With six weeks to go, the competitive AFC playoff race is starting to take shape. The NFC, meanwhile, probably won’t be settled until 2000–the season’s final Sunday is Jan. 2.
Miami, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Tennessee and Seattle already have eight victories, and Buffalo was stopped by the Jets on Sunday in its quest for No. 8.
The Seahawks (8-2), who won their only AFC West title in 1988, are in great shape for their second after winning at Kansas City. Jacksonville (9-1) and Tennessee (8-2) take up two more spots, while Miami and Indianapolis, both 8-2, share the East lead.
Buffalo (7-4) and New England (6-4) are in the chase for the last spot, with Oakland (5-4) not far behind. The others’ best hope is that Buffalo and New England are done in by their tough division schedules.
The NFC is too muddled to even contemplate. Only St. Louis (8-2) looks like a lock.
STILL TOO NEW
In time, the Dawg Pound may again be a difficult place to play. But right now, the new Cleveland Browns Stadium, boasting luxury boxes, spacious clubhouses and a great view from every seat, isn’t as intimidating.
Former Brown Eric Metcalf, now with Carolina, saw some familiar faces Sunday but also a lot of new ones.
“It has changed,” he said. “The old place was like the slums. Now it’s like the Millionaires Club.”
During introductions, many of Carolina’s players barked to mock the Pound. One fan’s attempt at rattling linebacker Kevin Greene even backfired.
“You’re a sissy, Greene,” the fan yelled.
“Shut up!” Greene shot back.
“I missed coming (to Cleveland) because the fans can get you fired up,” said Greene, a former Steeler. “Ain’t nothing like getting spit on.”
STICKING AROUND FOR KICKS
Kicker Jason Hanson has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Lions. Terms were not disclosed.
The deal, which runs through 2004, was completed before the season and was not officially announced. Hanson has made 17 of 19 field-goal tries this season.
“We just did it,” Hanson told the Detroit News on Sunday. “I didn’t care if anybody knew about it. I didn’t want to make a big deal about it.”
INJURY TIME
Dolphins quarterback Damon Huard was knocked out of Sunday’s game against New England with a broken nose suffered in the third quarter when he was sacked by Willie McGinest. He was replaced by Scott Zolak and may be benched for Dan Marino Thursday in Dallas.
Saints quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver tore ligaments in his left knee Sunday night against Jacksonville; his status for the rest of the season was in limbo. Kent Graham, the Giants’ QB, left with a concussion after being hit by Washington’s Marco Coleman and was replaced by Kerry Collins.
Packers receiver Antonio Freeman was also knocked out of play with a concussion. He was hit by Detroit’s Mark Carrier in the third quarter.
Rams receiver Ricky Proehl separated his right shoulder when he landed hard after being hit by the 49ers’ Lee Woodall.
Ravens linebacker Peter Boulware dislocated his right shoulder, the one he dislocated two weeks ago in Cleveland.
ALWAYS A CHALLENGE
The Colts, leading the Eagles 44-3 at the time, challenged Donovan McNabb’s first career TD pass with 8:27 to play. McNabb’s 6-yard TD pass to Chad Lewis was upheld.
“Why let them score if they don’t deserve to score?” Colts coach Jim Mora said. “I don’t care if we’re behind by 30 points or ahead by 30 points. To me, every play’s important.”
MORA DILEMMA
The Colts suspended starting defensive end Shawn King and backup safety Tito Wooten before Sunday’s game.
“They didn’t adhere to some policies so we decided not to play them,” said Mora, who wouldn’t say how long the suspensions would last.
