THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS

Win today, go to the Super Bowl.

If you can’t get jacked up for these games, go hide in the basement and watch the Lifetime Network.

The rest of the world can wait. Today is about football.

No waxing poetic. Not today.. Here are the Title Game recaps.

AFC Title Game—New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts—The biggest upset in football history was Super Bowl III, when Joe Namath and the Jets guaranteed victory over the Colts and backed it up. This year Rex Ryan brought his father Buddy’s brashness into Indianapolis and got a win against backups. Peyton Manning and the Colts were Super Bowl or bust. The Colts have a 21st century air attack, while the Jets prefer the stone age approach of battering ram running and hard nosed defense.

The early victory belonged to the Gang Green defense. The Colts won the toss, completed a 1st down, and then saw Manning get buried on a 3rd and 8 sack as the Colts punted. The Jets took over at their own 30 and moved the ball down the field. On 3rd and 6 Mark Sanchez found Jerricho Cotchery for a sideline 1st down. On 3rd and 1 the Jets barreled over the marker. A 20 yard pass from Sanchez to Braylon Edwards picked up 20 yards to the Colts 21. A pair of running plays lost yards to set up 3rd and 15. A short pass set up a Jay Feely 44 yard field goal attempt. It was no good and the game remained scoreless.

On the next Colts series, Manning got sacked again, as the Colts went 3 and out and punted. The Jets did the same, and a great punt had the Colts at their own 11. A 12 yard run by Donald Brown and a 27 yard completion from Manning to Pierre Garcon had the Colts on the move. On the next play Manning went deep to Garcon for a 36 yard gain to set up 1st and goal at the 9. The Jets held on defense as the first quarter expired. The second quarter began with Matt Stover nailing a 25 yard field goal as the Colts up 3-0.

The Jets were expected to run the ball and play defense. Sanchez was supposed to just manage the game. Instead, on play action pass, Sanchez went deep to a wide open Braylon Edwards. The 80 yard touchdown bomb stunned the home crowd and had the Jets up 7-3.  Manning brought the Colts right back. On 3rd and 5, the Jets got called for 12 men on defense. Manning then fired 25 yards to have the Colts past midfield. Joseph Addai picked up gains of 9 and 8 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the 26, Manning hit Austin Collie for 22 yards down to the 4. On 3rd and goal from the 1, Manning went for the quarterback sneak. The defense blew up the play for a 1 yard loss. On 4th and goal from the 2, Jim Caldwell went for the field goal as the Colts closed to within 7-6.

With 6 ½ minutes left in the half, Rex Ryan went to his bag of tricks. A toss to Brad Smith led to a halfback option pass. Smith played quarterback in college, and his deep ball to a wide open Jerricho Cotcherry went for 45 yards down to the 12. On 3rd and 6 from the 9, Sanchez fired a throw just before getting belted. Dustin Keller caught the touchdown pass as the Jets led 14-6 with 5 minutes left in the half.

The Colts took over and Manning handed the ball to Addai. Addai got blasted in the backfield by Calvin Pace, resulting in a fumble recovered by Jim Leonard. The Jets took over at the Indy 30. The Colts moved no further, and Feely came in for a 48 yard kick. This time he drilled it dead center as the Jets led 17-6 with 2:11 in the half. Manning came right back. An 80 yard drive in 3 passes to Collie. 18 yards, followed by a 46 yard bomb, and finally a 16 yard touchdown took 58 seconds and had the Colts within 17-13.

In the third quarter the Jets moved down the field with a combination of runs and short passes. On 4th and 7 from the Colts 35, Rex Ryan decided to have Feely try a 52 yard field goal rather than punt and play field position. The kick was no good, and the Colts took over at their own 42. 6 straight passes, the last one a swing pass to Addai, had the Colts at the Jets 15th. The 7th pass went to Garcon for a 1st and goal at the 4. The 8th pass was the touchdown to Garcon to put the Colts back on top 20-17 midway through the third quarter.

Sanchez brought the Jets back. After a penalty set up 2nd and 17, a 17 yard completion had the Jets at the Colts 46. The Jets went no further, punting the ball away. From their own 16, the Colts followed up their all passing drive by shifting back to the ground, with Addai picking up 17 yards. The rest of the drive was 3 ineffective plays and a punt. The Jets took over at their own 10 with 2 minutes left in the third quarter.

Seconds into the fourth quarter, with the Jets facing 3rd and 6 at their own 27, Sanchez hit Cotcherry for 14 yards. On 3rd and 8 from the 43, Sanchez went for all the marbles and overthrew his receiver as the Jets punted. A touchback had the Colts at their own 20 with 12 ½ minutes left in regulation. Manning hit Reggie Wayne for 17 yards. Wayne fumbled the ball but quickly fell on it himself. A pass to Collie picked up another first down. A pass to Dallas Clark picked up another first down, and a facemask penalty moved the Colts to the Jets 19. From the 15, Manning hit Clark over the middle for the touchdown. 9 minutes still remained, but the Colts had breathing room up 27-17.

The Jets needed 2 scores to get back in the game, but got nothing on the next drive. A 3rd and 5 pass was knocked away and the Jets punted again. The Colts were not going to run out the clock. Manning got them this far by passing, so he kept passing. On 3rd and 3 from their own 40, Manning hit Garcon for a short first down. Addai then ran off an 18 yard gain to the Jets 36 as less than 5 minutes remained. An incomplete pass set up 3rd and 9 with 4:12 to play. Manning then went deep to Garcon for 23 yards down to the 12. A pair of runs set up 3rd and 8 from the 10 as the Jets took their second timeout with 3:19 to play. A running play set up 4th and 1 from the 2. Manning tried to get the Jets to jump offsides, but nobody bit. Caldwell sent out Stover, who nailed the 19 yarder to put the Colts up 30-17 with 2 ½ minutes left. Sanchez played mistake free all day, but a deflected pass was intercepted by Kelvin Hayden to seal things.

The New York media can blame the 2 missed field goals or other factors, but the fact is the better team at home won. Rex Ryan has built a team that is expected to compete over the long haul. The Jets are no longer losers. However, the one of the greatest teams of all time got to their second Super Bowl in 4 years.

In a very classy gesture by the Colts, former running back Edgerrin James was named honorary co-captain. He presented the trophy to the team after the game. Bill Polian and Tony Dungy built the team, Jim Caldwell maintained it, and Peyton Manning drives it. They really are that good. 30-17 Colts

NFC Title Game—Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints—Sean Payton and Drew Brees led the Saints to a 13-0 record before the Saints lost 3 straight to back into the top seed. Brad Childress, who is bald and Catholic, brought # 4 Brett Favre out of retirement again. The Vikings started 10-1 before stumbling down the stretch to finish 12-4. Both of these teams belted their opponent sin the divisional round to set up the showdown. In a very classy gesture, Sean Payton added Deuce McAllister back to the roster last week. His career may be done, but he is beloved by the team and the city.

The Saints were in the title game in 2006, providing a lift to a region wrecked by Hurricane Katrina. This year they want to go one step further. As for the Vikings, Brett Favre truly is the 4-Ever Man. At age 40, he wants one more shot at his second ring. 2 years ago he was one game away and lost in overtime. Yet for Minnesota, the key would be if Percy Harvin could overcome his migraines and play. Terrell Davis did it in 1997, and Harvin is just as vital to his team.

The Vikings came out throwing, with 5 straight Favre passes followed by a Percy Harvin run. More passes set up a 19 yard touchdown run by Adrian Peterson to complete the 10 play, 80 yard, 5 ½ minute drive to put the Vikings up 7-0. Drew Brees brought the Siants right back. From the Minnesota 37, a short swing pass to Pierre Thomas was followed by several mistackles and a touchdown to tie the game up 7-7 only 3 minutes later.

The Vikings appeared to go 3 and out on their next series, but a 3rd and 10 incomplete pass was nullified by offsides, and a 3rd and 5 incomplete pass was nullified by defensive holding and an automatic 1st down. Favre then hit Bernard Berrian for 15 yards to the Saints 47. A reverse was followed by a 15 yard personal foul penalty when Favre got decked after handing the ball off. From the Saints 31, two plays picked up 3 yards. 3rd and 7 from the 28, Favre hit Harvin for 19 yards to set up 1st and goal from the 9. Despite moving the ball, Favre was taking a beating early on. Every pass was followed by a hit. On 3rd and goal from the 5, Favre threaded the needle and hit Sidney Rice for the touchdown. Another 10 play drive had the Vikings led 14-7.

On the next Saints possession, a double reverse nearly turned into a major loss, although Reggie Bush managed to get back to the line of scrimmage. On 3rd and 11 Brees completed a pass one yard short of the sticks. The Saints punted, and the Vikings took over at their own 15 as the first quarter ended. The Vikings started the second quarter by going 3 and out, as the Saints took over at their own 35.

Brees went deep and hit Marquis Colston at the Minnesota 36. A pass to Thomas had the Saints at the Vikings 21. Thomas then ran it to set up 1st and goal at the 9. Brees hit Devry Henderson for the tying touchdown at 14-14. Minnesota came out from the 20 and went to the ground game this time. A 12 yard run by Chester Taylor and another 1st down run by Adrian Peterson had the Vikings at their own 47. On 3rd and 4 from the Saints 47, Favre threw incomplete and the Vikings punted with 6 minutes left in the half.

The Saints took over at their own 18. On 3rd and 1, an off-tackle run by Lionel Hamilton got blown up in the backfield as the Saints punted. Minnesota took over at their own 21 and also went 3 and out. The Saints took over at their own 33 with 3:43 left in the half. Another 3rd and 1 resulted in a pitchout to Reggie Bush, who got bottled up short of the marker. On 4th and 1 from their own 42, Brees unsuccessfully tried to draw Minnesota offsides. The Saints took a delay of game penalty at the 2 minute warning.

A dumb personal foul on the Saints occurred when the punt returned took a knee and was blasted while down. The Vikings took over at their own 32. On 3rd and 9, Favre hit Berrian for a 14 yard gain. This time on 3rd and 9 Favre threw high and incomplete.

For 28 minutes the game was turnover free. A punt to Reggie Bush turned disastrous when Bush got blasted by Frampton and fumbled the ball. The Vikings recovered to set up 1st and goal at the 10. Peterson barreled over tacklers to get to the 4. On the next play Favre handed off to Peterson. Peterson never grabbed the ball cleanly, and the fumble turned it back over to the Saints. From their own 10, the Saints ran the ball. Despite having 2 timeouts, Brad Childress for some reason decided they would be better served dying in the locker room. The teams went to the half deadlocked.

Terrible tackling allowed Courtney Roby to return the second half kickoff 61 yards to the Minnesota 37. Consecutive runs by Pierre Thomas had the Saints with 1st and goal at the Minnesota 9. Thomas raced through the middle and extended the ball just over the goal line on the next play to put the Saints up 21-14. Thomas was down a yard short, but Minnesota did not challenge the play.

After a touchback, Favre fired 13 yards to Sidney Rice. A play action pass to Vincente Shiancoe went to the Saints 40. Peterson fumbled the ball again, but Minnesota was lucky enough to recover it for a 10 yard loss. On 2nd and 20, Favre hit Shiancoe at the marker for the 1st down at the Saints 30. Chester Taylor ran it to set up 3rd and 2 from the 22. Favre went to the corner for Shiancoe, who caught it at the 2 yard line. Favre handed the ball to Peterson, who redeemed himself and banged it in to tie the game 21-21 midway through the third quarter.

The Saints went 3 and out, but the Minnesota return man took it at his own goal line rather than let it become a touchback. The Vikings started at their own 10. Peterson ran hard again, but fumbled for the third time in the game. Peterson avoided being goat of the game by outracing 3 Saints to get the ball back. From the Minnesota 32, Peterson exited and Chester Taylor got the ball. Favre got leveled on the next play, resulting in a person foul from being piledriven into the ground. With 2 minutes left in the third quarter, Favre was intercepted in the red zone. Even worse, this time he got hit high and low by 2 defenders. He had to hobble off of the field.

The Saints took over at their own 31 and ran the ball twice. A false start penalty and an incomplete pass led to a punt. The Vikings took over at their own 16. Favre had his ankle taped up and came back in the game. A handoff to Harvin picked up 14 yards. Harvin fumbled but was down. On the next play Harvin fumbled again. After several near disasters, this time the fumble was lethal. The Saints eventually recovered it at the 3 yard line. On 3rd and goal, Brees fired to Bush. It initially appeared to be 4th and goal at the one, but Sean Payton challenged the call. Brees did stretch the ball over the pileon, and on further review it was a touchdown. The Saints led 28-21 with 12 ½ minutes to play. The Vikings took over after another booming touchback.

On 2nd and 7 from the 23, Peterson spun away from tacklers, and raced down the sideline to midfield. On 3rd and 10 Favre found Berrian for a 30 yard gain down to the 20. Brett fired complete to Berrian at the 10. Berrian then got hit and Minnesota fumbled for the 6th time, losing their 3rd one. With 9 ½ minutes left, the Saints took over at their own 5.

On 3rd and 2 from the 13, it was the Saints turn to mess up when Brees fumbled the snap from center. Brees fell on it just short of the 1st down. With 8 minutes left, Sean Payton challenged that it was a 1st down. The call stood, and the Saints lost a timeout and were out of challenges. The Vikings took over at their own 43.

On 3rd and 6 Favre hit Shiancoe, who stiff armed a guy down to the Saints 37. Peterson took a handoff for 18 yards down to the Saints 19. Favre went to the end zone for Berrian. Defensive pass interference on Tracy Porter set up 1st and goal at the one. Peterson lost a yard, but took it up the middle on 2nd down as the game was tied for the 4th time at 28-28 with 5 minutes to play.

The Saints took over at their own 19. Brees fumbled again after getting stripped, but the Saints fell on it at their own 11. Despite hits, it was the 1st sack of the game by either team. On 3rd and 18, Brees fired to Henderson for 16 yards. On 4th and 2 with less than 3 minutes to go, there was no decision. The Saints punted. A booming kick had the Vikings at their own 23 with 2:37 to go.

A running play went nowhere and took the clock to the 2 minute warning.

On 3rd and 8 Favre hit Berrian, who broke a tackle and willed his way to the 1st down. On 1st and 10 at the 33, the Vikings took their 1st timeout. Favre threw a perfect pass to Sidney Rice at the Saints 47. With everone expecting a pass, Chester Taylor broke through on the ground to the Saints 33 with 1:06 to play as the Saints took their final timeout. A pair of running plays went nowhere as the Vikings took their 2nd timeout with 19 seconds to play. With everything on the line, the Vikings got called for 12 men in the huddle. This turned a potential 50 yard kick into a 55 yarder. Longwell never got the chance. On 3rd and 15, Favre rolled out, fired across the field, and was intercepted. The nightmares of 2 years ago resurfaced as the teams went to overtime.

On 3rd and 8 Favre hit Berrian, who broke a tackle and willed his way to the 1st down. On 1st and 10 at the 33, the Vikings took their 1st timeout. Favre threw a perfect pass to Sidney Rice at the Saints 47. With everone expecting a pass, Chester Taylor broke through on the ground to the Saints 33 with 1:06 to play as the Saints took their final timeout. A pair of running plays went nowhere as the Vikings took their 2nd timeout with 19 seconds to play. With everything on the line, the Vikings got called for 12 men in the huddle. This turned a potential 50 yard kick into a 55 yarder. Longwell never got the chance. On 3rd and 15, Favre rolled out, fired across the field, and was intercepted. The nightmares of 2 years ago resurfaced as the teams went to overtime.

The Saints won the toss, and Pierre Thomas returned it to the Saints 39 yard line. A pair of running plays set up 3rd and 6. An incomplete pass was nullified by defensive holding and an automatic 1st down at the Saints 48. A deep pass to Colston was nearly caught, intercepted, caught again, and intercepted again, before falling incomplete. On 3rd and 10, Brees hit Colston. Colstonw as passed the 1st down marker, but he bobbled it, and secured it short of the 1st down. On 4th and a foot from the Minnesota 43, Sean Payton decided to go for it. Pierre Thomas took a handoff and went airborne before getting knocked back. It was ruled a 1st down.

On the next play Brees went backwards, threw off his back foot, and benefitted from a pass interference call on the defense. The ball appeared uncatchable, but the Saints were at the Vikings 30. A running play lost 4 yards, but a pass to Robert Meachem set up 3rd and 3 at the Minnesota 22.  It looked like the ball hit the ground, but the call stood. An incomplete pass brought in Garret Hartley for a 40 yard field goal try with everything on the line.

The kick was drilled dead center. The Vikings were crushed. Favre was done, at least for the year. The Saints saw their owner do the Tom Benson Boogie. The New Orleans Saints are going to their very 1st Super Bowl. The ending was very controversial, but both teams had plenty of chances to win. The Saints did a slight bit more. 31-28 Saints, OT

No player should overshadow the game, but the annual Groundhog Day version of Favrewatch now begins.

Super Bowl XLIV is upon us. For the first time since the 1993 season, both # 1 seeds advanced to the Super Bowl. The argument of rest vs. rust clearly came down on the side of rest.

Next week is the Pro Bowl. In 2 weeks the Colts and the Saints play for everything.
eric

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 24th, 2010 at 3:42 pm and is filed under SPORTS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.