Life and Stuff

It is very rare in modern times to see something so perfect that the majority of people on Earth would agree that the accomplished task that led to perfection is in fact the only possible way something can be perfect. In winning their 16th game of the regular season on Saturday night, the New England Patriots became the first NFL team in 35 years to finish the regular season without a loss. Although I hate to agree with those who say that this accomplishment will quickly be forgotten if the Patriots fail to win the Super Bowl, let me attempt to put this accomplishment in perspective for you. Since the NFL adopted a 16 game season in 1978, the Patriots are the only team to run the table and win every single regular season game. Many writers and fans alike believe that the average NFL schedule in designed in such a way that allows every team to finish 8-8 regardless of their financial situation or talent level. While I agree that the AFC East is the easiest division in football, I must point out that the Patriots were able to fend off tough challenges by elite teams like the Cowboys and Colts on their route to a perfect season. Statistically, their offense is the greatest of all time. It scored the most points of any team in any season. Tom Brady became the first quarterback to ever throw 50 TD passes in a season, and Randy Moss now holds the record for TD receptions in a season. If there is a weakness with this team, it's that their defense is good, but not great. They have difficulty stopping the run, and big play receivers like Plaxico Buresss. The bottom line is, the Pats are not immune from losing a playoff game and ruining their perfect season but you cannot deny that they didn't earn it. Historically, the 1972 Dolphins are still the greatest team in NFL history, but the 2007 New England Patriots are a memorable team regardless of what happens in the playoffs. For they were about as a perfect as a team can get. In other NFL news, two playoff spots were still up for grabs on Sunday, and one NFL coach is already out of a job. On to the bullet points.

• I noticed that during the pregame warmups for the Colts/Titans game, the PA system at the RCA Dome was blasting Bon Jovi's "Livin on a Prayer" as if it meant something for the Titans. Well, their prayers were answered when Jim Sorgi, replaced Peyton Manning in the second quarter and stunk it up, allowing the Titans to clinch the last playoff berth in the AFC. Speaking of prayers, Colts fans should thank God that Sorgi is just the backup quarterback, because that's how unimpressive he was.

• I've got to give a lot of credit to Giants coach Tom Coughlin for having his team play their hearts out in an otherwise meaningless game. It's just so happened that Tom Brady and the Patriots were not going to be denied a perfect season under any circumstances. As a fan, that game was an absolute treat to watch. It served as a stark reminder that the competitive spirit is alive and well in the NFL.

• Did you see Bill Parcels watching his team from a private box on Sunday? Do you think he just now realized what he got himself into?

• Wow, Carson Palmer threw for over 300 yards, of course it was against the Dolphins.

• I hear you Dolphin fans saying that Jimmy Johmson went 1-15 in his first year as a head coach too and look what happened. While that is true, Jimmy Johnson had strong credentials, he had won a National title as a college coach, and his team was too young to make an impression. Needless to say, everyone knew he was a good coach who deserved a second chance. Cam Cameron on the other hand, was a mediocre college coach turned NFL offensive coordinator who happened to be blessed with a great offense last season. Thus, he was able to cash in on a head coaching position. While it is true the Dolphins are a young team, Cameron needs to start winning soon if he gets another chance. There is little margin for error when the Tuna is lurking around.

• Donovan McNabb is turning into every single star athlete who's threatening to leave his longtime home. He may say he loves the city of Philadelphia and the Eagle organization now, but will he still love them when another team offers him big bucks to jump ship?

• Bills GM Marv Levy, age 82, announced he will retire from his post at the end of the week. Levy stated his post retirement plans including spending time with family and organizing fantasy football leagues in Buffalo area nursing homes.

• The Texans got a belated Christmas gift last week when the Jaguars decided to rest all their starters in preparation for their first round playoff game against the Steelers on Saturday. Included was a note from Jack Del Rio to Gary Kubiak that said "I'm sorry for all those times I drilled you back when we were playing."

• Del Rio also referred to the NFL playoffs as the NFL tournament during his press conference. He apparently believes that his team is part of a pool of 64 collegiate teams trying to win the Super Bowl.

• The Seahawks also gave the Falcons a late Christmas gift in the meeting between two charter members of the Audubon Society. Down three late, the Seahawks recovered an onside kick, only to be penalized for being offsides. The victory provided the Falcons a little solace in their otherwise pitiful season.

• In trying to explain why he rested his starters after losing to Carolina, Buccaneers coach John Gruden said that he felt the game was "irrelevative." I guess he meant that the Bucs played so bad he wouldn't want his relatives to see the game.

• The Lions are now 0-17 against Mr. Favre all time in the state of Wisconsin, covering games played at Lambeau Field and Milwaukee County Stadium. They must be allergic to Wisconsin and/or Favre in Wisconsin.

• And now, to put it as bluntly as I can, the reason why the New Orleans Saints did not make the playoffs. They kicked the ball to Devin Hester, enough said.

• As I said last week, the loss to the Bengals would prove to be demoralizing to the Browns. How much worse can it get for the people of Cleveland this year?

• If Giants Stadium was the place to be for the Giants and Patriots, it was the place to be avoided for the Jets and the Chiefs. What a difference a day makes.

• Brian Billick is out as coach of the Ravens because he allowed them to disintegrate after the tough loss to the Patriots and because he could not create a stable offense.

• As much as I hate to say it, the death of Sean Taylor motivated the Redskins to win their last three games and make the playoffs. Also, who would have thought that Todd Collins would be the man to lead the Skins from the basement to the wild card spot. Well done boys!

• It's playoff time, check back next week for analysis and opinion. Until then, I'll be seeing you.