Patriots RB Laurence Maroney has scored touchdowns in five straight games; before that he had just two touchdowns all year.

Patriots fans aren’t happy with the process of buying Super Bowl tickets.

Giants QB Eli Manning is on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

If the Giants are going to win, they may need to do it on the ground.

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano is raiding the coaching staff of his former team.

Jets fans say they can’t imagine a worse match-up in the Super Bowl than Giants-Patriots.

The Ravens may have passed over defensive coordinator Rex Ryan for the head-coaching job because they think he’s too close to the players.

Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski says he’s beginning to study veteran free agents who might be a good fit in his offense in 2008.

The agent for Browns coach Romeo Crennel met with GM Phil Savage Tuesday and said, “I’d say everything was positive. I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to finish this so that everyone’s happy.”

Steelers WR Cedrick Wilson has filed for a protection-from-abuse order against his girlfriend.

Texans offensive linemen Ephraim Salaam and Chester Pitts will star in a Super Bowl ad.

Broncos K Jason Elam will spend Super Bowl Sunday in Iraq.

The Chiefs have hired Texas-El Paso offensive coordinator Eric Price as their wide receivers coach.

Says Chargers GM A.J. Smith of the coming free agency period, “We’re going to be a player. Always a player, not a major player.“

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted that assistant director of college scouting Tom Ciskowski is likely to be promoted to fill the void created by the departure of Jeff Ireland.

Says Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, “We’re going through the [game tapes] right now and we’re saying, ‘We’re as good as any team in the playoffs.’”

Writes Michael Wilbon in the Washington Post of the Redskins’ interviews with Gregg Williams, “What would you think if your boss of four years needed to interview you four times for a promotion?”

Bears coach Lovie Smith says, “I don’t think it’s any secret that our quarterback situation hasn’t been settled.”

The Packers’ cornerbacks are getting old.

New Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff is a vegetarian who works out at 4 a.m. and takes part in mountain biking competitions.

The Panthers hope to re-sign DT Damione Lewis.

The Saints could be looking at defensive tackles at the Senior Bowl.

Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia thinks the team is going in the right direction.

More than 400 people attended the private funeral service of the late Rams owner Georgia Frontiere.

Asked whether he’ll have any input into the 49ers’ draft plans, offensive coordinator Mike Martz says, “I’m coaching. I’m not a personnel guy.”

All signs point to Jim Mora succeeding Mike Holmgren as the Seahawks’ next head coach.