NFL Divisional Playoffs: Another Low Drama Weekend

Like the Wildcard weekend, not much drama for a playoff week... until the last game.

The Saints rustiness lasted 2 plays. After Hightower's TD run on the first play from scrimmage the Saints took over and both offensively and defensively dominated. Running, passing, defense, and special teams all went the way of the Saints. Warner never got into his rhythm and after getting leveled he had to leave the game and even when he came back for a bit was ineffective. The Cardinal defense had very few answers for the Saints. Reggie Bush showed glimpses of the man that the Saints thought they were getting when they drafted him #2 a few years back with a long TD run and a punt return for 6. Many are waiting for his coming out party. Perhaps this will be the start. We'll see how he looks next week with a very tough Viking defense.

The Colt's rust lasted for the first drive as well. After the Raven's opening drive field goal, their offense was done. The Raven defense hung tough. To only allow Peyton Manning 2 TD drives is impressive, but that late second quarter lapse allowed 14 points too many. The Ravens D is still solid, but they have a bit to work on with their offense.

The Viking were the team that most thought were in trouble this week. That red hot, complete Cowboy team was going to be too much. Well, the Cowboys were able to move the ball somewhat, but turnovers, missed field goal and getting 3 instead of 7 meant that they got... 3 and the Cowboy defense wasn't even close to being able to contain that Viking offense. It was a slaughter with no drama.

Then, the drama happened. The Chargers (that other red hot team that had won 11 straight) led 7-3 after three quarters of punting, and missed Keading field goals. Then, a second pick by Rivers led to one easy TD by the Jets. A Shonn Greene break away run later and the Chargers are down 17-7. Another missed field goal by Kaeding (might lose a job for that performance) and the fate of the Chargers is almost sealed. The Chargers finally figured out how to move the ball, but too little, too late. That Jets D is scary. Can anyone coach the Chargers to live up to their potential in the playoffs?

Almost got two #1 vs #2 match ups for our championship games, but the Jets crashed the party. Looking at the 4 teams left, the Jets are the odd man out. The team runs first (almost exclusively), it is brash and bold, no stud QB who has been shredding defenses for years, but they live by their D and it is scary good.