New York Jets 12/29/2008 10:49 AMESPN.com reports Eric Mangini is out as head coach of the New York Jets a day after the team lost for the fourth time in five games and failed to make the playoffs. The clincher was the Jets' 24-17 loss to Miami on Sunday that gave the Dolphins the AFC East title. "We don't take this decision lightly," Jets owner Woody Johnson said at a Monday morning news conference. "We respect Eric for what he's done but we want to build on the successful foundation he has laid." Mangini, 37, was 23-26 in three seasons with the Jets, including 0-1 in the playoffs.Read more
Green Bay Packers 12/29/2008 9:25 AMThe Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports RB Ryan Grant fell just short of reaching statistical yardsticks Sunday that would have given him an additional $1.35 million. The Green Bay Packers also might have uncovered another challenger to push him in 2009. Grant rushed 19 times for 106 yards in the 31-21 victory over the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. But teammate RB DeShawn Wynn also gained 106 yards, coming off the bench impressively in a seven-carry cameo stint. When the Packers begin their off-season evaluations, they'll be looking at a running back corps of Grant, Brandon Jackson, Kregg Lumpkin and Wynn. It's also possible they'll draft or acquire another back.Read more
New England Patriots 12/29/2008 9:17 AMThe Boston Herald reports injured Patriots quarterback Tom Brady remains “well behind schedule” in his recovery from surgery on the torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, according to a report yesterday on NBCSports.com. Although the staph infection that enveloped Brady’s knee post-surgery apparently is clear following a six-week course of IV-antibiotics, the report stated that his ACL and MCL are still “loose.” There’s also scar tissue that is limiting mobility, as reported previously by the Herald. The Patriots training staff has been working to increase mobility. Should that continue to be an issue, the scar tissue may have to be surgically removed.Read more
Indianapolis Colts 12/29/2008 9:09 AMThe Indianapolis Star reports it was a perfect ending to an off-the-charts December for QB Peyton Manning. Literally. Manning made the most of a brief appearance Sunday against the Tennessee Titans in Lucas Oil Stadium, completing all seven of his passes for 95 yards and one touchdown. That translated into a perfect 158.3 passer rating, the fifth of Manning's career, including the postseason. Consider it the latest chapter in what has been a torrid closing kick by Manning, who reinforced his status as a serious contender for what would be a record-tying third Most Valuable Player award. Over the past four games in December, he elevated his game to another level: a 130.8 passer rating on the strength of completing 81.8 percent of his attempts with eight touchdowns and no interceptions. During the Colts' nine-game winning streak, Manning compiled a 109.7 rating with 17 touchdowns and three interceptions.Read more
