Usually I’m not one to consider a conspiracy in sports but the “flex schedule” set up by the NFL has gotten me perturbed to say the least. With their slaughter over the Cardinals last week the Patriots did their part in the efforts to make the playoffs. As luck would have it the Seahawks, allowing a glimmer of hope for New England, downed the Jets. In the final week of the regular season the Jets and Dolphins were to meet in an AFC East clash that will determine the fate of the division. With the entirety of the East playing at 1pm all of the NFL would know by early evening their AFC East divisional winner.
One of these games has been moved, the New York vs. Miami contest. So let me make sure my facts are straight. If Miami wins they’re in, no questions asked, if they lose then game over. Baltimore clinches their wild card slot with a win but should they lose New England win and Miami lose the playoff jumble becomes as confusing as a Rubik’s cube. The Jets have a chance if and only if the Pats lose and they can beat the Dolphins. This leads me to my point, with the NFL scheduling the NYJ vs. Miami game at 4:15 what incentive do the Jets have to beat Miami should New England win? Is this a final reprimand from the league commissioner’s office with regards to “Spygate?” It would seem we could only hope that Eric Mangini feels better about finishing his season with 10-6 record with no playoff appearance than ending the Pats playoff hopes.
Keywords: Baltimore Ravens, Eric Mangini, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, NFL
