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NFL Notebook: Billick says Jets used 'illegal' calls in game
Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick accused the New York Jets of using an "illegal" ploy to draw his team offside during a game against the New York Jets Sunday.

Billick said yesterday that the Jets' defense shouted out signals to intentionally throw off Baltimore's offense. Billick claimed the tactic led to the three illegal procedure penalties against the Ravens.

"Their defensive line and linebackers did a very, very effective job of illegally simulating the snap count," Billick said. "They did it the whole game long. It needs to be caught."

"That's not an excuse by any stretch of the imagination. But it is illegal," Billick said. "Our guys have to deal with it. I don't know how to help my linemen with that because, you're in the heat of battle and you're calling the snap count, and the guy across from you is also calling a snap count -- which is illegal."

The Ravens won, 20-13. For the game, New York received two penalties for 10 yards and the Ravens were penalized 11 times for 100 yards.

Also, the Ravens expect to have injured quarterback Steve McNair back against Arizona Sunday, but defensive end Trevor Pryce will miss at least three weeks after having surgery on his broken left wrist.

Bills

Reserve tight end Kevin Everett is showing some movement in both hands and greater strength in his leg muscles, further positive signs for him after a life-threatening spinal-cord injury in Week 1. Doctors now are beginning to focus on his neurological and muscular system rehabilitation.

Patriots

The NFL may soon find out if New England's video spying went beyond one game, and the team itself may provide the evidence. Coach Bill Belichick said he will comply with the NFL's request to provide any notes or tapes made from video recordings similar to those that drew a stiff penalty against him and the team. Beyond that, Belichick declined comment.

Falcons

Joey Harrington, who has been sacked 13 times in his first two starts for the Falcons, was feeling more heat -- this time from his coach. Bobby Petrino said it's not fair to blame the offensive line for the high sack totals -- including seven in a loss at Jacksonville Sunday. Petrino said Harrington is holding the ball too long.

Harrington could soon have a new backup. Byron Leftwich, cut by Jacksonville in a surprise preseason move, could sign a deal with the team this week. Leftwich is expected to take a team physical today.

The Falcons also signed kicker Morten Andersen, 47, to solve their kicking woes after Matt Prater missed two field goals Sunday.

Titans

Owner Bud Adams picked up the 2007 option on coach Jeff Fisher's contract at the end of last season when Tennessee rallied from an 0-5 start to finish 8-8, and has extended his deal through 2011. The contract is thought to be worth $5.5 million to $6 million per year.

Also, assistant coach Chuck Cecil was arrested and charged with drunken driving and violating Tennessee's implied consent law by refusing a blood alcohol test Saturday night.

Broncos

Tight end Stephen Alexander re-signed with Denver, 48 hours after he was released so the team could have a healthy lineman available against Oakland.

Giants

Rookie receiver Steve Smith probably will miss at least two games with a broken shoulder blade.

First published on September 18, 2007 at 12:10 am