Bears' battered defense must stop Vick
Michael Vick was trying to find his way a year ago when the Chicago Bears beat up Atlanta's rookie quarterback, sacking him five times and causing two fumbles.
( RICK GANO, AP Sports Writer, 09/11/2002 10:19 PM EDT)

Vikings Rookie on Injured Reserve
The Minnesota Vikings placed rookie linebacker Raonall Smith on the injured reserve list Wednesday and re-signed veteran Lemanski Hall.
( 09/11/2002 08:21 PM EDT)

Sinclair Adds Depth to Eagles
Michael Sinclair spent his first Sunday out of the NFL watching Philadelphia play Tennessee on television. He'll spend the rest of his season playing for the Eagles.
( ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer, 09/11/2002 07:55 PM EDT)

Unitas Remembered for Ability, Guts
John Unitas was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers and his stooped shoulders made him look like anything but an NFL quarterback.
( DAVE GOLDBERG, AP Football Writer, 09/11/2002 07:52 PM EDT)

Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas dies
Johnny Unitas, the Hall of Fame quarterback who broke nearly every NFL passing record and won three championships with the Baltimore Colts in an 18-year career, died Wednesday at age 69.
( DAVID GINSBURG, AP Sports Writer, 09/11/2002 07:29 PM EDT)

Giants' Strahan Eager to Tackle Rams
Other than standing next to his own quarterbacks on the sidelines, Michael Strahan can't remember being around a quarterback as much as he was with Kurt Warner of the St. Louis Rams last season.
( TOM CANAVAN, AP Sports Writer, 09/11/2002 07:22 PM EDT)

Bengals' Farmer Sprains Left Knee
Receiver Danny Farmer severely sprained a ligament in his left knee during the Cincinnati Bengals' practice Wednesday and will be out for at least three weeks.
( 09/11/2002 07:11 PM EDT)

Titans' Holcombe out with hip injury
Tennessee Titans running back Robert Holcombe cracked his left hip at the joint and will be out at least four weeks.
( 09/11/2002 06:44 PM EDT)

Johnny Unitas Bio
Johnny Unitas at a glance: Born: May 7, 1933, Pittsburgh.
( The Associated Press, 09/11/2002 06:43 PM EDT)

Falcons CB suspended for steroids
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Ray Buchanan, one of the NFL's best, was suspended Wednesday for four games for using steroids despite insisting he took them by mistake.
( PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer, 09/11/2002 05:41 PM EDT)

NFL Reflects on Horror of Sept. 11
At 8:45 a.m, as they do every day, the New York Jets gathered for a team meeting. On this morning, Sept. 11, 2002, coach Herman Edwards began the proceedings differently.
( BARRY WILNER, AP Football Writer, 09/11/2002 05:28 PM EDT)

Jets' Martin Questionable for Sunday
Usually, Curtis Martin knows exactly where to go during practice. He goes into the huddle, then lines up in the backfield, then takes a handoff from the quarterback and heads through even the tiniest of holes.
( BARRY WILNER, AP Football Writer, 09/11/2002 05:15 PM EDT)

Opening Loss Doesn't Trouble Rams
St. Louis Rams players aren't overly concerned about their first opening-day loss in four seasons, and neither is their coach. In fact, the team that was a preseason favorite to make its third Super Bowl in four years is amused by local reaction that the sky is falling.
( R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer, 09/11/2002 05:14 PM EDT)

Browns' Rudd Sorry Over Helmet Throw
Cleveland Browns fans aren't the only ones steaming mad at Dwayne Rudd. Even little Colin Rudd is upset that his daddy threw his helmet.
( TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer, 09/11/2002 05:03 PM EDT)

Coughlin keeps up quest for perfect punt returner
Bobby Shaw, Ike Charlton and Patrick Johnson might want to freshen up their resumes. They're next on the depth chart as punt returners for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
( EDDIE PELLS, AP Sports Writer, 09/11/2002 04:00 PM EDT)

Redskins' Davis has groin injury
Walking with a slight limp, Stephen Davis was asked Wednesday whether his strained groin will still be bothering him when the Washington Redskins play the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.
( JOSEPH WHITE, AP Sports Writer, 09/11/2002 03:00 PM EDT)

Bears Safety Suspended Four Games
Chicago Bears safety Damon Moore has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL substance abuse policy.
( 09/11/2002 12:38 PM EDT)

Danny White Signs New AFL Deal
Danny White has agreed to a two-year contract extension to coach the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League.
( 09/11/2002 11:13 AM EDT)

Madden Fails to Boost 'MNF' Ratings
John Madden's debut on "Monday Night Football" was the lowest-rated opener for the program in at least eight years.
( 09/10/2002 07:26 PM EDT)

Eagles Must Protect McNabb Batter
Donovan McNabb spent too much time picking himself off the ground in the season opener.
( ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer, 09/10/2002 06:40 PM EDT)

Rookie part of champs' improved offense
The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl without an outstanding passing attack. So they added talented receivers - and a rookie from Louisville, Deion Branch, might be the most dangerous.
( HOWARD ULMAN, AP Sports Writer, 09/10/2002 06:09 PM EDT)

Falcons Sell Out Three Home Games
For the first time in 10 years, the Atlanta Falcons have sold out three home games before their home opener, including Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.
( 09/10/2002 05:56 PM EDT)

Saints Look to Prove Doubters Wrong
The New Orleans Saints know the drill. Week in, week out, the oddsmakers and the experts give them little or no chance. In good years, bad years, and certainly at the beginning of each year, the Saints are always the underdogs.
( MARY FOSTER, AP Sports Writer, 09/10/2002 05:36 PM EDT)

Jaguars Cut Gibson on Fumble, Loss
Jaguars punt returner Damon Gibson's fumble was critical in more than one way. It helped cost Jacksonville a game, and two days later, it cost Gibson his job.
( EDDIE PELLS, AP Sports Writer, 09/10/2002 05:27 PM EDT)

Steelers Lose Again in Season Opener
Thud. The NFL's opening weekend was one of the wildest ever, with multiple overtime games, crazy finishes and the Dallas Cowboys losing to expansion Houston. The Pittsburgh Steelers, however, were their predictable selves.
( ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer, 09/10/2002 05:02 PM EDT)

Jets know great escape not likely against Patriots
There's one thing that isn't likely to happen for the New York Jets this Sunday against the New England Patriots: another great escape.
( BARRY WILNER, AP Football Writer, 09/10/2002 04:02 PM EDT)

Capers Cautious After Texans' Win
Dom Capers is playing the role of spoil sport. Or at least the voice of reason.
( MICHAEL A. LUTZ, AP Sports Writer, 09/10/2002 03:13 PM EDT)

Stewart Struggles in AFC Rematch
The Pittsburgh Steelers waited eight months for this?
( JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports Writer, 09/10/2002 03:14 AM EDT)

Morton Makes Jets Opener Special
Chad Morton wasn't even sure he would make the New York Jets this year. He did, then he made their opener a special occasion.
( BARRY WILNER, AP Football Writer, 09/10/2002 03:12 AM EDT)

Vick Shows He's Ready for NFL Play
Michael Vick spent the morning mingling with fans at an Atlanta shopping mall. Then it was back to work.
( PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer, 09/10/2002 03:08 AM EDT)

Arizona Bolsters Offensive Line
The Arizona Cardinals signed offensive linemen John Fina and Raleigh Roundtree on Monday.
( 09/09/2002 10:22 PM EDT)

Chargers' Harrison Out 2-3 Weeks
Just when the San Diego Chargers had holdout cornerback Quentin Jammer on the verge of signing his contract, they learned Pro Bowl safety Rodney Harrison could be out 2-to-3 weeks with a pulled groin.
( BERNIE WILSON, AP Sports Writer, 09/09/2002 09:50 PM EDT)

Dilfer Could Be Back This Week
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Trent Dilfer is recovering from a sprained knee quicker than expected, and could be ready to start the team's home opener against Arizona on Sunday.
( JIM COUR, AP Sports Writer, 09/09/2002 09:32 PM EDT)

Lowe Ejected for Hitting Batter
Boston Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe was ejected in the seventh inning after hitting Tampa Bay's Felix Escalona for the second time of Monday night's game.
( 09/09/2002 09:17 PM EDT)

Browns get encouraging report on Tucker
Cleveland Browns starting offensive tackle Ryan Tucker, who went out with a knee injury Sunday against Kansas City, does not have a torn ligament.
( 09/09/2002 08:56 PM EDT)

To Browns fans, it's Rudd - as in Mudd
Dwayne Rudd's orange helmet rolled. His head won't.
( TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer, 09/09/2002 08:37 PM EDT)

Patriots' Brady Steps Into Limelight
There were trips to the White House and Disney World and the Playboy mansion. He judged a beauty contest, danced with Mariah Carey and threw out the first pitch, with his teammates, at the Red Sox home opener.
( JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports Writer, 09/09/2002 07:57 PM EDT)

Martz unfazed by first loss
St. Louis coach Mike Martz refused to second-guess himself after some questionable play-calling in the Rams' opening loss at Denver.
( R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer, 09/09/2002 07:43 PM EDT)

QB Frerotte Expects to Play Sunday
Gus Frerotte had the thumb on his passing hand tightly wrapped Monday, a day after he was knocked around in the Cincinnati Bengals' 34-6 loss to San Diego.
( JOE KAY, AP Sports Writer, 09/09/2002 07:31 PM EDT)