Ravens, Vikings Advance to Divisional Playoffs

Ravens-Dolphins News and Notes

"Here come the Ravens. The team you don't want to see," Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed said after Sunday's 27-9 win over the Miami Dolphins...The Ravens declawed the "Wildcat", writes David Steele. Mike Preston's report card gives high praise to the Ravens' front seven...The Ravens are more interested in the bigger team award than the individual ones they were denied.

The Miami Dolphins were picked apart by the Ravens...Despite the loss, Dolphins fans are optimistic about the future...The future will include Bill Parcells, outgoing owner Wayne Huzienga said...Will quarterback Chad Pennington be able to recapture the magic in 2009?

Eagles-Vikings News and Notes

The Philadelphia Eagles win was ugly, but it was a win...Eagles running back Brian Westbrook's first 16 touches gained just 30 yards, but his 17th went for 71 yards and a touchdown...Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was in control on Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings know they didn't play playoff-caliber football on Sunday...Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson's erratic performance will be debated all off-season...Patrick Reusse writes that Jackson is no longer a viable option at quarterback...After making the Eagles one-dimensional, the Vikings defense was victimized by a screen pass.

Playoff News and Notes

The Tennessee Titans are in for a smash-mouth rematch against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

When the Pittsburgh Steelers host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, they wouldn't mind a repeat of their November 16th meeting.

The San Diego Chargers will try to be the first 8-8 team to win twice in the playoffs, which they may have to do without LaDainian Tomlinson.

Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger previews next Sunday's New York Giants-Philadelphia Eagles Divisional Playoff game.

Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer lists five things Carolina Panthers fans should know about the Arizona Cardinals.

The Arizona Cardinals are concerned that Anquan Boldin's hamstring could keep him out of Saturday night's playoff game against Carolina.

NFL News and Notes

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe comments on the ESPN report that the New England Patriots are planning to franchise quarterback Matt Cassel.

Former Buffalo Bills offensive line coach Jim McNally is hosting a football clinic in western New York that will benefit the Bills Alumni fund.

FOX analyst and former Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick is reportedly in the mix for the New York Jets head coaching job.

The Cleveland Browns have received permission to interview George Kokinis, the Baltimore Ravens director of pro personnel, for their general manager position.

Several Indianapolis Colts cleaned out their lockers on Sunday. Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star writes that it's time for Tony Dungy to move on.

The Denver Broncos were 2nd in Total Offense in 2008, but were only 16th in scoring. Woody Paige of the Denver Post puts his stamp of approval on Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Oakland Raiders CEO Amy Trask denied a report by ESPN that Al Davis is selling part of the team.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is afraid to pull the trigger and fire Wade Phillips, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News.

Chicago Bears defensive line coach Brick Haley has reportedly accepted the same position with LSU, opening the door for Rod Marinelli to join Lovie Smith's coaching staff. Chicago will have some competition, as reports on Sunday had Marinelli interviewing for a position on Jim Mora's Seattle Seahawks coaching staff, possibly as defensive coordinator.

Why would Seattle be interested in Marinelli?

He has connections to the Seahawks front office (Tim Ruskell, Ruston Webster) and is a believer in the Cover-2 ("Tampa 2") defense. Seattle has five defensive linemen under the age of 25 and Marinelli was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line coach during a stretch where the team never ranked lower than 11th in total defense.

The Detroit Lions' head coaching search continues this week, with interviews scheduled with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and Miami Dolphins secondary coach Todd Bowles.

The National Football Post reported that Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Bob Sanders was fired on Sunday.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith was named the AP's NFL Coach of the Year on Sunday, edging out Miami's Tony Sparano by one vote. Terence Moore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution thinks the Falcons need more playmakers.

Baltimore Ravens defensive end Marques Douglas took some shots at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their decision to trade him before this season.

St. Louis Rams general manager Billy Devaney has interviewed just one head coach candidate, but his appointment book is filling up.