NFL

Changes could pit Bucs vs. old friend

By wire services
Published October 4, 2005

Through four games, this much is clear about the Jets offense: Nothing is working, so changes are coming.

The first place could be quarterback, where it seems likely coach Herman Edwards will go with Vinny Testaverde for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

Though Edwards said he is undecided between Testaverde and Brooks Bollinger , all signs point to the 41-year-old veteran and former Buc. Bollinger was ineffective in a 13-3 loss to Baltimore in place of injured starter Chad Pennington , although the Jets hardly gave him much help.

Several receivers dropped passes, the offensive line could not open holes for Curtis Martin or keep the defense away from Bollinger, and the game plan was conservative at best. The most glaring breakdown was early in the third quarter after Victor Hobson 's fumble return to the 1-yard line. Two running plays and a bootleg later, the Jets settled for a field goal. It was the closest they came to scoring a touchdown.

Though he was mum on what changes he would make, Edwards compared the situation to 2002, when the Jets started 1-4 before Pennington provided a spark, replacing Testaverde and leading them to the playoffs. "When you do this, it's kind of critical once you make the decision you stick with it because there's no turning back," Edwards said. "When you do it, you have to have conviction."

FINES FRUSTRATE FINS: Coach Nick Saban took exception to fines imposed by the NFL against receiver Wes Welker and safety Tebucky Jones . Welker and Jones were fined $5,000 apiece for penalties they committed Sept.25 against Carolina. Welker was penalized for an illegal crack-back block, Jones for grabbing the face mask of QB Jack Delhomme on a sack. "When guys don't do things that are intentional to hurt somebody, which neither one of those things were, I think it's a little ridiculous," Saban said.

BENGALS: Larry Moore was placed on injured reserve after the backup center dislocated his right knee against Houston. Starting C Rich Braham strained his knee in the second quarter, bringing in Moore, who got hurt later in the quarter. G Eric Steinbach had to play center for the first time in his career. Fourth-round draft pick Eric Ghiaciuc is expected to start at center Sunday at Jacksonville.

BILLS: DT Ron Edwards had tests on his right shoulder injury, leaving his status uncertain for Sunday's game.

CHARGERS: LG Toniu Fonoti will have further surgery on his broken right hand and is expected to be out 2-3 more weeks.

CHIEFS: Police sprayed Mace on TE coach Jason Verduzco before Sunday's home loss to the Eagles after he became combative when he wasn't allowed to turn into the stadium entrance he said he normally uses. The 35-year-old also was cited for trying to harm an officer.

RAIDERS: C Jake Grove had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and likely will miss 3-4 weeks. He will be replaced by Adam Treu .

STEELERS: The team had its full complement of running backs at practice. Willie Parker is healthy and No.10 in NFL rushing despite coming off a bye week. He was joined at practice by Duce Staley , who had knee surgery during training camp, and Jerome Bettis , who injured a calf during camp. "I don't think it's going to be tough," Parker said when asked how all the backs would stay active. "They're going to put us in position to make plays, and they will be the best plays for the team." Coach Bill Cowher didn't talk to reporters but likely will address the subject today.

[Last modified October 4, 2005, 02:15:30]