Monday, October 25, 1999

Tanuvasa’s tackles not
enough for Broncos

By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

Defensive end Ma'a Tanuvasa (Mililani) made three solo tackles and former Rainbows kicker Jason Elam booted three field goals for Denver in the Broncos' 24-23 loss at New England.

Elam pulled the Broncos within one point with a 30-yard field goal with 6:10 remaining. But he missed a 59-yarder with 1:45 left that could have won the game for Denver.

He had field goals of 40 yards in the second quarter and 28 in the third.

Tanuvasa stopped Patriots running backs Kevin Faulk and Lamont Warren for one-yard gains in the first quarter and then hit Warren for a two-yard loss in the second quarter.

He was not able to extend his streak of sacks against New England quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Tanuvasa had sacked Bledsoe five times the previous three times he faced him.

Ink Aleaga had one of his best games as a backup New Orleans linebacker with five tackles (four solo) and a forced fumble in the Saints' 31-3 loss to the New York Giants.

Chris Naeole (Kahuku) started his 22nd game at right guard for the Saints.

Bengals' backup nose tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen (Molokai) had two solo tackles in Cincinnati's 31-10 loss to Indianapolis.

In Washington's 38-20 loss to Dallas, backup linebacker Kurt Gouveia (Waianae) had three tackles (two solo) for the Redskins.

Tight end Itula Mili (Kahuku) played in Seattle's 26-16 win over Buffalo to gain a share of the AFC West lead, but he did not have a reception.

In Carolina's 24-9 loss to Detroit, Panther defensive tackle Esera Tuaolo (Kailua) played but did not record a tackle.

In Chicago's 6-3 loss to Tampa Bay, Bears center Olin Kreutz (St. Louis) started his seventh game in a row. His line allowed two sacks.

Running back Adrian Murrell (Leilehua) and the Arizona Cardinals had a bye week.

Running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala is due to play tonight against the Atlanta Falcons.