The Browns will wind up getting upstaged in their own backyards tonight when they take on the Jets in an exhibition game at Browns Stadium. The Jets announced that newly-acquired quarterback Brett Favre will appear at a press conference in Cleveland, all but guaranteeing a breathless cut-in special by ESPN.
-- Just in case anyone was envisioning a snuggly, heartfelt end to Favre's career with a solid season or two in New York, the Washington Post's Lindsey Applebaum foresees a messier, smellier postscript: "You smell that, Brett Favre? That distinct odor wafting into your aging nostrils means you're in New Jersey, where your celebrated career is going to die." Includes some sharp reader comment.
-- Another way to measure the winners and loser in the Favre trade: CBS will air 12 Jets games this year, while ESPN has the J-E-T-S only once on Monday Night Football.
-- Anyone who watched Colt Brennan play in college in Hawaii coach June Jones' wide-open offense knows Brennan is a Cowboy. After Brennan's stunning debut against the Colts on Sunday (9-for-10, 123 yards and 2 TDs), Redskins coach Jim Zorn was looking forward to seeing more of his rookie quarterback's disciplined side.
-- Proof that Alex Smith is moving closer to becoming the next Heath Shuler: The 49ers have announced that J.T. Sullivan will start at quarterback for the team's exhibition opener against the Raiders tomorrow night.
-- John Dudley