NFL truth and rumors--------------------------------------------------------------------------------NFL Truth & RumorsSI.comJanuary 2, 2006USC tailback Reggie Bush is expected to declare his intention to enter the draft within days of the Trojans' BCS title game against the University of Texas on Wednesday in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Although the Texans can't admit it publicly, they will use the top pick on Bush.-- Houston ChronicleNo one in the Texans' front office can comment on Bush because he's an underclassman who hasn't announced his intentions to enter the draft, but players aren't prohibited from giving their opinions. "He's a great player," said QB David Carr. "If he comes straight to the NFL and plays at the same level, he's going to help our team become better. If that happens, we'll welcome him with open arms."-- Houston ChronicleUnfortunately for Texans coach Dom Capers, he won't be around to coach Bush. The team will announce his dismissal today, along with offensive coordinator Joe Pendry and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.-- Houston ChronicleUnless Matt Leinart is still is on the draft board, the early suggestion is the Jets, who have the No. 4 pick, are more interested in a veteran quarterback (Patrick Ramsey and Kerry Collins are free agents) because Chad Pennington's future is murky.-- NewsdayThere are signals that the Jets will seriously consider trading John Abraham to fill multiple needs. Abraham's constant chatter about his interest in a long-term contract was getting old last year.-- NewsdayIf Drew Brees' injury to his right shoulder is as serious as feared, the Chargers cannot afford to test the NFL waters and turn backup quarterback Philip Rivers into trade chum.-- San Diego Union-TribuneRams president John Shaw will tell Mike Martz today that his six-year tenure as coach of the Rams is over. The news will hardly qualify as a surprise to Rams players, who have expected Martz's ouster for several weeks.-- St. Louis Post-DispatchAt least three St. Louis players -- Adam Timmerman, Marshall Faulk and Jamie Martin -- will use at least some of their "down" time to decide whether they want to continue in the NFL.-- St. Louis Post-DispatchFalcons owner Arthur Blank says his players and coaches need to "lose sleep" over a disappointing 8-8 season. Blank said he will meet with president and general manager Rich McKay and coach Jim Mora tonight to discuss the preliminary stages of the revamping of the Falcons.-- Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionWith his overall production being inconsistent over the past few weeks, Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was asked if opposing teams had come up with the formula to limit his effectiveness, particularly rushing. "It's not just me. It's not just Mike Vick," Vick said. "I've got other players around me, other people around me, coaches who are supposed to do everything in their power to put everybody on offense in a better position. It's not just me."-- Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionGreen Bay coach Mike Sherman is expected to learn his fate sometime this week from general manager Ted Thompson.-- Milwaukee Journal SentinelThe Browns have not yet started negotiations to re-sign receiver Antonio Bryant, but he said he gets the feeling from the organization they want him back.-- Cleveland Plain-DealerWhether the Browns proceed with embattled general manager Phil Savage is unclear. Savage, whose rumored firing set off a firestorm of outrage through the weekend, looked ashen and shaken before and after the game. He offered no clue about his future.-- Cleveland Plain DealerThe Browns reportedly remain interested in Falcons executive vice president Ray Anderson to either become the general manager or share some of the general manager's responsibilities. With both teams' seasons over, the Browns were allowed to officially make contact as soon as Sunday evening.-- Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionMike Tice was a victim of his unpopularity with a lot of season ticketholders, and in the end he was let go not so much because of his football record but rather because new owner Zygi Wilf was concerned about the Vikings' public image.-- Minneapolis Star TribuneAccording to a report, the Vikings plan to ask the Eagles for permission to interview vice president of player personnel Tom Heckert this morning. The Vikings are looking for a general manager to take charge of their personnel decisions, including the hiring of a new head coach.-- Philadelphia InquirerThe Vikings also need to figure out what to do with quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who one source said refuses to rehabilitate his knee at the team's headquarters, choosing to remain in Florida.-- Chicago Sun-TimesFormer Bears kicker Paul Edinger could be in the Vikings' future plans, but until new owner Zygi Wilf hires a personnel chief, Edinger's status will be unresolved.-- Chicago Sun-TimesThe fact the last drop kick -- prior to Doug Flutie's successful attempt Sunday -- came in 1941 might have had some added meaning to Patriots coach Bill Belichick, as that was the only year his father, Steve, played in the NFL.-- Boston GlobeWith the overthrows, underthrows, late throws, untimely interceptions, failed trips to the red zone and an intentional grounding against the Browns, Kyle Boller stuck a pin in the balloon of his own support. Once again, his Ravens teammates bit their lips -- this time, deservedly so, in light of their own colossal screw-ups.-- Baltimore SunTitans rookie Pacman Jones, benched by coach Jeff Fisher after back-to-back penalties, the second for allegedly cursing an official, left abruptly and did his best to avoid reporters. Fisher said he ordered Jones to the sideline "because he didn't deserve the right to finish the game."-- The Tennessean
