Raiders QB Gradkowski re-injures shoulder in return

Bruce Gradkowski is likely headed back to the bench for the Oakland Raiders. But it doesn't have anything to do with the quarterback's performance.

The Contra Costa Times reported on Sunday night that Gradkowski re-injured his throwing shoulder in Oakland's 33-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Gradkowski told the paper that his shoulder felt similar to when he suffered a third-degree separation against the San Diego Chargers in Week 5. That injury cost him five weeks.

The fifth-year pro was back into the starting lineup on Sunday in place of Jason Campbell. For the season, Gradkowski is 66 for 125 (52.8 percent) for 807 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions.

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Merriman's Bills stay likely short after he's placed on IR

Shawne Merriman's first season with the Buffalo Bills ended before it even really began.

The Bills placed Merriman on injured reserve Saturday because of a nagging Achilles' tendon injury, culminating a tumultuous year for the one-time feared linebacker.

The Bills claimed Merriman off waivers earlier this month, three weeks after the San Diego Chargers placed him on IR because of a calf injury.

At the time, Merriman also was nursing a strained Achilles' tendon. In his first practice with the Bills on Nov. 10, he lasted just 15 minutes before re-injuring it.

The Bills also placed linebacker Keith Ellison on injured reserve Saturday. Ellison couldn't practice all week because of an unspecified knee injury.

"We felt it was still going to be some time before Shawne and Keith were healthy enough to return to the field, and we certainly were not going to have them return to action until they were physically ready to do so," Bills general manager Buddy Nix said, according to the team's official website. "Knowing that we needed the roster spots, we felt this was the best move for our team and it's also best for both players. The most important thing at this point is for them to get healthy, and this gives them that opportunity."

To fill the two open roster spots, the Bills promoted wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt and linebacker Thomas Williams to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.

Merriman, a 2005 first-round draft pick and three-time Pro Bowl selection, also sat out most of the Chargers' offseason workouts and part of training camp to protest his contract, which expires following this season. He finishes the year with six tackles in three games for the Chargers.

Merriman expressed his eagerness for a fresh start when he made his first public appearance in Buffalo, one day before the Bills' Week 9 loss to the Chicago Bears in Toronto.

The following Wednesday, Merriman walked onto the practice field for the first time with his new team, but that's when things went awry. During a harmless-looking individual drill, he backpedaled, then pivoted to his left before pulling up and hopping on one leg.

Merriman immediately pulled down his right sock and limped to the sideline, where a trainer spent a few minutes checking the linebacker's ankle. Merriman then consulted head trainer Bud Carpenter at midfield before being escorted to the Bills' fieldhouse, where the team's training room is located.

Merriman was inactive for the Bills' next two games against the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals. On Friday, Bills coach Chan Gailey declared Merriman out for Sunday's home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24 hours before the team officially cut short his season.

Merriman sounded resigned about his situation when asked about it Friday.

"It's coming along, but it's still the same situation it was a few weeks ago. Just wait and see what happens," Merriman said after practice, according to the Buffalo News. "My main thing is just to get it healthy. It's been there for a year. I haven't had many other problems other than that. It's been there constantly -- on and off -- for a year now, and I never really had a chance to take care of it. I've been pretty healthy the last couple of years -- other than that. It's unfortunate, but I have to get it taken care of."

Nicknamed "Lights Out" for his aggressive and hard-hitting style, Merriman has 43.5 sacks in his 60-game NFL career. But his production has substantially dropped over the past three seasons, largely because of nagging injuries, including reconstructive knee surgery that forced him to miss most of 2008.

Since the start of the '08 campaign, Merriman has just four sacks in 18 games.

Merriman received a four-game suspension in 2006 after testing positive for steroids. He blamed the positive test on a tainted supplement, which he never identified.

Merriman also brought unwanted attention off the field after being arrested just before the 2009 season when reality television star Tila Tequila accused him of battery and false imprisonment at his suburban San Diego home. No charges were filed, and Merriman and Tequila settled dueling lawsuits.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Cutler tosses four TDs to lead Bears over Eagles

CHICAGO -- Jay Cutler tied a career high with four touchdown passes and the Chicago Bears beat Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles 31-26 to take sole possession of the NFC North lead on Sunday.

The win was their fourth straight and it put them a game ahead of Green Bay in the division. It also came against one of the top teams in the NFC.

The Eagles (7-4) had won three straight, but were unable to break off big plays against one of the league's stingiest defenses and fell into a tie with the New York Giants for the NFC East lead.

Vick threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns. But he also threw his first interception in four years when he got picked off by Chris Harris in the end zone late in the first half, stopping a potential go-ahead scoring drive.

Julius Peppers had a sack for Chicago (8-3) after collecting three the previous week, and the Bears got that signature win after beating struggling teams like Buffalo, Minnesota and the injury-ravaged Dolphins.

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Chargers continue to pick up steam with easy victory over host Colts

INDIANAPOLIS -- Peyton Manning blamed himself for the Colts' mistakes. The Chargers took credit for forcing him into them.

Either way, it was the same lousy result for Indianapolis' suddenly struggling quarterback.

San Diego intercepted him four times, returning two for scores, and handed Indianapolis its worst home loss of the Manning era, 36-14, on Sunday.

"The defense was awesome," Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said. "Getting two defensive touchdowns was obviously huge, and they played well all night."

Sunday's game fit right into this rivalry's recent trend.

San Diego (6-5) has beaten Manning's Colts five times in six games, including twice in the playoffs. Three years ago, the Chargers picked off Manning six times -- the most in his career. For the first time in Manning's 13 NFL seasons, he has thrown a combined seven interceptions in back-to-back weeks.

Colts fans were so incredulous at the poor play that they headed for the exits with about 10 minutes left.

But the Chargers had plenty of work still to do. The team that ruined Indy's quest for perfection in 2005 and dethroned the defending Super Bowl champs in the 2007 playoffs ended the NFL's longest run of consecutive 12-win seasons at seven. Plus, San Diego climbed over the .500 mark for the first time all season and kept pace in the AFC West race, one game behind Kansas City.

Imagine that.

"At 2-5, a lot of teams would have thrown in the towel," Rivers said. "We've got a group of resilient guys, tough guys that really play together and really believe in one another. We weren't going to let this thing get away from us. Now, we're right here in the hunt."

While the Chargers are primed to make a playoff run, Indy's struggles have raised red flags.

Yes, the Colts (6-5) are still tied with Jacksonville for the AFC South lead, but they've lost three of four and the rash of injuries has taken a major toll on the offense. Manning played again without receiver Austin Collie, without running back Joseph Addai and without starting tight ends Dallas Clark and Brody Eldridge, and it showed.

Coach Jim Caldwell blamed the miscues -- five turnovers in all -- on a combination of factors, including poor pass protection and a nonexistent running game. Indy netted only 24 yards rushing against the Chargers' No. 1 ranked defense.

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And Manning wasn't himself, either. He finished 31 of 48 for 285 with two TDs and the third four-interception game of his career. The last came in San Diego in November 2007.

"San Diego did a good job," Manning said. "Offensively, we didn't do a real good job. I didn't do a real good job. Everybody needs to play better, I need to play better, our execution needs to improve."

Manning is ready to move to the head of the line after this debacle.

After throwing a 5-yard TD pass to Jacob Tamme on the Colts' opening drive and watching San Diego counter with a 28-yard field goal, Manning tried to connect with Reggie Wayne by fitting a pass between three defenders.

Not good.

Kevin Burnett made a leaping catch and sprinted 29 yards to give the Chargers a 10-7 lead.

"Poor decision," Manning said. "That's something I have to avoid. So poor throw, poor decision."

Stephen Cooper picked off Manning again early in the second quarter, setting up a 33-yard field goal that made it 13-7, and Manning got the Colts back into it when he connected with Blair White on a 6-yard TD pass to make it 16-14 with 22 seconds left in the half.

After that, nothing went right for the Colts.

Kaeding opened the second half with a 30-yard field goal, and Eric Weddle picked off Manning and returned it 41 yards for a TD to make it 26-14. Fans booed, thinking Weddle shoved Wayne to the ground before the ball arrived. Wayne and Manning complained to the officials.

"It was a bad call, plain and simple," Caldwell said. "I don't know how to dance around it any other way."

But the Chargers refused to let Manning make one of his patented comebacks.

Mike Tolbert scored on a 3-yard run with 11:26 to go, sealing the victory, and Kaeding added his fifth field goal of the night to close it out. Tolbert carried 26 times for 103 yards with one TD.

Rivers was 19 of 23 for 185 yards with no touchdowns and, unlike Manning, no interceptions.

"I think all of our guys understand now that you've got to protect the ball," coach Norv Turner said. "You've got to be sound in the kicking game and we can't give up big plays on defense."

They gave up nothing Sunday night.

Notes: San Diego WR Vincent Jackson's season debut was a short one. He strained a calf muscle on the Chargers' opening series and did not return. Turner said he did not expect Jackson to miss a lot of time. ... Tolbert also left during the first half with what appeared to be a left hand injury. ... The banged-up Colts took a couple of more hits Sunday. Wayne was shaken up with 2:45 left, and starting cornerback Kelvin Hayden also was hurt in the closing minutes. Both players left walked off the field without help. ... It was Indy's most lopsided home loss since a 31-3 rout by Seattle on Sept. 14, 1997. Indy had won 19 of its last 20 home games, the only loss coming after the Colts pulled their starters against the New York Jets last December.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Ex-Redskins QB Brennan released from hospital after car crash

HONOLULU -- Former Washington Redskins backup quarterback Colt Brennan was released from the hospital Saturday, more than one week after a car accident that left him with broken ribs and injuries to his head and collarbone.

Brennan issued a statement saying he was leaving Queen's Medical Center and is headed to his parents' home in Southern California to continue his recovery.

Authorities say Brennan was a passenger in an sport-utility vehicle that crossed a highway centerline and collided head-on with a sedan driven by 47-year-old Theresa Wang on Nov. 19.

Brennan, 27, said in the statement that he goes home with a "heavy heart" because Wang remains hospitalized.

Brennan said his girlfriend, Shakti Stream, is close to a full recovery. Stream was the driver of the SUV.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Steelers' Harrison penalized vs. Bills for roughing the passer

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison incurred a costly roughing-the-passer penalty against Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Sunday.

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With 4:45 to go in the third quarter, Harrison came untouched up the middle of the line on a Pittsburgh blitz. The linebacker drove Fitzpatrick into the ground, and Harrison was flagged for leading with his helmet.

Harrison stomped his foot on the ground following the play.

"It's not going to change the way I play," said Harrison, who's already been docked $100,000 this season. "There was nothing wrong about the play."

The penalty negated an incomplete pass on second-and-10. Three plays later, Fitzpatrick hit Bills running back Fred Jackson for a 65-yard catch-and-run TD.

Harrison recently was called to the NFL office in New York regarding how rules designed to protect players from injury are being enforced.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Vikings' Peterson tweaks right ankle in win over Redskins

LANDOVER, Md. -- All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson injured his right ankle during the first half of the Minnesota Vikings' 17-13 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday and didn't return.

Peterson said his ankle "got rolled up" when he was tackled on a 1-yard carry late in the second quarter. Neither Peterson nor Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier would speculate on the running back's prospects for next week's game against the Buffalo Bills.

"We'll know a little more about Adrian tomorrow," Frazier said, "after they do whatever examinations they have to."

The Vikings initially said Peterson was probable to return to the game, then downgraded him to questionable. He had his ankle taped, then stood on the sideline testing it, stepping gingerly at times and attempting short sprints.

"It started to throb a little bit," Peterson said. "I was trying to keep it loose, jogging, but it really didn't help out."

Peterson went over the 1,000-yard mark for the season for the fourth time in his four-year NFL career before he was hurt. He finished the game with six carries for 36 yards, including a 5-run touchdown run on Minnesota's opening drive.

With Peterson out, rookie Toby Gerhart carried the load for the Vikings, rushing for 76 yards on 22 carries. The second-round draft pick had just 86 yards for the season entering the game.

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"Toby Gerhart, man, take my hat off to him and our offensive line, just understanding our situation," Frazier said. "We came in at halftime, we had an idea that Adrian might not be able to go in the second half, and we wanted to emphasize that it wouldn't change our game plan. We were going to trust our offensive line to do what we talked about all week long, and they didn't flinch."

Vikings defensive lineman Ray Edwards left the game in the first half with a left leg injury. He also will be evaluated Monday.

Redskins cornerback Carlos Rogers injured his left hamstring during the second half. An injury to Rogers' right hamstring kept him out of the previous week's overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Niners kicker Nedney doubtful vs. Cards after missing practice

Joe Nedney didn't practice Saturday and was listed as doubtful on the San Francisco 49ers' injury report, meaning Shane Andrus likely will be the team's kicker in Monday night's meeting with the Arizona Cardinals.

Nedney also missed practice Thursday and Friday because of a right knee injury that kept him out of last weekend's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Andrus played in Nedney's place but didn't attempt a field goal or extra point in the 49ers' 21-0 loss.

Cornerback William James, who also missed the game against the Buccaneers, was listed as doubtful, too, because of a concussion. Offensive tackle Joe Staley was ruled out for the second consecutive game while he recovers from a broken leg.

Safety Dashon Goldson (ankle) is questionable for the 49ers. Cornerback Nate Clements (ankle), offensive tackle Anthony Davis (ankle), tight end Vernon Davis (ankle), running back Frank Gore (ankle) and wide receiver Josh Morgan (shoulder) are all probable.

Wide receiver Steve Breaston (knee), defensive end Calais Campbell (ankle), linebacker Clark Haggans (groin), running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (hamstring), cornerback Gregory Toler (foot) and defensive tackle Dan Williams (toe) are all questionable for the Cardinals after being limited in Saturday's practice. Cornerback Michael Adams (ribs), defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (shoulder), wide receiver Early Doucet (head), safety Kerry Rhodes (hand, back) and linebacker Reggie Walker (hamstring) fully practiced and are probable.

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Five first-time eligibles head list of 26 Hall of Fame semifinalists

Five first-year-eligible players -- Jerome Bettis, Marshall Faulk, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf and Deion Sanders -- are among the 26 semifinalists being considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2011.

The Hall of Fame's selection committee chose the 26 semifinalists from the previously announced list of 114 preliminary nominees. The semifinalists list was first revealed Sunday on NFL Network's "NFL GameDay Morning."

Two other previously eligible candidates, Edward DeBartolo Jr. and Ed Sabol, made it to the semifinalists list for the first time. Each of the remaining 19 nominees on the selection committee's list has been a semifinalist at least once before this year.

The complete list of 26 semifinalists is as follows:

» Jerome Bettis, RB (1993-95 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 1996-2005 Pittsburgh Steelers)

» Tim Brown, WR/KR (1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

» Cris Carter, WR (1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins)

» Don Coryell, Coach (1973-77 St. Louis Cardinals, 1978-1986 San Diego Chargers)

» Roger Craig, RB (1983-1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991 Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-93 Minnesota Vikings)

» Terrell Davis, RB (1995-2001 Denver Broncos)

» Edward DeBartolo, Jr., Owner (1979-1997 San Francisco 49ers)

» Dermontti Dawson, C (1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers)

» Richard Dent, DE (1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles)

» Chris Doleman, DE/LB (1985-1993, 1999 Minnesota Vikings, 1994-95 Atlanta Falcons, 1996-98 San Francisco 49ers)

» Marshall Faulk, RB (1994-98 Indianapolis Colts, 1999-2005 St. Louis Rams)

» Kevin Greene, LB/DE (1985-1992 Los Angeles Rams, 1993-95 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1996, 1998-99 Carolina Panthers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers)

» Ray Guy, P (1973-1986 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders)

» Charles Haley, DE/LB (1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys)

» Lester Hayes, CB (1977-1986 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders)

» Cortez Kennedy, DT (1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks)

» Curtis Martin, RB (1995-97 New England Patriots, 1998-2005 New York Jets)

» Art Modell, Owner (1961-1995 Cleveland Browns, 1996-2003 Baltimore Ravens)

» Willie Roaf, OT (1993-2001 New Orleans Saints, 2002-05 Kansas City Chiefs)

» Andre Reed, WR (1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins)

» Ed Sabol, Contributor (1964-1995 NFL Films)

» Deion Sanders, CB/KR/PR (1989-1993 Atlanta Falcons, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1995-99 Dallas Cowboys, 2000 Washington Redskins, 2004-05 Baltimore Ravens)

» Shannon Sharpe, TE (1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens)

» Paul Tagliabue, Commissioner (1989-2006 National Football League)

» Aeneas Williams, CB/S (1991-2000 Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals, 2001-04 St. Louis Rams)

» George Young, Contributor (1968-1974 Baltimore Colts, 1975-78 Miami Dolphins, 1979-1997 New York Giants, 1998-2001 National Football League)

The list of 26 semifinalists will be reduced by mail ballot to 15 finalists. That list will increase to 17 with the inclusion of two candidates recommended by the Hall of Fame's seniors committee. The Seniors Committee nominees, who were announced in August, are linebacker Chris Hanburger (1965-1978, Washington Redskins) and linebacker Les Richter (1954-1962, Los Angeles Rams).

The 15 finalists will be announced in early January.

To be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a nominated player or coach must not have participated as an active player or coach for five consecutive seasons. A contributor still may be active in his pro football career.

Although there isn't a set number of enshrinees for any Hall of Fame class, the current ground rules stipulate that between four and seven new members will be selected each year. No more than five modern-era nominees can be elected in a given year, and a class of six or seven enshrinees can only be reached if one or both senior nominees are elected.

The Class of 2011 will be determined at the selection committee's annual meeting Feb. 5, the day before Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas. The election results will be announced at 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT) during a one-hour NFL Network special, live from the Super Bowl media headquarters.

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Ravens continue to take care of business at home with win over Bucs

BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Ravens took care of business in workmanlike fashion against a team they hadn't played in years.

By doing so, the Ravens put themselves in perfect position for an emotional matchup against a team they know all too well.

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Joe Flacco threw two touchdown passes, and Baltimore beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-10 Sunday in their first meeting since 2006.

The Ravens (8-3) improved to 5-0 at home this season and remained tied atop the AFC North with Pittsburgh. Baltimore will be striving for its franchise-record ninth straight home win next Sunday night against the Steelers.

"The message is simple for us: We haven't lost at home, so let's defend that," linebacker Ray Lewis said. "We take care of that, everything else take care of itself.

"From our side and their side, there is no talking that has to be done. We've been playing each other a long time and now it comes down to one of those showdown games."

Next week's game wouldn't have been nearly as important if the Ravens didn't win this one.

"I don't think you ever want to diminish this victory," coach John Harbaugh said. "It's one we really need to get where we're going. It's a game that bridged us into December. It gives us an opportunity to accomplish some things. We're playing the biggest game of the year."

Flacco connected with Todd Heap for a 65-yard score and hit Derrick Mason for a 10-yard touchdown during a three-minute span of the second quarter to stake Baltimore to a 17-3 halftime lead. Flacco now has 53 career TD passes, surpassing Vinny Testaverde (51) for most in Ravens history.

"Vinny didn't play here that long (two years), so it's not really that much of an accomplishment," Flacco said. "Hopefully, I can make that a little bit higher for somebody else to break in the future sometime."

Flacco completed 25 of 35 passes for 289 yards and had a 76-yard touchdown throw to Ray Rice called back because of a block in the back by Anquan Boldin.

Tampa Bay (7-4) still has not beaten a team with a winning record. The Buccaneers have lost to New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Baltimore by a combined 113-50 score.

"That doesn't factor into anything. We're a team with a winning record," cornerback Ronde Barber said. "We're just playing. You like to win them all, regardless of who the opponent is."

Coming close didn't make the defeat any easier to take.

"There's no positives," Barber said. "You either find a way to win or you don't -- and we didn't today."

Josh Freeman went 17 for 37 for 162 yards and a touchdown. Although he avoided being sacked, Freeman often was forced to throw under pressure and had only one completion of more than 20 yards.

"I played extremely poorly. There are a number of balls I usually hit that missed," Freeman said. "I just wasn't getting it done."

Freeman threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Kellen Winslow with 3:05 left to make it 17-10, but the Buccaneers didn't get the ball back.

"I thought we were in control. We were never really threatened until the end of the game," Flacco said. "We had to do a good job there and put the game away."

With the score 3-all late in the second quarter, Heap slipped behind two Tampa Bay defenders, caught a pass from Flacco in stride and raced to the end zone on the longest play of his 10-year career.

The Buccaneers then went three-and-out, and an iffy pass interference call against Myron Lewis preceded Flacco's touchdown pass to Mason with 32 seconds left in the half.

Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris disputed the penalty at the time and continued to protest while running off the field at halftime.

"I disagreed with it at the time, but it is what it is," he said. "My opinion really doesn't matter. The call was made and you got to move on."

Mason finished with eight catches for 87 yards.

Baltimore made only two first downs in its first two series, but punter Sam Koch twice pinned the Buccaneers inside the 20. That enabled the Ravens to begin their third possession at the Tampa Bay 41, which led to a 45-yard field goal by Billy Cundiff.

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After another Buccaneers punt, Aqib Talib got his team-high sixth interception and returned it 25 yards to the Baltimore 31. It was the first interception thrown by Flacco at home this season; he had gone 128 passes without one.

Tampa Bay safety Cody Grimm hurt his left ankle during the return and was carted off the field. He did not return.

After the turnover, Tampa Bay failed to gain a yard on three plays from the Baltimore 4 before Connor Barth kicked a field goal to make it 3-all.

Notes: Ravens FB Le'Ron McClain sprained his left ankle. ... Baltimore S Dawan Landry left in the third quarter with a concussion. ... Tampa Bay G Davin Joseph hurt his foot in the first quarter and did not return. ... Ravens LT Michael Oher sprained his right knee.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Feisty Bills let game slip through their hands vs. undisciplined Steelers in OT

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Bills receiver Stevie Johnson was inconsolable for letting a victory slip through his hands. The Pittsburgh Steelers weren't going to let him or Buffalo get a second chance.

With his head down at the end of the bench, Johnson couldn't watch as Shaun Suisham hit a 41-yard field goal with 2:14 left in overtime to secure the Steelers' 19-16 victory Sunday.

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It was a dramatic turn of events for the Bills and Johnson, in particular, after he could've ended the game in Buffalo's favor on the previous possession but dropped what would have been a 40-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick.

"I had the game in my hands and I dropped it," Johnson said. "Humbled. Humbled."

Then, growing emotional, Johnson added: "I'll never get over it. Ever."

In a game the Bills (2-9) proved they're not all that bad, the Steelers (8-3) showed why they're better.

Suisham hit all four of his field-goal attempts, including a 48-yarder. His decisive kick capped a 13-play, 58-yard drive which Ben Roethlisberger kept alive by hitting Mike Wallace for a 17-yard catch to convert third-and-8.

As the Steelers celebrated, not far from their minds was how close they came to losing.

"I had my helmet on and I was going to the locker room," defensive tackle Casey Hampton said, when he saw Johnson 2 yards in the end zone, having sneaked in behind defensive backs Ike Taylor and Ryan Clark.

"You're talking about a guy who's been extremely hot," Clark said of Johnson. "Luckily for us, he didn't (catch it)."

Rashard Mendenhall had 151 yards rushing and scored on a 1-yard plunge in helping Pittsburgh prepare for a AFC North first-place showdown at Baltimore next weekend. Hines Ward had seven catches for 107 yards, and Roethlisberger finished 20 of 33 for 246 yards

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Buffalo proved feisty in facing one of the NFL's elite teams by overcoming a 13-point first-half deficit and forcing overtime with 2 seconds left in regulation when Rian Lindell hit a 49-yard field goal. Fred Jackson had five catches for 105 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown, and added 59 yards rushing.

The Bills had a two-game win streak snapped. Each of their past four losses have been by 3 points, including two in overtime, after they lost 37-34 at Baltimore on Oct. 24, and 13-10 at Kansas City the following week. Buffalo was also coming off a 49-31 win at Cincinnati, in which it overcame a 21-point first-half deficit.

"We fought so hard out there, yet again, it's one of those overtime heartbreakers," said Fitzpatrick, who finished 23 of 45 for 265. "There's not much to say than the guys in that locker room, including me, are really hurting over that one."

In a game the Bills looked out of by halftime, credit Fitzpatrick for showing he could not only take a vicious hit, but also punch back.

Down 13-0 late in the third quarter, linebacker James Harrison broke in untouched and, with his head lowered, struck Fitzpatrick just beneath the chin just as the quarterback got off a pass.

Harrison was penalized 15 yards for roughing the passer -- and faces another potential fine from the NFL for leading with his helmet.

"It's not going to change the way I play," said Harrison, who's already been docked $100,000 this season. "There was nothing wrong about the play."

Though knocked a little woozy, Fitzpatrick responded three plays later by hitting Jackson for his 65-yard touchdown catch and run.

The score gave the Bills life, as they eventually tied it at 13 when Lindell hit two field goals 2:07 apart -- the second set up after Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd stripped Mendenhall of the ball at the Steelers 23.

Ahead 16-13, the Steelers got a big defensive play from Troy Polamalu, who made a diving interception at the goal line after Fitzpatrick's pass bounced off Johnson's fingertips with 2:51 left in regulation.

Pittsburgh running back Rashard Mendenhall had his way with the Bills' league-worst rushing defense. Find out where his impressive outing puts him among the week's top performers.

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Pittsburgh couldn't finish Buffalo off, even in front of a large contingent of Terrible Towel-waving Steelers fans that made the three-hour trip north.

The undisciplined Steelers were penalized 10 times for 107 yards -- including five offensive holding penalties, three called against guard Chris Kemoeatu.

"We can't make those mistakes as an offense," Roethlisberger said.

At least Big Ben could chime in on a victory, and couldn't help but comment on Johnson's drop.

"When he dropped it, I said, 'Well, hopefully that's new life for us,'" Roethlisberger said.

Notes: The Steelers dominated the entire first half in which they had edge in score, 13-0, time of possession (23 minutes, 55 seconds to 6:05), first downs (18-4) and yards offense (225-51). ... Bills coach Chan Gailey said DE Dwan Edwards is out indefinitely after hurting his left hamstring on the Steelers first possession. ... Fitzpatrick extended his TD streak to 12 games, the Bills' longest since Doug Flutie's 12-game streak in 1999.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Falcons focused on bigger goals after Bryant's FG seals win over Packers

ATLANTA -- Don't even mention a third straight winning season to the Atlanta Falcons.

Their goals are so much bigger than that.

The Falcons stayed atop the NFC when Matt Bryant kicked a 47-yard field goal with 9 seconds remaining Sunday for a 20-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers, one of the teams trying to chase down Atlanta in the conference standings.

Make no mistake. The Falcons (9-2) were very much aware of the possible ramifications this game might have beyond the regular season.

"I have no plans of going to Lambeau Field in January," Atlanta receiver Roddy White said. "I plan on staying right here and sleeping in my own bed in the playoffs."

The Falcons have won five in a row for their longest streak since the 1998 season, when the team reached its only Super Bowl. Also assured is a third consecutive winning record -- not too shabby, considering the franchise had never even had two in a row before this run.

Yet that's just an afterthought for these guys, who have won six straight games decided by a touchdown or less after losing the opener to Pittsburgh in overtime.

"It's great to get a winning season," coach Mike Smith said. "But the expectations and goals we talk about are a lot higher than that."

Bryant had to make his winning kick twice.

The Packers called a timeout just before he knocked his first attempt right down the middle. No problem. The 35-year-old had already made two game-winning kicks this season, and No. 3 had plenty of distance as it hooked slightly but stayed several feet inside the left upright.

"Pressure is what you feel when you're not prepared," Bryant said. "I've been preparing for that since I was 6 years old. Was there a little bit of pressure? Yeah. But I was prepared."

His do-over capped a game between playoff contenders that lived up to all the hype: a bruising defensive struggle filled with huge fourth-down plays and one very important kickoff return by Eric Weems.

After Aaron Rodgers threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson with 56 seconds remaining to tie the game for Green Bay (7-4), Weems broke loose up the middle and was dragged down by Matt Wilhelm with a flagrant facemask tackle. The Falcons took over at the Green Bay 49, Matt Ryan completed four straight short passes and Bryant made the winning kick.

The Falcons weren't concerned after Green Bay scored, especially with Ryan at quarterback. He completed 24 of 28 for 197 yards, including a 4-yarder to Tony Gonzalez for Atlanta's first TD.

"We've got Matty Ice," White said. "Ice cold. He just keeps moving the sticks."

Green Bay thought it had forced overtime when Rodgers directed a 16-play, 90-yard drive for the tying score. He improvised two huge plays on fourth down, beginning with a scrambling, backhanded flip of a pass to James Jones for an 18-yard gain on fourth-and-1 at the 21.

John Abraham sacked Rodgers for a 2-yard loss and a false start on Bryan Bulaga left the Packers with another fourth down from the 10. With Falcons owner Arthur Blank waving the crowd into an uproar on the sideline, the home team rushed only two players and dropped everyone else into coverage.

Rodgers had all the time he wanted, finally sliding to his left and rifling a pass to Nelson in the back corner of the end zone. He managed to get both feet down just before being shoved out of bounds by Thomas DeCoud.

"You go down and score a touchdown, and you're thinking overtime," said Rodgers, who passed for 344 yards but had a huge fumble at the goal line midway through the second quarter. "Tying the game was pretty special."

Weems quickly brought the crowd of more than 68,000 back to its feet. He took the kickoff 4 yards deep in the end zone, found a seam up the middle and looked as if he might break it all the way. Wilhelm stopped that by yanking at Weems' facemask. Of course, the 15-yard personal foul penalty pushed the Falcons onto the Green Bay side of the field.

"The penalties were unacceptable," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "You can't have them."

Rodgers tied the game at 10 with a 1-yard run in the third quarter, but all he could think about was that fumble trying to score from the same distance in the first half. On fourth-and-goal, he lowered his head in an attempt to sneak it over, but the ball popped loose in the end zone. Mike Peterson fell on it to end Green Bay's streak of 15 quarters without a turnover, its longest since 1963.

"That's what lost the game," Rodgers said. "It's discouraging not to win a game we should have won."

Michael Turner, who rushed for 110 yards, put the Falcons ahead 17-10 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. On yet another huge fourth-and-goal play, this one from inside the 1, Turner bounced outside and went in standing up.

The Packers gave up more points than they had in the past three weeks combined, having surrendered only 10 in wins over the New York Jets, Dallas and Minnesota. Green Bay had a four-game winning streak overall, good enough for a tie with Chicago for the NFC North lead. The Bears hosted Philadelphia in a late-afternoon game.

Notes: Green Bay lost CB Pat Lee in the first quarter with an ankle problem, and TE Spencer Havner hurt a hamstring in the third. ... Falcons RB Jason Snelling also sustained a hamstring injury and didn't play in the final period. ... LB Stephen Nicholas started for Atlanta ahead of first-round pick Sean Weatherspoon. ... The Falcons improved to 19-1 at home with Ryan starting at quarterback.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Giants shake off slow start to end Jaguars winning streak at three

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- With his team trailing by 11 points and the season on the brink, coach Tom Coughlin wasn't the only voice in the New York Giants' locker room at halftime.

The one that stood out was Justin Tuck, and his message was simple: Stop playing like garbage.

Garrard's personal achievement

The Giants (7-4) got the message and maybe saved their season with five games to go.

Eli Manning threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Boss with 3:15 to play and Tuck and his buddies sacked David Garrard on three straight plays in the closing minute and forced a turnover as the Giants rallied to beat Jacksonville 24-20 on Sunday. The win snapped a two-game slide and ended the Jaguars' three-game winning streak.

"I talked about how you allow somebody to come into your house and take over," Tuck said after the Jaguars had taken a 17-6 halftime lead. "At that point, they were doing just about whatever they wanted to do. We couldn't allow ourselves not to be on the same page."

"I told them I was playing like garbage," Tuck added. "I told them we were playing like garbage. In the second half, we've got to pick it up. I just tried to create a spark, and it worked."

The Giants held the Jaguars (6-5) to three points, 92 yards in total offense and forced two turnovers, with Antrel Rolle's fumble recovery with 1:25 left icing the game.

"That was something that we needed," Coughlin said. "We needed to rise up and have a finish like that. We're all aware of the circumstances that we're in, that the division is in, that the conference is in, and we needed to keep pace."

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Jaguars QB David Garrard was one of a number of players who reached career milestones Sunday. Find out what it was. More.

Jacksonville took a 20-17 lead on 42-yard field goal by Josh Scobee with 8:26 to play and the Giants finally took the lead with a six-play, 69-yard drive that featured an 18-yard pass to Mario Manningham and an 18-yard run by Brandon Jacobs, who gained 87 yards on 14 carries in his return to the starting lineup.

Faced with a third-and-10 at the Jaguars 32, Manning (14-of-24 for 226) and Boss caught Jacksonville in a blitz.

"He saw it," Manning said of Boss. "He went up the field looking for the ball and I got it to him."

Boss caught the ball at the 25, shook off a tackle by safety Courtney Greene and romped into the end zone.

"He almost brought me down," said Boss, whose holding penalty cost the Giants a first-half touchdown. "I was kind of fumbling and stumbling to keep my feet and get in the end zone."

Greene took the blame.

"I just missed the tackle," said Greene, who led the Jaguars with 11 tackles.

Manning also threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Manningham and Lawrence Tynes kicked three field goals. Manning's late heroics also helped big brother Peyton in the AFC South race with Jacksonville -- the Colts and Jaguars began the day tied for the division lead.

Garrard and Rashad Jennings ran for touchdowns and Scobee kicked two field goal as the Jaguars lost for only the third time in eight games.

"This is a team that's been in Super Bowls and been in a lot of playoff runs, so we can't let up on a team like that," Jaguars defensive end Jeremy Mincey said. "It's a sign of maturity. We have a lot of growing up to do all across the board."

Jacksonville had one last chance and Garrard drove the Jaguars from their 27 to the Giants 29, where they got a first down on an illegal contact penalty against Aaron Ross with 1:51 to play.

Tuck and Antrel Rolle sacked Garrard for an 11-yard loss on first down. Dave Tollefson tackle Garrard for a loss of 5 more on second down. Cornerback Terrell Thomas, who intercepted Garrard's first pass of the second half to set up Tynes' third field goal, then sacked the quarterback and forced a fumble that Rolle recovered.

"If you don't execute and let a team stay in the game, that's what going to happen, you're going to end up losing out there," Garrard said as he waited to be X-rayed. "That's two or three weeks in a row we've left teams back in where we had a chance to end the game."

The Giants tied it early in the fourth quarter on the touchdown pass to Manningham and a 2-point conversion run by Ahmad Bradshaw.

Garrard (20-of-35 for 162) used runs of 6, 6 and 11 yards to set up Scobee's go-ahead 42-yard field goal.

Garrard and the Jaguars were outstanding in the first half, scoring on drives on 75, 85 and 71 yards the first three times they had the ball.

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Jennings capped the Jaguars' opening drive with a 5-yard run. Garrard hit passes of 12 and 16 yards on a 15-play drive that Scobee ended with a 22-yard field goal for a 10-3 lead.

The Giants appeared to tie the game on a 9-yard pass from Manning to Manningham on their next possession, but the score was nullified by a holding penalty against Boss. Tynes, who kicked a 22-yard field goal after New York's opening drive stalled at the Jags 5, added a 29-yarder.

Garrard then led a 13-play, 71-yard scoring drive he capped with a sensational 5-yard run on which he avoided a sack by Osi Umenyiora and broke a tackle by Tuck in going from sideline to sideline for the TD.

Notes: Will Beatty started at left tackle for the Giants with Shawn Andrews out with back injury. ... Former Giant Guy Whimper started at left tackle for Jacksonville with Eugene Monroe out with a concussion. ... Mike Sims-Walker, who battled an ankle injury all week, had four catches for 48 yards. ... The Giants finished with four sacks. ... Jacksonville lost despite having the ball for 35:27.

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With Peterson injured, runs by Favre and Gerhart seal win over Redskins

LANDOVER, Md. -- Brett Favre's voice was a raspy whisper and he rattled a lozenge around in his mouth as he spoke about the 10-yard scramble his creaky legs managed to carve out Sunday, helping seal his Minnesota Vikings' 17-13 victory over the Washington Redskins.

"Did I expect to run for a first down? I haven't expected to run for a first down in quite a while," Favre said, smiling. "It was 10 yards? Really? It felt like 50. But we needed that win."

With Adrian Peterson sidelined since the second quarter with a right ankle injury, and Favre's receivers well-covered as he moved to his right on a bootleg on third-and-8, the 41-year-old QB ambled his way to the key first down right before the two-minute warning. Favre hadn't gained more than 4 yards on a run since 2008.

"He looked younger," Peterson observed. "He looked like he was 38 on that run."

And Favre looked about 28 afterward, popping up from the turf with one of his shoulder pads flapping around, then leaping on teammates for celebratory hugs -- no signs there of any problems with the foot, ankle and shoulder injuries he's had, nor the head and chest illness bothering him.

Moments later, after taking a knee to run out the clock, Favre went over to new coach Leslie Frazier and handed him the football.

The Vikings (4-7) ended a nine-game road losing streak less than a week after firing coach Brad Childress and promoting defensive coordinator Frazier, perhaps hoping for the sort of immediate bump the Dallas Cowboys got when they went from Wade Phillips to replacement Jason Garrett.

Frazier called Sunday's victory "hopefully the start of great things to come" and said he presented a game ball to team ownership -- and wanted to give one to every player.

"He's well-respected. It felt like when he talks, guys' ears are pinned up; they listen to everything that's coming out of his mouth," Peterson said about Frazier. "It's just a feeling that I really can't explain, a feeling of just being sure about the words that are coming out of his mouth and trusting them."

It was a rare enjoyable afternoon for Favre amidst a season filled with angst, injuries and interceptions. Aside from his NFL-worst 17 picks and all the losses, Favre is awaiting a ruling from the NFL about inappropriate messages he allegedly sent a woman working for the New York Jets when he played for that team.

Against the Redskins (5-6), Favre went 3 for 3 on Minnesota's opening possession, which ended with Peterson's 5-yard touchdown run. Favre then was 5 for 5 on the first drive of the second half, capped by a 5-yard TD from rookie Toby Gerhart, who took over after Peterson left.

Favre finished 15 for 23 for 172 yards -- and for only the second game this season, he did not throw an interception. Gerhart, a second-round pick in April's draft, carried 22 times for a career-high 76 yards and a score; his NFL total was 86 yards rushing coming into this game.

"Is Toby an explosive player like Adrian? I don't think anyone is," Favre said. "But he's pretty darn good."

The Redskins, meanwhile, ran for only 29 yards. Clinton Portis went on season-ending injured reserve during the week, and his top replacement, Ryan Torain, was inactive with a hurt hamstring, leaving running duties to Keiland Williams and James Davis.

After a successful start -- Donovan McNabb was 8 for 8 on an 83-yard drive that ended with his 10-yard TD toss to Fred Davis -- Washington's next seven possessions went like this: punt, punt, punt, end of half, punt, punt, interception.

McNabb finished 21 for 35 for 211 yards, with his career-worst-tying 13th interception of the season. It came on a throw that bounced off receiver Santana Moss and was corralled by linebacker E.J. Henderson, giving Minnesota the ball at Washington's 9. That set up Ryan Longwell's 31-yard field goal, putting the Vikings ahead 17-7.

"It hit me in the face," Moss said.

Earlier, Frazier pulled Henderson aside for a talking-to. Otherwise, Frazier generally was stoic, standing with his arms folded across the chest of his bright purple Vikings jacket with yellow piping.

His defense totaled four sacks of McNabb, who said: "A lot of times we were expecting blitzes, they didn't come."

A 65-yard kickoff return by Brandon Banks put Washington at Minnesota's 28, and Graham Gano's 40-yard field goal made it 17-10. Gano's 42-yard kick on Washington's next drive got it within 17-13. But Banks later had an apparent 77-yard punt return for a touchdown wiped out because of a blocking penalty on Perry Riley.

"It's disappointing when that happens, especially when you don't think it had anything to do with the play," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. "But a block in the back is a block in the back."

Milestone Tracker

Vikings QB Brett Favre reached another personal milestone Sunday. Find out what it was, and keep up with the rest of the players around the NFL who are on the verge of breaking records and reaching milestones. More.

Late in the first quarter, Peterson topped 1,000 yards for the season, something he's done in each of his four years in the NFL. But about five minutes into the second quarter, he was helped off, hobbling, with his helmet in hand, after getting crunched by tacklers on a 1-yard gain.

Peterson never returned. Instead it was Favre who gained the important yards at the end.

Notes: Vikings DL Ray Edwards left in the first half with a left leg injury. ... Redskins CB Carlos Rogers injured his left hamstring in the second half.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Henne leads the way as Dolphins top Raiders to keep playoff hopes alive

Chad Henne had quite the roller-coaster month, going from Miami Dolphins starting quarterback to getting benched then injured and then back as starter.

He finished the up-and-down month on quite a high.

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Henne made a triumphant return to the lineup to throw for 307 yards and two scores and Dan Carpenter kicked four field goals to help the Miami Dolphins beat the Oakland Raiders 33-17 Sunday.

"I knew my day would come again," Henne said. "The biggest thing is just staying confident in myself. I know I can get it done out there, I know I can get some wins out there. So, for me, it's just staying confident, fixing mistakes and just keep on improving as a quarterback."

Davone Bess had 111 yards receiving in his first game as a pro in his hometown, and Ricky Williams ran for 95 yards and a score for the Dolphins (6-5), who won for the fifth time in six road games to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Raiders (5-6) returned home following a 35-3 beating in Pittsburgh and put together another dud. Fan favorite Bruce Gradkowski got the nod ahead of Jason Campbell at quarterback, but threw two interceptions and led Oakland to just one offensive touchdown.

The Contra Costa Times reported on Sunday night that Gradkowski re-injured his throwing shoulder in the loss. Gradkowski previously suffered a third-degree separation of the shoulder in Week 5, an injury that cost him five weeks.

Rookie Jacoby Ford was the entire Raiders offense, returning the opening kickoff 101 yards for a score and catching a 44-yard TD pass from Gradkowski in the second quarter. But the Dolphins held Oakland to 16 yards rushing, including 2 on eight carries for Darren McFadden.

"We've played some great quarters, and we've played some great halves, but we haven't put a game together on defense," linebacker Channing Crowder said. "We played a complete game."

Miami also had an offensive turnaround, gaining 471 yards and holding the ball for 41:38 a week after being held to 187. But with Henne at the helm, it was a different story.

Raiders rookie WR Jacoby Ford is making a name for himself with acrobatic catches like the one to the right. Was this image of him making a grab vs. Miami the best from Week 12? Vote now!

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Henne lost his job to Chad Pennington earlier this month, then was sidelined by an injured left knee after Pennington's return to the lineup was cut short by a shoulder injury. But after Tyler Thigpen struggled in a 16-0 loss to Chicago last week, the Dolphins went back to Henne against the Raiders.

The improvement was evident from the start. Henne led Miami to scores on the first two possessions as the Dolphins' offense clicked all day.

"I want somebody to go out there and make me wrong," coach Tony Sparano said. "That's good. I have no problem with that. But Chad was really positive, and he knew all along here, that as we got on in this thing, that we we're going to be counting on him."

Henne had success going against Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who still looks hampered by a sprained right ankle, and rookie Walter McFadden, who got his most extensive action with Chris Johnson out with a groin injury.

McFadden looked especially bad on the first drive of the second half when he went for an interception on an out route to Marlon Moore. Moore caught it and cruised for a 57-yard score that game Miami a 20-14 lead. Henne kept targeting McFadden after that for big plays.

"That's something we definitely scouted and wanted to exploit early and fast," Bess said. "They gave up some big plays to us and we took advantage of it."

Carpenter added a 44-yard field goal, but Miami missed a chance to break the game open after a 47-yard punt return by Bess when Carpenter missed a 47-yard field goal.

Gradkowski threw an interception to Chris Clemons in the end zone on an underthrown pass to Ford. Ford then beat his former Clemson teammate Clemons for a 52-yard catch that set up a 30-yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski. That cut Miami's lead to 23-17 early in the fourth quarter.

Carpenter added a 25-yard field goal and Williams iced it with a 45-yard TD run with 3:12 remaining.

The Raiders did nothing between Ford's two first-half touchdowns. Gradkowski threw an interception to Yeremiah Bell and Marcel Reece lost a fumble.

Gradkowski completed 17 of 32 passes for 252 yards and reinjured his shoulder on his final throw of the game so Oakland will likely go back to Campbell next week at San Diego.

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"There was some good stuff and some inconsistency," Cable said of Gradkowski's play. "Again when you only have the ball a handful of times you don't get a real chance to go out and get some rhythm."

Henne, who threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Cobbs in the first quarter, drove the Dolphins downfield late in the half to lead to Carpenter's second field goal, a 23-yarder with 4 seconds left that made it 14-13.

Notes: Henne has six career 300-yard passing games, second to Dan Marino's 63 in Miami history. ... The Dolphins have scored on their opening drive a league-best eight times this season. ... Ford's kickoff return was the third longest in Raiders history.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Rally Cats: Jaguars rally again to top Browns

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Maurice Jones-Drew followed a 75-yard reception with a 1-yard touchdown dive, and the Jaguars overcame turnover problems to beat the banged-up Cleveland Browns 24-20 on Sunday.

Jones-Drew broke four tackles on a fourth-quarter screen pass from David Garrard and weaved his way toward the end zone. Browns rookie Joe Haden made a touchdown-saving tackle, but it ended up taking precious seconds off the clock.

Jones-Drew scored two plays later, giving both teams dramatic finishes for the second time in two games.

The Jaguars (6-4) beat the Houston Texans last week on Garrard's desperation TD pass to Mike Thomas on the final play. The Browns (3-7) lost to the New York Jets in overtime on Santonio Holmes' 37-yard TD reception.

Cleveland had a final chance to win this one, but Jacksonville's Sean Considine tipped Colt McCoy's pass to Mike Bell at the goal line. The pass bounced off Bell's chest and landed in Considine's arms.

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Father: Ex-Redskins QB Brennan 'far from being alert' after crash

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Freeman leads Bucs past sluggish 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO -- Josh Freeman threw for 136 yards and two touchdowns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the stagnant San Francisco 49ers 21-0 on Sunday for their first win at Candlestick Park since 1980 and only second ever.

Nothing fancy needed for the Bucs (7-3) to end an eight-game losing streak in San Francisco. They were the underdog, no less.

Ronde Barber made his 40th career interception in the fourth quarter, most in Tampa Bay franchise history, to help clinch it. He also became the first player in NFL history to record 40 interceptions and 25 sacks in a career.

LeGarrette Blount ran for 82 yards and 305-pound left tackle Donald Penn made a late 1-yard touchdown catch.

49ers quarterback Troy Smith lost for the first time in three starts -- leaving coach Mike Singletary to ponder whether to return to former starter Alex Smith next week for San Francisco (3-7).

The Niners were shut out at home for the first time since a 7-0 loss to Atlanta on Oct. 9, 1977.

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Poor playing conditions at Heinz Field under NFL scrutiny

PITTSBURGH -- The NFL is closely monitoring conditions at Heinz Field, a league source said Sunday, after the Oakland Raiders became the latest Steelers opponent to complain about the playing surface.

The New England Patriots also complained about the field conditions last week.

The portion of the field between the hashmarks between the 30-yard lines is pocked with soft spots and areas where the sod easily comes out. The footing is poor there, and the Steelers plan to re-sod at some point, but timing is an issue.

The Steelers have a heavy home schedule, the University of Pittsburgh play here Friday, and Heinz Field also is home to high school playoff games. Therefore, the Steelers know this problem will be much worse before it can get better.

The NFL will remain in contact with the Steelers about the issue.

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Garrett's home debut a success as Cowboys win

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Bryan McCann grabbed a batted-down punt and returned it 97 yards for a touchdown, Miles Austin had two short touchdown catches and 38-year-old quarterback Jon Kitna had a career-best 29-yard touchdown run to lift the Dallas Cowboys to a 35-19 victory over the Detroit Lions.

Cowboys interim coach Jason Garrett won his home debut and improved to 2-0 since taking over for Wade Phillips. It's the first time this season that Dallas (3-7) has won consecutive games and the first time all season it won at home, having lost the first four.

The Lions (2-8) lost their 26th in a row on the road, extending a woeful NFL record that began in 2007, when Kitna was their quarterback.

Detroit led 12-7 and was consistently stuffing Dallas' offense midway through the third quarter when John Wedling jumped over the goal line and tapped a punt back into the field of play. It hopped up waist-high and right to McCann, and the speedster turned it into the second-longest punt return in Cowboys history -- one week after a 101-yard interception return that was the longest in franchise history.

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Brees throws four TDs, leads Saints over Seahawks

NEW ORLEANS -- Drew Brees became the Saints' all-time completions leader, throwing for four touchdowns in New Orleans' 34-16 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Brees was 29 of 43 for 382 yards and completed his 1,850th pass as a Saint in the second quarter to break a record held by Archie Manning since 1982.

Brees hit Marques Colston and Robert Meachem twice each for TDs to keep the defending champion Saints (7-3) one game behind NFC South Division leader Atlanta.

Matt Hasselbeck was 32 of 44 for 366 yards, the most yards allowed by New Orleans' top-ranked passing defense this season, but Seattle (5-5) had trouble getting in the end zone. The Seahawks lost two fumbles and had four drives end with field goals.

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Ryan, Falcons too much for Rams to handle

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Browns' McCoy plays with ankle sprain, but leaves in a boot

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy left Jacksonville in a walking boot, the latest injury for the banged-up Browns.

McCoy injured his left ankle on a sack early in the third quarter. He stayed in the game and finished 17 of 28 passing for 241 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He said X-rays afterward were negative, but he will have more tests Monday in Cleveland.

"I wasn't going to come out of the game," McCoy said. "We evaluated it and it hurt, but it wasn't something that I was going to pull myself out of the game over. I felt like I could still do the things I needed to do. It was bothering me, but I needed to be out there."

McCoy was sacked a season-high six times. Jeremy Mincey got him twice, with the first one doing most of the damage. Coach Eric Mangini even got backup Seneca Wallace warming up on the sideline, but stuck with the rookie who has played well since taking over for starter Jake Delhomme.

Delhomme and Wallace also sprained ankles earlier this season, injuries that led to McCoy taking over the starting job.

"It definitely bothered him and I talked to him throughout the course of the game," Mangini said. "And at one point I had Seneca warm up. (But) he felt like he could continue on."

McCoy scrambled for an 18-yard gain in the fourth, got pushed out of bounds by Don Carey and gingerly jogged back to the huddle.

Mincey sacked McCoy again three plays later, forcing the Browns to settle for a field goal and a 20-17 lead with 2:51 remaining.

It was another wasted chance for the Browns, who scored just 10 points off Jacksonville's six turnovers.

"Offensively, we didn't execute when we had short fields," McCoy said. "You've got to score more than 10 points off six turnovers. That's on us, as an offense and on me for maybe getting us to different plays ... I don't know. We're going to have to go back and look at it.

"If you want to take anything positive out of this, we fought up to the very end. Just because things weren't going well for us, we didn't hang our heads. We kept fighting and trying, down to the very last play."

Cleveland, coming off a loss to the New York Jets in overtime, had a final chance to win in Jacksonville. But Sean Considine tipped McCoy's pass away from Ben Watson at the goal line with a few seconds remaining.

The ball bounced off Watson's chest and landed in Considine's arms.

"They dropped everybody back," McCoy said. "You can't throw short routes because we have no timeouts. You've got to take a shot like that. It's risky."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Banged-up 'Skins beat Titans in OT; injured Young storms out after confrontation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Vince Young is hurt and in trouble with coach Jeff Fisher for his latest meltdown. Meanwhile, Donovan McNabb is back in good standing with Mike Shanahan and the Washington Redskins.

McNabb was 30 of 50 for 376 yards with a touchdown pass, and Graham Gano kicked a 48-yard field goal, his fourth of the game, with 8:17 left in overtime as the Redskins beat the Tennessee Titans 19-16 in overtime Sunday.

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The win kept the injury-riddled Redskins' playoff hopes alive as they rebounded from an ugly home loss.

Washington (5-5) snapped a two-game skid and bounced back from a 59-28 loss to Philadelphia on Monday night.

They did it by taking advantage of the Titans self-destructing so badly on their home field that fans booed repeatedly.

But after Gano's game-winning kick, all the attention turned to Young who tossed his shoulder pads and No. 10 jersey up into the stands. Young talked with Fisher, dressed quickly and walked past reporters and even brushed off a teammate who tried to talk to him before he stormed out of the stadium.

Fisher said Young may need season-ending surgery for a torn flexor tendon in his right thumb. After three straight losses, Fisher selected rookie Rusty Smith to be his starting quarterback when the Titans (5-5) visit Houston on Sunday.

"He threw half his uniform in the stands. I think clearly that is no way to respond, and so we have some things that we have to sort out with him," Fisher said of Young. "He may need surgery. And if that's the case, he's done for the year."

Even if Young doesn't need surgery, he's not Fisher's starter anymore. Not after the latest actions of a quarterback who lost his job in 2008 following an injury in the season opener and a meltdown where he had family worried he might hurt himself a day later. Young got his job back last season after an 0-6 start.

"I am very disappointed. I think his teammates are disappointed," Fisher said. "You know, there is going to be frustration in losses. There is going to be times when you have to dig deep and fight and turn to one another. I don't think you run, and so I am disappointed."

No one knows if Young was upset over the injury, the loss or not returning to the game. He banged his hand on a helmet late in the third quarter on a 37-yard pass to Nate Washington. He went to the locker room, and trainers tried retaping his thumb several times and he even used a glove. He tossed the ball with Randy Moss, testing whether he could return.

One pass nearly hit the kicking net behind the bench.

Fisher said Young never came to him and told him he wanted to go back in.

"I was told he was obviously a little upset after," Fisher said.

Titans safety Michael Griffin, who played with Young in college at Texas, ran after the quarterback while wearing just his shorts with his ankles still taped. He returned to the locker room shaking his head. He refused to comment at first on Young.

"What's going on right now, that's between him and Coach Fisher. I'm behind him 110 percent. You know change has been made. That's up in the air. You never know what would've been the outcome. Rusty came in, threw a great deep ball," Griffin said.

"It doesn't matter who's playing. We all need to stick around and work together as a team."

Washington's win came on a day when at least seven Redskins went to the sideline with injuries, including Clinton Portis with a re-injured groin. The Redskins came in with three starters sidelined due to injuries, and Portis lasted only five carries before re-injuring his groin. At least seven Redskins were hurt, though some returned.

"I don't think I've ever had that many guys go down and a team stay together and keep on fighting and find a way to win," Shanahan said.

Washington wound up outgaining Tennessee 465-373. Shanahan joked he guessed they don't have to talk about McNabb's two-minute work anymore just two games after the veteran was benched at the end of a loss to Detroit.

"I think he did a great job at the half. Even though we missed (the field) goal, I think he did a heck of a job to get us into that position. He did a great job in both situations," Shanahan said.

Chris Johnson ran for 130 yards, and Young was 12 of 16 for 165 yards before he left. Fans weren't happy with the play-calling that seemed to ignore Randy Moss, the 13-year veteran making his debut on Tennessee's home field after the Titans picked him up off waivers on Nov. 3. Moss finished without a catch.

Fans booed the Titans often and heavily at times during the game. Young fumbled at the Tennessee 12 on the opening series, and the Titans settled for field goals on two other trips inside the Washington 20.

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But most of the boos seemed directed at the play-calling that targeted Moss only three times, not counting a pass interference where he pushed DeAngelo Hall to make a catch. Fans at one point chanted "Randy, Randy."

Young apparently thought the booing was directed at him late in the first half when the Titans went three-and-out after Will Witherspoon's interception. He waved his arms -- as if egging them on.

Notes: Marc Mariani had an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown, the Titans' second-longest in franchise history. ... Rob Bironas kicked three field goals and set a franchise record by making a field goal in his 20th straight game. ... The Redskins beat an AFC South team for the first time since Week 4 of 2006. They had lost four straight to the AFC South. ... This was the Redskins' third overtime game this season, and they have won two such games for the second time in team history and first since 2007.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Raiders' Seymour ejected for striking Steelers' Roethlisberger

PITTSBURGH -- Oakland Raiders defensive end Richard Seymour was ejected from Sunday's game for an open-handed punch to Ben Roethlisberger's face as the Steelers quarterback celebrated a touchdown pass.

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After completing the 22-yard throw to Emmanuel Sanders, Roethlisberger jumped into the arms of offensive tackle Flozell Adams. Roethlisberger then began walking forward and appeared to say something to Seymour, who turned and struck the quarterback in the jaw with his open right hand.

As Roethlisberger went to his back, lineman Chris Kemoeatu grabbed Seymour. Both Seymour and Kemoeatu drew penalties, but only Seymour was ejected.

Seymour also was ejected Dec. 27 for hitting Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Harrison after a play was over. Seymour was fined $10,000 for that infraction.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Resilient Jets make Texans latest victim of dramatic finish

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Nailbiting, racing hearts and stunning comebacks.

They're all in the playbook lately for the New York Jets.

Santonio Holmes caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez with 10 seconds left, lifting the Jets to an unlikely 30-27 comeback victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.

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"I want to apologize to all the Jets fans for affecting the heart a little bit," coach Rex Ryan said. "But we'll take the win."

Especially since it appeared the Jets were on their way to a heartbreaking loss.

"We don't think we're ever out of it at all," tight end Dustin Keller said. "We tick ourselves off when we put ourselves in those situations, but we know that we're always capable of coming back in any game in any situation."

They've certainly proven that during the last three weeks with consecutive overtime wins on the road and now a victory that appeared improbable.

"I swear it's like `Groundhog Day,'" a beaming Sanchez said.

After blowing a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Jets (8-2) trailed 27-23 with less than a minute left. But Sanchez completed two passes to LaDainian Tomlinson and then had a pretty 42-yard toss to Braylon Edwards with 16 seconds remaining. Edwards was knocked out of bounds by Eugene Wilson, stopping the clock and giving the Jets a chance to win.

On the next play, Sanchez coolly found Holmes streaking into the left corner of the end zone for the winning score, sending the New Meadowlands Stadium crowd into a frenzy.

"It's just me playing football," Holmes said.

A video replay confirmed that Holmes, whose 37-yard touchdown catch won it in overtime at Cleveland last week and set up the win at Detroit with a 52-yard reception in OT, got both feet in bounds.

"We're cutting it awfully close," Sanchez said. "I don't think anybody has any finger nails left if they're a Jets fan."

The Jets were coming off becoming the first team to win consecutive overtime games on the road, and looked as though they were going to fall to 2-3 at home.

But it was another heartbreaking loss for the Texans (4-6), who fell last week on a desperation heave as time expired at Jacksonville. Two weeks ago, Houston lost to San Diego on a late interception after driving for a potential go-ahead score in the fourth quarter.

"We deserve better in these last three games," Texans defensive end Mario Williams said. "We were there. Everything is there and we're doing great and all of a sudden, we let the big play go. It's unheard of. We just keep having it happen to us."

It seemed Houston was in good shape in this one as Arian Foster scored a questionable go-ahead 1-yard touchdown with 2:18 remaining.

Foster, the NFL's leading rusher, was hit at the goal line but reached out as he landed on a teammate and the ball broke the plane for a touchdown. Ryan challenged the call, thinking Foster was down, but the play was upheld after replay review.

Neil Rackers kicked a 22-yard field goal with 55 seconds to go after Sanchez was intercepted by Kevin Bentley -- sending thousands of fans to the exits.

For those who stayed, they were treated to another incredible ending.

"If I have to apologize for it every week from here on out, I will," Ryan said, "all the way to the Super Bowl."

Sanchez finished 22 for 38 for 315 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Holmes and one to Edwards. Holmes finished with seven catches for 126 yards.

New York gets back to work quickly, with another home game Thursday night against Cincinnati.

Foster had 84 yards rushing and two touchdown runs. Matt Schaub, starting after being hospitalized Tuesday night with a knee injury, threw for 254 yards and a touchdown to Joel Dreessen.

"I'm still searching for the adjective for how I would describe it," Schaub said. "It's tough to deal with."

The Jets went up 20-7 on Holmes' 41-yard touchdown catch with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter.

The score came moments after a man jumped onto the field and dashed across the turf for about 80 yards before tripping and then being jumped on by several security officers, including two New Jersey State troopers. He was handcuffed and led away from the field.

Nick Folk kicked a 30-yard field goal to make it 23-7 and giving the Jets what appeared to be a comfortable lead with 9 seconds into the fourth quarter.

Houston then began its comeback with Rackers' 38-yard field goal with 12:21 that made it 23-10.

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The Texans also took advantage of a fumble by Shonn Greene, scoring immediately after Brian Cushing knocked the ball loose and Bentley recovered. Schaub found Dreessen wide open down the left sideline and the big tight end ran into the end zone untouched for a 43-yard touchdown that made it 23-17 with 9:14 left.

"It was a great comeback, then we let it slip away," Texans owner Bob McNair said. "When it's going tough, you've got to step up. They stepped up. We didn't. They are all painful."

Notes: Jets right tackle Damien Woody left with a knee injury and didn't return. Ryan had no update on his status. ... Tomlinson passed Curtis Martin for seventh place on the NFL's career yards from scrimmage list. He has 17,452 combined rushing and receiving yards. Marcus Allen, with 17,654 yards, is next on the list. ... Texans LB Zac Diles (illness) and TE Owen Daniels (hamstring) were inactive, as was Jets WR Jerricho Cotchery (groin).

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Lions place RB Smith on IR, promote ex-Army star Campbell

The Detroit Lions placed veteran running back Kevin Smith on season-ending injured reserve for the second consecutive year and signed linebacker Caleb Campbell off the practice squad in time for Sunday's showdown with the Dallas Cowboys.

The Detroit Free Press reported Saturday that the Lions shelved Smith, who injured his thumb during last week's 14-12 loss to the Buffalo Bills, to open up roster room for the season's final stretch.

The Lions officially announced the roster moves Sunday.

Smith had surgery on the thumb Thursday and hoped to shed a hard cast for a splint by next week, according to The Free Press.

Smith, who led the Lions in rushing in 2008 and 2009, missed the first three weeks of this season while on the mend from knee surgery.

Running back Maurice Morris will assume the No. 2 running back role behind starter Jahvid Best.

As Smith's season was ending, Campbell's was just beginning.

"Just got activated! Headed to Dallas. Ill take that!" Campbell tweeted Saturday.

Campbell was selected by the Lions out of Army in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

At the time, Army policy would have allowed the West Point graduate to serve as a recruiter if he made the team. A subsequent Department of Defense policy superseded that 2005 Army policy, and Campbell was ordered to give up professional football for "full-time traditional military duties."

Campbell was released from his active duty obligations in May 2010 and joined the Lions' practice squad before the start of this season.

Lions linebackers have fought injuries in recent weeks. Isaiah Ekejiuba (knee) is questionable to play against the Cowboys, and Bobby Carpenter (toe) and DeAndre Levy (groin) are probable.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Vikings' frustration bubbles up against Packers

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Favre, Vikings without answers after loss to Packers

MINNEAPOLIS -- Brett Favre looked ready for retirement, with six likely meaningless games now left for Minnesota in the epilogue of his 20-year career.

Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay's swarming defense sure made it clear who's in charge of this Packers-Vikings rivalry right now.

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Rodgers went 22 for 31 for 301 yards, with three of his four touchdown passes going to Greg Jennings. He beat Favre for the second time this season and sent Green Bay to a 31-3 victory over melting-down Minnesota on Sunday.

"This has got me at a loss for words," Favre began his post-game news conference. "Disappointing would be an understatement."

The Packers (7-3) emerged fresh from their bye week and kept pace in the NFC North race with the Chicago Bears (7-3), ruining any realistic hope the Vikings (3-7) had left for another shot at the Super Bowl.

"I hate to use Jim Mora's comments about playoffs, but we can't think about that," Favre said.

Instead, this 100th meeting between these border-state rivals, likely the last for the 41-year-old Favre, was marked by costly turnovers, untimely penalties and even some sideline shouting by the frustrated Vikings to cast further doubt on coach Brad Childress' future with the team.

Owner Zygi Wilf walked sternly out of a silent locker room without commenting.

"I can't really talk about that," Childress said, "because that's not my decision going forward."

The Vikings also lost starting right guard Anthony Herrera to a season-ending knee injury. Childress said he didn't think the Vikings quit, but some players wondered aloud whether everyone's effort was there. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, who chucked his helmet in disgust after a failed fourth down early in the fourth quarter, was the most outspoken.

"If you see something that you have flaws in or you're not good at, you have to stay extra," Shiancoe said. "You have to work at it, correct these mistakes that we're making."

As for Favre's future?

He insisted he's committed to the team and the rest of the season, despite failing to directly answer questions about whether he wants to finish it and vaguely saying he planned to "re-evaluate" the situation on Monday.

"I'm here, and we're in this thing together," Favre said.

Said Childress: "He's always worked his craft. I don't think there's any doubt that it will continue to work as we move forward."

Tramon Williams intercepted Favre to stop a long Vikings drive, and Rodgers took the Packers the other way for a touchdown to James Jones in the final minute of the first half to give the visitors a 17-3 lead.

Favre and close friend Darrell Bevell, the offensive coordinator, were seen on TV snapping at each other on the sideline after the interception. Favre said he and Bevell were "fine" and said he'd have made the same throw again, crediting Williams -- who's having a Pro Bowl-caliber season -- for an exceptional play.

The "Go Pack Go!" cry from the Wisconsin transplants and travelers grew louder as the game went on, with Vikings fans getting in a few "Fire Childress!" chants for good measure.

"I need to say a big thank you to our fans," Rodgers said.

Wide receiver Sidney Rice made his season debut for the Vikings after missing the first nine games following hip surgery, finishing with three catches for 56 yards. But his return hardly gave Favre and the offense a spark. Favre finished 17 for 38 for 208 yards, sailing several passes over the heads of his receivers and facing heavy pressure most of the game.

Favre, who threw a career-low seven interceptions last season, has 17 of them this year. Opponents have taken his 22 turnovers and turned them into 71 points over 10 games, and the Vikings -- who entered the weekend last in the NFL in giveaway-takeaway ratio -- watched their turnover differential fall to minus-13.

With 10 players and five starters lost for the season on injured reserve, plus a stiff second-half schedule featuring a trip to NFC-leading Atlanta next week, McCarthy and the Packers have plenty of work in front of them.

But the steam and swagger they regained in their 28-24 win over the Vikings on Oct. 24 is making them look more like the Super Bowl contender they were purported to be this summer.

"We're going to be tough to beat when we're playing that well," Rodgers said.

The Dom Capers defense has yielded just 10 points in three games since beating the Vikings the first time.

"We've got a foot on the gas, hands on the wheel and we're looking straight ahead," McCarthy said.

The Vikings pressured Rodgers early the way they needed to, the way they did last season, after failing to take him down at all in last month's loss. But he found a rhythm once the strong rush forced him from the pocket and delivered at just the right times.

Jennings had 152 yards on seven catches, giving cornerbacks Asher Allen and rookie Chris Cook a rough time. Cook also got beat for a 39-yard reception by Jones on third-and-10 from midfield before Green Bay's first touchdown.

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Safety Husain Abdullah had trouble, too, dropping a must-have interception at the goal line on that same drive and then letting Jennings get in front of him on the next play for an 11-yard touchdown catch after Rodgers ran left to flee the rush to make it 10-3.

"I don't know how good we are. The stars are the limit to how good we can be," Jennings said. "It's all about what we're willing to put forth."

Notes: The Packers lost both backup safeties to injury, Anthony Smith (ankle) and Atari Bigby (hamstring). ... Vikings DT Kevin Williams had his name misspelled on the back of his jersey: W-I-L-L-A-I-M-S. ... McCarthy improved to 7-3 against Childress. The Packers now lead the series 51-48-1. ... The Vikings, who entered the game tied for 26th in red-zone touchdowns, have reached the end zone only 12 times in 29 possessions inside the 20-yard line this season.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Woodhead keeps contributing as Pats withstand Colts comeback attempt

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- A little guy who came out of nowhere overshadowed the NFL's biggest stars.

Sure, Tom Brady outdueled Peyton Manning in their annual meeting, a 31-28 New England victory over Indianapolis on Sunday. Yet it was Danny Woodhead, a 5-foot-8 running back from Division II Chadron State, who got most of the attention -- if you could find him. The Colts couldn't.

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Woodhead, picked up when the Jets cut him in September, scored on a weaving 36-yard burst, showing power, speed and agility. Seconds after his brilliant third-quarter run, Woodhead made a sensational tackle on the ensuing kick return, drawing as many cheers as he did while scooting into the end zone.

"I do everything to make the play, whether I'm a runner, a receiver or on a kickoff," said Woodhead, who kiddingly asked if he could have a step-stool the next time he was required to speak at a podium. "Maybe (I carry) a little chip, but I'm not too worried what everybody thinks about my size, weight or height. My worry is about doing my job, whatever that might be."

His job is being versatile, something his teammates appreciate.

"He can kind of hide behind the guys, but on the special teams that just shows you what type of football player he is," said Deion Branch, who caught seven passes for 70 yards. "He scores a touchdown, comes back in and makes a play on special teams and we needed it at the time."

New England also needed Brady's pinpoint passing. He was brilliant for the second straight week, coming off a 350-yard, three-touchdown performance against Pittsburgh. Brady had only six incompletions in 25 passes and threw for two TDs as the Patriots built a 17-point lead and held on.

The win kept the Patriots (8-2) tied with the Jets atop the AFC East; they meet in two weeks.

Brady not only beat four-time MVP Manning, the only other quarterback of the last decade in his class, but tied another QB icon for an NFL mark. Brady has won 25 straight regular-season home starts, equaling Brett Favre's record when he was with Green Bay.

Perfectionist that he is, Brady felt the Patriots let it get too close before James Sanders' interception at the New England 6 with 31 seconds remaining clinched the win.

"Any time you play these guys, you've got to play to the end," Brady said. "Certainly in the fourth quarter we had some opportunities to go up three touchdowns on them, a couple of other third downs which we could've converted."

When they didn't, four-time MVP Manning pounced.

"We were in an uptempo mode the last seven minutes," Manning said. "We almost scored three touchdowns. But you're playing against the clock."

Manning blamed himself for the throw that didn't come close to reaching Pierre Garcon before Sanders grabbed it.

"I feel sick about it," he said. "About not extending the game, not executing to give (placekicker Adam) Vinatieri a chance for a field goal. It was a bad throw."

Indy (6-4 and atop the AFC South) had beaten the Patriots in five of the last six matchups. The Colts, who won their first 14 games a year ago en route to the AFC title, are so banged-up -- they were without five key players Sunday -- that considering them a Super Bowl contender right now might be a reach, even with Manning's magic.

Manning finished 38 of 52 for 396 yards, four TDs and three interceptions.

He got the Colts within 31-28 with 4:46 left on an 18-yard pass to Blair White, who earlier in the fourth period caught a 5-yard TD toss. And Manning brought them within range of a stunning win before Sanders' pick.

"I haven't beaten those guys in a while," Sanders said, "and it seems like we always get ahead, get a nice lead and they always come back at the end."

Manning's inaccuracies early on were costly. He misfired high several times, including a throw to White that sailed directly to safety Brandon Meriweather. A 39-yard runback set up the Patriots at the Indy 32 and, four players later, Brady hooked up with Wes Welker over the middle for a 22-yard score.

Unable to apply any pressure on Brady, the Colts' defense then was torn apart on a 15-play, 82-yard drive capped by rookie Aaron Hernandez's 8-yard TD catch.

Then Manning found his touch, despite consecutive brutal drops by Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie. Indy converted three third downs, including some nimbleness by Manning to avoid the pass rush and float a completion to Donald Brown for 25 yards. The TD came to third-string tight end Gijon Robinson -- hardly surprising considering all of the Colts' injuries -- from the 1. Robinson's second catch of the season got him his first career touchdown.

But the Colts' defense again was no match for the precise Brady, who guided a 65-yard drive to BenJarvus Green-Ellis' 5-yard scoring run. New England scored on all three possessions in the first half.

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Not that Manning flinched. He took Indianapolis 85 yards, 77 on passes to Wayne, including a perfect spiral over cornerback Kyle Arrington for an 11-yard touchdown with 4 seconds left in the half, and Indy trailed only 21-14 at the half.

Woodhead's TD and Shayne Graham's 25-yard field goal were just enough in the second half.

Notes: Green-Ellis rushed for 96 yards and Woodhead had 69 in support of Brady. ... The win lifted Bill Belichick into a tie for 11th place in coaching victories with 171, moving ahead of Hall of Famer Paul Brown and equaling Joe Gibbs. ... Manning's 38 completions were his second most in a game, behind only the season-opening loss to Houston when he completed 40 passes.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Steelers survive penalties, punches to rout Raiders and stay in AFC North race

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers returned to the Steel Curtain days of the 1970s. The Raiders went back to the bad old days of the last seven years.

There were punches and penalties, a Steelers defense that wouldn't stop and a Raiders offense that couldn't get started. One week after getting embarrassed by the Patriots, a year after losing to Oakland, James Harrison and the Steelers tossed around the Raiders like it was a playground pickup game while beating them 35-3 on Sunday.

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Raiders defensive end Richard Seymour punched Ben Roethlisberger in the jaw with an open hand, but the Steelers never flinched. They shrugged off a club-record 163 yards in penalties, chased a bewildered quarterback Jason Campbell from the game and punished the Raiders like the Steel Curtain teams of the '70s did so many opponents.

The Steelers (7-3), still tied with Baltimore for the AFC North lead, were motivated by last week's 39-26 home-field loss to New England and last year's 27-24 defeat to Oakland that all but ruined their season.

"It definitely was an old school, physical type game from back in the day," linebacker James Farrior said. "That's the type of game we wanted to make it, a physical game, and improve from our performance of last week."

Harrison, the former AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, did much of the damage with five tackles, two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. He also took one of the Steelers' six personal foul penalties for slamming Campbell to the turf as the quarterback threw a pass.

"We didn't worry about the calls," Harrison said. "When you're getting a lot of penalties against you, it brings you together."

Seymour, long one of the NFL's top defensive players, displayed Oakland's frustration by striking Roethlisberger in the face as the quarterback celebrated his TD pass to Sanders late in the second quarter.

"I've never seen a quarterback get punched since I've been in this league," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.

Several Raiders were certain Roethlisberger said something to Seymour.

"I'm not sure why he ran up on me," Seymour said.

"I heard that Big Ben said something," defensive lineman Tommy Kelly said. "I guess Big Rich didn't like it."

What the Raiders (5-5) most disliked was getting shoved around like the Raiders teams that lost at least 11 games each season from 2003-09. Oakland fell out of a tie for the AFC West lead as Kansas City (6-4) beat Arizona 31-13.

Oakland averaged 458 yards and 38.6 points during its three-game winning streak, but had only 52 yards -- 11 rushing -- as the Steelers opened a 21-3 halftime lead.

"We played against a really tough defense today that got after us," said Campbell, who was 7 of 19 for 70 yards and an interception. "Once we got behind the 8-ball and they got all the momentum, they just kept bringing it and bringing it."

Campbell never had a chance against a Steelers defense that forced three turnovers, two that became touchdowns, had six sacks and limited Darren McFadden to 14 yards on 10 carries, 94 below his average. The Steelers have allowed only one 100-yard rusher in 44 games.

The Raiders were so ineffective, the Steelers had more penalty yards than they had offensive yards until deep in the third quarter. The Steelers outgained them 431-182 as Roethlisberger threw touchdown passes of 52 yards to Mike Wallace, 22 yards to Emmanuel Sanders and 16 yards to Isaac Redman and scrambled 16 yards for a touchdown.

"I don't know how a team can overcome that many penalties, but we did it," Sanders said.

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Roethlisberger was 18 of 29 for 275 yards and had 55 yards rushing. Wallace had his fifth 100-yard receiving game with 116 yards, and Rashard Mendenhall's 15-yard TD run put Pittsburgh ahead to stay 7-3 in the second quarter.

Bruce Gradkowski, who threw three touchdown passes during the final 8 ½ minutes of Oakland's stunning win in Pittsburgh last season, replaced Campbell but also couldn't get anything going.

While the penalties didn't affect Pittsburgh's domination, the many calls inflamed their fans. The Harrison penalty so upset the crowd of 64,987 that it booed for the ensuing three plays, and fans began a derisive cheer aimed at referee Tony Corrente.

"Their defensive guys were hitting our offensive guys and there were no penalties," Harrison said. "I believe if it happened the other way, there would have been a lot more penalties called and maybe they would have kicked five or six of us out of game."

Notes: Oakland had 55 yards in penalties. ... Oakland's defensive end Trevor Scott tore the ACL in his left knee, usually a season-ending injury. ... Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey was pulled in the second half with a thigh injury. ... WR Hines Ward made three catches for 28 yards a week after a concussion sidelined him for the final three quarters against New England, ending his streak of 186 consecutive games with a reception. ... Oakland still hasn't won in Pittsburgh in successive seasons. ... Pittsburgh didn't allow a point in the second half after giving up 29 to New England. ... Shaun Suisham, the Steelers' new kicker, didn't attempt a field goal.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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