Pro Bowl: Brett Favre one of eight Minnesota Vikings picked

NEW YORK -- Brett Favre and Peyton Manning have other plans for visiting Miami in early 2010.

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Already Pro Bowl regulars, they were selected to this season's game Tuesday. Favre was among eight Minnesota Vikings who made the NFC team, while Manning was one of six Indianapolis Colts on the AFC squad. It will be Favre's 11th Pro Bowl and the 10th for Manning. Johnny Unitas is the only other quarterback with 10 all-star selections.

Naturally, both Favre and Manning -- and every other player chosen for the Pro Bowl whose team has made the playoffs -- are thinking of appearing in another game in South Florida, Super Bowl XLIV. All six of the quarterbacks made the playoffs and, of course, would prefer to be playing in the Super Bowl on Feb. 7 in Miami. The Pro Bowl has been moved to the previous Sunday at Land Shark Stadium, and no Super Bowl participants will play in the all-star game.

As Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco said on Twitter after discovering the AFC North champions have nobody going to the Pro Bowl:

"Just been informed myself nor any of my teammates made the Pro Bowl-bengal fans we wouldn't be abe to play in it anyway! SUPER BOWL BABY!!!"

Favre will be a backup to New Orleans' Drew Brees, the NFL's top-rated passer. The other NFC quarterback will be Aaron Rodgers, who replaced Favre in Green Bay last year.

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"When you are voted in as a quarterback, you really represent the entire offense and the team," Brees said, "because there isn't anything I can accomplish without the offensive line, running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. So this is a recognition of what we've been able to achieve as a unit, and I've been thrilled to be a part of an offense that has worked together so well this season."

Tennessee running back Chris Johnson, the league's leading rusher, also made the AFC team, along with NFL receptions leader Wes Welker of New England. Manning will be backed up at quarterback by New England's Tom Brady and San Diego's Philip Rivers.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, the league's top scorer among non-kickers, will be in the NFC backfield. The other Vikings who made it: wide receiver Sidney Rice, defensive end Jared Allen, guard Steve Hutchinson, defensive tackle Kevin Williams, special teamer Heath Farwell and tackle Bryant McKinnie.

Dallas and Philadelphia, which meet for the NFC East title on Sunday, had the next most players on the NFC roster with six each, followed by top-seeded New Orleans with five. There were 13 first-timers chosen in the NFC in voting by fans, coaches and players.

Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has earned another $1.5 million by making his fifth Pro Bowl, pushing his NFL-high salary to $18.2 million this season. Peppers has 10 sacks and was voted an NFC starter.

Nobody made it from the Falcons, Seahawks, Buccaneers or Lions.

The other Colts on the AFC roster were tight end Dallas Clark, defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and center Jeff Saturday.

San Diego, Denver and Baltimore each had five players chosen for the AFC team. There were eight newcomers in the AFC, while Cincinnati was the only division champion with no Pro Bowlers. Kansas City was the other AFC team without one, for the first time since 1978.

Baltimore's Ray Lewis was chosen for the 10th time, equaling Pro Football Hall of Famers Mike Singletary and Lawrence Taylor and two selections behind Junior Seau for most all-time for a linebacker.

Two rookies made the AFC team, Houston linebacker Brian Cushing and Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd, who is on injured reserve.

"I'm just thrilled," Cushing said. "It's one of those things you always look forward to growing up playing football. When coach called me today I was just beyond ecstatic. I couldn't believe that it actually happened."

Washington linebacker Brian Orakpo is the lone rookie on the NFC squad. Orakpo is the first Redskins rookie selected for the Pro Bowl in 31 years.

"It really humbles me, because it shows people are watching and really know what I can do out there," Orakpo said. "I appreciate this honor and hopefully will get some more in the future -- and turn this team around, as well."

Byrd is the first rookie defensive back selected to the Pro Bowl since Charles Woodson in 1998.

This is the fifth straight year that at least three rookies have been selected to the Pro Bowl. Prior to 2005, the last time three or more rookies were selected was 1990.

Several players used social media to reveal their selections to the game well before the NFL's official announcement at 7:15 p.m. ET. The NFL found that "understandable."

"To be named to the Pro Bowl is a tremendous individual honor," league spokesman Michael Signora said. "We notified each club of its Pro Bowl players at 4 p.m. ET to provide an opportunity for the club to inform its own players. This is standard procedure. It is understandable in today's world of social media that some players couldn't resist sharing their good news by tweeting."

Record-setting kick returner Joshua Cribbs made the AFC team and joked it might help his stalled contract negotiations. Cribbs is planning to take most of the members of Cleveland's return units with him to the Pro Bowl.

"I hope I get that contract so I can afford it," he said, laughing. "It's the least I can do for a job well done. I can't leave those guys behind, they deserve it as much as I do. I've got to take care of my guys."

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Washington Redskins interview Jerry Gray for head coaching job

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins have interviewed one of the team's assistants for the head coaching position, the head of the group that monitors the Rooney Rule said Monday.

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Fritz Pollard Alliance chairman John Wooten said secondary coach Jerry Gray interviewed with owner Dan Snyder several weeks ago for the job that is currently held by Jim Zorn.

Wooten said the interview satisfies the Rooney Rule that requires teams to talk to a minority candidate when filling a head coaching position. Wooten said it didn't matter that the job is not yet vacant.

"Dan Snyder handled it the way it should have been handled," Wooten said. "He made a call in and he did it the right way."

The news reaffirms the expectation Snyder will fire Zorn next week and replace him quickly. Former Denver coach Mike Shanahan is considered the favorite to get the job.

Zorn is nearing the end of his second season with the team. The Redskins are 4-11 with one game to play.

Last week, Gray gave confusing answers when asked whether he had interviewed for the job. He initially appeared to deny he had interviewed, then later amended the answer to "no comment."

Wooten said Gray interviewed before Dec. 17, when Vinny Cerrato resigned as head of the front office and Bruce Allen was hired as general manager. Because Allen is at least nominally in charge of hiring the new coach, Wooten said he would like to see Gray interview with Allen, but that it was not a requirement to satisfy the Rooney Rule.

Zorn says he knew his status as head coach of the Redskins was tenuous back when his team was 1-1 -- and coming off a victory, no less.

Ever since then, as the losses have mounted, he's grown accustomed to the whispers and the stares and the general sense from all sorts of people that his job was in jeopardy.

"It's kind of all around. I get hit with 'the look,'" Zorn said Monday. "And I get all that. I just have to press on. I have to push forward. So I had made a decision, when the first inkling of all this, all the speculation -- I think it was after beating the Rams 9-7, you know, earlier in the season -- I just made a decision then: I'm going to stay focused and see this through."

Still, with one game left in what he described as a "morbid" season, Zorn insisted his players' effort shouldn't be questioned and said he really would like to finish with a victory at the San Diego Chargers next weekend.

"I just don't want to moan and groan about it all. I don't want to create a situation where people look at me and feel sorry for me. Because some of this, I'm responsible for," he said. "I'm the head football coach, and we've got four games under our belt. That's not good, regardless of what the situation is."

With all of the distractions, all of the disorder, surrounding his team, perhaps Zorn can be forgiven for losing track of the losses.

After his club fell to 0-6 against the NFC East and 4-11 overall with yet another blowout defeat on national TV -- a 17-0 loss at home to the Dallas Cowboys -- Zorn talked Sunday night about being "4-13."

Pssst, Jim: This season might seem interminable, but NFL clubs still play only 16 games.

He poked fun at himself for that Monday, saying he was "delirious."

Asked if it feels as though his team is 4-13, Zorn smiled and said, "Oh, gosh, yeah."

It's the first time the Redskins went winless in division games since 1994, Norv Turner's first year as the head coach. That was also the last time Washington finished a season with fewer than four victories (3-13).

After Sunday's loss, cornerback Carlos Rogers also mentioned that game in Week 2 against St. Louis as the beginning of Washington's problems.

"Since the Rams game, barely beating them, it started downhill from there," Rogers said.

He also referenced all of the off-field distractions -- from the hiring of the retired Sherman Lewis to call plays, to reports that Gray interviewed for Zorn's job, to the resignation of Cerrato, to defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth's complaints -- and lamented: "There's been so much stuff with players, with coaches."

Or as Zorn put it Monday: "Each week, it's been something different, hasn't it?"

"I truly am having a great experience. It's not fun, but it is a great experience," Zorn said. "And there are better days ahead. And I think we're trying to deal with all the adversity that comes each day."

Notes RG Mike Williams won't play Sunday at San Diego because of a torn muscle in his foot. ... S Reed Doughty has a high ankle sprain and probably will be listed as doubtful against the Chargers.

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Dallas Cowboys' Joe DeCamillis heads home after surgery

IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Joe DeCamillis hopes to return to work Tuesday, one day after being released from a Virginia hospital following an emergency appendectomy.

"He says he's going to be in tomorrow," coach Wade Phillips said during his Monday news conference. "It wouldn't surprise me."

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Phillips said DeCamillis, who was rushed to the hospital Sunday afternoon and missed the Cowboys' win over the Washington Redskins, was sore but feeling fine. DeCamillis and his wife, Dana, flew home on owner/general manager Jerry Jones' private jet.

Offensive quality control coach Wes Phillips, Wade's son, took over most of DeCamillis' duties during Sunday night's win. Other assistant coaches, including strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek, also helped with special teams, which played a key role in the Cowboys dominating field position throughout the game.

"Joe had them prepared," Wade Phillips said. "In fact, he did all the way up through the meeting Sunday morning, the he came down with that about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. But he had them prepared. I thought the guys really banded together."

DeCamillis didn't let a much more severe health issue keep him off the practice field this offseason. He had to undergo surgery after suffering a broken neck in the May 2 collapse of the team's indoor practice facility, but he was back for organized team activities 15 days later, wearing a bulky neck brace and using Tom Landry's old bullhorn to make his voice heard.

DeCamillis ditched the brace and bullhorn during training camp, but he continues to battle severe pain on a daily basis. The no-nonsense coach, known for his intensity, has been a source of inspiration to the Cowboys throughout the season.

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Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning apologize for New York Giants' play

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell believes he made the right call Sunday, even if everyone from NFL purists to Indianapolis fans disagree.

When the Colts pulled their starters in the third quarter against the New York Jets, they essentially pulled the plug on the possibility of a perfect season.

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Since then, Indy radio shows have been flooded with callers and faxes from angry fans. Some said they wanted refunds. Others suggested the Colts didn't lose to the Jets, they forfeited. Analysts contend the Colts threw away a shot at history.

But Caldwell insists he did the right thing by protecting Peyton Manning and his teammates from the risk of injury, and players continue to support the decision.

"It's probably my greatest strength and my greatest weakness. I can focus in. I can narrow my scope," Caldwell said, according to the Indianapolis Star.

"Once you make a decision, you have to live with it. You certainly weigh all the options before. You take a look at all the things that could occur. But once that decision is done, you keep moving."

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The first-year coach pulled Manning & Co. with a 15-10 lead and 5:36 left in the third quarter. The Jets rallied for a 29-15 victory.

The loss had fans serenading Lucas Oil Stadium with boos and Manning, the three-time MVP, offering support for his coach's decision.

"Until any player in here is the head coach, you follow orders and you follow them with all of your heart," Manning said after the game. "That's what we've done as players. We follow orders. Our orders were not to give up a turnover, not to give up a kick return for a touchdown. There's not many games, under any circumstances, that you win when you have turnovers and give up a kick return for a touchdown."

Team president Bill Polian also supported the move, saying perfection was never the goal.

"Football logic has to come into play, and that logic is it makes no sense to have guys out there with the potential for injuries," Polian said. "We played for 16 weeks, sharp as any team in football. The good thing is that none of this mattered in the standings."

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INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell believes he made the right call Sunday, even if everyone from NFL purists to Indianapolis fans disagree.

When the Colts pulled their starters in the third quarter against the New York Jets, they essentially pulled the plug on the possibility of a perfect season.

Mike and Mike in the Morning

Mike Ditka joins Erik Kuselias and Adam Schefter to react to the Colts' decision to rest their stars in the loss to the Jets. He says the players deserved the chance to play for a perfect season.

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Since then, Indy radio shows have been flooded with callers and faxes from angry fans. Some said they wanted refunds. Others suggested the Colts didn't lose to the Jets, they forfeited. Analysts contend the Colts threw away a shot at history.

But Caldwell insists he did the right thing by protecting Peyton Manning and his teammates from the risk of injury, and players continue to support the decision.

"It's probably my greatest strength and my greatest weakness. I can focus in. I can narrow my scope," Caldwell said, according to the Indianapolis Star.

"Once you make a decision, you have to live with it. You certainly weigh all the options before. You take a look at all the things that could occur. But once that decision is done, you keep moving."

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The first-year coach pulled Manning & Co. with a 15-10 lead and 5:36 left in the third quarter. The Jets rallied for a 29-15 victory.

The loss had fans serenading Lucas Oil Stadium with boos and Manning, the three-time MVP, offering support for his coach's decision.

"Until any player in here is the head coach, you follow orders and you follow them with all of your heart," Manning said after the game. "That's what we've done as players. We follow orders. Our orders were not to give up a turnover, not to give up a kick return for a touchdown. There's not many games, under any circumstances, that you win when you have turnovers and give up a kick return for a touchdown."

Team president Bill Polian also supported the move, saying perfection was never the goal.

"Football logic has to come into play, and that logic is it makes no sense to have guys out there with the potential for injuries," Polian said. "We played for 16 weeks, sharp as any team in football. The good thing is that none of this mattered in the standings."

Indianapolis Colts’ Jim Caldwell defends pulling starters vs. New York JetsBarca warn Toure’s agent

Indianapolis Colts' Jim Caldwell defends pulling starters vs. New York Jets

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell believes he made the right call Sunday, even if everyone from NFL purists to Indianapolis fans disagree.

When the Colts pulled their starters in the third quarter against the New York Jets, they essentially pulled the plug on the possibility of a perfect season.

Mike and Mike in the Morning

Mike Ditka joins Erik Kuselias and Adam Schefter to react to the Colts' decision to rest their stars in the loss to the Jets. He says the players deserved the chance to play for a perfect season.

More Podcasts

Since then, Indy radio shows have been flooded with callers and faxes from angry fans. Some said they wanted refunds. Others suggested the Colts didn't lose to the Jets, they forfeited. Analysts contend the Colts threw away a shot at history.

But Caldwell insists he did the right thing by protecting Peyton Manning and his teammates from the risk of injury, and players continue to support the decision.

"It's probably my greatest strength and my greatest weakness. I can focus in. I can narrow my scope," Caldwell said, according to the Indianapolis Star.

"Once you make a decision, you have to live with it. You certainly weigh all the options before. You take a look at all the things that could occur. But once that decision is done, you keep moving."

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The first-year coach pulled Manning & Co. with a 15-10 lead and 5:36 left in the third quarter. The Jets rallied for a 29-15 victory.

The loss had fans serenading Lucas Oil Stadium with boos and Manning, the three-time MVP, offering support for his coach's decision.

"Until any player in here is the head coach, you follow orders and you follow them with all of your heart," Manning said after the game. "That's what we've done as players. We follow orders. Our orders were not to give up a turnover, not to give up a kick return for a touchdown. There's not many games, under any circumstances, that you win when you have turnovers and give up a kick return for a touchdown."

Team president Bill Polian also supported the move, saying perfection was never the goal.

"Football logic has to come into play, and that logic is it makes no sense to have guys out there with the potential for injuries," Polian said. "We played for 16 weeks, sharp as any team in football. The good thing is that none of this mattered in the standings."

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2010 NFL Draft: USC Trojans DE Everson Griffen says he will turn pro

SAN FRANCISCO -- USC junior defensive end Everson Griffen said after Saturday night's 24-13 Emerald Bowl victory over Boston College that he will skip his senior season to enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

"I've known for a while," Griffen said.Pac-10 blog

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Griffen, who has rare speed for a 6-foot-3, 280-pounder, is viewed in most draft projections as a late-first or early-second round selection.

"I'm ready," Griffen told ESPN.com's Joe Schad. "I know it's the right decision because I've talked it over with my coaches. I will bring speed, a pass rush and the ability to stop the run."

Griffen injured his ankle in Saturday's game and watched much of it from the sideline.

"I think I was prepared for this game, but stuff happens and I've just got to bounce back and be strong," Griffen said.

He made the All-Pac-10 second team this season, recording 44 tackles and a team-high eight sacks.

Junior receiver Damian Williams, who was the game's offensive MVP with 189 receiving yards, said he is undecided about whether he will return for his senior season. Williams said he will fly home to Arkansas Sunday and talk it over with his family.

Most observers expect Williams to enter the upcoming draft.

Junior running back Allen Bradford said he will return.

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Sources: Bill Cowher likely to coach in NFL in 2010

After turning down chances to return to the NFL in previous offseason, former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher is primed to get back in the game this offseason.

Those who know Cowher firmly believe that he plans to coach in 2010, according to two league sources. He is laying the groundwork, making calls to piece together a coaching staff and acting like a man who will be patrolling the sidelines once again next season.

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Many around the league have expected Cowher's name to surface in connection to the Carolina job, and it might. But others also believe that a more likely landing spot might be the Panthers' division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Over the past year, Tampa Bay has undergone more changes than any NFL team. More are coming. At the very least, their associate head coach/special teams coach Rich Bisaccia is on his way to join the University of Tennessee coaching staff.

Defensive line coach Robert Nunn and defensive backs coach Joe Baker were part of the Jim Bates package, and will not return.

And now there is an increasing sentiment with the Buccaneers organization that head coach Raheem Morris will be one and done. Two weeks ago, CBS announcer Rich Gannon criticized the way Buccaneers practices are run, the latest example of the job being too big for Morris right now.

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If the Buccaneers decide to part ways with Morris as well, then multiple people around the league think Tampa Bay will wind up making a run at Cowher.

League sources labeled as erroneous any speculation the Glazer family which owns the Bucs may be too financially strapped to pursue Cowher. One source added that Joel Glazer, one of the team's owners, recently has expressed strong admiration for Cowher to other owners.

Additionally, those who know the Glazer family noted that they are always prepared to do the dramatic, citing the firing of Tony Dungy and the acquisition of then-Raiders coach Jon Gruden, Dungy's successor, in which the Bucs sent multiple draft picks, including two first rounders, and $8 million cash to Oakland.

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Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth: Coaches all against me

Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has lashed out at his team's defensive game-planning and the coordinator who oversees it.

Not long after Jim Zorn sent him home Friday for what the coach said were disciplinary reasons, Haynesworth told The Washington Post that he couldn't "survive another season in this system if it stays the way it is."

Haynesworth, who signed a seven-year, $100 million contract with Washington during the offseason, with $41 million in guaranteed money, pinned the blame firmly on defensive coordinator Greg Blache.

“

I'm still playing as hard as I possibly can. But you can only do so much within the system that's put around you.

”-- Redskins defensive tackle
Albert Haynesworth

"If they keep this system the way it is, then they would label Albert Haynesworth a bust who didn't live up to the contract," Haynesworth told the newspaper in a telephone interview. "Everybody would say he just took the money and ran off. And I'm still playing as hard as I possibly can. But you can only do so much within the system that's put around you.

"And I'm not talking about the players," Haynesworth said. "The players have been great. I couldn't ask for any better guys. I'm talking about the system. And [the coaches] can say whatever they want about that [the reason he was sent home Friday]. The main thing it's coming from is what I said after the game about leadership and about the team."

On Thursday, Haynesworth was fined $10,000 by the NFL for an altercation with Giants running back Brandon Jacobs late in New York's 45-12 victory at Washington on Monday.

But Zorn said Friday's developments weren't related to the game incident and resulting fine.

"They're all against me or whatever," Haynesworth told The Post. "But I know what I'm saying is right because I've been in a scheme that works."

Haynesworth's comments to the newspaper followed critical barbs he directed at the Redskins' defense after the loss to the Giants. Haynesworth said he believed this is ultimately why he was sent home, despite the fact he said he was 20 minutes late for a Friday team meeting.

"I was late. I'll pay the fine," Haynesworth told The Post. "The thing that doesn't make any sense to me, they're talking about disciplinary action because I was 20 minutes late? I'm not going to throw anybody under the bus, but I've seen guys two hours late, show up right before practice on a normal day, and they get to do everything and [the coaches] just respond with, 'Whatever.'

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"This is like the second time I've ever been late," he added. "In the preseason, I fell asleep and was like a couple of minutes late for a meeting. This is the second time I've ever been late for a meeting and I get sent home."

Zorn said Friday that Haynesworth would still play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys but might not start.

Haynesworth was one of the most sought-after free agents during the offseason. His signing was somewhat of a coup for Washington.

Haynesworth said the Redskins promised during their pitch to him that if he signed, they would tailor the defensive game-planning around him.

"They might have changed a little bit [but] they don't let me rush," Haynesworth said. "They call what Blache calls 'Hot,' a basic pass rush, maybe a few times a game. And half the time that's changed because of some formation. I disagree with their whole scheme."

The loss to the Giants dropped the Redskins to 4-10 and didn't do much to help whatever slim chances Zorn had of returning next season.

After the game, Haynesworth sounded ready to cast a vote for someone else.

"I don't think really this team is that bad. The players ain't that bad," Haynesworth said Monday. "The score, the record, [they] say that we're horrible, that we don't know how to play football. But I've been around these guys a lot and I think they know how to play football. I think we're just all going in different directions, and we need somebody to lead us in the right direction."

Blache, in his sixth season with Redskins and 22nd in the NFL, has not spoken to the media since Oct. 8, according to The Washington Post's report.

"We got great corners and safeties here that can play if they were used right," Haynesworth told The Post. "They make a million checks before the ball is snapped. Guys are sitting there thinking instead of reacting. Guys are sitting there thinking instead of playing. When you're sitting there thinking about what you're going to do when you're trying to run, you don't go as fast. When it's natural and it comes to you, you do it. You know? It's instinct. You know what I mean? What they want us to do is think and be robots. This is just ridiculous."

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Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed expected to miss 4th game

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Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed is expected to miss his fourth straight game Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is listed as doubtful this week with a groin injury.

Reed hasn't played since Baltimore's last meeting with the Steelers on Nov. 29. He's struggled with both foot and groin ailments for the past month.

Ravens starting left tackle Jared Gaither also is doubtful for Sunday with a foot injury.

This is a big game for both Baltimore (8-6) and Pittsburgh (7-7). The Ravens currently hold the fifth seed in the AFC and can control their own playoff destiny with two wins to finish the regular season.

Pittsburgh, the defending Super Bowl champions, needs to sweep its final two games and receive help from other teams.

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Sources: Brett Favre-Brad Childress friction centers around control of Minnesota Vikings offense

MINNEAPOLIS -- The tension between Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre and coach Brad Childress is the result of disagreement over how much influence each should expect to have in running the offense during games, according to multiple team sources.

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This episode has reinforced some of the issues many of us have observed and suspected for years: Playing quarterback for Brad Childress in this offense isn't easy, writes ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert Blog.

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Childress has a reputation for limiting the number of audibles he allows his quarterbacks to call at the line of scrimmage. Favre apparently believes his knowledge of the offensive system and 19 years of NFL experience qualify him to make changes based on his extensive film study of opponents.

Although the two have discussed their recent disagreement -- which became public when Favre resisted Childress' attempts to pull him from Sunday night's loss in Carolina -- it is unclear whether they have resolved the fundamental issue: Are Childress and his coaching staff going to control the game from the sideline, or will Favre be permitted the autonomy he feels is necessary to control it at the line of scrimmage?

At news conferences on Wednesday, Childress and Favre said they had spoken and resolved to move forward. Childress said they had a "good talk" on Monday and Wednesday about their disagreement

"He and I talked, as we have all year," Favre said, adding that given the team's recent slump, "the frustration is gonna show."

"It's gotten blown way out of proportion," he said.

With the NFC North-leading Vikings (11-3) mired in an offensive slump that has seen them lose two of their last three games, Favre has indicated to teammates he is moving forward and is focused on Monday night's game against the Chicago Bears, the Vikings' first cold-weather game of the season.

What happened in Carolina and in several other games this season in which Childress considered removing Favre for too often changing running plays into pass attempts has nothing to do with Childress attempting to protect his 40-year-old quarterback from punishment or wanting to replace Favre with a quarterback who offers a different style, sources said.

According to sources, Favre dislikes that Childress seldom discusses the game plan with him during the week, and does not encourage the quarterback to offer suggestions as to which plays he feels most comfortable calling in certain situations. When Favre changes the play at the line of scrimmage -- using his film study and experience -- Childress bristles, even when the audible Favre calls works perfectly.

According to sources, Favre dislikes that Childress seldom discusses the game plan with him during the week, and does not encourage the quarterback to offer suggestions as to which plays he feels most comfortable calling in certain situations. When Favre changes the play at the line of scrimmage -- using his film study and experience -- Childress bristles, even when the audible Favre calls works perfectly.

Wednesday, Favre addressed that report, saying he has not demanded more freedom to call his own shots.

"I think there are times I see things that maybe I feel like we could get to or a change that maybe at the line of scrimmage I could get to. As I've told [offensive coordinator] Darrell [Bevell] and I've told [Childress] and anyone who has ever played the game -- we all think we know it all at some point. I know that's not the case," Favre said.

"I know our offense starts with Adrian Peterson and that's where it ends and we have to get that back on track," he said. "However, we do that we have to get it back on track and we're working towards it. I'm not going up there and saying, 'Hey, you have to give me more freedom,' because we've been good this year. We've sputtered the last couple of weeks but it can be fixed. I don't think anything major has to happen other than we have to play better."

Favre's experience in the offense -- which, before he signed, he said he knew better than the coaches -- and his leadership were among the qualities he thought the Vikings valued most in pursuing him. Teammates and coaches have lauded the endless hours Favre dedicates to studying tape of opponents, one coach saying Favre knows the names of the janitors at the team complex because he keeps such late hours.

Teammates have apparently supported Favre's refusal to leave the field against Carolina when he had what the quarterback later terms as a "heated discussion" with Childress.

LeRoy Butler, Favre's former teammate in Green Bay, said he was not surprised by the incident, explaining that he believes "Everybody in Minnesota knows that Brett Favre is running that organization," according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Butler, who earlier this season was critical of his former Packers teammate for signing with the archrival Vikings, said Favre should not have questioned Childress when he was asked to come out of the game at Carolina, according to the report.

"So you knew Brett was a diva, you knew Brett wanted it his own way, you knew this all along. It was just a matter of time before it happened," Butler said, according to the report. "If I'm Percy Harvin, and I have a question on a route or a play, I'm going right to Brett Favre. If I'm Adrian Peterson and I'm not getting the carries I want, I don't go to Childress or Bevell, I go to Brett Favre. He's running the team. All this falls on Brett."

But despite his frustration with Childress, Favre appears determined not to let his problems with Childress interfere with his efforts to fulfill the goal that he says prompted him to sign with the Vikings -- winning the Super Bowl.

Vikings players elected Favre one of the team's captains after his speech to them just before the season opener in which he assured he was not returning to bolster his stats, make money or contend for MVP awards, and he specifically mentioned his willingness to play a secondary role to running back Adrian Peterson in the offense.

Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer says he’s healthyMessi hails team-mates

George Michael, of 'Sports Machine' fame, dies

WASHINGTON -- George Michael, a veteran Washington sportscaster who gained national recognition with his syndicated "The George Michael Sports Machine" highlights show, died Thursday. He was 70.

Michael

Michael's daughter, Michelle Allen, said Michael died from complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia at Sibley Memorial Hospital.

Michael worked at Washington's WRC-TV for 28 years until his resignation in 2008. The Washington Post said Michael left the station over budget cuts his programs were facing.

"George Michael was our friend and colleague for more than 25 years. He was a dynamic force around our newsroom and in the entire Washington area," the station said in a statement Thursday. "George was a pioneer in sports broadcasting. He was a gifted interviewer, a master storyteller, and one of the hardest working journalists out there. Our hearts go out to his wife Pat and his daughter Michelle, both of whom also worked with us for many years, as well as the rest of his family."

Michael's highlight-rich program, which launched in 1984, eventually morphed into "The George Michael Sports Machine" and was syndicated to more than 200 stations at its peak.

"George was the consummate reporter and a valuable friend," Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder said in a statement. "I doubt we'll ever again see a sports reporter who was so admired by the people he covered."

Report: Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins talking coach jobMessi out of derby clash

Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford put on IR

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The season is over for Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has been placed on injured reserve ahead of what the team calls minor right knee surgery.

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Coach Jim Schwartz says the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft was to have undergone the surgery after the season. But Stafford was placed on injured reserve Wednesday after a physical exam indicated he wouldn't be ready to play in the Jan. 3 season finale against Chicago.

Stafford will fly Tuesday to Birmingham, Ala., where Dr. James Andrews will perform the procedure, ESPN.com's John Clayton reports.

"We anticipate a minor surgery just to clean out some irritants and debris," Schwartz said. "Since he's had [the injury], he's had on-and-off swelling. It's been stuff he's been able to play through, but it's also something we knew we needed to address after the season."

Third-year quarterback Drew Stanton will make his first NFL start Sunday against the 49ers in San Francisco.

Stafford injured his non-throwing left shoulder while leading a fourth-quarter comeback that lifted Detroit to a 38-37 victory over Cleveland on Nov. 22. He aggravated the injury in a Dec. 6 loss at Cincinnati, but Schwartz said Stafford's recovery is "on course" and he won't undergo surgery on the shoulder.

Stafford completed 201 of 377 passes (53.3 percent) for 2,267 yards and 13 touchdowns, a record for a Lions rookie. He threw five of them against Cleveland, tying both a team record and the 72-year-old NFL record. He also set an NFL rookie record with 422 yards passing in that game.

Stafford either threw or ran for a touchdown in all 10 of his starts, including one pass in Detroit's 19-14 victory over Washington in Week 3. That victory ended the Lions' 19-game losing streak, the NFL's second longest.

La Liga round-upInjured Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed expected to sit vs. Detroit Lions

Philadelphia Eagles' Michael Vick recipient of courage award

PHILADELPHIA -- Michael Vick's peers appreciate his tough journey back to the NFL.

“

I've overcome a lot, more than probably one single individual can handle or bear.

”-- Michael Vick

Vick won the Ed Block Courage Award, voted on by his teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles, after the once-disgraced star quarterback returned to the league after spending 18 months in a federal prison for his role in a dogfighting ring.

"It means a great deal to me," Vick said Wednesday. "I was voted unanimously by my teammates. They know what I've been through. I've been through a lot. It's been great to come back and have an opportunity to play and be with a great group of guys. I'm just ecstatic about that and I enjoy every day."

A three-time Pro Bowl pick in six seasons with Atlanta, Vick has played sparingly with the Eagles after signing a $1.6 million contract during the preseason, with a team option for next year worth $5.2 million.

Vick was granted full reinstatement to the league on Sept. 3 by commissioner Roger Goodell, who allowed him to return to the field in Week 3. Vick has two touchdowns rushing and one passing in 12 games.

The Ed Block Award honors players who exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Each of the 32 NFL teams selects a recipient.

"I've overcome a lot, more than probably one single individual can handle or bear," Vick said. "You ask certain people to walk through my shoes, they probably couldn't do. Probably 95 percent of the people in this world because nobody had to endure what I've been through, situations I've been put in, situations I put myself in and decisions I have made, whether they have been good or bad.

"There's always consequences behind certain things and repercussions behind them, too. And then you have to wake up every day and face the world, whether they perceive you in the right perspective, it's a totally different outlook on you. You have to be strong, believe in yourself, be optimistic. That's what I've been able to do. That's what I display."

The Eagles were criticized by animal rights activists for signing Vick less than a month after he was released from prison. Dozens of protesters voiced their outrage outside the team's practice facility the day after Vick was signed, and many fans threatened to give up their tickets.

But Vick got a warm reception in his first game with the Eagles and by most accounts has been a model citizen off the field.

The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, issued a statement reprimanding the Eagles for giving Vick the award.

"The Philadelphia Eagles fumbled when they gave Michael Vick the Ed Block Courage Award, which was named after a man who advocated in behalf of abused children," the PETA statement read. "Michael Vick should not be the person anyone points to as a model of sportsmanship, even though he has now exchanged dogs for touchdowns after serving time for extreme cruelty to animals. We wish him well in educating others, but this is not appropriate and does not mark a joyous moment in NFL history."

Vick has spent time working with the Humane Society of the United States, speaking to school and community groups about the mistakes he made in getting involved in dogfighting.

"It was a big obstacle proving I'm worthy of a second chance," Vick said. "It doesn't stop here. I have to continue to prove that. I think it's not going to be a day-to-day process, it's going to be a year-in, year-out process. It's a challenge to myself. The thing I told Roger is that four or five years from now, I'm going to come to him and say, 'Everything I told you I was going to do, I'm still doing it.' And that's what I pride myself on and that's my focus and that's my goal."

Quarterback Donovan McNabb called the award "well-deserved."

"Congratulations to him for straightening his life around and bettering himself as a human being," coach Andy Reid said. "He's obviously very well-respected by his teammates."

DeSean Jackson of Philadelphia Eagles says he blacked out after concussion, unlikely to play vs. Atlanta FalconsMessi aims for World award

Tony Romo to continue to hold on field goals for Dallas Cowboys

IRVING, Texas -- Tony Romo's days as the Dallas Cowboys holder aren't done.

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Coach Wade Phillips said Romo will remain in that role with new kicker Shaun Suisham.

"Romo's the best holder right now and we have a new kicker," Phillips said late Tuesday afternoon. "Since we have a new kicker, I want everything to be as good as it can be."

Owner/general manager Jerry Jones suggested on KRLD-FM on Tuesday that this might be a good time for Mat McBriar to resume holding. However, Phillips said the Cowboys wanted to make the transition to Suisham as smooth as possible.

"This is a good time to start over there," Jones said. "If we started over, it's obviously more ideal to have that punter holding."

Romo has stated that he doesn't want to hold, but he volunteered for the job two weeks ago after recently released kicker Nick Folk was blaming some of his problems on McBriar's holds.

It was Tony Romo’s idea to become the Dallas Cowboys’ new holderLa Liga round-up

Sources: Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, cornerback Terrence McGee out for season with injuries

The Buffalo Bills' disappointing season has gotten even worse for quarterback Trent Edwards and cornerback Terrence McGee.

But at least it's over for them.

Edwards suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium. An NFL source told ESPN.com's Tim Graham that Edwards was done for the season.

In addition, the Bills placed McGee on injured reserve with a rotator cuff injury that will end his season, requiring surgery this week, a person familiar with the pending procedure confirmed to Graham.

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Edwards, who lost his job as the starter a month ago, was given another shot in the fourth quarter when interim coach Perry Fewell pulled an ineffective Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Edwards lasted four plays, getting sacked twice. He had trouble getting to his feet before hobbling off the field.

McGee's operation is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, according to the source. McGee was hurt early in the third quarter Sunday, when he attempted to break up a pass to Randy Moss.

Leading with his right shoulder, McGee hit a leaping Moss in the hip as the receiver hung on for a 16-yard catch.

The Bills (5-9), who will miss the playoffs for a 10th straight season, play at Atlanta (7-7) on Sunday. Buffalo already has 15 players on injured reserve, including six who opened the year as starters.

The Buffalo News first reported Tuesday that McGee will have surgery.

Edwards' injury ends a tumultuous season for the third-year quarterback from Stanford, promoted by the Bills as their quarterback of the future his rookie season, when they stripped J.P. Losman of the job.

Edwards seemed to justify the move last year, when he helped the Bills bolt to a 5-1 start. But they fell apart and didn't make the playoffs.

He became a pariah among Bills fans for a never-ending series of injuries and an unwillingness to throw downfield. He was saddled with the nickname Captain Checkdown.

One of Fewell's first moves when taking over for the fired Dick Jauron was to replace Edwards with Fitzpatrick.

Edwards' final stat line for the year: seven starts, 60.1 completion percentage for 1,169 yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 73.8 passer rating.

McGee had been hampered by injuries all year. He played the first half of the season despite a torn ligament in his right knee, which he had repaired by surgery during the team's bye week in early November.

He returned to the lineup after missing three games.

McGee is a seven-year veteran, who signed a four-year contract extension in September.

Buffalo Bills claim former St. Louis Rams guard IncognitoIniesta extends Barca deal

New Orleans Saints cut veteran kicker John Carney, stick with kicker Garrett Hartley

The New Orleans Saints apparently won't carry two kickers into the playoffs, as they've done for much of this year. The team announced Tuesday afternoon it has cut veteran kicker John Carney.

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That's a sign the Saints are committed to sticking with Garrett Hartley, who reclaimed the kicking job for the 12th game of the season. Hartley had been suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's policy by taking a stimulant that he said was to keep him awake during a long drive.

Carney, 45 and a 21-year NFL veteran, was signed by the Saints when they became aware of Hartley's suspension. Carney handled kicking duties in the first 11 games. He made 13 of 17 field goals and 50 of 52 extra points. Carney also played with the Saints from 2001 through 2006 and is the second-leading scorer in franchise history with 750 points.

The Saints also signed fullback Kyle Eckel, who was with the team earlier this season, and safety Herana-Daze Jones. Eckel played in five games for the Saints earlier this year and was used primarily as a blocker and on special teams. Jones had previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos.

Zaragoza sack MarcelinoDallas Cowboys coach: ‘Not going to cow down’ to New Orleans Saints

Dallas Cowboys to sign K Shaun Suisham, release Nick Folk

IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys cut place-kicker Nick Folk on Monday and replaced him with Shaun Suisham, a former Cowboy.

Suisham previously kicked for Dallas in 2005 and 2006. He was released by Washington on Dec. 8 after missing a key kick -- the same problem that cost Folk his job Monday.

"I can't thank the Cowboys enough for giving me an opportunity with them," Suisham told ESPN.com's Matt Mosley. "I'm so happy and excited about it and I feel like I have a lot to offer the organization."

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Folk clanged the right upright on an easy 24-yarder that would have put away Saturday night's 24-17 victory against the unbeaten Saints. Instead, the Dallas defense had to make one more stand against one of the league's best offenses.

Folk leads the NFL with 10 misses, going 18-of-28 and missing seven of his past 11.

Suisham was released by the Redskins in great part after he missed a short field goal against New Orleans, which rallied to win in overtime.

Suisham was one of five kickers the Cowboys brought to their facility for a workout Monday. The others were Shane Andrus, Parker Douglass, Steven Hauschka and Connor Hughes. Folk did not participate in the workout.

Suisham told Mosley he received a call from the Cowboys on Sunday but he wasn't able to get a flight out of northern Virginia because of all the snow. He woke up at 3 a.m. Monday and went to the airport to catch a flight that connected through Atlanta.

"It's been a long time since I've been on the tryout circuit," Suisham said to Mosley. "I sort of got used to those charter flights, so it was interesting to be back in the middle seat."

For his career, Suisham is 85-of-107 (79.4 percent). He originally signed with Pittsburgh out of Bowling Green in 2005, went to the Cowboys' practice squad and was signed to the active roster on Oct. 24. Suisham played in three games and was 3-of-4 on field goals before being released.

Back with Dallas in 2006, he played in three games and was 1-for-2 before again being cut. He finished the year with the Redskins, appearing in five games and converting 8-of-9 field goals. Suisham played in 16 games for the Redskins in 2007 (29-of-35) and 2008 (26-of-36) and 12 games in 2009.

Dallas tried several remedies while Folk piled up a six-game streak of at least one miss.

First, the Cowboys switched holders, replacing Mat McBriar with Tony Romo even though their quarterback is haunted by a critical flub late in a playoff loss at Seattle three years ago. Then they tried an in-house competition with kickoff specialist David Buehler, who proved unreliable on field goals.

Concerns eased when Folk nailed a 44-yarder just before halftime against the Saints, but it didn't take them long to come back.

"It's a mystery to us," Phillips said before Folk was cut. "We have tried to work it out a lot of different ways. Now it's come to this point."

Adding to the mystery, Folk had missed just 10 kicks in his 2-year career before slumping. Television footage during Saturday night's game showed Folk's pregame kicks flying all over the place in the controlled atmosphere of the Superdome.

Washington Redskins release Shaun Suisham, sign Graham GanoZaragoza sack Marcelino

RT Marc Colombo, TE Martellus Bennett cleared to practice for Dallas Cowboys

IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys received some good news on the injury front when right tackle Marc Colombo (ankle surgery, fractured fibula) said he's been cleared for individual drills and hopes to return to the field if his team reaches the playoffs.

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Colombo, who said he got out of a walking boot a week and half ago, suffered the injury on Nov. 15 at Green Bay. He underwent surgery the next day to repair ligament damage in his ankle. The fractures in the fibula healed naturally.

Colombo has missed the last five games after not missing a game for three consecutive seasons.

Also, backup tight end Martellus Bennett (concussion) said he's been cleared to practice after missing the last two games. Whether or not Bennett regains his spot is uncertain with John Phillips playing so well at New Orleans last Saturday.

Phillips had three catches for 40 yards in the win over the Saints and was praised by coach Wade Phillips and owner/general manager Jerry Jones.

Fabiano ruled outDallas Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware has wrist injury

Tennessee Titans lose Keith Bulluck, David Thornton for rest of season

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck has a torn left anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the rest of the season while outside linebacker David Thornton will have season-ending shoulder surgery later this week.

Coach Jeff Fisher announced Monday that test results show Bulluck tore his left ACL in the third quarter of their 27-24 overtime victory over Miami on Sunday in what might have been his final game with the franchise that drafted him 30th overall in 2000. The Titans were placing him on injured reserve Monday, and Bulluck will have surgery within two weeks.

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Thornton had been deactivated against Miami as the Titans (7-7) hoped he might return.

Fisher called the losses devastating to the defense.

"David was playing very well this year when he was able to play and Keith, Keith is kind of the cornerstone of our defense, and he has been for so many years. I don't need to speak about the consecutive starts and production. He's gone from AFC defensive player of the week to gone for the remainder of the season," Fisher said.

Nine-year veteran linebacker Jamie Winborn signed a two-year deal with the Titans Monday morning, agent Jason Fletcher told ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky. "I feel as though he will be active for the remaining part of this season and play now," Fletcher said. "To what extent has not been explained to us. He has to learn the playbook. In the event they should make a playoff run, his experience was a factor in their interest in him." Winborn has played with San Francisco, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay and Denver.

Bulluck was AFC defensive player of the week after intercepting two passes in a 47-7 rout of St. Louis on Dec. 13.

A 10-year veteran, Bulluck is the franchise's top tackler this season in the final year of his contract. He made his 127th consecutive start against Miami, second only to only London Fletcher of Washington (148) among linebackers. He led the team in tackles last season and had a team-high 113 tackles going into the game with Miami.

"It's a blow. But we'll plug people in, and we'll go on. That's all we can do," Fisher said.

Rookie Gerald McRath started three games this season for Thornton. Colin Allred, a second-year player out of Baylor, will replace Bulluck. Middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch will replace Bulluck calling the defensive play calls and wearing the helmet communication device as he did once Bulluck was injured against Miami.

Losing Bulluck hurts most with the San Diego Chargers (11-3) visiting Friday night in a must-win for the Titans to keep their dwindling playoff hopes alive for the final week of the regular season. Bulluck's cover skills will be missed trying to defend tight end Antonio Gates who already has 74 catches for 1,071 yards.

"If I know both of them the way I think, I think they'll continue to have a part in the defense and be vocal with the guys on the field," center Kevin Mawae said.

Fisher wouldn't discuss Bulluck's future. The linebacker turns 33 in April and will spend most of the offseason recovering from this injury.

"Those are things that will get worked out. I think the thing to add here at this moment is the loss and what that does for us to this point and also emphasize when you lose a player in the starting lineup, your players have to step up and play, and that's what we expect to have happen," Fisher said.

Bulluck wasn't available Monday but tweeted on his Twitter account that "I ain't go'n out like this. My spirits r gr8." He later added that his rehab hobby will be learning how to play his guitar.

Tennessee Titans’ Vince Young questionable with sore right kneeDominguez close to Valencia deal

Mike Holmgren declines Seattle Seahawks offer; Cleveland Browns wait

RENTON, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks have said that Mike Holmgren will not rejoin the team.

The Seahawks talked with Holmgren over the weekend about a senior leadership position.

"After a series of respectful discussions, Mike has declined our offer to rejoin the team given the structure we proposed," Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke said in a statement. "We hold Mike in high regard and wish the Holmgren family the very best with their new horizons."

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The 61-year-old Holmgren won a Super Bowl with the Packers and led the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl appearance as a head coach.

"I sincerely thank Paul Allen and Tod for all their support over the years," Holmgren said in a statement. "I thank them for reaching out to me and we conclude these discussions as friends."

Holmgren has also been interested in joining the Cleveland Browns. He spent two days meeting with Browns owner Randy Lerner earlier this week.

One NFL source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that Holmgren's pending deal with the Browns was expected to be worth $50 million, possibly over 10 years.

Holmgren was expected to let the Browns know a decision by Monday, The Plain Dealer of Cleveland has reported.

Holmgren said on his radio show in Seattle on Friday that he planned to give Lerner an answer "sooner than later" but added there was no definite timetable. It may have accelerated after he declined an offer to rejoin the Seahawks.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for anybody," Holmgren said of his visit to Cleveland. "It's about as good a job situation as you could ask for in this business."

Adriano offers on tableReport: Cleveland Browns, Mike Holmgren meeting about front office position

Michigan Wolverines junior cornerback Donovan Warren to declare for NFL draft

Michigan junior cornerback Donovan Warren said Sunday he'll enter the next NFL draft.

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"I am confident in my abilities to play any receiver at the next level," Warren said. "I am hoping to be drafted in the first round."

Warren, 6-foot, 194 pounds, was a three-year starter for three defensive coordinators.

"It made me mentally tougher and exposed me to different things," Warren said. "I want to bring a hungry, competitive mentality to the NFL."

Warren said he has the versatility to play safety but considers cornerback his natural position.

Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen decides to enter draft

NFLPA cannot pay fine if Chad Ochocinco wears No. 15 as tribute to Chris Henry

NFL rules prevent the NFL Players Association from reimbursing Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco for any fines he might incur should he decide to wear Chris Henry's No. 15 jersey Sunday.

Ochocinco

Henry

NFLPA spokesman George Atallah had tweeted earlier Saturday his organization would cover the fine.

The organization has already established a memorial fund for Henry and plan to match any fine for Ochocinco to that fund and/or the Players Assistance Fund.

But the NFLPA is prohibited from reimbursing the fine money that would be automatically withheld from Ochocinco's paycheck by the league.

Ochocinco wants to wear Henry's jersey to honor his former teammate, who passed away Thursday, just as he did during practice last week, but league rules prohibit it.

Ochcocinco is familiar with NFL rules. He was prevented from changing the name on his jersey two years ago unless it was his legal name; later Chad Johnson changed his legal name to Chad Ochocinco.

The Bengals are planning to wear a No. 15 decal on their helmets. But Ochocinco wants to further honor his teammate.

Source: Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco fined $30K for sombreroPreciado pens new deal

Sources: Head-butts cost Buffalo Bills guard Richie Incognito $50K

Bills guard Richie Incognito, two days after Buffalo claimed him off waivers from St. Louis, has been fined $50,000 for two unnecessary roughness penalties from last week's Rams-Titans game, sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

Incognito

Incognito, 26, was benched in the second half of the 47-7 loss after the fouls, both of which were for head-butting.

"Future infractions of the types you have committed may lead to increased disciplinary action up to and including suspension," stated a letter from NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson to Incognito.

Named the dirtiest player in the NFL earlier this year by The Sporting News, Incognito also was benched after drawing two personal foul penalties in a season-opening 28-0 loss at Seattle. Incognito, who started 44 games for the Rams, is considered a solid run-blocker at 6-foot-3, 324 pounds.

"I have a reputation around the league for being a less than model citizen," Incognito said Wednesday in reply to some harsh words from his new teammates. "Some guys on teams really dislike playing against me. So I can see where Kawika's coming from.

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"I've probably done some cheap stuff to him in the past, but now we're members of the same team and working towards the same goal, and that's getting this club as many wins as possible," he added. "I knew something like that would pop up, but it's not a big deal."

Bills linebacker Kawika Mitchell had ripped Incognito in an unflattering message on his Twitter account, saying the signing was "the biggest disappointment of the year" and that "the guy's a bum."

But Mitchell quickly wrote an apology after his initial blistering remarks.

"I said what I said bout iggy and it's over," he wrote. "Everything else will b handled n house. We've had our moments before when KC played SL. I was wrong 4 startin sumthin."

Buffalo Bills claim former St. Louis Rams guard IncognitoMessi hails team-mates

Jerry Jones: Final stretch will influence decision on coach

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Former NFL offensive lineman Kyle Turley talks about the undefeated run of the Saints. New Orleans faces the Cowboys this week and Kyle just thinks Dallas hasn't had adequate leadership and continues to make the wrong personnel moves.

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Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones remains noncommittal on coach Wade Phillips' status beyond this season, saying the team's performance down the stretch would play a significant role in his decision.

"The outcome of games ultimately do weigh in on decisions," Jones said Friday on KRLD-FM in Dallas. "And the ones at the end probably have a little bit more weight than the ones at the beginning of the season."

Phillips is in the final year of his contract, but Jones can pick up an option for next season.

The Cowboys are 30-15 under Phillips, but they are 3-7 in December games and 0-1 in the playoffs. They have lost six of their last seven games played in December, including back-to-back losses to the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers that dropped the Cowboys out of first place in the NFC East.

The Cowboys lost three of four December games last season and missed the playoffs. They would have clinched a wild-card berth with a win in one of the last two games, but the Baltimore Ravens ruined the Texas Stadium finale and the Philadelphia Eagles handed the Cowboys the most lopsided loss of Jones' two-decade tenure as owner.

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The Cowboys (8-5), who face the undefeated New Orleans Saints on the road Saturday night, are fighting for a playoff berth again.

A year ago, Jones was consistently adamant that Phillips would return as the Cowboys' coach, stressing the need for continuity. Now, Jones is open to the idea of change, although he avoids discussing specific candidates.

"We need to win as a team," Jones said, when asked if the next three games determined Phillips' fate. "We need to be successful in these next three games, and we need to get into the playoffs. It's going to be very disappointing if we don't."

Jerry Jones: Strong December will help Wade Phillips’ job statusZaragoza sack Marcelino

Report: Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins talking coach job

The Redskins and former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan have begun talks over Washington's still-occupied head-coaching position, The Denver Post has reported, a day after the team hired a new general manager.

Shanahan

The Redskins on Thursday hired Bruce Allen, son of late Redskins Hall of Fame coach George Allen, after Vinny Cerrato abruptly resigned.

Allen maintained Jim Zorn was still the Redskins' coach.

"Give us some time to see how our relationship develops," Allen said.

Zorn's job status is believed to be tenuous, with the Redskins' record at 4-9 and three games to play.

The Redskins host the rival New York Giants on Monday night.

The Broncos fired Shanahan after last season. He won Super Bowls in 1997 and '98 during his 14 seasons as coach. But Denver failed to advance to the playoffs for the third straight year.

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It's uncertain how much leeway Allen will have in making the final call about the coach or the roster.

Neither he nor owner Dan Snyder would give details of their working agreement, but Snyder indicated that Allen will have more autonomy than some of the owner's previous front-office hires.

"Obviously, Bruce has got the authority," Snyder said. "And when he makes a decision, the club makes a decision, it's a Redskins decision. ... I've not been as involved as people may have thought. In terms of the future, obviously we're going to be counting on Bruce to help lead the way."

Zaragoza sack MarcelinoWashington Redskins hire Bruce Allen after Vinny Cerrato, VP of football operations, resigns

Washington Redskins hire Bruce Allen after Vinny Cerrato, VP of football operations, resigns

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins overhauled their front office Thursday morning, hiring Bruce Allen as general manager after the resignation of Vinny Cerrato.

Allen becomes the first person hired by owner Dan Snyder to hold the title of general manager, a notable milestone after a decade of various front-office arrangements that usually centered on Snyder and his good friend Cerrato.

But changes were needed for a team that is 4-9 this season, and Cerrato has been widely criticized for his roster decisions since getting the title of executive vice president of football operations two years ago.

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Snyder also is expected to be hiring a new coach in a few weeks, and Allen could be the bridge to that change as well.

The Redskins already have complied with the league's Rooney Rule and have interviewed at least two minority candidates, an NFL source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, who first reported the hiring of Allen.

The son of legendary Redskins coach George Allen, Bruce Allen was the general manager for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for five seasons. He and Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden were fired in January, and the pair could renew their association if current Redskins coach Jim Zorn is fired at the end of the season.

"Bruce Allen is the personification of an NFL winner," Snyder said in a statement released by the team. "Our fans know his heritage; we know his abilities. He is the right person to lead our club."

For players, the news was just the first of many anticipated changes.

"That's a start -- that's a change right there," cornerback Carlos Rogers said. "There's going to be change in personnel. There's going to be change all over. It'll probably be more changes coaching-wise, so I guess that's the first change right now. You never know what Mr. Snyder got up his sleeve. Personally, I'm worrying about me, and that's all I can worry about."

Tampa Bay won two division championships under Allen. He previously worked for nine years in the Oakland Raiders' front office.

Cerrato

Allen

The Redskins said Allen would begin work immediately.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity with one of the world's most successful sports franchises," Allen said. "I love everything about this assignment; I know what it means to be dedicated to the Redskins. I can't wait to get to work."

Cerrato has been Snyder's right-hand man for most of the past 10 years, but even their tight friendship couldn't overcome the team's recent struggles. His resignation was first reported by ESPN 980 in Washington.

"We agreed that the franchise needs someone different in this position," Cerrato said in a separate statement released by the team. "I'm thankful to Dan Snyder and other members of his ownership team for the opportunities I've been given over the years. Of course, I am disappointed with this year's results, but I strongly believe that with outstanding draft picks and encouraging performance by our younger players, we have laid a strong foundation for the franchise."

Cerrato added that he has "had the pleasure of working with some great coaches such as Joe Gibbs, Greg Blache and Sherman Lewis" -- notably leaving out Zorn.

Cerrato has been a favorite punching bag for fans in recent years, receiving criticism often in tandem with Snyder. One fan infamously used a pair of signs to refer to the duo as "Dumb" and "Dumber" at a game this season.

Cerrato was one of the first major hires after Snyder bought the Redskins in 1999. He was fired in 2001 by coach Marty Schottenheimer after Schottenheimer was given control of football operations. A year later, Snyder fired Schottenheimer and rehired Cerrato.

Although Cerrato's title changed during the years, he remained a significant front-office voice in player decisions. The results have been far from encouraging: The Redskins have won only one playoff game since 2000.

Cerrato's power within the organization increased after coach Joe Gibbs' resignation two years ago, and there have been plenty of hits and misses among his player choices.

This year, Cerrato gave Zorn an offensive line without a single reserve who played in the NFL last year -- even though two starters were coming off significant injuries. Both of those starters soon were out for the season, and the resulting scramble for a starting five hampered the development of the offense.

"He is my friend, and he has always been there for me and the Redskins," Snyder said. "He's the consummate optimist and has always made decisions based on what would be the best for the team."

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Dallas Cowboys coach: 'Not going to cow down' to New Orleans Saints

IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said his team isn't scared of its upcoming game against the undefeated New Orleans Saints on Saturday night.

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The Saints lead the NFL in scoring at 35.8 points per game and have averaged 426.1 yards per game.

"Usually when people say you can't do something, people bow up and have a lot of pride," Phillips said before Thursday's practice. "I think it helps. I don't think our confidence is we can't do it and we got to do something else to be able to do it."

Phillips said the team doesn't feel a sense of desperation going into this game.

"We have confidence in our football team. We're not going to cow down to these guys. We think we can win. Every game we've been in so far, we thought we could win. I believe we feel the same way going into this one."

Zaragoza sack MarcelinoDeMarcus Ware at practice for Dallas Cowboys

DeMarcus Ware at practice for Dallas Cowboys

IRVING, Texas -- For the first time since being carted off the field with a neck injury, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware stepped foot on the practice field for the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday.

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Ware, who suffered a strained neck during the Cowboys' loss Sunday to the San Diego Chargers, jogged out to join his teammates for stretching at Valley Ranch.

As team drills started, Ware went to a secondary field to work out with strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek and associate athletic trainer Britt Brown. Ware wore a helmet.

The Cowboys have listed Ware as day-to-day since Monday. Coach Wade Phillips said if all went well Thursday, Ware would probably play against the New Orleans Saints.

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Buffalo Bills claim former St. Louis Rams guard Incognito

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- After wearing out his welcome in St. Louis, guard Richie Incognito will get a chance for a fresh start with the Buffalo Bills.

Incognito, who was released by the Rams on Tuesday, was claimed by the Bills on Wednesday.

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The Miami Dolphins also put in a waiver claim for him, but Buffalo was awarded his services because it has a worse record.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 324 pounds, Incognito is a five-year player who was selected by St. Louis in the third-round of the 2005 draft out of Nebraska.

A starter since his second season, Incognito's fiery style of play eventually got him into trouble. The last straw for the Rams came Sunday, when Incognito was benched in the second half of a 47-7 loss to the Tennessee Titans after the guard drew two personal foul penalties for head-butting.

Named the dirtiest player in the NFL earlier this year by The Sporting News, Incognito was also benched after drawing two personal foul penalties in a season-opening 28-0 loss at Seattle. Last season, Incognito criticized the team's dwindling fan base, made an obscene gesture to a TV cameraman during practice and encouraged hecklers by cupping his hands to his ears while leaving the field after a loss.

The Bills' claim wasn't met with enthusiasm from all members of the team. Injured linebacker Kawika Mitchell criticized the move on this Twitter account.

"BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT THIS YR. THE GUYS A BUM. DIRTY AND ALWAYS WILL BE. REALLY WISH I WAS PLAYIN RITE NOW. SERIOUSLY... I KNO WE'RE N NEED OF OLINE BUT THIS GUY [stinks]," Mitchell wrote.

Mitchell later wrote on Twitter that he regretted that his comments were made in public.

"I said what I said bout iggy and it's over. Everything else will b handled n house," he wrote.

Incognito is still considered a solid run-blocker, who started 44 games with the Rams.

The move comes as the Bills (5-8) prepare to host the New England Patriots (8-5) on Sunday and marks Buffalo's latest attempt to address a banged-up line that could be down yet two more regulars.

Tackle Jonathan Scott didn't practice Wednesday after sustaining an eye injury in a 16-10 win at Kansas City last weekend. Guard Kendall Simmons, who was thrust into the starting lineup days after being signed three weeks ago, also missed practice with a shoulder injury.

The Bills haven't had a healthy front five all season and now have three starters on injured reserve after left tackle Demetrius Bell was placed on the season-ending list last week.

It's unclear when Incognito will join the Bills.

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo called it a difficult decision to release Incognito but noted he felt it was a move "made in the best interest of the football team, and I do think it's good for both parties."

Spagnuolo added: "I've got a lot of respect for Richie. I like him a lot. I wish him the best."

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Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry dies after fall from truck

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry has died, one day after falling out of the back of a pickup truck in what authorities described as a domestic dispute with his fiance.

Henry

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said Henry died at 6:36 a.m. Thursday. Henry was 26.

"We knew him in a different way than his public persona," Bengals owner Mike Brown said of the player who was suspended five times during his career. "He had worked through the troubles in his life and had finally seemingly reached the point where everything was going to blossom. And he was going to have the future we all wanted for him. It's painful to us. We feel it in our hearts, and we will miss him."

Police spokeswoman Rosalyn Harrington said homicide detectives have been assigned to the case but had no further information.

Later Thursday, police released two 911 tapes. The first was from an unidentified woman who said she was following a yellow pickup truck.

"It's got a black man on it with no shirt on, and he's got his arm in a cast and black pants on," she told a dispatcher. "He's beating on the back of this truck window. ... I don't know if he's trying to break in or something. It just looks crazy. It's a girl driving it."

Just over a minute later, an unidentified man called 911 and said he saw a man "laying in the road" and "definitely unconscious."

Henry was rushed to the hospital Wednesday after being found on a residential road "apparently suffering life-threatening injuries," according to police. Police said a dispute began at a home about a half-mile away, and Henry jumped into the bed of the pickup truck as his fiance was driving away from the residence.

Police said at some point when she was driving, Henry "came out of the back of the vehicle." They wouldn't identify the woman, and no charges were immediately filed.

Shock, Sadness Over Henry's Death

"We are greatly saddened by today's tragic news about the loss of Chris Henry. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris' family, including his Bengals family. I ask you to keep Chris Henry and his family in your thoughts today."
-- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell

"We talked before every game and he would just say go out there and handle your business. I don't know what else to say. He had been doing everything right."
-- Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco

"We knew him in a way that [was not consistent] with his public persona. We liked him. He had worked through troubles in his life ... to a point where he was going to have the future we all wanted for him and that he wanted for himself. At the time of his tragedy he was running to daylight."
-- Bengals president Mike Brown

"We had seen Chris expand this year as both a person and on the field. He had grown and matured. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Chris' family and to everyone else who held him dear."
-- Bengals coach Marvin Lewis

"For those who knew Chris, he was nothing like his public perception. A loving and caring individual, he was thankful for what he had in life, and proud of what he had overcome."
-- Andy Simms, Henry's agent

"I enjoyed our time together at West Virginia and we shared a lot of great moments. I have many fond memories of our three years together and will remember those forever."
-- Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez

"The entire Mountaineer football family is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Chris Henry. We say 'Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer,' and Chris was a big part of our success during his time here. For me, he was a real joy to be around on a daily basis. He always came to work and loved to play football."
-- WVU coach Bill Stewart

"I remember recruiting Chris to West Virginia like it was yesterday. He came from a humble background and was a wonderful young man and football player. Chris was like a son to me and I will cherish all the great memories that I have of him."
-- Michigan offensive coordinator Calvin Magee

Henry and Loleini Tonga had announced plans to be married in March, the Bengals said. The couple has been raising three children. Tonga's MySpace page identifies herself as "Mrs. C. Henry" and has a picture of her next to a person who appears to be Henry. She also has a post from Tuesday talking about buying wedding rings. A neighbor said Wednesday that the Tonga family owns the home where police say the incident began. Charlotte is home to Henry's fiance's parents.

"We ask that you keep Chris' family -- especially the young children he leaves behind -- in your prayers," Henry's agent, Andy Simms of PlayersRep Sports, said in a statement. "It is tragic when a life is taken so young. He was a man just realizing his potential, not just in football, but in life."

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Authorities have not announced the cause of death. Mecklenburg County medical examiner investigator Carol Cormier said they were expecting to receive the body later Thursday.

The Bengals (9-4), in the midst of their best season since winning 11 games in 2005, lead the AFC North. They visit the San Diego Chargers on Sunday and will wear a helmet decal with the No. 15 to remember Henry, who spent five seasons with Cincinnati.

"We had seen Chris expand this year as both a person and on the field," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "He had grown and matured. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Chris' family and to everyone else who held him dear."

When the players received word Henry had died, quarterback Carson Palmer called them together in the locker room and said they should dedicate the game and rest of the season to Henry and the wife of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who died unexpectedly during the season.

Henry was away from the Bengals after breaking his left forearm during a win over Baltimore on Nov. 8. He had surgery and was placed on season-ending injured reserve following the game.

"We are greatly saddened by today's tragic news about the loss of Chris Henry," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris' family, including his Bengals family. We have been in contact with the Bengals to offer our support through this difficult time.

"I ask you to keep Chris Henry and his family in your thoughts today."

Throughout his career, his temper and poor decisions got him in trouble.

He was ejected from a game and suspended for another while at West Virginia, where former coach Rich Rodriguez told Henry that he was an embarrassment to himself and the program. His reputation was already costing him -- the Bengals were the only NFL team to bring him in for a pre-draft visit in 2005.

They found that his demeanor didn't match his reputation. Henry was shy and spoke in a quiet voice. They warned him that he had to stay in control if he was going to stay in the NFL. Then, they picked him in the third round.

In a sense, it was already a second chance.

"I'm worth the chance," Henry said, when he showed up the following weekend for a rookie minicamp. "I'm just happy they took me."

Henry become a vital part of the offense as a rookie, helping the Bengals reach the playoffs in 2005 with his ability to run past defenders to grab long passes. In the final month of the season, he also showed his other side, getting arrested for marijuana possession. After a playoff loss to Pittsburgh, he was arrested on a gun charge in Florida.

Henry and former Tennessee cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones became the league's two most trouble-bound players. Goodell suspended both in 2007 -- Jones for a full season, Henry for half of it -- as part of a toughening of the league's conduct policy.

When Henry was arrested for a fifth time following that season on an assault charge, the Bengals decided they'd had enough. At his arraignment on April 3, 2008, Municipal Court Judge Bernie Bouchard called Henry "a one-man crime wave." He was released by the Bengals the same day.

It was a jolt to Henry, who had dreamed of an NFL career since high school, when he got the NFL logo tattooed on the back of his right hand. No team showed an interest in bringing him back. His career seemed finished.

Then, Brown -- who refers to himself as "a redeemer" -- changed his mind and gave him another chance.

"If you only knew him by hearsay, you'd think he's some kind of ogre," Brown said, during the Bengals' appearance on HBO's "Hard Knocks" series this summer. "It's not true. He's a good person. When you see him up close, you'll find that you'll like him. He'll be a soft-spoken, pleasant person."

This time, Henry seemed determined to stay out of trouble. After only 19 catches and two touchdowns in 12 games in the 2008 season, he set about making himself a topflight receiver again. He got into top shape and worked out with teammates in the offseason, showing more resolve than at any point in his career.

Henry also changed his personal life, spending more time with his fiance and the three children they were raising. Teammates noticed a pronounced change in his demeanor.

"He's a great kid with a great heart," Palmer said as training camp started. "He's changed his life around. He ran into some trouble, made some bad decisions, and realized that. He's sorry for them, apologized for them, and has done everything he can to make himself a better person. I'm just proud of him."

Before the 2009 season, Henry got a new tattoo that matched his new outlook. Below his left ear, in flowing 1-inch script, was the word "Blessed."

"I kind of felt like I dug myself out of the hole and started doing the right things," Henry said in an interview with The Associated Press as training camp opened. "People say, 'How you feeling now Chris? You doing all right?' I just tell them I'm blessed. That's why I got it."

He caught a touchdown pass in each of Cincinnati's four preseason games. A thigh injury slowed him early in the season, and he had 12 catches for 236 yards -- his 19.7-yard average per catch leads the team -- when he broke his left arm during a win over Baltimore on Nov. 8, ending his season.

"He was doing everything right," receiver Chad Ochocinco said. "My grandma always says you never question the man upstairs on decisions he makes. Everyone makes mistakes, but I don't see how Chris was supposed to go already, especially when he was on the right path. Other than that, he's going to be missed."

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