The Green Bay Packers were once again just a bit short of both points and defense as they lost 19-14 to Philadelphia. This assures the Packers of their first losing season in the Brett Favre era.

This game followed the all too familiar Green Bay 2005 script. The Packers managed to keep it close and actually led 14-10 at halftime. But they were not able to generate much offense in the second half and the defense was unable to hold the Eagles off the scoreboard. At 2-9, it is looking more and more like the Packers will at least have a top five pick in the draft if not the number one pick. So many key players were injured this season, on top of several free agency losses, that it is hard to say what the Packers need most. A running back to take up the slack for Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport, both of whom were sidelined for 2005 a long time ago? A better wide receiver for Brett Favre to throw to (assuming Old Number Four comes back for another go round)? Offensive line? Defense? Who knows, but at this point there appear to be any number of weak spots that Green Bay needs to address.

Reports are coming over the news wires that the Detroit Lions have fired coach Steve Mariucci, although no official announcement has been made. What really needs to happen in my opinion is a change in ownership in Motown, as "Not So Slick" Willie Clay Ford and his cronies have been the one constant in the Several Decades of Lions Mediocrity.

Can the Indianapolis Colts go undefeated? We will see what we will see, but I have a feeling Pittsburgh might knock them off tonight. Or maybe I am out of my mind???

The Seattle Seahawks are 9-2. Maybe Green Bay should not have let Mike Holmgren get away?
On the other hand, it is possible that not even Vince Lombardi could do much with a team like this year's Packers that is riddled with injuries and free agent losses, has an average at best defense, not very good return teams (sorry, Antonio Chatman, I have never been too impressed with you) and Brett Favre trying to be a One Man Offense.

The San Francisco 49ers are, like the Packers, 2-9 and not even looking as good as Green Bay. This franchise has fallen hard from the Glory Days of Joe Montana and Steve Young and does not look to be getting much better any time soon.

That's all for now on the Current State of Things in the National Football League.