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Week 4
Favre-Sapp duel highlights Battle of the Bays
Posted: Wednesday October 03, 2001 2:34 PM
By B. Duane Cross, CNNSI.com
Although they don't technically line up against each other, Packers quarterback Brett Favre and Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp always seem to be a focal -- and vocal -- point of every "Bay vs. Bay" meeting.
An 11-year veteran, who turns 32 on Oct. 10, Favre is having a good time this year. "I really enjoy playing with this football team," he says. "I've enjoyed the 10 years I've played here, but this year it seems like more so than ever."
In Week 3, Favre made his NFL-quarterback record 144th consecutive start, which gives him a greater margin of separation, 24.1 percent, between him and the former record-holder (Ron Jaworski, 116) than the 23.6 percent margin of baseball's Cal Ripken Jr. (2,632 consecutive games) and Lou Gehrig (2,130).
And how does Sapp feel about Favre? "I love him," he says. "I love to play against him. He's one of those quarterbacks you love to chase for four quarters. It's a great personal challenge. He's a difference-maker, no doubt about it."
The key to the matchup could be in the teams' defenses. The Packers boast the league's top defense, while the Bucs are No. 4 in the NFC.
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Hot Rod
Redskins WR Rod Gardner is the only rookie leading his team in catches (11 for 105 yards and one touchdown). The last Redskins rookie to lead the team in receiving was Art Monk (58 catches, 797 yards, three TDs) in 1980. |
No introduction needed
Chargers QB Doug Flutie will make his first career start against the Browns. Flutie is 3-0 with the Chargers and 33-14 (.702) all-time as NFL starter. Chargers are aiming for their first 4-0 start since 1994 season (6-0). |
Vinny and the Jets
As a Jet, QB Vinny Testaverde is 3-1 against the Bills with 94.9 rating (80-of-124, 923 yards, eight TDs, four INTs). Jets' offense is third in the AFC with a 66.7 red-zone TD pct. (six TDs in nine trips). |
Brady bunch
Patriots QB Tom Brady aims to become first Patriots QB to win his first two starts since Scott Zolak (Nov. 15, 22 in 1992). Pats' 44 points vs. Colts was the teams most since Oct. 6, 1996 (46 vs. Ravens) -- a span of 78 games. |
Carter country
In seven career games vs. Saints, Vikings WR Cris Carter has 45 receptions for 553 yards and five TDs, including eight catches for 120 yards and a TD in last season's Divisional Playoff matchup. |
Brian's song
Broncos QB Brian Griese seeks his first career win vs. Chiefs (0-2). On first and second downs, he has a 127.9 rating (vs. 36.0 on other downs), 74.6 completion percentage, 624 yards and a 7-to-1 TD-to-INT ratio. |
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Flattery: Iron man
When Tennessee visits Baltimore on Sunday, Titans guard Bruce Matthews will play in his 283rd NFL game, becoming the league's all-time leader in career games by non-kickers. |
Flag: America's Team
The Cowboys have lost 14 of their past 17 road games and travel to Oakland on Sunday. The 1960-62 Cowboys were 5-11-1 in their first 17 road games. ... And we thought Houston was Texas' expansion team.
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Flattery: Miller time
In his past five starts, Bears QB Jim Miller has completed 117 of 171 passes (68.4 percent) for 1,237 yards with seven TDs and two INTs. If you're keeping score at home, that's a 98.0 rating. |
Flag: Skinned alive
Washington ranks last in total defense (395.7 yards per game) and average points allowed (37.3). The Redskins are No. 30 in rushing defense. However, there is a silver lining -- the Skins are merely 24th in pass defense. |
Flattery: Law of the land
Patriots DBs Ty Law and Otis Smith returned a interceptions for TDs vs. the Colts. The last time that happened for the Pats: Oct. 17, 1999, when Law and LB Andy Katzenmoyer did it vs. Miami. |
Flag: Seattle's sieve
The Seahawks have yielded 19 sacks through three games. That averages out to about 100 for a 16-game schedule. Maybe some of that free-agent money would have been better spent on the offensive line .... |
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CNNSI.com's James Quintong says this is a time that really tests whether you drafted well in terms of depth at the running back spot. Most people didn't go for the depth or the backups behind the stars and thus the waiver wire will be a very busy place this week. Here's a look at the casualty report at running back from last weekend's action, who took over and what the future holds for those backs in this week's Fantasy File.
Check out Fantasy Central for more insight and analysis.
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Users sounded off on which NFL player is most overrated:
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Randy Moss -- He's got a big mouth and some skills, but in the first three games of the season he didn't produce a single TD.
Charlie, Presque Isle, Wis.
"Fragile" Fred Taylor -- Let's at least let him get through one entire season without an injury before we make him a feature back.
Matt, Dublin, Ohio
Kurt Warner -- With a supporting cast like that, even my grandma could have a good season playing QB.
Anthony, Lake Worth, Fla.
Steve McNair -- This guy couldn't complete a pass even if his mother spoon-fed him the Chunky soup herself.
Jeff, Buena Park, Calif.
Brad Johnson -- What has this guy ever done to get the recognition he gets?
Jim, Baltimore, Md.
Ray Lewis -- The next Dick Butkus? Give me a break!
Jesus, San Diego
Peyton Manning -- How difficult is it to throw when you have two of the best receivers in the game and one of the best running backs?
Patrick, Victoria, British Columbia
Joey Galloway -- Two first round picks for an aging, fragile receiver who won't go over the middle? It makes the Quincy Carter move look like the Louisana Purchase.
Ramsey, San Francisco
Kevin Carter -- One great year with the Rams, now does nothing with the Titans. Why do teams like him anyway? Can't be the work ethic!
Cody, Tempe, Ariz.
Keshawn Johnson -- Who else can take up so must of the team's salary cap without contributing anything to the team?
Raj, Calgary, Alberta
Brian Griese -- He completes the 2-yard pass and lets his receivers pick up the remaining 25, 30 yards. He cannot throw deep or downfield at all. If he played anywhere else he probably wouldn't start.
Dan, Ft. Lupton, Colo.
Matt Hasselbeck -- Don't tell Mike Holmgren, but $25 million seems a bit steep for a QB who has never won in September (or Oct., or Nov., or ...).
Joe, Camarillo, Calif.
Mike Alstott -- He should send "Thank You" cards to Chris Berman every week for making a star out of an average fullback who fumbles way too often.
Ryan, Baltimore
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| This week's topic: With the first pick in the 2002 Draft, which player would you select -- and why? |
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