NFL quick hits: Week 9 betting recap
By Shawn Torrey
Mon, Nov 7, 2005
You might remember that we dubbed Week 6 of the schedule, “The Square Affair” when the favorites combined to go 10-3-1 ATS. With that in mind, it’s only fair that we call Week 9, “The Sequel.” --football gambling--

Books have to be feeling the pain as the chalk teams prevailed for the third time in the past four weeks. A quick run back through previous editions of this column shows the favorites bringing home the cash at a mind-boggling 27-13-1 ATS over the past four weeks. --football gambling--

We should mention that the past two Monday Nighters are not included in that total since we changed the publishing time of this piece to Monday mornings. Regardless, without getting nit-picky, that’s one heck of a haul for anyone who would be silly enough to blindly bet the favorites. --football gambling--

Road favorites covered as many as eight games this week depending upon your line, and overall the homers finished just 4-8-1 ATS. There was no distinct advantage for totals players as the under finished with a slight 7-6 edge. --football gambling--

Hang in there underdog bettors, the big payday is coming. --football gambling--
Atlanta 17 at Miami 10 (1 / 40) --football gambling--Since nobody seems willing to give Vick the credit that he says he deserves, we’ll gladly step to the mic. The noted scrambler stayed home in this one and tossed for a season-high 228 yards. More importantly, the Falcons improved to 5-1 (4-2 ATS) in their last six contests. --football gambling--
The Dolphins dropped the cash for the fourth time in five games. --football gambling--

Oakland 23 at Kansas City 27 (-4 ½ / 51 ½)
Why do they kick meaningless extra points when there is no time left remaining on the clock? Well, as far as we can tell it’s merely to give bettors chest pains. --football gambling--Whether you were on the side or total in this one, we’re willing to bet that you were frantically counting pointspreads in your head as time expired. We’re also guessing that you were again reminded to always get the best number. --football gambling--

Houston 14 at Jacksonville 21 (-13 / 36 ½) --football gambling--

Jacksonville didn’t make life very easy for fans, and bettors alike on Sunday as it took 14 fourth-quarter points to gain victory over the one-win Texans. The slow start had Jags supporters chewing on chalk from the word go. --football gambling--

Tennessee 14 at Cleveland 20 (-3 / 37) --football gambling--The Browns now have more wins to their credit than eight other teams in the league and the Titans are included in that list. Technically that means that the Browns are the ninth-worst, which isn’t bad considering they lost to the Texans last week.
The under is now an 7-1 when the Browns hit the field, but unexplainably the posted total has actually gotten higher in each of Cleveland’s last three games. Go figure. Cincinnati 21 at Baltimore 9 (3 / 36) --football gambling--

The Bengals racked up 329 yards on the Ravens, and racked the cash for the fourth time in five road games this season. They pushed in the other. --football gambling--

The under improved to 3-0 in the Bengals’ last three, and 3-0 when they tackle a divisional foe. The Ravens failed to score more than 10 points for the fourth time this year, and the under improved to 6-2 in Baltimore games.

Carolina 34 at Tampa Bay 14 (pk / 37) --football gambling--
Let’s keep it simple. The Bucs finally faced a talented opponent, and they flat-out got their butts kicked. --football gambling--

The win was the Panthers fifth in a row (3-2 ATS), and the over has now hit in six straight Carolina games. The Bucs lost for the second straight time since their bye week and are now just 1-5 ATS over their last six games. --football gambling--

San Diego 31 at NY Jets 26 (6 / 41) Chargers supporters fell victim to the ‘backdoor cover’ after looking like they were going to cover this spread by double-digits. Brooks Bollinger was the unlikely hero for New York bettors, leading a charge that didn’t fall short by much. --football gambling--
The 26 points is the most that the Jets have put up all season. The over has now cashed in three straight Jets contests and this result snapped a four-game under streak, and three-game ATS run for the Bolts. --football gambling--

Detroit 14 at Minnesota 27 (-2 / 38) --football gambling--The Vikings went to bat for steam bettors who had this line moving fast prior to kick-off, easily collecting the coin with a 13-point win. Oddly enough they did it without their best player and quarterback Culpepper, reinforcing they fact that sometimes things go unexplained in this league. --football gambling--

Minnesota has quietly won and covered three in a row at home and has pulled into a second place tie in the NFC North with the Lions. --football gambling--

NY Giants 24 at San Francisco 6 (11 / 43) --football gambling--
The Giants picked up their first road win of the campaign and improved their current win streak to three. So long as Eli Manning stays far away from San Diego, this team will do just fine.
Seattle 33 at Arizona 19 (5 / 43) --football gambling--

Remind us again why Dennis Green decided to go with Kurt Warner, or was that brilliant idea kept a secret? --football gambling--The Seahawks are in cruise control and enjoy a 5-2 ATS run, while over bettors are benefiting from a 5-1 streak. --football gambling--

Chicago 20 New Orleans 17 (3 / 34) --football gambling--
Chicago may have been guilty of playing to the level of its competition here, but ultimately couldn’t help but win its fourth in a row against the lowly Saints. New Orleans has recorded just one win since a season-opening victory over Carolina. --football gambling--The over cashed in a Bears game for just the second time this season- the first since Week 2 of the schedule.

Pittsburgh 20 at Green Bay 10 (3 ½ / 38) --football gambling--Has anyone seen Favre’s mo-jo? The Packers had ample opportunity to go up early in this one, but bad teams tend to squander those chances. The Pack did just that and they are a bad team. Green Bay hasn’t cracked the 20-point plateau in three weeks, and the under is 3-0 in those games. --football gambling--

Philadelphia 10 at Washington 17 (3 / 38 ½) --football gambling--Note to Andy Reid: Umm, you`re allowed to run the ball inside the other team’s five-yard line with less than two minutes left and the game on the line. In fact, some would even say it’s encouraged. --football gambling--

Note to T.O.: Under the safe assumption that you’ll never read this article, I feel compelled to say that you’re an idiot. --football gambling--The Eagles dropped their fourth in a row against the number and matched their season-low points total. The Skins are now 5-2 ATS in their last seven and 3-1 ATS at home. Share your thoughts on this article in the Covers posting forum. --football gambling--

Bolts recognize game day staff

By Tom Shanahan, Chargers.com
Monday, October 31, 2005

The Chargers carry 53 players on an active roster and dress 45 plus a third quarterback for their 16 regular-season games. But on game day at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego’s home team is much larger than the players and coaches on the field and sidelines. -NFL Football-

To stage an NFL game, it takes an army of team members at the stadium ranging from the moment fans enter the parking lot until they take their seat for the opening kickoff and head home safely after the game. -NFL Football-

The duties of employees range from being stationed at the parking lot entrance, the custodial duties to keep the stadium clean, the concession employees, security to keep the stadium safe and ushers to help fans find their seats and answer questions. -NFL Football-

The Chargers are highlighting the work of employees at the stadium on game day with a new recognition program. Six employees were recognized on the field before Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm. -NFL Football-

Each month the Chargers will honor six employees representing Ace Parking, Centerplate, Elite Security, Elite Ushers, Qualcomm Stadium and the Chargers. The employees are selected for their outstanding customer service and dedication at providing an enjoyable experience for fans at Chargers games. -NFL Football-

All six employees will receive a plaque from Jim Steeg, the Chargers’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. -NFL Football-

Tom Harrer, Ace Parking, main gate cashier

The first employees greeting fans on game day are the parking lot attendants. Harrer, stationed at the main gate, has long set the example for parking employees to provide quick and efficient service for the fans on their way into the stadium. He is recognized for his outstanding customer service for all the fans. -NFL Football-

Able Martinez, Qualcomm Stadium, custodian

A stadium can get messy quickly with 60,000 fans in attendance, but Martinez is a hard worker who is quick to identify and solve problems at the stadium throughout game day. His friendly and positive attitude makes him well liked by the customers he serves and the employees who he works beside. He has worked at the stadium for the past 4 ½ years. -NFL Football-

Norma Jean Lewis, Centerplate, End Zone/Club manager

Centerplate is the company that provides concession services on game day. Lewis was selected for her hard work that goes beyond her responsibilities. She provides every fan with a positive and memorable experience at the stadium. The Club Level included some revamping of the End Zone this year, and Lewis has been able to assist fans with questions. She positions herself to field the questions and listens to the fans’ concerns as well. -NFL Football-

Arlo Magpantay, Chargers, Game Operations Assistant

Magpantay has been working behind the scenes since the 1998 season. He is responsible for providing all premium items at the entrance gates for fans to receive as they enter the stadium, setting up VIP lines and coordinating and positioning Tent Parties and rental items by the time the gates open. His work ethic inspires others around him to work harder. -NFL Football-

Sabrina Hicks, Elite Show Services, security

Hicks’ outstanding service at home games is displayed by providing a welcoming presence with a positive attitude as fans encounter security. She is recognized among her co-workers for being proactive in providing service and safety for fans. -NFL Football-

Andrew Maddy, Elite Show Services, usher/event staff

Maddy might be found outside the stadium helping fans at the Trolley Stop or he might found inside the stadium helping fans with their seats. His reputation among the ushers is for taking on new challenges and directing fans to assist in crowd control. His co-workers appreciate his “go get ‘em” attitude. -NFL Football-

Even at 1-5, fans stick up for Packers

Optimism runs high despite losing record

Press-Gazette

A 1-5 start and a rash of injuries would be enough for most NFL fans to jump off their team’s bandwagon. But this is Green Bay, and these are the Packers. -NFL Football-

Granted fans are angry with the general manager and the coach and anyone they deem responsible for the latest defeat, but Packers fans remember the ’70s and ’80s and are weathering the team’s worst start since 1991. -NFL Football-

While interest has waned a little in some areas, the Green Bay Press-Gazette found that Packers fans, and those relying on Packers fans, remain optimistic. -NFL Football-

• • •

One losing season can’t dim the Packers’ long-standing national appeal, said Mark Mandel, vice president of media relations for ABC Sports. -NFL Football-

The network — which will air “Monday Night Football” games between the Packers and Vikings on Nov. 21 and Baltimore on Dec. 19 — is not worried about ratings, Mandel said. -NFL Football-

“We have found so many different times that Brett Favre and the Packers always seem to rise to the level of anticipation on ‘Monday Night Football,’” Mandel said Tuesday. “He has a flair for the dramatic. The team still has a national appeal, whether they’re playing well or not.” -NFL Football-

There was no way to predict the Packers’ dismal start in April, when ABC receives its schedule after some discussion with the NFL. -NFL Football-

“You generally want teams that have winning records, but story lines are really what people are interested in. You want a good story line,” Mandel said. -NFL Football-

• • •

The day after a last-second loss to Minnesota tumbled the Packers into sole possession of last place in the NFC North, Packer Fan Tours sold 203 ticket packages — fewer than a typical day’s sales, but not bad for a Monday after a loss. -NFL Football-

While interest in the Green and Gold has dissipated somewhat — and some ticket packages are selling for less — customers still are lining up to support the home team, said Dennis Garrity, president of Packer Fan Tours. -NFL Football-

“It’s not all gloom and doom in our offices. Packer fans are very resilient. I’m amazed, frankly. … You see a 1-5 record and you say, ‘I’m surprised my phone even rings.’” -NFL Football-

Although he can’t be sure why tickets are still in demand, Garrity said rumors that this season could be Brett Favre’s last might have something to do with it. Ticket-sale hits also are mitigated because fans often purchase ticket packages before the season starts. -NFL Football-

Still, the team’s 1-5 start hasn’t gone unnoticed. One package for the Christmas Day contest versus Chicago has dropped from $149 to $109, Garrity said. -NFL Football-

“Sales are down, no doubt about it,” he said. “(But) it’s interesting that we are still seeing, even after the fifth loss, a fair amount of interest in some of those later games.” -NFL Football-

• • •

As the Packers have fallen, the Chicago Bears have risen. Witness the sudden and somewhat surprising rush for Bears jerseys on Monday, according to Heidi Tanner, assistant manager of The Jersey Store, 1931 Holmgren Way in Ashwaubenon. -NFL Football-

“We are still mostly selling Packers merchandise and this has been a good year considering their record, but I was blown away by the way sales went up after the New Orleans win,” Tanner said. “I think that when the Packers win the fans get excited. But people jump on bandwagons, and on Monday we were getting calls for Bears stuff.” -NFL Football-

So who is popular now? -NFL Football-

Brett Favre of course. Grady Jackson, too. Al Harris, Ahmad Green and Najeh Davenport. William Henderson would be popular, but Reebok didn’t manufacture a Henderson jersey this year, Tanner said. -NFL Football-

Another popular seller with female Packers fans this season are pink T-shirts and fleece pullovers that bear the Packers name, she said. -NFL Football-

• • •

The Packers’ sorry start comes just in time for the grand opening of Greg Jenss’ Ultimate Packer Room. -NFL Football-

Jenss plans to host 20 to 25 people for Sunday’s away game against the Cincinnati Bengals in the green-and-gold-walled basement bunker of his Green Bay home. The room, lined with Packers memorabilia and featuring a 42-inch TV with surround sound and a leather couch, is the product of nearly a year’s worth of work. -NFL Football-

The 43-year-old admits he’s seen fans who have needed a lot of cheering up this season. But don’t expect to see tears streaming down this fan’s face any time soon. -NFL Football-

“Green Bay will be 11-5 at the end of this season,” he said. “I’m an optimist — period. I will go right down to the last game. I’m an optimist.” -NFL Football-

He’ll be at Lambeau Field for every home game and in his basement for every away game. And if the Pack should lose again for his big event on Sunday, so be it. -NFL Football-

“Then we’ll be 10-6,” he said. -NFL Football-

• • •

Those who are taking the Packers’ season a little harder than Jenss don’t need to feel badly. -NFL Football-

Stuart Korshavn, associate professor of psychology at St. Norbert College in De Pere, said it’s normal in Western cultures to feel an enhanced sense of pride when groups with which we identify are successful, and feel sad when they aren’t. -NFL Football-

“We collectively benefit when the Packers win, and now people miss that,” Korshavn said. That feeling is especially heightened in a small market like Green Bay, which doesn’t have as many other regional sources of pride. -NFL Football-

The downside to being a staunch supporter is the feeling of loss now, said Regan Gurung, associate professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. -NFL Football-

“When one aspect of your life is not going well, it’s a great time to focus on other things,” Gurung said. “Ask yourself what else makes you feel good and find those other interests.” -NFL Football-

• • •

Fewer folks are making a day of catching Packers action on giant-screened TVs at the Bars East and West now that the team is coming up short on the scoreboard, co-owner Jess Miller said. -NFL Football-

“It certainly has an effect on the crowds,” he said. “Business has been down somewhat. But we’ve been spoiled for the past 12 to 13 years with the Packers winning, so I guess there’s both sides. Winning was great. Now that they’re losing, people are somewhat less interested.” -NFL Football-

The Bar West, on Holmgren Way near Lambeau Field, hosts bands after home games and opens plenty early for fans looking for pregame fun. But there’s less of that these days, Miller said. -NFL Football-

“People come later and are less interested in tailgating,” he said. -NFL Football-

Still Miller is philosophical about things. “I can remember years ago before they started having success, you’d have your regulars that would come and watch the games, but that was about it. Their success in the ’90s made coming to watch the games an event.” -NFL Football-

— Terry Anderson, Andy Behrendt, Paul Brinkmann, Mike Hoeft, Kelly McBride and Patti Zarling/Press-Gazette -NFL Football-

Seattle's Hamlin in intensive care after fight outside nightclub
By GREGG BELL, AP Sports WriterOctober 18, 2005
-- NFL --
AP - Oct 17, 11:24 pm EDTMore PhotosKIRKLAND, Wash. (AP) -- The Seattle Seahawks are more concerned with Ken Hamlin's health than when -- or if -- he'll be able to rejoin the team.
The starting free safety was in serious but stable condition early Tuesday with a fractured skull and other head injuries following a fight outside a downtown Seattle nightclub. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
``It's pretty tough,'' said cornerback Marcus Trufant, whose locker is next to Hamlin's. ``I'm very concerned about his health and I'm just hoping and praying that everything goes well.''
-- NFL --
Hamlin's injuries included a small blood clot and bruising of brain tissue. He was to remain in intensive care for the next day or two, team physician Stan Herring said. Herring said doctors are waking up Hamlin every hour or two to ensure he is still stable. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
The fight may have also involved a homicide, according to a published report. A 31-year-old man who was killed near the city's Seward Park on Monday morning was involved in the fight with Hamlin, a man claiming to be the brother of the victim told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer for a story published Tuesday. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
Tramaine Isabell saw video of the fight on Seattle TV newscasts and identified one of the men as his brother, Terrell Milam. Isabell told the newspaper the video showed Milam punching Hamlin and knocking him to the ground, and that Milam was the man found dead by a jogger three hours later near Seward Park. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
Police spokesman Rich Pruitt confirmed on his office phone voice mail early Tuesday morning that there was a homicide in south Seattle on Monday morning. He also told the newspaper that police were interested in speaking to Isabell, but added, ``At this time, we have no proof there is a connection'' between the death and Hamlin's assault.-- NFL --
-- NFL --
According to a police report, Hamlin and his girlfriend were leaving Larry's Nightclub in the Pioneer Square section of Seattle at about 2 a.m. Monday, several hours after the Seahawks defeated the Houston Texans. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
The girlfriend told officers that Hamlin placed his hand on another man's back and said, ``Excuse me.'' The man told Hamlin to stop pushing, and the men began shoving each other.
According to the report, Hamlin then punched the man in the face; Herring said Hamlin has a fractured right hand. Another man struck Hamlin with his forearm, knocking him down, before the two men began fighting with other men nearby. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
Witnesses provided the names of two men to police but there had been no arrests, Seattle police spokeswoman Debra Brown said Monday.-- NFL --
-- NFL --
The club's owner, Larry Culp, said his security guards kept Hamlin separated from the two suspects outside for about 15 minutes as the bar was emptying at closing time. He said guards tried to restrain Hamlin several times and the other man started to back down, but ``as the head of my security team turned his head, (Hamlin) went after him. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
``He had plenty of chances to walk away from this incident,'' Culp said, adding Hamlin ``went out of his way'' to provoke a fight. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
Culp released a security videotape showing Hamlin breaking free from club security guards and pursuing the suspects after the initial altercation subsided. -- NFL --
Hamlin was found lying in an intersection outside the club a few blocks north of Qwest Field, surrounded by a crowd of people.-- NFL --
-- NFL --
Hamlin told the officers he was in a lot of pain, and when asked what happened, he said, ``I don't remember.'' -- NFL --
The report said Hamlin did not appear intoxicated.-- NFL --
-- NFL --
Seahawks president Tim Ruskell issued a statement Monday that said, in part: ``We are working in concert with the Seattle Police Department. The fact that this is an active assault investigation prevents us from further comment at this time.'' -- NFL --
-- NFL --
``The only difficulty I have with this is, it's such a waste,'' Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said. ``It seems rather pointless. It's not like you are playing a football game and all of a sudden you get hit and you get injured. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
``It's one of those things that shouldn't have happened.'' -- NFL --
Holmgren talked to his team about it in an afternoon meeting. The NFC West-leading Seahawks then said a team prayer for Hamlin. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
Holmgren said Marquand Manuel, a fourth-year veteran from Florida, will replace Hamlin and make his first career start Sunday against Dallas. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
Hamlin had five tackles in Seattle's 42-10 win over Houston.-- NFL --
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Jaguars hang on to beat the Bengals 23-20

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2005) -- Chad Johnson jokingly resuscitated the football early, and Carson Palmer nearly brought the Cincinnati Bengals back to life late.

Then Jacksonville's defense put an end to all that.
Byron Leftwich threw for two touchdowns, Fred Taylor ran for a season-high 132 yards and the Jaguars made a huge stop in the closing minutes to hand the Bengals their first loss of the season, 23-20.

"This shows how good of a team we have," said Jags receiver Ernest Wilford, who caught an 11-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. - NFL Football -

The Bengals started 4-0 for the first time since 1988 -- the franchise's last Super Bowl season -- and entered the game as one of the last two undefeated teams in the league.

But the Jaguars (3-2) took advantage of good field position early and had two key stops in the fourth quarter that left AFC South rival Indianapolis as the lone unbeaten.

"This was huge," Jags cornerback Rashean Mathis said. "There's a big difference between 3-2 and 2-3. It means a great deal." - NFL Football -

Josh Scobee kicked three field goals, including a 51-yarder in the second period and a 53-yarder with 9:45 to play that gave the Jaguars a 10-point lead.

Jacksonville's defense held on from there -- barely -- and kept Palmer from engineering a dramatic comeback.

Bobby McCray knocked the ball out of Palmer's hand at the Jacksonville 45-yard line with 1:28 to play. Akin Ayodele, who dropped a possible interception the play before, recovered it.

The Jags ran out the clock from there.

The defense's other key stop came on fourth-and-1 at the Jags 39-yard line with 14:30 remaining. Rudi Johnson ran up the middle, and John Henderson and Marcus Stroud stuffed him for no gain. The Jags then drove 26 yards to set up Scobee's final field goal, which tied his previous career long and the franchise record.

The Bengals used two long passes from Palmer to rookie Chris Henry to cut the lead to 23-20 with 5:16 remaining. Palmer hit Henry down the sideline for a 47-yard gain, then hit the third-round draft pick across the middle two plays later for a 25-yard score.

Aside from the final drive, nearly everything went right for the Bengals late. Very little went right for them early.

Cincinnati fell behind 13-0 before Chad Johnson caught a 14-yard TD pass from Palmer. Cincinnati had a 69-yard punt nullified by penalty, dropped an interception, shanked a punt and had another one blocked -- all in the first half. - NFL Football -

The Jaguars had great field possession following the miscues, helping them score a touchdown and a field goal.

"We dug ourselves a hole with field possession in the first half," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "We didn't play very well at the beginning of the game and we were playing up hill."

Leftwich found George Wrighster for a 26-yard score after gaining about 40 yards when Kyle Larson 's long punt was brought back because of an illegal touching. Wrighster caught the pass in the flat, hurdled Deltha O'Neal at the 5 and trotted into the end zone.

When Cincinnati put together a decent drive Johnson turned the wrong way on Palmer's deep pass and couldn't get to it. But Johnson and Palmer got into it on the sideline, and Lewis had to separate them. - NFL Football -

Larson's next punt was blocked, and the Jags got the ball at the Bengals 33. Scobee's 32-yard field goal made it 10-0.

Scobee followed with the 51-yard field goal that made it 13-0.

Palmer and Johnson, having worked things out, hooked up three times on the next drive, including the 14-yarder for a touchdown.

But Johnson complained after the game that Palmer wasn't trying hard enough to get him the ball. - NFL Football -

"They didn't get it to me period!" said Johnson, who had five receptions for 52 yards. "They doubled me the whole game. That happens every week. Does that mean that when a team doubles me that I'm through? It's not too hard to get it to (Terrell Owens) or Randy Moss."

Johnson made good on his promise of having something special planned if he scored during Cincinnati's lone appearance in prime time this season. He beat Mathis in the corner of the end zone, then performed CPR on the football. He pretended to give it mouth-to-mouth and three chest compressions.

"We need to win these," Johnson said. "I'm not satisfied with 4-1. The Bengals of old might have been OK keeping it close. We're not supposed to be close anymore." - NFL Football -

© 2005, NFL Enterprises LLC.

Giants, Jets reach agreement on new stadium
NFL.com wire reports

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Sept. 29, 2005) -- The New York Giants and Jets have reached agreement on a deal for a new stadium in the Meadowlands. - NFL Football -

The new facility will be built near Giants Stadium, which is currently home to both teams.

Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey announced the deal at a news conference, saying it would guarantee that both teams remain in New Jersey for the next 99 years. - NFL Football -

Codey, appearing at Giants Stadium with the owners of both teams, said the Jets would also relocate their practice facility to New Jersey. He noted it will be the first time an NFL stadium will be jointly operated by two teams. - NFL Football -

Specific details about the stadium plan are to be developed over the next several months.

Jets president Jay Cross estimated the cost would be more than $800 million, and Giants chief operating officer John K. Mara figured the new stadium will hold at least 80,000 spectators. The teams will be paying the cost of building the stadium and will share in the revenues.

Current plans envision a stadium on which a retractable roof could be added, Mara said.

Both teams -- as well as the NFL and New Jersey -- would like a roof, but the teams have said the $200 million cost is beyond them. A roof would allow the Super Bowl and college basketball Final Four to be played at the Meadowlands. - NFL Football -

Regarding a roof, Codey said, "The state will not pay one penny for it."

The state agreed to help both teams find new practice facilities, although Mara said he hoped the Giants would be able to get a new location at the sports complex. - NFL Football -

Mara said that while his family, a co-owner of the Giants, was sad that the stadium would have a new name, it would be necessary to sell naming rights in order to finance the project. He had no immediate estimate as to how much the naming rights would bring. - NFL Football -

He said he hopes the facility could open for the 2009 season.

© 2005, NFL Enterprises LLC.

Chargers' top picks will get their chances

NFL.com wire reports

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 15, 2005) -- The San Diego Chargers' draft-day defensive bounty might start paying off Sept. 18.

There's a good chance lineman Luis Castillo will make his first NFL start when the Chargers play at Denver, and outside linebacker Shawne Merriman is expected to make his pro debut.

The Chargers drafted Merriman with the 12th pick overall and Castillo with the 28th in hopes of pumping up their lethargic pass rush. Both were slowed by injuries in the preseason, and Merriman missed the season-opening loss to Dallas because of a sprained left knee.

"It's about time we all get in there together," Castillo said. "That's what the public wants to see. They want to see me and him meet at the quarterback, and I'm more excited about the opportunity to do that together."

Right end Igor Olshansky is doubtful with a leg injury. If he can't play, Jacques Cesakire would move to right end and Castillo would start on the left side.

Castillo wants to make up for his big blunder in the third quarter in Week 1, when he hit Dallas' Drew Bledsoe on the helmet with his right hand, drawing a roughing-the-passer call that kept alive a Cowboys scoring drive.

"I just can't wait to make up for last week," Castillo said. "They brought me in to pass rush, and for me to actually get there and then have that big mistake, I just can't wait to get back in there and do it the right way this time."

Castillo, who could be fined for that hit, said a Cowboys lineman prevented him from getting a clean shot at Bledsoe.

"I really didn't feel like I could grab him and actually bring him down, so I just tried to smack him on the shoulder as hard as I could," Castillo said. "I saw the ball going up, and I didn't want him to get the ball off. Right there he just sort of sidestepped and my hand went right to his head."

Castillo played tackle at Northwestern. Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer said he's a prototypical end in a 3-4 scheme.

"If you look at what I am, I'm just a big, athletic 300-pounder, and I guess that's what a 3-4 defensive end is," Castillo said.

"He's got a such a big motor," Schottenheimer said. "He goes so fast all the time. He's got really good quickness in his hands and his feet."

One thing Castillo doesn't have is a sack celebration. Merriman, nicknamed "Lights Out" for his hard hits, has a tattoo of a light switch on one forearm, and he celebrates big hits by pretending to flip the switch.

Whether he gets a chance in Denver remains to be seen.

Schottenheimer plans to use him on special teams and to a limited extent on defense.

"It won't be a prominent role, at least not as we approach the game," Schottenheimer said.

"I haven't flipped the switch yet," Merriman said. "It's the second week of the regular season. That's kind of disappointing to me, but it's coming. I might not see the field on defense until the second half. I really don't know."

But he believes he can go in and make some good things happen.

"I've been practicing a lot of defense, but I won't mind running out there and knocking some heads off on special teams," said Merriman, who sprained his knee on the opening kickoff of a preseason game Aug. 26 at Minnesota.

Left guard Toniu Fonoti sustained a hairline fracture in his right hand when his fingers got caught in another's player's facemask during practice Sept 14. He didn't practice the next day but is expected to play, Schottenheimer said.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service