Orton, Peterson, "Tebow Time" Out, Soundbites Of The Year

(Zach Borg)

I should have been more excited when Kansas City tied the game against Oakland.  Then again, I'd seen this script too many times, and it usually ends with Sebastian Janikowski kicking a game winning field goal (he's done it four times against KC).  Of course the Chiefs tortured me with a blocked field goal but same difference.  Janikowski will get two parties when he retires-one in Oakland and Kansas City.

Kyle Orton reminded me of Tim Tebow.  He played terribly for about three quarters and caught fire with the game on the line.  I think KC's offense will be better next year when they get guys like Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki back.  Despite the first three quarters, I think Orton helped his case for starting in KC next year.  You have to remember that he's really only worked with these receivers and teammates for a month.

"Tebow Time" became a nightmare in Buffalo.  Tebow threw four interceptions, including back-to-back Pick Sixes in the fourth with Denver down 12.  Tebow's most fanatical followers can play the "All He Does Is Win" card.  But if he doesn't improve his play over four quarters, they won't be able to say that for long.

The Broncos still control their own destiny.  A win over Kansas City next week and their in, or an Oakland loss will seal it too.  Had the Chiefs won it could have set up the win-and-you're-in game we dreamed of.  While the game is meaningless on paper for Kansas City I don't expect the Chiefs to quit heading to Denver.  Not with Orton getting a chance to ruin Tebow's dream season.

The Vikings can't win for winning.  That they lost out on the number one draft pick in their 33-26 win at Washington is secondary.  You can't ever tell a player to lay down and lose to get a better draft pick, and tanking is bush league.  However, you do have to draw a line with your franchise player.  Adrian Peterson suffered a torn ACL and MCL on a horrific injury in the second half.  I appreciate his desire to play, but Peterson's been hurt all year, Toby Gerhart is a capable backup, and the Vikings came in 2-12.  SHUT PETERSON DOWN.  Hate to say this on Christmas Eve, but that's a fireable offense for first year coach Leslie Frazier.  It's great that Adrian wants to play for his fantasy owners who are in a championship, but have the stones to tell him it's time to sit.  I respect the desire to win, but you have to protect your franchise's greatest asset and best player.  Or was today's result worth losing Peterson for 2012 (or maybe beyond)? 

We're rolling out the "Best of 2011" stuff here at WHO sports.  Tonight we did best soundbites of the year, tomorrow plays of the year.  My personal favorite (and there were plenty to choose from) was post match CyHawk wrestling press conference.  Tom Brands and Kevin Jackson are hilarious.  And they are serious too.

Happy Holidays Everyone!