Goodell: Progress against dangerous hits

Commissioner Roger Goodell has a message for anyone wondering whether the NFL is worse off because of an increased emphasis on eliminating violent hits: We're doing fine.

"People have criticized us as changing the game," he said yesterday in Washington. "I don't believe that. I think we have taken techniques out of the game and improved the game and made it safer -- and the game's more popular than ever."

Goodell met with reporters after giving a speech about concussions at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He told the doctors that the NFL and the players' union have committed to spending $100 million over the next 10 years on medical research -- "the vast majority" on brain injuries.

He told reporters the NFL has "made tremendous progress" with head injuries. One way that change is seen, according to Goodell: Players increasingly are pointing out teammates with concussion symptoms. Another way: different tackling.

"Players really are playing the game differently,'' he said. "They're using their shoulders; they're not using their head. And I think they're having the same impact on either tackling or separating the ball in the case of a pass play.

"You're always going to have individuals that are going to, maybe, go outside the rules. But they know we're watching, and know it's not in their best interest from a health standpoint.''

Big Ben, Andre ailing

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was scheduled to have an MRI on his left foot, and his status for Sunday's game against the Titans is uncertain . . . Texans All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson has an injured right hamstring. Coach Gary Kubiak said Johnson will "miss some time," ranging from 3-4 days to a "few weeks."-- AP