The Woodlands product and Cowboys cheerleader gets present from Bills boyfriend

" Dan Pastorini, left, and the ""Luv Ya Blue"" Oilers could never get past the ""Steel Curtain."" (Chronicle file) Oilers great says book was ‘soul-cleansing’ Taking Flak: My Life in the Fast Lane By DAN PASTORINI with JOHN P. LOPEZ Dan Pastorini’s memoir, “Taking Flak: My Life in the Fast Lane,” will be released Thursday. The book, written with Sports Radio 610 talk show host and former Chronicle columnist John P. Lopez, includes passages covering Pastorini’s wild life with the Oilers during the Luv Ya Blue years. It’s also available at taking-flak.com. We were delayed again leaving Pittsburgh. I went to the back of the plane and just wanted to be alone. I sat in the jump seat at the back of the plane with all the flight attendants that always took care of us. Jackie, Kathy, the whole bunch. They weren’t just flight attendants. They were nurses. I was tired of everything. I was tired of always taking flak. I was tired of always hurting. I was tired of losing for so many years. I barely could walk in Pittsburgh. I was beat up. I was drained. I thought to myself, “How the hell do we beat those guys without killing them? Do we have to go out there with guns and shoot ’em?” We played the Steelers two and three times a year for all those years. Those two games, those two championship games, those were the true Super Bowls. We were the two best teams in the NFL, but we had nothing to show for it. They had Super Bowl rings. I drank a couple of scotches and a few beers, drowning my sorrows at the back of the plane. I sank lower and lower in my seat, then looked up and saw (Oilers coach) Bum (Phillips) walking down the aisle toward me. “Ah, (heck),” I said. “No. Not now.” Bum walked up to me, looked me dead in the eye and said, “Daniel, I’m really proud of you. You played like a warrior. You played hurt. You did everything I asked you to do. Do you still feel like you did last year? “Do you still want to be traded?” I exhaled, paused, looked at him and said, “Yeah. Yeah, I do. It’s probably best for everybody. Play Giff. Trade me. Do what’s best for the team.” “Well,” Bum said, “you’re a man of your word. You played your (butt) off. I’ll trade you. Where do you want to go?” “Anywhere on the West Coast.” It hurt Bum when I told him I wanted to be traded, I could see it in his eyes. I think he wanted me to say, no. He wanted me to say that I wanted to make another run at the Steelers. And deep down, I did. I wanted to beat those guys and I wanted to do it with the guys on that plane. But I just said what I felt. I had a limousine waiting for us again when we landed in Houston. Bum and I got into the same limousine, with (Carl) Mauck and (Ted) Thompson. Bum and I were the only ones who knew this would be our last ride together. The roads were packed again with fans honking their horns, hanging over bridges, waving, yelling. The Astrodome was beyond capacity and there were 20,000 people outside stuck in traffic. It was a bigger and crazier scene than the year before, which I thought I never would see again. I rode around the Dome on the back of a police motorcycle, then got on stage and sat behind Bum when he got up to address the crowd. I had my elbows on my knees, thinking, “Am I doing the right thing? Will I be better off? Yes, I will. No, I won’t.” The Gemini in me was roaring. Then Bum uttered one of the most memorable lines in NFL history. “Last year, we knocked on the door. This year, we banged on the door. Next year, we’re gonna kick that sumbitch in.” I looked up to the roof of the Astrodome, looked around at the crowd and said to myself, “Not with me.” Bum traded me to the Raiders for Ken Stabler.

Rookie Yates moves up to backup quarterback

" The Texans selected T.J. Yates in the fifth round of the draft. (Brett Coomer/Chronicle) Rookie quarterback T.J. Yates will be a heartbeat from seeing his first NFL action. With Matt Schaub injured, Yates moves into the backup role behind Matt Leinart. “He’s progressed a great deal,” coach Gary Kubiak said about Yates. “I think he’s going to be a player in this league. He’s going to be called upon quickly to get ready to play. “I’ve been very impressed with how he practices. He’ll get pressed a little bit here to get ready to play, and I expect him to step up and handle his situation.” Injury report When the Texans return from their open date on Nov. 27 to play at Jacksonville, they’ll have receiver Andre Johnson back. Besides Matt Schaub, the players who were hurt last week or injured against Tampa Bay should be available, too. “We had a lot of guys step up and play hurt,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “Eric (Winston), Antonio (Smith) and Earl (Mitchell). Obviously, we played pretty darn good up front, and we had no setbacks.” Fullback Lawrence Vickers suffered a hamstring injury. “Vickers, I can’t really tell you,” Kubiak said. “It’ll be next week before we really know. “As far as Andre goes, our expectations are that he’s a full participant (in practice next week) and he’s ready to play against Jacksonville. Let’s be honest. Until he steps on the field and practices a couple of days, we better probably hold on, but it sure looks like where we’re headed.” john.mcclain@chron.com "

Two long touchdowns highlight Texans’ dominant first half

" Texans running back Arian Foster struts backwards into the end zone. (Nick de la Torre/Chronicle) Tampa Bays Connor Barth kicked a 55-yard field goal into the wind to cut Houstons lead to 16-3 as the clock ran out in the first half. The Bucs werent able to build on the momentum as the Texans went on to a 37-9 victory. The Texans dominated the first half, using the big play. Jacoby Jones caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from Matt Schaub on the first play of the game. Tampa Bay had six series and scored on just the final one. Jones 80-yard touchdown was followed by a 78-yard touchdown reception by Arian Foster, who caught a short pass, made a couple of splendid moves and went the distance. Neil Rackers added a 22-yard field goal for all the scoring damage the Texans could do in the first half. .hdn_slideshow { background: #848484; } .hdn_slideshow h2, .hdn_slideshow .extra { color: #222; } 1 of 32 | Share Nov. 13: Texans 37, Buccaneers 9 The Texans beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-9 on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Hide CaptionNov. 13: Texans 37, Buccaneers 9 A scrambling Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) looks for a receiver during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) reaches out for a catch as Buccaneers middle linebacker Mason Foster (59) tries to grab ahold of him during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) sacks Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) looks to the end zone as he runs away from Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib (25) for a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) tries to put a move on Buccaneers free safety Tanard Jackson (36) en route to a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionA wide open Jacoby Jones (12) catches a ball for a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) trots backwards into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Derrick Mason (82) has a pass thrown to him broken up by Tampa Bay's Tanard Jackson (36) and E.J. Biggers (31) during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) easily runs away from Buccaneers defenders for a touchdown during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Andre Johnson, who did not play, warms up before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) wipes his brow as he warms up before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) accepts a good luck fist from a fan before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionBuccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount (27) loses track of the ball as Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) hits him during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionByron Thermond, of Houston, holds up a Texans flag as he watches the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionBuccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) scrambles as Houston's J.J. Watt (99), Connor Barwin (98) and Earl Mitchell (92) apply pressure. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans linebacker Bryan Braman (50) pulls in a loose ball for a turnover during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) smiles as he watches the replay of Ben Tate's touchdown run during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) tries to evade Buccaneers safety Sean Jones (26) during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) breaks up a pass intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) in the end zone during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans coach Gary Kubiak argues with referee John Parry (132) on a penalty after he asked for a review during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans kicker Neil Rackers (4) misses a field goal during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans cornerback Jason Allen (30) plays to the crowd after he and his defense caused another turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive back Brice McCain (21) holds up a ball he intercepted as Johnathan Joseph (24) and Connor Barwin (98) congratulate him during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive back Brice McCain (21) intercepts a ball intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Preston Parker (87) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Ben Tate (44) looks to pound out a few yards as Buccaneers defensive tackle Roy Miller (90) reaches to grab him during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) shows how happy he is with his teammates after a turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans linebacker Connor Barwin, top, and defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sack Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sacks Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans coach Gary Kubiak gives the defense kudos after it caused a turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster starts his celebratory bow after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Ben Tate celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster and his teammates shake hands with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after beating them 37-9. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

Another great start to second half for Texans

" The Texans' abuse of Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman continued in the second half. (Nick de la Torre/Chronicle) Tampa Bay got the ball to start the second half, needing a touchdown to reduce its 16-3 deficit. The Texans had other ideas. Linebackers Brooks Reed and Connor Barwin sacked Josh Freeman on consecutive plays to force a punt. Reed recorded a sack in his fourth consecutive game, giving him five and tying the injured Mario Williams for the team lead. Barwin registered his fifth sack. After the defense stuffed the Bucs, the Texans got the ball at their 35. Arian Foster carried for 13 and 17 yards. Ben Tate ran for 13. Matt Schaub threw a 7-yard pass to Jacoby Jones. Then Derrick Ward ran for 9 and 1. On second down, Foster scored from the 5 for a 23-3 lead with 8:10 left in the third quarter. It was the fifth consecutive game in which the Texans have scored on their first drive in the third quarter. The Texans went on to win 37-9. .hdn_slideshow { background: #848484; } .hdn_slideshow h2, .hdn_slideshow .extra { color: #222; } 1 of 32 | Share Nov. 13: Texans 37, Buccaneers 9 The Texans beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-9 on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Hide CaptionNov. 13: Texans 37, Buccaneers 9 A scrambling Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) looks for a receiver during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) reaches out for a catch as Buccaneers middle linebacker Mason Foster (59) tries to grab ahold of him during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) sacks Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) looks to the end zone as he runs away from Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib (25) for a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) tries to put a move on Buccaneers free safety Tanard Jackson (36) en route to a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionA wide open Jacoby Jones (12) catches a ball for a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) trots backwards into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Derrick Mason (82) has a pass thrown to him broken up by Tampa Bay's Tanard Jackson (36) and E.J. Biggers (31) during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) easily runs away from Buccaneers defenders for a touchdown during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Andre Johnson, who did not play, warms up before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) wipes his brow as he warms up before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) accepts a good luck fist from a fan before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionBuccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount (27) loses track of the ball as Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) hits him during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionByron Thermond, of Houston, holds up a Texans flag as he watches the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionBuccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) scrambles as Houston's J.J. Watt (99), Connor Barwin (98) and Earl Mitchell (92) apply pressure. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans linebacker Bryan Braman (50) pulls in a loose ball for a turnover during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) smiles as he watches the replay of Ben Tate's touchdown run during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) tries to evade Buccaneers safety Sean Jones (26) during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) breaks up a pass intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) in the end zone during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans coach Gary Kubiak argues with referee John Parry (132) on a penalty after he asked for a review during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans kicker Neil Rackers (4) misses a field goal during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans cornerback Jason Allen (30) plays to the crowd after he and his defense caused another turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive back Brice McCain (21) holds up a ball he intercepted as Johnathan Joseph (24) and Connor Barwin (98) congratulate him during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive back Brice McCain (21) intercepts a ball intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Preston Parker (87) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Ben Tate (44) looks to pound out a few yards as Buccaneers defensive tackle Roy Miller (90) reaches to grab him during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) shows how happy he is with his teammates after a turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans linebacker Connor Barwin, top, and defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sack Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sacks Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans coach Gary Kubiak gives the defense kudos after it caused a turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster starts his celebratory bow after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Ben Tate celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster and his teammates shake hands with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after beating them 37-9. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

Kubiak wins challenge, helps Texans extend lead lead

" Jacoby Jones' 80-yard touchdown provided the Texans with an early lead. (Nick de la Torre/Chronicle) Talk about a fast start. On the first play of the game, Matt Schaub faked a handoff to Arian Foster going to his left. Schaub rolled to his right on the bootleg. Most of the Buccaneers went with Foster. Schaub passed up a short pass to Owen Daniels and went deep to Jacoby Jones, who got behind the defensive backs. The ball was underthrown, but Jones waited on it and broke through two Bucs before outrunning another one for the 80-yard touchdown. WATCH THE PLAY The touchdown sparked the Texans 37-9 blowout victory in Tampa. A bad snap by Jonathan Weeks caused Neil Rackers extra point kick to be blocked. It was the second time the Texans scored on the first play in franchise history. Schaub threw a touchdown pass to Andre Johnson against Seattle in 2009. The 80-yard play was the longest pass in Schaubs career and longest reception in Jones career. It was also the longest touchdown pass in Texans history. .hdn_slideshow { background: #848484; } .hdn_slideshow h2, .hdn_slideshow .extra { color: #222; } 1 of 32 | Share Nov. 13: Texans 37, Buccaneers 9 The Texans beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-9 on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Hide CaptionNov. 13: Texans 37, Buccaneers 9 A scrambling Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) looks for a receiver during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) reaches out for a catch as Buccaneers middle linebacker Mason Foster (59) tries to grab ahold of him during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) sacks Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) looks to the end zone as he runs away from Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib (25) for a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) tries to put a move on Buccaneers free safety Tanard Jackson (36) en route to a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionA wide open Jacoby Jones (12) catches a ball for a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) trots backwards into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Derrick Mason (82) has a pass thrown to him broken up by Tampa Bay's Tanard Jackson (36) and E.J. Biggers (31) during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) easily runs away from Buccaneers defenders for a touchdown during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans wide receiver Andre Johnson, who did not play, warms up before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) wipes his brow as he warms up before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) accepts a good luck fist from a fan before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionBuccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount (27) loses track of the ball as Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) hits him during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionByron Thermond, of Houston, holds up a Texans flag as he watches the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionBuccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) scrambles as Houston's J.J. Watt (99), Connor Barwin (98) and Earl Mitchell (92) apply pressure. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans linebacker Bryan Braman (50) pulls in a loose ball for a turnover during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) smiles as he watches the replay of Ben Tate's touchdown run during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster (23) tries to evade Buccaneers safety Sean Jones (26) during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) breaks up a pass intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) in the end zone during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans coach Gary Kubiak argues with referee John Parry (132) on a penalty after he asked for a review during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans kicker Neil Rackers (4) misses a field goal during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans cornerback Jason Allen (30) plays to the crowd after he and his defense caused another turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive back Brice McCain (21) holds up a ball he intercepted as Johnathan Joseph (24) and Connor Barwin (98) congratulate him during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive back Brice McCain (21) intercepts a ball intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Preston Parker (87) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Ben Tate (44) looks to pound out a few yards as Buccaneers defensive tackle Roy Miller (90) reaches to grab him during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) shows how happy he is with his teammates after a turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans linebacker Connor Barwin, top, and defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sack Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sacks Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans coach Gary Kubiak gives the defense kudos after it caused a turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster starts his celebratory bow after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Ben Tate celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle) Hide CaptionTexans running back Arian Foster and his teammates shake hands with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after beating them 37-9. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

LaDainian Tomlinson out with sprained MCL

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.—New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson missed his second consecutive game Sunday because of a sprained left knee. Joe McKnight backed up to Shonn Greene when the Jets (5-5) played host to the Buffalo Bills (5-5) in a huge game for both teams. Learn more about the game and the teams, and follow the action here. The Jets missed Tomlinson both as a runner and a receiver. He is their best pass-catching running back with 25 catches for 315 yards. When the Jets defeated the Bills, 27-11, earlier this month, Tomilson had five carries for 18 yards and a touchdown, and caught three passes for 30 yards. Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (sprained left knee) also was inactive for the Jets. Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-27/ladainian-tomlinson-out-with-sprained-mcl#ixzz1exdOzfw5

Ndamukong Suh reportedly to receive multi-game suspension

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh faces at least a two-game suspension, and possibly anger management classes, for his stomp on Green Bay Packers guard Evan Dietrich-Smith during Thursday's game at Ford Field, according to a published report. The report from ESPN cited unidentified league sources as saying NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could make a final determination Tuesday. Suh, who was ejected from the game, was voted by NFL players in a recent Sporting News survey as the league's dirtiest player by a wide margin. — See Suh: Get ejected | React to ejection | Apologize Since coming into the league, Suh has been fined $42,500. The latest incident comes on the heels of a meeting in New York between Suh and league officials to discuss his behavior on the field. — Sporting News player poll: Suh dirtiest in a landslide | Shares trash-talk title with Ochocinco — How they see Suh: Hines Ward, Rodney Harrison know dirt; their advice "The on-field conduct exhibited by Ndamukong Suh that led to his ejection from yesterday's game was unacceptable and failed to meet the high level of sportsmanship we expect from our players," the Lions said in a news release. "Ndamukong has made many positive contributions to the Lions on and off the field. We expect his behavior going forward to consistently reflect that high standard of professionalism." Suh said on his Facebook page, "My reaction on Thursday was unacceptable. I made a mistake, and have learned from it. The Lions face the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-27/ndamukong-suh-reportedly-to-receive-multi-game-suspension#ixzz1exdFIjyy

QBs Dalton, Mallett nonetheless available for Cincy

By James Walker The Cincinnati Bengals landed amid the draft's most powerful offensive gamers in past Georgia receiver A.J. eco-friendly within your very first round. Now Cincinnati should locate somebody to throw eco-friendly the football in 2011. Following Carson Palmer's offseason buy and sell demands and threats to retire, the Bengals are in desperate condition for just about any quarterback on this draft. A first-round work on the placement has left the Bengals with two principal choices in Friday's next round: TCU's Andy Dalton and Arkansas' Ryan Mallett. The Bengals have carried out extensive investigation on Dalton and Mallett and therefore are already linked to each quarterbacks. Cincinnati holds the No. 35 all round pick, which could possibly be the 3rd choice from the next round. There are two clubs are forward from the Bengals today, which could be in which components could get interesting. The New England Patriots are on the best at No. 33, as well as although they have reigning NFL MVP in Tom Brady, they are already researching this year's quarterback class. It's not out from the realm of probability how the Patriots draft their eventual quarterback from the lasting or buy and sell the choose to an extra team an exceptional offer more desperate at that position. New England usually is amid the league's best traders on draft day. At No. 34 could possibly be the Buffalo Bills, who also possess a need at quarterback. Starter Ryan Fitzpatrick experienced a decent time period in 2010 but is not the long-term remedy in Buffalo. Missouri's Blaine Gabbert was projected to acquire a concentrate on for the Bills at No. 3, but they obtained great worth in Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus within your very first round. Now they are able to explore drafting a second-tier quarterback to sit for just about any yr or two and understand at the rear of Fitzpatrick. If each quarterbacks go away the board using the very first two picks Friday, the Bengals could possibly be in trouble. After Mallett and Dalton, the remaining quarterbacks, which include Nevada's Colin Kaepernick, Iowa's Ricky Stanzi and Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor, do not show up NFL ready. as well as the Bengals need a polished rookie who can immediately compete for the starting quarterback job this season.Share

Watkins a option of substance over design

By Jeffri ChadihaWhen it arrives toward the NFL draft, amount of positions inspire much less excitement than guards. They ordinarily dont possess the jaw-dropping highlights television set producers adore to run, plus they regularly dont possess the freakish actual physical qualities of offensive tackles. But just ask any expert mentor how essential this placement has turn out to be within a league in which dominant defensive tackles pervade. The clubs that stabilize their interiors have much fewer headaches come about fall. [ ] EnlargeBrett Davis/US PresswireOffensive lineman Danny Watkins fills a tremendous need using the Eagles.This fact obviously was concerning the ideas of Eagles mind mentor Andy Reid when he picked Baylor guard/offensive tackle Danny Watkins using the 23rd basic choice through the draft. Philadelphia required all kinds of support along the offensive line, with excellent shield ranking excellent on the top. Watkins -- a 26-year-old Canadian who didnt even choose up the gaming until he was 22 -- experienced the technique arranged that suit precisely what Reid wanted. Sure, its a marriage that wont produce a spike in preseason buzz. But thats what avid gamers like Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are designed to hold toward the table. The Eagles required much more muscle, plain and simple. In nabbing Watkins, they found a participant so eye-catching that even his advanced age didnt deter Reid. (Watkins) clock began only a tiny later on but he took to (football) excellent apart and was so productive, Reid informed regional advertising subsequent making the selection. Hes a heck of the participant through the work and pass game. I cant inform you how delighted we are to possess him within our program. The attractiveness of Watkins could be the simple fact that he gives versatility to an offensive collection that sorely would like it. He has carried out all 5 collection positions at some point, and he has the scrappiness that Reid adores in his linemen. Reid stated at this stage, Watkins -- 6-foot-4, 310 pounds -- tasks getting a an extraordinary offer better suit at guard. Regardless of in which the rookie ends up, hes previously observed as participant who ought getting commencing by morning 1. That possibility, over the way, has as an extraordinary offer to finish with Philadelphias glaring flaws since it does Watkins potential. Its no solution that Vicks scrambling ability saved the Eagles' offensive collection from even much more embarrassment than what resulted away from your fifty sacks permitted last season. (The worst complete in Reids twelve many years as mind coach). Theres also no way Vick can hold on operating for his existence gaming in and gaming out with out spending a hefty price. Even one of the most nimble of quarterbacks slows decrease eventually. The most excellent element about Watkins could be the simple fact that he obviously is regarded getting a quick learner. He grew up actively playing hockey in Kelowna, British Columbia, and only found football subsequent a buddy encouraged him to try out using the team at Butte Junior college in Chico, Calif. earlier to that point, Watkins experienced his sights arranged on earning a level in fire sciences and returning to Canada to purpose getting a firefighter. subsequent it, he turned enough heads that Baylor gave him a entire scholarship or grant and made him the successor to previous Bears left tackle Jason Smith, the next basic choose through the 2009 draft. Watkins began all 25 film games he carried out in at Baylor. He impressed when facing Texas AM star defensive carry out Von Miller last season, a participant who was selected next basic by Denver on this draft. The question, of course, is whether or not Watkins can hold on his quick maturation on the following level. Its just one element to get satisfaction from the gaming when it arrives simply for you in college. Its an totally numerous issue when there are increased expectations and much more stress resulting from that extra fat NFL paycheck. The earlier indication could be the simple fact that Watkins is hard-wired to cope with that transition. If youre preparing to dash into burning properties for just about any living, its a safe and seem bet that unhappy Eagles fans wont increase your our blood pressure. getting an more mature participant also could support his cause. what ever concerns individuals might have about how prolonged he can hold out when he starts a job at 26 can be offset over the simple fact that hell be much more mature than most rookies when he enters camp later on this year. That has getting what the Eagles are hoping. They experienced a tremendous should fill, and theyre grateful that the talented prospect was waiting for them. That suggests their mind mentor is delighted these times and their commencing quarterback is possibly even happier. In time, Watkins may make lots of other people really feel precisely the same exact way about a choose that was essential toward the Eagles future.Share

Patriots private day time two from the NFL draft

By Tim GrahamThe 3rd Friday in April traditionally is celebrated as Patriots' day time in Massachusetts. In the NFL, it's the 2nd day time in the draft. The New England Patriots individual 5 selections Friday, three although in the 2nd round and two extra although in the 3rd round. The San Diego Chargers have two picks in each and every round. The Kansas village Chiefs and Denver Broncos have three combined. Other than them, no other club has extra than two picks scheduled Friday night. The Miami Dolphins and ny Jets don't individual second-round options primarily as a end result of trades involving Brandon Marshall and Antonio Cromartie, but have picks although in the 3rd round. New England holds the 33rd, 56th, 60th, 74th and 92nd selections and could include more. Their most great opportunity to accumulate extra draft assets will possibly be the 33rd pick, the leadoff location in the 2nd round. clubs considering jockeying in the direction of the top in the collection to swipe a participant they need will possibly be ringing payment Belichick's line. The Bills possess the 34th and 68th picks. Unless they make trades, the Dolphins won't be inside the clock once more right up until the 79th choose as well as the Jets won't be right up until the 94th.Share

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