NFL 2015-2016 Divisionals Recap
NFL Wild Card round saw all four road teams favored. Those road teams all won.
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Now for the NFL 2015-2016 Divisionals Recap
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots — The Chiefs had won 11 straight games, but do not be fooled. They have a good defense, but Alex Smith deserves the label of dink and dunk West Coast Offense game manager. It is one thing to knock off Houston and play with a lead given to you by special teams in defense. It is quite another to play catchup on the road against a well rested New England squad. This week was the reality check.
The Patriots jumped all over the Chiefs from the start. Tom Brady led an 11 play, 80 yard drive and thew an 8 yard touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski for a 7-0 Patriots lead. The Chiefs then linked and dunked for 17 plays, 64 yards, taking 8 1/2 minutes off the clock. Yet they had to settle for a 34 yard Cairo Santos field goal and still trailed 7-3.
In the second quarter the Patriots were pinned at their own 2. Brady old an 11 play, 98 yard drive that consumed 5 1/2 minutes. Brady snuck in from a few inches out for a 14-3 Patriots lead. The Chiefs reached the red zone again but settled for another field goal from 23 to trail 14-6 at halftime.
In the third quarter the Patriots moved 69 yards quickly. Brady found Gronkowski for a 16 yard touchdown to make it 21-6 Patriots. Smith did lead a 12 play, 80 yard drive that took 6 minutes. A ton of luck turned a busted play for a loss into a big gain after Smith ran into his own man but somehow completed a deep ball sandlot-style. A 10 yard touchdown pass to Wilson had the Chiefs within 21-13.
In the fourth quarter the Patriots put it away. Stephen Goskowski hit a pair of field goal from 32 and 40 yards for a 27-13 Patriots lead. It is one thing to dink and dunk with a lead, but Smith was not going to throw 2 touchdown passes late by moving the team in 4 yard increments. The Chiefs got a garbage touchdown with 1:13 left but the onside kick failed. The Chiefs and all 3 timeouts and on 2nd down Bill Bellichick gambled with a pass. It doinked off a receiver, then off a defender, and was somehow caught by a receiver for the clinching first down.
It was almost an interception for a touchdown the other way. Almost means nothing. The Patriots are going to the AFC Title Game for the fifth straight year, tying the NFL record set by the 1973-1977 Oakland Raiders. As for Smith’s critics, the way to silence them is to win a big game. He didn’t. Walrus Lite Andy Reid once again lost to evil Hoodie Bellichick, preventing him from getting his upgrade to full walrus status. 27-20 Patriots.
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals — The Cardinals did lose at home by 30 in their regular season finale, but they beat the Packers by 30 points at home last month. The Cardinals may be the most complete team in the NFL. The Packers looked great last week against an overmatched Washington squad, but this is where the rubber meets the road. Bruce Arians brought a well-rested and very focused team who still is smarting from being robbed of their quarterback last year.
A field position game quickly had the Cardinals taking over at the Green Bay 42. On 4th and 1 from the 10, David Johnson gained 2. On 3rd and goal from the 8, Carson Palmer hit Michael Floyd for the touchdown. The Cardinals led 7-0 after the first quarter, but the rest of the game was a street fight.
The second quarter saw the Packers embark on a pair of staggering 17 play drives. Green Bay moved 85 yards and took 7 1/2 minutes off the clock, followed by going 71 yards and eating up 8 minutes. Despite all of that, the Packers could not close things out in the red zone. On the first drive, Rodgers had an interception returned 100 yards for a touchdown by Patrick Peterson. Yet before one could say 14-0 blowout, it was nullified by a defensive holding penalty. A pair of field goals by Mason Crosby from 28 and 34 had the Packers trailing 7-6 at halftime.
In the third quarter Rodgers was quickly intercepted to give the Cardinals a short field. Three plays later Palmer was intercepted right back. The Packers moved 81 yards and finally reached pay dirt. An 8 yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Janis had the Packers up 13-7. The Cardinals came back 74 yards in 10 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. This time it was the Cardinals bogging down in the red zone. Chandler Catanzaro hit the 28 yard field goal as the Cardinals trailed 13-10 after three quarters.
The Cardinals moved from their own 38 and began the fourth quarter with an 18 yard completion to set up 1st and goal at the 10. Easily in field goal range, Palmer went to the end zone and was intercepted. The Cardinals held on defense and got it back after a touchback with 11 minutes left in regulation.
On 3rd and 4 from the Green Bay 43, Palmer found David Johnson for 9 yards. On 3rd and 4 from the Green Bay 28, Palmer found Brown for 9 more. On 3rd and 10 from the Green Bay 19, Palmer rifled a perfect pass between two defenders to Johnson. Johnson broke a tackle, dove, and made the first down by the nose of the football. Palmer was living on the edge.
On 1st and goal from the 9, Palmer threw a dangerous pass over the middle that was batted up in the air by a defender. Somehow instead of a sure interception, it caromed to Floyd for a fluke touchdown. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good, as Palmer’s Shane Falco impersonation completed the 14 play, 80 yard, 7 minute drive and Arizona up 17-13 with 3:45 to play.
With 2:42 left, the Packers faced 4th and 5 at their own 25. With one timeout left plus the two minute warning, Mike McCarthy made a very gutsy decision to go for it rather than punt. Rodgers threw a low ball that bounced once before being trapped incomplete. Eight seconds later, Bruce Arians made an equally if not even more controversial decision.
On 2nd and 8 from the Green Bay 23 with 2:34 left and the Packers out of timeouts, a run would have taken the clock down to the two minute warning. Instead, Arians called a pass play. Palmer threw incomplete, stopping the clock. A run on third down took the clock to the two minute warning and set up fourth down. Catanzaro hit the 36 yard field goal to put the Cardinals up 20-13, but the Packers got it back with 1:50 left instead of barely more than one minute.
The Packers took over at their own 14 with 0 timeouts. A sack of Rodgers followed by a controversial non-call of pass interference had the Packers facing 4th and 20 at their own 4 with 55 seconds left. Green Bay needed a Hail Mary to beat Detroit, but this time the Packers needed two Hail Marys. Even Aaron Rodgers cannot throw it 96 yards on one play.
Rodgers rolled to his left and heaved a pass that was caught by Janis for a 60 yard gain to the Arizona 36. The rest of the Packers raced down the field to try to get set for Rodgers to spike the football. Instead he decided to run another play. He threw to the end zone incomplete, and illegal motion pushed the packers back 5 yards. With 5 seconds left the Packers had one last chance from the Arizona 41.
Detroit a few weeks ago got burned as Jim Caldwell sent only 3 men rushing. Arians tried the reverse approach, bringing extra pressure. Rodgers rolled to his left again, and with a man in his face, heaved a pass to the end zone. Janis caught it again! Are? You? Kidding? Me? Two Hail Marys in one season. 96 yards on two bombs. The extra point was good. The game went into overtime tied 20-20. The extra session even got off to a goofy start when the coin flip saw the coin refuse to flip. On the second try the Cardinals won the toss and elected to receive. They took over at their 20.
Given that Bruce Arians just saw his team kicked in the gut, the thinking was that he would slow the game down and give his deflated team a chance to settle down. Surely Palmer would play it safe after some near catastrophes. Wrong. Nothing stops this offense’s aggressiveness. Palmer nearly got sacked, escaped, and threw a ball across his body to the other side of the field. Larry Fitzgerald was wide open and off to the races. He got some blocks, and was finally tackled after a 75 yard gain. One play into overtime, and the Cardinals had 1st and goal at the 5.
Now Arians had to play it safe. Wrong again. First Palmer threw an incompletion. Then on second down with everyone spread out, Palmer did his john Elway impersonation. A perfect shovel pass to Fitzgerald went for the touchdown and ended the game one minute into overtime.
A few years ago the Cardinals beat the Packers in overtime 51-45. This game overall was less thrilling but the ending was pure Cardiac Cards. Cris Collinsworth summed it up best. ”There is no reality television that can match the drama we just saw.” The Packers are done for the year while the Cardinals are on their way to the NFC Title Game. It was a long time coming and required one extra minute and some heart pills, but Carson Palmer at age 36 finally has his first playoff win. The Cardinals are one game from the Promised Land. If Moses had dreadlocks he’d be Larry Fitzgerald. 26-20 Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks at 15-1 Carolina Panthers — Carolina won in thrilling fashion in Seattle earlier this year. The previous three years the Seahawks won three straight times in Carolina. Carolina rested up, but Seattle had beast Mode Marshawn Lynch finally ready to go. On paper this looked like a great game. It was not.
From the Carolina 25, Jermaine Stewart ran for a 59 yard gain on the very first play. Stewart ran for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Panthers. 2 plays later, On 2nd and 13 from their own 11, Russell Wilson was intercepted by Luke Kuechly, who returned it 14 yards for a touchdown. The Panthers had a 14-0 lead barely more than 3 minutes into the game.
Carolina got it back and moved 86 yards in 15 plays, taking nearly 9 minutes off the clock. The second quarter began with Stewart getting in from the one to make it 21-0 Panthers. One play later after a touchback, Wilson was intercepted. Graham Gano hit a 48 yard field goal to make it 24-0 Panthers after little more than one quarter of football.
Carolina got it back at their own 46 and moved easily. On 3rd and 14 from the Seattle 19, Cam Newton went to Greg Olsen for the touchdown. On the last play of the half, Steve Hauschka came in for a 55 yard field goal try to get the Seahawks on the board. The kick was no good as the Panthers took a 31-0 lead into the locker rooms. The question at this point would be if and when Ron Rivera would pull his starters. There is no need to risk injuries. As great as Cam Newton is, he still needs to practice his clipboard-holding skills.
The decision was delayed when the Tyler Lockett returned the second half kickoff to midfield. A personal foul on Carolina had the Seahawks starting at the Carolina 35. Wilson hit Jermaine Kearse for a 13 yard touchdown to finally get the Seahawks on the board. They trailed 31-7, but it was only 90 seconds into the second half. Seattle got it back at their own 37 and moved the ball again. On 3rd and 10 from the Carolina 33, Wilson went deep to Lockett for the touchdown. Midway through the third quarter, the Seahawks were within 31-14.
The crowd got even more nervous when Pete Carroll called a fake punt that was executed perfectly. Yet a sack of Wilson ended the drive as the Panthers sought to slow Seattle’s momentum. In the fourth quarter Wilson led the Seahawks 73 yards. On 3rd and goal from the 3, Wilson hit Kearse for the touchdown. The Seahawks were within 31-21 with 6 minutes left in regulation.
Seattle got it back at their own 22 with 2:49 left and continued a furious rally. With 1:26 left, Seattle had 2nd and 10 from the Carolina 13. A delay of game penalty followed by a pair of incompletions brought Hauschka in for the critical 36 yard field goal. It was good and the Seahawks were still alive, down by 7. Now came the critical onside kick.
Last year Seattle needed the miracle and got it. Not this year. The onside kick was grabbed high in the air by Kuechly, who somehow hung on to it. The Seahawks 2 time reign as NFC Champions is over. Champions go down fighting, and the Seahawks did. Next week Carolina hosts the NFC Title Game. 31-24 Panthers
Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos — Until last week, Pittsburgh was supposed to be the most dangerous AFC team that nobody wanted to face. That was with a healthy Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben and Antonio Brown got rocked last week in Cincinnati. Roethlisberger showed grit and courage in the win but he has a separated soldier. He will play, but will be without injured Bryant and DeAngelo Hall. Denver’s defense was ready to tee off on Big Ben. Denver can run the football, and Peyton Manning showed that reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated. Denver entered well-rested while Pittsburgh had to try and get a road win while being an injured mess.
Bolden returned a punt 42 yards to have the Broncos starting at the Pittsburgh 30. On 3rd and 5 from the 14, a Manning completion came up short. On 4th and 1 from the 10, Gary Kubiak ignored Manning and the crowd and played it safe. Brandon McManus hit the 28 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Broncos.
Pittsburgh moved from their 20 to a 4th and 1 at the Denver 32. A 50 yard field goal try was no gimme in the cold weather, and Mike Tomlin decided to go for it. Rather than move the chains, Roethlisberger went deep incomplete. A field position game had Denver starting again with a short field at the Pittsburgh 31. On 2nd and 1 they lost a yard followed by an incompletion. Again Denver settled for a 41 yard McManus field goal and a 6-0 lead.
After a touchback, Maitavius Bryant caught a pass for 23 yards and then took an end around 40 more yards. Fitzgerald Toussaint ran for 15 yards and on the next carry got in from the one to make it 7-6 Steelers. In the second quarter the Steelers faced 3rd and 5 from their own 20. Roetholisberger went deep to Darrius Hetward-Bey for a 58 yard gain. Chris Boswell hit a 43 yard field goal to make it 10-6 Steelers.
The Broncos moved to a 4th and 3 at the Pittsburgh 38 with 6 minutes left in the half. Kubiak decided to go for it. Manning threw a pass to Emanuel Sanders, who had it before getting blasted by Mike Mitchell for an incompletion. Pittsburgh soon faced 3rd and 2 from their own 45. mike Tomlin called a double reverse that gained nothing.
Denver took over at their own 5 with 3:14 left in the half. CJ Anderson broke free for a 34 yard gain. With 12 seconds left in the half the Broncos faced 3rd and 10 at the Pittsburgh 32. Manning fumbled the snap, fell on it, and called timeout with 5 seconds left. McManus came in for a 51 yard field goal try. The kick looked good and at the last second a gust of wind appeared to blow it wide. The officials ruled it good, and replay showed that it was not blown wide until after it had just gone through. It was close, but the correct call as the Broncos trailed 10-9 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh moved from their 21 to a 3rd and 5 at the Denver 10. Roethlisberger threw incomplete. Boswell hit from 28 to make it 13-9 Steelers. Disaster nearly struck Pittsburgh when they fumbled a punt, but were lucky to retain possession at their own 6. Pittsburgh punted back and Denver took over at their own 47. A couple of 10 yard manning completions set up McManus for his fourth field goal try from 41. The kick was good as the Broncos trailed 13-12 late in the third quarter.
Pittsburgh moved from their 20 to the Denver 24. On the last play of the third quarter, Big Ben was sacked, with an offensive personal foul killing the drive. On 4th and 20 from the Denver 34, Mike Tomlin opted to punt rather than try a 52 yard field goal in less than ideal wind conditions.
After a touchback, Manning hit Sanders for a 34 yard gain. Yet after that the offense did nothing. Pittsburgh again flirted with destruction when they fumbled another punt. Again they were lucky to recover the ball in their own end zone for a touchback. Denver players thought they had a safety, but the rulebook stated it was a touchback. A penalty tacked on had the Steelers starting at their own 25.
Three completions by Roethlisberger had the Steelers on the move facing 2nd and 4 from the Denver 34. Toussaint got the carry and had the ball jarred loose by Roby. DeMarcus Ware fell on it for Denver, After exactly 50 minutes of mistake free football, the game’s first turnover had the Broncos taking over at their own 35 with 10 minutes left.
After a long gain by Anderson was wiped out by offensive holding, the Broncos faced 3rd and 12. Manning went deep to Fowler, who broke several tackles for a 31 yard gain. From the Pittsburgh 36, Denver played smash mouth and knocked the Steelers back with hard running. On 1st and goal at the 2, a pair of runs by Ronnie Hillman and CJ Anderson did not get in. On 3rd and goal, inches away, Manning hurried the play and handed the ball to Anderson. He was initially stopped cold but bulled his way in. 13 plays, 65 yards, and 7 minutes had the Broncos up with exactly 3 minutes to play. On the 2 point conversion try, Manning hit Denarius Thomas to make it 20-13 Broncos.
The only downside was Denver was out of timeouts while Pittsburgh had all of theirs. After a touchback, a pair of completions led to the 2 minute warning. The Steelers faced 3rd and 5 at their own 43 and still had 2 timeouts left. An incompletion meant 4th and 5. Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips dialed up pressure and Big Ben was buried under an avalanche. The 13 yard loss had the Broncos at the Pittsburgh 30. The game seemed over, but Cincinnati thought that last week.
With 1:41 left, the Steelers took their last timeout. Denver faced 3rd and 11. The only sane thing to do would be to run the ball and try the field goal. Throwing the ball would be crazy. Manning is sane. He handed it off as the clock ticked down to just below one minute. McManus came in for his fifth field goal try to ice the game. From 45 yards out, with 53 seconds left, McManus stuck in the dagger.
Needing 2 scores, Pittsburgh moved quickly. Chris Boswell hit a 47 yard field goal with 19 seconds left. Now they needed the onside kick. The onside kick was a very good one, but it was eventually recovered by the Broncos at their own 37. The Steelers showed a ton of heart, but the Broncos are advancing to the AFC Title Game. For the 17th time, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning will square off. Just like two years ago when the Broncos beat New England, this game will be in Denver. 23-16 Broncos
All the Wild Card teams are out. All four teams with first round byes advanced. One week after only road wins, all the home teams won.
The Conference Title Games are set. Both games will be played on Sunday, January 24.
AFC Title Game: 2) 12-4 New England Patriots at 1.) 12-4 Denver Broncos at 3:00 p.m. on CBS.
NFC Title Game: 2.) 13-3 Arizona Cardinals at 1.) 15-1 Carolina Panthers at 6:30 p.m. on Fox
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