Week 15 - Elimination

It's not like I didn't see it coming. The Eagles have always had the 49ers' number this decade. I was pleasantly surprised that the Niners managed to keep the game close in spite of 4 turnovers. But the loss, by a score of 27-13, was the straw that broke two camels' backs. Camel 1: making the playoffs. Camel 2: finishing with a winning record for the first time since 2002.

To be honest, there's not much to say about this one. Frank Gore was the bright spot offensively, rushing 16 times for 107 yards. Alex Smith played a gritty game, but his three first half interceptions were back-breakers.

No one on the defense shined. Patrick Willis was negated. The pass rush was nonexistent.

Okay, so there'll be no playoffs this year. No 9-7. It's disappointing, but not entirely unexpected.

Congratulations to the Arizona Cardinals, winners of the NFC West for the second time. You deserve it.