Seattle 35, Washington 14
This was an interesting game. Seattle dominated the first three quarters but Washington was still in it trailing only 13-0. Then the tide turned and the Redskins in a matter of minutes took a 14-13 edge and recovered a kickoff setting up a great opportunity for more points. They missed a field goal though and the momentum was back in the Seahawks favor. The got the go ahead score and iced the game with a couple late pick-sixes.
This game breeds confidence for Seattle. They seem to be hitting on all cylinders and except for that 4 minute stretch early in the 4th quarter they thoroughly dominated one of the NFL's hottest teams. When the game was on the line they made the big plays in the passing game and on defense to seal the deal.
It's a tough blow to the Redskins. This was one they could have had. They had all the momentum in the 4th and were poised to take a four or eight point lead. The missed field goal however really took the wind out of their sails and it was a rather fast decline in the final minutes. Still, we will remember this Washington team for years to come because of their hard fought effort to make the playoffs.
Jacksonville 31, Pittsburgh 29
This was a great NFL playoff game. A fast start, dominating play on the road, a comeback, emotion, this one had it all. It was all Jacksonville for three quarters. They took a 28-10 lead and I thought it was over, but finally the things that happen when you are on the road in the playoffs, happened. The Jaguars turned the ball over and Pittsburgh scored touchdowns on three consecutive possessions. But with the game on the line Jacksonville rediscovered the magic and made the key stop, the fourth down conversion and the game winning field goal.
Those are the kinds of things when you are on one of those magical runs. Whenever a play is absolutely needed, it happens. The Jaguars are certainly the 'it' team right now and I can't wait until next week, where hopefully they will travel to New England and take on Goliath.
For the Steelers, it just wasn't their year. They improved and did accomplish a lot this season, but they will be disappointed. Things might have been different had Willie Parker not been injured, but they just weren't an elite team in the AFC this year.
New York Giants 24, Tampa Bay 14
Things started great for the Buccaneers. They played solid defense and marched down the field for a first quarter touchdown. The next two quarters however, were all Giants. They scored twice in the 2nd quarter to take a 14-7 halftime. The Bucs made a couple of key mistakes in the 3rd quarter starting with fumbling the opening kickoff leading to a Giants field goal. They later turned the ball over again with a poor decision by Jeff Garcia. Early in the 4th quarter the Giants went on a long scoring drive to ice the game.
After a sluggish start New York picked up right where they left off. The defense was swarming and the offense made plays and controlled the game. They will need to raise their level and play another great game though if they want to win in Dallas.
It was a great season for Tampa Bay, but they end up just like Pittsburgh. They just weren't an elite team in the NFC this year. Look for them to get a few more offensive weapons in the offseason.
San Diego 17, Tennessee 6
The Titans played a solid first half, shutting out the Chargers for second time this year. San Diego did a good job not getting away from what they do best. They still committed to the run and knew that eventually they would make the plays in the passing game. Tennessee had a crucial missed field goal early in the 4th quarter that would have made the score 10-9. Instead, the Chargers took the ball down the field and got the game clincher on a 4th and goal plunge by LaDainian Tomlinson.
It was looking like the same recipe for San Diego disappointment in the playoffs. They played a lifeless first half where they had trouble moving the ball. Luckily they got a big turnover to avoid a bigger deficit. If they want to win in Indianapolis they need to play a good game, not a good half.
Not to sound like a broken record, but it was a great season for the Titans. Not many people picked them to win ten games or make the playoffs (myself include). This is a good step for them but they must continue to get better if they want to keep up with the Jaguars and Colts.
Divisional Playoff Games
Seattle @ Green Bay, Saturday 4:30 PM ET
- The Seahawks must be more consistent on offense. When they get opportunities they need touchdowns, not field goals. On defense they should stick with aggressive blitzing and creating pressure trying to force some of those Brett Favre mental errors. The Packers will look to start fast and ride the home crowd. They still need to run the ball with the same success they have been having with Ryan Grant to control the game.
- I think this is the game of this round that every neutral fan wanted to see. Other than the Colts, the Jaguars are the best matchup and stand the best chance of slaying the giant that is the Patriots. They must play better in the secondary if they want to win however, they can't allow the big passing plays to New England. For the Patriots, it is simple, just be yourselves.
- This is a rematch of a peculiar game from November. The Colts played poorly but then should've won but Vinatieri missed a chip shot. That was in San Diego, this time it is in the RCA Dome. The Chargers will need a sixty minute effort and to capitalize on every opportunity to dethrone the defending Super Bowl Champions.
- The Giants won't be able to afford starting slow. The defense must create havoc from the first snap and hope that the offense plays efficiently. Dallas' running game will be their biggest friend in this matchup. Their two headed monster in the backfield has tailed off as of late. They need to be productive to take the pressure of Tony Romo.
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