What an eventful day in the NFL!
A bunch of games with significant playoff relevance. Teams losing and getting knocked out of the playoffs. Other teams winning and not making the playoffs anyway. The Broncos clinched the second seed in the AFC, the Seahawks clinched the NFC West and the top seed for the NFC, and the Packers clinched the NFC North and the second seed for the NFC. Coach Jim Harbaugh celebrating his highly successful tenure with the 49ers on the field in the waning seconds, before he and the 49ers parted ways.
Plus, a few other coaches and managers are likely to be on the hot seat, as well.
So, let's see what happened this weekend in the NFL:
Dallas 44, Washington 17 - Wow! These Dallas Cowboys remind me of the juggernaut Dallas teams of the nineties. I really admire the way that they played this season, especially on the road (they went 8-0). Many great road teams wind up qualifying for the Super Bowl, although that remains to be seen. Beating every team that you face on the road in the regular season is impressive, but it is likely the Cowboys would have to face both the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks on the road if they are to qualify for the Super Bowl, and that's a different thing altogether. Still, what an impressive season!
NY Jets 37, Miami 24 - The Jets put together what might have been their most impressive game, although they waited until the season finale to do it. The offense clicked, and left you wondering where they have been all season? Impressive, but not enough to save Rex Ryan's job, and a lot of changes are expected in New York.
Minnesota 13, Chicago 9 - The Bears end this truly miserable season for them by losing the regular season finale, which plants them solidly in the basement of the NFC North. Quite a few had expected them to emerge as serious playoff contenders, even possibly title contenders. Now, it's rebuilding time in Chicago.
Buffalo 17, New England 9 - At least the Buffalo Bills managed to end their dreadful streak at Foxboro, even though the game meant nothing to the Patriots. The Bills had never won at Gillette Stadium, and the Patriots hardly ever seem to lose there, period. This should be a confidence booster for Buffalo, who at least managed to end with a winning record this season at 9-7. Maybe they can build on this for a more successful 2015 season.
Kansas City 19, San Diego 7 - One of the hardest to believe statistics from this season surely is that the Chiefs wide receivers failed to catch a touchdown pass the entire season. One of them came very close in the final game, but was hit hard and fumbled just before crossing the goal line, although it was recovered by another Chief in the end zone for a touchdown, anyway. Still, Kansas City won, and the Chargers were knocked out.
New Orleans 23, Tampa Bay 20 - Both teams won something this game. The Saints won the game, managing to end a forgettable season on a winning note. And Tampa Bay "earned" the first to pick in the draft, for the first time since 1987. Let's see what it is worth to them.
Indianapolis 27, Tennessee 10 - Pretty much exactly what you would expect from this one, right? A horrible season for the Titans end on a dull note with another listless loss. They did not even get the good news of "earning" the first pick in next year's draft!
Baltimore 20, Cleveland 10 - Johnny Football is apparently too much of a distraction, and already, his future with the Cleveland Browns is in question. And the Browns, once again, suffered through a miserable end to the season. A season that once seemed promising. Three teams in the AFC North are heading to the playoffs, and only one failed to do so. The Browns, of course, are that one team. Sigh. Depressing.
Houston 23, Jacksonville 17 - The Jaguars have been surprisingly competitive at times this season, and this day was no exception. Still, J.J. Watts had another incredible performance, becoming the first man to ever get multiple season with over 20 sacks. That, plus all of the other stuff that he did this season, should earn him MVP honors.
Philadelphia 34, NY Giants 26 - A miserable season for the Giants ends on a down note, while the Eagles get a victory to salvage some respect and pride heading into the offseason. Both teams have some issues that they need to address for next year.
Green Bay Packers 30, Detroit Lions 20 - Well, I don't know why I picked against the Packers at Lambeau. They are particularly dominant there, especially Rodgers. But the Lions had a shot there for a little while. A tough defense, and an injured Aaron Rodgers. But it just was not happening for them. I will admit to not particularly liking Suy, the Lions controversial defenseman, who stomped on Aaron Rodgers in a clear case of a cheap shot yesterday.
Carolina Panthers 34, Atlanta Falcons 3 - Wow! The Falcons could at least have added a little suspense, couldn't they? Apparently not. The Panthers left absolutely no doubt and, in a strange way, are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, having won four in a row, and often looking dominant in the process. However, the Arizona Cardinals should - should - prove a tougher test than Atlanta did today.
San Francisco 20, Arizona 17 - Harbaugh's last game with San Francisco was a little unusual, almost festive towards the end. But the 49ers ended his tenure on a winning note, admittedly fittingly. Who knows who will wind up on the sidelines coaching the Niners, but it is hard to imagine anyone better than Harbaugh, who is allegedly on his way to coach the Michigan Wolverines.
Seattle 20, St. Louis 6 - The Seahawks defensive dominance continues, as they now get the chance to rest up before their next big game. It is going to be tough (although I guess not impossible) for someone to come into Seattle and knock the Seahawks out, although that is an extremely tall order. Especially if the defense plays lights out the way that they have played in the last six games.
Denver 47, Oakland 14 - Denver left no doubt in this one. They completed an impressive 12-4 season, and remained undefeated at home, and get the bye to rest up.
Pittsburgh 27, Cincinnati 17 - The Bengals failed to capture the AFC North division title, and I'll bet they regret some of the stupid losses that they suffered at times this season, especially the drubbing at home by the Cleveland Browns. Ultimately, however, the Bengals are in the playoffs, although you have to wonder if their current streak of no playoff victories since the 1990-91 season will continue.
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