He’s No Running Joke

Times NFL writer Sam Farmer poses--and answers--the league’s burning questions.

Question: Best reason to watch the 5-10 Cowboys play the 1-14 Lions?

Answer: After all that running, Emmitt Smith needs 56 yards for his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season, which would break the record of 10 he shares with ... former Lion Barry Sanders. Lots of Detroit fans think Sanders let down the franchise by retiring early, so it will be interesting to see if they’re pulling for Smith.

Q: How much more patient are we since Sept. 11?

A: Apparently, not much. More than 100 fans barged through Gate B at Lambeau Field on Sunday before the Minnesota game, prompting Green Bay police to reexamine security measures in case a playoff game is held at the stadium. The incident began half an hour before the game when a man from Racine, Wis., tried to shove his way through the gate. He was subdued by four officers. Behind him was a crowd of about 5,000--some shouting, “Push! Shove! They can’t stop us all!”--and about 100 got through without waiting for security checks.

Q: Any extra incentives for Philadelphia’s defense against Tampa Bay?

A: Sure. The Eagles have given up no more than 24 points in 31 consecutive games. One more such performance will break the league record. The Buccaneers have scored more than 24 three times this season.

Q: What’s the definition of payback?

A: Ask Seattle quarterback Trent Dilfer. If his Seahawks beat the Chiefs and Baltimore loses Monday to Minnesota, the Ravens are out of the playoffs. You’ll remember that the Ravens did not re-sign Dilfer last spring after he’d helped them to a Super Bowl victory.

Q: Strangest Terrell Davis statistic?

A: The Denver star has 161 touches this season--149 carries and 12 catches--but has yet to score.

That’s right, no TDs for T.D.