The Kansas City Times from Kansas City, Missouri • 4

E-4 The Kansas city Times iturday December 15 1864 ffj v-f t-4 1 ggh Hwt Orleans New York GlantsS Kickoff: 1 1 30 turn today TV-radlo: Channels 5 13 Ma)or makfe-ups: PM Simms has thrown 22 touchdown passes and to dosing In on fes 4000-yard mark os to Giants' oflsnss has shown steady ImprovemsnLEhit the defense has slipped to ninth in tha 14-team NFC The Saints wll start Dave Wilson at quartefback and alternate George Rogers and Eart CampheN at running back Raowste: New Orleans 6-8 New York Giants 9-6 In a nutshell: The Sainta have never been in the Ptayoffs and era finishing their 18th straight nonwinning season A victory could put the Giante into the playoffs although they'll have to await other results "Nobody is panicking All we have to do Is go out and win our game" running back Rob Carpenter said Richardson's pick: New York Giante 27 New Orleans Kansas City ShwrtBto Kickoff: 3 psn today TV-radlo: Channels 4 27 Major matoh-upa: With vlrtualty no running game the Seahawks have to raly on Dave passing Denver's defensive emphasis be to praseue Krieg who passed kx 406 yards In SeatUe's 27-24 victory over the Bronooa on Nov 25 Krteg had a rough day against the Chiefs last Sunday but the Broncos' offense has been erratic the last two weeks If it comes to a field goal at fee wire Seattle's Norm Johnson has the edge over Denver's Rich Karlle Records: Denver 12-3 Seattle 12-3 In a nutshell: Both teams have been looking forward to this game since their first meeting lor fee dMston title a week off and the home field in fee second round of fee playoffs The Seahawks fee only NFL team not to lose at home this season wll want to atone for their subpar performance at Arrowhead pick: Seattle 34 Denver 27 SanDlsgo Kickoff: 3 pjn Sunday TV-radlo: Channels 4 27 KCMO radio (810 AM and 86 FM) Major matoh-upa: The Chiefs' passing attack appaws back on keck ready to pick on fee leaky secondary San Diego has fee third-worst defense In the NFL and hes yielded an average of 309 yards a game The Chargsrs who loat to the Chiefs 31-13 on Oct 14 are 0-7 against AFC Western rivals Records: Kansas City 7-8 San Diego 7-6 In a nutshell: Nothing Is riding on fels game except a 500 record for the winner Bofe teams can point to at least tour dose losses that kept them from good seasons So a victory would Mp salvage somethirig A loss means a long winter in fee oelar Rlchardeon's pick: Kansas City 31 San Diego 24 Last week: 11-3 Season: 138-67-1 iti lift Chicago fLTlKlL at -Detroit Kickoff: Noon Sunday Major match-upe Look who's playing quarterback in this meaningfess game former Detroit regular Greg Landry for fee Beard and rookie John Wltkowski fof the Lions The Chicago defense No 1 in the NFL may prove too much for former Ivy Leaguer Wltkowski On the other hand fee Lions could be aroused and spoil homecoming Records: Chicago 9-6 Detroit 4-10-1 In a nutshell: Injuries have crippled fee Bears down the stretch After this game they have two weeks to rest up for fee playoffs The Lions have won only one game in the last month although they have good offensive potential and a steady kicker In Ed Murray who has made 152 straight conversions Richardson's pick: Detroit 24 Chicago 17 Cincinnati Kickoff: Noon Sunday Channels 4 27 Major match-up: The Bengals have won seven of their last 10 games and could move into the playoffs with a victory Cincinnati wll depend on the high-percentage of Ken Anderson who came back from a shoulder inury and directed the triumph over New Orleans last Sunday The Bills have started strong the 4ast two weeks and then collapsed in the second half Records: Buffalo 2-13 Cincinnati 7-8 in a nutshell: Cincinnati Coach Sam Wyche is concerned about complacency The Bengals have so Imuch at stake and are heavily favored to beat a team with fee worst record in the NFL is no gimme and this is not going to be an easy game" Wyche Houston Kickoff: Noon Sunday Major match-upe: Cleveland Coach Marty Schottenhekner said the Oilers are playing better defensively and have big-play ability in fee kicking game The No 2-ranked defence wll hawa to contain Warren Moon who has benefited from Larry Moriarty's strong running Cleveland tight end Ozzie Newsome has 87 catches second only to Washington's Art Monk Records: Cleveland 4-1 1 Houston 3-12 In a nutshell: In nine of their 11 losses fee Browns missed an opportunity to win or tie In fee final 2 minutes They didn't need to go to fee 2-minuto warning Nov 25 in their 27-10 victory over fee Glare Houston has played well at home this season pick: Houston 20 Cleveland 17 pick: Cincinnati 27 Buffalo 1 7 'miijujyw in I -mhnivifttfi Indianapolis at New England Kickoff: Noon Sunday Major match-ups: New England's Tony Eason has slipped after a sensational start Ha has bean getting a terrific rush from fee last three opponents ail ol whom have beaten fee Patriots One of Eason's big days came in a 50-1 7 victory over fee Colts on Nov 1 8 Records: Indianapolis 4-1 1 New England 8-7 In a nutshell: Hard-nosed Frank Kush stepped aside a Indianapolis coach leaving behind mixed feelings among his players Hal Hunter wIN be fee head coach for this final game Indianapolis has become more competitive offensively but its secondary is prone to give cp fee easy touchdown Richardson's pick: New England 31 Indianapolis 21 Minnesota Kickoff: Noon Sunday Major matoh-upa Lynn Dickey sidelined last week by severe headaches returns as the Green Bay quarterback face a Minnesota defense that has an NFL low of eight interceptions Green Bay safety Tom Flynn has that many Vikings quarterback Wade Wilson faces another catch-up situation Minnesota has been outscored 203-59 the last five weeks -Records: Green Bay 7-8 Minnesota 3-12 a nutshell Vikings Coach Les Steckel put this meaningless finale into perspective "Our cars will be packed and the engines he said "But got a chance to finish with a good taste in our pick: Green Bay 31 Minnesota 20 Philadelphia Atlanta Kickoff: 3 pm Sunday Major match-ups: The Ea0es are one of fee better sub-500 teams around Joe Plaardk has done a good Ill-in job at quarterback kicker Paul McFaddan has set a dub-record 112 points and fee defense led by ends Greg Brown and Dennis Harrison has a dub-record 51 sacks The Falcone can also point to a dub record nine straight losses Records: Philadelphia 6-8-1 Atlanta 3-12 (19 Miami Kickoff: 8 pjn Monday TV-radlo: Channels 2 9 KCMO radio (810 AM) Major matoh-upa: The Dallas defense which had eight sacks against Washington in raising Ms season total to 56 goes against Dan Marino and Ns corps of quick receivers Marino needs 22 comptetfons and 58 passing yards to beat Dan Fouls' NFL record in bofe categories Miami has struggled in each of Ms last flva games Records: Dallas 9-6 Miami 13-2 In nutshell: This game could be anbdlmstic for fee Cowboys who need help from their friends as weM as ther legion of enemies to make the playoffs for a league-record 10th straight tone Dallas Is 35-1 3 against AFC tsams The Dolphins are looking tor a home-field advantage and aro 4-0 against NFC Eastern opponents this year Richardson's pick: Dallas 21 Miami 17 St Louis Pittsburgh Washington Kickoff: Noon Sunday TV-radlo: Channels 5 13 Major matoh-upa: The Redskins have beaten the Cardinals in nine of their last 1 1 meetings and are tough in the stretch In four years under Coach Joe Gibbs Washington hasn't lost a game in fee last month of the regular season It's the big-play potential of NeN Lomax Ottis Anderson and Roy Green against the Redskins' opportunistic defense Washington gets an edge in the kicking game Records: SL Louis 9-8 Washington 1 0-5 In a nutshell It's all or nothing at all for the Cardinals who are playing their biggest game in nine years They either win and go into fee playoffs as NFC Eastern champions or lose and pack up their gear for the year "M's all there for the taking" Lomax said Richardson's pick: Washington 24 SL Louis 21 LA Raiders Kickoff: 3 pm Sunday Major matoh-upa: The Raiders whipped fee Steeters 38-10 last January In an AFC playoff game Since then fee Steeters have undergone wholesale roster changes and a lot of adversity had some Injuries switched quarterbacks and they have a tot of young people" Raiders Coach Tom Flores said Pittsburgh receiver Louis Upps offers a challenge to fee Raiders who have three All-Pros in their secondary Records: Pittsburgh 8-7 LA Raiders 1 1-4 In a nutehaH: In aH Ikelfeood fee Steeters will have to win or tie the Raiders to win the AFC Central and make fee playoffs They'll probably know fee Buffalo-Cindnnati score going In Wife the playoffs near the Raiders are peaking and playing tough Richardson's pick: LA Raiders 23 Pittsburgh 20 In a nutshell This cxxid be the last game for the Philadelphia Eagfee The team feat has so much promise could blossom in the desert as the Phoenix Eagles Falcons Coach Dan Henning said his team didn't show intensity against Tampa Bay and has (ailed to make tha big plays all season Richardson's pick: Philadelphia 23 Atlanta 13 tNl it i ulWi til im I The game always comes first for Joiner breaking season and Joiner hints that it could be the last of his career "I knew I was close but I paying too much Joiner said think 1 was so caught up in the game I was so disappointed in the way the game was going that I know it I guess it is something good to look back on after the season is Yup Charlie Joiner The game comes first After his record-setting catch he was kicking himself for the 52-yard pass that he dropped after it hit him in the hands when the Chargers trailed 17-0 To say that someone is a professional seems trite in some respects But the tag fits Charlie Joiner is a completely dedicated said Chargers Head Coach Don Coryell for whom Joiner first had a 70-catch season at the relatively advanced age of 32 runs the opponents play as well as every play of our own He is just continuous motion and he always has been that way For two years in a row he missed a single practice He can be 37 years old and that's pretty good Usually someone has a sprained toe or something And I even know than he was thinking about the record" Luther told Barry Lorge of the San Diego Union after the game exactly symbolizes him If there ever was a role model for a professional athlete Joiner is a consummate receiver as well You have to study a few hundred miles of film to find a better third -down receiver in football During the 1983 season the Chargers kept track Fully 70 percent of the passes Joiner caught gave them first downs most coming on third down Fouts describes Joiner as his net" is a terrific third-down said Chiefs Coach John Macko-vic whose team will try to stop Joiner on Sunday afternoon Hie first time the Chiefs played the Chargers this season Joiner caught six passes for 06 yards Four were third-down passes all four for first downs can get open and will get Mackovic said There are some who can but He is probably a real throwback to the Wee Willie Keeler school of receiving You know the 'em where they school of baseball Well Joiner hits where they on third downs and nearly every other how far before Last year he did it with broken ribs never missing a day And perhaps that tells you most about Charlie Joiner and why he can last 16 years in the NFL He and Minnesota Vikings kicker Jan Stenerud are the only players from the old American Football League still active in the league practiced anyway no matter what the Coryell said is just a completely dedicated taisel-fish team-oriented That's why he think of his record as an individual mark It's why he felt so bad for quarterback Dan Fouls who has thrown him so many of those passes but was out of the game because of a groin injury when the record was set Chargers backup quarterback Ed Luther threw the record breaker has thrown so many of them I wish he had been the Joiner said But as Luther shook his hand the young quarterback saw firsthand care for the game to God looking in face and in his eyes I really believe he was more concerned about the game and the way we were going By Kent Pulliam A Member oi the Sports Staff Hie best thing about that 3-yard pass Charlie Joiner caught three weeks ago is that reporters no longer hover around his locker probing his every sentence for the deeper meaning of catching passes far as reporters being around my kicker yeah glad it's Joiner said after that record-breaking day when he became the greatest pass catcher in the history of professional football really sunk in yet I tried not to think about it very much I just want to win the games I told my teammates not even to talk to me about it But nobody listened The media kept bringing it up even the people on the team ignored me" Aim) for good reason When Charlie Joiner caught that 3-yard pass in the waning moments of a 52-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelere three weeks ago he became a piece of history He now has caught 654 passes in regular -season games in the National Football League surpassing the NFL record of 649 set by Charley Taylor of the Washington Redskins in 1973 This game Sunday against the Chiefs will be the last of his record- down when he gets single coverage which he gets more and more because of his advancing years in spite of his advancing talents has had different roles from the time he was a young player to Mackovic said I think he is a great professional because he has been able to play effectively in all the different situations he has had I think he ever was just a fast speedy receiver His feel for the game is such that he has profited by playing in a system like the But any team for whom he played would have benefited" That Joiner is even mentioning retirement at this point is just a piece of the fiber that makes him the player he is It is the work ethic again by a player who has worked at his craft his entire career feel like I can go up and down the field all Joiner said feel great I feel good physically But it depends on what the coaches have planned for you also There are a lot of factors It depends on how I feel next May when I have to start working every day I have the enthusiasm then I play" NFL files suit to stop flight to Phoenix Let us know what you think I From The Time Staff only be Dec 16 but the Chiefs will be singing aukf fang syne Sunday in San Diego Hie Chiefs absent from the playoffs for the 13th straight year will he looking to end their season on an upbeat note against the Chargers Hie winner avoids the basement in the AFC Western Division We'd like to hear your thoughts on the game Just call our sport desk Phone lines please call 234-! 4960 will be open 30 minutes after the end of the game to Lake your comments for possible use in editions of The Kansas City Times Because of space limitations not all comments will be uaed and those used may be edited No calls will be accepted more than 90 minutes after the end of the game i- the Eagles from leaving Philadelphia without league permission Hie league also has called an owners' meeting for Tuesday to discuss what could be the third franchise shift in four years following the move from Oakland to Los Angeles in 1962 and the switch this year from Baltimore to Indianapolis In Tempe Ariz a suburb of Phoenix the Arizona Board of Regents discussed the Eagles' possible move but decided to meet again privately today before making any public statement Approval from the regents would be needed for the Eagles to play at Sun Devil Stadium on Arizona campus In Tempe while waiting for construcSon of a domed stadium larly since according to the source Tose already has redved a portion of the $90 million that Monaghan will pay for a 25-percent interest in the club Since reports of a possible Eagles move surfaced earlier this week Tose repeatedly has denied he had signed any agreement with Monaghan Meanwhile city officials led by Mayor Wilson Goode continued to work on financial arrangements to keep the franchise from leaving The NFL joined the fight to keep the Eagles in Philadelphia by filing a damage suit in US District Court to force the dub to recognize contractual obligations to the city The suit asks the court to prevent Ths Associated Prow PHILADELPHIA Hie National Football League filed suit Friday to keep the Philadelphia Eagles from moving to Phoenix Ariz setting up a possible courtroom confrontation with Leonard Tose the Eagles debt-ridden owner Whether or not he complies with the NFL wishes Tose estimated to be 940 million in debt from gambling losses might have a lawsuit on his hands A source close to the team said Toee already has signed a deal to sell a minority interoat to Canadian businessman James Monaghan The source said the deal with Monaghan required the Eagles to move to Phoenix and any cancellation of the deal could involve Tone with another lawsuit particu.