One of the largest guys in college sports a year ago, Terrence Cody, at 6 foot four inches tall & 350 pounds, has altered how colleges look at bigger players. A fantastic run stopper can make a world of difference for football clubs wanting to free up their linebackers.

I really believe that more and more we will see enormous men, obviously like Terrence Cody, arriving onto the scene in college football. A huge man at that overall size in the middle of the defense playing middle guard or nosetackle certainly a valuable tool.

It seems that the blame for the Pats defensive letdown was enough for defensive coordinator Dean Pees to leave his post. The team announced just four days after the playoff loss to the Ravens that Pees is leaving after four seasons as the defensive coordinator.

Pees said he told team owner Robert Kraft and coach Bill Belichick that he would not seek a new contract after his current one expires at the end of January. “I enjoyed my time in New England, but feel this is the right time to pursue other opportunities,” Pees said in a statement issued by the club on Thursday.

What they’re saying about Michael Vick, who produced two touchdowns for the Eagles in Atlanta, where he once ruled as a top quarterback and as the N.F.L.’s most electrifying player.

The Associated Press:

“It was as loud as it gets in the Dome,” said Vick, who teared up on the bus ride over to the stadium. “I heard the chants all through the stadium and it sent chills down my spine. They were just letting me know that people still appreciate what I’ve done.”