Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Brees' daring play typifies Saints win

NEW ORLEANS — When Drew Brees needed a 12-yard completion to keep a drive alive against Chicago's vaunted defense, he stepped up in the pocket and aired it out instead.

The aggressive approach produced a stunning 79-yard touchdown to Devery Henderson and set an energizing tone that carried the Saints to a lopsided triumph.

"There's a lot of trust with that throw," Brees said. "Obviously, I have a lot of trust in Devery."

Brees had not beaten the Bears in three previous meetings since joining the Saints in 2006. He also had a clutch 4-yard scoring pass to Robert Meachem on third and goal and a swing pass to Darren Sproles for a 12-yard score.

Capsules by Times wires

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Texans keep up sweep of Dolphins

MIAMI — With the game on the line, five-time Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson found himself covered by a reserve cornerback. The result was no contest, just like this one-sided series.

Johnson badly beat Nolan Carroll for a 23-yard score in the fourth quarter to help Houston improve to 6-0 against Miami.

The Dolphins are 1-11 at home since late 2009.

"This stinks," receiver Brandon Marshall said. "We're trying to get things going in our stadium and our community, and you have to win at home to do that. It's frustrating. It's embarrassing."

With fan apathy on the rise the stadium was half empty, despite Miami native and former Hurricanes star Johnson buying 170 tickets for family and friends.

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Romo's ribs can't stop him or rally

SAN FRANCISCO — Tony Romo felt sick to his stomach. It hurt to breathe, let alone bark out the cadence in a hostile road stadium.

Playing with the throbbing pain from a fractured rib, Romo rallied the Cowboys just as he promised.

Romo delivered a gutsy comeback that looked unlikely when he returned to the locker room.

Romo hit Jesse Holley on a 77-yard completion on the Cowboys' first play of overtime to set up Dan Bailey's winning 19-yard field goal in a win over the 49ers.

"I just told (coach Jason Garrett) I was good to go. I think he asked some of the guys," Romo said. "I didn't give him too much of a chance. I just ran on the field."

Miles Austin made three touchdown receptions among his nine catches for 143 yards for Dallas.

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Hillis only Peyton enjoying this one

INDIANAPOLIS — Peyton's Place is starting to look a lot more like a one-man act. The Browns don't seem to mind.

With one Peyton (Manning) out after neck surgery, another Peyton (Hillis) overpowered the Colts' defense for two touchdown runs as Cleveland snapped a five-game losing streak against the Colts.

The Browns forced four straight three-and-outs in the second half, including an interception when Colts receiver Reggie Wayne fell.

"I don't know if we adjusted. We probably would have seen some different things" with Manning on the field, Browns coach Pat Shurmur said after his first career win. "Don't underestimate this (Colts) team. For us to get our first victory against them is good."

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Big Ben shakes off hit, Week 1 debacle

PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger was down on the Heinz Field turf, his right knee throbbing, and feared the worst.

But the searing pain was temporary. Like his team's slow start.

Roethlisberger overcame a questionable shot to the knees as the Steelers rebounded from being blown out in Week 1 in Baltimore to do the same to Seattle. The Seahawks gained 164 yards and didn't take a snap in Steelers territory until the fourth quarter.

Roethlisberger was decked by Seattle's Raheem Brock late in the second quarter as Brock dived at his legs, drawing a flag for roughing the passer. Three players later Roethlisberger was back.

"I felt like we could have scored a lot more points than we did, but we won the game and that's what's most important right now," Roethlisberger said.

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Redskins sweat it out for comeback

LANDOVER, Md. — The Redskins squandered many chances and trailed by eight in the fourth quarter but rallied for victory.

"We could have made it a lot easier on us," tight end Fred Davis said. "But at the end of the day, we got the win."

Former Florida star Rex Grossman threw an 18-yard score to former Miami star Santana Moss on fourth and 3 to cut Washington's deficit to two with 5:17 left. The 2-point conversion attempt failed, but Graham Gano's 34-yard field goal with 1:45 remaining gave the Redskins the lead.

Cornerback Byron Westbrook, on the field for the Redskins because of injuries to three defensive backs, forced Chansi Stuckey to fumble to end the Cardinals' final drive.

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Bills have final say in closing seconds

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Bills will take a win any way they can.

After a wild back-and-forth fourth quarter, Ryan Fitzpatrick found former Florida receiver David Nelson wide open on fourth down for a 6-yard touchdown with 14 seconds remaining.

"I don't know what happened, but I think they misaligned to be honest," Fitzpatrick said of the Raiders. "I was lucky enough to see it."

Buffalo scored touchdowns on each of its five second-half possessions as the teams traded the lead five times in the final 14:10.

"I can't recall one quite like that," Bills coach Chan Gailey said.

Officials required 10 minutes to review and uphold the final play — rookie cornerback Da'Norris Searcy's interception of Jason Campbell's end-zone heave.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Accomplishment of the day

Johnny Damon played in his 140th game, making it 16 seasons of 140 or more, tying the all-time record shared by Hank Aaron, Brooks Robinson and Pete Rose. (Cal Ripken played in only 112 in the strike-shortened 1994 season.)

Today: Off

Next game: Tuesday, 7:05 p.m., at Yankees, Sun Sports

Starting pitchers:

Rays: RH Wade Davis (10-9, 4.41)

YANKEES: RH Ivan Nova (15-4, 3.81)

On deck

Wednesday: at Yankees, 1:05 and 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (15-11, 2.78) and Jeremy Hellickson (13-10, 2.91); Yankees — CC Sabathia (19-8, 3.01) and Phil Hughes (5-5, 6.00)

Thursday: at Yankees, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann (11-7, 3.95); Yankees — Bartolo Colon (8-9, 3.81)

Friday: vs. Blue Jays, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — TBA; Jays — TBA

By the numbers

Home/Road: 42-33/43-34

Day/Night: 33-23/52-44

Grass/Turf: 37-31/48-36

vs. East: 36-26

vs. Central: 21-17

vs. West: 16-18

vs. National League: 12-6

vs. RH/LH starters: 56-49/29-18

The Rays model the letterman sweaters they planned to wear on their train ride to New York.

Quote of the day

"The good news is that if we hold off Tampa, we wouldn't have to play them in the playoffs. Because they're having their way with us."

Red Sox manager Terry Francona

Plans for the day

"No Guiding Light for me."

RHP Wade Davis, on plans to watch the Red Sox game this afternoon rather than a soap opera

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Accomplishment of the day

Johnny Damon played in his 140th game, making it 16 seasons of 140 or more, tying the all-time record shared by Hank Aaron, Brooks Robinson and Pete Rose. (Cal Ripken played in only 112 in the strike-shortened 1994 season.)

Today: Off

Next game: Tuesday, 7:05 p.m., at Yankees, Sun Sports

Starting pitchers:

Rays: RH Wade Davis (10-9, 4.41)

YANKEES: RH Ivan Nova (15-4, 3.81)

On deck

Wednesday: at Yankees, 1:05 and 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (15-11, 2.78) and Jeremy Hellickson (13-10, 2.91); Yankees — CC Sabathia (19-8, 3.01) and Phil Hughes (5-5, 6.00)

Thursday: at Yankees, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann (11-7, 3.95); Yankees — Bartolo Colon (8-9, 3.81)

Friday: vs. Blue Jays, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — TBA; Jays — TBA

By the numbers

Home/Road: 42-33/43-34

Day/Night: 33-23/52-44

Grass/Turf: 37-31/48-36

vs. East: 36-26

vs. Central: 21-17

vs. West: 16-18

vs. National League: 12-6

vs. RH/LH starters: 56-49/29-18

The Rays model the letterman sweaters they planned to wear on their train ride to New York.

Gift of the day

With the Orioles coming into Boston, and the Rays in line to benefit if they can beat the Red Sox, manager Joe Maddon was asked if he might leave a note on the office desk for Baltimore counterpart Buck Showalter. "Maybe,'' Maddon said, "a nice bottle of wine.''

Plans for the day

"No Guiding Light for me."

RHP Wade Davis, on plans to watch the Red Sox game this afternoon rather than a soap opera

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Jets sprint out of starting blocks

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Jets got off to a fast start and broke a 16-game skid in which they failed to score an offensive touchdown in the first quarter, and Antonio Cromartie had two of four interceptions of Luke McCown as New York cruised.

"That was huge," Sanchez said of the quick start. "We answered the call and now we just need to stay consistent, and that's on me."

The Jets won the toss, elected to receive the kick — a rarity under defensive-minded coach Rex Ryan — and efficiently moved before scoring on a 17-yard catch by Santonio Holmes.

McCown was replaced by rookie Blaine Gabbert early in the fourth quarter after posting a dismal 1.8 quarterback rating.

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Lions casual about record-tying win

DETROIT — The Lions had a ho-hum attitude about the most lopsided regular-season win in franchise history.

Matthew Stafford threw two of his four touchdowns to Calvin Johnson as Detroit matched its largest win in any game, a 59-14 rout over Cleveland in the 1957 NFL title game. Detroit beat expansion Jacksonville 44-0 in 1995.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz claimed he wasn't impressed: "We can play better," he said with a shrug.

Detroit led 41-3 early in the fourth after turning two fumbles into TDs in a home opener that didn't disappoint its fired-up fans.

"In the years I've been here, it has never been like that in the stadium," said center Dominic Raiola, a Lion since 2001.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, September 18, 2011

BOSTON — LHP David Price got a big scare, a bruise on his chest and an afternoon visit to Massachusetts General Hospital after being struck by a third-inning line drive.

He, and the Rays, were thankful it wasn't worse. And that, according to manager Joe Maddon, he is expected to make his next start, either Friday or Saturday against Toronto.

"I'm fine," Price said in comments relayed by the team. "I'm just glad it didn't hit me in the head. … The bullpen guys did a great job. I was watching on my phone while I was laying in bed at the hospital."

Price was put through a series of undisclosed tests, which all were negative, Maddon said. He didn't return to Fenway Park, meeting the team at the train station for the Sunday night ride to New York.

There was one out in the third when Mike Aviles' liner struck Price flush on the right side of the chest, knocking him back but not over. He was immediately attended to by team medical staff and Maddon, and convinced them to let him stay in.

He finished that inning and worked the fourth, but when he began to stiffen up, the Rays said it was enough, taking him out and sending him to be checked out.

"It's really obviously scary," Maddon said. "You hear the solid thump from the bench. It got all of him. … You get hit in the chest area, there's a lot of bad things that can happen."

SHOPPACH THE MAN: Kelly Shoppach started at catcher Sunday and will reclaim a more significant role given the lack of offensive production from Jose Lobaton (.074) and overall poor play by John Jaso (.223).

Since Shoppach, hitting .170, is by far the best defensive catcher of the three, Maddon said it only makes sense at this juncture to turn back to him. "We cannot sacrifice behind the plate if we are not in fact picking it up at the plate," Maddon said.

FARNSWORTH ENCOURAGED: RHP Kyle Farnsworth got to go on the field and play catch for the first time since leaving the Sept.  10 game, making about 40 "nice and easy" pitches from a distance of 60 feet. He said "everything went well" with his previously tender elbow and he was "definitely" encouraged. Farnsworth said there was no set timetable, but he hopes to throw off the mound Tuesday and return as soon as Thursday.

FULD, TOO: OF Sam Fuld received a cortisone injection in his right wrist (strained ECU tendon) after Saturday's game and said he was already feeling better and planned to try swinging a bat Tuesday. He has been limited to defense and pinch-running duties.

LENDING A HAND: Maddon today will announce plans for the Hazleton Integration Project, a program to acquire and furnish a community center for use by Hispanic residents as part of an effort to unify the multicultural area and restore the vibrancy of his Pennsylvania hometown. A series of awareness- and fundraising events are planned for December.

MISCELLANY: The Rays finished 12-6 against the Sox, their best for a season, and held them to a .189 average, lowest for the Sox vs. an AL opponent since 1901. … LHP Matt Moore, who threw 60 pitches on Saturday, could be available in relief again as soon as Tuesday. … The Rays won their 24th straight when scoring five or more. … SS Sean Rodriguez, bothered by a stiff back, left after five innings as a precaution; the Rays need him Tuesday with Ben Zobrist expected to miss the game due to the birth of his daughter.

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Titans expanding operation on 'O'

NASHVILLE — The Titans showed off a passing game with new quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, and that means Chris Johnson now has some help.

Hasselbeck threw for 358 yards and a touchdown, and Tennessee gave new coach Mike Munchak a big win in its home opener. Munchak called it a great recovery after a loss at Jacksonville.

"We knew we couldn't be 0-2," he said after getting a game ball from owner Bud Adams. "…We've been talking about winning at home since the first day I took the job."

With the Ravens focused on stopping Johnson, Kenny Britt caught nine passes for 135 yards and a TD and Nate Washington had seven receptions for 99 yards. Tennessee also sacked Joe Flacco three times and hit him repeatedly.

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the second straight week, Cam Newton threw for more than 400 yards, sidestepped pass rushers and moved the Panthers up and down the field.

Leave it to Aaron Rodgers and the Super Bowl champion Packers to spoil Newton's home debut.

Rodgers threw for 308 yards and two scores and Green Bay withstood a 432-yard passing day by the No. 1 overall draft pick to beat Carolina 30-23 on Sunday.

A week after throwing for 422 yards — most in league history by a rookie in his debut and tying the overall rookie record — Newton topped himself by setting a rookie record for passing yards in a game. He passed for a touchdown and ran for a 4-yard score with 37 seconds left to bring Carolina within seven, but the Packers recovered the onside kick.

"I knew he would be good, but if I told you I knew he'd be this good this early, I'd be lying to you," said Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji, who had one of four sacks.

Rodgers found Greg Jennings for a 49-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, the go-ahead score in a run of 23 straight points to erase a 13-0 deficit.

Then, after Clay Matthews stopped Newton a yard shy on a fourth-down run inside the 5, Rodgers found Jordy Nelson for an 84-yard score that made it a two-possession game.

Despite Newton's yards, the Packer defense came up big by forcing the rookie into three interceptions — two by Charles Woodson. Matthews' stop came as the Panthers were closing in on a tying touchdown.

Two plays later, Rodgers found Nelson on the left side, and the receiver sprinted down the sideline and all the way to the end zone to push the lead to 30-16 with 2:14 left.

Just as with last week's loss at Arizona, Newton wasn't in the mood to celebrate.

"We've just got to get it right. We're going to get it right," Newton said. "But I'm not the person to just sit up here and say, 'Well, we have next time.' I'm not that type of person. I want it right now and I want to get it right now."

Newton couldn't have asked for a better start in his home debut in front of a crowd loudly cheering his every move. He threw a 3-yard touchdown to Brandon LaFell on his first drive. Then, after a fumbled kickoff return by Randall Cobb, Newton directed the first of two field-goal drives to take the 13-0 lead.

But Newton's first pickoff came late in the second quarter when he threw to Steve Smith in double coverage. Woodson dived in front of Smith near the sideline.

"This is a rookie quarterback that's learning and growing and getting better each opportunity he gets," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. "When we go back and really get to watch the tape, we'll see he missed a read here, he missed a throw here, but for the most part, he handled himself with the type of poise and composure you would not expect."

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Big-yardage games are becoming routine for Tom Brady. So is setting records.

Brady threw for 423 yards Sunday — six days after setting a single-game team record of 517 — and led the Patriots to a 35-21 win over the Chargers.

"It seems like he's always great," Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich said. "He's the best quarterback in the league."

The club record he shattered in the opener at Miami had stood for 51 years. The NFL mark for yards passing in the first two games of a season, 854, lasted about three hours. Carolina rookie Cam Newton set that before Brady ended the day at 940 yards.

"Two pretty outstanding outings" by Brady, said left tackle Matt Light, who protects his blind side. "He's the leader of our offense. When he's doing well, we're all good."

Brady became the first player to follow a 500-yard passing performance with a 400-yard game, and the Patriots have scored at least 30 in 10 straight regular-season games.

The Chargers turned the ball over inside the Patriots 35-yard line three times, leading to 17 points. They also were stopped on a fourth-and-goal at the 1, and the Patriots started a 99-yard drive that ended with one of Brady's two scoring passes to Rob Gronkowski.

Coach Bill Belichick didn't single out Brady, saying his success results from the other 10 offensive players doing their jobs. And Brady, who connected with seven receivers, said simply, "We were able to spread the ball around."

Philip Rivers threw for 378 yards and two touchdowns but San Diego had four turnovers for the second straight year against New England.

"They obviously got points (almost) every time they were down (near the goal line) and didn't turn it over and, obviously, we did," Rivers said. "That was the difference in the game."

Brady had to share the spotlight and, somehow, wasn't totally obscured by 325-pound defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. He got his first career interception to halt a promising Chargers drive late in the first half, rumbling 28 yards on the return.

"I'm a well-conditioned athlete. I didn't need any oxygen," Wilfork said with a chuckle.

He said he anticipated the screen pass to Rivers' right and stepped into the passing lane.

"There's no way I'm ever going to see him coming," Rivers said. "I would throw that one again every time. He made a great play."

For the second straight game, New England had a 99-yard touchdown drive. The Patriots got the ball back at their 1-yard line when Jerod Mayo stopped Mike Tolbert short of the goal line. In the 38-24 win over the Dolphins, the Patriots also took over at the 1, and Brady hit Wes Welker for a 99-yard score on the next play. This time Brady needed 10 plays to score.

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Hurting Broncos go to Tebow — at WR

DENVER — The Broncos had just enough healthy players to hold on for John Fox's first win in Denver. Even if their lineup was left looking like a preseason game, when fans wonder, "Who's that guy?"

The Broncos staved off a surge by the Bengals to hold on despite losing two more key players, bringing their injury total to 10.

Even Tim Tebow's No. 15 was called — not to replace Kyle Orton at quarterback as his fans have been calling for the former Florida star to do, but to line up at receiver after Eddie Royal (strained left groin) and rookie tight end Julius Thomas (ankle) went out.

"I'm going to do whatever I can to help the team," said Tebow, who was never targeted in the passing game but did his best to block. "If they ask me to go out there and run some routes and block some people, I'll go do it."

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Poised Parker emerges

O f all the Bucs who played important roles in Sunday's win, the least likely might have been WR Preston Parker. Start with the obvious: Parker got extensive playing time only because Tampa Bay's usual slot receiver, Sammie Stroughter, missed the game after foot surgery. And Parker arrived as a fringe player last season, a rookie free agent who was fortunate to make the team. But Parker's 195 total yards in receiving and in the kicking game loomed large in the Bucs' 24-20 victory at the Metrodome. Included were six receptions for 98 yards.

"I came a long way," Parker said. "I still had to make the team. (There were) a lot of things I had to change about myself. I did it, and this is the outcome. And there's still more to come. It's just one game. Put it behind you and keep going."

Parker had the game's longest play, a 51-yard catch-and-run in the third quarter. And he recorded what was, arguably, the biggest play. It came on third and 4 from the Vikings 10 with 1:17 left. If the Bucs didn't convert, they would have to settle for a tying field goal rather than having a shot at a winning touchdown.

But QB Josh Freeman had a plan: Go to Sunday's go-to man.

"When we got it in close and got to third and short, I knew we were going to have one-on-one (coverage) underneath with Preston," Freeman said.

He drilled a pass over the middle to Parker, who turned up the field for a 6-yard gain and a first down. With first and goal at the 4, the Bucs converted with RB LeGarrette Blount's touchdown run on the next play.

Parker's performance means he'll get further chances to make more. He is gaining the faith of Freeman and offensive coordinator Greg Olson.

"I'm sure when they see I can make plays, they're going to try to come back to me," he said. "When you show them you can make plays … you just make it easier for the coaches."

Quick hits

. With his 25-yard touchdown pass to WR Arrelious Benn in the fourth quarter, Bucs QB Josh Freeman has thrown at least one touchdown in 15 consecutive games, extending his team record. The second-longest streak belongs to Brian Griese, who had 12 straight in 2004-05.

. Bucs WR Preston Parker's six receptions for 98 yards were career highs.

. Bucs LB Mason Foster recorded his first career sack in the second quarter, and it marked the team's first sack of the season. Foster also forced a fumble and had a tackle for loss.

. Bucs TE Kellen Winslow has caught at least one pass in 78 consecutive games. He finished with four receptions for 44 yards.

. Bucs CB Ronde Barber extended his league-leading streak of consecutive starts among active players to 185, and his streak of consecutive games played hit 210, behind Vikings K Ryan Longwell (226).

Raheem rolls dice

The Bucs — like everyone watching their uninspired first-half effort — needed something to spark a rally in the second half.

Coach Raheem Morris, below, figured he knew what would do the trick: the onside kick after the Bucs' first touchdown in the third quarter.

The kick was executed perfectly by Michael Koenen, with CB Elbert Mack swooping in to cover up the loose ball and, as a result, change the trajectory of the game.

"It gave us some momentum," Mack said. "It gave us some hope. It reminded us that we're always in this situation. We've done this before. Like Raheem said at halftime, 'Don't blink, don't shy away from the game plan. Go back out there and execute.' "

The successful kick didn't produce points, as Freeman threw an interception in the end zone with 7:50 left in the third quarter. It was a letdown after the Bucs had moved to the Minnesota 12, but the sequence put the Vikings on their heels.

"It gave us enough momentum to win the football game," Morris said.

Said Mack: "Before we even had gotten points on the board, (Morris) said, 'If we score here, it's all or nothing.' We didn't get any points, but that's what sparked us."

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

ATLANTA — Injured Braves RHPs Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens are taking their next steps in hopes of returning to Atlanta's rotation.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Hanson, sidelined since Aug. 14 with right shoulder tendinitis, will pitch two or three innings — a maximum of 35 pitches — today in the Instructional League at Orlando.

Gonzalez said Jurrjens, out since Aug. 6 with a right knee strain, is scheduled to throw off a mound today in Miami.

Hanson is 11-7 with a 3.60 ERA in 22 starts. Jurrjens, a first-time All-Star, is 13-6 with a 2.96 ERA in 23 starts.

TWINS SHUT DOWN SLUGGER: Twins 1B Justin Morneau won't play again this season because of concussion symptoms and a cyst in his left knee that will be surgicalloy removed this week. Morneau, 30, a former AL MVP who also missed two months of the season because of neck surgery, will have played in only 69 games. He hit .227 with four homers and 30 RBIs, all career lows.

REYNOLDS CALLS OUT SANTANA: Orioles 1B Mark Reynolds says Angels RHP Ervin Santana intentionally threw a fastball at him Saturday, and he felt fortunate to have avoided serious injury after being struck in the helmet. Reynolds homered in the first and was beaned in the third. "I think he hit me on purpose. I don't think he hit me on the head on purpose," Reynolds said. Angels manager Mike Scioscia denied there was intent.

GIANTS: Closer Brian Wilson, out since Aug. 21 with inflammation in his right elbow, was activated.

MARINERS: INF Chone Figgins was shut down for the season because of ongoing discomfort in his right hip. The former Brandon High standout strained his right hip flexor in late July.

METS: Left-handed specialist Tim Byrdak signed a 2012 contract.

REDS: LHP Dontrelle Willis was scratched from his start because of back spasms and was replaced by LHP Matt Maloney.

ROCKIES: LHP Jorge De La Rosa, who had reconstructive elbow surgery on June 3, was cleared to begin a throwing program Sept. 23.

YANKEES: RHP Phil Hughes was scratched from his scheduled start against the Twins tonight because of back spasms. RHP A.J. Burnett will start in his place.

By Times staff, wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Bucs coach Raheem Morris:

"We couldn't have played worse in the first half. That was arguably the worst half of football we've played since I became coach. For them to come out in the second half and believe in themselves and their coaches was a heck of a job."

Bucs QB Josh Freeman, on the second half:

"We knew that all we needed to do was get some points on the board, and get it back to a two-possession game and that we would be in pretty good shape from there. We got the ball back, LeGarrette (Blount) scored us some points and we got the onside kick. Really it didn't go as well as we would have liked it to. We turned the ball over in the red zone because of a critical error by me, but at the same time guys responded and we finished the game off well."

Bucs RB LeGarrette Blount, on the second half:

"That's being a young energized team. We're never going to get down in the dumps and hold our heads because we're down. We're going to do everything we can to make things better and make things work for us."

Bucs LB Mason Foster, on his first sack:

"It was just a blitz. I came free, I think it was supposed to be off one of the ends. He had a great rush, forced him back inside and I was just running to the ball."

Bucs S Cody Grimm, on making adjustments:

"Yeah, (Morris) was mad. … We went a little more man in the second half. It helped with the check-downs and stuff like that. It's a little more gap-savvy. Everyone knows their gap rather than some people having like two gaps, falling back, stuff like that."

Vikings QB Donovan McNabb:

"We have to find a way to finish. We haven't finished two weeks in a row. If we were able to score a touchdown in the second half instead of having to kick that field goal it might have changed the game."

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson:

"For the second week in a row we let one get away. It's nothing I can put my finger on. … You're not supposed to give a game away like that."

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier:

"It's a disappointing loss. When you control a game for as long as we did and then not finish it off is very frustrating for our team. We're playing too well early in games not to finish them off. … They did some things to uncover some guys and did a good job of blocking on that last drive that kept us from getting to their quarterback. (Freeman) did a great job today of staying composed."

Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com's NFC South blogger:

The defensive performance in the second half was pretty remarkable. The defense spent way too much time on the field in the first half. When that happens against Adrian Peterson, it's usually a formula for disaster. But this young defense stepped up and held the Vikings to a field goal in the second half. Of course, it helped a bit that the offense was doing its job in the second half.

Chip Scoggins, Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

The 23-year-old Freeman is the poster child of this young, talented team. The Bucs have 35 players who are 25 years old or younger on the roster. Morris coined the term "youngry" to describe his squad — young and hungry. He waved off the suggestion that a young team occasionally will play like the Bucs did in the first half.

Times wires
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Ohio State fell out of the Associated Press college football rankings for the first time in nearly seven years, ending the nation's longest streak of appearances in the Top 25, and FSU dropped from No. 5 to No. 11.

Coming off a 24-6 beating at Miami, the Buckeyes dropped from No. 17 Sunday. They had been in 103 straight Top 25s since being left out Nov. 20, 2004.

Oklahoma remained No. 1 after a 23-13 victory at FSU.

Florida rose one spot to No. 15. USF rose two spots to No. 18.

For the third consecutive week, LSU and Alabama flip-flopped at Nos. 2 and 3. The Tigers moved up to second after winning 19-6 at Mississippi State. The Crimson Tide slipped to third. Boise State stayed at No. 4 and Stanford moved up to fifth.

Others dropping from the rankings: Michigan State, Auburn, Mississippi State and Arizona State.

Moving in was No. 21 Clemson, which plays FSU on Saturday. It's the Tigers' first ranking since the end of the 2009 season.

With Ohio State's streak of Top 25 appearances over, Alabama has the longest streak with 53. Boise State is next with 49.

Injured against Gators, Vol out for season

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee receiver Justin Hunter has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and needs season-ending surgery.

School officials announced Hunter's injury in a statement Sunday night, saying the sophomore receiver will miss the rest of this season. He is expected to return for spring practice.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound wideout was hurt on Tennessee's first pass in Saturday's 33-23 loss to Florida. He landed awkwardly on his left knee making a 12-yard reception, fell and rolled in pain. He walked off but did not return.

Hunter came into Saturday's game leading the SEC in receiving and ranked 10th nationally with 17 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns.

mascot update: Connecticut officials said no foul play was involved when an Iowa State student dressed as the school's mascot broke his arm during Friday's game in Hartford. Witnesses had said he might have been pushed when he went into the stands, though that was not confirmed and police said there was no physical altercation. The student was treated at a hospital and returned to Iowa.

virginia tech: Receiver Dyrell Roberts (broken arm) is likely out for the season.

Late Saturday

Oklahoma St. 59, Tulsa 33: Brandon Weeden threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns and the visiting Cowboys waited out a three-hour rain and lightning delay. The game started at 12:16 a.m. and ended at 3:35.

The NCAA doesn't keep records showing where the game ranks among latest to start or finish. More than half of the paid crowd of 24,563 stayed, and Tulsa's Bill Blankenship may have been the first coach to open a postgame news conference with, "Good morning, everybody."

Weeden has witnessed strange things in his 27-plus years. He is a late-comer to college after pursuing a professional baseball dream.

"I've played five years of minor-league baseball," he said. "I've had some late starts and 20-inning games, and still nothing really compares with this. This is a first."

Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon had 57 yards receiving, ending an NCAA-record run of 14 straight games in triple digits.

Cowboys linebackers coach Glenn Spencer left the team indefinitely after his wife, Angela, died during the game. Coach Mike Gundy said she had been struggling with her health and received a heart transplant.

Stanford 37, Arizona 10: Andrew Luck threw for 325 yards and had both of his touchdown passes in the second half, helping the visiting Cardinal pull away. Auburn's loss makes Stanford's 11 straight wins the most in major college football.