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raiders72001
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   Posted 9/1/2005 12:32 AM (GMT -5)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
THURSDAY'S GAMES 9/01/05

NY Jets -
QB Rotation: Chad Pennington (1st Q, possibily more), Jay Fiedler, Brooks Bollinger (see below).

HC Herm Edwards said he'll play his veterans only a series or two and RB Curtis Martin will get zero carries vs. the Eagles on Thursday. Martin, who begged for more work last preseason and had 22 carries on the way to the NFL rushing title, has had 21 carries so far this preseason.

The Jets might consider playing Pennington more in this week's preseason finale. While tradition calls for the starter to play just a few series, he could get most of the first half if the coaching staff thinks he needs it. Herman Edwards seems to indicate otherwise, because Pennington has had trouble staying healthy thus far in his young career.

OC Mike Heimerdinger wants his quarterback to throw further downfield, requiring deeper dropbacks and different progressions. Now, instead of reading just half the field the way he did under Paul Hackett, Pennington must scan the entire field before picking a receiver. Pennington also is reacquainting himself with the shotgun formation. Evidently, he's still not comfortable with it because, in a third-down passing situation against the Giants, he eschewed the shotgun. The quarterback makes that call, according to HC Herm Edwards.

Holdout DE John Abraham is back, but probably won't play Thursday. DT Dewayne Robertson (fractured hand) won't play against the Eagles.

New HC Mike Heimerdinger is known as an aggressive coach, and wants to create an attacking mentality. He's having the Jets breaking the huddle as quickly as possible, among other things.

Philadelphia Eagles - QB Rotation: Koy Detmer (1st Q+), Mike McMahon (2nd Q+), Andy Hall (3rd Q+).

The starters are not expected to play. Donovan McNabb won't play, and Andy Reid will rotate QBs Koy Detmer, Mike McMahon and Andy Hall.

Corey Simon contract dispute with the Eagles ended Sunday when the team abruptly removed their franchise tag on the former first-round draft pick, making the defensive tackle an unrestricted free agent.

Sean Landeta, 43, has joined the Eagles. Dirk Johnson, the Eagles' punter last year, has missed most of training camp following surgery to repair a sports hernia. Andy Reid said that Johnson has started punting again, but that he is still "not full speed."

Atlanta Falcons - QB Rotation: Michael Vick (1-2 series), Ty Detmer, Matt Schaub.

Vick has already taken more reps in this preseason than all last preseason. One or two series scheduled for this week. The starters, who played a half against the Jaguars, are not expected to play more than a series Thursday.

The defense has bent but not broken: Opposing teams have put up decent offensive numbers (1,308 total yards), except on the scoreboard. In first quarters, when starters have played, teams have scored 10 points.

WRs thin, with Peerless Price released and rookie Roddy White (high ankle sprain) missing last week's game. White is not expected to play.

DE Brady Smith will make his exhibition debut Thursday after missing the previous four exhibitions while rehabilitating from pre-training camp neck surgery. Smith isn't expected to play more than a few series.

Most Falcons veterans will be used sparingly in the preseason, coach Jim Mora said. Vick took just 27 snaps all last preseason and just three in the 2004 exhibition opener. Mora indicated he'd probably follow last season's strategy of limiting Vick.

Falcons coach Jim Mora said he is "tired of the preseason," but stressed the importance of Thursday's fifth and final exhibition at Miami because there are a few players who still could earn jobs. "I have respect for some of the young guys trying to make this team, but I think our players are anxious to get going on the season," said Mora, whose team is 3-1. "It's been a long preseason."

An emphasis on protection for QB Vick: The coaches have tweaked the offensive line schemes a bit after surrendering 50 sacks last season, but it still needs work.

Miami Dolphins - QB Rotation: Gus Frerotte, A.J. Feeley, Sage Rosenfels, Brock Berlin (see below).

If HC Nick Saban is leaning toward one of the veteran quarterbacks, he's not at all ready to share it. The first-year coach wouldn't even reveal which one would start his team's final exhibition game against the Atlanta Falcons.

While allowing that the starters won't play long enough against the Falcons to provide both QBs with quality time with the first team, Saban expressed the hope that either Frerotte or Feeley would still be able to help him finally determine a starting quarterback.

After Gus Frerotte struggled for the second consecutive game, HC Nick Saban is now thinking about entering the regular season the same way he came into the preseason: with an unsettled quarterback position where both men play in a rotation. Saban wasn't comfortable with Frerotte to choose him to start Thursday's preseason finale against Atlanta, much less the Sept. 11 regular-season opener.

Rookie RB Ronnie Brown is expected to get more action Thursday. Although starters and significant contributors generally don't play much in the final exhibition game, coach Nick Saban said the plan is slightly different for Brown because of his three-week holdout.

Punter Matt Turk (right groin) is expected to miss the final exhibition game.

An intriguing development is the Dolphins use of a spread formation lineup featuring both RBs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Both Williams and Brown either worked at a receiver spot or did receiving drills, the strongest indication that the Dolphins plan to put both players on the field at the same time. If the Dolphins plan to run much of that formation, expect a fair dose of it Saturday against the Buccaneers.

Offensive line thin. Nick Saban said, "And we need to protect the quarterback more consistently." The Dolphins began the process of fixing the offensive line by putting former starter Damion McIntosh back at left tackle, switching Vernon Carey from left to right tackle and removing Stockar McDougle from the first unit.

Defensively, Miami has changed from a 4-3 to a 3-4.

Houston Texans - QB Rotation: David Carr (10 plays), Tony Banks, Dave Ragone, B.J. Symons, Preston Parsons.

The starters won't play more than 10 plays and RB Dom Davis (sprained ankle) won't play at all in the last preseason game.

Last week was a downer: The starters were on the field for an entire half. There was even a game plan, but the Texans were awful. They failed to score an offensive touchdown and lost to the Cowboys 21-9. "We can't be a sloppy football team," Texans coach Dom Capers said. "Lots of little things went wrong."

WRs thin: With WR Jabar Gaffney (shoulder) and Derick Armstrong (foot) sidelined because of injuries, the coaches got to look at Sloan Thomas, Reggie Swinton and Jerome Mathis. The Texans are looking for a receiver to take the heat off WR Andre Johnson. Gaffney is doubtful for Saturday's game in Dallas, but is expected to play against Tampa Bay in the preseason finale Sept. 1.

Houston wants to improve its running game. In preseason games, they want to see RBs rookie Vernand Morency and Tony Hollings as much as possible.

Tampa Bay Bucs - QB Rotation: Brian Griese (will start), Chris Simms, Luke McCown (see below).

Said Jon Gruden, "We'll let the starters play a little bit and we'll give way fairly early to some of the young guys and let them complete the preseason."

Offensive line thin. ORT Kenyatta Walker will miss this week's final preseason game after spraining his right knee. The Bucs have had to scramble to put together a first and second unit for team drills. Though LT Derrick Deese (foot sprain) and Jeb Terry (knee sprain) will likely remain sidelined, LT Anthony Davis and LG Matt Stinchcomb are close to returning. There is also a chance Stinchcomb (back) and Terry (knee) will see action against the Texans. "We need to get our starters back," Jon Gruden said. "I'd like to see our starting offensive line, whoever they are."

Cleveland Browns - QB Rotation: Trent Dilfer (1st Q), rookie Charlie Frye (2nd-3rd Q), Doug Johnson (3rd Q+), Josh Harris, rookie Lang Campbell.

Backup quarterback is a position that HC Romeo Crennel has not defined. He said rookie Charlie Frye will be first off the bench Thursday in Chicago, but Doug Johnson also will play.

Romeo Crennel does not have enough time to declare winners at some spots. The positions in question are running back, inside linebacker, safety and outside linebacker.

Secondary thin.

No. 1 pick WR Braylon Edwards finished the game with a sore left shoulder, but underwent X-rays and said he'll be fine.

RB Lee Suggs is out for several weeks with a high ankle sprain, so William Green and Reuben Droughns are competing.

Chicago Bears - QB Rotation: Rookie Kyle Orton (1-2 series), Jeff Blake, Kurt Kittner (see below).

QB Kyle Orton will play only briefly in the exhibition finale Thursday. Jeff Blake is now the backup and will see extended time, with Kurt Kittner now No. 3.

Rookie Kyle Orton was named the Chicago Bears' starting QB, and the team demoted Chad Hutchinson out of the playing rotation. Veteran Jeff Blake is the backup and Kurt Kittner is No. 3. "You saw the excitement when Orton came into the game," Lovie Smith said. "Kyle definitely gave our offense a boost. That's what we need."

The Bears lost starting QB Rex Grossman (ankle) for 3-4 months.

Rookie RB Cedric Benson will not play in the exhibition finale.

The Bears' depth on defense has taken a hit. Coach Lovie Smith said safeties Bobby Gray and Cameron Worrell and LB Marcus Reese all will undergo season-ending surgery. Starting CB Jerry Azumah is still out and won't play in the final exhibition game Sept. 1.

The Bears have a new offensive coordinator in Ron Turner. He is bringing in his version of the West Coast offense. His offense is geared toward receivers as opposed to backs and tight ends in the passing game. Turner said, "We definitely are going to continue to be aggressive."

NY Giants - QB Rotation: Tim Hasselbeck (first half), Jared Lorenzen (3rd Q), Jesse Palmer (4th Q).

Tim Hasselbeck is likely to take the majority of the snaps with the first-team offense Thursday. QB Jared Lorenzen will be the second quarterback to enter the game, not Jesse Palmer. Coughlin called Hasselbeck's three-fumble performance against the Jets last week inconsistent.

HC Tom Coughlin said QB Eli Manning is not going to play Thursday. Manning's sprained right elbow remains "on schedule" and that he'll "probably" be ready for opening day.

New England Patriots - QB Rotation: Tom Brady, Doug Flutie (likely the first half), rookie Matt Cassel (second half).

The starters won't play much, if at all. QB Rohan Davey, a backup for Tom Brady last year, was released. Tom Brady was asked if he thought he was going to be kept out of the final preseason game, like he was last year (along with most of the other starters). "I do not know. It's a coaching decision," Brady said.

You think the Patriots want to get TE Ben Watson going? Tom Brady and Doug Flutie threw at the second-year TE no fewer than eight times. Watson hauled in six of those attempts for 49 yards. The numbers were a good indication of the role the Patriots see from Watson this season.

Branch not out on limb: After seeing WR Deion Branch suffer significant injuries in two of his first three years, the Pats are making sure not to expose their leading receiver to any needless preseason hits. Branch dressed but did not see action for the third straight game.

Pittsburgh Steelers - QB Rotation: Ben Roethlisberger, Tommy Maddox, Charlie Batch, Brian St. Pierre.

Minimal time for the starters: HC Bill Cowher said the continued struggles of the first-team offense won't change the way he distributes playing time in the preseason finale Thursday at Carolina.

RB problems: With injuries to Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis, Willie Parker might have to start for the Steelers in the opener against Tennessee. The Steelers' situation at running back is so dire that Parker won't play against the Panthers this week. Starter Duce Staley (knee) is on the shelf, and Bettis was scheduled to undergo an MRI Saturday. RB Verron Haynes will start Thursday in Carolina, and rookie RB Noah Herron will play along with undrafted rookie RB John Kuhn.

Coach Cowher was "disappointed in the effort" he felt the Steelers put forth against Washington.

Carolina Panthers - QB Rotation: Jake Delhomme (one series), Chris Weinke, rookie Stephan LeFlors (see below).

The starters might play no more than a series. Coach John Fox, "We'll back off (from using the starters) a lot in the fourth preseason game." Rod Rutherford, who was competing for Carolina's third-string quarterback position, was released.

Panthers RB Stephen Davis, who returned to practice a week ago for the first time since last season's knee injury, will play this game. Fox said, "How much he plays is going to be a game-time decision."

Carolina must trim its roster to 76 by Tuesday; the normal limit is 65, but the Panthers have 11 exemptions. The final cut to 53 comes Saturday.

Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Rotation: Byron Leftwich, David Garrard, Quinn Gray, Nate Hybl.

Jack Del Rio reiterated that RB Fred Taylor won't be allowed to play in Thursday. Pro Bowl DT Marcus Stroud might not play against the Cowboys because of a strained hamstring that will limit him in practice this week.

The Jaguars are likely to go with a rotation of Mike Pearson and Ephraim Salaam at offensive left tackle this week and early in the regular season. Salaam will start Thursday, but Del Rio has not named a starter for the season opener against Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 11.

Secondary thin.

Veteran backup Ephraim Salaam worked with first unit in practice and is scheduled to start ahead of Mike Pearson at left offensive tackle at Dallas. Pearson is coming off surgery to repair three torn knee ligaments, so the Jaguars appear reluctant to play him extensively on the artificial surface at Texas Stadium. Pearson still is on track to be the team's opening day starter against Seattle on Sept. 11.

Carl Smith is the new offensive coordinator. He is a proponent of play action, something you will see a lot with his QBs in preseason. Smith said, "We're going to use the whole field this season."

Dallas Cowboys - QB Rotation: Drew Bledsoe (1st Q), Tony Romo(2-3rd Q), Drew Henson (wrap up).

Tony Romo will be the Cowboys' No. 2 quarterback to start the season, with Drew Henson No. 3. Parcells said Henson would play against Jacksonville in Thursday’s final preseason game.

Issues in the secondary: Parcells said he's not even close to deciding who will start at free safety. For now, Lynn Scott and Keith Davis are rotating at the position. CB Lance Frazier (sprained left ankle) is also ailing.

The defense is still adjusting to their new 3-4 defense.

Washington Redskins - QB Rotation: Patrick Ramsey, Mark Brunell, rookie Jason Campbell (see below).

Coach Joe Gibbs maintained his moratorium on pronouncing how long he expects his starting offense to play, although it seems unlikely it would continue playing the entire first half.

No. 3 WR Taylor Jacobs is highly unlikely to play in Thursday's exhibition finale.

For the first time since before spring minicamp, almost all of the safeties and cornerbacks are healthy, with Walt Harris and Ryan Clark back from their latest nagging injuries. However, starting safety Matt Bowen is out until at least next week because of a badly bruised chest.

Uncertainty about punter Tom Tupa (back) led the Redskins to sign veteran punter Chris Mohr. Mohr, 39, is expected to play extensively Thursday, while Tupa, 39, saw a specialist in Los Angeles for a second opinion.

Baltimore Ravens - QB Rotation: Kyle Boller, Anthony Wright, rookie Derek Anderson.

In a little more than five quarters this preseason, Kyle Boller has thrown for 198 yards. In 15 drives against starting defenses, the Ravens have produced four interceptions, one TD pass and a 27 percent third-down conversion rate (the Ravens converted 35 percent last season). The Ravens appear to be going as far as their running backs will carry them.

Cornerbacks Samari Rolle (knee) and Deion Sanders are likely to miss the final preseason game.

Pass protection has been shoddy in every phase. Teams have reached the QBs with all-out blitzes and three-man rushes. The Ravens' linemen have been getting pushed back, and their RBs have been out of position to pick up unblocked defenders. "My quarterback is getting the hell knocked out of him, and that's not good," Ravens coach Brian Billick said.

Green Bay Packers - QB Rotation: Brett Favre, rookie Aaron Rodgers, Craig Nall, J.T. O'Sullivan.

Secondary thin.

Offensive line concerns: The Packers are no closer to naming their starting guards than they were before the exhibition season started. Neither veteran Adrian Klemm nor rookie Will Whitticker secured a place in the starting lineup despite an opportunity Friday against the Patriots. Klemm was inconsistent in his run blocking and Whitticker struggled in several areas, most notably sustaining blocks in both the running and passing game.

LBs thin: The Packers released LB Hannibal Navies, which was somewhat of a risky move because LB Na’il Diggs might not be ready for opening day with a knee injury and career backup Paris Lenon would have to replace him on the strong side. Even though Lenon played behind Navies each of the last two seasons, that was under coordinators Ed Donatell and Bob Slowik in a system in which the strong-side LB played most of the game on the line of scrimmage. Under the new coordinator, Jim Bates, the player on the strong side spends almost the entire game stacked 4 to 5 yards off the line. Above everything at linebacker, Bates wants speed.

Thinking ahead: Though the Packers play Tennessee Thursday, HC Mike Sherman had the team practice in the Don Hutson Center in preparation for the game at Detroit’s domed Ford Field on Sept. 11.

Jim Bates is the Packers new Defensive Coordinator, their third new one in three years. The defense is running more coverages than the basic two-deep scheme of a year ago.

Tennessee Titans - QB Rotation: Steve McNair, Billy Volek, Chris Redman, Shane Boyd (see below).

HC Jeff Fisher said he expects to play the vast majority of the Titans' starters into the third quarter against Green Bay. Fisher said he rated only two players as likely exceptions to the outline for playing time: QB Steve McNair and WR Drew Bennett will likely be pulled earlier. "Our philosophy has changed primarily because we are so young," Fisher said. "We're coming back off of injuries and we need to build some momentum. We didn't have a particularly good outing last week. We need to put something together. Regardless of what the Packers would like to do, we are going to play and we're going to play hard."

Running backs thin: RB Travis Henry (toe) is not expected to play Thursday. RB Chris Brown (ankle) got an extra day of rest Sunday. RB Jarrett Payton is coming off a mild concussion and a neck strain.

Cornerback update: Coach Jeff Fisher said if the regular season began on Sunday his starting CBs would be Andre Woolfolk and Tony Beckham. But he didn't rule out first-round pick Pacman Jones catching up in time for the Sept. 11 opener. Jeff Fisher said Jones will play CB early in Thursday's preseason finale against Green Bay.

Norm Chow is the new offensive coordinator.

New Orleans Saints - QB Rotation: Aaron Brooks (1-2 series), Todd Bouman, Kliff Kingsbury, rookie Adrian McPherson.

The starters are expected to make only a cameo appearance.

Offensive line thin.

Defensive line thin. Most disturbing Friday was the run defense. Playing without Jamal Lewis, the Ravens had runs of 43 and 50 yards on their first two plays from scrimmage. The Saints wound up allowing 176 rushing yards in the first half before the backups, who performed poorly in the first two games, held the Ravens to 5 yards on the ground.

"I was disappointed in all aspects," HC Jim Haslett said. "I was disappointed in the way we tackled. Offensively, we didn't do anything all night. "All in all, we took a step backwards. We really need to get better as a team."

QB Aaron Brooks said the hurricane has taken its toll on the Saints. "I can't say we were completely focused on football," he said.

Oakland Raiders - QB Rotation: Kerry Collins (1st Q), Marques Tuiasosopo (2nd Q+), rookie Andrew Walter (3rd Q+), Bret Engemann.

HC Norv Turner said QB Kerry Collins would start, followed by Marques Tuiasosopo. No. 3 QB Andrew Walter, out since the exhibition opener, would be able to play Thursday.

With P Shane Lechler likely unavailable the next couple of weeks, the Raiders have signed free-agent punter Bryce Benekos. He will back Gary Cook.

Defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who was lost as a DE in the 3-4 scheme last season, is showing signs of his former explosiveness as a pass rusher and has two sacks in three games.

The Raiders have played the 4-3 almost exclusively in all three exhibition games, but coach Norv Turner said it's possible the team might use more 3-4 in the exhibition finale Thursday. "We've used it in practice and we'll use it some the next couple of days," Turner said.

San Fran 49ers - QB Rotation: Tim Rattay, Alex Smith, Ken Dorsey, Cody Pickett.

Rookie QB Alex Smith returns to his native San Diego for this one. Cody Pickett will play quarterback and on special teams this game.

Center Jeremy Newberry engaged in practice for the second straight day and will start Thursday in San Diego barring a setback.

San Francisco played its first-team offense and defense well into the third quarter last week, but almost was tripped up by their lack of depth. With the second and third teams in, the 49ers gave up 10 points. The second-team offense, led by struggling rookie quarterback Alex Smith, turned the ball over twice. Smith fumbled when sacked in the fourth quarter, and the Titans converted that opportunity into points.

Offensive line thin.

Mike Nolan is the new 49ers head coach (former defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens).

San Diego Chargers - QB Rotation: Drew Brees (15-20 plays), Philip Rivers (2nd Q+), Cleo Lemon (3rd Q+).

The starters (except for LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates) will be in for about 15-20 plays, which is about a quarter, and maybe a little into the second. QB Cleo Lemon has played a quarter or two in each of the Chargers' three exhibition games, a trend that is expected to continue here.

Defensive ends Igor Olshansky, Luis Castillo and Jacques Cesaire are expected to play, but LB Shawne Merriman and WRs Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd will not. DE DeQuincy Scott is available but might be held out.

The Chargers were flagged 13 times last week, and that had Schottenheimer steaming.

Kicking game better: Nate Kaeding hit a 46-yard field goal right down the middle in the third quarter. He has made three consecutive field goals after missing the first three he tried this preseason.

The Chargers are the only team in the NFL that returns all 22 starters on offense and defense, plus their punter, kicker and long snapper.


FRIDAY'S GAMES 9/02/05

Detroit Lions - QB Rotation: Joey Harrington (1-2 series), Jeff Garcia (2nd Q+), rookie Dan Orlovsky (3rd Q+).

Starters are likely to play briefly against Buffalo. Said HC Mariucci, "We've got to be smart and play one or two series, whatever we've decided, and get them out and get ready for the opener." This is a short week for the Lions after playing Monday against the Rams.

Monday was a disaster, losing badly at home, 37-13. The Lions wanted to polish their No. 1 offense, but they exposed the same old flaws. QB Joey Harrington was hit often and sacked three times in the first 30 minutes. Harrington played the entire first half and the first series of the second half. He completed 9 of 18 passes for 106 yards. Lions coach Steve Mariucci said, "Alarming. There's no excuse for a game like that."

Coach Steve Mariucci put the team through a brisker practice than normal Monday to make corrections as soon as possible after Monday night's 37-13 loss to the St. Louis Rams. "This is a rough day for us all after a loss like that," Mariucci said.

The Lions have two more QBs in camp in rookie Todd Mortensen (San Diego).

Buffalo Bills - QB Rotation: J.P. Losman (1st Q), Kelly Holcomb (2nd Q), Shane Matthews (3rd Q+), Tory Woodbury, Kevin Thompson (see below).

Hoping to exit the preseason with Losman and the offense in some sort of rhythm, HC Mike Mularkey indicated he would likely play his starters longer than the normal cursory appearance. "I think they're all going to play, I'm talking about our team not just the offense," Mularkey said. "We'll play more than the normal fourth preseason game. We need to be in rhythm on both sides of the ball, special teams, coming out of this game."

Offensive line thin: Guards Lawrence Smith and Ben Sobieski were ruled out for the year.

Indianapolis Colts - QB Rotation: Peyton Manning (one series at most), Jim Sorgi, Tom Arth (see below).

"The starters won't go more than one series," HC Tony Dungy said. "Anybody who is hurt at all or at risk will not play." It's uncertain whether QB Peyton Manning will play at all. "The regular starters will not get a whole lot of work," Tony Dungy said.

CB Donald Strickland, center Jeff Saturday and RT Ryan Diem - all starters - are expected to sit out. The list could also include safeties Mike Doss and Bob Sanders, first-round pick CB Marlin Jackson and 2004 sacks leader Dwight Freeney.

The Colts still are winless heading into Friday's preseason finale at Cincinnati. "It feels like we haven't won a game in a long time," coach Tony Dungy said. "We haven't, and that's not a good thing."

Cincinnati Bengals - QB Rotation: Carson Palmer, Jon Kitna, Casey Bramlet, Craig Krenzel.

It may be a tough practice this week: Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was not happy with last week's game. "We didn't come out flat - we got our head kicked in," said Lewis. "There's nothing flat about that. When you get punched in the face, that's what happens. Flat didn't drop balls; flat didn't miss assignments; flat didn't commit penalties and miss tackles."

Offensive line still thin: Bengals RT Stacy Andrews was taught a few lessons by Philadelphia's defensive line. Andrews, playing for an injured Willie Anderson, was called for three penalties in the first half - two false starts and one holding. The second half didn't start any better as Andrews was flagged for another holding penalty. Andrews had fared well in the first two preseason games.

Secondary thin: Already missing one starting safety in Madieu Williams, the Bengals lost Kim Herring to a right shoulder injury. He will not play and has been replaced by Anthony Mitchell. Herring's right arm was in a sling after the game.

K.C. Chiefs - QB Rotation: Trent Green (will start), Damon Huard, Jonathan Quinn, rookie James Kilian.

Trent Green is scheduled to start in Friday’s final exhibition game. Dick Vermeil’s goals for Friday’s game include an improved pass defense, better pass protection from new right tackle Jordan Black and no significant injuries.

Quarterbacks thin: Damon Huard got a concussion and didn't play last week. Backup QB Todd Collins is still out with a fractured passing hand. Even starter Trent Green came out of the last game because of some numbness in his foot and leg, though he's OK. Expect to see plenty of QBs Jonathan Quinn and rookie James Kilian.

Receivers thin: WRs Nathaniel Curry (hamstring), Dante Hall (knee) and Freddie Mitchell (knee) didn't play Saturday.

St. Louis Rams - QB Rotation: Marc Bulger, Jamie Martin, Jeff Smoker, rookie Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Adam Archuleta is back at strong safety. Martz said, "Adam's probably better down inside than back - particularly in our nickel package. He's such an instinctive and quick read guy in the running game. We miss him being up there."

Offensive line is still a work in progress.

Denver Broncos - QB Rotation: Bradlee Van Pelt (first half), Matt Mauck (3rd Q+), Jake Plummer.

HC Mike Shanahan usually doesn't play the starters in the 4th preseason game. The second-and-third-teamers will see most of the action.

The preseason could not have gone much better for QB Jake Plummer, RB Mike Anderson, WR Ashley Lelie, the offensive line and defensive end Trevor Pryce. Those players have reached their final date of the preseason. Except for this week's practices at Dove Valley, they're done. While the second-and third-teamers prepare for the final game Friday.

RB Tatum Bell will begin the season behind Mike Anderson as the No. 2 tailback.

Mike Shanahan said rookie kicker Paul Ernster will handle some of the kickoff duties Friday. It will be the team's last chance to see Ernster in a game before deciding whether to keep three kicking specialists. If the Broncos don't keep Ernster, punter Todd Sauerbrun, who kicked off Saturday, will handle kickoffs.

Arizona Cardinals - QB Rotation: Kurt Warner, Josh McCown, John Navarre, Chris Lewis.

HC Dennis Green said the starters won't play much this game.

Green said backup QB Josh McCown didn't play Friday because there wasn't enough time to put him in. John Navarre played the rest of the game under center after the first-team offense came off the field for good in the third quarter. This week, Josh McCown will be in his customary second team when the second unit goes to play. Except to see plenty of backup QB John Navarre, too. Navarre is a Green favorite, whom he drafted Navarre in the seventh round in 2004.

Offensive line thin.

The Cardinals are 3-0, but it's preseason. "Every game means something to me," HC Dennis Green said. "Maybe that's my personality. Preseason, regular season, playoffs, they're all the same."

Minnesota Vikings - QB Rotation: Daunte Culpepper (2-3 series), Brad Johnson (2nd-3rd Q), Shaun Hill (4th Q) (see below).

HC Mike Tice had given thought to not playing QB Daunte Culpepper and many of the first-team skill players against Seattle. But that changed last week when San Diego removed its first-team defense early in the game. Tice had wanted to use his top offense through the first series of the third quarter against the Chargers but decided to begin pulling players in the second quarter. "I didn't want to play the starters against backups too long," he said. And so Culpepper will see action, probably very limited, this week.

Running backs thin. Minnesota's top two RBs, Michael Bennett and Mewelde Moore, will probably miss Friday's game because of injuries. Bennett (sore neck) and Moore (sprained left ankle) both participated in practice Monday, but Moore was more limited. Rookie RB Ciatrick Fason likely will get the start. Also, TE T.J. Cottrell suffered a significant injury to his left ankle.

Kicker Aaron Elling and CB Fred Smoot have been ruled out of Friday finale.

Seattle Seahawks - QB Rotation: Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, rookie David Greene, Gilbran Hamdan.

RT Floyd Womack could miss four games after injuring his left triceps in the Seahawks' 23-17 exhibition win over KC.

D.J. Hackett will be back in a couple of weeks after suffering a sprained knee in Saturday's game.

The Seahawks added a new pass-rush possibility when Alain Kashama arrived. Acquired in a trade with Chicago for a future draft pick, Kashama is an end with some speed whom Holmgren said will get a chance to prove he can rush the passer this week."We're going to tee him up and let him rush around a little on Friday," Holmgren said.

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bigboydan
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   Posted 9/1/2005 12:55 AM (GMT -5)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
thanks raiders :)


a good capper is only as good as his info.

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RPM
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   Posted 9/1/2005 3:35 AM (GMT -5)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
thanks a ton raiders, this saved me a bunch of time....
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raiders72001
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Date Joined Mar 2005
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   Posted 9/1/2005 5:59 AM (GMT -5)    Quote This PostAlert An Admin About This Post.
Week FOUR PRESEASON trends...............

PHILLY 2-13 last 15 seasons!

NYJ 8-2 last 10 seasons!


Also, Herm Edwards 7-1 ATS as an underdog in preseason entering this season.
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