NFL reporter Anthony Cotton provides a two-minute drill on the league:
BEST WISHES
Shopping list
With this weekend marking the start of the Christmas shopping season, it’s a good time to take a peek at what some NFL players and coaches want – or need – to find in their stockings.
Joe Gibbs: A NASCAR championship in 2007 to help ease the sting of what was an unsuccessful return to the Washington Redskins.
Peyton Manning: The only commercial that you haven’t done – one of those “I just won the Super Bowl and I’m going to Disney World!” spots.
Edgerrin James: Some better advisors, a better coach and a 2007 draft filled with better offensive linemen.
Eric Mangini: A warm embrace from Bill Belichick after the Jets beat the Patriots in the playoffs.
Donovan McNabb, Clinton Portis, Nick Ferguson, et al: Good health in ’07.
WHITHER THE NFC
Cowboys on rise
Four weeks ago, the Chicago Bears looked like they would make the 1985 Super Bowl champions second-class citizens in the Second City. And the Dallas Cowboys were the most dysfunctional team this side of, well, the last team Terrell Owens played for. Today, even though the Bears still have a leg up in the standings, one could make the argument that the ‘Pokes are the better team. Such is life in the NFC, where, after Chicago’s 9-1 mark entering today’s contest at New England, no one else is better than 7-5.
HANGING CHAD
WR tones down act
It wasn’t too long ago that Chad Johnson was sending bottles of Pepto-Bismol to Cleveland Browns defensive backs – just one of the many antics that indicated “Ocho Cinco” cared more about himself than his Cincinnati Bengals. With the two teams meeting today, Johnson seems to have toned down his act, but it’s probably too late for the Bengals’ playoff hopes. Cincy is 5-5. Even if it wins over its in-state rival, the remaining schedule – which includes Baltimore, Indianapolis, Denver and Pittsburgh – will be too much to overcome.
MUST WIN
Rematch: A biggie
Speaking of schedules, how important is the Broncos’ rematch against San Diego on Dec. 10? While the theory of “Any Given Sunday” certainly applies, one shouldn’t expect Denver to get much help from the Chargers’ remaining opponents, which includes Oakland (today’s contest), Arizona and Buffalo.
SUDDEN IMPACT
Rookies lead way
Four rookies lead or are tied for the team lead in sacks – Chicago’s Mark Anderson (8.5), Kamerion Wimbley of the Browns (6.5), Denver’s Elvis Dumervil (6.0) and Mario Williams of Houston (4.5). If that holds, it will tie a league record set in 2002, when four first-year players also led their teams in putting down the quarterback.
