Patriots RB Laurence Maroney didn’t play well against the 49ers, but coach Bill Belichick is sticking up for him.

In Buffalo, they’re asking whether the Bills are a legitimate 4-1 team.

Bill Parcells won’t let success go to the Dolphins’ heads.

Jets coach Eric Mangini doesn’t want to kill the team with long practices.

Cowboys CB Terrence Newman can’t shake a nagging groin injury.

Said Giants coach Tom Coughlin of QB Eli Manning, “There were probably a couple of throws that he would like to have back - one down on the goal line he would like to have back. But he played very well. He was confident. He was poised.”

The Eagles are more popular than the Phillies.

The Redskins are the only NFL team that has already played all of its division road games and the only team to win more than one division game on the road.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he wouldn’t comment on questionable officiating, adding, “Not commenting on it has nothing to do with being fined or not being fined. I don’t care about fines. I want to get to the bottom of it.”

The Steelers’ offense is reminiscent of the 2005 team.

Browns OT Ryan Tucker says he’s ready to start.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis says he’s committed to turning the team around.

Said Bears coach Lovie Smith of the guy who filled in for suspended DT Tommie Harris, “Israel Idonije really stepped up. He has taken advantage of every opportunity we’ve given him since he’s been here. He played very well.”

Lions coach Rod Marinelli says he plans to simplify the offense.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is expected to be limited in practice this week but should be able to go on Sunday at Seattle.

The Titans say they’re not resting on their laurels.

Says Colts coach Tony Dungy of the inconsistent start to the season, “That’s not the way we practice. That’s not the way we’ve done things for a number of years.”

Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio says the Steelers beat his team by winning the battle at the line of scrimmage.

Texans S Dominique Barber suffered a hamstring injury against the Colts.

Falcons DE John Abraham is off to a great start.

Buccaneers LB Barrett Ruud expects to play Sunday despite a sore right knee.

Panthers coach John Fox gave his opinion of the condition of his injured players, and then added that he’s not a doctor, “so it actually means practically nothing.”

Said Broncos K Matt Prater of his 55-yard field goal, “Coach Shanahan asked me what I thought — if I could make it or not. I said ‘Let’s wait until the quarter is over, and I will have the wind at my back.”

Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson says the next game is a must-win.

Raiders RB Justin Fargas practiced for the first time in three weeks.

Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle will start the team’s next game.

Said Cardinals QB Kurt Warner of season-ticket holders selling their seats to Cowboys fans, “I think it stinks. It’s always hard to tell somebody not to sell something when they can make money on it. But we want our advantage.”

Rams coach Jim Haslett says he’s pleased with the tempo of practice.

Said 49ers coach Mike Nolan, “We’ll try to correct the problems that cost us the game. There’s a lot of things we have to work on.”

Said Seahawks LB Julian Peterson of Giants RB Brandon Jacobs breaking his tackles, “When I made contact, I didn’t do what I normally do which was normally run my feet through him and wrap up. I just gave him a big blow.”