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Week 2
Denver O-line shows rookie RB Anderson the way
Latest: Monday September 11, 2000 10:08 PM
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Mike Anderson ran for 131 yards and two TDs. AP |
By B. Duane Cross, CNNSI.com
ATLANTA -- It must be the offensive line.
Two seasons ago, Terrell Davis ran roughshod through the league, piling up 2,008 yards. Last season, with Davis sidelined by a torn ACL, Olandis Gary ran for 1,159 yards.
With Davis nursing his sprained left ankle and Gary out for the season with a torn ACL, rookie Mike Anderson stepped into the Denver Broncos starting lineup Sunday. He responded with 131 yards and two touchdowns as the Broncos throttled the Atlanta Falcons 42-14.
Denver relies on the smallest offensive line in football. The Broncos' five starters average 6-foot-3 in height and 288 pounds. The largest starter -- in height and weight -- is 13-year veteran Tony Jones, the left tackle. The smallest starter -- in height and weight -- is fourth-year player Dan Neil.
Sure, the offensive system is a key component to any player's success, but the Denver O-line -- which paved the way for Anderson's sparkling debut -- deserves special recognition. | Little Big Men |
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| Denver Broncos offensive line | | Player | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | | Tony Jones | LT | 6-5 | 291 | | Matt Lepsis | RT | 6-4 | 290 | | Tom Nalen | C | 6-3 | 286 | | Dan Neil | RG | 6-2 | 285 | | Mark Schlereth | LG | 6-3 | 287 | | | | |
Other stellar performers Sunday:
Jimmy Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars -- 291 yards, three TDs in a losing effort against the Baltimore Ravens.
Cris Carter, Minnesota Vikings -- 168 yards in a defensive-minded victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts -- 141 yards in a stunning loss against the Oakland Raiders.
Mark Brunell, Jaguars -- 386 yards, three TDs while coming up short against the Ravens.
Peyton Manning, Colts -- 367 yards, three TDs in the Raiders' statement game.
Steve Beuerlein, Carolina Panthers -- 364 yards, three TDs in a 38-22 thumping of the once-defensive San Francisco 49ers, who have turned offensive in its recent free fall from glory.
The moral of the above statistics: Passing and receiving yardage are nice -- in Fantasy leagues, or in the final year of a contract.
A ground attack, the same thing Gen. George S. Patton built his reputation on, remains the most effective means to victory.
Sunday's top rushers:
Tiki Barber, New York Giants -- 11 carries, 96 yards as the G-Men thwarted the Philadelphia Eagles.
Edgerrin James, Colts -- 18 carries, 91 yards in the above-mentioned loss to the Raiders.
Eddie George, Tennessee Titans -- 21 carries, 80 yards in a thrilling 17-14 overtime victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Yes, James & Co. lost, but holding a 24-7 lead at halftime screams more about the Colts' defense than anything else. Then again, Indy did throw the ball 48 times -- 26 times more than Oakland! Moreso, the Raiders ran the ball 38 times to just 20 for the Colts. Note to Indy offensive coordinator Tom Moore: With a 24-7 lead -- and Ed James in the stable -- run the ball! | Week 2 Leading Rushers |
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| Player | Team | Vs. | Rush | Yards | TD | | Mike Anderson | Denver | Atlanta | 31 | 131 | 2 | | Tiki Barber | N.Y. Giants | Philadelphia | 11 | 96 | 1 | | Edgerrin James | Indianapolis | Oakland | 18 | 91 | 1 | | Eddie George | Tennessee | Kansas City | 21 | 80 | 0 | | Tim Biakabutuka | Carolina | San Francisco | 22 | 75 | 1 | | | | Week 2 Leading Receivers |
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| Player | Team | Vs. | Rec. | Yards | TD | | Jimmy Smith | Jacksonville | Baltimore | 15 | 291 | 3 | | Cris Carter | Minnesota | Miami | 9 | 168 | 0 | | Marvin Harrison | Indianapolis | Oakland | 10 | 141 | 1 | | Tony Martin | Miami | Minnesota | 6 | 120 | 0 | | Joe Horn | New Orleans | San Diego | 12 | 116 | 2 | | | | Week 2 Leading Passers |
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| Player | Team | Vs. | Att.-Comp. | Yards | TD | | Mark Brunell | Jacksonville | Baltimore | 28-50 | 386 | 3 | | Kurt Warner | St. Louis | Seattle | 35-47 | 386 | 1 | | Peyton Manning | Indianapolis | Oakland | 33-48 | 367 | 3 | | Steve Beuerlein | Carolina | San Francisco | 24-32 | 364 | 3 | | Daunte Culpepper | Minnesota | Miami | 23-37 | 355 | 1 | | |
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