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Sunday, December 10, 2000

Compiled by Ed Bouchette

Donovan McNabb doesn't want to become the next Randall Cunningham. The more he runs, the more he worries about being labeled as a running quarterback. It was something Kordell Stewart struggled with early in his career.

McNabb's 597 yards leads the Eagles in rushing. He has been 48 percent of their ground attack in the past six games.

"Anytime you talk about how athletic a quarterback is, and you continue to talk about his running ability, you sort of forget about him passing the ball," McNabb said.

McNabb, in his second season, has a 74.2 passer rating.

Streaks on the line

Something has to give in Green Bay today when Detroit comes knocking.

The Lions have lost their past 10 games on the road against the Packers. But Lions quarterback Charlie Batch is unbeaten in three starts against Green Bay (although all were in the Silverdome). His passer rating is 115.3 in those three starts with seven touchdowns and three interceptions.

And then there's Brett Favre's record in games when it's below 34 degrees at kickoff. He's 25-0.

What's a pick worth?

Matt Hasselbeck is another quarterback who may become available after the season. The Packers might deal him if they can get a first-round draft choice for him.

That should tell anyone all they need to know about the thin quarterback talent spread throughout the NFL. Hasselbeck is the backup to Brett Favre in Green Bay, and that has been his biggest accomplishment.

The Packers drafted him in the sixth round in 1998 from Boston College, then put him on their practice squad that season. Anyone could have signed him. He made the club last season based on good play in exhibition games but threw only 10 times during the season and completed only three.

He has gotten little play this season, too. He is 10 of 19 for 104 yards.

And that's worth a first-round draft pick?

Thanks for your time

The Bears did not exactly beg Gary Crowton to stay as offensive coordinator before he took the job as Brigham Young coach.

Chicago's offense under Crowton ranks 29th in scoring in the NFL. They averaged just 11.4 points a game on offense. The Bears have not scored a touchdown on offense in six games, including five of their past seven. They scored once in their past 18 quarters.

Crowton did gain some fame when three different Bears quarterbacks threw for 1,000 yards apiece last season. But those same three have been either hurt or unproductive in this one.

Plus, Crowton hates the running game, which made him even more attractive to BYU.

Quick slants

San Francisco yielded 32 points a game in their first 10 games and just 10 apiece in its past three.

Norv Turner won't wind up back in Dallas as offensive coordinator. "Since we just reorganized our staff," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, "it wouldn't make sense to add him to this staff."

The Cowboys need more help on their defense. They've allowed 176.9 yards rushing a game and now must face Stephen Davis, Ron Dayne/Tiki Barber and Eddie George over their next three games.

The Buccaneers have blocked a team-record seven kicks this season, three punts and four field goals.

The Vikings can tie an NFL record today by gaining 300 yards on offense for the 29th consecutive game. Had they gained one more yard against Atlanta in the 1999 season opener, their current streak would be 41.