Weems, Bears agree to three-year contract

The Chicago Bears agreed to terms Wednesday
with special teamer Eric Weems on a three-year contract.

CB Wright, G Nicks sign 5-year deals with Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed free agents
cornerback Eric Wright and guard Carl Nicks to five-year contracts on
Wednesday.

Eagles extend Cole’s contract through 2017

The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to terms
Wednesday with defensive end Trent Cole on a four-year contract extension
through 2017.

New Bears WR Marshall faces allegations for punching woman

A woman has accused new Chicago Bears wide
receiver Brandon Marshall of punching her in the face at a nightclub, the New
York Post is reporting.

Report: Finnegan agrees to terms with Rams

The St. Louis Rams and cornerback Cortland
Finnegan have reportedly agreed to terms on a five-year deal.

Chargers agree to terms with WR Meachem

The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms
on a four-year contract with free agent wide receiver Robert Meachem.

Report: 49ers agrees to terms with CB Rogers

The San Francisco 49ers and cornerback
Carlos Rogers have reportedly agreed to terms on a four-year contract.

Bears, Costanzo agree to 2-year deal

The Chicago Bears and free agent
linebacker Blake Costanzo agreed to a two-year contract on Tuesday.

Report: Colts keep WR Wayne on 3-year deal

A reported three-year deal to keep Reggie
Wayne in Indianapolis wasn’t official late Tuesday night, but that didn’t keep
Jim Irsay from showing his excitement.

QB Redman, WR Douglas stay in Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday agreed to
terms with quarterback Chris Redman and wide receiver Harry Douglas.

AFC EAST
New England Patriots
	   Home: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
	   Away: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
New York Jets
	   Home: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
	   Away: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
Miami Dolphins
	   Home: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
	   Away: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
Buffalo Bills
	   Home: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
	   Away: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
	   Home: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
	   Away: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
Pittsburgh Steelers
	   Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
	   Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
Cincinnati Bengals
	   Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
	   Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
Cleveland Browns
	   Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
	   Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
	   Home: Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
	   Away: Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
Tennessee Titans
	   Home: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
	   Away: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
Jacksonville Jaguars
	   Home: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
	   Away: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
Indianapolis Colts
	   Home: Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
	   Away: Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
	   Home: Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
	   Away: Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
San Diego Chargers
	   Home: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
	   Away: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oakland Raiders
	   Home: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
	   Away: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
Kansas City Chiefs
	   Home: Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
	   Away: Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
	   -- -- -- =
NFC EAST
New York Giants
	   Home: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
	   Away: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
Philadelphia Eagles
	   Home: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
	   Away: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
Dallas Cowboys
	   Home: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
	   Away: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
Washington Redskins
	   Home: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
	   Away: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC NORTH
Green Bay Packers
	   Home: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
	   Away: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
Detroit Lions
	   Home: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
	   Away: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
Chicago Bears
	   Home: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
	   Away: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
Minnesota Vikings
	   Home: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
	   Away: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints
	   Home: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
	   Away: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
Atlanta Falcons
	   Home: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
	   Away: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
Carolina Panthers
	   Home: Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
	   Away: Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
	   Home: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
	   Away: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers
	   Home: Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
	   Away: Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, New York Jets
Arizona Cardinals
	   Home: St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
	   Away: St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, New York Jets
Seattle Seahawks
	   Home: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, New York Jets
	   Away: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
St. Louis Rams
	   Home: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, New York Jets
	   Away: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins

Pro Bowl rosters

AFC Offense

Wide Receivers — s-Wes Welker, New England; s-Mike Wallace, Steelers; A.J. Green, Cincinnati; Brandon Marshall, Miami.

Tackles — s-Joe Thomas, Cleveland; s-Jake Long, Miami; D’Brickashaw Ferguson, New York Jets.

Guards — s-Logan Mankins, New England; s-Brian Waters, New England; Marshal Yanda, Baltimore.

Centers — s-Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers; Nick Mangold, New York Jets.

Tight Ends — s-Rob Gronkowski, New England; Antonio Gates, San Diego.

Quarterbacks — s-Tom Brady, New England; Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers; Philip Rivers, San Diego.

Running Backs — s-Ray Rice, Baltimore; Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville; Arian Foster, Houston.

Fullback — s-Vonta Leach, Baltimore.

Defense

Ends — s-Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis; s-Andre Carter, New England; Elvis Dumervil, Denver.

Interior Linemen — s-Haloti Ngata, Baltimore; s-Vince Wilfork, New England; Richard Seymour, Oakland.

Outside Linebackers — s-Terrell Suggs, Baltimore; s-Von Miller, Denver; Tamba Hali, Kansas City.

Inside/Middle Linebackers — s-Ray Lewis, Baltimore; Derrick Johnson, Kansas City.

Cornerbacks — s-Darrelle Revis, New York Jets; s-Champ Bailey, Denver; Johnathan Joseph, Houston.

Safeties — s-Ed Reed, Baltimore; Eric Weddle, San Diego; s-Troy Polamalu, Steelers.

Specialists

Punter — Shane Lechler, Oakland; Placekicker — Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland; Kick Returner — Antonio Brown, Steelers; Special Teamer — Matthew Slater, New England; Long Snapper — TBA.

NFC Offense

Wide Receiver — s-Calvin Johnson, Detroit; s-Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona; Steve Smith, Carolina; Greg Jennings, Green Bay.

Tackles — s-Jason Peters, Philadelphia; s-Joe Staley, San Francisco; Jermon Bushrod, New Orleans.

Guards — s-Jahri Evans, New Orleans; s-Carl Nicks, New Orleans; Davin Joseph, Tampa Bay.

Centers — s-Ryan Kalil, Carolina; Scott Wells, Green Bay.

Tight Ends — s-Jimmy Graham, New Orleans; Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta.

Quarterbacks — s-Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay; Drew Brees, New Orleans; Eli Manning, New York Giants.

Running Backs — s-LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia; Matt Forte, Chicago; Frank Gore, San Francisco.

Fullback — s-John Kuhn, Green Bay.

Defense

Ends — s-Jared Allen, Minnesota; s-Jason Babin, Philadelphia; Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants.

Interior Lineman — s-Justin Smith, San Francisco; s-Jay Ratliff, Dallas; B.J. Raji, Green Bay.

Outside Linebackers — s-DeMarcus Ware, Dallas; s-Clay Matthews, Green Bay; Lance Briggs, Chicago.

Inside/Middle Linebackers — s-Patrick Willis, San Francisco; Brian Urlacher, Chicago.

Cornerbacks — s-Charles Woodson, Green Bay; s-Carlos Rogers, San Francisco; Charles Tillman, Chicago.

Safeties — s-Earl Thomas, Seattle; Dashon Goldson, San Francisco; Strong Safety — s-Adrian Wilson, Arizona.

Specialists

Punter — Andy Lee, San Francisco; Placekicker — David Akers, San Francisco; Kick Returner — Patrick Peterson, Arizona; Special Teamer — Corey Graham, Chicago; Long Snapper — TBA.

Game is Jan. 29 in Honolulu

First published on December 28, 2011 at 12:21 am

SIMON EVANS

The Houston Texans reached the National Football League (NFL) playoffs for the first time while the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots both edged closer to booking their spots in the post-season.

The Texans wrapped up the AFC South title with a 20-19 comeback victory at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday to secure their first playoff berth since joining the league in 2002.

Rookie quarterback T.J. Yates won the game for the Texans with a six yard touchdown pass to Kevin Walter with just two seconds left on the clock.

The conversion sealed Houston’s seventh straight victory and saw them join the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs after they both secured their positions last week.

New Orleans, Super Bowl champions two seasons back, clinched their fifth straight win after quarterback Drew Brees threw two fourth quarter touchdowns to Marques Colston as they won 22-17 at the Tennessee Titans.

Brees threw for 337 yards and his two touchdowns meant he had thrown for at least one touchdown in 40 consecutive games, a record bettered only by Johnny Unitas’ 47.

The NFC South leading Saints would be assured of their playoff spot later on Sunday if the Chicago Bears lost to the Denver Broncos.

The Atlanta Falcons kept up the chase in the NFC South after a 31-23 victory over the Carolina Panthers with quarterback Matt Ryan throwing for 320 yards and four touchdowns.

The New England Patriots were also hitting form at the right time, picking up a fifth successive win with a 34-27 triumph over the Washington Redskins, masterminded by quarterback Tom Brady, who threw for 357 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to tight-end Rob Gronkowski.

The Patriots (10-3) led the AFC East ahead of the New York Jets (8-5) who enjoyed a 37-10 romp over Kansas City.

The Baltimore Ravens (10-3) took advantage of the woeful and winless Indianapolis Colts to record a 24-10 win and grab the joint leadership with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North.

The Detroit Lions have struggled of late, losing five of their last seven games, but their hopes of playoff football remained alive after they scraped together a 34-28 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

In the final seconds, Minnesota had a great chance to win but their back-up quarterback Joe Webb fumbled on first and goal and the ball was recovered by Lions defensive end Cliff Avril.

– Reuters

The Kansas City Chiefs take on the New York Jets Dec. 11. The game is considered a must-win for both teams as the Chiefs are still in the hunt for an AFC West title with four games left and two games behind the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos. The Jets need a victory to keep pace with the New England Patriots.

Here are five keys to victory for the Chiefs as they fight for their playoff lives.

Red Zone Defense

The Chiefs played fantastic defense in the red zone against the Chicago Bears Dec. 4. They limited Caleb Hanie and the Bears to just three points. Kansas City got an interception in the end zone after the Bears drove to the 13-yard line in the fourth quarter.

Field Position

Field position was another reason reason the Chiefs beat the Bears. Chicago started many of their drives inside their own 30. Dustin Colquitt got some good punt coverage and returner Devin Hester was contained all game long.

Sustained Drives

In what was perhaps the best drive of the 2011 season, backup-turned-starter Tyler Palko started on his own 11 early in the second half after a special teams penalty. A 15-play, 86-yard drive stalled on the three yard line and Ryan Succop kicked a field goal for a 10-3 lead. Although the Chiefs should have gotten a touchdown instead of a field goal, that one particular drive proved Kansas City can move the ball on offense.

The drive to end the second quarter was equally as impressive. The Chiefs started on their own 13 and ran 16 plays in just over four minutes. That’s the kind of offense Kansas City needs against the Jets.

Running Game

The Jets give up nearly 113 yards rushing per game. Jackie Battle and company need to take it to the Jets linebackers and run early and often. Combining a sustained drive with lots of runs to put New York on its heels quickly.

Stifle the Offense

New York is the perfect team for the Chiefs to play on the road. They only have 310 yards of offense every game. Scoring 20 points is the key for both teams. The Jets are 7-5. Three of those losses had New York score under 20 points. The Chiefs are the same way. When they score more than 20 points, Kansas City wins. Only the victory against the Bears had the Chiefs win when scoring less than 20 in a game this season.

William Browning is a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs after latching on to the team during the lean years of St. Louis football. Born in the gateway city, he is also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. He currently resides in Branson, Mo.

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

“J-E-T-S, Jets! Jets!! Jets!!!” This is what every person yells who bleeds green and white on a football day or night because they know the New York Jets are in their flight mode, or as Santonio Holmes likes to say, ‘Tone Time,’ ready to win this game so they’re a step closer holding the Lamordi Trophy. Because everyone knows, when a team holds the Lombardi Trophy, they have every right to say they were the best in the world that year. Yes, the Jets deserve to say that!

I’m definitely not the one who is going to talk bad about the NY Jets because I believe they are strong, tough, fun trash-talkers, intelligent nice guys who all need a Super Bowl ring and many more. The flight boys can make some mistakes every now and again but making mistakes helps people learn to make better choices on and off the field.

The offense is coming together in ways that we may not always have to count on defense to win games. No one really talks about quarterback Mark Sanchez’s weapons, so I will! He goes from wide receivers Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes to Jeremy Kerley, then to his tight end number 81, Dustin Keller (remember this name!) and if he wants to run the ball, running backs Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson are there backing him up. While Sanchez is busy throwing the ball, he has the best center, Nick Mangold, leading the offensive line.

When I watch the Jets offense, it gives me the idea that if I put my mind to something, the end results will be fantastic. Touchdown! The Jets defense, though, teaches me to never give up and be tough.

Where should I even begin with their defense? Rex Ryan had made comments about how it would be sweet if his defense were better than the 85 Chicago Bears defense. But 26 years from now, people will want their team to be like the 2011 Jets defense. When I finally own a NFL team in my future, I would want it so bad; I might beg linebackers Bart Scott, David Harris cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis to be on my team.

I love number 51 on defense, Aaron Maybin. He is a role model that people should look up to. He dealt with some personal issues in football and out of football by being labeled as a burst to losing a child. To escape from problems, he draws. He doesn’t cause issues and I think doesn’t want to be a part of any problems unless it involves hitting the quarterback.

Also, Eric Smith and Jim Leonhard are the best safeties in the league. I mean, they would never let a rookie catch a touchdown pass; cough cough, Troy Polamalu.

But one thing I want to tell everyone, including New England Patriot fans: Just because your team won against the Jets before does not mean you guys are the best football team ever and the Jets suck. It means you were better that day. Repeat this in your head a couple of times!

 

NFL

Jets 24, Dolphins 6

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Darrelle Revis ran back an interception 100 yards for a touchdown and the New York Jets did just enough to beat the Miami Dolphins 24-6 on Monday night and end a three-game losing streak.

Mark Sanchez threw a touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes and ran for another score as Rex Ryan’s Jets — who called this a “must-win” game — capped a tough week by pulling out a victory and sending the winless Dolphins to their fifth straight loss.

With the losses mounting and the season already on the brink of spinning out of control for the Jets (3-3), they had to deal with some infighting as Holmes called out the offensive line for not protecting Sanchez. Right guard Brandon Moore fired back, saying those comments could have a “fragmenting effect.”

In developments

Injury update: It was a rough weekend for quarterbacks — and coaches.

Jason Campbell of the Raiders is out indefinitely with a broken collarbone, Sam Bradford of the Rams is questionable with a high left ankle sprain and Matt Schaub of the Texans has a chest bruise but isn’t likely to miss Sunday’s game against the Titans.

The coaching ranks were hit, too. New Orleans coach Sean Payton had surgery to repair a torn meniscus and fractured bone in his left leg on Monday, a day after one of his players was tackled into him on the sideline. And Tampa Bay defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake injured his left knee on the sideline while celebrating Tanard Jackson’s interception during the Buccaneers’ win over Payton’s team.

Oakland contacted former Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard, but Garrard’s agent confirmed the quarterback will need back surgery and will likely not play this year.

Campbell, who had surgery Monday, was replaced by Kyle Boller, who struggled in his first action of the season. The only other quarterback on Oakland’s roster is rookie Terrelle Pryor, who was officially activated Monday after a five-game suspension.

Bradford is in a walking boot, and A.J. Feeley is likely to take most of the snaps when the winless Rams resume practice Wednesday. Bradford’s status for Sunday’s game at Dallas is in question.

Schaub underwent an MRI exam Monday, and Texans coach Gary Kubiak said his QB is “just beat up,” will probably sit out Wednesday’s practice but “all indications are he’ll be OK.”

As for Payton, the coach was expected to remain in the hospital until today.

No fines in handshake brouhaha: Jim Harbaugh’s aggressive, second-long handshake with Lions coach Jim Schwartz and accompanying back slap have talk radio all atwitter, and Twitter, too. But the league will be taking no action.

Harbaugh spoke to NFL Executive Vice President Ray Anderson and vowed to improve his own postgame behavior. The NFL announced neither coach would be fined for their altercation at the end of the game, won by the Niners, 25-19.

Still, Harbaugh doesn’t plan to say sorry.

“Personally I can get better at the postgame handshake and we’ll attempt to do that,” Harbaugh said.

Broncos trade Lloyd to Rams: Tim Tebow has lost his top target even before making his first start of the season.

The Denver Broncos traded Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Lloyd, the league’s leading receiver last year, to the St. Louis Rams on Monday for a conditional 2012 draft pick.

The move comes a week after Tebow supplanted Kyle Orton at quarterback and six days before Tebow’s first start at Miami.

Bucs in London: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have arrived in London ahead of their NFL game against the Chicago Bears.

The Bucs landed at Heathrow airport around 10 p.m. local time after opting to spend the whole week in the British capital to prepare for Sunday’s game. The Bears are scheduled to arrive in London on Friday.

Gates returns to practice: San Diego Chargers star tight end Antonio Gates returned to practice in a limited role on Monday in hopes of playing against the New York Jets.

Gates has missed the last three games following a flare up in his lengthy bout with plantar fasciitis in his right foot.

Gates tore scar tissue near the injury Sept. 18 against New England. He hopes prolonged rest will alleviate the pain that hinders his effectiveness.

Monday was the first step in his return. Gates hopes to practice the rest of the week, but remains cautious about his playing status for Sunday’s road game.

The New York Jets have gotten used to road trips under coach Rex Ryan,
though they usually come much later in the season.

New York begins a stretch of three straight road games Sunday when it faces
the Oakland Raiders, who are coming off a demoralizing defeat.

The Jets are 2-0 for the fifth consecutive season, winning both at home
after a 32-3 rout of Jacksonville last week. New York hasn’t played three
straight road games in the regular season since 1982, though Ryan’s teams have
done so in reaching back-to-back AFC championship games.

The Jets are 11-5 on the road in the regular season under Ryan, and 4-2 in
the playoffs.

“We’re not intimidated by any surroundings that we go into,” Ryan said.

Following this trip to Oakland, the Jets travel to Baltimore before an AFC
East showdown with New England. Each contest presents a different challenge, but
they are taking the trip step by step.

“We’ve just got to focus on Oakland, and that’s it,” cornerback Antonio
Cromartie(notes) said. “We have to make sure we come in and prepare for what we need
to throughout the entire week and get ready for a long trip.”

They’ll be facing a Raiders team coming off an emotional 38-35 loss in
Buffalo last week in which it allowed touchdowns on each of the five Bills’
second-half drives.

Oakland (1-1) gave up the game-winning touchdown on fourth down, when a
defensive breakdown left Bills receiver David Nelson(notes) wide open in the end zone
with 14 seconds to play.

“Any time you lose, especially in that fashion, it’s very disappointing,”
defensive tackle Richard Seymour(notes) said. “But one game doesn’t make the season.
You move forward. I’ve been in many games in my career, and that’s one of the
most heartbreaking ones I’ve had. You move forward, and you’ve got to get better
as a team.”

The challenge will be improving a defense which allowed 223 rushing yards
and 481 overall. The Raiders ranked sixth in the AFC allowing 322.8 yards per
game in 2010, but are 25th in the NFL this season, giving up an average of 395.5
yards.

“You can’t take a play off, you can’t take an opportunity off, you have to
finish everything you do,” coach Hugh Jackson said. “It’s tough in the NFL. We
have a good group of men in that locker room who, hopefully, have learned a very
valuable lesson that we can learn from this and move forward.”

Oakland ranks 27th in the league allowing 127.5 yards on the ground, which
may bode well for the Jets’ struggling running game.

New York has run for 146 yards in its first two games combined, its lowest
total through the first two weeks since 2007. Shonn Greene(notes) and LaDainian
Tomlinson(notes) together are averaging 2.7 yards per carry.

Making matters worse, All-Pro center Nick Mangold(notes) suffered a high ankle
sprain against the Jaguars, and Ryan called his status “very iffy.”

In the last meeting with the Raiders – a 38-0 victory Oct. 25, 2009 – New
York ran 54 times for 316 yards and Mark Sanchez(notes) went 9 for 16 for 143 passing.
Though Ryan keeps saying he’d like to get the running game going, its doubtful
he could have that sort of imbalance again.

“I thought (the running game) was slightly better (versus Jacksonville),
but I’m not concerned with that,” guard Brandon Moore said. “That’ll get
better as the season goes. We’ll be OK.”

Running the ball hasn’t been a problem for Oakland with Darren McFadden(notes)
handling the load. He’s averaging 111.0 yards after his breakout season in 2010,
and he also leads the team with eight receptions.

The Jets defense, however, has allowed only one 100-yard rusher – Chicago’s
Matt Forte(notes) on Dec. 26 – in the last 25 games.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Darren McFadden is one of the
most exciting players in this league, bar none,” Jackson said. “There’s
greatness in Darren, and I expect him to play that way as the season goes.”

New York has won four of the last five meetings.

The Chicago Bears cut defensive end
Vernon Gholston, the National Football League team said on its
website.

Gholston, selected sixth overall by the New York Jets in
the 2008 draft, spent three seasons in New York without
recording a sack.

Gholston, 26, was released by the Jets in March and agreed
to a contract with Chicago on July 30.

To contact the editor responsible for this story:
Jay Beberman at
jbeberman@bloomberg.net

Read More: Damien Woody (OL – NYJ), New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins

Like every other team in the NFL, the New York Jets have been active in the first hours of free agency by signing a handful of undrafted free agents. Here is the current list, which we will update throughout the day:

• TE Josh Baker, NW Missouri State
• TE Collin Franklin, Iowa State University
• G Chris Stewart, Notre Dame
• DE Wayne Daniels, TCU
• SS Davon Morgan, Virginia Tech
• CB Julian Posey, Ohio
• LB Nick Bellore, CMU
• OL Tom Ottaiano, Monmouth
• WR Courtney Smith, South Alabama

In other news –

• ESPN Chicago is reporting the Bearshave interest in Jets WR Brad Smith. The Jets are highly unlikely to bring Smith back considering their other free agents.
• Everything we have heard, indicates there will be a bidding war for WR Santonio Holmes between the Jets and the Washington Redskins. However, Holmes agent has went on record saying he wants to stay in New York.
• Not surprisingly, Damien Woody has said if the Jets don’t bring him back, he will retire. I would expect the Jets to find way to get back for at least one more season.

Read More: New York Jets

Ever since former New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress was released from prison earlier this week we’ve been trying to identify which teams will pursue him. The top two teams in the mix appear to be the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams, although that can be debated.

Other teams that could show interest include the Chicago Bears and New York Jets. It’s that team, the Jets, that has folks talking in New York because Burress previously played for the Giants.

So could Burress remain in New York playing football? Anything’s possible but, according to the NY Daily News, Burress wants to get out of the city.

Several people who have spoken to him in recent months say Burress knows he needs to get away from New York, where he’s known as much for catching the game-winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl XLII as he is for shooting himself in the leg in a Manhattan nightclub nearly 10 months later.

This makes a lot of sense. Burress does, as his friend and former teammate RB Brandon Jacobs said, need a fresh start. New York is not the place to get that. 

Of course, if the Jets offer the most money…

They came so close. If the length of NFL games was just five minutes longer, we might be previewing the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears next weekend playing in Super Bowl XLV. Instead, we are looking at a matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. It stands to be a great game between two storied franchises, but first, let’s examine how they got there.

Championship weekend was exhilarating. If you lost interest at halftime, you missed two failed but valiant comeback attempts by the Jets and Bears. Down 24-3 and 14-0, respectively, at the half, the games seemed out of reach for New York and Chicago, but both teams fought back. The Jets shut out Pittsburgh in the second half, and despite a safety and two touchdowns, lost 24-19. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger escaped the pocket and found the open receiver when it mattered most. On a third-and-long with the Jets out of timeouts, immediate pressure forced Big Ben outside of the pocket and hit Antonio Brown downfield, killing all hope left in the hearts of New York fans.

The Steelers dominated the first half, utilizing running back Rashard Mendenhall whom the Jets could not bring down. He piled up 90 yards on the ground in the first half alone. The Jets, on the other hand, dominated the second half as quarterback Mark Sanchez got hot and the defense finally stifled Roethlisberger and Mendenhall. In the end, each team played one good half. The Steelers’ good half, however, was better than New York’s.

Green Bay took an early 14-0 lead at Soldier Field that the team would not relinquish. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had the hot hand going into the game. Rodgers did not falter by any means, but he did not pick apart the tough Bears defense. Third-string quarterback Caleb Hanie brought some life to the Chicago offense after it was shut out in the first half. After starter Jay Cutler was injured and regular backup Todd Collins was amusingly ineffective, Hanie came in and led the Bears to two scores. Hanie, however, did throw a pick six separating the two scoring drives, leaving the score at 21-14 late in the game. Though the tough Bears defense got the ball back one last time for Hanie, he was forced into a desperate fourth-down throw downfield that was intercepted and sent the Packers to Dallas.

In this year’s edition of Super Bowl Sunday, two very well-balanced teams match up, though one is renowned on the defensive side of the ball. The Pittsburgh Steelers are known to be tough, physically and defensively dominant, while in Green Bay, Rodgers picked apart secondaries all year, putting together an MVP-caliber season. Green Bay’s defense is hot, however, with players such as linebacker Clay Matthews, who racked up 14 sacks this season, and veteran defensive backs Charles Woodson and Nick Collins. Youngsters Tramon Williams and Sam Shields had several interceptions in the postseason.

In Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger is one of the biggest threats to the heavy-blitzing Packers, because of his ability to move around and still throw down field. In the opening round, however, the Packers had no problem with Michael Vick, the king of scrambling, so that may be a moot point if the Packers can contain Big Ben. Mendenhall ran with a vengeance in the first half against New York, seemingly not going down on the first hit. If he can perform the same way, in combination with a steady attack in the air, the Steelers should be fine.

Both teams are tough and physical, and despite offensive prowess, defense wins games this late in the season. The Steelers, however, have intangibles that Green Bay doesn’t: Most notably, Pittsburgh has won two rings in the past five seasons, both led by Roethlisberger, and the more recent by head coach Mike Tomlin. Both sides of Green Bay’s game are dominant and can match up with Pittsburgh, but the Packers have minimal experience on this stage. Expect a physical game, with the Steelers’ experience and grit edging out Green Bay just slightly.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 19, Green Bay 17

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Rex Ryan says the New York Jets’ playoff game against the New England Patriots is probably the second-biggest in the history of the franchise.

Ryan says the only game bigger than this one Sunday at Foxborough is the Jets’ Super Bowl victory over the Baltimore Colts in 1969.

Following a ho-hum week of name-calling, accusations and challenges, Ryan’s chatty Jets (12-5) are looking to get past the archrival Patriots (14-2) and reach the AFC championship game for the second straight season.

A day after the Patriots’ Wes Welker made several references to feet in his news conference — apparently a dig at recent foot-fetish reports involving Ryan — the Jets coach brushed it off, saying Friday, “Anything goes this week.”

Jets’ Coleman questionable

New York Jets backup cornerback Drew Coleman and wide receiver Brad Smith are listed as questionable because of injuries before the playoff game at New England.

Coleman, the team’s nickel back and a key special teams player, injured a knee late in practice Thursday. He did not practice Friday and reportedly had an MRI exam, which showed no serious damage.

Smith was limited by a groin injury after getting hurt in the win at Indianapolis.

Falcons CB Williams is doubtful

Atlanta cornerback Brian Williams is listed as doubtful with an injured left knee for today’s NFC divisional game against Green Bay. Williams, Atlanta’s primary nickel back and a ninth-year veteran, was injured in the regular season finale win over Carolina. Christopher Owens would take his place.

After practice Friday, Atlanta listed receiver Roddy White (knee), defensive end John Abraham (groin), defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (shoulder), middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (limited) and safety Thomas DeCoud (ankle) as questionable.

Tatupu practices, still not cleared for Seahawks

Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu went through a practice without helmets or pads, but has still not been cleared to play Sunday against Chicago in the NFC divisional playoff.

Tatupu practiced on Friday as the Seahawks held a light walkthrough before flying to Chicago. He suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of last Saturday’s 41-36 upset of New Orleans on a collision with the Saints’ Julius Jones.

Harbaugh adds Stanford coaches

New 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh has hired three coaches from his former Stanford staff to join him in the NFL.

The 49ers named Greg Roman offensive coordinator, Vic Fangio defensive coordinator and Tim Drevno offensive line coach.

Chargers hire defensive coordinator

San Diego has hired Greg Manusky as defensive coordinator. He signed a two-year contract to replace Ron Rivera, who was hired Tuesday as coach of the Carolina Panthers.