Week 15 Observations

1) Bill Belichick stated after Sunday's game against the Jets that the Patriots aren't going to do anything different in their last 2 games. I assume that means he is planning on playing his starters in those last 2 games. I hope Belichick is doing it for the right reasons because I would hate to see the backlash if somebody like Tom Brady were to get seriously hurt in a meaningless game because Belichick wanted to finish the season undefeated.

2) The Colts clinched the AFC South and a 1st round bye with their win over Oakland. I can't believe how well they've played this season with so many injuries. This is the best coaching job that Tony Dungy has ever done. Let's not forget that if it wasn't for 1 missed "chip shot" field goal against San Diego and a dropped pass by the normally reliable Reggie Wayne against the Pats, this Colts team would probably be 14-0 right now.

3) Go look at the box score of the Steelers/Jaguars game. I don't see how the final score could have been so close. The Jags had 25 first downs and 421 total yards of offense. The Steelers only had 13 first downs and 217 total yards of offense. The Jaguars rushed for 224 yards against the Steelers defense which came into the game ranked #2 against the run in the entire NFL. I've said it before and I'll say it again, "The Jags are for real!" I sure hope we get to see the Jags play against New England in the playoffs.

4) The Colts clinching the #2 seed could actually hurt the Browns. If the Browns win 1 more game or the Titans lose 1 more game, the Browns will earn the final wild card spot in the AFC. The problem for the Browns is that the Titans last 2 games are against the pathetic New York Jets and against Indianapolis. The Titans will probably win both of those games because the Jets suck and the Colts probably won't even make an effort to win their final 2 games. So, the Browns are gonna have to win 1 of their 2 final games to take that wild card spot. For the record, the Browns final 2 games are against the Bengals and the 49ers. I think the Browns will win 1 of those games but I hate the fact that Indy resting players in their final 2 games could potentially affect another teams' chances of making the playoffs.

5) The Dolphins finally won a game in Week 15. How bad do you think the Ravens feel right now? They almost beat New England in Week 13, then get pummeled by the Colts in Week 14 and then lose to the winless Dolphins in Week 15. I know coach Brian Billick has been given a vote of confidence by the team owner, but I think the Ravens have underachieved this season.

6) Jeremy Shockey broke his left leg in Sunday night's game against the Redskins. I think his injury killed any chance the Giants had of winning a playoff game.

7) The Browns/Bills game is scheduled for replay on the NFL Network on Tuesday night at 10:30 pm. I love snow games!