Championship Weekend

So lets talk about the two best games of the playoffs.

Jets at Colts
The young upstart Cinderella team going to the older established team. The young quarterback with a good looking future verse the savvy veteran who has a ring and is looking for another to solidify his standing as one of the best ever. The Jets landed the first punch in the first half. They jumped out to a 17-6 lead and the rookie quarterback played great. The Jets defense was all over the veteran and he was confused by what they were doing. Then with two minutes left in the first half the future Hall of Fame quarterback figured it all out and on three plays (one which was a beautiful pass) the Colts pulled to within 17-13. At that time you could see the momentum switch and the veteran quarterback had it figured out. In the second half the Jets offense was stopped and the veteran quarterback lead his team to three more scoring drives to win the game 30-17.

This was a good game all the way through. The Jets played great and proved to people they belonged. The better team won on Sunday and is heading to the Super Bowl. The Jets were frustrated with the loss and have some questions.
1. What if Donald Strickland and Shonne Greene did not get injured?
2. What if Jay Feeley hit the two missed field goals?
Whenever a team loses they always have questions. The Jets played a great game and the rookie quarterback came of age. An achille all year he proved he will not be that anymore. He had a great game and he has a bright future. For long suffering Jet fans (41 years) there time maybe now.

As for the Colts they are going back to the Super Bowl for the second time in four years. They are going to Miami where they won four years ago and are hoping weather does not affect them this time. They are going with a better all around team. With possibly the best qb in the game today and a better special teams and defensive unit it will be to see them there again.

Vikings at Saints
This game played similar to what I expected. Turnovers were huge in this game and at one point it looked like the Vikings were trying to give the game up (which they did). I expected a high scoring game with the Saints pulling away late. That never happened. It looked like Drew Brees was having an issue throwing the ball which might have prevented that. Luckily for the Saints Adrian Peterson kept fumbling and kept them in the game. If not for his turnovers the Vikings would have won by two touchdowns. Peterson can not be the only Viking who is knocked. Brett Favre made a rookie type mistake on the final drive (and maybe his final throw in the NFL) by throwing across his body. The ball was intercepted by the Saints and took the game into OT. If Favre ran, threw the ball away, or completed a pass to his outlet it would have set the Vikings up for a 55 yard plus field goal attempt. Instead it ended the drive and let the game go into OT. The Saints won the toss got a bad pass interference call and were able to kick the field goal to go to Miami.

Favre was battered by the Saints defense all day. It is truly amazing how he can play and deal with pain. The way he was battered in this game you figured he would have been out. I believe most other qbs would be out, but he is able to take the abuse and keep playing. The Vikings will hold this loss for awhile because they played a great game and out gained the Saints by about 200 yards. Turnovers really hurt this team. Adrian Peterson needs to learn how to hold onto the ball better and maybe Tiki Barber can teach him. Favre said he is not sure if he will come back and we all know we will have this drama in the offseason. Will he or won't he? If he does the Vikings will battle again for a Super Bowl. With the way Favre was hit it is no surprise he said he will not play again.

As for the Saints they did not have the best offensive game. Brees seemed bothered by something and Reggie Bush was held in check. The defense was relentless all game and gave the Vikings offense fits the whole day. The Saints enter the Super Bowl as a well wounded team who will be a match for the Colts. Seeing Brees and Manning go at it will be a real treat. Not to be lost in this victory is the city of New Orleans. The city has been through alot and has been very supportive of this team and this team has given them many great memories and have helped heal the city. To reward the city the Aints no more w are going to their first ever Super Bowl.