Wallace, 30 before the season, offers very little upside, but has shown the ability to at least keep a team competitive in spot starts. He holds a career completion rate of 59.9 and TD-to-INT ratio of 25:14. If training camp began today, he would compete with Brady Quinn to start.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Tampa Bay: Buccaneers acquired WR Reggie Brown from the Eagles in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Brown, 29, fell out of the Eagles’ receiver rotation in 2008 following three pedestrian seasons as a starter to begin his career, and caught just nine balls in seven games last year. While not a difference-making talent, the 2005 No. 35 overall pick is a worthwhile pickup for a Bucs team that currently has the league’s weakest receiver corps. Brown could ascend to a starting job in Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a good offseason.

New England: NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi reports that the Patriots have re-signed free agent CB Leigh Bodden. Bodden’s player rep, however, is denying the report. “Reports of Leigh Bodden re-signing with the Patriots are not true and premature at best,” agent Alvin Keels tweeted Monday night. “Leigh is still evaluating his options.” Bodden took a visit to Houston on Sunday. It appears the New England Patriots may have a deal in place with him, but pen has not yet been put to paper.

Pittsburg: Steelers signed WR Antwaan Randle El to a three-year contract. Randle El, going on 31, managed just 17 catches for 102 yards in 16 games last year. He hasn’t scored a touchdown since 2006 and lost most of his burst on punt returns, but can still contribute off the bench as a slot receiver.

Pittsburg: Steelers re-signed FS Ryan Clark to a four-year, $17 million contract, including $5 million in the first year. Smartly, the Steelers didn’t stop pursuing Clark after their Monday addition of backup-caliber safety Will Allen. Also smartly on Clark’s part, he leveraged Pittsburgh Steelers by taking a Monday visit to the Dolphins. Clark turns 31 during the upcoming season and has never been a big-time playmaker, but is a banger in the back end with above-average range. His return is good news for a Steelers secondary that may experience major overhaul at cornerback.

Detroit: Lions acquired CB Chris Houston from the Falcons in exchange for a 2010 sixth-round pick and an exchange of fifth-rounders in April’s NFL Draft. A three-year starter in Atlanta, Houston goes to Detroit with lots of talent but a resume consisting of just three career interceptions and maddening ups and downs. The Lions’ gamble is that Houston’s press cover skills will fit better in aggressive coordinator Gunther Cunningham’s man-to-man secondary. Though the compensation doesn’t seem like much, Houston immediately becomes the Lions’ top cornerback.

Detroit: Lions released DE Dewayne White. While White was a productive rusher in his first two years with Detroit, he was too often on the shelf, missing 10 of a possible 32 games since 2007. He also didn’t have sack last year. The signing of Julius Peppers may lessen Chicago GM Jerry Angelo’s interest, but Bears DL coach Rod Marinelli has been a longtime believer in White.

Oakland: Raiders released WR Javon Walker and DE Greg Ellis. In exchange for 15 catches, 196 yards and one touchdown in two years on Oakland’s roster, the club paid Walker $21 million. Typical Raiders business. Owner Al Davis should’ve let Walker retire when he threatened to during the 2008 offseason, even offering to return his $11 million signing bonus. Walker, 31, lost all his speed after microfracture surgery and is likely done as a pro. Ellis had seven sacks last year to lead the team, but Davis wants to move forward with Matt Shaughnessy opposite Richard Seymour.

Kansas City: Chiefs re-signed WR Chris Chambers to a three-year, $15 million contract, including $5.9 million guaranteed. Chambers looked done in San Diego before the Chiefs claimed him off waivers prior to Week 8 last season. He became an immediate starter in K.C., averaging four catches for 68 yards per game with four TDs in nine appearances. While he was clearly a better fit for Todd Haley’s offense than Norv Turner’s, Chambers’ re-signing shouldn’t prevent the Chiefs from exploring wideouts early in April’s draft. He turns 32 before the season.

Indianapolis: Colts released LG Ryan Lilja. Lilja started in the Super Bowl, but struggled badly as a run blocker along with much of Indianapolis’ front five last season. The 28-year-old missed all of 2008 due to multiple knee surgeries, returning in 2009 without much left. The Colts are likely to pursue interior line help in April’s draft.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: Sources tell ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli that the Bills will indeed consider Michael Vick for their starting quarterback job. This confirms beat writer Allen Wilson’s speculation earlier this week. New coach Chan Gailey likes mobile quarterbacks and the Bills can’t enter 2010 with Trent Edwards as their starter. The Buffalo Bills would likely only have to give up a conditional sixth- or seventh-round pick to land Vick.

Philadelphia: A high-ranking Eagles official told ESPN.com that “the odds are pretty good [that] [Donovan McNabb] isn’t going anywhere.” We tend to agree, but that doesn’t mean the Eagles aren’t listening to offers. If someone blows them away with a solid veteran on defense and a first-round pick, they’d be hard-pressed to reject a trade. The Philadelphia Eagles front office will deny they are shopping McNabb for many reasons, including their quarterback’s fragile ego. Kevin Kolb continues to wait patiently for his era to begin.

Minnesota: Vikings LT Bryant McKinnie has been dismissed from the NFC Pro Bowl squad after going AWOL late in the week. McKinnie has shown up for only one meeting and even missed the team picture.

Carolina: Julius Peppers said he “doesn’t have a preference” about where he plays next season. “I’m just trying to get on a team right now,” Peppers said. “I just want to get a contract.” Peppers’ fate for 2010 is still very much up in the air. The Carolina Panthers could pay an absurd $20.1 million to put the franchise tag on Peppers again, do a long-term deal or let him walk without any compensation. Just about every team in the league would jump at the opportunity to sign Peppers.

New England: Pro Bowl LG Logan Mankins, who is set to become a restricted free agent, isn’t concerned about his contract situation. Mankins wants an extension, but appears to be resigned to his fate. As a RFA, the New England Patriots will hold all the cards on the excellent run blocker and can bring him back on a one-year deal worth around $3M.

2010 NFL Draft: Michigan DE Brandon Graham was named MVP of the Senior Bowl Saturday.
Graham dominated practices all week, and he was the most disruptive player in the game Saturday as well. He finished with two sacks and a forced fumble. Graham is a tad short at 6’1, but he’s drawn comparisons to fellow Michigan product LaMarr Woodley as a pass rusher.

Before he lapsed into a coma, the victim told police on the scene that he believed the shooting was related to an April, 2008 assault by Harrison in the same neighborhood. Tests show that Harrison’s gun was used in the homicide, though Harrison denies pulling the trigger. Esquire.com released a lengthy, eye-opening article Thursday detailing Harrison’s role in the events.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: Updating a previous item, NFL.com’s Jason LaCanfora seconds a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Perry Fewell will accept the New York Giants’ offer to be defensive coordinator. The Giants confirmed the reports Thursday evening.

Fewell was believed to be leaning toward joining close friend Lovie Smith in Chicago earlier in the week, but the staff’s uncertain future may have pushed him toward the Giants job.

Fewell will have much more talent to work with in New York, which makes the possibility of a quick turnaround appealing. Fewell will most likely have to modify his traditional Tampa-2 defense in order to be more contusive with the Giants personnel.

New York: Ex-Steelers RB Jerome Bettis said Thursday that Bill Cowher hasn’t accepted a head coaching job the past couple of seasons because he’s “holding out” for the Giants job. New York is “where he always wanted to be,” said Bettis.

“The Mara family, he’s been very close to them … and was on the inside track…before the Giants won the Super Bowl…for that job.” Bettis, who is tight with his former head coach, believes Cowher will end up coaching the Giants eventually. Tom Coughlin could be fired if he does not make the playoffs next season.

Dallas: Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips was encouraged by Marion Barber’s (knee) progress in Thursday’s limited practice. “We’ll see what he does [Friday] but it’s looking better and better for him to be able to play,” said Phillips, who indicated that Barber would start if he’s active.

Baltimore: Despite speculation to the contrary, Derrick Mason said he has yet to decide whether this season will be his final one. “I’ll re-evaluate after the season and see where I am at physically and mentally and go from there,” Mason said. The 36-year-old temporarily retired last summer after struggling through a shoulder injury and the Ravens’ refusal to give him a pay raise

New England: The New England Patriots have parted ways with defensive coordinator Dean Pees. The 60-year-old was hospitalized during the Week 17 game at Houston after coming down with shortness of breath.

Cable likely knew this was coming when he heavily criticized JaMarcus Russell a couple weeks ago. Some rumored candidates for the job include former NFL assistant Marc Trestman, Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, ex-Giants coach Jim Fassel and Packers assistant head coach Winston Moss.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Jacksonville: SI’s Peter King reports that Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio is making calls to potential staff members in anticipation of leaving Jacksonville for USC. Meanwhile, the Florida Times Union reports Del Rio is safe if he wants to stay with the Jags and he is scheduled to meet with owner Wayne Weaver on Tuesday. In light of this latest development, however, it’s possible Del Rio might intentionally tank the “interview” with Weaver to coach his alma mater. Oregon State’s Mike Riley, Washington’s Steve Sarkisian, and Titans coach Jeff Fisher have already turned down the Trojans, who are running out of high-profile options.

Miami: In more coaching news, the Dolphins have fired defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni. Scout.com’s Adam Caplan reports that Miami has interest in Romeo Crennel as a possible successor. The Fins were a top-ten team against the run in 2008, Pasqualoni’s first year on the job, but fell to 18th this past season and his unit was never effective against the pass. New York is in need of a defensive coordinator and head coach Tom Coughlin is a Syracuse alumnus.

Oakland: Free agent DL Richard Seymour said Monday that he will not consider returning to the New England Patriots in 2010. “There’s probably about 31 teams I’d consider,” Seymour said. Asked if New England is among them, he replied “That isn’t something I’m looking to do at all.” Seymour, 30, was clearly hurt when the Pats sent him to Oakland last September.

New York: The New York Giants have formally approached Jim Haslett about their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, Schefter says the union “sounds like a longshot for now.” Haslett, 54, stayed busy this offseason by coaching in the UFL.

Washington: The Washington Redskins have reportedly offered Broncos RBs coach Bobby Turner a spot on their staff, with the title of “associate head coach.” This would be an upward move for Turner, who’s only been a position coach in the NFL.

Green Bay: The Packers have denied the Bears permission to interview QBs coach Tom Clements for Chicago’s offensive coordinator vacancy.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Arizona: NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora reports that Anquan Boldin (ankle, knee) is “highly, highly unlikely” to play Sunday against Green Bay Packers. Boldin was officially listed as “questionable” on Friday’s injury report and will still be worked out in warmups before any decision on his status is made, but his chances are not looking good. His left leg is in very bad shape, and the Cardinals aren’t going to trot Boldin out there if it hurts their ability to keep both Early Doucet and Jerheme Urban on the 45-man, game-day roster.

New England: Patriots coach Bill Belichick announced after Friday’s practice that Randy Moss doesn’t have an injury, despite sitting out the workout. Moss is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the Ravens.
Moss was spotted icing his knees and limping around throughout the week. The New England Patriots, of course, are as secretive as any team when asked to reveal injuries.

St. Louis: The player rep for Marc Bulger denies that his client is considering retirement, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Thursday. Bulger is marrying a St. Louisan and wants to stay in the area, but the feeling isn’t likely to be mutual. If Bulger wants to extend his NFL career, he will likely have to do it with another team.

Cleveland: The Cleveland Browns will reportedly name Tom Heckert their new GM on Monday. They may also hire Seahawks director of pro personnel Will Lewis in a lower-level capacity. Lewis interviewed for the GM job on Friday, but Heckert got it. Heckert has been the GM in Philadelphia since 2006, but always lacked “final say” with regard to the Eagles’ roster.

2010 NFL Draft: USC RB Joe McKnight will forgo his senior year with the Trojans and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

2010 NFL Draft: USC WR Damian Williams will forgo his senior year and enter the draft. Williams, who is 6’1/195, could be a first-round selection depending on his forty time.

Jonathan Stewart: Stewart, who has a career game, rushed for 206 yards and one TD on 28 carries as the Panthers dashed the New York Giants playoff hopes with a resounding 41-9 victory.

Jerome Harrison: One week after rushing for 287 yards, Harrisoin continued his torrid pace while rushing for 148 yards and a TD in the Browns’ 23-9 victory over Oakland Raiders.

This was the Browns third straight victory,
Roddy White: White, with an assist from QB Matt Ryan, set the tone for the Falcons in a convincing victory over Buffalo. White caught eight passes for 139 yards and two TDs, including a 42-yarder on the first play from scrimmage, as the Falcons won 31-3.

Duds:

Matt Hasselbeck: Hasselbeck, who committed five turnovers in Week 15 (four interceptions and one fumble), was picked off four more times in Seattle’s 48-10 loss to Green Bay. The Seahawks have scored a total of 24 points in three straight losses. This latest performance could bring the Hasselbeck error in Seattle to an end.

Curtis Painter: Painter’s NFL debut was short and forgettable. Relieving Peyton Manning as the Colts pulled several starters in the second half against the Jets, Painter lost a fumble that resulted in a New York touchdown and also threw an interception in the 29-15 loss. Painter finished 4-of-11 for 44 yards.

The Giants: The Giants’ farewell to Giants Stadium turned into one of the ugliest moments in franchise history. Knowing they still had a shot at a fifth straight playoff berth, the Giants came out flat and lost 41-9 against a Panthers team with nothing at stake. New York allowed six scores on Carolina’s first seven possessions.

The Ravens: The Baltimore Ravens were repeatedly hurt by their own mistakes in a 23-20 loss at Pittsburgh. The Ravens had two third-quarter TDs negated because of penalties. (They committed 11 penalties for 113 yards overall.) Then, a wide-open Derrick Mason, the Ravens’ most reliable receiver, dropped a certain touchdown pass in the end zone on the first play of the fourth quarter when the ball clanked off his face mask. The score would’ve put the Ravens up 27-20.

Brad Childress: The Vikings coach finally makes the list with bad play calling throughout this season. Childress, who has lead his team to a 9-2 record, has called too many passing plays this season as the Vikings have become a one-dimensional team with the best running back in the NFL not getting enough carries.

Adrian Peterson: Another player who hardly ever finds himself on this list, Peterson was shut down by the Cardinals tough rush defense. Peterson rushed for a season-low 19 yards on 13 carries (a 1.5-yard average) in the Minnesota Vikings 30-17 loss to Arizona. Peterson had rushed for at least 55 yards in every game this season.

Shaun Suisham: The Redskins were headed toward an emotional home victory over the undefeated Saints when they handed the game over to their field goal kicker. With the Shaun Suisham leading 30-23 late in regulation, Suisham was wide right on a short 23-yard field goal attempt that would have iced the victory for Washington. The miss opened the door for Brees and the Saints, who rallied for an overtime victory.

Josh Freeman: Rookie QB Josh Freeman threw five interceptions, including three in the redzone, as the Buccaneers lost 16-6 to the Carolina. The rookie’s biggest error came on fourth-and-goal from the Panthers’ 2-yard line with Tampa Bay Buccaneers trailing 13-6 early in the fourth quarter. Freeman’s pass into the end zone was picked off by Chris Harris.

The Rams’ offense: Besides Steven Jackson, there are very few bright spots for the Rams. Jackson rushed for 112 yards in St. Louis’ 17-9 loss to Chicago, but the Rams’ offense was feeble as a whole. The Rams were 2-of-14 on third-down conversions, and QB Kyle Boller threw for just 113 yards and got sacked three times.

Offense:
Points Per Game: 29 (3rd)
Total Yards/GM: 416.1 (2nd)
Rush Yards/GM: 113.8 (16th)
Pass Yards/GM: 302.3 (2nd)

Defense:
Points Per Game: 16.4 (2nd)
Total Yards/GM: 296.7 (7th)
Rush Yards/GM: 109.4 (14th)
Pass Yards/GM: 187.3 (6tht)

Saints (10-0):

Offense:
Points Per Game: 36.9 (1st)
Total Yards/GM: 420.5 (1st)
Rush Yards/GM: 154.3 (5th)
Pass Yards/GM: 266.2 (6th)

Defense:
Points Per Game: 20.4 (13th)
Total Yards/GM: 330.6 (17th)
Rush Yards/GM: 115.7 (20th)
Pass Yards/GM: 214.9 (15th)

What is at Stake?

Despite gaining confidence and believing that you’re the best team in the NFL, this game actually has major playoff implications. Not in the sense of each teams respective chances of making the playoffs, but seeding. The Patriots are looking to keep pace with the San Diego Chargers and Bengals for the No. 2 overall seed, with an 8-3 record. The Saints are looking to stay one game ahead of the up-start Vikings for home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Considering that there is a number of tough, dangerous teams in each league, having home-field advantage will be key to reaching the Super Bowl.

Key Matchup:

The Saints three-headed monster at running back versus the Patriots 20th ranked rush defense. Just kidding, the clear matchup is how each team can deal with the gun slingers. Statistically, the saints have the better defense but how wants to face Brady on turf?

The Skinny:

The New England Patriots are simply too good and efficient on offense and will keep the ball away from the dangerous Saints. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots start the game trying to pound the ball and control the clock. Until the Saints prove that they can win the big games and put up these gouty numbers on offense against an elite team, my money is on the Pats

Prediction: New England 28, New Orleans 24.

Eli Manning: Manning, who has been hobbled by injuries this season, had throwing for a career-high 384 yards and three touchdowns. Most importantly, the New York Giants 6-4) snap a four-game skid with a 34-31 overtime victory over Atlanta. Manning’s strong play compensated for a defense that squandered a 31-17 lead and a running game that lost Brandon Jacobs (right leg injury) in the third quarter.

Tom Brady: Tom Brady had an average day, completing 28 of 41 passes for 310 yards and one touchdown. I’m confused, should he be on the Duds page?

Wes Welker: Welker set career highs in catches 15) and yards (192) as New England pummeled one of the inter-division rivals on Sunday. Welker, who did not play in the first matchup, was a huge on moving the chains.

Matthew Stafford: Stafford enjoyed the best game of his rookie season in Week 11, throwing for 422 yards and five touchdowns, including an epic game-winning strike to Brandon Pettigrew with no time left on the clock to lead Detroit to a 38-37 victory over the Browns. Stafford also became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to toss five touchdown passes in a single game.

Leigh Bodden: Bodden had a huge game as a starter in the Patriots victory on Sunday, picking off B Mark Sanchez three times as New England Patriots defense stifled the rookie quarterback.

Brett Favre: The ageless one continues to be an unexpected model of consistency and efficiency in Minnesota Vikings. Favre completed a career-high 88 percent of his passes for 213 yards and four touchdowns as the Vikings rolled to a 35-9 victory over the Seahawks. Favre completed 22 of his 25 throws for the 9-1 Vikings.

Terrell Owens: T.O. exploded on Sunday, catching nine passes for 97 yards, including a team-record 98-yarder for a score, in Buffalo’s 18-15 loss to the Jaguars. It was Owens’ first 100-yard receiving game as a Bill. The 197 yards represent the third-highest single-game total of his career.