Though Miami's spirit might be down, its decibel level is not. The winless Dolphins are now making the type of noise usually associated with winning teams.
Much of it is coming from linebacker Joey Porter, who is guaranteeing a win Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.
"We're forced into a situation where our backs are against the wall," Porter told reporters this week. "This is a must-win for us. Write it how you want to write it. We will win on Sunday."
If so, it would be Miami's first win of the season and it would come in a game in which Porter still is searching for his first sack as a Dolphin.
Porter has not been entirely pleased with the way Miami has used him. This week, the Dolphins defensive coaches plan to change some of their alignments, trying to free up Porter and Jason Taylor in order to apply the pressure. Porter hopes to be as loud Sunday as he has been this week.
Asked about Culpepper, who is expected to start Sunday against Miami, Crowder said: "He's still limping around. He's not 100 percent. He's still not the Daunte Culpepper of back with Minnesota."
Crowder didn't back down from his statement, insisting he was doing nothing more than, "telling the truth."
Return to glory
Washington is the city for political powers and aging receivers.
Come Monday, one day after its bye, Washington will sign veteran wide receiver Keenan McCardell, who started his career in 1991 for the same Redskins team that he now will attempt to finish it.
The 37-year-old McCardell, who spent the summer with the Houston Texans but was released at the end of training camp, spoke with Washington about signing with the Redskins in the spring. But ultimately, McCardell opted to remain in Houston, where he lived.
Now he will return to the city in which he kicked off his NFL career, as he will join receivers James Thrash, a 10-year veteran, and Reche Caldwell, a five-year veteran. Once Washington signs McCardell, it will give the Redskins six wide receivers on their roster.
One is Brandon Lloyd, whom the Redskins acquired from San Francisco after the 2005 season. Since then, Lloyd has not caught a touchdown pass. He hasn't even caught a pass this season.
More nightmare than fantasy
This year's top fantasy picks –- running backs LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson and Frank Gore -– have yet to post a single 100-yard rushing game this season.
In fact, New York Giants running back Derrick Ward, a former seventh-round draft pick of the New York Jets who played at Ottawa (Kan.) University, has rushed for 273 yards –- three more than Tomlinson and Johnson combined.
Tomlinson and Johnson will square off on Sunday in what normally is considered a battle of the game's top two running backs. But this season Tomlinson is the 33rd-ranked rusher, averaging 2.3 yards per carry, and Johnson ranks 30th, averaging 2.8 yards per carry.
Something's gotta give
Green Bay and Minnesota meet this Sunday in a game matching two of the league's top run defenses.
The others are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, universally regarded as two of the league's top defenses. But start making room for the Packers and Vikings.
