Let's Talk Playoffs – Take 2
By urbanhoustonian at December 28, 2009 | 12:25 PM | Print
This is how I opened last week’s post about the Texans’ playoff chances.
So the Texans won yesterday, beating the St. Louis Rams 16-13, and kept themselves in the hunt for a playoff spot. Yes, it’s true, the Texans still have a shot at the playoffs. I’ll be honest, I’m incredibly doubtful, but let’s break it down.
Now for this week’s post.
So the Texans got lucky won yesterday, beating the Miami Dolphins 27-20, and kept themselves in the hunt for a playoff spot. Yes, it’s true, the Texans still have a shot at the playoffs. It’s still not likely, but let’s break it down.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final Game: at Miami
My Take: I’m going to stand by my previous statements, and say the Steelers are not going to the playoffs. Truth be known, the Texans needed Pittsburgh to beat Baltimore yesterday. However, I think the Dolphins are going to be playing for something next Sunday, and will not want to go out losing their last two games at home to end the season.
New York Jets
Final Game: Cincinnati Bengals
My Take: First of all, I am greatly disappointed and pissed off at the Indianapolis Colts. They gave the Jets the game, and threw away their chance at a perfect season. As much as we think we honor Super Bowl Champs, they’re not all that memorable from year to year. Please see the 2002 Buccaneers. Do you even remember who they beat? The legacy of Peyton Manning and many of the other longtime Colts players are pretty much written. Another Super Bowl isn’t going to add a whole lot more luster to their careers. However, an undefeated season that culminated in a Super Bowl Championship would, arguably, close the discussion of who was the greatest quarterback in NFL history. That’s all gone now. Peyton is great, but there are a lot of arguments against him, particularly compared to Tom Brady, being the greatest. If the Colts win this year’s Super Bowl, I’m still listing Tom Brady ahead of Manning. I wouldn’t if Peyton had done what Brady proved he couldn’t, put together a perfect season. In any case, I am wishing crushing disappointment on the Colts this offseason. Champions don’t ease up on the gas when immortality is calling.
Houston Texans
Final Game: New England Patriots
My Take: I’m not sure what New England or Cincinnati have to play for next week, and that will have a great impact on whether the Texans or Jets have a shot at the playoffs. I don’t see either team playing to win unless they are trying to avoid a particular Wild Card team in the first round. With that totally up in the air, I just don’t know if they’ll care enough to play a full game. On the other hand, Bill Belichick is not one to lay off EVER, and I’d say the Texans are going to have their hands full come Sunday.
Baltimore Ravens
Last Game: at Oakland Raiders
My Take: The Texans need a miracle, and it’ll most likely come from a Raider upset of the Ravens.
Denver Broncos
Last Game: Kansas City Chiefs
My Take: If the Broncos lose to the Chiefs to allow the Texans to make the playoffs, God just hates Denver. Their season has been absolutely catastrophic. You’ll remember Denver started the season 6-0, and have gone just 2-7 since. As frustrating as the season has been for Texans fans, I wouldn’t trade places from our mile high counterparts.
So, what are we going to do?
There is something delicious about a down to the wire finish to make the playoffs. It’s that charge that quickens our pulse, and leaves us happy or devastated when the final seconds have ticked away. Truth be told, the Texans should be fighting the Chargers for a first round bye going into the final week of the season. As frustrating as it’s been, a lot of fans, including Tennessee (ha! ha! LOSERS!), would love to be in our position next Sunday.
In any case, every Texan fan needs to get to church before next Sunday’s game. We can get to 9-7 without much help from above, but we need the good Lord to help us out in Oakland or Denver.
