Some Reasons Why the NFL Division Round was Memorable

Well, the divisional round in the NFL is over. And just like the Wild Card round, it was another round to remember. From the Saints demolishing the Cardinals after an unbelievable win at home against the Packers to the stunning defeat of the heavily favored Chargers at the hands of the Jets, this round reminded of why America loves the NFL. But like the true fans we are, we want to know why and how those teams won. Here are the top reasons why. Enjoy!

Cards showed fatigue against the Saints

After the Cardinals defeated the Packers in an unbelievable game - a game that shattered the NFL's most points scored in a playoff record - you would think the Cardinals could beat anybody. But when they arrived in New Orleans, their confidence began to slowly shrink. Missed tackles, unproductive offensive numbers and a devastating injury to cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie overwhelmed the Cardinals and ultimately led to their demise in the tournament.

Reggie Comes to Play

Bush finished with 84 yards rushing, 24 yards receiving and 109 yards on three punt returns. He also had the longest run in franchise playoff history, breaking Deuce McAllister's 28-yard run vs. the Eagles on Jan. 13, 2007.

"I knew I was going to get a lot of opportunities today to make plays and just be a difference-maker for my team," Bush said. "I just tried to make the most of it every time I had the ball."

He proved that he is still one of the most exciting players to watch in the league. And now that his relationship with Kim Kardashian is back to being solid, Bush's feet will continue to move swiftly.

Sanchez shines in So Cal

Last time the Jets came to San Diego for a playoff game was in 2006. The ironic thing is that Sanchez was sitting in the stands during that game. Fast forward four years later, Sanchez handed the Chargers their first lost in 12 games in his rookie year and pushed the Jets one step closer to the Super Bowl.

Sanchez didn't put up huge numbers, 12 out of 23 passing for 100 yards with one touchdown, but he played with confidence and believed in his team. And that's a sure recipe for success.

Chargers Cooled Off in Playoffs

When the Chargers lost to the Jets, it was the most uncharacteristic lost of the weekend. The Chargers had an 11-game winning streak, they were undefeated at home, and Phillip Rivers finished the regular season with one of the highest quarterback rating of his career at 104.4. Nate Kaeding has never missed a field-goal within 40-yards in 69 consecutive attempts and had an 87.2 percent conversation rate going into the game and the team wasn't penalized for no more than 87 yards all season long.

But having too much confidence might be a bad thing for the Chargers.

Favre Got his Wish

Brett Favre rolled the dice when he returned for his 16th year this season. Would his health hold up for an entire season? Could his 40-year old arm still throw with accuracy and precision? Are the Vikings the best team to make a return with?

Well, once again, Favre proved that age is only a number. The Vikings demolished the Cowboys, 34-3, on Sunday to move into the NFC Championship game. Favre completed 15 out of 24 passes for 234 yards with four touchdowns, which was a career-high for him in the playoffs. And for the first time in his career, Favre defeated the Cowboys after four post-season tries.

Ravens Run Into a Wall in Indy

A lot of people had the Ravens beating the Colts on Saturday. And why wouldn't you. They took down the mighty Patriots - in New England none-the-less - during the wild card round and has an impressive defense that characterizes toughness and sneaky blitz formations. But the second seeded Colts had other plans.

The Ravens allowed 246 passing yards and only had one interception, compared to the Patriot game, where they intercepted three passes and allowed 154 passing yards. In short, Payton Manning was on his game.