CINCINNATI -- Whether the game counts in the official standings or is a preseason contest, Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras always keeps the same routine.
Before each game, Karras will walk roughly 200 yards of the field, pacing down the team's sideline, careful not to infringe on the opponent's side out of respect. He wants to know how the grass feels, what the other team is wearing, how the stadium smells. Because whether it's Game 1 or No. 144, which is what it will be for Karras, the nerves are still there.
"There's always going to be anxiety when you perform in the NFL," Karras said.