The New York Giants and Tennessee Titans both locked up homefield throughout the playoffs yesterday in their big wins. NYG beat a hot Carolina team mainly because of Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward. "Earth" aka Jacobs is the key to the Giants offense. He bruises defensive fronts opening up holes for "Wind" aka Ward who had the game of his life. "Fire" aka Ahmad Bradshaw didn't play much yesterday, but he provides even more depth at the RB position for the Giants. This running attack makes QB Eli Manning's life a whole lot easier as he can just pick ! apart secondaries with defenses stacking the box. The Giants defense still has a prolific pass rush lead by DE Justin Tuck. This team is back on track and has earned the NFC's #1 seed.The Tennessee Titans had a grueling 31-14 victory over the Pittsburgh
Steelers. The Titans were an underdog despite having a better record and playing at home. The RB tandem of Chris Johnson and LenDale White remains the strength of the offense, but QB Kerry Collins has done a great job. WR Justin Gage continues to be one of his favorite ! targets. The defense was without DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and DT ! Albert H aynesworth, but still managed to hold Pittsburgh to a mere 14 points. The Titans proved they are the best team in the AFC and have a #1 seed to show for it. The one thing I didn't like was the stomping of the "Terrible Towel" after the game. Although it was not meant to be disrespectful, it came off that way. This could be fuel down the line if the Steelers and Titans meet up in the AFC Title game. Not a smart move by Tennessee, but nonetheless they too have homefield throughout the playoffs.The AFC East mess is slowly coming into
focus as the Jets were upset by the Seahawks in head coach Mike Holmgren's last game in Seattle. The Jets are dead, unless they beat Miami next week and NE loses to Buffalo. The Miami Dolphins are in the driver's seat, if they win then they are the AFC East Champions. If the Jets beat Miami, then NE has a chance if they beat Buffalo. All three teams are still alive in the wildcard as well if Baltimore loses.Those Ravens knocked off the Cowboys in a Saturday night thriller. Dallas got some help though because Tampa Bay and Philadelphia also lost, meaning if Dallas beats the Eagles next week in Philly then they get the last NFC wildcard slot. If Dallas loses then it comes down to Philadelphia and Tampa Bay. The Bucs were beaten by the Chargers on Sunday. The Chargers have set themselves up with a showdown against Denver. The winner of this game wins the AFC W
est and gets into the playoffs. Denver has now lost three games in a row, but if they win next week then they get in the playoffs. The NFC North is yet to be decided as well after Minnesota lost to Atlanta. The Bears are still in the hunt.The Atlanta Falcons went 4-12 last season and had to deal with all the Michael Vick drama. What a difference a year makes. Atlanta improved to 10-5 after a big win against the Vikings. New head coach Mike Smith and rookie QB Matt Ryan seem to have done the trick and Atlanta is back in the postseason. The Falcons are still eligible for a bye if they win next week and Carolina loses.
It has been a wild! 2008 NFL season, and week 17 is on the horizon. A ton of big matchups and of course I will preview those for you later in the week.
