NFC
Saints at Seahawks: This game for the most part played out
exactly as I had predicted prior to the game. The Seattle defense was very
stingy and although statistically it shows that they allowed over 400 yards of
offense, a lot of that came in the last couple of drives against a prevent
defense. They bottled up Darren Sproles and shut down Jimmy Graham (1 catch, 8
yards). Schematically they played superior but failed to execute a few times,
maybe due to weather because their were plenty of dropped interceptions.
Seahawks offensively were pretty quiet with the exception of Marshawn Lynch.
Percy Harvin was down twice before officially being ruled out. Going forward,
especially against a stingy 49er defense, the Seahawks will have to find ways
to generate more points. On a side note, the fans caused another earthquake in
Seattle, signifying the remarkable home field advantage.
49ers at Panthers: I think this game went as many expected.
While Steve Smith was fully healthy and a factor, the Panthers were winning. As
soon as he was taken out of the game (schematically and health-wise), the
Panthers could not generate anything. Kaepernick continued to make plays with
his feet, as well as some timely throws with his arm. Cam displayed some major
talents and proved why he will be a force to be reckoned with for the next
decade. For now, the 49ers face a familiar foe at their place in the Seattle
Seahawks. A win there and they will be in the Super Bowl for the second year in
a row.
Colts at Patriots: The Divisional playoffs were just too big
a stage for a young stud in Andrew Luck. Tom Brady was very efficient
throughout the game and posted the highest QBR in playoff history for a
quarterback that didn’t throw a touchdown. He often got his team down the field
and let his running backs finish off the drives with power. Luck’s 4 interceptions
were huge and the Patriots are headed to Denver to play in their 3rd
straight AFC championship and Brady’s 8th of his career.
Chargers at Broncos: This game never really was as close as
the final score indicates. The Broncos jumped out to a 17-0 lead and Manning
was playing excellent ball control and sustaining really long drives. The
Broncos won the battle of time possession and Peyton Manning didn’t just shut
people up by winning a playoff game but he put the team on his back with some
clutch throws. His Broncos host Tom Brady and the Patriots and are a touchdown
favorite to head to New York for the Super Bowl.
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