April 2009 - Football Wiretap
Mangini's New Year's Resolution: No Bus Trips To Hartford
Browns coach Eric Mangini told reporters of his New Year's Resolution on Thursday.
"Dear guys," he said, scribbling an imaginary pen into the podium. "No bus rides to Hartford."
Mangini was referring to a 10-hour bus trip he made Cleveland's rookies take to his football camp in Connecticut, an outing that brought him criticism.
Vikings Consider Reduced Role For Winfield
The Vikings are considering a reduced role for cornerback Antonie Winfield.
Minnesota doesn't expect Winfield to be at full strength until the offseason.
Winfield missed six games with a foot injury, before returning against Cincinnati three weeks ago.
Romo Says He's Confident In Williams
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo says that he's still confident in Roy Williams despite the wide receiver's drops this season.
Williams leads the NFL with 10 drops in 2009.
"No one has lost any confidence in Roy," Romo said Thursday, adding that he appreciated that Williams wanted to improve. "Roy is going to be a huge part of this going forward. He knows that. Hopefully, we're all going to have some good football ahead of us."
Giants' Sheridan Expects To Return
Giants defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan expects to return to the team next season.
Sheridan said on Thursday that he does not spend time worrying about his job security despite the team's struggles in the second half of the season.
Bills Choose Nix As New GM
The Bills have promoted national scout Buddy Nix to general manager.
Nix was introduced at a news conference Thursday, filling a void after Marv Levy stepped down as general manager following the 2007 season.
"I'm here to introduce somebody that we've needed for a long time, something the fans and everybody in the area and myself have wanted, and that's a general manager of football," owner Ralph Wilson said. "We really needed somebody who knew all aspects of football."
Ailing Marshall Expected To Play
Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall expects to play against the Chiefs on Sunday despite a hamstring injury.
Marshall suffered the injury on Wednesday and Denver needs a win against Kansas City to help their playoff chances.
He sat out practice for the second straight day Thursday with a strained right hamstring.
Belichick Tells Brady He'll Play Sunday
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has told Tom Brady that he'll play in the team's season finale against the Texans.
"As players, we obviously don't factor into any of those decisions that coach Belichick makes," Brady said. "It's our job to prepare to play and I certainly am. I'm out there doing all my regular practice stuff.
"I want to play and I want to do great. I want to have a great game against a team that is fighting for their playoff lives, and has a lot of great players and really challenges you in some different ways. It's a meaningful game for us, it's a meaningful game for them, too. It would be great for us to go win on the road in a real tough environment against a damn good team."
New England has already clinched a home playoff game, so it's unsure exactly how much Brady will play.
Mangini Not Opposed To Two Bosses
Browns coach Eric Mangini says that he wouldn't object to having two bosses in Cleveland.
New team president Mike Holmgren is set to arrive next week and he plans to hire a general manager.
"You get smart people, looking to do the same thing, committed to the same thing, it's great," Mangini said Wednesday.
Holmgren said he will not decide Mangini's fate until after they meet.
Bruce Is '75 Percent' Sure He's Retiring
49ers wide receiver Isaac Bruce could be playing in his final NFL game on Sunday.
Bruce said Wednesday that he's "75 percent" sure that he'll retire after the season.
Bruce ranks second in NFL history in reception yards (15,208) and fifth in receptions (1,024).
Marshall Injures Hamstring In Practice
Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall injured his right hamstring early in practice on Wednesday.
Denver didn't have second-year receiver Eddie Royal in practice, meaning they could be thin at the position for Sunday's vital game against the Chiefs.
Braylon Edwards: Jets 'Won't Lose'
Braylon Edwards is confident that the Browns will win.
Williams Leads NFL In Drops
Roy Williams has dropped ten passes.
Coughlin: Jacobs Needs Knee Surgery
Brandon Jacobs will miss New York's season finale against Minnesota.
Kerry Collins Wants To Stay With Titans
Kerry Collins has no plans to retire.
Eagles Say Romo Is Better Without 'Distractions'
The Eagles think Tony Romo is better because T.O. is out of Dallas.
212 Players May Lose Unrestricted Status
More than 200 NFL players will be robbed of their unrestricted free-agent status if no new labor contract is reached.
Umenyiora Wants To Return To Giants
Osi Umenyiora wants the Giants to use him more often.
Williams: Romo Has Lost Confidence In Me
Roy Williams is trying to earn Tony Romo's confidence back.
Ochocinco Teases Jets' Revis
Chad Ochocinco is challenging Darrelle Revis.
Woodley: Pats, Bengals Will 'Lay Down'
LaMarr Woodley thinks New England and Cincinnati will lose in order to keep Pittsburgh from sneaking into the playoffs.
Belichick: Whoever Plays, Plays
Bill Belichick was cryptic as usual.
Charles Tillman Still In Hospital
Charles Tillman has a bruised lung and several cracked ribs.
Kiffin Expects Eric Berry To Turn Pro
Eric Berry is projected as a top-five pick.
Stafford Has Successful Knee Surgery
Matthew Stafford has undergone successful surgery on his right knee.
Vikings, Colts Have 14 Pro Bowlers
The Vikings, Colts and Cowboys accounted for 20 Pro Bowlers.
Redskins Comply With Rooney Rule
Jim Zorn has one game left in Washington.
Tomlin Won't Ask Bengals, Patriots For Help
Pittsburgh will need help to get into the postseason.
Polamalu May Not Make Return
The Steelers may not have Troy Polamalu on Sunday.
McCray Charged With Drunken Driving
Bobby McCray was arrested early Tuesday and charged with driving while intoxicated.
Seven Teams Alive For AFC's Wild Card Berths
The Jets and Ravens control their own destiny heading into Week 17 with two postseason berths left for seven teams.