AT ISSUE
Part of the game
What: Catastrophic injuries
Background: The dangerous nature
of football was in the spotlight on
opening weekend when Buffalo
tight end Kevin Everett suffered a
broken vertebra in his neck while
tackling Broncos return man
Domenik Hixon.
Williamson’s take: As Everett was about to go into surgery Sunday night in Buffalo, N.Y., a Broncos player said he was sure Everett’s injury will start a firestorm of people urging the league to better protect its players. The player said the league is as safe as it ever has been and is safe as it ever will be. He said freak injuries such as Everett’s occasionally happen, and despite all the best equipment and education, these types of injuries will happen. He is right. There will be players paralyzed in the future. It’s the violent nature of the sport. Everyone hopes it won’t occur often, but the sad truth is, it will happen again.
THE HOT SEAT
Payton feeling heat
Who: New Orleans coach Sean Payton
When: Sunday at Tampa Bay
Why: Payton had an easy first season in the NFL. His Saints were the darlings of the league as they captured the attention of the country in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Saints went from a league punchline to moving within one game of the Super Bowl. Payton won the NFL coach of the year award and entered this season as the coach of the “it” team in the NFL. But, of course, the Saints went out and were manhandled by Indianapolis in the league opener. The Saints’ offense, Payton’s baby, was horrible. And the Saints’ defense was no match for Peyton Manning. Now, the Saints and Payton must bounce back with a victory at Tampa Bay.
ROOKIE WATCH
Russell sighting
Who: Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell
When: Today against the Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High
Why: Broncos fans will get a sneak peek at Russell, who will be the leader of the Raiders the next several years. But the first look will be of Russell in street clothes. He agreed to contract terms (six years, $61 million) with the Raiders last week after the longest holdout of an NFL No. 1 pick since Bo Jackson in 1986. After missing training camp and the preseason, Russell has a long way to go before he is ready to play. If the Raiders continue to struggle, Russell could be on the field when Denver plays at Oakland on Dec. 2. For now, though, the Broncos and their fans can get a glimpse of Russell on the sideline. was in the spotlight on opening weekend when Buffalo tight end Kevin Everett suffered a broken vertebra in his neck while tackling Broncos return man Domenik Hixon.
