The final NFL regular season weekend will clear up the playoff picture.
For one final time this season, let us kick off the testosterone that is the last NFL Sunday for all 32 teams with the words of Hall of Famer, football philosopher, and one of games truly great characters, John Randall.
THIS…IS…WHEN…THE…BIG…DOGS…COME…OUT!
To quote Joe Cain of “The Program,”…”It’s time to put the women and children to bed and go looking for dinner.”
Here is the NFL 2010 Week 17 Recap.
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons–The worst team in the NFC on the road against the best team in the NFC. This is not why they play the games. If the Falcons avoid the upset of this young decade, they get the top seed in the NFC and home field throughout the playoffs.
Matt Ryan fired 6 yards to Tony Gonzalez to have the Falcons up 7-0. The Falcons missed another scoring chance when Michael Turner fumbled near the goal line, but it did not matter. Carolina punted, and Eric Weems took it 55 yards to make it 14-0. Early in the second quarter the Falcons had a chance to extend the lead but for some reason on 4th and 3 from the 4 Mike Smith bypassed the field goal as a pass fell incomplete.
It did not matter. Just past the 2 minute arning, the Panthers went for it on 4th and 2 at the Atlanta 45. Jimmy Clausen was sacked for a 15 yard loss. On 3rd and 10 from the Carolina 40, Matt Ryan hit Roddy White for 14. Ryan hit Gonzalez for 12, and on 3rd and 10 from the 14, Ryan hit White again for a 14 yard score to have the Falcons up 21-0.
Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is the original member, but the only original player left from the expansion team is kicker Jon Kasay. When a 64 yard third quarter run failed to lead to the end zone, Kasay did his job from short range to make it 21-3. The Panthers tried an onsides kick that failed, leading to a Falcons field goal as the Dirty Birds led 24-3.
Clausen was then intercepted, giving the Falcons the ball at their own 46. On 3rd and 7 from the Carolina 26, Ryan was sacked. Yet the Panthers are the worst team in football for a reason, as defensive holding kept the drive going. Michael Tturner atoned for his earlier fumble with a 3 yard touchdown to have the Falcons cruising 31-3.
Carolina scored a garbage touchdown as the Panthers finished their miserable 2-14 season. The Carolina Panthers are now on the clock, without Jon Fox. As for Mike Smith, he may be the poster child for Non-Descript Caucasian Monthly Magazine, but his 13-3 Falcons are the top seed with home field throughout. The players even gave owner Arthur Blank the Gatorade bath, although as the announcer pointed out, given how expensive his suit is it had better have been water. Blank hugged the players in jubilation. 31-10 Falcons
Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens–If the Ravens win at home and Pittsburgh loses on the road, the Ravens get the # 2 seed and the 1st round bye. Otherwise, they are a wildcard.
Carson Palmer was quickly intercepted by Ed Reed. It led to a Billy Cundiff field goal to have the Ravens up 3-0. A 29 yarder by Stitser would have done the same but he missed it at the Bengals still trailed. With 5 minutes left in the ahlf, Cundiff connected from 47 to have the Ravens up 6-0 in a game as ugly as it sounded. The Bengals did intercept Joe Flacco to stop one threat, but their own threat to score near the end of the half ended up in another interception by Ed Reed.
A Cincy fumble in the third quarter gave the Ravens a short field, and Ray Rice ran in 7 yards for the score to have the Ravens up 13-0.
Finally in the fourth quarter the Bengals showed some life as Carson Palmer led a 13 play, 80 yard drive that consumed 8 1/2 minutes. With a pair of selfish reality tv prima donnas not playing, Palmer hit Simpson from 11 yards out to have the Bengals only down 13-7 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation.
The Bengals got the ball back at their own 15 with 10 1/2 minutes to play. Palmer led the Bengals to 3rd and 1 at the Baltimore 26 with 5 1/2 minutes left. Palmer fired incomplete, and Marvin lewis decided to go for it. Peerman met the Baltimore defense, and as has happened over the last decade, Haloti Ngata, Ray Lewis, and the defense won the battle as the Bengals turned it over on downs.
The Bengals got the ball back with 4 minutes left at their own 47. At the 2 minute warning the Bengals faced 3rd and 2 at the Baltimore 32. Palmer scrambled for the 1st down but then fumbled the ball without being touched. These are the Bengals. The Ravens took over at their own 29 with 1:51 left. They had virtually no iffense the entire game. This time Ray Rice gained 9 to set up 2nd and 1. One more yard and the game was over. McClain got nothing and Rice got nothing as the Ravens had to punt on 4th and 1.
The Bengals had 45 seconds left from their own 31. Palmer went deep to Caldwell for 39 yards, Simpson for 19 more, and Caldwell for another 9. Palmer spiked the ball to stop the clock as the Bengals had 3rd and 1 at the 2 with 22 seconds to play. On the verge of shocking upset. Palmer fired incomplete, and on 4th and 1 at the 2, Palmer fired incomplete again. These are the Bengals.
Another miserable Cincy season for the Bungles, Bengwds, or whatever they are now called will not change until owner Mike Brown either fires himself or brings his father Paul Brown back to life, and hopes Paul fires his son. The Ravens under John Harbaugh finished 12-4, but will only be the wildcard and the # 5 seed. The Ravens won their Super Bowl 10 years ago with an ugly offense and a world class defense. Joe Flacco is an upgrade over Trent Dilfer, and the defense is as nasty as ever. This Baltimore team won on the road this year against the Jets and Pittsburgh, and last year at New England. They can win anywhere. 13-7 Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns–If the Steelers win, they get the # 2 seed and the 1st round bye. If not, they open the door for Baltimore. As for Cleveland, Walrus Mike Holmgren may fire Eric Mangini and bring in somebody else, including himself.
Each team needed only one play. Colt McCoy was intercepted by Troy Palomalu. Ben Roethlisberger then went deep to Mke Wallace for a 56 yard touchdown as Holmgren was quickly turned into a grumpy Walrus. Roethlisberger would lead a 70 yard drive culminating in a 2 yard Rashaard Mendenhall touchdown to have the Steelers up 14-0 as Eric Mangini left to go clean out his office.
In the second quarter Cleveland would get inside the Pittsburgh 5 yard line, but settled for a Phil Dawson field goal. All Pittsburgh did was march down the field and have Mendenhall bang it in from the one to have the Steelers up 21-3. At this point the Dawg Pound requested to be treated like Old Yeller. McCoy was the intercepted at the Colts 24, which led to Big Ben hitting Heath Miller from 4 yards out as the Steelers pounded the pound 28-3. McCoy was intercepted again, and a Shawn Suisham field goal had the Steelers up 31-3 at halftime.
For some reason the second half was played. Mike Tomlin left the starters in, and big Ben led a 13 play, 77 yard drive that took nearly 8 minutes. A 3 yard halfback option pass from Antwon Randle-El to Hines Ward had the Steelers up 38-3. Pittsburgh would tack on a field goal and the Browns would get a garbage touchdown but the Steelers had a statement to make and they made it.
Last year the Browns went 5-11 by winning their last 4. This year they went 5-11 by losing their last 4. The only thing going on in the mistake by the lake now is the Walrus Watch regarding Mangini. The Steelers went 12-4 this year and now have the # 2 seed and the 1st round bye. 41-10 Steelers
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions–With both teams out of the playoffs, the focus is on the fact that this is Brett Favre’s final game, for real this time. The Lions have won 3 straight for Jim Schwartz, while Leslie Frazier wants to come back next year. Brett Favre did not play, ending his 20 year career on the sidelines. The game was played anyway for some reason.
Shawn Hill led the Lions on a 6 1/2 minute drive that ended with a fumble near the goal line that was recovered for a touchback. In the second quarter Jim Schwartz decided to have Dave Raynor try a 55 yard field goal. Raynor drilled it to have the Lions up 3-0. The Lions got the ball back at their own 6 and Shawn Hill led a 15 play, 4 yard drive in under 5 minutes. A 7 yard touchdown pass to Nate Burleson had the Lions up 10-0 at halftime.
An 11 play drive in the third quarter led to Rayner connecting from 47 to have the Lions up 13-0. Yet with Detroit in total control, Hill was intercepted by Jared Allen, who returned it 36 yards for a score to have the Vikings within 13-7. Joe Webb moved the Vikings into the red zone but no further than the 9 yard line as a 27 yard Ryan Longwell field goal had the Vikings within 13-10 with 12 minutes left in regulation.
The Lions took over at their own 23 and Hill went deep to Burleson for 33 yards. On 3rd and 7 from the Minnesota 41, Hill hit Morris for 13. On 3rd and 10 from the 28, Hill hit Johnson for 23 . Morris ran it in from 5 and the Lions had a 20-10 cushion with 9 1/2 minutes to play.
Webb led the Vikings late, and Ryan Longwell made the 48 yard field goal to have the Vikings within 7 points. The onsides kick failed, and the Lions all but ran out the clock. Minnesota had 10 seconds and 80 yards to try a miracle, and not even Favre would get that done. Webb completed the pass and the laterals began. Long before the marching band came on the field, the game was over.
Jim Schwartz had buried the ghosts of Rod Marinelli, as the Lions finished 4-0 down the stretch. Next year they get Matthew Stafford back. The Lions had a losing season, but the are no longer losers. Yes, Cleveland finished 4-0 last year, but there is hope in Detroit anyway. The Vikings finished their season with an equally disappointing losing record although Leslie Frazier should be back next year. After 20 years, Brett Favre has retired. # 4 will be back, but not as an NFL player. 20-13 Lions
Oakland Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs-For more on the game of the day go to http://www.justblogbaby.com The Raiders are 5-0 in the division and playing for their first 8-8 or better season since their 2002 Super Bowl run. Yet it is the 10-5 Chiefs who won the division and were all but locked into the # 3 seed. A home loss could drop them to the # 4 seed but no lower. Todd Haley decided not to rest his starters, playing them practically the whole game. As for the Raiders, they would be without phenom Darren McFadden, who was out with turf toe.
The Chiefs began at their own 27, and on 3rd and 7 Matt Cassel hit Dexter McCluster for 15. Yet the Chiefs would punt, and the Raiders took over at their own 15. One play was all that was needed for Darrius Heyward-Bey to fumble on an end around. The Chiefs recovered at the Oakland 17, and it already looked like a miserable start. Yet despite the top rushing offense in the league with Oakland at # 2, Charlie Weis began by calling pass plays. Weis is leaving to go back to college, but perhaps he cares anyway. The defense held, and Ryan Succop hit the 30 yard field goal to have the Chiefs up 3-0 only 4 minutes into the game.
Each team then punted twice, as the Raiders took over at their own 9 at the end of the opening quarter. Michael Bush carried the load with McFadden out, and Bush ran for 16 as the teams went to the second quarter. At 2nd and 20 from the 15, Campbell gave Tebow, Vick, and the Chiefs defense a run for their money by scrambling for 21 yards. Bush ran for 2 and took a 9 yard pass from Campbell to keep the chains moving. On 3rd and 7 from midfield, Campbell hit Chaz Schillens for 11. Campbell found Jacoby Ford, and the speedster raced 35 yards down to the 6. On 3rd and goal from the 5, Campbell hit Schillens for the touchdown. The 14 play, 6 1/2 minute, 91 yard drive had the Raiders up 7-3.
The Silver and Black were jacked up on defense, and Cassel was getting knocked around all game. Several sacks, intentional grounding, and other hurries had the Chiefs punting on one drive facing 4th and 34. With 3 minutes left in the half, the Raiders took over at their own 25. Campbell hit Zach Miller for 9 yards, and Bush gained 2 for a 1st down. Campbell gained 5 to set up 2nd and 5 at the Oakland 41 at the 2 minute warning. Campbell hit Miller for just enough. On 3rd and 10, Campbell found Bush, who took it 16 yards for another 1st down. The 13 play, 54 yard drive would culminate in a 38 yard Sebastian Janikowski field goal as the Raiders led 10-3 at halftime.
The Raiders began the third quarter at their own 21, and Bush rumbled for 22 yards. On 3rd and 2, Campbell found Bush for 4. A critical holding penalty on 3rd and 4 led to a 4th and 3 at the Chiefs 38. While Seabass has the leg for a 56 yarder, Tom Cable decided to go for it. The decision was reasonable, but the result was short as a 2 yard West Coast pass to Miller and a perfect tackle left the Raiders a yard short. Throwing past the marker is a really good idea, and another reason I despise the dink and dunk of the West Coast Offense in situations like that.
The Chiefs took over at their own 36. For the umpteen billionth time, Stanford Routt was called for defensive pass interference. Nahmdi Asomugha locks down half the field, so every team targets Routt, with far too much effectiveness. While the Silver and Black defense was bottling up the Chiefs running game, Jamal Charles finally broke free. From the Chiefs 45, he raced 47 yards to the 8. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Charles took it straight up the middle to tie the game 10-10.
Yet this Raiders team is different. They don’t quit. They are far more resilient. They took over at their own 25 and stayed patient even when Bush lost 2 yards. They just gave it back to Bush again and he gained 11. On 3rd and 1, Marcel Reese banged forward and barely got the 1st down. Illegal contact on the defense added 5 more yards and Campbell hit Louis Murphy for 9 more. Bush gained 6, and on the next play a sack of Campbell was nullified by a defensive facemask. From the Chiefs 38, Jacoby Ford took an end around 12 yards and then Bush rumbled 26 yards up the middle for a touchdown as the Raiders again led 17-10 late in the third quarter after the 5 1/2 minute, 75 yard drive.
Cassel moved the Chiefs, and the fourth quarter began with the Chiefs facing 3rd and 11 at the Oakland 43. Tyvone Branch came free on a safety blitz and buried Cassel for a 12 yard loss to kill the drive. The Raiders took over at their own 20, and on 3rd and 2, short pass to Louis Murphy went for 20. Yet the drive stalled at midfield. Perrennial Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler is going to Hawaii again this year, and he boomed a perfect 47 yard punt that had the Chiefs at their own 3 yard line with 11 1/2 minutes left.
Haley kept Cassel in, and he kept getting belted. An incomplete pass somehow was not called intentional grounding as the Raiders insisted they had a safety. The Chiefs even got called for 12 men in the huddle but that was not a safety either. On 3rd and 11 from the 2, Cassel rolled around, and with pressure about to cave in, Cassel fired and was intercepted by Michael Huff. Huff returned it 17 yards to the Chiefs 10. Hue Jackson dialed up the perfect call as Ford took the end around for the score as the Raiders led 24-10 with 11 minutes left.
The Chiefs took over at their own 30. From the 40, a false start was followed by Cassel getting drilled for a 15 yard loss. On 3rd and 30 from the 20, Cassel was intercepted by Stanford Routt. I admit to being very critical of Routt over the years. He makes too many mistakes and takes too many penalties. He is the weak link in the secondary, but in all fairness anybody opposite Asomugha would be. Yet give Routt his due. He returned the interception 22 yards for the touchdown as the game became his synonym, a rout. At 31-10 with 9 minutes left, Haley still kept Cassel in. So Cable refused to call the dogs off, as they had their ears pinned back looking for more.
Cassel would lead the Chiefs from their own 47 after a strong kickoff return to a 3rd and 10 at the Oakland 18. Yet Cassel was sacked again, and on 4th and 12 Cassel fired incomplete. Haley had seen enough. Backup Palko was brought in on the next series and led the Chiefs from their own 32 to 1st and 10 at the Oakland 25. Then back to back sacks of Palko was followed by Haley conceding, running twice to just get the game over without injuries. The Raiders ran out the clock.
The Chiefs at 10-6 did fall to the # 4 seed. The Raiders at 8-8 have finally gotten back to respectability after 7 straight seasons of 5-11 or worse. The Raiders did not make the playoffs, but give Tom Cable and Hue Jackson a ton of credit. Also, let’s give some credit to Al Davis. He took a ton of heat for bad draft moves like JaMarcus Russell, so let’s praise the guy for phenomenal players like Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, Jacoby Ford, and Rolando McClain on the defensive side of the ball.
Campbell was 15 of 25 for 155 and a touchdown. Those numbers are pedestrian, but he managed the game and did not turn the ball over. Kyle Boller came in briefly and completed one pass for 5 yards. With McFadden out, Bush ran for 137 yards on 25 carries, greater than 5 yards per carry. He also caught 4 passes for 34 yards. Ford had 2 runs for 22 yards and a 35 yard reception. On defense, the Raiders had 7 sacks, 3 by Kameron Wimbley. Wimbley is no green Fraggle. He is a silver and black football player, and a decisive one at that.
The Raiders outgained the Chiefs 344 to 201, and had 209 yards rushing. Not everything is rosy. The Raiders had 10 penalties for 77 yards, and again led the league. Yet the defense held Cassel to a miserable 11 of 33 for 115 yards and 2 interceptions. The Raiders are officially no longer losers. With a healthy Bruce Gradkowski next year, this team finally has the potential to be a playoff team. Denver is a mess, San Diego underachieves, and Kansas City will be losing Charlie Weis. The Raiders went 6-0 in the division, their first division sweep since their 1976 championship team under John Madden. They missed the playoffs, but the Raider Nation has a lot to be pleased with. 2010 was a tough year for many, but 2011 brings much optimism for the Silver and Black and their fans. To take a hated rival and beat the daylights out of them in front of their own fans is a nice way to end the season. 31-10 Raiders
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots–Tony Sparano was on the hot seat after consecutive non-winning seasons following an initial 11-5 rookie campaign. The Dolphins are 6-1 on the road but 1-7 at home. Consultant Bill Parcells lobbied the owner to give Sparano one more season, and the Tuna got his wish. Tuna underling Evil Hoodie Bill Bellichick and his Patriots at 13-2 have locked up the top seed in the AFC and home field throughout the playoffs.
A 13 yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski had the Patriots up 7-0. After 8 games without a turnover, New England finally had one when Danny Woodhead fumbled, setting up the Dolphins at the Patriots 22. Evil Hoodie Bill Bellichick flipped a coin and decided not to cut him. Dan Carpenter would miss the field goal, and the decision would be if Tony Sparano would cut him or owner Stephen Ross would fire both of them. Brady went to Julian Edelman for big gains of 22 and 40 yards as Green-Ellis took it in from the one to have the Patriots up 14-0.
In the second quarter Shane Graham nailed a 28 yard field goal to have the Patriots up 17-0. Jut before the half, with the Dolphins under the illusion the game was not over, Julian Edelman returned a punt 94 yards for a touchdown to have the Patriots up 24-0. Normally when coaches get fired they retire to Miami. I wonder where Miami coaches retire to, perhaps down the block.
Naturally Bellichick left the starters in since it was not 100-0. Brady began the third quarter by hitting Gronkowski for 26 yards and Tate for 40 more. Brady hit Crumpler for the 10 yard score to make it 31-0. Brady went deep again to Tate for a 42 yard touchdown to make it 38-0. Last year in a meaningless Week 17 game, Wes Welker was injured, and the Patriots got throttled at home in the playoffs. The only uspense would be if egomaniac Bellichick would pull his starters.
The Dolphins got a garbage touchdown and ended their second consecutive 7-9 season with Tony Sparano perhaps on the hot seat. The Patriots improved to 14-2, although Bellichick will most likely remind them what happened when they went 16-0 in 2007. The Patriots have home field, and look unstoppable. 38-7 Patriots
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints–The Buccaneers need to win and have Green Bay and the Giants both lose to make the playoffs. Not likely. The Saints are most likely the wildcard, but if they win and somehow the Falcons lose at home to Carolina (not bloody likely), the Saints get the top seed and home field throughout the playoffs.
It was a 43 yard Connor Barth field goal that had the Buccaneers up 3-0. Yet Brees led a 13 play, 78 yard drive that took over 5 minutes. A 4 yard touchdown from Brees to Graham had the Saints up 7-3. In the second quarter the Saints missed a chance to extend the lead by fumbling on the goal line.
Divine intervention allowed the Buccaneers to fire a pass into traffic that was deflected straight to another receiver for a 28 yard gain. Then on the field goal attempt, the Saints jumped offsides for an automatic first down. After 11 plays and 96 yards over 5 1/2 minutes, Josh Freeman found Devon Briscoe from 2 yards out to have the Buccaneers up 10-7.
In the third quarter Garrettt Hartley hit a 45 yard field goal to tie the game 10-10. Yet Michael Spurlock returned the ensuing kickoff 69 yards to the Saints 33. Barth kicked a 32 yard field goal to have the Buccaneers back up 13-10.
The Saints were plagued by turnovers, and a fumble became their 3rd turnover of the day. It led to a critical 4th and 1 at the Saints 18. Instead of running, Raheem Morris called a pass play. Freeman faded, back, and with a man in his face, Freeman threw up a jump ball that Mike Williams came down with as the Buccaneers had a stunning 20-10 lead on the road.
From the Saints 27, Brees led the Saints in 11 plays over 6 minutes into the fourth quarter. Yet from the Tampa 15, the Saints moved backward as they settled for a 38 yard field goal to make it a 7 point game with 11 1/2 minutes left.
With 9 minutes left the Buccaneers fumbled deep in their own territory, giving the Saints the ball at the Tampa 37. Yet on 3rd and 1 the Saints fumbled, losing 11 yards and pushing them out of field goal range with 7 minutes left. The Buccaneers took over at their own 10.
On 3rd and 6 Freeman went deep to Briscoe for 54 yards. In front of a still dazed home crowd, Barth drilled the 48 yard field goal with 4 minutes left to put the game out of reach. Drew Brees stayed on the sidelines as backup quarterback Daniel fired incomplete on 3rd and 1. On 4th and 1 Sean Payton decided to just punt and go home with nothing to play for at this point. Atlanta had won big, and their was no reason to risk injury with the wildcard assured.
Give Raheem Morris, Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers a ton of credit. The glazer family was raked over the coals when Jon Gruden was fired, especially when Tampa Bay dropped from 9-7 to 3-13. Yet this year Tampa Bay is 10-6. Unless the Giants and Green Bay both lose, Tampa Bay will miss the playoffs. Nevertheless, the Bucs are back. As for the Saints, despite the loss the defending champs are 11-5 and the # 5 seed wildcard. 23-13 Buccaneers
Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets–The Bills are out and the Jets are locked into the wildcard. Rex Ryan will most likely rest his starters despite the Jets backing into the playoffs with 3 losses in 4 games after a 9-2 start.
On 4th and 1 from the Bills 11, the first big decision came with Rex Ryan deciding on a field goal. from 28 yards, the Jets had a 3-0 lead. With the same score after the first quarter, Mark Sanchez had the day off, as Mark Brunell got the nod today. Brian Bohm was playing instead of Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Brohm was intercepted by Cole in the second quarter for a 35 yard defensive touchdown and a 10-0 Jets lead.
A close game was broken open just before the end of the half as Mark Brunell worked the 2 minute drill to perfection. Brunell found Santonio Holmes for a 17 yard touchdown pass as the Jets led 17-0 at the break.
In the third quarter Brunell was intercepted by Byrd, who returned it 37 yards for a touchdown to have the Bills within 17-7. Yet Brunell would come back and go deep to Braylon Edwards for a 52 yard touchdown to have the Jets back up 24-7.
The fourth quarter began with Brohm getting sacked and fumbling. It did not lead to anything but Brohm was intercepted on the next series to set the Jets up at the Bills 27. Kelly Clemens came in at quarterback and led the Jets to a touchdown with a 10 yard scramble to make it 31-7. Brohm was intercepted again as the Jets took over at the Buffalo 34. Brad Smith took a wildcat snap on 3rd and 3 from the 16, and handed it to Conner, who scored to make it 38-7. Shockingly enough, Brohm remained in the game. Unshockingly, he was intercepted yet again.
Chan Gailey saw the Bills rebound from an 0-8 start to compete hard in the second half of the season. Yet they did not compete today. Even without Mark Sanchez, the Rex Ryan Jets made a statement. At 11-5, the Jets are the #6 seed in the playoffs. 38-7 Jets
San Diego Chargers @ Denver Broncos–Both teams are eliminated yet Dean Spanos is bringing back AJ Smith and Norvelous Norv Turner. The Broncos are enjoying the early positive returns on Tim Tebowmania.
Despite Tebow and Philip Rivers, the game began with punts and each quarterback throwing an interception. With 5 1/2 minutes left in the opening quarter, the Broncos took over at the San Diego 40. Tebow hit Jabar Gaffney for 12, and on 3rd and 8 from the Chargers 24, Tebow scrambled for 10. Tebow hit Brandon Lloyd for a 14 yard touchdown to give the Broncos the 7-0 lead.
The second quarter began with the Chargers facing 3rd and 7 at their own 46. Rivers hit Vincent Jackson for 19 and then 8. Mathews raced up the middle for a 27 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7. The Chargers got the ball back at midfield. On 3rd and 8 Rivers went deep to Malcolm Floyd for a 41 yard gain. From the 4, the Chargers moved 20 yards in reverse as Nate Kaeding connected from 42 to have the Chargers up 10-7. Kaeding would nail field goals of 45 and 47 yards to have the Chargers up 16-7 at halftime.
In the third quarter Tebow was intercepted, setting the Chargers up at their own 29. Rivers hit Sperry for 17, and Naanee for gains of 26 and 16. Mathews ran it in from 12 yards out to have the Chargers up 23-7. Denver punted, and Cason returned it 62 yards to the Denver 19. Kaeding made his 4th field goal, a 37 yarder that had the Chargers up 26-7.
Denver took over at their own 17 and Tebow led the Broncos 83 yards in 11 plays and 5 minutes. On 3rd and 10 from their own 31, Tebow scrambled for 39 yards, and then scrambled twice more for 11 and 8 yards. Tebow hit Decker for a 6 yard touchdown to get the Broncos within 26-14 after three quarters.
Kaeding would miss a 53 yard field goal after making 4 of them, but it did not matter. With 8 minutes left in the game, Mathews was stopped on 3rd and 1 at the Denver 31. Norv Turner decided to go for it, and on 4th and 1 Mthews went up the middle all the way for the score to have the Chargers cruising 33-14. Denver stayed right in it when Vaughn returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. The Chargers remain less than special on special teams, although they still led 33-21.
With 3:17 to play the Broncos faced 4th and 6 at the Chargers 45. Tebow threw incomplete, and the game seemed over. It wasn’t. The Broncos got the ball back at their own 8 with 2:49 to play. Tebow went pass crazy, hitting Lloyd for gains of 15 and 17 and Decker for 16 at the 2 minute warning. A 25 yard pass led to Tebow scrambling on 3rd and goal from the 6 for another touchdown. The 12 play, 92 yard drive had the Broncos within 5 with only 32 seconds to play.
The onsides kick was perfect, and the Broncos had the ball at their own 41 with 26 seconds left. A 19 point lead for the Chargers was now a cliffhanger. Tebow had a couple shots at the Hail Mary, but the balls fell incomplete and the Chargers escaped. Norvelous Norv Turner saw his underachieving Chargers finish 9-7. Yes, they went 7-2 after a 2-5 start, but they are out of the playoffs. At 3-13, so are the Broncos. John Elway just returned to Denver as an executive, immediately livening up the AFC West for next year. 33-28 Chargers
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers–The Bears are all but locked into the # 2 seed and the 1st round bye. They cannot fall lower. If they win and the Saints an Falcons both lose at home (not bloody likely), the Bears would have the top seed and home field throughout the playoffs. The Packers are desperate. If they win, they are in as a wildcard. If they lose, they are most likely out.
By the time the game started, the Bears knew they were locked into the # 2 seed unable to get the top spot. Lovie Smith decided to play his starters anyway, despite having nothing to play for. The lure of knocking Green Bay out of the playoffs is motivation enough for any Bears fan. As for the game itself, it was your typical NFC Norris Black and Blue Division football game that descendants of Lombardi and Halas would love. A 30 yard field goal by Robbie Gould in the second quarter had the Bears leading the slugfest 3-0.
Defense dominated the third quarter as well. On 4th and 2 from the Green Bay 40, Lovie Smith decided to go for it, and Jay Cutler threw incomplete. Aaron Rodgers was then intercepted by Charles Tillman, who returned it 42 yards to the Green Bay 15. Cutler was then intercepted by Peprah in the end zone. A field position game had the Packers starting at the Chicago 44. From the 34, Rodgers went deep to Jennings for 33 yards down to the one. Kuhn got nothing and a fake and a pitchout lost 3 yards. Rodgers was then wrapped up and the Packers settled for a 23 yard Mason Crosby field goal and a 3-3 game after 3 quarters.
One minute into the fourth quarter, the Packers faced 3rd and 3 at their own 32. Rodgers went deep to Donald Driver for 21 yards and then for all the marbles to Greg Jennings for a 46 yard gain down to the one. This time the end zone was cracked as Rodgers faked out everybody and threw a 1 yard touchdown to Lee as the Packers had the 7 point lead with 13 minutes left in the game.
One hero in the fourth quarter was Green Bay punter Masthay, who pinned the Bears at their own 3. The next time Green Bay punted, the Bears began at their own 2 with 5 minutes left in the game. Jay Cutler used to play for Denver, and he would need a 98 yard John Elway matching drive to tie the game.
On 3rd and 1, Cutler hit Olsen for 7. On 3rd and 4 from the 24, Cutler ran for 7. The clock kept moving, and the Bears took their second timeout with 51 seconds left and 3rd and 10 at the Green Bay 48. Cutler hit Devon Hester for 16 and then fired incomplete with 20 seconds left. Cutler then fired one more time, but was intercepted by Collins at the 11 yard line to end the game.
The 11-5 Bears are the # 2 seed while the 10-6 Packers are the # 6 seed. A rubber match between these teams would be well worth it as Buddy Ryan, Dick Butkus, and Ray Nitschke must have loved this classic. The win by Green Bay eliminated the Giants and Tampa Bay. 10-3 Packers
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans–Earlier this year the Jaguars won at home on a miracle Hail Mary that led to Jacksonville rising and Houston collapsing. Gary Kubiak may be given another reprieve by Bob McNair, while Wayne Weaver most likely will bring back Jack Del Rio although they have lost 2 straight to go from winning the division to the brink of elimination. If the Jaguars win and the Colts lose at home to Tennessee (Not bloody likely), the Jaguars make the playoffs. Yet the football gods can be cruel, and Jacksonville would be without injured David Garrard and Maurice Jones-Drew.
The Texans took over at their own 10 to start. On 3rd and 1, Foster broke free for a 56 yard gain. Ward then gained 19 and 4 more, and Foster got the carry for the 2 yard touchdown to have the Texans up 7-0. Houston got the ball at their own 28, and Matt Schaub led them down the field again. Yet on 2nd and 2 from the Jaguars 8, Foster got half. On 3rd and 1 from the 7, Foster lost that yard as the Texans settled for a field goal and a 10-0 lead.
Trent Edwards was quarterbacking the Jaguars, and on the next series he did not even raise his throwing arm as Jennings and Kari carried the load. Jennings gained 16, 2, and 8, while Karim added 5 and 7. Jennings carried another 9 and the final 3 for the score as the Jaguars were within 10-7. The Texans quickly struck back from their own 25 as Schaub hit Owen Daniels for 27 and Ward ran for a 35 yard touchdown to have the Texans up 17-7 early in the second quarter.
The Jaguars took over at their own 30 and Edwards hit Hill for 16. On 4th and 1 from the Houston 45, Edwards snuck for just enough. Josh Scobee connected from 39 yards out to have the Jaguars within 17-10.
With 4 1/2 minutes left in the half the Jaguars got the ball back at their own 26. Karim gained 3, 10, and 12 as Jack Del Rio insisted on playing it conservative. Defensive penalties for illegal use of hands and pass interference moved the ball close, and Edwards hit Lewis for a 7 yard touchdown at the 2 minute warning to tie the game 17-17.
The Texans took over at their own 28 and Schaub went to work with all 3 timeouts. From the Houston 45, Schaub went to Jones for 6, 10, and 18. Neil Rackers nailed 33 yard field goal to give the Texans the 20-17 lead at intermission.
Midway through the third quarter the Texans took over at their own 3 yard line. Schaub hit Daniels for 14, and on 3rd and 3 found Jones for 32 yards and Walter for 23 more. On 3rd and goal from the 5, Schaub found Daniels for the score as the Texans got some distance up 27-17 with the backbreaking 97 yard drive. With 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation, the Texans got the ball at their own 24. 76 yards required only 2 plays as Schaub hit Dreesen for 41 and Foster ran for the remaining 35. A close game was now a decisive 34-17 Texans lead.
The Texans finished with a losing record, but the win should save Kubiak. One scenario has Wade Phillips joining the team as the defensive coordinator. Wayne Weaver will not be happy with the Jaguars losing 3 straight to drop to 8-8 and out of the playoffs, but Del Rio will most likely be brought back. Del Rio is only the second coach in franchise history, and Weaver does not make hasty changes. 34-17 Texans
Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts–If Bud Adams loses his mind and fires Jeff Fisher to retain basket case Vince Young, Fisher will be employed somewhere else within about 15 minutes. Other teams are praying he gets fired so they can hire him. As for the Colts, they make the playoffs if they win this game. Yet if they lose and Jacksonville wins, the Colts are out. The playoffs would survive without Peyton Manning, but it would still be stunning.
Peyton Manning and Kerry Collins have dueled many times over the years, and both quarterbacks moved the ball well in the first half, although the end zone remained elusive. Manning moved the Colts 11 plays for a 48 yard Adam Vinatieri field goal. Collins took the Titans in 12 plays and 6 minutes to a 26 yard Rob Bironas kick. In the second quarter it was Manning going 10 plays for Vinatieri to connect from 44. Collins came back again as 12 plays in 6 1/2 minutes had Bironas tying the game from 42 at 6-6.
The Colts took over at their own 22, and Dominic Rhodes gained 8, 12, and 2. On 3rd and 4 from the Titans 41, a neutral zone infraction meant an automatic first down. At the 2 minute warning, Manning finally got the Colts in the end zone with a 7 yard touchdown to Reggie Wayne as the Colts led 13-6. On the last play of the half, Bironas attempted a 61 yard field goal. It was short, and Antoine Bethea returned it. Yet after about 100 yards of running, an exhausted Bethea was caught from behind at the 8 yard line. An illegal block would have nullified a score anyway.
The second half saw the Titans take over after a punt at their own 35. Collins went deep to Nate Washington for 38 yards. On 3rd and 4 from the 21, Collins went deep again to Kenn Britt for a touchdown and a 13-13 game.
The Colts took over at their own 24. Defensive pass interference had the Colts on the move. On 3rd and 7 from the Titans 40, Manning hit White for 10. Manning then went deep to Pierre Garcon for the score as the Colts were back in the lead 20-13.
Yet in typical Jeff Fisher fashion, the plucky Titans were not going away quietly. The ensuing kickoff was returned to the Titans 30, and Chris Johnson gained 12. Collins went deep to Randy Moss for 18. On 3rd and 5 from the Colts 24, Collins hit Williams for 6. Collins found Johnson for a 15 yard touchdown as the Titans had tied the game 20-20 after three quarters.
Collins would finish 28 of 39 for 300 yards and Manning would go 27 of 41 for 264 yards as each quarterback threw 2 touchdown passes. Fittingly, this rivalry would come down to the final play. With 2 1/2 minutes left in the game the Colts took over at their own 18. Manning hit Jacob Tamme for 16. With 1:52 to play and the Colts trying to set up for Adam Vinatieri to win it, the Colts faced 3rd and 8 at their own 36. Manning hit Wayne for 12. On the next play, Rhodes gained 7, but fumbled the ball away in front of a shocked home crowd.
Griffin returned the ball 20 yards as the Titans took over at the Indy 37. This time Rob Bironas was looking to end it as 1:30 remained. On 2nd and 7, Collins fumbled the snap from center and the Colts got the ball back. The Colts had the ball at their own 38. Manning found White for 20 yards. Joseph Addai ran for 6 and Manning hit Tamme for 11 more. With 3 seconds left, Vinatieri got his chance from 43 yard out. Just like in his Super Bowl wins, he was dead center.
The Titans ended a heartbreaking season with an equally agonizing loss, as both losses to the Colts came by a combined 5 points. That separated 10-6 from 6-10 instead of a pair of 8-8 teams. Everything in Tennessee now hinges on whether Bud Adams chooses Vince Young over Jeff Fisher. As for the Colts, despite numerous injuries and a 6-6 start, they finished 4-0 to become only the second team besides the 1975-1983 Cowboys to go to the playoffs 9 straight seasons. After 7 years of being at least 12-4, the Colts are “only” 10-6. Yet they actually with the win moved from the # 4 to the # 3 seed. While that usually means nothing, in 2008 in mattered in the NFC as a pair of 9-7 teams reached the conference title game. Jim Caldwell was so pleased that he really did almost make a facial expression. 23-20 Colts
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles–The Cowboys are out but Jason Garrett is 4-3 as interim head coach. The Eagles at 10-5 blew their chance at a 1st round bye with their home loss last week on Tuesday Night Football, which is played every 64 years. Walrus Lite Andy Reid may rest ailing Michael Vick since the Eagles are locked into the # 3 seed at 10-5.
When Donovan McNabb was shipped out of town, Kevin Kolb was supposed to be the starter. He did start the first and the last game, but the 14 games inbetween saw him on the sidelines. The Cowboys started Stephen McGee as Jon Kitna joined Tony Romo in the injury department. This game looked like a game of 3rd stringers playing out the regular season, which it was.
Late in the first quarter the Eagles took over at the Dallas 39. On the opening play of the second quarter Kolb hit Hall for a 4 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Eagles lead. On the next Philly drive, facing 3rd and 3 at their own 15, Kolb was sacked and fumbled. Ware returned it 17 yards for a score to tie the game 7-7 at the half.
The second half was a defensive bonelock as the game went into the fourth quarter still tied 7-7. 30 seconds into the fourth quarter David Akers connected from 43 yards out to have the Eagles up 10-7. With 10 minute left in regulation David Buehler came in for a 52 yard field goal to tie it. Buehler was no good, as Jerry Jones again threatened to blow up the stadium until being reminded that it was a road game and he did not own Lincoln Financial. From the Philly 42, Kolb went deep to Hall for a 48 yard gain. Dallas held on defense but Akers hit the 22 yarder to have the Eagles up 13-7 with 7 minutes left to play.
With 3 minutes left, the Cowboys took over at their own 46. With 2:18 left and the Cowboys facing 3rd and 1, the Cowboys took their last timeout and the Eagles took their first. Barber got stopped, setting up the critical 4th and 1 at the 2 minute warning. If ever there was a time to hand the ball to a guy named Gronkowski, this was it. Gronkowski got the yard, and the drive continued. McGee then found Witten, who took a short pass 33 yards to the 11. With one minute left, on 3rd and 3 from the 4, McGee hit Witten for the score. Last week the Cowboys lost when Buehler missed an extra point. This time he made it and the Cowboys led by a point.
Philly took over at their own 20 with 55 seconds left. Kolb was sacked, and on 4th and 19, Kolb was intercepted by Terrence Newman. The Cowboys went 5-3 under Jason Garrett, who is probably coming back after taking over a 1-7 team. Walrus Lite Andy Reid cannot be pleased with consecutive losses at home to back into the playoffs at 10-6, but the Eagles are 10-6. Their sweep of the Giants, including the miracle finish 3 weeks ago, was the difference in the Eagles getting the # 3 seed and the Giants at 10-6 going home. They get Vick back next week. 14-13 Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers–Both teams are out, as Mike Singletary has followed the tradition of Ray Rhodes by scowling and talking tough, not backing it up with wins, and getting fired. These teams are the worst of the NFC Worst, which says a lot.
A field position game had the 49ers eventually starting at the Arizona 37. In case anyone cared which Smith was quarterbacking, it was Alex over Troy. Alex needed one play to go deep to Ted Ginn for the touchdown to have the 49ers up 7-0. The second quarter began with the 49ers facing 3rd and 8 at the Arizona 12. Smith was sacked and a 39 yard Reed field goal had the 49ers up 10-0.
Field position would shift, and in a mirror image from before, it was Arizona beginning at the San Francisco 37. Red Skelton got the call, as he kit Komar for 8 on 3rd and 3. On 3rd and 8 from the 20, Skelton found Larry Fitzgerald for 10 and then for 10 more to get the Cardinals within 10-7.
Sometimes bad teams can come together to play a great game. Sometimes the games are as bad as expected, as the second half turned into a blowout.
Alex Smith went to Vernon Davis for a 59 yard touchdown to make it 17-7. Bryan Westbrook ran for a pair of 6 yard touchdown runs as the 49ers led 31-7 after 3 quarters. In the fourth quarter, Brown returned an interception 62 yards for the final score. The 49ers finished 6-10 and the Cardinals 5-11. Ken Whisenhunt will obviously be back, but he needs a quarterback. The 49ers now search for their next coach. 38-7 49ers
New York Giants @ Washington Redskins–Both of these teams are reeling. The Redskins are a mess as egomaniac Mike Shanahan has added his name to the list of people unfairly throwing Donovan McNabb under the bus. McNabb absolutely deserves better, and hopefully a starting job awaits him somewhere in 2011. Yet the Giants, despite back to back meltdowns, can still make the playoffs. They need to win and hope Green Bay loses at home to a Chicago team with little to play for (not bloody likely). Tom Coughlin will most likely not be fired, but the Giants were 8 minutes from a division championship before their spectacular collapse.
Late in the first quarter Eli Manning led an 11 play, 78 yard drive that took 6 minutes. Yet on 4th and goal at the 2, Tom Coughlin opted for the field goal and the 3-0 lead on the road. The Redskins began the second quarter with 3rd and 5 at the Giants 20. Washington fumbled the ball away. The Giants moved from their own 25 to 4th and 2 at the Washington 38. Coughlin opted to punt.
Midway through the second quarter the Giants took over at their own 31. Manning hit Ware for 16 and Hagan for 11 12 on 3rd and 11. On 3rd and 9 from the Washington 41, Manning found Hagan again, this time for 15. A 24 yard completion to Kevin Boss was followed by Brandon Jacobs barreling in from 2 yards out to have the Giants up 10-0.
The Redskins took over at their own 20 with 3 minutes left in the half. Rex Grossman, the newest quarterback to get the nod over McNabb, Grossman hit Coolie for 16 and Davis for 19. At the 2 minute warning, Grossman hit Santana Moss for 18 and Williams for 23 down to the 4. Grossman hit Davis for the score just before the half to have the Redskins within 10-7.
One play defined the third quarter. From the 8, Manning went deep to Mario Manningham for a 92 yard touchdown that gave the Giants some breathing room at 17-7. Rex Grossman would throw an interception but the Giants failed to capitalize when Lawrence Tynes missed a 39 yard field goal.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, the Redskins faced 3rd and 3 at the Giants 30. Grossman was sacked by Osi Umenyiora and fumbled the ball away. The Redskins got the ball back and with 10 1/2 minutes left faced 1st and 10 at the Giants 17. Grossman found Santana Moss for 7 yards, but Moss fumbled and again Big Blue had the big defensive stop as the Redskins kept self-destructing.
A 27 yard punt return had the Redskins starting at the Giants 41 with 8 1/2 minutes left. On 2nd and 1 and 3rd and 1 Mike Shanahan called passes and Grossman fired incomplete. On 4th and 1 Ryan Torain got blown up in the backfield for a 5 yard loss. Yet the Giants had no offense, and the Redskins got the ball back again at their own 36 with 6 minutes to play. After 3 straight bungled possessions, this time one play made it a ballgame as Grossman went deep to Armstrong for a 64 yard touchdown. The Redskins were only down by a field goal.
The Redskins got the ball back with 2:11 to play at their own 17. With 1:07 left and the Redskins facing 4th and 4 at their own 36, Grossman fired incomplete. The Redskins ended with another losing season and Shanahan is going to impose his iron will to remake the roster next year. As for the Giants, at 10-6 they are a good team that will not be going to the playoffs. The melt down in the New Meadowlands against Philly followed by the carpetbombing they faced at Green Bay is why Green Bay and Philly at 10-6 are in while the Giants lose the tiebreakers and are out. Tom Coughlin most likely will not be fired. 17-14 Giants
St. Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks is the Sunday night game. In the NFC Worst, anything gets you in the playoffs. The 7-8 Rams are much improved under Steve Sapgnuolo and Sam Bradford, who turned around a team that went 6-42 the prior 3 years. The Seahawks are 6-9 for Pete Carroll, but all 9 losses came by at least 15 points. 9 blowout losses, and the team ineligible for a bowl game can make the playoffs. If both teams finish 7-9, Seattle is in. The Seahawks will start Charlie Whitehurst in place of injured Matt Hasselbeck, as the Rams can stop the league hyperventilating by going 8-8. This is winner take all for the # 4 seed. The # 4 seed is not named after Hasselbeck’s former mentor in Green Bay who is retiring.
So what happens when a pair of below average teams play a meaningful game? The game is competitive but badly played, as expected in the Stupor Bowl. The game started out exciting as the Seahawks took over at their own 13. Whitehurst began his second career start with a 13 yard pass to Forsett. His second pass went to Martin for a 61 yard gain to the Rams 13. On 3rd and 10 Whitehurst was sacked, but defensive holding gave the Seahawks 1st and goal at the 7. Whitehurst hit Williams for a 4 yard touchdown to have the Seahawks up 7-0 only 3 minutes into the game. That concluded the Seahawks highlights as their next 27 minutes were forgettable.
The Rams ended the opening quarter at their own 3 yard line and Sam Bradford led a 13 play, 83 yard drive that consumed over 6 minutes. Yet the drive stalled at the 14 yard line. Josh Brown nailed the 32 yard field goal. That concluded the Rams highlights as the Seahawks led 7-3 at intermission.
The third quarter continued the ugliness. After the Rams punted, the Seahawks needed only one play. Marshawn Lynch fumbled, and the Rams recovered at the Seattle 21. On 1st and goal at the 6, Stephen Jackson carried it just short of the goal line. Yet offensive holding instead killed the drive and the Rams settled for a 27 yard field goal to trail 7-6.
The Seahawks took over at their own 25. Lynch made up for his fumble by running 24 yards just shy of midfield. On second and 17, Forsett gained 21. Th drive stalled at the 13, but Olindo Mare made the 31 yard field goal to have the Seahawks up 10-6 after three quarters.
The fourth quarter began with the Seahawks facing 3rd and 1 at the Rams 40. Whitehurst went for the quarterback sneak and got nothing. On 4th and 1 Carroll decided to punt as the play clock began winding down. The officials claimed that Pete Carroll asked for a timeout, but he insisted he did not want one. He was willing to just take the delay penalty. It left Seattle with only one timeout left, as Seattle punted anyway and Carroll insisted he did not ask for the timeout.
The Rams were pinned at their own 9 yard line, and would punt the ball back, giving the Seahawks the ball at the Rams 48 with 13 minutes left. Whitehurst hit Obomanu for 13, and Lynch gained another baker’s dozen. Mare made the 38 yard field goal. It was ugly, but good, a perfect fit for this game, as the Seahawks led 13-6 with 11 minutes left in regulation.
The Rams punted, and rather than grind down some clock, Seattle used 15 seconds for 3 incomplete passes to punt the ball back. Yet on the next series Bradford was intercepted at the Seattle 37, as 9 minutes still remained. 3 straight runs by Lynch gained 4, 8, and 4. Whitehurst then scrambled for 9 and then hit Obomanu for 9. Robinson with help from a very generous spot got the yard, and it this point Seattle just kept running up the middle and bleeding the clock. Mare came in for a 39 yard field goal on 4th and 3 as the Rams called timeout with 2:45 to play. At the worst possible time, the Rams were called for encroachment, giving Seattle an automatic first down.
Seattle messed up next. On 2nd and 5 Lynch gained 4, but offensive holding instead pushed Seattle back and stopped the clock. Instead of 3rd and 1, 2nd and 15 led to a longer field goal from 34 yards as the Rams took their final timeout with 1:41 to play. Mare nailed it, and as the Seahawks celebrated and the Rams saw the door slam shut.
Again, the Rams have nothing to be ashamed of They went 6-42 the past 3 years, including 1-15 last year. This year they went 7-9. Dallas went 1-15 in 1989 and 7-9 in 1990. Things worked out for them, and the Rams have the pieces to improve next year. As for Seattle, yes they are the worst team to ever win a division and make the playoffs at 7-9. Yes all 9 losses came by at least 15 points. Yet the rules are what they are, and they have every right to be in the playoffs along with the other teams. Seattle will host…yes host…the 12-4 defending champion Saints in the wildcard. Tony Dungy saw his 12-4 Colts travel to 8-8 San Diego for a playoff game and lose, and Dungy says leave things alone. Seattle is in, and playing in a meaningful game, which is more than can be said about Pete Carroll’s college kids he left behind. 16-6 Seahawks
The playoffs are now set.
AFC: # 1 Seed New England Patriots (14-2) and # 2 Seed Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) have the 1st round byes
# 6 New York Jets (11-5) @ # 3 Indianapolis Colts (9-7) in one wildcard match.
# 5 Baltimore Ravens (12-4) @ # 4 Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) in the other.
NFC: # 1 Seed Atlanta Falcons (13-3) and # 2 Seed Chicago Bears (12-4) have the 1st round byes.
# 6 Green Bay Packers (10-6) @ # 3 Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) in one wildcard match.
# 5 New Orleans Saints (12-4) @ # 4 Seattle Seahawks (7-9) in the other.
Television, West Coast time:
Saturday, 1:30pm–Saints @ Seahawks
Saturday, 5pm–Jets @ Colts
Sunday, 10am–Ravens @ Chiefs
Sunday, 1:30pm–Packers @ Eagles
Are you ready for some playoff football!!!!!!!!
Let’s get it on!!!!!!!!
eric
How sad it it that I’m pretty pleased my Lions finished at 6 and 10? Next year looks like a brighter Honolulu Blue season in Detroit.