The RP’s Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Pigskin

Today is what is traditionally known as Black Monday in the NFL – the day that is most popular with owners for firing staff in order to go in a  different direction with their respective clubs. Here is a list of the firings up to this point – EAGLES – Andy Reid, BEARS – Lovie Smith, BILLS – Chan Gailey, BROWNS – Pat Shurmur, Tom Heckert, CHIEFS – Romeo Crennel, JETS – GM Mike Tannenbaum, JAGUARS – GM Gene Smith. Follow the link to follow all the Black Friday news. [ESPN]

The Vikings pulled out a great win on a last second field goal Sunday night to beat the Packers and secure a playoff berth. The feeling was probably soured just a tiny bit for Adrian Peterson as he came up 9 yards short for the all-time single season rushing record with 2097. [LA Times]

The Broncos managed to snag the #1 seed with their win on Sunday. It’s hard to believe this team was once 2-3. I guess taking a chance on that Peyton Manning guy worked out. [Yahoo!]

Here is a preview of Wild Card weekend for you. [CBS]

It was an interesting sight on Sunday when the Redskins only had 7 players out on the receiving team for a punt. [picture]

Nice, random gesture by Jimmy Graham. [picture]

Here are the official 2012 playoff seeds.

AFC

1.  Denver Broncos 13-3
2.  New England Patriots 12-4
3.  Houston Texans 12-4
4.  Baltimore Ravens 10-6
5.  Indianapolis Colts 11-5
6.  Cincinnati Bengals 10-6

Wild Card games:

Cincinnati Bengals at  Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts at  Baltimore Ravens

NFC

1.  Atlanta Falcons 13-3
2.  San Francisco 49ers 11-4-1
3.  Green Bay Packers 11-5
4.  Washington Redskins 10-6
5.  Seattle Seahawks 11-5
6.  Minnesota Vikings 10-6

Wild Card games:

Minnesota Vikings at  Green Bay Packers

Seattle Seahawks at  Washington Redskins