NFL-National Football League roundup

Dec 31 (The Sports Xchange) - The NFL could rewind Peyton Manning's passing yardage total from Sunday's game at Oakland, a statistical change that would restore Drew Brees as the single-season leader in passing yards. Manning finished with 266 yards and four touchdowns against the Raiders and wrapped up his day at halftime. He is currently considered the single-season leader for touchdown passes with 55 and yards with 5,477. Brees set the record in 2011 with 5,476. Of particular concern by the league's statistical review analysis -- a common practice every week for accuracy sake -- is a 7-yard completion to wide receiver Eric Decker. Multiple camera angles imply the pass could have been a lateral, in which case the NFL would properly score it as a running play, giving the rushing yardage to Decker. - - Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott will interview this week with the Washington Redskins for their vacant head coaching position, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday. McDermott has been integral in crafting the Panthers' defense into one of the league's best. McDermott, 39, is in third season with the Panthers after spending more than a decade in the Philadelphia Eagles' organization. - - The New England Patriots have granted permission to the Cleveland Browns to interview offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels for their vacant head coaching position, the NFL Network reported. The 37-year old McDaniels, who has a longstanding relationship with Cleveland general manager Mike Lombardi, grew up rooting for the Browns in his home town of Canton, Ohio. The Patriots have a bye this week before hosting a divisional playoff game, so McDaniels is available to interview immediately. - - Head coach Rex Ryan is not expecting a long-term contract extension to remain with the New York Jets. Ryan, under contract for the 2014 season, was informed he would return next season before the regular-season finale at Miami. First-year general manager John Idzik declined Tuesday to discuss details of Ryan's contract but did say there was no long-term contract on the table. "I'm comfortable," Ryan said of coaching as a so-called lame duck. "With me, I think -- I'm a guy that looks for opportunities. I have an opportunity right in front of me to coach the New York Jets." Ryan coached the team to an 8-8 finish but missed the playoffs for the second straight season as rookie quarterback Geno Smith battled through growing pains. Idzik said improving the talent around Smith is a focal point going into the offseason. - - Jason Garrett will remain head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and owner Jerry Jones said he never considered making a change. "I think what is important here is I haven't given any consideration," Jones said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. "I like what we're doing, I like what he's doing as a head coach. Yes we are going forward." The Cowboys finished with an 8-8 record for the third straight year and are at home for the playoffs for a fourth straight season. Garrett is 29-27 in three-plus years as head coach. - - Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews will miss Sunday's wild-card game against the San Francisco 49ers because of his thumb injury, coach Mike McCarthy said. McCarthy said he could not provide a timetable for Matthews, who also missed the regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears last week. Matthews originally injured his thumb in Week 5 against the Detroit Lions and then had surgery, missing the following four games. Matthews re-injured his thumb in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Matthews leads the team in sacks with 7 1/2, despite playing just 11 games this season. - - Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will be allowed to test free agency, general manager David Caldwell said. Jones-Drew, 29, completed a five-year deal worth $31 million in 2013 with 804 rushing yards. He had just 86 carries for 414 yards and missed 10 games in 2012, which followed an offseason contract holdout. Indications are Jones-Drew will leave because he wants a longer deal in the four-year range and the Jaguars want a shorter deal in the two-year range. (Editing by Frank Pingue)