NFL Playoffs Analysis

I'm just taking notes while I watch these games. Unfortunately, I'm not always around a TV, so I miss a lot of action and I can't cover everything. Also, I'm not always at a computer so a lot of this stuff comes straight from memory. I'll update this as the playoffs continue...

BCS Championship: I might as well add this in here, too.

• I'm still not sold on QB Sam Bradford as an elite NFL QB. He does have remarkable touch, but I would've liked to have seen how he would perform with a defense constantly in his face. He'll do fine in the pros if he can land with a team that can protect him.

• And I'm definitely not sold on QB Tim Tebow, either. For one thing, he's a dick. Apparently, he's pulling a Matt Leinart because he's compelled to stay due to a sense of loyalty to Florida. Right, and I'm sure his 5th round draft projection had nothing to do with it, either.

• But I am sold on WR Percy Harvin IF and only IF he can stay healthy. He has Reggie Bush-like talent at a position better suited for Reggie Bush-like talent. Would I spend the 10th pick on him? Probably not, unless I was desperate for an upgrade at WR. His durability still worries me.

Falcons 30 @ Cardinals 24

• Now that was a surprise. All of a sudden, the Cardinals were able to take over the running game on both sides of the ball. Actually, what I think it came down to was Kurt Warner's ability to lead the team over Matt Ryan's lack of big game experience. With Michael Turner held back, the game was put into Ryan's hands, yet he couldn't come through.

• Welcome back Edgerrin James. He didn't exact light it up but he did get the job done and that's all the Cardinals are really asking of him right now. His big game experience will be invaluable for the rest of their playoff run.

Colts 17 @ Chargers 23

• I'm gonna go ahead and call LaDainian Tomlinson the most dominant running back of my time. That wasn't the most well-thought out comment and I might get crap for it. With that said, it was heartbreaking to see him on the sideline rendered helpless from a groin injury. Since Barry Sanders, no other running back has been able to take over a game single handedly with as much authority as Tomlinson. However, he experienced a huge decline this year, mostly due to injury, and it seems that his best days are far behind him. He's officially set the standard for future RBs in the league.

• As long as I'm doing a tribute to some of the greats, I might as well say something about Tony Dungy. Tony Dungy was the consummate "family man" of the NFL. Some will remember him as the first black coach to win a Super Bowl. Others will remember him as the quiet, resolute leader that found strength through his faith and family devotion. His football philosophy will be carried on throughout his coaching tree and his legacy will be carried on through his quiet inspiration. Geez, this game was like a swan song for these guys.

Ravens 27 @ Dolphins 9

• I'm not gonna give Flacco as much credit as he's been getting for his performances so far in the playoffs. If anything, his play has proven that a team does not need an elite QB to make it far into the playoffs. The Ravens have stuck with the same formula each year and it's proven to be successful. Solid running game + dominant defense - elite QB = playoff run.

• Here's the only stat of the game that matters: Ravens, 1 turnover; Dolphins, 5 turnovers. Different schemes come out each year but in the end, it's the same thing: you win the turnover battle, you win the game.

Eagles 26 @ Vikings 14

• Didn't watch this one, but apparently Donovan McNabb had a good game.

Ravens 13 @ Titans 10

• Until he leaves the Ravens, Ray Lewis will always be the undisputed leader of the the team. Despite all the hype surrounding Ed Reed, Ray Lewis is their most valuable player and their field general. Ultimately, he'll be the key to their success in the playoffs. That hit was beautiful.

Cardinals 33 @ Panthers 13

• This game was more about the Panthers losing this game [six turnovers] rather than the Cardinals winning it. Say all you want, the Cardinals are gonna get ravaged by the Eagles.

• Steve Smith's stats for the game -- 2 catches, 43 yards, 1 touchdown. I wasn't watching how they were covering him, but it blew my mind how uninvolved Smith was during this game. I know DeAngelo Williams currently has the hot hand, but Steve Smith is the team's most experienced veteran playmaker and you can't make it through the playoffs without giving him the ball and letting him make magic happen. The Cardinals did it with Larry Fitz and look how that turned out for them. I have a feeling someone's gonna call me out and say Jake Delhomme was trying to get him the ball but he kept getting intercepted.

Eagles 23 @ Giants 11

• Didn't watch this one either. I'm always missing the Eagles games.

• I'd like to say one thing though. I applaud Andy Reid for what he's done with this team. Early in the season, the Eagles looked to be the odd team out in the NFC East. Now they're the last NFC East team remaining in the playoffs. With his much publicized family issues, his month off during the offseason, and questions surrounding his star QB, Reid managed to get his team together and make a strong push for the Super Bowl. If you knew the story behind his family, you'd have to wonder how he made it through and still manage to lead the team. Don't forget, it was his decision to bench McNabb, which ultimately led to his resurgence. Right now, there isn't a better coach in the league.

Chargers 24 @ Steelers 35

• This game was held in Pittsburgh in the snow with Tomlinson out and 5'6" Darren Sproles starting against the Steel Curtain. The Chargers never stood a chance.

• I'm starting to get concerned that the Steelers might actually go all they way and become the first NFL team to reach six Lombardi trophies. Right now, three teams are in the lead with five: Steelers, Cowboys, and the 49ers. Whoever gets #6 first will be the undisputed greatest of all time. I always hoped the Niners would be the ones to do it.

NFC Championship

• I got home in time to catch the second half. What's crazy is that everyone thought of the Cardinals as one of the worst teams to ever make the playoffs, yet here they are, up by seven, with less than two minutes left in the game. If you remember what this post used to say, I predicted a lopsided blowout in favor of the Eagles. As impressive as the Eagles' rally was to shorten the 18-point gap, they're gonna need something even more impressive and highly improbable to win this game. From what I've seen, I still think Andy Reid's been calling an incredible game.

• The Eagles have to cover about 88-yards in 9 seconds. Not gonna happen...

• ...It didn't happen. The Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl...

• ...wait. What?

AFC Championship

• I actually didn't get to see much of this game.

• One thing worth noting... It may be hard to imagine, but this might've been Ray Lewis' last game with the Ravens. Ray Lewis was one of the reasons I came to love football and although he's not on my favorite team, he has always been and may always be my favorite football player. What's heartbreaking is that there are rumors that he might move on to the Dallas Cowboys next season. I can't imagine anything worse than my favorite player going to my most hated team.

Super Bowl XLIII

• I want the Cardinals to win but I don't think it's gonna happen. But hey, I said that three times already in the past month so you never know.