Rice will no longer be streaking

Jerry Rice probably didn’t figure his team-first attitude would lead to the end of his NFL-record receptions streak.

But Ronald Curry’s big day Sunday is a sign the Oakland Raiders will no longer rely as much on Rice in their talented receiving corps. Rice’s NFL-record streak of 274 games with a catch ended, and Curry caught five passes for 89 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders’ 13-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Oakland, Calif.

Rice is still a starter, but has said he’s willing to accept a lesser role for the Raiders if it helps the team rebound from last season’s 4-12 debacle. He didn’t get a pass thrown his way until 2 1/2 minutes before halftime — and that was the only one.

The last time Rice didn’t catch a pass was Dec. 1, 1985, at Washington.

Rice came out with 2:37 left during a Buffalo timeout and threw his helmet to the ground. He appeared to yell in frustration and paced the sideline for several minutes.

Cardinals pay tribute to Tillman

The Arizona Cardinals honored Pat Tillman in an emotional halftime ceremony in Tempe, Ariz., that featured the fallen player’s widow and other members of his family.

“It really helps us knowing that his spirit and memory live on in all of you,” Marie Tillman said to the rousing cheers of the crowd.

A giant No. 40 jersey was unfurled in Sun Devil Stadium, where Tillman played as a star linebacker for Arizona State and an overachieving safety for the Cardinals.

Tillman left a lucrative contract in the NFL in 2002 to join the Army Rangers with his brother Kevin. He was killed April 22 in the Khost province of Afghanistan, the first NFL player to die in combat since the Vietnam War.

He was 27.

Porter ticks off Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens won’t soon forget the hit Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter leveled on injured tight end Todd Heap.

Heap twisted his right ankle on the previous play when he gingerly took his place on the line as Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller prepared to spike the ball. As Boller thrust the ball downward, Porter shoved Heap backward with a show of brute force.

Heap could barely lift himself off the turf and was removed for the remainder of the game.

Afterward, the Ravens were livid over Porter’s unnecessary hit.

“It just shows what type of character that guy has,” linebacker Ray Lewis said.

Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister called Porter an unprintable name and said, “There’s no reason for anyone to take a cheap shot like that.”

Porter contended Heap might have been bluffing.