4-time MVP Peyton Manning ended the Jets’ dream ride to the Superbowl yesterday by picking apart their No. 1 ranked pass defense. The Jets game plan was to shut down his top targets, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark. To an extent, they succeeded at that. Manning was too much, however, throwing for a combined almost 275 yards and 2 TDs to Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. (Star-Ledger)
Lito Sheppard, who is due a $10 million roster bonus in March unless the Jets cut him, said he found out Wednesday that he wouldn’t start Sunday’s game. For the second consecutive year, Sheppard was a non-factor in the conference championship game. The former Pro Bowler wasn’t part of the Eagles’ plans in their loss to the Cardinals last season either. (Star-Ledger)
Braylon Edwards caught a wide open 80 yard TD bomb from Mark Sanchez, but boy, did his hands make it interesting. (Shutdown Corner)
Video: Questionable spot a microcosm of Vikings’ unlucky evening. (Shutdown Corner)
Not to be outdone by a 40 year-old Sensodyne pitch man, Carolina Pathers RB DeAngelo Williams busted out his own version of “Pants on the Ground”. (TMZ)
According to his agent, David Garrard was somehow named to the Pro Bowl yesterday. (Twitter/Phi Senich)
Rumors were abound that Curt Schilling was working out in preparation for a comeback attempt. Nope. Turns out he was just working out. Now go away forever. (Boston Herald)
Pirates owner Bob Nutting says their payroll will rise as their team matures, and that the $75m range the Brewers and Reds operate near is “where Pittsburgh needs to be.” (Post-Gazette)
CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz claims the Jonas Brothers are “the biggest thing since the Beatles.” No confirmation on this, but I believe he called “Twilight” the biggest book since the Bible, as well. (SportsbyBrooks)
Lane Kiffin is wasting no time in committing recruiting violations at USC. (BareKnucks)
Kelly Kulick became the first woman to win a Professional Bowlers Association title Sunday at the Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas. Next up, Jesus Quintana. (FanHouse)
An “appalling” Aborignal-themed by two Russian figure skaters is causing some Olympic controversy. The picture here is 100% ridiculous and awesome. (Union-Tribune)
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The Da Vinci Code was bigger than Twilight… and the Bible.