NFL

Troy Polamalu, the everywhere-at-once safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, figures the key to Super Bowl XLIII lies in whether or not the Steelers blitz can get to Kurt Warner before he off-loads the ball to Larry Fitzgerald or Anquan Bolden.

Career sacks leader Bruce Smith, versatile defensive back Rod Woodson and four others made the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, while former commissioner Paul Tagliabue was denied entry for the third straight year.

Roger Goodell took time out of his annual Super Bowl address to thank the CFL for its support in year one of the Bills in Toronto series.

"Are you Kurt Warner's mom?" With her short, spiky hair and greying sideburns, Brenda Warner heard that question often enough from the most innocent sources, including the young hospital patients she would meet on visits.

Starting defensive end Antonio Smith participated in the Arizona Cardinals' final full Super Bowl practice Friday and was listed as probable for Sunday's game.

The art of the sack was never lost on these five guys: Bruce Smith, Derrick Thomas, Claude Humphrey, Richard Dent and John Randle.

Forests have fallen to supply enough newsprint used to chronicle the likes and differences of the two head coaches here, Arizona’s Ken Whisenhunt and Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, the youngest coach in Super Bowl history at just 36.

Jimmy Raye has agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers to become the club's seventh offensive co-ordinator in seven seasons.

A lawyer for Michael Vick told a federal bankruptcy judge Friday that the imprisoned NFL star could be transferred to a halfway house in Virginia any day.

Anyone who spent any time around the National Hockey League lockout of 2004-05 could tell by the tone of National Football League commissioner’s Roger Goodell’s voiced Friday morning.

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is fine for the Super Bowl.

In the broad realm of improbable Super Bowls, the Arizona Cardinals versus the Pittsburgh Steelers is right at the very top of the list.

Anybody who thinks it is tough playing the halftime show at the Super Bowl with 150 million people watching should try serenading Barack Obama with the majestic granite visage of Abraham Lincoln staring over your shoulder.

Larry Fitzgerald soars above the outstretched arms of defenders, caresses the football with his fingertips, and clings to it as he comes back down to earth.

Wide receiver Hines Ward took part in his first full-scale practice since injuring his right knee in the AFC championship game when the Pittsburgh Steelers worked out Thursday for their Super Bowl matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

President Barack Obama said he's pulling for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Arizona Cardinals in football's biggest game on Sunday -- and he did so with a politician's touch.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive co-ordinator Jim Johnson has had a recurrence of cancer, this time in his spine, team officials said Thursday.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett put two rap videos on YouTube this week -- one that got him in trouble with the team, then another apologizing for it.

Try this in high school or at the mall, and you'd have an all-out brawl. But at the Super Bowl, it's perfectly OK: Go ahead and grab Larry Fitzgerald or Troy Polamalu by their long hair, then yank 'em down.

Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch is headed to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement for Tennessee's Chris Johnson.

Three weeks after being dismissed by Boston College for pursuing an NFL head coaching job, Jeff Jagodzinski was hired Thursday by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be their offensive co-ordinator.

A small group gathered for a closed-door meeting at NFL headquarters two years ago in December, as it had regularly since 2003. The topic: identifying minority candidates for coaching jobs.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon hopes his friend Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt can replay his team's playoof run - with a different ending of course.

When you have punted for as many National Football League teams as Mitch Berger –- seven in total, including both Arizona and, now, Pittsburgh -– it can be easy to lose track.

Amid a deteriorating economy and a sharp decline in tourism to Hawaii, tickets to the Pro Bowl haven't been selling as well as previous years, and whether the event will return to Honolulu in future years remains uncertain.

Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes' childhood was much like that of any other youngster in rural south Florida. He played backyard football. Chased squirrels. Ran around with his friends.

The Oakland Raiders added two more assistant coaches to their leaderless staff on Wednesday, making Paul Hackett their quarterbacks coach and hiring Dwaine Board to mentor the defensive line.

St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo hired two more assistants on Wednesday.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' first Super Bowl practice in Tampa was like every other Wednesday workout all season. Wide receiver Hines Ward was on the sidelines.

Running back J.J. Arrington returned to practice for the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday after sitting out all of last week with a sore right knee.

Larry Fitzgerald would look at restructuring his contract if it would help keep fellow Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin on the team.

Even after two-plus hours of the most brutally physical football game perhaps all season, Ryan Clark’s hit on Baltimore’s Willis McGahee stood above anything yet seen in the AFC Championship game.

Arizona running back Tim Hightower had just finished a thoughtful explanation of his religious beliefs when one of the media types who found their way into the Super Bowl stadium Tuesday decided he needed more proof.

When the question was posed -- ever worry that the sport you love could ruin your brain? -- Hines Ward shrugged it off as though it was nothing more than one of those pesky cornerbacks trying to keep him from catching a pass.

NFL defensive player of the year James Harrison only occasionally had pockets of people hurling questions at him. But he wasn't complaining about the spotty attendance.

Four years ago Kurt Warner was having a hard time finding a job. No matter that he had been to two Super Bowls and won one of them, or that he'd been an NFL and Super Bowl MVP.

Former NFL player Mike Sullivan was hired as offensive line coach by the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday.

Gunther Cunningham ran the NFL's second-worst defence last season. Now he's in charge of overhauling the worst one.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith regrets making comments mocking star running back LaDainian Tomlinson, whose eight-year stay with the team could be over because of salary-cap issues. Smith called Tomlinson on Monday to try to clear the air.

The New England Patriots have hired former Tennessee Titans general manager Floyd Reese as part of a restructuring of the team's front office.

Imprisoned NFL star Michael Vick is suing a former financial adviser for at least US$2 million, claiming she used his money for her personal and business expenses.

The Carolina Panthers have hired former CFL player Ron Meeks as their new defensive co-ordinator.

Thanks to a strong tail wind, Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals arrived in Tampa ahead of schedule to begin their preparations for an unexpected Super Bowl appearance and the media frenzy that comes with it.

Terrell Owens hopes to score with a new cable reality show. The Dallas Cowboys' controversial wide receiver will star in his own show on VH1 this summer, giving fans a look into his life off the field.

Hines Ward isn't yet cutting or turning on an injury that sometimes takes weeks and weeks to heal. He's not running pass patterns or sprinting with much speed. Not playing in the Super Bowl? Ward can't imagine it, and neither can any of his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates.

The widow of Minnesota Vikings lineman Korey Stringer has reached a settlement with the NFL over his heatstroke death during training camp in 2001.

George Kokinis took over as the Cleveland Browns new general manager Monday. Reunited with his close friend, Browns coach Eric Mangini, Kokinis said he will have final say over Cleveland's 53-man roster.

The Baltimore Ravens have promoted linebackers coach Greg Mattison to replace departed Rex Ryan as their defensive co-ordinator, according to a person with knowledge of the hiring.

Former Vikings great Carl Eller was convicted Monday of assaulting a police officer who tried to arrest him after he swerved and nearly struck a squad car last April.

Yes, Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt knows the Pittsburgh Steelers' offence like no one else from another team. He helped design it. He taught Ben Roethlisberger to run it. His system enabled the Steelers to win a Super Bowl three years ago.

Baltimore pro personnel director George Kokinis has been hired as Cleveland's general manager, reuniting him with new Browns coach and close friend Eric Mangini.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill has been arrested on charges of misdemeanour marijuana possession.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonathan Dekker was arrested early Saturday and charged with obstruction of justice.

Brian Schottenheimer is sticking around to run the New York Jets' offence despite losing out to Rex Ryan for the head coaching job.

If the Arizona Cardinals always drafted as well as they did in 2004, they wouldn't be the Arizona Cardinals. The 2004 draft is a big reason the NFL's longtime losers are in their first Super Bowl.

Longtime Denver Broncos coach Dan Reeves interviewed for the San Francisco 49ers open offensive co-ordinator position on Friday.

Edgerrin James was a big part of many terrific teams as running back for the Indianapolis Colts. Yet he never made it to the Super Bowl until he was with an Arizona Cardinals franchise that has no history of winning, in a season that saw him benched for the first time in his career.

Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz has hired former St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan as the Lions' offensive co-ordinator.

The Kansas City Chiefs have fired head coach Herm Edwards and could be close to replacing him with Mike Shanahan.

Ike Taylor doesn't get much attention for being the Pittsburgh Steelers' primary defender against an opponent's top receiver. Sometimes that's good, because it means Taylor isn't getting beaten for many touchdown catches.

New York Giants receiver Taye Biddle is recovering from gunshot wounds to his hand and leg after being shot while visiting family in his hometown.

The Seattle Seahawks hired Tim Lewis on Thursday as their defensive backs coach.

Ben Roethlisberger didn't consider Ken Whisenhunt to be a whiz when the two worked together on the Pittsburgh Steelers' offence.

Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin laughed off the negative reaction to his nationally televised run-in with offensive co-ordinator Todd Haley, calling it "hilarious."

New Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris made the first major addition to his staff Thursday, hiring Jim Bates to replace him as the team's defensive co-ordinator.

Tony Dungy and Mike Holmgren will contribute to NBC's Super Bowl pre-game coverage Feb. 1 in Tampa, Fla., joining the broadcast at noon ET, NBC Sports chief Dick Ebersol announced Thursday.

The first time Michael Irvin watched "American Idol," he loved the concept of giving undiscovered singers the chance to become stars. Now Irvin is doing the same for NFL wannabes.

Browns coach Eric Mangini was encouraged by two days of meetings with Baltimore Ravens pro personnel director George Kokinis and indicated his longtime friend will soon be Cleveland's new general manager.

Shane Dronett, who played 10 years in the NFL and started every game for the Atlanta Falcons' 1998 Super Bowl team, was found dead at his home on Wednesday. He was 38.

While the Cardinals were upsetting Philadelphia, Anquan Boldin was on the sidelines, arguing with an assistant coach while Kurt Warner was leading the team to a game-winning touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.

From his piled-high platinum hair to his funny sayings and off-the-wall behaviour, Jeff Reed is the life of the Pittsburgh Steelers' party.

Feeling the pinch because of the country's economic downturn, the Cleveland Browns have laid off more than one dozen people in the past two days.

Matt Leinart is accustomed to attention, with a Heisman Trophy and two national championships at USC and he is still, the Arizona Cardinals insist, the team's quarterback of the future. But the emphasis is on "future."

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said in an interview with Prime Time Sports on Wednesday that his rehabilitation from season-ending knee surgery was 'going really well' but he did not offer any timetable for a return to the football field.

Titans quarterback Kerry Collins will make his second Pro Bowl trip as a replacement for Brett Favre.

New Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz made his first major staff hire Wednesday, bringing in veteran assistant Gunther Cunningham as defensive co-ordinator.

Two days after declaring they got the right man for the job, the New York Jets introduced Rex Ryan as their new coach.

Before facing the Cardinals in the NFC Championship game on Sunday, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb had to play defence at his off-season home in Chandler, Ariz., southeast of Phoenix.

An official of a tiny Southern California city says voters have approved a bond measure that would provide US$150 million for infrastructure improvements at a 600-acre site where a proposed pro football stadium would be built.

The Miami Dolphins new majority owner Stephen Ross won't mess with success and said Tuesday that Bill Parcells will remain in charge of the team's football operations.

Hines Ward needs extensive work to rehabilitate his sprained right knee for the Super Bowl, but Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin still expects the wide receiver to play.

Miami Dolphins rookie tackle Jake Long was selected to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday as a replacement for Buffalo's Jason Peters, who had a late-season knee injury.

Former Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski will interview with the San Francisco 49ers for the still-vacant position of offensive co-ordinator.

Todd Haley is loud, blunt and often argues with his players. He also is an emerging coaching star as the man who calls the shots for the high-scoring Arizona Cardinals' offence.

Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, but one of his teammates is certain he will play in the Super Bowl.

Ken Whisenhunt seemed to be a logical successor to Bill Cowher in Pittsburgh when the job came open two years ago. If not him, then certainly Russ Grimm.

The Arizona Cardinals called receiver Anquan Boldin's sideline shouting match with the offensive co-ordinator a "normal thing," and coach Ken Whisenhunt insisted the outburst would in no way disrupt the team.

Ravens running back Willis McGahee returned to his Baltimore home Monday and is expected to make a "complete recovery" from a fierce helmet-to-helmet hit in the AFC championship game that saw him carted off the field.

The New York Giants have promoted linebackers coach Bill Sheridan to defensive co-ordinator.

Baltimore defensive co-ordinator Rex Ryan was hired as the coach of the New York Jets on Monday, a day after the Ravens lost in the AFC championship.

The Pittsburgh Steelers outhit the Baltimore Ravens and outplayed them behind a steady-as-he-goes Ben Roethlisberger, marching into the Super Bowl behind a defence that brought back memories of the storied Steel Curtain.

Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee was carted off the field Sunday after taking a hard hit to the helmet by Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark.

Defence carried the Philadelphia Eagles to the NFC championship. It let them down once they got there.

Kurt Warner is going back to the Super Bowl, a sweet journey for a 37-year-old quarterback considered washed up not so long ago.

The Arizona Cardinals rallied to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 32-25 in the NFC championship Sunday afternoon, earning the first Super Bowl trip in their long and not-so-glorious history.

Baltimore Ravens starting cornerback Samari Rolle was inactive for Sunday's AFC championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers because of a groin injury.

Scott Linehan has declined the San Francisco 49ers' offer to become their offensive co-ordinator. Linehan was fired four games into his third season as the St. Louis Rams' head coach last September.

Points will likely be at a premium when the NFL's top two defenses square off in Sunday night's AFC championship game in Pittsburgh.

A day after abruptly firing Super Bowl winner Jon Gruden, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers introduced Raheem Morris as their new coach.

The St. Louis Rams reached an agreement with Steve Spagnuolo on Saturday to make the New York Giants defensive co-ordinator their coach, general manager Billy Devaney told The Associated Press.

Four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers has decided he won't sign a long-term deal with the Carolina Panthers and wants to play in a 3-4 defence.

The Dallas Cowboys have fired defensive co-ordinator Brian Stewart after two seasons.

Hours after firing Jon Gruden in a surprise move, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers settled on defensive co-ordinator Raheem Morris as their new coach.

Winning the Super Bowl three years ago didn't erase one of the lingering questions about the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Facing the Baltimore Ravens defence is like playing chess against a grandmaster. You might fare well for a while, but eventually you're going to make a costly mistake.

After missing a playoff game with an injured hamstring, Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin said he expects to play in the NFC championship against Philadelphia on Sunday.

The annals of pro football are filled with incredible comebacks, which might be why billionaire Ed Roski thinks he can build a new US$800-million stadium and lure a team to Los Angeles County after so many others have failed.

Jim Schwartz faces the biggest challenge among the 32 NFL teams next season: turning around a team that didn't win a single game. Bring it on, says the Detroit Lions' new coach.

The New York Jets had a second meeting with Giants defensive co-ordinator Steve Spagnuolo earlier this week about their coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the search told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The lessons of losing have not been lost on the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles. One step from the Super Bowl, both can reflect on how tough times helped them get this far.

The Cleveland Browns interviewed James "Shack" Harris, Jacksonville's former vice-president of player personnel, on Thursday for their general manager opening.

One's career is on the rise, the other on the wane. Larry Fitzgerald and Edgerrin James both fill crucial roles in the Arizona Cardinals' plans to beat Philadelphia on Sunday and advance, believe it or not, to the Super Bowl.

Andy Reid was a fool, a coach who kept making the same mistakes and was too stubborn to change his ways. Donovan McNabb was a bum, a quarterback past his prime who couldn't win the big game.

Maybe it's premature to begin comparing Ben Roethlisberger to John Elway, even if the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback wears No. 7 in honour of the former Denver Broncos star.

As usual, Terrell Suggs is the focus of attention during Ravens-Steelers week. This time, however, his mouth isn't the issue.

Brian Dawkins of Philadelphia and Kurt Warner of Arizona, who will face each other in Sunday's NFC championship game, are finalists for the NFL's Man of the Year award.

The Detroit Lions have agreed on a four-year deal with Tennessee defensive co-ordinator Jim Schwartz to be their coach. Schwartz will attempt to lead a turnaround for the NFL's first 0-16 team.

The New Orleans Saints hired Gregg Williams to fill their vacant defensive co-ordinator's post, hoping he'll shape up a unit that allowed 339.5 yards per game.

The Miami Dolphins fired offensive line coach Mike Maser on Thursday after one season with the team, the first shake-up in head coach Tony Sparano's staff.

If Herm Edwards is on his way out as coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, his new boss isn't saying.

The St. Louis Rams concluded a two-day interview with Vikings defensive co-ordinator Leslie Frazier on Wednesday, and later in the day began discussions with Cowboys offensive co-ordinator Jason Garrett.

New Colts coach Jim Caldwell said on Wednesday that special teams coach Russ Purnell would not be retained next season.

A Pennsylvania jury has sided with Plaxico Burress in a dispute over how much the New York Giants star should pay in damages for a car he borrowed that ended up getting impounded by New York City police.

Don't expect the Jacksonville Jaguars to spend another US$24 million in free agency. Not this year. Not down the road. Maybe not ever again.

Brian Westbrook walks around slowly, often with a limp. He watches practices from the sideline, needing the extra rest to be ready for game days.

Joe Flacco has been making headlines this post-season for what he hasn't done. In two games, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback has completed only 44 per cent of his passes, thrown for one touchdown and is averaging 148 yards through the air.

Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin practised Wednesday and says he will play in Sunday's NFC championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Several months after he was charged with raping a South Carolina woman, former NFL running back David Meggett was in jail Wednesday on allegations of another sexual assault.

Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin says he calmly chatted with a gunman in another vehicle after the armed passenger turned out to be a Dallas Cowboys fan.

The Seahawks officially transitioned away from a grandfatherly guru of quarterbacks to a defensive mind with seemingly endless energy when they introduced Jim Mora Tuesday as their seventh coach.

Chargers coach Norv Turner got rid of four assistants on Tuesday, two days after San Diego was eliminated from the playoffs by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Josh McDaniels went right to work Tuesday figuring out how to fix the dreadful Denver defence that was Mike Shanahan's undoing.

The message is delivered differently, and with no spittle accompanying it. Mike Tomlin took over Bill Cowher's team two years ago next week, yet he never promised to be just like Bill.

Tampa Bay's Ronde Barber and Davin Joseph were added to the NFC Pro Bowl squad on Tuesday, replacing Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson and Dallas guard Leonard Davis.

Scott Pioli, who helped build and lead a dynasty in New England, is now in charge of a Kansas City franchise which hasn't won a playoff game in 14 years.

Steelers all-pro safety Troy Polamalu injured a calf before Sunday's divisional playoff victory over San Diego and will work only lightly during the first couple of days of practice for the AFC championship game.

Robert Prince was hired Tuesday as the Seahawks' new wide receivers coach, and coach Jim Mora is retaining a dozen members of predecessor Mike Holmgren's staff.

Plaxico Burress is in court again. A trial is scheduled to begin Wednesday in Pennsylvania to determine how much the troubled New York Giants wide receiver will have to pay in damages for a car he leased before it was impounded by New York City police.

Jim Caldwell wants to build on Tony Dungy's success, not be a carbon copy of his former boss. Caldwell, 53, was introduced today by the Colts as Dungy's replacement.

The New York Giants had all the pieces in place to repeat as Super Bowl champions except one: Plaxico Burress.

The remodelling Seattle Seahawks hired Casey Bradley as their defensive co-ordinator and Dan Quinn as their defensive line coach and assistant head coach Monday.

Arizona Cardinals tight end Stephen Spach will miss the rest of the playoffs with a torn knee ligament.

The man who ran the New England Patriots' high-scoring offence is taking over as coach of the Denver Broncos, charged with revitalizing a team that failed to make the playoffs the past three seasons.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer was arrested over the weekend after a disturbance outside a downtown Indianapolis nightclub, police said.

Tennessee Titans defensive co-ordinator Jim Schwartz travelled to Michigan for a second interview with the Lions, a person familiar with his plans told The Associated Press on Monday.

Tony Dungy has retired after seven years as coach of the Indianapolis Colts, saying this was right moment.

The Denver Broncos apparently have turned from "The Mastermind" to "The Wunderkid."

Electrifying early and too late, the San Diego Chargers just didn't have enough juice.

There is a home-field advantage in the NFL playoffs after all, and it belongs to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

David Tyree's helmet catch. Plaxico Burress' game-winning touchdown reception. A slew of sacks.

Donovan McNabb will get another chance to chase that elusive Super Bowl title. Eli Manning threw away his opportunity to defend it.

San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson wasn't in uniform for Sunday's AFC divisional playoff game at the Steelers, sidelined by the detached tendon in his groin.

Another ineffective effort on offense for the Steelers isn't likely to be good enough this time against the streaking Chargers, who have advanced to this AFC divisional playoff game Sunday at Heinz Field.

Jake Delhomme helped the Carolina Panthers to a perfect 8-0 mark at home this season with nearly flawless play.

The Tennessee Titans turned in the NFL's best record by avoiding mistakes, sacking quarterbacks, forcing turnovers and running the ball. Then they got to the playoffs.

The New York Jets will interview Baltimore Ravens defensive co-ordinator Rex Ryan on Sunday about their coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the search told The Associated Press.

As grudge matches go, this was worthy of the WWE. The Baltimore Ravens survived 13-10 against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday thanks to Matt Stover's 43-yard field goal with 53 seconds remaining.

The once discarded Kurt Warner threw two touchdown passes as the Arizona Cardinals routed the Carolina Panthers 33-13 on Saturday night and are now one win away from their first Super Bowl appearance.

The NFL has fined Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney $20,000 for comments he made after last Saturday's 23-17 overtime loss at San Diego.

The Denver Broncos are mired in mediocrity, their 24-24 record over the last three seasons the very definition of an ordinary NFL team.

Adam (Pacman) Jones suggested Saturday his days with the Dallas Cowboys may not be over.

Rod Marinelli joined the Chicago Bears as a defensive line coach Saturday, returning to his roots after becoming the NFL's first head coach to post an 0-16 season.

Rob Chudzinski, the Cleveland Browns' offensive co-ordinator for the past two seasons, is interviewing with 49ers coach Mike Singletary for San Francisco's vacant offensive co-ordinator job.

The Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens have had two memorable meetings in the postseason and as two of the top defences in the NFL prepare to meet again, there's no reason to believe this time will be any different.

LaDainian Tomlinson was officially listed as doubtful by the San Diego Chargers on Friday, two days before they play at Pittsburgh in the AFC divisional playoffs.

Lawrence Tynes has spent most of the season after kicking the game-winning field goal in the NFC title game as a spectator for the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

The answer is no. Kerry Collins has not watched the 2001 Super Bowl in a long time. You know, the one when the Baltimore Ravens ripped him apart, sacking him four times and coming up with four interceptions.

Brian Dawkins and Asante Samuel may get the attention and accolades, but Philadelphia's run-stuffing success starts with the two men in the middle: defensive tackles Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson.

The Arizona Cardinals spent the week devising ways to slow dynamic running back DeAngelo Williams, speedy receiver Steve Smith and disruptive defensive end Julius Peppers.

The New York Giants had everyone on the roster practice on Thursday for this weekend's NFC semifinal against the Philadelphia Eagles, the first time in more than three months no one has been sidelined by an injury.

Introduced for the first time as the Cleveland Browns' head coach, Eric Mangini stepped to the podium and his football life flashed before him. This is where it all began.

Owner Pat Bowlen wrapped up his first round of interviews for the Denver Broncos' head coaching vacancy Thursday when he met with Miami Dolphins secondary coach Todd Bowles.

The starting quarterback job with the Minnesota Vikings isn't exactly Tarvaris Jackson's job to lose.

Anquan Boldin says he won't give his injured hamstring a serious test until just before kickoff of the Arizona Cardinals' divisional playoff game at Carolina on Saturday night.

Brett Favre is going to take his time before deciding whether to return with the New York Jets next season. The 39-year-old quarterback told ESPN on Thursday he's following the advice of Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum by not making a hasty decision on his future.

LaDainian Tomlinson confirmed Wednesday that he has a torn tendon in his groin and listed himself as doubtful for the San Diego Chargers' playoff game at Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Greg Knapp is the new offensive co-ordinator for the Seahawks, the first of many moves to be made by Seattle under new coach Jim Mora.

Troubled cornerback Adam (Pacman) Jones was released Wednesday by the Dallas Cowboys following a season in which he was suspended six games for an off-field fight.

New York Giants leading rusher Brandon Jacobs returned to practice on Wednesday and pronounced himself ready to go for the NFC semifinal against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Eric Mangini is the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week after being fired by the New York Jets.

Brian Dawkins shakes, gyrates and looks like he's having an out-of-body experience when he runs on the field during pre-game introductions.

Tennessee centre Kevin Mawae insisted Wednesday he is day-to-day for the Titans' divisional playoff game against Baltimore, and he didn't mean to cause such a stir by saying he wouldn't play this week.

Former Kansas City Chiefs boss Carl Peterson says he is not taking a job with Miami, ending speculation that began when he was seen at the Dolphins' playoff loss last Sunday.

Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin rested his injured hamstring Wednesday and said he's not sure he'll play in the divisional playoff at Carolina.

Boston College fired head football coach Jeff Jagodzinski on Wednesday, days after he was warned of dismissal if he interviewed for the coaching job with the NFL's New York Jets.

Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with a swollen head, an issue that has troubled many NFL quarterbacks. Only this time, it's not the result of too many commercial endorsements, a big contract or too much fan praise.

Jack Kemp, the former housing secretary, congressman and Buffalo Bills quarterback, has been diagnosed with cancer, his office said Wednesday.

The Carolina Panthers should have starting defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis back for Saturday's NFC divisional playoff game against Arizona.

Former Super Bowl standout Mark Ingram -- arrested last week in Michigan after a month on the lam -- is back in New York.

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer won't need surgery on his right elbow and should be ready for the team's regular off-season workouts.

Their coaching search on hold and seemingly locked on Eric Mangini, the Cleveland Browns plan to interview Philadelphia Eagles general manager Tom Heckert for their GM opening.

The Chicago Bears fired linebackers coach Lloyd Lee on Tuesday, the latest move after the team finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs for the second straight year.

The Monday morning chatter at Scott Truman's Michigan office was all about the face that invaded people's living rooms over the weekend.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are committing the most turnovers of any team left in the NFL playoffs, getting sacked more often and are scoring the fewest points.

The defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants are entering the playoffs as somewhat of an enigma. While they are the NFC's top-seeded team, they have not been playing like the conference's best team heading into Sunday's conference semifinal vs. the Eagles.

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of drunken driving.

The Tennessee Titans got Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and end Kyle Vanden Bosch back on the practice field Tuesday. The availability of Pro Bowl centre Kevin Mawae against Baltimore depends on who is talking.

Rick Dennison served 14 seasons as Mike Shanahan's disciple, and now he wants to be his replacement.

In a year of prolific offences, Drew Brees stood out like, well, Dan Marino. The New Orleans Saints quarterback won The Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award Tuesday.

A gun owned by Indianapolis Colts star Marvin Harrison was used in an April shooting, but investigators still can't determine who pulled the trigger, the city's chief prosecutor said Tuesday.

The time for rest is over in Tennessee. Next up? A bitter rival in the Baltimore Ravens with the added bonus of all that ugly history about No. 1 seeds who don't make it to the Super Bowl.

Michael Vick would have to keep a court official informed about his attempts to be reinstated by the NFL after his release from prison, under a revised bankruptcy plan proposed by his lawyers.

Former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel is among the candidates the St. Louis Rams could interview for their head coaching vacancy this week.

There was the strained groin in 2004, the lingering rib injury in 2005, a jaw injury in 2006, the knee injury in last year's playoffs and then his jammed right big toe earlier this season.

All the ingredients are there for the Philadelphia Eagles to go deep in the playoffs except for home-field advantage.

The New York Jets will interview Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm on Thursday in Arizona about their coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the search told The Associated Press on Monday.

Scott Pioli, who helped build the New England Patriots' dynasty, may have a second suitor among teams looking for general managers.

The Browns' search for a new general manager has stalled like one of their scoring drives.

Antonio Pierce was thrust into the national spotlight a little more than a month ago, and not for any on-field reasons.

The Miami Dolphins' great leap forward ended with a thud.

Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin has a strained left hamstring and his status is uncertain for Saturday night's NFC divisional playoff game at Carolina.

Tony Dungy still enjoys the challenge of coaching. He just has to decide whether commuting from Indianapolis to see his wife and children in Florida is worth it.

The New England Patriots plan to put the franchise tag on quarterback Matt Cassel, according to a published report.

Minnesota Vikings great Carl Eller is suing the Minneapolis Police Department.

The Green Bay Packers have cleaned house, releasing defensive co-ordinator Bob Sanders and five other assistant coaches.

James Harrison, the best player on the NFL's best defence, is the winner of The Associated Press 2008 Defensive Player of the Year award.

If there was one team that was going to get the New York Giants' attention in the NFC semifinals, it was the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bill Parcells is staying with the Miami Dolphins, owner Wayne Huizenga said. After the team's playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Huizenga said Parcells has decided to remain for another season.

Brian Westbrook caught a short pass out of the backfield and zigzagged through the Minnesota defence for a devastating 71-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, helping the Eagles to a 26-14 victory Sunday.

The improbable comeback season for the Miami Dolphins and their resurgent quarterback came to an abrupt close Sunday, losing 27-9 to the Baltimore Ravens in their AFC wild-card playoff game.

Now it really feels just like the 2000 season all over again for the Tennessee Titans.

The Baltimore Ravens had Chad Pennington spinning, ducking, on his heels and on his back. When he did manage to get a pass away, they were often there to snatch it.

Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis had a 90-minute phone conversation with New York Giants offensive co-ordinator Kevin Gilbride about the team's coaching vacancy.

Bill Cowher doesn't plan to coach in the NFL next year, and will stay with CBS Sports as a studio analyst.

Mike Smith and Tony Sparano performed so brilliantly as rookie head coaches it was almost impossible to separate them.

Peyton Manning and the NFL's hottest team entering the playoffs are going home for the winter.

Darren Sproles scooted 22 yards for the winning score in OT as the Chargers beat the Colts 23-17 in an AFC wild-card game Saturday, ending Indy's nine-game winning streak a day after Peyton Manning won his third MVP award.

Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan opened the regular season by throwing for a touchdown on his first pass. He opened the playoffs with an interception.

Kurt Warner opened with a 42-yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald and connected with Anquan Boldin on a 71-yard scoring play as the Arizona Cardinals beat Atlanta 30-24 Saturday in their first home playoff game in 61 years.

The New York Jets interviewed Giants defensive co-ordinator Steve Spagnuolo about their coaching vacancy Saturday.

Fired Detroit Lions president Matt Millen, the architect of the NFL's first 0-16 team, says he's responsible for its historic encounter with failure.

The Tennessee Titans had the pieces in place to be among the NFL's best a year ago when they squeaked into the playoffs only to lose in the first round.

According to team sources, a detached tendon may keep San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson on the sidelines for Saturday night's AFC wild-card playoff game against Indianapolis.

Former New York Giant Mark Ingram was arrested in Michigan, nearly a month after he disappeared on the day he was scheduled to begin serving a prison sentence for bank fraud and money laundering.

Pat Bowlen's search for Mike Shanahan's successor begins Saturday with a trip to the East Coast.

Colts rookie offensive linemen Mike Pollak and Jamey Richard missed practice Friday and are listed as questionable for Saturday night's game at San Diego.

Steve Spagnuolo jogged out of the tunnel leading from Giants Stadium to the team's practice bubble, waved at reporters waiting outside and then went to work on Friday.

The NFL has given the Minnesota Vikings one last chance to sell out the Metrodome for Sunday's playoff game against Philadelphia.

Like any Eagles running back, Correll Buckhalter is used to a break in the action.

New England offensive co-ordinator Josh McDaniels has interviewed with Browns owner Randy Lerner about Cleveland's coaching vacancy on Friday.

Buffalo Bills safety Ko Simpson was arrested outside a bar in his hometown of Rock Hill after he refused to leave officers alone as they arrested another man, according to a police report. Simpson was in a car that was speeding through the parking lot of the Celebrations bar around 2 a.m. New Year's Day.

Sportsnet.ca NFL analyst Jim Lang takes a look at the four teams vying for the two spots in next weekend's NFC Divisional games.

Sportsnet.ca NFL analyst Jim Lang takes a look at the four teams vying for the two spots in next weekend's AFC Divisional games.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has won his third Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award.

Now that the Detroit Lions have called about defensive co-ordinator Leslie Frazier, the Minnesota Vikings expect interest from other teams with head coaching vacancies.

The Tennessee Titans have given a lesson in how to rebuild a roster back to playoff quality.

The Atlanta Falcons can run away with a wild card victory over Arizona on Saturday, if regular-season history means anything.

Ron Rivera was talking about Peyton Manning with both admiration and frustration when the reality of being an NFL defensive co-ordinator in the playoffs caught up with him.

Donovan McNabb watched the Philadelphia Eagles play their last playoff game like most fans, sitting in front of a television, cheering and chomping on food. Now, McNabb is back in the playoffs, eager to lead the Eagles against the Minnesota Vikings in a wild-card game on Sunday.

The Vikings reported 8,000 tickets remaining at noon New Year's Day for Sunday's game against the Eagles. The NFL has granted an extension until 3:30 p.m. local time Friday to reach a virtual sellout, but the possibility of a local TV blackout looms.

Jack Harbaugh knew long ago that his son would make an excellent NFL coach. The only question was whether John Harbaugh would ever get the chance to prove his father right.

Kevin Boss hasn't wasted any time making New York Giants fans forget Jeremy Shockey.