By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Marty St. Louis said he will seriously consider wearing a visor when he returns from facial injuries sustained at a Dec. 8 morning skate when he was hit by a backhand shot from teammate Dominic Moore.

St. Louis likely will first wear a cage to protect his broken nose. But wearing a visor is a notable admission of vulnerability from a player who has so resisted the protective shield.

"It's easier said than done," he said.

The Lightning right wing has sustained some fairly serious facial injuries in his career, the most dramatic being when he was cut between the eyes by a skate blade.

But St. Louis said he never before was hit in the eye, and the puck off Moore's stick clipped enough of his left eye that it took eight days for the blood to drain. His depth perception still is affected, though no long-term problems are expected.

"It's easy to look back, and there are plenty of things in your life you want back, (to) do things a certain way. We all do," St. Louis said. "Sometimes you need something like that to make you lean a certain way."

Last season, captain Vinny Lecavalier took a stick blade in his right eye. On Dec. 8, F Blair Jones ran into the mask of Rangers G Henrik Lundqvist and cut his nose.

Both now wear visors.

"I just felt like I couldn't go a couple of games without getting something in the face," Jones said. "It was time."

It was just in time, as it turned out. During a morning skate last week, a puck deflected off Jones' stick and hit his visor.

"I can kind of laugh about it," Jones said.

MOVES COMING? With C Nate Thompson (lower body) uncertain for Wednesday's game at San Jose and three roster spots available, the Lightning might make callups from AHL Norfolk. … D Evan Oberg was reassigned to Norfolk.

AMENDED: The Lightning tweaked D Victor Hedman's five-year, $20 million contract extension after it was rejected by the NHL's Central Registry.

The original terms were $3 million next season (including a $1.5 million signing bonus); $3 million in 2013-14; $4 million in 2014-15; $6 million in 2015-16, and $4 million in 2016-17.

Hedman will now receive $5.75 million in 2015-16 and $4.25 million in 2016-17.

The reason for the change is Rule 50.7 of the collective bargaining agreement, which states any decrease in player salary and bonuses from one year to the next may not exceed 50 percent of the player salary and bonuses of the lower of the first two years of a contract; if the first and second years pay the same, 50 percent of that amount.

Because the first and second years of Hedman's extension pay $3 million, the decrease in salary from the fourth season to the fifth cannot exceed $1.5 million, hence the new terms.

LEADER: RW Adam Hall has not taken enough faceoffs to qualify as a league leader, but his 64.8 winning percentage — 129-of-199 — entered Sunday 3.9 points better than leader Jonathan Toews of Chicago.

"I don't think there really is a secret," Hall said. "It's a lot of timing, strength. … A lot of times it just comes down to competing."

Not just by Hall but teammates who must capture loose pucks.

"There aren't many clean faceoff wins," Hall said. "It's second and third efforts and battles. It really is a five-man effort."

ROSTER FREEZE: The holiday roster freeze is today through Dec. 26. No transactions are allowed except to call up players from the minors.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, December 18, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Coming out of Tampa Bay Tech two years ago, Greg Hickman had offers from more established programs in bigger conferences such as Purdue and USF, but the sheer persistence of Florida International's recruiting efforts eventually won him over.

"Every day was a phone call. I don't want to say smothered, but every day they were letting you know they really wanted you," Hickman said of the Panthers' calls. "I really felt needed. And once I visited campus, I liked it here from Day 1."

Hickman gets a homecoming of sorts Tuesday night as FIU plays Marshall in the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl at Tropicana Field, and his phone is ringing again, this time from a slew of relatives excited to see him play so close to home.

"When they said it was a possibility for us to have this bowl, I was ecstatic," the 6-foot-1, 274-pound defensive end said. "I've never played a college game where so many people from my family could attend. I have like 30 tickets I have to get."

After a quiet eight tackles his freshman year, Hickman has 33 this season and leads the Panthers with five sacks, part of 11 overall tackles for loss. He has come up with big plays in key situations, like a fourth-down stop in the fourth quarter of a September upset of Louisville, making a strong impression on Panthers coach Mario Cristobal.

"Greg started flashing last year, where you could see the potential and the ability that he possessed that made him such a priority for us," Cristobal said. "Greg is showing the ability to take over games in certain situations. … He's growing up and growing up fast. He well knows he has a lot of work to do, but I think the sky's the limit for him. I'm really happy for him to come home and play in front of his family and friends."

When Hickman signed with FIU, the Panthers had never been to a bowl, but the program beat Toledo in the Little Caesars Bowl last season.

Hickman, who started his high school career at Middleton, primarily played linebacker at Tampa Bay Tech, though his coach there, C.C. Culpepper, said he could have made an impact at a number of positions.

"He could have been our starting fullback, our starting tight end, at D-end. He was that athletic," said Culpepper, now an assistant at Grambling. "What I liked about him was his attitude and his love of the game. He was an emotional leader on our defense, our Ray Lewis. He was what you want your linebacker to look like: big and strong and able to run from sideline to sideline."

Cristobal saw the size and athleticism he wanted at defensive end, and he said Hickman now has the strength to play defensive tackle in some packages and the coverage skills to go back to middle linebacker if necessary.

"One of the finer things in recruiting is you have to project," Cristobal said. "In high school they have to put their best players wherever they need them to survive and win football games. ... He's on all our special teams. You're looking at a guy who's 275 pounds, runs probably a 4.7. He's an impressive athlete, and when he's determined to be physical from snap to whistle, he's really tough to block."

Hickman has found a home at defensive end, and at FIU, but if Cristobal came to him in a pinch, he wouldn't hesitate to move elsewhere on the field.

"I believe I can play any position," he said.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, December 18, 2011

TAMPA — Bucs coach Raheem Morris laid it all on the line — both offensive and defensive lines, to be exact — for Saturday night's 31-15 loss to the Cowboys.

Players lost individual matchups, blew assignments and had poor execution.

But for the third time this season, Morris also said his players lacked effort.

"Generally, we haven't had the (not-playing) hard deal," Morris said. "But (Saturday) night, I've got to say, it was a little something where we've got to play harder.

"The Houston game, we struggled a little bit. At San Fran we struggled a little bit. I guess we were tired, the short week and all that stuff. … I wouldn't say it's been a continuing problem, but (Saturday) night, I'd have to say it was."

The Bucs, who have lost eight straight in a season for the first time in 24 years, trailed 28-0 at halftime, part of a 69-0 run dating back to last week's game at Jacksonville when the Jaguars scored 41 unanswered points.

Quarterback Josh Freeman ran 24 yards and lost a fumble on the next play, before the offense went three and out four straight times in the first half Saturday.

• On the first two plays of the game, right tackle Jeremy Trueblood yielded pressure and Freeman was flushed from the pocket. After running for a first down, Freeman fumbled on the next play.

• On third and 1 on the next series, guard Davin Joseph missed an assignment. Instead of blocking outside to the right, he crashed inside and let defensive end Marcus Spears tackle LeGarrette Blount for a 1-yard loss.

"Without calling out individual performances, it was a disappointing night as far as protection goes, not as far as scheme, not as far as coaching, not as far as any of that stuff," Morris said. "It's more about (man against man), stand up and block your guy, and we did not do that.

"Hence the frustration. You've got to go out there and execute what you're coached to do. If it was something we weren't prepared for that we knew was coming, I'd be a little more understanding.

The defensive line didn't play much better. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo completed 23 of 30 for 249 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score.

On two of those TDs, Romo broke containment and rolled right, extending the play before firing into the end zone to receivers Dez Bryant and Laurent Robinson. On both plays, the Bucs ran line stunts with the left end looping inside the tackle.

"Some of those things, the end's not supposed to go inside," Morris said.

The Bucs had only 55 yards in the first half on 17 plays, including a kneel-down to end the second quarter. After the Bucs spread the field with three receivers in the second half, the offense started moving.

"I thought once we got into a groove, once we started moving, (we did) some things schematically that took them out of rhythm," center Jeff Faine said. "We spread it out a little more and started bringing in different packages where it was keeping what they want to do off the field. It's something we do reasonably well, and that's no-huddle, two-minute style offense. We kept them in the nickel a little bit with our personnel. We controlled what was out there. It was like, what are they going to bring next as opposed to we put out a certain (personnel) grouping, and there's only so much they can do. That's pretty much what we did the entire second half."

But Morris said that's not the formula for the Bucs to win.

"The thing we want to do and how we've won a bunch of games around here is hand the ball to LeGarrette Blount a bunch of times, and when he gets to 20-plus carries … you win the football game," Morris said.

His opening statement Sunday probably best summarized the game and his situation.

"Not a good game to watch on tape," Morris said. "Hard to watch. Tough to deal with. Not competitive in the first half. Unacceptable. Got two weeks to go out and change that."

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops will remain with the Seminoles, according to a report Saturday.

The Tallahassee Democrat reported that the second-year defensive coordinator, 44, will stay at FSU despite rumors that cite him as being a serious candidate for other jobs. This postseason, Stoops has been rumored to be in the running for head coach and coordinator positions at Auburn, Texas A&M, Kansas and Pitt, among others. The Democrat said he had multiple offers.

FSU's defense was one of the nation's worst when Stoops took over, but in the two years since, he has cleaned up the unit. Entering its Dec. 29 Champs Sports Bowl game against Notre Dame, FSU ranks sixth in total defense and second against the run.

Houston: A foundation that endows athletic scholarships might have lost more than $2.2 million — more than 40 percent of its listed assets — because of investments in an alleged Ponzi scheme orchestrated by David Salinas, a financial adviser for college basketball coaches who committed suicide last summer. The losses incurred by the Houston Athletics Foundation could have implications for a university that has struggled to raise funds for sports programs.

Ohio state: Running back Dan Herron, suspended for half the season for breaking NCAA rules, was voted the team's MVP by his teammates. Herron, a senior, sat out the first five games for his role in a tattoo scandal. He was suspended an additional game for accepting too much money for his summer job. Other awards included freshman quarterback Braxton Miller (offense), junior defensive lineman John Simon (defense) and senior defensive back and special teams player Nate Ebner (inspirational).

Oregon: Junior running back LaMichael James, reportedly leaving for the NFL, said he will decide after the Rose Bowl.

RB switches to tide: T.J. Yeldon, a five-star running back from Alabama, said he switched a nonbinding verbal commitment from Auburn to the Tide. Yeldon, who will be an early enrollee next month, said he was "100 percent confident with my final decision.''

Late saturday: Ryan Lindley's third touchdown pass to Colin Lockett came a few seconds too soon.

San Diego State celebrated the 12-yard TD with 35 seconds left, only to watch a bigger celebration when Louisiana-Lafayette's Brett Baer hit a 50-yard field goal as time expired, sending the Aztecs to a 32-30 loss in the New Orleans Bowl.

"This game meant everything to our players. A lot of them grew up in New Orleans," first-year coach Mark Hudspeth said. "We didn't have one kid walk in late, even for breakfast, in preparation for this game."

Blaine Gautier drove Lafayette 44 yards to the 38, then a presnap penalty on SDSU moved the winning kick 5 yards closer.

"Phantom call," Aztecs coach Rocky Long said.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, December 18, 2011

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

Best coverage

Did you notice that during Saturday night's Bucs-Cowboys game, the NFL Network kept working in references that not everybody in the Tampa Bay area gets the network?

The game was shown locally on Ch. 38, which picked up the NFL Network feed. Pregame host Rich Eisen, right, and, later, play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler mentioned how Bright House customers do not get the NFL Network and other cables companies, including Verizon Fios, do carry it. Smart tactic.

The best selling point, however, might have been the NFL Network's coverage. Bucs fans probably didn't enjoy the game, but all would have to admit the network's work is outstanding, especially that of Nessler and partner Mike Mayock. And the camera work on NFL Network games is excellent.

Nickname of the day

Last season a well-followed Bucs blog and a Tampa Bay area radio show criticized ESPN's Trey Wingo for referring to Bucs coach Raheem Morris, left, as "Radio." The blog ran a photo of actor Cuba Gooding Jr., who portrayed the title character in the 2003 movie Radio, about a mentally challenged man and a high school football team. Wingo insisted he was talking about the character Radio Raheem in the 1989 Spike Lee movie Do The Right Thing. Recklessly, I thought, the blog and the show suggested the reference by Wingo, who is white, was racially motivated. Well, on a special Saturday edition of ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, former Bucs star Keyshawn Johnson twice referred to Morris as Radio Raheem. It will be interesting to see if the blog and radio show throw a fit over this reference as well.

Most referenced

Tim Tebow has officially taken over the NFL. During ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, the Broncos QB and former Gator (No. 15 above) was referenced by name 133 times in a three-hour show. The noon-12:30 p.m. block was devoted to Tebow and discussion of the Broncos-Patriots game. Overkill? Depends on whether you like Tebow. I find the coverage compelling, probably because Tebow is so polarizing. The best pregame segment over the weekend was on Countdown, using work from NFL Films, showing highlights of Tebow and the Broncos beating the Bears on Dec. 11. Tebow wore a microphone, and it offered fascinating insight into his personality and leadership. Even the Countdown crew, a group including Mike Ditka, Cris Carter and Keyshawn Johnson that has seen it all over the years, was mesmerized by the footage.

Most overhyped

Seems like Fox reporter Pam Oliver does more stories on the New York Giants than any other team. And I'm tired of it — tired of the Giants and tired of those who constantly try to sell me on the Giants being good. Approximately a half-hour after Oliver's fawning pregame piece Sunday, the Giants went out and got thumped at home by the Redskins. They are 7-7. They haven't made the playoffs since the 2008 season. They haven't won a playoff game since winning the Super Bowl in the 2007 season. Enough on the Giants, already! And while the networks are at it, can we take a break from all the features on Cowboys QB Tony Romo? I realize the NFL Network needed to make a big deal about him Saturday night because he was in its featured game. But every other network — CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN — has done a big piece on Romo and speaks a little too highly of a guy who has one playoff victory in his life.

Favorite point

CBS's Boomer Esiason made a superb point during NFL Today on Sunday when he said more players, such as the Panthers' Steve Smith, should be criticizing accused drug dealer and former Bears player Sam Hurd instead of going out of their way to take shots at Tim Tebow.

Having said that, the pregame shows could have spent a little more time Sunday talking about the Hurd situation.

Most critical

It's quite a thing to accuse professional athletes of quitting, but that's what the NFL Network's Deion Sanders, above, did during halftime of Saturday night's Bucs-Cowboys game. With the Bucs trailing 28-0, Sanders said, "I have the utmost respect for Raheem Morris, but a lot of these guys have quit. They've shut this thing down. I know quit when I see quit, and quit is not disguised tonight.''

Analyst Marshall Faulk, below, chimed in with, "Raheem Morris is a good coach, and for these players to quit on him is not even fair.''

Biggest missing voice

Hockey analyst Mike Milbury was not on the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.'s Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday and will not be seen on NBC or Versus soon. He is sitting out while Boston-area authorities investigate an accusation that Milbury, right, was involved in a physical confrontation with a 12-year-old boy who had an on-ice altercation with Milbury's 12-year-old son in a hockey game.

In a lengthy interview with the Boston Globe, Milbury said his son was a target of verbal taunts throughout the game. He said he grabbed the 12-year-old boy by the collar to break up the fight. He also said he swore at the child. But, he said, he did not shake or strike the boy. Several parents who were at the game confirmed Milbury's story.

Apparently there is a video of what happened. It will be interesting to see if Milbury's absence is temporary or permanent.

Best song

Did anyone else see new WTSP-Ch. 10 meteorologist Jim Van Fleet singing a song about Tim Tebow during halftime of Sunday's Broncos-Patriots game? It was really good, actually.

Best point … until it wasn't

Fox NFL Sunday's Howie Long was on to something, I thought, when he talked Sunday about how the Packers' drive for perfection was outside of the media glare because so much attention was being paid to Broncos QB Tim Tebow. It made sense until the Packers went out and lost to the Chiefs.

But speaking of Fox NFL Sunday, the show has improved dramatically in recent weeks because of less goofing off by the panel. But if I did a power ranking of the morning pregame shows, I would have CBS's NFL Today in the top spot. (Note: NBC's Football Night in America is not a morning show.)

Three things that popped into my head

1 Sigh of relief for Lightning fans: Steven Stamkos' second-half slump last season obviously has not carried over to this season.

2 Just wondering, but if you're an established, experienced football coach such as Bill Cowher or Jeff Fisher and have your choice of openings, would you be interested in the Bucs job if it was available?

3 Is anything more frustrating in football than watching your team throw a 5-yard pass when it's third and 12? Yeesh.

tom jones' two cents

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

MIAMI — Once the Heat started running away from the Magic, Miami did not stop.

LeBron James had 19 points, roster hopeful Terrel Harris added 16 and the Heat outscored the Magic by 29 points over the final 27 minutes, cruising to a 118-85 win in the preseason opener for both teams.

"The adrenaline and energy was certainly pumping early on," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "Our starters set the tone. Then the young kids came in there and took advantage of the opportunity."

Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh each scored 14 for Miami, which got 12 points in 14 minutes from Derrick Byars and 11 points and nine rebounds from former Florida star Udonis Haslem.

Ryan Anderson and J.J. Redick each scored 22 for Orlando, which lost for the first time in 22 preseason games dating to October 2008.

The Magic allowed Miami to shoot 71 percent in the second half and 82 percent in the fourth quarter — while making 31 percent of its shots after halftime.

"When you have a team outscore you 22-0 on fast-break points, they're clearly playing at a pace and an energy level higher than what you are," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "And we could not keep up."

Center Dwight Howard, the subject of trade talk throughout training camp, finished with only five points on 2-for-9 shooting.

Howard said his status is not a distraction for the Magic.

"They look like a seasoned team," Howard said. "We were off for seven months. And guys are trying to get back into it. There's no need for us, anybody, Magic fans, whatever, to stress about the first game. There's a lot more games to be played."

The teams play again Wednesday in Orlando.

Knicks get PG Davis? Point guard Baron Davis will sign with the Knicks, ESPN.com reported. He is expected to sign today, the Associated Press reported. Davis was waived last week by the Cavaliers and designated as their amnesty player. He was not claimed and chose the Knicks, who seek backcourt depth after waiving Chauncey Billups with the amnesty clause. New York had already signed another veteran point guard, Mike Bibby. It's unknown when Davis will play, as he has been sidelined all preseason by a bulging disc in his back. The Knicks are prepared to go with former FSU standout Toney Douglas as their starter, but the third-year player has been inconsistent.

Trade: The Pacers will send guard Brandon Rush to the Warriors for forward Louis Amundson. Mark Bartelstein, the agent for both players, confirmed the move.

Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving made a strong impression on fans during a scrimmage at Quicken Loans Arena. The No. 1 overall pick from Duke received the loudest ovation during player introductions and was cheered throughout the scrimmage. "It was a great feeling to be out there," he said. "When I pulled up into the parking garage, a lot of nerves were going. It was a lot of fun to finally play at the Q and be out there with my teammates." Irving finished with 14 points, nine assists, six rebounds and five turnovers in 31 minutes.

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

CHICAGO — Marian Hossa had a goal and an assist, and Chicago's Joel Quenneville became the 10th coach to earn 600 victories as the Blackhawks beat the Flames 4-2 Sunday for their fifth straight win.

Chicago vaulted past Minnesota into first place in the league with 46 points. The Blackhawks are 7-0-1 in their past eight games.

"I thought our puck-possession game has gotten better as we've gone along here," Quenneville said. "I still say we've got to be improving in certain parts of our game. I don't think we should be satisfied with where we're at. I like the makeup of our lines, getting some production from a lot of places."

Ray Emery, who has taken over for Blackhawks struggling No. 1 goalie Corey Crawford, started and won for the fifth straight game while improving to 9-1-2 overall.

Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook left the game and didn't return after being slammed headfirst into the glass from behind by Flames forward Rene Bourque, who received a major penalty for boarding and was ejected.

Seabrook had an upper-body injury, the team said. Quenneville said he was hopeful Seabrook could play Tuesday against the Penguins.

Game highlights: Kris Versteeg scored 3:08 into overtime, giving the host Panthers a 3-2 victory over the Hurricanes. The Panthers stretched their lead in the Southeast Division to eight points over the Jets.

Around the league: Bruins forward Milan Lucic has a hearing scheduled for today with league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan for a hit on the Flyers' Zac Rinaldo on Saturday. Lucic was given a five-minute major for checking from behind and a game misconduct. … Two players who had been out with concussions practiced: Flyers forward and league co-leading scorer Claude Giroux and Kings forward Mike Richards. Both wore non-contact jerseys.

First Period—1, Columbus, MacKenzie 4 (Tyutin), 12:06. 2, St.L, Shattenkirk 5 (D'Agostini), 12:34. 3, St.L, Oshie 11 (Backes), 13:29. Penalties—Pahlsson, Clm (cross-checking), 9:31; Backes, StL (cross-checking), 9:31.

Second Period—4, Columbus, Dorsett 7 (Tyutin, Nikitin), 4:00. 5, Columbus, Letestu 5 (Umberger, Brassard), 19:58 (pp). Penalties—Backes, StL (boarding), 8:15; MacKenzie, Clm (roughing), 13:07; Byers, Clm, major (fighting), 13:07; Nichol, StL (roughing), 13:07; Polak, StL, major (fighting), 13:07; Shattenkirk, StL (boarding), 18:28.

Third Period—6, St.L, Steen 11 (Oshie, Colaiacovo), :58. 7, St.L, Arnott 6 (Perron, Langenbrunner), 6:43. 8, St.L, Pietrangelo 5 (Backes), 12:08. 9, Columbus, Brassard 3 (Tyutin, Nash), 15:51. 10, St.L, Berglund 8 (Langenbrunner, Perron), 19:15 (en). Penalties—Polak, StL (illegal check to head minor), 1:20; Umberger, Clm (roughing), 2:49; Boll, Clm, major (fighting), 7:45; Reaves, StL, major (fighting), 7:45. Shots on Goal—Columbus 13-11-8—32. St.L 12-8-14—34. Power-play opportunities—Columbus 1 of 3; St.L 0 of 1. Goalies—Columbus, Mason 4-14-1 (33 shots-28 saves). St.L, Halak 6-7-4 (32-28).

First Period—1, Chicago, Montador 5 (Mayers, Stalberg), 9:23. Penalties—D.Smith, Cal (tripping), 3:34; Hossa, Chi (high-sticking), 11:28; Bourque, Cal, served by Iginla, major-game misconduct (check from behind), 15:25; Kruger, Chi (interference), 16:51.

Second Period—2, Chicago, Hjalmarsson 1 (Hossa, Kruger), 5:15. 3, Chicago, Kane 9 (Keith, J.Toews), 14:55 (pp). Penalties—Stempniak, Cal (slashing), :37; Butler, Cal (tripping), 14:16; Bolland, Chi (tripping), 15:29.

Third Period—4, Calgary, Jokinen 11 (Tanguay, Glencross), 2:35 (pp). 5, Chicago, Hossa 15 (Sharp, Bolland), 11:17 (pp). 6, Calgary, Glencross 10 (Iginla, Jokinen), 16:25 (pp). Penalties—Sarich, Cal, major (fighting), 1:26; Bickell, Chi, minor-major-misconduct (instigator, fighting), 1:26; Brodie, Cal (high-sticking), 10:36; Iginla, Cal (unsportsmanlike conduct), 11:01; Kruger, Chi (holding stick), 16:00; D.Smith, Cal (roughing), 17:11; Frolik, Chi (tripping), 17:11; Stalberg, Chi (roughing), 17:11. Shots on Goal—Calgary 3-8-13—24. Chicago 9-8-8—25. Power-play opportunities—Calgary 2 of 5; Chicago 2 of 7. Goalies—Calgary, Kiprusoff 14-11-2 (25 shots-21 saves). Chicago, Emery 9-1-2 (24-22).

First Period—1, Fla., Bergenheim 7 (Matthias, Jovanovski), 4:16. 2, Carolina, Gleason 1 (McBain, Ruutu), 18:38. Penalties—Ponikarovsky, Car (tripping), 1:39; Samuelsson, Fla (hooking), 6:57.

Second Period—3, Carolina, LaRose 9, 13:45. Penalties—Weiss, Fla (high-sticking), 5:45.

Third Period—4, Fla., Garrison 10 (Samuelsson, Jovanovski), 5:47 (pp). Penalties—Allen, Car (kneeing), 5:06; Jokinen, Car (boarding), 6:44; Versteeg, Fla (slashing), 13:33.

Overtime—5, Fla., Versteeg 16 (Weiss, Campbell), 3:08. Penalties—None. Shots on Goal—Carolina 7-16-2-1—26. Fla. 8-4-10-3—25. Power-play opportunities—Carolina 0 of 3; Fla. 1 of 3. Goalies—Carolina, Ward 10-13-5 (25 shots-22 saves). Fla., Theodore 13-6-4 (26-24).

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Brees closes in on Marino's record

MINNEAPOLIS — The way Drew Brees is playing as the heart and soul of the Saints, nothing is safe.

Not Dan Marino's single-season passing record, not Aaron Rodgers' presumed MVP award, and perhaps not even the label for best team in the NFC.

Brees threw for 412 yards and five touchdowns to lead the surging Saints to their sixth win in a row, beating the free-falling Vikings.

"I'd definitely vote him MVP," Saints guard Carl Nicks said, "but I don't think what I say goes, and I'm definitely biased, but he's not going to get it. This is the year of the quarterback; him, Rodgers, (Tom) Brady."

Brees has 4,780 passing yards, 304 off Marino's 1984 single-season record with two games left.

"I'm aware that we're close," Brees said. "I just know if we keep doing what we're doing all of that stuff will take care of itself."

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Panthers stun new division champs

HOUSTON — With all eyes on Cam Newton, the Panthers used a trick play to stretch their big lead.

Newton slipped the ball to Richie Brockel, and the tight end swung left for a touchdown late in the first half as Carolina ended Houston's seven-game winning streak.

Newton also threw two touchdowns and outplayed opposing rookie quarterback T.J. Yates as the Panthers built a 21-0 halftime lead. But the talk after the game swirled around the bold gimmick play from the Texans 7.

"The offensive coaches have basically been working on different things and things that we can mix with what we do on offense," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. "I'm not sure which one of our guys came up with this one, but the timing of it was perfect."

Houston looked flat after clinching the AFC South last week, and its top-ranked defense appeared vulnerable without coordinator Wade Phillips, who's on medical leave after having kidney and gall bladder surgery last week.

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Redskins harm Giants' playoff bid

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — If the Giants miss the playoffs, they have only themselves and the Redskins to blame.

Rex Grossman threw a touchdown and Washington dented New York's playoff hopes in a game where the Giants showed little desire with much on the line, especially coming off an emotional win over Dallas last week.

"I'm very disappointed in how we played," coach Tom Coughlin said after the Giants fell a game behind Dallas in the NFC East. "I accept responsibility for it."

Washington completed a sweep of New York as Grossman, the former Florida star, and the offense held the ball for 35 minutes.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning was intercepted three times.

"They had a lot at stake and obviously we didn't, and I'm pleased the way we played," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said.

The Giants still control their destiny; they will win the division if they win their final two games.

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Eagles somehow stay in East hunt

PHILADELPHIA — LeSean McCoy asked media members gathered around his locker for a playoff update and came up with this conclusion when told what the Eagles needed to get in.

"Sounds like a lot," McCoy said.

It sure beats elimination, however.

McCoy rushed for three touchdowns to set two team records, and Philadelphia routed the Jets to stay in the playoff chase.

The Eagles somehow could still repeat as NFC East champions but need to win two more starting next week at Dallas. Philly also needs the Giants to lose to the Jets then beat the Cowboys.

"It feels good to still have a chance to even be considered in the playoff race," quarterback Michael Vick said.

McCoy ran for 102 yards and surpassed Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren with his 19th touchdown of the season and 16th rushing TD.

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Bush runs off Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Bills couldn't catch Reggie Bush. The Dolphins running back was too slippery for the slick field, too.

With flurries blowing in off nearby Lake Erie, Bush ran for a career-best 203 yards and capped a late 76-yard touchdown run by sliding feet-first through the end zone in helping secure Miami's win.

"I play FIFA a lot on PlayStation, and they're always sliding a soccer slide," Bush said of his slide, for which he was flagged 15 yards for excessive celebration.

The Dolphins won their first under interim coach Todd Bowles, who replaced the fired Tony Sparano.

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Lions rally with hand from Suh

OAKLAND, Calif. — Ndamukong Suh reached his right arm out to block a winning field goal try, hurled his helmet about 20 yards and let out a loud scream in celebration. What a difference from the way his last game ended.

Suh provided the perfect exclamation point in his return from a two-game suspension for stomping on a Packer on Thanksgiving by sealing a win for the Lions, who rallied to beat the Raiders. "For me it's just a great opportunity to be on the football field," Suh said after blocking Sebastian Janikowski's 65-yard attempt. "That's just the things that I expect out of myself. I can't do it by myself."

Matthew Stafford threw a 6-yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson with 39 seconds left to cap a 98-yard drive that helped the Lions take a two-game lead in the NFC wild-card race. He led two long scoring drives in the final minutes to give the Lions their first lead. Detroit can make the playoffs for the first time since 1999 by winning one of its final two games.

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Seahawks still in it

CHICAGO — A 20-yard interception return by 323-pound defensive end Red Bryant capped a stellar defensive day for Seattle.

Bryant's go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter was the second Seahawks score in a span of 50 seconds to spark a rout of the sinking Bears. Chicago backup Caleb Hanie threw three of his team's four interceptions and was sacked four times.

"To see big Red score a touchdown, oh man, that warmed your heart," said coach Pete Carroll, whose Seahawks are suddenly back in the NFC wild-card hunt.

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Bengals rebound

ST. LOUIS — All but counted out near halftime, A.J. Green re-emerged and reached a nice rookie milestone.

He helped the Bengals get off the mat, too.

The receiver had six catches for 115 yards to top 1,000 yards this season as Cincinnati held St. Louis in check for a victory that let the Bengals keep pace in the AFC playoff race.

Green sprained his right shoulder early and had only two catches after the break, but both were for first downs.

"If we finish strong, we'll give ourselves a chance," cornerback Nate Clements said. "Guys are going to be focused on the opponent at hand."

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts avoided their first 0-16 season thanks to a quarterback who was trying to prevent his second.

Dan Orlovsky, who closed out the NFL's only 0-16 season with Detroit in 2008, threw one touchdown and the key block to spring an 80-yard touchdown run to lead the previously winless Colts to a 27-13 win Sunday over playoff-hopeful Tennessee.

Players and coaches celebrated by throwing their arms in the air, and Orlovsky closed it by taking the traditional kneel-downs for the first time in his NFL career.

"I'm happy for a lot of people on this team, for a lot of people in this organization," Orlovsky said. "It's a lot better than the feeling we've had lately."

Indianapolis hadn't won for 50 weeks — which was also against Tennessee and also at home.

Orlovsky, a seven-year veteran, was 0-9 in his previous NFL starts. He didn't have to do too much Sunday, going 11-of-17 for 82 yards with one touchdown, but he didn't turn the ball over.

"I think in my career, I've learned not to take (wins) for granted," Orlovsky said, drawing polite laughter.

Donald Brown added a career-high 161 yards rushing, including the late 80-yard TD run for Indy.

The Colts will need their offense to keep playing like this in the final two games, after vice chairman Bill Polian announced that Peyton Manning would not be back this season, though he has started throwing to teammates. Manning has not played since having neck surgery Sept. 8.

The Titans probably need to win their last two and get help to make the postseason.

Matt Hasselbeck threw for 223 yards but had no TDs and two interceptions. Chris Johnson ran 15 times for 55 yards.

"I never would have expected us to come out, and they're playing like the team going to the playoffs and we're the team that's 0-13," coach Mike Munchak said.

Just when the Titans got within 20-13, Brown reversed field and got away from the defenders. Orlovsky jumped in front of the man closest to him, providing enough of an obstacle for Brown to outrun the defense 80 yards to the end zone.

He tied Tom Matte's record for the franchise's longest run, set Oct. 12, 1964, against St. Louis.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, December 18, 2011

No. 13 Florida vs. Mississippi Valley St.

When/where: 7; O'Connell Center, Gainesville

TV/radio: FSN; 620-AM

Records: Florida 8-2, Mississippi Valley State 1-8

Notable: The Gators return to the court two days after a double-digit victory over No. 22 Texas A&M in the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic at Sunrise. Florida played four of its first five games on the road and now begins a five-game stretch that includes four home games. The Gators will be trying to win their 11th consecutive home game dating to last season. Mississippi Valley State starts five seniors, led by C Paul Crosby, who averages 14.1 points. The Delta Devils have played a brutal nonconference schedule that includes road games against North Carolina, Florida, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Arkansas, Northwestern, Iowa State, Ole Miss and DePaul. Delta Devils coach Sean Woods is a former Kentucky star who played with Florida assistant John Pelphrey when UF coach Billy Donovan was an assistant on that Kentucky team.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Coach Mike McCarthy never put a lot of stock in a perfect season, except as a means of gaining homefield playoff advantage and setting the Packers up for another Super Bowl run.

They still have a chance to earn homefield advantage.

The perfect season? History.

Kyle Orton threw for 299 yards to outduel Aaron Rodgers, and the Chiefs rallied behind interim coach Romeo Crennel for a shocking 19-14 victory Sunday to end the Packers' 19-game winning streak. It was Green Bay's first loss since Dec. 19, 2010, at New England.

"I personally always viewed the undefeated season as really just gravy," McCarthy said. "The goal was to get homefield advantage and win the Super Bowl. That's what we discussed."

Green Bay, without leading receiver Greg Jennings and top rusher James Starks because of injuries, can wrap up the No. 1 seed with a win in either of its final two games, against Chicago and Detroit. But the Packers no longer have the pressure of becoming the second team to win a Super Bowl with a perfect record or extending the second-longest winning streak in league history.

"I think our goal ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl," Rodgers said. "The next step is getting that No. 1 seed in the playoffs. We've got a home playoff game. We've got a bye secured."

Rodgers was 17-of-35 for 235 yards and a touchdown, and he ran 8 yards for a touchdown with 2:12 left. But the Packers were unable to recover the onside kick after that score, and Kansas City picked up a couple of first downs to secure the victory.

Ryan Succop hit four field goals for Kansas City, which had lost five of six and fired coach Todd Haley on Monday. Jackie Battle's short TD plunge with 4:53 left came in handy when Rodgers led one last scoring drive.

"Everybody had marked it off as a win for the Packers," Crennel said. "But those guys in the locker … they decided they were not going to lay down, they were not going to give up, so they went out and played a tremendous game."

Neither team looked tremendous in the first half. Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson was penalized twice for offensive pass interference, Rodgers was harassed by the Chiefs' weak pass rush, and Green Bay had just five first downs. Rodgers finished the half 6-of-17 for 59 yards, with a handful of drops between wide receiver Donald Driver and tight end Jermichael Finley.

"We set the tone on both sides of the ball," Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson said.

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Around the league

NECK SURGERY FOR BEARS' KNOX

CHICAGO — Bears WR Johnny Knox will have surgery to stabilize a vertebra in his lower to mid back after being taken from the field on a cart in the opening minutes of Sunday's 38-14 loss to the Seahawks.

The Bears said the injury is not career-threatening. Surgery was scheduled for today.

"He has total movement throughout his body, has total use of all his extremities, which is good," coach Lovie Smith said. "He's not paralyzed or anything."

Knox caught a pass from Caleb Hanie when Seattle S Kam Chancellor poked the ball out. As Knox dived for it, he was hit by DE Anthony Hargrove and got bent backward.

BILLS: Coach Chan Gailey denied a report assistant Dave Wannstedt was calling defensive plays instead of coordinator George Edwards. During the game, Buffalo radio station WGRF, the team's flagship, said Wannstedt was more involved in play calling.

PACKERS: OL Derek Sherrod broke his right leg in the fourth quarter. He was playing in place of Bryan Bulaga, who went down with a knee strain.

PANTHERS: The team has led in 13 of 14 games.

PATRIOTS: DE Andre Carter left with a quad injury, and he will need surgery, his agent, Carl Poston, said in an ESPN.com report.

RAIDERS: Calvin Johnson's 214 yards receiving for Detroit were the second-most ever against Oakland, trailing Don Maynard's 228 for the Jets in the Heidi game in 1968.

RAMS: OT Harvey Dahl was whistled for consecutive penalties in the fourth quarter, one for holding and another for unsportsmanlike conduct for using an expletive after barging in during referee Jerome Boger's call on a live microphone. "I made a bad situation worse," Dahl said. "Obviously, you've got to stay composed there. I didn't know the microphone was on." … Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk was added to the team's ring of fame.

SAINTS: Drew Brees surpassed 40,000 yards passing and became the first QB to top 350 yards in a game seven times in a season.

SEAHAWKS: WR Mike Williams, a former Plant High star, broke an ankle when he was tackled after a catch in the third quarter. … RB Marshawn Lynch scored for the 10th straight game with two TD runs.

Times wires

Times wires
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Cards add OT mojo

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Overtime was Arizona's time — again.

And it got the Cardinals at .500 for the first time since Week 2.

Do-it-all rookie Patrick Peterson returned a punt 32 yards and John Skelton threw 32 yards to Larry Fitzgerald against the Browns to set up the Cardinals' third overtime win in seven games.

A 22-yard field goal by former Tampa Jesuit kicker Jay Feely ended it.

Arizona became the ninth team to win three overtime games in a season and the second to win all three at home.

"We have a flair for dramatics," Fitzgerald said. "(Sunday) was kind of typical Cardinals fashion."