Another NFL Strike Coming Up?

A defiant Gene Upshaw said that if the NFL's owners opt out of the current labor agreement later this year, the players' union is ready for a strike or the decertification tactics it used to get free agency after the 1987 walkout. "If they want to get out of the deal, there's nothing we can do about it," the executive director of the NFL Players Association said Thursday before the union's annual Super Bowl news conference. "But we'll be prepared." The labor agreement reached after tough bargaining in March of 2006 gave both sides the right to opt out in November. That would lead to 2010 being an uncapped year before the contract expires in 2011. Several owners, including Denver's Pat Bowlen, have suggested that the current agreement is leaving some teams cash-strapped and making it likely that the owners will opt out next year. Upshaw said that he's heard the complaints and is ready for any outcome.
"At our meeting in March, our priorities for discussion are four options: strike, lockout, decertification or extension," he said.

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Johnson Unsure If He'll Be A Bengal

Taking a page from the playbooks of former Cincinnati Bengals Corey Dillon and Carl Pickens, who talked their way out of town, Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson took his national "trade-me" tour to the Super Bowl's radio row in Arizona Wednesday. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Johnson talked to Jim Rome on his show in Phoenix and again alluded to his desire to be traded. It was similar to the comments Johnson made on ESPN's "Mike & Mike in the Morning" on Jan. 11. When asked by Rich Eisen of the NFL Network if he were going to have Bengal stripes on next year, Johnson said: "I don't know what I'm going to have on. I'm not sure." Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

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Eagles Look To Add Playmaker

Philadephia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook repeated that he is among the growing list of players who are siding with quarterback Donovan McNabb, requesting that management bring additional weapons to the team for next season according to the Philadelphia Daily News. "I think having more weapons on your team takes pressure off of everybody," said Westbrook, who is at Super Bowl XLII as part of a promotional campaign with Chili's Restaurant. "If you look at a team like the Patriots, they have so many weapons that if you shut down one guy, it just gives so many more opportunities to other guys to play well. "If you have those guys who can make those plays, it makes it a lot easier on the entire team. That's something we could definitely use and hopefully we'll get that." One possible trade could be for Cardinal's wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald said during an interview with a Philadelphia radio show that the Philadelphia Eagles are one of four teams he'd like to play for if traded according to Profootballtalk.com. It remains to be seen whether the Cardinals will try to trade Fitzgerald. Due to escalators in his contract, he's scheduled to earn salaries of $14.59 million in 2008 and $17.355 million in 2009. That's nearly $32 million over two years, and then he'll hit the open market at only 26 years of age. The Cardinals could pay him the money for the next two seasons. But it would then cost more than $20 million to retain his rights via the franchise tag for the 2010 season.

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Bengals Sign Another Palmer

Jordan Palmer was packed for Phoenix, ready to take his career to the Arena Football League, when he got a most unusual offer. The Cincinnati Bengals wanted to know if he would like to try to earn a spot as his brother's backup. They didn't have to wait long for an answer. He signed a two-year deal Wednesday that will give him a chance to play behind his brother, quarterback Carson Palmer. Although brother tandems have been common in the NFL, it's rare that two of them get to throw passes for the same team. "Someday we'll look back and laugh about it and think it was pretty cool," Jordan said in a phone interview. AP

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Favre Still Undecided On Future

Despite reports he would return for 2008, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre said Wednesday he has yet to decide whether he wants to play an 18th NFL season. "I haven't decided yet," said Favre, who was in Arizona for a Super Bowl-related activity. "We just played a little over a week ago. I'm going to take a few more weeks. Our coaching staff is coaching in the Pro Bowl next week. When they get done, (coach) Mike (McCarthy) and I . . . we'll just discuss it more in a couple weeks." Favre, 38, had one of his best seasons in several years in 2007, leading the Packers to a 13-3 record and their first division championship since 2004. He completed 356 of 535 passes for 4,155 yards, with 28 touchdown passes, 15 interceptions and a passer rating of 95.7. It was Favre's best passer rating since 1996 and the touchdown passes were his most since the 2004 season. In his second year under McCarthy, he managed games well and took better care of the football. AP

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Owens Owes Eagles $$$

It what may result in another misty-eyed press conference, an arbitrator ruled in favor of the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday on a grievance that was filed by the NFL players' union on Terrell Owens' behalf in 2005, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Tuesday, citing a league source. The union disputed the Eagles' effort to recover $1.725 million of the $2.3 million signing bonus the team paid the wide receiver when it signed him to a seven-year, $48.97 million deal in 2004. Owens was kicked off the team seven games into the 2005 season for a series of infractions, including repeated criticism of quarterback Donovan McNabb and lashing out against management. He was suspended four games without pay and the team withheld his final five paychecks, totaling $955,880. That means Owens still owes the Eagles $769,120.

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Ravens Retain Ryan

The Baltimore Ravens have named Rex Ryan defensive coordinator and assistant head coach the Baltimore Sun reported. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh will make the announcement during a news conference this Monday at the team's training facility. According to a high-ranking team official, Ryan signed a three-year contract worth $1.3 million to $1.5 million a season. The agreement ends weeks of speculation that Ryan might become a head coach or defensive coordinator elsewhere in the league.

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Kelly To Test Free Agency

Brian Kelly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' cornerback who played opposite Ronde Barber for the past decade, said he plans to become a free agent the St. Petersburg Times reported. Kelly, 32, is scheduled to earn $3.2-million in 2008. But he said he plans to "buy back" the final year of his contract by exercising a $480,000 option in the second week of March.

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Browns Offer Anderson Contract?

The Cleveland Browns have opened negotiations with quarterback Derek Anderson by offering him a three-year contract, a source told The Columbus Dispatch Thursday. It is likely the first of many proposals as the sides attempt to reach an agreement before NFL free agency begins Feb. 29. The amount of the offer was not known. Anderson, who will be a restricted free agent, threw for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first season as a starter. The Browns went 10-5 with him starting, and he became a Pro Bowl alternate. Yahoo

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Kiffin Denies ESPN Report...

The Oakland Raiders denied a report Friday that owner Al Davis asked coach Lane Kiffin to resign. ESPN, citing unidentified sources, reported that Davis drew up a resignation letter for Kiffin two weeks ago, but the coach refused to sign it. Kiffin has two years left on the contract he signed last January. "There is no issue here," Raiders senior executive John Herrera said. "There was never an issue here. There's nothing to it." Kiffin declined to address the report when asked about it by ESPN at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. "I'm not going to comment on anything that has transpired in the past three weeks," said Kiffin, who is coaching the North team in the college all-star game. Speculation about Kiffin's status began three weeks ago after reports surfaced following the season that he wanted to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. The Raiders dismissed those reports and announced that Ryan was staying on as coordinator. Kiffin told reporters at the Senior Bowl earlier in the week that his relationship with Ryan "is not an issue."

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KW's Mock Draft

Here's KW's mock draft...to see his new sites click here

Miami Dolphins: Jake Long OT Michigan

-They have already signed him to a 57 million dollar contract. This is a pick that will add strength to Miami Oline.

St. Louis Rams: Chris Long DEnd Virginia

-The Rams are very happy to get Long at this position. Rams hope Long will be a franchise player for there defense.

Alanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey DT LSU

-The Falcons would be very happy to have Dorsey here. They need a player to anchor there line.

Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

-The Raiders hope McFadden is the Adrian Peterson of this year. They need a person who can carry there offense.

Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Clady OT Boise St.

-They need huge help at Oline. This will really help Larry Johnson.

NY Jets: Sedrick Ellis DT USC

-They just traded Dyane Robinson. They need a stud at the middle.

NE Pats: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy

-The rich get richer. They get a replacement for Asante Samuel.

Baltimore Ravens: Matt Ryan QB Boston

- The Ravens take a Franchise QB with this pick. Troy Smith and definitely not Kyle Boller are not the future QBs.

Cinncinatti Bengals: Vernon Gholston DE Ohio St.

-The Bengals continue to improve there Dline with this pick.

Saints: Keith Rivers LB USC

-The Saints take the #1 LB in the draft

Bills: Dominique-Rogers Cromartie CB Tenn. St.

Broncos: Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt

-The Broncos are in big need for the Oline. Williams is the right pick here.

Panthers: Derrick Harvey DE Florida

-They need someone opposite Julius Peppers.

Bears: Brandon Albert OG Virginia

-They need to help whatever QB will be in there backfield. This will help sure up the Oline.

Lions: Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois

-They get the 2nd best RB in the draft. He should end up being better then Kevin Jones.

Cardinals: Mike Jenkins CB South Florida

KC: Jeff Otah OL Pittsburg

Texans: Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon

Eagles: Kenny Phillips S Miami

Bucs: Devin Thomas WR Michigan

Redskins: Phillip Merling DE Clemson

Cowboys: Malcom Kelly WR Oklahoma

Steelers: Gosder Cherilus OL Boston

Titans: James Hardy WR Indiana

Seahawks: Kentwan Balmer DT NC State

Jags: Calais Campbell DE Miami

Chargers: Aqib Talib CB Kansas

Cowboys: Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech

49er's: Limas Sweed WR Texas

Packers: Antoine Cason CB Arizona

NE: forfeit

Giants: Jerod Mayo LB Tenn.

*Note this mock draft was unable to be completed, though it is still very good.

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THE FINAL PICK...

Well it was a great season, and its sad to say it but...here's my final pick of the 2008 season...

And the superbowl winner is...

The New England Patriots

(At least thats my guess)

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Alstott Retires

Tampa Bay's A-Train has made his final run. Six-time Pro Bowl fullback Mike Alstott announced his retirement after 12 seasons Thursday, saying goodbye to the NFL during a tearful news conference in a meeting room where the Buccaneers played a highlight film of some of his most memorable plays. The Bucs all-time touchdown leader spent the 2007 season on injured reserve with a neck problem that was not related to a career-threatening injury that required surgery in 2003. He held little hope for a return, but still had difficulty saying his career was over. "Though mentally I feel like I can continue, physically I can't," he said. "The second injury to my neck will prevent me from playing football forever."

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First Pick Up For Sale...Who Wants It?

Miami Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland might as well have put the No. 1 pick in this year's NFL draft on eBay. When asked by the NFL Network about the team's approach with the top selection, Ireland said: "We're open for business."Minutes later, he backed up his willingness to deal the pick by pointing out the 1-15 team he inherited has many needs. "Rome wasn't built in a day, and this won't be built in a day either," Ireland said. "The No. 1 pick is no different from the 22nd pick. You've got to make the right selection. You just can't miss on it. We're going to do everything in our power to make the right choices, whether it be to take the pick or move down. We'll listen to all offers."

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Even More Coaching News

Today was another eventful day for coaching changes. Here's what happened...

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to select Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith as their next head coach, according to league sources. An announcement could come as soon as Wednesday afternoon. Sources close to Smith told ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli that the Falcons offered Smith the job on Wednesday. Smith, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett (who withdrew from consideration to remain with the Cowboys), and highly-regarded defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, late of the Baltimore Ravens, each interviewed with Dimitroff after the Falcons hired the former New England Patriots college scouting director on Jan. 13.

Cam Cameron was named the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator today, becoming the first hire under new head coach John Harbaugh the Baltimore Sun reported. Cameron, 46, was fired by the Miami Dolphins after they finished 1-15 in his only season as head coach. But Cameron has a reputation for building explosive attacks as offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers, who finished in the top 10 in offense between 2004 and 2006.


NFL Network reports that Fassel could be the head coach of the Washington Redskins as soon as Wednesday. Fassel completed his last interview Monday and flew back to his home in Arizona, sources said, and he and Gregg Williams, the Redskins' assistant head coach-defense, are the only people to meet with owner Daniel Snyder more than once.


Dallas Cowboys secondary coach Todd Bowles declined a contract extension with the Cowboys to join the Miami Dolphins' staff in Miami as the assistant head coach. He'll also lead the secondary according to the Miami Herald. Linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni also is expected to be named the Dolphins' new defensive coordinator; several Cowboys employees weren't expecting his return to Dallas as of Tuesday evening. Defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers, who had an offer to make a lateral move to coach the same position in Miami, was still mulling his decision. However, it appeared likely as of Tuesday night that he had decided to leave as well. On Tuesday, they also officially named James Saxon as the running backs coach and Evan Marcus as the head strength and conditioning coach. Saxon, who played running back for the Dolphins from 1992 to 1994, was recently fired by the Chiefs after seven seasons in Kansas City. He coached three Pro Bowl players there: Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson and Tony Richardso.

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Coaching News

-In a surprising move this morning, San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner fired receivers coach James Lofton the San Diego Union Tribune reported. "I don't have any idea," Lofton said when asked why he was fired. "I was stunned. He just said he was going in a different direction." Lofton, 51, was hired in 2002. The Hall of Famer, who played from 1978-93, has nurtured Chargers receivers Vincent Jackson, Eric Parker and this season worked with Chris Chambers, who recently said, "He's one of the greatest receiving coaches in the game."

-Mike Holmgren is coming back to the Seattle Seahawks for one last season according to the Seattle Times. He confirmed that this afternoon in a news conference at team headquarters, ending all questions about his immediate future. He said the 2008 season will be his last as coach. Holmgren also announced Tuesday that offensive line assistant coach Keith Gilbertson will become receivers coach, replacing Nolan Cromwell. Cromwell left to become offensive coordinator at Texas A&M. Another Seahawks assistant, quality-control coach Gary Reynolds, will also join the Aggies staff as an assistant to coach Mike Sherman.

-Coach Lane Kiffin has discovered he me may the the head coach of the Oakland Raiders but Al Davis runs all things black and silver. Citing a league source, Profootballtalk.com is reporting Kiffin and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan are not on speaking terms. Davis wants Ryan. Kiffin doesn't. Several weeks ago, there were reports that the Raiders were preparing to fire Ryan. It also was reported that Ryan would be landing with the New York Jets. The team issued a strong denial, and all has been quiet since then. It could be that Kiffin is in trouble, and that Davis is waiting for the dust to settle as to other head-coaching jobs or offensive coordinator positions at the NFL and NCAA level before cutting Kiffin loose.

Sources- Profootballtalk.com, Yahoo Sports

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Hargrove Suspended For 1 Season

Buffalo Bills defensive end Anthony Hargrove was suspended without pay for all next season Monday by the NFL after violating the league's substance abuse policy a third time. The violation was Hargrove's second since August, when he was suspended without pay for the first four games of the regular season. A third violation triggers an automatic one-year suspension, and Hargrove must apply to commissioner Roger Goodell for reinstatement. The NFL did not disclose how Hargrove violated the policy. Violations can result from positive tests, failure to cooperate in the testing program or failing to comply with a treatment plan.

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Dungy To Return

Tony Dungy is sticking with the Colts. The team said Monday that Dungy will remain with Indianapolis through at least the 2008 season before turning over the coaching to hand-picked successor Jim Caldwell. Dungy, the first black coach to win a Super Bowl, spent a week meeting with his family, close friends and trusted colleagues while deciding whether to return for a seventh season with the Colts. "It was a family decision," Dungy said. "We're on board, and we look forward to '08, look forward to putting together a winner." Team owner Jim Irsay said Dungy would stay at least one year and could stay longer.

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Patriots Go For The Perfect Season

Despite a shaky Tom Brady, the Patriots were still too much for the banged-up San Diego Chargers, pulling out a 21-12 victory Sunday that sent them back to the NFL title game for the fourth time in seven seasons. "There was history on the line,'' Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. "We recognize it, we acknowledge it.'' Brady made several stunningly poor throws that fluttered in the wind, Randy Moss was a non-factor for the second straight game and the highest-scoring team in NFL history sputtered all afternoon. Instead, the Patriots (18-0) relied on Laurence Maroney's spins, cuts and helmet-rattling runs. With injured Chargers star LaDainian Tomlinson reduced to mostly watching in a parka, the Patriots moved on to a Feb. 3 matchup in Glendale, Ariz., against the New York Giants. The Giants beat Green Bay 23-20 in overtime for the NFC championship. New England closed out its regular season by beating the Giants in a 38-35 thriller. Yet for all the Brady Bunch has accomplished -- they're the only team in NFL history to start out with 18 straight victories -- the Patriots are well aware they must win that final game to avoid being relegated to a footnote. "We'll try to elevate our game for one last performance,'' said Brady, MVP in two of the three Super Bowls he's won. AP

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Giants Head To Glendale

Manning repeatedly put the Giants in position to win the NFC championship Sunday, and when Lawrence Tynes came through at last with a 47-yard field goal in overtime, New York had itself an improbable 23-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers at frostbitten Lambeau Field. Now comes Mission Impossible: beating the undefeated New England Patriots in two weeks in a Super Bowl matchup hardly anyone saw coming. "We haven't been given a shot, but we're here and I think we're deserving of it," Manning said. "Right now I'm excited as I can be." Manning wasn't the only Giant who came through. Tynes had two earlier misses -- a 36-yarder at the end of regulation following a bad snap, and a 43-yarder with 6:49 to go -- before nailing his long winner 2:35 into OT. He got a reprieve in overtime after Corey Webster intercepted a struggling Brett Favre -- the kind of mistake Manning often has made before his recent turnaround.
"I screwed it up twice," said Tynes, who sprinted straight to the locker room after his decisive kick, leaving his frozen teammates to celebrate outside. "Thank God we got another opportunity." Eli's arrival comes one year after older brother Peyton won a Super Bowl for the Indianapolis Colts, earning MVP honors to boot. Peyton stayed away Sunday, but father Archie was on hand for the biggest moment of his youngest son's career. "We knew we could compete with anybody," Manning said. "It's just a matter of getting hot at the right time." Nobody, not even league MVP Tom Brady, is hotter than Eli. Just a month ago, Eli's moxie was being questioned as the Giants struggled to clinch a wild-card berth. He responded with the best work of his four-year career, including four touchdown passes in the season finale against the Patriots.
He and the Giants are getting another shot at New England, the first team to go 18-0. The Patriots will be after their fourth Super Bowl title in seven years on Feb. 3, as well as the league's first perfect season since Miami went 17-0 in 1972. But don't discount New York, which led the Patriots by 12 points in the third quarter before falling 38-35 on Dec. 29. "Heck, they could win two weeks from now," Favre said. "I wouldn't put it past them." The Giants (13-6) had a handful of opportunities to put away the Packers (14-4) as Favre struggled with the minus-3 degrees temperatures and wind-chill of minus-24. Along with Tynes' misses after making two first-half kicks, the Giants fumbled their first interception, allowed a long kickoff return after taking a lead, and had some critical penalties that kept Green Bay closer than it probably deserved to be. AP

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Ravens Hire Harbaugh

Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach John Harbaugh is traveling to Baltimore Friday for a second interview with the Baltimore Ravens about their head coaching job, agent Brian Harlan told the Philadelphia Daily News. Earlier this week, the Baltimore Sun indicated that if Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett didn't take the Ravens' job, Baltimore would reach for Harbaugh. It is unclear whether Harbaugh's trip to Baltimore means he will be hired. Harbaugh also has been mentioned as a possible defensive coordinator for Baltimore, if he doesn’t get the top job. He could become the third possible heir to Jim Johnson to leave the Eagles in recent years, following Ron Rivera (to Chicago, and now San Diego) and Steve Spagnuolo, who has the Giants’ defense playing for the NFC title in Green Bay this weekend. Johnson, the Birds’ defensive coordinator, turns 67 in May.

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NFL To Play In Europe Again

The NFL will return to Britain next season. The league, which held its first regular season game outside North America in London last October, said Thursday it would come back again in 2008. The teams, date and venue will be announced during Super Bowl week late this month or in early February. The New York Giants beat the Miami Dolphins 13-10 in front of 81,176 fans at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 28. "The game in London was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the entire 2007 season," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "We had an overwhelmingly positive response to the event from all involved -- the teams, our sponsors and business partners and of course the fans themselves." Wembley officials weren't so ecstatic because the game, played through a persistent drizzle, tore up the field and left it in rough shape for England's crucial European Championship qualifier against Croatia on Nov. 21. The English lost that game 3-2 and failed to qualify for Euro 2008. Besides Wembley, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, is another possible venue for next season's game. In 2006, NFL owners agreed to play one or two regular-season games outside the United States for the following five years. The Dolphins and Giants essentially volunteered for the 2007 game and are not expected to be asked to return in the near future. AP

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Garrett Stays With Cowboys

After looking into two coaching jobs, Jason Garrett decided to remain offensive coordinator of the Cowboys after Dallas made him the highest-paid assistant coach in the NFL. The Cowboys promoted Garrett to assistant head coach and gave him a new contract that will pay him in the ballpark of $3 million per year, ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting. Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips' salary is also in the $3 million range. There is no word on whether the team plans to adjust Phillips' salary. Garrett went through second interviews in Baltimore and Atlanta earlier this week, then returned to Dallas to meet with team owner Jerry Jones.

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More Coaching Rumors

Citing a league source, Profootballtalk.com is reporting that Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy will step down, and that assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell will take over. Speculation has grown in recent days that Dungy would step down and follow his family to the Tampa area where his youngest children have enrolled in school. Rumor Update: Dungy has told reporters that the article on profootballtalk.com was FALSE and he has not yet decided on his future.

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Cowboys secondary coach Todd Bowles is expected to leave to become the Miami Dolphins' assistant head coach, and Cowboys linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni is expected to become the Dolphins' defensive coordinator. Both Bowles and Pasqualoni first joined the Cowboys staff in 2005, when Bill Parcells was head coach, and both of those moves could be announced soon, although the Dolphins technically can't hire either until their contracts expire next week. And those might not be the last Dallas assistants to leave. It seems likely that tight ends coach John Garrett will follow his brother Jason to either Baltimore or Atlanta.

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Dolphins Hire Sparano

Tony Sparano is going to work for Bill Parcells again, this time as coach of the Miami Dolphins. Sparano, who had been the Dallas Cowboys' assistant head coach, accepted a job offer Wednesday from new Miami boss Parcells. They worked together with the Cowboys when Parcells was head coach from 2003-06. Sparano becomes the Dolphins' fifth head coach since 2004. Parcells was on the job for only a week before he fired Cam Cameron, who went 1-15 in his first year as an NFL head coach. The 46-year-old Sparano became available when the Cowboys lost their playoff game Sunday to the New York Giants. He has been the front-runner for the Dolphins job since the start of their search. Sparano arrived at the team complex Wednesday morning wearing a suit and accompanied by new Miami general manager Jeff Ireland. Owner Wayne Huizenga soon joined them, then left about an hour later. Ireland, who spent the past seven years in player personnel with the Cowboys, first interviewed Sparano in Dallas on Jan. 5. AP

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Titans Fire O-Coordinator Chow

The Tennessee Titans fired offensive coordinator Norm Chow after three seasons with the team, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Tuesday. The Titans finished the regular season 10-6 and suffered a 17-6 loss to the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the playoffs. They finished 10th in the AFC in total yards. Chow, who was previously the offensive coordinator at USC, was interviewed for UCLA's head coach opening in December but withdrew his name from consideration. The Bruins went on to hire Rick Neuheisel.

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Not Again! Pacman In Trouble

WSB-TV in Atlanta reports that Tennessee Titans cornerback Pacman Jones allegedly punched a woman on January 3 in a North Atlanta strip club. And the woman whom he punched is a lawyer. The incident allegedly happened on January 3. The lawyer, Wanda Jackson, alleges that Jones entered a manager's office, accusing the club among other things of stealing money from him. She says that, during the meeting, Jones lunged at her several times. She also alleges that, in a hallway after the meeting, he reached around a security guard and punched her. Rumor Update: The woman has withdrawn her complaint against Pacman Jones.

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Source: Ravens Offer Garrett Job

Sources say that Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has been offered the Baltimore Ravens coaching position. Garrett has not made a decision yet. But according to a league source, there is a "60-40'' chance that Garrett will ultimately accept the chance to succeed Brian Billick, who was fired after the regular season. Garrett, who arrived at the Ravens' training complex for the second interview on Tuesday morning, was the first candidate to have call-back sessions with the Ravens and Atlanta Falcons. According to a Cowboys source, Dallas owner Jerry Jones has communicated to Garrett without knowing exactly what the Ravens' financial offer might be that he would match it if Garrett rejects the Ravens' offer. Jones has said he would compete for Garrett, not only because he has helped transform Tony Romo into one of the league's best young quarterbacks, but because the Cowboys owner views Garrett as potentially being his next head coach. Inside Source Confirmed By ESPN. Update: Garrett has rejected the inital offer by the Ravens, and the two sides will continue the contract negotiations. Dallas owner Jerry Jones has said that he will match any offer the Ravens give him.

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T.O. Cries Defending Romo

Terrell Owens isn't blaming this loss on Tony Romo, Jessica Simpson or their controversial trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, last weekend. The wide receiver broke down in tears while defending his quarterback after the Giants stunned the Cowboys, 21-17, at Texas Stadium Sunday. "This is not about Tony," a choked-up Owens said as tears welled up behind his designer sunglasses. "You guys can point the finger at him, you can talk about the vacation and if you do that, it is really unfair. It's really unfair. That is my teammate. That is my quarterback. And if you guys do that, it is unfair. We lost as a team. We lost as a team, man."

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Championship Round Picks

Here are my picks for the two championship games...

Patriots vs Chargers- Patriots

Packers vs Giants- Packers

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Giants Headed To NFC Championship

Tony Romo can go wherever he wants with Jessica Simpson now. Eli Manning and the New York Giants knocked him and the Dallas Cowboys into the offseason Sunday. Having to wait out long, slow drives by Dallas, Manning made his few chances count, throwing two touchdown passes to Amani Toomer and getting a 1-yard touchdown run from Brandon Jacobs for a 21-17 victory that put New York into the NFC championship game for the first time since the 2000 season. Cornerback R.W. McQuarters intercepted a pass into the end zone with 9 seconds left, ending the Cowboys' final drive and marking Romo's second straight last-minute goof to cost Dallas a playoff game. His flubbed hold of a short field goal in Seattle ended the Cowboys' season last year. Manning is heading to his first NFC championship game, at Green Bay next Sunday. Manning had a much better day than his brother, Peyton, whose Indianapolis Colts were stunned by the San Diego Chargers. Dallas' failure is huge, much bigger than last season's flop in Seattle when Romo botched the hold on a go-ahead field goal in the final minutes. The Cowboys just wasted a 13-3 season, which matched the best in team history. They're the first No. 1 seed in the NFC to lose in this round since the NFL went to the 12-team playoff format in 1990. They also became the seventh team to lose a playoff game against a team they'd beaten twice in the regular season -- joining Dallas' 1998 club. Worst of all is the extension of all the skids: Romo now 0-2 in the playoffs, coach Wade Phillips 0-4 and the team 0-for-the-postseason since winning a wild-card game in 1996. The Cowboys have dropped five games since then. The Cowboys might be headed into a stormy offseason. Team owner Jerry Jones said Thursday he would keep Phillips regardless of what happened in the playoffs. Now that will be tested, especially with highly valued assistant coaches Jason Garrett and Tony Sparano interviewing for jobs elsewhere. Critics may point to Romo's trip to Mexico last weekend with his latest celebrity girlfriend as a disruption, but the problems went a lot deeper. There were all kinds of penalties that hurt Dallas drives and helped New York's, sloppy tackling on defense and special teams, dropped passes and wasted timeouts. The Giants loved every bit of it. AP

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Chargers Headed To AFC Championship

Even without LaDainian Tomlinson and Philip Rivers, the Chargers made sure the Indianapolis Colts won't repeat as Super Bowl champions. Now San Diego must make sure it doesn't repeat its last performance at New England. That will be especially difficult without an injured L.T., who departed in the first half with a bruised left knee, and starting quarterback Rivers, who went out in the third quarter with a damaged right knee in the Chargers' stunning 28-24 victory Sunday. With Billy Volek at quarterback and Michael Turner as the main runner, San Diego went 78 yards on eight plays, with Volek sneaking in from the 1 with 4:50 remaining for the lead. The Chargers' big-play defense then held on downs at its 7, and stopped Indy again in the final moments to preserve their eighth straight win. To make it nine in a row and advance to their second Super Bowl -- the other was a loss to San Francisco after the 1994 season -- the Chargers will need all the resourcefulness they showed at Indianapolis. Being undermanned against undefeated New England hardly is an enticing prospect.Still, with All-Pro cornerback Antonio Cromartie getting an interception and fumble recovery, and linebackers Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips plaguing Peyton Manning, the Chargers showed they have the ability to throw off any offense. Maybe even the most prolific attack in NFL history. The Chargers didn't come close against the Patriots in Week 2, falling 38-14. That was the beginning of a slide to 5-5 for San Diego, but the Chargers (13-5) are rolling now. AP

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Pats Headed To AFC Championship

Tom Brady set another record and thinks he deserves one more award. The dimple-chinned quarterback with the winning smile took the snap -- after faking as if the ball had gone directly to running back Kevin Faulk -- and threw the go-ahead touchdown pass in the New England Patriots' 31-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night. It was just one of his 26 completions in 28 attempts, an NFL record 92.9 percent for regular-season and playoff games. Tom Brady started the game 16-for-16, a single game postseason record, and finished 26-for-28 to break Phil Simms' record for completion percentage in a playoff game. "I'm looking for my Academy Award on that play," said Brady, already named the MVP and offensive player of the year. "They bit on the run pretty good." Brady caught the snap, jumped with his empty right hand raised high, then shifted the ball from his left hand and threw a 6-yard scoring pass to Wes Welker that gave the Patriots a 21-14 lead six minutes into the third quarter. By the time it was over, they had advanced to the AFC championship game for the second straight year and remained perfect at 17-0, matching the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only team to go unbeaten from the first game of the season through the Super Bowl. The old NFL accuracy record was 91.3 percent (21-of-23) set by Vinny Testaverde with Cleveland in 1993. The old playoff record was 88 percent set by Phil Simms in the Super Bowl after the 1986 season. Simms watched Brady best his mark from the broadcast booth. AP

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Pack Headed To NFC Championship

Brett Favre somehow spun free from the Seahawks' clutches and stumbled ahead in the snow. Ever the gambler, he flipped a wobbly, underhanded pass that he had no business trying, let alone completing. "That's right!" he shouted. Sure was, for Favre and the NFC championship-bound Green Bay Packers. With Lambeau Field looking like a snow globe, Favre frolicked in the flurries, throwing three touchdown passes as the Packers beat Seattle 42-20 Saturday, the highest-scoring postseason game in Packers' history. Ryan Grant made history, too, recovering from two fumbles that put the Packers down 14-0 after only four minutes to set a Packers' postseason record with 201 yards rushing. He scored three times and Greg Jennings caught a pair of TD tosses. Favre tied his personal best for touchdown strikes in a postseason game. His most memorable pass, though, was his crazy toss that set up another score. AP

Replay Clips: http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d805ecedf

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Coach Rumors

The Miami Dolphins will interview Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz Monday, but all signs point to Dallas Cowboys assistant head coach Tony Sparano as Cameron's successor once the Cowboys' season is over the Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

The Baltimore Ravens have recently talked with veteran NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer about their head coaching vacancy, Schottenheimer's agent said Friday. "There's been some discussion but nothing substantive," said Trace Armstrong, a former NFL player who represents Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer, 64, is expected to wait until the Ravens are done with the first round of interviews before speaking with them again. The hiring of Schottenheimer would entail the least amount of risk in replacing Brian Billick.

If Marty Schottenheimer is serious about coming out of exile to coach again in the NFL — and there are conflicting reports as to whether he will or not — and if he gets the Baltimore Ravens job there is a good chance recently fired Miami Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron will be there with him as offensive coordinator. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported the St. Louis Rams are interested in Cameron after firing offensive coordinator Greg Olson, but if Sparano and/or Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett land head-coaching jobs, there's speculation Dallas coach Wade Phillips would want Cameron to run his offense. Phillips was the defensive coordinator at San Diego from 2004-06 when Cameron ran the offense.

Source: Yahoo

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Comment Warnings

Due to the increased amount of traffic coming to this site, there have been multiple attempts to hack, and spam both the post comments, and email. This is just a warning that you are at your own risk if you click a link on a comment. All comments are now moderated, but sometimes a comment with a virus could get through accidentally. If this happens, please contact me immediately at bam@nflrumorz.com.

Thanks for your understanding,
Bam

Update: The site was once again hacked onto after the other bbrumors site elismlbrumors was hacked onto. The site was flooded with the words "World of Warcraft". Again, Blogger has acknowledged the situation and have looked into finding who is doing this. Please make sure that if you see anything suspicious on the site DO NOT click on it!

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Giants Won't Fall For Cowboy's Tricks

The New York Daily News reported Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Ownes didn't come close to practicing Wednesday, and coach Wade Phillips, who didn't even set eyes on his star wideout, could offer little hope that he will be able to suit up, a signal the New York Giants interpreted as pure and simple smoke. As defensive end Justin Tuck put it, they are not buying the head fake. "He will play," Tom Coughlin said. "There is no doubt in my mind he will play." Source: New York Daily News

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McNabb To Bears? Vikings?

According to sources, the Chicago Bears will NOT attempt to trade for Donovan McNabb. The Bears look to either draft a quarterback for the future, or will stick with either Kyle Orton, Rex Grossman (who will be re-signed), and possibly Brian Griese. The Vikings on the other hand are very interested in making a deal for the quarterback, and might be willing to give up a draft pick or two for him.

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Martz To Be Named 49ers' Offensive Coordinator

The San Francisco 49ers hired Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator Tuesday, landing one of the NFL's top offensive minds to fix a unit that floundered last season. Martz tormented the 49ers for six years during his greatest success with their NFC West rival St. Louis Rams, but was fired by the Detroit Lions last week after two seasons as offensive coordinator. He replaces Jim Hostler, who also was fired last week after the 49ers matched a franchise low and finished last in the NFL with 219 points. San Francisco's offense was derided as bland and conservative -- something that shouldn't be a problem with Martz on board. AP

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Joe Gibbs Retires

After the toughest season of his Hall of Fame career, one that tested his leadership like never before, Joe Gibbs is stepping down. He retired as coach and team president of the Washington Redskins on Tuesday, three days after a playoff loss ended an inspirational late-season run that followed the death of safety Sean Taylor. Gibbs will remain as a special adviser to owner Dan Snyder and was to discuss his retirement at an afternoon news conference at Redskins Park. The news startled players, who left Sunday's final team meeting certain their 67-year-old coach would return for the final year of his contract. Rumor: Bill Cowher will NOT come out of retirement to be an NFL coach this year. It was previously rumored that the Redskins had offered him a lucrative contract.

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Divisional Playoffs Picks

Here are my picks for the divisional round of the playoffs...

Colts vs Chargers- Colts

Jaguars vs Patriots- Patriots

Packers vs Seahawks- Packers


Cowboys vs Giants- Cowboys

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Washington To Seriously Pursue Briggs

Citing league sources, the Washington Post reported the Washington Redskins will actively pursue Chicago Bears free agent linebacker Lance Briggs. The Redskins attempted to trade for Briggs last offseason. Washington's will also needed to restructure the contracts of top veterans to make them more salary cap friendly. The Redskins are $20 million over the cap but according to numerous league sources who have studied their situation, the team can still create ample cap room by reworking the contracts of veterans such as Portis, tight end Chris Cooley, tackle Chris Samuels and linebacker Marcus Washington. The Redskins annually renegotiate 10 or so contracts and this year appears to be no exception. Rumor Update: Clinton Portis WILL re-work his contract so he can continue to play for the Redskins.

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Brady Wins MVP Award

The New England Patriots' record-setting quarterback added The Associated Press NFL MVP award Saturday in the same manner his team romped through its schedule, going 16-0. On the way to the first unbeaten regular season since Miami went 14-0 in 1972, Brady put on a performance for the ages, which earned him all but one vote from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. "I have always been a huge football fan and will always have great respect for the history of this game," Brady said. "I am flattered to join such an esteemed list of players, many of whom I consider the greatest of all time. I hope that I can set as great of an example for kids around the world as the previous MVPs did for me. "I am grateful to all of the voters for any consideration I was given. It is a tremendous honor and I am sure it is one that my family will one day look back on with great pride." AP

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Wild Card Round Picks

Here are my picks for the wild-card round of the playoffs...

Washington at Seattle- Seahawks

Jacksonville at Pittsburgh- Jaguars

NY Giants at Tampa Bay- Giants

Tennessee at San Diego- Chargers

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Losman Wants Out Of Buffalo

Bills quarterback J.P. Losman wants out of Buffalo, unhappy with how he lost his starting job to rookie Trent Edwards this past season. Losman's agent, Gary Wichard, told The Associated Press on Friday that his client would prefer to be traded, but added Losman would play out the final year of his contract if necessary. Wichard said he has not yet spoken to the Bills because the team is seeking a new general manager after Marv Levy stepped down earlier this week. Possible Teams: Miami, Chicago, Jets

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Chicago Bears Rumors

Bears To Re-Sign Grossman

Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo and coach coach Lovie Smith agreed they want Rex Grossman to return, making it seemingly only a question of money after Grossman said he was open to returning if the Bears wanted him back at quarterback according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Angelo said developing ''stability'' at quarterback was the top priority. The Sun-Times said if Grossman returns, it won't be as the billed starter — not right away, anyway. That makes for story lines already as the Bears point to training camp in July. Source: Chicago Sun-Times


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Bears To Franchise Tag Berrian?

Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo didn't rule out shifting the franchise tag from one Drew Rosenhaus client, Lance Briggs, to another in Bernard Berrian — an interesting admission because it would cost nearly $8 million, the amount of guaranteed money in the long-term extension offer that Berrian, a wide receiver, swiftly rejected last summer the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Source: Chicago Sun-Times

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Willis Is Defensive Rookie Of The Year

One NFL scout called linebacker Patrick Willis "a beast." And that was before Willis won The Associated Press 2007 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Willis' dominant performance could have been overlooked because his San Francisco 49ers went 5-11 in a mediocre division. Instead, his league-leading 174 tackles and presence all over the field made him a runaway winner and the fifth straight linebacker to take the honor. Willis earned 48 votes Friday from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. Only Carolina linebacker Jon Beason, with two, also received votes. "It's confirmation of what you've been doing as an individual," Willis said. "From an individual perspective, it would be good for people that doubted, or didn't know if you could be a No. 1 draft pick, or if you could come into the league and do well because of your size or where you might have played ball at ... and show them that if you put your mind to it, you're capable of anything." Willis certainly looked capable of just about anything as he did just about everything in 2007. The 11th overall draft pick from Mississippi was a dynamic presence from the first practice with the 49ers, and by season's end, opponents were scheming to avoid him. AP

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Warren Sapp Retires

Warren Sapp told the Oakland Raiders on Thursday that he was retiring, ending the career of one of the best defensive tackles to play in the NFL. Sapp told the Contra Costa Times that he phoned Raiders owner Al Davis with the news Thursday. The Raiders had no official comment, but coach Lane Kiffin hinted at Sapp's decision earlier this week. Sapp, 35, was the quintessential "three technique" tackle during his 13-year career, lining up between the guard and tackle and splitting that gap. Few did it better than Sapp, who made seven Pro Bowls, won the AP Defensive Player of the Year award in 1999, and was a key cog in Tampa Bay's Super Bowl winning defense in the 2002 season.

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Keshawn Comeback?

Former Pro Bowl wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson has not ruled out the possibility of making a comeback to play specifically for the Miami Dolphins and for Bill Parcells, a mentor and close friend. In an e-mail to The Miami Herald, agent Jerome Stanley said Johnson remains in ''great shape'' while also remaining close to Parcells, who coached Johnson with the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys.''I speak to Keyshawn daily about all aspects of his career, he is very close to Coach Parcells and is in great shape IF he chose to play next year,'' Stanley wrote, responding to an e-mail from The Miami Herald about Johnson's potential interest in returning to play for Parcells. ``Miami could use a good tough veteran like Key to help the current crop of young receivers develop.'' Source: Miami Herald, Yahoo Article

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Ravens Will Try To Get Cowher

Citing sources close to the team, the Baltimore Sun reported, the Baltimore Ravens were expected to take a run at former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher, a CBS television analyst. One source said the Ravens were planning to meet with Cowher this weekend, but a team official said that is untrue. The Ravens, however, have not removed Cowher from consideration. Cowher has said on previous occasions he wants to take at least one more year off from coaching. Source: Baltimore Sun

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Cameron Fired

Cam Cameron was fired as the Miami Dolphins' coach Thursday by new boss Bill Parcells after plunging to an 0-13 start in his first year on the job and finishing with just one victory. The dismissal comes three days after Parcells ousted general manager Randy Mueller and means the reeling franchise will have its fifth coach in five seasons. Parcells began work Dec. 27 as executive vice president of football operations and quickly concluded the Dolphins need another fresh start. It has been 37 years since the Dolphins fired a coach. But they never finished 1-15 before. All but two members of Cameron's coaching staff were also fired, but some might be rehired by the new head coach, the Dolphins said. Retained were assistant special teams coach Steve Hoffman and linebackers coach George Edwards. Parcells made the decisions in consultation with new general manager Jeff Ireland, hired Wednesday after seven years in player personnel with the Dallas Cowboys. Ireland replaced Mueller, who was fired Monday after three seasons with Miami. The early front-runner to replace Cameron is another Cowboys employee, assistant head coach Tony Sparano. He's scheduled to interview Friday for the head coaching vacancy in Atlanta. AP

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Raiders Fire, Jets Hire

Sources indicate that Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been told he will be fired this week, following the unit's disappointing performance in 2007, the Oakland Tribune reported. Ryan, however, appears ready to land on his feet. According to New York-area reports, New York Jets defensive coordinator Bob Sutton is expected to lose his job. And the Tribune reported that according to sources, Ryan will succeed Sutton in New York. Ryan and Jets coach Eric Mangini were defensive assistants together for four seasons in New England under Bill Belichick. Sources indicated Ryan was told before the Raiders' final game, against San Diego on Sunday, that he would not be returning in 2008, according to the Tribune. That could clear the way for coach Lane Kiffin to hire his father, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, as the elder Kiffin's contract with the Bucs expires at the end of their season. ESPN News Services

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Peterson Gets Offensive Rookie Of The Year Award

Adrian Peterson ran away with The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting the same way he surged past opposing tacklers this season. The Minnesota Vikings running back, who set the league mark for rushing in a game with 296 yards in a 35-17 victory over San Diego, also had a 224-yarder in a win against Chicago. The key to Minnesota's improvement to an 8-8 record this season, he led the NFC with 1,341 yards rushing, second only to San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson in the league. His 78 points on 13 touchdowns were second in the conference. Those numbers, compiled in 14 games, and his overall impact -- the Vikings struggled to pass the ball, yet were in the wild-card race until the final game -- earned Peterson 46 1/2 votes Wednesday from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. Cleveland tackle Joe Thomas was the only other player receiving votes, 3 1/2 . AP

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Superbowl Sweepstakes

Here's a chance for you to win a customized jersey of your choice! Comment on this post or send me an email at bam@nflrumorz.com with your picks for who will be in the superbowl, and the final score!

Rules:
1) You may only enter once
2) Please include your name and email
3) Entries will end 5th

Good Luck!

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Nolan To Remain 49ers Coach

Mike Nolan will keep his job as the coach of the San Francisco 49ers but will relinquish final say over personnel decisions, Yahoo! Sports has learned. After two days of deliberation, 49ers owners John and Denise DeBartolo York decided Tuesday to retain Nolan, who has two years left on the five-year contract he signed before the 2005 season. His 16-32 record over three seasons, including a 5-11 mark in '07, put his job in jeopardy, and he will likely make changes to his coaching staff. Nolan, who has also been the 49ers' de facto general manager since joining the franchise, agreed to give up front-office control as a condition of his return. The franchise will hire a general manager to assume those duties, and the leading contender is believed to be current vice president of player personnel Scott McCloughan. With Nolan staying, this likely means the end of the Alex Smith era, and the 49ers will look to trade or release him this offseason. Rumor Update: Nolan will fire offensive coordinator Jim Hostler after only one season, and will look to add Mike Martz who was just fired from being the Lion's O-coordinator.

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Jets Look To Keep Pennington

He was demoted at midseason and spoke openly about the end of this career with the New York Jets, but Chad Pennington may not be done with the organization quite yet according to the New York Daily News. According to the Daily News, the organization is leaning heavily toward retaining Pennington. Pennington is signed through 2011 and, although his 2008 salary ($4.8 million) is steep for a potential backup, the club is prepared to keep him, presumably to battle Kellen Clemens next training camp. Eric Mangini declined Monday to tip his hand on the all-important quarterback decision, except to say he's not ready to anoint Clemens the undisputed starter for 2008, as he did a year ago for Pennington.

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