NFL Playoffs News and Notes

New England Patriots kicker Shayne Graham is keeping last yearin his rearview mirror.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley is an even more dangerous pass-rusher in the post-season, writes John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Indianapolis Colts running backs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes hope to lead the team to another Super Bowl run.

Former Kansas City Chiefs still remember the team's last playoff win, 17 years ago today.

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed's brother is missing after jumping into the Mississippi River to elude police.

The New York Jets secondary will be the key to a win over Peyton Manning and the Colts, writes Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger.

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder's unit has made major strides, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings has been a free agent steal, writes Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.

Defensive end Trent Cole is confident the Philadelphia Eagles can keep Aaron Rodgers in check.

The Seattle Seahawks will be counting on the running game to provide balance today, writes Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees always sets the bar high for himself.

Green Bay Packers cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt has made an impression on his players.

NFL News and Notes

Buffalo Bills first-round running back C.J. Spiller learned a valuable lesson his rookie season.

Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano received a two-year extension and more power in personnel decisions, Mike Berardino of the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey will interview with the Cleveland Browns today.

Former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Bill Johnson passed away on Friday.

Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher will be back in 2011.

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is a candidate for the Broncos head coaching position.

The Houston Texans want to interview Cowboys linebackers coach Reggie Herring.

The Denver Broncos are seeking permission from the Panthers to interview John Fox for their head coaching vacancy.

San Diego Chargers running back Darren Sproles likely won't be back in 2011.

Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis won't make a quick decision on who'll coach his team.

New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will meet with the Browns next week.

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan will meet with the agent for quarterback Donovan McNabb, Jason Reid of the Washington Post reports.

Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones won't give his head coach a player he doesn't want.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fourth-round wide receiver Mike Williams is one of five NFL Rookie of the Year finalists.

Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil is going to a second straight Pro Bowl.

The Detroit Lions won't raise ticket prices in 2011.

Former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings on Friday.

After 44 years, the St. Louis Rams dismissed equipment manager Todd Hewitt on Friday.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt needs to make the right hire at defensive coordinator, writes Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic.

Newly hired San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh plans to install the West Coast offense.

Today's NFL birthdays: Falcons offensive tackle Will Svitek (29), Cowboys wide receiver Jesse Holley (27), Broncos defensive lineman Kevin Vickerson (28), Packers cornerback Josh Bell (26) and practice squad linebacker Curtis Young (25), Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas (26), Chargers safety Steve Gregory (28), Rams cornerback Kevin Dockery (27), free agent safeties Gabe Derricks (23), Kevin Ellison (24), and Aaron Rouse (27), linebacker Eric Henderson (28) and D.D. Lewis (32), and guard Tre Stallings (28).

Retired wide receiver Dwight Clark (54), quarterback Billy Joe Hobert (40), and safety Darryl Williams (41).