Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - NFL records will reflect that Michael Vick, about to suit up for the
Philadelphia Eagles' Week 3 game against the
Kansas City Chiefs, will be wearing a uniform in a meaningful game for the first time since Dec. 31, 2006.
Those records will not show when, or if, Vick will ever get all the way back.
When Vick entered Lincoln Financial Field on that New Year's Eve back in '06, he was the franchise quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, one of the league's most dynamic and visible players, a testament to the evolution of athleticism that the NFL had encountered in the past couple of decades.
More than two-and-a-half years later, at the age of 29, Vick is something different altogether.
At this stage, from a football standpoint, he's a gimmick, albeit an athletic one. The Eagles will run him out wide, put him in the slot, in the backfield, maybe even let him take a couple of snaps under center here and there to keep defenses off-balance. They won't count on him to be their every-down quarterback unless something drastic happens, and even then, he won't be their every-down signal-caller for very long.
The first quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season won't have the ball in his hands enough to repeat that achievement as an Eagle, even if his body would cooperate long enough for him to do so, which is debatable given his age and time away.
But Vick's fall from grace is about so much more than football.
For a large segment of the public, he'll forever be a character of ill repute, no matter how many classrooms he gives speeches in, or how many PSAs he does for the Humane Society.
The specifics of the crimes for which Vick was sent to federal prison for 18 months have already been obscured a great deal by the bigger picture, which is interpreted by most to say that Vick is a bad person, who surrounded himself with other bad people, who joined him in harming animals in the interests of leisure and financial gain.
Though disgusted by his acts, most reasonable people feel that after paying his debt to society, Vick should be permitted to play in the NFL again. This thinking has as much to do with the NFL as it does Vick, and not in a good way. You won't find a team roster in the league that doesn't feature multiple criminals - past, present, and future - the thinking goes, so what's one more miscreant?
And that's the message that will ultimately resonate from this entire episode, a message that is nothing new but is a little more profound when its courier is someone who we had come to recognize so easily: there are heroes in the NFL, and heroes throughout all of sports, but none are heroes BECAUSE they play in the NFL, or because they play sports.
The guy wearing number seven for Philadelphia this week is just a football player, someone who should not be admired, though his athletic skills can be.
Michael Vick is back, but he's also gone forever.
Let's take a look at the week that will be in the National Football League:
NFL POWER POLL
The My Sportsbook's updated NFL Power Poll, which ranks all 32 league teams, can be found at:
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/misc/nfl- poll.htm
FANTASY FOCUS
Find Fantasy Editor Steve Schwarz's latest analysis at:
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page= fantasy/index.aspx
SUICIDE POOL PIX
1. Baltimore (vs. Cleveland) - Ravens won't be hearing any questions about the strength of their defense after this one.
2. Philadelphia (vs. Kansas City) - Bad week for the Chiefs to have to go into Philly, where the Eagles were humiliated by the Saints last Sunday.
3. N.Y. Giants (at Tampa Bay) - Even without Justin Tuck, the Giants are going to harass Byron Leftwich from start to finish.
THE GAMES
I was 8-8 in my picks last week, also going 8-8 against the spread to follow up a strong Week 1 with a clunker. The best thing I did was picking a couple of very mild upsets, with the Ravens and Saints both winning on the road. The record for the year is now 20-12 (.625) straight-up, and 19-13 (.594) with Vegas involved.
Cleveland (0-2) at Baltimore (2-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Baltimore -13)
Storylines: Cleveland still seeking its first win of the Eric Mangini era... Ravens trying to start 3-0 for the first time since 2006, when they won their first four en route to a 13-3 finish...Browns attempting to avoid their third 0-3 start in the past four seasons...Ravens running back Willis McGahee is tied for the league lead in touchdowns (4) along with the Vikings' Adrian Peterson and 49ers' Frank Gore...Browns are last in NFL total offense (234 yards per game) and third-down percentage (23.1)...Baltimore leads the NFL in rushing defense (41 yards per game), and has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 37 consecutive games, the longest current streak in the NFL...Browns have allowed a league-high five rushing touchdowns...Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington (head) is doubtful for Sunday...Baltimore signed free agent tight end Tony Curtis (ex-Eagles) on Tuesday...Browns waived tight end Martin Rucker earlier this week and signed former Jaguars tight end Greg Estandia.
Fast Fact: The last opposing running back to gain 100 yards on the Ravens was Larry Johnson, who recorded 120 yards on 23 carries in the Chiefs' 20-10 loss to Baltimore on Dec. 10, 2006.
Prediction: Ravens played down to their opponent for most of Week 1 win over the Chiefs, and will do the same against another inferior foe. Ravens 23, Browns 12.
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Washington (1-1) at Detroit (0-2), Sunday, 1:00 (Washington -6)
Storylines: Lions seeking to end a 19-game losing streak dating back to 2007, and to earn their first win of the Jim Schwartz/Matthew Stafford era... Redskins have scored just one offensive touchdown in their first eight quarters of play, and have scored 13 points or fewer in seven of their last 10 games dating back to last season...Lions are last in NFL scoring defense (36 points per game), touchdown passes allowed (8), and are allowing opponents to complete a league-high 80.6 percent of their passes...Linebacker Ernie Sims (knee) is out for the Lions, and end Cliff Avril (hamstring) is considered questionable...Redskins placed starting guard Randy Thomas (triceps) on season-ending injured reserve earlier this week, and re-signed running back Anthony Aldridge... Cornerback Fred Smoot (rib) is questionable for Washington...Lions tackle Jon Jansen played the last 10 seasons with the Redskins (1999-2008).
Fast Fact: Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell has posted the two highest ratings of his NFL career (127.4, 125.3) in wins over the Lions.
Prediction: Joy in the Motor City, as the Lions finally find a team they can outscore. Lions 17, Redskins 16.
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Jacksonville (0-2) at Houston (1-1), Sunday, 1:00 (Houston -3.5)
Storylines: Jaguars trying to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2003, when they dropped their first four en route to a 5-11 finish...Houston, which is trying to build on a 34-31 upset of the Titans last Sunday, seeking to avoid an 0-2 start at home after being routed by the Jets (24-7) in its home opener...Texans are last in the league in rushing offense (50.5 yards per game) and yards per carry (2.4), and starting running back Steve Slaton has just 51 yards on 26 carries, with three fumbles, through two games...Houston is last in NFL total defense (455.5 yards per game) and rushing defense (215 yards per game)...Texans receivers Kevin Walter (hamstring) and Andre' Davis (concussion) are questionable...Jacksonville lost wide receiver Troy Williamson (shoulder) for the season in last week's loss to the Cardinals, released wideout Nate Hughes, and signed rookie receiver Tiquan Underwood from the practice squad earlier this week.
Fast Fact: The Jaguars are 0-3 in Houston since last winning there in 2005.
Prediction: Jaguars simply quit last week against Cardinals, and won't answer the bell against a superior Houston team. Texans 30, Jaguars 14.
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San Francisco (2-0) at Minnesota (2-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Minnesota -6.5)
Storylines: Brett Favre plays his first home game as a member of the Vikings...49ers seeking their first 3-0 start since 1998, when they finished 12-4...Minnesota seeking its first 3-0 start since 2003, when the team won its first six before finishing 9-7 and missing the playoffs...Vikings running back Adrian Peterson leads the NFL in rushing yards (272) and rushing touchdowns (4)...Peterson is tied for the league lead in total touchdowns (4) along with the 49ers' Frank Gore and the Ravens' Willis McGahee...San Francisco quarterback Shaun Hill was on the Minnesota roster from 2002 through 2005, but never threw a pass as a member of the team...Minnesota linebacker Chad Greenway is the reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording three takeaways (two INT, 1 fumble) in last week's 27-10 win over the Lions... Vikings are last in NFL passing offense (119 yards per game) but first in completion percentage (76.0)...Rookie Percy Harvin also making his formal home debut as a Viking.
Fast Fact: San Francisco is 0-3 in Minnesota since last winning there in 1992, and has lost its three games there by an average of 19.7 points.
Prediction: Vikings will make Favre's home opener a happy one, but there's no reason to believe the 49ers won't hang. Vikings 20, 49ers 17.
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Atlanta (2-0) at New England (1-1), Sunday, 1:00 (New England -4)
Storylines: Boston College alum and Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan returns to New England...Falcons, who play their road opener, seeking first 3-0 start since 2004, when they finished 11-5...Patriots have won 15 straight regular season games against the NFC since dropping a 27-17 decision at the Panthers in Week 2 of the 2005 season...New England failed to score an offensive touchdown in last week's 16-9 loss to the Jets, the first time since 2006 that had occurred...Atlanta lost rookie defensive tackle Peria Jerry (knee) for the season in last week's 28-20 win over the Panthers...Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss is tied for the league lead in receptions (16) along with the Giants' Steve Smith...Falcons lead the league in forced fumble recoveries (4)...Patriots wideout Wes Welker (knee) is questionable after missing last week's loss to the Jets, and linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee) remains out...New England traded for Ravens linebacker Prescott Burgess earlier this week.
Fast Fact: The Patriots haven't lost a home game to a member of the NFC since Oct. 13, 2002, when they dropped a 28-10 decision to the Green Bay Packers.
Prediction: Patriots will be ready to play after being humbled last week, and will keep their streaks against the NFC alive. Patriots 26, Falcons 21.
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Tennessee (0-2) at N.Y. Jets (2-0), Sunday, 1:00 (N.Y. Jets -3)
Storylines: Titans trying to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2006, when they dropped their first five before rebounding for an 8-8 finish...Jets last opened 3-0 in 2004, when they won their first five before finishing 10-6... Tennessee seeking revenge after 34-13 home loss to the Jets last November gave the team its first loss after a 10-0 start...Jets lead the NFL in total defense (241 yards per game), and have yet to allow an offensive touchdown this season...Titans running back Chris Johnson became the first player in NFL history with a 90-yard rush TD (91), 60-yard receiving TD (69) and another 50- yard rush TD (57) in last week's loss to the Texans...Titans are last in NFL passing defense (339 yards per game), but are allowing an NFL-low 1.9 yards per rush...Jets linebacker Calvin Pace, who violated the NFL steroid policy, will serve the third game of a four-game suspension...Titans tight end Bo Scaife (knee) is questionable for Sunday...Tennessee punter Craig Hentrich (calf) is out after being injured in last week's loss to the Texans and could miss the remainder of the season.
Fast Fact: The first of Jeff Fisher's 133 wins as an NFL head coach came on Dec. 24, 1994, when the Houston Oilers defeated the Jets, 24-10.
Prediction: Titans are desperate, Jets are the toast of the town, and both of those factors usually spell a surprise in the NFL. Titans 24, Jets 22.
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Kansas City (0-2) at Philadelphia (1-1), Sunday, 1:00 (Philadelphia -9.5)
Storylines: Michael Vick plays his first meaningful game since Dec. 31, 2006, when the then-Falcon started a 24-17 loss at Philadelphia...Kevin Kolb expected to garner second straight start at quarterback for Eagles, with Donovan McNabb (fractured rib) not expected back until after the team's Week 4 bye...Kansas City seeking first win of Todd Haley/Matt Cassel era...Kolb passed for 391 yards in his first career start, the most ever by a QB in his first start during the Super Bowl era...Chiefs are 2-25 in their last 27 games dating back to 2007, and are trying to avoid their second straight 0-3 start...Eagles lead the league with eight takeaways and are tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions...Chiefs are allowing opponents to complete an NFL-low 49.3 percent of their passes...Eagles' offensive players considered questionable for Sunday include running back Brian Westbrook (ankle) and wide receiver DeSean Jackson (groin), while safety Quintin Demps (hamstring) and Asante Samuel (stinger) are question marks for the defense.
Fast Fact: Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel was 4-0 in starts against the NFC last season.
Prediction: Kolb will pick up his first NFL win, but isn't ready to lead the Eagles to a blowout. Eagles 27, Chiefs 19.
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Green Bay (1-1) at St. Louis (0-2), Sunday, 1:00 (Green Bay -6.5)
Storylines: St. Louis head coach Steve Spagnuolo makes his formal home debut...Rams have lost 12 straight dating back to last season, and are 5-29 in their last 34 games dating back to 2007...Packers make their 2009 road debut...Rams are last in NFL scoring offense (3.5 points per game) and touchdowns scored (1)...Packers have allowed an NFL-worst 10 sacks...Green Bay has recorded a league-high-tying six interceptions, and is No. 1 in NFL turnover margin (+5)...Daryn Colledge expected to start at left tackle for Packers after struggling in that role when Chad Clifton (ankle) was injured in last week's loss to the Bengals...Green Bay defenders Nick Collins (clavicle), Atari Bigby (knee), and rookie first-round tackle B.J. Raji (ankle) all considered questionable for Sunday...Raji has yet to make his formal Packers debut...Rams first-round rookie tackle Jason Smith (knee) is out for Sunday, and center Jason Brown (knee) is questionable...St. Louis signed wide receiver Danny Amendola off the Eagles practice squad earlier this week, and released Derek Stanley.
Fast Fact: Wide receiver Donald Driver needs nine receptions to pass Sterling Sharpe (595 career catches) for the most ever by a Packer.
Prediction: Packers have some serious problems on both sides of the ball, but should still have enough life to beat the woeful Rams. Packers 21, Rams 16.
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N.Y. Giants (2-0) at Tampa Bay (0-2), Sunday, 1:00 (N.Y. Giants -6.5)
Storylines: Buccaneers seeking their first win of the Raheem Morris/Byron Leftwich era...Bucs looking to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2006, when they lost their first four en route to a 4-12 finish...Giants seeking second consecutive 3-0 start....Tampa Bay running back Derrick Ward was a member of the Giants from 2004 through 2008...Giants receiver Steve Smith is tied for the league lead in receptions along with the Patriots' Randy Moss (16)... Giants have allowed an NFL-high six rushes of 20 yards or longer... New York kicker Lawrence Tynes leads the league in scoring (26 points) and made field goals (7)...Tampa Bay wide receiver Antonio Bryant (knee) expected to remain out for Sunday....For the Giants defense, end Justin Tuck (knee) expected to be out, and defensive lineman Chris Canty (calf), linebacker Clint Sintim (groin) and cornerbacks Aaron Ross (hamstring) and Kevin Dockery (hamstring) are all questionable...The Giants offense will be missing rookie wideout Hakeem Nicks (foot), and Domenik Hixon (knee) is questionable...Buccaneers placed safety Jermaine Phillips (thumb) on season-ending injured reserve earlier this week, and center Jeff Faine (knee) and safety Tanard Jackson (four-game NFL suspension) will also be absent against the Giants.
Fast Fact: The Buccaneers (six straight losses dating back to last season) have not lost seven in a row since 1995-96, which included five straight losses to begin the Tony Dungy era.
Prediction: Bucs weren't very talented to begin with, and are now banged up on top of it. Giants 24, Buccaneers 10.
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New Orleans (2-0) at Buffalo (1-1), Sunday, 4:05 (New Orleans -5.5)
Storylines: Saints seeking first 3-0 start since 2006, when they finished 10-6 and advanced to the NFC Championship...Saints quarterback Drew Brees leads the NFL in passer rating (132.9) and touchdown passes (9)...New Orleans wideout Marques Colston leads the league in touchdown catches (3)...Saints safety Darren Sharper, who is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (3), will enter the top 10 in league history with his next pick..New Orleans leads the NFL in total offense (468 yards per game), scoring offense (46.5 points per game), and touchdowns scored (12)...Bills have an NFL-high two interception returns for touchdowns...Saints have recorded a league-high-tying six interceptions... Buffalo cornerbacks Leodis McKelvin (ankle) and Drayton Florence (knee) are both questionable for Sunday...Saints cornerback Jabari Greer played in 70 games with Buffalo from 2004-2008...Bills lost tight end Derek Schouman and right tackle Brad Butler to season-ending knee injuries in last week's win over the Buccaneers...Buffalo running back Marshawn Lynch will serve the final game of a three-game suspension for violating the NFL personal conduct policy...New Orleans running back Mike Bell (knee) considered doubtful, and wideout Lance Moore (hamstring) regarded as questionable.
Fast Fact: The Saints are the first team since the 1968 Oakland Raiders to score 45-plus points in their first two games.
Prediction: Bills have played pretty well through first two weeks, and won't get steamrolled at home as some expect. Saints 28, Bills 24.
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Chicago (1-1) at Seattle (1-1), Sunday, 4:05 (Chicago -2.5)
Storylines: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler seeks his first road win as Chicago's starter...Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (rib) could miss his 10th start in the past two years after failing to finish last week's loss to the 49ers, and Seneca Wallace would start if Hasselbeck is unavailable...Left tackle Walter Jones (knee) and center Chris Spencer (quadriceps) could both return to the Seattle lineup after missing the first two games, but tackle Sean Locklear (ankle), linebacker LeRoy Hill (groin) and cornerback Josh Wilson (ankle) are all out for Sunday...Linebacker Lofa Tatupu (hamstring) is questionable for Seattle...Tight end Desmond Clark (rib) expected to remain out for the Bears, and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) has been ruled out... Seahawks tight end John Carlson has scored a touchdown in four consecutive home games...Seattle is allowing an NFL-high 7.1 yards per rush... Seahawks are allowing a league-low 25.9 percent of third-down conversions.
Fast Fact: Chicago is 0-4 in Seattle since scoring its only win there in 1976, when the Seahawks were in their first year of existence.
Prediction: Seahawks are dealing with injuries, but the 12th man will help them get by a mediocre group of Bears. Seahawks 20, Bears 19.
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Pittsburgh (1-1) at Cincinnati (1-1), Sunday, 4:15 (Pittsburgh -4)
Storylines: Bengals appear at home for the first time since a heartbreaking 12-7 loss to the Broncos in Week 1...Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is 10-0 all-time in his home state of Ohio, including 6-0 at Cincinnati... Steelers, who are trying to avoid their first two-game losing streak since 2007, have won five in a row over the Bengals overall...Cincinnati leads the NFL in sacks (9), and Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom leads all NFL players in that category (7)...Odom is the reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording five sacks in last week's 31-24 win over the Packers... Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker has just 66 yards on 27 carries (2.4 yards per rush) through the Steelers' first two games...Cincinnati first-round draft choice and tackle Andre Smith (foot) remains out...Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (knee) will miss his second straight game, and replacement Tyrone Carter (thigh) is questionable.
Fast Fact: Pittsburgh is 8-0 in Cincinnati since last losing in the Queen City in 2001.
Prediction: Steelers front seven will abuse Bengals' offensive line, yielding a familiar result in this series. Steelers 27, Bengals 10.
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Denver (2-0) at Oakland (1-1), Sunday, 4:15 (Oakland -1)
Storylines: Denver seeking second consecutive 3-0 start, and trying to finish September undefeated for the first time since opening 4-0 in 2003...Raiders trying to win back-to-back games against Denver for the first time since sweeping them in 2002...Broncos, who have allowed just one touchdown through their first eight quarters, are allowing a league-low 6.5 points per game... Oakland, which defeated Kansas City (13-10) last week despite a 7-of-24 passing performance from quarterback JaMarcus Russell, is last in the league in completion percentage (37.5)...Raiders safety Michael Huff is tied for the league lead in interceptions (3) with the Saints' Darren Sharper...Oakland lost starting guard Robert Gallery (broken fibula) for at least a month in last week's win over the Chiefs...Wide receiver Chaz Schilens (foot) remains out and wideout Johnnie Lee Higgins (shoulder) is questionable after missing last week's game for the Raiders.
Fast Fact: The Broncos are 24-10 (.706) in September during the current decade, including 4-0 against the Raiders.
Prediction: Broncos defense isn't as good as it has looked the first two weeks, and will have trouble containing Raiders running game for four quarters. Raiders 23, Broncos 14.
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Miami (0-2) at San Diego (1-1), Sunday, 4:15 (San Diego -6)
Storylines: Miami comes off a 27-23 loss to Indianapolis on Monday night, a game in which they held the ball for more than 45 minutes and ran 84 plays to the Colts' 35...Dolphins trying to avoid second 0-3 start in the past three seasons...San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson (knee), guard Louis Vasquez (knee) and center Nick Hardwick (ankle) questionable to return after missing last week's 31-26 loss to the Ravens...Defensive end Travis Johnson (groin) remains out for the Chargers...Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers leads the NFL in passing yards (688), and San Diego is No. 1 in league passing offense (330.5)...Dolphins are No. 1 in NFL third-down conversion percentage (59.4)...Miami is one of two teams that has yet to record a takeaway (Dallas), and is tied for last in the league in turnover margin (-5)...The Chargers released defensive lineman Andre Coleman and signed ex-Chief Alfonso Boone earlier this week.
Fast Fact: Miami is 7-0 against San Diego, including 3-0 on the road, since the Chargers last won a game in the series in 1993.
Prediction: Even on a short week, desperate Dolphins will find a way to pound the ball against the injury-ravaged Chargers. Dolphins 21, Chargers 17.
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Indianapolis (2-0) at Arizona (1-1), Sunday, 8:20 (Arizona -2)
Storylines: Colts seeking to start 3-0 for the fourth time in the past five seasons...Cardinals trying to avoid 0-2 start at home after losing their opener at University of Phoenix Stadium to the 49ers...Indianapolis is alone atop the AFC South as Week 3 begins...Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner set an NFL record for completion percentage (24-of-26, 92.3) in last week's 31-17 win over the Jaguars...Colts tight end Dallas Clark leads the NFL in receiving yards (222)...Indy leads the NFL in passing defense (139 yards per game)... Indianapolis, which allowed Miami to hold the ball for more than 45 minutes and convert 16-of-21 third-downs on Monday night, is allowing a league-worst 58.3 percent of third-down conversions...Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez and safety Bob Sanders expected to remain out with knee injuries...Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell is the reigning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after blocking a field goal that went for an 83-yard Arizona touchdown in last week's win over the Jaguars.
Fast Fact: The Colts are 0-1 in Arizona all-time, and haven't won a road game in the series since the then-Baltimore Colts won at the then-St. Louis Cardinals in 1978
Prediction: Colts won't put enough pressure on Warner, and Manning won't be as efficient as he was against the Dolphins. Cardinals 30, Colts 20.
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Carolina (0-2) at Dallas (1-1), Monday, 8:30 (Dallas -9)
Storylines: Panthers trying to avoid their first 0-3 start since 1998, when they lost their first seven en route to a 4-12 finish...Cowboys running back Marion Barber (quadriceps) will not play on Sunday...Dallas leads the league in yards per carry (7.0), rushing offense (184.5), and rushes of 20 yards or longer (6)...Panthers have thrown an NFL-high six interceptions, have committed a league-worst nine turnovers, and are tied for last in the league in turnover margin (-5) along with Miami ...Cowboys are the only NFL team without a sack through two weeks, and are one of two teams that has not recorded a takeaway (Miami)...Panthers have allowed an NFL-high-tying nine touchdowns (Lions)...Carolina lost defensive tackle Louis Leonard (ankle) for the season in last week's loss to Atlanta, and safety Chris Harris (knee) is questionable... Cowboys signed ex-Jaguars running back Chauncey Washington earlier this week.
Fast Fact: Dallas leads the all-time regular season series with Carolina, 7-1, winning seven straight since the Panthers notched their only such win against the Cowboys at Texas Stadium in 1997.
Prediction: Jake Delhomme should have a nice game against a weak Cowboys defense, but Tony Romo will do him one better on the redemption front. Cowboys 35, Panthers 27.
