SB Weekend 2013

Baltimore Ravens (14-4) -vs- San Francisco 49ers (15-3)

Super Bowl brothers, the Har-bowl. It's Ray Lewis' final ride, the 49ers' 6th Super Bowl, and Colin Kaepernick's 10th start. This Super Bowl comes built with the story lines that sportswriters' dreams are made of.

Yet isn't it interesting that the only thing louder than the hype, is the complaints about the hype by the very same media? Strangely, the press this year feel rooted in self-hatred, almost guilt, for over-hyping the amazing storylines provided to us.

Ray Lewis declared before the playoffs that this would be his "final ride" and then promptly drove the least-acclaimed Ravens team this decade, right through Luck, Peyton and Brady.

QB Colin Kaepernick has started 9 games and his 10th is the Super Bowl! He has displayed superstar speed and an absolute rocket arm, resigning QB Alex Smith, the 49ers starting quarterback since 2005 to the sidelines.

Jim Harbaugh of the 49ers and John Harbaugh of the Ravens, brothers a year apart, both have not only become head coaches in the NFL, but have both made the playoffs in the same year, both won have won their conferences and earned their first Super Bowl appearances. In the same year! It is one of the most improbable coaching match-ups any sport championship has ever seen. And this is no normal "sport championship", this is the Super Bowl.

Isn't this awesome? Yet we spit all over ourselves, angry that the stories behind the headlines actually warrant the hype. Relax, football media, this one truly does have some amazing stories. Enjoy it.

(Let us again reign ourselves in, back to the football field, back to the 100 yards each team has to navigate towards touchdowns and field goals.)

"Two running teams in the Super Bowl" they say, "so much for the NFL being a passing league" they say. Yes, it's a nice sentiment, a crowning moment for the old-school-tough-guys. For the Ravens and 49ers, two teams commonly associated with running and defense have downed the high-flyers on their way to the big game. However, the Ravens were decade-long perennial playoff stepping stones until QB Joe Flacco made that next step, The 49ers were mediocre, postively pedestrian, with their great All-Pro defensemen and RB Frank Gore's brilliance until Jim Harbaugh made the most of Alex Smith and then rolled the dice on QB Collin Kaepernick's rocket arm. It was the addition of a passing game that brought both these teams to the Super Bowl.

HOW BAL GOT HERE: Baltimore has been a dark horse flirting with the Super Bowl since 2008, the entire Joe Flacco/John Harbaugh era. The duo does not have a one-and-done season on their resume. Five playoff wins in the last four years but the Super Bowl eluded them still as they lost to the eventual AFC Champion all four years (Steelers, Colts, Steelers, Patriots). The defense has been getting older, their Hall-Of-Fame candidates reaching the twilight of their careers, they started hot but faded drastically in 2012 regular season but bounced back, caught fire and here they are. Unlike the 2000 Ravens who had the most dominant defense of all time, this team rides and dies with offense. Make no mistake, Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Anquon Boldin and WR Torrey Smith will be the keys to a Championship.

HOW SF GOT HERE: QB Alex Smith put his time in since 2004, trudging through the proud 49ers franchise's darkest years. While bluff-and-bluster coaches failed, offensive coordinators revolved annually, and talent fluctuated low, he was there through it all. Through 2007, 08, 09, the defense began to improve behind LB Patrick Willis and a myriad of ridiclous talent, 2010 and 2011 the defense turned downright frightening in it's athletic dominance. Weapons floweed in, TE Vernon Davis, WR Michael Crabtree but they didn't seem to pan out. So Alex Smith continued to wait for that moment. Then Smith got hurt, Kaepernick stepped in, and the elements finally ignited. Here they are, a dynamic brand new quarterback leading a team that has struggled beneath the line of mediocrity, labeled 'talented' but never 'successful'. Kaepernick was the missing link, the moment is here.

The Farewell 10 (2012/13)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (10-7)
RB Adrian Peterson had one of the top years all-time for a running back. In the end, however, QB Christian Ponder and WR Percy Harvin's MVP caliber first 8 games before injury were not enough support for A.D to go deep into the playoffs. The Vikings over-achieved compared to expectations, largely due to Peterson and another massive year out of DE Jared Allen and the D.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (10-7)
It's hard to imagine that the young Bengals D, QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J Green will continually be knocked out of the playoffs by the Houston Texans. Two in a row though? That's rough. The Bengals are showing growth; the offense showed explosiveness and the D-line was the best in the NFL, anchored by DT Geno Atkins and DT Domata Peko.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (11-6)
Not very many expected QB Andrew Luck to lead the Colts back to the playoffs. Some incredible come from behind victories, the feel-good story of Coach Chuck Pagano and his struggles with cancer. The Colts had their roster demolished after a Peytonless 1-15 disaster. One year later, they are suddenly full of up-and-coming youngsters.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS (10-7)
Not very many expected RG3 to lead the Redskins back to the playoffs. (we can say that about quite a few rookie QB teams this year), Griffin proved to be the crown jewel of them all. Speed, smarts, and a great powerful and accurate arm. Fellow rookie RB Alfred Morris racked 1600 yards and now the Redskins are cookin', RG3's health is all that kept them out of the deeper playoff waters.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (12-5)
The Packers drew an unlucky card in the Playoffs as Kaepernick/49ers unleased their read-option on the unsuspecting Pack. Still, QB Aaron Rodgers had another monster year and WR Randall Cobb emerged as a new star. As long as Rodgers is there, the team will get to the playoffs but the D has been maddeningly awful the last two years. They cost it again.

DENVER BRONCOS (13-4)
In all, QB Peyton Manning got Denver just as far as Tebow had. Although this time the D did not have to carry the team and actually was the broken link, failing a proper prevent defense in the final minute. Still, the roll of the dice on Peyton was a smashing success. He predictably made stars out of WR Demarious Thomas and WR Eric Decker. LB Von Miller became a superstar.

HOUSTON TEXANS (13-5)
DE J.J Watt was a man among boys much of the season, absolutely dominating from the D-line. RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson, all excelled and the team performed very well, The D improved drastically. This year, instead of injuries it appeared to just be a lack of steam. They were steam-rolled by the Patriots and it wasn't even hard to see coming.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (12-6)
When the reigns were taken off rookie QB Russell Wilson, the offense exploded. Not very many expected Wilson to lead his team to the playoffs as a rookie. RB Marshawn Lynch again was the engine while CB Richard Sherman and S Earl Thomas led the league's best secondary. We figured to be talking about Luck & RG3 for a long time, Wilson put himself right in the conversation.

ATLANTA FALCONS (14-4)
QB Matt Ryan with WR Julio Jones, WR Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez clicked into high-gear this year. Boring News Flash: they again lacked killer instinct in the playoffs, an especially bitter pill for a team that is universally criticized for not winning playoff games. Against Seattle and San Fran, they were outscored 10-42 in the 2nd halves, compared to 44-14 in the 1st halves.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (13-5)
Another deep playoff run for QB Tom Brady and Bill Bellicheck. The defense was better, though the offense was a little less explosive. In this era of salary caps and free agency, this decade-plus Patriot run has been the most impressive thing in the NFL. Every year the Pats are a drive or two within reach, it really is amazing.

Sunday 1/20/13 (AFC/NFC)

San Francisco 49ers, 28 Atlanta Falcons, 24

The Atlanta Falcons 2013 Postseason involved two of the best offensive starts of all time. WR Julio Jones had 100 yards before the end of the 1st quarter and QB Matt Ryan had almost 300 yards before the half (all of which was to Jones, TE Tony Gonzalez and WR Roddy White). The 49ers vaunted secondary looked over-matched. Luckily for the 49ers, QB Colin Kaepernick again showed up to play and the Falcons' D looked similarly over-matched, so that RB LeMichael James and TE Vernon Davis (back from the dead) could keep the 49ers in striking distance 24-14 at half. San Fran went into the locker room hoping their award-winning, big-talking D could stop something, anything whatsoever.

Turns out, the San Francisco D only needed one stop. RB Frank Gore pounded the Falcons for two touchdowns, and Matt Ryan ended two more 49er-gouging drives with Ryan-generated turnovers; a terrible interception and a fumble off a perfectly good snap. After Gore's second touchdown, Falcons down 4 points with 8 minutes left, both cities were sick with dread. San Francsico dreading a Matt Ryan who had yet to see any resistance from any defensive 49er. Atlanta dreading a Matt Ryan who moved the ball with ease only to brutally turn it over two previous times. Unfortunately for Atlanta, theirs was the dread that would be realized, inside the 20, the Falcons turned over on downs.

KEY PLAY: On the Falcons' final drive, Matt Ryan threw to a wide open WR Harry Douglas who barely controlled the ball before going out of bounds. The play was controversial in the usual control-of-the-ball ways and will forever be enshrined by San Francisco Coach Jim Harbaugh's petulant temper tantrum after the call didn't go his way. Lost in the controversy and the overblown reaction, was that Douglas was wide open and if he had not tripped over his own two feet. there is no doubt the Falcons would have went ahead 31-28.

MVP: RB Frank Gore has been on a quest for a long time. I don't know what it is about Gore that allows him to be so easily overshadowed. For years, he has been the unappreciated running back (outside of SF of course) that defies the odds and continues to produce but "not for a contender". Now, he produces for a contender and all eyes are on Kaepernick! Gore, however, didn't need the read-option to produce in this game, this was a career game for him.

Baltimore Ravens, 28 New England Patriots, 13

Another big Patriots/Ravens face-off ends in revenge. In the 'Brady v. Lewis' era, the Patriots had only been defeated once previously, an absolute drubbing from Baltimore in the 2011 Wildcard. The Patriots got their revenge for that game in last year's AFC Championship and now the Ravens get their revenge for that revenge tonight. Simple enough.

The game was a model of good football. New England's offense and Baltimore's defense, a full decade of excellence behind each, battled hard. QB Tom Brady was able to move the ball with a balanced attack of RB Stevan Ridley, TE Aaron Hernandez and WR Wes Welker but where Baltimore bends, Baltimore did not break. The Patriots piled up 8-12 play drives in the 1st half but had only 13 points for their trouble.

The long Patriot drives resulted in awful field position for Baltimore the entire 1st half (13, 10, 8, 10 and 14). The inept Raven offenses of old would be defeated this way, but QB Joe Flacco was able to eat yards and lead at least one 90-yard touchdown drive, which an improvising RB Ray Rice finished off. The Ravens were down a comfortable 13-7 at the half, considering.

Both teams remained efficient, there was not a turnover until 12:48 in the 4th quarter when Ridley was literally knocked out by S Bernard Pollard (he of season-ending Brady (2008), Welker (2009) and Gronkowski (2011) injury fame). The fumble was the turning point of the game, coming shortly after Flacco's 2nd TD and resulting in his 3rd. The Patriot-killer's rep has surely expanded.

KEY PLAY: Ridley's knockout fumble changed the game, when two well-oiled teams play, the turnovers are normally the deciding factor.

MVP: QB Joe Flacco. The Ravens dominated the 2nd half because they put the ball into Flacco's hands, throwing 27 times to 7 runs until LB Darnell Ellerbee's game-deciding, wild tip interception late in the 4th. Flacco converted for two red zone touchdowns to WR Anquan Boldin one a powerful grab to start the 4th quarter, and a 2nd Boldin TD after the KO'd Ridley fumble.

Joe Flacco and the Ravens did what young Ray Lewis could have only dreamed of his offense doing, they went into shotgun and opened it up, putting Brady and Co on their heels. It must have been nice for Lewis, Ed Reed, Suggs etc to play great but to not have to win the game themselves.

Championship Weekend 2013

San Francisco 49ers (14-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (14-3)

Yes, Atlanta was dangerously close to blowing a home game against a #5 seed while San Francisco just blew out the recent Super Bowl champions so most of the one-week-memory media are calling it for San Francisco. It's possible, though, that QB Matt Ryan and his slew of incredible weapons learned an important lesson on closing out. The press has been frothing that the Falcons lack a 'killer instinct'. Well how do you sharpen that killer instinct? Through scary experiences and leads lost in games just like their recent bout with Seattle, that's how.

This game is the best chance the read-option will ever have to go do the Super Bowl, the famous college football scheme is likely to be wide-spread in 2013 but defenses will catch up and it will pass. We all know this. Even San Francisco knows it. Ryan is tasked with defending the traditional style of  a dropback passer from the big stage, and WR Roddy White, WR Julio Jones and the feel-good run of surefire Hall-Of-Famer TE Tony Gonzalez, will give them a good shot. Especially in the Georgia Dome.

KEYS FOR SF: The defense in San Francisco has been so quietly elite that it can be surprising watching them on film. They are fast, big and strong at all levels. It is not a special scheme, it is not a brilliant master plan, it's just speed, strength and tackling. They tackle better than anyone in the league at all 3 levels and this will be their key.

KEYS FOR ATL: Atlanta's defense has been invisible to the media and average fan but perception counts for very little once the game starts. Still, it has to concern Atlanta fans that nobody is really talking, good or bad, about the Falcons D. The peg was set so low by Green Bay's over-rated D but avoiding another monster performance from Kaepernick is key, can the Falcons defense contain him?

Baltimore Ravens (13-4) @ New England Patriots (14-3)

It would be easy to copy and paste last year's summary of this exact same match-up in the AFC Championship but it wouldn't be accurate. Yes, QB Joe Flacco is still perceived (rightfully so, obviously) as a peg below QB Tom Brady and it's pointed out that Brady still doesn't have an elite RB like Ray Rice. Yet there's a different feel to the game. This time, it's the Ravens who are the hot team. They've taken an upstart underdog role rather than the year-to-year mid-level contenders they truly are. Momentum, a lot of media types and coaches hate the word, but nobody can deny the Ravens are playing with a swagger, a nothing-to-lose #6 seed going into New England, high off their conquest in Denver.

When they arrive, they will see the billboard counting down the days to LB Ray Lewis' retirement party. One week after double overtime, is there juice left in the Ravens? The important thing to keep in mind is that this is no shoo-in for New England like we thought Baltimore was for Denver, That's because of one word: Flacco. I believe I said this last AFC Championship too, but Joe Flacco needs to make himself a star in this game.

KEYS FOR BAL: I mentioned Joe Flacco, but his important work will be made much easier and comfortable if the Baltimore O-line can control the line of scrimmage. A healthy, dominating Baltimore O-line (which has surprisingly underachieved thus far) can dull the impact of Patriots DT Vince Wilfork, it can spring Ray Rice a few times, and most importantly, it can keep that more-myth-than-bite Baltimore D out of those ruthless no-huddle Brady drives.

KEYS FOR NE: Tom Brady's performance in last year's matchup was not legendary. He famously declared he "sucked" in the AFC Championship celebration that followed. New England was an incredibly makeable kick away from being defeated last year, and they know it. The running game for the Patriots, the defense, are improved. It will disappoint the fantasy football players but there's not as much need to go to the Aerial Brady Show, balance will improve the Patriots' chances of domination.

Sunday 1/13/13 (Divisional)

Atlanta Falcons, 30 Seattle Seahawks, 28

The Atlanta Falcons dominated the first half. Mutterings of a 'statement win' were on the Georgia Dome conditioned wind. QB Matt Ryan looked unstoppable and even the timid Atlanta crowd got into the groove early in 2nd quarter or so. Meanwhile, the Seahawks made crucial mistakes inside the red zone; they rolled the dice on 4th and 1 and lost, then succumbed to clock management issues at the half, strolling into the locker room down 20-0.

Thats when the 2nd half happened. Matt Ryan lost his mojo and couldn't keep the Falcons offense on the field, throwing two interceptions and missing out on two crucial 3rd downs. Meanwhile, the Seahawks drove the field four separate times for four separate touchdowns. QB Russell Wilson was sublime, 266 2nd half yards passing (385 overall) and another 60 on the ground. RB Marshawn Lynch, TE Zach Miller and WR Sidney Rice also reversed course and played like superstars. S Earl Thomas provided a key interception late that led to to a beast mode Lynch TD launching an ecstatic Seattle to their first lead of the day, 28-27, with only 31 seconds to play.

It was a tale of two games. The Falcons’ 1st half and Seahawks’ 2nd half could be categorized as two of the most dominating NFL halves played all year, strangely woven into one game.

The epilogue, written into the final 31 seconds contained a surprise twist. Matt Ryan snapped out of his 2nd half lethargy and executed two lightening quick punches for 22 and 19 yards that set up the game winning 49-yard kick. Just like that, Atlanta saved themselves from 0-4 in the playoffs and earned their first win.

KEY PLAY: Many Seattle fans lament the 4th-and-1 decision in the 1st half that would have ended up being a game-winning field goal but the key plays were Matt Ryan's darts to WR Harry Douglas and then TE Tony Gonzalez, a total of 41 yards in 25 seconds with their season on the line. Not very many passing games in NFL history could do that.

MVP: I'll give it to QB Matt Ryan who led a massive 1st half slaughter and then a lightening spark victory march but he also was a large reason they were so soundly dominated in the 2nd half. But the MVP should have been Wilson, who announced himself as the real deal today, in both halves, just like Flacco and Kaepernick yesterday, the future has arrived.

New England Patriots, 41 Houston Texans, 28

After the dramatic weekend, one could almost welcome the predictable Patriots blowout. The NFL audience (outside of Houston) accepted the familiar as inevitable and we all relaxed to enjoy our Sunday night. This may seem insulting to the Texans but were they not overmatched? Surely you can't say it's a coincidence that New England has handled the Texans 83-42 in two games, can you? The Texans just aren't in the same tier.

QB Tom Brady was methodical, at times positively vicious with big plays followed by surprisingly quick snaps and big runs. RB Shane Vereen was this week's Patriot role player thrust into centerpiece mode, recording 3 touchdowns and 124 total yards.

The Patriots deserve credit beyond the standard 'they were going to win anyways'. This is not the New York Yankees spending their way to consistent contention or the Miami Heat with Lebron and Wade. This is a 6th round quarterback and a defensive minded coach who have had 12 winning seasons in a row and 17 playoff victories amidst the golden age of parity in the NFL.

KEY PLAY: Texans S Daniel Manning returned the opening kickoff inside the 10, the Texans failed to capitalize, settled for the field goal and never again threatened competition. CB Devin McCourtey made the tackle, hustling after the slower Manning, essentially a 4-point tackle that reversed the tone that an away-team opening kickoff return would have set.

MVP: It’s almost dull to select QB Tom Brady (344yds, 3 TDs, 0 INTs) as the MVP of a postseason win, his 17th such victory (17-6 for reference) but to appreciate a master, we must step away from what we take for granted. This was another divisional masterpiece.

Saturday 1/12/13 (Divisional)

Baltimore Ravens, 38 Denver Broncos, 35

This epic double-OT classic got off to a fast start. Broncos KR Trindon Holliday started the game with his first of two returns (one punt and one kick) and Ravens WR Torrey Smith torched another future hall of famer in CB Champ Bailey for a 59-yard deep post. The game was already 7-7 as the two headliners (sure-fire first ballot Hall Of Famers Ravens LB Ray Lewis and Broncos QB Peyton Manning) took the field for the first time.

In the mountain cold, single digit temperatures, the Ravens and Broncos put up 10 touchdowns in 75 minutes before the sole field goal, the game winner, with 13:29 left in the 2nd OT from Ravens K Justin Tucker. It was the 4th longest game in NFL history, and the stakes were as high as they could be.

The game hinged on an wonderful January assortment of big plays through the air from both Manning and Flacco. None more exciting (or gut-wrenching from Denver's view) as WR Jacoby Jones' over-the-top TD to tie the game with 0:41 remaining in the 4th quarter. Only minutes before, Denver was within a first down to run the clock and win the game but did not attempt a pass despite having Peyton Manning under center.

Despite the score, the game was hardly an offensive shootout. Three touchdowns came from defense and special team. This was true an all-around masterpiece of a game. Going into OT at 35-35, Mile High was then made witness to multiple hard hitting defensive stands from both teams in the 0-0 first overtime period.

MVP: QB Joe Flacco proved himself worthy of widespread national praise. Despite inconsistency on offense all year, and living in the shadow (at least from media perspective) of a legendary D, he has been solid. Now, he's a star and maybe that newly accepted designation means nothing, but its certainly worth noting when a player takes that step up.

KEY PLAY: The dreams of a Manning/Brady AFC Championship disappeared on a hail mary touchdown to Jacoby Jones. The game appeared to be wrapped up at the time, and the Broncos did have other chances to win afterwards, but the deflation was too much. Honorable mention goes to Peyton Manning’s awful, downright Favre-ian, late-game-across-the-body-into-traffic-season-ending interception in double OT. Brett Favre would be made proud.

San Francisco 49ers, 45 Green Bay Packers, 31

The Green Bay Packers defense has been torched again. This was not an anomaly or especially surprising for a defense ranked 32nd only one year ago. Still, this beatdown sent some shock-waves through the NFL for the way in which it was done. It announced the read-option as a legitimate playoff threat, at least this season, and served as the superstar announcement party of 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick.

It didn't start too bad for Green Bay. Kaepernick’s first pass was an interception. and the Packers went into the locker room at halftime with a confidant 21-21 tie. But the 49ers offense continued to roll without impediment. They would end with almost 600 total yards. Truly, Kaepernick looked like he was a build-you-own Madden character with a Madden statline; 263 yards passing, 181 yards rushing. It was the perfect brew of surprise and athleticism. The Green Bay sideline was visibly in shock.

Even the Packers' perennial MVP-candidate Aaron Rodgers was unable to keep pace with this explosion. Credit was credit is due, the 49ers defense is no cake-walk. They boast six All Pro defenders (DE Aldon Smith, LB Patrick Willis, LB DaVorro Bowman, S Dashon Goldson on 1st team and DE Justin Smith and LB Ahmad Brooks on 2nd) and Green Bay was made predictable and one-dimensional by their own defense hemorrhaging points. Rodgers still managed almost 300 yards and 31 points. The fact that was not nearly enough to keep the game from being a blowout tells you all you need to know.

MVP: QB Colin Kaepernick set the record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in the postseason. Historically, running quarterbacks have not had much postseason success but the league is evolving before our eyes. Kaepernick made himself an NFL household name tonight. 400 total yards and 4 touchdowns will do that.

KEY PLAY: In the end, Green Bay was the unfortunate recipient of the explosive read option gameplan Coach Jim Harbaugh had obviously withheld for this moment. Kaepernick’s unreal (Maddenesque) 56-yard TD run in the mid-3rd quarter left no doubt.

Divisional Weekend 2013

Baltimore Ravens (11-6) @ Denver Broncos (13-3)

Even a few years from now we may look back on Ravens LB Ray Lewis and Broncos QB Peyton Manning as distant legends enshrined in NFL folklore. They are undoubtably two of the greatest players to ever play the game. It's a treat to watch two surefire first ballot Hall-Of-Famers square off for a final time. There is young star power in Ravens RB Ray Rice and Broncos LB Von Miller, but theres a big spotlight on the old guys.

The Broncos wobbled to a 2-3 record to the start the season but caught fire as Peyton acclimated to his supporting cast to the rigors of a Manning offense. He unsurprisingly made stars of WR Eric Decker and WR Demaryious Thomas. This was predicted by sportswriters far and wide. It is a testament to the greatness of Peyton that it is just assumed he will raise an offense and a surrounding cast to elite status. The Ravens, meanwhile, have been a roller coaster from Super Bowl contender to losing streak pretenders and back. It is easy to point to the regular season and lean towards Denver but Baltimore has such dangerous personnel and a history in the Harbaugh/Flacco era of winning playoff games on the road.

KEYS FOR BAL: One does not simply "stop Peyton Manning" anymore. The Baltimore defense will bend, but what they do in the red zone to avoid breaking will determine the game. The Ravens find themselves taking the leap from a rookie QB to the only 4-time MVP in the history of the NFL, from an overachieving Colts defense getting by to a Bronco defense loaded with play makers. There will be no 2-quarter buffer for QB Joe Flacco to "warm up" and start completing passes.

KEYS FOR DEN: Peyton Manning has long shucked aside the stigma that he can not win the big games. Now the pressure comes fron a new city, Denver, and they expect immediate results. I doubt it weighs much on the impeccably-prepared Peyton Manning, but it certainly is ever-present in the minds of those of us on the outside. He was brought here to go deep into the playoffs. The key for Denver, is one man, #18, being the difference between a good team... and a great one.

Green Bay Packers (12-5) @ San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)

The NFC has come full circle from the mid-1990s when these two franchises were juggernauts. In the 2000s, the 49ers nose-dived and the Packers lost their luster. In the last three years, however, these same two cities have again crept to the top of the NFC.

Flash to April of 2005: an ESPN correspondent asks QB Aaron Rodgers on draft day if he was disappointed the 49ers didn't take him with the 1st overall pick (they chose now-backup QB Alex Smith) he responds "not as sorry as the 49ers are going to be for not picking me". Uh oh. This is Rodgers' first start in San Francisco.

Maybe the 49ers subconsciously saw this vengeance coming? The defense is built for the elite passers, they shut down Drew Brees and battled hard against a red hot Eli Manning last year with pressure and speed. However, I don't think I'm venturing on a limb to say that Rodgers is the best player in the NFL, and man does he have the weapons to do support. And pressure? Rodgers deals with pressure no matter who the Packers are playing, because the O-line has struggled.

On the other side of the ball, new QB Colin Kapernick faces a Green Bay defense with big names, LB Clay Matthews and CB Charles Woodson, but is one year removed from giving up the most yardage in the history of the NFL.

KEYS FOR GB: WR Greg Jennings and WR Jordy Nelson will be focused on early by the solid 49er corners and safties but some big plays out of WR Randall Cobb or WR James Jones can free them up. It's just mathematics at this point, there's too many good recievers to cover. The real key for Green Bay; the O-line has to keep it together just enough to keep the passing game humming. It wouldn't hurt if the D-line could to rattle that 49er QB, starting his first playoff game, either.

KEYS FOR SF: RB Frank Gore continues to defy us all, and he and the D can win any game against any opponent as long as San Francisco can take an early lead. An early lead is easier said than done of course, but the formula is crystal clear. San Francisco is built to hold onto leads, not overcome leads. Let DE Aldon Smith, DE Justin Smith, LB Patrick Willis sink their teeth into a one dimensional offense. You want the game in their hands.

Seattle Seahawks (12-5) @ Atlanta Falcons (13-3)

They say the Seattle secondary has never faced a recieving corps like WR Roddy White and WR Julio Jones. Well, White and Jones haven't faced CB Richard Sherman and CB Brandon Browner either, both over 6'2". QB Matt Ryan and QB Russell Wilson have a lot of those differences. One of those differences is that Wilson has won a playoff game (zing!). The wear and tear on a Falcon mind to press and force may not affect a pro like Ryan, but can that be said for all of Atlanta's roster? The Falcons are 56-24 in five seasons but 0-3 in the playoffs. How much that affects the game remains to be seen, but it certainly has been a talking point.

While Atlanta feels the pressure, Seattle has nothing to lose. They were considered a rising team, a red-hot flash in the pan with a promising future and when they lose to the big, bad #1 seed that has never won a playoff game, it will be okay. I know Seattle or the Seahawks think of it that way. Red hot teams win the Super Bowl all the tim and Seattle wants to strike while the iron is hot.

KEYS FOR SEA: DE Bruce Irvin has replaced the injured DE Chris Clemons. Irvin was drafted #19 in 2012 in a move many ESPN non-general managers scoffed at. This is a big chance for Irvin to shine. RB Marshawn Lynch is the engine that keeps this team rolling, feed the beast. Seattle wants to come out uptempo, shock and awe because while Atlanta hasn't played or won a meaningful game in 60 days or more, Seattle has been in high gear since the Chicago Bears in Week 13.

KEYS FOR ATL: Atlanta doesn't have an especially complicated offense. The challenge in defending them is rooted in personnel. Roddy White, Julio Jones, RB Michael Turner, RB Jaquizz Rodgers, and future Hall-of-Famer TE Tony Gonazlez just frankly present matchup problems. That is the "secret" to Atlanta's success, just getting the ball to their playmakers. No sense in zazzing up a brand new game plan or fancy offensive design.

Houston Texans (13-4) @ New England Patriots (12-4)

There was such excitement for the Week 14 matchup between the Texans and the Patriots. But the game was such a massive, primetime letdown. There's a sense of one-bitten-twice-shy fans and media alike pouting that the Patriots will win, the Texans will fold again, and why even watch?

Unfortunately, it's true. The Texans have not been impressive in a long time. Even in their 9-1 days atop the power rankings, headlines mostly inquired if anyone truly believes in the Texans. DE J.J Watt, RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson are legit superstars, but where were they in primetime this year? Why did they only feast upon weaker teams across a CBS/FOX ticker on the 10am/1pm on Sundays?

But anything can happen in the playoffs right? All hope is not lost! The Patriots have recently been beaten at home in the playoffs. The Ravens in 2009, the Jets in 2010. Let us all cheer up, maybe our enthusiasm can return to what it was before the Texans were absolutley, embarassingly and boringly slaughtered 42-14 on Monday Night Football in Week 14.

KEYS FOR HOU: RB Arian Foster has played in 3 playoff games and ran for 125+ with at least 1 TD in each of them. The Texans D did a great job against Cincinnati. If they can avoid any resemblence of what Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady did to them in primetime, Foster will enjoy the weakest D he has yet played in the playoffs. If not, QB Matt Schaub will have to compete in a shoot-out, even with WR Andre Johnson, this is not ideal.

KEYS FOR NE: QB Tom Brady will not let up. TE Rob Gronkowski and TE Aaron Hernandez will likely both get going and there will be no stopping Brady this night. RB Steven Ridley gives them a rougher dimension, if he can start the postseason hot, who can beat the Patriots? The real key is living up to these lofty expectations we sportswriters blather out into the air. They have faltered in a lot of big games since the 2007 Super Bowl loss, but they always appear invincible.

Sunday 1/6/13 (Wildcard)

Baltimore Ravens, 24 Indianapolis Colts, 9

Thursday, future 1st-ballot Hall Of Famer LB Ray Lewis announced this would be his final season. This forced the media to literally rip themselves in half between the feel good ChuckStrong loveable underdogs and the glorious curtain-call-for-a-legend narratives. Their panic was evident all pre game and postgame. Either way, we seem to have forgotten to talk about football.

As always, a kickoff ensued and a football game followed. The action on the field? This was a rough debut for QB Andrew Luck. The experienced Ravens defeated him with just that, expierence. Luck was forced to throw the ball 54 times, but completed only half and none in the red zone.

On the other side of the ball, the Ravens offense was slow to put up points. Flacco and Co seemed to finally straighten out right before halftime and hit full stride in the 3rd quarter. It was the same decade-old Ravens formula; Lewis, S Ed Reed and LB Terrell Suggs kept the game close, until the offense could get moving. Even two lost fumbles by RB Ray Rice did nothing to swing the Colts in the right direction.

KEY PLAY: With 1:08 left in the half, Ray Rice supplied the big play to finally spark the Ravens offense. A 47 yard screen to the 2 that led to FB Vonta Leach's pounding touchdown. On the play were excellent adjustments by Rice, QB Joe Flacco and the first of two big time blocks by WR Torrey Smith

MVP: WR Anquan Boldin made all the big plays that needed to be made: catches of 50, 46 and a dagger touchdown in the 4th. He overpowered the Colts secondary and provided all the offense the Ravens would need.

Seattle Seahawks, 24 Washington Redskins, 14

It will be unfortunate if the injury to QB Robert Griffin III and its lasting impact upon his career lives as the memorable aspect to this game in NFL legend & lore. The Redskins jumped out to a 14-0 lead on the back of RB Alfred Morris, leading two of the most dominant ground drives of their already successful rushing season. It was the ability of the Seattle D to lift up to that physical tempo and remarkably not allow another semblance of success on offense from Washington for the rest of the game. Morris tallied 49 yards on the first two drives, and 31 yards in the rest of the game.

RG3's knee injury continued to get worse, by the 2nd half he was effectively at 1/4 of his normal speed. QB Russell Wilson, RB Marshawn Lynch ran the read-option game plan to perfection and Washington's defense looked uncertain and lacked confidence Seattle methodically put up the 24 points needed to win.

KEY PLAY: RG3's brutal knee injury and the resulting crucial fumble loss are sure to recieve replays all week. However, my pick was an unsung 3rd and 12 in the 2nd quarter. The Seahawks were vulnerable to a door slamming 3 and out, down 14. TE Zach Miller made a shoestring catch and pounded 6 hard yards to convert. It was a game changer, the rest, in retrospect, seemed almost inevitable.

MVP: RB Marshawn Lynch may have lost a fumble at the goal line but he also he more than made up for it with a crucial fumble scooping conversion and willed the ball forward for a 26 yard TD run that put the Seahawks ahead for good. He has been the workhorse that gives the Seattle D, rookie Wilson and weapons around room to shine.

Saturday 1/5/13 (Wildcard)

Houston Texans, 19 Cincinnati Bengals, 13

The Texans dominated this game. However, the offense was unable to convert opportunities to touchdowns. The first half score was the most unrepresentative score I have even seen. The Texans leading only 9-7. The Bengals' sole TD a result of a staggeringly poor decision by QB Matt Schaub and the awesome ball skills of CB Leon Hall.

In the 3rd quarter, the Texans put together yet another solid drive and were finally able to punch it into the end zone with RB Arian Foster. They were unable to repeat the feat, but they luckily would not need to.

For the Bengals, A.J Green was shut out in the 1st half but showed his ability to take over a game in the 2nd. If QB Andy Dalton hadn't overthrown two clear touchdown opportunities, we would likely be talking about the most inexplicable Texans loss in their short history.

Overall, the game impressed most fans as a lose-to-New England-or-Denver contest. Missed opportunities, drops and poor red zone execution from both teams left a very lackluster flavor in fans' mouths. A competition to lose in the next round.

KEY PLAY: The 1 yard Foster run for the only Texan touchdown of the game. 420 yards of total offense and 1 TD has to worry a team going into New England. At least they can point to at least this one example of red zone execution.

MVP: RB Arian Foster was the difference, his 174 total yards kept the Houston D rested, his touchdown kept the scoreboard in Houston's favor.

Green Bay Packers, 24 Minnesota Vikings, 10

This game was a shame. The Vikings without a QB, the game was already decided before it began. NBC begrudgingly capped the first day of playoff football with a dull, non-competitive game that didn't even showcase the two divisional rivals' strengths. The Vikings could not run the ball with 8-9 in the box waiting for Peterson while the Packers had no need for massive aerial attack they are staffed for.

It's a shame for RB Adrian Peterson, who turned in one of the greatest rushing seasons of all time, that the Vikings season-long starting QB Christian Ponder cold not play in this game. "QB" Joe Webb who was exposed as nothing more than an emergency QB option, certainly not even an NFL back-up quality starter.

(29 Green Bay rushing attempts? 30 Joe Webb passing attempts? This is not what NBC signed up for).

Who was it not a shame for? Well, that would be Qb Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. The defense handled Peterson by devoting entirely to stop him as it became apparent Webb could not make the NFL throws. Yes, the Packers have to listen to sports media declare this a hollow victory, but I think they'll be fine- there are no hollow victories in the NFL playoffs. This was huge.

KEY PLAY: The 9-yard TD from Rodgers to FB John Kuhn was the dagger, not just for the play but for the statement that the 2nd half would be just as like the 1st, capping 6-minute drive to open the 3rd quarter and put the Packers up 21pts. The tone of a long, slow close-out.

MVP: QB Aaron Rodgers. He did not have to put up big numbers. In fact, Green Bay tried  to run the ball and eat up clock but found Rodgers' arm, legs, decision making and plethora of weapons (he connected with 10 different receivers, a playoff record) were actually more of a game management tool than the running game. Rodgers is a dark horse in this playoff. We've heard much more about Brady, Manning, Rg3, Luck, Ryan, even Wilson and Kaepernick, but Rodgers could change that with a few more successful performances like this one.

Wild Card Weekend 2013

Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) @ Houston Texans (12-4)

For as good as the Texans were during the season to position themselves as massive favorites for the #1 seed after 14 games, they were just as terrible dropping their final two games to the Vikings and Colts. Not only did they lose the #1 seed, but they lost the bye, finishing as the 3rd seed. Fair or not, our collective conscience remembers the 2012 Texans by this collapse, and by the prime time drubbings delivered by the Packers (24-42, week 7) and Patriots (14-42, week 14). Four extremely concerning and memorable losses. Nobody is talking much about the Texans' 12 wins.

The Texans hoped to be watching and waiting from home this weekend but instead they face a young, hungry Bengals team, now a year older, with a fair amount of playoff experience. Bengals QB Andy Dalton is starting his 2nd playoff game in his two years. Meanwhile, this will be the playoff debut for 9-year veteran Texans QB Matt Schaub.

KEYS FOR CIN: WR A.J Green is the kind of game-changing weapon perfect for a road playoff game. A fast start by Green and solid production out of RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis is feasible recipe for the Bengals to move on.

KEYS FOR HOU: Coach Gary Kubiak should have no time for storylines but they are there, "The Texans can't beat good teams", "The Texans have talent but not focus". When the whistle blows, Houston will have a chance to re-write those headlines.

Minnesota Vikings (10-6) @ Green Bay Packers (11-5)

Vikings QB Christian Ponder (or Joe Webb) is handed a handicap (Packers terrible pass defense) for his duel with last year's MVP QB Aaron Rodgers. The Vikings also have to be pleased to have Adrian Peterson in the backfield facing off on a Green Bay defense that he has shredded for 409 yards in 2 games, including 199 last week.

The Packers D must be sick of tackling A.P in what has really been his greatest season. (I consider him the NFL MVP) but that is where the Vikings advantage ends. The Packers have enough talent on offense to win this game, When Aaron Rodgers gets hot on the frozen tundra the game will be out of reach. The Packers boast frightening array of weapons this season; WR Greg Jennings, TE Jermichael Finley, WR Jordy Nelson and breakout WRs Randall Cobb and James Jones. All healthy for the first time together now. Green Bay's great ball-controlling passing game can get hot and win any game.

KEYS FOR MIN: It will be very cold in Green Bay and the Vikings are preaching a punishing run game with the best running back in the NFL. Historical convention would seem to lean towards Minnesota on the unforgiving winter tundra.

KEYS FOR GB: Just light it up, Mr. Rodgers. The Vikings can only win a slugfest. If the Packers can put points on the board early (and we know they can) the Vikings will not come back. It would help if the defense could contain Peterson, but an early lead will work just the same.

Indianapolis Colts (11-5) @ Baltimore Ravens (10-6)

The Colts and Ravens have an old world story-line. March 29, 1984 the Baltimore Colts loaded into a convoy of 18-wheelers and bolted town, sneaking out under cover darkness in the middle of the night. Baltimore was left a heartbroken and bitter city, without an NFL franchise until 1996.

Most of this connection has fizzled over time. Both franchises have won Super Bowls this decade, 76 of the active 120 players were not even born in 1984!

Coach Chuck Pagano and his cancer treatments, inspiring words, and the Colts' turnaround have supplied a heartwarming story, but shall we talk some football? Ravens RB Ray Rice and QB Joe Flacco didn't take that next step into consistency this year and the offense seems to fluctuate between ignoring, or relying too much on, Rice. Which Ravens we will get, we have no idea. Strangely, it is rookie quarterback QB Andrew Luck and the previously 2-14 Colts who provide consistency, Luck is the real deal and the extra boost of their coach's inspiring story is unlikely to fade on this massive playoff stage.

KEYS FOR IND: Stopping Ray Rice has got to be the priority, Andrew Luck will not be able to do that, if there's any burst from the Ravens offense - this is still a Colts D that can seriously struggle.

KEYS FOR BAL: Joe Flacco isn't the only wildly inconsistent quarterback in the league brimming on greatness. Jay Cutler, Tony Romo, and Philip Rivers come to my mind. It's time for Flacco to get out of that grouping.

Seattle Seahawks (11-5) @ Washington Redskins (10-6)

The Washington Redskins have faced Seattle in their last two playoff appearance in 2005 and 2007. They lost both appearances. The Redskins aren't those Redskins anymore, or any Redskins, anymore. QB Robert Griffin III-mania has swept the nation's capital. He has brought a dynamic, exciting aspect to Redskin football that, even in the 80s glory days, has rarely existed.

The Seahawks are coming off a 5-game winning streak in which they out-scored their opponents 193-60. They are converting in the red zone, winning on the road, and QB Russell Wilson is getting better and better. In a battle of exciting, dynamic rookie QBs, Wilson happens to be the healthiest.

KEYS FOR SEA: RB Marshawn Lynch can control a game and the Redskins defense is not top-tier. It's hard to imagine a circumstance in which the patchy, muddy field will not make this a slugfest. Lynch and Wilson are guys you want on your side. Their other advantage lies in their secondary as CB Richard Sherman has been the most under-rated player in the NFL, alongside Pro Bowler S Earl Thomas and returning CB Brandon Browner.

KEYS FOR WASH: RGIII just isn't in top form, his injury late in the season has clearly hampered him. He has proven he is no simpleton scrambler but physically he's hurting. RB Alfred Morris is the latest Shanahan monster. They will need big plays outside of RGIII to win this game, Morris did it in the de facto playoff game against Dallas weekend, they'll call on him again.

The Farewell 20 (2012)

Every season (this being the third) I take a little time to remember the fallen 20 that we won't be talking about for the next month. A quick look at our long lost and departed teams. Fear not, they shall return for the NFL draft. Pick #1? Kansas City Chiefs!

AFC

MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-9)
It wasn't the diaster that the majority assumed. The defense led by LB Cameron Wake, and a better-than-expected QB Ryan Tannehill showed spirit.There has been fight in Miami ever since their 1-15 2007 debacle, when will that next gear catch?

BUFFALO BILLS (6-10)
Plenty are calling for Coach Chan Gailey's head to roll, RB C.J Spiller is becoming a star, everyone but the Buffalo coaching staff can see that. The real question is, despite DE Mario Williams, why did the Bills struggle yet again? There is a good pool of talent here.

NEW YORK JETS (6-10)
They pretended they had a plan for QB Tim Tebow, they pretended he was the #2 quarterback while QB Mark Sanchez made himself the joke of the league. Coach Rex Ryan's fourth consecutive Super Bowl confidence thwarted by rational thought and games played.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-11)
There aren't a lot of "QB Brandon Weeden is going to save the Cleveland Browns" sentences uttered. RB Trent Richardson and a solid D started the season strong and then gained CB Joe Haden mid-season, still, the wins did not come. Another long, cold year in Cleveland.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (8-8)
If O-Co Todd Hailey and QB Ben Rothlisberger truly do disagree on offensive styles, I would say Ben would be vindicated by this season. The offense didn't know how to use WR Mike Wallace and that defense isn't aging anymore, it's aged.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-14)
Another debacale in Jacksonville. Hopefully these duldrum seasons can stay out of the playoffs and off prime time television. This is the least watchable team, with the least passionate fanbase. They literally may be even un-blurb worthy. I am adding a sentence just to fill the blurb!

TENNESSEE TITANS (6-10)
RB Chris Johnson showed impressive burst, and then maddening hesitancy all season long. The cliche' book says the Titans "lack identity", but watching the games they just are mediocre in many areas talent-wise, this would be a general manager issue.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (7-9)
Coach Norv Turner is a great offensive coordinator, but when your most consistent weapon is WR Malcom Floyd, the same receiver who used to be your 3rd or 4th best weapon in his prime... you can blame GM A.J Smith. Over-confidence in his personnel scouting, letting the big names go, this is how we can explain such a lackluster product on the field.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-12)
Oakland fans, once the cocksure braggarts of the NFL have seen misery and pitiful decisions doom their once proud franchise. The last of which, last year's firing of their first good coach since the early 2000s, led directly to this season. RB Darren McFadden and QB Carson Palmer are the typical flawed heros Oakland can hang their annual losing seasons on.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-14)
RB Jamaal Charles continues to flash briliance. The Chiefs opt to take him out anywhere near the end zone though, lessening his impact. Kansas City was historically bad this season, unexpected for sure, and they played almost the entire season from behind. The NFL misses Kansas City (and Oakland too) and hopes turnarounds loom on the horizon.

NFC

NEW YORK GIANTS (9-7)
It is starting to get ridiculous how consistent the Giants' November meltdown is. It happens every year, even 2007 and 2011, when they rebounded to win Super Bowls. QB Eli Manning was subpar as WR Hakeem Nicks battled injuries and WR Victor Cruz slumped. DE Jason Pierre Paul played well but only had 6 sacks. DE Jusin Tuck was again irrelevant.

DALLAS COWBOYS (8-8)
QB Tony Romo continues to be defended in mainstream media. In fact, I see so many articles defending Tony Romo against the "media onslaught" I start to wonder the existance of the onslaught itself. The facts: despite above-average talent at WR, TE, and on D, Tony Romo puts up the big numbers when it doesn't matter and throws interceptions when it does.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-12)
For years, the knock on the Coach Andy Reid's Eagles was that if they had better  skill position (RB/WR/CB) players, they'd be Super. The Eagles have some of the best in the league now, and have turned it into two awful years. Skill position talent is only part of the game, the Eagles are proof of that.

DETROIT LIONS (4-12)
WR Calvin Johnson had 1964 yards, a record. It not translate into touchdowns (5) or wins (4). There are fingers pointing in a lot of directions but this team continues to be penalized, focus tends to wane QB Matthew Stafford continues to show incredible arm strength but is only using it to bail him out from lack of footwork. This is still an undisciplined team.

CHICAGO BEARS (10-6)
QB Jay Cutler, WR Brandon Marshall, RB Matt Forte were a productive and frightening trio for the first half of the season, backed by an ageless ballhawking D. It may have been age that caught up with LB Brian Urlacher, DE Julius Peppers and LB Lance Briggs. As for what happened to Cutler and the offense, that I do not know.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (7-9)
Rookie RB Doug Martin and key addition WR Vincent Jackson upgraded the offense, and the defense improved. The Bucs were legitimate wildcard contenders, than they lost 5 straight. So what happened? Pass defense. And this decade of NFL, that's the last thing you want to be terrible at.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (7-9)
QB Cam Newton fell prey to the obligatory sophmore slump, but he fueled a red hot 5-1 finish from the Panthers who finally seem to be on the brink of success. With Newton overcoming that adversity, including a number of heartbreaking last second losses, the Panthers are the latest hot finishing team to make a losing season feel like progress.

ST LOUIS RAMS (7-8-1)
Coach Jeff Fisher makes a huge difference in St. Louis, they slugged it out with the top teams in the NFL. The Rams have achieved the oft-mentioned "culture change" so many losing franchises desire. they were the 49ers krytonite and almost knocked the red-hot Seahawks off at home in Week 17. The future is suddenly so bright.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (5-11)
The sad, darkly comic, fact about this season for the Cardinals is that without their four game winning streak to start the season, they would have likely had the 1st pick. I don't think very many people in November or December would have argued the Cardinals are the worst team in football. Arizona should be ashamed of wasting so much of WR Larry Fitzgerald's prime.