CAN ANYBODY...FIND ME...SOMEBODY TO LOVE? ~ Head coaching vacancy signs have changed to No Vacancy signs around the NFL and now, only two positions remain vacant, Buffalo and Oakland.  Jim Fassel not long ago spoke with confidence and optimism about his chance to return as the top dog on some sideline: "I think it's time for me to become a head coach again.  Nothing opened up last year that interested me. But I'm ready this year. In my mind, the only thing left undone is winning a Super Bowl, because I've already gotten to a Super Bowl."  Well so far the only confirmed interview that Fassel has had was in KC and my bet is that it was nothing more than a way for Carl Peterson to pick up some incremental leverage in his negotiations with Herm Edwards.

Ever wonder if there’s something about Fassel that we don’t know that is well known within the inner circles of the NFL?  Clearly this man on the surface has head coaching creds and pedigree.  Is it just that he’s a “re-tread?”  According to Steve Bisciotti he is.

Speaking of re-treads, could Mike Tice be heading down that lane?  Could he begin that re-tread journey on the Ravens’ sideline?  Every head coach needs a pencil holder, right?

I DON’T CARE TOO MUCH FOR MONEY….CAUSE MONEY CAN’T BUY ME LOVE ~ Mike Mularkey left an estimated $3 million on the table when he stepped down as Bills coach and it begs the question why.  He leaves the impression that he’s a quitter and can’t stand the heat and it certainly doesn’t bode well if he wants to be considered for other head coaching opportunities in the future.  Mularkey was a solid offensive coordinator with the Steelers prior to joining the Bills.  Hmmm, you thinking what I’m thinking?

I’M A LOSER BABY, SO WHY DON’T YOU FINE ME? ~ The NFL in its infinite wisdom chose not to fine the Steelers Joey Porter for calling the officials "cheaters" after the Steelers Divisional Playoff win in Indianapolis on Sunday.  According to Porter, "The world wanted Indy to win so bad, they were going to do whatever they had to do, man. It was like the 9-1-1 year when they wanted the Patriots to win it for the world, that's what they wanted for Indy today."

The NFL just opened up a can of worms not fining Porter.  Now every time a coach or a player questions the officiating, they’ll point to this decision by the league to avoid penalty.  I think they call this precedent.

THESE DREAMS OF YOU…SO REAL AND SO TRUE ~ While NFL referee Pete Morelli and his wife were drifting into a field of dreams, the were awakened by a rock that came flying through the window of their Stockton, CA living room.  Although no one could say for sure, the incident may be related to Morelli’s horrific call that overturned Troy Polamalu’s interception on Sunday.  No truth to the rumor that Joey Porter was questioned.

SHE TAKE MY MONEY..WHEN I’M IN NEED…YEAH SHE’S A TRIFFLIN FRIEND INDEED ~ Along with Kanye West and John Legend, Mariah “When a Phony Comes Along” Carey will perform live at the Grammy’s.  Is it just me or is she ballooning up to Cabbage Patch Doll proportions?  Now back to your regularly scheduled programming…

BOUNCIN’ IN THE CLUB WHERE THE HEAT IS ON, ALL NIGHT ON THE BEACH TIL’ THE BREAK OF DAWN…I’M GOIN’ TO MIAMI…WELCOME TO MIAMI ~ That could be music to the ears of Terrell Owens.   Dolphins coach Nick Saban says his team "might be interested" in T.O.  "You know T.O. is a very good player. There's no doubt about that," Saban told ESPN Radio on Tuesday. "I think we're interested in anybody who would make our team better. Guys who have been proven playmakers in this league are all people we would be interested in."  Some Dolphins don’t agree.  Wide receiver Chris Chambers, tight end Randy McMichael, and defensive end Jason Taylor have told reporters that they don’t want to get their South Beach groove on with Owens, no way no how.  Seems to me they said the same thing about Ricky Williams too.  Saban should dismiss his apparently delirious daydreaming immediately.  Miami’s competitiveness this season despite weak quarterbacking is one of the most overlooked successes in the NFL in 2005.

RUN-RUN-RUN-RUN-RUN-RUNAWAY… RUN-RUN-RUN-RUN-RUN-RUNAWAY ~ Some view Lendale White as a perfect fit for the Ravens rushing attack and while that may be true, some say “curb the enthusiasm!”  The old pre-draft leaks are surfacing and the latest is that along with a powerful punch, White also brings some concerns about his character.  Hey, maybe he is a perfect fit!

SOME HEADS ARE GONNA ROLL…SOME HEADS ARE GONNA ROLL ~ Mike Vanderjagt after knocking his errant game tying field goal attempt two zip codes to the right, slammed his helmet to the turf in disgust.  Besides the 15 yard penalty, Vanderjagt should be fined.  At least that’s what team president Bill Polian seems to suggest.  On his Monday night radio show, Polian was very clear that such behavior is unacceptable because the team's players are role models for youngsters. He also said Vanderjagt might be facing a fine, presumably from the league.  Wonder if Manning pointing the finger at his offensive line is considered by Polian to be a good example for youngsters.

SOMETHING SO STRONG, COULD CARRY US AWAY ~ Next year the Ravens’ schedule just might carry away their post season aspirations.  Along with the Texans, the Ravens have the league’s 8th toughest schedule.  Conspiracy theorists, are you suspicious?  Don’t be, it has everything to do with the AFC North opponents’ records next year and believe it or not, it is a third place schedule.  The Bengals who finished first in the AFC North have the league’s 3rd toughest schedule, the Steelers the 5th toughest and the Browns (the last place team in the AFC North) the 13th most difficult schedule.  Overall the Saints and new head coach Sean Payton face the most difficult opponents whose collective winning percentage is .566.  Comparatively speaking, the Ravens’ opponents sit at .523.

DREEEEEEEEEEEEEEAM, DREAM, DREAM, DREAM…WHENEVER I WANT YOU ALL I HAVE TO DO IS…For those that think there’s a chance that Daunte Culpepper will change shades of purple next season, forget it!  New head coach Brad Childress is bringing his version of the West Coast offense with him, one that worked well for Donovan McNabb.  Culpepper and McNabb have comparable skills.  Besides that, to shed themselves of Culpepper would cost the Vikings nearly $13 million against their cap.  Culpepper is also rehabbing a major knee injury and the balance of his 10 year contract pays $2 million in 2006 and then $5.5 M, $6M, $6M, $7M, $8M, $9M, $10M respectively, through 2013.

PLEASE COME TO BOSTON FOR THE SPRINGTIME ~ That’s what the Patriots might be saying to a few prospective free agent running backs and according to the Boston Herald, Bill Belichick and company will be watching the Ravens situation closely.  Corey Dillon is beginning to show his age and word is the Pats might be happy with whichever back the Ravens chose not to sign – Chester Taylor or Jamal Lewis.  Lewis would seem to be a better fit.  Keep an eye on the Panthers and Lewis should the Ravens not tag No. 31.

I’M THE MAN, I’M THE MAN, I’M THE MAN, I’M THE MAN ~ "I think Kyle is the man," said Derrick Mason.  "I can't see any reason why he would not be the guy that will quarterback this team. I've seen him grow tremendously with his patience, with his field generalship.  I think he's the right guy for the job unless he proves otherwise. In my thinking, Kyle is the man until somebody says differently."

I think somebody just did: "It is not in our best interest at this point to sit here and anoint Kyle Boller as the starter," coach Brian Billick said.

I COULD SEE IT WAS A ROUGH CUT TUESDAY, SLOW MOTION WEEKDAYS STARE ME DOWN ~ Maybe slow motion is what the NFL needs to use to review questionable pass interference calls.  If head official Mike Pereira has his way it won’t happen because according to him such reviews would slow down the game.  While that may be true, there has to be a way to utilize it in the post season.  C’mon guys, there’s only one game on at a time any way and I think fans would prefer that you get it right during the most meaningful time.  Having said that, there’s still a chance they could get it wrong and the Polamalu interception is all the proof you need.  Maybe each coach should get a mulligan in the playoffs in addition to a challenge.