Bush directs focus back on football
After having to answer questions about alleged improper benefits from his days at Southern California this week, Bush caught a team-high eight passes for 68 yards in the Saints’ 34-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
But Bush didn’t make a game-breaking play or consistently elude defenders. He left that up to the rest of the Saints.
Drew Brees and Deuce McAllister responded, with Brees throwing for 353 yards and two touchdowns and McAllister adding two more on the ground.
“I’m not distracted at all,” Bush said. “I’m living a dream right now. I’m having fun. I got a chance to play at Lambeau Field today with Brett Favre on the other side of the field.”
Even in a relatively quiet performance, Bush showed flashes of his potential with 109 total yards. The Packers used a zone scheme to keep him mostly contained, with safety Nick Collins shadowing him.
Peyton passes Unitas’ touchdown mark
Peyton Manning broke John Unitas’ franchise record for completions during the first quarter of the Colts’ game against Houston.
Manning set the mark with 8:17 left in the first quarter when he threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Joseph Addai. The third completion of the game gave Manning 2,797 career completions in 130 games. Unitas had 2,796 in 206 games with the Colts.
Manning finished 26 of 38 for 400 yards and three TDs, giving him 2,820 completions. He is second on the Colts’ career list behind Unitas in attempts, yardage, touchdowns and games played by a quarterback.
In the third quarter, Marvin Harrison moved into fifth place on the NFL career receptions list by catching a 15-yard pass from Manning.
Raiders’ quarterback problems worsen
Oakland Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks was removed in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens after injuring his right shoulder.
Brooks twice lost fumbled snaps to end Oakland’s first two possessions. When Oakland got the ball a third time, Andrew Walter was inserted at quarterback.
Kearse sacks his way to knee injury
Philadelphia defensive end Jevon Kearse left the Eagles game against the New York Giants with a sprained left knee. Kearse seemed shaken up and was slow to get off the field when he sacked Eli Manning and forced a fumble early in overtime. Two plays later, he teamed with defensive tackle Mike Patterson for another sack, only this time Kearse appeared to hurt himself much worse.
He was taken to the locker room on a cart, and will have an MRI today.
Bruschi returns to Patriots’ lineup
New England linebacker Tedy Bruschi was in the Patriots’ starting lineup against the New York Jets after missing the season opener last weekend with a broken wrist.