Sunday Reading

Giants

Walter Football: New York Giants NFL Team Needs
http://walterfootball.com/offseason2017nyg.php

Raanan ESPN NY: Mailbag: Speed at the linebacker position could be draft priority for Giants
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/50716/speed-at-the-linebacker-position-could-be-draft-priority-for-giants

RV SNY: Vacc's Mailbag: Is Rodgers-Cromartie's contract too much of a luxury? Do Giants have injury problem
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/vaccs-mailbag-is-rodgers-cromarties-contract-too-much-of-a-luxury-do-giants-have-an-injury-problem/214008528?

NFL

Volin Boston Globe: Sunday Football Notes: The NFL is becoming more predictable. Just look at this year's playoff field
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2017/01/21/ben-volin-the-nfl-becoming-more-predictable-just-look-this-year-playoff-field/e2B1N3uuBUn7vPO4NU4yeI/story.html

Gramling MMQB: RODGERS IS INCOMPREHENSIBLY GOOD, A LOOK BACK ON THE FIRST PATRIOTS-STEELERS AFC TITLE GAME, JOHNNY MANZIEL IS DOING STUFF
Plus, celebramos in Indy after Grigson’s dismissal, Seahawks should get popped for fudging injury reports, and does Tyrod Taylor stay in Buffalo after all?
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/01/22/nfl-conference-championships-aaron-rodgers-falcons-packers-patriots-steelers-johnny-manziel-cfl

Bell USA Today: Versatile RBs prove key X-factors in chase for titles
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/bell/2017/01/21/conference-championship-games-dion-lewis-patriots-leveon-bell-steelers-devonta-freeman-falcons-ty-montgomery-packers/96891468/

Farmer LA Times: Suspect secondaries will try to avoid being shredded in NFC championship game
http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-packers-falcons-farmer-20170121-story.html

ARIZONA
Bickley AZ Central: Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians working through tough offseason
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2017/01/21/bickley-arizona-cardinals-coach-bruce-arians-working-through-tough-offseason/96894022/

ATLANTA
Schwartz NYP: Packers-Falcons: Calling this a shootout is an understatement
http://nypost.com/2017/01/21/packers-falcons-calling-this-a-shootout-is-an-understatement/

McClure ESPN Atl: 13 reasons Matt Ryan, Falcons' offense are so hard to stop
http://www.espn.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/25254/just-13-reasons-why-matt-ryan-falcons-offense-is-so-hard-to-stop

Berman Phil.com: Matt Ryan was always team-first, Penn Charter mates say
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20170122_Matt_Ryan_was_always_team-first__Penn_Charter_mates_say.html?mobi=true

Triplett ESPN NO: Devonta Freeman happy to share Falcons backfield with 'brother' Tevin Coleman
http://www.espn.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/67030/devonta-freeman-happy-to-share-falcons-backfield-with-brother-tevin-coleman

Sapakoff Charleston Post and Courier: Matthews vs. Matthews: Charleston-based 'NFL's First Family' in Packers-Falcons game
http://www.postandcourier.com/columnists/matthews-vs-matthews-charleston-based-nfl-s-first-family-in/article_74364964-df2b-11e6-ab98-c3edb46be82c.html

BALTIMORE
Lee Bal Sun: Kenneth Dixon's rookie campaign was a series of lessons learned for the Ravens' running back
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-kenneth-dixon-s-rookie-campaign-was-a-series-of-lessons-learned-for-the-ravens-running-back-20170120-story.html

Downing Ravens.com: Who Will Ravens Replace Zachary Orr At Inside Linebacker?
http://baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Who-Will-Ravens-Replace-Zachary-Orr-At-Inside-Linebacker/9962c537-f45f-4ce3-8f37-984c477b2b75

BUFFALO
Skurski Buffalo News: Five quarterbacks with connections to Bills' OC Rick Dennison
https://buffalonews.com/2017/01/21/five-quarterbacks-connections-bills-oc-rick-dennison/

CLEVELAND
Lemerises Cleve Plain Dealer: NFL Draft 2017: Here's 5 ways the Browns could land 5 starters at 5 key positions
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/01/nfl_draft_2017_plan_to_land_5.html

DALLAS
George Dallas Morning News: Can Jaylon Smith become the 'outstanding' player Jerry Jones expects?
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/01/21/five-offseason-issues-cowboys-2-can-jaylon-smith-become-outstanding-player-jerry-jones-expects

DENVER
St. Clair Mile High Report: How close was Kyle Shanahan to becoming the Broncos head coach?
http://www.milehighreport.com/2017/1/21/14345842/kyle-shanahan-broncos-head-coach

DETROIT
Atkins Mich Live: Detroit Lions 2016 review: Linebackers' shakiness creates offseason questions
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2017/01/detroit_lions_2016_review_line.html

GREEN BAY
Silverstein Mil JS: Packers injured ready to give it a try
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/01/21/packers-injured-ready-give-try/96886328/

D'Amato Mil JS: McCarthy, Rodgers chase history
http://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/columnists/gary-damato/2017/01/21/damato-mccarthy-rodgers-chase-history/96696672/

Dougherty Mil JS: Rodgers plays game of risk
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/dougherty/2017/01/21/dougherty-rodgers-plays-game-risk/96801594/

Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
1/22/17, 4:04 AM
Packers WR Jordy Nelson (ribs) is expected to play today, per @StaceyDales & me. So are Davante Adams (ankle) & Geronimo Allison (leg)

AP Denver Post: Max McCaffrey called up from practice squad, signs with Packers
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/01/21/max-mccaffrey-signs-packers-packers/

McGinn Mil JS: Pass protection technique drawing praise
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/mcginn/2017/01/21/mcginn-pass-protection-technique-drawing-praise/96847704/

Mil JS: X's and O's: Inside the Falcons playbook
http://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/01/21/xs-and-os-inside-falcons-playbook/96906046/

Wood Mil JS: Key to clutch: Inside Crosby’s playoff streak
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/01/20/key-clutch-inside-crosbys-playoff-streak/96801018/

HOUSTON
Smith Houston Chronicle: Bill O'Brien bets on himself to fix Texans before his time runs out
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/columnists/smith/article/Bill-O-Brien-bets-on-himself-to-fix-Texans-before-10874575.php

McClain Houston Chronicle: A position breakdown of Texans' offseason needs
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/A-position-breakdown-of-Texans-offseason-needs-10874666.php

Sixel Houston Chronicle: What do working stiffs and NFL players have in common? Often, a fight for workers' comp
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/What-do-working-stiffs-and-NFL-players-have-in-10873044.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Holder Ind Star: Colts fire GM Ryan Grigson
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/01/21/reports-colts-fire-gm-ryan-grigson/96889666/

Holder Ind Star: Insider: Colts' Irsay 'untied' Pagano, Grigson
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/01/21/insider-colts-irsay-untied-pagano-grigson/96894176/

Keefer Ind Star: Insider: Stop dreaming. Manning, Gruden aren't coming
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/01/21/insider-stop-dreaming-manning-gruden-arent-coming/96894196/

Newell Ind Star: Best and worst moves by Ryan Grigson
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/01/21/best-and-worst-moves-ryan-grigson/95962892/

Breer MMQB: Jim Irsay’s firing of Ryan Grigson as GM in Indy opens the door for Peyton Manning to take over—and it would seem to be an ideal reunion. But does the Colts icon want the job?
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/01/21/colts-gm-ryan-grigson-fired-peyton-manning

Pelissero USA Today: Colts job one of the most enticing GM spots in NFL
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/tom-pelissero/2017/01/21/colts-general-manager-rebuild-jim-irsay-andrew-luck/96907288/

Ayello Ind Star: Don't expect Pat McAfee to shed a tear for Ryan Grigson
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/01/21/dont-expect-pat-mcafee-shed-tear-ryan-grigson/96891756/

JACKSONVILLE
O'Halloran Fla Times Union: Jaguars Insider: Extension for Colvin one of many off-season questions
http://jacksonville.com/sports/2017-01-20/jaguars-insider-extension-colvin-one-many-season-questions

KANSAS CITY
Paylor KC Star: Grading the Chiefs: 2016 position-by-position grades
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article127955689.html#storylink=twt_staff

Dunleavy NJ.com: Khaseem Greene signs with Kansas City Chiefs as former Rutgers star gets another chance
http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2017/01/khaseem_greene_signs_with_kansas_city_chiefs_as_fo.html

LOS ANGELES
Ziegler UTSD: The NFL team that might move to San Diego
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers/sd-sp-zeigler-20170121-story.html

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Edholm Yahoo Sports: Jared Goff says Rams can run Redskins' deep passing offense under Sean McVay
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/jared-goff-says-rams-can-run-redskins-deep-passing-offense-under-sean-mcvay-185504499.html

MIAMI
Hyde Sun Sentinel: Is Tannehill elite? Was Matt Ryan before this year? | Commentary
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-hyde-column-0122-20170121-column.html

Jackson Miami Herald: An early look at Dolphins’ free agent front-seven options on defense
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article127948609.html

NEW ENGLAND
Reiss ESPN Boston: Robert Kraft's presence on a daily basis stands out to Patriots players
http://www.espn.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/82852/robert-krafts-presence-on-a-daily-basis-stands-out-to-patriots-players

Myers NYDN: Brady or Belichick: Who deserves more credit for Pats' success?
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/brady-belichick-deserves-credit-pats-success-article-1.2952364

Reynolds Providence Journal: For weary warrior Tom Brady, the stakes keep getting higher
http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20170121/bill-reynolds-for-weary-warrior-tom-brady-stakes-keep-getting-higher

Reiss ESPN Boston: Bill O'Brien: Unique Patriots' RB model puts defenses in a bind
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4800176/bill-obrien-unique-patriots-rb-model-puts-defenses-in-a-bind

Batko Pitt Post Gazette: Dion Lewis, Jabaal Sheard add Pitt element to Steelers-Patriots
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2017/01/21/Pittsburgh-Pitt-Panthers-football-Dion-Lewis-Jabaal-Sheard-Steelers-Patriots-AFC-championship/stories/201701200170

Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
1/22/17, 4:43 AM
Patriots Martellus Bennett, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell - all listed as quest. - all are expected to play today vs. Steelers, per sources.

ESPN: Source: Patriots' Martellus Bennett, receiver duo expected to play
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18529539/new-england-patriots-martellus-bennett-chris-hogan-malcolm-mitchell-expected-play

Reiss ESPN Boston: If Malcolm Mitchell is healthy, Patriots have tough call at WR
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4800156/if-malcolm-mitchell-passes-health-test-a-tough-call-for-patriots-to-make-at-wr?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter

Bedard SI.com: Dante Scarnecchia is back in Foxborough, and so is an effective, reliable Patriots O-line
http://www.si.com/nfl/2017/01/18/dante-scarnecchia-patriots-offensive-line-coach-bill-belichick-nfl-playoffs?xid=socialflow_twitter_si

Volin Boston Globe: Le'Veon Bell is too good for the Patriots to simply shut him down
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2017/01/21/veon-bell-too-good-for-patriots-simply-shut-him-down/AHDQMWTwOh1LmfD09UOoSN/story.html

Howe Boston Herald: Key matchup: Patriots front 7 vs. Le’Veon Bell
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/2017/01/key_matchup_patriots_front_7_vs_le_veon_bell

Boston Globe: Shea McClellin has settled in nicely with Patriots
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2017/01/21/shea-mcclellin-has-settled-nicely-with-patriots/GYMHRLon8aeGIuZhVahxOP/story.html

NEW ORLEANS
Underhill NO Advocate: Offseason primer: Evaluating some of the things the Saints might look to do this offseason
http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_fe126072-dec8-11e6-b0d8-ef75c8aa2172.html

Eichenhofer Saints.com: New Orleans Saints 2016 season recap: Tim Hightower
http://neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-deshazier/New-Orleans-Saints-2016-season-recap-Tim-Hightower/59fc8efb-3b60-4786-9eb0-54256cfcb9b9

OAKLAND
Saraceno LV Review Journal: NFL WILL APPROVE RAIDERS MOVE BECAUSE LAS VEGAS SHOWED IT THE MONEY
http://reviewjournal.com/sports/nfl-vegas/nfl-will-approve-raiders-move-because-las-vegas-showed-it-the-money

PHILADELPHIA
Fierro Allentown Morning Call: Eagles have complicated negotiations ahead with their free agents
http://www.mcall.com/sports/football/eagles/mc-eagles-free-agents-0121-20170121-story.html

Shorr-Parks NJ.com: Eagles set to hire Mike Groh as wide receivers coach, per report
http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2017/01/eagles_set_to_hire_mike_groh_as_wide_receivers_coa.html

PITTSBURGH
Bloom Pitt Post Gazette: For some, Spygate specter always looms over Steelers-Patriots
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/01/21/steelers-patriots-spygate-afc-championship-hines-ward-alan-faneca-kordell-stewart/stories/201701220095

Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
1/22/17, 4:06 AM
For the Steelers, LB James Harrison (shoulder, triceps) should be good to go, while TE Ladarius Green (concussion, illness) shouldn't be.

Adamski Pitt Tribune Review: Four downs: Steelers center ground game behind Pouncey
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/11802798-74/steelers-short-middleman

Crosby Boston Herald: Steelers notebook: Linebacker James Harrison sets sights on one prize: Lombardi Trophy
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/2017/01/steelers_notebook_linebacker_james_harrison_sets_sights_on_one_prize

Fowler ESPN Pitt: Steelers' James Harrison spins 1960s soul music when he lifts
http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/22556/steelers-james-harrison-spins-1960s-soul-music-when-he-lifts

Serby NYP: Steelers linebacker Shazier has plan to become an all-time NFL legend
http://nypost.com/2017/01/21/steelers-linebacker-has-plan-to-become-an-all-time-nfl-legend/

Bradford Times Online: Steelers GamePlay: Q& A with Ross Cockrell
http://www.timesonline.com/sports/steelers/steelers-gameplay-q-a-with-ross-cockrell/article_8a5135fa-df54-11e6-a681-f77aa49e0974.html

SAN FRANCISCO
Purdy SJ Mercury News: What Kyle Shanahan needs to show 49ers fans in Falcons’ playoff game Sunday
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/21/purdy-what-kyle-shanahan-needs-to-show-49ers-fans-in-falcons-playoff-game-sunday/

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: No Seahawks receiver consistently emerged behind Doug Baldwin in 2016. What to do in 2017?
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-position-review-other-than-doug-baldwin-receivers-an-enigmatic-group-in-2016/

TAMPA BAY
Fennelly TB Times: What the Bucs can learn from the NFL's Final Four
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/fennelly-what-the-bucs-can-learn-from-the-nfls-final-four/2310398

TENNESSEE
Clements TSN: Derrick Henry reflects on rookie campaign, potential rookie sensations for 2017
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/titans-derrick-henry-demarco-murray-nflpa-panini-dalvin-cook-alabama/5yh5pyygdby91t1ys2b1tkepr

WASHINGTON
Schreifels Redskins.com: Chris Baker Wants To Return To The Redskins As He Hits Free Agency
http://redskins.com/news/article-1/Chris-Baker-Wants-To-Return-To-The-Redskins-As-He-Hits-Free-Agency/eee6240d-b89b-41a2-be2a-4e3fd128ff6b

Draft

Auman TB Times: East-West Shrine Game: West beats East 10-3 in defensive battle
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/east-west-shrine-game-west-beats-east-10-3-in-defensive-battle/2310429

Goodbread NFL.com: What we learned from Shrine Game: Moreau could be 1st-rounder
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000777165/article/what-we-learned-from-shrine-game-moreau-could-be-1strounder?campaign=tw-cf-sf52188240-sf52188240& utm_source=Direct

Campbell Walter Football: Stock report from the #eastwestshrine. Lots of prospects helped themselves in St. Petersburg
http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2017stock_20.php

Sobleski B/R: NFL DRAFT 2017: TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EAST-WEST SHRINE GAME
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2688365-nfl-draft-2017-takeaways-from-the-east-west-shrine-game

Goodbread NFL.com: Michigan could have up to 24 rookies in 2017 NFL training camps
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000777202/article/michigan-could-have-up-to-24-rookies-in-2017-nfl-training-camps

RB
Landis Cleve Plain Dealer: Ohio State's Dontre Wilson gets shot to impress NFL in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2017/01/ohio_states_dontre_wilson_gets.html

WR
Auman TB Times: East-West Shrine Game: Strawberry Crest's Karel Hamilton stands out
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/east-west-shrine-game-strawberry-crests-karel-hamilton-stands-out/2310427

TE
Goodbread NFL.com: Mayock: 2017 NFL Draft TE class might be best I've seen
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000776730/article/mayock-2017-nfl-draft-te-class-might-be-best-ive-seen

History

Weinreb The Ringer: An oral history of the Raiders-Patriots Tuck Rule Game, which 15 years ago forever altered the NFL
https://theringer.com/nfl-playoffs-tuck-rule-oral-history-raiders-patriots-15-years-later-d731b0a6d00e#.y7k2u22qp

Giants Birthdays 1-21

Marcus Dowtin LB W-BUF 2013 NYG 2013 1-21-1988
Jeff Rutledge QB TR-LA 1983 NYG 1983-1989 1-21-1957