The NFL fined Titans defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil $20,000 Thursday for verbal abuse of a game official for his sideline comments in Tennessee’s 42-17 loss to San Diego on Christmas night.

The Titans had just been flagged for roughing Philip Rivers when an official heard Cecil say something. The Titans were penalized another 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Coach Jeff Fisher defended his first-year coordinator, saying Cecil was overheard talking to fellow coaches on his headset. Fisher said Cecil will elaborate when he appeals the fine.

The numbers don’t lie. The running game of the Denver Broncos is on the upswing in time for the stretch run.

The team ran for 136 yards against the New York Giants and a week ago amassed 245 yards on the ground against Kansas City’s defense.

“I think we are pleased with what we’ve done the last few weeks,” Denver coach Josh McDaniels said. “We’ve done it by showing improvement in a number of areas.”

That includes Denver’s output on short-yardage and goal line situations and a reduction to almost no negative plays when the Broncos are running.

New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita is glad to see the NFL changing its concussion policies. Why? Because he figures the league is finally getting around to saving players from themselves.

“You almost have to take it out of the players’ hands, because we’re not going to make the most responsible decision,” Fujita said. “If I was in that situation in a playoff game, and I was kind of dinged and not functioning very well on the sideline, I’d like to think that someone might look out for my best interest. Because I don’t think I’d do that for myself.”