Vikings' Peterson a tough issue for Bears to tackle: Blocking and tackling, the major foundations of football, seem to have taken a seat at the end of the bench in the NFL, where quick scores and virtual 7-on-7 passing drills provide the weekly highlights.
The Vikings' Adrian Peterson is no tackling dummy, and Bears defenders continue to espouse the league's latest catchphrase of "population tackling" as the best way to subdue the reigning NFL MVP on Sunday.
Many former players blame the poor tackling on the fact players are fined left and right for not tackling an opponent properly.
"In the old days, it didn't matter where you hit 'em. They have softened the game up," Hall of Fame defensive end Doug Atkins, a member of the 1963 champion Bears, once said.
"It looks like a bunch of sumo wrestlers at the line nowadays. They get engaged in their blocks and they are all hugging and stuff. I don't know why they can't use a head slap anymore."
Jets' Sanchez placed on short-term IR: Mark Sanchez has his sights set on returning to the field this season - as the New York Jets' starting quarterback.
Well, at least in a few months.
Sanchez was placed on short-term injured reserve Saturday, meaning he will not be able to play for the next eight weeks while he recovers from an injured right shoulder.
"As far as making a decision that's best for the team and best for my medical health, we're all on the same page," Sanchez said during a conference call. "I'll come back, hopefully, in eight weeks and be ready to play."
Cardinals release CB Fleming: The Arizona Cardinals have released cornerback Jamell Fleming and promoted wide receiver Kerry Taylor from the practice squad.
Fleming was a third-round draft pick out of Oklahoma in 2012, but had fallen to the bottom of the depth chart under the Cardinals' new coaching regime.
Fitzgerald questionable for Lions: Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald was limited in practice for the third day in a row and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game vs. the Lions.
Coach Bruce Arians says Fitzgerald "tweaked" a hamstring in practice on Wednesday.
Fitzgerald, in his 10th NFL season, has missed just four games in his NFL career. The Cardinals have only three other wide receivers on their roster - Andre Roberts, Michael Floyd and rookie Jaron Brown.
Pro Football (NFL)
An elusive rookie made all the difference by darting through the Steelers' defense.
The Dallas Cowboys followed a big win over the New York Giants in the opener with a worrisome loss on the road - just like last year.
