Exciting Day 1 to the NFL Playoffs

Jaguars, Seahawks advance: A Day for the Cornerbacks

- Jacksonville 31, Pittsburgh 29
Hero: Rashean Mathis, 2 INT, TD
Goat: Ben Roethlisberger, 3 INT, 1 Fumble
Turning Point: David Garrard's 32 yard run on 4th and into FG position
Next: Most likely @ New England, unless Tennessee upsets San Diego, then they would go to Indianapolis

Ben Roethlisberger's dreadful 1st half put the Steelers in a deep hole that proved to be the difference in the game. He threw two wild picks up for grabs, and a third as the Steelers were looking to score before the half and possibly cut the deficit to one possession. He made some decisions like I make when I play Madden. Coverage? Who cares! I was really disappointed with his play coming off his best season in the NFL. He did play much better in the 4th quarter turning a 28-10 deficit into a 29-28 lead, but whoever decided to have Big Ben run on 3rd and 6 with 3 minutes left should not be in the NFL. Roethlisberger was really clicking at that point, and he should have surveyed a throw before taking off. A throw for a first down would have put the Steelers a couple plays away from winning the game. Never the less, they had to punt giving the Jaguars the ball at midfield. Then came the play of the game. David Garrard who had his worst game of the season, ran for 32 yards on a 4th and 2. This set up the game winning field goal.

The football world will now most likely get to see the Jags take on the Patriots next week. However, this was a game that the Steelers probably should have won. It is hard to say when Jacksonville lead 28-10, but all three of their first half TDs came via Big Ben's INTs or the Jones-Drew kickoff return. Then the 3rd and 6 dreadful quarterback sneak call that gave the Jags the ball at midfield with only needing a field goal to win. I also didn't like the Steelers going for two after a 10-yard holding penalty put them on the 12. Those two points proved costly. I thought many people overrated the Jaguars, and disregarded how the prideful Steelers would play in their own building. If the Jags play like they did tonight, they will be torched by New England next week. They gave up a ton of yards to a beat up team, and they didn't muster up much on offense. They got some big game changing plays that allowed them to take a big lead, and then were given a final chance by one of the dumbest calls I've seen. Forget about them being the team that can knock the mighty Pats off.

- Seattle 35, Washington 14
Hero: Marcus Trufunt, INT, TD
Goat: Shaun Shisham Missed 30-yard FG after kickoff recovery on Seattle 13
Turning Point: Shisham's missed FG after kickoff recovery put the Redskins in great shape for another score
Next: @ Green Bay

The Seahawks dominated just about every facet of the game for the first three quarters, but then the storm hit. Todd Collins connected for two touchdowns in under four minutes into the 4th quarter. Then the unthinkable happened. A gust of wind knocked down the Redskins kickoff allowing them to recover the kick at the Seahawks' 13 yard line. The Skins were in great position to take a 21-13, or at least a 17-13 lead.

However, this is where the game changed back to Seattle. The Skins went three and out, and Shaun Shisham missed a chip shot, 30-yard field goal. Matt Hasselbeck would then snap out of the funk he was in and lead the Seahawks to the go-ahead touchdown. The game was put on ice when Todd Collins ran out of magic and threw an interception for a touchdown to give the Hawks the 28-14 lead. This game was simple though. The Seahawks were just too good for the Redskins. I was surprised actually that the Skins made it interesting for a few minutes. The Seahawks defense was incredible, and the Skins wouldn't have even scared them if the offense found the endzone and didn't allow turnovers to let the Skins back in the game. I am sad to see the Skins' season end, but they truly had a remarkable run. Todd Collins played like someone who was a starter for 15 years. As for the Seahawks, they will be a very difficult opponet for the Green Bay Packers next week in Lambeau. Great matchup on tap!

Pat Morgan