RUMOR MILL ARCHIVES

By Profootballtalk Editor Mike Florio

POSTED 9:30 a.m. EST, December 31, 2002 (TUESDAY)

DIAMOND GETTING THE SHAFT?

Titans executive Jeff Diamond knows all about getting screwed over.  After the 1998 season, when he was named Executive of the Year for his efforts to hold together the Minnesota Vikings as they primed for a 15-1 season, Diamond lost a power struggle with Dennis Green -- and was shown the door.

According to published reports, Titans owner Bud "Toupee or Not Toupee?" Adams is thinking about dumping Diamond, notwithstanding the fact that, on Diamond's watch, the Titans have been one of the better teams in the AFC.

A league source tells us that, if Adams fails to keep Diamond, he'll be regarded as the new laughingstock of the NFL.  According to the source, "Diamond is one of the few guys in that front office, including the head coach, who doesn't have a big ego."

In Diamond's place, Adams wants to install his son-in-law, Tommy Smith, who has no apparent football knowledge of experience.

"He's trying to make them the Tennessee Bengals," said another league source, comparing Adams' new "keep-it-in-the-family" approach to the train wreck that has been occurring for the past decade in Cincinnati.

''It would be a more smooth operation,'' Adams recently told the Nashville Tennessean.  ''It's an important business to the family. … I'd rather have someone in the family working there than to only have people outside the family.''

Diamond is the current team president.  Adams wants to give the gig to Smith.  Diamond's only option would be to take a reduced role.  He'd likely look elsewhere for opportunities.

But Adams isn't sure he can lure Smith to Tennessee.  ''I'm not sure it would happen," Adams said.  "I'm going to let him kind of make his mind up.  I tried it before but it wouldn't work.''

Here's our question, Bud -- if you're not sure you can pull this off, why in the hell are you talking about it publicly?  At this point, Diamond (whose contract expires in February) might want a change of scenery anyway. 

BUCHSBAUM DEPARTURE AFFECTS MANY

The sudden passing of ProFootballWeekly draft guru Joel Buchsbaum will create a huge void, which might never be filled completely.

Buchsbaum was respected throughout the NFL for his tireless efforts.  We're told that his funeral will be attended by many coaches and front-office execs.

Buchsbaum's boss, Hub Arkush, offers a heartfelt appreciation of Buchsbaum on the PFW web site.

Our condolences to the folks at ProFootballWeekly, and to Joel's family and friends.

MILLER MIGHT GET THE BOOT

Ten years ago, players wanted to have the ability to change teams.  The irony is that system that was installed gives teams an incentive, from time-to-time, to cut loose guys who don't want to make a change, all in the name of realizing cap savings.

According to a league source, the Steelers are thinking about dumping punter Josh Miller, in favor of veteran Tom Rouen.

Miller is out for the season with a non-football shoulder condition that required surgery.  Rouen, a long-time Bronco who was signed to finish the year with the Steelers prior to the December 23 game at Tampa, has generated the second best average in the league.  He's also tied for the best net average.

Miller signed a five-year, $5.6 million contract in 2001.  Since he received only a $1.1 million signing bonus, releasing him after June 1 would roughly translate to a $220,000 cap hit in 2003, and a $440,000 hit in 2004. 

CLARETT A PROBLEM CHILD?

In the first high-profile bout with Ohio State powers-that-be since Robert Smith took on offensive coordinator Elliott Uzelac with allegations that Uzelac didn't want Smith to study too hard, freshman running back Maurice Clarett is using the team's alleged failure to respond to his request for a short leave of absence as a platform for various pisses and/or moans.

Four days prior to the Buckeyes' uphill battle against the Miami Hurricanes for their first national championship since 1969, Clarett created an unnecessary distraction with his carping about a so-called "runaround" that he received when he attempted to fly back to Youngstown for the funeral of a life-long friend.

Team officials contend that they were merely following the rules, which prohibit schools from giving anything of value to players, apart from room and board.  "We told Maurice that he could fly home ... if he could buy a ticket home and back we could reimburse him once the paperwork is filed," said Ohio State A.D. Andy Geiger.  "He elected not to do that, or couldn't afford that, or there wasn't anybody in his family who could do it.  We were stuck in a place where the rule is we couldn't go forward and buy a ticket."

Either unwilling or unable to understand the fundamental rules that prevent student-athletes from deriving an equitable benefit from the revenue they generate, Clarett launched into a soapbox routine for the underprivileged.  "We hold the national championship but they won't talk about the homeless and the poor," he said. "We're sitting here in this old grand hotel, things like that, but we can't feed the homeless or poor. ... It's a game.

"You go through downtown Columbus, you've got people sleeping on sidewalks.  You know what I mean?  And they're giving us scholarships and they're selling 100,000 tickets every game," he said.

Of course, Clarett failed to mention the fact that he's benefiting from this greed-based system -- and that he hopes to break out of it quickly so that he can stuff some of those dollars into his own pocket.  Really, if he didn't want to be part of big-time college football, he could've pulled an Otis Sistrunk or an Eric Swann, playing minor league ball and hoping to catch the attention of the NFL.  But he knew that the best way for him to get noticed  -- and get paid -- was to spend some time in D-I.

We don't know much about Clarett.  Maybe he'll use the bulk of his NFL money to take care of the poor and homeless (after he buys five cars with Sprewell rims and a trunk load of bling-bling).  But if he keeps on running his mouth at inopportune times, he'll stay on the draft board longer than Randy Moss did, or than Larry Phillips should have.

To make matters worse, Clarett has a Maddenesque fear of flying.  Not a problem for most folks.  A real issue, however, when a guy earns precisely 50 percent of his salary by hopping a jet.

Bottom line -- NFL teams beware.  Clarett has the skills.  But he's got a long way to go in the critical mind-and-mouth department.

ESPN IGNORES POTENTIAL PARCELLS SNAGS

Obsessed with breaking positive new details in the Parcells-to-Dallas square-dance, ESPN is (in our view) glossing over several key details that could slow the momentum.

Regarding the league's new minority hiring guidelines, ESPN pooh-poohs suggestions that Jerry "the Skull" Jones ran afoul of the rules by conducting only a phone interview with Dennis Green, before Dave Campo was canned. 

Regarding the claim of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that they still hold the Tuna's rights, the folks in Bristol likewise shrug, pointing to unnamed sources who say it's not a problem.

According to the Tampa Tribune, however, it is.  The Tribune reports that the league will hold a hearing to address the Bucs' claim to Parcells, by virtue of the four-year deal that Bill supposedly signed before jilting the team.  If the Bucs prevail, the Cowboys likely will be required to compensate Tampa -- like the Bucs did when they bogarted Jon Gruden from the Raiders.

Our guess is that tensions are running high in Bristol on this one.  Folks like Mort, Gazoo, and P-belly are surely catching heat from management for the fact that CBS broke the initial report linking the Tuna to Texas.  And as they now attempt to gain access to their colleague, Bill Parcells, in order to advance this story, the ESPN folks probably are being asked (subtly or not) to downplay the factors that could slow and/or kill the deal.

So even though, as we reported on Monday afternoon, the deal is almost done, we can't and won't ignore the fact that certain complications could derail this thing.

NUGGETS

RAVENS:  A league source tells us that CB Gary Baxter will be moved to safety in 2003.  The eventual shift was envisioned at the time Baxeter was drafted in 2001.

STEELERS:  Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey is on the short list of candidates for the vacant coaching position in Cincinnati.  We reported last year that Mularkey's friends and colleagues were dissuading him from starting his head-coaching career with a "bad" job -- and they don't get any worse than the Bungles.

JAGUARS:  Owner Wayne Weaver says that his next head coach won't be Bill Parcells or Jimmy Johnson.  Then again, Weaver claimed as recently as Sunday that no decision had been made regarding the fate of former coach Tom Coughlin.

BENGALS:  Team president Mike Brown won't give QB Jon Kitna his $1.625 million bonus for next year, based on the fact that he came six plays short of the trigger for the extra coin.  "We made a deal," Brown said, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.  "If he gets the number, he gets the increase in his salary next year," Brown said.  "If he gets it, he gets it.  If he doesn't get it, he doesn't get.  The way the clause is written, if he played 80 percent or more, I don't know if it is fair to say to us if he came close, should he get it?  More than it would be fair to say to him, 'Gee, you just got over the wire, why don't you give it back?'" . . . A note in the team's locker room said that players could keep their white game jerseys, but that they could keep their black jerseys and helmets only if they buy them.  Why doesn't the NFL simply buy out Brown and take over the franchise?

VIKINGS:  Despite a second straight losing season, coach Mike Tice says that the Vikes will be playoff bound in 2003.  "We're going to get there,'' said Tice on Monday.  "We're not far off at all, just some tweaking.''  Hey, Mike -- if by using the word "tweaking" you mean "dump the entire defense and start from scratch," we think you might be onto something.

POSTED 4:10 p.m. EST. December 30, 2002 (MONDAY)

PARCELLS DEAL "ALMOST DONE"

A source close to the action in Big D tells us that, despite late claims from Tampa that they still hold the rights to the Tuna, a deal to make Bill Parcells the next coach of the Dallas Cowboys is "almost done."

Under the arrangement, Parcells will have little input in personnel decisions.

This development raises all sorts of questions, especially since the NFL's new minority hiring guidelines require teams with vacancies to consider minority candidates.  If Parcells is signed in the short term, it'll be clear that Jerry Jones simply ignored the new rule, despite his recent discussions with Dennis Green, which occurred before Dave Campo was fired.

Stay tuned.

POSTED 3:32 p.m. EST, December 30, 2002 (MONDAY)

PARITY?  WHAT PARITY?

Before the addition of the Houston Texans drove the NFL to an even 32 teams, the only certainty prior to the end of a given season was that a team would play its division opponents twice the following year.  Beyond that, the specific foes (and the locations) depended upon the specific spot in which each team landed in its division.

But in an effort to bring the widest variety of teams to each NFL city, the league established a new scheduling formula that has made all but two of a team's opponents for each year a done deal through 2008.

The idea is simple, in theory.  Every year, each team plays all four teams from one division in the opposing conference, and all four teams from another division in its own conference, in addition to the six home-and-home games against its division rivals.  The only unknown each year is the two games against the teams from the other two divisions in its conference, which is based upon the specific place in which each team finished the prior season.

In essence, then, the sole handicap for the Packers is that they play the Eagles and Bucs in 2003, while the Lions play the Cowboys and the Panthers.  Beyond that, their schedules are IDENTICAL.

So where's the parity?  Has the NFL concluded that free agency will keep teams sufficiently packed together so that further weighting of the schedules isn't necessary?

A better outcome, in our view, would have been to replace the "play every team from the same division" approach to interconference games with a simple formula requiring a team to play the franchised from the other conference that finished in the same position.

Thus, instead of playing all four teams from the AFC West next year, the Packers would play the Raiders, Steelers, Titans, and Jets -- and the Lions would play the Bills, Bengals, Texans, and Chiefs.

At the top of the league, this approach would create some compelling matchups for 2003.  Each of the eight division winners would play each other at some point in the season, giving the networks 28 solid, playoff-caliber games.

Instead, each division winner will play only four of the other division winners each season -- with the last-place team in each division likewise playing four games against teams who won their divisions in the prior year.

It'll be interesting to see how this approach plays out over the next few years.  It would've been even more interesting, however, to watch those 28 games per season against division champs from the prior campaign, and to see if the confidence boost that comes from a weak schedule could have helped to launch a new powerhouse, a la the 1999 Rams.

POSTED 9:10 a.m. EST, December 30, 2002 (MONDAY)

BENSON REGRETTING EXTENSIONS

As the New Orleans Saints dropped three straight games to below-.500 foes, missing the playoffs for the second straight season, a league source tells us that owner Tom Benson is kicking himself for giving contract extensions to G.M. Mickey Loomis and coach Jim Haslett. 

According to the source, Benson is doubting his decision to lock up Loomis and Haslett, wondering instead whether he should have waited to hire a new coach/G.M. after the completion of the 2002 season.

Among other things, Benson thinks that Loomis overpaid quarterback Aaron Brooks, who had a second straight disappointing season.  (Then again, Loomis had a reputation of paying too much for players when he was the contract guy in Seattle; Benson overlooked all of that when the team got off to a strong start in 2002.)

Loomis is locked up through 2006, and Haslett likewise has four more years with the Saints.  As a result, don't be shocked if Benson begins shopping the team (again) within the next year or so.

RAVENS INTERESTED IN WARNER

A league source tells us that the Baltimore Ravens would be interested in Rams' quarterback Kurt Warner, if the two-time former MVP is offered for trade, or released.

However, the source also tells us that any team that might be interested in Warner will be very concerned about the condition of his hand, which has taken at least three significant injuries over the past two season.  Some teams believe the hand is in worse condition than the Rams have acknowledged.  As a result, doctors will be poking and prodding the hand thoroughly before anyone commits draft picks and/or money to Warner.

As we previously have reported, the Rams intend to try to trade Warner in the off-season, giving the starting job to Marc Bulger.  If St. Louis can't trade Warner, they'll likely cut him loose before paying him a $6 million roster bonus.

KORDELL EYES CAROLINA

A league source tells us that Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart hopes to land with the Carolina Panthers in 2003, if he doesn't remain with Pittsburgh.

According to the source, Stewart is openly talking about the possibility of heading to Charlotte.  He likes the climate and he likes the city, and we all know that the Panthers need lots of help at the quarterback position.

Stewart is under contract for one more season with the Steelers, but with a high cap number.  Earlier in the season, his departure was a done deal.  Since then, however, the team quietly has indicated a desire to keep Kordell, if he'll accept backup-level pay.

Also, if Kordell goes, look for third-stringer Charlie Batch to stay -- if he moves to Number 2 on the chart behind Tommy Maddox.  Batch wants to stay in Pittsburgh, and he suspects that he'll get a chance to play at some point in 2003, since he regards Maddox as fragile (and in our view the oft-injured Batch would know fragile when he sees fragile).

BIG NAME COACH TO JACKSONVILLE?

Although the only names currently being mentioned for the soon-to-be-vacant Jaguars head coaching gig are Dennis Green, Nick Saban, and Bob Stoops, a league source tells us that owner Wayne Weaver wants a coach with significant name recognition, who will help to put the butts back in the seats at AllTel Stadium.

According to the source, Weaver's desire to sell tickets could prompt him to pursue Bill Parcells or Jimmy Johnson to come out of retirement and take the reins.

Weaver wanted Johnson back in 1994, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wouldn't let Johnson talk to the Jags (Jones parted ways with Jimmy not long thereafter).  It has long been rumored that Johnson would only come out of retirement for a job in Florida.

Parcells is an intriguing candidate, since firing Coughlin would open up both the head coach and G.M. duties.  However, don't forget that Coughlin is a Parcells protege.  Would Tuna take the gig at Tom's expense?

For the record, Weaver has denied that any changes are coming.  However, reports are running rampant that Coughlin, the only head coach in franchise history, will be gone.

TEAMMATES STILL WONDER ABOUT GRIESE

Though there hasn't been much talk over the past few months regarding Brian Griese's propensity to bend an elbow with a brewski in hand, a league source tells us that some Denver teammates believe that his on-field struggles relate directly to his reputation for partying a bit too hard.

On Sunday, Griese didn't play at all in a 37-7 victory over the Cardinals, and it's looking more and more likely that Griese's days in Denver are coming to an end.

An off-season trip-and-fall on former teammate Terrell Davis's driveway widely was attributed to the fact that Griese was well-lubricated at the time.  In late September, Griese claimed that he suffered a sprained ankle when he tripped at home -- over his dog.  The explanation drew criticism from tight end Shannon Sharpe, but no one on the team expressly connected the incident to al-kee-hol.

POSTED 7:40 a.m. EST, December 28, 2002 (SATURDAY)

TUNA TALK A TEXAS-SIZED SMOKESCREEN?

A league source tells us that the current discussionss between Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and former NFL coach/G.M. Bill Parcells could be nothing more than a ploy by the Tuna to increase the chances that he'll be hired as the new coach and chief football guru in Detroit.

According to the source, Parcells is interested in the Detroit coach/G.M. job, and he sees it as a better fit. Most importantly, the chances of getting full control from the Ford family are much greater than the chances of getting it from Jerry "the Skull" Jones. (Sure, we reported that Tuna doesn't want full control, but that likewise could be part of the subterfuge in Big D.)

Also, the future looks brighter in Detroit, where quarterback Joey Harrington showed great promise, even within the confines of Marty Moronwheg's system. In Dallas, they've developed a knack for signing acquiring guys who aren't destined to become great NFL quarterbacks -- and the rest of the roster has more holes than a donut factory.

The simple reality is that, by talking to Jones, Parcells' perceived value goes up, making him a more attractive candidate for other jobs that might come open.

Of course, the "buzz" factor swings both ways, and it's possible that Jones is using Parcells to prettify the veteran owner's image. If, the thinking might go, the terminally fickle Parcells is taking the Dallas position seriously, then Jones must not be the crackpot everyone thinks he is.

A real factor as to both jobs is the new minority hiring guidelines. As reported by the fine folk at ESPN.com, Dennis Green has emerged as a possible candidate in Dallas, more than a week after Jones five-hour tea party with Parcells. The guidelines state that teams with vacancies must apprise the league that they plan to make a coaching change, they must conduct a legitimate search, and the process must include minority candidates.

This complication, in our opinion, could doom the chances of Parcells landing in Dallas, Detroit, or any other NFL city. In our view, Parcells doesn't want to be viewed as the first choice for a job -- he wants to be viewed as the only choice. Under the new minority hiring guidelines, it can't/won't happen that way.

MUELLER STILL COULD RETURN TO SEATTLE

Despite increasing buzz that Microsoft gazillionaire Paul Allen will allow Mike Holmgren yet another year to prove himself in Seattle, a league source tells us that Allen might require Holmgren to work with a "director of football operations" in 2003.

And the prime candidate for such a gig is former Seattle front-office exec Randy Mueller.

Mueller, whose name was linked to the Seahawks even before he was fired by the Saints and he moved back to the Pacific Northwest, worked with many of the folks who currently are employed in the front office, and the thinking is that he'd fit nicely with the structure that's already in place.

The real question, of course, is whether he'd be able to coexist with Holmgren, who under this scenario would retain his multiple titles.

Then again, Holmgren might be so grateful for getting a fifth year (despite four mediocre-to-bad ones) that he'd welcome Mueller with open arms.

SUIT BY FORMER JET DISMISSED

A New York judge has dismissed a medical malpractice suit by former Jet Greg Lotysz against two team doctors, on the basis that the doctors, like Lotysz, are team employees.

Most states require injured workers to obtain their recovery for on-the-job injuries solely from the workers' compensation system. In exchange for making workers' compensation benefits available, employers typically cannot be sued for simple negligence.

In most states, this immunity from negligence suits likewise flows to co-workers. Given the finding that the Jet doctors are employees, Lotysz can't sue them.

According to New York Newsday, Lotysz suffered torn ligaments in his left knee during a training camp practice in July 2000. He had the first of several operations three weeks later, and he alleged that infections that developed in the knee were misdiagnosed and not treated properly.

Lotysz's lawyer, Bruce Clark, said the judge didn't consider Lotysz's claim that permanent knee damage wasn't caused by the initial injury, which occurred in the workplace, but resulted from off-site treatment that followed.

"It's like giving the doctors immunity to make any kind of mistakes they want," Clark said.

In our view, the ruling likely will have little effect on other pending malpractice claims filed by former NFL players, such as Dolphins receiver O.J. McDuffie. Issues such as these are driven by the particular laws of each state, and a ruling from New York does not tie the hands of a judge in a different jurisdiction.

Also, the specific facts of each case have a strong influence on the outcome. In Lotysz's case, there was enough evidence to support a finding that the doctors actually were employees of the club. In other cities, the specific relationship between doctor and team might not be that of employer-employee, making it harder for the doctor to fall within the scope of the immunity from simple negligence claims.

Still, as the inherent conflict of interest with which NFL doctors struggle on a regular basis continues to create allegations that the physicians pushed guys back onto the field before they were medically ready, look for this argument to be raised over and over again by doctors who are hoping to avoid responsibility under the basic negligence theory that underlies most malpractice cases.

POSTED 2:00 p.m. EST, December 26, 2002 (THURSDAY)

DID DEION'S MOUTH DOOM DEAL?

As the dust settles on the ill-fated Deion-to-Oakland discussions, we've been pondering the question of whether Sanders' "look-at-me" proclivities might have prevented his possible return.

No one knew anything about the Raiders' apparent interest in Deion until Prime Time himself proclaimed on his CBS gig that he might come out of retirement to join the Silver and Black.  The issue took on a life of its own from there, with the Redskins releasing his rights -- and five AFC foes submitting a waiver claim on the seven-time Pro Bowler, blocking his ability to become a free agent.

But if Deion hadn't run his yap, might the Raiders have pulled off this coup?

To do so, the Oakland folk would've had to discreetly approach the 'Skins with a request that Sanders be released.  The Redskins likely would have obliged, given Daniel Snyder's willingness to let Sanders join a new team once the story broke.

The X factor is whether the 30 other NFL teams would've connected the dots when they saw Deion's name trickle across the waiver wire, especially if the 24-hour period to make a claim had been initiated on Christmas Eve.

One league source tells us that teams definitely would've noticed the transaction, since the information is e-mailed to each of them almost instantaneously -- and since virtually every front office was operational over the recent Holiday.

But would they have realized that making a waiver claim on Sanders was the only way to keep him from signing with another team for the playoffs, especially if no one knew that he was considering a postseason comeback?

Surely, someone would have pieced it all together, a league source opined for us. 

Then again, the Raiders knew of their own plan in advance, and they didn't think through the application of the rules far enough to realize that the move hinged on Deion clearing waivers.  If the other 30 clubs didn't know that someone was specifically up to something, they might not have concluded that the plan easily could be derailed by submitting a waiver claim -- especially if the decision had to be made in a 24-hour window from, say, 5:00 p.m. on the 24th to 5:00 p.m. on the 25th.

Obviously, we'll never know whether it could've worked.  But we do know that it didn't happen, and we can trace the failure directly to the fact that Deion Sanders, apparently feeling ignored with all of the "Parcells-to-Dallas" talk, saw fit to talk about his favorite subject on the air last Sunday.

ROSTERS READY TO EXPAND

As of December 31, the non-playoff teams can start filling up their rosters with free agents.  By rule, they can carry 80 players moving forward.

A league source tells us that teams have been brining in a variety of players for workouts over the past few weeks, in anticipation of the coming roster bulge.

And, this year, more of those guys will be hanging around in the off-season, since the NFL Europe allocation (as we reported weeks ago) has been reduced to three scrubs per team.  We nevertheless hear that some teams will opt to send more than just Moe, Larry, and Curly to the NFL Europe camp, which opens in March in the Tampa area.  

ARENA LEAGUE READY TO LAUNCH

For those who haven't noticed, the Arena League starts in January this year, it's earliest opening ever.

In addition to a network contract and a marketing campaign that includes Kurt "Will Work For Food" Warner and John Elway, the new AFL contract allows players to bolt for the CFL or the NFL at any time, which might attract more guys to the indoor war.

In our view, the AFL's best bet for growth is to develop a socks-knocking video game.  If they can get the kids in the PS2 and Xbox set interested in the real thing by dangling a must-have video game product, the league could become the solid off-season football fix that both NFL Europe and the XFL tried (and failed) to do.

POSTED 12:55 p.m. EST, UPDATED 1:15 p.m. EST, December 25, 2002 (WEDNESDAY) by Len Lasagna and Mike Florio

BUCS O-LINE FOCUSED ON GIFTS, NOT SCHEMES

Several AFC scouts told us that the play of the Tampa Bay offensive line on Monday night against the Steelers was "horribly pathetic" and "a joke."  Said one scout: "Shaun King was primarily using only three step drops and they were still allowing the Steelers in . . . the lineman were not closing their gaps properly and thus the Steelers could have rushed (former Steeler) Ernie Holmes in there and got pressure."  Another comment we heard was that the play of the right side of the Buc line -- OT Kenyatta Walker and OG Cosey Colemna -- was particularly inept, with Coleman and Offensive Coordinator/O-Line Coach Bill Muir getting into a shouting match on the Tampa Bay sideline.

The Bucs have made overtures that the offensive line will be overhauled in the offseason.  If the play like Monday night continues, that overhaul may be made before the upcoming playoffs begin.

PATS GETTING THAT BLOATED, QUEASY FEELING?

A league source has told us that there is a bit of extra anxiety in the air this week during the Patriots preparation for their last game showdown with the Dolphins.  Sure, it's normal to be a bit edgy before a game that determines your playoff eligibility -- but we hear that some of the squad is pissed off at management's perceived insecurity in adding three new players to the Pats 53 man squad this past week and the recent release of DT Steve "I Don't Wear No White Suit, Man" Martin. 

Several AFC personnel guys we contacted also said that the smug attitude (their words, not ours) of the Patriots front office has waned recently as the team's plans to repeat the Super Bowl gig have started to fade.  Based on this observation, the attitude will be completely gone after this Sunday.

MARTY KEEPS DEION RETIRED

As first speculated in this space on Tuesday, the San Diego Chargers put in a waivers claim for "retired" defensive back Deion Sanders, preventing him from joining the Oakland Raiders for their playoff run.

According to the San Jose Mercury News, the Chargers and four other teams made claims on the rights to Sanders -- the Titans, Steelers, Chiefs, and Colts.

The Chargers were awarded Sanders' rights.  He'll go onto the team's "reserve retired" list, and they'll hold his rights for 2003 and beyond, if/when he decides again to attempt a comeback.

"We're not going to concede anything to what could be a potential playoff opponent,'' Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer explained. 

We think Marty also was influenced by the fact that Sanders negotiated his "retirement" agreement with Schottenheimer when he was the Redskins' football grand poobah.  Basically, Deion agreed to walk away from the game, and Schottenheimer required him to surrender only $500,000 of the $8 million bonus he received when he signed with Washington in 2000.

The Deion saga created an unwanted distraction as Schottenheimer prepared for his first training camp with the team, and it's possible that Marty blames the Sanders sideshow for the 0-5 start that resulted in Schottenheimer's discharge after only one year.

MADDOX HAS SPRAINED ANKLE

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox is listed as questionable for Sunday's regular-season finale with a sprained ankle.

Maddox suffered the injury when Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp rolled onto him in the second quarter of Monday night's game between the two playoff-bound squads.

Though Sapp drew a flag for the play -- and the ire of ABC color man John Madden -- the Steelers don't think it was a dirty play.  "Just looking at it this morning from one angle, it looked pretty much like it wasn't something, from the other you couldn't tell," coach Bill Cowher said. "A flag was thrown, so there was some question to the intent.  I saw Warren say something to him afterwards, on the next play or something.  He has not had a history of being that type of player.  I would like to think it was just a coincidental thing that took place."

(We think the jury's still out on whether Sapp is "that type of player."  Still, we agree that, as to the Maddox injury, it looks like Sapp wasn't trying to hurt him.)

POSTED 8:00 a.m. EST, December 24, 2002 (TUESDAY)

TUNA DOESN'T WANT TOTAL CONTROL

As the Parcells-to-Dallas rumors continue to intensify, a source close to the action in Big D tells us that the process is farther along than anyone realizes -- and that if Parcells takes the job, he's not interested in the degree of control that everyone assumes he covets.

In the 1990s, Parcells blazed a trail for today's two-hat coaches by grappling with Patriots management regarding his desire to "buy the groceries," since he'd been charged with the task of "cooking the meal."  He eventually got his wish in New York, when the Jets gave him the food stamps, and a blank shopping list.

But the word is that Parcells no longer is interested in the burdens of wielding G.M.-type powers.  Sure, he wants to have input in who does and doesn't get signed.  But he's happy to leave the nuts-and-bolts of personnel acquisition (including the chore of staying under the cap) to others.

If this is true, then we think that the two largest egos in the NFL can co-exist (at least for a while) in an odd sort of symbiosis where Parcells focuses on coaching, allowing Jones to continue to hold the title of G.M. -- and offering quiet input that does not undermine the appearance that Jones is running the show.

BRONCOS MAKE LATE CHANGE ON "D"

A league source tells us that the 21-point black hole into which the Broncos abruptly fell on Sunday at Oakland might be attributable to the fact that, roughly an hour before the game, the coaching staff changed the entire defensive package for the game.

According to the source, the eleventh-hour shift meant that some players were thrust into situations for which they simply hadn't prepared.

Also, there's also some concern regarding the defensive play-calling.  Trailing by only 21-16, the Denver "D" was using extra defensive backs and soft coverages way too often, allowing the running lanes to get and stay open.

These developments likely will do little, in our view, to preserve the job of defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes.

MARTIN DUMPED FOR REFUSING TO PRACTICE

A league source tells us that the New England Patriots recently severed ties with defensive tackle Steve Martin because the veteran refused to practice, as an apparent protest to his lack of playing time.

According to the source, Martin was pissed about the fact that he hadn't playing much, so he parked his big, fat rear end on a water cooler during practice.

Not much later, Martin was gone.

The other knock on Martin was that he'd often invite reporters to his locker room, so that he could gripe about his lack of playing time.  This routine grated on his teammates and on the coaching staff, making it easier for the Pats to add Martin's name to the "transactions" column in your local paper.

CARTER RESORTS TO OLD WAYS

An NFL scout who attended Saturday's Vikings-Dolphins game tells us that Miami receiver Cris Carter was resorting to his old, tired "player-coach" routine.

According to the scout, head coach Dave Wannstedt should've told Carter to "shut the f--k up" early on in the game.

The scout thinks that the Fins shouldn't have signed Carter, who dropped a potential game-clinching touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, and who was made to swallow his "he can't kick it that far" sentiments when 87-year old Gary "The Hummel in a Helmet" Anderson sent a knuckler on a 53-yard journey to put a serious dent in the right front fender of the Dolphins playoff bandwagon.

RAIDERS STILL NOT READY FOR "PRIME TIME"

Despite the decision of the Redskins to release their rights to CB Deion Sanders, there's another major hurdle in the rumored desire of the Oakland Raiders to secure a post-Christmas visit from Sanders Claus.

According to the Washington Times, Sanders must clear waivers before he can sign with the Raiders.

As a result, any team can thwart the Raiders' ability to sign Deion by merely submitting a waiver claim, and then adding Deion to their own "reserve-retired" list.  Under NFL rules, a player cannot be activated from the reserve-retired list at this point in the season.

Hmmm.  Apart from the playoff contenders who might not want to face Deion in the postseason, who have a clear strategic reason for blocking Sanders' return, don't be surprised to see one of the Raiders' non-playoff AFC West rivals pull the trigger on this one. 

The Broncos, for example, have every reason to twist the tail of the Raiders.  Apart from being on the wrong end of two ass-whuppings this season from the Raiders, owner Al Davis still owes Denver coach Mike Shanahan a bunch of coin from Shanny's tenure as the head guy when the Raiders were in L.A. 

Likewise, the Chargers might be interested in blocking Sanders from playing again.  San Diego coach Marty Schottenheimer negotiated Sanders' agreed retirement in July 2001, after Sanders tried to goad Marty into giving Deion an outright release, which would've allowed him to sign with another team last year.  So even if the Redskins want to move on, Marty might decide that a promise is a promise, and that Deion should remain retired.

Then again, every NFL owner has a reason to keep the Raiders and Davis from getting their way on this one, since Davis and the Raiders have sued them all a couple of times in the past two decades.

Still, if folks think that Sanders truly has nothing left in the tank, they might let Sanders slip through waivers -- so that he can embarrass himself in the playoffs, even more than he embarrasses himself on CBS every week.

NUGGETS

REDSKINS:  The Washington Post reports that the 'Skins will release RB Stephen Davis after the season, regardless of whether he agrees to take a pay cut.  Davis said on Monday that he'll miss the season finale against the Cowboys with a dislocated right shoulder.

GIANTS:  CB William Peterson could miss the Eagles game (and more) with cartilage damage in his knee, according to the New York Times. 

VIKINGS:  Owner Red McCombs plans to keep head coach Mike Tice in 2003, if McCombs is still the owner at the time.  I think Tice has done a good job," McCombs told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.  "I really thought he would have done a better job than what he has, but he's done a good job.  He's never backed up with all the setbacks that we've had.  It's always been, 'Let's take a step forward and fix it.'  He's going to be a very good NFL coach." . . .  For those of you who think the NFL doesn't need a draft lottery in order to remove the temptation to tank it in late-season games, consider this:  The Vikings could pick as high as third or as low as 12th based on the outcome of this weekend's games.  What's more important -- finishing 6-10 instead of 5-11, or getting in position for a top-five stud?

RAMS:  RB Trung Canidate's opportunity in the starting lineup ended quickly on Sunday, thanks to his inability to hold the ball.  "I'm obviously disappointed with the way Trung started the game," coach Mike Martz said Monday.  "He fumbled twice and we lost one of them.  It's devastating.  I really felt like he'd play very well, and I think he was excited about playing. But you jeopardize this team when you do things like that. You've got to hang on to the ball."  Lamar Gordon will start in place of Canidate on Monday at San Francisco.

JAGUARS:  Coach Tom Coughlin admits that he's worried about his job status.  "Sure, it worries me," Coughlin said, according to the Florida Times-Union.  "Everything worries me."  Coughlin is the only coach in the history of the organization.

BENGALS:  If the team has 61 offensive plays, and if QB Jon Kitna is on the field for all of them, Kitna will qualify for $1.65 million in incentives.  Kitna needs to participate in 80 percent of the offensive plays in order to qualify for the extra money, and he's currently at 78.8 percent.

POSTED 9:27 a.m. EST, December 23, 2002 (MONDAY)

RAIDERS TAMPERING WITH DEION

While most of the Bay Area media has visions of zoot suits dancing in their heads, kudos to the Washington Times for nailing the primary flaw in the Raiders' alleged desire to add cornerback Deion Sanders to the roster for the playoffs.

Sanders is still the property of the Redskins.

As a result, the 'Skins are considering whether to file tampering charges against the Raiders for contacting Sanders directly.  Specifically, the Times reports that the Redskins are "analyzing statements" made by Deion on the air Sunday as part of his CBS pregame gig. 

"I may come back to a playoff team," Sanders said on "The NFL Today."  "I've made contact, I have spoken to my attorney, we have spoken to the Oakland Raiders."

Rewind to July 2001.  Less than a year after signing a seven-year, $55 million contract with the team, speculation was running rampant that the 'Skins would dump Deion in order to partially dig their way out of the salary-cap mess resulting from owner Daniel Snyder's efforts to buy a Lombardi in 2000.

For Deion, the benefits were obvious -- he'd be free to join another Super Bowl contender for 2001, and he'd retain the $8 million bonus from his 2000 contact.  Not bad for only one season of work.

June 1 came and went, however, and the Redskins didn't release Deion.  Due to a baseball clause in his contact, Sanders could've declined to report for training camp if he were on the roster of a major-league team.  So, apparently hoping to force the team's hand, Sanders signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The logic was simple.  The Redskins never would've kept all that cap money tied up in a guy who, by contract, could've stayed away until the end of the baseball season.  Thus, if Deion had latched on with the Jays, he'd likely get his wish from the 'Skins.

There was a minor problem, of course.  The Blue Jays never called Sanders up from the Syracuse SkyChiefs, forcing Sanders and the 'Skins into a high-stakes stare-down as the July 28 opening of camp approached.

Then out of nowhere came an announcement that Sanders was "retiring" from the NFL.  In exchange for walking away from the game, Sanders would forego $500,000 of the final $2.5 million installment on his total bonus package.

Though the notion of Sanders retiring came as a surprise, it was the only way that he could avoid having to return to the Redskins -- or having to return a big chunk of his bonus.  He eventually emerged as the purported savior of CBS's anemic pre-game show (it's still struggling, even with his witticisms and sartorial splendor), and there had been no talk of a return to the field, until Sunday.

As a result, don't expect the Redskin to merely shrug their shoulders on this one.  They paid Sanders good money to not play for anyone else, and we can't imagine Snyder deciding less than 18 months later that he no longer has a problem with the notion of Deion pocketing $7.5 million of Snyder's money -- and strutting around on the field in someone else's colors.

Besides, since the 'Skins still hold his rights, a trade would be required, and the 2002 deadline has long since passed.  At the earliest, then, Sanders could come back in 2003, when he'll be 36.

Though the Raiders won't officially confirm their interest in Sanders, it doesn't take a magnifying glass to read between these lines.  "No, I can't say it's false," Raiders senior assitant Bruce Allen told the San Jose Mercury News.  "Yes, he did say that, didn't he?  I think he's always liked the Raiders.  I think he's having some fun imagining the possibilities.  Everything is possible."

Sure, everything is possible.  Saddam Hussein could, in theory, give up his stash of VX without a fight.  The Saints, in theory, could make it to the Super Bowl.  Winged primates, in theory, could fly out of my rectum.

But we simply don't see Sanders in silver and black this year.  The 'Skins won't let it happen, and the Raiders will be able to find no legitimate loophole.

The irony here, of course, is that Oakland owner Al Davis has a history of insisting on compliance with the rules, as evidenced by his habit of suing anyone whom he concludes has failed to do so.  Now, it appears that Davis's minions are more than willing to trample on the Redskins rights, apparently without even bothering to investigate in advance what those rights might be.

POSTED 10:00 a.m. EST, December 22, 2002 (SUNDAY)

RAVENS LOOKING FOR NEW QUARTERBACK?

A league source tells us that the Baltimore Ravens have decided that Chris Redman isn't the man to lead the offense in 2003 and beyond.  The only remaining question is whether Jeff Blake will get a chance to stay as the starter next season.

According to the source, the Ravens will take a hard look at Blake's performance over the final two games of the season, with an eye toward determining whether Blake will be re-signed.

Bottom line is that, at a minimum, the Ravens will be drafting a quarterback in April.  If they opt against Blake, look for them to consider free agents such as Jake Plummer and Charlie Batch.

It's ironic, in our view, that supposed offensive genius Brian Billick still hasn't managed -- after four full seasons -- to put together the kind of field-stretching offense on which his resume was built in Minnesota.  Sure, he has a Super Bowl ring on his finger, but the Ravens are still viewed nearly two years later as a team that is stout on defense and merely adequate on offense.

COWBOYS TO SNIFF AROUND THE SNAKE?

The Ravens aren't the only team that might take a peek at Jake Plummer.  The Cowboys are not sold on starter du jour Chad Hutchinson, according to a league source.  As a result, they could get into the pursuit of Plummer. 

Much of this, of course, depends on whether Bill Parcells ends up as the next head coach in Dallas.  CBS beat Parcell's current employer, ESPN, to the punch on Saturday, reporting that the Tuna had spent five hours last week with Jerry Jones.

Though we still don't understand how the whole "groceries" thing would work if Jones is the G.M. Parcells is the coach, we doubt that Jones would sign Plummer if Parcells objects.

Regardless, the Cowboys surely will look to upgrade the position after the 2002 season, and Plummer is one of the few guys who'll be on the shelf.

As to Parcells, we think he was being less-than-forthcoming in his on-air interview with Chris Mortenson on Saturday evening, when Parcells suggested that there was no specific connection between the meeting and the possibility of Parcells joining the Cowboys.  We doubt that Parcells would've spent so much time with Jones if there wasn't a certain degree of mutual interest in the soon-to-be-vacant position, and we suspect that ESPN wouldn't have breathed a word about the matter if CBS hadn't sniffed it out.

Also, we got a kick out of the sycophancy that Chris Berman and Tom Jackson displayed regarding the matter, declaring that the marriage of two of the biggest egos in the NFL would work.  Really, would they feel that way if the Tuna wasn't their colleague?

Though it might be too early for predictions, we don't think that it would work for Parcells in Dallas, unless Jones agrees to surrender full personnel power to Parcells and his staff.  However, we believe that Jones simply won't be able to let go of the reins.

Alternatively, we suspect that, at some point during the dance in which Jones and Parcells are engaged, Jones will say or do something that will set off the warning bells in Parcells' head, and he'll walk away, just like he did earlier this year in Tampa.  

EAGLES ADJUSTING DRAFT-DAY JUICE?

The Philadelphia Eagles are soaring toward a Super Bowl appearance, winning every game since Donovan McNabb broke his ankle.  If nothing else, the performance has been a testament to the coaching skills of Andy Reid, who likely could devise a winning game plan even if he himself were taking the snaps (shotgun formation only, though -- we don't think he can bend over very far).

Despite the team's success sans soupy-salesman McNabb, there are rumblings within the front office regarding the power structure on draft day.  The molasses-slow development of receiver 2001 first-rounder Freddie Mitchell, along with the general lack of progress displayed by some of the other picks (A.J. Feeley notwithstanding) could result in the team's scouts having more say in the 2003 draft, according to a league source.

Reid pulled the trigger on Mitchell, the sources tells us, and he had final say on many other picks who have yet to pan out. 

Though we like what Reid has done, we realize that there's always room to improve.  He's great coach, but if the input of others will help the team get guys on board who'll push the Birds even higher, then the changes should be made.

NUGGETS

VIKINGS:  The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that offensive coordinator Scott Linehan will not interview for the vacant head-coaching position at Louisville, where Linehan served as offensive coordinator before joining the Vikings.  We're guessing that Louisville wasn't particularly interested in brining back a guy from the staff of former head coach John L. Smith, whose abrupt departure to Michigan State created an unwanted distraction for the Cardinals -- especially since the story broke during the team's recent GMAC Bowl loss to Marshall.

RAMS:  The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that S Adam Archuleta will play linebacker on Sunday, given the team's lack of warm bodies at the position . . . .  Dre Bly has drawn the praises of coach Mike Martz for his punt-return skills.  "He's the best punt returner that I've ever seen," Martz said, according to the Post-Dispatch. "Period.  Better than Az (Hakim); better than anybody I've ever seen." . . . .  QB Marc Bulger has hired agent Tom Condon, reports the Post-Dispatch.  In theory, Bulger doesn't need a new agent now, since the Rams can keep the exclusive rights to Bulger for 2003 with a tender offer of only $375,000.  Could it be that the $6 million bonus due to Kurt Warner in February might go instead to Bulger in the form of an extension?   

POSTED 8:30 a.m. EST, December 21, 2002 (SATURDAY)

BURNEY TO GET BOOTED?

A league source tells us that Denver defensive line coach Jacob Burney is in danger of getting sacked after only one season with the team.

According to the source, Burney's old-school style of negative reinforcement isn't winning friends and/or influencing the people who report to him, prompting complaints from veterans who don't like the yelling, screaming, etc. that is embedded in Burney's style.

Though no published reports have specifically linked Burney's style to current problems along the team's defensive line, a Thursday item in the Rocky Mountain News hints strongly that Burney had a big role in the recent benching of veteran free-agent acquisition Lional Dalton.

In the story, Dalton expressed a desire to meet with Burney regarding the issue.  "There's a negative energy or something out there," Dalton said.  "And I think we need to clear the air."

Regardless of whether defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes is asked to return next year (we previously reported that he's on thin ice), Burney could be gone.

Burney previously spent time with the Browns/Ravens and the Panthers.  League sources familiar with Burney's past stints say that players don't typically relate well to him, and they don't want to play hard for him.

WFAN CANS SHOCKEY

Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey got fired on Friday by WFAN after failing to call in for his weekly segment, according to the New York Daily News.

Shockey, who gets $1,000 per appearance, called in 15 minutes late, but never made it on the air.  Hosts Mike Francesca and Chris Russo called him "unprofessional," and Francesca said on the air that he "needs to grow up" vowing that "he's off our show for good."

When Shockey missed the spot in November, he said he was at the airport picking up his mother, and he forgot to call.

LEAF SUES DOCS

Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf has filed a medical malpractice claim against doctors for the Chargers, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Leaf, who is proceeding without a lawyer, claims that Dr. David Chao, Dr. Paul Murphy and their firm, the Oasis Sports Medical Group Inc., provided substandard medical care during Leaf's time with the Bolts.

The suit doesn't point to any specific injury caused by the alleged malpractice, but Leaf undoubtedly is pointing to a wrist injury that eventually ran him from the game.

Of course, his fat ass and bad attitude also had something to do with his departure from the league, but there's no one he can sue for that (we think).

There's a problem with the suit, however.  In the court papers, Leaf admits that he knew of potential problems prior to September 10, 2001.  Under California law, he should have filed suit by September 10, 2002. 

This potentially critical flaw might explain why Leaf apparently was unable to retain a lawyer. 

Then again, it's possible that Leaf would have represented himself, even if the suit were timely filed; as Abe Lincoln once said, "A man who represents himself has a fool for a client." 

TAYLOR IN TROUBLE FOR VIDEO GAMES

Where have you gone, Bobby Layne?

Sure, it was irresponsible for Layne and his contemporaries to go out and get plastered the night before an NFL game -- but the notion of players lining up with whiskey and beer seeping from their pores is a bit more intriguing than the vice that has replaced pre-game booze fests.

Instead, modern players are staying up late --- playing video games.

According to the Florida Times-Union, Jaguars running back took the issue a step farther earlier this year, spending "several hours" at the home of Titans cornerback Samari Rolle before the two AFC South rivals squared off in October.

Jacksonville coach Tom Coughlin learned of the incident this week, and he's not happy with Taylor.  "That's not what I expect them to do when they arrive at the site of an away game," Coughlin said. "You'd like people to be resting in preparation for the game."

Titans coach Jeff Fisher disagrees. "As long as they don't take the playbook with them, I'm fine with it," he said.  "They are good friends, and they are professionals.  I am sure they are not compromising any information."

With the debut of modern systems like Xbox and PS2, the football games are better than ever, and many players spent lots of time playing games that previously had been monopolized by adolescents.

Some coaches like the fact that this new habit keeps players off of the street; the only drawback is that many of them are staying up too late, too often.

'SKINS PARTING WAYS WITH SMITH?

The Washington Times, citing team sources, reports that the Redskins most likely will not resign defensive end Bruce Smith for the 2003 season.

Instead, the 'Skins will look to the draft and free agency for a replacement for Smith. 

If Smith stays, he'll likely be relegated to a role player, according to the Times, playing only on third downs, for example.

"He's been good," defensive line coach Ricky Hunley recently said.  "He's been adequate.  But you've got to move on.  You've got to get better.  You've got to have guys that can be strong at the point [of attack].  And you're looking for that super speed."

Smith refused to address the issue on Friday.  However, he acknowledged that the all-time sack record of Reggie White is "important" -- and White is only six sacks shy of the mark.

With the Texans coming to town on Sunday, Smith could snag a couple more before the current season ends.

CARTER SAYS VIKES EXPECTED TO STRUGGLE

We've been waiting for Cris "All He Does Is . . . Run His Mouth" Carter to sound off this week as he prepares to face the team with which he spent 12 NFL seasons.

Instead, Carter has downplayed the issue, expressing appreciation to the Vikings fans who supported him and suggesting that his ongoing Cold War with Randy Moss eventually will come to an end.

On Friday, Carter came the closest he has to tweaking the Vikings, explaining that the team was aware it was in for hard times.

POSTED 5:25 p.m. EST, December 20, 2002 (FRIDAY)

RETURN OF THE KING?

In 1999, quarterback Shaun King grabbed the Tampa quarterback throne in a December Monday night game against the Vikings, leading the Bucs to a division title and an eventual NFC title game appearance.

After a mediocre 2000 season (which nevertheless was capped by another solid Monday night performance in December, against the Rams), King lost his job to Brad Johnson.  Now, with Johnson nursing a sore back, King likely will get another chance to shine on Monday night.

The difference, of course, is that King most likely won't end up winning back his starting job from Johnson, no matter how well the fourth-year pro from Tulane plays against the Steelers, who haven't fared well this season in prime-time games.

Still, it's not a done deal that King will get the nod on Monday night.  Though he took all the snaps in practice on Thursday, the Bucs will make a game-time decision as to whether Johnson will play.

Even so, the appearance on Monday night would cap a marked improvement by King, who started the year third on the depth chart.  He might not get another shot to lead the Bucs on a full-time basis, but his performance on Monday night could open doors for him elsewhere in the league.

JUNIOR HAS A DATE WITH THE KNIFE

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Chargers LB Junior Seau will undergo surgery on a bad ankle after the completion of the 2002 season.

"When you're playing with a handicap, knowing that you're going to have to have surgery at the end of the season, it's definitely something that you look at and say, well, you've just got to persevere through it," said Seau.

Seau suffered the injury on September 22, and then missed two of the next three games, and half of another.  He has been practicing sparingly of late, as the Chargers try to preserve him for the postseason push.

LINEHAN BACK TO LOUISVILLE?

After being hired as the head coach of the Vikings in January, Mike Tice had to go deep on his list of candidates before finding offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, formerly the offensive coordinator at Louisville.

Now, Linehan could be high up on the short list for the unexpected head-coaching vacancy at Louisville.

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Linehan's name is in the mix for the gig, along with Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Bob Petrino, Central Florida coach Mike Kruczek, and South Carolina defensive coordinator Charlie Strong.

"I love my job here," Linehan said. "I think our future is as bright as it could be.  But I have a lot of friends there, and it would be something I would consider.  You'd be even honored to be mentioned."

RAMADAN HABITS IRK MOOCH?

49ers rookie linebacker Saleem Rasheed has been battling a lingering thigh injury, and coach Steve Mariucci thinks that the injury might have something to do with Rasheed's strict adherence to the requirements of the Muslin holy month of Ramadan.

Rasheed did not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset, in keeping with the Muslim traditions.  Earlier this week, Mooch speculated that a lack of hydration has contributed to the fact that Rasheed has missed eight of the last nine games.

"I don't think it's a possibility," Rasheed told the Oakland Tribune on Thursday.  "I only played 11 snaps.  Last year, in Alabama humidity, I played 85 snaps.  I don't think it has anything to do with me hydrating."

Regardless, Rasheed said he might take a different approach next year.  "I can be flexible, definitely," Rasheed said.  "I can be flexible if we talked about it as player and coaches, and we felt like it was the best thing."

We think Rasheed should stick to his guns.  After all, when the Niners called his name in the third round of the draft, they knew (or should have known) what they were getting.

Shame on them for trying to get him to compromise his faith.  And shame on him, if he ultimately give into it.

NO MILLER TIME IN THE 'BURGH

The struggling Steelers special teams have taken another blow.  Punter Josh Miller will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his right shoulder, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Miller's injury is the result of a degenerative condition, in which bones improperly rotate in his shoulder, leading to arthritis.  He had similar surgery on his left shoulder several years ago.

To replace Miller, the Steelers signed former Broncos punter Tom Rouen.

Miller joins Pittsburgh kicker Todd Peterson on the injured reserve list. 

POSTED 11:40 a.m. EST, December 19, 2002 (THURSDAY)

LEFTWICH TOPS BLESTO LIST

We've gotten a peek at the upper reaches of the Blesto scouting report, and here's what it reveals:

1.  Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall,1.09;

2.  Jordan Gross, OT, Utah, 1.10;

3.  Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Penn State, 1.13;

4.  Vincent Manuwai, OG, Hawaii, 1.13;

5.  Ivan Taylor, CB, Louisiana-Lafayette, 1.14.

Also, Louisville quarterback Dave Ragone (1.20) currently is higher on the list than Heisman boy Carson Palmer (1.28).

These grades likely will change after the Bowl Games, All-Star games, workouts, etc. 

PRO BOWL SNUBS GALORE

Far more intriguing than the names on the rosters for the least compelling All-Star game in major league sports is the list of folks who didn't get a free February trip to Hawaii.  (Sorry, folks -- we love the NFL, but the Pro Bowl game is a complete and total snooze-fest).

For the AFC, the most glaring omission isn't confined to one player, but to an entire team.  The Titans, specifically, will have no one getting lei'd in Honolulu.

No one.  Nine wins, no Pro Bowlers.

Earlier this week, there was a push for MVP consideration for Steve McNair, who has been performing week in, week out despite the fact that he should be borrowing a few spare parts from Steve Austin. 

McNair still could win the MVP, but he's not one of the top three quarterbacks in the AFC, according to the combined opinion of players, coaches, and fans.

Though we have no problem with the trio of running backs from the American conference, we think Buffalo's Travis Henry should've been added as a fourth running back, and that the spot reserved exclusively for fullbacks should be dumped, permanently (Lorenzo Neal got the spot this year).

In the NFC, we were shocked not to see Tampa's Brad Johnson name, especially since he's got the highest passer rating for any full-year starter in the conference, at 92.9.  We're not suggesting Favre or Vick shouldn't have made it, but Garcia? 

Another screw job that hasn't gotten much attention so far is the omission of Vikings running back Michael Bennett, the second-leading rusher in the conference in only his second year.

Bennett, a more durable (and arguably faster) version of Robert Smith, is a home-run threat on every play, and he proved it this year with a variety of long runs.

Instead, Marshall Faulk stole the spot based solely on his Q rating -- he's been injured for much of the year, and he likely will finish the season stuck at merely 897 yards rushing.

POSTED 6:40 a.m. EST, UPDATED 9:18 a.m. EST, December 19, 2002 (THURSDAY)

'SKINS WON'T GIVE GARDENER BIG MONEY

A league source tells us that, despite all the Christmas love in the air between the Washington Redskins and defensive tackle Daryl Gardener, an impasse is looming as both sides prepare to commence discussions on a new contract.

According to the source, the Redskins currently don't plan to give Gardener the kind of money that he will be requesting when it's time to start trading offers.

Gardener, who was named the team's MVP by the D.C. media earlier this week, signed a low-dollar contract after being abruptly released by the Dolphins in the off-season.  The veteran lineman embarked on a mini-tour of NFL cities like Houston and Detroit before striking a deal with Washington.

Though Gardener recently drew some positive ink from the Washington Post, which suggested that his reputation of boorish behavior is untrue, the source tells us that the 'Skins quietly are doing further homework on Gardener's past before making him part of their future. 

When a big-money deal is in the balance, folks tend to be on their best behavior.  Kudos to the 'Skins for being willing to look behind the facade, in order to determine whether Gardener's behavior this year is a change from his past, or whether it's an aberration. 

TICE OVERSTATING VIKES' INTEREST IN CARTER

As the "Welcome Back, Carter" buildup in the Twin Cities continues (ironically, the Vikes have a player on the roster named "Epstein"), we're compelled to point out that head coach Mike Tice is exaggerating (at best) the Vikings' interest in resigning future Hall-of-Famer Cris Carter.

According to Wednesday's South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Tice said that the Vikings would've taken Carter back with open arms (and, presumably, open wallet). 

"Cris made that decision," Tice said.  "If he had decided to come back, he would be back.  He decided he wanted the one thing that was missing in his career, and that is a Super Bowl ring."

Sorry, Mike, but if Carter had indeed returned to the Vikings, a mutiny would have erupted -- and Tice knows it.

Indeed, at one point after Carter had completely alienated the three teams who were interested in him (the Rams, Browns, and Dolphins), there were rumblings in the Twin Cities that Carter could return.  Nothing happened, however, because the players made it clear that they did not want Carter back in the locker room.

We don't know whether Tice is merely trying to send a subtle message to the local fans by implying that Carter is the bad guy in the equation, and it'll be interesting to see how the Metrodome crowd embraces him on Saturday.  Regardless, Tice is taking significant liberties with the truth here, and his words are sure to raise eyebrows among the players who he leads.

SAPP, FLOWERS TRADING BARBS

Last season, Steelers safety Lee Flowers dubbed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers "paper champions" after the Steelers stormed the pirate ship and left with a 17-10 win.

At the time, the words seemed relatively harmless to the Steelers' interests, since (barring a Super Bowl matchup) the Steelers and the Bucs were squaring off once every three years as members of different conferences.

Due to realignment, however, the Steelers learned in the offseason that they'd be facing the teams of the NFC South.

So with the showdown less than a week away, Tampa's loudest mouth has targeted Flowers for special attention.

49ERS:  Team president John York won't comment on whether coach Steve Mariucci's future with the team is riding on whether the team advances in the playoffs.  "No promises have been made, but there's also no 'win-or-else' thing,'' York said, according to the San Jose Mercury News. "Nothing has changed. We're going to sit down and evaluate things after the season.  We will make every attempt to work things out.''  All sides agreed last summer to refrain from a discussion of Mooch's status.  His contract expires after the current season.

POSTED 11:35 p.m. EST, December 17, 2002 (TUESDAY); UPDATED 10:10 a.m. EST, December 18, 2002 (WEDNESDAY)

VIKES EXPECT "BARRAGE OF CRAP" FROM CRIS

Our moles in Minny tell us that the Vikings are bracing for a barrage from receiver Cris Carter, who'll make his return to the Metrodome on Saturday with his new team, the Miami Dolphins.

According to a team source, the Vikes expect smack-a-plenty from Carter, directed primarily at the team's young and inexperienced cadre of defensive backs.  The Vikings also think that Carter will look for a way to get under the skin of former protege Randy Moss.  (Hey, Cris -- Saints CB Dale Carter tried to do the same thing last Sunday, and it didn't quite work.)

Per one member of the organization, "The man probably would have retired for good after the kidney problem but he probably came back just to play us."  The source explained that Carter's TD catch last week makes it even more likely that they'll get a "full barrage of crap" from him.

Truth be told, few current Vikings players have fond memories of Carter, who alienated many of his teammates with his holier-than-thou attitude.  In fact, when the possibility of bringing Carter back to Minnesota for another season was raised in the off-season, the front office abruptly dropped the subject, for fear of a mini-revolt.

Though no one will discuss the question of whether a target will be on Carter's back, don't be surprised to see a few guys in purple taking their shots at him.

As far as the Fins are concerned, they hope that the matter doesn't develop into a distraction, since their only objective at this point is to get out of the Metrodome -- where they never have won -- with a victory.

BETTIS WINNING SUPPORT

A growing minority within the Pittsburgh front office supports the notion of sticking with Jerome Bettis as the starting tailback in 2003, according to a league source.

The reasons are simple.  Bettis has been running well of late, and the team will need a solid presence in the running game if, as anticipated, Tommy Maddox is flying solo at the quarterback position, with less depth behind him next year than the team currently enjoys.

Also, some within the organization still fear that Zereoue is too brittle to be a 25-carry guy, week in and week out.

There's a catch, however.  To keep the job, Bettis will be required to restructure his contract, with some of the money being moved to later years.  Some of the deferred money likely will be deferred, according to the source, in order to make the package more attractive to the Bus.

PARTY CREATING DRAFT-ORDER TEMPTATIONS?

As 14 teams in the AFC wear out there abacuses (abaci?) with various playoff seeding permutations (the only thing we know for sure is that none of the possible outcomes hinge on whether Trent Lott resigns from his Senate post), the league's bottom feeders surely have an eye on the manner in which their respective positions in the closely-packed standings might influence the pecking order in April.

In our view, more than a few teams might be hoping to lose a game or two down the stretch, in order to secure a higher spot in the first round of the draft.

Though no one in any position of authority within the league ever will acknowledge the possibility that a team might throw a game in order to improve it's position in the first round, we can't recall any season in which one loss could turn a team's fortunes so dramatically.

The only semi-certainty is that the Bengals will have the top pick, with a 1-13 record.  (Hey, does anyone remember the Great Gazoo predicting that the Bungles would make the playoffs?  How does it feel to be just another "Dumb-Dumb," Johnny?)

Beyond the Bengals, the spots are still up for grabs.  The Lions are at 3-11, with the Texans, Bears, and Vikings at 4-10.  Next comes five teams sitting at 5-9 (Cowboys, 'Skins, Panthers, Seahawks, Cardinals).  There are two 6-8 squads, and another five-pack at 7-7.

Some teams already are making their plans for the draft.  According to the Washington Post, the Redskins hope to add at least two fleet wide receivers in the off-season.  Surely, the 'Skins are considering whether their draft position (currently No. 10) will enable them to get one of the premier collegiate receivers (e.g., Michigan State's Charles Rogers, Texas's Roy Williams and Miami's Andre Johnson).  For a team that's already lost 9 games, what's another loss or two, if it helps Ball Coach get another horse?

In our view, the NFL might want to consider instituting an NBA-style lottery in the not-too-distant future, in order to remove (or at least lessen) the temptation for teams to take a dive, in order to lasso a stud.

NUGGETS

RAMS:  Last week, we reported that Rams coach Mike Martz plans to fire special teams coach Bobby April.  On Tuesday, Martz denied that he intends to send April to the showers.  ""I know how hard he works," Martz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  "I know what a good professional he is, because I watch practice every day.  I see what he does.  And I know the frustration of guys technically not doing what they're supposed to do."  (We still think April won't be back next year, regardless of the label that Martz applies to the move.)

RAIDERS:  LB Bill Romanowski has responded to complaints from Denver TE Shannon Sharpe regarding Sharpe's belief that Romo tried to injure him during the teams' first meeting in November.  "Shannon's got a big mouth," Romanowski said, according to the Denver Post.  "If he wants to cry about it, that's his deal." 

COWBOYS:  Coach Dave Campo acknowledged in a team meeting on Tuesday that he doesn't know whether he'll be back next year.  "He told us that he doesn't know whether he'll be back or not," DE Greg Ellis told the Dallas Morning News.  "He told us we had two games left in the season and to carry on and prepare like we were getting ready for the Super Bowl.  He said he was going to coach us to the bitter end."  (We suggest Campo rename December 30 on his 2002 calendar as "Bitter End Day.")

BUCCANEERS:  DT Anthony "Booger" McFarland has been placed on injured reserve, after suffering a broken right foot in last Sunday's game against the Lions, according to the Tampa Tribune.  Chartic Darby will take his place in the starting lineup.

JAGUARS:  P Chris Hanson's season might best be dubbed, "From Fondue to Honolulu."  Hanson, who suffered a scary off-season injury due to a hot cheese mishap, could be on his way to the Pro Bowl, according to the Florida Times-Union.  Hanson got the most votes of any AFC punter in fan balloting; the final outcome will be announced on Thurday.

VIKINGS:  It looks like the Vikes plan to flirt with the folks in suburban Anoka County regarding a possible new stadium there.  "I was extremely surprised to come in and see the presentation," Executive Vice President Mike Kelly said after a 90-minute meeting with County officials.  "It's clear they are extremely well-organized and enthusiastic and there are some really attractive and wonderful development opportunities in this community."  (Possible translation:  "Thanks for giving us some real leverage for our efforts to finagle a downtown stadium.")

POSTED 9:00 a.m. EST, December 17, 2002 (TUESDAY)

MARTY MIGHT BE SPARED?

The latest twist from the wishy-washy weenies who own the Detroit Lions is that, according to a league source, a strong finish by the Lions could save the job of head coach Marty Mornhinweg, but not the position of President/CEO Matt Millen.

This follows prior reports that only Millen would stay, and reports that both would go.

League insiders believe that, even if the latest rumors are true, the performance of the Lions isn't likely to be strong enough to make the Fords overlook the Blutarski-esque performance (and appearance) of their soon-to-be-former head coach, especially will starting quarterback Joey Harrington sidelined for the rest of the season with an irregular heartbeat.  According to the Detroit News, he'll need surgery or medication to correct the problem, which caused his heart to race to more than 200 beats per minute during Sunday's game against Tampa.

As we previously have reported, there's a difference of opinion within the Ford family regarding whether the team will hire a coach with personnel power, or whether they'll keep the current two-man structure.

We still think they should give the keys to Denny Green, who has proven that he can succeed.  Millen, in turn, has proven only that he can't.

STEELERS THINK MADDOX IS ALMOST BACK

A league source tells us that the Pittsburgh Steelers believe that the solid performance of quarterback Tommy Maddox on Sunday against the Panthers is a strong indication that he is both physically and mentally ready and able to lead the team for its playoff run.

According to the source, the team thinks Maddox still has a bit farther to go to reach his pre-injury status. 

In our view, he'll need to get there quickly.  On Monday night, the Steelers go to Tampa for their first visit since safety Lee Flowers labeled the Bucs "paper champions."

CAMPO KAPUT

The logic is simple.  Cowboys owner Jerry "Poltergeist 2 Guy" Jones previously said that he'd evaluate Coach Dave Campo not based on wins and losses, but based on whether Jones believes the team is making sufficient progress. 

["Dave, you are gonna die . . ."]

In the wake of the Cowboys' 37-7 loss to the Giants, Jones said that the team isn't making any progress.

One plus one is two, folks.  Campo is done, and the question now is who'll take over a sinking ship in Big D.

We reported two weeks ago that Seattle coach Mike Holmgren could end up taking the reins.  Previous indications were that current Cowboys offensive coordinator Bruce Coslet specifically was hired by Jones with an eye toward giving the former Bengals coach the job.

But we suspect that Jones will opt to clean house entirely, starting from scratch with a guy having a proven track record of success in the NFL -- assuming, of course, that the candidate is willing to put up with Jerry.

NUGGETS

JETS:  QB Vinny Testaverde says that he wants to return to the team in 2003, even if it means backing up Chad Pennington.  "My plans are to be here and be with this football team in whatever role I can and help them win a championship," Testaverde said, according to the New York Times. 

REDSKINS:  The Washington Post reports that team officials believe RB Stephen Davis's shoulder injury might enhance his chances of staying with the team.  The injury could reduce the veteran's prospects on the free-agent market, making him more likely to accept a significantly reduced salary in 2003, when he's scheduled to have a cap figure of $11.4 million. 

RAMS:  For no apparent reason, RB Trung Canidate will start in front of rookie Lamar Gordon this Sunday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  "We've got to get Trung in there," coach Mike Martz said. "We just have to.  So we will this week."  (Translation:  "We can't keep both guys next year, so let's showcase Canidate in the hopes of getting a draft pick for him.")

CHIEFS:  The potential record-setting season of RB Priest Holmes might have come crashing to a halt.  Holmes is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game, and the team is waiting for MRI results on his injured hip.  Coach Dick Vermeil remains optimistic.  "I don't think it's of a serious nature," Vermeil told the Kansas City Star.

POSTED 9:30 a.m. EST, December 16, 2002 (MONDAY)

JETS LOSING FOCUS, AGAIN

Late in the 2001, the New York Jets and coach Herm Edwards were scrutinized for a perceived lack of discipline.  Though Edwards was able to keep most of the examples of lollygagging under wraps, we ran a series of reports regarding players sleeping in practice, showing up late for meetings, and generally doing whatever they pleased.

This year, the problems are far more public.  Jumbo Elliott's kneecap tango with Santa Claus was the first problem in a week that included a practice-field brawl, a meeting-room argument between centers Kevin Mawae and Dan O'Sullivan, and a poor performance against the previously 3-10 Bears.

One league executive observed in the wake of Sunday's game that G.M. Terry Bradway had better get Edwards in line, or both of them will be looking for a new job after the season.

Indeed, the sense in league circles is that, although owner Woody Johnson (we still can't type that redundancy without laughing) has been placated by the team's performance of late, he likely won't tolerate a collapse marred by off-season distractions and/pr embarrassments, like the crap that unfolded last week.

Also, another league insider tells us that the Jets should not, under any circumstances, bring Jumbo Elliott back next year.  Elliott is a bad influence on younger players, says the source, and he's burned the team in the past with his antics.

LEWIS BENEFITING FROM DOUBLE STANDARD?

One league insider has raised with us an interesting question regarding the constant waffling of Redskins defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis regarding job openings as he continues to covet an NFL head-coaching position.

Specifically, if Lewis were white, would he have gotten away with some of the things he has said and done over the past two years?

Rewind to early 2001.  Spurned by the Bills in favor of then-Titans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, Lewis lashed out, stating that he didn't want the job anyway.

Published reports at the time indicated that Lewis didn't get the job because he wanted more than the Bills were willing to provide, and that he felt pressured to take the job "because of his race."

Last year, Lewis caught the shaft from the Bucs, and then he played the Ravens and the Redskins off of each other for a new gig in D.C. that virtually pays him as if he were a head coach.

More recently, Lewis flirted with the Michigan State Spartans, forcing the Redskins to suffer through a week's worth of guessing games regarding whether or not Lewis would be leaving.

Our source, who happens to be black, thinks that Lewis would've fallen off of the "A" list by now for his handling of these various jobs, if he weren't African-American.  Indeed, our source thinks that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder might have even considered firing a white assistant coach who couldn't make up his mind as to whether he wanted to stay with the 'Skins, or whether he wanted to take the job with Michigan State.

Though we doubt Snyder would've gone so far, we too wonder whether Lewis is getting a pass for behavior that otherwise would tarnish his name in league circles.

Then again, given the fact that Lewis still isn't an NFL head coach, maybe he isn't.

POSTED 1:36 p.m. EST, December 15, 2002 (SUNDAY)

WARNER LIKELY DONE IN ST. LOUIS

A league source tells us that the St. Louis Rams most likely will part ways with quarterback Kurt Warner after the 2002 season.

According to the source, the Rams will try to trade Warner.  If they can't there's a "75 percent chance" that he will be released by the team that he led to the Super Bowl twice in the last three seasons.

The front office believes that Warner is now injury prone, due to the beating he took in the Arena League and the numerous hand injuries he has suffered over the past two NFL seasons.

Also, the team really likes Marc Bulger, whose arrival on the pro football scene has been nearly as stunning as Warner's debut in 1999.

Three years ago, Warner stepped in after Trent Green suffered a torn ACL in the preseason, presiding over a pinball-machine offense that utilized to the fullest Warner's ability to make quick reads and deliver pinpoint passes to backs and receivers running in full stride.

This time around, Bulger stepped in after injuries to Warner and backup Jamie Martin, promptly delivering five straight victories that, at the time, pulled the Rams back into the playoff picture.

Greasing the skids for Warner's departure is a $6 million dollar bonus that the Rams owe him in February.  If the Rams pay the money, Warner's cap numbers for the next four seasons will be $8.7 million, $9.4 million, $9.4 million, and $10.5 million, respectively.

Warner's health and his contract make Bulger look a lot more attractive.  A mere $375,000 tender offer will secure for the Rams exclusive rights to Bulger, and they then can give to Marc some of the coin that otherwise would flow to Warner.

The source tells us that coach Mike Martz and the front office seem to be in agreement that the job should fall to Bulger in 2003, but we suspect that they will be watching him closely over the final three weeks of the season, in order to determine whether he's indeed ready to take over a potent attack that still has the horses to win lots of games.

Also, don't discount the possibility of a connection between that ill-fated phone call made by Brenda "Yoko" Warner to KFNS radio on December 3.  Though everyone concerned tried to brush it off as a non-event, we doubt that Mike Martz's ego will allow him to forget the not-so-subtle slap that she took at him, and it could've been the straw that broke Kurt's career in St. Louis.

MAWAE CRITICIZED FOR ROLE IN BRAWL

There's an interesting post-script to Wednesday's royal rumble at Jets practice.  A league source tells us that, later in the day, reserve center Dennis O'Sullivan chided Pro Bowl center Kevin Mawae for not jumping into the scrum that Mawae partially had instigated.

According to the source, O'Sullivan suggested that Mawae is making too much money to get down and dirty with the po' boys who mixed it up.

Mawae took exception, prompting a heated exchange between the two centers, who ultimately had to be separated in order to prevent another scuffle from breaking out.

HOLD THE MUSTARD

Terry Bradshaw's suit on Fox's NFL pregame show was bad.  The jerseys on the backs of the New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon are worse.

For the first time ever, the Saints are wearing mustard-colored shirts with black numbers. 

Mustard.

Apparently, the jerseys constitute "white" shirts, since the Vikings are wearing purple for the Superdome game.

It's the latest move in one of the oddest years for NFL uniforms ever.  First, we were subjected to the new Riddell "Revolution" helmet, which more accurately should be called "Abomination."

Then, the Seattle Seahawks new blue-on-blue home duds sparked a flurry of monochrome uniforms, and the trend got downright ridiculous last week when the Dolphins wore aqua on aqua for their Monday night game against the Bears.

Forget overtime and replay -- the competition committee needs to put some teeth into the rules regarding uniforms.  (Or, alternatively, every stadium needs to install barf bags under each seat.)

POSTED 10:03 a.m. EST, UPDATED 11:45 a.m. EST, December 13, 2002 (SATURDAY)

THE JUMBO DID IT

A league source has confirmed for us that offensive tackle Jumbo Elliott is the guilty party in the currently-unfolding whodunit that has distracted the New York Jets from their unlikely late-season playoff quest.

The Saturday editions of the various New York newspapers are reporting that Elliott has emerged as the prime suspect in the kneecap-bashing of a limo driver last Sunday night after the Jets' 19-13 win over the Broncos.  However, Jumbo is pulling a Shaggy in his response to the potential assault charges.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Elliott said repeatedly on Friday, according to the New York Post.  Elliott was questioned by reporters based on a Friday report in the Newark Star-Ledger fingering him as the guilty party.

On Sunday evening, driver Donald Matinsky (other papers are spelling it "Matinski" -- isn't that how Iran and Iraq got into that poison gas throw-down back in the 80's?) was hauling around a limo-load of Jets offensive linemen.  Matinsky, 60, says that one of the players became drunk and abusive, and Matinsky asked him to leave the vehicle.

The player in question allegedly picked up Matinsky, who was dressed in a Santa Claus suit, and threw him down, leaving the man with a broken kneecap.

"I don't know of anyone beating a driver," Elliott said.  "I was out at the dinner, but I don't know who's saying what."

Coach Herm Edwards knows who did it, but he isn't talking.  Instead, he's trying to get his team ready for a visit to the Chicago and/or Champaign Bears.  "There are a lot of distractions, a lot of inconveniences this week," Edwards said, according to the New York Times.  "The title for this week was `Inconvenience,' so we understand that."

The Elliott incident has little relevance to the football aspects of the team, since Elliott is being used sparingly.  Still, it's an issue that the team doesn't need to be bothered with as the postseason approaches.

The Times reports that, based on some of his past misdeeds, Elliott faces a potential two-game suspension from the NFL (which likely is irrelevant, since the 37-year-old linemen probably won't try to play another year, and the process surely won't wind up prior to the end of the present campaign).

He's also sure to get a big, fat lump of coal in his stocking.

STEELERS DIVIDED BETWEEN TOMMY, KORDELL

A league source tells us that sharp division exists in the Steelers locker room regarding the question of whether Tommy Maddox or Kordell Stewart should lead the offense as it makes one final push to salvage a season of, so far, unfulfilled expectations.

Steelers coach Bill Cowher has tried hard not to allow a quarterback controversy to emerge in the 'Burgh. To date, Maddox and Stewart, have been saying all the rights things, which in theory should go a long way toward keeping the matter from hitting a full boil.

But the pot is rumbling nevertheless.  Though the source wasn't specific regarding the source of each man's support, we suspect based on last week's dreadful performance that the offensive players are pulling for Maddox, and that the defensive players want to see Stewart.

"Nobody's losing any faith in anybody around here," receiver Plaxico Burress told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  "That's why you have 16 games -- to go out and prove yourself all over again the next week.  I'm not worried about Tommy.  Everyone's going to play bad once in a while.  Nobody's perfect."

According to the source, the coaching staff could be leaning toward making the move back to Stewart.  The concern is that Maddox's lack of mobility coupled with a battered offensive line might make Tommy tentative or, eventually, get him injured, again.

The recent emergence of Falcons quarterback Mike Vick could be another factor in favor of giving the job back to Stewart.  One scout tells us that Stewart would perform well on a more consistent basis if he were permitted to improvise, a la Vick.

Regardless of whether it's Stewart or Maddox the rest of the way, the recent struggles of Maddox make the long-term status of the quarterback position in Pittsburgh uncertain, at best.  Not long ago, Stewart was on the end of the plank, and Maddox was poised to hold the job in 2003 and beyond.  Now, Stewart looks to be strengthening his standing -- and Maddox seems to be losing his grip.

PACK SANDBAGGING THE PATS?

There's speculation in the Green Bay media that the team might limit WR Terry Glenn's playing time in the final three games of the season in order to avoid having to ship an extra draft pick to the Patriots as part of the deal that sent Glenn to Wisconsin.

If Glenn has 11 more catches or 102 more yards over the balance of the regular season, the Packers would owe the Pats a fourth-round selection in the 2003 draft. 

The Packers aren't talking about the issue but, characteristically, Glenn is.

"I hope that's not the case," Glenn told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.  "If it is, I wish somebody would tell me.  It'd be [expletive] to do things like that when you're trying to win a championship."

So what would Glenn's reaction be, if he got the news that his reps would be limited?  "If [coach Mike Sherman] came to me and told me that [expletive], you'll have a problem.  A big problem."  (Hey, Mike -- we got two words for you:  Caveat emptor.)

Though we doubt that the Packers would keep Glenn on the sidelines as the team tries to secure home-field advantage for the playoffs, a lot can be done with a fourth-round pick -- and there's plenty of discretion that quietly can be exercised in the NFL.

Stay tuned.  In the final game of last season, Packers quarterback Brett Favre drew heavy criticism for handing a record-breaking sack to Giants defensive end Michael Strahan.  This time around, folks could end up scrutinizing whether Favre is treating Glenn like Jimmy Orr as Terry treads toward stats would rob the Pack of another pick.

NUGGETS

GIANTS:  DE Michael Strahan suffered a strained neck while lifting weights on Friday, according to the New York Times.  Strahan spent part of the morning at the hospital with the injury, which initially was believed to be a chest muscle strain.  "It's painful right now, but I expect to play on Sunday," he said.  The Giants, who have a very outside shot at the playoffs, face off against Jerry "the Skull" Jones and the Cowboys on Sunday.

VIKINGS:  The Norsemen are steaming about the fact that Packers DT Cletidus Hunt didn't draw a fine for leaving the bench during (not after) the final play of the game and later punching TE Hunter Goodwin.  "It kind of makes you wonder what the hell is going on," TE Jim Kleinsasser told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.  " I mean, you've got a guy that comes from off the field during the middle of the play, runs across the field at our bench."  Three Vikings were fined a total of $25,000, and three Packers were fined a total of $15,000 for their behavior at the conclusion of Sunday night's 26-22 victory by the Packers.

RAMS:  RB Marshall Faulk likely won't play Sunday night against the Cardinals, after returning for last Sunday's loss to the Chiefs.  "Not good," Martz said of Faulk's chances to play, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

CHIEFS:  The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs have signed K Michael Husted as a potential emergency replacement for K Morten Andersen, who is limited by a torn meniscus in his right knee.  Husted hasn't played since 2000, and we reported that Husted appeared to have a dead leg during a recent tryout with the Steelers.

DOLPHINS:  An intriguing subplot for Sunday's showdown between the Fish and the Felons (we don't really believe that -- it just sounded good) is the battle between Miami right tackle Todd Wade and Oakland left defensive end Trace Armstrong.  When Armstrong was with the Dolphins in 2000, he routinely abused Wade, then a rookie.  Wade has emerged since then, and Armstrong is playing every down for the first time since 1997.

BEARS:  C Olin Kreutz denies biting Miami CB Sam Madison on Monday night, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.  "He puts his finger into my facemask, and he's claiming he got bit?" Kreutz said.  "It didn't happen.  They can say whatever they want.  But what are you doing sticking your hand into someone's facemask in the first place?"  The Dolphins submitted tape of the incident to the NFL, but the league declined to fine Kreutz.

RAIDERS:  According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Raiders signed veteran CB/KR Darrien Gordon not because of his return skills, but for help in a depleted defensive secondary.  The Contra Costa Times nevertheless reports that Gordon might get a chance to returns kick.  Having Gordon on the roster also could come in handy, in our view, if the Raiders meet the Packers in the Super Bowl.  Gordon spent all of the 2002 season in Green Bay, and he'd be a useful resource for game planning.

SAINTS:  CB Dale Carter is looking forward to covering former teammate Randy Moss on Sunday.  "It's a challenge. I love a challenge," Carter said, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.  "No matter what people say about the guy, he's still the best in the league."  Carter spent nine games in 2001 with the Vikings, after being reinstated by the league.  The Saints outbid the Vikes for his services, and despite yet another suspension, Carter returned several weeks ago, and he has helped the New Orleans defense.

POSTED 9:05 a.m. EST, December 13, 2002 (FRIDAY)

DIXON "DOESN'T GET IT"

In the wake of the one-game suspension imposed on Giants receiver Ron Dixon, a team source tells us that the prevailing thinking among teammates is that Dixon simply "doesn't get it."

According to the source, Dixon was late of several meetings last year because he has a habit of staying up late, either playing video games or talking on the phone.

Folks outside of New York agree.  Several league execs think that Dixon, who emerged two years ago as a rookie from Lambuth College, has the talent to be a smaller version of Randy Moss.

Unfortunately, Dixon also has some of Moss's head, too.

YOU ASKED FOR IT . . .

. . . and hopefully, you'll get it.  In Thursday's rumor mill, we asked for your input regarding the games of olde that you'd like to see, if the folks who'll be doing the programming for the new NFL Channel decide to rebroadcast past contests in their entirety.

Here are the top choices:

1.    Bills vs. Oilers, 1992 playoffs:  This classic wasn't aired live in Buffalo, since the game wasn't a sellout.  It featured the most stunning comeback in league history -- and it was the death knell for the Run-N-Shoot offense, which could help a team build a lead, but couldn't help the team hold it.

2.  Dolphins vs. Chiefs, 1971 playoffs:  It was a Christmas Day present from the NFL -- the longest game in NFL history.  (I was too busy to notice; I was playing Rock 'Em-Sock 'Em Robots.)

3.  Steelers v. Oilers, 1979 playoffs:  If Joe Paterno were coaching the Oilers that day, he would've made like a true Nittany Lion -- he would've killed a zebra. 

4.  Dolphins vs. Bears, 1985:  It was a classic Monday Night battle that most thought was a preview of Super Bowl XX.  Unfortunately, the Pats didn't get the memo.

5.  Packers v. Redskins, 1983:  Another Monday Night thriller.

6.  Chiefs v. Broncos, 1994:  Yet another MNF classic; Elway v. Montana, with Joe taking a page from John's comeback book.

7.  Super Bowl XXXVI:  Rams and Pats; best Super Bowl ever.

There also were a few others worthy of mention.  As to the 1988 Bears-Eagles playoff game, one fan wrote:  "That was back in my stoner years, and the game remains a bit foggy to me."

Another fan asked to see any game involving a Clevelander (fan or player) throwing something (bottle or helmet).

And one fan suggested that the NFL Channel play a special marathon of the great Cincinnati Bengals wins of the last millennium.  (Does one game equal a "marathon"?)

It was clear from the responses we received that folks would love to watch old games in their entirety, with the original play-by-play.  Let's cross our finger and hope that the powers that be agree with us.

MOSS DODGES DRUG CHARGES

As part of his plea agreement regarding his September game of street bowling, drug charges pending against Vikings receiver Randy Moss will be dropped, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

The move was significant, given prior reports that Moss would be subject to a suspension from the league -- and possibly a forfeiture of his bonus money -- if he had been convicted of marijuana possession due to the doobie that was found in his car.

Moss agreed to a 30-day prison term on the traffic charge, which will be imposed only if Moss commits similar misconduct in the next year.

As to the officer who ended up eating asphalt after her run-in with Moss, she plans to sue him.  Moss has refused to apologize to her, which will do little to dissuade her from trying to invade his wallet.

"I don't think she deserves an apology," said Moss's lawyer, Joe Friedberg.  (Sometimes you can just feel that Christmas spirit hanging in the air, can't you?)

CULPEPPER, NIKE REACH DEAL

Sticking with the Vikings and their legal troubles (since nothing they're doing on the field is worth discussion), the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that quarterback Daunte Culpepper has resolved his dispute with Nike.

Culpepper's apparel deal with Nike expired in June 2001 season, so he signed with Reebok.  But Nike believed it had a right to match any offers.  Nike sued, and it secured an order preventing Culpepper from peddling Reebok products.

To settle the claim, the parties have agreed to part ways after the 2002 season.

Would Nike's decision to let Culpepper walk after the 2002 season have anything to do with the now-apparent reality that Culpepper isn't nearly as good as we all thought he was?

POSTED 9:20 a.m. EST, December 12, 2002 (THURSDAY)

LEBEAU TO LEBOLT?

The word out of the Queen City is that Bungles head coach Dick LeBeau is set to retire following the completion of the 2002 season.

According to a league source, team president Mike Brown likely will not use LeBeau's departure as the springboard for fundamental changes to an organization that continues to find new and innovative ways to disappoint the folks who actually spend their hard-earned money for the privilege to watch the Bengals lose repeatedly.  (P.T. Barnum was right, kids.)

The source says that Brown likely will elevate defensive coordinator Mark Duffner or defensive line coach Tim "No One Would Know Who I Am If I Hadn't Taken A Theisman Injury In The Super Bowl" Krumrie.

Otherwise, look for precious few changes to the front office.  The source tells us that Brown and company will continue to resist hiring a true General Manager, because the G.M. likely would insist on hiring a staff of scouts -- and dumping the various members of the Brown family who have helped put the "bungle" in the Bengals, including Katie Brown Blackburn and her husband, Troy. 

Regardless, the Brown family likely will hire a few more scouts (assuming they can find a way to cut the jock strap and/or toilet paper budget).  Why?  The word is that the Bengals are more-than-a-little concerned about the prospect of a lawsuit from county officials, who footed the bill for Paul Brown Stadium, based upon the failure of the organization to attempt to field a competitive team. 

CARR THE REAL DEAL

Even after presiding over an offense that generated only 47 total yards in Sunday's win against the Steelers, folks throughout the league continue to be impressed by Texans quarterback David Carr.

Several scouts have gushed to us about the Houston field general, explaining that he's bright, he's a solid leader, he's athletic, and he's tough -- as evidenced by the fact that he's continued to peel himself off of the ground this season, and keep going.

The thinking is that Carr will show dramatic improvement as the team gets its offensive line in order.

G-MEN LOVE SHOCKEY, MOUTH AND ALL

Though he often makes bigger headlines for what he says off of the field rather than what he does on it, the New York Giants love rookie tight end Jeremy Shockey.

A team source described Shockey as a "tight end with a linebacker mentality," and the thinking is that he'll be one of the great ones -- if he can keep his mouth (and his ego) in check.

So far, Shockey has 54 catches for 652 yards, with only one touchdown.

"I WANT MY DIRECTV"

USA Today reports that DirecTV will keep a stranglehold on the NFL Sunday Ticket package through 2005, as part of a five-year, $2 billion deal.

After 2005, the NFL will be able to sell a pay package to cable.  Through at least 2007, however, the Sunday Ticket deal will stay on DirecTV, where it debuted in 1994.

Currently, 1.5 million folks buy the $180 package.  Look for the price to go up, folks, as DirecTV tries to recoup the big chunk of money it has promised to the NFL.

As part of the deal, the NFL Channel will debut on DirecTV as of next season.  It'll be an ad-supported, year-round network, which apparently will be provided for free.

Over the years, the NFL has kept notoriously tight reins on its past game highlights, primarily funneling clips of games gone by through NFL Films.  We hope that, on the NFL Channel, the league will allow old games to be re-broadcast in their entirety.

If this happens, which game from past years would you most want to see again?  Drop us a line and we'll share the results on Friday.

POSTED 4:58 p.m. EST, December 10, 2002 (TUESDAY)

NFLPA SUPPLEMENT RACE KICKING IN?

Several sources have told us recently that the NFL Player Association's interest in being the primary source of future supplements for players is coming to the point in which a primary supplier of supplement products endorsed by the NFLPA should be named by the end of the month.  Per the source, the NFLPA has decided to go with one company to produce the supplements rather than multiple companies.  Even though this would figure to be to the advantage to the NFLPA so that they can have greater ability to monitor the "Pump You Up" products that its union members/players are taking, there is some concern that the one supplier, one winner bid may cause the NFLPA to lose sight of its intent in implementing its control over the use of supplements (so the new ephedra policy is not violated) at the expense of selecting the supplement company that is most willing to fill the coffers of the NFLPA war chest. 

Stay tuned.

POSTED 9:58 p.m. EST, December 10, 2002 (TUESDAY); UPDATED 7:13 a.m. EST, December 11, 2002 (WEDNESDAY)

TOMMY PULLING A WARNER?

Several league insiders tell us that Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox didn't appear to be fit to play last Sunday against the Texans, and there's a growing feeling within the organization that Maddox shouldn't have thrown himself back into the mix so soon.

Some are even comparing Maddox's maneuver to the Kurt Warner fiasco.  Warner was criticized in league circles last week for his insistence that he was healthy, when it was abundantly clear that he shouldn't be playing.  Based on Maddox's performance against the Texans, the sense is that, like Warner, Maddox's ego might've gotten in the way of the team's interests.

Maddox's poor play against the Texans has done nothing to quell an emerging locker-room conflict between the offense and the defense.  Despite the efforts of some to put a happy face on the situation, a team source tells us that there is still tension-o-plenty between the two units.

None of this has stopped coach Bill Cowher from declaring that Maddox will remain the starter.  Like last week, however, Cowher is now suggesting that Stewart could be inserted to give the team a spark.

Our source tells us that some of the players are wondering why Cowher didn't make good on his promise to use Stewart to spell Maddox.  In our view, suggesting the possibility served only to make Maddox more tentative.

Let's face it.  Maddox is thinking beyond the 2002 season.  Prior to his injury in Tennessee, Kordell was all but gone from Pittsburgh, putting Maddox in line for the kind of payday that goes with being a starter.  As Stewart excelled in Maddox's absence, however, Maddox's sure thing was becoming less of a certainty.  So Maddox rushed back before he was ready -- and he jeopardized not only his status with the team, but also the team's chances of advancing deep into the postseason.

CHANDLER, BEARS QUIT

Fallout from the Bears 27-9 trouncing in South Florida includes an observation that quarterback Chris Chandler didn't want to be on the field Monday night.

According to a league source, players could see in Chandler's eyes his intense desire not to be playing.  He was throwing the ball quickly and he didn't want to get hit, according to the source. 

Chandler wasn't alone.  The thinking is that the Bears generally gave up in the second half, eventually sinking to 3-10 after last year's surprising 13-3 showing.

In Chicago's defense, it could be that the Bears merely were nauseated by the aqua-on-aqua look that the Fins sported on Monday night.  Miami is now the seventh team to don the monochrome unis in 2003, joining Seattle, Buffalo, Chicago, New England, the Jets, and Jacksonville.  Coupled with the horrendous orange jerseys worn twice by the Browns and once by the Broncos, it's been a very, very bad year for NFL uniforms.

As to Chandler, he's not getting off the hook easily.  Starter Jim Miller is done for the season, thanks to a severely hyperextended left knee and a partial MCL tear.  According to the Chicago Tribune, Chandler will start the remaining three games, and Henry Burris will get some reps, so that the team can evaluate his performance in game situations.

EUROPEAN ALLOCATION CUT

A league source tells us that the NFL Europe allocation will be cut to three players per team.

Though, at one point, NFL teams welcomed the opportunity to send young players to Europe for seasoning.  However, now that teams are spending more time than ever in their off-season programs, most coaches prefer having the marginal players available for assessment within the confines of the program on which they'll be competing for a roster spot in the fall.

Another issue is injuries.  Quarterback Joe Hamilton, for example, was lost for the NFL season when he suffered a torn ACL in Europe.

The good news is that the new approach will create extra spots for even more marginal players to develop their skills, and to earn a shot in the NFL.

CFL PLAYERS GETTING A LOOK-SEE

As of Monday, eligible CFL players became available to work out for NFL teams. 

Every year, players who are in entering an option year with their CFL clubs have the ability to secure a spot with NFL teams during a limited window that begins two week after the Grey Cup.

Though no north-of-the-border prospects currently are creating a major stir in the NFL, we'll keep our ears open for any developments.

CAROLINA GETTING COCKY

With a three-game and a two-game winning streak wrapped around an eight-game skid, the Carolina Panthers are musing on the things that might have been.

According to a league source, many in the organization believe that the Panthers could've fought for a playoff spot but for several close losses, including a three-point loss at Green Bay, a three-point loss to Arizona, a one-point loss at Dallas, and a three-point loss to Tampa.

Really, if the Panthers had won only half of those games, they'd now be 7-6 -- and in the hunt for the six seed in the NFC.

WEAVER CHANGING HIS TUNE?

Last week, Jags owner Wayne Weaver expressed strong support for coach Tom Coughlin, despite a rising tide of discontent in Jacksonville with Coughlin's recent results.  After Sunday's last-second loss to the Browns, however, it seems that Weaver might be changing his tune.

POSTED 9:20 a.m. EST, December 10, 2002 (TUESDAY)

SHANNY BENCHES TWO DEFENDERS

A league source tells us that Denver coach Mike Shanahan has benched two starters on defense -- defensive tackle Lional Dalton and cornerback Deltha O'Neal.

According to the source, Dalton and O'Neal will be riding the pine due to poor practice habits.  Apparently, Shanny previously had warned the not-so-dynamic duo about this shortcoming before yanking them from the lineup. 

The Broncos signed Dalton in April.  He had spent four seasons with the Ravens.  O'Neal was selected by the Broncos in the first round of the 2000 draft.

Dalton will be replaced in the starting lineup by four-year reserve Montae Reagor, and O'Neal will be replaced by veteran Tyrone Poole.

ROGERS HAVING AN OFF YEAR

Several league scouts say that linebacker Derrick Rogers is having an off year for the Miami Dolphins.  Rogers doesn't look as sharp as in past years, they say, and the concern is that this dip in his performance can be traced to the legal morass in which he found himself after introducing his wife's alleged paramour to a chair.  Repeatedly.  

Rogers recently has been wrestling with the question of whether to accept a plea deal for the charges.  The deal call for no jail time, but three years probation, a fine, and community service.

Last week, the judge extended Rogers' deadline for making a decision to January 17.  Through last Friday, Rogers had balked at the deal four times.

APRIL HEADED TO THE SHOWERS

The St. Louis Rams will release special teams coach Bobby April after the season, according to a league source. 

According to the source, April is catching the brunt of the blame for generally poor special teams play in 2002.  Kicker Jeff Wilkins drew pointed criticism from head coach Mike Martz on Monday, and our sources say that Martz generally is displeased with the performance of the special teams, which gave up two scores on returns against the Chiefs.  

April is in his first season with the Rams.  He previously was with the Saints from 1996-99.

POSTED 3:25 p.m. EST, December 9, 2002 (MONDAY)

by Len Lasagna

KORDELL FEELS THE LOVE FROM STEELER FANS

One of our Steeler sources tells us that when the Pittsburgh unfaithful called for back-up QB Kordell Stewart to be inserted in the game on Sunday, the She-Man responded aloud "now they love me."  Even though Stewart did not step onto the playing field during the pathetic Steeler loss to the Texans, more than one Steeler player felt that his presence on the field would have given The Team That Art Built a better chance of winning (translation: he wouldn't have thrown two touchdown passes . . . to Aaron Glenn).

We also have heard that some members of the Steeler organization feel that Maddox was rushed back (by himself and the coaching staff) too quickly for starting QB duty, which explains his successful recreation of the follies from his pre-insurance salesman days as an NFL quarterback.

POSTED 9:10 a.m. EST, December 9, 2002 (MONDAY)

COWHER WAFFLES ON TOMMY

After Sunday's shocking 24-6 loss to the Texans, Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher said that quarterback Tommy Maddox would be the starter again next week, against the Panthers.

But then Cowher backtracked, throwing out an ominous "we'll see."

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the thrice benched Kordell Stewart is saying all the right things as he waits for another chance to play.  "I'm just a player on this team trying to get myself prepared in case my number's called," Stewart said.  "It is what it is, and we just have to wait and see. As of right now, Tommy's the starting quarterback of this football team."

But Maddox's status very well could change after Cowher takes a gander at video of Sunday's performance, in which three defensive touchdowns by the Texans sealed the Steelers' fate.

Truth be told, if Stewart would've been responsible for that pile of crap that landed on the newly-sodded Heinz Field turf, the Kordell-hating local fans would have revolted:

Fan 1:  "Let's hang Kordell in effigy!"

Fan 2:  "Or we can hang him right here in Pittsburgh!"

(Apologies to Ernie "Coach" Pantuso.) 

As to the Texans, they were the first team in NFL history to win with so little offense.  Houston generated only 47 net yards while hanging two-dozen points on the board.  That's more that 0.50 points scored per yard gained.

Still, credit the Texans for hanging tough with the Steelers, who suddenly are in a dogfight for the AFC North lead.  The Texans have beaten two of the most storied NFL franchises during their inaugural campaign (Dallas and Pittsburgh), and we have a feeling that the boys from Enron-land will see their stock rise quickly in the coming years.

RAMS GRUMBLING ABOUT WARNER

Lost in last week's controversy among Kurt Warner, his wife Yoko, and his head coach Mike Martz was one not-so-minor point:

What do the players in St. Louis think about the fact that Warner was playing last Sunday with a broken hand -- and that no one in a position to do something about it seemed to notice?

According to a league source, Rams players privately are seething about the failure of Warner and/or the team to have his hand checked out earlier.  Though it's unlikely that the Rams would've beaten Philly last week even if they'd known about Warner's injury and kept him out of the game, the players are wondering why something wasn't done sooner.

So are we.

PALMER COULD GET SOME P.T.

With the postseason hopes of the New York Giants flickering, a league source tells us that the team might give third-stringer Jesse Palmer a chance to play once the playoff flame is permanently distinguished.

Palmer, a 2001 fourth-rounder from Florida, was receiving strong consideration as the potential replacement for starter Kerry Collins, but talk of that nature subsided when Collins signed a two-year contract extension on the eve of training camp, bumping his stay in New York through the 2004 season.  For now, the team wants to look at Palmer as the primary backup for Collins in 2003, which would enable the Giants to dump veteran Jason Garrett.

Then again, perhaps the Giants are merely hoping to showcase Palmer with an eye toward swapping him to D.C. for a reunion with his college head coach, Steve Spurrier.  And with a weak selection of free-agent quarterbacks in 2003, the G-men might be able to hang a healthy price tag on Palmer, if they decide to ship him in exchange for draft picks.

BECHT UNDERACHIEVING?

More than a few NFL scouts are wondering when the Jets will cut the cord on tight end Anthony Becht, who dropped a potential touchdown pass on Sunday against the Broncos.  One scout characterizes Becht as "inconsistent with his hands and he can't block." 

Prior to the season, there were rumors that the Jets had an interest in then-unsigned tight end Tony Gonzalez.  We reported at the time, however, that these were merely rumors, and that the Jets are still happy with Becht, who was taken in the first round of the 2000 draft, along with quarterback Chad Pennington and defensive linemen Shaun Ellis and John Abraham.

Also, the fact that Pennington has since taken over the quarterback position enhances the likelihood of Becht staying in Gotham.  Becht, who played collegiately at West Virginia, and Pennington, who started for in-state rival Marshall, are good friends, and Pennington surely will lobby to keep Becht.

Bechts numbers aren't bad (24 catches, 207 yards, 5 touchdowns), and we think that a full off-season of work with Pennington will enable Becht to have a breakout season in 2003.

NUGGETS

REDSKINS:  Defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis is expected to meet with Michigan State regarding their vacant head-coaching position.  According to the Washington Post, the 'Skins are resigned to the fact that Lewis will be gone after this season, whether it's at Michigan State or elsewhere.  If Lewis goes, the Redskins will be breaking in their fourth defensive coordinator in four years.

GIANTS:  DE Michael Strahan is pissed at Redskins OG Wilbert Brown for alleged cheap play on Sunday, even if the name "Wilbert Brown" doesn't ring a bell for Strahan.  "Guys who play like that, eventually it comes back to get you.," Strahan said, according to the New York Post.  "Guys who play and do stupid stuff, that's how guys get hurt. But like I said, he ain't good enough to even be in the league for too long, anyway.  I don't even know his name."

LIONS:  If anyone out there thinks that Marty Mornhinweg will remain the head coach of the Detroit Lions after this season, we've got some United Airlines shares we'd be willing to sell you, at cost.  With ten days to prepare for a team that lost to the Chiefs 49-0 last week, the Lions nevertheless lost again, pushing Marty's total record to 5-24, including a pathetic 0-15 away from home.  Time to clean house, Bill (and that means you, too).

POSTED 12:30 p.m. EST, December 8, 2002 (SUNDAY)

VICK BREAKOUT TRACES TO YOUNG

So how has Mike Vick gotten so good so fast?  League insiders believe his sudden emergence can be traced directly to the time he spent this past summer working with Steve Young.

Young visited Vick and the Falcons in a July minicamp, and the thinking is that the combination of Young's advice and Vick's willingness to heed it have made Vick a budding superstar.

Sure, God took care of the hardware, which includes among other things 4.2 speed and a left arm that can launch the ball 50 yards with a flick of the wrist.  But it took a guy like Young to deliver to Vick the kind of pointers that will stick.

Rewind to 2001.  Former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly and his associates had signed Vick to a representation agreement, and Kelly met with the youngster to impart some "words of wisdom."  (In Kelly's case, let's just say it was "words," and we think the words were (or least were intended to be) conveyed in English.)

Less than a month after signing with Kelly and company, Vick abruptly dumped them, explaining that he needed "somebody with more experience and class."  At the time, we thought that Vick's decision possibly traced to an unwillingness to take advice from a broken-down quarterback who could cover 40 yards in less than 5 seconds only if he were wearing a seatbelt.

It was different with Young.  "He's somebody I idolized growing up," Vick said in July.  "When Steve lost to the Cowboys in the championship game, I was hurting with him."

So Mike was listening when Young gave him advice regarding when to throw, and when to pull it down and fly.

"One thing he emphasized was keep your head up so you can see the safeties," Vick said.  "Because if you do that, you have a better idea -- you can see -- what the defense is doing.  The defense is not going to lie after the ball is snapped.  They can disguise coverages before the ball is snapped."

"There's no question he was somebody who really understood," Young said, "from watching other people play through the years, that there is a very kind of mature part of personality that's really important for a quarterback.  If you look at all the guys who are successful, you kind of have to handle a mantle.

"You have to take it on.  I think he has a sense of history."

Vick already has made history, setting the single-game quarterback rushing record and producing eye-popping highlights that evoke memories of Gale Sayers and Michael Jordan in his prime.  On Sunday, Vick gets a chance to add to his short-but-stellar resume against the Buccaneers, for whom Young once played.

SEHORN SLIDING TO SAFETY?

A league source tells us that the Giants will give serious consideration to moving cornerback Jason Sehorn to safety in 2003.

The ephedra-free Sehorn has slipped out of the starting lineup at corner, falling behind Will Allen and William Peterson on the depth chart. 

If Sehorn is given a chance to get back on the field on a full-time basis, it likely will be at the expense of current free safety Omar Stoutmire.

POSTED 8:40 a.m. EST, December 7, 2002 (SATURDAY)

BRONCOS "D" RALLIES 'ROUND RHODES

A league source tells us that embattled Denver defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes is receiving strong support from his players.

We recently reported that Rhodes could be released after this season, based on the disappointing performance of the Broncos' defense.  But the players want Rhodes to stay -- and the source says that they are making their opinions known to head coach Mike Shanahan. 

Some of the players acknowledge that the Broncos' recent string of poor play can be traced in part to bad tackling -- and the players don't think Rhodes should be punished for it.

You make a good point, guys.  If you can't make a tackle, you should be worrying about your own job, not your coach's.  (Then again, there's always room for another non-tackling defender in Minnesota.)

RAVENS GET EARLY START ON FREE AGENCY

The Baltimore Ravens signed CB Tom Knight this week not to improve the team's chances of making the playoffs in 2002, but to get a head start on 2003 free agency.

Knight, who likely won't be available until the last two games of the season, gives the team a potentially solid option at corner, if either James Trapp or Robert Tate depart following the season via free agency.

Knight, a former first-round pick of the Cardinals, signed a two-year deal with the Ravens.  Knight was signed by the Patriots in the off-season, but he was released by the team in September. 

NUGGETS

FALCONS:  QB Mike Vick might not be ready for the Hall of Fame, but his shoes are.  According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the folks in Canton called on Friday to request the size 11.5 Air Jordans that Vick wore whilst torching the Keystone Vikes for 173 yards rushing, a record for a quarterback.  ''Mike was fired up,'' Falcons spokesman Aaron Salkin said. ''We'll send them up overnight.'' 

PACKERS:  Two orthopedic surgeons have concluded that OT Chad Clifton should be able to play again, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Clifton's injury -- a pelvic separation -- is extremely rare in sports, and it's typically seen in motorcycle accidents, major car accident, and major car-pedestrian accidents.  "It's essentially like getting hit by a car, a small Volkswagen," said Raiders medical consultant Warren King.  "I've never heard of that injury in professional football."  Clifton could return as soon as 2003, if he can tolerate the pain. 

REDSKINS:  LB LaVar Arrington is hoping to draw the assignment of covering Giants TE Jeremy Shockey on Sunday.  "He's going to have to deal with a bus with 56 on it," Arrington said, according to the Washington Times. "Hopefully, I'll come out on top — if I get the matchup.  I'm looking for the matchup.  I don't make no bones about it.  I let Marvin know, I let coaches know, I want the matchup.  Whether we do it or not, I don't know."

SAINTS:  The team is denying reports that assistant head coach Mike Riley has been offered the head-coaching job at Alabama, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.  Though the Decatur (Ala.) Daily reported on Friday that Riley could be offered the job as early as Friday, both team officials and Riley say that there has been no contact from 'Bama.  "No one has called us," head coach Jim Haslett said. "They don't have to talk to us, but it's considered proper protocol."  ESPN.com also is reporting that Riley is at the top of the Tide's wish list. 
 

RAMS:  RB Marshall Faulk may start on Sunday at Kansas City, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  "He's ready to go," coach Mike Martz said. "He's much better than he was a week ago, much improved.  I think he'll probably (start) but we'll just have to see."  Faulk suffered foot and ankle injuries in November against the Chargers.  (Hey, Martzie -- if yous guys lose on Sunday, you might as well put Marshall on ice until '03, since your chances of making the playoffs will fall to somewhere between "ridiculously low" and "no chance in hell.")

COLTS:  WR Marvin Harrison needs one catch to break Raymond Bery's franchise record of 631 receptions.  Berry made his mark from 1954 through 1967; Harrison is merely in his seventh NFL season.  "I think what's needed so badly in the National Football League is to have someone like Marvin Harrison being looked up to," Berry told the Indianapolis Star.

BILLS:  DT Tyrone Robertson has been suspended by the league for a second violation of the league's substance abuse policy, according to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.  Robertson. a seventh-round draft choice in 2001, served a four-game suspension earlier this year, and he now faces a full year out of the game.

DOLPHINS:  WR Chris Chambers wants the Dolphins to start throwing the ball deep again, according to the Palm Beach Post.  "We haven't had any the last four or five games," Chambers said.  "That's the one thing, for wide receivers like me, I need to get going.  I need a couple of balls just to loosen me up." 

VIKINGS:  Defensive line coach George O'Leary said on Friday that "some colleges" have inquired about his interest in head coach openings.  (In O'Leary career-speak, it's possible that the word "some" loosely translates to "none.")  "I'll be selective," O'Leary said.  "I just won't go anywhere.  I'd be interested in a school that is a football school and has a good program."     

CARDINALS:  Rookie DT Wendell Bryant is hoping to get his first career start on Sunday, according to the Arizone Republic.  "I'm a grown man," he said. "I don't want anything just given to me.  So I hope that I've been improving over the last couple weeks, that's what I hope it is.  But you never know.  Not in this business."

POSTED 8:30 a.m. EST, December 6, 2002 (FRIDAY)

THE "OTHER" SPIELMAN BACK TO DETROIT?

Linebacker Chris Spielman once played for the Detroit Lions.  His brother, Rick, could soon be leading them.

Notwithstanding our Wednesday report regarding the possibility that Matt "Is That A Donut In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?" Millen could either stay or be replaced by a coach with strong personnel powers, current rumors of Spielman making the move to Motown aren't so far-fetched, according to a league source.

The source tells us that Spielman would be interested in returning to the Lions, where he once worked, if he gets full control over personnel decisions in Detroit.  It's a degree of power that he doesn't have in his current Miami gig.

Spielman is the Senior Vice President-Football Operations/Player Personnel for the Fins.  He spent the prior two years as the team's Vice President-Player Personnel.

Despite the gaudy title, Spielman shares authority over personnel with coach Dave Wannstedt.                           

Two factors are operating against this possible move.  First, the Ford family's current internal struggle regarding whether to keep or dump Millen doesn't have a possible outcome that includes hiring another non-coach with Millenesque powers.  As we reported, they'll either keep Millen, or they'll hire a coach with substantial authority over personnel.

Second, Spielman has a solid relationship with Wannstedt. 

Then again, the fact that the Fins will be facing a cap mess after the season could make the move more attractive to Spielman. 

If Spielman goes, look for pro personnel director George Paton to make the move with him -- and/or to receive serious consideration to replace Spielman in Miami.

PLAYERS EPHEDRA COMPLAINTS BOGUS?

Front office personnel throughout the league privately are saying that the players are "bitching like spoiled kids" regarding the automatic four-game suspension triggered by the first violation of the league's new policy prohibiting ephedra.

The thinking is that the players (and the union) had a full and fair opportunity to point out the inherent inconsistency between the one-strike, four-game sit for ephedra and the policy for illegal substances, which gives a guy a slap on the wrist upon first proof of toking, snorting, etc.

But guys like Jason Sehorn (who's been pissing and moaning about the ephedra rule of late) and union chief Gene Upshaw said jack-diddly-squat when the rule was passed. 

Also, front-office types are scoffing at the notion that the players are taking compounds that don't show the presence of ephedra on their labels.  When in doubt, questions can be addressed to team doctors, or to the toll-free hotline that was established during the off-season.

Or, as one exec said, "be a professional and know what the f--k you put in your mouth."

WEAVER BACKS COUGHLIN

Owner Wayne Weaver has denied published reports that he recently contacted exec-without-a-team Randy Mueller regarding a position in the Jags organization, according to the Florida Times-Union.  Any such move necessarily would represent a reduction in authority of coach Tom Coughlin, who currently wields near-absolute power.

Weaver said that he still backs his coach.  "I continue to have great confidence in Tom Coughlin and his coaching staff," Weaver said. "Tom has two years left on his contract after this season and, as we always do, Tom and I will sit down and review our performance and determine what changes are necessary to get the Jaguars back to competing at the highest levels."

Veteran radio broadcaster David Lamm disagrees.  Earlier this week, Lamm became the first Jacksonville-area media figure to call for Coughlin to resign.

"I think Tom Coughlin ought to go and leave Jacksonville," Lamm said, according to the Times-Union.  "I think he should quit as the Jaguars head coach.  I said the word quit, not be fired.  It can't be much fun for Tom Coughlin right now.  The fans are all over him.  The players are grumbling, 'He's too hard on me.'  It can't be an enjoyable, fun job for Tom Coughlin.

"He has done an outstanding job with the Jaguars.  He created the Jaguars.  He took them to two AFC Championship Games.  Times are hard right now.  It can't be fun.  The fans are down on you, the players are down on you, the Jaguars are losing. Tom -- do the smart thing for your own sanity.  Tell the Jaguars to stick it, and take off."

For what it's worth, we agree.  Coughlin has taken the Jags are far as he can, and it's time for a new face on the sidelines. 

NUGGETS

FALCONS:  QB Mike Vick suddenly is healthy again, shaking the stomach flu almost as quickly as he sped by Viking defenders last Sunday.  "I feel a lot better than [Wednesday]," said Vick, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I got to get something in my stomach." . . .  RB Warrick Dunn returned to practice on Thursday, too, according to the Journal-Constitution.  He was upgraded to questionable with a sprained right ankle.

BRONCOS:  OL Steve Herndon lost a paycheck for his hit on Chargers DT Jamal Williams, according to the Denver Post.  The total cost to Herndon is $17,647.06.

BUCS:  Why does chronic thug Warren Sapp catch a break from the media?  Because he creates good sound bytes.  Consider this gem from Sapp regarding fears of encountering Falcons QB Mike Vick in the open field:  "If you're ever put in that position, just shoot your guns.  It's going to be a laundry list of guys who miss.  Don't worry about your name going on there. Don't worry about the juke list.  That's going to be real deep."

DOLPHINS:  RB Robert Edwards is unhappy with his demotion from second-team tailback, according to the Miami Herald.  "It's tough for me to be at the games and not play.  I definitely want to be on the field.  I definitely will be a No. 1 back in a year or two.  I promise you that.  I've proven I can play if given the opportunity."  Travis Minor has leap-frogged Edwards for the No. 2 spot on the chart. 

CHARGERS:  Despite the dramatic emergence of Mike Vick, the Chargers don't think they got the short end of the trade that sent the rights to Vick from San Diego to Atlanta.  "It's really been a win-win for both sides," G.M. John Butler told the San Diego Union-Tribune.  "At the time, it was really a need that we have some players here.  We had a lot of holes to fill and if we took Michael – and we would have in a heartbeat – we would not have been able to fill some of the voids."  We agree with Butler -- the Falcons got Vick, but the Bolts came away with RB LaDanian Tomlinson, two other high picks, and WR Tim Dwight.  And, by the way, the Chargers snagged QB Drew Brees in the second round of the 2001 draft. 

POSTED 3:48 p.m. EST, December 5, 2002 (THURSDAY)

by correspondent Len Lasagna

CHARLIE TOPS THE 2003 UFA QB POOP BATCH

One NFC General Manager told us this afternoon that of the available quarterback free agents for 2003, the former Lion now clipboard guy for the Steelers -- Charlie Batch -- is the most appealing free agent QB from "the worst pile of sh-- that I (the GM) have seen in a long time." When you look at the list of QBs that will be free agents after this season, we admit names such as Banks, Blake, Mirer and Quinn do not strike fear into the hearts of defensive coordinators.  We noted to Mr. NFL guy, however, that QBs such as Koy Detmer, Rob Johnson and Jake Plummer could also be attractive to some some teams.  The response to our playing Pro Personnel Guy: "Batch had the highest QB ranking in his first two seasons of play in the history of the NFL . . . and the other guys might be attractive to a team if Elton John was the GM." Oh.

PANTHERS THINK SMITH IS NO TYSON

Our sources at the Panthers tell us that the team is still pissed off over the overblown media coverage of the Steve Smith TKO decision over teammate Anthony "Jerry Quarry" Bright.  Per the source, the alleged beating was only one punch to the schnozzola - not some sort of Old West-like rumble with tables and chairs being broken and turned over. Even though the Panthers do not believe that Smith's conduct was justified in any way, they do think that the matter was reported in an exaggerated and "Jerry Springer-like" manner.

POSTED 12:10 a.m. EST, UPDATED 9:20 a.m. EST, December 5, 2002 (THURSDAY)

HURNEY GAINING RESPECT

Once knocked in league circles for his lack of football knowledge, Panthers G.M. Marty Hurney is now drawing raves for the manner in which his non-football background is helping the Panthers weather the current storm of bad publicity in which the team now finds itself.

Hurney is a former Redskins beat writer.  He struck up a relationship with then-G.M. Bobby Beathard, and Beathard eventually offered Hurney a football gig. 

Hurney followed Beathard to San Diego, and Hurney have since carved his own niche in Carolina.

League insiders who once chuckled about Hurney's lack of "real" NFL experience are now speaking in reverent tones regarding the manner in which Hurney has helped the organization navigate a season of misconduct by various players, including Julius Peppers, Steve Smith, and Lamar Smith.

Suddenly, an executive's non-football background is becoming a relevant consideration, according to a league source.  As to Hurney, the thinking is that his media background has left him better equipped to put a positive spin (both internally and externally) on the woes that the Panthers have faced in 2002.

"YOKO" WARNER A "SUPREME PAIN IN THE ASS"

After news broke of Brenda "Yoko" Warner's decision to take her views on hubby Kurt's busted hand public, we decided to poke around a bit regarding Brenda's reputation in league circles.

One source told us that she's generally regarded as a "supreme pain in the ass." 

Mrs. Warner isn't well-liked by other Rams' players wives, according to the source.  Though Kurt generally is regarded as "genuine," she's viewed by some as a "coat-tail rider," who likes the attention that comes with being the wife of a two-time MVP.

The source believes that Brenda Warner's controversial call to KFNS radio in St. Louis regarding Kurt's busted hand isn't out of the ordinary for her.  As Kurt's star plummets, it likewise diminishes her time in the limelight -- and she doesn't like it.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch calls out Brenda for her boorish behavior.   "[H]er phone call to KFNS was an embarrassment.  She essentially called Martz a liar in response to Martz's claim that he had ordered Kurt to have an X-ray.  She only added to the controversy and created a distraction. That hardly helps Kurt."

One final note.  The "Yoko" tag was suggested by one of our readers, who also observed (quite astutely, we might add), that Kurt's official comments regarding his wife's actions was the equivalent of "telling her, in a polite, born-again way" to "shut the f--k up."

WARNER CURSED?

Sticking on the topic of Kurt Warner and his broken hand/career, one of our fans in the Midwest tells us that the problems might be traced to a curse that was placed on Warner by Dan Bernstein and Terry Boers of WSCR radio in Chicago.

Back in January, Boers and Bernstein had a voodoo priestess slap the curse on Warner (we don't know whether she stuck pins in a Ken doll with a graying goatee), and the rest, as they say they say, is history.

We hear that Boers and Bernstein recently have been claiming credit for Warner's woes, replaying the curse on the air as a reminder of their deed.

Unfortunately, however, their hometown Bears apparently were sitting in the curse's splash zone. 

NO MOORE FOR HERMAN

As we reported on November 24, the players on the New York Giants weren't very happy with the failure of receiver Herman Moore to expend the effort necessary to get himself ready to play.

Less than two weeks later, Moore has packed it in, "retiring" from the NFL after a strong career that unfortunately petered out over the past few seasons.

But it seems that the retirement was less than voluntary -- and less than a retirement.  "It's a retirement in the sense I have to go home,'' Moore said, according to ESPN.com. "It's not a retirement in that I'm done and I won't ever play again.  It's knowing the opportunity is better served for a player like me to come in the beginning.''

NUGGETS

RAVENS:  The Washington Reports that DE Michael McCrary's career could be over.  McCrary said he needs "one more miracle" to rejuvenate his injured knee, but he knows it's a long shot.  "The door's not shut yet," he said, "but it's closing."  McCrary underwent season-ending surgery last November, which broke a string of 73 straight games.  After playing in only five games this season, the team recently put him on IR.

PACKERS:  RB Ahman Green wasn't able to practice on Wednesday due to a bruised kneecap, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal.  Green still might be able to play on Sunday night against the Vikings. . . .   Coach/G.M. Mike Sherman hasn't been contacted regarding the vacant head-coaching position at Texas A&M, according to the Journal-Sentinel.  Sherman once coached at A&M, making him a knee-jerk possibility for the job.  (Hmmm.  Packers, Aggies.  Packers, Aggies.  Does anyone really think Sherman would consider giving up what he's got going in Green Bay?)

BRONCOS:  "Confirmed" coordinator Gary Kubiak could be willing to take the head-coaching plunge at alma mater Texas A&M, according to the Denver Post.  "You know me well enough to know that I think the world of that program and that school, " Kubiak said.  Kubiak starred for the Aggies in the early 1980s, and he coached running backs at A&M in 1992-93.   

VIKINGS:  Teams officials will meet with representatives from Anoka County regarding a potential stadium sites in the Twin Cities' northern suburbs, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.  The Vikes have been unable to finagle a stadium within city limits, so they've apparently decided to exert some leverage.  (Gee, guys -- it only took you four years to figure out that flirting within other local cities might get the deal done in your hometown.) 

REDSKINS:  The agent for DT Dan Wilkinson recognizes that the 'Skins likely will release "Big Daddy" after the season, according to the Washington Times.   "The Redskins have been extremely fair with Dan during his time there, but we are assuming that he will be cut after June1," said agent George Mavrikes.  Releasing Wilkinson would create a cap savings of $3.6 million in 2003. 

FALCONS:  QB Michael Vick is sick.  Literally.  He's suffering from a stomach virus, but he hopes to be fully recovered in time for Sunday's showdown with the Bucs.  "This is going to be my best game yet," Vick told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  (Hey, Mike -- facing the Bucs on grass is a slightly tougher task than playing purple pinball with the Keystone Cops on plastic.) 

BUCCANEERS:  WR Keyshawn Johnson and his wife, Shikiri, are divorcing, according to the New York Post.  The problem could be that he hasn't been scoring much since moving to Tampa.  (He also hasn't made many touchdowns, either.)

JETS:  OG Dave Szott wasn't happy that he remained on the inactive list Monday night against the Raiders, despite practicing with the first team for much of the week.  "They wanted to have eight defensive linemen up, because [the Raiders] throw the ball so much," Szott told the New York Post. "I see the logic in that and understand. I told Herm [Edwards] I was ready to go. . . .  Was I disappointed? Yes." 

POSTED 9:35 p.m. EST, December 3, 2002 (TUESDAY); UPDATED 9:40 a.m. EST, December 4, 2002 (WEDNESDAY)

DOUBLE-J HORNY FOR HOLMGREN?

A league source tells us that presumptively outgoing Seattle Seahawks coach/G.M. Mike "28-33" Holmgren might be headed to Dallas as the next coach of the Cowboys.

The source tells us that, despite the obvious potential for a clash of egos between the short-fused Walrus and the ghastly thin Jerry "I Suddenly Look Like the Freaky Old Man from Poltergeist 2" Jones, Holmgren and Double-J have a solid relationship.  Indeed, the source says that they often spend time together at owners' meetings.

  ["How 'bout them Cowboys?"]

The move assumes that Holmgren will indeed leave Seattle, and that Jones will cut loose current coach Dave Campo.  If, however, Holmgren becomes available, the chances of Campo getting the boot rise considerably.

DETROIT DENNY?

Our moles are telling us that there will be a major shakeup in Detroit after the 2002 season, and that the only remaining question is whether President/CEO will earn a reprieve.

According to a league source, William Clay Ford, Jr. wants to dump the entire front office and coaching staff.  Under Junior's plan, a new coach would be hired, with full personnel powers. 

The source says that a strong candidate for the position would be Denny Green, who rang up a 37-24 record against the Lions, Bears, and Packers during his ten years with the Vikings.

First, however, Junior has to convince Daddy to dump Millen.  At this point, it's not clear that Millen will go -- but if he does, pencil in Green's name for the gig.

Green left the Vikings with a big, fat contract buyout in hand prior to the final game of the 2001 season.  At one point, it seemed that Green might be poised to join his former agent, Ray Anderson, who's currently a big wheel with the Falcons.  But Atlanta coach Dan Reeves most likely will be hanging around after leading the Dirty Birds to a solid season, forcing Green to look elsewhere for his next NFL job.

Millen, in turn, can go back to Fox and resume his work as a poor-man's John Madden. 

MUELLER PLANS FOR NO-NAME COACH

If/when executive-of-the-year-in-absentia Randy Mueller is hired to be the next coach of the Seattle Seahawks, a league source tells us that Mueller most likely will hire a current offensive or defensive coordinator to be his head coach. 

According to the source, Mueller's motivation in this regard is to avoid having a coach who'll try to grab power.

We've seen this dynamic in the past.  As we opined in February, the efforts of Bucs G.M. Rich McKay to hire then-Ravens defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis was driven by McKay's desire to retain power.  In theory, a coordinator who is given the first crack at a head-coaching job will be less likely to gnaw on the hand that fed him.

STEELERS PROTECTING KORDELL

In deciding to send Kordell Stewart back to the bench, the Steelers were, in part, hoping to protect Stewart from a potentially confidence-shattering outing (oops) on Sunday against the not-so-crappy Texans.

According to a league source, the Steelers are pleased with the game film that Stewart has generated in his two starts in place of Tommy Maddox -- and the team doesn't want to add to those tapes images of Kordell throwing balls high, wide, and/or to guys wearing the wrong-colored shirts.

The Steelers hope that Stewart's confidence will remain high, in the event that Maddox's suffers another injury during the stretch run.  Likewise, the Steelers are becoming increasingly hopeful that Stewart will fetch good value on the trade market after the season.

TEAMS STILL WANT SANDERS

A league source tells us that several NFL teams remain interested in luring running back Barry Sanders out of retirement.

The problem, of course, is the fact that the Lions still think they hold his rights. 

At some point, however, the Lions should cut and run.  If another team truly is interested in a running back who'll be 35 at the start of the 2003 season, why not bogart a low-round pick from them?

But we're talking about Barry Sanders.  Despite his age, he hasn't taken any hits in nearly four full seasons, and he hadn't suffered any significant injuries during his first stint in the NFL.

If Sanders is inclined to return to the NFL, we won't rule out the possibility of him returning to the Lions.  Dennis Green quickly turned around a sagging Vikings franchise in the early 1990s.  Coupled with the presence of quickly maturing quarterback Joey Harrington, the Lions suddenly aren't so laughable.

BRENDA WARNER STIRS THE POT

The wife of Kurt Warner has supplied the spark that could make her husband's relationship with his head coach ultimately go "poof".

Brenda Warner, who got way to much face time on TV in 1999 with her short, spikey, shock of gray hair and goofy outfits, called KFNS radio in St. Louis on Tuesday to address her husband's health.  (For a full transcript of the call, click here.)

Brenda Warner explained that, throughout the week prior to the Rams loss at Philly, she urged Kurt to have an X-ray performed on his hand.  Because team doctors had said that the injury is only a bruise, there had been no recommendation that he get an X-ray, according to Ms. Warner.

Most interestingly, she disputed coach Mike Martz's statement that he encouraged Kurt to get the X-ray after the Eagles loss.

Though the exchange provides yet another example of the potentially poor medical care that NFL players are receiving from doctors who have an inherent conflict of interest between the needs of their patients and the wishes of the folks who sign the checks, the bigger story here is the potential impact of Brenda Warner's interference on Kurt's future in St. Louis.

Martz wasn't thrilled with the development on Tuesday afternoon, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  "Man, I'm way behind on my game-planning," Martz said. As of three o'clock, Martz said he'd spent less than two hours dissecting game tapes. "I've been too busy dealing with this," he said.

Not a good sign for a quickly aging and fragile quarterback who is due a significant roster bonus in the off-season, and whose cap numbers for the next three years are exorbitant.  With Marc Bulger locked up for one more year at a mere $375,000, the Rams surely had been considering the possibility of parting ways with Warner. 

Whether she realizes it or not, Brenda Warner's phone call could be the gust of wind that ultimately nudges Martz off of the fence.

NUGGETS

STEELERS:  Coach Bill Cowher has attempted to slap a muzzle on S Lee Flowers in the wake of the defender's comments that indicate a rift between the Pittsburgh offense and defense.  "The one thing that I like right now is that this is a very close football team," Cowher said, according to the Pittsburh Tribune-Review. "There is a lot of pride with the defense and it's been a humbling year. I know Lee Flowers, and sometimes, after a game, you just cringe just waiting for the things he's going to say."  After Sunday's win over the Jaguars, Flowers said, "[O]ur offense is starting to look down on us, like they don't have faith in us. That's bull(crap) as far as I'm concerned, and I'm going to say it.  I think a couple of players on our defense didn't want me to say it, but we built this city. . . .  Don't flip the script now because you're successful now, that we can't hold up our part. I'm not going to try to make this an offense vs. defense thing, but don't let one year fool you. Don't let one year go to your head thinking that you're that much better than us."

REDSKINS:  OT Jon Jansen hopes to remain with the team after the 2002 season, according to the Washington Post.  Last week, the Post reported that the 'Skins will slap the transition tag on Jansen if a new deal can't be reached.  Jansen shrugs at the potential restriction on his mobility:  "It still leaves me the option to go out and search for other teams and other deals.  Then they can choose to match or not to match. We'll just have to see what happens. One way or the other, I'm going to have a new contract next year.

JAGUARS:  The Jag finally found a kicker who could consistently make field goals and extra points.  However, because coach Tom Coughlin was unhappy with Richie Cunningham's two onside kicks at the end of last Sunday's game, Richie got the boot after only one week on the roster.  Danny Boyd will become the team's fourth kicker of the season.  Ironically, the Jags passed earlier in the year on Jeff Reed, who converted on six field goal tries against Jacksonville on Sunday as a member of the Steelers.

PATRIOTS:  Personnel director Scott Pioli, who essentially is the G.M. in New England without the title, could soon be getting a contract extension from the team, according to the Bosotn Herald.  Both sides have been talking throughout the season on a new deal for Pioli, who reportedly is one of the lowest-paid personnel directors in the league.  Absent an extension, Pioli could be heavily pursued for G.M. vacancies after the season.  (And, in our view, if the Pats don't step up and pay this guy what he's worth, someone else will be glad to.)

GIANTS:  The New York Daily News reports that LSU coach Nick Saban could be the new head coach of the Giants, if the team decides to part ways with current coach Jim Fassel.  Saban was offered the job in 1997, but turned it down.

POSTED 8:15 a.m. EST, December 3, 2002 (TUESDAY)

CERRATO CHANGES COMING?

Last week, the Washington Times reported that Redskins exec Vinny Cerrato would be the team's de facto G.M. in the 2003 off-season, since he had been placed in charge of free agency and the draft.

That same day, Karl Swanson of the Redskins informed us that no such changes had been made.

According to a league source, both versions are accurate.  Sort of.

The source tells us that folks close to the action in D.C. believe that Cerrato eventually will be given official control over the draft and free agency, and that owner Daniel Snyder will wait until after the season to make the changes.

As we previously have reported, Cerrato is a big hit with Snyder's parents, and that they lobbied for the return earlier this year of Cerrato, who was released after Snyder gave the keys temporarily to Marty Schottenheimer.

We've also reported that there is friction between Cerrato and team exec Joe Mendes, and that Cerrato's role had been diminished as the season unfolded.  In our view, it makes sense that Snyder would be interested in nudge power back toward Cerrato, since the tinkerings of Mendes and coach du jour Steve Spurrier haven't translated into on-field success.

MADDOX TO START?

A league source tells us that Tommy Maddox will regain his starting job this weekend for the Pittsburgh Steelers, when they face the Houston Texans at Heinz Field.

Though coach Bill Cowher once again is being tight-jawed regarding his choice, the source tells us that there is no quarterback controversy, and that Maddox is and will be the top man on the depth chart.

In our view, the fact that the Steelers are playing the Texans gives Maddox a chance to knock off the rust against a team that the Steelers should, in theory, beat the crap out of.

As we reported last week, the Steelers are pleased with Kordell Stewart's strong performance, since it gives the team a better chance of trading him for real value after the season.  Stewart has one year left on his current contract, so a trade will not create any additional cap hit -- the Steelers must account for the remainder of his prorated signing bonus in 2003, regardless of whether he's on the team, traded, or released.

CARDS CROWING ABOUT JONES

A league source tells us that there is a significant amount of dissension in the wake of the team's decision not to pay running back Thomas Jones the remainder of his 2002 salary following a non-football injury that ended his season.

Jones, the team's first-round pick in 2000, supposedly broke his hand while attempting to answer the phone eleven days ago.

It's odd.  We know lots of people who don't have the athletic skill or dexterity to be chosen in the first round of the NFL draft.  However, none of them are so clumsy to have broken their hand while retrieving a piece of plastic attached a rubber cord.

Though the Cards rightfully should be concerned about the veracity of Jones' story, he nevertheless should be paid, absent proof that he intentionally hurt himself in order to avoid having to play (it's actually not so far-fetched, considering that he plays for the Turdinals).  Hell, even Lamar Smith is getting game checks following his little drinky-drivey deal from last week.

POSTED 2:15 p.m. EST, December 2, 2002 (MONDAY)

by Profootballtalk columnist Len Lasagna

FASSEL'S GLASSY EYES TO TURN TEARY?

We've heard from several sources that Jim Fassel may be on his way out at The Team That Mara Built.  Several insiders say that Fassel, who is in the middle of the new contract he signed after the Giants' Super Bowl run in 2000, may be given the boot after the 2002 season.  Per several NFC scouts, the G-Men have not been well-prepared this season (which was the same complaint sounded in 2001). This fact, coupled with the circus-like atmosphere of the team's offensive game plan (one scout wondered why Ron Dayne was not used more in goal line situations yesterday) and the kicking game, could sound the death knell for Mr. Guarantee.

One NFL personnel guy told us that the scuttlebutt making the rounds in NFL circles is that present Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress is already being considered by the Giants brass if the decision is made for Fassel to become extinct.

PANTHERS - TURDINALS: DIFFERENT STENCH FOR DIFFERENT TEAMS

One of our personnel guys made a good point today when discussing the ownership/management regimes of the Carolina and Arizona clubs (both of which are listed in Profootballtalk's Dirty Dozen).  The Panthers, when recently confronted with the drinking problem of RB Lamar Smith (who supposedly has had prior bouts with alcohol) did the right thing: they decided to give the player a leave of absence for the rest of the season but at the same time agreed to pay in full his remaining 2002 salary.  The Turdinals, however, after learning that RB Thomas Jones (whose has a "good guy" reputation with both NFL scouts and players)  would not be able to complete the 2002 season due to breaking his hand answering the phone (we still can't figure out that one) have stated that they will not pay Jones the rest of his 2002 coin due to the injury being non-football related. 

As one scout told us: "The good organization (the Panthers) do the right thing for a bad guy while the bad organization (the Turdinals) do the wrong thing for a good guy."

WARNER NEEDING A (NEW) HAND?

Notwithstanding his statements to the contrary, several scouts at the Rams-Eagles game yesterday told us that Kurt "Ex Soup Boy" Warner appears like he is a "left-handed guy trying to throw right-handed" on many of his pass attempts.  Warner "has no velocity on the ball" and appears to be "holding back" on his release.  We admire Warner for his bravery and still think he is a great QB -- but we want to slap him silly if he is not coming clean with the team on his injury.

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