The 49ers clinched their 16th consecutive 10-victory season and assured themselves of a return trip to the postseason by beating the Panthers. They still have an outside shot at the NFC West title, but are more likely going as a wild card and figure to meet Green Bay in the first game.
The big game in the AFC next week is Sunday’s night’s matchup, the Jets at Miami. If the Jets win, they would be almost assured of their first division title since 1969. They own the division tiebreaker and would only need to split their last two games. Miami, New England and Buffalo are currently in line for the wild-card berths.
How bad is the NFC playoff race? The Bears weren’t even eliminated until Sunday. Arizona and New Orleans are 6-7, tied in the race for the final NFC wild-card spot with Tampa Bay a possible third team if it can beat the Packers on Monday. The Cardinals and Saints–who have one combined playoff victory, the Cards’ 1947 title-game win in Comiskey Park–meet in Tempe, Ariz., in two weeks.
THANKS, BOSS
Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson got a token of appreciation from his players Sunday–a game ball from their 33-20 win over Cincinnati.
They figured the best way to thank the 80-year-old owner for criticizing the officiating– and drawing a $50,000 fine– was to give him a game ball.
“They just like him,” coach Wade Phillips said. “He signs their checks. I like him, too.”
The Bills were livid at a pass-interference call on a desperation pass that gave New England one more play and a chance for a 25-21 victory Sunday.
“We all appreciated Ralph’s comments,” said Doug Flutie, who threw two touchdown passes Sunday.
There were no disputes in the Bills’ victory Sunday, which was basically over in the third quarter.
“I thought the game today was very well reffed,” Wilson said.
GETTING DUMPED ON
Kordell Stewart threw a pair of interceptions in the Steelers’ 23-9 loss to the Patriots, then caught a beer shower from an unhappy Pittsburgh fan as the quarterback walked off the field.
“It’s agitating to walk off the thing and have people throw beer on me,” Stewart said. “That’s the first time that’s happened to me in my life. . . . But as far as the fans’ reaction, I promise you that I don’t care. They’re not going to run me out of here like they did Neil O’Donnell.”
INJURY UPDATE
Speaking of O’Donnell, who actually left Pittsburgh as a free agent and is now with Cincinnati, the quarterback broke a bone in his passing hand in the fourth quarter of the Bengals’ loss to Buffalo. He’s likely out for the season.
Also out for the year is Patriots middle linebacker Ted Johnson with a torn biceps muscle.
Quarterback Mark Brunell severely sprained his left ankle on the second play of the Jaguars’ victory over Detroit. He left the stadium on crutches, with his ankle in a large splint.
Washington receiver James Thrash broke his collarbone in the second quarter of a 24-20 victory over San Diego, but continued to play as a decoy in the second half because the Redskins were down to two healthy receivers.
“He couldn’t raise his arm,” coach Norv Turner said. “The coaches kept saying, `You can’t put him in.’ I was stubborn and said, `Put him in and I promise I won’t throw him the ball.’ “
Turner needed to use Thrash because Michael Westbrook left in the first quarter with a season-ending neck injury and Albert Connell was inactive with an ailing knee.
The Jets lost cornerback Aaron Glenn (sprained right ankle) and fullback Keith Byars (broken right arm).
ONE LAST TIME?
Of John Elway’s 47 comeback drives, nine have come against a Marty Schottenheimer-coached team, including two in conference championship games against Cleveland.
In what was the pair’s last meeting if Elway follows through on his planned retirement, the QB did it again Sunday, as Denver came back from 10 points down to beat the Chiefs 35-31.
“I have the greatest admiration in the world for him,” Schottenheimer said. “It has nothing to do with his skill. He is the finest competitor I have ever seen in professional sports.”
