Wed Sep 24 15:57:49 2008

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Week 4 - Back to the 90's for Frerotte, Green, Collins

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Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Gus Frerotte just might out-run that padded wall yet.

Until he was handed the Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback job last week, it was nearly certain that Frerotte's main legacy would be the incident on Nov. 23, 1997, when he celebrated a touchdown against the Giants by head- butting a wall, spraining his neck.

Frerotte had to leave that game, which ended in a tie, and would start just three more contests during his Redskins career. His odyssey since that time has taken him from Detroit to Denver to Cincinnati to Minnesota to Miami to St. Louis and back to Minnesota, mostly as a backup and an occasional spot starter on generally bad teams.

But thanks to the continued struggles of Tarvaris Jackson and the Vikings' short-sighted approach to bolstering the position in the offseason, the 37- year-old Frerotte now finds himself as the starting quarterback on a talented team that harbors realistic Super Bowl aspirations.

He's not the same player that made the Pro Bowl way back in 1996, but he's good enough in a Trent Dilfer-Brad Johnson sense to get the Vikings by, and might just cap off what some would regard as a disappointing career by claiming the ultimate prize.

Coincidentally, the man who took Frerotte's job with the Redskins back in '98 finds himself in a similar position some 10 years later. Trent Green, who was named the Rams' starter this week against Buffalo, parlayed a promising season with Washington a decade ago into a free agent deal in St. Louis, where he was supposed to guide the offense that became "The Greatest Show on Turf."

But Green played Wally Pipp to Kurt Warner's Lou Gehrig that season, injuring his knee in the '99 preseason and watching as Warner won the MVP and led the Rams to a Super Bowl title that year.

Green recovered to do some good things - he made a couple of Pro Bowls as the Chiefs' starter from 2001 through 2006 - but you can't help but wonder what might have been had it been him and not Warner playing alongside Faulk, Bruce, and Holt back in '99.

He'll still have Holt when he takes the field Sunday, though this Rams team is a hollow shell of those that were among the best in the league at the beginning part of the decade.

Still, at 38 and with some major concussion problems in his recent past, it will be hard not to root for Green as he finally gets his shot at earning some Rams glory.

The third member of the NFL's recently-exhumed triumvirate might just have the best deal of all.

Kerry Collins, who had one leg and most of his torso out of football before the Titans claimed him off the scrap heap prior to the 2006 season, rose to the surface in Tennessee as Vince Young plummeted to the ocean floor after Week 1. (Fitting three mixed metaphors into one sentence is indeed a challenge).

Collins' resume' is more impressive than that of Frerotte and Green, since he spent the better part of nine NFL seasons as a starter and led the Giants to the Super Bowl in 2000. He also plays on a terrific team, one with a promising young running game and arguably the best defense in the league.

He also has the legacy that will require the greatest amount of rehabilitation.

Despite the Super Bowl, despite the strong performances with the Panthers, Giants, Raiders, and Titans, the 35-year-old Collins has never really outdistanced that notorious incident in 1997 when in a drunken state, he directed a racial slur at Carolina teammate Muhsin Muhammad.

Collins, who subsequently underwent treatment for alcoholism, saw his career in Carolina take a nose dive, was cut by the team a little over a year later, and despite a lengthy stint with the Giants (1999-2003), morphed from Pro Bowler to journeyman following the incident.

A Super Bowl win wouldn't fully erase the sins of Collins' past, nor should it, but such a victory might at least take up as much space in his biography as a drunken, irrevocable mistake he made at the age of 24.

The state of quarterback play in the NFL has made guys like Frerotte, Green, and Collins hot commodities again, as those with experience who can think the game have become nearly as valuable as younger players with supposed "tools."

If any or all of the above three enjoy success in 2008, other general managers around the league might just catch onto this "Grumpy Old Men" theme, and unearth some other past-their-sell-by-date former stars.

Hey, what is Stan Humphries doing these days, anyway?

Let's take a look at the week that will be in the National Football League:

NFL POWER POLL

The Sports Network's updated NFL Power Poll, which ranks all 32 league teams, can be found at:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/misc/nfl- poll.htm

FANTASY FOCUS

Find Fantasy Editor Steve Schwarz's latest analysis at:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page= fantasy/index.aspx

SUICIDE POOL PIX

1. Carolina (vs. Atlanta) - Panthers don't play their best football at home, but Matt Ryan isn't quite ready to win on the road.

2. Dallas (vs. Washington) - Cowboys know they can't afford to lose home games within the division, and will be ready for their arch rival.

3. Pittsburgh (vs. Baltimore) - Sure, the Steelers have injuries, but they're not going to let Joe Flacco take them down.

THE GAMES

I was 10-6 in my picks last week, and went a respectable 9-7 against the spread. My biggest mistake was thinking a bunch of underdogs - the Chiefs, Browns, Rams, and Jets - would, you know, show up. I'm now 29-18 (.617) on the season, and 27-19-1 (.585) while walking the line.

Atlanta (2-1) at Carolina (2-1), Sunday, 1:00 (Carolina -7)

Storylines: Falcons and Panthers part of a three-way tie with Tampa Bay atop the NFC South...Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan seeks his first road win as an NFL starter...Carolina wideout Steve Smith, who caught four passes for 70 yards against the Vikings last week, makes his 2008 home debut...Falcons running back Michael Turner leads the NFL in rushing yards (366), and is tied for the league lead in touchdowns (5)...Turner has won NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors twice in September...Atlanta defensive end John Abraham leads the league in sacks (6)...Falcons lead the NFL in rushing offense (203 yards per game) and yards per carry (5.7)...Carolina end Julius Peppers posted his first sack of the season last week...Panthers lost linebacker Dan Connor (knee) for the season last Sunday...Carolina, which defeated Chicago at Bank of America Stadium in Week 2, is 3-1 in its last four home games dating back to last season...Falcons are 1-8 on the road since 2007, with the only win coming in Carolina.

Fast Fact: The road team has won the last five installments of the Falcons/Panthers series.

Prediction: Panthers don't apply enough pressure to rattle Ryan, but Jake Delhomme will take advantage of Atlanta's young cornerbacks. Panthers 21, Falcons 16.

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Cleveland (0-3) at Cincinnati (0-3) Sunday, 1:00 (Cincinnati -3)

Storylines: Derek Anderson will start at quarterback for Cleveland, but could be pulled in favor of Brady Quinn if he struggles...Bengals haven't started 0-4 since 2002, when they lost their first seven en route to a 2-14 season... Browns last opened 0-4 in 1999, when they started 0-7 and finished 2-14...Pro Bowl receivers Braylon Edwards (8 catches, 73 yards in 2008) of the Browns and Chad Johnson (8 receptions, 88 yards) of the Bengals among the players trying to get untracked...Browns are last in the league in total offense (194 yards per game) and scoring offense (8.7 points per game), and are one of two teams without a rushing touchdown on the year (St. Louis)...Bengals defense has an NFL-worst one sack through three games...Cincinnati defensive backs Johnathan Joseph (ankle) and Dexter Jackson (thumb) could both return to the lineup after missing last week's loss to the Giants...Browns safety Sean Jones (knee) remains out, but linebacker Willie McGinest (hamstring) and wide receiver Donte' Stallworth (quadriceps) could both play.

Fast Fact: Cleveland is 0-4 in Cincinnati since last winning there in 2003.

Prediction: The Browns know that if they can't beat the Bengals, it's over. Browns 31, Bengals 17.

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Houston (0-2) at Jacksonville (1-2) Sunday, 1:00 (Jacksonville -7)

Storylines: Texans play their last of three season-opening road games prior to their home debut against Indianapolis next Sunday...Houston tries to avoid its third 0-3 start in the past four seasons...Jaguars rushed for 236 yards in last week's 23-21 win over the Colts, after totaling 131 yards during their 0-2 start...Texans running back Ahman Green (ankle) could return to the lineup this week, but rookie Steve Slaton, who rushed for 116 yards in his first career start last season, will likely open the game at running back for Houston...Jacksonville receiver Jerry Porter (hamstring) could make his debut with the team...Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee is reigning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after hitting a 51-yard field goal to beat Indianapolis in the closing seconds last week...Jacksonville center Brad Meester (biceps) will likely remain out, and linebacker Justin Durant (groin) and safety Reggie Nelson (knee) both regarded as questionable.

Fast Fact: The Texans are 7-5 all-time against the Jaguars, and 3-22 against the rest of the AFC South.

Prediction: Jaguars aren't all the way back, but will do enough defensively to win a second straight close game. Jaguars 14, Texans 13.

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Denver (3-0) at Kansas City (0-3) Sunday, 1:00 (Denver -9)

Storylines: Chiefs expected to start Damon Huard at quarterback...Kansas City has lost a franchise-record 12 consecutive games since win at Oakland last Oct. 21...Denver looking for first 4-0 start since 2003, when it finished 10-6...Chiefs trying to avoid first 0-4 start since 1980, when they finished 8-8 under Marv Levy...Broncos lead the NFL in scoring offense (38 points per game), and have allowed a league-low-tying one sack on the year...Chiefs have thrown a league-high-tying six interceptions on the year...Denver is last in NFL passing defense (315.7 yards per game)...Chiefs have allowed an NFL-worst eight runs of 20 yards or longer, but have forced an NFL-high five lost fumbles on the year...Broncos placed center Tom Nalen (knee) on season-ending injured reserve earlier this week...Brodie Croyle (shoulder) remains unavailable for Kansas City...Chiefs cornerback Patrick Surtain (shoulder) and linebacker Donnie Edwards (ankle) each considered questionable... Denver has scored 114 points through three games, the same total the Patriots had through three contests en route to scoring an NFL-record 589 points in 2007.

Fast Fact: The Chiefs (swept by Denver last season) have not lost three consecutive regular season games to the Broncos since the 1991-92 seasons.

Prediction: Huard is the least worthless of the Chiefs' terrible quarterbacks, and will keep Kansas City in the game against a division foe. Broncos 27, Chiefs 20.

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San Francisco (2-1) at New Orleans (1-2) Sunday, 1:00 (New Orleans -5)

Storylines: San Francisco quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan faces the team that selected him in the sixth round of the 2002 Draft before dealing him to Green Bay in 2004...New Orleans will be without wide receiver Marques Colston (thumb) and tight end Jeremy Shockey (sports hernia)...3-1 start would be the 49ers' best since 2002, when they last won the NFC West...Saints left tackle Jammal Brown (hip) considered questionable...Saints quarterback Drew Brees leads the NFL in passing yards (980), and New Orleans is No. 1 in NFL passing offense (315.3 yards per game)...New Orleans running back Reggie Bush leads the league in receptions (26) and punt return average (21.3)...San Francisco has allowed a league-high-tying 13 sacks on the year, along with Pittsburgh... 49ers have lost a league-worst five fumbles on the year...San Francisco placed cornerback Shawntae Spencer (knee) on season-ending injured reserve earlier this week, and wideout Bryant Johnson (hamstring) and cornerback Donald Strickland (knee) are both questionable for Niners.

Fast Fact: Reggie Bush's career single-game bests in receiving yards (131) and touchdowns (4) came in a home win over the 49ers on Dec. 3, 2006.

Prediction: Saints don't play much defense, and can't expect to roll without Colston and Shockey in the lineup. Saints 34, 49ers 31.

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Arizona (2-1) at N.Y. Jets (1-2) Sunday, 1:00 (N.Y. Jets -1)

Storylines: Jets quarterback Brett Favre (ankle) expected to play, as is defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (back)...Arizona did not travel home following last week's 24-17 loss to the Redskins, remaining in the D.C. area this week...Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin is tied for the league lead in touchdown catches (4)...Jets wideout Chansi Stuckey trying to become first Jet since Keyshawn Johnson in 1998 to have touchdown catches in each of the season's first four games...Jets outside linebacker Calvin Pace, a former first-round pick of the Cardinals, will face the team for which he played from 2003 through 2007...Jets are 5-15 in their past 20 games overall...Jets running back Jesse Chatman will serve the final game of a four-game NFL suspension...New York kicker Mike Nugent (thigh) and punter Reggie Hodges (thigh) both expected to miss another week, meaning Jay Feely and Ben Graham, respectively, would fill those duties.

Fast Fact: The Jets (four straight wins in the series) last fell to the Cardinals franchise in 1975, when the then-St. Louis Cardinals pounded New York, 37-6, at Shea Stadium.

Prediction: Jets are already in desperation mode, and simply can't afford to lose home games like this one. Jets 27, Cardinals 25.

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Green Bay (2-1) at Tampa Bay (2-1) Sunday, 1:00 (Tampa Bay -1)

Storylines: Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers seeks to rebound from first loss as an NFL starter...Brian Griese (2-0) will make his third consecutive start at quarterback for Buccaneers... Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings leads the NFL in receiving yards (373)... Buccaneers are one of two teams that have yet to allow a rushing touchdown through three weeks (Baltimore)... Packers are allowing an NFL-worst 5.7 yards per carry...Packers running back Ryan Grant has just 74 yards on 28 carries (2.6 yards per attempt) in his last two games...Buccaneers wideout Joey Galloway (ankle) and defensive back Aqib Talib (hamstring) both considered questionable after missing last week's game...Tampa Bay wideout Antonio Bryant comes off 10-catch, 138-yard week against Chicago...Green Bay cornerback Al Harris (ruptured spleen) expected to miss the remainder of the season, and safeties Nick Collins (back) and Atari Bigby (hamstring) regarded as questionable for Sunday.

Fast Fact: Buccaneers quarterback Brian Griese is 3-0 in his starting career against the Packers.

Prediction: Packers are at less than 100 percent, but Aaron Rodgers has proven he can handle the Tampa-2 defense. Packers 22, Buccaneers 19.

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Minnesota (1-2) at Tennessee (3-0) Sunday, 1:00 (Tennessee -3)

Storylines: Titans, who have a two-game lead over Colts and Jaguars in the AFC South, trying to start 4-0 for the first time in their 49-year franchise history...Gus Frerotte, who presided over last week's 20-10 win over Panthers, makes his first road start as a member of the Vikings... Tennessee rookie running back Chris Johnson leads the AFC in rushing yards (276)...Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell is tied for the league lead in field goals made (9)... Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan leads the NFL in interceptions (4)... Tennessee leads the NFL in scoring defense (9.7 points per game), and has a league-best seven interceptions through three weeks...Titans' eight takeaways are tied for the most in the league...Minnesota wide receiver Sidney Rice (knee) could return after missing Week 3...Safety Madieu Williams (neck) and left tackle Bryant McKinnie (suspension) remain out for the Vikings...Titans wide receiver Justin Gage (groin) and cornerback Nick Harper (quadriceps) both considered questionable...

Fast Fact: Titans head coach Jeff Fisher is 0-4 all-time against the Vikings.

Prediction: Vikings should be able to get some heat on Kerry Collins, and will ride Adrian Peterson to a narrow win. Vikings 19, Titans 16.

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San Diego (1-2) at Oakland (1-2) Sunday, 4:05 (San Diego -7)

Storylines: Oakland's Lane Kiffin expected to remain as head coach for this game following reports of his imminent firing earlier in the week...Raiders try to snap a nine-game losing streak against the Chargers dating back to 2003...Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers leads the NFL in touchdown passes (9) and passer rating (124.8)...San Diego wide receiver Chris Chambers is tied for the league in touchdown catches (4)...Raiders are last in NFL passing offense (120.3 yards per game)...Chargers have allowed a league-worst eight touchdown passes through three games...Raiders running back Justin Fargas (groin) expected to remain out, and defensive tackle Gerard Warren (torn pectoral) considered questionable...Oakland left tackle Kwame Harris (knee) could return to lineup...San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie is reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week after intercepting two passes, including one returned for a touchdown, against the Jets last week...Chargers linebacker Stephen Cooper will serve the final contest of a four-game NFL suspension.

Fast Fact: The Raiders haven't had a 100-yard rusher in a win over the Chargers since Nov. 16, 1997, when Napoleon Kaufman amassed 109 yards in a 38-13 win at San Diego.

Prediction: JaMarcus Russell is still struggling to find his footing, and the Chargers will take advantage. Chargers 38, Raiders 7.

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Buffalo (3-0) at St. Louis (0-3) Sunday, 4:05 (Buffalo -8)

Storylines: Trent Green will start at quarterback for Rams after Marc Bulger was benched earlier in the week...Bills trying to start 4-0 for first time since 1992, when they made their third of four straight Super Bowl appearances under Marv Levy...Rams seeking to avoid second straight 0-4 start...Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards has engineered fourth-quarter comebacks in each of the past two weeks...St. Louis has a league-low-tying two touchdowns, and is one of two teams without a rushing touchdown (Cleveland)...Rams are last in NFL rushing offense (56.3 yards per game) and yards per carry (3.1)...St. Louis is last in the league in total defense (456.7 yards per game), scoring defense (38.7 points per game), and has a league-low-tying one takeaway through three games...Rams punter Donnie Jones leads the league in average (51.9)...Wideout Drew Bennett (hand) remains out for St. Louis...St. Louis cut cornerback Fakhir Brown earlier this week and signed ex-Saint Jason Craft.

Fast Fact: Bills head coach Dick Jauron is 0-3 in his career against the Rams, with all of those games dating back to his tenure with the Bears (1999-2003).

Prediction: Seriously, the Rams can't get blown out every week, can they? Bills 20, Rams 17.

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Washington (2-1) at Dallas (3-0) Sunday, 4:15 (Dallas -11)

Storylines: Redskins' Jim Zorn faces Dallas for the first time as head coach and also seeks first road win of his career...Cowboys, who have not lost a September game under Wade Phillips, can become NFC's only 4-0 team...Dallas last started 4-0 in back-to-back seasons in 1976-77...Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor (shin) will miss his first game since 1999 season...Washington quarterback Jason Campbell trying to engineer the first three-game winning streak in his career as a starter...Cowboys running back Marion Barber is tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns (5)...Dallas leads the league in total offense (440 yards per game)...Redskins are an NFL-best +5 in turnover margin, and have committed just one turnover through three weeks, tied for the fewest in the league...Dallas running back Felix Jones is the first rookie in team history to score touchdowns in each of his first three games...Cowboys safety Roy Williams (forearm) remains out...Washington wideout Malcolm Kelly (ankle) regarded as questionable.

Fast Fact: Jason Campbell's career-highs in completions (34) attempts (53) and yards (348) came in a 28-23 loss at Dallas last Nov. 18.

Prediction: Redskins defense won't make it easy for Tony Romo, but Campbell won't generate enough offense to spark an upset. Cowboys 21, Redskins 12.

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Philadelphia (2-1) at Chicago (1-2) Sunday, 8:15 (Philadelphia -3)

Storylines: Bears seek first home win of 2008 and try to avoid second three- game losing streak in their past nine games...Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (ankle), who is tied for the league lead in touchdowns (5), considered questionable for Sunday...Eagles quarterback and Chicago native Donovan McNabb (chest) expected to play...Correll Buckhalter would start if Westbrook can't go...Bears receiver/return man Devin Hester (ribs) is questionable after missing last week's loss to the Buccaneers...Philadelphia guard Shawn Andrews (back) and tight end L.J. Smith (back) could also be out...Eagles are No. 1 in the NFL against the run (45.7 yards per game) and in yards allowed per carry (2.4)...Philadelphia defense has 13 sacks, tied for the most in the league along with the Giants...Eagles safety Brian Dawkins is reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording 10 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in last week's win over the Steelers...Philadelphia wideout Kevin Curtis (sports hernia) remains out.

Fast Fact: Philadelphia is 4-0 in its last four trips to Chicago overall, with the Bears last winning a home game over the Eagles during the 1995 regular season.

Prediction: Bears need to win to help save their season, but haven't been anything resembling consistent on either side of the ball. Eagles 24, Bears 20.

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Baltimore (2-0) at Pittsburgh (2-1) Sunday, 8:30 (Pittsburgh -8)

Storylines: Early battle for first place in AFC North...Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, making his first career road start, tries to become second rookie quarterback in Super Bowl era to lead his team to a 3-0 start to a season (Greg Cook, Cincinnati, 1969)...Pittsburgh expected to be without running back Willie Parker (left knee sprain), meaning rookie Rashard Mendenhall will get his first career start...Nose tackle Casey Hampton (groin) also expected to miss the contest...Baltimore last started 3-0 in 2006...Steelers have allowed 13 sacks on the year, tied with San Francisco for the worst figure in the league...Baltimore has allowed a league-low-tying one sack, but is the only team in the NFL without a touchdown pass as Week 4 begins...Ravens lead the league in total defense (161.5 yards per game), passing defense (90 yards per game), and have yet to allow a rushing touchdown...Steelers have a league- high-tying eight takeaways on the year, along with Tennessee...Ravens will be without safety Dawan Landry (spine), but defensive tackle Kelly Gregg (knee) could make 2008 debut.

Fast Fact: Baltimore is 4-1 in its last five meetings with Pittsburgh, including a road win there in 2006.

Prediction: In what should be a defensive struggle, expect the tested Roethlisberger to make one more play than the green Flacco. Steelers 16, Ravens 13.