by FOXSports.com

Patriots NT Vince Wilfork told the Boston Herald yesterday scuttlebutt suggesting there had been movement toward a new deal was nothing more than a bunch of "bullcrap." No matter. He just marches on, and continues to play the best football of his career. And down the road, his performance should produce a very big pay day, be it with the Patriots or someone else. What's interesting, is that Bill Belichick may have unwittingly tacked on a few more dollars to the bundle by showing potential suitors that Big Vince could also play defensive end in a pinch. He played a majority of snaps there Sunday against Miami, so he's turned into an even more attractive catch. -- Boston Herald

Vick says he's happy to be with Eagles

All things considered, Michael Vick said he doesn't mind being in Philadelphia. "If I had to do it all over, I would sign with Philadelphia," Vick said before the Eagles' practice yesterday at the NovaCare Complex. You have to remember that when the Eagles went through their first spring camp six months ago, Vick was still locked away in a Kansas prison after being convicted on dogfighting charges. Vick indicated during an interview that aired on NBC before Sunday night's game against Dallas that he would have a difficult time returning to the Eagles next season in a reserve role, but he insisted he is not unhappy with his current situation. "I'm happy to be playing football," he said. "This is probably the last time I'm going to address this situation. I'm just happy to be playing football. Like I've said, two months ago, two years ago, I wasn't playing football. I didn't even know if I had a future being in the NFL. I'm just happy to be able to put on a uniform. I'm happy to be standing at this locker. "The only thing I said [during the NBC interview] was that if the situation came about where I had to be the third quarterback I wouldn't like it . . . but, hey, I'd have to deal with it. I just want to have a chance at playing, and that's just me being a competitor. I think that's what our coaches appreciate, and that's the type of person I am and the type of player I am. If that's not the situation, then I have to keep working every day to get better." -- Philadelphia Inquirer

Vikings Chester Taylor to Redskins?

Some people believe Vikings running back Chester Taylor, who can become an unrestricted free agent after the season, could end up with the Washington Redskins, who love to spend money. -- Pioneer Press

Steelers surprised by Roethlisberger's admission

News that franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger called himself a bad teammate early in his career caught Steelers players off-guard Wednesday. Roethlisberger made the admission one night earlier during a national television interview on ESPN's primetime news program, "E:60." "That surprises me," said defensive lineman Brett Keisel, who is Roethlisberger's closest friend on the team. "That doesn't sound like something he would say." In a 10-minute interview Tuesday that also focused on pending sexual assault allegations against Roethlisberger, the Steelers' quarterback talked about the relationships he has forged with his teammates since entering the NFL in 2004. -- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Raiders DB Chris Johnson: 8-0 second half is possible

Cornerback Chris Johnson said the Raiders have a shot at running the table after a 2-6 start. "If you really want to look at it, you can go 8-0 and you might end up 10-6," Johnson said Wednesday. "There's a possible way you can actually do it." It all starts with a home game Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that has beaten the Raiders at the Coliseum each of the past six seasons. Also, the Raiders have lost their past six times after the bye week. -- Oakland Tribune

DeSean Jackson will have to wait for Eagles extension

Eagles WR DeSean Jackson hired Drew Rosenhaus as his agent. Rosenhaus did not respond to a request for comment. Ditto Eagles president Joe Banner. Eagles coach Andy Reid said, "I'm not going to get into that." The current collective bargaining agreement says you have to be in your third NFL season to rework your contract. This is Jackson's second year, so Rosenhaus, assuming he officially is hired, will have nothing to talk to the Birds about until the offseason, at least. -- Philadelphia Daily News

49ers' Vernon Davis backtracks on dig at Chicago Bears

Vernon Davis insisted today that he wasn't trying to insult the Chicago Bears defense. He was trying to show confidence in the 49ers. Still, his comments a day earlier created a stir. He responded to a question about the Bears by saying: "I think we can destroy their front," and "I don't see anything spectacular about their front line." Today, after discussions with coach Mike Singletary and veteran teammate Takeo Spikes, the tight end met with the media and attempted to clarify. "I wasn't trying to stir anything up. I wasn't saying it to put anyone down," Davis said. "I was just being confident in me, in my teammates, because I know our ability and what we can do." Singletary wasn't thrilled upon reading the quotes, but he wasn't mad either. The coach said he recognized right away that Davis was wasn't trying to be disrespectful. He said Davis' message was, --'Let's go out and do what we can do.'"" "Vernon can get a little excited," Singletary said. -- San Jose Mercury News

Karl Swanson protects Redskins owner from hits by public & media

At times like these, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder counts on a trusted lieutenant named Karl Swanson. As Snyder's self-described public-relations "henchman," Swanson, 59, has been tending to Snyder's image for at least a dozen years. When controversy calls -- as it repeatedly has since Snyder became one of the Washington area's most prominent citizens -- Swanson is close behind, ready to tell the boss's side of the story. Swanson has spoken for Snyder when Native Americans have challenged the team's name as racist; when the owner's wife, Tanya, was called to court to testify in a lawsuit filed by a former nanny for allegedly unpaid wages (the nanny won nearly $45,000 in back pay in 2007); when controversies have raged about ticket and concession prices, parking at FedEx Field and tailgating restrictions. At times, Swanson has literally run interference for his employer. When journalists have sought comment from the Redskins owner in public, the linebacker-size Swanson has often gotten in front of the media mob, shielding his boss from questions. Swanson is Snyder's proxy because Snyder rarely speaks for himself. -- Washington Post

Colledge: Packers offense holds "come-to-Jesus meeting"

If the foundering Green Bay Packers go on a long-shot run to the playoffs in the second half of the season, the record will show the resurrection started at approximately 2:25 p.m. Monday. With the coaches still in the room, the veteran leaders on offense, one by one, took turns addressing the rest of the unit. "It was a come-to-Jesus meeting," guard Daryn Colledge said Wednesday. While the overall tone of the words were positive and reinforced all the good things the league's seventh-ranked offense has done and can build upon, there also were some very critical moments. Some of the words were so blunt, it didn't take long for defensive players to hear about it. "Heard they really had it out," said one player. "Good. I don't think anything but positive things can come from that." Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was told he has held onto the ball too long on occasion. The offensive line was told they weren't blocking close to well enough. The receivers heard they have dropped too many passes. The running backs had left too many yards out on the field. According to players who were in the room, Rodgers, tackle Mark Tauscher and receiver Donald Driver were the most powerful speakers. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Boldin says he has moved on from dispute with Cards coach

Cards WR Anquan Boldin expressed no regrets but said he has "moved on" since voicing his unhappiness over being designated as inactive for last Sunday's game in Chicago. "I'm done with the situation," Boldin said Wednesday. "I said what I had to say and I've moved on. I'm going to continue to do my job and whatever happens, happens." Boldin said he had not talked to coach Ken Whisenhunt about the matter. Boldin was upset about missing last Sunday's game, and he said afterward that no one was "man enough" to tell him to his face. He found out he wasn't playing when he noticed his equipment had been removed from his locker. -- Arizona Republic

Eagles LB Gaither might be free agent?

Eagles LB Omar Gaither might or might not be headed for free agency this offseason, depending on what happens with the collective-bargaining agreement, as it relates to players with 4 years of service. If there is no CBA right away, and 2010 is an uncapped year, free agency doesn't come until you've played 6 years. -- Philadelphia Daily News

Rams CB Ron Bartell a $28 million bust?

Tempting as it might have been to simply take a couple of weeks off and let his sore thigh heal, Rams cornerback Ron Bartell just couldn't do it. "Your pride kind of kicks in," he explained. "I felt like this team needs me, just like we need everybody. We've already had a lot of injuries. I felt like I was good enough to play, despite the leg. But I have to play better." No one realizes more than Bartell that his season hasn't gone as well as planned -- especially after he received a four-year contract in the offseason that could max out at $28 million. The thigh injury, which has nagged him for about two months, undoubtedly has been a factor. But Bartell, a second-round draft choice in 2005, refused to use it as an excuse. -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Bears Tommie Harris ranks 533 on the NFL list of tacklers

Tommie Harris hasn't been much of a foundation for the Bears' Cover-2 scheme this season. According to NFL stats, he's tied for 553rd in the league with 9 tackles, although Bears stats credit him with 13 tackles. "I just have to play better, step it up, and I will do that," Harris said. After half a season of too much disappointment and too little production, Harris seems anxious to turn things around. He said he sees a "light at the end of the tunnel." -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald

Vikings Favre still dealing with groin strain

Vikings QB Brett Favre has played through an assortment of injuries throughout his 19-year career -- Sunday will mark his 300th consecutive game, including playoffs -- but said this is the first time he has dealt with a groin strain. "I think I'll be fine," said Favre, who was limited in practice Wednesday because of what is now listed as a hip/groin injury by the Vikings. "That's something that, for me, I've always said you have to have muscles to pull them. Either that's a sign of old age or I'm developing muscles for the first time in my career. "It was a concern for the [Packers] game. I made it through. With a week's rest I think I'll be fine, but I'm not going to make a bigger issue than it is. It's kind of a new thing for me. Play 18-some-odd years and not have anything like that. That probably worried me more than anything." -- Star Tribune

Bucs safety Corey Lynch ready to step in for injured Will Allen

S Corey Lynch says part of life in the NFL is waiting your turn and taking advantage when opportunity knocks. And beginning Sunday against the Dolphins, Lynch may get more chances to make plays in the Bucs secondary. With S Will Allen (broken thumb) put on injured reserve Wednesday, Lynch is expected to step into the third safety spot. Lynch, 24, a second-year pro signed off the Bengals practice squad in late September, says he's ready for the challenge. "I've been comfortable with the defense for a long time, I was just patiently waiting for my turn," he said. -- St. Petersburg Times

Falcons Finneran takes part in walk-through

Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran participated in the walk-through Wednesday but did not practice after suffering a left knee injury against the Redskins. Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran participated in the walk-through Wednesday but did not practice after suffering a left knee injury against the Redskins. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Packers TE Finley impatiently awaits physician OK

Packers tight end Jermichael Finley has passed every test he thinks he needs to pass to get back on the football field, but as of Wednesday he was still barred from practicing. Team physician Patrick McKenzie makes the final call on when players are cleared to play, and in the case of Finley, he's not yet ready to give him the green light. Finley said he was not given a precise reason for not getting the go-ahead other than it is McKenzie's feeling that he needs more time. "It's 100% frustrating," Finley said. "But there's nothing I can do." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Bears GM Jerry Angelo struggling with draft

The draft has not been rewarding to the Bears in recent years. GM Jerry Angelo has not drafted a Pro Bowl position player since 2004, when the team selected defensive tackle Tommie Harris and cornerback Nathan Vasher. Those all-star appearances are well in their past. Both could be ex-Bears before next season. The Bears are one of 10 teams that haven't produced a Pro Bowl position player via the draft since 2005. Angelo has drafted 43 players in the last five drafts and they count 10 of those players as starters, but none of them are elite. No one is left from the 2005 draft. Devin Hester is the best the Bears have to show from 2006, an improving wide receiver but not the true No.1 talent the team has been forecasting for years. Greg Olsen leads the Class of 2007. The hope is right tackle Chris Williams, the top pick from 2008, blossoms into a left tackle the team doesn't have to worry about, but he has had back surgery and has struggled. This last draft was thin after the Cutler trade, but wide receiver Johnny Knox has provided a boost while safety Al Afalava is the flavor of choice this season in a secondary that has a history of rotating late-round draft picks like him. -- Chicago Sun-Times

Vikings Winfield practices but status unclear

Antoine Winfield returned to Vikings practice Wednesday for the first time since injuring his right foot on Oct. 18, but it remains unclear whether the Pro Bowl cornerback will play Sunday against Detroit. Winfield had limited participation in practice after doing some conditioning work on the side on Monday. Winfield suffered the injury against Baltimore on Oct. 18 and then missed the final two games before the bye week. "He's done a great job of attacking this thing, and if at all possible he wouldn't miss one more snap," Vikings coach Brad Childress said. -- Star Tribune

Browns' Jamal Lewis will consider himself a Raven at retirement

Brown RB Jamal Lewis said he'll look back at himself as a Raven as opposed to a Raven and a Brown. "A Raven, of course, because that's who gave me my shot," he said. "That's who brought me in. That's where I pretty much did all my work. I have a lot of memories there, a lot of memories there -- a lot of older players that helped me out and brought me in, led me and showed me the way. That's where I got it from." He said he doesn't necessarily wish he finished his career as a Raven. "I can't say that, but at the same time, the time that I was there, when I did end up getting the opportunity to get out, it was actually good timing for me in my career," he said. "At the end of my days there, it wanted to go in a different direction. I don't think it suited me, and I didn't suit them. "So I think that coming here to Cleveland was a good idea. We did pretty good the first year in. I got a chance to play with a lot of young guys and give them some of the things those older guys gave me when I first came in. So, I'm able to lead and help out a lot over here for the future." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

Michael Vick: negative comments about Eagles, just being a competitor

Taken one way, it sounds as if Michael Vick currently is undergoing an everyday struggle now, his first year back in the league after a 2-year absence due to a conviction on gambling and dogfighting offenses. It also sounds as if he currently resents being used as the Eagles' primary Wildcat instrument. Not so, Vick said yesterday. He said he signed with the Eagles for $1.6 million this season knowing what his role would be and he is not disappointed in his role, and he understands that, if the Eagles pick up his $5.2 million option next season, he very well could be in the same role. "The only thing I said was, if the situation came about that I had to be the third quarterback, I wouldn't like it, but, hey, I'd have to deal with it," Vick said. "Not saying I would want to be in that situation. I would just want the chance at playing more. "That's just me being a competitor. That's what the coaches appreciate. If that's not the situation, what can I say?" Head coach and team architect Andy Reid said Vick had created no problems, had no complaints, and is a "pleasure" to have on the team. -- Philadelphia Daily News

Ravens kicker Haushka confident despite key misses

Besides the dejection of hooking a pressure field goal wide of the uprights, there aren't many worse feelings for an NFL kicker than the harsh reality of people being invited to audition for his job. For Baltimore Ravens kicker Steve Hauschka, that's what he's going through after missing two clutch kicks in losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and the Minnesota Vikings. One day after the Ravens tried out free agent kickers Mike Nugent and Billy Cundiff before ultimately deciding to stick with Hauschka for the time being, the replacement for veteran Matt Stover was back at work trying to fix his accuracy problems. "I figured they probably would," Hauschka said Wednesday when asked about the tryouts. "That's not my job, though. They're going to do what they have to do and I'm going to have to do my job, go out there and make kicks in a game. My skin's gotten a lot thicker. "I'm 90 percent of the way there. I think I've done a good job. I just need to do a little better out there. Sometimes, you don't hit the ball the way you would like." -- Carroll County Times

Cowboys Tony Romo plays one round of golf a year during season

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo said he expected a decent contingent from his hometown in Burlington, but his parents are handling all the arrangements. As for the little bit of free time the Cowboys get on Saturday, Romo said he's not going to try to get in a round of golf, a sport he could probably play professionally. "I play usually about one round of golf a year during the season and it's usually so bad that it makes me make sure that I don't play again," he joked. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Vikings Brett Favre has NFL's second-lowest interception

Brett Favre has thrown the most interceptions in NFL history, but he has only three in eight games this season. That is the second-lowest interception total among quarterbacks who have attempted at least 200 passes this season. Favre credited a "combination of numerous things" for his low interception total. The list includes a terrific running game, playmakers at wide receiver and sound playcalling by offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. "And I think I have made good decisions," Favre said. "Really, my approach has not really been any different than it has in the past. I don't want to say I'm killing myself studying any more or less than I have in the past. The guys around me have played outstanding." -- Star Tribune

NFL star has dinner with Faith Hill

Chris Johnson said Wednesday that he considers himself an entertainer of sorts. So, perhaps that's why Johnson spent his Tuesday with another famous Nashville entertainer - dining with country music star Faith Hill at Swett's Restaurant and giving her an autographed jersey as well. "It went real good. We had a 45-minute lunch at Swett's," Johnson said. "She's a real big fan, and I'm a fan of hers too now." -- Nashville City Paper

Raiders workout left-footed punter

Oakland worked out punter Ricky Schmitt after practice. Schmitt likely was brought in because he is a left-footed punter who could simulate Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt. -- Oakland Tribune

Nick Hardwick returning to Chargers lineup?

Chances seem good for a return to the Chargers lineup by center Nick Hardwick, who hasn't played since tearing ligaments in his right ankle in the season opener and undergoing surgery. As he did last week, Hardwick took part in the Wednesday practice. While head coach Norv Turner said he is "farther along" this week and should see more extended practice time, Hardwick was unable to participate in the entire practice, and Scott Mruczkowski could remain the starter another week. -- San Diego Union-Tribune

Riggins emerges with unvarnished opinions about the Redskins

To his listeners John Riggins is a truth teller, a voice-of-the-revolution and, as he puts it, "a little bit of a radical." To critics he's just an opportunist out to build the audience for his WTOP radio show, "The Riggo Report." He pleads guilty to all charges -- and he has no intention of hitting mute. "I certainly can be diplomatic if I want to, but the chances are that I probably don't really want to, 'cause it takes too much energy," he says. "For me it does. I'm not that intelligent. Otherwise I'll get caught in my own BS. I try not to do that." -- Washington Post

Several Texans eye opportunities off the field

At least eight Texans players make regular weekly appearances on one of the city's four sports talk stations. They not only talk football; they discuss food and pop culture, and, on occasion, they serenade teammates. If past performance is any indication, a couple may take to the air as a profession, as was the case with former Oilers Gifford Nielsen, Warren Moon and Spencer Tillman and former University of Houston quarterback Andre Ware. -- Houston Chronicle

John Riggins wants job on network NFL pregame shows

John Riggins has sought a place on one of the network NFL pregame shows, without success, though he was seriously considered at one point as a panelist for Fox's NFL coverage. "Hell yeah, you'd like to work at the highest level," he says. -- Washington Post

Student suspended over Bengals 'Who Dey' haircut?

Dustin Reader, an eighth-grader at Garfield Middle School, received an in-school suspension Monday because of a haircut he received over the weekend in honor of the Cincinnati Bengals. His barber, Chris Campbell of the B Street barbershop Razor Sharp, cut Bengal stripes on the sides of Reader's head and a large capital B on the back to resemble the team's helmet, and on Sunday, he colored his head and scalp to match for the game. The colors were washed out for school on Monday, according to his parents, but he barely got off his bicycle at Garfield when he was sent to his principal's office. Because it's a discipline issue, school officials would not talk about it, but confirmed the suspension was for violating the school's code of conduct, which prohibits "unnaturally colored hair, extreme/distracting makeup, haircuts and hairstyles." -- Dayton Daily News

Vick a Philly flop

Michael Vick was suspended for the first two Eagles games due to his past legal problems. He has since rushed for 27 yards on 12 carries, the longest going for 11 yards - which means he has just 16 yards on his other 11 carries. He is 2-for-6 for 6 yards passing. -- Philadelphia Daily News

Chiefs sign linebacker off deer hunting trip

LB Justin Rogers, whom the Chiefs re-signed to fill Goff's roster spot, was in Basehor on a deer hunting trip Wednesday when his father called and said he was rejoining the Chiefs. Rogers said Wednesday that he was in a tree stand and that his agent called his father to tell him the news. "I shuffled down the tree and headed over here to practice," Rogers said, adding that he took his dad's call around 9:30 a.m. and drove straight to Kansas City's practice, which began around 11 a.m. Rogers said he had been hunting since about 5:30 a.m. and saw several deer before his phone rang. "Drove straight here," he said, "and suited up." -- KC Star

Vegas Bookies Perfect in NFL!

NFL games have had a point spread of "Pick'em" this season - which means neither team was favored. Of the remaining 126 games, the favorite has won against the spread 63 times, and the underdog has won against the spread 63 times. Amazing but true: the Las Vegas point spread has split the NFL's results perfectly down the middle for the entire season to date! -- Pregame.com (R.J. Bell)

Who Knew?

Browns coach Eric Mangini is now 2-11 over his last 13 games, and his three quarterbacks (Brett Favre, Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn) have combined for five touchdown passes and 21 interceptions over that span. -- Cold, Hard Football Facts

Did You Know?

Amazing fact of the millennium: Of Indy's 11 current starters on defense, only rookie Jarraud Powers and DE Dwight Freeney were drafted higher than the fifth round. -- Cold, Hard Football Facts

How About That?

The Rams are the first team in NFL history to have three consecutive home games against undefeated opponents. Minnesota was 4-0 when it came to town Oct. 11. Indianapolis and New Orleans are 8-0, the league's only remaining unbeatens. -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Who Knew?

With a win and a 300-yard performance, Patriots QB Tom Brady will have 15 consecutive wins when passing for 300 yards and would be one shy of tying Johny Unitas (16) for the most consecutive wins with 300 passing yards in NFL history. -- NFL

Did You Know?

Over his last 16 games, RB Cedric Benson has run 361 times for 1,447 yards - all of them tough. He has only one run of more than 30 yards over that span, and just one lost fumble. -- Cold, Hard Football Facts

How About That?

Mr. November! Since 2006, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has won 13 consecutive starts in November. With a win on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, Romo can set the record for the most consecutive wins in November since 1970. -- NFL

Did You Know?

Only six teams in the NFL have turned it over more than the Saints (16). But New Orleans is still +8 in turnover differential, thanks to more takeaways (24) in eight games than they had in all of 2008 (22). -- Cold, Hard Football Facts

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