Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said he regrets the distraction he created by being non-committal on whether quarterback Ryan

Nick Markakis Jersey . - Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said he regrets the distraction he created by being non-committal on whether quarterback Ryan Tannehill will start Sunday in London against the Oakland Raiders.Philbin was contrite Thursday, though he still didnt announce his starter.One of the functions of the head coach is to create an atmosphere free from distractions, Philbin said Thursday. And to the degree that I contributed to any of those distractions, intended or not doesnt really matter, that falls on me. Its my responsibility so certainly I accept that responsibility as a head coach.Really, thats all I have to say on it.When asked at the end of his news conference if Tannehill will start, Philbin only said he had already covered the topic.Though Tannehill said Wednesday that Philbin has made it clear to him where he stands, he wished his coach had handled the situation differently. Tannehill conceded that initially it wasnt a good feeling having to deal with the outside distraction.Tannehill has said he expects to take the first snap of the game and has been practicing with the first team all week. Backup quarterback Matt Moore confirmed his routine hadnt changed from Week 1.The team is scheduled to depart for London early Thursday evening.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL Danny Santana Jersey . Bale has had a successful debut season in Spain, and Ancelotti appears ready to reward him with a starting role on Saturday. Ancelotti says "Gareth had some problems at the beginning (of the season) but when he found good physical condition he scored a lot of goals, he had a good impact on the team. Phil Niekro Jersey .com) - Manu Ginobili capped off a 26-point night with a go-ahead layup with 24 seconds left in overtime, with the basket giving the San Antonio Spurs a much-needed 95-93 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. http://www.baseballbravesproshop.com/r-a-dickey-braves-jersey/ . In the opener of the World Group first-round series, world No. 18 Kei Nishikori defeated Peter Polansky of Thornhill, Ont.GREEN BAY, Wis. - The Packers locker room was noticeably quiet Monday, other than the ruckus caused by a couple dozen players scrambling in following a meeting, then scooting out the door for a few days off.Its just the way they wanted to start the post-season, a day after a rousing victory over the Detroit Lions secured a fourth straight NFC North title and first-round bye. Practice resumes Friday.This is a time, obviously, to step away from it, just enjoy what you accomplished ... Youll know we have the holiday here, coach Mike McCarthy said.So hydration testing on Friday morning will be the first thing we do, he added with a sly smile.Holiday cheer, indeed.Some players may be taking it a little easier, notably limping quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two-touchdown performance in the 30-20 victory over Detroit is still drawing raves from teammates and coaches after Rodgers fought through a lingering left calf injury.McCarthy spoke to Rodgers on Monday morning. His quarterback had some tests but feels good, he said. A rehab plan is in place for this week, though its apparently not arduous enough that it would force Rodgers to stay in town during the time off.Weve got a good plan for him, McCarthy said. Frankly, Im not sure if he is staying.The Packers (12-4) earned the time off after piecing together perhaps two of their most complete games of the season to finish with two straight wins following a loss at Buffalo.Sure, Green Bays passing game might be shifted down a gear with Rodgers calf injury. It has limited his mobility the last two weeks.But an injured Rodgers might be better than most healthy quarterbacks. From the press box, offensive co-ordinator Tom Clements said he didnt even know that Rodgers was thinking about coming back into the Lions game in the middle of the third quarter after being carted into the locker rooom late in the second. Bobby Cox Jersey. The defence got just as much of a lift from Rodgers return as the offence.If you cant find anything to play for, play for No. 12, play for the offence, defensive end Datone Jones said. He was pressuring Matthew Stafford when the quarterback was whistled for intentional grounding while in the end zone, which gave the Packers a safety late in the game.Theyve backed us up so much, there are times when weve got to back them up, Jones said.Actually, the defence had been playing well even before Rodgers got hurt. Coordinator Dom Capers crew has tightened up against the run since the middle of the season, in part because the Packers are using Clay Matthews and Sam Barrington more at inside linebacker to add athleticism.Receiver Calvin Johnson scored two touchdowns, though Capers proudly noted Monday that the Packers were able to limit Johnson and fellow playmaking receiver Golden Tate to a combined seven catches for 84 yards.Rookie Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and second-year player Micah Hyde are a big improvement at free safety over last season, while strong safety Morgan Burnett is having one of his best seasons, especially against the run. The steady Burnett is so respected that he was chosen a playoff captain, along with linebacker-end Julius Peppers.Just keep an even-keeled mindset, Burnett said when asked about the defensive performance the last three weeks. You cant dwell on the past. ... Just keep pushing forward and find ways to get better.The last three games, in particular, the Packers have held opponents to 21 points or less. If the defence can keep it up when Green Bay plays its first post-season game on Jan. 11, it will be more than enough cushion for the potent offence