Entries from October 2008 ↓

Feeling they’ve been outscored too often this season, the San Diego Chargers have fired defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell and promoted linebackers coach Ron Rivera. Cottrell had been the coordinator since 2007 - or about a season and a half - and was fired because he had not coached the defense to significant improvement.

“The same things have been our nemesis the entire year,” coach Norv Turner said. “Ultimately, I’ve got to make a decision based on what’s best for our football team and where we need to go.”

The 49ers have made a key personnel decision today, the first major move for Mike Singletary since becoming head coach. Instead of watching J.T. O’Sullivan bark signals in the backfield, fans can get used to seeing Shaun Hill throw the football.

O’Sullivan, who threw 11 interceptions and fumbled the ball 11 times (losing 6) this season, has been on a five game stretch in which he’s looked uncomfortable and, not surprisingly, horrendous. His passer rating has eclipsed 60 just once in that time, which is a shame considering his first three games of the season were respectable. And in only one of his past five starts has he posted a completion percentage above 60; twice he’s completed half or fewer of his psases.

AP Photo

Anyone still not buying the Tennessee Titans as the AFC’s best team?

Tennessee shut up at least some of its detractors last night by taking down AFC South rival Indianapolis, 31-21. And the team did it on the NFL’s biggest stage - Monday Night Football. (Yes, I’ll continue to call it the “NFL’s biggest stage” - most people have some form of cable now, Kornheiser is getting better, and it’s still Monday Night Football.) And I’m going to go ahead and say now that Jeff Fisher should be the leading candidate for Coach of the Year for taking this team, minus its big-name quarterback, to the top of the league.

Fans of the 0-8 Bengals might have something to smile, er, not frown about. The team’s starting quarterback, Carson Palmer, said yesterday that he will be back at some point this season and that his most recent elbow injury has not set him on course for missing the remainder of 2008.

Said Palmer, “That’s not true. I don’t know where he (ESPN’s Chris Mortensen) got it.”

Head coach Marvin Lewis backed up his quarterback’s statements, and said that the soonest Palmer will be back is in time for the team’s home game against the Eagles, November 16.

According to reports today, the Detroit Lions, who last week fired Matt Millen (finally), have yet to pay the former team president any part of his remaining salary. Instead, the team is hoping to negotiate a buy-out.

The team declined to comment on the situation. Looking back, the team said there was guaranteed money involved, so paying Millen is probably necessary; however, Millen himself has gone on to say that he would merely walk away if the team no longer wanted him.

I’m certain at least a few Lions fans are scratching their heads, wondering why Detroit ever offered Millen guaranteed money. Of course, those same fans were probably shocked in 2005, when Millen was offered a five year contract extension through 2010, despite never displaying any progress - significant or not - with the franchise.