The Chargers made a good deal in acquiring quarterback
Billy Volek from the Titans for a sixth-round pick, and the Titans were wise to move him because Volek had lost favor in the organization and wasn't going to be a factor there after the signing of Kerry Collins. Volek waived his no-trade clause without changing a contract that pays him $1.75 million in 2007 and $2.2 million in 2008. The Chargers needed a veteran backup. General manager A.J. Smith made the move realizing two starting quarterbacks in his division -- Aaron Brooks of the Raiders and Trent Green of the Chiefs -- suffered injuries in the first two weeks of the season. He had rookie Charlie Whitehurst as the Chargers' only backup so Smith kept a roster spot open with the idea of getting Volek a day or two following the Chargers-Titans game in Week Two.
Holmgren gets creative: Mike Holmgren is sorting out how he is going to use new wide receiver Deion Branch, and he came up with an interesting decision. Branch and Nate Burleson have $88 million of contracts between the two, but they are going to share the split end position. Darrell Jackson will be the lone flanker. Bobby Engram will work the slot out of three-receiver sets. D.J. Hackett will be used in some packages. With injured tight ends, the Seahawks figure to use more three and four receiver sets, so Branch and Burleson should get plenty of chances to play.
Panthers' Smith still hobbled: The early word out of Carolina is that Steve Smith's hamstring remains a problem. He went for a second opinion, and players now sense Smith may have to miss Sunday's game against the Bucs. Smith needs to practice by Thursday or Friday to show the coaches the hamstring injury is behind him. That might be too much to ask this week.