Taylor wants to go bowling

Fred Taylor of the Jacksonville Jaguars had a Pro Bowl-caliber performance Sunday, rushing for a season-high 132 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown, in a 37-6 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Now the only question is: Will he make the Pro Bowl?

He never has, despite being one of only 23 players to rush for 10,000 yards in a career, and Sunday may have been his last-ditch effort on the campaign trail. Players and coaches must cast their ballots this week and fan voting ends next week.

“I would like for everyone on the face of the Earth to vote for me, but it’s not up to me,” he said.

His competition for one of the three AFC running back spots is tough: LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers, Willie Parker of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Joseph Addai of the Indianapolis Colts and Willis McGahee of the Baltimore Ravens all have more yards rushing than Taylor, though Taylor’s 4.9 average per carry is better than the others.

Taylor, 32, moved into 18th place on the career rushing list with 10,457 yards and has three consecutive 100-yard games for the first time since 2004.

Getting defensive

The maligned Cincinnati Bengals defense seems to have turned things around in recent weeks.

Including their 19-10 victory over the St. Louis Rams, the Bengals have given up only seven touchdowns the last five games. They have given up only 270 total yards a game and 73 yards rushing in those games.

In their first eight games, the Bengals defense gave up 26 touchdowns, 397 yards a game and 144 yards rushing a game.

Running on empty

Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett of the Detroit Lions combined for 152 yards and three touchdowns rushing in a 28-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, marking the first time since Oct. 9, 2005, that the Lions have scored three times on the ground -- a span of 40 games.

But even though they hardly resembled the NFL’s 30th-ranked rushing team that they are, Coach Rod Marinelli was in no mood to celebrate a fifth consecutive loss.

“I’m not going to throw bouquets out for a hard effort,” he said.

Snow job

Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct when he scooped up three handfuls of snow and tossed each into the air to celebrate a touchdown during a 41-7 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

“It was for all my family and friends in Florida,” he explained. “They don’t get to see snow much. I wanted to show them snow.”

NFL rules prohibit the use of props when celebrating touchdowns, which is why Marshall was flagged, but that set off a debate: Is snow a prop?

“I question whether that’s a prop,” safety John Lynch said. “It’s natural -- snow comes from the sky.”

Milestones

Brett Favre made his 250th consecutive regular-season start and is second only to defensive lineman Jim Marshall (282) on the consecutive starts list. . . . Tom Brady of the New England Patriots had four touchdown passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers and moved into third place on the all-time single season with 45, behind Peyton Manning’s 49 in 2004 and Dan Marino’s 48 in 1984. . . . Patriots receiver Randy Moss caught two touchdown passes to give him a career-high 19 this season, second only to the 22 Jerry Rice had in 1987. . . . Manning had four touchdown passes against the Baltimore Ravens and became the fifth quarterback in NFL history with 300 for his career.

Monday Preview

The New Orleans Saints (5-7) visit the Atlanta Falcons (3-9) in the first Monday night matchup this season featuring two teams with losing records.

The Saints need a win to stay a game behind the Minnesota Vikings for the final NFC wild-card spot, but will be without Reggie Bush, who injured his knee last week. Chris Redman, out of football from 2003 to 2006, will start at quarterback for the Falcons as the season-long search to replace Michael Vick continues.

Injury report

San Francisco quarterback Trent Dilfer was taken to a hospital after suffering a concussion against Minnesota. . . . San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman injured his left knee in the second quarter against Tennessee and did not return. . . . San Diego running back Lorenzo Neal was carted off the field because of a leg injury and will have X-rays. . . . Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas bruised his ribs against the Green Bay Packers. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach Jon Gruden said receiver Ike Hilliard is “beat up” and he is unsure of his availability for next week. . . . Arizona Cardinals tight end Leonard Pope was taken off the field on a cart after injuring his right ankle late in the third quarter. . . . Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith will have an MRI exam today after injuring a knee against the New York Giants. . . . Buffalo safety George Wilson was hospitalized after he broke two ribs against Miami. . . . Detroit punt returner Troy Walters left a loss to Dallas because of a concussion.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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peter.yoon@latimes.com

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Dual threat

Fred Taylor and LaDainian Tomlinson combined for 278 yards rushing, adding to their career totals. They are half of the active 10,000-yard club (Edgerrin James rushed for 46 yards Sunday. * -- plays tonight):

Player: Edgerrin James

Team: Arizona

Yards: 11,353

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Player: Fred Taylor

Team: Jacksonville

Yards: 10,457

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Player: LaDainian Tomlinson

Team: San Diego

Yards: 10,371

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Player: Warrick Dunn*

Team: Atlanta

Yards: 10,061