Time To Take a Look At The Future

It looks like any possibility for the Vikings making the playoffs was put to an end yesterday, as the Jets beat them handily, 26-13. It wasn't as close as the score may indicate. The best thing I can say about this is that I was at a Christmas party yesterday in Weehawken, New Jersey, and had a good time there. I did not witness the game, only following it on the radio with an occasional update.

It sounds like another day of the Vikings offense under Brad Johnson not showing up. With the game basically put away late, Tarvaris Jackson came in and gave them a spark, throwing for 177 yards, 1 TD and I INT. I think it's pretty clear that it's time to give the rookie the start in the final two games, against Green Bay Thursday and St. Louis on December 31, to see how he'll do in a complete game. He seems to be the Vikings future, so let's get a glimpse of what 2007 might look like.

Chad Pennington just tore apart the Vikings pass defense, throwing for 339 yards. The Jets are now 8-6 and in a good position for a playoff berth in the crowded AFC Wild Card race. The Patriots won against Houston, 40-7 and are poised to clinch the AFC East.

The Giants took a major hit yesterday, losing 36-22 to the Eagles in what was a close game until late in the fourth quarter. Mistakes just killed them, and they are now 7-7, with games against New Orleans and Washington left. If they win both, they are in. 8-8 is not a guarantee they'll make it, but they are actually in a better position than the Jets are, as the NFC is weaker than the AFC.