The Indianapolis Colts may be dipping into the college ranks to find their next head coach, as sources told Adam Rittenberg of ESPN that the club interviewed Baylor's Matt Rhule for the job earlier this week.Rhule just completed his first season with the Bears after an impressive stint at Temple from 2013-16. The 42-year-old struggled mightily in his first season with the Big 12 program, posting a dismal 1-11 record.While much of Baylor's struggles can be attributed to significant roster movement in the wake of Art Briles' dismissal prior to the 2016 season, shocking losses to Liberty and UTSA to open the campaign tainted the start to Rhule's tenure.Despite the struggles with Baylor, Rhule is looked at as a strong NFL candidate for his fine work in turning around the Temple program. After beginning his tenure with the Owls with a 2-10 season, Rhule rebounded with a 6-6 mark followed by back-to-back 10-win records in 2015 and 2016.Rhule does have one season of NFL experience, serving as offensive line coach with the New York Giants in 2012, but has spent the rest of his career in the college ranks.The Colts head coaching position became available when the club fired Chuck Pagano following the 2017 season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears the Houston Texans have found their next general manager, as sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that the club is expected to hire Buffalo Bills vice president of player personnel Brian Gaine.Gaine's stay in Buffalo turned out to be brief, as he was hired away from the Texans last May for the role with the Bills. He spent three seasons with Houston from 2014-16.Rick Smith served as the Texans' general manager for 11 years before recently announcing he would take a leave of absence from the role to support his wife in her battle with breast cancer.One of Gaine's first tasks will be building a strong relationship with head coach Bill O'Brien, as the veteran frontman's relationship with Smith was described as "toxic" by a source to the Houston Chronicle. While the Texans had a trying year in 2017, the return of injured stars Deshaun Watson, J.J. Watt, and Whitney Mercilus could make for a quick turnaround in Houston.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The loaded running back class for the 2018 NFL Draft got even more stacked on Wednesday as LSU star Derrius Guice announced he's skipping his senior season to turn professional.Guice was one of the most prolific running backs in the country during his three-year career with the Tigers, leading the SEC in rushing with 1,387 yards for the 2016 season despite splitting carries with Leonard Fournette.In his final season with LSU, Guice battled injuries but still managed to finish with 1,251 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.The 5-foot-11, 212-pounder is projected as a first-round selection in April's draft and will undoubtedly be one of the first running backs selected.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks announced the firing of offensive line coach Tom Cable on Wednesday.The move follows the dismissal of offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell late Tuesday.Related: Seahawks set for more coaching changesCable has been with the Seahawks since 2011, serving as the team's assistant head coach and offensive line coach. He was previously bench boss of the Oakland Raiders from 2008-2010.The Seahawks didn't have a single offensive lineman rank inside the top 18 at their position this season, according to Pro Football Focus.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Retired NFL quarterback Rich Gannon told 95.7 The Game he won't be accepting the role of Oakland Raiders quarterbacks coach."I came to my senses" while on a flight to Oakland on Tuesday, Gannon said, according to Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area.Gannon also said he couldn't, or didn't want to, match head coach Jon Gruden's intensity and time commitment.Gannon served as the Raiders quarterback from 1999-2004, playing his first three seasons under Gruden.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Johnny Manziel is ready for a comeback.The former NFL quarterback, who has received a contract offer from the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats, took to Instagram on Wednesday to gauge interest from fans on whether he should release a line of hoodies.Related - Agent: Manziel wants Ticats deal comparable to recent QB's contractThe hoodies feature his signature money gesture on the sleeves and the word "comeback" on the hood.(Courtesy: Johnny Manziel/Instagram)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While the reaction to the "Perfect season" parade to memorialize the Cleveland Browns' 0-16 campaign was mixed, it reportedly had a positive impact on the community.The parade raised more than $17,000 for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, according to Hayden Grove of Cleveland.com, which equates to nearly 70,000 meals.Between 2,500 and 3,200 people showed up for the event outside First Energy Stadium, Fox 8 Cleveland reports.Related: Highlights from Browns fans' 0-16 'Perfect Season' paradeCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Plenty of NFL teams are searching for new head coaches, coordinators, and front-office staff. Follow here for updates on the league's hiring carousel from Jan. 10.Related: Seahawks fire offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell

Quietly, the NFL revealed its 2018 Pro Bowl jerseys on Wednesday.The new uniforms weren't unveiled in an official announcement, but the jerseys went up for sale on the NFL's retail site and Fanatics.com.The jerseys retail for $149.99. The players displayed on them are not subject to attend the annual event.The Pro Bowl, which pits NFC vs. AFC, will be held Jan. 28 in Orlando.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray was ruled out for Saturday's divisional-round game against the New England Patriots, according to Titans Online's Jim Wyatt.Murray missed last week's wild-card game against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a knee sprain. He hasn't played since the Titans' Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, when he rushed for 48 yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts.Sophomore running back Derrick Henry carried the ball 23 times for 156 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Chiefs, adding two receptions for another 35 yards.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers have dipped into their past to help shape their future.Green Bay will name Joe Philbin as its new offensive coordinator, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Packers fired offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett and quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt after a season in which Green Bay failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2008.Philbin previously served as a position coach for the Packers from 2003 to 2006 and was promoted to offensive coordinator from 2007 to 2011. He left to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2012.The Packers also recently hired Mike Pettine as their new defensive coordinator and promoted Brian Gutekunst to general manager.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley announced Wednesday that he is declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility.Ridley caught 63 passes this season for 967 yards and five touchdowns. His college career closes with totals of 224 receptions, 2,781 yards, and 19 touchdowns in three campaigns. He caught six passes for 82 yards in Monday's national championship victory over Georgia.Star defensive lineman Da'Ron Payne will also forgo his senior year to make the leap to the NFL, Matt Zenitz of AL.com reports.Payne registered 53 tackles, a sack, an interception, and eight quarterback hurries while leading the Crimson Tide to the national title. He also recorded an acrobatic 1-yard touchdown grab in a Sugar Bowl victory over Clemson.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders triumphantly introduced Jon Gruden as their new head coach Tuesday with all the pageantry of a Las Vegas show.After finally wresting Gruden from the broadcast booth, the franchise exalted it as a major triumph. That Gruden has been out of coaching for nine years, hasn't won a playoff game since 2002, and has been away from the Raiders for even longer was of little consequence. The team doubled down by handing him a reported 10-year, $100-million contract.It all gives off the appearance of a novelty hire, that the Raiders are prioritizing winning in the court of public opinion over winning on the field.How else to explain the franchise'​s last two major additions?A year ago, the Raiders brought prodigal son Marshawn Lynch out of retirement. The move was celebrated everywhere as Lynch remains one of the NFL's most popular figures.​Now, it's The Return of Chucky. Gruden was perhaps more beloved than any ​Raider, outside of Tim Brown, over the past two decades. His name and face will garner more merchandise sales than even Lynch achieved, and Beast Mode had the top-selling jersey in 14 states last summer.But when it comes to on-field performance, Gruden hasn't had to lead a team to victory since ​2008. And that's what's of most importance.The Raiders own pieces capable of winning right now. Derek Carr is the franchise quarterback Gruden never had in his previous stints in both Oakland and Tampa Bay. He's protected by one of the most feared offensive lines in football and has a game-changing talent in receiver Amari Cooper, though the third​-year player struggled mightily in 2017.The segment that failed the team this season was the defense. Aside from last year's Defensive Player of the Year, Khalil Mack, the Raiders are deficient in talent on that side of the ball. While the offense ranked 17th in the NFL, the defense finished 23rd. They were 26th in pass defense and dead last in interceptions with five.​That's what makes the hiring of an offensive coach like Gruden such a head-scratcher.There's no doubt Carr and the offense could use an infusion of creativity in the playbook, as the duo of Jack Del Rio and Todd Downing appeared to waste the unit's talents. But even if Gruden returns the offense to its 2016 form, or greater, the team won't be going anywhere with that defense.Gruden, who has administered quarterback camps in his time away from the sidelines, will surely focus much of his attention on that aspect, and entrust new coordinator Paul Guenther with overhauling the defense, but without seeing what the team will accomplish in the draft and free agency, it's hard to see the Gruden hire as little more than a public relations strategy.Construction is underway on a new stadium in Las Vegas, and before the franchise leaves Oakland, it will need to fill the stands at the Oakland Coliseum and perhaps garner enough public ​support to stay another year or two if their palatial new digs aren't ready by ​2020.But if you're a Raider fan from Oakland, would you say no to Lynch and Gruden if they come knocking on the door looking for an extension on their rent?Mark Davis has been chasing Gruden for years, and perhaps in a sense, the fan base has been, too, since he took a Super Bowl title from them the year after he was traded.The Gruden hire rights a previous wrong, but if it delays a potential championship, to use Davis' words from Tuesday's press conference, it's a "big f'n deal."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After reportedly firing offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell late Tuesday, more coaching changes could be coming soon for the Seattle Seahawks.Defensive coordinator Kris Richard, who's been with the team since 2010 and occupying his current role since 2015, is available as a head coaching candidate, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Richard has reportedly interviewed with the Indianapolis Colts for their head coaching vacancy and would be allowed out of his contract with the Seahawks should an opportunity present itself.Bevell's reported dismissal represents the first true firing of a staff member by head coach Pete Carrol since Bevell's predecessor, Jeremy Bates, was fired following the 2010 season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns scooped up one of the most coveted front-office executives on the market Wednesday, hiring Eliot Wolf as their assistant general manager on a reported four-year contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Wolf, who represents a huge hire for Browns general manager John Dorsey, was serving as director of football operations with the Green Bay Packers after being hired in 2004 as a pro personnel assistant.His father, Ron Wolf, was a longtime Packers GM.Eliot reportedly received interest from the Oakland Raiders, as well as the Packers, who hoped to retain him despite handing the general manager job to Brian Gutekunst, another in-house candidate.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Details of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier's condition have been kept mostly under wraps since he suffered a spinal injury on the football field. It remains a delicate situation as he continues his rehabilitation.His teammates recently shared with Greg Bishop of Sports Illustrated their reactions to watching a beloved member of the defense sustain such an injury.Shazier was injured while making a tackle on a 3-yard catch just minutes into a Monday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13.Safety Mike Mitchell didn't dress for the game due to an ankle injury, but he ran onto the field to attend to Shazier, his closest friend on the team."I can't feel my legs," Shazier said to him, with tears running down his face."I don't think (linebacker) Vince (Williams) stopped crying until after halftime, and that's one of the most gangster dudes on the team," Mitchell said.Williams was near the play when it happened."The lick was loud. I heard it, like, BOW!" he recounted.But the mood quickly changed when he noticed the expression on Shazier's face."That f----- me up," Williams said. "I'm watching the trainers pinch him. They're not really telling him they're pinching him, and they're just pinching the s--- out of him."Shazier's father recently said his son is regaining feeling in his legs. This comes after he underwent spinal stabilization surgery days after the injury.His teammates vowed to win the Super Bowl for him. The Steelers will begin their playoff run by hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks have fired offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell after seven years with the team, a source confirmed to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.Bevell was aboard for the Seahawks' Super Bowl win in 2013 and their return to the title game the following season.Seattle missed the playoffs this season for the first time since 2011 as the offense slumped to 15th overall while the running game ranked 23rd. Only quarterback Russell Wilson, who led the team with 95 rushes for 586 yards and three touchdowns, saved the unit from finishing at the very bottom.The Seahawks are used to replacing coordinators, but it's typically because they've been poached by other teams. Bevell would be the first coordinator fired since Jeremy Bates was let go as offensive coordinator after the 2010 season, prompting Bevell's arrival.His lowest moment came in Super Bowl XLIX when, with the Seahawks at the New England Patriots' 1-yard line and driving for the winning score, he called a pass play that was intercepted.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers are expected to hire Mike Pettine as their defensive coordinator, ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports.Pettine previously served as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns (2014-15), posting a 10-22 cumulative record.The 51-year-old has also worked as the defensive coordinator of the New York Jets (2009-12) and Buffalo Bills (2013).Green Bay fired defensive coordinator Dom Capers on Jan.1.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers retained defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, the team announced Tuesday.Terms of Bradley's deal weren't announced, but he signed a three-year contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Bradley's previous contract with the Chargers expired Tuesday and the Green Bay Packers requested permission to interview him for their defensive coordinator position, according to Schefter.The 51-year-old previously served as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars (2013-2016), where he compiled a 14-48 record over four seasons.Los Angeles finished third in scoring defense under Bradley's tutelage in 2017."We'd like to keep this together if we can," Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said when the season ended. "I know some guys, the contracts are up. We’re working on that right now. We’re trying to keep this staff together, this nucleus together, because I think we got better as a coaching staff as the season went on. We hit some bumps there early, and midway through the season, but things are a lot smoother right now. I think we understand each other. And the most important thing is, we’re all pulling in the same direction right now."Whisenhunt was hired by the Chargers for the second time in January 2016, previously serving as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans (2014-15) and the Arizona Cardinals (2007-12), and posting a combined 48-71 record with the two clubs.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tua Tagovailoa is the man of the hour after leading Alabama to a 26-23 overtime victory over Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship - and his friends are coming out in droves to support him.The freshman quarterback came off the bench for Alabama to replace Jalen Hurts and connected with DeVonta Smith on a perfect 41-yard touchdown strike to lead the Crimson Tide to the national title.Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has served as a mentor to the Alabama rising star and raved about his friend following Monday's victory."Tua is a stud. He's the next guy coming up. Proud of him," Mariota said to ESPN's Cameron Wolfe. "From where that kid's come, how he's grown and how he handled the situation last night. He's very special. Hopefully he can continue his success. I'm sure you guys saw the interview after the game. That's who he is."Mariota believes Tagovailoa will continue to develop into one of college football's brightest stars as his career progresses."He's done it all himself. Where he gets his humility is from his family. How he carries himself is from where we grew up. I hope he uses this as motivation to continue to get better and see how far he can take it."It's not inconceivable to imagine a scenario where Mariota and Tagovailoa square off in the NFL, but the latter is a few years away from this reality. In the meantime, he'll have to settle for a national championship while one of college football's most raucous fan bases rejoices.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane insists there was a misunderstanding during an exchange between Bills guard Richie Incognito and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue following Sunday's wild-card playoff game.Ngakoue accused Incognito of using racial slurs during their interaction, but Beane doesn't believe that to be the case."There was definitely an exchange," Beane said Tuesday via ESPN's Mike Rodak. "I think there's a misunderstanding of what was said."Ngakoue claims he doesn't remember the particulars of the exchange but does recall Incognito using a racially motivated insult."No, I don't remember, but, you know, he said what he said," Ngakoue offered. "He knows what he said. I don't gotta repeat it."Multiple Bills players came to Incognito's defense. The Jaguars have contacted the NFL regarding Ngakoue's account of the conversation but no sanctions have been issued yet.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers fans are still upset about James Harrison signing with the New England Patriots.While some chose to burn or throw away their No. 92 jerseys, this fan - spotted by 93.7 The Fan's Colin Dunlap - went a different route:

Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson is fuming at the suggestion that his team is less of a Super Bowl contender without Carson Wentz.The Eagles secured the NFC's top seed but are considered a betting underdog when they host the Atlanta Falcons this weekend.Many believed that the Eagles' goal of winning the Super Bowl vanished when Wentz suffered a season-ending torn ACL, but Johnson isn't having any of it."What bothered me was we were 12-2 (at the time) and treated like we were the (Cleveland) Browns," Johnson said via ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "It happens, but I think although we don't like it, it's a good motivator to have people not write good things. I think it's the best motivator there is and you can go and change it."Related: Eagles' Cox: 'We've been disrespected all year'Johnson appears to be using these perceived slights as motivation ahead of Saturday's game against the Falcons."I think everybody perceives us as being the weakest and that is fine. I think that is good. I think if teams want to overlook us, that is good. We'll just see about Saturday. ... We're excited. We know what people are saying."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brett Favre won't stop his grandsons from playing football, but admits he'd be relieved to see them choose another sport.The former Green Bay Packers quarterback appeared on CBS Sports' "Pick Six" podcast ahead of the release of the documentary he helped produce, "Shocked: A Hidden Factor in the Sports Concussion Crisis," which sheds light on head-to-turf collisions and what can be done to fix the issue."I have three grandsons - and people may wonder why a retired player would be so adamant about concussions and making the environment safer - I don't know if they'll play football. They're 8 (years), 3 (years) and several months old," Favre said."What little bit I know now - and it's more than when I played - concussions (are) not good. And definitely not for a youth. And so, there is something out there that can make the environment safer, aside from helmets, and that is the surface. I think you have to look at the surface as an equal if not more important than the equipment you wear."Asked what direction he'd push them in, Favre said he'd prefer they take a "safer route" like golf."I'm not going to encourage them to play. I'm not going to discourage (them)," he said. "But I say this to everyone who will listen: If my grandsons were to say ... 'Will you be my caddy in golf? I think I'm going to do golf instead of football,' I would be much more happy, satisfied, and excited by that then by them playing football.""Shocked" premieres Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. ET on Stadium.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs named Eric Bieniemy offensive coordinator Tuesday.Kansas City's former offensive coordinator Matt Nagy was named Chicago Bears head coach Monday, creating a vacancy.Bieniemy has served as the Chiefs' running backs coach since 2013."I've known Eric a long time, both as a player and a coach," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "He's done a phenomenal job with our running backs and has been involved in every aspect of our offense over the last five years. He’s a great teacher and has earned this opportunity. I know he will do a good job."Bieniemy also served as the running backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2006-2010. The 48-year-old played in the NFL from 1991-1999, spending his career with the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Plenty of NFL teams are searching for new head coaches, coordinators, and front-office staff. Follow here for updates on the league's hiring carousel from Jan. 9.The Oakland Raiders officially introduced Jon Gruden as their new head coach on Tuesday.Related: Best moments from Jon Gruden's introduction as Raiders' head coachThe Los Angeles Chargers retained defensive coordinator Gus Bradley with a three-year contract, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Both the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks expressed interest in pursuing Bradley.Los Angeles also retained offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.

The Baltimore Ravens promoted Don Martindale from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator Tuesday."'Wink' has earned the promotion to defensive coordinator," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said of Martindale in a statement. "His aggressive mentality will serve to take our defense to new levels. He is obviously respected by players, many of whom have already benefited from his direct coaching at the linebacker position. He knows the ins and outs of what we have been about on defense and has been an important contributor to our success on that side of the ball. This is an exciting day for Wink and his family, and also one for the Ravens."Martindale served as the team's linebackers coach since 2012, helping the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII.Former Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees retired from his position on Jan. 1.Baltimore promoted Mike McDonald from defensive backs coach to linebackers coach in a corresponding move.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins won't play in the 2018 Pro Bowl as a result of a calf injury, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.Hopkins was selected to the Pro Bowl as a starter, along with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown.He'll be replaced by Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry.Hopkins' second career Pro Bowl selection was the product of 96 receptions for 1,378 yards and a league-high 13 receiving touchdowns for the season. He was also selected as a First-Team All-Pro for the first time in his career.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers are targeting Norv Turner for their offensive coordinator position, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Carolina is looking for new blood after firing offensive coordinator Mike Shula and quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey on Tuesday.Turner last served as Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator from 2014-2016, before resigning in November 2016. The veteran head coach is best known for his stints as the head coach of the Washington Redskins (1994-2000) and the San Diego Chargers (2007-2012).The Panthers are likely looking for a new direction after being eliminated by the New Orleans Saints in the wild-card round and Turner would certainly differ from Shula moving forward.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jon Gruden was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday, and he had no shortage of great new soundbites to add to his audio reel.The event started with a video intro, highlighting Gruden's best quips from his first stint as an NFL head coach, and his time as an analyst with ESPN.

It's been nine years since Jon Gruden roamed the sidelines. He was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday, and he said he intends to run things as he did in his first stint.Gruden announced that he will call the plays for the team, beginning in the 2018 season.He also confirmed his coaching staff will feature Greg Olson as his offensive coordinator, Paul Guenther at defensive coordinator, and Rich Bisaccia as his special teams coordinator."I'm thrilled to have these three coaches. We're going to hire some others this week," Gruden said.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Fresh off a playoff appearance in which they scored three points, the Buffalo Bills know improvements must be made on the offensive side of the ball moving forward."We're not satisfied with the whole offense and it was not just about (quarterback) Tyrod (Taylor)," Bills general manager Brandon Beane said Tuesday, according to Mike Rodak of ESPN.Taylor and the Bills offense struggled in Sunday's wild-card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars' vaunted defense. Along with the lone field goal, Taylor had more incompletions (20) than completions (17) and threw for just 134 yards and an interception.The team was held to 130 rushing yards and star running back LeSean McCoy was held to 75 yards while nursing an injured ankle."We have a long way to go. We have a lot of work to do," Beane said, reports Matthew Fairburn of Syracuse.com."We are far from a finished product. We know we have a lot of work to do on offense, defense, and special teams," Beane added, according to Sal Capaccio of WGR550.Taylor was infamously benched - with little explanation - for a mid-season game against the Los Angeles Chargers. His replacement, Nathan Peterman, went on to throw five picks in the contest.The Bills almost reluctantly turned back to Taylor, and aren't prepared to commit to him for 2018."Tyrod has a lot of ability. He did a lot of good things this year. But he'll tell you he has things to work on. ... Can't question his work ethic," Beane said, according to Rodak.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Just how strange is the 2017-18 NFL season?It was considered an upset when the Atlanta Falcons - a team that came within a few plays of winning the Super Bowl last year - defeated the Los Angeles Rams - an organization deprived of the playoffs since 2004 - in the first playoff game in Los Angeles in decades.That said, the game was an even matchup. The difference ultimately came down to two early turnovers by Rams kick-returners Blake Countess and Pharoh Cooper. It’s a hefty challenge for a young and inexperienced team to come back from a 13-0 deficit in a playoff game.Early turnovers can shock a team, alter their confidence, and cause an uneasy feeling the rest of the game. It’s not a surprise that a team not accustomed to the postseason, playing against the returning NFC champions, would struggle with those types of early negative plays.Falcons rely on balanceUnder pressure all season after replacing Kyle Shanahan, Steve Sarkisian passed his first huge test as the Falcons offensive coordinator. In playoff games, it’s important for a play designer and caller to get the ball to his best players as much as possible. Matt Ryan didn’t have a monster game, only throwing for 218 yards, but fed his best weapons.Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu combined for 13 catches and 169 yards. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman together ran for over 100 yards on the ground. It wasn’t a game where the offense “went off” and racked up monster numbers, but it was an efficient day for the Sarkisian unit. It did its job, protected the football, and executed when it mattered. Once they caught the early 13-0 lead, steady offensive football did the trick.The Atlanta defense is much improved since last year. In his third year on the job, Dan Quinn is continuing to influence the Falcons' roster. Remember, Quinn came to Atlanta from Seattle. When he left the Seahawks, their defense was young, fast, athletic, sound, and had playmakers that fit his scheme at all three levels.Since Quinn showed up in Atlanta, he and Tom Dimitroff have continued to sign and draft players who fit Quinn’s scheme. The defense wasn’t a strength last year during the Super Bowl run, but it was young, fast, and would compete for four quarters. The Falcons' defense has caught up with its offense, a unit that has taken a step back.The defensive improvement was evident Sunday. The Rams moved the ball well but couldn’t finish drives. Todd Gurley averaged seven yards per carry, and Jared Goff made plenty of completions for a first-time playoff starter. But the Falcons' D made the Rams earn it, and L.A. couldn’t execute at key moments.Giving up yards is one thing, but keeping teams out of the end zone is the most important stat for a defense. This is what the Quinn Cover 3 scheme is all about: keep the ball in front of you, tackle, run, create turnovers, and make the offense play mistake-free football for 15 plays. The Falcons bent plenty on Saturday, but didn’t break.Atlanta could win this Saturday with the same game plan. If they play solid on offense and Ryan can get the ball to his myriad of weapons while staying away from turnovers, Atlanta’s defense should be enough to slow Nick Foles' offense. Foles must stay away from turnovers if the Eagles want to have a chance. With this in mind, it makes sense that Atlanta is actually favored to win Saturday.Payton twice lucky as Saints escapeSean Payton has been the New Orleans Saints head coach since 2006; in that time, he has rarely had a productive defense. This year, he does - but he didn’t trust it Sunday.The Saints have won the majority of their games during the Drew Brees/Payton era by throwing the football. This season, Brees finally has a running game and solid defense to rely on.Maybe Payton isn’t as confident in his defense as the regular-season statistics prove he should be, or it's possible he wanted to pull a Bill Belichick-esque move and unleash his quarterback, but his fourth-down gamble should have lost the Saints the game. Punting the ball from midfield and pinning the Panthers inside their own 10-yard line was the right play.With this Saints defense, I’d take the chance on forcing Cam Newton to go 90 yards for a touchdown with under two minutes and no timeouts. Newton does some great things as a quarterback, but throwing the ball in obvious passing situations isn’t necessarily his strength.Payton went for it, and Brees was met by the perfect defensive coverage for the play that was called. Brees looked left to a double slant concept. You would think that, on fourth-and-two, the Panthers would be playing man coverage. They were, except defensive back Kurt Coleman, who was covering the Saints slot receiver, passed off the wideout to his inside linebacker and dropped directly into the lane of Brees’ outside slant.Brees almost threw the ball directly to Coleman, but quickly realized he needed a better option to convert. It was fourth down, so he tried to buy time, but couldn’t see anyone with separation downfield. He finally tossed it up for grabs and the ball was intercepted by 14-year safety Mike Adams. The entire Panthers roster knew immediately he should have batted the ball to the turf.The play was not reviewed, but in my opinion, the Panthers should have done whatever they could to get the officials to take a second look. I would imagine the interception would have been overturned if the same ruling for a receiver catch was applied.Adams held possession for a couple steps, but the ball ultimately fell out of his hands and out of bounds as he fell to the turf. Considering this, an extra look at that moment in the game would have benefitted Carolina.If it was ruled incomplete, Newton and his offense would have started 17 yards closer to victory. We will never know if the Panthers could've found the end zone with that field position, but, it's evident Payton made a mistake and got lucky on the same play twice.I know it’s not in his DNA, nor has he been used to doing that in his tenure with the Saints, but I imagine his mentor Bill Parcels would have punted in that situation.When New Orleans travels to Minnesota for what I believe to be the best game to watch this weekend, expect to see a lot of 50-50 balls thrown to the Saints’ outside receivers. There will be plenty of back shoulder throws, and multiple plays could result in defensive or offensive pass interference.Xavier Rhodes' matchup with Michael Thomas will be a fun battle to watch all afternoon. Brees is going to have to fit balls into some tight windows, and there will be a lot of hand-to-hand combat to see who comes down with the football, opening the door for possible controversy.For fans of both teams, this game will have an emotionally charged aspect because of the legendary "Bountygate" episode during the 2010 NFC championship game. But for the players, only a handful are still on both rosters. I assume Brees and Vikings defensive end Brian Robison will have plenty of questions thrown their way this week regarding a game that occurred eight years ago.Both the Saints and Vikings have totally different teams now, but this Sunday’s game could be just as memorable.Sage Rosenfels is a former 12-year NFL quarterback who writes, does radio, and podcasts about the NFL and college football. Find him on Twitter @SageRosenfels18.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley is embarking on a new career as a rapper.Beasley announced Tuesday he teamed up with music producer Victor "Phazz" Clark to form entertainment company ColdNation Records. He also released the first single off his upcoming album, "80 Stings," which name-drops Jerry Jones and Dak Prescott.He said he has no intention of doing shows or touring, and that football remains a top priority."Some people will question my loyalty to football, but the passion for that WILL NOT change," Beasley wrote. "My aim is to do exactly what I have been doing for the past 6 years, making music because that is what I enjoy doing."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Many picked Green Bay to win the NFC North. Instead, the Packers finished the season 7-9, behind the Vikings and Lions in the division and obviously out of the playoffs.Of course, Aaron Rodgers' collarbone injury had something to do with that - and Green Bay will be getting its superstar quarterback back for the 2018 season. That's a great step in a return to the postseason, but Rodgers' absence revealed several areas of concern on the roster.Usually a very stable organization, the Packers have already made changes at general manager and defensive coordinator.It's unusual for the Packers not to be drafting late in the round, but they'll pick 14th overall this year. Green Bay will also be about middle of the pack in terms of salary-cap space, but could create more by releasing receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. Kicker Mason Crosby also could be a cap casualty.Morgan Burnett is the Packers' most notable free agent; they'd be wise to bring him back. Davon House's and Jahri Evans’ contracts are expiring as well.Brian Gutekunst took over for Ted Thompson as GM and will be in charge of bolstering the roster. Thompson was notorious for not going outside the organization in free agency, instead building the Packers through the draft more than any NFL team.It's unclear what Gutekunst’s approach will be, but it's probably safe to say the Packers will be more open to bringing in free agents. On what areas should Gutekunst concentrate?Thompson went out of his comfort zone last offseason, signing tight end Martellus Bennett. That didn’t work out well at all and Bennett was released during the season. Considering what Cobb and Nelson are making, they're unlikely to be back under their current contracts.One or both could restructure or come back at a reduced rate. Still, as great as Rodgers is, pass catchers at wide receiver and tight end should be the top priority on offense.Davante Adams was recently signed to a long-term deal, an excellent move to keep him off the open market and he should clearly be viewed as the Packers' No. 1 receiver. A strategy Green Bay should strongly consider is moving Ty Montgomery back to wide receiver.That isn’t an indictment of Montgomery as a running back. He still could get some carries here and there, but that move would be an earned vote of confidence for Green Bay’s pair of 2017 rookie running backs, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. Both are very different types of backs, but they complement each other very well.Both deserve playing time, and penciling in Montgomery as a starter opposite Adams at wide out would be the best way for Green Bay to get its best and most dangerous skill position players on the field.Richard Rodgers isn’t a great player, but his contract is up as well. Tight end remains a huge area of concern for Green Bay. It doesn’t look like there's a tight end likely worthy of the 14th pick, so maybe a free agent such as Tyler Eifert or Trey Burton would make sense, in addition to using a draft pick on the position. As evidenced by the Bennett signing, a threatening tight end is very important in this offensive system.By season's end, the Packers offensive line - due in part to Bryan Bulaga’s injury - was a big problem area as well. Green Bay has had major defections up front over the past several offseasons and should reinforce their front five. This is most glaring at the guard position.Jason Spriggs returns from injury, but he's probably best suited as Green Bay’s swing tackle rather than as an interior player. Evans could be re-signed and Green Bay should also strongly consider drafting a guard on the first two days of the draft.Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson would look awfully good in that capacity if the Packers want to attack the area in the first round and get their line back to greatness.On defense, it's a little more difficult to speculate on needs, as Green Bay has yet to hire its new coordinator. The Packers have two foundational big men in Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark. Although he's getting up in age, Clay Matthews had a nice bounce-back year, while Nick Perry is a fine bookend. When Matthews and Perry were on the field together, their edge presence was pretty strong.Still, more than anything, additional pass-rush is absolutely needed in any form the Packers can get. Don’t be surprised if their first-round pick somehow helps Green Bay apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Front-line defensive depth wouldn’t be a bad idea either.On the second level, Blake Martinez is a keeper and a leader. Only Ha Ha Clinton-Dix played more snaps on that side of the ball. Under Dom Capers, the second inside linebacker was clearly not valued as he preferred lining up with an extra defensive back. Last year’s second-round pick, Josh Jones, played a linebacker role at times.Green Bay may want to add a complement to Martinez, or they could be fine if a second true linebacker isn’t going to play a lot of snaps.Including Jones, Green Bay has invested a lot of draft capital in the secondary. Last year and in 2015, Thompson used his first two draft picks on defensive backs, and Clinton-Dix was the Packers' first-round pick in 2014. Kevin King and Quinten Rollins finished the season on injured reserve, but you'd think the Packers would be in great shape overall in the secondary, but that's debatable.Some of these young players show promise, but Clinton-Dix and Burnett were once again Green Bay’s best defensive backs. Should the Packers go back to the well again and draft a cornerback? You can never have too many talented corners, but maybe Gutekunst decides to spend big money on Trumaine Johnson. The more likely option would be to pursue a less expensive veteran option like Morris Claiborne or Prince Amukamara.Rodgers’ return immediately means Green Bay is back in contention. But make no mistake; Gutekunst has work to do.Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns and spent 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of "The Football Today Podcast." Find him on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. 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Despite achieving an 11-5 record and a trip to the postseason, the Carolina Panthers' coaching staff will undergo significant upheaval.The Panthers announced Tuesday that offensive coordinator Mike Shula and quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey have been relieved of their duties.The news comes as defensive coordinator Steve Wilks interviews with other teams for their coaching vacancies.Carolina finished the regular season ranked 19th in total offense, 28th in passing, and fourth in rushing. However, the Panthers' leading rusher was quarterback Cam Newton who recorded 754 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Veteran Jonathan Stewart followed with 680 yards and six scores, while rookie Christian McCaffrey - the eighth overall draft pick - had just 435 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.The team entered the season professing it would reduce the load on Newton by limiting his rushing duties and incorporating McCaffrey's abilities as both a runner and pass-catcher.Shula spent seven years with the Panthers and the last five as their offensive coordinator. Dorsey was with the team for five years.Head coach Ron Rivera will not be going anywhere, however. He signed a two-year contract extension the day before his team's playoff exit.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has responded to reports about the genesis of the team's trade of backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.It was reported last week that Belichick was handed a mandate from owner Robert Kraft to trade Garoppolo in an effort to alleviate any concerns star quarterback Tom Brady may have about his future with the team."Yeah, we've never done that," Belichick said Monday on WEEI radio. "We talked about things organizationally and make organizational decisions."Belichick denied that portion of the report and reiterated that he, Brady, and Kraft remain unified."I was informed of some of the things that were in the article. Based on some quotes and some things that were pointed out, yeah. I feel they were inaccurate and I am 100 percent with Robert and Tom in that statement. One hundred percent," Belichick said.- With h/t to Pro Football TalkCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants' secondary may be able to stay intact, even after Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins' recent comments toward sophomore cornerback Eli Apple, when he indicated the former first-rounder "can always be cut."Collins would later apologize, and he now seems to be changing his stance altogether."I think the organization should keep him," Collins said, according to Zach Braziller of the New York Post. "He’s a first-rounder. He does a good job when his head is on straight on the field. … I want him to be here. I want him to be under my wing, and I can continue pushing him, continuing teaching him how this game is and how this business goes, and help him grow up as much as I can."Apple, the No. 10 pick in 2016, played just 11 games in his sophomore season. He was inactive for Weeks 11-14 and suspended for the Week 17 finale, finishing the season with just seven starts.New Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has already indicated the disgruntled cornerback can be given a clean slate for 2018.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints will meet the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, and it feels like ages ago since their Week 1 regular-season meeting.In the first Monday night contest of the season, the Vikings handled the Saints 29-19, but much has changed since that game.For one, the Vikings are no longer quarterbacked by Sam Bradford, rookie rusher Dalvin Cook is on injured reserve, and Adrian Peterson isn't taking up space in the Saints' backfield."It's night and day," Saints quarterback Drew Brees said, according to Joel Erickson of the New Orleans Advocate."You're still trying to find yourself, you're still trying to establish your identity, so that feels like ages and ages ago."The Vikings went on to finish the year 13-3 and with the No. 2 seed in the NFC while the Saints went 11-5 to win the NFC South.While the next meeting between the two teams will take place in the same venue as their Week 1 encounter, Sunday's playoff game will have a much different feel.- With h/t to NFL.comCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Not far removed from their own college careers, many NFL players spent Monday night watching the College Football Playoff National Championship game.They weren't disappointed.The NFL community couldn't help but tweet their reactions to Alabama's 26-23 overtime victory over Georgia.

The New England Patriots continue to distance themselves from ESPN's Seth Wickersham's report of dissension within the team.Patriots quarterback Tom Brady made a radio appearance Tuesday morning and rejected the notion that he celebrated the trade of backup Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers in October.Wickersham reported that Brady "seemed liberated" and was spotted at practice "hollering and cajoling" after the deal was made."I think that's just such a poor characterization of anything. In 18 years, I've never celebrated when someone has been traded, been cut," Brady said on WEEI's Kirk and Callahan Show, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports. "I would say that's disappointing to hear that someone would express that, or a writer would express that, because it's so far from what my beliefs are about my teammates."Brady went on to share that he maintains relationships with many of his former backups."I would never, ever feel that way about when Jimmy got traded, when Jacoby (Brissett) got traded. I've kept in touch with all those guys," he said. "When Matt Cassel was gone. All these guys I've worked with, I felt like I had such a great relationship with all the quarterbacks I've worked with. I kept in touch with basically everybody. So to characterize that as a certain way is just completely, completely wrong."In the days since the ESPN story came to light, the Patriots released a joint statement from Brady, coach Bill Belichick, and owner Robert Kraft denying any suggestion of a rift among the trio. Belichick also confirmed that he intends to return to the Patriots, despite reports to the contrary."I think it's up to everybody to believe what they want to believe," Brady said.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox bristles at the suggestion that his team is an underdog against the Atlanta Falcons.Although the Eagles enter Saturday's game as the NFC's top seed, the Falcons are 2.5-point favorites, and Cox took umbrage with that assessment."We've been disrespected all year," Cox said, according to ESPN's Tim McManus. "Our record can speak for itself. We're a team that's been disrespected week in and week out, and we just come out and ring the bell every week."Many discounted the Eagles' chances of Super Bowl contention after quarterback Carson Wentz suffered a season-ending ACL injury. The Eagles are now the first No. 1 seed to be underdogs in their first playoff game, and they're using it as motivation."It just puts a bigger chip on our shoulder and just adds fuel to the fire, and that's what this team, obviously, has been going off of all year, people doubting us every week. So we just want to go out and shut those doubters up," Cox said.Cox was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl and will play a major role in trying to eliminate the Falcons.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The big-picture conversation surrounding the NFL season is often as much about projecting a team's fortunes in January as it is a static evaluation of a club's performance at any given moment. For the Atlanta Falcons, the 2017 campaign served as an extended therapy session, and they found collective catharsis by securing a playoff spot, conclusively moving on from the catastrophe of Super Bowl LI.Though Atlanta raced out to a 3-0 start, the majority of football writers found it unconvincing. When the Falcons dropped their next three games, including a 23-7 loss to Super Bowl nemeses the New England Patriots, observers blamed their lack of offensive ingenuity. Imagine a classic talk-radio voice reeling off the following questions about Atlanta from mid-October:Can the Falcons overcome Kyle Shanahan's departure to the 49ers? Will they ever learn how to use Julio Jones correctly? They'll never get over 28-3, right?These notions had a fleeting shelf life, but the narrative persisted. By the time the Falcons roared back, the national conversation had moved on to the upstart Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, the New Orleans Saints' two-headed monster at running back, an impressive rookie class, and the Patriots' rote dominance. Despite boasting the reigning NFL MVP (Matt Ryan), a top-three wide receiver (Julio Jones) and a young, ferocious top-10 defense (Deion Jones, Keanu Neal, Grady Jarrett, and Vic Beasley Jr. ought not to be strangers anymore), the Falcons slipped under the radar.After disposing of the Los Angeles Rams with relative ease Saturday, though, the Falcons are no longer avatars of heartbreak, and they're making coordinators on both sides of the ball lose sleep.Despite entering the weekend as the No. 6 seed, the Falcons are three-point favorites against the Eagles. That's more a reflection of their potency than a dismissal of the NFC's top seed sans Carson Wentz. Atlanta finished with the ninth-ranked weighted offense as of Jan. 1 (per Football Outsiders), and no team - save for the Saints - has an answer for their two-pronged running game. Julio Jones was used sparingly throughout the season in the red zone despite assurances from offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian that he'd get his touches; on Saturday, the five-time Pro Bowler rendered Rams safety John Johnson III helpless on an 8-yard score while the team made a concerted effort to find him in every third of the field. The Falcons were arguably too talented to approach the regular season with the consistent focus some other teams require, and they surely appear to be peaking at the right time.Atlanta's defense is stronger than ever, undeterred by last year's outcome. Deion Jones is on the cusp of stardom and is arguably the NFL's best cover linebacker (with Bobby Wagner and Luke Kuechly rounding out the conversation). Neal is the NFL's most devastating open-field hitter. Jarrett is among the best run-stoppers in the game. Beasley is regaining his best form as a pass-rusher. Desmond Trufant - a top-tier cornerback when healthy - is back this season after missing most of 2016 with a shoulder injury, and 2017 first-rounder Takk McKinley is featuring as a proficient edge rusher, while Dontari Poe blots out the sun at nose tackle. This unit is coming of age, reaching its immense potential as winter rages on.That's a terrifying proposition for the Eagles and Vikings, who lack proven quarterbacks (The Rise Of Case Keenum be damned), and the Saints, who are wholly untested beyond Drew Brees and Cam Jordan. Even New England, the prohibitive favorite in the AFC, should hope to avoid a supremely motivated Atlanta team that can mirror each of its strengths. The Falcons can potentially keep pace with the Patriots, run the clock out with a lead, attack with physicality and pace, and match New England's in-game substitutions, led by the brain trust of Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel. They entered this postseason with a more mature, experienced defense; several game-breaking playmakers; and even greater cohesiveness after going through a horrific loss together.The Falcons slipped under the radar and overcame the effects of the Super Bowl LI catastrophe during the 2017 campaign. Now the sleeping giant is fully awake, ready to wreak havoc on the rest of the playoff field.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers interim general manager Marty Hurney may have admitted to a circumvention of league rules Monday.Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suffered a hit to the head during the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints and was slow to get up, eventually stumbling to the ground and heading to the sideline.The team said Newton went to the medical tent on the sideline to be evaluated for an injury, while the former NFL MVP claimed he suffered an eye injury on the play.Derek Anderson came in for one play while Newton remained on the sideline.Hurney admitted Monday that Newton took his time while nursing the injury, giving Anderson opportunity to prepare for his lone snap, before he was reinserted into the contest.“He took a hit. But when he walked off and he told the trainers he got poked in the eye, then they did take him into the tent and checked him for a concussion, which he did not have,” Hurney said to Joseph Person and Anna Douglas of the Charlotte Observer.“And it was really getting poked in the eye. He took a knee because they told him to take a knee so we could get the official timeout and Derek could warm up.”The NFL and NFLPA are investigating the Panthers, and they could be subjected to a $150,000 fine if they are found to have subverted the rules.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Alex Smith's future in Kansas City uncertain, the Cleveland Browns have a golden opportunity to address their most maligned position - properly, this time.The Browns, who entered the 2017 season as the NFL's youngest team, need to combine experience with another strong showing at the draft, in which they own the No. 1 and No. 4 overall picks, three second-rounders, and seven picks in the final five rounds. Adding 13 years of age at the starting quarterback position (Smith turns 34 in May) is their best chance to break out of the rut that has seen them go 1-31 and start five different QBs over the past two seasons.Smith is coming off a career year by most statistical measures, but it appears he's being pushed out by the team he guided to three consecutive playoff berths following its second straight single-game exit on Saturday.After the 33-year-old groomed 2017 first-round pick Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs now seem ready to take advantage of the physical tools and skill set that warranted Mahomes being selected at No. 10.The Browns can follow Kansas City's lead and use the dependable Smith to be more competitive in 2018 while building toward their long-term goals.Limit the damageJosh Rosen, one of the top quarterbacks entering the 2018 draft, reportedly showed some hesitation about declaring due to potential interest from the Browns. While it appeared to be a bluff, it's likely a feeling shared by several of the top QBs in the draft.With the Browns and head coach Hue Jackson having such a difficult time assessing and developing talent at the position in recent years, they could be much better off trading the rights for the No. 1 selection to any of the teams with their sights set on Rosen, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, or Lamar Jackson.With plenty of time left in the rebuild following their 0-16 season, their best bet is waiting until a top rookie signal-caller can join a competitive roster from a future draft class, rather than having him sit idle on the bench and age without experience.Trading the top pick this year could bring a greater haul than the Browns received for trading the No. 12 pick to the Houston Texans last year, or for sending 2016's No. 2 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles. The No. 4 pick could then be used on any one of the top offensive linemen or defensive players available early in the draft, which are less volatile positions, according to Sharon Katz of ESPN.While both Deshaun Watson and Carson Wentz have looked like franchise quarterbacks, there's no telling how they would've developed under Jackson in Cleveland. The team's other weaknesses and lack of competitiveness could be hindering their development of quarterbacks.The Browns should use a hoard of draft picks acquired by dealing the No. 1 selection to address multiple areas, rather than hoping the top quarterback in this year's class can save the team by himself.According to Pro Football Focus, the Browns' lone defensive player ranked inside the top 20 at their respective position this season was 2017's No. 1 pick, defensive end Myles Garrett, who was limited to 11 games due to injury.Get a bigger sample sizeDeShone Kizer, selected 52nd overall in the 2017 draft, had a horrific rookie season in which he ranked as PFF's No. 38 quarterback, threw a league-worst 22 interceptions, and was sacked 38 times in 15 games.He's now at risk of joining the long list of failed and forgotten Browns quarterbacks. However, given his favorable draft status, strong resume at Notre Dame, and improved play toward the end of the season with the services of wide receivers Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman, there's reason to believe he can still be a key part of this team once it addresses its other weaknesses.Here's a look at Kizer's performance with and without his top receivers:CMP%RATYardsTD/INTWeeks 13-17 (with)54.6066.810716/8Weeks 1-12* (without)53.0457.218235/14*Kizer was benched in Week 6 against the TexansWhile his completion percentage was raised only slightly at the end of the season, he threw for more touchdowns in half the games played and saw a dramatic increase in his passer rating.Kizer's struggles with a talentless team should warn the Browns not to select a QB at No. 1 this season. Instead, they should wait until the proper pieces are in place to help out their starter.Smith has just one year remaining on his contract valued at $17 million. Signing him would buy the Browns at least another season to see what they have in Kizer.Cleveland may have already taken the first step toward landing Smith in a future deal by hiring John Dorsey as general manager in early December. Dorsey, who served as the Chiefs' GM from 2013-16, made the bold trade that brought Smith over from the San Francisco 49ers.His first big move as Browns GM should be just as bold.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers named Ken Norton Jr. assistant head coach on Monday.Norton will be responsible for the team's defense and inside linebackers."Ken brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to our team having spent more than two decades as a NFL player and coach," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "Throughout his coaching career, Ken has developed a tremendous understanding of our defensive system, making him a perfect fit for our staff. With four Super Bowl titles on his resume, including one as a 49er, Ken knows firsthand what it takes to become a championship caliber team."Norton previously served as the Oakland Raiders' defensive coordinator from February 2015 until being fired this past November.The 51-year-old helped the 49ers win the Super Bowl in 1994 as a linebacker after coming over from the Dallas Cowboys, becoming the first player to win three consecutive Super Bowls.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye has a message for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger: Count Jacksonville out at your peril.The Jaguars will square off with the Steelers after defeating the Buffalo Bills 10-3 on Sunday.Last week, Roethlisberger was asked which team he'd prefer to face in the divisional round, and he selected the Jaguars."Be careful what you wish for," Bouye said, according to Phillip Heilman of Jacksonville.com. "This is what he wanted, so this is what he is going to get."The Jaguars routed the Steelers 30-9 during their regular-season matchup, as Roethlisberger threw zero touchdowns and five interceptions.Although the Steelers are heavily favored, Bouye and the Jaguars aren't intimidated by the AFC North powerhouse."We remember (the Week 5 game)," Bouye said. "We know they are going to be motivated. We are, too. Everybody thinks we're not going to do it again. We know what we're capable of. We're looking forward to it."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

One of the core pieces of the Denver Broncos' defense intends to stick around.Aqib Talib announced he wants to return next season as the Broncos continue to reel from a disappointing 5-11 campaign."I definitely want to be back. I'd love to retire as a Bronco," Talib told "The Vic Lombardi Show" last week. "It's probably the funnest locker room. I met real friends on this team. We got great memories - Super Bowl 50. Not even just the Super Bowl - off the field, memories together. I love the guys on the team. I love the staff. I'd love to come back."Talib, who was named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl, identified problems at quarterback as the primary reason the Broncos have missed the playoffs over the past two years.Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, and Brock Osweiler struggled immensely in 2017, and Talib believes Broncos general manager John Elway will pursue a veteran option during the winter."Knowing John, I don't really know if he wants to rebuild and have two more seasons of 8-8 and 7-9 and 'We're getting better,'" Talib said. "I don't know if he's ready to do that. John is ready to get back to the top because that's where he belongs. That's just John Elway. I don't really see him drafting a rookie and trying to rebuild. I see him getting a vet and getting back to the top ASAP."Talib added that he's confident that the Broncos will return to their former place among the NFL's elite if they do add a proven quarterback.- With h/t to The Denver PostCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A bottle of Cameron Jordan's favorite wine is on the way to Bank of America Stadium.The New Orleans Saints defensive end promised to send the wine - a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Jordan Vineyard and Winery - to Cam Newton after Sunday's wild-card victory over the Carolina Panthers. He made good on that promise Monday, posting a photo of the wine and a shipping label on his Instagram story."You beat the Carolina Panthers three times in a year, I'm gonna have to send this guy a wine bottle," Jordan said of Newton, according to Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune. "I appreciate him for being that good ol' quarterback. I'm gonna send him a nice little bottle of Jordan wine. No, it's not mine, but I have been drinking it for years. So, I'm going to send him some sauce."The pair have exchanged digs before, including leading up to their Week 13 tilt, when Newton made a comment about Jordan's fashion sense and joked that he could "send him some sauce."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Covers.com is the biggest and best source for sports betting information, providing unrivaled and original content sports bettors cannot live without.Each week, Monty Andrews breaks down some of the underlying betting mismatches on the National Football League slate, giving you an inside edge when handicapping the schedule and setting your daily fantasy lineup.Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles (+3, 41.5)Falcons' turnover troubles vs. Eagles' ball-hawking defenseThe Atlanta Falcons are two wins away from a Super Bowl return - and the quest for a second consecutive appearance in the NFL title game continues Saturday against a host Philadelphia Eagles team playing without its biggest weapon. Quarterback Carson Wentz is out for the season with a knee injury, leaving the fate of the Eagles’ season in the hands of backup Nick Foles. But it isn't all doom and gloom for Philadelphia, which has a significant advantage in the turnover department.Atlanta did a lot of things right this season, and carried them over into last weekend's 26-13 triumph over the Los Angeles Rams in its wild-card encounter. But forcing turnovers has been an area of weakness for the Falcons, who were one of only four NFL teams to record single-digit fumble recoveries (eight) and interceptions (eight). Atlanta did well to take care of the ball during the regular season - losing just 18 turnovers for a minus-2 differential - but will need to be better if it hopes to get back to the Super Bowl.Perhaps the Falcons will learn a thing or two from the Eagles, who received plenty of attention for their terrific offense but were also a force on the defensive end of the football, ranking fourth in the league in total turnovers forced with 31 (19 interceptions, 12 recovered fumbles). They also ranked fourth in the NFL in turnover differential at plus-11 - and in a game that's expected to be a close one, winning the turnover battle could be enough for the Eagles to end Atlanta's shot at an NFC title repeat.Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots (-13.5, 47)Dynamic Derrick Henry vs. Patriots' putrid run defenseBetween a spread of nearly two touchdowns and news of internal strife involving owner, head coach and franchise player, the New England Patriots might have to work a little harder to gain bettors' confidence ahead of this Saturday's divisional round encounter with the Tennessee Titans. And that isn't all the Patriots need to be concerned about, as they look to contain a Titans running game that could make this one a little too close for comfort despite the lofty spread.People are still talking about Marcus Mariota's three-touchdown performance in last week's stunning 22-21 comeback victory over Kansas City, but it wouldn't have been possible without Henry, who carved through the Chiefs' defense for 156 rushing yards and a touchdown in the win.In two games since taking over the lead role from injured DeMarco Murray, Henry has racked up 308 rushing and receiving yards and a pair of scores on a whopping 54 touches.It's easy to ignore how poor the Patriots' run defense was, considering how well Tom Brady and Co. performed on offense. But bettors can't ignore the fact that New England surrendered a stunning 4.7 yards-per-carry average in the regular season; only the Los Angeles Chargers had a higher YPC mark against.Granted, teams only ran the ball 38.2 percent of the time against the Pats, but if the Titans keep things close enough for Henry to remain a factor, the Titan's unlikely Super Bowl run might continue.Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7.5, 40.5)Jaguars' red-zone prowess vs. Steelers' downfield strugglesThere was nothing pretty about Jacksonville's first postseason win in more than a decade, but the Jaguars will gladly accept last weekend's 10-3 wild-card triumph over the visiting Buffalo Bills. The Jaguars' trademark defense won the day, limiting Buffalo to 263 total yards while forcing a pair of turnovers. Jacksonville is a healthy underdog for this weekend's encounter at Heinz Field - but if red-zone play is any indication, the Jaguars should be able to keep pace with the host Steelers.Most people suspected the Jaguars would boast an impressive defense - and those people certainly weren't disappointed. But getting this far requires a more than passable offense - and Jacksonville overcame some early-season inconsistency to boast the league's second-best red-zone touchdown rate at 64.7 percent. Couple that with the Jaguars limiting opponents to a 37.9-percent success rate inside their 20-yard line - second-best in the league - and no team dominates the red zone like Jacksonville.The Steelers have home-field advantage and a pair of dangerous offensive weapons in Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown - but none of that will matter if Pittsburgh can't make inroads in either red zone. The Steelers converted just 50.8 percent of their visits to the opponents' 20-yard line into six points - the 22nd-best rate in the league - and were even worse at defending the red zone, allowing touchdowns on 61.5 percent of opponent opportunities (28th). Big Ben has a big job ahead of him.New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings (-4, 45)Saints' third-down woes vs. Vikings' very good 3D showingQuarterback playoff experience - or a lack thereof - is the focal point of Sunday's NFC divisional encounter between Drew Brees' New Orleans Saints and Case Keenum's Minnesota Vikings.Brees, a former Super Bowl champion, will be making the 12th career post-season appearance in his 17th NFL season; Keenum will be making his first-ever playoff start. But third-down play is a major equalizer here, with the host Vikings owning a significant edge on both sides of the ball.New Orleans rode a sensational running game to the fourth-highest scoring average in the league (28 ppg) - but when Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara weren't getting enough yardage on first and second down, the Saints struggled to score or extend drives.New Orleans converted just 37.1 percent of its third-down opportunities, good for 20th overall. Things were even worse on the defensive end, with the Saints allowing teams to make good on 41.5 percent of third-down chances (27th overall).That doesn't bode well at all for the visitors, as they face a Vikings unit that dominated third-down scenarios for nearly the entire season. It won't surprise anyone that Minnesota held foes to an absurd 25.2-percent success rate on third downs during the regular season - the best mark in the NFL.But despite playing without their No. 1 quarterback and running back to start the season, the Vikings made good on better than 43.5 percent of third-down situations - and repeating the feat Sunday will likely mean a win.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.