Silva: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for NFC teams.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
Ryan Callahan scored for the fifth time in four days and defenseman Ryan McDonagh snapped a second-period tie to lift the New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday.
Kobe Bryant hit a baseline jump shot with 4.2 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a six-game road trip by holding on to beat the Raptors 94-92 on Sunday, their eighth victory in nine meetings with Toronto
Arc's five up, five down: After No. 11 Michigan State's 58-48 upset of No. 3 Ohio State, you'd be a fool to discount the Spartans' national title chances now.
Miami coach Al Golden says the worst is behind him, but his headaches figure to continue now that former booster Nevin Shapiro, now in jail, says his involvement with the Hurricanes program will result in stiff penalties.
Eleven shots separated Phil and Tiger Sunday at Pebble Beach as Lefty secured his 40th Tour win. Jason Sobel had hole-by-hole reports.
The United States completed a 5-0 rout of Switzerland in the Davis Cup on Sunday, with 19-year-old Ryan Harrison and John Isner winning closing singles matches.
Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Tessa Worley of France fought off gusting winds to win a second consecutive World Cup giant slalom Sunday in the Andorran Pyrenees. Overall leader Lindsey Vonn was more than a second behind and finished eighth.
Robins: It’s the Year of the Dragon on the Lunar calendar, and this Chinese influence could extend to it also being the year of the Pekingese on the green carpet at the 136th Westminster Dog Show on Tuesday.
Getty Images20. Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots
Maroney had only 185 carries last year, and the Patriots' spread attack doesn't lend itself to big rushing numbers. When they needed it most, he produced, but he needs to be more consistent.
21. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns
Age and injury may ultimately end Lewis' Cinderella ride sooner than later. But he plays in a balanced offense with a strong passing game, and his power-running style is a perfect fit behind the strong left side of the Browns' line.
22. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
Jacobs is big but is also deceptively fast and good in the open field. He also runs behind an underrated line. However, injuries have plagued him, and Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward will once again compete for carries, limiting Jacobs' production.
23. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are starting to collect running backs like they are quarterbacks. Graham, a north-south power runner, works best between the tackles, so he may need some complementary speed help. He is also a reliable receiver in Jon Gruden's offense.
24. LenDale White, Tennessee Titans
White is the starter, and coach Jeff Fisher is committed to the run, but the former USC star will share carries and has yet to show signs of being the breakout player Tennessee had hoped he would be.
25. Julius Jones, Seattle Seahawks
There was a time not too long ago that Jones was the starter in Dallas and that meant something. Although he may be substituted in certain situations, he will be the starter in Seattle. Jones is a strong perimeter runner and could flourish if given a chance to stay on the field often.
Maybe next year?
The top breakout candidate to crack the top 25 for '09:
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers. Stewart is the total package, a speed back who can also run with power and catch the ball. DeAngelo Williams has been given every chance to win the job and just hasn't done it.
Silva: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for NFC teams.
Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.
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Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.
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