Tier VI – The Great Games
Review: It was a long time ago when Tony Romo was universally more accepted as a better quarterback than Eli Manning.This is where it all turned around. After a 13-3 season, the Cowboys were riding high as prohibitive favorites. They looked the part on offense, scoring TDs on back-to-back 90+ yard drives in the 1st half, including a 20 play, 12 minute monster to make it 14-7. What the Giants lacked in haste, they made up with brevity, scoring in 1:10 to tie it up. Then came an epic Greek Play of a 2nd half. After not making a dent on Romo, the Giants unleashed a furious pass rush just as the Cowboys o-line lost its edge. Romo ran for his life in the 4th quarter. The Giants put up just 85 yards of offense in the 2nd half, but capitalized on every little mistake the Cowboys made. In the end, the Giants picked off Romo in the end zone as the game ended, a fitting way to end to "critically acclaimed" portion of Romo's career, and start the "maddeningly inconsistent" era. For the Giants, they claimed their first '#1 seed' scalp of this run. Their d-line built off that momentum and hasn't really stopped since.
Interesting/Memorable Play: On both of Romo's sacks, he had ample time to throw the ball away, rolling out to escape the initial burst of pressure, but he held onto the ball which allowed the Giants defense to reach him. Of course, later in the 4th quarter, Romo finally did throw the ball away when pressured, but he didn't leave the pocket, and it was flagged as intentional grounding.
Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was the first time that the NFC's #1 seed lost its opening playoff game since 1987, when the Vikings upset the 49ers. For 19 straight years, the #1 seed won. Of course, starting with this game, four of the last five top seeds in the NFC lost their opening playoff game, with only the 2009 Saints avoiding that infamy.
Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was the first time that the NFC's #1 seed lost its opening playoff game since 1987, when the Vikings upset the 49ers. For 19 straight years, the #1 seed won. Of course, starting with this game, four of the last five top seeds in the NFC lost their opening playoff game, with only the 2009 Saints avoiding that infamy.
Review: In a game that was a battle of attrition than anything else, the NFL had a double-OT game for the second time in NFL history. The game was marked by Marc Bulger's erratic play for the first 45 minutes, during which Mike Martz reportedly asked Warner to come in, which he declined. In that time, Bulger threw three interceptions, and despite losing the turnover battle and yardage battle, the Rams were able to muster out three four field goals and force three from Carolina to enter the 4th quarter at 16-12. Then, after a Carolina TD by DeShaun Foster (who replaced an injured Stephen Davis after a 50-yard run), the Rams finally awoke. Using mainly Marshall Faulk out of the backfield, the Rams scored a TD and added a 2-point conversion. Then, they recovered one of the few (non-surprise) onside kicks in recent memory. The Rams were in great position to steal the game, down just 23-20 with over two minutes left, when the notoriously aggressive Martz decided to not risk Bulger throwing another interception and run out the clock and kick a 5th field goal. And that was just regulation. Both teams missed field goals in the first OT, and then on the first play of the 2nd OT, Jake Delhomme hit Steve Smith in stride for a 66-yard TD to end the 2nd longest game in NFL history.
Interesting/Memorable Play: The Panthers first TD came when Jake Delhomme was sack-fimbled by Leonard Little at the 6-yard line. The fumble rolled all the way into the End Zone, where it was recovered by Muhsin Muhammad.
Review: This game was maybe the most immediately painful Colts loss. As time goes on, I’ve come to accept that the Patriots would have beaten the Colts 34-20, but I would have wanted them. With Dwight Freeney injured and out, and Robert Mathis limited, the Colts had absolutely no pass rush, and the Chargers just lit up the Colts defense. The game is notable for Rivers tearing his ACL and being replaced by Volek, but prior to the tear, Rivers was having an awesome game, going 14-19 for 264 yards and 3 TDs with 1 INT. Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers abused the Colts smaller corners, and the hammer was Darren Sproles 56 yard screen pass for a TD as the 3rd quarter expired. That said, Manning was basically as good. After seeing Brady’s 26-28 performance the night before, Manning started completing his first 16 throws. The game turned on Marvin Harrison's fumble, an obvious sign of rust after missing the last eight regular season games. The Colts were inside the red zone up 7-0 after picking off Rivers. From that moment, the game was as tight as could be. Phil Riveres had to leave, and Billy Volek led a game-winning drive, led in large part by Legedu Naanee. As for the Colts, Manning threw for 402 yards, but threw two key interceptions on passes that first touched the hands of Colts player. It was that kind of day. The Colts did everything but win, but considering the people who weren't on the field by the end for the Chargers, they absolutely deserved it.
Interesting/Memorable Play: The first sign that this was an odd game was right before the half, with the Colts driving near midfield up 10-7, Manning was intercepted near the 10 when his pass deflected off of Reggie Wayne's hands. Antonio Cromartie returned it 90 yards, but a highly debatable holding call was made on the return.
Interesting/Memorable Play 2: The 2nd interception was even unluckier, as driving at the Chargers 5, facing 3rd-and-goal, Manning threw a screen pass to Kenton Keith. It bounced off his hands, right into the hands of Eric Weddle, who was engaged in a block at the time. It was that kind of day.
Interesting/Memorable Play 2: The 2nd interception was even unluckier, as driving at the Chargers 5, facing 3rd-and-goal, Manning threw a screen pass to Kenton Keith. It bounced off his hands, right into the hands of Eric Weddle, who was engaged in a block at the time. It was that kind of day.
Review: Before the game, all the talk was about Rex Grossman, the embattled QB of the Bears. He had finished the regular season, in a game that admittedly meant nothing for the Bears, with a tidy 0.0 passer rating. Grossman wasn't perfect in this game, but was about as good as he could have been, going 21-38 for 272 yards and a TD, with just one interception. The game itself was a battle between a resourceful Seahawks team trying to keep their crown, and a Bears team adjusting to life without Tommie Harris. The Seahawks played about as gutty as they could have. Shaun Alexander had a rare great playoff game, going for 108 yards on 26 carries and two scores against a great defense. Mike Holmgren was risky, going for it twice on 4th down, including one where Alexander ran a draw in for a TD. As for the Bears, their offense was dynamite for a half, as they too scored a rushing TD on 4th down, and Rex hit Bernard Berrian with a perfect rainbow for a 68-yard score. The Bears defense then took over late in the 2nd half, holding the Seahawks out of field goal range with a great Lance Briggs stop. In OT, Grossman had another pretty pass to Rashied Davis, and Robbie Gould ended it, kicking a ultra-clutch 49-yard field goal on a 10 degree day. It was a battle between two flawed teams that at their best were probably the two best in the NFC in 2006, and they made it count with a special game in great January Football conditions at Soldier Feild.
Interesting/Memorable Play: Devin Hester had an interesting day. He muffed three punts, but recovered them all himself, and on the 3rd, he took the recoverd muff 66 yards for a TD, but it was called back on a penalty.
Interesting/Memorable Play 2: This game is notable for two NFL on FOX infamous memories. First, was a beautifully timed promo for '24' with 0:24 left in the 4th quarter with the game tied 24-24. The other was Joe Buck, who was describing Charles Tillman wearing cleats with 5/8" spikes, and asking, seemingly honestly, if 5/8" spikes were longer or shorter than 1/2".
Interesting/Memorable Play 2: This game is notable for two NFL on FOX infamous memories. First, was a beautifully timed promo for '24' with 0:24 left in the 4th quarter with the game tied 24-24. The other was Joe Buck, who was describing Charles Tillman wearing cleats with 5/8" spikes, and asking, seemingly honestly, if 5/8" spikes were longer or shorter than 1/2".
11.) 2006 NFC Divisional – (N3) Eagles 24 @ (N2) Saints 27
Review: This game was the really the playoff game that helped rebuild New Orleans. The 2006 Saints were a miracle team, with Sean Payton and Drew Brees combining to lift a 3-13 team to 10-6. The Eagles themselves were something of a Cinderella Story as well, with the team at 5-5 when Donovan McNabb got hurt. Jeff Garcia replaced him and led the team to a a 5-1 record down the stretch to steal the NFC East. The game itself was extremely well played. Brian Westbrook was a monster, running for 116 yards on 13 carries, including a 62-yarder to make it 21-13 early in the 3rd. The real star, though, was Duece McAlister. After a long Saints career, Reggie Bush was brought in as the new star, and although Reggie had a nice game, Duece had the most memorable game of his career. McAlister had 143 yards on 21 carries, and caught a TD to make it 27-21 in the 4th. The Eagles had a good chance to take the lead back with about 5 minutes to go, but their drive stalled at the Saints 6. Then, needing just to run clock to win the game, Sean Payton called for a pitchback to Bush, which never reached Bush. The Eagles recovered in great shape to kick a game-tying field goal, but when a holding call turned a converted 4th and 5 into a 4th and 15, Andy Reid decided to punt. This time, the Saints got their requisite 1st down and ran out the clock, bringing forth one of the best celebratory crowds in NFL history.
Interesting/Memorable Play: Reggie Bush had a good game overall (52 yards on 12 carries with a TD), but had a great "Welcome to the NFL" moment, when Sheldon Brown absolutely hammered him on a Brees swing pass.
10.) 2014 AFC Divisional - (A6) Ravens 31 @ (A1) Patriots 35
Review: I had to convince myself to give this game the ranking it deserved, ahead of those two games that I really love from 2006. In the end, though, as much as I hated the outcome, and as much as the Patriots eligible-receiver shenanigans marred some of the game, it truly was a fantastic contest. The Patriots started out slow, giving up back-to-back TDs to the Ravens, and then nearly losing the ball on teh ensuing kick-off. Had that fumble been recovered by Baltimore, this may have been a repeat of the 33-14 thrashing they laid on the Patriots in 2009. Instead, that fumble turned into a TD and the game turned into a classic. Joe Flacco was on fire for much of the game, firing four TDs that were all on well designed plays, but two costly interceptions helped to blow two different 14-point leads. That said, the Patriots earned those comebacks, with some great play by Brady, and a fantastic swing-to-WR-pass from Edelman to Amendola. It shows just how much the Patriots respected and feared the Ravens that they had to play awfully tricky to win this game. In the end, a Flacco interception on a needlessly silly deep ball ended what could have been a game-winning TD drive, and the Patriots moved on to ring #4. Still, we were very close to this being a laugher. While I would have loved that outcome, the world got the benefit of this outcome.
Interesting/Memorable Play: The first fumble could have widened the gap to a deficit of too much, but the real turning point of the game was a completion by Brady and 3rd and 8 following the Baltimore score to make it 14-0; that completion gained a first down that ended up being a TD that brought the Patriots back to life.
Interesting/Memorable Play 2: The real fumble though was one recovered by Baltimore at the New England 40 with 9:00 to go up 31-28. The play was then overturned as Shane Vereen's knee was just down in time. Still, that may not have ended the game, but the Ravens came that close to pulling it off.
9.) 2016 NFC Divisional - (N4) Packers 34 @ (N1) Cowboys 31
Review: It is hard to really think that this game should not be higher up. You have two of the bluest-of-blood teams matching up, and it ending with three straight 50+ yard field goals to take the lead, tie the game, and re-take it for good at the gun. The only reason it is not higher up is because the Divisional Round has given us a few games that match up, and for most of the game it wasn't that close. The Cowboys took a while to get going, trailing 21-3 early in the second quarter. They would then go on a 25-7 run to draw level at 28-28. To that point, you had Ty Montgomery rushing for two TDs, Aaron Rodgers being Aaron Rodgers, and Dez Bryant catching two TDs from Dak Prescott, who went from frazzled rookie in a playoff game to brilliant leader in about a quarter. The game ended with a stirring finish. First, the Packers had 1st and 10 at the Cowboys 33 with 1:52 to go, but lost five yards on a run, and needed Mason Crosby to hit a 56-yarder to take a 31-28 lead. He did. Then Dallas quickly got to the Packers 40, but managed just seven yards around two Prescott incompletions. Dan Bailey hit the 51 yarder, but left 0:35 on the clock. That was enough time for Rodgers to roll to his left on 3rd and 20 and fire a perfect 36 ayrd pass across his body to Jared Cook who made a brillaint catch on the sidelines. All to set up a 51-yard field goal that Crosby nailed. It was a brillaint last three minutes to cap a fairly great first 57.
Interesting/Memorable Fact: After a spate of upsets from 2005-2012 in the divisional round, the Cowboys loss would make them the only #1 seed to lose its Divisional Round game from 2013-2017. The top teams have taken over, seen by four different #1 seed vs. #1 seed Super Bowls in those five years (2016 being the exception with Atlanta making it), but the Cowboys, hilariously, didn't get the message.
Interesting/Memorable Play: I mentioned it already, but really I can't get enough of how ridiculous that Rodgers to Cook play was. Generally, great, memorable passing plays are either memorable for the throw or the catch, not both (Eli Manning's throws to Tyree and Manningham being exceptions). Here, Rodgers ability to throw across his body while rolling left as a right-hander (something basically impossible for most NFL QB's) was insane. For Cook, his sliding catch was nearly as great. It took something special for the Packers to pull this one out.
8.) 2015 NFC Divisional - (N5) Packers 20 @ (N2) Cardinals 26 (OT)
Review: Much like the game about to come, what was an slightly above average 50 minutes was redeemed by an absolute bananas last 10 + OT, as the Packers and Cardinals staged a classic with one of the great endings ever. For those first 50 minutes, the undermanned Packers, who lost Randall Cobb midway, were somehow beating the Cardinals. The Packers gave up the first score, but put up 13 straight points by the guile of Rodgers, a resurgent Eddie Lacy, and timely, great coverage against the Cardinals great passing attack. A slightly off Palmer didn't help matters, but somewhere around the 3rd quarter, Palmer started clicking. The Cardinals took the lead 17-13 with 3:50 to go after a nice 80-yard drive, and that is when the madness started. First, it was a turnover on downs, and a controversial decision by throw on 2nd down stopping the clock. Still, the Packers needed a 4th and 20 roll-out and bomb to Jeff Janis from the 4-yard line for 60 yards, and a Hail Mary for 41 yards just to send the game to OT. The 4h and 20 throw may have been the greatest play by Rodgers in his long career of absolutely brilliance. However, the game would end quickly, with the Cardinals needing just two plays in OT to get a TD, both as good as the next. The first was Palmer doing his own Houdini act to avoid a sack and throw back against his body to Fitz for a catch and run for 76 yards. And then two plays later, a perfectly called shovel pass to Fitz for the game ender. It was a perfect designed play for teh Cardinals to finally put away a game Packers squad in an instant, and completely unexpected classic in the desert.
Interesting/Memorable Play: The game only needed OT because of the Hail Mary, where teh Cardinal did the interesting and blitzed Rodgers with 7 guys, leaving 4 back in coverage. They nearly got to Rodgers, but he escaped and launched his heave. Still, the Cardinals had two men on Janis and couldn't pull the ball away.
Interesting/Memorable Play: The coin toss will always be memorable for referee Clete Blakeman rightfuly being called out for not actually flipping the coin. It was shocking how quickly the Packers noticed this as it is something I have ever seen before. Had the Packers won the re-toss, it would have been a huge controversy.
Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was the 4th time the Packers were beaten in OT in the playoffs in 9 years (''07, '09, '14, '15), and they were all ridiculously quick executions. They lasted just 2:26 (L, NYG), 1:10 (L, ARZ), 3:11 (L, SEA), and 1:00 (L, ARZ).
Review: One play from this game will live in the NFL lore. 4th and 26 will never be forgotten. Other than a certain play that is in the #1 game, 4th and 26 was probably the most famous play in the Divisional Round during this time period. Donovan McNabb's laser pass to Freddie Mitchell (who, amazingly caught the pass) who beat the Cover-2 picked up 27 yards. It was an insane play, a last desperate attempt to salvage what had been an interesting, but still successful season for the Eagles. The game that preceded it, though, harkened back to football in the 1990's. The QBs weren't deadly accurate. The run games were incredible. Ahman Green ran for 156 yards on 25 carries. McNabb ran for a QB-playoff-record 107 yards on 11 carries. The Packers pass rush was dominant, sacking McNabb eight times. The Game itself was a microcosm of the Eagles season, which started with back-to-back home losses with a combined score of 48-10, and ended with an 11-game win streak. The Packers scored two TDs on long passes from Favre to Robert Ferguson. The Eagles slowly chipped their way back in. They controlled Favre and the offense, and McNabb started his game in earnest. Running his way through the Packers pass rush, McNabb capped the comeback with a brilliant scramble-and-throw to Todd Pinkston. They traded Field Goals, and on the first pass of overtime, Favre threw the first of many duck interceptions in OT in the first play. The Eagles ran a solid drive, allowing Akers to kick an easy 31-yard field goal to end it. Overall, it was the best game of a great weekend of football (the other games were decided by 6, 3 and 7), and the Eagles ended the magic-carpet ride of Favre, who had lost his father four weeks earlier, and the Packers.
Interesting/Memorable Plays: The Packers had eight sacks made by seven players. They represent a mix of good players and absolute nobodies. Just look at this list of names: Aaron Kampman (2), Marques Anderson(?), Nai'l Diggs, Bahwoe Jue(?), Mike McKenzie, Chukie Nwokorie(?), and Darren Sharper.
Tier VII – The Epics
6.) 2017 NFC Divisional - (N4) Saints 24 @ (N2) Vikings 29
Review: Stories will get written about this game. Maybe not as many as there should be since Minnesota lost badly the next week, but my God was their win over New Orleans special. It went from 30 minutes of Minnesota establishing dominance, with them sacking Brees twice and picking him off twice in the first half, to a tussle between two great teams in teh second. Of course, then you have that ridiculous ending, where four times the lead changes hands from 3:05 onwards. When Drew Brees got the snap with 3:05 to go, the Vikings were clinging to a 20-14 lead. The game ended 29-23. The only game to come close to this type of late drama is at #3 on this list, a game Brees lost as well. The Vikings got a field goal to make it 23-21, but left Brees 1:29. The Saints would get all the way to a 3rd and 1 at the Vikings 24, when the game hung in the balance. One yard, and the Saints would get a 1st down and be able to run down the clock. Brees had been on fire in the second half, converting a 4th and 10 minutes earlier, but the Saints decided to run it. Alvin Kamara was stoned. The Vikings had 0:25 to comeback, and they did so, with a play that will go down in infamy. Stefon Diggs catch and run may have been somewhat lucky, with rookie Marcus Williams taking a regrettable angle, but even if he didn't, Diggs catch sets up the Vikings for a game winning field goal. Instead, it was Diggs acrobatics that got everyone out of their seat, one of the great moments in NFL history. The Vikings won their first playoff game in their new digs, and while they couldn't win next week to play a Super Bowl in those digs, they made a lasting memory in the annals of the NFL due to the acrobatics of Stefon Diggs.
Interesting/Memorable Fact: It's worth repeating, there have been two playoff games since 2002 realignment to feature four different lead changes, and Drew Brees has been on the losing end of each one. Brees pur the Saints ahead twice in the fourth quarter, and lost. No non-Brees QB has ever done that since 2002 realignment.
Interesting/Memorable Play: The game winning play was special because of what it bore. There are so many camera angles for that brilliance, including NFL Films' field level one where USBank Stadium goes from quiet to a rapturous joy heretofore unseen in a matter of seconds. You also get maybe the best Joe Buck call of all time in the NFL - just contrast his voice breaking on 'Diggs... Touchdown.... Unbelievable' to his call on the Tyree play.
5.) 2002 AFC Divisional – (A3) Steelers 31 @ (A2) Titans 34 (OT)
Review: A long forgotten classic played by two extremely competitive, even teams, the Steelers and Titans gave an exercise in the fluidity of momentum. The Titans scored the first 14 points, with McNair and George runs sandwiching a pick by Tommy Maddox. The Steelers then scored the next 20, capitalizing on a McNair interception and Eddie George fumble (on a play he got concussed on), with a TD pass to Hines Ward and a run by Amos Zereoue. The Titans then scored the next 14, to take a 28-20 lead, on two TD passes to Frank Wychek (who had a monster 10 catch, 123 yard day) and Aaron Kinney. The Steelers then put up the next 11, with a Hines Ward TD and 2-pt conversion, and Field Goal, to take a late 31-28 lead. Then, despite getting picked twice earlier, Steve McNair came up big, with a late field goal drive to win the game, and a long pass to Justin McCareins to set up Joe Nedney's OT game winner. The Steelers and Titans both had volatile seasons, with Tommy Maddox replacing Kordell Stewart, and Steve McNair and the Titans rebounding from a 1-4 start to go 11-5, and this ending was just as volatile. First, Nedney hit a field goal, but Cowher called timeout right before. Then, Nedney missed a 31 yarder, but the Steelers were called for running into the kicker. Finally, on his third try, Nedney hit his field goal. The gamebook reads out of an era that is so forgotten now in the NFL. Steve McNair and Tommy Maddox started. Drew Bennett was the breakout receiver. The Steelers relied on Amos Zereoue. Albert Haynesworth was just a rookie. 2002 in total was a strange season, the bridge between the Warner/Favre/Gannon era to the Manning/Brady era that would start in earnest in 2003. There's a reason why this game is forgotten, as neither of these two were that memorable teams, and the Titans lost their next game (of course that didn't stop the next game), but it deserves to be known as one of the top games to rewatch of the past 10 years.
Interesting/Memorable Fact: One of the most oddly memorable part of the game was Bill Cowher and Jeff Fisher's competing manli-ness. Both were badass black leather jackets on an oddly cold night in Nashville. The tiebreaker, though, goes to Fisher, who had a giant man-beard, while Cowher just had his usual mus-tache.
Interesting/Memorable Play: Right before Nedney's final attempt, Dick Enberg, in one of his great impromptu calls, said the great line, now Nedney and Steelers rush will go 'best two out of three.'
4.) 2012 AFC Divisional - (A4) Ravens 38 @ (A1) Broncos 35 (OT)
Review: Where to begin? The last game that had this many 'wow' moments was probably Super Bowl XLIII. There are so many plays that could have defined this game. First was Trindon Holliday's punt return to give the Broncos a 7-0 lead with Manning not touching the ball. Then came a shady pass interference call on the Ravens next drive. Two plays later Flacco hid Torrey Smith and it was game on. Lost in the madness of the 2nd half was Manning playing a damn good first half, with two great fade TDs to Stokley and Knowshon Moreno of all people. In the second half, the weather got even more ridiculous (the only game on the Divisional Round in this era that was colder was the Titans Patriots game in 2003), and the game itself got choppier. There were fumbles (Flacco and Manning each), there was the pressure Manning had to face, but it all should have ended with a Manning screen pass to Thomas that worked brilliantly for an 18 yard TD to give the Broncos a 35-28 lead. They even stopped the Ravens on the next drive, but then everything went to hell for the Broncos. They had 1st and 10, with 2:23 to go and the Ravens had 1 timeout. One first down and it is over. The Broncos paid all that money to get a top flight QB, and what do they do? run it three times and punt. We all know what happened next, with Rahim Moore failing to do the main job of a safety. The ball to Jones hung in the air forever, and any competent safety at least gets a hand on it, but Moore took a terrible route to that incredibly high arcing ball. Moore didn't have a chance, and the frigid, but loud crowd got as silent as quickly as any crowd ever. What followed was a slog in OT, ending with a truly bad throw by Peyton Manning. The game ended soon after, a tiring watch, let alone a tiring game for the players. Ray Lewis' career carried on, and the Ravens won arguably their biggest game since Super Bowl XXXV. In previous postseasons the QBs that knocked them our were: Manning, Roethlisberger, Manning, Roethlisberger, Brady. They finally beat one of those big-three in the playoffs, and it took every ounce of resourcefullness, good play (Torrey Smith, especially) and, let's be honest, luck.
Interesting/Memorable Plays: The Ravens OT performance had two critical plays outside the Manning interception. The first was maybe the best throw of Flacco's career to that point, a 24 yard strike to Pitta on 3rd and 13 backed up at their own three yard line. An incomplete there and they punt from that position, and the Broncos have excellent field position. The other was Tucker's game winning field goal. By that time, the temperature was below zero wind chill, and Tucker nailed a 47-yarder. Sure it was in altitude, but that was a damn good kick.
Interesting/Memorable Fact: Sure, Manning lost another playoff game, but it was the 5th(!) time in a row his team had a lead in the 4th quarter and eventually lost the game. In those five games, three times he led a scoring drive to take the lead in the 4th quarter only to see his defense blow it (2007 Divisional, 2010 Wild Card being the others).
Interesting/Memorable Fact 2: This was the first time the Ravens had beaten a Peyton Manning team since 2001. In that time, they lost in 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 and earlier in 2012, with also losing in the 2006 Playoffs and 2009 Playoffs.
3.) 2011 NFC Divisional – (N3) Saints 32 @ (N2) 49ers 36
Review: Where to begin? The last game that had this many 'wow' moments was probably Super Bowl XLIII. There are so many plays that could have defined this game. First was Trindon Holliday's punt return to give the Broncos a 7-0 lead with Manning not touching the ball. Then came a shady pass interference call on the Ravens next drive. Two plays later Flacco hid Torrey Smith and it was game on. Lost in the madness of the 2nd half was Manning playing a damn good first half, with two great fade TDs to Stokley and Knowshon Moreno of all people. In the second half, the weather got even more ridiculous (the only game on the Divisional Round in this era that was colder was the Titans Patriots game in 2003), and the game itself got choppier. There were fumbles (Flacco and Manning each), there was the pressure Manning had to face, but it all should have ended with a Manning screen pass to Thomas that worked brilliantly for an 18 yard TD to give the Broncos a 35-28 lead. They even stopped the Ravens on the next drive, but then everything went to hell for the Broncos. They had 1st and 10, with 2:23 to go and the Ravens had 1 timeout. One first down and it is over. The Broncos paid all that money to get a top flight QB, and what do they do? run it three times and punt. We all know what happened next, with Rahim Moore failing to do the main job of a safety. The ball to Jones hung in the air forever, and any competent safety at least gets a hand on it, but Moore took a terrible route to that incredibly high arcing ball. Moore didn't have a chance, and the frigid, but loud crowd got as silent as quickly as any crowd ever. What followed was a slog in OT, ending with a truly bad throw by Peyton Manning. The game ended soon after, a tiring watch, let alone a tiring game for the players. Ray Lewis' career carried on, and the Ravens won arguably their biggest game since Super Bowl XXXV. In previous postseasons the QBs that knocked them our were: Manning, Roethlisberger, Manning, Roethlisberger, Brady. They finally beat one of those big-three in the playoffs, and it took every ounce of resourcefullness, good play (Torrey Smith, especially) and, let's be honest, luck.
Interesting/Memorable Plays: The Ravens OT performance had two critical plays outside the Manning interception. The first was maybe the best throw of Flacco's career to that point, a 24 yard strike to Pitta on 3rd and 13 backed up at their own three yard line. An incomplete there and they punt from that position, and the Broncos have excellent field position. The other was Tucker's game winning field goal. By that time, the temperature was below zero wind chill, and Tucker nailed a 47-yarder. Sure it was in altitude, but that was a damn good kick.
Interesting/Memorable Fact: Sure, Manning lost another playoff game, but it was the 5th(!) time in a row his team had a lead in the 4th quarter and eventually lost the game. In those five games, three times he led a scoring drive to take the lead in the 4th quarter only to see his defense blow it (2007 Divisional, 2010 Wild Card being the others).
Interesting/Memorable Fact 2: This was the first time the Ravens had beaten a Peyton Manning team since 2001. In that time, they lost in 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 and earlier in 2012, with also losing in the 2006 Playoffs and 2009 Playoffs.
3.) 2011 NFC Divisional – (N3) Saints 32 @ (N2) 49ers 36
Review: This game had the best 6-minutes in NFL history, as the lead changed hands four times in that span. The 49ers had led the whole game on the back of four Saints turnovers in the 1st half, which led to the 49ers building a quick 17-0 lead. For much of the game, the narrative of the league's best offense and the league's best defense held true, and defense was winning. Drew Brees was being held under 10 ypc, and the 49ers bullied the Saints, forcing a fumble on a great hit by Donte Whitner, then Aldon Smith sacking Brees at the 2 on the next drive, and picking Brees off on the next. The Saints got in the party, repeatedly big-blitzing Alex Smith to mostly great success, sacking Smith 4 times. The game started in earnest when the Saints, down 20-17, took over at their 12 with 11:27 to go at their own 18. Brees was sacked by Ahmad Brooks on 2nd down, and threw the ball away when Justin Smith grabbed him in the bull-est of bull rushes. After the punt, the 49ers added a field goal to make it 23-17. The Saints then took over when 7:29 left, and the magic began. First, was Darren Sproles taking a short dumpoff right down the field for a 44-yard TD with 4:11 left to give the Saints their first lead at 24-23. Then, after a long completion to Vernon Davis, teh 49ers faced a 3rd and 8 with 2:18 left, when Harbaugh called a naked bootleg, which Alex Smith took for a 28-yard TD to take the lead back at 29-24. In 41 seconds, the Saints took the lead back, as Brees hit Jimmy Graham for a catch-and-run TD for 66 yards to take the lead back at 32-29. Then, for the final act, on 2nd and 10 from the 49ers 33 yard line, with just 0:40 left, Alex Smith his Vernon Davis on a crossing route for 47 yards. Then, in field goal range, facing a 3rd and 4, the 49ers went for the win, and Smith hit Davis again for the game winning TD, capping off the greatest half-quarter of football ever. The ridiculous nature of the ending did screw the narrative of the 49ers defense controlling the Saints offense. But screw the narrative; here's another one. In a year when the 49ers announced finally that they will be building a new stadium, the magic of Candlestick was revived in earnest.
Interesting/Memorable Play: The 49ers won in dramatic fashion anyway, but there is a real argument made that Alex Smith should've gone down at the 1 yard line on his naked bootleg run. At that point, the Saints had one timeout left. Assuming they call it then before the 2:00 warning, the 49ers would reach the 2:00 on 2nd down. They could run about 45 seconds off the clock per play, bringing it down to about 30 seconds left when they kick the field goal. This leaves ~25 seconds for the Saints to drive for a field goal without a time out. By any calculation, that is better than giving them 2:11 and a timeout to get a TD.
Review: In a game that perfectly defined the unluckiness of Marty Schottenheimer's playoff career, and the luckiness of Bill Belichick's the Patriots, in the last great moment of their true dynasty, beat the 14-2 Chargers despite seemingly getting madly outplayed. That said, the Patriots made the Chargers earn every yard. They flummoxed first-year starter Philip Rivers, limiting him to 14-32 for 230 yards and an interception. The Chargers defense harrassed Brady, picking him off three times overall. The only players that really had standout days were Jabar Gaffney, who had 103 yards on 10 catches and a key score right before the half to make it 14-10, and LaDainian Tomlinson who had 123 yards on 23 carries. The game itself was truly defined by one team making every mistake, and the other making none. It started on the Patriots first pass, when a batted Brady pass should have been easily intercepted by Clinton Hart was dropped. The Chargers made the following mistakes: Vincent Jackson couldn't drag his second foot in, when he caught what should have been an easy TD. Rivers was sack-fumbled, which led to the first Patriots field goal. Eric Parker muffed a punt after the Chargers forced a punt leading 14-10, and then Drayton Florence furthered that drive by headbutting Matt Light on a play that would have been a 4th and 17 leading to a 51-yard field goal attempt by Gostkowski. Then came the capper, leading 21-13, Marlon McCree picked off Tom Brady on 4th Down with 6:25 to go. Instead of knocking it down (remember, it was 4th down), McCree tried to be a hero, and Troy Brown stripped him of the ball. The Patriots got a 1st down and new life, leading to a game tying TD. Finally, after a quick Chargers 3-and-out (where they ran Tomlinson once, despite a near 6 ypc), the Patriots ended this epic with Brady throwing a beautiful pass deep to ex-Charger Reche Caldwell, and Gostkowski nailing a game-winning field goal, which was followed by Nate Kaeding, doing what he always does, missing a 54-yard field goal at the gun. The game was over, and in reality, it took a lot out of the Patriots. Bill Belichick called it the toughest game he's ever won, and it showed.
Interesting/Memorable Play: Right after the game-tying field goal was missed by Kaeding, a few Patriots players stomped on the Chargers logo at midfield and did Shawne Merriman's "Light's Out" sack dance. LaDainian Tomlinson got upset and got into a scuffle, and after the game let out that classic line that "the Patriots showed no class, no class at all. And maybe it starts with their head coach."
Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was the last game of Marty Schottenheimer's epic coaching career and it was arguably his most painful defeat. During the game, Schottenheimer rarely wore his headset, instead letting Cam Cameron and Wade Phillips do most of the work. Of course, near the end of the game, when the Chargers were collapsing, Schottenheimer had that headset back on, in what was, I'm sure, a great sight for Chargers fans.
Interesting/Memorable Fact 2: In what was the Patriots last playoff win away from Gillette Stadium (they lost the next week in Indy and Super Bowl XLII and XLVI), the Patriots continued one of the weirder streaks in memory. Including the Panthers win in Chicago the previous year, the 4:30 pm Sunday Playoff game featured an upset all but one year since 2005. The one exception was the 2008 Steelers beating the Chargers, but since we've seen the Giants upset the Cowboys in 2007 and the Packers in 2011, and the Jets beat the Chargers in 2009 and Patriots in 2010.
Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was the last game of Marty Schottenheimer's epic coaching career and it was arguably his most painful defeat. During the game, Schottenheimer rarely wore his headset, instead letting Cam Cameron and Wade Phillips do most of the work. Of course, near the end of the game, when the Chargers were collapsing, Schottenheimer had that headset back on, in what was, I'm sure, a great sight for Chargers fans.
Interesting/Memorable Fact 2: In what was the Patriots last playoff win away from Gillette Stadium (they lost the next week in Indy and Super Bowl XLII and XLVI), the Patriots continued one of the weirder streaks in memory. Including the Panthers win in Chicago the previous year, the 4:30 pm Sunday Playoff game featured an upset all but one year since 2005. The one exception was the 2008 Steelers beating the Chargers, but since we've seen the Giants upset the Cowboys in 2007 and the Packers in 2011, and the Jets beat the Chargers in 2009 and Patriots in 2010.
1.) 2005 AFC Divisional – (A6) Steelers 21 @ (A1) Colts 18
Review: In what is the most painful loss for most Colts fans, the 6-seed Steelers beat the dominant 14-2 Colts by starting off red-hot and holding off what would have been Manning's most audacious comeback. The Steelers surprised the Colts by coming out throwing and throwing, leading to two first-quarter TD passes to Hines Ward and Heath Miller. After resting the last two weeks of the regular season, the Colts offense came out rusty, and woefully unprepared for the Steelers blitz scheme, which was odd since they thoroughly dominated the Steelers 26-7 in November, scoring an 80-yard TD on the first play and limiting the Steelers to under 200 yards. The Colts finally hit their rhythm, with a monster drive that took up 9:33 from their own 2 to the Steelers 2, but they couldn't punch it into the end zone, leading to only cutting the lead to 14-3 at the half. The Steelers added another touchdown in the 3rd quarter after a 30-yard drive (like many playoff losses for the Colts, field position was huge in this game) capped with a Jerome Bettis plunge. Little did Bettis know that another carry on 1st and Goal from the one would be far more memorable. The Colts took over with a little over 16 minutes left in the game, down 21-3. On the last play of the 4th Quarter, on 4th and 2 at the Colts 36, Peyton Manning waved the punt team off the field, and completed a 13-yard pass to Brandon Stokley for a 1st down. Then, on the 2nd play of the 4th Quarter, Manning found Clark for a 50-yard catch and run TD to cut it to 21-10. The Steelers would bang nearly eight minutes off the clock before they were forced to punt, twice converting 4th and 1s, giving the Colts 6 minutes to shave 11 points off the lead. Manning led another quick TD drive in 1:30, whittling through 80 yards in five plays. Of course, this wasn't without controversy, as Troy Polamalu's interception near midfield was bizarrely called incomplete, as he lost control of the ball after rolling once, and did so before his knees left the ground. The Colts took advantage, scored their TD and forced another Steelers punt. Then, the real drama began. First, Manning was sacked twice in three plays be totally free rushers that got to him within 2 seconds, and this turned the ball over on downs with 1:20 to go. The Steelers, facing 4th and Goal at the 2, couldn't simply run out the clock because the Colts had all three timeouts, so they ran a play hoping for a game icing score, but Gary Brackett put his hat perfectly on the ball in Bettis's hands, forcing a fumble, that was recovered by Nick Harper, who raced to what would seem a dramatic, infamous game-winning touchdown, but Ben Roethlisberger somehow tripped him up. This gave way to the classic's final act, a comically bad missed field goal by Mike Vanderjagt, leaving the Colts in shambles and the 'One for the Thumb' dream alive.
Interesting/Memorable Play: There was so much to examine about the Bettis fumble play. First, it was incredible that the Colts were able to get that close to a comeback without even using one timeout, which forced the Steelers to not kneel. Then, this would have been the last play of Bettis's career, which would have been a shame. Roethlisberger's part was huge, but it was odd that seemingly even before the fumble occured, he started running backwards. Finally, we get to Harper, who was slowed because he was attacked and cut by his wife in a knife attack in the previous week. Still, if he just cut to the sideline he probably escapes Ben. Just bizarre.
Interesting/Memorable Play 2: Right after the missed field goal, CBS showed four images that encapsulated the game. The reactions of four key men in Dungy, Cowher, Bettis and Manning all saying the same thing "He Missed It", but in violently different ways. Dungy was dismayed, Manning was almost angry. Cowher was in complete jubilation, and Bettis was just relieved. Just a great job by the video crew.
Interesting/Memorable Fact: This game started the whole idea that the Colts would get rusty after resting, and while they actually seemed rusty early, there was another factor possibly more important. This was the first game back for Tony Dungy after the suicide of his son, James. The team just didn't play right, and their flaccid play was eerily similar to the 2011 Packers, who played their divisional game right after the death of their Offensive Coordinator Joe Philbin's son tragic death.
Review: In what is the most painful loss for most Colts fans, the 6-seed Steelers beat the dominant 14-2 Colts by starting off red-hot and holding off what would have been Manning's most audacious comeback. The Steelers surprised the Colts by coming out throwing and throwing, leading to two first-quarter TD passes to Hines Ward and Heath Miller. After resting the last two weeks of the regular season, the Colts offense came out rusty, and woefully unprepared for the Steelers blitz scheme, which was odd since they thoroughly dominated the Steelers 26-7 in November, scoring an 80-yard TD on the first play and limiting the Steelers to under 200 yards. The Colts finally hit their rhythm, with a monster drive that took up 9:33 from their own 2 to the Steelers 2, but they couldn't punch it into the end zone, leading to only cutting the lead to 14-3 at the half. The Steelers added another touchdown in the 3rd quarter after a 30-yard drive (like many playoff losses for the Colts, field position was huge in this game) capped with a Jerome Bettis plunge. Little did Bettis know that another carry on 1st and Goal from the one would be far more memorable. The Colts took over with a little over 16 minutes left in the game, down 21-3. On the last play of the 4th Quarter, on 4th and 2 at the Colts 36, Peyton Manning waved the punt team off the field, and completed a 13-yard pass to Brandon Stokley for a 1st down. Then, on the 2nd play of the 4th Quarter, Manning found Clark for a 50-yard catch and run TD to cut it to 21-10. The Steelers would bang nearly eight minutes off the clock before they were forced to punt, twice converting 4th and 1s, giving the Colts 6 minutes to shave 11 points off the lead. Manning led another quick TD drive in 1:30, whittling through 80 yards in five plays. Of course, this wasn't without controversy, as Troy Polamalu's interception near midfield was bizarrely called incomplete, as he lost control of the ball after rolling once, and did so before his knees left the ground. The Colts took advantage, scored their TD and forced another Steelers punt. Then, the real drama began. First, Manning was sacked twice in three plays be totally free rushers that got to him within 2 seconds, and this turned the ball over on downs with 1:20 to go. The Steelers, facing 4th and Goal at the 2, couldn't simply run out the clock because the Colts had all three timeouts, so they ran a play hoping for a game icing score, but Gary Brackett put his hat perfectly on the ball in Bettis's hands, forcing a fumble, that was recovered by Nick Harper, who raced to what would seem a dramatic, infamous game-winning touchdown, but Ben Roethlisberger somehow tripped him up. This gave way to the classic's final act, a comically bad missed field goal by Mike Vanderjagt, leaving the Colts in shambles and the 'One for the Thumb' dream alive.
Interesting/Memorable Play: There was so much to examine about the Bettis fumble play. First, it was incredible that the Colts were able to get that close to a comeback without even using one timeout, which forced the Steelers to not kneel. Then, this would have been the last play of Bettis's career, which would have been a shame. Roethlisberger's part was huge, but it was odd that seemingly even before the fumble occured, he started running backwards. Finally, we get to Harper, who was slowed because he was attacked and cut by his wife in a knife attack in the previous week. Still, if he just cut to the sideline he probably escapes Ben. Just bizarre.
Interesting/Memorable Play 2: Right after the missed field goal, CBS showed four images that encapsulated the game. The reactions of four key men in Dungy, Cowher, Bettis and Manning all saying the same thing "He Missed It", but in violently different ways. Dungy was dismayed, Manning was almost angry. Cowher was in complete jubilation, and Bettis was just relieved. Just a great job by the video crew.
Interesting/Memorable Fact: This game started the whole idea that the Colts would get rusty after resting, and while they actually seemed rusty early, there was another factor possibly more important. This was the first game back for Tony Dungy after the suicide of his son, James. The team just didn't play right, and their flaccid play was eerily similar to the 2011 Packers, who played their divisional game right after the death of their Offensive Coordinator Joe Philbin's son tragic death.
Up next, the best of the Super Bowls (I'm skipping the conference titles games for now, because the best of those were better).
