Cleveland Browns 12/18/2007 8:03 AMThe Dayton Daily News reports back in the summer, when Browns coach Romeo Crennel was on the so-called "hot seat," few could have imagined his team would find itself on the verge of clinching a playoff spot the week before Christmas. It sure looks like vindication for Crennel, who entered the season with a two-year record of 10-22, including 1-11 against the AFC North. The Browns are 3-2 against division foes going into Sunday's game at Paul Brown Stadium against the Bengals. Winning works wonders when it comes to burying the past and having players buy what you're selling. "When you lose, I don't care what the philosophy is, they all question it," Crennel said. "But when you're able to win some games, even though there are still some guys who question the philosophy, they keep it to themselves more." Crennel said his message "about playing hard, giving yourself a chance to win at the end and doing the right things" has not changed.Read more
Cincinnati Bengals 12/18/2007 8:01 AMThe Dayton Daily News reports Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis reported Monday that strong-side LB Rashad Jeanty should be healthy enough to play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. That's good news for a defense that has thrived with Jeanty in the lineup and struggled without him. In the five straight games (Nos. 9-13) Jeanty started, the unit allowed opponents an average of 270 yards (73.2 rushing). But he was deactivated with a bruised knee at San Francisco and his absence resulted in 49ers RB Frank Gore ripping off 138 yards on 29 carries. "We just decided to go with the guy (Corey Mays) who was completely healthy last week," Lewis said. "(Jeanty) has the opportunity to play this week and is feeling much better. He's very physical."Read more
Tennessee Titans 12/17/2007 6:12 PMAP reports Tennessee rookie RB Chris Henry returned to the Titans on Monday after serving his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances. Coach Jeff Fisher said Henry was back in the team's building Monday and stayed in good shape. "He missed being around. He's looking forward to contributing again," Fisher said. Henry originally fought his suspension before dropping his appeal for a positive test involving a substance added to the league's banned list within the past year. He still ranks fourth on the roster with 104 yards on 22 carries with two touchdowns in limited playing time.Read more
New York Giants 12/17/2007 12:52 PMAP reports the New York Giants are going to have to try to make the playoffs without TE Jeremy Shockey. The Pro Bowl tight end broke his left leg in the third quarter of the Giants' 22-10 loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday night and will likely be sidelined the rest of the season. "He's one of our leaders, one of the guys that comes to practice every day," QB Eli Manning said. "It's going to be tough to overcome that, and we need someone to step up and hopefully one of these rookie tight ends can do that."Read more
