Atlanta Falcons 12/26/2006 2:39 AMThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports though mathematically alive for a playoff berth, the Falcons' chances of getting into postseason were diminished following their woeful 10-3 loss to visiting Carolina Sunday â a loss that could have even more negative ramifications than just adding to a season of disappointment. In short, Atlanta, one of five 7-8 teams that stand a chance to earn an NFC wild-card berth, needs to win at Philadelphia on Sunday and have the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers and Carolina lose or tie next weekend.Read more
Miami Dolphins 12/26/2006 2:32 AMThe Palm Beach Post reports ESPN analyst Steve Young said that Dolphins QB Daunte Culpepper has missed team meetings and called Culpepper's leadership into question. Also, Culpepper told MNF analyst Joe Theismann he won't begin working out until March. Culpepper started riding the bike this week for the first time since having arthroscopic surgery on Nov.30. He was placed on injured reserve Dec. 12.Read more
Cincinnati Bengals 12/26/2006 2:28 AMThe Dayton Daily News reports the Bengals are moonlighting as cheerleaders these days. They just became huge fans of the Oakland Raiders. They need the Raiders to do Sunday what the Miami Dolphins couldn't do Monday night: upset the New York Jets. If that mission gets accomplished, Cincinnati can claim an AFC wild card berth with a victory over the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The Bengals' 24-23 loss at Denver damaged their playoff hopes, but didn't knock 'em out. They just lost control of their destiny, and need help from their new best friend, Oakland, which visits the Jets at the Meadowlands on Sunday. Cincinnati has another longshot playoff possibility. It advances with a win and losses by the Broncos and Jaguars on Sunday.Read more
Cleveland Browns 12/26/2006 2:25 AMThe Dayton Daily News reports thoroughly frustrated and fresh out of answers, Browns HC Romeo Crennel is sounding like QB Chris Palmer at a similar stage. Will he meet the same fate as the first expansion-era Browns coach, fired after two seasons? Maybe not, but he seems just as defeated. Asked what he told the team after Sunday's 22-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Crennel said, "I told them we didn't play very good and I'm sorry I didn't do a better job coaching them." The Browns sank to 4-11, falling to a three-win team that was down to its third quarterback. It was the second consecutive Christmas Eve home debacle under Crennel's watch â less offensive than last year's 41-0 loss to the Steelers perhaps, but still unsightly.Read more
