NFL Power Rankings: Patriots Release, Texas Fall In Week 15 Poll

See Ya, Houston. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to take the top spot in the AP ranking NFL Pro32 power. Last time after routing No. 1 Texans 42-14, the Patriots are back on top of the ranking for the first time since Week 2. Houston was ranked number one for a month before it fell to fourth after losing the second season. Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos second, third, San Francisco 49ers as they prepare to visit New England on Sunday night. The Patriots (10-3) received 11 of 12 votes for first place and 383 points in balloting by a panel Tuesday to members of The Associated Press' media who regularly cover the league. Denver (10-3) had several first-place votes and had 369 points. "That is just the message they sent to the League on Monday night, ESPN's Chris Berman said Patriots' seventh straight win. "The Patriots played near perfect game and get a form to make a serious run at the Lombardi," said John Fox Sports' Lynch. "A potential advance of Super Bowl Sunday night waiting on the 49". Broncos, meanwhile, an eight-game winning streak into their game against Baltimore, which fell into a tie for eighth after overtime loss to Washington. "Peyton Manning made his way through the award of a fourth NFL MVP disk. He has directed eight wins in a row Denver and threw 19 touchdown passes during that period, "said Dallas Morning News Rick Gosselin, voters only have a number of Denver. 1 week. The Atlanta Falcons dropped two places to fifth after defeating Carolina, and Green Bay and New York Giants tied for sixth.
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Charlie Batch led the Steelers to beat the Ravens

In what could be the beginning of the end of his NFL career, 37 year old midfielder Charlie Batch led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 23-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers keep hopes for a spot in AFC playoffs alive. Batch pass attempts completed 25-of-36 for 276 yards and disaster that shook the fourth quarter, which began when he was blocked by Ravens safety Ed Reed, in press tight end Heath Miller for a touchdown to tie the game with 7: 24 remaining. Steelers James Harrison commissioning outside midfielder Miller touchdown with a strip sack of Joe Flacco found defensive end Ziggy Hood, 27 yards for the Ravens. On the next possession Steelers' Batch completed five trials of his passes for 45 yards and draw roughing penalty by Paul Kruger spent on a trip that drained the last 6 minutes and 14 seconds remaining before the Shaun Suisham drilled 42 - yard field goal as time expired. "We were able to do something that no one thought we, out of our locker room," said Carolynn Batch Manno NBC after the game. "We came here, we knew it was the match 60 minutes we fought all over the world -. Offense, defense, special teams - and put it together. "This is something that - we know that we do not know which team we put our best performance last week so we know we got to where we want, and it will be taken to contest ... We knew we had to come here and get it. And no matter how it changes, we know that is December, we have to win the football game and get started today. ' With the win, the Steelers stop run of two consecutive defeats. At 7-5, the Steelers are now two games behind the Ravens in the AFC North, and as the owner of the sudden death of the head to go with the equally 7-5 Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers stayed at No.. 6 AFC playoff spot as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is set back from right shoulder injuries. No. Roethlisberger and regular. Quarterback Byron Leftwich two are both expected to be available in Sunday's game against the San Diego charge in shock.

Patriots dolphins provide future plans

Miami - The "2012 AFC East Champion" T-shirt backed by tens of Sunday night. There is an atmosphere of celebration at Sun Life Stadium, but not for the home team.

A visit to the New England Patriots won the AFC East with a 23-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins. New England improved to 9-3 and have bigger things in mind - like the playoffs and the Super Bowl.

Miami (5-7), on the other hand, clothing surly after playoff hopes dashed. Once the dolphins to start thinking about 2013 and beyond.

"Very frustrating," said center Mike Pouncey dolphins in the locker room was quiet. "I think you all know they can not make mistakes against a football team. We missed out on many opportunities to make a play. '

But if one thing dolphin show, is that there are far from competitive. This is not a bottom feeder team most expected to Miami this year. Dolphins have a few pieces in place.

Sunday's loss to New England - the ancient kings of the AFC East - provides a perfect model of what the Dolphins need. For starters, Miami does not have the offensive firepower to keep up in New England.

Miami's defense played one of the best games this season. The Patriots entered this game as hot as the No. 1 in the league violation. New England has scored 40 points or more four times this season but was held back by a dolphin. Miami running game stuffed New England Tom Brady and confused with four sacks. The '23 Patriots had their lowest points since week 6.

But most violations Miami settled for field goals and punts. Rookie Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is not the best, only completed 13 of 29 passes for 186 yards. That's not good enough to beat Brady, even on a bad day.

Dolphins do not have the skill players to make plays great dynamic. Two perfect examples of Tannehill missed a deep connection to the receiver Brian Hartline that may have led to a touchdown.

"You have to hit" Tannehill admitted after the game. "Do not get too many pictures like that."

Stout Miami defense. But to take advantage of the Patriots biggest weakness: cornerback.

Dolphins traded former first Vontae Davis this summer, and when injured starter Richard Marshall reserve with a back injury. Miami fell to Sean Smith and the fourth or fifth corner, and that's where Wes Welker dominates.

Welker, a former Dolphin, had a successful return to Miami and caught 12 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Welker Miami players can not be contained and the biggest reason the Patriots to move around the court in this game.

"He is very intelligent," said Dolphins safety Reshad Jones, who had an interception in the game. "It has one of the best quarterbacks in the game to give the ball. [Welker] a great job of route options, and is a very good job in letting go. '

Besides offensive skills player and cornerbacks, dolphins also need to know their left tackle situation. Jake Long the team's future will be darker after suffering a triceps injury in the first quarter. Dolphins coach Joe Philbin did not elaborate on the injury after the game, but the fact that the clothes along the street in the second half was a sign that he could lose time.

The length is easily the best player on the team two years ago. But it fell out of favor due to a recent injury and inconsistency. The length is not an elite left tackle after he and a risk of injury. But the heavy Command salary when he becomes a free agent in March. Violations Miami certainly does not seem to be great without him against New England.

"Jake is a great player, and it's hard to lose a player like him," said Dolphins running back Reggie Bush. "His presence will certainly not be forgotten. But football should go, and the person to come in and do the job. '

Miami rookie second-rounder Jonathan Martin has moved from right to left tackle. She is the best option in the list and will be auditioning for the left tackle job if the term is for a period of time.

Martin played left tackle at Stanford, where he was the personal protector for quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts Andrew luck. Martin will not be embarrassed in his first action at left tackle in the NFL and did some good things.

"I think I did well," Martin said after the game. "I [left tackle] a little rusty. It's like a mirror image [right tackle]. You just remember how your muscles feel and how you feel your balance. '

The Patriots beat the Miami area on Sunday to win his tenth title in 12 years AFC East. But the good news is that dolphins have a lot of cap space in 2013 and five draft picks in the first three rounds of patching the hole.

Carolina Panthers unveil ‘more aggressive’ logo as Nike takes over NFL rights

The Carolina Panthers 2011 has little resemblance to its predecessor, they are 2010, which ended with the NFL's worst 2.14.

Rookie quarterback Cam Newton record at the helm, the team improved 10.6 and shed its status as a less than impressive against the NFC.

Now the Panthers want to look the part. On Monday, the franchise launched a new version of the logo, designed to strike fear into the hearts of their NFC South rivals.

Change the logo for the first time in the Panther team in 18 years, had "seen, more aggressive contemporary," the team.

"We have one of the best logo and best known in the NFL and I wanted to be modern without losing the dramatic essence of the brand," Panthers President Danny Morrison said.

Other reforms are not enough professional sports team with the experience this year, but in Newton brings new hope for Carolina, a new look that makes sense.

Known what these changes might mean for Carolina in Jersey, but there may be many adjustments - two small children and uniform throughout the majors Nike assumed the role as the official supplier Reebok NFL uniform next time.

For now, Nike has begun on the feet and Handwara. Announcing 32 new gloves and designs special shoes for every team in the Pro Bowl on Sunday. (See pictures of the two here.)

What the team logo and uniforms need updating? And what I want to see your sports team on Sunday when the takeover is complete Swoosh?

The unfortunate case of Dez Bryant and excessively droopy pants

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Dez Bryant(notes) made headlines Tuesday night after police were called to intervene in a dispute over the fit of his pants, or, depending on who you believe, the fit of his friends' pants. Someone's pants were deemed too low by whoever is in charge of pants policy at the North Park mall in Dallas.

Here's the Dallas PD's side of the story:

Desmond Bryant(notes) was issued a criminal trespass warning by representatives of NorthPark Center when he began using profanity after he and his companions were requested to pull their pants up by Dallas Police officers working off-duty at the scene so as to not expose their underwear and buttocks to other patrons of the center. This action is not a violation of law and officers would have taken no official police action. Mr. Bryant's response to the request was profanity laced [as in, per the police report, "What the [expletive], you stopped me like I stole something!"], and center representatives felt the outburst merited a request for Mr. Bryant to leave the premises.

There's more here. And here's Bryant's side of the story, via Calvin Watkins at ESPNDallas.com:

Bryant, however, told ESPNDallas.com his pants were up but some of his friends' pants were down.

"It really wasn't me in the wrong," Bryant said Tuesday. "It's not even an issue." [...]

"I told the guy I'm not trying to get in trouble," Bryant said. "I'm not trying to destroy my image. The [warning] wasn't toward me. I was trying to figure out what was going on. It was a big misunderstanding. I was the wrong guy."

If Dez is telling the truth and the culprit was indeed someone else, I'd just like to warn the people of Dallas to stay vigilant. There's currently someone at large with his pants at an unacceptable level. I expect that the Dallas PD will begin its investigation by interviewing all local plumbers.

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Looming NFL lockout nothing new to American pro sports

The NFL Players Association decertified its status as a labor union. The collective bargaining agreement expires seven hours later.

The NFL labor dispute is nothing new to American sports. Every major American professional sport has suffered labor disputes in the past 25 years. Here's a look at other work stoppages in pro sports. Major League Baseball Strike, 1994-95

Major League Baseball quit playing in August of 1994 in the middle of their season. The World Series wasn't played and the following season was shortened to 144 games. Players went back to work in mid-April 1995.

It was the first labor stoppage involving a canceled World Series. Since that time, Major League Baseball has expanded, attendance has reached record levels and players make more money than ever.

National Hockey League Lockout, 2004-05

The National Hockey League locked out players for nearly a full year starting in September 2004. Not a single game was played. As part of the new labor deal, players agreed to a salary cap but they also had access to a greater percentage of the league's profits. NFL Strike, 1987

The last NFL labor dispute was in 1987 and resulted in one week of games canceled and three weeks played with replacement players. The owners were well prepared—they already had replacement players ready to go after the games were canceled. The NFL is still the hottest professional team sports league in the United States. One of the most famous replacement players was Timmy Smith, who set a Super Bowl record for rushing yards for the Washington Redskins.

National Basketball Association Lockout, 1998-99

The NBA shortened its season to 50 games from 82 games as owners wanted to cap player salaries in 1998. It was the first time the NBA had lost games and revenue due to labor disputes. MLB Strike, 1981

Major League Baseball had a mid-season strike in 1981. Instead of canceling the post-season, this one lasted only 50 days from mid-June to late July. The strike was more about free agency than anything else—owners were worried free agents would demand more money. Free agency is alive and well today—contracts are getting richer and richer.
The current NFL labor dispute is currently in federal mediation as both sides are headed for a lockout.

Jennifer Lopez, two U.S. senators to watch Super Bowl with Obama

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Jennifer Lopez, two United States senators and a gift basket full of Milwaukee sausage will be in attendance at the White House on Sunday watching the Super Bowl with President Barack Obama.

The White House announced its Super Bowl party guest list and it includes over 100 people, ranging from pop stars to a bipartisan group of government officials to people who sit next to Steven Tyler on "American Idol."

Among the announced attendees:

• Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony

• Attorney General Eric Holder

• Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano

• Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.)

• Senator Robert Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.)

• Congressman Reid Ribble (R-Wisc.)

• Former Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle

• Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz (D)

• Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D)

In a news release, Barrett said he and his teenage son, Tommy, will bring gift baskets from Milwaukee sausage companies. "The fact that I will be watching the Packers win the Super Bowl with the Bears' 'Fan-in-Chief' is particularly satisfying," the mayor said in a statement.

Obama will welcome the guests after sitting for a live interview with FOX News' Bill O'Reilly, which will air during the Super Bowl pregame show at 4:45 p.m. ET. With his typical bravado, O'Reilly claims the interview will be seen by more people than "any other interview that's ever been done in the history of mankind."

Lopez told the television show "Extra" that she wasn't sure why she nabbed an invite to watch the game with the president. "I don't know," she said, "maybe that's why I don't want to talk about it. I don't even feel like it's real."

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Video: DeSean Jackson's emotional, surprise visit with bully victim

The 13-year-old boy who was bullied and beat up by a "wolf pack" of teenagers in Pennsylvania last month received a surprise visit from his favorite football player on live television.

Nadin Khoury was walking home from school on Jan. 11 when he was randomly accosted by seven teens who attacked him for 30 minutes. The incident was filmed by one of the assailants, which helped propel the sickening incident into the national spotlight.

On Thursday, a resilient Khoury appeared with his family on "The View" to discuss the incident and bullying in general. Near the end of the segment, he was surprised by Philadelphia Eagles players DeSean Jackson(notes), Todd Herremans and Jamaal Jackson(notes).

Jackson, the Eagles star receiver, is Khoury's favorite player. After coming out on set and hugging the middle school student, Jackson gave Khoury the jersey off his back (literally) and let him know that if he ever needed help, he and his two lineman had his back. Herremans later mentioned that the Eagles would give the family tickets to any Eagles game next season.

Wes Welker Foot Interview: Welker's Comments Draw Warning From NFL

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The trash talking has gotten out of control this week and the NFL is starting to take notice.

In a report on ESPN.com, NFL executive vice president Ray Anderson has told teams to stop with the pre-game trash talk. The league is going so far as to threaten even more harsh disciplinary action against players who are flagged for illegal hits this weekend.

Two games in particular have featured a lot of back-and-forth between players on both sides. Those would be the two AFC games, Bal-Pit & NYJ-NE.

The Ravens and Steelers feature some of the best trash talkers in the NFL. They have been trading barbs all year long and things are coming to a head this weekend.

The Jets usually talk a lot before a game, it's been surprising to see New England get involved. Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker did a "feet-laden" press conference on Thursday. In response, Jets linebacker Bart Scott threatened that Welker might not make it through the whole game.

That's how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

Notes: 'Foot' talk earns Welker an early benching

Are you looking for some inside information on ? Here's an up-to-date report from experts who should know.



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FOXBORO -- Wes Welker's subtle digs at Jets coach Rex Ryan's foot fetish during his midweek press conference apparently didn't go unnoticed by Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Welker sat out the Patriots' first offensive series, and CBS' Jim Nantz reported it was a benching because of his "foot" talk -- Welker made 10 references to feet or toes -- during his comments to the media.

After the game, Welker declined to talk about it.

"That’s a coach’s decision," said Welker. "You can ask the coach about that stuff. I’m not going to really comment on that stuff."

"I don't have any comment on that," said Belichick when asked.

Welker finished the game as the Pats' leading receiver with 7 catches for 57 yards.

bullet.gif Belichick met Ryan at midfield after the game and embraced him for several seconds, talking into his ear. When asked when he said, Belichick responded: "Whenever I have a conversation with somebody else, it's between me and the other person."

Ryan also declined to divulge what Belichick told him, except to say it was complimentary.

bullet.gif The Patriots have lost their last three postseason games, dating back to the 2007 Super Bowl, and have lost two in a row at home. It was their first-ever playoff loss to the Jets, whom they beat in the postseason in 1985 and 2006.

bullet.gif Veteran running back Fred Taylor was inactive for Sunday's game, and admitted afterwards that he's mulling retirement.

"I've just got to probably take time to be realistic," said Taylor, who'll turn 35 later this month. "I kind of know what my body's telling me, and what my family's been telling me. But I also know that this is what I've been programmed to do the majority of my life."

Taylor had seven 1,000-plus-yard seasons in his 13-year career, the first 11 of which were spent with the Jaguars, but was limited by injuries to just 7 games and 155 yards this year.

"I really don't know," he said. "It's just a whole lot to take in right now. I don't know. I know what my body tells me. I know what I've been thinking. It's kind of hard to play a game you love so much with limitations. Last year, with the ankle. I couldn't do the things I know I can do. This year, with the toes."

bullet.gif Matt Light is now a free agent after 10 superlative seasons as the Patriots' left offensive tackle, and -- like Taylor -- he doesn't know what the future holds. But in his case, it's contractual.

Light plans to play next year. He just doesn't know if it'll be in New England.

"I've had a great 10 years here, this has been a great organization . . . " said Light. "I hope like hell to be here and continue to do what I've done, but we'll have to wait and see if that works itself out."

bullet.gif Brady now has thrown a touchdown pass in 17 consecutive postseason games, the second-longest streak in NFL history (the longest: 20, by Brett Favre). He also has 30 career postseason TD passes, tying him with Terry Bradshaw for fifth place on the all-time list.

bullet.gif Jay Glazer of FOX Sports presented video evidence on the FOX pregame show of the Patriots engaging in sideline shenanigans aimed at upsetting opposing punt coverage -- the same thing for which the Jets were punished by the NFL -- coverage similar during the Week 2 game between the Jets and Patriots.

According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, "Though they weren’t standing shoulder to shoulder and toe to toe like Sal Alosi and his North Jersey mob, six or seven Pats were up on the edge of the sideline, and one of them appears to try to trip the gunner."

Glazer added that the Jets learned of the manuever from a former Patriots practice squad player who signed with the Jets. That could be either former Pats quarterback Kevin O'Connell or linebacker Shawn Crable.

The Jets were fined $100,000 for Alosi's act and for special teams coach Mike Westhoff accusing the Patriots of similar deeds.

"A number of teams do it," Westhoff said on Chicago radio in mid-December. "There is a pretty good team up north that lines their whole defense up when they do it, so it's something that just kind of happened . . . If you watch them -- their defense when the opponent's punt team is out there -- they're up there pretty close to the line so it looks like they are trying to do it. Now are they doing anything illegal? Are they tripping anybody? Heck no. I'm not saying that. That's not the point. But, yeah, they're lined up there. Is it making a difference? I don't know. I really don't know, because to tell you the truth, before this happened, I never really looked at anybody's sideline in all my years."

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Mark Sanchez, Santonio Holmes Headline NFL Player Props For Jets

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The New York Jets avenged an AFC Championship game loss last week by ousting Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts to advance to the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs. Now, it is part-two of the revenge tour, as New York will try and put behind them a 42-point loss to the New England Patriots earlier this year. The Jets visit their AFC East rival in the Patriots Sunday afternoon.

For head coach Rex Ryan, it’s personal once again.

“This is about (Patriots coach) Bill Belichick vs. Rex Ryan,” Ryan said earlier this week. “There’s no question. It’s personal. It’s about him against myself, and that’s what it’s going to come down to.”

If history is any indicator, the Jets will have to do something out of the ordinary to get a win on the road over New England. Since Ryan’s arrival in New York, the home team has won every meeting between the two.

“We have to play fast and physical,” Ryan said. “That doesn’t mean we’re going to dummy it up. If you dummy it up against them, you’ll get crushed.”

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