NFL Playoffs News and Notes

New England Patriots defensive lineman Ron Brace was placed on injured reserve, while rookie defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick was placed on the "Reserve/Suspended" list.

Being the #2 seed has been a familiar and beneficial path for the Pittsburgh Steelers, writes Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Indianapolis Colts have been in playoff mode the last four weeks, linebacker Gary Brackett says.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel has earned his teammates' trust, writes Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star.

Jamison Hensley of The Baltimore Sun details the offensive woes of the Baltimore Ravens.

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan expects quarterback Mark Sanchez to be 100% for Saturday night.

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brian Williams' MRI revealed no damage to his knee.

Chicago Bears linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa is expected to regain his starting job in January.

Philadelphia Eagles middle linebacker Stewart Bradley is unlikely to play on Sunday.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll was non-committal on a starting quarterback for Saturday.

As many as nine New Orleans Saints are questionable for Saturday afternoon's game against the Seahawks, reports Mike Triplett of The Times-Picayune.

Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy wants Aaron Rodgers and the offense "to put their best foot forward" against the Eagles.

NFL News and Notes

Buffalo Bills cornerback Terrence McGee plans to build the strength back in his leg, reports Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News.

Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland and head coach Tony Sparano met with ownership on Monday.

Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren downplayed the chances of him returning to the sidelines.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis will have a second day of talks with team owner Mike Brown, reports Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio will be back in 2011.

Four Houston Texans assistant coaches were fired on Monday, including defensive coordinator Frank Bush.

Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher stated his case to remain with the franchise for the final year of his contract.

Mike Klis of The Denver Post takes a look at the Denver Broncos' roster as the team heads into the off-season.

San Diego Chargers quarterback Billy Volek wants to start, but also wants to remain teammates with Philip Rivers.

The Oakland Raiders are not expected to make a quick decision regarding head coach Tom Cable, reports Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune.

Dallas Cowboys receivers coach Ray Sherman will interview for the team's head coaching position today.

New York Giants coordinators Kevin Gilbride and Perry Fewell are head coaching candidates this off-season.

The Washington Redskins coaching staff will do self-evaluations in advance of what should be a busy off-season.

Leslie Frazier was officially named the eighth head coach in Minnesota Vikings history.

A healthy Matthew Stafford is the key to the Detroit Lions' success, writes John Niyo of The Detroit News.

Two defensive coordinators have emerged as candidates for the Carolina Panthers' head coaching vacancy.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris is expected to receive a multi-year extension this off-season.

St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo expects the team to be hungrier in 2011, writes Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The San Francisco 49ers played scared under former head coach Mike Singletary, tight end Vernon Davis said.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt was candid in his exit interviews with players, reports Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic.

Today's NFL birthdays: Bears tight end Brandon Manumaleuna (31), Texans running back Steve Slaton (25), Saints cornerback Leigh Torrence (29) and defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson (30), Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu (28), Chargers safety Eric Weddle (26), Seahawks wide receivers Mike Williams (27) and Deon Butler (25), Buccaneers tight end Nathan Overbay (24), Titans safety Michael Griffin (26) and defensive end Dave Ball (30), and free agent Todd Sauerbrun (38).

Retired running back Garrison Hearst (40), offensive tackle John Jackson (46), and cornerback Ray Mickens (38).