NFL: Monday Afternoon, and Musings on the Season so Far

3-9.

Well, it could be worse. Ask a Lions fan.

Don't ask a Chiefs fan, they're still 2-10.

Could ask a Bengals fan....that tie.

Going into the season, on paper, we had quite a team assembled. We had two Pro Bowl players at the corners, a newly signed safety, a fresh face at running back, and Kiffin was looking at year two while looking over his shoulder.

But then, that's why they play the game.

Oakland's problems started before the season really began. Losing Oren O'Neal, possibly permanently, didn't help matters. Or losing Drew Carter, who was just getting in sync with JaMarcus Russell.

Javon Walker, after getting the snot kicked out of him, and DeAngelo Hall, self-named best CB ever and surgeon, announced his hand was broken.

Our first loss, came against the Broncos. We were able to avenge that last week.

We got past the Chiefs for our first win, and our second, against the Jets.

Along the way, we lost our backup fullback, Justin Griffith. We also had to switch up our running game, with Michael Bush not thrilled at playing fullback. We also kicked loose DeAngelo Hall, and said adios to the Vols new head coach, Lane Kiffin.

In some odd parallel universe, this all makes sense, one would say. After all, we routed the Broncos in Denver, we should be able to win at home against KC, right?

Nope.

So here we sit, at 3-9.

And, to the detractors like Raidersteve Doyle...or his 12 other aliases, we still haven't died...according to the CBS Sportsline Playoff tracker...in the AFC, only two teams are officially out.

One is the Bengals and the other is the Chiefs.

And ironically, we play the team in second place, on Thursday, who are also ailing...The San Diego Chargers.

Whoever wins will be in second place....if that doesn't make you wonder what's wrong with this division, consider this parting thought:

Kansas City won yesterday and was eliminated.

If Oakland wins, and Kansas City loses next week, Oakland is out, too.

Any given Sunday.