Remember The 90's?: Re-Living Greatness

[young2rice]

Steelers Sign Three

AP - The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to make moves during this week as they ended up signing 3 free agents to their squad. The Steelers welcomed quarterback, Shawn Moore (62 Ovr), wide receiver Vernon Turner (63 Ovr) and cornerback Roland Mitchell (70 Ovr) to their squad earlier.

Rookie quarterback Shawn Moore was originally drafted earlier this year by the Minnesota Vikings in the 5th round. However due to the congestion at that position they parted ways with him before the regular season even began. However the Steelers are willing to give Moore a chance as they signed him to a 1 year, $490,000 dollar contract with a $60,000 dollar signing bonus. The contract will put Moore as the 3rd quarterback on the squad behind starter, Bubby Brister (93 Ovr), and backup Stan Humphries (74 Ovr).

The Pittsburgh Steelers also felt they needed to make an addition at wide receiver as they added 24 year old Vernon Turner to the mix. Turner showed very little during his rookie season last year. He went undrafted, but was signed by the Buffalo Bills before the season started. As the team's 5th wide receiver he only made 2 catches, but they did make a slight impact as those 2 catches went for 54 yards, 1 of which was a touchdown. Then the Bills felt he wasn't what they were looking for and they let him go this off-season. It wasn't until he inked a 1 year $860k deal with the Steelers this week that he'll set foot back on the field. Turner apparently has been impressing the Steelers coaches already with his ability to return punts and kicks and may actually see some use in that area. As far as the wide receiver depth chart he will once again be the 5th on the team as he'll be sitting behind Derek Hill, Louis Lipps, Chris Calloway, and Leonard Davis.

The final singing this week by the Pittsburgh Steelers was cornerback Roland Mitchell (70 Ovr). Mitchell, like Turner, also started his career with the Buffalo Bills, but Mitchell started back in 1987. Then in 1989 he recorded his first official NFL interception with the Phoenix Cardinals during his only year playing with the team. Last season he was the nickle corner with the Atlanta Falcons behind Deion Sanders (99 Ovr) and Charles Dimry (84 Ovr). However Mitchell suffered and injury that knocked him out for the majority of the season so he only managed to record a single deflection as his only statistic all year long. The Falcons cut him at the end of the season, where he has sat in free agency until Pittsburgh got him on the phone. The Steelers signed Mitchell to a 2 year, $2.02 million dollar contract with a $300k signing bonus. Mitchell will now be the Steelers #4 cornerback on their roster, behind Rod Woodson (99 Ovr), Dwayne Woodruff (83 Ovr), and D.J. Johnson (82 Ovr).

[young2rice]

Raiders Sign 2nd Year Quarterback, Release 4 Year Veteran

AP - The Los Angeles Raiders felt like they needed to add another quarterback to the roster as insurance. However at the price of signing Todd Philcox (65 Ovr) the Raiders had to give up a player, and they chose wide receiver Jamie Holland (70 Ovr) to be that player.

Jamie Holland is now playing in his 5th season in the NFL after originally being drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 1987. In his rookie season he had 6 catches for 138 yards. He followed it up with an improved 1988 season with 39 catches, 536 yards, and 1 touchdown to become an integral part of the Chargers pass attack. Then in 1989 he slowed down a little to 26 catches for 336 yards. He was released by the Chargers and ended up signing across the state to the Los Angeles Raiders in 1990. During the 1990 season he was battling all year for the #4 spot with Sam Graddy (72 Ovr), and ended with only 11 catches for 134 yards and 1 touchdown. As a result this off-season the Raiders ended up drafted several young wide receivers in Michael Jackson and Jake Reed, which essentially buried Jamie Holland on the depth chart. So in a way Holland may be better off now that he is on his way to another team as he was sitting behind Willie Gault (87 Ovr), Tim Brown (84 Ovr), Mervyn Fernandez (83 Ovr), Jake Reed (73 Ovr), Sam Graddy (72 Ovr), and Michael Jackson (71 Ovr).

With the roster spot free and a little extra cash on hand the Los Angeles Raiders decided to sign quarterback Todd Philcox (65 Ovr) to a 2 year $1.03 million dollar contract with a $140,000 dollar signing bonus. The contract will give them assurance as he'll be the teams #3 quarterback behind Jay Schroeder (84 Ovr) and Billy Joe Tolliver (80 Ovr). Last year was Philcox first NFL season after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals. He was the 3rd quarterback on the roster, but due to a late injury to Boomer Esiason he did actually get to take 4 snaps in the final game of the regular season. In those 4 snaps Philcox struggled with 2 incomplete passes and 2 sacks, hardly an great first impression. The Bengals then decided to let him go in the off-season allowing him to arrive here in Los Angeles at the end of the 7th week of the 1991 season. If Philcox can remain healthy he may get lucky and manage to see some playing time soon in order to progress into a solid NFL quarterback.

[young2rice]

Veteran Wide Receiver Roy Green Cracks Top 15 Receptions of All-Time List

AP - At 34 years of age wide receiver Roy Green is starting to finally see the fruits of his labor come to fruition. It only took Green 13 NFL seasons but he has now joined an elite list of NFL wide receivers as he eclipses Wes Chandler (559) on the top 15 all-time receptions list.

Roy Green was drafted out of little Henderson State College in the 1979 NFL draft by the, then, St Louis Cardinals. He then proceeded to struggle to earn his spot on the Cardinals starting roster, but it wasn't until 1983 that he became the teams #1 receiver with a breakout 78 catch, 1,227 yard, 14 touchdown season, leading the league in the touchdown category. That breakout year would be the one that would start to rocket Green's career. For the next 7 seasons Roy Green and tandem wide receiver (now retired, 1990) J.T. Smith would become an amazing and underrated receiving duo. However when J.T. Smith retired last season Green decided that he would not resign with the Cardinals.

"J.T. Smith was my boy. Together we got through the hard times on this team, but at my age it was time to look at things and make a change to keep it fresh. I gave 9 good years to St. Louis, and then 3 to the same organization in Phoenix. I think it's time for me to go, and Smith retiring was just the green light to go through with it."Roy Green, Wide Receiver

After amassing numerous team records as the Cardinals all-time yards, receptions, and touchdown leader, Roy Green was reluctantly unsigned by the team in the 1990 off-season. After visiting numerous squads Green ended up narrowing it down two NFC teams, the Dallas Cowboys, or the New York Giants. With the Giants quarterback Phil Simms joining Smith in retirement, it was clear to Green that his best opportunity to produce, was in Dallas. So Green ended up signing a 3 year, $13.23 million dollar contract to be the Cowboys #1 receiver.

Although it hasn't come easy to Green. The 34 year veteran had to do his best to fend off 25 year old budding star, Michael Irvin (85 Ovr) from surpassing him as the team's number one receiver, but the veteran dedication of Green saw him pull through in training camp and beat Irvin out.

So far this season Troy Aikman has struggled a little bit due to injuries to his offensive line, but Green has still managed to make 19 receptions for 126 yards and 1 touchdown so far through Week 7, with tight end Jay Novacek and Michael Irvin just edging him out in receptions, but not in touchdowns. With this weeks big game vaulting him into the 14th highest reception leader in NFL history. At the end of week 7's game Roy Green had 563 career receptions, 4 more than #15 all-time, Wes Chandler. Green now sits only 4 away from the thirteenth best, Lionel Taylor, and it's very plausible he could easily even move past Harold Jackson (579), Fred Blietnikoff (589), Harold Carmichael (590), and ex-teammate, J.T. Smith (593) before the season's end.

Roy Green's accolades don't stop there, not only voted into two Pro Bowls (1983, 1984) but it appears that Green will most likely also move into the top 15 all-time receiving yards list next week as well. With the 15th greatest of all-time being John Stallworth at 8,723 yards, and Green sitting at that exact amount by this games end. So the very next, 1+ yard reception that Green makes will also put him up on another all-time list. Not to mention Green is already on the Receiving Touchdowns leader list, as the 15th greatest all-time with 67 touchdowns. The 14th best being fellow current player, Mark Clayton (72).

Roy Green is easily smashing the record books across the league, but many may say it is being done while flying under the radar. The 34 year old veteran certainly has not had any praise from the fans since the early 80's, evident by his Pro Bowl votes. If Green actually stays healthy and continues to produce at such a high level he could easily be heard with the likes of Paul Warfield, Lance Alworth, and Don Maynard before his career his done. It is unlikely that he'll top names like Steve Largent or Don Hutson, but Green is certainly making his mark, the only question is, will it be legible to the average fan.

[young2rice]

Roger Craig Breaking Records, On The Buccaneers

AP - 9th year veteran runningback, Roger Craig, is easily mentioned amongst the list of top runningbacks currently playing the game. This week that arguement got even easier as he surpasses a fellow former 49er, Joe Perry, for 11th on the All-Time Rushing Yards list.

It took Joe Perry 5 more years than Roger Craig, but Perry retired with 8,378 rushing yards, landing as the 10th all-time (moved down to 11th now since Eric Dickerson is now above him on list), and retiring as the San Francisco 49ers all-time leading rusher. With 3 back-to-back-to-back Pro Bowls (1952,1953,1954) there's no questioning the greatness of Joe Perry, but does Roger Craig deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as him?

His 8 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, amassing 5 Pro Bowls, and 3 Super Bowl rings, gives Craig the right to be mentioned with ex-49er, Joe Perry, as he surpasses him on the all-time rushing list. However Roger Craig isn't doing it with the San Francisco 49ers, as he is spending his 9th season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Craig was released in the off-season by the 49ers after finally feeling that his time with them was up, and that he would have a more effective time in Tampa. Craig is certainly the best player the Buccaneers have ever had at runningback as so far this season he has amassing 599 yards with a 4.0 yard per carry average, as well as 8 touchdowns on the ground. Roger Craig's addition to the team is what is allowing the Buccaneers to currently sit at 5-1 through the first few half of the season, with their only loss coming to the Packers in week 5 20 to 34. Roger Craig's current career total rushing yards reads 8,448 as he surpasses Joe Perry. Assuming Craig can stay healthy throughout the rest of the season it is almost guaranteed that he will also surpass the current 10th best, Jim Taylor at 8,597 yards. However reaching further than that may be a stretch as Earl Campbell sits at 9,407.

Roger Craig has added an unbelievable dimension to the Buccaneers offense that they are not used to. As a result the Buccaneers are in contention again as they are leading their division with a 5-1 record. Craig may be a San Francisco 49er at heart, but now he's breaking records with a lighter shade of red as the Buccaneers team is progressing beyond expectations.

[young2rice]

1991 - Week 8 Wrap up
==========================================

Week 8 Games
-----------------------------------------------------
Bears (4-2) - Vs - Buccaneers (5-1) - (14-13) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Neal Anderson (22 Att - 4.0 Avg - 89 Yds - 1 TD - 2 Rec - 8 Yds - 1 TD)
Eagles (4-3) - Vs - Rams (4-2) - (24-27) - P.O.T.G. - WR - Willie Anderson (9 Rec - 12.8 Avg - 115 Yds - 1 TD)
Oilers (6-0) - Vs - Patriots (2-4) - (21-26) - P.O.T.G. - CB - Ronnie Lippett (2 Tak - 2 Int - 1 TD - 3 Deflect)
Raiders (4-2) - Vs - Cowboys (3-4) - (3-13) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Emmitt Smith (32 Att - 3.8 Avg - 120 Yds - 1 Rec - 6 Yds)
Bills (6-1) - Vs - Chiefs (3-3) - (20-9) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Thurman Thomas (24 Att - 3.6 Avg - 87 Yds - 1 TD - 1 Rec - 13 Yds - 1 TD)
Broncos (3-3) - Vs - Giants (5-1) - (21-16) - P.O.T.G. - QB - John Elway (14 of 26 Att - 53.8% - 167 Yds - 3 TD - 0 Int)
Dolphins (3-3) - Vs - Chargers (3-3) - (34-27) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Dan Marino (20 of 29 Att - 69% - 227 Yds - 2 TD - 0 Int)
Lions (5-2) - Vs - Packers (2-4) - (30-27 OT) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Barry Sanders (29 Att - 3.5 Avg - 101 Yds - 1 TD - 2 Fum - 2 Rec - 23 Yds)
Steelers (5-1) - Vs - Browns (4-2) - (14-17 OT) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Leroy Hoard (28 Att - 3.2 Avg - 90 Yds - 1 TD - 1 Fum - 5 Rec - 38 Yds)
Seahawks (4-2) - Vs - Cardinals (4-2) - (6-27) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Johnny Johnson (14 Att - 4.1 Avg - 58 Yds - 2 TD - 2 Rec - 12 Yds)
Bye Weeks - Bengals - Colts - Falcons - Jets

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


Complaining About Not Starting
-----------------------------------
-Oilers - RG - Greg Rakoczy is complaining about not starting at his position this year. While he said he is still happy to be a Houston Oiler he is just upset that he is not seeing as much playing time as he achieved last year.


Players of the Week
---------------------------------------------------
Offensive Player of the Week
Broncos - QB - John Elway - 14 of 26 Att - 53.8% - 167 Yds - 3 TD - 0 Int

Defensive Player of the Week
Patriots - CB - Ronnie Lippett - 2 Tak - 2 Int - 1 TD - 3 Deflect

Top 3 Performances
================================
QB
========
1. Broncos - John Elway - 14 of 26 Att - 53.8% - 167 Yds - 3 TD - 0 Int
2. Dolphins - Dan Marino - 20 of 29 Att - 69% - 227 Yds - 2 TD - 0 Int
3. Packers - Don Majkowski - 22 of 37 Att - 59.5% - 232 Yds - 3 TD - 1 Int

HB
=========
1. Bears - Neal Anderson - 22 Att - 4.0 Avg - 89 Yds - 1 TD - 2 Rec - 8 Yds - 1 TD
Bills - Thurman Thomas - 24 Att - 3.6 Avg - 87 Yds - 1 TD - 1 Rec - 13 Yds - 1 TD
3. Lions - Barry Sanders - 29 Att - 3.5 Avg - 101 Yds - 1 TD - 2 Rec - 23 Yds

WR
=========
1. Packers - Sterling Sharpe - 9 Rec - 13.1 Avg - 118 Yds - 3 TD - 1 Drop
2. Broncos - Vance Johnson - 6 Rec - 21.7 Avg - 130 Yds - 2 TD - 1 Drop
3. Rams - Willie Anderson - 9 Rec - 12.8 Avg - 115 Yds - 1 TD - 1 Drop

DL
=========
1. Dolphins - Jeff Cross - 6 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 FF - 1 Deflect
2. Oilers - Ray Childress - 6 Tak - 1 Sack - 1 FF
3. Chargers - Burt Grossman - 5 Tak - 1 Sack - 1 FR

LB
=========
1. Chargers - Leslie O'Neal - 7 Tak - 3 Sack - 2 Deflect
2. Broncos - Simon Fletcher - 8 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 Deflect
3. Steelers - Greg Lloyd - 15 Tak - 1 Sack - 1 FF

DB
=========
1. Patriots - Ronnie Lippett - 2 Tak - 2 Int - 1 TD - 3 Deflect
2. Buccaneers - Harry Hamilton - 7 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 Deflect
3. Cardinals - Tim McDonald - 9 Tak - 1 Sack - 2 Deflect



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

[young2rice]

1991 Mid-Season Statistical Leaders

Passing Statistics
========================================








Rushing Statistics
========================================




Receiving Statistics
========================================

[young2rice]

1991 Mid-Season Statistical Leaders

Defensive Statistics
=========================================











Kicker Statistics
=======================================







Kick/Punt Return Statistics
==================================

[young2rice]

Mid-Season Award Leaders

MVP
Leader - Bills - HB - Thurman Thomas
Conference - Bears - HB - Neal Anderson

Offensive Player of the Year
Leader - Bills - HB - Thurman Thomas
Conference - Bears - HB - Neal Anderson

Defensive Player of the Year
Leader - Bills - LB - Shane Conlan
Conference - Falcons - LB - Jessie Tuggle

Offensive Rookie of the Year
Leader - Rams - HB - Ricky Watters
Conference - Bills - WR - Jeff Graham

Defensive Rookie of the Year
Leader - Jets - LB - Mo Lewis
Conference - Cowboys - LB - Roman Phifer

Quarterback Of The Year
Leader - 49ers - QB - Joe Montana
Conference - Bills - QB - Jim Kelly

Runningback of the Year
Leader - Bills - HB - Thurman Thomas
Conference - Bears - HB - Neal Anderson

Wide Receiver of the Year
Leader - 49ers - WR - Jerry Rice
Conference - Oilers - WR - Haywood Jeffries

Offensive Lineman of the Year
Leader - Bills - OL - Kent Hull
Conference - Bears - OL - Jay Hilgenberg

Defensive Lineman of the Year
Leader - Oilers - DT - Ray Childress
Conference - Cowboys - DE - Jim Jeffcoat

Linebacker of the Year
Leader - Bills - LB - Shane Conlan
Conference - Falcons - LB - Jessie Tuggle

Defensive Back of the Year
Leader - Rams - S - Darrell Fullington
Conference - Dolphins - CB - J.B. Brown

Kicker of the Year
Leader - Lions - K - Eddie Murray
Conference - Steelers - K - Gary Anderson

Coach of the Year
Leader - Bills - Coach - Marv Levy
Conference - Lions - Coach - Wayne Fontes

[young2rice]

Vikings Giving Ultimatum

AP - Earlier today a frustrated Minnesota Vikings head coach, Jerry Burns, stated that he is giving Rich Gannon one more regular season game to prove himself before he makes a quarterback switch.

"Last year was the building year for Gannon, and we went 7-9 that season. This year is supposed to be when Gannon steps up, but he's actually regressing. We're sitting at 2-6 at the moment, it's either now or never if we want any shot."Jerry Burns, Vikings Head Coach

Last season Rich Gannon had his first full-time starting season with the Minnesota Vikings. The youngster threw for 2,607 yards on the year and had a respectable 15 touchdowns, but that was coupled with 24 interceptions. He ended up with a 59.9 quarterback rating, and a sour taste in Vikings fan's mouths. During the off-season the Vikings did little to help Gannon's improvement by making few off-season moves, and letting a few key defensive players go into free agency.

So far in 1991 Rich Gannon has struggled even more as through Week 8 he has thrown for 1,447 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Giving him an even worse rating than last year, at 59.1. Burns has given Rich Gannon one more game to get his act together before he throws in former Vikings quarterback starter, Wade Wilson (76 Ovr).

In Week 9 the Minnesota Vikings will have a bye week which will give Gannon plenty of time to prepare for Week 10's game against the Green Bay Packers. If Gannon can improve then he will likely keep his job, but if he doesn't Burns will pull the plug in order to help the franchise win.

[young2rice]

Perriman Biggest Steal of Free Agency?

AP - Last year the Phoenix Cardinals struggled with the 20th ranked passing offense in the league. As a result the Cardinals ended the year with a 7-9 record and missed the playoffs, once again. In the off-season Cardinals' management did their best to bring in some key players in order to give them that nudge they needed to get into the playoffs, and they may have struck gold with wide receiver, Brett Perriman.

Brett Perriman recently turned 26 years old as he is playing through his 4th season in the NFL, and this is the time that he is expected to progress into the player he will be, but the Cardinals didn't expect him to progress as much as he has this season. Perriman put up some decent numbers with his original team, the New Orleans Saints. After his first two seasons were spent as the Saints #3 wide receiver he got a chance last year to lineup alongside Eric Martin, and performed well with a 66 catch, 570 yard, 6 touchdown season. His success allowed him to tie Martin, the Saints #1 receiver, for the team lead in catches and touchdowns, opening some eyes around the league. In a surprise move the Saints did not renew Perriman's 7.93 million dollar contract and let him go in favor of Quinn Early, but the Cardinals were very grateful for the Saints lapse in judgment.

The Cardinals not only struggled with a mediocre passing game in 1990 but suffered a few key offensive losses to their passing game, that could have made the 1991 season even worse. Timm Rosenbach managed to accumulate 2,441 yards and 13 touchdowns with a 70.5 quarterback rating in 1990 largely due to the fact that he had a very talented veteran duo in Roy Green, and J.T. Smith at the wide receiver position. However the 33, and 35 year old wide receivers had off-years, and both ended up going their separate ways. J.T. Smith hung up the cleats retiring, and Roy Green decided to join the Dallas Cowboys to play for that upcoming team. As a result the Cardinals were left weak at the wide receiver position. 23 year old Ricky Proehl (79 Ovr) was slated as the team's best receiver going into the off-season, along with Ernie Jones (75 Ovr), and the drafting of Alvin Harper (70 Ovr). However the Cardinals, specifically quarterback Tim Rosenbach, were not pleased with that starting lineup going into the season.

After the initial deluge of signings took place in free agency a few key free agents, including Brett Perriman (82 Ovr) were left unsigned. But Timm Rosenbach recognized the talent that was available and made a plea to management to at least let Perriman tryout for the team. Perriman ended up not only trying out but being given a 1 year $3.55 million dollar deal with the Phoenix Cardinals. In training camp he quickly shot up to the team's star on offense, as he easily slid his way into the #1 slot on the depth chart at wide receiver. Then as the regular season rolled around the Cardinals would be praising Rosenbach's decision, and kissing Perriman's feet all season long.

So far through 8 weeks of the regular 1991 season young Brett Perriman is leading the league in receptions (48) and receiving yards (700). He has also managed to hook up with Rosenbach for 4 touchdowns on the season, and has opened up the Cardinals offense to a level it hasn't been at in awhile. Rosenbach is having a stellar year as he has already accumulated 1,550 yards and 12 touchdowns, just 1 short of his entire 1990 campaign touchdown mark. Perriman's statistical line so far is estimating his season to be a 96 catch, 1,400 yard, 8 touchdown year, vaulting Perriman into the ranks of the NFL elite receivers. It will no doubt help Perriman's case, as I'm sure the Cardinals will not want to make the same mistake the Saints did, and resign Perriman at the end of this year when his contract expires.

Through week 8 of the regular season the Phoenix Cardinals are an unprecedented 5-2 on the year, which appears to translate into a completed season record much better than 1990's 7-9 if they continue to play at a high level. If the Phoenix Cardinals enter into the playoffs it would be the first time the Cardinals have played in the playoffs in 16 years, when they lost to the Los Angeles Rams 23-35. If the Cardinals would go on to win any potential playoff appearances this year, it would be their first victory since the Franchise was known as the Chicago Cardinals back in 1947. Can a receiver bring all of this accolade to a struggling franchise? Or is he just another one-year wonder?

[young2rice]

1991 - Week 9 Wrap up
==========================================

Week 9 Games
-----------------------------------------------------
Bears (5-2) - Vs - Falcons (3-4) - (16-5) - P.O.T.G. - DE - Richard Dent (7 Tak - 3 Sack - 1 FR)
Jets (3-4) - Vs - Saints (3-4) - (24-13) - P.O.T.G. - WR - Al Toon (7 Rec - 13.4 Avg - 94 Yds - 1 TD)
Cardinals (5-2) - Vs - Giants (5-2) - (28-7) - P.O.T.G. - LB - Lawrence Taylor (11 Tak - 1 Sack - 1 Int - 1 TD)
Cowboys (4-4) - Vs - Redskins (3-4) - (20-17) - P.O.T.G. - WR - Kelvin Martin (5 Rec - 20.0 Avg - 100 Yds - 1 TD)
Bengals (6-2) - Vs - Chiefs (3-4) - (48-7) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Boomer Esiason (30 of 37 Att - 81.1% - 309 Yds - 3 TD - 0 Int)
Patriots (3-4) - Vs - Chargers (3-4) - (14-6) - P.O.T.G. - HB - John Stephens (30 Att - 3.6 Avg - 107 Yds - 1 TD - 4 Rec - 16 Yds)
Seahawks (4-3) - Vs - Rams (5-2) - (34-37) - P.O.T.G. - HB - Ricky Watters (17 Att - 2.6 Avg - 45 Yds - 3 Rec - 32 Yds - 1 TD)
Dolphins (4-3) - Vs - Broncos (4-3) - (16-17) - P.O.T.G. - QB - John Elway (26 of 43 Att - 60.5% - 322 Yds - 2 TD - 2 Int)
Packers (2-5) - Vs - Browns (5-2) - (9-20) - P.O.T.G. - QB - Bernie Kosar (14 of 28 Att - 50% - 162 Yds - 2 TD - 0 Int)
49ers (4-3) - Vs - Buccaneers (5-2) - (41-14) - P.O.T.G. - HB - John L. Williams (21 Att - 3.7 Avg - 77 Yds - 1 TD - 2 Rec - 5 Yds - 1 TD)
Bye Weeks - Oilers - Raiders - Steelers - Vikings

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


Complaining About Not Starting
-----------------------------------
-Buccaneers - CB - Sammy Gray is complaining about not starting at his position this year.

-Chiefs - DE - Bill Maas is complaining about not having an adept amount of playing time so far this season. If things don't improve he may not return to the Chiefs next season.

Players of the Week
---------------------------------------------------
Offensive Player of the Week
Bengals - QB - Boomer Esiason - 30 of 37 Att - 81.1% - 309 Yds - 3 TD - 0 Int

Defensive Player of the Week
49ers - LB - Charles Haley - 9 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 FF - 1 Int - 1 TD

Top 3 Performances
================================
QB
========
1. Bengals - Boomer Esiason - 30 of 37 Att - 81.1% - 309 Yds - 3 TD - 0 Int
2. Browns - Bernie Kosar - 14 of 28 Att - 50% - 162 Yds - 2 TD - 0 Int
3. 49ers - Joe Montana - 18 of 31 Att - 58.1% - 173 Yds - 2 TD - 0 Int

HB
=========
1. Bengals - James Brooks - 26 Att - 4.0 Avg - 103 Yds - 2 TD
Patriots - John Stephens - 30 Att - 3.6 Avg - 107 Yds - 1 TD - 4 Rec - 16 Yds
3. 49ers - John L. Williams - 21 Att - 3.7 Avg - 77 Yds - 1 TD - 2 Rec - 5 Yds - 1 TD

WR
=========
1. Bengals - Michael Barber - 7 Rec - 15.4 Avg - 108 Yds - 1 TD - 0 Drop
2. Cowboys - Kelvin Martin - 5 Rec - 20.0 Avg - 100 Yds - 1 TD - 0 Drop
3. Jets - Al Toon - 7 Rec - 13.4 Avg - 94 Yds - 1 TD - 1 Drop

DL
=========
1. Bears - Richard Dent - 7 Tak - 3 Sack - 1 FR
2. Bengals - Daniel Stubbs - 4 Tak - 3 Sack - 1 FF
3. Jets - Dennis Byrd - 9 Tak - 2 Sack

LB
=========
1. 49ers - Charles Haley - 9 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 FF - 1 Int - 1 TD
2. Giants - Lawrence Taylor - 11 Tak - 1 Sack - 1 Int - 1 TD
3. Falcons - Darion Conner - 8 Tak - 2 Sack - 1 Saftey

DB
=========
1. Rams - Bobby Humphrey - 1 Tak - 2 Int - 1 TD - 3 Deflect
2. Cardinals - Jay Taylor - 1 Tak - 2 Int - 2 Deflect
3. Seahawks - Eugene Robinson - 5 Tak - 1 Int - 1 TD - 2 Deflect



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

[young2rice]

Eric Dickerson, The Best Running Back Currently Playing?

AP - Earlier this season Eric Dickerson once again broke another record, as he continues to vault his name in the NFL all-time elite. Not only is Eric Dickerson currently the 2nd all-time rusher in NFL history behind only Walter Payton (16,726) but he is now also the franchise all-time leading rusher for two different NFL teams.

Eric Dickerson was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1983 NFL draft. Where he proceeded to have the most prolific rookie runningback season in NFL history as he rushed for 1,808 Yards, 18 touchdowns, caught 51 passes, and scored 2 more receiving touchdowns. Also earning a Pro Bowl birth in that rookie year, and AP rookie of the year honors. Yet that was only a sign of things to come as in his sophomore season Eric Dickerson rushed for an outstanding 2,105 yards, and 14 touchdowns, proving that he would dominate the sophomore slump and continue to play at such a high level. Dickerson left the Rams as their all-time leading rusher with 7,245 yards in his 4 1/2 seasons with them. However in 1987 the Rams decided to actually trade Eric Dickerson away to the Indianapolis Colts, thinking that his body was bruised and battered and that his downfall would begin.

His first full year as an Indianapolis Colt certainly proved the Rams beliefs wrong as he had the best year any Colt runningback has ever had, with a 1,659 yard 14 touchdown season. Then in 1989 the first potential signs of Dickerson's bruising career started to take their toll, in what would otherwise be a great year for any other runningback, Dickerson dropped to 1,311 yards and only 7 touchdowns on the year. Many non-Colt fans started to cry out that Dickerson's amazing career was about to be cut short and he would fall before breaking any elusive records held by the revered Walter Payton. But in 1990 he helped carry the Indianapolis Colts team to a 9-7 record, but just barely missing the playoffs due to a steep learning curve for rookie quarterback, Jeff George. Dickerson ended the 1990 season with 1,460 yards and 12 touchdowns as well as 2 more in the air. With Dickerson returning to double digit touchdowns and mid 1,000 yards he staved off the criticism that brewed earlier in the season.

So far through 9 weeks of the 1991 season Eric Dickerson once again continues to show no signs of slowing down. He's already accumulated 773 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground as well as 184 yards and 2 touchdowns in the air, showing that he is easily on pace for his 1,500 yards 10+ touchdown mark that he has continually produced for his teams.

Currently Eric Dickerson is 2nd on the all-time rushing list with 13,459 yards. He is also 4th on the all-time touchdown list with 99, just 5 behind John Riggins, 7 behind Jim Brown, and only 11 behind the #1 man, Walter Payton. He also continues to break Indianapolis Colt records with each and every yard he gains as he has already eclipsed for the all-time leading rusher in Colt history with 6,491 yards through 4 seasons. This has made Eric Dickerson the only player that is a all-time yard holder for two teams simultaneously in NFL history. With 7 Pro Bowls in his 8 years, and one more-than-likely arriving this season as well, there's no telling when Dickerson is going to end his career. At the rate he's currently playing it doesn't appear that Dickerson's time will end soon, and his sights are locking onto the all-time spot on many NFL records. Enjoy watching Eric Dickerson play because there may not be another player like this in a long time.

[young2rice]

Kenneth Davis Signs With Pittsburgh

AP - One of the more effective backup running backs in the league has found another home in Pittsburgh this week. 29 Year old runningback Kenneth Davis (73 Ovr) will now be playing second fiddle on the Steelers roster.

Kenneth Davis was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1986, where he had a respectable rookie season with 519 yards at 4.9 yards per carry. His prospects for the future were looking pretty good but injuries slowed him down in 1987 and 1988 never earning more than his rookie total in yards. As a result the Packers let him go and he ended up signing with the Buffalo Bills for the 1989 season.

The past two seasons in the NFL Kenneth Davis has had one of the more kooshy jobs in the league by backing up Thurman Thomas. In 1989 he only ran the ball 29 times for 149 yards and a touchdown, then in 1990 he had 61 carries for 198 yards and a touchdown. In the off-season when it came time to resign Davis, Davis made a point that he wanted to get more playing time. Davis felt that he was now entering into the prime of his career, and didn't want to spend it all as a glorified backup runningback. As a result he ended up not being able to come up with a deal with the Buffalo Bills and went into free agency. However it seemed many teams around the league didn't see him as starting runningback material so he sat through the start of the 1991 season. Davis then altered his vision to just playing on any team, and was actively seeking employment throughout the season, but it wasn't until a Week 9 injury that he was able to finally land a job.

In week 9 of the 1991 regular season the Pittsburgh Steelers lost their 3rd string runningback, Willie Williams (71 Ovr) for essentially the remainder of the regular season. Williams may be healthy to play again come playoff time, but the Steelers still felt that they needed to add a back for insurance on the team. With Merril Hoge (85 Ovr) already doing a solid job this season as their starter, and youngster Barry Foster (79 Ovr) filling in nicely as the change up back, there's no threat that Kenneth Davis (73 Ovr) will eat into their playing time. But a desperate Davis was willing to sign the 1 year, $1.01 million dollar, $180,000 bonus contract that the Steelers offered him. Kenneth Davis made the following comments at the press conference after his signing,

"I just wanted to get on a team man. I've essentially been out of the league for 10 months, and I need to get back in it. I know I'm good enough to play, and I'll certainly try my best here in Pittsburgh. Besides I think we have a pretty good chance of going deep in the playoffs too."Kenneth Davis, Steelers Runningback

The Pittsburgh Steelers certainly do have a solid chance of making it to the playoffs this season, but they are on the outside looking in as far as their division goes. The AFC North is currently littered with quality teams vying for the top spot and a playoff birth. Right now the Cincinnati Bengals are leading the division with a 7-2 record through 9 weeks, with the Browns pulling up behind them at 6-2. Due to the Browns superior 3-1 division record compared to the Steelers (2-2), the Steelers are actually 3rd in their division despite their .750 win percentage. Although anything can certainly happen in the next 8 weeks, but one thing that needs to remain is the quality of play by the Steelers team, and if Davis can help make a play here and there for the team, than his contract would be worth it's weight in gold.

[young2rice]

Two Greats Move Up All-Time Records List

AP - When you think of all-time great receivers, you think of Steve Largent, Don Hutson, Don Maynard, Lance Alworth, Paul Warfield, and Charlie Joiner. When you think of all-time great quarterbacks, you think of Fran Tarkenton, Johnny Unitas, Ken Anderson, George Blanda, Sonny Jurgensen, and Len Dawson. But now you can add two names to those lists, Jerry Rice, and Dave Krieg.

Jerry Rice is no slouch when it comes to catching the football, he is currently the San Francisco 49ers all-time leading receiver in yards with 7,923 yards through week 9 of the 1991 regular season. He's under 1,000 away from entering the top 15 all-time in NFL history as John Stallworth sits there with 8,723. He has made 470 receptions so far through his career, and is only 89 away from the 15th best all-time, Wes Chandler. But there is one that he has already cracked the top 15, in fact, now the top 5 even, as he caught his 86th touchdown pass earlier this week in the 49ers 41-14 stomping of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That 86th touchdown interception moved him over Lance Alworth and Paul Warfield (85 each) into the 4th all-time in NFL history for receiving touchdowns. Rice is now just 2 short of Don Maynard (88), 13 from Don Hutson (99), and 14 from the league's all-time leader, Steve Largent (100). There is no question that the next two to three years of Jerry Rice's career, barring injury, will become the most lauded seasons any NFL wide receiver has ever had in NFL history. Jerry Rice is quickly making a mark for himself in this league, and in some circles within it, is already being talked about as one of the greatest, and possibly the greatest to play the position.

When you ask most fans who they think the best quarterback in the league is you'll get a mixed response. Usually the names Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Bernie Kosar, Jim Kelly, or even Warren Moon are uttered. But if somebody said Dave Krieg, you would probably laugh. Dave Krieg had a slow start to his career ever since being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks back in 1980. It wasn't until mid-way through the 1983 season that he got to start at quarterback for the franchise, and he has ever since. With six 20+ touchdown seasons, three 3,000+ yard seasons, and four Pro bowls (1984, 1988, 1989, 1990) Krieg is making a name for himself at 33 years of age. Last season he had the help of Brian Blades 15 touchdown receptions to really expand and throw for 2,885 yards and 27 touchdowns through the regular season, leading Seattle to a 9-7 playoff birth, only to stutter slightly and not go to deep. This year has been less style and flash with a 4-4 team record through week 9, and 1,903 yards with 9 touchdowns.

However despite this years mediocrity, Dave Krieg has just launched himself as the 14th best all-time passing yards leader in NFL history. Despite loosing the the Los Angeles Rams 34 to 37, Krieg still managed to surpass Steve Deberg (25,624) on the all-time list and push himself onto it. Krieg now sit just behind fellow current NFL player John Elway (25,980) as they'll both probably close in and surpass on 12th best, Steve Grogan (26,345) and 11th best George Blanda (26,920) before the season's end. Krieg certainly has surprised many around the league as he has seemed to fly under the radar in terms of notoriety. If he continues to play at a high level, and manage to tip over the scales this year and once again put Seattle in the playoffs, maybe then his name might be whispered amongst the league's best quarterbacks.

There is no doubt amongst the NFL fans that Jerry Rice is certainly going to finish his career as one of the top, if not, the best, player to ever play at his position. Although those same fans may be reluctant to say the same about Dave Krieg, as their opinions of him have yet to be determined. Being the 14th best all-time passing yards leader though is something that isn't left to opinion, and is a fact, that NFL fans will always see as a testament to his ability.

[young2rice]

Running Back Controversy Over?

AP - In the last 6 seasons the Los Angeles Rams have had 5 different rushers that lead the team by the season's end. In a veritable musical chairs of running backs the Rams may have finally found the one that will remain their starter in rookie Ricky Watters.

In 1986 the Los Angeles Rams had one of the best rushing attacks to ever play the game as Eric Dickerson was the teams starter and ran for 1,821 yards and 11 touchdowns which was easily the most yardage in the league, and the 5th most touchdowns rushing in the league for that year. However in a twist of fate the Rams parted ways with Dickerson mid-way through the 1987 season for who they thought their next star running back would be, Charles White. White had a respectable 1,374 Yards 11 touchdown season in 1987 which actually gave the Rams, once again, the league leader in yards, and tied the league lead in touchdowns with Jets back, Johnny Hector. But sadly White would never again have a season even close to what he obtained that year, proving himself to be a one hit wonder.

Mid-way through that season the Rams also acquired from the Buffalo Bills a young runningback by the name of Greg Bell. It wasn't until the following season that Bell actually started for the Rams and had a solid 1,212 yard season with an amazing league leading 16 touchdowns. Then in 1989 a miracle happened as the Rams finally had a repeat leader in Bell, as he rushed for 1,137 yards and 15 touchdowns the following season. His 31 touchdown total after consecutive seasons opened eyes around the league, especially knowing that Bell's contract was up at the end of the year. In his 2nd playoff game, first of 1989, against the Philadelphia Eagles Bell had an outstanding game as he rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown to help the Rams beat them 21 to 7. Then in the following playoff game against the New York Giants he had another good game with 87 yards against their tough run defense setting the Rams up for a 19-13 victory. The Rams appeared to be the surprise team of the year as they made their way into the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, where on the fourth drive of the game Greg Bell suffered a horrendous tackle that blew out his leg. His 20 yards that game would be all he would take, as Rams fans watched their season crumble and the 49ers steam roll to a 30-3 victory. Many doctors stated they thought of the injury as a career-ender for Bell, a runningback that had just entered into his best playing time, cut short in a big game. As the 1989 season came to a close the Rams attempted to negotiate a deal with Bell, but Bell demanded at least $4 million dollars. The Rams decided to not pay him the money due to the injury and not knowing how good he'd be if he came back, so he ended up signing with the other L.A. team, the Raiders. Last year due to injuries to both Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson he managed to start for 662 yards and 2 touchdowns, a far cry from his previous performance, but solid play for a person that many said would never play in the NFL again.

Without Bell on the team in 1990 the Los Angeles Rams turned to a free agent from Seattle, Curt Warner. Warner was given a 3 year $6.09 million dollar deal to be the next big thing for the Rams running game, after coming off of 6,705 yards and 55 touchdowns in 7 years with the Seahawks. During the 1990 season Warner played adequately with 827 yards and 4 touchdowns at a 3.4 yard per carry average. The less than exciting numbers led the Rams to believe that in his age Warner may be startign to slow down and they would once again need to find another back.

Another player currently on the Rams roster, Cleveland Gary, was fighting in training camp with Warner to earn the starting job for the 1990 season but ended up loosing. However during the regular season he did see some time as he got 261 yards on 79 carries. The Rams decided to resign him in the off-season in the hopes of maybe having him start, but couldn't pass up on a young runningback out of Notre Dame when the draft arrived.

With the 8th pick in the 1st round the Los Angeles Rams drafted young Notre Dame runningback Ricky Watters (79 Ovr). Throughout training camp the 22 year old would have to battle it out with Cleveland Gary (83 Ovr) and Curt Warner (82 Ovr) for the starting job, creating even more of a traffic jam at the position for the Rams. By training camps end the depth chart had been created and Curt Warner once again got the starting job for the Rams, despite his mediocre 1990 year. Rookie Ricky Watters however did have a self-victory as he managed to beat out Cleveland Gary who became the teams #3 back, much to his chagrin.

As the 1991 season went underway Curt Warner was looking good in the red-zone, he managed to make 3 touchdowns on only 31 attempts for 108 yards, already only 1 short of his entire 1990 season production, but a broken collarbone injury would end up slowing Warner down. Doctors said that Warner would likely be out for 9-10 weeks, making return during the Week 14-15 time of the season. In his stead, it was just the opportunity that Watters was looking for as he stepped in.

Rookie Watters has managed to play well coming out of the gates for the Rams. So far he has garnered 376 yards and 4 touchdowns, as well as 115 yards in the air with another touchdown through just a few weeks of starting playing time. Watters has certainly helped Jim Everett to open up the field as well, and the youngster is impressing the coaches and teammates. They are already applauding his progression through the season (+4 total) as he is slowly solidifying himself as the teams number one rusher. Now the only question is if he can stay healthy and keep up this rate of play.

Watters is already amongst talks for offensive rookie of the year, and most other rookies have a couple weeks starts ahead of him. However the most important thing for the Rams is that they find the stability they need at the running back position. If Watters can end up being that guy then the Rams may finally have things fall into place and make a return trip to the playoffs. They're already leading their division with an upset 6-2 record so far. When Curt Warner returns from his injury later this season it appears that he most likely will end up sitting on the bench alongside Cleveland Gary, as once again, the new guy in Los Angeles is getting the starting job and running with it.