LOCAL SHOTS

• Jim Donaldson declares Pats should do whatever it takes to keep Pioli on payroll.  Absolutely!
• Bill Burt tells us why KC is perfect place for Pioli.
• Mike McDermott notes Patriots may not have made decision on franchising Cassel.
• Mike Reiss offers his take on the Browns naming Mangini their new head coach.
• Karen Guregian and Ron Borges speculate why Mangini was chosen over Pioli to lead the Browns.
• Karen Guregian reports Dan Reeves, Mike Ditka in Josh McDaniels' corner.
• Mike Reiss reports McDaniels set to interview with Rams on Friday, and looks at the penalty leaders in 2008, in which the Pats own the NFL record for the fewest penalties over a 16-game season with 57.

LONG SHOTS

• Tim Graham (ESPN) In the span of a week, Mangini back in action.
• Patrick McManamon (Akron Beacon Journal) Browns' choice just doesn't feel right.
• Terry Pluto (Cleveland Plain Dealer) A quick decision, but the right one: Mangini's a good choice.
• Mary Kay Cabot (Cleveland Plain Dealer) Raiders' Ryan, Jets' Daboll could be Mangini's top assistants with Browns.  Crennel won't be on Mangini's staff.
• Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk) prints an amusing actual exchange from a reporter trying to get injury information out of Eric Mangini.   Blood from a stone, brotha.
• Mike Klis (Denver Post) Search for Shanahan's succesor nearing end zone.  McDaniels, Spagnuolo top candidates.
• Kent Babb (Kansas City Star) Chiefs likely sole remaining suitor of Pioli.
• Peter King (SI) presents his 2008 All-Pro Team.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Relaunching 2008 in the AFC East; Top 10 AFC East games of 2008.
• Seth Wickersham (ESPN Magazine) Giants O-Line and Titans D-Line are this season's real MVP's.
• Jason Whitlock (Fox Sports) NFL Truths: Peyton's a choker, LT is done in San Diego.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Favre still mulling, but won't react to snipers.