave the defensive
play-calling to Cunningham and
will focus on the big picture. For-
mer co-workers of Schwartz say he
knows the game inside and out and
has studied strategy from one of
the best game managers in the
NFL, Titans head coach Jeff
Fisher.
One of the problems with recent
Lions head coaches is that they
have been offensive or defensive
specialists who often have paid too
much attention to that side of the
ball and not seen the big picture.
Although Schwartz primarily has
been a defensive coach in the NFL,
he also has a stint in scouting on
his rsum and constantly studies
offensive football in order to better
understand the game as a whole.
Expect Schwartz to take an ac-
tive role in deciding who the Lions
will choose in the April draft, espe-
cially with the teams two first-
round draft picks (including No. 1
overall). Also aiding the draft
process could be former Jaguars
GM James Shack Harris, who
was fired earlier this year in Jack-
sonville but who could fill an assis-
tant personnel role under GM
Martin Mayhew.
Harris is known to be a good
judge of talent, but he has been
criticized for not being a savvy
salary-cap manager or roster or-
ganizer. If he is hired, however, Har-
ris eye for talent could come in
very handy on a team that desper-
ately needs an influx of it.
Former DE Aaron Kampman is expected to move to outside linebacker in the Packers new 3-4 defense.
L
E
S
B
E
N
T
L
E
Y
CHICAGO
BEARS
MINNESOTA
VIKINGS
GREEN BAY
PACKERS
DETROIT
LIONS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC SOUTHBy Dan Parr
WHISPERS
The Panthers just
signed DT Damione
Lewis to a contract
extension last offsea-
son, but the team
may address his deal
again before free
agency begins Feb. 27,
we hear. Lewis is due
a $2.5 million roster
bonus and has a cap
figure of $6.8 million
for 2009. He had sur-
gery to repair a torn
rotator cuff, which is
expected to keep him
out until at least July,
after injuring it in a
Dec. 21 loss to the Gi-
ants. Carolina wants
to make upgrades at
the DT spot, and
Lewis should expect
some competition in
training camp if
hes healthy and still
with the team.
The Saints are
likely to make several
cuts before free
agency begins, we
hear, to clear some
much-needed cap
space. Sources say
the team is projected
to be $5 million over
the cap, and CB Mike
McKenzie appears
to be one of the high-
priced targets up for
debate within the
clubs front office.
McKenzie, who will
turn 33 in April, is
scheduled to make a
cap hit of $6 million
in 2009 and has suf-
fered major knee in-
juries in each of the
past two seasons.
Despite the firing of
Jon Gruden, sources
in Tampa say the
Bucs are still confi-
dent they can re-sign
WR Antonio Bryant
without using the
franchise tag. In his
first season in Tampa,
Bryant had developed
a bond with Gruden
and thrived in his of-
fense after sitting out
all of 2007 when no
team was willing to
sign him because of
off-field concerns.
The Bucs, however,
are optimistic about
Bryants return be-
cause WR coach
Richard Mann is ex-
pected to remain on
new head coach Ra-
heem Morris staff.
Bryant and Mann are
also tight and worked
well together.
Adding better talent at corner-
back is on the Falcons to-do list
this offseason, but first they will
work on getting a deal done to re-
sign CB Domonique Foxworth,
the way we hear it. Atlanta traded
with Denver for Foxworth after last
years training camp, and he went
on to start the final 10 games of the
season. Sources say the Falcons
liked his play. He emerged as the
clubs best corner and brought
some much-needed size and
toughness to Atlantas group of
corners. Sources say GM Thomas
Dimitroff is committed to not
overpaying for any free agents,
since its his preference to build his
team through the draft, but at a
reasonable price, hed like to have
Foxworth back. Losing him would
leave the Falcons with a young, in-
experienced collection of corners
by the end of the season, Fox-
worth was the only active corner
with more than two years of experi-
ence.
Sources expect the Saints to
reach a resolution on the future of
RB Deuce McAllister early this
offseason. He wont be back under
his current contract, which in-
cludes a $7.3 million cap hit for
2009, so the Saints either will re-
lease McAllister or significantly cut
his pay with a restructured con-
tract. McAllisters top concern, we
hear, is finding a place where he
will be used consistently. McAllis-
ter, whose play has deteriorated
after suffering two torn anterior
cruciate ligaments since 05, was
unhappy in a diminished role in
08. If McAllister does redo his
deal, he would have to battle Mike
Bell to become the Saints No. 3
running back. Pierre Thomas and
Reggie Bush are entrenched as
the teams top backs. It became a
distraction last season when fans
expressed outrage that McAllister
wasnt being used, so we hear head
coach Sean Payton may lean to-
ward keeping Bell over McAllister.
The Buccaneers have accom-
plished their first main goal of the
offseason, the way we hear it. Find-
ing proven coordinators with
lengthy rsums became an essen-
tial part of the clubs offseason plan
after it hired Raheem Morris as
head coach. Morris, 32, was less
than two weeks into his first stint as
an NFL defensive coordinator when
he unexpectedly was promoted to
be Jon Grudens replacement. The
Bucs first landed a coach with 37
years of experience under his belt
in defensive coordinator Jim
Bates, and the hiring of ex-Boston
College head coach Jeff Jagodzin-
ski, who headed up the Packers of-
fense in 2006, as offensive
coordinator followed six days later.
This will provide an early test for
Morris as to how effective he can
be as a manager with two powerful
voices serving as his top aides. He
will lean on both assistants, and
Jagodzinski will hold significant
sway as the teams play-caller.
The Panthers hired Ron Meeks
to be their next defensive coordi-
nator on Jan. 26, but he wont be
given full authority over the clubs
defense. The way we hear it, head
coach John Fox will still have a big
hand in what goes on with the unit,
even though that may have added
friction to the relationship with his
last D-coordinator.
Meeks replaced Mike Trgovac,
who turned down an offer to stay in
Carolina, instead taking a step
down the ladder of authority and
joining the Packers staff as D-line
coach. Its uncommon to see
coaches move downward under
their own volition, but reports indi-
cated Trgovac and other members
of the Panthers staff were put off
by the clubs delay in offering them
new contracts, helping to fracture
their ties. DB coach Tim Lewis, DE
coach Sal Sunseri and LB coach
Ken Flajole also decided to go
elsewhere in recent weeks.
Its certainly not uncommon for
a head coach with a background
like Foxs, which included time as
the Giants D-coordinator before
he got the head job in Carolina, to
be significantly involved with the
defensive plans and calls. Word is,
however, that Fox sat in on defen-
sive meetings over the past few
seasons. He can be stubborn and
difficult to work with. Ultimately, Tr-
govac felt hed be better off in
Green Bay, despite likely having
less authority than he had with the
Panthers.
Meeks served as the Colts D-co-
ordinator under Tony Dungy for
the past seven seasons before re-
signing his post after Jim Cald-
well was promoted as Dungys
replacement. Meeks is a proponent
of the Tampa-2 defense, and mov-
ing to that scheme wouldnt be a
major change for the Panthers.
They had been playing a lot of zone
coverage under Trgovac during his
six seasons at the helm. Its not yet
clear just how different their
scheme will look next season, but
sources say some moderate
changes are in the offing.
In addition to composing a staff
following the mass exodus of de-
fensive assistants, the trio of
Meeks, Fox and GM Marty Hur-
ney will have to come to a decision
on their course of action with free-
agent-to-be DE Julius Peppers,
who has said hed like to play for a
different team next season. It is not
believed that the hiring of Meeks
had much of an effect on Peppers
intention.
Fired by Boston College, new Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski wasnt out of work for long.
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ATLANTA
FALCONS
NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS
TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
CAROLINA
PANTHERS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC WESTBy Dan Arkush
WHISPERS
Cardinals rookie
RB Tim Hightower
hardly set the world
on fire after replacing
Edgerrin James as
a starter, but Cardi-
nals RB coach Mau-
rice Carthon still
believes he has the
potential to be a solid
every-down back. I
think his arrow is still
on the upswing,
Carthon told PFWat
the Super Bowl in
Tampa. Naturally, I
have a different opin-
ion of him because I
went to his school
and worked him out
and really liked him.
Having a veteran run-
ning back like Edger-
rin James as a
mentor is huge. I re-
member as a player
how much Rodney
Hampton and O.J.
Anderson helped
me. Tim can catch
the ball out of the
backfield, and hes
smart. I think hell get
only better.
While theres no
denying the improve-
ment the Niners of-
fense made in 2008
under Mike Martz,
who was fired as the
offensive coordinator
shortly after the sea-
son ended, we hear
its a good bet that
new coordinator
Jimmy Raye will get
along better with the
Niners players and
coaches than did
Martz, whose often
dictatorial demeanor
didnt make him very
popular during his
one year in San Fran-
cisco. Word is TE Ver-
non Davis, in
particular, was not a
big fan of Martz.
We hear both new
Rams head coach
Steve Spagnuolo
and his wife, Maria, are
making a strong early
impression with their
down-to-earth de-
meanors. Said one
team insider, Spagn-
uolos wife has a great
personality. And talk
about being grounded!
Shes still a hair
dresser back East, and
I couldnt believe how
concerned she was
about getting back for
some appointments
after Spagnuolos first
press conference.
For the third straight year, the
49ers are expected to be in posi-
tion to aggressively shop the free-
agent market. But has the money
they doled out for CB Nate
Clements two years ago (eight
years, $80 million, $22 million
guaranteed) and DE Justin Smith
last spring (six years, $45 million,
$20 million guaranteed) been well
spent? Thats a fair question, con-
sidering the mixed reviews each got
in 08. They overpaid for
Clements, a team insider told PFW.
Hes great in the locker room, but
he has not been the shutdown
Champ Bailey-type corner they
envisioned. Look at the Dallas
game, when he got torched by Ter-
rell Owens. As for Smith, his role
has really changed. They thought
he could be a starting outside line-
backer, but he just doesnt have
enough speed. He can take over
games and collapse the pocket at
times, but hes not the 15-sack guy
the team had hoped for.
True to form, new offensive coor-
dinator Greg Knapp wasted no
time indicating that the Seahawks
will run the ball more frequently
next season. But will there be the
same RB-by-committee as there
was in Mike Holmgrens final sea-
son as head coach? The way we
hear it, the most likely scenario is a
featured lightning and thunder
combination of Julius Jones and
T.J. Duckett that will be similar to
the Warrick Dunn-Duckett
combo new head coach Jim Mora
and Knapp previously featured in
Atlanta. But dont forget Leonard
Weaver, a longtime team insider
told PFW. He has developed into a
pretty nice all-around fullback with
decent playmaking ability, and ac-
cording to Holmgren, he became
the backfields best blocker.As for
holdover free agent Maurice Mor-
ris, word is his lack of durability
and inability to be a consistent 20-
carry back probably will lead to his
departure.
Our Rams sources have yet to
get a feel for the schemes that new
head coach Steve Spagnuolo will
install along with his new coordina-
tors Pat Shurmur on offense
and Ken Flajole on defense. Hes
been so busy just assembling his
staff, a team insider told PFW.
Shurmur is an intriguing guy. I
would expect some brand of the
West Coast offense, but with more
muscle. The defense will probably
be patterned after the units Spagn-
uolo was involved with in Philadel-
phia and New York, with both he
and Flajole coming from the (Ea-
gles head coach) Andy Reid
coaching tree. But it remains to be
seen just how hands-on he will be.
The fact that neither Shurmur nor
Flajole has previously been an NFL
coordinator is concerning to some
observers, but as the insider
pointed out, Al Saunders was
considered an all-star hire by
Scott Linehan last year, and look
how badly that worked out.
While spending most of his time
just soaking up the Super Bowl ex-
perience in Tampa, Cardinals GM
Rod Graves did take a few mo-
ments to address what figures to
be a very busy offseason.
Acknowledging the numerous
challenges that await him most
notably the free-agent status of QB
Kurt Warner and LB Karlos
Dansby and the future of star WR
Anquan Boldin, who demanded a
trade early in the season Graves
told PFWthat the teams favorable
salary-cap situation certainly wont
hurt.
With just over $40 million in
cap room, I hope to get at least a
few deals done before next season
starts, he said.
Nailing down fair deals for
Super Bowl players will definitely
be a big challenge.
While Boldin has refused to
specifically address his future sta-
tus in Arizona for months, Graves
stance on his star receiver remains
the same as its always been.
For starters, dont forget that
hes still under contract for two
more years, Graves said. And as
weve said from the beginning, we
recognize that Anquan is a great
football player, and we want to sit
down and do a deal that is com-
mensurate with whats fair for both
him and us.
Well address his case at the
end of the season, and well see
where it fits in against the other
challenges we have. He is a core
member of our football team, and
we want to try to maintain an ex-
tended relationship with him if we
can.
PFWs conversation with Graves
came before the midweek gesture
by fellow star WR Larry Fitzger-
ald to offer a piece of his four-year,
$40 million pie to Boldin if it would
help keep him from splitting the
scene.
As for Steve Breaston the
teams up-and-coming No. 3 re-
ceiver, who stepped in so effec-
tively when Boldin was injured this
season he made it very clear
how he thought about Boldins
possible departure.
I think it would be a big loss,
Breaston told PFW. Anquan has al-
ways been a guy who knows this
whole offense, especially at the re-
ceivers position.
Him and Larry have helped me
a lot as far as fine-tuning my game
and telling me what I can do to do
better. I would hate to see him
leave.
In recent months, WR Anquan Boldin has been quiet about his future with the Cardinals.
J
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I
S
H
B
E
I
N
SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS
ST. LOUIS
RAMS
ARIZONA
CARDINALS
SUPER BOWL XLIII REVIEW
WR Santonio Holmes celebrates
the Steelers championship.
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By Hub Arkush
Publisher/Editor
TAMPA, Fla. Was Super Bowl XLIII one
of the best Super Bowls ever? Or was it a poor-
ly played game between two clubs that spent
as much time shooting themselves in the foot
as they did laying claim to a ring? That an-
swer is found only in the eye of the behold-
er.
What is not open to debate is that the Steel-
ers 27-23 victory over the Cardinals was clear-
ly one of the most suspenseful and dramat-
ic Super Bowls ever played, and the last 18 sec-
onds of the first half and final 3
1
2 minutes of
the game provided almost as many incredi-
ble individual efforts, outstanding plays and
gut-wrenching shifts in momentum as the first
42 Super Bowls put together.
The author of several of those moments,
2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
James Harrison, when asked if it was the best
game hed ever been part of, said, I dont
know. It is definitely the most emotional game
Ive ever been part of. Ive never been so emo-
tionally drained in my life.
In a game that featured at least half a dozen
or more plays that will mark Super Bowl his-
tory forever, three clearly stood out:
After Pittsburgh had dominated the
first quarter, allowing the Cardinals to run just
five offensive plays, and then took a 10-0 lead
just 59 seconds into the second quarter, Ari-
zona battled back to trail 10-7 and had the ball
at the Steelers one-yard line with 18 seconds
remaining in the half. The Cards appeared
poised to take a 14-10 lead into the locker
room. Instead, Harrison stepped in front of
a Kurt Warner toss to Anquan Boldin and re-
turned it 100 yards for a stunning Steelers
touchdown with no time left on the clock
and a 17-7 lead at the half.
After both teams struggled through the
third quarter and most of the fourth, the Car-
dinals got the ball at their own 36-yard line
with just 2:53 left to play, trailing 20-16. On
2nd-and-10, Warner hit Larry Fitzgerald on
an eight-yard crossing pattern. The All-Pro
receiver took the pass in full stride and
turned straight up the middle of the field, split-
ting the Steelers safeties and racing 64
yards to the endzone for Arizonas first lead
of the game at 23-20 with just 2:37 left to play.
Starting at his own 22 and getting
backed up to the 12 on a holding call on the
first play of the ensuing possession, Ben
Roethlisberger needed just 2:02 to march the
Steelers 88 yards, mainly on the strength of
four completions to Santonio Holmes for 73
yards. Holmes six-yard TD grab in the back
right corner of the endzone with 35 seconds
left to play, already being called the greatest
catch in Super Bowl history by many, sealed
the Steelers record sixth Super Bowl title.
Ive got a lot of love for him right now. Oh,
my God. I dont believe it! That won us the
game, Harrison said of Holmes remarkable
grab. Our offense came through for us when
we really needed it. We went out there and
gave up a big touchdown, and our offense
came through at the end.
According to Roethlisberger, I was going
to throw the ball in the flat. They covered it
up so I went to Hines (Ward), but he was cov-
ered, getting held. All of a sudden I saw
(Holmes) go to the corner. I threw it and then
I was afraid the cornerback might pick it, but
(Holmes) went up and made a heck of a catch.
For all the drama of those roughly four min-
utes of action, it is impossible to ignore how
poorly the other 55 minutes were played. The
officiating was uneven at best and on sever-
al occasions disappointing. For long stretch-
es of the game it seemed the outcome might
be the result of a war of attrition decided by
which team made more boneheaded plays
than the other. Almost every significant play
in the game ended with a replay, and Arizona
was flagged 11 times for 106 yards and the
SIX-CESSFUL
In a game marked by memorable plays, Santonio Holmes and the resilient Steelers
outlasted the explosive Cardinals to win a sloppy but ultimately satisfying Super Bowl XLIII
Steelers drew seven penalties for 56 yards.
Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett was heroic
in the second half with sacks of Roethlisberg-
er that stalled each of the Steelers first two
drives of the fourth quarter and allowed Ari-
zona to climb back from a 20-7 deficit in the
final eight minutes. Talking about the chip-
py nature of the game, he said, I think
everybody wanted to put their foot down and
let everybody know there are no punks out
here on either side of the ball. You cant sit
there and say youre going to take all the push-
ing and shoving.
There can be no argument the officials
helped to dictate the outcome of the game.
Arizona OT Mike Gandy was flagged three
times for holding Harrison, killing the Car-
dinals only possession of the first quarter and
stalling two fourth-quarter drives.
The lone score in the third period a 21-
yard field goal by Steelers PK Jeff Reed that
gave Pittsburgh its 13-point lead came on
a 16-play, 79-yard drive that took 8:39 off the
clock. However, the Steelers benefited great-
ly from three Cardinals penalties a 15-yard
face-mask call on Dominique Rodgers-Cro-
martie, a 15-yard roughing-the-passer call on
Karlos Dansby, and an unnecessary-rough-
ness call on Adrian Wilson that gave the Steel-
ers a 1st-and-goal at the Arizona four. Wilson
acknowledged, Its an emotional game on the
big stage, and you cant allow yourselves to do
those type of things. We definitely did, and
eventually it cost us the game.
Warner agreed with Wilson, saying, It hurt.
We have overcome a lot this year, but its tough
to continue to overcome those things against
a great football team. We didnt play our best
football game, so in that regard the penalties
hurt us.
Not to be outdone, though, Steelers C
Justin Hartwig was flagged for holding in the
endzone with just 2:58 remaining on a 3rd-
and-10 play that saw Roethlisberger connect
with Holmes for a 19-yard gain that would
have been a first down at the 20 and would
have given the Steelers a chance to run out the
clock and protect a 20-14 lead. Instead, the
infraction narrowed the score to 20-16. Fol-
lowing the safety, Pittsburgh punted from its
20, and two plays later Fitzgerald raced 64
yards to put Arizona in front.
What history will remember, though, is
those four minutes of glory, and it all start-
ed with Harrison coming up with the longest
play in Super Bowl history by being some-
where he wasnt supposed to be.
Hes a different breed, man, and whats
crazy about it is that he wasnt supposed to
be dropping; he was supposed to be rushing
on the play, Steelers NT Casey Hampton said
after the game.
Harrison confirmed Hamptons comments,
saying, It was really a max blitz. I was sup-
posed to be on the running back so I really just
slowed up.
Warner agreed that Harrisons improvisa-
tion was the difference, adding, They showed
an all-out blitz, and James did an excellent
job of holding in toward the line of scrimmage
and then popping out. I couldnt see him
around our linemen and the pressure.
Of his miraculous 100-yard gallop, on
which Harrison ran through, or around, at least
three tackles, Harrison said, I was going to
make it! Im not going to lie; I was on about
a half tank. You know it got short when I first
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES Eric Edholm, senior editor
Cards ponder what might have been
T
AMPA, Fla. As they had
throughout their gilded playoff
run, the Cardinals seized a mo-
ment and made it theirs. They put
themselves within grasp of footballs
ultimate prize. It all seemed so surreal
and extraordinary.
And then it slipped away.
Its the best and worst experience
Ive ever had, Cardinals DE Antonio
Smith said. I enjoyed each and every
moment of making it here but its so
bitter coming so close and losing the
final game.
The Cardinals were this seasons
pranksters, turning the tables on an
NFC playoff field that featured far
more balanced and consistent teams.
They had graduated from postseason
neophytes and pretenders and run
through an accelerated course, just to
get to the Super Bowl. And if facing
the Steelers the most battle-hardened
and impenetrable team in the NFL
wasnt daunting enough, there was the
matter of the self-inflicted wounds they
had to overcome.
A 20-7 deficit in the fourth quarter.
A soul-snatching 100-yard intercep-
tion return before halftime that was at
least a 10-point swing, perhaps even 14.
Eleven crushing penalties six of
which put the Cardinals at least 19 yards to
go for a first down, and four of which gave
the Steelers a first down.
Some suspect officiating, including a
few non-calls on would-be intentional
grounding and some ticky-tack defensive
penalties.
One catch for 12 yards through three
quarters for star WR Larry Fitzgerald.
It was difficult to watch, head coach
Ken Whisenhunt said of his teams errors.
Each would have been enough to sink
most teams before games end on its own,
much less all in one game. Clearly, this
Cardinals team was not your typical con-
tender; that much had been proven over
the previous month.
But it was still a pleasant surprise to see
one last great surge from this entertaining
team. The Cardinals might have been a
flawed group and perhaps not the rock-
steady outfit their opponents were, but
Kurt Warner, Fitzgerald and a fearless sup-
porting cast had more than a final gasp.
They had a haymaker in their back pock-
et, and it came out late in the fight. With
11:30 to go, Warner received the nod to go
to the hurry-up and operate out of the
spread formations that make their passing
game so lethal. Unleashing it earlier might
have played into the Steelers clock-milk-
ing hands. But now was the time, and it
started a record-breaking comeback.
Our pride was on the line, and our
character was being tested, LB Karlos
Dansby said.
No team had overcome a 10-point deficit
in any Super Bowl, much less come from
13 points down, and its perhaps only fit-
ting that this was the team to do so. It was
in many ways the anti-contender a team
so overly dependent on its passing game,
so ambivalent about its run game and so
forgiving defensively at times that you
could argue it rewrote the Super Bowl
DNA code.
The Cardinals twice dissected the Steel-
ers top-ranked pass defense and speed
rush, no longer looking away from the
heavily cloaked Fitzgerald no matter the
coverage. On defense, they stopped the
Steelers twice and put themselves in a po-
sition to win following a safety. And with
2:37 remaining, Fitzgerald drove a stake
through the Steelers heart, catching the
defense in cover-2 man as the safeties
both broke toward the sidelines and left
the middle of the field wide open.
And then it happened. Santonio
Holmes made several clutch catches,
the last of which already has been em-
bossed in Super Bowl lore and which
effectively ended the Cardinals
bizarre and thrilling run.
In my mind I am thinking, I cant
believe this (happened), said a de-
jected Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
one of three Cardinals within spit-
ting distance of Holmes on the final
catch. All of your dreams one play
shatters all of that.
The loss left more questions than
answers, none greater than: What
now becomes of this team?
Warner, in the twilight of a brilliant
career that might land him in the Pro
Football Hall of Fame, hangs in the
balance as a free agent and possible
retirement candidate.
Anquan Boldin, who benefited from all
the Fitzgerald attention to catch eight big
passes for 84 yards, is a candidate to be
traded, unhappy with his contract status.
Dansby, who had a game-high eight
tackles, an interception and two tackles for
losses and who earned the holding call on
the safety, is a free agent who might have
to be franchised.
Edgerrin James isnt likely to be back,
leaving a hole at running back.
Did you see Mike Gandy try to block
James Harrison? Or Levi Brown on
LaMarr Woodley? They need help at tack-
le, perhaps badly.
And anyone who follows the league
knows the recent track record of Super
Bowl-losing teams the following season.
For those who dont, its not good.
This was a letdown in every way, shape
and form, Smith said. But I think we
found how this team needs to run. Its go-
ing to push us to work even harder to get
back to this stage.
Theyve already turned a franchise in the
right direction, but you have to wonder if
this was a one-off performance, a glimmer-
ing wonder that might never again shine
as brightly as it did for this one month.
Sometimes greatness really is fleeting.
PFW senior editor Eric Edholm can be
reached at eedholm@pfwmedia.com.
(Continued on Page 14)
Larry Fitzgeralds late-game heroics proved fu-
tile as the Steelers rallied from behind.
M
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H
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M
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N
T
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S
James Harrisons 100-yard intercep-
tion return for a touchdown is the
longest play in Super Bowl history.
A
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started and then it got long again and then it
got a little shorter toward the middle. And then
near the end I was like, Im already here, no
need to try and stop, I just got to keep going.
Troy Polamalu had a very interesting take
on the Harrison play when he said, It was the
difference in the game. We had a defensive
touchdown, and they didnt.
Considering the final four-point margin,
and the fact that teams with interceptions re-
turned for touchdowns in the Super Bowl are
now 9-0, you have to assume hes right.
First, though, would come the drama of the
final three minutes. Fitzgerald was held
without a catch for the first 29 minutes of the
game, and with just 11:30 left in the game, he
had one catch for 12 yards. The Cardinals got
the ball at their own 13, and Warner marched
them 87 yards on eight plays, including
short tosses in the left flat to Fitzgerald for six,
18 and six yards. On third down at the Steel-
ers one, Warner found his No. 1 receiver a
fourth time, with Fitzgerald high-pointing the
ball away from Ike Taylor to close the gap to
20-14. And that was just the warm-up act.
After holding the Steelers to a three-and-
out, Arizona got the ball back at its own 25
with 5:28 remaining. Warner immediately hit
Boldin for 11 yards, and after Boldin took a
swipe at Taylors face mask, the Steelers
cornerback was flagged 15 additional yards
for retaliating. Then Warner hit Steve Breas-
ton with a pass for 23 more yards, setting up
Arizona with a first down at the Steelers 26
with 3:59 to play. However, Gandys third
holding penalty, plus three straight incomple-
tions, forced Arizona to punt. Ben Graham
then delivered a brilliant kick to the Steelers
two-yard line.
The holding call and safety on Hartwig
came just two plays later and set up Fitzger-
alds 64-yard TD that gave Arizona the lead.
I think it was a two-man, Fitzgerald said
about the play. In two-man the safeties
usually sit on the hash marks, so I knew if I
was able to get inside and break one tackle,
I knew I would probably be able to split the
safeties. Kurt just threw a really good ball out
in front of me, one I could run under. Ike dove
at my legs, and I was just able to fortunate-
ly break free.
Ken Whisenhunt was worried, though, and
Mike Tomlin was on the same page.
I thought there was too much time on the
clock, Whisenhunt said. Thats something
youre always worried about, but I felt that
maybe we could at least hold them to a field
goal and have a chance at overtime. But they
made the play.
Tomlins thought was, I was actually
thinking if theyre going to score, thats how
you want them to score extremely quick-
ly. As soon as we missed the tackle and
(Fitzgerald) was running down the field, I was
probably over it because weve just been in
those situations so many times. Never pret-
ty, but we never blink, either.
Roethlisberger and his troops certainly
didnt do that.
The biggest play was probably Holmes third
catch of the drive, a short grab and long run
for 40 yards that set the Steelers up at the Car-
dinals six with 49 seconds left and a timeout
still in the bank. First, Roethlisberger tried
to hit Holmes in the back left of the endzone,
but the ball went through his hands. Then
came the history-making and life-changing
toss that left everyone in the stadium stunned
and almost completely drained.
It was like getting a chair pulled out
from under you, Fitzgerald said. It hurts so
bad to be so close to being a champion and
have it snatched away from you. Youve got
to tip your hat to those guys over there at the
Steelers. Theyre a courageous group of guys.
They fought to the end and made plays
when it counted.
No one made more plays than Holmes.
I definitely asked the Lord to help me to-
day, he said. I asked him, Can I be the guy
to win this game? I told my coach earlier
this evening that I wanted to be a great play-
maker for this team. I knew it was a touch-
down 100 percent; my feet never left the
ground. All I did was stood up on my toes
and extended my hands. The Lord was will-
ing to look out for me today and gave me
the opportunity.
Style points aside, Super Bowl XLIII was
definitely a game for the ages. It probably
punched Warners ticket to the Pro Football
Hall of Fame, and it absolutely marked the
Steelers as the most successful team and the
dominant franchise of the NFLs modern
era.
GAME STATISTICS
Tampa, Fla., Feb. 1, 2009
PITTSBURGH 3 14 3 7 27
ARIZONA 0 7 0 16 23
Attendance: 70,774.
SCORING
First quarter
Pittsburgh: Reed, 18 FG, 9:45. Drive: 71
yards in nine plays, 5:15. Key plays: Ward
38 pass fromRoethlisberger on 2nd-and-
8 from Pittsburgh 30; Miller 21 pass from
Roethlisberger on 1st-and-10 from Ari-
zona 22. Pittsburgh 3, Arizona 0.
Second quarter
Pittsburgh: Russell, 1 run (Reed kick),
14:01. Drive: 69 yards in 11 plays, 7:12. Key
plays: Holmes 25 pass from Roethlis-
berger on 1st-and-10 from Pittsburgh 31;
Miller 11 pass fromRoethlisberger on 3rd-
and-10 from Arizona 44. Pittsburgh 10,
Arizona 0.
Arizona: Patrick, 1 pass from Warner
(Rackers kick), 8:34. Drive: 83 yards in
nine plays, 5:27. Key plays: Breaston 13
pass from Warner on 1st-and-20 from
Arizona 41; Boldin 45 pass from Warner
on 2nd-and-7 from Pittsburgh 46. Pitts-
burgh 10, Arizona 7.
Pittsburgh: Harrison, 100 interception
return (Reed kick), 0:00. Pittsburgh 17,
Arizona 7.
Third quarter
Pittsburgh: Reed, 21 FG, 2:11. Drive: 79
yards in 16 plays, 8:39. Key plays: Holmes
15 pass fromRoethlisberger on 2nd-and-
11 from Arizona 36; Parker 15 run on 2nd-
Arizona 7.
Fourth quarter
Arizona: Fitzgerald, 1 pass from Warner
(Rackers kick), 7:33. Drive: 87 yards in
eight plays, 3:57. Key plays: Arrington 28
pass from Warner on 2nd-and-4 from 50;
Fitzgerald 18 pass from Warner on 1st-
and-10 from Pittsburgh 28. Pittsburgh
20, Arizona 14.
Arizona: Holding penalty on Hartwig in
endzone for safety, 2:58. Pittsburgh 20,
Arizona 16.
Arizona: Fitzgerald, 64 pass from
Warner (Rackers kick), 2:37. Drive: 64
yards in two plays, 0:21. Arizona 23, Pitts-
burgh 20.
Pittsburgh: Holmes, 6 pass from
Roethlisberger (Reed kick), 0:35. Drive:
78 yards in eight plays, 2:02. Key plays:
Holmes 14 pass fromRoethlisberger on
1st-and-20 from Pittsburgh 12; Holmes
40 pass from Roethlisberger on 2nd-
Arizona 23.
TEAM STATISTICS
Pitt. Ariz.
First downs............................20..........23
Rushing................................4............2
Passing ..............................12..........20
Penalty ................................4 ............1
Total yards ..........................292........407
Rushing..............................58..........33
Passing............................234........374
Passes completed ................21 ..........31
Passes attempted ................30..........43
Passes intercepted..................1 ............1
Sacks allowed......................2............2
Sacks yds. lost ..................22............3
Punts........................................3............5
Average ........................46.3 ......36.0
Kickoffs....................................6............4
Endzone..............................2............0
Touchbacks ........................1............0
Punt returns ............................2............2
Yards returned ..................5..........34
Kickoff returns ........................4............5
Yards returned ................80 ..........91
Penalties ..................................7 ..........11
Yards penalized................56........106
Rushing plays........................26 ..........12
Average gain....................2.2 ........2.8
Total plays..............................58..........57
Average gain....................5.0..........7.1
Fumbles ..................................0............2
Lost ....................................0 ............1
Field goals att. ........................2............0
Made ..................................2............0
Third-down plays ..................10............8
Converted to 1st down ......4............3
Fourth-down plays ..................0............0
Converted to 1st down ......0............0
Time of possession..........33:01 ....26:59
Avg. yard line start ................23 ..........31
Possessions ins. 20 ................4............3
Touchdowns ......................2............2
Field goals ..........................2............0
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING
STEELERS Parker 19-53, 15L;
Moore 1-6; Roethlisberger 4-2, 4L; Rus-
sell 2-(-3), 1L, 1td.
CARDINALS James 9-33, 9L; Ar-
rington 1-0; Hightower 1-0; Warner 1-0.
PASSING
STEELERS Roethlisberger 21-30-
256, 1i, 40L, 1td.
CARDINALS Warner 31-43-377, 1i,
64L, 3td.
RECEIVING
STEELERS Holmes 9-131, 40L, 1td;
Miller 5-57, 21L; Ward 2-43, 38L; Washing-
ton 1-11; C. Davis 1-6; Spaeth 1-6; Moore
1-4; Parker 1-(-2).
CARDINALS Boldin 8-84, 45L;
Fitzgerald 7-127, 64L, 2td; Breaston 6-71,
23L; James 4-28, 11L; Arrington 2-35,
22L; Hightower 2-13, 10L; Urban 1-18;
Patrick 1-1, 1td.
PUNTING
STEELERS Berger 3 for 46.3 avg,
49L, 1 ins 20.
CARDINALSGraham5 for 36.0avg,
45L, 3 ins 20.
PUNT RETURNS
STEELERS Holmes 2-5, 1fc, 4L.
CARDINALS Breaston 2-34, 34L.
KICKOFF RETURNS
STEELERS Russell 2-42, 24L; C.
Davis 2-38, 21L.
CARDINALS Arrington 4-82, 23L;
Breaston 1-9.
INTERCEPTIONS
STEELERS J. Harrison 1-100, 1td.
CARDINALS Dansby 1-(-1).
TACKLES-ASSISTS-SACKS
STEELERS Farrior 6-1-0; Taylor 5-2-
0; Keisel 4-1-0; Clark 2-3-0; Timmons 4-
0-0; J. Harrison 3-1-0; Woodley 3-1-2;
McFadden 3-0-0; Townsend 2-1-0; Carter
2-0-0; Foote 2-0-0; Hampton 1-1-0; Pola-
malu 0-2-0; Gay 1-0-0; Kirschke 1-0-0;
Aa. Smith 0-1-0; Holmes 0-1-0.
CARDINALS Dansby 5-3-0; Wilson
7-0-0; Hayes 4-3-0; Okeafor 6-0-0; Dock-
ett 5-1-2; Hood 5-1-0; Rodgers-Cromartie
5-0-0; Beisel 2-2-0; Rolle 1-2-0; Smith 1-
1-0; Campbell 1-0-0; Francisco 1-0-0;
LaBoy 1-0-0; R. Brown 1-0-0; Watson 1-0-
0.
FUMBLES-RECOVERED-FORCED
STEELERS Keisel 0-1-0; Woodley 0-
0-1.
CARDINALS James 0-1-0; Warner
2-0-0.
FIELD GOALS
STEELERS Reed 18g, 21g.
STEELERS STARTERS
WR 86 Hines Ward DE 91 Aaron Smith
OLT 78 Max Starks NT 98 Casey Hampton
OLG 68 Chris Kemoeatu DE 99 Brett Keisel
C 62 Justin Hartwig OLB 56 Lamar Woodley
ORG 72 Darnell Stapleton LILB 51 James Farrior
ORT 74 Willie Colon RILB 50 Larry Foote
TE 83 Heath Miller OLB 92 James Harrison
TE 89 Matt Spaeth LCB 24 Ike Taylor
QB 7 Ben Roethlisberger RCB 20 Bryant McFadden
RB 39 Willie Parker SS 43 Troy Polamalu
TE 49 Sean McHugh FS 25 Ryan Clark
PK 3 Jeff Reed P 17 Mitch Berger
STEELERS SUBSTITUTIONS
WR 10 S. Holmes, WR 14 L. Sweed, RB 21 M. Moore, CB 22 W.
Gay, S 23 T. Carter, CB 26 D. Townsend, RB 33 G. Russell, CB 37
A. Madison, RB 38 C. Davis, LB 54 A. Frazier, LB 55 P. Bailey, LB
57 K. Fox, LS 61 J. Retkofsky, DT76 C. Hoke, WR 85 N. Washing-
ton, DE 90 T. Kirschke, DE 93 N. Eason, LB 94 L. Timmons.
DID NOT PLAY
QB 4 B. Leftwich, G 65 J. Parquet, T 79 T. Essex.
STEELERS INACTIVES
3rdQB 2 D. Dixon, S 27 An. Smith, CB 31 F. Bryant, LB 53 B.
Davis, OT66 T. Hills, OT69 J. Capizzi, DL71 S. Paxson, DE 96 O.
Roye.
CARDINALS STARTERS
WR 11 Larry Fitzgerald DLE 94 Antonio Smith
OLT 69 Mike Gandy NT 97 Bryan Robinson
OLG 74 Reggie Wells DT 90 Darnell Dockett
C 63 Lyle Sendlein DRE 98 Gabe Watson
ORG 76 Deuce Lutui LB 54 Gerald Hayes
ORT 75 Levi Brown LB 52 Monty Beisel
TE 82 Leonard Pope LB 58 Karlos Dansby
WR 81 Anquan Boldin SLB 56 Chike Okeafor
QB 13 Kurt Warner CB 29 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
RB 32 Edgerrin James SS 24 Adrian Wilson
FB 45 Terrelle Smith FS 21 Antrel Rolle
PK 1 Neil Rackers P 5 Ben Graham
CARDINALS SUBSTITUTIONS
WR15 S. Breaston, CB20R. Brown, S22 M. Ware, CB26R. Hood,
CB 27 M. Adams, RB 28 J. Arrington, RB 34 T. Hightower, S 47 A.
Francisco, LS 48 N. Hodel, LB 51 P. Togafau, DE-LB 55 T. LaBoy,
OG-OT 61 E. Brown, WR 85 J. Urban, WR 87 S. Morey, TE 89 B.
Patrick, DE 91 K. Iwebema, DE 92 B. Berry, DE 93 C. Campbell.
DID NOT PLAY
QB 7 M. Leinart, C 70 P. Ross, WR 80 E. Doucet.
CARDINALS INACTIVES
3rdQB 2 B. St. Pierre, CB 25 E. Green, FB 46 T. Castille, LB 57 V.
Hobson, OT68 E. Vallejo, OT72 B. Keith, DT78 A. Branch, TE 84
J. Tuman.
(Continued from Page 13)
Santonio Holmes incredible fourth-quarter touchdown catch, behind three Car-
dinals defenders, provided the game-winning points for the Steelers.
A
P
By Keith Schleiden
Editor-in-chief
TAMPA, Fla. Santonio Holmes thought
his opportunity had passed. His shot at Su-
per Bowl glory had just sailed through his
hands in the left corner of the endzone in the
closing seconds of the fourth quarter.
A catchable pass had become a blown op-
portunity. Time for someone elses chance
to shine.
I thought we would get the opportuni-
ty to call for Willie (Parker) to run it in, or
throw it up (for someone else), Holmes said
immediately after the game. But when
they called that play, thats been my play
throughout the whole postseason.
This time there was no drop. Only a pic-
ture-perfect pass from Ben Roethlisberger
snatched by Holmes, who deftly landed both
feet in the endzone for what proved to be the
game-winning score and signature play of
Super Bowl XLIII.
It definitely can be thought of as redemp-
tion. It was a play that I should have
made, Holmes said, recalling the dropped
pass. Ben put the ball where only I could
catch it. I really took my eyes off of it, think-
ing about keeping my feet down before I got
my hands on the ball and just lost sight of
the ball. But coming back, and having the
faith in me and believing that I could be the
one to make that play, he gave me the op-
portunity in the back of the endzone, and
I promised myself this time I wouldnt lift
those feet off the ground.
Even though the officials reviewed the play
to make sure it was a touchdown, Holmes
said there was never a doubt in his mind that
he had made the most of his second chance.
I knew my toes were on the ground the
whole time, Holmes said. Once I extend-
ed my arms and my body, everything just
flowed right together. I never left the
ground.
It was this play that sealed Holmes fate
as the Most Valuable Player in the Steelers
sixth Super Bowl championship. But it was
his work earlier on the final drive that laid
the groundwork. His receptions of 14, 13 and
40 yards helped move the Steelers into po-
sition to take their shots at the endzone, with
a six-yarder putting Pittsburgh over the top
with 35 seconds left to play.
That was a heck of a drive, Roethlisberg-
er said. We got backed up early on the drive
with the penalties and we had to work the
ball all the way down the field. On the scor-
ing play that put us ahead, the first read
wasnt open. The second read wasnt open,
and I kind of felt (Holmes) at the last
minute, so I let it go and thought the cor-
ner dropped off, but (Holmes) went out and
just made a heck of a grab.
Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said
the name of the game-winning play is 62,
Seat, Flasher.
It was a play designed to get WR Nate
(Washington) down the middle, or Hines
(Ward) or Heath (Miller) in a high and low
backside, and Santonio just ran a curl on the
backside and split the whole coverage open,
Arians explained. He ran a great route, beat
the guy and makes the play.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin heaped
praise on his young receiver in the postgame
press conference, noting that Holmes has
come through in the clutch throughout
the playoff run.
Santonio is just a guy that loves to deliv-
er in big moments and in big games, Tom-
lin said. I think I said it earlier in the week
at one of the eight or nine interview sessions
I had. What he did tonight was similar to
what he did in the month of January in the
playoffs to get to this game, and was also sim-
ilar to what he did for us in Baltimore to win
the division. In big moments, we know what
we can get from him and we appreciate it.
Holmes was hardly the receiver of choice
in the week leading up to the game. Most of
the attention centered on Larry Fitzgerald,
the Cardinals pass catcher who largely
was unstoppable during the playoffs. Anquan
Boldin, who drew crowds of media members
to answer questions about his sideline
tantrum in the NFC championship game
and his desire for a trade out of Arizona,
overshadowed Holmes. Teammate Hines
Ward, who was questionable to play because
of a knee injury and was the MVP of Super
Bowl XL, was a far more popular interview
subject.
But there was no doubt among Holmes
teammates that he was deserving of the MVP
award.
He deserved it, LB Larry Foote said.
They didnt talk about him all week long.
This is his home state. Weve been hearing
about Fitzgerald this and Fitzgerald that, and
Santonio stole the show.
Holmes is now in elite company, one of
just 38 men to have captured a Super Bowl
MVP award. On Monday morning, after hav-
ing had a chance to bask in the glow of his
latest achievement, Holmes was asked if
Ward had given him any advice on how to
handle the attention that comes with being
a Super Bowl MVP.
As far as talking to Hines about whats
definitely going to change about my life, he
just told me to stay humble, Holmes said.
Things are going to come for me. (I just
need) to be ready to represent my family, this
team and this whole organization, because
everybody behind me has my back. (He told
me) dont lose sight of where I came from
and definitely what Im trying to accomplish
for the rest of my life.
The Super Bowl MVP is determined by a
vote conducted by 16 on-site media mem-
bers, which represented 80 percent of the
vote, and fans voting on Superbowl.com and
NFL.com, which counted for 20 percent of
the vote (four votes).
Holmes received 12
1
2 votes. Roethlisberg-
er received three votes, Cardinals WR Lar-
ry Fitzgerald garnered 2
1
2 votes and Steelers
LB James Harrison tallied two votes.
K
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C
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ID
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/
P
F
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Santonio Holmes addressed the media after the Super Bowl surrounded by his children (from left) Saniya, Santonio III and Nicori.
ALL-TIME SUPER BOWL MVPS
SB game MVP / Team
XLIII WR Santonio Holmes / Pittsburgh
XLII QB Eli Manning / N.Y. Giants
XLI QB Peyton Manning / Indianapolis
XL WR Hines Ward / Pittsburgh
XXXIX WR Deion Branch / New England
XXXVIII QB Tom Brady / New England
XXXVII FS Dexter Jackson / Tampa Bay
XXXVI QB Tom Brady / New England
XXXV LB Ray Lewis / Baltimore
XXXIV QB Kurt Warner / St. Louis
XXXIII QB John Elway / Denver
XXXII RB Terrell Davis / Denver
XXXI WR-RS Desmond Howard / Green Bay
XXX CB Larry Brown / Dallas
XXIX QB Steve Young / San Francisco
XXVIII RB Emmitt Smith / Dallas
XXVII QB Troy Aikman / Dallas
XXVI QB Mark Rypien / Washington
XXV RB Ottis Anderson / N.Y. Giants
XXIV QB Joe Montana / San Francisco
XXIII WR Jerry Rice / San Francisco
XXII QB Doug Williams / Washington
XXI QB Phil Simms / N.Y. Giants
XX DE Richard Dent / Chicago
XIX QB Joe Montana / San Francisco
XVIII RB Marcus Allen / L.A. Raiders
XVII RB John Riggins / Washington
XVI QB Joe Montana / San Francisco
XV QB Jim Plunkett / Oakland
XIV QB Terry Bradshaw / Pittsburgh
XIII QB Terry Bradshaw / Pittsburgh
XII DT Randy White, DE Harvey Martin / Dallas
XI WR Fred Biletnikoff / Oakland
X WR Lynn Swann / Pittsburgh
IX RB Franco Harris / Pittsburgh
VIII RB Larry Csonka / Miami
VII S Jake Scott / Miami
VI QB Roger Staubach / Dallas
V LB Chuck Howley / Dallas
IV QB Len Dawson / Kansas City
III QB Joe Namath / N.Y. Jets
II QB Bart Starr / Green Bay
I QB Bart Starr / Green Bay
SWEET REDEMPTION
Holmes makes the most of second opportunity in endzone, earns MVP honors
SUPER BOWL XLIII NOTEBOOK
By Dan Arkush
Executive editor
TAMPA, Fla. As a matter of record, Su-
per Bowl XLIII more than held its own. There
have been other Super Bowls with more
statistical milestones, but with the Steelers
record-setting sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy
at the top of the list, this was a title game un-
rivaled in terms of high-quality accomplish-
ments.
What makes the Steelers sixth title an even
more noteworthy feat is just how close the
team came to allowing the Cardinals to
make what would have been the greatest
comeback in Super Bowl history a fate that
was avoided thanks to WR Santonio Holmes
game-winning six-yard TD catch with 35 sec-
onds remaining that ranks right up there with
The Catch made by Dwight Clark in the NFC
championship game of the 1981 season.
The Steelers are arguably the best franchise
in sports, Steelers SS Troy Polamalu said with
genuine pride after the game. To do it the way
the Rooney family has done it, to have the sup-
port in Pittsburgh, its not a big market. Its
not like the Dallas Cowboys, where they get
a lot of press. Its a blessing in a way that its
a blue-collar team. Weve done it. Weve
grinded throughout the beginning of the Pitts-
burgh Steelers, and its really wonderful that
it paid off this way.
Further sweetening the Steelers accom-
plishment was the fact that head coach Mike
Tomlin, at the age of 36, became the youngest
coach ever to win the Super Bowl.
Im very blessed to be hired by the Rooney
family, said Tomlin, who became the second
African-American coach to win the Super
Bowl after former Colts head coach Tony
Dungy. They took a chance on a 34-year-old
coach with not a long rsum. I wanted to
ante up and add to their legacy, and thank-
fully, with the help of a great coaching staff
and great players, we were able to do that.
Viewers of the most watched Super Bowl
ever also were treated to a record-breaking play
of major proportions Steelers LB James
Harrisons 100-yard interception return for a
touchdown with no time remaining in the first
half, which surpassed Packers KR Desmond
Howards 99-yard kickoff return against New
England in Super Bowl XXXI as the longest
play in Super Bowl history.
It was very tiring, but it was all worth it,
said Harrison of his tide-turning pick with the
Cardinals threatening to take a 14-10 halftime
lead. I just wanted to help my team win,
that was all I was thinking about.
The underdog Cardinals did their part to
add to the NFL record book, with QB
Kurt Warner and WR Larry Fitzgerald
leading the way.
Warner broke Super Bowl records for
300-yard passing games and consecutive
300-yard passing games with his third
straight 300-yard Super Bowl performance.
He also now has the top three passing-
yardage games in Super Bowl history 414
in SB XXXIV against the Titans, 377 in this
game and 365 against the Patriots in SB
XXXVI. In addition, Warner now has the
most career passing yards in Super Bowl his-
tory with 1,156, surpassing Joe Montanas
1,142.
In four postseason games, Fitzgerald had
30 catches for 546 yards and seven TDs, set-
ting records in all three categories for a sin-
gle postseason. His four consecutive 100-yard
playoff games also set a record.
Other record-breaking notes:
The Cardinals set a record for the most
first downs passing with 20, and the two teams
combined to tie the record in the same cat-
egory with 32.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
belted out a rousing halftime rendition of
Born to Run, but neither teams ground game
rose to the occasion, combining for the
fewest first downs rushing in a Super Bowl
with six (two for Arizona, four for Pittsburgh);
fewest rushing attempts with 38 (12 for Ari-
zona, 26 for Pittsburgh); and fewest rushing
yards with 91 (33 for Arizona, 58 for Pitts-
burgh).
Yellow flags rivaled the yellow Terrible
Towels in the stands, as the Steelers tied a
record for the most first downs by penalty with
four. Arizonas 11 penalties fell one short of the
single-game mark shared by the Cowboys in
SB XII and the Panthers in SB XXXVIII.
Arizona had the first team safety ever,
thanks to a holding call in the endzone late
in the fourth quarter by Steelers C Justin
Hartwig. It was the sixth safety in Super Bowl
history.
NFLPA MEETING:
PLANS TO REPLACE
UPSHAW TAKE
CENTER STAGE
The void in the room couldnt have been
greater, as for the first time in 25 years, the
NFL Players Association conducted its annu-
al Super Bowl press conference without for-
mer executive director Gene Upshaw, whose
sudden death from pancreatic cancer last Aug.
20 at the age of 63 sent shock waves around
the NFL.
After a few introductory remarks by
Richard Berthelsen, the unions general
counsel who has been serving as acting exec-
utive director, union president and All-Pro Ti-
tans C Kevin Mawae spelled out the strate-
gy for finding an able replacement for Upshaw.
Mawae, who was elected union president
last April, explained how he and a search com-
mittee consisting of himself, Berthelsen and
five other players Domonique Foxworth,
Mike Vrabel, Tony Richardson, Jeff Saturday
and Donovin Darius interviewed six to sev-
en executive search firms in early September
to aid in the search to replace Upshaw.
After settling on Reilly Partners, who had
handled a similar search for the National
Hockey League Players Association, Mawae
said a group of 25 initial candidates was grad-
ually pared down to five.
Throughout the process, we wanted to
keep the candidates as confidential as possi-
ble, since some of them had high-profile jobs
and were stakeholders in their current com-
panies, Mawae said. Unfortunately, that kind
of stuff leaks out.
Various media outlets have identified the
five candidates none of whom were dis-
closed at the press conference as former
players Trace Armstrong, Troy Vincent, Ben
Utt, Jim Covert and Washington D.C.-based
lawyer DeMaurice F. Smith.
Now the next step will be to get down to
three highly qualified candidates in advance
of our annual players meeting in March,
Mawae said. We will continue to keep the
process as open and fair as possible and re-
alize that weve got a lot of work ahead of us.
Later in the press conference, the focus
switched to the equally uncertain future of the
leagues labor negotiations.
NFL owners voted last May to exercise a re-
opener clause in the Collective Bargaining
Agreement with the players and end the deal
two years early. With the deal now set to run
only through the 2010 season, next season will
be the final one with a salary cap.
Before his death, Upshaw had said on more
than one occasion that if the salary cap were
eliminated, the players never would agree to
another one a stance that Berthelsen em-
phatically reiterated.
That is certainly still the case, he said. In
fact, more than a few players have remind-
ed us in recent meetings to remember what
Gene said. If we ever get to that point, it would
be very hard to unscramble.
Added Mawae: An uncapped system is not
going to hurt us. If teams are willing to spend,
the players will be more than willing to take
the money. Were ready to roll the dice if need
be.
Berthelsen presented a host of financial fig-
ures from a study the NFLPA put together en-
titled The Economics of NFL Team Owner-
ship.
The study found that in the last 10 years
NFL clubs have grown in value on average
from $288 million to, be specific, $1.04 bil-
LET THE RECORD SHOW
Steelers sixth Super Bowl title tops list of memorable milestones
M
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H
A
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M
O
N
T
E
S
With the game still up for grabs in the waning moments, LaMarr Woodley forced a Kurt
Warner fumble that the Steelers recovered, sealing their record sixth Super Bowl title.
lion, an annual compound growth rate of al-
most 14 percent in the last 10 years,
Berthelsen said.
The study also shows that the average
NFL club had a little less than $24 million in
average profit.
We dont agree with the owners charac-
terization that the (current CBA) deal is too
rich for the players, Berthelsen said. Instead,
what we see is the same thing that we saw in
2006, which is a small group of say, nine or
10 teams at the bottom of the revenue scale
who (claim) they cannot live with where the
salary cap is now because they dont get the
average revenue. And with approval needed
from 24 of the 32 NFL teams on any collec-
tive bargaining extension, nine owners can
stop a deal.
In the event of a lockout, Berthelsen indi-
cated the union had a reserve fund of $210
million. He also said that it was quite likely
that any new contracts negotiated this offsea-
son would be shorter in length due to the
looming uncertainty at the bargaining table.
Mawae also mentioned the potential dif-
ficulty team player reps will have being in-
volved in any bargaining talks.
It will be kind of hard for a player to go to
Washington when he has a game on Sunday,
he said. A lot of negotiating will be taking
place during the season, and its going to be
hard for players to be in a negotiating room
when its Wednesday afternoon and you
have nine-on-seven drills scheduled.
The press conference ended on a somewhat
ominous note when Mawae was asked point
blank if he believed there would be a pro foot-
ball season in 2011.
If youve got the eight-ball and can shake
it up, maybe we can find out. The NFL has
made its position known, and we will be pre-
pared for whatever happens, Mawae said.
GOODELL QUESTIONS
NFLPA NUMBERS IN
ANNUAL ADDRESS
Working the room in his typically smooth
fashion, NFL commissioner Roger Good-
ells counter-attack on the economic report
delivered by the NFLPA one day earlier was
the highlight of his annual State of the
League address the Friday before the Su-
per Bowl.
I havent had a chance to review the report
in great detail, but Ive seen some of the board
of summaries of the report, and let me just
say theres a lot of fiction in that, Goodell stat-
ed.
He added: We are very clear. We under-
stand our numbers. The ownership spent a
tremendous amount of time evaluating the
Collective Bargaining Agreement. I think they
came to the conclusion that it was better to
terminate that agreement and go into a ne-
gotiation where we could work to try to
come up with something that would work for
all clubs and our players rather than contin-
ue on with that system.
Goodell noted that the financial situation
facing the leagues teams was not good pri-
or to the current economic downturn, which
has made the issue even more pressing.
The owners feel it is critically important
for the future of the game, for the future of
the business, that they re-evaluate this,
Goodell said. Its being done all across the
country, in every industry. Were evaluating
our costs. Labor unions and management have
to work together to address this. And in many
cases, labor unions are volunteering and
coming in and saying, Wed like to avoid lay-
offs. Wed like to give concessions because we
understand the circumstances. Im opti-
mistic that were going to be able to sit down
with the union and reach an agreement.
Goodell said the current downturn in the
economy has impacted the NFL, just as its
affecting other businesses and the general pop-
ulation.
He said that three-quarters of the leagues
teams will hold their ticket prices flat for the
upcoming season, and that some teams will
extend the terms on the sale of season tick-
ets to allow fans more time to pay for them.
Goodell also said that the league will have to
be creative and look for ways to work with its
business partners who also are feeling the neg-
ative effects of a souring economy.
Other topics addressed by Goodell:
With the 49ers and Raiders both inter-
ested in improving their stadium situations,
the league is encouraging both franchises to
consider working on a joint facility, similar
to the new venue under construction in
New Jersey for the Giants and Jets.
The league is considering its options for
staging the 50th Super Bowl, which will be
played following the 2015 season. The first Su-
per Bowl was played in Los Angeles, which
remains an option for this event.
Being the 50th anniversary of the Super
Bowl, and being that (Los Angeles) was the
site of the first game, we think thats a very
attractive opportunity, Goodell said. We
heard from some of the people in Los Ange-
les that this would be a great way to celebrate
our 50th anniversary. We will evaluate that.
It is something that we would probably do
some time over the course of the next year.
Whether the timing is before the next award
of a Super Bowl, I wouldnt commit to that
at this point.
Goodell said that playing another regu-
lar-season game in Mexico is in the works, but
not in time for 2009.
Given the current economic climate
and the possibility of seats going unsold,
Goodell was asked if the league would con-
sider changing the blackout policy, which
doesnt allow games to be broadcast in local
markets if the game is not sold out.
We will not, Goodell said. The blackout
policy is a long-standing policy in the NFL.
Its served us well. Its served the public
well, and I do not anticipate any changes to
our blackout policy.
Goodell said team owners would discuss
possibly ending the annual tradition of the Li-
ons hosting one of the Thanksgiving games,
but that no changes would take place for the
2009 season.
Acknowledging that the Vikings lease at
the Metrodome expires in 2011, Goodell
said he believes that the teams ownership is
committed to getting a new stadium built in
Minnesota.
They need a new stadium. Thats clear,
Goodell said. I think its recognized by all par-
ties. We need to get down to the difficult busi-
ness of figuring how to do it.
PARTY OF SIX FILLS
HALL OF FAME BILL
It was an especially sweet day for the Buf-
falo Bills the Saturday before the Super
Bowl, as owner Ralph Wilson and former DE
Bruce Smith headed this years six-man
group of inductees into the Pro Football
Hall of Fame.
Other enshrinees include CB-S Rod Wood-
son, OG Randall McDaniel, deceased LBDer-
rick Thomas and the late WR Bob Hayes, who
was the only seniors nominee to be elected.
Bear with me as I gather myself, said an
emotional Smith, the leagues all-time sack
leader with 200. When I woke up this
morning, I went to the weight room, got a
workout in, and I just had a moment.
I was thinking about my father and all the
sacrifices he and my mother made to help me
grow up and be a man. They wanted a bet-
ter life for me than for themselves. I wish he
was with me here now. He would be extreme-
ly proud.
Wilson, who has been called a voice of rea-
son and the conscience of the NFL, received
a standing ovation from the audience at the
Tampa Convention Center and a big bear
hug from Smith, who nearly engulfed the 90-
year-old Wilson.
Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt accepted the
honor for Thomas, who was killed in an au-
tomobile accident in 2000.
This is such an exciting day for Chiefs fans
all across the country, Hunt said.
He was an incredible player and an incred-
ible person, Smith said of Thomas. It was
a sad day and a great loss to all of us the day
that Derrick had that car accident.
Woodson was elected in his first year of el-
igibility after a standout career as not only one
of the best cornerbacks of the 1990s but also
a great kickoff and punt returner. He collect-
ed 71 interceptions in his 238-game career and
scored 17 touchdowns 12 on interception
returns, two on kickoffs, two on punts and one
on a fumble recovery.
I think about the Hall of Fame only 253
guys ever. Its truly amazing to be a part of
it, said Woodson, who played for the Steel-
ers, Ravens, 49ers and Raiders. I think
about (being) a nappy-headed kid from Fort
Wayne. I am going to take this all in slow-
ly, take it all in.
McDaniel, meanwhile, had made the final
list the past few years before being en-
shrined. He played 222 games in 14 seasons
missing only two along the way most-
ly with the Vikings but also with the Bucs.
I am still in shock, and very humbled, Mc-
Daniel said by phone from his home in Min-
nesota. I never thought it would happen, for
some reason.
Hayes, who passed away in 2002, was con-
sidered one of the fastest players of his time.
He spent most of his career catching passes
for the Cowboys from 1965-74, then playing
the 75 season with the 49ers. Hayes gained
an astounding 20 yards per catch in his ca-
reer and had 71 touchdown receptions.
The committee chose from 17 finalists
15 modern-era players and two seniors com-
mittee nominees, the other being Claude
Humphrey. The group cut the group of mod-
ern-era players from 15 to 10 to five before a
final vote was cast. The two seniors members
were voted on individually.
Most notable among the 10 finalists that fell
short of induction were Cris Carter, the
NFLs third all-time leading pass catcher, and
Shannon Sharpe, who held the record for most
receptions by a tight end before Tony Gon-
zalez broke it in 2007.
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Richard Berthelsen, interim executive direc-
tor of the NFLPA, addressed a host of topics
at the unions annual press conference.
A
P
Rod Woodson, Ralph Wilson and Bruce
Smith are among the six inductees who will
join the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
2008 SEASON IN REVIEW
By Matt Sohn
Associate editor
Looking back on the 2008 NFL season, it
would seem as though Tom Bradys blown-out
knee in Week One would serve as the launch-
ing point for the years top story lines. In re-
ality, however, the seeds of what transpired
throughout 08 were sewn far earlier.
From the shocking news of NFLPA exec-
utive director Gene Upshaws death in August
to the hiring of rookie head coaches in the af-
termath of downtrodden campaigns in Mi-
ami, Atlanta and Baltimore, Americas most
popular sport proved yet again that its not
confined to the window between September
and early February.
Culminating in the Steelers sixth Super
Bowl title, 08 didnt skimp on the dramat-
ics that have become staples in the profession-
al football landscape. Some of what we saw
was inspiring (the resurgence of supposed-
ly over-the-hill QBs Kurt Warner, Chad Pen-
nington and Kerry Collins), some was disap-
pointing (trigger-happy Plaxico Burress
nightclubbing nonsense) and some was per-
versely entertaining (the Lane Kiffin-Al
Davis melodrama in Oakland). All con-
tributed to the flavor of the season that was.
As voted on by the PFW editorial team, we
take our annual look at the 10 most signifi-
cant stories of the past year.
1
STEELERS RECLAIM PERCH
ATOP NFL HIERARCHY
More than any other franchise in the
NFLs decorated history, the Steelers have best
fostered sustained excellence. The first club
to emerge triumphant in the Super Bowl six
times, it successfully has passed down its
championship lineage from earlier eras. In his
second season guiding the club, coach Mike
Tomlin has started to carve out his own lega-
cy, admirably following in the daunting foot-
steps of Bill Cowher and Chuck Noll. He for-
mulated the blueprint for the Steelers Super
Bowl title, and the players executed it brilliant-
ly, from a rugged regular season through their
date with the Cardinals in Tampa. Still, it
would have been all for naught if Ben Roeth-
lisberger hadnt been able to engineer the
greatest drive of his career in the Super
Bowls waning minutes. But because he did,
Pittsburgh now sits at the head of the NFL
table, having the look of a team unlikely to re-
linquish its spot any time soon.
2
DOWN GOES BRADY;
PATRIOTS RALLY BACK
Sept. 7 was supposed to be the day the Pa-
triots officially spit out the bitter taste left in
their mouths from their gut-wrenching de-
feat to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII. Yet with
one Bernard Pollard blow to the knee, Tom
Bradys ligaments and the Patriots hopes for
Super Bowl vindication were shredded simul-
taneously. At least thats what most figured,
considering the reigning league MVP was
more than just the face of the franchise, he
also was the only quarterback on the roster
to have started an NFL game. Yet, unherald-
ed backup Matt Cassel filled in better than
anyone could have imagined, piloting the Pats
to a surprising 11-5 finish. Still, Bradys injury
had as singular an effect on leveling the
leaguewide landscape as any injury could.
3
GENE UPSHAW SUCCUMBS
TO PANCREATIC CANCER
Less than a month before the season was
set to kick off, one of the leagues most influ-
ential figures of all time, Gene Upshaw, fell
victim to the cancer that took his life short-
ly after being diagnosed. As dominant as he
was as a guard for the Raiders, Upshaws last-
ing legacy is his stewardship as executive di-
rector of the NFL Players Association for 25
years. Under his watch, the NFL experienced
unprecedented growth, and the players he rep-
resented and the clubs they played for reaped
the benefits. His crowning achievement
came in 1993 when he helped craft a landmark
Collective Bargaining Agreement that has
since been extended multiple times. Never-
theless, Upshaws tough bargaining tactics ren-
dered him a most controversial union boss.
Many players and owners wondered if they
could navigate the tumultuous waters ahead
without mutual cooperation. Only time will
tell how Upshaws replacement yet to be
decided will fare in a position defined by
his predecessor for so many years.
4
LIONS SET NEW STANDARD
FOR FOOTBALL FUTILITY
In the Buccaneers inaugural season of 1976,
coach John McKays biting humor served as
the only respite for a 0-14 club believed to be
With the Steelers Super Bowl victory serving as a spectacular
conclusion to a season teeming with opposing extremes of fortune,
PFWtakes a look back at the 10 stories that defined the NFL in 2008
Ben Roethlisberger lifted the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in four seasons.
M
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THE
HEADLINES
the worst in league history. Yet, Rod Marinel-
lis Lions bested those Bucs by two games,
trudging through a 0-16 debacle that only fur-
thered the depression of financially faltering
Detroit. With a roster bereft of talent,
Marinelli spent the season like a prisoner on
death row, awaiting his fate without having
the means to save himself. Nevertheless,
with Matt Millens train wreck of a tenure as
club president mercifully finished alongside
Marinellis, the Lions can at least entertain the
mantra of hope springing eternal.
5
FAVRE LANDS WITH JETS
AFTER BRIEF RETIREMENT
When NFL career passing leader and
three-time MVP Brett Favre announced his
intentions early last summer to come out of
retirement, a bitter war of words was waged
between Packers brass and the Green Bay leg-
end. When a resolution to trade Favre to the
Jets was finalized, Gang Green welcomed the
rocket - armed
quarterback with
euphoric glee. Yet
Favres 18th sea-
son failed to pan
out the way he
and the Jets had
hoped. For every
l aser-powered
TD strike, there
seemed to be two
momentum-halt-
ing gaffes. He was
at his worst down the stretch, his play factor-
ing significantly into the clubs losses in four
of its final five games, as the Jets stayed home
for the postseason.
6
FLOUNDERING FRANCHISES
SAVED BY NEW COACHES
Expectations for the four first-time NFL
head coaches werent too high in 2008. The
belief was that Tony Sparano, Mike Smith,
John Harbaugh and Jim Zorn simply would,
at best, lay the groundwork in 2008 for sus-
tained success in the years to come. Yet all but
Zorn were shockingly outstanding in catapult-
ing their franchises to the playoffs in Year One.
For Sparano in Miami, it called for schemat-
ic ingenuity, introducing Wildcat into the
leagues lexicon. For Smith and Harbaugh, it
came by entrusting a pair of rookie quarter-
backs with leading their offenses. All three got
their players to buy into the plans the neophyte
skippers were selling.
7
2008 DRAFT CLASS SKIPS
ROOKIE LEARNING CURVE
In the mental and physical gauntlet that is
an NFL season, tepid production is expected
out of rookies. Apparently, the 08 class
didnt receive the memo. From New Englands
Jerod Mayo to Denvers Ryan Clady to Ten-
nessees Chris Johnson, rookie revelations
arguably made their mark more profoundly
than the league had ever seen. None captured
the imagination of the football community like
QBs Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco. Both piloted
their clubs to the postseason while laying waste
to the theory that quarterbacks need to spend
at least a year learning the complexities of an
offense before settling in under center.
8
ALL-TIME COACHING
STALWARTS BID FAREWELL
Mike Holmgren and Tony Dungy couldnt
have fared more differently in their final sea-
son at the helm. Holmgren, the tutor of
Brett Favre in Green Bay who had spent the
better part of this decade crafting the Sea-
hawks into the NFC Wests unquestioned pow-
er broker, announced his retirement inten-
tions before the season started, only to labor
through a 4-12 farewell tour. Dungy, mean-
while, didnt arrive at his decision until the
dust had settled on his seventh straight
postseason campaign with the Colts, a record
10th consecutive time he had led a team to
the playoffs. Both leave as candidates for Can-
ton. While Dungys football career is likely
complete, there remains a possibility well wel-
come Holmgren back in some capacity a year
from now.
9
COWBOYS DEVOLVE
INTO SOAP OPERA
With their matinee-idol quarterback, super-
star wide receiver, power-popping running
back and talent-oozing defense bolstered by
the controversial Adam (Pacman) Jones, the
Cowboys began the season with Super Bowl
aspirations. But the hoards of clashing person-
alities and mis-
managed egos
proved a com-
bustible concoc-
tion in Valley
Ranch. There
was Terrell
Owens report-
ed tirade over
Tony Romo and
Jason Wittens
kinship. Pac-
mans penchant
for drunken debauchery surfaced again. Mar-
ion Barbers toughness was questioned. WR
Roy Williams made minimal impact after his
midseason arrival from Detroit. For those not
bleeding Cowboy blue, it was unintentional
comedy at its finest.
10
MVP MANNING RALLIES
BACK FROM KNEE SURGERY
Training camp was just weeks away when
the Colts All-Pro quarterback decided his stub-
born knee pain needed to be addressed. Di-
agnosed and treated for an infection, Peyton
Manning was sequestered from the team
throughout training camp, and he looked noth-
ing like his Hall of Fame self in the seasons
early going. But as his knee strengthened, he
shook off the rust, and the Colts success fol-
lowed. After a 3-4 start, the club rebounded
to win its final nine regular-season games, ce-
menting Mannings MVP credentials.
FINAL 2008
NFL STANDINGS
AFC EAST W L T PF PA
Miami 11 5 0 345 317
New England 11 5 0 410 309
New York Jets 9 7 0 405 356
Buffalo 7 9 0 336 342
AFC NORTH W L T PF PA
Pittsburgh 12 4 0 347 223
Baltimore 11 5 0 385 244
Cincinnati 4 11 1 204 364
Cleveland 4 12 0 .250 232
AFC SOUTH W L T PF PA
Tennessee 13 3 0 375 234
Indianapolis 12 4 0 377 298
Houston 8 8 0 366 394
Jacksonville 5 11 0 302 367
AFC WEST W L T PF PA
San Diego 8 8 0 439 347
Denver 8 8 0 370 448
Oakland 5 11 0 263 388
Kansas City 2 14 0 291 440
NFC EAST W L T PF PA
N.Y. Giants 12 4 0 427 294
Philadelphia 9 6 1 416 289
Dallas 9 7 0 362 365
Washington 8 8 0 265 296
NFC NORTH W L T PF PA
Minnesota 10 6 0 379 333
Chicago 9 7 0 375 350
Green Bay 6 10 0 419 380
Detroit 0 16 0 268 517
NFC SOUTH W L T PF PA
Carolina 12 4 0 414 329
Atlanta 11 5 0 391 325
Tampa Bay 9 7 0 361 323
New Orleans 8 8 0 463 393
NFC WEST W L T PF PA
Arizona 9 7 0 427 426
San Francisco 7 9 0 339 381
Seattle 4 12 0 294 392
St. Louis 2 14 0 232 465
WILD-CARD PLAYOFFS
Arizona 30, Atlanta 24
San Diego 23, Indianapolis 17 (OT)
Baltimore 27, Miami 9
Philadelphia 26, Minnesota 14
DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
Baltimore 13, Tennessee 10
Arizona 33, Carolina 10
Philadelphia 23, New York Giants 11
Pittsburgh 35, San Diego 24
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Arizona 32, Philadelphia 25
Pittsburgh 23, Baltimore 14
SUPER BOWL XLIII
Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 23
Daunte Culpepper was one of five QBs to attempt a pass in Detroits winless season.
H
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Y
S
C
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L
, J
R
.
QB Matt Ryan and head coach Mike
Smith led the resurgent Falcons to the
playoffs in their first year together.
H
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Y
S
C
U
L
L
, J
R
.
Costly turnovers
plagued Brett Favre.
T
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B
E
R
G
Jerry Jones gamble on
CB-RS Adam Jones
failed miserably.
J
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S
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IT
H
SEASON
REWIND
AFC EAST
BUFFALO BILLS
Overview: The Bills crumbled in spec-
tacular fashion, turning a 5-1 start into a
7-9 finish. It was a season of unfulfilled ex-
pectations and disappointment in Buffalo,
where progress appeared but a distant mi-
rage. Trent Edwards, believed to be the
quarterback fixture the club has lacked
since Jim Kelly retired, failed to capture
the imagination of the Bills faithful for the
full 16-game slate.
Team MVP: Marcus Stroud arrived in
Buffalo with lots of hype from his often
dominating tenure as a physical force in
the middle of the Jaguars defensive line
but also with serious questions, given his
injury history and steroid suspension. All
the concerns were alleviated quickly as
Stroud appeared in top form from Day
One. Even without John Henderson lining
up next to him, Stroud showed he can still
be one of the leagues more dominating 4-
3 defensive tackles.
Biggest surprise: In getting out to the
5-1 start, the Bills changed the perception
that they along with the Dolphins
were AFC East bottom feeders. Perhaps
more impressive than their actual record
was the manner in which they achieved it.
Against the Jaguars and Raiders, it was
Edwards leading furious fourth-quarter
comebacks to come out on top. At the very
least, the barnstorming start showed that
there might be real potential for this club.
Biggest disappointment: QB coach
Turk Schonert was promoted to offensive
coordinator upon the departure of Steve
Fairchild largely to bring vibrancy to a
passing attack that was stale and pre-
dictable in 2007. He talked a good game,
promising to bring an up-tempo style to
the offense and incorporate the no-hud-
dle. It never happened. The offense, specif-
ically the passing attack, was as drab as
ever.
Offseason outlook: Things arent look-
ing rosy in Buffalo. Owner Ralph Wilson
decided to retain coach Dick Jauron, per-
haps because he had signed him to an ex-
tension after the 5-1 beginning, and that
doesnt sit particularly well with a jaded
fan base that hasnt seen much progress.
The pieces are mostly in place on offense,
although theres a lingering suspicion that
Edwards might not have the goods to be
the quarterback of the future. The defense
still needs fortification.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Overview: Nobody saw this coming.
Even the most ardent Dolphins support-
ers cant say they envisioned Bill Parcells
and Tony Sparano crafting an 11-5, AFC
East-winning club a year after the Fins
stumbled to a 1-15 disaster. The unceremo-
nious dumping by the Ravens in the first
round of the playoffs does little to quell the
enthusiasm of a club thats clearly on the
road to recovery.
Team MVP: Chad Pennington came to
Miami as a castoff from the Jets after Gang
Green acquired Brett Favre. He finished
his first season in South Florida as the
Comeback Player of the Year. Penningtons
brutal efficiency in the pocket was pre-
cisely what offensive coordinator Dan
Henning wanted in his ball-control sys-
tem. Penningtons seven interceptions
were fewer than any other full-time starter
in the AFC.
Biggest surprise: There are a host of in-
credible surprises to choose from, from
Pennington to sack artist Joey Porter, but
the simple reality that the Dolphins made
the playoffs and won the division over-
shadows all individual achievement. Their
one-season turnaround ties the 1999 Colts
as the NFLs most significant.
Biggest disappointment: Ted Ginn Jr.
was supposed to blossom from speedy
I
t wasnt a twist or turn that de-
fined the start to the 2008 NFL
season, but a tear. With the Patri-
ots hungry to redeem themselves
following a stunning Super Bowl
loss, the star of their team and per-
haps the entire league, QB Tom
Brady, tore his ACL in the first
quarter of Week One on a hit from
Chiefs S Bernard Pollard. It ended
Bradys season and significantly al-
tered the landscape for every other
contending franchise.
With the Patriots weakened just
minutes into the campaign, the de-
fending Super Bowl champion Gi-
ants and the Titans, who each won
11 of their first 12 games, emerged
as the front-runners from their re-
spective conferences in the ensuing
weeks, but not without competition.
The Jets, Colts who went on a
nine-game winning streak to close
the year after starting 3-4 Cow-
boys, Steelers and Panthers each
had the look of a potential champi-
on at various points of the season.
While contenders and pretenders
rose and fell, an impressive class of
rookies avoided the proverbial
rookie wall. First-year running
backs and offensive tackles made an
imprint, the depth of which has rarely been equaled in recent NFL history.
Rookie QBs Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco showed remarkable poise leading
their teams to the playoffs.
The Falcons and Dolphins, who had five wins between them in 07, went
from rags to playoff riches, earning postseason berths.
As the playoffs began and the competitors in Super Bowl XLIII were de-
termined, it was the Cardinals who became the shining story line. A fran-
chise steeped in futility finally advanced to the title game after 61 years of
dismay to face a stark contrast in the Steelers, one of the most successful and
prestigious clubs, providing a fitting end to an exciting season.
With a new champion crowned, PFWlooks back at the 2008 campaign for all
32 teams and takes a peek at whats to come for each of them this offseason
Tom Bradys knee injury in Week One
altered the landscape in the NFL in 08.
A
P
youngster to consummate receiver in his
second year in the league. It didnt happen.
Save for one tremendous outing against
the Bills, the top-10 pick from 2007 per-
sonified mediocrity. More troubling was
the lack of toughness he displayed, often
choosing to duck out of bounds instead of
lowering his shoulder. He was removed
from punt-return duties in favor of un-
drafted rookie Davone Bess.
Offseason outlook: The Dolphins are
only beginning their ascension. It was be-
lieved to be a multiyear reclamation proj-
ect, but the club is ahead of schedule. With
the exception of a new offensive line coach,
their coaching staff remains in place. Still,
they need to bolster both lines.
NEWENGLAND PATRIOTS
Overview: Considering they lost the
reigning league MVP in the first quarter of
the first game of the year, the Patriots 11-5
campaign has to be considered a success,
even if they fell short of a playoff berth. The
coaching staff tailored their season around
minimizing mistakes rather than taking
big risks, and it paid off better than most
believed it could.
Team MVP: When breaking in a new
quarterback, the best friend of an offense
is an underneath receiver who can pick up
yards after the catch. Perhaps theres no-
body better at doing that than Wes Welker.
The diminutive dynamo isnt just among
the quickest pass catchers around, hes also
among the toughest. For the second con-
secutive season, Welker exceeded 110 re-
ceptions.
Biggest surprise: At this time last year,
few knew who Matt Cassel was. The quar-
terback who toiled in obscurity behind
Tom Brady and a pair of Heisman Trophy
winners at USC proved he has what it takes
to guide an NFL offense. He was eased into
the role, but by the end of the season there
was no longer a big difference in the play-
calling and execution of the offense be-
tween his stewardship and Bradys.
Biggest disappointment: The Patriots
3-4 defense places a premium on getting
pass-rushing pressure from their outside
linebackers. But the age of the Pats play-
ers at that position showed in 2008, and
their defense suffered because of it. Mike
Vrabel was particularly feeble off the edge,
coming up with a dud of a campaign one
season after his finest.
Offseason outlook: The biggest ques-
tion in Foxborough, if not the entire NFL,
is: What happens at quarterback? Brady is
reportedly behind in his knee rehabilita-
tion, which means the Pats have a big deci-
sion to make regarding Cassel, a free agent.
They also have to prove that they can sus-
tain a winning franchise now that Scott
Pioli has left to assume control in Kansas
City. Finding a replacement for departed
offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is a
minor undertaking, by comparison.
NEWYORK JETS
Overview: The Jets 9-7 finish was thor-
oughly disheartening for a club that in-
vested heavily in free agents last offseason,
especially considering they were looking
like one of the NFLs elite teams following
their Week 12 triumph over the undefeated
Titans. The collapse down the stretch cost
Eric Mangini his job as head coach. Its
now up to Rex Ryan to put the pieces back
together.
Team MVP: Thomas Jones was the
workhorse back in 08 the Jets hoped hed
be when they traded for him in the 2007
offseason. A punishing runner who gets
stronger as the game wears on, he thrived
behind a retooled offensive line, earning
his first Pro Bowl berth. The Jets were in-
tent on establishing a power running
game, and they did exactly that. Jones
rumbled for 1,312 yards and set a career
mark with 15 touchdowns.
Biggest surprise: The Jets were hope-
ful that massive DL Kris Jenkins would be
able to make a seamless transition from 4-
3 penetrating tackle in Carolina to run-
plugging 3-4 nose tackle in New York. He
did so, and did it with flair. Contractually
motivated to keep his weight in check,
Jenkins was the centerpiece of a run de-
fense that stonewalled numerous ballcar-
riers. However, he did stumble down the
stretch.
Biggest disappointment: Brett Favres
selection to the Pro Bowl is the most mis-
leading selection of 2008. Sure, he had his
moments, such as his six-touchdown out-
ing against Super Bowl participant Ari-
zona, but such instances of glory were few
and far between. His interception propen-
sity doomed the Jets in numerous games,
and the team often was forced to win in
spite of him, not because of him.
Offseason outlook: Ryan has the defen-
sive pedigree, but he doesnt have the ex-
perience as a head coach. With little
salary-cap maneuverability, he wont be
able to make too many personnel adjust-
ments through free agency. Agenda No. 1
is figuring out what to do at quarterback,
where the teams stated desire that Favre
return is unlikely to come to fruition.
AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Overview: Thanks to a rookie QB (Joe
Flacco), a rookie head coach (John Har-
baugh) and one of the NFLs top defenses,
the Ravens stormed all the way to the AFC
title game. After losing consecutive games
to Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Indianapolis
to fall to 2-3, the Ravens won nine of their
final 11 games to finish 11-5 and secure the
final wild-card spot in the AFC. Playoff
wins at Miami and Tennessee highlighted
the Ravens toughness and determination.
Team MVP: FS Ed Reed finished the sea-
son on a tear, intercepting a pair of passes
in four of Baltimores final six regular-sea-
son games, as well as in its wild-card win at
Miami. Reed has rare instincts, exceptional
closing speed and great hands. All Ive got
to do in man-to-man (coverage) is know
where Ed Reed is and funnel (the receiver)
to him, Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs once re-
marked, underscoring the importance of
Reed to the Baltimore defense.
Biggest surprise: At the beginning of
training camp, it looked like Flacco would
be the No. 3 quarterback. But with Kyle
Boller suffering a season-ending injury and
Troy Smith coming down with a tonsil in-
fection, suddenly Flacco was thrust into
the starting lineup. He responded well to
the challenge, starting all 16 games and be-
coming the first rookie quarterback to win
two playoff games.
Biggest disappointment: RB Willis
McGahee was expected to be the focal
point of Cam Camerons offense, but sev-
eral nagging injuries limited him for much
of the season, and he lost his starting job
Chad Penningtons steady hand and veteran savvy were two big reasons why the
Dolphins were able to make a stunning 10-game improvement from 2007 to 08.
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to LeRon McClain. The Ravens have a de-
cision to make on McGahee in the offsea-
son. If hes back, hes likely to again share
carries, and its unclear whether he would
be willing to do that. Dont be surprised if
hes offered in trade in the offseason.
Offseason outlook: Keep an eye on the
Ravens moves on defense. Suggs and ILBs
Ray Lewis and Bart Scott are unrestricted
free agents, and its unlikely that all three
will return. The most probable scenario is
that the Ravens re-sign Lewis and Suggs
and allow Scott to depart, but all three de-
fenders will draw considerable interest if
allowed to hit the open market. Adding an-
other weapon or two in the passing game
figures to be one of the Ravens priorities
on offense.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Overview: Let the record show that
oddsmakers installed the Bengals as fa-
vorites to beat the Ravens in Baltimore,
no less in the season opener for both
clubs. The Bengals lost that game and
eight straight overall to start the season.
QB Carson Palmer, the clubs most impor-
tant player, played in only four games be-
cause of an elbow injury. Cincinnati rallied
late, winning three in a row to finish 4-11-
1, but it hardly took much sting out of a
very disappointing season for Marvin
Lewis club.
Team MVP: T.J. Houshmandzadeh is
one of the NFLs best possession receivers,
adept at finding holes in zone coverage and
knowing where the first-down marker is.
Even with Palmer out of the lineup,
Houshmandzadeh ranked among the NFL
leaders in catches with 92. No Bengal was
more consistent in 2008 than Housh-
mandzadeh.
Biggest surprise: The Bengals didnt
sign RB Cedric Benson until Sept. 30, but
by seasons end, he was looking like the
workhorse back the team had lacked since
Rudi Johnsons heyday. Benson failed in
Chicago because of attitude and work-ethic
issues, but from all accounts, he was a
changed person and player in Cincinnati.
Look for the Bengals to try to sign him to a
multiyear contract.
Biggest disappointment: Nothing WR
Chad Ocho Cinco did in 2008 seemed to
work. His attempt to request a trade failed
miserably and left him more humbled than
angry, it seemed. On the field, Ocho Cinco
struggled for most of the season, leading to
whispers he had perhaps lost a step. At age
31, Ocho Cincos career is at a crossroads.
Offseason outlook: The Bengals top
priority figures to be re-signing Benson.
Whether they want to sign free-agent
Houshmandzadeh to a long-term deal re-
mains to be seen. He will be 32 in Septem-
ber, and they could give him the franchise
tag. The Bengals are also likely to listen to
trade offers for Ocho Cinco, though its cer-
tain they will be able to get less for him in
a deal this offseason than last. In the draft,
look for the Bengals to keep adding to a de-
fense that quietly finished No. 12 in yards
allowed per game.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Overview: Much was expected of the
2008 Browns, but they were incapable of
delivering on any of the promise that sur-
faced after a 10-win 07 campaign. Incon-
sistent play on both sides of the ball dogged
the team early in the season, and injuries
to QBs Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson
short-circuited any hopes head coach
Romeo Crennel and GM Phil Savage had
of saving their jobs. Ex-Jets head coach
Eric Mangini, whose first NFL job was as a
Browns ballboy, succeeded Crennel.
Team MVP: The acquisition of NT
Shaun Rogers was one of Savages proudest
moments in his four seasons on the job.
Rogers got a bad reputation in Detroit for
not always playing hard, but he was a force
in the middle for the Browns. On his best
day, Rogers is a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
Now, the Browns just need to find some
more talent to put around him on defense.
Biggest surprise: It was never clear why
the Browns didnt use RB Jerome Harrison
more often in 2008. But this much was
clear: When Harrison touched the ball,
good things usually happened. Harrison
was a useful change-of-pace back, carrying
34 times for 246 yards and a touchdown
and catching 12 passes for 116 yards and a
score. Harrisons lone TD run a 72-yard
scamper in Week 11 was the Browns last
offensive touchdown of 2008. Yes, you read
that correctly.
Biggest disappointment: The nod here
goes to WR Braylon Edwards, who
dropped 16 passes and looked little like a
No. 1 receiver save for spurts in Monday-
night games against the Giants and Eagles.
Edwards will only be 26 in February, so
theres hope yet for him. But theres little
doubt he regressed in 2008.
Offseason outlook: The Browns have a
decision to make on Andersons future. If
hes not going to be the starter, he could
garner a draft pick or two in a trade. The
futures of Edwards (signed through 09)
and TE Kellen Winslow (signed through
2010) also figure to be hot topics in the off-
season. Savage traded away three 08 draft
picks, and the Browns new brain trust may
look to make up for those losses.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Overview: On the strength of the NFLs
top defense and an offense that usually did
just enough to win, the Steelers won a
record sixth Super Bowl title, defeating
Arizona 27-23. Like the Steel Curtain de-
fenses of the 1970s, this Steelers D was
laden with star talent, led by SS Troy Pola-
malu and ROLB James Harrison, among
others. The defense had no glaring weak-
ness and was exceptional at limiting big
plays. The offense was maddening to
watch at times but found its best stride late
and was the difference in Super Bowl
XLIII.
Team MVP: The nod goes to Harrison,
who notched 101 tackles and 16 sacks. Har-
rison is strong and quick off the edge, and
he understands how to use leverage to his
advantage. He is also stout vs. the run, as
evidenced by his tackle total. When you
consider how well he played this season
and factor in LOLB LaMarr Woodleys ex-
ceptional first season as a starter, its easy
to see why the Steelers pass rush would be
ferocious even without coordinator Dick
LeBeaus zone blitzes.
Biggest surprise: The Steelers signed
RB Mewelde Moore to help in passing sit-
uations and on special teams, but with
Willie Parker playing hurt for much of the
season and rookie Rashard Mendenhall on
injured reserve with a shoulder injury,
Moore got more playing time on offense
than anyone could have expected. And he
responded well, proving a surprisingly ef-
fective between-the-tackles runner. His
emergence may have saved the Steelers
season.
Biggest disappointment: The offensive
line played better as the season progressed,
but it allowed Roethlisberger to be pres-
sured far too often and failed to open the
holes in the running game that it once did.
Dont be surprised if this is a group that
gets some new faces, whether it be through
Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs both had standout seasons and helped the Ravens
defense rank among the leagues best in a number of categories.
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free agency or the draft.
Offseason outlook: The Steelers are
rarely big players in free agency, but they
do have some decisions to make regarding
their own unrestricted free agents. CB
Bryant McFadden could draw significant
interest on the open market, and keeping
WR Nate Washington could be tough if an-
other team can promise him a starting job.
Adding some youth to the defense, espe-
cially along the line, could be a focus in the
draft.
AFC SOUTH
HOUSTON TEXANS
Overview: At their best, the Texans
looked like a playoff team, but they didnt
look that way often enough to avoid finish-
ing .500 for the second consecutive season.
The Texans offense made the leap from
good to superb, finishing third in the NFL
in yards per game. WR Andre Johnson
caught a league-high 115 passes, and rookie
RB Steve Slaton led the AFC in yards from
scrimmage. But the defense, with the ex-
ception of Pro Bowl DE Mario Williams,
failed to make much of an impact.
Team MVP: There are some who will say
Johnson is as difficult to cover as any re-
ceiver in the game. The 6-3, 223-pound
Johnson is tough, fast and strong, and he
doesnt have any glaring weaknesses. In-
credibly, he had 10 catches or more in 7-of-
16 games this season. No one is more
important to the Texans offense.
Biggest surprise: Its easy to forget now,
but the Texans originally thought Slaton
would be their third-down back. He proved
capable of handling much more responsi-
bility, and he became a vital part of the Tex-
ans offense. Slaton studied the Broncos
offense at West Virginia, and it showed in
how quickly he was able to pick up Alex
Gibbs zone running scheme in Houston.
Biggest disappointment: Since a fast
start to his career, DT Amobi Okoyes pro-
duction has steadily declined; he notched
only 24 tackles and one sack in 14 games
in 2008. Okoye is only 21, so there is time
left for him to put it all together, but vast
stretches of his first two NFL seasons have
left a lot to be desired, and theres little
doubt more is expected of him in the 09
campaign.
Offseason outlook: Upgrading the de-
fense is likely to be a priority for the Tex-
ans. Even if the club re-signs CB Dunta
Robinson, it could look to add another cor-
nerback. Safety is also a need. It would be
surprising if the Texans made major invest-
ments on the offense; its the defense that
needs to take a big leap forward for Hous-
ton to do the same.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Overview: As Peyton Mannings knee
rounded into shape, so did the Colts. Indi-
anapolis recovered from a 3-4 start to
surge into the playoffs with a nine-game
winning streak. It was the Colts seventh
straight trip to the postseason under Tony
Dungy. Although they were undermanned
along the defensive front, they forged
enough continuity to mask their personnel
deficiencies.
Team MVP: Some contend that Man-
nings finest season was in 2008, when he
overcame a debilitating knee infection just
prior to the start of training camp to win
league MVP honors. He also was operat-
ing behind a makeshift offensive line for
much of the year. Manning was instrumen-
tal in leading dramatic come-from-behind
victories in early-season games against the
Vikings and Texans, and he ended the reg-
ular season on a tear, as well.
Biggest surprise: There were many who
figured the Colts outstanding pass defense
was due to take a major hit when Marlin
Jackson went down with a torn anterior
cruciate ligament at midseason. But they
nevertheless maintained the superb cover-
age that was always a staple under Dungy.
Lightly regarded replacements Keiwan
Ratliff and Tim Jennings took a few lumps
but mostly impressed in their roles.
Biggest disappointment: Reigning
NFL Defensive Player of the Year Bob
Sanders was limited to just six games be-
cause of injury, which severely hampered
the defense. The Colts knew they were tak-
ing a risk when they invested heavily in the
oft-injured safety in the form of a lucrative
long-term extension a year ago, and his in-
ability to stay on the field has been a source
of frustration for Indy.
Offseason outlook: The Dungy era is
officially over, but the hope is that the ap-
pointment of QB guru Jim Caldwell to
head coach will sustain the Colts success.
Caldwell has a close rapport with the
coaches and players on his staff, and it
helps that offensive coordinator Tom
Moore and OL coach Howard Mudd de-
cided to return instead of joining Dungy in
retirement. One of the clubs top priorities,
though, will be finding a replacement for
defensive coordinator Ron Meeks, who re-
signed after the season. The personnel is
largely in place, but they could use more
bodies along the lines.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Overview: The Jaguars are reeling from
the aftereffects of a season that began with
Super Bowl aspirations and ended with
disappointment. The defense struggled to
get the pass-rushing pressure that coordi-
nator Gregg Williams needed, and poor
play by the offensive line and receiving
corps failed to provide Dirk Koetter with
the necessary ingredients for a high-octane
offense.
Team MVP: RB Maurice Jones-Drew
might stand just 5-foot-7, but he was a
giant for an offense that often was stuck in
neutral. He wasnt always able to get
rolling behind a downtrodden and injury-
riddled offensive line, but he usually made
his presence felt regardless, whether it was
as a receiver out of the backfield or as a
punishing blocker on blitz pickup.
Biggest surprise: With MLB Mike Pe-
terson often at odds with coach Jack Del
Rio, he was relegated to the bench for
much of the seasons latter half. It didnt
matter much, with Daryl Smith sliding in-
side from his accustomed role on the out-
side. A strong trio of linebackers consisting
of Clint Ingram, Justin Durant and Smith
ensures that Jacksonville can go into the
offseason feeling confident about its defen-
sive second level.
Biggest disappointment: The Jaguars
needed rookie DEs Derrick Harvey and
Quentin Groves to apply pressure on the
quarterback off the edge. They couldnt,
and the defensive plans faltered because of
it. Harveys lengthy training-camp holdout
likely played a part in the futility, but that
cant be an excuse. Strides must be taken
in Year Two to avoid encroachment into
bust territory.
Offseason outlook: A front-office
shake-up lends to the hope that things are
on the upswing in Jacksonville. Del Rio
needs to repair the fractured relationship
he has with much of his roster, but obtain-
ing numerous new players particularly
on offense to help fix the on-field prob-
lems is a necessity.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Overview: The surprising Titans reeled
off 10 straight wins to start the season and
eventually clinched the AFC South, as well
as home-field advantage in the playoffs.
However, their Super Bowl dreams were
dashed in the divisional round in a sloppy
loss to Baltimore. The Titans enter 2009
Peyton Manning started slowly as he recovered from multiple knee surgeries, but
once he heated up, he was nearly unstoppable, earning league MVP honors.
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with high hopes and no doubt a feeling
of what could have been.
Team MVP: DT Albert Haynesworth
was dominant, notching 51 tackles and 8
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sacks in 14 games. There has been no bet-
ter interior lineman in the AFC the last two
seasons, and hes going to get the lucrative
long-term contract he desires in the offsea-
son. The question is: Will he get it in Ten-
nessee? Honorable mention for MVP
honors goes to rookie RB Chris Johnson,
who helped spark the offense.
Biggest surprise: QB Kerry Collins took
over for an injured Vince Young in Week
One, led the Titans to victory vs. the Jaguars
and never relinquished the starting job.
Collins threw only seven interceptions in
415 attempts, and more often than not he
made defenses that stacked the line of
scrimmage pay. He also played very well vs.
the Ravens strong defense in the divisional
round. The Titans want to re-sign Collins
and keep him in the starters role in 2009.
Biggest disappointment: Youngs early-
season struggles on and off the field caused
head coach Jeff Fisher to relieve him of his
starting duties. The Titans insist Young,
the No. 3 overall pick in the 2006 draft, re-
mains in their plans, but the fact that
Collins will be the unquestioned starter en-
tering the 09 campaign, should he re-sign,
sends mixed signals. Young has a long way
to go if he wants his starting job back.
Offseason outlook: The Titans will be
busy trying to re-sign their own players.
Haynesworth, Collins and PK Rob Bironas
are all key players who would leave gaping
voids if they signed elsewhere. The Titans
are in good salary-cap shape and will have
the capability to keep the core of their team
together. Adding some firepower on of-
fense could be a focus in the draft.
AFC WEST
DENVER BRONCOS
Overview: The Broncos choked away a
playoff berth, becoming the first team in
league history not to win their division
after leading it by three games with three
weeks left. Denver lost to the Chargers,
who were 4-8 at one point, in the season fi-
nale, and head coach Mike Shanahan was
fired days later. Former Patriots offensive
coordinator Josh McDaniels was hired to
succeed Shanahan, and Mike Nolan was
brought aboard as defensive coordinator.
Team MVP: QB Jay Cutler didnt have a
strong finish to the year, but he wasnt
alone in that regard. When injuries sent
seven different Broncos running backs to
injured reserve and placed much of the of-
fensive burden on Cutler and the passing
game, he handled a difficult situation
pretty well. Denver finished with the
leagues third-ranked passing game, and
Cutlers 4,526 yards were the third-most in
the NFL.
Biggest surprise: No one saw owner Pat
Bowlens decision to fire Shanahan com-
ing, not even Shanahan himself. After 14
years and two Super Bowl wins, Bowlen
made a bold move in letting go of a sure
Hall of Famer and someone he had a very
close relationship with. Some joked in re-
cent years that Shanahan had a lifetime ap-
pointment, and the fact that he didnt leave
Denver of his own accord stunned league
observers.
Biggest disappointment: The Broncos
had fought through a bevy of injuries to get
to 8-5, and with the Chargers at 5-8, it
looked as if Denver was a playoff lock. For
it to blow that lead was an embarrassment
and had to affect Bowlens decision to fire
Shanahan. The Broncos were blown out in
two of their three losses to end the year,
getting walloped 30-10 by the Panthers
and being crushed 52-21 by the Chargers
in the de facto AFC West title game.
Offseason outlook: Rebuilding one of
the leagues worst defenses over the past
two seasons will be the top task for Mc-
Daniels and vice president of football oper-
ations/player personnel Jim Goodman,
who functions as the teams general man-
ager. The Broncos are transitioning from a
4-3 to a 3-4 defense and will need to make
major personnel changes to match the
needs of the scheme. Finding a nose tackle,
defensive end and two new starting safeties
are top priorities.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Overview: The Chiefs knew 2008 was
set to be a rebuilding year, but they were
hoping for much better results. With a slew
of rookies playing on both sides of the ball,
the team finished 2-14, scoring just 18.2
points per game and ranking 31st in total
defense. Between starting three different
QBs, deactivating RB Larry Johnson for
four games and setting the single-season
record for sack futility, it was a tumultuous
campaign in K.C. In the end, head coach
Herm Edwards and longtime GM Carl Pe-
terson were shown the door, and Scott Pioli
was brought in to right the ship.
Team MVP: Without question, the most
valuable Chief this season was TE Tony
Gonzalez. Even at age 32, Gonzalez led the
team in every receiving category, catching
96 passes for 1,058 yards and 10 TDs. In
fact, his play actually improved once K.C.
denied his midseason trade request, as he
snagged eight scores in the final 10 games.
The All-Pro also deserves credit for the
rapid development of QB Tyler Thigpen.
Biggest surprise: The second-half per-
formance of Thigpen came as a shock not
only to the Chiefs but to the entire league.
A seventh-round pick in 07, Thigpen flour-
ished once K.C. installed a spread offense
in Week Eight, tossing 16 TDs and eight
INTs from that point forward. He estab-
lished a great rapport with both Gonzalez
and WR Dwayne Bowe, and his playmak-
ing abilities kept the Chiefs competitive in
many contests.
Biggest disappointment: Kansas Citys
pass rush more specifically, its defensive
line was a huge letdown in 2008. In ad-
dition to notching an all-time NFL-worst
10 sacks, the units young talent made little
progress. Rookie DT Glenn Dorsey failed
to make an immediate impact, and DE
Tamba Hali seemed to take a step back-
ward. Finding a standout pass rusher
surely will be one of the teams top priori-
ties in the draft.
Offseason outlook: The Chiefs entered
February without a head coach and with
more personnel issues than they can cor-
rect in one offseason. Hiring Pioli to run
the football operations was a brilliant
move, but he has his work cut out for him.
Correcting K.C.s abysmal D will be his
No. 1 task, but he ll also need to make
major decisions on the futures of disgrun-
tled veterans like Gonzalez and Johnson.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Overview: In a characteristically bizarre
Raiders occurrence, owner Al Davis fired
head coach Lane Kiffin four games into the
season, calling Kiffin a flat-out liar. Of-
fensive line coach Tom Cable was pro-
moted to interim head coach and led
Oakland to a 4-8 finish, including a two-
game winning streak to end the season. In
his first year as the teams full-time starter,
QB JaMarcus Russell had his share of
struggles, but he showed improvement late
in the season.
Team MVP: CB Nnamdi Asomugha
stood out as one of the Raiders few bright
spots and cemented his reputation as one
of the leagues best corners. He brought re-
liability to a defense that was short on it.
Quarterbacks rarely threw toward Aso-
mughas side of the field, knowing full well
the risk attached to such a move. Because
of that, Asomugha had only one intercep-
DT Albert Haynesworth was the centerpiece of a rugged, stingy Titans defense
that stuffed the run and got after opposing quarterbacks.
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tion, but his impact was much greater than
his numbers indicate.
Biggest surprise: Its hard to call any-
thing that happens with the Raiders sur-
prising, but the closest thing to stunning
was Davis decision to cut CB DeAngelo
Hall eight games into the season. Davis
had just traded second- and fifth-round
picks to acquire Hall from the Falcons in
March and signed him to a seven-year, $70
million contract. Hall had struggled in his
brief time in Oakland, and Davis decided
to cut the cord and save some money.
Biggest disappointment: One of the
teams biggest and most expensive disap-
pointments is Javon Walker, who was
signed to a six-year, $55 million contract
last offseason to become the teams No. 1
receiver. Walker was able to stay healthy
for only eight games and did not emerge as
the reliable target Russell needed, catch-
ing just 15 passes for 196 yards and a TD.
Offseason outlook: The Raiders finally
ended the suspense in February and gave
Cable the full-time head-coaching job.
Cable will be faced with a dysfunctional
front office, a young quarterback still raw
and in need of mentoring and a host of
other personnel issues. Oakland showed
some positive signs toward the seasons
conclusion, but many changes are neces-
sary for it to become a playoff contender.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Overview: Losing their first two games
in heartbreaking fashion before going on a
terrible midseason skid, the Chargers
looked to be dead in the water at 4-8. How-
ever, three straight victories set up a de
facto AFC West title game with the Bron-
cos in Week 17, which the Bolts won hand-
ily. A thrilling playoff win over the Colts
sent San Diego to the divisional round, but
a trip to Pittsburgh proved to be too much.
Thanks to their December heroics, though,
the Chargers turned a disappointing year
into a productive one.
Team MVP: Coming through with an
eye-popping breakout campaign, QB
Philip Rivers proved invaluable to San
Diegos offense. In addition to leading the
league with a 105.5 passer rating and fin-
ishing tied for first with 34 TD tosses,
Rivers threw for 4,009 yards and com-
pleted 65 percent of his passes. In a season
that saw RB LaDainian Tomlinson have his
share of struggles, Rivers picked up the
slack and consistently made the throws to
keep the chains moving.
Biggest surprise: While he showed
flashes of his immense talent in 07, WR
Vincent Jackson put it all together this sea-
son and truly busted out. Developing into
one of the NFLs more dangerous deep
threats, he caught 59 passes for 1,098 yards
and seven scores, finishing with an 18.6-
yard average. With speed to burn and the
ability to make acrobatic grabs, Jackson
should be an impact receiver for years to
come.
Biggest disappointment: Just one sea-
son after registering a league-best 10 inter-
ceptions, CB Antonio Cromartie came
crashing back to earth in 2008. He picked
off just two passes, and his tentativeness in
coverage resulted in lots of easy catches by
opposing receivers. In order for the Bolts
to improve on their AFC-worst pass de-
fense, Cromartie who revealed after the
season that he had been playing with a
fractured hip needs to prove that he
wasnt just a one-year wonder.
Offseason outlook: The biggest offsea-
son issue facing the Chargers is the future
of Tomlinson. Approaching age 30 and
with a large cap number, the all-time great
may have played his final game in San
Diego. If the club opts to keep L.T., free-
agent RB Darren Sproles will certainly be
out the door, and contract extensions for
Rivers and Jackson likely wont get done.
How GM A.J. Smith handles this tricky sit-
uation will be extremely interesting.
NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS
Overview: Coming off a 13-3 season, the
Cowboys bolstered their roster with both a
strong draft and a few choice veteran ad-
ditions and appeared to be the most tal-
ented team in the NFL. Of course, that
talent was trumped by an unharmonious
locker room and team strife, and the sea-
son fell apart. A 9-7 finish left the team
home for the playoffs and cast serious
doubt about how this ultratalented roster
would look heading into next season.
Team MVP: OLB DeMarcus Ware was a
nearly unstoppable force on an under-
achieving defense, notching the first 20-
sack season in the NFL since Michael Stra-
hans record 22
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2 in 2001. Ware became
one of the leagues best all-around defend-
ers not only by showing pass-rushing
prowess but also by stopping the run and
dropping into coverage with equal skill.
Biggest surprise: A rookie class that
looked strong on paper but could have
taken a backseat to the big-name veterans
ended up being a crucial element in the
teams performance. RB-RS Felix Jones
showed breakaway ability before getting
hurt. CB Orlando Scandrick inherited the
nickel role at midseason and rarely mis-
stepped. TE Martellus Bennett overcame
maturity issues to catch four TD passes.
And RB Tashard Choice stepped up and
showed some great running ability when
Philip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson both had a hand in the reasons why the Chargers offense was more pass-oriented.
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injuries ravaged the backfield.
Biggest disappointment: The offense
had the look of an otherworldly unit before
the season but finished only 13th in total
yards and 18th in points. Certainly, injuries
played a huge role, as QB Tony Romo, RB
Marion Barber, TE Jason Witten, OLG
Kyle Kosier and others missed time. But
Jason Garretts play-calling came into
question, and the team had six games in
which it scored 14 points or fewer, culmi-
nating in the season-ending flameout at
Philadelphia that eliminated it from the
playoffs.
Offseason outlook: There will be major
changes not only in personnel but in at-
titude. Already, defensive coordinator
Brian Stewart and special-teams coordina-
tor Bruce Read have been hacked, and
there is discussion of letting WR Terrell
Owens go, despite having no other sure
things at receiver. Once more, the Cowboys
will be a fascinating team to watch this off-
season.
NEWYORK GIANTS
Overview: The reigning Super Bowl
champs appeared to be the best team in
football again for much of the season be-
fore the critical weapons charge against
WR Plaxico Burress shut him down for the
year and took some serious bite out of the
offense. Despite a top-five defense and the
leagues No. 1 running game, the Giants
were a limited club by seasons end with-
out their top wideout, losing to the rival
Eagles at home in the divisional playoffs.
Team MVP: DE Justin Tuck faced a tall
order when Michael Strahan retired and
Osi Umenyiora suffered a season-ending
injury in the preseason. But Tuck emerged
as one of the leagues best and most versa-
tile defensive linemen, able to command
and beat double-teams and line up in var-
ious techniques. He wore down at seasons
end, but Tuck was the teams leading sacker
and most valuable defender.
Biggest surprise: The Giants began to
see the development of CB Corey Webster
into a good player in last years playoffs,
and he continued that development to be-
come one of the finest young corners in the
game. He earned a five-year, $43.5 million
extension that included a $20 million sign-
ing bonus, keeping him in New York for a
long time. The Giants secondary is in ter-
rific shape for the foreseeable future.
Biggest disappointment: Needless to
say, the loss of Burress changed the face of
the season and remains a fluid situation.
His arrest not only took away a good player
from an offense that had no other deep
threat, but the incident also distracted the
team unnecessarily. MLB Antonio Pierce,
who was with Burress the night he shot
himself and might have been involved, ap-
peared to take a step backward after that
point.
Offseason outlook: The Burress situa-
tion will be the major focus. His next
scheduled court date will be nearly three
weeks after the start of free agency. Burress
faces incarceration, but there were indica-
tions that the team might consider bring-
ing him back if he can avoid jail time.
Otherwise, the Giants greatest need ap-
pears to be finding a young playmaker to
assist QB Eli Manning. RBs Brandon Ja-
cobs and Derrick Ward face free agency,
and keeping both could be tough.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Overview: The Eagles returned to the
NFC title game for the fifth time in the past
eight years, but for the fourth time they fell
short, losing to the Cardinals in Arizona.
But considering where the team stood after
Week 12 at 5-5-1, following a brutal loss
to the Ravens in which QB Donovan
McNabb was benched the Eagles late-
season rally shouldnt go overlooked.
Team MVP: McNabb responded from a
serious midseason slump to put his team
in a position to reach the playoffs, and DE
Trent Cole was a consistently dangerous
pass rusher, but the Eagles were at their
best when RB Brian Westbrook was
healthy, or close to it. Despite knee, ankle
and rib injuries, Westbrook scored 14
touchdowns and had huge performances
against the Falcons, Cardinals and Giants
in the regular season. He also had the Ea-
gles biggest play of the postseason: a 71-
yard TD on a screen pass to finish off the
Vikings in the wild-card round.
Biggest surprise: The defense, which
last season was solid but made few big
plays, developed into a legitimate top-10
unit. Coordinator Jim Johnson, despite the
failure in the playoff loss to the Cardinals,
had mostly excellent game plans. The de-
fensive line was a deep group, the lineback-
ers jelled into a strong unit, and the
secondary mixed young and old and be-
came strong with the addition of CB As-
ante Samuel.
Biggest disappointments: The teams
short-yardage failures were well docu-
mented. With a banged-up Westbrook and
no true big back on the roster, the Eagles
lost close games against the Bears and
Redskins early in the season and dug
themselves into a big hole. Later, it cost
them in a crucial loss to the Giants in Week
10. You also can add the teams defensive
collapse in the NFC championship as a big
disappointment in the most important
game of the season.
Offseason outlook: There are critical
decisions to be made on the foundation of
the team McNabb, FS Brian Dawkins,
and OTs Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan. Its
hard to imagine at least one of them not
coming back, but the focus will start on
McNabb. Hes due big money the next two
seasons and likely will sit down with head
coach Andy Reid and management in the
next few weeks to discuss a possible re-
structuring of his contract to keep him in
Philly.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Overview: When you look at the Red-
skins 8-8 season as a whole, youd have to
consider Jim Zorns first foray as head
coach in a tough environment as a moder-
ate success. But considering the team
started 6-2 and finished 2-6, the seasons
end left a bitter taste in fans and the teams
mouths. RB Clinton Portis and a veteran
defense both appeared to run out of gas
down the stretch, leaving some questions
about the makeup of next seasons roster.
Team MVP: Portis was an MVP candi-
date at midseason but slowed down con-
siderably in the second half as knee, rib,
neck and back injuries really took their toll.
Still, Portis was the teams most consistent
offensive threat, even if he butted heads
with Zorn and complained about not get-
ting the ball in crucial situations, such as
near the goal line in a loss to the Bengals.
Ask yourself this: What would the Red-
skins have been without Portis?
Biggest surprises: The play in the
trenches on both sides was strong, despite
serious age along each line. OLT Chris
Samuels earned a Pro Bowl bid, and OLG
Pete Kendall, C Casey Rabach and ORT
Jon Jansen played very well at times. The
D-line led the way for a top-five defense,
doing the dirty work and letting the line-
backers make the plays.
Biggest disappointment: It was ex-
pected that the passing game would de-
velop more down the stretch, but it instead
took a step backward in the final eight
games. QB Jason Campbell did a good job
limiting his interceptions, but he struggled
with no other receiver stepping up besides
Santana Moss. Three rookies WRs
Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly and TE
Fred Davis contributed little.
Offseason outlook: The team once
more is saddled with a limited draft, hav-
ing traded its second-, fourth- and seventh-
round picks in prior deals for veterans.
Expect Washington to try to add draft
picks perhaps dealing CB Carlos Rogers
because there are likely to be several
salary-cap casualties, especially on the de-
fensive side of the ball.
NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS
Overview: The Bears 9-7 record was
better than most observers expected, but
the defense underachieved for the second
straight year under coordinator Bob
Babich. The leagues 21st-ranked unit suf-
fered costly fourth-quarter breakdowns in
losses to the Panthers, Buccaneers and Fal-
cons and was charitable to a fault right up
to the end of the season, surrendering a
season-worst 455 yards in a 31-24 loss to
the Texans in Week 17 that cost the team a
playoff berth.
Team MVP: Second-round rookie RB
Matt Fort wasted no time establishing
himself as a top-flight, dual-threat, every-
down back, finishing the season with 1,715
yards from scrimmage (316-1,238-8 rush-
ing and 63-477-4 receiving). Forts matu-
rity and quick understanding of the Bears
offense earned high marks.
Biggest surprise: When first-round
rookie OT Chris Williams suffered a back
injury on the second day of training camp,
which eventually required surgery, the fu-
ture looked grim for an offensive line that
regressed significantly in 2007. As it
turned out, before appearing to wear down
late in the season, the line was surprisingly
serviceable in 08, ranking 12th in percent-
Justin Tuck and Donovan McNabb did battle three times in 08. The Giants sack
leader and his teammates failed to drop McNabb for a loss in the three meetings.
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age of sacks allowed.
Biggest disappointments: A tie be-
tween DT Tommie Harris and MLB Brian
Urlacher, who both got hefty raises before
the season but failed to raise their overall
level of play accordingly. Harris came on
late in the season, but he was a nonfactor
for much of the first half, thanks to persist-
ent knee issues and a one-game suspension
in early October. Urlacher had only two in-
terceptions and zero sacks a far cry from
the numbers the team expected from its
six-time Pro Bowler.
Offseason outlook: Shortly after the
season, head coach Lovie Smith an-
nounced his intention to do most of the de-
fensive play-calling in 2009, in addition to
adding 20 years of experience to his defen-
sive staff with the hirings of Rod Marinelli
(assistant head coach/defensive line) and
Jon Hoke (defensive backs). Look for GM
Jerry Angelo to concentrate on fortifying
the pass rush and secondary on defense
and every position on offense except tight
end.
DETROIT LIONS
Overview: The season fell apart quickly,
as expected improvements to the run game
and the secondary failed to pan out, result-
ing in the firing of GM Matt Millen. The
losing continued, and when the Lions blew
chances to win against the Vikings in Week
Six and the Bears in Week Nine, a winless
season started becoming a reality. When
the team fell at Green Bay in Week 17, the
NFLs first 0-16 season became official,
costing head coach Rod Marinelli his job.
Team MVP: In a season of losing, few
players could make a legitimate claim to
this honor. But we ll pick WR Calvin John-
son just edging PK Jason Hanson, who
had a remarkable season and his weekly
acrobatics. Despite five different Lions QBs
throwing him passes, Johnson made a big
leap in his second season, catching 78
passes for 1,331 yards and 12 TDs. He was
one of the few reasons to watch the Lions
and should be a star for years to come.
Biggest surprises: Two rookies came on
toward the end of the season, even as the
losing progressed. RB Kevin Smith started
slowly but eventually showed lead-back
ability, rushing for at least 86 yards in six of
the final eight games. DE Cliff Avril also
came on when he got a chance to play. He
had five sacks (four in the final six games)
and forced four fumbles; he appears to be
a player to watch.
Biggest disappointment: No question,
it was the lack of improvement on defense,
specifically in the secondary. The team
worked hard in the offseason to improve
its coverage, looking for defensive backs to
fit Marinellis Tampa-2 scheme, but some-
how the statistics got worse. The DBs
amazingly combined for only one intercep-
tion, and opposing QBs completed 68.4
percent of their passes against them.
Offseason outlook: New head coach
Jim Schwartz has a tough rebuilding chore,
but there are positives. The Lions own four
of the first 65 picks in the draft, including
two first-rounders (Nos. 1 and 20), and
they might be willing to spend some
money in free agency. Optimism is tem-
pered by reality, but the Lions have
nowhere to go but up.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Overview: Just a year after falling one
play short of reaching the Super Bowl, the
Packers hit the skids in dramatic fashion
in their first season in 16 years without
Brett Favre under center. While Aaron
Rodgers did a very respectable job replac-
ing Favre, the Packers dropped from 13-3
to 6-10, despite a plus-39 point differen-
tial. Seven of their losses came with the
team either tied or leading in the fourth
quarter.
Team MVP: Pro Bowl CB Charles Wood-
son was the cornerstone of the leagues best
secondary until it imploded in a 51-29
Monday-night mauling in New Orleans in
Week 12. Performing at a consistently high
level despite a broken toe, Woodson fin-
ished in a four-way tie for second in the
league in interceptions with seven and pro-
vided leadership and versatility when he
stepped in for the injured Atari Bigby at
strong safety late in the season.
Biggest surprise: It probably took place
before the season, when seventh-round
rookie Matt Flynn, the 209th player se-
lected in the 08 draft, wasted surprisingly
little time moving ahead of second-round
rookie Brian Brohm, the 56th player se-
lected, for the backup QB job behind
Rodgers.
Biggest disappointment: The defensive
line on two counts. For starters, the sea-
son-ending pectoral injury suffered in the
fourth game by DE Cullen Jenkins was a
bad break in more ways than one. Without
Jenkins, who had gotten off to a blazing
start, the Packers pass rush fell off dramat-
ically, with only DLE Aaron Kampman of-
fering any pressure on a regular basis. As
for the second disappointment, former
first-round DT Justin Harrell was an in-
jury-plagued nonfactor for the second year
in a row.
Offseason outlook: Head coach Mike
McCarthy placed the majority of the blame
for his teams seven-game plunge in the
standings on the defense, firing four defen-
sive coaches in an unprecedented purge,
including coordinator Bob Sanders. With
four of the first 100 picks in the draft and
enough money under the cap to alter his
usual approach and seriously shop the free-
agent market, GM Ted Thompson will
have the resources to beef up both sides of
the ball and perhaps add a few seasoned
veterans to the leagues youngest team for
the third straight year.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Overview: The Vikings made bold
moves last offseason to improve the team
and were good enough to finish 10-6 and
win the NFC North. RB Adrian Peterson
won the rushing title in a mostly healthy
season, new DE Jared Allen (14
1
2 sacks,
two safeties) was a hit and the team
avoided late-season suspensions for DTs
Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. But a
first-round loss to the Eagles and the up-
and-down play of QB Tarvaris Jackson left
a bad taste heading into this offseason.
Team MVP: Allen was outstanding, but
Peterson rushed for a league-high 1,760
yards on 363 carries, proving to be durable
even with a running style that has raised
doubts about his ability to stay healthy. Al-
though his fumbling was a cause for con-
cern, there was no more consistently big
performer than Peterson.
Biggest surprises: There werent a ton
of surprises for the Vikings, but there were
a few positive developments that must be
mentioned. S Tyrell Johnson, the teams
top draft pick, held up nicely as a starter
the first seven games while Madieu
Williams rehabbed a neck injury. Johnson
wasnt a big playmaker, but he played well
and showed he can start if Darren Sharper
doesnt return. Also, TE Visanthe Shian-
coe, who was awful in 2007, displayed the
kind of receiving ability the team thought
he had when they signed him; he could be
a weapon in 09.
Biggest disappointment: It has to be
the quarterback play, namely the uneven
performance of Jackson. He spent the en-
tire offseason working with the first team
but was benched after losing his first two
starts. Jackson returned to the starting
lineup at seasons end and played very well
at times, but his playoff performance
against the Eagles was a disaster. The pre-
vailing thought now is that the team
might have to go in a different direction
at QB.
Offseason outlook: Although theyre
unlikely to spend quite as freely as last year,
the Vikings wont hesitate to find a start-
ing-caliber right tackle, receiver or corner-
back to bolster what could be a strong
contender in a shaky division next season.
All that keeps this team from being a Super
Bowl favorite is a quarterback, and the club
Adrian Peterson ran hard all season long, with 10 games of 100 or more yards and,
despite some fumbling problems late in the season, led the league in rushing.
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has a very tough decision of how to rem-
edy that.
NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS
Overview: In one of the most impressive
turnarounds of any team this year, the Fal-
cons went from a franchise in disarray to a
contender for the NFC South title in a mat-
ter of months. GM Thomas Dimitroff and
head coach Mike Smith were able to
change the culture in Atlanta quickly, and
third overall pick QB Matt Ryan rarely fal-
tered in an impressive rookie campaign. It
ended with a disappointing playoff loss to
the Cardinals, but theres no doubt this
year was a very successful one for the Fal-
cons.
Team MVP: Ryans deserving of these
honors, but so is RB Michael Turner, to an
even greater extent. Atlanta was 9-0 in
games when Turner ran for 96 yards or
more and just 2-6 when he did not, includ-
ing the postseason. Turners tough, pound-
ing style opened things up for Ryan and the
passing game, making life a bit easier on
the rookie. Turner was the focal point of
Atlantas offense.
Biggest surprise: The level of success in
what was supposed to be a rebuilding year.
There were many who questioned Ryan,
Turner who had never been a featured
back in the pros and Smith who had
never been a head coach before at any level
yet all of them stunned doubters.
Biggest disappointment: There were
very few disappointments to choose from,
but one that sticks out is the performance
of second-year DE Jamaal Anderson. An-
derson, the eighth overall pick in the 2007
draft, did not show any significant sign of
improvement after struggling through his
rookie year. He had two sacks, which is two
more than he had in Year One, but two
sacks in 31 career starts is not anywhere
near what the Falcons envisioned for An-
derson.
Offseason outlook: Dimitroff and
Smith will spend much of their time on im-
proving the teams defensive personnel.
The Falcons need another pass rusher to
take some pressure off DE John Abraham
and could look to replace veterans SS
Lawyer Milloy, SLB Michael Boley and
WLB Keith Brooking, who are all free
agents. Word is the team isnt committed
to bringing any of them back.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Overview: The Panthers appeared to be
contenders for the NFC title up until their
playoff matchup with the Cardinals, in
which they were thoroughly dominated in
front of their home crowd. Its overshad-
owed a bit in light of the horrendous con-
clusion to the season, but RB DeAngelo
Williams had a breakout campaign, scor-
ing 20 touchdowns in an 11-game span. He
and Jonathan Stewart formed one of the
leagues more dominant rushing tandems,
WR Steve Smith had a Pro Bowl season
after being suspended for the first two
games for punching teammate Ken Lucas
in a training-camp brawl, and DE Julius
Peppers bounced back from a disappoint-
ing 2007 season, notching a career-high
14
1
2 sacks.
Team MVP: Williams has strong compe-
tition from Peppers and Smith, but he gets
the honors. He morphed into one of the
leagues most dynamic backs and gave the
Panthers offense a spark out of the back-
field that they had lacked since their Super
Bowl appearance, when Stephen Davis led
the way. Carolina was 8-2 when Williams
ran for 80 yards or more, and its defense
was atrocious in the two losses, yielding 45
and 34 points, respectively.
Biggest surprise: The rapid rise of
Williams. Much of the talk during training
camp was that Stewart had a good chance
of overtaking Williams as the clubs fea-
tured back before the year was over. Four
games into the season, when Williams was
averaging just 3.7 yards per carry and had
yet to score a touchdown, it looked like he
was on the verge of taking a backseat, but
that never happened. Williams only grew
stronger as the year went on.
Biggest disappointment: Jake Del-
hommes performance in the postseason
loss. He committed six turnovers (five in-
terceptions, one fumble lost) and played
the biggest role in Carolinas demise.
Offseason outlook: Theres a contro-
versy brewing in Carolina following Pep-
pers announcement that he wants to play
elsewhere next season. Peppers will be-
come a free agent, but the Panthers will
likely put the franchise tag on him and try
to trade him if he doesnt change his mind
about sticking around. GM Marty Hurney
will also work on re-signing Pro Bowl OLT
Jordan Gross and adding depth to the inte-
rior of the defensive line.
NEWORLEANS SAINTS
Overview: There were high expectations
for the Saints heading into the season, but
they failed to meet them in a disappoint-
ing 8-8 season. QB Drew Brees had a re-
markable campaign, coming within a few
yards of breaking Dan Marinos record for
passing yards in a season, yet New Orleans
defense couldnt hold up its end of the bar-
gain. The defenses struggles cost coordi-
nator Gary Gibbs his job a few weeks into
the new year, and head coach Sean Payton
hired Gregg Williams to take over the
fledgling unit.
Team MVP: Brees doesnt have any com-
petition for this one. Despite playing with-
out top targets like WR Marques Colston
and TE Jeremy Shockey for extended peri-
ods of time while they recovered from in-
juries, Brees didnt just deal with the
adversity, he flourished in it. He threw 34
TDs (which tied for a league high) and had
5,069 passing yards in one of the best sea-
sons of any quarterback in NFL history.
Biggest surprise: After a nondescript
first three seasons, WR Lance Moore
emerged as Brees go-to guy. Despite his
lack of size he stands only 5-foot-9
Moore led the Saints in receptions (79), re-
ceiving yards (928) and receiving TDs (10).
He was considered a fourth or fifth wide-
out heading into the season, but he rose up
the ranks rapidly after Colstons early-sea-
son thumb injury.
Biggest disappointment: The season
was one big cumulative disappointment,
but the defenses ineffectiveness stands out
the most. The Saints tried to repair their
problems last offseason, trading for MLB
Jonathan Vilma and drafting DT Sedrick
Ellis in the first round and CB Tracy Porter
in the second round. Even with those
promising additions, New Orleans D still
finished 23rd in the league after finishing
26th the previous season.
Offseason outlook: The Saints have had
an eventful start to the offseason, with the
change in defensive coordinators and the
publicity following the announcement that
Reggie Bush underwent microfracture sur-
gery on his knee in December. While the
team keeps a close eye on Bushs progress
hes expected to be ready for the entirety
of offseason workouts Payton and GM
Matt Ryan was a revelation as a rookie from Day One, helping resurrect the once-
moribund Falcons and surprisingly leading them to the playoffs.
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Mickey Loomis will need to continue tin-
kering with their defense, particularly in
the secondary. Veterans CB Mike McKen-
zie, WR David Patten, CB Jason David and
RB Deuce McAllister have all been men-
tioned as potential salary-cap casualties as
the Saints look to clear cap room.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Overview: Things looked promising for
the Bucs after a 9-3 start to the season. A
collapse during a four-game losing streak
to end the year, however, left Tampa out of
the postseason and likely played a role in
ownerships decision to fire head coach Jon
Gruden and GM Bruce Allen on Jan. 16.
Raheem Morris, who had been promoted
to replace Monte Kiffin as defensive coor-
dinator less than three weeks earlier, was
named as Grudens successor, and director
of pro personnel Mark Dominik was pro-
moted to general manager.
Team MVP: WR Antonio Bryant
emerged as one of Tampas few offensive
playmakers after signing a one-year deal in
the offseason. Without him, the Bucs of-
fense would have lacked any one player
who could strike fear into defenses and
force them to adjust. He finished among
the league leaders in receptions (83) and
receiving yards (1,248).
Biggest surprise: The Glazer familys
decision to dismiss Gruden and Allen
stunned those around the league. It caught
Gruden, who was interviewing candidates
to fill out his coaching staff the day he was
fired, and Allen off guard, too. While the
Bucs hadnt won a playoff game since Gru-
dens first season (2002), he is still re-
garded as one of the best coaches in the
league. The Glazers took a risk by replacing
the well-seasoned Gruden with Morris,
who is only 32.
Biggest disappointment: The way the
defense played after Kiffin announced he
would be leaving to join his sons staff at
the University of Tennessee. The Bucs had
been one of the leagues stingiest units up
to Week 14, but it all unraveled from that
point on. Tampa allowed an average of al-
most 31 points in the final four contests
and gave up 175 rushing yards or more in
three of those four. The collapse sent Kiffin,
one of the best coordinators in recent his-
tory, out on a low note.
Offseason outlook: Morris first task is
to fill out his coaching staff, and it will be of
great importance that he surrounds him-
self with veteran assistants. Dominik will
be faced with re-signing Bryant, who will
become a free agent, repairing a defense
that struggled mightily late in the year and
potentially finding a new starting quarter-
back, since Jeff Garcia is also entering free
agency.
NFC WEST
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Overview: From .500 to the Super Bowl.
Suffice it to say, the Cardinals made excel-
lent progress in Ken Whisenhunts second
season as head coach, winning their first
division title in 33 years and making it to
their first NFC championship game in 61
years. And they came within 35 seconds of
winning the Super Bowl. Whisenhunt
made the right move in the preseason,
naming veteran Kurt Warner as the start-
ing QB over former first-round draft pick
Matt Leinart. The two-time league MVP
went on to set numerous franchise records
while directing the leagues second-ranked
passing offense.
Team MVP: Warner probably would
have deserved the award based solely on
the regular season, but WR Larry Fitzger-
alds electrifying performance in the play-
offs after leading the NFC in receptions
and yards receiving for the second straight
season gives him the nod. It would ap-
pear Fitzgeralds four-year, $40 million
contract extension was money well spent,
especially considering it actually lowered
his cap number by about $9 million.
Biggest surprise: After losing his start-
ing job to rookie Tim Hightower and get-
ting only 11 carries in the next eight games,
RB Edgerrin James burst out of the wood-
work in Week 17 with a 14-carry, 100-yard
rushing effort that couldnt have been bet-
ter timed. James relatively fresh legs con-
tinued to reap significant dividends in the
postseason, adding a major boost to the
leagues lowest-ranked ground game.
Biggest disappointment: Prior to its
postseason rebound, the team hardly
looked like a bona fide playoff contender
after losing four of its last six regular-sea-
son contests, even though it managed to
clinch the NFC West title with three games
remaining. Embarrassing late-season de-
feats to the Eagles, Vikings and Patriots, in
which the team was outscored 130-41, left
a particularly sour taste.
Offseason outlook: For the second year
in a row, a host of potentially touchy con-
tract situations will have a direct bearing
on the Cardinals offseason plans. Among
others, free agents Warner, LB Karlos
Dansby and star WR Anquan Boldin, who
demanded a trade early in the year, will be
looking for new deals this offseason. The
Cardinals could have a tough time satisfy-
ing all of them.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Overview: After dismissing head coach
Scott Linehan following four losses to
begin the season, the Rams continued to
mostly falter under interim head coach Jim
Haslett. Setting a team record with 14
losses, the offense scored 20 or more points
only three times, while the defense allowed
465 points, the second-most in team his-
tory, as well as a franchise-worst 2,475
rushing yards.
Team MVP: After a slow start, free-agent
FS O.J. Atogwe led the team in intercep-
tions (five) and forced fumbles (six) and
continued to establish himself as a consis-
tent playmaker in his third season as a full-
time starter. P Donnie Jones, who didnt
make the Pro Bowl despite being only the
second player in league history to finish the
season with a gross punting average of at
least 50 yards, is a strong runner-up.
Biggest surprise: There arent a lot of
candidates from a positive standpoint. The
best choice is probably RB Kenneth Darby,
a mid-October pickup off Atlantas prac-
tice squad. Darby earned a shot to remain
on the team as the No. 3 back after display-
ing impressive quickness, toughness and
receiving ability, not to mention surpris-
ingly solid blitz-pickup skills.
Biggest disappointment: Major im-
provement in the offense was expected
after Linehan hired the well-regarded Al
Saunders to be the teams new coordinator
before the season. But Saunders expansive
playbook proved to be too much for the
Rams players to handle, as the teams of-
fense sputtered more often than not, with
numerous injuries also taking their toll for
a second straight year.
Offseason outlook: The Rams hope
Steve Spagnuolo, the teams fifth full-time
head coach since moving to St. Louis in
1995, can help bring the team back to re-
spectability. New GM Billy Devaney plans
to focus on bigger and tougher players
both physically and mentally on both
sides of the ball, in addition to beefing up
the teams personnel department.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Overview: Niners Nation was forced to
endure a sixth straight losing campaign,
but the season ended on a promising note,
with the team finishing 5-4 under Mike
Singletary, who replaced Mike Nolan as
head coach seven games into the season.
Although the San Francisco offense was
much improved under coordinator Mike
Martz, scoring 120 more points and gener-
ating nearly 1,200 more yards than in the
previous season, he was not retained.
Team MVP: With apologies to RB Frank
Gore, who became the first 49er to rush for
1,000 yards in three straight seasons, and
WR Isaac Bruce, who led the team in
catches (61) and yards receiving (835), the
nod goes to QB Shaun Hill, who displayed
great leadership and toughness under cen-
ter after replacing the struggling J.T. OSul-
livan as the starter. Hill directed two
fourth-quarter comebacks and persevered
despite operating behind the leagues most
porous line.
Biggest surprise: The 36-year-old
Bruce continued to defy Father Time, run-
ning his usual picture-perfect routes and
playing as well as ever. Bruce figured to
command respect in the locker room and
be a valuable mentor to the teams younger
receivers, but nobody expected him to gain
the most yards by a Niners receiver since
Terrell Owens 1,102 yards in 2003.
Biggest disappointment: Better play
was expected from the Niners secondary,
particularly Nate Clements, who is being
paid like an elite corner but had his fair
share of breakdowns in 08. Both fellow
starting CB Walt Harris and FS Mark
Roman, who has not intercepted a pass or
forced a fumble since 2006, appeared to
lose a step, while starting SS Michael Lewis
offered decent run support but struggled
in coverage.
Offseason outlook: Singletary, who was
rewarded with a new four-year, $10 mil-
lion contract after the Niners final victory,
raised more than a few eyebrows when he
declared the QB position a top priority de-
spite Hills effectiveness in the second half
of the season. A quality right tackle for the
power run-oriented offense he envisions
and an impact pass rusher are also promi-
nently on Singletarys radar.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Overview: The defending four-time
NFC West champs turned into chumps in
Mike Holmgrens final season at the helm.
The Seahawks fell to 4-12, Holmgrens
worst record in 17 years as a head coach,
and were stung severely by the injury bug,
placing 14 players on injured reserve after
all was said and done, including eight
opening-day starters and the entire start-
ing offensive line.
Team MVP: Second-round rookie TE
John Carlson provided a rare bit of opti-
mism, becoming the first Seahawks rookie
since Hall of Famer Steve Largent in 1976
to lead the team in receptions (55), receiv-
ing yards (627) and TD catches (five).
With soft hands and a great ability to
shield his body from defenders, Carlson
looks like a Pro Bowl-caliber tight end in
the making.
Biggest surprise: Versatile free-agent
OL Floyd Pork Chop Womack, who had
all kinds of problems staying healthy his
previous seven seasons, ended up looking
like the Rock of Gibraltar on the Seahawks
crippled line. Starting the season at right
guard after Rob Sims tore a pectoral mus-
cle in Week One, Womack seamlessly
made the transition to left guard after
Mike Wahle underwent season-ending
shoulder surgery.
Biggest disappointment: It has to be the
defense, especially against the pass. After
giving up a league-low 15 TD passes the pre-
vious season, Seattles secondary was often
a sieve, as the defense ranked dead last
against the pass. Coordinator John Mar-
shalls unit was accused of being too passive
much of the time. With DE Patrick Kerney,
the teams best pass rusher, missing the final
nine games with a shoulder injury that re-
quired additional surgery, the Seahawks
managed only 16 sacks in that span.
Offseason outlook: Team president
Tim Ruskell will try to get the Seahawks
back on the right track with two of the top
37 picks in the 2009 draft, including the
fourth overall selection. New head coach
Jim Mora has promised to make the de-
fense more aggressive, and new offensive
coordinator Greg Knapp is expected to put
more emphasis on the ground game.
RUSHING
Player Team Att Yds Avg Lg TD
Jones N.Y.J. 290 1,312 4.5 59 13
Slaton Hou. 268 1,282 4.8 71 9
Johnson Ten. 251 1,228 4.9 66 9
Tomlinson S.D. 292 1,110 3.8 45 11
Lynch Buff. 250 1,036 4.1 50 8
J. Lewis Clev. 279 1,002 3.6 29 4
Brown Mia. 214 916 4.3 62 10
L. McClain Balt. 232 902 3.9 82 10
L. Johnson K.C. 193 874 4.5 65 5
Fargas Oak. 218 853 3.9 42 1
Jones-Drew Jax. 197 824 4.2 46 12
Parker Pitt. 210 791 3.8 34 5
White Ten. 200 773 3.9 80 15
Benson Cin. 214 747 3.5 46 2
Morris N.E. 156 727 4.7 35 7
McGahee Balt. 170 671 3.9 77 7
Williams Mia. 160 659 4.1 51 4
Moore Pitt. 140 588 4.2 32 5
Jackson Buff. 130 571 4.4 32 3
Taylor Jax. 143 556 3.9 34 1
Addai Ind. 155 544 3.5 23 5
Rhodes Ind. 152 538 3.5 38 6
Faulk N.E. 83 507 6.1 41 3
McFadden Oak. 113 499 4.4 50 4
Rice Balt. 107 454 4.2 60 0
L. WashingtonN.Y.J. 76 448 5.9 61 6
Bush Oak. 95 421 4.4 67 3
Thigpen K.C. 62 386 6.2 32 3
Jordan N.E. 80 363 4.5 49 4
Charles K.C. 67 357 5.3 30 0
Hillis Den. 68 343 5.0 19 5
Sproles S.D. 61 330 5.4 37 1
Garrard Jax. 73 322 4.4 24 2
Pittman Den. 76 320 4.2 20 4
Fitzpatrick Cin. 60 304 5.1 22 2
Young Den. 61 303 5.0 49 1
Green Hou. 74 294 4.0 14 3
Green-Ellis N.E. 74 275 3.7 15 5
Cassel N.E. 73 270 3.7 19 2
C. Perry Cin. 104 269 2.6 25 2
T. Bell Den. 44 249 5.7 37 2
Harrison Clev. 34 246 7.2 72 1
Cutler Den. 57 200 3.5 18 2
Flacco Balt. 52 180 3.5 38 2
Cribbs Clev. 29 167 5.8 27 1
Hall Den. 35 144 4.1 16 0
Pope Den. 17 130 7.6 24 0
Russell Oak. 17 127 7.5 24 1
Edwards Buff. 36 117 3.3 15 3
B. Smith N.Y.J. 12 113 9.4 36 0
Royal Den. 11 109 9.9 71 0
Roethlisberger Pitt. 34 101 3.0 17 2
Ko. Smith K.C. 35 100 2.9 19 1
Hester S.D. 19 95 5.0 28 1
Moats Hou. 26 94 3.6 12 1
Maroney N.E. 28 93 3.3 17 0
Cobbs Mia. 12 88 7.3 44 1
Polite Mia. 23 85 3.7 14 0
Rivers S.D. 31 84 2.7 11 0
Ball Ind. 13 83 6.4 23 0
Clayton Balt. 6 81 13.5 42 1
Russell Pitt. 28 77 2.8 15 3
Ginn Mia. 5 73 14.6 40 2
Losman Buff. 12 70 5.8 17 2
Jackson S.D. 4 69 17.3 31 0
Torain Den. 15 69 4.6 19 1
Schaub Hou. 31 68 2.2 10 2
Richardson N.Y.J. 10 65 6.5 16 0
Pennington Mia. 30 62 2.1 16 1
Ganther Ten. 9 61 6.8 22 0
Mendenhall Pitt. 19 58 3.1 12 0
J. Wright Clev. 16 55 3.4 11 0
Watson Cin. 13 55 4.2 7 0
Anderson Clev. 25 55 2.2 15 0
Caldwell Cin. 5 53 10.6 26 0
Savage K.C. 15 53 3.5 11 0
Collins Ten. 25 49 2.0 17 0
Simpson Ind. 15 45 3.0 10 1
Favre N.Y.J. 21 43 2.0 27 1
M. Owens Jax. 2 43 21.5 41 2
Palmer Cin. 6 38 6.3 15 0
Rosenfels Hou. 11 37 3.4 15 0
Taylor Hou. 14 37 2.6 17 0
Tolbert S.D. 13 37 2.8 11 0
B. Jones Ten. 2 35 17.5 28 0
C. Davis Pitt. 12 35 2.9 11 0
Higgins Oak. 3 34 11.3 18 0
Vickers Clev. 10 31 3.1 10 0
Davenport Pitt.-Ind. 10 31 3.1 8 0
E. Wright Clev. 7 30 4.3 8 0
Ja. Johnson Cin. 9 29 3.2 12 0
Parmele Balt. 2 27 13.5 31 0
Young Ten. 8 27 3.4 8 0
Gray K.C. 1 27 27.0 27 0
Welker N.E. 3 26 8.7 19 0
Neal Balt. 12 25 2.1 5 0
T. Smith Balt. 9 24 2.7 8 0
Evans N.E. 11 23 2.1 4 0
Walter Hou. 3 23 7.7 13 0
Evans Buff. 1 22 22.0 22 0
Alston Oak. 1 22 22.0 22 0
Hall Ten. 8 21 2.6 6 0
Quinn Clev. 5 21 4.2 12 0
Manning Ind. 20 21 1.1 12 1
Walter Oak. 5 19 3.8 13 0
Washington Pitt. 5 18 3.6 8 0
Turk Hou. 1 18 18.0 18 0
Huard K.C. 4 13 3.3 15 0
G. Jones Jax. 2 13 6.5 13 0
Bess Mia. 1 13 13.0 13 0
M. Bennett S.D. 7 12 1.7 4 0
Tuiasosopo Oak. 2 11 5.5 11 0
Coles N.Y.J. 2 9 4.5 6 0
Hart Ind. 2 9 4.5 7 0
Washington Jax. 4 9 2.3 6 0
Holmes Pitt. 2 9 4.5 10 0
Parrish Buff. 2 9 4.5 9 0
Dorsey Cin. 5 8 1.6 7 0
McCareins Ten. 2 8 4.0 4 0
Chatman N.Y.J. 5 8 1.6 5 0
Cotchery N.Y.J. 2 8 4.0 8 0
Sorgi Ind. 5 8 1.6 12 0
Leftwich Pitt. 4 7 1.8 8 1
Omon Buff. 6 5 0.8 2 0
Chatman Cin. 2 4 2.0 2 0
Griffith Oak. 2 2 1.0 2 0
Leach Hou. 1 1 1.0 1 1
Camarillo Mia. 2 1 0.5 6 0
Moss N.E. 2 0 0.0 2 0
Dorsey Clev. 2 0 0.0 0 0
Dixon Pitt. 2 -3 -1.5 -1 0
Clemens N.Y.J. 3 -3 -1.0 -1 0
Lemon Jax. 2 -3 -1.5 -1 0
Sapp Hou. 2 -3 -1.5 0 0
Marshall Den. 2 -4 -2.0 7 0
Hentrich Ten. 2 -6 -3.0 0 0
OConnell N.E. 3 -6 -2.0 -2 0
Excludes players with one carry, fewer than 10 yards
and no touchdowns.
RECEIVING
Player Team No Yds Avg Lg TD
A. Johnson Hou. 115 1,575 13.7 65 7
Welker N.E. 111 1,165 10.5 64 3
Marshall Den. 104 1,265 12.2 47 6
Gonzalez K.C. 96 1,058 11.0 35 10
Houshmandzadeh Cin. 92 904 9.8 46 4
Royal Den. 91 980 10.8 93 5
Bowe K.C. 86 1,022 11.9 36 7
Wayne Ind. 82 1,145 14.0 65 6
Ward Pitt. 81 1,043 12.9 49 7
Mason Balt. 80 1,037 13.0 54 5
Clark Ind. 77 848 11.0 33 6
Cotchery N.Y.J. 71 858 12.1 56 5
Daniels Hou. 70 862 12.3 35 2
Coles N.Y.J. 70 850 12.1 54 7
Moss N.E. 69 1,008 14.6 76 11
M. Jones Jax. 65 761 11.7 35 2
Evans Buff. 63 1,017 16.1 87 3
Jones-Drew Jax. 62 565 9.1 26 2
Walter Hou. 60 899 15.0 61 8
Gates S.D. 60 704 11.7 34 8
Harrison Ind. 60 636 10.6 67 5
Jackson S.D. 59 1,098 18.6 60 7
Scaife Ten. 58 561 9.7 44 1
Faulk N.E. 58 486 8.4 22 3
Gonzalez Ind. 57 664 11.6 58 4
Ginn Mia. 56 790 14.1 64 2
Z. Miller Oak. 56 778 13.9 63 1
Reed Buff. 56 597 10.7 24 1
Edwards Clev. 55 873 15.9 70 3
Holmes Pitt. 55 821 14.9 48 5
Camarillo Mia. 55 613 11.1 33 2
Bess Mia. 54 554 10.3 37 1
Ocho Cinco Cin. 53 540 10.2 26 4
Tomlinson S.D. 52 426 8.2 32 1
Slaton Hou. 50 377 7.5 46 1
Stokley Den. 49 528 10.8 36 3
Keller N.Y.J. 48 535 11.1 54 3
Miller Pitt. 48 514 10.7 22 3
L. Washington N.Y.J. 47 355 7.6 40 2
Lynch Buff. 47 300 6.4 42 1
Rhodes Ind. 45 302 6.7 29 3
Northcutt Jax. 44 545 12.4 41 2
Winslow Clev. 43 428 10.0 30 3
Johnson Ten. 43 260 6.0 25 1
Clayton Balt. 41 695 17.0 70 3
Lewis Jax. 41 489 11.9 30 2
B. Jones Ten. 41 449 11.0 40 1
Scheffler Den. 40 645 16.1 72 3
Washington Pitt. 40 631 15.8 65 3
Moore Pitt. 40 320 8.0 54 1
Gaffney N.E. 38 468 12.3 37 1
R. Williams Jax. 37 364 9.8 32 3
Jackson Buff. 37 317 8.6 65 0
Jones N.Y.J. 36 207 5.8 19 2
Heap Balt. 35 403 11.5 30 3
Gage Ten. 34 651 19.1 56 6
Fasano Mia. 34 454 13.4 24 7
Chambers S.D. 33 462 14.0 48 5
Royal Buff. 33 351 10.6 30 1
Rice Balt. 33 273 8.3 22 0
Brown Mia. 33 254 7.7 39 0
Graham Den. 32 389 12.2 28 4
Stuckey N.Y.J. 32 359 11.2 31 3
D. Martin Mia. 31 450 14.5 61 3
Kelly Cin. 31 207 6.7 31 0
McCareins Ten. 30 412 13.7 37 0
Bradley K.C. 30 380 12.7 56 3
Sproles S.D. 29 342 11.8 66 5
McFadden Oak. 29 285 9.8 27 0
Williams Mia. 29 219 7.6 47 1
Floyd S.D. 27 465 17.2 49 4
Charles K.C. 27 272 10.1 75 1
Addai Ind. 25 206 8.2 55 2
Crumpler Ten. 24 257 10.7 28 1
Parrish Buff. 24 232 9.7 22 1
McGahee Balt. 24 173 7.2 35 0
Heiden Clev. 23 249 10.8 51 0
J. Lewis Clev. 23 178 7.7 18 0
Higgins Oak. 22 366 16.6 84 4
Watson N.E. 22 209 9.5 29 2
J. Wright Clev. 22 156 7.1 17 1
Chatman Cin. 21 194 9.2 25 0
Baker N.Y.J. 21 194 9.2 29 0
Benson Cin. 20 185 9.3 79 0
C. Perry Cin. 20 71 3.6 12 0
Cobbs Mia. 19 275 14.5 80 2
D. Anderson Hou. 19 241 12.7 65 2
Henry Cin. 19 220 11.6 22 2
Steptoe Clev. 19 182 9.6 53 0
Curry Oak. 19 181 9.5 16 2
Robinson Ind. 19 166 8.7 23 0
Bush Oak. 19 162 8.5 25 0
L. McClain Balt. 19 123 6.5 25 1
Darling K.C. 17 247 14.5 68 1
Stallworth Clev. 17 170 10.0 19 1
Morris N.E. 17 161 9.5 42 0
Spaeth Pitt. 17 136 8.0 13 0
Walker Jax. 16 217 13.6 32 0
Utecht Cin. 16 123 7.7 14 0
Taylor Jax. 16 98 6.1 17 0
Schilens Oak. 15 226 15.1 60 2
Walker Oak. 15 196 13.1 29 1
Schouman Buff. 15 153 10.2 21 1
Manumaleuna S.D. 15 127 8.5 17 2
Hillis Den. 14 179 12.8 47 1
Davis Hou. 13 213 16.4 49 0
Williams Balt. 13 180 13.8 70 1
Tolbert S.D. 13 171 13.2 67 1
Hall Ten. 13 138 10.6 54 2
G. Jones Jax. 13 116 8.9 22 1
D. Jackson Den. 12 190 15.8 48 1
Harrison Clev. 12 116 9.7 23 1
Leach Hou. 12 103 8.6 22 0
Hester S.D. 12 91 7.6 16 1
L. Johnson K.C. 12 74 6.2 20 0
B. Smith N.Y.J. 12 64 5.3 18 0
Lelie Oak. 11 197 17.9 51 2
Porter Jax. 11 181 16.5 33 1
N. Jackson Den. 11 84 7.6 19 1
Stewart Oak. 11 81 7.4 17 1
Caldwell Cin. 11 78 7.1 15 0
Dreessen Hou. 11 77 7.0 13 0
Green Hou. 11 32 2.9 8 0
Estandia Jax. 10 113 11.3 23 0
Pittman Den. 10 112 11.2 40 0
St. Johnson Buff. 10 102 10.2 21 2
Fine Buff. 10 94 9.4 20 1
Vickers Clev. 10 78 7.8 21 0
Santi Ind. 10 64 6.4 13 1
T. Bell Den. 10 57 5.7 12 0
Fargas Oak. 10 52 5.2 12 0
Ko. Smith K.C. 10 52 5.2 8 0
D. Thomas N.E. 9 93 10.3 18 0
Hardy Buff. 9 87 9.7 17 2
Griffith Oak. 9 85 9.4 24 1
Aiken N.E. 8 101 12.6 43 0
Naanee S.D. 8 64 8.0 18 0
Angulo Jax. 8 63 7.9 17 0
Cox K.C. 8 19 2.4 5 0
Franklin K.C. 7 83 11.9 42 0
Hawkins Ten. 7 68 9.7 19 0
Cottam K.C. 7 63 9.0 19 0
Neal Balt. 7 35 5.0 13 0
Sweed Pitt. 6 64 10.7 17 0
Ja. Johnson Cin. 6 47 7.8 16 0
Franks N.Y.J. 6 47 7.8 25 0
Ganther Ten. 6 43 7.2 15 0
Lawton Oak. 6 30 5.0 12 0
Polite Mia. 6 24 4.0 9 0
Webb K.C. 5 46 9.2 15 0
Dinkins Clev. 5 41 8.2 22 1
Williamson Jax. 5 30 6.0 10 1
C. Davis Pitt. 5 27 5.4 14 0
Wilcox Balt. 5 19 3.8 8 2
White Ten. 5 16 3.2 7 0
Davis S.D. 4 59 14.8 20 0
Davenport Ind. 4 54 13.5 33 0
Garcon Ind. 4 23 5.8 12 0
Ali Clev. 4 13 3.3 12 0
Jones Hou. 3 81 27.0 45 0
Evans N.E. 3 59 19.7 28 0
Hagan Mia. 3 51 17.0 20 0
Green-Ellis N.E. 3 37 12.3 20 0
Martinez Den. 3 32 10.7 12 0
Simpson Ind. 3 30 10.0 15 0
London Mia. 3 30 10.0 14 0
Holt Cin. 3 26 8.7 10 1
Hall Den. 3 25 8.3 11 0
Wilford Mia. 3 25 8.3 15 0
McHugh Pitt. 3 24 8.0 15 0
Pope Den. 3 24 8.0 16 1
Young Den. 3 16 5.3 8 0
Moats Hou. 3 14 4.7 5 0
Parker Pitt. 3 13 4.3 5 0
Tamme Ind. 3 12 4.0 6 0
Watson Cin. 3 4 1.3 3 0
Dorsey Cin. 2 49 24.5 36 0
Wrighster Jax. 2 35 17.5 27 0
Barnes Buff. 2 34 17.0 25 0
Davis Ten. 2 31 15.5 21 0
Haynos Mia. 2 22 11.0 19 1
Coats Cin. 2 19 9.5 11 0
Cribbs Clev. 2 18 9.0 17 1
M. Owens Jax. 2 17 8.5 10 0
Rucker Clev. 2 17 8.5 9 0
Lawrie Cin. 2 11 5.5 7 0
Chatman N.Y.J. 2 5 2.5 3 0
Cramer Ten. 2 3 1.5 2 1
Savage K.C. 2 0 0.0 2 0
McIntyre Buff. 2 -1 -0.5 0 0
Flacco Balt. 1 43 43.0 43 0
Figurs Balt. 1 43 43.0 43 1
Thigpen K.C. 1 37 37.0 37 1
T. Smith Balt. 1 36 36.0 36 0
Clowney N.Y.J. 1 26 26.0 26 0
Jones Balt. 1 25 25.0 25 0
Pearman Jax. 1 23 23.0 23 1
C. Jackson Den. 1 19 19.0 19 0
Denney Buff. 1 19 19.0 19 1
Hart Ind. 1 18 18.0 18 0
Sanders Clev. 1 18 18.0 18 0
Excludes players with one reception, fewer than
10 yards and no touchdowns.
SCORING
Player Team TD XP/att FG/att 2XP Pts
Gostkowski N.E. 0 40/40 36/40 0 148
Bironas Ten. 0 40/40 29/33 0 127
Kaeding S.D. 0 46/46 27/32 0 127
K. Brown Hou. 0 37/37 29/33 0 124
Lindell Buff. 0 34/34 30/38 0 124
Stover Balt. 0 41/41 27/33 0 122
Reed Pitt. 0 36/37 27/31 0 117
Prater Den. 0 39/40 25/34 0 114
Feely N.Y.J. 0 39/39 24/28 0 111
Dawson Clev. 0 18/18 30/36 0 108
Carpenter Mia. 0 40/40 21/25 0 103
Vinatieri Ind. 0 43/43 20/25 0 103
Janikowski Oak. 0 25/26 24/30 0 97
Jones N.Y.J. 15 0/0 0/0 0 90
Scobee Jax. 0 33/33 19/25 0 90
White Ten. 15 0/0 0/0 0 90
Jones-Drew Jax. 14 0/0 0/0 0 84
Graham Cin. 0 15/15 21/24 0 78
Tomlinson S.D. 12 0/0 0/0 0 72
L. McClain Balt. 11 0/0 0/0 0 66
Moss N.E. 11 0/0 0/0 0 66
Brown Mia. 10 0/0 0/0 0 60
Gonzalez K.C. 10 0/0 0/0 0 60
Johnson Ten. 10 0/0 0/0 0 60
Slaton Hou. 10 0/0 0/0 0 60
Rhodes Ind. 9 0/0 0/0 1 56
L. Washington N.Y.J. 9 0/0 0/0 1 56
Barth K.C. 0 24/24 10/12 0 54
Lynch Buff. 9 0/0 0/0 0 54
Gates S.D. 8 0/0 0/0 0 48
Walter Hou. 8 0/0 0/0 0 48
A. Johnson Hou. 7 0/0 0/0 1 44
Sproles S.D. 7 0/0 0/0 1 44
Addai Ind. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
Bowe K.C. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
Coles N.Y.J. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
Fasano Mia. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
Higgins Oak. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
Jackson S.D. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
McGahee Balt. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
Morris N.E. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
Ward Pitt. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
Wayne Ind. 6 0/0 0/0 1 38
Clark Ind. 6 0/0 0/0 0 36
Faulk N.E. 6 0/0 0/0 0 36
Gage Ten. 6 0/0 0/0 0 36
Hillis Den. 6 0/0 0/0 0 36
Marshall Den. 6 0/0 0/0 0 36
Moore Pitt. 6 0/0 0/0 0 36
Cotchery N.Y.J. 5 0/0 0/0 1 32
Mason Balt. 5 0/0 0/0 1 32
Royal Den. 5 0/0 0/0 1 32
Chambers S.D. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Green-Ellis N.E. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Harrison Ind. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Holmes Pitt. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
L. Johnson K.C. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Parker Pitt. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Williams Mia. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Novak K.C. 0 7/7 6/10 0 25
Clayton Balt. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Floyd S.D. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Ginn Mia. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Gonzalez Ind. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Graham Den. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Houshmandzadeh Cin. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Jordan N.E. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
J. Lewis Clev. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
McFadden Oak. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Ocho Cinco Cin. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Pittman Den. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Thigpen K.C. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Edwards Clev. 3 0/0 0/0 2 22
Evans Buff. 3 0/0 0/0 1 20
Welker N.E. 3 0/0 0/0 1 20
Bradley K.C. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Bush Oak. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Cobbs Mia. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Cribbs Clev. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Edwards Buff. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Green Hou. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Heap Balt. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Jackson Buff. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Keller N.Y.J. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
D. Martin Mia. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Miller Pitt. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
M. Owens Jax. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Reed Balt. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Russell Pitt. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Scheffler Den. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Stokley Den. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Stuckey N.Y.J. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Washington Pitt. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
R. Williams Jax. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Winslow Clev. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Cutler Den. 2 0/0 0/0 1 14
Hall Ten. 2 0/0 0/0 1 14
D. Anderson Hou. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
T. Bell Den. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Benson Cin. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Camarillo Mia. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Cassel N.E. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Curry Oak. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Daniels Hou. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Fitzpatrick Cin. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Flacco Balt. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Garrard Jax. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Greer Buff. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Hardy Buff. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Harrison Clev. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Henry Cin. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Hester S.D. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
St. Johnson Buff. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Jones Hou. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
M. Jones Jax. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Leggett K.C. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
AFC INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
2008 FINAL
PASSING
Comp TD Int Avg
Player Team Att Comp Pct Yds TD Pct Lg Int Pct Gain Rating
Rivers S.D. 478 312 65.3 4,009 34 7.1 67 11 2.3 8.39 105.5
Pennington Mia. 476 321 67.4 3,653 19 4.0 80 7 1.5 7.67 97.4
Manning Ind. 555 371 66.8 4,002 27 4.9 75 12 2.2 7.21 95.0
Schaub Hou. 380 251 66.1 3,043 15 3.9 65 10 2.6 8.01 92.7
Cassel N.E. 516 327 63.4 3,693 21 4.1 76 11 2.1 7.16 89.4
Cutler Den. 616 384 62.3 4,526 25 4.1 93 18 2.9 7.35 86.0
Edwards Buff. 374 245 65.5 2,699 11 2.9 65 10 2.7 7.22 85.4
Garrard Jax. 535 335 62.6 3,620 15 2.8 41 13 2.4 6.77 81.7
Favre N.Y.J. 522 343 65.7 3,472 22 4.2 56 22 4.2 6.65 81.0
Flacco Balt. 428 257 60.0 2,971 14 3.3 70 12 2.8 6.94 80.3
Collins Ten. 415 242 58.3 2,676 12 2.9 56 7 1.7 6.45 80.2
Roethlisberger Pitt. 469 281 59.9 3,301 17 3.6 65 15 3.2 7.04 80.1
Russell Oak. 368 198 53.8 2,423 13 3.5 84 8 2.2 6.58 77.1
Thigpen K.C. 420 230 54.8 2,608 18 4.3 75 12 2.9 6.21 76.0
Fitzpatrick Cin. 372 221 59.4 1,905 8 2.2 79 9 2.4 5.12 70.0
Anderson Clev. 283 142 50.2 1,615 9 3.2 70 8 2.8 5.71 66.5
NON-QUALIFIERS
Moorman Buff. 1 1 100.0 19 1 100.0 19 0 0.0 19.00 158.3
Bradley K.C. 1 1 100.0 37 1 100.0 37 0 0.0 37.00 158.3
Clayton Balt. 1 1 100.0 32 1 100.0 32 0 0.0 32.00 158.3
T. Smith Balt. 4 3 75.0 82 1 25.0 43 0 0.0 20.50 156.3
Brown Mia. 3 2 66.7 41 1 33.3 12 0 0.0 13.67 149.3
Gray K.C. 8 7 87.5 76 1 12.5 26 0 0.0 9.50 145.8
L. Johnson K.C. 1 1 100.0 4 1 100.0 4 0 0.0 4.00 122.9
Leftwich Pitt. 36 21 58.3 303 2 5.6 50 0 0.0 8.42 104.3
Sorgi Ind. 30 22 73.3 178 0 0.0 33 0 0.0 5.93 87.9
Hagans K.C. 1 1 100.0 5 0 0.0 5 0 0.0 5.00 87.5
Ramsey Den. 3 2 66.7 19 0 0.0 10 0 0.0 6.33 84.0
T. Brady N.E. 11 7 63.6 76 0 0.0 26 0 0.0 6.91 83.9
Croyle K.C. 29 20 69.0 151 0 0.0 22 0 0.0 5.21 81.3
B. Smith N.Y.J. 2 1 50.0 18 0 0.0 18 0 0.0 9.00 81.3
Rosenfels Hou. 174 116 66.7 1,431 6 3.4 61 10 5.7 8.22 79.5
Faulk N.E. 1 1 100.0 -2 0 0.0 -2 0 0.0 -2.00 79.2
Dixon Pitt. 1 1 100.0 3 0 0.0 3 0 0.0 3.00 79.2
Henne Mia. 12 7 58.3 67 0 0.0 19 0 0.0 5.58 74.0
OConnell N.E. 6 4 66.7 23 0 0.0 12 0 0.0 3.83 73.6
Palmer Cin. 129 75 58.1 731 3 2.3 36 4 3.1 5.67 69.0
Quinn Clev. 89 45 50.6 518 2 2.2 42 2 2.2 5.82 66.6
Huard K.C. 81 50 61.7 477 2 2.5 68 4 4.9 5.89 65.7
Young Ten. 36 22 61.1 219 1 2.8 54 2 5.6 6.08 64.5
Losman Buff. 104 63 60.6 584 2 1.9 87 5 4.8 5.62 62.3
Bush Oak. 2 1 50.0 8 0 0.0 8 0 0.0 4.00 60.4
Simms Ten. 2 1 50.0 7 0 0.0 7 0 0.0 3.50 58.3
Tuiasosopo Oak. 2 1 50.0 4 0 0.0 4 0 0.0 2.00 56.3
Cribbs Clev. 4 1 25.0 8 0 0.0 8 0 0.0 2.00 39.6
Lemon Jax. 2 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
Turk Hou. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
Royal Den. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
Clemens N.Y.J. 5 3 60.0 26 0 0.0 11 1 20.0 5.20 34.2
Walter Oak. 49 22 44.9 204 0 0.0 28 3 6.1 4.16 31.3
Dorsey Clev. 91 43 47.3 370 0 0.0 28 7 7.7 4.07 26.4
J. Palmer Cin. 12 7 58.3 41 0 0.0 13 2 16.7 3.42 25.3
Gradkowski Clev. 21 7 33.3 26 0 0.0 12 3 14.3 1.24 2.8
Lelie Oak. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Lewis Jax. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Losman Buff. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Manumaleuna S.D. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Mathis Jax. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
McKelvin Buff. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
J. Miller Oak. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Northcutt Jax. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Parrish Buff. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
C. Perry Cin. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Roethlisberger Pitt. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Schaub Hou. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Schilens Oak. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Suggs Balt. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Watson N.E. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Wilcox Balt. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Gaffney N.E. 1 0/0 0/0 1 8
W. Allen Mia. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Ball Ten. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Barrett N.Y.J. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Bess Mia. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Brackett Ind. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Bulluck Ten. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Carter Pitt. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Cason S.D. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Charles K.C. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Cramer Ten. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Cromartie S.D. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Crumpler Ten. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Darling K.C. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Denney Buff. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Dinkins Clev. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Elam N.Y.J. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Ellis N.Y.J. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Fargas Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Favre N.Y.J. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Figurs Balt. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Fine Buff. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Finnegan Ten. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Flowers K.C. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Fox Den. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Griffin Ten. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Griffith Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hall Cin. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hayden Ind. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Haynos Mia. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hobbs N.E. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Holt Cin. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
N. Jackson Den. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
D. Jackson Den. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
G. Jones Jax. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
B. Jones Ten. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Joseph Cin. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Leach Hou. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Leftwich Pitt. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Leonhard Balt. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Manning Ind. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Mathis Ind. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
McDonald Clev. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Merling Mia. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Z. Miller Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Moats Hou. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Ndukwe Cin. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Pace N.Y.J. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Pearman Jax. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Pennington Mia. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Pope Den. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Porter Jax. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Ratliff Ind. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Rayner Cin. 0 3/3 1/1 0 6
Reed Buff. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Reeves Hou. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Revis N.Y.J. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Richard Ind. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Royal Buff. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Russell Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Santi Ind. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Scaife Ten. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Schouman Buff. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Simpson Ind. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Ko. Smith K.C. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Stallworth Clev. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Stewart Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Taylor Jax. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Tolbert S.D. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Torain Den. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Townsend Pitt. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Walker Oak. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Webster Den. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Weddle S.D. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Williams Balt. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Williamson Jax. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Woodley Pitt. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
E. Wright Clev. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
J. Wright Clev. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Young Den. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
J. McClain Balt. 0 0/0 0/0 0 4
Hauschka Balt. 0 0/0 1/2 0 3
C. Anderson Mia. 0 0/0 0/0 0 2
Cox K.C. 0 0/0 0/0 1 2
J. Harrison Pitt. 0 0/0 0/0 0 2
Naanee S.D. 0 0/0 0/0 1 2
Nugent N.Y.J. 0 2/2 0/1 0 2
Richardson Oak. 0 0/0 0/0 0 2
Wilson Oak. 0 0/0 0/0 0 2
KICKOFF RETURNS
Hobbs N.E. 45 1,281 28.5 95 1
McKelvin Buff. 52 1,468 28.2 98 1
Carr Ten. 35 984 28.1 52 0
Royal Den. 23 600 26.1 95 0
Sproles S.D. 53 1,376 26.0 103 1
L. Washington N.Y.J. 48 1,231 25.6 94 1
Cribbs Clev. 44 1,110 25.2 92 1
J. Miller Oak. 33 816 24.7 92 2
Savage K.C. 26 633 24.3 59 0
Holt Cin. 46 1,110 24.1 60 0
Witherspoon Jax. 52 1,250 24.0 51 0
Higgins Oak. 36 842 23.4 69 0
Davis Hou. 43 993 23.1 50 0
Hall Den. 21 469 22.3 28 0
Garcon Ind. 22 475 21.6 39 0
Figurs Balt. 29 608 21.0 39 0
Ginn Mia. 32 657 20.5 41 0
NON-QUALIFIERS
Cotchery N.Y.J. 1 54 54.0 54 0
Davis Ten. 4 119 29.8 33 0
Neal N.E. 1 27 27.0 27 0
Caldwell Cin. 13 338 26.0 43 0
Welker N.E. 1 26 26.0 26 0
Lawson Clev. 3 72 24.0 43 0
Zibikowski Balt. 2 48 24.0 26 0
Cobbs Mia. 8 189 23.6 60 0
Moats Hou. 9 212 23.6 32 0
Russell Pitt. 16 371 23.2 43 0
Rice Balt. 7 161 23.0 30 0
Simpson Ind. 15 344 22.9 46 0
Bess Mia. 14 311 22.2 32 0
Robinson K.C. 19 420 22.1 36 0
Young Den. 8 176 22.0 31 0
C. Russell Den. 2 44 22.0 25 0
Jones-Drew Jax. 13 281 21.6 33 0
Davenport Ind. 15 324 21.6 27 0
Jones Hou. 13 280 21.5 30 0
Charles K.C. 15 321 21.4 40 0
Williamson Jax. 4 84 21.0 26 0
McGee Buff. 3 62 20.7 27 0
Leggett K.C. 5 103 20.6 30 0
Leonhard Balt. 8 163 20.4 30 0
Steptoe Clev. 3 61 20.3 23 0
C. Jackson Den. 8 162 20.3 24 0
Sams K.C. 9 180 20.0 36 0
Parrish Buff. 2 40 20.0 25 0
Hawkins Ten. 7 130 18.6 23 0
Moore Pitt. 10 185 18.5 24 0
Morris N.E. 2 37 18.5 24 0
Faulk N.E. 2 36 18.0 25 0
McGraw K.C. 1 18 18.0 18 0
McIntyre Buff. 1 18 18.0 18 0
Gordon S.D. 1 18 18.0 18 0
Coats Cin. 1 18 18.0 18 0
C. Davis Pitt. 6 106 17.7 24 0
Copper Balt. 2 35 17.5 18 0
Mustard Den. 1 17 17.0 17 0
Taylor Hou. 1 17 17.0 17 0
Johnson Ten. 1 17 17.0 17 0
Hillis Den. 4 65 16.3 25 0
Griffin Ten. 2 32 16.0 28 0
Franklin K.C. 1 16 16.0 16 0
Stevens Ten. 1 16 16.0 16 0
Carter Pitt. 1 16 16.0 16 0
Watson Cin. 4 63 15.8 24 0
Jackson Buff. 12 181 15.1 30 0
M. Owens Jax. 2 30 15.0 20 0
J. Wright Clev. 1 15 15.0 15 0
Branch Oak. 6 89 14.8 20 0
Lawton Oak. 2 29 14.5 15 0
Slater N.E. 11 155 14.1 31 0
Hester S.D. 3 42 14.0 20 0
London Mia. 2 28 14.0 17 0
S. Johnson Buff. 3 40 13.3 19 0
Dinkins Clev. 3 37 12.3 14 0
Cromartie S.D. 3 37 12.3 26 0
Leach Hou. 3 34 11.3 15 0
Hall Ten. 2 21 10.5 13 0
B. Smith N.Y.J. 4 39 9.8 26 0
G. Jones Jax. 2 19 9.5 10 0
Bowens N.Y.J. 4 37 9.3 14 0
Manumaleuna S.D. 2 14 7.0 9 0
Cox K.C. 3 11 3.7 8 0
Excludes players with one return and 14 or fewer
yards.
PUNT RETURNS
Player Team No FC Yds Avg Lg TD
Parrish Buff. 21 10 322 15.3 63 1
Higgins Oak. 44 12 570 13.0 93 3
Jones Hou. 32 17 386 12.1 73 2
Leonhard Balt. 20 9 232 11.6 46 0
Sproles S.D. 22 12 249 11.3 43 0
Bess Mia. 21 10 231 11.0 27 0
L. Washington N.Y.J. 29 9 303 10.4 37 0
Carr Ten. 32 20 323 10.1 44 0
Welker N.E. 24 6 237 9.9 44 0
Cribbs Clev. 28 7 228 8.1 32 0
Chatman Cin. 21 5 158 7.5 34 0
Holmes Pitt. 34 8 226 6.6 35 0
Figurs Balt. 23 11 138 6.0 35 0
NON-QUALIFIERS
Jackson Buff. 7 0 116 16.6 35 0
Faulk N.E. 10 9 132 13.2 24 0
McKelvin Buff. 2 0 26 13.0 14 0
Steptoe Clev. 2 0 23 11.5 14 0
WitherspoonJax. 17 8 192 11.3 38 0
Martinez Den. 5 0 56 11.2 27 0
Royal Den. 14 10 140 10.0 36 0
Houshmandzadeh Cin. 8 2 79 9.9 15 0
Jones-Drew Jax. 7 1 69 9.9 15 0
Robinson K.C. 11 0 94 8.5 32 0
Sams K.C. 7 3 58 8.3 16 0
Ginn Mia. 7 1 54 7.7 15 0
Ratliff Ind. 16 12 89 5.6 19 0
Hall Cin. 3 0 16 5.3 12 0
Moore Pitt. 6 11 21 3.5 12 0
Northcutt Jax. 5 7 14 2.8 9 0
Savage K.C. 8 2 17 2.1 11 0
Excludes players with fewer than four returns
and/or fair catches and fewer than 10 yards.
Player Team No Yds Lg TD
Reed Balt. 9 264 107 2
Griffin Ten. 7 172 83 1
Polamalu Pitt. 7 59 23 0
McDonald Clev. 5 146 98 1
Finnegan Ten. 5 100 99 1
Goodman Mia. 5 53 55 0
Revis N.Y.J. 5 38 32 1
Mathis Jax. 4 151 72 2
Reeves Hou. 4 108 44 1
Hope Ten. 4 53 39 0
Sensabaugh Jax. 4 38 23 0
Jones Clev. 4 27 20 0
Meriweather N.E. 4 25 19 0
Cooper S.D. 4 11 10 0
Bullitt Ind. 4 7 3 0
Page K.C. 4 2 2 0
Hayden Ind. 3 135 85 1
E. Wright Clev. 3 131 94 1
Hall Cin. 3 87 50 1
C. Johnson Oak. 3 68 44 0
Carter Pitt. 3 64 32 1
W. Allen Mia. 3 62 32 1
ONeal N.E. 3 49 47 0
Pool Clev. 3 45 24 0
Lewis Balt. 3 43 29 0
McGee Buff. 3 36 36 0
Hill Mia. 3 34 17 0
Jackson Clev. 3 29 16 0
McAlister Balt. 3 28 16 0
Baker Oak. 3 8 8 0
Rolle Balt. 3 5 3 0
Hobbs N.E. 3 0 4 0
Flowers K.C. 2 118 91 1
Suggs Balt. 2 86 44 2
Greer Buff. 2 75 42 2
Cason S.D. 2 69 59 1
Carr K.C. 2 67 35 0
Cromartie S.D. 2 66 52 1
McKelvin Buff. 2 64 64 1
Rhodes N.Y.J. 2 50 50 0
Poteat N.Y.J. 2 47 41 0
Ratliff Ind. 2 37 35 1
Wilson Hou. 2 36 19 0
B. Johnson Cin. 2 35 35 0
Mitchell Buff. 2 33 32 0
B. Williams Jax. 2 31 27 0
A. Ayodele Mia. 2 29 17 0
Townsend Pitt. 2 27 25 1
Bennett Hou. 2 26 23 0
Adams Clev. 2 18 18 0
Harper Ten. 2 11 11 0
Jennings Ind. 2 9 6 0
Ngata Balt. 2 8 7 0
Bly Den. 2 5 5 0
Wilson Oak. 2 5 5 0
Jammer S.D. 2 2 2 0
Du. Robinson Hou. 2 0 0 0
McFadden Pitt. 2 0 0 0
Bethea Ind. 2 0 0 0
Nelson Jax. 2 0 0 0
Elam N.Y.J. 1 92 92 1
Timmons Pitt. 1 89 89 0
Surtain K.C. 1 50 50 0
Rivers Cin. 1 39 39 0
Branch Oak. 1 36 36 0
Leonhard Balt. 1 35 35 1
Barrett Den. 1 34 34 0
J. Harrison Pitt. 1 33 33 0
Leggett K.C. 1 27 27 1
Merling Mia. 1 25 25 1
Barrett N.Y.J. 1 25 25 1
Bowens N.Y.J. 1 24 24 0
Crocker Cin. 1 22 22 0
Joseph Cin. 1 22 22 0
Hughes Ind. 1 16 16 0
Wilhite N.E. 1 16 16 0
Ball Ten. 1 15 15 1
Paymah Den. 1 13 13 0
Dh. Jones Cin. 1 13 13 0
Washington Balt. 1 12 12 0
Ndukwe Cin. 1 12 12 0
Gay Pitt. 1 12 12 0
Thomas Den. 1 11 11 0
Posluszny Buff. 1 9 9 0
J.Sanders N.E. 1 9 9 0
Starks Mia. 1 8 8 0
Wilhelm S.D. 1 8 8 0
Weaver Hou. 1 8 8 0
D. Johnson K.C. 1 7 7 0
E. Smith N.Y.J. 1 6 6 0
Lynch Cin. 1 6 6 0
Woodley Pitt. 1 6 6 0
Vrabel N.E. 1 5 5 0
Cousin Clev. 1 4 4 0
Davis Clev. 1 4 4 0
McGraw K.C. 1 4 4 0
Castillo S.D. 1 4 4 0
Dobbins S.D. 1 4 4 0
Weddle S.D. 1 3 3 0
J. Allen Mia. 1 2 2 0
Wimbley Clev. 1 2 2 0
Culver Mia. 1 1 1 0
Pollard K.C. 1 0 0 0
Oliver S.D. 1 0 0 0
Diles Hou. 1 0 0 0
White Cin. 1 0 0 0
Harvey Jax. 1 0 0 0
Lowery N.Y.J. 1 0 0 0
Carr Ten. 1 0 0 0
Morrison Oak. 1 0 0 0
Asomugha Oak. 1 0 0 0
S. Williams Oak. 1 0 0 0
Sanders Ind. 1 0 0 0
N. Jones Mia. 1 0 0 0
Walker Balt. 1 0 0 0
Taylor Pitt. 1 0 0 0
Harrison N.E. 1 0 0 0
C. Bailey Den. 1 0 0 0
Clark Pitt. 1 0 0 0
Howard Oak. 1 -3 -3 0
Bannan Balt. 1 -4 -4 0
PUNTING
Gross Ins Ret Net
Player Team No Yds Lg Avg TB 20 Blk Ret Yds Avg
Lechler Oak. 90 4,391 70 48.8 13 33 0 43 425 41.2
Scifres S.D. 51 2,332 67 45.7 5 19 0 23 146 40.9
Koch Balt. 84 3,777 74 45.0 9 34 0 38 245 39.9
Zastudil Clev. 75 3,410 65 45.5 11 23 0 32 235 39.4
Colquitt K.C. 70 3,110 73 44.4 8 27 0 28 209 39.2
Moorman Buff. 58 2,557 63 44.1 5 23 0 18 187 39.1
H. Smith Ind. 53 2,345 64 44.2 2 23 0 27 249 38.8
Kern Den. 46 2,150 64 46.7 4 13 0 28 330 37.8
Podlesh Jax. 46 1,989 60 43.2 5 12 0 24 206 36.6
Berger Pitt. 66 2,728 61 41.3 4 19 0 38 235 36.6
Hentrich Ten. 87 3,725 75 42.8 13 27 0 32 290 36.5
Hanson N.E. 49 2,143 70 43.7 10 19 0 11 158 36.4
Hodges N.Y.J. 44 1,884 61 42.8 5 14 1 20 187 35.5
Fields Mia. 74 3,249 71 43.9 7 24 0 37 485 35.5
Turk Hou. 53 2,240 59 42.3 7 17 0 21 235 35.2
Larson Cin. 100 3,946 57 39.5 3 28 1 48 436 34.2
Weatherford Jax. 59 2,521 61 42.7 10 8 0 26 307 34.1
FIELD-GOAL ACCURACY
Avg Avg Avg
1-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50 or Yds Yds Yds
Player Team Yds Yds Yds Yds Longer Total Att Made Miss Lg
Gostkowski N.E. 0-0 10-12 16-16 9-11 1-1 36-40 34.8 34.4 37.5 50
.000 .833 1.000 .818 1.000 .900
Bironas Ten. 0-0 6-6 7-7 15-19 1-1 29-33 39.2 38.1 46.8 51
.000 1.000 1.000 .789 1.000 .879
K. Brown Hou. 0-0 9-10 10-10 8-10 2-3 29-33 35.6 34.6 43.0 53
.000 .900 1.000 .800 .667 .879
Graham Cin. 1-1 5-5 6-7 9-11 0-0 21-24 34.9 33.6 44.0 45
1.000 1.000 .857 .818 .000 .875
Reed Pitt. 1-1 9-9 8-9 8-10 1-2 27-31 34.7 33.6 42.3 53
1.000 1.000 .889 .800 .500 .871
Feely N.Y.J. 0-0 9-9 9-12 4-5 2-2 24-28 33.0 32.4 37.0 55
.000 1.000 .750 .800 1.000 .857
Kaeding S.D. 0-0 13-13 10-10 3-8 1-1 27-32 34.1 32.3 44.0 57
.000 1.000 1.000 .375 1.000 .844
Carpenter Mia. 0-0 4-4 7-7 9-13 1-1 21-25 39.5 38.2 46.3 50
.000 1.000 1.000 .692 1.000 .840
Dawson Clev. 0-0 10-10 12-14 5-6 3-6 30-36 36.4 34.6 45.8 56
.000 1.000 .857 .833 .500 .833
Stover Balt. 0-0 11-11 11-12 5-9 0-1 27-33 34.6 32.3 45.0 47
.000 1.000 .917 .556 .000 .818
Janikowski Oak. 0-0 11-11 8-8 2-4 3-7 24-30 37.6 33.0 56.0 57
.000 1.000 1.000 .500 .429 .800
Vinatieri Ind. 0-0 3-3 11-13 4-7 2-2 20-25 37.5 36.9 40.0 52
.000 1.000 .846 .571 1.000 .800
Lindell Buff. 1-1 7-8 11-11 10-15 1-3 30-38 37.9 36.5 43.4 53
1.000 .875 1.000 .667 .333 .790
Scobee Jax. 0-0 7-7 3-6 5-7 4-5 19-25 38.7 37.6 42.2 53
.000 1.000 .500 .714 .800 .760
Prater Den. 0-0 7-8 8-9 5-11 5-6 25-34 38.8 36.6 44.8 56
.000 .875 .889 .455 .833 .735
Player Tm Sks
Porter Mia. 17.5
J. Harrison Pitt. 16.0
M. Williams Hou. 12.0
Mathis Ind. 11.5
Woodley Pitt. 11.5
Freeney Ind. 10.5
Haynesworth Ten. 8.5
Ellis N.Y.J. 8.0
Seymour N.E. 8.0
Suggs Balt. 8.0
Phillips S.D. 7.5
Ford Ten. 7.0
Pace N.Y.J. 7.0
Aa. Smith Pitt. 5.5
Thomas N.Y.J. 5.5
Tucker S.D. 5.5
Dumervil Den. 5.0
K. Edwards Oak. 5.0
Ekuban Den. 5.0
J. Johnson Balt. 5.0
J. Jones Ten. 5.0
Roth Mia. 5.0
Scott Oak. 5.0
A. Thomas N.E. 5.0
Timmons Pitt. 5.0
Ball Ten. 4.5
Hayward Jax. 4.5
Kelly Oak. 4.5
Pryce Balt. 4.5
Rogers Clev. 4.5
Vanden Bosch Ten. 4.5
Bowens N.Y.J. 4.0
T. Brown Ten. 4.0
Bulman Hou. 4.0
Denney Buff. 4.0
Mitchell Buff. 4.0
Vrabel N.E. 4.0
Warren Oak. 4.0
Wimbley Clev. 4.0
Brock Ind. 3.5
Burgess Oak. 3.5
Farrior Pitt. 3.5
Harvey Jax. 3.5
Holliday Mia. 3.5
Jenkins N.Y.J. 3.5
Kearse Ten. 3.5
Lewis Balt. 3.5
Spicer Jax. 3.5
Hali K.C. 3.0
Hall Clev. 3.0
N. Jones Mia. 3.0
Ndukwe Cin. 3.0
Odom Cin. 3.0
Peterson Den. 3.0
Richardson Oak. 3.0
Starks Mia. 3.0
Thornton Cin. 3.0
Geathers Cin. 2.5
Groves Jax. 2.5
Harris S.D. 2.5
Ivy Balt. 2.5
J. McClain Balt. 2.5
Moss Den. 2.5
D. Smith Jax. 2.5
Stroud Buff. 2.5
D.J. Williams Den. 2.5
Wright N.E. 2.5
Babin K.C. 2.0
Cesaire S.D. 2.0
Cochran Hou. 2.0
Elam N.Y.J. 2.0
Green N.E. 2.0
Henderson Jax. 2.0
Ingram Jax. 2.0
Jackson Clev. 2.0
S. Johnson Buff. 2.0
Kelsay Buff. 2.0
Kirschke Pitt. 2.0
Landri Jax. 2.0
Langford Mia. 2.0
Meier Jax. 2.0
Meriweather N.E. 2.0
Olshansky S.D. 2.0
Da. Reid Ind. 2.0
Sands Oak. 2.0
Warren N.E. 2.0
Webster Den. 2.0
Wilfork N.E. 2.0
K. Williams Buff. 2.0
C. Anderson Mia. 1.5
Barton N.Y.J. 1.5
Bingham S.D. 1.5
Castillo S.D. 1.5
Cooper S.D. 1.5
Crocker Cin. 1.5
Eason Pitt. 1.5
Foote Pitt. 1.5
Hobbs N.E. 1.5
Howard Ind. 1.5
D. Johnson K.C. 1.5
B. Johnson Cin. 1.5
Mosley N.Y.J. 1.5
Robertson Den. 1.5
Scott Balt. 1.5
Vickerson Ten. 1.5
Williams S.D. 1.5
Wilson Oak. 1.5
Wilson Buff. 1.5
W. Allen Mia. 1.0
C. Bailey Den. 1.0
Bannan Balt. 1.0
Barber Hou. 1.0
Bell Mia. 1.0
Bentley Hou. 1.0
Boone K.C. 1.0
Bryan Buff. 1.0
D. Coleman N.Y.J. 1.0
Diles Hou. 1.0
Dorsey K.C. 1.0
R. Edwards K.C. 1.0
Engelberger Den. 1.0
Finnegan Ten. 1.0
Frazier Pitt. 1.0
Griffin Ten. 1.0
Gunheim Oak. 1.0
Haggan Den. 1.0
Hampton Pitt. 1.0
Harris N.Y.J. 1.0
Hayes Ten. 1.0
Hope Ten. 1.0
Howard Oak. 1.0
Cu. Johnson Ind. 1.0
Keisel Pitt. 1.0
Leonhard Balt. 1.0
Mathis Jax. 1.0
McFadden Pitt. 1.0
McGinest Clev. 1.0
Merling Mia. 1.0
Mincey Jax. 1.0
Morrison Oak. 1.0
Ngata Balt. 1.0
Okoye Hou. 1.0
Peterson Jax. 1.0
Pool Clev. 1.0
Poteat N.Y.J. 1.0
Reed Balt. 1.0
Revis N.Y.J. 1.0
Rhodes N.Y.J. 1.0
Rucker Cin. 1.0
Ryans Hou. 1.0
Schobel Buff. 1.0
Scott Buff. 1.0
Sims Cin. 1.0
Team Buff. 1.0
Team Den. 1.0
Team N.E. 1.0
Team S.D. 1.0
Team N.Y.J. 1.0
Thompson Hou. 1.0
Tulloch Ten. 1.0
Weddle S.D. 1.0
Whitner Buff. 1.0
Woods N.E. 1.0
Youboty Buff. 1.0
Applewhite S.D. .5
Barrett N.Y.J. .5
Bulluck Ten. .5
K. Coleman N.Y.J. .5
DeVito N.Y.J. .5
Hoke Pitt. .5
Jones Balt. .5
McDaniel Jax. .5
Peko Cin. .5
Pouha N.Y.J. .5
Sorensen Clev. .5
Thomas K.C. .5
S. Thomas Clev. .5
Torbor Mia. .5
C. Williams Clev. .5
Winborn Den. .5
SACKS
INTERCEPTIONS
RUSHING
Player Team Att Yds Avg Lg TD
Peterson Minn. 363 1,760 4.8 67 10
Turner Atl. 376 1,699 4.5 70 17
D. Williams Car. 273 1,515 5.5 69 18
Portis Wash.342 1,487 4.3 31 9
Forte Chi. 316 1,238 3.9 50 8
Grant G.B. 312 1,203 3.9 57 4
Jacobs N.Y.G. 219 1,089 5.0 44 15
Jackson St.L. 253 1,042 4.1 56 7
Gore S.F. 240 1,036 4.3 41 6
Ward N.Y.G. 182 1,025 5.6 51 2
Kev. Smith Det. 238 976 4.1 50 8
Westbrook Phil. 233 936 4.0 39 9
Barber Dall. 238 885 3.7 35 7
Stewart Car. 184 836 4.5 43 10
Dunn T.B. 186 786 4.2 40 2
J. Jones Sea. 158 698 4.4 33 2
P. Thomas N.O. 129 625 4.8 42 9
Morris Sea. 132 574 4.3 45 0
Graham T.B. 132 563 4.3 68 4
James Ariz. 133 514 3.9 35 3
Norwood Atl. 95 489 5.1 45 4
Choice Dall. 92 472 5.1 38 2
McAllister N.O. 107 418 3.9 19 5
Bush N.O. 106 404 3.8 43 2
Taylor Minn. 101 399 4.0 21 4
Hightower Ariz. 143 399 2.8 30 10
Buckhalter Phil. 76 369 4.9 33 2
Bradshaw N.Y.G. 67 355 5.3 77 1
Pittman St.L. 79 296 3.7 24 0
F. Jones Dall. 30 266 8.9 60 3
J. Campbell Wash. 47 258 5.5 23 1
Jackson G.B. 45 248 5.5 32 1
R. Johnson Det. 76 237 3.1 27 1
Foster S.F. 76 234 3.1 18 1
C. Williams T.B. 63 233 3.7 28 4
Rodgers G.B. 56 207 3.7 21 4
Betts Wash. 61 206 3.4 14 1
Arrington Ariz. 31 187 6.0 30 1
Duckett Sea. 62 172 2.8 29 8
Garcia T.B. 35 148 4.2 20 1
McNabb Phil. 39 147 3.8 17 2
OSullivan S.F. 30 145 4.8 18 0
Darby St.L. 32 140 4.4 14 0
T. Jackson Minn. 26 139 5.3 29 0
Weaver Sea. 30 130 4.3 15 0
S. Hill S.F. 24 115 4.8 24 2
Wynn G.B. 8 110 13.8 73 1
Jones Chi. 34 109 3.2 16 0
Ryan Atl. 55 104 1.9 17 1
Peterson Chi. 20 100 5.0 16 0
D. Jackson Phil. 17 96 5.6 21 1
Eckel Phil. 24 79 3.3 14 0
S. Wallace Sea. 16 78 4.9 23 0
Hasselbeck Sea. 11 69 6.3 15 0
Douglas Atl. 12 69 5.8 33 1
Wolfe Chi. 15 69 4.6 38 0
Avery St.L. 10 69 6.9 37 1
Boldin Ariz. 9 67 7.4 30 0
Snelling Atl. 15 62 4.1 13 0
Hester Chi. 6 61 10.2 20 0
L. Booker Phil. 20 53 2.7 8 0
D.Thomas Wash. 3 53 17.7 29 1
Robinson S.F. 19 50 2.6 10 0
Orton Chi. 24 49 2.0 12 3
Stecker N.O. 8 43 5.4 12 0
M. Bell N.O. 13 42 3.2 15 1
Romo Dall. 28 41 1.5 15 0
Bulger St.L. 14 41 2.9 16 0
Smith Car. 5 40 8.0 23 0
C. Smith T.B. 8 40 5.0 10 0
Kitna Det. 6 34 5.7 10 0
Owens Dall. 7 33 4.7 8 0
Henderson N.O. 4 33 8.3 30 0
Frye Sea. 2 30 15.0 27 0
Orlovsky Det. 7 29 4.1 10 0
Minor St.L. 13 29 2.2 13 0
Moss Wash. 1 27 27.0 27 0
McKie Chi. 11 26 2.4 6 2
Berrian Minn. 4 26 6.5 14 0
Hixon N.Y.G. 2 26 13.0 15 0
Culpepper Det. 12 25 2.1 9 1
S. Alexander Wash. 11 24 2.2 8 0
Sellers Wash. 6 24 4.0 10 0
A. Bryant T.B. 2 22 11.0 13 0
Delhomme Car. 20 21 1.1 12 2
O.Schmitt Sea. 5 21 4.2 14 0
Stanton Det. 3 20 6.7 15 0
Meachem N.O. 1 20 20.0 20 1
Lumpkin G.B. 1 19 19.0 19 0
Hoover Car. 9 18 2.0 5 0
Battle S.F. 1 18 18.0 18 0
Mughelli Atl. 5 16 3.2 9 0
McCown T.B. 3 15 5.0 12 0
Ware N.Y.G. 2 15 7.5 9 0
R. Davis Chi. 3 14 4.7 17 0
Askew T.B. 7 14 2.0 3 2
Cartwright Wash. 5 14 2.8 7 0
Roy E. Williams Dall. 1 13 13.0 13 0
Crayton Dall. 1 11 11.0 11 0
Davis S.F. 1 11 11.0 11 0
Karney N.O. 8 10 1.3 3 2
Manning N.Y.G. 20 10 0.5 13 1
Kuhn G.B. 8 10 1.3 3 1
Carr N.Y.G. 8 10 1.3 7 0
Goings Car. 9 10 1.1 4 0
D. Hall St.L. 4 9 2.3 10 0
Hunt Phil. 4 9 2.3 6 1
Breaston Ariz. 2 8 4.0 4 0
K. Burton St.L. 3 8 2.7 5 0
Leonard St.L. 2 7 3.5 5 0
Cason Det. 4 7 1.8 4 0
Frerotte Minn. 19 7 0.4 5 1
Dugan Minn. 4 7 1.8 2 0
Clayton T.B. 2 5 2.5 1 0
Leinart Ariz. 4 5 1.3 8 0
J. Hill S.F. 2 5 2.5 9 0
Grossman Chi. 3 4 1.3 2 2
Green St.L. 3 4 1.3 3 0
Driver G.B. 2 4 2.0 6 0
Flynn G.B. 4 4 1.0 6 0
Felton Det. 2 4 2.0 4 0
Gado St.L. 2 4 2.0 3 0
White Atl. 2 4 2.0 2 0
Anderson Dall. 2 3 1.5 3 0
Kolb Phil. 13 2 0.2 8 0
Rossum S.F. 1 1 1.0 1 1
C. Johnson Det. 3 -1 -0.3 7 0
Brees N.O. 22 -1 0.0 9 0
Br. Johnson Dall. 2 -1 -0.5 0 0
Griese T.B. 5 -1 -0.2 3 0
Warner Ariz. 18 -2 -0.1 11 0
McCown Car. 4 -3 -0.8 0 0
Walker S.F. 2 -13 -6.5 -3 0
Excludes players with one carry, fewer than 10 yards
and no touchdowns.
RECEIVING
Fitzgerald Ariz. 96 1,431 14.9 78 12
Boldin Ariz. 89 1,038 11.7 79 11
White Atl. 88 1,382 15.7 70 7
A. Bryant T.B. 83 1,248 15.0 71 7
Cooley Wash. 83 849 10.2 28 1
Witten Dall. 81 952 11.8 42 4
Jennings G.B. 80 1,292 16.2 63 9
Moss Wash. 79 1,044 13.2 67 6
L. Moore N.O. 79 928 11.7 70 10
Smith Car. 78 1,421 18.2 65 6
C. Johnson Det. 78 1,331 17.1 96 12
Breaston Ariz. 77 1,006 13.1 58 3
Driver G.B. 74 1,012 13.7 71 5
Owens Dall. 69 1,052 15.2 75 10
Muhammad Car. 65 923 14.2 60 5
Holt St.L. 64 796 12.4 45 3
Forte Chi. 63 477 7.6 19 4
D. Jackson Phil. 62 912 14.7 60 2
Bruce S.F. 61 835 13.7 63 7
Smith N.Y.G. 57 574 10.1 30 1
Carlson Sea. 55 627 11.4 33 5
Olsen Chi. 54 574 10.6 52 5
Westbrook Phil. 54 402 7.4 47 5
Avery St.L. 53 674 12.7 69 3
Wade Minn. 53 645 12.2 59 2
Randle El Wash. 53 593 11.2 31 4
Bush N.O. 52 440 8.5 42 4
Barber Dall. 52 417 8.0 70 2
Hester Chi. 51 665 13.0 65 3
Jenkins Atl. 50 777 15.5 62 3
Shockey N.O. 50 483 9.7 26 0
Berrian Minn. 48 964 20.1 99 7
Toomer N.Y.G. 48 580 12.1 40 4
Colston N.O. 47 760 16.2 70 5
Engram Sea. 47 489 10.4 37 0
Hilliard T.B. 47 424 9.0 36 4
Dunn T.B. 47 330 7.0 36 0
Miller N.O. 45 579 12.9 41 1
Johnson S.F. 45 546 12.1 42 3
Taylor Minn. 45 399 8.9 47 2
Hixon N.Y.G. 43 596 13.9 41 2
Gore S.F. 43 373 8.7 26 2
Shiancoe Minn. 42 596 14.2 40 7
Ward N.Y.G. 41 384 9.4 48 0
Clark Chi. 41 367 9.0 35 1
Jackson St.L. 40 379 9.5 53 1
Crayton Dall. 39 550 14.1 55 4
D. Lee G.B. 39 303 7.8 26 5
Kev. Smith Det. 39 286 7.3 27 0
Clayton T.B. 38 484 12.7 58 1
L.J. Smith Phil. 37 298 8.1 25 2
Roy E. Williams Dall. 36 430 11.9 38 2
Stevens T.B. 36 397 11.0 31 2
Norwood Atl. 36 338 9.4 67 2
Burress N.Y.G. 35 454 13.0 33 4
R. Davis Chi. 35 445 12.7 36 2
McDonald Det. 35 332 9.5 26 1
Urban Ariz. 34 448 13.2 56 4
Hightower Ariz. 34 237 7.0 26 0
Baskett Phil. 33 440 13.3 90 3
Curtis Phil. 33 390 11.8 32 2
Boss N.Y.G. 33 384 11.6 28 6
Nelson G.B. 33 366 11.1 29 2
Henderson N.O. 32 793 24.8 84 3
Avant Phil. 32 377 11.8 31 2
Davis S.F. 31 358 11.5 57 2
P. Thomas N.O. 31 284 9.2 24 3
Branch Sea. 30 412 13.7 63 4
J. Hill S.F. 30 317 10.6 33 2
Jackson G.B. 30 185 6.2 18 0
K. Robinson Sea. 28 362 12.9 90 2
Portis Wash. 28 218 7.8 29 0
Celek Phil. 27 318 11.8 44 1
Lloyd Chi. 26 364 14.0 32 2
Buckhalter Phil. 26 324 12.5 59 2
Battle S.F. 24 318 13.3 36 0
Douglas Atl. 23 320 13.9 69 1
Looker St.L. 23 271 11.8 30 2
Gaines Det. 23 260 11.3 33 1
Graham T.B. 23 174 7.6 24 0
Betts Wash. 22 200 9.1 27 0
D. Williams Car. 22 121 5.5 25 2
A. Smith T.B. 21 250 11.9 34 3
King Car. 21 195 9.3 31 1
Choice Dall. 21 185 8.8 50 0
Finneran Atl. 21 169 8.0 14 1
Peterson Minn. 21 125 6.0 16 0
Morgan S.F. 20 319 16.0 48 3
Bennett Dall. 20 283 14.2 34 4
Jones G.B. 20 274 13.7 46 1
Weaver Sea. 20 222 11.1 62 2
G. Lewis Phil. 19 247 13.0 52 1
Darby St.L. 19 183 9.6 30 0
Morris Sea. 19 136 7.2 13 2
R. Brown Phil. 18 252 14.0 40 1
Rosario Car. 18 209 11.6 24 1
Furrey Det. 18 181 10.1 25 0
Pittman St.L. 18 132 7.3 27 0
McAllister N.O. 18 128 7.1 20 1
Grant G.B. 18 116 6.4 17 1
Robinson S.F. 17 202 11.9 36 0
Foster S.F. 16 133 8.3 31 1
Tahi Minn. 16 37 2.3 7 0
Standeford Det. 15 244 16.3 36 0
Peelle Atl. 15 159 10.6 18 2
R. Martin G.B. 15 149 9.9 17 1
Gilmore T.B. 15 147 9.8 36 1
Rice Minn. 15 141 9.4 23 4
D.Thomas Wash. 15 120 8.0 18 0
M. Booker Chi. 14 211 15.1 51 2
Doucet Ariz. 14 90 6.4 12 0
J. Jones Sea. 14 66 4.7 17 0
Austin Dall. 13 278 21.4 63 3
Hackett Car. 13 181 13.9 37 0
K. Burton St.L. 13 172 13.2 30 1
Galloway T.B. 13 138 10.6 22 0
Askew T.B. 13 66 5.1 18 0
Meachem N.O. 12 289 24.1 74 3
Moss N.Y.G. 12 153 12.8 27 2
Campbell N.O. 12 121 10.1 29 2
Colbert Det. 12 116 9.7 28 1
D. Hall St.L. 12 105 8.8 20 0
Sellers Wash. 12 98 8.2 20 1
R. Johnson Det. 12 88 7.3 34 1
FitzSimmons Det. 12 85 7.1 16 1
James Ariz. 12 85 7.1 16 0
Patten N.O. 11 162 14.7 39 1
Humphrey G.B. 11 162 14.7 37 0
McMichael St.L. 11 139 12.6 31 0
Klopfenstein St.L. 11 123 11.2 29 0
Patrick Ariz. 11 104 9.5 19 0
McKie Chi. 11 64 5.8 12 1
Walker S.F. 10 155 15.5 53 1
Jarrett Car. 10 119 11.9 25 0
Allison Minn. 10 109 10.9 21 0
Taylor Sea. 9 98 10.9 26 0
Thrash Wash. 9 81 9.0 29 1
Pope Ariz. 9 77 8.6 25 0
Felton Det. 9 53 5.9 12 0
Stecker N.O. 9 52 5.8 12 1
Karney N.O. 9 18 2.0 7 0
Snelling Atl. 8 89 11.1 27 0
Mughelli Atl. 8 57 7.1 18 0
Owens Det. 8 56 7.0 19 1
Hedgecock N.Y.G. 8 52 6.5 13 1
Yoder Wash. 8 50 6.3 29 1
Stewart Car. 8 47 5.9 15 0
Curtis Dall. 8 32 4.0 8 0
McMullen Sea. 7 124 17.7 34 0
Fells St.L. 7 81 11.6 26 0
C. Williams T.B. 7 43 6.1 25 0
Hall G.B. 7 38 5.4 11 1
Stanley St.L. 6 119 19.8 80 1
Kleinsasser Minn. 6 92 15.3 34 0
Finley G.B. 6 74 12.3 35 1
Peterson Chi. 6 45 7.5 19 0
Hunt Phil. 6 42 7.0 18 0
Turner Atl. 6 41 6.8 18 0
Becht St.L. 6 39 6.5 11 0
Hoover Car. 6 39 6.5 12 0
Klecko Phil. 6 36 6.0 12 0
Jacobs N.Y.G. 6 36 6.0 9 0
O.Schmitt Sea. 6 29 4.8 7 0
L. Booker Phil. 6 11 1.8 8 0
Zeigler S.F. 5 97 19.4 31 0
Mills Minn. 5 65 13.0 23 0
Burleson Sea. 5 60 12.0 20 1
Robinson Atl. 5 52 10.4 23 0
Bumpus Sea. 5 48 9.6 19 1
Bradshaw N.Y.G. 5 42 8.4 18 1
Minor St.L. 5 35 7.0 16 0
D. Johnson N.Y.G. 4 46 11.5 26 2
Heller Sea. 4 29 7.3 14 0
Cason Det. 4 27 6.8 15 0
Manningham N.Y.G. 4 26 6.5 11 0
C. Smith T.B. 4 24 6.0 13 0
Kuhn G.B. 4 21 5.3 13 2
Norris Det. 4 16 4.0 6 0
Castille Ariz. 4 11 2.8 5 0
Tuman Ariz. 3 41 13.7 18 0
Payne Sea. 3 39 13.0 22 0
J. Robinson Sea. 3 38 12.7 16 0
Wynn G.B. 3 30 10.0 16 0
Davis Wash. 3 27 9.0 15 0
Hartsock Atl. 3 26 8.7 17 0
Keasey S.F. 3 25 8.3 12 0
Ferguson Minn. 3 25 8.3 9 0
Stovall T.B. 3 25 8.3 9 0
Cook T.B. 3 24 8.0 12 0
Lumpkin G.B. 3 22 7.3 12 0
Kelly Wash. 3 18 6.0 7 0
Ryan N.O.-S.F. 3 15 5.0 8 0
Goings Car. 3 1 0.3 3 0
Bajema S.F. 2 34 17.0 29 0
Jones Car. 2 32 16.0 19 0
Matthews N.Y.G. 2 26 13.0 13 0
Stanbeck Dall. 2 24 12.0 15 0
T. Smith Ariz. 2 24 12.0 18 0
Bulger St.L. 2 17 8.5 11 0
Spach Ariz. 2 15 7.5 8 0
Dugan Minn. 2 12 6.0 9 0
Schobel Phil. 2 10 5.0 5 0
F. Jones Dall. 2 10 5.0 7 0
Sobomehin N.O. 2 8 4.0 10 0
Anderson Dall. 2 7 3.5 6 1
Jones Chi. 2 5 2.5 3 0
Rader Atl. 1 26 26.0 26 0
Middleton Det. 1 23 23.0 23 0
Campbell Det. 1 21 21.0 21 0
M. Bell N.O. 1 14 14.0 14 0
Herremans Phil. 1 1 1.0 1 1
Excludes players with one reception, fewer than 14
yards and no touchdowns.
SCORING
Player Team TD XP/att FG/att 2XP Pts
Akers Phil. 0 45/45 33/40 0 144
Carney N.Y.G. 0 38/38 35/38 0 143
M. Bryant T.B. 0 35/36 32/38 0 131
Kasay Car. 0 46/46 28/31 0 130
Elam Atl. 0 42/42 29/31 0 129
Crosby G.B. 0 46/46 27/34 0 127
Longwell Minn. 0 40/40 29/34 0 127
D. Williams Car. 20 0/0 0/0 1 122
Nedney S.F. 0 34/34 29/33 0 121
Gould Chi. 0 41/41 26/29 0 119
Rackers Ariz. 0 44/44 25/28 0 119
J. Brown St.L. 0 19/19 31/36 0 112
Suisham Wash. 0 25/25 26/36 0 103
Folk Dall. 0 42/42 20/22 0 102
Mare Sea. 0 30/30 24/27 0 102
Turner Atl. 17 0/0 0/0 0 102
Jacobs N.Y.G. 15 0/0 0/0 0 90
Hanson Det. 0 24/25 21/22 0 87
Westbrook Phil. 14 0/0 0/0 0 84
C. Johnson Det. 12 0/0 0/0 1 74
Fitzgerald Ariz. 12 0/0 0/0 0 72
Forte Chi. 12 0/0 0/0 0 72
P. Thomas N.O. 12 0/0 0/0 0 72
Hartley N.O. 0 28/28 13/13 0 67
Boldin Ariz. 11 0/0 0/0 0 66
Hightower Ariz. 10 0/0 0/0 0 60
L. Moore N.O. 10 0/0 0/0 0 60
Owens Dall. 10 0/0 0/0 0 60
Peterson Minn. 10 0/0 0/0 0 60
Stewart Car. 10 0/0 0/0 0 60
Jennings G.B. 9 0/0 0/0 1 56
Barber Dall. 9 0/0 0/0 0 54
Bush N.O. 9 0/0 0/0 0 54
Portis Wash. 9 0/0 0/0 0 54
Gore S.F. 8 0/0 0/0 1 50
Berrian Minn. 8 0/0 0/0 0 48
Duckett Sea. 8 0/0 0/0 0 48
Jackson St.L. 8 0/0 0/0 0 48
Kev. Smith Det. 8 0/0 0/0 0 48
Bruce S.F. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
A. Bryant T.B. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
Moss Wash. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
Shiancoe Minn. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
White Atl. 7 0/0 0/0 0 42
Boss N.Y.G. 6 0/0 0/0 0 36
McAllister N.O. 6 0/0 0/0 0 36
Norwood Atl. 6 0/0 0/0 0 36
Smith Car. 6 0/0 0/0 0 36
Taylor Minn. 6 0/0 0/0 0 36
Gramatica N.O. 0 16/16 6/10 0 34
Carlson Sea. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Colston N.O. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Driver G.B. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Grant G.B. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
D. Lee G.B. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Muhammad Car. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Olsen Chi. 5 0/0 0/0 0 30
Avery St.L. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Bennett Dall. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Branch Sea. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Buckhalter Phil. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Burress N.Y.G. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Crayton Dall. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Graham T.B. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Hilliard T.B. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
D. Jackson Phil. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
F. Jones Dall. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Meachem N.O. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Randle El Wash. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Rice Minn. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Rodgers G.B. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Toomer N.Y.G. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Urban Ariz. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
C. Williams T.B. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
Witten Dall. 4 0/0 0/0 0 24
James Ariz. 3 0/0 0/0 1 20
Jenkins Atl. 3 0/0 0/0 1 20
Lloyd Chi. 3 0/0 0/0 1 20
A. Smith T.B. 3 0/0 0/0 1 20
Arrington Ariz. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Austin Dall. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Baskett Phil. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Breaston Ariz. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Collins G.B. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
R. Davis Chi. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Douglas Atl. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Henderson N.O. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Hester Chi. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Holt St.L. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Johnson S.F. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Kuhn G.B. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
McKie Chi. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Mehlhaff N.O. 0 9/10 3/4 0 18
Morgan S.F. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Orton Chi. 3 0/0 0/0 0 18
Hixon N.Y.G. 2 0/0 0/0 1 14
Askew T.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Avant Phil. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Babineaux Sea. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Blackmon G.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
M. Booker Chi. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Bradshaw N.Y.G. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Campbell N.O. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Choice Dall. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Curtis Phil. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Davis S.F. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Delhomme Car. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Dunn T.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Foster S.F. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Grossman Chi. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
S. Hill S.F. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
J. Hill S.F. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
D. Johnson N.Y.G. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
R. Johnson Det. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
J. Jones Sea. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Karney N.O. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
NFC INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
2008 FINAL
PASSING
Comp TD Int Avg
Player Team Att Comp Pct Yds TD Pct Lg Int Pct Gain Rating
Warner Ariz. 598 401 67.1 4,583 30 5.0 79 14 2.3 7.66 96.9
Brees N.O. 635 413 65.0 5,069 34 5.4 84 17 2.7 7.98 96.2
Rodgers G.B. 536 341 63.6 4,038 28 5.2 71 13 2.4 7.53 93.8
Romo Dall. 450 276 61.3 3,448 26 5.8 75 14 3.1 7.66 91.4
Garcia T.B. 376 244 64.9 2,712 12 3.2 71 6 1.6 7.21 90.2
Ryan Atl. 434 265 61.1 3,440 16 3.7 70 11 2.5 7.93 87.7
S. Hill S.F. 288 181 62.8 2,046 13 4.5 48 8 2.8 7.10 87.5
S. Wallace Sea. 242 141 58.3 1,532 11 4.5 90 3 1.2 6.33 87.0
Manning N.Y.G. 479 289 60.3 3,238 21 4.4 48 10 2.1 6.76 86.4
McNabb Phil. 571 345 60.4 3,916 23 4.0 90 11 1.9 6.86 86.4
Delhomme Car. 414 246 59.4 3,288 15 3.6 65 12 2.9 7.94 84.7
J. Campbell Wash. 506 315 62.3 3,245 13 2.6 67 6 1.2 6.41 84.3
Orton Chi. 465 272 58.5 2,972 18 3.9 65 12 2.6 6.39 79.6
Frerotte Minn. 301 178 59.1 2,157 12 4.0 99 15 5.0 7.17 73.7
Orlovsky Det. 255 143 56.1 1,616 8 3.1 96 8 3.1 6.34 72.6
Bulger St.L. 440 251 57.0 2,720 11 2.5 80 13 3.0 6.18 71.4
NON-QUALIFIERS
Randle El Wash. 4 3 75.0 46 1 25.0 18 0 0.0 11.50 152.1
Carr N.Y.G. 12 9 75.0 115 2 16.7 27 0 0.0 9.58 144.1
Taylor Minn. 1 1 100.0 4 1 100.0 4 0 0.0 4.00 122.9
Witten Dall. 1 1 100.0 42 0 0.0 42 0 0.0 42.00 118.8
Urban Ariz. 1 1 100.0 18 0 0.0 18 0 0.0 18.00 118.8
Graham T.B. 1 1 100.0 3 1 100.0 3 0 0.0 3.00 118.8
Johnson Ariz. 1 1 100.0 10 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 10.00 108.3
T. Jackson Minn. 149 88 59.1 1,056 9 6.0 59 2 1.3 7.09 95.4
Stanton Det. 17 9 52.9 119 1 5.9 41 0 0.0 7.00 95.0
Henson Det. 2 1 50.0 20 0 0.0 20 0 0.0 10.00 85.4
Looker St.L. 3 2 66.7 17 0 0.0 11 0 0.0 5.67 81.3
Leinart Ariz. 29 15 51.7 264 1 3.4 78 1 3.4 9.10 80.2
OSullivan S.F. 220 128 58.2 1,678 8 3.6 63 11 5.0 7.63 73.6
Kitna Det. 120 68 56.7 758 5 4.2 47 5 4.2 6.32 72.2
Griese T.B. 184 110 59.8 1,073 5 2.7 38 7 3.8 5.83 69.4
Culpepper Det. 115 60 52.2 786 4 3.5 70 6 5.2 6.83 63.9
Bollinger Dall. 17 10 58.8 71 1 5.9 24 1 5.9 4.18 63.6
Grossman Chi. 62 32 51.6 257 2 3.2 29 2 3.2 4.15 59.7
Hasselbeck Sea. 209 109 52.2 1,216 5 2.4 34 10 4.8 5.82 57.8
Frye Sea. 23 12 52.2 83 2 8.7 19 2 8.7 3.61 53.4
Br. Johnson Dall. 78 41 52.6 427 2 2.6 36 5 6.4 5.47 50.5
Flynn G.B. 5 2 40.0 6 0 0.0 3 0 0.0 1.20 47.9
Berlin St.L. 3 1 33.3 6 0 0.0 6 0 0.0 2.00 42.4
Green St.L. 72 38 52.8 525 0 0.0 53 6 8.3 7.29 41.7
Bruce S.F. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
Maynard Chi. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
D. Hall St.L. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
Jones St.L. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
Arrington Ariz. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
McCown T.B. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
Crayton Dall. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
Rice Minn. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
Kolb Phil. 34 17 50.0 144 0 0.0 16 4 11.8 4.24 21.8
L. Moore N.O. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 1 100.0 0.00 0.0
D. Jackson Phil. 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 1 100.0 0.00 0.0
Looker St.L. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
McNabb Phil. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Morris Sea. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Moss N.Y.G. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Nelson G.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Peelle Atl. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
K. Robinson Sea. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Rossum S.F. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
C. Smith T.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
L.J. Smith Phil. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Stevens T.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Wade Minn. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Ward N.Y.G. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Weaver Sea. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Roy E. Williams Dall. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Winfield Minn. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
Woodson G.B. 2 0/0 0/0 0 12
FitzSimmons Det. 1 0/0 0/0 1 8
R. Martin G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 1 8
Tuck N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 8
Adams T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Anderson Dall. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Atogwe St.L. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Barber T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Beisel Ariz. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
M. Bell N.O. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Betts Wash. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Blalock Atl. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Bowman Chi. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Briggs Chi. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
R. Brown Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Buchanon T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Bullocks Det. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Bumpus Sea. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Burleson Sea. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
K. Burton St.L. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
J. Campbell Wash. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Celek Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Clark Chi. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Clayton T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Clements S.F. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
C. Clemons Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Colbert Det. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Cooley Wash. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Culpepper Det. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Demps Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Dockery N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Dockett Ariz. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Finley G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Finneran Atl. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Frerotte Minn. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Gaines Det. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Gamble Car. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Garcia T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Gilmore T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Gocong Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hall G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hanson Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Na. Harris Minn. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hayes T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hedgecock N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Herremans Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hood Ariz. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Houston Atl. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hunt Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Hunter G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Jackson G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
C. Jackson Atl. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Jenkins Dall. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Jones G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
King Car. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
G. Lewis Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
D. Manning Chi. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Manning N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
McDonald Det. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Miller N.O. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Owens Det. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Parker Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Patten N.O. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Phillips T.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Rodgers-Cromartie Ariz. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Rolle Ariz. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Rosario Car. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Ross N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Rouse G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Ryan Atl. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Samuel Phil. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Sellers Wash. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Smith N.Y.G. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Staley S.F. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Stanley St.L. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Stecker N.O. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Strickland S.F. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Terrill Sea. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
D. Thomas Wash. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Thrash Wash. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Tillman Chi. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Tynes N.Y.G. 0 3/3 1/1 0 6
Walker S.F. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Wesley Car. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Willis S.F. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Wilson Sea. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Wolfe Chi. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Wynn G.B. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Yoder Wash. 1 0/0 0/0 0 6
Allen Minn. 0 0/0 0/0 0 4
Grant N.O. 0 0/0 0/0 0 2
Kiwanuka N.Y.G. 0 0/0 0/0 0 2
Ogunleye Chi. 0 0/0 0/0 0 2
Polk Dall. 0 0/0 0/0 0 2
KICKOFF RETURNS
D. Manning Chi. 36 1,070 29.7 83 1
C. Smith T.B. 36 992 27.6 97 1
Rossum S.F. 47 1,259 26.8 104 1
Norwood Atl. 51 1,311 25.7 92 0
Cartwright Wash. 51 1,307 25.6 87 0
P. Thomas N.O. 31 793 25.6 88 0
Wilson Sea. 69 1,753 25.4 61 0
Demps Phil. 52 1,314 25.3 100 1
Stanley St.L. 25 620 24.8 75 0
Jones Car. 40 958 24.0 59 0
Roby N.O. 24 573 23.9 62 0
M. Hicks Minn. 29 690 23.8 38 0
Cason Det. 32 746 23.3 46 0
Bradshaw N.Y.G. 39 867 22.2 58 0
Middleton Det. 39 864 22.2 42 0
Hester Chi. 31 679 21.9 51 0
Austin Dall. 29 624 21.5 36 0
Blackmon G.B. 55 1,157 21.0 45 0
D. Hall St.L. 37 763 20.6 41 0
Breaston Ariz. 33 667 20.2 38 0
NON-QUALIFIERS
Hixon N.Y.G. 3 180 60.0 83 0
L. Moore N.O. 1 36 36.0 36 0
Droughns N.Y.G. 1 34 34.0 34 0
Green N.O. 4 133 33.3 60 0
C. Gordon Minn. 2 61 30.5 42 0
Battle S.F. 1 28 28.0 28 0
F. Jones Dall. 16 434 27.1 98 1
Moss Wash. 1 26 26.0 26 0
Reynaud Minn. 8 201 25.1 49 0
Darby St.L. 7 173 24.7 32 0
Forsett Sea. 18 422 23.4 32 0
Taylor Minn. 10 234 23.4 37 0
D. Jackson T.B. 14 327 23.4 45 0
Stewart Car. 15 349 23.3 38 0
Thomas Det. 4 93 23.3 27 0
Clayton T.B. 3 69 23.0 29 0
Robinson S.F. 6 135 22.5 34 0
A. Jones Dall. 7 155 22.1 41 0
Minor St.L. 7 155 22.1 34 0
Stanbeck Dall. 10 218 21.8 58 0
Ward N.Y.G. 1 21 21.0 21 0
Duckett Sea. 1 21 21.0 21 0
Avery St.L. 1 21 21.0 21 0
Moss N.Y.G. 8 162 20.3 27 0
Scandrick Dall. 4 81 20.3 25 0
Walker S.F. 13 257 19.8 35 0
Wolfe Chi. 5 98 19.6 33 0
McKie Chi. 2 38 19.0 20 0
Weems Atl. 1 19 19.0 19 0
Nelson G.B. 11 208 18.9 45 0
Clark T.B. 3 54 18.0 22 0
Spencer Dall. 1 18 18.0 18 0
McQuarters N.Y.G. 1 18 18.0 18 0
Thrash Wash. 1 17 17.0 17 0
Mughelli Atl. 1 17 17.0 17 0
Barbre G.B. 1 17 17.0 17 0
Allison Minn. 6 100 16.7 22 0
Sellers Wash. 2 32 16.0 17 0
Tahi Minn. 2 31 15.5 20 0
Furrey Det. 2 30 15.0 16 0
Ryan S.F. 2 28 14.0 14 0
G. Lewis Phil. 4 55 13.8 31 0
FitzSimmons Det. 3 41 13.7 16 0
Bajema S.F. 2 27 13.5 14 0
C. Smith Det. 2 26 13.0 17 0
Rosario Car. 2 26 13.0 18 0
Kleinsasser Minn. 3 36 12.0 14 0
Douglas Atl. 4 46 11.5 22 0
Morey Ariz. 2 23 11.5 15 0
Balmer S.F. 5 47 9.4 14 0
A. Smith T.B. 2 17 8.5 17 0
Campbell Ariz. 2 16 8.0 16 0
Stecker N.O. 2 10 5.0 10 0
D. Johnson N.Y.G. 2 2 1.0 2 0
Urban Ariz. 2 1 0.5 1 0
Excludes players with one return and 16 or fewer
yards.
PUNT RETURNS
Player Team No FC Yds Avg Lg TD
C. Smith T.B. 23 4 324 14.1 70 1
Bush N.O. 20 3 270 13.5 71 3
Jones Car. 39 20 443 11.4 55 0
Blackmon G.B. 36 11 398 11.1 76 2
Hixon N.Y.G. 24 9 242 10.1 50 0
Forsett Sea. 27 10 263 9.7 29 0
D. Jackson Phil. 50 16 440 8.8 68 1
Breaston Ariz. 33 10 237 7.2 25 0
Randle El Wash. 39 21 254 6.5 36 0
A. Jennings Det. 24 6 151 6.3 37 0
Hester Chi. 32 14 198 6.2 25 0
D. Jackson T.B. 20 0 97 4.9 19 0
A. Jones Dall. 21 0 95 4.5 18 0
NON-QUALIFIERS
Moss Wash. 6 0 124 20.7 80 1
Burleson Sea. 3 3 54 18.0 21 0
Bennett Chi. 1 0 17 17.0 17 0
Berrian Minn. 7 5 114 16.3 82 1
Rossum S.F. 15 7 223 14.9 45 0
Douglas Atl. 19 3 226 11.9 61 1
Wade Minn. 3 3 35 11.7 20 0
D. Hall St.L. 9 1 93 10.3 34 0
Crayton Dall. 15 9 143 9.5 33 0
McDonald Det. 11 8 104 9.5 27 0
Bumpus Sea. 7 2 66 9.4 30 0
Stanley St.L. 11 4 101 9.2 33 0
Cason Det. 3 0 27 9.0 13 0
Clements S.F. 6 0 46 7.7 16 0
Vasher Chi. 6 1 46 7.7 18 0
Furrey Det. 5 5 36 7.2 20 0
L. Moore N.O. 6 13 40 6.7 11 0
McQuarters N.Y.G. 13 9 86 6.6 15 0
Allison Minn. 9 4 58 6.4 27 0
Hilliard T.B. 3 7 19 6.3 11 0
Looker St.L. 9 5 51 5.7 14 0
Battle S.F. 6 2 29 4.8 19 0
C. Gordon Minn. 15 11 66 4.4 20 0
Finneran Atl. 1 3 2 2.0 2 0
Zeigler S.F. 2 3 0 0.0 0 0
Excludes players with fewer than four returns
and/or fair catches and 10 or fewer yards.
Player Team No Yds Lg TD
Collins G.B. 7 295 62 3
Woodson G.B. 7 169 62 2
Atogwe St.L. 5 91 43 0
David N.O. 5 83 42 0
T. Williams G.B. 5 78 39 0
Hall Wash. 5 37 21 0
Payne Chi. 4 147 50 0
Wilson Sea. 4 135 75 1
Rodgers-Cromartie Ariz. 4 129 99 1
Barber T.B. 4 69 65 1
Samuel Phil. 4 64 50 1
Talib T.B. 4 32 19 0
Newman Dall. 4 2 2 0
Phillips T.B. 3 72 58 0
Webster N.Y.G. 3 65 57 0
Butler N.Y.G. 3 62 47 0
Ross N.Y.G. 3 58 50 1
Mikell Phil. 3 53 41 0
Tillman Chi. 3 52 26 1
Beason Car. 3 52 44 0
E. Coleman Atl. 3 48 32 0
Bartell St.L. 3 29 24 0
W. Harris S.F. 3 25 1 0
Gamble Car. 3 23 19 0
Spikes S.F. 3 14 13 0
Horton Wash. 3 13 10 0
Briggs Chi. 3 12 9 0
Rouse G.B. 2 136 99 1
Piscitelli T.B. 2 106 84 0
Lucas Car. 2 74 43 0
Rogers Wash. 2 73 42 0
Adams T.B. 2 50 45 1
Dansby Ariz. 2 47 34 0
Wilson Ariz. 2 37 28 0
Buchanon T.B. 2 33 26 1
Grant Sea. 2 31 31 0
Leber Minn. 2 29 28 0
Fujita N.O. 2 19 17 0
M. Johnson N.Y.G. 2 18 18 0
Landry Wash. 2 18 13 0
Kaesviharn N.O. 2 13 13 0
Sapp Minn. 2 13 14 0
Clements S.F. 2 13 0 0
Urlacher Chi. 2 11 11 0
Houston Atl. 2 10 10 1
Ruud T.B. 2 10 10 0
Winfield Minn. 2 5 4 0
U. Young N.O. 2 3 3 0
Brown S.F. 2 1 1 0
M. Brown Chi. 2 0 0 0
M. Williams Minn. 2 -1 0 0
C. Jackson Atl. 1 95 95 1
Willis S.F. 1 86 86 1
Parker Phil. 1 55 55 1
Steltz Chi. 1 44 44 0
Dockery N.Y.G. 1 44 44 0
D. Manning Chi. 1 42 42 0
Tuck N.Y.G. 1 41 41 1
Rolle Ariz. 1 40 40 1
Okeafor Ariz. 1 39 39 0
Milloy Atl. 1 38 38 0
Babineaux Sea. 1 35 35 1
Dawkins Phil. 1 25 25 0
T. Jackson T.B. 1 25 25 0
Grimes Atl. 1 25 25 0
Porter N.O. 1 25 25 0
Jenkins Dall. 1 23 23 1
Bullocks N.O. 1 23 23 0
S. Brown Phil. 1 23 23 0
Patterson Phil. 1 21 21 0
Madison N.Y.G. 1 21 21 0
Nece Det. 1 18 18 0
Kehl N.Y.G. 1 17 17 0
Bradley Phil. 1 17 17 0
Tatupu Sea. 1 16 16 0
Godfrey Car. 1 16 16 0
F. Brown St.L. 1 16 16 0
Craft St.L. 1 16 16 0
Boley Atl. 1 16 16 0
C. Harris Car. 1 16 16 0
McKenzie N.O. 1 14 14 0
Hanson Phil. 1 13 13 0
Thomas N.Y.G. 1 13 13 0
Sharper Minn. 1 12 12 0
Ellis Dall. 1 11 11 0
Marshall Car. 1 11 11 0
Wade St.L. 1 8 8 0
Howard Phil. 1 8 8 0
Vilma N.O. 1 8 8 0
Bigby G.B. 1 7 7 0
Graham Chi. 1 6 6 0
McIntosh Wash. 1 4 4 0
Witherspoon St.L. 1 2 2 0
Bodden Det. 1 2 2 0
June T.B. 1 1 1 0
Green Ariz. 1 1 1 0
Foxworth Atl. 1 1 1 0
C. Gordon Minn. 1 0 0 0
McBride Chi. 1 0 0 0
Phillips N.Y.G. 1 0 0 0
T. Johnson Minn. 1 0 0 0
Bowman Chi. 1 0 0 0
Vasher Chi. 1 0 0 0
Sheppard Phil. 1 0 0 0
Hamlin Dall. 1 0 0 0
Trufant Sea. 1 0 0 0
Hood Ariz. 1 0 0 0
R. Brown Ariz. 1 0 0 0
Griffin Wash. 1 0 0 0
Henry Dall. 1 0 0 0
Diggs Car. 1 0 0 0
C. Smith Det. 1 0 0 0
Smoot Wash. 1 0 0 0
Ogunleye Chi. 1 0 0 0
J. Smith S.F. 1 0 0 0
Springs Wash. 1 0 0 0
Brooks T.B. 1 -2 -2 0
A. Brown Chi. 1 -2 -2 0
Griffin Minn. 1 -2 -2 0
White Det. 1 -4 -4 0
PUNTING
Gross Ins Ret Net
Player Team No Yds Lg Avg TB 20 Blk Ret Yds Avg
Jones St.L. 82 4,100 68 50.0 7 20 0 57 590 41.1
Feagles N.Y.G. 64 2,814 61 44.0 5 23 0 24 140 40.2
Lee S.F. 66 3,155 82 47.8 9 13 1 39 364 39.0
Maynard Chi. 96 3,957 67 41.2 5 40 0 36 203 38.1
N. Harris Det. 90 3,952 66 43.9 6 24 0 51 414 38.0
Rocca Phil. 77 3,334 65 43.3 4 24 1 41 296 37.9
Ryan Sea. 78 3,557 63 45.6 12 22 1 38 324 37.9
Bidwell T.B. 77 3,426 64 44.5 7 27 0 39 392 37.6
Koenen Atl. 63 2,566 60 40.7 4 25 2 20 49 37.5
Baker Car. 73 3,217 63 44.1 5 30 3 41 276 37.4
Frost G.B. 48 2,021 65 42.1 5 8 0 24 189 36.1
Paulescu Dall. 53 2,213 70 41.8 5 14 0 21 246 35.2
Johnson Ariz. 40 1,670 59 41.8 4 13 0 19 182 35.2
Kluwe Minn. 73 3,473 62 47.6 13 23 1 42 624 35.0
Plackemeier Wash. 66 2,741 62 41.5 10 17 1 27 310 33.3
FIELD-GOAL ACCURACY
Avg Avg Avg
1-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50 or Yds Yds Yds
Player Team Yds Yds Yds Yds Longer Total Att Made Miss Lg
Hanson Det. 0-0 3-3 4-5 6-6 8-8 21-22 42.4 42.9 33.0 56
.000 1.000 .800 1.000 1.000 .955
Elam Atl. 0-0 11-11 7-8 10-10 1-2 29-31 35.2 34.8 42.0 50
.000 1.000 .875 1.000 .500 .936
Carney N.Y.G. 0-0 15-15 14-15 5-7 1-1 35-38 33.3 32.4 43.3 51
.000 1.000 .933 .714 1.000 .921
Folk Dall. 0-0 1-1 7-8 10-11 2-2 20-22 40.8 40.8 41.5 52
.000 1.000 .875 .909 1.000 .909
Kasay Car. 0-0 7-7 9-9 11-12 1-3 28-31 37.5 36.4 48.3 50
.000 1.000 1.000 .917 .333 .903
Gould Chi. 0-0 6-6 12-12 8-11 0-0 26-29 36.6 35.5 46.3 48
.000 1.000 1.000 .727 .000 .897
Rackers Ariz. 0-0 9-9 9-11 6-6 1-2 25-28 35.0 33.6 46.7 54
.000 1.000 .818 1.000 .500 .893
Mare Sea. 0-0 7-7 9-10 5-6 3-4 24-27 37.5 36.7 44.3 51
.000 1.000 .900 .833 .750 .889
Nedney S.F. 0-0 9-9 10-10 8-11 2-3 29-33 37.0 35.7 46.3 53
.000 1.000 1.000 .727 .667 .879
J. Brown St.L. 0-0 8-8 7-7 10-13 6-8 31-36 40.1 39.0 47.0 54
.000 1.000 1.000 .769 .750 .861
Longwell Minn. 0-0 10-10 7-9 6-9 6-6 29-34 38.0 37.1 43.0 54
.000 1.000 .778 .667 1.000 .853
M. Bryant T.B. 0-0 12-12 15-15 5-8 0-3 32-38 35.6 33.2 48.0 49
.000 1.000 1.000 .625 .000 .842
Akers Phil. 2-2 11-11 11-13 7-9 2-5 33-40 34.7 32.8 43.9 51
1.000 1.000 .846 .778 .400 .825
Crosby G.B. 1-1 8-8 10-13 5-6 3-6 27-34 37.5 35.1 46.7 53
1.000 1.000 .769 .833 .500 .794
Suisham Wash. 0-0 7-7 7-9 11-16 1-4 26-36 38.6 36.1 45.0 50
.000 1.000 .778 .688 .250 .722
Player Tm Sks
Ware Dall. 20.0
Abraham Atl. 16.5
Allen Minn. 14.5
Peppers Car. 14.5
Tuck N.Y.G. 12.0
Howard Phil. 10.0
Kampman G.B. 9.5
T. Cole Phil. 9.0
K. Williams Minn. 8.5
Ellis Dall. 8.0
Haralson S.F. 8.0
James Dall. 8.0
Kiwanuka N.Y.G. 8.0
Ratliff Dall. 7.5
J. Smith S.F. 7.0
Adams T.B. 6.5
J. Hall St.L. 6.5
White Det. 6.5
A. Brown Chi. 6.0
C. Johnson Car. 6.0
Little St.L. 6.0
McCray N.O. 6.0
Greenway Minn. 5.5
Mebane Sea. 5.5
Robbins N.Y.G. 5.5
Tapp Sea. 5.5
Avril Det. 5.0
Berry Ariz. 5.0
Edwards Minn. 5.0
T. Harris Chi. 5.0
Kerney Sea. 5.0
Ogunleye Chi. 5.0
Parker Phil. 5.0
Peterson Sea. 5.0
White T.B. 5.0
Wilkerson T.B. 5.0
Brayton Car. 4.5
Okeafor Ariz. 4.5
Bernard Sea. 4.0
Carter Wash. 4.0
Carter T.B. 4.0
C. Clemons Phil. 4.0
Dansby Ariz. 4.0
Davis Atl. 4.0
Dockett Ariz. 4.0
Ellis N.O. 4.0
LaBoy Ariz. 4.0
Long St.L. 4.0
Babineaux Atl. 3.5
T. Davis Car. 3.5
Evans Wash. 3.5
R. Green S.F. 3.5
Idonije Chi. 3.5
Lewis Car. 3.5
Smith Ariz. 3.5
Taylor Wash. 3.5
Tollefson N.Y.G. 3.5
Canty Dall. 3.0
Charleston N.O. 3.0
Cofield N.Y.G. 3.0
Craft St.L. 3.0
Dawkins Phil. 3.0
Grant N.O. 3.0
Hawk G.B. 3.0
Lawson S.F. 3.0
Redding Det. 3.0
Ruud T.B. 3.0
Smith N.O. 3.0
C. Smith Det. 3.0
Tinoisamoa St.L. 3.0
Woodson G.B. 3.0
Alford N.Y.G. 2.5
Gaither Phil. 2.5
Jenkins G.B. 2.5
Montgomery G.B. 2.5
Robison Minn. 2.5
Wilson Ariz. 2.5
Wyms Minn. 2.5
Abiamiri Phil. 2.0
Adeyanju St.L. 2.0
L. Alexander Wash. 2.0
J. Anderson Atl. 2.0
Atkins Sea. 2.0
Barber T.B. 2.0
Biermann Atl. 2.0
Bunkley Phil. 2.0
Burnett Dall. 2.0
Clancy N.O. 2.0
DeVries Det. 2.0
Gocong Phil. 2.0
Golston Wash. 2.0
Harrison Chi. 2.0
Henry Dall. 2.0
Hunter G.B. 2.0
G. Jackson Atl. 2.0
Jackson Sea. 2.0
Klecko Phil. 2.0
M.M. Lewis S.F. 2.0
Marshall Car. 2.0
McIntosh Wash. 2.0
Mikell Phil. 2.0
Montgomery Wash. 2.0
Shanle N.O. 2.0
Terrill Sea. 2.0
Winfield Minn. 2.0
Wynn N.Y.G. 2.0
Darby Det. 1.5
Leber Minn. 1.5
Lenon Det. 1.5
Nece Det. 1.5
Pickett G.B. 1.5
Pierce N.Y.G. 1.5
Sims T.B. 1.5
Sims Det. 1.5
Spencer Dall. 1.5
Anderson Chi. 1.0
Bartell St.L. 1.0
Bishop G.B. 1.0
Blackburn N.Y.G. 1.0
Bradley Phil. 1.0
Briggs Chi. 1.0
S. Brown Phil. 1.0
F. Brown St.L. 1.0
M. Brown Chi. 1.0
Chillar G.B. 1.0
Demps Phil. 1.0
Diggs Car. 1.0
Franklin S.F. 1.0
Gay N.O. 1.0
Godfrey Car. 1.0
H. Green Sea. 1.0
Griffin Wash. 1.0
Haggans Ariz. 1.0
Hamlin Dall. 1.0
Hanson Phil. 1.0
Na. Harris Minn. 1.0
W. Harris S.F. 1.0
Hatcher Dall. 1.0
E.J. Henderson Minn. 1.0
Hill Sea. 1.0
Hillenmeyer Chi. 1.0
Horton Wash. 1.0
Hovan T.B. 1.0
T. Jackson T.B. 1.0
M. Johnson N.Y.G. 1.0
Ta. Johnson Dall. 1.0
Kehl N.Y.G. 1.0
Kennedy Minn. 1.0
Lofton Atl. 1.0
R. Manning St.L. 1.0
McDonald S.F. 1.0
Moore Det. 1.0
E. Moore St.L. 1.0
Moorehead Atl. 1.0
Nicholas Atl. 1.0
Payne Chi. 1.0
Pearson Det. 1.0
Porter N.O. 1.0
Reis N.O. 1.0
Robinson Ariz. 1.0
Russell Sea. 1.0
Scandrick Dall. 1.0
Sopoaga S.F. 1.0
Spears Dall. 1.0
Spikes S.F. 1.0
Springs Wash. 1.0
Taylor Car. 1.0
Team Atl. 1.0
Team Chi. 1.0
Team Dall. 1.0
Thomas Dall. 1.0
Vilma N.O. 1.0
Webster N.Y.G. 1.0
P. Williams Minn. 1.0
Willis S.F. 1.0
Wilson Sea. 1.0
Wilson Wash. 1.0
Witherspoon St.L. 1.0
B. Young N.O. 1.0
Alama-Francis Det. .5
Banta-Cain S.F. .5
Cole G.B. .5
Fletcher Wash. .5
Glover St.L. .5
Hall Wash. .5
Hayes Ariz. .5
Landry Wash. .5
D. Manning Chi. .5
Patterson Phil. .5
SACKS
INTERCEPTIONS
NFL TEAM STATISTICS
2008 FINAL
11-5-0 7-9-0 4-11-1 4-12-0 8-8-0 8-8-0 12-4-0 5-11-0 2-14-0 11-5-0 11-5-0 9-7-0 5-11-0 12-4-0 8-8-0 13-3-0
300 287 245 233 354 340 321 312 273 308 356 308 225 290 301 268
132 107 80 84 103 106 80 107 94 111 145 94 87 93 92 108
147 167 145 127 223 210 220 183 161 184 186 186 123 179 191 143
21 13 20 22 28 24 21 22 18 13 25 28 15 18 18 17
5184 4882 3926 3985 6333 6113 5368 5106 4939 5529 5847 5307 4356 4991 5584 5018
324.0 305.1 245.4 249.1 395.8 382.1 335.5 319.1 308.7 345.6 365.4 331.7 272.3 311.9 349.0 313.6
2376 1842 1520 1605 1862 1846 1274 1774 1810 1897 2278 2004 1987 1690 1726 2199
148.5 115.1 95.0 100.3 116.4 115.4 79.6 110.9 113.1 118.6 142.4 125.3 124.2 105.6 107.9 137.4
2808 3040 2406 2380 4471 4267 4094 3332 3129 3632 3569 3303 2369 3301 3858 2819
175.5 190.0 150.4 148.8 279.4 266.7 255.9 208.3 195.6 227.0 223.1 206.4 148.1 206.3 241.1 176.2
592 439 420 409 387 432 370 426 379 448 513 422 459 460 421 508
4.0 4.2 3.6 3.9 4.8 4.3 3.4 4.2 4.8 4.2 4.4 4.7 4.3 3.7 4.1 4.3
433 479 513 488 620 555 585 537 541 491 534 529 421 506 478 453
261 309 303 238 386 367 393 335 310 330 339 347 222 303 312 265
60.3 64.5 59.1 48.8 62.3 66.1 67.2 62.4 57.3 67.2 63.5 65.6 52.7 59.9 65.3 58.5
33 38 51 24 12 32 14 42 37 26 48 30 39 49 25 12
277 262 271 157 74 207 86 288 229 129 221 213 270 306 151 83
12 15 15 20 18 20 12 13 16 7 11 23 11 15 11 9
104 169 279 381 153 221 294 181 323 130 186 351 163 234 189 88
1 1 2 5 2 1 3 1 2 2 0 4 0 2 1 0
84 58 101 76 46 53 53 67 82 74 50 59 90 78 51 87
45.0 44.1 39.1 45.3 46.7 42.3 44.2 43.3 44.2 43.9 44.0 42.2 48.8 39.8 45.7 42.8
9 5 3 11 4 7 2 8 12 7 10 5 13 4 5 13
39.9 39.1 34.2 39.3 37.8 35.2 38.8 36.9 37.5 35.5 36.8 35.6 41.2 35.7 40.9 36.5
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
44 30 32 30 20 32 22 29 26 28 36 29 44 41 26 34
8.6 15.5 7.9 8.4 9.8 12.1 6.0 9.5 6.5 10.2 10.3 10.4 13.0 6.0 10.3 9.7
0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0
50 75 67 58 71 72 63 74 80 60 62 61 78 50 62 52
20.1 24.2 23.1 22.6 21.8 21.5 20.8 22.7 21.5 20.2 25.2 23.1 22.8 20.3 24.0 25.4
0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0
103 71 75 100 77 80 86 104 78 81 57 77 109 95 95 108
785 538 591 669 739 664 619 813 645 669 501 569 823 812 748 855
28 33 27 17 18 28 13 23 20 18 17 22 28 28 18 18
9 15 11 6 12 12 5 11 8 6 10 8 12 10 9 8
21 21 20 19 15 19 24 15 30 27 17 37 21 22 18 28
8 12 12 8 7 10 11 4 16 12 8 16 8 9 9 11
232 203 236 212 200 197 201 213 214 192 222 197 214 224 194 216
95 81 82 72 95 83 101 87 82 71 96 81 61 92 89 78
40.9 39.9 34.7 34.0 47.5 42.1 50.2 40.8 38.3 37.0 43.2 41.1 28.5 41.1 45.9 36.1
11 16 14 14 10 23 16 24 18 15 22 16 21 12 10 11
7 7 7 6 4 14 11 14 7 10 17 9 9 3 7 5
63.6 43.8 50.0 42.9 40.0 60.9 68.8 58.3 38.9 66.7 77.3 56.3 42.9 25.0 70.0 45.5
33:10 30:03 28:34 27:32 28:43 31:57 28:38 31:22 27:55 31:03 32:12 30:25 28:08 31:30 28:52 29:09
42 35 20 20 42 40 45 35 35 40 43 48 27 38 51 41
20 16 6 6 15 16 13 17 9 18 21 20 9 16 13 24
16 14 11 11 25 21 27 15 23 20 21 22 13 19 34 13
6 5 3 3 2 3 5 3 3 2 1 6 5 3 4 4
41/41 34/34 18/18 18/18 39/40 37/37 43/43 33/33 31/31 40/40 40/40 41/41 25/26 36/37 46/46 40/40
1/1 1/1 0/2 2/2 2/2 1/3 2/2 0/2 1/4 0/0 2/3 2/7 0/1 0/1 2/5 1/1
28/35 30/38 22/25 30/36 25/34 29/33 20/25 19/25 16/22 21/25 36/40 24/29 24/30 27/31 27/32 29/33
385 336 204 232 370 366 377 302 291 345 410 405 263 347 439 375
244 342 364 350 448 394 298 367 440 317 309 356 388 223 347 234
228 293 296 315 327 300 305 289 344 296 268 315 325 240 339 276
58 113 106 125 122 114 119 98 133 96 78 86 129 73 98 81
152 167 169 176 186 167 165 166 195 173 176 209 166 149 213 166
18 13 21 14 19 19 21 25 16 27 14 20 30 18 28 29
4177 5217 5208 5704 5993 5385 4975 5295 6291 5264 4944 5270 5775 3795 5599 4698
261.1 326.1 325.5 356.5 374.6 336.6 310.9 330.9 393.2 329.0 309.0 329.4 360.9 237.2 349.9 293.6
1302 1946 1921 2431 2337 1962 1966 1709 2543 1620 1722 1518 2555 1284 1641 1502
81.4 121.6 120.1 151.9 146.1 122.6 122.9 106.8 158.9 101.3 107.6 94.9 159.7 80.3 102.6 93.9
2875 3271 3287 3273 3656 3423 3009 3586 3748 3644 3222 3752 3220 2511 3958 3196
179.7 204.4 205.4 204.6 228.5 213.9 188.1 224.1 234.3 227.8 201.4 234.5 201.3 156.9 247.4 199.8
366 455 490 541 469 439 472 428 509 388 415 407 542 390 408 403
3.6 4.3 3.9 4.5 5.0 4.5 4.2 4.0 5.0 4.2 4.1 3.7 4.7 3.3 4.0 3.7
528 492 506 446 495 471 481 465 522 551 474 572 471 533 605 575
276 301 315 286 333 294 329 297 348 320 288 368 266 301 411 342
52.3 61.2 62.3 64.1 67.3 62.4 68.4 63.9 66.7 58.1 60.8 64.3 56.5 56.5 67.9 59.5
34 24 17 17 26 25 30 29 10 40 31 41 32 51 28 44
257 170 122 90 141 175 200 191 62 218 239 253 188 350 132 262
26 10 12 23 6 12 15 13 13 18 14 14 16 20 15 20
477 217 236 406 63 178 204 220 275 214 104 282 145 290 167 351
5 3 1 2 0 1 2 2 2 2 0 3 0 2 2 3
92 64 79 59 52 67 53 67 50 61 75 69 74 91 60 87
42.8 45.6 43.6 40.7 46.4 44.4 44.9 43.0 43.9 46.7 43.0 43.4 43.2 42.5 43.9 42.3
8 5 11 7 8 5 9 7 8 7 7 9 5 6 2 10
37.0 36.8 37.6 34.1 39.6 37.2 39.0 36.8 37.3 39.7 36.2 36.4 34.2 38.5 38.7 36.2
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1
38 18 48 32 28 21 27 31 33 37 11 29 43 40 23 32
6.4 10.4 9.1 7.3 11.8 11.2 9.2 8.7 9.3 13.1 14.4 9.9 9.9 6.0 6.3 9.1
76 63 47 53 63 73 70 51 62 68 75 73 44 71 86 61
22.6 19.8 22.5 23.2 24.7 22.3 24.3 19.9 23.6 24.3 22.3 21.5 24.4 19.1 22.6 25.0
114 72 102 95 83 81 68 80 81 86 81 93 74 91 78 93
792 540 772 770 738 659 543 691 588 615 636 663 633 801 708 750
212 202 218 207 202 188 211 200 211 209 205 210 232 226 207 226
71 73 93 95 89 74 100 82 100 79 91 81 103 71 84 79
33.5 36.1 42.7 45.9 44.1 39.4 47.4 41.0 47.4 37.8 44.4 38.6 44.4 31.4 40.6 35.0
16 16 11 17 18 13 7 11 14 19 10 18 13 21 24 18
3 8 5 11 10 10 3 5 6 11 2 13 9 10 13 8
18.8 50.0 45.5 64.7 55.6 76.9 42.9 45.5 42.9 57.9 20.0 72.2 69.2 47.6 54.2 44.4
26 34 43 42 50 45 28 41 49 33 37 40 45 21 39 25
4 18 15 16 26 18 18 14 25 11 8 10 23 7 11 12
17 14 23 19 20 24 6 25 21 18 27 23 20 12 25 12
5 2 5 7 4 3 4 2 3 4 2 7 2 2 3 1
25/25 34/34 40/40 41/41 48/48 43/43 25/25 40/40 45/45 28/28 34/35 37/37 43/43 21/21 31/33 24/24
0/1 0/0 0/3 0/1 1/2 2/2 2/3 0/1 1/4 1/5 1/2 2/3 2/2 0/0 2/6 0/1
21/22 34/41 22/23 19/28 32/35 25/29 33/38 27/30 33/36 29/32 17/21 25/28 23/31 24/27 24/31 20/30
9-7-0 11-5-0 12-4-0 9-7-0 9-7-0 0-16-0 6-10-0 10-6-0 8-8-0 12-4-0 9-6-1 7-9-0 4-12-0 2-14-0 9-7-0 8-8-0
328 313 287 264 291 234 299 292 354 338 318 287 265 249 298 295 294.8
72 131 118 98 102 70 99 119 103 130 94 83 104 95 100 109 101.6
231 157 152 153 171 143 182 150 232 176 204 176 142 140 184 165 172.9
25 25 17 13 18 21 18 23 19 32 20 28 19 14 14 21 20.3
5852 5779 5595 4734 5512 4292 5618 5288 6571 5695 5608 4978 4385 4596 5456 5120 5235.8
365.8 361.2 349.7 295.9 344.5 268.3 351.1 330.5 410.7 355.9 350.5 311.1 274.1 287.3 341.0 320.0 327.2
1178 2443 2437 1673 1723 1332 1805 2332 1594 2518 1697 1599 1768 1649 1837 2095 1855.3
73.6 152.7 152.3 104.6 107.7 83.3 112.8 145.8 99.6 157.4 106.1 99.9 110.5 103.1 114.8 130.9 116.0
4674 3336 3158 3061 3789 2960 3813 2956 4977 3177 3911 3379 2617 2947 3619 3025 3380.5
292.1 208.5 197.4 191.3 236.8 185.0 238.3 184.8 311.1 198.6 244.4 211.2 163.6 184.2 226.2 189.1 211.3
340 560 504 434 401 352 437 519 398 502 427 397 417 417 451 478 441.2
3.5 4.4 4.8 3.9 4.3 3.8 4.1 4.5 4.0 5.0 4.0 4.0 4.2 4.0 4.1 4.4 4.2
630 434 414 528 547 509 541 452 636 491 606 509 474 520 562 510 516.4
418 265 246 304 328 281 343 267 413 298 362 309 262 292 355 318 315.0
66.3 61.1 59.4 57.6 60.0 55.2 63.4 59.1 64.9 60.7 59.7 60.7 55.3 56.2 63.2 62.4 61.0
28 17 20 29 31 52 34 43 13 28 23 55 36 45 32 38 32.4
201 104 130 168 199 339 231 261 92 176 149 345 214 321 169 266 205.9
15 11 12 14 20 19 13 17 18 10 16 19 15 19 13 6 14.5
276 74 167 219 349 364 70 329 270 189 434 358 233 452 233 23 233.9
1 0 0 1 1 5 0 2 2 2 2 2 1 4 2 0 1.6
60 65 76 96 78 90 65 74 53 64 78 67 90 83 77 82 72.1
41.8 39.5 42.3 41.2 43.4 43.9 41.4 46.9 44.6 44.0 42.7 47.1 44.5 49.6 44.5 40.5 43.7
4 4 5 5 8 6 6 13 5 5 4 9 12 7 7 10 7.1
34.1 37.5 37.4 38.1 36.4 38.0 35.7 35.0 35.9 40.2 37.9 39.0 36.9 40.8 37.6 33.4 37.3
0 2 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0.4
33 43 42 39 37 21 37 34 26 39 52 29 35 29 47 45 34.1
7.2 8.8 10.8 6.7 6.2 8.0 10.8 8.0 11.9 8.6 8.6 10.3 10.1 8.4 9.4 8.4 9.2
0 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0.5
75 59 60 77 70 83 69 61 62 55 60 76 77 80 60 55 66.1
21.7 23.9 22.9 24.9 22.2 21.8 20.1 22.4 24.1 23.3 23.5 23.3 25.3 22.0 24.8 25.1 22.8
1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0.4
107 71 94 78 119 88 110 90 86 102 74 98 79 97 95 83 89.6
781 591 637 610 952 729 984 692 797 821 635 732 601 718 834 644 712.4
27 18 12 19 29 31 25 31 18 18 16 36 20 18 21 20 22.3
15 10 7 13 13 10 8 14 8 3 10 16 12 12 13 12 10.3
26 18 25 17 28 31 20 34 16 22 26 16 26 24 16 16 22.3
17 8 13 10 14 16 6 13 7 5 14 6 11 14 8 5 10.3
198 219 197 219 212 205 224 218 200 204 225 198 198 216 229 216 210.8
83 95 78 78 91 59 99 86 97 88 93 75 62 69 88 76 83.2
41.9 43.4 39.6 35.6 42.9 28.8 44.2 39.4 48.5 43.1 41.3 37.9 31.3 31.9 38.4 35.2 39.5
16 13 8 14 12 20 18 18 18 11 9 11 12 23 18 16 15.3
8 6 3 6 7 10 8 9 10 5 4 5 10 11 10 10 8.1
50.0 46.2 37.5 42.9 58.3 50.0 44.4 50.0 55.6 45.5 44.4 45.5 83.3 47.8 55.6 62.5 52.9
30:08 30:49 29:20 28:04 29:58 26:59 31:19 31:18 30:22 32:56 31:01 29:21 26:29 29:32 31:27 31:30 30:00
51 43 47 42 43 29 48 41 57 45 45 36 32 20 38 27 38.9
14 23 30 15 12 10 11 15 20 19 15 10 10 8 13 12 14.9
31 16 15 20 29 18 28 22 34 23 23 21 18 11 18 14 20.2
6 4 2 7 2 1 9 4 3 3 7 5 4 1 7 1 3.9
44/44 42/42 46/46 41/41 42/42 24/25 46/46 40/40 53/54 41/41 45/45 34/34 30/30 19/19 35/36 25/25 36.5/36.7
1/6 1/1 1/1 1/1 0/1 2/3 2/2 0/1 0/3 1/3 0/0 1/2 0/2 0/1 1/2 0/2 0.9/2.1
25/28 29/31 28/31 26/29 20/22 21/22 27/34 29/34 22/27 36/39 33/40 29/33 24/27 31/36 32/38 26/36 26.4/31.3
427 391 414 375 362 268 419 379 463 427 416 339 294 232 361 265 352.5
426 325 329 350 365 517 380 333 393 294 289 381 392 465 323 296 352.5
312 309 296 314 276 350 295 255 299 268 248 293 324 320 259 259 294.8
117 108 100 93 85 147 121 72 100 78 79 104 98 146 87 86 101.6
172 189 178 208 163 188 141 163 180 165 144 170 207 158 153 159 172.9
23 12 18 13 28 15 33 20 19 25 25 19 19 16 19 14 20.3
5304 5566 5299 5355 4709 6470 5349 4679 5432 4672 4389 5216 6048 5950 4898 4621 5235.8
331.5 347.9 331.2 334.7 294.3 404.4 334.3 292.4 339.5 292.0 274.3 326.0 378.0 371.9 306.1 288.8 327.2
1764 2040 1912 1496 1706 2754 2105 1230 1885 1533 1476 1709 1899 2475 1901 1526 1855.3
110.3 127.5 119.5 93.5 106.6 172.1 131.6 76.9 117.8 95.8 92.3 106.8 118.7 154.7 118.8 95.4 116.0
3540 3526 3387 3859 3003 3716 3244 3449 3547 3139 2913 3507 4149 3475 2997 3095 3380.5
221.3 220.4 211.7 241.2 187.7 232.3 202.8 215.6 221.7 196.2 182.1 219.2 259.3 217.2 187.3 193.4 211.3
445 415 432 437 402 536 458 371 445 386 421 452 457 501 441 398 441.2
4.0 4.9 4.4 3.4 4.2 5.1 4.6 3.3 4.2 4.0 3.5 3.8 4.2 4.9 4.3 3.8 4.2
517 549 557 622 508 443 518 530 526 503 525 545 566 444 475 511 516.4
323 325 333 383 308 303 287 324 299 296 284 331 366 278 276 290 315.0
62.5 59.2 59.8 61.6 60.6 68.4 55.4 61.1 56.8 58.8 54.1 60.7 64.7 62.6 58.1 56.8 61.0
31 34 37 28 59 30 27 45 28 42 48 30 35 30 29 24 32.4
191 245 230 217 374 191 140 304 161 288 312 161 193 201 190 141 205.9
13 10 12 22 8 4 22 12 15 17 15 12 9 12 22 13 14.5
293 233 192 312 36 16 685 56 188 339 279 139 217 162 396 114 233.9
2 2 0 1 1 0 6 0 0 2 2 1 2 0 3 0 1.6
61 76 80 83 74 59 76 80 66 76 101 72 68 67 81 87 72.1
45.5 45.5 45.9 42.5 44.3 43.6 44.3 43.5 41.1 43.4 42.5 42.4 44.3 45.2 43.6 42.8 43.7
5 5 10 8 8 7 6 4 4 9 8 9 3 11 11 6 7.1
40.0 39.2 37.7 37.4 39.1 38.4 37.4 39.1 35.2 36.6 36.5 35.8 38.2 38.3 35.4 37.0 37.3
1 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0.4
29 20 41 36 37 51 33 42 34 24 41 39 44 57 39 33 34.1
13.1 2.5 6.7 5.6 10.5 8.1 7.5 14.9 10.7 5.8 7.2 9.3 10.1 10.4 10.1 11.7 9.2
69 71 59 68 71 57 72 78 76 85 75 65 47 56 74 55 66.1
25.0 21.6 21.9 24.4 21.3 23.4 23.4 23.5 24.0 22.5 22.6 23.3 25.6 26.2 20.8 20.1 22.8
98 109 88 100 87 91 89 109 84 111 80 111 81 89 88 80 89.6
816 854 736 827 601 753 721 1002 637 866 593 869 671 654 660 639 712.4
207 208 219 232 216 197 210 203 206 204 227 219 222 187 214 208 210.8
92 79 87 81 77 90 80 68 82 83 73 83 94 74 81 74 83.2
44.4 38.0 39.7 34.9 35.6 45.7 38.1 33.5 39.8 40.7 32.2 37.9 42.3 39.6 37.9 35.6 39.5
17 19 20 21 14 10 23 13 14 16 14 19 13 6 13 12 15.3
13 9 9 10 8 6 17 5 8 5 5 12 8 4 5 8 8.1
76.5 47.4 45.0 47.6 57.1 60.0 73.9 38.5 57.1 31.3 35.7 63.2 61.5 66.7 38.5 66.7 52.9
52 38 37 39 36 63 43 36 41 34 31 39 40 53 34 32 38.9
13 17 14 16 11 31 20 10 14 14 7 14 13 26 8 12 14.9
36 20 19 21 19 25 22 15 21 17 19 22 25 20 23 16 20.2
3 1 4 2 6 7 1 11 6 3 5 3 2 7 3 4 3.9
49/49 35/35 31/32 38/39 33/33 62/62 38/38 35/35 37/37 31/31 29/29 38/38 39/39 52/52 33/33 30/31 36.5/36.7
1/3 1/3 2/4 0/0 0/2 0/1 1/4 1/1 3/4 1/3 0/2 0/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 0.9/2.1
21/27 20/25 24/28 26/33 38/44 25/29 25/30 26/36 34/39 19/26 24/28 35/42 37/41 31/32 28/30 24/28 26.4/31.3
AZ ATL CAR CHI DAL DET GB MIN NO NYG PHI SF SEA STL TB WAS NFL
AVG
GAMES (W-L-T)
FIRST DOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Penalty
TOTALYARDS GAINED
Average Per Game
RUSHING (NET)
Average Per Game
PASSING (NET)
Average Per Game
RUSHES
Average Yards
PASSES ATTEMPTED
Completed
Percent Completed
Sacked
Yards Lost
Had Intercepted
Yards Opp. Ret.
Opp. TDs On Int.
PUNTS
Gross Average
Touchbacks
Net Average
Blocked
PUNT RETURNS
Average Return
Return For TD
KICKOFF RETURNS
Average Return
Returns For TD
PENALTIES
Yards
FUMBLES
Fumbles Lost
Opponent Fumbles
Opponent Fumbles Rec.
3RD-DOWNATTEMPTS
Conv. to 1st Down
3rd Down Efficiency
4TH-DOWNATTEMPTS
Conv. to 1st Down
4th-Down Efficiency
Time of Possession
TOUCHDOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Returns
1-PT. PAT/ATTEMPTS
2-PT. PAT/ATTEMPTS
FG/FGA
Total Points
OPP. POINTS
OPP. 1ST DOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Penalty
OPP. YDS. GAINED
Avg. Per Game
RUSHING (NET)
Avg. Per Game
PASSING (NET)
Avg. Per Game
OPP. RUSHES
Avg. Yards
OPP. PASSES
Completed
Pct. Comp.
Sacked
Yards Lost
Intercepted By
Yards Ret.
Ret. for TD
OPP. PUNTS
Gross Avg.
Touchbacks
Net Avg.
Blocked
OPP. PUNT RET.
Avg. Ret.
OPP. KICKOFF RET.
Avg. Ret.
OPP. PENALTIES
Yards
OPP. 3RD-DOWNATT.
Conv. To 1st Down
3rd Down Efficiency
OPP. 4TH-DOWNATT.
Conv. To 1st Down
4th-Down Efficiency
OPP. TOUCHDOWNS
Rushing
Passing
Returns
1-PT. PAT/ATTEMPTS
2-PT. PAT/ATTEMPTS
OPP. FG/FGA
BAL BUF CIN CLE DEN HOU IND JAX KC MIA NE NYJ OAK PIT SD TEN OFFENSE
AZ ATL CAR CHI DAL DET GB MIN NO NYG PHI SF SEA STL TB WAS NFL
AVG
BAL BUF CIN CLE DEN HOU IND JAX KC MIA NE NYJ OAK PIT SD TEN DEFENSE
NFL TEAM RANKINGS
2008 FINAL
Total Yards/Game
Rushing Yards/Game
Avg. Gain/Rush
Passing Yards/Game
Avg. Gain/Pass Play
Pct. Had Intercepted
Pct. QB Sacks Allowed
First Downs/Game
Avg. Gain/Off. Play
3rd Down Efficiency
4th Down Efficiency
Punt Return Avg.
Kickoff Return Avg.
Gross Punting Avg.
Net Punting Avg.
Points/Game
Extra Point Pct.
Field Goal Pct.
Opp. Yards/Game
Opp. Rush Yds./Game
Avg. Gain/Rush
Opp. Pass Yds./Game
Avg. Gain/Pass Play
Pct. Intercepted By
QB Sack Pct.
Opp. 1st Downs/Game
Avg. Gain/Def. Play
3rd Down Efficiency
4th Down Efficiency
Opp. Punt Return Avg.
Opp. Kickoff Ret. Avg.
Opp. Gross Punt Avg.
Opp. Net Punt Avg.
Opp. Points/Game
Opp. Field Goal Pct.
Point Differential
Turnover Edge
Penalty Yards Edge
Punt Ret. Differential
KO Return Differential
Time of Possession
18 25 32 31 2 3 15 20 24 12 5 16 29 22 11 21
4 14 29 26 12 13 31 18 16 11 6 9 10 23 20 7
22 16 30 26 3 13 32 17 4 15 7 5 10 29 19 11
28 22 30 31 3 4 5 15 20 10 12 16 32 17 7 27
17 22 32 31 7 5 9 23 26 8 13 21 29 20 1 16
16 23 20 31 19 25 5 11 21 2 6 32 13 22 7 3
22 24 30 9 1 17 3 23 19 11 26 14 27 29 10 4
14 21t 29 31 2t 4 7 10 24 11t 1 11t 32 20 13 25
25 21 32 31 2 4 12 22 19 7 14 13 27 24 3 20
15 17 27 28 3 10 1 16 21 23 7 13 32 14 4 24
6 25 14t 26t 29 8 4 9t 30 5 2 11 26t 32 3 20t
19 1 26 23 13 3 32 15 29 11 9 7 2 31 8 14
31 7 14 19 23 26 28 18 27 30 3 15 17 29 9 1
8 14 32 7 5 24 12 20 13 18 15 25 2 30 6 21
5 7 31 6 12 27 8 16 14 26 17 28 1 24 2 19
11 23 32 30t 16 17 13 24 26 21 8 9 29 20 2 14t
1t 1t 1t 1t 28 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 31 29 1t 1t
24t 28 10 20 30 11t 24t 29 31 19 6 21 24t 14 17 11t
2 14 12 26 29 22 11 17 31 15 10 16 27 1 25 7
3 22 21 28 27 23 24 13t 30 10 15 7 31 2 11 6
5 21 10 25 30 24 17 13 31 18 15 7 27 1 14 6
2 13 15 14 26 17 6 24 28 25 11 29 10 1 31 9
3 20 19 29 27 25 9 30 28 17 21 16 22 1 18 4
2 27 23 1 31 17 11 15 20 10 12 22 8 5 21 7
14 26 31 30 24 23 15 16 32 7 13 8 9 2 28 6
1 12t 15t 24t 29 19 20 11 31 15t 7t 24t 28 2 30 9t
3 18 12 25 30 28 10 27 29 20 19 14 23 1 21 4
3 9 24 30 25 16 31t 22 31t 10 26 15 27 1 20 6
1 16 11t 25 18 32 7t 11t 7t 21 2 29 28 14t 17 9
6 23 14 9 28 26 15 12 16 29 31 19 18 4 5 13
15 2 13 17 28 11 24 3 22 25 10 7 27 1 14 29
9 29 17 1 31 24 25 10 20 32 11 13 12 6 19 3
11 14 19 2 32 16 28 13 17 29 7 8 1 21 27 6
3 14 19 16t 30 27 7 21 29 9 8 18 24 1 15 2
30 11 31 2 27 17t 20 24 28 26 10 23 5 22 6 1
1t 20 30 27 25 21 9 24 29 16 6 12 28 5 7 1t
3 27 20 8t 31t 29 4t 25t 8t 1 15t 19 15t 11t 11t 2
14 15 4 7 16 17t 25 27 23 22 6 9 30 19 20 26
8 2 22 12 24 14 27 15 25 26 29 17 6 18 4 16
26 2 14 20 27 21 30 5 25 31 4 7 24 9 8 16
1 17 26 30 24 4 25 8 29 11 3 14 27 6 23 22
BAL BUF CIN CLE DEN HOU IND JAX KC MIA NE NYJ OAK PIT SD TEN OFFENSE
4 6 10 26 13 30 8 17 1 7 9 23 28 27 14 19
32 2 3 24 21 30 17 5 28 1 22 27 19 25 15 8
31 9 2 27 12 28 18 6 23 1 24 21 14 25 20 8
2 14 19 21 9 24 8 25 1 18 6 13 29 26 11 23
6 3 4 25 11 27 10 19 2 14 12 18 30 28 15 24
9 12 18 15 27 28t 10 30 17 4 14 28t 24 26 8 1
7 6 8 12 13 31 18 28 2 16 5 32 21 25 15 20
6 9 21t 27 19 30 15 18 2t 5 8 21t 26 28 16 17
6 8 5 26 9 29 11 17 1 10 15 18 28 30 16 23
11 6 18 25 9 31 5 19 2 8 12 22 30 29 20 26
14t 19 31 26t 9t 14t 23t 14t 12t 20t 23t 20t 1 18 12t 7
27 17 5 28 30 25 6 24 4 18 20 10 12 21 16 22
25 10 16 5 21 24 32 20 8 12 11 13 2 22 6 4
26 31 23 28 19 17 27 4 9 16 22 3 10 1 11 29
30 20 21 10 22 11 25 29 23 4 15 9 18 3 13 32
3t 10 7 14t 18 27 5 12 1 3t 6 22 25 30t 19 28
1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 32 1t 1t 27 1t 1t 1t 1t 1t 30 1t
8 2 5 7 4 1 27 16 23 3 22 11t 9 15 18 32
19 24 18 21 8 32 20 6 23 5 3 13 30 28 9 4
16 25 20 5 12 32 26 1 17 9 4 13t 18 29 19 8
11 28 23 3 20 32 26 2 19 12 4 8 16 29 22 9
22 21 16 30 5 27 12 18 23 8 3 20 32 19 4 7
24 14 6 10 5 32 12 13 23 7 2 15 26 31 11 8
19 28 26 6 30 32 4 24 14 9 13 25 29 16 3 18
20 17 12 29 1 10 25 4 22 5 3 21 18 11 19 27
22 21 15t 23 9t 32 14 4 18 7t 3 12t 27 26 5t 5t
17 24 13 6 5 32 16 7 22 9 2 11 26 31 15 8
28 13 18 5 8 29 14 4 19 21 2 12 23 17 11 7
31 13 10 14t 19t 22 30 5t 19t 3 4 24 23 26t 5t 26t
30 1 7 2 24 11 10 32 25 3 8 17 21 22 20 27
30 8 9 26 6 19 20 21 23 12 16 18 31 32 5 4
28 27 30 5 23 18 22 15 2 14 7 4 21 26 16 8
31 26 20 10 25 24 18 30 4 12 9 5 22 23 3 15
28 11 12 16t 20 32 22 13 26 5 4 23 25 31 10 6
7 9 14t 8 19 17t 12t 3 21 4 14t 12t 25 32 29 14t
18 11 8 17 19 32 14 13 10 3 4 23 26 31 15 22
17t 21 7 8t 30 28 6 24 22 4t 14 31t 25t 23 11t 17t
12 2 8 3 32 13 31 1 28 11 21 5 10 24 29 17t
31 1 3 11 30 20 5 32 10 7 9 13 19 23 21 28
28 6 10 15 11 23 29 22 17 13 12 18 19 32 3 1
16 13 21 28 18 31 9 10 15 2 12 20 32 19 7 5
AZ ATL CAR CHI DAL DET GB MIN NO NYG PHI SF SEA STL TB WAS
BAL BUF CIN CLE DEN HOU IND JAX KC MIA NE NYJ OAK PIT SD TEN DEFENSE AZ ATL CAR CHI DAL DET GB MIN NO NYG PHI SF SEA STL TB WAS
BAL BUF CIN CLE DEN HOU IND JAX KC MIA NE NYJ OAK PIT SD TEN MISCELLANEOUS AZ ATL CAR CHI DAL DET GB MIN NO NYG PHI SF SEA STL TB WAS
AFC NFC
MIA. 1 0 1 6 7 13 1 3 4 12 18 30 +17
TEN. 0 0 0 8 9 17 0 0 0 11 20 31 +14
BALT. 0 0 0 9 12 21 2 2 4 8 26 34 +13
IND. 0 0 0 5 12 17 0 0 0 11 15 26 +9
N.Y.G. 0 0 0 3 10 13 0 1 1 5 17 22 +9
G.B. 1 0 1 8 13 21 0 2 2 6 22 28 +7
CAR. 0 0 0 7 12 19 1 1 2 13 12 25 +6
CHI. 1 0 1 13 14 27 1 0 1 10 22 32 +5
CLEV. 0 2 2 6 20 26 0 1 1 8 23 31 +5
K.C. 1 0 1 8 16 24 0 0 0 16 13 29 +5
PITT. 0 1 1 10 15 25 0 2 2 9 20 29 +4
S.D. 0 0 0 9 11 20 0 2 2 9 15 24 +4
T.B. 0 1 1 13 13 26 0 1 1 8 22 30 +4
PHIL. 1 0 1 10 16 26 4 1 5 14 15 29 +3
N.E. 0 0 0 10 11 21 1 0 1 8 14 22 +1
OAK. 0 1 1 12 11 23 0 1 1 8 16 24 +1
ARIZ. 1 1 2 15 15 30 1 2 3 17 13 30 +0
WASH. 1 0 1 12 6 18 0 1 1 5 13 18 +0
N.Y.J. 1 3 4 8 23 31 1 0 1 16 14 30 -1
CIN. 0 0 0 11 15 26 1 0 1 12 12 24 -2
ATL. 1 2 3 10 11 21 0 0 0 8 10 18 -3
N.O. 1 1 2 8 18 26 0 0 0 7 15 22 -4
ST.L. 0 0 0 12 19 31 1 2 3 14 12 26 -5
MINN. 0 1 1 14 17 31 0 0 0 13 12 25 -6
JAX. 2 2 4 11 13 24 0 0 0 4 13 17 -7
SEA. 1 2 3 12 15 27 1 1 2 11 9 20 -7
BUFF. 1 0 1 15 15 30 0 0 0 12 10 22 -8
DET. 0 2 2 10 19 29 1 0 1 16 4 20 -9
HOU. 1 0 1 12 20 32 1 0 1 10 12 22 -10
DALL. 4 1 5 13 20 33 1 0 1 14 8 22 -11
DEN. 0 2 2 12 18 30 0 0 0 7 6 13 -17
S.F. 0 1 1 16 19 35 1 0 1 6 12 18 -17
GAME SEASON GAME SEASON DIF
Fum Int Tot Fum Int Tot Fum Int Tot Fum Int Tot
1. N.O. 1047 4.01 7.67 6.28
2. DEN. 1019 4.81 7.07 6.21
3. S.D. 924 4.10 7.67 6.04
4. HOU. 1019 4.27 7.27 6.00
5. CAR. 938 4.84 7.28 5.96
6. ARIZ. 998 3.46 7.10 5.86
7. MIA. 965 4.23 7.03 5.73
8. ATL. 1011 4.36 7.40 5.72
9. DALL. 979 4.30 6.56 5.63
10. N.Y.G. 1021 5.02 6.12 5.58
11. G.B. 1012 4.13 6.63 5.55
12. IND. 969 3.44 6.83 5.54
13. N.Y.J. 981 4.75 5.91 5.41
14. N.E. 1095 4.44 6.13 5.34
15. PHIL. 1056 3.97 6.22 5.31
16. T.B. 1045 4.07 6.09 5.22
17. MINN. 1014 4.49 5.97 5.22
18. S.F. 961 4.03 5.99 5.18
19. K.C. 957 4.78 5.41 5.16
20. TEN. 973 4.33 6.06 5.16
21. BUFF. 956 4.20 5.88 5.11
22. JAX. 1005 4.16 5.75 5.08
23. WASH. 1026 4.38 5.52 4.99
24. PITT. 1015 3.67 5.95 4.92
25. BALT. 1058 4.01 6.03 4.90
26. CHI. 991 3.85 5.50 4.78
27. OAK. 919 4.33 5.15 4.74
28. SEA. 927 4.24 5.13 4.73
29. DET. 913 3.78 5.28 4.70
30. ST.L. 982 3.95 5.22 4.68
31. CLEV. 921 3.92 4.65 4.33
32. CIN. 984 3.62 4.27 3.99
1. PITT. 974 3.29 4.30 3.90
2. PHIL. 994 3.51 5.08 4.42
3. BALT. 928 3.56 5.12 4.50
4. TEN. 1022 3.73 5.16 4.60
5. DALL. 969 4.24 5.30 4.86
6. CHI. 1087 3.42 5.94 4.93
7. MINN. 946 3.32 6.00 4.95
8. WASH. 933 3.83 5.79 4.95
9. N.Y.G. 931 3.97 5.76 5.02
10. IND. 983 4.17 5.89 5.06
11. S.F. 1027 3.78 6.10 5.08
12. CIN. 1013 3.92 6.28 5.14
13. CAR. 1026 4.43 5.70 5.16
14. N.Y.J. 1020 3.73 6.12 5.17
15. T.B. 945 4.31 5.95 5.18
16. G.B. 1003 4.60 5.95 5.33
17. ARIZ. 993 3.96 6.46 5.34
18. BUFF. 971 4.28 6.34 5.37
19. N.E. 920 4.15 6.38 5.37
20. MIA. 979 4.18 6.17 5.38
21. S.D. 1041 4.02 6.25 5.38
22. N.O. 999 4.24 6.40 5.44
23. OAK. 1045 4.71 6.40 5.53
24. ATL. 998 4.92 6.05 5.58
25. CLEV. 1004 4.49 7.07 5.68
26. SEA. 1058 4.16 6.90 5.72
27. JAX. 922 3.99 7.26 5.74
28. HOU. 935 4.47 6.90 5.76
29. K.C. 1041 5.00 7.05 6.04
30. DEN. 990 4.98 7.02 6.05
31. ST.L. 975 4.94 7.33 6.10
32. DET. 1009 5.14 7.86 6.41
OFF RUSH PASS OFF
OFFENSE PLAYS AVG AVG AVG
DEF RUSH PASS DEF
DEFENSE PLAYS AVG AVG AVG
OFF TOT TOT SCOR TD
OFFENSE POSS TD FG % %
OFF TOT TOT SCOR TD
DEFENSE POSS TD FG % %
1. IND. 50 34 11 .900 .680
2. CAR. 49 32 14 .939 .653
3. TEN. 45 28 14 .933 .622
4. N.O. 62 38 15 .855 .613
5. DET. 31 19 7 .839 .613
6. G.B. 48 29 16 .938 .604
7. MIA. 45 27 11 .844 .600
8. DALL. 44 26 8 .773 .591
9. ARIZ. 65 38 16 .831 .585
10. K.C. 45 26 13 .867 .578
11. S.D. 65 37 23 .923 .569
12. CHI. 50 28 17 .900 .560
13. JAX. 45 25 9 .756 .556
14. ATL. 56 31 17 .857 .554
15. PITT. 49 27 17 .898 .551
16. DEN. 55 30 14 .800 .545
17. N.Y.J. 62 33 18 .823 .532
18. S.F. 52 27 17 .846 .519
19. N.E. 65 33 25 .892 .508
20. N.Y.G. 69 35 28 .913 .507
21. SEA. 42 21 17 .905 .500
22. PHIL. 63 31 22 .841 .492
23. BUFF. 52 25 17 .808 .481
24. WASH. 48 23 15 .792 .479
25. BALT. 51 24 20 .863 .471
26. HOU. 61 28 20 .787 .459
27. CIN. 33 15 12 .818 .455
28. MINN. 44 19 17 .818 .432
29. OAK. 37 15 18 .892 .405
30. T.B. 56 22 26 .857 .393
31. CLEV. 38 14 20 .895 .368
32. ST.L. 29 10 14 .828 .345
1. PITT. 42 14 19 .786 .333
2. BALT. 39 14 16 .769 .359
3. IND. 47 19 21 .851 .404
4. BUFF. 55 23 22 .818 .418
5. MINN. 47 20 15 .745 .426
6. DALL. 56 26 26 .929 .464
7. TEN. 43 20 13 .767 .465
8. S.F. 52 25 17 .808 .481
9. N.O. 60 29 26 .917 .483
10. N.Y.G. 35 17 11 .800 .486
11. MIA. 47 23 19 .894 .489
12. CLEV. 54 27 14 .759 .500
13. N.Y.J. 57 29 17 .807 .509
14. ATL. 52 27 16 .827 .519
15. S.D. 53 28 12 .755 .528
16. PHIL. 36 19 12 .861 .528
17. SEA. 51 27 21 .941 .529
18. CAR. 49 26 16 .857 .531
19. K.C. 67 36 20 .836 .537
20. CHI. 55 30 17 .855 .545
21. WASH. 42 23 16 .929 .548
22. T.B. 36 20 16 1.000 .556
23. G.B. 51 29 15 .863 .569
24. OAK. 54 31 15 .852 .574
25. JAX. 53 31 16 .887 .585
26. CIN. 49 29 17 .939 .592
27. DEN. 60 36 19 .917 .600
28. ARIZ. 55 35 12 .855 .636
29. HOU. 47 30 13 .915 .638
30. ST.L. 53 34 14 .906 .642
31. N.E. 45 30 12 .933 .667
32. DET. 64 43 13 .875 .672
TURNOVERS TAKEAWAYS TEAM EFFICIENCY INSIDE THE RED ZONE
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PASSES DROPPED THROWN-TO DATA RED-ZONE RECEPTIONS SECOND-HALF YARDS PER CARRY RED-ZONE COMPLETIONS
FOURTH-QUARTER PASSING FIRST-DOWN PASSING CONVERSIONS ON THIRD DOWN
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Date Opponent Spread Score
Sept. 7 At San Francisco (-2.5) 23-13
Sept. 14 Miami (-6.5) 31-10
Sept. 21 At Washington (+3) 17-24
Sept. 28 At NewYork Jets (+1) 35-56
Oct. 5 Buffalo (-2.5) 41-17
Oct. 12 Dallas (+5) 30-24*
Oct. 19 BYE
Oct. 26 At Carolina (+5) 23-27
Nov. 2 At St. Louis (-3) 34-13
Nov. 10 San Francisco (-10) 29-24
Nov. 16 At Seattle (-3) 26-20
Nov. 23 NewYork Giants (+3) 29-37
Nov. 27 At Philadelphia (+3) 20-48
Dec. 7 St. Louis (-15) 34-10
Dec. 14 Minnesota (-4) 14-35
Dec. 21 At New England (+8) 7-47
Dec. 28 Seattle (-7) 34-21
POSTSEASON
Jan. 3 Atlanta (-1.5) 30-24
Jan. 10 At Carolina (+10) 33-13
Jan. 18 Philadelphia (+3) 32-25
Feb. 1 Pittsburgh (+7) 23-27
* Overtime
ATLANTA FALCONS
Sept. 7 Detroit (+3) 34-21
Sept. 14 At Tampa Bay (+7) 9-24
Sept. 21 Kansas City (-6) 38-14
Sept. 28 At Carolina (+7) 9-24
Oct. 5 At Green Bay (+5.5) 27-24
Oct. 12 Chicago (+3) 22-20
Oct. 19 BYE
Oct. 26 At Philadelphia (+9.5) 14-27
Nov. 2 At Oakland (-3) 24-0
Nov. 9 New Orleans (-1.5) 34-20
Nov. 16 Denver (-6.5) 20-24
Nov. 23 Carolina (0) 45-28
Nov. 30 At San Diego (+6) 22-16
Dec. 7 At New Orleans (+3) 25-29
Dec. 14 Tampa Bay (-5.5) 13-10*
Dec. 21 At Minnesota (+3) 24-17
Dec. 28 St. Louis (-14) 31-27
POSTSEASON
Jan. 3 At Arizona (+1.5) 24-30
* Overtime
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Sept. 7 Cincinnati (+2) 17-10
Sept. 14 BYE
Sept. 21 Cleveland (-2.5) 28-10
Sept. 29 At Pittsburgh (+6) 20-23*
Oct. 5 Tennessee (+1) 10-13
Oct. 12 At Indianapolis (+4) 3-31
Oct. 19 At Miami (+3) 27-13
Oct. 26 Oakland (-8) 29-10
Nov. 2 At Cleveland (+3) 37-27
Nov. 9 At Houston (+2) 41-13
Nov. 16 At N.Y. Giants (+7) 10-30
Nov. 23 Philadelphia (-1.5) 36-7
Nov. 30 At Cincinnati (-7) 34-3
Dec. 7 Washington (-6) 24-10
Dec. 14 Pittsburgh (-3) 9-13
Dec. 20 At Dallas (+5.5) 33-24
Dec. 28 Jacksonville (-11) 27-7
POSTSEASON
Jan. 4 At Miami (-3.5) 27-9
Jan. 10 At Tennessee (+3) 13-10
Jan. 18 At Pittsburgh (+6) 14-23
* Overtime
BUFFALO BILLS
Sept. 7 Seattle (-1.5) 34-10
Sept. 14 At Jacksonville (+4.5) 20-16
Sept. 21 Oakland (-10) 24-23
Sept. 28 At St. Louis (-8.5) 31-14
Oct. 5 At Arizona (+2.5) 17-41
Oct. 12 BYE
Oct. 19 San Diego (0) 23-14
Oct. 26 At Miami (0) 16-25
Nov. 2 NewYork Jets (-5) 17-26
Nov. 9 At New England (+3.5) 10-20
Nov. 17 Cleveland (-5.5) 27-29
Nov. 23 At Kansas City (-3) 54-31
Nov. 30 San Francisco (-6.5) 3-10
Dec. 7 Miami (-2) 3-16
Dec. 14 At NewYork Jets (+7.5) 27-31
Dec. 21 At Denver (+6.5) 30-23
Dec. 28 New England (+6) 0-13
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Sept. 7 At San Diego (+9) 26-24
Sept. 14 Chicago (-3) 20-17
Sept. 21 At Minnesota (+3) 10-20
Sept. 28 Atlanta (-7) 24-9
Oct. 5 Kansas City (-9.5) 34-0
Oct. 12 At Tampa Bay (+2) 3-27
Oct. 19 New Orleans (-3) 30-7
Oct. 26 Arizona (-5) 27-23
Nov. 2 BYE
Nov. 9 At Oakland (-10) 17-6
Nov. 16 Detroit (-14) 31-22
Nov. 23 At Atlanta (0) 28-45
Nov. 30 At Green Bay (+3) 35-31
Dec. 8 Tampa Bay (-3.5) 38-23
Dec. 14 Denver (-7.5) 30-10
Dec. 21 At N.Y. Giants (+4) 28-34*
Dec. 28 At New Orleans (-2.5) 33-31
POSTSEASON
Jan. 10 Arizona (-10) 13-33
* Overtime
CHICAGO BEARS
Sept. 7 At Indianapolis (+10.5) 29-13
Sept. 14 At Carolina (+3) 17-20
Sept. 21 Tampa Bay (-3) 24-27*
Sept. 28 Philadelphia (+3) 24-20
Oct. 5 At Detroit (-3.5) 34-7
Oct. 12 At Atlanta (-3) 20-22
Oct. 19 Minnesota (-3) 48-41
Oct. 26 BYE
Nov. 2 Detroit (-12.5) 27-23
Nov. 9 Tennessee (+3) 14-21
Nov. 16 At Green Bay (+3.5) 3-37
Nov. 23 At St. Louis (-7) 27-3
Nov. 30 At Minnesota (+4.5) 14-34
Dec. 7 Jacksonville (-6.5) 23-10
Dec. 11 New Orleans (-3) 27-24*
Dec. 22 Green Bay (-4) 20-17*
Dec. 28 At Houston (+3) 24-31
* Overtime
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Sept. 7 At Baltimore (-2) 10-17
Sept. 14 Tennessee (0) 7-24
Sept. 21 At N.Y. Giants (+13) 23-26*
Sept. 28 Cleveland (-1) 12-20
Oct. 5 At Dallas (+16) 22-31
Oct. 12 At NewYork Jets (+9.5) 14-26
Oct. 19 Pittsburgh (+8.5) 10-38
Oct. 26 At Houston (+9) 6-35
Nov. 2 Jacksonville (+7) 21-19
Nov. 9 BYE
Nov. 16 Philadelphia (+9) 13-13*
Nov. 20 At Pittsburgh (+12) 10-27
Nov. 30 Baltimore (+7) 3-34
Dec. 7 At Indianapolis (+13.5) 3-35
Dec. 14 Washington (+7) 20-13
Dec. 21 At Cleveland (+2.5) 14-0
Dec. 28 Kansas City (-3) 16-6
* Overtime
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Sept. 7 Dallas (+6) 10-28
Sept. 14 Pittsburgh (+7) 6-10
Sept. 21 At Baltimore (+2.5) 10-28
Sept. 28 At Cincinnati (+1) 20-12
Oct. 5 BYE
Oct. 13 NewYork Giants (+8) 35-14
Oct. 19 At Washington (+7) 11-14
Oct. 26 At Jacksonville (+7) 23-17
Nov. 2 Baltimore (-3) 27-37
Nov. 6 Denver (-3) 30-34
Nov. 17 At Buffalo (+5.5) 29-27
Nov. 23 Houston (-3) 6-16
Nov. 30 Indianapolis (+5) 6-10
Dec. 7 At Tennessee (+13.5) 9-28
Dec. 15 At Philadelphia (+15.5) 10-30
Dec. 21 Cincinnati (-2.5) 0-14
Dec. 28 At Pittsburgh (+11.5) 0-31
DALLAS COWBOYS
Sept. 7 At Cleveland (-6) 28-10
Sept. 15 Philadelphia (-6.5) 41-37
Sept. 21 At Green Bay (-3) 27-16
Sept. 28 Washington (-10) 24-26
Oct. 5 Cincinnati (-16) 31-22
Oct. 12 At Arizona (-5) 24-30*
Oct. 19 At St. Louis (-7.5) 14-34
Oct. 26 Tampa Bay (-1.5) 13-9
Nov. 2 At N.Y. Giants (+8.5) 14-35
Nov. 9 BYE
Nov. 16 At Washington (-2) 14-10
Nov. 23 San Francisco (-9.5) 35-22
Nov. 27 Seattle (-12.5) 34-9
Dec. 7 At Pittsburgh (+3.5) 13-20
Dec. 14 NewYork Giants (-3) 20-8
Dec. 20 Baltimore (-5.5) 24-33
Dec. 28 At Philadelphia (+2) 6-44
* Overtime
DENVER BRONCOS
Sept. 8 At Oakland (-3) 41-14
Sept. 14 San Diego (-1) 39-38
Sept. 21 New Orleans (-5.5) 34-32
Sept. 28 At Kansas City (-9) 19-33
Oct. 5 Tampa Bay (-4) 16-13
Oct. 12 Jacksonville (-3.5) 17-24
Oct. 20 At New England (+3) 7-41
Oct. 26 BYE
Nov. 2 Miami (-4) 17-26
Nov. 16 At Atlanta (+6.5) 24-20
Nov. 23 Oakland (-8) 10-31
Nov. 30 At NewYork Jets (+8) 34-17
Dec. 7 Kansas City (-9) 24-17
Dec. 14 At Carolina (+7.5) 10-30
Dec. 21 Buffalo (-6.5) 23-30
Dec. 28 At San Diego (+7) 21-52
DETROIT LIONS
Sept. 7 At Atlanta (-3) 21-34
Sept. 14 Green Bay (+3) 25-48
Sept. 21 At San Francisco (+5) 13-31
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 5 Chicago (+3.5) 7-34
Oct. 12 At Minnesota (+13) 10-12
Oct. 26 Washington (+7.5) 17-25
Nov. 2 At Chicago (+12.5) 23-27
Nov. 9 Jacksonville (+6.5) 14-38
Nov. 16 At Carolina (+14) 22-31
Nov. 23 Tampa Bay (+7.5) 20-38
Nov. 27 Tennessee (+11) 10-47
Dec. 7 Minnesota (+10.5) 16-20
Dec. 14 At Indianapolis (+17) 21-31
Dec. 21 New Orleans (+7) 7-42
Dec. 28 At Green Bay (+11) 21-31
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Sept. 8 Minnesota (-2.5) 24-19
Sept. 14 At Detroit (-3) 48-25
Sept. 21 Dallas (+3) 16-27
Sept. 28 At Tampa Bay (+2) 21-30
Oct. 5 Atlanta (-5.5) 24-27
Oct. 12 At Seattle (0) 27-17
Oct. 19 Indianapolis (+2.5) 34-14
Oct. 26 BYE
Nov. 2 At Tennessee (+3.5) 16-19*
Nov. 16 Chicago (-3.5) 37-3
Nov. 24 At New Orleans (0) 29-51
Nov. 30 Carolina (-3) 31-35
Dec. 7 Houston (-7) 21-24
Dec. 14 At Jacksonville (-3) 16-20
Dec. 22 At Chicago (+4) 17-20*
Dec. 28 Detroit (-11) 31-21
* Overtime
HOUSTON TEXANS
Sept. 7 At Pittsburgh (+6.5) 17-38
Sept. 14 BYE
Sept. 21 At Tennessee (+5) 12-31
Sept. 28 At Jacksonville (+7) 27-30*
Oct. 5 Indianapolis (+4) 27-31
Oct. 12 Miami (-3) 29-28
Oct. 19 Detroit (-11) 28-21
Oct. 26 Cincinnati (-9) 35-6
Nov. 16 At Indianapolis (+7.5) 27-33
Dec. 1 Jacksonville (-3) 30-17
Dec. 7 At Green Bay (+7) 24-21
Dec. 14 Tennessee (+3) 13-12
Dec. 21 At Oakland (-7) 16-27
Dec. 28 Chicago (-3) 31-24
* Overtime
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Sept. 7 Chicago (-10.5) 13-29
Sept. 14 At Minnesota (-1.5) 18-15
Sept. 21 Jacksonville (-4.5) 21-23
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 5 At Houston (-4) 31-27
Oct. 12 Baltimore (-4) 31-3
Oct. 19 At Green Bay (-2.5) 14-34
Oct. 27 At Tennessee (+4) 21-31
Nov. 2 New England (-6.5) 18-15
Nov. 9 At Pittsburgh (+3.5) 24-20
Nov. 16 Houston (-7.5) 33-27
Nov. 30 At Cleveland (-5) 10-6
Dec. 7 Cincinnati (-13.5) 35-3
Dec. 14 Detroit (-17) 31-21
Dec. 18 At Jacksonville (-6) 31-24
Dec. 28 Tennessee (+3) 23-0
POSTSEASON
Jan. 3 At San Diego (-2) 17-23*
* Overtime
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Sept. 7 At Tennessee (-3) 10-17
Sept. 14 Buffalo (-4.5) 16-20
Sept. 21 At Indianapolis (+4.5) 23-21
Sept. 28 Houston (-7) 30-27*
Oct. 5 Pittsburgh (-5.5) 21-26
Oct. 12 At Denver (+3.5) 24-17
Oct. 19 BYE
Oct. 26 Cleveland (-7) 17-23
Nov. 2 At Cincinnati (-7) 19-21
Nov. 9 At Detroit (-6.5) 38-14
Nov. 16 Tennessee (+2.5) 14-24
Nov. 23 Minnesota (-2) 12-30
Dec. 1 At Houston (+3) 17-30
Dec. 7 At Chicago (+6.5) 10-23
Dec. 14 Green Bay (+3) 20-16
Dec. 18 Indianapolis (+6) 24-31
Dec. 28 At Baltimore (+11) 7-27
* Overtime
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Sept. 7 At New England (+16) 10-17
Sept. 14 Oakland (-3.5) 8-23
Sept. 21 At Atlanta (+6) 14-38
Sept. 28 Denver (+9) 33-19
Oct. 5 At Carolina (+9.5) 0-34
Oct. 12 BYE
Oct. 19 Tennessee (+8.5) 10-34
Oct. 26 At NewYork Jets (+14) 24-28
Nov. 2 Tampa Bay (+9.5) 27-30*
Nov. 16 New Orleans (+6) 20-30
Nov. 23 Buffalo (+3) 31-54
Nov. 30 At Oakland (+3) 20-13
Dec. 7 At Denver (+9) 17-24
Dec. 14 San Diego (+5.5) 21-22
Dec. 21 Miami (+3.5) 31-38
Dec. 28 At Cincinnati (+3) 6-16
* Overtime
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Sept. 7 NewYork Jets (+3) 14-20
Sept. 14 At Arizona (+6.5) 10-31
Sept. 21 At New England (+12.5) 38-13
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 5 San Diego (+6) 17-10
Oct. 19 Baltimore (-3) 13-27
Oct. 26 Buffalo (0) 25-16
Nov. 2 At Denver (+4) 26-17
Nov. 9 Seattle (-8) 21-19
Nov. 16 Oakland (-10) 17-15
Nov. 23 New England (+2) 28-48
Nov. 30 At St. Louis (-7) 16-12
Dec. 7 At Buffalo (+2) 16-3
Dec. 14 San Francisco (-5.5) 14-9
Dec. 21 At Kansas City (-3.5) 38-31
Dec. 28 At NewYork Jets (+3) 24-17
POSTSEASON
Jan. 4 Baltimore (+3.5) 9-27
MINNESOTAVIKINGS
Sept. 8 At Green Bay (+2.5) 19-24
Sept. 14 Indianapolis (+1.5) 15-18
Sept. 21 Carolina (-3) 20-10
Sept. 28 At Tennessee (+3.5) 17-30
Oct. 6 At New Orleans (+3) 30-27
Oct. 12 Detroit (-13) 12-10
Oct. 19 At Chicago (+3) 41-48
Oct. 26 BYE
Nov. 2 Houston (-5.5) 28-21
Nov. 9 Green Bay (-2.5) 28-27
Nov. 16 At Tampa Bay (+4.5) 13-19
Nov. 23 At Jacksonville (+2) 30-12
Nov. 30 Chicago (-4.5) 34-14
Dec. 7 At Detroit (-10.5) 20-16
Dec. 14 At Arizona (+4) 35-14
Dec. 21 Atlanta (-3) 17-24
Dec. 28 NewYork Giants (-7) 20-19
POSTSEASON
Jan. 4 Philadelphia (+3) 14-26
NEWENGLAND PATRIOTS
Sept. 7 Kansas City (-16) 17-10
Sept. 14 At NewYork Jets (-1) 19-10
Sept. 21 Miami (-12.5) 13-38
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 5 At San Francisco (-3) 30-21
Oct. 12 At San Diego (+6) 10-30
Oct. 20 Denver (-3) 41-7
Oct. 26 St. Louis (-8.5) 23-16
Nov. 2 At Indianapolis (+6.5) 15-18
Nov. 9 Buffalo (-3.5) 20-10
Nov. 13 NewYork Jets (-3) 31-34*
Nov. 23 At Miami (-2) 48-28
Nov. 30 Pittsburgh (-2) 10-33
Dec. 7 At Seattle (-7) 24-21
Dec. 14 At Oakland (-7) 49-26
Dec. 21 Arizona (-8) 47-7
Dec. 28 At Buffalo (-6) 13-0
* Overtime
NEWORLEANS SAINTS
Sept. 7 Tampa Bay (-3) 24-20
Sept. 14 At Washington (0) 24-29
Sept. 21 At Denver (+5.5) 32-34
Sept. 28 San Francisco (-4) 31-17
Oct. 6 Minnesota (-3) 27-30
Oct. 12 Oakland (-7) 34-3
Oct. 19 At Carolina (+3) 7-30
Oct. 26 San Diego (+3) 37-32
Nov. 2 BYE
Nov. 9 At Atlanta (+1.5) 20-34
Nov. 16 At Kansas City (-6) 30-20
Nov. 24 Green Bay (0) 51-29
Nov. 30 At Tampa Bay (+4) 20-23
Dec. 7 Atlanta (-3) 29-25
Dec. 11 At Chicago (+3) 24-27*
Dec. 21 At Detroit (-7) 42-7
Dec. 28 Carolina (+2.5) 31-33
* Overtime
NEWYORK GIANTS
Sept. 4 Washington (-5) 16-7
Sept. 14 At St. Louis (-8.5) 41-13
Sept. 21 Cincinnati (-13) 26-23*
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 5 Seattle (-7) 44-6
Oct. 13 At Cleveland (-8) 14-35
Oct. 19 San Francisco (-10.5) 29-17
Oct. 26 At Pittsburgh (+2.5) 21-14
Nov. 2 Dallas (-8.5) 35-14
Nov. 9 At Philadelphia (+3) 36-31
Nov. 23 At Arizona (-3) 37-29
Nov. 30 At Washington (-4) 23-7
Dec. 7 Philadelphia (-7) 14-20
Dec. 14 At Dallas (+3) 8-20
Dec. 21 Carolina (-4) 34-28*
Dec. 28 At Minnesota (+7) 19-20
POSTSEASON
Jan. 11 Philadelphia (-4) 11-23
* Overtime
NEWYORK JETS
Sept. 7 At Miami (-3) 20-14
Sept. 14 New England (+1) 10-19
Sept. 22 At San Diego (+8) 29-48
Sept. 28 Arizona (-1) 56-35
Oct. 5 BYE
Oct. 12 Cincinnati (-9.5) 26-14
Oct. 19 At Oakland (-3) 13-16*
Oct. 26 Kansas City (-14) 28-24
Nov. 2 At Buffalo (+5) 26-17
Nov. 9 St. Louis (-9.5) 47-3
Nov. 13 At New England (+3) 34-31*
Nov. 23 At Tennessee (+5.5) 34-13
Nov. 30 Denver (-8) 17-34
Dec. 7 At San Francisco (-5) 14-24
Dec. 14 Buffalo (-7.5) 31-27
Dec. 21 At Seattle (-3.5) 3-13
Dec. 28 Miami (-3) 17-24
* Overtime
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Sept. 8 Denver (+3) 14-41
Sept. 14 At Kansas City (+3.5) 23-8
Sept. 21 At Buffalo (+10) 23-24
Sept. 28 San Diego (+8.5) 18-28
Oct. 5 BYE
Oct. 12 At New Orleans (+7) 3-34
Oct. 19 NewYork Jets (+3) 16-13*
Oct. 26 At Baltimore (+8) 10-29
Nov. 2 Atlanta (+3) 0-24
Nov. 9 Carolina (+10) 6-17
Nov. 16 At Miami (+10) 15-17
Nov. 23 At Denver (+8) 31-10
Nov. 30 Kansas City (-3) 13-20
Dec. 4 At San Diego (+9) 7-34
Dec. 21 Houston (+7) 27-16
Dec. 28 At Tampa Bay (+11) 31-24
* Overtime
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Sept. 7 St. Louis (-8.5) 38-3
Sept. 15 At Dallas (+6.5) 37-41
Sept. 21 Pittsburgh (-3.5) 15-6
Sept. 28 At Chicago (-3) 20-24
Oct. 5 Washington (-6.5) 17-23
Oct. 12 At San Francisco (-5) 40-26
Oct. 19 BYE
Oct. 26 Atlanta (-9.5) 27-14
Nov. 9 NewYork Giants (-3) 31-36
Nov. 16 At Cincinnati (-9) 13-13*
Nov. 23 At Baltimore (+1.5) 7-36
Nov. 27 Arizona (-3) 48-20
Dec. 7 At N.Y. Giants (+7) 20-14
Dec. 15 Cleveland (-15.5) 30-10
Dec. 21 At Washington (-5.5) 3-10
Dec. 28 Dallas (-2) 44-6
POSTSEASON
Jan 4., At Minnesota (-3) 26-14
Jan. 11 At N.Y. Giants (+4) 23-11
Jan. 18 At Arizona (-3) 25-32
* Overtime
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Sept. 7 Houston (-6.5) 38-17
Sept. 14 At Cleveland (-7) 10-6
Sept. 21 At Philadelphia (+3.5) 6-15
Sept. 29 Baltimore (-6) 23-20*
Oct. 5 At Jacksonville (+5.5) 26-21
Oct. 12 BYE
Oct. 19 At Cincinnati (-8.5) 38-10
Oct. 26 NewYork Giants (-2.5) 14-21
Nov. 3 At Washington (+2.5) 23-6
Nov. 9 Indianapolis (-3.5) 20-24
Nov. 16 San Diego (-4.5) 11-10
Nov. 20 Cincinnati (-12) 27-10
Nov. 30 At New England (+2) 33-10
Dec. 7 Dallas (-3.5) 20-13
Dec. 21 At Tennessee (-3) 14-31
Dec. 28 Cleveland (-11.5) 31-0
POSTSEASON
Jan. 11 San Diego (-6.5) 35-24
Jan. 18 Baltimore (-6) 23-14
Feb. 1 Arizona (-7) 27-23
* Overtime
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Sept. 7 At Philadelphia (+8.5) 3-38
Sept. 14 NewYork Giants (+8.5) 13-41
Sept. 21 At Seattle (+8.5) 13-37
Sept. 28 Buffalo (+8.5) 14-31
Oct. 5 BYE
Oct. 12 At Washington (+11.5) 19-17
Oct. 19 Dallas (+7.5) 34-14
Oct. 26 At New England (+8.5) 16-23
Nov. 2 Arizona (+3) 13-34
Nov. 9 At NewYork Jets (+9.5) 3-47
Nov. 16 At San Francisco (+7) 16-35
Nov. 23 Chicago (+7) 3-27
Nov. 30 Miami (+7) 12-16
Dec. 14 Seattle (+2.5) 20-23
Dec. 21 San Francisco (+4) 16-17
Dec. 28 At Atlanta (+14) 27-31
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Sept. 7 Carolina (-9) 24-26
Sept. 14 At Denver (+1) 38-39
Sept. 22 NewYork Jets (-8) 48-29
Sept. 28 At Oakland (-8.5) 28-18
Oct. 5 At Miami (-6) 10-17
Oct. 12 New England (-6) 30-10
Oct. 19 At Buffalo (0) 14-23
Oct. 26 At New Orleans (-3) 32-37
Nov. 2 BYE
Nov. 9 Kansas City (-15) 20-19
Nov. 16 At Pittsburgh (+4.5) 10-11
Nov. 23 Indianapolis (-3) 20-23
Nov. 30 Atlanta (-6) 16-22
Dec. 4 Oakland (-9) 34-7
Dec. 14 At Kansas City (-5.5) 22-21
Dec. 21 At Tampa Bay (+4) 41-24
Dec. 28 Denver (-7) 52-21
POSTSEASON
Jan. 3 Indianapolis (+2) 23-17*
Jan. 11 At Pittsburgh (+6.5) 24-35
* Overtime
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Sept. 7 Arizona (+2.5) 13-23
Sept. 14 At Seattle (+6) 33-30*
Sept. 21 Detroit (-5) 31-13
Sept. 28 At New Orleans (+4) 17-31
Oct. 5 New England (+3) 21-30
Oct. 12 Philadelphia (+5) 26-40
Oct. 19 At N.Y. Giants (+10.5) 17-29
Oct. 26 Seattle (-5.5) 13-34
Nov. 2 BYE
Nov. 10 At Arizona (+10) 24-29
Nov. 16 St. Louis (-7) 35-16
Nov. 23 At Dallas (+9.5) 22-35
Nov. 30 At Buffalo (+6.5) 10-3
Dec. 7 NewYork Jets (+5) 24-14
Dec. 14 At Miami (+5.5) 9-14
Dec. 21 At St. Louis (-4) 17-16
Dec. 28 Washington (-3) 27-24
* Overtime
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Sept. 7 At Buffalo (+1.5) 10-34
Sept. 14 San Francisco (-6) 30-33*
Sept. 21 St. Louis (-8.5) 37-13
Sept. 28 BYE
Oct. 5 At N.Y. Giants (+7) 6-44
Oct. 12 Green Bay (0) 17-27
Oct. 19 At Tampa Bay (+11.5) 10-20
Oct. 26 At San Francisco (+5.5) 34-13
Nov. 2 Philadelphia (+7) 7-26
Nov. 9 At Miami (+8) 19-21
Nov. 16 Arizona (+3) 20-26
Nov. 23 Washington (+3) 17-20
Nov. 27 At Dallas (+12.5) 9-34
Dec. 14 At St. Louis (-2.5) 23-20
Dec. 21 NewYork Jets (+3.5) 13-3
* Overtime
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Sept. 7 At New Orleans (+3) 20-24
Sept. 14 Atlanta (-7) 24-9
Sept. 21 At Chicago (+3) 27-24*
Sept. 28 Green Bay (-2) 30-21
Oct. 5 At Denver (+4) 13-16
Oct. 12 Carolina (-2) 27-3
Oct. 19 Seattle (-11.5) 20-10
Oct. 26 At Dallas (+1.5) 9-13
Nov. 2 At Kansas City (-9.5) 30-27*
Nov. 9 BYE
Nov. 16 Minnesota (-4.5) 19-13
Nov. 23 At Detroit (-7.5) 38-20
Nov. 30 New Orleans (-4) 23-20
Dec. 8 At Carolina (+3.5) 23-38
Dec. 14 At Atlanta (+5.5) 10-13*
Dec. 21 San Diego (-4) 24-41
Dec. 28 Oakland (-11) 24-31
* Overtime
TENNESSEE TITANS
Sept. 7 Jacksonville (+3) 17-10
Sept. 14 At Cincinnati (0) 24-7
Sept. 21 Houston (-5) 31-12
Sept. 28 Minnesota (-3.5) 30-17
Oct. 5 At Baltimore (-1) 13-10
Oct. 12 BYE
Oct. 19 At Kansas City (-8.5) 34-10
Oct. 27 Indianapolis (-4) 31-21
Nov. 2 Green Bay (-3.5) 19-16*
Nov. 9 At Chicago (-3) 21-14
Nov. 16 At Jacksonville (-2.5) 24-14
Nov. 23 NewYork Jets (-5.5) 13-34
Nov. 27 At Detroit (-11) 47-10
Dec. 7 Cleveland (-13.5) 28-9
Dec. 14 At Houston (-3) 12-13
Dec. 21 Pittsburgh (+3) 31-14
Dec. 28 At Indianapolis (-3) 0-23
POSTSEASON
Jan. 10 Baltimore (-3) 10-13
* Overtime
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Sept. 4 At N.Y. Giants (+5) 7-16
Sept. 14 New Orleans (0) 29-24
Sept. 21 Arizona (-3) 24-17
Sept. 28 At Dallas (+10) 26-24
Oct. 5 At Philadelphia (+6.5) 23-17
Oct. 12 St. Louis (-11.5) 17-19
Oct. 19 Cleveland (-7) 14-11
Oct. 26 At Detroit (-7.5) 25-17
Nov. 3 Pittsburgh (-2.5) 6-23
Nov. 9 BYE
Nov. 16 Dallas (+2) 10-14
Nov. 30 NewYork Giants (+4) 7-23
Dec. 14 At Cincinnati (-7) 13-20
Dec. 21 Philadelphia (+5.5) 10-3
Dec. 28 At San Francisco (+3) 24-27
OPINION
PUBLISHERS PEN Hub Arkush, publisher/editor
WHAT WE THINK WHAT YOU THINK
LETTERS POLICY
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(847) 940-1108or byU.S. mail toLetterstotheEditor,
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W
ith another Super Bowl in the
books its time for a quick post-
mortem on XLIII and a quick look
ahead as to what we might expect this
offseason before were right back at it
again and the 2009 season is upon us.
First and foremost, my hats off to the
people of Tampa, St. Petersburg and the
entire Gulf Coast area. They couldnt pos-
sibly have been any more gracious, help-
ful and cooperative for the week we were
their guests. Raymond James Stadium is
as good as it gets around the NFL, quality
hotel rooms and restaurants were plenti-
ful and while we as media dont really get
many opportunities to venture away from
press conferences, our computers and cell
phones, entertainment options were out-
standing. If the folks in Tampa want an-
other Super Bowl, Id sign em up right
now.
Unfortunately, civic leaders on Floridas
Gulf Coast may not be in that big a hurry
to go around again. While verifiable sta-
tistics will be slow in coming, this had to
be one of the most sparsely attended Su-
per Bowls in years, with corporate enter-
taining and spending clearly down, and
we can only hope that the locals enjoyed
at least some of the financial windfall that
is anticipated from hosting a Super Bowl.
Of course, the stadium was full, but the
economic boon to a host city is measured
more each year in how many additional
fans come in the hope of finding tickets
but are happy just to stay and party even
if they dont, and those numbers were
down dramatically. How much of this was
due to the economy and how much arose
from the surprising emergence of the
Cardinals as the NFC representative is
hard to know.
Clearly the state of the economy was
the main culprit. As legendary as the mi-
gration habits of Steelers fans are, there
was far less black and gold to be seen
around Tampa than there was in Detroit
just three years ago. As for Cardinals
fans, please dont take it personally, guys,
as I have the utmost respect for you and
what your club accomplished this year.
But the indisputable fact is you appeared
to be outnumbered 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 in the
stadium on game day, and you were a lot
harder to find around Tampa than the
Steelers folks were, leading up to the
game. It will be very interesting to see
how much the Cardinals contingent
grows should they make it back to a Su-
per Bowl in the next few years.
Of course, we all hope there are no
long-term ramifications from any of this
and the answer will be as simple as the
economy bouncing back, hopefully soon.
Unfortunately, that wont help the Gulf
Coast Floridians who didnt benefit from
this Super Bowl as much as they deserved
to.
Where are we headed in 2009? If your
focus isnt on the pending Collective Bar-
gaining Agreement negotiations between
the players and the owners, youve been
out of touch for too long. While the usual
questions about international games,
overtime rules, franchise relocation and
expansion, and other issues popped up
during Super Bowl week all that really
matters right now is whether or not the
two sides can arrive at a new CBA by
March of 2010. To be optimistic based on
what we heard in Tampa might be nave.
What makes it hard to offer anything
definitive on the CBA at the moment is
that the NFL Players Association is more
than a month away from having a new ex-
ecutive director, and NFLPA leaders are
clear that nothing significant will happen
until after the new guy is in place. Equal-
ly alarming are reports there may be
some rancor over the selection process, as
introduced by one of the top candidates
for the job, Troy Vincent. That could lead
to a less-than-unified membership re-
gardless of who gets the job.
Is there time for the two sides to come
together? Absolutely. But what isnt ap-
parent from what we heard in Tampa is
any potential for common ground, even
after the NFLPA fills its leadership void.
P
ro Football Weekly began publishing
before the National Football Leagues
first Collective Bargaining Agree-
ment was negotiated by the NFL Players
Association and the leagues owners, so
its a subject we believe we know more
than a little bit about. And heres what
you, as fans, need to know. Most of the
rhetoric is little more than hyperbole, and
neither side ever tells the whole truth.
At the NFLPAs annual press confer-
ence, interim executive director Richard
Berthelsen stated, If the owners had not
given notice they wanted to terminate it
(the current CBA) and revenues in fact
went down, our salary cap, the players
share of those revenues though (the
percentage would) be the same would
also go down. So wed be rising and
falling as partners with the NFL.
What hes saying is that while the cap
might remain at 60 percent of gross rev-
enues, for example, if the owners revenue
goes down, the players compensation
would, as well, since theyd receive 60
percent of a smaller number.
At the NFL commissioners press con-
ference the next day, Roger Goodell called
Berthelsens comments fiction. Goodell
said, There is a rule in the Collective
Bargaining Agreement that says the cap
cant go down. Its a long-standing rule
since we started this new collective-bar-
gaining system back in the early 90s.
We believe the current CBA states the
percentage of revenue cant decrease dur-
ing the term of the agreement, which
Goodell could argue means the salary
cap cant go down, but it would clearly be
playing with words on the commissioners
part. But we are not privy to all the fine
print in the agreement.
This much, however, is clear. If the
commissioners claim that Berthelsens
position is fiction is, in fact, true, then
Berthelsen either lied or isnt completely
familiar with a CBA that hes done as
much to invent and nurture as anybody
other than the late Gene Upshaw. And
that would be inexcusable and leave the
players union in a remarkably vulnerable
position heading into the most significant
negotiations in the history of the game.
Our position is that theres no chance
Berthelsen is that dishonest or ignorant.
On the other hand, if the commissioner
knows exactly what Berthelsen is trying to
say, he is just trying to hide the position of
the owners, that they expect givebacks
and pay cuts from the players to increase
their own profits or cut their losses. While
we have too much respect for this com-
missioner to believe that to be true, either,
we do believe it is important for both
sides to clarify whether or not the current
Collective Bargaining Agreement allows
for player compensation to go down when
the owners revenues go down.
Somebody stepped in it at the Super
Bowl, and since its the fans who are pro-
viding much of the money being fought
over, were entitled to know who.
Down economys effect felt in Tampa
Whos telling the truth on CBA rules?
Harbaugh deserved better
I know that the article Grading the
Coaches is a bit dated now, but I still
want to add one comment. When grading
John Harbaugh, I think the one factor that
is unjustly overlooked is the fact that the
Ravens never had a bye week (technically
speaking they did have the worst bye
week in bye-week history in Week Two).
Harbaugh was put into a competitive dis-
advantage right from the start. For 17
straight regular-season weeks (and three
weeks in the postseason) the Ravens
practiced and instituted a game plan.
Other teams had a chance to rest and re-
cover, to spend a week with their families,
and to sit back and evaluate the team
without needing to focus on an upcoming
game but not the Ravens. Harbaugh
never let the team feel sorry for them-
selves and made them believe that they
had more to give even when their bodies
were telling them otherwise. The 2007
Ravens often used any excuse to under-
perform. Harbaugh would not allow this
team to do the same. He was given a
unique obstacle that no one expects.
Other coaches dealt with injuries (as did
the Ravens) but at least with an injury it is
just one position and they still let you re-
place the player. In the Ravens case, it af-
fected the whole team, and they dont let
you replace the missing bye week. Given
the turnaround that the team made and
the handling of the bye-week situation,
Harbaugh deserved more than a B-plus.
Bob Peters, Ellicott City, Md.
Making the Pro Bowl better
I believe the Pro Bowl should follow the
Super Bowl. If it were played beforehand
it would deprive the game of players from
the Super Bowl teams, some of whom are
probably the best at their positions, and
thus it would not be completely an all-
star game. The focus should be com-
pletely on the game dont bring the
newly chosen Hall of Fame players there
thats a distraction. They will have their
day in August. And to take a page from
the NHL, each player selected would have
to actually play in the game, or be sus-
pended without pay for the first four reg-
ular-season games of the ensuing season
whether injured or not. As for moving
the game out of Hawaii, thats OK by me
it would make the players concentrate
more on the game. Also, I dont think
there should by any added rules for the
game such as restrictions on blitzing,
etc. It should be a real game under regu-
lar-season rules! You made me think, and
thats one of the good things about PFW.
Richard Dawes, Richmond, Va.
OPINION
SUPER VIEWING Barry Jackson
I
n its first Super Bowl in 11 years, NBC
overcame a few pregame audio glitches
(including one that briefly interrupted
an interview with President Barack Oba-
ma) and presented a broadcast that gener-
ally matched the quality of a classic game.
NBC masterfully covered the high dra-
ma of the games final minutes thanks to
Al Michaels and John Madden and su-
perb use of replays from multiple angles.
There was exceptional work from
Michaels, whos superquick identifying
down, distance and who made the tackle
immediately after plays. No play-by-play
announcer has a better grasp of the rules.
There were wonderful super-slow-mo-
tion replays of the early would-be Ben
Roethlisberger TD run (overturned on re-
play), James Harrisons TD return to end
the first half and Santonio Holmes game-
winning TD catch. NBC zoomed in on
Holmes feet to show they were inbounds.
And there was keen analysis from Mad-
den, who was at his best in the fourth
quarter. He explained how Pittsburgh
was slowing Larry Fitzgerald with double
coverage for much of the game, and not-
ed the Cardinals werent able to throw
deep (like they typically can) because the
Steelers safeties were playing deep.
Madden suggested the Cardinals
should seize on the Steelers strategy by
throwing over the middle (which they did
on Fitzgeralds late TD) and earlier said
they should put Anquan Boldin in the
flat, and Fitzgerald on the same side. (Co-
incidentally, Arizona promptly tried that.)
But Madden wasnt perfect. He guessed
incorrectly before Pittsburghs first touch-
down when he said, You have to imagine
its a pass play. And though Madden
agreed with Steelers coach Mike Tomlins
decision to go for a field goal on 4th-and-
goal from the one-foot line this is the
play you have to do he never fully ex-
plained why.

Four-hour pregame shows have been
pulled off adeptly in recent years. But
NBCs five-hour pregame marathon felt
excessive, especially during the first two
hours, with several of NBCs 21 announc-
ers repeating the same points. Was it nec-
essary to have four updates from Ari-
zonas hotel before the Cardinals even left
for the stadium?
The players are waking up from a mid-
morning nap, reporter Alex Flanagan
told us. Kurt Warner is going to mass.
Then she assured us that players have
been encouraged to seize this opportuni-
ty. You dont say?
Shameless self-promotion seeped into
NBCs pregame several times, including a
brief, out-of-place preview of the 2010
Winter Olympics and several mindless,
dull interviews with celebrities, many of
whom appeared on NBC prime-time
shows this week.
Fortunately, the pregame improved sig-
nificantly over the final 2
1
2 hours. High-
lights: Patriots coach Bill Belichick
breaking down Steelers and Cardinals
film with Cris Collinsworth (he noted the
Cardinals are not good in downfield tack-
ling); typically sterling work from Bob
Costas (Warner told him its only 50-50
he ll play in 09); and cogent commentary
from Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison,
who offered more genuine insight than
Mike Holmgren and Matt Millen.
Barry Jackson covers sports media for
the Miami Herald.
Michaels, Madden deliver in broadcast
STEPPING UP Mike Wilkening, senior editor
T
here is much to take away from Su-
per Bowl XLIII, but I keep coming
back to one point that jingle-jangles
in my head like a set of keys trapped in
the lining of a winter coat:
When the Steelers trade up for a player
in the first round of the draft, you better
pay attention.
The Steelers moved up from No. 27 to
No. 16 in 2003 to select USC SS Troy Po-
lamalu, who has been a key part of two
Super Bowl-winning teams and has a
chance to go down as one of the greatest
to ever play the position.
Three drafts later, they traded up from
No. 32 to No. 25 to select Ohio State WR
Santonio Holmes, who is entering the
prime of his career as the reigning Super
Bowl MVP.
They will select 32nd again this April,
one of the few disadvantages of being a
Super Bowl champion, not that the Steel-
ers mind. Also, drafting in the second
half of Round One has not held back di-
rector of football operations of Kevin Col-
bert in his previous nine drafts at the
helm of the Pittsburgh personnel depart-
ment.
In 2001, the Steelers traded down from
No. 16 to 19 for Texas NT Casey Hamp-
ton, and all he has done is establish him-
self as one of the best at his position. The
next year, Colbert drafted OG Kendall
Simmons 30th overall, and he has been a
serviceable starter. In 05, the Steelers
snagged Virginia TE Heath Miller with
the No. 30 pick a steal by any metric.
Last year, the Steelers drafted athletic
Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall 23rd
overall. Although his rookie season was
cut short by injury, Mendenhall flashed
considerable talent.
For that reason, the Steelers will be pa-
tient with him, just as they were with Po-
lamalu, who wasnt a starter as a rookie
but rose to stardom in his second season.
They were patient with Holmes, too, and
it paid off in Super Bowl XLIII, when he
beat the Cardinals secondary time and
again and was Ben Roethlisbergers go-to
target on Pittsburghs final scoring drive.
Holmes final catch a six-yard, toe-tap-
ping snag in the right corner of the end-
zone forever will be a part of Super
Bowl lore.
For most of his first three seasons in
Pittsburgh, Holmes mixed moments of
brilliance with moments that under-
scored how far he had left to develop. The
latter point was driven home in October,
when he was cited for marijuana posses-
sion and deactivated for a game. He was
talented, but no one was confusing him
with Hines Ward when it came to his de-
pendability.
Today, of course, the focus is on
Holmes bright future, not whether he
ever will fulfull his vast potential. Some
might say that Holmes has been a differ-
ent player since hauling in a four-yard
TD pass at Baltimore in Week 15 with
Ravens FS Ed Reed on his back and the
football barely, as it was ultimately
judged, over the goal line. Ever since,
Holmes has been a difference maker.
We usually cant pinpoint exactly when
someone has changed, but we generally
know when we see it. Actions, not words, are
most illustrative. In the final minutes of Su-
per Bowl XLIII, Santonio Holmes carried
himself like Hines Wards worthy successor.
He looked every bit like the player Colbert
thought he was staking his draft on three
years ago.
PFW senior editor Mike Wilkening can
be reached at mwilkening@pfwmedia.com.
Steelers plan for Holmes comes together
A-BOMBS
Unsung Super stars
Im sure youll agree that Super Bowl
XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes amazingly
athletic game-winning six-yard TD catch
will warrant prominent placement in our
memory banks for a long time to come.
Same goes for the record-breaking 100-
yard interception return for a TD right be-
fore halftime by Steelers OLB James
Harrison, who was Cardinals OLT Mike
Gandys worst nightmare from beginning
to end. But after watching them twiddling
their thumbs with hardly any company at
their designated tables during the inter-
view sessions the Tuesday through Thurs-
day before this years title game, Im
compelled to acknowledge a handful of
players from both the Steelers and Cardi-
nals who very much made their presence
felt on Super Sunday in more subtle ways.
At the top of my unsung list are Steelers
reserve RB Gary Russell, who scored
Pittsburghs first TD of the game on a one-
yard run, and Cardinals reserve TE Ben
Patrick, who somehow managed to score
Arizonas first TD of the game on a terrific
one-yard TD catch just over the out-
stretched hands of Steelers LB Larry
Foote. During the regular season, Russell
had only 77 yards rushing on 28 carries
and Patrick had a mere 11 catches for 104
yards and zero scores. Three other partic-
ularly noteworthy no-names were Cardi-
nals veteran NT Bryan Robinson, who
deftly deflected a Ben Roethlisberger
pass just before the first halfs two-minute
warning that was intercepted by LB Kar-
los Dansby; Cardinals reserve CB and
special-teamer Michael Adams, who did
a dynamite job keeping Ben Grahams
34-yard punt from reaching the endzone
to set up a key fourth-quarter safety; and
Steelers DE Brett Keisel, whose recovery
of a Kurt Warner fumble after the Cardi-
nals QB was sacked by the much higher-
profile LaMarr Woodley put an end to a
wildly entertaining Super Bowl that kept
us on the edge of our seats for the second
year in a row.
Super celebs pull their weight
Also for the second year in a row, the
halftime entertainment was rock solid, as
Bruce Springsteen, following in the foot-
steps of the great Tom Petty in last years
game, showed everybody in attendance
and around the world watching whos boss
when it comes to classic rock and roll. No
less stirring was the emotional rendition of
the Star Spangled Banner by Oscar win-
ner and former American Idol Jennifer
Hudson in her first public appearance
since the tragic October slaying in Chicago
of her mother, brother and 7-year-old
nephew. U.S. Airways pilot Chesley
Sully Sullenberger, who helped save
the lives 150 passengers with his well-docu-
mented emergency landing in the Hudson
River a few months back, added an extra
dose of class to the pregame festivities.
Dan Arkush un-
leashes his Super
Bowl reflections.
LIST BY POSITION
EDITORS NOTE: Players denoted with an asterisk are
expected to become unrestricted free agents after void-
ing their contracts by reaching various incentives.
QUARTERBACKS
Player Team FAType
Charlie Batch Pittsburgh UFA
Kyle Boller Baltimore UFA
Brooks Bollinger Dallas UFA
Todd Bouman Baltimore UFA
David Carr New York Giants UFA
Matt Cassel New England UFA
Kerry Collins Tennessee UFA
Ryan Fitzpatrick Cincinnati UFA
Charlie Frye Seattle UFA
Jeff Garcia Tampa Bay UFA
Rex Grossman Chicago UFA
Gibran Hamdan Buffalo RFA
Joey Harrington New Orleans UFA
Byron Leftwich Pittsburgh UFA
J.P. Losman Buffalo UFA
Jamie Martin San Francisco UFA
Luke McCown Tampa Bay UFA
J.T. OSullivan San Francisco UFA
Dan Orlovsky Detroit UFA
Patrick Ramsey Denver UFA
Brian St. Pierre Arizona UFA
Chris Simms Tennessee UFA
Marques Tuiasosopo Oakland UFA
Kurt Warner Arizona UFA
Anthony Wright New York Giants UFA
FULLBACKS
Player Team FAType
Heath Evans New England UFA
Zac Keasey San Francisco RFA
John Kuhn Green Bay RFA
Corey McIntyre Buffalo UFA
Lorenzo Neal Baltimore UFA
Moran Norris Detroit UFA
Tony Richardson New York Jets UFA
Cecil Sapp Houston UFA
Terrelle Smith Arizona UFA
Naufahu Tahi Minnesota RFA
Leonard Weaver Seattle UFA
RUNNING BACKS
Player Team FAType
J.J. Arrington Arizona UFA
Tatum Bell Denver UFA
Cedric Benson Cincinnati UFA
Correll Buckhalter Philadelphia UFA
Aveion Cason Detroit UFA
Jesse Chatman New York Jets UFA
P.J. Daniels Baltimore RFA
Najeh Davenport Indianapolis UFA
DeDe Dorsey Cincinnati RFA
DeShaun Foster San Francisco UFA
Brandon Jacobs New York Giants UFA
Rudi Johnson Detroit UFA
Kevin Jones Chicago UFA
LaMont Jordan New England UFA
Travis Minor St. Louis UFA
Maurice Morris Seattle UFA
Alvin Pearman Jacksonville UFA
Chris Perry* Cincinnati UFA
Michael Pittman Denver UFA
Dominic Rhodes Indianapolis UFA
Darren Sproles San Diego UFA
Aaron Stecker New Orleans UFA
Derrick Ward New York Giants UFA
Jason Wright Cleveland UFA
TIGHT ENDS
Player Team FAType
Billy Bajema San Francisco UFA
Mark Bruener Houston UFA
Mark Campbell New Orleans UFA
Tony Curtis Dallas RFA
Owen Daniels Houston RFA
Darnell Dinkins Cleveland UFA
Joel Dreessen Houston RFA
Bubba Franks New York Jets UFA
Will Heller Seattle UFA
Tory Humphrey Green Bay RFA
Jeff King Carolina RFA
Jim Kleinsasser Minnesota UFA
Sean McHugh Pittsburgh RFA
John Owens Detroit UFA
Justin Peelle Atlanta UFA
Marcus Pollard Atlanta UFA
Leonard Pope Arizona RFA
Sean Ryan San Francisco UFA
Bo Scaife Tennessee UFA
L.J. Smith Philadelphia UFA
Jerramy Stevens Tampa Bay UFA
Tony Stewart Oakland UFA
Quinn Sypniewski Baltimore RFA
Daniel Wilcox Baltimore UFA
WIDE RECEIVERS
Player Team FAType
David Anderson Houston RFA
Miles Austin Dallas RFA
Hank Baskett Philadelphia RFA
Shaun Bodiford Green Bay RFA
Antonio Bryant Tampa Bay UFA
Drew Carter Oakland UFA
Michael Clayton* Tampa Bay UFA
Keary Colbert Detroit UFA
Terrance Copper Baltimore UFA
Bobby Engram Seattle UFA
Malcom Floyd San Diego RFA
Jabar Gaffney New England UFA
Dante Hall St. Louis UFA
Cortez Hankton Tampa Bay UFA
Devery Henderson New Orleans UFA
Glenn Holt Cincinnati RFA
T.J. Houshmandzadeh Cincinnati UFA
Sam Hurd Dallas RFA
Darrell Jackson Denver UFA
Justin Jenkins Buffalo RFA
Bryant Johnson San Francisco UFA
Brandon Jones Tennessee UFA
Mark Jones Carolina UFA
Ashley Lelie Oakland UFA
Brandon Lloyd Chicago UFA
Dane Looker St. Louis UFA
Ruvell Martin Green Bay RFA
Marcus Maxwell Baltimore RFA
Justin McCareins Tennessee UFA
Shaun McDonald Detroit UFA
Lance Moore New Orleans RFA
Tab Perry Miami UFA
Koren Robinson Seattle UFA
Courtney Roby New Orleans RFA
Edell Shepherd Denver UFA
Amani Toomer New York Giants UFA
Nate Washington Pittsburgh UFA
Jeff Webb Kansas City RFA
Demetrius Williams Baltimore RFA
Reggie Williams* Jacksonville UFA
CENTERS
Player Team FAType
Matt Birk Minnesota UFA
Jason Brown Baltimore UFA
Nick Cole Philadelphia RFA
Melvin Fowler Buffalo UFA
Lennie Friedman Cleveland UFA
Eric Ghiaciuc Cincinnati UFA
Jake Grove* Oakland UFA
Al Johnson Miami UFA
Nick Leckey St. Louis UFA
Matt Lehr New Orleans UFA
Andy McCollum Detroit UFA
Steve McKinney Seattle UFA
Brad Meester Jacksonville UFA
Tom Nalen Denver UFA
Jeremy Newberry San Diego UFA
Rudy Niswanger Kansas City RFA
Duke Preston Buffalo UFA
Cory Procter Dallas RFA
Brett Romberg St. Louis UFA
Grey Ruegamer New York Giants UFA
Jeff Saturday Indianapolis UFA
Chris White Houston UFA
Ben Wilkerson Atlanta RFA
Cory Withrow St. Louis UFA
OFFENSIVE GUARDS
Player Team FAType
Joe Berger Dallas UFA
Elton Brown Arizona UFA
Cooper Carlisle Oakland UFA
Damion Cook Detroit UFA
Harvey Dahl Atlanta RFA
Jahri Evans New Orleans RFA
Jason Fabini Washington UFA
Kynan Forney San Diego UFA
Justin Geisinger Washington RFA
Mike Goff San Diego UFA
Adam Goldberg St. Louis UFA
Chris Gray Seattle UFA
Geoff Hangartner Carolina UFA
Russ Hochstein New England UFA
Richie Incognito St. Louis RFA
Scott Jackson Houston UFA
Adrian Jones Kansas City UFA
Chris Kemoeatu Pittsburgh UFA
Pete Kendall Washington UFA
Seth McKinney Cleveland UFA
Chris Naeole Jacksonville UFA
Stephen Peterman Detroit UFA
Scott Peters Arizona UFA
Mark Setterstrom St. Louis RFA
Jason Whittle Buffalo UFA
Scott Young Cleveland UFA
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
Player Team FAType
Stacy Andrews Cincinnati UFA
Khalif Barnes* Jacksonville UFA
Wesley Britt New England RFA
Rashad Butler Houston RFA
Vernon Carey Miami UFA
Kirk Chambers Buffalo UFA
Tyson Clabo Atlanta RFA
Willie Colon Pittsburgh RFA
Anthony Davis St. Louis UFA
Trai Essex Pittsburgh UFA
George Foster Detroit UFA
Wayne Gandy Atlanta UFA
Brandon Gorin St. Louis UFA
Jordan Gross Carolina UFA
Marcus Johnson* Minnesota UFA
Daniel Loper Tennessee UFA
Patrick McCoy Atlanta RFA
Fred Miller Chicago UFA
Frank Omiyale Carolina UFA
Erik Pears Denver RFA
Donald Penn Tampa Bay RFA
Jon Runyan Philadelphia UFA
John St. Clair Chicago UFA
Chad Slaughter Baltimore UFA
Marvel Smith Pittsburgh UFA
Max Starks Pittsburgh UFA
Jon Stinchcomb New Orleans UFA
Barry Stokes New England UFA
Zach Strief New Orleans RFA
Mark Tauscher Green Bay UFA
Tra Thomas Philadelphia UFA
Ray Willis Seattle UFA
Floyd Womack Seattle UFA
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Player Team FAType
Victor Adeyanju St. Louis RFA
Jason Babin Kansas City UFA
Bertrand Berry Arizona UFA
Stephen Bowen Dallas RFA
Chris Canty Dallas UFA
Kevin Carter Tampa Bay UFA
Earl Cochran Houston RFA
Sean Conover Baltimore RFA
Phillip Daniels* Washington UFA
Chauncey Davis Atlanta UFA
Ebenezer Ekuban Denver UFA
Demetric Evans Washington UFA
Ronald Fields San Francisco UFA
Otis Grigsby Minnesota RFA
Jason Hunter Green Bay RFA
Stanley McClover Houston RFA
Jerome McDougle New York Giants UFA
Jayme Mitchell Minnesota RFA
Mike Montgomery Green Bay UFA
Eric Moore St. Louis UFA
Igor Olshansky* San Diego UFA
Julius Peppers Carolina UFA
Kenny Peterson Denver UFA
Orpheus Roye Pittsburgh UFA
Antonio Smith Arizona UFA
Corey Smith Detroit UFA
Josh Thomas Indianapolis UFA
Kenechi Udeze Minnesota UFA
James Wyche Jacksonville RFA
Renaldo Wynn New York Giants UFA
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Player Team FAType
Kenderick Allen Minnesota UFA
Rocky Bernard Seattle UFA
Ryan Boschetti Washington UFA
Shaun Cody Detroit UFA
Colin Cole Green Bay UFA
Damane Duckett San Francisco UFA
Fred Evans Minnesota RFA
Gary Gibson Carolina RFA
LaRoi Glover St. Louis UFA
Kedric Golston Washington RFA
Howard Green Seattle UFA
Jovan Haye Tampa Bay UFA
Albert Haynesworth Tennessee UFA
Grady Jackson Atlanta UFA
Jason Jefferson Atlanta UFA
Tank Johnson Dallas UFA
William Joseph Oakland UFA
Antwan Lake New Orleans UFA
Brandon McKinney Baltimore RFA
Anthony Montgomery Washington RFA
Langston Moore Detroit UFA
C.J. Mosley New York Jets UFA
James Reed New Orleans UFA
Darrell Reid Indianapolis UFA
Ryan Sims Tampa Bay UFA
Kenny Smith New England UFA
Montavious Stanley New Orleans RFA
John Thornton Cincinnati UFA
Darwin Walker Carolina UFA
Gabe Watson Arizona RFA
Mike Wright New England UFA
Ellis Wyms Minnesota UFA
Jeff Zgonina Houston UFA
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Player Team FAType
Eric Alexander New England RFA
Eric Barton New York Jets UFA
Monty Beisel Arizona UFA
Ricky Brown Oakland RFA
Channing Crowder Miami UFA
Andra Davis Cleveland UFA
John DiGiorgio Buffalo RFA
Keyaron Fox Pittsburgh UFA
Tony Gilbert Atlanta UFA
Kris Griffin Cleveland UFA
Napoleon Harris Minnesota UFA
Brian Iwuh Jacksonville RFA
Larry Izzo New England UFA
Teddy Lehman Buffalo UFA
Paris Lenon Detroit UFA
D.D. Lewis Seattle UFA
Ray Lewis Baltimore UFA
Robert McCune Baltimore RFA
Mike Peterson Jacksonville UFA
Rich Scanlon New York Giants UFA
Bart Scott Baltimore UFA
Junior Seau New England UFA
Adam Seward Carolina UFA
Derek Smith Miami UFA
Cody Spencer New York Jets UFA
Dontarrious Thomas Minnesota UFA
Patrick Thomas Kansas City UFA
Zach Thomas* Dallas UFA
Jonathan Vilma New Orleans UFA
Nate Webster Denver UFA
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
Player Team FAType
Jon Alston Oakland RFA
James Anderson Carolina RFA
Charles Bennett Tennessee RFA
Darryl Blackstock Cincinnati UFA
Rocky Boiman Kansas City UFA
Michael Boley Atlanta UFA
Keith Brooking* Atlanta UFA
Kevin Burnett* Dallas UFA
Khary Campbell Washington UFA
Patrick Chukwurah Tampa Bay UFA
Rosevelt Colvin New England UFA
Angelo Crowell Buffalo UFA
Dont Curry Carolina UFA
Karlos Dansby Arizona UFA
Isaiah Ekejiuba Oakland UFA
Keith Ellison Buffalo RFA
Troy Evans New Orleans UFA
Heath Farwell Minnesota UFA
Alfred Fincher Washington UFA
Andre Frazier Pittsburgh UFA
Roderick Green San Francisco UFA
Clark Haggans Arizona UFA
Tyjuan Hagler Indianapolis UFA
Marques Harris San Diego UFA
Arnold Harrison Pittsburgh RFA
Leroy Hill Seattle UFA
Rashad Jeanty Cincinnati RFA
Brandon Johnson Cincinnati RFA
Freddy Keiaho* Indianapolis RFA
Lance Laury Seattle RFA
Wesly Mallard Seattle UFA
Corey Mays Cincinnati RFA
Darrell McClover Chicago UFA
Willie McGinest Cleveland UFA
Ryan Nece Detroit UFA
Shantee Orr Cleveland UFA
Carlos Polk Dallas UFA
Takeo Spikes San Francisco UFA
Gary Stills St. Louis UFA
Terrell Suggs Baltimore UFA
Rian Wallace Washington RFA
Sam Williams Oakland UFA
Coy Wire Atlanta UFA
Pierre Woods New England RFA
CORNERBACKS
Player Team FAType
Nnamdi Asomugha Oakland UFA
Ron Bartell St. Louis UFA
Fakhir Brown St. Louis UFA
Ralph Brown Arizona UFA
Fernando Bryant Pittsburgh UFA
Phillip Buchanon Tampa Bay UFA
Jarrett Bush Green Bay RFA
Chris Carr Tennessee UFA
Ahmad Carroll New York Jets UFA
Jason Craft St. Louis UFA
Travis Daniels Cleveland UFA
Kevin Dockery New York Giants RFA
Demarcus Faggins Houston UFA
Jamar Fletcher Cincinnati UFA
Domonique Foxworth Atlanta UFA
Aaron Glenn New Orleans UFA
Andr Goodman Miami UFA
Charles Gordon Minnesota RFA
Cletis Gordon San Diego RFA
Eric Green Arizona UFA
Jabari Greer Buffalo UFA
DeAngelo Hall Washington UFA
Joselio Hanson Philadelphia UFA
Kelvin Hayden Indianapolis UFA
Reynaldo Hill Tennessee UFA
Daven Holly Cleveland UFA
Corey Ivy Baltimore UFA
Chris Johnson Oakland UFA
Eric King Tennessee UFA
Ty Law New York Jets UFA
Mike Lehan New Orleans UFA
Anthony Madison Pittsburgh RFA
Ricky Manning St. Louis UFA
Derrick Martin Baltimore RFA
Bryant McFadden Pittsburgh UFA
R.W. McQuarters New York Giants UFA
Justin Miller Oakland UFA
Evan Oglesby Baltimore RFA
Deltha ONeal New England UFA
Karl Paymah Denver UFA
Tyrone Poole Tennessee UFA
Hank Poteat New York Jets UFA
Keiwan Ratliff Indianapolis UFA
Dunta Robinson Houston UFA
Allen Rossum San Francisco UFA
Lewis Sanders New England UFA
Benny Sapp Minnesota UFA
Scott Starks Jacksonville UFA
Donald Strickland San Francisco UFA
Leigh Torrence New Orleans RFA
Jimmy Williams Houston UFA
Stanley Wilson Detroit UFA
SAFETIES
Player Team FAType
Mike Adams Cleveland UFA
Will Allen Tampa Bay UFA
O.J. Atogwe St. Louis UFA
Rashad Baker Oakland UFA
Yeremiah Bell Miami UFA
Atari Bigby Green Bay RFA
Michael Boulware Minnesota UFA
C.C. Brown Houston UFA
Mike Brown Chicago UFA
Josh Bullocks* New Orleans UFA
John Busing Cincinnati RFA
James Butler New York Giants UFA
Oliver Celestin Kansas City UFA
Sean Considine Philadelphia UFA
Chris Crocker Cincinnati UFA
Keith Davis Dallas UFA
Brian Dawkins Philadelphia UFA
Reed Doughty Washington RFA
Abram Elam New York Jets RFA
Nick Ferguson Houston UFA
Dustin Fox Buffalo RFA
Jamaal Fudge Atlanta RFA
Vincent Fuller Tennessee UFA
Matt Giordano Indianapolis UFA
Mike Green Washington UFA
Rodney Harrison New England UFA
Renaldo Hill Miami UFA
Terrence Holt New Orleans UFA
Sean Jones Cleveland UFA
Dawan Landry Baltimore RFA
Jim Leonhard Baltimore UFA
Marlon McCree Denver UFA
Brandon McGowan Chicago UFA
Jon McGraw Kansas City UFA
Lawyer Milloy Atlanta UFA
Jarrad Page Kansas City RFA
Jermaine Phillips Tampa Bay UFA
Pierson Prioleau Jacksonville UFA
J.R. Reed New York Jets UFA
Nate Salley Carolina RFA
James Sanders New England UFA
Gerald Sensabaugh Jacksonville UFA
Darren Sharper Minnesota UFA
Anthony Smith Pittsburgh RFA
Tank Williams New England UFA
Eugene Wilson Houston UFA
George Wilson Buffalo RFA
Cameron Worrell Chicago UFA
PUNTERS
Player Team FAType
Mitch Berger Pittsburgh UFA
Ben Graham Arizona UFA
Chris Hanson New England UFA
Craig Hentrich Tennessee UFA
Sam Koch Baltimore RFA
Michael Koenen Atlanta UFA
Shane Lechler Oakland UFA
Hunter Smith* Indianapolis UFA
PLACEKICKERS
Player Team FAType
Rob Bironas Tennessee UFA
John Carney New York Giants UFA
Jay Feely New York Jets UFA
Shayne Graham Cincinnati UFA
Martin Gramatica New Orleans UFA
Jason Hanson Detroit UFA
Mike Nugent New York Jets UFA
Matt Stover Baltimore UFA
Shaun Suisham Washington RFA
LONG-SNAPPERS
Player Team FAType
Ethan Albright Washington UFA
Jason Kyle Carolina UFA
Lonie Paxton New England UFA
Bryan Pittman Houston UFA
Jeff Robinson Seattle UFA
Joe Zelenka Jacksonville UFA
2009 FREE AGENTS LIST
2009 SENIOR BOWL
By Mike Wilkening
Senior editor
MOBILE, Ala. With more than a third
of the NFL using the 3-4 defense, the pass-
rushing outside linebackers needed to success-
fully employ the front are in great demand.
Several prospects who played at the 2009
Under Armour Senior Bowl project as poten-
tial first-round picks for this very reason. The
North was loaded with OLB prospects, with
Northern Illinois Larry English and Virginias
Clint Sintim atop the list and Connecticuts
Cody Brown likely to be a second- or third-
round pick not far behind. USCs Clay
Matthews, meanwhile, turned heads playing
for the South.
All but Sintim, who played in a 30 front
at Virginia, played defensive end in 4-3 for-
mations in college. But if they suit up for 3-
4 teams in the pros, it would be as rush line-
backers.
The usage of the 30 front has grown in
recent years as its proponents have spread
throughout the league. At least half of the
AFC, including conference finalists Baltimore
and Pittsburgh, is expected to employ the de-
fense next season, and the Packers recently
joined the Cowboys and 49ers as teams in the
NFC that run it.
The scheme works best when a team has
these elements: a rugged three-man defen-
sive line anchored by a stout nose tackle and
two outside linebackers adept at rushing the
passer and dropping into coverage. Outside
linebackers in the 3-4 must be tough, strong
and athletic.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis isnt a
proponent of the 3-4 defense, but he knows
what a rush linebacker should look like.
If a guy cant shoot the three-pointer, hes
coming to play football, said Lewis, who
coached the North team. Now, if he can shoot
the jumper, hes going to play basketball. So
you have this guy whos 6-foot-3 and weighs
about 235-240 pounds. So hes caught in be-
tween. So he goes to play college football be-
cause he isnt good enough shooting the
jump shot, and hes not 6-6 or 6-7 where he
can play inside. So he comes to play football,
and he doesnt weigh enough to be a big de-
fensive lineman. So hes a speed rusher.
So where do you play those guys when they
come to the NFL? You dont have a spot. In
the 4-3, theyre a non-fit unless they convert
to an outside linebacker, because theyre not
really big enough to stand in there and play
double-teams between the tackle (and) tight
end. They have to have a spot.
That spot usually is in the 3-4, a defense not
employed by many college teams. So the vast
majority of prospective outside linebackers are
making the transition that English could be
trying to make in his rookie season.
English starred at defensive end at North-
ern Illinois, notching 31
1
2 career sacks and
earning Mid-American Conference MVP
honors in back-to-back seasons. Not regard-
ed as a first-round prospect entering his sen-
ior season, English has worked himself onto
the radar of teams looking for a pass rusher
in the latter half of Round One.
With the North employing a 4-3 front, the
6-2, 254-pound English primarily worked at
defensive end throughout Senior Bowl week
and showed a good burst off the edge. But he
also took some snaps at linebacker in prepa-
ration for the position switch he might make.
English said that the NFL teams with 4-3 de-
fenses who met with him in Mobile indicat-
ed he would be a defensive end, but the 3-4
squads spoke to him as if he would be an out-
side linebacker. English is willing to make the
change, and he knows whats entailed in the
3-4, most notably, an outside linebackers re-
sponsibility in pass coverage.
The biggest adjustment is, coming from
an end, you stick your hand in the ground and
go full speed, English said. In coverage,
youve kind of got to go off what the offensive
player is doing. As a defensive end, you do dic-
tate to an extent, and at the same time, you
do take what an O-lineman gives you. But still,
youre going full speed right from the jump.
But with coverage, youve got to sit back and
wait and let things develop.
The 6-2, 249-pound Sintim, a four-year
starter at Virginia, already is well-versed in
the 3-4. Sintim, who notched 27 sacks at Vir-
ginia, believes good technique helps him
when pitted against offensive tackles.
I think I use my hands pretty efficiently,
and Im able to swat down the tackles hands
and take that corner a little bit, he said. Im
not a Dwight Freeney coming off the edge; Im
not extremely fast, but at the same time, I do
have a style and burst coming off there. I just
try to make things happen. Its a great oppor-
tunity to come out there and rush the pass-
er. Obviously, everybody knows in the league
thats where you make a lot of money.
Matthews might have stamped himself as
the most versatile of the linebackers in Mo-
bile with a strong week of practice. The son
of former Browns star LB Clay Matthews, he
impressed with his quickness and agility. Al-
though Matthews primarily played defensive
end at USC, he lined up at linebacker for the
South and very much looked like he could play
in a 4-3. However, at 6-3, 246 pounds, and
boasting a burst off the edge, Matthews will
also appeal to 3-4 clubs.
Few players in Mobile improved as much
throughout their college career as Matthews,
who walked on at Southern California but
worked himself into being a key special-teams
player and pass-rushing force off the edge. Only
as a senior did Matthews start on defense, so
he may not have reached his potential yet.
I love to rush the passer, Matthews
GROWTH
INDUSTRY
Pass-rushing OLBs will be
in demand on Draft Day
Sackmaster Larry English played end
at Northern Illinois, but he could tran-
sition to a 3-4 LB spot in the pros.
A
P
Strong and with good speed off the
edge, Connecticuts Cody Brown has a
bright future rushing the passer.
A
P
said. Im very natural at it, but Ive only had
a year of experience at it, so Ive only got
room to improve. I like getting after the quar-
terback and turning it loose.
Brown, a star defensive end at UConn,
showed he could turn it loose working at that
spot in Mobile. He has a good burst off the
edge and is very strong. The 6-2, 242-pound
Brown knows how to play with leverage and
had an effective bull-rush move. Brown did
not work out at linebacker, much to the be-
wilderment of scouts, but he could get a chance
at that position in the NFL.
This is a good year to be looking for an out-
side linebacker in the draft. The very best
prospects at the position werent even in Mo-
bile. Underclassmen such as Florida States
Everette Brown and Penn States Aaron May-
bin and seniors Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)
and Brian Orakpo (Texas) could all land in
30 fronts.
The transition from the 4-3 to the 3-4 is eas-
ier for some than others. Vernon Gholston, the
first backer selected in the 08 draft, could
barely get on the field as a rookie for the Jets.
While theres some risk in making the
move from end to linebacker, its one that
shouldnt be mystified, according to Jaguars
LB coach Mark Duffner, who once employed
a 3-4 front as the Bengals defensive coordi-
nator from 1997 through 2002.
The alignments a little bit different,
Duffner said. But its still playing football.
They still have to know how to line up. They
still have to know how to attack the line of
scrimmage. They have to know how to shed
(blockers). They have to know how to read
their keys and make plays against the run or
pass.
If theyve got linebacking skills, they
should be able to make the transition.
And those skills perhaps never have been
more sought after than at the present.
SENIOR BOWL NOTEBOOK Mike Wilkening/Senior editor
Cushing, Matthews have strong weeks;
Bomar trying to put past behind him
MOBILE, Ala. USCs highly touted LB
trio of Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews and
Rey Maualuga did little to hurt their draft
stock at the Under Armour Senior Bowl, al-
though to hear it from evaluators, Cushing
and Matthews did more to help themselves
than did Maualuga.
The 6-3, 243-pound Cushing, whos ex-
pected to be a first-round pick, has the size
to play on the strong side in a 4-3 front and
also could be a fit inside in a 3-4 scheme. He
had a good week of practice.
Matthews continued his rise from walk-on
special-teams star to a player who very well
could be drafted in Round One. Measuring
at 6-3 and 246 pounds, Matthews played
outside linebacker for much of the week and
appears to be able to play multiple LB posi-
tions.
I think he can play linebacker in any
scheme, said Jaguars LB coach Mark
Duffner, who coached the USC linebackers
on the South team. Hes a very competitive,
tough, physical athlete. Whether he plays in
a 4-3 look or a 3-4, hell have a good role.
Maualuga, who is generally regarded as a
first-round lock, had three tackles and forced
a fumble in the Senior Bowl. However, he
struggled a little more than expected in one-
on-one drills, and on one memorable prac-
tice play, he was pancaked by Southern Miss
TE Shawn Nelson. Nonetheless, the 6-1,
254-pound Maualuga still rates as one of the
top inside backers available in Aprils draft.
BOMAR BACK
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
It was hard to watch Sam Houston State
QB Rhett Bomar throw passes to Oklahoma
WR Juaquin Iglesias throughout the week
and not wonder what might have been for
Bomar.
Three years ago, Bomar looked poised to
become one of Oklahomas best offensive
players in recent memory. As a redshirt
freshman in 2005, he took the starting job
early in the season and led the Sooners to
an impressive finish. Iglesias, then a true
freshman, was just beginning a productive
four-year career for OU.
But Bomars Oklahoma career came to an
inglorious end in August 2006, when he was
kicked off the team for violating NCAA rules
after accepting payment for work he didnt
do at a car dealership. Bomar transferred to
Sam Houston State, falling far off the radar of
college football fans but never leaving the
minds of NFL evaluators.
Bomar and Iglesias still retained some of
their chemistry after their time apart, rou-
tinely connecting in North practices.
Its been three years, but I remember
some of the little things that he does, Bomar
said.
Bomar said he avoided watching much
Oklahoma football in his three years away
from the program. He indicated he had fallen
out of touch with RB Adrian Peterson, whom
he entered school with in 2004.
I havent talked to him in a long time,
Bomar said. Thats a great player right
there.
But Bomar would prefer not to dwell on his
past.
Things happen, and you make the best of
it, he said.
OHER, JERRY
HAVE STRONG WEEKS
Ole Miss OT Michael Oher and DT Peria
Jerry solidified themselves as potential first-
round picks with their play in Senior Bowl
practices.
Oher, the subject of Michael Lewis The
Blind Side, a look at the tackles improbable
rise from poverty to highly sought-after OT
prospect, dominated at times in one-on-one
drills. The 6-5, 309-pound Oher likely proj-
ects to right tackle in the NFL.
Jerry also had an impressive week in Mo-
bile, getting off the ball quickly in drills.
Ive just been pretty good at that since Ive
been playing ball, Jerry said. Its just really
reaction.
He also played well in the game, notch-
ing a sack and recovering a fumble in the
endzone. Jerry, who measured in at 6-1, 290
pounds, is expected to draw the most inter-
est from teams employing a 4-3 front.
I do a little bit of everything, Jerry said. I
can pass-rush, I can stop the run.
BARWIN A
TWO-WAY PLAYER
The story of Cincinnatis Connor Barwin
was one of the more interesting ones of Se-
nior Bowl week.
Barwin was an All-Big East defensive end
for the Bearcats in 2008, notching 11 sacks.
But there were no spots for him at that posi-
tion at the Senior Bowl. However, there was
a spot open at tight end, the position Barwin
played in his first three seasons at Cincin-
nati.
So Barwin got his Senior Bowl trip and
a chance to play both positions not only in
practice but also in the game.
When asked whether he would rather hit
people or get hit, Barwin indicated he was
keeping an open mind.
Well, you can hit people at both posi-
tions, he said, wryly. But to answer your
question, thats the million-dollar question
every NFL team is asking me: Whats in your
heart? Honestly, really for me, its about play-
ing more plays and making plays. If I know I
can play more plays at tight end for a certain
NFL team, Im going to say I want to play
tight end. If I know Im going to be a backup
tight end but have a chance to fight for a
starting job at defensive end, Id rather play
defensive end.
Scouts believe the 6-3, 253-pound Barwin
has a better chance of making it on defense.
Barwin, who projects as a second-day draft
pick, is also an accomplished special-teams
player.
WEIGH-IN A KEY PART
OF SENIOR BOWL WEEK
Tuesday of Super Bowl week is Media
Day, and you can learn a lot about players
and the assembled media just by
milling about and taking in the scene.
Monday of Senior Bowl week is when the
National Scouting weigh-in is held. And for
some scouts, its one of the more telling days
of the week. Players are weighed. Their
heights are measured, as are their arms and
hands. Physiques are studied carefully.
Here are some of the more interesting
data taken from the weigh-in:
LSU OG Herman Johnson and Okla-
homa OT Phil Loadholt were the most mas-
sive players in Mobile. Johnson weighed in
at 382 pounds, 39 more than Loadholt the
second-heaviest player and 203 pounds
more than San Jose State CB Coye Fran-
cies, who packed only 179 pounds on his 6-
foot frame.
Loadholt was the tallest player at the
Senior Bowl. He was measured at 6-foot-8, a
little less than an inch taller than Johnson.
Loadholts arms were measured at 36
1
2
inches, and Johnsons were measured at 36
inches. Richmond DE Lawrence Sidbury had
the third-longest arms at the Senior Bowl (35
inches). For linemen, long arms are highly
desirable.
Georgia Tech DL Vance Walker had the
second-biggest hands, 11
1
8 inches, an eighth
of an inch smaller than Johnsons. Cal Poly
WR Ramses Barden and California C Alex
Mack had the Norths biggest hands (10
5
8
inches).
Sam Houston State QB Rhett Bomar
has made his checkered past a distant
memory as he prepares for the draft.
A
P
Versatile LB Clay Matthews might be
one of three USC linebackers taken in
the first round this April.
A
P
ProFootballWeekly.com provides analysis for every aspect
of the NFL, whether its breaking news or rumors,
fantasy football, player ratings, handicapping or the NFL draft.
w w w . P r o F o o t b a l l W e e k l y . c o m
TRANSACTIONS
(As reported, Jan. 19-Feb. 2)
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
BALTIMORE Jan. 20: Roster additions for 2009:
WR Justin Harper; OG Brian Johnson; RB Matt Lawrence;
DE Bryan Mattison; CB Anwar Phillips; TE Joe Reitz; TE Isaac
Smolko; OG Tre Stallings; WR Ernie Wheelwright; WR Ed-
ward Williams. Jan. 26: Practice-squad contracts expired:
DE Sean Conover; DT Salomon Solano.
BUFFALO Jan. 26: Roster additions for 2009: C
Marvin Phillip; WR P.K. Sam.
INDIANAPOLIS Jan. 23: Roster addition for 2009:
CB Travis Key.
MIAMI Jan. 19: Roster addition for 2009: LB Derek
Wake. Feb. 2: Assigned on waivers: LB Tearrius George
from Saints.
N.Y. JETS Jan. 20: Roster addition for 2009: WR
Paul Raymond. Jan. 29: Roster addition for 2009: CB
Tyron Brackenridge.
SAN DIEGO Jan. 19: Practice-squad contracts ex-
pired: LB Jason Brisbane; OG Brandyn Dombrowski; CB
Travis Key; WR Marco Thomas. Jan. 26: Roster addition
for 2009: OG Brandyn Dombrowski.
TENNESSEE Jan. 19: Practice-squad contract ex-
pired: WR Biren Ealy. Jan. 23: Roster addition for 2009:
DT LaJuan Ramsey.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
CAROLINA Jan. 19: Practice-squad contracts ex-
pired: QB Brett Basanez; OT Geoff Schwartz; LB Shaun
Smith. Jan. 28: Roster additions for 2009: DTBabatunde
Oshinowo; OT Geoff Schwartz.
DALLAS Jan. 27: Roster additions for 2009: DTTim
Anderson; CB Michael Hawkins.
NEW ORLEANS Jan. 28: Roster additions for
2009: OG Tim Duckworth; WR Biren Ealy.
N.Y. GIANTS Jan. 19: Practice-squad contract ex-
pired: WR Paul Raymond. Jan. 20: Roster addition for
2009: DTAnthony Bryant.
PHILADELPHIAJan. 19: Roster addition for 2009:
WR Danny Amendola. Jan. 20: Roster additions for 2009:
WR Shaheer McBride; CB Trae Williams. Jan. 23: Roster
addition for 2009: CB Byron Parker. Jan. 26: Practice-
squad contracts expired: OG Tim Duckworth; OTFranklin
Dunbar; OG Tala Esera; DTMichael Marquardt; DTOshinowo
Babatunde; WR Willie Reid. Jan. 27: Roster addition for
2009: LB Charleston Hughes. Feb. 2: Assigned on
waivers: DTAmon Gordon from Titans.
SAN FRANCISCO Jan. 22: Roster addition for
2009: CB Jimmy Williams. Jan. 29: Roster addition for
2009: WR Maurice Price.
TAMPABAYJan. 24: Roster addition for 2009: WR
Anthony Mix.
WASHINGTON Feb. 2: Roster additions: RB Do-
minique Dorsey (UNLV); PKDave Rayner (released by Lions
8/26, by Bengals 10/21).
HERES WHATS INSIDE:
Draft prospects ranked by position
Scouting reports on over 350 players
Draft analyses for all 32 NFL teams
An early mock draft
Updated heights, weights,
40-times and stats
and much, much more!
Available at a newsstand
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INDIVIDUAL RECORDS SET
Career
Most 300-yard passing games 3, Kurt Warner, Ari-
zona-St. Louis.
Most consecutive 300-yard passing games 3, Kurt
Warner, Arizona-St. Louis.
Most yards passing, career 1,156, Kurt Warner, Ari-
zona-St. Louis.
Game
Longest play 100 yards, James Harrison, Pitts-
burgh, interception return.
Longest interception return 100 yards, James Har-
rison, Pittsburgh.
TEAM RECORDS SET
Game
Most wins 6, Pittsburgh.
Most first downs, passing 20, Arizona.
Fewest first downs rushing, both teams 6, Arizona
(2), Pittsburgh (4).
Fewest rushing attempts, both teams 38, Arizona
(12), Pittsburgh (26).
Fewest rushing yards, both teams 91, Arizona (33),
Pittsburgh (58).
TEAM RECORDS TIED
Game
Most first downs, passing 32, Arizona (20), Pitts-
burgh (12). Tied: Miami (17), San Francisco (15), 1985;
Philadelphia (18), New England (14), 2005.
Most first downs, penalty 4, Pittsburgh. Tied five oth-
ers.
Most safeties 1, Arizona. Tied four others.
MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS SET
Youngest head coach 36, Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh.
Youngest winning head coach 36, Mike Tomlin,
Pittsburgh.
SUPER BOWL RECORDS
RECORDS SET OR TIED IN SUPER BOWL XLIII
IF YOU WANT
ANALYSIS ...
AUDIBLES NFList
I dont think Dan Reeves was interviewed in San Francisco because of (the possibility of
bringing back) Mike Vick. I could see it being a factor for Jerry Jones. He has always
loved athletic quarterbacks, and he sees his team as a circus act. Its more about putting
fans in the seats and entertainment value than it is about championships. Thats what
drove (Bill) Parcells out of there. He knew he had gone as far as he could he couldnt
tolerate it anymore. Poor ownership is worse than bad coaching or bad talent. It starts at
the top. Why you think the Steelers have been so successful?
(New Panthers defensive coordinator)
Ron Meeks is a great teacher. Hes not
going to be running the Colts defense (in
Carolina). John Fox is not going to be play-
ing small ball. They will tailor the defense to
their strengths, keep it simple and put their
players in position to make plays what all
good coaches can do.
I think youll see the Jaguars make a
complete shift in philosophy now that (GM)
Gene Smith is running the show. The
locker room will be corrected. The guys
who find their ways into the police blotter
are not going to be around much longer.
There will be an emphasis on character.
How did the Steelers get so many
penalties called in their favor? It seemed
like every call that was made was against
the Cardinals. (Ken) Whisenhunt threw
the red flag twice to overturn bad calls and
he should have thrown it again at the end
of the game. They said they reviewed (San-
tonio Holmes) catch but they came out
way too quickly before they made the call
to have seriously studied it. I thought one
foot was on top of the other foot. I dont
think it was a catch.
Look at all the holding penalties being
called on Arizona. Where were they for
Pittsburgh? That offensive line gave up 49
sacks this year dont tell me they were
not holding. They finally started calling
some penalties at the end of the game
against the Steelers.
(Lions defensive coordinator) Gunther
Cunninghamis past his prime. Hes run-
ning a dinosaur D.The last time he got
anything done, Derrick Thomas was com-
ing off the edges. Hes a good LB coach,
but hes lost his edge as a coordinator.
If I were looking to hire a head coach,
the last person I would want to hire is a de-
fensive line coach. They just dont make
good head coaches. They are not cut out
for it. Rod Marinelli is just one example.
They are not the guys you want standing in
front of your team.
The competitiveness of the two Super
Bowl teams really stood out. They were
hungry. Thats what made the game great.
You had guys like Willie Parker and James
Harrison guys that were not even
drafted playing their (butts) off. Larry
Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Hines Ward
I don t know if there are any more com-
petitive receivers in the league. Thats what
made this game so fun to watch.
If Im a fan, Im sitting back and looking
at (the hires) Randy Lerner (made) and
asking, What was different between this
time and the last? Youve got a (Bill) Be-
lichick descendant paired with a Ravens
scout. Its the same formula. Maybe these
two guys will be more on the same page.
Thats one area where the Patriots have
been better than anyone theres a mar-
riage between the front office and the
coaching staff. I think you saw the same
thing in Baltimore, Miami and Atlanta.
Thats why they were able to achieve so
much in their first year together. Not
enough is said for cohesion between the
front office and the coaches. As long as I
can remember, its been an issue in Cleve-
land. Maybe this time will be different.
By Mike Wilkening
Senior editor
Super Bowl history is filled with blowouts.
Only 14 of 43 Super Bowls have been de-
cided by seven points or fewer. From 1983
through 88 and again from 1992 through
97, there was not a single Super Bowl that
was decided by less than double digits.
However, a new trend has taken hold in re-
cent years. Six of the last 10 Super Bowls
have been decided by seven points or fewer.
Five of those games featured especially
thrilling finishes, with Super Bowl XLIII the
latest in what will hopefully be a long line of
close, hard-fought title games to come.
For this weeks NFList, PFWs editors, in-
cluding this writer, ranked their top five most
exciting Super Bowl finishes since the 2000.
Heres how we voted:
1. Super Bowl XLIII (Feb. 1, 2009)
Steelers 27, Cardinals 23: The fourth quar-
ter of this game produced as many mood
swings as any Super Bowl in history. Trailing
20-7 early in the fourth quarter, the Cardi-
nals finally started to figure out the Steelers
defense, and a Kurt Warner-to-Larry Fitzger-
ald one-yard TD pass cut the Pittsburgh lead
to 20-14 with 7:33 left. At this point, the
Steelers offense began to stall. Aholding
penalty on Steelers C Justin Hartwig in the
endzone resulted in a safety that cut the
Steelers lead to 20-16 with 2:58 left. Then,
on the Cardinals next drive, Fitzgerald, a
nonfactor for three quarters, struck again,
splitting the Steelers secondary for a 64-
yard catch-and-run that put the Cardinals in
the lead. Now it was up to the Arizona de-
fense to hold, but Steelers QB Ben Roethlis-
berger and WR Santonio Holmes had other
ideas, connecting four times for 73 yards, in-
cluding Holmes toe-tapping six-yard TD
catch to win the game.
2. (tie) Super Bowl XXXIV (Jan. 30,
2000) Rams 23, Titans 16: The Titans,
who looked in danger of being blown out of
the game after St. Louis took a 16-0 third-
quarter lead, stormed back to tie the game
at 16 with 2:12 left in the fourth. However, the
Rams would retake the lead on a 73-yard TD
pass from Kurt Warner to Isaac Bruce just 18
seconds later. The Titans final drive is proba-
bly the most memorable non-scoring drive in
Super Bowl history. QB Steve McNair led the
Titans down the field with his feet and arm,
most notably on a 16-yard pass to Kevin
Dyson that put the Titans on the St. Louis 10
with six seconds left. On the games final
play, McNair hit Dyson on a slant route at the
St. Louis three, but Rams LB Mike Jones
tripped up Dyson at the one as time expired.
2. (tie) Super Bowl XLII (Feb. 3, 2008)
Giants 17, Patriots 14: The Giants foiled
the Patriots attempt to be the NFLs first un-
defeated team since the 1972 Dolphins, and
the catalyst was a rather unlikely Giants con-
nection in the final minutes. Trailing 14-10
with 1:15 left and facing a 3rd-and-5 play
from his 44-yard line, Giants QB Eli Manning
shook off a pair of Patriots sack attempts
and heaved a wobbling pass downfield to-
ward WR David Tyree, a player until then
best-known for his special-teams prowess.
Today, Tyree is best-known for this: fighting
off tenacious Patriots S Rodney Harrison for
that pass and trapping it against his helmet
for a 32-yard gain. Four plays later, Manning
found a wide-open Plaxico Burress in the left
corner of the endzone to give the Giants a
lead they would not relinquish.
4. Super Bowl XXXVI (Feb. 3, 2002)
Patriots 20, Rams 17: Fourteen-point un-
derdogs, the Patriots pulled off one of the
biggest upsets in Super Bowl history, thanks
to QB Tom Brady and PKAdam Vinatieri.
With the game tied with a little more than a
minute left and the Patriots having no time-
outs, Brady coolly marched New England
into field-goal range with seven seconds left.
From there, Vinatieri did the rest, hitting a
48-yard FG as time expired. The Patriots
final drive came after the Rams had rallied to
tie the game on a Kurt Warner-to-Ricky
Proehl TD pass with 1:30 left.
5. Super Bowl XXXVIII (Feb. 1, 2004)
Patriots 32, Panthers 29: This game will
forever be remembered for the haymakers
each team threw in a wild fourth quarter that
featured a game-record 37 points. However,
it was the Patriots, just as they had in Super
Bowl XXXVI, who got the last laugh. After the
Panthers had tied the game on a 12-yard TD
pass from QB Jake Delhomme to New Eng-
land nemesis Ricky Proehl with 1:08 left,
Carolina PKJohn Kasay made a pivotal error,
sending his kickoff out of bounds and put-
ting New England on its 40. QB Tom Brady
would make the Panthers pay, driving the Pa-
triots into range for PKAdam Vinatieri to hit
a 41-yard field goal with four seconds left.
J
A
M
E
S
D
.
S
M
I
T
H
Steelers WR Santonio Holmes game-win-
ning six-yard touchdown catch capped off
the greatest finish to a Super Bowl in this
decade.
A
P
The following quotes are from NFL scouts, coaches and front-office personnel, speaking
on the condition of anonymity.
Editors poll: Hard to top
wild finish to Super Bowl XLIII
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