Arizona Cardinals 12/19/2006 9:34 AMThe Arizona Republic reports Sunday's loss to the Broncos highlighted the continuing struggles of the Cardinals cornerbacks, who were burned, twisted and embarrassed by a passing game that had produced little other than a quarterback change this season. Cardinals starters David Macklin and Antrel Rolle, as well as backup Eric Green, all were involved in plays that directly led to touchdowns. "They are struggling, absolutely," HC Dennis Green said of his corners.Read more
Atlanta Falcons 12/19/2006 9:28 AMThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the Falcons' two-game, last-gasp push for the playoffs will come with a less-than-full-strength QB Michael Vick and with DE John Abraham trying to play with a surgically repaired hand. Vick suffered a strained right groin in Saturday's loss to Dallas, but the injury is not serious and he should play in Sunday's home finale against Carolina, according to HC Jim Mora. However, Mora would not rule out that Vick could miss the game. Abraham, beset by injuries in his first season with the Falcons, tore ligaments in his left thumb and had a support pin surgically implanted Monday morning, Mora said. Abraham will have the thumb placed in a cast and will attempt to play against the team he opened the season against with six tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles.Read more
Miami Dolphins 12/19/2006 9:25 AMThe Palm Beach Post reports even with the Dolphins eliminated from the playoffs, HC Nick Saban said Monday that he won't change his approach for the final two games. That means playing his starters and going all out to try to reach .500. "Our message to our locker room is we're going to play the best players and try to win our remaining games," said Saban, whose club slipped to 6-8 Sunday. "That's what our philosophy is." QB Joey Harrington will continue to start at quarterback even after having the worst outing of his career in a 21-0 loss in Buffalo. He might be joined Monday night against the New York Jets by RB Ronnie Brown, who was cleared to return to practice. Brown broke a bone in his left hand against Detroit on Thanksgiving and has missed the past three games.Read more
Minnesota Vikings 12/19/2006 9:22 AMThe Pioneer Press reports the Vikings still are mathematically alive for an NFC playoff spot, but HC Brad Childress apparently crunched the numbers and determined that rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson gives his team the best chance to win Thursday night in Green Bay. Childress announced during a team meeting early Monday afternoon that the rookie would start ahead of veteran QB Brad Johnson, according to two unidentified players.Read more
