Bengals Sign Roy Williams

The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to terms with former Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams, according to a story on the Bengals' website and confirmed by Williams' agent Jordan Woy.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The five-time Pro Bowler was released by the Cowboys in early March after being selected with the 10th overall selection in the 2002 NFL Draft.

The 28-year-old, who appeared in just three games in 2008 because of arm problems, had 512 tackles, 56 passes defensed, 19 interceptions and 6 1/2 sacks in 94 games, including 89 starts with Dallas.

Williams will be reunited with Mike Zimmer, who served as his defensive coordinator for five seasons with the Cowboys. In that span, Williams averaged over 90 tackles to go along with 17 interceptions.

Brett Favre Still Retired

For Brad Childress, it was just another day at the office. And, for now, Brett Favre isn't wearing purple.

The Minnesota Vikings' dalliance with the supposedly retired quarterback didn't reach the stage of face-to-face, close-the-deal talks Thursday -- and maybe they never will.

Yahoo! Sports reported that Favre called Childress sometime Wednesday or early Thursday and told the coach he wants to stay retired.

Favre's longtime agent, Bus Cook, reiterated for the second straight day that his famously fickle client hadn't changed his plan to stay out of the game.

ESPN and USA Today said Cook told reporters in Mississippi, where Favre lives, that the former MVP was still retired -- although the agent added that Favre could always change his mind in the future.

One certainty was Childress spent office hours at work in Minnesota.

After reports the coach was to travel south for discussions with Favre, Twin Cities television station KMSP broadcast video of his early-morning arrival at Winter Park.

The coach's black sports utility vehicle was still parked at the team's facility in suburban Minneapolis into the evening and, through a team spokesman, he declined comment to a handful of media across the street.

Yahoo cited an unidentified source close to the team in reporting that the Vikings won't sign the 39-year-old quarterback, who owns many of the NFL's major passing records.

If that holds true, and Favre doesn't come back to fill the only glaring hole on an otherwise Super Bowl-ready roster, can the Vikings win under the original plan of having Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels compete for the quarterback job?

No problem, said All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen.

"Our plan never revolved around him," Allen told The Associated Press by phone. "He's obviously a heck of a player. If he wants to stay retired, more power to him.

"Our offseason goals were never about whether or not we would acquire Brett Favre. Our goals are still the same: to win the division, make the playoffs and see how far we can go.

"I think our team has all the confidence in the world we can do that."

Allen, one of the leaders in the Vikings locker room, expressed confidence in the current quarterbacks to do what's necessary to win.

"You have to understand that we try to stay focused on the goal at hand, and that's not going to change," he said.

Favre's uncertainty about whether to quit pro football after 18 seasons or keep playing has created the kind of drama usually reserved for one of his performances with the Vikings' chief rival, Green Bay.

When Favre reconsidered his first retirement last summer and the Packers wouldn't let him return, he wanted to be traded to Minnesota.

After going to the New York Jets instead, he wore down at the end of last season and said in February he was done for good.

"It's time to leave," he told reporters then.

Several Jets teammates complained afterward about Favre's standoffishness. But, after an informal practice Thursday, players took a higher ground when asked the now-annual question about his status.

"This guy's been the face of the NFL for a long time," running back Leon Washington said. "If he can still throw that ball and still sling it, he still has the right to do it, in my opinion."

Best NFL Draft Players

Last season the Atlanta Falcons turned the third pick in the draft and a shrewd free agent signing into a seven win improvement over their 2007 record. While that is a bit of an oversimplification, the combination of rookie QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner was a major factor in the Falcons going from a 4-12 also ran to an 11-5 Wild Card team.

After everything the franchise went through with Michael Vick, Ryan was just what the Falcons needed. For his part, Ryan walked away with the award for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The 2009 edition of the NFL Draft goes on Saturday and there is no shortage of talent available. Good thing too, because after last season, the Detroit Lions could use a little boost. The Lions, on the strength of an 0-16 record in 2008, have the top pick and while signs seem to indicate Matthew Stafford will be playing in Detroit next season, you never know.

Would Stafford be able to do for a floundering Lions organization what Ryan did for the Falcons? Doubtful, at least not in year one, but the former Georgia Bulldog is high on potential. He already has a NFL caliber fastball and is the best quarterback available in the draft, the title of “best player available” is another story.

Detroit needs a quarterback - along with a a few other players after a winless season - so Stafford is a good fit although he is not the most polished of the draft class. That distinction might belong to linebacker Aaron Curry.

Curry has it all - size, speed and strength – and the 2008 Butkas Award winner is regarded by some as the most NFL ready player available. The Wake Forest product looked great at the combine this past February and should be able to contribute starting in Week 1.

Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree is also in the draft spotlight and has big-play potential due to a great combination of speed, toughness and intelligence. He will be hard for any team in need of some offensive help to pass on.

The latest edition of the TSN.ca Mock Draft is online and Stafford, Curry and Crabtree all slot into the top five. Version 2 (special thanks to TSN.ca's Justin Boone) is our say and now we want yours. Give us your thoughts on the draft, who will be the jewel of the Class of 2009?

Drop us a line (keep it between 25-200 words), including your name and city and maybe we will put it up. Click here to call your Audible or email nfl@tsn.ca. If you are the rapid reply type, click the Your Call button below.

While drafting Matthew Stafford first overall is the right way to get fans back in the Motor City, Aaron Curry is by far the best player in the 2009 NFL draft. It seems likely that Stafford and Jason Smith will be 1 and 2, which means Kansas City will be fortunate enough to draft the next Jon Beason/Takeo Spikes. Curry's ability to cover the field, sideline to sideline and high football IQ will lead to instant success at the pro level. The hard work and dedication to the game, that he's shown throughout his college career will ensure countless Probowls for the soon to be K.C. Chief.

Steve L - Saskatoon, SK

DC: As a long suffering Chiefs I'm excited about the potential of seeing Curry patrolling the field at Arrowhead for years to come.

The draft is not an exact science by any means and the first round is probably the hardest of all the rounds. Being a first round pick has great expectations and being a top 5 pick has significant money attached to it. The Detroit Lions in most likely hood will pick Stafford first overall because lets face it, the Lions desperately need a quarterback.
However it has been shown in the past that unless you get a gem like Matt Ryan, quarterbacks are rarely NFL ready. The best player in my opinion in this year's draft, and the one that will have the biggest impact, is Aaron Curry. In most likely hood this pick will go to the Chiefs who need to fix up their defence. Aaron Curry, even with low sack totals, is one of the most complete players in the draft. Look for Aaron Curry to have an immediate impact on the NFL, though not nearly the impact that Patrick Willis had in his rookie season.

Alex Miles - Ottawa, ON

If I am the Lions, I take Matt Stafford. Start at the quarterback position and go from there. Detroit has Calvin Johnson already so Stafford has a prime target and the Lions might be able to build around a Montana/Rice or Peyton/Harrison like duo. Give your fans some offence to make up for last season and go from there.

Dan

DC: Just a little pressure there with the comparisons. You do have a point, with Megatron running routes, it would be nice if somebody could get him the ball.

I am sure the Lions will take Stafford with the top pick and so would I, depending on what my club needed. I agree that Curry is the most NFL ready player in the draft, but if a team, like the Lions needs a QB and there is a good one available make the pick. QB is a the top priority if a team doesn't have a good one, so Stafford will go first.

Jerry D.

Aaron Curry is the best of the bunch and in my mind you always take the best player available. Curry is a fierce presence on the field and has Pro-Bowl written all over him. Stafford, Smith, and Orakpo are fine, will be good players, but Curry is ready to wreak havoc right now. If I were Detroit I would deal the first pick to Denver, the Broncos want a QB and with the top pick they could take whoever they want. Detroit would get the Broncos two picks and maybe a player and improve in three places. They couldn't win a game last season, they need more than one player.

Chris

Chiefs Send Tony Gonzalez to Falcons

The Kansas City Chiefs sent tight end Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2010 NFL draft on Thursday.

Before the deal, Gonzalez had spent his entire 12-year career in a Chiefs uniform and set many club and league records during his tenure. He was a first-round pick and the 13th overall selection in the 1997 draft.

Gonzalez owns NFL career records for tight ends with 916 receptions, 10,940 yards, 76 touchdowns and 26 100-yard receiving games. Those numbers are also Kansas City franchise records in those respective categories.

His 916 career receptions rank ninth among all pass catchers in NFL history and rank fourth among players who were active in 2008. He is one of only three tight ends to lead his franchise in career receptions.

"On behalf of my family and the Chiefs, I want to thank Tony for his time in Kansas City," Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said. "Over the last 12 seasons, Tony has been one of the finest players in Chiefs history, and he will always be remembered as a member of the Chiefs. His play on the field speaks for itself -- he holds almost every major NFL record for tight ends, and he is arguably the best to ever play his position. We wish him the best in Atlanta."

Gonzalez played in 188 regular season games, which is good for fourth all-time in Kansas City history. Also, he earned 10 Pro Bowl berths as a member of the Chiefs, the highest total of any tight end in NFL history, and was also selected first-team All-Pro on five occasions.

The California product became just the fifth player and the first tight end in history to produce 11 straight seasons with 50 or more catches in 2008. He is the only tight end in NFL history with four 1,000-yard seasons.

Buccaneers Sign Byron Leftwich

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed quarterback Byron Leftwich to an undisclosed contract on Monday.

The Tampa Tribune reported on Sunday it was a two-year agreement.

Leftwich spent the 2008 season with Pittsburgh, performing as the backup to Ben Roethlisberger after Charlie Batch was shelved with a broken right collarbone.

The Marshall product appeared in five games for the Super Bowl champion Steelers, completing 21-of-36 passes for 303 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Leftwich, the seventh overall pick of the 2003 NFL Draft, was 24-20 as a starter in four injury-plagued seasons in Jacksonville. The 29-year-old quarterback was released by the Jaguars before the 2007 campaign, and signed with the Atlanta Falcons, where he played just three games while throwing for 279 yards on 32-of-58 passing.

In 54 career games, Leftwich has thrown for 9,624 yards with 54 TDs and 38 interceptions.

Giants Deal with Life without Plaxico Burress

After taking four months in the wake of his shooting to decide that troubled receiver Plaxico Burress didn't fit into their plans, general manager Jerry Reese and the New York Giants have roughly three weeks to decide whether they can find a deep threat in the NFL draft.

Reese did not return an e-mail on Saturday, seeking comment on how the Giants would replace the man who caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the Super Bowl victory over the then-undefeated New England Patriots in February 2008.

However, there is no doubt the team will not miss Burress' off the field problems, tardiness and unwillingness to follow the rules.

The draft on April 25 will provide some interesting options for replacing Burress. New York has the 29th pick overall, but it also has 10 picks with two in each of the second and third rounds.

It is unlikely that Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech, Jeremy Maclin of Missouri and possibly Percy Harvin of Florida will be available when the Giants select, but they should have a shot at either Kenny Britt of Rutgers or Hakeem Nicks of North Carolina if they do not make a move.

Reese would have to dangle a package of draft picks to move up for the top-line group, but Crabtree and Maclin may be worth it.

Crabtree had 231 receptions for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns in two years of college. Maclin, who also only played two seasons, had 102 of his 182 catches this past season with 13 going for TDs.

While a dynamic player, Harvin is a combination running back and receiver and he may not fit what the Giants need.

Britt and Nicks both could fit nicely.

Of all the receivers, Britt is more in the Burress mold, at least size-wise. He is six-foot-four, an inch smaller than Burress and he gave Rutgers its deep threat the past three years with 178 receptions and 17 touchdowns. He had his best season this past year with 87 catches for 1,371 yards and seven TDs.

Nicks had a better average than Britt this past season. He had 68 catches for 1,222 yards, an 18.0 yard average, and 12 touchdowns. He is also an outstanding returner.

Reese also might consider some trade for a veteran. He talked briefly with Cleveland recently about a trade for veteran receiver Braylon Edwards.

There is also a chance that Arizona might want to part with Anquan Boldin, who was unhappy with the NFC champion Cardinals late in the season.

Reese has said he likes the group of receivers on the current roster but they would have to improve to give Eli Manning a consistent deep threat.

Steve Smith led the team with 57 catches for 574 yards last season, but he is more of a possession receiver and he had only one touchdown. While Domenik Hixon led the team with 596 receiving yards, he dropped a couple of deep passes and had only two TDs in 15 games.

Mario Manningham, who played in only eight games as a rookie, had four catches for 26 yards and no touchdowns.

Despite getting double coverage, Burress was the key to the offence, catching 35 passes for 454 yards and four TDs.

The Giants had an 10-1 record when Burress accidentally shot himself in the thigh in late November in a New York City nightclub.

After winning days after the shooting, the Giants suspended Burress for the final four weeks of the regular season, fined him and withheld a US$1-million portion of his signing bonus that was due in December.

Once the season ended, Reese said he would welcome Burress back under certain circumstances.

Tensions between the player and the team mounted when Burress' agent Drew Rosenhaus sent an e-mail in February saying Burress could be acquired in a trade.

The Giants were willing to rework Burress' contract so he could earn most of the $30 million in non-guaranteed money left on the $35-million deal that he signed in September. However, they refused to throw in the money that he lost as a result of his suspension.

When Burress refused that deal and a settlement the team offered on the grievance of the signing bonus, the Giants' patience with Burress expired and he was released on Friday.

Bills Discuss Deal with Jason Peters

The Buffalo Bills are attempting to negotiate a new contract with left tackle Jason Peters to avert another off-season holdout by their two-time Pro Bowl player.

Speaking at the NFL owners meetings Tuesday, coach Dick Jauron said the team has been in contact with Peters' agent and added ''we're trying to get something done.''

Jauron was uncertain whether Peters would take part in voluntary workouts this spring, but he's anticipating Peters will be at the Bills' mandatory mini-camp scheduled for June.

''We're anxious that he's present and involved. It doesn't serve anybody's purpose when he misses all that time,'' Jauron said. ''Last year he didn't show up.

''We've just got to anticipate that he will and we've got to keep working in that direction and keep the lines of communication open and believe he's going to show up, because that's all we can do.''

Peters' contract status, and fears whether he'll repeat last year's holdout, has been one of the team's more pressing issues this offseason.

Scheduled to make a base salary of US$7.2 million over the final two years of his contract, Peters is considered underpaid for a player at such a high-profile position.

Last year, he attempted to force the Bills into negotiating a new deal by refusing to attend off-season workouts and all of training camp. Peters reported a day before Buffalo's regular-season opener.

After being fined more than US$600,000 for the time he missed, Peters agreed to report only after the Bills provided him an assurance - but not a guarantee - they would discuss a new contract.

Despite a slow start and sitting out Buffalo's first game, Peters earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection. He missed the Pro Bowl because of a knee injury.

Peters complained in December that there had been no progress on contract talks. It's unclear whether the two sides have made any headway over the past three months.

Peters' agent, Vincent Taylor, declined comment, telling The Associated Press on Tuesday he's been instructed not to discuss the status of talks. As for the possibility of Peters missing the team's off-season minicamps, Taylor said that hasn't been discussed.

Jauron doesn't want a repeat of last year because Peters' absence was a setback to the offensive line, forcing right tackle Langston Walker to switch to the left side.

The line's chemistry is a bigger issue this offseason after the team released starting left guard Derrick Dockery and didn't re-sign centres Duke Preston and Melvin Fowler.

Geoff Hangartner, a four-year player signed in free agency last month, will take over at centre. Kirk Chambers is penciled in to take over at guard.

''It's a concern, because it didn't work out the way we wanted it to because he wasn't involved with us,'' Jauron said, referring to last year. ''We'd like him to be involved with us in the offseason.''

NFL Considering Instant Replay Rule Changes

The NFL will look into changing instant replay rules in hopes of avoiding a repeat of the blown call by referee Ed Hochuli that helped cost San Diego a game last season.

The competition committee will propose at the league meetings next week that when the ball comes loose when a quarterback is throwing, replay can be used to determine if it's a fumble or an incomplete pass.

Such a change would resemble the rules alteration made for down-by-contact plays two years ago.

In the final minute of a game at Denver in Week 2, Hochuli ruled a ball that slipped from Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler's grasp was an incomplete pass instead of a fumble.

The ball was recovered by the Chargers and Hochuli later acknowledged his decision was wrong.

Under league rules, the play was not reviewable.

The competition committee believes it's an area that should fall under instant replay reviews.

"We thought when we watched the plays happen, basically it happened the same as the down-by-contact, and it should be reviewable in the same context," Rich McKay, co-chairman of the committee, said Wednesday.

Hochuli's mistake could have cost the Chargers a playoff spot.

The Broncos went on to win that September game with a touchdown and a two-point conversion, and they built a three-game lead in the AFC West.

But San Diego rallied to win the division.

McKay said replay reviews for loose balls that are out of bounds when they are recovered also will be proposed.

The main rules emphasis will be on player safety at the meetings.

The committee will suggest eliminating the bunch formation on onside kicks. During discussions with players and coaches, it became clear that bunching up players on such kicks "are creating matchups that we don't like," McKay admitted.

The committee also wants to eliminate the wedge of three men or more blocking on kick returns.

"Plenty of teams have done it with two-man wedges, some do it with no wedge at all," McKay said.

Any hits to the helmet of defenceless receivers also are being targeted for elimination. Previously, only helmet-to-helmet hits have been outlawed.

"One of things we really focused on this year was player safety rules to eliminate techniques such as helmet-to helmet hits," NFL vice president of operations Ray Anderson said.

"What we certainly noticed toward the second half of the season in particular, our violations for helmet-to-helmet hits started to decline. Players were adapting their play..."

Helmet-to-helmet contact on blindside hits also would be eliminated or heavily penalized.

McKay said officials will be encouraged to continue making low hits on quarterbacks and horse-collar tackles points of emphasis.

Another proposal is to eliminate the re-kick of an onside kick when there is a violation by the kicking team, with the receiving team taking the ball where it was recovered.

A bylaw change to the order in which teams draft will be discussed by the 32 owners.

The competition committee proposes the order remaining the same for non-playoff teams, based on record, with weakness of schedule serving as the tiebreaker. But for playoff teams, they would be seeded according to when they are knocked out in the postseason.

"A team can win a playoff game and yet get to pick (in the draft) before the team it beat," McKay said.

That situation will occur next month when the Colts, who lost to the Chargers in the playoffs, choose 27th, and San Diego goes 16th. Such a change would not apply to this year's draft.

Buffalo Bills Sign Terrell Owens

Terrell Owens needed only two days to find another place to play. The Buffalo Bills decided to take a chance on the talented but high-maintenance receiver, signing Owens to a US$6.5-million, one-year deal Saturday.

The 35-year-old Owens caught 69 passes for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns last season with Dallas. But the Cowboys were looking to improve the atmosphere in the locker room and decided they would be better off without him.

"I'm leaving America's team (for) North America's team," Owens said at a news conference.

The Bills will be Owens' fourth stop. He started with San Francisco, bounced to Philadelphia - where he helped the Eagles get to a Super Bowl - and then to Dallas.

"I must move on, and it's another beginning for me," Owens said. "If I can be that extra added piece to get them to the playoffs, then that's what I'm here for. I looked at the defensive side of ball and offensive side of the ball, and these guys have all the pieces."

The Bills were in need of a receiver to take the pressure from Lee Evans. They got one of the biggest names out there.

"We all know of his tremendous ability and look forward to what he will bring to our offence," Bills owner Ralph Wilson said in a statement. "This is a very exciting day for the Buffalo Bills."

Owens, a six-time Pro Bowler, is among the NFL's career leaders in catches, yards and touchdowns. Over the last three years, his 38 touchdowns are one more than Randy Moss and he's among the league's best in catches, yards, yard per catch and yards per game.

He's coming off the ninth 1,000-yard receiving season in the last 11 years.

"We got one of the premier playmakers in a playmakers league," Bills chief operating officer Russ Brandon said.

For the Bills, the signing is their biggest splash since acquiring quarterback Drew Bledsoe in a trade in 2002. Team officials flew to Miami Saturday morning, flew back to Buffalo with Owens and agent Drew Rosenhaus, and signed the deal in the late afternoon at Bills headquarters.

"'Wow!' was my first reaction," Evans said. "I know we were looking at some different receivers out there. When he was cut by the Cowboys, I didn't know if we were going to make the move for him or not. We did and it worked out. I'm very excited for everybody."

The question now is how T.O. will deal with Trent Edwards, who is only entering his second full year as starter. Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb and Tony Romo have all had dicey relationships with Owens. Edwards isn't nearly as accomplished as any of those players and the Bills' offense has been abysmal in recent years.

"I am really excited about the addition of Terrell Owens to our team," Edwards said. "We spoke earlier and both look forward to working hard this off-season. We share the common goal of winning football games. His ability and experience will add to our offence and the weapons we already have."

The move also means Toronto football fans will get a chance to see Owens play. The Bills will play a regular-season game at Rogers Centre this year, as part of eight - five regular-season, three exhibition - the NFL club will play in Southern Ontario through the 2012 campaign.

The Bills were 25th in the NFL in yards gained and failed to have a 300-yard passer. Buffalo has ranked 25th or lower in each of the past six seasons in total offence.

"I'm looking forward to getting together with Trent, Lee and the guys and putting some points on the board," Owens said. "That's what I've done everywhere I've been, and it's going to continue."

Coach Dick Jauron has often complained about the Bills' lack of scoring punch, but this represents a serious change in philosophy for a team that in the past has tried to avoid taking on disruptive locker room personalities.

Owens, though, isn't worried about his perceived selfishness in Dallas.

"That's all hearsay," Owens said. "If you look at all the comments coming from my teammates with the Cowboys the last three years, it's all been positive. Prior to that, I really don't want to get into it."

Owens becomes the Bills fourth free agent addition this off-season. Buffalo has also signed cornerback Drayton Florence, backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and former Panthers offensive lineman Geoff Hangartner.

Redskins Sign Albert Haynesworth

After signing a contract with an NFL-record US$41 million in guaranteed money, Albert Haynesworth made a guarantee of his own.

''You're not going to remember Albert Haynesworth as a bust,'' he said.

That's a tall order, even for a player as talented as Haynesworth. The 27-year-old all-pro defensive tackle has to live up to the $100-million, seven-year contract he signed Friday with the Washington Redskins, a team that reverted to form by snagging the biggest name available with a blockbuster deal within hours of the midnight start of free agency.

''With the contract, it's going to be all on me,'' Haynesworth said. ''My goal is to be the best player on the field and to eventually get to that Hall of Fame status and be mentioned with Reggie White and Bruce Smith and all the greats.''

At least he can claim membership in a championship team - as in champions of the off-season. The Redskins also spent the wee hours re-signing cornerback DeAngelo Hall to a $54-million, six-year deal that includes $22.5 million guaranteed.

''We're not done yet,'' added coach Jim Zorn, who confirmed the team is talking to free-agent guard - and former Redskins draft pick - Derrick Dockery.

All this from a team that has laid off at least 30 people since the start of the year in two rounds of cutbacks. The Redskins are among an estimated 10 to 12 teams that have cut staff during the economic downturn.

But marquee free agents appear to be recession-proof. Haynesworth's guaranteed payout tops the $37 million the Atlanta Falcons gave Michael Vick in 2004. He'll receive $32 million of the guaranteed money in the next 13 months.

''I think this is similar to what baseball was,'' executive vice president for football operations Vinny Cerrato said. ''You saw early on, (Mark) Teixeira and CC Sabathia and then after that first wave - nothing. And I think it's going to be similar here (in the NFL). I think after the draft you'll see a lot of veteran guys still out there. There'll be no middle area. It's the top and then it's the bottom.''

Asked if he felt sheepish dishing out so much money to a football player during tough times, Cerrato said: ''I understand the economy and I watch it every day. We had a budget, and we owe it to the fans to improve the football team.''

Haynesworth said his reaction to the money was a loud and astounded ''What?'' when informed by his agent in a phone call at 3:45 a.m. ET.

''All the years of my mom making me run around the house when I was getting too big, waking me up at about six o'clock in the morning to get ready of the season, it guess it's a recouping or something like that,'' said Haynesworth, whose mother travelled with him to Washington for the news conference.

Meanwhile, the Redskins added another name to the unemployment rolls by cutting expensive, oft-injured cornerback Shawn Springs, deemed expendable after Hall was re-signed.

Still, the theme of the day was the Redskins were back as the first-day free-agent newsmakers. From Smith in 2000 to London Fletcher in 2007, Dan Snyder made his NFL name as the owner who always got the player he wanted, even if it meant overpaying for players who didn't pan out. Snyder's deep pockets have produced only one playoff win this decade.

Last year, the team was uncharacteristically quiet, making no major signings during the entire free-agency period. An 8-8 season with an aging roster - along with the fact that the Redskins have only four picks in upcoming draft - prompted the owner to revert to his old ways.

''I got caffeinated up because I knew that Mr. Snyder was going to be oh-so-ready,'' Zorn said. ''We had a big entourage last night at 12:01, and that phone started humming.''

Whatever the money, the Redskins get credit for targeting two deficiencies from last season: sacks and turnovers.

Haynesworth should help with the sacks. The lineman got to the quarterback a career-high 8 1/2 times last year, more than one-third of a Washington team total (24) that tied for 28th in the NFL. If nothing else, he will divert attention away from defensive ends Jason Taylor and Andre Carter, who managed 7 1/2 sacks between them in 2008.

Haynesworth, six-foot-six and 320 pounds, has 24 sacks in seven NFL seasons since the Titans drafted him in the first round out of the University of Tennessee in 2002. His possible downsides: He hasn't played a full season since his rookie year because of various injuries, he's been known to take plays off, and he's still living down a five-game suspension for swiping his cleated foot over Dallas centre Andre Gurode's face in 2006.

The suspension is the NFL's longest for an on-field act, and Haynesworth also was required to attend anger management sessions. Now, having signed with an NFC East team, Haynesworth will face Gurode twice a year.

''I started a new chapter in my life after my incident,'' Haynesworth said. ''It really tested my faith in myself. I had to look at myself and see if I wanted my career to go down the drain, and I wanted all of y'all to remember Albert Haynesworth as the player that kicked somebody in the head - or be remembered as a player that turned around, took his punches, did what he did, and stepped up and became a great player.''

Hall will be getting paid to get picks. His five interceptions for the season - three with Oakland, two with Washington - were three more than any other cornerback on the Redskins' roster. Washington had only 18 takeaways in 2008, tied for 28th in the league.

The 25-year-old cornerback also netted his second big payday in as many years. He was guaranteed about $24 million in a $70-million, seven-year contract he signed a year ago with Oakland, but he struggled to adjust to the Raiders' man-to-man defence and was waived after eight games.

The Redskins picked him up less than a week later, and he provided a needed boost to a secondary beset by injuries. He was also a model citizen, avoiding the outbursts that prompted the Atlanta Falcons to trade him to Oakland in 2008.

To fit Haynesworth and Hall under the salary cap, the Redskins spent this month renegotiating several contracts to clear money for the upcoming season. The team also saved money under the cap by releasing linebacker Marcus Washington last week. Then came an eight-hour session at Snyder's house the day before the start of free agency to work out all the possible scenarios.

''The bags under our eyes - and under Albert's eyes - are there for a reason,'' Zorn said.

Broncos Release Dre Bly

The Denver Broncos released veteran cornerback Dre' Bly on Tuesday, just one day after the team sent six players packing in salary-cap moves.

Bly joined the Broncos with a sixth-round draft pick in a trade with the Lions on March 2, 2007. He started all 16 games in each of his seasons with Denver and had 57 and 77 tackles, respectively. He also had seven interceptions during his two years with the Broncos.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Bly earned a Super Bowl ring with the Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV. He has also played for the Detroit Lions and has 40 career interceptions.

Jaguars Release Fred Taylor

Running back Fred Taylor wanted to end his career in Jacksonville, hoping to join the small list of standout players who spent an entire career with the same team.

He won't get the chance.

The Jaguars released Taylor on Monday, parting ways with their all-time leading rusher after 11 seasons and continuing the team's off-season makeover.

Coach Jack Del Rio flew to Fort Lauderdale earlier Monday to meet with Taylor and deliver the news. Del Rio made it clear the team has no plans to re-sign Taylor, who turned 33 last month and was scheduled to make US$6 million next season.

"We felt like the best thing for this football team is what it has to be about," Del Rio said. "We feel good about the talented group of backs that we have ... and as you work through it, it's difficult to come up with a role that's going to be acceptable for everybody.

"It makes it awkward. It makes it difficult. We came to an agreement on what the best course of action was as a football team."

And that was to move on without Taylor, who ranks 16th on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 11,271 yards, 81 behind John Riggins.

Releasing Taylor was no surprise since he had clearly become the second option behind Maurice Jones-Drew. But deciding to not even try to bring back the longtime team captain was somewhat shocking, especially since the Jaguars endured chemistry issues last season after letting go of some veterans and bringing in high-priced free agents Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence.

The Jaguars released Porter and Florence last week. They also parted ways with longtime personnel chief James (Shack) Harris, defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams, defensive backs coach Donnie Henderson and a few other assistants.

Taylor was next in line.

Del Rio said it was time to turn the offence over to Jones-Drew, a five-foot-seven dynamo who has scored 40 touchdowns in three years. Former second-round pick Greg Jones also is expected to see more touches.

"This was a difficult decision to come to, but a decision that had to be made despite how we all feel about Fred," general manager Gene Smith said. "We all respect and appreciate what Fred has done, and we feel that he can still play in the NFL, but in our current situation we believe this is the right move at this time."

Taylor, the ninth overall pick in 1998, made his first Pro Bowl in 2007 after running for 1,202 yards and a career-best 5.4 yards a carry.

The Jaguars had hoped to see the same production last season. But Taylor finished with 556 yards on the ground and averaged a career-low 3.9 yards a carry behind an injury-riddled offensive line. It became obvious - even to Taylor - that the team needed to get Jones-Drew involved more.

Taylor spent the final three games of the season on injured reserve after tearing ligaments in his left thumb.

Although Jacksonville never gauged trade interest in Taylor, Del Rio said he believes he will get a shot with another club.

"He's got some talent," Del Rio said. "I'm sure there is going to be some interest in him. I can't speak for other teams. I know Fred's done a great job taking care of his body and has been a complete stud in the time we've been here. I've said that several times. He's been a good teammate, he's been a guy that's all about winning and I've been impressed with the way that he's conducted himself since I've been here.

"You don't turn 33 without losing a step, but he's clearly worked hard. He's worked hard to allow himself to play at a high level. To hold off talented youngsters, you've got to do that, and he's worked his tail off to have that be the case."

Ravens Release Chris McAlister

The Baltimore Ravens have released cornerback Chris McAlister, who spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the club.

McAlister, selected by the Ravens with the 10th pick of the 1999 NFL Draft, went on to play in 135 games for the franchise and was a member of the team's Super Bowl championship squad after the 2000 season. He started just five games this past season before being placed on injured reserve in November with a knee injury.

"We want to thank Chris for all he did for the Ravens in the past 10 years," said Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome. "He was a major contributor to many big wins, including the Super Bowl. To play the type of defense we have used here, you have to have corners who can cover one-on-one. He was one of the best at that for us. He was physical and he could run with the best."

The 31-year-old Arizona product picked off three passes in his limited action in 2008, and notched 26 career interceptions -- third-most in franchise history behind Ed Reed's 43 and Ray Lewis' 28.

McAlister, who also scored seven touchdowns in his career with Baltimore, was a three-time Pro Bowl selection. One of his seven TDs was a 107-yard return of a missed field goal -- then an NFL record for longest play.

Steelers Win Super Bowl XLIII

It was a wild ride in Tampa for Super Bowl XLIII featuring dramatic plays, shocking twists and just about everything else.

In the end, the Pittsburgh Steelers used some late game dramatics to capture their record sixth Super Bowl championship by defeating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23.

Santonio Holmes was the difference for the Steelers as he pulled in a Ben Roethlisberger pass in Arizona's end zone with seconds left in the game to give Pittsburgh the win.

Holmes was named MVP on the strength of a nine catch, 131-yard performance that included one game changing touchdown.

"Santonio is a guy who just loves to deliver," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin explained following the game.

It was not a dominant performance by the Steelers, but they were able to make the plays when they needed to and kept fighting.

"This has been our story all year," Tomlin told reporters. "Steeler football is 60 minutes. It's never going to be pretty...but these guys will fight to the end."

The Steelers got off to a fast start, building a quick lead that held until the fourth quarter when Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals came roaring back. Trailing 20-7 at the start of then final frame, the Cardinals' offence hit their stride and Fitzgerald finally made his presence felt.

The All-Pro receiver hooked up with quarterback Kurt Warner twice, his first touchdown coming early in the quarter when he jumped over Ike Taylor to pull in a Warner pass and put points on the board for the Cardinals for the first time since the second quarter.

The Steelers offence stalled on their next possession and gave up a safety on a penalty to Justin Hartwig. That made the score 20-16.

Warner and Fitzgerald connected again minutes later on a 64-yard touchdown pass to give the Cardinals a 23-20 lead.

But, it would not last.

On the sideline, Roethlisberger did his best to rally his offence before taking the ball after the second Fitzgerald touchdown.

"I said it's now or never, I told the guys all the film study you put in doesn't matter unless we do it now," said Roethlisberger following the game.

The Steelers's offence came together for an eight play, 78-yard season-saving drive that ended in the Holmes catch.

"It hurts so bad so see that clock after that touchdown and to be so close," said Fitzgerald of the Holmes touchdown. "To have it snatched away, it hurts."

For Roethlisberger, he started strong and finished strong. While he was at the helm for the Steelers 21-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks back in Super Bowl XL, he was not at his best. He was nine for 21 with two interceptions passing although he did rush for a touchdown.

He provided a much more even performance completing 21 of 30 passes for 256 yards with a touchdown and an interception in Super Bowl XLIII.

The 26-year-old came out firing on Sunday, hooking up with Hines Ward on a 38-yard pass on the second play of the game. After two Willie Parker runs, Roethlisberger hit Heath Miller for a 21-yard gain.

With the Steelers in the Red Zone, the Cardinals defence stopped runs by both Gary Russell and Parker. It then appeared Roethlisberger charged in for a 1-yard touchdown, but the Cardinals challenged that the Pittsburgh QB was down prior to crossing the line. The play was overturned. Pittsburgh settled for a 19-yard Reed field goal and a 3-0 lead.

On the Steelers next possession Roethlisberger engineered an 11 play, 69 yard drive that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Russell. The Pittsburgh quarterback was 8 of 9 for 122 yards over the first two drives.

The Cardinals finally got on the board for the first time as Warner found Ben Patrick in the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown, temporarily cutting the Pittsburgh lead to 10-7 in the second.

Arizona continued to press and with time running out in the half, Warner marched the Cardinals down the field before throwing an interception in the red zone. James Harrison ran the ball back 100 yards and scored to give the Steelers a 17-7 lead at the half. It was the longest play in Super Bowl history.

Warner played a solid game (31/43, 377 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT) and in the end Fitzgerald came up with big catches, but penalties and missed opportunities took their toll. The Cardinals were hit with eleven penalties for 106 yards.

"I tip my hat to the Steelers, they made some tremendous plays," said Warner after the loss.

In his previous two Super Bowl appearances, Warner came up with strong performances. In the St. Louis Rams 23-16 victory in Super Bowl XXXIV over the Titans, Warner was named game MVP after completing 24 of 46 passes for 414 yards and two touchdowns. Two years later, he was back in the big game but fell to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots 20-17 in Super Bowl XXXVI. Despite the loss, Warner had a solid game going 28 of 44 for 365 yards and a touchdown. He also threw two interceptions.

Prior to the game, Warner was presented the Walter Payton Award as the NFL's Man of the Year. Warner's contract with Arizona expired when the season ended. The 37-year-old quarterback hasn't decided if he's going to stay in the game and hinted at possible retirement, but it is clear he will be heading to Canton once his career is done.

"I don't know if I'm going to play next year," he said. "I haven't thought about that. I'm going to enjoy what we just accomplished as a football team. I'm going to enjoy this year. I'm going to enjoy this great game that we just played in. And I'm going to take some time away from the game and then I'll make that decision."

49ers Fire Mike Martz

San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz was dismissed from the coaching staff on Tuesday, as announced by head coach Mike Singletary.

Martz, who coordinated the prolific offensive juggernaut Rams to the Super Bowl title in the 1999 campaign, was in his first year in San Francisco, which ranked 12th in the NFC in total points.

The 57-year-old was also the head coach in St. Louis from 2000-05 before becoming the offensive coordinator for Detroit the next two seasons.

"After an evaluation period I felt it was best to go in a different direction," said Singletary. "This was not an easy decision because I appreciate Mike Martz, and I enjoyed working with him. He is a true professional, and I wish him the best in the future. I do recognize the need for a long term solution on the offensive side of the ball."

The 49ers brass overlooked Martz after Mike Nolan was let go following a 2-5 start to the season. Under Singletary, who was named permanent head coach on Sunday, San Fran won five of its final nine games to finish a respectable 7-9, good for second place in the NFC West.

Buffalo Bills' Ko Simpson Arrested

Buffalo Bills safety Ko Simpson was arrested outside a bar in his hometown of Rock Hill after he refused to leave officers alone as they arrested another man, according to a police report.

Simpson was in a car that was speeding through the parking lot of the Celebrations bar around 2 a.m. New Year's Day. The driver and another passenger in the car were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after they yelled and cursed at police, according to the report.

Simpson then began yelling at officers, saying, "I'm Ko Simpson with the Buffalo Bills. I am worth millions!" several times. The officers asked Simpson to leave the parking lot and he began to walk away, but turned and started yelling at officers again, police said.

The officers arrested Simpson because they feared his screaming might cause the large crowd that gathered to turn against them, police said.

The 25-year-old Simpson was charged with hindering police and released on a US$470 bond, according to Rock Hill jail officials.

Officials with the Bills said they were aware of the report and were gathering more information. A message left for Simpson's agent was not immediately returned.

Simpson played in all 16 games for Buffalo this season, making 66 tackles after missing nearly all of 2007 with a broken ankle. Simpson was drafted in the fourth round in 2006 and became an immediate starter because of injuries, with two interceptions and 76 tackles his rookie year.

Simpson was the Southeastern Conference freshman of the year in 2004 at South Carolina. He left the Gamecocks after two seasons.

Cowboys Fire Bruce Read

The Dallas Cowboys have fired special teams coach Bruce Read, making him the first assistant ousted in the wake of a disappointing 9-7 season.

Read's special teams unit made costly gaffes, including a blocked punt in overtime at Arizona that ended in a game-winning Cardinals touchdown. Breakdowns in kick coverage also beset Dallas, and Adam (Pacman) Jones fizzled as a return man.

Read spent two years with the Cowboys under coach Wade Phillips, who owner Jerry Jones has said will return next season.

Read was previously an assistant with the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers.

No Surgery Required for Favre

Jets quarterback Brett Favre reportedly has a torn biceps tendon in his right arm that will not need major surgery to repair, ESPN said Tuesday.

The 39-year-old Favre routinely underthrew receivers and appeared to lose some velocity on his throws late in the season as the Jets went 1-4 down the stretch and failed to make the playoffs. ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported that Favre would need arthroscopic surgery to repair the injury, but could also play without having an operation.

Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, did not immediately respond to email and phone messages left by The Associated Press seeking comment.

After the Jets' season-ending 24-17 loss to Miami on Sunday, Favre said he's been feeling discomfort in his strong right arm "for quite a while." He also complained of pain in the back of the shoulder, the biceps and sometimes in his neck.

Favre, who also reportedly has some calcification in the area of the injury, is expected to take several weeks to decide whether he will return to the Jets, ESPN reported.

The Jets are currently searching for a new head coach after firing Eric Mangini after three seasons on Monday. Favre's performance down the stretch - 2 touchdowns and 9 interceptions - was a major factor in the team's collapse.

He finished with 22 touchdown passes, but also led the league with 22 interceptions.

Odds-Makers Favor Giants and Titans

Sportsbooks favor the New York Giants over the 11 other teams in the NFL playoffs to win the Super Bowl, giving 2-to-1 odds on the NFC's No. 1 seed to repeat as champions.

The Tennessee Titans are the favorite among AFC teams to win a title at 4-1.

Oddsmaker Mike Seba of Las Vegas Sports Consultants says the Giants have the easiest road to get to the Super Bowl on Feb. 1, while the AFC teams are more evenly matched.

The Arizona Cardinals are the biggest long shots for the title at 40-1. In the AFC, the Miami Dolphins have 30-1 odds.

Before the season, the 2teams that opened with the longest odds to win the Super Bowl were the Dolphins (250-1) and the Falcons (200-1). Now they're both in the playoffs.

The 2 pre-season favorites - the New England Patriots (2-1) and Dallas Cowboys (7-1) - failed to reach the playoffs.

Bears' Mike Brown Out with Calf Injury

Chicago Bears safety Mike Brown will miss the rest of the season due to a calf injury, leaving the defence without one of its emotional leaders heading into Sunday's game at Houston that could decide whether they make the playoffs. It's the fourth trip in 5 years to injured reserve for Brown, who left the game against Green Bay on Monday night.

"Very disappointing for our football team and for Mike, too," coach Lovie Smith said. "Injuries are a part of it, and Mike's been in this situation before. He made it through this time about as long as he had in awhile."

Losing him is a big blow to the Bears (9-6), who need to beat or tie the Texans to have a shot at the NFC North title or a wild-card spot. If they beat Houston, they would need Minnesota to lose to or tie the New York Giants to win the division, since the Vikings (9-6) hold the tiebreaker. And to get the wild card, they would need losses or ties by Dallas and Tampa Bay. If the Bears tie Houston, they could still win the division if Minnesota loses, or capture the wild card if Dallas and Tampa Bay go down.

A 9th-year pro, the oft-injured Brown started 15 games this season and had 101 tackles, two interceptions, two tackles for losses and one sack before his latest season-ending injury. He ruptured the anterior-cruciate ligament in his left knee in last year's opener, missed the final 10 games in 2006 with a foot injury and suffered a season-ending Achilles' injury early in the 2004 season. Even when he made the Pro Bowl in 2005, Brown missed the final four regular-season games with a calf injury before returning for the playoffs.

"Losing Mike Brown for the rest of the season is big," Smith said. But it's not unusual for the Bears. He has not played in all 16 games since 2003 and with an expiring contract, his future is in doubt. For now, Smith said any conversations about that are "definitely premature." "Right now, he's not going to play this week. That's about all I can talk about," Smith said, when asked if he would like to re-sign Brown.

Although Smith would not say who would replace Brown in the rotation, his absence could result in a bigger role for rookie Craig Steltz. An All-American at LSU, the Bears envisioned him as a possible starter when they drafted him in the fourth round. Instead, they held him out of the first five games, and his contributions since then have been limited.

"Craig's a good player," Smith said. "He's played well on special teams, and when we've given him an opportunity to play a regular down, he's come through."

Steltz did get run over by Green Bay's Ryan Grant as he turned a short pass into a 17-yard touchdown reception late in the first half on Monday night, but he also had a 44-yard interception return against Detroit on Nov. 2. He also had a blocked punt against Minnesota in October that Garrett Wolfe returned for a touchdown.

"We've seen him in this situation before," Smith said. "That interception was big. We get a chance to work with him everyday. He's sharp, he knows the system, he's a good player." If he gets to start, Steltz figures to be a little nervous at first. "Just that first play," he said. "When the whistle blows and you have to run out there on the field .. it kind of settles things down."

With Brown out, the Bears brought back safety Cameron Worrell, who spent his first four seasons with them before signing with Miami in 2007. Worrell signed with the New York Jets before this season and was placed on injured reserve on Aug. 30 before reaching an injury settlement three days later.

"I've been through the system," he said. "I know what I'm doing. I picked it up fairly quickly when I came back. I'm just here to add some depth and do whatever they ask me to do."

Buffalo Bills' James Hardy Out with Knee Injury

The Bills put rookie receiver James Hardy on injured reserve Saturday, a day before closing their season hosting New England. Hardy tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Buffalo's 31-27 loss to the New York Jets two weeks ago. He was hurt on Buffalo's opening possession when he fell awkwardly while blocking down the right sideline on a 35-yard run by Marshawn Lynch.

Filling Hardy's spot on the roster is practice-squad running back Bruce Hall. Hall was an undrafted rookie free agent out of Mississippi and has been on the practice squad all season.

Buffalo Bills' Jason Peters Out with Knee Injury

Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters is doubtful for the Buffalo Bills' game against New England after missing his third straight practice on Friday because of a knee injury. Peters will likely miss his second straight game Sunday after not playing in Buffalo's win at Denver last week.

Receiver/punt returner Roscoe Parrish is also doubtful after missing practice all week because of a knee injury. Parrish was hurt last Friday in practice and aggravated the injury against the Broncos.

Running back Marshawn Lynch (shoulder) and linebacker Kawika Mitchell (knee) are both questionable. Starting cornerback Jabari Greer will miss his sixth straight game because of a knee injury.

The Patriots (10-5) need to win to preserve their post-season chances, while the Bills (7-8) can finish at .500 for the first time since 2004.

Colts' Peyton Manning Breaks Record

Peyton Manning extended his own NFL record for 4,000-yard seasons to nine during Sunday's game against Tennessee. Manning needed 93 yards to achieve the mark again, and he wasted little time in hooking up with Joseph Addai on a 55-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter. That play gave Manning a perfect 7-for-7 start with 95 yards and one TD.

The 2-time league MVP has failed to hit 4,000 yards passing in only 2 of his 11 NFL seasons - 1998, his rookie year, and 2005, when he threw only 14 passes in the final 2 games and finished with 3,747 yards.

Dan Marino ranks second all-time with six 4,000-yard seasons.

Panthers' Damione Lewis Out with Shoulder Injury

The Carolina Panthers could be without both starting defensive tackles for Sunday's game at New Orleans, perhaps enticing the pass-happy Saints to run the ball.

Damione Lewis missed practice for a third straight day Friday with a shoulder injury and was listed as doubtful. Maake Kemoeatu practiced on a limited basis and is questionable with a sprained right ankle that kept him out of last week's loss to the New York Giants.

If they can't play, Darwin Walker is expected to start at one tackle spot. The other position would be filled either by rookie Nick Hayden or J'Vonne Parker. Hayden was on Carolina's practice squad last week. Parker was signed Tuesday off Atlanta's practice squad.

Lewis and Kemoeatu are major factors in Carolina's run defence. With Kemoeatu sidelined last Sunday and Lewis leaving in the fourth quarter, the Giants rushed for 301 yards in a 34-28 overtime win.

The Saints, however, are primarily a passing team. Drew Brees needs 402 yards passing Sunday to break Dan Marino's single-season record of 5,084.

"They're capable of running the ball. They have a big offensive line," Panthers coach John Fox said. "They might try to run it. If I was watching last week's tape I might, too."

The injuries come as the Panthers (11-4) prepare for a critical game. They need to beat the Saints (8-7) to guarantee the No. 2 seed in the NFC, a first-round bye in the playoffs, and a second-round home game. A loss, combined with an Atlanta win over St. Louis, would drop the Panthers to the No. 5 seed and would force them to play at Arizona in the first round next week.

Receiver Muhsin Muhammad (foot) and tight end Jeff King (knee) practiced Friday and are listed as probable.

Ravens' Derrick Mason Out with Injuries

Baltimore Ravens veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason missed practice on Friday and is listed as questionable this Sunday when the team hosts Jacksonville in both teams' regular-season finale. Mason, who is nursing shoulder and neck injuries, has 74 catches for 960 yards with 5 touchdowns this season. He did not participate in practice on either Wednesday or Thursday.

Pro bowl safety Ed Reed is also listed as questionable with a lingering thigh problem. He also did not practice at all this week.

49ers Beat Rams 17-16

Shaun Hill tossed two touchdowns in less than a 3-minute span late in the 4th quarter as the San Francisco 49ers pulled out the season sweep of the St. Louis Rams with a remarkable 17-16 victory.

Hill, who was picked off 3 times, found Isaac Bruce for a 3-yard touchdown pass with 4:03 remaining and, following a quick 3-and-out by the Rams, lofted a jump ball to rookie Josh Morgan, who came down with the 48-yard score despite being surrounded by 3 St. Louis defenders with 1:22 to go.

Bruce became the 4th player in to reach 1,000 receptions for his NFL career.

Hill finished with 216 yards on 18-of-34 throws and also rushed for a team- high 45 yards as San Francisco (6-9) moved to 4-4 under interim head coach Mike Singletary.

Marc Bulger threw for 227 yards and a touchdown on 19-of-36 passes but was picked off in enemy territory driving for the go-ahead score with under 20 seconds remaining. Steven Jackson carried the load for the Rams (2-13) with 108 yards on 32 carries as the team lost their ninth consecutive game for the first time since 1991.

Bengals Beat Browns 14-0

Leon Hall had 3 interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, as the Cincinnati Bengals edged the Cleveland Browns, 14-0, in an AFC North defensive clash.

Cedric Benson had 38 carries for 171 yards while Chris Henry had a touchdown reception for the Bengals (3-11-1), who have won 2 straight and also avoided going winless on the road this season.

"I think this may have been one of my biggest games as a professional," said Benson. "It feels awesome. This was some smash-mouth football right there."

Ryan Fitzpatrick went 5-for-9 with 55 yards and a touchdown for Cincinnati, which last won a game on the road at Miami on the final week of last season.

Ken Dorsey was a horrid 10-for-17 with 68 yards and three picks while Jamal Lewis had 16 carries for 76 yards in the loss for the Browns (4-11), who have dropped five straight and went just 1-7 at home this season.

The Cleveland offense has now gone 5 games without an offensive touchdown. The last time the offense found the end zone was early in the 4th quarter against Buffalo on November 17.

"We go out there and prepare every week," said Cleveland wide receiver Braylon Edwards. "We expect to make plays and get it done and obviously we're not."

The teams combined for just 428 yards with Cincinnati getting 246, including 191 on the ground.

Cincinnati's defense gave the team the lead as Hall stepped in front of a Dorsey pass and took it into the end zone on a 50-yard interception score for a 7-0 advantage with 8:30 left in the first.

"With the conditions like they are, as a cornerback you know you can sit on some routes and take chances," said Hall.

The game featured several punts after the score, but the Bengals went on a successful scoring drive that spanned the 1st and 2nd quarters.

Facing a 3rd-and-11 at his own 32, Fitzpatrick found James Johnson for 12 yards to move the chains. Johnson again converted a third down play later in the drive with a 12-yard run. Fitzpatrick then made it a 14-0 game when he found Henry for a 20-yard score with 8:02 left in the 1st half.

Shayne Graham attempted to give Cincinnati a bigger lead with a bit over a minute to play in the first half, but his 48-yard field goal attempt fell short and the score remained 14-0 going into the locker room.

The 2nd half saw neither team put points on the board.

Cleveland had the ball at the Cincinnati 27 on the first touch of the second half, but Dorsey was picked off by Hall again to kill the scoring chance.

After holding the Bengals to just 14 yards, Cleveland got the ball across midfield again, but the drive stalled and Cleveland was forced to punt the ball away.

The Bengals were again held to a 3-and-out, but Dorsey was picked off again by Hall on a deep pass.

The Cleveland defense kept Cincinnati from moving and got the ball back into the hands of the offense, but Bruce Gradkowski, who took over under center, was picked off by Brandon Johnson with a bit over three minutes to play to seal the win for the Bengals.

Chargers Beat Buccaneers 41-24

Philip Rivers threw for 287 yards and four touchdowns, including a pair of scores to Antonio Gates, as the San Diego Chargers kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 41-24, at Raymond James Stadium.

Rivers completed 21-of-31 passes, while Gates had four catches for 43 yards for the Chargers (7-8), who have won three straight games. San Diego is now 1 1/2 games behind Denver for first place in the AFC West. The Broncos host Buffalo on Sunday.

Should the Bills upset Denver, then the Chargers and Broncos will square off in San Diego next week with the division title at stake.

Darren Sproles had three grabs for 46 yards and a score, while Antoine Cason had a 59-yard interception return for a TD in the win. Vincent Jackson contributed with seven catches for 111 yards and LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 90 yards on 21 carries.

Jeff Garcia turned in a gritty effort for Tampa Bay (9-6), completing 21-of-35 passes for 232 yards with one touchdown pass and a rushing score before leaving late in the fourth quarter after suffering a bloody forehead following a hard hit.

Antonio Bryant had six catches for 127 yards with a touchdown for the Buccaneers, who have dropped three in a row.

Tampa Bay's playoff hopes took a big hit as the team is battling with Dallas, Atlanta and Philadelphia for a wild-card spot.

With the Chargers holding a 20-10 lead after one half, Tampa began the third quarter by marching 78 yards in 13 plays with Garcia finalizing the drive with a seven-yard touchdown scamper to make it a three-point game.

After San Diego went three-and-out on its first possession of the second half, the Bucs struck again when Garcia barely eluded a heavy Chargers pass rush and found a wide-open Bryant along the near sideline for a 71-yard score to give the hosts a 24-20 edge with 5:05 left in the third.

The back-and-forth affair continued when the Bolts answered with a Rivers-to-Gates five-yard hookup to put the guests back in front by a three- point margin in the early stages of the fourth.

Following a Tampa Bay punt, the Chargers found the end zone again when Rivers timed the Bucs blitz perfectly and dumped off a short pass to Sproles, who sprinted 32 yards for the score to make it a 34-24 game with 7:18 left in the fourth quarter.

With the Bucs desperately trying to get something going offensively, Garcia scrambled for a key first down but took a hard hit and was bleeding profusely from the forehead. The signal-caller stayed in the game momentarily and after converting another first down, had his pass intended for Ike Hilliard go off the hands of the veteran receiver and into the mitts of Cason, who took it back 59 yards for the score.

Tampa Bay then brought in McCown to replace Garcia, who was taken to the locker room for repairs, but the Bucs were unable to mount an attack and San Diego took over on downs and ran out the clock, earning the 41-24 victory.

The Chargers opened the scoring with 5:04 remaining in the opening quarter. After Bryant fumbled on the Buccaneers' opening drive, Rivers completed two short passes and three runs by Tomlinson got San Diego down to the Tampa Bay 26-yard-line. Three plays later Rivers hit Manumaleuna with a screen pass and the big tight end rumbled down the far sideline for the 11-yard score.

However, the lead was short-lived as Clifton Smith returned the ensuing kickoff 72 yards to the Chargers 11. B.J. Askew's one-yard touchdown leap over the top four plays later tied the contest at 7-7.

Rivers' 15-yard touchdown pass to Gates early in the second period capped a seven-play, 69-yard drive to put the Bolts back in front by seven. A 28-yard field goal by Nate Kaeding put the visitors ahead by a 17-7 margin with 5:32 left in the half.

Matt Bryant's 49-yard effort with 17 seconds remaining cut the Bucs' deficit to 17-10, but a career-long 57-yarder by Kaeding as time expired put San Diego up 20-10 heading into the break.

Dolphins Beat Chiefs 38-31

Chad Pennington's second touchdown pass to Anthony Fasano snapped a tie with just over four minutes remaining and lifted the Miami Dolphins to a 38-31 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at a frigid Arrowhead Stadium.

Pennington completed 26-of-34 passes for 235 yards with three touchdowns for the Dolphins (10-5), who have won four in a row and still control their own destiny for the AFC East title with just one game remaining.

Miami started the day tied with New England and the New York Jets atop the division. The Patriots kept pace with a win over Arizona, while the Jets were playing later in Seattle. If New York wins, it will set up a winner-take-all game between the Jets and Dolphins for the AFC East crown next Sunday at the Meadowlands.

It was the coldest game in Dolphins history with temperatures hovering around 10 degrees and wind chills near minus-10. Despite the conditions, the teams combined for 895 yards of offense.

Tyler Thigpen completed 20-of-41 passes for 320 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions for the Chiefs (2-13), who have lost three straight -- all by seven points or less -- and completed their home schedule just 1-7.

Thigpen added 57 yards with a touchdown on the ground, while Larry Johnson ran for 108 yards and a score on just 12 carries in defeat.

After a first half that featured 52 points, five lead changes and 562 total yards, things quieted down somewhat in the second half.

The Chiefs took the opening kickoff of the second half and drove to the Miami nine-yard line before Connor Barth drilled a 27-yard field goal for a 31-24 lead.

Miami unveiled the Wildcat formation on its first series of the second half and it paid dividends on its second play. Ronnie Brown took the direct snap, faked a handoff to Ricky Williams and gave it to Patrick Cobbs coming the other way. Cobbs raced 44 yards to the Kansas City four, and Williams scored on the next play to tie it.

After a series of punts, Miami finally went in front for good with 4:08 remaining in the fourth quarter. Pennington capped a 13-play, 85-yard drive with a 14-yard scoring strike to Fasano. The march took more than 8 1/2 minutes.

Kansas City then turned it over on downs when Thigpen was sacked at his own 20-yard line with 3:35 to play. The Dolphins, though, were unable to capitalize as Williams fumbled on the first play after the two-minute warning.

Thigpen had one more chance, starting at his own seven-yard line, but a fourth-down pass was picked off by Renaldo Hill in the final minute to seal it.

Miami's defense did not yield a touchdown in the previous three games, but on Sunday the unit was torched for four scores in the first half alone, then kept Kansas City out of the end zone in the second half.

The Dolphins needed just 18 seconds to score first. After Cobbs returned the opening kickoff 60 yards to the Kansas City 31, Ted Ginn Jr. took an end around down the left sideline for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Andre' Goodman then picked off Thigpen on the ensuing series and returned the interception 55 yards to the Kansas City 18. Miami, though, turned it over on the very next play when Brown fumbled after a reception, but a penalty for roughing the passer gave the ball back to the Dolphins and they managed to add three points on a 34-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter.

The Chiefs answered with a quick three-play series for a score. After Johnson's 25-yard run on second down, Thigpen found Devard Darling with a 33- yard touchdown pass to pull within 10-7 with 10:15 left in the opening quarter.

Kansas City got the ball back after a Miami punt and marched 80 yards on 17 plays for the go-ahead score in the first minute of the second period. The Chiefs converted 4th-and-5 with a 12-yard pass to Dwayne Bowe to keep the drive alive, then scored on another fourth-down play when Thigpen hit Tony Gonzalez with an eight-yard touchdown pass on 4th-and-1.

The Dolphins responded with a quick touchdown drive to regain the lead. Brown had an 18-yard carry and Williams added a 13-yard run to key the five-play series, which ended with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Pennington to tight end David Martin.

After Miami's 2 1/2-minute possession, Kansas City needed just two plays and 61 seconds to answer. Jamaal Charles took a screen pass 75 yards to the two- yard line and Johnson waltzed into the end zone from there to give the Chiefs the lead again at 21-17.

The back-and-forth action continued, as the Dolphins drove 66 yards in seven plays for another touchdown. Pennington completed each of his six passes during the set and capped it with a 14-yard scoring toss to Fasano.

Kansas City's Kevin Robinson fumbled on the ensuing kickoff and the Dolphins recovered at the Chiefs' 32. Miami was unable to capitalize, as a pass into the end zone from the five-yard line on 4th-and-1 fell harmlessly to the frozen ground just 2:16 before the intermission.

Thigpen, though, had enough time to engineer a 95-yard drive to give his team the lead once more. A 14-yard run by Johnson allowed the Chiefs to escape the shadow of their own goal line and Thigpen did the rest. He threw a 32-yard pass to Darling and ran three times during the eight-play march. His 27-yard scramble with less than a minute to play set up a first down at the Miami eight, and a designed quarterback draw followed for the touchdown to give the Chiefs a 28-24 edge.

Pennington was picked off by Jarrad Page with 16 seconds left in the half. It was just the 11th turnover by the Dolphins this season.

Patriots Beat Cardinals 47-7

Matt Cassel threw three touchdown passes and LaMont Jordan added 2 scores on the ground, as the New England Patriots walloped the Arizona Cardinals, 47-7, at a snowy Gillette Stadium. Cassel, who was taken out in the 4th quarter with New England in firm control, totaled 345 yards on 20-of-36 passing for the Patriots (10-5), who kept pace with the Dolphins atop the AFC East.

Miami outslugged Kansas City, 38-31, on Sunday, while the 9-5 Jets are battling the Seahawks in Seattle.

Jabar Gaffney had 90 yards on five receptions, while Wes Welker registered 68 yards and one score on 7 grabs for New England. Sammy Morris rushed for 88 yards on 15 carries and Jordan finished with 78 yards on 20 touches.

The wintry conditions and New England's defense hamstrung Arizona's explosive offense. Kurt Warner was a putrid 6-of-18 for 30 yards before he was lifted late in the third quarter in favor of Matt Leinart. Leinart completed 6-of-14 passes for 138 yards with one touchdown and an interception for the NFC West champion Cardinals, who are limping into the postseason, having dropped four of their last five contests.

Arizona's previous sojourns to the Eastern Time Zone this season have also been fruitless, losing to the Redskins (24-17), Jets (56-35), Panthers (27-23) and Eagles (48-20). In fact, the Cardinals are 3-7 overall outside the underwhelming NFC West.

Ravens Beat Cowboys 33-24

All the hoopla surrounding the farewell to Texas Stadium was supposed to fire up the Dallas Cowboys. Well, it got to the Baltimore Ravens, too. Feeling like they were a hand-picked foe set up for failure, the Ravens refused to play the stooge.

Matt Stover, who sold programs outside the stadium as a kid growing up in the area, kicked four field goals to wipe out an early deficit, then Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain ripped off long, record runs each time the Cowboys got close in the final minutes, sending Baltimore to a 33-24 victory on Saturday night and a step closer to the playoffs.

"It wasn't a homecoming game. It was more like a mock funeral," McGahee said. "We spoiled their day. It was probably the best concert ever in Irving, Texas."

Tony Romo tried to add one last memory to the long list of great games played under the hole in the roof, throwing touchdowns to Terrell Owens and Jason Witten in the final 3:50. Each score got the Cowboys within two points, but the Ravens refused to buckle.

On Baltimore's first snap after T.O.'s touchdown, McGahee broke through a line bunched up to stop the run and ran 77 yards for a touchdown. It was the longest of his career and it tied the longest ever by an opponent at Texas Stadium. McLain broke that record on the Ravens' next snap, going 82 yards for the longest touchdown of his career.

"We wanted to be party crashers," linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "I hope they enjoyed their little ceremony. I guess we were kind of like the dynamite."

The Ravens (10-5) bounced back from a controversial last-minute loss to Pittsburgh to win for the fourth time in five games. With only the AFC's sixth seed up for grabs, Baltimore is guaranteed of getting in with a victory over Jacksonville at home next weekend.

In addition to the homecoming theme, the Ravens also were motivated by Dallas offensive co-ordinator Jason Garrett opting to remain with the Cowboys after interviewing to become Baltimore's coach last off-season.

"I wonder what team he wishes he was coaching tonight?" Suggs said.

The Cowboys (9-6) lost for the second time in three weeks, rekindling talk of their December disasters. While they can still get an NFC wild-card berth, this loss makes it tougher. They'll go to Philadelphia next Sunday needing a win and, perhaps, some help. Dallas' loss clinched a playoff spot for the Carolina Panthers.

"We've got to come back next week, try to win 10 games and see what happens," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said.

The loss combined with temperatures sinking from the mid-40s at kickoff to about the mid-20s certainly hurt the mood and attendance of the post-game party.

Only about half the crowd of 63,800 remained for the ceremony that featured introductions of about 100 former players, including 12 members of the Ring of Honor. Emmitt Smith, Roger Staubach and Jerry Jones were among the speakers.

Banners from the five Super Bowls won during their 37 seasons here, and another honouring Smith becoming the NFL's career rushing leader, were lowered from the rafters and will be moved to the new stadium, a US$1.1 billion, 100,000-seat palace going up in nearby Arlington.

The Cowboys finished 213-100 in regular-season and post-season games at the home they moved into in 1971, going 6-2 this season.

"We wanted to add to the history, we wanted to add to the celebration," Owens said. "Obviously, we didn't do that. We made history, but not the way we wanted to."

The Cowboys jumped ahead 7-0 on a two-yard touchdown by Tashard Choice, only the fourth rushing TD allowed by the Ravens all season. It was set up by DeMarcus Ware getting his NFL-leading 20th sack, which also caused Baltimore's Joe Flacco to fumble.

But Dallas couldn't build on it, mostly because Romo never got in sync the first three quarters. His struggles seemed more because of the Baltimore defence than the back injury that slowed him all week. He finished 24-of-45 for 252 yards, with two first-half interceptions. Ed Reed had both, tying for the NFL lead with seven. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu also has seven interceptions.

Baltimore went up 16-7 on Stover's kicks and a touchdown catch by Derrick Mason, who kept playing despite leaving twice with an aggravation of a dislocated left shoulder. Flacco was 17-of-25 for 149 yards and was sacked five times.

McLain finished with 22 carries for 139 yards and McGahee had eight carries for 108 yards. Dallas had given up only about 100 yards rushing until the victory-sealing runs.

Redskins' Clinton Portis Out with Injuries

Washington running back Clinton Portis is once again listed as questionable on the injury report leading up to the Redskins' NFC East tilt with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Though Portis has not missed a game this season, he has battled through knee, neck and oblique injuries in the past few weeks, and sat out Friday's practice because of back spasms.

As Portis has gone so have the Redskins this season. The seven-year veteran jumped out as an early MVP candidate while logging 944 yards on the ground with seven touchdowns in the first eight weeks of the season, carrying Washington to a 6-2 record over that stretch.

Since then, however, Portis has cracked the 100-yard mark just once and has failed to reach the end zone, as Washington has dropped five of the past six games to all but end any hope of a playoff berth.

The Redskins will also likely be without offensive tackle Jon Jansen, who is listed as doubtful with a knee injury. Jansen also sat out last week's 20-13 loss to Cincinnati.

Linebacker Marcus Washington may be back in the lineup after missing four games with an ankle injury. The nine-year veteran, who has recorded 37 tackles in eight games this season, participated in all three practices this week and is listed as questionable.

Titans Beat Steelers 31-14

Kerry Collins passed for 216 yards and hit Justin Gage for a touchdown, as the Tennessee Titans rattled off 21 unanswered points to seal home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a 31-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Collins connected on 20-of-29 throws while Gage finished with 104 yards on five catches for the Titans (13-2), who finished with 323 total yards in the win, becoming the first team this season to surpass the 300-yard mark against the vaunted Steelers defense.

Chris Johnson and LenDale White each logged rushing touchdowns as the Titans have won 3 of their last 4 games to force the rest of the conference to come through Tennessee to get to the Super Bowl.

Despite defensive linemen Albert Haynesworth (knee) and Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin) being out with injuries, the Titans held Pittsburgh to a mere 71 rushing yards and forced four turnovers. Jason Jones led the way defensively with 3 1/2 sacks and Michael Griffin had two interceptions, returning his last one 83 yards for the clinching score.

Ben Roethlisberger threw for 331 yards and 2 touchdowns on 26-of-40 throws, but he was also picked off twice and lost 2 fumbles for the Steelers (11-4), who had their five-game winning streak snapped and have to settle for the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.

Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes each caught a touchdown pass to go with 109 and 93 receiving yards, respectively, for Pittsburgh, which wrapped up the AFC North last week with a win against Baltimore.

Pittsburgh came out in a hurry-up offense with its second possession after intermission. Roethlisberger caught the defense on their heels and connected with Holmes for 20 yards and Ward on back-to-back 21-yard hookups, the last of which being a score for a 14-10 lead just over five minutes into the half.

The Titans took the lead right back, though. Justin McCareins's 19-yard grab on a 3rd-and-20 set up fourth down from the Pittsburgh 21. The Titans went for it and got more than a first down, as Chris Johnson took a quick pitch to the left, cut back inside and sprinted for the go-ahead touchdown.

Griffin picked off Roethlisberger on Pitt's next drive and returned it 32 yards to the Pittsburgh 37-yard line. After failing to stop Tennessee on another fourth-down try, the Steelers committed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on 4th-and-1 from the four.

The Titans were lining up to kick a field goal and took advantage of the extra set of downs on White's one-yard plunge over the goal line on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Each team then punted twice with the Steelers taking over on their own 20 down 24-14 with 2:26 remaining. Roethlisberger moved the visitors down the field, but Griffin made a sliding interception and zigzagged 83 yards the other way for the clinching score with 16 ticks remaining.

The Steelers penetrated the red zone midway through the first quarter, but on 3rd-and-6 from the Tennessee seven, Roethlisberger was forced out of the pocket and tried scrambling for at least a first down. Jones caught the QB from behind and another Titans defender knocked the ball loose and the Titans recovered.

It turned into a field position battle from there, as Rob Bironas' 42-yard field goal early in the second quarter benefited from a short field.

Shortly thereafter William Hayes forced another Roethlisberger fumble, and on the third play after the turnover, Collins fired a bullet down the middle of the field to Gage, who got open on a double-move and held on for the 34-yard score despite taking a big hit from Troy Polamalu.

Roethlisberger responded after the miscue, scrambling for a first down on 3rd-and-8 before hitting Holmes for a 31-yard touchdown with 5:40 to go before the half.

The 10-7 Titans lead held up through the break, as Jeff Reed missed a 33- yarder on the final play before the halftime buzzer.

Bears' Nathan Vasher Out with Hand Injury

Chicago Bears defensive back Nathan Vasher has a fractured right hand and will miss Sunday night's game against the Minnesota Vikings when the teams meet for first place in the NFC North.

Vasher, who'd missed three games earlier this season with an injury to his right wrist and thumb, was hurt Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. Bears coach Lovie Smith said Vasher also reinjured his right thumb. "He'll be out for a while," Smith said.

Corey Graham is expected to start against the Vikings. Vasher, who appeared in only four games a year ago because of a groin injury, has 18 career interceptions, but only two in the last two seasons.

Falcons' Ben Hartsock Out with Toe Injury

The Atlanta Falcons put starting tight end Ben Hartsock on injured reserve Wednesday and brought back Jason Rader for the second time this season. The 264-pound Hartsock, who had only three catches and was essentially another lineman for Atlanta's powerful running game, injured a toe in last weekend's 45-28 victory over Carolina. He is out for the season after making eight starts in 11 games.

''It's going to be tough to replace Ben,'' coach Mike Smith said. ''Ben has done a very nice job in blocking. He's an integral part of our running game.''

Rader was released by the Falcons after training camp, then re-signed and actually started in a loss to Philadelphia, only to get cut again. Justin Peelle, who has nine catches for 99 yards this season, will likely move into the starting role for Sunday's game at San Diego, with Rader taking over the backup role.

NFL Fines Matt Light and Channing Crowder

Matt Light of New England and Channing Crowder of Miami have been fined US$15,000 apiece by the NFL for what the league called ``a verbal and physical altercation'' last week.

Neither will be suspended, the league said Wednesday.

Light punched Crowder several times after the Miami player shoved him in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 48-28 win over the Dolphins. They also argued before being pushed apart.

What's Next for the Eagles?

Bears Beat Rams 27-3

Matt Forte rushed for 132 yards with two touchdowns as the Chicago Bears hammered the St. Louis Rams, 27-3, at the Edward Jones Dome. Kyle Orton managed the game well, completing 18-of-29 passes for 139 yards with a touchdown for Chicago (6-5), which snapped a brief two-game losing skid. The Bears, who have split their last six contests, are now tied with Minnesota for first place in the NFC North. The Vikings defeated Jacksonville on Sunday. Jason McKie had a TD catch, while Robbie Gould kicked a pair of field goals in the win. Devin Hester had 115 all-purpose yards for the Bears and Tommie Harris had a pair of sacks to lead the defense.

"I just run through the holes and they do the dirty work up front," Forte said. "That is where it starts in the passing and the running game. Those guys move the big guys up front and I just try to run through the holes and make somebody miss."

Trent Green finished 16-of-30 for 219 yards with four interceptions in relief of Marc Bulger for the Rams (2-9), who have lost their last five. Bulger completed both of his passes for 11 yards before leaving early in the first quarter with a concussion after being sacked by Adewale Ogunleye, who also had a pair of sacks. Bulger is listed as day-to-day. Torry Holt had four catches for 84 yards, and Josh Brown accounted for the Rams only points with a 43-yard field goal.

Chicago opened the scoring on its first drive of the contest, going 49 yards on four plays. Danieal Manning returned the kickoff 50 yards to the St. Louis 49, and Hester ripped off 20 yards on an end around to move it to the 29-yard line. After a short run by Forte and a 15-yard pass from Orton to Desmond Clark, Forte ran up the middle for a 13-yard score.

"It helped by setting the tone of physical play," Bears head coach Lovie Smith said about the team's early start. "Establishing the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football. We were able to do that today. Everything offensively starts with us being able to run the football. Offensive line did a super job of getting Matt Forte and Adrian Peterson to the line of scrimmage."

Jason McKie's 7-yard touchdown grab capped a seven-play, 63-yard drive to make it a 14-0 game with 1:44 remaining in the opening quarter.

Following a missed 40-yard field-goal by Brown on the 1st play of the second quarter, the Bears coughed up the ball when Forte fumbled on the Rams 40-yard- line. After St. Louis was unable to take advantage of the miscue, Forte, on the second play of the set, sprinted up the middle of the field for a 47-yard TD. A 43-yard effort by Brown with 5:01 left in the half got the Rams on the board at 21-3. But Gould would nail a 43-yarder of his own to put the Bears up by 21 with 1:38 remaining in the half, an advantage they would take into the break.

In the 3rd quarter, the Bears used a strong dose of the running game behind Forte and managed to tack on another field goal, this time a 38-yarder by Gould with 5:13 left in the period. They would hold a 27-3 lead after three quarters, which would be the final score after a scoreless fourth.

"I will do anything that I can to help these guys be successful, anything," Rams interim head coach Jim Haslett said. I put them in situations where they can be successful individually and as a team, but I can't tackle. I can't take care of the football. The other thing is the penalties; special teams had a bunch of penalties that put the offense in a bad position. I don't know if the offense would have scored anyway, as bad as they were playing."

Bills Beat Chiefs 54-31

Trent Edwards threw two touchdown passes and ran for a pair of scores, as the Buffalo Bills blew out the Kansas City Chiefs, 54-31, in an offensive explosion at Arrowhead Stadium. Edwards finished 24-of-32 for 273 yards, helping the Bills (6-5) snap a four- game slide. Marshawn Lynch rushed for 79 yards and scored a touchdown, while Lee Evans caught five balls for 110 yards.

"I don't think we've won the turnover ratio in the past four weeks," Edwards said. "I think that's pretty critical on why we won this football game. We were getting good field position. We were getting momentum on our side and we as an offense weren't turning the ball over. We weren't putting our defense in a bad position, so that says a lot about the score being the way it was."

The Bills came within four points of matching their 42-year-old record for most points in a single game. Buffalo recorded 58 points on September 18, 1966 against Miami.

Tyler Thigpen struggled under center for the Chiefs (1-10), who have found the win column just once in their past 21 contests dating back to last season. Thigpen completed 17-of-31 passes for 240 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Tony Gonzalez led all receivers with 113 yards on 10 receptions, including a two-yard touchdown. Larry Johnson gained 81 yards on seven carries in defeat.

"We didn't play special teams well," said Chiefs safety Jarrad Page. "We didn't play defense well. We didn't play offense well. We didn't do anything. Nothing clicked. We just played terrible."

The 54 points was the most allowed by the Chiefs in club history, surpassing the previous mark of 51 set in an overtime loss at Seattle on November 27, 1983. The Chiefs took the opening kickoff and came down the field in a hurry, with Thigpen leading the way. The second-year quarterback out of Coastal Carolina completed 4-of-5 passes in the set, including a 36-yard strike to Jamaal Charles that put Kansas City on the board.

Buffalo, though, responded on its first offensive series. Faced with a 3rd- and-goal from the one, Edwards couldn't connect with Robert Royal. The Bills elected to go for it on fourth down, and Lynch plowed in for the touchdown.

A 21-yard field goal by Rian Lindell on the 1st play of the 2nd quarter put the Bills up 10-7, but Gonzalez's TD catch on the heels of a 63-yard sprint by Johnson restored the lead for Kansas City less than 2 minutes later. After Lindell drilled a 39-yarder, rookie cornerback Leodis McKelvin jumped a slant route, picked off Thigpen's intended pass to Mark Bradley at his own 36 and the first-rounder out of Troy rumbled down the sideline for the go-ahead score.

Connor Barth knocked through a 45-yard field goal for Kansas City, and Lindell countered by hammering a 34-yarder with 1:33 remaining.

The woes continued for Thigpen, as he was intercepted again by McKelvin on the first play of the subsequent drive. Buffalo proceeded to add to its lead with only four seconds left in the half. A 25-yard pass play to Royal moved the ball to the Kansas City 18. On 3rd-and-7 from the 15, Edwards couldn't find an open target and galloped inside the five before going airborne into the end zone. Edwards' second career rushing touchdown made it a 30-17 game.

The Bills widened the gap in the third quarter on Edwards' five-yard TD run and Lindell's 38-yard field goal.

After Bradley hauled in a 45-yard TD for Kansas City, Edwards threw touchdowns passes of eight and 17 yards to Josh Reed and Derek Schouman, respectively. Quinn Gray, who replaced the ineffective Thigpen in the fourth quarter, completed 7-of-8 throws for 76 yards, including a three-yard TD to Dwayne Bowe with 2:23 remaining in regulation.

Buccaneers Beat Lions 38-20

Jeff Garcia threw for 165 yards and two touchdowns as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers downed Detroit, 38-20, to keep the Lions winless on the season. Warrick Dunn had 14 carries for 90 yards and a score while Ronde Barber had two interceptions and returned one of them for a touchdown for the Buccaneers (8-3), who are just one-half game back of Carolina for first place in the NFC South.

"I'm happy with the win, we hung in there," said Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden. "We didn't play particularly well early. A lot of that is reflective of the Lions. They were fired up and ready to go and we fell down 17-0. Barber gets a big interception. Clifton Smith got a big return. And Garcia got hot, made a couple great throws. It was a heck of a win for us. It's a hard place to win here, we've struggled in the past."

Ike Hilliard had 2 catches for 51 yards and a score, while Cadillac Williams saw his first action since suffering a torn patellar tendon on September 30, 2007 and had 16 carries for 27 yards for Tampa Bay, which has won its last three games. Daunte Culpepper started his third straight game and went just 8-for-20 with 121 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while Calvin Johnson had three catches for 66 yards and a score for the Lions (0-11), who are faced with the prospect of becoming the first team since the league went to a 16-game format to finish a full season without a win.

"It's just details," said Detroit coach Ron Marinelli. "We gave up a couple of big plays. We came out of coverage one time and I give great respect for Garcia. He's really one of the best quarterbacks in the league. A competitor, mobile, understands the system. We just couldn't come out of coverage. One time we came out of coverage and then we kind of blew a coverage (on the TD passes)."

Tampa Bay went 0-14 in its inaugural year of 1976 while the Colts finished 0-8-1 during the strike-shortened 1982 season.

The Lions next play on Thanksgiving when they will host the Tennessee Titans, who suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday against the Jets. "I don't know what we're doing," said Detroit running back Kevin Smith, who finished the game with 86 yards on 16 carries. "I guess the right thing to say is that we're going to keep on working hard. That's my answer. Anything else, I'm going to get in trouble."

After exchanging punts to start the game, the Lions took the lead thanks to Johnson. With the ball near midfield, Culpepper threw up a pass down the left sideline that Johnson came down with in double coverage for 41 yards. Three plays later, Johnson leaped up just inside the goal line and came down with the ball on a 15-yard score and a 7-0 lead with 6:07 left in the first.

On Tampa's next drive, Garcia and Williams collided in the backfield and Garcia fumbled the ball. Daniel Bullocks picked up the loose ball and took it into the end zone from 44 yards out for a 14-0 lead.

Detroit forced the Buccaneers to punt on their next touch and got a 26-yard run from Kevin Smith to get the ball into scoring position, but had to settle for a 38-yard field goal from Jason Hanson to take a 17-0 lead into the second quarter.

Tampa, though, scored on its ensuing possession that spanned the first and second quarters. Clifton Smith returned the kickoff 49 yards to put the ball at midfield. Using the short field, Garcia quickly took his team down the field and at the 13-yard line handed the ball off to Dunn, who ran up the middle and spun around a defender on his way into the end zone.

The Bucs made it a three-point game on their next touch as Garcia found Hilliard for a 36-yard score to cap a nine-play, 69-yard drive with 4:40 to play in the first half.

On Detroit's next possession, Barber picked off Culpepper and on the next play, Garcia found Jerramy Stevens wide open over the middle for a 24-yard score and a 21-17 lead going into the break. "When we shifted in the new formation, they were confused and I found Jerramy wide open," said Garcia about the score.

Tampa's special teams got in on the scoring in the third quarter. Detroit was held to a three-and-out and had to punt the ball away. Clifton Smith fielded the boot at his own 30 and raced up the middle and into the end zone for a 28-17 lead with 11:31 left in the third. Just 2.5 minutes later, Tampa made it a 35-17 game as Barber stepped in front of a Culpepper pass and raced into the end zone from 65 yards out.

Later in the 3rd, Hilliard muffed a punt and Detroit recovered deep in Tampa territory, but the team was unable to move the ball and Hanson's 40-yard field goal made it a 35-20 game with 2:43 left in the third. However, Matt Bryant later countered with a 48-yard field goal a bit over two minutes into the fourth to make it a 38-20 contest.