It's a slow day, as only six teams are in the dark about their playoff status. In the AFC the final spot will be won by either the Steelers or the Chiefs. In the NFC, three of the Panthers, Bucs, Redskins and Cowboys group will claim the remaining spots.
That means 18 teams are already looking forward to 2006, which in turn means the rumor mill is already red hot. Will Brett Favre retire? Will Dick Vermeil call it quits again? Will Dan Reeves name himself the next jefe of all trades in Houston?
From Dallas' perspective, the most amusing and intriguing news comes from Washington, where LaVar Arrington's pouting act has people on both sides of the Redskins/Eagles game talking. Eagles' MLB Jeremiah Trotter, who played with Arrington in Washington, defended his friend. Arrington's coach, Joe Gibbs, indirectly lashed out at Arrington, claiming anybody not focused on Philadelphia was distracting the team.
Talk on, Mr. Arrington.
In Dallas, Bill Parcells frets over Roy Williams' bum ankle. The SS still limps, though he says he will play this weekend. The Rams have an ineffective defense, a rookie-heavy offensive line and a long injured-reserve list that includes their head coach and starting QB. Still, they have a dangerous receiving corps of Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald. They also have an experienced backup in Jamie Martin. When you consider how the unsung Panthers receivers turned Keith Davis and Willie Pile inside out last week, you can understand Parcells' concerns.
One good bit of secondary news -- Anthony Henry returned to practice yesterday and says he will be ready for the Rams. A full set of corners would go a long way towards winning Sunday night.