Seventeen Years of the NFL: Ranking the Divisional Games, Pt. 1

Tier I – Run to the Bunker and Cover Your Eyes, This ‘Out’ is About to ‘Blow’


68.) 2008 NFC Divisional – (N4) Cardinals 33 @ (N2) Panthers 13

Review: It all started so well for the Panthers. After back-to-back punts to open the game, the Panthers used their league-best running attack to score a quick TD after a long Williams and Stewart run. That was all the Panthers would do. It became really tough to watch late in the 2^nd Quarter and into the 3^rd. Jake Delhomme deserved better. Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and that great o-line deserved better. When it was over, the Cardinals had the biggest road win in terms of margin of victory in the post-2002 era in the divisional round. As fdr the Cardinals, Larry Fitzgerald couldn't be stopped. It was actually very reminiscent of Steve Smith's awesome performance in the 2005 Divisional in Chicago, as Fitzgerald just ran right through the Panthers Cover 2, providing all the offense that was really necessary.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was Kurt Warner’s first and only road playoff win of his career. In total, Kurt Warner played in 13 playoff games, and only two others were on the road, his losses to the Saints in 2000 and 2009. Considering that, this was the only outdoor road playoff game he ever played.


67.) 2011 AFC Divisional – (A4) Broncos 10 @ (A1) Patriots 45

Review: If you like watching a lamb get slaughtered, then this was the game for you. The epic game right before ran late, so this one started by the time I switched over. Two minutes were gone from the game and it was already 7-0. The Patriots scored two touchdowns after the two-minute warning. Brady had all day and Gronk couldn’t be stopped. The biggest story was Tebow, in his last game as a Bronco, was simply awful., while Brady, in his first playoff win in four years, was absolutely brilliant  except for one errant pick. The biggest blowout in the divisional round during this time set some records, but games that are 35-7 at halftime aren’t that fun.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: Because I hate the Pats and will do some serious Pats-ball-washing later, here's a nice stat, despite throwing six TDs, Tom Brady continued his streak of throwing an interception in his 3rd straight playoff game. He would run that streak to five with picks in the AFC Title Game and Super Bowl XLVI. Since the 2006 Divisional, Brady has thrown 15 interceptions in 10 playoff games, and had just two games without picks (2007 Divisional and Super Bowl XLII).


66 .) 2002 NFC Divisional – (N6) Falcons 6 @ (N1) Eagles 20\

Review: Other than a notable game much higher up the list, the 2002-2004 Eagles played a string of just nauseatingly awful playoff games. They were just all so boring. This one had some interest because it was Donovan McNabb’s return to action after missing the last month of the season, and a McNabb vs. Vick showdown, but after Bobby Taylor’s first quarter pick-6 it was all over. Vick actually played decently except for two picks and McNabb played quite well, but overall, in a round where there are few lousy, unmemorable games (at least #40 had the Delhomme meltdown) this was one.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was the last playoff game in the coaching career of Dan Reeves. Despite losing all four of his Super Bowl, Dan Reeves is notable because after his first two playoff appearances ended one-and-done in 1983 and 1984 with Denver, Reeves went to the playoffs 7 more times and never went one-and-done.


65.) 2009 NFC Divisional – (N4) Cardinals 14 @ (N1) Saints 45

Review: Man, the Kurt Warner knows how to play in bad divisional games. This one wasn’t terrible, and had some notable moments, like Reggie Bush becoming USC Reggie Bush for one day with a punt return and a long run for a TD, and a brief Matt Leinart appearance, as well as Tim Hightower starting the game with a 70-yard rushing TD. Overall, it was a sad end to a great career for Warner, who would get injured throwing an interception right before halftime. He came back in the 2^nd half, but wasn’t the same. The Cardinals could do nothing with Leinart and the game was already effectively over. Even the Superdome crowd seemed a little bored by it all by the end.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This game will forever be known as the game that started the NFL’s initial probe into the Saints bounty system. Much talk happened with the legal hit levied on Warner after he threw his pick. In retrospect, it seems a lot dirtier than it did live.


64.) 2017 AFC Divisional - (A5) Titans 14 @ (A4) Patriots 35

Review: In this recent run of Patriots' Divisional Round successes (2011-2017), they've played exactly one great divisional game, and mostly a host of awful ones. While this wasn't as lopsided as the 45-10 Tebow game, against a hampered Marcus Mariota, it was fairly close. The Titans actually took a 7-0 lead, but teh Patriost scored the next 35 points, mostly with the Titans answering by having Marcus Mariota get sacked a lot (8 times). The Patriots side was fairly routine, with Brady dinking and dunking his way to 337 yards on 35 completions. It was a slow death for Tennessee, that should have abdicated their spot to Kansas City when Mariota was known to be gimpy.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: With the Patriots trailing 7-0 after the first quarter, it would be the first time the Patriots trailed after the first quarter in a home playoff game since their 2009 meltdown to Baltimore, where they trailed 24-0.



63.) 2002 NFC Divisional – (N4) 49ers 6 @ (N2) Buccaneers 31

Review: In 2002, the top two NFC teams just were that much better than the other two. This one was a little more fun because of the offensive fireworks by the Bucs, putting up 28 points before halftime, and just getting to watch that ’02 Bucs defense is a game worth watching. Derrick Brooks had a pick and a fumble recovery. The Bucs limited the 49ers that put 39 up on the board the previous week to 6, with 5 turnovers and just 228 yards. It was a clinic by the best defense of this era, but did make for a boring second half as the Bucs were just playing out the string.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: I had no idea what to put here, but the Buccaneers are, by all accounts, the most dominant Super Bowl Champion as per their playoff performance since the dynasty 49ers and Cowboys. They won their three games 31-6, 27-10 and 48-21, for a combined 106-37. The closest any team got to them in the 2nd half was 17-10 in the Championship Game. They really are one of the most dominant one-year wonder Super Bowl teams ever.


62.) 2010 NFC Divisional – (N4) Seahawks 24 @ (N2) Bears 35

Review: Don’t let the score fool you, this was a rubbish game. The Seahawks scored two late touchdowns to make a 35-10 (and 28-3 previously) game seem respectable (and barely letting the Bears cover). We all knew this was going to happen, and when the Bears scored after just four plays on a beautiful throw but Cutler to Greg Olsen, it was confirmed. The Bears were never tested. It was a sloppy game by the Bears though as they dropped numerous interceptions and couldn’t at least make some nice defensive plays.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: Jay Cutler threw for two TDs (one to Olsen and one to Kellen Davis) and ran for two more, making him the first player since Otto Graham in roughly 2400 BC to throw for two TDs and run for two TDs in the same playoff game.


61.) 2016 AFC Divisional - (A4) Texans 16 @ (A1) Patriots 34

Review: Well, well, here we go again, with teh Patriots beating a woefully underammed team. We can't blame New England, certainly, in four of their seven seasons they were the #1 seed, but it is amazing how many times they got a lightweight. This time, it was Brock Osweiler. Weirdly, you can make the argument that Osweiler was the better, or at least the more accurate, of the QBs. Brady was just 18-38, with two interceptions (matching his season total), but when the otther QB is Brock Osweiler, it really doesn't matter. Certainly not when the Patriots get a kick-off return TD as well. The slow Patriots start made the game seem somewhat close, but the fact Osweiler kept having to take snaps, made it seem simultaneously inevitable.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: Dion Lewis became the first player in god know's how long to have a special teams, rushing and receiving TD all in the same game. In fact, the last player to do all three in a single postseason was Steve Smith in 2005.


Tier II – The Worst Kind of Football, Close but Still Boring Football


60.) 2004 NFC Divisional – (N6) Vikings 14 @ (N1) Eagles 27

Review: I told you these games by the Eagles in these days were terrible. This was also not as close as the score as it was 27-7 before the Vikings engineered a garbage-time TD and some yards to make it seem a bit closer. The big question coming in was how fresh the Eagles would be as they had the bye and rested the last two weeks of the regular season. In the end, the Eagles were fine, with Westbrook and Freddie Mitchell getting receiving TDs and McNabb was a steady 21-33 for 286 and 2 tds. Culpepper had a rougher go, and in Moss’s final game with the Vikings (in his initial go) he had a soft 3 catches for 51 yards.

Interesting/Memorable Play: Freddie Mitchell caught a fumble in the end zone for the Eagles 2^nd TD. After the game, in what would become the unleashing of the ‘FredEx’ name, Freddie in his press conference would say that “[he] would like to thank his hands.”


59.) 2005 NFC Divisional – (N6) Redskins 10 @ (N1) Seahawks 20

Review: In a rainy, slightly sloppy game, the Seahawks won their first playoff game in Qwest Field in steady fashion. The biggest story in the game was the NFL MVP in 2005, Shaun Alexander, getting a concussion in the 1^st quarter. He left the game, but the rest of the Seahawks played fine, with Matthew going 16-26 for 215 and a touchdown. Darrell Jackson had another huge playoff game with a 9-143-1 line, and the Seahawks iced it with a long run by Mack Strong. All in all, a boring game for the NFL’s sometime most wild team in the NFL’s wildest house.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: Both QBs in the game, Matt Hasselbeck and Mark Brunell were former Favre backups in Green Bay. This was the only time it happened. Packers camp cut Kurt Warner had a few playoff games against true backups Brooks and Rodgers.


58.) 2012 AFC Divisional - (A3) Texans 28 @ (A2) Patriots 41

Review: Everyone during the week kept bringing up the Jets in 2010 avenging their December Foxboro blowout with a win a few weeks later and comparing it to the Texans after they lost 42-14 in Foxboro. Well, congratulations, Texans, you did make it closer. There were actually two moments of doubt for Patriots fans. First was after the Texans returned the opening kickoff all the way to the Patriots 12 yard line. The Patriots did hold for a field goal, but then went three and out and the Texans were driving near mid-field. The second was after the Patriots raced to a 17-3 lead, the Texans scored 10 points in the final 1:30 of the 1st half to make it 17-13 at halftime. Of course, the Patriots scored the next three TDs to effectively put the game away. It was another absolute collapse for the Texans defense. At least JJ Watt had half a sack, but that just underscored how terrible the Texans pass defense was.

Interesting/Memorable Play: A first quarter incomplete deep ball to Rob Gronkowski would be arguably the most important play for the Patriots. Gronkowski would rebreak his arm that he broke against Indianapolis, ending his 2012 season for good just a handful of plays into his return. The second surgery begat a third and fourth and then a back surgery. That would be the last play where Gronkowski and Hernandez were on the field at the same time, a quick end for the duo that was supposed to revolutionize football.


57.) 2018 AFC Divisional - (A5) Chargers 28 @ (A2) Patriots 41

Review: For once, the Patriots didn't play a minnow in the divisional round, like they did when they drew a gimpy Marcus Mariota, or the Tim Tebow Broncos. Still had no impact on the game, though, as they stomped a good Chargers team, mercilessly running through and passing around them. Brady was good, but the OL, run game, and his army of gnats were even better. The Chargers actually tied the game at 7-7 early, but the Patriots scored the next 31 points - including TDs on their first four drives. Even if most drives were long, plodding drives with 3rd down conversion after 3rd down conversion. The defense even rushed Rivers who continued his downward trajectory at the end of the season into a 25-51 day. At this point, the Patriots continued excellence in the Divisional Round since 2011 is amazing, even if this was probably the first time since 2014 they played a team that deserved to be on that field with them.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was the first time that Tom Brady and Philip Rivers met in a playoff game in 11 years, making it the longest gap between two QBs matching up against each other in the playoffs ever.

Interesting/Memorable Fact 2: James White caught fifteen passes in this game (for 92 yards), beating his own team record for most catches for a RB in a playoff game, upping the 14 he caught in Super Bowl LI. This tied Darren Sproles for the league record.


56.) 2013 NFC Divisional - (N6) Saints 15 @ (N1) Seahawks 23

Review: This was basically a repeat of that game above, one that ended with a comfortable Seahawks win in a rain-filled game that looked far less close than the score indicated. The Seahawks offense did nothing apart from capitalize from great field position (two missed field goals helped), and another rushing TD by Marshawn Lynch that clinched the game. Russell Wilson was very shaky, completing just 9 of 18 passes and routinely missing slants. Still, he was better than Brees, who was doing nothing until garbage time when still benefitting from Earl Thomas and Walter Thurmond hitting each other to not pick off a pass. The Saints had a ridiculous comeback attempt but it was never happening in a sad, boring game.

Interesting/Memorable Play: Marshawn Lynch's run was memorable, but a case could be made he should have fallen at the 1. The Seahawks would have almost assuredly won 16-8, which would have eventually made them hold both the Saints and Broncos to 8 points. Absurd.


55.) 2014 AFC Divisional - (A3) Colts 24  @  (A2) Broncos 13

Review: It was harrowing enough to see Peyton Manning play the Colts in the playoffs, but even more harrowing to see him play like THAT. Manning, still showing effects of a thigh injury, was ineffective in a strange way. Despite not being able to step into any throw, Manning continually threw deep to counter a pressing Colts secondary, but apart from an early connection to Julius Thomas he missed every time. On the other side, Luck and the Colts were steady and managed their way to enough points to make this game pretty boring throughout. The only interesting aspect was seeing Manning look old, and slow, at a time where we really didn't know if that was going to be his last game. Thankfully it won't be as that would be a sad way for an all-timer to go out.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: After missing throwing deep in the 1st half, the Broncos then tried to go short in the 2nd, which led to an overall figure of 15 'failed' completions - catches that did not gain enough yards to be considered successful. Apparently, that is the highest figure over the last 15 years or so.

54.) 2018 AFC Divisional - (A6) Colts 13 @ (A1) Chiefs 31

Review: The Chiefs ran out to a 17-0 lead, took it 24-7 with only giving up a freak block punt TD for the Colts first score. While Mahomes was more restrained than usual, throwing no TDs and under 300 yards, the Chiefs ran roughshod against a hot Colts team that started the game with four straight three-and-outs, part of seven punts in ten drives. The Chiefs had four different players rush for a TD, including a sweet jet sweep by Tyreek Hill to make it 14-0 and, for all intents and purposes, put the game away.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: The Colts became the first team to lose a playoff game when getting a blocked punt TD since the Raiders got one in their 48-21 blowout loss to the Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Interesting/Memorable Fact 2: The Chiefs became the first team in fifteen years to have four different players get a rushing TD in the same game, with theirs coming from both running backs Damien and Darrell Williams, the Hill sweep and a scramble by Mahomes.


53.) 2015 AFC Divisional - (A5) Chiefs 20 @ (A2) Patriots 27

Review: The Chiefs entered the game with an 11-game winning streak, but gave up a TD on their first drive which essentially ended the game. The Chiefs played OK during the first half, but struggled in the red zone, and Alex Smith struggled to get any consistency passing, ending the game with just 246 yards on 50 throws. The vaunted Chiefs defense could not touch Brady, who was at his gnatiest best releasing passes within 2 seconds to his bevy of weapons, including 10 catches by returned from injury Julian Edelman. The Chiefs did cut it to 7 late, and had a chance to really make a run at a ridiculous comeback, but a should-be interception on Brady was dropped and bounced right to Edelman for the clinching 1st down - classic Patriots, getting the breaks when their talent was more than good enough anyway.

Interesting/Memorable Play: The Chiefs ran a nice play down to the 1-yard line with 2:20 to go. They scored their TD that cut it to 27-20 with 1:18 to go. The in-between minute was some of the most ridiculous Andy Reid-ing ever. His explanation was scoring the TD was more important than being quick, which makes some sense - but to go a minute to get a yard?


52.) 2016 NFC Divisional - (N3) Seahawks 20 @ (N2) Falcons 36

Review: The veteran Seahawks made a game of it, playing it to a 10-7 lead early in the second quarter. The Falcons proceeded to score 29 of the next 32 points, to make a tight game into a laugher. The game changed when Russell Wilson was sacked for a safety with 10 minutes to go in the second quarter, making a 10-7 game into a 10-9 game, where the Falcons then promptly scored a TD on the next drive. Overtime, the Falcons brilliant 2016 offense was just too much, with Matt Ryan throwing for 338 yards on 26-37 passing, including long cath-and-runs to Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones - who did his on the game ending TD. The Falcons in 2016 were just too good on offense.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: As the Seahawks missed the playoffs in 2017, this was the last playoff game in a Seahawks uniform for Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman, and probably Earl Thomas when said and done. It was the last stand for one of the great units of all time.


51.) 2009 AFC Divisional – (A6) Ravens 3 @ (A1) Colts 20

Review: The Colts under Manning played four divisional games at home. They lost three of them by 3, 3 and 4 points. In the only one they won, the Colts dominated the Ravens (late garbage-yardage by the Ravens made it seem close in yards). Manning threw two TDs after the 2-minute warning in the first half, the second with just three seconds left. Manning overall had an odd day. He completed 30 of 44 passes against a defense playing extremely tight, but completed them for only 246 yards. It was better than Flacco, though, as the Ravens offense picked up 71 yards on their first drive, and then just 68 on their next nine. As Dan Dierdorf said, the Colts “looked, felt and acted like a #1 seed.” Too bad the game was as boring as a classic #1 vs. #6 matchup.

Interesting/Memorable Plays: Ed Reed made two interceptions on the same Colts drive, and the Colts still scored on that drive. On the first, he was stripped by Pierre Garcon (not trying to lateral), and on the second, the play was called back after an obvious penalty.

Interesting/Memorable Play 2: The most remembered part of this game was Peyton Manning shouting “God Damnit, Donald” after Donald Brown blocked the wrong way. The best part was Manning, while trying to avoid Corey Redding and Terrell Suggs, yelling at Brown.


50.) 2002 AFC Divisional – (A4) Jets 10 @ (A1) Raiders 30

Review: The Raiders tried running the ball in the 1^st half. They didn’t really succeed, and they went into the half tied 10-10. They decided to screw the run in the 2^nd half. They outscored the Jets 20-0. It was a surprisingly terrible day for Chad Pennington, as he completed just 21 of 47 passes (he completed 68.9% that season) and threw two picks. Gannon was on fire, as was Jerry Porter, who caught 6 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. Late in the 2^nd half, it became boring as the Raiders ran out much of the clock and Pennington painfully threw incomplete after incomplete.

Interesting/Memorable Personal Memory: I watched this game at my neighbor’s house. He’s and his family were Jets fans, so it was nice to have my team beat theirs in their house. I’ve only watched my teams play playoff games outside of my house twice (that game and Super Bowl XLI) and my team went 2-0. Not sure why I don’t do it more often.


49.) 2008 NFC Divisional – (N6) Eagles 23 @ (N1) Giants 11

Review: The Giants are now quite used to beating #1 seeds in the divisional round, but that doesn’t make them impervious from having it done to them. This was a weird game. With the wind howling, Eli Manning was wobbling passes all game long (including missing a TD on the first offensive snap of the game). McNabb was barely better. Both QBs threw two picks, and neither team really moved the ball well. That said, for much of the game, the Giants seemed to be moving the ball a lot more easily than the Eagles, but it just never worked out for them. A sad end to what was a great team in the 2008 Giants.

Interesting/Memorable Plays: The game came down to short-yardage. Despite being awful in short-yardage for much of the year, the Eagles were able to bang home TDs on 1^st and Goals from the 1 twice (it did take them five plays including penalties to do it the first time), while the Giants, with Brandon Jacobs, went 0-2 on 4^th down in the 4^th quarter.

Interesting/Memorable Personal Memory: This game went on when I was at my Regional Band concert, and our conducter was an Eagle’s fan getting updates. I remember him shout a loud “Shit” after McNabb was called for Intentional Grounding in the end zone.


48.) 2005 NFC Divisional – (N5) Panthers 29 @ (N2) Bears 21

Review: It was actually decently close in the 2^nd half, as the Bears cut it to 16-14 and 23-21 in the 2^nd half. However, it was Rex Grossman vs. Jake Delhomme, and as comical as that sounds know, Jake Delhomme was a great postseason QB in his day. The stars coming in were a dominant Bears defense, who allowed just 68 points in their eight home games in 2005. That defense was good enough to carry a rookie Kyle Orton to an eight game win streak. They didn’t show up, while Steve Smith most certainly did, with 12 catches for 218 yards and two TDs.

Interesting/Memorable Play: Steve Smith had one of the better impromptu (I’m guessing) TD celebrations I’ve ever seen, as he jumped and slid down the goal-post. There really was few things more special than Steve Smith at his best.


47.) 2013 NFC Divisional - (N5) 49ers 23 @ (N2) Panthers 10

Review: Few games could have one team totally dominate for 25 minutes and then get dominated for the next 35, but that it what we had. The Panthers started the game forcing a field goal (after some shoddy officiating helping the 49ers) driving to the goal-line before being stuffed, forcing a quick punt and scoring a TD, and then driving to another 1st-and-goal situation. This time, they went for a field goal, and the 49ers had a nice TD drive right before the half... and that was the game. Cam Newton was done in by a terrible o-line performance and a defense that got just one sack after 60 on the season. The Panthers limited Kaepernick to just 15 yards running, but Gore had a solid 17-84 game, and the 49ers won the way everyone thought they were going to.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: The Panthers became the first team ever to lose two straight playoff games with both being after a bye. Sure, they were 5 years apart and few players overlapped, but the last two great seasons in Carolina football ended the same way, getting beaten at home in the Divisional against an NFC West team.


Tier III – The Disaster Tourism of the NFL


46.) 2004 NFC Divisional – (N5) Rams 17 @ (N2) Falcons 47

Review: In the Falcons first (and only) home game in the Vick era, the Falcons did exactly what the Vick-era Falcons always did: run the ball incredibly well. Bulger went 23-35 for 299 and 2 tds with 1 pick, and they didn’t even come close. Warrick Dunn ran for 142 on 17 carries and 2 TDs. Vick had 119 yards on eight rushes (a postseason record for a QB). TJ Duckett even had 66 yards on 15 carries. The Falcons even ran back a punt, with Allen Rossum returning his three punts for 152 yards. Even the Falcons defense got in on the party. Somehow, they led the NFL in sacks in 2004, and sacked Bulger four times and once for a safety. For one night, the Georgia Dome was the hottest place in the NFL.

Interesting/Memorable Personal Memory: My good friend at the time was a big Falcons fan, and for at least the next month (so even after their loss to the Eagles the next week) kept on saying “Awesome Rossum” for fun. He was, as all the Falcons were, awesome. That line even got in our 8^th Grade yearbook.


45.) 2009 NFC Divisional – (N3) Cowboys 3 @ (N2) Vikings 34

Review: Brett Favre lost to the Cowboys in the playoffs in ’93, ’94 and ’95. He didn’t bring that bad-luck to Minnesota. The Vikings absolutely dominated every facet of this game other than not having much success running the ball. The Cowboys had chances, as their first three drives made it into Viking territory, but they came away with three points. Ray Edwards had three sacks. Jared Allen had one. When Romo got time, the Vikings gave him nothing (9.0 yards per catch). Favre was excellent, going 15-24 for 234 yards and 4 tds, while Sidney Rice made a lot of money off of the game, with 6 catches for 141 yards and three tds. All in all, it was a fun day in the Metrodome for everyone other than America’s Team.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: For all the talk about the Cowboys having chances that they screwed up (two missed field goals, botched snap), the Cowboys had just one drive of over 40 yards in the game, and that was their field goal drive.


44.) 2010 NFC Divisional – (N6) Packers 48 @ (N1) Falcons 21

Review: In a rematch of a close, tight Falcons regular season win, the Packers smashed the Falcons in a way no one saw coming. First the offense: Rodgers put on one of the most entertaining, greatest shows I have ever seen. He went 31-36 for 366 yards and three tds and ran for one more. The Falcons actually got a lot of pressure on Rodgers, but he evaded blitzers time after time. Now the defense: They held Matt Ryan to under 10 ypc. They limited Michael Turner to 39 yards on 10 rushes. They limited the Falcons to 194yards, and returned a interception for a touchdown right before half to make it 28-14 and essentially end it. Basically, it was everything the last Falcons home playoff game was not.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This game was the largest loss ever suffered by a #1 seed in their opening playoff game, and the most a #1 seed had ever been outgained in their opening playoff game. In any measure, it was the worst performance by a #1 seed in their playoff opener, ever.


43.) 2013 AFC Divisional - (A4) Colts 22 @ (A2) Patriots 43

Review: In a driving rain-storm, the Patriots decided to show how 'balanced' they were, scoring 6 rushing TDs, four from LeGarrette Blount who had a career day. Blount was important in building the lead, with the first three rushing TDs, and finishing it, with a long run with the Pats clinging to a 29-22 lead. Andrew Luck started slow, with a ghastly interception on the first series, but made a handful of ridiculous plays that three people on earth could make, and despite the loss, the Luck to Hilton connection still had over 100 yards. The Patriots didn't get anything going in the passing game (Brady finished just 13-25), but it rarely matters when you can run for 250 yards and pick off four passes.

Interesting/Memorable Play: The game seemed to be going the Colts way after the Patriots messed up a punt snap before the 2:00 warning resulting in a field goal after a lengthy review (came close to a Colts TD). The Colts then were driving right before the half when a pass bounced off Stanley Havili and into a Patriots player. The Colts managed to cut it to 21-15 in the 2nd half, but they could have had it at 21-19 at halftime.


42.) 2007 NFC Divisional – (N3) Seahawks 20 @ (N2) Packers 42

Review: In Brett Favre’s last win as a Packers starting QB, the Packers came back from an early 14-0 deficit (built off back-to-back fumbles by Ryan Grant) to score TDs on six straight drives. The Packers outrushed the Seahawks 235-28, with Ryan Grant setting a Packers record with 201 yards rushing. Favre was solid, going 18-23 for 173 yards and 3 tds with no picks and a classic Favre scramble and Favrian completion. The real star of the day, though, was the snow. In as perfect a snowstorm as possible, Lambeau truly looked like a winter-wonderland in the very best way.

Interesting/Memorable Play: Just how good were the Packers: They became just the 2^nd team to score TDs on six straight drives in a playoff game. They also became just the 2^nd team ever to win a playoff game by at least 14 after trailing by at least 14.


41.) 2004 AFC Divisional – (A3) Colts 3 @ (A2) Patriots 20

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Review: In a game that made me reevaluate my belief that there was such thing as an unstoppable offense, the Patriots beat the Colts in a playoff game in a more “eff-you” way than the previous year. In the opposite of the previous season, Manning was one of the few Colts who played well, going 27-42 for 238 yards. What really turned the game was two dominating drives that went 86 and 92 yards by the Patriots to turn a 6-3 game in the 3^rd quarter to a 20-3 blowout. The key was a run game that went for 210 yards. The Patriots held the ball for 40 minutes and blanketed the Colts, limiting them to short gain after short gain when they didn’t have the ball. In reality, the best way to describe the game  was the play where Tedy Bruschi just ripped the ball out of Dominic Rhodes’ hands. It was, arguably, the greatest day in the Patriots dynasty.

Interesting/Memorable Play 1: The turning point of the game may have been on the Colts first drive of the 2^nd half. Trailing just 6-3 at that point, the Colts had a 4^th and 1 on the Patriots 48, and Tony Dungy, still in his conservative phase, punted. The Patriots then immediately began their two brutal clock-killing TD drives.

Interesting/Memorable Moment: After the game, Tedy Bruschi let out what was the Patriots’ version of Bart Scott’s “Can’t Wait!” speech, telling the world, “If you want to change the rules, change them” and “that’s what we do, we win.” I still admire those Patriots because they weren’t robots. They talked quite a bit of smack.


40.) 2008 AFC Divisional – (A4) Chargers 24 @ (A2) Steelers 35

Review: The 9-8 Chargers scored a 41-yard TD on their 4^th play of the game to go up 7-0 with just 1:52 gone. The Steelers scored a TD with 2:04 gone in the 4^th quarter. In the 30:04 in between those plays, the Steelers outscored the Chargers 28-3, outgained them 251-69, and ran 51 plays to the Chargers 31. In the 3^rd quarter, the Chargers ran one play, where Philip Rivers was intercepted. It was pure dominated. Philip Rivers did add some garbage yards, but even then, his day wasn’t all that bad. It was Willie Parker who stole the show, with 146 yards on 27 carries and two TDs. Santonio Holmes also returned a punt for a touchdown, and Roethlisberger was turnover free. That 3^rd quarter was about as dominant I’ve ever seen a team play. It was pure brilliance in front of a hopping-loud crowd at Heinz Field.

Interesting/Memorable Play: Santonio Holmes punt return for a TD was off of Mike Scifres, who had basically been the team MVP for pinning four punts inside the 10 the previous week against the Colts. Also, right before the punt return, Jim Nantz gave us the information all of us needed, that Scifres was not pronounced Sigh-Fers, but Sigh-Fris, a pronunciation I don't think he's ever used again.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: Through the 16 games of the regular season, the Steelers didn’t allow any QB to throw for 300 yards or any RB to run for 100. They finished the season without the latter happening, but Rivers became the first QB to throw for over 300 against them, with 308. That said, 161 of those yards came after the game was 28-10 and effectively over.


Next Up: The Best Games from the Best Weekend in Sports.

Seventeen Years of the NFL: Ranking the Wild Card Games, Pt. 2

Tier IV – The Good Games (no need for fancy titles now)

29.) 2012 NFC Wild Card - (N5) Seahawks 24 @ (N4) Redskins 14

The game of two games. The Redskins started the game like so: The Redskins ran 20 plays for 129 yards and two TDs, while the Seahawks ran three for -2 yards. The rest of the game: The Redskins gained just 74 more yards and didn't score, while the Seahawks gained 382 and scored 24 points. Of course, this glosses over the real story of the game, RGIII's knee, which looked gimpy as early as his TD run that made it 14-0. He finally tore it retreating to try to recover a bad snap, twisting it on the terrible FedEx Field Turf. The story of the Seahawks was mainly Marshawn Lynch's second Wild Card clinching run in three years, a TD that finished the game off. The atmosphere until the Griffin injury was electric, as it was the first playoff game in Washington since the 1999 season, but the dismay and emptiness in the building after the injury ended any hope of this being anything but an 'infamous' game.

Interesting/Memorable Play: That Lynch run had one other similarity to the incredible Lynch run to clinch the win over the Saints two years earlier: downfield blocking by unconventional people. The first one was unconventional since it was lineman 60 yards downfield throwing blocks. This was unconventional because Lynch's lead blocker near the end of the run was none other than Russell Wilson. It wasn't a great block, but still a cool sight.


28.) 2017 AFC Wild Card - (A6) Bills 3 @ (A3) Jaguars 10

Review: The Jaguars defense was generally worth the price of admission. Good thing for that, because even as a fan of defense, it is hard to consider a game that ends 10-3 being so well remembered, but that Jaguars defense was truly fantastic. Early on, it looked like it might end 3-0, with the Bills equally stifling the Jaguars Bortles-led offense, but overtime the Jaguars realized Bortles was better running than passing, and that was more or less it. The Jags smothered the Bills, limiting Tyrod Taylor to a 17-37 day. Even McCoy busted a few early runs, but by the second half was bottled. In the end, the Jaguars won a slightly exciting game, but there was never going to be much offense when the Jaguars were the Jaguars, both with their special defense, and dreadful offense.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: Blake Bortles famously ran for 89 yards while passing for just 83. It was the first time in the moern NFL that a starting QB that finished a playoff game ended up with more rushing yards than passing. While we may rightfully laugh at Bortles ineffective passing, let's credit his nimble-ness on rushing.


27.) 2010 NFC Wild Card – (N6) Packers 21 @ (N3) Eagles 16

Review: In a total reversal of what was expected, the Eagles had 100 more yards net of passing (Vick threw for 292 to Rodgers 180) but the Packers and their maligned run game outrushed the Eagles by 57. On the day, Rodgers had one of the quiter good statistical games you will see (18-27 for 180 and 3 tds with no picks and a fumble), but the Eagles could have still easily won if Nick Collins doesn’t make a game-saving tackle on DeSean Jackson, or if Michael Vick doesn’t throw a desperation heave to Riley Cooper of all people with time left, or if David Akers doesn’t miss two relatively normal field goals. In a game where the Packers never trailed and led 14-3, they were really pushed more than in any other game in their run.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was one of the rare games where the losing team had more yards and fewer turnovers. As is normal, Special Teams is generally the reason, and here it was with Akers. The Eagles are one out of just two to achieve such infamy at home, as the other is a little team I like to call to 2005 Colts.

26.) 2015 NFC Wild Card - (N5) Seahawks 22 @ (N4) Cowboys 24

Review: In one of hte stranger close games, the Seahawks were laughably inept at times, simply magical at others, and narrowly lost in one of the more maddening performances. The Seahawks went three and out six different times, in four of those going run-run-pass. Somehow still they got it to 24-22 late in the game but missed an onside kick. The Seahawks actually led 14-10, but the Cowboys answered with two TDs sandwiched around an interception. The two TD drives were classic Cowboys in the Dak era, with long, plodding, grating drives that repeatedly got the job done. In the end, the Cowboys were likely better, but the game did leave us wondering how good the Seahawks could be if they didn't run so much.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: The Seahawks started the game with three straight three-and-out's, which is the fifteenth time they've done that in a Russell Wilson start, a staggeringly poor stat that speaks to how dumb their approach has been for a long, long time.


25.) 2014 AFC Wild Card - (A6) Ravens 30 @ (A3) Steelers 17

Review: After a four year hiatus, the NFL's most enduring modern rivalry was finally rekindled on the playoff stage. From 2011-2013, there were a number of Ravens vs. Steelers games that seemingly all ended with a 3-point score, but never a playoff game. Now there was again. For the third time since 2008, the Ravens and Steelers squared off at Heinz Field - and for the first time the Ravens won. Unlike the previous tilts, this time it was Joe Flacco who was steady, going 18-29 with two TDs and no INTs, and Roethlisberger who had a few off moments. Ben was impressive going 31-45 for 334 yards, but had one bad pick and one unlucky one. He was under constant harrassment, as the Ravens sacked him five times, including two by Elvis Dumervil. The play of the game, though, was Terrell Suggs amazing interception he caught in his legs after tipping a screen pass. It was the type of play that never happened to the Steelers in this rivalry, but finally did. The Ravens were likely the better team, but they fought their way to a 5th consecutive playoff win emulating what the Steelers did best: play solid football  and wait for hte opponent to make a mistake.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This game marked the 3rd playoff meeting between Flacco and Roethlisberger, tying them with four other pairs in the Super Bowl era for 3rd place. The leader in meetings is Bradshaw vs. Stabler - five times, with Manning vs, Brady at 4.

24.) 2017 NFC Wild Card - (N5) Panthers 26 @ (N4) Saints 31

Review: It was a strange game that at times never felt too close, but in the end the Panthers had the ball in reasonable position with a chance to steal it. For the year, the Panthers biggest weakness was New Orleans, going 0-3 against them and 11-3 against the rest of the NFL. Cam and Drew both played excellently, topping 340 yards easily with 2 TDs a piece. The Panthers shut down the Saints vaunted running backs, both rushing and receiving, but let the rest of the receivers go off, including Tedd Ginn in the latest revenge game. Still, the game was in the balance after a weird 4th down decision by the Saints led to the Panthers getting the ball needing 69 yards in 1:51 to win. They got down to the Saints 21 with 0:46 left, but went incomplete, intentional grounding, incomplete, sack, with the Saints releasing pass rush hell. It was a quick end to a quick, fiery game between two division stalwarts.

Interesting/Memorable Play(s): It is hard to say a game that ends 31-26 with boatloads of offense could ahve been turned early in a 0-0 game, but the Panthers came the closest to opening the scoring, getting a 3rd and 2 at the Saints 7. They settled for a field goal that was blocked. Two plays into the Saints drive, Brees hit Ted Ginn for an 80 yard TD.

23.) 2010 AFC Wild Card – (A6) Jets 17 @ (A3) Colts 16

Review: In what will unthinkably be marked down as Peyton Manning’s last played game as a Colt, the Colts became just the 2^nd team in NFL history to lose a playoff game where they scored to take the lead with less than a minute remaining. Somehow, despite airmailing throws all night, Mark Sanchez was able to pull it off, aided with a nice KO return by Antonio Cromartie, and of course that spectacular Jim Caldwell timeout for no reason. It should not be forgotten that LT had a really nice playoff game for once, and Adam Vinatieri was Adam Vinatieri, hitting what should have been the game winning kick from 50 yards.

Interesting/Memorable Play: Manning’s last throw as a Colt (again, can’t believe that that is the case) was an incomplete to Blair White, where Manning threw just low (if it was a better receiver, it probably gets caught). Had Manning completed it, the Colts could have run out the clock before the field goal.

Interesting/Memorable Play 2: Oh yeah, who was the guy on the kick coverage team that didn’t stay in his lane and cut down Cromartie earlier you ask? Why, it was bust extraordinaire Jerry Hughes.

22.) 2004 NFC Wild Card – (N5) Rams 27 @ (N4) Seahawks 20

Review: In what was a really fun game, a drop by Bobby Engram in the end zone kept this out of overtime (and probably a ranking in the top-10). Hasselbeck and Bulger both threw for over 300 yards (Bulger on only 18-32 passing). The game was memorable as it was the last moment of glory for the St. Louis Rams Greatest Show on Turf era. Torry Holt and Kevin Curtis each had 100 yard days, as did Darrell Jackson (who of course, had a pass bounce off of his hands for a pick) while Itula Mili came up two yards short. As usual Shaun Alexander did nothing, but in the end, two average at best teams combined for a darn exciting game.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This is the only playoff game in NFL History where both teams were outscored for the season. The Seahawks were just a -2, but the Rams were a -73. Yes, that is how bad the NFC was in those days, that an 8-8 team outscored by -73 points was not only in the playoffs, but wasn’t even the 6^th seed. The Rams also became the first 8-8 team to win a playoff game.

21.) 2008 NFC Wild Card – (N5) Falcons 24 @ (N4) Cardinals 30

Review: This game was overshadowed by what happened right after that day, but Kurt Warner’s first playoff game in Arizona did not disappoint. Somehow, despite outgaining the Falcons by 100 and committing two fewer turnovers, the game was in doubt late, which made it all the more exciting. Larry Fitzgerald started his epic postseason with a leaping TD grab, while Anquan Boldin injured himself during a 71-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Antrel Rolle also returned a fumble for a TD. The game also featured a safety and the Cardinals being ballsy enough to throw for a game-clinching 1^st down up just 6 on 3^rd and 9. Basically, everything you want from a solid, if unspectacular game.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: The game would be known for the Falcons allegedly having just one snap count for the entire game. This was used, I guess, to help comfort rookie Matt Ryan, but it led to the Cardinalsgetting epic pressure, which directly resulted in the fumble that was returned for the TD and the safety.

20.) 2017 AFC Wild Card - (A5) Titans 22 @ (A4) Chiefs 21

Review: It was a tale of two halves, in Alex Smith's final game in a strange five-year odyssey in Kansas CIty. The Chiefs rolled in the first half to a 21-3 lead, and promptly lost the second half 18-0 to the Titans. In the second half, the Chiefs defense just became incapable of stopping Tennessee's old-school attack. It wasn't quick hits by the Titans in their three straight scoring drives, but rather slow burns, 15-play and 10-play drives bookmarking their comebak. On the other side, despite the Chiefs getting a muffed punt fall into their laps, they couldn't get the requisite field goal that they needed to end it. In a season that started out so well for the Chiefs, with an opening night win in New England, it ended in infamy, becoming the victim of the worst blown lead in a home playoff game ever.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: Andy Reid went his first seven playoff appearances never going one-and-done; including five trips to the NFC Championship Game. With this loss, though, Reid would mark his fifth one-and-done in his six most recent playoff attempts, his third in KC (the exception being 2015, losing to New England in the divisional round) adding to his last two playoff years in Philadelphia.

19.) 2003 AFC Wild Card – (A5) Titans 20 @ (A4) Ravens 17

Review: In the only chapter of an underrated playoff trilogy that the Titans won, the two teams battled it out gladiator style in a defensive game in the Cathedral of defense. The Titans held 2,000 yard rusher Jamal Lewis to 35 yards on 14 carries (somehow, Billick felt it pertinent to let Anthony Wright throw 39 times instead of running Lewis more), while Ed Reed and Will Demps picked off Steve McNair, who like McNair does, was playing with a broken thumb. Ancient kicker Gary Anderson won the game with a 46 yard field goal with a minute left, which was a great capper to a hard-hitting night.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: Since I couldn’t think of anything better and because it started with this game, Ed Reed has played three home playoff games (with this being the first) and has at least one interception in all three of them.

18.) 2015 AFC Wild Card - (A6) Steelers 18 @ (A3) Bengals 16

Review: The Bengals came in without Andy Dalton (who would have come back in the following game), and could do nothing on offense, and if not for Red Zone struggles by Pittsburgh the game would have been out of reach, but it was just 15-0 entering the 4th. Finally, the Bengals found life. They scored on a Jeremy Hill TD following a 40-yard DPI, then a brilliant catch and run by Green to take the lead with 2:00 to go. Previous sacks had knocked Roethlisberger out of the game, and Landry Jones threw a pick that seemed to end it. Then all the haunted Bengals issues came out. Jeremy Hill fumbled when trying to ice the clock, Roethlisberger, as he is wont to do, came off the bench to lead a gritty comeback that was highlighted by numerous penalties on Cincinnati, before a short game-winning field goal to make Marvin Lewis 0-7 in the playoffs, and end the Bengals best season one game before Dalton would have come back.

Interesting/Memorable Play: The game essentially came down to one major play. With time running out with teh Steelers at mid-field, Roethlisberger threw to Antonio Brown who was headhunted by Vontaze Burfict. That 15 yards wouldn't have killed the Bengals, but in teh ensuing scrum, Pacman Jones got assessed another 15 yards, and more importantly Joey Porter, now a coach for the Steelers, came out and got mixed up with the Bengals and should have been tagged 15 yards. Instead, the 30 yards of penalties on Cincinnati ended the game.

17.) 2006 NFC Wild Card – (N6) Giants 20 @ (N3) Eagles 23

Review: In what was an interesting game played by a Jeff Garcia led Eagles team and a Giants team that tried very hard to not make the playoffs, David Akers hit a last second field goal to win the game. A game that is oddly forgotten over time given how close it was and the fact that it was between two big market teams, it featured Plaxico Burress catching two TDs, Brian Westbrook running for 141 yards on just 20 carries, and somehow just one combined turnover, which is odd given the fact that Eli Manning and rain were prominently involved (man, that was a very Simmons-esque joke). Overall, it was a nice way to cap what was the first weekend of an epic postseason.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: The game marked a lot of lasts: It was Tiki Barber’s last game. It was also Donovan McNabb’s last home playoff game, and Andy Reid’s last home playoff win. This was also the most recent wild-card game decided by exactly 3 points.

16.) 2018 NFC Wild Card - (N6) Eagles 16 @ (N3) Bears 15

Review: The double boink. That will forever be etched in our minds when we think of this game. The Bears surprisingly great 12-4 campaign with a defense that would make the Lovie Smith or Mike Ditka era Bears proud. All for not because Cody Parky hit both the upright and the crossbar on his last second field goal. That said, we should credit the Eagles, who had a great drive down 15-10 to take the lead, with Nick Foles converting a big 3rd and 9 and also a truly clutch 4th and Goal from the two at the end. Of course, there were also two interceptions and a sack before all that. The Bears defense was great, but Tribusky scatter-shot enough, and Parky bad enough for them to lose a truly old school football game, one the 'purists' and hard nosed Chicago-ites would love.

Interesting/Memorable Plays: The harrowing series for Bears fans will be after taking the 15-10 lead and forcing a punt, with seven minutes left the Bears went Howard run for -2, Trubisky sack (where he had time to throw away) and then a short meaningless completion. There was a lot of game after that, but that was brutal when time wasting was so key.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: The Bears of course cut Robbie Gould two seasons earlier for money reasons and have cycled through many kickers since. Gould had a great season that same year, and of course Parky had hit four bars prior to this game. The Bears would of course cut Parky and then hold a hilariously sad kicking competition all offseason.

15.) 2014 NFC Wild Card - (N6) Lions 20 @ (N3) Cowboys 24

Review: In a fascinating game that seemed to re-write the script of what we knew Tony Romo and his era-Cowboys to be, the team from Dallas scored the last 17 points, while benefitting from some controversy, to win their 2nd playoff game since Troy Aikman left. Romo was great (19-31 for 293 yards with no picks) when not being sacked, as the Lions got to him 6 times. Most of those were in the first half, though. Those 30 minutes they were completely outplayed, but the Cowboys got life when Terrance Williams scored on a 76-yard catch and run after the 2:00 warning. The Cowboys steadily crawled back in the game, and their defense actually finished it off, as they were able to control Calvin Johnnson just enough and get just enough pressure on Stafford to hold the Lions scoreless over the final 20 minutes.

Interesting/Memorable Play: OK, so the famous pick-up of the DPI flag. The Lions were driving at midfield up 20-17 with ~8 minutes to play when Brandon Pettigrew was likely interfered with. The officials threw the flag, then picked up the flag; and the furious Lions punted. Now, the Lions should have gone for it anyway (4th and 1 at midfield). The next time they got the ball back they were losing and there was 2:30 left. Still, that was DPI. Sadly for the Cowboys, their officiating luck lasted basically 1 week.

Interesting/Memorable Play: Ndamukong Suh was easily the best player on the field that day, and his best play was when he shed two blockers and chased and finally threw Tony Romo to the turf a good 6 seconds after the snap. He was a monster in the last game he would ever play for the Lions.

14.) 2004 AFC Wild Card – (A5) Jets 20 @ (A4) Chargers 17 (OT)

Review: In a rainstorm (who says, San Diego is always sunny?), Drew Brees, who threw for 319 yards on 31-42 passing, led a comeback from 17-7 down in the 2^nd half to send the game to OT after a clutch TD catch by Gates. Pennington, who despite his lack of arm had thrown a perfect rainbow TD to Santana Moss for 47 yards, was allowed to keep his OT drive going, while Marty told Brees to shut it down. Nate Kaeding, as Nate Kaeding is known to do, missed to 40+ yarder, and Doug Brien hit his 28 yarder. Overall, it was a slog of a game that was, in a word, wild. Of course, Herman Edwards didn’t learn the one lesson he needed to take away from this game.

Interesting/Memorable Play: The game only went to OT because ex-Raider Eric Barton roughed Drew Brees on what was a 4^th down incompletion on the drive that ended with the TD to make it 17-17. The Jets should have taken over the ball and won 17-10, but you can take the Barton out of Oakland, you can’t take the Oakland out of the Barton.

13.) 2008 AFC Wild Card – (A5) Colts 17 @ (A4) Chargers 23(OT)

Review: The Colts joined themselves from 2005, and five others on the list of teams that outgained their opponent and committed fewer turnovers yet lost. And all because Gijon Robinson forgot the snap count and Mike Scifres became BatMan for one night. Scifres pinned the Colts inside the 10 four times, including with the Colts up 17-14 looking to ice it, at the one yard line. After running for eight, the Colts, on 3^rd and 2, called a pass looking to ice it, but Gijon Robinson forgot the snap count letting a free rusher to sack Manning. The game was also memorable for a play where while Antonio Cromartie and one other Charger d-back were looking at the sideline waiting for instructions, Manning snapped the ball and fired a 72 yard TD to Reggie Wayne he ran by the idle Cromartie. If I wasn’t a Colts fan, I would have enjoyed this game so much more, as it was a good game between two good teams that were really, really even (despite one having a 12-4 record and the other 8-8).

Interesting/Memorable Fact: Just to reinforce the ridiculous field position the Colts were saddled with, the Colts had three drives that didn’t end in a turnover or a failed 4^th down go for more yards than either of San Diego’s two field goal drives.

12.) 2013 NFC Wild Card - (N6) Saints 26 @ (N3) Eagles 24

Review: In a game that could do nothing to avoid underwhelming given it followed a crazy show of a game that is higher up the list, the Saints and Eagles combined to put on a really nice show of good ol' fashioned football. The Saints entered the game having never won a playoff game outside the Superdome (0-3 with Drew Brees), and the Eagles entered off a 7-1 finish a with a QB who's TD to INT ratio was even better than 7-1 (13.5-1 to be exact). Of course, if Foles had a real weakness it 2013, it was his pocket presence, and the Saints repeatedly got to him. Strangely, Chip Kelly slowed the tempo down, ran the ball a little too much to no great success, and the Eagles struggled to move the ball. They made it competitive because for a half the Saints played into that 'can't win outdoors' thing. Brees threw two ugly interceptions and their offense stalled. Over time, the Saints turned to their running game, as no-names combined for 185 yards on the ground. The Saints ended up scoring on 5 of their last 6 drives, including a well designed draining drive to cap the game with a field goal to win. The drive took the last 4:54 off the clock, and we got the Saints celebrating a playoff win away from home for the first time ever.

Interesting/Memorable Play: The game seemed to break the Eagles way when Keenan Lewis was concussed on a seemingly innocuous play. Lewis left the game and immediately the Eagles targeted DeSean Jackson deep. Lewis tried to get back in to no avail, the first real example of the concussion protocol working.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was the first time a team kicked a field goal with under 1:00 left to go from trailing to winning since Nick Folk did it with the Jets against Indianapolis in 2010 (right after Jim Caldwell's ridiculous timeout). It came close to happening in Super Bowl XLVI, but Ahmad Bradshaw couldn't stop in time to kneel at the 1.


11.) 2007 AFC Wild Card – (A5) Jaguars 31 @ (A4) Steelers 29

Review: In the regular season, the Jags beat the Steelers 29-22 in a game they outgained them in 421-217. Here, they win a game 31-29 in a game they were outgained 340-239. David Garrard was mostly awful, going 9-21 with 140 yards and 1 td and 2 picks, but Roethlisberger started off worse, throwing a pick-6 to Rashean Mathis and two more interceptions. He regained form, and turned a 28-10 deficit into a 29-28 lead in less than 12 minutes. The game ended with a series of interesting plays. Up 29-28, with a 3^rd and 6 with 2:50 left, the Steelers called a QB sweep run for Roethlisberger that didn’t come close to working. Then, up 4th and 2 for the Jagsat the Steelers 42, Garrard ran a beautifully called QB draw for 32 yards(there was a much disputed blatant uncalled hold by the Jags on the play), and Josh Scobee ended it. All in all, it was a sloppy but wild game between two teams that were quite good.

Interesting/Memorable Play: After scoring to make it 28-23, the Steelers understandably went for 2. However, on the ensuing play the Steelers were called for offensive-holding, which made the 2-point conversion have to be attempted from the 12 yard line. Tomlin still decided to go for two. Mind you, there was 10:30 left in the game at this point.

Tier VI – The Great Games


10.) 2015 NFC Wild Card - (N6) Seahawks 10 @ (N3) Vikings 9

Review: Sometimes the cold weather doesn't matter to the level of play. Sometimes it does. Sometimes even when it does, it doesn't matter - the setting during the last outdoor game for the Vikings made up for any issues. Both teams were so muted on offense, and both defense were so dominant, it really came down to who would score a TD. The Vikings got the better of the first half, pressuring Wilson before he had a chance to set-up, swallowing the run game, and getting just enough on offense to get a few field goals. The closest they came to a TD was their first drive, which ended at the 4. What followed was some of the best pressure defense you will see. The game really changed on the one good offensive play anyone had, which was a result of Russell Wilson losing the snap backwards, but instead of falling on it, he picked it up and found Tyler Lockett. The Seahawks got their one TD there. After trading punts, the Vikings put together their best sequence, getting 20 yards on a DPI then 25 yards to Kyle Rudolph, setting them up at the 20. At this point, the Seahawks were so desperate they were trying to force a fumble rather than limit yards - of course they didn't do either which helped when Blair Walsh ended the game pushing the short field goal. It was a sad way to end, but for one of teh hardest hitting games, in an absolutely perfect setting, it made sense that the final score would be 10-9.

Interesting/Memorable Play: Other than the Wilson fumble-turn-25-yard-pass play, the other turning point was on the ensuing drive when Adrian Peterson fumbled at midfield on a catch-and-run that would ahve resulted in a first down. Peterson did nothing on the ground, and this was his biggest contribution - a sad trend for a player not unfamiliar to fumbling in playoff games.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: As noted, this will be the last game played outdoors for the Vikings as they move inside to the US Bank Stadium. Given the way the team is currently built, and coach Mike Zimmer's mindset, and the way the fans seemed to love the outdoors, maybe they'll regret that decision.

9.) 2010 NFC Wild Card – (N5) Saints 36 @ (N4) Seahawks 41

Review: Was there anything more inevitable than the Seahawks winning a playoff game when they were a 7-9 team that had been outscored by 92 points? Please, let me know if there was. The Seahawks didn’t win by any fluke, either. Matt Hasselbeck played one final last tremendous game for the Seahawks, with 4 tds on 22-35 passing, and while Brees threw for another 400+  yards, the Seahawks managed to make enough stops. The odd part of the game is it started out like it should in that the Seahawks seemed overmatched. The Saints got a field goal, picked off Hasselbeck and answered with a TD. They were up 17-7 at one point. Of course, the Seahawks proceed to score 27 of the next 30 points to go up 34-20. All in all, there were 14 scores in this bizarre, unlikely shootout, none more memorable than Marshawn Lynch’s BeastMode run, where he stiff-armed the shit out of Super Bowl XLIV hero Tracy Porter, and ran his way into NFL lore.

Interesting/Memorable Play: On said Marshawn Lynch TD, what was almost as good as the stiff-arm, was the fact that lineman Sean Locklear and Tyler Polumbus, and Matt Hasselbeck were running and blocking for Lynch at basically the same speed. They crossed the end zone with him. Truly just an incredible play.

8.) 2002 AFC Wild Card – (A6) Browns 33 @ (A3) Steelers 36

Review: The first half of maybe the best single day in Wild Card Round history, the Browns, in their only playoff game in their new era, and the Steelers, in that weird Tommy Maddox pass-heavy year, staged an classic. On the Browns 2^nd play, Kelly Holcomb hit Kevin Johnson for 80 yards. That was a sign that this would be the exact opposite of every Steelers playoff game ever played in Heinz Field. There was no defense. The Browns raced to a 24-7 lead in large part because of Holcomb (who threw for 429 yards on 26 completions!) and an unholy performance from Dennis Northcutt. The Steelers under Maddox who himself threw for 367 yards (on 30-48 passing) started flinging it to get back in the game. Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward both had 100+ yards, and little by little the Steelers got back in it. The game ended with a dramatic one-yard TD plunge by Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala of all people, capping the first of two ridiculous comebacks on the same day.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: There were a lot of odd stat-lines in this game, but none more so than Browns running back William Green, who had just 30 yards on 25 carries. Who lets their running back run that much if he isn’t getting anything? Butch Davis, that's who.

7.) 2002 NFC Wild Card – (N5) Giants 38 @ (N4) 49ers 39

Review: What is rightfully the more famous of the two comebacks, the game featured a whole lot before the infamous botched snap by Trey Junkin and missed pass-interference. Kerry Collins and Jeff Garcia each had over 300 yards (Collins had 4 tds to Garcia’s 3, both threw a pick), but it was Kerry early and Jeff late. The Giants took a 38-14 lead mostly on the arm of Collins and three receiving TDs by Amani Toomer (Jeremy Shockey had the other one, after which he reportedly threw something into the crowd). Then the 49ers, in the last playoff game of the West Coast era (although they had missed the playoffs in 1999-2000), started using the Candlestick Magic. Terrell Owens caught his 2^nd long touchdown. Jeff Garcia ran for another. Tai Streets caught the game winner. Of course that set up the infamous ending, but forget that. It overshadows what a fabulous display of resilience by the 49ers and offense by both.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: Despite their brilliance in these games, Kerry Collins and Jeff Garcia would both be gone from their teams by 2004: Collins in Oakland, replaced by Manning/Warner, while Garcia flocked to Detroit to join Mooch, leaving Ken Dorsey and Tim Rattay to guide the 49ers to a 2-14 year.


6.) 2013 NFC Wild Card - (N5) 49ers 23 @ (N4) Packers 20

Review: In blisteringly cold temperatures in Lambeau Field, the 49ers and Packers played a beautiful game that featured a little bit of everything. It had a receiver going wild (Crabtree had 8 for 125), a great defensive performance (5 sacks for the 49ers), some great individual plays, like Kaepernick's three great scrambles or Rodgers' houdini on 4th-down that was reminiscent of one Eli Manning in Super Bowl XLII. The game ended in great fashion too with a field goal at the gun in frigid temperatures to win it. The setting of the game definitely helps its legacy, as does the two teams participating in it. It really felt more than a Wild Card game. It really was just a great football game. No team led by more than 6 the entire game, and no team looked too comfortable. The game was everything any die-hard football fan could have hoped for a playoff game.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This loss marked the 5th time the Packers lost a home playoff game in their last 8 games. This after starting 23-0 at home in the playoffs. Nothing really shows just how much the NFL playoffs have changed than that.

Interesting/Memorable Fact II: This game had some eerie parallels to the 2007 NFC Championship Game. First, both games were played in sub-zero temperatures (still, the '07 game was about 15 degrees colder by wind chill). Then, both games ended 23-20 with a field goal on the last play. Even the score progression was exactly the same except this game going 7-6 to 13-7 to 13-10 instead of 7-6 to 10-6 to 13-10.

5.) 2003 NFC Wild Card – (N5) Seahawks 27 @ (N4) Packers 33(OT)

Review: “We want the ball and we’re gonna score.” Another great game that has become dominated by one singular play, or in this case, sentence. Matt Hasselbeck’s guarantee heard around the world was just the coda to what already was a good football game between two good, pretty equal teams. There were a lot of storylines heading into the game, what with this being the return of Mike Holmgren to Lambeau Field, and with Matt Hasselbeck being one of the Favre backups to find success elsewhere. The game itself was well-played, with both QBs throwing for over 300 yards, and that walk-off pick-six by Al Harris being the only turnover in the game. The Packers fans were so happy when Alex Bannister(?) ran the wrong route in OT. Sad, they were so innocent then. The Lambeau Faithful had no idea that Favre would throw two OT interceptions in the next four years.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: The last five scores in regulation were all TDs (the game went from 13-6 Green Bay to 27-27) and all five were 1-yard runs by either Alexander or Ahman Green. Despite both having pedestrian days (neither ran for 3.0+ yards per carry) they combined for 5 TDs, while the two QBs got just one between them. That’s some quality vulturing.

4.) 2011 AFC Wild Card – (A5) Steelers 23 @ (N4) Broncos 29(OT)

Review: Because of recency bias, I came close to putting it at number two. Thankfully, I realized that was dumb, and put it at its proper place at. You could not script a better ending to the Tebow Era in Denver. For once, Tim Tebow earned his fairytale ending. Tebow just repeatedly abused a short-sighted game-plan by Dick LeBeau to single-cover everyone and put 8 in the box. It led to little running, but allowed Tim Tebow to throw for 316 yards on just 10(!) completions. Demaryius Thomas did most of the damage with a 4 reception 204 yard day. Roethlisberger started out slow, but reportedly got a shot at halftime and came out firing in the 2^nd half. The Steelers were two first downs from winning the game in regulation before an airmailed snap (the 2^nd of the game) ended that drive. It was, in a way, destiny. In the first playoff game with the new rules, the Broncos made that little fact irrelevant, scoring an 80-yard TD on the first play. It led to a harrowing divisional round game the next week (man, Steelers – Patriots would have been about 100x better), but one of the iconic memories, ironically for a team led by a QB that was jettisoned that offseason.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: The Broncos winning marked the fifth time in nine games time that in a playoff matchup between two teams with a total win differential of four or more,, that the team with the fewer wins won (10-6 Giants over 16-0  Patriots in 2007, 8-8 Chargers over 12-4 Colts in 2008, 9-7 Jets over 13-3 Chargers in 2009, 7-9 Seahawks over 11-5 Saints in 2010 – the four times the team with more wins won was the 12-4 Steelers beating the 8-8 Chargers in 2008, the 14-2 Colts beating the 9-7 Ravens and Jets in 2009 and the 11-5 Bears beating the 7-9 Seahawks). The 9-7 Giants would do it in each of their next three games as well, beating the 15-1 Packers and 13-3 49ers & Patriots, while of course the Patriots at 13-3 would beat Denver as well.

Tier VII - The Epics


3.) 2013 AFC Wild Card - (A5) Chiefs 44 @ (A4) Colts 45

Peyton Manning's first playoff win was a 41-10 thrashing of Denver where he had a perfect game. Andrew Luck's wasn't nearly as calm, but incredible all the same. Despite a start where the Chiefs could do no wrong, effortlessly moving up and down the field against a lax Colts defense. Alex Smith was awesome, going 30-46 for 378 yards. Too bad for him that Luck put up 65 more. Despite throwing three picks, including one during their 35-6 run to finish the game, Luck was brilliant in hitting his band of receivers, especially TY Hilton, who piled up 224 yards on 13 catches. Luck's highlight was either his perfect throw to Fleener to cut it to 41-31 near the end of the 3rd, or his 64-yard strike to Hilton to win the game. Of course, maybe it was his surreptitious recovery of a Richardson fumble that ended with him diving for a TD. The Chiefs lost despite never really being stopped, but the Colts were only stopped by themselves with the three interceptions. In a game that set a new playoff record for yards (1,049 total), the Colts and Chiefs made sure that 2013 continued being the year when no lead was safe.

Interesting/Memorable Play: The Cheifs nearly drove for a field goal to win 47-45, but with 2:30 remaining and facing a 2nd & 7 from the Colts 39, Smith was called for intentional grounding. They managed to have a manageable 4th and 11, but Smith overshot an open Bowe to end the game.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was the 2nd largest playoff comeback in NFL history, passing the 49ers comeback over the Giants and right behind the Bills coming back from 35-3 down.

2.) 2006 NFC Wild Card – (N5) Cowboys 20 @ (N4) Seahawks 21

Review: Four times there have been Saturday Wild Card round playoff games in Qwest Field. All four were good, and two were very good. This was the only one in primetime, and man was it special. The game is remembered mostly, obviously, by Tony Romo’s bobbled snap, but the rest of the game was crazy. Against a secondary featuring insurance-salesman Pete Hunter  playing nickel next to two rookies, Tony Romo threw for just 189 yards on 17-29 passing. Hasselbeck wasn’t much better going 18-36 for 240. What made the game legendary, though, was that ending. Starting with Miles Austin, a good three years before anyone would hear from him in any receiving capacity, answering a Seahawk TD with a kickoff return touchdown to make it 17-13 Boys. Then, down 20-13, the Seahawks were stoned on 4^th and Goal. Later after a fumble/safety/TD controversy, the Seahawks, courtesy of Jerramy Stevens (yeah, that loudmouth) catching his 2^nd touchdown, took a 21-20 lead. On the final drive, Lofa Tatupu stoned Witten one inch short of a first down where the Cowboys could have iced the game before kicking the field goal. As it was they never got the field goal off, but Romo still came close to running the bobbled hold in for a TD if not for a desperation tackle by Jordan Biabineaux. Wild Card Games are special because they are just that: wild. They aren’t the best teams, but they have damn dramatic, if not particularly well-played, endings.

Interesting/Memorable Play: So, the Terry Glenn fumble out of his own end zone that was originally thought to be recovered for a Seahawks TD was challenged by the Cowboys. The funny part about the challenge is that it was the rare case where in either outcome the Seahawks were going to score points, be it a safety or a touchdown.

Interesting/Memorable Fact: This was Bill Parcells last game as a head coach in the NFL, and it was 10 years after he and Mike Holmgren coached against each other in Super Bowl XXXI. NBC showed a side by side view of Holmgren and Parcells during that game and during the current one, and both seemed to have aged 20 years and put on 30 pounds.

1.) 2009 NFC Wild Card – (N5) Packers 45 @ (N4)Cardinals 51 (OT)

Review: Could it be anything else? The highest scoring game in NFL history featured one QB going 28-42 for 423 yards and 4 tds (with a pick) and being pretty conclusively the 2^nd best QB in that game. Warner, in his last great hurrah, put up something close to what Manning did to the Broncos in 2003 (he also had a perfect passer rating). 29-33 for 379 yards and 5 tds, and of course, without Anquan Boldin. Steve Breaston and Early Doucet picked up the pace. Larry Fitzgerald did as he does in the playoffs (6-82 and 2 scores). The best part of the game was the Packers not backing down after falling behind 31-10 and having nothing go for them (2 turnovers and a missed field goal). The Packers made just one stop in the whole game, but went on a 28-7 run to tie it at 38-38 with the help of what would become the most forgotten surprise onside-kick in playoff history. Jermichael Finley has made a living of being an overhyped player with his play as he had 6 catches for 159 yards. Greg Jennings, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston all made one-handed catches, each as good as the other. No one backed down (other than the two defenses, obviously). Rodgers was 95% as good as he was the next year in Atlanta in this game, but lost because Warner was 105% as good as Rodgers was in that game in Atlanta. The game might be this good even if Neil Rackers didn’t Vandershank the game-winning field goal and it had ended 48-45, but overtime made it even better, with defense winning the game, as a Mike Adams blitz got to Rodgers who fumbled and then kicked the ball right into the hands of Karlos Dansby. An ironically special way to end the greatest shootout most of us have ever seen.

Interesting/Memorable Play 1: The blitz that Mike Adams sacked and stripped Rodgers on was the same blitz called earlier in the game where Adams almost sacked Rodgers. Adams mistimed his leap then and Rodgers escaped. This time, he wasn’t as lucky.

Interesting/Memorable Play 2: There is a great NFL Films clip where the camera is perched right behind Mike McCarthy during the Rodgers fumble Touchdown, where as the play is happening, and McCarthy processes what is happening, he just falls to his knees in agony. A great human moment.

Interesting/Memorable Play 3: I can’t forget to mention the controversial non-call as Mike Adams latched onto Rodgers facemask. The issue is I can’t be too hard on Scott Green. He’s supposed to be watching the ball. Either way, the correct call would have been the facemask occurred after the fumble, and the Cardinals would have kept the ball anyway. That said, like the real ending better.