*** Line of Scrimmage: Week 2 - In Praise of NFL Network ***

By Tony Moss, NFL Editor

Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Many sportswriters consider television to be the personification of evil.

In the world of sports, TV reporters are often paid twice as much for half the effort of their print brethren, are catered to by teams and given greater access to players, and generally have less accountability than those whose work appears on the printed page. The implication from those of us on the published end of the fourth estate is that the boob tube is often more about style than substance.

But even the most jaded scribe would have to love NFL Network, which has quickly taken ESPN's place as the number one on-air destination for coverage of America's best-loved league.

The network, which launched in November of 2003, has hit its stride while covering a full NFL season for the first time. Programs like NFL Total Access, which is hosted by former SportsCenter anchor Rich Eisen, fill the journalistic vacuum that was once occupied by ESPN.

ESPN's regular coverage of the league, with the exception of its Sunday night game and possibly the EA Sports NFL Matchup (Ron Jaworski is great, but Merrill Hoge's pomposity is grating), now caters largely to the lowest common denominator of football fans. A case in point is SportsCenter's weekly revival of a mind-numbingly bad song from a Coors Light commercial, with NFL-inspired lyrics updated every week by a talentless band apparently obsessed with twins. The Chris Berman-led NFL Primetime remains relevant but has lost some steam because it gives some games, including many featuring smaller-market teams, short shrift.

Total Access, on the other hand, offers an even-handed and complete picture of all 32 NFL clubs. Though the NFL's stamp is undeniably on the program, it manages to supply information without coming close to becoming an infomercial. In addition to the irreverent but intelligent Eisen, former players like Rod Woodson, Terrell Davis, and Lincoln Kennedy offer analysis that makes sense, and don't disagree just to test the strength of their vocal chords.

Contrast that with ESPN's John Clayton and Sean Salisbury, who shout at each other while attempting to answer the age-old question of whether know-it-all reporters or know-it-all former jocks are more annoying.

NFL Network's "Coachspeak" edits down press conferences from the league's 32 head coaches to include only the pertinent details, interspersed with commentary from former Saints and Colts coach Jim Mora, who is at once insightful, entertaining, and genuine. By the way, I would sit through a day- long seminar on the theory of cognitive relativism if the subject was presented by Jim Mora.

ESPN's idea of art is a widescreen SportsCenter abomination called "The Ultimate Highlight," where the loudest hip-hop or pop-metal track of the moment is accompanied by video that moves fast enough to burn out your retinas.

NFL Network, meanwhile, gives us hours upon hours of NFL Films, which are so artfully done they can actually make the San Diego Chargers' 1997 season look like Citizen Kane.

While ESPN trots out more "journalists" like tactless loudmouth Stephen A. Smith, NFL Network hired former Denver Post writer Adam Schefter, who knows as much about the league as Paul Tagliabue himself.

NFL Network gave us the five-part documentary "Jaguar Summer," which humanized the men that play and coach the game. ESPN once offered the dramatic series "Playmakers", which accomplished just the opposite.

The fledgling network has some fine-tuning to be done, without question. "Playbook", which features Paul Burmeister, Sterling Sharpe, and Solomon Wilcots, isn't quite as sharp in its infancy as its main counterparts, EA Sports NFL Matchup and HBO's Inside the NFL. "College Football Saturday", a highlight show that also attempts to get a jump on lesser-known players with NFL potential, would be outstanding if it went a little deeper.

But for fans that have grown tired of ESPN's insistence on emphasizing the E and minimizing the S (I think the P stands for poker) in their coverage of the National Football League, NFL Network is like a gift from God. Or at least Jim Mora.

Let's take a look at the week that was, and the week that will be, in the NFL:

LIKE A HURRICANE, AGAIN Hurricane Ivan is again threatening to have an effect on the NFL schedule, as the weather system's path made a relocation or postponement of Sunday's scheduled Saints/49ers game a possibility. The Saints moved west to San Antonio for practice this week, as their normal football home, the Louisiana Superdome, went into use as a shelter for frail and elderly citizens of the region. The storm is expected to be long gone by the time of Sunday's scheduled 1pm kickoff, but greater New Orleans, which sits below sea level, could be subject to major flood damage. The NFL was reportedly working on alternative scenarios should the Superdome or New Orleans itself be deemed unviable, however, at his Wednesday press conference, Saints coach Jim Haslett said "I'm not a weather man, but I think we'll be [in the Superdome]." Last week, the Dolphins and Titans were forced to move their game up to Saturday due to the threat of the hurricane.

THE FINAL HOLDOUT The Green Bay Packers and disgruntled cornerback Mike McKenzie ended their contract dispute on Wednesday, leaving just one player - Tampa Bay wide receiver Keenan McCardell - apart from his employer as Week 2 was set to commence. McCardell, who is unhappy with a contract that he feels is not in line with his production (84 receptions, 1174 yards, 8 TD last season), voiced his displeasure on the subject of Bucs coach Jon Gruden during an appearance on CBS' "NFL Today" this past Sunday. ""People just don't realize what's going on behind the scenes, said McCardell. "You look for stability with the head coach and when he says things, you don't expect him to go back on them.'' McCardell also offered, "I'm prepared to write [the Buccaneers] a check. That's how bad I want out of Tampa Bay.'' The Buccaneers appear unwilling to negotiate with or trade McCardell, though this past Sunday's injury to starting wideout Joey Galloway could alter that stance. Galloway injured his hamstring against the Redskins, and will miss at least a month.

HERE'S THE KICKER The Tennessee Titans' special teams depth chart has undergone a flurry of changes during a wild couple of weeks, as health problems have necessitated dizzying movement. The madness started when kicker Joe Nedney was lost for the season due to a hamstring injury on September 7th. The team moved quickly to sign veteran Gary Anderson, who filled in effectively under similar circumstances a year ago, but was unable to get the 45-year-old Anderson signed and into uniform in time for the suddenly moved-up Saturday tilt with Miami. The Titans were able to sign Vikings' castoff Aaron Elling to bridge the gap, and all was thought to be right with the world. Except that punter Craig Hentrich re-aggravated a back injury prior to the Dolphins game, forcing Elling, wide receiver Drew Bennett and quarterback Billy Volek to hold a pre- game audition for punting duties. Despite having just four collegiate punts on his career resume, Elling won the battle, and boomed six kicks for an average of 45.3 yards, a better mark than Miami punter and three-time Pro Bowler Matt Turk. The former Wyoming standout also made 1 of 2 field goals and both extra points in the win. What did Elling get for his heroics? His walking papers. The team inked Anderson to a one-year contract on Tuesday, waived Elling (who as of Tuesday was close to a deal with the Vikings to handle kickoffs, according to the Nashville Tennessean), and brought in punter/kickoff specialist Jason Baker in for a tryout. Hentrich should be available for Sunday's tilt against the Colts.

THE WIRE The on-again, off-again relationship between the Eagles and running back Dorsey Levens is beginning to take on Steinbrenner/Billy Martin dimensions, as the club signed the former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champ on Tuesday after originally releasing him on Sept. 5. The 34-year-old Levens, who also played for the Eagles during the 2002 season, is expected to back up Brian Westbrook. To make room for Levens, the Eagles cut backup defensive back and special teams standout Clinton Hart.

THE GAMES I was 10-6 in my NFL picks last week, and 9-7 against the spread. But the real news was that I picked three games right on the nose: Patriots 27, Colts 24; Steelers 24, Raiders 21 and Broncos 34, Chiefs 24. Lest you think I'm some kind of NFL savant, I can tell you that I covered college football for the last four years and can scarcely recall getting even the margin of victory correct more than a handful of times. It won't happen often, trust me. I did, after all, pick the Saints to beat the Seahawks.

Carolina (0-1) at Kansas City (0-1), Sunday, 1:00 (Kansas City -6) If there is such a thing as a must-win game in Week 2, this is it for the Carolina Panthers. The defending NFC Champions, who will travel to play the Kansas City Chiefs this week, are facing the prospect of being 0-2 heading into a bye week, which would give the world an extra week to label John Fox's team a disappointment. Complicating matters for Carolina will be the absence of standout wide receiver/return man Steve Smith, who broke his left fibula in this past Monday's 24-14 loss to the Packers and is expected to miss at least eight weeks. Quarterback Jake Delhomme (23-39 passing, 284 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) will have to be sharper this week while passing to Muhsin Muhammad (4 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD) and rookie Keary Colbert, and a running game that managed just 38 yards against Green Bay must be re-established. Defensively, a team that allowed the Pack's Ahman Green (119 yards, 3 total TD) to chew up clock time will now have to deal with Priest Holmes (151 yards, 3 TD), who got off to a big start to 2004 despite the Chiefs' 34-24 loss to Denver. The problem for Kansas City in the defeat, as usual, was a defense that gave up 413 yards to the Broncos, including 202 on the ground. Quarterback Trent Green (16-32, 174 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT) didn't look to be at his best against Denver either. Neither of these clubs desires to be 0-2, but the urgency will be a tad greater for a Carolina team that doesn't want to endure talk of a Super Bowl hangover. The Panthers will be able to re-establish their run game this week, and they'll keep it close before falling short in front of an energized crowd at Arrowhead. I've held the belief even before the start of training camp that the Panthers are an average team. Kansas City's defense is only going to get better, and they have the offensive weapons to pull it out late. Chiefs 27, Panthers 23.

Chicago (0-1) at Green Bay (1-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Green Bay -9) Longtime NFL Rivals Chicago and Green Bay will meet on Sunday at Lambeau Field, with the Bears attempting to notch their first win of the season and initial victory over the Packers in eight tries. The Lovie Smith era did not start off well in Chicago, as the Bears gave Detroit their first road win since 2000 in a 20-16 defeat. Quarterback Rex Grossman (15-36 passing, 227 yards, 0 TD, 2 TD) played to mixed reviews in the loss, as did running back Thomas Jones (67 yards, 2 TD, 6 receptions). An offensive bright spot was wideout David Terrell (5 catches, 126 yards), who showed the ability to get open in his first action as the No. 1 receiver. The defense played well, surrendering only 77 rushing yards and 13 first downs all day, but a blocked Paul Edinger field goal attempt, which was returned 92 yards for a touchdown by the Lions' Bracy Walker, swung the momentum of the game. The Packers did far less laboring in their Monday night win over Carolina, thoroughly outclassing the Panthers in a 24-14 road triumph. Running back Ahman Green (119 yards, 3 TD) was a workhorse, and Brett Favre (15-22 passing, 143 yards, 1 TD) made just enough big throws to keep the Carolina defense off-balance. A defense that gave up just 38 rushing yards could be even better this week, as cornerback Mike McKenzie has rejoined the team following a long contract dispute. It is unclear how much action McKenzie could receive, but Green Bay head coach Mike Sherman would be well-advised to give the talented defensive back some action. The Packers looked polished last week, and are a good bet to play inspired football in their home opener at majestic Lambeau Field. The Bears, meanwhile, are a team still searching for an identity under Smith, and aren't prepared to win a game of this magnitude at this stage. Packers 31, Bears 10

Cleveland (1-0) at Dallas (0-1), Sunday, 1:00 (Dallas -4) The Cleveland Browns will attempt to build on their surprising Week 1 success this Sunday, when they travel to Dallas for the Cowboys' home opener. Butch Davis' team, which was among the least heralded in football going into the season, put a 20-3 pasting on the Baltimore Ravens, a near-unanimous playoff pick, last Sunday. New starting QB Jeff Garcia (15-24 passing, 180 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) offered the leadership the team had formerly lacked at the position, and his 46-yard scoring strike to wideout Quincy Morgan was one of the Browns' most exciting offensive moments of recent vintage. But the real story was a defense that held former Cleveland-killer and Baltimore running back Jamal Lewis to 57 rushing yards on 20 carries, thus stifling any offensive progress the Ravens hoped to achieve. If the Browns are going to project similar success this week, they'll have to do it against a Dallas club that piled up 423 total yards in a 35-17 loss at Minnesota a week ago. Quarterback Vinny Testaverde (29-50 passing, 355 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) and wideout Keyshawn Johnson (9 receptions, 111 yards) both played well in their Cowboys debuts, but the Eddie George-led rushing game managed just 71 yards. Bill Parcells' squad will benefit from the probable return of rookie running back Julius Jones, who sat out last week with bruised ribs. Parcells will also need a stronger effort from his defense, which gave up 415 yards and allowed Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper to throw five touchdown passes. Cleveland has been a great story, but you can expect them to fall back to earth this Sunday. Provided Jones is in the lineup, the Cowboy attack will be far less one-dimensional than that of Baltimore, and a Cleveland defense devoid of any real stars will be worse off for it. The Dallas D, though pathetic last week, should rally this Sunday against the less frightening offense of the Browns. Cowboys 28, Browns 13.

Denver (1-0) at Jacksonville (1-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Denver -3) The Jacksonville Jaguars proved their ability to win on the road against Buffalo last week, and will now try to continue their momentum at home against a quality Denver Broncos team. Jags head coach Jack Del Rio got the first road victory of his head coaching career last week, albeit in less-than-convincing fashion. Quarterback Byron Leftwich (18-36 passing, 147 yards, 1 TD 2 INT), who played poorly for the bulk of the contest, completed a seven-yard touchdown pass to Ernest Wilford into quadruple coverage at the final gun to lift Jacksonville to the 13-10 win over the Bills. While the Leftwich-to- Wilford connection made headlines, it was the Jaguar defense that represented the biggest factor in the win. The Jags limited Buffalo and its celebrated rushing tandem of Travis Henry and Willis McGahee to 95 yards on the ground, and also forced a pair of fumbles in the game. But Jack Del Rio's unit will have to be even better this week, as running back Quentin Griffin and the Broncos visit the Sunshine State. Griffin was impressive in Denver's 34-24 victory over Kansas City, bolting for 156 yards and scoring three touchdowns against the Chiefs. Quarterback Jake Plummer's (18-29 passing, 230 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT) day will be best-remembered for the ill-advised left-handed pass the natural northpaw threw, which resulted in an interception, but Plummer played reasonably well otherwise. A defense that gave up 151 yards and three scores to Kansas City's Priest Holmes will this week concentrate its efforts on the Jaguars' Fred Taylor (17 carries, 61 yards against Buffalo). Jacksonville was generally unimpressive in defeating the Bills a week ago, and there is little evidence that they'll do much to compete with a better Denver team for 60 minutes. To do so, they'll have to stack up the shifty Griffin and hope Plummer doesn't beat them with either of his arms. This one could be nip- and-tuck for about three quarters, as the Jags will thrive before the home crowd, but they'll ultimately fall to a superior Broncos club. Broncos 20, Jaguars 13.

Houston (0-1) at Detroit (1-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Detroit -3) The Detroit Lions will try to start a season with two straight wins for the first time since the 2000 campaign, when they welcome the Houston Texans to Ford Field. Steve Mariucci's team went into Chicago last week and snapped an NFL-record 24-game road losing streak, picking up a 20-16 victory at Solider Field. Detroit won the game with defense and special teams, forcing four Bear turnovers and returning a blocked field goal 92 yards for a key second-half touchdown. Defensive back Bracy Walker, who scored the TD and also tallied a critical interception in the waning moments, will likely see increased time this week in the absence of cornerback Dre' Bly (sprained MCL). The Lion offense will have to get more production from quarterback Joey Harrington (14-26 passing, 187 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) and running back Kevin Jones (15 rushes, 26 yards), and rookie wideout Roy Williams (4 receptions, 69 yards) will play an important role now that top receiver Charles Rogers (broken collarbone) is out for the year. Harrington and company will operate against a Houston defense that was unimpressive in last Sunday's 27-20 home loss to lowly San Diego. The Texans allowed Charger quarterback Drew Brees (17-24 passing, 209 yards) and tight end Antonio Gates (8 catches, 123 yards) to have uncharacteristic big days, and weren't particularly strong against running back LaDainian Tomlinson (121 yards, 1 TD) either. Offensively, quarterback David Carr (19-25 passing, 229 yards, 2 INT) and running back Domanick Davis (87 yards, 2 TD) had their moments, but accounted for four Texan turnovers. Week 1 is not necessarily a good indicator of future success, and I believe this week's Texans/Lions game will bear that out. Houston is much better than last Sunday's sloppy performance may have shown, while Detroit's win was hardly a thing of beauty and came against a poor team. The Texans will play with urgency, and pick up a narrow road victory. Texans 20, Lions 19.

Pittsburgh (1-0) at Baltimore (0-1), Sunday, 1:00 (Baltimore -4½) Baltimore has been down this road before. In 2001, one year after winning the Super Bowl, the Ravens were pegged for big things but never quite got it together, finishing a pedestrian 10-6 and getting hammered by the Steelers in the playoffs. The Ravens' hype machine ground to a halt in a similar fashion last week, when the unheralded Browns humbled Brian Billick's team by a 20-3 count. Baltimore will attempt to avoid an 0-2 danger zone this week, when they welcome a Pittsburgh club that has traditionally had its number. The absence of All-Pro tackle Jonathan Ogden (ankle) had a huge effect on the Raven running game last week, as star running back Jamal Lewis (20 carries, 57 yards) never got into a rhythm while running behind the far less-talented Ethan Brooks. Ogden is expected to return this week, which should be good for Lewis and quarterback Kyle Boller (22-38 passing, 191 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT). What won't be good is the four-week injury-related shelving of starting wideout Travis Taylor (groin), which will necessitate a start for unproven Randy Hymes. On defense, a Baltimore team that allowed just 10 first downs last week but surrendered several big plays will have to key on the Pittsburgh running attack. New Steeler Duce Staley (24 carries, 91 yards) was effective in his team's 24-21 win over Oakland, and old stand-by Jerome Bettis scored all three of the Pittsburgh touchdowns. Quarterback Tommy Maddox (13-22 passing, 142 yards) found wideout Hines Ward (7 receptions, 99 yards) often when he took to the air, meaning Baltimore corner Chris McAllister will likely battle with the receiver. Pittsburgh's defense, which allowed the Raiders only 61 yards, will try to do a similar number on Lewis. Yes, the Ravens were awful last week, and yes, the 1-0 Steelers have owned the series with their AFC North foe, but I was a little discouraged by Bill Cowher's team letting Oakland back in the game in the Steel City last week. I see Baltimore coming out with fire this week, plugging its defensive holes, and getting enough of an effort from their All-Pro running back to get into the win column. Ravens 17, Steelers 10.

San Francisco (0-1) at New Orleans (0-1), Sunday, 1:00 (New Orleans -7) The New Orleans Saints didn't need this mayhem. Fresh off a disappointing 21-7 home loss to the Seahawks last Sunday, Jim Haslett's team should have been sleeping in their own beds while preparing for the San Francisco 49ers. But the threat of Hurricane Ivan wiped out that plan, and the entire franchise had to relocate to San Antonio just to hold practice this week. The Saints will likely head back to New Orleans on Friday and play the game within the friendly confines of the Superdome, but the unsettling build-up to the game can only lessen the home team's advantage. While in San Antonio, the New Orleans offense will have to do some fine-tuning following a performance that saw it commit three turnovers and amass just 12 first downs. Quarterback Aaron Brooks (18-37 passing, 223 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) wasn't good enough, and running back Deuce McAllister (16 carries, 57 yards, 1 fumble) simply wasn't good. Wideout Joe Horn (6 receptions, 110 yards) was a bright spot for Haslett's team. The Saints defense gave up 415 yards, including 135 and a pair of touchdowns for running back Shaun Alexander. The job for that unit this week will be stopping running back Kevan Barlow (19 carries, 76 yards, 1 fumble) and quarterback Ken Dorsey (9-15 passing, 111 yards), who played to mixed reviews in the 49ers' 21-19 loss to Atlanta. Dorsey will likely get the start over Tim Rattay, who is recovering from a separated throwing shoulder. The San Francisco defense will attempt to build on an encouraging performance that saw them sack Falcons QB Michael Vick four times. The Niners are not held in high regard, which is exactly why the Saints ought to fear them. New Orleans has been notorious for failing to get up for lesser opponents in recent years, and this week's distractions aren't likely to increase their focus. The Saints have superior talent and experience than San Francisco, and can be expected to wake up and play to their capabilities eventually. But look for the Niners to give them a scare. Saints 16, 49ers 14.

St. Louis (1-0) at Atlanta (1-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Atlanta -2½) The Falcons and Rams might have picked up victories in Week 1, but that doesn't necessarily mean they've been considered winners by NFL observers. Atlanta looked a little shaky against lightly-regarded San Francisco, as quarterback Michael Vick was sacked four times and generally didn't look like his former self in the team's 21-19 win. St. Louis, meanwhile, had to come back at home on an Arizona team generally considered to be the NFL's worst, winning 17-10 but seeing their "Greatest Show on Turf" fail to live up to its billing. Despite the presence of critics, one of these teams will be 2-0 after they meet at Georgia Dome on Sunday. Vick (13-22 passing, 163 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) wasn't awful in the win over the Niners, but didn't look to have total control over the Falcons' new offensive scheme. The club got a bit more offensive mileage from running back Warrick Dunn (19 carries, 63 yards, 2 TD), who received most of the time over T.J. Duckett (2 rushes, 6 yards). Jim Mora's team won the game on the defensive end, getting a key 85-yard interception return from cornerback Aaron Beasley and holding Niner running back Kevan Barlow (19 carries, 76 yards, 1 fumble) in check. This week's main task for the Atlanta defense will be limiting the connection of Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (23-34 passing, 272 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) and receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, who combined for 16 catches and 208 yards against the Cardinals. Running back Marshall Faulk (22 carries, 128 yards) was also effective against Arizona. The St. Louis defense posted a credible performance, forcing eight Arizona punts on the day. I came away from Week 1 more impressed with the Falcons than the Rams. Atlanta picked up an always- difficult NFL road win, even if it was against the Niners, and St. Louis showed no killer instinct at home versus a Cardinal team it should have defeated by at least three touchdowns. I see Vick continuing his improvement this Sunday, while St. Louis continues to make the type of mistakes characteristic of a team on the decline. Falcons 27, Rams 24.

Washington (1-0) at N.Y. Giants (0-1), Sunday, 1:00 (Washington -3) You might think that expectations, which have risen to a peak level nationally since Washington defeated Tampa Bay last Sunday, would be a problem for once- and-future head coach Joe Gibbs and his team. But frankly, Redskin fans had visions of a return to glory the day Gibbs announced his return in January, so the boosted profile is nothing new for the skipper and his club. A win over the NFC East rival New York Giants this Sunday isn't likely to affect the team's temperament either. Washington looked every bit the part of a well- oiled Gibbs-run machine in the 16-10 triumph over the Bucs, getting a big game from new running back Clinton Portis (148 rushing yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions) and riding a superb defensive effort the rest of the way. Tampa's only touchdown came when Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell (13-24 passing, 125 yards), who otherwise ran the offense well, fumbled an exchange with Portis and saw the miscue turn into six points for cornerback Ronde Barber. The Skins defense held the Bucs to 10 first downs and sacked Brad Johnson four times. Things did not go as well in Tom Coughlin's return to the sidelines, as his Giants were manhandled before falling to Philadelphia, 31-17. New York surrendered 454 yards of offense to the Eagles, yielding a gigantic day to quarterback Donovan McNabb (26-36, 330 yards, 4 TD). Giant QB Kurt Warner (16-28 passing, 203 yards) wasn't terrible, but was sacked four times behind the team's weak offensive line. Running back Tiki Barber (9 rushes, 125 yards, 1 TD) had his greatest production in garbage time. Washington might not be an elite NFL team at the moment, but even an above-average club should be able to take down the wafer-thin Giants at this point. The formula that worked for the Skins last week, namely rushing and a staunch defense, will be good enough to enable a win at the Meadowlands. Redskins 20, Giants 13.

Seattle (1-0) at Tampa Bay (0-1), Sunday 4:05 (Seattle -3) Fresh off a rare road win last Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks will this week travel to Tampa Bay in an effort to maintain a share of first place in the NFC West. Despite making the playoffs last year, Mike Holmgren's Hawks were 2-6 away from the great northwest, so the 21-7 victory over New Orleans in Week 1 was seen as a big moment for the team. The triumph came at a price, as All-Pro running back Shaun Alexander (135 rushing yards, 3 TD) missed the end of the fourth quarter after suffering a knee bruise. Alexander's status is questionable this week, meaning backup Maurice Morris could be pressed into action. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (19-29 passing, 246 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) could also be asked to step up his effort this week. The Seattle defense allowed just 12 first downs, forced three turnovers, and limited Saints running back Deuce McAllister to just 57 rushing yards last Sunday. That can't be good news for the Buccaneers, who were unable to produce an offensive touchdown in last week's 16-10 loss to Washington. Tampa got only 30 yards on the ground for the game, and was severely hampered in the aerial attack when wideout Joey Galloway was lost for at least a month with a groin strain. Veteran Tim Brown (4 receptions, 23 yards) and rookie Mark Clayton (7 receptions, 53 yards) are expected to be the starters this week. The Bucs will once again have to lean hard on their defense, which produced their only touchdown and played well after giving up a 64-yard touchdown run to Clinton Portis early in the game. Seattle is obviously the trendy pick here, but I don't have confidence that the Seahawks can win on the road in two straight games. Even if they can't put their offensive struggles behind them (and you can bet Gruden will put something together in that regard this week), the Monte Kiffin-coordinated defense is a known and talented commodity. The possible absence of Alexander is another reason I'm taking Tampa at Raymond James. Buccaneers 17, Seahawks 13.

Buffalo (0-1) at Oakland (0-1), Sunday 4:15 (Oakland -3½) The last time Buffalo won in Oakland, current Bills coach Mike Mularkey had just celebrated his 5th birthday. The date was Nov. 24, 1966, and the league banner that was flying belonged to the seminal AFL. In the post-Sgt. Pepper era, the Bills have gone 0-5 in Oakland and 1-7 against the Raiders on the road (hey, remember when there was a pro football team in Los Angeles?), a history that a now-all-grown-up Mularkey will try to start rewriting when he brings his team to Network Associates Coliseum this Sunday. The opening engagement of the Mularkey era went awry, as a seven-yard touchdown pass from Byron Leftwich to Ernest Wilford at the final gun gave Jacksonville a 13-10 victory. Buffalo outplayed the Jags for the first 58 minutes, holding down Leftwich and running back Fred Taylor (61 yards), but lacked a consistent offensive spark. Quarterback Drew Bledsoe (17-26 passing, 153 yards, 1 TD) was reasonably effective, but running backs Travis Henry (23 carries, 75 yards) and Willis McGahee (9 rushes, 31 yards) failed to bust loose. Oakland had better luck in its 24-21 loss at Pittsburgh, receiving an encouraging performance from quarterback Rich Gannon (20-37 passing, 305 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT), who spread the ball to 11 different receivers. The running game was not as strong, netting just 61 yards, including 24 on 11 carries for starter Tyrone Wheatley. The Raider defense surrendered only 237 yards for the game, but allowed Pittsburgh to march down the field in short order during the decisive drive toward the winning field goal. Both of these clubs were oh-so- close last Sunday, and it doesn't appear that either will be a pushover this season. But one will be 0-2 after this week, and my prediction is that one will be Buffalo. The Raiders showed some guts in their comeback against the Steelers, and should be primed before an always-vocal Oakland crowd. Raiders 26, Bills 21.

Indianapolis (0-1) at Tennessee (1-0), Sunday 4:15 (Tennessee -1½) A battle for AFC South supremacy will commence in Nashville on Sunday, when the Indianapolis Colts visit the Tennessee Titans in a game that figures to have a significant impact upon the division race. The Colts and Titans finished in a tie for first in the South with identical 12-4 records last season, but Indianapolis was considered the division winner due to its two head-to-head victories over Tennessee. Jeff Fisher's club will be attempting to make sure that development doesn't occur this season, and will also try to seize a two-game lead over the Colts. The Titans were 17-7 winners at Miami last Saturday, taking the contest despite an offensive effort that was less than convincing. Quarterback Steve McNair (9-14 passing, 73 yards, 1 TD) posted the lowest passing total of his career, and Chris Brown (16 rushes, 100 yards, 1 TD) had to leave the game with a sprained left ankle following a strong start. Brown's replacement, veteran Antowain Smith (11 carries, 40 yards), fumbled twice in relief. Tennessee won the game on the defensive end, limiting Ricky Williams-less Miami to 65 rushing yards and picking off Dolphin quarterbacks three times. The Titan "D" will have to be much better against the Colts' vaunted attack, which saw quarterback Peyton Manning (16-29, 256 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT), running back Edgerrin James (142 rushing yards) and wideout Marvin Harrison (7 receptions, 44 yards, 1 TD) all have an impact in last Thursday's 27-24 loss to New England. Two ill-timed turnovers fueled the defeat, as did a defense that allowed Tom Brady to throw for 335 yards and a trio of touchdowns. Tennessee will want this one badly after failing to beat the Colts last season, but the game will actually be more meaningful to Indianapolis, which is facing the possibility of being 0-2 going into a matchup with Green Bay next week. Tony Dungy's team looked a little more polished than did Jeff Fisher's a week ago, and will pull even in the division with a victory on Sunday. Colts 27, Titans 24.

New England (1-0) at Arizona (0-1), Sunday, 4:15 (New England -8) A monumental upset will be on the minds of the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, when Dennis Green's team attempts to defeat the defending Super Bowl Champ New England Patriots at Sun Devil Stadium. The Cardinals didn't win in Green's opener, but received high marks for battling St. Louis in a 17-10 road defeat. Arizona gave up 448 yards to the Rams, but stayed in the game by forcing three turnovers and holding the team out of the end zone until the fourth quarter. Offensively, Arizona received a capable effort from 35-year-old running back Emmitt Smith (16 rushes, 87 yards, 1 TD) and a solid day from quarterback Josh McCown (18-29 passing, 181 yards). The Cardinals will need to play over their heads once again if they wish to stick with the Patriots, who looked every bit of their Super Bowl self in a 27-24 win over Indianapolis last Thursday night. Quarterback Tom Brady (26-38 passing, 335 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT) was outstanding, running back Corey Dillon (15 rushes, 86 yards) was effective in his New England debut, and the team's receivers (16 catches) and tight ends (10 catches) both got involved. The Patriot run defense looked somewhat vulnerable, as Edgerrin James gained 142 yards, but Bill Belichick's charges did force two key turnovers, including a James fumble. There are teams that will be lulled to sleep by Arizona's obvious lack of talent, but the veteran Patriots won't be one of them. The Cardinals won't have a clue against Charlie Weis' sophisticated offense, and the New England defense will be motivated after its somewhat shaky play against the Colts. Patriots 37, Cardinals 10.

N.Y. Jets (1-0) at San Diego (1-0), Sunday, 4:15 (N.Y. Jets -3) The San Diego Chargers ranked among the NFL's surprise winners in Week 1, and will try to remain perfect when they host the Jets at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers, who were among the favorites to be the NFL's worst team in 2004, went to Houston and emerged with a 27-20 victory over the supposedly improved Texans last week. Quarterback Drew Brees looked like more than a temporary solution, completing 17 of 24 passes for 209 yards and a pair of touchdowns and enabling tight end Antonio Gates (8 receptions, 123 yards) to have a career day. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson (26 rushes, 121 yards, 1 TD) didn't represent San Diego's only offense for a change, but had a big day anyway. The Charger defense was nearly as impressive, forcing four turnovers, including an interception and a fumble return for linebacker Steve Foley. This week's task will be tougher for the Charger "D", which must deal with quarterback Chad Pennington (20-27, 244 yards, 2 TD) and running back Curtis Martin (196 rushing yards, 2 TD), both of whom had big outings in a 31-24 victory over Cincinnati last week. San Diego's best route to offensive efficiency could be through the air, after the Jets allowed first-year starting QB Carson Palmer to complete 18 of 27 passes for 248 yards and a pair of touchdowns last Sunday. The Chargers have a serious shot at being 2-0 heading into a tilt against Denver, which few would have predicted for Marty Schottenheimer's team as recently as last Sunday around 1pm. But I say San Diego gets a hard dose of reality this week, as a more talented Jets club makes the necessary adjustments and protects the football, two directives that Houston forgot to employ. Jets 31, Chargers 21.

Miami (0-1) at Cincinnati (0-1), Sunday, 8:30 (Cincinnati -4) A.J. Feeley will take his turn as the Dolphins' starting quarterback this week when Miami travels to Cincinnati for a Sunday night contest. In relief of the ineffective Jay Fiedler last week, Feeley completed 21 of 31 passes for 168 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as the Dolphins fell to Tennessee, 17-7. Feeley is likely to hand off to another new starter, running back Lamar Gordon (12 rushes, 32 yards, 5 receptions), when Dave Wannstedt's team takes the field, and will look to throw to targets including tight end Randy McMichael (8 receptions, 79 yards, 1 TD). If Miami is going to win, it will once again have to rely on a defense that forced Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair (9-14 passing, 73 yards) into the least prolific performance of his career last week. This Sunday's focus will be on Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer (18-27 passing, 248 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT), who played well despite his team's 31-24 loss to the Jets a week ago. Palmer threw equally to wideouts Chad Johnson (5 receptions, 99 yards, 1 TD) and Peter Warrick (5 receptions, 76 yards) in the defeat. Running back Rudi Johnson (24 carries, 70 yards, 1 TD) will try to shake off an average performance against New York. The Bengal defense struggled against the Jets, surrendering 438 total yards in the absence of starting corner Deltha O'Neal (ankle) and linebacker Brian Simmons (linebacker). O'Neal and Simmons are probable for the Dolphins, but safety Kim Herring (foot, ankle) and linebacker Caleb Miller (ankle) are unlikely to be in action. Even without the defensive pieces, Cincinnati has one thing going for it - it is playing Miami. The Dolphins' terrible offensive line makes it unlikely that Feeley or Gordon will have much success, and the overworked defense will continue to spend too much time on the field. Bengals 20, Dolphins 10.

Minnesota (1-0) at Philadelphia (1-0), Monday, 9:00 (Philadelphia -3½) Is there a spotlight wide enough to shine on both Terrell Owens and Randy Moss? That question will be answered on Monday night, when Owens' Eagles host Moss' Vikings in a primetime matchup. Both Pro Bowl receivers had a significant impact on victories last week, as Owens caught three touchdown passes in a 31-17 victory over the Giants and Moss scored twice in a 35-17 romp against the Cowboys. Owens was part of an offensive renaissance in Philly, combining with quarterback Donovan McNabb (26-36 passing, 330 yards, 4 TD) and running back Brian Westbrook (17 rushes, 119 yards) on a unit that racked up 454 yards. The defense gave up 413, but much of that came at garbage time. The Vikings, meanwhile, looked poised to erase a memorable 2003 collapse, particularly on the offensive end where Moss, quarterback Daunte Culpepper (17-23 passing, 242 yards, 5 TD), and running back Onterrio Smith (139 total yards, 1 TD) fueled the victory. Smith was starting in place of the injured Michael Bennett (sprained knee), who will miss this week as well. On the other side of the ball, Minnesota will have to solidify a pass defense that allowed 40-year-old Dallas quarterback Vinny Testaverde to pass for 355 yards. Complicating matters in that regard will be the absence of cornerback Ken Irvin, whose season ended after he ruptured his Achilles in pregame warm- ups last week. Some negative nellies are dismissing the Eagles' performance against the Giants, pointing out that all those yards and points came against one of the NFL's least-equipped teams. But anyone that has paid close attention in recent years knows that Andy Reid's team rarely put bad teams away with furious offensive explosions, which is why Sunday's performance was so special. Both teams have defensive deficiencies, so you can count on consistent ball movement on both ends of the field. But unlike the Vikings, the Eagles are one of the NFL's elite teams, and elite teams win both at home and on the largest of stages. Eagles 28, Vikings 24