Newcomers lift Packers over Bears Web-posted 9/1/97   GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - When Green Bay was picked to repeat as NFL champion, it wasn't because of Bill Schroeder and Ryan Longwell.

Reeves stressing QB protection Web-posted 9/1/97   SUWANEE, Ga. - Several welts, including one the size and shape of a clothes iron plate below his right shoulder, show the pounding Atlanta Falcons quarterback Chris Chandler took in Sunday's 28-17 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Panthers to address needs after opening loss Web-posted 9/1/97   CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - A self-destructive loss in their season opener left the Carolina Panthers with several problems and injuries that need to be addressed.

QB situation worsens for Jags Web-posted 9/1/97   Jaguars coach Tom Coughlin has never much cared for the medical term for a high-ankle sprain, often making light of the complicated term.

Early message from Dallas: The 'Boys are back Web-posted 9/1/97   The most significant score of Week 1 in the NFL? Easy: Dallas 37, Pittsburgh 7. Yes, the Cowboys are back. Not just because they routed what is supposed to be a good team in their opener, but because the result only reaffirms what anyone could observe at their training camp this summer - a commitment to taking back their place atop the NFL.

Detroit cages Falcons Web-posted 9/1/97   PONTIAC, Mich. - Speaking to no one in particular as he walked past reporters and disappeared into a quiet lockerroom, linebacker Cornelius Bennett offered a summation of the Atlanta Falcons' performance in coach Dan Reeves' regular-season debut Sunday. ``Same ol' (bleep),'' Bennett muttered. Actually, no.

Carolina missteps, loses 24-10 to Redskins Web-posted 9/1/97   CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Washington's Terry Allen picked up right where he left off last year. The Carolina Panthers didn't.

Jags win with new QB Web-posted 9/1/97   BALTIMORE - Different quarterback, same result. A gimpy Rob Johnson, playing in place of injured Mark Brunell, threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Smith with 5:47 left to lead the Jacksonville Jaguars past the Baltimore Ravens 28-27 Sunday.

Vermeil's first comeback game a success Web-posted 9/1/97   ST. LOUIS - So far, the second coming of Dick Vermeil is a resounding success.

Falcons-Lions notebook Web-posted 9/1/97   PONTIAC, Mich. - Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Reeves cut linebacker Lorenzo Styles after the preseason finale against Jacksonville, in part because of his poor showing on special teams.

Mike Berardino: Long summer gives Panthers dose of reality Web-posted 9/1/97   CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Funny thing about innocence: Once it's gone, there's really no way to reclaim it. That's just one of the many lessons the Carolina Panthers, who opened their season Sunday night against the Washington Redskins, have learned these last few months.