• No byes Week 11
• CAR DE Peppers takes NFL lead in sacks
• BAL MLB Lewis inactive, backup gets hurt too, UDFA is solid in their place
• ATL DE Kearney latest devastating injury to Falcons D
• IND DE Freeney gets first solo sack of season, DE Mathis adds two
• JAX MLB Smith has Petersonesque performance
• KC OLB Johnson inactive and likely to miss this week too, Fox fills in well
• Multiple injuries plague NYG D
• DAL OLB Ellis to IR, replacement a mystery
• Decimated DET DLine take another hit, DE Hall to IR
• SD OLB Phillips and DE Olshansky return, DE Castillo out
• MIN MLB Harris remains out, Thomas continues to start
• Most of PIT secondary concussed on Sunday
• JAX DT Stroud still inactive, DE McCray continues to emerge
• WAS S Archuleta only plays special teams
• STL CB Fisher breaks arm, lands on IR

After getting beaten twice for scores, CB Eric Green was replaced in the third quarter by David Macklin. HC Denny Green did not commit to which would start this week. The wheels seem to be falling off as infighting is now a problem. Green and DT Darnell Dockett reportedly had a confrontation during the game.

Atlanta
As the offense struggles, injuries continue to be the biggest problem on defense. DE John Abraham remains out after abdominal surgery and is expected to miss at least two more weeks. Chauncey Davis continued to start in his place and posted 4 solo tackles. On the opposite end, DE Patrick Kearney had to leave the game after a chest injury late in the first half and did not return. UDFA rookie DE Paul Carrington replace Kearney and had his first career sack on the last play of the first half. DT Rod Coleman, who also had a sack, recovered the fumble and lateralled it to MLB who lateralled it to CB DeAngelo Hall. Hall was eventually pushed out of bounds at the Cleveland 17-yard line after time expired. The team got bad news on Kearney after the game, he has a torn pectoral muscle that will require season-ending surgery. As opposed to having two former Pro Bowlers at end, the Falcons will be starting Davis and Carrington for the near future. Josh Mallard, who had his third sack in the game, will see more work on passing downs.

MLB Edgerton Hartwell was inactive again, as well. As it has been most of the season, Brooking slid over to the middle and Demorrio Williams started at WLB. Williams forced a fumble on one of his team-leading 8 tackles (6 solo) that Brooking recovered. Brooking also had 6 tackles (4 solo). SLB Michael Boley had his second sack of the season. HC Jim Mora indicated Hartwell is struggling with his knee problems. It seems safe to give up on him in redraft leagues.

The previous week the team lost nickel CB Kevin Mathis to the IR and last week they lost CB Jason Webster for at least a month with a torn groin muscle. Mathis has a fractured neck and his football career is likely over. Rookie Jimmy Williams was expected to get his first career start, but instead it was Allen Rossum who stepped in and had 6 solo tackles. Williams was still not over and ankle sprain from practice last week and was active, but did not play. I still expect big things from Williams before the year is over. Veteran FA Lance Schulters was signed last week to fill Mathis’ roster spot, but cut to activate UDFA rookie Nick Turnbull from the practice squad. Schulters is more insurance at safety, whereas Turnbull was needed for special teams and knew the defense better. Schulters could be resigned this week.

Baltimore
Despite predicting he’d play on Sunday, MLB Ray Lewis was inactive with a back injury from a collision with FS Ed Reed in the previous game. Reserve Mike Smith started in place of Lewis, but last five plays before partially dislocating his shoulder. Former practice squad player Dennis Haley filled in surprising well at MLB. He posted 10 tackles (5 solo, including 1 on special teams) and broke up 2 passes. It appears Lewis’ badly bruised back will not be ready to go this week, as it is not getting better, and Smith could miss several weeks. If Lewis cannot go as expected, Haley will get his first career start and the team seems to have confidence in him. Haley is a second year player out of Virginia. The UDFA was a late bloomer, not starting until his senior season.

OLB Adalius Thomas had a sack for the fifth straight game. Thomas leads the team, and is tied for second in the AFC, with eight.

FS Ed Reed had his second pick of the year and 3 solo tackles. Rookie SS Dawan Landry had his best performance yet, leading the team in tackles with 12 (7 solo), including his first career sack, and breaking up 2 passes.

Buffalo
The defense did their part in trying to stop the Colts, but the offense offered little help. They took away the wide receivers and made plays on the backs and tight ends the Colts had to force feed the ball. WLB Angelo Crowell stripped IND TE Ben Utecht after a reception in the second quarter and CB Terrence McGee returned it 68 yards for a score, the only Bills TD in the game. McGee, whose starting role was in jeopardy just a few weeks ago, also had 6 tackles (5 solo) and returned a kickoff 88 yards to set up a FG. Crowell also had 13 tackles (12 solo) and broke up 2 passes. MLB London Fletcher led the team with 14 tackles (8 solo) and also broke up a pass. DE Aaron Schobel forced a fumble on IND RB Dominic Rhodes that CB Nate Clements recovered in Colt territory halfway through the fourth quarter. After driving as far as the Colts 17-yard line, the Bills were unable to convert a potential game-winning FG and never got the ball back. Schobel was held sackless for the first time in four games. The Bills had no sacks in the game.

First round pick SS Donte Whitner was arrested last week on harassment charges against his girlfriend after police were called to his suburban Buffalo house on Saturday. He was arraigned, released on his own recognizance, started on Sunday, and posted 4 tackles (3 solo). He is due in court next Monday.

Carolina
With a three-sack game, DE Julius Peppers took over the NFL lead with 11 sacks on the season. He also recovered a fumble when TB QB Bruce Gradkowski dove instead of slid and MLB Chris Draft knocked the ball out.

Chicago
After LT Luke Petitgout went down, DE Alex Brown smelled blood in the water against aging vet backup Bob Whitfield. After being shut out the first half, Brown had 3 solo tackles, including 2 sacks, had another QB hurry, and forced 2 fumbles in the second half.

MLB Brian Urlacher played through a sprained ligament on the top of his left foot and started as expected. He had 8 tackles (7 solo) and a QB pressure. WLB Lance Briggs led the team with 11 tackles (9 solo) and also had a pass defensed.

Return specialist Devin Hester returned a missed FG 108 yards to tie teammate CB Nathan Vasher for the longest play in NFL history almost a year to the day of Vasher’s return. It was Hester’s third TD of the year and he is a high-risk, high-reward player in leagues that count return stats.

After being demeaned by NYG WR Plaxico Burress the week leading up to the game, CB Charles Tillman did a decent job on him. Burress was held to four catches for 48 yards. FS Danieal Manning forced a fumble on one reception by Burress near the goal line that Tillman recovered and fumbled turning back over to the Giants. Tillman also had a pick.

Chris Harris saw more time at SS as Todd Johnson has struggled in pass coverage since replacing Mike Brown. Harris had his first INT of the season in the game.

Cincinnati
WLB Landon Johnson injured his ankle in the game. He left twice in the first half, the second time after aggravating the same injury, but returned both times and finished leading the Bengals in tackles with 9 (7 solo). He also forced a fumble that the Chargers recovered. SLB Brian Simmons was inactive again with lingering neck problems. He is questionable again this week. Rashad Jeanty remained in the starting lineup and Ahmad Brooks remained the MLB.

CB Deltha O’Neal injured his right shoulder and bounced his head off the knee of SD WR Malcom Floyd on a diving tackle attempt on Floyd, who burned him for a TD on the play. O’Neal had to be helped off the field after the play in the third quarter, but would return to the game. SS Dexter Jackson had a protective boot on his left foot in the locker after the game, but his injury was no addressed by HC Marvin Lewis. Backup Kevin Kaesivaharn is probable for this week, he would replace Jackson if the injury is serious.

DE Robert Geathers had his team-leading seventh sack of the season. DT John Thornton and DT Sam Adams each had a sack, as well.

Cleveland
CB Leigh Bodden was inactive again with a high ankle sprain, making Daven Holly, who returned after missing last week, and Ralph Brown the starters at corner. UDFA rookie Jereme Perry was the nickel and had the best stats, posting 4 tackles and a fumble recovery. The fumble recovery sealed the victory as ATL QB Mike Vick lost the ball off his own leg trying to scramble on a second-and-20 with less than three minutes left. Perry aggravated an ankle sprain in the game and will be questionable this week. Reserve S Brodney Pool and SS Sean Jones each had a pick. It was the first of the season for Pool and the team-leading fifth for Jones, who is tied for second in the NFL.

OLB Willie McGinest was back after being inactive last week. On the other side rookie Kamerion Wimbley had a sack for the second consecutive game among his 5 solo tackles. Wimbley leads the team with 5.5 sacks. ILB Andra Davis led the team with 9 solo tackles.

Dallas
After a successful, albeit challenging, conversion to OLB at age 31, the season is over for Greg Ellis. The nine-year veteran tore his left Achilles’ tendon in the second half of Sunday’s win. Kevin Burnett replaced him in the game and would seem to be the first choice as replacement rest of the year. Burnett, who spent much of his rookie season last year in Parcells’ doghouse, has been productive this year as a reserve, in nickel packages, and on special teams. However, Parcells said he is “reluctant to disturb another thing” that seems to be working, so Burnett could remain behind OLB Demarcus Ware on the other side and in the nickel package. That could mean displaced former starter Al Singleton rotates with first round pick Bobby Carpenter, who has sporadically been active as he has spent much of his rookie year replacing Burnett in Parcells’ doghouse, and Junior Glymph. Singleton would seem to be the base choice, with Carpenter and Glymph competing for pass rush duty.

OLB Demarcus Ware broke a pattern of a sack every other game, posting his team-leading fifth on Sunday for one in back-to-back games. He forced a fumble on the sack, had another solo tackle, and knocked down a pass.

Keith Davis remained the starter at FS and the competition to keep the job thinned out after Marcus Coleman was released, probably for good by Dallas. After already having served a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy this year, Coleman was arrested last week on suspicion of DWI. Rookie Pat Watkins returned to the rotation and had a pick in the game. Davis had 4 solo tackles.

Denver
Despite all the injuries in the secondary the previous week, all the normal starters were in on Sunday. CB Darrent Williams played through a separated shoulder and had 2 solo tackles and broke up a pass. SS John Lynch and FS Nick Ferguson played despite concussions the previous week. Both had 3 solo tackles and Lynch broke up a pass.

WLB Ian Gold (hamstring) was inactive and Nate Webster, who suited up for the first time this year, started in his place. The former Buc and Bengal had 5 tackles (4 solo). Gold is day-to-day and still questionable for this week. Webster would start in his place again if he is unable to go. MLB Al Wilson led the team with 10 solo tackles, including his first sack of the year. CB Champ Bailey had 9 solo tackles, broke up a pass, and helped hold OAK WR Randy Moss to one catch for eight yards.

DE Ebenezer Ekuban (thigh) was inactive and it was John Engelberger, not rookie sensation Elvis Dumervil, who started in his place. Both contributed to sealing the victory in the fourth quarter. With four minutes left, Engelberger recovered a fumble forced by DE Kenard Lang on Lang’s second sack of the day. The Broncos increased the lead to four points on a FG off the turnover. On the subsequent Raider possession, Dumervil pounced on an aborted fumble and the offense took a knee for the win.

Detroit
A DLine devastated by injuries (and a suspension) recently suffered another big loss last week. The shoulder injury that kept James Hall out of the previous game was worse than expected, as he went on the IR with a torn rotator cuff. The team signed DE Corey Smith, last seen as a little-used backup in Tampa Bay, to fill Hall’s roster spot. DT Shaun Rogers is still suspended and DT Shaun Cody (dislocated toe) missed his fourth straight game. Cody is expected back this week, but Rogers is out one more game. DE Cory Redding, who continues to shift down to DT in the base defense due to all the missing players, was the only normal starting DLinemen active on Sunday. Among his 5 solo tackles, Redding had the first two-sack game of his career, establishing a new career high with 3.5 sacks so far this year. Redding forced a fumble on a pressure that just missed being his third sack, causing the only turnover of the day for the defense. Next to him, Marcus Bell, who continues to replace Rogers, had his first sack of the season among his 5 tackles (4 solo). Jared DeVries and Kalimba Edwards got the starts at DE. Edwards has a big opportunity with Hall out for the rest of the season, but he has struggled to produce in HC Rod Marinelli’s system thus far after a career-high seven sacks in 2005 as a pass rush specialist. Edwards posted 2 solo tackles and a QB hurry. He has just one sack this season. Former Ram Tyoka Jackson will see more action in the rotation now, as well, with Hall out for the year.

The depleted front four let SF RB Frank Gore run wild, resulting in several tackles in the secondary. SS Kennoy Kennedy led the team with 14 (6 solo, including one on special teams) and FS Terrence Holt has 10 (5 solo). Backup CB Stanley Wilson dropped an easy pick that likely would have been returned for a TD in the second quarter. Wilson is seeing more time with Jamar Fletcher, who just weeks ago looked like he would replace Fernando Bryant as a starter, being a healthy scratch on gamedays.

Boss Bailey started at SLB and rotated with Alex Lewis. Bailey hurt his leg during the game. Paris Lenon remained the starter in the middle. Teddy Lehman was active, but did not appear in the box score.

Green Bay
First round pick WLB A.J. Hawk had his biggest game so far, leading he team with a game-high 13 tackles (6 solo), 1.5 sacks. He also forced a fumble after a reception by MIN RB Chester Taylor at the Green Bay one-yard line, but alert MIN WR Billy McMullen dove into the end zone with it. MLB Nick Barnett had 5 tackles (3 solo), including sharing a sack with Hawk. Rookie reserve LB Abdul Hodge remained inactive after not being on the injury report for the first time in weeks. Last week he said he expressed being extremely upset about how long he has been kept out, that is was the coach’s decision, and he could have played weeks ago. Perhaps that has something to do with him still being inactive. SLB Brady Poppinga had his first sack of the season and forced a fumble on it.

DE Aaron Kampman was held without a sack after having at least one in the four previous games. He fell to second in the league in sacks with 9.5 after a big MNF performance by CAR DE Julius Peppers.

Houston
The defense had just two picks heading in to Sunday, but grabbed four off JAX QB David Garrard in the game, two thanks to JAX WR Matt Jones. CB Dunta Robinson got his first of the season. He also led the team with 7 solo tackles. On the other side, CB Demarcus Faggins got his first of the season off the hands of Jones. LB Morlon Greenwood had the first of his career and DL Anthony Weaver had the second of his career off a pass Jones couldn’t hang on to.

DE Antwan Peek left in the second quarter with a left knee injury and DT Travis Johnson left in the third quarter with a left calf injury. Peek has a sprained MCL and is likely to miss at least two weeks. Johnson was placed on the IR with his injury, ending his season. The injuries gave former first round pick Jason Babin more snaps and the absence of Johnson should give him even more opportunities the rest of the season as Anthony Weaver could be used inside more. He responded with his third career multi-sack game, posting 2 among his 3 solo tackles. Rookie DE Mario Williams had just one solo tackle, breaking a streak of three consecutive games with a sack. He continues to play through a case of plantar fasciitis in his foot that has gotten progressively worse.

OLB Kailee Wong finally played. He was a backup on the outside and post 3 solo tackles. Rookie MLB DeMeco Ryans had 6 solo tackles and a pass defensed. He also had the QB hurry that forced the pick Greenwood made.

Nickel CB Lewis Sanders broke his hand Sunday and was placed on the IR. He had been a starter while Faggins missed most of the first half of the season. Dextor McCleon moves up to nickel back now.

Indianapolis
The Colts forced no turnovers, but got to BUF QB J.P. Losman four times, including the first solo sack of the season for DE Dwight Freeney. He now has 1.5 on the season, both in the last three games. His only solo sack of the season was a huge one, as it helped preserve Indy’s undefeated. After the Bills drove to Colts 17 yard line in the fourth quarter, Freeney got to Losman on a third-and-five, forcing a longer FG that BUF K Rian Lindell missed. The Bills never got the ball back. Freeney also had another QB hurry. He may finally be getting over shoulder and buttocks injuries that have been plaguing him this season. On the other side, DE Robert Mathis had his third multi-sack game of the season. He had 2 sacks among his 3 solo tackles and increased his team-lead to 6.5 on the year. He had gone four games without a sack. DT Anthony McFarland had his first sack as a Colt.

MLB Gary Brackett was inactive with a hamstring injury he suffered in the previous game. Rookie Freddie Keiaho replaced him in the previous game as Rob Morris was inactive with a hamstring injury of his own, but Morris was healthy this week and got his first start since 2004. Morris, a former first round pick who started at MLB for the Colts from 2001-2004, had 8 tackles (6 solo). Keiaho had 3 solo tackles, all on special teams. WLB Cato June (5 solo) and SS Antoine Bethea (8 solo, including 1 on special teams) led the team with 9 tackles.

After a strong return in Week 9 after missing five games, FS Bob Sanders appeared back at full strength from arthroscopic knee surgery. However, Sanders sat out practice all week and was inactive Sunday as the knee is still bothering him. He is expected back this week. Former first round pick Marlin Jackson started in his place. Jackson had 7 tackles (6 solo) and gave the thin Colts secondary a scare when his right leg appeared hurt in the third quarter. However, he would return and finish the game.

DT Montae Reagor remained inactive and is expected to miss at least five more weeks. He was involved in a serious car accident three weeks ago.

Jacksonville
Darryl Smith finally appears to have settled in to the MLB role he inherited when Mike Peterson went on the IR. He had a team-high 12 solo tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble.

DT Marcus Stroud remained inactive continuing to battle an ankle sprain, bone bruise, and groin injuries. Rob Meier continues to start in his place, so Bobby McCray continues to start at DE for Meier. McCray had his team-leading sixth sack of the season, setting a new career high. Fellow DE Paul Spicer had his second sack of the year.

Kansas City
Usually the story in KC is the defense can’t do enough to compliment the high-powered offense. On Sunday the defense held the Dolphins to 13 points, but an offense that was shut out through three quarters did them in. After a FG early in the fourth quarter, the D held the Dolphins to a three-and-out on the subsequent drive, but the offense stalled again. A fumbled punt return briefly gave them hope, but the Dolphins recovered. However, on the second play of the next drive, Miami ran an ill-advised reverse and the ball was lost in transition. DE Jared Allen recovered it at the Miami 20-yard line and a quick TD by the offense seemed to change the momentum. The defense held again, but with three minutes left, the offense couldn’t get the job done one last time. Allen also had his team-leading sixth sack of the season among his 8 tackles (7 solo), as well as 3 QB pressures and a pass defensed.

OLB Derrick Johnson (ankle) was inactive and is not expected to play this week either. Keyaron Fox started in his place and led the team with 9 tackles (6 solo). He should fill in for Johnson again this week.

FS Greg Wesley (shoulder) was inactive and is questionable for this week. Rookie Jarrad Page replaced him and posted 5 tackles (3 solo) and broke up 2 passes. CB Ty Law continues to play through back problems. He posted 6 solo tackles in the game.

Miami
After shutting out the Chiefs offense for three quarters, the defense overcame some close calls on turnovers in the fourth quarter to hang on for the win. While limiting the Chiefs potent running game, they were also all over the field in pass defense, breaking up 14 throws. SS Yeremiah Bell led the way, leading the team in tackles with 9 (6 solo) and passes defensed with three.

Two sacks on the finally KC possession sealed the victory. The first was by DT Vonnie Holiday and the second was by MLB Zach Thomas, his first of the season. Thomas finished with 7 tackles (3 solo). DT Keith Traylor had a sack earlier in the game, his fourth of the season – more than double the 35 year-old veteran has had in any of his 15 previous seasons.

Seventh-round pick Rodrique Wright returned to practice after rotator cuff surgery earlier this year. He is the NFL list, so he will not play this year, but he has lost a lot of weight and will be converted to a DE next year, a thin and aging position for Miami.

Minnesota
Dontarrious Thomas continued to start at MLB with Napoleon Harris inactive again with a dislocated wrist. Harris could miss a few more weeks. Thomas led the team with 10 tackles (7 solo, including one on special teams).

CB Fred Smoot was inactive as he was with his family last week to attend his brother’s funeral. His brother was killed in a car accident. Rookie CB Cedric Griffin started and GB WR Donald Driver had a career day. Griffin had 7 tackles (6 solo) and broke up 2 passes. FS Dwight Smith did not start the first series as punishment for missing a team meeting. Greg Blue started, but Smith played most of the game and finished with 4 solo tackles.

Rookie DE Ray Edwards was inactive for a violation of team rules. No other information was give, but he is likely to be back this week. Just in case you dynasty leaguers were wondering if there was an injury.

New England
With DE Ty Warren already inactive with a shoulder injury, it was surprising four-time Pro Bowl DE Richard Seymour was on the sidelines frequently in the second half. Neither he nor HC Bill Belichick offered an explanation. Seymour moved over to the left side to start in place of Warren and Jarvis Green started at right end. Marquise Hill and Mike Wright saw significant time rotating in with Seymour.

ILB’s Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau did what they could to stop the Jets. Bruschi led the team with a game-high 16 tackles (6 solo) and broke up a pass. Seau had 15 tackles (11 solo). With double-digit tackles in back-to-back game, Seau has taken over the team lead in tackles.

OLB Rosey Colvin had the only sack of the day and CB Asante Samuel had the only turnover with his third pick of the year. CB Ellis Hobbs was back in the starting lineup opposite Samuel after battling a broken wrist most of the season.

SS Rodney Harrison was inactive with a broken right shoulder blade and Chad Scott started in his place. Scott had 7 tackles (4 solo). Harrison is expected to miss four-to-six weeks. FS Eugene Wilson remained inactive for the fifth consecutive game with a hamstring injury and Artrell Hawkins continued to replace him.

New Orleans
With just one sack and forcing no turnovers, the Saints left the heavy lifting to the offense on Sunday and came up short. OLB Scott Shanle led the team with 8 tackles (4 solo) and had his third sack of the year.

Jason Craft started at CB with Fred Thomas inactive with a hamstring injury. DE Will Smith is questionable this week with a hip problem.

New York Giants
With three of their top four ends inactive, first round pick Mathias Kiwanuka started in place of Osi Umenyiora and DT William Joseph slid over to DE to start for Michael Strahan at LE in the base package. Kiwanuka flashed his playmaking skills again, grabbing his first career pick in the first quarter on an athletic play as he dropped back in to coverage. He also had 2 solo tackles, but the rookie tired with a full compliment of snaps as his play tailed off in the second half. Joseph had 4 tackles (3 solo). Strahan is anxious to get back despite the original prognosis being him missing up to eight weeks. At this time the feeling is he’ll miss at least another couple of weeks. Umenyiora (hip flexor) is doubtful this week, so Kiwanuka and Joseph will likely start again. Justin Tuck (foot) hasn’t practiced since Week 7 and is expected to remain inactive.

The injury problems were just as bad in the LB corps. OLB Brandon Short was inactive as expected for the second straight game with a quad injury. Rookie Gerris Wilkinson started at WLB and had 8 tackles (5 solo). Short is likely to miss this week, as well. Carlos Emmons was inactive with a groin injury. Reggie Tobor got the start at SLB and posted 5 tackles (3 solo). MLB Antonio Pierce led the team with 15 tackles (9 solo) and broke up a pass.

Nickel corner R.W. McQuarters was frequently blitzing as the defense tried to compensate for the losses at DE. He got his first sack of the season and first since 2001. He had to move in to the starting lineup when CB Sam Madison left after aggravating a hamstring injury. He missed the previous two games with the injury. Madison sounds unlikely to play this week. CB Corey Webster was picked on frequently by CHI QB Rex Grossman, regardless of who he lined up on.

New York Jets
FS Erik Coleman picked off a pass late in the fourth quarter that led to a game-winning TD and an upset over HC Eric Mangini’s old team. It was the first back-to-back losses for the Patriots since 2002. Coleman also had 9 tackles (7 solo, including one on special teams). SS Kerry Rhodes led the team with 10 tackles (7 solo, including one on special teams).

CB David Barrett played through his hip injury, but left in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. Andre Dyson and rookie Drew Coleman started. Coleman had a pick taken away on a personal foul by OLB Victor Hobson.

Oakland
The defense set up the first offensive TD in three games, but the inept offense foiled a solid defensive effort against arch-rival Denver. CB Nnamdi Asomugha’s fourth INT of the season deep in Bronco territory in the first quarter set up a short TD run. CB Fabian Washington would grab a pick on the following drive, but the offense failed to capitalize. Same story when Washington had his third INT of the season later in the game. Asomugha broke up another pass and had 3 solo tackles in the game. Washington also broke up another pass and had 2 solo tackles in the game.

MLB Kirk Morrison led the team with 9 tackles (6 solo, including one on special teams). Rookie OLB Thomas Howard had 8 tackles (7 solo).

DT Warren Sapp had 2 sacks to give him six on the season, the most he has had as a Raider. It was his second multi-sack game of the season and he has four in the last three games.

DE Tyler Brayton was in the starting lineup a week after the knee/groin incident with SEA TE Jerramy Stevens. Brayton was fined $25,000, but not suspended. As HC Art Shell commented that Brayton was “provoked” in to the action, it seems clear the team plans no additional punishment.

Philadelphia
The highlight of a defense effort that neutralized the passing game all day was CB Sheldon Brown’s INT for a 70-yard TD. Brown broke up another pass and had 4 tackles (3 solo). The team had no sacks and had no other turnovers, but forced a fumble, by Jeremiah Trotter, that the Redskins recovered. Trotter also had 7 tackles (6 solo).

FS Brian Dawkins led the team with 9 tackles (8 solo) and had 2 passes defensed. Sean Considine remained the starter at SS, but Michael Lewis still saw significant work. Each had 4 tackles.

DT Mike Patterson started this week, but was limited after having surgery on his broken left hand last week.

Reserve CB Roderick Hood said he has turned down a contract extension offer from the team because he plans to seek a starting job in the off-season. He has been an excellent nickel back and was key in replacing Lito Sheppard when injured earlier this year, before Hood missed several games with a heel injury.

Pittsburgh
Two turnovers resulting in 14 points and a third to end the game were the difference in getting the World Champions back in the win column against a resurgent Saints squad. ILB James Farrior got it started forcing a fumble on the Saints first possession that DE Brett Keisel recovered. Farrior also had 10 tackles (7 solo) in the game and Keisel also had a sack. ILB Larry Foote later was credited with forcing a fumble on NO RB Reggie Bush that FS Ryan Clark recovered. Foote also led the team with 11 tackles (7 solo) and broke up a pass. On what would be the Saints final drive, Tyrone Carter forced a fumble after a reception that Clark recovered, sealing the victory. Carter suffered a concussion on the play. Carter was in at SS replacing Troy Polamalu, who also suffered a concussion in the first quarter and left the game. Polamalu looked really lost on the sidelines during the game. He is questionable this week after what is reportedly at least his sixth concussion, although his first in four seasons as a Steeler. CB Deshea Townsend also suffered a concussion during the game. He also left in the first half and is questionable.

After discussion of replacing CB Ike Taylor with Bryant McFadden last week, Taylor remained in the starting lineup and McFadden the nickel. McFadden would return to the starting lineup if Townsend can’t play because of his concussion.

St. Louis
After allowing the Seahawks to drive all the way to their own one-yard line on the opening drive, the defense responded with a huge play. DE Leonard Little sacked SEA QB Seneca Wallace and knocked the ball out. DE Victor Adeyanju picked it up and returned it 89 yards for his first career TD. It was the first of two sacks in the game for Little, among his 7 solo tackles. He has 9 on the season. MLB Will Witherspoon also had a huge game. He led the team with 10 tackles (6 solo), including his first two sacks of the season, and broke up a pass.

FS O.J. Atogwe forced two fumbles, including one on his first sack of the season. He totaled 8 tackles (5 solo).

CB Travis Fisher broke a bone in his right forearm in the second half. He was placed on the IR. First round pick Tye Hill will move in to the starting lineup.

San Diego
OLB Shaun Phillips returned from a calf injury and had a big sack. On the first play from scrimmage for the Bengals after the Chargers scored on the first play of the fourth quarter, he sacked CIN QB Carson Palmer, forced a fumble, and recovered it. The Chargers would score on the next play to take the lead for the first time in the game of the only turnover they would force. In addition, Phillips finished with 7 tackles (2 solo). DE Igor Olshansky, also back from injury, recorded a sack. DE Luis Castillo was inactive. He is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain. Jacques Cesaire, who replaced Olshanksy while he was out, will start in place of Castillo while he is out. Opposite Phillips, Shawne Merriman was serving the second game of his four-game suspension. Carlos Polk got the start in his place and posted 6 tackles (5 solo, including 1 on special teams).

ILB Donnie Edwards led the team with 16 tackles (13 solo).

San Francisco
The Brandon Moore Breakout Tour rolled through Detroit this week. The OLB led the team with 9 tackles (7 solo), including two sacks. He took over the team lead with 5.5 sacks on the year, a new career best. Scoop up this emerging IDP star if he’s still available in deep and/or dynasty leagues. On the other side, first round pick Manny Lawson continues to struggle and see his snaps decrease. He did recover a fumble forced by MLB Derek Smith, one of four turnovers on the day for San Fran. CB Shawntae Spencer forced a fumble on his first sack of the season that was recovered by DT Marques Douglas. Spencer and SS Mark Roman did a nice job limiting DET WR Roy Williams most of the game. Roman also recovered a fumble on a strip by FS Keith Lewis.

Lewis and Roman appear to have strengthened their hold on starting spots on Sunday. Former starting FS Mike Adams was limited to pass packages before leaving with a neck strain. Former starting SS Tony Parrish was active, but did not appear in the box score.

Seattle
After two disappointing seasons and another slow start this year, DE Grant Wistrom is creeping back on the fantasy radar. He had a sack on Sunday among his 5 tackles (3 solo), giving him three in his last two games and four on the season. He had four all of last season.

FS Ken Hamlin grabbed his team-leading third pick in the game. He broke up another pass and had 5 solo tackles. After being questionable last week with a shoulder injury, Jordan Babineaux remained the starter at SS and posted 5 tackles (3 solo) and a pass defensed. Michael Boulware remained a reserve and didn’t appear in the box score.

Former first round pick DT Marcus Tubbs was placed on the IR last week. An Achilles’ tendon problem in the preseason and recent knee surgery have limited him all season after a breakout 2005. DT Chartric Darby celebrated his new spot in the starting lineup with two sacks.

MLB Lofa Tatupu led the team, as usual with 10 tackles (7 solo).

Tampa Bay
A decimated D held together in the first half, but couldn’t hold off the Panthers in the second half. MLB Shelton Quarles (knee, ankle), DE Simeon Rice (shoulder) and DT Ellis Wyms (ankle) were all inactive. Barrett Ruud replaced Quarles and had 6 tackles (3 solo). Dewayne White replaced Rice and had 5 tackles (4 solo) and recovered a fumble. Jon Bradley replaced Wyms.

CB Rhonde Barber forced a fumble, picked up a pass and just missed another while breaking up four other passes. He also had 5 tackles (4 solo).

Tennessee
FS Lamont Thompson, whose starting role is reportedly week-to-week, had two picks in the game. He is tied with SS Chris Hope for the team lead with three. Hope (6 solo) and OLB Keith Bulluck (4 solo) tied for most tackles with eight. Bulluck also had 2 passes defensed and shared a sack with reserve DE Tony Brown. Brown also appeared to have forced a fumble that was ruled down by contact. Fourth-round pick Calvin Lowry saw work with the first team at FS in practice last week, lending credence to reports Thompson’s job could be in trouble.

OLB David Thornton saw more work this week as he places through a shoulder injury, but rookie Stephen Tulloch remained the starting MLB. Peter Sirmon, the former starting MLB who replaced Thornton in the base defense last week, appears to be the odd-man out. He returns to being the top reserve LB.

HC Jeff Fisher said in his press conference that suspended DT Albert Haynesworth will return to practice on Wednesday. Haynesworth was suspended five games for, literally, stomping on the head of DAL C Andre Gourde. DT Robaire Smith suffered an ankle sprain, but is expected to play this week.

Reserve LB Robert Reynolds was placed on the IR with a quad injury. Rookie Terna Nande was activated off the practice squad to replace him. DE Antwan Odom was inactive after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He is expected to miss two weeks. DE Travis LaBoy suffered a concussion in the game, so keep an eye on his status for this week.

CB Adam “Pacman” Jones returned from his one game suspension after a misdemeanor assault charge for spitting on a female Tennessee State student in a nightclub three weeks ago.

Washington
The defense forced no turnovers and the one fumble they did force ended up in a Philadelphia TD. After PHI WR Reggie Brown caught a 20-yard pass near the sideline in the second quarter, CB Shawn Springs popped the ball out. PHI RB Correll Buckhalter was trailing the play, picked out of the air in stride, and took it 37 yards for a TD. In addition to the forced fumble, Springs broke up a pass and had 4 solo tackles.

FS Sean Taylor led the team with 6 solo tackles and was burnt badly by PHI WR Donte Stallworth for a long TD. Troy Vincent played his first game in Philly since leaving the team in 2003. He continued to start at SS, while Adam Archuleta was limited to just special team and saw no plays on defense. Vincent had 5 tackles (4 solo) and Archuleta had a solo tackle on special teams.

WLB Warrick Holdman had his fifth career sack, and first solo sack since 2001, among his 4 solo tackles.