49ers strengthen grip on division lead
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers cruised to a 24-3 road victory over the Arizona Cardinals last night and took firm control of the NFC West at the halfway mark of their season.
Alex Smith threw touchdown passes to Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss to help the Niners build a 24-0 lead.
Smith connected on 18 of 19 passes. That’s an NFL record for most completed passes with just one incompletion.
The Niners defense lived up to its No. 1 ranking, holding Arizona to just seven yards on the ground. And they didn’t yield a TD for the fourth time in five games.
The Cardinals’ fourth straight loss after a 4-0 start drops them two games behind 6-2 San Francisco in the division race.
Inspirational move in Indy…Chiefs QB picture uncertain…Reid sticks with Vick
UNDATED (AP) — Colts head coach Chuck Pagano made it back to the team complex for a short staff meeting Monday.
It’s the first time Pagano has been back since being diagnosed with a form of leukemia Sept. 26. Interim coach and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians the surprise visit gave the team a boost and notes Pagano went home when he became tired.
In other NFL news:
— Chiefs quarterback Brady Quinn is being evaluated for a possible concussion and his status for Thursday night’s game at San Diego won’t be known until later in the week. If he can’t go, Matt Cassel will be back under center for the Chiefs.
__ Three people familiar with the decision tell The Associated Press that Michael Vick hasn’t been benched by coach Andy Reid. Vick has struggled during the Eagles’ three-game losing streak. But Reid is hesitant to go with unproven rookie Nick Foles right now.
Kobe sits out final pre-season practice…Mavs release G West after pair of suspensions
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Kobe Bryant has missed the last week of practice with an injured foot. Ready or not, the NBA regular season is here.
Bryant sat out Monday while his teammates went through a lengthy workout ahead of tonight’s opener against Dallas, the first of four Lakers games in six days. The fifth-leading scorer in NBA history is resting his sore right foot.
Tuesday night’s other openers include the Washington Wizards at Cleveland and the defending NBA champion Miami Heat hosting the Boston Celtics.
In other NBA news:
— The Dallas Mavericks have waived guard Delonte West after suspending him twice in less than two weeks for conduct detrimental to the team. The move created a roster spot for center Eddy Curry, who was picked up last week and could end up starting in the opener against the Los Angeles Lakers because of an injury to Chris Kaman.
— The Portland Trail Blazers have appointed AEG Sports executive Chris McGowan as the team’s new president and chief operating officer. Neil Olshey, the Blazers’ GM appointed in June, will manage all basketball operations.