Dispatches

Jeffri Chadiha

September 25, 2006

Shaun Alexander, last season's NFL MVP, is already missing Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson. Alexander has gained only 140 yards through two games while averaging a paltry 3.1 yards per carry. Hutchinson's replacement, sixth-year veteran Floyd Womack, has struggled so badly that coach Mike Holmgren is considering replacing him with backup center Chris Spencer.... The Bills were criticized for taking safety Donte Whitner eighth overall in April's draft, but Whitner has silenced the skeptics. He intercepted a pass in the season-opening loss to New England, and in his first NFL start had seven tackles in Sunday's 16--6 victory in Miami.... Giants QB Eli Manning must love Philly cheesesteaks. After throwing for 371 yards in Sunday's comeback win over the Eagles, he now has more career 300-yard games in Lincoln Financial Field (two) than he has in Giants Stadium (none).