by Jared - December 27, 2009 - - Comment Now »
This might have been the worst slate of games all year…
–Very impressive win for the Chargers. They are probably my pick to win the AFC. And by probably, I mean they are (using probably just makes it look a little less emphatic in case they lose *looks at Norv Turner*). Meanwhile, the Titans found out 0-6 is just too much to come back from. Vince Young finally had a bad game and the loss of Keith Bullock on the other side was devastating. Look out for them next year.
–I think the injury to Ronnie Brown and as a result, the loss of their Wildcat offense, caught up to the Dolphins. The Texans are way too inconsistent to make any noise, even if they somehow get into the playoffs.
–Surprising beating of the day: Carolina over New York. RIP 2009 Giants. An extremely disappointing year on a number of levels, beginning with a 5-0 start. Next, the running game. Brandon Jacobs was my favorite player to watch last year. He was not this year. He was close to terrible (though they ran curious plays/formations for him). The defense was the biggest disappointment however. Injuries had a lot to do with it (Justin Tuck was playing most of the season with a torn labrum to go with all the guys who were in and out) but their overall disdain for getting to the quarterback, covering anyone or tackling was quite noticeable. They couldn’t have stopped Jon Stewart and Mandy Moore on Sunday. There is some good news for Giant fans. You still have a bunch of talented guys on that end and you have a damn good quarterback and young receivers on the other. They should be back next year. Finally, do people really care that much about stadiums? Getting upset over a stadium closing is like getting sad when you buy a new, nicer TV.
–Two not so surprising beatings: New England over Jacksonville and Green Bay over Seattle. I expected the Jaguars to make it closer but I am certainly not shocked at that result. The Patriots are almost scary again. Who doesn’t think they are capable of knocking off the Colts or Chargers? For the other game, the Packers appear to be a very live threat as well. God will ensure they play the Vikings again.
–I was mildly surprised that the Falcons creamed the Bills. I don’t care enough to think about it too much though.
–The Browns beat the Raiders.
–The 49ers beat the Lions.
–The Saints will probably lose their first playoff game. They just aren’t that good a team right now. They were earlier in the season, not anymore. They are lucky not to be on a four game losing streak.
–The Steelers and Ravens are the same quality team. Both are relatively dangerous should they get in.
–The Bengals don’t blow anyone out. They are solid enough to win a playoff game but not explosive enough to win more than that.
–I refuse to get back on the Arizona bandwagon. Wins over the Rams should have an asterisk.
–What the hell was that by the Colts coaching staff? That was not the situation to pull your starters. They basically gave up and it affected the entire team. Unless they were trying to get a loss out of the way. There is something to be said for that. Somehow I don’t believe that is what they were thinking. Meanwhile, the Jets defense continues to impress. If they can improve their passing game (which is borderline pathetic) and if Sanchez limits his mistakes, they will be legitimate contenders next season. This year? They are one and done if they get in. (Notorious B.I.G. if, though Cincy won’t have too much to play for)
–The Eagles almost gave one away. Still, they have too many speedy weapons, the right guy to get the ball to them, a capable defense (that is a threat to score), good coaching and experience on their side. I like a Philadelphia-San Diego Super Bowl.
