AFC Matchups
1. Baltimore Ravens v. Indianapolis Colts
What happened to the Ravens we saw demolish the Patriots last week???? Because these Ravens weren't focused and definitely were not as hungry as they were last week. This game was all Colts all the time with a few minor disturbances from Baltimore's Ed Reed. Ray Rice was Baltimore's main source of energy in the game but even he couldn't carry the dead weight of his fellow teammates. Joe Flacco had 2 INT's and 0 TD's very unlike the sophomore QB who as a rookie played in the big playoff dance last season. Manning had 1 INT and 2 TD's. Peyton was his usual self, focused, in the zone & clearly in stealth mode when it comes to accuracy. Pierre Garcon proved himself worthy of handling the run game as well as tackling defenders such as Baltimore's Safety Ed Reed. Reed stripped Garcon of the ball after a 38 yd run & Garcon speedily caught up to Reed & made the tackle to end the play. Now either Garcon is a monster or Reed has lost a few steps in his footing...hhhmmmm...nevertheless, lack luster play on part of Baltimore & renewed strength & increased level play by Indianapolis makes for a final score of 20-3 and we will see Indianapolis in the AFC Championship on next week...
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2. New York Jets v. San Diego Chargers
Well this was the shocker of the ENTIRE weekend. The Jets went in to San Diego with all the optimism & hope one Cinderella-esque sub-par team can have and actually came out winners!!!! I mean I made a few jokes & cracks about Rex Ryan being on PCP if he seriously thought the Jets would beat San Diego, Indianapolis & the SUPER BOWL!!! Well at least he got the San Diego part right. New York went in at first very uneasy & inconsistent. They couldn't seem to put together effective drives .much the opposite to San Diego who started strong only to lose steam and inevitably fall short. New York's running game and defense were the main contributors to the win. While Sanchez didn't play exceptional, his defense held San Diego which allowed the Jets to capitalize in other ways. One thing is for sure, Kaeding will probably be looking for a job after more than one missed field goal in Sunday's loss. It was very disappointing to see San Diego start so strong only to lose a substantial lead & lose...LT was silent this game and Sproles got a little glimmer. Well my guess its safe to say that San Diego may have the following free agents: Norv Turner, LaDanian Tomlinson, Nate Kaeding....(Shawn Merriman)...2 back to back seasons resulting in playoff losses after strong starts. My opinion: SD never should have let Marty Schottenheimer go when they did, I mean the man had a 14-2 season just think what they could have done the next season. The chemistry definitely was there and a STABLE system was in place...ahhh...anyway, I digress....in a nut shell the Cinderella Jets are now headed to Indianapolis for the AFC Championship...
NFC Matchups
1. Minnesota Vikings v. Dallas Cowboys
6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, missed kicks, inability to connect with a receiver other than Tight End Witten...all this together is a recipe for a MAJOR LOSS...which is exactly what happened to Dallas on Sunday in Minnesota. Minnesota came out of the gates on fire...Favre has everything to prove and the team has played at playoff level all season with a few exceptions here & there. Despite the fact that AP All Day was silenced, Favre relied on old faithful, his trusty sidekick...the gunslinger aka His Arm to take over. With a career postseason high of 4 TD's Favre (3 to Sydney Rice), Vikings D & formidable O-Line, Minnesota basically railroaded Dallas. I even began calling Tony Romo the Happy Cow spokesperson because he was eating so much grass...lol...I crack myself up sometimes...anywho, the whole game I was wondering what happened to the explosive Miles Austin or the Million Dollar man Roy Williams?? both absent...so cue the drama...Last play of the game Favre throws a TD and Keith Brooking of Dallas defense goes CRAZY...he walks to the Vikings sideline and begins talking smack to Favre's back and it almost gets ugly when Jared Allen chimes in..Brooking after the game calls the Vikings classless & the final TD "uncalled for"...STOP WHINING ITS PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL THERE IS NO RULE THAT SAYS OK NOW YOU CAN'T SCORE WHEN YOU'RE LEADING BC YOU'LL HURT THE OTHER TEAM'S FEELINGS...UHHH NEGATIVE! Keith Brooking its your job to stop that play from happening..soooo..YOU FAIL THEREFORE YOU LOSE!!! Overall, it was a blowout & Minnesota goes on to play New Orleans in the NFC Championship game...
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2. Arizona Cardinals v. New Orleans Saints
WHO DAT! WHO DAT! WHO DAT SAID THEY GONNA BEAT THEM SAINTS?!? WHO DAT! Okay I had to get that out...well now looks like the black & gold boys came ready to go to Miami for the Super Bowl next month. Well, Arizona had one promising play and that was the touchdown scored by Hightower on the opening drive. BUT AFTER THAT....BOOM! New Orleans came out with the energy and playing level they played with when they went 13-0...Everybody got to shine Devery w/a 44-yard TD, Reggie Bush FINALLY showed up and got 2 TD's...I mean Brees was unstoppable. Our defense basically caved Kurt Warner's chest in...amazing! The game was a highlight reel...take your pick....therefore, I say it again WHO DAT! WHO DAT! WHO DAT SAID THEY GONNA BEAT THEM SAINTS?!? WHO DAT! Yes the Bless You Boys are here in the postseason to stay...can you say HELLO MIAMI!!!! Since the road to Miami goes through New Orleans, we look forward seeing the equally-determined Vikings this coming Sunday...Laissez les bon temps roulette...let's GEAUX SAINTS!!!
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Super Bowl 44 Picks: New Orleans Saints v. Indianapolis Colts
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