It’s never too early to clench. The San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers both clinched their respective NFC divisions yesterday. The 49ers destroyed the Rams 26-0 giving them a 10-2 record and a 5 game lead with 4 weeks left. The Packers 12-0 record also gives them a 5 game lead with 4 weeks left. The Packers victory was dramatic using a last second FG to beat the New York Giants 38-35.
Speaking of the Niners, RB Frank Gore set a new franchise rushing record 7,396 yards passing 1950’s icon, Joe Parry. They also wrapped up their first NFC West title since 2002. This team has not allowed a 100 yard rushing day in past 34 games! They are smoking and ready for the playoffs today!
Cam Newton (formerly known as The Icon) broke the NFL QB rushing TD record with four games left to play. Oh, yah, he’s a rookie! His 13 rushing TDs had him dash past long time Patriots QB Steve Grogan from the 1976 season and is the new gold standard. He is actually within reach of more great records. The guys give their sincere apologies to Newton about being wrong about him at the draft.
MRI Monday is as bad as any we’ve had. Texans, WR, Andre Johnson has injured his other hamstring. The Bears, RB, Matt Forte took a helmet to the knee and left early with what we now know is a grade 2 MCL sprain which will have him out about 3 weeks. Green Bay Packers, DB, Charles Woodson suffered concussion and will follow League protocols. Packers, RB, James Starks left game early after re-aggravating his ankle injury. 49ers, LB, Patrick Willis injured his right hamstring. Finally, Chiefs, QB, Kyle Orton injured his right index finger at end of 1st play.
The zeros remain firmly in place for the Colts and Packers. The guys debate the unlikelihood of the Colts getting a win and the Packers getting a loss. Both think the Green Bay loss would be the most likely of the two scenarios.
Today’s Tim Tebow update couldn’t come at a better time. Tebow lead the Broncos to first place in the AFC West. Great Tebow anecdote comes from SI’s great NFL man, Peter King. King asked Tebow via phone did anyone say anything memorable to you; “Everybody was happy, but I’ll tell you one thing that happened during the week that I remember. I had an opportunity to talk with a kid named Blake Appleton, from Florida, on Thursday. He’s a leukemia patient who’s just been moved to hospice. And after the game, when I was being interviewed on TV, I got to say his name. That’s what I’m proud of today. I let him know people cared about him. I let him know God has a plan for him.” That was the end of the Tebow interview. He had to rush to get on the bus to the airport. Except — “Have a good day, Mr. King. And God bless you.”
Gotta thank Jeff and Steven for apologizing for all of us who doubted Cam Newton and his #1 pick this year. We were all wrong, not sure who else would admit it to the world!