Remember The 90's?: Re-Living Greatness

[young2rice]

Montana Moves Up All-Time Record List

AP - The San Francisco 49ers are a team that is built on legacy, and right now Joe Montana and his team are continuing to bust open the record books. With an amazing 5 touchdown performance that saw him earn the offensive-player-of-the-week award in Week 5, Joe Montana has now moved up to 5th all-time in the passing touchdowns mark as well as 4th all-time in the passing yards mark.

The 35 year old quarterback continues to add to his impressive resume as he has surpased John Hadl for 5th all-time in touchdowns. It was also fitting that the surpassing touchdown thrown by Joe Montana went to his favorite receiver, Jerry Rice, who caught 2 on the night. However Montana wasn't content on just passing the 244 touchdown mark set by John Hadl, he crushed it with 4 other touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles. The near-perfect game for Montana rocketed him forward to 248 touchdowns on his career. Joe Montana finished the game with an amazing 31 of 41 Att - 75.6% - 317 Yds - 5 Td - 1 Int stat line that read like poetry.

This is certainly not the end of the line for Joe Montana as he continues to prove that even at his age he can play at a high level. The stellear quarterback is now resting comfortably at 248 career passing touchdowns at the end of Week 5 of the 1991 season. There is also a very real possibility that by season end Montana will be the #3 all-time in this category, as he is only 6 touchdowns away from #4 Dan Fouts (254) and 7 touchdowns away from #3 Sonny Jurgensen (255).

Not only did Montana shatter Hadl in touchdown passes, of whom he surpassed last season in yards (33,503). But this game also marked Montana surpassing Jim Hart in total career passing yards (34,665) for the #4 slot. Montana finished this game with a new career total of 34,688 yards, just enough to beat Hart and move up to 4th all-time in the passing yards mark. Being a little over 5,000 away from the next on the list, Johnny Unitas (40,239) probably means that Montana will have to stick around for another season after this if he wants to reach that mark.

Joe Montana is certainly the best quarterback in the league, and is showing that by breaking records left and right. Not only did he vault foward on the career passing touchdowns mark, as well as the career passing yards mark, but he also tied his own personal team record that he set with the most touchdowns thrown in a single game, 5. There's no telling where Montana will end, as he continues to light up defenses, and there are no signs of stopping anytime soon.

[young2rice]

Falcons Sign Cornerback Chris Oldham

AP - Earlier today the Atlanta Falcons added another player to their team in cornerback Chris Oldham (71 Ovr). The 25 year old 2nd year player will hope to add some much needed depth to the Falcons defensive backfield.

Last year Chris Oldham was a rookie that was drafted by the Detroit Lions. He was 3rd on the depth chart filling in as the nickel cornerback since Bruce Mcnorton (90 Ovr) and Ray Crockett (79 Ovr) were much better than him at the time. Oldham has since improved (was 70 Ovr) but the Lions decided to part ways with him in the off-season.

This year Chris Oldham just found a home with the Atlanta Falcons who signed him to a 2 year $2.50 million dollar deal. This contract will put him fourth on the depth chart as the Falcons have Deion Sanders (99 Ovr), Lewis Billups (86 Ovr) and Bobby Butler (78 Ovr) sitting in front of him. But with the recent injury troubles that Bobby Butler has had they felt this was a necessary step.

[young2rice]

Quarterback Fever Hits The Free Agent Market

AP - If you were a quarterback without a job earlier this week, then you were the envy of all your fellow free agents, as there was a surge of quarterback signed at the end of this regular season week, giving some teams that extra depth that they required.

The first signing came when the Indianapolis Colts decided to sign Bob Gagliano (70 Ovr) to a 1 year $710k deal with a $60k signing bonus. The contract will put the 32 year old quarterback back on an NFL team, his 4th to be exact. Gagliano had a decent year in 1989 considering he wasn't planning on starting, but ended up playing in 11 games for the Detroit Lions. The injury to the Lions starting quarterback led him to play where he accumulated 1,671 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in his limited play, proving that he is certainly a capable backup when needed. Gagliano did have a rough spot where he was no on an NFL team from 1983 when he left the Chiefs to 1987 when he joined the 49ers. Luckily that same streak didn't rear it's head around this time in free agency for Gagliano as he will now be the 3rd string quarterback on the Indianapolis Colts behind youngster Jeff George (80 Ovr)and veteran backup Jack Trudeau (77 Ovr).

The second quarterback that was signed in the past few days was rookie Brad Goebel (63 Ovr). Goebel was one of many in a glut of quarterbacks on the Houston Oilers squad. With Warren Moon, the returning MVP starter (99 Ovr) at 34 years of age still playing well, and Cody Carlson (79 Ovr) proving himself as a solid backup (although currently injured,) the Oilers still decided to go through the draft for some quarterbacks. So they ended up spending 3 of their picks on quarterbacks. In a questionable draft move the Oilers drafted David Hollas (68 Ovr, 24 Yrs), Bill Musgrave (68 Ovr, 24 Yrs) and Brad Goebel (63 Ovr, 24 Yrs). As a result, and an utter lack of need for 5 quarterbacks on the roster the Oilers decided to release Brad Goebel earlier today. Well it took less than 24 hours for Goebel to be gobbled up by another team, in this case, the Los Angeles Rams. The Los Angeles Rams offered Goebel a 1 year, $510k deal to fill a depth need at the quarterback position. Jim Everett is the Rams current starter (96 Ovr) and veteran Chuck Long (68 Ovr) is his backup currently. So far this season Everett's been playing solidly, and Chuck Long even came in and went 2 of 4 for 13 yards and 1 touchdown to prove he can play second fiddle. In order for Goebel to join the Rams roster they were required to let one more player go, so they went with their deepest position and had to let Marcus Dupree (69 Ovr, 24 years, 1 Pro) test out free agency as he was just adding to the battle between Ricky Watters, Cleveland Gary, and Curt Warner. Goebel most likely won't see playing time this season with the Rams, but at least he'll get a paycheck and be able to learn from a top-notch quarterback like Everett, to potentially help him start in the future, with whatever team he chooses.

The third quarterback signed this week is Rick Strom (69 Ovr). Strom is a 24 year, 2nd year pro quarterback that played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Strom's rookie season left much to be desire in 1989 as he only threw 1 incomplete pass all year long, and was sacked 4 times. That inauspicious start led to his 1990 season where he actually played a game filling in for an injured Bubby Brister. In that game Strom went 17 of 31 for 186 yards 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions for a 54.7 quarterbak rating. While he did throw 3 interceptions he still showed that he could easily contend in the league, and that caught the Miami Dolphins' eyes. With Dan Marino's backup, Scott Secules (64 Ovr) not impressing in the few snaps he's taken (2 of 5 for 10 yards). The Dolphins decided to add Strom as the 3rd quarterback on the roster. However it appears Rick Strom may be thrown in at the #2 already ahead of Secules according to coaches. While Marino is certainly the leader of the Dolphins offense, having a young budding quarterback like Strom backing him up certainly wouldn't hurt. Strom signed a 2 year, $1.10 million dollar contract wiht a $160k signing bonus that'll see him stay for a couple seasons in Miami.

The final quarterback that was signed today from free agency is young 22 year old rookie, Jeff Bridwell. Bridwell was originally drafted this season by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 5th round with the 16th pick. However Jeff Bridwell (61 Ovr) was beaten out by the other 2 quarterbacks that the Chiefs drafted for the #2 spot behind starter Steve Pelleur (80 Ovr). So while Scott Zolak (77 Ovr) and Browning Nagle (71 Ovr) remained Chiefs, Bridwell was quickly released before the season started. However he managed to pick himself up as the New Orleans Saints signed him to a 2 year $450k dollar, $600k signing bonus contract that'll see him be the 3rd string quarterback in New Orleans behind 31 year old Bobby Herbert (79 Ovr) and fellow rookie Dan McGwire (73 Ovr).

There are few quarterbacks left in free agency that have any experience in the NFL, so if any teams are looking to fill that spot before season's end it may appear they were just a tad too late, as these four early bird teams certainly got their worms.

[young2rice]

Redskins Sign Wide Receiver Martin & DB Plummer

AP - In order to keep their roster filled with depth the Washington Redskins made a roster move earlier today that saw 24 year old Wide Receiver Sammy Martin (73 Ovr) join the team, and 27 year old cornerback, Bruce Plummer (67 Ovr).

The Washington Redskins are very lucky to have the players that they do at the wide receiver position. The team's #1 wide receiver is talented 34 year old veteran, Art Monk (87 Ovr) and his second-hand man, Gary Clark (86 Ovr). The two have combined with Rickey Sanders (74 Ovr) and Stephen Hobbs (67 Ovr) to put together a solid wide receiver corps. However with only those 4 on the roster the Redskins had no depth in case of injury, so they decided to go out and sign Sammy Martin to a 2 year, $3.36 Million dollar contract with a $580,000 dollar signing bonus.

Sammy Martin has improved each and every season he has been in the NFL since he was originally drafted by the New England Patriots in 1988. His rookie season he only caught 4 passes, but was utilized as a kick returner where he had 31 kick returns for 735 yards and 1 touchdown, on a 95 yarder. Then in 1989 he got involved in the passing game more as he caught 13 passes for 229 yards. He continued to play behidn Irving Fryar and Hart Lee Dykes in 1990 where as the team's #3 receiver he made 26 catches for 236 yards and 1 touchdown. Martin hopes to get similar or better numbers this year with the Redskins and continue his progression as a receiver.

The Washington Redskins also decided to add cornerback Bruce Plummer to their roster due to the possibility of injury. The Redskins only had the roster minimum with Darrell Green (92 Ovr), Martin Mayhew (86 Ovr), A.J. Johnson (82 Ovr), and rookie Fred Vinson (69 Ovr). As a result they added Plummer to help give them depth, that they'll hopefully never need this season. It is unlikely that Plummer would see playing time this season, the only way he'll get some is if a Redskins cornerback gets hurt, and they run a dime pacakage, as Plummer is currently the 5th cornerback on the roster.

[young2rice]

Patriots Release Guard Crawford

AP - In order to accommodate the recent signings of wide receiver, Ernie Mills (69 Ovr) and quarterback, Peter Tom Willis (61 Ovr), the Patriots were required to free up some salary to sign them. As much as it pained them to do so the Patriots decided to release left guard, Elbert Crawford (73 Ovr).

Crawford is just entering his second season in the NFL after being drafted by the Patriots in 1990. It is unfortunate for him as he was just starting to progress into a capable offensive lineman. Crawford was the backup left guard last season and had 8 pancakes without letting a sack go all year long. However in 1991 he became excess as some off-season moves saw three quality left guards join the Patriots in Ralph Tamm (89 Ovr), R.Dixon (86 Ovr) and rookie Bob Dahl (72 Ovr). As a result it was inevitable that Crawford would be the one to suffer.

Although all is definately not lost for the 24 year old guard. There is certainly a demand for people at his position, and the Patriots have faith that he will easily be signed, either before, or during the off-season by a team and he hopes to be groomed there into a trench fighter.

[young2rice]

Eagles Sign Ex-Jet Cornerback

AP - In a week full of roster moves the Philadelphia Eagles decided to make the final one, as they signed free agent cornerback, and ex-New Orlean Saint & New York Jet, Mike Mayes (73 Ovr) to their talented defense.

Michael Mayes is a young cornerback that spent the past year with the New York Jets. He was originally drafted out of louisiana state by the New Orleans Saints in 1989. Then in 1990 with the Jets, due to some injuries to their backfield he managed to finally get some playing time. With the Jets last season Mayes had 33 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, his first interception, and 7 deflections. He proved that he most certainly has what it takes and progressed nicely throughout the season.

However it appears the New York Jets didn't want to facilitate that progression as they did not resign his contract. He was left sitting in free agency until the Eagles managed to free up some cap space and signed the youngster to a 3 year $4.23 million dollar contract.

Mayes will once again be backing up and won't actually be playing barring injury as he sits behind Eric Allen (98 Ovr), I.Jenkins (86 Ovr), Ben Smith (83 Ovr) and Merton Hanks (79 Ovr). But he still brings that added insurance policy in case of disaster.

In order to Mayes the Eagles were required to not only free up a roster space, but also make the money needed to sign him. As a result two young backups left the team. With three other runningbacks on the roster Robert Drummond (66 Ovr) found himself relieved of his duties as a Philadelphia Eagle. Also joining Drummond was rookie linebacker, Kyle Freeman (59 Ovr), who has not shown much improvement since camp, and was really uncessary for the Eagles who already have 8 linebackers on their roster.

[young2rice]

AFC Champions Sign Cornerback

AP - The returning AFC Champion Houston Oilers have decided to add another player to thier talented roster in cornerback, Stan Petry (79 Ovr).

Stan Petry was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1989, but the 23 year old was released last season. His only major stat during his rookie season was a half sack that he acquired during the regular season. However he certainly improved upon that in 1990 as he played 3rd string corner for the Chiefs and amassed 19 tackles, a forced fumble, as well as the recovery. But his biggest improvement came against the pass as he had 6 deflections on the year and a solid 4 interceptions, 1 of which he returned for a touchdown.

Stan Petry vastly improved his progression during the 1990 season and was itching to become a starter on a team, however sitting behind Kevin Ross (90 Ovr) and Albert Lewis (90 Ovr) meant that he wouldn't get much playing time in Kansas City for a few years, so he took it upon himself to forced the Chiefs to release him into free agency.

However all he ended up finding was an overflooding glut of cornerbacks in the free agent market that left many talented ones unsigned, including Petry. However it wasn't until this week when the Houston Oilers finally decided to pick him up to a 3 year, $6.87 million dollar contract with a $780,000 dollar signing bonus. The big contract proves that the Oilers are definatley intrigued by Petry's abilities and will have him play behind starters Richard Johnson (94 Ovr0, and Paul Allen (81 Ovr), taking the nickle slot away from Leander Knight (73 Ovr).

[young2rice]

1991 - Week 6 Wrap up
==========================================

Week 6 Games
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Chargers (3-2) - Vs - Oilers (4-0) - (24-29) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Warren Moon (14 of 19 Att - 73.7% - 161 Yds - 2 Td - 1 Int)
Bengals (3-2) - Vs - Colts (2-3) - (16-13 OT) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Boomer Esiason (26 of 39 Att - 66.7% - 236 Yds - 1 TD - 1 Int)
Bills (4-1) - Vs - Dolphins (2-2) - (23-15) - P.O.T.G. - WR - Jeff Graham (8 Rec - 11.8 Avg - 94 Yds - 1 TD)
Buccaneers (3-1) - Vs - Jets (2-3) - (30-13) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Steve Walsh (13 of 25 Att - 52% - 119 Yds - 1 TD - 1 Int)
Rams (3-2) - Vs - Falcons (1-3) - (31-13) - P.O.T.G. - LB - Kevin Greene (13 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 FF - 1 Int - 1 TD - 1 Deflect)
Vikings (1-4) - Vs - Lions (4-1) - (19-24) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Rodney Peete (10 of 23 Att - 43.5% - 170 Yds - 3 TD - 2 Int)
Eagles (2-3) - Vs - Cowboys (3-2) - (17-12) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Randall Cunningham (14 of 19 Att - 73.7% - 112 Yds - 1 Td - 0 Int - 3 Rsh Att - 25 Yds)
Patriots (2-2) - Vs - Broncos (1-3) - (0-34) - P.O.T.G. - QB - John Elway (17 of 29 Att - 58.6% - 160 Yds - 2 TD - 0 Int)
Seahawks (4-1) - Vs - 49ers (3-2) - (6-10) - P.O.T.G. - DE - Charles Haley (7 Tak - 1 Sack - 1 FF - 1 Deflect)
Giants (3-1) - Vs - Chiefs (2-2) - (20-17 OT) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Dave Meggett (10 Att - 6.1 Avg - 61 Yds - 3 KR - 137 Yds- 1 TD - 8 PR - 52 Yds)
Redskins (2-3) - Vs - Cardinals (3-1) - (24-16) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Mark Rypien (12 of 28 Att - 42.9% - 145 Yds - 3 TD - 1 Int)
Steelers (3-1) - Vs - Bears (3-1) - (17-10) - P.O.T.G. - WR - Louis Lipps (6 Rec - 25.8 Avg - 185 Yds - 0 TD)
Bye Weeks - Saints

News & Notes
========================================
Career Firsts
-------------------
-Broncos - CB - Steve Jackson achieved his first career interception.
-Bills - HB - Harvey Williams achieved his first career rushing touchdown.
-Chargers - SS - Eric Turner achieved his first career interception.


Complaining About Not Starting
-----------------------------------
-Buccaneers - HB - Gary Anderson does not feel good playing second fiddle to Roger Craig. He was unable to beat him out in training camp and is now seeing his playing time cut drastically.

-Patriots - SS - Terry Hoage made a comment to reporters earlier that the organization is worried about, "If i don't play we don't win, and i'm not playing, so this team's going nowhere."

-Vikings - CB - Michael Brim is not happy about his current situation and is demanding playing time or else he is threatening that he will not return to the team in the off-season.


Players of the Week
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Offensive Player of the Week
Broncos - WR - Vance Johnson - 4 Rec - 53 Yds - 2 TD - 0 DRop

Defensive Player of the Week
Rams - LB - Kevin Greene (13 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 FF - 1 Int - 1 TD - 1 Deflect)

Top 3 Performances
================================
QB
========
1. Broncos - John Elway - 17 of 29 Att - 58.6% - 160 Yds - 2 TD - 0 Int
2. Redskins - Mark Rypien - 12 of 28 Att - 42.9% - 145 Yds - 3 TD - 1 Int
3. Oilers - Warren Moon - 14 of 19 Att - 75.7% - 161 Yds - 2 TD - 1 Int

HB
=========
1. Bears - Lars Tate - 36 Att - 3.8 Avg - 135 Yds - 1 TD - 3 Rec - 7 Yds
2. Falcons - Steve Broussard - 24 Att - 3.9 Avg - 93 Yds - 1 TD - 4 Rec - 57 Yds - 0 TD
3. Giants - Dave Meggett - 10 Att - 6.1 Avg - 61 Yds - 0 TD - 3 KR - 137 Yds - 1 TD - 8 PR - 52 Yds - 0 TD

WR
=========
1. Chargers - Anthony Miller - 10 Rec - 10.1 Avg - 101 Yds - 1 TD - 0 Drop
2. Rams - Willie Anderson - 6 Rec - 10.7 Avg - 64 Yds - 2 TD - 1 Drop
3. Broncos - Vance Johnson - 4 Rec - 13.3 Avg - 53 Yds - 2 TD - 1 Drop

DL
=========
1. Eagles - Reggie White - 6 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 FR - 2 Deflect
2. Oilers - Ray Childress - 6 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 FF
3. Vikings - Chris Doleman - 5 Tak - 1 Int - 1 TD

LB
=========
1. Rams - Kevin Greene - 13 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 FF - 1 Int - 1 TD - 1 Deflect
2. Chiefs - Derrick Thomas - 13 Tak - 1 Sack - 1 FF - 1 FR - 1 Deflect
3. Bears - Jim Morrisey - 10 Tak - 1 Sack - 1 Int - 1 Deflect

DB
=========
1. Rams - Jerry Gray - 2 Tak - 1 FR - 2 Int - 3 Deflect
2. Giants - Mark Collins - 4 Tak - 2 Int - 3 Deflect
3. Broncos - Steve Jackson - 4 Tak - 1 Int - 1 TD - 1 Deflect



Injuries
===================================

[young2rice]

Art Monk 2nd All-Time Leading Receiver

AP - The venerable Art Monk had an amazing game this week against the Phoenix Cardinals. Not only did he move up to 7th all time in the receiving yards list, but he also became 2nd best all-time in catches.

Who would've guessed the youngster out of Syracuse university, from the town of White Plains, New York, would become the 2nd greatest wide receiver to ever catch the football. Monk certainly didn't go into the 1980 NFL draft with expectations of becoming a 3 time NFL Pro Bowler, the 2nd leading reception getter of all-time, the 7th best yardage earner of all-time, and maybe even a top 15 touchdowns of all-time receiver by the time he is done. Let alone a 12th year veteran with a Super Bowl ring on his finger (1987 vs. Broncos) and the only 100+ reception in a season player in team history.

Art Monk had a solid game where he managed to end with 10,268 yards on his career, 2 over the former 7th greatest, Lance Alworth (10,266). The game moves Monk into 7th place, just 104 yards away from 6th, Harold Jackson. Art Monk also moved up the all-time reception list, in style, with his 55th touchdown reception, this one from Mark Rypien at quarterback. The touchdown catch was his 751st reception of his 12th year career. The 34 year old wide receiver is the epitome of perseverance and strength as he surpasses Charlie Joiner for 2nd all time. The only man remaining in front of Art Monk at this point is the all-time reception leader, Steve Largent (819). He leads all active wide receivers in receptions and receiving yards obviously, with touchdowns only being surpassed by Jerry Rice, Mark Clayton, and Roy Green.

Art Monk had a league-shattering game in Week 6 of the 1991 season where he shall be known as one of the greatest to ever play the game upon his retirement. There is no doubt that this man will easily be a first ballot hall of famer once he retires from the game.

*Note: In real life Art Monk broke this Charlie Joiner record in this same season, 1991, but he did it in week 7 of the 1991 season in a 42-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Meaning in game he actually achieved this record 1 week before he did in real life.*

[young2rice]

Salisbury Signs With Cowboys

AP - 28 year old Sean Salisbury (66 Ovr) is now only entering into his 3rd season in the NFL after an injury-riddle beginning to his career.

The young project out of Southern California was originally drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1987. During that year he only played in 2 games where he got 68 combined yards 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, not impressing his critics. As a result the Colts ended up releasing Salisbury. Salisbury would sit in the free agent market for two years before the Minnesota Vikings decided to sign him in the 1990 season. Last year he played 3rd string on the struggling Vikings team to starter Rich Gannon and backup Wade Wilson. As a result Salisbury did not throw a single pass. When it came time to sign a contract in the off-season the Vikings felt that they were going to go in a different direction and let Salisbury hit the free agent market.

However it wasn't until Week 6 that Salisbury was finally signed to a team, the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys signed Salisbury to a 1 year $640,000 dollar contract with a $60k guaranteed bonus. Salisbury will actually be in the highest spot in his career as he will be the #2 quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys behind starter, Troy Aikman (84). The Cowboys felt that the 16 of 36, for 105 yards 1 touchdown and 1 interception performance so far by Babe Laufenbaugh (66 Ovr) isn't going to cut it, so Salisbury will be taking over any backup duties during the season.

Hopefully there will be no need for Salisbury to prove his worth as Dallas fans are set in letting young quarterback Troy Aikman develop, but if needed Salisbury could step in and give them some hope.

[young2rice]

Veteran Wide Receiver Joins Saints

AP - The New Orleans Saints made a solid roster move early today that saw 28 year old, 7 year veteran Walter Stanley (69 Ovr) join their wide receiver corps in hopes of giving quarterback Bobby Herbet some extra help on offense.

Walter Stanley is a graduate of Colorado that was picked by the Green Bay Packers in the 1985 NFL draft. However it wasn't until 1986 and 1987 where he shined when given the opportunity to be a solid contributing #2 and #3 wide receiver on the team. During those two seasons he combined for 73 receptions, 1,395 yards, and 5 touchdowns, statistics that some players actually dream of. Stanley took a dip in his numbers in 1988 before deciding to leave the Packers in favor of bigger opportunities with the Detroit Lions in 1989. However he only had 24 catches for 304 yards in their lackluster offense. Fearing stagnation in his career he decided to immediately jump ship in Detroit in favor of a pass-heavy offense like the Washington Redskins. In 1990 Stanley was the 4th wide receiver on the Redskins depth chart behind Art Monk (88), Gary Clark (85), and Rickey Sanders (74). Despite an average year for mark Rypien he still managed to garner 16 catches for 168 yards as the #4, which is more than most can say in that position, but Stanley's search to return to the starting lineup had to continue.

The Washington Redskins decided that they did not need Stanley's services anymore and let him go at the end of the 1990 season. Unable to find a team during the off-season that was willing to sign him Stanley watched disappointingly as the 1991 NFL season kicked off. However now in Week 6 of the regular season he finally got picked up, by the New Orleans Saints. However his position is about the same as it was with the Redskins as he will be fighting with Gerard Alphin (72 Ovr) for the #4 spot on the Saints wide receiver corps behind Eric Martin (88), Quinn Early (86), and Floyd Turner (74).

If Stanley can return to early Packer form he may be able to make an impact for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints currently sit at 3-3 after their bye week this week. If he can tip them over the .500 edge with some solid clutch plays then the 2 year, $2.06 million dollar, $300k bonus contract might actually be worth it for the Saints.

[young2rice]

Redskins Trade Away Nuisance

AP - The Washington Redskins got ride of a thorn in their collective sides early today when they traded away former Redskins free safety, Alvin Walton (85 Ovr).

Alvin Walton is a 27 year old free safety that is just entering into the peak of his career, but due to free agent moves in the off-season he felt he wasn't getting the playing time he deserved with the Washington Redskins. During the 1990 off-season the Washington Redskins spent $9.06 million dollars to acquire free safety Vencie Glenn (96 Ovr). Glenn was a star safety on the San Diego Chargers who had 63 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 ff, 2 fr, and 3 interceptions on the year, and that was an off-year. As for Walton's 1990 output he managed to get 43 tackles, 2 ff, and 2 interceptions on the year. But the Redskins took no thought to that as they gobbled up the opportunity to add Glenn to the team, leaving Walton feeling disrespected.

"You just don't do that, you don't put practically six years into a person and then just throw them away at the first sign of something better. That's low, and I felt completely disrespected in Washington. All I know is I'm glad that I forced the issue, and got out of there. At least here in Cleveland I'll get what I deserve, playing time."Alvin Walton, Browns Safety

As Walton stated he was entering into his 6th season as a Washington Redskins, but instead forced the issue to be traded, and the Cleveland Browns were the first team to bite. The Browns suffered a big defensive loss this off-season when both Felix Wright and Thane Gash their starting free and strong safeties decided to leave for greener pastures. As a result they've had to improvise by having 23 year old Harlon Barnett (74 Ovr) and 31 year veteran Keith Bostic (77 Ovr) start for them at safety. While Barnett and Bostic were doing a half decent job, it was still a glaring weak spot for the Browns. So the Cleveland Browns decided to send their 3rd round draft pick to the Redskins to acquire the rights to Alvin Walton. Walton will easily become the starter as soon as possible for the Browns and hopefully managed to put up a better defensive fight than Barnett at the free position.

In a trade that benefited both teams, the Browns managed to fill a weakness on defense and the Redskins got rid of a cancerous player on their team. However the door is closing on trades as this marks the final week before the trade deadline shuts down any attempted swaps.

[young2rice]

49ers Trade Away Veteran Jim Burt

AP - In a surprise move, just a few hours ago, the San Francisco 49ers ended up trading away 32 year old, 11th year veteran defensive tackle Jim Burt (66 Ovr), to the Pittsburgh Steelers for rookie Andy Harmon (71 Ovr).

In what seemed like a lopsided advantage to the 49ers they managed to steal away a solid draft pick in Andy Harmon from the Pittsburgh Steelers. However the Steelers don't see it that way as they were loaded at their defensive line, and needed the breathing room for supposed future roster moves. The Steelers have starter Gerald Williams (88) and backup Tim Johnson (79 Ovr) as well as two other defensive tackles in Donald Evans (71 Ovr) and rookie Kelvin Pritchett (71 Ovr), and now Jim Burt (66 Ovr).

Jim Burt is a solid veteran run stopping defensive tackle that spent his first 8 years with the New York Giants and his last 2 1/2 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. However the 49ers want to go in a different direction, a sacking direction, with their defensive tackles. Apparently Burt's 18 sacks on his career didn't level up to the 49ers expectations for their future desires. As a result they've been talking to the Steelers about rookie Andy Harmon ever since the day he was picked. As a result the Steelers finally gave in as they needed the cap space, unloading Harmon's $2.64 million dollar contract for Burt's $800k deal.

Jim Burt will now sit as the 5th defensive tackle in a crowded Pittsburgh Steelers roster, and Andy Harmon will fight Dennis Brown (71 Ovr) for the #2 spot on the 49ers roster behind starter Michael Carter (86 Ovr). The only question is what free agents are the Steelers looking at?

[young2rice]

Falcons Bench Rookie Favre After Bad Performance, Miller Returns

AP - Earlier today the Atlanta Falcons officially made the depth chart change that will see young rookie quarterback, Brett Favre (86 Ovr), sit on the bench while veteran quarterback, Chris Miller (83 Ovr) returns to the starting role.

There was controversy early this year when the Falcons decided to go with the #1 overall draft pick of the 1991 NFL draft as their starter, instead of Chris Miller. Miller had 3,459 yards 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first full-time starting role with the Falcons in 1989. Last year he was on pace to have an even better season but about half-way through the year he was struck with a season ending injury. Miller finished 1990 with 1,413 yards 8 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Due to his lack of fortitude the Falcons decided to go with Brett Favre in the NFL Draft. After a tough training camp battle Favre actually won out the job from Miller, much to the chagrin of critics around the league.

Brett Favre certainly hasn't had a horrible start to his career, in fact, he was playing as one of the better quarterbacks in the league until this Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, 31 to 13. Why? Well Brett Favre ended up throwing 5 interceptions in the game. Falcons head coach Jerry Glanville had the following to say after the game.

"We got our butts kicked out there today, there's no question about that. The Rams came out on the field and they were the better team today, and we've go to find out why. At first glance obviously our rookie ended up throwing 5 picks tonight. It's hard to win a game when you have 5 turnovers. We'll be looking at that, and we'll see what we decide as the week goes on."Jerry Glanville, Falcons Head Coach

Well it appears the Falcons did make the decision to sit Favre in favor of Miller. Brett Favre was 77 of 140 attempts (55%) for 868 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions so far this season as a rookie. That total gives him a 64.8 quarterback rating. Favre was certainly doing well if you discount this weeks game as he would've had 5 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions, but the quick need for the Falcons to win as many games as possible is forcing them to snap Miller into the lineup.

Chris Miller is excited to finally be handed the reigns again of this Falcons organization. He will certainly get his merit tested in Week 7 when the Atlanta Falcons look set to take on the 2 and 3 Green Bay Packers.

[young2rice]

1991 - Week 7 Wrap up
==========================================

Week 7 Games
-----------------------------------------------------
Raiders (4-1) - Vs - Chiefs (2-3) - (6-13) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Christian Okoye (28 Att - 3.3 Avg - 93 Yds - 1 TD)
Eagles (3-3) - Vs - Lions (5-1) - (18-13) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Randall Cunningham (28 of 41 Att - 68.3% - 318 Yds - 2 TD - 1 Int - 4 Rsh - 38 Yds)
Falcons (1-4) - Vs - Packers (2-3) - (30-13) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Steve Broussard (29 Att - 3.4 Avg - 100 Yds - 1 TD - 3 Rec - 17 Yds)
Colts (2-4) - Vs - Steelers (4-1) - (10-20) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Bubby Brister - (16 pf 24 Att - 66.7% - 142 Yds - 2 TD - 1 Int)
Saints (3-3) - Vs - Buccaneers (4-1) - (6-38) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Roger Craig (20 Att - 3.6 Avg - 112 Yds - 2 TD - 1 Rec - 11 Yds)
Cowboys (3-3) - Vs - Broncos (2-3) - (14-31) - P.O.T.G. - WR - Mark Jackson (8 Rec - 10.6 Avg - 85 Yds - 2 TD - 0 Drop)
Vikings (1-5) - Vs - Bears (3-2) - (21-31) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Neal Anderson (36 Att - 6.1 Avg - 221 Yds - 3 TD - 1 Fum - 1 Rec - 2 Yds)
Oilers (5-0) - Vs - 49ers (4-2) - (39-36) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Warren Moon (30 of 44 Att - 68.2% - 336 Yds - 2 TD - 0 Int)
Redskins (3-3) - Vs - Giants (4-1) - (12-17) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Rodney Hampton (19 Att - 3.2 Avg - 61 Yds - 1 TD - 1 Fum - 1 Rec - 4 Yds)
Patriots (2-3) - Vs - Bills (5-1) - (6-34) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Thurman Thomas (24 Att - 5.0 Avg - 119 Yds - 1 TD - 3 Rec - 23 Yds)
Bye Weeks - Bengals - Browns - Cardinals - Dolphins

News & Notes
========================================
Career Firsts
-------------------
-None


Complaining About Not Starting
-----------------------------------
-None


Players of the Week
---------------------------------------------------
Offensive Player of the Week
Bears - HB - Neal Anderson - 36 Att - 6.1 Avg - 221 Yds - 3 TD - 1 Fum - 1 Rec - 2 Yds

Defensive Player of the Week
Falcons - LB - Darion Conner - 10 Tak - 1 FF - 1 FR - 1 Int - 2 Deflect

Top 3 Performances
================================
QB
========
1. Oilers - Warren Moon - 30 of 44 Att - 68.2% - 336 Yds - 2 TD - 0 Int
2. Eagles - Randall Cunningham - 28 of 41 Att - 68.3% - 318 Yds - 2 TD - 1 Int - 4 Rsh - 38 Yds
3. Steelers - Bubby Brister - 16 of 24 Att - 66.7% - 142 Yds - 2 TD - 1 Int

HB
=========
1. Bears - Neal Anderson - 36 Att - 6.1 Avg - 221 Yds - 3 TD - 1 Fum - 1 Rec - 2 Yds
2. Buccaneers - Roger Craig - 20 Att - 3.6 Avg - 112 Yds - 2 TD - 1 Rec - 11 Yds
3. Bills - Thurman Thomas - 24 Att - 5.0 Avg - 119 Yds - 1 TD - 3 Rec - 23 Yds

WR
=========
1. Broncos - Mark Jackson - 8 Rec - 10.6 Avg - 85 Yds - 2 TD - 0 Drop
2. 49ers - Jerry Rice - 5 Rec - 28.6 Avg - 143 Yds - 1 TD - 0 Drop
3. 49ers - John Taylor - 4 Rec - 32.3 Avg - 129 Yds - 1 TD - 1 Drop

DL
=========
1. Bills - Bruce Smith - 4 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 FR - 1 Deflect
2. Giants - Leonard Marshall - 6 Tak - 1 Sack - 1 FF
3. Patriots - Gerald Veris - 4 Tak - 1 Sack - 1 FF

LB
=========
1. Giants - Lawrence Taylor - 11 Tak - 3 Sack - 1 FR - 2 Deflect
2. Chiefs - Derrick Thomas - 7 Tak - 2 Sack - 2 FF - 1 FR - 1 Deflect
3. Falcons - Jessie Tuggle - 10 Tak - 1 Sack - 1 FF - 1 Deflect

DB
=========
1. Packers - Cris Dishman - 8 Tak - 1 FR - 3 Deflect
2. Falcons - Josh Booty - 1 Tak - 1 Int - 1 TD - 2 Deflect
3. Broncos - Wymon Henderson - 1 Tak - 1 Int - 1 TD - 1 Deflect



Injuries
===================================