Between the lines: Preseason Game 3 Saturday vs. the...

SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL

Between the lines: Preseason Game 3 Saturday vs. the Vikings postgame analysis Monday, August 25, 2008

Peter Diana / Post-Gazette

Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall loses the football as he is tackled by the Vikings' Kevin Williams.

Post-Gazette writer Ed Bouchette takes a look beyond the stat sheet and postgame comments and analyzes where theSteelers are after preseason Game 3 Saturday vs. the Vikings -- a 12-10 win. A look at some of the position battles and story lines 15 days before the season opener vs. Houston:

Steelers defensive linemen think 30 is the new 25. Saturday night, they took a step toward making converts out of skeptics by shutting down Minnesota's Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor and the NFL's No. 1 running team from last season.

The old guys up front, with a good supporting crew behind them, held the Vikings to 17 yards rushing in the first half -- 11 by Peterson and 5 by Taylor.

"It was a matter of us coming out and setting our mind to it," defensive end Aaron Smith, 32, said.

Of the seven top defensive linemen, only one will be under 30 by mid-September, reserve Nick Eason, 29.

Can these graybeards hold up for an entire season? It's the biggest question on a defense that led the NFL in fewest yards allowed last year.

"Actually, I think age is to our benefit because we have experience," Smith said. "Guys can rotate and get in there and play. If you have young backups, sometimes they don't know what they're doing when they get into a game. At least now with the veterans you know what to expect and how they'll perform."

The other veteran backups include newly signed Orpheus Roye, the oldest of the bunch at 35, and Travis Kirschke, 34, at end, and Chris Hoke, 32, at nose tackle.

"Shoot," Hoke said, "guys playing in their early 30s are playing like they're young now because we take care of our bodies year-round. Back in the day, when people didn't work out a lot and used training camp to get into shape, their bodies fell apart younger. We keep in shape year-round now, we can play longer."

Starting right end Brett Keisel turns 30, a dozen days after the regular season opens.

"I feel like I'm a spring buck," said Keisel, and on this line he is. "Besides Nick, I'm the youngest guy out there right now.

Next:

Game: Steelers (2-1) vs. Carolina Panthers (2-1) in Game 4 of the preseason.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday.

Where: Heinz Field.

TV: KDKA & FSN Pittsburgh.

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"We are young bucks, though. I still feel good, like I'm still improving. I think we still play really well up front. Obviously,we had some slipups last year but we've held ourselves to a high standard and I think we've done pretty good with that."

They proved it through a first half of work Saturday and they did not wait long to do so. Smith, on the Vikings' first offensive play, sacked quarterback Gus Frerotte. Next, Keisel tackled Peterson hard after a deep handoff from the shotgun for a 3-yard gain. By the end of that first series, the Vikings punted on fourth-and-19.

Later in the quarter, Smith made consecutive solo tackles on Taylor for no gain in the first two plays of a series.

Smith and Hampton moved into the starting lineup together in 2001, and they have formed one of the best 3-4 lines in the league since then. They showed no wear Saturday.

Cuts coming

This is the week all cuts must be made in the NFL. Teams must reduce their rosters to 75 by tomorrow and 53 by Saturday. That turns the focus not on who will win starting jobs, but who will win jobs at all.

Among those fighting for them are safeties Anthony Madison and Tyrone Carter. The Steelers likely will keep nine, possibly10 defensive backs and some, such as rookie Roy Lewis and William Gay, are making their case by playing cornerback and safety.

Madison, who is just 5-9 and 180 pounds, is making his case by playing special teams the way Chidi Iwuoma did. His tackle on Vikings punt returner Aundrae Allison in the second quarter should be required study for punt coverage. He hit Allison without hesitation, wrapped him up and kept him down for a 1-yard loss.

Carter, who lost some favor when he became the starting free safety near the end of last season, made two good plays at the goal line in the second quarter to thwart a Vikings thrust that eventually was successful on third down. But then, he missed atackle on a run around end later, something that he did too many times in the playoff loss to Jacksonville.

It doesn't look good

Veteran return man Eddie Drummond will have a tough time making it with his hometown team. Signed the first week of training camp to try to bolster a lackluster return game, Drummond has done little to convince coaches his best days are not behind him.

He fell down fielding a second-half punt Saturday night and has not looked as good as other candidates, such as Mewelde Moore and Santonio Holmes. Because Drummond really plays no other position, he's not even a luxury the Steelers cannot afford.

Looking good

Paul Ernster presented a nice case for winning the job as the Steelers' punter Saturday night. He punted four times, averaged 48.0 gross and 48.8 net because the Vikings returned only two of them for minus-3 yards. He also had three of his four punts inside the 20.

"I thought Paul Ernster did a nice job punting for us," coach Mike Tomlin said.

Ernster also kicked off three times in the second half and held on Jeff Reed's final three field goals -- Mitch Berger held on the first. Berger did not punt Saturday, but also has done a decent job with an average of 47.5 net and 42.0 on four punts, three of them inside the 20.

Catching on?

Willie Reid may have won himself the fifth spot at wide receiver Saturday over Dallas Baker. Reid got a lot of playing time, sometimes even when three or four receivers were used in the first half, and led the team with five receptions for 55 yards.

Two of his receptions came in crucial spots. On fourth-and-3 in the third quarter, he caught an 8-yard pass from Byron Leftwich and hung on as he was pushed out of bounds to keep a scoring drive going. In the fourth quarter, he made a diving catch over the middle from Leftwich for a 22-yard gain.

Baker caught three passes for 23 yards but he also had a big third-down drop.

Third-down back



Mewelde Moore looks good as a third-down back and return man, but Willie Parker also continues to play well on third downs and likely will get a chance to play some in those situations this year. Parker is not afraid to stick his nose into the chest of a blitzing linebacker and that's the No. 1 requirement of a third-down back who lines up next to the quarterback inthe shotgun formation.

First published on August 25, 2008 at 12:00 am




One man Steelers can't do withoutMonday, August 25, 2008 By Ron Cook, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana / Post-Gazette

Steelers DE Aaron Smith wraps up the Vikings' Adrian Peterson.

It might have been after Jacksonville Jaguars running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew shredded the Steelers' defense for 216 yards in a December loss.

Or maybe it was after that same troubled defense couldn't hold a late lead in the playoff loss to the Jaguars in January.

The exact date isn't important.

The conversation is.

"It's funny," Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith remembered telling his wife. "Ever since I got hurt, I've become a lot betterplayer."

It really is true what they say, that we often don't appreciate the finer things in life until they are taken away.

So it was for the Steelers and their fans after Smith went out with a torn right biceps Dec. 9 on a totally miserable New England day.

It was then everybody learned just how critical Smith is to the team.

Actually, the Steelers had a pretty good idea about it all along. That's why coach Mike Tomlin was sick when he announced Smith was done for the season two days after the 34-13 loss in New England. He said Smith wasn't just one of his best defensive players, but one of his best players, period. He also said no one man could replace Smith.

Taylor and Jones-Drew proved the point rather painfully. So did Baltimore's third-teamer Musa Smith and fourth-stringer Cory Ross, who ran for a combined 155 yards in the Ravens' 27-21 win Dec. 30. And Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard, whose 32-yard run on fourth-and-2 set up the deciding field goal in the Jaguars' 31-29 playoff win.

"Who knows what would have happened if I had been in there? Maybe I would have been the guy who missed the tackle [on Garrard's run]," Smith said.

"I thought Travis [Kirschke] did a great job filling in for me. Look at the film. He did a great job. I can't say that I would have done better or made more plays than he did."

Humility is a wonderful quality, isn't it?

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But you know better now in Smith's case.

Maybe you didn't fully realize Smith's value before his injury. It's not as if he plays a glamorous position. A defensive end in the Steelers' 3-4 defense isn't going to get a lot of sacks or quarterback pressures.

But you know the truth after watching the defense collapse without Smith in the Steelers' 1-3 limp to season's end. He is every bit as important as team MVP James Harrison and Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu.

That was evident again Saturday night in the exhibition game at Minnesota. Smith sacked quarterback Gus Frerotte on the Vikings' first play. Later in the first quarter, he stopped running back Chester Taylor for no gain on consecutive plays. The Vikings managed just one touchdown -- a relatively cheap one at that, set up by Rashard Mendenhall's fumble at the Steelers' 45 -- in two quarters against the Steelers' first-team defense.

Smith's performance helped ease the concerns about the defense, which did not play well in the first two exhibition games. It also eased the fears that the defensive line is getting too old to be productive.

"The 30s now are the new 20s. Don't you know that?" Smith asked, fairly giggling.

What?

You expected the man to say he's washed up at 32?

Smith clearly has plenty of great football left -- as long as he stays healthy. That's the one legitimate worry about a player his age. Smith never missed a game because of injury -- playing in 134 in a row -- before a sprained left knee forced him to sit out two games midway through last season. That was bad enough, but then the biceps tear happened.

Asking Smith if he's concerned about his body maybe starting to break down seemed like a fair question.

"I don't think I'm at that point yet," he said, "but we'll see."

Smith figures he's already in bonus time, anyway.

"I've been truly blessed. When I first came into the league, I was hoping to play maybe two years and get a head start in life. I never thought I'd get this far."

A starter since 2000. A Pro Bowl after the 2004 season. A Super Bowl in 2005. A five-year, $24.5 million contract -- including an $8 million signing bonus -- in 2007.

And, now, a 10th NFL season.

"A lot of people have told me the team really missed me last season," Smith said. "Heaven forbid I come back and stink."

Or get hurt again.

Ron Cook can be reached at [email protected].


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NFL Notebook: Washington's Taylor out for 10-14 daysMonday, August 25, 2008 From wire dispatches

Washington Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor of Woodland Hills High School is expected to be out 10-14 days with a sprained right knee, putting his availability in doubt for Washington's season opener against the New York Giants Sept. 4.

Coach Jim Zorn said Taylor had an MRI yesterday and estimated the six-time Pro Bowl pick will be out from 10-14 days. Taylor was hurt in a 47-3 preseason loss to the Carolina Panthers Saturday. Initial X-rays taken showed no serious damage.

Giants

With the retirement of seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan, the job of repeating as Super Bowl champions was going to be difficult for New York. Now it might be near impossible with the news that fellow Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora is out for the season with a knee injury. An MRI showed that Umenyiora tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee in a preseason game against the archrival Jets Saturday night. He will have surgery tomorrow and the recovery period is about four months.

Falcons

First-year coach Mike Smith said No. 3 pick in the draft Matt Ryan outperformed Chris Redman, Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley on the field and in the classroom to earn the starting role as quarterback. In Smith's view, there was nothing ceremonial about this announcement even though Ryan, who played four seasons at Boston College, signed a six-year, $72 million contract in May. Smith said the staff "watched every move he made" in observing Ryan's interaction with teammates and other club personnel. Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and Bill Musgrave told Smith that they had watched 3,000 snaps Ryan took in minicamps, offseason workouts, training camp, scrimmages and preseason to sway their decision.

Texans

Houston placed receiver Harry Williams on injured reserve after he suffered a severe neck injury in a preseason game Friday against Dallas. Houston also re-signed fullback Jon Abbate.


Page 1 of 1NFL Notebook: Washington's Taylor out for 10-14 days


Steelers' offense struggles against Vikings By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Monday, August 25, 2008

His tender right ankle wrapped in an ACE bandage, Ben Roethlisberger reflected in a near-empty locker room late Saturday night on why an offense that previously had moved the ball with relative ease struggled against the Minnesota Vikings.

"I played terrible, and I think if a couple of throws here, a couple of throws there (are completed), it's a completely different outcome," Roethlisberger said after the Steelers edged the Vikings, 12-10, on a last-second Jeff Reed field goal. "That's why it's a preseason game. We'll move on. We'll get better."

Time is running out for the Steelers to fine-tune things before the start of the regular season.

They play host to the Carolina Panthers on Thursday in the preseason finale for each team and then open the regular season Sept. 7 against the Houston Texans at Heinz Field.

Starters traditionally don't play much in the final preseason game, and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin didn't indicate that anything will change.

The offense didn't look nearly as sharp Saturday night as it had in the Steelers' first two preseason games.

It produced only three points in the Metrodome, and the Steelers netted just 76 yards in the two quarters that the starters played.

Running back Willie Parker, who had 18 yards on 10 carries, never got going, and Roethlisberger, by his own admission, was off the mark.

It didn't help either player that the offensive line looked overmatched at times.

"There was nothing they did we couldn't handle," right tackle Willie Colon said. "We've got to be on the same page for a lot of things. We've all got to get adjusted to each other. I know we'll get it."

Added Tomlin: "In the first half, we were close to popping a few legitimate runs. What makes that front very good is they get off blocks. We got on people. We had some holes. They closed quickly."

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The Vikings' defensive line is arguably one of the best in the NFL, and last year, Minnesota led the league in rushing defense, allowing just under 75 yards per game.

Tomlin said the Steelers went into the game expecting a defensive struggle. That's why he didn't seem overly concerned that the lone scoring drive the first-team offense managed covered only 18 yards.

"It was going to be an attrition game," Tomlin said. "That's one of those games where you'd like to see the first unit play four quarters because the game was going to be decided at the end of the fourth quarter."

The game wasn't decided until well after Roethlisberger had called it a night.

As Roethlisberger pointed out, the first-team offense didn't get a chance to play after the halftime adjustments were made.

Still, he didn't have nearly as much success throwing the ball as he had in the Steelers' first two preseason games.

Roethlisberger completed 11-of-13 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns in limited action against the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills.

Against the Vikings, Roethlisberger completed 10-of-17 passes for 65 yards. Only two of his completions went for more than 10 yards, and the Steelers were just 1 of 7 on third-down conversions.

"Just one of those nights," Roethlisberger said. "I think we're in good shape."

Scott Brown can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.

Images and text copyright © 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

Page 2 of 2Steelers' offense not quite there yet - Tribune-Review


Steelers' Smith returning to form By John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Monday, August 25, 2008

All by himself, Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith caved in the right side of the Minnesota Vikings' offensive line and sacked quarterback Gus Frerotte on his first pass attempt during Saturday night's 12-10 preseason win.

Smith's teammates fed off Smith's emotion the rest of the game -- and not a moment too soon.

As Smith goes, so goes the Steelers' defensive line.

Until Saturday night, the defensive line was moving in the wrong direction. But not anymore.

"He's the guy that gets us all fired up," nose tackle Chris Hoke said when asked about Smith's five-tackle, one-sack performance in the first half. "He's the leader of our defensive line."

The Steelers have been waiting for Smith to once again play like the guy who requires two offensive linemen to block him. The Steelers were willing to wait a little longer, if that's what it took, while Smith recovered from biceps surgery.

It's official: The wait is over.

When Smith is at his disruptive best, as he was against Minnesota -- shoving blockers back on their heels and making a beeline for the passer -- it opens things up for his teammates.

"Mentally, I just tried to focus on coming out of the game earlier and getting into it," Smith said.

The main benefactor Saturday night was left outside Linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who lines up on Smith's side. Woodley also had five tackles and a sack in the first half.

Coincidence? Not a chance.

"He dominated their front," Hoke said when asked about Smith's impact. "It was just one of those things that fuels the fire. He was all excited, and everybody kind of rallies around that."

Page 1 of 2Harris: Steelers' Smith returning to form - Tribune-Review


You wouldn't know it to watch him on the field, but Smith is one of the Steelers' most excitable players.

He wants to win as much as anyone on the team. But he doesn't always show how he feels.

"It's fun when we play hard and get after it and run around hitting people," Smith said. "That's the kind of football we're used to playing."

Smith, though, wasn't used to what he was experiencing.

The biceps injury knocked him off his game and left him feeling helpless. Last season was the first time he missed a game because of injury since entering the NFL in 1999.

Against Minnesota, Smith felt more like his old self.

"Every week seems to be getting better and better," Smith said. "I'm starting to feel more comfortable."

Likewise, the Steelers defense is feeling better with Smith back where he belongs.

John Harris can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.



Page 2 of 2Harris: Steelers' Smith returning to form - Tribune-Review


Mendenhall having trouble hanging onto ball By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Monday, August 25, 2008

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin walked with his arm around the shoulder of rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall as the team filed into the visiting locker room Saturday night at the Metrodome.

Tomlin didn't divulge what he said to the first-round pick. Although, it's pretty clear that the conversation went something like this: Keep your head up and keep that ball tucked to your body as if your roster spot depended on it.

Not that Mendenhall is in any danger of being cut.

But whether he gives the Steelers a 1-2 punch at running back that the team has lacked since 2005 depends largely on his ability to hang onto the ball.

Mendenhall showcased the running ability Saturday that made him the 23rd overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft. The 5-foot-10, 224-pounder rushed for 79 yards in the Steelers' 12-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings and averaged 5.3 yards per carry.

Unfortunately for the Steelers, Mendenhall also struggled with something that plagued him early in his career at Illinois.

Mendenhall lost a pair of fumbles, including one late in the fourth quarter that almost cost the Steelers a chance of winning the game.

"It's something we were concerned about. It's something we made him aware of," Tomlin said of Mendenhall hanging onto the ball. "It's part of being a ball toter in the National Football League. He's got the skill set to be successful. But the prerequisite is ball security, and he's got to shore up that element of his game."

Mendenhall said the fumbles weren't a result of the way he carries the ball. He added that he needs to be more mindful of protecting it at this level.

"I think it's just the NFL game," Mendenhall said. "Guys are bigger, faster, they're going after the ball. So, you've just got to watch the tape, see what happened and re-assess it and move forth from there."

Mendenhall did rip off runs of 21, 18 and 16 yards, and he said he's starting to play more instinctively as his comfort level with the offense grows.

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The Steelers are hoping to pair Mendenhall with starter Willie Parker and give them a running back tandem comparable to the one they saw Saturday night in Minnesota.

Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor combined for more almost 2,200 rushing yards last season. The Vikings, meanwhile, led the NFL in rushing.

When asked if the Steelers have a duo in Parker and Mendenhall that can be comparable to Peterson and Taylor, Tomlin said, "We believe we do, but ball security starts that."




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Leftwich sees extra time By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Monday, August 25, 2008

Only two quarterbacks played in the Steelers' 12-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, but coach Mike Tomlin said that wasn't by design. Tomlin had planned to use rookie Dennis Dixon in the second half. Circumstances, he said, dictated that the Steelers stick with Byron Leftwich in the third and fourth quarters.

"We thought the situations were invaluable that we were getting him in," Tomlin said.

Leftwich, who is backing up Ben Roethlisberger, signed with the Steelers a couple of days after Charlie Batch broke his collarbone Aug. 8. While experienced -- Leftwich has started in the NFL -- the former Jaguar is still playing catch-up when it comes to learning the Steelers' offense. He completed 16-of-23 passes for 129 yards against the Vikings and directed a late drive that led to Jeff Reed's game-winning field goal.

"I thought he delivered the ball to some guys in critical situations," Tomlin said. "Nothing we hadn't seen him do before, but something we hadn't seen him do in a Steeler uniform, so it was good."

Troy Polamalu knew beforehand that he wasn't going to play against the Vikings. That didn't stop the strong safety from suiting up and taking part in the Steelers' pre-game warm-ups.

"It felt good to put on a uniform and just get out there and take baby steps," said Polamalu, who missed training camp because of a hamstring problem.

Polamalu's last chance to shake off any rust before the start of the regular season comes Thursday. The Steelers play host to the Carolina Panthers in their final preseason game. Whether Polamalu plays in the 7 p.m. game remains to be seen. As for the rest of the first-team defense, outside linebacker James Harrison said the unit doesn't need much work to get ready for the regular season.

"If we only get a series or two in the fourth game, that's fine," Harrison said.

Third-year wide receiver Willie Reid, who's battling for a roster spot, had a team-high five catches for 55 yards against the Vikings. Included in his grabs was a diving one in the fourth quarter that gave the Steelers a critical first down. When asked if he thought Reid played well against the Vikings, Tomlin

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said, "He did -- made some plays, and really a lot of guys did."

After Saturday's game, Tomlin talked about returning to Minnesota. He served as the Vikings' defensive coordinator for one season before becoming the Steelers' head coach. "What we went through together, we're lifelong friends," Tomlin said of the Vikings. "Some things transcend the business, and that's what happens when you commit yourself to something. I've got a lot of love for a lot of guys over there."

Tomlin lauded the play of punter Paul Ernster against the Vikings. Ernster punted four times for a net average of 48.8 yards. Mitch Berger, who's competing with Ernster for the starting punter job, didn't kick Saturday.

Lawrence Timmons leads the Steelers with 14 tackles through three preseason games. The second-year linebacker also has a sack.

Digits

23:37 Vikings' time of possession in Saturday's game

36:23 Steelers' time of possession in Saturday's game




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How important is Polamalu? By Guy Junker FOR THE TRIBUNE-REVIEW Monday, August 25, 2008

Safety Troy Polamalu didn't play Saturday night in Minneapolis and that's fine. Kid gloves is the way to treat that cranky hamstring. How important is Polamalu to the Steelers this year? Longtime network football analyst and former Steeler Merril Hoge explains it this way: "The difference between a healthy Polamalu and an injured or ineffective Polamalu would be as much 10-6 or 8-8."

Even without Polamalu, did the Steelers first team defense prove anything to you Saturday night? After allowing a field goal and and two touchdowns over the first two games on their first three series, they didn't even allow a first down in the first three series against the Vikings.

Then again the starting offensive line struggled again especially in pass protection as the Vikings looked like the reincarnation of the Purple People Eaters from several generations ago.

Last year the Steelers played three games against teams that made the playoffs. This year they have seven games scheduled against teams that made the playoffs last year.

The fact that the Cincinnati Bengals have brought back troubled receiver Chris Henry could mean that head coach Marvin Lewis is another losing season away from being fired. He didn't want Henry back but owner Mike Brown overruled. At the very least, Lewis has lost the respect of much of his team which now knows as long as they have the favor of Brown, it doesn't matter what Lewis thinks.

Pitt football fans, enjoy LeSean McCoy while you can. Right now he is better than a lot of running backs currently in the NFL. Most likely next year, that's where he will be playing.

It's not exactly the Sports Illustrated cover jinx but players appearing on the cover of John Madden's video football game have struggled in the past as well. Know who is on the cover of Madden 09? Many of you do I'm sure. Brett Favre. Based on that alone the Jets shouldn't have been interested. And by-the-way, EA Sports, makers of the game, has made a new cover available on line with Favre in a Jets uniform instead of a Packers uniform.

I don't know who's idea it was to hire Foge Fazio to join the Bill Hillgrove and Bill Fralic team in the radio booth for Pitt football games, but it was a great one.

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The next summer Olympic Games will be in London in 2012. Could swimmer Michael Phelps do it again? Sure, he's only 23 years old. In fact it's not out of the question that he could shoot for nine gold medals and break his own record . None other than Mark Spitz, the man who's record of seven golds was broken by Phelps, says Phelps could add the 200 meter backstroke to his event list.

Maybe Australian basketball players Penny Taylor and Erin Phillips should have just stayed with their WNBA teams. Both women missed the first half of their pro seasons so they could train with the Australian Olympic team. Both figured this was their best chance to beat the U.S.A. and they wanted to dedicate themselves to it. But they lost by 27 points to the American ladies on Saturday, the third straight Olympics the U.S.A. women's team beat Austalia in the finals. The third straight Olympics the U.S. beat them by a double digit margin.

It's easy to pick on the Pirates after another lousy weekend in Milwaukee but consider the year Paul Maholm is having. He has now pitched at least six innings over his last 20 consecutive starts. Only two other Pirate starters since expansion (1961) have done better than that and they are Doug Drabek and Rick Rhoden. Maholm got no decision yesterday but over his last 16 starts he is 6-2 with an ERA of 2.80. He's had 77 strikeouts and 22 walks over that period.

Guy Junker can be reached at [email protected] or .



Page 2 of 2Junker: How important is Polamalu? - Tribune-Review


MONDAY AUGUST 25, 2008 :: Last modified: Monday, August 25, 2008 12:17 AM EDT

Tomlin always one to dream big Mark Craig Star Tribune (Minneapolis) In 1995, a self-proclaimed “very average graduate” sat listening to the keynote speaker during the commencement ceremonies at the College of William and Mary.

“And you want to know the shame of it?” said Mike Tomlin, former Vikings defensive coordinator, current Pittsburgh Steelers head coach and the aforementioned very average graduate. “I don’t remember a word he said.” So who was this forgettable man speaking to the graduates of the country’s second-oldest institution of higher learning? “George Bush,” Tomlin said. “The first one.” As in George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States of America. Tomlin practically giggled when he told the story this week. He brought it up because on May 11, it was Tomlin who returned to Williamsburg, Va., to deliver the keynote commencement speech at William and Mary. “That was very interesting, to say the least,” Tomlin said. “When I graduated from that place, I didn’t envision myself standing up there talking to a group of graduates 13 years later. But I’ve been blessed. It’s been an awesome ride.” A fast one, too. Tomlin was a decent receiver at William and Mary. He set the record for career touchdown catches with 20. But his talent fell short of reaching the NFL as a player. He became a college assistant coach at 23. At 29, he was hired as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive backs coach. At 33, he was the Vikings’ defensive coordinator. A year later, in 2007, he was the 10th black head coach in NFL history. “Never in a million years would I have thought I would be leaving Minnesota after only one year,” Tomlin said. “I was extremely happy there. Now I’m a fan of the Minnesota Vikings.” Still only 36, Tomlin was a college teammate of Vikings safety Darren Sharper, and, oh yeah, he’s also eight months younger than Vikings quarterback Gus Frerotte, who might start. “My age always comes up,” Tomlin said. “But I’m so used to it, it doesn’t bother me. It’s a nonissue.” In 2001, the Buccaneers needed a defensive backs coach when Herman Edwards left to become head coach of the New York Jets. Then-Bucs coach Tony Dungy interviewed about 12 candidates. The last

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one was Tomlin, who was an assistant coach at the University of Cincinnati. He also was younger than then-Bucs safety John Lynch. Tomlin got the job in a landslide. A year later, the Bucs won Super Bowl XXXVII while intercepting five passes and returning three for touchdowns. In 2006, new Vikings coach Brad Childress wanted a defensive coordinator who could install the Tampa 2 scheme. Childress said Tomlin’s interview confirmed his belief that Tomlin was a good coach who could handle the promotion at such a young age. “He’s a very good communicator, and I thought he had a good way about him,” Childress said. “He was bright-eyed. He had a great sense of humor, a good laugh. He wasn’t stiff. He was a guy that you knew related well to his players.” Tomlin was a hit among Vikings defenders. They respected his knowledge and were energized by his infectious personality. His sayings — can anyone forget “Play like your hair’s on fire!”? — still draw smiles at Winter Park. The Vikings improved defensively from 21st in the NFL to eighth. It was the first time since 1994 that they had a top-10 defense. “Mike has such a good football energy,” Vikings linebacker Ben Leber said. “Day in and day out, he comes into that meeting room and he’s ready to coach football, ready to get after it. As a player, you feed off of that. He’s a guy you can follow because he’s such a great leader.” Tomlin’s next step was much more daunting. The Steelers had won the Super Bowl under Bill Cowher 17 months before he arrived. They’ve also had only three head coaches since 1969, and the one before Cowher was a guy named Chuck Noll, a Hall of Famer and a four-time Super Bowl champion. “When I heard I got the job, it was kind of numbing, kind of surreal,” Tomlin said. “But then immediately I transitioned into brainstorming about the many things that I had to do. It was daunting, but such is the case in the National Football League. If you’re overwhelmed by it, then probably you’re out of place.” Tomlin said he used some of what he experienced with Childress in 2006 to get through last season. “That’s one of the things I appreciated in Minnesota; just seeing the things Brad went through as a new head coach,” Tomlin said. “I have a great deal of admiration for his resolve. For how he had a vision for how he wanted to do things, and he stuck to it.” Tomlin went 10-6 last season, won the AFC North and ranked No. 1 in total defense while maintaining longtime defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and his 3-4 system. But Pittsburgh also lost four of its last five games, including a 31-29 loss to Jacksonville in its playoff opener at home. “How’d we do?” said Tomlin, repeating the question. “We were 10-6, 0-1 in the playoffs. That’s how we’re judged.” Tomlin quickly went back to work after the playoff loss. But he did take some time in May to prepare for that commencement speech. With all due respect to H.W., Tomlin said his goal was to say something “they would remember.” “I really patterned it after a pregame speech in that the game they’re about to play is the game of life,” Tomlin said. “I said, ‘We’re about to burst open the doors and go out and compete.’ I wanted to encourage them. I wanted to reassure them that they are prepared for the game. They have all the tools that it needs to be successful.”

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Fumbles part of learning process By F. Dale Lolley

Staff writer

[email protected]

Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson spent a lot of time during offseason workouts and training camp stressing ball protection drills with the team's running backs.

After Saturday night's preseason game at Minnesota, rookie Rashard Mendenhall knows why it was such a focus.

Mendenhall had 79 yards on 15 carries and added 15 more yards on two pass receptions, but he also lost two fumbles in the Steelers' 12-10 victory over the Vikings.

It was Mendenhall's most productive game of the preseason but also a learning experience.

"Our young fella (Mendenhall) at running back had some nice runs, a positive spin on the night for him in terms of putting the ball on the ground," said head coach Mike Tomlin. "It validates some of the things we've been harping on him about."

After running somewhat tentatively in the Steelers' first two preseason games, Mendenhall displayed the explosiveness and cutting ability the team had been looking for from their No. 1 draft pick.

But the 5-10, 224-pound Mendenhall also learned that in the NFL, it doesn't always take a big hit to lose the football.

Mendenhall was not hit hard on either of his fumbles - the first of which set up Minnesota's only touchdown - but had the ball come loose when the defender got a hand on it.

It's something the Steelers would rather Mendenhall learn now than in two weeks when the regular season begins.

"One thing you don't want to do is make the same mistakes," said Mendenhall, who has 143 yards on 33 carries in the preseason. "I need to use this time to grow and get better."

Despite the fumbles, Tomlin was pleased with how the rookie played.

"He is a talented guy. He does have great running speed, cutting ability, etcetera, etcetera," Tomlin said. "But fundamentals of being a pro, and understanding how guys are going to go after the ball in this league, are big. It's good to learn lessons when you win. Hopefully, he'll do that. I'm sure that he will."

That's why Tomlin tried not to make a big deal out of the fumbles. After the second fumble - which came in the fourth quarter with the Steelers driving - Tomlin could be seen on the sideline with his arm around the 21-year-old Mendenhall.

"This league isn't easy. It's hard being young in this league," Mendenhall said. "Coach knows that. He's

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a guy who's been through it as well. He just wants to encourage me and remind me that this is time to get better."

Odds and end zones

Safety Troy Polamalu went through pregame warmups, but did not play. Polamalu came off the Physically Unable to Perform list last Monday after sitting out all of training camp with a hamstring injury. ... Teams must trim their rosters to 75 players by Tuesday. The Steelers have 81 players on their roster, but have an exemption for wide receiver Marvin Allen, a native of Great Britain.

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

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Steelers coach Tomlin made strong impression in MN

By JON KRAWCZYNSKI

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(Published August 22, 2008)

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — From the moment he first stepped on the practice field with the Minnesota Vikings, Mike Tomlin made his presence felt.

While head coach Brad Childress and the rest of the offensive staff quietly installed their complex West Coast offense in 2006, the first-time defensive coordinator could be heard loud and clear throughout the complex hollering "Yes, sirrrrrr!" and imploring his linebackers to "blow up a fullback today, please!"

Tomlin's players fed off that bravado and fire, and the Vikings finished the season ranked eighth in total defense and first against the run in terms of yards allowed.

"I just thought he was obviously a good football coach, but (also) a very good communicator," Childress said this week. "I thought he had a good way about him. He was bright-eyed. He had a great sense of humor, a good laugh. He wasn't stiff. He was a guy that you knew related well to his players."

It was clear early in Tomlin's tenure - which lasted all of one year - he was on track to become a head coach. But the Pittsburgh Steelers surprised everyone in the winter of 2007 by hiring the 34-year-old to run one of the league's flagship franchises.

When the Steelers play the Vikings at the Metrodome in a preseason game on Saturday night, Tomlin will make his first appearance at the place he made a name for himself in the NFL coaching circuit.

"It's an exciting trip for me. I have some good friends there," Tomlin said this week in Pennsylvania. "Although I wasn't there a great deal of time, it felt good to be a part of what we were building there. I thought it was going to be potentially special. I root for those guys because they're close and personal friends of mine. It will be professionalism of course on Saturday night, but it will be great to see them all - players, coaches, front office people."

Despite his quick departure, Tomlin forged strong bonds with several players.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it," Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin said. "He was my first defensive coordinator in the pros. While he was here he taught me a whole lot, and I'm still playing by some of his rules now.

"It's going to be a joy to go out there and play in front of him and just to show off a little bit how far I've come."

Tomlin had been a secondary coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for five seasons when Childress hired him in his first year with the Vikings. His lack of coordinator experience was a question, but Tomlin quickly proved his skill. He helped turn a defense that ranked in the league's bottom third for most of the previous decade into a capable, playmaking unit during a trying 6-10 season.

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"Mike did a great job here and had a tremendous relationship with the players," special teams coordinator Paul Ferraro said. "Just seeing him work with our defense and the way they came around in such a short period of time, I was very impressed with what he did."

Childress was hired to take a no-nonsense attitude toward a team that saw its share of trouble off the field in previous years, but he was viewed as distant and rigid by several players. Still learning how to work with Childress, who loosened up more in his second year, the group gravitated toward Tomlin's charisma and geniality.

"Everybody got along with him," defensive end Ray Edwards said. "He knew how to communicate with everybody, and that was very big on my part."

Though Tomlin only spent one season in Minnesota before a 10-6 debut with Pittsburgh, the Vikings had no hard feelings about him leaving. Opportunities to lead one of the NFL's most hallowed teams don't come often. Tomlin is only the third coach of the Steelers since 1969.

"That's everybody's dream," Edwards said. "He always talked about being the best at what he does. Definitely going up to being a head coach and taking that next step and being the best is what he's trying to do."

The starters will log their heaviest playing time of the preseason Saturday against the Steelers, providing plenty of opportunity to show their old boss they're doing fine without him under defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.

"It's been a long time," safety Darren Sharper said. "I'm sure we'll have a lot of conversations that will be going back and forth. He knows us better than maybe we know ourselves, because he sat there and watched every day in practice and meetings and watched our every move. He knows our strengths. He knows our weaknesses, but when it comes to playing a game a lot of it doesn't matter. It all comes down to who executes."

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Rucker still trying to catch on with Steelers

By BRIAN NIELSEN, Sports Editor [email protected]

PITTSBURGH -- On one play Micah Rucker questioned the call of the official, who ruled he bobbled the football on the sideline. On another, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ free agent rookie was just kicking himself because he could not make that spectacular catch fans saw him make the past couple of years for Eastern Illinois. “The last play of the game it was a Hail Mary and I jumped over people and couldn’t bring it down,” Rucker said of last weekend’s preseason game against Buffalo played at Toronto. “That’s usually a pass I bring down.” Now he is hoping for another chance or chances in Saturday’s game at Minnesota to convince the Steelers he can be an NFL wide receiver. “They may keep anywhere from six to seven (receivers),” Rucker said. “I believe I’m in that six or seven. They may look at me as a developmental (squad) guy. That’s all right with me as long as I can keep working and learning.” The 6-foot-6 receiver is trying to keep his pro career from ending or even being interrupted in the state Minnesota, the place his college career began before he transferred from the Big Ten Conference university to Eastern as a junior. He has already lasted longer than some. “Every time you see a guy get cut you have to work a little harder thinking it may be me,” Rucker said. “My whole thing is the couple of plays I wasn’t able to make. You just have to keep the faith and God will work everything out.” Playing on punt return and kickoff special teams might also help his bid to stick with the Steelers for the regular season. “It’s all a learning process,” Rucker said. “I haven’t played a lot of special teams but it’s just learning whom to block. The more you can do, the better chance you have. That’s why I’ve learned every receiver position.” Practices as well as late-game chances in the preseason might determine the free agent’s fate. “I feel like everything is going pretty well,” he said. “I’ve kind of had an up-and-down camp. I started out real well the first eight days and then had a downslide and made some mental breakdowns.” The mental part of the camp has been the challenge for Rucker, who caught 49 passes for 996 yards and 13 touchdowns his junior season at Eastern when earning NCAA Division I-AA All-American honors and then adding 55 receptions for 777 yards and nine TDs as a senior while repeating as an Ohio Valley Conference first-team selection. “Camp is long,” Rucker said of the NFL. “I didn’t have a problem with anything physically but mentally it’s tough. You have everything every day being evaluated: How you deal with two-a-days. And coaches yelling at you, how you deal with that. The first eight days I did pretty well and then I had some breakdowns.” Now he is hoping to join Dallas Cowboys star quarterback Tony Romo as a former Eastern Illinois player in the NFL. Rucker is not forgetting the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision school that was a stepping stone toward his pro opportunity. “Let those guys know I’ll be watching them this year,” he said. Contact Brian Nielsen at [email protected] or 238-6856.

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2008 11:11 PM CDT Copyright © 2008 Journal Gazette and Times-Courier, divisions of Lee Enterprises.

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August 25, 2008

NFL, Trade Groups Fight Pay Disclosures By MARTIN VAUGHAN

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August 25, 2008; Page A3

WASHINGTON -- The National Football League and a trade-association umbrella group are asking Congress to prevent salaries of association executives from becoming public when new Internal Revenue Service disclosure rules go into effect next year.

New instructions for Form 990, which nonprofit organizations must file annually, require that trade associations report salaries for "key employees" who earn more than $150,000 a year.

The instructions, set by the IRS last Tuesday, define a key employee as one who had responsibility for 10% of an organization's activities. The IRS bumped that percentage up from 5% in earlier guidance, in response to complaints from nonprofits that the IRS definition of a key employee was too broad.

Trade associations will only have to report salaries for their 20 highest-earning employees who exceed both thresholds of $150,000 in annual salary and responsibility for 10% of activities.

Charities, organized under 501(c)(3) of the tax code, have long been required to report salaries for their top executives. But the new rules will sharply expand the extent to which disclosure requirements apply to 501(c)(6) organizations, largely trade associations.

Unlike personal and partnership tax returns, information from Form 990 is available to the public.

That has caused the NFL and the American Society of Association Executives to complain that the new IRS requirements are an invasion of privacy.

Martin Gold, who represents the NFL for the law firm Covington & Burling, said the league's members already have access to executive-salary information. "To the people that have to know how their dues are being spent, that information is available and other people have nothing to do with it," he said in an interview.

The IRS says tax-exempt groups -- whether charities or trade associations -- have a responsibility to pay compensation at fair value and to be transparent about costs.

"Transparency and accountability to the public is key to the system working," said Ron Schultz, senior technical adviser at the IRS's Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division.

But Mr. Gold draws a distinction between charities, which are financed by tax-deductible

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donations, and an association like the NFL, whose member teams pay taxes.

"We're not a charity and we pay taxes. Therefore, I don't think that the public is subsidizing us," he said.

The NFL and the ASAE are seeking legislation to ensure that even if salaries for top employees are disclosed to the IRS, they will be redacted in information made available to the public.

They have made their case to staff from the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees. They have also approached Reps. Chris Van Hollen (D., Md.) and Jim Moran (D. Va.), who count among their constituents scores of trade associations in the Washington suburbs.

The salary-disclosure requirements are just one part of a major redesign of the 990 form and instructions that has won broad support from charities, foundations, hospitals and other nonprofits affected by the changes.

The new form will affect most nonprofits when they file 2008 information early next year, by a May 15 deadline.

Write to Martin Vaughan at [email protected]

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August 25, 2008

Knee Injury Ends Season for Umenyiora

By MIKE OGLE

Half of the defensive line that propelled the Giants to a Super Bowl victory last season is gone.

A magnetic resonance imaging test on Sunday revealed that defensive end Osi Umenyiora tore the lateral

meniscus in his left knee on Saturday during the second quarter of the Giants’ 10-7 preseason loss to the Jets.

The Giants, who lost defensive end Michael Strahan to retirement in the off-season, now will also be without

Umenyiora for the season.

Umenyiora will have an operation Tuesday to repair the cartilage damage. The team physician Dr. Russell

Warren told Coach Tom Coughlin that four months is the normal recovery time for such an injury.

“It was obviously the news I didn’t want to hear,” Coughlin said on a conference call with reporters Sunday

afternoon.

Coughlin and the players were hopeful on Saturday night that Umenyiora’s injury was not severe, an

optimism helped along by the fact that team doctors, after preliminary evaluations, thought there was no

ligament tear. Instead, it was cartilage damage that caused Umenyiora’s knee to lock up while pursuing

quarterback Brett Favre.

Coughlin had not met with the team since learning that Umenyiora would miss the season, so he would not

comment on how he would proceed with the defensive front. But when asked, he did not rule out the

possibilities of moving linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end or talking to Strahan, 36, about

coming out of retirement.

Kiwanuka was moved to linebacker last season when the Giants had Umenyiora and Strahan on the ends.

Coughlin said that someone on his staff had already raised the possibility of Strahan’s return, but that no

serious discussion had taken place.

Coughlin said he spoke to Umenyiora by telephone.

“He was obviously subdued, but he assured me that he was O.K.,” Coughlin said.

Umenyiora was the only Giants player selected to the Pro Bowl last season. He had 13 sacks, including a

franchise-record six in one game against the Philadelphia Eagles in September.

The heavily favored and undefeated New England Patriots struggled to keep Giants defenders, including

Umenyiora, out of their backfield in the Giants’ 17-14 Super Bowl victory. The Giants sacked quarterback

Tom Brady five times, and Umenyiora had five hits on Brady and two quarterback hurries.

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The Giants’ defense could be significantly diminished as they try to defend the N.F.L. title. Especially

disheartening for the Giants was that the injury occurred during a preseason game.

“I think the No. 1 thing that strikes is frustration, anxiety, knots in your stomach, all the things that go along

with the injury to the players that do not allow your team to function as it is presented on paper,” Coughlin

said. “Those types of things are very difficult for coaches, no matter what age you are.”

Umenyiora, who was entering his sixth season out of Troy State, had had arthroscopic surgery in college to

repair cartilage damage in the same knee.

The Giants play one preseason game, a Super Bowl rematch against the Patriots on Thursday, before opening

the regular season Sept. 4 at home against the Washington Redskins.

In 2004, the Giants lost Strahan in their eighth game for the rest of the season because of a torn chest

muscle. They proceeded to lose eight in a row, and finished the season 6-10.

The Giants tried to stay positive after the game. Some refused to talk about the possibility that they could be

without Umenyiora. But the somber looks on their faces said that deep down, they feared the worst.

Kiwanuka, who broke his leg in the 10th game last season after moving from end to linebacker, said the

Giants would have to push through injuries the way they did last year.

“We had a number of guys go down last season,” he said.

Defensive end Justin Tuck, who played much of last season at defensive tackle and had two sacks in the

Super Bowl, said he understood what a blow losing Umenyiora would be.

“He definitely means a lot to this team and this franchise,” he said, emphasizing “a lot.”

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By Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY

BEREA, Ohio — Shaun Rogers wore the look of a man in a good space as he trudged off the practice field that he has pretty much come to own.

The gigantic defensive tackle, who performed the alterations himself on the chocolate sweat pants that were cut off below the calf, has been the buzz of Cleveland Browns training camp. And not because of his fashion statement or Mohawk haircut.

"One thing that has been obvious," tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts marveled, "is that Shaun can pretty much take over a drill whenever he wants to."

CAMP POSTCARDS: Inside every NFL team's workouts THE HUDDLE BLOG: Latest buzz around the league

The Browns obtained the two-time Pro Bowl pick from the Detroit Lions in a March trade to fortify the front of their 3-4 defense. He's switched to nose tackle after seven years in a 4-3 scheme. There's also hope that Rogers sheds a reputation as an overweight, out-of-shape underachiever whose effort did not always match his skill.

That knock is perhaps a key reason why a player at such a premium position — and sometimes described as unblockable — was expendable. Detroit received cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round pick for Rogers, off a career-high seven sacks in 2007.

"It's definitely a pleasure being somewhere where you're wanted," said Rogers, a former Texas standout who entered the NFL as Detroit's second-round pick in 2001.

He is not oblivious to the rap from the past.

"At times, I think some people sought for me to make every play," he said. "I was one of 11 out there. But when much is expected, then those type of words and feelings come with it and you're held to a higher standard. I understand that. I took the accolades, so at the same time I have to take the criticisms."

There is no gray area with the Browns' expectations. Rogers' new, six-year, $42 million contract includes $20 million in guarantees. The Browns were 27th against the run last season — and since reborn in 1999 as an expansion franchise haven't fared better than 23rd. The Browns, mapping out a path to the playoffs after last year's 10-win team stayed home, see Rogers as an elite centerpiece.

As much as he will be counted on to break down the pocket and provide an inside rush, Rogers is needed to clog rushing lanes and occupy blockers that allow the linebackers to clean up.

Coach Romeo Crennel, the former New England Patriots' defensive coordinator, likens Rogers' potential for a revival to Corey Dillon and Randy Moss, who shed baggage and flourished after late-career moves to New England. Dillon, since retired, set a franchise rushing mark in helping the Patriots win a Super Bowl; Moss set the NFL's single-season mark for TD receptions in his first season with New England last year.

"I've seen it happen," Crennel said. "A lot of times, when a guy gets a change of scenery, it's a fresh start and he has something to prove to

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everybody. I've heard the knock on him, but the thing I have to go by is what I see here on the field.

"Since he's been here with us, his attitude has been good. He's helping the younger players, playing the defense the way we want it and he's giving good effort. And I think if we are cognizant of the fact that he might not be able to play 100 plays in a game and needs a breather, we can get somebody else out there so he can catch his breath, then still get good production out of him."

Rogers, an eighth-year pro, looks forward to Crennel's snap-management plan.

"I've had a long career, as far as snaps go," he said. "I've had several seasons over 1,000 snaps. Being in those trenches, that wears on you. There's nothing wrong with a rotation. There's no need for me to be out there playing on a half-tank when there's more than one qualified guy next to me capable of handling some of the snaps."

With 11 career blocked kicks, Rogers also adds panache to special teams. Then again, given his size, Rogers brings a certain presence to any situation. He's officially listed on the roster at 6-4, 350. But the weight might be underestimated.

What are you weighing?

"Enough," he grumbled. "Exactly what they want me to weigh."

Now that's a vague answer.

"It's the right answer," he snapped back.

Somewhere, it was written that you came to camp at 359.

"I've been that weight before," Rogers deadpanned.

This exchange is like stirring a growling lion.

"Man, you gotta talk to them about that," he said, referring to coaches. "If they want to talk about it, then I'll talk about it. If not, there's no need for me to discuss it."

OK.

Rogers realizes he will be under much scrutiny. Estimating that he has drawn double-teams on about 70% of the plays in his career, he will undoubtedly draw similar attention this year. But he's more concerned about new techniques in a 3-4.

"In a 4-3, it allowed me to be more aggressive," he said. "It's a big change from playing a tilt, cock-nose with an attacking, pass-rush style to playing a 'Zero technique' with a lot more man-reading and pre-snap reads. That's been a transition for me."

In Saturday's preseason game at Detroit, Rogers played like a perfect fit. He tackled rookie running back Kevin Smith three times on the first drive, all for gains of two yards or less. In the second quarter, he stuffed Tatum Bell for no gain.

Which prompted a chorus of boos at Ford Field.

"They're Detroit fans, and if they're not rooting for the home team, what are they doing here?" he said in the locker room afterward. "It's expected. But I don't play for the Lions anymore, I play for the Browns. Maybe if I was a Lion, I'd be a little disappointed."

Rogers responded to the jeering crowd by placing his hands behind his ears. In the long run, he hopes to make even more noise with his fresh start. Find this article at: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/browns/2008-08-24-shaun-rogers_N.htm

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Page 2 of 3Browns put high hopes in big Rogers' ability to plug holes - USATODAY.com


of 3Browns put high hopes in big Rogers' ability to plug holes - USATODAY.com


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By Mark Curnutte, The Cincinnati Enquirer

CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has a broken nose.

Palmer, who sustained a bloody nose and cut lip Saturday night when sacked in the loss to New Orleans, had a little bit more wrong with him than the Bengals first released.

This afternoon, the Bengals said Palmer had a procedure done to align a cracked bone in his nose and would be listed as questionable (50-50 chance he'd play) Thursday night at Indianapolis in the preseason finale. Look for Ryan Fitzpatrick to start at quarterback.

Coach Marvin Lewis said Palmer is not even listed on the injury report for the regular season opener Sept. 7 at Baltimore. In other words, Palmer will start against the Ravens two weeks from Sunday.

"Carson is feeling fine," Lewis said in a statement released by the club. "He suffered a small crack in one of the nose bones. The bone was gently put back into place this morning under local anesthetic."

The Bengals medical staff reported that the procedure took less than 10 minutes.

Palmer was sacked three times by the Saints and once by the Lions in the previous preseason game. Detroit defenders also hit him four other times when he dropped back to pass.

Palmer left the field a few seconds before the first half ended Saturday night. He had a towel over his head and was bleeding from his nose and mouth when he walked down the Bengals sideline toward the locker room.

He was supposed to play the first series of the third quarter, Lewis said.

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Broken nose won't keep Palmer from playing in season opener

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Sunday, August 24, 2008

Public memorial for Upshaw to be held in Washington on Sept. 2

ESPN.com news services A public memorial for Hall of Fame player and longtime NFL union head Gene Upshaw will be held Sept. 2 in Washington D.C., according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

The decision gives player representatives and rank and file union members a chance to attend the service, as Tuesday is normally an off day for players.

The NFL Players Association executive committee will have a players-only conference call Monday to discuss plans to begin the search for a permanent replacement for Upshaw.

On Thursday, the union appointed Richard Berthelsen as its interim executive director. Berthelsen, the NFLPA's chief counsel and Upshaw's top aide, has been involved in labor negotiations for 37 years.

Upshaw was remembered this weekend with a moment of silence at NFL exhibition games.

Upshaw, who served as the executive director of the NFLPA for 25 years, died Wednesday night of pancreatic cancer at his home near California's Lake Tahoe, just days after learning he had the disease. He was 63.

Upshaw's funeral is expected to be a private family service in California. Upshaw left a widow, Terri, and three sons: Eugene Jr., Justin and Daniel.

Among the few African-Americans to lead a major union, Upshaw guided players to the era of free agency and wealth beyond anything possible when he was a rookie in 1967. He also was criticized for maintaining ties to league officials and owners that some thought were too close, and for what retired players saw as inattention to their need for medical benefits.

As a player, Upshaw was an undisputed Hall of Famer, gaining entry as soon as he was eligible in 1987.

He played 15 seasons -- 307 games including exhibition, regular-season and playoff games -- all of them for a Raiders team that reached the Super Bowl three times and won twice. The Pro Football Hall of Fame posted a tribute to Upshaw, including his enshrinement speech.

Information from ESPN's Chris Mortensen and The Associated Press was used in this report.

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