The Nickel Package
Brooks
Bollinger,
Jets
* Third-string QB makes his debut against bruising Baltimore defense.
Josh
Bullocks,
Saints
* Untested rookie SS steps in for team captain Jay Bellamy against Buffalo.
Todd France,
Eagles
* The only time the PK performed in a non-exhibition game, France was ... in Europe.
Angelo
Crowell,
Bills
* With Takeo TKOd, LB Crowell steps in to replace team’s emotional leader.
Guss
Scott,
Patriots * Second-year S looked only so-so filling in for Rodney Harrison.
*
5 LIABILITIES IN THE SECONDARY
* Anthony Henry, Dallas -- Cowboys’ $11-million CB gave up two touchdowns to San Francisco’s Brandon Lloyd.
* Ken Irvin, Minnesota -- Dime back starts in place of injured FS Darren Sharper.
* Derrick Gibson, Oakland -- Makes a lot of mistakes for an already shaky defense.
* Will Allen, New York Giants -- Five-year starter has played like a rookie since last season.
* Quentin Jammer, San Diego -- Flagged for illegal contact four times in three games.
*
FIVE TELLING STATISTICS
* New England is averaging a league-low 2.5 yards a carry and has only three rushes of 10 or more yards.
* St. Louis has surrendered a league-high 15 sacks -- at least four in each game.
* Baltimore has won its last three after a week off, averaging 26.7 points in those games.
* Oakland’s Kerry Collins has lost 12 of his last 13 home starts.
* Green Bay has neither scored nor given up a rushing touchdown.
*
Source: Stats LLC
*
5 LOCKS
Cincinnati over Houston
* Bengals will be 4-0 for the first time since ’88.
Indianapolis over Tennessee
* The Colt offense will wake up this week.
Tampa Bay over Detroit
* Cadillac will roar through the Motor City.
Atlanta over Minnesota
* Falcons have the edge in almost every category.
New England over San Diego
* Patriots are hurting but won’t lose this.
*
STAR RATINGS
*****
* Cincinnati defense already has 16 takeaways.
****
* With 75 points in three games, Dallas is on 1995 Super Bowl pace.
***
* N.Y. Jets need a healthy QB, but again with the Vinny stuff?
**
* Bill Belichick rudely shooed away Pittsburgh trainer trying to help.
*
* Zebras goof, add 52 seconds to clock in Pittsburgh-New England thriller.
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