THE MAIL

While reading about the senseless murder of Cherica Adams, I couldn't help but focus on how much of a monster Rae Carruth is. Surprisingly Cherica's mom, Saundra, doesn't seem to dwell on Carruth's deadly deeds. So why then should I? Saundra's willingness to forgive Carruth and turn her attention to the beautiful grandson that he helped produce, rather than the daughter that he helped take away, is truly inspiring.

Chris Vanderbeek, St. Louis

Conflicting Sentiments

Thomas Lake's story on Carruth and his victims (The Boy They Couldn't Kill) left me with mixed emotions. While Saundra's dedication to her grandson made me smile, Carruth's statement that he felt guilty about none of what happened that fateful night made me furious, and the fact that Chancellor may someday have to interact with his father made me cry.

Allison Brammer, Minneapolis

Back in the Day

As a longtime Browns and Ravens fan, I was sorry to hear about the death of the team's owner, Art Modell (SCORECARD), but I was especially fascinated by the photo you used for his obituary. I'm guessing it's from the early 1960s. I can't imagine a modern-day NFL team holding training camp on a small neighborhood field like the one in the photo. Oh, how the world has changed.

Steve Watson, Lynnfield, Mass.

In Praise of Chipper

I thoroughly enjoyed the Chipper Jones essay (POINT AFTER). With this being his last season with the Braves, baseball is losing not only a great player but also a great role model. Jones played the game the right way for his entire 19-year career and was never afraid to speak candidly about the mistakes that he made. He will surely be missed.

Nate Bryant, Hope, Ind.

No Hard Feelings

Many thanks for your article on Peyton Manning (What, You Doubted Him?). Although I am a longtime Colts fan, I really believe that if Manning stays healthy, he will prove to be a bargain for the Broncos and will bring them much success. It may be hard for some to believe, but there are still a ton of people in Indianapolis who are rooting for Manning despite the new uniform.

Donald Ray Burleigh, Martinsville, Ind.

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THE BOY THEY COULDN'T KILL

SEPT. 17

NFL CONCUSSIONS

SEPT. 10

POINT AFTER: CHIPPER JONES

SEPT. 17

PEYTON MANNING

SEPT. 17

TWEET OF THE WEEK

"Complaining about the replacement refs in the NFL is so passé. I mean incomplete passé. I mean, wait, let's review that."

AARON DURAND (@EVERYDAYDUDE)

FEEDBACK

It's been a chaotic first three weeks of the NFL season. What do you think has been the most shocking moment of the season thus far?

Corey Fallon: For me it was Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert throwing a game-winning, 80-yard touchdown pass against the Colts. We never see that type of play in Jacksonville.

Alan Harris: The fact that the NFL hasn't gotten the refs' situation resolved and that the league has been so sensitive about criticism of the replacement refs.

Lyle William: The Buccaneers' defense firing off the ball for the second straight week during the kneel-down, and charging the Cowboys' O-line as they did against the Giants.

Richie Okeefe Jr: The cheap shot that Broncos linebacker Joe Mays put on Texans quarterback Matt Schaub. Totally unnecessary.

Bob Hitch: The Saints being 0--3.

Tad Donovan: I was absolutely shocked that Ravens WR Torrey Smith had the strength to play in the game against the Patriots less than 24 hours after the death of his brother.

Mike Arndt: I'll tell you one thing that was not surprising: Coach Belicheat [Bill Belichick] throwing a fit after the Patriots' loss on Sunday night. He lacks both character and morals.

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ROBERT BECK (COVER)

FOR Sept. 17, 2012

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