Sean Payton doesn't like the idea of the New Orleans Saints finishing their best regular season in franchise history on a three-game losing streak. He isn't pleased with some of the statistical trends that have coincided with the Saints' last four games, which included two slim victories over non-playoff teams, followed by two losses at home. Comments Off

The NFL fined Tennessee defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil $20,000 on Thursday for verbal abuse of a game official for his sideline comments in the Titans' 42-17 loss to San Diego on Christmas night. The Titans had just been flagged for roughing Philip Rivers when an official heard Cecil say something. Comments Off

Buddy Nix recalled how difficult it was explaining exactly what his role was in February, when the Buffalo Bills lured him out of retirement to be their national scout. Nix's new title in Buffalo is far more defined: General manager. Bills owner Ralph Wilson took the first step in reshaping his front office on Thursday by providing Nix full control of football operations and putting him in...

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The NFL has fined Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley $25,000 for making contact with an official that led to his ejection from last weekend's game at Philadelphia. Stokley said he plans to appeal the fine. The 11-year veteran was upset over the lack of an interference call on a third-down play in the first quarter against the Eagles when his route was disrupted by a defender. Comments Off

Brandon Marshall is sitting out the Denver Broncos' practice with a strained right hamstring that he suffered running a route one day earlier. Coach Josh McDaniels said he wasn't sure how serious the injury was or if Marshall would be able to return to practice on Friday. Marshall just earned his second straight Pro Bowl honor and has caught at least 100 passes for three straight seasons. Comments Off

Cowboys special teams coach Joe DeCamillis has become just the fourth recipient of the Special Courage Award. The only previous honorees in the NFL were Dick LeBeau (2008), Vince Papale (2006) and Eddie Jones (1999). DeCamillis oversaw offseason practices two weeks after surgery to repair a broken neck and missed only two days after undergoing an emergency appendectomy that also led to a hernia... Comments Off

No confusing answers from Jerry Gray this week. The Washington Redskins' secondary coach instead stuck to "no comment" when asked about his interview for the head coaching job. Gray stayed mum on the subject Thursday -- even though the Fritz Pollard Alliance confirmed earlier this week Gray has interviewed for the position currently held by Jim Zorn. Comments Off

For a coach on the hot seat, Eric Mangini is acting pretty cool. Mangini will learn next week if he'll be back for a second season with the Cleveland Browns after meeting on Monday or Tuesday with new team president Mike Holmgren. The Browns (4-11) have won three straight heading into Sunday's season finale against Jacksonville. Comments Off

The New York Giants placed running back Brandon Jacobs and cornerback Aaron Ross on injured reserve on Thursday, ending their seasons. The Giants also announced that they had signed quarterback Rhett Bomar and safety Sha'reff Rashad from the practice squad. The signing of Bomar and Rashad will allow the Giants to keep Bomar and Rashad under contract. Comments Off

With a playoff berth clinched, several Patriots players say they still want to play in the regular-season finale Sunday at Houston. Coach Bill Belichick hasn't disclosed what he'll do, but guard Logan Mankins said if Belichick rests his starters and New England loses, ending the playoff chances of other teams, those teams put themselves in that position. Comments Off