FOXBOROUGH, Mass.

1 MINNESOTA vs. INDIANAPOLIS: The Vikings spent the offseason building for a Super Bowl run, trading for NFL sack leader Jared Allen and signing Chicago's lead receiver Bernard Berrian in free agency. But the Vikings lost the opener and open their home schedule against AFC power Indianapolis, also desperate for a victory.

2 SEATTLE'S RECEIVERS: The Seahawks, considered a preseason lock to win the NFC West, lost their opener to Buffalo without starting receivers Bobby Engram and Deion Branch because of injury. They lost a third wideout, Nate Burleson, for the season with a knee injury. Third quarterback Seneca Wallace practiced at receiver last week, and the two veterans off the street – Samie Parker and Billy McMullen – were signed.

3 OAKLAND: The Raiders looked awful in their opener at home on Monday niight against rival Denver, and there already is squabbling among the coaching staff. It will be an upset if coach Lane Kiffin lasts the season.

Observer News Services

TODAY'S GAMES

Green Bay at Detroit1

N.Y. Giants at St. Louis1

Indianapolis at Minnesota1

Oakland at Kansas City1

Chicago at Carolina1

New Orleans at Washington1

Tennessee at Cincinnati1

Buffalo at Jacksonville1

San Francisco at Seattle4:05

Atlanta at Tampa Bay4:05

New England at N.Y. Jets4:15

Miami at Arizona4:15

San Diego at Denver4:15

Pittsburgh at Cleveland8:15

MONDAY'S GAMES

Philadelphia at Dallas8:30

By Charles Chandler

Patriots thrown into uncertainty

Matt Gutierrez was 3,000 miles away in California, pondering his next move in a two-year NFL career that had come to a temporary halt. Kevin O'Connell was at Gillette Stadium, comfortable in his role as the quarterback of the future, with no set date for when the future would become the present.

Then the Patriots' world changed when Tom Brady went down with a season-ending left knee injury during last Sunday's 17-10 win against Kansas City.

Suddenly, the depth chart was shaken up. Backup Matt Cassel moved into the No.1 role; O'Connell, a third-round pick from San Diego State, moved to No.2; and Gutierrez received the call to head East.

The Patriots will go into today's game against the Jets with their most uncertainty at the position in 16 seasons, dating to the days when the depth chart included Hugh Millen, Scott Zolak and Tom Hodson.

Friday, as Cassel practiced with the first team, O'Connell went through drills as the backup, an ankle sprain, shoulder separation, or twisted knee away from moving into what has become the most closely examined position in the NFL. And Gutierrez, who rejoined the team Wednesday as a member of the practice squad, was on the verge of being activated.

Though O'Connell is a rookie and Gutierrez's career has consisted of appearances in five regular-season games, completing his only pass attempt for 15 yards, coach BillBelichick's stance was that all his quarterbacks would be ready to play when called upon.

“Whether you have one guy ahead of you or two, it's still a player's job to be ready to play in these situations,” Belichick said.

O'Connell's credentials in college were so impressive the Patriots sent offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to San Diego to interview him before the draft.

O'Connell received ample playing time duringthe exhibition season as Brady nursed a sore right foot, but he might not be called upon this season.

Gutierrez said he has total faith in Cassel. “Matt can really play, he works hard, and I'm confident that he can get the job done.”

By Charles Chandler

Hopefully, Tennessee quarterback Vince Young will listen to the man in the next locker, Kerry Collins.

It was a dreadful week for Young and the Titans, one that could threaten his ability to lead the team if he doesn't grow up quickly.

The same player who led Texas to a dramatic national championship three years ago appeared ready to sit on the sidelines and let the offense play without him last week until coach Jeff Fisher shooed him onto the field.

Then Young got injured, booed and, days later, reportedly went into such a funk that Fisher sent authorities to make sure he was OK.

Young's mother publicly expressed concern for her son's well-being and he finally spoke Thursday, trying to assure his teammates and the world that he's fine.

There have been whispers for years that Young had a fragile personality that could be triggered by criticism.

That was once true of Collins, who walked out on the Panthers after four games of the 1998 season.

Collins is a different man now. He's matured and, a few seasons back, led the Giants to the Super Bowl. He's learned from his mistakes and is in position now to be a teacher.

There could hardly be a better person to help Young, as long as Young wants the help.

Quotable?

“It's a violent game we play. I was sitting in my hotel room (in San Diego when it happened). … I'm watching it. You saw it. You hate to see that happen. You just can't stand to see it – the quarterback in the NFL, Tom Terrific, and he goes down. That's where I really and truly think guys need to say, ‘Ok, you just never know when an injury can happen. Let me invest everything I've got this week, because, I don't know, it could be me.'”

Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme on the season-ending injury to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Charles Chandler

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