Looking Back at Last Week's Picks
Chiefs (-3) over COLTS (WRONG = 0-1)
Saints (+3) over EAGLES (CORRECT = 1-1)
BENGALS (-7) over Chargers (WRONG = 1-2)
49ers (-2.5) over PACKERS (CORRECT = 2-2)
Player of the Week - TY Hilton (WR-IND)
I'll give it away now, but my runner-up was Andrew Luck. I give this to Hilton because he had no bad plays. Luck did have three interceptions, two of which were bad throws that led to points. Hilton was not the intended target on any of those TDs except the last one. Hilton also had 13 catches and 224 yards (both Colts' playoff records), and two TDs. Hilton ran every type of route, kind of showing the world that he is more than just a deep-threat, although the National Media will pretend that all he did was run deep routes. What a game for him.
Runner Up - Andrew Luck (QB-IND)
Once again, the first two inteceptions by Luck were bad throws. But outside of that he was incredible. He stayed tough in the pocket early when the Chiefs were getting pressure. He ran when he needed to. He made incredible throws in the 2nd half. He was a tad overrated just by his statistics, but my God was that an amazing performance, a true coming-out party (of course, if he goes 20-37 for 220 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs this weekend in a 34-17 loss, no one will remember this).
Goat of the Week - Andy Dalton (QB-CIN)
There is a lot of blame to go around for the Bengals offense (and I'll get to those guys in a bit), but Dalton was just awful in the 2nd half. His fumble was totally inexplicable. The first pick was a rushed throw, but a bad one. The 2nd was a terrible read. Just a bad game overall by Dalton. He wasn't helped, but he was bad on his own. Before people crucify him, Matt Ryan also started his career 0-3 in the playoffs, with quite bad performances in all three games. As did Peyton Manning. I still think Andy Dalton is no worse than Joe Flacco.
Runner-Up - Chip Kelly (Coach-PHI)
What was going on with their game-plan? I'll admit I haven't watched as much Eagles football as I should have this year, but did he ever have so many plays called with Foles under center as in that game? Did it seem like they were taking more time than normal between plays? It just felt like the Eagles lost their identity in that game, which is pretty inexplicable at home. The Saints defense played well, but Kelly's strangely conservative gameplan didn't help. Then to cap it all off, his decision to kick a field goal down 20-14 facing 4th and 1 was quite bad.
Surprise of the Week - San Diego Pass Rush
In their Week 13 loss to the Bengals, the Chargers got just one pressure on Andy Dalton during the game. That is not a type. One solitary pressure. In this game, they had many pressures. Their blitzes worked wonderfully (see their first interception). Their four-man rush worked wonderfully. Melvin Ingram had a huge game. The pass rush needs to be as good against the Broncos for them to have any chance.
Runner-Up - Kansas City Chiefs Wideouts
The Chiefs wideouts were maligned much of the year. For good reason, as highly-paid Dwayne Bowe did nothing all year long. Their two top receivers by receptions were running backs. Well, they wideouts played great in this one. The only mistake was Bowe getting 1.5 feet in bounds on the last play. Bowe was great all night running a various number of routes. Avery caught a deep TD. Even Junior Hemmingway played well. Nice game in a losing effort.
Disappointment of the Week - Green Bay Packers Passing Offense
It wasn't all Aaron Rodgers fault, but a team performance. So much was made about Aaron Rodgers coming back, Randall Cobb coming back and that thing exploded in their face. Yes, they didn't turn-it-over, but Aaron Rodgers returning didn't make the Packers suddenly good at pass protection. He didn't sudden;y make James Jones into a sure-handed receiver. But some of it goes on Rodgers too. He looked deep way too often, allowing the pass rush to get to him. He was inaccurate on those downfield throws at times. Of course, when he was accurate, his receivers couldn't catch it. Just a bad performance.
Runner-Up: LeSean McCoy (RB-PHI)
Some of the blame goes on Chip Kelly for basically letting the Saints know when they were going to run by going with heavy sets, but McCoy did nothing. This is the leading rusher in the NFL who basically laid an egg in a playoff game. He didn't even get open in the passing game. A forgettable performance for a good player, which is a statement that could be made about any player on the Philadelphia Eagles offense.
Team Performance of the Week - New Orleans Saints defense
I've criticized the Eagles offense a lot so far, but I should probably also give some credit to the Saints defense for making it all happen. The Saints rush defense was below average at best all season, and they shut down the league's best run attack. The pass defense was good enough, making Foles have to go to his 2nd and 3rd read a lot. I was so wrong about Rob Ryan's defense all year long. My opinion in the preseason was well-founded on previous results, but he's done work that he has never done before this season.
Runner-Up - San Diego Chargers Rush Offense
The Chargers rush offense is not bad, but it isn't good either. Well, they were excellent in this game. Whether it was Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead, or even Ronnie Brown, the Chargers were able to run the ball against one of the better fronts. Yes, the Bengals were missing Geno Atkins, but that didn't let a lot of other teams run the ball effectively against them. The Chargers dominated and frustrated the Bengals all day with that run game.
Team Laydown of the Week - Cincinnati Bengals Skill Positions
So, Andy Dalton was terrible, but so was Gio Bernard, AJ Green and Tyler Eifert. Bernard had probably the biggest mistake of the game, fumbling at the 4 yard line. Going into halftime up 14-7 insetad of 10-7 isn't that big, but it changed the rest of the game. Green dropped one of Dalton's few well thrown deep balls with the Bengals down 20-17 with quite a bit of time left, more than enough to pull the game out after that. Finally, Eifert showed no effort and lazy route running on Dalton's 2nd INT. Andy Dalton was bad, but so was the rest of the Bengals offensive skill position players.
Runner-Up - Kansas City Chiefs pass defense
Yes, Brandon Flowers got hurt, but the rest of the Chiefs pass defense was terrible. Marcus Cooper has never recovered from being beat by Peyton Manning in Weeks 11 and 13. Dunta Robinson looked like he had never played football before. Eric Berry was bad in coverage. Both DBs on the game-winning TD were totally lost. Just a pathetic display.
Storyline That Will be Beat Into the Ground this Week - Playing a Divisional Opponent is Tough
The Broncos and Chargers will square off for the 3rd time this season on Sunday. Of course, because they are divisional opponents somehow this a harder challenge. That never made sense to me, as both teams have the same chance to take something from their two meetings. Yes, the Chargers beat Denver in Denver, in by far the worst game the Broncos played all season and the best the Chargers did. The Broncos also beat San Diego in San Diego, which is as meaningful. In recent years with division teams playing a 3rd matchup, there is little correlation between regular season results and the postseason.
Runner-Up - The 49ers were Missing So Many People
The 49ers have already been bet into being a favorite in their game at Carolina. Of course this is after the Panthers beat San Francisco in Candlestick earlier this year. Many people will point to Michael Crabtree not playing and Vernon Davis being concussed midway through, I think the Panthers will be very undervalued. This is a team that has played better at home, and that should have won the first meeting by a lot more than 10-9. They dominated in yardage and overall play, but played a close game because of field position. If anything, they are about the same this time around.
Storyline That Should be Beat Into the Ground this Week - Colts @ Patriots is Future vs. Past
The Patriots have been the best franchise of the past 15 years. The Steelers/Colts/Ravens have some argument for 2nd, but the Patriots are the best franchise. Well, they're playing the team with the best outlook for the next 15 other than maybe Seattle. The Colts are best equipped to be the next Patriots. They have the best young QB in the game. They have a dynamic young receiver and two young TEs. More than anything, they have Luck. The real fun is just beginning for Colts fans, and the Pats will try to hold off them for one more year.
Runner-Up - Defense is Alive, Baby!
The NFC Playoffs had just one team cross 400 yards of offense, and no QB throw for 300 yards. I would find it unlikely that either San Francisco, Carolina, or their two QBs match that in this weeks game, and given what happened the last time New Orleans trekked to Seattle, maybe they won't either. For all the pomp about the QBs in the NFC, the playoff field in that conference is defined by their defenses. They showed that last week, and can easily continue this week and the next. The only offense-first team left is one that won't be hosting any more games.
Chiefs (-3) over COLTS (WRONG = 0-1)
Saints (+3) over EAGLES (CORRECT = 1-1)
BENGALS (-7) over Chargers (WRONG = 1-2)
49ers (-2.5) over PACKERS (CORRECT = 2-2)
Player of the Week - TY Hilton (WR-IND)
I'll give it away now, but my runner-up was Andrew Luck. I give this to Hilton because he had no bad plays. Luck did have three interceptions, two of which were bad throws that led to points. Hilton was not the intended target on any of those TDs except the last one. Hilton also had 13 catches and 224 yards (both Colts' playoff records), and two TDs. Hilton ran every type of route, kind of showing the world that he is more than just a deep-threat, although the National Media will pretend that all he did was run deep routes. What a game for him.
Runner Up - Andrew Luck (QB-IND)
Once again, the first two inteceptions by Luck were bad throws. But outside of that he was incredible. He stayed tough in the pocket early when the Chiefs were getting pressure. He ran when he needed to. He made incredible throws in the 2nd half. He was a tad overrated just by his statistics, but my God was that an amazing performance, a true coming-out party (of course, if he goes 20-37 for 220 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs this weekend in a 34-17 loss, no one will remember this).
Goat of the Week - Andy Dalton (QB-CIN)
There is a lot of blame to go around for the Bengals offense (and I'll get to those guys in a bit), but Dalton was just awful in the 2nd half. His fumble was totally inexplicable. The first pick was a rushed throw, but a bad one. The 2nd was a terrible read. Just a bad game overall by Dalton. He wasn't helped, but he was bad on his own. Before people crucify him, Matt Ryan also started his career 0-3 in the playoffs, with quite bad performances in all three games. As did Peyton Manning. I still think Andy Dalton is no worse than Joe Flacco.
Runner-Up - Chip Kelly (Coach-PHI)
What was going on with their game-plan? I'll admit I haven't watched as much Eagles football as I should have this year, but did he ever have so many plays called with Foles under center as in that game? Did it seem like they were taking more time than normal between plays? It just felt like the Eagles lost their identity in that game, which is pretty inexplicable at home. The Saints defense played well, but Kelly's strangely conservative gameplan didn't help. Then to cap it all off, his decision to kick a field goal down 20-14 facing 4th and 1 was quite bad.
Surprise of the Week - San Diego Pass Rush
In their Week 13 loss to the Bengals, the Chargers got just one pressure on Andy Dalton during the game. That is not a type. One solitary pressure. In this game, they had many pressures. Their blitzes worked wonderfully (see their first interception). Their four-man rush worked wonderfully. Melvin Ingram had a huge game. The pass rush needs to be as good against the Broncos for them to have any chance.
Runner-Up - Kansas City Chiefs Wideouts
The Chiefs wideouts were maligned much of the year. For good reason, as highly-paid Dwayne Bowe did nothing all year long. Their two top receivers by receptions were running backs. Well, they wideouts played great in this one. The only mistake was Bowe getting 1.5 feet in bounds on the last play. Bowe was great all night running a various number of routes. Avery caught a deep TD. Even Junior Hemmingway played well. Nice game in a losing effort.
Disappointment of the Week - Green Bay Packers Passing Offense
It wasn't all Aaron Rodgers fault, but a team performance. So much was made about Aaron Rodgers coming back, Randall Cobb coming back and that thing exploded in their face. Yes, they didn't turn-it-over, but Aaron Rodgers returning didn't make the Packers suddenly good at pass protection. He didn't sudden;y make James Jones into a sure-handed receiver. But some of it goes on Rodgers too. He looked deep way too often, allowing the pass rush to get to him. He was inaccurate on those downfield throws at times. Of course, when he was accurate, his receivers couldn't catch it. Just a bad performance.
Runner-Up: LeSean McCoy (RB-PHI)
Some of the blame goes on Chip Kelly for basically letting the Saints know when they were going to run by going with heavy sets, but McCoy did nothing. This is the leading rusher in the NFL who basically laid an egg in a playoff game. He didn't even get open in the passing game. A forgettable performance for a good player, which is a statement that could be made about any player on the Philadelphia Eagles offense.
Team Performance of the Week - New Orleans Saints defense
I've criticized the Eagles offense a lot so far, but I should probably also give some credit to the Saints defense for making it all happen. The Saints rush defense was below average at best all season, and they shut down the league's best run attack. The pass defense was good enough, making Foles have to go to his 2nd and 3rd read a lot. I was so wrong about Rob Ryan's defense all year long. My opinion in the preseason was well-founded on previous results, but he's done work that he has never done before this season.
Runner-Up - San Diego Chargers Rush Offense
The Chargers rush offense is not bad, but it isn't good either. Well, they were excellent in this game. Whether it was Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead, or even Ronnie Brown, the Chargers were able to run the ball against one of the better fronts. Yes, the Bengals were missing Geno Atkins, but that didn't let a lot of other teams run the ball effectively against them. The Chargers dominated and frustrated the Bengals all day with that run game.
Team Laydown of the Week - Cincinnati Bengals Skill Positions
So, Andy Dalton was terrible, but so was Gio Bernard, AJ Green and Tyler Eifert. Bernard had probably the biggest mistake of the game, fumbling at the 4 yard line. Going into halftime up 14-7 insetad of 10-7 isn't that big, but it changed the rest of the game. Green dropped one of Dalton's few well thrown deep balls with the Bengals down 20-17 with quite a bit of time left, more than enough to pull the game out after that. Finally, Eifert showed no effort and lazy route running on Dalton's 2nd INT. Andy Dalton was bad, but so was the rest of the Bengals offensive skill position players.
Runner-Up - Kansas City Chiefs pass defense
Yes, Brandon Flowers got hurt, but the rest of the Chiefs pass defense was terrible. Marcus Cooper has never recovered from being beat by Peyton Manning in Weeks 11 and 13. Dunta Robinson looked like he had never played football before. Eric Berry was bad in coverage. Both DBs on the game-winning TD were totally lost. Just a pathetic display.
Storyline That Will be Beat Into the Ground this Week - Playing a Divisional Opponent is Tough
The Broncos and Chargers will square off for the 3rd time this season on Sunday. Of course, because they are divisional opponents somehow this a harder challenge. That never made sense to me, as both teams have the same chance to take something from their two meetings. Yes, the Chargers beat Denver in Denver, in by far the worst game the Broncos played all season and the best the Chargers did. The Broncos also beat San Diego in San Diego, which is as meaningful. In recent years with division teams playing a 3rd matchup, there is little correlation between regular season results and the postseason.
Runner-Up - The 49ers were Missing So Many People
The 49ers have already been bet into being a favorite in their game at Carolina. Of course this is after the Panthers beat San Francisco in Candlestick earlier this year. Many people will point to Michael Crabtree not playing and Vernon Davis being concussed midway through, I think the Panthers will be very undervalued. This is a team that has played better at home, and that should have won the first meeting by a lot more than 10-9. They dominated in yardage and overall play, but played a close game because of field position. If anything, they are about the same this time around.
Storyline That Should be Beat Into the Ground this Week - Colts @ Patriots is Future vs. Past
The Patriots have been the best franchise of the past 15 years. The Steelers/Colts/Ravens have some argument for 2nd, but the Patriots are the best franchise. Well, they're playing the team with the best outlook for the next 15 other than maybe Seattle. The Colts are best equipped to be the next Patriots. They have the best young QB in the game. They have a dynamic young receiver and two young TEs. More than anything, they have Luck. The real fun is just beginning for Colts fans, and the Pats will try to hold off them for one more year.
Runner-Up - Defense is Alive, Baby!
The NFC Playoffs had just one team cross 400 yards of offense, and no QB throw for 300 yards. I would find it unlikely that either San Francisco, Carolina, or their two QBs match that in this weeks game, and given what happened the last time New Orleans trekked to Seattle, maybe they won't either. For all the pomp about the QBs in the NFC, the playoff field in that conference is defined by their defenses. They showed that last week, and can easily continue this week and the next. The only offense-first team left is one that won't be hosting any more games.
