Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Fred Evans (90) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) during the third quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Vikings won 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

In his time with the Texans’ organization, Schaub has taken a team that was an expansion franchise just over a decade ago to a team, that early on in the season, was considered a favorite for a Super Bowl contender. While Schaub is a good quarterback, he has some qualities that resemble one Marty Schottenheimer. Though young, Schaub has yet to be able to win not just “the” big game, but any big game. Disregarding the fact that Schaub has yet to play in a post season game yet, he has had trouble in the regular season to be able to finish off a regular season strong, or drive the proverbial nail into the coffin of other teams late on in the season.

With a great jump on the competition, the Texans started out 5-0 this year, and were 11-1 through 12 games. The record stands the show, and will continue to show, being that the season is over, that Houston finished 12-4, and was awarded the 3rd seed in the AFC playoff picture. When Houston was 11-1 they had the No. 1 seed seemingly wrapped up. With only four games left Houston would just have to stay steady with their game planning, coaching, and player execution to earn the hallowed No. 1 seed. This would have given them a first round bye in the playoffs, and home field advantage for the entire post season. Instead the face the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round on January 5th.

Nov 18, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) jumps over Arizona Cardinals cornerback William Gay (22) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

Atlanta 23, Arizona 19

Matt Ryan threw five—count ‘em, five—interceptions, but the Falcons still managed to pull out the victory at home against the slumping Cardinals. Michael Tuner punched in a one run touchdown run with under seven minutes for the winning score.

Green Bay 24, Detroit 20

Aaron Rodgers led Green Bay on an 82-yard touchdown drive, hitting Randall Cobb from 22 yards out with 1:55 left to give the Packers the lead, and the Lions were unable to mount a last minute comeback. Calvin Johnson had 143 receiving yards and a touchdown in the loss.

New York Jets 27, St. Louis 13

Mark Sanchez finished 15 of 20 for 178 yards, and the Jet defense forced three Ram turnovers to pick up the road victory. The Jets still harbor faint playoff hopes at 4-6.

Dallas 23, Cleveland 20 (OT)

Dan Bailey kicked a 32 yard field goal to send the game to overtime, and a 38-yarder to give the Cowboys the come-from-behind win. This was a pretty rough loss for the Browns, who completely outplayed Dallas in the first half to take a 13-0 lead at the break. Tony Romo threw for 313 yards to lead the Cowboys back to .500.

Apr 25, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson takes off his jersey after being named the cover athlete during the Madden 13 cover unveiling on the set of SportsNation at Times Square. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

The latest edition of Madden football was released last night, as Madden 13 debuted with great reviews. The biggest change on the field is with tackling, highlighted by new physics technology called the Infinity Engine, which is supposed to generate more realistic impacts between players when contact is made.

Dolphins LT Jake Long has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL, and will likely be sidelined 1-3 weeks.

The Rams have acquired RT Wayne Hunter from the Jets in exchange for RT Jason Smith, who was the second overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft, and has started 26 games in three years as he has had problems with concussions.

Buccaneers rookie RB Doug Martin has leapfrogged LeGarrette Blount as the starting tailback in Tampa.

It’s very unlikely the Texans re-sign QB Matt Schaub before the offseason, as he is on the last year of his deal.

RB Adrian Peterson (knee) took hits in Vikings practice for the first time on Monday.

Giants CB Terrell Thomas (knee) hopes to be cleared to resume running this week, and is hoping to be ready for next Wednesday’s opener vs. the Cowboys.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll says Sidney Rice (shoulders) is ready to go.

With new security procedures, Raiders suggest fans show up two hours early

Steelers RB Isaac Redman was held out of Monday’s practice with an ankle injury.

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