What time is it? Playoff Time!
That’s right, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, with Quarterbacks throwing and safeties come blitzing and fans all give cheer! It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Playoff time!After a dazzling season in the National Football League, the NFL now treats us to what is quickly shaping up to be the greatest playoffs yet. The 12 playoff teams this season have combined to have the most wins, 138, than any other playoff field ever. They also have the best winning percentage, (.719, 138-54) of any playoff field since 1977 (.732, 82-30). Furthermore, 10 of the 12 teams in the playoffs have 11 wins or more, and the other two, Washington and New England have 10 wins.
I could go on and on about the records these teams bring to the playoffs, but there is more to Wild Card Weekend than first meets the eye.
Washington @ Tampa Bay
A rematch of the game played in Week 10. That game saw Tampa Bay’s Jon Gruden make a gutsy call and go for two to stun the Redskins with a 36-35 victory. I am sure the Redskins will remember that call and the Bucs will have to forget that call.
Jacksonville @ New England
The “We don’t get any respect bowl!” Both the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots have the same battle cry, “Nobody gives us respect.” No one has shown the Jags any love saying their 12 wins came largely because they benefited from a soft schedule. The Pats think nobody respects them and QB Tom Brady has said that the 2 time defending world champs are not getting respect. Interesting note: the last time New England lost in the playoffs it was to Jacksonville in the 1998 Wild Card game.
Carolina @ NY Giants
Someone will have to play defense in this game, and whoever does will win the game. I am not sure that Manning Junior, Eli, will be able to handle the pressure the Julius Peppers and the rest of the Carolina defense will apply. Watch for Steve Smith and RB Foster to have big days for Carolina.
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
The Rubber Match Game between division rivals. These two teams have faced off 71 times and this is the first time they will play against each other in the playoffs. This game is going to be huge. Each team won at the other’s home during the regular season. Have the Benglas grown up enough to take the Steelers 2 out of 3. I think so!
