Times NFL Writer T.J. Simers Poses--and Answers--The Burning Questions on. . . : Game Day

1. Question: Is it important to be injury-free around New York Jet Coach Bill Parcells?

Answer: Yes. Two weeks ago Parcells sneaked up behind quarterback Glenn Foley and tested Foley’s sore ribs by giving his rib cage a squeeze. Foley yelped, and Vinny Testaverde started in his place. This week Parcells checked out wide receiver Wayne Chrebet’s sprained ankle by kicking it.

Later, when Parcells asked Chrebet how his ankle was holding up, Chrebet said, “I’ll be fine if people quit kicking me on the ankle.”

2. Q: How ridiculous are NFL rules?

A: Very ridiculous. Arizona offensive tackle Lomas Brown was not allowed back onto the field last week until he had a note from his doctor. Brown had been in the game and had asked a trainer to add a tinted visor to his helmet to protect a sore eye. But new NFL rules don’t allow the Jim McMahon-like visors unless they are for medical purposes.

“I couldn’t believe I had to get a note from the doctor,” Brown said. “They have more rules in this league. Rules for everything. How you wear your socks, your uniform. . . . What’s next?”

3. Q: Why should two offensive players on the same team never hug?

A: After Minnesota Viking running back Robert Smith scored on a 67-yard pass play, teammate and offensive guard David Dixon hugged Smith, his facemask ramming into Smith’s face--breaking a front tooth.

4. Q: Why was Chicago Bear quarterback Erik Kramer’s 372-yard passing performance a week ago one of the best in NFL history?

A: He was throwing to stiffs. Kramer passed for four touchdowns with the likes of Bobby Engram, Chris Penn and Fabien Bownes catching the ball.

5. Q: What is there about Jimmy Johnson’s assistant coaches who go on to be head coaches?

A: They’re terrible. Three of Johnson’s lieutenants in Dallas left to become head coaches. The first, Dave Shula, was fired almost immediately in Cincinnati. Norv Turner left as offensive coordinator to become head coach in Washington, and now has a 26-40 record. Dave Wannstedt, defensive coordinator for Johnson, went to the Bears and is 36-47.

Johnson is 3-0 this season.