This week was a pretty disappointing weekend of football. The caliber of play was very low. But I guess that is what usually happens with the wild card teams. Here are my game-by-game reviews:
Redskins Vs. Bucs: This game was a perfectly matched game. The teams are very similar in style of play. I was expecting a close game, and it was pretty close. The Redskins had a big first quarter off of crazy turnovers. After that, they didn't do anything. It was a game where the better team could not catch a break. It was the first of two games this weekend where instant replay failed to get a critical call right. I enjoyed this game the most of the four games played this weekend. Overall quality of game: C+
Jags Vs. Patriots: This game was a complete turd. It was a lopsided matchup all the way. The Jags looked lost after the first quarter, especially in the second half. The Patriots didn't prove anything against the Jags. They did what they were expected to do to them. Jacksonville was a team that had one of the easier schedules this year. That explains their 12-4 record. They will have a QB controversy going into 2006. Overall quality of game: F
Panthers Vs. Giants: This game seemed to be one that was matched up well on paper. That was until the opening kickoff happened. The Giants had their heads spinning the whole game. They never found the ground. They were all over the place. Carolina could do no wrong. Once again, this game left you scratching your head and asking, "How did the Giants make it to the playoffs?" Eli Manning had no control over the offense. I don't think he even showed up. Overall quality of game: F
Steelers Vs. Bengals: This game seemed like it would be the biggest of the weekend. Two teams that matchup well, and have a rivalry in their history. But Palmer goes down in the first offensive series on what looked like a slightly awkard fall. It turns out to be a MAJOR injury. But it didn't slow the Bengals at all. Kitna comes in like the next Joe Montana, and leads the Bengals to a 17-14 lead at halftime. Then, the second half began. The Bengals imploded on themselves. It was like they handed the game over to the Steelers. They stopped competing. It was the sign of a young team. Also, this was the second game where instant replay failed to get a cal right on the Johnson reception for a first down. Overall quality of game: C-
So that is my take on the games this weekend. It was a weekend full of teams with youth. Teams that lacked experience under playoff pressure. Those that had more experience came out victorious. Two of the four games were matched up well. It showed in the scores. The other two games were mismatched. It wasn't high-quality football. It didn't seem like playoff football.
Instant replay is proving to be questionable this post-season already. It is becoming obvious that looking at a play over and over doesn't make the outcome free of personal interpretation of the rules. Calls are still up for interpretation, which causes plays be affected by human error. Everyone will always argue one way or the other on calls, even with instant replay. I think it should be considered that football return to it's raw nature where the calls stay on the field. Instant replay has a purpose. Maybe it just needs to be limited in the future? On to next weekend...
Redskins Vs. Bucs: This game was a perfectly matched game. The teams are very similar in style of play. I was expecting a close game, and it was pretty close. The Redskins had a big first quarter off of crazy turnovers. After that, they didn't do anything. It was a game where the better team could not catch a break. It was the first of two games this weekend where instant replay failed to get a critical call right. I enjoyed this game the most of the four games played this weekend. Overall quality of game: C+
Jags Vs. Patriots: This game was a complete turd. It was a lopsided matchup all the way. The Jags looked lost after the first quarter, especially in the second half. The Patriots didn't prove anything against the Jags. They did what they were expected to do to them. Jacksonville was a team that had one of the easier schedules this year. That explains their 12-4 record. They will have a QB controversy going into 2006. Overall quality of game: F
Panthers Vs. Giants: This game seemed to be one that was matched up well on paper. That was until the opening kickoff happened. The Giants had their heads spinning the whole game. They never found the ground. They were all over the place. Carolina could do no wrong. Once again, this game left you scratching your head and asking, "How did the Giants make it to the playoffs?" Eli Manning had no control over the offense. I don't think he even showed up. Overall quality of game: F
Steelers Vs. Bengals: This game seemed like it would be the biggest of the weekend. Two teams that matchup well, and have a rivalry in their history. But Palmer goes down in the first offensive series on what looked like a slightly awkard fall. It turns out to be a MAJOR injury. But it didn't slow the Bengals at all. Kitna comes in like the next Joe Montana, and leads the Bengals to a 17-14 lead at halftime. Then, the second half began. The Bengals imploded on themselves. It was like they handed the game over to the Steelers. They stopped competing. It was the sign of a young team. Also, this was the second game where instant replay failed to get a cal right on the Johnson reception for a first down. Overall quality of game: C-
So that is my take on the games this weekend. It was a weekend full of teams with youth. Teams that lacked experience under playoff pressure. Those that had more experience came out victorious. Two of the four games were matched up well. It showed in the scores. The other two games were mismatched. It wasn't high-quality football. It didn't seem like playoff football.
Instant replay is proving to be questionable this post-season already. It is becoming obvious that looking at a play over and over doesn't make the outcome free of personal interpretation of the rules. Calls are still up for interpretation, which causes plays be affected by human error. Everyone will always argue one way or the other on calls, even with instant replay. I think it should be considered that football return to it's raw nature where the calls stay on the field. Instant replay has a purpose. Maybe it just needs to be limited in the future? On to next weekend...
