Boston.com -- Football news

With Johnson leading, Bengals run over Browns

Joe Kay, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T11:01:21Z

For Larry Johnson, it felt like the good old days. Less than two weeks after he signed with Cincinnati as the equivalent of a half-season insurance policy, the running back found himself leading the charge -- just as he did in his glory years with Kansas City. He ran for 107 yards on Sunday during a 16-7 win over the ...

Smith's crisp day leads 49ers past Jaguars 20-3

Janie McCauley, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T11:01:20Z

Perhaps the San Francisco 49ers are a passing team after all. Coach Mike Singletary seems resigned to the fact that his team might be better suited to win by opening up the offense. And that's a big change from how the season started.

Young's big drive lifts Titans over Cards 20-17

Teresa M. Walker, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T10:51:23Z

Kenny Britt caught the pass and jumped to his feet -- only to be stripped of the ball with time ticking away.

Chargers D leads way in 43-14 win over Chiefs

Bernie Wilson, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T10:51:22Z

It was a play that seemed to sum up the afternoon. San Diego Chargers safety Paul Oliver suddenly found the ball in his hands after Matt Cassel of the Kansas City Chiefs had it slip out of his. Oliver bobbled it a few times, held on, then ran 40 yards into the end zone.

Bills offense has spark after beating Miami 34-14

John Wawrow, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T10:31:25Z

Terrell Owens still isn't sure where he'll be once his one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills expires this offseason.

Redman leads Falcons to 20-17 victory over Bucs

Paul Newberry, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T10:21:28Z

The Falcons managed to beat one of the NFL's worst teams without Matt Ryan and Michael Turner.

Eagles rally for another late win, 27-24

Rob Maaddi, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T10:21:26Z

Just to make sure they've erased all doubts about their comeback ability, the Philadelphia Eagles did it again.

Revis returns INT for TD, Jets beat Panthers 17-6

Dennis Waszak Jr., AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T10:01:29Z

Mark Sanchez was down, grabbing at his left knee and writhing in pain. For a team that has already experienced its share of devastating injuries, the New York Jets couldn't stomach another -- not to their franchise quarterback.

Seahawks make it 10 in row over Rams, 27-17

R.B. Fallstrom, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T09:51:29Z

Pretty much all Matt Hasselbeck had to do for his eighth straight win over the St. Louis Rams was hand off and watch.

Cundiff FG gives Ravens 20-17 OT win over Steelers

David Ginsburg, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T09:41:36Z

Ben Roethlisberger hated being a spectator on the sideline at a game the Pittsburgh Steelers desperately wanted to win.

Favre leads Vikings past Cutler, Bears 36-10

Jon Krawczynski, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T09:31:26Z

For years, opposing defenses have crammed near the line of scrimmage and dared the Minnesota Vikings to beat them through the air.

Colts rally again, beat Texans 35-27

Chris Duncan, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T09:31:24Z

The Indianapolis Colts have the formula for comebacks down pat. They sure know how to win divisions, too.

Young rallies Titans to 20-17 win over Cardinals

The Associated Press — 2009-11-30T08:51:23Z

Steve Breaston walked over to Cardinals teammate Matt Leinart on the sideline early in the Tennessee Titans' final drive and called it deja vu.

Montreal Alouettes win Grey Cup

2009-11-30T05:21:38Z

Long a staple of Saskatchewan Roughriders lore, the "13th man" took on a new and forever negative connotation Sunday night.

Cundiff FG gives Ravens 20-17 OT win over Steelers

David Ginsburg, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T05:21:35Z

Third-string quarterback Dennis Dixon was doing a fine job for the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first NFL start -- until he was forced to work overtime.

Vikings, Favre continue to aim high

Dave Campbell, Associated Press — 2009-11-30T06:30:22Z

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota’s recruiting pitch to Brett Favre was heavy on the no-pressure part: just steady the offense, let the running game and defense do most of the work, and join in the fun.

Eli’s foot is cause to fret

Barry Wilner, Associated Press — 2009-11-30T06:31:15Z

NEW YORK - Giants quarterback Eli Manning has developed a stress reaction in his right foot that could eventually lead to further injuries that might sideline him indefinitely.

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2009-11-30T06:31:15Z

Rejuvenated Bills sink Dolphins even deeper

John Wawrow, Associated Press — 2009-11-30T06:30:51Z

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Offense is back in fashion in Buffalo now that Perry Fewell - a defensive coordinator, of all people - has taken over as interim head coach.

Ravens put champs on ropes

Associated Press — 2009-11-30T06:32:37Z

Third-string quarterback Dennis Dixon was doing a fine job for the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first NFL start - until he was forced to work overtime.

No cinch, but still a clinch

Kristie Rieken, Associated Press — 2009-11-30T06:29:51Z

HOUSTON - The unbeaten Indianapolis Colts are the AFC South champions, the first team to clinch a playoff berth.

Match game

Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-30T05:47:21Z

NEW ORLEANS - Bill Belichick is not a man who mixes sentiment and work, which means one opportunity he has tonight likely will remain unfulfilled. Moments before kickoff, if he wants to, Belichick will be able to gaze around and replay one of the seminal days of his career.

Defenses could have answers and Saints’ unit is a good one

Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-30T05:47:44Z

METAIRIE, La. - Two of the top scoring offenses in the NFL will be on the field in New Orleans tonight, which only means one thing to Saints safety Roman Harper - everything will come down to defense.

Marching in

Jim McBride — 2009-11-30T04:43:02Z

Patriots at Saints 8:30 p.m. ESPN, Ch. 5 Line: Saints by 2 When the Patriots run Laurence Maroney has been running with renewed enthusiasm the last few weeks. The 5-foot-11-inch, 220-pounder may not always pick the right lane, but he is running hard and punishing would-be tacklers. He’s at his best when he explodes through creases and attacks at the ...

Song the same for Belichick: Much jazz to come from this club

Bob Ryan, Globe Columnist — 2009-11-30T05:48:41Z

NEW ORLEANS - Here is Bill Belichick on the subject of the New Orleans Saints:

Early on, Brees got a real charge from Welker

Adam Kilgore and Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-30T06:33:15Z

NEW ORLEANS - Saints quarterback Drew Brees knows first-hand how lucky Tom Brady is to be able to throw to Wes Welker , because he has done it himself.

Rams' lineman released from hospital

2009-11-30T03:22:32Z

St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Jason Smith, inactive Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks with a concussion, was taken to a hospital for observation after becoming ill near the end of the game.

Montreal Alouettes win Grey Cup

2009-11-30T03:22:29Z

Damon Duval kicked a 33-yard field goal with no time left -- after getting a second chance because of a Saskatchewan penalty -- in the Grey Cup to give the Montreal Alouettes a 28-27 victory over the Roughriders on Sunday night.

Cundiff FG gives Ravens 20-17 OT win over Steelers

David Ginsburg, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T02:13:21Z

Third-string quarterback Dennis Dixon was doing a fine job for the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first NFL start -- until he was forced to work overtime.

Favre leads Vikings past Cutler, Bears 36-10

Dave Campbell, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T00:41:25Z

Brett Favre and Jay Cutler provided more evidence that Minnesota's new quarterback experiment is working out much better than Chicago's.

Smith's crisp day leads 49ers past Jaguars

Janie McCauley, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T00:31:26Z

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith threw short touchdown passes to Frank Gore and Vernon Davis for a solid outing in a 20-3 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

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2009-11-30T00:31:26Z

Young rallies Titans to 20-17 win over Cardinals

Teresa M. Walker, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T00:21:33Z

Vince Young outdueled Matt Leinart again with yet another spectacular winning drive. Young hit a leaping Kenny Britt for a 10-yard touchdown as time expired, and the Tennessee Titans rallied to beat the Arizona Cardinals 20-17 Sunday for their fifth straight victory.

Chargers D leads way in 43-14 win over Chiefs

Bernie Wilson, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-30T00:12:26Z

This was too easy. The San Diego Chargers turned four turnovers into touchdowns, including a 40-yard fumble return for a score by safety Paul Oliver, to beat the Kansas City Chiefs 43-14 on Sunday and run their winning streak to six games.

Vick braced for Atlanta return

2009-11-29T23:11:15Z

Michael Vick is ready to make his football return to Atlanta. Vick will play his first game in Atlanta since 2006 when the Philadelphia Eagles visit Sunday. Vick says he's prepared for the scrutiny that will come this week when he faces his former team for the first time.

AP Source: Eli Manning has stress reaction in foot

Barry Wilner, AP Football Writer — 2009-11-29T23:01:12Z

Giants quarterback Eli Manning has developed a stress reaction in his right foot that could eventually lead to further injuries which might sideline him indefinitely.

Bengals run over Browns 16-7

Joe Kay, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-29T21:41:21Z

With newcomer Larry Johnson leading the way, the Bengals ran the table in the AFC North by running all over the Cleveland Browns.

Redman leads Falcons to 20-17 victory over Bucs

Paul Newberry, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-29T21:31:22Z

Chris Redman threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White with 23 seconds remaining, and the Atlanta Falcons pulled out a 20-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday after losing offensive stars Matt Ryan and Michael Turner to injuries.

Eagles rally for another late win, 27-24

Rob Maaddi, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-29T21:31:21Z

The Philadelphia Eagles enjoyed a rare fourth-quarter comeback so much they did it again. David Akers kicked a 32-yard field goal with 1:48 remaining and the Eagles rallied for a 27-24 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

T.O. helps Bills beat Dolphins in 31-14 win

John Wawrow, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-29T21:21:55Z

A long field goal by Rian Lindell and a long touchdown catch by Terrell Owens in the final minutes propelled the Buffalo Bills to a 31-14 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Seahawks make it 10 in row over Rams, 27-17

R.B. Fallstrom, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-29T21:21:49Z

Justin Forsett set career highs with 130 yards and two touchdowns and the go-ahead score came on the Seattle Seahawks' third defensive touchdown of the season in a 27-17 victory over the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.

Colts remain perfect, win AFC South

Kristie Rieken, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-29T21:11:46Z

The AFC South champion Indianapolis Colts have perfected the art of the comeback in their undefeated march into the playoffs.

Revis returns INT for TD, Jets beat Panthers 17-6

Dennis Waszak Jr., AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-29T21:11:45Z

Darrelle Revis got the Jets' defense in the end zone for the first time this season and helped New York keep its slim playoff hopes alive.

Jets' Sanchez leaves game with apparent leg injury

2009-11-29T20:19:21Z

New York Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez left the game for four plays against the Carolina Panthers with an apparent left leg injury.

Report: Goodell to expand concussion restrictions

2009-11-29T19:21:24Z

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly will expand restrictions on returning to games for players who sustain head trauma.

Brady and Brees meet at the top of their games

Brett Martel, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-29T18:09:26Z

Drew Brees doesn't see himself in quite the same class as Tom Brady. Not yet, anyway.

Panthers WR Smith active; Jets without 2 CBs

2009-11-29T17:19:25Z

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is active for the team's game against the New York Jets after being questionable with sore ribs.

Offensive line’s injuries are at the forefront

Michael Vega, Globe Staff — 2009-11-29T06:19:09Z

FOXBOROUGH - When the Patriots released their practice/injury report yesterday, five offensive linemen were among 17 players listed as questionable for tomorrow night’s game in New Orleans.

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2009-11-29T06:19:09Z

Chargers have more than talent going for them

Albert R. Breer — 2009-11-29T04:09:18Z

It has been four years now that the Chargers have heard it. How loaded their roster is. How they could probably win the otherwise meek AFC West playing 10-on-11 all game. How young they are, and how, through the shrewd general managing of A.J. Smith , they’re set up for years to come.

Star bursts

Albert R. Breer, Globe Staff — 2009-11-29T06:03:31Z

There’s not an inch of NFL turf designed for the meek. But it’s the area framed by the two offensive tackles, stretching 7 or 8 yards downfield, where the bodies are bigger, the landscape more crowded, the contact less forgiving.

Driven by the prolific Brees, Saints are drawing comparisons with ’07 Patriots

Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-29T06:05:11Z

METAIRIE, La. - New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey is a 6-foot-5-inch, 251-pound player with tattoos etched along his forearms and a reputation for speaking his mind. He can appreciate an opinion. So when he describes Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Shockey starts with leadership, citing Brees as the player often first to the practice facility. Then Shockey describes his ...

Roethlisberger is out against Ravens

2009-11-29T06:10:04Z

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will miss tonight’s game at Baltimore because of a concussion, forcing the inexperienced Dennis Dixon to start one of the Super Bowl champions’ biggest games this season. Dixon, a former Oregon star, has spent most of the season as the No. 3 quarterback. He has thrown only one NFL pass in two seasons, but must ...