71.   The signing of former Tennessee Titans linebacker Joe Bowden to a two-year deal yesterday immediately turned a weakness into a strength.

72.   They spent several million dollars on the defense, adding former Eagles linebacker Seth Joyner and tackle Clyde Simmons, and threw a few nickels at the offense.

73.   This time around, however, former Lewisville linebacker Shannon Brazzell already is enrolled and ready to play.

74.   To replace Brooks, the Giants had hoped to sign Chris Spielman, but the former Lions linebacker has agreed to terms with the Bills.

75.   Tubbs and Miguel McKay, a former linebacker, are the likely candidates to replace Rogers.

76.   Today, we topped our sports page with the Bloomberg story on former Husker linebacker Trev Alberts retiring from the Indianapolis Colts after only three seasons.

77.   Two years after nearly losing his leg, former UCLA linebacker Anselmo Zamano is walking without a limp and considering a return to football.

78.   Usually, according to players, the former linebacker Michael Brooks or the former safety Vencie Glenn would blame everyone but themselves for the problems.

79.   When he returned last season for the last five games, his friends, like former Patriot linebacker Todd Collins, were advising against it.

80.   A municipal court judge agreed to drop a minor drug charge against former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor if he stays out of trouble for six months.