For those of you who have been paying attention, you already know who the top team on our list entering the 2008 season is.

Even if you haven’t been paying attention, it should be obvious that the Patriots are still the best team in the NFL.

They’ve won 19 straight regular-season games, and based on their schedule should win four more fairly easily before facing the Chargers in a Sunday-nighter on October 12.

Surely, the Pats won’t win ‘em all again, but they don’t need to.  The key games come against the Chargers and Colts.  If the Pats win both of those, they’ll be on track to force through Foxborough the road to Tampa.

Though the Chargers, and maybe even the Jaguars, could challenge New England, it looks like they’ll end up right back where they were in February.

Barring, of course, an injury of any significance to quarterback Tom Brady.  Without him, this is an 8-8 team, at best. 

As we wrap up the preseason power rankings with only 15 hours or so left in the preseason (excluding the fact that, you know, one game already has been played), it’s down to the last two.

And at No. 2 are the defending Super Bowl champs, the New York Giants.

We initially were going to rank them lower, but then we remembered that this is a starting point, not a predicted finish.  They aren’t No. 1 under that same reasoning, however, because even though they scored more points than the Patriots in the Super Bowl the Giants were the better team, and the Giants in their hearts likely know it.

Their season was so-so.  They started 0-2, giving up 80 points.  They next won six in a row, but they fattened up on teams like the Falcons, 49ers, and Dolphins, whom the Giants beat by only three points. 

The Giants went 4-4 over the second half of the season, including three home losses by more than ten points each.

In all, the Giants were 3-5 at Giants Stadium last year — surely one of the rare times (if not the only time) that a Super Bowl champion lost more games in its home venue than it won.

But they got hot at the right time, and they deserve to be No. 2 heading into the 2008 season.  Making their story even more compelling is the simple fact that they weren’t the best team in the NFL last year — and almost definitely won’t be the best team this year, either.

1.  Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots.

2.  Nick Folk, Cowboys.

3.  Nate Kaeding, Chargers.

4. Adam Vinatieri, Colts.

5.  Rob Bironas, Titans.

6.  Mason Crosby, Packers.

7.  David Akers, Eagles.

8.  Josh Scobee, Jaguars.

9.  Phil Dawson, Browns.

10.  Robbie Gould, Bears.

11.  Ryan Longwell, Vikings.

12.  Jeff Reed, Steelers.

13.  Jason Hanson, Lions.

14.  Josh Brown, Rams.

15.  Matt Stover, Ravens.

16.  Martin Gramatica, Saints.

17.  Olindo Mare, Seahawks.

18.  Mike Nugent, Jets.

19.  Kris Brown, Texans. 

20.  Neil Rackers, Cardinals.

21.  Matt Prater, Broncos.

22.  Shayne Graham, Bengals.

23.  Joe Nedney, 49ers.

24.  Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders.

25.  Matt Bryant, Bucs. 

1.  Patriots.

2.  Chargers.

3.  Vikings.

4.  Jaguars.

5.  Colts.

6.  Steelers.

7.  Cowboys.

8.  Titans.

9.  Ravens.

10.  Seahawks.

11.  Eagles.

12.  Packers.

13.  Bears.

14.  Lions.

15.  Cardinals.

16.  Bengals.

17.  Broncos.

18.  Texans.

19.  Saints.

20.  Bills.

21.  Jets.

22.  Raiders.

23.  Buccaneers.

24.  Panthers.

25.  Dolphins.

26.  49ers.

27.  Falcons.

28.  Rams.

29.  Browns.

30.  Chiefs.   

1.  Jason Witten, Cowboys.

2.  Kellen Winslow, Browns.

3.  Dallas Clark, Colts.

4.  Antonio Gates, Chargers.

5.  Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs.

6.  Tony Scheffler, Broncos.

7.  Heath Miller, Steelers.

8.  Jeremy Shockey, Saints.

9.  Donald Lee, Packers.

10.  Greg Olsen, Bears.

11.  Todd Heap, Ravens.

12.  Owen Daniels, Texans.

13.  Vernon Davis, 49ers.

14.  Alge Crumpler, Titans.

15.  Chris Baker, Jets.

16.  Ben Utecht, Bengals.

17.  Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars.

18.  Zach Miller, Raiders.

19.  L.J. Smith, Eagles.

20.  Randy McMichael, Rams.

21.  Desmond Clark, Bears.

22.  Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings.

23.  David Thomas, Patriots.

24.  Anthony Fasano, Dolphins.

25.  Michael Gaines, Lions.

1.  Terrell Owens, Cowboys.

2.  Randy Moss, Patriots.

3.  Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals.

4.  Braylon Edwards, Browns.

5.  T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals.

6.  Reggie Wayne, Colts.

7.  Marques Colston, Saints.

8.  Torry Holt, Rams.

9.  Andre Johnson, Texans.

10.  Chad Ochocinco, Bengals.

11.  Wes Welker, Patriots.

12.  Santonio Holmes, Steelers.

13.  Roy Williams, Lions.

14.  Greg Jennings, Packers.

15.  Anquan Boldin, Cardinals.

16.  Marvin Harrison, Colts.

17.  Lee Evans, Bills.

18.  Nate Burleson, Seahawks.

19.  Roddy White, Falcons.

20.  Chris Chambers, Chargers.

21.  Jerricho Cotchery, Jets.

22.  Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs.

23.  Calvin Johnson, Lions.

24.  Patrick Crayton, Cowboys.

25.  Donald Driver, Packers.

26.  Vincent Jackson, Chargers.

27.  Eddie Royal, Broncos.

28.  Hines Ward, Steelers.

29.  Mark Clayton, Ravens.

30.  Javon Walker, Raiders.  (Check updated injury reports.)

31.  Bernard Berrian, Vikings.

32.  Donte’ Stallworth, Browns.

33.  Joey Galloway, Buccaneers.  (Check updated injury reports.)

34.  Justin Gage, Titans.

35.  Kevin Walter, Texans.

36.  D.J. Hackett, Panthers.

37.  Jabar Gaffney, Patriots.

38.  Devin Hester, Bears.

39.  DeSean Jackson, Eagles,

40.  Laurent Robinson, Falcons.

41.  Ted Ginn, Dolphins.

42.  Laveranues Coles, Jets.  (Check updated injury reports.)

43.  Anthony Gonzalez, Colts.

44.  Drew Bennett, Rams. 

45.  Isaac Bruce, 49ers.

46.  Reggie Williams, Jaguars.

47.   Darrell Jackson, Broncos.

48.  Ronald Curry, Raiders.

49.  Sidney Rice, Vikings.

50.  Ruvell Martin, Packers.

As we get closer to the top of the preseason mountain, we’ve got three teams left — the Chargers, Giants, and Patriots.

And since we’ve got a ton of respect for any team that makes it to the Super Bowl, the Chargers end up at No. 3.

This could be the year the Chargers go to the next level; the window of opportunity is about as wide as it will ever be.  Even with the injury to linebacker Shawne Merriman, the Chargers have more raw total talent than any other team in the league.

The key will be to keep as many of them as possible healthy.  Tight end Antonio Gates is still hobbled a bit by a lingering toe problem, quarterback Philip Rivers is still breaking in  a new ACL, and LaDainian Tomlinson could be getting close to the point in his career where he starts to break down.

With a full offseason under his belt, receiver Chris Chambers could pair with up-and-comer Vincent Jackson to form one of the top tandems in the league, and cornerback Antonio Cromartie quickly is becoming one of the best defensive players in the league, on a unit that has more than a few good ones.

So we think the sky’s the limit for the Chargers.  In what could be their last year in San Diego, they just might win their first Super Bowl.

We begin the upper echelon of the NFL with the team that many people presume will win the Super Bowl this year.

The Dallas Cowboys.

And though there’s reason to believe that the Cowboys will indeed be very good — they added some talent in cornerback Pacman Jones and linebacker Zach Thomas and didn’t lose much if anything from a squad that won 13 regular-season games a year ago — the real focus for this team will be its first playoff game.

That’s when the pressure will descend on a franchise that hasn’t won a postseason game since 1996, and a quarterback whose turnovers cost them each of the last two.

And if the Cowboys face a division rival (like, say, the Eagles) in their postseason opener, the pieces could be in place for another defeat.

If, however, the Cowboys can break that 12-year string of something other than success, they could cap it all off with another Super Bowl win.

It might be the only one for another 12 years or so; with Jerry Jones thinking once again that it’s all about him, a post-Jimmy Johnson-style drought could be coming.

This could be the year that the Jaguars arrive as a bona fide force.

The key will be winning the AFC South and getting one of the top two seeds in the postseason.  If they can do that, then they might be able to make a run at playing in February.

Leading the way is quarterback David Garrard, whom plenty of folks in the organization believed for a long time was better than Byron Leftwich.  But Leftwich kept the job because of his draft status and contract.

Then, just before the start of last season, coach Jack Del Rio won the struggle with Shack Harris.  Garrard was in, Leftwich was out — and the Jags were much better for it.

Garrard often doesn’t get the credit he deserves.  He performed at a high level even with a crew of wideouts who drop more balls than a butter-fingered urologist.  

This year, the wideouts are better.  And the running backs are solid.

And the defense is strong.

And, at the top of the AFC, the Jags will arrive. 

1.  LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers.

2.  Brian Westbrook, Eagles.

3.  Adrian Peterson, Vikings.

4.  Joseph Addai, Colts.

5.  Frank Gore, 49ers.

6.  Marshawn Lynch, Bills.

7.  Steven Jackson, Rams.

8.  Marion Barber, Cowboys.

9.  Michael Turner, Falcons.

10.  Earnest Graham, Bucs.

11.  Larry Johnson, Chiefs.

12.  Laurence Maroney, Pats.

13.  Ricky Williams, Dolphins.

14.  Jamal Lewis, Browns.

15.  Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars.

16.  Willie Parker, Steelers.

17.  Edgerrin James, Cardinals.

18.  DeAngelo Williams, Panthers.

19.  Thomas Jones, Jets.

20.  Fred Taylor, Jaguars.

21.  Maurice Morris, Seahawks.

22.  Chester Taylor, Vikings.

23.  Kevin Smith, Lions.

24.  Reggie Bush, Saints.

25.  Jerious Norwood, Falcons.

26.  Willis McGahee, Ravens.

27.  LenDale White, Titans.

28.  Justin Fargas, Raiders.

29.  Chris Perry, Bengals.

30.  Julius Jones, Seahawks.

31.  Ronnie Brown, Dolphins.

32.  Ryan Grant, Packers.

33.  Selvin Young, Broncos.

34.  Darren McFadden, Raiders.

35.  Jonathan Stewart, Panthers.

36.  Ray Rice, Ravens.

37.  Deuce McAllister, Saints.

38.  Felix Jones, Cowboys.

39.  Chris Johnson, Titans.

40.  Ahman Green, Texans.

41.  Correll Buckhalter, Eagles.

42.  Steve Slaton, Texans.

43.  Matt Forte, Bears.

44.  Kenny Watson, Bengals.

45.  Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers.

46.  Sammy Morris, Patriots.

47.  Rudi Johnson, Lions.

48.  Brian Leonard, Rams.

49.  Andre Hall, Broncos.   

50.  Brandon Jackson, Packers.

1.  Tom Brady, Patriots.

2.  Tony Romo, Cowboys.

3.  Drew Brees, Saints.

4.  Peyton Manning, Colts.

5.  Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers.

6.  Carson Palmer, Bengals.

7.  Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks.

8.  Brett Favre, Jets.

9.  Derek Anderson, Browns.

10.  Kurt Warner, Cardinals.

11.  Philip Rivers, Chargers.

12.  Donovan McNabb, Eagles.

13.  Marc Bulger, Rams.

14.  Jeff Garcia, Bucs.

15.  Jon Kitna, Lions.

16.  David Garrard, Jaguars.

17.  Aaron Rodgers, Packers.

18.  Jay Cutler, Broncos.

19.  Chad Pennington, Dolphins.

20.  Matt Schaub, Texans.

21.  Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings.

22.  Vince Young, Titans.

23.  Jake Delhomme, Panthers.

24.  Trent Edwards, Bills.

25.  Joe Flacco, Ravens.

26.  JaMarcus Russell, Raiders.

27.  Matt Ryan, Falcons. 

28.  J.T. O’Sullivan, 49ers.

29.  Kyle Orton, Bears.

30.  Brodie Croyle, Chiefs. 

The Indianapolis Colts are still one of the best teams in the NFL.  But, as of right now, they’re not one of the five best.

The Colts have the feel of a team that is in the early stages of transition.  Coach Tony Dungy might be starting his last year, a fact about which he rarely is asked.  Quarterback Peyton Manning, though healthy for Week One, could be on the doorstep of a Kurt Warner-style decline.  (We said “could be,” not “is.”)

And with so much cap money tied up in so many core players like Manning and Dwight Freeney and Reggie Wayne and Bob Sanders and Marvin Harrison, the Colts continue to gamble that young players making peanuts in comparison will step up and succeed.

So far, they’ve been fortunate.  This year, they need to rely on youth at the center position and again at defensive tackle, especially with 2007 third-rounder Quinn Pitcock opting to quit the sport.

But can the Colts continue to excel with the Jags banging on the door and a team like the Texans possibly poised to try to sneak in?

Indy still has the horses to make it to the playoffs.  This could be the year that a team other than the Colts wins the division, for the first time since 2002.

Before we unveil No. 7 on our list, we need to reiterate what this list is and what it isn’t.

It’s not a prediction of where teams will finish the year.  It’s a snapshot of where they are as the season begins.

And so while we have serious concerns about the ability of the Pittsburgh Steelers to make it back to the playoffs in 2008, we’re giving them a fairly high perch from which they can plummet.

We’ve made our case for potential gloom and/or doom at SportingNews.com. 

Still, there are good things about this team.

Ben Roethlisberger is a franchise quarterback.  The tandem of Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall can move the chains, even if the blocking isn’t all that great.  The receivers are strong — as Hines Ward begins to slide toward the end of his career, Limas Sweed can rise up and ultimately provide a strong one-two punch across from Santonio Holmes.

The linebackers are among the best in the league, with James Harrison and James Farrior and budding star LaMarr Woodley.

Though the corners are generally average, Troy Polamalu is probably the top safety in the sport.

So the Steelers are still the Steelers.  Even if this specific season ends up being decidedly un-Steeler-like.

So when we declared on Thursday night that we’d get the Preseason Power Rankings finished before the games start on Sunday, we promptly procrastinated.

Thus, we now have to get eight of them done in about 27 hours.

At No. 8, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tempted as we are to just end it there and move on to No. 7, we probably should say some more.

Last season, the Bucs were widely overlooked, and quietly put together a solid year.  The NFC South winners gave the Super Bowl champs a pretty good game in the playoffs, losing ultimately by ten points.

The defense still has teeth, and rookie cornerback Aqib Talib adds a sense of freshness to this mix of old and young players like Derrick Brooks and Cato June and Ronde Barber and Barrett Ruud and Gaines Adams.

On offense, Jeff Garcia is one of the more underappreciated quarterbacks in the league, even though we still disagree with his decision to whine about his contract in the offseason.  Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn will provide a solid one-two punch at tailback, and if Joey Galloway still has some spring in his step, the receivers could be better than expected, especially if Antonio Bryant gets it together.

Still, the sense we get is that folks are discounting the Bucs again this year.  And that’s probably fine with coach Jon Gruden.

Then again, he’s probably saying that “it’s a f–king bunch of f–king bullshit.  F–k.”

ARIZONA CARDINALS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Status Report

DOUBTFUL
 DT Alan Branch (ankle), C Al Johnson (knee), DT Gabe Watson (knee)

QUESTIONABLE
 TE Jerame Tuman (hamstring)

PROBABLE
 T Mike Gandy (knee), TE Ben Patrick (ankle)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 DT Alan Branch (ankle), C Al Johnson (knee), DT Gabe Watson (knee)

Thursday
 DT Alan Branch (ankle), C Al Johnson (knee)

Friday
 DT Alan Branch (ankle), C Al Johnson (knee), TE Jerame Tuman (hamstring)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 TE Ben Patrick (ankle)

Thursday
 TE Ben Patrick (ankle), TE Jerame Tuman (hamstring), DT Gabe Watson (knee)

Friday
 TE Ben Patrick (ankle), DT Gabe Watson (knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 T Mike Gandy (knee)

Thursday
 T Mike Gandy (knee)

Friday
 T Mike Gandy (knee)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Status Report

PROBABLE
 DT Aubrayo Franklin (knee), LB Parys Haralson (shoulder), S Michael Lewis (back), TE Delanie Walker (calf)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 TE Delanie Walker (calf)

Friday
 S Michael Lewis (back), TE Delanie Walker (calf)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 DT Aubrayo Franklin (knee), LB Parys Haralson (shoulder)

Thursday
 DT Aubrayo Franklin (knee), LB Parys Haralson (shoulder)

Friday
 DT Aubrayo Franklin (knee), LB Parys Haralson (shoulder)

CAROLINA PANTHERS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Status Report

OUT
 QB Matt Moore (fibula), WR Ryne Robinson (knee)

PROBABLE
 RB Nick Goings (hand), WR D.J. Hackett (toe), G Geoff Hangartner (ankle)

Practice Report

Friday Practice not complete

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Thursday
 QB Matt Moore (fibula)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Ryne Robinson (knee)

Thursday
 WR Ryne Robinson (knee)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 QB Matt Moore (fibula)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 RB Nick Goings (hand), WR D.J. Hackett (toe), G Geoff Hangartner (ankle)

Thursday
 RB Nick Goings (hand), WR D.J. Hackett (toe), G Geoff Hangartner (ankle)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Status Report

OUT
 C Nick Hardwick (foot), T Marcus McNeill (neck)

PROBABLE
 TE Antonio Gates (toe), LB Shawne Merriman (knee), DT Jamal Williams (knee)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 C Nick Hardwick (foot), T Marcus McNeill (neck)

Thursday
 C Nick Hardwick (foot), T Marcus McNeill (neck)

Friday
 C Nick Hardwick (foot), T Marcus McNeill (neck)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 TE Antonio Gates (toe), LB Shawne Merriman (knee), DT Jamal Williams (knee)

Thursday
 TE Antonio Gates (toe), LB Shawne Merriman (knee), DT Jamal Williams (knee)

Friday
 TE Antonio Gates (toe), LB Shawne Merriman (knee), DT Jamal Williams (knee)

CINCINNATI BENGALS at BALTIMORE RAVENS

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Status Report

OUT
 RB Jeremi Johnson (knee), S Nedu Ndukwe (knee), DT Pat Sims (toe)

DOUBTFUL
 WR Andre Caldwell (toe)

PROBABLE
 DE Jonathan Fanene (illness), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring), LB Brandon Johnson (hamstring), WR Chad Johnson (shoulder), DE Antwan Odom (foot), QB Carson Palmer (nose), DT John Thornton (knee), RB Kenny Watson (hamstring)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
 RB Jeremi Johnson (knee), S Nedu Ndukwe (knee), DT Pat Sims (toe)

Thursday
 RB Jeremi Johnson (knee), S Nedu Ndukwe (knee), DT Pat Sims (toe)

Friday
 RB Jeremi Johnson (knee), S Nedu Ndukwe (knee), DT Pat Sims (toe)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 DE Jonathan Fanene (illness)

Thursday
 DE Jonathan Fanene (illness)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Andre Caldwell (toe), LB Brandon Johnson (hamstring)

Thursday
 WR Andre Caldwell (toe), LB Brandon Johnson (hamstring), DT John Thornton (knee), RB Kenny Watson (hamstring)

Friday
 WR Andre Caldwell (toe)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Chad Johnson (shoulder), QB Carson Palmer (nose)

Thursday
 WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring), WR Chad Johnson (shoulder), DE Antwan Odom (foot), QB Carson Palmer (nose)

Friday
 DE Jonathan Fanene (illness), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring), LB Brandon Johnson (hamstring), WR Chad Johnson (shoulder), DE Antwan Odom (foot), QB Carson Palmer (nose), DT John Thornton (knee), RB Kenny Watson (hamstring)

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Status Report

OUT
 QB Troy Smith (illness)

DOUBTFUL
 DT Kelly Gregg (knee)

QUESTIONABLE
 S Ed Reed (neck)

PROBABLE
 T Oniel Cousins (back), TE Todd Heap (knee), RB Willis McGahee (knee), G Marshal Yanda (thumb)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Friday
 QB Troy Smith (illness)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 DT Kelly Gregg (knee), QB Troy Smith (illness)

Thursday
 DT Kelly Gregg (knee), QB Troy Smith (illness)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 TE Todd Heap (knee), RB Willis McGahee (knee), S Ed Reed (neck)

Thursday
 TE Todd Heap (knee), RB Willis McGahee (knee), S Ed Reed (neck)

Friday
 DT Kelly Gregg (knee), RB Willis McGahee (knee), S Ed Reed (neck)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 T Oniel Cousins (back), T Marshal Yanda (thumb)

Friday
 T Oniel Cousins (back), TE Todd Heap (knee), T Marshal Yanda (thumb)

DALLAS COWBOYS at CLEVELAND BROWNS

DALLAS COWBOYS

Status Report

OUT
 WR Miles Austin (knee), WR Sam Hurd (ankle), G Kyle Kosier (foot), LB Anthony Spencer (knee)

QUESTIONABLE
 CB Terence Newman (groin), WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Miles Austin (knee), WR Sam Hurd (ankle), G Kyle Kosier (foot), LB Anthony Spencer (knee)

Thursday
 WR Miles Austin (knee), WR Sam Hurd (ankle), G Kyle Kosier (foot), LB Anthony Spencer (knee)

Friday
 WR Miles Austin (knee), WR Sam Hurd (ankle), G Kyle Kosier (foot), LB Anthony Spencer (knee)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 CB Terence Newman (groin)

Friday
 CB Terence Newman (groin)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 CB Terence Newman (groin), WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder)

Thursday
 WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder)

Friday
 WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder)

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Status Report

OUT
 LB Kris Griffin (elbow), TE Martin Rucker (knee)

QUESTIONABLE
 LB Beau Bell (knee), WR Joshua Cribbs (ankle), G Rex Hadnot (knee), RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring), S Brodney Pool (concussion), G Ryan Tucker (hip)

PROBABLE
 K Phil Dawson (back), S Sean Jones (knee)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 LB Kris Griffin (elbow), G Rex Hadnot (knee), TE Martin Rucker (knee)

Thursday
 LB Kris Griffin (elbow), G Rex Hadnot (knee), S Brodney Pool (concussion), TE Martin Rucker (knee)

Friday
 LB Kris Griffin (elbow), G Rex Hadnot (knee), S Brodney Pool (concussion), TE Martin Rucker (knee), G Ryan Tucker (hip)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 LB Beau Bell (knee), WR Joshua Cribbs (ankle), S Sean Jones (knee), RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring), LB Antwan Peek (knee), S Brodney Pool (concussion), G Ryan Tucker (hip)

Thursday
 LB Beau Bell (knee), WR Joshua Cribbs (ankle), RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring), G Ryan Tucker (hip)

Friday
 LB Beau Bell (knee), WR Joshua Cribbs (ankle), K Phil Dawson (back), S Sean Jones (knee), RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 QB Derek Anderson (concussion), TE Darnell Dinkins (hip), WR Braylon Edwards (ankle), TE Steve Heiden (back), LB Willie McGinest (groin), WR Syndric Steptoe (shoulder), LB Leon Williams (neck)

Thursday
 S Sean Jones (knee)

DETROIT LIONS at ATLANTA FALCONS

DETROIT LIONS

Status Report

PROBABLE
 TE Dan Campbell (hamstring), QB Drew Stanton (right thumb)

Practice Report

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 TE Dan Campbell (hamstring), QB Drew Stanton (right thumb)

Thursday
 TE Dan Campbell (hamstring), QB Drew Stanton (right thumb)

Friday
 TE Dan Campbell (hamstring), QB Drew Stanton (right thumb)

ATLANTA FALCONS

Status Report

DOUBTFUL
 C Alex Stepanovich (back)

QUESTIONABLE
 S Thomas DeCoud (ankle), LB Coy Wire (ankle)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 C Alex Stepanovich (back), LB Coy Wire (ankle)

Thursday
 C Alex Stepanovich (back), LB Coy Wire (ankle)

Friday
 C Alex Stepanovich (back)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 S Thomas DeCoud (ankle)

Thursday
 S Thomas DeCoud (ankle)

Friday
 S Thomas DeCoud (ankle), LB Coy Wire (ankle)

HOUSTON TEXANS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS

HOUSTON TEXANS

Status Report

DOUBTFUL
 LB Xavier Adibi (Achilles)

QUESTIONABLE
 T Rashad Butler (shoulder)

PROBABLE
 DE Earl Cochran (back), T Ephraim Salaam (knee)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 LB Xavier Adibi (Achilles)

Thursday
 LB Xavier Adibi (Achilles)

Friday
 LB Xavier Adibi (Achilles)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 T Rashad Butler (shoulder), T Ephraim Salaam (knee)

Thursday
 T Rashad Butler (shoulder), T Ephraim Salaam (knee)

Friday
 T Rashad Butler (shoulder), T Ephraim Salaam (knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 DE Earl Cochran (back)

Thursday
 DE Earl Cochran (back)

Friday
 DE Earl Cochran (back)

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Status Report

OUT
 TE Sean McHugh (ankle)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 TE Sean McHugh (ankle)

Thursday
 TE Sean McHugh (ankle)

Friday
 TE Sean McHugh (ankle)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 LB James Harrison (not injury related)

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at TENNESSEE TITANS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Status Report

OUT
 DT Derek Landri (quadricep), C Brad Meester (biceps), WR Jerry Porter (hamstring)

QUESTIONABLE
 CB Scott Starks (pectoral)

PROBABLE
 TE Greg Estandia (knee), T Maurice Williams (knee), WR Reggie Williams (hamstring)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
 T Richard Collier (other), C Brad Meester (biceps)

Thursday
 C Brad Meester (biceps)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 DT Derek Landri (quadricep), WR Reggie Williams (hamstring)

Thursday
 DT Derek Landri (quadricep)

Friday
 DT Derek Landri (quadricep), C Brad Meester (biceps), WR Jerry Porter (hamstring)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 TE Greg Estandia (knee)

Thursday
 WR Jerry Porter (hamstring)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Jerry Porter (hamstring), CB Scott Starks (pectoral), T Maurice Williams (knee)

Thursday
 TE Greg Estandia (knee), CB Scott Starks (pectoral), T Maurice Williams (knee), WR Reggie Williams (hamstring)

Friday
 TE Greg Estandia (knee), CB Scott Starks (pectoral), T Maurice Williams (knee), WR Reggie Williams (hamstring)

TENNESSEE TITANS

Status Report

QUESTIONABLE
 RB Quinton Ganther (hamstring), DT Jason Jones (elbow)

PROBABLE
 QB Vince Young (hamstring)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 K Rob Bironas (not injury related), DT Jason Jones (elbow)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 DT Jason Jones (elbow), WR Justin McCareins (illness)

Friday
 RB Quinton Ganther (hamstring)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Friday
 DT Jason Jones (elbow), QB Vince Young (hamstring)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Status Report

OUT
 LB Napoleon Harris (knee)

QUESTIONABLE
 WR William Franklin (knee), WR Maurice Price (thigh)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Friday
 LB Napoleon Harris (knee)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Maurice Price (thigh)

Thursday
 WR Maurice Price (thigh), RB Kolby Smith (back), DT Tank Tyler (not injury related)

Friday
 WR Maurice Price (thigh)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR William Franklin (knee)

Thursday
 WR William Franklin (knee)

Friday
 WR William Franklin (knee)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Status Report

OUT
 WR Sam Aiken (knee)

DOUBTFUL
 TE Benjamin Watson (knee)

QUESTIONABLE
 C Dan Connolly (knee), G Russ Hochstein (groin), DT Le Kevin Smith (knee)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Sam Aiken (knee), C Dan Connolly (knee), DT Le Kevin Smith (knee), TE Benjamin Watson (knee)

Thursday
 WR Sam Aiken (knee), C Dan Connolly (knee), K Stephen Gostkowski (not injury related), DT Le Kevin Smith (knee), TE Benjamin Watson (knee)

Friday
 WR Sam Aiken (knee), C Dan Connolly (knee), TE Benjamin Watson (knee)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 G Russ Hochstein (groin)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 QB Tom Brady (right shoulder, foot)

Thursday
 G Russ Hochstein (groin)

Friday
 G Russ Hochstein (groin), DT Le Kevin Smith (knee)

NEW YORK JETS at MIAMI DOLPHINS

NEW YORK JETS

Status Report

OUT
 WR David Clowney (shoulder)

QUESTIONABLE
 CB David Barrett (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DE Shaun Ellis (hand), WR Marcus Henry (calf), CB Justin Miller (foot), T Damien Woody (shoulder)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
 WR David Clowney (shoulder)

Thursday
 WR David Clowney (shoulder)

Friday
 WR David Clowney (shoulder)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 CB David Barrett (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DE Shaun Ellis (hand), WR Marcus Henry (calf), CB Justin Miller (foot), G Damien Woody (shoulder)

Thursday
 CB David Barrett (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DE Shaun Ellis (hand), WR Marcus Henry (calf), CB Justin Miller (foot), G Damien Woody (shoulder)

Friday
 CB David Barrett (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DE Shaun Ellis (hand), WR Marcus Henry (calf), CB Justin Miller (foot), T Damien Woody (shoulder)

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Status Report

QUESTIONABLE
 CB Michael Lehan (ankle)

Practice Report

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Friday
 CB Michael Lehan (ankle)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at BUFFALO BILLS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Status Report

OUT
 WR Deion Branch (knee), WR Bobby Engram (shoulder)

DOUBTFUL
 T Sean Locklear (knee)

PROBABLE
 DE Baraka Atkins (back), LB Lofa Tatupu (knee)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
 WR Bobby Engram (shoulder)

Thursday
 WR Bobby Engram (shoulder)

Friday
 WR Bobby Engram (shoulder)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 DE Baraka Atkins (back), T Sean Locklear (knee)

Thursday
 T Sean Locklear (knee)

Friday
 T Sean Locklear (knee)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Deion Branch (knee), LB Lofa Tatupu (knee)

Thursday
 DE Baraka Atkins (back), WR Deion Branch (knee), LB Lofa Tatupu (knee)

Friday
 DE Baraka Atkins (back), WR Deion Branch (knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Friday
 LB Lofa Tatupu (knee)

BUFFALO BILLS

Status Report

OUT
 LB Angelo Crowell (knee), TE Derek Fine (hand), TE Matt Murphy (shoulder)

QUESTIONABLE
 LB Paul Posluszny (ankle)

PROBABLE
 DT Spencer Johnson (back)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
 TE Derek Fine (hand), TE Matt Murphy (shoulder)

Thursday
 LB Angelo Crowell (knee), TE Derek Fine (hand), TE Matt Murphy (shoulder)

Friday
 LB Angelo Crowell (knee), TE Derek Fine (hand), TE Matt Murphy (shoulder)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 LB Paul Posluszny (ankle)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 DT Spencer Johnson (back)

Friday
 LB Paul Posluszny (ankle)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Friday
 DT Spencer Johnson (back)

ST. LOUIS RAMS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Status Report

OUT
 WR Donnie Avery (knee)

PROBABLE
 CB Fakhir Brown (shoulder), RB Brian Leonard (shoulder), C Brett Romberg (hand)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Donnie Avery (knee)

Thursday
 WR Donnie Avery (knee)

Friday
 WR Donnie Avery (knee)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 C Brett Romberg (hand)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 CB Fakhir Brown (shoulder), RB Brian Leonard (shoulder)

Thursday
 CB Fakhir Brown (shoulder), RB Brian Leonard (shoulder), C Brett Romberg (hand)

Friday
 CB Fakhir Brown (shoulder), RB Brian Leonard (shoulder), C Brett Romberg (hand)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Status Report

OUT
 DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist), WR Kevin Curtis (hernia)

DOUBTFUL
 WR Reggie Brown (hamstring)

PROBABLE
 RB Lorenzo Booker (hip), DE Chris Clemons (calf), S Sean Considine (hand), S Brian Dawkins (ankle)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
 DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist), WR Kevin Curtis (hernia)

Thursday
 DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist), WR Kevin Curtis (hernia)

Friday
 DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist), WR Kevin Curtis (hernia)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 WR Reggie Brown (hamstring)

Friday
 WR Reggie Brown (hamstring)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Reggie Brown (hamstring)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 RB Lorenzo Booker (hip), DE Chris Clemons (calf), S Sean Considine (hand), S Brian Dawkins (ankle), G Max Jean-Gilles (knee)

Thursday
 RB Lorenzo Booker (hip), DE Chris Clemons (calf), S Sean Considine (hand), S Brian Dawkins (ankle)

Friday
 RB Lorenzo Booker (hip), DE Chris Clemons (calf), S Sean Considine (hand), S Brian Dawkins (ankle)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Status Report

OUT
 G Davin Joseph (foot)

QUESTIONABLE
 RB B.J. Askew (foot), WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Michael Clayton (chest), WR Joey Galloway (groin), DT Jovan Haye (groin), LB Matt McCoy (groin), S Sabby Piscitelli (knee), DT Ryan Sims (thigh)

PROBABLE
 QB Jeff Garcia (calf, right hand), CB Aqib Talib (illness), TE Ben Troupe (foot)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 G Davin Joseph (foot)

Thursday
 G Davin Joseph (foot)

Friday
 G Davin Joseph (foot)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 RB B.J. Askew (foot), WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Michael Clayton (chest), WR Joey Galloway (groin), DT Jovan Haye (groin), C Sean Mahan (not injury related), LB Matt McCoy (groin), S Sabby Piscitelli (knee), DT Ryan Sims (thigh)

Thursday
 RB B.J. Askew (foot), WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Michael Clayton (chest), WR Joey Galloway (groin), DT Jovan Haye (groin), C Sean Mahan (not injury related), LB Matt McCoy (groin), S Sabby Piscitelli (knee), DT Ryan Sims (thigh), CB Aqib Talib (illness)

Friday
 RB B.J. Askew (foot), WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Michael Clayton (chest), WR Joey Galloway (groin), DT Jovan Haye (groin), C Sean Mahan (not injury related), LB Matt McCoy (groin), S Sabby Piscitelli (knee), DT Ryan Sims (thigh)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 QB Jeff Garcia (calf, right hand), TE Ben Troupe (foot)

Thursday
 QB Jeff Garcia (calf, right hand), TE Ben Troupe (foot)

Friday
 QB Jeff Garcia (calf, right hand), CB Aqib Talib (illness), TE Ben Troupe (foot)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Status Report

OUT
 DT Hollis Thomas (triceps)

QUESTIONABLE
 LB Troy Evans (ankle), RB Deuce McAllister (knee), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), LB Mark Simoneau (back), RB Aaron Stecker (hamstring), DT Brian Young (foot)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 LB Troy Evans (ankle), DT Hollis Thomas (triceps)

Thursday
 RB Aaron Stecker (hamstring), DT Hollis Thomas (triceps)

Friday
 RB Aaron Stecker (hamstring), DT Hollis Thomas (triceps)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 LB Mark Simoneau (back)

Thursday
 LB Troy Evans (ankle), LB Mark Simoneau (back)

Friday
 LB Troy Evans (ankle), LB Mark Simoneau (back)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 RB Deuce McAllister (knee), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), DT Brian Young (foot)

Thursday
 RB Deuce McAllister (knee), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), DT Brian Young (foot)

Friday
 RB Deuce McAllister (knee), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), DT Brian Young (foot)

CHICAGO BEARS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS on Sunday night

CHICAGO BEARS

Status Report

OUT
 T Chris Williams (back)

PROBABLE
 DE Mark Anderson (thumb), TE Desmond Clark (knee), DT Dusty Dvoracek (calf), DT Tommie Harris (knee), G Terrence Metcalf (knee)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
 T Chris Williams (back)

Thursday
 T Chris Williams (back)

Friday
 T Chris Williams (back)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 DE Mark Anderson (thumb), DT Tommie Harris (knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 S Mike Brown (knee), TE Desmond Clark (knee), DT Dusty Dvoracek (calf), LS Patrick Mannelly (neck), S Brandon McGowan (knee), G Terrence Metcalf (knee)

Thursday
 DE Mark Anderson (thumb), TE Desmond Clark (knee), DT Dusty Dvoracek (calf), DT Tommie Harris (knee), G Terrence Metcalf (knee)

Friday
 DE Mark Anderson (thumb), TE Desmond Clark (knee), DT Dusty Dvoracek (calf), DT Tommie Harris (knee), G Terrence Metcalf (knee)

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Status Report

OUT
 G Mike Pollak (knee), C Jeff Saturday (knee)

QUESTIONABLE
 WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder), WR Roy Hall (knee), DE Curtis Johnson (shoulder)

PROBABLE
 QB Peyton Manning (knee)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Friday
 G Mike Pollak (knee), C Jeff Saturday (knee)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 G Mike Pollak (knee), C Jeff Saturday (knee)

Thursday
 G Mike Pollak (knee), CB Bob Sanders (other), C Jeff Saturday (knee)

Friday
 DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), WR Roy Hall (knee)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder)

Thursday
 WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder), DE Curtis Johnson (shoulder)

Friday
 WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 QB Peyton Manning (knee)

Friday
 DE Curtis Johnson (shoulder), QB Peyton Manning (knee)

DENVER BRONCOS at OAKLAND RAIDERS on Monday night

DENVER BRONCOS

Status Report

OUT
 C Tom Nalen (knee), RB Ryan Torain (elbow)

QUESTIONABLE
 LB Boss Bailey (ankle), LB Louis Green (hamstring)

PROBABLE
 DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (back), WR Darrell Jackson (ankle), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), QB Patrick Ramsey (right elbow), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
 C Tom Nalen (knee), RB Ryan Torain (elbow)

Thursday
 C Tom Nalen (knee), RB Ryan Torain (elbow)

Friday
 C Tom Nalen (knee), RB Ryan Torain (elbow)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 LB Louis Green (hamstring)

Thursday
 LB Louis Green (hamstring)

Friday
 LB Louis Green (hamstring)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 LB Boss Bailey (ankle), DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (back), WR Darrell Jackson (ankle), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), QB Patrick Ramsey (right elbow), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee)

Thursday
 LB Boss Bailey (ankle), DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (back), WR Darrell Jackson (ankle), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), QB Patrick Ramsey (right elbow), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee)

Friday
 LB Boss Bailey (ankle), DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (back), WR Darrell Jackson (ankle), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), QB Patrick Ramsey (right elbow), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee)

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Status Report

QUESTIONABLE
 S Rashad Baker (ankle), DE Kalimba Edwards (groin), WR Javon Walker (hamstring)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 DE Kalimba Edwards (groin), WR Javon Walker (hamstring)

Friday
 S Rashad Baker (ankle), DE Kalimba Edwards (groin), WR Javon Walker (hamstring)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 DE Kalimba Edwards (groin), WR Javon Walker (hamstring)

Thursday
 S Rashad Baker (ankle)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS at GREEN BAY PACKERS on Monday night

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Status Report

OUT
 S Madieu Williams (neck)

DOUBTFUL
 RB Maurice Hicks (foot)

PROBABLE
 WR Robert Ferguson (ankle), QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
 WR Robert Ferguson (ankle), RB Maurice Hicks (foot), QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee), S Madieu Williams (neck)

Thursday
 RB Maurice Hicks (foot), S Madieu Williams (neck)

Friday
 RB Maurice Hicks (foot), S Madieu Williams (neck)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 WR Robert Ferguson (ankle)

Friday
 WR Robert Ferguson (ankle)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee)

Friday
 QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee)

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Status Report

OUT
 G Josh Sitton (knee)

DOUBTFUL
 WR James Jones (knee)

QUESTIONABLE
 LB A.J. Hawk (chest), S Charlie Peprah (hamstring), C Scott Wells (back)

PROBABLE
 S Atari Bigby (ankle), T Chad Clifton (knees), DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee), RB Ryan Grant (hamstring), DE Jeremy Thompson (groin), LB Tracy White (ankle)

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
 S Atari Bigby (ankle), T Chad Clifton (knees), DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee), RB Ryan Grant (hamstring), LB A.J. Hawk (chest), WR James Jones (knee), S Charlie Peprah (hamstring), G Josh Sitton (knee), DE Jeremy Thompson (groin), C Scott Wells (back), LB Tracy White (ankle)

Thursday
 G Josh Sitton (knee)

Friday
 G Josh Sitton (knee)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 WR James Jones (knee), C Scott Wells (back)

Friday
 DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee), RB Ryan Grant (hamstring), WR James Jones (knee), C Scott Wells (back)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 S Atari Bigby (ankle), T Chad Clifton (knees), LB A.J. Hawk (chest), S Charlie Peprah (hamstring), DE Jeremy Thompson (groin), LB Tracy White (ankle), CB Charles Woodson (not injury related)

Friday
 T Chad Clifton (knees), LB A.J. Hawk (chest), S Charlie Peprah (hamstring), LB Tracy White (ankle)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
 DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee), RB Ryan Grant (hamstring)

Friday
 S Atari Bigby (ankle), DE Jeremy Thompson (groin)

[Editor’s note:  Former Broncos G.M. Ted Sundquist’s initial three-pack of scouting reports concludes with Monday night’s game between the Packers and the Vikings.  Ted will breakdown this game next week.] 

Probably the only person more ready for the season to begin than the Cheesehead faithful is Green Bay G.M. Ted Thompson.  Thompson and his staff entered the offseason with the understanding that this would be Year One of the post-Favre Packers.  Instead, Favre backed out of his “retirement” and placed Thompson and the team in a difficult position.  That said, both appear to have gotten their wish, as Favre is with a new team and Green Bay continues on with QB Aaron Rodgers.  What better way to see the future than to face division rival Minnesota in Week One?  The Vikings feel they’ve added the necessary pieces to push Green Bay for the NFC North title in 2008.

One thing’s for sure, Brett Favre left Green Bay on top of his game.  The Packers were one of the leading offensive teams in 2007.  Favre was the 6^th rated QB in the NFL, his offense was 2^nd overall and the Packers were able to strike quickly against just about every opponent they faced.  Green Bay’s mantra was “pass early and often,” and the reliable receiving corps didn’t let them down.  The Packers were 2^nd overall in plays of 20+ yards (run/pass), 7^th in quick strike drives (4 or less plays) and 2^nd in the least number of dropped passes.  That resulted in 435 points. 

Now it’s Rodgers turn.  Taken in the first round of the 2005 draft, Rodgers has personified patience.  He was sharp in two outings last season, one a 34-0 blowout win over these same Vikings at Lambeau Field (though in fairness it was in mop-up duty).  He certainly looked more than capable of guiding this offense in the preseason, passing for 68.5%, over 8 yards per attempt, 3 TD’s and only one pick.  So, KEY #1 will be the ability of explosive WR’s Donald Driver and Greg Jennings to exploit an otherwise weak Minnesota secondary (opponents threw 65% of the time).  The duo combined for 18 receptions and 227 yards, scoring one TD over the course of two meetings in ’07.  The Vikings were one of the worst teams in shutting down both the opponents’ #1 and #2 WR’s last year.    Driver’s sure-handed reliability kept the Packers in the top 10 for third-down conversions, while Jennings presented a big play threat that produced 52 passing plays of 20+ yards in ’07.   I see Green Bay working to the side of Cedric Griffin, who statistically struggled in successfully shutting down the pass last season.  Griffin was targeted 19% of the time, yet had a significantly low success rate of 39% (ranking well outside the range of starting corners). 

If Green Bay hopes to take the early divisional lead they must shut down the explosive running game of the Vikings.  The Packers struggled to corral rookie sensation Adrian Peterson in Week Four, but thoroughly shut him down at home Week Ten, allowing only 45 yards.  KEY #2 will be the play of WLB A.J. Hawk, who is questionable with a chest injury, and SS Atari Bigby, who is probable with an ankle.  Hawk has the speed, quickness and instincts to squeeze the backside and meet Peterson in the hole before he can cutback.  He is a physical, sure tackler, one of the League leaders at LB.  With the lack of a strong passing game, Green Bay will be able to bring Bigby down into the box to assist against the run.  Bigby came into his own as a starter in 2007 and his size and punch at the point are perfect for such a scenario.  Both Hawk and Bigby will be employed in a manner that will allow them to fill at the line of scrimmage unblocked, however they MUST be consistent in their breakdown and wrap up as the last line of defense.  Any missed tackles by these two could lead to big plays on the ground, of which Peterson and the Vikings led the NFL in ’07.  Counter that with the fact that the Packers defense was 2^nd in the least number of runs over 10 yards and you get “the unstoppable force versus the immovable object” syndrome.  Something’s gotta give. 

So it’s no secret as to what and who makes the Vikings offense go; the running game of #28.   But with the emphasis of the Packers shutting down the Viking ground attack, QB Tarvaris Jackson must step up to the plate, which is KEY #3.  To say that Jackson has been the focal point of questions concerning the 2008 season would be an understatement.  Jackson must be a game manager more than anything, doing just enough to keep opponents off balance as he hands the ball off to Peterson and company.  There’s nothing wrong with this by any means.  It’s just that in “managing” a game, you can’t turn the ball over as many times as Jackson did in ’07 (15 to be exact).  His preseason performance showed excellent growth in this area, passing for 68.2 % and throwing no interceptions.  With the defense stacked to stop the run, Jackson must find ways through playaction, roll out and bootlegs to get the ball downfield and convert 3^rd down via the pass.  If he can do this, Minnesota should improve on their ability to sustain some longer drives (they ranked 29^th with drives over 10 plays) and chew up the clock on the road. 

For the Vikings to succeed on defense they must find a way to get to Rodgers.  Minnesota was excellent against the run last season, to a degree because they were so vulnerable to the pass.  As stated earlier, opponents came out with the intent of attacking the Viking defense through the air.  Minnesota was near the bottom in just about every statistical category defending the pass; first-down passes, second-down passes, big play passes, first downs made via pass, net passing yards and total passing.  You get the picture.  What they can do is rush the passer and they did just that with 38 sacks and ranking fourth in the League off the blitz.  Off-season acquisition Jared Allen brings his impressive 15.5 sacks to make up for the loss of Kenechi Udeze, diagnosed with leukemia (my best to him).  Allen joins the emerging young Ray Edwards (5 sacks and 11 hurries) as the two pressure points on Packer OT’s Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher, which is KEY #4.  What I like most about this tandem is their length, coupled with excellent athleticism.  They both play the point strong, but can also maneuver to get to the QB.  Green Bay’s OT’s are two of the best at protecting theirs, but that was Favre in ’07.  His ability to elude pressure is legendary, however Rodgers was sacked 7 times in the preseason alone.  Look for Minnesota to utilize the blitz and do everything they can to free up their speedy DE’s off the edge.  This pressure may confuse and frustrate the young Rodgers, forcing the Packers to run more against the Viking stingy ground defense (1^st in the NFL).

KEY #5 in a close game (and I see this being one) could be the strength and accuracy of your placekicker.  Green Bay’s Mason Crosby is one of the emerging young stars at the position.  His leg strength and overall power give him the capability of hitting FG’s from 50+ yards.  These could be “found” points if the offense stalls out before reaching the red zone.  He also is capable creating a long field for Minnesota with his kickoffs and the ability to reach the endzone (14 touchbacks ’07). 

So now that we’ve all gotten a laugh out of Chad Johnson’s transformation to Señor Chado Javono Ocho Cinco, let’s take a look at the precedent this situation has set.

To put it simply, it’s not a good one.

In our latest SportingNews.com piece, we explain why.

[Editor’s note:  Here’s Ted Sundquist’s scouting report for one of the more compelling games of the week.  If the Fins win, they match their total for 2007.  If the Jets lose, they could end up going 0-3 to start the year, with games against New England and San Diego coming up.] 

Too bad there aren’t any story lines for two AFC East teams returning in ‘08 with a combined five wins between them.  Are you kidding me?  As if Brett Favre wearing “JET” green wasn’t enough to talk about; throw in the reclamation project of Bill Parcells in Miami, Chad Pennington opening against the team that drafted him in the first round in 2000 and the impending threat of hurricanes or tropical storms that may strike southern Florida over the weekend.  That’s not even mentioning the blasted heat and humidity that tends to wilt Miami opponents in early September.  This game represents a rebirth of one team, and a shot — if not a last gasp — at playoff contention for another. 

Emotion will play as big a factor in this game as any across the League this weekend.  Who could have envisioned back in March that Brett Favre would eventually “unretire” and leave the Packers in the situation they found themselves this summer?  But much to G.M. Mike Tannebaum and head coach Eric Mangini’s delight, New York thinks they’ve added just the catalyst to jump start a sagging offense from 2007.  Favre brings not only a champion’s leadership qualities to his on-field play, but he may even have a little left in the tank (6^th in QB rating ’07) to move a unit that ranked 26^th in total offense last season.  In limited action he was quite accurate, if not efficient, completing 14 of 18 for 144 yards and 1 touchdown.  Critics point to the fact that Favre spent 16 seasons with a club whose offensive philosophy was built around the “West Coast” theory of precision timing routes.  Year after year he could rely on the talent of Sharpe, Brooks, Freeman, Walker, or Driver to come up with the “big catch” on the other end of one of his “big plays”.  Questions now abound as to how he will respond to the “read and react” patterns of New York’s scheme. 

His ability to do so will be KEY #1 to a fast start for the Jets.  Miami will look to shut down the run first, something they were able to accomplish over their 3-1 preseason.  Favre will more than likely be given every opportunity to beat the Dolphins through the air.  Miami’s retooled front posted 14 sacks in the month of August.  They had 24 all of last year!

New York’s defense will try to slow down the prototypical run game of a Bill Parcells-constructed team.  New head coach Tony Sparano is an offensive line coach by trade and would love nothing more than to establish a reliable ground attack early.  Little wonder that Dolphins G.M. Jeff Ireland signed the athletic OG Justin Smiley through free agency and then used the first pick of the draft to select talented OT Jake Long, effectively solidifying the left side.  Samson Satele is a young holdover from the last regime at center, while massive veteran OT Vernon Carey holds down the right tackle position.  This rebuilt front, that includes rookies Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas at OG, are all listed at or over 310 lbs, with the exception of Satele at 300 lbs.  To counter this push up front, the Jets bring their own retooled line bolstered by the offseason acquisition of “huge” NT Kris Jenkins.  Jenkins is the perfect fit for the 3-4 scheme.  Well documented weight problems in Carolina aside, Jenkins is stout at the point of attack and very athletic for a man his size.  He will strongly test the interior front of the Miami offense and should allow the LB’s more room to roam and fill versus the run.  The Jets struggled in ’07 at times to slow many opponents down on the ground, especially in short yardage, and Jenkins play will be KEY #2.

Despite being released by his first opponent (which was as much a political move to add the superstar Favre as it was linked to performance), Chad Pennington brings a bit of stability to a position that has floundered over the past few seasons in Miami.  Pennington showed workman-like efficiency in August, passing for 72% with no turnovers or sacks to his credit.  Though the future appears to be second-round pick Chad Henne’s, Pennington will be able to “hold down the fort” while the rest of the offense pulls together and Henne continues to develop.  Pennington is smart, tough, extremely accurate, a leader and has three seasons of playoff experience; exactly what you need to tutor a young QB in the wings and to lead in a rebuilding effort.  So quickly respected was Pennington, that the team elected him captain this week (as the Jets did with Favre).  His career Achilles heel has been injuries to most body parts except his Achilles heel.  Given the situation, look for the Dolphins to keep things fairly balanced, if not somewhat conservative. 

The Dolphins will work to Smiley and Long’s side in establishing the run game, which I KEY #3, and hope to wear out the Jets in the heat and humidity of Dolphin Stadium.   One thing RB Ricky Williams is, a workhorse.  Monitored properly and given the correct load, the Dolphins are 16-3 when he rushes for more than 100 yards.  And don’t forget that Ronnie Brown added four 100-yard games of his own in ’07 before suffering a season-ending knee injury.  This should allow for the offense to cut down on some of its preseason mistakes (penalties and fumbles), create some early confidence and will surely be a “must” if the aforementioned weather dictates the play.

KEY #4 is linked to KEY #1, controlling Brett Favre.  The Dolphins will play a mix of 3-4 and 4-3 looks at the Jets to take advantage of personnel and to keep the opponent off balance.  There certainly won’t be much thrown at Favre that he hasn’t seen, but whether he can read it quickly enough and find the open man is pending.  Miami sacked opposing QB’s 14 times in preseason to lead the NFL (NYJ was #2 with 13).  The pressure came from across the board (DT, DE & LB) so the defensive staff has to be pleased with the flexibility of their front seven thus far.  Hopefully this will improve the overall play of DB’s Will Allen and Michael Lehan as well.  However Favre still shows me the foot quickness and pocket presence that can improve any team’s offensive line in a hurry.  Jericho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles are a solid WR tandem and the Dolphins will get plenty of multiple-receiver sets, but the two have not been traditionally big-play producers.  Can Favre stay patient in the face of a fired up defense that held opposing QB’s to just 55.6% in the preseason and forced 4 interceptions?  If so, look for a ball control passing game to move the chains and then for Favre to try and sneak one over the defense deep, similar to his second-quarter drive against the Giants in the preseason. 

If the storms turn nasty, the play of both punters could be KEY #5 to this game.  Any screw up in getting the ball out of your own end of the field under poor conditions can be the determining factor in winning or losing a close game.  Both Jets punter Ben Graham and Dolphin punter Brandon Fields have decent gross averages, but Graham has pinned opponents inside the 20 forty-nine times in two seasons.  A long field, with fumble problems over their last four games, is not what Miami needs to get off to a good start.

[Editor’s note:  For every week of the 2008 season, former Broncos G.M. Ted Sundquist will give a scouting report for three of the most compelling games of the week.  After the game, he’ll break down what happened.  Here’s his maiden voyage.  We’re glad to have him.]

Two teams with high playoff aspirations square off for the first time since 2004 and dare I say that Week 1 is already a must win game for one of them? Dallas went through the preseason seemingly disinterested until they woke up in the first half against Houston in Week “Pre-Three” with twenty points from their first unit offense.

Cleveland on the other hand limped through with a 0-4 record, losing both their starting QB to a concussion and any confidence the defense might have built from last season’s 10-6 campaign. Now with back-to-back home games against the Cowboys and division rival (if not favorite) Pittsburgh, the Browns must find a way to get back on the winning track (quickly).

Cleveland must seize the initiative and take control of the ground game early. Jamal Lewis had a rebirth of sorts in 2007, rebounding for 1,304 yards over 15 games, but more importantly adding almost a full yard to his per-carry average. Behind Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach on the left side, Lewis and the rest of the Browns’ running game pounded out over 5 yards per carry.

Cleveland needs to stay on schedule and keep the chains moving. Their offense was one of the more consistent and successful units when faced with short yardage on third down. The front five OL combination is more than capable of holding their own against a Dallas defensive line that was one of the League leaders in short yardage situations.

KEY #1 will be the play of OC Hank Fraley on Cowboy NT Jay Ratliff. The Browns prefer to pound Lewis’s 245 pound frame off their guards and Fraley’s ability to cutoff Ratliff either direction is paramount to establishing ultimate ball control. However if Ratliff can control the inside and force Lewis to bounce out, the Cowboy defense will swarm to the ball and put Cleveland in longer yardage situations.

This is just what Dallas wants to do, force Cleveland to drop back and throw with a QB that missed most of the last month due to a concussion. He’ll also be looking to his primary receiver, Braylon Edwards, who was out almost all of preseason himself with a foot laceration. The two practiced together for the first time in several weeks on Wednesday. The Cowboys slapped 46 sacks on their opponents in ’07, OLB’s Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware look to pick up where they left off, then roll in Anthony Spencer (if he’s able to play) and look out. Joe Thomas should lock down Anderson’s blind side, the pressure lies on Kevin Schaffer’s ability to hold back the rush from the right.

And that’s KEY #2. At 6’ 5” and 320 lbs, Shaffer is a massive presence, his length alone will more than hold up against that of Ellis and Ware’s. He’s also an ironman of sorts, having started 71 of his last 72 games. But the rangy athleticism of both these players can give OT’s fits and their ability to counter move like a basketball Forward to the hoop can keep a player guessing and off balance. Couple that with the inside power moves of DE’s Marcus Spears and Chris Canty, and you can quickly see why the Cowboys 3-4 defense is so adept at pressuring the passer.

Cleveland needs to put together some multi-play drives, improving upon its mediocre ball control from ’07 to keep the Dallas big-play offense off the field.  The Cowboys look to strike big and in a hurry.  Dallas was among the League leaders in passing plays over 20 yards, quick scoring drives under 4 plays and total points.  The flipside is that they were also frequently faced with numerous three-and-out drives. 

Not much more can be said about the Tony Romo to Terrell Owens combination.  T.O.’s size, strength and leaping ability have made him the standard by which most teams measure their big receivers.  Dallas will test the Cleveland secondary early and often.  Look for DC Eric Wright to get the task of locking down on T.O. and up-and-comer Brandon McDonald working on #2 WR Patrick Crayton.  McDonald emerged as one of the most reliable young DB’s in the Browns secondary in ’07. 

KEY #3 may lie in stopping TE Jason Witten.  With injury hampering WR Sam Hurd, Witten could be split out to take advantage of his outstanding reliability as a playmaking receiver.  His 1,145 yards were only second to KC’s Tony Gonzalez for TE’s.  Excellent size and speed make him a difficult match up for either a DB or LB.  If Romo can get hot, Dallas will be difficult to handle.  The Cowboys were undefeated when passing for over 300 yards last season.  But if Cleveland can force some inconsistency in a Dallas offense that was plagued at times with just that, they’ve got a chance.

The Cowboys have traditionally set out to establish the lead with a strong, big-play passing game, then follow up running the ball behind the likes of OG Leonard Davis and OT Marc Colombo.  Dallas tends to get right-handed when running effectively between the tackles.  The Browns have looked to shore up their own 3-4 front with the addition of NT Shaun Rogers.  Rogers, though inconsistent at times in Detroit, will be a major force in Romeo Crennel’s defensive plans at the nose.  With tremendous mass, strength and leverage, his job will be to tie up the Dallas interior and keep the LB’s free to flow.  Rogers versus Andre Gurode and Leonard Davis is going to be a “battle royale”.  Cleveland struggled a bit in preseason against the run, but the first unit should tighten up inside.  If not, they’ll be forced to bring SS Sean Jones down in the box to stop RB Marion Barber III, which  is KEY #4.  This will leave the corners manned up on a playmaking receiver corps and could expose FS Brodney Pool, or backup Mike Adams, to a whole lot of field to cover over the top.  The Cowboys will look to utilize play-action in an attempt to do just that and give their receivers some room to maneuver in the secondary.

KEY #5 will be the availability of kick and punt returner Josh Cribbs for the Browns.  Cribbs has been overshadowed by the scoring ability of Chicago’s Devin Hester, but he may very well be the best kickoff returner in the NFL.  The Browns led the League in overall KOR average in ’07 and were top 5 in returns over 20 yards.  Dallas was 31^st in touchback % in ’07 and their coverage teams are shaky at best.  Cleveland has the ability to quickly flip the field and set up an advantageous scenario for an offense that will need all the hidden yards it can muster as a result of a physically fragile passing attack.  If Cribbs can’t go after testing the injury this week in practice (ankle), Syndric Steptoe will “step” in with an admirable 35.2 preseason average of his own.

 

ARIZONA CARDINALS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Practice Report
	DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
	Wednesday	DT Alan Branch (ankle), C Al Johnson (knee), DT Gabe Watson (knee)
	Thursday	DT Alan Branch (ankle), C Al Johnson (knee)
	LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
	Wednesday	TE Ben Patrick (ankle)
	Thursday	TE Ben Patrick (ankle), TE Jerame Tuman (hamstring), DT Gabe Watson (knee)
	FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
	Wednesday	T Mike Gandy (knee)
	Thursday	T Mike Gandy (knee)
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Practice Report
	Thursday	Practice not complete
	FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
	Wednesday	DT Aubrayo Franklin (knee), LB Parys Haralson (shoulder)

  

CAROLINA PANTHERS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS