Tony Gonzalez plays his last game

ATLANTA — Carolina's blueprint for playoff success has been set: Let the sack-happy defense lead the way and hope dual-threat quarterback Cam Newton can add just enough offense. Newton threw two touchdown passes, Greg Hardy had a team-record  Tony Gonzalez took to the Georgia Dome field to a chorus of cheers and admiration from his … Read more

Michael Schumacher fighting for his life, doctors say

While Michael Schumacher never competed in the IndyCar Series, the close-knit open-wheel community is banding together with Indy drivers sending the seven-time world champion their support. GRENOBLE, France — Doctors treating Michael Schumacher refused Monday to predict the outcome for the former Formula One driver, saying they were taking his very critical head injury "hour … Read more

Thompson: 49ers need to find another gear

GLENDALE, Ariz. — There are two ways to look at the state of the 49ers as they enter the postseason. As winners of six straight who closed the regular season by gutting out two nail-biters. Or a team that sputtered across the finish line, made it, but Additionally, six members of San Francisco's roster were … Read more

Chargers top Chiefs in OT to claim last AFC playoff spot

Philip Rivers threw three touchdowns as the Chargers won the final spot in the AFC playoffs. The Chargers are playoff-bound for the first time since 2009, booked to play the Bengals in Cincinnati on Sunday. To get there, they first got the help they needed; two games before theirs couldn't have been sweeter. They then … Read more

NFC Playoffs Q&A: Seattle safe?

The Chargers beat the Chiefs in overtime to lock up the AFC's sixth seed. The postseason lineup is almost all set, pending the outcome of Sunday night's game between the Eagles and Cowboys. One of the most unpredictable NFL seasons in recent memory has set the table for what should be a fascinating postseason. Several … Read more

Errors show Bears' D needs change

CHICAGO — Shortly after his season ended with another embarrassing loss to the Green Bay Packers, a sullen Lance Briggs pulled his luggage out of the restricted area of the Chicago Bears' locker room and quickly rolled it to the door to the outside. CHICAGO — Aaron Rodgers is back leading the Green Bay Packers … Read more