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As expected, the Carolina Panthers are not sitting still a day after trimming their roster to 53 players.

The Panthers hit the waiver wire hard Sunday, claiming five players at positions of need.

The Panthers claimed wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu from San Diego, defensive back Stevie Brown from Oakland, nose tackle Marcus Harrison from Chicago, defensive end George Selvie from St. Louis and defensive back Josh Thomas from Dallas.

To make room for them, the Panthers waived defensive end Everette Brown, guard Bryant Browning, receiver David Clowney and defensive end Thomas Keiser. The Panthers also released veteran safety Kevin Payne.

Stay tuned, because it’s likely the Panthers are not done yet. They still have a big need at right guard after losing Geoff Schwartz and Garry Williams to season-ending injuries. They likely are in the market for a veteran at that position.

We’ve talked about potential unrestricted free agents at length and you can see the official list of all of them by clicking here.

But we haven’t done much on restricted free agents. So let’s run through the list of NFC South restricted free agents now. Restricted free agents are players with fewer than four years of service who received qualifying offers before the lockout. Teams have the right of first refusal if a restricted free agent receives an offer from another team. Depending on the tender, they also can receive compensation if a player leaves as a restricted free agent.

Atlanta has two -- cornerback Brent Grimes and receiver Eric Weems. If Grimes leaves, the Falcons get a first-round draft pick. If Weems leaves, they get a second-round choice.

Carolina’s restricted free agents are receiver David Clowney, long-snapper J.J. Jansen and linebacker Jordan Senn. If Clowney leaves, the Panthers would get a fifth-round draft pick. There would be no compensation for Jansen or Senn.

New Orleans has only one restricted free agent. That’s guard Carl Nicks and he would bring a first-round pick as compensation.

Tampa Bay has six restricted free agents. Kicker Connor Barth and tackle James Lee would bring second-round draft picks if they leave. Defensive tackle Frank Okam would bring a fifth-round pick and safety Corey Lynch would bring a sixth-round pick. Cornerback Elbert Mack and receiver Micheal Spurlock come only with the right of first refusal.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

FALLING

1. Cadillac Williams, running back, Tampa Bay. One thing about coach Raheem Morris that sets him apart from most other coaches is he’s not afraid to telegraph his moves. During the bye week, he made it pretty clear that the Bucs are going to cut down on Williams’ carries and try to insert LeGarrette Blount and Kareem Huggins more often.

2. Carolina’s wide receivers. With Steve Smith likely out with an ankle injury and Dwayne Jarrett released after he was charged with driving while impaired, the Panthers are down to rookie receivers Brandon LaFell, David Gettis and Armanti Edwards. They also claimed David Clowney off waivers Tuesday. Edwards has yet to be active on game day. Rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen doesn’t exactly have a stellar cast to throw to.

3. New Orleans’ offensive line. It’s not what it was a year ago. That’s a little disappointing because the line returned intact, but it hasn’t been dominant. Drew Brees is getting pressured more than usual, the running game’s been only ordinary and All-Pro guard Jahri Evans has developed a sudden knack for getting called for holding penalties.

RISING

1. Curtis Lofton, linebacker, Falcons. He’s been a pretty good middle linebacker in his first two seasons. But the knock on Lofton was that he didn’t make big plays, and he talked this summer about how he wanted to change that. It’s happening. In Sunday’s victory against San Francisco, Lofton had nine tackles, a sack and an interception. A few more big plays and Lofton could be a strong candidate for the Pro Bowl.

2. Roddy White, receiver, Falcons. It’s hard to put White’s stock much higher than it already was. We declared him the best receiver in the NFC South last week. But White went out and took his game to a higher level Sunday. He made one of the most incredible plays of his career and it didn’t even involve him catching the ball. After Nate Clements had a late interception, White ran him down from behind and popped the ball loose to cause a fumble that the Falcons recovered. Atlanta then went on a drive and kicked the game-winning field goal.

3. Usama Young, safety, Saints. He’s usually just a special-teams player. But a series of injuries forced him into the strong safety spot in Sunday’s victory against Carolina. With the Panthers close to the range where they could kick a game-winning field goal, Young stepped up and had a tackle where he dropped DeAngelo Williams for a four-yard loss. That and a sack by free safety Malcolm Jenkins on the next play took the Panthers definitively out of field-goal range.

Jerry Richardson, who has been conspicuously silent as fans wonder what direction the Carolina Panthers are headed in, just made a very strong statement.

It was done silently and didn’t get into the whole youth movement or the future of coach John Fox. But Richardson sent a loud-and-clear message that he still is very much in control of the Panthers.

The team just announced it has waived receiver Dwayne Jarrett, who reportedly was arrested Tuesday morning for driving while impaired. Jarrett also was arrested on a similar charge in 2008.

In these situations, a lot of teams around the NFL wait for the legal system to play out. But Richardson has been known for not putting up with much when it comes to off-field troubles. The Panthers have released multiple players as soon as they’ve gotten into trouble and they also generally stay away from players with trouble in their past.

Jarrett, a second-round pick in 2007, had been a huge bust. He never came close to his potential and was playing behind rookies Brandon LaFell and David Gettis on Sunday.

“I talked to Dwayne and told him the situation here is just not working out for either side,” says general manager Marty Hurney. “We had a chance to pick up off waivers a receiver we considered claiming when he became available four weeks ago. We wish Dwayne the best.”

The Panthers claimed receiver David Clowney off waivers from the New York Jets to fill Jarrett’s roster spot.

MIAMI -- The New York Jets have announced receiver Braylon Edwards, arrested Tuesday morning for drunk driving, will not play the entire first quarter Sunday night against the Miami Dolphins here in Sun Life Stadium.

"We've made our disappointment clear to Braylon," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement released by the club. "Now he must deal with the consequences of his actions as the legal process runs its course, and the league will determine the appropriate discipline under the guidelines of the collective bargaining agreement."

Edwards is coming off an influential game for the Jets. He had five catches for 45 yards and a touchdown plus a two-point conversion in last week's victory over the New England Patriots.

Brad Smith will start at the receiver spot opposite Jerricho Cotchery.

The Jets on Saturday promoted receiver Patrick Turner to the active roster. Turner, a Dolphins third-round draft choice last year, will help fill try to hold down the fort along with Smith and David Clowney until Edwards takes the field.

Whether he plays a down for the New England Patriots on Sunday, this reported move at least should give New York Jets coach Rex Ryan that much more to worry about when his head hits the pillow Saturday night.

Boston Herald beat writer Ian R. Rapoport reports the Patriots have signed running back Danny Woodhead, whom the Jets released this week.

The Patriots had room on their 53-man roster after trading running back Laurence Maroney on Tuesday.

Woodhead was a popular Jet because he played much bigger than his listed 5-foot-9 frame. Ryan loved him, but had to make a move to get speedy receiver David Clowney back on the roster after Monday night's offensive debacle against the Baltimore Ravens.

Think Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will pump Woodhead for Jets intel?

Woodhead wasn't around long enough to get the Jets' specific game plan for the Patriots on Sunday at the Meadowlands. But he did spend the entire summer, training camp and all four preseason games with the Jets.

An overachiever like Woodhead, who had scrap to make the team, must have studied his playbook intently. You better believe he knows how the Jets' offense works, and since teams do install game plans for early opponents during training camp, he probably picked up on a few ideas the Jets want to apply.

From the starting lineup of their regular-season finale, the New York Jets have lopped 77 seasons of experience.

No wonder head coach Rex Ryan was bemoaning a lack of leadership in the latest episode of "Hard Knocks."

On Sunday, the Jets released veteran fullback Tony Richardson -- a day after he survived the cutdown deadline for the 53-man roster.

Richardson is trying to play a 16th NFL season. He was outplayed by rookie John Conner, but it was clear watching "Hard Knocks" the Jets coaching staff viewed Richardson as highly important to the 2010 cause. He was considered perhaps the most prominent leader in the locker room.

"Each season, there are difficult choices when constructing the 53-man roster, and this year is no exception," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement. "We appreciate Tony's contributions and leadership over the past two seasons and have nothing but the highest respect for him as a person and as a player."

The Jets also waived running back Chauncey Washington and receiver David Clowney. The dismissals cleared way for three waiver pickups: receiver Patrick Turner from the Miami Dolphins, tackle Patrick Brown from the Minnesota Vikings and defensive tackle Marcus Dixon from the Dallas Cowboys.

Richardson joined a long list of veterans who aren't around from a roster that was good enough to get the Jets to the AFC Championship Game, among them running back Thomas Jones (10 seasons), guard Alan Faneca (12 seasons), defensive end Marques Douglas (nine seasons), kicker Jay Feely (nine seasons) and long snapper James Dearth (nine seasons).

In fact, of the 10 most experienced players on the Jets' final roster last year, including injured reserve, only three remain: right tackle Damien Woody, nose tackle Kris Jenkins and defensive end Shaun Ellis.

Granted, the Jets did add veterans via free agency. Quarterback Mark Brunell is entering his 18th season, running back LaDainian Tomlinson his 10th and pass-rusher Jason Taylor his 14th. But all of them were signed with the intention to be backups.

You have to wonder whether the Jets have over-tinkered their roster.

Storylines for this week's episode of "Hard Knocks" focused on the New York Jets' fringe players, laying the groundwork for drama on final cutdown day in a couple weekends.

Most revealing from my perspective was the chance to eavesdrop on general manager Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Rex Ryan discussing their roster numbers. On a dry-erase board, Tannenbaum tried to do the math and gave a glimpse of what the 53-man roster will look like, more or less.

Next to the team's official depth chart, Tannenbaum scrawled out the number of players they plan to keep at each position, with the caveat they can adjust for special teams.

Offense (25 players):

• Three quarterbacks
• Five running backs
• Five wide receivers (including Santonio Holmes)
• Four tight ends
• Eight offensive linemen

Defense (23 players):

• Six defensive linemen
• Four outside linebackers
• Four inside linebackers
• Five cornerbacks (I think because I couldn't decipher the abbreviation)
• Four safeties (I think for the same reason)

Add a kicker, punter and long-snapper, and that's 51 players, leaving two special-teams spots for everybody else to fight over.

The show suggested the bubble players were running back Danny Woodhead, fullback Jason Davis, receivers David Clowney and Larry Taylor, tight end Matthew Mulligan and linebacker Lance Laury.

Injuries, of course, can impact the numbers. The breakdown was done before defensive end Ropati Pitoitua suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Saturday's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.

Pitoitua's injury was significant for Rodrique Wright, who had an "X" next to his name on the depth chart, suggesting the Jets planned to cut him.

"Hey, you going to make this [expletive] team?" Ryan says to Wright on the sideline after learning of Pitoitua's injury. "This kid just tore his [expletive] Achilles. Or do I need to pick somebody else up?"

"Hard Knocks" revealed others with an "X" next to his name or a "PS" to indicate practice squad. A slow and up-close pan of all the unmarked name plates helped determine who had been designated in the shot of Tannenbaum sketching out the roster.

These were the other "X" players still on the roster I could decipher thanks to the high-def on my big-screen plasma: quarterback Kellen Clemens, running back Chauncey Washington, center Robby Felix, guard Marlon Davis and tackles Dan Gay and Michael Turkovich. An "X" also appeared next to a blank spot at fullback, suggesting Jason Davis.

These were the "PS" players: defensive linemen Matthew Kroul, Ty Steinkuhler and Martin Tevaseu and safety Emanuel Cook.

Also notable about the depth chart, rookie Vladimir Ducasse was above Matt Slauson at left guard. Shonn Greene was on top of LaDainian Tomlinson.

Not a lot of surprises, but interesting nevertheless.

Yet based on Ryan's comments about his third-stringers late in the 9-3 victory over the Panthers, there's plenty of room to make an impression over the final couple weeks.

"Guys, we're dead with this group. We have replacements?" Ryan says into his headset to his defensive assistants in the press box. Ryan's voice gets angrier. "Do we have any replacements? Get me the No. Twos out there! I'm not going to lose this [expletive] game! Give me the [expletive] Twos out there. Finish the [expletive] job!

"We're leaving the Twos out there if we have to. Finish the game. I don't give two [expletive]. Some of those guys can't play dead in a B western."

Washington, for example, went from having an "X" next to his name to receiving a game ball for a jarring hit on punt coverage and strong running.

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez should have flashbacks to his NFL debut when they open the upcoming season.

He'll have one of the two high-profile receivers the Jets acquired since then.

ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini, citing an unnamed league source, reports Braylon Edwards will not be suspended for that altercation with a LeBron James crony in Cleveland just before the Browns dealt Edwards to the Jets. Cimini added Edwards likely will be only fined and that the development means the Jets probably will lose whatever interest they had in bringing back Laveranues Coles.

The Jets won't have Santonio Holmes for the first four games. The NFL suspended Holmes for violating the substance-abuse policy before the Pittsburgh Steelers traded the 2009 Super Bowl MVP for a fifth-round draft pick.

Had Edwards been suspended, the Jets would have gone into their opener against the Baltimore Ravens on "Monday Night Football" with Jerricho Cotchery as the top target and a mixed bag that includes David Clowney and Brad Smith.

In the span of six measly months, the New York Jets' top three receivers went from this:

1. Jerricho Cotchery

2. Chansi Stuckey

3. David Clowney

To this:

1a. Braylon Edwards

1b. Santonio Holmes

3. Cotchery

What an upgrade. The Jets continued their metamorphosis Sunday night, sending a fifth-round draft choice to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Holmes.

In a short time, the Jets went from wondering how their passing game would cope without Laveranues Coles to boasting a crew that features three 1,100-yard receivers.

Go back a year and the Jets' passing game was even more dubious. Brett Favre was gone. Some believed Brett Ratliff had a shot at the job.

Among the receivers, Cotchery had with the highest pedigree. He was a fourth-round draft pick. Stuckey was a seventh-rounder. Clowney was a waiver-wire pickup.

Now the Jets have a pair of first-rounders with some hardware. Edwards, the third overall selection in 2005, is a Pro Bowler. Holmes, the 25th pick in 2006, was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIII.

Cotchery is the oldest of the three. He'll turn 28 in June.

Think second-year quarterback Mark Sanchez might be excited about throwing a little more this year?

Sanchez also has tight end Dustin Keller, another first-rounder. The backfield options are LaDainian Tomlinson and Leon Washington, two fellows who can catch.

The Jets had the NFL's top rushing attack last year. Their 37.9 carries per game were 5.1 attempts more than the second team and about 10 more than the league average.

At the league owners meetings last month in Orlando, Fla., Jets coach Rex Ryan said, "We might not run it as much as we did last year, but we’ll be pretty close."

When you consider the talent the Jets continue to assemble, that's getting increasingly harder to believe.

A collection of tweets in response to Sunday night's big trade that sent receiver Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick ...

Donte Whitner, Buffalo Bills safety:

"Santonio Holmes traded to the JETS. Wow."

Darius Butler, New England Patriots cornerback:

"Wowwww a 5th round pick! I know this supposef to be a deep draft but damn Pitt."

"Im not concerned abt him bein n the division. Every team we play has gd players its the NFL. Im just shocked at what he went for."

Marcellus Wiley, ESPN analyst:

"The Jets are starting to look like an All-Madden Team....especially if they get Jason Taylor and T.O.!!!"

Darrelle Revis, Jets cornerback:

"Wow we got holmes this is crazy. We makin big moves this off-season. Putting the pieces together to get closer to that superbowl ring."

Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals receiver:

"Mr. Goodell the NY Jets are unfairly loading their team up with great players like the Yankees do, we need to stop this now!"

Bob Glauber, Newsday columnist:

"If Santonio Holmes puts it together with the Jets, the trade will go down as one of the biggest steals ever. 5th rounder? Sheesh."

David Clowney, Jets receiver:

"Lord what am I doing wrong"

"I know this is a test,.. But God never puts you thru anything you can't handle. I trust you Lord"

INDIANAPOLIS -- The New York Jets have downsized their drafts in recent years, dealing picks to trade up and procure players they wanted especially.

They selected a grand total of three players a year ago and 13 players over the past three years.

At some point, don't they need to have a healthy draft class to fortify the team's depth?

General manager Mike Tannenbaum doesn't think so.

"That would be the case, but we have such a talented scouting department," Tannenbaum said.

Vice president of college scouting Joey Clinkscales and senior personnel executive have identified contributors who were overlooked by other teams.

"We've added guys who are maybe not household names like [defensive tackle] Mike DeVito and [linebacker] Jamaal Westerman," Tannenbaum said. "We have a lot of young guys who we really like, who have really helped us."

Tannenbaum also pointed to the acquisition of receiver David Clowney and running back Chauncey Washington from the Green Bay Packers' and Dallas Cowboys' practice squads, respectively.

Tannenbaum certainly would've preferred to mention more significant names than those. Clowney had 14 catches for 191 yards and one touchdown. Washington joined the team last year with three games left and was deactivated for each one.

Tannenbaum contended the Jets aren't forced to amass picks, or have a bloated class like they did in 2006, his first year as GM. They selected 10 players, three of whom have made a Pro Bowl. Seven started at least one game last year.

"Because of those other avenues to improve the team," Tannenbaum said, "that has complemented the fact we haven't had a lot of picks."

When the Jets have dealt draft picks to move up in the order, their decisions have worked out. They traded up last year to get quarterback Mark Sanchez and running back Shonn Greene. In their four-man class of 2007, they twice traded three picks for two picks to move up and select cornerback Darrelle Revis and linebacker David Harris.

"When you trade up, you trade away valuable resources, and there is no guarantee on any of these guys," Tannenbaum said. "But you'd better be as close to pretty darn sure as you can. Fortunately for us, we had real organizational conviction in those situations be it Mark or Shonn last year or Revis or David Harris. We felt really strong.

"You have to make those value judgments of 'Is this price reasonable?' because to give up picks in our system is a heavy lift. Every situation is unique. We actually have traded back a few times, but no one ever seems to talk about that. Every situation is unique, but I fall back to we have a great college scouting staff that gives me good information."

SAN DIEGO -- No surprises on the inactive list for Sunday's playoff game in Qualcomm Stadium.

New York Jets

• Quarterback Kevin O'Connell (third QB)
• Quarterback Erik Ainge
• Running back Chauncey Washington
• Receiver David Clowney
• Guard Matt Slauson
• Defensive end Ropati Pitoitua
• Linebacker Marques Murrell
• Linebacker Kenwin Cummings

San Diego Chargers

• Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst
• Running back Michael Bennett
• Receiver Buster Davis
• Center Eric Ghiaciuc
• Defensive end Vaughn Martin
• Linebacker Dontarrious Thomas
• Linebacker Marques Harris
• Cornerback Dante Hughes

» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
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A team-by-team analysis of the division. The arrow indicates which direction each team is trending.

New England Patriots

Final Power Ranking: 10

Biggest surprise: Tully Banta-Cain largely was considered an afterthought to the Patriots' defense when the season began. Players such as Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren, Jerod Mayo and Brandon Meriweather were the projected stars. But Banta-Cain, back after two years with the 49ers, led the Patriots with 9.5 sacks, four more than his previous career-high. He also had a pair of forced fumbles.

Biggest disappointment: Outside linebacker Adalius Thomas probably won't be back next year. Thomas has two years remaining on a free-agent contract that pays him an average of $7 million, but that didn't stop Bill Belichick from benching him twice. Thomas notched 11 sacks for the Ravens the year before the Patriots signed him. He finished with three this year, tying his worst output since he became a starter in 2001.

Biggest need: Despite unexpected seasons from Banta-Cain and defensive tackle Mike Wright, the Patriots must improve their pass rush. Wright had five sacks. So did Derrick Burgess, acquired with high expectations in a trade with the Raiders in training camp. The Patriots notched a mere 31 sacks, tying them for 23rd in the league. They ranked 12th in pass defense.

Team MVP: Wes Welker won't be around for the playoffs, but he certainly helped the Patriots get there. He led the NFL with a franchise-record 123 receptions for 1,348 yards.

Turning point: On opening night, Bills kick returner Leodis McKelvin fumbled with about minute left in the game to set up Tom Brady's second touchdown pass in the final 2:06 of a stunning victory. Had the Patriots lost that game, the whole trajectory of their season might've changed.

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New York Jets

Final Power Ranking: 12

Biggest surprise: When star nose tackle Kris Jenkins suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 6, everyone figured the Jets' 3-4 defense was doomed. But rookie coach Rex Ryan continued to mold his defense into the NFL's best unit. The Jets ranked No. 1 in total defense and passing defense, and gave up the fewest first downs. The Cowboys had to close the season with back-to-back shutouts to nip the Jets by one-tenth of a point for the best scoring defense.

Biggest disappointment: Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez's lack of progression from the start of the season has been frustrating. He began his career remarkably well, playing beyond his years in helping the Jets open 3-0. But his penchant for giveaways and a failure to grasp team concepts forced the Jets to curb their offense rather than open it up as the season wore on. The best solution has been to marginalize Sanchez. In his past five victories, his attempts were in the teens, and his yardage never surpassed 154.

Biggest need: Aside from accelerated experience at quarterback? Despite the trade for downfield threat Braylon Edwards, the Jets really could use help at receiver. Sanchez would benefit from a reliable slot receiver. The Jets' fourth-leading target was running back Leon Washington, who didn't play the final nine games. You'd have to look even lower on the stat sheet to find their third receiver. David Clowney finished with 14 catches for 191 yards.

Team MVP: Lockdown cornerback Darrelle Revis was the best player on the NFL's best defense. His six interceptions tied him for fifth in the league, and his 37 passes defensed were best by a comfortable margin.

Turning point: The Jets had a miraculous Week 16. All of the teams they needed to lose fell flat, and the undefeated Colts pulled their starters with almost six minutes left in the third quarter to usher the Jets onto the postseason threshold.

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Miami Dolphins

Final Power Ranking: 21

Biggest surprise: The Dolphins couldn't have appear more condemned than when they started 0-3 and lost quarterback Chad Pennington to a season-ending shoulder injury. In came sophomore Chad Henne, who had been lackluster in the preseason. The Dolphins preferred to let Henne marinate for another season, but he won seven of his first 10 starts and showed enough to give Dolfans reason to believe they've found a franchise quarterback.

Biggest disappointment: The best compliment head coach Tony Sparano could pay outside linebacker Joey Porter recently was that he had gotten better at stopping the run as the season progressed. Porter led the AFC in sacks last season with 17. He recorded only nine this season, with half coming in two games. A hamstring problem bothered him, and Sparano benched him one game for disciplinary reasons.

Biggest need: The Dolphins need receiving help more than ever. Pennington thrived with their collection of possession receivers because he's a precision passer. But Henne has downfield capabilities that require a reliable deep threat. Ted Ginn certainly has the speed but little else to qualify him as a No. 1 wideout.

Team MVP: Ricky Williams is 32 years old, but he turned back the calendar with his best campaign since 2003, the longest spread between 1,000-yard seasons in NFL history. He became the workhorse, rushing for at least 102 yards in four out of the five games after Ronnie Brown suffered a season-ending broken foot in Week 10.

Turning point: The Dolphins were in control when they were 7-6. Then they lost their last three games to finish out of the playoffs.

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Buffalo Bills

Final Power Ranking: 24

Biggest surprise: When it came to this year's draft class, all of the attention was focused on defensive end Aaron Maybin (11th overall) and offensive linemen Eric Wood (28th) and Andy Levitre (51st). But safety Jairus Byrd (42nd) stole the show for much of the season and was selected for the Pro Bowl. Byrd started only 11 games, but his nine interceptions tied for the NFL lead.

Biggest disappointment: Marshawn Lynch appeared ready to break out as an elite running back. He was entering his third season and was a Pro Bowler with a pair of 1,000-yard campaigns. But he opened the season with a three-game suspension for repeated bad behavior. He lost his job as the featured back by Week 11 and finished with 450 yards. He completed four games with 6 or fewer yards.

Biggest need: The Bills are practically naked at both offensive tackle spots. They traded Pro Bowler Jason Peters before the draft and chose not to replace him -- even though they had a crack at young star Michael Oher. The Bills went through a series of unimpressive names, including Demetrius Bell, Brad Butler, Jamon Meredith, Jonathan Scott and Kirk Chambers.

Team MVP: Fred Jackson took over as lead back by thoroughly outperforming Lynch. Jackson rushed for 1,062 yards and two touchdowns, and caught 46 passes for 371 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson also was Buffalo's top kick returner with 1,014 yards.

Turning point: Had McKelvin not coughed up the ball on that fateful kickoff return on opening night, the Bills would have ended a wicked losing skid against the Patriots and probably would have changed the course of their season.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Cincinnati Bengals are going to rest at least one key starter Sunday night against the New York Jets.

The Bengals have scratched running back Cedric Benson and named rookie Bernard Scott the starter. The Bengals also have Larry Johnson. Benson rushed for 1,251 yards and six touchdowns this year and is a candidate for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Cincinnati Bengals

• Quarterback JORDAN Palmer (third QB). I repeat, Jordan Palmer
• Running back Cedric Benson
• Fullback Fui Vakapuna
• Tight end J.P. Foschi
• Center Jonathan Luigs
• Defensive end Robert Geathers
• Defensive tackle Domata Peko
• Safety Chris Crocker

New York Jets

• Quarterback Eric Ainge (third QB)
• Quarterback Kevin O'Connell
• Running back Chauncey Washington
• Receiver David Clowney
• Guard Matt Slauson
• Linebacker Kenwin Cummings
• Linebacker Marques Murrell
• Cornerback Donald Strickland