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Thoughts on the playoffs' first day

1. Tony Romo just ended the game with the worst body language I've ever seen from a quarterback. Check that-I've seen Peyton hang his head just as low before. That's bad company. Well, I don't know if it's fair to read too much into something in the heat of the moment. But did Romo think they were going to win the Super Bowl this year or something?

It's not today's game, but the offseason that will make or break Romo. The fumble on the field goal snap-it's no good for the Cowboys, sure, but it happens. How will Romo respond? I don't know. He's seemed a little too eager to embrace his newfound celebrity status, but this could be a wake-up call, and he could be even better next season. Personally, I'm not betting on it, but I'm very intrigued to see what's up.

2. That was a manly, heads-up play on the tackle by Lofa Tatupu. Made up for that bizarre prevent "defense" Seattle was playing. I have never seen a team try to give up a playoff game faster.

3. I like Matt Hasselbeck's chances in any playoff game, even though he was hardly on fire today.

4. Shaun Alexander made some nice runs in key situations, and was clutch to a degree I hadn't seen before.

5. On to the AFC. Nice work on Ty Law's part. I bet he misses Tom Brady. And Damon Huard.

6. The blocking wasn't hot, but Larry Johnson looked less eager than usual to run aggresively today. Was that because he's worn down, or did he just relax and count on getting 30-plus carries? It's worth pointing out that Johnson had his worst games in college against good teams, too (though I still think he should have a Heisman).

7. Peyton Manning is a freaking weirdo. Three picks, but 30 of 35 on his other passes? I don't think I've ever seen anything like it.

8. The Colts looked only okay today even with a nearly 2:1 time of possession edge. They're done next week.

Comments

Mike said…
Peyton, probably. Eli did lead a drive in the fourth quarter to tie it up. Yes, Eli doesn't choke. He can't play worse in the playoffs, because he'd be shaky in an exhibition game against ninth-graders. As a Broncos fan, I have seen Peyton light it up in the playoffs.

Carrie's loooong gone.

Yeah, I am starting to think the Patriots could be taking it. Chargers-Pats may well be the real Super Bowl.

Ty Law is the man.
1:13 PM
Mike said…
Smith is still the best sub-five-foot quarterback I've ever seen.
1:47 PM
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