Steelers Versus Packers- Who Comes Out On Top

You can make all kinds of comparisons and evaluations when it comes to Steelers versus Packers, but as in any given game the unforeseen occurrence often determines its fate. Case in point, the famous Immaculate Reception by Franco Harris in the AFC divisional playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on December 23, 1972. Harris snagged a deflected pass just before it hit the ground, and ran in for a touchdown that won the game.

You can execute a play perfectly on both sides of the ball, but often the ball has a mind of its own. I have seen fumbles bounce back into the hands of the person who fumbled it. Hail Marys get blocked by the defending team only to have it fall into the arms of the opposing team for a score. That being said, Pittsburgh and Green Bay execute plays better than most teams.

Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers are a good matchup for the upcoming Superbowl. Season statistics give Rodgers the edge, but only because Roethlisberger missed four games. By comparison, Rodgers is the more accurate passer and a greater threat if he gets past the line on the run, but Roethlisberger has the uncanny ability to slip out of potential sacks and adjust himself to find an open receiver. Rodgers chews up large chunks of realestate with each pass and utilizes the quick slant. Roethlisberger just frustrates a defense into making mistakes because a defense can't keep track of his receivers when he is on the loose.

Rodgers has a diverse receiving squad that can add yards to the initial reception. Greg Jennings, James Jones, and Donald Driver will prove to be handful for the Steeler secondary. The key for the Steeler defense will be to keep Rodgers from getting comfortable in the pocket and prevent him from getting outside. Mike Wallace for the Steelers is always a potential threat for the long ball and Hines Ward has a nose for the goal line. Tightend Heath Miller gives the Steeler offense versatility and Roethlisberger another option when he is on the loose.

The Steelers have an advantage in the running game with Rashard Mendenhall and the Packers defense has shown weakness in that area. The Steelers offense is going to come out firing to soften the secondary and then test the waters for the running game. James Starks for the Packers has shown promise as of late, but the Steelers are tops in defending against the run. The screen pass to Starks will be used frequently to keep the Steeler pass rush honest.

Each team's defense has their standouts. Clay Matthews, Charles Wodson, and Tramon Williams for the Packers. For the Steelers Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, and Lawrence Timmons. Both will do what they do best and that is blitz, blitz, and more blitz.

This is no surprise. The team that executes its plan will win, maybe. With all the bell ringing, pad smacking, helmet hitting contact that will be going on, the unforeseen occurrence may have something to say about the games final outcome. Just follow the bouncing ball.

Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers Are Going To Dallas

Aaron Rodgers came out firing off completions and before the smoke could settle Green Bay was up 14-0. The Bears stalled the onslaught before it got out of hand, but when Cutler went out with a knee injury, so did all hope for a Bear recovery. So you would have thought. The Bears proceeded to play shuffle the quarterbacks after two near picks by Todd Collins, who was quickly replaced by Caleb Hanie-Who. The Bears defense hung tough while Hanie seemed to breathe some life back into the offense, until a devastating interception close to their goal line ended up in the end zone for a Packer score and seemed to knock the wind out of the Bears, temporarily. Hanie came back with a quick score to make it 21-14. With a little over two minutes to play and one last shot to tie it up, the Bear offense moved down the field to within striking distance, but it was a pick by Shields that ended the Bears season and a bid for a spot in the Superbowl.

Ben Roethlisberger and Rashard Mendenhall ran for touchdowns during the first two quarters against the Jets. Pittsburgh's defense dominated and delivered a devastating blow when Ike Taylor sacked Mark Sanchez, forcing a fumble that William Gay ran 22 yards for another score. Shaun Suisham added a field goal and at the half time it was 24-3. The second half saw a resurgence by the Jets, only bcause the Steeler's defense, who was basking in a comfortable lead, backed off and soften their coverage giving the Jets some breathing room to move the ball, which they took advantage of. Mark Sanchez hooked up with Santonio Holmes for a 45 yard score. The Jets made it even more interesting when they sacked Roethlisberger in the end zone. Four minutes later Jerricho Cotchery caught a pass for a 4 yard touchdown and it was 24-19. The tide of the game seemed to be shifting in the Jets favor, but the Steelers executed a couple of first downs on their final possession and the clock ran out on the Jets. The Piper got his payment.

Both games were eerily similiar. Both winning teams jumped out to an early lead. The winning teams both scored all their offensive points in the first half. Both winning team's quarterbacks did not throw for a touchdown, but each ran for a touchdown. Both winning team's quarterbacks threw two interceptions. Both winning team's defense scored a touchdown. Both losing teams scored all their touchdowns in the second half. I'm sure their are other similarities, but these stood out the most. I picked both the Packers and the Steelers to win. It will be a good Superbowl XLV.

There is talk Jay Cutler's injury wasn't severe enough for him to remove himself from the game. True, everyone was surprised when they saw Todd collins come out onto the field and Cutler standing on the sideline with a supposed knee injury. I can only speak from experience. I suffered a knee injury in a game that turned out to be a severely sprained ACL. When the injury first occurred I got up and tried to walk it out, flexing my knee and bending it. At first it looked as if it was only temporary, but as time passed it got stiffer and stiffer, until I couldn't even walk on it. I had to sit the rest of the game out. Later I found out it was an injury to the ACL. It would have been stupid for Cutler to continue playing, jeapordizing himself and his team. It was the right call.

NFL Conference Championships-Who Will Go To The Big Show?

This Sunday it will be decided who will go to the "Big Show" February 6 at Cowboys Stadium. New England and Atlanta, both the top seeded teams, have been eliminated by Wild Card teams NY Jets and Green Bay Packers. What happened? The old adage, "Anything thing can happen on any given Sunday in the NFL", rings true. You have one shot and one shot only when it comes to the playoffs. Lose and you are out. The Patriots had all the advantages going in, but the Jets disrupted Brady and Company just enough to edge them out. The Packers, they outright annihilated the Falcons, but with the way Rodgers has been playing of late, you kind of expected it. The Steelers, they plain and simple know how to win playoff games. The Bears, they will be facing an old rival.

Steelers showed once again in their game with the Ravens there is no quit in them. They will just keep coming at you until you buckle under the pressure. Mark Sanchez better be on his toes this Sunday because the Steelers defense is going to be attacking at every opportunity. If Sanchez sits in the pocket for any length of time he is going to get stuffed and the potential for a game breaking turnover will increase. The Steelers defense is number one against the run. If they succeed at doing what they do best, they will be zeroing in on Sanchez. Ben Roethlisberger and his receivers can burn you at any given moment as was seen in this past Sunday's game. Wallace is Roethlisberger's deep threat, but new comers Brown and Sanders are now on his radar. Hines Ward, he will grin at you like Davy Crockett grinned at the bear and proceed to knock out your lights with a big play.

The Jets have an all around good defense and they are going to need it against Big Ben, who has an uncanny way of eluding sacks and leveraging his way out of tight situations. If the Steelers get anywhere close to the goal line, the Jets will have to contend with the straight ahead power of Mendenhall. I have already mentioned the Steelers will be attacking with an array of blitzes, so the Jets will need to keep Sanchez moving, looking for the quick dump off to the backs and releases to the wide receivers on quick slant patterns. Any kind of mistakes by the Jets will prove to be their undoing with an opportunistic Steeler team.

Aaron Rodgers appears unstoppable. He is passing with accuracy and running for touchdowns when the openings present themselves. He will be facing a tougher Bears defense in this one. It will be difficult for the Packers to establish a run game because the Bears are ranked number two against the run. The Packers will need to come out shooting in the beginning to throw the Bears into confusion and soften up their linebackers, then test the waters for the running game. The Packer defense will be putting pressure on Cutler to raddle him with hopes of forcing a mistake, but will have to be careful of the Bears superior running game.

Jay Cutler is coming off one of his best performances. Like Rodgers, he is passing and running well. Greg Olsen appears to be his main target along with Matt Forte. Cutler will be doing much the same as he did last week, screen passes and quick hits, but will have to watch out for Clay Matthews. Forte will need to play a huge part if the Bears are to succeed, especially in establishing a running attack to assist Cutler. The Bears defense is tough on the run, but unfortunately are weak in the one area they need toughness, the passing game. All I got to say is good luck with that Bears.

In conclusion, every week I have said the Jets have used up their nine lives and are living on borrowed time. Well, this week they will be paying the Piper. When it comes to making mistakes, I see the Jets and Bears as being more proned. It's looking like a Steelers-Packers Superbowl, but in the Bizzaro World of NFL it will be Jets-Bears.

 

Playoffs - Conference Championships

SUN, JAN 23 TIME (ET)

Green Bay 24 at Chicago 20 3:00 PM FOX

Soldier Field

NY Jets 21 at Pittsburgh 27 6:30 PM CBS

Heinz Field

Patriots Are Denied and Seahawks Are Sent Packin'

Number One New England Patriots mounted a second half surge, but were denied a trip to the AFC Championship by a stubborn NY Jets, who just won't go away. Tom Brady couldn't get into his usual rythmn due to an annoying Jets defense and was sacked five times plus hit another seven. Mark Sanchez didn't make any mistakes, which was necessary for the Jets to even have a chance in this one. The Jets running game was superior to the Patriots. All the way around the Patriots were out finessed by the Jets ending 28-21.

Tom Brady threw for more yardage than Sanchez. Brady accumulated more passing first downs with 19-8. Time of possession was as equally imbalanced, with the Patriots holding the ball almost ten minutes longer. Obviously Brady and company were not as productive with the ball. Brady threw for 299 yards, but had the one looming mistake in the beginning that set the tone. The Patriots even had more rushing first downs. Five different rushers combined for 113 yards. All-in-all just too many passes fell to the wayside.

The Jets made the most of the time they had the ball. Mark Sanchez had a 194 total passing yards with three touchdowns. He went 16-25. Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson combined for 119 yards of rushing with one touchdown each. Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards accounted for the other two reception touchdowns, but Jerico Cotchery was Sanchez main target hauling in 5 passes for 96 yards. Offensive job done. The Jets defense did their part in making sure the Patriots were miserable and frustrated. As already mentioned, they sacked Brady 5 times, 3 of them in the Patriots disastrous first half. Jets move on to play the Steelers in the AFC Championship.

Seattle made it fun and interesting, but you had to know it wasn't going to last. Jay Cutler was just too much for the Seattle defense to handle, who had a great game. He became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for two touchdowns and run for two others in a playoff game. Seattle made a valiant effort in the fourth quarter to narrow the point difference, but it was not enough. Chicago won 35-24.

Jay Cutler passed and ran like a man on a mission. The mission was to win, and that is what he did. Cutler threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Greg Olsen made some big catches for him scoring one touchdown with 113 yards. The big one was a 58 yard touchdown on the Bears first possession. Chicago dominated the ground game with Matt Forte pounding out 80 yards. Chester Taylor ran for another 44 yards and Cutler scrambled for 43 yards. The Bears defense did their job keeping the Seahawks out of the end zone for three quarters. Bears move on to face the daunting Packers in the NFC Championship.

Seattle could not get anything going for three quarters, their guns were silent. If it wasn't for the fourth quarter there wouldn't be anything to talk about as far as Seattle's offense was concerned. You figure by then Chicago was in prevent mode being so far ahead with the score at 28-3. Matt Hasselbeck threw three touchdowns, all in fourth quarter. Mike williams caught two of the three in that last ditch effort-less ending. Brandon Stokely caught the third and through the game mounted 85 yards. That's pretty much it, the fairy tale season is over for the Seahawks.

Steelers Beat Ravens Again And Packers Were Near Flawless

All I got to say is, "Wow, what a football game." It was everything you expected out of a Steelers-Ravens game and more. It was a tale of two games. The first half looked as though Baltimore was going to run away with it. Baltimore's defense, Suggs in particular, brutalized Roethlisberger. It ended with the Ravens sporting a two touchdown lead. Then the second half started and from there it was all Pittsburgh in the third quarter, returning like for like on Flacco and capitalizing on Raven mistakes. They traded field goals and then it happened. A huge pass play put the Steelers in striking range and Mendenhall bullied his way for a touchdown and the lead. A personal foul gave the Ravens a ray of hope and the kick return went to mid-field. With a fourth down and the game on the line Houshmandzadeh couldn't put away a near perfect throw from Flacco. Both teams played their hearts out, but somebody had to lose and that somebody was Baltimore, again. Final tally was 31-24.

Ben Roethlisberger struggled, but got the job done in his usual fashion, hard-nose football. Roethlisberger accumulated 226 yards and two touchdowns. Rashard Mendenhall toughed out 46 yards on the ground and scored two hard fought touchdowns. Wallace and Ward saw very little in the way of big catches, but when it comes to Hines Ward you got to love the way he plays the game, full of enthusiam. He scored one touchdown. Brown and Sanders accounted for the bulk of reception yardage. Pittsburgh's defense kept the Steelers in the game and forced crucial game altering mistakes.

Joe Flacco gave it his best shot. You can't fault him. A potential touchdown pass was dropped at the goal line and a pivotal game saver was muffed at the end that could have put the Ravens in a position to put the game into overtime. He didn't put up big numbers and dropped passes were of no help. Rice was relatively controlled running for only 32 yards with an equal amount of reception yardage. Rice did score one touchdown. Heap topped the receivers with 43 tards and a score. So why was the game so close? It was defense. The Ravens defense had 6 sacks plus 8 hits on Roethlisberger. They scored on one of the strangest looking plays. With the ball laying on the ground after Roethlisberger was hit, everyone was standing around in a fog, until Redding smartly went over, picked it up, and trotted in for the score.

Atlanta and Green Bay were trading touchdown for touchdown to start and then all hell broke loose on Atlanta. Atlanta was making a bid on the goal line when a Matt Ryan attempt fell slightly short of its mark in the end zone and was picked off. The ball was now in the hands of Rodgers who methodically moved down the field for a touchdown. Some plays later, again Ryan was picked off by Tramon Williams, this time returned 70 yards for a score. That was half time and that was it. Green Bay never looked back. Rodgers and Company flat out dominated. Atlanta's misery ended at a 48-21 drubbing.

What can you say? "It's a beautiful day in the Atlantahood, it's a beautiful day in the Atlantahood. Would you be my neighbor?" Mr Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were anything but neighborly with the Falcons. Rodgers put in one of his best performances. He only missed on 5 passes out of 36 attempts. That is one of the best ratios I have ever seen. He threw for 366 yards and three touchdowns adding another on the ground. Four of his receivers had over 75 yards each with Greg Jennings topping out the group at 101 yards. The Packers defense forced four turnovers. Tramon Williams once again shined with two picks, taking one to the house.
 
Atlanta's numbers, well we just won't go there. Matt Ryan and Company were undoubtedly releived to see this one finally come to an end. The empty stadium with four minutes left was an eerie reminder of what just happened. Oh, one highlight worth mentioning was Eric Weems record setting kick off return of 102 yards for a touchdown.

Divisional Playoffs-Couldn't Have Been Scripted Any Better

Is it fate or destiny that is quietly, pretentiously manipulating the way the ball is bouncing? Take for example the closing drive of the Jets against the Colts. Braylon Edwards caught the pass from Sanchez over the middle at which time the defender slapped the ball out of his hands onto the ground. When you look at the replay the Colt defenders didn't even see the loose ball because if they did it would have ended the Jets drive and the game. Did something for that crucial moment cast a shadow over their vision? It was as if a Colt victory was not meant to be. Some mysterious force wanted the Jets to win and dare I suggest it's because a Jets-Patriots confrontation appears more interesting than a Colts-Patriots game when considering their regular season matchups. And Kansas City, the ball just flat out eluded them.

The Jets and Patriots were even in regular season matchups, but that's not saying they are evenly matched. The Patriots had two seasons, the Randy Moss Season and then the rest of the Season. The Jets won their game in the Randy Moss Season. Plus, the loss to the Browns woke up the sleeping giant and since then the Patriots have been unstoppable. True, the Jets defense ranks better in all categories, but weather is the great equalizer. Added to that, they are playing on the Patriots home turf. Brady is nearly invincible at home, especially in the playoffs. The Jets have been living on borrowed time all season. The only thing that can save the Jets in this one is the ball needs to mysteriously bounce their way.

The Ravens and Steelers game to me is the game of the week. When these two teams come together it's like the splitting of an atom. The two times they faced off in regular season were very low scoring and decided by the count of a field goal. Pittsburgh took the division even though their records were identical. Baltimore has a grudge to settle. They are tired of being on the short end of the stick when it comes to the Steelers. It will be a hard-hitting defensive battle with alot of blitzing, but if Roethlisberger and Wallace get the opportunity to hook up, watch out. Baltimore will need a stable run game to give Flacco room to work.

Atlanta had a good season this year. Green Bay has been on and off, suffering five of their six losses on the road. Green Bay is tough against the pass, but weak against the run. Atlanta will attempt to take advantage of that fact with Michael Turner. If they are able to establish the run game, Matt Ryan will have the opportunity to pick and choose his targets at his liesure. Still, that will be difficult with a Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson led defense. Atlanta will be vulnerable when it comes to Aaron Rodgers, so Green Bay will be relying heavily on his talents and uncanny ability to find the end zone, whether throwing or running. The Packers have been lacking a consistent run game all season, but it mysteriously showed up with Starks last weekend. The Georgia Dome will be hostile.

It was reported a tremor was registered when Marshawn Lynch ran for his 67 yard fourth quarter  touchdown. Was it the cheering and pounding of the fans or the Saints defensive players hitting the ground that caused it? A different Seattle showed up at Qwest Field last weekend and gave their hometown a show. Despite their losing record, the Seahawks are determined to show they are worthy of being in the playoffs. Lynch will be facing a field of more sure-handed tacklers in the Chicago Bears. Matt Hasselbeck had a revival of past glory. He was deadly accurate with his four touchdowns. Chicago will not be underestimating the enthusiasm of the Seahawks. The Bears have a tough defense with Urlacher leading the way, especially agaist the run. Seattle will be coming after Jay Cutler, so he will have to rely on his ability to move around to find the open receiver and avoid hasty decisions.
 
Playoffs - Divisional Playoffs
SAT, JAN 15 TIME (ET) TV RESOURCES LOCATION

Baltimore 18 at Pittsburgh 20 4:30 PM CBS

Heinz Field

26*

Green Bay 24 at Atlanta 27 8:00 PM FOX

Georgia Dome

SUN, JAN 16 TIME (ET) TV RESOURCES LOCATION

Seattle 23 at Chicago 21 1:00 PM FOX 

Soldier Field

21*

NY Jets 17 at New England 30 4:30 PM CBS

Gillette

19*

Green Bay Sneaks Past Philadelphia And Baltimore Steamrolls Kansas City

The very first play of the Green Bay and Philadelphia game set the tone for its final outcome. From start to finish it was the defense of Green Bay that decided who would move on. It began with a sack and ended with an interception. One question lingers. Did Vick go for it all to soon with less than 40 seconds left? You can't falt him for trying to win, but once that ball is released there is no pulling it back. Tramon Williams made a good catch for an interception, game over, Packers win 21-16. Baltimore just plain set the tone in their confrontation with Kansas City. Once again it was defense, defense, and more defense. Kansa City turned the ball over five times as a result, three of them Matt Cassel interceptions. Flacco got the job done on offense. Baltimore wins persuasively 30-7.

Aaron Rodgers spread the ball around like cream cheese on a warm bagel. He made use of nine different receivers. Jones and Jennings were not his primary targets in this one, it was old veteran Donald Driver and a host of others. Rodgers only accumulated 180 total yards, but made good use of every yard, throwing for three touchdowns. Rookie James Starks ran for 123 yards to balance out the Packer's offensive attack. On the other side, Michael vick did plenty enough to win the game, throwing for a touchdown and running one in. Unfortunately, it was the one errant pass at the end that sealed the Eagles fate, coutesy the defense of the Packers.

Joe Flacco completed 25 passes out of 34 attempts. You would have to say that is a pretty good ratio. Todd Heap was his main target hauling in 10 of those passes for 108 yards. The two touchdowns Flacco threw went to Ray Rice and Anquan Boldin, who made an excellent catch in the middle end zone. Rice and McGahee shared the running assigments combining for 101 yards. McGahee's longest was a 25 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, putting an exclamation point on the game. Matt Cassel took it one the chin and just about everywhere else on his body. He was stung for three picks and sacked three times. Jamaal Charles scored the Chiefs only touchdown and that is pretty much it. It was all Baltimore defense.

Green Bay moves on to play Atlanta. They met once in the regular season where the Falcons won in a close game. They will faceoff on Saturday at 8:00 PM. Don't miss this one. Anytime Baltimore and Pittsburgh get together it's going to be a headbanger. Division rivals who ended the regular season with the same win-loss record and Baltimore has a score to settle. Each of their previous confrontations were low scoring and decided by three points. I hope their is plenty of snow on Saturday at 4:30 PM. It would make it all the more interesting. Football and the elements, good old fashion fun the way it was meant to be.

History In The Making-Seahawks Win Big And Colts Just Lose

It was a great start to the Wild and Wooly-Card Weekend. The 7-9 Seattle Seahawks rocked the football world by taking out the New Orlean Saints 41-36. The Seahawks defied all logic. They not only won, but did it convincingly. If that wasn't enough irony, Peyton Manning stood helplessly on the sidelines as the Jets methodically moved down the field in the closing minute. The camera honed in on Manning and then the field of play where Edwards made a sensational catch to seal the Colts fate. All that was left to do was for Nick Folk to put it through the uprights for a 17-16 win, which he did with no time on the clock.

The Seahawks are changing the record books and making history. I guess the statement, "It's tough for a visiting team to win at Qwest Field," is true. Matt Hasselbeck outmatched Drew Brees with four touchdown passes to one and he did it with almost half the attempts. Brees threw the ball sixty times in desparation to Hasselbeck's thirty-five. It was one of Hasselbeck's best performances. Marshall Lynch was held to 55 yds of running going into the fourth quarter and then it happened. Lynch broke free for a 67 yard scamper and his only touchdown of the day. The video will be watched time and time again by Seahawk fans for days to come. He ended up with a total of 131 yards for the day. Seattle's tightend, John Carlson, had only three catches, but two of them were for pay dirt. Stokely and Williams accumulated most of the reception yardage and each had a touchdown.

You could see the agony on Peyton Manning's face after the game ended with the Colts on the short end of the stick. Manning is a true competitor, who doesn't like to accept anything short of perfection. There isn't much offense to talk about in this one. Manning had a decent game, although not one you would usually expect when Manning takes the field. He was 18-26 totaling 225 yards and only one touchdown toss. The rest of the Colts points came on Adam Vinatieri field goals. The offensive highlights came late in the game after the Colts took a two-point advantage. Antonio Cromartie returned the ensuing kickoff 47 yards. The ball was now in the hands of Mark Sanchez. He completed four passes to bring the Jets into Folk's range, but that was not enough. A final pass went in the direction of Braylon Edwards, an ex-Cleveland Brown, going down the right side, who adjusted his stride and leaped into the air to make a spectacular catch. From there it was easy for Folk to put it through the uprights with no time left. Jets win, Colts lose.

Well, that's two picks wrong so far. I wrote in my previous article, "If the Seahawks win, I am taking them to go to the Superbowl." Looks like I am locked in on this one. If the Seahawks play like they did against the Saints, there is no stopping them. Although, the next game won't be at Qwest Field. As for the Jets, I still don't know what to make of them. They will face ex-Cleveland Browns coach Bill Belichick's Patriots next.

Playoffs Begin-Wild Card Round

Seattle tops St. Louis to go into the playoffs with the first full season losing record in NFL history. The only other time that happened was in the strike shortened 1982 season. Cleveland and Detroit finished at 4-5 and for the record were knocked off in the first round of playoffs. So, what are Seattles chances of making it past the first round? How many times have you won the million dollar lottery? Pittsburgh, New England, Atlanta, and NY Jets all put huge exclamation points on their final games, each scoring over 30 points in their wins. New Orleans fumbled their way into the playoffs and Indianapolis stubbed their toe to victory. Chicago and Baltimore need more offense if they are to survive. The Packers and Eagles futures rest on the arms of Rodgers and Vick.

As I watched the Rams-Seahawks game I saw nothing that would convince me there is even a remote chance for Seattle to survive their meeting with New Orleans on Saturday at 4:30 pm. During said game I kept on hearing the words, "Its tough for a visiting team to win at Qwest Field." Well, the Saints aren't the Rams and anything short of an earthquake can save the Seahawks. If they were to beat the Saints, I will pick them to go to the Superbowl.

The Packers have something the Eagles do not, a relentless defense. The Eagles will need some help from mother nature in the way of rain to even the playing field. Vick would have the advantage on a soggy field with his ability to move and run. Sunday's weather looks to be free of any rain at 4:30 pm. Sorry Philadelphia, you might try a dance or two.

Indianapolis will be hosting the Jets on Saturday at 8:00 pm. The Colts, as of late, have not been the offensively explosive team we are use to seeing. Peyton has struggled through this season missing his compadres Clark and Collie, but has weathered the storm. Manning will be facing the tough defense of the Jets. Addai's return no doubt has given him some comfort along with the addition of old friend Dominic Rhodes. The Jets were razzling and dazzling everyone in the beginning with their last minute shockers in the form of Santonio Holmes. Well, the Jets have sinced used up their nine lives. They will need to blitz and blitz some more to keep Peyton from gaining any rythmn or else it's lights out.
 
Baltimore and Kansas City play on Sunday at 1:00 pm. The Chiefs were whacked by the Raiders in their last game. Not a good way to enter the playoffs against a bruising Raven defense. If Jamaal Charles gets stuffed it's going to be a long frustrating game for the Chiefs. The Ravens will try to establish a running game of their own and if they do that, it will give Flacco the edge he needs to get the job done. Cassel and Flacco are birds of a feather, so it is a tough one to call after all is said and, you will just have to wait for the done.
 
AFC wild-card round SATURDAY, JAN. 8
No. 6 New York Jets 20 (11-5) at No. 3 Indianapolis Colts 30 (10-6)
Lucas Oil Stadium, 8 p.m. ET, NBC
SUNDAY, JAN. 9
No. 5 Baltimore Ravens 23 (12-4) at No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs 21 (10-6)
Arrowhead Stadium, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

NFC wild-card round
SATURDAY, JAN. 8
No. 5 New Orleans Saints 28 (11-5) at No. 4 Seattle Seahawks 23 (7-9)
Qwest Field, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC
SUNDAY, JAN. 9
No. 6 Green Bay Packers 27 (10-6) at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles 24 (10-6)
Lincoln Financial Field, 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX

Steelers Steal the Show At Cleveland Browns Stadium-Obliterate Browns 41-9

When Roethlisberger hooked up with Mike Wallace for a 56 yard touchdown on their very first play on offense, it was all over. Did you expect it to end any differently? The Steelers just flat out annihilated the Browns. Before the pizza was done and you could pop the tab on another beer it was 31-3. If Roethlisberger would have played a full second half, the final score could have ended much worse than 41-9. By then a fair number of fans had long left the house, except for the yellow and black jerseys. The Steelers took the division and the No. 2 Seed position with a bye going into this week.

Colt McCoy had to feel like he was hit by a freight train. Sacked four times and picked off three times, it was his worse outing of his short season. He completed 20 passes out of 41 attempts for a total of 209 yards. McCoy did have more rushing yards than his partner Peyton Hillis, but that is nothing to brag on. Hillis could only eek out a total of 13 yards on 6 carries. Mike Bell accounted for another 14 yards on 5 carries. That's pretty much it with the offense, a total of 225 yards. Joshua cribbs was for the most part missing from the action. Certainly not the way Dawson wanted to make his exit seeing it was his last game as a Brown.

On the otherhand, the Steelers came out firing. The Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Wallace tandem is a deadly combination going into the playoffs and their next opponents will have to reckon with it. Wallace accumulated 105 yards in receptions, a 56 yard catch for a touchdown was the highlight. Roethlisberger spread the wealth around to his receivers very effectively while he was on the field completing 15 passes for 280 yards. Rashard Mendenhall didn't have a major impact with 36 yards on 14 carries, but still accounted for two of the Steelers four touchdowns.

The Browns ended the season with alot of questions lingering. More than likely Man-Hougini will not return. The offense still lacks the ability to go vertical with a quick strike potential. The running game literally lost its steam. The missing-from-the-offense Joshua Cribbs remains a mystery. Who will be their next place kicker? Finally and not least of all, when will the Browns finally put it all together and set a winner on the field once again? Should I dare say it? The two words Brown's fans have pinned all their hopes on losing year after losing year? Okay, I will say it, "Next year." Let's enjoy the playoffs in the mean time.