Globe reports that Cassel took all the snaps at Wednesday's practive.

I think the Colts and Patriots each want whatever seed gets to play the Jets first round.

Go Big Blue?

Assuming the Jets beat the Raiders (likely) and the Broncos beat the 49ers (also likely, if somewhat less so by DVOA), then the Broncos are the fifth seed and the Jets are sixth.

The Jets and Patriots have early starts; the Broncos and Colts, 4.15 EST. If the Colts win, they play the sixth seed, but they won't know with complete certainty if it's the Jets, since the Jets jump to fifth if Denver loses.

Personally, I think the Colts aren't exactly scared of the Broncos, either. I expect both the Patriots and Colts to be more concerned about keeping starters healthy, than seeding.

"Go Big Blue?"

How about "Go away, Tiki Barber." Hopefully, tonight will be his last game (not just his last regular season game).

Boy, I bet it is sure going to tick you off when he becomes the next Matt Lauer, eh?

Tiki is a good player, and while I have not liked how his 'farewell' has played out either, there are many more deserving of scorn on my G-men than him.

Who's Matt Lauer?
(Really, I just hope we don't have to hear him on football telecasts.)

Wow, another sack that he let go!

Hey, Thrash caught something. I'm shocked.

Actually, I don't care if he becomes the next Matt Lauer, because I never watch the Today show or any of its competitors. As for those deserving of scorn on your G-men, I'm sure you're right. However, as a non-Giants fan, I don't find any of the other G-men as annoying as Sir Tiki. (Well, maybe Shockey, but in a different way.)

Florio, is that you?

Randel-El can still throw.

Boy my Gmen have really.... started to play poorly.

We need to revamp our secondary and get a few offensive linemen. That's a tall order for one offseason.

Seeing the replay, that TD is on Sam Madison. If he just knocks it down no problem. Instead, he tries to make the INT, and doesn't.

Let's see -- Will Demps has 4 tackles on running plays so far (most from behind, judging by the yardage numbers), and just bit on the Randle El pass deep to Moss for the TD, where a safety should have been.

I know the Giants didn't spend as much on him as the 'Skins did on Archuleta, but, boy, did thsoe two teams by the same pig in the same poke, or what?

What a pitiful display of Football by the Giants so far. Its like the secondary refused to do anything to break up that crappy pass by Randel El.

Hello? Is this thing on? This thread is as dead as a doorknob. I guess the NFL Network's lack of penetration has something to do with it.

Gumbel just said something idiotic. After Collinsworth said there was a good "no call" on what looked like pass interference by Sam Madison on Randle-El, Gumbel said "You would. You were a receiver." But as a receiver, Collinsworth obviously should be more likely to say PI should have been called.

re: 4
If the Colts win and the Ravens lose, then they would have the 2 seed, which is pretty damn important. Can you imagine if they rest their starters, lose, and the Ravens lose too?

Is anyone else in the boston/ brookline area with RCN and the NFL network and not able to watch the game tonight?

I was gonna rip Carter for dropping that, but it was pretty clear Jimoh was holding down his left arm while the ball was in the air. Then again, Carter's weakness is his strength, toughness, etc. He could have fought through it.

Boy, G-men sure are tearing it up on offense tonight so far. 4 drop backs = 3 incompletes, 1 sack.

Why throw? The 'Skins seem to be treating tackling Tiki Barber as optional.

Collinsworth doesn't sound enamoured with young Elisha, does he?

Yeah, I suppose if the Redskins game plan includes keeping Tiki clean for his last game, it might be a long night.

Think Moss heard footsteps?

Gumbel sucks.

I am not sure what Collinsworth is seeing, but it is not what I am. Eli looks worse than ever. The results have not been as bad as at other times, but even his completions have been misthrown and his mechanics look worse than I have ever seen them look.

I absolutely guarantee you, if Parcells was coaching this team, you would see Lorenzen, if at least for a series or two. Heck, in 1990 when we won the Super Bowl, he pulled Simms for Hoss in a game where Simms wasn't playing badly and we were trailing only by a few.

And Hoss won the game for us.

Another special moment from the Gumbel speak-first-think-later school has the Giants starting their next drive in the shadow of their own endzone. Is it possible to be in the shadow of a flat piece of ground, without being under it? Is he saying the Giants are dead?

Campbell has all kinds of time whenever he drops back. I know the 'Skins keep extra blockers in, but is the Giants pass rush bad or is the 'Skins O-line better than I've been hearing?

"we can't state it enough, this could be Tiki Barber's last game"

Yes. You can. Shut up.

I guess no PI today.

The refs are letting everything go in the secondary tonight. I've seen a bunch of PIs go uncalled.

#28

You better save some of that vitriol for the Bears-Packers game tomorrow. I'm sure we'll all know the taste of Farve's taint by the time that one is over.

I will state this once very clearly and then leave others to enjoy the game.

I am rooting for the Giants.

I want this "Packer playoff" drivel to stop in Packerland. Green Bay is not a playoff caliber team, they would most likely be crushed in a postseason game, and it's best for everyone in Wisconsin if they have the offseason to think about "what if" as opposed to "Geez that was bad".

Enjoy the game.

I much prefer Collinsworth as a game announcer than a studio/halftime guy. Most of his comments have had value, and his arrogance is less evident.

And Go Big Blue!

Yes, definitely a "tackling Tiki is optional night".

It's 2:15am in the UK, and I have to watch Mark Brunell? It's mighty close to bed-time.

J-Load runs a QB sneak!! Fantastic.

Yay! A Pillsbury Throwboy sighting!!!

Is Elisha too much of a Nancy-Boy to do the QB sneak?

Awwwwriggggghhhhht!

Now we just need to have him somehow lead us to the Super Bowl a la Hoss, and then he can go on a diet and make a killing as the new Jared for Subway.

Eat fresh.

Tiki Barber = 145 yards.

Rest of Giants = 56 yards.

Tell me how that works next year.

#40

Badly. Very badly.

That's right, Chris. Your flat ass cost you millions.

We get no PI all half, and the it's called both ways on a single play.

And then, when the Skins decide to double Burress, and the pass is incomplete, Jimoh draws a taunting penalty. Outstanding.

Wow, a double PI call against WR and DB. I don't think I've ever seen that before.

Deion had the craziest grin on his face at the end of that segment. What was that about?

So who's getting psyched for Eagles-Giants 3?
Seeing as how the Giants are already familiar with the Garcia-led Eagles, it might be an opportunity for Garcia to be taken down a peg.

Tim Carter could play soccer. Terrific dive.

They should give out accolades for the best dive of the week (like Jacked Up). Should be presented by Cris Carter.

Clearly Tim Carter has been practicing with the Italian soccer team.

KEVIN GILBRIDE IS A PLAY-CALLING GOD.

Jason Campbell does his best Ron Mexico impression.

Washington MUST go for this. What do you have to lose?

I like Gumbel, but why does he always say the teams are giving "it up on downs" when they are about to punt? C'mon.

I still don't get why he drops the "w" from Antwaan Randle El.

Yes, magic. We got it. Let's find a new theme, shall we?

I sense a "microcosm" mention coming up from the announcers.

It's officially Squeaky Bum Time in New York.

Hey, this guy Tiki is pretty good.

Redskins are really trying to make Barber's last regular season game a truly memorable one.

Apparently Tiki is going to get back every TD Jacobs has vulured in one night.

Damn that was sweet.

You'd think it was crisis over for the NYG, but did anyone else think that Gumbel & Collinsworth thought they were on commercial when that whole "did Saban do something weird" segment played?

11 men bite on the play-fake. Wow. Game on again, if Washington can make a stop.

W-I-D-E open. Skins down by six.

He just did it again. The Redskins take over on downs?

Can somebody PLEASE tell Mr Gumbel what "turn it over on downs" means? He's had an entire season to learn!

My dog wants to explain what a turnover on downs is to Gumbel

Yes, Gumbell does have his quirks, but what other announcing crew is better (Excluding the MNF week 1 B team)?

I really didn't like the 5 WR set on second down. The Skins were getting gashed by Tiki- leave him in for a play action to throw. The Skins can defend Eli if they know the pass is coming.

Maybe he's used to CFL rules.

And all of a sudden, Campbell remembers he's a first-year starter. C'mon, I need the Packers in the playoffs. Dawkins needs to pad those interception stats if he's going to make the HOF.

Nice defend there.

Horrible playcalling by Al Saunders and the fingertips of Gibril Wilson save the Giants.

I can only go by the stats line on NFL.com -- is Eli really THAT putrid tonight?

12/26 for 101 -- that's wretched by any standard.

I'll say it - all Eli does is win.

Ah yes, the Miracle at the Meadowlands. What would this be: Felicity at FedEx? Redemption at RFK works better.

Well, that certainly renders a good chunk of Sunday irrelevant.

After burning up the field, Campbell really gakked that last drive.

I'm sure NBC loves this. Since Green Bay almost certainly will be eliminated tomorrow prior to kickoff against the Bears, the Sunday Night game will be meaningless for both teams. And it's no better for the viewers, since now there will be more talk about Brett Favre and comparisons of Rex Grossman to Favre.

Re: 74

When Eli's DPAR is calculated to account for Washington's terrible pass defense (dead last in passing DVOA), that will end up being one of the worst performances of the week, if not the entire season.

Oh I dunno, I think Rex Grossman and Brad Johnson will still own 1, 2, & 3 worst performances this season. I don't think Eli managed to throw 3+ ints in this game, unless I was paying even less attention than I thought.

Ack! As an Eagles fan, do I want a home game against NYG, or a trip to SEA followed by CHI instead of NO?

You want the home game against the Giants.

Unless something really unforeseen occurs.

81 (wards against evil #):

I'd rather take the Eagles offense against the Saints defense than the Bears defense. Double vengeance for week 2!

Honestly, though, for those of you who think the Packers would be a mediocre playoff team...are the Giants that much better?

Now that this game is settled, what's the possibility of Green Bay taking the #6 based on Strength of Victory?

It's a little overboard to claim it was one of the worst qb performances of the season. No turnovers and a number of 3rd down conversions. I'm betting DVOA comes out close to zero before defensive adjustments.

85: The odds of this happening are astronomical. Besides beating the Bears in Chicago, Green Bay would need 8 other games to fall a certain way. Each of the 8 games requires an upset. Among the results Green Bay needs are a Detroit win in Dallas, an Arizona win in San Diego, a San Francisco win in Denver, and a Miami win in Indianapolis. Click on my name for more details.

I almost had a heart attack when Gumbel said the Giants "turn it over on downs" deep in theior own territory. WTF? That's akin to Joe Buck calling strike two a strikeout! This is an *elementary* facet of the game, and something he repeatedly got wrong tonight. They should add him to the Monday Night Misery Booth, and just complete the circle of awfulness.

OK, Gumbel doesn't quite get the terminology. But remember that article on FO suggesting teams always go for it on 4th down? It suggested that a punt should be considered as a turnover, just one that changes the field position more so than a fumble or INT. Punting should be considered a turnover, and since its 4th down when most teams punt, the whole 'turnover on downs' makes sense to a degree.

I predicted earlier today that the Giants lose this game unless Tiki Barber plays the game of his life.

You've had quite a career Mr. Barber.

I'm in Beijing--anyone know what my options are for seeing this weekend's hot, hot NFL action on the TV?

Google isn't helping me out much here.

Geez, they finally used Lorenzen and I missed it. (After last week, I officially stopped caring about the Giants this season.)

I can just see Tiki running for the touchdowns thinking "Ha, ha, I'm making sure these guys are still stuck with Coughlin next year when I'm gone."

You would think the director or whoever would sort him out on the turnover on downs thing.

RE: 68

Every single crew except the MNF crew.

One game certainly proves nothing, but tonight's game is still a data point for my notion that the Giants are betterf off without Jeremy Shockey. I grant that I not unbiased in this. I have never disliked a player on my favorite team in any sport nearly as much as I do Shockey.

Still, I believe it to be true. Because of the emphasis the Giants have put on him, he usually ranks high in DPAR and in the raw stats, but his DVOA is routinely low. In 2002, he was ranked 6th in DPAR, but 20th in DVOA. In 03 he was 16th in DPAR and 21st in DVOA. 04--8th in DPAR and 19th in DVOA. 05--8 in DPAR and 18 in DVOA and in 06 12 in DPAR and 22 in DVOA. That tells me its the emphasis the Giants put on him, not his performance, that have gained him his notoriety.

That doesn't make him a candidate for addition by subtraction by itself...but when you throw in the whining, the penalties, the poor blocking and the constant stream of stupid plays he makes, I do believe that the Giants are a better offense without him.

That the Giants tonight scored the most points on offense that they have all year (of the 36 they scored against Dallas, 9 were scored by the defense), and that many of Barber's runs included big blocks from Visanthe Schiancoe,and that the G-Men had fewer penalties than usual does not prove my point about their being better without Shockey. But it is a data point that sure don't hurt it.

If you're worrying about GB's playoff chances, you might as well worry about them catching NY in strength of schedule also (you know just in case they get 7 out of 8 games to go correctly).

In that situation, GB is 2 extra games back. Cancelling all common losses we're comparing the records of

For GB
St Louis (already needs to lose to Minn)
New England (versus Tenn)
Ny Jets (vers Oakland)
Buffalo (vers Baltimore)

For NY
Tenn (vers New England)
Indianopolis (probably needs to lose already versus Miami)
Jacksonville (versus KC)
Dallas (already needs to lose to Dallas)

After that it's scoring based tiebreakers, which require either GB to score 80 points on Chicago or hold them scoreless and pray for lots of teams to finish with 361 or 360 points given up on defense.

Um, Dallas already needs to lose to Detroit. Sorry about that.

re #91:
Grab the TVUPlayer from www.tvunetworks.com. It usually carries some US Network TV channels.

Wilfork and Watson aren't playing again, as BB rests starters.

98: thanks for the tip. looks like they're showing 49ers/broncos, which isn't what i wanted to see, but that's a good resource.

i was hoping for some fully-appointed multiscreen 24 hour sports bar that i could show up at at 2am local time, but if i'm hoping for things i might hope for diet coke to be readily available at eateries around here.

or ice in drinks, at least.

So it turns out that the NFL is allowing a "double doubleheader" today, with two games on both networks where the home team is not playing.

OK, so why not do this EVERY Sunday?

101: Cause the NFL hates it's fans. Seriously, the reason is because the Networks don't want competition from each other on the back half of their doubleheader.

What I learned from Brian Baldinger:

Jon Kitna has had an excellent season.

Why the hell were they dragging santonio?

Jaguars win the toss, elect to receive. MJD gets a solid return. Then Fred Taylor between the tackles, Fred Taylor between the tackles, MJD between the tackles, punt.

When everybody "knows" you are going to run run run, isn't 1st and 10, first play of hte game, the most opportune time to run a play action? Is there a more predictable offense than Jacksonville?

Rashean Mathis just intercepted Trent Green.

Question: if Mathis has position on the ball and is going to the turf, is it Offensive Pass Interference if the receiver is draped all over him, pushing him to the turf while the DB is in the act of catching?

Did Vince YOung really try to throw to Vrabel? Why no grounding call? The only guy in blue near Vrabel was the tackle!

Now Young throws a grenade!

I'm glad the pats dont need this game.

I think Jaguars' Special Teams coach Pete Rodriguez just got his ass fired. They gave returns for TDs that basically cost them two games outright (Indy, Buffalo) and just had a punt blocked for a TD. That is probably the best possible outcome KC could have after the interception. 3-and-out, block the punt for a TD. I think I'm beginning to understand what it was like to be a Ravens fan prior to the SB win.

OK. I know why we go run-run-run. David Garard: 0-4 on the day after 3 straight incomplete passes. He threw one decent pass that led his TE right into Sammy Knight who laid a pretty nasty lick on him causing a drop. 1 pass thrown away, one pass almost intercepted, one pass about 10 feet over the receiver @ the sideline. It's pretty sad, but I think the passing game in Jax has gotten worse as Garrard gets more playing time.

Garrard plays like he's used to playing on All-Pro difficulty, and somebody just changed his game to All-Madden. Only, he's played like this seemingly all season... even in his "good" games he has thrown a lot of dumb balls that were just dropped by the DBs.

Big Ben underthrows yet another deep ball and gets picked.

112- It looked to me like this one was overthrown. The receiver was a few steps behind the corner who caught it.

VY gets rid of ball from the endzone with harrison draped over him then puts RH on the ground! amazing play to avoid the safety.

113-

I think you're right. I'm just annoyed because of how much he's struggled on deep passes this year, when he's been huge on those the last two years. And it doesn't help that the offense seems to consist only of deep passes with the occasional screen.

Jags tie the game on a really well done screen that went for about 25 yards and the TD. WRs, FB and linemen all downfield blocking, really a thing of beauty. Even Garrard couldn't screw it up.

a loss today would epitomize the cowher regime to a T ... can't say i'll be glad to see him go, if in fact he does.

Wow -- did anyone else see the power off tackle that the Pats used on Dillon's TD run. Damn! Looked like the kind of hole a high school team opens against its scout team holding dummies.

TD, Willie Parker.

gah! i meant "can't say i'm sad to see him go" ...

The Black Hole of Suck Formerly Known as the Raiders' Offense is in the Red Zone. LET'S GO BLACK HOLE OF SUCK! WOOO!

I'm really enjoying listening to the announcers give Young the ROY award while he's missing open receivers and fumbling the ball. Quite entertaining.

Hey, remember when Dallas was the best team in the NFC? Now they're losing to the Lions in a game they need to get a home playoff game. Maybe Parcells figures Seattle on the road is easier than the Giants at home.

Anyone watching Dallas? How are they getting whipped by the Lions?

WTF? A pass into the endzone intended for Matt Jones gets deflected and before its out of bounds or hits the ground, and the official is already signalling incomplete. He would have looked really dumb if Wilford had been able to corral it as he dove to the turf.

Also, Garrard is still not a good passer. He buys time by scrambling to the outside, then lobs an off-target pass 25 yards into the endzone with a ton of defenders around. Seriously, he looks more lost at QB sometimes than Matt Jones has looked at WR.

bb tries to late substitute and then snap the ball quickly to draw a penalty against the titans. ed hochuli sees through it and warns new england.

Interestingly, I"m not sure Garrard has completed anything but screen passes from inside the pocket. Any of the passes "down the field" (and I mean 8 yards to the TE) that have been completed have come from out of the pocket.

The Curly Haired Boyfriend in his column today, "The Patriots might not be able to beat the Titans today even if they tried."

Thanks for the laugh, Shank!

THIS IS OUR @@#$&^$ COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Cowboys are up 14-13, Romo to Crayton. Sanity has returned.

Back to Back false starts on 2nd and goal for Bengals.

re 128: when i saw harrison make that hit on special teams a little before his injury I started thinking BB wanted to win

Guys., it is an hour into 2007 here in India. I would like to wish all in the FO world, a very happy and prosperous new year

Lions back on top. Roy Williams TD with 2 seconds left in the 1st half.

The Jags O-line gives a clinic on how to execute a screen play. The center Meester was literally 25 yards downfield and got a block on a DB. Taylor didn't even have to make a man miss.

Query for Aaron: Why is the pass defense of NE so highly rated (over run defense) when the Pats have had multiple 3rd and long converted with a pass play when opponents have struggled to convert 3rd and short with a running play.

Titans have to go for it for them to have a shot at winning the game!

... and the football gods punished them for their meekness ...

Hmm. Cleveland-Houston looks really exciting.

Re: #133

And a Happy New Year to you, sir or madam (as the case may be). How does one celebrate the new year in India?

As a LJ owner in a keeper league, I'm currently keeping a morbid running tally of carries. 5 more for 400.

it is sir...

not much different than the western way ... attend a party or throw one or spend time with family (chose the last for this year!)

Happy New Year Ch V. I always enjoy seeing people from other countries on here. I don't know if I could make it if I had to stay up through the middle of the night to watch football.

Harrison suplexes Chad Johnson and gets a personal foul.

Damn you pacman

James Harrison flagged for tackling Chad Johnson. Yeah, the refs love the Steelers.

143/jebmark: thanks for the wishes and same to you.

pacman - punt return TD., guess NE ST DVOA will take a hit.

4 more carries to go, LJ...

If the panters win, do they a chance at the last wild-card?

Romo held onto that WAY too long. Standing around in the NFL isn't a good idea.

Today seems to be full of defensive and ST touchdowns. Weird day.

Terrance Newman, punt return for a TD. Maybe now sanity is returning?

I'm glad the Bengals don't have a shot at getting into the playoffs. I'd hate to be facing them if this game actually mattered to them.

Oh, wait....

Ty Law with his 50th INT of his career. Congrats in order for reaching the milestone.

I hope Jack Del Rio doesn't get fired this offseason, purely because I don't think there will be anybody available who I'd want more. There is a lot of talent on this team. But the offense is absolutely terrible and the passing game is getting worse by the week.

When all you do is run up the middle straight up, run draws up the middle, play-fake-bootleg-throw-the-ball-outoof-bounds, and throw screens, eventually the screens and draws stoip working because the defense is paying attention. Case in point: the Law interception.

And "all he does is win" Garrard is sitting his butt down on the bnech. 3rd-stringer Quinn Gray is in the game.

My oh my. Quinn Gray's first pass is a completion for a first down. I'm ecstatic. Matt Jones fought off a jam, ran a good route, and caught the ball. Quinn Gray threw a hard but catchable ball right where it needed to be.

... is Mike Carey doing any of the early games? My NFL Ref Conspiracy radar says if not, he'll be the DEN-SF official. Spurious that Triplette is doing NYJ-OAK.

I'm generally all for guys getting hammered, but Roy Williams deserved a personal foul for hitting Campbell.

Roy Williams gets away with a late hit.... Has anyone ever actually given him a horsecollar penalty?

Man, I wanted to see Quinn Gray in the Tennessee game. I know it's early and I'm overreacting, but maybe we wouldn't need help to get into the playoffs if Gray has been playing before today.

Quinn Gray 3/8 for 38 yards and 3 first downs, and just rushed 11 yards for a TD. Suddenly Jax is only down 11 with 9:31 in the 3rd Q.

Anthony Smith is a monster. No deep ball for the Bengals.

Jesus, CBS announcer Gus Johnson has about the biggest mancrush on Quinn Gray this side of King-Favre.

TJ Howsyourmomma just got JACKED UP by Anthony Smith.

re 141: Jamal Andersons record for carrys is a scary one to break after what happened to him

Funny. Quinn Gray leads the Jags to a TD on his first drive.

Let me be the one who says it... he just scores. A couple more of those, and he might just win...

CBS has a nice close-up while Carson Palmer utters a profanity.

The Jets go up 20-3. Looks like they can start planning for their 1st round playoff loss now.

After performing moderately well over the last 16 weeks, Gostkowski is finding a bad time to have bad games - wont make the boston public to forget 'clutch kicker', come playoffs.

There we go, another roughing the passer penalty. wonder if this was a correct call?

Man the Chiefs offense is on fire. Great catch on a deep heave by Kennison who tips it to himself.

N. Davenport adding some nice backup for Parker.

I love Hines Ward.

Willie Colon, you are a dumbass.

What exactly did Colon do to draw a taunting penalty?

Man., three 15 yard penalties in the NE game. Who is suffering a meltdown? the refs or the pats defense?

IT's dumb penalty day in Nashville. NE have been flagged for 2 unnecessary roughness and a taunting penalty on this drive alone.

Re:#175

I have no idea. And frankly, I don't really care. You just can't take dumb penalties like that.

Dallas looks horrible.

And Parcells' man-boobs droop with disappointment as Kitna throws another TD.

Why is the FOX "Happy New Year" yellow?

And Ben scrambles for the first on 3rd and ten!

Quinn Gray with his second 12ish yard TD run of the day for Jacksonville! That's 2 drives, 2 touchdowns for Quinn Gray for those of you keeping score.

$%#$%$#%#$%#$

Parker gashes the Bengals but fumbles before getting in the endzone. Recovered by Bengals for a touchback.

And the Bengals false start again.

Can someone remind Willie to stop fumbling near the goal line?

%#$%#$$#^#%^$%^$^%$

Chris Henry wide open for the TD.

Wow. How many red zone turnovers is that for the Steelers?

Man, Quinn Gray on the field looks like Byron Leftwich. I mean looks-wise, not performance wise. On the sideline he looks completely different.

Hm.... maybe there are two "#5's"... one is really Byron Leftwich, one is the real Quinn Gray, and they switch 'em out...

The Patriots have rediscovered their deep game. And this time the personal foul goes against the Titans.

Larry Johnson: 401 carries and counting.

Lord have mercy.

I heart Hines Ward.

No fumble this time. Parker TD.

Is Drew Brees hurt? Just noticed that Martin had replaced him in the middle of a drive early in the game.

Parker now has the Steelers' single season mark for TDs.

194, I'm not sure because I don't get the game, but the Saints are automatically the #2 seed regardless of how they do today, so they might just be resting him to avoid injury.

I was all set to have a dynasty in my keeper league. Why, Herm, Why?

403 and counting.

James Farrior you are a fucking dumbass.

What qualifies as a clean hit on a QB?

FUCK THE NFL

Maybe Bengals fans will quit complaining about the garbage roughing penalty against QB after that one.

194: No, Brees isn't hurt. They let him run one play in the second drive and then took him out so that he could get a standing ovation. The crowd chanted, "Drew" as he came off, though they could have been calling for Deuce...

One lady had a sign that said, "Drew Brees for President". He's a bit young for that, but he could probably do a better job than Nagin or Blanco...

I hope Palmer is okay.

*against TB. I can't type, I'm a little angry.

OK, the Jets win, which puts them in and eliminates Jacksonville. And with St. Louis up 34-7, the Giants clinch the tiebreaker over Green Bay even if the Packers win.

Injuries for the Seahawks out of the Tampa game:

CB Kelly Herndon - Broken Ankle
CB Jimmy Williams - ankle injury (didn't catch the severity)

All the Steelers D does is cause injury to Carson Palmer.

1-10-PIT 45 (5:11) C.Palmer pass incomplete to C.Henry [J.Farrior]. CIN-C.Palmer was injured during the play.

What happened there?

I know that mud gives a big advantage to the runner in the open field, but we have had more good runs in the Titans-NE game. Young just scrambles for a TD to get within 3 pts.

I don't know what a completed pass is anymore.

Steven Jackson is crazy.

405...

I've never been able to read a coach's lips more clearly than when Bill Cowher yelled "Willie! Willie! Come here!" after the taunting penalty earlier. It was hilarious.

#208 - Palmer got the wind knocked out of him. Farrior was flagged for roughing on that play (driving the QB into the ground). I don't want to complain too much, but it looked like a clean hit to me. I'll give the officials this much - they've been consistent all year. You're just not allowed to hit the QB.

This KC-JAX game is really good. Lots of big plays, and the announcer is selling every big play really well.

One thing I can't stand is when an announcer is talking about something else while someone runs into the endzone (Hello, Bryant Gumbel!). This play by play guy is going berserk for nice sideline catches, qb scrambles, everything. It's great.

206 - Yeah, the Seahawks are pretty screwed if they have to play Dallas. No corners vs TO/Terry Glenn/Crayton? Poor Seattle.

Wow, huge roughing penalty takes away a pick. JAX is now going to have a chanve to make it a 1-posession game.

Oh, and we're at 407 now.

So what the heck happened to Minnesota's vaunted rushing D? Jackson has 142 yards already? Wow.

I'm glad the pats don't need the titans game because I can enjoy the spectacular stuff the titans young players are doing.

Steelers tie it up, but there is still over a minute left in the game.

This Lions Cowboys game has been really exciting.

I'm missing something. When did Dallas's defense turn to "suck"?

re: 216

Huge, and yet incredibly lame.

I really hate the stupid RTP penalties this year. It's ruining the game.

KC up by 5 with 5 minutes left, Larry Johnson with 407 carries on the season.

On the bright side for Chiefs fans, the missed 2-point conversion means no OT carries for LJ.

George, he has 409. He's one short of the record.

Another Time Out needlessly killed by Cincy 'icing' Jeff Reed.... 1:03 left, only need a field goal, great offense. I think that having a second timeout has got to be worth more than the expected 'icing' value of it.

Oh, and LJ... just got the record.

Indeed, Lord have mercy.

And there we have it. 411 carries. An NFL record.

another Romo fumble

Vince Young has a 47.4 passer rating with one pick, two fumbles, and four sacks. He has run for 29 yards and a score. Yet the Titans are within 3 due in large part to Pacman's return.

Can a QB really play this bad and get credit for greatness?

Romo loses another fumble. Cowboys are very busily backing their way into the playoffs.

Bengals take a delay of game penalty. Oops...

...and Romo recovers one of his two unassisted fumbles

OK... since when can you call a retroactive timeout?

#221: That would be during the Saints game, I think. Since then the Dallas pass D has looked horrible, especially against good receivers who can run good deep routes.

And Detroit has good receivers who can run good deep routes. Come to think of it, pretty much any team that Dallas may face in the playoffs will have good receivers with the possible exception of Seattle without DJax.

Or not. Bengals called their final TO.

RE: 217
JAckson's been running well but from watching the match it looked like from the start the Rams were up for the match where as the Vikings didn't really care. Jackson's now been taken out of the game a long with the rest of the Rams starters.

That was a nice fumble right after the announcers talking about Romo being the only player who looked like he had "swagger and confidence".

No good!! Game still tied!

Kick no good! OT time in Cincy.

Missed FG by Graham. Icing works!

...and Graham misses the 39 yard FG that would win it for the Bengals, on to overtime.

stan: it is highlight plays - the sloppy field will be part of tonights highlight package. also see michael vick

413 and counting.

This post in memory of Larry Johnson's career (2005-2006). May it rest in peace.

Pittsburgh has a poor OT record recently.

Apparently Brady is so good he gets credit when his team scores on offense and he's on the sidelines.

Not only did the Steelers ice Graham, but my friend Brian and I laid the mother of all whammies on him- 2 minutes of "he'll drill it, he'll break Morten Andersen's records" over IM. Whatever works.

And they just flipped over to the Ravens game here. Dammit.

Vince Young has a 47.4 passer rating with one pick, two fumbles, and four sacks. He has run for 29 yards and a score. Yet the Titans are within 3 due in large part to Pacman’s return.

Can a QB really play this bad and get credit for greatness?

Are you kidding? This is the NFL. After the game, the storylines will be "Young unable to mount comeback: rookie QB Vince Young tried valiantly to bring his team back, but the Titans' failures were too much for him to overcome."

And the new record will be 415 carries. I can't believe that the announcers acted like this was a great thing, and didn't even make mention of the possibility that this was an unsustainable workload.

Holmes TD Pittsburgh wins!

SANTONIO HOLMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ballgame!

w00t stillers!!!

what a wierd season - Steelers played sub-par football for most of the seasons and ends with 8-8 record, the same as the bengals - whose season can only be termed as interesting.

So, assuming Tennessee loses (they're down 10, under 5 minutes to go, just turned it over on downs), then KC gets the last wild card spot if Denver loses.

EAGLES ARE NFC EAST CHAMPS!!!!

I can't believe they didn't call the flag on KC at the end of the game. Sounded to me like a "hike" when they shifted (which was obviously planned as the whole damn offense got up and shifted). I was pretty sure you couldn't draw people offside that way.

Lions beat Cowboys!!

i am still upset that Wimbley did not make the FO's all-rookie team: afterall he has only 11 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recoverd.

As someone who had a good amount of money on Dallas Under 9.5, I am shocked and elated.

253: Oh boy! Postseason carries for LJ!

Okay, since evidently the CBS guys aren't too up-to-date on this stuff, the reason Dillon got the ball after completing that 3-yard run is because it put him ahead of O.J. Simpson in career rushing yardage. Good job, CBS researcher guys.

what was the final carry count for LJ?

416

testeverde to troy brown - just like dougies dropkick

And the Broncos punt from inside San Francisco's 40 for the second time in just over four minutes. Way to grab life by the balls, Mike.

With the TD, doesn't Testaverde rewrite his own record? I think he has TD passes in 21 straight seasons or something like that

drop kick last year, record for VT this year, is dan marino gonna be picked for Superbowl next year or what?

Under 9.5? Maybe you took Detroit and gave 9.5?

Phil Simms actually said something intelligent: the Lions dropped to the second spot to save money. That is certainly Ford's m.o.

I thought Williams would definitely get flagged for his hit on Campbell, especially because of the first-play penalty (although that was a blow to the head).

Kenoy Kennedy, two personal fouls (that I saw - I may have missed one). I still don't want him on my team.

So I think the question is now "Can Brady Quinn throw the deep ball?" If so, better get him fitted in silver and black ...

Well, we all know what a warm, soft, cuddly sentimental guy Belichick is. I'd expect some tears at the post-game press conference when he's asked about Vinny's TD.

Man, NE Pass Defense is bad when playing prevent defense!

And tell me why Asante Samuel was not selected for the pro-bowl?

Will AS be back next year with the Pats?

and a happy new year to all the F.O. posters , see ya in the playoffs

London Fletcher is "cagey," and Ray Lewis was like a "runaway freight train" on one play.

Re: 271

Shouldn't that be a "runaway limo ride?" Oops, sorry, I've been reading too much DJ Gallo.

No zlions, I needed them to win fewer than 9.5 games this year.

I needed the Lions (and Eagles last week) to win straight up.

The Broncos do miss Jake Plummer in the red zone. For all his faults, he did have a quick release and threw a beautiful fade.

Uh. Feeley with 53 yards passing in the Atl-Phi game? Did Garcia get hurt? Anyone watching who could splain what happened? TIA

Eagles clinched the division and they're resting starters.

275: Feeley is starting because with the Dallas loss, Philly clinched the NFC East and the #3 seed.

Reid is just resting the starters. No injury to Garcia. Buckholder did appear to hurt his knee. He almost made the whole season.

Thanks all. That occured to me about 30 seconds after I posted...

Anyone know why Fox isn't showing the yellow First-Down line in the Broncos/Niners game?

Jake the Snake in the game.

The SF defense insists on giving Denver first downs on bad defensive penalties. Also, Larry Nemmers is really tight on some penalties, I still can't believe the roughing the passer he called earlier.

Let me be the first raging paranoiac to suggest that Cutler was told to take a dive so Belichick-killer Plummer can start next week against NE.

Bobman et al,

What happened on the Colts' first drive? Just got back to the house in time to see Dallas Clark drop the long pass over the middle. (btw-- just about as perfect pass into a tight hole 30 yards downfield as is possible to throw). Play by play says the Colts went 0-3 on first drive.

It would be a great story if The Snake came in for play-offs and led Denver to the SB.Unlikely I know, but would be a typical cheesy play-off story.

Jake the snake!

Okay, so what are the current scenarios? I know that the only games that matter are the Colts/Dolphins and the Broncos/49ers...so what are the four scenarios?

Jake ! Jake ! They're singing your song at Mile High.It goes : "Booooooooooooo" !!!

Stan,
Beats me, I could not get to the TV until about half-past and Indy was down 3-0. Then they put together a sweet, patient 10-minute drive. Went to 3rd down just about every opportunity, which was a little nerve-wracking. Dan Klecko's first career TD rec.

Ah, now I see the return of Indy's run-D on Miami's current drive. Maddening.

Keep the faith.

So less than 2 minutes (1:31)in the half and the Colts are getting the ball for only the 4th time.

Not having the yellow line for this game really reminds me how great it is.

Denver just had a run close to a first down, but instead of knowing instantly if they got it, I had to wait for the official spotter to let me know.

That makes 10 for Champ Bailey this year.

Why are refs so reluctant to call a safety? They could have called two on consecutive plays on Atlanta.

Aaron freakin' Moorehead! What a catch!

Peyton Freakin' Manning, nice TD run. Choker.

I just had an 11 yard TD run.

Suck it Mike Vick!

Heh. Can you hear the gasp of all the Indy fans fearing a major injury of Manning on that run? Like, I think I heard everyone in Indianapolis scream "SLIDE" at the same instant.

Good run though.

Gotta come down to Champ Bailey and Jason Taylor for DPOY (both said Merriman shouldn't be eligible, by the way).
Bailey is having a crazy season.

Massive screw-up by Arizona.

Tapeh is trying desperately to get himself cut.

Okay, that was some seriously good clock management by Indy. 6 seconds, they gain 9 yards on a quick run, call a timeout, and kick the field goal from a manageable distance. Nice.

It's amazing that Philly's scrubs are beating up on Atlanta.