Dennis Allen

1. Texans (3 last week): They proved they are for real by winning against a tough Bears team in bad conditions Sunday. 2. Falcons (1): Did anyone really think they were the '72 Dolphins? They are allowed one mulligan. 3. Bears (2): No disgrace in...

1. Packers: The addition of Cedric Benson could give the Packers a dimension they lacked. 2. Giants: They are a little beat up at cornerback, but their pass rush should be able to compensate while they get healthy. 3. Patriots: Questions about the...

Ten days before the NFL draft, the amazing transformation of the Ravens continues. Rolando McClain is just the latest new piece of the puzzle. And I wouldn't bet he's the last free agent the Ravens sign, not with the team still $4.1 million under the...

The Bears may appear to be going nowhere, but that doesn't mean Lovie Smith is headed anywhere. Smith effectively can seal another contract with a victory over the Packers on Sunday. Beating the Packers is important to Bears ownership, and Smith could...

The New Orleans Saints are toast. The Arizona Cardinals have turned the corner. It's time for Norv Turner, Rex Ryan and Andy Reid to go. Some of those bold statements might hold up this NFL season, but some will sound absurd in a few months. It...

Josh Scobee, you slacker. The Jacksonville Jaguars kicker stands out from all other NFL kickers but his distinction is not likely to earn him a free beer in a Jacksonville sports bar. Scobee, you see, is the only kicker to miss an extra point this...

Who says Tom Brady isn't a great scrambler? The Patriots quarterback was scrambling all over the New England sideline Sunday in Buffalo, frantically searching for his missing helmet before his team's first possession of the third quarter. He couldn't...

NFL Team Report - Oakland Raiders - INSIDE SLANT In a game against the Chicago Bears last December, Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe covered the Pro Football Hall of Fame patch on his jersey with a post-it that read "Vote Ray Guy," in protest of the...

Troubled inside linebacker Rolando McClain informed Ravens officials Wednesday that he will retire from the NFL, a decision he reached before participating in one practice with his new team. McClain signed with the Ravens on April 12, was arrested just...

The Sports Xchange NFL Team Report - Oakland Raiders - INSIDE SLANT With most of the national publicity having subsided, D.J. Hayden was back doing what he loves best: wearing a helmet, playing cornerback, and knocking down passes in the defensive...

The Sports Xchange NFL Team Report - Oakland Raiders - INSIDE SLANT Amy Trask, long-time chief executive officer of the Oakland Raiders who had a strong commitment to former owner Al Davis, but not necessarily his son and heir, Mark, announced she...

The Sports Xchange NFL Team Report - Oakland Raiders - INSIDE SLANT The Raiders added a third quarterback to the meeting room in the fourth round of the NFL draft, and Tyler Wilson said he's intent on competing for the starting job. Competition is...