Perspective

So, the loss yesterday sucked and, like I mentioned, was very disappointing.

But, taking a look at some scores from around the league, it got me to thinking. Sure, our latest effort against the Titans was, hands down, our worst game of the season (although you could make a real argument for the Eagles game), but, considering the strength of schedule we faced at the outset of the season and the fact that no one really knew what to expect from Tomlin in his second year, this has been a very heartbreak-free season.

Looking at the scores from the other games reminded me of this fact. And this list does not even include games where I could say, "Just be happy you don't root for the Browns, or the Lions, or the Bengals, or the Rams." These are all playoff teams, or at least teams that looked awfully good at some point during the season.

1. The Vikings choked one away at home when they had a shot to clinch the division.
2. Tampa, who could have locked up a playoff spot, let up 21 points in the fourth quarter.
3. Steelers West has lost four of their last five and lost by 40 to the Patriots yesterday. 40. Their last three losses have been by 28, 21, and 40 points. They clinched their division in Week 12 with a loss to the Giants (that one was only by 8), so they're going to the playoffs, but I wouldn't be supremely confident, or sober, if I were a Steelers West fan right about now.
4. The Broncos allowed 14 fourth quarter points and failed, yet again, to clinch their division. They've lost two in a row, with the latest loss to Buffalo. Buffalo started the season 4-1 and has since gone 3-7.
5. The Jets, who embarrassed the then 10-0 Titans in Week 12 and had several chances to lock up the #2 seed, lost on the road to Seattle. Seattle is 4-11.
6. The Chargers play the Broncos in Week 17 for the AFC West title. If the Chargers win, they'll take the division. At 8-8. Even if the Broncos win, they'll be 9-7 and division winners.
7. If you were a fan of the 10-5 hated Ravens (and if you are, why are you reading this blog?), the 11-4 Colts, the 10-5 Patriots, the 9-6 Jets, or the 10-5 Dolphins, wouldn't you be just a little upset that an 8-8 team or a 9-7 is going to get a home playoff game while your team gets forced out (or at least doesn't get a home game)?
8. How about the 8-6-1 Eagles, the 8-7 Redskins, 9-6 Cowboys, 9-6 Buccaneers, or 10-5 Falcons? Wouldn't you be peeved that Steelers West has been guaranteed a home playoff game for four weeks and will still get one even if they lose their fifth in six games in Week 17? And, at best, they'll be 9-7? And they've been outscored on the season by 12 points? Just a little peeved?
9. How about Jaguars fans? I bet you thought you'd be 11-4 at this point, not 5-10.
10. And, really, San Diego's too talented to be 7-8. They've had some bad breaks this year, for sure, but they shouldn't be 7-8.

So, that's the good news for today.