The East Valley Tribune reported that Obama told McCain, an Arizona senator, he was impressed with Warner's season thus far.

"It must have been an uncomfortable situation where they had nothing to talk about," Warner told the paper. "Those things are always kind of neat. It's obviously a cool thing to be recognized in that manner." Warner, a 37-year-old former Cedar Rapids prep star, ranks among the NFL's best in several categories. He's first in passing efficiency (105.5, by far the league's best), second in passing yards (3,155) and second in touchdowns (20). He has thrown for more than 325 yards in each of the last four games.

Warner is on pace to throw for more than 5,000 yards. Only Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino has done that. Warner could be the first quarterback in NFL history to have at least nine 300-yard games in a season three times in his career.

Warner has thrown a touchdown pass in 18 consecutive games, one away from tying the Cardinals' team record.

Still, Warner couldn't help but provide self-deprecating humor to describe the scene. "It must have been a slow day for news if they were talking about me," he told the paper.

DeVries back in action

Detroit Lions defensive end Jared DeVries likely will play today against Tampa Bay after breaking his hand this season. DeVries, a former Iowa AllAmerican defensive lineman, broke his hand Nov. 9 against Jacksonville. He had hand surgery Nov. 10 and returned to practice Nov. 19.

DeVries, 32, has 45 tackles this season, including two sacks, and a fumble recovery. He has started all nine games he played this season. He's from Aplington.

Verge of greatness

CBSSportsline.com columnist Pete Prisco called Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway "a breakout player" who's on the verge of playing in the Pro Bowl. Greenway, 25, was an All-American linebacker at Iowa before the Vikings picked him in the first round of the 2006 draft. Greenway leads the Vikings in tackles with 82 and has recovered three fumbles. He has at least one sack the last three games and has four overall.

Packing it in

Green Bay defensive end Aaron Kampman has 35 sacks since 2006, the NFL's secondhighest number. Last year against New Orleans -- the Packers' opponent Monday night -- Kampman had three sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery against the Saints.

Kampman, a former Iowa defensive lineman from Aplington-Parkersburg, has played in two consecutive Pro Bowls.

-- Contact the writer (319) 339-3169 or scott.dochterman@gazcomm.com

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