Scoreboard

Bottle ban

Bottled drinks have been banned at Giants Stadium after rowdy football fans at games in Cleveland and New Orleans tossed bottles on the field. No throwing incidents have been reported this year at the stadium, but "it's happening elsewhere," said Dan Emmer, a spokesman for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. "It's incumbent upon the authority to provide as safe an atmosphere as possible."

The NFL is contemplating enhanced security measures after the incidents this week. On Sunday, fans in Cleveland delayed the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Browns by throwing objects, including partially filled plastic beer bottles, onto the field after replay officials nullified a catch by a Browns receiver.

The new bottle policy will first go into effect Sunday when the Giants host Seattle. However, Emmer added: "Our decision to eliminate the bottles should not be affected by the loss of income. That's not going to be a consideration."

"The Monsters of the Midway" are finally back. With Sunday's 27-3 victory over Tampa Bay, the Chicago Bears (10-3) are on their way to the playoffs for the first time since 1994. It also gave Chicago double-digit victories for the first time since 1991.

"We knew we had a lot of talent on this team, and we liked our chances," quarterback Jim Miller said. "We're 10-3, and I think Chicago should be excited. We haven't been very good for a long time. Winning does wonderful things. It makes everybody happy. You can hear the buzz around the city."