Who Should Replace Matt Millen?

Kevin Bull of the Detroit Free Press identifies 18 names that may surface as potential replacements for Matt Millen as the Detroit Lions new president/general manager.

This list contains some very prominent names that can immediately be crossed off the list, if for no other reason than the Lions needing a full-time guy who is looking to roll up his/her sleeves and make Detroit his/her own, and not another high-priced heavyweight who'll be seeking to fly back "home" on the weekends the way Millen did.

I'd include current CBS personalities Bill Cowher and Charley Casserly on this list. Cowher is better suited for the sidelines and Casserly is excellent in his current gig in the NFL office and CBS analyst. Current NFL GMs Tom Heckert (Eagles) and Scott Pioli (Patriots) are under contract and have passed on previous opportunities to go elsewhere. The Detroit job isn't attractive enough to get them to leave places where they've been successful and are well compensated.

The Lions should pursue a personnel guy with a track record of discovering talented and productive players. More names will surface, but on the list the Free Press has this morning, I'd place Marc Ross (Giants), Jimmy Raye (Chargers) and Ruston Webster (Seahawks) at the top.

William Ford Sr. shouldn't allow himself to once again be duped by hiring a big name and/or a recognizable face from television, which is exactly how he ended up with Matt Millen. He needs a smart executive with experience in building or sustaining a successful franchise.

AFC News and Notes

Troy Brown, the New England Patriots all-time leader in receptions and one of the classiest players the NFL has had over the last 15 years, officially retired on Thursday. Brown will join Comcast SportsNet as a football analyst. Patriots running back Laurence Maroney practiced in full pads on Thursday.

Buffalo Bills special teams coach Bobby April chalked up the team's kick coverage woes to inexperienced personnel. Bills left tackle Jason Peters isn't yet back to his All-Pro form.

Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland gave wide receiver Ernest Wilford $6 million in guaranteed money this off-season, and Wilford has responded with one catch for 15 yards through three games. On the bright side, Jerry Porter hasn't stepped foot on the field for Jacksonville. Dolphins defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni will coach the outside linebackers while coach Jim Reid is hospitalized.

The New York Jets secondary faces a tough test in Arizona Cardinals wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. The Jets re-signed defensive back Hank Poteat on Thursday.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer feels good and is upbeat, despite taking a beating this month. Bengals wide receiver Antonio Chatman is getting more opportunities in the offense.

Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel hasn't lost his locker room. The Browns special teams haven't had the big impact they were expected to have, and Josh Cribbs' injury may be the reason why.

The Baltimore Ravens defense has regained its swagger. Ravens safety Dawan Landry discussed his spinal injury on Thursday. Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun lists the three things the Ravens need to do to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, and four of the six Sun staffers pick the Steelers to win.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians takes the blame for last week's loss in Philadelphia. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu did not practice on Thursday, but is expected to play on Monday night.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have sold enough tickets to avoid a blackout of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter guaranteed the Jaguars offense will be a big-play offense.

Houston Texans defensive coordinator Richard Smith will try to revive the Texans non-existent pass rush. Texans long-snapper Bryan Pittman has struggled and head coach Gary Kubiak hinted that a change could be made.

Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders had arthroscopic surgery on one of his knees. Colts head coach Tony Dungy left his credit card on a gas pump, but Indianapolis resident Brian Keitell made sure it was safely returned to Dungy.

Tennessee Titans middle linebacker Ryan Fowler was surprised by his demotion. Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean predicts a Titans win on Sunday over the Minnesota Vikings.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall's recovery from his arm lacerations has been remarkable. Broncos linebacker Jamie Winborn's career hasn't gone exactly as planned, but he's getting an opportunity in Denver.

Part of the reason why Damon Huard was chosen to start on Sunday for the Kansas City Chiefs is his ability to protect the football. Chiefs right tackle Damien McIntosh is struggling in his new position.

San Diego Chargers second-year wide receiver Buster Davis is starting show some of 1st round potential. Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson's toe is improving. When Chargers Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick is ready to start, Jeremy Newberry will experience a first.

Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush is playing an integral role in the Raiders' offense. The Raiders were short on bodies during practice on Thursday.

NFC News and Notes

Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News gets the feeling that this week's game against the Washington Redskins is a trap game for the Dallas Cowboys. Redskins head coach Jim Zorn battled Cliff Longley for the Cowboys' backup quarterback job as an undrafted free agent in 1975.

New York Giants wide receivers Sinorice Moss and Mario Manningham may get some playing time next Sunday against Seattle. Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce has an interesting way of looking at Plaxico Burress' suspension.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said if the Eagles are nursing a late lead against Chicago, he'll be more aggressive than he was last year. The Eagles are letting cornerback Asante Samuel do his own thing.

Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell has excelled in the 4th quarter. Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache is looking to prevent the big play.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Lloyd is making the most of his opportunity, which may be his last in the NFL. Bears wide receiver/return specialist Devin Hester will be a game-time decision on Sunday. Former Bears running back Cedric Benson was cleared of all charges against him in Texas, which may help pave his way back into the NFL.

Matt Millen's temporary replacements in Detroit won't concede the season, haven't given up on Rod Marinelli and won't trade Roy Williams.

Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant is off the team's injury report and may get more carries on Sunday. The Packers will try to stay cool in Tampa.

The Minnesota Vikings offense will be up against a stingy defense on Sunday. Vikings safety Madieu Williams returned to practice on Thursday. Vikings defensive end Jared Allen is getting extra attention from opposing offenses.

Atlanta Falcons rookie left tackle Sam Baker may miss Sunday's game against Carolina. Falcons running back Jerious Norwood may take direct snaps on Sunday. Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli credits his big contract to Lorenzo Neal, who he calls "the Michael Jordan of fullbacks".

Carolina Panthers rookie safety Charles Godfrey has struggled at times, but is showing signs of improvement. Panthers wide receiver Ryne Robinson practiced Thursday for the first time since July.

New Orleans Saints center Jonathan Goodwin was held out of practice on Thursday. Saints rookie offensive lineman Carl Nicks will replace the suspended Jamar Nesbit at left guard.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers punter Josh Bidwell won't be surprised if Matt Bryant decides to play on Sunday. A cause of death for Bryant's three-month old son will not be known for 4-to-6 weeks.

Buccaneers wide receiver Dexter Jackson will split return duties with Ike Hilliard and Michael Clayton.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Steve Breaston and Jerheme Urban haven't had a lot of chances to make plays this season. Cardinals defensive end Bert Berry has a torn groin and is out indefinitely.

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson doesn't agree with the decision to bench Marc Bulger. Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that the Rams should mimic what the Detroit Lions did this week. Rams rookie wide receiver Donnie Avery is ready to dance.

The San Francisco 49ers offense is helping the 49ers defense. The 49ers will retire Steve Young's #8 jersey at halftime of the October 5th game against the New England Patriots.