Washington at Seattle - W
When they run: It wasn't "Hail to the Redskins." More like, "Hey, these the Redskins?" The physical running game fell well below the standard set by previous teams. How much RB Clinton Portis' shoulder injury factor into Washington's 3.1 average is debatable. The injury kept him out of the game for much of the second half. Without Portis, the ground game was stymied. RB Ladell Betts couldn't carry the load in Clinton's absence...Well geez, the Seahawks only have the league MVP in running back Shawn Alexander who lead the league in rushing and touchdowns. He was a workhorse that averaged 5.1 yards per carry despite 370 rushing attempts, the most in the league. He didn't do it alone. Credit goes to the offensive line and to fullback Mack Strong for opening holes for Alexander to exploit.
When they pass: To say 7-for-15 for 41 yards was disappointing might be the leading candidate for understatement of the year. QB Mark Brunell had trouble finding open receivers and connecting even when they were open. The interception was a bone-headed play. You don't throw to the middle of the field on a roll out. Understood you're trying to make a play to keep the drive alive and run out the clock, but Brunell nearly cost the Redskins the game...The Seattle passing game picked up when injuries elevated wide out Joe Jurevicius to the starting lineup. He led the team in touchdowns with 10. Now with Darrell Jackson back, the offense has more options and is more explosive. TE Jerramy Stephens is a big target over the middle.
Defending the run: Excellent performance by the Washington front seven. There was nowhere to run for the Tampa Bay backfield. The three linebackers combined for 22 tackles and 10 assists as the D-line occupied blockers. They also forced a fumble that was returned for a score. To repeat this performance, the Redskins will have to do it without defensive end Renaldo Wynn. He will miss the rest of the playoffs...Having an explosive offense helped the Seahawks rushing defense. But in fairness, yes, the defense made strides from last year. It starts with middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu. The rookie led the team with 104 tackles. His path to ball carriers was kept clear by DTs Chartric Darby and the massive Marcus Tubbs. Opponents averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, but that wasn't the case when Seattle visited Washington.
Defending the pass: It wasn't a flawless performance by Washington's secondary. T.B. made good adjustments and moved the ball much better in the second half. What stood out was the pass rush deflected five passes, two leading to interceptions, the first returned to the six-yard line, setting up the first touchdown...The hard part is getting a pass off on Seattle. They led the league in sacks with 50, led by DEs Bryce Fisher (9) and Rocky Bernard (8.5). The secondary isn't the ball-hawking type, but they did return two picks for scores. Safety Michael Boulware, a converted college linebacker, led the team with four interceptions. Hard-hitting safety Ken Hamlin remains on injured reserve.
Special teams: Punter Derrick Frost could had been the player of the game, with seven punts, two downed inside of the 20. But he did shank one, setting up Tampa Bay with great field position for their final drive. The return game wasn't spectacular, but held T.B. from breaking one for big gains...Kicker Josh Brown must be used to booting extra points. When he gets to 40 yards and longer, he was good on 9-of-15. Punt coverage should be a concern as they allowed 8.4 yards per return. Fortunately punter Tom Rouen dropped 20 punts inside the 20.
The Pick: Seattle lost in overtime to the Redskins in the third game of the season. Then the Seahawks won the next eleven games. If the Redskins weren't so inept offensively, they could pull off an upset. The second go-round belongs to the Seahawks.
New England at Denver - L
When they run: Patriots RB Corey Dillion had a hard time gaining yards up the middle. But third down back Kevin Faulk had success running off-tackle. He averaged 8.5 yards on his six attempts, including a 19-yard dash on a touchdown drive. Throw in a reverse by Andre Davis and N.E. grinded out 118 yards the hard way...Looking into the Broncos garage, they have a running back for every situation. Everyday use: Mike Anderson. Heavy duty: Ron Dayne. Sporty: Tatum Bell. What drives them is the offensive line. They aren't big and physical, but there might not be a better coached or technically sound unit in the league. Denver was second in the league in rushing yards.
When they pass: Quarterback Tom Brady operated with his usual precision, throwing not for many yards, but three scores. It should had been four TD tosses, but receiver Deion Branch dropped a likely score inside the 10-yard line. It was a great catch and run by tight end Ben Watson, but the linebacker who had first crack did have his right hand in a cast, preventing him from getting a hold of Watson. The other defenders just didn't tackle well...The evolution of quarterback Jake "No Mistake" Plummer with Denver is a near 180-degree turn from who he was before joining the Broncos. No quarterback with more than 400 attempts threw fewer picks than Plummer (7). Receiving depth is a plus. Veteran Rod Smith consistently gets open. Ashlie Lelie can stretch the field (18.3 yards per reception). Fullback Kyle Johnson was second in TD receptions with five so watch out for him on play-action goal-to-go situations.
Defending the run: Maybe if Jacksonville kept coming at the Patriots on the ground, the result would had been different. New England allowed 5.1 yards per carry, but Jacksonville's game plan was to attack the secondary. Give credit to safety Eugene Wilson, forcing the Alvin Pearman fumble. Linebacker Tedy Bruschi did not play...Are those linebackers fast or what? Denver assembled a quick and aggressive trio in D.J. Williams, Al Wilson, and Ian Gold. The bigger story was the play of the defensive line. The three castoffs from Cleveland, ends Courtney Brown and Ebenezer Ekuban and tackle Gerard Warren have been playmakers all season, whether occupying blocks or making tackles.
Defending the pass: Jacksonville's Byron Leftwich developed a rhythm at the end of the first half. That was all eliminated in the second half has New England's coverage improved and the pass rush harassed Leftwich. Jacksonville was 1-12 on third down opportunities on the night, the Pats sacked the quarterbacks six times (LB Willie McGinest had 4.5 of them), and corner back Assante Samuel returned a pick for six...Denver doesn't rush the passer well, finishing tied for 30th with just 28. But they sure cover very well in the secondary. Corner back Champ Bailey led the league with eight interceptions. His fellow DBs picked off 12. And the linebackers blanket underneath, keeping backs and tight ends from sneaking out for big gains.
Special teams: Clever move faking a field goal and having kicker Adam Vinatieri pooch punt inside the 20. The listed punter, Josh Miller, was great, averaging 43 yards per attempt. Tim Dwight gave the punt return unit a spark with a 27-yard return. N.E. scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive...The pressure will be on the kickoff coverage from allowing a tide-shifting play. Opponents averaged 25.2 yards per return. Kicker Jason Elam had better years going 24/32, with a disappointing 10-for-17 from 40 yards and longer. Punter Todd Sauerbrun never disappoints (43.8 average).
The Pick: New England had been abused on the ground by quality offensive lines, Denver's group included. But down the stretch, N.E. allowed 31 yards per game in the last four regular season wins. This tips the scales in the Patriots favor.
Pittsburgh at Indianapolis - L
When they run: The final ground numbers for Pittsburgh were inflated by Verron Hayne's 46 yards on just three carries. Without it, the Steelers had 98 yards. But the yardage isn't as important as the attempts. 34 times the offense plowed forward, 26 attempts between Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis. The Bus proved to be the difference-maker, running for four first downs and a TD out of his 10 carries...This was arguably Edgerrin James' best season with the Colts. He shouldered the run game and carried it 1,506 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. James repeatedly beat defenses with several yards here, a dozen over here, 15 more now, go for nine, etc. That can wear down a defense. It helps that the offensive philosophy spreads a defense out, though the offensive line isn't given enough credit.
When they pass: A perfect call on the 43-yard touchdown pass. Pittsburgh had Cincinnati completely fooled. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a highly efficient game, missing just five of his 19 attempts for 208 yards and three scores. And Parker did a nice job on the catch and run for a score...The numbers aren't huge for QB Peyton Manning, but no passer is as efficient. Few get rid of the ball faster (sacked just 17 times). He used wide outs Marvin Harrison (82 receptions) and Reggie Wayne (83) evenly, but discovered tight end Dallas Clark (37 receptions, four TDs) as a sure-handed alternative. Third receiver Brandon Stokley and James bail out Manning consistently.
Defending the run: Pittsburgh slow down Cincy runner Rudi Johnson. He pounded out 56 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Two of those runs went for 20 and 18 yards with most of those yards coming after contact. The Steelers need to tackle better and seal holes...A thank-you note to Philadelphia for letting DT Corey Simon go. He anchored Indy's run defense. That allowed linebackers Gary Brackett (127 tackles) and Cato June (102) clean shots on ball carriers. Strong safety Bob Sanders (91) graciously lends a hand in run support. One thing that hasn't changed is Indy's D is still undersized. If they can't slip the blocks, it could be a long day (4.4 yards per carry allowed).
Defending the pass: The good news for Pittsburgh is they kept constant pressure on the quarterback and kept the Cincinnati duo of receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh in check. The bad news is they were constantly burned by the third receiver. Chris Henry started the game with a 66-yard reception and Walter had 73 yards on five receptions...June, a converted college safety, leads the Colts in interceptions with five, two returned for scores. Indianapolis came away with 18 passes. Many of those interceptions came under pressure, as defensive ends Dwight Freeney (eleven sacks) and Robert Mathis (11.5) lead a pass rush that finished with 47 sacks. It's a huge gamble to double either player.
Special teams: Stellar game by punter Chris Gardocki, averaging a huge 47 yards per punt. Coverage units were solid as well. Antwaan Randle El had two punt returns with a long of 14 yards, but couldn't break one...The Colts offense is so good, kicker Mike Vanderjagt didn't attempt any field goals 50 yards or more. Punter Hunter Smith was effective, but coverage needs improvement, giving up 10.9 yards per return.
The Pick: There is no such thing as a perfect team in these playoffs. Indianapolis was just closer than most teams. It was a solid win by the Steelers, but warts were visible. They won't be able to cover those mistakes as the Colts exploit them.
Carolina at Chicago - W
When they run: While RB DeShawn Foster did a lot of dancing while going nowhere, it's hard to argue with the results. 'Lina's featured ball carrier cut, juked, and spun his way to 151 yards. But he might have to abandon the excessive moves and just lower a shoulder to gain tough yards. Nick Goings ran very aggressively, taking what was available. And don't forget the reverse for a 12-yard score by wide out Steve Smith...Makes sense the team from the City of Big Shoulders puts those big shoulders to use to punish with a physical running game. As a team the Bears bullied their way to 2,099 yards, led by RB Thomas Jones and his 1,335 yards. If he needs a breather, Adrian Peterson or Cedric Benson can step in. For much of the season, opponents knew this was the offense, yet Chicago still couldn't be stopped.
When they pass: Not much to say except Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme did what was needed. He didn't force the ball and often took what was available. It worked for 140 yards and a touchdown to Smith. The distribution once again heavily favored Smith, who caught 10 of Delhomme's 15 completions. One negative is the O-line gave up four sacks...The onus is on quarterback Rex Grossman to balance the attack. Going 20-of-39 for 295 yards, one touch and two picks in a game and a half played won't be enough in the playoffs. You can't depend on the defense to save you. The only known commodity is wide out Muhsin Muhammed. Everyone else will need to step up and prove themselves to be more than just downfield blockers.
Defending the run: 'Lina held a 1,800-yard rusher to a mere 41 yards. New York's Tiki Barber found no holes and couldn't find any rhythm. A big help goes to the offense that held the ball for 42:45. With so little time to work with, New York's offense really couldn't try to establish the run game...Forget out occupying blockers. The whole Bears D-line wants to obliterate the ball carrier. The quartet of DEs Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown and DTs Tommie Harris and Ian Scott are strong and quick up the field. If there's anything left, linebackers Brian Urlacher (121 tackles) and Lance Briggs (107) feast on what's left with sideline-to-sideline speed.
Defending the pass: The frustration was obvious in the expressions of the New York receivers. Carolina completely blanketed the secondary while pressuring N.Y. quarterback Eli Manning. And the secondary was opportunistic, coming away with three interceptions. One pick, by Ken Lucas, set up Smith's 12-yard TD run a play later...If the Chi-town secondary gets a hand on a pass, it's a good as gone. The Bears came away with 24 interceptions, tied for tops in the NFC. Corner back Nathan Vasher led the way with eight. Getting the turnover isn't enough, as Chicago returned four for scores. Safety Mike Brown sets the tone and spooks those going over the middle. He has a knack for making plays when the team needs it.
Special teams: Greg Wesley was on top of a muffed punt. The play resulted in a Kasay field goal that put the Panthers ahead 10-0 at the half. Coverage units were impeccable. It was such a dominate game, 'Lina had one kickoff return...Bears kicker Robbie Gould attempted zero any field goals from 50 yards and longer. Good idea, as Robbie Gould was three-of-eight in the 40-49 yards range. Punter Brad Maynard was second in the league with 96 punts. If the offense isn't moving the ball, Maynard has to come through.
The Pick: Chicago's defense is talking up a storm, giving new meaning to the Windy City. They do have a right to talk, though the offense won't have anything to say. The O will no-show, allowing the Panthers to steal an upset.
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