NFL Divisional Playoffs 2006

Jan 18

NFL

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Wow, again two wins on the road in the playoffs:

The Carolina Panthers and the Pittsburgh Steelers manage to win their second road-game in the playoffs.

The Panthers won in Chicago vs the Bears with a solid performance, while the Steelers dominated defensively the Indianapolis Colts who lost only twice in the regular season, and only after they already secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Which proved to be worth nothing: already the first game at home was lost.

It is quite astounding how the Colt falter everytime in the playoffs, it seems they are simply not able to adjust to unexpected defensive strategy: Blitzburgh’s ever pushing aggressive defense should have been counter-attacked with quick passes and screens, but Peyton Manning kept dropping 5 steps and being dropped (sacks and knockdowns).

The other 2 hosting teams came through clear: The Seattle Seahaws just needed a solid offensive performance vs the Washington Redskins, who again forgot to bring their offense along. The week before the Redskins defense did it alone at Tampa Bay, but in Seattle the would have needed some more Offense – winning the turnover battle 3-0 and still scoring only 10 point – you simply didn’t deserve to win.

The Denver Broncos handed the defending Champion New England Patriots their first play-off loss after 10 straight postseason wins. They never allow Tom Brady to demonstrate his magic in the playoffs, while putting together a solid offesive performance themselves.

Outlook to the Conference Championship Games:

Steelers at Denver:

The Steelers aggressive defense might be too aggressive for the Broncos style of offense: very good running game due to a quick and agile offensive line, which might be able to tear big holes into the Steelers defense, combined with a mobile Quarterback who can buy himself some more time.

I think this game will be decided wether Denver finds a way through the Pittburgh steel-curtain.

My prediction: they will!

The AFC will send the Denver Broncos to Superbowl XL!

Panthers at Seattle:

This game holds primarily two questions for me:

Can the Seahawks stop WR Steve Smith?

And, on the other side can the Panthers compensate the loss of RB DeShaun Foster, who went down with a broken ankle in Chicago?

My prediction: The Seahawks will stop WR Steve Smith, because they can really focus on stopping the pass, since the Panthers won’t have much of a running game.

The NFC will send the Seattle Seahawks to the Superbowl!