Big Ben, Eli in a class of their own

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1 Big Ben, Eli in a class of their own Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Big Ben, Eli in a class of their own Friday, October 24, 2008 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette John Marshall Mantel/Associated Press Eli Manning, left, and Ben Roethlisberger were two of the top quarterbacks taken in the 2004 NFL draft. In a league whose greatest stars, historically, have been quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning will form a rare combination when they meet Sunday at Heinz Field. And it's not because their division-leading teams have identical 5-1 records. They are one of only three sets of quarterbacks in NFL history to be drafted in the same year and win Super Bowls. And they are the only pair to be drafted in the first round. Roethlisberger was the 11th overall pick in the 2004 draft and had instant success, going 13-0 as a starter his rookie season and winning the Super Bowl in Manning was the first overall pick in 2004 and, after some early struggles, led the Giants to the Super Bowl title last season, winning the Most Valuable Player Award in the process. "We both have come a long way," Roethlisberger said. "We both have won Super Bowls. It's fun watching him grow and get better as a fellow quarterback and guy from the same draft class." The only other quarterbacks from the same draft class to win a Super Bowl were Jim Plunkett and Joe Theismann (1971) and Phil Simms and Joe Montana (1979). Plunkett and Simms were first-round choices; Montana was a third-round pick and Theismann was drafted in the fourth round. But, this is the first time two first-round picks who won Super Bowl rings will meet in a regularseason game. Sunday Game: Steelers (5-1) vs. New York Giants (5-1), 4:15 p.m. Where: Heinz Field. TV: WPGH. "I think that that bodes well for two young quarterbacks who had an opportunity to play as young guys and experienced a lot going through the first couple of years," said Giants coach Tom Coughlin. "They stood tall and accepted whatever challenge was thrown in their way. They have each, in their own right, made outstanding contributions to the game and to their franchises." Based on the way each team is playing, nobody would be surprised if this was just the first of two meetings this season between the marquee quarterbacks. The other one could be in Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Fla. This could be the start of the chase. "There is always that little thing inside you that wants to be the best," Roethlisberger said. "I do want to win another Super Bowl before he does."

2 Big Ben, Eli in a class of their own Page 2 of 2 Roethlisberger and Manning have met once before -- in 2004 when each were rookies and each were headed in opposite directions. The Steelers beat the Giants, 33-30, Dec. 18 in East Rutherford, N.J., a game in which Roethlisberger threw for more than 300 yards for the first time (316) in his career. It was the 11th victory for Roethlisberger in a season when he became the only NFL quarterback to go 13-0 in a regular season. But it was something of a breakout game for Manning, too. Despite going 1-6 as a starter as a rookie, Manning threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns and had a season-high passer rating of against the Steelers. "I remember that game because I was coming off of an awful game at Baltimore; it was early in my career and I was going through some struggles," Manning said. "We came to play Pittsburgh, a team that had won a bunch of games in a row and was hot; they were playing great football; their defense was one of the best in the league at the time. "We came out and we played well. I finally played decent for the first time and managed the game pretty well and made some big plays. At the time it was important for me and for my confidence and the confidence of my teammates that I could go out there and compete, and put us in the situation to possibly win the game." Manning was the first overall pick in the 2004 draft, but he was chosen by the San Diego Chargers. The Giants actually drafted Philip Rivers with the fourth overall selection and then swapped quarterbacks with the Chargers. Rivers could become the third quarterback from that draft class to win a Super Bowl. The Chargers made it to the AFC championship game last season and are considered one of the top teams in the AFC, despite their 3-4 start. No draft class in NFL history has produced three Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks. Manning and Roethlisberger each said there is no rivalry among the three, just because they were each drafted the same year "No, there really isn't," Manning said. "As a quarterback, you try to get your team prepared. Early on you are just trying to learn as much as you can to become a better player each game, each week and each season. All you can really do in this league is try to improve your own ability and help out your own team to win games for your own organization." So far, they have each done that with great success. Gerry Dulac can be reached at gdulac@post-gazette.com. First published on October 24, 2008 at 12:00 am Buy Steelers Jersey Pittsburgh Steelers Jersey On Sale. Home & Away. Only $ Ben Roethlisberger Gear Find Ben Roethlisberger Gear at NFL's Official Store - NFLshop.com!

3 Steelers' Holmes arrested on drug charges Page 1 of 1 NEWS / BREAKING NEWS Steelers' Holmes arrested on drug charges Friday, October 24, 2008 By Sadie Gurman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes was arrested yesterday afternoon and will face marijuana possession charges, according to Night Court. Holmes, the Steelers' first-round pick in the 2006 draft, was arrested yesterday afternoon by Pittsburgh police, and will receive a court summons charging him with possession of a small amount of the drug. The details of his arrest were not immediately available. In June 2006, Holmes was arrested in Ohio on domestic violence charges, which were later dismissed. The charges stemmed from an incident involving LaShae Boone of Columbus, the mother of one of his three children. The charges were dismissed after the judge in the case was assured by Holmes' lawyers that their client was participating in ongoing counseling offered through the NFL. Holmes was also arrested in South Beach, Fla., for disorderly conduct during a Memorial Day weekend crackdown by local authorities in First published on October 24, 2008 at 2:14 am Addiction Treatment Private Help for Opioid Dependence. Find a Doctor That Can Help You Now Non 12 Step Treatment AA/12 Steps Won't Work for Everyone Science-based Rehab Newport Bch CA

4 Steelers Notebook: NFL reaction to hit bothering Ward Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Steelers Notebook: NFL reaction to hit bothering Ward Friday, October 24, 2008 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Hines Ward feels bad for Keith Rivers but isn't sorry about the hit. Hines Ward is still upset how his season-ending block on Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers is being portrayed, especially after an NFL executive said the hit, which was not penalized or fined, could be a penalty if the rules are changed next year. Ward was so bothered he called a local radio station yesterday morning after the station played comments by Ray Anderson, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations who visited the Steelers offices Wednesday to talk with several players, including Ward, about recent fines and penalties. Even though he said Ward's hit was clean and did not merit a fine, Anderson said video of that hit would be reviewed by the NFL's competition committee to determine if that type of play should be illegal in the future. That irked Ward, who continued to vent his frustration in the locker room. "When he went on to say my hit may not be a legal hit next year, it makes me think, was that really a legal hit I put on Rivers?" Ward said. "Yes, it's a legal hit, but it may not be a legal hit next year. So, in that instance, you're really saying that's a dirty hit." Ward added: "Ray Lewis throws a block on [Chris] McAlister's 108-yard interception return, they highlighted a hit like that for Ray Lewis. Reggie Bush takes one back on a punt return, they highlight two other guys who got blocked on that. Hines Ward hits somebody, it's a fine. "I didn't know they went back and said that. You didn't tell me that in the meeting that we spoke about, then you go out and make a comment like that. You're really saying my hit is dirty. It's funny, after my hit, it may be an illegal hit next year." Ward said he sent a text message to Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, telling him to apologize to Rivers that his season was ended because of the injury. He said he did not hear back from Johnson. "I apologized he got hurt, but nobody called [Rashard] Mendenhall when his shoulder got hurt. I feel extra sorry [Rivers] got hurt, but I'm not going to apologize for the hit. Nobody apologized to Mendenhall when Ray [Lewis] hit him." Ward was referring to the Sept. 29 game against the Baltimore Ravens when Mendenhall, the team's No. 1 draft pick, was tackled by linebacker Ray Lewis and was lost for the season because the hit broke his scapula. Injury report Defensive end Aaron Smith was excused for the second day in a row for personal reasons and the team has not indicated if he will return today. Left tackle Marvel Smith (back spasms) still has not practiced and could miss his second game in a row. Also, running back Willie Parker practiced for the second day in a row, but only on a limited basis. It is still not certain if he will play against the Giants because his sprained left knee is not fully recovered.

5 Steelers Notebook: NFL reaction to hit bothering Ward Page 2 of 2 Ward, cornerback Deshea Townsend, defensive end Brett Keisel and running back Najeh Davenport returned to practice after being given off the previous day for non-injury related reasons. Mendenhall makes appearance With his right arm in a protective sling, Mendenhall was at the practice facility for what is believed to be the first time since he was injured against the Ravens. Mendenhall's injury, which also is known as a fracture of the shoulder blade, is rarely seen in football and is more associated with blunt-force injuries sustained in motorcycle or car accidents. Scapula fractures represent less than 1 percent of all broken bones, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Web site. Mendenhall, the team's No. 1 pick, has not had surgery to repair the fracture and is expected to let the injury heal on its own. Safety added Because of the injury to cornerback Bryant McFadden, who is expected to miss at least the next five games with a broken forearm, the Steelers have signed safety Grant Mason to the practice squad and released running back Justin Vincent. Nose tackle Scott Paxson, who was released Saturday to make room for guard Jeremy Parquet, was brought back to the practice squad earlier in the week. First published on October 24, 2008 at 12:00 am Coffee Exposed A shocking secret coffee co's don't want you to know Break Free From The Grind Can't Get Rich Working For Others Proven Step By Step Home Business

6 NFL Notebook: Union widens search for leader Page 1 of 1 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL NFL Notebook: Union widens search for leader Friday, October 24, 2008 From wire dispatches The next leader of the NFL Players Association won't necessarily need a football or union background. That's the directive the NFLPA's executive search committee provided the firm hired to seek candidates to replace executive director Gene Upshaw, who died in August. "We're looking for the best candidate and the best candidate may not be part of the union," NFLPA president and Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae said. "It's about going and finding the right person." Asked if someone such as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice could be a candidate, Mawae said: "Right now we have nobody." "That person is going to be a very special person. Whether it's in the business realm or government or even sports-related, we don't know," Mawae said. Tony Richardson, a search committee member and New York Jets fullback, said his preferred quality is someone capable of understanding and relating to the wide range of players' backgrounds. "It's a tough dynamic because you have older players, younger players, white players, black players, different backgrounds. So as that person, you've got to relate to all 53 guys [on a team]," Richardson said. Titans Tennessee running back Chris Johnson has been fined $10,000 for his celebration after a 66-yard touchdown run against the Chiefs. The NFL said Johnson was fined for banging on some drums in the Chiefs' pep band in Sunday's victory. "I am not happy about it," Johnson said. "There's no fun in this league. I was trying to have fun and they want to penalize us for having fun." Redskins Washington defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin's sprained right shoulder will keep him out of Sunday's game against the Lions. Griffin has been playing hurt since injuring the shoulder Oct. 5 against Philadelphia. Coach Jim Zorn said it was time to let Griffin heal. Cardinals Anquan Boldin increased his workload in practice, but Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt remained uncertain whether his standout wide receiver would play Sunday at Carolina. First published on October 24, 2008 at 12:00 am Free Football Picks Free Daily Picks hitting 72% from Documented leader in football. Titans Football Shop Tennessee Titans NFL Merchandise - Shirts, Hats, Jerseys, & More!

7 Sober tailgating promoted Page 1 of 2 LOCAL Sober tailgating promoted Too much alcohol, coarse language, announcements say Friday, October 24, 2008 By Tracie Mauriello, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau HARRISBURG -- Brian Fischer just wants to take his 4-year-old grandson to a football game. "I come from a family that loves football," he said yesterday. "Can you imagine the pleasure of taking my grandson to a game? My daughter-in-law doesn't want me to take him there because of the horrible language and people spilling beer everywhere." That's why Mr. Fischer launched Tailgaters Urging Responsibility and Fun, a public-awareness campaign that began in Maryland and debuted yesterday in Pennsylvania, the second state in the program. Former Washington Redskins quarterback and Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann is the face of the program, which centers around public service announcements on Web sites, sports radio broadcasts and stadium scoreboards in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The announcements aim to curb offensive language, drunken driving and underage drinking. Before's Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium closed in 2003, officials set up a jail cell and had a district judge on duty to process charges against the most unruly fans. "Tailgating is a huge part of the football season... and some of the tailgaters have become disruptive and unruly," said Patrick J. Stapleton III, chairman of the state Liquor Control Board, which is distributing information about the program. "We need to change the culture related to tailgating so everyone can enjoy these games." No tax dollars are being used for the program, which is funded by alcohol industry companies, including Brown-Forman distillery in Kentucky; the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America; and the Charmer Sunbelt Group, a Maryland distributor where Mr. Fischer is vice president of global corporate affairs. Other partners include the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Philadelphia Eagles, Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh. "Tailgating is a traditional party of football Saturdays across the country," said Pitt Athletic Director Steve Pederson. "We want to encourage enjoyable yet safe tailgating at Heinz Field, ensuring a great Pitt football experience from start to finish for everyone." Organizers want to help fans make responsible decisions. They should designate a driver, respect other fans, have enough food to absorb alcohol, curb offensive language and notify stadium security of problems. That's all common sense, organizers acknowledge, but sometimes people need to be reminded. "If you just let something go and don't talk about it, it gets out of hand. We're trying to bring this to the forefront," said Rick Giugliano, marketing coordinator for the Steelers, who attended a news conference at the Capitol yesterday. Organizers know the message won't eliminate offensive behavior but hopes it can diminish it. "The more we make people aware it's a problem, the more they will take responsibility," Mr. Theismann said in an interview after the news conference. "It has to start somewhere, and we're starting here in Pennsylvania today. The more people are aware, the more they have an opportunity to take action." Mr. Fischer is just hoping he will be able to take Jacob to his first Terrapins game and not "be exposed to the kind of language and outrageous antics that come with folks that disregard and disrespect other fans," he said. "I think everybody has had enough of that." He's trying to change the environment so Jacob and other young children can enjoy games they way he did. "Fans have changed," he said. "It used to be that you'd go to a game and not have a voice left at the end of the day, but it was

8 Sober tailgating promoted Page 2 of 2 good clean fun." Organizers are targeting football tailgating but hope to soon expand the program to include other sports and other states. Mr. Theismann's public service announcement can be viewed online at Tracie Mauriello can be reached at tmauriello@post-gazette.com or First published on October 24, 2008 at 12:00 am Parking Pass Looking for Parking Pass? Find exactly what you want today. TickeTrak Parking Enforcement & Management Handheld Ticketwriters/Mngt Systems

9 Holmes to face possession charge - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Steelers' Holmes to face possession charge By Michael Hasch TRIBUNE-REVIEW Friday, October 24, 2008 Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes will be charged with possession of marijuana after three blunts were found inside his vehicle Thursday afternoon in Uptown, Pittsburgh police said. Holmes was stopped about 4 p.m. near the intersection of Centre Avenue and Mario Lemieux Place by officers searching for a vehicle with a similar description. When officers approached Holmes' vehicle, they smelled an odor of burning marijuana, police said. Holmes, who was not carrying his driver's license, admitted to having a small amount of marijuana and pointed out the blunts -- a cigar filled with marijuana -- to officers. Holmes, 24, will be sent a summons charging him with possession of marijuana. Police said they stopped Holmes because they had been looking for a black sport utility vehicle with out-of-state plates believed to be carrying a large amount of narcotics. Police said Holmes was driving a black SUV with out-ofstate plates, but it was not the vehicle they were seeking. Holmes is in his third season with the Steelers. He is second on the team in receiving with 22 catches for 360 yards and one touchdown. He has 118 catches for 2,037 yards and 11 touchdowns in his NFL career. Holmes, a native of Belle Glade, Fla., was the Steelers' No. 1 draft pick in 2006 out of Ohio State University. He was the school's fifth all-time receiver when he left school with 140 receptions for 2,295 yards. Holmes was arrested in June 2006 on charges of domestic violence in Columbus, Ohio. He was charged with assaulting LaShae Boone, the mother of one of his three children. The charges were dropped when Boone chose not to go forward with the case. Holmes was also arrested for disorderly conduct in Miami in May Those charges were later dropped by the Miami Police Department. Michael Hasch can be reached at mhasch@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

10 NFL's perspective baffles Ward - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 NFL's perspective baffles Ward By John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Friday, October 24, 2008 Steelers receiver Hines Ward said it's no secret that the Baltimore Ravens put a bounty on him several years ago. "I'm not griping about the bounty that I've been having for the last five or six years," Ward said before Thursday's afternoon practice. "The league looks at that and they're aware of that." Appearing yesterday morning on a local radio show, Ward said former Baltimore running back Jamal Lewis told him, 'Man, there's a bounty out on you. Be careful.' " A day after a clearing-the-air meeting with NFL officials and then telling reporters that he was ready to move on, Ward said he changed his mind after league executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson explained that Ward's legal block that broke Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers' jaw last Sunday may be illegal next year. "When he said that may not be a legal hit next year," Ward said in front of his locker when asked why he changed his mind. "It makes me think, 'Was that really an illegal hit I put on Rivers?' Then it was like, 'OK, you didn't tell me that in the meeting. "So then when you talk about the comment, you're really saying my hit was dirty. Those hits have been happening all year long, and it's funny how after my hit it may be an illegal hit next year." If that happens, Ward said, "You're not going to see any good knockout blocks." According to Ward, players could become less aggressive for fear of being penalized. " 'Hey, look at me,' " Ward joked. " 'Let me hit you.' " Ward, who was fined $15,000 for his actions in games against Baltimore and Jacksonville, told the radio station a "double standard" exists in how the league fines its players and the way it deals with officials who make wrong calls. "I just wanted to state my side and move on," Ward said. "I'm not trying to challenge the NFL. There's nothing I can do or say to get my money back."

11 NFL's perspective baffles Ward - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 Steelers defensive captain James Farrior, who attended the meeting with Ward and other Steelers, also came away frustrated. "They cleared some things up for us, but we still felt a certain way about the rules and rule changes," Farrior said. "It's not going to change. We've just got to take a different approach, I guess." Ward has been miffed all season with officials. When his long touchdown reception in the opener against Houston was nullified because of offensive pass interference, Ward said he received a written apology from the league stating that officials made the wrong call and his touchdown should have counted. Ward became even more upset after he was fined for two plays even though he wasn't penalized either time. "That's kind of contradictory," he said. "They don't give me that reception back. All we get is a letter that we apologize the ref missed that call. Why are you taking money out of my pocket because the refs missed something on the field? "Give me an apology. Don't take $15,000 out of my pocket." John Harris can be reached at jharris@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

12 Townsend, others return to practice - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Townsend, others return to practice By John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Friday, October 24, 2008 WR Hines Ward (not injury related), CB Deshea Townsend (not injury related), RB Najeh Davenport (not injury related) and DE Brett Keisel (not injury related) all returned to practice Thursday. DE Aaron Smith (not injury related), T Marvel Smith (back) and LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring) did not practice. RB Willie Parker had limited participation yesterday. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin won't hesitate to push his younger players into prominent roles early in their careers. With McFadden sidelined because of a fractured forearm and Townsend recovering from a heel contusion, Tomlin mentioned William Gay immediately following Sunday's win at Cincinnati and again during his weekly news conference. "William Gay, of course, has to step up his performance," Tomlin said. "We've got a great deal of confidence in him." Tomlin mentioned Gay among a group of second-year players that includes linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons and tight end Matt Spaeth. "He's in that second-year player group that we've placed a lot of pressure on to make the jump," Tomlin said of Gay, a backup who also contributes on special teams. Mewelde Moore last week became the first Steelers running back other than Parker and Jerome Bettis to have more than 100 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns in a regular-season game since Bam Morrs finished with 101 yards rushing and three touchdowns against Cincinnati in Digits Red-zone touchdowns scored by the Steelers in John Harris can be reached at jharris@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

13 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 2 Print Page FRIDAY OCTOBER 24, 2008 :: Last modified: Friday, October 24, :44 AM EDT Beaver's Ingram has Giants' run game motoring By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff Jerald Ingram has coached against the Steelers many times before, so he knows what to expect Sunday. Hey, I grew up following the Steelers, said Ingram, the former Beaver High School star who s now in his fifth season coaching the Giants running backs. And if you ask me, things haven t changed. They re still the Steel Curtain. So we know we re in for a tough, physical game. Speaking in a rare phone interview Giants coach Tom Coughlin typically doesn t allow his assistants to speak to the out-of-town media during the season Ingram went on to say that the Steelers have the NFL s best group of linebackers. While that may be true the Steelers (5-1) may rank No. 1 in the NFL in total defense Ingram s Giants (5-1) rank No. 1 in running the ball. Behind an excellent offensive line, the backs average rushing yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry. It s a good group, Ingram said. I m blessed with some really good guys. They re fun to coach. The main man in the backfield is Brandon Jacobs, who, at 6-foot-4 and 264 pounds, is the NFL s largest starting running back. Other backs in the rotation are Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw. And for as much as he loves the running backs he coaches, Ingram is the first to acknowledge the play of the Giants O-line. They love when we run the football. And they love to protect the quarterback, Ingram said. When you look at those five guys up front, nothing really stands out. They re just a tough, hard-nosed bunch of guys who are very physical about the way they play the game. That match-up between the defending Super Bowl champs running game and the Steelers run defense, which ranks second in the NFL by allowing just 67.2 yards per game, is just one of the many storylines in the most intriguing game in the NFL this week. Of course, Ingram knows any game against the Steelers is tough. From when he served under Coughlin as Jacksonville s running backs coach, he plotted against the Steelers 15 times (the Jaguars won eight of those games). Since following Coughlin to New York in 2004, the Giants have played the Steelers once: The Steelers won at Giants Stadium, 33-30, in I m really looking forward to Sunday, Ingram said. I have a few friends and classmates of mine

14 .: Print Version :. Page 2 of 2 (from Beaver) who are going to the game. They re Steelers fans. They told me that they hope my running backs do well, but they want the Steelers to win. It should be a great game. We d like to think that our record speaks for itself, and I m sure the Steelers feel good about the way they re playing. We look forward to the challenge.

15 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 2 Print Page FRIDAY OCTOBER 24, 2008 :: Last modified: Friday, October 24, :44 AM EDT Steelers notes: Moore likely to start again By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff PITTSBURGH --- There s more bad news on the Steelers injury front: Willie Parker may not play Sunday against the New York Giants. Parker, who hasn t played since spraining his left knee in the Sept. 21 loss in Philadelphia, was very limited at what he did at practice Thursday. So it appears more and more that Mewelde More will make his third straight start at running back. After practice Thursday, Parker refused to speak to reporters. Parker, who s rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the past three seasons, was hoping to return for last Sunday s game in Cincinnati. But he aggravated his injury at practice on Monday, Oct. 13 and didn't practice the rest of the week. Parker did practice Wednesday, but apparently suffered a setback because he hardly practiced Thursday. POLAMALU WILL PLAY Despite suffering a concussion in Sunday s win over the Bengals, strong safety Troy Polamalu is expected to play against the Giants. He took part in practice for the second day in a row and isn t even listed on the Steelers injury report. Because he s now had seven confirmed concussions in his career _ two in high school, three at Southern Cal and two with the Steelers _ Polamalu will likely undergo further testing before he s given the official OK to play Sunday. But he s passed every test taken so far. I really can t talk about my injury. You have to ask Coach (Mike) Tomlin, Polamalu said. But I feel good. I think I m normal. We will continue to test him, Tomlin said. If he is given the green light by our medical staff, then he will play." BURRESS QUESTIONABLE The Steelers are preparing as if Plaxico Burress will play Sunday, but the star wide receiver missed his second straight day of practice with a neck/back strain. Burress, the Steelers' No. 1 pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, even spent a few hours Thursday at a New Jersey hospital.

16 .: Print Version :. Page 2 of 2 He is very sore, still stiff, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. The reason that all of the tests were made was because he continued to have this stiff neck and issues along those lines. So we wanted to rule everything out. There was nothing of the nature of any kind of vertebrae (damage) or anything like that. It is muscle. Coughlin hopes that Burress, who caught the game-winning touchdown in last season s Super Bowl, will return to practice today. ODDS AND ENDS * For the second straight day, Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith missed practice due to personal reasons. * Due to back spasms, left tackle Marvel Smith will miss his second straight game. After playing well against the Bengals, Max Starks will start again in place of Smith. * The Steelers are warning fans about counterfeit tickets for Sunday s game. We have received information that indicates we can expect some scalpers to be selling counterfeit tickets, team spokesperson Dave Lockett sad. It s hard to tell the difference between some counterfeit tickets and the real thing, so the only way to be sure is to buy tickets from authorized agents.

17 Police: Steelers' Holmes had pot during stop Page 1 of 1 Police: Steelers' Holmes had pot during stop PITTSBURGH (AP) _ Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes faces a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge after police said they smelled burning marijuana and found marijuana-filled cigars known as blunts in his car during a traffic stop. "He's going to be summoned," said police Sgt. R. Griffith, meaning Holmes was not arrested after the incident Thursday, but will instead receive notice of the charge in the mail. Holmes, a 24-year-old, third-year player, didn't have his license when police stopped him about 4 p.m. near Mellon Arena, the home of hockey's Pittsburgh Penguins. Police stopped Holmes driving a dark sport-utility vehicle with out-of-state license plates. Officers in the area had been alerted that a similar vehicle was believed to be carrying a large amount of drugs. Holmes' vehicle matched the general description but was not the one police were seeking, Griffith said. Police said Holmes acknowledged having marijuana when stopped and pointed out the blunts to officers. "We're aware of what happened and are still gathering information at this time and will not comment," Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett said Friday. Holmes and his agent could not immediately be reached. Holmes is second on the team behind Hines Ward with 22 catches for 360 yards and a touchdown. A first-round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2006, Holmes has 118 catches for 2,037 yards and 11 touchdowns, in his career with the Steelers. Holmes has had two other run-ins with the law since the Steelers drafted him. In June 2006, he was charged with domestic violence in Columbus, Ohio. Those charges were dropped when the mother of one of his three children declined to help prosecute the case and prosecutors were assured that Holmes received anger management and domestic violence counseling through the NFL. In May 2006, Holmes was arrested for disorderly conduct by police in Miami, who also later dropped the charges. Holmes is from Belle Glade, Fla. The charge Holmes faces in Pittsburgh, possession of a small amount of marijuana, is punishable by up to a year in jail but probation or a fine is more likely in all but the most serious cases Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

18 Starks set for action Page 1 of 2 Starks set for action By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer dlolley@observer-reporter.com PITTSBURGH - When the Steelers placed the transition tag on offensive tackle Max Starks during the offseason, many wondered if the team had lost its collective mind. Why guarantee a backup nearly $6.9 million in salary for 2008? As it turns out, the organization might have been justified in protecting itself from Starks signing elsewhere as a free agent. With starting left tackle Marvel Smith missing games with a back injury for the second season in a row, Starks is stepping in to fill that position. He was part of an offensive line that did not allow quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to be sacked last Sunday at Cincinnati for the first time this season. "They told me I have to be ready this week," Starks said as he and the Steelers (5-1) prepare to play the New York Giants (5-1) at Heinz Field Sunday. "I'm just going to go at it on a week-to-week basis and do whatever they ask of me." Starks started five of the final seven games last season - including the Steelers' playoff loss to Jacksonville - at left tackle after Smith went down with a different back injury than his current ailment. Smith had surgery in the offseason to remove part of a disc in his lower back that was pressing on a nerve and causing him to have numbness and lose strength in his leg. He began having similar problems with numbness in his foot a couple of weeks ago and missed the Cincinnati game. Smith has had two injections in an attempt to alleviate the problem. "I'm just following what the doctors are telling us in how he feels," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "I'm not... viewing it as long term. We're just living day-to-day with it." The injury to Smith could be troublesome this week against a Giants defense that has 21 sacks. The Steelers have given up 19 sacks, but only six in the last three games. "They really get after it," said Starks. "They are a penetrating defensive front. They don't really care about gap responsibility. They don't care about checkdowns to the backs. They just want to apply pressure and force quarterbacks into bad decisions. They have a very exotic blitz package - like Philadelphia - so they want to bring one more guy than we can account for. It's going to be a tough challenge for us." The Philadelphia game was the low point for the Steelers as the Eagles had nine sacks in their 15-6 victory. Starks, the Steelers' starting right tackle in 2005 and 2006 before losing the job to Willie Colon, was on the sidelines in Philadelphia and admitted it was difficult to watch.

19 Starks set for action Page 2 of 2 "It is a tough thing, but you do have faith in your coaches and all five guys out there are my brothers, so I try to critique and help as much as I can and give them my two cents worth. Not being directly in front of it, I have a broader perspective," Starks said. Both Starks and Smith are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents after the season, meaning the Steelers could be in the market for a new left tackle. The 30-year-old Smith's recurring back problems could make him unattractive to sign to a long-term contract extension, with Starks being one of the more highly sought free agents. "I'm not even thinking about next year because I want a Super Bowl this year," Starks said. "That's been my priority. Whatever shape or form I can help my team compete and be successful, I'm looking to do that." Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

20 The Herald Standard - Sports - - Steelers offensive line coming along, getting... Page 1 of 2 Steelers offensive line coming along, getting along By Jim Wexell, For the Herald-Standard PITTSBURGH - With about 10 minutes to go before the start of practice, the Steelers headed to their locker stalls and began putting on their jerseys. Willie Colon said something and four men, all in a line, laughed - heartily. Whatever he said didn't matter to onlookers. What mattered was that the laughter continued and the faces warmed amid each other's company. The four men - Colon, Chris Kemoeatu, Darnell Stapleton and Max Starks - were bonding. Only one of the new starting offensive linemen was missing from the scene, but Justin Hartwig moved right into the middle of them all in a moment or so. Advertisement "Who's in charge here?" someone asked. That someone was standing next to Colon, who stood next to Alan Faneca's old locker, which was next to Kendall Simmons' locker. Simmons is injured; Faneca long gone. "Are you in charge now?" that someone asked Colon. "Damn," he said, "I guess I am." After last Sunday's game, a game in which Ben Roethlisberger neither went down, nor went down hard, Colon told a couple of reporters that the media could "kiss it" when it comes to criticizing the offensive line. It was easy for Colon, the new leader of the Steelers' new offensive line, to get a little cocky after playing the Cincinnati Bengals. And it was even easier for him since the Steelers' offensive line had just played its second strong game in a row. But all cockiness goes out the window this Sunday when the Steelers face the best defensive line they've seen since their six quarters of horrendous play against the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens. Against the Eagles, the Steelers allowed nine sacks in their only loss this season. Against the Ravens, the Steelers allowed three sacks in the first half before Roethlisberger berated his unit at halftime. Since then, the line has allowed only three sacks in 10 quarters of football. Of course, the last time the O-line thought it was coming together was the week preceding the Eagles game. But even in that disastrous game in Philadelphia, the coaching staff and players insist the line graded out better against the Eagles than it had the previous week against the Cleveland Browns. "Poor communication" was the buzzword after the Eagles game, but Hartwig, the center who keys the communications, took offense. Sources now say Hartwig was correct, that it wasn't so much poor communication as it was the play of Simmons. Simmons, of course, was injured and replaced by Stapleton at halftime of the Ravens game. Stapleton held his own the rest of that game and then the following week when massive John Henderson occasioned his side. But this is the week the Steelers find out about Stapleton as he takes on Giants' underrated star Fred Robbins. Of course, the Giants acclaimed star is Justin Tuck, who some felt should've been named MVP of the last Super Bowl. Tuck is now the Giants' top pass-rusher since Michael Strahan retired and Osi Umenyiora was injured. Of the Giants' 21 sacks, 18 have come from the defensive line, with Robbins and Tuck leading the way with five apiece. They'll be lined up over Stapleton and Colon, respectively. "The key is for us to just all be on the same page," said Colon. "The one thing we learned in Philly is that we weren't, and when we aren't on the same page it's a chaotic frenzy for four quarters. We understood that and we realize we can't do that against this defense, because the thing about this defense is they'll make you pay in a real fast way. We just have to be on our game. If we're on our game, and everything's clicking, we'll be fine." The Steelers' young line and its young leader will get its second look at an NFC East team that relies mainly on its defensive line for pressure, but gets the chaos rolling with the help of blitzing linebackers. The difference this time is the Steelers will be at home. "That's a key element," Colon said. "We won't have to worry about a scream in the air to hear the call. But from the same standpoint, no matter where we're at, we have to execute. That's the key for us." It's the key for the entire team, whose overall progress will be gauged Sunday against the Giants' defensive line.

21 The Herald Standard - Sports - - Steelers offensive line coming along, getting... Page 2 of 2 The Herald Standard 2008

22 The Herald Standard - Sports - - Parker suffers another setback Page 1 of 2 Parker suffers another setback By Jim Wexell, For the Herald-Standard PITTSBURGH - It's back to the tub for Willie Parker, who missed most of Thursday's practice with a bothersome left knee that just won't heal. Parker thought he was coming back following the bye week, but he aggravated the MCL sprain last week when he stepped in a hole at practice. He missed Sunday's game in Cincinnati, which was the third straight absence for Parker. "I'm just frustrated," is all Parker would say after missing all but the early drills in Thursday's workout. Advertisement It's doubtful Parker will recover in time for Sunday's game against the New York Giants, so Mewelde Moore would receive his third consecutive starting assignment. Moore rushed for 219 yards on 37 carries in his two starts and also caught eight passes for 31 yards. Counterfeit tickets The Steelers and Heinz Field management are warning fans about counterfeit tickets. "We have received information that indicates we can expect some scalpers to be selling counterfeit tickets to Sunday's game," said Steelers spokesperson Dave Lockett. "It's hard to tell the difference between some counterfeit tickets and the real thing." Smith out again Aaron Smith missed his second consecutive practice for personal reasons. Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin swore Smith's teammates to secrecy, but some did allow that he and his family are fine. Brett Keisel returned from his absence for personal reasons, but sprinted off the field after practice and left the locker room before reporters arrived. Also missing Thursday's practice were LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring) and T Marvel Smith (back). CB Bryant McFadden is out with a broken forearm. For the Giants, Plaxico Burress (shoulder) missed his second practice of the week, but is expected to play. Starting outside linebacker Gerris Wilkinson (knee) also missed his second practice, while starting left tackle David Diehl (back) returned to practice, but in a limited capacity. Quotable * Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau on the advantages of pressure from both James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley: "Well, the last time I looked there haven't been very many completed passes when the quarterback's lying on the ground." * Linebacker Larry Foote on the extras involved when playing the defending champs: "Ticket requests. I mean so many people picked this game, my friends and family. But they're 5-1. They've got a good team. Ain't no doubt about it. Naturally we're a little more extra pumped for this game."

23 The Herald Standard - Sports - - Parker suffers another setback Page 2 of 2 The Herald Standard 2008

24 The Herald Standard - Sports - - Giants' Pierce ready to return for Steelers Page 1 of 2 Giants' Pierce ready to return for Steelers EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - Spending a game walking the sidelines with coach Tom Coughlin and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was more than enough for Antonio Pierce. Less than a week after being sidelined by a quad injury, the New York Giants' middle linebacker has practiced without restrictions the past two days and appears ready for Sunday's showdown with the Steelers in Pittsburgh. "Sitting next to Spags and Coughlin is not entertaining at all," Pierce said Thursday. "I don't know what is entertaining to those guys, but not entertaining enough to get me to sit next to them. To be able to practice and go out there and be with the guys again is always fun. Advertisement "When you are not out there, you kind of feel like you are not part of the team, so that is the toughest thing about when you are injured and you can't practice or play," said the eight-year veteran who leads the Giants (5-1) in tackles. Pierce will be a game-time decision Sunday, but admitted he's feeling much better. His status seems less iffy than receiver Plaxico Burress, who missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday with a sore shoulder and a stiff neck. Coughlin said that X-rays and an MRI on Thursday found no structural problems. "We will see how he does tomorrow," he said. Burress did not talk to reporters after practice. Pierce was much more accommodating. He said he woke up this past Sunday and felt that he would be able to play against the San Francisco 49ers at Giants Stadium. The coaches and the training staff vetoed the idea, leaving Pierce to act as another coach on the sidelines. "I am always coaching every Sunday," said Pierce, who acts like a traffic cop during games, adjusting the defensive calls before snaps, telling players where to go while seemingly talking to the opposing quarterback. When he wasn't following Coughlin and Spagnuolo on Sunday, Pierce was talking with Chase Blackburn, his replacement, and rookie Bryan Kehl, who was starting at weakside linebacker with Gerris Wilkinson injured. "In a lot of ways, I could probably hand him the game plan and let him call it," Spagnuolo said. "He is that good. I think all the other guys that play around him know that, so there is a lot of confidence and a lot of comfort." Pierce, who originally hurt his quad against Seattle on Oct. 5 and aggravated it the next week against Cleveland, is looking forward to Sunday's game between the division leaders in the NFC East and the AFC North. "I don't know what a big game is. A big game is the Super Bowl," Pierce said. "For us this is another game, we are playing the Steelers, we are excited, they are a 5-1 team, they are physical, they have a good defense, a great offense, so it is going to be a challenge. I think if anything it is going to be a challenge to us both physically and mentally so we are excited to be out there ready to play." Pierce said the Giants not only need to pressure Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but they have to go after his arms. Too many teams go after his legs and upper body and the big quarterback brushes them aside. "I think it is going to be one of those matches where you watch a great boxing match, where you have two fighters that are going to stand in the middle of the ring," Pierce said. "That is what we expect from them and I hope that is what we go in there expecting to do." The only thing that seemed to get Pierce upright was the suggestion that the Giants were finally playing a good team. The Super Bowl champions have beaten only one team with a better than.500 record this season. "This is a team that beat the St. Louis Rams, who beat the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, so to answer that question, we have faced every NFL team, we haven't played a Pop Warner team, we haven't played a junior college team," he said. "I mean Rutgers is very good, but we haven't even played Rutgers yet, so there is no such thing as a real team or a real game. We are facing NFL teams and those teams have been strong."

25 The Herald Standard - Sports - - Giants' Pierce ready to return for Steelers Page 2 of 2 Copyright 2008, Associated Press The Herald Standard 2008

26 Pittsburgh Steelers expecting same old Plaxico Burress when Giants visit Sunday - Giants... Page 1 of 3 Pittsburgh Steelers expecting same old Plaxico Burress when Giants visit Sunday Posted by bwentwor October 23, :27PM David Maxwell/Getty ImagesPlaxico Burress in his Steelers days PITTSBURGH -- In the work room, before the locker room opened at the training facility on the banks of the murky Monongahela River, two members of the local media were conducting a mock interview, and the guy playing a lazy-larynxed Giants receiver was nailing the impersonation. Downstairs, a few minutes later, when the Pittsburgh Steelers wandered in and sat on their stools Thursday, they were peppered with questions about that deep-throated former teammate. He will be returning to Heinz Field with a Super Bowl ring (really surprising) and a bloated bank account (kind of surprising) that has been nickled and dimed by dozens of team fines (not surprising at all). He also is on the team's injury list with a sore shoulder (feigned surprise). When some of the Steelers weren't talking about him into microphones or tape recorders, they were wondering among themselves: Is he going to play? Who spoke to him last? Who received the most recent text message? What did it say? And, after reading in the newspaper that he had refused to talk to the Pittsburgh media by phone, the Steelers concluded that he must be taking this game seriously -- certainly more seriously than any of coach Tom Coughlin's attempts at behavioral modification. Plaxico Burress, the frustrating first-round pick kicked to the curb by the Steelers in 2005 after five seasons of tantalizing promise and unkept promises, is visiting this weekend, and bemusement abounds. Ring and riches aside, the Steelers say, he's the same old Plaxico. "A lot has changed since he left, but a lot hasn't changed, too," wide receiver Hines Ward said. "Plax is still Plax." Here's what has changed: Burress has caught the winning touchdown pass in a Super Bowl. He plays in the NFC. Freed from Steelers' tradition, he plays in a pass-first offense with a quarterback who is locked onto him like a sniper peering through a scope. Here's what hasn't changed: Burress is still tall. He still makes plays. And he still would rather write a check than be on time. Oh, and he still has a few friends in the Steelers' locker room. "There's a misunderstanding about what kind of guy he is," cornerback Ike Taylor said. "If you don't know him, he's misunderstood. You've got to get to know him. But he's not going to let a lot of people in his huddle."

27 Pittsburgh Steelers expecting same old Plaxico Burress when Giants visit Sunday - Giants... Page 2 of 3 Taylor is probably Burress' closest friend on the team -- they talk and text several times a month -- and Taylor is the defender most likely to shadow the Giants' biggest threat on Sunday. He promises to start yapping at his pal on the first snap, and he won't stop until the final gun. And then, after the game, he'll probably call Burress and yap some more. "I always talk," Taylor said. "Every game, I talk. Regardless of who I'm playing against, I talk. I haven't played a game without talking. That's just what I do. It doesn't matter that it's Plax. But I'm pretty sure he's going to talk, too." Taylor will have plenty of material. After all, he has been saving up since the schedule was announced. He insists he hasn't used any of his one-liners because "we haven't talked about this game. We don't really talk about football." So, all those fines? They're fair game. And the day-care snag that led to Buress' one-game suspension? That might come up, too -- good-naturedly, of course. Whenever Burress makes the news 360 miles away, Ward shakes his head and laughs to himself. Years ago, he tried to mentor Young Plaxico. The kid listened politely. He thinks. "I was the older guy, and he was the young superstar," Ward said. "He was full of potential. But he wasn't the kind of guy who would ask for help. He wasn't standoffish, he just didn't ask questions. I didn't want to overcoach him. I just wanted to point him in the right direction." And how did that work out? "When he was here, we had issues, but we kept most of it in-house," Ward said. "I didn't know how severe it was up there until I read about it. "But they signed him to a long extension (that increased his deal to five years and $35 million), so they must have thought he was worth the money and the gamble. When you sign a guy like that, it comes along with him. You can try to wash out the bad, and take all the good... but you can't." Besides, what's the big deal, Ward asks. Burress has delivered a Super Bowl title. He has 35 touchdown catches, regular season and postseason, in 58 games with the Giants. And top players have been given long leashes since Paul Hornung climbed out his first hotel window after curfew. "In this league, you're judged by what you do on the field," Ward said. In the next breath he worried that Burress "could go crazy against us." And if he does, and if the Giants win, who will care about the shenanigans? Who will care about the suspension? Nobody, Ward said. "So, why should he change?" Ward said. "That's what's gotten him here. So he has to be true to himself. It's his right." Plax, in other words, has to be Plax. Categories: Breaking News, Newspaper article Comments BobNjAtlB says...

28 Pittsburgh Steelers expecting same old Plaxico Burress when Giants visit Sunday - Giants... Page 3 of 3 Kevin, Amen to that! If he produces on the field, who the hell cares. Anyone interested in "good character" guys should stay as far away as possible from the National Felony League. Go to a PGA tour event and cheer on Phil Mickleson. Just don't yell to loud. Those good character guys over there don't like when you do that. Let's go Plax! You need to teach the fans of Pittsburgh a serious lesson on Sunday! Lt Columbus Posted on 10/24/08 at 7:28AM Footer

29 Page 1 of 2 GIANTS MUST KEEP STEELER LBS OFF ELI By MIKE PUMA October 24, When in doubt, blitz. Above all else, that credo has served the Steelers well in recent years. But seldom has it all come together like in the first six games of this season for defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's crew. The hornet's nest awaiting the Giants on Sunday, better known as Heinz Field, has been constructed to this point in the season on the league's No. 1 defense. PHOTOS: Catching Up MORE: Complete Giants Coverage The Steelers are allowing an average of 228 total yards, but the scariest number might be the league-leading 25 sacks they have amassed while racing to a 5-1 start. The ringleaders are linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley with 8½ and 7½ sacks, respectively. "The key to that defense is their linebacking crew," Giants offensive tackle David Diehl said yesterday. "Those guys are diverse. They can do a lot of stuff. You look at third down, they are blitzing almost 70 percent of the time." LeBeau, in his fifth season calling the signals on defense after an earlier stint as the team's defensive coordinator in the mid-1990s, long has been a proponent of the blitz, and this season is witnessing some of Pittsburgh's best results. That included last week's demolition of the Bengals in which Cincinnati quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was sacked seven times. Against both the Texans in Week 1 and Ravens in Week 4, the Steelers had five sacks. The only team to keep Pittsburgh to fewer than three in a game was the Browns. The Steelers had only two sacks in a 10-6 victory in Week 2. "The [Pittsburgh] players obviously know the scheme extremely well. They have versatility," Tom Coughlin said. "It's something they've done for a long time. They've built on their experiences, and their players play it well." It's a defense that could be without safety Troy Polamalu as he deals with the effects of a seventh concussion, but Coughlin is expecting to see Polamalu based on the fact he's been practicing with the Steelers this week. If the Steelers weren't ranked second in the league against the run - they are first against the pass - the Giants' task might not seem as daunting.

30 Page 2 of 2 Running back Reuben Droughns, who spent time in the AFC North with the Browns, said it's more difficult trying to run against the Steelers than it is to pass. "I've spent two years running and playing against these guys, and they're not the easiest guys to run against," Droughns said. "They have two outstanding outside linebackers in [Harrison and Woodley.] They are two great talents. We've got to try and contain those two, because they're a big, big part of that defense." Diehl, who practiced on a limited basis yesterday as he deals with a sore back (he expects to play on Sunday) said the key for the Giants' offense will be to forget about setbacks and capitalize on opportunities. "Football is a game of chess, almost," he said. "Sometimes they're going to do things in their blitzes that are going to get you. But if you learn from it, you move forward and pick it up the next time, it can mean big plays for your offense." mpuma@nypost.com PLAY POST PICK 'EM NFL MATCHUPS, TREND STATS EXPANDED BETTOR'S GUIDE Home NEW YORK POST is a registered trademark of NYP Holdings, Inc. NYPOST.COM, NYPOSTONLINE.COM, and NEWYORKPOST.COM are trademarks of NYP Holdings, Inc. Copyright 2008 NYP Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

31 ESPN.com - Giants are motivated to get back to Super Bowl Page 1 of 3 ESPN.com: NFL [Print without images] Thursday, October 23, 2008 Giants are motivated to get back to Super Bowl By Matt Mosley ESPN.com A perception exists that the NFC has overtaken the AFC as the more powerful conference in the league. A Super Bowl win by the New York Giants may have signaled the shift, and a seasonending injury to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady made it more of a reality. Defensive tackle Fred Robbins, who already has five sacks, has helped the Giants make up for the losses of Michael Strahan (retirement) and Osi Umenyiora (injury). On Sunday, the NFC will send its best team to Pittsburgh for what should be an excellent measuringstick game. It also could be a Super Bowl preview. In the interest of brevity, here are five reasons the Giants will finish their season in Tampa: 1. The Tom Coughlin factor: Some teams run from adversity, but the Giants embrace it and use it as motivation. When Michael Strahan retired and Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora went down with a season-ending knee injury, we downgraded the Giants to "questionable" as a playoff team. But Giants coach Tom Coughlin reached into his bag of motivational T-shirts and came up with another winner: "Team First. Team Last. Team Always." As hokey as that sounds, his players eat it up. They admired Coughlin for suspending wide receiver Plaxico Burress for a game after he didn't show up for practice a couple of weeks ago. Even when the Giants were blown out in Cleveland, Coughlin didn't overreact. This team oozes character, and it starts with its coach. 2. Nothing can shake Eli now: Winning a Super Bowl gives a quarterback instant credibility, but Eli Manning hasn't rested on his laurels. He took the time to get married, but he spent a lot of the offseason figuring out areas in which he could improve. Manning knew that people would suggest that the magical four-game playoff run was a fluke, so he said it for them. Moments after the Super Bowl, he already was questioning why it took the Giants so long to play their best football. Contrary to popular belief,

32 ESPN.com - Giants are motivated to get back to Super Bowl Page 2 of 3 Manning always has been steady late in games. You just blow it off when he has a poor game as he did against the Browns. He has completed 61.8 percent of his passes and has an 8-to-4 touchdown-tointerception ratio. Can you name another quarterback in the NFC who you'd rather have playing in a huge game? 3. Who needs Strahan and Umenyiora? It's hard to understand why we were so quick to doubt this team. Because Umenyiora and Strahan received most of the attention, it was easy to overlook the other defensive linemen. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has the luxury of being able to generate pressure with his front four. And former general manager Ernie Accorsi and his replacement, Jerry Reese, have assembled a talented group of no-names. Defensive end Justin Tuck had 10 sacks last season and easily could've been the Super Bowl MVP if not for Manning's heroics. He has emerged as a team leader. After the loss to the Browns, he immediately told reporters that it might not have been a bad thing. He came back and had two sacks and two forced fumbles against the San Francisco 49ers. But 31-year-old defensive tackle Fred Robbins has stepped up his game the most. The 317-pounder got in the best shape of his career in the offseason and keeps his weight down by constantly running on the treadmill. He already reached a career high in sacks twice and should achieve another career high any game now. So far this season, Robbins has five sacks, a half-sack less than his career high. With Strahan and Umenyiora out, Robbins had doubled his efforts with conditioning, and he's making a strong case for a Pro Bowl bid. "If you ask me," Tuck recently said, "Fred Robbins is our best lineman. I really believe that." By the way, Ben Roethlisberger was sacked more than any quarterback except Jon Kitna last season. Tuck & Co. will have plenty of opportunities Sunday. 4. Stacking victories: The Giants have done what a team has to do. They've won games against inferior opponents -- with one notable exception. They beat the Washington Redskins before the Jim Zorn magic materialized. But they'll play five of their next seven games against NFC East opponents. This team has been remarkable on the road for the past couple of seasons, but now it's winning at home. The Giants also should catch the Cowboys without Tony Romo on Nov. 2. There's a good chance the Giants will be 7-1 at the midway point of the season. They had to win three games on the road to advance to the Super Bowl. At the Giants' current pace, they could take off the first weekend, then host a divisional game. It also helps that the Eagles and Cowboys are trying to salvage seasons. Right now, the Giants and Redskins are the elite teams in the NFC East. 5. The Giants have the most underrated offensive line in the league and an excellent running game: There's something to be said for continuity, and the Giants rarely have an offensive lineman miss a game. The Giants lead the league in rushing, averaging yards a game. Playing in cold-weather locales in the Northeast makes it paramount to run the ball. Brandon Jacobs has run for 516 yards and six touchdowns, but the most important number might be his 16 attempts a game. For a punishing back like Jacobs, it's important to monitor his carries. Backup Derrick Ward has averaged almost eight carries a game, and he has been remarkably productive with 7.2 yards per carry. And the talented Ahmad Bradshaw is waiting in the wings in case there's an injury. Manning has been sacked only six times this season, a pretty solid number for a guy who throws the ball 31 times per game. Matt Mosley covers the NFL for ESPN.com. ESPN.com: Help PR Media Kit Sales Media Kit Report a Bug Contact Us News Archive Site Map ESPN Shop Jobs at ESPN Supplier Information 2008 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information/Your California Privacy Rights are

33 ESPN.com - Giants are motivated to get back to Super Bowl Page 3 of 3 applicable to you. All rights reserved.

34 ESPN.com - Big Ben-led Steelers won't be stopped in weakened AFC Page 1 of 3 ESPN.com: NFL [Print without images] Thursday, October 23, 2008 Big Ben-led Steelers won't be stopped in weakened AFC By James Walker ESPN.com PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers are rolling to a 5-1 start. And the end game will be in Tampa. The perennial best-kept secret in the AFC is once again stepping to the forefront as the most balanced and complete Mewelde Moore (219 rushing yards in the last two games) has filled in nicely for the injured Willie Parker. team in the conference, as once-favored clubs like the New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts continue to underachieve. If the New York Giants (5-1) repeat as NFC champs, you're staring at a Super Bowl preview this weekend. The Steelers (5-1) will be waiting for the Giants in February, and here are five reasons why: 1. Depth separates the good teams from the great teams: Through seven weeks, this has been the story of the Steelers' 2008 season. Much of the grind in the NFL is overcoming injuries, and Pittsburgh happens to be great at something that usually destroys teams. The Steelers have lost starting tailback Willie Parker (knee), nose tackle Casey Hampton (knee), defensive end Brett Keisel (calf), guard Kendall Simmons (Achilles tendon), left tackle Marvel Smith (back) and rookie No. 1 draft pick Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) for extended periods of time. Simmons and Mendenhall are both out for the year. But lesser-known backups such as Mewelde Moore, Max Starks, Nick Eason and Chris Hoke are among the list of players who have stepped up and helped Pittsburgh win games. The experience will help in the long run when players such as Hampton, Parker and Smith return to full strength. "We have to attribute that to upstairs with [GM] Kevin Colbert and the Rooneys,'' Hoke said of the team's depth. "It's also the coaches who are developing these guys. They're not only preparing just stars

35 ESPN.com - Big Ben-led Steelers won't be stopped in weakened AFC Page 2 of 3 for the game; they're preparing everybody for Sunday." 2. The Steelers have the NFL's best defense: Defense collects jewelry, and statistically the Steelers are the NFL's best at stopping opponents. The Steelers allow the fewest yards per game (228.3) and the fewest yards allowed per play (3.7). Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau runs a masterful scheme that's built around pummeling and confusing the quarterback. The Giants get a lot of credit for sacking signal-callers, but the Steelers lead the NFL with 25 sacks. New York, which won the Super Bowl last season with the same philosophy, is second with 21 sacks. Pittsburgh's blitz packages are relentless. The Steelers are extremely strong on the edges with outside linebackers James Harrison (8.5 sacks) and LaMarr Woodley (7.5 sacks). In fact, eight different Steelers have contributed sacks this season. "We believe we can get to anybody. We bring a whole [different] attitude to the game,'' Woodley said. 3. Competition is waaaaaay down in the AFC: Right now the Buffalo Bills (5-1) and Tennessee Titans (6-0) are Pittsburgh's main threats in a wide-open AFC. But let's be honest, neither Buffalo nor Tennessee is close to the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts or even the San Diego Chargers of the past few seasons. Those were the type of high-powered teams the Steelers struggled with in recent years. Plodding, defense-oriented teams like the Bills and Titans are right down Pittsburgh's alley. New England quarterback Tom Brady has always been a thorn in the side of Pittsburgh. He helped lead the Patriots to two road playoff wins in the conference title game over the Steelers during the Patriots' three championship runs. But Brady (knee) is sidelined for the year. Indianapolis (3-3) and San Diego (3-4) are having down years and neither team owns a winning record. While the AFC got weaker overall this year, Pittsburgh got better. With its top-ranked defense, depth and consistent running game, this is the best Steelers team since 2005, which happened to be the last time they won a Super Bowl. 4. Roethlisberger is the great equalizer: When you compare teams that can both run the football and play shut-down defense, you begin looking for X factors. Ben Roethlisberger Quarterback Pittsburgh Steelers

36 ESPN.com - Big Ben-led Steelers won't be stopped in weakened AFC Page 3 of 3 Profile 2008 Season Stats Att CompYds TD Int Rat With Brady hurt and Peyton Manning struggling, the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger is the biggest difference-maker at quarterback in the AFC. In a one-game scenario between the elite teams in the conference, who would you rather have under center: Roethlisberger, Kerry Collins (Titans) or Trent Edwards (Bills)? Roethlisberger has a ring and is playoff tested. Edwards is not, and Collins is 36 years old and very limited. Collins and Edwards have a much higher likelihood of being exposed and exploited in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Roethlisberger is 5-2 in seven career postseason games. "He's definitely the main part of it all," Moore said. "When Ben is on point and doing everything, he gives us all the opportunity to step in[to] our roles and do what's asked of us. It's very possible for us to achieve all the things we're trying to achieve with him, and that most important thing is winning football games.'' 5. Pittsburgh will be battle-tested: The Steelers entered the year with the NFL's toughest strength of schedule -- with last year's opponent win percentage at and still stand at 5-1. After persevering through injuries, a tough stretch awaits with the next four games against the Giants, Washington Redskins, Colts and Chargers. Pittsburgh will be ready for the winter months at the end of this stretch. There is also a certain confidence, chemistry and attitude in the Steelers' locker room that cannot be quantified. These are all the components of a championship team. Therefore, expect a Black-and-Gold invasion in Tampa. James Walker covers the NFL for ESPN.com ESPN.com: Help PR Media Kit Sales Media Kit Report a Bug Contact Us News Archive Site Map ESPN Shop Jobs at ESPN Supplier Information 2008 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information/Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. All rights reserved.

37 ESPN.com - NFL eyes Suggs' 'bounty' comments about Steelers Page 1 of 2 ESPN.com: NFL [Print without images] Thursday, October 23, 2008 Updated: October 24, 3:22 AM ET NFL eyes Suggs' 'bounty' comments about Steelers ESPN.com news services Terrell Suggs' suggestion that the Baltimore Ravens had a "bounty" on Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward and running back Rashard Mendenhall has gotten the attention of the NFL. During the "2 Live Stews" syndicated radio show on Oct. 17, when he was asked, "Did you all put a bounty out on that young man [Mendenhall]," Suggs replied, "Definitely. The bounty was out on him and the bounty was out on [Ward] -- we just didn't get him between the whistles." Also during the interview, Suggs called Ward "a dirty player" and "a cheap-shot artist.... We got something in store for him." Ward, who appeared on "PTI" on Thursday, said the bounty talk is "a big honor." "I am really not going to comment," Ward continued. "But all I have to say to Mr. Suggs is there's a policy in the NFL [against bounties] he should read." Ray Anderson, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, said the league is looking into the comments. "That 'bounty' notion is completely against the rules," Anderson told ESPN.com. "To the extent that someone is engaged in that activity, we will look into it and address it. Yes, we've seen the comments and we're trying to determine the completeness of the circumstances." Mendenhall sustained a season-ending shoulder injury during the game on a hit by Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. Wednesday, Suggs clarified his comments, explaining that the Ravens were merely planning to keep a close eye on Ward, according to The Baltimore Sun. "There wasn't any bounty," Suggs said, according to the newspaper. "He [the talk show host] asked me if there was a bounty and I just said I'm going to keep a watch on the guy. He [Ward] broke some guy's jaw last week, and he tried to cheap-shot JJ [Jarret Johnson]. He has also cheap-shotted Ed Reed. We're just going to be on alert the next time we play him." Suggs also on Wednesday clarified comments supporting second-year quarterback Troy Smith as the Ravens' starter rather than rookie Joe Flacco, who currently has the job, according to the Sun. During his appearance on "2 Live Stews," Suggs said, "Right now, I think [Flacco is] all right.... But like I said, in the end, Troy should be the starter [because he's] the better man for the job." Wednesday, Suggs denied saying Smith should start.

38 ESPN.com - NFL eyes Suggs' 'bounty' comments about Steelers Page 2 of 2 "That's not what I said," Suggs explained, according to the Sun. "When he asked me, I said there should be multiple packages. I think both should get a chance to play." Suggs also said that Flacco and Smith have different strengths -- and that the Ravens should use both to their advantage. "I think it would better if we had both of them playing," Suggs said, according to the report. "Then again, I ain't no damn offensive coordinator." ESPN.com NFL writer James Walker contributed to this report. ESPN.com: Help PR Media Kit Sales Media Kit Report a Bug Contact Us News Archive Site Map ESPN Shop Jobs at ESPN Supplier Information 2008 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information/Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. All rights reserved.

39 Burress Visits Hospital for Tests - NYTimes.com Page 1 of 2 October 24, 2008 Tests at Hospital Find Burress Has No Broken Bones By JOE LAPOINTE EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. Plaxico Burress played many games last season without practicing because of an injured ankle. So on Thursday, his second consecutive absence was not necessarily cause for alarm. But Burress was not even at Giants Stadium for part of the day. Instead, he was tested at a hospital for a sore shoulder. Burress has no broken bones, Coach Tom Coughlin said, but his availability for Sunday s game in Pittsburgh is not certain. He is still very sore, still stiff, Coughlin said. When asked whether Burress would practice Friday, Coughlin said, We ll see. Did Burress, who was injured Sunday against the 49ers, have X-rays or a magnetic resonance imaging exam? All the tests, Coughlin said. Coughlin said that Burress sustained a muscle injury, that it was nothing bone; no vertebra, nothing like that. Burress also received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for arguing a pass interference call. After that, Burress and Coughlin exchanged sharp words at the Giants bench. Later, Burress threw a ball into the stands after catching a touchdown pass. Burress appeared briefly in the locker room after practice Thursday but did not speak with reporters. He walked with a normal gait. Earlier this week, Coughlin said Burress had a stiff neck and shoulder. Burress missed the Giants game Oct. 5 after being suspended for missing a team meeting. In that game, against Seattle, eight Giants caught passes and Eli Manning completed 19 of 25 passes for 267 yards and 2 touchdowns. On Monday, Manning denied that he was trying too hard against the 49ers to find Burress, who caught three passes but sometimes looked out of sync with his quarterback. I don t think I was forcing anything, Manning said. Burress has 25 receptions, 3 for touchdowns. Steve Smith, who leads the team with 26 receptions but has not scored, was asked Thursday about how the team might cope without Burress. We ve had to approach games without him before, Smith said. You never know. It s just better to have him out there. Burress is considered the top deep threat for the Giants. Adding intrigue is that Sunday s game will be the first Burress has played against his former team, the Steelers. He signed with the Giants as a free agent in

40 Burress Visits Hospital for Tests - NYTimes.com Page 2 of Burress discussed that Monday. I wouldn t say it is going to be emotional, he said. They didn t want my services anymore and I came out here and I m doing pretty good. Burress leads the Giants with 341 receiving yards. Hours before the opening game of the regular season, Burress agreed to a five-year, $35 million contract, with $11 million guaranteed. But he has not always appeared content. In a conference call with Pittsburgh reporters this week, Coughlin was asked whether Burress was a challenge to coach. On occasion, there are issues, he said, but I am not going down that road. When Coughlin was asked if he worried that a precedent had been set by a player s openly disrespecting him, he replied, What is the next question? EXTRA POINTS Left offensive tackle David Diehl returned to practice Thursday after missing a day with back pain. Diehl left early, but he said he would play Sunday. He has not missed a game in his six seasons. He called his early exit Thursday precaution, just to let me rest.... Linebacker Antonio Pierce, who missed last week s game with a quadriceps injury, was asked whether he was 100 percent. I feel better, he said. He practiced. Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company Privacy Policy Search Corrections RSS First Look Help Contact Us Work for Us Site Map

41 Endangered zebras: NFL in crackdown on criticism of refs - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 Powered by Endangered zebras: NFL in crackdown on criticism of refs By Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY Advertisement For the fourth time in two weeks, the NFL is considering fining a player for lashing out at the quality of work by the men in stripes. New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress could get docked Friday after an incident during Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers that resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty stemming from Burress' displeasure with a flag for offensive pass interference. Last week, commissioner Roger Goodell fined Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher and St. Louis Rams guard Richie Incognito for similar expressions, while Denver Broncos cornerback Dre' Bly was tagged for postgame comments. There's concern in the league office that warnings about the consequences of disrespecting officials Goodell sent a memo to clubs this month reiterating the league's position hasn't hit home. THE HUDDLE: Pats slam ESPN for Brady report WEEK 8 PICKS: Our analysts' projections "Some guys apparently have not heeded the message," Ray Anderson, the league's executive vice president/football operations, said Thursday. "We're hopeful that this topic will calm down... But we're going to make people accountable." Burress said the flag he drew from back judge Terrence Miles "was one of the worst calls I've ever seen. I never touched the guy." Disagreeing with a call is one thing that can hit the wallet. The league has always been sensitive to public criticism of its officials especially from within. But the NFL, which prefers that calls are protested in written complaints that are reviewed during the week, has become more vigilant in cracking down on verbal abuse of officials during games. Anderson said that while most officials have thick skin, players and coaches have crossed the line with profanity or other vulgar expressions. "There's no place in the game for that," Anderson said. One coach, the San Diego Chargers' Norv Turner, wasn't fined this season for criticizing officiating after referee Ed Hochuli's blown call on an apparent fumble by Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler in the final minute of a Week 2 game likely cost the Chargers a victory. Anderson wondered whether that controversial case the league admitted the error has played into more recent criticisms of officiating. But he said the issue became more prominent late last season, when several Baltimore Ravens players were fined for criticizing and/or verbally abusing officials during a controversial loss to the New England Patriots. "We were pretty vocal about it last year," Anderson said. "We have to maintain the integrity and respect of the game."

42 Endangered zebras: NFL in crackdown on criticism of refs - USATODAY.com Page 2 of 2 Find this article at: Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

43 Browns GM strikes back, defends Winslow suspension - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 Powered by Browns GM strikes back, defends Winslow suspension BEREA, Ohio (AP) Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage emotionally defended his decision to suspend tight end Kellen Winslow, who claims the club tried to cover up his staph infection and has appealed his one-game ban without pay. Advertisement Savage suspended Winslow for his disparaging comments and behavior following Sunday's loss in Washington. Winslow, who agreed to keep his medical condition private, revealed he had staph and said the Browns, who have had a high number of staph cases in recent years, still have a problem with infections. Insisting "this is not K2 vs. Phil Savage," the GM depicted Winslow as selfish and outlined the team's reasons for suspending one of its stars. "The Browns are bigger than one person, bigger than (owner) Randy Lerner, bigger than (coach) Romeo Crennel, bigger than me and bigger than any player on this team," Savage said during his weekly appearance on WTAM radio. "We couldn't and won't allow one person to tear down the organization, so we had to do something." Winslow appealed his suspension on Wednesday. His case will be heard by an arbitrator on Tuesday in Cleveland. Per the NFL collective bargaining agreement, the arbitrator must issue a decision within five days of the hearing and the ruling is final. If he wins his appeal, Winslow, who will serve his suspension Sunday when the Browns play at Jacksonville, could recoup the $235,294 his one-game paycheck he was docked with the suspension. In his first public comments since imposing Winslow's suspension, an animated Savage expressed his disappointment at the Pro Bowler's assertion the team hid his illness. He was also offended by Winslow's charge that Savage didn't check on him while he spent three days at the Cleveland Clinic. Savage countered Winslow's claims by recounting the team's support after the player was seriously injured in a near-fatal motorcycle accident in "The comments really called into question the integrity of our medical staff and the organization as a whole," Savage said. "To compromise that trust after the Browns had stood by Kellen through the motorcycle episode and knowing without question that we have done everything in our power to combat the staph infection problem it showed a lack of professional restraint." Moments before Winslow criticized the Browns, he and Savage spoke in a hallway outside Cleveland's locker room at FedEx Field. Savage said the meeting was not heated as had been reported, and that he and Winslow shook hands before parting ways. When Winslow revealed he had staph, breaking an agreement with the Browns not to disclose his illness, Winslow said he was speaking out to protect his teammates' health. At least six Browns have contracted staph since The club maintains it has been proactive in keeping the training facility clean, and on Wednesday, several Browns, including three captains, said the team has educated them on the risks of staph and preventive measures to avoid being infected.

44 Browns GM strikes back, defends Winslow suspension - USATODAY.com Page 2 of 2 Savage suggested Winslow's condition was not isolated to staph. Winslow was hospitalized on Oct. 9 and released three days later. He missed the Browns' upset of the New York Giants on Oct. 13 before returning for last week's game against the Redskins despite practicing once. Medical privacy laws preclude teams from disclosing a player's illness without permission, and while Winslow was sidelined, the Browns said they were abiding by his wishes to conceal his condition. "From a legal standpoint, HIPAA laws and such, we can't even reveal the nature of someone's illness without their approval of it, and due to the nature of this particular situation, it seemed that the people involved wouldn't want it out there," Savage said. "Our hands are tied in certain situations on these medical things, and it was all agreed upon that we will keep this under wraps; it's a non-football illness, it occurred during the bye week and we've got a game to play." Winslow's high-profile agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has been shockingly quiet during the ordeal. Rosenhaus has not returned a phone call or e- mail from the AP seeking comment on his client's situation. Rosenhaus made his own radio appearance in Miami, and said he does not agree with the Browns' decision to suspend Winslow. "In general, I believe suspending a player should be conduct very detrimental, very serious, something where there's been a pattern where a player has not followed notice and warnings, things of that nature," Rosenhaus said. "We'll see what the outcome is." Crennel denied an NFL Network report that Savage tried to trade Winslow last week before the deadline. "There have been some inquiries and that happens all the time with players," Crennel said. "A team might call and say, 'Hey, what about so and so? Are you guys interested in doing anything?' That might have happened, I'm not going to say that it did or didn't, but we were not actively trying to trade him." Earlier this week, Winslow expressed in a statement his desire to stay with the Browns "for a very long time" and was confident he and the team can move forward together. Savage hopes Winslow keeps his word. "If he is willing to do the things that he said publicly that he is willing to do, we'll gladly accept him back," Savage said. "Kellen Winslow is a talented player that can help us win. I feel like once this passes, it's over with and we're going to move on. We've got to do what's best for the team, and the people on the team have to do what's best for the team and not necessarily what's best for themselves." Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Find this article at: Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

45 Ocho Cinco will keep 'Johnson' on jersey til '09 season - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 Powered by Ocho Cinco will keep 'Johnson' on jersey til '09 season CINCINNATI (AP) Chad Ocho Cinco will keep his dual identity for the rest of the season. Advertisement The Cincinnati Bengals receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson said Thursday he'll wear his old name on the back of his uniform for the rest of the season. It would have cost him a lot of money to make the switch for this year. "We've just left it alone," he said, in an interview. "I'll just wait and do it next year." WEEK 8 PICKS: Our analysts' projections The Pro Bowl receiver legally changed his name to Ocho Cinco last August, shortly before the start of the season. Reebok, which produces NFL jerseys for sale to fans, had a large inventory of jerseys with his old name ready for sale. The league respected the receiver's name change, but said he couldn't wear "Ocho Cinco" on the back of his jersey until he compensated Reebok for the old jerseys that would now be a tough sell. Teammate Keith Rivers had to pay about $10,000 to change his number before the start of the season. The rookie linebacker wore No. 55 at Southern California, but got No. 58 when he joined the Bengals. No. 55 became available when linebacker Ahmad Brooks was released after the last preseason game. It would have cost Ocho Cinco far more, given the popularity of his jersey. His No. 85 and quarterback Carson Palmer's No. 9 are the ones most often seen around Cincinnati. The receiver declined to say exactly how much the switch would have cost him. Ocho Cinco said he can get his new name on the back of jersey next season without having to compensate Reebok, which will be aware of the switch when it comes time to make more jerseys for sale to the public. The receiver's new name, of course, is a reference to his uniform number it means "eight five" in Spanish. When the NFL celebrated Hispanic Heritage month in 2006, he wore it on the back of his uniform for pregame warmups, but had to remove it before the kickoff because of NFL rules; it wasn't his real name. He legally changed his name in his home state of Florida last August. The Bengals changed his name above his locker and on official statistics and notes before the season opener at Baltimore. The league was going to comply, but said the receiver had to first take care of the inventory of jerseys. Until then, he wears "Johnson" on his jersey and is referred to that way in the league's statistics. "Stupid politics," the receiver said. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Find this article at: