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- national football league -
NFL Opening Kickoff 2007 to celebrate Colts' title
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 7, 2007
Link to original article
"NFL OPENING KICKOFF 2007 PRESENTED BY SPRINT"
TO CELEBRATE COLTS SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
SHOW AND FREE CONCERT TO INCLUDE PERFORMANCES FROM
JOHN MELLENCAMP, FAITH HILL,
KELLY CLARKSON AND HINDER
NBC/NFL Network Special On Sept. 6, 8-8:30 p.m. ET
Precedes NFL Kickoff Game 2007:
 vs 
The NFL begins to answer Who Wants It More as it starts its 88th season with a monumental celebration in its special pregame show, "NFL OPENING KICKOFF 2007 PRESENTED BY SPRINT," -- 8:00 PM ET Thursday, Sept. 6. Indiana legend JOHN MELLENCAMP, FAITH HILL and KELLY CLARKSON are scheduled to perform.
There will be simulcast coverage of the 30-minute pregame show which will air from 8-8:30 PM ET on NBC and NFL Network. The live pregame broadcast will also be available via Sprint's wireless service to Power Vision pack subscribers with multimedia enabled phones.
The performances are part of the celebration to kick off the 2007 season and to honor the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts and the city of Indianapolis.
The show leads into the season opener between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints at the RCA Dome (NBC, Westwood One Radio Sports, 8:30 PM ET).
JOHN MELLENCAMP will perform from the RCA Dome. FAITH HILL and KELLY CLARKSON will ignite Indianapolis during a free concert open to the public at Monument Circle. HINDER will also perform. More concert details will be announced shortly.
This is the fourth consecutive year the NFL has saluted the Super Bowl champions with the opening game in their stadium on a Thursday in primetime.
NFL OPENING KICKOFF 2007 is an NFL NETWORK PRODUCTION and will be executive produced and directed by WHITE CHERRY ENTERTAINMENT and DON MISCHER PRODUCTIONS, the producers of the Super Bowl pregame and halftime shows.
In addition to presenting sponsor Sprint, top tier sponsors for the NFL's kickoff platform include Coors Light, Diet Pepsi MAX, EA Sports and GMC.
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- national football league (NFL) -
Moss' 183 yards help Patriots beat Jets
By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.
AP Sports Writer
September 9, 2007
Link to original article
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Randy Moss caught a long pass and stepped into the end zone, flashing the dominant playmaking ability that made him one of NFL's most feared wide receivers.
Looks like it's time for opposing defenses to get scared again.
Moss caught nine passes from Tom Brady for 183 yards and a touchdown in his New England debut, leading the Patriots to a 38-14 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday. Ellis Hobbs also set an NFL record by taking the second-half kickoff 108 yards for a score.
"I was nervous before the game," Moss said. "I didn't know how much I was going to play or what might happen. I settled down after the first catch and the first hit. I don't think I ever was more anxious or more nervous. I didn't know how I would play."
Neither did anyone else, including the Patriots.
New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss picks up 13 yards on a pass-play against the New York Jets during first quarter NFL football Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Moss had nine receptions for 183 yards as the Patriots beat the Jets, 38-14.
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
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Moss, acquired from Oakland in a draft-day deal, missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury and it was unclear how much of an impact he would have with his new team, or if he'd even play against the Jets.
In the end, Moss made all the difference.
"I've been playing long enough so that I've pretty much got down catching balls and making plays after I get them," Moss said. "I've got that covered, but I've got to get my mind ready."
Moss was prepared after two miserable years with the Raiders. A perennial Pro Bowl receiver with Minnesota, he appeared rejuvenated Sunday, showing no ill effects from the missed time in camp.
"He was a great player before he got to the Patriots," Brady said. "Obviously, he's still a great player."
Brady, who faced little pressure from the Jets, was 22-of-28 for 297 yards and three touchdowns, including a 5-yarder to Benjamin Watson that was set up by catches of 22 and 33 yards by Moss. Brady continued his mastery of the Jets, improving to 7-0 against them at Giants Stadium, and 11-2 overall. Brady has thrown 17 touchdown passes and only five interceptions in his 14 appearances against the Jets.
With many fans still returning to their seats from the halftime break, Hobbs caught Mike Nugent's kickoff deep in the end zone and surprisingly ran it out.
New England Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick, left, shakes hands with New York Jets' head coach Eric Mangini after their NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. . 9, 2007. The Patriots won, 38-14.
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"It was one of those deals that when he started to run, you yell: `No! No! No! ... Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!"' Welker said.
Hobbs made a few cuts to the left sideline and took off untouched into the end zone to give New England a 21-7 lead 14 seconds into the third quarter.
"When you start going, you can feel it opening up more and more," Hobbs said. "You just want to head for that end zone. I always try to find that sixth or seventh gear, the gear they don't even make."
The previous record for longest kickoff return was 106 yards by three players, most recently by Roy Green of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1979.
The play also tied the record for longest in NFL history, matching the 108-yard missed field goal returns by Chicago's Devin Hester last season against the Giants, and the Bears' Nathan Vasher the previous season against San Francisco.
"That was tough to swallow," Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma said. "It was tough for us to give up that."
Laveranues Coles had two touchdown catches for the Jets, who had a scare in the third quarter when quarterback Chad Pennington hobbled to the sideline with a lower right leg injury.
On second-and-12 from the Patriots 49, Pennington went back to throw and was hit hard by Jarvis Green. Pennington was slow to get up and was in obvious pain before standing up, then collapsing to the turf after taking a few steps. Pennington eventually hopped on his left leg to the sideline.
"I've never had a lower leg injury before," Pennington said. "I'm not going to lay there, I'll tell you that."
Pennington flung his helmet to the ground as he hopped over to the bench, where he was surrounded by team trainers. Kellen Clemens replaced him, but Pennington came back to start the Jets' next series with his right ankle heavily wrapped. He led the team on a scoring drive capped by Coles' 1-yard touchdown catch.
In the fourth quarter, Clemens again replaced Pennington, who decided it wasn't worth it to risk further injury. Pennington, 16-of-21 for 167 yards and the two touchdown passes to Coles, was uncertain how serious the injury is.
"The doctors are taking a look at it, and I'm sure I'll see them frequently this week and we'll go from there," he said before limping from the podium.
Notes:
The 183 yards receiving were the third-most in Moss' career. His career high is 204 at Chicago in 1999, and he had 190 yards receiving at Green Bay in 1998. ... Thomas Jones made his Jets debut and gained 42 yards on 14 carries.
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Reply #622 oobi's post
Oobi, update the result lah. Chargers won although with a sloopy start. Awesome day today. Kat San Diego cuma boleh watched 4 games aje hari nie, Packers vs. Eagles (better game than Pats vs. Jets), Cowboys vs Giants and of course my Chargers vs. Bears.
Sorrylah Oobi, I nie perempuan yang loves American Football and College Football a lot. Kalau you nak cakap details in games, you can talk to my hubby  I setakat cakap about the basic rules and games tu bolehlah. And of course menjerit during Chargers games or when the teams I hate (like Pats, Colts, Broncos and of course Raiders) are losing  |
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Reply #624 nhuser's post
nanti oobi update result tu. and, congrats to your chargers. it's the first game. LT still needs few more carries before he lights up the score board. after the third game, if everything goes according to plan, chargers offense should fly high and should be able to match the pats. my only concern are phillip river as tom brady is season veteran, and chargers secondary.
and you're right, packs vs eagles was really the game of the day. brett favre still has it - can't believe he was able to escape a sure sack and still completed a pass. here, we got raiders/lions and broncos/bills - besides packs/birds.
tomorrow, my team will make their season debut against birds from the desert. very nervous.  as usual, i will record it on my pc.
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Week One
Bye Week Teams: None
Thursday September 6, 2007 |
New Orleans Saint | 10 | Indianapolis Colts | 41 |
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Week One
Bye Week Teams: None
Denver Broncos | 15 | Buffalo Bills | 14 |
Pittsburgh Steelers | 34 | Cleveland Browns | 7 |
Philadelphia Eagles | 13 | Green Bay Packers | 16 |
Kansas City Chiefs | 3 | Houston Texans | 20 |
Tennessee Titans | 13 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 10 |
Atlanta Falcons | 3 | Minnesota Vikings | 24 |
New England Patriots | 38 | New York Jets | 14 |
Carolina Panthers | 27 | St. Louis Rams | 13 |
Miami Dolphins | 13 | Washington Redskins | 16 |
Detroit Lions | 36 | Oakland Raiders | 21 |
Chicago Bears | 3 | San Diego Chargers | 14 |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 6 | Seattle Seahawks | 20 |
New York Giants | 35 | Dallas Cowboys | 45 |
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Week One
Bye Week Teams: None
Monday September 10, 2007 |
Baltimore Ravens | 20 | Cincinnati Bengals | 27 |
Arizona Cardinals | 17 | San Francisco 49ers | 20 |
Updated on Monday, Sep 10, 2007 11:29 pm, PDT
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[ Last edited by oobi at 11-9-2007 02:29 PM ] |
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- national football football (NFL) -
Bills' Everett sedated in ICU after spinal surgery
ESPN.com news services
Updated: September 10, 2007, 3:23 PM ET
Link to original article
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Bills reserve tight end Kevin Everett will be sedated for a day or two as doctors evaluate the extent of a severe spinal injury that could leave him paralyzed.
Everett is in the intensive care unit at Buffalo's Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital after a four-hour operation performed hours after he was hurt in a season-opening loss to Denver, Eric Armstead, a partner of the player's agent Brian Overstreet, told The Associated Press on Monday.
"He'll be sedated for the next 24 to 48 hours and we won't know more until then," Armstead said. "We were told by the doctors that the surgery went well."
Fullname: Kevin Everett Born: February 5, 1982 Age: 25
Position: TE Experience: 2 years Height: 6-4 Weight: 253 lbs. College: Miami (FL) Drafted: 2005, 22 (Rd. 3), Bills
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According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, doctors in Buffalo have told members of the Bills that bone chips were removed during surgery.
Everett's family members, including mother Patricia Dugas, were to arrive in Buffalo on Monday from their Houston home, Armstead said.
Overstreet told the AP late Sunday that his 25-year-old client had some "sparse movement."
"The next couple of days are going to be critical," said Overstreet, responding to a question about paralysis. "Our concern is for him to come out of this healthy and, hopefully, be able to walk again."
The team doctor, John Marzo, is scheduled to give a medical update in the afternoon.
Punter Brian Moorman was one of many Bills players shaken by Everett's injury.
"It's a tough situation to watch because he's somebody's son, brother and friend," Moorman said Monday. "It's all you could think about during the game, after it happened, after the game and this morning. And we just want him to get better, we want him to heal."
Quarterback J.P. Losman said it was difficult to concentrate during practice.
A trainer attends to Kevin Everett after he showed no signs of consciousness following a helmet-to-helmet hit on Denver's Domenik Hixon at the start of the second half.
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"It seems like every couple of seconds that go by it's always popping into your head," Losman said. "Going through a walk-through, we're looking for him, wanting to hear his voice."
The Bills have Tuesday off before returning to practice to prepare to play at Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Everett sustained what the team called a cervical spine injury when he ducked his head while driving in to tackle Denver's Domenik Hixon during the second half-opening kickoff. Everett dropped face first to the ground after his helmet hit Hixon high on the left shoulder and side of the helmet.
Replays showed the player twitching for a few seconds as he attempted to get up before falling back to the ground. Everett had his eyes open but showed no further signs of movement during the next 15 minutes as the team's medical staff and emergency personnel carefully placed him on a backboard and, with the player's head and body immobilized, loaded him into an ambulance at the Broncos 30.
Jauron said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called him Sunday evening, offering the league's support.
"We honor ourselves by our work, and we honor Kevin by moving forward and working while never forgetting Kevin and never getting him out of our thoughts and prayers," Jauron said. "We're going to wait and see what the outcome is here and we're really hoping and praying for the best."
Buffalo's 2005 third-round draft pick out of Miami, Everett missed his rookie season because of a knee injury. He spent most of last year playing special teams. He was hoping to make an impact as a receiver.
His injury recalled the one to Mike Utley, the former Detroit Lions guard who was paralyzed below the chest. He injured his neck in a collision during a 1991 game.
"I'm sorry this young man got hurt," Utley told the AP. "It wasn't a cheap shot. It was a great form tackle and that's it."
The 41-year-old Utley now lives in Washington state and is promoting a bike tour aimed at raising money in an effort to cure paralysis.
"These are big strong men competing at the highest level. You can do everything to prepare yourself -- lift weights and all that," Utley said. "But is it going to happen again? Yes."
Everett's injury was not the only one sustained by the Bills.
Starting cornerback Jason Webster had surgery to repair a broken forearm and starting free safety Ko Simpson also had surgery for a broken left ankle. Coach Dick Jauron said both players could miss the rest of the season. Linebacker Coy Wire, starting in place of injured Keith Ellison, has a sprained knee and is out indefinitely.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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[ Last edited by oobi at 11-9-2007 05:48 AM ] |
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- national football football (NFL) -
Sources: Pats suspected of stealing Jets' signals
By Chris Mortensen
ESPN.com
Updated: September 10, 2007, 4:17 PM ET
Link to original article
NFL security confiscated a video camera and its tape from a New England Patriots employee on the team's sideline during Sunday's game against the Jets in a suspected spying incident, sources said.
The camera and its tape were placed in a sealed box and forwarded to the league office for investigation, the sources said.
"We don't have any comment," an NFL spokesman said Monday.
The Patriots' cameraman was suspected of aiming his camera at the Jets' defensive coaches who were sending signals to their unit on the field, the sources said. The league also is investigating some radio frequency issues that occurred during the game.
The league's competition committee could conduct a conference call about the incident, which violates NFL policy, and ultimately recommend a penalty that could cost the Patriots a future draft pick or picks if it verifies that the team was spying on the Jets.
"It's not their first time," a member of the committee, who did not wish to be identified, said.
In fact, Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan confirmed a similar incident that occurred when the Patriots played at Lambeau Field last Nov. 19. The same cameraman who was questioned by NFL security on Sunday was also the one whom the Packers removed from the sideline and escorted from the field during their 2006 game, according to Packers security official Doug Collins.
"From what I can remember, he had quite a fit when we took him out," Harlan said. "We had gotten word before the game that they [the Patriots] did this sort of thing, so we were looking for it."
A Jets official declined comment Monday, directing an inquiry to the league office. The Patriots also did not have immediate comment.
Chris Mortensen covers the NFL for ESPN.
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Reply #628 oobi's post
Poor guy! His career is cut short. Thanks Oobi for the scoreboard update. Indeed next week will be an interesting game, just like during last playoff between Pats and Chargers. Brady who has more experience against Rivers. Hopefully Chargers defense will be as great as ever.
All the best for your 49ers tonight! Understand how you feel right now because I had the same feeling before and during Chargers game yesterday |
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Reply #630 nhuser's post
next week, sunday night on nbc, chargers at pats - game of the week!
river needs to have an almost perfect and big game in order for the bolts to win in foxboro next week. LT will do his own things. front seven will do their things. secondary needs to be able to hold against pats wideouts - don't get burn - especially against mr. moss.
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- rams lose pro bowl OT pace for season -
Seven-time Pro Bowler Pace Out for Season with Torn Labrum
By R.B. FALLSTROM
AP Sports Writer
September 10, 2007
Link to original article
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Orlando Pace will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder suffered in the season opener Sunday.
The injury is Pace's second season-ender in two games, after tearing his left triceps last November. Coach Scott Linehan said this one could be career-threatening.
Team physician Dr. Matt Matava estimated a six-month rehab period while calling it a "correctable injury."
"I think it's too soon to say what implications there are for his future," Linehan said. "I would think it's all up to the mind-set of Orlando and how he responds to another recovery to a season-ending injury.
"He's got to go through it again."
An MRI exam Monday revealed the damage to the seven-time Pro Bowl player who was the first overall pick of the 1997 draft, and coach Scott Linehan said surgery will be scheduled. The 31-year-old Pace was injured on the first play after the two-minute warning while pass-blocking against the Panthers' Julius Peppers, minor jostling that didn't appear out of the ordinary.
St. Louis Rams offensive lineman Orlando Pace is shown Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2006, during the team's football training camp. Pace will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder suffered in the season opener Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007.
(AP Photo/James A. Finley)
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"I feel very bad, obviously, for Orlando," Linehan said. "He had a real unfortunate injury and we'll have to pick up the pieces.
"Come Sunday, we'll have our best five out there."
After watching a tape of the play, Linehan wasn't sure what happened. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson said Pace told him he "just felt it give out."
"You really can't see it, but it must have been a pretty dramatic blow to have that kind of damage," Linehan said. "It was a very unusual injury, but pretty severe."
Pace injured his triceps last year, also while pass blocking on an innocent-appearing play, landing him on injured reserve for the final seven games.
Linehan said the coaching staff hadn't decided how to fill the void. The top option would be shifting the other tackle, 2005 first-rounder Alex Barron, to the left side to protect quarterback Marc Bulger's blind side.
Barron has indicated his preference for that side, his college position, several times in the past, although Linehan added "it's not set in stone." Olson considers Barron, who has struggled with false starts throughout his career, as one of the most athletic right tackles in the NFL.
"That was probably the reason Alex was drafted, to eventually take over for Orlando," Olson said. "If we do decide to make that move, we feel confident that Alex can handle the change."
Both Linehan and Olson said they'll stick with whatever backup plan they settle on to avoid further strain on a young line. Center Brett Romberg is in his first year as a starter, guard Richie Incognito is in his second and guard Mark Setterstrom, a seventh-rounder last year, made his seventh career start in the opener.
Complicating matters, Incognito has a high ankle sprain that kept him out of the opener, and he'll likely miss Sunday's game against the 49ers.
Last year, the Rams plugged in Todd Steussie when Pace missed Game 4, a 41-34 victory over the Lions. Adam Goldberg started Game 10, the week after Pace's triceps injury, and struggled, and Steussie started the rest of the season after moving from left guard.
The Rams can't fall back on Steussie, 36, for at least a few months this time around after he broke his foot in the final preseason game. Steussie was released with an injury settlement and can't re-sign with the team until November, and in any case won't be ready until the second half of the schedule.
Somehow, the Rams had a better record without Pace (5-3) than with him (3-5) last year.
"Everyone's got to pick their games up," Olson said. "Shoot, the players understand that."
Before last season, Pace had been to seven straight Pro Bowls. And until last season he had been durable, missing six games in 2002 with calf and hamstring injuries, but starting every game in the other six seasons.
Goldberg, who made two starts in 2006, replaced Pace in Sunday's 27-13 loss to Carolina, and his play was judged by Linehan as "fine." The Rams allowed one sack, but the offense struggled without the anchor of a young line, managing 16 first downs and 238 yards total offense.
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- raiders, QB russell agree to 6-year deal -
Russell, Raiders Agree to Richest Deal Ever for a Rookie
By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer
September 11, 2007
Link to original article
ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- JaMarcus Russell and the Oakland Raiders agreed in principle Monday night to a six-year contract that will guarantee the quarterback more than $30 million in the richest contract ever for a rookie.
The two sides met in person Monday for the third time in four days and were hashing out final details of the contract, according to a person familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not finalized.
The final contract needs to be approved by the NFL, but it will be worth at least $60 million with about $31 million guaranteed, the person said. An official announcement could come Tuesday.
JaMarcus Russell, left, the No.1 overall pick in the NFL draft, shakes hands with coach Lane Kiffin during football mini-camp in this May 4, 2007 file photo in Alameda, Calif. Russell remains unsigned in a contract dispute and there's no sign when he will join the team.
(AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)
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The previous record deal for a rookie came when the Detroit Lions gave No. 2 pick Calvin Johnson $27.2 million in guarantees this year. Top pick Mario Williams got $26.5 million in guaranteed money a year ago from Houston.
Russell's agent, Eric Metz, did not return a phone call seeking comment. But coach Lane Kiffin said earlier in the day the two sides were almost done with the contract.
Russell became the first top pick to remain unsigned by the season opener since Bo Jackson sat out the 1986 season to play baseball after being drafted first by Tampa Bay.
The last first-round pick not to be signed by the season opener was offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie, who missed the first eight games in 2002 after being selected with the seventh overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings.
Russell went 25-4 as LSU's starting quarterback, capping his career by throwing for 332 yards and two TDs in a 41-14 Sugar Bowl win over Notre Dame. He finished his career with the Tigers by throwing the second most touchdown passes (52) and having the second highest completion percentage (61.9 percent) in school history.
That success combined with a 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame and a rocket arm made Russell the choice for Oakland with the No. 1 pick in April. The Raiders are building their future around the 21-year-old quarterback, hoping he will help transform an offense that scored just 12 touchdowns last season on the way to a 2-14 record.
Oakland Raiders fan Randy Hagan cheers the Raiders on before their NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in Oakland, California.
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Even with Russell set to join the team later this week, he will not be able to contribute much to the Raiders anytime soon. He has missed all of training camp and the exhibition season and will have a difficult time catching up on the lost time.
That means that Josh McCown will remain the quarterback for the foreseeable future. McCown was 30-for-40 for 313 yards and two touchdowns in the 36-21 loss to the Detroit Lions. He also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the closing minutes with the Raiders trailing by eight points.
Kiffin kept his decision to start McCown over Daunte Culpepper in the season opener a secret until right before game time, hoping to gain a competitive advantage by making the Lions prepare for two quarterbacks. He will not use the same kind of subterfuge this week, announcing Monday that McCown will start against the Denver Broncos.
"I thought Josh managed the game extremely well," Kiffin said. "A bunch of little things he did really well, as far as we didn't have a wrong formation all day, we didn't have a missed audible all day. He moved us really well at times. ... I thought he played really well."
The other starting spot Kiffin kept secret before the game was at center, where former Pro Bowler Jeremy Newberry beat out incumbent Jake Grove for the starting spot. But Newberry pulled his hamstring on the first drive and did not return to the game.
Newberry, who played in only 11 games the past three seasons because of various injuries, had never hurt his hamstring before. He tried to stay in the game despite the injury, but left after failing to realize McCown was in the shotgun on the final play of the opening drive.
"I should have come out of the game but I was like, 'Ah, maybe this thing will lighten up,"' Newberry said. "I didn't even hear shotgun. I was just trying to get to the line without my leg locking up on me. I should have came out of the game before the fourth play, I should have."
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- surgeon: bills' everett likely paralyzed -
Bills' Everett likely to be paralyzed after 'catastrophic' neck injury
By JOHN WAWROW
AP Sports Writer
September 10, 2007
Link to original article
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Kevin Everett sustained a "catastrophic" and life-threatening spinal-cord injury while trying to make a tackle during the Buffalo Bills' season opener and is unlikely to walk again, the surgeon who operated on him said Monday.
"A best-case scenario is full recovery, but not likely," orthopedic surgeon Andrew Cappuccino said. "I believe there will be some permanent neurologic deficit."
Everett was hurt Sunday after he ducked his head while tackling the Denver Broncos' Domenik Hixon during the second-half kickoff. Everett dropped face-first to the ground after his helmet hit Hixon high on the left shoulder and side of the helmet.
Millard Fillmore Gates hospital orthopedic surgeon Andrew Cappuccino describes the injury incurred by Buffalo Bills football tight end Kevin Everett during a news conference at the Ralph Wilson Stadium complex in Orchard Park, N.Y., Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. Cappuccino said Everett sustained a "catastrophic" and life-threatening spinal-cord injury and his chances of regaining a full range of body motion are very small.
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Cappuccino noted the 25-year-old reserve tight end did have touch sensation throughout his body and also showed signs of movement. But he cautioned that Everett's injury was life-threatening because he was still susceptible to blood clots, infection and breathing failure.
Everett is in the intensive care unit of Buffalo's Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, where he is under sedation and breathing through a respirator as doctors wait for the swelling to lessen. Cappuccino said it will take up to three days to determine the severity of the injury and the recovery process.
Cappuccino repaired a break between the third and fourth vertebrae and also alleviated the pressure on the spinal cord. In reconstructing his spine, doctors made a bone graft and inserted a plate, held in by four screws, and also inserted two small rods, held in place by another four screws.
Doctors, however, weren't able to repair all the damage.
Bills punter Brian Moorman immediately feared the worst when Everett showed no signs of movement as he was placed on a backboard and, with his head and body immobilized, carefully loaded into an ambulance.
"It brought tears to my eyes," Moorman said after practice. He said the sight of Everett's motionless body brought back memories of Mike Utley, the former Detroit Lions guard, who was paralyzed below the chest after injuring his neck in a collision during a 1991 game.
Utley, Moorman recalled, at least was able to give what's become a famous "thumbs up" sign as he was taken off the field. Everett didn't.
"That's what I was waiting for, and that's what everybody else was waiting for," Moorman said. "And to have to walk back to the sideline and not see that made for a tough time."
Utley, who lives in Washington state, was saddened to see replays of Everett's collision.
"I'm sorry this young man got hurt," Utley told The AP. "It wasn't a cheap shot. It was a great form tackle and that's it."
Cappuccino said Everett was alert and aware of the extent of his injuries.
Buffalo reserve tight end Kevin Everett, seen here in 2004, suffered a "potentially lethal" spinal injury in the Bills' National Football League season-opener, his doctors said Monday.
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"I told Kevin that the chances for a full neurologic recovery were bleak, dismal," said Cappuccino, who works for the Bills as a consultant, specializing in spinal surgery. "I was honest with him, and he told me, 'Do everything you can to help me."'
Cappuccino received permission to operate from Everett's mother, Patricia Dugas, who spoke by phone from her home in Houston. She and other family members arrived in Buffalo on Monday.
Buffalo's 2005 third-round draft pick out of Miami, Everett missed his rookie season because of a knee injury. He spent most of last year playing special teams. He was hoping to make an impact as a receiver.
The Bills now attempt to refocus while preparing to play at Pittsburgh on Sunday.
"It's difficult because you know the situation," said running back Anthony Thomas, one of Everett's best friends on the team. "We have to move on. But he'll always be in our thoughts and in our prayers."
Quarterback J.P. Losman said it was difficult to concentrate during practice.
"It seems like every couple of seconds that go by it's always popping into your head," Losman said. "Going through a walk-through, we're looking for him, wanting to hear his voice."
Coach Dick Jauron said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called him Sunday evening, offering the league's support.
"We honor ourselves by our work, and we honor Kevin by moving forward and working while never forgetting Kevin and never getting him out of our thoughts and prayers," Jauron said. "We're going to wait and see what the outcome is here and we're really hoping and praying for the best."
Associated Press Sports Writer Pat Graham in Denver contributed to this report.
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- Browns deal QB Frye to Seahawks -
Charlie Fryed: Browns trade QB to Seattle, sign Dorsey; Quinn now No. 2
By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
September 11, 2007
Link to original article
BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- Browns starting quarterback Charlie Frye, benched before halftime in the season opener, was traded to Seattle for a sixth-round draft pick on Tuesday, a stunningly swift move that pushes rookie Brady Quinn to No. 2 on the depth chart.
Frye's departure means Derek Anderson, who lost the quarterback competition to Frye during the preseason, will start for the Browns on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals and Quinn will be his backup.
"This move obviously clarifies our quarterback situation," general manager Phil Savage in explaining the deal.
The Browns said Frye must pass a physical for the trade to be completed. Cleveland also signed veteran free agent quarterback Ken Dorsey, cut 10 days ago by the club, to a one-year contract.
Dorsey will be Cleveland's third-string quarterback and serve as a mentor to Quinn, the franchise's future QB selected in the first round of April's draft.
Frye was dealt less than 48 hours after playing poorly and being pulled in the second quarter by coach Romeo Crennel for Anderson in the Browns' 34-7 loss to the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
Frye, who made 13 starts last season and five as a rookie in 2005, beat out Anderson during a drawn-out competition that began during the offseason and carried through training camp and the preseason.
Less than two weeks ago, Savage said, "Let's see what Charlie can do with a full deck" this season.
It took less than 20 minutes on Sunday for the club to decide Frye was no longer in their plans.
Cleveland Browns running back Lawrence Vickers (47) grabs a 1-yard touchdown pass in front of tight end Kellen Winslow in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in Cleveland. The touchdown was the lone score Cleveland could muster in a 34-7 loss to the Steelers.
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He went 4-of-10 for 34 yards with an interception -- a QB rating of 10.0 -- and was sacked five times by the Steelers before Crennel yanked him.
The trade speeds up the timetable for Quinn, the No. 3 quarterback Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who beat Cleveland for the eighth straight game and dropped Crennel's record against AFC North teams to 1-12.
"By making Brady the backup, it obviously ramps up his preparation in terms of the number of reps and keeping him on course with an opportunity to play at some point during this year," Savage said.
Quinn was Cleveland's No. 3 quarterback against the Steelers, but he's already No. 1 in the minds of Browns fans, who began chanting "Bra-dy," "Bra-dy" following another bad throw by Frye in the second quarter Sunday.
Cleveland traded a 2008 first-round pick to Dallas in April's draft and used the No. 22 overall pick on Quinn, who set 36 passing records for the Fighting Irish.
Quinn missed 16 practices during a contract holdout and was absent when the Browns installed sections of their offense under new coordinator Rob Chudzinski.
Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren had been looking for a backup for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Seneca Wallace filled that role in Sunday's opener against Tampa Bay, but Seattle would like to use him as a wide receiver and punt returner as well as a backup QB.
Frye, the Browns third-round draft choice out of Akron in 2005, had a 6-13 record as a starter over three seasons and threw for 3,490 yards with 14 touchdowns and 23 interceptions for a 71.1 QB rating.
Like Quinn, Frye grew up as a Browns fan in Willard, Ohio, and had a poster of Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar on his bedroom wall.
Updated on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2007 4:49 pm, EDT
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Ok Oobi, I'm ready for the 2nd week. The game of the week of course non other than Bolts and Pats. Bit nervous and anxious |
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- national football league (NFL) -
NFL Penalty for Belichick, Patriots is Far too Light
 By John Clayton
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: September 14, 2007, 9:24 AM ET
Link to original article
It took NFL commissioner Roger Goodell only five days to react to Bill Belichick's spying incident and the penalty was worse than many expected.
But maybe the commissioner acted a little too quickly on this one. The penalty was too light.
The Patriots will lose their 2008 first-round choice if they make the playoffs, Belichick loses $500,000 and the Patriots will be fined $250,000. The only thing that might have been missing is a possible suspension, and that is the only thing that Goodell might have neglected.
Goodell said he considered a suspension, but he felt the draft choice penalty and the fines have a more lasting effect on the franchise. That's a fine premise, but spying affects the outcome of individual games. Taking Belichick out of one game could affect the Patriots' chances of making the playoffs. For example, he's still coaching Sunday's game against the Chargers, and if he wins, he will have a potential home-field tie-breaker if the two teams finish with the same record.
Here's the problem with Goodell's decision: Whether by design or not, the Patriots had themselves covered for such a penalty because they are so good at what they do. They acquired the 49ers' first-round pick in a trade that enabled the 49ers to select Joe Staley. They have an additional third-round pick from the Raiders in another trade. They have enough draft choices to survive the loss of one first-round choice.
Initial reaction around the league was negative. At the very least, many felt, Belichick should have been suspended one or two games along with the draft choice penalties. Those two games could be the difference between the Patriots making the playoffs or not making the playoffs. They have a tough schedule, and it will be hard for them to win more than 11 games with the quality of opponents they'll face.
Belichick now has the ability to coach 16 games, get into the playoffs and take the team to the Super Bowl. As everyone knows, Belichick doesn't think about the future. He focuses on the next game. Sure, he lost the ability to use signals of other teams to help him make offensive adjustments. He'll deal with that. He's the best coach in football.
But the Patriots lost a pick that isn't even as good as the one they received from the 49ers unless the 49ers make the Super Bowl.
This was a harsh penalty, but in many ways, the Patriots got off easy.
John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
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Week Two
Bye Week Teams: None
Sunday September 16, 2007 |
New Orleans Saints | 14 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 31 |
San Francisco 49ers | 17 | St. Louis Rams | 16 |
Buffalo Bills | 3 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 26 |
Green Bay Packers | 35 | New York Giants | 13 |
Atlanta Falcons | 7 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 13 |
Cincinnati Bengals | 45 | Cleveland Browns | 51 |
Houston Texans | 34 | Carolina Panthers | 21 |
Indianapolis Colts | 22 | Tennessee Titans | 20 |
Dallas Cowboys | 37 | Miami Dolphins | 20 |
Minnesota Vikings | 17 | Detroit Lions | 20 |
Seattle Seahawks | 20 | Arizona Cardinals | 23 |
Oakland Raiders | 20 | Denver Broncos | 23 |
Kansas City Chiefs | 10 | Chicago Bears | 20 |
New York Jets | 13 | Baltimore Ravens | 20 |
San Diego Chargers | 14 | New England Patriots | 38 |
Updated on Sunday, Sep 16, 2007 8:57 pm, PDT
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[ Last edited by oobi at 17-9-2007 12:03 PM ] |
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Week Two
Bye Week Teams: None
Monday September 17, 2007 |
Washington Redskins | 20 | Philadelphia Eagles | 12 |
Updated on Monday, Sep 17, 2007 9:46 pm, PDT
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[ Last edited by oobi at 18-9-2007 12:47 PM ] |
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Reply #638 oobi's post
You hate the Pats too ha  So, what do you think of Beli-cheat and the consequences he and his team have to deal? My co-worker (he was from Boston and of course New England die hard fan  ) said that all NFL teams do what the Pats did but the Pats was the unlucky one because someone caught the cameraman. |
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Post time 7-9-2007 06:54 AM
