What about Bob?

All’s quiet on the T.O. front here in Big D.

After yesterday’s mind-numbing media barrage at Valley Ranch after news broke of an apparent suicide attempt by Terrell Owens, this place was crawling with reporters. Bill Parcells’ press conference was easily the most heavily attended since he’s been here; ditto for T.O.’s, when he shot down speculation that he had attempted to kill himself and told reporters that he had a bad reaction to pain medication and natural supplements he’d been taking.

T.O. was silent today, mostly avoiding the locker room, but at one point plopping himself down on a couch in the middle of the huge room and reading a Cowboys’ weekly newspaper. The players seem to be getting a little tired of talking about T.O. – who wouldn’t? – but one theme that kept coming through was the fact that he is genuinely liked and well-regarded inside the locker room. Of course, that’s the way it was his first year in Philly, and things quickly went into decline after he started whining about wanting a new contract.

T.O. did practice today, but it was on a limited basis, and Bill Parcells said it’s still too soon to know whether he’ll play against the Titans on Sunday in Nashville. A comeback from surgery to repair a fractured ring finger on his right hand would be remarkably quick if Owens does make it back this weekend. And if he doesn’t play against the Titans, then you know he’ll be back in the lineup the following weekend. At Philly? He wouldn’t miss that one.

Cabana, you write:

This rankings stuff goes great with a hot open roast beef on garlic toast with melted mozerella. Giants are a "pack team." Sounds about right.

(As a journalist, there can be nothing better said. BG)

Ranking, team, record, last week’s ranking, comment:

1. Colts (3-0) (1): Colts play poorly enough to lose, but still beat tough Jags. One note of caution: Eventually, this team will have find a running game.

2. Seahawks (3-0) (2): Seahawks blister Giants at home by using four-wide receiver packages.

3. Bears (3-0) (3): Bears outlast Vikes in slugfest at Metrodome. Up next: high-flying Seahawks at home.

4. Jaguars (2-1) (4): Jags lose, but gain a running back in rookie Maurice Jones-Drew.

5. Bengals (3-0) (7): Forget Carson Palmer’s knee injury. He’s over it. Four TD passes against rival Steelers should prove it.

6. Ravens (3-0) (8): Ravens nearly blow one against awful Cleveland, but Steve McNair’s fourth-quarter comeback keeps unbeaten season alive.

7. Chargers (2-0) (10): Let’s see how good these guys really are when they visit Baltimore on Sunday.

8. Broncos (2-1) (16): Forget all the talk about Jake Plummer. It’s the defense that’s carrying this team so far.

9. Falcons (2-1) (5): Michael Vick had no chance against revved up Saints in lopsided Monday night loss.

10. Steelers (1-2) (6): Something’s not right with this team. Big Ben is struggling. Willie Parker is good but has no help. The defense is only average right now.

11. Cowboys (1-1) (11): Pokes travel to Tennessee to face awful Titans, but this may not be a lay-up, what with Kerry Collins showing modest improvement.

12. Eagles (2-1) (12): Eagles rebound from fourth-quarter letdown against Giants with romp in San Francisco.

13. Giants (1-2) (9): Coming apart at the seams after three weeks?

14. Patriots (2-1) (13): Tom Brady misses Deion Branch in a big way. Offense is average.

15. Panthers (1-2) (15): A win over the Bucs, and suddenly Carolina’s season brightens.

16. Saints (3-0) (21): Emotional homecoming at Superdome followed by huge win over previously unbeaten Falcons. Perfect night.

17. Vikings (2-1) (14): Vikes’ offense sputters against Bears’ smothering defense.

18. Rams (2-1) (24): Marc Bulger upstages the man he replaced in St. Louis, Kurt Warner, as Rams edge Cardinals.

19. Jets (2-1) (25): Chad Pennington’s accuracy and bend-but-don’t-break defense combine for win over Bills.

20. Bills (1-2) (17): A 100-yard rusher, 100-yard receiver and 300-yard passer aren’t good enough against Jets.

21. Redskins (1-2) (22): Mark Brunell ends talk – at least for now – of QB controversy in Washington. He plays pitch-and-catch with receivers against woeful Texans.

22. Bucs (0-3) (18): Here’s to a speedy recovery for QB Chris Simms, who had to have his spleen removed after taking a pounding against Carolina. Bucs probably done.

23. Chiefs (0-2) (19): Herm Edwards looks for first win against 49ers. But he’ll have to do it again with Trent Green, who is still out with a concussion.

24. Cardinals (1-2) (20): Time for the Matt Leinart era, even though Denny Green sticks with Kurt Warner for now.

25. 49ers (1-2) (23): Offense shows continued signs of improvement, but defense was the problem against Eagles.

26. Dolphins (1-2) (26): Dolphins edge pathetic Titans to get first win.

27. Packers (1-2) (29): Brett Favre picks up career TD pass No. 400 and looks like his old self against hapless Lions.

28. Browns (0-3) (27): Charlie Frye nearly pulls off stunner against Ravens, but late interception in endzone keeps Browns winless.

29. Titans (0-3) (31): Billy Volek got out at the right time.

30. Texans (0-3) (28): Where do we begin? David Carr continues to struggle, but the defense is just as bad. Welcome to the big-time, coach Kubiak.

31. Lions (0-3) (30): So much for Rod Marinelli adding discipline to the Lions. Even he can’t avoid the two words that have plagued this franchise: They stink.

32. Raiders (0-2) (32): Do the Raiders finally break into the win column? They’re home to Cleveland for Andrew Walter’s first career start.

Ranking, team, record, last week’s ranking, comment:

1. Colts (2-0) (1) : Peyton Manning gets lay-up win over awful Texans.

2. Seahawks (2-0) (3): ‘Hawks get Deion Branch in the lineup after holding serve against Cardinals.

3. Bears (2-0) (4): OK, so it’s only the Packers and Lions they beat. But these Bears look awesome.

4. Jaguars (2-0) (11) : Say hello to the big boys, fellas. That’s some defense you’ve got.

5. Falcons (2-0) (5): Ground game pummels Bucs, and Michael Vick does the rest.

6. Steelers: (1-1) (2) : Big Ben makes miraculous return from appendix surgery, but can’t solve Jags’ defense.

7. Bengals (2-0) (7): Bring on the Steelers!

8. Ravens (2-0) (9): Shades of 2000.

9. Giants (1-1) (8): Big Blue’s biggest comeback from fourth-quarter deficit since 1970.

10. Chargers (2-0) (18): Defense pitches shutout for 7 straight quarters to start the season.

11. Cowboys (1-1)(12): Drew Bledsoe keeps his job for another week.

12. Eagles (1-1) (10): Devastating home loss to Giants after blowing 24-7 lead.

13. Patriots (2-0) (13): Bill Belichick credit for keeping his team together for 2-0 start.

14. Vikings (2-0) (14): Offense bogs down, but Vikes gut it out for impressive start under rookie head coach Brad Childress.

15. Panthers (0-2) (6): John Fox gets crazy with trick play and pays for it with loss.

16. Broncos (1-1) (15): Denver doesn’t draw a single penalty. Then again, Broncos don’t score a single touchdown either in 9-6 win over Chiefs.

17. Bills (1-1) (28): They get close against the Pats, and beat Miami on the road. Not bad, considering it’s a rebuilding team.

18. Bucs (0-2) (16): Chris Simms on the hot seat after dreadful 0-2 start. Offense still hasn’t produced a touchdown.

19. Chiefs (0-2) (19): Herm Edwards doesn’t have a quarterback, so he doesn’t have a chance.

20. Cardinals (1-1) (21): They’re better, but still not in Seattle’s class.

21. Saints (2-0) (24): Surprising 2-0 start brings Saints back to Superdome for first time since Hurricane Katrina.

22. Redskins (0-2) (20): Mark Brunell can’t solve Cowboys’ defense. Long year in D.C.?

23. 49ers (1-1) (30): Alex Smith might be the most improved player in the game.

24. Rams (1-1) (22): The Greatest Show on Turf is no more.

25. Jets (1-1) (23): Chad Pennington stages impressive second-half comeback, but still not enough.

26. Dolphins (0-2) (17): Fans already calling for Daunte Culpepper’s head.

27 Browns (0-2) (26): Romeo Crennel is already giving Charlie Frye a vote of confidence.

28. Texans (0-2) (32): David Carr puts up three TDs against Colts, but all in garbage time.

29. Packers (0-2) (31): That’s two straight losses at home. Still glad you came back, Brett?

30. Lions (0-2) (27): Roy Williams guarantees win over Bears, and Lions get smoked.

31. Titans (0-2) (25): Why not just throw Vince Young in there now? Can’t get any worse.

32. Raiders (0-2) (29): Pride and poise? Yeah, right.

Games of the week:

Giants at Eagles: We all knew coming into the season that it would be a knock-down, drag-out situation in the NFC East, and here we go. Like the fact that McNabb has won 7 straight vs. Giants, but can’t underestimate bounce-back mentality with Big Blue. Also like the fact that Tom Coughlin essentially told his players to shut up and play and put all Super Bowl mentions on the back-burner. Still have to go with the home team.

Redskins at Cowboys: T.O. makes his home debut against the ‘Skins, but none of that matters unless Drew Bledsoe can pick himself up after last week’s nightmare in Jacksonville. Little-known factoid about Bledsoe: His back is hurting from a ferocious hit he took in the Cowboys’ last preseason game. Even so, that’s not a big enough excuse for throwing into coverage like he did. He has to get better quickly, or else Tuna pulls the plub. Like the Cowboys.

Patriots at Jets: Who’d have thought this would be anything other than Bill Belichick taking his star pupil to school? But Eric Mangini had the Jets going in Week 1 at Tennessee, and suddenly this is a game filled with intrigue. What we’re most interested to see is how Mangini’s offense works. The guy knew first-hand from Belichick how to contain Chad Pennington and reduce the effectiveness of his timing routes. Mangini will theoretically know how to counter-punch. Even so, like the Pats in this one.

Bucs at Falcons: Chris Simms is lucky John Abraham isn’t playing for the Falcons. It’s one less thing he has to worry about when it comes to Atlanta’s pass rush. Simms was absolutely atrocious against the Ravens, and that was in front of the home crowd. Like the Falcons.

Steelers at Jacksonville. Bill Cowher says it’ll be a game-time decision with Big Ben, but c’mon. The guy has been practicing all week, and it would be a shock to us if Cowher went with Charlie Batch. Two docs I’ve spoken to say it’s not ridiculous for an athlete to come back from an appendectomy this quickly, as long as the procedure was done laparoscopically and as long as there were no complications.

Tidbits:
I’d say the Packers are just a tad desperate by signing receiver Koren Robinson, who faces the possibility of a year-long suspension because of continued alcohol-related problems . . .

Nice to see Newsday colleague Arthur Staple already chirping about his picks, even though we’re barely five minutes into the season . . .

Chargers, Raiders and Chiefs interested in disgruntled Titans quarterback Billy Volek, who likely will be traded by Tuesday . . .

Separated at birth: ESPN Couch Potato Howie Schwab and Journal News (Westchester) columnist Rick Carpiniello . . .

I think Patriots rookie running back Laurence Maroney is going to be something special. He runs with authority, and at 5-11, 205 pounds, he has the perfect build for a between-the-tackles tailback . . .

If you like watching Bill Parcells coach against Joe Gibbs, pay close attention to Sunday’s game in Dallas. I wouldn’t be surprised if one or both of them isn’t coaching next season . . .

Can the Raiders be any worse? . . .

The happiest guy to get out of Oakland will be Jerry Porter, who has to get traded unless Art Shell wises up and puts him back in uniform . . .

Vikings starter Brad Johnson makes $1.2 million this season. A whopping 37 other quarterbacks are paid more. If the Vikings keep winning, the Vikes ought to do the right thing and give him a well-earned raise . . .

Mierba and Cabana, you dudes crack me up.

Ranking/team/previous week’s ranking/comment

1. Colts (2): Peyton beats Eli, and all is right with the Colts … sort of. Running game will be a work in progress.

2. Steelers (5): Big Ben isn’t even in the lineup, and the Steelers still look like champs.

3. Seahawks (3): Win ugly without scoring a TD in Detroit one day, trade for Deion Branch the next.

4. Bears (9): Bears make Brett Favre wish he’d never come back.

5. Falcons (16): Huge win at Carolina as Warrick Dunn carries the day. Defense not too shabby either.

6. Panthers (1): Think Steve Smith isn’t a difference maker? Without him, the Panthers’ offense is average … at best.

7. Bengals (8): Solid win at Kansas City. More importantly, Carson Palmer’s comeback from knee surgery is complete.

8. Giants (4): After Eli loses to Peyton, brutal early-season schedule continues at Philly and then at Seattle.

9. Ravens (13): For a day, anyway, Ravens looked like Super Bowl champs of old. Welcome to Bal’more, Steve McNair.

10. Eagles (10): Donovan McNabb comes back from groin injury and throws 3 TDs, and Eagles win Game 1 of post-T.O. era.

11. Jaguars (17): Exceptional defensive effort against Pokes, and Byron Leftwich spreads ball around on offense.

12. Cowboys (7): Drew Bledsoe looked awful, but it might be related to lingering back problems. Even so, Tuna might turn to Tony Romo pretty soon.

13. Patriots (11): Pats get lucky at home against Bills. Trade of Branch is a huge loss. We’ll see what Tom Brady will do without him.

14. Vikings (20): Brad Johnson goes into Washington and beats his old team on Monday night.

15. Broncos (6): Only solace after Week 1 stinkeroo in St. Louis is that Broncos did the same thing last year in Miami and still went to the AFC title game.

16. Bucs (12): At least Jon Gruden can spell his biggest offensive problem: Z-E-R-O.

17. Dolphins (14): Turnovers still plague Daunte Culpepper, although you have to like the fact he’s back from horrific knee injury.

18. Chargers (19): Marty Schottenheimer owns the Raiders.

19. Chiefs (15): Herm Edwards loses another quarterback. That’s three starters down in his last 15 games.

20. Redskins (18): Clinton Portis not himself after preseason shoulder injury. We’re still not convinced Redskins are ready for a repeat playoff run.

21. Cardinals (22): Cardinals finally have new stadium and respond with first home opener in Arizona by out-gunning Niners.

22. Rams (21): Winning is nice, but how about scoring a touchdown every now and then? Rams get six field goals to beat Broncos.

23. Jets (29): Chad Pennington completes remarkable recovery from second shoulder surgery with one of his best games ever.

24. Saints (30): The Reggie Bush era opens with a win.

25. Titans (23): Any surprise that Kerry Collins struggled just two weeks after being signed?

26. Browns (24): Long season, fellas.

27. Lions (26): Defense does nice job against Seahawks, but same old offense. Must be driving Mike Martz nuts.

28. Bills (27): Bills nearly pull off shocker in New England.

29. Raiders (25): Art Shell was supposed to get the Raiders back to their roots. Uhhh … no.

30. 49ers (31): Alex Smith shows he can put up some points, albeit against the Cardinals.

31. Packers (28): Favre suffers first shutout loss of his career. Why do we suspect it won’t be his last?

32. Texans (32): David Carr starts this season where he left off last … on his back. Five more sacks.

We told you a little while ago that trade talks were heating up between the Seahawks and Patriots about wide receiver Deion Branch.

The talks are over. Branch is now a Seahawk. Sources familiar with the deal tell me he agreed to a six-year, $39 million deal, with $13 million guaranteed. The Patriots' highest offer for the total package was $29 million.

Seattle will deal a first-round pick in next year's draft, and there could be a mid-round pick as well, according to sources. The Jets were willing to fork over a second-round pick next year, but the Patriots had little interest in trading to a team in the division. The Jets and Pats play on Sunday at Giants Stadium.

The trade effectively negates a grievance that was scheduled for later this week. Branch's agent, Jason Chayut, had filed the grievance because he felt the Patriots had not dealt in good faith on contract talks or their recent decision to let Branch test the trade market.

For more on the Branch trade, click here.

The Deion Branch situation might be resolved sooner rather than later.
The Patriots holdout receiver was expected to have a grievance against the team heard on Thursday and Friday, but it may not even get that far. There are indications the Patriots have re-started trade talks with Seattle, and that a deal could be completed within a day or two. The Jets had attempted to trade for Branch, but the Patriots denied their offer of a second-round pick in the 2007 draft. The Jets and Patriots play on Sunday at Giants Stadium.
It is believed the Patriots are not willing to trade with the Jets because they play in the same division.
Seattle is believed to be willing to part with a second-rounder next year. Both the Jets and Seahawks agreed to a similar six-year, $39 million deal with Branch, who would receive $13 million in guaranteed money over the first three years of the contract. The teams agreed to terms on a contract with Branch after the Patriots had given him permission to seek trade ofers.
The Seahawks have been in the market for a big-time receiver because of injury concerns with Darrell Jackson, and a knee injury to tight end Jerramy Stevens, who underwent surgery last month and isn’t expected back for a few more weeks.
Complications could arise with the trade discussions, and the Seahawks might end up having to wait on Branch. The Patriots have indicated all along they want to keep their best receiver, but the bitterness of the current contractual stalemate may have created an untenable situation. Depositions for the grievance are scheduled to begin today. The case will be heard on Thursday in Philadelphia and on Friday in New England.
Jason Chayut, the agent for Branch, could not be reached for comment. The Patriots have declined to comment on Branch’s situation throughout the holdout.

Dolphins-Steelers ... finally.
Here's a look at our first power poll as the regular season begins. We'll update weekly.

1. Panthers: Most well-rounded team in the game – as long as Steve Smith’s hamstrings hold up.
2. Colts: Peyton Manning is at the top of his game.
3. Seahawks: Still could use another receiver, but they haven’t lost much from Super Bowl season.
4. Giants: Might be the best Giants team since 1990 Super Bowl winners.
5. Steelers: Will miss Big Ben until he gets back from appendectomy.
6. Broncos: Jake Plummer has Jay Cutler looking over his shoulder.
7. Cowboys: Tuna has been Magic in Year 4 with the Giants and Patriots.
8. Bengals: As long as Carson Palmer’s knee holds up, they’re almost unstoppable on offense.
9. Bears: All starters return. Question is: How long does Rex Grossman stay in the lineup?
10. Eagles: Look for bounce-back year after T.O. nightmare.
11. Patriots: They’ll miss Deion Branch, but they’re still good enough to win the division.
12. Bucs: Jon Gruden will ride Cadillac Williams as far as he can go.
13. Ravens: Steve McNair gives them a chance at a playoff run.
14. Dolphins: Is Daunte Culpepper ready? We’re about to find out.
15. Chiefs: Herman Edwards inherits a potential playoff team.
16. Falcons: Still waiting to see Michael Vick put together a complete season.
17. Jaguars: One of the most boring playoff teams in recent memory.
18. Redskins: Clinton Portis injury could be sign of things to come.
19. Chargers: It’s all up to Philip Rivers.
20. Vikings: Brad Childress a good coach, but doesn’t have enough horses.
21. Rams: Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt still a great combo to watch.
22. Cardinals: Kurt Warner has great receivers, and now a great runner in Edgerrin James.
23. Titans: Who starts at quarterback? Who cares, if it isn’t Vince Young?
24. Browns: The Charlie Frye era is upon us.
25. Raiders: Aaron Brooks is average … at best.
26. Lions: Whoever thought the Wayne Fontes era would be the good old days?
27. Bills: J.P. Losman wins the quarterback job, but this team won’t win many games.
28. Packers: Brett Favre’s swan song?
29. Jets: Not a bad defense, but not enough offense.
30. Saints: Reggie Bush can’t do it alone.
31. 49ers: Is Alex Smith the answer?
32. Texans: Is David Carr the answer?

Can anything else go wrong for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger? Earlier today, he underwent an emergency appendectomy, and will be out at least for the opener Thursday night against Miami. And now Bill Cowher says he’ll be re-evaluated each week to see when he might return. Each week? Yes, this is a week-to-week thing, and it might be two, three maybe even four weeks before he returns. Spoke to a physician’s assistant at Mt. Sinai Medical Center emergency room a few minutes ago, and she told me that while each case is unique, it’s not uncommon for these things to take a few weeks’ recovery. We’re still not sure at this moment whether Roethlisberger underwent open or laparoscopic surgery, but if it was open surgery, then that will take quite a bit longer to heal.

A soccer-playing buddy of mine underwent emergency surgery (laparoscopic) earlier this summer, and his doctors wouldn’t let him play for a month. The concern was that the wound has to heal from the inside out. The Steelers are now scrambling to find a backup quarterback for Charlie Batch, because he’s the only quarterback on the roster. Hines Ward used to play quarterback, but don’t count on it. He’s already questionable for Thursday with a hamstring problem. The Steelers have already gotten a call from Drew Henson, who was cut by the Cowboys, although the better move might be to re-sign Tommy Maddox, who was released in the off-season . . .

Quarterback controversy in Jacksonville? Maybe. Byron Leftwich goes into the season as the starter, but he knows there’s some sentiment for David Garrard to get more playing time. “You’re going to get all the glory when everything goes well, but the second everything goes wrong, you’ve got to understand [you’ll be criticized],” Leftwich said. “You’ve got to want that responsibility because it drives you.” . . .

Falcons middle linebacker Ed Hartwell might miss the opener against Carolina after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last week to both knees. Hartwell was already trying to come back from an Achilles injury that ended his season in 2005 after five games . . .

Brett Favre won’t back off his assertion that this was the most talented team in his 15 seasons in Green Bay. But Favre also acknowledges the team’s inexperience. “I’m well aware of it,” he said. “It’s not easy, but I enjoy doing it. Do I enjoy losing? No, but I enjoy the challenge of competing every week.” . . .

When Terry Glenn was a rookie Patriots receiver in 1996, he missed a handful of practices with a hamstring injury, to which his coach Bill Parcells said in response to a question from a reporter about Glenn: “She’s coming along.” Terrell Owens missed 20 consecutive practices with a hamstring injury, and Parcells said nothing. Strange . . .

There’s a chance Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams, who is recovering from knee surgery, will not be ready for the opener in Jacksonville. But it’s not the knee; Adams was kicked in the calf during an Aug. 21 preseason game against the Saints . . .

I’m sorry, but Kurt Warner has to be feeling like it’s déjà vu in Arizona. Everyone is gaga over Matt Leinart’s excellent preseason, so Warner must be feeling like it’s Giants 2004 all over again. That’s when Warner lost his job to another first-round pick, Eli Manning.

Surely Jets fans must be salivating over that one ... and while the Patriots would probably resist the idea of trading within the division, it's certainly an intriguing possibility: Remember, the Pats did deal Drew Bledsoe to the Bills for a first-round pick. Then again, that was after Tom Brady had already won a Super Bowl and the team knew it had a capable quarterback for the next dozen years.

Branch in a Jets' uniform? Imagine the possibilities. Not only for this year, but for when the Jets eventually make the turnaround that coach Eric Mangini and GM Mike Tannenbaum envision. Branch has 6-8 peak seasons left in him, while Tangini envisions this thing turning around in 2-3, maybe 4 years. By then, Branch will still be an elite performer.

But first things first. The Patriots are in for the fight of their lives on this one, and I think they underestimated Branch's ability to secure a deal on the open market. I think their decision to last week allow Branch to seek offers elsewhere would have convinced them that no one was willing to pony up the kind of money Branch was asking. Guess what? The Jets and Seahawks delivered far more money than the Pats were offering. The deal is worth $39 million over 6 years, with $13 million guaranteed.

The Pats are holding out for at least a first-round pick, but the Jets would be insane for handing that over - especially knowing that they're likely to end up with a top 5 pick in next year's draft. A second-rounder is still a high pick, and it's in line with recent deals for Javon Walker, Donte Stallworth and Ashley Lelie, all of whom are of comparable value.

Stay tuned for this one folks. It's gonna stay very interesting.