National Footbal League

From the start, football has been a game of change. More than perhaps any other game, it has repeatedly reinvented itself. And yet at times, after more than 700 rule changes in its first century, it has failed to change fast enough. In the NFL, this is one of those times. Touchdowns were drastically down again this past season, the nation's most gifted offensive players frustrated by steadily improving defenses. Ten years ago, NFL teams scored 1,164 touchdowns. This season, they scored 906.

From San Diego -- It's been so long, I almost forgot what a scam this is. Here it is NFL opening Sunday, and a fine day it is. The grass is green, the seats an eye-catching blue with banners and flags waving everywhere in this picturesque stadium. This appears to be the ideal home eight or nine days a year for any football team and its loyal following, but then this is the National Football League. Remember what that was like 17 years ago? Now as you know, the folks who work in the National Football League never say "NFL," lest someone think the National Football League really isn't something special.

No. Team (1999 record) Comment 1. St. Louis (13-3) Still on top for now. 2. Indianapolis (13-3) Loaded: Manning, James, Harrison. 3. Tennessee (13-3) George could find Titans one more yard. 4. Tampa Bay (11-5) Keyshawn is magic Johnson. 5. Washington (10-6) Obviously no deficit in D.C. 6. Jacksonville (14-2) Get well soon. 7. Buffalo (11-5) Lost names, still has game. 8. Oakland (8-8) Janikowski the kick Raiders need. 9. Green Bay (8-8) Can Favre keep his streak alive? 10.

In a political twist few officials appear to have anticipated, the proposed downtown National Football League stadium could require an approval from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, not just officials at City Hall. A Times review of records spanning nearly half a century of financial and development issues involving the Los Angeles Convention Center, where the stadium would be built, shows that the county board has had to consider and vote on a range of city proposals involving the complex.

Cullen Bryant, a mainstay of the Los Angeles Rams for 11 seasons and a running back on their 1980 Super Bowl team, has died. He was 58. Bryant died of natural causes Tuesday at his home in Colorado Springs, Colo., according to sister-in-law Wanda E. Bryant. She said Bryant, unbeknownst to the family, had been under a doctor's care and that his death was a surprise even to his three brothers. A second-round pick of the Rams in 1973, he played for the team from 1973 to 1982, and again in 1987.

Super Bowl Sunday arrived in China's capital at daybreak Monday, but by kickoff it was standing room only at the Goose 'n' Duck, a British-style sports pub near sprawling Chaoyang Park in east Beijing. The vast majority of the nearly 350 football fans who braved the frigid morning temperatures were expatriate Americans, many already with beer in hand despite the hour.

No. Team (Record): Comment 1. Tennessee (11-3): Eight players in Pro Bowl. 2. Oakland (11-3): Gannon earns second trip to Hawaii. 3. Minnesota (11-3): Defense will be Viking downfall. 4. Baltimore (10-4): NFL record for fewest points given up in sight. 5. St. Louis (9-5): Fine: They'll pay to play. 6. Miami (10-4): Rain, rain, go away. 7. Denver (10-4): Brian Griese nearing his return. 8. New York Giants (10-4): Incredibly, the probable NFC East champions. 9.