Who’s left and how they got there
Pittsburgh(AFC #1) 20, New York Jets(AFC #5) 17—Shaun Ellis’ guarantee didn’t come through. Despite Ben Roethlisberger’s poor performance, the Steelers caught not one, but two lucky bounces. The Jets’ kicker Doug Brien missed two game winning fields from 47 and 43 yards. The first one hit the cross bar and bounced backward, while the second went far left. Jeff Reed made the overtime field goal to stave off upset.
Atlanta(NFC #2) 47, St. Louis(NFC #5) 17—St. Louis wasn’t able to answer the speed of Vick and Warrick Dunn. With Isaac Bruce hurt, the Ram’s offense was less effective than usual. The Rams couldn’t match Dunn’s 142 and Vick’s 119 rushing yards.
Philadelphia(NFC #1) 27, Minnesota(NFC #6) 14—The Eagles constantly blitzed Daunte Culpepper forcing him to make mistakes. The Eagles showed they were capable without T.O., with the other receivers and Brian Westbrook stepping up. The Vikings had their chance, but mistakes cost them. A botched fake field goal, as well as penalties and turnovers hampered the Vikings from ever getting back in the game.
New England(AFC #2) 20, Indianapolis(AFC #3) 3— Bill Belichick has Peyton’s number. The Patriots’ defense had an answer for everything the Colts’ offense threw at them. Tom Brady and Corey Dillon led the offense as usual, with Dillon rushing for 144 yards.
AFC/NFC Championship Preview
Atlanta at Philadelphia—The Eagles are in a familiar spot. The Falcons haven’t been this far since 1998. The Eagles’ defense should be good enough to contain Atlanta’s rushing attack, with the offense coming through in the clutch. Will the fourth time be the charm?
New England at Pittsburgh—Pittsburgh beat New England convincingly earlier in the season to snap the Patriots’ win streak. Unless rookie Ben Roethlisberger plays better than last week, look for the Patriots to retake this one.
