Weekend In Review

The NFL’s regular season thundered to a close on, setting the stage for both the upcoming playoffs and the traditional Black Monday on which coaches get fired.

Even before the last games were finished, the Cleveland Browns had dumped their general manager, Ray Farmer, and coach Mike Pettine. The San Francisco 49ers followed suit by ditching coach Jim Tomsula. Other teams to watch on Black Monday: The New York Giants (Tom Coughlin), the Indianapolis Colts (Chuck Pagano), the Tennessee Titans (interim coach Mike Mularkey). The general managers in those places are also in possible jeopardy.

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 20-13 on Sunday night to win the NFC North Division title for the first time since 2009. The NFC playoff games – both on Sunday — now shape up this way: Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota, Green Bay at Washington Redskins. In the AFC, with games on Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs play the Houston Texans, and the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Cincinnati Bengals.

Peyton Manning’s return energized the Denver Broncos and their win over the San Diego Chargers, coupled with the New England Patriots’ loss to the Miami Dolphins, gave the the Broncos the overall home field in the AFC. That right belongs to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

One week hence, Clemson and Alabama will play for the national championship. Clemson will be looking to become the first team to go 15-0 while winning its first national title since 1981.The Tigers ran away from Oklahoma 31-17 in a semifinal playoff game, while Alabama crushed Michigan State 38-0. The Crimson Tide seek their fourth crown in seven years.
Clemson’s offensive line was considered the team’s weak link early in the season, but the Tigers have exceeded 500 yards of total offense in 10 straight games.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman