Tuesday Thoughts - NFL Playoff Edition

Just a quick heads up that the blog will be Tuesdays and Thursdays unless noted for the forseeable future...on to my playoff thoughts:

Cardinals vs. Saints

-Kurt Warner is done...he has to retire...not because his ability has declined, but because of the physicality of the game on his 39 year old body. The hit he took on Saturday after throwing his first interception was brutal...how he came back into the game was beyond my comprehension. He's had a great career...3 Super Bowls...2 MVP awards...but 5 concussions? You've been fun to watch Kurt.

-The Cardinals will not win the NFC West next season with Matt Leinart at the helm. He looks too timid on the field...and plays with nowhere near the confidence level he did while at USC.

-On Saturday, New Orleans implemented Green Bay's 2nd half gameplan from the week before...that is, spread the defense out with 3 or 4 wide receivers and watch Arizona's defense fold. Drew Brees absolutely shredded them through the air...

-...And then Reggie Bush took over. Bush has largely been a disappointment throughout his professional career but took about three steps forward in this game. His touchdown run was fabulous...and his punt return for a TD was even better. Before the game I predicted a Bush reunion with former college coach Pete Carroll in Seattle...I would be surprised if New Orleans let him go after that performance.

Ravens vs. Colts

-I guess Indy didn't lose much by resting their starters down the stretch. The defense looked fantastic by shutting down Baltimore from start to finish.

-Peyton Manning makes his reads so much faster than the average NFL quarterback...it's no wonder why he will go down as a sure-fire top 7 quarterback of all-time (let's see here - in no particular order: Montana, Marino, Elway, Favre, Manning, Unitas, Brady).

-The Ravens will be a trendy Super Bowl pick next year...in his first two years, Joe Flacco has won 3 playoff games - all on the road. If he continues to mature...and Baltimore's running game continues to be as effective, watch out AFC!

Cowboys vs. Vikings

-Was Minnesota that good or Dallas that bad? Once the Cowboys couldn't cash in on golden scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes of game time, the outcome was not in doubt.

-As a Green Bay fan and longtime Brett Favre fan, it makes me sick to see rival Minnesota do so well under Favre's guidance. As much as I would've liked Favre to succeed on the Jets last season, I really hope New Orleans drubs Minnesota this Sunday.

-I'm very surprised Wade Phillips wasn't fired by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones...his team had all the momentum and just got wailed by a team that closed the regular season poorly.

-The Vikings-Saints game will be a classic...a can't miss game for any true football fan regardless of their rooting interests.

Jets vs. Chargers

-I am still shocked at how this game unfolded...San Diego had not lost in three months and had plenty of scoring opportunities, while the Jets' 17 points were the most they could've possibly scored based on the way the Chargers' defense stifled them throughout. If it weren't for a missed field goal or two...and two costly INTs, San Diego wins easily.

-Why is it that the Chargers always have coaches who don't know how to win meaningful playoff games? Marty Shottenheimer, Norv Turner...

-Most accurate regular season kicker of all-time...and Nate Kaeding once again chokes in the playoffs going 0-3...including missing two chip shots.

-San Diego should be in line for another big season in 2010...but I just don't know if I'll have the guts to pick them in the playoffs again.


Back Thursday with this week's picks...