Times NFL writer T.J. Simers poses--and answers--the burning questions on . . .GAME DAY

1. Question: Who gets the second pick in the next NFL draft?

Answer: Probably Philadelphia. The expansion Browns get the first pick, most likely taking Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch and leaving the Eagles with Texas running back Ricky Williams as a replacement for Ricky Watters, who left before this season for Seattle.

The Eagles have to lose to the Giants today. Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Carolina can also finish 3-13, but the Eagles are deemed worse off because their schedule was weaker and they were unable to win.

2. Q: Was Phil Luckett’s whistle working in the Miami-Denver game?

A: Luckett, who couldn’t handle a coin flip earlier this season, and his crew did not call a single penalty on the Dolphins.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been in a situation, at the collegiate level or the NFL, where a football team did not have a penalty,” Denver Coach Mike Shanahan said. “So I take my hat off to Miami for doing such a great job.” Shanahan, asked how he would feel if Luckett and his crew were assigned to a Bronco playoff game, said, “If you pay the fine, I’ll give you the answer.”

3. Q: You were dying to ask: How did those 3-4 defenses do this year?

A: Not well. Only three teams still run the 3-4 defense: Cincinnati, which is 3-12, Carolina at 3-12 and Pittsburgh at 7-8.

4. Q: Do the 49ers miss defensive lineman Bryant Young?

A: Yes. Before losing Young because of a broken leg in the fourth quarter of Game 12, the 49er defense had given up runs of 10 yards or more 27 times and had 46 sacks. In the last three games, the opposition has 15 runs of 10 yards or longer and the defense has four sacks.

5. Q: How do Buccaneer fans feel about Trent Dilfer?

A: Can you say, “Cade McNown”?

The Buccaneers were one of the biggest busts of the year, and Dilfer failed to advance his play. Slow down, though. Before giving up Dilfer, consider this: Tampa Bay gave up on Steve Young, Vinny Testaverde and Chris Chandler. They will all be in the Pro Bowl after the Super Bowl.