Chargers could give jolt to Steelers' depleted secondary

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1 Chargers could give jolt to Steelers' depleted secondary Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Chargers could give jolt to Steelers' depleted secondary Thursday, November 13, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Given time, William Gay might think of a few offenses he'd rather face in his first NFL start at cornerback Sunday. The Detroit Lions, for one. The Oakland Raiders, for sure. The way things have gone lately, perhaps the Steelers' offense. Instead, Gay draws the San Diego Chargers, the sixth-best passing offense in the league, run by Philip Rivers, the secondhighest-rated passer in the league. At least Gay has played in the secondary the past two seasons, some of it as the nickel back. Fernando Bryant, signed Tuesday, likely will play in the nickel Sunday and against the Chargers with just three practices with the Steelers to get ready. "I don't know what they're doing defensively," safety Ryan Clark said of the 4-5 Chargers, "but offensively they're impressive. They're a very, very talented team. They're moving the ball and scoring points." Because Deshea Townsend and Bryant McFadden, two of the team's top three cornerbacks, are out with injuries, the Steelers not only must dig deep into their cornerback reserve but also into the NFL's, where they found Fernando Bryant. He's 31 and has been out of work since the New England Patriots cut him in training camp. "We can't really sit out there and baby-sit or coddle the new guys," Clark said, "or say we're going to make you play different from Deshea or different from Bryant. You have to do the same things." Fernando Bryant is a smart, veteran player who should have no trouble picking up the defense. The reason he's out of work is he has trouble picking up the ball on passes. He has good speed, instincts, intelligence and he can cover, but he loses track of the ball. That is why he never fulfilled his promise as a first-round draft pick of Jacksonville in 1999, and why he has only seven interceptions in 110 career starts with Jacksonville and Detroit. "It can be tough, but I'll say this organization is trying to make it simple just for the things they're asking me to do," Bryant said of joining a team at midseason. "The players have really stepped up and tried to help me learn the system quickly." Those players won't be able to help them cover some of San Diego's giant receivers. Bryant and Gay are listed as 5 feet 10. Two of San Diego's top four wide receivers are 6-5, Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd. And tight end Antonio Gates, who leads them with 38 receptions, is 6-4. "That's one thing about this league, sometimes having a backup job is the best job in the world until you have to play," Clark said. "That's where we are right now and I think guys are going to step up and do their jobs." The pass defense has been a wonder to behold this season, at least until Peyton Manning picked on it a little. Before a Manning pass clanged off cornerback Ike Taylor's hands and into those of Reggie Wayne for a 65-yard touchdown, the Steelers had not allowed a pass longer than 35 yards and only two longer than 30. That they lead the NFL with 34 sacks no doubt has helped keep the long pass completions to a minimum, and they might need to crank it up Sunday against Rivers with the new guys in their secondary. "Absolutely," defensive end Brett Keisel said. "I think our secondary is playing real well, but I think a little bit toward the end of Sunday's game we didn't get to Peyton as much as we should have. So yeah, we need to get after Philip." It won't hurt that LaMarr Woodley and his 9.5 sacks are expected to return at left outside linebacker after he missed the Indianapolis game with a calf injury. Rivers has been able to go deep often this season, and his 8.72 yards per attempt is the highest in the NFL. "The standards don't change," Gay said of the new cornerbacks in the secondary. "Regardless who's in there, the standards stay the same. It's up to that person to keep the standards high."

2 Chargers could give jolt to Steelers' depleted secondary Page 2 of 2 Big Ben will play Ben Roethlisberger goes through practice yesterday and is expected to start Sunday vs. San Diego. Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com. First published on November 13, 2008 at 12:00 am Retro Steelers t-shirts 80sTees has retro Steeler t-shirts. Soft, comfortable, and vintage! Steelers Tickets Buy Steelers Tickets at StubHub. Where Fans Buy & Sell Tickets.

3 Steelers Notebook: Roethlisberger practices, expected to start Sunday Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Steelers Notebook: Roethlisberger practices, expected to start Sunday Thursday, November 13, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Ben Roethlisberger went through a full practice yesterday and should start at quarterback Sunday for the Steelers against San Diego. Roethlisberger even cut loose with a couple of deep passes, one traveling nearly 50 yards in the air, as he showed no signs of the sore right shoulder that has bothered him from the start of the season. Coach Mike Tomlin implied Tuesday that if Roethlisberger did not practice more often this week than last -- when he practiced only Friday -- he might not start against the Chargers. "I'm practicing today and every day unless something happens to me," Roethlisberger said. "It always helps when you're out there doing stuff and guys can hear your voice and see the ball come out of your hand. I think it'll help out a lot." Roethlisberger did not think missing practice affected his timing with his receivers that much, though. "It's not like we have any new guys out there. When you're out there throwing to the receivers that I have and am used to throwing with, we don't lose too much of it, but it will be nice out there practicing with them." A takeaway Three days later, Roethlisberger's game against the Colts got worse. NFL statisticians took away one of his pass completions, changing it to a lateral to Hines Ward for a 4-yard rush. That reduced Ward to eight receptions for 112 yards and Roethlisberger to 29 of 41 for 280. His passer rating dipped also, from 60.0, to It's the third consecutive game Roethlisberger's rating has been under 60, the first time that has happened since he began the 2006 season after missing the opener following his appendectomy with three under 60. Small adjustment Safety Ryan Clark wore a harness to protect his dislocated shoulder in last Sunday's game, and he talked about how Willie Parker will have to adjust to wearing one this week. Asked how his shoulder felt a week later, Clark said "It's still attached. Unlike my spleen and gall bladder, I still have one." Clark's spleen and gall bladder were removed last year after he had a bad blood reaction to the high altitude in Denver. Clark has sickle cell trait. A better second half Parker hopes the next seven games of the regular season are better than the first nine. He got off to a fast start with two 100- yard games but his knee was sprained in the next one, and, after missing four games, he returned to play only to be knocked out again with a torn labrum. He practiced yesterday and should play Sunday. "The first half of the season, I don't want to talk about it," said Parker, who has 333 yards rushing. "The second half of the season I hope will be a lot better." The Steelers' running attack stands just 24th in the NFL ranking today. "I take pride where we stand in the running game, so we definitely have to get it back to where it was last year, the year before that and the year before that."

4 Steelers Notebook: Roethlisberger practices, expected to start Sunday Page 2 of 2 Quick hits Linebacker LaMarr Woodley (calf) and offensive tackle Marvel Smith (back) did not practice yesterday. Woodley likely will go today but Smith, who has missed the past four games, remains in question.... Ward, who leads the Steelers with 561 yards on 43 receptions, is near pace for his first 1,000-yard season since A 100-yard game Sunday would give him two in a row for only the second time in his career. He had three in a row in Mewelde Moore's 22 receptions are one fewer than Parker had all last season when he led their running backs.... Food and cash will be collected before Sunday's game to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Fans can drop off nonperishable food and grocery items or make cash donations to Food Bank volunteers who will be stationed at the Heinz Field gates. First published on November 13, 2008 at 12:00 am Steelers Tickets Pittsburgh Steelers Buy Steelers Tickets at StubHub. Where Fans Madden NFL 09 available now on PSP. Visit Buy & Sell Tickets. the official site & buy now!

5 Postseason is far from certain Page 1 of 2 Gene Collier Postseason is far from certain Thursday, November 13, 2008 By Gene Collier, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette For a football team that effectively confronts a must-win situation every time it gets into uniform -- and that includes August for some of its neurotic fan base -- Sunday's Steelers appointment with the San Diego Chargers might appear no more urgent than any other, and yet it could end up making a liar of Peyton Manning. Maybe you missed the Manning Proclamation in the gloaming last Sunday, maybe because it was delivered with no warning, no fanfare and no audible reaction. Mounting the interview platform in a blue suit and brown tie 20 minutes after his three scoring tosses lifted the Indianapolis Colts to a victory at Heinz Field, Peyton had no compunction about going deep rhetorically: "Pittsburgh," he said, "is definitely going to be playing in the postseason." Definitely. Ex-squeeze me? Definitely? Somehow, the NFL standings keep getting published this week without any of those little tiny letters next to the top shelf of the AFC North. You know, like the little x -- clinched playoffs, or y -- clinched division title, or z -- clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Not even a little p -- definitely in postseason according to Peyton Manning. On the off chance then that the Steelers' schedule for the other side of December could still look as empty as nuclear winter, let's at least temporarily cast the Chargers as the fulcrum of this 2008 season. Lose to the Chargers, and the road to January swerves onto the shoulder of the bridge to nowhere. "You can't say that," Hines Ward said after practice yesterday even though I'd just said it, or something like it. "You don't know what other teams are going to do. The year we won the Super Bowl we had to pull out the last four games and we did that. Losing a game to the Indianapolis Colts didn't make us a sorry team overnight. But still, the next two, three weeks, they're crucial." While the Baltimore Ravens prepare to celebrate their status as AFC North co-leaders by presenting their credentials to the Giants and then the Eagles, the Steelers must examine a perfect opportunity to retake a two-game lead with the help of the Chargers and Bengals. But unlike the Bengals, the Chargers are competent, which makes the next one week more crucial than the next two or three. San Diego's 4-5 record might not be misleading, unless you think it means something that they lost by one point, lost by two, lost by five and lost by seven. On top of that, they've got plenty to play for. "The bright spot is that we're still in the race for our division," Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said via conference call yesterday. "We're right there one game back [of Denver] and that's very encouraging considering how we started." Rivers has delivered 300-yard performances in three of San Diego's past four games, and unless the Steelers' ravaged secondary (Fernando Bryant?) manages to bring his temperature down Sunday, the stretch of schedule that begins after the Bengals leave will take on the aura of impossibility. Right after Thanksgiving, the Steelers encounter the Patriots, Cowboys, Ravens and the unbeaten Tennessee Titans, all but the Cowboys on the road. So you don't have to look it up, those teams are currently a combined Lose Sunday to the Chargers, and you could wake up 7-8 on The Night before Christmas, which could suck plenty of the enchantment from defensive coordinator Dick Le-Beau's annual locker room rendering of the Clement Clarke Moore poem by the same name. "It's early," Ben Roethlisberger said in his regularly brief Wednesday media feeding. "It's the second half of the season [but]

6 Postseason is far from certain Page 2 of 2 we still have a lot of football to play. We're not 3-6, we're 6-3. There's no reason to panic and there's no room for it. We'll let the fans deal with that, let them do the panicking for us. We're going to keep a level head." Keeping a level head isn't this club's issue; it's that Ben is keeping a balky shoulder. It wasn't insignificant that the starting quarterback actually practiced yesterday, as he often doesn't feel up to it until late in the week. "It always helps when you're out there doing stuff and guys can hear your voice and see the ball come out of your hand," Ben said. "I think it'll help a lot." To whatever extent that's true, the Steelers would figure to see a rebound toward the heady days when Roethlisberger led the NFL in passer rating (mid-september), when he was spoken of in some zip codes as the game's best passer, at least with Tom Brady in rehab. Today, his passer rating is notches below Brady's backup, Matt Cassel, below Tyler Thigpen, below Dan Orlovsky. If you know who either of those guys plays for, I'd be interested, if not terribly so. "Ben's always responded well in this situation," Ward said. "He took the blame for the Indianapolis game, but he didn't have to. We win and lose as a team. You get a lot of praise and publicity when you're the quarterback and you get a lot of blame too, more than you should a lot of times. We just have to help him respond, by staying on blocks longer, running better routes. Everybody will help him." So what Hines is saying is don't panic. As Ben says, it's early. But as Yogi Berra once said, approximately, in some places, it gets late early. Gene Collier can be reached at gcollier@post-gazette.com or More articles by this author First published on November 13, 2008 at 12:00 am Buy Chargers Gear Find San Diego Gear at the Official Store of the NFL - NFLshop.com! Pre-Owned Ford F-150 Search Certified Pre-Owned inventory. Find your Ford F-150.

7 Gerry Dulac's NFL Forecast Page 1 of 1 Gerry Dulac's NFL Forecast Thursday night special SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Thursday, November 13, 2008 New York Jets (6-3) at New England Patriots (6-3) 8:15 p.m., Gillette Stadium The Jets have won three in a row and have been a surprising bunch, rising to the top of the AFC East. Even more surprising is that the Patriots have managed to stay there without Tom Brady. Prediction: Patriots, First published on November 13, 2008 at 12:15 am Tom Brady for Steston Meet the New Steston Man Today! See Videos, Get Photos and More. Downtown Luxury Condo Modern Design -Turnkey Opportunity Gateway Towers-Riverside Views FSBO

8 Big Ben stays positive - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Roethlisberger maintains positive outlook By John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Thursday, November 13, 2008 Ben Roethlisberger prefers to look at the bright side of the Steelers' recent offensive slide. "We're 6-3 and we have not played good on offense at all," Roethlisberger said Wednesday. "It's disappointing as an offense to know we haven't played up to our potential, or even close to it. But it's reassuring that we're still 6-3, we still have the second half of the season to go. If we turn it on at the right time, we feel that we can be pretty dangerous." Roethlisberger, still feeling the effects of a slightly separated throwing shoulder, practiced yesterday and said he expects to practice all week in preparation for Sunday's game against San Diego at Heinz Field. Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Roethlisberger, who practiced only one day last week before facing the Indianapolis Colts, needs more practice time this week because the Colts' defense is more vanilla than San Diego's. "I'm going to practice (yesterday) and every day, unless something happens to me," Roethlisberger said. "I didn't feel any pain from the game. I had another week to get healed. "It always helps when you're out there doing stuff, and guys can hear your voice and see the ball come out of your hand. I think it'll help a lot." San Diego recently changed defensive coordinators, replacing Ted Cottrell with linebackers coach Ron Rivera. As a member of the Chicago Bears, Rivera interviewed for the Steelers coaching vacancy that went to Tomlin. Roethlisberger said Rivera presents a new set a challenges for the Steelers. "It's kind of hard because you don't know if we should prepare for the old team (under Cottrell) or should we watch the Kansas City game last week (a San Diego win)," Roethlisberger said. "We've got to put extra preparation in, extra studying, because we're not quite sure what we're going to get." At the same time, Roethlisberger said his familiarity with the offense and his teammates will make the week of preparation easier. "It's not like we have any new guys out there," Roethlisberger said. "When you're out there throwing to the receivers I have and I'm used to throwing with,

9 Big Ben stays positive - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 we don't lose too much. But it will be nice to be out there practicing." 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

10 Roethlisberger denies injury - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Roethlisberger denies injury By John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Thursday, November 13, 2008 Ben Roethlisberger insists there is nothing wrong with his throwing arm. To prove it, Roethlisberger unleashed some long throws during Wednesday's practice. Roethlisberger said the reason he wasn't able to go deep very often against the Indianapolis Colts is because the big play wasn't available. "The reason we were checking the ball down a lot is because it was a Cover-2 defense. They were dropping everybody deep. The underneath stuff was wide open," Roethlisberger said. "A lot of why we threw the ball and where we threw the ball was determined by them." The Steelers' first offensive play against the Colts was officially changed from a 4-yard pass from Roethlisberger to Hines Ward to a 4-yard Ward run. Roethlisberger's final numbers are now 29-of-41 for 280 yards. Ward finished with eight receptions for 112 yards and one run for 4 yards. The Steelers were credited with 59 net yards rushing. The San Diego Chargers are coming to town on Sunday, which means the Steelers top-ranked defense will be on the lookout for running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson has 46 career 100-yard games, including two this season. The Steelers have not allowed a 100-yard rusher this season and have allowed only three 100-yard rushers in the past 75 games (postseason included). Running back Willie Parker returned to practice after missing the Colts game and not practicing last week because of a shoulder injury. Wide receiver Ward (not injury related), offensive tackle Marvel Smith (back), outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley (calf), cornerbacks Bryant McFadden (arm) and Deshea Townsend (hamstring) and tight end Heath Miller (ankle) did not practice yesterday. McFadden and Townsend are out for Sunday's game against the visiting Chargers. Miller is all but out for the 4:15 p.m. game as well. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin had said that Smith will have to show he is ready to participate fully in practice before he can return to action. Tomlin said he expects Woodley to return to practice today. Ward is usually given Wednesday practices off because of his veteran status. Digits 0 Number of regular-season Steelers losses in 12 home games against San Diego. 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

11 LT worried about inconsistency - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 3 LT worried about inconsistency By The Associated Press Thursday, November 13, 2008 SAN DIEGO -- LaDainian Tomlinson is worried, which is never a good sign for the San Diego Chargers. A day after the Chargers barely held off the last-place Kansas City Chiefs, the star running back expressed concern about the team's inconsistent season and the lack of a productive running game, hinting there are issues the team is attempting to work through. Tomlinson was held to 78 yards on 22 carries in San Diego's win over the Chiefs and failed to score a rushing touchdown for the fifth straight game. Although he was slowed for much of the season's first half by a sore big toe, Tomlinson went into the KC game saying he was the healthiest he's been all season. For the fifth consecutive game, he failed to score a rushing touchdown. Tomlinson, the two-time defending NFL rushing champion who's also the most brutally honest member of the Chargers' organization, clearly is dissatisfied with the running game. Asked at his regular Monday news conference why the Chargers can't run better, Tomlinson said: "That's tough to handle. I honestly believe certain things, when you start to discuss things like this, stay in house, that we discuss them among each other. There's reasons, but I'm not willing to talk about it to the media. That's something that has to be dealt with internally within the organization -- players, coaches, you know, that has to be dealt with between us." Tomlinson averaged 3.5 yards per carry against the Chiefs, who not only missing several starters, but were allowing 5.4 yards per carry coming in. While San Diego's passing game is flourishing behind Philip Rivers, its running game is ranked 25th in the NFL with only 96.1 yards per game. The Chargers are 22nd with a per-carry average of 3.9 yards. Up next is Sunday's game at Heinz Field against the Steelers, which has the NFL's stingiest defense, allowing only yards per game, including just 69.2 rushing yards. Tomlinson downplayed the loss to free agency of his backup, Michael Turner, and fullback Lorenzo Neal. Turner is Atlanta's featured back and is third in the

12 LT worried about inconsistency - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 3 NFL with 890 yards. "That's not the problem," said Tomlinson, who's tied for 10th with 629 yards. "To me, there's certain times in the game you have to understand the momentum of when a team is kind of down and when you need to beat up on them and run the football a little bit versus maybe when you throw over the top of them. So, that's always something that needs to be felt with the coaches, and sometimes, I don't know, things don't get done in that fashion just because of the way the game may play out or it has played out most parts of the season." Tomlinson is two years removed from his NFL MVP season, during which he set league records with 31 total touchdowns, 28 rushing TDs and won his first rushing title with 1,815 yards. "I guess I'm really concerned about it because football to me is simple," he said. "I think in order to really be successful and to do what you want to do, you have to be able to run the football. That's the way it's always been. Football is a running game. Not to say that you can't pass the ball, but you have to be successful in running the football. "I'm always concerned with that. Of course, I'm a little biased because being a running back and loving to run the football, you know, but, I mean, the proof is in the pudding, is the old saying." Said coach Norv Turner: "I think we all want to run the ball better." The line doesn't seem to be the dominant force it once was. "We're trying to give them every opportunity to be that physical force," Turner said. "Teams are doing everything they can to keep us from being able to do that. That's why you're getting the extra guys up in there. People have made a concerted effort in saying, 'We're not going to let L.T., we're not going to let this offensive line control the game.' " Added left tackle Marcus McNeill: "We definitely could be running the ball better. We definitely want to run the ball better." The Chargers (4-5) remain a game behind the Denver Broncos in the anemic AFC West. "We've been so up and down this season. Obviously, that can drain you mentally," Tomlinson said. "We're just trying to find ways to continue to get better at this time of the year with this now starting to come down to the wire. We need wins." The Chargers were booed often in falling behind, 13-6, at halftime. They didn't clinch the win until strong safety Clinton Hart jumped to bat down Tyler Thigpen's 2-point conversion pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez with 23 seconds

13 LT worried about inconsistency - Tribune-Review Page 3 of 3 left. "I think what happened, the first half, guys were a little mellow; there was a little chill around the locker room. And when we went back in, we realized that hey, 'Look, we can actually lose this game if we don't get it together,' " Hart said. The Associated Press can be reached at or. Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

14 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 2 Print Page THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2008 :: Last modified: Thursday, November 13, :12 AM EST Steelers notes: Roethlisberger talks about practice By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff PITTSBURGH Practice. Practice. Practice. That s Ben Roethlisberger s schedule this week. I m practicing today and every day unless something happens to me, he said Wednesday when he handled all quarterback snaps with the Steelers first-team offense. That s encouraging news for the Steelers (6-3) as they prepare for Sunday s game against the San Diego Chargers (4-5). In recent weeks, Roethlisberger s has struggled with a sore shoulder he originally suffered in the Sept. 7 season opener. According to coach Mike Tomlin, missing several important practices due to the injury has also contributed to Roethlisberger s inconsistencies. It got to the point that Tomlin said Tuesday that if Roethlisberger wouldn t be able to practice much this week, the chances of Byron Leftwich playing against the Chargers would improve. But based on how well Roethlisberger looked Wednesday, there s no reason to believe he won t start again Sunday against the Chargers. I actually don t feel any pain from the game, so it's good, said Roethlisberger, who didn t absorb very many hits in Sunday s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. That's always the goal, to get out of the game without any injuries. Last week, Roethlisberger admitted that he played sub-par football in the first half of the season. He promised to play better, starting with the Colts game. He did complete 29 of 41 passes for 280 yards, but he also threw three interceptions. In the last three games, he s thrown eight picks and just one touchdown pass. It always helps when you re out there doing stuff and guys can hear your voice and see the ball come out of your hand, Roethlisberger said Wednesday. It will help a lot. MARVEL STILL OUT On Tuesday at his press conference, Tomlin hinted that left tackle Marvel Smith may be ready to resume practice after missing the past four games with back spasms. But on Wednesday, Smith wasn t able to go. If Smith doesn t practice today, that will assure Max Starks of starting his fifth straight game. Also missing practice were tight end Heath Miller (ankle), cornerback Deshea Townsend (hamstring), linebacker LaMarr Woodley (calf) and wide receiver Hines Ward (not injury related).

15 .: Print Version :. Page 2 of 2 Miller and Townsend will not play against the Chargers. Cornerback Bryant McFadden, who suffered a broken arm in the Oct. 19 win in Cincinnati, continues to mend. He may be ready for the Nov. 20 game against the Bengals. MUNDY RETURNS Rookie safety Ryan Mundy has a new lease on life. He s been signed to the Steelers practice squad. Mundy, a graduate of Woodland Hills High School, was one of the Steelers two sixth-round picks in this year s draft. But after missing a huge chunk of training camp due to a high ankle sprain, he was cut on Aug. 30. To make room for Mundy, the Steelers cut safety Grant Mason from the practice squad. STAT CHANGE Upon further review, there s been a minor statistical change from Sunday s Colts/Steelers game. On the first offensive snap of the game, Roethlisberger was credited with a 4-yard pass completion to wide receiver Hines Ward. But after reviewing videotape, it s been determined that Roethlisberger s throw to Ward was actually a lateral. So the official box score lines for Roethlisberger and Ward have been adjusted. Instead of catching nine passes for 116 yards, Ward is credited with eight catches for 112 yards and one rushing attempt for 4 yards. TACKLING HUNGER The Steelers are teaming up with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to tackle hunger. With Thanksgiving only two weeks away and many people in need, the Steelers are asking fans attending Sunday s game at Heinz Field to contribute to the Food Bank. Fans are encouraged to drop off nonperishable food items at designated areas around Heinz Field.

16 Stopping LT still a priority Page 1 of 2 Stopping LT still a priority By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer dlolley@observer-reporter.com PITTSBURGH - When playing the San Diego Chargers, the question used to be how to stop LaDainian Tomlinson. This season, however, it has been what's stopping Tomlinson? Though the two-time defending NFL rushing champion is on pace for his eighth-consecutive 1,000-yard season, Tomlinson has clearly not been the force for the Chargers he was in recent years. Through nine games, Tomlinson has just 629 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Both totals put him on pace for his worst season since he broke into the NFL in But when the Steelers (6-3) host the Chargers (4-5) Sunday at Heinz Field, stopping Tomlinson will still be first and foremost on Pittsburgh's agenda. "I think he's still the same running back, he just hasn't had the big plays," said Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith. "You watch him, and they're close to getting that on track and breaking the big one. They're very dangerous." The Steelers have shut down some of the league's best running backs, including Washington's Clinton Portis (51 yards), the New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (47), Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook (12) and Indianapolis' Joseph Addai (34). As good as those running backs are, they aren't considered to be in the same class as Tomlinson - at least they weren't before this year. "LaDainian Tomlinson is arguably the best in the world at what he does, not only running the ball, catching it, throwing it," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "He's capable of doing a lot of things. It's another great feature-runner challenge for our defense, and we've had some of late." Tomlinson has been dealing with a painful toe injury that has limited his ability to plant and cut. The Chargers also lost backup Michael Turner to free agency. As a result, San Diego's rushing attack - perhaps the most feared in the league the last few seasons - has dipped to 25th, averaging just 96.1 yards per game. The Steelers have had some success in slowing Tomlinson. In three career games against Pittsburgh, Tomlinson has gained 189 yards on 53 carries (3.6 per carry) - nearly a yard less than his career average. Included in that is a 36-yard effort that was Tomlinson's lowest output in Tomlinson gained more than 1,800 rushing yards and scored 31 touchdowns that season, but the game against the Steelers was one of four in which he failed to reach the end zone. "It think we've just been gap-sound and everybody has trusted (their teammates) and not tried to do too

17 Stopping LT still a priority Page 2 of 2 much," Smith said. "Sometimes, when you play good football players, guys try to compensate by doing too much. You've got to trust that your teammates will make the plays." Odds and end zones San Diego's offensive line is coached by a pair of Washington County natives. John Henry, who was born in Houston, and Hal Hunter Jr., who was born in Canonsburg, share the duties.... Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger went through an entire practice Wednesday. Roethlisberger did not practice Wednesday or Thursday last week.... Running back Willie Parker (shoulder) also practiced.... Missing practice were linebacker LaMarr Woodley (calf), cornerback Deshea Townsend (hamstring), wide receiver Hines Ward (coach's decision), cornerback Bryant McFadden (arm), offensive tackle Marvel Smith (back) and tight end Heath Miller (ankle).... Cornerback Fernando Bryant, signed Tuesday, will wear No. 31. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

18 The Herald Standard - Sports - - Roethlisberger taking more snaps despite sho... Page 1 of 2 Roethlisberger taking more snaps despite shoulder injury PITTSBURGH (AP) - Apparently, Ben Roethlisberger got the message that practice makes the player. One day after Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin hinted that he needed his quarterback to practice more despite his right shoulder injury, Roethlisberger took the snaps with the starters on Wednesday. He plans to do the same thing on Thursday. And Friday. "I'm practicing today, and every day, unless something happens to me," said Roethlisberger, who has one touchdown and eight interceptions in his last three games. Something happened to Roethlisberger in the Sept. 7 opener when Houston's Mario Williams planted him into the Heinz Field turf: His right shoulder was slightly separated. The injury has bothered him since, and several times led him to skip practice until the Friday before games. Tomlin suggested the reduced practice time might be affecting the timing between Roethlisberger and his receivers, even though the quarterback dismissed that notion before going onto the practice field. "We don't have a lot of new guys out there," Roethlisberger said. "When you're throwing with the receivers that I have, we don't lose too much of it. But it's nice to be out there throwing to them." Still, when Tomlin hinted that backup Byron Leftwich might start Sunday against the Chargers (4-5) if he practiced more this week, Roethlisberger apparently decided that throwing seven interceptions in his last two home games might be incentive enough to practice more. "I think it's important that you practice," Tomlin said. "The longer that goes on (missing practice), you start to see issues coming up with timing and cohesion. I think that's the spot we're at at this point." Advertisement The risk, of course, is that more practice time means a greater chance of being reinjured. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday in Pittsburgh. The Colts won Coach Mike Tomlin has him throwing more in practice this week despite his shoulder injury. Roethlisberger has thrown seven interceptions in the Steelers last two home games. Associated Press "It's always going to be week to week," Roethlisberger said. "As we saw in the Washington game (on Nov. 3), it can always come back at any point. If we can get to the point where I was going into that game, where I was actually able to sleep on my right side again and not take the hits, I'll be all right." Roethlisberger sat out the second half of that 23-6 victory, but returned to throw three interceptions - all in key situations - during a loss to the Colts on Sunday in which the Steelers squandered a 10-point lead. They also gave away their AFC North lead to Baltimore (6-3), but Roethlisberger said it's not as if they ruined their season. "We're 6-3, not 3-6," he said. "There's no reason to panic and no room for it. We'll let the fans do that for us. We're going to keep a level head and go out and play football." Roethlisberger, speaking for the first time since the Colts game, said the number of swing passes and short throws he made resulted from the defense, not an inability to throw deep because of his shoulder. "The reason we were checking down a lot was because it was a cover-2 defense and they were dropping everybody deep and the stuff underneath was open," he said. "That's why Mo (Mewelde Moore) had a lot of catches and Matt Spaeth had a lot of catches. A lot of why we threw the ball where we threw the ball was because of them."

19 The Herald Standard - Sports - - Roethlisberger taking more snaps despite sho... Page 2 of 2 A lot of why Roethlisberger threw the ball on Wednesday - and he threw several deep balls - no doubt was because of his coach. Roethlisberger already has thrown as many interceptions (11) as he did last season. "I actually don't feel any pain from the game, so it's good," Roethlisberger said. "I had another week to kind of get healthy and healed. That's always the goal, to get out of the game without any injuries." Also returning to practice was running back Willie Parker, who has missed five of the last six games with injuries. He sat out four in a row from Sept. 29-Oct. 26 due to a knee injury, then missed the Colts game with a dislocated shoulder. That injury may require offseason surgery and is forcing Parker to wear a protective harness. "It restricts me a little bit, but it's all right for the most part," he said. "The Washington game I was going out there protecting another injury and something else happened. So this game I'm just going out there and playing. I'm just ready to get back in there." Copyright Associated Press 2008 The Herald Standard 2008

20 Steelers D vs. L.T. November 12, :00 AM Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker PITTSBURGH -- Forget the numbers. When you ask players and coaches around the NFL to name the best allaround running back, LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers is usually the first name that comes to mind. So how will the NFL's best back hold up against the league's No. 1 defense? The answer to that question likely will determine Sunday's high-profile matchup between the Chargers (4-5) and Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3). Steel Curtain vs. Top RBs The Steelers No. 1-rated defense will try to contain Chargers' running back LaDainian Tomlinson Sunday. Here is how Pittsburgh has fared against top RBs this year: Player Team Date Att/Yds Result Jamal Lewis Browns 9/14 19/38 W 10-6 Brian Westbrook* Eagles 9/21 5/12 L 15-6 Brandon Jacobs Giants 10/26 18/47 L Clinton Portis Redskins 11/3 13/51 W 23-6 *Injured during game "LaDainian Tomlinson is arguably the best in the world at what he does," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "[He's good at] not only running it, but catching it, throwing it -- he's capable of doing a lot of things and has and will for that football team. It's another good featured-runner challenge for our defense, and we've had some of late." Pittsburgh has fared well against some of the top tailbacks in the NFL this year. The Steelers bottled up the NFL's second leading rusher, Clinton Portis of the Washington Redskins, Nov. 3 and held him to just 51 yards on 13 carries. Pittsburgh also slowed bruising New York Giants tailback Brandon Jacobs to just 47 yards on 18 carries Oct. 26. In fact, no player has rushed for more than 100 yards on the Steelers this season. But if anyone is capable of breaking that streak, it's Tomlinson. The Chargers' Pro Bowler seems to be gaining traction after a slow start, averaging 91.5 yards rushing the past two games. If Tomlinson is able to get similar numbers Sunday, it could spell trouble for the Steelers at home.

21 "We got to prepare ourselves and respect this process and respect what he's capable of," Tomlin said of Tomlinson. "I'm sure we will." AFC North, Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin, San Diego Chargers

22 ESPN.com - Roethlisberger gets the message, resumes midweek practice Page 1 of 1 ESPN.com: NFL [Print without images] Wednesday, November 12, 2008 Roethlisberger gets the message, resumes midweek practice By James Walker ESPN.com PITTSBURGH -- Steelers coach Mike Tomlin provided the hint, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger got the message. After missing significant practice time the past two weeks, Roethlisberger practiced with the Steelers (6-3) Wednesday despite his sprained right shoulder. Participating with the team Wednesday has Roethlisberger optimistic that he will play Sunday against the San Diego Chargers (4-5). "Oh yeah, I'm practicing," he said. "I'm going to practice today and every day, unless something happens. It always helps when you're actually out there doing stuff and guys can hear your voice and see the ball come out of your hands. So I think it will help a lot." Tomlin told the media Tuesday during his weekly news conference that the lack of practice time could be one of the reasons Roethlisberger is struggling. Roethlisberger has eight interceptions in his past three games, and his timing with receivers has looked off at times. Prior to the past two games, Roethlisberger rested his ailing shoulder during the week and returned to practice Friday, while backup quarterback Byron Leftwich got most of the first-team reps. James Walker covers the AFC North 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.

23 Thirtysomethings still producing at a high level - NFL - Yahoo! Sports Page 1 of 5 Thirtysomethings still producing at a high level By Sean Jensen, Special to Yahoo! Sports Nov 11, 7:43 pm EST against the 49ers on Nov. 10, (Harry How/Getty Images) Cardinals QB Kurt Warner helped lead a comeback victory They still got it. Veterans in their 30s born before the commercialization of ipods and cell phones are serving the NFL youth. Kurt Warner, 37, is the league s top-rated quarterback and completed 32 of 42 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns for the NFC-West leading Arizona Cardinals in a victory over the San Francisco 49ers Monday night. Linebacker Ray Lewis, 33, leads the Baltimore Ravens with 62 tackles and intercepted two passes in a blowout of the Houston Texans on Sunday. Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, 32, is tied for the league lead with five interceptions, including two that he returned for touchdowns. The NFL s three leaders in sacks (Joey Porter, John Abraham and James Harrison) are all in their 30s. New York Jets running back Thomas Jones, 30, is well on his way to his fourth consecutive 1,100-yard season and had 26 carries for 149 yards and three touchdowns in a 47-3 blowout of the St. Louis Rams Sunday. And three 30-something kickers (Jay Feeley, Phil Dawson and Ryan Longwell) booted field goals of at least 52 yards in Week 10. There s no ancient Chinese secret to what s going on, said Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, who, at 31, could make his first Pro Bowl because of his two touchdowns, two sacks and two interceptions this season. Young guys just go off their athletic ability. But when you re in your 30s, the game slows down because you ve seen it all. And when you have a chance to make a play, you have to make it, and most of us are. In recent years, NFL owners and general managers are also defying convention with their investments in 30-year-olds. In 2007, the Miami Dolphins signed Porter, just weeks from turning 30, to a five-year contract that included an astounding $20 million in guarantees. Last offseason, a pair of 30-something receivers (Randy Moss and Terrell Owens) got contracts that each averaged more than $8.5 million annually. Kicker John Kasay, 39, just penned a four-year, $9.2 million extension with the Carolina Panthers. Lewis is scheduled to be a free agent next offseason, but Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome has no qualms about trying to keep the former Super Bowl MVP. With his knowledge, and the way he prepares, and the way he keeps his body in shape, why can t he play for three or four more years? Newsome asked rhetorically last week. Here is a closer look at some 30-somethings still playing at an elite level: Kurt Warner, 37, Arizona Cardinals Credentials: Two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl XXXIV MVP, three-time Pro Bowl selection. This season: Leads the league in completion percentage (70.6), QB rating (106.4) and is second in yards (2,760) and touchdown passes (19). Secret to success: About two years ago, during the offseason, Warner returned to one of his passions: basketball.

24 Thirtysomethings still producing at a high level - NFL - Yahoo! Sports Page 2 of 5 I didn t do it for a long time, because of fear of injuries, Warner said. But I play three or four times a week. It helps my conditioning, and it helps my feet. Warner also does cardio before heading to the Cardinals headquarters, usually hopping on a stair climber at home for about a half hour around 5 a.m. The future: The easygoing Warner gets a bit defensive when asked about his struggles after leading the St. Louis Rams to Super Bowl XXXVI. It s not like I lost something for a few years and found it again, Warner said. It s just about opportunity. Maybe I didn t have the gaudy numbers, because people expect me throw for 30 touchdowns every year, but I think I still played good football. Now, he s playing great football again. With an improved defense and running offense, the Cardinals are atop the NFC West with a 6-3 record and a four-game cushion. Warner said he s having a blast this season, and he doesn t want to think about free agency next offseason. I feel, physically, that I can play at least two more years at this level, Warner said. But I haven t made a decision on how much longer I want to play. Ray Lewis, 33, Baltimore Ravens (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Credentials: Super Bowl XXXV MVP, Two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, nine-time Pro Bowl selection. This season: Still the unquestioned leader of the Ravens, one of the NFL s hottest teams, and still a force on the football field with 62 tackles, seven passes defensed and a sack. Secret to success: Lewis said he constantly pushes himself physically and mentally. The focus for me is always: How can I get better? It s never about staying the same or maintaining, said Lewis, who trains year round. That means more work, all the time. Lewis not only does extra film study at home, but he also pushes teammates to study with him. The future: Lewis is in the final year of his contract and, as Newsome indicated, the Ravens want to re-sign him. The defense is ranked second overall, and the offense appears to have finally addressed their hole at quarterback with rookie Joe Flacco. Tied atop the AFC North, the Ravens would have a hard time replacing Lewis in the lineup during the offseason. As for Lewis, who has never played for another team, he thinks what he learned from ageless veterans like Rod Woodson and Shannon Sharpe will empower him to continue to play at a high level. I saw what Woody and Shannon did to play so long, Lewis said. I will play as long as I want. I feel I could play three, four more years if it s in God s plan for me. Longtime Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan told the Associated Press two weeks ago that Lewis was flying around like he did 10 years ago, when I first got here. I can t ever see him getting old, Ryan later added. Walter Jones, 34, Seattle Seahawks

25 Thirtysomethings still producing at a high level - NFL - Yahoo! Sports Page 3 of 5 (US Presswire/Kirby Lee) Credentials: Eight-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time first-team All-Pro. This season: The Seahawks, sacked by injuries to key players like quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, are just 2-7. But Jones is still one of the standards at offensive tackle and appears well on his way to an eighth consecutive Pro Bowl season. Secret to success: About a year and a half ago, Jones focused on getting more rest and improving his eating habits. This season, with the help of the team, Jones fully committed himself to overhauling his diet. I wanted to make sure I was putting the right things in my body, Jones said. At this age, I can t eat anything I see. Jones also has a weekly routine, something he shared with former teammate Steve Hutchinson, now a five-time Pro Bowl guard for the Vikings. After games on Sunday, they typically run, lift and chill in the ice tub on Mondays. They take Tuesdays off then work out the remaining soreness on Wednesday. It s almost a goal to get back to feeling as close to normal by Thursday as you can, Hutchinson said. The future: Jones said his initial goal was to play in the NFL for 10 years, but he s more than halfway through his 12th. One of the league s highest paid offensive linemen (his deal in 2005 included $20 million in guarantees), Jones wants to fulfill his contract, which runs through the 2010 season. It s a situation where you have to see how your body feels, Jones said. But I didn t think I d be feeling this good now. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, 31, Cincinnati Bengals (US Presswire/Brent Hansbauer) Credentials: One-time Pro Bowl selection who s improved his totals for catches and receiving touchdowns each season since 2004 peaking with his 112 catches for 1,143 yards and 12 touchdowns in 07. This season: Third in the NFL with 61 catches, and he also has 577 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Secret to success: Houshmandzadeh struggled with minor injuries early in his NFL career. But he got a workout idea while watching Access Hollywood with his wife, Kaci. I saw something on yoga, Houshmandzadeh said, so I started doing yoga. Since then, he s only missed four games, and his career has taken off. The future: He will be 32 early next season, but Houshmandzadeh said he feels much younger since he barely played his first three NFL seasons. You can look at my age if you want, Houshmandzadeh said. But I ve never had surgery, and I take care of myself. I haven t smoked a cigar, cigarette or weed a day in my life. I m 31, but I feel cool. With Lee Evans and Roy Williams signing long-term deals earlier this season, Houshmandzadeh figures to be the top receiver available in free agency. Although the Bengals are 1-8, Houshmandzadeh said he isn t casting a gaze on the future. It s been tough, he said, but I m a part of this, along with everybody else.

26 Thirtysomethings still producing at a high level - NFL - Yahoo! Sports Page 4 of 5 Hopefully, we can work our way back to respectability. James Harrison, 30, Pittsburgh Steelers (Getty Images/Gregory Shamus) Credentials: Former undrafted player who, in his first season as a starter last year, was named the team MVP. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl and was second-team All-Pro This season: Tied for second in the NFL with 11 sacks, just one less than Porter. Second on the team with 63 tackles, but he also has forced three fumbles and defended two passes. Secret to success: Early in his career, Harrison succumbed to the benefits of playing in the NFL, hitting the night spots two or three nights a week. But three years ago, Harrison had an epiphany that compelled him to stop going out and drinking during the season. You realize this game isn t going to last forever, Harrison said. There was no need for me to go out and party until 1 or 2, and then go into work early in the morning. If my body isn t in top shape, then I can t do my job to the best of my ability. The future: A special teams ace and a dependable backup, Harrison got a chance to shine in the Steelers 3-4 defense last season after the departure of Porter to Miami. Harrison stepped up. He led the team in tackles (98), sacks (8½) and forced fumbles (six). Harrison has proven that last season wasn t a fluke, already racking up 11 sacks and forcing three fumbles. Harrison said he doesn t have much wear and tear because of his relative inexperience. The fact that I m 30 doesn t factor into anything, because I ve only had one year of starting, he said. Signed through next season, Harrison acknowledges his desire to get a big contract so you don t have to worry about anything. Besides, he said, he doesn t have to impress everybody. When it comes down it, a team is either going to pay you or not, he said. But there are 31 other teams out there, and all you have to do is get one to like you. Champ Bailey, 30, Denver Broncos (US Presswire/John Rieger) Credentials: Eight-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time All-Pro. This season: Bailey has missed the last two games with a groin injury, but he s expected to return to the lineup for this weekend s match up against his hometown team, the Atlanta Falcons. Coming off an injury, one of the league s premier

27 Thirtysomethings still producing at a high level - NFL - Yahoo! Sports Page 5 of 5 corners may actually have some balls thrown in his direction. Secret to success: Bailey doesn t pretend to have any magical answer. You got to have a little bit of luck, he said. I m not going to lie. In his previous nine seasons, Bailey missed a grand total of three games. Physically, I haven t had any major injuries, Bailey said. The future: Bailey respects players like Winfield and Charles Woodson, whom he considers the second best to me. Bailey said the lack of opportunities to make plays reinforces that he s still the stick by which all cornerbacks are measured. But Bailey said he doesn t get complacent. I always think I can do better, he said. Signed through the 2010 season, Bailey said he doesn t think about how long he can play. But he said teams recognize the importance of leadership and proven players. Sean Jensen covers the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

28 Smith says claiming RB Bennett provides talent, injury protection Page 1 of 3 Smith says claiming RB Bennett provides talent, injury protection By Kevin Acee and Bill Center Originally published 02:22 p.m., November 12, 2008, updated 07:01 p.m., November 12, 2008 The Chargers on Wednesday claimed running back Michael Bennett off waivers, a move that might help them someday and certainly hurt their biggest division rival right now. The Chargers and Broncos were the only teams to put in claims on Bennett, who was released Tuesday by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chargers (4-5) got him because their record is worse than Denver's (5-4). Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith denied the move was to ensure that Denver, which is down to its fifth tailback, didn't get Bennett. The answer to your question is no, he said. Any move we make regarding players is to upgrade and strengthen our team. While the Chargers do not have an immediate need for a running back, Bennett, 30, provides depth behind LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles. And Bennett could be Tomlinson's backup in 2009 if Sproles leaves in free agency this spring. We have always felt Michael was a talented player and have tracked his career closely, Smith said.

29 Smith says claiming RB Bennett provides talent, injury protection Page 2 of 3 Michael Bennett brings us talent, experience and injury protection at the position. We always explore options to make us better, make us more complete. The Chargers will pay a prorated portion (slightly more than $264,000) of Bennett's salary this season. He is due $1.5 million each of the next two seasons. A first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2001, Bennett was a Pro Bowler in Injuries have interrupted his career, and he has played for the Chiefs ( ) and the Buccaneers the past three seasons. Bennett was active in just five games this season and carried seven times for 12 yards. He was released when Tampa Bay activated running back Cadillac Williams, who had been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. To make room for Bennett, the Chargers released linebacker Derek Smith. Smith, 33, was signed in February and started the first four games of the season in place of the suspended Stephen Cooper. Smith had been inactive the past four games. Of Smith's release, Chargers coach Norv Turner said: Smith played well when he played.... This was not what I wanted to do, but it was what we needed to do. PRICE REDUCTION If the Chargers make the playoffs, the cost of tickets will drop significantly from last year's prices $80- $115 for season-ticket holders and $100-$135 for individual game purchasers. The NFL will reduce playoff ticket prices an average of 10 percent this season because of the economic challenges facing fans. The Chargers said their playoff ticket prices would be in line with the league's recommendation of at least a 10 percent reduction from last year. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent pricing guidelines to teams in playoff contention that also authorized them to charge less for tickets to first-round games than for the following rounds. Last season's leaguewide average for playoff tickets was $121. According to Team Marketing Report, the NFL average for regular-season tickets this season is $72.20 a 7.9 percent increase over 2007 while the Chargers' average is $81.39, the seventh-highest in the league. CHANGES COMING? Cornerback Cletis Gordon (knee) and safety Steve Gregory (neck) did not practice and it's highly possible the Chargers will activate cornerback DeJuan Tribble or safety Tra Battle from the practice squad this weekend. Gordon is out for at least two weeks. And if Gregory, who has also played corner, cannot play this week, either Battle or Tribble could be signed to the active roster. Outside linebacker Marques Harris (hamstring) and wide receiver Buster Davis (groin) were partial practice participants. QUOTABLE

30 Smith says claiming RB Bennett provides talent, injury protection Page 3 of 3 -- Philip Rivers, on the Chargers needing this win for the psyche: We're past the psyche standpoint. We haven't played well on the road, particularly the East Coast. We need a win. -- Rivers, on the matchup with the Steelers: This is the type of game you dream about playing in a December-January playoff-type of atmosphere. We feel we have some weapons and matchups that they don't feel too great about. -- Linebacker Shaun Phillips, on how the NFL views the Chargers: We're worried about us, not what the rest of the NFL thinks about us. -- Phillips, on the Chargers getting on a winning streak: In order to get a run of wins, you have to get No. 2 first. Find this article at: Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Copyright 2007 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. A Copley Newspaper Site

31 Wedgebusting Is a Slice of Football at Its Most Violent - NYTimes.com Page 1 of 2 November 13, 2008 Wedgebusting Is a Slice of Football at Its Most Violent By JOE LAPOINTE EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. Jonathan Goff s concussion occurred in the second quarter last Sunday night, when he raced downfield on a Giants kickoff during their victory at Philadelphia. As Quintin Demps of the Eagles returned the ball, Goff s path to Demps was blocked by three Eagles swooping toward him in tight formation. In the middle was center Nick Cole, 6 feet tall and 350 pounds. Goff, a linebacker, is 6-2 and 236. Goff charged Cole. Their helmets banged. Goff fell backward and remained down until the Giants medical staff revived him. Is he eager to return to what may be football s most dangerous job? Oh, absolutely, he said with a smile. Without a doubt. Goff s role as a wedgebuster is part of the historic derivative of one of football s oldest and most dangerous plays: the Flying Wedge, first used by Harvard against Yale in Back then, 10 men formed a V alignment to protect one ball carrier from 11 tacklers. Sometimes, they linked arms or grasped large loops sewn into the trousers of their teammates. The play caused so many injuries that it was banned in 1894, but variations of it continued because coaches found ways around the letter of the law. In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt called a White House conference among leading college football powers to tame the sport from the wedge and other rough tactics in a game that had become increasingly brutal. I demand that football change its rules or be abolished, Roosevelt said then, according to the journal American History (November 1995). He added, Change the game or forsake it! Chase Blackburn, Goff s Giants teammate, said that he read a few years ago about a discussion on banning the modern wedge from kickoffs, but that he was not aware of the debate s antecedents reaching the White House. I didn t even know that, said Blackburn, who nevertheless knows well the techniques of combating the wedge. Blackburn, a linebacker, also plays special teams and was honored as the National Football Conference s special-teams player of the week. Among other things in the Giants victory, Blackburn recovered an Eagles fumble on a first-quarter kickoff, leading to a Giants field goal. A fumble recovery is a glamorous moment for a special-teams player. But routine attempts to break a wedge get less notice.

32 Wedgebusting Is a Slice of Football at Its Most Violent - NYTimes.com Page 2 of 2 I ve been a wedgebuster since high school, Blackburn said, adding that he must get myself in a different frame of mind and just get my head ready for contact. I beat myself up a little bit before the play just to get myself ready mentally for that collision, Blackburn said. Just get a couple punches to the head. Just warm up the pads in there. These kickoff plays, like the Flying Wedge of old, involve players running downfield at high speed before contact. There is no need to major in physics to calculate the results, but Blackburn, who studied mathematics at Akron, can do the math. When two offensive linemen or defensive linemen are coming together, you re looking at 600 pounds coming at you, Blackburn said. A lot of just brutal, brutal contact in that situation. The object of the wedgebuster, Blackburn said, is to make the feet of the kick returner stutter. This causes him to slow down so that other tacklers can more effectively try to tackle him. Once in a while, the wedgebuster breaks through and makes the tackle. They re human, too, Blackburn said of the blockers in the wedge. John Harbaugh, the coach of the Baltimore Ravens, used to coach wedge blockers and wedgebusters in Philadelphia, where he was in charge of special teams. Breaking up a wedge, Harbaugh told USA Today in 2005, is like throwing yourself in front of a bus. Mike Pereira, the N.F.L. s vice president for officiating, said Wednesday that the only rule specifically involving the kickoff wedge play was that neither blockers nor tacklers could make contact below the waist because that could cause leg injuries. He said that the league had noted the increase in head injuries on wedge plays and that any possible changes might be based on that. We continue to study that, he said. I don t think there is anything on the near horizon. But in terms of wedge formation, Pereira said, 10 players could link arms and set up a Flying Wedge for a kick returner. Yeah, you could, he said. There s no limit. There s nothing in the rule book that keeps you from doing that. Extra Points Jonathan Goff missed practice Wednesday and his status is uncertain for Sunday, when the Giants (8-1) host the Baltimore Ravens (6-3). For the most part, everything is pretty standard for a concussion, he said. My appetite s been fine. I ve been sleeping fine. Was he unconscious? I don t believe so, he said. I m not sure. Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company Privacy Policy Search Corrections RSS First Look Help Contact Us Work for Us Site Map

33 MVP ticket: Which tandem has been most influential in '08? - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 Powered by MVP ticket: Which tandem has been most influential in '08? By Nate Davis, USA TODAY Advertisement The presidential election is now one week into the rearview mirror. But it inspired us to look for the strongest "MVP ticket" in the league to date. No Obama-Biden or McCain-Palin platforms here, just eight duos who have had tremendous impacts on their clubs in 2008: Jason Campbell- Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins: Portis is on pace to add his best season to an already-impressive résumé; his 995 rushing yards rank second only to Adrian Peterson (1,015). Portis' heroics on the ground including five consecutive games with 120-plus rushing yards have allowed Campbell to grow into and flourish in rookie coach Jim Zorn's offense. Campbell had gone 272 pass attempts (dating to 2007) before he was picked off twice in a Nov. 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With 1,960 passing yards, eight touchdowns and a 92.4 passer rating, Campbell should exceed his career-bests in each category for the 6-3 Redskins. WEEK 11 PICKS: Our analysts' projections Jake Delhomme- Jon Beason, Carolina Panthers: The Panthers were 5-8 in 2007 after Delhomme's passing elbow frayed; he led the team in touchdown passes (eight) despite playing just three games. With him back on the field in 2008, the NFC South leader again has the look of a Super Bowl threat. On the other side of the ball, Beason has racked up 79 tackles in his sophomore season, third in the league. More important, the middle linebacker has filled the leadership vacuum created by the loss of fellow linebacker Dan Morgan and safety Mike Minter in recent years. Larry Fitzgerald- Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals: Warner is playing like the man who won two MVP awards with the "Greatest Show on Turf" St. Louis Rams and could reach 5,000 passing yards and 35 TD passes for the NFC West front-runners. Fitzgerald has been there every step of the way, leading a triple-threat receiving corps that includes Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston, the surprising second-year man. Though Boldin has been a bigger scoring threat this season, Fitzgerald has stretched defenses and drawn coverage away from Breaston while Boldin was injured; Fitzgerald is tied for fourth in catches (57) and is fourth in receiving yards (791). Albert Haynesworth-Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans: Haynesworth (Page 4) has anchored what is arguably the league's top defense. No team has allowed fewer points (13.0) than the Titans or generated a better turnover differential (plus 10). Few interior defensive linemen can shut down running games and pressure a passer like Haynesworth, who could be looking at a major pay day as he enters free agency in As for Johnson, the Titans were roundly criticized for drafting a tailback when many pundits thought receiver was a more glaring need. But he leads all rookies with 723 rushing yards, while adding dynamite to an offense that had lacked an explosive threat. Kris Jenkins- Thomas Jones, New York Jets: Quarterback Brett Favre's arrival garnered all the attention in New York, but the addition of Jenkins could ultimately prove more important to the Jets' fortunes. The converted nose tackle has been clogging running lanes for a rush defense ranked fifth (76.4 yards a game) while sucking up blockers for a pass rush that's generated 31 sacks, second only to the Steelers' 34. And Jones' recent play has enabled the Jets to become a ball-control offense, allowing Favre to take fewer chances. Jones ranks first in the AFC with 750 rushing yards and has eight touchdowns in his last five games after scoring two in Mathias Kiwanuka- Justin Tuck, New York Giants: A year ago, defensive ends Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan combined for 22 regular-season sacks and helped bully New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the Giants' Super Bowl upset. A year later, Umenyiora

34 MVP ticket: Which tandem has been most influential in '08? - USATODAY.com Page 2 of 2 (knee, injured reserve) and Strahan (retirement) are gone, but Kiwanuka and Tuck have filled their formidable cleats for the 8-1 Giants. They've recorded 14 sacks between them as Tuck continues to wreak havoc from all points on the line, and Kiwanuka has transitioned smoothly back to the front four after playing linebacker in The Giants' third-ranked defense leads the NFC with 30 sacks after amassing a league-best 53 in '07. Chad Pennington- Joey Porter, Miami Dolphins: After being shackled by last year's scheme during his first season in South Florida, Porter has been turned loose on opposing quarterbacks to the tune of a career-high 12 sacks. A Defensive Player of the Year candidate, he could challenge Michael Strahan's single-season record of 221/2 sacks. But Pennington has really taken charge of this team, bringing needed influence and a winning attitude to the huddle and precision play to the passing game. He's completed 66.5% of his passes and is on pace to shatter his career-best in passing yards (3,352 in 2006). At 5-4 and one game out of the AFC East lead, the Dolphins might be the biggest surprise of the season. Matt Ryan- Michael Turner, Falcons: Talk about culture shock. Neither Ryan nor Turner was part of the debacle that was the 2007 Falcons, but their presence has allowed the franchise to do a 180, giving it offensive balance not seen since the 1998 Super Bowl team. Ryan, the third overall pick of the draft, is having one of the greatest freshman seasons ever by an NFL quarterback. He continues to assume a greater offensive role, throwing nine touchdowns against three interceptions since October; Atlanta is 4-1 in that span, emerging as a playoff contender. Turner is arguably the free agent signing of the season. Finally out of LaDainian Tomlinson's daunting shadow, Turner carried the offensive load while Ryan acclimated to the NFL and is third in the league in rushing with 890 yards, topping L.T.'s 629. 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.

35 NFL reduces playoff ticket prices about 10% - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 1 Powered by NFL reduces playoff ticket prices about 10% NEW YORK (AP) The average ticket price for NFL playoff games this season will decrease by approximately 10% from last season. Advertisement Citing economic challenges facing fans as the reason for the reduction, the NFL confirmed the lower prices Wednesday. But the specific leaguewide average playoff ticket price cannot be determined until the home playoff sites are decided; prices vary from market to market depending on costs for regular-season tickets. "We want to be responsive to the economic challenges facing our fans," an NFL spokesman said. The average price of the playoff tickets sold last year for wild-card and divisional rounds, and conference championship games was $121. Commissioner Roger Goodell recently sent ticket pricing guidelines to all playoff contending clubs, who then set their own individual prices. The NFL also authorized for the first time a lower price for wild-card games than for divisional playoff games on the second weekend of the postseason. Those two rounds traditionally have been priced the same. The playoffs begin Jan For the first time, some tickets for the Super Bowl in Tampa will cost $1,000; 25% of the tickets for the Feb. 1 game will be priced at $1,000. Overall, 17,000 suite and club seats will be $1,000 each. Another 53,000 tickets will go for $800, with the remaining 1,000 at $500. The league is dropping the price of 1,000 tickets at Raymond James Stadium by $200 to $500, the first time the NFL has cut prices for a Super Bowl. Tickets for last year's Super Bowl in Glendale, Ariz., were priced at $700 and $900, up from $600 and $700 the year before. 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.