January 15, 2006
AFC and NFC Championships Are Set!
We're one step closer, folks! This weekend narrowed down the playing field to the final four teams in the NFL playoffs.
My beloved Denver Broncos started off slow, but managed to take five New England turnovers and beat the Patriots 27-13. Overall, they looked good, despite a slow start on both sides of the ball. Actually, the first half was fairly defensive-minded, and just after the 2 minute warning, a defensive pass interference call was made, which set the Broncos up for a 1 yard run for Mike Anderson. On the ensuing kickoff, New England fumbled, setting up a Jason Elam field goal.
The second half brought more miscues by the Patriots including a 100 yard interception return by Champ Bailey (almost turned over at the last minute by Tight End Ben Watson, who ran from corner to corner to try to stop Bailey from getting the TD), a few fumbles, and penalties.
All in all, a good game, but I know Denver will have to step it up next week, as they face...
The Pittsburgh Steelers, who took on Indianapolis today, and surprised the heck out of a lot of folks. Pittsburgh came out strong in the first half, leading the Colts 14-3. They went up 21-3 before Peyton Manning decided that he had enough, and started the comeback. Indianapolis scored 15 unanswered points, and threatened to tie or win the game several times late in the 4th quarter. It was a great game, and the Steelers winning means they now travel here to Denver for the AFC Championship game next Sunday.
In the NFC we had another two great games this weekend. On Saturday, the Seattle Seahawks took one step closer to having the season that Mike Holmgren has been looking for them to have ever since he arrived there 7 years ago. This year has been truly great for the Seahawks, and they looked very good, handing the Washington Redskins a 20-10 loss to advance to the NFC Championship game next week.
On the other side, we saw Carolina and Chicago battle it out in Soldier Field. Chicago's defense was good, but not good enough, allowing Steve Smith a career high 218 receiving yards and two touchdowns. They went back and forth most of the game, and while Chicago tried to play catch-up, they simply ran out of time. The Panthers advance by outlasting the Bears 29-21.
So, we're all set. Broncos vs. Steelers and Seahawks vs. Panthers. Should make for some great games next weekend.
Cheers!
-m-