Week 6 for NFL Ducks

Two weeks ago, Reuben Droughn's statistics consisted of rushing eight times for 20 yards, catching a pass and returning two kickoffs. Things have changed for the former Duck running back -- he's no longer returning kickoffs, and when the Denver Broncos crushed the Oakland Raiders 31-3, NFL has a new star at running back. For the second week in a row, Droughns was the leagues leading rusher with 176 yards on 38 carries.

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 17: Running back Reuben Droughns #34 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by the defense of the Oakland Raidersduring the first half of their NFL game at Network Associates Coliseum on October 17, 2004 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

While many NFL observers might be surprised by Droughns performance in the last two weeks, Duck fans are not. Reminiscent of the 1998 season when Droughns first appeared against Michigan State at Autzen Stadium and electrified the crowd by rushing 202 yards on 17 carries as the Ducks crushed the Spartans 48-14 on a nationally televised game. Droughns recorded two more 200-yard games that season (214 yards against Stanford and 217 yards against Washington State). A fractured fibula and ligament damage to his right ankle suffered in the UCLA game shortened his '98 season. In the UCLA game, while playing with a broken leg, the Anaheim (Calif.) native rushed for 172 yards in the game played at the Rose Bowl. He would finish the injury shortened 1998 season rushing for 844 yards and during his senior season at Oregon he rushed for 1,307 yards on 277 carries.

Droughns ranks second on Oregon's all-time rushing yardage for a single season (1,307) to Saladin McCullogh (1,477 in 1997). He is ranked eight in career rushing with 2,058 net yards. Last week, the Denver Bronco running back was switched from full back to running back and he responded with 193 yards on 30 carries in Denver's 20-17 win over win over the Carolina Panthers. Denver improved its record to 5-1, while the Oakland Raiders' record dropped to 2-4.

Oregon originally recruited Droughns out of Anaheim High School, but he was unable to enroll in school. The Ducks continued to keep in touch with the talented running back when he entered Merced College. Upon completion of two years at Merced, Droughns signed a letter of intent with Oregon and entered school in the fall of 1998. Droughns was considered the top junior college running back in the 1997 season.

The Detroit Lions needed a win over the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field, but without the talented Roy Williams to throw to, Joey Harrington and the Lions struggled. Harrington was 12-for-23, 101 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the Lions' 38-10 loss to the Pack. The Lions are now 3-2 for the season and the Packers improved to 2-4.

Quarterback A.J. Feeley did not play in the Miami Dolphin's 20-13 loss to Buffalo Bills. Miami traded Philadelphia for Feeley to be the "quarterback of the future." Fearing he could not wait for the future, Miami coach Dave Wannstedt decided to play Jay Fiedler for the majority of the season. Unlike the late George Allen, who believed the "future is now," Wannstedt and the Dolphins are 0-6 for the season with today's loss. Perhaps Buffalo was Wannstedt's best chance for a win this year, but with the win the Bills are now 1-4 for the year.

San Diego Charger defensive end Igor Olshansky recorded two tackles including a sack against the Atlanta Falcons, but the Chargers dropped to 3-3 for the season losing 21-20 at Atlanta. Tight end Justin Peelle had one catch for eight yards. The Falcons record is now 5-1.

Maurice Morris was busy as a running back and kick return specialist for the Seattle Seahawks against the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. Morris rushed the ball twice for 16 yards, had one reception for seven yards, and returned seven kickoffs for a 24.4-yard average. He also had a fair-catch punt. The Seahawks lost to the Patriots 30-20.

The Cleveland Browns improved to 3-3 for the season by beating the Cincinnati Bengals (1-4), 34-17. Cornerback Rashad Bauman is listed on the Not Active list.

Rookie defensive tackle Junior Siavii had two tackles for the Kansas City Chiefs (1-4) in a 22-16 losing effort to the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2). Chiefs' rookie wide receiver Samie Parker is list as Not Active as is Jacksonville's tight end George Wrighster.

San Francisco 49er's safety Keith Lewis participated in today's game with the New York Jets. The Niners lost again 22-14, dropping their record to 1-5 and the Jets improved to a record of 5-0.

The Minnesota Vikings (4-1) held on to beat the New Orleans Saints (2-4), 38-31. Running back Onterrio Smith is suspended and wide receiver Keenan Howry is on the Not Active list for the Vikings.

Punter Josh Bidwll of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be on Monday Night Football against the St Louis Rams tomorrow night.

Compiled from www.nfl.com and the Associated Press reports