Josh Brown Happy To Be in St. Louis

"It's a little odd", St. Louis Rams kicker Josh Brown said about being a division rival of the team he spent his first five years in the NFL kicking for.

"For so long you've concentrated on making sure this team never beat you. Now to be on the other side of the ball, it's taking a little getting used to.

"But things are going well, and I'm happy with the change."

24 of Brown's 116 career field goals came against St. Louis, including a few at the end of games that resulted in losses for his current employer.

"I think every player on this team has probably ribbed me about that at least once," said Brown. "Guys are able to joke about it now. I hope that's a good reputation that I bring, that we're capable of finishing that way and making the big kicks."

NFL News and Notes

Conditioning has always been important to Bill Parcells, writes Armando Salguero.

Signing free agent defensive tackle Anthony "Booger" McFarland would make a lot of sense for the Pittsburgh Steelers, writes John Harris.

A trio of Baltimore Ravens running backs, including second-round pick Ray Rice, will be vying to be Willis McGahee's back-up. Three-wides could be the primary formation the Ravens use this year. Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason was impressed with rookie Joe Flacco's arm strength.

"I'm still the same player, but that scheme up in Philly was different," Jevon Kearse said. "All I've got to say is proof is in the pudding, so I can't even talk about it. Just watch and see."

Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams likes that he'll play a role in the development of first-round offensive tackle Duane Brown. In Megan Manfull's Texans notebook, Gary Kubiak discusses the way running back Steve Slaton carries the ball, Frank Okam's size and Ephraim Salaam finally talks to the media about working behind Brown at left tackle.

San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson is the lone focus of the Campbell's Chunky soup ads this year.

Denver Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thomas always believed he'd be exonerated of the drug charges he faced after a March arrest.

Undrafted wide receiver Marcel Reese appears in line for a contract with the Oakland Raiders. Reese worked at wide receiver (the position he played at the University of Washington), tight end and running back, and was one of two players in Raiders camp to be awarded with a helmet to take home with them.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw out the first pitch and sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at Wrigley Field on Sunday.

New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips is the fourth University of Miami safety to be chosen in the 1st round in the last 7 years.

Chicago Bears quarterback Kyle Orton thinks the Bears have upgraded the wide receiver position. Interesting outlook, considering the team lost Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammed in the off-season.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton will introduce his "Play It Forward Foundation" today, which aims to raise money and awareness for families and children in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast communities.

Undrafted Air Force running back/wide receiver Chad Hall is trying to make the Atlanta Falcons as a punt returner. Rain forced the Falcons into their indoor facility for workouts yesterday morning. Falcons offensive line coach Paul Boudreau advised the media to not put much stock into mini-camp lineups.

As an insurance plan if their stadium plans in Santa Clara fall through, the San Francisco 49ers pitched a stadium idea to officials in nearby Brisbane.

St. Louis Rams rookie defensive end Chris Long showed he belonged during the Rams' three-day mini-camp.