"  NEW YORK (AP) If Tim Tebow has his sights set on Mark Sanchez's job, the NewYork Jets backup quarterback is keeping it to himself.Tebow told 1050 ESPN Radio on Friday that he's ''not sure'' ifhe'll ever be a starting quarterback again, and that thoughtdoesn't even concern him right now.''I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds myfuture,'' Tebow said, referring to his strong Christian faith.''That's something that has always given me peace and comfort.That's why I don't have to worry about the future. I can just worryabout today and worry about becoming better as a football playerand a person.''Tebow was acquired from Denver in a trade on March 21 andintroduced Monday at a news conference that included over 200media. He said his only plan is to help his new team win games and''be the best quarterback, best teammate, best football player Ican be and just be someone that adds something to that lockerroom.''Coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum haverepeatedly said Sanchez is the unquestioned starter, with Tebowserving as the backup but having a significant role in the offense.Tebow has chosen his words carefully since arriving in New York,staying away from anything that could stir controversy.He compared this situation to when he was a freshman at theUniversity of Florida and backed up Chris Leak while seeingoccasional snaps.''Ultimately, it ended with a lot of success,'' Tebow said, ''uswinning a national championship.''Tebow said he has met several of his new Jets teammates,including Bart Scott, Matt Slauson and D'Brickashaw Ferguson, andhas spoken to Sanchez on the phone. He even defended AntonioCromartie, who said on Twitter that he was against the trade forTebow before it was made.''It's great because he had his quarterback's back,'' Tebowsaid. ''That's what you want. You want guys that are supportingyour quarterback. I think that's great, and I commend him for doingthat.''"

"  HELENA, Mont. (AP) Police in Montana arrested ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf after a monthlong investigation that culminated with Leaf breaking into an acquaintance's home to steal prescription pain medication, the task force commander who led the probe said Saturday. BUSTED JaMarcus Russell was bad, but who tops our list of the biggest draft busts in NFL history? Authorities believe he may have broken into other homes in search of prescription drugs over the past 1 1/2 years and are asking those victims to come forward, said Central Montana Drug Force Commander Chris Hickman. ''We do have some information that this may not be an isolated incident,'' Hickman said. Leaf faced a similar accusation in 2008, when he was accused of burglarizing a player's home while he was a quarterbacks coach for Division II West Texas A&M. An investigation turned up that Leaf had obtained nearly 1,000 pain pills from area pharmacies in an eight-month span. He reached a plea agreement that gave him 10 years' probation. The prosecutor in that case in 2009 said he'll file a motion on Monday to revoke Leaf's probation following his Montana arrest. ''I think it's sad,'' said Randall County District Attorney James Farren. ''While I hoped for better results, I'm not surprised it happened.'' Leaf was arrested Friday in his hometown of Great Falls and charged with burglary, possession of a dangerous drug and theft. He is free on $76,000 bail and is scheduled to make a court appearance on Monday. Leaf did not respond to text and voicemail messages left Saturday Hickman said the task force's investigation began about a month ago when postal workers in Great Falls tipped police that Leaf had been receiving c.o.d. packages once or twice a week worth $500 or more. The packages were small, they rattled and they were sent from a Florida address that turned out to be a mailbox company, a favored method for distributing illegal prescriptions, Hickman said. Police were familiar with Leaf's history of prescription medication problems, so they kept watch and decided to act when the packages began to arrive more frequently. ''We felt it was necessary to confront him as soon as possible before it got any further out of hand,'' Hickman said. Task force members on Friday told Leaf's probation officer to call in the ex-quarterback. They searched Leaf and his truck, finding two prescription bottles in a pocket of a golf bag, which was embroidered with Leaf's name. One unlabeled bottle had 28 pills that turned out to be oxycodone, a schedule 2 narcotic for which Leaf does not have a prescription. The other was empty but its label said it was oxycodone prescribed for another person, Hickman said. NBA DRAFT NBA Draft Central | Draft Tracker Cavs take Irving with top pick NBADraft.net: Team grades Draft winners and losers NBADraft.net: Pick-by-pick analysis Best and worst lottery picks ever That person, whom Hickman did not name, is an acquaintance of Leaf's. Police interviewed him, his live-in girlfriend and his housekeeper, and concluded that Leaf entered the house without permission on Thursday afternoon and took the man's prescription medication. Leaf knocked on the man's door, then entered without waiting for an answer, Hickman said. Leaf surprised the housekeeper, the only person home, and told her that he was a friend of the owner and had some business to take care of. The owner discovered his pills missing Thursday evening and called Leaf to confront him, asking him to return the pills, which he never did, Hickman said. The owner said there were about 15 pills in the bottle, meaning police don't know where the 13 others in Leaf's possession at the time of his arrest came from, Hickman said. Police also searched Leaf's home but did not find any more painkillers or any evidence from the packages he had been receiving in the mail. Leaf told police that he had been receiving medication through the mail for which he has a prescription, but he did not provide proof, Hickman said. ''We established from Mr. Leaf that he was receiving prescription medication from this company but we're still not sure what they are,'' Hickman said. Leaf released a statement through his publicist, Wendy Ogunsemore, on Friday night. ''I've made some mistakes, and have no excuses,'' the statement read. ''I am using the tools I've learned to move forward rather than backwards, and will be open to talking about the details in the days to come. I am confident that there will be further understanding when the facts are revealed, and feel very blessed for all of the support, especially from my friends and family.'' Leaf, a former standout quarterback for Washington State, was the No. 2 pick in the 1998 draft behind Peyton Manning. But Leaf flamed out as quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, gaining a reputation as one of the biggest busts in NFL history. Leaf's defense attorney in the Texas case, Bill Kelly, said Saturday that he hadn't spoken to his client. Leaf's father, John Leaf, called Kelly on Friday to tell him about the arrest, he said. ARE YA READY? Get up to date on the latest NFL Draft info. Watch videos. ''His dad was pretty upset, of course,'' Kelly said. ''People get hooked on these things and it's hard to get off of them. It's just a sad, sad deal because he was doing so well.'' Last year, Leaf had surgery to remove a benign tumor from his brain stem and later underwent additional radiation treatments. On March 21, Leaf told an Associated Press reporter in an email exchange that he had struggled through treatments and had an MRI scheduled for the end of the month, but ''I'm doing/feeling much better and am excited for the rest of 2012.'' Farren said if the Texas judge revokes Leaf's probation, he could go to prison for longer than the 10-year probation term. The judge could treat each of Leaf's drug charges in Texas - seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and one count of delivery of a simulated controlled substance - separately because that's the way the plea deals were done, he said. Some of the charges carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. ''The judge could stack them,'' Farren said. Last year, Leaf wrote a book titled ''596 Switch'' - the name of a passing play in the Washington State playbook - that focused on the 1997 season when he led the Cougars to their first Rose Bowl in six decades. Seattle communications consultant Greg Witter, a friend of Leaf's who co-authored the book, said Saturday that Leaf has been ''diligent'' about fighting his addiction, including admitting himself to rehab around Christmas 2010 when he saw inklings of his old behaviors surfacing. ''I'm hopeful this is a misunderstanding of some kind and that Ryan can continue making the great strides in his life that we've all seen over the last three years,'' he said. --- Blaney reported from Lubbock, Texas."

"  FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) The New England Patriots have re-signed wide receiver Deion Branch and signed free agent fullbacks Tony Fiammetta and Spencer Larsen. FREE-AGENT CENTRAL Moves: March 13-18 | 19-25 Broncos' Dawkins ponders future Packers lure Saturday from Colts Patriots snap up WR Stallworth Peyton Manning to Broncos Flynn heads to Seahawks 49ers land Mario Manningham Bills land star DE Mario Williams Branch had 51 catches for 702 yards and five touchdowns last season. He was drafted by the Patriots in 2002, traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2006, and re-acquired in 2010. He is a holdover in a deep wide receiver corps that added free agents Brandon Lloyd, Donte' Stallworth and Anthony Gonzalez in the offseason. New England's top wide receiver is Wes Welker, who has been given the franchise tag requiring any other team that signs him to compensate the Patriots. Other Patriots at that position are Chad Ochocinco, Julian Edelman, Tiquan Underwood and Matthew Slater. The announcements Friday of the signings of Fiammetta and Larsen continued a busy offseason for the Patriots of adding lesser-known free agents. They include tight end Daniel Fells, offensive lineman Robert Gallery, defensive linemen Trevor Scott and Jonathan Fanene and cornerbacks Marquice Cole and Will Allen. The signings of Fiammetta and Larsen, both about 240 pounds, could signal a shift in the running game to include a blocking back on more plays. Fiammetta spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys after two seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Larsen played fullback and linebacker his first two seasons with Denver and fullback the past two years with the Broncos. He also contributed on special teams. Stevan Ridley, a third-round draft choice last year, is the top returning running back with the departure of free agent BenJarvus Green-Ellis to the Cincinnati Bengals. Ridley rushed for 441 yards on 87 carries, a 5.1-yard average, and one touchdown last season."

"  NEW YORK (AP) The NFL has suspended New York Giants running back Andre Brownfor the first four games of the 2012 season for violating theleague policy on performance enhancing substances.The NFL announced the suspension without pay Friday. Brown iseligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practicesand games.Brown was on the Giants' practice squad last season and did notplay. He was originally drafted by New York in 2008 in the fourthround out of North Carolina State.He is perhaps best known for the ''I got a ring'' chant he didon the Giants' team plane back from their Super Bowl victory inFebruary. A teammate filmed Brown's performance and the video wentviral. He reprised that performance at the Giants' Super Bowlparade and celebration.In 2010, Brown was with Carolina, Denver, Indianapolis andWashington, but was active for only four games.The Giants signed him to the practice squad before the 2011season."

"  NEW ORLEANS (AP) The NFL expects to hold hearings this week on appeals filed in connection with the investigation of the Saints' bounty system, a league spokesman said. NFL BOUNTY SCANDAL Players suspended for roles in scandal Czar: Vilma can turn to courts NFL denies Saints' appeal Vikings duo rips Williams Director defends release of audio Whitner: Saints 'tried to knock QB out' Report: Tape captured bounty offer Payton meets with Parcells Saints' punishment ushers in new era Sapp claims Shockey is whistleblower NFL hands down severe penalties Players react at NFLPA meeting NFL's statement regarding Saints Williams apologizes, accepts discipline Fisher: Williams punishment warranted Czar: How severe are the penalties? Glazer: Breaking down punishment Goodell orders bounties to end Was it worth it for Saints? League pinpoints Rodgers bounty--> Greg Aiello said Sunday in an email to The Associated Press that he could not confirm who has appealed, citing league policies. He also could not provide the particular days or times that hearings would be held, saying the league leaves announcements of such particulars to those who are filing the appeals. Head coach Sean Payton is appealing his season-long suspension, a person familiar with the situation has told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no one has announced his plans. General manager Mickey Loomis is appealing his eight-game suspension, assistant head coach Joe Vitt is appealing his six-game suspension and the club is appealing its $500,000 fine and loss of second-round draft picks in 2012 and 2013. The appeals will be heard by Commissioner Roger Goodell in New York. Payton and Loomis would meet with the commissioner on Tuesday according to ESPN, but Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said he could not confirm that. Payton, Loomis and Vitt were all suspended for their roles in New Orleans' bounty system, which offered improper cash bonuses for big hits that either knocked opponents out of games or left them needing help off of the field. Former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who left the Saints after last season to join the St. Louis Rams, ran the bounty program and has been suspended indefinitely. Can't see the EventBox? Click Here.Voices Heard Media Payton's suspension was supposed to begin on Sunday, but the commissioner has said since the unprecedented penalties were announced that the Saints' coach would likely be allowed to continue working as his appeal was resolved. However, Goodell added that the challenge would be expedited, indicating that Payton would not likely be able to add on much work time should his appeal be upheld. Goodell also said at the NFL owners meetings in Florida that Payton could have some contact with the team but did not go into detail, and Payton indicated that he was still a little unclear about that, as well. With all the uncertainty, Payton is trying to compress as much planning for the 2012 season into whatever time he has left at Saints headquarters. The results of the appeals could affect whether Bill Parcells, who turns 71 in August, comes out of retirement to take over as interim coach while his former offensive assistant and protege is suspended. Parcells has said he would consider coaching the Saints if asked. Payton and Loomis played golf with the former NFL coach last week to talk to him about the team's predicament. If Payton's suspension is reduced, however, the Saints could decide it makes more sense to promote an assistant from the current staff. ARE YA READY? Get up to date on the latest NFL Draft info. Watch videos. Vitt could be a candidate to step in as interim coach, as he did briefly last season when Payton broke his leg, if his own suspension is reduced. There are also three strong candidates among Saints assistants to take over as interim coach: offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer. Payton expressed confidence in the abilities of his own assistants to compensate for his absence, but also has voiced some misgivings about saddling those coaches with additional responsibilities. Since his suspension was announced, Payton has been putting in long hours with his staff and that of Loomis as they try to lay out plans for the 2012 draft and season. Loomis will be able to oversee the draft and handle other roster moves up until the season starts. Then, barring a successful appeal, he will serve his suspension for failing to put a stop to the bounty system in a timely way. Payton said earlier this week that he had already laid out plans for the offseason training program and the beginning of training camp, up until the Saints play Arizona in the Hall of Fame game Aug. 5 in Canton, Ohio. The NFL's investigation in New Orleans found that Payton initially lied to league investigators about the existence of a bounty program and instructed his defensive assistants to do the same. It also found that Loomis did not do enough to put a stop to the enterprise after he was informed that the league was looking into it."

"  The Philadelphia Eagles’ season of redemption hit a bump in the road Friday, when the team learned starting left tackle Jason Peters ruptured his Achilles tendon. See the best Philadelphia Eagles action, or check out your favorite NFL team here. Peters suffered the injury to his right leg Tuesday while training in Texas. Surgery will be required to fix the tendon; the procedure is scheduled for April 2. An injury of this sort typically takes nine to 12 months to heal. This injury is a major blow to the Eagles’ offense. Peters has been a staple on the offensive line, having been voted to the Pro Bowl in each of the past five seasons. "Jason is one of the best, if not the best, offensive tackle in the NFL," head coach Andy Reid said. "We don’t know when he will return to the field and we will not speculate on a timeline. We are just going to let the surgical process and the rehabilitation process play itself out." Peters, who was not selected in the 2004 NFL Draft, started 14 games for the Eagles last season. It'ss likely that he will be replaced by King Dunlap, who was re-signed Friday to a one-year deal. The Eagles also could pick up an offensive tackle in April’s draft. The Eagles own three picks in the first 51 spots and hold the 15th overall pick. It has been projected that the Eagles would draft an inside linebacker to cure last season’s woes, but they recently made a trade with the Houston Texans, acquiring Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans.  "

"  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Oakland Raiders acquired running back Mike Goodson from theCarolina Panthers on Friday in exchange for offensive tackle BruceCampbell, a trade both teams hope will improve their depth.Goodson, who ran for 501 yards and three touchdowns in threeseasons with Carolina, became expendable after the team signed freeagent running back Mike Tolbert earlier this month.He was fourth on the depth chart behind Jonathan Stewart,DeAngelo Williams and Tolbert, so his departure did not come as asurprise.''Being behind DeAngelo and Stewart for a couple of years hasbeen difficult just wanting to play and being a competitor,''Goodson said. ''I wasn't looking to leave but anywhere that gave anopportunity, I'm definitely up for that.''The Raiders needed depth at running back after losing MichaelBush to Chicago in free agency. Starter Darren McFadden has beeninjury prone, missing 19 games in his four seasons and Taiwan Jonesplayed sparingly as rookie and is seen as more of a change-of-paceback.With only five draft picks and none until the end of the thirdround, new Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie is trying tofill as many holes as he can on the roster through free agency andtrades.In three seasons with the Panthers, Goodson played in 28 gameswith three starts.He rushed 125 times for 501 yards and three touchdowns and added43 receptions for 329 yards. Goodson, 24, had three straight100-yard rushing games and three touchdowns late in the 2010 seasonunder former coach John Fox in 2010.But he didn't have any carries last year under new coach RonRivera and caught one pass for 4 yards.''I thought going in, with the way I performed I'd definitelyget an opportunity to play,'' Goodson said. ''Some things happened.I didn't get the opportunity I thought I should have. Then I gotinjured, and it really didn't go the way I wanted last year.''Goodson has outstanding speed but fumbling has been a problem.He put the ball on the ground six times in 2010, losing three.During last year's training camp Rivera made Goodson carry afootball around with him during one practice after he fumbled inback-to-back preseason games.The former fourth-round draft pick in 2009 can also returnskickoffs.''We wanted to acquire another player to compete at the runningback position,'' McKenzie said. ''He can do a lot of things in ourscheme on offense. He's very versatile, he has natural runningskills, he's a great receiver out of the backfield, and he haskick-return ability. I'm anxious to see if he can put all thattogether here as a Raider.''The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Campbell is the latest player who wasone of late owner Al Davis' favorites to be sent out of town.Picked in the fourth round in 2010 because of his impressivecombination of size and speed, Campbell rarely saw action in twoyears with Oakland. He played only four games last season and wassometimes on the inactive list for game days when injured playerswho did not play were active.He shifted between guard and tackle but never looked comfortableat either spot.''We think Bruce Campbell is a very young, talented offensivelineman who has all the physical qualities to play in thisleague,'' Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. ''It gives ussome more depth at a position where we needed some.''The Panthers view him as a tackle.The Panthers have Jordan Gross at the left tackle spot, but lastyear rookie Byron Bell was pressed into starting on the right sidein place of Jeff Otah, a former first-round draft pick who has beenplagued by knee and back problems the past three years.Both Bell and Otah are under contract this year.''Mike is a talented player who gave us three good years, butour depth at running back allowed us to make this move,'' Hurneysaid.---AP Sports Writer Josh Dubow in Oakland contributed to thisreport."

"  NCAA TOURNEY Kentucky, Calipari grab national title Kriegel: Kentucky has final say Davis dominates ... with six points GameTrax: The Final numbers Photos: Championship game action Interactive NCAA bracket Kansas' Bill Self has been named the 2012 Naismith Men's College Basketball Coach of the Year, the school announced on Sunday. “Bill has done a remarkable coaching job this season and deserves all the accolades that come his way,” said Eric Oberman, executive director of the Atlanta Tipoff Club, which presents the honor. "There’s always something special about adding another chapter of Kansas Basketball to the Naismith Awards family.” Self is the third Jayhawks coach to win the the award, joining Larry Brown (1988) and Roy Williams (1997). He beat out finalists John Calipari, Jim Boeheim and Frank Haith this year. Kansas compiled a 31-7 record this season and earned a spot in the national title game against Kentucky. It's Self's ninth season leading the Jayhawks and he has a 269-52 record over that time. “This is a terrific honor. When you think of postseason awards, anything that has (James) Naismith’s name in front of it is a huge award and certainly I’m very proud of this,” Self said in a statement. “It is a reflection of how our team performed all year long. There are so many good coaches out there to choose from but I am honored they picked me.”  "

"  PALM BEACH, Fla. There is no way new Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano can spin the departure of Peyton Manning as a positive. Wisely, Pagano didn’t plan to try Monday when his club opened its first offseason workout program since 1999 without Manning in the fold. ARE YA READY? Get up to date on the latest NFL Draft info. Watch videos. Pagano is realistic about where the Colts stand as an organization after finishing last season with a 2-14 record followed by three months of personnel bloodletting. Manning — a future Hall of Fame selection and face of the franchise since 1998 — was released because of health and contract considerations. Other mainstays like center Jeff Saturday, tight end Dallas Clark, wide receiver Pierre Garcon, running back Joe Addai, safety Melvin Bullitt, right guard Ryan Diem, and linebacker Gary Brackett were cut, signed elsewhere in free agency or retired. Those eight players combined for 70 years of NFL experience — all with the Colts. “You’re talking about losing one of, if not the best quarterbacks to ever play this game,” Pagano said last week at the NFL annual meetings in Palm Beach, Fla. “Some of the other players (released) because of cap issues and things like that we’re going to have to replace. We’re going to be playing with a rookie quarterback probably. “Those are just some of the things looking ahead that you’ve got to piece together.” Pagano doesn’t plan on trying to assemble this puzzle alone. Pagano hopes the low outside expectations surrounding Indianapolis for the 2012 season can provide the kind of player motivation and inspiration that will help the Colts accelerate the rebuilding process. PEYTON MANNING SAGA Peyton introduced | Photos Video: 'Next chapter' for Manning Witz: Indianapolis still in disbelief Kriegel: 49ers a better option Marvez: Broncos offer best situation Engel: Tebow will be just fine Czar: What's next for Manning losers Titans owner Adams disappointed “My biggest thing is we’re going to challenge each and every one of them,” said Pagano, who met with Colts players en masse Monday for the first time since his January hiring. “Even though we’ve lost some great players, it’s next man up. It’s a great opportunity not only for myself and the coaching staff we put together but these players who have been waiting in the wings, so to speak, to get out there and showcase their talent.” This is especially true at quarterback. There are only two currently on the roster: Drew Stanton and Trevor Vittatoe. More than anything accomplished in four nondescript seasons with Detroit, Stanton is best known in the NFL for getting shafted by the New York Jets last month when they acquired Tim Tebow as Mark Sanchez’s new backup. Vittatoe was headed to the Arena League before the Colts signed him in February as a developmental prospect. The cavalry will arrive later this month when Indianapolis selects a quarterback with the draft’s top overall pick. But while Stanford’s Andrew Luck (the heavy favorite) or Baylor’s Robert Griffin III has the potential to become the Colts’ next marquee passer, whoever takes the reins faces intense post-Manning scrutiny as well as the challenge of playing on a squad that is admittedly in rebuilding mode. That’s why team leadership must initially come from another source. Pagano believes it will emanate most from what he calls the “three pillars” – wide receiver Reggie Wayne and outside linebackers Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. ONE MORE RUN Where does Manning rank on the list of franchise quarterbacks who finished their careers on another team? Like Manning, each member of that trio seemed like a potential goner earlier in the offseason. The Colts, though, inked Mathis to a long-term contract extension in late February. After initially testing free agency, Wayne decided to re-sign and not wait for a possible reunion elsewhere with Manning as the quarterback weighed his options. And although Freeney counts $19 million against the $120 million salary cap, the Colts have opted to honor the final year of his contract. “It’s huge,” Pagano said of being able to retain Wayne, Freeney and Mathis. “They’ve been such great players there for a long time and great in the community. They’re guys our fans obviously can relate to. They’re just going to be great leaders for us. It’s going to help not only myself but everybody else to get us back on track.” Pagano, though, also realizes those Colts mainstays will be going through some adjustments themselves. Not only does Wayne have to build chemistry with a new quarterback, he also must learn the new system being installed by ex-Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. Freeney and Mathis are being forced to make an even more radical change. They will shift from being 4-3 ends in a Tampa-2 scheme to playing outside linebacker in the 3-4 that Pagano ran last season as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator. Mathis wrote on his Twitter account that the Colts will deploy him in a role similar to the one played by ex-Ravens linebacker Jarrett Johnson. Freeney, too, will be expected to drop into coverage at times and play off the line of scrimmage. Both players will be trying to make this switch for the first time in their 30s. Ex-Colts president and general manager Bill Polian has questioned whether Freeney can be effective in that role. Appearing as my co-host on Sirius XM NFL Radio, Polian said both he and then-head coach Tony Dungy thought Freeney shouldn’t play from a standing position when making him a 2002 first-round draft pick. Freeney has enjoyed his greatest career success when aligned as a seven- or nine-technique end outside the left tackle. Pagano said he understands why so much is being made of how Freeney and Mathis will fit in his defense but also added that “a little bit is blown out of proportion some.” Colts at a glance   Looking for more dirt on the Colts? Get the inside slant, stats, scores, schedules and more scoops right here. Overall Record: 14-2 Home Record: 7-1 Road Record: 7-1 W-L vs. Playoff Teams: 3-1 W-L in Close Games (7 or less): 7-0 Scoring Off..: 26.0 ppg (7th in NFL) Scoring Def.: 19.2 ppg (8th in NFL)-->   “They say, 'Chuck Pagano, he’s this 3-4 guy coming to town,'” he said. “We’ve said it from Day 1: We’re not going to try to fit a square peg into a round hole. We’re going to put these guys in the best possible position to be successful. There will be some different things for them. But at the end of the day, if we’re not sending them forward and after the quarterback, then we’re not very smart.” It’s now up to Pagano and new general manager Ryan Grigson to make Colts owner Jim Irsay look like a genius for radically overhauling his franchise and placing them in charge. Irsay was excited enough Monday morning to send a Twitter message espousing a “new era” for the Colts and the “high-energy buzz” emanating from team headquarters. “It’s a great challenge — a huge challenge,” said Pagano, an NFL defensive assistant for 10 years who is getting his first head coaching opportunity. “But ownership is unbelievable. Jim Irsay is a great man. I’ve had a ton of support in the building. Teaming up with Ryan, I can only see great things moving forward for us.” After taking so many steps backward in the past year, the offseason program in Indianapolis couldn’t have started soon enough.  "

"  ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) The Oakland Raiders agreed to a one-year deal with unrestricted free agent Philip Wheeler on Friday to fill their void at starting outside linebacker. Wheeler visited the Raiders on Thursday and agreed to the deal a day later. Wheeler played 13 games for Indianapolis last season, making 80 tackles and recording one sack. He played four seasons overall with the Colts with 182 tackles and two sacks. ''We're excited to add another veteran to complement our talented linebacking group,'' general manager Reggie McKenzie said. ''He gives us a lot of athleticism and versatility. He's a player that can do a lot of things.'' FREE-AGENT CENTRAL Moves: March 13-18 | 19-25 Broncos' Dawkins ponders future Packers lure Saturday from Colts Patriots snap up WR Stallworth Peyton Manning to Broncos Flynn heads to Seahawks 49ers land Mario Manningham Bills land star DE Mario Williams McKenzie said earlier in the week that strongside linebacker was one of the final starting positions that needed to be filled this offseason. A hole was created there earlier this month when the Raiders released Kamerion Wimbley. Wheeler is not the pass rusher that Wimbley is but is considered to be a better run defender, which is a big need in Oakland. The agreement came hours after the Raiders filled another hole by acquiring backup running back Mike Goodson from Carolina for offensive lineman Bruce Campbell. Goodson, who ran for 501 yards and three touchdowns in three seasons with Carolina, became expendable after the team signed free agent running back Mike Tolbert earlier this month. He was fourth on the depth chart behind Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams and Tolbert, so his departure did not come as a surprise. ''Being behind DeAngelo and Stewart for a couple of years has been difficult just wanting to play and being a competitor,'' Goodson said. ''I wasn't looking to leave but anywhere that gave an opportunity, I'm definitely up for that.'' The Raiders needed depth at running back after losing Michael Bush to Chicago in free agency. Starter Darren McFadden has been injury prone, missing 19 games in his four seasons and Taiwan Jones played sparingly as rookie and is seen as more of a change-of-pace back. In three seasons with the Panthers, Goodson played in 28 games with three starts. ARE YA READY? Get up to date on the latest NFL Draft info. Watch videos. He rushed 125 times for 501 yards and three touchdowns and added 43 receptions for 329 yards. Goodson had three straight 100-yard rushing games and three touchdowns late in the 2010 season under former coach John Fox in 2010. But he didn't have any carries last year under new coach Ron Rivera and caught one pass for 4 yards. ''We wanted to acquire another player to compete at the running back position,'' McKenzie said. ''He can do a lot of things in our scheme on offense. He's very versatile, he has natural running skills, he's a great receiver out of the backfield, and he has kick-return ability. I'm anxious to see if he can put all that together here as a Raider.'' Goodson has outstanding speed but fumbling has been a problem. He put the ball on the ground six times in 2010, losing three. During last year's training camp Rivera made Goodson carry a football around with him during one practice after he fumbled in back-to-back preseason games. The former fourth-round draft pick in 2009 can also return kickoffs and play all on all special teams units. --- AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, N.C., contributed to this report"