Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Announced

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2009 has been announced. The six to be enshrined are:

Bob Hayes, WR
Randall McDaniel, G
Bruce Smith, DE
Derrick Thomas, LB
Ralph Wilson, Owner
Rod Woodson, DB

The induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 8th, 2009 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

The Tennessee Titans and Buffalo Bills will participate in this year's Hall of Fame game.

Mac's Super Bowl XLIII Prediction

Like in last year's playoff predictions, I'm heading into the Super Bowl with a 6-4 record.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals

Few results in this year's Super Bowl would come as a surprise.

If Pittsburgh wins, the experts will point to their dominating defense, vast playoff experience, and the leadership ability of Ben Roethlisberger as the main reasons why. If Arizona wins, it'll be due to their high-scoring offense, lead by the unflappable Kurt Warner, and a defense that got its act together at just the right time.

Who Will Win and Why?

Despite Kurt Warner's ability to read opposing defenses, and despite his stable of talented receivers, the third quarter of the NFC Championship Game is proof that if you bring pressure, Warner will struggle. In those 15 minutes, Warner was 1-for-4 for 4 yards, was hit twice and sacked once. The only completion he had was to himself, when he inadvertantely caught his own pass, and the Eagles scored 13 points to trim the Cardinals' lead from 18 to 5 points.

Seeing how no team puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks like Pittsburgh does, I suspect Warner will struggle, which is something Arizona won't be able to overcome.

Mac's Pick: Steelers 30, Cardinals 12

Mac's MVP Pick: LaMarr Woodley/James Harrison, LBs, Pittsburgh

Around the NFL - January 31st, 2009

As you read this, 50 football writers are gathered in a conference room, making presentations and discussing and debating each of the 17 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The announcement will be made at 2:30pm ET today, but if I were naming the 2009 Hall of Fame class, here's who'd be making a tear-filled speech on a hot, muggy night in Canton, Ohio this August:

CB/S - Rod Woodson
LB - Derrick Thomas
DE - Bruce Smith
DT - Cortez Kennedy
OG - Russ Grimm
DE - Claude Humphrey

Super Bowl News and Notes

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner's wife Brenda discussed the traumatic events that filled their time in New York five years ago.

When it comes to coaching, Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley has the right stuff.

Regardless of the outcome tomorrow, Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner belongs in the Hall of Fame, writes Bernie Miklasz.

Within Kent Somers' Cardinals notebook in The Arizona Republic, Ken Whisenhunt expects a pro-Steelers crowd and isn't sure how much he needs to say to his team on Sunday.

Former Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer played a role in the Cardinals reaching the Super Bowl.

Cardinals rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromarties is keeping his focus on the game.

X's and O's Matchup: James Farrior vs. Edgerrin James.

Steelers rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall has been back among his teammates this week.

Steelers owner Dan Rooney says that Mike Tomlin wasn't a Rooney Rule candidate.

The Steelers defense wants to be remembered as one of the greatest defenses of all time.

Dick LeBeau has been avoided by the Hall of Fame, but the Cardinals won't be so lucky.

Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians will be bold in his play-calling on Sunday.

Pro Football Hall of Fame News and Notes

Bob Hayes' induction into the Hall of Fame is long overdue, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle agrees that Hayes' Hall of Fame slight needs to end.

Joe Posnanski of the Kansas City Star think it's ludicrous that Derrick Thomas isn't in the Hall of Fame.

Russ Grimm is more concerned with how his offensive line will play on Sunday than he is about today's Hall of Fame vote.

Former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Claude Humphrey expects to get the call from the Hall of Fame today.

Sackmasters highlight this year's Hall of Fame finalists.

Cornerback Rod Woodson and tight end Shannon Sharpe could be the first ex-Ravens to make the Hall.

Woodson is practically a lock to make the Hall of Fame today.

Sharpe could be the third Bronco to make the Hall, and the second in as many years.

NFL News and Notes

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the current Collective Bargaining Agreement is causing his bosses economic hardship and they want to renegotiate it.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams says their offense was easy for opponents to figure out.

Goodell said New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress is not a repeat offender under the league's personal conduct policy.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is the reason Brian Dawkins has wanted to play his entire career with the Eagles.

Chicago Bears quarterback Kyle Orton isn't bothered by general manager Jerry Angelo's assessment of the team's quarterback position.

ESPN's Mel Kiper has the Bears choosing LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson with the 18th pick.

Few fans remember who the Detroit Lions fired to make Matt Millen their President and CEO. It was Ron Hughes, who is now the Pittsburgh Steelers' college scouting coordinator.

The St. Louis Rams hired a new chief negotiator.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye see eye-to-eye, writes John Crumpacker.

Raye brings the style of offense that Singletary wants.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady wants to play until he's 40.

Patriots safety Rodney Harrison is learning towards retirement, but left the door open to return next season.

The goal of regionalizing the Buffalo Bills was successful, according to Goodell.

Goodell also said that moving next year's Pro Bowl to Miami and a week before the Super Bowl is meant to increase interest in both games.

Miami Dolphins vice president of football operations is staying to finish the job.

The Tennessee Titans are raising ticket prices in 2009.

Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler is tired of not playing in the post-season.

San Diego Chargers running back Darren Sproles is going to test the free agent market.

Super Bowl XLIII - Friday, January 30th, 2009

The official injury report for Super Bowl XLIII is out:

Pittsburgh Steelers

Probable: WR Hines Ward (knee)

Arizona Cardinals

Probable: DE Antonio Smith

Questionable: RB J.J. Arrington (knee), P Ben Graham (left groin), DE Travis LaBoy (biceps)

McNabb Wants to Retire With Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb met with Philadelphia-area reporters on Friday, and stated that he wants to retire with the Eagles.

McNabb also stated that NFL analysts like Deion Sanders, who have stated that McNabb and his family want out of Philadelphia, are not speaking for him.

Rams Hire New Cap Man

The St. Louis Rams have named Kevin Demoff as their new executive vice president of football operations/chief financial officer.

Demoff joins the Rams after three seasons in Tampa Bay, and will be responsible for all player contract negotiations and will be the liaison between the football and business operations for the Rams.

Demoff's father Marvin is longtime NFL player agent, whose small list of clients includes Rams defensive end Chris Long and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.

Around the NFL - January 30th, 2009

Super Bowl News and Notes

According to his high school coach, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin is the best player to ever come out of Florida.

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner's experience gives the team a chance against the stout Steelers defense.

Most Arizonans came from somewhere else, which tests fan loyalties.

Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's star power is growing.

"I'm the first one up", Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby said about his contract situation.

Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle wants to emulate Dexter Jackson's performance in Super Bowl XXVII.

Having faced Dick LeBeau's defenses in training camps and practices is exactly why Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt isn't excited about facing him on Sunday.

Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett is haunted by the death of his mother.

New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace is pulling for his former team to win on Sunday.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward says his knee injury will give him an edge on Sunday.

The pressure is on Ben Roethlisberger, says NBC analyst Jerome Bettis.

This isn't the same Roethlisberger that played in Super Bowl XL.

Steelers running back Willie Parker's rocky career at UNC is back in the spotlight as he prepares to play for a second Super Bowl in four years.

Roethlisberger had been sharp in practice, but rumors persist that he had x-rays on his ribs.

X's and O's matchup: Troy Polamalu vs. Kurt Warner.

Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau invented the zone blitz.

Steelers kicker Jeff Reed "brings life to the party".

Steelers safety Ryan Clark delivers seismic hits.

In their 2007 coaching search that resulted in the hiring of Cam Cameron, the Miami Dolphins interviewed, but passed on both Ken Whisenhunt and Mike Tomlin.

In today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Gerry Dulac looks at how Tomlin earned the respect of his players, while Chuck Finder reports on how Whisenhunt toughened up the Cardinals.

Speaking of coaches, you can't forget about their support systems at home.

Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post writes that God doesn't play favorites.

Bruce Springsteen admittedly knows little about football, but he does have an album coming out.

Super Bowl commercials are going 3D this year.

NFL News and Notes

It will cost the New England Patriots $14.65 million dollars to franchise Matt Cassel, which would him their most expensive quarterback.

The Dolphins are interested in re-signing tackle Vernon Carey.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese didn't get the offensive coordinator position in Tampa Bay.

Free agent center LeCharles Bentley hasn't announced his retirement, but he is opening an academy for offensive linemen.

Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams wants to stay with the Browns.

Phil Savage was the Browns' biggest problem, writes Bud Shaw.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis says a decision on his future is between him and God.

Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco was named Diet Pepsi's NFL Rookie of the Year on Thursday.

The Tennessee Titans won't receive a hometown discount from defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy said he's done with the NFL during his appearance no "The Late Show with David Letterman" on Thursday.

Whoever the new Colts defensive coordinator is, he won't be able to make too many personnel changes.

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer called the firing of Mike Shanahan "past due".

Former NFL quarterback Steve DeBerg is now a QB guru, writes Jason Whitlock.

Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox says the San Diego Chargers are "keeping the public in the dark" about the costs of a new stadium.

The Oakland Raiders hired Paul Hackett to coach their quarterbacks, but he could ascend to the offensive coordinator position.

A pair of Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboys were critical of the current Cowboys.

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs says he'll back in 2009, and hopes Plaxico Burress is, too.

Philadephia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is battling cancer.

Eagles defensive tackle Darren Howard and offensive tackle Jon Runyan have already had their off-season surgeries.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson's top goal for 2009 is to make the playoffs.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hit "Radio Row" for the first time on Thursday.

The cost for the Carolina Panthers to franchise Julius Peppers: $16.683 million dollars.

The New Orleans Saints signed wide receiver Biron Ealy to a future contract, after he declined to sign one with the Tennessee Titans.

Former University of Washington wide receiver and free agent-to-be Reggie Williams wouldn't mind playing for the Seattle Seahawks.

The St. Louis Rams are set to hire Sylvester Croom to coach their running backs and Rock Gullickson to be their strength & conditioning coach.

Several of his former players had nothing but praise for Jimmy Raye, who will reportedly be the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator.

NFL Network Super Bowl XLIII Pre-Game Schedule

The NFL Network is planning for 8.5 hours of pre-and post-game analysis for Super Bowl XLIII. Here's a breakdown of what they have scheduled:

(All times Eastern)

11:00-12:00pm

- Super Bowl memories from NFL Network analysts Warren Sapp, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, John Lynch, Derrick Brooks and Rod Woodson.
- Analysts give their keys to the game.
- NFL Insider Adam Schefter with the latest news and injury reports.
- Lynch, Brooks and Woodson on the Arizona defense.

12:00-1:00pm

- Feature on the coaching change in Pittsburgh that led to the hiring of Mike Tomlin and Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm going to Arizona.
- "Who Has the Edge" debate on Super Bowl position matchups.
- NFL Films Steve Sabol feature on the greatest losing effort in the Super Bowl.
- A look at the relationship between Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin

1:00-2:00pm

- Current and former Buccaneers Sapp, Lynch and Brooks talk about Coach Whisenhunt's possible advantage being the former offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh.
- Deion Sanders discusses the best way to cover Cardinals Pro Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
- Answers the question "Are the Steelers the real America's Team?"
- Analysts pick their "Surprising Hero" of the game
- NFL Films Steve Sabol features the Top Five Most Memorable Plays from the Super Bowl.
- Feature on Fitzgerald

2:00-3:00pm

- Schefter's unique story about the relationship between Steelers safety Tyrone Carter and his old brother Tank, who is in a Florida jail.
- Woodson, Lynch, and Brooks discuss how to defend Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona passing attack.
- Rich Eisen's one-on-one interview with Bruce Springsteen.
- Steelers and Cardinals position analysis: Sapp on the defensive lines, Faulk on linebacks, Sanders on the defensive backs, Steve Mariucci on special teams and coaching staffs.
- Sterling Sharpe takes a look at Kurt Warner and his success.
- MVP predictions by the analysts.
- Woodson exclusive one-on-one interview with his former coach, Dick LeBeau.

3:00-4:00pm

- Eisen interviews Craig and Ron Wolfley, brothers who are the analysts for the Steelers and Cardinals radio broadcasts.
- Fran Charles and Brian Baldinger analyze the matchup between Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley and Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.
- Sapp gives a tour of Tampa - visiting the hot spots, restaurants, driving a zamboni, his favorite spots from his playing days and more.
- NFL World feed announcers Bob Papa and Sterling Sharpe predictions for the game.

4:00-5:00pm

- Lynch one-on-one interview with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who was his position coach when Tampa Bay won Super Bowl XXVII.
- Mariucci highlights the best moments of the week from all the guests and interviews from Tampa.
- Dukes, Wilcots, Henderson and Hanson report from NFL Experience.
- Reports on pregame festivities.

5:00-5:30pm

- Kurt Warner feature and debate on his Hall of Fame status.
- Keys to victory for both teams.
- Final Super Bowl XLIII predictions.

Super Bowl XLIII Injury Report - Thursday, January 29th

Here's the injury report after today's practices, and there are no changes from Wednesday.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Did Not Participate: WR Hines Ward (knee)

Arizona Cardinals

Did Not Participate: RB J.J. Arrington (knee), P Ben Graham (left groin), DE Travis LaBoy (biceps), DE Antonio Smith (knee)

Steelers' Harrison Named GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Year

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has been named GMC Sierra NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the NFL and GMC announced today.

Harrison had a career-high 101 tackles and 16 sacks during the regular season. He won GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Week honors twice (Weeks 11 and 13). Harrison was one of five finalists for the award, with the others being Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter, Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed and Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware.

Overall, a Pittsburgh Steeler won Defensive Player of the Week honors in 7 of 17 weeks.

Eagles' DC Johnson Battling Cancer

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in his spine.

Johnson has begun radiation treatments at Bryn Mawr Hospital for the cancer, which is a recurrence from 2001. No surgery is planned and Johnson plans to continue his coaching career.

2009 Franchise and Transition Tag Numbers

2009 Franchise and Transition Tag Figures

Pos. - Franchise / Transition

QB - $14.651M / $12.44M
RB - $6.621M / $5.925M
WR - $9.844M / $8.393M
TE - $4.462M / $4.065M
OL - $8.451M / $7.744M
DE - $8.991M / $7.777M
DT - $6.058M / $5.45M
LB - $8.304M / $7.48M
CB - $9.957M / $8.374M
S - $6.342M / $5.13M
P/K - $2.483M / $2.264M

Dansby Knows Cardinals Have to Deal With Him

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby played this season under the one-year franchise tag, which was worth $8.065 million dollars. If the Cardinals place the franchise tag on him again after this season, it'll cost them $9.678 million.

That's nearly $18 million dollars to a player that still hasn't made one Pro Bowl in his five-year career.

Dansby knows that to avoid losing him, the Cardinals will have to meet him at the bargaining table. Kent Somers caught up with Dansby this afternoon for what turned out to be an interesting conversation.

Brandon Jacobs on Plaxico Burress

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs is doing some promotional work for Under Armour at the Super Bowl, and had some interesting comments regarding how the Giants would have fared if they had Plaxico Burress:

"If we have Plax on our team, we go 15-1 and we win the Super Bowl. I'm not afraid to say that and I'll say it to anybody on any team," Jacobs said. "We had a different identity with him and we didn't have enough time to change our identity to be effective at what we wanted to do - try to play a team differently. Teams - I'm not going to say stopped the run - but they did a little better each week because they had that eighth guy in the box."

Ok, so is Jacobs making the case for Tom Coughlin to let Burress back onto the team, or is he slamming Burress for shooting himself in the leg at a nightclub? Hard to tell, but Jacobs did add "If I'm here, I need 17 back on that roster."

So I guess that means Jacobs is saying "We would've won the Super Bowl had you not shot yourself, but I need you on the roster next year".

Good to know.

Jacobs is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Fired BC Coach Lands in Tampa

Earlier this month, Boston College athletic director Gene DeFilippo threatened to fire head football coach Jeff Jagodzinski if he pursued an interview with the New York Jets.

Jagodzinski called DeFilippo's bluff, went to the interview, and was subsequently fired. Today, Jagodzinski has a new job: Offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In the lead up to being fired, Jagodzinski was linked to the offensive coordinator positions in Seattle and San Francisco, which went to Greg Knapp and Jimmy Raye, respectively. By landing an NFL job, Jagodzinski inches closer to his ultimate goal of being a head football coach in the NFL.

Herm Edwards to Join ESPN

Recently fired by the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Herm Edwards will join the ESPN family next month, serving as an analyst on various television and radio programming.

I'm excited about the opportunity to join the ESPN team and offer my insight as a former player and head coach," Edwards said in a statement. "I'm going to be truthful with my opinions on all the issues that take place on and off the field of play."

Edwards went 15-33 in his three seasons with the Chiefs, losing 23 of his final 25 games.

Flacco named 2008 Diet Pepsi's NFL Rookie of the Year

Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco has been named Diet Pepsi's 2008 NFL Rookie of the Year.

Flacco completed 60% of his passes, threw for nearly 3,000 yards and had 14 touchdown passes, leading the Ravens to an 11-5 regular season record and the AFC Championship Game. Flacco also won two Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week awards in 2008.

Over 1,000,000 votes were cast, and Flacco beat out Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte, Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson and Houston Texans running back Steve Slaton for the award.

Cowboys' Bennett Fined $22K For Rap Video

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com is reporting that the Dallas Cowboys have fined rookie tight end Martellus Bennett one-game check (worth more than $22,000) for a rap video he made and posted on YouTube that contained slurs against African-Americans and homosexuals.

"Marty B" apologized to fans, but blamed the media for the negative reaction, on a follow-up video, which appears to be a homage to the Blair Witch Project.

Making Sense of the Favre-to-Minnesota Talk

Ever since SI's Peter King went on ESPN's PTI and floated the possibility of three-time MVP and full-time VIP QB Brett Favre (sorry for the "Good Morning, Vietnam" moment) playing for the Minnesota Vikings next season, the media in the Twin Cities and Big Apple have been on pins and needles discussing that very possibility.

Personally, I think its ridiculous.

For starters, why would the New York Jets just grant Favre his release less than a year after trading him, especially when they can gain a draft pick back from Green Bay if Favre retires?

Secondly, why would Minnesota, who went 10-6 and made the playoffs with Gus Frerotte and Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback, trade for a soon-to-be 40-year old quarterback who a.) will want to be paid close to the $13 million he's due in 2009 and b.) had a 55.2 passer rating in the final five weeks of the 2008 season?

Charley Waters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press writes this morning that, if other avenues are closed, the Vikings could do just that:

"It's risky, but if the Vikings are unable to trade for Matt Cassel of New England or Matt Hasselbeck of Seattle, it wouldn't be shocking if they made a run at Favre should he become available, as expected."

This is further proof that whenever Brett Favre is involved, people tend to lose their minds. What Waters is basically saying is this: If the Vikings are unable (or unwilling) to pay through the nose to acquire Matt Cassel from New England, and can't acquire the completely unavailable Matt Hasselbeck, then perhaps they should make a run at a 40-year old quarterback who may or may not be an improvement over what we already have, but is going to command an 8-figure salary and be good bet to jerk us around after the 2009 season.

I know enough to never say "never" in January, and that if anyone is able to orchestrate a trade to Minnesota, it's Brett Favre (and his adoring media), but the Vikings would be better off actually attempting to develop a starting quarterback, insteading of trading for one year of a guy who might not have what it takes to get you past the first round of the playoffs.

Cardinals' Warner Discusses Retirement

Darren Urban blogs about the Arizona Cardinals for the team's official site, and this afternoon has a post about Kurt Warner talking about retirement:

"You know, I don’t know what’s going to be the ultimate decision or how it’s going to be determined," Warner said. "I know that you look at the scenarios and what could play out, and in the back of your mind you say, ‘Man, this could be a perfect scenario to leave the game.’ But what I’ve continued to realize about my career and my life is that nothing takes on a perfect scenario."

Warner is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the season, but a second Super Bowl trophy, which would be as unlikely as his first, could be enough for Warner to call it a career.

Kevin Mawae Recovering From Surgery

This morning, Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean caught up with Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae, who is in Tampa during the lead-up to Super Bowl XLIII.

Mawae is wearing a brace on his right arm (pictured below), but is expecting to be ready for training camp. Click on the link to Wyatt's post for Mawae's comments on how he's spending his week in Tampa.

Shannon Sharpe Doesn't Like Denver's Defense

Former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe, who is one of the 15 finalists for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009, doesn't like what he sees on the Broncos' defense.

"Give me Champ Bailey, I’ll take DJ Williams. I think Elvis Dumervil can be a great situational guy, but he can’t play every down. He’s not big enough, he can’t withstand the punishment. But other than that …”, Sharpe said before dissecting the Broncos' defensive deficiencies.

“You’ve got safeties. Those safeties man. The safeties, the D-line. You’ve got first- and second-round draft picks that can’t even get active. You can’t win like that. You can’t have free agent picks that are here two years and gone and take a boat load of money. You can’t have that.”

Sharpe cited Mike Shanahan's inability to recognize defensive talent as a potential reason for its failure.

Good Omen for Pittsburgh

Five-time Grammy Award winner John Legend will help the NFL and NBC kick off Super Bowl XLIII's pregame festivies on Sunday.

What makes this a good omen for Pittsburgh?

This will be Legend's second time performing at the Super Bowl, with his previous appearance coming before Super Bowl XL in Detroit.

Eric Mangini: Control Freak

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer likely isn't endearing himself to new Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini, who according to reporters who have covered him, is a bit controlling.

Some of the choice highlights:

"So he painted over a mural of Browns Hall of Famers?" said one. "In New York, he removed the Jets' one Super Bowl trophy displayed in the players locker room. He replaced it with a paper shredder so they could destroy their gameplans each week."

"Oh, you'll love him talking about injuries," one writer said. "If he even conceded a player had a knee injury, he would refuse to say if it was his right knee or his left."

The best line? "He's more human than (Bill) Belichick."

"Ultimate Super Bowl Snack Stadium"

HolyTaco.com constructed the "Ultimate Super Bowl Snack Stadium":

The stats:

"Total calories: 24,375
Total grams of fat: 1,285
Total cost: $86.47"

Yikes.

Matt Millen Wants His Money

Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com reported yesterday that Matt Millen, fired by the Detroit Lions last September, is looking for the $12 million dollars that he believes the team owes him for the two years he had remaining on his contract.

Kowalski notes that the issue will likely be settled by an arbitrator.

The Lions are owned by the Ford family, and in case you hadn't heard, Ford sort of had a rough day on Wednesday.

Pioli's First 15 Days

Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star examines the first 15 days of Scott Pioli's tenure as the Kansas City Chiefs general manager:

"It's clear, even after such a short time, that Pioli is going to do things methodically, which is a fancy word for slowly and carefully. And that's cool -- if it works. His decision to fire Edwards wasn't a surprise; what might have been a slight stunner was that Pioli seems to clearly have chairman Clark Hunt's full support. It was no secret Hunt liked Edwards and, if it came down to it, probably wanted to keep the guy around for a fourth go at it."

Pioli's next move will be his most important one: Hiring a head coach.

Around the NFL - January 29th, 2009

Super Bowl XLIII Injury Report - Wednesday

Pittsburgh Steelers

Did Not Participate in Practice: WR Hines Ward (knee)

Arizona Cardinals

Limited Participation in Practice: RB J.J. Arrington (knee), P Ben Graham (left groin), DE Travis LaBoy (biceps), DE Antonio Smith (knee)

Super Bowl News and Notes

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was asked about the protective order an ex-girlfriend filed against him in December.

Fitzgerald's huge hands give him an advantage.

America loves an underdog, writes Carrie Watters.

Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt stumped for offensive line coach Russ Grimm to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Cardinals tackle Mike Gandy enjoyed his time in Buffalo.

Cardinals defensive end Travis LaBoy joined the Cardinals at the right time.

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer wonders "what if?" the Cleveland Browns hadn't passed on Kurt Warner.

Former Cardinals tackle Luis Sharpe will be watching Super Bowl XLIII from an Arizona prison.

Former Cardinals special teamer Zack Walz lost the dog tags Pat Tillman sent him.

Adrian Wilson and Troy Polamalu are redefining the safety position.

Neither team ran the ball particularly well this season, but made the Super Bowl anyway.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin called out his offensive line on Wednesday.

Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau isn't retiring.

Sports Illustrated's Peter King is the pool reporter for the Steelers' practices.

X's and O's Matchup: Santonio Holmes vs. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Steelers linebacker James Harrison uses being cut four times by NFL teams as motivation on gamedays.

Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich hopes this is his last game as a backup.

Former Steelers head coach and Sgt. Slaughter impersonator Bill Cowher is rooting for both teams on Sunday.

Yuengling wishes it were a Pittsburgh-Philadelphia Super Bowl.

Kansas City wishes it had Troy Polamalu.

Clement Brooks, a 74-year old Tampa resident who has spent over 40 years in officiating, will be part of the crew handling the down-and-distance markers in Super Bowl XLIII.

The Star-Ledger has a sneak peek at the 3D SoBe Super Bowl commercial featuring Giants defensive end Justin Tuck, Patriots tackle Matt Light and Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis.

NFL News and Notes

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten may need surgery on his left shoulder.

The Cowboys worked out 19 NFL hopefuls on Wednesday, including several players from the defunct Arena Football League.

New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer isn't happy that he's being forced out of the Big Apple.

Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins believes he'll be back in Philly next season, and both he and Donovan McNabb feel the Eagles can make the Super Bowl in 2009.

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis may skip the team's off-season workout program.

The Chicago Bears could have an interest in quarterback Chris Simms.

Recently released Detroit Lions wide receiver Mike Furrey could wind up in the Windy City.

New Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan wants his offense to heed Olivia Newton-John's advice.

There's no front-runner for the Lions' starting quarterback job, and likely won't be one until after the pre-season.

The Green Bay Packers hired Dave Redding as their new strength & conditioning coach.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was named the FedEx Ground Player of the Year on Wednesday.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith was happy to help build a playground in East Tampa on Wednesday, he'd of been happier if he were preparing to play on Sunday.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was named the FedEx Air Player of the Year on Wednesday.

Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune writes that the Saints will soon part ways with Deuce McAllister.

Retired Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp says the players, not coaches, were responsible for the team's Super Bowl win.

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune caught up with former Seattle Seahawks safety Etric Pruitt, one of the goats of Super Bowl XL.

The St. Louis Rams hired Mike Williams away from the San Francisco 49ers to be their director of pro personnel.

Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo added two more coaches to his staff.

After interviewing eight candidates, the San Francisco 49ers hired Jimmy Raye II to be their offensive coordinator position.

New England Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel is unaware of what the team has planned for him.

The Buffalo Bills hired Bob Sanders to coach their defensive line.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington still doesn't plan to seek a contract extension.

New York Jets center Nick Mangold likes what he's hearing from his new head coach.

Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson purchased letterman jackets for his former high school team.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis wants his team to be more disciplined.

Former Baltimore Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe thinks Ray Lewis should stay in Baltimore.

Eric DeCosta will replace George Kokinis as the Ravens' director of player personnel.

Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels was added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster.

The Texans promoted Ray Rhodes and re-signed assistant head coach Alex Gibbs.

New Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Gene Smith has final authority on football personnel decisions.

Did the Tennessee Titans curse themselves after stomping on the Terrible Towels in December?

The man who accused Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison was convicted of a misdemeanor charge of lying to police on Wednesday.

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels is bringing the "Amoeba Offense" with him from New England.

There's once again speculation about which linebacker position D.J. Williams will play in the Broncos' new 3-4 scheme.

Rob Chudzinski is once again the San Diego Chargers tight ends coach, though he's added the title of assistant head coach for this go-round.

The Oakland Raiders haven't confirmed the ESPN report, but Tom Cable will be their head coach.

Dick LeBeau to Return in 2009

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is 71 years old and has been associated with the NFL for 50 years.

Tonight comes word that LeBeau informed his players that he'll back for a 51st season.

"I would never make any kind of decision without the guys in that room, like my son, knowing first," LeBeau said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "The way they're playing, they're going to have to run me out of here."

That's music to the Steelers fan's ears.

Stolen New York Giants Super Bowl Rings Recovered

27 New York Giants Super Bowl rings, stolen last June from a Massachusetts jewelry company, were found in a safe deposit box in Saugus, Massachusetts.

And because it's the Boston area, "Murph and Sully" are involved.

Kristen Sullivan, 22, of Lynn, was one of three people arrested Friday in the $2 million robbery of E.A. Dion Inc. in Attleboro on June 8. Sullivan rented the safe deposit box and is being held on charges of receiving stolen property.

Sullivan pleaded not guilty at a Tuesday arraignment.

On Monday, 44-year old Sean Murphy of Lynn plead not guilty to receiving stolen property is being held on $250,000 bail. Murphy is also facing domestic assault and battery charges, as well as marijuana charges.

Murphy's 21-year old ex-girlfriend, Rikkile Brown of Peabody, has also been charged.

Around the NFL - January 28th, 2009

Super Bowl News and Notes (And Media Day Madness)

The Arizona Cardinals handled Media Day well, writes Dan Bickley.

The Arizona Republic has a photo gallery of the Cardinals' Media Day.

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner is haunted by the Super Bowl loss in 2001.

Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby praised Miami Dolphins VP of Football Operations Bill Parcells and is a fan of South Beach. Dansby will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. (Just sayin')

Being released by the New York Jets after Week 2 has worked out well for Cardinals punter Ben Graham.

Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley's career path was supposed to be on the links, not the gridiron. Haley isn't letting the speculation about his next job get in the way of his Super Bowl preparations.

Cardinals defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergrast's path to the Super Bowl began in Houston.

Fart Box doesn't remember the Earnest Graham incident from over seven years, probably because he didn't have a reminder of it tattooed on his body.

Even though he's just 25 years old, Larry Fitzgerald is already a legend.

Fitzgerald offered to give up some cash to keep Anquan Boldin, but he can't, so he won't.

Both Larry Fitzgeralds maintained their poise during Media Day, but Fitzgerald Sr was a proud dad.

Josh Levin of Slate.com poked some holes in the "Fitzgerald Sr. remains objective" case that guys like Mike Wilbon and Rick Reilly have tried to make.

Humble, Texas native Bertrand Berry has taken an unlikely path to the Super Bowl.

Two former Seattle Seahawks on the Cardinals are singing different tunes, writes Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune.

Cardinals left tackle Mike Gandy is another guy Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo gave up on.

Gandy and Levi Brown were after-thoughts on Media Day, but will be in the spotlight on Sunday.

"Muck City" has produced a pair of Super Bowl receivers.

Today is an important day for Hines Ward, as it'll be the first time he's really tested the knee that knocked him out of the AFC title game. Ward got an early jump on Tuesday, sending Larry Fitzgerald a text message at 5:45am.

Ward brings tougness to a position that's primarily reserved for divas, writes John Romano.

Pittsburgh won Super Bowl XL despite Ben Roethlisberger, but they're in Super XLIII because of him.

Former Steelers cornerback and current NFL Network analyst thinks the Steelers' secondary are in for a tough task.

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu will recreate the famous Mean Joe Greene ad for Coke Zero.

There are two Troy Polamalus, writes Richard Justice.

Steelers punter Mitch Berger punted for the Cardinals in 2007.

I think he's a knob, but here's a story about Steelers kicker Jeff Reed.

Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and current Steelers quarterbacks coach Ken Anderson is a game away from an elusive Super Bowl ring.

Steelers strength and conditioning coordinator Garrett Giemont was an assistant trainer with the Los Angeles Rams in 1979, which was also the last time a 9-7 team made the Super Bowl.

Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden won an impromptu rumba contest.

Teresa L. Lindeman chronicles the zanyness that is "Media Day" at the Super Bowl.

Tampa is a long ways from Detroit, but Jerome Bettis is there, anyway.

NFL News and Notes

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's rehab from knee surgery is reportedly progressing well. But that news isn't enough to prevent Dan Shaughnessy from sarcastically calling Brady "soft" after paparazzi pictures showed Brady being hand-fed by his supermodel girlfriend (possible fiancee) Gisele Bundchen.

Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News makes the case for three Buffalo Bills to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2009.

The Bills signed free agents center Marvin Philip and wide receiver P.K. Sam to future contracts.

Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson had a second interview with the San Francisco 49ers for their offensive coordinator position. Jackson has emerged as the favorite for the position.

The Cleveland Browns should've beaten the Patriots to the punch by hiring Floyd Reese, writes Tony Grossi.

Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin was added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster after Ravens safety Ed Reed withdrew.

The man who was shot by a gun owned by Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison, is headed to court to answer to charges of making false statements to the police.

Former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis is warming up to the selection of Josh McDaniels as head coach.

San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson would consider a new contract offer.

Chargers general counsel Mark Fabiani says the team won't exercise its out clause in 2009.

Former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator John Marshall will interview for the Oakland Raiders' defensive coordinator position.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones needs to listen to Dan Reeves, writes Gil Lebreton.

New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce learned a lot in 2008.

Giants defensive end Justin Tuck is going to use not being in the Super Bowl this year as motivation to get back there next year.

Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Doug Pederson is returning to the team in a coaching capacity.

NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders thinks Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester can play two positions.

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham is evaluating the Lions players.

Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell had a message for the Green Bay Packers defensive line as Dom Capers prepares to install the 3-4 defense.

The Packers hired Darren Perry to coach the safeties. Perry wasn't retained by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in 2007, much to Dick LeBeau's chagrin.

Economic uncertainty has slowed the sale of luxury suites and club seats at the Georgia Dome.

Newly hired Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ron Meeks may not bring the Cover-2 defense with him to Charlotte.

Retired linebacker Dan Morgan is planning on making a comeback with the New Orleans Saints.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Chris Hovan plans to never go to a Super Bowl.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wants a statue honoring the Rams' Super Bowl win.

Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that Mike Singletary's month-long search for an offensive coordinator has gone beyond being thorough and now reeks of indecision.

Floyd Reese is Back in the NFL

After spending the last couple of years using his analyst position for ESPN to find a way back into NFL, former Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans general manager Floyd Reese will serve as a senior football advisor to the New England Patriots.

"We consider ourselves fortunate to have the opportunity to add someone with Floyd Reese's NFL experience and expertise to our staff," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "Floyd will be a tremendous asset serving Coach Belichick in an advisory role."

Reese was an assistant coach with the Detroit Lions (1975-77), San Francisco 49ers (1978), Minnesota Vikings (1979-85) and Houston Oilers (1986-89) before becoming the Oilers' assistant general manager from 1990-93. From 1994-2006, Reese was the executive vice-president and general manager of the Oilers/Tennessee Titans.

"Floyd and I go back a long way, practically to the beginning for both of us," said Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. "He has handled as much as one person can possibly handle in this league and to a certain extent, so has Nick. In Nick and Floyd, we have two outstanding men who each bring a wealth of knowledge and flexibility to this organization. I look forward to joining with both of them and working toward the common goal of our team's improvement and success."

Around the NFL - January 27th, 2009

It's All About the Football in Dallas

After word got out last week that Michael Irvin is going to host a reality show where the winner earns the 80th spot on the Cowboys' training camp roster, today comes word that tight Martellus Bennett has released a rap song on YouTube that contains slurs against African-Americans and homosexuals, and Terrell Owens has agreed to do a VH1 reality show.

Yep, it's all about the football in Big D.

Jennifer Floyd Engel of the Star-Telegram says it's "lights, camera, stupidity" in Dallas.

Super Bowl News and Notes

The Arizona Cardinals arrived in Tampa earlier than expected.

Steve Serby of the New York Post wants the New York Giants to trade for Anquan Boldin. That sentiment is echoed by Gary Myers in today's New York Daily News.

Boldin is flattered by Chicago Bears' fans hoping their team trades for him in the off-season.

The same fire within Boldin that prompted his sideline blowup with offensive coordinator Todd Haley, is what has made Boldin one of the toughest receivers in the game.

Could the Bears try to bring Kurt Warner to the Windy City?

David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune thinks the Cardinals look a lot like the 2007 New York Giants.

If the Cardinals can make it, why can't the Detroit Lions?

The Cardinals would like the disrespect to continue.

Gary Shelton of the St. Petersburg Times profiles Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

Whisenhunt says the Cardinals wouldn't be in the Super Bowl without safety Adrian Wilson.

Both Larry Fitzgeralds will be doing their jobs on Sunday.

Fitzgerald heard the rumors about him being traded to Philadelphia last spring, but wasn't excited by that possibility.

Philly wasn't on Fitzgerald's itinerary, but after the Super Bowl, and a free trip to Hawaii, the All-Pro receiver will head off to Afghanistan, Iraq, Dubai, Morocco and Egypt.

The time Fitzgerald spent hanging around the star athletes in the Minneapolis area as a kid may have prepared him for the big stage.

Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette still wouldn't change his 2003 Heisman vote to Fitzgerald.

Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that "you'd eat your spleen to get a guy like Fitzgerald" onto your team.

Cardinals defensive end/linebacker Bertrand Berry isn't bitter about leaving the Broncos.

Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisberger couldn't be more different, but both are hungry to add a second Super Bowl title to their resumes.

The Pittsburgh Steelers arrived in Tampa on Monday.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is taking the same approach to Super Bowl week that his predecessors had.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh sees some similarities between the Bengals and Cardinals offenses, which is why he's picking the Steelers to win on Sunday.

John Romano of the St. Petersburg Times profiles Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is hitting his hyperbaric oxygen chamber to ready himself for Sunday.

Whether Ward will play has been "the question" in Tampa thus far.

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is the NFL's Mane Man, writes Woody Paige.

Sorry, folks. This year's Lingerie Bowl has been canceled.

Super Bowl XLIII factoid of the day: There are XLIII strip clubs in the Tampa area.

NFL News and Notes

Cowboys linebacker Bradie James doesn't understand why Brian Stewart was fired.

I don't know if Andy Reid is amorous or hungry, but this has to be the most disturbing image from the NFC Championship Game.

The Washington Redskins laid off 10 more employees on Monday.

The Detroit Lions have named Matt Burke their new linebackers coach. Burke spent the last few seasons as a defensive quality control coach under Lions head coach Jim Schwartz in Tennessee.

Michael Rosenberg of the Detroit Free Press writes that the Lions finally have coaches who are qualified to do the jobs they've been hired to do.

To aide in their shift to a 3-4 defense, the Green Bay Packers hired former Pro Bowl linebacker Kevin Greene to coach their outside linebackers.

Packers wide receiver Donald Drivers' charity softball game will be held on June 14.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White will be paying attention on Super Bowl Sunday.

Former Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks has been hired to coordinate the Carolina Panthers defense.

Clare Farnsworth of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer dissects the Seattle Seahawks secondary.

Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill apologized for his arrest. Seattle P-I columnist Jim Moore takes issue with Hill's choice of wheels. (Not all athletes prefer Escalades or Range Rovers, Jim.)

It's too early to do anything but guess on who the St. Louis Rams will choose with the 2nd pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, but Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wouldn't mind seeing Michael Crabtree on the Rams.

Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo hired three assistants to his coaching staff, including quarterbacks coach Dick Curl.

Matt Maiocco had the San Francisco 49ers down to four candidates for their offensive coordinator position, but with Dan Reeves likely headed to Dallas (presumably not for a reality show), the three candidates for the 49ers' offensive coordinator job are Clyde Christensen, Jeff Jagodzinski and Hue Jackson.

Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News makes the case that Hall of Fame finalist and former Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith is the best defensive end in the history of the NFL.

Former Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huzienga banked $731 million by owning the Dolphins and stadium.

Sports Illustrated's Peter King thinks New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre will retire, but would consider returning to play for the Minnesota Vikings.

New Cleveland Browns general manager George Kokinis met the media on Monday.

Kokinis and Browns head coach Eric Mangini were roommates, and Mangini believes that friendship will help when developing a winning strategy.

To replace departed defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, the Baltimore Ravens promoted inside linebackers coach Greg Mattison.

Mattison's promotion had a domino affect on other Ravens assistants, who received some new titles.

The Jacksonville Transit Authority may stop providing bus service to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on Sundays in 2009.

Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy has another book coming out.

The Colts will be laying off 25 employees.

Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff last week.

San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith called LaDainian Tomlinson on Monday in an attempt to clear the air.

The Chargers signed a marketing deal to appeal to Los Angeles and Orange counties, but are adamant that it's not a precursor to moving the franchise to Los Angeles.

Since the Oakland Raiders didn't do anything with it, Cam Inman of the ContraCosta Times looks back at the Raiders' Super Bowl team from 1983.

Around the NFL - January 26th, 2009

Super Bowl News and Notes

It took a few years for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner to have faith in his wide receivers.

The Cardinals defensive line has to find a way to put Ben Roethlisberger on the ground.

Cardinals quarterbacks coach Jeff Rutledge is lucky to be alive.

Is Cardinals running back Edgerrin James on the "Edge" of stardom?

Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt has tried to emulate the head coaches he's been fortunate enough to work under.

Cardinals owner Bill Bidwell got his start in football while matriculating at Georgetown Prep in Bethesda, MD.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith's five-year old son is battling leukemia.

2008 has been pretty good to Steelers owner Dan Rooney.

Steelers safety Ryan Clark recounts his favorite hits.

After being released by the New York Jets, Steelers linebacker James Farrior has been a rock at inside linebacker for the last seven seasons, writes Mike Reiss.

Steelers cornerback Fernando Bryant may finally get his chance to face Kurt Warner in the Super Bowl.

David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune indentifies the five under-the-radar players who could make a difference on Super Bowl Sunday.

NFL News and Notes

Three "coaching assistants" on the New England Patriots' 2008 staff could become full-blown position coaches in 2009.

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan added a pair of coaches to his staff.

The Cleveland Browns finally have a new general manager.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs suggested that he, Ray Lewis and Bart Scott could all give the Ravens a discount when they become unrestricted free agents at the end of February.

Tennessee Titans quarterbacks coach Craig Johnson will interview for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator position.

Titans defensive quality control coach Matt Burke could join Jim Schwartz's coaching staff in Detroit.

An unlikely peacemaker has emerged in the A.J. Smith-LaDainian Tomlinson brouhaha. (Hint: A "Lights Out" dance would follow any peace agreement.)

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle points out that it's January 26th and, um, the Oakland Raiders still don't have a head coach.

The Detroit Lions need to find quality offensive linemen deep in the draft, writes Drew Sharp.

Now that Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has aggressively filled out his coaching staff, Ted Thompson needs to follow suit when upgrading the roster.

Hall of Fame Minnesota Vikings defensive end Carl Eller is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired Pete Mangurian to coach their offensive line.

Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Greg Knapp is expected to bring balance to the offense, but who'll be getting those carries?

John McGrath of the Tacoma News Tribune writes that if after being arrested for possession of marijuana, Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill isn't told he's no longer wanted in Seattle, Tim Ruskell has to stop talking about character.

San Francisco 49ers president Jed York says the team is taking its time in their search for an offensive coordinator, because they want someone who'll be with them "for the next three to five years".

Browns (Finally) Hire Kokinis

After weeks of speculation, and waiting for the Baltimore Ravens to be eliminated from the post-season, the Cleveland Browns have finally hired the new general manager.

And the winner is...George Kokinis.

"The Browns are excited to bring George back to Cleveland where he began his NFL career," Browns owner Randy Lerner said in a statement on Sunday night. "He is a tireless worker that has spent his entire career evaluating talent and knows the type of player it takes to be successful in this league and in our division."

Kokinis will be formally introduced at an 11am press conference on Monday.

Jeff Fisher Tells Kerry Collins He'll Start

Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent next month. Collins, 36, has gone on record stating that he'd rather ride a tractor than be a backup quarterback, so he'd only sign with a team that was willing to make him their starter.

According to ESPN.com's Chris Mortensen, Titans head coach Jeff Fisher has told Collins that he'll be the starter.

Presently, Vince Young is the only quarterback the team has under contract for 2009. Third-string quarterback Chris Simms is also an unrestricted free agent and the Titans are expected to attempt to bring him back in 2009, as well.

Around the NFL - January 25th, 2009

Seahawks' Hill Arrested on Marijuana Charges

Borrowing a page from "What Not to Do When You're About to be a Free Agent", Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill was arrested early Saturday morning in Douglas County, Georgia and charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana after being found asleep at the wheel of his 1975 Buick Electra at a major intersection.

Hill, 26, is a 6-1, 238-pound outside linebacker who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month.

Upon arriving on scene, officers smelled marijuana coming from Hill's car and asked permission to search his vehicle, which Hill consented to. Officers discovered two bags of marijuana in a bookbag on the passenger seat of the vehicle. No sobriety test was administered, and Hill was not charged with operating under the influence.

To put what Hill is charged with into some sort of perspective, without condoning any sort of behavior, misdemeanor possession of marijuana in the state of Georgia constitutes possessing less than one ounce.

In some states, like Massachusetts, possessing less than an ounce is not a criminal offense.

What sort of impact will Hill's arrest have on his impending free agency?

I suspect very little.

Seahawks president Tim Ruskell hinted that the team would apply the franchise tag to retain Hill. Despite Ruskell's preference for players who don't run afoul of the law, it's a bit of stretch to just assume that him possessing less than an ounce of marijuana would have that much of an affect on Hill's value to the organization.

Super Bowl News and Notes

The Arizona Cardinals aren't afraid to fall behind early, writes Bob McManaman.

Cardinals players received their Super Bowl tickets after practice on Saturday.

Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley says the last thing he's thinking about is moving.

The Cardinals are finally having their time in the sun, writes Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe.

The Cardinals used to represent the South Side of the Chicago.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle wonders what was more likely: The Cardinals making the Super Bowl, or Kurt Warner leading them there?

The Cardinals are reaping the benefits from their '04 draft class.

In 1988, the Cardinals were courted by the city of Baltimore.

A Steelers fan recruited, trained and readied Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald for the NFL. The roots of Fitzgerald's path to the Super Bowl go back to 48th Street and Portland Avenue in Minneapolis.

Pahokee vs. Glades Central, aka "The Muck Bowl", will be represented next Sunday when Anquan Boldin (Pahokee) and Santonio Holmes (Glades) take the field.

Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell was the first African-American to play football at the University of Alabama.

Steelers safety Ryan Clark is healthy and hard-hitting.

Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith knows how Pittsburgh takes care of its own.

Since 1996, 21 former Steelers under the age of 60 have passed away.

The Steelers are recession-proof and have already descended upon Tampa, Florida. Cardinals fans? Not so much. There are plenty of southwestern Pennsylvania transplants and Steelers fans in Arizona.

NFL News and Notes

Dom Capers enjoyed his one season coaching the New England Patriots' secondary.

Hall of Fame Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula openly supports Bob Kuechenberg's Hall of Fame bid this year.

Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News compares the New York Jets to the Arizona Cardinals.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan took part in a Q&A session with Steve Serby of the New York Post.

Hamilton County, Ohio is struggling, and would be better off without a tenant at Paul Brown Stadium than with one. Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown could say the following: "This community is suffering. I live in this community. I'm grateful for what the community has done for me and my family. Let's see what the Bengals can do to help."

But he won't.

There was a Nixonian twist to the Cleveland Browns' firing of director of player personnel T.J. McCreight, writes Bud Shaw.

Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry could help the Browns' defense.

Tennessee Titans cornerbacks Vince Fuller and Chris Carr are free agents and may look for bigger roles elsewhere.

Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star writes that the Indianapolis Colts may have dumped the wrong assistant coaches.

The Denver Post let Woody Paige out of his cage long enough to chimp this into Fisher-Price laptop.

If Kansas City Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli were to pen his autobiography, it would undoubtedly be titled "Say Nothing".

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes that San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith wasn't mocking running back LaDainian Tomlinson this week.

Tomlinson can resolve this issue by taking a paycut, writes Tim Sullivan.

Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis doesn't meddle with the team's broadcasters.

Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News thinks the Dallas Cowboys need a Michael Irvin in the locker room.

Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie spoke to the Philadelphia Inquirer for 30 minutes.

Bill Khayat and Scott Wachenheim are the two candidates for the vacant Washington Redskins tight ends coach position.

The Detroit Lions aren't just losing games, they're losing money, too.

The Green Bay Packers will be among 11 teams running the 3-4 defense in 2009.

Which defensive system is the best fit for Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers?

Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme helped ease the reservations the daughter of his former quartebacks coach had about moving to Denver.

The St. Louis Rams have plenty of options with the 2nd pick of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Rams wide receivers coach Henry Ellard, one of the top receivers in franchise history, took the same position with the New York Jets on Saturday. Charlie Baggett, most recently with the University of Washington, will take Ellard's place.

It makes economic sense for the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders to share a stadium in Santa Clara, writes Mike Swift of The San Jose Mercury News.

Senior Bowl News and Notes

West Virginia quarterback Pat White stole the show, earning Senior Bowl MVP honors.

Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji was a non-factor, writes Matthew Barrows.

Auburn guard Tyronne Green feels good about his performance last night.

Cal-Poly wide receiver Ramses Barden had a pair of catches in the Senior Bowl.

Ole Miss teammates Mike Wallace and Peria Jerry scored second-half touchdowns to seal the South's 35-18 win over the North.

Tommy Hicks of The Press-Register reports on whose stock went up and whose stock went down during Senior Bowl week.

University of Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers was named the defensive player of the game.