Hello there again, and welcome back to the show.  For those of you that were not-so-unreasonably expecting to read the Monday Mash on Monday, much apologies.  Call it a hangover of divine-miraculous origins.

I won't tell you anything you don't already know.  The Indianapolis Colts are under a firestorm for taking out their players in the 3rd quarter in Sunday's game with the Jets.  Peyton Manning, Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne & co. were pulled in preparation for the playoffs and to avoid injury.  Undefeated season by damned, the Colts felt they had nothing to really play for.  The result: New York feasts on the backups, fully accepts the victory from Indy's platter, and leave Indianapolis smelling like roses.  Considering that they entered Indy smelling like a cross between Larry King's bowel movement and the Jersey Shore guest room, it can only be considered a success.
"Why have you done this to me, Curtis Painter?"


Nobody in Colts nation is happy.  Though Ghandi-like in his demeanor, you knew Manning was upset.  The fans booed and are demanding refunds.  Football purists say the game's integrity is evaporating.  Fantasy players who started Manning in their championship game are still in a vegetative state.  It should make for some sophisticated talk in Indiana.

But from the New York side of things?  NOBODY gives a hoot.  The Colts made their decision and the Jets were the beneficiaries.  Were they fortunate?  Absolutely.  Despite what they extreme diehards say, the Jets weren't going to win if Peyton played the whole game.  We know this because nobody beats the Colts this year when Peyton plays the whole game.  14-0 don't lie.

And the Jets fans are not going to apologize for this one.  Yes, some other contenders are probably fuming at the Colts right now, and think the Jets win should come with an asterisk the size of Manhattan.  Maybe it should.  But before we stamp it on there, let's see what these other contenders did to help themselves on Sunday...

Baltimore: With a chance to clinch one of the wild cards, the Ravens couldn't make enough plays in Pittsburgh.  The Steelers kick a field goal late, and Baltimore couldn't answer.  Still, Baltimore controls its fate.  Beat the Raiders on Sunday, and they're in.

Denver: Sure, they showed some fight in a very tough road game in Philly,  And there was no shame in losing by 3 to the Eagles.  No, the shame was when they let the almighty Jamarcus march down the field in a game that would have essentially clinched.

Miami:  Favored at home against Houston, the Dolphins went down 27-0 in the first half.  They staged a furious rally late in the game, but it wasn't enough. 

Jacksonville: Fell behind 28-0 at the half, no furious rally to speak of.

So there you are.  Four teams from which I don't want to hear a peep about the Jets potentially getting in the playoffs.  The two teams that may have legitimate cases?  That would be the Steelers and Texans, who both took care of their business when it counted.  But wait, the Jets demolished Houston head-to-head this year.  So tootles to them as well.  That simply leaves the Pittsburgh Steelers as the only team Jets Nation may feel for. 

How about this, Pittsburgh...if you beat the Dolphins next week and don't make it into the playoffs, I will write an apology on this blog on behalf of Jim Caldwell and the Colts.  Please know that it won't be from the Jets, for they have done nothing wrong.  And it won't mention how you would be in much better shape if you didn't go 0-2 against the Raiders and Browns over the course of 5 days earlier this season. 

So that's how I feel when people say the Jets are going to luck themselves into the playoffs.  Sure the Jets aren't a surefire, can't-miss playoff team, but they did something that clearly nobody else felt like doing this week: they took care of their own business.  And in this wacky NFL season, they are no sure bets to beat Cincinnati this week, either.  Will the Bengals rest their starters, too?  Hey, it's a strong possibility.  If football purists want to bash them for doing it, so be it.  Just don't kill the Jets for playing the teams on their schedule and trying to win against whoever's on the field playing. 

We will get to the demise and potential-dismantling of the New York Giants later this week.  For now, here is the rest of the critically-acclaimed Monday Mash (Tuesday Edition.)

The Montauk BeverageWorks Delicious Performance of the Week:
Jim Caldwell, Colts.  Just kidding.  But seriously.  Nah, we'll give it to...

Devin Aromashodu, Bears.  Yep, I've never heard of him before last night, either.  After all, he had 12 catches for 102 yards this entire season before last night's career day.  Seven grabs for 150 yards, including the game-winning 39-yarder in overtime.  Not bad for a guy named Aromashodu.  Chicago further dented the armor of Minnesota, which is looking more and more like tin foil every week.  Brett Favre moaning and groaning, Adrian Peterson fumbling, and a defense that gave up 3 dozen to a pretty bad Bears team.  Is it bad that the NFC's two current wild card teams (GB/DAL) look a billion times better than the current top 2 teams (NO/MIN)?  I say no.  Not at all.  But I digress...great job yesterday, Devin.

The Favorite Flop of the Week:
New York Giants
A flop in so, so, so many ways.  Sure, Vegas had them laying 8 points at home.  Sure, the Giants had everything to play for and the Panthers had very little.  And sure, this was the final game for Big Blue in their stadium, with former greats attending the game and representing the rich history.  To the appalled shock of their fans, the Giants laid one of the biggest eggs in recent history.  It was beyond description.  The 41-9 loss says more than I could type here, but here is the game's defining play.  Yes, that's a player whose team is already eliminated from the playoffs, already up by 3 touchdowns, LITERALLY BREAKING HIS ARM to make a play for his team.  In a game where most Giants didn't do enough to even break a sweat, it was really telling.

The Underdog Uprising of the Week:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
We have to listen to reason here?  The Saints (who have made it known they will not rest their starters) were a team that lost its undefeated season the week before.  Surely they would take out a lot of anger on the 2-12 Bucs.  Things started as expected, as they raced out to a 17-0 lead in the second quarter.  But true to this column, Tampa Bay staged what can be only called an uprising in the 4th quarter.  They shut out New Orleans (again, still playing their starters) and put up 14 in the final frame to tie it, culminating with a punt return touchdown.  In overtime, rookie quarterback Josh Freeman was as cool and calm as his non-brother, Morgan.  One perfect kick later, it was all over.  Two losses on the bounce for the now-vulnerable Saints, and both were at home.  

Here is the rest from week 16:

• Chicago's victory over Minnesota last night has really set up the most fascinating week 17 for the NFC.  In a week where contenders traditionally play like an exhibition before their playoff run, only New Orleans is safe where they are.  Minnesota has potentially choked away their first-round bye (something that the fossil Favre desperately needs.)  Now the Vikings, Eagles, Cardinals and Cowboys can all draw out scenarios where they can get that invaluable bye week.  One team in the middle of it all?  The Giants, who go to Minnesota on Sunday.  To say the least, it won't be an exhibition.
• My week 16 picks really sucked.  Sorry.
• In case you were wondering, my preseason pick was for the Saints to beat the Eagles in the NFC title game, and the Chargers to beat the Pats in the AFC Championship.  I'll revisit all my preseason stuff next week when the regular season ends next week. 

Hope you enjoyed the day-late mash.  As you can see, not too much more to talk about for week 17.  As of this second, 15 teams have been eliminated from playoff contention.  Next week, 5 more will be added to that pile of heartache.  Somehow, someway, the Jets have a say whether or not they'll be the last team added to the playoffs on Sunday night.  Should be a pretty fun week.  Until next time, stay warm out there.