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FOR USE AS DESIRED LAST CALL FOR PLAYOFFS! Have the playoffs begun? No, the NFL plays the final week of its regular season this Sunday. But, according to MIKE MINTER, the 2004 playoffs have begun. "It’s going to be our first playoff game," says the Carolina Panthers safety, speaking of his team’s clash with the New Orleans Saints this week in a game that will help decide an NFC playoff spot. With only a week left to the season, Minter is essentially right. For the nine clubs vying for the NFL’s final four playoff berths, it will be playoff pressure, playoff atmosphere. "Tell the fans to get ready," says Minter. Everybody – fan, player, coach -- is ready for the finale the day after New Year’s. And as things conclude, there are some notable developments as the playoffs loom: The top six teams – those with 11 or more wins – combine for an .822 winning percentage (74-16), the highest ever through 15 games since the NFL went to the 16-game schedule in 1978. Call them the "Sensational Six." For the second season in a row, the NFL could boast six 12-win teams -- the most in history. Of the 17 clubs either in the playoffs or seeking playoff berths, seven did not make the postseason last year. For the third time since 2000, two teams – Atlanta and San Diego -- went from "worst to first" in their divisions, finishing last a year ago and first in 2004. For the first time since homefield advantage was instituted in 1975, two teams from the same state earned the honor – the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. So, it’s "do the math" time big-time. Seven clubs have won their divisions. Another has earned a playoff berth. And nine teams are vying for the final four spots. "This is what players work 10 months for, coaches work 12 months for -- to have the opportunity we have right now," says Buffalo Bills head coach MIKE MULARKEY. Where the opportunities lie in Week 17: AFC EAST Northeast power! The lone division with three clubs that can make the playoffs. The NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (13-2) have clinched their third division in the past four years – with two Super Bowl titles thrown in -- and have earned a first-round bye. They will be the No. 2 seed in the AFC. The NEW YORK JETS (10-5) and BUFFALO BILLS (9-6) can capture playoff berths, with New York facing a simpler "win -and-you’re-in" scenario. The Jets can enter their third playoff in the past four years. It is the fourth time in the last five years that New York has entered the final game of the season with the playoffs at stake. "Maybe that’s just how we like it," says Jets running back LA MONT JORDAN. "We like to do things the hard way and leave people on the edge of their seats." The Bills can accomplish what only one other team in history has. They can join the 1992 San Diego Chargers as the lone teams in history to start the season 0-4 and make the playoffs. Head coach Mularkey this week faces the team for which he was offensive coordinator from 2001-03 – the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bills offensive coordinator TOM CLEMENTS was the Steelers’ quarterback coach in those years also. "With the connections we have between the two organizations," says Bills defensive end CHRIS KELSAY, "and the chance we have to play them at home this week and get a playoff berth, it’s almost fate."
Miami has been eliminated from the playoff race. AFC NORTH One team in – and are they! – another knocking. The PITTSBURGH STEELERS (14-1), on a franchise-record 13-game winning streak -- have won the division and earned homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. They can top the team record for wins this week in Buffalo. But it’s winning homefield that psyches the Steelers. "Now teams are going to have to come in and deal with the weather, the field and our fans," says Pittsburgh wide receiver HINES WARD. "You couldn’t ask for a better situation." The BALTIMORE RAVENS (8-7) can clinch their fourth playoff berth in the past five seasons with a win this week over visiting Miami, plus other scenarios. Head coach BRIAN BILLICK says there is only one thing to focus on – defeating the Dolphins. "We have the promise and potential to get into the playoffs," he says. "That’s what our focus is going to be."
Cincinnati and Cleveland have been eliminated from the playoff race. AFC SOUTH The record-setting Colts are in, the Jaguars are scrambling to be included also. The INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (12-3) – with PEYTON MANNING setting the single-season TD pass record (49), while becoming the first club with three receivers with 10 or more TDs – have clinched the division title and the No. 3 seed. "We are happy about the regular-season records," says Colts head coach TONY DUNGY. "But we are looking for the big prize once the playoffs start." For the JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (8-7), the big prize right now is making the playoffs. They can do so this week with a win in Oakland and other scenarios. Head coach JACK DEL RIO doesn’t concern himself with the "other scenarios." "All we can control is what we do," he says.
Houston and Tennessee have been eliminated from the playoff race. AFC WEST The SAN DIEGO CHARGERS, 11-4 after tying for the fewest victories in the league last year (4-12), have won their first division title since 1994, the season they went to Super Bowl XXIX. They lost last week for the first time in nine games when they were edged in overtime by Indianapolis 34-31. San Diego, the No. 4 AFC seed, cannot improve its playoff position this week when it hosts Kansas City, but can win 12 games for the third time in club history. "Kansas City is playing very well right now," says Chargers quarterback DREW BREES. "Even though they’re not playing for a playoff spot, I expect them to come here and play very well and try to end their season on a high note, just like we want to go into the playoffs on a high note." The DENVER BRONCOS (9-6) are playing for a playoff spot, and can capture one with a win, period. "You’ve got to concentrate on your job," says Broncos head coach MIKE SHANAHAN. "You never know what is going to happen. But it’s sure nice to know that you’re in control."
Kansas City and Oakland have been eliminated from playoff contention. NFC EAST The PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (13-2) set a club record for wins, went through the division undefeated for the first time in their history, were undefeated at home, and have earned homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. "We love playing at home," says Eagles head coach ANDY REID. "I think it’s tough on any opponent coming into Lincoln Financial Field and dealing with the fans."
Dallas, New York and Washington have been eliminated from the playoff race. NFC NORTH The Pack is in, the Vikes can be. The GREEN BAY PACKERS (9-6) have won their third division title in a row (they are the NFC’s third seed), while becoming the ninth team in the Super Bowl era to make the playoffs after starting 1-4. "We never give up," says Packers quarterback BRETT FAVRE. "That’s been this team’s M.O. all season, because we could have quit a long time ago." The MINNESOTA VIKINGS (8-7), after losing to the Packers in the division decider in Week 16, can secure a playoff berth with a win this week at Washington. That’s the simple way. There are other scenarios that will get them in the postseason. "I don’t really want to get into scenarios," says Vikings linebacker KEITH NEWMAN. "We have a chance to get it on our own."
Chicago and Detroit have been eliminated from playoff contention. NFC SOUTH Who would have thought two months ago that this could be one of the key games of Week 17? On November 7, the CAROLINA PANTHERS (7-8) were 1-7 and the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (7-8) were 3-5. Since then, the Panthers have won six of seven, and the Saints four of seven, including their last three in a row. For both teams when they square off in Carolina on Sunday, it’s basically win-to-get-in (although a tie could benefit the Panthers). The loser goes home. "We’ll see how it all settles," says Carolina head coach JOHN FOX, speaking really for both clubs. "Our guys have believed all year that it isn’t where you start, but where you finish. We have one more step to get into the next tournament." Of course, there is another NFC South club that is already in that tournament – the division-champion ATLANTA FALCONS (11-4), the No. 2 NFC seed. Atlanta’s JIM MORA has posted the most wins ever by a Falcons first-year head coach. The Falcs – with nothing on the line -- play in Seattle this week in a game that could decide the NFC West. Atlanta will go full-tilt. "If you want to be a great team, a championship team, you go out there and win regardless of the circumstances," says Falcons running back WARRICK DUNN. "We have to expect to win no matter the situation."
Tampa Bay has been eliminated from playoff contention. NFC WEST The lone division without a champion, but with two clubs that have been fighting for the title the whole year. The SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (8-7) – who have clinched their second consecutive playoff berth – and the ST. LOUIS RAMS (7-8) have been tied for the NFC West lead four times this season and only once has one club had more than a one-game lead over the other for the top two spots. It will all be settled this weekend. The Seahawks can win the third of their final four games and want that momentum going into the playoffs. "Momentum is a crazy thing," says Seattle center ROBBIE TOBECK, a former Falcon who will face his old team on Sunday. "Teams can get momentum late in the season, and that momentum can carry them to the Super Bowl." The Rams, fresh from a 20-7 Monday night win over Philadelphia in which rookie running back STEVEN JACKSON led the way with 148 yards and a touchdown, are ready for the finale. "After all the drama we’ve been through this year, to be in position to potentially get into the playoffs, how awesome is that?" says St. Louis head coach MIKE MARTZ. "We will show up this week and lay it all out there."
Arizona and San Francisco have been eliminated from playoff contention. SUNDAY, JANUARY 2 MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-11) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (8-7)
STATS
NOTES DOLPHINS: Club aims for 3rd consecutive victory. Team has scored
1st qtr TD in 7 games in row……QB A.J. FEELEY has thrown 95 passes in
row w/o INT……Last wk, RBs SAMMY MORRIS (69) & TRAVIS MINOR
(30) combined for 99 rush yds on 23 carries for 4.3 avg……WR CHRIS
CHAMBERS has 229 career receptions & needs 1 catch to surpass JIM
JENSEN for 8th-most catches in club history. Chambers leads club w/ 6
TDs. WR DERRIUS THOMPSON has 4 TD catches, tying career-high (2002).
WR MARTY BOOKER has 4+ receptions in 4 consecutive games. Booker has
reception in 73 consecutive games. Last wk, TE RANDY MC MICHAEL
caught single-game career-high 9 passes & stands 3rd among AFC TEs w/ 71
catches, club record for TE……DE DAVID BOWENS has 7.0 sacks, doubling
previous career-high of 3.5 in 2000 (w/GB). CBs SAM MADISON &
PATRICK SURTAIN each have 29 INTs, tied w/ GLENN BLACKWOOD for
3rd-most in club history (JAKE SCOTT 35; DICK ANDERSON, 34).
DE JAY WILLIAMS to play in 130th consecutive NFL game. Defense has
not allowed 300-yd passer in NFL-best 29 games in row……RAVENS:
Team needs victory for chance at playoff berth. Club is 44-3 (.936) with
edge in turnover margin under head coach BRIAN BILLICK……QB KYLE
BOLLER has attempted 30+ passes in 9 consecutive games & has connected
on 50.0+ pct. in 8 of those 9……Team is 19-6 (.760) when RB JAMAL LEWIS
rushes for 100+ yards. In past 5 games, 3rd-yr RB CHESTER TAYLOR has
343 rush yds; had 398 rush yds in 1st 2 seasons combined……After missing 9
games due to injury, in past 4 games TE TODD HEAP has 15 catches for
190 yds & 3 TDs. Rookie WR CLARENCE MOORE (No. 199) leads team in TD
receptions (4)……Defense No. 4 in NFL in points allowed per game (16.3) &
since 2000, has allowed only 12 100-yd rush games, tied for fewest in that
span w/ Pitt. LB TERRELL SUGGS No. 2 among NFL LBs w/ 9.5 sacks. S
ED REED leads NFL w/ 8 INTs. Team has defensive TD in 6 games this
season & are 5-1 in those games. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (14-1) AT BUFFALO BILLS (9-6)
STATS
NOTES STEELERS: Club has secured homefield advantage throughout AFC
playoffs. Team on franchise-record 13-game win streak. Head coach BILL
COWHER is 1 of 5 head coaches in NFL history to win 8 or more division
titles……Rookie QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER (No. 11) has 66.4 comp. pct.;
NFL record for rookie w/ min. 150 attempts is 58.4 (DAN MARINO, Mia.,
1983). QB TOMMY MADDOX holds club career record for most 300-yd games
(6)……RB JEROME BETTIS has 100 rush yds in 6 of past 8 games. Has
career-high 13 rush TDs & needs 59 more for 9th career 1,000-yd season.
RB VERRON HAYNES has 82 rush yds on past 10 carries (8.2 avg.)……All-Star
WR HINES WARD has multiple catches in every game & needs 7 rec. yds
for 4th consecutive 1,000-yd season. Ward (6,044) now stands 2 nd in team
history in both receptions (503) & receiving yds (6,044), trailing HOFer
JOHN STALLWORTH in both categories (8,723 & 537)……Defense allowing
3rd-fewest 1st downs in NFL (15.5 per game). Last wk vs. Balt., LB JAMES
HARRISON totaled 6 tackles, 2 PDs & 4 QB pressures……BILLS:
Team can advance to playoffs under 1st-year head coach MIKE MULARKEY
with victory and help. Mularkey was former Steelers TE (1989-91) & Steelers
assistant from 1996-2003. Club has won 6 in row & has scored 30+ points in
each of those 6……QB DREW BLEDSOE (2,743) needs 257 passing yds for
9th career 3,000+ yd season. Bledsoe needs 38 passing yds to become 7th QB
in history to pass for 10,000+ yds for 2 teams. In 2001 AFC Championship,
faced Steelers at Pitt. in entire 2nd half, reliving injured TOM BRADY
(w/ NE), leading Patriots to victory……RB WILLIS MC GAHEE has 7 100s
in 10 NFL starts. McGahee has 10+ yd rushes in 12 games in row……Last wk
WR ERIC MOULDS tied club record for most 1,000-yd rec. seasons (ANDRE
REED, 4). Rookie WR LEE EVANS (No. 13) leads AFC rookies w/ 46
catches for 780 yds & 9 TDs. Evans has TD catch in 5 games in row, ties club
record……Defense has allowed less than 300 yds in 11 of 15 gms. Club is 4-0
when All-Star LB TAKEO SPIKES records FF. Team tied for 2nd-most INTs
in NFL (22), led by CB NATE CLEMENTS (5). NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (7-8) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (7-8)
STATS
NOTES SAINTS: Club seeks 4th consecutive win & 1st playoff berth since
’00……Saints have 23-16 (.590) road record under head coach JIM HASLETT……QB
AARON BROOKS has 20 TD passes & is 1st Saints QB with 4 20-TD pass
seasons in row. Has 8 career 300-yard passing games & needs 1 to tie
ARCHIE MANNING (9) for most in club history……RB DEUCE MC ALLISTER
has 934 rushing yards & needs 66 for 3rd consecutive 1,000-yd season. Has
4,054 career rush yds & with 111 will pass DALTON HILLIARD (4,164)
for 2nd-most in club history. Has 3 100-yd rush games in last 4 vs.
Panthers……WR JOE HORN has 90 rec & 1,324 yards & needs 5 catches & 17
yards for career highs & franchise single-season records. Third-year WR
DONTE STALLWORTH has career-highs with 55 catches & 736 yds……Defense has
not allowed 4th-quarter TD in 4 consecutive games……Rookie 1st round DE
WILL SMITH (No. 18) has 6.0 sacks, 1st in NFC & 2nd among NFL rookies……CB
MIKE MC KENZIE has team leading 5 INT in 9 games with Saints……PR
MICHAEL LEWIS had 96-yd KR TD vs. Atl, his 3rd-career……PANTHERS:
Club avgs. 30.4 points in last 7 games, winning 6……QB JAKE DELHOMME
has 100+ rating in 5 of last 7 starts, including career-high 143.4 last
week. Had career-best 4 TD passes vs. Bucs. Has 11 4th-qrt TD passes, tied
for most in NFL, & 91.9 4th-qrt rating (76-139, 996 yards, 4 INT), 5th in
league……RB NICK GOINGS has 645 rush yds in last 6 games, with 5
100s……WR MUHSIN MUHAMMAD has career-high & franchise record 14 TD
catches, tied for most in NFL. Avgs. 7 rec & 113 yards in last 9 games
(64-1,020). Rookie 2nd-round WR KEARY COLBERT has club rookie records
with 45 catches, 715 rec yards & 5 TD catches……TE KRIS MANGUM has
career-high 28 receptions (272 yards), most by club TE since ’01 (WESLEY
WALLS, 43)……Defense leads NFL with 26 INT…… DE JULIUS PEPPERS has
10.0 sacks & needs 2.0 to equal career high. DE MIKE RUCKER has 40.0
career sacks & needs 2.0 to pass KEVIN GREENE (41.5) for franchise
record. GREEN BAY PACKERS (9-6) AT CHICAGO BEARS (5-10)
STATS
NOTES PACKERS: Club has captured 3rd consecutive division title under head coach MIKE SHERMAN……QB BRETT FAVRE has 3,892 passing yards & needs 108 for 4th 4,000-yard season, which would tie WARREN MOON (4) for 3rd-most all-time. Has TD pass in 25 in row vs. Bears, longest such streak vs. 1 opponent in NFL history……RB AHMAN GREEN has 48 career rushing TDs & needs 3 to pass PAUL HORNUNG for 2nd-most in club annals. Has 1,150 rush yards & needs 50 to become 1st Packer with 4 consecutive 1,200-yard seasons……WR JAVON WALKER has career-high 86 catches & needs 4 to join STERLING SHARPE & ROBERT BROOKS as only Packers with 90-catch season. Leads NFL with 31 receptions & 518 yards on 3rd down, helping club to 48.0 3rd down conversion rate (94 of 196), 2nd in NFL. WR DONALD DRIVER has career highs with 83 catches & 1,160 yards. Has 9 TD catches & needs 1 to join Walker (11) in double digits, which would mark 1st time 2 Packers have 10+. TE BUBBA FRANKS has 6 TDs, tied for 1st among NFC TEs……DE KABEER GBAJA-BIAMILA has 9.5 sacks & needs 0.5 to become 1st Packer with 4 10-sack years in row….. BEARS: Club seeks 1st season sweep of Pack since 1991……QB CHAD HUTCHINSON has started 4 games, passing for 707 yards & 4 TDs. Has 2 INT in 132 att. for 1.5 INT pct. Spent spring with NFL Europe’s Rhein Fire. Is 1 of record 263 NFLE vets on ‘04 rosters……RB THOMAS JONES has career-high 840 rushing yards & needs 160 for 1st 1,000-yard season. Rushed for 152 yards vs. GB in Week 2. Has career-high 53 catches (423 yards), tied for 3rd among NFL RBs……WR DAVID TERRELL has team-leading & career-best 600 rec. yards (38 catches). WR BOBBY WADE has 38 catches (454 yards), 19 on 3rd down…... Defense holds foes to 30.1 3rd down conversion pct. (63 of 209), 2nd in NFL, & 28.6 pct. on 4th down (4 of 14), tied for 3rd……DE ALEX BROWN has 6 sacks in last 8 games. 1st-round pick DT TOMMIE HARRIS has 3.5 sacks, 2nd among rookie DTs……LB LANCE BRIGGS had 38-yard INT TD last wk. Scored 1st-career TD on 45 yard INT vs. GB (12/7/03)……4th-rnd CB NATHAN VASHER has 5 INTs, tied for 3rd among rookies.CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-12) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (7-8)
STATS
NOTES BROWNS: Club has won Week 17 game in past 2 years & has won past
2 in Houston (1994-95). Team has faced NFL’s toughest schedule, opponents
win pct.: .596……Rookie QB LUKE MC COWN (No. 106) has TD pass in 3 of
1st 4 NFL starts & grew up in Jacksonville, Texas (194 miles north of
Houston). At Jacksonville (Texas) H.S., was 2-time honorable mention
all-East Texas……In 5 career games w/ 20+ rushes, RB LEE SUGGS has 584
rush yds (116.8/gm) w/ 3 rush TDs. Suggs has 248 rush yds in past 2 weeks &
last wk set franchise record for most carries in game (38). Suggs (613) &
RB WILLIAM GREEN (585) create 1st Browns RB duo to reach 500+ rush yds
apiece since 1993 (TOMMY VARDELL, 644; ERIC METCALF, 611)……WR-PR
DENNIS NORTHCUTT tied for most 40+ yd catches in AFC w/ 6 (Kennison,
KC). TEs STEVE HEIDEN (4) & AARON SHEA (4) vie to become 1st
Browns TE to record 5 TDs in season since OZZIE NEWSOME (1985)……CB
ANTHONY HENRY has 17 career INTs in 60 career games. DE KENARD LANG
(7.0) & DE EBENEZER EKUBAN (6.0) need 1.5 & 1.0 sacks respectively
for career-highs……TEXANS: Head coach DOM CAPERS states
"Cleveland Browns" as his favorite NFL team as youngster. Grew up in
Buffalo, OH, (213 miles from Cleveland) & graduated from Mount Union College
(Alliance, OH). Offensive coordinator CHRIS PALMER was Browns head
coach from 1999-2000……QB DAVID CARR has 90.0+ passer rating in 7 of
15 games & stands 5th in AFC passing yds (3,425). Leads AFC QBs w/ 271 rush
yards on 68 carries (4.0 avg.). Club is +6 in INT differential; was -4 & -5
in category in ’03 & ’02, respectively. Team has 35 TDs; scored 29 in 2003 &
22 in 2002……RB DOMANICK DAVIS has rush TD in 7 of past 8 gms,
including 5 in row. Davis (1,077) last wk reached 1,000 rush yds for 2nd
season in row to begin career & leads AFC RBs w/ 554 receiving yds……WR
ANDRE JOHNSON is 1st-time NFL All-Star. Johnson has 18 catches of 20+
yds, tied for 9th-most in NFL & has 4+ catches in 11 gms this season.
Offense has 4,890 total yds; had 4,306 in all of 2003……Defense has INT in 11
of past 14 games. Defense tied for 4th in NFL w/ 20 INTs, led by rookie
CB DUNTA ROBINSON (No. 10) w/ 6. Opponents only 1 of 6 (16.7 pct.) on
4th down conversion tries, NFL’s lowest pct. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-13) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (13-2)
STATS
NOTES 49ERS: Team converts 80.0 pct. on 4th down (12 of 15), tied for
1st in NFL (TB)……QB KEN DORSEY made 6th start last week & has passed
for 1,042 yards & 5 TDs. Rookie 7th-round QB CODY PICKETT saw 1st NFL
action vs. Bills, completing 4 of 10 att. for 55 yards……RB KEVAN BARLOW
has 7 TDs for 2nd consecutive season & needs 1 for career-high. Has 920
yards from scrimmage (719 rushing, 201 receiving) & needs 80 for 1,000.
RB MAURICE HICKS has 330 rushing yards. Spent last 2 years in NFL Europe
(Scottish Claymores) & is 1 of record 263 NFL Europe vets to appear on NFL
rosters in ’04. WR CEDRICK WILSON leads club WRs with 46 rec. (634
yards) while 2nd-year WR BRANDON LLOYD has 43 (565 yards). Need 4 & 7
catches to join TE ERIC JOHNSON (79) with 50, which would give club 3
players with 50 catches for 1st time since ‘00. Johnson has club TE records
for rec. & yards (797) & will be 1st TE to lead team in receiving since
TED KWALICK (47, ’73). Lettered in football, basketball & volleyball at
Needham (MA) High School……Club allows 3.9 yards per rush, 4th in NFC……S
TONY PARRISH aims to become 1st player to lead team in INTs for 3 years
in row since RONNIE LOTT (‘84-87)……PATRIOTS: Club
clinched 1st Rd bye in AFC playoffs for 3rd time in 4 yrs……Club is 44-3
(.936) under head coach BILL BELICHICK when scoring 21+ points. Since
1993, including win last wk at NYJ, Patriots are 19-2 (.905) when kickoff
temp. is 35°F or colder……QB TOM BRADY is 47-14 in career as starter
(.770) for best win. pct. among active NFL QBs w/ 30+ starts. Brady is 18-2
(.900) in games decided by 6 points or less & team is 23-0 when he posts
100.0+ passer rating……In 14 games played, RB COREY DILLON has 15+
attempts in each game & has avg. carry of 4.0+ yards in 12 of those 14.
Dillon career-high 8 100-yd games; club record is 9 (CURTIS MARTIN,
1995). RB PATRICK PASS has multiple catches in 8 consecutive games……WR
DAVID PATTEN has 20+ yd catch in 5 of past 6 gms. TE DAVID GRAHAM
has TD catch in consecutive games & has career-high 7 TDs on season……Team
has 4 defensive TDs & is 16-2 (.889) in past 18 w/ defensive TD. Team tied
for 2nd-most INTs in AFC (20), led by S EUGENE WILSON w/ 4. LB
WILLIE MC GINEST 3rd among AFC LB in sacks (8.5). CINCINNATI BENGALS (7-8) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (13-2)
STATS
NOTES EAGLES: Club has franchise-record 13 wins……Head coach ANDY
REID has 69-35 (.663) record as club’s head coach & needs 1 win to
become 1st coach in team history with 70……QB DONOVAN MC NABB has
career-high 31 TD passes & needs 2 to pass SONNY JURGENSEN (32, ’61)
for single-season club record. McNabb has 3,875 passing yards & needs 125
for 1st 4,000-yard season in franchise history……RB BRIAN WESTBROOK
leads NFL running backs with 73 receptions & 703 receiving yards. Ranks 4th
in NFC with 1,515 yards from scrimmage (812 rushing, 703 receiving). WR
TODD PINKSTON has 36 catches for 676 yards, including 75+ yard games in
3 of last 6. Ranks 4th in NFL with 18.8 yards per catch avg (min. 35
catches) & avgs 19.8 yards per catch in last 20 games (54 for 1,067). WR
FREDDIE MITCHELL has 16 catches for 301 yards, averaging 18.8 per
reception……Club has allowed 222 points, fewest in NFL……DE JEVON KEARSE
has 7.5 sacks & needs 2.5 for 4th-career 10-sack season……CB LITO SHEPPARD
leads club with 5 INTs & ranks 3rd in NFL with 172 INT yards……All-Star
special teamer IKE REESE attended Cincinnati’s Aiken High School……BENGALS:
Victory gives club 16 wins in 2 seasons under head coach MARVIN LEWIS;
would be team’s most wins in 2-yr span since 1989-90 (17)…...QB CARSON
PALMER’s TDs have outnumbered INTs in past 4 starts. Eagles 1 of 5 teams
QB JON KITNA has never faced……RB RUDI JOHNSON (1,355) needs 81
rush yds to set club record for most in season (COREY DILLON, 1,435,
2000) & ranks 5th in AFC in rush 1st downs (67). RB Johnson can be 1st
Bengal w/ 6 100-yd rush games in season……WR CHAD JOHNSON (90) ties
for 2nd in NFL in receptions & can be 1st Bengal to lead NFL for season
(Mason, Tenn., 92). WR Johnson (1,207) & WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH (907)
need 61 rec. yds to post most by duo in club history (C. Johnson & WR
PETER WARRICK, 2,174, 2003)……CB TORY JAMES (7), 2nd in NFL
INTs & needs 2 INTs to tie club season record (KEN RILEY, 9, 1976).
Can be 1st Bengal to lead NFL in INTs. DE JUSTIN SMITH needs 3.0
sacks to be 1st Bengal w/ 10.0 since ’92 (ALFRED WILLIAMS). NEW YORK JETS (10-5) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (7-8)
STATS
NOTES JETS: Win clinches 3rd playoff berth in 4 yrs under head coach HERM EDWARDS……QB CHAD PENNINGTON stands 4th in AFC comp. pct. (66.2) & has completed 61.0+ pct. of passes in 3 of past 4. In past 3 starts vs. NFC, Pennington has 7 TDs vs. 2 INTs, completing 65 of 99 (65.7 pct.) for 756 yds & 103.8 passer rating……RB CURTIS MARTIN is 2nd in AFC & 3rd in NFL in rushing (1,544) & can become 1st player in NFL history to lead league & be 30+ yrs old (31 yrs, 246 days Sunday). RB JERALD SOWELL No. 2 on club w/ 43 catches. RB LA MONT JORDAN needs 44 rush yds to give NYJ 1st 500-yd rushing duo since ’93 (JOHNNY JOHNSON, 821 & BRAD BAXTER, 559)……Among NFL players w/ 40+ rec, WR SANTANA MOSS stands 2nd in NFL w/ 19.8 per catch avg. WR JUSTIN MC CAREINS has 12 multi- catch games in row……Club No. 3 in NFL in turnover ratio (+16)……Defense has shutout NFL-high 7 opponents in 2nd half. DE SHAUN ELLIS (8.0) tied for 3rd in sacks among AFC East DEs. Rookie LB JONATHAN VILMA (No. 12) stands 2nd on club w/ 111 tackles. Among defensive players, LB ERIC BARTON tied for NFL lead w/ 4 FRs…… RAMS: Club has 9-0 record in December home games under head coach MIKE MARTZ & have won 12 consecutive home games in month overall, 2nd-longest active streak in NFL (KC, 16)……QB MARC BULGER returned to lineup last wk after missing 2 games due to injury, completing 20 of 27 for 225 yards, 1 TD & 0 INT, posting 110.9 passer rating. Has 25-10 (.714) record as starter & multiple TD passes in 17 of 35 starts. Has 18 TD passes in ’04 & 7 in 4th qrt……RB MARSHALL FAULK has 11,972 rushing yards & needs 28 to become 12th player in NFL history with 12,000. Rookie 1st round RB STEVEN JACKSON ranks 3rd among NFL rookies with 644 rushing yards, posting 148 yard game vs. Eagles... WR ISAAC BRUCE has 84 catches (1,206), his 4th 80-catch season. WR TORRY HOLT has 32 career 100-yard games & needs 1 to pass JERRY RICE (32) for 2nd-most in 1st 6 seasons all-time……CB JERAMETRIUS BUTLER has career-high 5 INTs & may become 1st Ram to lead club in INTs in consecutive seasons since NOLAN CROMWELL(’79-’81).DETROIT LIONS (6-9) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (4-11)
STATS
NOTES LIONS: QB JOEY HARRINGTON has 17 TD passes for 2nd
consecutive season & needs 1 for career-high…... Rookie 1st-round RB
KEVIN JONES (No. 30) rushed for 123 yards last week, joining BILLY
SIMS (1980) & BARRY SANDERS (1989) as only rookies to rush for
1,000 yards in franchise history. Leads NFL rookies with 1,061 rushing yards
& has rushed for 834 yards in last 7 games……Rookie 1st-round WR ROY
WILLIAMS (No. 7) ranks 3rd among NFL rookies with 7 TDs. Has 50
receptions for 755 yards & needs 2 catches to pass Sims (51) for franchise
rookie record……WR AZ-ZAHIR HAKIM avgs. 17.2 yards per catch (31 for
533), 2nd in NFC (min. 20 rec)……D-line has 30.5 of club’s 38.0 sacks……DE
JAMES HALL leads club with career-high 11.5 sacks. Needs 0.5 for 1st
12.0 sack year by Lion since ’99 (ROBERT PORCHER, 15)……CB DRE BLY
has 4 INTs & bids to become 1st player to lead team outright 2 years in row
since BOBBY WATKINS (’84-’85)……K JASON HANSON connected on 4
of 4 FGs last week (31, 39, 34, 40). Club has 16-2 (.889) record when Hanson
connects on 4+ FGs……TITANS: Team has scored 99 points in past
3 games……In Wks. 14-15, QB BILLY VOLEK became 1st QB in franchise
history to pass for 400+ yds in back-to-back games. In past 3, Volek has 8
TDs vs. 3 INTs & 1 TD rushing. Has 40+ yd TD pass in 3 of past 5 games……In 2
career gms vs. Detroit, RB ANTOWAIN SMITH has 4.4-yd-per-carry avg.
on 38 rushes w/ rush TD in each……WR DERRICK MASON (1,120) is 1st
player in franchise history to reach 1,000 yds in 4 consecutive seasons &
can be 1st player from franchise to lead NFL in receptions since HAYWOOD
JEFFIRES (1991). Mason has TD catch in 5 of past 7 games. WR DREW
BENNETT is tied for AFC lead in 20+ yd catches (19) & has 8 TDs w/ 543
receiving yds in past 4. Bennett needs 2 TDs to be 1st player in team
history to reach 12 TD catches since CHARLES FRAZIER (1966). Rookie
TE BEN TROUPE (No. 40) has catch in 10 games in row……LB KEITH
BULLUCK has PD in 6 games in row & INT in each of past 2. CB ANDRE
DYSON tied for 4th in AFC w/ career-high 5 INTs……PR coverage unit
allowing 6.3 yds per return, 2nd-lowest in AFC. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (8-7) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (5-10)
STATS
NOTES VIKINGS: Club avgs. 6.5 yards per play & 283.2 pass yds per game,
both 2nd-most in NFL……Head coach MIKE TICE was college QB at Maryland
from 1977-80. Spent ‘89 season with Redskins……QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER has
franchise-record 37 TD passes & needs 3 to become 4th player in NFL history
(PEYTON MANNING, DAN MARINO, KURT WARNER) with 40 TD
pass season. Has NFL best 135.9 rating on 3rd downs (87-122, 1,319 yards, 19
TDs, 3 INT) & 11 4th-qrt TD passes, tied for most in NFL……RB MICHAEL
BENNETT rushed for 92 yds & added 67 rec yds, including 38-yard TD
catch, last week. Second-year RB ONTERRIO SMITH has team-high 539
rush yds & needs 41 to surpass ‘03 total (579)……WR RANDY MOSS has 19
TDs in last 17 games. Club is 29-12 (.707) when he tops 100 yards.
Second-year WR NATE BURLESON has 957 rec. yds & needs 43 for 1st
1,000-yrd season. Second-year DT KEVIN WILLIAMS (10) & DE LANCE
JOHNSTONE (11) are 1 of 2 NFL 10-sack duos (DWIGHT FREENEY,
ROBERT MATHIS, Ind)…… REDSKINS: Head coach JOE GIBBS
has 34-13 (.723) record in Dec……QB PATRICK RAMSEY has started last 6
games, comp 65.4 pct (125 of 191)……Third-year RB LADELL BETTS rushed
for 43 yds last week & may make 1st start of season vs. Vikings……WR
LAVERANUES COLES has team-leading 87 catches (913 yards) & is 1st
Redskin with consecutive 80-catch seasons since ART MONK (1984-85).
Has 27 3rd down rec (280 yards), 3rd in NFL. WR ROD GARDNER had 5
catches (31 yards) last week, giving him 50 this season (641 yards), his 3rd
consecutive 50-catch year……Rookie 3rd-round TE CHRIS COOLEY has 34
catches for 290 yds & ties for club lead (with Gardner) with 5 TD catches……
Defense ranks 2nd in NFL (264.1), 3rd vs. run (83.5) & 5th vs. pass
(180.6)……CB SHAWN SPRINGS leads NFL DBs with 5.0 sacks. Has
team-leading 5 INTs, his most since posting 5 in 1999. K JEFF CHANDLER
has connected on 5 of 6 FGs in 2 games with club. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (5-10) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (5-10)
STATS
NOTES BUCCANEERS: QB BRIAN GRIESE has played in 11 games & has TD pass in each, posting 95.0+ passer rating in 7 of 11. Completes 69.3 pct. of pass attempts (233 of 336), 2nd-best in NFL……RB MICHAEL PITTMAN has 10 TDs in 12 games & needs 124 rushing yards for 1st 1,000 yard rushing season. Spent 1st 4 NFL seasons with Cards, rushing for 1,945 yards from 1998-01……Rookie 1st-round WR MICHAEL CLAYTON leads NFL rookies with 78 receptions & 1,107 receiving yards. WR JOEY GALLOWAY had 9 catches for 98 yards last week, including 14-yard TD catch. Has 5 TDs in last 2 games. WR TIM BROWN has 100 career TD receptions & needs 1 to pass STEVE LARGENT (100) for 3rd all-time……Defense has forced turnover in 69 of last 72 games. Club allows 164.3 passing yards per game, 2nd in NFL…… DE SIMEON RICE has team-leading 12.0 sacks. Selected with No. 3 overall pick of ’96 NFL Draft by Cards & totaled 53.5 sacks from 1996-00, 2nd-most in Ariz. history. DE GREG SPIRES has career-high 8.0 sacks & needs 2.0 for 1st 10.0-sack season……CARDINALS: Club’s 15 rushing TDs tie for 6th in NFL……QB JOSH MC COWN has 842 passing yards in last 3 games. His 2.4 INT pct. (9 INT in 372 attempts) ranks 4th in NFC. Has 11 TD passes, including 5 in 4th-quarter……RB EMMITT SMITH has 868 yards rushing & needs 132 for NFL-record 12th 1,000-yard season. Ties for 3rd in NFC with 9 rushing TDs & needs 1 for 1st 10-TD year since ’99 & 9th career. Is NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 18,286 yards.……Second-year WR ANQUAN BOLDIN has 5+ catches in 19 of 25 career games, including 7 catches for 107 yards & 1 TD last week. Has 53 receptions for 592 yards in 9 games. Rookie 1st-round WR LARRY FITZGERALD ranks 1st in NFC & 2nd among NFL rookies with 8 TDs. His 55 catches ranks 2nd among NFL rookies (744 yards)…… Team holds foes to 45.1 red zone TD pct. (51 trips, 23 TDs), 2nd in NFC……DE BERTRAND BERRY has career-best 12.5 sacks……K NEIL RACKERS has connected on NFL-high 5 FGs of 50+ yards. He leads league with 20 touchbacks on KOs, helping Cards hold foes to avg. drive start on KOs at 23.5 yard line, 2nd-best in NFL.ATLANTA FALCONS (11-4) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (8-7)
STATS
NOTES FALCONS: Club has clinched division title & 1st-round bye……Head coach JIM MORA has 11 wins, most in club history by 1st-year head coach……QB MICHAEL VICK is 23-11-1 as starter, including wins in 13 of last 16, & his .671 win pct. is best in team annals. Leads QBs with 889 rushing yards & needs 80 to pass BOBBY DOUGLASS (968, ’72) for most rushing yards by QB in single season all-time. Tops NFL with 7.6 yards per carry avg. Rookie 3rd-round QB MATT SCHAUB made 1st career start last week, passing for 188 yards……RB WARRICK DUNN has 974 rushing yards & needs 26 for 3rd-career 1,000-yard season & 1st with Atl. Club avgs 164.5 rushing yards per game, 1st in NFL….. WR PEERLESS PRICE leads club WRs with 38 catches & 529 yards……ALGE CRUMPLER has club TE record with 48 catches & 774 yards. Has 17 catches of 20+ yards, best among NFL TEs……Defense ranks 3rd in NFL with 44.0 sacks……DT ROD COLEMAN ranks 2nd among NFL DTs with 9.5 sacks. Needs 0.5 to join DE PATRICK KERNEY as 1st Falcons duo with 10.0 sacks since ‘97 (CHUCK SMITH, TRAVIS HALL)……SEAHAWKS: Club ranks 3rd in NFC with +8 takeaway ratio & has been penalized 78 times, fewest in NFL…… MIKE HOLMGREN has led his team to playoffs for 9th time as head coach……QB MATT HASSELBECK has 949 passing yards in last 3 games, giving him 3,191 in ’04, joining JIM ZORN as only Seahawk QBs with 3 3,000-yard passing seasons in row. QB TRENT DILFER started last week, passing for 128 yards……RB SHAUN ALEXANDER rushed for 154 yards & 3 TDs last week, giving him franchise record 1,616 yards. Has 1,092 yards in last 9 games……WR DARRELL JACKSON had 6 catches for 101 yards vs. Cards, giving him single-season team record 84. Has 1,181 yards & needs 107 to pass STEVE LARGENT (1,287, ’85) for team record……Defense ties for 2nd in NFL with 22 INTs……DE CHIKE OKEAFOR had 2.0 sacks vs. Cards & leads club with career-high 8.5……Rookie 2nd-round S MICHAEL BOULWARE ties for 3rd among NFL rookies with 5 INTs. Second-year S KEN HAMLIN had 1st career sack vs. Arizona, posting team-leading 10 tackles & adding 1 forced fumble.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (12-3) AT DENVER BRONCOS (9-6)
STATS
NOTES COLTS: Team can tie franchise record for most wins in season
(13), accomplished in 1968 & 1999……Last week, QB PEYTON MANNING (49)
surpassed DAN MARINO (48, 1984) for most TD passes in season in NFL
history. Manning has 121.4 passer rating & can surpass NFL season passer
rating record Sunday (STEVE YOUNG, 112.8, 1994). INVESCO Field 1 of 2
road venues Manning has not thrown TD pass in (Edward Jones Dome)……RB
EDGERRIN JAMES has reached 3rd 1,500-yd rush season, most among active
players. James (9) needs 1 TD for Colts to become 1st club in NFL history to
have 4 players w/ 10 TDs: WR MARVIN HARRISON (14), WR REGGIE WAYNE
(11), WR BRANDON STOKLEY (10)……Manning & Harrison (9,404) need 135
yards to surpass Buffalo’s JIM KELLY-ANDRE REED (9,538) tandem for
most yards b/w QB-WR in career. Harrison (11,180) needs 34 scrimmage yards
to surpass HOFer LENNY MOORE (11,213) for most in franchise history
……DE DWIGHT FREENEY is 1st Colts DE named NFL All-Star in consecutive
years since MIKE BARNES (1975-77). Freeney leads NFL w/ 16.0 sacks w.
1.0+ sack in 4 games in row. DE ROBERT MATHIS is 2nd in AFC sacks
(10.5)……BRONCOS: Win clinches playoff berth. Head coach
MIKE SHANAHAN has 100 regular season wins w/ Broncos. Since 1995,
Shanahan’s 107 wins are most in NFL……QB JAKE PLUMMER is club’s
all-time leader in passer rating (87.44) w/ min. 500 attempts & stands 5th
in AFC w/ 25 TD passes. From 1997-2002, Plummer was 30-52 (.366) as starter
w/ Arizona; since joining Broncos in 2003, Plummer is 18-8 (.692) ……RB
REUBEN DROUGHNS has 90+ rush yds in 7 of past 11 & has rush TD in 4 of
past 6……WR ROD SMITH has 6 receptions & TD catch in each of past 2.
WR ASHLEY LELIE has 20+ yd catch in 14 of 15 games. Lelie has 60+
rec. yards in 8 of past 9. Rookie WR DARIUS WATTS (No. 54) needs 8
catches to pass MARK JACKSON (38, 1986) for 3rd-most by Denver rookie
……DE REGGIE HAYWARD has 1.0 sack in 5 of past 7. Allowing fewest 4th
qtr points in NFL (48) & have shutout opp. in 9 of 15 4th qtrs. Rookie LB
D.J. WILLIAMS (No. 17) recorded 1st career INT last wk & leads team w/
111 tackles. Can be 1st Broncos rookie to lead club in tackles since LB
TOM GRAHAM in 1972 (91). JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (8-7) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (5-10)
STATS
NOTES JAGUARS: Team aims to make playoffs for 1st time since 1999. Club
has scored 48 times on 1st possession in team history & are 35-13 (.729) in
those games. Offense has scored TD on 3 opening possessions & team is 3-0 in
those games. Under head coach JACK DEL RIO, team is 6-4 in games
decided by 3 points or less……QB BYRON LEFTWICH has TD pass in 11 of
13 starts on season. In last 5 games of seasons, Lefwich has completed 11
TDs vs. 5 INTs & has 90.0+ passer rating in 4 of those 9 games. Leftwich
(93.1) ranks 5th in AFC in 3rd down passer rating……RB FRED TAYLOR has
1,500+ scrimmage yds in 5 of past 7 years. Taylor ranks 6th in AFC w/ 1,569
total scrimmage yards (1,224 rush & 345 receiving)……WR JIMMY SMITH
ties for 6th-most catches of 20+ yards (19) & is No. 1 in NFL in per-catch
avg. (16.2) among players w/ 60+ catches. WR TROY EDWARDS has
multiple catches in 14 of 15 games this season……CB DEWAYNE WASHINGTON
aims to make his 170th career start. Washington notched 2nd INT of season
last week. DTs MARCUS STROUD & JOHN HENDERSON have each
started 14 of 15 games this season…… RAIDERS: Team has NFL’s
2nd-toughest strength of schedule pct. (.578)......In past 6 games, QB
KERRY COLLINS has 16 TDs vs. 5 INTs. Collins (3,353) has reached 3,000+
passing yds in 5 consecutive years. Collins has 2+ TD passes in 5 of past 6
games……RB ZACK CROCKETT has TD in 2 of past 3 games. RB JUSTIN
FARGAS averaged 6.3 yds on 6 carries last wk. In past 5 gms, RB J.R.
REDMOND averaging 5.9 yds/carry on 14 atts. Redmond has 2+ catches in 7
of past 9. RB AMOS ZEREOUE has catch in 13 consecutive games & 2+ in
4 in row……Among AFC players w/ 60+ catches, WR JERRY PORTER ties for
2nd in yds/catch (15.8). In past 2, Porter has 12 catches, 205 yards & 4 TDs.
Porter needs 37 rec. yards for 1st career 1,000-yd season. Four of club’s 5
pass plays of 50+ yds have come in past 5 games. WR DOUG GABRIEL has
catch in 13 games in row……T LANGSTON WALKER has blocked PAT & 2 FG
tries in 2004……DE TYLER BRAYTON (INT), DE BOBBY HAMILTON
(1.0), DT WARREN SAPP (1.0) & DT TED WASHINGTON (1.0) last wk
had 3.0 sacks & INT……All-Star P SHANE LECHLER tops NFL in punt avg.
(47.3). KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (7-8) AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (11-4)
STATS
NOTES CHIEFS: Team has scored 30+ points in 5 consecutive games for
longest streak in franchise history. Offense has club-record 6,252 total
yards & has reached 300+ total yds in team-record 14 games in 2004……QB
TRENT GREEN (4,218 & 336) needs 131 pass yds & 11 completions to set
seasonal club-record in both categories (BILL KENNEY, 1983: 4,348 &
346)……RB LARRY JOHNSON has 2 rush TDs in 3 consecutive games. In past
5 games, Johnson averaging 5.4 yds per carry on 92 rushes w/ 8 rushing TDs.
Johnson has runs of 30+ yards in 3 of past 4 games……Last wk, TE TONY
GONZALEZ tied single-game career-best 11 receptions. Gonzalez (88) needs
6 catches to surpass own club record for most in season (93, 2000). Gonzalez
(1,114) is 1 of 5 TEs in NFL history w/ multiple 1,000-yd seasons, joining
TODD CHRISTENSEN, HOFer OZZIE NEWSOME, SHANNON SHARPE,
& HOFer KELLEN WINSLOW. Gonzalez stands 4th in NFL receptions & can
become 1st TE to lead league in catches since Christensen in 1986. WR
EDDIE KENNISON (6) ties for AFC lead in 40+ yd receptions……WR-KR
DANTE HALL leads AFC in KR attempts (63) & is 2nd in AFC in KR avg.
(25.9)……CHARGERS: Club has clinched No. 4 seed in AFC
Playoffs. Head coach MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER was KC head coach from
1989-98. Had 101-58-1 (.634) record & led franchise to 7 playoff berths……In
last mtg, QB DREW BREES completed 28 of 37 for career-high 378 yds w/
2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 125.7 passer rating. Brees has been sacked more than
twice in 1 game this season……RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON has 18 TDs on
season, 2nd-most in NFL (SHAUN ALEXANDER, Sea., 19). Tomlinson (12)
needs TD to tie NFL record of TD scored in 13 games in row (JOHN RIGGINS,
Wash., 1982-83; GEORGE ROGERS, Wash., 1985-86). Tomlinson needs 224
total scrimmage yds to reach 2,000 in 3rd season in row & has scored TD in
21 of past 22 games……TE ANTONIO GATES has 13 TD catches, most by TE
in league history. WR ERIC PARKER has 2 100s in past 3 & has multiple
catches in 9 consecutive games ......LB DONNIE EDWARDS has 4 INTs in
past 3 games. LB STEVE FOLEY leads NFL LBs w/ 10.0 sacks. DALLAS COWBOYS (6-9) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (5-10)
STATS
NOTES COWBOYS: Head coach BILL PARCELLS has won 12 of last 16
Dec. games & is 43-23 (.652) all-time in month…… QB VINNY TESTAVERDE
has 267 career TD passes, 8th-most all-time. Has 3 300-yard games & needs 1
to break 3-way tie for club single-season record. Native of Elmont, NY,
spent 1998-03 with Jets……Rookie 2nd-round RB JULIUS JONES ranks 2nd
among NFL rookies with 670 rushing yards, including 654 in last 6 games with
2 150-yard games…… WR KEYSHAWN JOHNSON leads club with 963 receiving
yards (69 catches) & needs 37 for 5th-career 1,000 yard season. Rookie
7th-round WR PATRICK CRAYTON had 2 catches for 54 yards vs. Wash,
including 39-yard TD catch, his 1st career TD…..FLOZELL ADAMS has
started 100 games in row, club’s longest active streak……DT LA’ROI GLOVER
is 3rd among NFL DTs with 7.0 sacks. DE GREG ELLIS needs sack for 1st
10-sack year by Cowboy since TONY TOLBERT (12, ’96)……Team allows
17.6-yard KR avg, 1st in NFL……GIANTS: Head coach TOM
COUGHLIN spent 1988-90 as WR coach on Parcells’ staff with
Giants……Rookie QB ELI MANNING has started 6 games & has 4 40+ yard
completions…... RB TIKI BARBER has 6,832 career rushing yards & needs
66 to pass RODNEY HAMPTON (6,897) for most in franchise history. Has
9 100-yard rushing games in ’04, passing JOE MORRIS (8, ’86) for
single-season team record with 109-yard performance last week……WR AMANI
TOOMER has team-leading 747 yards receiving, posting 50 catches (51) for
6th consecutive season. Has 469 career receptions, 2nd to Barber (471) in
club history……TE JEREMY SHOCKEY ties for lead among NFC TEs with
career-high 6 TD catches. Has team-leading 61 catches for 666 yards in
‘04……Defense holds foes to 187.3 passing yards per game, 8th in NFL……DE
OSI UMENYIORA has team-leading & career-high 6.0 sacks…..KR WILLIE
PONDER avgs. 27.4 yards per KR, best in NFL.
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS (DEC. 24-27) (Home team in CAPS)
WEEK 17 SCHEDULE – (JAN. 2) (All times local)
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