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Can’t-Miss Play AFC Championship: Samuel INT
Patriots CB Asante Samuel intercepts a Phillip Rivers pass in the 2nd quarter.

Roethlisberger returns to practice

Roethlisberger has an extra week to get better since the Steelers have a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Teary Bowlen felt Broncos needed change (AP)

They were best friends as much as employee and boss. Nothing told that story better than the tears in the eyes of Pat Bowlen and Mike Shanahan as they talked about their sad farewell. “This is as tough as it gets,” Bowlen said Wednesday, his eyes moist, as he explained his day-old decision to fire the coach who finally brought the Super Bowl trophy to Denver.

Mayo wins Defensive Rookie award

Jerod Mayo firmly answered everyone who criticized the Patriots for taking him with the 10th pick in April’s draft by winning The Associated Press 2008 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

AFC Championship: Laurence Maroney highlights
Laurence Maroney rushes for 122 yards in leading the Patriots past the Chargers.

Cowboys fire special teams coach Read (AP)
The Dallas Cowboys have fired special teams coach Bruce Read, making him the first assistant ousted in the wake of a disappointing 9-7 season. Read’s special teams unit made costly gaffes, including a blocked punt in overtime at Arizona that ended in a game-winning Cardinals touchdown. Breakdowns in kick coverage also beset Dallas, and Adam “Pacman” Jones fizzled as a return man.

With Cowher out, Jets look elsewhere (AP)

The New York Jets have received permission to speak with Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan for their vacant coaching job, a person familiar with the search told The Associated Press on Wednesday. With Bill Cowher withdrawing his name from consideration Tuesday night, the Jets are setting their sights elsewhere, with an ever-growing list of candidates that could include fired Denver coach…

Falcons RB Turner involved in domestic dispute

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner was involved in a “domestic dispute” Monday night with the mother of his infant child, Gwinnett County Police Corp.