The Road to Miami - Divisional Round

The Road to Miami – The Divisional Round

Before I dive into my divisional round predictions, who here feels bad for Tony Romo after his disastrous error at the conclusion of the Cowboys-Seahawks game? To lose a game like that, on one of the most routine scoring plays in all of football (a field goal attempt from 19 yards!) is a crushing way to lose a play-off game and end a season where the aforementioned Romo skyrocketed to superstardom by leading Dallas into the postseason.

What makes this all the more heartbreaking for Cowboys fans was that when Romo was running for the end zone after the botched field goal attempt, he didn’t even have to make to the end zone for the Cowboys to win. All he had to was make the 1 yard line, where the first down marker was. Had he made it, they would have gotten a 1st down, run down the clock, and kicked the winning field goal with no time left.

But alas, he was tripped up at the 2 yard line and the star that was shining ever so brightly crashed down to earth with him.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, it’s time to finally take a look at the Divisional Round to see which teams will advance to play another week for a chance to book flights to Miami for Superbowl XLI.

Indianapolis at Baltimore

The big key in this game is how Peyton Manning can regain his form after a mediocre performance against the Chiefs in the opening round. Not to put any additional pressure on Manning, but the team that’s waiting for him on the field this Saturday is the Baltimore Ravens who happens to have one of the best defenses in the league

Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and the rest of that defense is a nightmare for any team. Not only do they have a plethora of versatile playmakers that can make things happen, but this team has proven that they can win on the big stage against elite competition. They have the ability to pressure Manning and his receivers all night and make it hard for the Colts to get in rhythm. In addition to that awesome defense, the offense has found a level of consistency with Steve McNair under center. The power-based offensive attack of the Ravens will prove to be a good match-up for a Colts rushing defense that stepped up to the plate against the Chiefs after being abused by just about every team in the regular season.

Still, everything hinges around no. 18 and how he performs against the Ravens D. If “Playoff Peyton” can play to the level of “Regular Season Peyton,” they have a good chance at beating Baltimore. With Manning’s track record, however, it’s a task that’s easier said than done.

Still, as good as the Ravens defense is, who would bet against a virtuoso performance from Peyton Manning this Saturday after that stinker he had against the Chiefs?

Not me.

Colts 27, Ravens 21


New England at San Diego

This is the toughest match-up to predict because you have the best team in football this season against the best team in football this decade. It’s like one of those classic boxing fights where the only way to pick a winner was to flip a coin.

I feel the same way for this one.

On one side you have the San Diego Chargers. They are the best team in the league, having won their last 10 games. They are also 8-0 at home and they are the highest scoring team in the league this year. They have a tough defense and the team is led by this guy, LaDanian Tomlinson. I’m sure you’ve heard of him.

On the other hand, the New England Patriots aren’t called a dynasty for no reason. They have the best quarterback in football, the best coach in football, and that undeniable championship aura that other teams can only dream of having. The Patriots also have a pretty stout road record, posting an impressive 7-1 record away from the Big Razor Blade. These will all come handy when they travel to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

So here’s the dilemma: Who do I pick, LT or Brady and Belichick?

The safe pick would be to pick the Patriots. You can’t deny the genius of Belichick and the savvy of Brady. They’ve been there before and they’ve beaten some pretty good teams on their way to three championship rings.

But all those teams don’t have what San Diego has – “Superman” himself, LaDanian Tomlinson.

Even though they’re the safe bet, I’m hopping on the LT bandwagon and pick the Chargers to take this one.

Chargers 31, Patriots 28

Seahawks at Bears

The Seahawks were beyond lucky last Saturday night. Next Sunday, they’re going to need more than ‘beyond lucky’ to beat the Bears.

They’re going to have to be beyond good, too.

Last year’s Seahawks could have beaten this year’s Bears. I have no doubt in that.

But this year’s Seahawks have two factors, and huge ones at that, going against them. One, their receiving corps is banged up. Darrell Jackson and DJ Hackett are both playing with injuries and it remains to be seen if they’ll be able to suit up this Sunday. Against a premier defense like what the Bears have, Matt Hasselbeck needs healthy and effective wide receivers to throw to. Unfortunately, Hasselbeck doesn’t have that luxury. Second, the loss of Steve Hutchinson will be magnified even more against the Bears. With Hutchinson and Walter Jones anchoring the left side of Seattle’s offensive line last year, Shaun Alexander was able to put up huge numbers. Now that Hutchinson’s gone, Alexander will have a tougher time penetrating the Bears defense. It showed the whole year, even when the Birds were playing pedestrian defenses.

Against the Bears, Alexander will be lucky to break 90 yards. Even if he does, Seattle is still too banged up to mount a real challenge on Chicago.

Bears 27, Seahawks 10

Eagles at Saints

I think the whole world wants the New Orleans Saints to win the Superbowl. Certainly, after everything their city has gone through in the past 18 months, nobody deserves it more than them.

Standing in their way will be a revamped Eagles team that hopes to rain in on New Orleans’ parade. Make no mistake about it; the Eagles are the hottest team in the NFC right now and they pose a serious threat to end the Saints fairytale season. Jeff Garcia has done a yeoman’s job filling for the injured Donovan McNabb and tailback Brian Westbrook has been nothing short of spectacular as well.

But the Saints have a bunch of special players, too.

Drew Brees leads a high-powered Saints offense that is chalk-full of playmakers, including the vaunted running back tag-team of Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush and a formidable group of wide receivers led by super rookie Marques Colston.

In a game that’s too close to call, the Saints have one advantage over the Eagles that might ultimately decide who moves on and who goes home - The Louisiana Superdome.

If you think the Week 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons was electrifying, it will pale in comparison to the atmosphere this Sunday night. Don’t be surprised if the roof of the Superdome literally flies off. Expect the Saints to ride on the supercharged atmosphere of the home crowd and continue their march to Miami.

Saints 23, Eagles 13