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WHO'S Hot / WHO'S Not
WHO'S Hot
Jaguars
A convincing win over rival Tennessee (Jacksonville never trailed) was made more fun when favorite son and career Jaguar Fred Taylor (above) went over 10,000 rushing yards in his career. "Look at the smile on my face," said Taylor afterward. The 6--3 Jags could have themselves a fab fall: They play three of their next four at home.
Ben Roethlisberger
He throws, he runs, he wins! In Week 9 he tossed five TDs on Monday night. On Sunday he threw two more—and scrambled 30 yards for another TD in a comeback over Cleveland. "Basically," said Browns coach Romeo Crennel, "we couldn't tackle him."
Johnny Weir
The flamboyant skater wants to get back to his champion status. Here's a nice step: He won his first event—at the Cup of China—since switching coaches in August.
J.R.
Out of retirement for one last season, San Jose center Jeremy Roenick (right) saw one of his comeback dreams come true. He scored his 500th NHL goal last Saturday, then took a joyous spin around the ice with his son, Brett, on his back.
WHO'S Not
Lions
Has midnight arrived? Running back Kevin Jones (above) and the Cinderella Lions are 6--3, but in an unsightly loss to Arizona, Detroit had five turnovers and, no misprint, minus--18 yards rushing. "We'll watch the tape and move forward," said coach Rod Marinelli. Move carefully, Rod. Detroit's next four opponents are a combined 25--11.
Peyton Manning
He throws, he's picked! TV's most prominent NFL pitchman—he does spots for MasterCard, Gatorade, Reebok, DirecTV and Sprint—didn't sell footballs on Sunday night; he gave away six for free to assorted Chargers. How's that gonna help the bottom line?
Bode Miller
The renegade skier is going it alone after bolting the U.S. ski team. Early returns in the slalom: Fifth two weeks ago and 26th (he bonked into a gate) on Sunday.
Sugar Shane
The welterweight Mosely said he'd win by KO. Not quite. He lost by decision. "He's not a guy who gets hurt," observed Mosely, 36, of his dismantler, Miguel Cotto. Now, will Mosely retire? "I'm not getting any younger," he said.
SI PLAYERS NFL POLL
Not counting quarterback, what is the most important position in football?
Center 15%
Running back 15%
Cornerback 14%
Offensive tackle 13%
Linebacker 13%
FAST FACTS
Wide receiver drew just 0.8% of the vote, the same as punter.... Bears center Olin Kreutz (above right) has been named to six consecutive Pro Bowls.... Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson (above left), who left Sunday's game with a knee injury, leads the NFL with 1,081 rushing yards.... Kicker drew 7.9% of the vote.... Nearly 70% of QBs picked an offensive-line position.
[Based on a survey of 278 NFL players] • For more on the poll, and to comment on it, go to SI.com/players.
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BRYAN YABLONSKY/SPORTSCHROME (JONES)
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JOHN BIEVER (MANNING)
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ERIC RISBERG/AP (ROENICK)
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HEINZ KLUETMEIER (KREUTZ)
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DAVID E. KLUTHO (PETERSON)
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SCOTT BOEHM/GETTY IMAGES (ROETHLISBERGER)
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PETER G. AIKEN/CAL SPORT MEDIA (TAYLOR)
