PRO FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT

CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

Disproving the theory that dissension can help teams become winners, the Atlanta Falcons (3-12) are about to have their own civil war.

The Falcons are a team in turmoil. In a 34-27 loss to St. Louis, Atlanta quarterback Bobby Hebert showed his ire after he was intercepted more times than a “Hee Haw” fan trying to get into a trendy nightclub. He took out some of his frustrations in a sideline argument with teammate Antone Davis.

After the game, Falcon linebacker Chuck Smith stormed away from his locker after telling reporters, “This might be my last game.”

Hebert used the opportunity to vent his remaining frustrations.

“I’m not going to tell the truth because the truth would hurt the team,” said Hebert, who nevertheless took a shot at his entire line.

“All I know is they couldn’t play for [Dan] Marino,” he added, apparently referring to the fiery demeanor of Miami’s quarterback. “Either they want a leader or they don’t want a leader.”

What they really need, Bobby, is a leader, all new players, a new coach, new assistants, a new trainer, new ticket-takers and a new ball boy.

The water boy, however, can stay. Because losing can make a man awful thirsty.

CUSTER WON A BATTLE OCCASIONALLY TOO

The Saints won on the road for the first time this season, ended a seven-game losing streak and gave interim coach Rick Venturi his second NFL victory. Venturi is now 3-47-1 as a head coach, including 1-31-1 at Northwestern from 1978-80, 1-10 at Indianapolis in 1991 and 1-6 this season after taking over from Jim Mora.

Interestingly, both of Venturi’s NFL victories have come at Giants Stadium. The Colts beat the Jets there in 1991.

If the Giants are going to let Coach Dan Reeves go, as is rumored, then they should hire Venturi and guarantee themselves at least an 8-8 finish every year.

WE DON’T LIKE YOU, WE REALLY DON’T

Many in the crowd of 52,530 at Giants Stadium cheered when struggling Giant quarterback Dave Brown was sacked and bruised his left shoulder just before halftime against New Orleans. Brown, who suffered a strain, did not return to the game.

THE WHOLE THING IS FOREIGN TO US

Carlton Bailey was sent to the sidelines early in the game against Baltimore because of what referee Mike Carey said was a “foreign substance” on the Carolina linebacker’s arms. Bailey said the substance was petroleum jelly.

There is no word on whether Bailey pointed out that kicker Fuad Reveiz himself was a foreign substance, and he played in the league for years.

OR ARE THEY JUST GLAD TO SEE ME?

Minnesota receiver Cris Carter said he should not have leaped into the stands after sealing Sunday’s 21-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 36-yard touchdown catch with 1:54 remaining.

“That’s probably the first time, and probably the last too,” Carter said. “I think they probably could have thrown a flag on them for a personal foul. I don’t know if they knew I was on their team or what.”

HEY, WHAT ABOUT STEVE DEBERG?

As part of the San Francisco 49ers’ 50th anniversary celebration, fans voted for their all-time players. The list, announced during Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh:

Dwight Clark, Jerry Rice and Gene Washington (receivers); Harris Barton and Steve Wallace (tackles); Guy McIntyre and Jesse Sapolu (guards); Randy Cross (center); Brent Jones (tight end); Joe Montana and Steve Young (quarterbacks); Paul Hofer and Wendell Tyler (running backs); Roger Craig (fullback).

Dwaine Board and Fred Dean (defensive ends); Michael Carter and Dana Stubblefield (defensive tackles); Jack Reynolds, Keena Turner and Ken Norton Jr. (linebackers); Eric Davis and Eric Wright (cornerbacks); Merton Hanks and Ronnie Lott (safeties).

Dexter Carter (return specialist); Ray Wersching (kicker); Max Runager (punter).

NOW SON, ABOUT THE WILL. . . .

Not only has Keith Lyle made a little history with the St. Louis Rams, he’s topped his dad.

Lyle is the Rams’ first defensive back in 15 seasons to get 100 tackles in consecutive seasons. He is also tied for the NFC lead with six interceptions.

Those are two things his father, Garry Lyle, never accomplished with the Chicago Bears from 1967-74.

It didn’t take long. Lyle, 24, is only in his third season and second as starter. Last year he had 101 tackles and three interceptions.

Lyle hasn’t missed a game in his career and is holding up despite weighing only 204 pounds. After getting 10 tackles Sunday against Atlanta to raise this year’s total to 104, he became the first Ram defensive back since Nolan Cromwell in 1980-81 with consecutive 100-tackle seasons.

He’s in good company, considering Cromwell made the Pro Bowl four consecutive seasons from 1980-83.

“That’s great,” said Garry Lyle, who had five interceptions in his best year. “I’m very pleased, very proud. I told him he has the family record.”

KILL THE UMP! OOPS, SORRY

Umpire Hendi Ancich was knocked down during a drive with less than five minutes to play in the Chicago-San Diego game on Thursday. He was helped off the field and taken to the officials’ locker room. After the game, he was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for observation. Head linesman Dale Williams said Ancich was “a little more woozy than usual,” but otherwise appeared to be OK.

However, lingering effects could show up next Sunday. If Ancich shows up at a game and calls all penalties and infractions without blowing a single one, that will show he is still woozy, since no NFL official has done that this season.

I NEED A REAL DOCTOR, NOT A TV HOLOGRAM

Detroit starting right tackle Zefross Moss suffered a knee sprain against Green Bay. . . . Pittsburgh’s Jerome Bettis was limited by a sprained ankle and had six carries for nine yards against San Francisco. . . . Giant quarterback Dave Brown and halfbacks Tyrone Wheatley and Rodney Hampton all were injured against New Orleans. Wheatley sprained his left ankle, Brown injured his left shoulder and Hampton bruised his knee. . . . Detroit safety Bennie Blades was sidelined for much of the game against Green Bay because of a sprained ankle. Tight end Pete Metzelaars also left after aggravating his sprained left knee.

--Compiled by HOUSTON MITCHELL

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NOTEWORTHY

Although the Rams have had a horrible season, Sunday was better. Not only did they win, 34-27, over Atlanta, but two of their players entered the record books, although one won’t be gloating about his feat:

--Quarterback Tony Banks fumbled four times, giving him 21. That broke the record for most fumbles in a year (18), a mark shared by Dave Krieg of Seattle in 1989 and Warren Moon of Houston in 1990.

--St. Louis’ Isaac Bruce set a record for most receptions in the first three years of a career. Bruce caught two passes to give him 216, breaking the mark of 215 set by Andre Rison from 1989-91.

Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre has thrown for 36 touchdowns this season, including six of 50-or-more yards, the second-highest total in history. The leaders:

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Year Player, Team 50+ TDs 1961 George Blanda, Houston 12 1996 Brett Favre, Green Bay 6 1984 Dan Marino, Miami 5 1986 Dan Marino, Miami 4 1995 Brett Favre, Green Bay 3 1963 Y.A. Tittle, N.Y. Giants 3

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