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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 1:34 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2009

NFL releases full regular-season schedule

Associated Press

NEW YORK — The Dallas Cowboys will open their new $1.1 billion stadium in a nationally televised Sunday night game against the New York Giants on Sept. 20.

The NFL released its complete 2009 regular-season schedule Tuesday. The always-popular Cowboys lead all teams with six scheduled nationally televised games, even without Terrell Owens.

Reigning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh meets division rival Baltimore twice in five weeks late in the season after they faced off in the AFC title game. They play Nov. 29 and Dec. 27.

On Oct. 11, the Patriots take on Denver and former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, now the Broncos' coach. New England renews its rivalry with the Colts on Nov. 15.

The NFL had already announced the opening weekend's prime-time games. The Steelers begin their title defense Thursday, Sept. 10 against the Titans, who had the league's best record in 2008 and beat the Steelers 31-14 in the 15th game of the season.

The first Monday night game features the Patriots — in what they hope is Tom Brady's return — against the Bills, in Owens' debut.

The Bears, with new quarterback Jay Cutler, are among the teams with five nationally televised games.

It was McDaniels' pursuit of then-Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel that led to Cutler's fallout with the Broncos. McDaniels will face Cassel when Denver plays the Chiefs on Dec. 6 and Jan. 3.