The Atlanta Falcons won't apologize for somehow being in first place with a losing record. They shouldn't have to. This one is on the NFL. The league should seriously consider realignment — or, at the very least, a revamping of the playoff system — to prevent a repeat of this looming postseason embarrassment: the Falcons or New Orleans Saints or whoever emerges as champion of the woeful NFC South actually getting to host a first-round game when they have no business playing after December.