Tears of the Sun: NFL Divisional Playoff Recap

If there is anything that the playoffs have shown, it’s this: You can’t script the postseason. After this weekend, that has been proven to be a pretty accurate statement. Here’s the rundown of the NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend.

AFC

Momentum Is Everything

During the last week of the season the Chargers pounded the Raiders to clinch the division and the playoff berth that they so desperately needed, while the Colts didn’t even start their originals in their loss to Tennessee. Here’s the dilemma: It’s better to go into the postseason with a win than a loss. On Sunday, San Diego proved that momentum is truly everything.

Even without LT and Philip Rivers the Chargers kept the injury-riddled Colts in check and Peyton Manning, despite throwing for 400 yards, played like a rookie quarterback. Three touchdowns wasn’t enough for Peyton as his Colts may have given Tony Dungy his final game as head coach with a 28-24 loss, thus ending the Colts’ defense of the Super Bowl Championship.

While their two main guys sat on the sideline, Billy Volek (yes, he’s still playing) led the charge that was enough for San Diego to grab the late fourth quarter touchdown. The defense took care of the rest and showed Peyton Manning that the Tennessee curse that has plagued the Volunteers all season is alive and well.

Big congrats goes to Frank Caliendo from Fox NFL Sunday for being the only one out of the group to make this upset pick.

Almost Perfect Patriot Act

On Saturday night the New England Patriots looked more like last year’s Boise State Broncos with trick plays and phenomenal moments. Tom Brady was practically on fire. He completed his first 16 passes and had one hell of a shootout against Jacksonville’s David Garrard. If anyone was expecting a blowout it didn’t happen here as the Jaguars went shot for shot with the Patriots all the way to the end.

I’ve watched the playoffs for many years and this was arguably one of the best playoff games I’ve ever seen.

From Garrard’s touchdown pass while falling down to Brady’s fake Statue of Liberty play, this game was a nailbiter all the way to the exciting end. There were times that Jacksonville looked like they could pull off the big upset, but were unable to stop the mighty Tom Brady.

On a lighter side, they held Randy Moss to only one catch for 14 yards and no touchdowns, but couldn’t stop Donte’ Stallworth, Ben Watson, and Wes Welker.

Another tasty tidbit to know about this game is this: There wasn’t a punt or a field goal attempt until the second half and both teams went for it on fourth down on their first possessions of the game.

The Patriots, who are known for their aerial assault, also used their own dynamic duo of running backs as Lawrence Maroney and Kevin Faulk established themselves early and often. The Jaguars, who are known for establishing the run early and often, only got 80 yards from their duo of Fred Taylor (who finally got his due by being placed into the Pro Bowl) and Maurice Jones-Drew.

The Patriots went into overdrive after the Jaguars’ last chance and New England continued their perfect season with a 31-20 win. They will host the San Diego Chargers next Sunday for the right to play in the Super Bowl in Tempe.

NFC

Homecoming turns into Snow Job for Holmgren

There has been quite a rivalry developing between Seattle and Green Bay as of late. The main reason is the coach on the other side of the field. Mike Holmgren is still considered a legend in Lambeau Country, but on a cold, snowy Saturday afternoon he was the enemy...And Brett Favre made sure that he knew that.

Right off the bat things weren’t looking good for the Packers as running back Ryan Grant fumbled on the first two drives, both leading to Seahawks points. After that Favre took over and stuck with Grant. He didn’t let him down as he mounted up and took off for 201 yards and three touchdowns (both Packers playoff records) as the Packers showed how bad it is to play in Lambeau Field in the snow.

Brett Favre threw for 183 yards and three touchdowns, while Greg Jennings caught a pair of scores. When the game was completely decided the Packers looked more like a couple of kids playing in the snow after school, throwing snowballs at each other as the clock wound down.

The Packers won impressively 42-20 and look forward to either breaking an almost 10 year curse or spending another after school day playing in the snow.

Chicken by the Sea

No one can judge me for this one. I was for Dallas on Sunday, but they choked. No, they didn’t choke, their quarterback choked. Despite excellent field position and his top receiver back and ready to roll, Tony Romo proved that if anything stays in Mexico, it’s confidence.

Instead of getting himself mentally and physically prepared for the game, he decided to wine and dine his idiotic girlfriend. Huge mistake if you’re expected to lead the Cowboys back to dynasty status. Troy Aikman may not say it, but he’s got to be disappointed. Emmitt Smith may not say it, but you know he’s disappointed. And in all honesty, Michael Irvin will say that he’s downright embarrassed.

How in the world can you play so well for the whole season, and flat out choke in the playoffs?

Wade Phillips had a good first year campaign. He did everything he could do to get the job done, except for actually going out there and teaching his center how to snap a ball. Here’s what it comes down to: Tony Romo just punched Eli Manning’s ticket to immortality.

Instead of the Cowboys hosting their first NFC Championship Game in 13 years, Eli Manning has a chance to put down another legend of the NFL. Manning and the Giants won 21-17 over Dallas and will travel to the cold frozen tundra of Lambeau Field to face the ultimate living legend, Brett Favre, and the Green Bay Packers. This is playoff football. It doesn’t get any better than this.

As for Dallas, I really hope that TO’s crying game gave his quarterback a wake up call. As for Romo, I hope he doesn’t decide to go play golf anytime this week.