RUN TO HISTORY: When the Arizona Cardinals host the New York Jets on Sunday, NFL history will be made. Running backs EMMITT SMITH of the Cardinals (18,076) and CURTIS MARTIN of the Jets (12,741) combine for 30,817 career rushing yards – the most by two backs in one game in NFL history.

Both players are having standout seasons. Martin (1,072) already has posted his 10th consecutive 1,000-yard season, tying BARRY SANDERS for the most 1,000-yard rushing seasons to begin a career. Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, is the NFC’s sixth leading rusher with 658 yards, and ranks third in the conference with eight rushing touchdowns.

The most combined rushing yards of opposing running backs in a game in NFL history:

TIME IS ON MY SIDE: The Pittsburgh Steelers are riding an NFL-best eight-game winning streak and are doing so with superb ball control.

There has been standout play throughout the Steelers’ roster, including rookie quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER, running backs DUCE STALEY and JEROME BETTIS, and a defense that leads the NFL in sacks (31.0). The Steelers are holding on to the ball and forcing teams to hand it over with the league’s second-best turnover ratio (+11).

Pittsburgh (35:02) also is on pace to establish the second greatest time-of-possession average since 1978 when the NFL adopted its current 16-game schedule.

The five teams with the greatest single-season time-of-possession average since 1978:

*Through 11 weeks

MANY HAPPY – AND LONG – RETURNS: Baltimore Ravens safety ED REED is the NFL’s interception co-leader (TORY JAMES) with six, but perhaps more impressive than his number of interceptions is the length of his returns.

Reed’s average return on his six interceptions is 48.3 yards, which includes an NFL-record 106-yard runback to seal a victory against Cleveland in Week 9.

The all-time leader in average return yards per interception in a season (minimum of six) is Reed’s teammate DEION SANDERS, who registered 50.5 yards per return on six interceptions in 1994 with San Francisco.

The highest NFL season interception return-yard average (minimum six returns):

*Through 11 weeks

NEWCOMERS WELCOME: Through 10 games, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver TERRELL OWENS has scored 13 touchdowns in his first season with the team.

Owens has a chance to score the most touchdowns by a veteran player in his first year with a new team in history.

The veteran players who scored the most touchdowns in their first season with a new team:

*Through 11 weeks

GATES ALWAYS OPEN: San Diego Chargers second-year tight end ANTONIO GATES is catching passes and attention throughout the NFL this season for his stellar play.

The 6-4, 260-pounder did not play college football at Kent State, but has combined hard work and athletic talent to become the top target for quarterback DREW BREES.

Gates, with 62 receptions, is tied for the most catches in the NFL with Tennessee wide receiver DERRICK MASON. He is vying to become only the third tight end to lead the league in receptions since 1970.

The tight ends who have led the NFL in receptions in a season since 1970: