Back in August, Ben Roethlisberger couldn't stop smiling as the Steelers trudged through the first week of training camp. No teammate was immune from kidding, no autograph request was met with a glare or a condescending shrug of the shoulders.
As one of the strangest NFL seasons _ on and off the field _ winds down, football fans can begin contemplating playoff matchups, followed by the Super Bowl, then the draft.
A game the Pittsburgh Steelers were hoping would mean nothing now means everything, and they know it.
When Sean Payton's normally prolific offense sputters, there is now a very real possibility that the Saints' defense will be sound enough to bail them out.
John Fox is a man of routine and favorite sayings. One is the phrase he's used for nine years after Carolina runs the final play of practice and he wants the players to gather around him.
Drew Brees sounds quite confident after leading the Saints over the Falcons with a precision passing display during Monday night's winning touchdown drive.
Michael Vick's sensational comeback season made a big impression throughout the NFL, not just in Philadelphia.
Offensive lineman Logan Mankins played just eight games and still made the Pro Bowl.
It's the final week of the regular-season and the Colts have suddenly become a team on the run.
