Whilst the Lions can't buy a win, the Patriots despite losing star QB Tom Brady in the first half of their first game managed to get production from back-up Matt Cassel, overcome some other injuries - especially on defense and at running back - and face up to a much tougher division to win 11 games. Yet those 11 wins mean nothing because the Patriots and Lions are actually on an even keel......both will be sat at home in the new year watching the play-offs on TV. Whether you like or loathe the Patriots, that's a bitter pill to swallow. I don't think this is the time for over-reaction and calls for complete change in the way teams make the post season but it is concerning that two divisions could have being won with 8 wins (depending on the result of the late game one might actually have an 8-8 winner) whilst 11 wins can't get you a play-off berth in another division within the same conference. Teams know this is possible before the season and winning your own division is the safest way to make sure you aren't burnt like this. If it is to stay like this should more divisional games be considered or will the first 11 win team to fail to make post season since the current format was adopted be enough for pressure to build to scrape divisions and just have two conference tables with the best six records qualifying? I doubt anything changes but I'm guess Patriots fans feel like shouting for change right now.
This is not the first time this has happened. Other teams have complained in the past as well, but it is getting more attention this year because it happened to the beloved Patriots, and I couldn't be happier. I think the only change that should be made in the playoff format, is that if say a wildcard team has a 11-5 record, and the division winner has a record of only 9-7, I believe the wildcard team should be the host of the game.
I believe Cleveland was the only other 11 win team to not make the playoffs. That's the way the system is set up and everybody knows going in. I don't want the playoffs becoming watered down like the NHL or NBA.
There's never going to be a perfect playoff format because all teams don't play each other equally. I like the current system more than any others that I've heard.
We won a Super Bowl coming out of a 11-5 season. Good deal for the Playoff teams, they don't have to play us.
