The Mourning After: Week 17

The last week of the NFL season didn't disappoint anyone. We had teams choke and rise up from the ashes. Players showed what they were all about and players faltered in the spotlight. Lets take a look at the highlights.

Cowboys and Eagles are two different teams: While the Cowboys lack character and chemistry, while the Eagles are strong in both categories. Andy Reid and Donavan McNabb are like an old married couple. They bicker and fight, but they never leave each others sides and almost always ends up on top. Jerry Jones just never understands this. Teams have to have chemistry and the Cowboys lack in this category. They have me-first players who don't care about each other and that is the reason why they are home right now.

You might not like Phillip Rivers, but you have to respect him: I am not the biggest Phillip Rivers fan, but I respect the hell out of him because of his leadership and play on the field. The Chargers were dead men walking at 4-8. Then Rivers put the team on his shoulders and led them to the AFC West title. His leadership and never giving up is what lead the Chargers to their sudden surge up the NFL power rankings.

Denver might need different leadership: Mike Shanahan has had all the power in Denver for a long time. And since John Elway left, the Broncos have only won one playoff game since then. I have never been a fan of a head coach who is also the General Manager. They see the field one sided and never make the right decisions on the other side. Denver's defense was flat terrible all year long. Their weakness lead to Jay Cutler trying to make ridiculous plays all year long, which lead to turnovers.

Karma Sucks! Just ask the New York Jets. They threw away Chad Pennington in favor of Brett Favre, thinking he was a better fit for the team. Pennington went to Miami and led them to the AFC East. Favre in the meanwhile, self-destructed down the stretch, which led to the firing of Eric Mangini. Karma Baby.

Perfection has a name: Detroit: The Detroit Lions finished the perfect season by going 0-16. I never thought a team could run the tables backwards but I should have expected the Lions to do it. And they didn't fail. The weirdest part about it though, they never caught a break. Teams that are horrible will at least catch a break somewhere. The Lions never caught a break, which led to there perfect season.

Did the 49ers make the right decision?: I wondered if the San Francisco 49ers should keep Mike Singletary as their head coach. Well after yesterday's win, the 49ers kept Singletary are their head coach. I am still conflicted whether or not this was the right decision, but I am in favor of moving on with Singletary.

Quick Hits:

- What happened to Chad Johnson this season?

- Some team will overpay for Matt Cassel, and will pay the price for doing so.

- Did Minnesota really get in the playoffs?

- Matt Ryan for MVP.

- Monte Kiffin is running to his son in Tennessee with his tail in between his legs.

- Can't we reconstruct the playoff format, seriously the Colts, who have a better record, have to play in San Diego who has a worst record.

Playoff picks:

Wild Card

AFC

Indianapolis over San Diego

Miami over Baltimore

NFC

Atlanta over Arizona

Philadelphia over Minnesota

Divisional Round

AFC

Indianapolis over Tennessee

Pittsburgh over Miami

NFC

Carolina over Atlanta

Philadelphia over NY Giants

AFC Championship

Indianapolis over Pittsburgh

NFC Championship

Carolina over Philadelphia

Super Bowl XL III

Indianapolis over Carolina

Only the Lions

Last year it was the New England Patriots going for the perfect record, this year it was the Detroit Lions who finished their perfect 0-16 season by losing to the Green Bay Packers.

Detroit made the game interesting by staying with the Packers for most of the game, but the Packers nailed the final nail in the Lions coffin by throwing a 71 yard touchdown pass to finish the game and the Lions.

Detroit became the first team in NFL history by going 0-16 and finishing the season as one of the worst teams all-time in any professional sports.

So go celebrate Rob Parker, pop the champagne Jim Rome, your dreams finally came true. To quote Rod Marinili, "your shovel is sharp, so go dig your NFL head coaching career a grave."

One More Game

New Orleans didn't care that they were knocked out of the playoffs, when they played the Detroit Lions today.

Drew Brees threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns, as the Saints routed the Lions 42-7. The Lions became the first team in NFL history to start the season 0-15.

Next week the Lions play in Green Bay, where they haven't won since 1991. Come on Green Bay we all need you right now.

Two Loses Till Immortality

Detroit did everyone a favor today and lost to Indianapolis 31-21.

At one time during the 3Rd quarter, the Lions were tied with Indy, but they did what they do best, and blew their golden opportunities.

Detroit has two more chances at picking up a win this season. Next week they play New Orleans at home. With the Saints being knocked out of the playoffs, the Lions might have a chance in this game. The Saints might want to just end the season and move on. Lets pray this doesn't happen.

Then the last week of the year they play at Green Bay. The Packers really slipped this year, but I doubt they will lose to the pitiful Lions.

I am praying every night for a winless season by the Lions.