PicturesAugust 31, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
WR Tyrone Calico of the Tennessee Titans catches a pass against Dallas. Calico sprained both knees during the exhibition game. 
Pro Bowl cornerback Chris McAlister, left, the Ravens' franchise player for the second straight year, expects to play in the preseason finale Thursday. 
Mark Brunell, who signed a $43 million contract in March after losing his starting job last year in Jacksonville, won the preseason quarterback derby 
Serena Williams prepares for her match against Sandra Kleinova at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday, Aug. 30, 2004. 
Among his accomplishments this season, Ichiro became the first player to have 50 hits in back-to-back months since 1936. 
Michigan QB Matt Gutierrez never lost a game in his career at De La Salle High in Concord, Calif. 
Pat Hill has coached Fresno State to bowl-game appearances five years running. August 30, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Barry Bonds heads home after hitting a two-run homer in the third inning. 
Tom Coughlin made official yesterday what became apparent over the weekend: Kurt Warner will start the Giants' opener Sept. 12 in Philadelphia. 
That he is the more experienced and mobile of the Dolphins' QBs may not be enough to secure the starting job for Jay Fiedler. 
Jets' LaMont Jordan has made no secret of the fact that he's not happy serving as Curtis Martin's understudy. 
Barring a last-minute roster move, the Packers appear resigned to using Antonio Chatman as their punt returner again. Diminutive and not exactly dangerous, Chatman is back essentially because the Packers have no one able to replace him. 
St. Louis' Albert Pujols hit his 40th homer and drove in his 100th run during the Cardinals' win in Pittsburgh yesterday. 
Eli Manning, left, was the first choice in the draft but Coach Tom Coughlin, right, says he'll be second string after Friday's poor outing against the Jets. 
Kurt Warner, looking to the sideline between plays Aug. 13, has been named the New York Giants' starting quarterback. He previously played for the St. Louis Rams. 
USC quarterback Matt Leinart salutes fans after Saturday's win over Virginia Tech. 
Unless something changes, the Dylan Meier era starts this weekend at Kansas State. 
Alltel stadium in Jacksonville home of the ACC Championship game 
Justin Morneau of the Twins is congratuled by teammates after hitting a solo home run off Anaheim Angels Kelvim Escobar on Sunday in Anaheim, Calif. 
Minnesota Twins' Johan Santana works in the second inning against the Anaheim Angels on Aug. 28, 2004. The Twins won 7-1. 
Cliff Floyd went 1-for-4 at bat yesterday, but really stunk it up in the field, losing a Robin Ventura fly in the sun and then making a poor throw home that allowed runners to move up as the Dodgers routed the Mets, 10-2. 
Florida Marlins' Juan Pierre connects for a triple against the Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Shawn Estes during the first inning Sunday in Miami. August 29, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Oakland backup quarterback Kerry Collins looks to pass during the fourth quarter. 
Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes (31) battles Cleveland Browns linebacker Brian Waters (54) for 6 yards during the first quarter at Arrowhead Stadium. 
Cleveland wide receiver Dennis Northcutt makes a gain. 
Baltimore's Lance Frazier, center, is tackled by Detroit's Wali Rainer, left, and Corey Schlesinger during the second half. 
Tampa Bay linebacker Ryan Nece, whose father is Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, steps in front of Miami tight end Donald Lee to intercept a pass and return it for a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter of the Buccaneers' 17-10 preseason victory. 
Arizona Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith (22) is brought down by Oakland Raiders defenders, including Danny Clark, right, and Derrick Gibson, center, as Ray Buchanan (34) closes in during the first quarter in Tempe, Ariz., Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004. 
Mike Alstott getting it done in Tampa 
Is Ahmen Green the NFL's best RB? 
Ichiro having an amazing season in Seattle 
UTEP head coach Mike Price, right, watches freshman quarterback Joe Castro, No. 8, take snaps Aug. 8 during practice in Socorro, N.M. August 28, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper races for an 18-yard gain against the 49ers in the second quarter. 
Rams quarterback Marc Bulger sets to pass in the first quarter while under pressure from the Redskins. 
Giants quarterback Eli Manning watches from the sideline during the fourth quarter after completing 4 of 14 passes for 20 yards and suffering two sacks. 
WR Plaxico Burress believes he can be effective player for the Steelers even when the ball isn't in his hands. 
Orlando Cabrera reacts to his RBI single against the Devil Rays. 
Atlanta Braves (left to right) Julio Franco (14) closer John Smoltz, catcher Eddie Perez and Chipper Jones celebrate their 5-3 win over the San Francisco Giants, Friday, Aug. 27, 2004, at Turner Field in Atlanta. Jones had a two run home run in the sixth 
Montreal Expos' Brad Wilkerson is congratulated by teammate Tony Batista after hitting a solo home run against the San Diego Padres during first-inning, Friday, August 27, 2004 in Montreal. 
Houston Astros' Carlos Beltran hits a solo home run against Chicago Cubs' pitcher Kerry Wood in the first inning, Friday, August 27, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Former USC WR Mike Williams is not allowed to play college football 
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Duce Staley is almost caught by linebacker Mark Simoneau after a 6-yard gain. 
Miami attempted to trade for Chicago running back Anthony Thomas (35) before landing Bears receiver Marty Booker and a 2005 draft pick in exchange for defensive end Adewale Ogunleye. 
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Chris Hope breaks up an end-zone pass to Philadelphia Eagles WR Terrell Owens in the second quarter. 
San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds tosses his bat after being walked against the Florida Marlins in the ninth inning Thursday, Aug. 26, 2004, in Miami. The Giants won, 5-0. August 26, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
'It's not in my best interest to play football right now,' retired running back Ricky Williams said about a possible return to the Dolphins. 
Joey Porter of the Steelers needs to have a big year. 
Packers rookie CB Ahmad Carroll, left, was tagged with one of Green Bay's three pass interference penalties last Saturday against the Saints. 
Chris Leak, who took over as UF's starting quarterback in the 5th game last season, threw for 16 touchdowns and 2,435 yards. 
Ohio State University's quarterback Justin Zwick talks to a teammate as he moves from the bleachers during the Ohio State University Football photo day at horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio August 11, 2004. 
Oregon expects big things from quarterback Kellen Clemens. August 25, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Los Angeles Dodgers' Adrian Beltre hits a grand slam against the Montreal Expos starting pitcher Rocky Biddle during fifth inning NL action in Montreal on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004. Los Angeles Dodger Adrian Beltre hits a grand slam against Montreal Expos 
Quincy Carter, released by the Cowboys Aug. 4, practices with the Jets yesterday after signing a one-year contract. 
Erick Dampier, shown shooting for Golden State in March, is going to the Dallas Mavericks as part of an eight-player trade. 
Anchored by Marcus Stroud and John Henderson (above), the run defense appears ready to pick up where it left off last year, when it didn't allow a 100-yard rusher in the last 15 games. 
Wide receiver D.J. Hackett and cornerback Marcus Trufant get tied up fighting for the football during an 11-on-11 drill at training camp. 
Johan Santana delivers in the first inning against the Texas Rangers Monday in Arlington, Texas. Santana allowed one run in eight innings to win his seventh straight decision. 
Ichiro has a discussion with plate umpire Ron Kulpa after being called out on a check swing in the second inning. Ichiro had one hit and is at 199 this season. August 24, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
In practice, quarterback Philip Rivers said he will prepare as if he'll start the Chargers' season opener Sept. 12 at Houston. 
Viking quarterback Dante Culpepper, a year after completing a team-record 65 percent pass-reception record, is at 73.7 percent halfway through the preseason 
Receiver Marty Booker was traded to the Dolphins from the Bears just a few days after being named Chicago's captain for the upcoming season. 
China's Yao Ming celebrates after hitting two free throws that gave China the lead in the closing seconds against Serbia and Montenegro in a preliminary round game at the Helliniko Indoor Arena in Athens during the 2004 Olympics Games, Monday, Aug. 23, 20 
Anaheim Angels' Vladimir Guerrero gestures after hitting a three-run home run in the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals on Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, in Anaheim, Calif. 
Rockies OF Jeromy Burnitz enters tonight's game at Atlanta with 31 homers and 87 RBIs. 
Mike Bell, who rushed for 920 yards in 2003, will be counted on to carry Arizona's offense. August 23, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Mike Anderson ran for 120 yards on 21 carries Saturday night in the Broncos' 19-3 exhibition win over the Seattle Seahawks. 
Tony Brackens, shown being helped off the field Dec. 7, 2003 with a knee injury against New Orleans, would have cost the Jaguars $1.025 million if he'd been on the roster for the regular-season opener at Buffalo on Sunday, Sept. 12. 
Redskins linebackers coach Dale Lindsey gives instruction to Marcus Washington, who was signed in offseason. 
Miguel Tejada celebrates with Baltimore teammates after scoring against Toronto yesterday. 
Ichiro needs three hits to reach 200 for the fourth consecutive season. He is on pace for a major-league-record 261 hits. 
Ivan Rodriguez, who pinch-hit in the ninth inning, lined to right field to end the game 
Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood confronts plate umpire Bill Hohn after being ejected for hitting Houston's Jeff Kent with a pitch in the fifth — two outs short of qualifying for a victory. 
Twins Torii Hunter connects with a three-run double in the 6th inning to put the Twins up 7 to 2. The Twins went on to win 7 to 3. 
Pirates starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong couldn't capitalize on a two-run first inning lead against the St. Louis Cardinals. Stanford Coach Buddy Teevens, headed into his third season, says the Cardinal is "looking at development across the board at a variety of positions. August 22, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Carson Palmer of the Bengals. 
Redskins QB Mark Brunell looks to make a pass in preseason action against the Dolphins. 
Packers RB Ahman Green. 
Cowboys RB Eddie George tried to elude Raiders LB Danny Clark who comes in for the tackle. August 20, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, right, celebrates with receiver Mushin Muhammad, left, after Muhammad's touchdown catch during the first quarter against the New York Giants in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday Aug. 19, 2004. 
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is pressured by Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004. 
If the Packers decide to trade Mike McKenzie, the New Orleans Saints have some interest. 
"Dirt Bag" offensive linemen Jim Molinaro (left) and Pita Elisara share a laugh with assistant head coach Joe Bugel. 
Torii Hunter was carted off the field after running into the wall in center field during the Twins game against the Yankees. He was replaced by Lew Ford. 
Bud Selig, left, gestures during a news conference at the conclusion of a two-day meeting with baseball owners in Philadelphia. Selig's term as baseball commissioner was extended for three years through 2009. 
New York's Alex Rodriguez scores the winning run on a single by Hideki Matsui in the eighth inning as the Yankees beat Minnesota last night. August 19, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Dolphins defensive end Adewale Ogunleye said he is prepared to skip the first 10 games unless he gets a long-term contract extension. 
The Vikings want referees to pay even more attention to downfield hits on Randy Moss. 
Omar Nazel, an undrafted defensive end from USC's national champions, is making a push for a spot on the Seahawks' roster. 
San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds hits a solo home run against the Montreal Expos in the fifth inning during the second game of a doubleheader on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004, in San Francisco. 
Twins pitcher Johan Santana tips his hat to the crowd as he leaves the game in the eighth inning Wednesday night. August 18, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Allen Iverson expresses relief after scoring a team-high 17 points, despite a broken thumb. 
Jeff Suppan, who was the National League's best-hitting pitcher last year, has no explanation for his hitting slump. 
Mark Teixeira runs out of the batter's box after hitting a double off Cleveland pitcher Cliff Lee that scored Alfonso Soriano and Michael Young in the third inning last night. 
Steelers wide receiver Antwaan Randle El might have some competition for his job as punt returner after rookie Rocardo Colclough's performance Saturday against the Detroit Lions. 
N.D. Kalu, after an interception against the Redskins. Derrick Burgess or Jerome McDougle will take his spot. 
The pressure is now on sophomore Greg Lee to continue the Panthers' recent tradition of excellence at the wide receiver position. 
Ichiro watches his first-inning home run off Kansas City starter Darrell May. 
Seahawks punter Tom Rouen is married to a former Olympian and is friends with two current ones. August 17, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Marlins catcher Paul Lo Duca is greeted by a standing ovation in his first trip back to Dodger Stadium since being traded from L.A. to Florida. 
Green Bay’s Michael Hawthorne (27) tries to chase down Seahawks wide receiver Darrell Jackson during the first quarter Monday night in Green Bay. The Seahawks won 21-3. 
Wide receiver Antonio Freeman was used sparingly after being signed Monday. 
Tampa Bay's Chris Simms passes against Cincinnati last night in Tampa, Fla. Simms, son of former NFL quarterback Phil Simms, led the Buccaneers to a 20-6 victory. 
Broncos middle linebacker and defensive captain Al Wilson 
Albert Pujols connects for a three-run homer in the eighth inning against Cincinnati, giving the St. Louis slugger five runs batted in. 
Ichiro has 185 hits and is on pace for 256, which would be one short of the 84-year-old major-league record. 
Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday's rookie success made trading Larry Walker a viable option 
Quincy Carter led the Cowboys to a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance last season. 
Quarterback Mike McMahon, corralled by the Steelers on Saturday, is not afraid to take off and run August 16, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Vikings starting corner Brian Williams will miss up to four weeks of practice time and is in doubt for the Sept. 12 season opener against Dallas after spraining his left knee Saturday night. 
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger directs the offense against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. 
Hee-Seop Choi follows his double in the second inning. 
Rockies catcher J.D. Closser tries to pull Jason Kendall off pitcher Joe Kennedy yesterday. 
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Terry Mulholland throws against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning Tuesday at Safeco Field in Seattle. August 15, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
535: Feet that an Adam Dunn home run was measured at Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park -- the longest homer since 1976, according to one researcher. 
Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald runs onto the field during introductions before the game. 
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit last night. 
Broncos RB Garrison Hearst: "I'm just going to go out and try to have a good time and let my ability take over and hopefully make plays." 
Daunte Culpepper (left) and Randy Moss relax on the sidelines late in the game. 
An upset Gary Payton said he'll retire before playing for Boston. The Lakers "didn't respect me. Why should I respect them?" he said. August 14, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
New York Giants QB Eli Manning passes the ball during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs Friday night, August 13, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. 
Eagles Wide Receivers Coach Dave Culley with WR Terrell Owens 
Former Mariner John Olerud, right, with Esteban Loaiza, returned to Seattle for the first time as a Yankee. He did not play. August 13, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Ichiro is on pace to tie George Sisler's record of 257 hits in a season. 
Jason Schmidt could win the NL Cy Young award 
Minnestota Twins designated hitter Justin Morneau watches his second home run of the game head over the fence in the fifth inning as Seattle Mariners catcher Miguel Olivo looks on Thursday at Safeco Field in Seattle. On both shots, the Twins' Lew Ford sco 
Dolphins starting receiver Chris Chambers is one of several receivers that have missed practice time in training camp because of sore hamstrings. August 12, 2004« July 2004 | Main | September 2004 »
Tim Couch may not be the Packers No. 2 quarterback. |