IDP Notes

Last week, Raiders S Rod Woodson called out his defensive teammates. `We've got some veterans who aren't working,'' said Woodson. ``Some veterans I don't think understand it. They don't want to put in the work. I've been on three other teams and it's like that anywhere you go. Knowing how to play is attitude, that's not ability.'' It looks like something finally may have worked in waking up the Raiders as they beat the Vikings, held Randy Moss in check, and picked off three Daunte Culpepper passes.

When San Francisco faced Pittsburgh on Monday night, it was the first time this year that the 49ers had faced a 3-4 defense. Based on the outcome (130.6 rating for Tim Rattay, 5.3 yards per carry on 32 rushes, a 30-14 victory) they must've liked what they saw. The next time they face a 3-4 will be in two weeks at Baltimore.

Eagles S Brian Dawkins returned this week from a Liz Franc foot sprain that he suffered during week one and picked up five solo tackles with two passes defended.

Saints DE Darren Howard returned this week from a wrist injury that he suffered during week one and picked up three solo tackles with a sack and two passes defended.

49ers CB Jason Webster saw his first action of the year this week as San Francisco's nickel back. He missed the first nine games this year because of leg and knee injuries, but reported no problems.

Cornerback Jason Webster, who hasn't played a down since last year's season finale, entered on the third snap of the game and played in the 49ers' nickel package throughout. With injuries to safeties Zack Bronson and Ronnie Heard, the team's regular nickel cornerback, Rashad Holman, played safety in passing situations.

The Broncos signed ex-Cardinals LB Johnny Rutledge last week to shore up their linebacking crew, having lost starters Ian Gold and John Mobley for the season. It's a good thing they did as they were dealt another blow on Sunday. Rookie LB Terry Pierce is also gone for the year after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in his chest. Look for Denver to dip into free-agency again as they're left with just five somewhat healthy linebackers right now, including Rutledge.

Speaking of torn pecs, Lions DT Luther Elliss has been activated from the non-football injury list after missing the seasons first nine games with a torn pectoral muscle. He did not play during week 11 but will be on the field soon.

Did I mention muscles in the chest yet? Well, it looks like Rams DE Leonard Little will miss his fourth straight game this weekend with a torn chest muscle.

Rams DT Brian Young was named the NFCs Defensive Player of the Week for his week 10 performance against Baltimore. In the game, Young tied an NFL record by recovering three fumbles, while adding in three solo tackles and a sack.

Also for week 10, Steelers LB Jason Gildon was named the AFCs Defensive Player of the Week. Playing against Arizona, Gildon picked up 11 tackles (eight solo) and three sacks.

Prior to Sundays game against the Titans, Jaguars DE Hugh Douglas was in the midst of the longest sackless streak of his career (eight games). The streak ended as he picked up 1.5 sacks on Tennessee, but it probably wasn't enough to keep him from being released during the offseason.

Patriots DT Ted Washington and LB Ted Johnson both returned to the field on Sunday. Washington, who started the game, had been out since week two with a fractured leg while Johnson had been out since week one with a broken foot. They combined for seven solo tackles.

The Colts have placed CB Joseph Jefferson on injured reserve, officially ending his season. Thought to be a possible starter coming into this season, the second year pro had yet to see the field in 03 because of a pelvis injury.

Two weeks after signing with Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers have released CB Hank Poteat (formally with the Steelers). He did not see the field for the Bucs as he was inactive weeks 9-10 with a hamstring injury.

Fred Taylor was the last running back to gain 100 yards on Tennessee, but that was back during week 13 of 2000. 25 games later, Taylor got another shot this week but came up well short with just 65 rushing yards. The Titans have allowed a 100-yard rusher only 13 times since 1996, the lowest mark in the NFL, and lead the league this year allowing just 78.8 rushing yards per game.

The Broncos are taking a look at ex-starting CB Deltha O'Neal as a wide receiver. His days as a defensive back in Denver are likely over as he's repeatedly been beaten and has been unable to regain his confidence. "We've moved him over and we've looked at him this week," coach Mike Shanahan said of converted WR Deltha O'Neal (formerly a CB). "He really did a good job. I can't say he's finished (at CB) because he's played there for years and he made the Pro Bowl," Shanahan said. "I just thought that it was something that was intriguing to see what he could do with the ball in his hands."

49ers LB Jamie Winborn has been placed on the injured reserve after team doctors discovered a bulging disc in his neck, the second straight year that he's landed on the IR. Second year LB Saleem Rasheed will step in and try to fill Winborn's role in San Francisco's defense.

Six Titans defenders were fined a total of $40,000 by the NFL for their celebration during their week 10 31-7 victory over Miami. The players were LB Keith Bulluck, DT Robaire Smith, S Tank Williams, CBs Andre Dyson and Samari Rolle, and DE Kevin Carter. Appeals are likely to follow.

In a post game stat change, Browns LB Andra Davis was credited with another sack during week 10 on a play that was originally deemed a run. The extra sack was Davis' fourth of the game, tying a Browns single game record.

Another post game stat change saw Titans DE JeVon Kearse getting credit for a sack during week 10 that was originally credited to teammate Carlos Hall. It gave Kearse 9.5 sacks on the year, which at the time tied him for the AFC lead with Shaun Ellis, and it was the second time this year that he had received credit for a sack during the week after the game was over.

Browns DT Gerard Warren has been fined $5,000 by the NFL for his hit on Chiefs OL Brian Waters during Week 10. Warren hit Waters with his helmet after Chiefs QB Trent Green threw a pass to an offensive lineman, who was an ineligible receiver.

Texans CB Marcus Coleman and LB Antwan Peek were both suspended by the team one game for their week 11 matchup against Buffalo. Violation of team policy was given as the reason. Peek had already been ruled out for the game with foot injury, but Coleman was expected to be in the starting lineup.

Seahawks LB Anthony Simmons also violated a team rule was held out (listed inactive) during week 11. He's expected to return to the lineup this week, barring any new violations.

Jets DT Josh Evans, reinstated by the NFL earlier this month after serving a drug suspension, was activated by the team on Monday. To open a roster spot, New York placed S Jon McGraw on the injured reserve. McGraw had been suffering from a shoulder injury, which forced him to miss four games this year, and he was re-injured during Sundays game in which he posted a career high eight solo tackles.

Raiders ageless DE Trace Armstrong injured injured his shoulder on Sunday and it looks to be similar to the injury that QB Rich Gannon suffered. MRI results were not yet available, but at 38 years old it doesn't look good.

The MRI results were also unavailable for Raiders LB Travian Smith, who looks to have suffered an MCL injury against the Vikings. He will likely be out of action for a while.

On a good note for Oakland, CB Phillip Buchanon was the star of Sundays game, picking off two passes, returning one for a touchdown, forcing a fumble and adding five solo tackles. The preformance earned Buchanon the Player of the Week award in the AFC. The interception return was his third in 16 games as a Raider, two shy of team record holder Terry McDaniel.

The agent for Eagles CB Bobby Taylor has accused Philadelphia of rushing his client back too quickly from a foot strain that has kept Taylor out of all but two games this year. The doctor who examined Taylor said that the accusation was unfounded. What else is he going to say? Undoubtedly, this has to do with money, with Taylor being a free-agent at seasons end and the Eagles showing no interest in giving him an extension.

Both Vikings DE Kenny Mixon and rookie DE Kevin Williams were arrested for DWI's within the last week. Earlier this year, Mixon avoided punishment by the NFL after he was acquitted of a driving under the influence charge, but he may not be so lucky this time around.

Giants S Shaun Williams reportedly has cartilage damage in his knee and may be headed for surgery, which would end his season.

Chiefs S Jerome Woods has won the teams 2003 Ed Block Courage Award. The award is honored to one player from every NFL team who exemplifies commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.

In case you're still interested, Bruce Smith remains a half sack shy of tying Reggie White for the career sack title. This week he takes on Brian Griese and the Miami Dolphins, who held the Ravens sackless a week ago.