New England Patriots QB Tom Brady had a QBR of 4.1 when he was pressured by a four-man or fewer pass rush in 2015, which ranked 28th among 35 qualifying passers. Nineteen% of Brady’s dropbacks this year ended with him being pressured without a blitz this year, which was the ninth-highest percentage in football. However, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips loves to bring extra rushers.

Footballguys View: The Broncos sent extra blitzers (five or more) after the quarterback on 41.7 percent of opponent’s dropbacks in 2015. That’s the 4th-highest rate in the league. The Broncos were successful creating pressure without blitzing, too, as they allowed an opponent’s QBR of just 8.7 in those situations this year. They also created pressure in those situations 19.2% of opposing team dropbacks, which ranked sixth in the league.

Detroit Lions vice president of football operations Cedric Saunders was fired Friday, Jan. 22, according to a team source. Saunders had been with Detroit for 10 years and was in charge of the football operations, including player development, video department, equipment operations, team travel, athletic training and strength and conditioning.

Miami Dolphins impending unrestricted free-agent RB Lamar Miller will enter free agency this offseason, and he believes the fit with any team is the most important when considering his options. He wants to choose a team that is a good fit in scheme and opportunity. Miller finished 2015 with 872 rushing yards and 4.5 yards per carry.

Free-agent QB Dustin Vaughan (Bills) signed a Reserve/Futures deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers Friday, Jan. 22. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Pittsburgh Steelers CB Ross Cockrell signed a one-year contract extension with the Steelers Friday, Jan. 22. Financial terms were not disclosed.

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Eric Mangini was fired Friday, Jan. 22.

Denver Broncos OG Max Garcia (groin), CB Chris Harris Jr. (shoulder), CB Bradley Roby (quadriceps), LB Todd Davis (shoulder), LB Brandon M. Marshall (ankle), LB DeMarcus Ware (knee), QB Brock Osweiler (knee), FS Josh Bush (shoulder), FS Darian Stewart (hamstring) and FS T.J. Ward (ankle) are listed as probable for the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Jan. 24. Roby was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 22, while the other players fully participated in practice.

Denver Broncos TE Owen Daniels (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 22, and is listed as probable for the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Jan. 24.

Denver Broncos TE Owen Daniels (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 22, and is listed as probable for the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Jan. 24.

Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning (foot) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 22, and is listed as probable for the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Jan. 24.