Andy Richardson
One versus two, and one versus the Jets. The Championship Games are set, and both conferences went against what the popular consensus either was (Colts-Chargers) or seemed to be (Saints-Cowboys). A few thoughts, fantasy and otherwise, from the games behind us and the ones yet to come.
Cardinals-Saints: I guess this one shouldn't have been surprising. If Arizona's defense couldn't stop the Packers at home, it definitely wasn't going to have any success against the Saints in the Superdome. And with a lead, New Orleans' defense is a different animal than what it was late in the year; it swarms, it hits, it forces turnovers. Kurt Warner built his career playing in St. Louis, but I think at this point he's better off not playing on a fast track, because it helps the defense more than it helps him. Clearly, the better team won.
Fantasy news to come out of this one is kind of depressing. Clearly the Saints will continue to use a committee at running back next year; if even Lynell Hamilton has a role in a big playoff game, anything is possible. Reggie Bush's big game ensures he'll be overdrafted by some next year, but I don't know why things won't be essentially the same deal: lots of backs involved. Similar concern for the Cardinals; Tim Hightower's game-opening touchdown run ensures we'll have a role next season, too. Anquan Boldin says he won't demand a trade, no doubt because he realizes he'll have an even tougher time getting a big contract from another team unless he has a healthy season putting up big numbers in Arizona. The Ravens or Bears might consider trading for him, but it's less likely they'll pay him after another injury-marred season.
Ravens-Colts: Not an awful lot to say about this game. It basically ended when the Ravens couldn't run out the final 2 minutes of the first half, then let the Colts score in the final seconds to make it 17-3. I agree with John Harbaugh that the clock sure seemed to move slowly in those final seconds. Costly drop by Ray Rice (I love the guy, but that one hurt) that gave the Colts extra time to get in the end zone. Teams will look at the film of this game and the Green Bay game on Monday Night during the season, because those teams figured out how to slow Rice down -- and stop Baltimore. And clearly, Baltimore needs more weapons in the passing game than Rice and Mason. For the Colts, well, they made the clutch plays early, and didn't have to do much late. Their defense is severely underrated, but that's what happens when you have an MVP quarterback.
Cowboys-Vikings: I guess the Vikings were a little annoyed by all the talk about the Cowboys all week. I admit I was a little surprised about how nearly everyone though the Cowboys would win. In retrospect -- easier to do after a blowout loss -- it should have been clear that an offense with Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton as its 2 and 3 receivers might have some limitations. So much attention was placed on the Cowboys pass rush that not enough was devoted to whether Dallas' offense had enough of anything to win the game. Having three good running backs doesn't matter much against the Vikings. It's far more important to have three good receivers, and they don't. Romo couldn't find anyone open; the pass rush got to him; game over. And oh yeah: I thought Wade Phillips' decision to try a 48-yard field goal early rather than going for it on fourth-and-a-foot (with all the momentum) was the kind of game-losing decision Phillips is known for in the postseason. Bad choice.
For the Vikings, well, Favre to Sidney Rice, boom -- we saw it all year long, and it was the same story. I figured Dallas would do a better job against the passing game; nope. Their pass rush looked fine early, but Favre hit one long play and suddenly the pressure wasn't there. The old guy side-stepped a blitzer coming free repeatedly, as he's done plenty, and made play after play. What can you say? When he's on his game, he's dang good. The 4th touchdown, eh, they should have called a running play or kicked the field goal. But as has been noted elsewhere, maybe the Cowboys shouldn't have been calling timeouts down 27-3 with 6 minutes left, and you won't get an extra touchdown thrown on you.
Jets-Chargers: I didn't think the Jets could win this game (like everyone else). But after all three home teams won the first three games easily, I started to think, hmmm. And when the teams started trading punts and it was only 7-0 at the half, I realized this is potentially disastrous for the Chargers. And so it was. It was funny; so much offensive talent, but that only matters when you use it. Darren Sproles: 3 carries, 3 receptions. A mistake. Nate Kaeding missing two field goals that need to be made; he's missed big postseason kicks before. The Chargers starting to press and getting frustrated, as shown by Phillip Rivers forcing an interception. Add it all up and you've got your upset of the postseason.
Fantasy notes, it's going to be interesting to see what the Chargers do at running back this offseason. Clearly they need to change the mix there. They've also got to get some of their receivers under contract. For the Jets, there's also uncertainty at running back, although unlike the Chargers they have some nice options. Shonn Greene is clearly ready for a leading role, but Thomas Jones has some game left, and Leon Washington will come back. Mark Sanchez, when he needs to throw, can make some positive plays. Will he be a viable fantasy option next year? Not the way the passing game is currently utilized, but maybe things will change in season 2. Nice little postseason run for Dustin Keller.
Next week: We'll talk more about these games during the week, like everyone else. At a glance, I was a little surprised the Saints are only favored by 4 over the Vikings. I see a track meet, a 38-28 type of game. Minnesota's defensive effort yesterday was impressive, but it was at home against an offense with far fewer weapons in the passing game. New Orleans' run defense, though, is lesser than Dallas', so maybe THIS will be the game Adrian Peterson carries 25 times for 150 yards and 2 TDs. Who knows, but it should be awesome. On the AFC side, it's another week of no respect for the Jets, I guess. I'm not going to make the mistake again. If they can shut down the Chargers, they can shut down the Colts; they can. Doesn't mean they'll win, but a 17-14 type of game is absolutely possible. Rex Ryan's postgame quote was perfect: "It's the matchup nobody wanted, but too bad; here we are." Get ready for a week of people saying there's no way it will happen again, but that's what they said a week ago. I won't be one of them.
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