NFL: 49ers hoping it's sack time for Green Bay

By Matthew Barrows
McClatchy Newspapers

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SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers aren't expecting Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to be as generous as Bears counterpart Jay Cutler in the interceptions department.

While Cutler threw five of them in last Thursday's loss in San Francisco, Rodgers has thrown only five all season. But while Rodgers has been stingy with picks, he has been charitable with sacks.

Green Bay has given up a league-worst 41.

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Part of the problem has been a banged up offensive line that has had to be reconfigured throughout the season. But 49ers' defensive players also noted that Rodgers also tends to hold onto the ball longer than most quarterbacks and is more apt to tuck it away than risk a throw downfield.

But through nine games, linebackers Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson have only 2½ sacks between them. As a team, the 49ers have 17 sacks, tying them with the Lions, Bills and Buccaneers for 23rd in the league.

CUTLER CRITIQUE -- The Bears' Jay Cutler has been battered behind a struggling offensive line. The team's postseason hopes are fading fast heading into Sunday night's game against Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles (5-4). Instead of a matchup between marquee quarterbacks, the focus is on two teams desperate for a win. The Bears (4-5) have dropped four of five. Cutler leads the league with 17 interceptions. "It happens," Cutler said. "Do we still think we can bounce back and make a run? Absolutely. We've got a lot of good guys in the locker room."

QB PAYING FOR TACKLE -- Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn has been fined by the NFL for his low hit on Baltimore's Terrell Suggs. After throwing an interception in Monday night's 16-0 loss to the Ravens, Quinn dived at Suggs' knees while trying to bring down cornerback Chris Carr, who had picked him off. Suggs could miss significant playing time. "I can see why they'd be upset," Quinn said. "But again, he wasn't even in my vision. I was trying to get to the ball." Quinn received a letter from the league on Wednesday but would not disclose the size of his fine, saying only that it was "a good amount."

FEWELL PICKS FITZPATRICK -- Perry Fewell wasted no time making changes on his first full day as the Bills interim coach, picking Ryan Fitzpatrick over Trent Edwards. The pick was announced after practice Wednesday as the Bills (3-6) prepare to play at Jacksonville (5-4) this weekend. Fewell was promoted from defensive coordinator after Dick Jauron was fired Tuesday.

WESTBROOK BETTER -- Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook has improved significantly since Sunday when he sustained his second concussion of the season, doctors said Wednesday. Westbrook was evaluated at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Westbrook won't play this Sunday at Chicago against the Bears, and it's unknown if he'll return at all this season.

CORNERBACK CONCUSSIONS -- The Seattle Seahawks' two starting cornerbacks are out because of concussions. Marcus Trufant and Josh Wilson didn't practice Wednesday. Their playing status is undetermined for Sunday's game against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.

TISSUES TO RESCUE -- Rex Ryan stepped to the podium and motioned for a staffer to hand him a box of tissues. "I've got a new sponsor," Ryan said Wednesday, fighting a grin. "The Jets have Toyota and I've got Kleenex, for obvious reasons." Ryan cried in front of his players during a team meeting Monday following New York's 24-22 loss to Jacksonville. "I'm man enough to be me," Ryan said.

BROWN OUT FOR SEASON -- Ronnie Brown's season is over for the Miami Dolphins. Miami's leading rusher was placed on injured reserve Wednesday because of a foot injury -- his second season-ending injury in three years. Brown hurt his right foot in Sunday's victory over Tampa Bay.