I saw that dynamic play out in last Sunday’s games.
Around this time of the season–at least in most seasons–NFL teams that have clinched playoff berths are resting starters for the race ahead. But that’s not happening this season. Only five teams have clinched playoff berths. That leaves seven slots up for grabs.
What’s more, we see flip-flops in trajectory–some teams that started hot are now cold and vice versa. And, let’s face it: a few playoff contenders don’t seem to be Super Bowl-worthy.
Teams can stumble into the playoffs and, then, get knocked out of the first round. The reason? They shouldn’t have been there in the first place.
As I see it, the dividing line between contenders and pretenders is who wants it more.
Some ‘mediocre teams’ are playing harder than supposed ‘elite’ teams. Consider this. The Seahawks could’ve sealed the deal on Sunday by securing a playoff spot. But Seattle lost to a team with three total wins. I’m not sure Seahawks players’ hearts weren’t in the game. Did they take for granted a win over San Fran?
Another example of stumble-bumble is the Redskins, who beat the Jags. With the win, Washington might get into the playoffs–especially now after Dallas lost to the Colts.
But even if the Redskins get in, who’d pick them to win in the first round? I wouldn’t!
On the other side of the coin, I think the Steelers wanted it more than the Patriots. Yes, Pittsburgh may have barely won the game, but ‘squeaking by’ seems to be the Pittsburgh way these days. And because they beat a team like New England, that tells me that the Steelers will be a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
A different message comes out of the Patriots. The Pats have now lost consecutive games in December, and that isn’t like them. They had their best players in Sunday’s game and veterans made uncharacteristic mistakes, including Tom Brady, who threw consecutive highballs at game’s end.
My take? Who wants it more will be standing at the end.
