steelers' offense will come to pass - national football...

SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL

Steelers' offense will come to passThursday, October 02, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Matt Freed/Post-Gazette

Ben Roethlisberger: No 200-yard games yet? Just you watch Sunday night in Jacksonville.

Out of cash? Use the credit card. Snow blower down? Shovel. No flights available? Drive.

Your top running backs injured? Throw the ball.

It does not take a football genius to decipher what the Steelers have to do on offense Sunday night in Jacksonville without Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall and Carey Davis.

"Shoot, when you lose your starting running back, you lose your first-round running back, you lose your starting fullback/running back?" Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes asked out loud yesterday. "I mean, what else is there for you to do? You can only throw the ball and hope someone comes in and fills in, like Mewelde did."

Mewelde Moore, the only healthy running back left on the roster early Tuesday morning, has been supplemented by the return of Najeh Davenport and Gary Russell this week. Since a badly hobbling Davis does not appear ready to return this week, tight end Sean McHugh will replace him when they need a fullback.

Ben Roethlisberger does not have a 200-yard passing game this season, and, if he does not after five games, it won't be for a lack of trying.

"As receivers, that's what you ask for," Hines Ward said. "You don't get too many opportunities around here anyway, so, to be put in a position where you have to make plays in the passing game, I think we're more than capable and have the weapons to go out and do that."

Jacksonville, traditionally, is difficult to run on anyway. The Jaguars rank 14th in the NFL against the run, 24th against the pass. All three Steelers touchdowns in a 29-22 loss to Jacksonville Dec. 16 were passes. Roethlisberger then completed 29 of 42 passes for 337 yards in the Steelers' 31-29 loss to the Jaguars in their playoff game Jan. 5.

"Look back on our last two games against them, we had success passing the ball," Ward noted. "In the playoffs, we went to the hurry-up and the spread, and it really got us back in the game. Hopefully, we can learn from that and maybe exploit some things there."

The no-huddle produced the only touchdown on offense in the Steelers' 23-20 overtime victory against Baltimore in Heinz Field Monday night. Roethlisberger threw a 38-yard scoring pass to Holmes in the third quarter.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Roethlisberger lobbied for the no-huddle. The Steelers have talked a good game about their no-huddle, but it's not an offense they use often.

Next

Game: Steelers (3-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2). When: 8:15 p.m. Sunday. TV: WPXI. Of note: xxx

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"You have to just pick your spots," Ward said. "We haven't been working on it all year. We have it in our thing and we bring it out when we need a change of pace. That's why we go to the hurry-up. When we feel like we have to start changing the tempo, to speed it up, we'll bring it up."

Roethlisberger, the lobbyist, shrugged about the chances the Steelers will use more of the no-huddle in Jacksonville.

"We'll see. It depends on how we're playing. It's a change of pace for us. It's worked well for us in the past."

Ward, Holmes and others don't believe the Steelers will switch overnight to a new offensive philosophy.

"I've been here when we were a passing team," Ward said, recalling the 2002 and '03 seasons, when Tommy Maddox was at the helm. "When we passed, we were putting up points and putting up things and everybody said we need to get back to running the ball."

The Steelers geared their offenses to their newfound passing game in '03, and they finished 6-10, tied for Bill Cowher's worst record. They emphatically returned to the run in 2004 and went 15-1.

"We're not going to abandon ship on the run game," Ward said. "We have to go out there and run the ball and control the time of possession."

"This team," offensive tackle Willie Colon said, "has to be balanced.

"We have a great quarterback in Ben and receivers. But, if we try to be the [Indianapolis] Colts out of the blue, we're going into a rut."

It may not be in their ancestry to turn into a passing team, but sometimes things call for a Plan B.

As Colon put it, "We have to just kind of let the wheels off and just fly."

Ed Bouchette can be reached at [email protected].

First published on October 2, 2008 at 12:00 am

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SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL

Steelers Notebook: No fanfare for Roethlisberger's 100th career touchdown pass Thursday, October 02, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana / Post-Gazette

Jeff Reed, left, shows Baltimore's Ed Reed how close his winning kick in overtime was to the upright. The kick helped Reed earn AFC special teams player of the week.

Ben Roethlisberger threw his 100th touchdown pass Monday night with little fanfare.

Actually, it was with no fanfare.

The ball that Santonio Holmes caught and turned into a game-changing, 38-yard touchdown reception did not go to Big Benbut to Santonio's mom.

"He didn't say anything to me," Holmes said. "If he said something to me, I'd give it to him."

Surely, Big Ben would not deprive Santonio's mom of her game ball. Anyway, as Holmes said, "There will be a million more of those."

Maybe not quite that many. Roethlisberger's total includes 88 touchdown passes in the regular season and 12 more in the playoffs. He already ranks second in franchise history behind Terry Bradshaw's 212 scoring tosses in the regular season, 242 including postseason.

Some pointers, please

Byron Leftwich spent four seasons as Jacksonville's starting quarterback until they released him after training camp in 2007. As Roethlisberger's backup, he could supply the Steelers with some counterintelligence this week.

"I can't tell them anything they don't already know," Leftwich protested. "Pittsburgh and the Jaguars have been playing each other every year now."

Perhaps, but it hasn't stopped Roethlisberger from pumping his backup for information about the Jaguars.

"The whole first meeting I was talking to him about who he knows, what he knows and little tidbits about each guy," Roethlisberger said. "It's a big help to have him here."

Reed is honored

Jeff Reed has never made a Pro Bowl, but the Steelers' kicker has been Pro Bowl-caliber for a number of years. Last season, he missed only two field-goal tries -- one from 65 yards in Denver and the other from 44 yards in the muck at Heinz Field against Miami.

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Monday night, he made all three field-goal attempts, including the 46-yard winner in overtime to beat Baltimore, 23-20. Yesterday, the Steelers' special teams captain was named AFC special teams player of the week.

He has made all seven of his field-goal tries this year.

"You look at the stats around the league, it's like nobody misses," Reed said. "If you miss a few, you finish under 80 percent, you're like in the bottom five of the NFL."

Reed, though, does not get much chance to kick in a dome or warm weather in November and December, especially this season when the Steelers play every game outdoors and have no warm-weather games scheduled those two months.

"It's not going to get any easier," Reed said. "The weather and the field only get a little worse at home."

Coverage improves

The Steelers' kick-coverage teams have improved noticeably through four games, although coach Mike Tomlin hoped no one would notice.

"Don't say that," Tomlin pleaded. "Keep tearing it down, baby. We're working at it."

They must work a little harder this week because the Jaguars feature rookie Brian Witherspoon, who averages 29.7 yards on kickoff returns, 15.8 yards on punt returns and was timed at under 4.2 in the 40. The Steelers have permitted an average of just 19.4 yards on kickoff returns and 5.2 yards on punt returns.

"They're doing a nice job," Tomlin finally conceded of his coverage teams, "but we've got a tall challenge this week in the name of that young man, Witherspoon."

Roster updates

The Steelers officially signed running back Gary Russell from their practice squad to the 53-man roster. They released safety Grant Mason from their practice squad and added two to that unit, re-signing guard Doug Legursky and defensive end Jordan Reffett, who spent training camp with the Steelers.

Injury updates

Tomlin went easier on his team in practice yesterday because they played Monday night. They wore shells, practice was 15 minutes shorter and a host of players were held out: Roethlisberger (right shoulder), safety Troy Polamalu (thigh), linebacker James Harrison (thigh), running back Carey Davis (ankle), defensive end Nick Eason (groin), linebacker Patrick Bailey (hamstring), linebacker Keyaron Fox (back), linebacker Andre Frazier (concussion), and two veterans given the day off, offensive tackle Marvel Smith and wide receiver Hines Ward. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes (neck) was limited in practice.

First up, Stapleton

Darnell Stapleton drew first blood in practice in his competition with Trai Essex to start at right guard and replace injured Kendall Simmons, who is out for the season. This week's starter could be next week's backup, Stapleton said.

"Who said it's not a week-to-week thing? If I'm the starter or Trai's the starter, they [can] continue to evaluate us throughout the season to see who's the best fit at the time. Right now, we're focusing on who's going to be the starter for this week and worry about the rest down the line."

First published on October 2, 2008 at 12:00 am

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Steelers make up for lost ground By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Thursday, October 2, 2008

One player in the Jacksonville Jaguars' backfield has rushed for almost 11,000 yards and will merit serious consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The other is a multipurpose threat who has scored 28 touchdowns in 35 career games.

The Steelers, who long have been associated with a robust running game, offer a surprisingly stark contrast. At least this much can be said about the two newest additions to their decimated backfield: Najeh Davenport and Gary Russell don't exactly compare to Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew.

Davenport and Russell, however, could figure as prominently into Sunday night's game as the Jaguars' acclaimed running back tandem.

With Mewelde Moore qualifying as the only Steelers' healthy running back, there doesn't appear to be a question that Davenport and Russell will log carries in Jacksonville. What remains to be seen is how big of a role each will handle against a defense that has a reputation for being as physical as any in the NFL.

"I haven't played a real game for a while," said Russell, who was signed from the Steelers' practice squad. "Running, getting hit, you can't simulate that."

Davenport hasn't been hit since last January, but it didn't take long for him to absorb a good-natured dig Wednesday. When reporters asked Davenport what he had done to stay in football shape, one of his nearby teammates said, "Fantasy football doesn't count!"

Davenport has been out of football since the Steelers released him at the end of June. A handful of teams showed interest in him, Davenport said, and the New York Jets were set to sign him after the first week of the season. Those plans were nixed, he said, when the Jets had to sign a kicker as a temporary fill-in for the injured Mike Nugent.

Davenport chuckled at that bit of bad timing yesterday. He was back in the NFL -- and back where he had been in 2006 when the Steelers signed him prior to a game against the Jaguars.

Asked if he can absorb a pounding even though he hasn't played in a game since the Steelers' 31-29 playoff loss to the Jaguars last January, Davenport said, "I thought not being hit was a good thing, the ultimate fresh legs."

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The 6-foot-1 Davenport, who is listed in the Steelers' 2007 media guide at 247 pounds, spent two seasons as Willie Parker's backup and had his moments. But when the Steelers took running back Rashard Mendenhall in the first round of last April's draft, Davenport knew his days in Pittsburgh were numbered.

"(If) you can pass grade school," he said, "you can do the math."

Simple arithmetic is a big reason Davenport is in his second tour with the Steelers.

Parker is out for a second consecutive week with a sprained knee, and Mendenhall is out for the season with a fractured shoulder. Fullback Carey Davis, who also can play running back, didn't practice yesterday and walked gingerly on his left ankle when he wasn't using his crutches.

As battered as the Steelers' backfield is, several players said they don't think the team will alter its offensive approach Sunday and throw the ball more than usual.

"Looking at the game plan; it doesn't look like anything will change for us right now," wide receiver Santonio Holmes said. "Maybe later on in the week it will, if the coaches don't feel comfortable with it. I think the (running backs) we have right now are going to get the job done because they're very eager to play."

That is certainly the case with Russell.

He made enough of an impression on the Steelers last season to catch on with the team as an undrafted free agent.

Russell, however, played in just three games in 2007, and the 5-11, 215-pounder did not dress in the Steelers' first two games this year before he was released Sept. 20.

He quickly re-signed with the Steelers' practice squad and has a chance to show the coaches that he belongs on the 53-man roster even when the team's health at running back improves.

"Whatever the (coaches) ask me to do -- if it's short-yardage, third-down, I'm going to do it," Russell said.

Scott Brown can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.

Images and text copyright © 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

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Notebook: Steelers' Stapleton works with offensive line By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Thursday, October 2, 2008

• Darnell Stapleton, who is battling Trai Essex for the starting job at right guard, worked with the first-team offensive line Wednesday. Stapleton took over for Kendall Simmons at right guard Monday night after the latter left the game in the first half with a season-ending foot injury. "He did a good job," Essex said. "I'm confident if Darnell does get the nod he'll be able to go." Not that Essex, who is listed as a tackle but has also practiced at guard, is conceding anything. "You get in there and start and play well and you might be in there for the rest of the season," Essex said. When asked what it will take to win the starting job, Stapleton said, "I guess whoever has the better practices this week, even though we have a short week."

• Steelers coach Mike Tomlin did not rule out the possibility of moving Willie Colon from right tackle to right guard. Apparently, he has never broached the subject with Colon, who is the Steelers' starting right tackle. "That's the first timeI've heard that," Colon said yesterday.

Would he be willing to make such a move? "Yeah," Colon said, "anything to help the team out."

• Two days after the Steelers' 23-20 overtime win over the Ravens, Tomlin put the players through a light practice. The players did not wear full pads yesterday, and the Steelers' first practice of the week was about 15 minutes shorter than usual. Ten players were held out of the practice that the Steelers held indoors because of the weather.

• Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder), outside linebacker James Harrison (quadricep) and safety Troy Polamalu were among the Steelers who did not practice yesterday. Fullback Carey Davis (ankle), defensive end Nick Eason (groin) and linebackers Andre Frazier (concussion), Keyaron Fox (back) and Patrick Bailey (hamstring) also didn't practice because of injuries. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes was limited in practice because of a sore neck. Wide receiver Hines Ward and left tackle Marvel Smith were given practice off by Tomlin.

• The Steelers have traditionally drawn well on the road, and that has particularly been the case in Jacksonville. The Jaguars struggle to fill their own stadium, which means there should be no shortage of fans wearing black and gold Sunday night when the Steelers visit Jacksonville for an 8:15 p.m. game. "Sometimes it's hard to tell if we're at a home game or an away game when (the Steelers) come to town, lot of towels waving in the air," Jaguars

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quarterback David Garrard said. "I really expect our fans to come out in droves for this game and support us."

• Jeff Reed has been named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Reed kicked three field goals Monday night against the Ravens, including the game-winner in overtime. Reed made field goals of 49, 19 and 46 yards in the Steelers' 23-20 win over the Ravens. He hasn't missed a field goal in seven attempts this season and made a career-long 53-yarder against the Eagles on Sept. 21.

• The Steelers signed defensive tackle Jordan Reffett and guard Doug Legursky to their practice squad yesterday. The Steelers made room on the practice squad by signing running back Gary Russell to their 53-man roster and releasing safety Grant Mason.

Digits

5.5 -- Sacks by outside linebacker James Harrison, which ranks first in the AFC and second in the NFL.

150 -- Consecutive games in which Hines Ward has caught at least one pass.

Scott Brown can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.

Images and text copyright © 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

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THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2008 :: Last modified: Thursday, October 2, 2008 12:10 AM EDT

Steelers notes: Pro Bowl vote for Reed By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff

PITTSBURGH — Hines Ward says that if Jeff Reed keeps kicking the way he has so far this season, he deserves to go to the Pro Bowl. “I’m going to keep lobbying for Jeff Reed as a Pro Bowl guy,” said Ward, a wide receiver who’s been to four Pro Bowls. “The guy constantly comes into rough territory at Heinz Field and consistently kicks field goals. We call him Mr. Automatic.

“That’s why he’s the captain of the special teams. He’s a captain for a reason.” Reed, a seventh-year pro, was a hero Monday night in a 23-20 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens. He made all three of his field goal tries, a 49-yarder in the first quarter, a 19-yarder in the fourth quarter and then a 46-yard game-winner in OT. For his performance, Reed was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He’s now a perfect seven-of-seven so far this season in field goal tries. Last year, Reed led all starting NFL kickers with a 90.2 percent success rate. He made 23 of 25 attempts. His only misses were a 65-yarder in Denver and a 44-yarder at Heinz Field under monsoon-like conditions in a 3-0 win over Miami at Heinz Field. “There are a bunch of guys in this locker room who thought I should have made the Pro Bowl last year,” Reed said. “It would be nice if it happens this year. But we’ve only played four games. There’s a lot of football to be played. So we’ll see.” DAVENPORT READY On his first day of practice this season, newly acquired running back Najeh Davenport said he felt good and pronounced himself ready to go for Sunday’s game in Jacksonville. “I’m fine. Have you seen my abs?” said Davenport, who was signed Tuesday due to serious injury problems the Steelers have at running back. Davenport, who played with the Steelers in 2006 and ’07, doesn’t know how many carries he’ll get against the Jaguars. After all, he’s been a man without a team since the Steelers cut him in June. But with Willie Parker out with a sprained knee, Rashard Mendenhall lost for the rest of the season with a broken shoulder, and fullback/halfback Carey Davis out with a sprained ankle, Davenport figures to get his share of touches. Beside Davenport, the Steelers will only have two other halfbacks in uniform Sunday — Mewelde

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Moore, who had been the third-down back until now, and Gary Russell, a second-year pro who was promoted from the practice squad Wednesday. “I’m here to contribute,” Davenport said. “Whatever they call on me to do, I’ll do it and do it well.” STAPLETON OR ESSEX? Tuesday at his weekly press conference, coach Mike Tomlin said that reserve linemen Darnell Stapleton and Trai Essex would battle for the starting job at right guard. But really, what kind of competition can there be at practice when there’s no contact? “I guess the person who screws up the least and whoever the rest of the offensive line feels comfortable with,” Essex said. At practice Wednesday, it was Stapleton who worked with the first-team offense. “The coaches haven’t told me anything yet,” Stapleton said. “But if called upon, I believe I can get the job done.” When Kendall Simmons suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in Monday’s win over the Ravens, it was Stapleton who replaced him. In that game, Essex wasn’t even in uniform. He was one of seven Steelers designated as game-day inactives. DAY OFF FOR BIG BEN Beside the three starters who have already been ruled out of Sunday’s game, 10 Steelers didn’t practice Wednesday. Among them were quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who got a day off to rest his right shoulder which was sprained in the Sept. 7 season opener. Four other promiment starters didn’t practice — safety Troy Polamalu (thigh), linebacker James Harrison (thigh), tackle Marvel Smith and Ward. Smith and Ward were just given the day off for no specific reason. Roethlisberger, Polamalu, Harrison, Smith and Ward will all play Sunday. Parker, defensive end Brett Keisel (calf) and nose tackle Casey Hampton (groin) should be able to play in the Oct. 19 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Next week, the Steelers are off with a bye.


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THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2008 :: Last modified: Wednesday, October 1, 2008 11:59 AM EDT

Jeff Reed: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers kicker Jeff Reed has been named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. A seventh-year pro, Reed made all three of his field goal tries in Monday night’s 23-20 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens.

He made a 49-yarder in the first quarter, a 19-yarder in the fourth quarter and then a 46-yard game-winner in OT. Reed is a perfect seven-of-seven so far this season in field goal tries.

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Reviving no-huddle might be only option By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer

[email protected]

PITTSBURGH - The Steelers' offense slogged through the first two-and-a-half quarters of football Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens in lackluster fashion.

It wasn't until its second possession of the second half that Pittsburgh finally got going.

That was when the team began using a no-huddle offense, allowing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to call the plays at the line of scrimmage.

That move helped turn a 13-3 deficit into a 23-20 overtime victory and has many wondering why the Steelers (3-1) don't use more of the no-huddle offense.

The answer is not always a simple one.

"I've been here when we a passing team," said wide receiver Hines Ward, referring to the 2002 season when both he and Plaxico Burress had more than 1,300 yards receiving.

"We were putting up points and everybody said we needed to get back to running the ball. You can't have your cake and eat it too. I think we're a balanced team."

Even Roethlisberger, who has lobbied in the past to use the no-huddle more often - he did so again Monday night - admits that it's not something that can be done all the time.

"It kind of depends on how we're playing," said Roethlisberger, who finished with 191 passing yards after having just 43 at the half. "It's kind of a change-of-pace for us. It's worked well for us in the past."

Given the Steelers' situation at running back, opening up the passing game more when the team travels to Jacksonville (2-2) Sunday might be the only option. The Steelers will start third-stringer Mewelde Moore at running back because of injuries to Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall and Carey Davis.

"When you lose your starting running back, your first-round running back and lose your starting fullback/running back, what else is there for you to do?" said wide receiver Santonio Holmes. "You can only throw the ball and hope that somebody comes to fill in like Mewelde did."

Moore had only 13 yards rushing on eight carries against the Ravens - in part because he slipped in the backfield and took a four-yard loss on his final carry. But he had three pass receptions for 37 yards, including a 24-yard catch on third down that set up Jeff Reed's game-winning field goal.

The Steelers signed Gary Russell and Najeh Davenport to add depth behind Moore, but they are still thin at running backs.

"They'll play more free in the secondary because they know we're probably going to throw the ball more," Holmes said.

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Odds and end zones

Reed was named the AFC's Special Teams Player of the Week after making all three of his field-goal attempts against the Jaguars. It's the third time he's received the honor. ... Darnell Stapleton worked at right guard Wednesday with the first-team offense as the Steelers attempt to figure out who will replace Kendall Simmons. Simmons was placed on injured reserve with a torn Achilles tendon. Trai Essex will work with the first team today. ... In addition to promoting Russell off of the practice squad, Pittsburgh released safety Grant Mason. The Steelers signed guard Doug Legursky and defensive lineman Jordan Reffett to fill the practice squad spots. Both were with the team in training camp. ... In addition to Parker and Davis, not practicing for the Steelers Wednesday were defensive end Nick Eason (groin), linebackers Keyaron Fox (back), Patrick Bailey (hamstring), Andre Frazier (concussion) and James Harrison (quadricep), safety Troy Polamalu (quadricep), quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder), tackle Marvel Smith (not injury related) and wide receiver Hines Ward (not injury related).

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

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10/02/2008

Steelers' backup lineman vying for right guard job By Jim Wexell , For the Herald-Standard

PITTSBURGH - Some guys are just magic. Darnell Stapleton entered Monday night's game to start the second half at right guard in place of injured Kendall Simmons. At the time, the Steelers were losing 13-3. They rallied for a 20-13 lead and beat the Baltimore Ravens in overtime. What, Stapleton was asked, did he do to turn that game around? Max Starks and Ben Roethlisberger, at nearby lockers, overheard the question. "Game changer! Game changer!" Starks shouted at Stapleton. "How DID you turn it around?" Roethlisberger asked before shouting the question to the rest of the locker room. "See what you started?" Stapleton said to the reporter. "You're getting me in trouble. You're a troublemaker." But Stapleton IS a game changer. He did it in college. Rutgers hadn't played in a bowl game in 27 years until Stapleton transferred there to play center in 2005. And in 2006, Stapleton led Rutgers to an amazing 11-2 record. Stapleton wasn't drafted, but made the Steelers as a free agent in 2007, and he didn't see his first action on the offensive line until Monday night, when he rallied the Steelers to a win. "No, the offense turned it around," Stapleton said. "We had a nice little talk from our quarterback, who's our leader, and that helped the offense pick it up in the second half." Stapleton was thrown into the fire against Haloti Ngata, and the 310-pound Stapleton stopped the 350-pounder in his tracks. Or something like that. "I know I'm not 350 pounds, but I can hold my own," Stapleton said. "It went all right. He's a load and I think I held my own." But Stapleton must win a competition this week against Trai Essex to keep the job. Essex is a five-year vet who's started five games, including the playoff game last year against Jacksonville. He's played only left tackle in those games, but has practiced at both guard spots and both tackle spots the last two years. At 6-4, he's a few inches taller than Stapleton and at a listed 324 is at least 15 pounds heavier. He also drew raves at training camp as one of the team's most improved players as he filled in at left guard for injured Chris Kemoeatu. Stapleton opened as the right guard at Wednesday's practice, but Essex is expected to get his chance today. "I'd be lying if I said this isn't a good opportunity," said Essex. "If I get in there and perform well, I might be there the rest of the season. So it's a great opportunity." Essex said he can play all five line positions, and that the difference between guard and tackle is "space. Tackles deal with a lot of space, whereas at guard, the guy's right there in your face. Other than that it's the same thing: Hit the guy across from you in the face and protect the quarterback." But the Steelers haven't been doing much of that this season. The Steelers have allowed 16 sacks. Only San Francisco, with 19, has allowed more. So what do the Steelers have to lose by replacing one veteran lineman with either of these veteran linemen? "I think people are just trying to do more than their job," Essex said. "I think everyone will settle down and start to get this thing done." If either Stapleton or Essex can't get the job done Sunday night in Jacksonville, the following bye week would afford Coach Mike Tomlin to look at another contender: right tackle Willie Colon, a natural guard who could slide over for Max Starks at right tackle. "WHAT?" Colon asked. "What is all this BS? I've been in meetings all day. I haven't heard anything about this." Colon was kidding of course. Wave after wave of reporters had stopped at his locker to ask him about playing guard after Tomlin hinted at the move at his Tuesday press conference.

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"Whatever it takes," Colon said. "I just want to win. I went through enough losing in college. I just want to win. If I can step in and be a factor, fine. I take pride in playing right tackle, but I also take pride in being in the starting lineup and winning games." The Steelers have the candidates who would allow the line to not fall off in performance. But they could also do so much more.

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10/02/2008

Steelers notebook By Jim Wexell , For the Herald-Standard

Reed named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week PITTSBURGH - As Jeff Reed was kicking a 46-yard field goal to win Monday night's game in overtime, the referee blew the play dead because the Baltimore coach called a late timeout. Undaunted, Reed waited through the timeout and kicked another 46-yarder for the game-winner. As he jogged off the field, his coach, Mike Tomlin, said, "You can't freeze a psychopath!" It was the seventh game-winning field goal of Reed's career, a career that's becoming one of the greatest of any Steelers kicker. A perfect 7-for-7 this season, Reed has made 82.6 percent of his career kicks. If Reed makes his next two kicks, he'll pass Norm Johnson for first place on the Steelers' all-time accuracy list. For his work Monday night, Reed was named the AFC's Special Teams Player of the Week. That's not too bad for a psychopath. "Yeah, I guess he did say that," Reed said of his coach. "He just knows that I live for those opportunities, and as a kicker you should. How many times do you actually get to pull your team through something?" What did Reed think of Baltimore's late timeout? "The whistle blew as I was swinging through the ball," he said. "I don't agree with that. That's not icing the kicker. I don't even think they got the timeout in. But according to the rules they get the timeout and I have to kick it again. So I did." FAMILIAR FACES RETURN: The Steelers announced the signings of once and former running backs Najeh Davenport and Gary Russell to replace guard Kendall Simmons and back Rashard Mendenhall, who were placed on injured reserve. The two players will most likely act as reserves for Mewelde Moore, with Davenport a possibility for third-down action and Russell a possibility in short yardage. CUSSED OUT: Ben Roethlisberger's halftime speech Monday may have turned the season around, according to some players. How exactly did it go down? "He was cussing us out," said tackle Willie Colon. "He just told us how he felt. He just basically stood up and said we suck, and he said we had to do something about this. That's what it came down to. It's one thing to get your (butt) beat out there, but when a guy misses an assignment, that's when someone has to step up and say enough's enough. "After looking at that film, he could've said a lot more. We just weren't on the same page with some things. Yeah, we were fighting hard, but they weren't doing anything we hadn't prepared for. They threw one blitz at us that threw us off guard, but it was little things that Coach (Larry) Zierlein talks about all the time." BEAT UP: Wednesday's practice was missed by several players - including Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu - who expect to play Sunday night after a short week of work. "I think we've got a lot more guys at this time of year banged up," said linebacker James Farrior, "but I don't think it's anything we can't overcome. I mean, we've got depth at all of our positions. Feels like we're light right now, but those other guys (Willie Parker, Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton) are coming back after the bye. We've got to hold the fort down until then, but so far so good."

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Scouts Inc.: Injuries hurt but won't break Steelers September 30, 2008 6:48 PM

Posted by Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson

With rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) and veteran RG Kendall Simmons (Achilles') now

headed for injured reserve, Pittsburgh's depth and resourcefulness is about be tested.

On the surface, the injuries seem like deal-breakers. With RB Willie Parker already out, Mendenhall's

injury obliterates Pittsburgh's depth at the position. And because the rookie was the team's only

legitimate power back, there isn't a viable replacement on the roster equipped for short-yardage

situations. And though Simmons has been no better than an average NFL starter for a few years now,

he's smart and experienced -- two qualities that seem to be lacking on the Steelers' offensive line

lately.

Still, these developments shouldn't break this team -- or even significantly affect how the Steelers go

about their business. RB Mewelde Moore is set to start at Jacksonville on Sunday, and though he's a

bit small and should be Pittsburgh's No. 3, he's a better runner than his numbers against Baltimore

(13 yards on eight carries) indicate. He has good vision and instincts and, despite his 209-pound

frame, is tough enough to run inside. He lacks Parker's burst and breakaway speed and Mendenhall's

power and measurables, but Moore is, at worst, a capable emergency starter. He's also an excellent

receiver and a solid contributor in pass protection -- an asset Pittsburgh needs now more than ever.

With Simmons done, the Steelers likely will turn to backup RG Darnell Stapleton, which is a mistake.

Stapleton isn't a bad player, but the team has better options. RT Willie Colon could slide inside to

guard and OT Max Starks could start on the edge. Starks is talented and underrated and Colon -- who

took reps at guard in training camp each of the last two years -- could handle the move with a little

coaching. In this scenario, Pittsburgh's offensive line would be bigger and more experienced than if

Stapleton replaces Simmons.

The Steelers won't change their scheme much to accommodate the new starters, but in any case they

need to get better at what they already do. Coordinator Bruce Arians has taken some heat for his play

calling, and rightfully so. Against blitz-happy Philadelphia and Baltimore defenses the last two weeks,

he didn't do enough to aid an offensive line that struggles in protection and a quarterback who tends

to hold on to the ball a beat or three too long. To preserve QB Ben Roethlisberger, give the linemen a

hand and make the most of Moore's abilities, Arians needs to use more screens, draws and the like

against pressure defenses (the Jaguars and Giants, two of the Steelers' next three opponents,

certainly qualify).

Additionally, FB Carey Davis' ankle injury could limit Arians' flexibility, though it won't dramatically

affect an offense that already prominently features two-tight end and multiple-receiver sets. RB Najeh

Davenport likely will be brought back for depth and short-yardage work, and RB Gary Russell is a wild

card who could spell Moore.

In the end, Pittsburgh may throw a bit more often and align Moore in the slot or split wide at times,

but the core offense will remain unchanged. Mendenhall's and Simmons' replacements should be fine,

but the pressure on Big Ben's shoulders and a stout Steelers defense just got turned up a little more.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

Scouts Inc., Pittsburgh Steelers, Rashard Mendenhall, Kendall SImmons, Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore, Darnell Stapleton, Willie Colon, Max Starks, Ben Roethlisberger, Carey Davis, Najeh Davenport, Gary Russell

What do the Steelers have left in the tank? October 1, 2008 1:00 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

In Week 2, the Pittsburgh Steelers survived a tough rivalry game against the Cleveland Browns.

In Week 3, then they were punched in the mouth -- time after time -- by the Philadelphia Eagles.

In Week 4, Pittsburgh waged a major-league slugfest in an overtime victory over the Baltimore

Ravens on "Monday Night Football."

And although the Steelers stand at 3-1 and in first place in the AFC North, does this team have

anything left in the tank?

It's a legitimate question for Pittsburgh at the

quarter mark of the NFL season.

The Steelers knew exactly what they were getting

into leading into the season. After winning the

division last year, Pittsburgh wound up with the

NFL's toughest strength of schedule and so far

the team is paying the price.

Starting defensive end Brett Keisel (calf) went

down against Cleveland. Defensive tackle Casey

Hampton (groin) and tailback Willie Parker

(sprained left knee) were hurt against

Philadelphia. Offensive guard Kendall Simmons (Achilles) and rookie tailback Rashard Mendenhall

(shoulder fracture) were lost for the season during Monday's game against Baltimore.

Hampton, Keisel and Parker are expected to return within the next several weeks. Until then,

Pittsburgh is playing shorthanded, losing five key players in the past three games. The Steelers signed

running back Najeh Davenport to fill in temporarily for Parker.

"[Injuries are] only devastating if you allow it to be," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said this week.

"We are a team for a reason. People are not concerned with our problems. They are probably happy

that we have them."

Tomlin's no-nonsense, no-excuses approach to injuries is part of the reason the Steelers have been

able to weather the storm. Injuries have beset every team in the AFC North, and throughout the NFL,

but traditionally the Steelers have been one of the better teams at consistently playing at a high level.

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Running back Willie Parker is expected to return in the next few weeks.

It also helps to have a very good defense to carry the team through rough stretches.

After finishing in the top spot last year, Pittsburgh is currently ranked No. 2 in total defense, allowing

236.2 yards per game. That keeps games close. And Monday against Baltimore, the Steelers were

able to get a defensive touchdown from linebacker LaMarr Woodley to help overcome a 10-point

deficit in the second half.

The offense hasn't played nearly as well. The Steelers are ranked No. 29 offensively and the three

teams behind them -- the St. Louis Rams, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns -- have combined

for just one victory this season.

Pass protection is a major issue and Simmons' absence for the rest of the year won't help matters. But

with skill players such as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, tight end Heath Miller and receivers Hines

Ward and Santonio Holmes, it is still surprising that the Steelers have been forced to win ugly on most

weeks.

"The sky is kind of the limit when you can play bad and win," said Roethlisberger, looking at the

positives. "We want to see what happens when we play good. I don't [think] we've put together

offensively a good game yet, whether it's the elements or

playing a tough defense."

There are no breathers in the schedule for this ailing

Steelers bunch.

Next up are the equally-physical Jacksonville Jaguars, who

have had Pittsburgh's number. The Jaguars have beaten the

Steelers four times in a row with a brand of football

Pittsburgh should be familiar with -- running the football

and playing tough defense. That was the formula for

Jacksonville in two wins over the Steelers last season, which

included a postseason victory.

Pittsburgh will be motivated and out for revenge this week.

But it will be interesting to see if the Steelers can bring the

same level of intensity after three bruising games.

The Steelers are fortunate they play in a division that is shaping up to be a two-team race with the

Ravens. Pittsburgh owns a win over Baltimore and already is 2-0 in the AFC North. Considering its

schedules, nine or 10 victories could win the division.

Pittsburgh Steelers remaining schedule The Steelers (3-1), who have the NFL's toughest strength of schedule, are hurting after losing four starters the past three weeks. Here is a look at their remaining schedule: Date Opponent Oct. 5 at Jacksonville Oct. 12 Bye Oct. 19 at Cincinnati Oct. 26 New York Giants

Nov. 3 at Washington Nov. 9 Indianapolis Nov. 16 San Diego Nov. 20 Cincinnati Nov. 30 at New England Dec. 7 Dallas Dec. 14 at Baltimore Dec. 21 at Tennessee Dec. 28 Cleveland

The good news is Pittsburgh has a bye after facing Jacksonville. The Steelers essentially have two

weeks to rest before taking the field again on Oct. 19 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and it comes at a

good time.

"Right now all that it means is that we are 3-1 and we have to go to Jacksonville on a short week

against an AFC opponent that we have had some issues with," Tomlin said. "No rest for the weary."

AFC North, Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Kendall Simmons, Rashard Mendenhall, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles

The Florida Times-Union

October 2, 2008 Freddy T's chase: Jaguars' Taylor needs 72 rushing yards to reach 11,000 Jaguars' Taylor needs 72 rushing yards to reach 11,000 Vito Stellino The Times-Union

Fred Taylor has a shot at a showcase moment Sunday night.

In the Jaguars' first regular-season prime-time network TV game since 2001, Taylor needs just 72 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers to join the NFL's 11,000-yard rushing club.

Only 16 other players have reached that milestone, though the San Diego Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson might become the 17th earlier Sunday because he needs just 54 yards against the Miami Dolphins.

Taylor said he's only starting to understand his place in NFL history.

"It doesn't mean a whole lot until after you learn the history" he said. "I guess you can look at it and say, 'Wow, all the backs have played the game, and this is the company I'm keeping.' That made it mean something."

The 16th player on the list is O.J. Simpson at 11,236. And while Emmitt Smith's record of 18,355 appears out of reach, Taylor has a chance to catch Jim Brown, who's ninth at 12,312 yards.

Taylor also has a history of doing well against the Steelers. He has rushed for 915 yards in 10 games against Pittsburgh and holds the single-game records for an opponent at both Three Rivers Stadium (234 yards in 2000) and Heinz Field (147 yards last year).

Running for 72 yards Sunday night might not be easy. With opposing teams stacking their defense against the run, Taylor has exceeded 72 yards in just one game this season, when he had 121 in Indianapolis. He had 18 against Tennessee, 49 against Buffalo and 25 against Houston.

After Taylor ran for 147 yards against the Steelers in a regular-season game last December and the Jaguars accumulated 224 rushing yards, Pittsburgh set out to keep him from duplicating that mark in the playoff game.

Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said teams usually pack the box against the Jaguars, but the Steelers

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"packed it even more."

"What they did is they took [safety Troy] Polamalu, and not only did he pack the box, but he hit the gap. He's an excellent penetrator," Koetter said. "When you get a guy who can split your blocking scheme and penetrate it, it's disruptive. They did a nice job of that the second game."

The Jaguars rushed for 135 yards in the playoff game, but that number was misleading because quarterback David Garrard scrambled for 58 to lead the team in rushing.

Both Koetter and Taylor said they expect the Steelers to use a similar strategy Sunday night.

"It wasn't just Troy," Taylor said. "They had a couple of them shooting gaps. That can work to your advantage as well as disadvantage."

The disadvantage is if Taylor bursts past the line of scrimmage, it creates the potential for a long run.

"That's what I have to do is make them pay," he said.

The prospect of playing the Steelers - especially at home in a night game - has Taylor fired up.

"They're very physical, and you know what they're going to bring, so you get excited," Taylor said.

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October 2, 2008 JAGUARS NOTEBOOK: Porter wants the ball MICHAEL C. WRIGHT The Times-Union

Jerry Porter made his Jaguars debut against the Houston Texans last Sunday, but it's too early to call the veteran wide receiver's one-catch performance an indication of what the future holds.

Asked Wednesday about his chances of developing into a playmaker as the season unfolds, Porter said: "Who's made a big play when the ball ain't thrown to him? So throw the ball to me. I'll catch it. That's it."

When questioned about Porter's contention that his big-play ability is limited by a lack of passes thrown his way, Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said, "That's true."

"At some point, he'll get more involved and catch more balls," Del Rio added. "That will happen as we continue to build this thing. But we're not going to force it to justify any contract or try to make somebody happy. We're just going to work our team and put our best effort out there to try and win games. I don't think this needs to be a daily story about one person."

Signed to a six-year contract worth $30.4 million, with $10 million guaranteed, Porter underwent hamstring surgery in July and missed all of training camp and the Jaguars' first three games before playing last weekend against the Texans.

Porter was recently ranked No. 9 on Fox Sports' "Top 10 cases of buyer's remorse." The list is a "look at 10 players who have given their teams a case of buyer's remorse one month into the regular season." Former Jaguars wide receiver Ernest Wilford ($13 million deal with the Miami Dolphins, with $6 million guaranteed) is No. 4 on the list.

Porter said his hamstring is fine, and he hopes to erase any sentiment that his high-dollar contract was unjustified.

"It's just a matter of [quarterback David Garrard] throwing and [me] catching," Porter said. "I feel comfortable enough where if they call the plays and we go out and execute, it should be pitch and catch."

Missed holding call in the past

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin showed a sense of humor Wednesday when asked about a

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controversial run by Garrard in last season's playoff game.

NFL officials acknowledged that Garrard's 32-yard run on fourth-and-2 during the fourth quarter of the Jaguars' 31-29 victory might have been aided by a Khalif Barnes block that should have been flagged for holding.

"I'm still looking for a flag," Tomlin said, jokingly. "There wasn't one, so it wasn't holding. We don't cry over spilled milk. Those guys made the plays necessary to win a tough football game. That's old news as far as we're concerned."

Garrard said he felt the same way.

"I've pretty much gotten past that," Garrard said. "It is kind of cool to see every once in awhile, but it is old news now."

where if they call the plays and we go out and execute, it should be pitch and catch."

Matt Jones in select company

Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones is the only AFC player and one of just six in the NFL to catch five or more passes in each of the first four games. Jason Witten (Dallas), Reggie Bush (New Orleans), DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia), Santana Moss (Washington) and Greg Jennings (Green Bay) also have done it.

"I have always said that I do not always have to have a go-to guy, but Matt has definitely turned into one of those guys," Garrard said.


Tomlin: Leftwich 'awesome'

Tomlin called former Jaguar Byron Leftwich "awesome" Wednesday when asked how the quarterback was faring as the Steelers' backup behind starter Ben Roethlisberger.

"He's been a breath of fresh air. He's very professional," Tomlin said. "I think it also helps that he has the background that he has in terms of being a franchise quarterback and being the guy. He knows what that entails, and he kind of walks around with that kind of air about him. But at the same time, he's very humble."


Injury update

Jaguars safety Reggie Nelson (knee) and cornerback Drayton Florence (groin) were held out of Wednesday's practice, but linebacker Justin Durant (groin) and defensive tackle Tony McDaniel participated fully in the session.

Center Brad Meester (biceps) and guard Chris Naeole (knee) also continued their steps toward returning and practiced in a limited capacity, as did defensive end Reggie Hayward (hamstring) and cornerback Rashean Mathis (shin).



October 2, 2008

N.F.L. ROUNDUP

Status Uncertain For Cardinals' Anquan Boldin

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin has a fractured sinus as a result of what he acknowledges was

the worst hit he had received in his football career.

Boldin did not know how long he would be sidelined. Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Jets safety

Eric Smith for one game and fined him $50,000 for the helmet-to-helmet hit on Boldin in the end zone

during the waning seconds of the Jets’ 56-35 victory over the Cardinals at the Meadowlands on Sunday.

“You never know somebody’s intentions,” Boldin said Wednesday, “but I didn’t think it was intentional.”

Boldin said he was consulting with doctors on whether to have the sinus repaired or let it heal on its own. He

expected a decision “in the next couple of days.”

Boldin, his face swollen and his lip cut, said he remembered everything about the play and its aftermath.

“I have a pretty good grasp of everything that went on, and after it all happened,” Boldin said, “everybody all

came out, me trying to get up and walk off the field, them telling me to be cautious, just lay there.”

YOUNG RETURNS TO PRACTICE Tennessee quarterback Vince Young practiced for the first time since

spraining his left knee Sept. 7 and sparking concern after the police were called to help search for him. His

action in practice was limited, but he took a few snaps with both the scout team and the first-team offense.

Young did not talk to reporters and has not since Sept. 11, when he explained that his mother had

overreacted. That day he also said he expected he would return as the starter once he was healthy.

His replacement, Kerry Collins, said he thought Young was excited to be back on the field.

“I think guys were happy to see him out there,” Collins said. “He’s going to be a part of what we do from here

on out. I see no reason why he can’t be a positive force on the offense.”

Jeff Fisher has said Collins will keep the starting job as long as the Titans (4-0) keep winning.

TRAVIS HENRY IS ARRESTED The former Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry was arrested

following an alleged cocaine deal, the Drug Enforcement Administration said. Henry and James Mack were

arrested Tuesday after the two met to buy cocaine from a person who was cooperating with the authorities,

according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Mack and Henry were in federal custody on suspicion of knowingly

and intentionally conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

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On Sept. 16, a trooper and a D.E.A. agent stopped a car in Montana that was carrying six pounds of

marijuana and about three kilograms of cocaine, the affidavit said. A passenger in the car, whose name was

not disclosed, told the authorities that Mack and Henry had supplied him with the drugs. The affidavit

indicated that separately, the passenger and another customer in Billings owed Henry about $40,000 in drug

proceeds. The passenger agreed to cooperate with the authorities and set up a drug deal Tuesday with Henry

that led to the arrests, the affidavit said.

around the league The Packers placed defensive end Cullen Jenkins on injured reserve because of a chest

injury, ending his season. In four games, he had 2.5 sacks, 10 quarterback pressures, a forced fumble and 18

tackles. ...Down to one healthy running back, the Steelers re-signed Najeh Davenport and promoted Gary

Russell from the practice squad. Mewelde Moore is expected to start Sunday.

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Patriots coach Bill Belichick denied Wednesday the claim by Raiders owner Al Davis that New England had a workout with Randy Moss before obtaining him in a trade with Oakland.

THE HUDDLE BLOG: Belichick has 'no idea' | Pundits tee off on Al Davis

Davis said Tuesday that the Patriots had tampered with Moss before the deal in April 2007 that brought the wide receiver to the Patriots for a fourth-round choice that year on the weekend of the NFL draft.

"I've told the story about Randy many, many times," Belichick said in a conference call with members of the media covering the 49ers, "and the first time I ever talked to Randy was the Sunday morning of the second day of the draft last year.

"So that's the first time I met him. That's the first time I talked to him. There was no workout. There was no other contact with him."

Davis made the tampering accusation after ending a news conference in which he announced the firing of coach Lane Kiffin.

Asked Wednesday if he had a response to Davis, Moss said, "No, not at all."

Belichick sidestepped the question when asked by New England reporters, saying he was concentrating on Sunday's game at San Francisco.

In an e-mail to The Associated Press, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Wednesday, "No tampering charges have ever been filed with our office with respect to Randy Moss."

Moss, disgruntled for most of his two seasons with the Raiders, set an NFL single-season record with 23 touchdown receptions in his first season with New England.

Davis said other teams didn't want Moss before the Patriots obtained him.

"You know how many teams turned him down?" Davis said. "That guy in Green Bay thought he couldn't run any more. Even Denver, where they'll take anybody, turned him down."

He did not identify the person in Green Bay.

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Davis said former Raiders senior personnel executive Michael Lombardi, who was fired 10 days after the Moss trade, spoke to Belichick about Moss.

"What's his name knew he could run, he's a friend of Belichick's. Mike Lombardi," Davis said Tuesday. "Mike sold what's his name, Belichick, on the idea that he could run. They tampered with him. I remember (Patriots owner) Bob Kraft saying that he had to look him in the eye and all that. They went down and worked him out, he could run. He's their team, of course, with the quarterback."

Moss had 98 catches during the regular season last year, 22 in the first three games. With Brady out for the season after hurting his knee in the opener, Moss has 12 catches in three games.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Find this article at: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/2008-10-01-tampering-accusations_N.htm

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By Donna Leinwand, USA TODAY

Former Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry was charged Wednesday in federal court with trying to purchase a large amount of cocaine after a suspect in another drug case allegedly identified Henry as the supplier, court documents say.

Federal agents arrested Henry on Tuesday after he attempted to buy five kilograms of cocaine from a drug courier who had been caught several weeks earlier near Billings, Mont., court documents say.

SEE THE DOCUMENTS: Arrest affidavit (pdf) | Penalty sheet (pdf)

The courier had agreed to cooperate with the Drug Enforcement Administration. The courier told DEA agents that Henry was the "money guy" in a Denver-based drug operation, according to an arrest affidavit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Denver.

In telephone conversations with Henry recorded by DEA agents, the courier, who owed $40,000 to the alleged drug ring, said he would supply Henry and his alleged partner, James Mack, with three kilograms of cocaine to pay back the money and another two kilograms for sale at $40,000.

Henry and Mack arrived at the courier's house at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday to retrieve the cocaine, the affidavit says. Henry allegedly broke off a piece of cocaine from the package, the affidavit says.

"Henry and Mack then started cooking the cocaine to test the quality," the affidavit says. "After they 'rocked' up the cocaine and saw that it was good quality, Henry and Mack packaged up all six kilograms of cocaine in a duffle bag."

If convicted of the charge, Henry, who was released from the Broncos in early June, would face a minimum 10-year prison sentence.

Henry received scant interest from other teams after being cut, in part because of numerous reports he potentially was facing a one-year suspension for a possible violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.

His career-best season was his second, in 2002 for the Buffalo Bills, when he rushed for 1,438 yards. He had a good follow-up season but soon lost his job to Willis McGahee and asked to be traded. He landed with the Tennessee Titans, where he had 1,211 yards in 2006.

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He ultimately was released partly because of financial strains but signed with the Broncos before last season for five years and a little more than $22 million.

Harvey Steinberg, Henry's attorney, did not return a call for comment. The NFL, the Broncos and the Bills all declined to comment.

Contributing: Skip Wood

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