Patriots on the verge of missing the playoffs

I was both excited and frustrated while watching the Patriots escape with a win against the Seahawks. Excited, because I had a really good feeling that the Patriots would be able to dig deep and win the game, even after playing so horribly. And frustrated because deep down, I know this team is probably not going to make it to the playoffs.

Before the game, I felt pretty good about their chances. Looking at the schedule, I figured that if the Patriots won their last 4 games, they'd be in for sure, and if they only won 3 games, they might still get the wild card.

But a more careful analysis puts it into perspective. Even if the Patriots win their last 3 games (and that game against Arizona is no joke), they'll still need some help to get in. Add that up with the sudden onslaught of injuries, and the Pats are quite the long shot.

It's almost unfathomable that an 11-5 team not make the playoffs. I don't think I've ever seen that happen.

Thoughts on the last game:

-Really? The Patriots defense got handled by a backup QB and an offensive line that already lost 4 starters? Yeah, that doesn't quite seem playoff-worthy. "Old and slow" certainly seemed apt.

-On the other hand, it's not like the Patriots are at full strength either. Commentator Randy Cross had the gall to say “Now the Patriots will have a taste of what Mike Holmgren and the Seahawks have dealt with this season” as injured Patriots players were limping off the field. Uh....really? Just for posterity, let's count the number of Patriots defensive starters that weren't available most of the game: Harrison, Bruschi, Wilfork, Adalius Thomas, James Sanders, Ty Warren...wow, that's more than HALF of the defense. Oh, and one of those guys on the Pats' offense is hurt too....dammit....can't seem to remember the guy's name...

-Riiight, so after 2 years of nothing, NOW Deion Branch decides to show up? I always find it odd how some players show up big when playing their former teammates. On a fun note, did you know his kids are named Deionte and Deiondre? I am NOT joking.

-Gotta love that Welker kid (I can say he's a kid now that I'm over 30). Though I'm really worried that one of these days he's going to take a hit and not get up.

-Yes, that picture above IS Ben Watson pretending that a football is a fetus growing inside his man-womb. 15-yard penalty for the lamest TD celebration ever (yes, I know his wife is pregnant with their first child).

-I really really really wonder how "good" Matt Cassel is when he's not in this Pats' offense. If had to guess what kind of career he will end up having, I'd starting throwing out names like.....Chris Chandler? Jeff Hostetler? Rob Johnson? Ooh ooh, Jon Kitna! Other suggestions are welcome in the comments section.