Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

LAKE BUENA VISTA — Already No. 1 in the world, Luke Donald left little doubt who was No. 1 on the PGA Tour.

Believing his only chance to capture the PGA Tour money title was to win at Disney, Donald ran off six straight birdies on the back nine Sunday and closed with 8-under 64 to come from five off the lead and win the Children's Miracle Network Classic.

"This is one of the most satisfying wins of my career," Donald said.

Donald, who trailed Webb Simpson by $363,029 coming into the final tournament of the year, was two behind Simpson when they made the turn. Then came a performance that ranks among Donald's best, even in his best season of golf.

He holed four straight birdie putts inside 8 feet, took the lead with an 18-foot birdie on the par-5 14th, then sealed his rally with a 45-foot birdie on No. 15.

"Everything was on the line," said Donald, who finished at 17-under 271 for a two-shot win over Justin Leonard. "I'm thrilled and over the moon."

It was his second tour win of the year. Donald also won the points-based player of the year award from the PGA of America and the Vardon Trophy for the lowest adjusted scoring average. With no one else winning more than twice this year, Donald established himself as a heavy favorite to be the tour's player of the year, voted on by players.

"The fact is, playing against the best player in the world, he's going to do something great like that most of the time, and he did," Simpson said.

Donald kept alive his bid to become the first player to win the money title on the PGA and European tours in the same season. His lead in Europe is just more than $1.8 million over Rory McIlroy with five events left.

LPGA: Yani Tseng won the Taiwan Championship in Yang Mei for her 10th worldwide victory of the year and third in front of her home fans. She closed with 6-under 66 to finish at 16-under 272, five strokes ahead of Azahara Munoz and Amy Yang. Tampa resident Kristy McPherson shot 76 to finish 11 over. Tampa's Cindy LaCrosse shot 72 for 14 over.

European: Spain's Sergio Garcia won the Castello Masters for his first title in almost three years, shooting 8-under 63 to finish at 27-under 257 and dominating on his home course for an 11-stroke victory.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, October 23, 2011

Shooting from the lip

St. Petersburg Times staff writer Tom Jones looks back at the best and worst from a weekend of televised sports.

Strangest coverage

In the end, Sunday's NFL game in London between the Bucs and Bears was more for the people of England and the rest of Europe than it was for fans in the United States. For Americans, it was just another NFL game. And Fox treated it as such. Other than a few shots of Big Ben (the clock, not the quarterback) and Stonehenge and the like, you really wouldn't know the game was being played in another country.

But the question is: Why doesn't the NFL make a bigger deal out of it? Why not make it an event for the people in the United States, too? The game went out to only 17 percent of the country, while 40 percent got the Falcons-Lions game at the same time on the same network. Aside from Chicago and much of Florida, the only other places to see Sunday's Bucs-Bears game were Albuquerque, N.M.; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; and Phoenix.

Here's a thought: Instead of starting the game at 6 p.m. London time, start it at 3 p.m. London time. That would mean a 10 a.m. start in the eastern United States. Make it a "Breakfast With the NFL'' special, just like Wimbledon or golf's British Open. Show the game across the entire country. Wouldn't that be cool to do once a year?

Best camera work

Applause for NBC's work Saturday night on the Notre Dame-Southern Cal broadcast. The camera work during the fourth quarter was outstanding and gave viewers definitive shots of two crucial plays in the Trojans' 31-17 victory.

The first was what initially appeared to be an incompletion that, NBC's replays showed, was clearly a backward pass. Southern Cal, which led by only seven points at the time, recovered the loose ball. Moments later, the Trojans scored on a pass that might have been a ball trapped on the ground. The replays, however, showed it was a good catch and a touchdown.

It was solid work that probably was lost behind better college games, as well as Game 3 of the World Series.

Most touching moments

The most heartbreaking moments of the weekend were turned in Sunday by ESPN's NASCAR Countdown host Nicole Briscoe as she paid tribute to IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who was killed the previous week after a crash in Las Vegas.

Briscoe knew Wheldon well because her husband is IndyCar driver Ryan Briscoe. As she read the tribute, which she wrote herself, and talked with the NASCAR Countdown analysts, Briscoe's voice cracked several times and she seemed on the verge of breaking down.

Forget that stuff about journalists being objective or not showing emotion. Briscoe's demeanor was real human emotion that reminded us all just how cruel the previous week's events were. Briscoe should be admired for fighting through her emotions to run a respectful and honest eulogy and discussion of Wheldon's life and death.

In the most real and powerful portion of the conversation, Briscoe's voice wavered as she talked about the ability that drivers have to compartmentalize things so that they can climb back into a car after a devastating wreck such as last week.

"I say this as the wife of a driver who was on the track last weekend in Las Vegas," Briscoe said. "For the loved ones? I don't think we have the ability quite like them to compartmentalize. So, today for some people, it's kind of scary."

Most revealing

Outstanding job by Fox's crew Saturday night during Game 3 of the World Series. When the topic of pitchers tipping pitches (doing something to accidently give hints as to what pitch they are about throw) came up, Fox called upon pre- and postgame analyst A.J. Pierzynski to chime in with his experience.

Pierzynski revealed that Cardinals (and former Rays pitcher) Edwin Jackson used to look down during his windup when he threw fastballs. He also said Mets pitcher Johan Santana would give away pitches with how he held his mouth.

Sensational work by the White Sox catcher to offer up real examples from real players and smart work by Fox to work Pierzynski into that part of the broadcast.

Worst self-promotion

Only Fox could take analyst Michael Strahan making a football point about the dustup between Lions coach Jim Schwartz and 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and turn it into a promo for an upcoming mixed martial arts fight on the network. There's no topic, it seems, that Fox can't turn into a promo for an upcoming show. That's not a compliment.

Best analysis

When you have a mediocre game such as USF-Cincinnati, you would think that the network would have to dig too deep into the well of decent announcers for a really good broadcast. But, you know, ESPN analyst John Congemi was actually quite good calling the Bulls-Bearcats game. His strength was anticipating what would happen next and, on several occasions, noticing mismatches that teams could (and, ultimately, did) use to their advantage. That shows an analyst who did his homework.

Best feature

ESPN loves self-promotion, but its piece on college football analyst Lee Corso during Saturday morning's College GameDay was excellent. The feature celebrated the 200th time that Corso has closed out GameDay by putting on a mascot's head or uniform to announce which school he was picking in that day's game of the week.

As reporter Tom Rinaldi said: "The true kickoff, respectfully, to a college football Saturday doesn't happen in a stadium. It doesn't happen on the field. It happens on a coach's head.''

Amen. By the way, over the years, Corso's mascot performance is right about 70 percent of the time.

Three things that popped into my head

1. So, Steelers nice guy Troy Polamalu gets fined $10,000 for using a cell phone on the sideline to call his wife and tell her he was okay after being injured, but coaches Jim Harbaugh (49ers) and Jim Schwartz (Lions) get nothing for bumping, yelling, nearly coming to blows and acting, in general, like a couple of knuckleheads. Really?

2. Goofy NFL television rules. Every week, many folks around here gripe about having to watch the Dolphins instead of a better game, and then on Sunday when everyone wanted to watch the Dolphins against Tim Tebow and the Broncos, we don't get to watch it.

3. Saturday night's Oklahoma-Texas Tech and Wisconsin-Michigan State thrillers were made all the more dramatic because the seasons of Oklahoma and Wisconsin were on the lines. That's what makes the college football regular season so good, and that's why the BCS works.

tom jones' two cents

Harshest exchange

The most interesting conversation during the Sunday morning NFL pregame shows was about a quarterback and whether he could play in the league at this point of his career. But it wasn't about Denver's Tim Tebow. It was about Vikings veteran Donovan McNabb during the NFL Network's NFL GameDay Morning show.

Reporter Michael Lombardi said: "Donovan really has not been putting the time in to be the great player. What happened in Washington, the lack of work habits in Washington, has now gone into Minnesota."

After having a conversation with McNabb, analyst Kurt Warner said: "(McNabb) said, 'That stuff's crazy.' He said he's putting in his time. He says he's doing what the coaches ask him to do in every situation."

But analyst Warren Sapp said to Warner: "I understand the text that he sent you and him calling back to defend himself, but the proof is in the pudding. The eye in the sky, the game film, does not lie. He looked like an unprepared quarterback out there on Sunday."

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, October 23, 2011

Barber nearly cashes in on big day

. With 14 career touchdowns, CB Ronde Barber is a rare defensive player who can change the scoreboard. On Sunday, Barber tackled RB Matt Forte in the end zone for a safety with 4:49 remaining in the first quarter.

On the Bears' next series, Barber drifted into the right flat and got both hands on a pass by Jay Cutler. But he dropped what likely would have been an interception return for a touchdown.

"I couldn't believe it," Barber said.

"That was a gift."

Barber finished with five tackles, including a 6-yard sack on third and goal during the fourth quarter, one quarterback hit and three passes defensed.

The sack was the 27th of his 15-year career, the most among defensive backs in NFL history.

"I was just keying the ball," he said of the sack. "As soon as the ball moved, I moved.

"I don't know who had me. It was probably the center, but he couldn't get his hand up because he was snapping the ball with the wrong hand. I was on the right side."



Running on empty

E arnest Graham was set to be a big part of the Bucs offense Sunday. Filling in for the injured LeGarrette Blount, he rushed for 109 yards on 17 carries in the previous week's win over New Orleans. But on the Bucs' first play of their second possession, Graham slipped after catching a short pass. He did not return and was in a walking boot after the game. His status has not been announced. However, Profootballtalk.com reported it's a season-ending torn right Achilles' tendon.

Then things went from bad to worse.

On the ensuing punt, FB Erik Lorig hurt his shoulder, although he was able to return.

"Any time you lose a player like (Graham), it always affects you on offense," coach Raheem Morris said. "But we're a team of next man up. It was (Kregg) Lumpkin's turn. You've got to step up and be better than the starter. That's just our mentality. It's what the head coach believes. It's what the organization believes."

With Graham out, Lumpkin rushed eight times for only 15 yards, a 1.9-yard average, and 13 of those yards came on one play.

Blount, who has missed two games with a sprained knee sustained at San Francisco, could be ready to play after the bye week at New Orleans. But the Bucs have to address their thin running back situation.

Allen Bradford, a sixth-round pick in April, was claimed off waivers by the Seahawks after being released by the Bucs two weeks ago. Tampa Bay most likely will sign Mossis Madu, an undrafted rookie free agent currently on its practice squad.

"Lorig sucked it up and was able to come back," Morris said. "We do have to address that position. Luckily, we have a bye week in order to do that. We're able to get that done and get some practices in and, hopefully, get these guys ready to go."

Tanard injured during interception return

. S Tanard Jackson hasn't wasted any time making a splash since returning from a 56-week substance-abuse suspension. During the first quarter, he picked off Jay Cutler, his second interception in as many games since being reinstated, and returned it 43 yards. But Jackson had to pull up when he strained his left hamstring and did not return.

On the Bears' next possession, Marion Barber ripped off a 29-yard run, making backup S Corey Lynch miss at the line of scrimmage. Lynch did record an interception during the fourth quarter.

Jackson and RB Earnest Graham (see above) weren't the only ones hurt:

• FB Erik Lorig injured his shoulder while covering a punt but returned.

• LB Mason Foster aggravated an ankle injury during the first quarter and did not return.

• Foster's backup, Adam Hayward, aggravated a foot injury but stayed in the game.

• C Jeremy Zuttah, replacing injured starter Jeff Faine, went out in the second half with a knee injury.

• DT Brian Price sustained a right leg injury but came back.

The team's bye week comes at a good time to get players back. RB LeGarrette Blount (knee) and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who missed their second games, could return Nov. 6 at New Orleans.

Forte runs over Bucs

. The Bears' Matt Forte, below, had a big day, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries (a 5.8-yard average). In fact, only offensive coordinator Mike Martz's decision to take the ball out of his hands, after 108 first-half yards, slowed him (10 carries in the second half compared with 15 in the first).

Injuries contributed to the Bucs' problems.

LB Mason Foster aggravated an ankle injury early and did not return. S Tanard Jackson strained a hamstring while returning an interception. Gerald McCoy missed the game with an ankle injury, and fellow DT Brian Price was in and out of the game with a right leg injury.

All told, the Bears rolled up 177 yards on the ground, including 39 on six carries (6.5 average) by backup Marion Barber.

"We didn't stop the run early," CB Ronde Barber said. "They gave us everything we knew was coming.

"The one long (32-yard run by Forte), we had two guys on the ground. He's a talented runner, makes you pay when you're out of position. We didn't answer them."

Talib loses control

. The Bucs' fourth-quarter comeback might have been a little less difficult if not for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against CB Aqib Talib.

Trailing by a field goal, CB Ronde Barber sacked Jay Cutler for a 6-yard loss on third and goal from the Tampa Bay 4. Assuming the Bears kicked a field goal, the Bucs would have gotten the ball back with about 3½ minutes to play and three timeouts, needing a touchdown to win.

But following the play, Talib got in the face of Bears WR Roy Williams, and referee Tony Corente ruled Talib grabbed Williams' face mask.

Talib would not comment after the game.

"You can go watch the tape," he said. "I got nothing for you."

Matt Forte ran the ball three times, and the Bucs held the Bears to a 25-yard field goal. But by the time they got the ball back after the kickoff, there was only 1:50 remaining.

"The problem with us, we're too young," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "We're foolish. We almost made the same mistake on offense, and we just can't do those things.

"That's a reflection of the head coach. That is completely my fault."

Quick hits

. WR Dezmon Briscoe had career highs of six catches and 74 yards and caught his first touchdown of the season (second of his career), a 24-yarder from Josh Freeman.

. DE Adrian Clayborn recorded his team-high third sack of the season.

. TE Kellen Winslow extended his streak of games with a catch to 83. He finished with four for 25 yards and a touchdown.

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

TALLADEGA, Ala. — Teamwork meant very little in the closing laps at Talladega Superspeedway.

Unless, of course, you were driving a Ford.

Clint Bowyer bailed on teammate Jeff Burton on the last lap of Sunday's race, pulling around him when the checkered flag was in sight to pick up his first win of the season and the 100th in Sprint Cup for Richard Childress Racing.

"You hate that it comes down to that; it is what it is," shrugged Bowyer. "You owe it to your team, to your sponsors to go out and win the race. Unfortunately, it came down to that situation."

Burton and the RCR bunch, driving Chevrolets, understood that's how the game is played.

The grumbling was far behind the leaders, where Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne ditched Jeff Gordon because Bayne was part of a pact made by Ford drivers to only push fellow Ford drivers in an effort to help Roush Fenway Racing drivers Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth in the Chase for the Championship.

That title race became heavily scrambled at NASCAR's fastest and longest track. Brad Keselowski finished fourth for the best finish by a Chase driver and thanked journeyman Dave Blaney, who was third to tie his best finish in 393 career Cup starts, for working with him.

Keselowski, now third in points, and Edwards, who finished 11th and leaves Alabama with a 14-point lead, were the biggest winners in the Chase. Kenseth rose to second in the standings after finishing 18th but could have been closer; he led seven times for 21 laps.

Gordon was seventh on the last restart and thought Bayne would push him on the last two laps in a two-car tandem, which is the fastest way to race at Talladega nowadays.

But Bayne backed off and Gordon, with no help, fell to 27th.

"I'm not happy about what this has become," Bayne posted on Twitter in reference to Talladega's two-car drafting style and the reliance on partners.

"It's too premeditated. … I would have rather pulled over and finished last than tell (Gordon) I would work with him and then be strong-armed into bailing."

Gordon said he was deceived.

"The Fords made it very clear about what they were doing in working with one another," Gordon said. "So I didn't expect him to commit to me on the radio. I expected him to say, 'Man, I'm sorry, I can't.' And when he said, 'Yeah, I'm pushing you, we're good,' I believed him. I think they had a different plan."

The race finished roughly 30 minutes after the memorial service for two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon ended in Indianapolis. The St. Petersburg resident was killed in the IndyCar season finale a week ago at Las Vegas, and NASCAR honored him with decals on all the cars and a moment of silence before the start of the race.

The Wheldon death made for some poignant prerace moments, as Kevin Harvick clung tightly to wife, Delana, and many drivers gave long embraces to loved ones.

As expected, the race heated up in the closing laps.

The race was not marred by "the big one" but there were several wrecks — the last, with eight laps left, was a hard hit by Regan Smith that required repairs to the SAFER barrier. He was okay.

Several drivers saw their title bids badly damaged along with their cars. Harvick, Kyle Busch and Kurt Busch were in accidents. Five-time defending series champion Johnson saved his car after nearly getting spun out but he finished 26th as he and partner Earnhardt never made their charge to the front.

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

Motor Sports

UP-and-Coming MOTO GP star dies in Crash

Marco Simoncelli, a rising MotoGP star, died Sunday at the same Malaysian circuit where the Italian won the 250cc world title in 2008. He was 24.

Nicknamed "Super Sic" and sporting a mop of curly hair, Simoncelli was predicted by many to be a future world champion.

He lost control of his Honda at Turn 11 four minutes into the Malaysian MotoGP. After regaining partial grip, Simoncelli's motorcycle swerved into the path of American Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi of Italy.

"Marco was a strong rider and he always pushed hard," said Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso of Italy.

Alpine Skiing

Ligety finishes U.S. slalom sweep

World champion Ted Ligety completed an American double at the season-opening World Cup weekend by winning the giant slalom in Soelden, Austria, a day after Lindsey Vonn took the women's race for her first giant slalom title.

"It's a pretty awesome start to the season," Ligety said. "For us both, to get the top step here is cool. … I feel sorry for the other girls now that Lindsey has started to win giant slaloms as well."

basketball

Stern may have plan for full season

The players union believes commissioner David Stern has told TV partners ESPN and TNT that if a labor deal could be reached soon there would be a full 82-game schedule for each team, Sports Illustrated reported.

Stern has canceled the first two weeks, but those games could be played if a deal is reached this week, pushing the regular season into July.

Sailing

Turner, Conner among hall's first

Ted Turner, nicknamed ''Captain Outrageous," Dennis Conner and several other America's Cup greats were among the first class inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in San Diego. Turner, who founded CNN and used to own MLB's Braves, was 38 when he became the last amateur skipper to win the oldest trophy in international sports in 1977. He turns 73 next month. Conner, a four-time America's Cup winner, was also among the 15 inductees.

"I got the chance to break into the big time, really, thanks to Ted Turner," Conner said. "I don't know if he regrets it now or not."

Et cetera

Figure skating: Alissa Czisny edged Italy's Carolina Kostner by 0.13 points to win the women's title at Skate America in Ontario, Calif., even though the American fell on one of her seven triple jumps.

Pan Am Games: The U.S. softball team won its seventh straight gold medal at the Pan American Games, beating Canada 11-1 in four innings in Guadalajara, Mexico. "Maybe we don't have the best 17 players, but I know that we've got the best 17 who can make up a great team," said U.S. coach Ken Eriksen, who is also the coach at USF.

Soccer: Host Houston beat Los Angeles 3-1 to secure a spot in the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals against Philadelphia. Houston needed to win its season finale to avoid playing in a wild-card round.

Tennis: Top-seeded Gael Monfils beat Jarkko Nieminen 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 in the Stockholm Open final. … Top-seeded Victoria Azarenka won the Luxembourg Open, beating Monica Niculescu 6-2, 6-2. … Top-seeded Janko Tipsarevic beat defending champ Viktor Troicki 6-4, 6-2 in the first all-Serb ATP final to win the Kremlin Cup in Moscow, and Dominika Cibulkova rallied to beat Kaia Kanepi 3-6, 7-6 (7-1), 7-5 for the women's crown.

Times wires

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — One trip into the end zone wasn't enough for Plaxico Burress.

Neither was two.

One touchdown catch after another, Burress had the big breakout game he and the Jets have been expecting.

The veteran wide receiver tied a career high by catching three TD passes, including the go-ahead score set up by another Darrelle Revis interception, and the Jets stormed back in the second half to defeat the Chargers 27-21 on Sunday.

"Every morning you wake up on Sundays and you want to be great," said Burress, who has been slow to develop a rapport with quarterback Mark Sanchez. "I had to let the game come to me. I think I've been forcing it. But this was them saying, 'He's been working hard, we'll stick with it.'

"The fans pay money to come see you do well, and I felt for the past few weeks I was not playing well. This is gratifying."

Leading 21-17, San Diego appeared to be driving for a possible game-sealing score when a Philip Rivers pass to Vincent Jackson tipped off the receiver's hands and right to Revis, who returned the pick 64 yards to the Chargers 19.

"It was a big play," said Revis, who thought cornerback Antonio Cromartie also got a piece of the ball.

Monday night, Revis had two interceptions, including a 100-yard touchdown return, in a 24-6 win against Miami.

After a few Shonn Greene runs and a defensive holding penalty — the Chargers' 11th penalty — Sanchez found Burress on a slant for a 3-yard touchdown with 8:41 remaining. It was Burress' second three-TD catch game of his career, and first since 2007 while with the Giants — before he served 20 months in prison on a gun charge.

"You've got to evaluate yourself," Burress said. "I looked at myself and said I've got to play better. It was not on anybody but myself."

San Diego turned it over again on its next possession when the Chargers faced third and 6 from their 41 and Kyle Wilson picked off Rivers for the first interception of his career.

Nick Folk's 30-yard field goal with 1:36 left made it 27-21. San Diego had one last shot, but couldn't really threaten.

"It's our fault," Chargers tight end Randy McMichael said. "You can ask any question you want to ask. The San Diego Chargers beat the San Diego Chargers. Nothing to do with the New York Jets. It's embarrassing."

The Jets head into their bye week with two straight wins — both at home — after a three-game road losing streak. They are 4-0 at home for the first time since 2004.

"I feel like we're hitting our stride right now," coach Rex Ryan said. "We saw our team, the one we kind of envisioned at the start of the season. We were slow to get it going, but we saw it."

Sanchez was 18-of-33 for 173 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Burress had just four catches for 25 yards, but provided the red-zone presence the Jets hoped he'd be when they signed him as a free agent.

"He had three TDs," Ryan said with a grin. "Not bad."

The game had some added spice when Ryan created a coast-to-coast stir when he said he would've won a few Super Bowl rings if he had been hired as the Chargers' coach in 2007. That job went to Norv Turner, who shot back at Ryan asking if he had those rings stored with the ones he has guaranteed with the Jets.

The two shook hands after the game and had a brief but cordial conversation.

"Before the game, I thought I could get him inside, work the body," Ryan joked. "Obviously, my chin is not so good. Again, it was unintentional and unfortunate. I have so much respect for Norv."

Sunday, October 23, 2011

NEW YORK — Oklahoma State moved up to third in the BCS standings, replacing rival Oklahoma as the team behind LSU and Alabama best positioned to reach the national title game.

Two championship contenders lost for the first time Saturday, when Oklahoma and Wisconsin went down.

That cleared some traffic atop the standings and left Oklahoma State, fourth-place Boise State, fifth-place Clemson and sixth-place Stanford in a tight race.

First-place LSU and second-place Alabama play Nov. 5 in Tuscaloosa (8 p.m., Ch. 10). The winner will have the inside track to reach the BCS Championship Game in New Orleans.

"It is going to be one of the best games ever," LSU defensive end Sam Montgomery said. "Basketball, football, video games, whatever — it is going to be the most competitive thing that I have ever been a part of. These guys (Alabama) are just like us. They are big, fast and strong. Two great teams are going to be facing each other."

Conference realignment: Missouri, reportedly close to leaving the Big 12 for the SEC, might accept an informal invitation today. Missouri chancellor Brady Deaton is scheduled to meet with others on the Big 12 board of directors in Dallas, perhaps for a face-to-face farewell. The Kansas City Star reported that West Virginia, now in the Big East, has become the favorite to join the Big 12 if Missouri leaves.

Georgia: Mark Richt said his team is in good shape for Saturday's game against Florida in Jacksonville, with receiver Malcolm Mitchell and inside linebacker Alec Ogletree returning from injuries. Receiver Rantavious Wooten has not been cleared from a concussion. Ogletree is making his return after breaking his foot in the first game. Inside linebacker, Christian Robinson hurt his foot the following week. Now both original starters are healthy.

Montana state: Stun guns were used to subdue quarterback Gerald Kemp and cornerback Trumaine Johnson after they scuffled with police officers who responded to a noise complaint at about 2:40 a.m. Sunday. Both players bonded out of the Missoula County Jail on misdemeanor charges.

Late Saturday

Texas tech 41, oklahoma 38: Seth Doege threw for 441 yards and four touchdowns, and the Red Raiders snapped the Sooners' 39-game home winning streak. OU dropped to 75-3 at Owen Field in coach Bob Stoops' 13 years, also losing to Oklahoma State and TCU.

"When you go on the road and beat a No. 1 team, it is really special, almost impossible to do," Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville said.

It was sweet for Tuberville, whose undefeated 2004 Auburn team got shut out of the BCS title game by USC and Oklahoma.

The Sooners aren't out of the title race, with remaining games at Kansas State this week and Oklahoma State on Dec. 3.

"Long ways to go, anything can happen," Oklahoma receiver Ryan Broyles said after the loss. "It's a long season."

Women's soccer: Redshirt junior Tiffany McCarty became FSU's all-time goal scoring leader in a 4-2 win over visiting Miami. McCarty, from Laurel, Md., has 41 goals to surpass Cindy Schofield.

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

Boller? Palmer? Chiefs rip both

OAKLAND, Calif. — Kyle Boller dropped back on Oakland's first series and threw a pass to the left sideline that Kendrick Lewis intercepted and returned for a touchdown. Carson Palmer did the same to the right side to Brandon Flowers in the fourth quarter.

Boller and Palmer threw three interceptions and the Chiefs took advantage to win their third straight and their most lopsided road win ever against the Raiders.

Cornerback Javier Arenas, a former Robinson High star, and Le'Ron McClain each added touchdown runs for the Chiefs.

"We knew that they had a quarterback controversy," Lewis said. "…And we did a good job with it."

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — For Edwin Jackson, the mound in Texas really was the wild, wild West.

Jackson walked seven, most in a World Series game in 14 years, and Mike Napoli followed the last two free passes with a three-run homer on reliever Mitchell Boggs' first pitch to give the Rangers a 4-0 win over the Cardinals on Sunday night.

"It's just a matter of time before they catch up with you," Jackson said.

Jackson, the former Ray, has had a wild streak throughout his career. He walked eight in his third major-league start, for the Dodgers at San Francisco in 2003. He matched that on June 25, 2010, when he finished one shy of the record for walks in a no-hitter as he pitched the Diamondbacks over Tampa Bay 1-0 at Tropicana Field.

Jackson went to three-ball counts on four of his first 10 batters. He threw just 59 of 109 pitches for strikes.

"I thought he pitched really well," manager Tony La Russa said. "He missed a few times, walked a couple guys, but he kept making pitches. Overall I give him a huge plus for keeping us in the game."

REPLAY FAN: Rangers manager Ron Washington said he would support expanded instant replay in the World Series, but not in the regular season, ESPN.com reported.

"Maybe that's what they need to get it right in the World Series," Washington told the website. "You want everything to be right, that's all. I don't want to be having everything replayed (in the regular season). It could be imposed in the World Series because of the magnitude of the game."

Saturday, umpire Ron Kulpa blew a call at first base that helped the Cardinals avoid a double play in the fourth inning. St. Louis eventually scored four runs in the inning. Kulpa acknowledged after the game that he missed the call.

ABOUT THAT: Joe Torre was upset that a pool reporter asked Kulpa if being from St. Louis might have influenced the call.

"That question hinted of questioning somebody's integrity and that was so far over the line," said Torre, Major League Baseball's executive vice president of baseball operations. "I just want to say right now, these guys were so excited about being chosen for the World Series, and it's all about showing how good they are. To have that question be asked, I thought was over the line.

"Everyone is out there trying to do the best job they can."

SHUT DOWN: St. Louis had scored first in 10 consecutive games, one shy of matching the longest streak in postseason history. Detroit scored first in 11 games in a row from 1972-84. And the Cardinals' two hits were their second-fewest in their 18 trips to the World Series; they got one in Game 2 in 1967 against Boston's Jim Lonborg.

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

Around the league

GONZALEZ RISES TO SECOND ON RECEPTION LIST

DETROIT — Tony Gonzalez moved up to second on the NFL's career receptions list.

The Atlanta tight end caught four passes in the first half Sunday against Detroit, passing Cris Carter and Marvin Harrison.

A 2-yard catch from Matt Ryan late in the first half gave Gonzalez 1,103 — one more than Harrison and two more than Carter. He ended the game with 1,104.

Jerry Rice is No. 1 at 1,549.

"Trust me, Jerry Rice will never be caught," said Gonzalez, 35. "I'm very happy with second place."

BRONCOS: RB Willis McGahee left in the third quarter with a broken hand. It was wrapped afterward, but he said he would be fine.

BROWNS: WR Mohamed Massaquoi and TE Benjamin Watson left with head injuries.

JETS: RB LaDainian Tomlinson left with the flu against his former team, the Chargers. The veteran got his first start this season but said he "didn't have any energy and the flu really just took over." He played enough to become the fourth running back with 600 career catches.

RAIDERS: RB Darren McFadden (right foot) and LB Rolando McClain (sprained left ankle) left in the first half. … K Sebastian Janikowski sat out with a hamstring injury. Dave Rayner took the place of the former Florida State star.

RAMS: Game 4 of the World Series — another St. Louis vs. Texas matchup — began down the street less than an hour after the game. Josh Hamilton of the Rangers and Lance Berkman of the Cardinals showed up in uniform as honorary captains for the pregame coin toss.

REDSKINS: WR Santana Moss broke a bone in his left hand in the first quarter; coach Mike Shanahan said Moss would miss at least one game.

SEAHAWKS: Starting CB Walter Thurmond broke his leg and is out for the season.

STEELERS: WR Hines Ward was carted off in the second half with an ankle injury.

TEXANS: S Danieal Manning was carted off with an injured lower left leg and is likely out for a few weeks. Manning told a Houston radio station he broke his tibia but needs more X-rays and an MRI exam to find the extent of the damage.

VIKINGS: WR and ex-Gator Percy Harvin left with a rib injury that has bothered him for the past few weeks. … DE Brian Robison issued an apology on Twitter to Packers OL T.J. Lang after kicking Lang in the groin during the game. … WR Bernard Berrian was a healthy scratch for the second time in three weeks. Asked whether Berrian has a future with the team, coach Leslie Frazier said, "It's something that we'll talk about this week."

Times wires

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

Rookie sets Dallas rushing record

ARLINGTON, Texas — The only drama was whether rookie DeMarco Murray would set the Cowboys' franchise rushing record, a remarkable feat considering it belonged to NFL rushing king Emmitt Smith.

Murray pulled it off, running through a shoddy Rams defense for 253 yards, including an early 91-yard touchdown. Murray ran for the most yards in the league this season and ninth-most ever.

"I never thought in a million years that I'd ever have a day like this," said Murray, who didn't even start; Tashard Choice did. "This is what I've been working hard for since my Pop Warner days."

Smith's record of 237 yards was set Oct. 31, 1993, at Philadelphia.

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

Wallace's speed burns Cardinals

GLENDALE, Ariz. — No matter where the Steelers are on the field, Mike Wallace is a threat to go deep. His 95-yard touchdown from Ben Roethlisberger, the longest pass play in team history, set the stage in the first half of Pittsburgh's victory.

"You put it out there for a guy like that and you start smiling," Roethlisberger said, "because you know he is not going to get caught."

It was the teams' first meeting since Pittsburgh's 27-23 win in Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium.

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Martin Hanzal scored his first two goals of the season, Boyd Gordon and Lauri Korpikoski added goals less than two minutes apart in the second period, and the Coyotes beat the Ducks 5-4 on Sunday night.

Korpikoski and defenseman Keith Yandle both had a goal and an assist, Taylor Pyatt had two assists, and Mike Smith made 29 saves for Phoenix to improve to 4-0-1 against Anaheim.

Ryan Getzlaf scored his first two goals of the season for the Ducks, who have dropped two in a row at home after a four-game winning streak. Lubomir Visnovsky had a goal and an assist, and Kurtis Foster also scored for Anaheim.

The Coyotes, coming off back-to-back home losses to Chicago and Los Angeles, scored on five of 19 shots against Jonas Hiller and chased him at 7:56 of the second with Phoenix leading by three.

Around the league: The Coyotes traded center Petteri Nokelainen and minor-league defenseman Garrett Stafford to the Canadiens for center Brock Trotter and a seventh-round pick in next year's draft. … The Jets are sending 18-year-old Mark Scheifele, the No. 7 pick in this year's draft, back to juniors..

First Period—1, Phoenix, Hanzal 1 (Boedker, Vrbata), 4:41. 2, Anaheim, Visnovsky 1 (Perry, Sbisa), 8:21. 3, Anaheim, Getzlaf 1 (Selanne, Fowler), 14:02. 4, Phoenix, Hanzal 2 (Yandle), 14:44. Penalties—Macenauer, Ana (holding), 11:01; Hanzal, Pho (delay of game), 18:45.

Second Period—5, Phoenix, B.Gordon 1 (Pyatt, Korpikoski), 4:47. 6, Phoenix, Korpikoski 2 (Pyatt, Aucoin), 6:27. 7, Phoenix, Yandle 1 (Doan, Whitney), 7:56. 8, Anaheim, Foster 1 (Beauchemin, Koivu), 13:31. Penalties—Torres, Pho, major (fighting), 9:55; Sbisa, Ana, major (fighting), 9:55; Hanzal, Pho (hooking), 11:27.

Third Period—9, Anaheim, Getzlaf 2 (Visnovsky), 18:52. Penalties—Macenauer, Ana (cross-checking), :15; Miele, Pho (hooking), 1:57; Selanne, Ana (holding), 9:27; Ekman-Larsson, Pho (delay of game), 16:28. Shots on Goal—Phoenix 10-13-12—35. Anaheim 9-13-11—33. Power-play opportunities—Phoenix 0 of 3; Anaheim 0 of 4. Goalies—Phoenix, Smith 2-2-1 (33 shots-29 saves). Anaheim, Hiller 3-3-0 (19-14), Ellis (12:04 second, 16-16). A—13,240 (17,174). T—2:25.

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

MIAMI — Marlon Moore couldn't hang on. Neither could the winless Dolphins.

Moore's bobble of an onside kick was one of several costly misplays by the Dolphins, who gave up two touchdowns in the final 2:44 of regulation and lost to Tim Tebow and the Broncos 18-15 in overtime Sunday.

The Broncos took over at their 20 with 5:23 left, down 15-0. Tebow led TD drives of 80 and 56 yards sandwiched around the onside kick, and he scored a two-point conversion with 17 seconds left to tie it.

In overtime, Denver's D.J. Williams, who played at the University of Miami, sacked Matt Moore to force a fumble and recovered it at the Miami 36. Three plays later Matt Prater hit a winning 52-yard field goal.

Miami extended the NFL's longest losing streak to nine, leaving the status of coach Tony Sparano even more tenuous.

"He's the head coach, and he's going to take a lot of heat," receiver Brandon Marshall said. "But trust me, it's not him. Not just him. It's all of us."

It's the first time since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger that a team won after trailing by 15 or more with three minutes left.

With the Broncos on the verge of their first shutout since 1992, Tebow — the former Heisman Trophy winner at Florida who made his first start this season on the day the Dolphins honored the Gators' 2008 national title team — led an eight-play touchdown drive that got them back in the game.

"It's tough to say, but man, Timmy did a great job," said Dolphins center Mike Pouncey, Tebow's college teammate. "Hopefully the critics will get off him about what he can't do and talk about the things that he can do, and that's figure out a way to win the game, no matter what."

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS — Despite their disparate records, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers found plenty of competition from Christian Ponder in the rookie's first start for the Vikings.

Rodgers was up for the challenge again, and the Super Bowl champions didn't flinch. Rodgers kept Green Bay unbeaten with three touchdowns and 335 yards passing, holding off Minnesota 33-27 Sunday.

"There's not a lot of panic in this team. We've been down a couple times at halftime. Just a lot of focus," said Rodgers, who completed his first 13 passes and finished 24-for-30 against a depleted secondary.

"We expect nothing less," said Greg Jennings, who had seven catches for 147 yards. He jogged in for a 79-yard score on the second play of the second half after an egregiously blown coverage, giving Green Bay a 20-17 lead.

Ponder, the 12th overall selection in this year's draft, was picked off twice in the third quarter by Charles Woodson. But the former Florida State standout kept the Vikings in it from start to finish after completing a 72-yard pass to former Leto High star Michael Jenkins on his first snap.

"I made some mistakes personally that were crucial," Ponder said. "I pin this loss on me. The players around me played extremely well and kept me in it. I'm just really proud of the guys around me and very fortunate to have some great teammates."

Adrian Peterson helped him by rushing 24 times for 175 yards and a touchdown for the Vikings, but James Starks put the game away with two big gains for first downs before the 2-minute warning and another right after.

Mason Crosby had four field goals for the Packers, including a franchise record 58-yarder, one of many delights among some anxious moments for the thousands of Packers fans in attendance who made the trip across the border.

"We're very happy being 7-0, stating the obvious, but to a man we know we can play better," Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said. "That's what's exciting."

Ponder was 13-for-32, but he never looked rattled and finished with 219 yards and two touchdowns, including the one to Jenkins with 7:49 left that cut the lead to six.

It was the first 100-yard game for Jenkins in eight NFL seasons.

Ponder also ran four times for 31 yards.

Rodgers was impressed with the former Seminoles quarterback.

"I think he has a bright future," Rodgers said. "I like the way he plays. He moves around really well. He made some plays with his feet, made some great plays in the fourth quarter, finding guys on the backside."

Times wires
Sunday, October 23, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — Derek Holland kept Albert Pujols in the ballpark and the Rangers in this World Series.

In a title matchup that's getting more interesting with every game, Holland put the emphasis back on pitching. Given a pep talk by manager Ron Washington minutes before the game, Holland pitched 81/3 two-hit innings to beat the Cardinals 4-0 on Sunday night and even things at 2.

Holland never was in trouble against a team that had 16 runs the previous night. He came within two outs of pitching the first shutout in the World Series since Josh Beckett's gem for the Marlins to clinch the 2003 title at Yankee Stadium.

"I was very focused. I knew this was a big game for us," Holland said. "I had to step up and make sure I was prepared."

Hobbled Josh Hamilton put Texas ahead with an RBI double in the first inning. Then Mike Napoli broke it open with a three-run homer in the sixth.

Just like that, for the first time since 2003, the World Series stood at two games apiece. Now the whole season is down to a best-of-three, with the outcome to be decided back at Busch Stadium. Game 5 is tonight at Rangers Ballpark.

A day after Pujols produced arguably the greatest hitting show in postseason history, tying Series records with three home runs, six RBIs and five hits during the Cardinals' romp, Holland emerged as the unlikely star.

Holland got a big cheer when he took the mound in the ninth and was still throwing 96 mph. With the crowd chanting his name, he walked Rafael Furcal and was pulled by Washington after a long talk on the mound.

"I was begging to stay out there," he said. "I said, 'I'll give it everything I've got. I can get the double play.'

"When I came off the field my arm hair was sticking up — not like I have much."

Holland tipped his cap and waved to the fans as he walked off. His outing was the longest scoreless appearance by an AL starter in the Series since the Yankees' Andy Pettitte went 81/3 at Atlanta in 1996.

Neftali Feliz took over. He walked Allen Craig, then retired Pujols on a fly ball and struck out Matt Holliday to end it.

Pujols finished 0-for-4 and hit the ball out of the infield once.

"I wanted him to see my 'A' game," Holland said.

Said Cardinals manager Tony La Russa: "Well, I would just say he worked us over. Give him credit.

"Good pitching is always going to stop good hitting."

Holland was in tune all evening with Napoli, his friend and catcher. They helped the Rangers avoid their first consecutive losses since Aug. 23-25.

In last year's World Series, Holland came in as a reliever against the Giants, walked his first three batters and promptly got pulled.

This time the left-hander, 25, was completely poised, with pinpoint control. Perhaps it was the talk he got from Washington near the dugout shortly before taking the mound.

Washington put both hands on Holland's shoulders and talked to him tenderly. Holland kept nodding, and Washington finished with a pat to his cheek.

"He shows that he cares about all his players, and he definitely showed that when he talked to me," Holland said.

By Rob Gorta, Times Correspondent
Monday, October 24, 2011

What's hot: The gulf water temperature has dropped significantly recently. Last week the water was in the lower 80s, this week it is in the high 60s, warming to the low 70s in the afternoon. The drop in temperature has made the speckled sea trout fishing a reliable target. Redfish have been on the move, so sea trout has saved me on many charters this past week.

Tactics: Wind can be your friend when targeting sea trout. It allows you to set up a drift on a deep grass flats, so a large area can be targeted. On sunny days, it is easy to locate deep grass. The darker patches are the grassy areas and lighter areas are sandy bottom. I stay away from the sandy bottom; it usually does not produce the desired catch. On cloudy days, I use my bottom machine. A sandy bottom is a flat line. Deep grass will have a thick jagged line. All grass flats have "sand holes." I work the edges and the middle of these holes. Trout linger on the edges of these holes waiting to ambush prey.

Tackle: Light 10-pound braided line with a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader will provide long casts. I like to cast with the wind and cover as much water as possible. A red quarter-ounce jig head rigged with a root beer paddle tail grub is deadly for trout.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at (727) 647-7606 or visit captainrobgorta.com.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Monday, October 24, 2011

The Bucs' injury situation went from bad to worse Sunday.

As the Bucs' daylong flight returned to Tampa Bay from London on Monday afternoon, running back Earnest Graham was coming to grips with the likelihood that his season is over. Graham, the veteran backup who became the starter in LeGarrette Blount's absence during the past two games, suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in the loss to the Bears and almost certainly will be placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

The injury requires surgery and extensive rehab, a tall order for a 31-year-old running back.

The Bucs will be looking to address the position during this much-needed bye week, with Kregg Lumpkin — who struggled in relief of Graham — the only healthy back on the active roster. On Sunday, Lumpkin gained 15 yards on eight carries, 1.9 yards per carry, and the Bucs rushed for a season-low 30 yards.

Tampa Bay considered promoting former Oklahoma running back Mossis Madu from the practice squad last week but decided to enter the Bears game with just two tailbacks. Madu or former Northern Illinois star Chad Spann, also on the practice squad, become more likely options this week. That is, unless the Bucs consider free agent options. It's also possible the Bucs will get Blount back for the next game, at New Orleans on Nov. 6.

The loss of Graham is particularly problematic on third down. Graham beat out Lumpkin in the preseason to win the job of third-down back, which requires sure hands and pass-blocking ability. Lumpkin now will be tested in those areas as he likely will assume the third-down role.

There are other new injuries to sort out, too, as several key players were scheduled to undergo further examination after returning home.

They include safety Tanard Jackson (hamstring), guard/center Jeremy Zuttah (ankle) and linebacker Mason Foster (ankle).

Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (ankle), who has missed the past two games, is expected to return against the Saints. The Bucs remain hopeful starting center Jeff Faine (biceps) can return then, as well.

Monday, October 24, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS — Christian Ponder couldn't sleep. He awoke in the Vikings' team hotel at 5:30 Sunday morning, then again at 6:15, while contemplating his first NFL start.

He'd be leading a losing team against the Super Bowl champs, would be dueling with one of the best quarterbacks in the game while trying to rally teammates who the previous week played with all of the enthusiasm of guys in orange jumpsuits picking up roadside trash.

Technically, Ponder failed as a quarterback on Sunday. The Vikings lost 33-27 to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Ponder threw 19 incompletions in his 32 attempts, and during a horrific third quarter Packers cornerback Rod Woodson caught two more of Ponder's passes than his receivers did.

Emotionally, the former FSU star gave the Vikings exactly what they needed at the most important position in sports: guts, talent, leadership and life. In what is already a lost season, Ponder's arrival is about the only development that can make every remaining game matter.

For the first time since 2009, a Vikings quarterback seemed to energize his team. For the first time this season, a Vikings quarterback made big plays in the fourth quarter. For the first time this season, the Vikings could look at the quarterback position with justified optimism.

"He never got down on himself," Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said. "He continued to make the plays that needed to be made. He showed a lot of the poise and composure that you need to play with against a very good defense, which really gives you some hope for the future."

Maybe Ponder couldn't sleep because he had a premonition of his first play as a Vikings starter. Knowing the Packers secondary plays aggressively, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave called for receiver Michael Jenkins to make a double move. Ponder found the former Leto High standout open down the left sideline for an apparent 73-yard touchdown.

Ponder sprinted the length of the field, firing imaginary six-shooters, before jumping into Jenkins' arms. Replays showed Jenkins was down at the 1. Ponder later hit Visanthe Shiancoe for the touchdown, but … six-shooters?

Ponder laughed. "I'm trying things out," he said. "We'll see what will stick."

Ponder seems to already have mastered a key element of the job. He can handle himself in a news conference, immediately taking the blame for the loss. "I made some mistakes personally," he said. "I put this one on me."

His teammates might have been glad to in the third quarter, as Ponder went 0-for-5 with two interceptions while the Packers outscored the Vikings 20-0 to take a 33-17 lead.

Then something unexpected happened. The rookie making his first start against the world champs took over the game, at least briefly.

After another brilliant Adrian Peterson run and a field goal made it 33-20, the Vikings got the ball on their 7 with 12:30 left. The Packers knew Ponder would have to throw. They had the rookie right where they wanted him.

Ponder scrambled for 3. He whipped a pass to Shiancoe for 22 yards. He ran up the middle for 12. He scrambled for 7, but the run was wiped out by a holding call. Facing third and 13, Ponder sprinted right under pressure and threw a bullet back to the middle of the field, where Greg Camarillo caught it for 16 yards.

On the next play, Ponder hit a well-covered Jenkins for a 24-yard TD. Suddenly it was 33-27.

Ponder didn't win, but he may have swayed a few hearts and minds.

"I knew going into this game that we were going against the Super Bowl champions," he said. "But I don't think I ever had any big-eyed moments or anything. I enjoyed the game completely."

For a first start, it was a good start.

Times wires
Monday, October 24, 2011

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Amid another flap over his onfield conduct, Ndamukong Suh made some accusations of his own.

The Lions defensive lineman said Monday that Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan's brief injury against Detroit was "karma" and hinted that Atlanta has been guilty of dirty play.

Ryan tweaked a knee when offensive lineman Will Svitek stepped on his left ankle, but he returned a short while later.

"To me it's karma for all the bad stuff they've done in the past," Suh said. "Their offensive lineman hurt their own quarterback."

Atlanta players told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Suh and fellow defensive lineman Cliff Avril taunted Ryan while he was down.

NO REGRETS: Tight end Randy McMichael wasn't backing down a day after saying the Chargers beat themselves, and the Jets had nothing to do with it.

''I'm always going to say what I believe," McMichael said. ''I'm the type of person that I never rescind what I say. If I say it, I mean it. I'll leave it at that."

Jets coach Rex Ryan didn't leave it at that. "Stay classy, San Diego," he said, a line uttered by Will Ferrell's character Ron Burgundy in the movie Anchorman.

BRONCOS: Leading rusher Willis McGahee is expected to have surgery this week for a broken finger on his right hand and will not play against the Lions on Sunday.

BROWNS: Kicker Phil Dawson sustained a thigh bruise Sunday but stayed in and should play this week at the 49ers.

PACKERS: Rookie running back Alex Green is out for the season with an injured knee.

RAMS: Quarterback Sam Bradford remains in a walking boot because of a high left ankle sprain, and his availability for Sunday's game is uncertain.

REDSKINS: Running back Tim Hightower is out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee, and receiver Santana Moss will miss five to seven weeks with a broken bone in his left hand.

SAINTS: Running back Mark Ingram suffered a bruised right heel Sunday and is day to day.

SEAHAWKS: Starting cornerback Walter Thurmond is out for the season with a broken fibula and serious ankle injury.

VIKINGS: Wide receiver Bernard Berrian met with coach Leslie Frazier after being inactive for the second time in three weeks. He said he wanted to remain with the team.