Ex-Dolphin Vernon Carey coming out of retirement

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Vernon Carey changed his mind.

Carey, who retired last year after the Dolphins didn't re-sign him following the 2011 season, announced Thursday that he's attempting a comeback, according to the Miami Herald. That's if anyone will have him. (photo: photo-gator, Flickr)

A former first-round pick (2004) of Miami, Carey spent most of his career at tackle but posted up at guard in 2011. He's 31 years old and could get a look from teams in need of offensive line depth, but his days as an out-of-the-gate starter are likely over.

Bills' defense wondered why offense didn't run more

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Many of us were dumbfounded at times during the 2012 season trying to figure out why former Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey repeatedly put the bulk of the offense's workload on quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's arm despite boasting one of the most explosive rushing attacks in the NFL.

Bills players had their reservations, too. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

"There were definitely times when we had both of them (C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson) very healthy and on fire; guys were wondering why we don’t just run the ball a lot more," Bills linebacker Nick Barnett told Patrick Moran of Buffalo Sports Daily this week.

Osi prefers Giants but says Jets 'might be a good fit'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Osi Umenyiora would prefer to remain a New York Giant, but he's not opposed to heading across town -- and across the conference line -- if Big Blue won't have him back.

“Rex Ryan, when I was coming out of college he was with Baltimore at the time and he came down to work me out at Troy, he came to Atlanta, just me and him," the soon-to-be free agent told the NY Post Thursday.

"We had a pretty good time out there so I’ve always enjoyed him as a coach and as a person. That might be a good fit. Hopefully it will be with the Giants.’’ (photo: Mike Morbeck, Flickr)

Reed cuts his hoodie sleeves because of Belichick

BY NICK ST. DENIS

If you see Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed walking around donning a hoodie with cut off sleeves, it's OK to call him a Bill Belichick poser.

"He's the first guy I saw like, 'That's cool.' You know, that's cool," Reed told ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley. "He cuts those sweater sleeves, and he'll be comfortable. So there's a reason why. Most people will tell you around the facility that's how I look. It's just a blessing to even have met, to know Coach Belichick."

OK, then. (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)

Marshall Faulk 'not over being cheated' by Patriots

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Former NFL running back Marshall Faulk is still not over the St. Louis Rams' loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI. Well, he is, but he isn't.

"Am I over the loss? Yeah, I'm over the loss. But I'll never be over being cheated out of the Super Bowl," Faulk told CSNNE's Tom Curran Tuesday. "That's a different story. I can understand losing a Super Bowl, that's fine . . . But how things happened and what took place." (photo: Marianne O'Leary, Flickr)

In 2008, the NFL confiscated several tapes from the Patriots of opposing coaches giving in-game signals in 2006 and 2007. Commissioner Roger Goodell destroyed the tapes and handed Patriots coach Bill Belichick and his team a fine while taking their first-round draft pick.

Moss: Kevin Faulk, Patriots taught me 'how to work'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

San Francisco 49ers wideout Randy Moss has never been one to mince words. He continued that trend Tuesday during Super Bowl Media Day.

The self-proclaimed greatest receiver of all time touched on everything from comparing Jim Harbaugh and Bill Belichick to stating he wasn't happy with his current role. But the former New England Patriot did have some not-so-outlandish things to say, namely, for our purposes, about his time in Foxborough. (photo: Dave Rezendes, Flickr)

Moss, who likely has his last shot at a ring Sunday when the 49ers face the Baltimore Ravens, said he learned a little something about work ethic during his Patriot stretch, especially thanks to a particular player.

'Idzik fan' Tannenbaum 'excited' about Jets' future

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Mike Tannenbaum is quite fond of his successor... and his former team.

Tannenbaum, who was relieved of his duties as the New York Jets' general manager following the team's dismal 2012 campaign, hit up Super Bowl Radio Row Tuesday during media day for the NFL's season finale. Not only did he say he was "excited" about the future of his former team, but he referred to himself as an "Idzik fan," via Conor Orr of the Newark Star-Ledger.

John Idzik, of course, was recently named the Jets' new general manager.

Fins 'seeking playmakers' but likely letting go of one

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland has stated that he plans bring in some playmakers this offseason on the offensive side of the ball.

But it appears that his biggest one from a year ago may not be a part of those plans.

According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, it is highly unlikely that the Dolphins re-sign leading rusher and free agent-to-be Reggie Bush. The seven-year-veteran has already expressed his desire to stay in Miami, stating that he feels like he has "unfinished business" with the team. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

Toront-oh: Bills' Canada series extended through '17

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Rogers Media and the Buffalo Bills organization inked a new deal on Tuesday that ensures the team will play at least one home game in Toronto for each of the next five years.

Whether the groans of players and fans could be heard all the way across the border, however, has yet to be confirmed. (photo: Giovanni Variottinelli)

Despite overwhelming disapproval from the Bills faithful over the past couple years, Buffalo CEO Russell Brandon and Rogers Media President Keith Pelley touted their deal as a major part of the team’s regional revitalization. Brandon said Tuesday that as long as the team can start to come up with some wins up north, their fan base among Canadians will only get larger.

Put zero stock into talk of JaMarcus Russell, Jets

BY NICK ST. DENIS

In the eighth paragraph of his Monday story about the New York Jets' plans to bring in competition for Mark Sanchez, Conor Orr of the Newark Star-Ledger had a small tidbit about Gang Green having "very exploratory, informal" discussions about JaMarcus Russell.

So of course, ProFootballTalk brought it to the forefront. (photo: The Brit_2, Flickr)

Orr later tweeted the following: "Relax people, as I said in here, talks RE: Russell were very informal," before responding "Exactly" to the notion that PFT was deceptive in their representation of his report.

Idzik says Sanchez is 'all about competing' for job

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Mark Sanchez is a New York Jet, and that's about all he can ask for right now.

The much-maligned signal-caller, coming off his fourth and worst season, will head into the 2013 offseason without the starting job in hand for the first time since 2010. (photo: TexCap, Flickr)

“I think he’s champing at the bit,” New Jets general manager John Idzik told WFAN Monday. “And he wants to get going with his new coordinator (Marty Mornhinweg). He’s all about competing. I got a really good feeling from Mark.”

Long Gone? Fins 'pessimistic' about retaining tackle

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland recently said that the situation surrounding impending free agent and used-to-be-elite left tackle Jake Long was "complicated."

If by "complicated" he means "Jake Long wants too much money and won't be in South Beach next season," then yes, it's complicated. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the declining and now injury-prone lineman is seeking "at least" $10 million a year when he signs a new contract, albeit with the Dolphins or someone else. Or no one, at that price.

Bills RBs coach: Options 'limitless' with C.J., Fred

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

With an injury to Fred Jackson early in the 2012 season, the Buffalo Bills adapted to a different type of running scheme for the electric C.J. Spiller, one that had immense success.

But when Jackson returned, then-head coach Chan Gailey struggled to find good balance between the powerful veteran and the elusive youngster.

Buffalo’s new running back coach, former pro back Tyrone Wheatley, however, said last week that the only speed bump he sees is fitting all the possibilities into one playbook. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

Patriots loving them some CFLers these days

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots like to do things in twos, as evidenced by their drafting of same-position players close to each other the last few years.

Now, the same can be said about their reaching into the Canadian Football League pool. (photo: Neon Tommy, Flickr)

New England signed defensive tackle Armond Armstead, formerly of the Toronto Argonauts, last week to a futures contract and has agreed to terms with defensive end Jason Vega of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, according to the Boston Globe.

Darrelle Me-vis doesn't fit Idzik's "power of we" code

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets' new general manager John Idzik stressed his "power of we over me" approach to team-building Thursday when meeting with the media for the first time.

Meanwhile, rumors were circulating that the Jets were shopping their best player, cornerback Darrelle Revis. (photo: Marianne O'Leary)

Let's cut to the chase. Revis, who will be a free agent following the 2013 season, is reportedly seeking $15-16 million a year on his new contract, which is half a dozen million more than what Nnamdi Asomugha made last year as the NFL's highest-paid corner.

Keep in mind, this is a guy coming off ACL surgery after his knee buckled early in the 2012 season before his team went on to rank second in pass defense without him. A guy who held out a few seasons ago and toyed with the idea of another no-show last year.

Bills' coach-scout collaboration to hit full stride

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Mark it on your calendars: The future of the Buffalo Bills’ roster under new coach Doug Marrone will begin to take shape starting Feb. 5, at least on paper.

Marrone has been elbow-deep in the preliminary stages of his new position, namely the appointment of his coaching staff. So upon his arrival to Mobile, Ala. for the Senior Bowl, he had yet to even meet the scouts that would be feeding him the information on the players he was looking at. (photo: BuffaloBills.com)

General manager Buddy Nix said Wednesday that getting the meet-and-greet with the scouts out of the way was first on Marrone’s wish list following his hiring, and that he felt that meeting earlier this week went well.

Rex says Sanchez 'needs to erase his hard drive'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Mark Sanchez needs to make some major changes if he wants to remain a starting quarterback -- or any kind of quarterback -- in the NFL. Fortunately for the much maligned signal-caller, he doesn't have a choice.

Sanchez, coming off his fourth and worst year, will be working with his third offensive coordinator in three years in 2013. If three isn't a charm, it could be the end. (photo: Marianne O'Leary, Flickr)

“He’s got to be popping out of his skin,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said Thursday, via the NY Daily News. “... You have a combination of (offensive coordinator) Marty Mornhinweg and (quarterbacks coach) David Lee as coaches. That’s a heck of a start. So I believe Mark needs to erase his hard drive."

Idzik stresses competition in building Jets' roster

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets introduced new general manager John Idzik Thursday, and it just took minutes for him to coin his catchphrase: "The power of we over me."

"That's something that'll be very strong here in New York," Idzik told reporters during a late-morning press conference, via NewYorkJets.com.

Idzik, a former Seattle Seahawks execute who has much more of a football background than he gets credit for, pledged to pull all the stops when putting the best possible product on the field in 2013 and beyond. (photo: Nick St. Denis)

Fine-ally: Brady hit for $10K after slide-kick on Reed

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Tom Brady doesn't have a "dirty" reputation, but that doesn't mean he's immune to punishment for wrongdoing.

Brady, who had been under scrutiny this week for his slide-kick on Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed Sunday in the New England Patriots' AFC Championship loss, was fined for the play. (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)

NFLcom's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Brady was tapped for $10,000. Brady likely didn't have any intent to injure Reed, but his reaction in trying to protect himself wasn't of the safe variety.

'This is the year' Fins need to make personnel moves

BY SEAN DONOVAN

After selecting who they hope to be their franchise quarterback last offseason in Ryan Tannehill, the Miami Dolphins' primary goal this offseason is to build a team around him that will set them up for long-term success.

Fortunately, the Dolphins are in an ideal position to revamp their roster and do just that. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

Miami will have an estimated $45-$50 million in cap space to sign new players and re-sign it's own free agents and holds nine draft picks, which includes five in the top 84 overall selections.

Nix talks Senior Bowl QBs not named Ryan Nassib

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

For Buffalo Bills fans, the name Ryan Nassib has quickly become as familiar as Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Nassib’s rise to the top part of the Bills’ prospective quarterback list has been as fast as the team’s decision-making process on coach Doug Marrone. But with Marrone now in place and his familiarity with his former Syracuse signal-caller, Nassib has jumped from a mid-2nd round option to a potential top 10 selection before anyone snagged even a second look at the other QBs in contention at the Senior Bowl.

That opportunity came Wednesday, and general manager Buddy Nix talked with the Bills’ website about two of the other quarterbacks in Mobile, Ala. not named Nassib. (photo: Akulawolf, Flickr)

Ireland: Long situation a 'difficult, complicated' one

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins will make many decisions on personnel this offseason, both in free agency and in the draft. But the most complicated decision involves one of their own expiring contracts.

Miami must decide whether or not to re-sign former All-Pro left tackle Jake Long, who has been the team's best offensive player since he was drafted in 2008 and at one time seemed to be on a path to greatness. (photo: Jake Long, Flickr)

But he's now coming off two consecutive seasons of diminished production and has suddenly become an injury-prone player after going three and a half years without missing a game.

Tom Brady texted Ed Reed to apologize for slide-kick

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Tom Brady may or may not get fined for kicking his leg up at Ed Reed while going down to slide after a scramble Sunday in the AFC Championship game.

But at the very least, the veteran safety Reed, whose Baltimore Ravens beat Brady's New England Patriots for a spot in the Super Bowl, says it's "all good." (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)

"Leg is feeling alright. A little sore right now," Reed told WJZ-FM on Monday, via NFL.com. "A little slide kick (by Brady), you know what I'm saying. But it's a tough spot the quarterback's in. You know, I understand Brady's point. Him protecting himself... I respect Brady and his game for all it stands for, and I know he's not a dirty player."

Johnson wants to see Fitz earn starting job in 2013

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Stevie Johnson doesn’t think quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick a “bum” per say; far from it. But that doesn’t mean that he, or anyone on the team, is immune to a bit of competition.

According to Tim Graham of the Buffalo News, Johnson recently acknowledged what is blatantly obvious at this point — the Buffalo Bills are going to be bringing in some new quarterback blood. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

"He is a good quarterback. We've all seen that,” the team's No. 1 wideout said of Fitzpatrick. “Obviously, they may bring somebody else in. I just hope it leads to competition. I think Fitz is one of those competitors. He may come out with the job again."

Revis working out, feels good but has a 'ways to go'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Stop the presses. Darrelle Revis is working out.

Revis, widely regarded as the best cornerback in the NFL, said Tuesday afternoon via Twitter that he just finished a workout. He's coming off an ACL tear that ended his season in October and required surgery. (Marianne O'Leary, Flickr)

"The knee is still feeling pretty good but still have a ways to go," Revis said.

Brady's slide under review by media, fans, now NFL

BY NICK ST. DENIS

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has had a long, prosperous and mostly healthy NFL career, in part due to his awareness and effective use of the slide.

But this week, that slide has come into question. Well, one slide in particular. (photo: Jose Luis Garza)

In the second quarter of the Patriots' AFC Championship loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Brady went down to slide on a scramble. This time, his leg kicked up (or he kicked up his leg) as Ravens safety Ed Reed came in for the tackle. Here's a video clip of it.

Bills, Dolphins add Pro Bowlers; Pats pull two more

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The result of Sunday’s AFC East Championship game yielded some cosmetic changes to the AFC Pro Bowl roster, and not only from those moving on to the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

Six Baltimore Ravens players turned in their tickets to Hawaii Monday after besting the New England Patriots 28-13 — running back Ray Rice, fullback Vonta Leach, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, guard Marshal Yanda, safety Ed Reed and kick returner Jacoby Jones. As a result, four of those positions have been filled by AFC East players. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

If that wasn’t enough, two more Patriots have canceled their trips to Honolulu due to injury: quarterback Tom Brady and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. That brings New England’s absentee list to five and means only linebacker Jerod Mayo and special teamer Matthew Slater remain as representatives of the division champions.

Red zone dooms Patriots in AFC Championship loss

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots boasted the best red zone offense in the NFL during the 2012 season. They weren't as good Sunday night.

Tom Brady's squad converted on only one of four trips inside the 20-yard line in a 28-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game.

“That’s the game," Patriots receiver Deion Branch told the media after the game, via Patriots.com. "Not only in the second half, but getting the ball in the red (zone) two other times and coming up with field goals. You’ve got to score touchdowns against that team. (photo: JDN, Flickr)

Pats' special teams has tough task ahead in Ravens

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Some criticism has come down on the New England Patriots’ special teams squad over the past week, and for good reason.

After a season’s worth of solid kick coverage, the group laid an egg against the Houston Texans last week, allowing returner Danieal Manning to gain more than 200 yards on just three returns, nearly notching the first return touchdown against the team all season. (photo: BaltimoreRavens.com)

Now, the crew gets a shot at Baltimore’s Jacoby Jones, who lead the league in kick return yards and has three special teams touchdowns to his name this season. New England special teams captain Matthew Slater said earlier this week that his group is well aware of Jones’s ability, and they know they can’t be as sloppy as they were a week ago.

Dolphins tell Moore he's always welcome in Miami

BY NICK ST. DENIS

As he has his entire career, Miami Dolphins backup quarterback and soon-to-be free agent Matt Moore wants a legitimate shot to be a starting signal-caller. He'll look for that, again, this spring.

But if he can't find a gig that has him truly competing for a No. 1 job, he's always welcome in Miami. (photo: Kevin Tsui, Flickr)

Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland told Moore after the 2012 season, "you always have a job in Miami," according to Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post.

Marcus Forston gets Rob Gronkowski's roster spot

BY NICK ST. DENIS

You can't replace Rob Gronkowski, but you can fill the space he used to take up. Well, sort of.

New England Patriots defensive lineman Marcus Forston was called up from the practice squad Saturday, a day before the AFC Championship game, to fill the empty roster spot made by the tight end Gronkowski, who was officially placed on the Injured Reserve list at the end of last week.

Forston saw the field just once during the regular season in a Week 3 loss to the the Baltimore Ravens, who New England faces Sunday.

Jets land Idzik for GM, Mornhinweg for O-coordinator

BY NICK ST. DENIS

It took a day longer than expected, but the New York Jets named their new general manager Friday. Former Seattle Seahawks vice president of football administration John Idzik will succeed Mike Tannenbaum to head the front office in Florham Park.

“I am honored and extremely excited to be joining the New York Jets,” Idzik said Friday, via NewYorkJets.com. “... I am eager to get started building on the foundation that is already in place.” (photo: SeattleSeahawks.com)

The Jets also found their new offensive coordinator in former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, as first reported by Adam Caplan of PhiladelphiaEagles.com.

Bills announce details of renovations at Ralph Wilson

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Since the Buffalo Bills agreed to a new lease agreement with the state and county back in December, fans haven’t been crazy about the idea of Band-Aiding Ralph Wilson Stadium back to vitality.

Perhaps action, and some pictures, will speak louder than words. (photo: Eammon, Flickr)

The organization officially announced Populous as its selection for the $130 million renovation project that is slated to take place over the next three years, according to buffalobills.com. The architecture firm is well known around the world for its work on various stadium designs and renovations, having worked with 30 other NFL teams in the past.

Pats expect plenty of downfield shots from Ravens

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots' defensive backs will earn their paychecks Sunday.

New England will be up against one of the NFL's most prolific downfield passing attacks in the Baltimore Ravens, who the Patriots will host in the AFC Championship game. (photo: Au Kirk, Flickr)

“It is a big job this week to try and prevent that deep ball," Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib said Wednesday, via Patriots.com. "They are on the same page right now with [quarterback Joe] Flacco. We have a lot of work to do this week.”

Te'no? Bills have interesting draft decision ahead

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Call it the luck of the Irish, or don't, but the Buffalo Bills have a legitimate shot at yet another top-tier prospect out of South Bend in this year’s draft. This time, however, it's a little complicated. (photo: Neon Tommy, Flickr)

A majority of last year's top mock drafts had Buffalo selecting Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd with the 10th overall pick. The Bills went the other direction, however, bulking up their secondary with cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

Now, with the situation reversed, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper believes linebacker and Heisman finalist Manti Te'o could be a good fit in Buffalo.

Report: Jets plan to name new GM by Thursday

BY NICK ST. DENIS

It's almost over. Finally, it's almost over. Reportedly.

The New York Jets will name their new general manager Thursday, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. The team is making its final rounds of interviews Wednesday.

Pittsburgh Steelers cap guru Omar Khan and Seattle Seahawks executive John Idzik look to be the front-runners for the gig, though sources told La Canfora Jets assistant general manager Scott Cohen is being considered.

Belichick: End of half a point of emphasis vs. Ravens

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The final minutes -- or just minute -- of each half will be at a premium when the New England Patriots host the Baltimore Ravens Sunday in the AFC Championship game.

After jumping out to a pretty nice 17-3 lead with just over three minutes to go in the second quarter of a victory over the Houston Texans last week, the Patriots allowed the Texans to score 10 points inside the two-minute warning. (photo: Keith Allison)

"We never want to do that," Patriots coach Bill Belichick told the media Tuesday. "We always think that the end of the half can get a little different than the rest of the game because of situational play and also sometimes offensively teams change their method of attack and what they’re doing and how they’re doing it and that kind of thing.

Coach Poach: New Buffalo Bills, old Syracuse Jets

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Syracuse University can now be considered a feeder program for Buffalo Bills coaches. That's if they don't first go to the New York Jets for training.

After former Orange head coach and new Bills coach Doug Marrone brought in Syracuse offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to assume the same role in Buffalo, he further gave his new team the look of his old team, hiring four more assistants from Syracuse. (photo: Jen, Flickr)

Marrone also went to his new division rival for a chunk of his new staff, hiring three former Jets assistants to work under former Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.

Final drive a common decider of Patriots vs. Ravens

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

High tension and short fingernails are prevalent in the fourth quarter when it's the New England Patriots vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Just ask Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich.

Since his arrival to the team in 2009, Ninkovich has faced the Ravens on five separate occasions, with an overwhelming majority of those matchups ending in dramatic fashion. (photo: Jeffrey Beall, Flickr)

Four of those contests were decided by less than a touchdown, which is what Ninkovich believes to be the fuel behind the teams’ rivaled history.

Dolphins' owner unveils plans for stadium facelift

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross gave his football team a complete facelift this past season and wants to do the same to the building they play in.

He's more than willing to open his own wallet to do it. (photo: Bob B. Brown, Flickr)

Ross unveiled a stadium renovation proposal to the residents of Miami-Dade County on Monday that would drastically modernize the aging Sun Life Stadium, largely using private funds.

Fan passion, community attracted Bills' new coaches

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills officially announced the hiring of new special teams coach Danny Crossman Monday.

And like the rest of the coaches that joined Bills over the last week, Crossman noted the fan and community-driven environment as a major selling point in coming to Buffalo.

"I know how much this team means to the community having grown up in a hardworking, blue-collar city," Marrone said Monday, via BuffaloBills.com. "I’m excited to help this organization on the field with the support of our fans.” (photo: Warren Krewenki)

Pats' same-position drafting in '11 good encore to '10

BY NICK ST. DENIS

In the 2010 draft, the New England Patriots used two picks in the first four rounds on one position, drafting tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in rounds two and four, respectively. That seems to have worked out pretty well.

New England took the same approach in 2011, taking running backs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley in the second and third rounds, respectively. That's starting to look like a pretty good move, too. (photo: jdn, Flickr)

Vereen caught two touchdown passes and rushed for another in the Patriots' Divisional Round playoff win over the Houston Texans Sunday. Meanwhile, Ridley ran for 82 yards and a score.

Ravens backup calls Patriots' offense 'a gimmick'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Baltimore Ravens backup linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo had some choice words for the the New England Patriots Sunday night.

Via Twitter, while watching New England's victory over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Ayanbadejo said the Patriots' offense is "suspect" and a "gimmick" that one "can't really respect." (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)

Ayanbadejo took issue with the Patriots' hurry-up offense and said New England's actions are "comparable to a cheap shot [before] a fight."

Brady downplays passing Montana for playoff record

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Tom Brady and Joe Montana are two of the most prevalent names that come up in the discussion of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.

Sunday, Brady one-upped Montana. (photo: Jose Luis Garza)

With the New England Patriots' 41-28 victory over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Brady recorded his 17th playoff win, which puts him by himself atop that category in the NFL record books.

Gronkowski reportedly out for remainder of playoffs

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots are getting used to life without Rob Gronkowski.

Gronkowski, who saw the field for just the second time Sunday since breaking his forearm in mid-November, broke it again in New England's Divisional Round playoff victory over the Houston Texans, according to NFL.com and ProFootballTalk.com. (photo: WBUR, Flickr)

The third-year Patriot went down in the first quarter and will reportedly need surgery on the forearm, which will end his (post)season for good.

McCourty on secondary: 'We play for each other'

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The New England Patriots’ secondary has caught its share of criticism throughout the season. Whether that criticism is warranted, however, seems to depend on what instance of the game you’re watching.

One minute, the Patriots’ passing defense looks deplorable, evidenced by its 27 touchdowns given up through the air and more than 270 yards allowed per game, which was fourth worst in the league.

Another minute, someone in the defensive backfield is snatching the ball out of the air for a timely turnover, something the Patriots did 20 times in 2012. Defensive back Devin McCourty says New England's defense leans on "character" as it rides the waves. (photo: JDN, Flickr)

Hackett all about 'foundation' ... he said it 10 times

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Bills' new offensive coordinator wants to build a foundation in Buffalo. He's pretty serious about it.

Nathaniel Hackett, brought in by new Bills head coach Doug Marrone, explained the significance of doing just that when trying to restructure an offense that boasts plenty of talent but is in desperate need of direction. (photo credit: BuffaloBills.com)

“I think the critical part is to create the foundation. Start from the ground and create a nomenclature to have a system and a language that the players believe in," Hackett, Marrone's former offensive coordinator at Syracuse, told BuffaloBills.com Thursday.

Mike Pettine: Bills' defense will attack, dictate offense

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Mike Pettine went to the Buffalo Bills to escape New York Jets coach Rex Ryan's shadow. Pettine already appears to be bringing some of that shadow to Western New York.

Pettine discussed his plans for the Bills' defense with BuffaloBills.com Thursday. (photo credit: BuffaloBills.com)

"I think the fans will be excited about it because we’re going to be high energy and we are going to be an attacking style of defense," Pettine said. "We’re going to dictate to the offense. We’re not going to sit back and let offenses dictate to us, so if you’re going beat us it’s because you’ve taken our best punch.”

Kubiak: Challenge of Rob Gronkowski is 'amazing'

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

If the Houston Texans thought the New England Patriots’ offense was too much to handle in their first meeting, they'll be in for an even ruder awakening.

Tom Brady and the Pats put up 42 points against the Texans in Round 1 despite the absence of one of the offense’s main contributors, tight end Rob Gronkowski. But after a start in Week 16 and a week off to rest, Gronk is a go on Sunday. (photo: jdn, Flickr)

“The challenge for him is just amazing because of the size and the ability to…matchup-wise this guy has worn out a lot of corners and safeties,” Texans head coach Gary Kubiak told reporters via conference call Wednesday. “He’s very tough to handle from that standpoint.”

Philbin focusing on efficiency for 2013 offseason

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Miami Dolphins first-year head coach Joe Philbin always had higher expectations for his team's 2012 campaign than the fans or media did.

So after a season in which Miami beat most preseason predictions by winning seven games and finishing second in the division, Philbin is eying bigger and better things. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

"First, I want to evaluate the 2012 season from every single aspect," Philbin told Andy Cohen of Dolphins Digest. "How we traveled. How we practiced. How we meet. What kind of food we have. What we did in the weight room. We have to evaluate all of the things we need to do better."