Archive for January 11th, 2010

WATERCOOLER CHAT: WILD WILD CARD WEEKEND

FOOTBALL

It was wild card weekend in the NFL, and we some great games… and some surprises.

Mark SanchezFirst up, it was a rematch between the NY Jets and Cincy Bengals.  The Jets crushed the Bengals last weekend, but many thought that the Bengals would be ready this time — playing all their starters and going full throttle.  Plus, they had home field advantage.  Couple this with Jets QB Mark Sanchez playing in his first playoff game, and you have to give the edge to Cincy.  Well, didn’t matter.  The Jets came to play!  Mark Sanchez gave a solid performance throwing for 182 yards a TD and NO INTERCEPTIONS.  That’s getting the job done.  The Jets will play the San Diego Chargers next week.  NY Jets 24, Cincy 14.

Tony RomoNext up, another rematch from Week 17 between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys.  The Cowboys are RED-HOT right now, with their defense truly playing outstanding football.  But the Eagles are pesky.  They stink one week, but can light it up the next.  The Cowboys have dominated them all season, but could they win a THIRD time?  The answer… YES, ABSOLUTELY.  The Eagles didn’t stand a chance against this juggernaut.  Tony Romo and running back Felix Jones had amazing performances, but it was really the Dallas Defense that deserves the credit for the annihilation.  This sets up an outstanding match-up next weekend between Dallas and Minnesota.  Two smothering defenses going head to head.  Dallas 34, Philadelphia 14.

Ray RiceAnd on Sunday, the first game featured was the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots.  Ladies and Gentleman, we got to see Tom Brady playing playoff football again.  A return to the Patriot glory days, perhaps.  Um, nope.  The Patriots looked absolutely horrible, and the Ravens… just the opposite.  In fact, on the very first play of the game, Ravens running back Ray Rice rushed for an 83 yard touchdown.  That set a definite tone for the game, as the Ravens crushed the Patriots.  Can Tom Brady and the Pats turn it around next season?  As for Baltimore, they get the privilege of facing the #1 team in the league next week — Indianapolis.  Baltimore 33, New England 14.

Kurt WarnerAnd they saved the best for last.  An offensive showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals.  The first half was all Cardinals, as the Packers just couldn’t get anything going.  Heading into the half, the Cards led 24-10.  Arizona even kicked it up to 31-10 to start the 4th quarter, but then Aaron Rodgers led the Pack on an amazing comeback, and suddenly the game was tied 45-45 with just under two minutes to go.  Because neither defense could stop the other, Kurt Warner and Arizona marched the ball down the field and set up their kicker Neil Rackers for an easy field goal.  And……. he missed it.  Lucky break for the Packers, who would WIN THE COIN TOSS.  They actually might win this thing.  But then, something incredible happened, Arizona’s defense turned it on.  They caused Aaron Rodgers to fumble at his own 10 yard line, the Cardinals recovered, and ran it in for a touchdown to win the game.  Simply unbelievable!  This was the highest scoring game in playoff history.  Now, the Cardinals will take on New Orleans next week in what should also be a point-scoring explosion.  Arizona 51, Green Bay 45.

Share
No comments