Defense!

Its been a while since my last blog. Way too long, in fact, even Jake Rainwater managed to update his while I haven't done anything this break. So I decided to give my thoughts on the Playoffs so far, especially with the first double six seeds in the championship games.

That's right, you probably didnt notice, given the recent success of wild card teams winning the super bowl (see '06 Steelers, only six seed to ever win, and '08 Giants, the only five seedto ever win) but two six seeds in the playoffs? Great stuff for the NFL, no way they can screw this up.....lockout anyone?  But perhaps my favorite thing about these playoffs is the reemergence of Defensive oriented teams. The Bears, Packers, Jets, and Steeles all have phenomenal defenses ,and phenomenal players. You could probably create an all-pro defense just from these four teams.

But look at the teams who lost in the Playoffs. The Patriots and Colts featured phenomal quarterbacks and offenses, but Rex Ryan's scheming (I even am starting to like the guy now) shut down both teams. The Saints got kicked out because they had no defense. The Chiefs were soundly beaten by the Ravens when their rushing attack failed, and the Falcons lost at home due to some phenomenal defensive plays on the Packer secondary's part. 

I love defensive battles.  Love. Them. That doesnt mean low scoring necessarily, as exemplified by Steelers-Ravens, no, I am talking about games where the defenses overshadow the offenses.  Where the offense has to struggle for plays and fight for every yard. Where the quarterback has to get up after eating the turf of Soldier or Heinz Field and then convert a third and twelve. or nineteen (still cant't get over Antonio Brown).  Any way you cut it, I will be peeking at Mike Bennet's smartphone all dinner shift Sunday night, trying to get scores of both games. A shame to miss, and whoever isnt working should definitely check out both games.  You know you want to see Ben break his nose again. Or Jay Cutler get nailed by Clay Matthews. Or Sanchez knocked down by James Harrison. Either way, this is one playoff round no one wants to miss.