Wild Weekend In NFL Playoffs-Panthers, Ravens, Colts, Cowboys Move On
FOOTBALL
What a wild first weekend of the NFL Playoffs.
First up, it was the Arizona Cardinals heading to Carolina to take on the Panthers.  The Panthers are finally clicking at just the right time and they had no problem winning against a Cardinals team that simply couldn’t get their offense going behind 3rd string quarterback Ryan Lindley. The Panthers advance to take on the Seattle Seahawks next weekend. Carolina 27, Arizona 16.
Then, it was an AFC North rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers were red hot coming into this game, and many even thought they could make their way to the Super Bowl. But, they were without their star running back Le’Veon Bell.  Not starting Bell really hurt them, as they couldn’t get a run game going against the Ravens. The Ravens looked like they were back in Super Bowl form as their defense contained the Steelers’ offense. The Ravens will head to New England to take on the Patriots. Baltimore 30, Pittsburgh 17.
On Sunday, it was a clash between Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts vs. Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals. Dalton and the Benglas were trying to win their first playoff game in 4 years. But keep in mind they have been to the playoffs the last 4 years — they just kept losing in the first round.  This would not be the year to break that streak, as Andrew Luck was marvelous and put on a show against a Bengals defense that simply didn’t show up. Luck looks hot right now, and will get a true test next week when he heads to Denver to take on the Broncos. Indianapolis 26, Cincinnati 10.
Finally, it was the main event between the Detroit Lions and a Dallas Cowboys’ team that actually looks like they could go the distance this year. Could Dallas get the monkey off their back, and actually become that team that everyone thought they could be? The Lions immediately jumped out to a 14-0 lead, and it looked like the Cowboys were headed to another disappointing loss. But then, the Cowboys rallied back. They needed every minute of the game, but in the end they got the go-ahead touchdown and held on for the victory. That means we all get to see a fantastic game between the Cowboys and the Packers next week in Green Bay. Dallas 24, Detroit 20.
