Covenant of the Gridiron 12.31.07: NFL Week 17 Breakdown

Posted by Derek Robbins on 12.31.2007

Can the Patriots run the table? How did the playoff puzzle come together? Which teams should we be looking out for as the playoffs come to a head next week? All that answered and more as 411's Derek Robbins breaks down the final week of the NFL regular season.

Hello and welcome to this week's Covenant of the Gridiron! This is the last one for the regular season, but don't worry! I'll be back for the playoffs. Yay maybe? Anyhow, before I start…let's knock out a couple of things real quick.

-I'm a huge, huge, huge loser so I'm pretty saddened that the Smash Brothers website won't be updating this week due to the new year. I waited up every night for the site to update, so it kinda messes with my routine. Ah well.

-I got the final two seasons of Seinfeld for Christmas, and…I'm still loving the show. In my opinion, it is the finest live-action show of all time…and honestly, I can't see another show usurping that. Sure the show hurt a bit when Larry David left…but I still think the show was hilarious.

-Also, real quick, I'd like to thank my brother, Drew, for filling in for me last week. It was pretty nice of him to do, and I think he did a pretty good job. Since he wrote for me last week, there will be no mail/feedback section since I can't really speak for him. Poor you?

Ahhh, and that is that. Let's break down the week that was.

Week 17 in review

New England Patriots 38 at New York Giants 35

The Patriots are un-defeated. A matter of fact, if you look back when I first started writing here at 411 (All the way back in week 6) I claimed that I felt the Patriots could go un-defeated this year. Of course, that doesn't mean much…just about any homer could have guessed that. Anyhow, given the situation of the game…I'm surprised that the Giants used their regulars. They were already comfortably slotted in the 5th seed and really had no reason to play except to prevent a perfect season…so I have to give them a lot of credit for going out there and giving it their all. I was really expecting an ugly game, but what I got was probably the most exciting one of the week. The Patriots had to rally from twelve down to capture their un-defeated season, the Giants looked pretty sharp all day, and when the Patriots did come back…it was of importance because their "go ahead" score was Tom Brady's record-breaking TD pass and Randy Moss's record breaking TD-reception. That's pretty special, even if Brady was looking for Moss all day in the end-zone. Sure, neither defense looked sharp, but you know what? Coming out of this game neither team looked bad and I view this as a confidence booster for New York going into the post-season.

What can be drawn from this? - The Giants were questioned a lot by the media prior to this game, and I feel that their performance really…gives them some confidence going into the post-season. Of course, the Patriots are heavy favorites going into the playoffs…but is that surprising? I kinda hope they do it, really. I don't exactly hide the fact that I'm not a fan of the '72 ‘fins.

- Tom Brady became the single-season touchdown pass leader. That's...pretty impressive. I wonder if Peyton Manning will answer back next year?

Seattle Seahawks 41 at Atlanta Falcons 44

Some would consider this a shocking score. I mean, Atlanta win a game? Hahaha, surely you jest…but honestly, I wasn't surprised. The Seahawks were locked comfortably in the 3rd slot and they took out most of their starters at the start of the second half. This would explain the huge comeback in the 4th quarter and why Chris Redman had such a fantastic day. Look, I'm not going to take anything away from Atlanta here – they've had to overcome a LOT this season – but if Seattle had tried to bring the hammer down, Atlanta would have gotten blown out. Like it or not, that's how it is. I'm sure the Falcons are happy that this long, long season is over. Hopefully for Atlanta a fresh start next year will be just what the doctor ordered.

What can be drawn from this? Not a lot. I think the Seahawks are ready for the postseason and the Falcons are ready for the off-season.

New Orleans Saints 25 at Chicago Bears 33

This game turned out to be pointless and the end result would not have mattered but while it was going on it was plenty significant. This was a game the New Orleans needed to win if they wanted to have any prayer of making the post-season…and they just didn't have any game. The Bears dominated throughout, and even though the Saints Pierre Thomas had over 100 yards rushing…the Saints went to the pass far too often. Drew Brees threw the ball 60 times. Look, Brees is an awesome quarterback and certainly the best player on the Saints, but…if you go to the pass 60 times in one game, odds are you aren't going to come out on top. Today, Kyle Orton looked average at best, but for some reason the Bears look kinda good when he's behind center. For the second week in a row, they looked like a playoff team. Maybe next year, Bears fans. I don't think Orton is near as good as Grossman, but for whatever reason…he's been getting the job done. Also, Devin Hester returned another punt for a touchdown and actually caught a TD pass as well. If he plays well at the receiver position next year…hmm…the Bears could be fearsome.

What can be drawn from this - Orton made sure the Saints playoff hopes were R…K…OVVEEEEER. Sorry, I couldn't resist that.

San Francisco 49ers 7 at Cleveland Browns 20

I've been rooting for Cleveland to make the playoffs, and then…I saw in a vital game to their chances, they are playing MY team…the San Francisco 49ers. Ah crap. I realized that a win for the 49ers does absolutely nothing as they don't have a shot at the playoffs anyhow. On the other hand, a loss does nothing for them, as they don't get their first round pick. Argh. In the end, I simply cheered – not rooted – for the Browns because I would honestly like to see them in the postseason. Argh, what a traitor I am. Cleveland's defense was pretty impressive today as they allowed less that 200 yards. This is great for Cleveland as their defense has been something of a laughing stock all year long. On top of this, Jamal Lewis had another good rushing performance today with 128 yards on the ground. I had honestly thought that his days as a good running back were over, so I gotta' give him credit for that. As for the 49ers? Well, I'm not going to say much about them. A sad end to a bad season. Hopefully next year won't be as bad considering we won't have the hype.

What can be drawn from this? Cleveland needed to win and they won. I hope Tennessee loses tonight so the Brownies can make it back to the post-season.

Detroit Lions 13 at Green Bay Packers 34

The Packers didn't use most of their starters for the majority of this game and they still beat down this Lion's team. This Detroit team looked QUITE good for a while this year, so it's quite a shame that they couldn't even finish above .500. I'm not sure what I can say about this game…it doesn't give you much of a glimpse at the Packer's playoff chances. I mean, sure, if Green Bay's starters went down this could mean they would be in good hands…but what are the odds of that happening? And the Lions? Well…they need to get a new Quarterback before the rebuilding process comes to a head. Maybe Donovan McNabb would want to come here? I don't know. Whatever the case, the Packers go into the playoffs with a legitimate chance of going all the way.

What can be drawn from this? Nothing at all. Really.

Cincinnati Bengals 38 at Miami Dolphins 25

Both of these teams have had disappointing seasons, and I'm sure that the end came as a relief to both of them. The Bengals beat down the Dolphins and after going into the 4th quarter with a 28-10 lead, Cinci pretty much just coasted the rest of the way. I find it interesting that Cincinnati always seems to under-perform to their expectations. To me, I feel this makes them a tad-bit over-rated. Oh don't get me wrong, I think they are a GOOD team, but…if you're always under-performing, it gets to a point that…you just might be over-rated. The Dolphins used two quarterbacks today John Beck and Cleo Lemon. Both had practically identical stats. So if they were looking for an answer for next season, they didn't really get one. It doesn't matter…the Dolphins need some serious changes and hopefully next year they won't be an embarrassment to watch.

What can be drawn from this? Bengals are over-rated and the Dolphins need a complete change. Both of those things are probably obvious.

Buffalo Bills 9 at Philadelphia Eagles 17

I don't think the Eagles are a very good team. Even when they are .500, I don't think they're anything above mediocre. With that said, I think Donovan McNabb has been playing really well over the past couple of games. Why is this? I feel like he's trying to audition for other cities, as it appears his welcome in Philly has been worn. I think he's trying to say: "Hey guys! I still got game!"…and over the past couple of weeks, I do think he still has the ability to be successful. Also, Philadelphia's defense played well. They may not have created any turnovers, but I Felt they were efficient. Sure, this game meant nothing…but I felt that it could have been worse, all things considered. I think Buffalo has some strong potential for next year. Philly, well, not so much.

What can be drawn from this? McNabb is trying to prove himself, it seems.

Carolina Panthers 31 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23

The Buccaneers are a team that has simply coasted to the post-season. Coach Gruden has rested his starters for a lot of the stretch run. He wants some fresh legs for the post-season! So really, it's no surprise at all that Carolina was able to pull out a win. Sure, Carolina may be over-rated from their Super Bowl run a couple of years ago, but…a win is a win, right? Maybe next year Carolina can evaluate whether Jake Delhomme is their man. Since he's been injured a lot of this year, it'd be hard to tell. I honestly think they need a fresh start. As for Tampa Bay? I hope the rest they've been giving Jeff Garcia doesn't affect him adversely. I like Jeff and wish him the best for the post-season. There's not a lot one can say about this game, really. Tampa Bay mailed it in, and Carolina simply played well enough to win.

What can be drawn from this? Nothing.

Jacksonville Jaguars 28 at Houston Texans 42

*sigh* Another game where the playoff team just mailed it in. Sure they were preparing for the post-season next week…but people paid tickets dammit! Luckily the home team put on a good show and absolutely dominated the Jags. Despite the fact that Jacksonville was full of backups, I felt it was nice that Quentin Gray went out and had a good game. Whenever he's gotten the ball he's shown that he can play…but really, with the kind of year David Garrard is having, I think it'd be hard to usurp him at this point. I'd also wish to congratulate Houston for having their first non-losing season ever. Perhaps next year they can take the next step, eh? I think whenever Matt Schaub gets around to being healthy…the team could go places. As good as Sage Rosenfels can seem at times…I just don't see him as a franchise quarterback.

What can be drawn from this? Again. Nothing.

Minnesota Vikings 19 at Denver Broncos 22

The Vikings came in fighting for their season, and really…they put on a great effort. They even rallied in the fourth quarter to mount an impressive comeback. That said, the game turned out to be pointless (as Washington won) and the Broncos got it together and won in over-time. I think that's kind of sad for Minnesota as they came from out of nowhere (much like Cleveland) and were looking strong for a while. I think I have to give credit for Denver for playing strong in their last game of the season. A lot of teams would have just rolled over and allowed Minnesota to get an easy victory…so it's good that Denver wasn't like that. I think next year will be a good year for Minnesota fans…if this year's second half was any indication.

What can be drawn from this? Denver needs a total restart, as mentioned before and…well…Minnesota is going to be good next year I think.

San Diego Chargers 30 at Oakland Raiders 17

The Chargers locked in the 3rd seed, which is…well, it's kind of surprising given how they started the season, and looked ‘okay' against the Raiders. Oakland HAS played well against opponents this year, so I'm not terribly surprised that the game was as close as it was. LT managed to capture the rushing title for the year – I believe it's his second in a row – and San Diego finished an impressive season. Now some would say: "Derek, San Diego only lost two games last year!" I know that. San Diego started this year BAD though, so I think their improvement and turning of their season around has been quite impressive. I also think Oakland is just a QB short of contention. They have been in a lot of close games this year and next year…if they can actually WIN them, the Raiders may actually have a shot. I may be getting ahead of myself.

What can be drawn from this? - The Chargers are going into the playoffs playing well. That's all you can ask.

Kansas City Chiefs 10 at New York Jets 13

Boy, both of these teams sure took a backslide eh? They both were in the post-season last year and this year? Boy, they are the suckiest suckers to have ever sucked (To quote Homer Simpson). They both ended with the same record, and despite the offensive stats…I felt they were quite equal today and in this season, so I think it's only fitting that this game went into over-time. The Jets won this game, but if it were in Kansas City…the Chiefs would have won. I think if you're Kansas City you have to look at this season as a complete failure as early on…they weren't looking bad at all. Then again, I wasn't thinking the Jets would be this bad this year either. I'm just happy the season is over so Chad Pennington can actually go to a team that will appreciate him. I still say he's the most under-rated quarterback out there. I just don't think Kellen Clemens is that good. Nor is Brodie Croyle on the Kansas City side. As I have said with other teams, I think both of these teams could use a complete restart.

What can be drawn from this? - Both of these teams suck pretty hard, so a complete restart is needed.

St. Louis Rams 19 at Arizona Cardinals 48

For whatever reason, the Rams insist on using Marc Bulger. He's pretty banged up this year and could probably use the time off to prepare for next year. Whatever the case may be, Arizona squashed the Rams. Kurt Warner continued his aerial assault this year with over 300 yards passing and three touchdown passes. I think this Arizona team came out with a chip on their shoulders given that this year they had a lot of promise. Yes, they finished with a non-losing record for the first time in almost ten years, but this year could have been so much more! The Cardinals have been in just about every game they've played in – which can't even be said for a couple of playoff teams – and look to be on the upswing. I would say next year is the year, but…that's been the case the past few years with Arizona. So whatever. As for the Rams? I like Bulger as the Quarterback and Holt as the main receiver, but I think the entire team needs to be revamped. They are just pathetic as things stand right now.

What can be drawn from this? Not much, surprisingly.

Dallas Cowboys 6 at Washington Redskins 27

Another playoff team mailing it in. I guess I'm not surprised. I did think that maybe Dallas would come to play given that the Redskins are their division rival and maybe, just maybe, Dallas would cause a stir-up in the NFC playoff picture. This was not the case though. Washington rolled all over a Dallas team that clearly had their attention focused on the coming weeks as opposed to this one. Whatever, at least the game was in Wasington so the home fans got to see something nice…and also, hey, the Redskins will definitely fight hard in the playoffs. I think it's quite admirable how well they've played with the whole Sean Taylor incident hanging over their heads. With that said, this game doesn't really say anything about how well either team will do in the playoffs.

What can be drawn from this? Nada.

Pittsburgh Steelers 21 at Baltimore Ravens 27

The Steelers didn't care about this game at all. Then again, only a couple of playoff teams even came to play this week, so I suppose I'm not surprised in the least. Yeah, that's why the last week in the season is the worst. This game was just a horrible, horrible game that Baltimore dominated throughout. Now, it IS a good thing that Baltimore ended its skid by getting a win at the end of the season, but…come on. I don't care how desperate a team is for a win, it can't feel THAT good to beat a team that doesn't give a rat's ass about the outcome. Oh well, at least Baltimore was at home so the home fans got to appreciate a home win. Again, there is absolutely nothing that can be taken from this game and applied to the post-season.

What can be drawn from this? Again. Nothing.

GAME IN PROGRESS:
Tennessee 10 Indy 10

Well hey! Tennessee struggling against a team that isn't giving it their all. What a SURPRISE.
Ranking the playoff teams

This week instead of ranking the five best teams and the five worst, I've decided to rank all the teams that are currently in the post-season. Seeing as the Titans AND the Browns are both still alive at the time of this writing…I've decided to include both of them in the mix. As always, the number one team is the best, while the 13th team is the worst.

1-) New England Patriots (16-0) – The team that stayed atop my "Top-5" list ever since I took over this column. Given that they had a perfect season it goes without saying that the Patriots are the favorites going into the postseason. I hope they go all the way so the '72 Dolphins can finally stop cracking open their champaign.

2-) Dallas Cowboys (13-3) – The loss today was pretty much pointless. The Romosexuals go into the playoffs as the NFC's favorite. It's hard to blame people for thinking that as Dallas has been impressive all year.

3-)Indianapolis Colts (13-2) – Regardless of the outcome of tonight's game, it's hard to hate on the defending champions. With the returning Marvin Harrison, I think the Colts could potentially make some noise in the playoffs.

4-)Green Bay Packers (13-3) – Of all the postseason teams that mailed it in today, the Packers backups played the best. That doesn't really mean much in the playoffs though. Still, it's hard to bet against Bret Favre.

5-)Jacksonville Jaguars(11-5) – Another pointless loss for another team that was mailing it in. The Jaguars have played well in practically all of their games and I think they enter the playoffs as a potential dark horse.

6-)San Diego Chargers(11-5) – Even though their division is among the worst, it's hard not to be impressed by how well San Diego has been playing lately. I think if the Chargers get hot in the playoffs, they could potentially upset a team like New England. That's saying a lot.

7-)New York Giants (10-6) – Some people may find this to be a controversial choice, but…with the way they played against New England, I think that the Giants could make a lot of noise come playoff time. I think Eli really wants to prove himself.

8-)Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) – An over-rated team this year, but still a strong one. Ben Roethlisberger is probably having the second best season as far as quarterbacks go. It'll be interesting to see what they can do with Willie Parker injured.

9-) Cleveland Browns (10-6) – A team that has been solid all year long. Sure, their defense may be questionable at times…but I think if there were to be a shootout, Cleveland would stand a pretty good chance at winning.

10-)Seattle Seahawks (10-6) – I don't really like Seattle's chances if I had to be quite honest. While I think Matt Hasslebeck has been stellar, I don't think any other part of this Seahawk team leaps out at me and says: "Super Bowl". I may be wrong, but…I just can't see that.

11-)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) – It's hard to evaluate Tampa Bay on record, given that they mailed in the last few weeks of the season. From what I have seen of them this year, I think they can play with just about anyone and Jeff Garcia has been…he's just been good. I may think Gruden is over-rated, but this Bucs team deserves to be here.

12-)Tennessee Titans (9-6) – I'm not sold on the Titans at all. I think their offense is average at best, and while their defense is good…it's nothing spectacular. I don't think a team with Vince Young – at least for now – at the helm has any chance of doing anything in the post-season.

13-)Washington Redskins (9-7) – I have to give a lot of credit to Washington for coming back after the Sean Taylor incident. I may think they are the worst of the playoff teams, but…they have played with a lot of heart recently. I think a lot of people will be rooting for Washington to pull it off, and honestly…it'd be kind of cool if they did. I don't think they can do it, but never say never.

- The Giants impressed me on Saturday. Let's see if their performance can carry over to where it really counts.

Wrap up

As mentioned earlier, no viewer mail this week since I didn't write last week's column. So sorry in advance! Drew did a good job filling in for me, but since he can't respond…I have no business replying to his comments. Sorry! Anyhow, here are my predictions for the first round of the playoffs

Jacksonville over Pittsburgh – I am not sold on the Steelers at all, but the Jaguars have been quite good all season long. They don't get the credit Pittsburgh does – mostly because they aren't as popular – but I think that changes after this weekend. Jacksonville will FINALLY get their due.

San Diego over Tennessee or Cleveland – I honestly don't think it matters who they play. San Diego has been so good lately, I don't see either team over-coming the Super Chargers. Sure, I would LOVE the Browns to over-come the odds, but I just don't see it happening. I'm telling you, this Chargers team is going to be one to watch in the post-season. I think they'll go on to face the Patriots in the AFC championship game. I just have a feeling.

Seattle over Washington – As cool as it would be for the Redskins to upset Seattle, I just don't see it happening here. Seattle IS a good team and I think they'll take care of business in the first round of the playoffs. If not, hey, all power to the Redskins.

New York Giants over Tampa Bay – I think the Bucs playing lax down the stretch is really going to hurt them here. The Giants looked GOOD against New England and I think they came out of that game radiating with confidence. I do think this'll be the closest of the round one playoff games, but in the end…I feel that the G-Men will come out on top. Maybe Eli will get some respect? HAHAHAH…ahh…who am I kiddin'.

- The Chargers have been darn impressive as of late. Can they keep it up into the new year?

That's it for this week! If you wish to comment, complain, compliment, talk about video games, or whatever…e-mail me at [e-mail] or [e-mail] Your choice. You will be featured next week, I promise!

Anyhow, I'll try to add some neat stuff into next week's playoff column. Since there'll be fewer games, there will have to be more content to compensate for it. Right? Riiiiiiight?

Happy New Year everyone! See you in 2008~

Til' the crossroads