The loss of New England Patriots CB Aqib Talib (thigh) in the first half of the team’s AFC Championship Game loss to the Baltimore Ravens was crucial. Ravens QB Joe Flacco couldn’t find a comfort zone in the first half with Talib covering his receivers brilliantly. After the injury, New England was forced to use CBs Marquice Cole and Kyle Arrington in the secondary. Arrington excelled in the slot and Cole was brought in mainly to serve as a special teams player. Baltimore attacked often through the air in the second half and exposed the play of Cole and Arrington. Flacco passed for 140 yards a touchdown in the third quarter and added two more TDs in the fourth quarter.
Patriots | Aqib Talib’s injury was devastating

The Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons could be eying St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson if he decides to void his deal by March. However, none of those three teams are expected to have much salary cap room, meaning Jackson will have to play for much less than the $7 million he’d receive in St. Louis.
NFL | Three teams could look at Steven Jackson

The Carolina Panthers interviewed Cleveland Browns linebackers coach Bill Davis for their linebackers coaching position.
Panthers | Bill Davis interviews for LB coaching job

The Seattle Seahawks signed defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to a three-year deal worth $5.7 million.
Seahawks | Dan Quinn contract details

The Minnesota Vikings will be looking for quarterbacks to compete with QB Joe Webb to the backup position for QB Christian Ponder this offseason. Free-agent QBs Derek Anderson (Panthers), Matt Moore (Dolphins), David Carr (Giants), Matt Leinart (Raiders), Byron Leftwich (Steelers), Bruce Gradkowski (Bengals), Jason Campbell (Bears) and Rex Grossman (Redskins) are options.
Vikings | Looking for backup QB options

Atlanta Falcons FS Thomas DeCoud and SS William Moore have been added to the NFC roster for the 2013 Pro Bowl in place of San Francisco 49ers FS Donte Whitner and SS Dashon Goldson.
Falcons | Two safeties added to Pro Bowl roster

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said PK David Akers will be the team’s kicker for Super Bowl XLVII.
49ers | David Akers will be PK

The Atlanta Falcons have signed RB Josh Vaughan, WR Marcus Jackson, WR James Rodgers, TE Andrew Szczerba, OG Jacques McClendon, DT Micanor Regis, LB Pat Schiller and CB Peyton Thompson. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
Falcons | Eight signed to futures contracts