Is it time to get rid of the four divisions per conference in the NFL, or at least contract them to two?
Let me ask it another way. Are you happy the Colts, Texans or Jaguars are basically going to get handed a playoff spot or would you prefer that those teams compete for it along with Pittsburgh, Oakland, Kansas City, Buffalo and the Jets? Would you prefer that the Giants beat out Seattle, St. Louis and Atlanta for a playoff spot or just get handed one (or the Eagles or RacialSlurs if that were the case).
We only award a bye to the two best teams in each conference. Why not have the rest of the playoffs be solely merit-based instead of offering up a playoff spot to substandard teams. It’s happening with greater and greater frequency that we’re deprived of seeing teams that are actually good in the playoffs because of divisional alignments. Isn’t playing in a crappy division reward enough?
This Week’s Sucked And Won
Matt Prater, K (DET): I’m sorry, but your team just scored the put away touchdown at Lambeau Field to give them their first win there in 24 tries and you shank the extra point? I know the Lions won anyway, but YOU SUCK!
Someone forgot to tell Ben Roethlisberger that quarterbacks are made of spun sugar, glass and egg shells. If you have followed media in the NFL this year, you saw ESPN’s Mike Greenberg practically crying real tears because Ryan Fitzpatrick didn’t slide in an effort to get a first down. Skip Bayless was crying for his binky after a completely legal hit injury Tony Romo. Oh these poor quarterbacks! Something might hurt them! Roethlisberger turned that sort of thinking on its ear this week when he came off the injury roles in relief and led his team to a 30-9 win. Quarterbacks, the last time I checked, aren’t helpless traction patients with brittle bone disease, they’re athletes. No one wants to see them get hurt, but there’s nothing lamer than a guy playing NOT to get hurt instead of trying to win. Let them play for heaven’s sake.
He got up and continued playing. It’s a MIRACLE!
This week’s catch of the day comes courtesy of the Dolphins’ Jarvis Landry, who caught a 4 yard touchdown pass after it had been deflected and flew 20 some feet in the air. Landry was able to follow the ball and haul it in in the end zone for the winning score.
This Week’s Great But Lost
Muhammad Wilkerson, DT (NYJ): A lot of people criticized the Jets’ effort this week, but they couldn’t have meant Temple alum Wilkerson, who posted 6 tackles, 2 sacks and 3 hits on the QB, all coming straight up the middle.
Congratulations to Peyton Manning on becoming the all time passing yardage leader, surpassing Brett Favre in the first half of yesterday’s game vs. the Chiefs. It’s just a shame that Manning’s accomplishment came on what might have been the worst game he ever played as a professional.
More fun with Ryan Fitzpatrick: His 2 TD passes against the Bills last week make him the all-time leader in NFL touchdown passes thrown by an Ivy league quarterback. Too bad it came in a losing effort in a game the Jets really needed.
Thursday Pick: Tennessee (+3) @Jacksonville (MGM Mirage)
In the past this would have been one of those classic dog with fleas NFL games on Thursday, but now with one-day fantasy it is a potential bettor’s heaven, and because the AFC South is the NFL equivalent of overcooked liver and onions, this is a game with PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS! Yeah right. This is a shit game that only fans of one of the two teams involved might want to see. The Jaguars are coming off a last second win and could well be flat. Tennessee, meanwhile, is 4-2 against the spread with Marcus Mariota in the lineup. I’ll take the Titans and the points.
Jacksonville Jaguars 24 Tennessee Titans 23
N-F-Yell
“I must admit, I was very disappointed with whoever the fan was that made a comment that was very inappropriate during the moment of silence. It’s that kind of prejudicial ideology that puts us in the position we are today as a world.” Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, denouncing a fan who yelled out an anti-muslim slur during the moment of silence for the victims of the Paris attacks observed before Sunday’s game.
“It was like I got electrocuted after that play. It gave us the momentum.” – Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, on the effect of Cordarrelle Patterson’s kickoff return for a touchdown.
“I heard somebody say we’re not going to allow you to do that, but I’m a firm believer if you don’t like me to do it then don’t let me in.” – Panthers QB Cam Newton, responding to critics of his touchdown dance.
“The touchdown was magical – had a great fake, a great call, found the way into the end zone. The play before that I have no recollection.” – Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston, jokingly referring to a goal line fumble that was negated by a defensive penalty and allowed Tampa another shot to win the game, which they did.
“This is the second game I have ever been a backup. I know how hard it is now.” – Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, on coming in in relief of injured QB Landry Jones.
“We’re not the type of team that’s finding ways to win right now.” – Ravens QB Joe Flacco, after his team most assuredly found a way to lose against the Jaguars.
“I thought I felt good enough to play. Maybe that was a false feeling.” – Broncos QB Peyton Manning, who played so poorly he was benched in the third quarter of the team’s loss to Kansas City.
“We hate playing bad football.” – Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, following his team’s loss to the Cardinals.
