'Skins make playoffs, and Taylor's at their side

'Skins make playoffs, and Taylor's at their side
Sean Taylor wasn't on the field when the Redskins clinched Sunday. He didn't have to be. Alex Marvez says his presence is all around.

SMU considering Neuheisel

Larry Coker and Dennis Franchione are still in the running for the SMU job, but a source says that SMU is also considering Rick Neuheisel, despite his history, and that the school is no longer on edge about potential NCAA issues.

The Mustangs are waiting to see if Neuheisel goes to UCLA. Neuheisel is currently the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.

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Cameron getting bashed on way out the door

Miami Dolphins coach Cam Cameron, who reportedly could be let go this week, even has lost some support from his staff according to a report in the Miami Herald.

''Some coaches aren't fans of Cameron — the religious stuff wears on them,'' one close associate of the staff said. (Cameron is religious and perceived by some as judgmental.) One player said he appears to second-guess defensive coordinator Dom Capers at times.

Longtime former Falcons/Raiders/Packers personnel executive Ken Herock said in Cameron, the Dolphins ''basically got a worse Nick Saban.''

Nolan or Smith: Who stays, who goes?
San Francisco 49ers owner John York spoke hurriedly Sunday in Cleveland of meeting with coach Mike Nolan today, probably in Santa Clara according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Nolan has two years left on a five-year contract he signed in 2005 that pays him a total of $8 million. His status as coach and power within the organizational structure in seriously in question.

If it comes down to a question of keeping Nolan or quarterback Alex Smith, bet on the quarterback staying since he's on the books for millions more than the head coach. The defining experience of 2007 for the 49ers was Nolan's mishandling of Smith in the aftermath of his separated shoulder on Sept. 30.

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Does Dorsey staying in Cleveland mean Anderson is going?

The Cleveland Browns signed third-string quarterback Ken Dorsey to a contract extension through 2010. The signing of Dorsey, who was cut by the team before the start of the season, could be meaningless or could be a prelude to bigger roster moves.

Profootballtalk.com continues to speculate that Derek Anderson could be allowed to walk in free agency to the Miami Dolphins, who would surrender draft picks as compensation. One of those picks could go to select running back Darren McFadden from Arkansas.

Dorsey is a friend and mentor to rookie quarterback Brady Quinn, who would take over the starting job if Anderson is allow to go elsewhere.

Kitna: "Firing Martz would be a mistake''

Quarterback Jon Kitna, who has taken beating after beating because of the lack of a running game, believes the Detroit Lions should keep Mike Martz as offensive coordinator according to a report in the Detroit News.

Kitna, the starting quarterback under Martz for all 31 games the last two seasons, said it would be a mistake for the Lions to fire Martz after this season.

Martz has been an enigmatic and controversial figure since coach Rod Marinelli hired him in 2006 to run the offense. The passing game has improved greatly but the Lions have not achieved the success Martz had in St. Louis, where he was offensive coordinator in 1999 and coach from 2000-05. They have also failed to develop a running game.

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Eagles will attempt to resign tight end L.J. Smith

Eagles will attempt to resign tight end L.J. Smith

Quoting two league sources, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Philadelphia Eagles will make another attempt at resigning free-agent-to-be tight end L.J. Smith.

The Eagles never came close to an agreement with Smith's agent, Brian Mackler, when the sides tried to negotiate a contract extension.�It's also possible the Eagles could place the franchise tag on Smith. The franchise tag for tight ends is $4.37 million.

Smith, an unrestricted free agent limited to 10 games this year by groin and knee injuries. Smith finished the season with career lows in catches (22), receiving yards (236), yards per catch (10.7) and touchdowns (1).

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Kitna: "Firing Martz would be a mistake''

Quarterback Jon Kitna, who has taken beating after beating because of the lack of a running game, believes the Detroit Lions should keep Mike Martz as offensive coordinator according to a report in the Detroit News.

Kitna, the starting quarterback under Martz for all 31 games the last two seasons, said it would be a mistake for the Lions to fire Martz after this season.

Martz has been an enigmatic and controversial figure since coach Rod Marinelli hired him in 2006 to run the offense. The passing game has improved greatly but the Lions have not achieved the success Martz had in St. Louis, where he was offensive coordinator in 1999 and coach from 2000-05. They have also failed to develop a running game.

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Broncos' Smith needs hip surgery; career over?

Broncos' Smith needs hip surgery; career over?
Rod Smith needs another operation on his surgically repaired left hip, and his NFL career could be over.

Backups help Packers tie club record with 13th win
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Panthers triumph in Testaverde's finale at Tampa
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Three still in hospital after Giants' escalator fails
An escalator malfunction injured seven people at Giants Stadium on Saturday night, shortly after the New England Patriots beat the New York Giants 38-35 for a perfect 16-0 regular season.

Browns must sit and wait after beating the 49ers
The most important game for the Browns on Sunday is one they won't be playing in. But the Browns secured their first 10-win season since 1994.

Two stations resolve issue over Pats-Giants game

Two stations resolve issue over Pats-Giants game
Two local TV stations have resolved their dispute with the NFL Network over Saturday night's broadcast of the potentially historic Patriots-Giants game.

Buffalo safety Whitner to miss finale
Bills starting safety Donte Whitner will miss Buffalo's season finale at Philadelphia on Sunday because of the flu. Whitner did not travel with the team to Philadelphia, the Bills said Saturday. This will be the first game Whitner has missed this season. He started the first 15 and was third on the team with 102 tackles. The Bills (7-8), who have been eliminated from playoff contention. They are trying to finish with at least eight wins for the fourth time this decade.

Your turn: Weinke slated to start at QB for 49ers
Out of football only two weeks ago, veteran quarterback Chris Weinke will be in the starting lineup for San Francisco when the 49ers conclude their season against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon.

NFL could see 64 starting QBs by end of weekend
The NFL quarterback carousel, which has spun at breakneck speeds in 2007, will reach historic proportions in this final weekend of the season.

Garber: Anderson exceeds expectations
At the start of the season, Derek Anderson seemed destined for backup quarterback obscurity. Now he's a budding star largely responsible for the Browns' unexpected rise, writes Greg Garber.

Hit by injuries, Pats' offensive line patches holes
The New England Patriots will attempt to complete the NFL's first 16-0 regular season on Saturday minus the entire starting right side of their offensive line.

Colts sign safety Sanders to five-year, $37.5 million extension
The Indianapolis Colts signed safety Bob Sanders to five-year, $37.5 million extension that includes $20 million in guarantees, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter.

Report: Lions' O-coordinator Martz set to be fired
The Detroit Lions are expected to fire offensive coordinator Mike Martz after Sunday's season finale against Green Bay, the Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site.

Testaverde to retire following Sunday's game
Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde, who is eighth in NFL career touchdown passes and has thrown a touchdown pass in a league-record 21 straight seasons, will retire following Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.

Patriots go 16-0

Well.... they did it.

They are good, actually they are great, but I still hate them.

I hope they crash hard in the playoffs.

Congrats Patriots for going 16-0.

Here is the rundown.

Kitna: "Firing Martz would be a mistake''

Kitna: "Firing Martz would be a mistake''

Quarterback Jon Kitna, who has taken beating after beating because of the lack of a running game, believes the Detroit Lions should keep Mike Martz as offensive coordinator according to a report in the Detroit News.

Kitna, the starting quarterback under Martz for all 31 games the last two seasons, said it would be a mistake for the Lions to fire Martz after this season.

Martz has been an enigmatic and controversial figure since coach Rod Marinelli hired him in 2006 to run the offense. The passing game has improved greatly but the Lions have not achieved the success Martz had in St. Louis, where he was offensive coordinator in 1999 and coach from 2000-05. They have also failed to develop a running game.

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SMU considering Neuheisel

Larry Coker and Dennis Franchione are still in the running for the SMU job, but a source says that SMU is also considering Rick Neuheisel, despite his history, and that the school is no longer on edge about potential NCAA issues.

The Mustangs are waiting to see if Neuheisel goes to UCLA. Neuheisel is currently the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.

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Dallas scouting guru Ireland a GM candidate in Miami?

Jeff Ireland, the Dallas Cowboys' vice president of college and pro scouting, has an excellent relationship with Bill Parcells and appears to be a candidate for the general manager job with the Miami Dolphins according to the Dallas Morning News.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Friday he isn't worried about losing Ireland, who is highly regarded across the league.

"In personnel, no one can leave until after the draft," Jones said. "The only thing I'm concerned about in personnel is that we get the benefit of all the work that's been done to run our draft. As far as sitting there with personnel, someone being given an opportunity to be a general manager or the opportunity to be over there, I'll help him.''

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Vikings will inquire about McNabb, Fitzgerald

The Minnesota Vikings say they will evaluate their quarterback status at the end of the season according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

But there seems little doubt that they will inquire about the availability of Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb this winter. The problem for Minnesota is that McNabb, 31, would cost at least two first-round draft picks.

If the Vikings decide to return with 24-year-old Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback, they'll need to try to trade for the Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald of Minneapolis, who might also cost a couple of first-round draft picks, or sign at least two other premier wide receivers.

49ers late-season heroics follows an old script

49ers late-season heroics follows an old script

Nancy Gay, columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, noted the stirring play by the San Francisco 49ers in December has been seen before.

Gay wrote: "If you've paid careful attention to the 49ers during the three-year Mike Nolan era, you'll notice the season-ending pattern hasn't changed. Late December brings about soul-stirring victories, figurative Band-Aids that help patch the mental wounds inflicted by too many early and midseason disappointments.

"On Sunday, the 49ers surprised the bookies and a lot of folks by knocking off the playoff-bound Buccaneers 21-19 at Candlestick. For the record, Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden yanked his offensive starters, most specifically quarterback Jeff Garcia, late in the first half. To Gruden, this was little more than an exhibition game his team had to survive while the playoffs beckon.''

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49ers' Singletary still interested in Falcons position
Mike Singletary would not elaborate Friday on his interest in pursuing the Atlanta Falcons head coach position for a second straight year.

Russell will start and finish for Raiders

Rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell will start Sunday's season finale against the San Diego Chargers and, barring an injury, will finish it too, Kiffin said.

For the first time, he'll get all the repetitions in practice this week. Practically all season, Kiffin has said he was concerned about the damage it might do to Russell's confidence if he found himself in over his head. Consider it done. Now it's time to assess the kid's confidence.

In Sunday's 49-11 rout at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Russell threw three interceptions and would have had four if tight end Zach Miller hadn't prevented one in the second quarter. Russell also was called for intentional grounding and on the next play lost a fumble without being hit.

Vikings will inquire about McNabb, Fitzgerald

The Minnesota Vikings say they will evaluate their quarterback status at the end of the season according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

But there seems little doubt that they will inquire about the availability of Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb this winter. The problem for Minnesota is that McNabb, 31, would cost at least two first-round draft picks.

If the Vikings decide to return with 24-year-old Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback, they'll need to try to trade for the Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald of Minneapolis, who might also cost a couple of first-round draft picks, or sign at least two other premier wide receivers.

Garber: Anderson exceeds expectations
At the start of the season, Derek Anderson seemed destined for backup quarterback obscurity. Now he's a budding star largely responsible for the Browns' unexpected rise, writes Greg Garber.

Glenn will make debut; Phillips wants to win 14th game

Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips has decisions to make this week. He needs to decide which starters will play and how long.

According to the Dallas Morning News,�Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode (sprained left MCL), Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman (multiple right leg injuries), leading special teams tackler Patrick Watkins (sprained left ankle) and starting nose tackle Jay Ratliff (sore right knee) all could miss the regular-season finale.

Receiver Terry Glenn will make his season debut Sunday after missing 15 games following two knee surgeries. If he starts and how much he plays isn't known, but Phillips said he was encouraged when Glenn ran several good routes last week in practice.

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Steelers considering artificial turf at Heinz Field

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a choice to make. Do they keep real grass at Heinz Field and risk playing surface horrors�like they've had the past three games? Or do they go to artificial turf and risk injuries like the one Willie Parker suffered Thursday in St. Louis?

Steelers chairman Dan Rooney always has preferred a grass surface at Heinz Field.�The Rams play on an artificial surface at the Edward Jones Dome, and some of the Steelers are not surprised they have 11 players on the season-ending injured reserve list, including offensive tackle Orlando Pace and linebacker Leonard Little.

The Steelers, though, are considering a switch to an artificial surface at Heinz Field because of the wear and tear on the grass surface and the poor conditions that have resulted the past three games.

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Kitna: "Firing Martz would be a mistake''

Quarterback Jon Kitna, who has taken beating after beating because of the lack of a running game, believes the Detroit Lions should keep Mike Martz as offensive coordinator according to a report in the Detroit News.

Kitna, the starting quarterback under Martz for all 31 games the last two seasons, said it would be a mistake for the Lions to fire Martz after this season.

Martz has been an enigmatic and controversial figure since coach Rod Marinelli hired him in 2006 to run the offense. The passing game has improved greatly but the Lions have not achieved the success Martz had in St. Louis, where he was offensive coordinator in 1999 and coach from 2000-05. They have also failed to develop a running game.

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Saints hold Bush out of last-ditch shot at playoffs
Reggie Bush won't be returning to the scene of his famous end zone somersault in last season's NFC Championship Game, at least not in uniform.

All-Pro guard Andrews will not play for Philly

Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews will miss tomorrow's game in New Orleans because of a sprained knee ligament the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Andrews aggravated the injury in the first quarter against Dallas. He will be replaced by Max Jean-Gilles.

Former Dolphins chaplin accused of sexual abuse

Former Dolphins chaplin accused of sexual abuse
A former Miami Dolphins chaplain is the subject of a lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Miami with allegations that he sexually abused a one-time altar boy the Miami Herald reported.

The abuse began in 1977, when the boy was 13, according to the lawsuit, which was filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court on Thursday. The priest took him to Dolphins games, introducing him to players, and also to Coach Don Shula's house for tea.

The players and coach did not know the boy was being sexually abused, the lawsuit stated. The abuse went on for five years, when the priest took the boy to upscale restaurants, gave him alcohol and took him on overnight trips to the Florida Keys and to North Carolina.

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Briggs' status for season finale in question

With free agency looming, there is speculation that linebacker Lance Briggs could shut things down for the rest of the season. However, Monday, Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith said Briggs would play if healthy.

Briggs, whose status is unclear with a hip-abductor injury,�didn't suit up against the Packers, and it might be in his best interest to sit out against New Orleans rather than risk further injury as he seeks a new contract.

If Briggs sits, Jamar Williams would get another chance to show what he can do at weak-side linebacker. He was impressive against the Packers with six tackles and a pass deflection in only 16 snaps.

Parcells at practice on first day with Dolphins
Bill Parcells was on the field for Thursday's workout and a firsthand look at the NFL's worst team. He signed a four-year contract last week to become executive vice president of football operations.

Croyle figures to start at QB for Chiefs on Sunday
Brodie Croyle was able to throw without any problem Thursday, and he will probably start Sunday for the Chiefs at the Jets.

Crayton signs four-year deal with Cowboys
Dallas wide receiver Patrick Crayton signed a four-year deal with the Cowboys on Thursday that's worth up to $14 million, his agent said.

Frustrating season for Philly's Dawkins may be over

Brian Dawkins' season of frustration continued Sunday when he was forced to leave the Philadelphia Eagles' 38-23 victory over the New Orleans Saints with a sprained foot late in the first half.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said Dawkins will undergo an MRI examination today. It appears Dawkins will miss his sixth game of the year when the Eagles close out their season Sunday against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field.

The foot injury was the latest in a season filled with injuries for Dawkins. He missed much of the preseason with Achilles tendinitis, then suffered a serious neck injury in the second game of the regular season. The neck injury cost Dawkins five games.

Roethlisberger misses practice, likely to sit out Sunday

Roethlisberger misses practice, likely to sit out Sunday
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't practice with the starting offense for the second day in a row Thursday, a sign he is unlikely to play in the team's final regular-season game Sunday in Baltimore.

Tampa Bay's Stovall breaks arm, finished for year
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have confirmed that receiver Maurice Stovall did suffer a broken arm and will be lost for the season according to the St. Petersburg Times.

That's a blow to the offense and�special teams, where Stovall had distinguished himself. It also puts a strain on the depth at receiver for next week's finale against Carolina. It would be shocking to see Joey Galloway play much, if at all. So, they'll possibly be two receivers short when they take the field.

Look for Micheal Spurlock to get some more playing time at receiver after making his debut at the position against San Francisco.

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At least New England loses in the gambling world

At least the New England Patriots are losers in one arena. While the Patriots are 14-0 on the field, they are 10-4 with gamblers.� New England has failed to cover the spread in four of their last six games. There's some�motivation for you Bill Belichick?

The New York Times reported�oddsmakers have had to put up points — a lot of them — to slow down Tom Brady, Randy Moss and the universe of gamblers who have made perhaps tens of millions of dollars betting on the Patriots to cover the spread. This Sunday, New England is a 21 �-point favorite to defeat visiting Miami (1-13), which won its first game last week.

"If the weather is good - 40 degrees, 5-10 m.p.h. winds — then New England could easily win by 30 points," said Mike Seba, a senior oddsmaker for Las Vegas Sports Consultants, which sets the line for 90 percent of Nevada's sports books. "But you have to be defensive with the season these guys are having."

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Will Browns let Anderson walk to get McFadden with No.1 pick?

ProFootballTalk.com reports at least one sports radio personality in Ohio is insisting�the Cleveland Browns will allow quarterback Derek Anderson go in free agency to the Miami Dolphins.

In return, the Dolphins would surrender the No.1 selection in the draft as part of required compensation. The Browns would then use the No.1 selection to take Darren McFadden from Arkansas while allowing Brady Quinn to step in as the starting quarterback. The snafu is Cleveland's willingness to part with an estimated $35 million to get McFadden.

Rumor has it, Bill Parcells wants to show some improvement in his first year in Miami and knows he won't be able to do that if he drafts a quarterback with the first selection.

Coles, Pennington could go out like they came in ... together
They came into the National Football League together. The�matured in the offense of the New York Jets. And now, as the 2007 season, winds down it is possible�Chad Pennington and Laveranues Coles, close friends, could be leaving together.

If that's how it turns out in the offseason, this weekend could be remembered as the end of the Pennington-Coles era according to the New York Daily News.

Saturday, the Jets placed Coles on injured reserve, shutting him down with a month-old, high-ankle sprain that limited him to one play last week. Sunday, Pennington could make his farewell appearance for the Jets.

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If the season ended today ...
The playoff picture is clearing up, but highly coveted spots and seeds are still up for grabs.

Cowboys hoping Ownes will be available for playoffs
Terrell Owens' high ankle sprain will sideline him this weekend in Washington. Everything after that is to be determined.

The best-case scenario is that Owens is ready to go for the divisional game on Jan. 12 or 13. He'll surely crank up the hyperbaric chamber and do everything else possible to make that a reality. But�Owens playing in the Cowboys' first playoff game is far from a sure thing.

"I'm hopeful," Wade Phillips said, "but I wouldn't say confident."

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Parcells goes to work with Dolphins
Bill Parcells was on the field for Thursday's workout and a firsthand look at the NFL's worst team. He signed a four-year contract last week to become executive vice president of football operations.

Schrager: NFL resolutions for 2008

Schrager: NFL resolutions for 2008
Tony Romo swears off bringing his girlfriend to games as Peter Schrager looks at New Year's resolutions being made around the NFL.

Huizenga willing to sell 49 percent of Dolphins
Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga remains in serious discussions with New York real estate developer Steve Ross, and Huizenga has told people he prefers to sell 49 percent of the team, three officials close to the situation said this week according to the Miami Herald.

Part of a possible deal would give Ross the right to purchase majority interest within several years.

Huizenga likes the idea of someone coming in as a minority owner first, with the understanding that person would eventually buy out Huizenga's interest. Dolphin Stadium also would be included in the deal.

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League will be watching Williams, tackling tactics closely
When Roy Williams returns to work Wednesday for the Dallas Cowboys�he will do so with a sharp warning the Dallas Morning News reported.

The NFL, in a letter, told the Cowboys strong safety that increased discipline is possible if he commits another horse-collar tackle. Williams missed Saturday's game at Carolina because he was serving a one-game suspension after being penalized for an illegal horse-collar tackle.

If Williams is flagged again, he could receive a two-game suspension, including playoff games.

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Saints look to youth in backfield
The New Orleans running game could be in the hands of a rookie and two newcomers when they play their season finale at Chicago on Sunday. Neither Reggie Bush (torn ligament in his left knee) nor Aaron Stecker (turf toe) practiced Wednesday and it's uncertain if either will be available for the game, a must-win for the Saints, who still have an outside shot at the final NFC wild-card slot.

McNabb looks forward to staying with Eagles
The uncertainty surrounding the five-time Pro Bowler's future with the Philadelphia Eagles seemingly was put to rest earlier this month when team president Joe Banner said he expected McNabb to be the starter next year.

Brown could make final home appearance for Patriots

Brown could make final home appearance for Patriots
Bill Belichick has�come up with classic finales for a number of New England Patriots —�Doug Flutie (the drop kick through the goal posts?) and Vinny Testaverde (giving him the chance to throw a touchdown pass in his record-setting 20th straight season in last year's finale at Tennessee). So, one had to wonder if Patriots coach Bill Belichick has a gadget play installed for veteran receiver Troy Brown, who, if activated, might be making his final Gillette Stadium appearance tomorrow against the Dolphins.

If there was anything in the works, Brown remained mum yesterday when reporters surrounded him at his locker to talk to the veteran who has played all 15 of his NFL seasons with the Patriots according to the Boston Globe. Brown came off the reserve/physically-unable-to-perform list Nov. 27 and has been inactive since.

"As for him? Does he desire scoring a touchdown, perhaps? "A win would be great," he said. "That would make Christmas pretty good."

Detroit RB Jones tears knee ligament

For the second straight season, Detroit Lions tailback Kevin Jones is facing a long recovery and rehabilitation program because of a serious, season-ending injury according to the Detroit News.

Jones will miss the final game (at Green Bay) because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The injury likely will require surgery, but no decision has been made, coach Rod Marinelli said Monday. Jones was hurt when hit after catching a pass for a 6-yard gain on the next-to-last play of the first half of Sunday's victory over the Chiefs.

"They (team doctors) want to wait until the swelling goes down," Marinelli said. "Then they'll make a determination from there, but there's a tear in it."

Kitna named starter in final two games and in 2008
There will be no quarterback controversy in Detroit. Not only did offensive coordinator Mike Martz tell the Detroit News that Jon Kitna will start the two final regular season games of 2007, he will be the starter in 2008.

Kitna has started every game since joining the team before the 2006 season. Already he has put up two of the best passing seasons in Lions history. But his record is just 9-21, and the Lions have missed the playoffs both seasons.

But Martz said the Lions won't use J.T. O'Sullivan or Dan Orlovsky. O'Sullivan has appeared in four games, including their 20-17 overtime victory over Minnesota on Sept. 16. Kitna missed time because of a concussion in that game but returned to lead the Lions to victory.

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Does Holt's on-camera rant signal end for Linehan?

In the closing moments of a 41-24�loss to the�Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Lous Rams Torry Holt blew his top and lost his cool , and the NFL Network cameras caught him unleashing a vulgar tirade against coach Scott Linehan.

"It's not a big deal to me," Linehan said. Linehan has to be the only one who doesn't see it that way.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bryan Burwell wrote: "For Holt to go off on an obscenity-laced rant on Linehan after a failed fourth-and-10 play resulted in a 51-yard interception return for Pittsburgh's final score must be considered one of the surest barometers that this two-year-old experiment with Linehan as an NFL head coach deserves a failing grade.''

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NFL roundup


Pats' historic game will be available to all
The New England Patriots' shot at history Saturday night will be available for every household in the country with a television after months of wrangling. The game against the New York Giants, in which the Patriots could become the first NFL team to go 16-0 in the regular season, was originally scheduled to be shown only on the NFL Network, which is available in fewer than 40 percent of the nation's homes with TVs.

Brown: Eagles played tight because coaches were tight

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown said it wasn't until the most recent games against Dallas and New Orleans that the team just went out and played loose.

"We all played tight,�you know what I mean?" Brown said to reporters on Sunday, after the Eagles finished an impressive duo of road wins over the Cowboys and the Saints. "The last two weeks it was like: Let's just go play ball. We should have had that attitude from day one."

Asked why it didn't happen, Brown said: "It's a trickle-down effect. If the coaches feel tight, it trickles down to the players. They're like: Oh, I can't make a mistake. I can't make a mistake. Now the coaches are relaxed, the players are relaxed and we're having fun playing and that's how it's always been since I've been here. I don't know why it wasn't that way from the beginning."

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Giants' Bradshaw called his shot on TD run

Giants' Bradshaw called his shot on TD run

The New York Giants were clinging to a 24-21 lead midway through the fourth quarter, with their playoff hopes and their coach's future hanging in the balance when Ahmad Bradshaw called his shot according to the Newsday.

When quarterback Eli Manning called the running play with the Giants at their own 12 yard line in the fourth quarter, Bradshaw told his teammates: ""I'm going to take it to the house and end this game," Bradshaw told his teammates.''

"Good. Let's see you do it," Manning told him.

He did it.

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Brown could make final home appearance for Patriots
Bill Belichick has�come up with classic finales for a number of New England Patriots —�Doug Flutie (the drop kick through the goal posts?) and Vinny Testaverde (giving him the chance to throw a touchdown pass in his record-setting 20th straight season in last year's finale at Tennessee). So, one had to wonder if Patriots coach Bill Belichick has a gadget play installed for veteran receiver Troy Brown, who, if activated, might be making his final Gillette Stadium appearance tomorrow against the Dolphins.

If there was anything in the works, Brown remained mum yesterday when reporters surrounded him at his locker to talk to the veteran who has played all 15 of his NFL seasons with the Patriots according to the Boston Globe. Brown came off the reserve/physically-unable-to-perform list Nov. 27 and has been inactive since.

"As for him? Does he desire scoring a touchdown, perhaps? "A win would be great," he said. "That would make Christmas pretty good."

A Giant profit: Fans selling tickets to Pats game
The chance to watch the Giants try to mar the Patriots perfect season isn't drawing many Big Blue fans to the stadium this Saturday.

Jets need a little bit of everything to bounce back in 2008
With almost $28 million in salary-cap room, seven draft picks (including a possible top-five choice) and a couple of bargaining chips for the trade market (Chad Pennington and Jonathan Vilma), the New York Jets should be able to return to respectability the New York Daily News reported.

The early word is that Mike Tannenbaum, known as a frugal spender, is prepared�to�be a big player in free agency. Don't be surprised if the Jets' wish list includes Baltimore Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs, Tennessee Titans DT Albert Haynesworth and Chicago Bears WR Bernard Berrian.

This could be a make-or-break offseason for "Tangini." Their to-do list is daunting.

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New 49ers stadium project gets infusion of federal cash
With a key vote upcoming at the Santa Clara City Council on whether to help build a new stadium for the 49ers, San Francisco city officials say a new infusion of federal cash is giving a big lift to their alternative plans to keep the team playing in the city at a new stadium at the Hunters Point shipyard.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle,�a federal appropriations bill headed to President Bush to fund the U.S. military for the fiscal year starting next Oct. 1 contains $82 million for Navy cleanup of the polluted former naval shipyard at Hunters Point — a $20 million increase over what the government has committed annually over the past several years, according to Michael Cohen, who is Mayor Gavin Newsom's manager on the project.

Keeping on schedule is vital to the Newsom administration because the 49ers have said they need to be in a new stadium by the 2012 season — and the need to meet that deadline is one reason that the team has given for trying to strike a stadium deal with Santa Clara on city land used as parking lots for Great America amusement park.

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49ers late-season heroics follows an old script

Nancy Gay, columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, noted the stirring play by the San Francisco 49ers in December has been seen before.

Gay wrote: "If you've paid careful attention to the 49ers during the three-year Mike Nolan era, you'll notice the season-ending pattern hasn't changed. Late December brings about soul-stirring victories, figurative Band-Aids that help patch the mental wounds inflicted by too many early and midseason disappointments.

"On Sunday, the 49ers surprised the bookies and a lot of folks by knocking off the playoff-bound Buccaneers 21-19 at Candlestick. For the record, Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden yanked his offensive starters, most specifically quarterback Jeff Garcia, late in the first half. To Gruden, this was little more than an exhibition game his team had to survive while the playoffs beckon.''

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Titans' Haynesworth doesn't practice, should play
Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and center Kevin Mawae sat out a short practice Wednesday with six other Titans.

Huizenga willing to sell 49 percent of Dolphins
Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga remains in serious discussions with New York real estate developer Steve Ross, and Huizenga has told people he prefers to sell 49 percent of the team, three officials close to the situation said this week according to the Miami Herald.

Part of a possible deal would give Ross the right to purchase majority interest within several years.

Huizenga likes the idea of someone coming in as a minority owner first, with the understanding that person would eventually buy out Huizenga's interest. Dolphin Stadium also would be included in the deal.

�

Russell to make first career start in Raiders' finale
Rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell will get the first start of his career when the Raiders conclude the season against the Chargers on Sunday.

Smith could make first NFL start for Ravens

With Kyle Boller feeling lingering effects from a concussion, Troy Smith could make his first NFL start Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens play the Seahawks in Seattle according to the Baltimore Sun.

Boller did not practice Wednesday and was sent home after meetings because he is still experiencing headaches and sensitivity to light.

Smith, last season's Heisman Trophy winner, took all the snaps with the starting offense for the first time this season.

�

Steelers place Parker on injured reserve

Steelers place Parker on injured reserve
The team announced that two-time Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker has been placed on the Reserve/Injured List with a leg injury and will miss the team’s final regular-season game at Baltimore and the entire NFL playoffs.

Patriots fans snapping up tickets for historic game
Two tickets to the game, plus tolls, parking, food and beverages? $175.

Browns give backup QB Dorsey 3-year extension
The Browns signed backup quarterback Ken Dorsey to an extension.

Browns sign veteran lineman Hamilton to bolster D
The Browns on Wednesday signed free agent Bobby Hamilton to shore up their defense.

Injury woes raising concerns about Croyle's future
A bruised right hand may stop Brodie Croyle from playing against the New York Jets on Sunday, and concern is growing that Kansas City's strong-armed young quarterback might be too frail for the NFL.

Playoff-bound Steelers concerned about OT Smith
Marvel Smith will almost certainly miss the Steelers' regular-season finale against Baltimore, and club officials are concerned the injury might keep him out of the playoffs.



McNabb looks forward to staying with Eagles
The uncertainty surrounding the five-time Pro Bowler's future with the Philadelphia Eagles seemingly was put to rest earlier this month when team president Joe Banner said he expected McNabb to be the starter next year.

Defensive injuries mounting for Baltimore

Defensive injuries mounting for Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens placed Samari Rolle on injured reserve today, ending the cornerback's season with two games remaining according to the Baltimore Sun. Rolle had missed the previous two games because of a shoulder injury and played in just six of 12 games this season as he battled epilepsy.

Rolle joins cornerback Chris McAlister on injured reserve. McAlister's season ended last week because of a strained right knee.

In addition, it appears doubtful linebacker Ray Lewis and tight end Todd Heap will play against the Seattle Seahawks.

"

Steelers place Parker on injured reserve
The team announced that two-time Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker has been placed on the Reserve/Injured List with a leg injury and will miss the team’s final regular-season game at Baltimore and the entire NFL playoffs.

Coles, Pennington could go out like they came in ... together
They came into the National Football League together. The�matured in the offense of the New York Jets. And now, as the 2007 season, winds down it is possible�Chad Pennington and Laveranues Coles, close friends, could be leaving together.

If that's how it turns out in the offseason, this weekend could be remembered as the end of the Pennington-Coles era according to the New York Daily News.

Saturday, the Jets placed Coles on injured reserve, shutting him down with a month-old, high-ankle sprain that limited him to one play last week. Sunday, Pennington could make his farewell appearance for the Jets.

�

Russell may get first start for Raiders

Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin seems to have soured on bringing No.1 draft choice JaMarcus Russell off the bench for a few series, as he's done the past two home games against the Broncos and Colts.

Russell is going to be the starter or he is going to be the closer Sunday. What he will not be, for once, is the middle reliever. So said�Kiffin, who was vague as ever about his quarterback plans Wednesday as his team prepared for a weekend trip to Jacksonville.

"Uh-huh," Kiffin said when asked if Russell, the reigning No. 1 overall draft pick, could make his first NFL start. "There's a possibility of it. We're still looking at it. There's a bunch of different ways to do it."

�

�

McCown will start for Oakland; Russell will play

Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin insists No.1 draft choice JaMarcus Russell will play against Jacksonville Sunday. He just doesn't know when or how long.

"Josh (McCown) will start and JaMarcus will play, and hopefully, if the scenarios go right, he'll play in the first half,'' Kiffin told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Earlier in the week, Kiffin indicated Russell would start and McCown would finish.

New 49ers stadium project gets infusion of federal cash
With a key vote upcoming at the Santa Clara City Council on whether to help build a new stadium for the 49ers, San Francisco city officials say a new infusion of federal cash is giving a big lift to their alternative plans to keep the team playing in the city at a new stadium at the Hunters Point shipyard.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle,�a federal appropriations bill headed to President Bush to fund the U.S. military for the fiscal year starting next Oct. 1 contains $82 million for Navy cleanup of the polluted former naval shipyard at Hunters Point — a $20 million increase over what the government has committed annually over the past several years, according to Michael Cohen, who is Mayor Gavin Newsom's manager on the project.

Keeping on schedule is vital to the Newsom administration because the 49ers have said they need to be in a new stadium by the 2012 season — and the need to meet that deadline is one reason that the team has given for trying to strike a stadium deal with Santa Clara on city land used as parking lots for Great America amusement park.

�

Cowboys not likely to rely on starters vs. Redskins
Brad Johnson, start getting loose. The Dallas Cowboys may finally let you throw a pass.

Does Holt's on-camera rant signal end for Linehan?

In the closing moments of a 41-24�loss to the�Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Lous Rams Torry Holt blew his top and lost his cool , and the NFL Network cameras caught him unleashing a vulgar tirade against coach Scott Linehan.

"It's not a big deal to me," Linehan said. Linehan has to be the only one who doesn't see it that way.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bryan Burwell wrote: "For Holt to go off on an obscenity-laced rant on Linehan after a failed fourth-and-10 play resulted in a 51-yard interception return for Pittsburgh's final score must be considered one of the surest barometers that this two-year-old experiment with Linehan as an NFL head coach deserves a failing grade.''

�

Steelers considering artificial turf at Heinz Field

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a choice to make. Do they keep real grass at Heinz Field and risk playing surface horrors�like they've had the past three games? Or do they go to artificial turf and risk injuries like the one Willie Parker suffered Thursday in St. Louis?

Steelers chairman Dan Rooney always has preferred a grass surface at Heinz Field.�The Rams play on an artificial surface at the Edward Jones Dome, and some of the Steelers are not surprised they have 11 players on the season-ending injured reserve list, including offensive tackle Orlando Pace and linebacker Leonard Little.

The Steelers, though, are considering a switch to an artificial surface at Heinz Field because of the wear and tear on the grass surface and the poor conditions that have resulted the past three games.

�

Huizenga willing to sell 49 percent of Dolphins

Huizenga willing to sell 49 percent of Dolphins
Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga remains in serious discussions with New York real estate developer Steve Ross, and Huizenga has told people he prefers to sell 49 percent of the team, three officials close to the situation said this week according to the Miami Herald.

Part of a possible deal would give Ross the right to purchase majority interest within several years.

Huizenga likes the idea of someone coming in as a minority owner first, with the understanding that person would eventually buy out Huizenga's interest. Dolphin Stadium also would be included in the deal.

�

Bills lose Pro Bowl LT Peters for finale
Bills left tackle Jason Peters will miss Buffalo's season finale at Philadelphia on Sunday because of a groin injury that could also keep him from playing in the Pro Bowl in February. Coach Dick Jauron said Monday that Peters will have tests this week to determine the severity of the injury suffered in the second quarter of a 38-21 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. "Hopefully, it'll be OK in time and hopefully he'll be able to participate in the Pro Bowl as a healthy tackle," Jauron said.

Smith could make first NFL start for Ravens

With Kyle Boller feeling lingering effects from a concussion, Troy Smith could make his first NFL start Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens play the Seahawks in Seattle according to the Baltimore Sun.

Boller did not practice Wednesday and was sent home after meetings because he is still experiencing headaches and sensitivity to light.

Smith, last season's Heisman Trophy winner, took all the snaps with the starting offense for the first time this season.

�

Crennel would be Tuna's first choice to coach Dolphins

Citing a league source, ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel would be the No.1 choice of Bill Parcells to assume the coaching reins of the Miami Dolphins.

Crennel, who was on the hot seat when the season started, has two more years remaining on his current coach with the Browns. Crennel is a long-time Parcells assistant in New York and New England.

�

�

Defensive injuries mounting for Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens placed Samari Rolle on injured reserve today, ending the cornerback's season with two games remaining according to the Baltimore Sun. Rolle had missed the previous two games because of a shoulder injury and played in just six of 12 games this season as he battled epilepsy.

Rolle joins cornerback Chris McAlister on injured reserve. McAlister's season ended last week because of a strained right knee.

In addition, it appears doubtful linebacker Ray Lewis and tight end Todd Heap will play against the Seattle Seahawks.

"

Brown could make final home appearance for Patriots
Bill Belichick has�come up with classic finales for a number of New England Patriots —�Doug Flutie (the drop kick through the goal posts?) and Vinny Testaverde (giving him the chance to throw a touchdown pass in his record-setting 20th straight season in last year's finale at Tennessee). So, one had to wonder if Patriots coach Bill Belichick has a gadget play installed for veteran receiver Troy Brown, who, if activated, might be making his final Gillette Stadium appearance tomorrow against the Dolphins.

If there was anything in the works, Brown remained mum yesterday when reporters surrounded him at his locker to talk to the veteran who has played all 15 of his NFL seasons with the Patriots according to the Boston Globe. Brown came off the reserve/physically-unable-to-perform list Nov. 27 and has been inactive since.

"As for him? Does he desire scoring a touchdown, perhaps? "A win would be great," he said. "That would make Christmas pretty good."

Report: Parcells, Dolphins reach deal

Bill Parcells will not be joining the Atlanta Falcons as head of football operations and has instead agreed to a four-year contract to join the Dolphins in that capacity, The Miami Herald reported Wednesday.

The Herald, citing a source, said Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga was at the team's training facility for an hour, where he spoke with head coach Cam Cameron.
The immediate futures of Cameron and general manager Randy Mueller are currently unknown, the report said.

The Dolphins declined comment, only saying no contract has been signed, and no one at Huizenga's business office was authorized to comment when reached Wednesday evening by The Associated Press.

Miami's players were also caught off-stride by the news, which broke after they finished practice.

"I don't know anything," defensive end Jason Taylor said.

So, for the second time in less than a week, an off-field story is dominating the conversation at Miami's training complex.

The first revelation came last Friday: Huizenga has been in talks about selling the team to two real estate developers for about $1.1 billion. Huizenga later said those discussions had been going on for months, and the story has since changed to the billionaire owner considering selling only a 49 percent stake in the team.

And now this: Parcells, who previously coached the Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys, is apparently set to return to the NFL.

"Really?" defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday said when told by The AP about Parcells' apparent interest in the Dolphins. "You can't control it. But somebody like the Big Tuna, regardless of who's in the front office or who's not, brings a lot of respect and a lot of credibility with him. ... If you're a free agent out there, that might draw you in."

When the Falcons announced Parcells turned them down - while also releasing that he was in negotiations with the Dolphins — several Miami players were playing cards and dominoes in the locker room.

"We met with him this morning to complete the contract. At that time, we were made aware by Parcells that he was considering a revised offer from the Miami Dolphins," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said. "He later informed us that he would not be signing a contract with us."

Many Dolphins immediately turned their attention to the television, seeking more information. Clearly, the mere mention of Parcells coming to Miami created an immediate buzz.

"I have a lot of respect for what he's been able to do in other places and I'd expect, if he did come in here, for him to do the same," Holliday said. "I don't know what's going to happen upstairs. I have no idea. I have a lot of respect for Randy Mueller, as well. But my interest is in what's best for this team and getting us in the right direction."

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Pro Bowl 2008 Selections

Here are the 2008 Pro Bowl selections thanks to NFL Grid Iron Gab

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
—————————-

OFFENSE
——-

Quarterbacks — x-Brett Favre, Green Bay; Matt Hasselbeck,
Seattle; Tony Romo, Dallas.

Running backs — Marion Barber, Dallas; x-Adrian Peterson,
Minnesota; Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia.

Fullback — x-Tony Richardson, Minnesota.

Wide receivers — Donald Driver, Green Bay; x-Larry Fitzgerald,
Arizona; Torry Holt, St. Louis; x-Terrell Owens, Dallas.

Tight ends — Chris Cooley, Washington; x-Jason Witten, Dallas.

Tackles — x-Flozell Adams, Dallas; x-Walter Jones, Seattle;
Chris Samuels, Washington.

Guards — Shawn Andrews, Philadelphia; x-Leonard Davis, Dallas;
x-Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota.

Centers — Matt Birk, Minnesota; x-Andre Gurode, Dallas.

DEFENSE
——-

Ends — x-Aaron Kampman, Green Bay; x-Patrick Kerney, Seattle;
Osi Umenyiora, NY Giants.

Tackles — Tommie Harris, Chicago; x-Kevin Williams, Minnesota;
x-Pat Williams, Minnesota.

Outside linebackers — Lance Briggs, Chicago; x-Julian Peterson,
Seattle; x-DeMarcus Ware, Dallas.

Inside linebackers — x-Lofa Tatupu, Seattle; Patrick Willis, San
Francisco.

Cornerbacks — x-Al Harris, Green Bay; Terence Newman, Dallas;
x-Marcus Trufant, Seattle.

Strong safety — x-Darren Sharper, Minnesota.

Free safeties — Ken Hamlin, Dallas; x-Sean Taylor, Washington.

Kicker — Nick Folk, Dallas.

Punter — Andy Lee, San Francisco

Kick returner — Devin Hester, Chicago.

Special teamer — Brendon Ayanbadejo, Chicago.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
—————————-

OFFENSE
——-

Quarterbacks — x-Tom Brady, New England; Peyton Manning,
Indianapolis; Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh.

Running backs — Joseph Addai, Indianapolis; Willie Parker,
Pittsburgh; x-LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego.

Fullback — x-Lorenzo Neal, San Diego.

Wide receivers — Braylon Edwards, Cleveland; T.J. Houshmandzadeh,
Cincinnati; x-Randy Moss, New England; x-Reggie Wayne,
Indianapolis.

Tight ends — x-Antonio Gates, San Diego; Tony Gonzalez,
Kansas City.

Tackles — x-Matt Light, New England; Jonathan Ogden, Baltimore;
x-Jason Peters, Buffalo.

Guards — Kris Dielman, San Diego; x-Alan Faneca, Pittsburgh;
x-Logan Mankins, New England.

Centers — Dan Koppen, New England; x-Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis.

DEFENSE
——-

Ends — x-Jared Allen, Kansas City; Jason Taylor, Miami;
x-Kyle Vanden Bosch, Tennessee.

Tackles — x-Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee; x-Vince Wilfork,
New England; Jamal Williams, San Diego.

Outside linebackers — x-James Harrison, Pittsburgh; Shawne
Merriman, San Diego; x-Mike Vrabel, New England.

Inside linebackers — Ray Lewis, Baltimore; x-De Meco Ryans,
Houston.

Cornerbacks — x-Champ Bailey, Denver; Antonio Cromartie,
San Diego; x-Asante Samuel, New England.

Strong safeties — Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh; x-Bob Sanders,
Indianapolis.

Free safety — x-Ed Reed, Baltimore.

Kicker — Rob Bironas, Tennesse.

Punter — Shane Lechler, Oakland.

Kick returner — Joshua Cribbs, Cleveland.

Special teamer — Kassim Osgood, San Diego.

x - starter
r - replacement
y - injured

Big Tuna headed to the Falcons

ATLANTA (AP) - Bill Parcells could become the Atlanta Falcons' vice president of football operations, a role that would put him in charge of finding the team's next coach.

Parcells is considering an offer to join the team's front office, a person familiar with the negotiations said on condition of anonymity because talks were ongoing.
The New York Daily News reported Wednesday that Parcells is on the verge of accepting the job, with only a few minor details to be worked out. In a story on its Web site, the paper said a deal could be completed later in the day with Falcons owner Arthur Blank.

"I think I probably will do it," Parcells said. "The job description is to be the football operations overseer. We still have a little work to do, but I don't think it's anything major. I don't expect any real deal-breaker. I don't think there will be any major hangups."

Parcells said he would not be the Falcons' head coach. He told the newspaper he would plan to hire a general manager and then work with that person to hire a new coach to replace Bobby Petrino, who quit last week 13 games into his first season to coach at Arkansas.

Rich McKay, the team's president and general manager since December 2003, did not immediately return a phone message on Tuesday night. Blank declined comment when asked about Parcells late Tuesday night.

Parcells' agent, Jimmy Sexton, did not immediately return an e-mail seeking comment.

Emmitt Thomas is 0-1 as Atlanta's interim head coach, a job he inherited when Bobby Petrino resigned suddenly a week ago. Petrino went 3-10 with the Falcons before taking the Arkansas job.

Parcells resigned in January after four years as the Dallas coach. During a 19-year career that also included coaching the New York Giants, New England Patriots and New York Jets, Parcells made it to three Super Bowls, winning twice with the Giants.

Known best for a gruff demeanor and colorful quotes, Parcells left coaching with the ninth-most wins in NFL history and a career record of 183-138-1. He was 34-32 in Dallas, including 0-2 in the postseason.

McKay's future with the Falcons is uncertain. He came to Atlanta with impressive credentials, mentioned as a potential candidate to replace former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and considered a successful GM who helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win their only Super Bowl in 2003.

In 1996, before the Bucs hired Tony Dungy as a first-time NFL head coach, Tampa Bay owner Malcolm Glazer considered bringing Parcells aboard. McKay, however, told the Glazer family that he would resign if Parcells took the job.

With the Falcons, McKay recommended that Blank hire Jim Mora, whose fiery demeanor led to his firing last January despite a 26-22 record, and Petrino, who abruptly left the team to return to college last week.

Under McKay and Mora, Atlanta advanced to the NFC title game in the 2004 season, but the Falcons have gone 18-28 while missing the playoffs for three straight years.

What did we learn from the Mitchell Report?

I suppose the question should be: do we care about the Mitchell Report? Aside from the non-stunner regarding Roger Clemens, I get the sense that the general public does not give a damn. In the last few years, the sporting media bombarded the average sports fan with one doping allegation after another. The BALCO scandal stripped marion Jones of several Olympic golds. The Tour de France stripped victory from Floyd Landis. Not a month goes by where a doping scandal somewhere in the world does not make headlines on ESPN. The minor fact that the greatest pitcher of our generation used 'roids really comes as a footnote to the overall problem.

What did we expect? This is an industry where salary and endorsement deals routinely run into the hundreds of millions. Our youthful athletes to get bigger, stronger and faster in order to get their hands on just a small piece of all that cash. If you come from an empovershed background or culture rife with corruption would you honostly even hesitate to dope if it meant seven figures for your family? I wouldn't.

What about Roger Clemens? My only advice: come clean. Yes, I know it's hard. You have this huge thing called an ego. If your smart, you'll acknowledge that you used a small amount of stuff for a limited time (if that's all you did). You also acknowledge that you were a Hall of Fame pitcher long before you stuck a needle in your bicep. You should make some act of contrition and recommend that all your post 'roid accomplished should be wiped from the annals of baseball history. After all, you were a Hall of Famer before the doping, you should be a Hall of Famer after as well. It might be the type of approach that could have saved Barry years ago.

Unfortunately I don't think Roger Clemens is all that smart.

Good news for Cowboys, Glenn back at practice

IRVING, Texas (AP) - Cowboys receiver Terry Glenn went through some drills at practice for the first time all season Wednesday, a good indication the already dominant Dallas offense could have another weapon by the playoffs.

Glenn, out because of two knee operations, is not expected to play Sunday against the Eagles. He's more likely to make his season debut the following Saturday at Carolina or in the regular-season finale at Washington. If the Cowboys get a first-round bye, Glenn would have four weeks of practice before the first playoff game.
Coach Wade Phillips said he'd like to see Glenn be able to tolerate several practices in a row before using him in a game.

"It's a slow progression, certainly, but we want to be careful," Phillips said. "He didn't seem to be limping on his leg at all, so there were some positive signs from him being out there. He looked very quick. That was a good thing. ... (After practice) he was still smiling. That's my doctoring right there. If they're smiling, they're getting better."

Cornerback Terence Newman missed team drills Wednesday because of a sprained big toe on his right foot and a slight knee injury. They're new injuries, sustained this past Sunday, and not related to previous problems with his knee and heel.

He might be able to practice tomorrow so I'm not too discouraged," Phillips said. "But it may be a similar situation to what we've had all year, where he comes in as a sub guy instead of a starter."

Glenn was supposed to be Tony Romo's deep threat until he had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee during training camp. He was hurt again in his first practice back, leading to a second arthroscopic procedure in September. It wasn't a typical scope, though, which is why he's been so slow to return. At the time, he also was considering season-ending microfracture surgery.

Dallas has kept Glenn on the roster all season exactly for this scenario — a return just in time for the playoffs.

"Terry is an anomaly, he's a guy that really can't be covered one-on-one," Romo said. "We're going to see to what extent he comes back, obviously. If it's the old Terry Glenn, this guy is unbelievable. ... I like our offense a lot right now, obviously. With him coming back, I think that we add another dimension that helps us be even more explosive."

Glenn's return to practice had been expected for several days. He's been working out at team headquarters in recent weeks, and on Friday he ran routes and caught passes.

This time, he came out wearing a red Ohio State hat, a blue Cowboys sweatshirt and with his right leg tightly wrapped. He limbered up with teammates, then spoke with assistant trainer Britt Brown as individual drills began. Glenn then went to the end of the line as fellow receivers caught passes being lobbed by a coach. The next session required cuts off the line and he made them smoothly, with flashes of his great speed.

The Cowboys already have clinched the division title and can wrap up a first-round bye with a win Sunday at home against the Eagles. If Dallas wins and Green Bay loses at St. Louis, the Cowboys also would clinch home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

Glenn caught 70 passes for 1,047 yards and six touchdowns last season, with his best days coming after Romo replaced Drew Bledsoe. So when Glenn went down in the preseason, it was expected to slow the Dallas offense.

The Cowboys have done just fine without him, though, leading the NFC in scoring and yards, and on pace to set club records in both categories. Still, they're eager to have him back.

"It'll be another guy for defensive teams to contend with," fellow receiver Terrell Owens said. "Everyone knows the impact Terry Glenn (can have) and once he gets out there and gets his feet underneath him, I'm sure he'll be back to his old self."

Although he's 33 and in his 12th season, Glenn - when healthy - is among the fastest players on the roster and perhaps Dallas' most well-rounded receiver.

Even at less than full strength he could hurt defenses that pay too much attention to Owens and Jason Witten. Of course, any extra attention paid to him would open things up for Owens and Witten.

Patrick Crayton has done a nice job filling in for Glenn as the No. 2 receiver and could keep that spot, with Glenn being the third receiver. Or perhaps they'll share both jobs. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett probably won't mind having to solve that problem.

"Terry's a phenomenal talent," Romo said. "Anything that he does, even if it's 80 percent of what he was before, he's still going to give you something good."

Week 15 NFL Odds

NFL Week 14 Results

Its Finally Over: Michael Vick gets Sentenced

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison Monday for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls.

The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback could have been sentenced up to five years by District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Vick was dressed in a black-and-white striped prison suit and apologized to the court and his family.
Hudson responded, "You need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you."

"Yes, sir," Vick said.

Vick acknowledged he used "poor judgment" and added, "I'm willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions."

Before the hearing started, Michael Vick's brother, Marcus Vick, sat with his right arm around their mother, comforting her as she buried her head in her hands and wept.

Vick pleaded guilty in August, admitting he bankrolled the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting operation and helped kill six to eight dogs.

In a plea agreement, he admitted bankrolling the dogfighting ring on his 15-acre property in rural southeastern Virginia and helping kill pit bulls that did not perform well in test fights. He also admitted providing money for bets on the fights but said he never shared in any winnings.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank called the sentencing "another step in his legal journey.

"This is a difficult day for Michael's family and for a lot of us, including many of our players and fans who have been emotionally invested in Michael over the years," Blank added.

"We sincerely hope that Michael will use this time to continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard."

Terence Newman threatens John Kitna

IRVING, Texas (AP) - Dallas Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman has been put on notice by the NFL after indicating his desire for revenge on Detroit quarterback Jon Kitna.

Posted on Newman's locker Thursday was a letter he received from the NFL after making comments about Kitna during a satellite radio interview. Newman refused comment to reporters when he walked through the locker room.
"Be advised that your comments will now compel us to carefully monitor your activities in this weekend's Cowboys-Lions game," read part of the letter signed by Ray Anderson, NFL executive vice president for football operations. "As you know, flagrant fouls may subject a player not only to fines, but to suspension as well. So conduct yourself accordingly."

Kitna threw four touchdown passes in the regular-season finale in Dallas last year to end a 3-13 season for Detroit. In an interview the following week with a radio station in Seattle, where the Cowboys had to go for the playoffs, Kitna called out the Dallas defense, specifically linebacker Bradie James.

The Cowboys (11-1), who have already clinched another playoff spot this season, play at Detroit on Sunday. Kitna's bulletin-board remarks from January have been widely discussed.

While Newman hasn't spoken to local media this week, he issued what amounted to a warning for Kitna during an interview Tuesday on Sirius NFL Radio.

"Basically what it boils down to is you've got to watch what you say. Your mouth can't write checks that your (expletive) can't cash. That's what it comes down to," Newman said. "Everybody's going to see those quotes. He better just hope I don't blitz off the edge, because I've got 15, 25, 30 (thousand dollars), however much it would be for a fine. I've got that much for one fine. Revenge will be sweet definitely."

In the NFL letter to Newman, Anderson wrote those comments were "thoughtless and irresponsible" and "contrary to all the NFL stands for."

On Monday, when the Cowboys returned to practice from a three-day weekend following their victory over Green Bay, James was already talking about facing Kitna and the Lions.

"It has been circled on my calendar the whole year, and here we are and I'm looking forward to it," James said. "Y'all can ask me about Jon Kitna every day from here on out the rest of my life and I will get fired up. ... He talked like we weren't ever going to play them again. We're going to be ready."

NFL Week 14 Odds

NFL Standings

SEAN TAYLOR MURDER: Suspects have criminal past and myspace pages

By Beverly Francis, Wink News

Fort Myers- Eric Rivera's Myspace page says it all. The page is filled with pictures showing Rivera's obsession with money, surrounded by stacks of one hundred dollar bills.Sheriff's records show in the past couple of months, Rivera has been charged with multiple felonies, the most recent, less than two months ago.

Most of the charges involve drugs and weapons, but Rivera isn't the only one to have a past with police.We discovered all four suspects in the Sean Taylor case have criminal histories.Before his recent arrest, records show 20-year-old Venjah Hunte racked up several drug charges, and there are at least two drug-related felonies on 18-year-old Charles Wardlow's record.

As for Jason Mitchell, he's never been arrested for drugs, but has had his share of apperances in front of a judge.Like Rivera, Mitchell too has a love for money that's apparent on his Myspace page.Now investigators must prove if that desire for wealth is connected to the death of an NFL star.

Worst time-out in history

Move over Chris Webber Baltimore blew a victory by calling a timeout just before a 4th down play that would have stopped the Patriots and won the game.

This was the most painful game I have watched in a long time. Three times the Patriots were stopped on 4th down and got bailed out by BS calls.

Patriots win by default. Im going to go throw up now.

College football ranks go crazy over the weekend

Just when you thought you knew who was going to play in the National Championship, the top teams on the list lose, and throw even more confusion into the system. Everyone is going to have the complaints, but I would have liked to have seen Hawaii play for the title (even if they would get stomped). Hell, they're undefeated, why not?

Any who, here are the games and schedules for the college bowl games.

San Diego Co. Credit Union Poinsettia Dec. 20
9 p.m. San Diego, Calif. Utah vs. Navy ESPN

R&L Carriers New Orleans Dec. 21
8 p.m. New Orleans, La. Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis ESPN2

PapaJohn's.com Dec. 22
1 p.m. Birmingham, Ala. Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss ESPN2

New Mexico Dec. 22
4:30 p.m. Albuquerque, N.M. New Mexico vs. Nevada ESPN

Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Dec. 22
8 p.m. Las Vegas, Nev. BYU vs. UCLA ESPN

Sheraton Hawaii Dec. 23
8 p.m. Honolulu, Hawaii East Carolina vs. Boise State ESPN

Motor City Dec. 26
7:30 p.m. Detroit, Mich. Purdue vs. Central Michigan ESPN

Pacific Life Holiday Dec. 27
8 p.m. San Diego, Calif. Texas vs. Arizona State ESPN

Champs Sports Dec. 28
5 p.m. Orlando, Fla. Boston College vs. Michigan State ESPN

Texas Dec. 28
8 p.m. Houston, Texas TCU vs. Houston NFL

Emerald Dec. 28
8:30 p.m. San Francisco, Calif. Maryland vs. Oregon State ESPN

Meineke Car Care Dec. 29
1 p.m. Charlotte, N.C. Wake Forest vs. Connecticut ESPN

AutoZone Liberty Dec. 29
4:30 p.m. Memphis, Tenn. UCF vs. Mississippi State ESPN

Alamo Dec. 29
8 p.m. San Antonio, Texas Penn State vs. Texas A&M ESPN

Petro Sun Independence Dec. 30
8 p.m. Shreveport, La. Colorado vs. Alabama ESPN

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Dec. 31
12:30 p.m. Fort Worth, Texas Air Force vs. California ESPN

Sun Dec. 31
2 p.m. El Paso, Texas South Florida vs. Oregon CBS

Humanitarian Dec. 31
2 p.m. Boise, Idaho Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State ESPN2

Gaylord Hotels Music City Dec. 31
4 p.m. Nashville, Tenn. Kentucky vs. Florida State ESPN

Chick-fil-A Dec. 31
7:30 p.m. Atlanta, Ga. Auburn vs. Clemson ESPN

Insight Dec. 31
TBA Tempe, Ariz. Indiana vs. Oklahoma State NFL

Outback Jan. 1
11 a.m. Tampa, Fla. Wisconsin vs. Tennessee ESPN

AT&T Cotton Jan. 1
11:30 a.m. Dallas, Texas Missouri vs. Arkansas FOX

Gator Jan. 1
1 p.m. Jacksonville, Fla. Virginia vs. Texas Tech CBS

Capital One Jan. 1
1 p.m. Orlando, Fla. Michigan vs. Florida ABC

Rose presented by Citi Jan. 1
4:30 p.m. Pasadena, Calif. USC vs. Illinois ABC

Allstate Sugar Jan. 1
8:30 p.m. New Orleans, La. Hawaii vs. Georgia FOX

Tostitos Fiesta Jan. 2
8 p.m. Glendale, Ariz. Oklahoma vs. West Virginia FOX

FedEx Orange Jan. 3
8 p.m. Miami, Fla. Virginia Tech vs. Kansas FOX

International Jan. 5
12 p.m. Toronto, Canada Rutgers vs. Ball State ESPN2

GMAC Jan. 6
8 p.m. Mobile, Ala. Tulsa vs. Bowling Green ESPN

BCS National Championship Jan. 7
8 p.m. New Orleans, La. Ohio State vs. LSU FOX