Home field and a first round bye proved to be the killer for 3 of the 4 teams at home in the divisional round. For some reason the teams that are playing through rolling along with momentum handled their business against those which had the first week bye with the exception of Pittsburgh. The four remaining teams are a #2 seat, #4 seat, and both #6 seats. I think this shows the parity in the league and the separation from top tier to middle tier teams is very slim. I think of the teams that lost in the divisional round the Chargers and the Giants will be faced with the most questions and decisions to make in this off season. The questions are swirling regarding contracts of LT and Sproles in SD and the decision whether or not to bring back Plaxico in New York is stirring. That being said lets get back to the teams still competing this season, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Philly, and Arizona.
Pittsburgh handled their business at home after having a week to rest up. The Chargers came out fast getting a big quick score from Vincent Jackson, but Pittsburgh was Pittsburgh in this one. This was the only threat the Steelers were faced with, throughout the rest of the game they controlled the clock with Willie Parker and played shutdown defense. The little lightning bug Darren Sproles was held in check besides one big play during mop up time. I feel the Chargers do have what it takes to make the jump to the next level, but against a team like Pittsburgh are just outmatched.
Baltimore went into Tennessee ball hungry. Tennessee drove the ball consistently but turned the ball over at 3 crucial times deep in Baltimore territory. This was uncharacteristic for the Titans because this was the opposite of what won them so many games this season, it did not help that Chris Johnson sat the entire second half with a foot injury. Joe Flacco, like all season, not astonishing numbers but made two huge throws one to Mason one to Heap that were huge game deciding throws by the rook. Bottom line, Baltimore out-played and out-physicaled the Titans.
Philly went into the Meadowlands and took care of the Champs. This game was painful to watch because I reluctantly predicted the Giants would win this game in hopes that Eli would legitimize himself as a top tier QB in the league, but sorry Eli you are still the little brother and still not quite a top 10 QB in the NFL. Philly looked like they wanted it more, once again Jim Johnson's defense came out hungry and the Giants looked unenthused and uninspired. Sorry Giants it was a great run last year but you have got a whole lot to think about this off season, like Plaxico and whether to bring back Jacobs or Ward or both.
Arizona = upset of the season. Not a single person in America gave the Cardinals a chance against the Panthers and this fueled the Cardinals fire. Carolina came out strong and everyone thought yup, this is what's gonna happen, except the Cardinals they answered with Larry Fitzgerald, Larry Fitzgerald, and Larry Fitzgerald. In this game he solidified himself as far and away the best wideout in the league, possession catches, acrobatic catches, and catching and taking it to the house. The Cards D was no slouch either, they forced 5, yeah count it 5, Jake Delhomme interceptions. Sorry Jake I like you, I love the fiery leadership and attitude but you can't expect to win throwing it to the wrong team so often. Big-ups to my boy Kurt Warner, keep building the hall of fame resume.
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