NFL notes: Earl Thomas may have captured Seahawks’ punt-return job

The debate over who should return punts for the Seahawks just got a little more interesting – or maybe settled for good.

The Seahawks gave Earl Thomas first crack at the job from the beginning, despite the protests of many fans and media members who thought he was too valuable to return punts.

But in Seattle’s second-to-last exhibition game – Friday night’s 34-6 thumping of the Chicago Bears – Thomas busted loose for a 59-yard return. The only blemish: He was caught by the Bears punter after it looked like he might score.

Thomas has balked at the notion that he shouldn’t return punts, and he has made it known he’s wanted the job from the beginning. Coach Pete Carroll didn’t say that Thomas had won the job after the game, but Thomas’ return was by far his best of the preseason.

“It felt like normal,” Thomas said. “It felt like anytime I get the ball I can make something happen. People are just so blind to the fact and stuck in their ways, but I love it because I’ve got a chance to shut everybody up.”

The only other Seahawks to return punts in the first two exhibition games were cornerback Phillip Adams and wide receiver Bryan Walters. Both are on the bubble of making the roster.

Said Carroll, “For Earl to get some space finally and get a shot at it, he looked really good. He said it felt like Pop Warner.”

Seattle Times

Bradford injured

St. Louis starting quarterback Sam Bradford reinjured his surgically repaired left knee in the first quarter against the Browns on Saturday in Cleveland.

Bradford, who missed the Rams’ final nine games last season after having a torn left anterior cruciate ligament repaired, went down after being pressured and hit high by defensive lineman Armonty Bryant.

The Rams provided little information on Bradford’s status, saying only he has a knee injury.

The Rams beat the Browns 33-14.

Packers lose Raji

Nose tackle B.J. Raji tore his biceps in the Green Bay Packers’ exhibition win over the Oakland Raiders and will miss the entire season, a league source said.

Smith will start

Rex Ryan finally made it official after the Jets’ 35-24 preseason loss to the Giants on Friday night, announcing that Gno Smith will be the starting quarterback for New York in Week 1.

Manning sharp

Peyton Manning and Emmanuel Sanders found their rhythm after an early miscue, connecting for two long touchdowns in the final 67 seconds of the first half of the host Denver Broncos’ 18-17 preseason loss to the Houston Texans on Saturday.

Manning was whistled for taunting following his second TD toss to Sanders. The Broncos said that was apparently the first such penalty in the five-time MVP’s career.

Saints 23, Colts 17: Drew Brees threw two touchdown passes in the first quarter and visiting New Orleans defeated Indianapolis.

Vikings 30, Chiefs 12: The Vikings’ Matt Cassel threw for 152 yards and a touchdown in his return to Kansas City, and visiting Minnesota rolled to a victory in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ravens 23, Redskins 17: Joe Flacco’s final throw was a touchdown pass, providing a positive ending to an uneven performance by Baltimore’s first-team offense in a win over visiting Washington.

Robert Griffin III concluded his horrid outing with an interception, leaving the Redskins much to consider in the wake of a loss.

Dolphins 25, Cowboys 20: Orleans Darkwa ran in from 1 yard out with 1:45 left, and Miami rallied from two scores down in the final minutes to beat Dallas in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Titans 24, Falcons 17: Former Gonzaga Prep and UW standout Bishop Sankey’s 3-yard touchdown run and 2-point conversion with 5:45 remaining gave visiting Tennessee its first lead as the Titans rallied for a win over Atlanta.

Buccaneers 27, Bills 14: Josh McCown directed two first-half touchdown drives, and defensive tackle Clinton McDonald returned a fumble for a score as visiting Tampa Bay defeated Buffalo in Orchard Park, New York.