What We Learned From Divisional Playoffs

Added on Jan 14, 2013 by Scott in

NFL

For the most part, this past weekend’s NFL Divisional playoffs were fantastic. A double-overtime duel? Incredible. A comeback in the final 30 seconds to avoid a collapse? Amazing. Even the Packers and Texans hung in for three quarters before losing by double digits. It was what postseason football is supposed to be, but often times isn’t. Here’s what we learned from the second round of the playoffs.

Same ol’ Peyton – For all his successes, Peyton Manning has had his share of struggles in the NFL’s second season. His three turnovers were integral in Denver’s loss to the Ravens. Sure, the blown coverage by the Broncos secondary with forty seconds left was inexcusable, but so was Manning’s rookie-like across the field interception in overtime. Bottom line: Joe Flacco outplayed him.

The ultimate weapon – Forget Michael Vick and RG III. The most dynamic dual-threat quarterback is Colin Kaepernick. In his first career playoff game, Kaepernick rushed for a quarterback league record 181 yards on 16 carries and tossed for another 263 yards and two scores. A beleaguered Packers defense had no answers for the lanky signal-caller. Needless to say, Atlanta will have their hands full in the NFC Championship.

30 seconds is a lifetime – Russell Wilson’s herculean comeback effort would’ve been one for the ages if the Seahawks secondary knew how to defend the field with 30 seconds on the clock. Matt Ryan was once again shaky in the spotlight, but he delivered when it counted most to set up Matt Bryant’s game-winning boot. Pete Carroll and the entire Seattle franchise will wonder “what if” for months.

Texans two step – Matt Schaub and the Texans offense did what they could, but it was the defense that once again came up small against Tom Brady. Even without Rob Gronkowski, who reinjured his forearm, Brady and Co. shredded Houston to the tune of 457 yards and 41 points. One sack and zero forced turnovers just won’t cut it versus the Patriots. It’s back to the drawing board for Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips… again.