Green Bay over Chicago. This was a game that had a playoff type edge to it. The Packers needed a win to get in which they did, it just wasn't pretty. There normally high powered offense was held in check for most to the game. Some of it can be attributed that the Bears know them so well, and maybe there was more pressure on them because they needed to win to get in. Aaron Rodgers was just a little off, he just missed on open receivers, but he did connect when he had his go to guy Greg Jennings on big plays in the fourth quarter. The Packers defense was outstanding sacking Jay Cutler six times and constantly putting pressure on them. Clay Matthews continued his quest to be defensive of year player by sacking Cutler twice by himself. He had a lot of help from a defense that has been superb all year. The Bears should be commended by playing to win the game. There was no incentive since they were locked in 2nd seed. But the same thing that hurt them earlier in the season hurt them again. They offensive line couldn't protect Jay Cutler. Their defense was impressive in holding the Packers to 10 points, but they will need more scoring from their offense or special teams to advance in the playoffs
Seattle over St. Louis in the play-in game. This best part of the game it had a playoff type atmosphere. The worse part about this game were the teams itself. I kept waiting for either team to pop up and say, I deserve to go to the playoffs. I never got it. All I got was punt, punt and more punts. The Rams never let Sam Bradford to throw the ball beyond ten yards until the fourth quarter, when he did they were dropped. The only thing I can say about Seahawk quarterback Charlie Whitehurst is that he can take a hit and did not throw an interception. The Seahawks not only became the first team to win the division at 7-9, but will be the only team in NFL history to be at least a 14 point underdog playing at home.
Pittsburgh over Cleveland. The Steelers dominated from start to finish fattening up their stats and getting valuable rest for the playoffs. Troy Polamalu leap was the play of the game, even though he didn't get to McCoy, it sure scared him for the rest of the game. The Browns after being competitive for most of the season reverted back to being bad the last few weeks, which is the reason Mangini got the axe.
New England blasting Miami. The Patriots seem to enjoy hammering their opponents even when they don't have to. The Dolphins lone highlight was a terrific catch by Davone Bess who acted like his catch won the Super Bowl. The Dolphins were trailing 38-0 at the time.
Atlanta crushing Carolina. The Falcons took care of business routing the Panthers early. The Panthers fired John Fox before the game. Steve Smith asked Fox to take him with him during the game.
New York Jets over Buffalo. The Jets had a nice tune up for the playoffs by destroying the Bills. Rex Ryan then boasted the Jets will win the Super Bowl again. Was Rex a parrot in his previous life. The Bills actually had a good season. They were 11-5 against the spread.
Oakland over Kansas City. The Raiders finished five hundred or above for the first time in eight years. Al Davis thinks the NFL is screwing him by keeping the Raiders out of the playoffs. He doesn't know the Raiders are in the AFC West, not the NFC West. The Chiefs didn't play like a division winner, now they play the road tested playoff tough Baltimore Ravens. Can you say one and done.
Tampa Bay over New Orleans. The Buccaneers finally proved they can win against a team with a winning record three hours later discovered they did not make the playoffs.
The Saints acted like they wanted to win this game until they saw Atlanta scoring at will and began pulling their starters.Detroit over Minnesota. The Lions finished the season winning four games in a row. Won't they be surprised to discover they can't carry those wins into the following year. The Vikings finished off a dreadful season by losing again, next stop getting a veteran quarterback who goes to training camp and much more important a stadium.
Baltimore over Cincinnati. Not exactly a strong effort going into the playoffs but Ed Reed got two more interceptions to have 8 and lead the league, not bad for a guy who missed all of training camp and the first 6 games. The Bengals played their last game under Marvin Lewis. He had the longest tenure in their history being there for 7 years. How did that happen?
Dallas edging Philadelphia. Whoopee! The Cowboys barely beat the Eagles 3rd and 4th string. Now Jerry gets to save money by having a lower draft choice. The irony for the Eagles is that Kevin Kolb started the first game and the last game. For those Eagle fans were who were in a coma during that time they missed the entertaining Michael Vic show.
New York Giants edging Washington. The Giants won finishing with ten wins. Then the Redskins scoreboard operator could not wait to inform them that Green Bay won knocking them out of the playoffs. The Redskins now can finally stop listing Donovan McNabb as their string quarterback.
San Francisco over Arizona. Alex Smith played well in his final game as a 49er. The Cardinals defense was told not to hit him because he will probably be their starting quarterback next year.
San Diego over Denver. The Charger finished off with the number one offense and the number one defense. They will spend entire off season figuring out how to improve their special teams and beating the Vikings to Los Angeles. The Broncos gave up the most points in the league. New Vice President John Elway won't mention that to Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh when he talks to him this week.
Indianapolis over Tennessee. The Colts don't believe in blowing teams out. They live by the standard NFL line a win is a win. The Titans season will be remembered for the Vince Young meltdown and Cortland Finnegan getting punched in the face over and over again.
Houston beating Jacksonville. The Texans won their last game but now they will be naming former Cowboy coach Wade Phillips to be the defensive coordinator. Talk about the blind leading the blind. The Jaguars were in a position to make to playoffs which will be their selling point to both of their season ticket holders.
a long time fan and recent writer on the NFL. My website is http;//Mrcleo3586.info
