540MINUTES

By JOSH DUBOW

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Raiders fired Lane Kiffin on Tuesday just four games into his second season, bringing finality to a situation that had been simmering for eight months. Kiffin had a 5-15 record since being hired last year, losing his final game 28-18 on Sunday to San Diego.

The decision on Kiffin was as much about his frequent criticisms of owner Al Davis' franchise as it was the team's performance on the field. Those critiques reached a peak when Kiffin distanced himself from the defense after a blowout loss in the season opener, saying that was under coordinator Rob Ryan and Davis' control.

Raiders fire coach Lane Kiffin after 4 games....

By ANDREW BAGNATO

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt expects the NFL to review a helmet-to-helmet hit by New York Jets safety Eric Smith on Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin.

Boldin was resting at home on Monday, one day after being carted off the field in the Cardinals' 56-35 loss to the Jets in New Jersey.

Whisenhunt said he believed the hit violated a safety edict issued by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, but he stopped short of calling for Smith to be suspended.

"I think it's one of the hits that falls into the category of being dangerous to players," Whisenhunt said Monday. "Certainly, I'm sure that the league is going to look at this and will address it."

Whisenhunt: NFL should review hit on Boldin....

Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier, who was shot earlier this month, had his left leg amputated and is paralyzed below the waist, according to his doctors.

Doctors said that he is now in stable condition after previously being listed as critical from the 14 bullet wounds he suffered in an attack on September 2.

Jaguars OT Collier paralyzed, has leg amputated....

Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Another Super Bowl, another rock 'n' roll superstar at halftime. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at the 2009 Super Bowl halftime show in Tampa, Fla., the NFL and NBC announced Sunday night.

Continuing a run of major talent that has lately included the Rolling Stones, U2, Paul McCartney, Prince and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the biggest television event in the nation will showcase one of its most beloved rock 'n' roll artists. The Super Bowl will be played Feb. 1 at Raymond James Stadium.

Springsteen, E Street Band to perform in Super Bowl halftime show....

The Redskins knocked the Cowboys from the ranks of the unbeaten, with a 26-24 victory at Texas Stadium.

The Tennessee Titans have their first four and oh start ever after a 30-17 win over the Vikings, while the Buffalo Bills also have four wins against no defeats for the first time since 1992.

By R.B. FALLSTROM

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The winless St. Louis Rams fired coach Scott Linehan on Monday, the day after a fourth straight lopsided loss to start the season.

Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett will replace Linehan on an interim basis. The Rams scheduled a news conference later Monday.

"I have enormous respect for Scott Linehan as a person and believe under the right circumstances he will be regarded one day as a fine head coach," owner Chip Rosenbloom said in a release. "Unfortunately, the situation with the Rams as they exist today is no longer acceptable and we have to make a change."

Linehan had an overall 11-25 record in his first head coaching job. The Rams have been outscored 147-43 this season, and have allowed at least 30 points in seven straight games dating back to last year.

The move was made heading into the Rams' bye week and several hours after the Buffalo Bills outscored them 25-0 in the second half of a 31-14 victory Sunday.

St. Louis has lost 17 of its last 20 games overall.

Winless St. Louis Rams fire coach Scott Linehan....