Exclusive Interview with Jack

In anticipation for the upcoming premier of LOST next week (you bet we'll be all over that), The Steelers n'at landed an exclusive interview with Dr. Jack Shephard, resident AFC North medical expert on the relative health of the two teams for the upcoming game.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day saving people to talk with us Jack. We'll start with the news everyone wants to know about. How is Polamalu doing?

Troy is fine. He's been practicing with the team and will play Sunday. If you've been living under a rock or lost on a desert island for the past 108 days, you wouldn't know how important he is to this team. But trust me, he'll play.

Justin Hartwig had a tough task last week against San Diego's big nose tackle. What's the word on him?

Justin's knee is bothering him, but we were able to make him a working brace out of bamboo and wire from the airplane. He'll be listed on the injury report but should play. He's one of us now.

Speaking of the offensive line, what do you think about them spending extra time outside of team-oriented activities to review film?

The offensive line is going to need to stick together against a tough assault from Baltimore's defense. I like the fact that they've been spending a lot of time over at Justin Hartwig's house. Live together, die alone.

Let's shift gears here and look at the other side. How is Baltimore looking on the injury front?

Terrell Suggs has torn ligaments in his shoulder and is listed on the injury report as a game-day decision. I doubt the Ravens will tell us much more before then. Don't listen to what they tell you.

Any other big injury news for us Jack? I understand you have to go back.

Yes, cornerback Samari Rolle is likely out with a thigh injury, which means Corey Ivy will probably get the start. Bentham told me everything happens for a reason. I didn't believe him at the time, but I realize it was a mistake now. We have to go back.

Thanks for your time Jack, we appreciate it. Any final thoughts?

Live together, die alone.

Thanks Jack.

There you have it. Samari Rolle's injury is the big news of the day. With him out of the lineup, Fabian Washington, Corey Ivy, and Frank Walker will have the responsibility of covering Holmes, Hines and Nasty Nate. Washington went out of the second game and the Steelers were able to burn Frank Walker on the final drive. If Rolle doesn't play, look for the Steelers to take some shots down the sidelines.

With Suggs marginalized, Heath Miller could have a big game in the middle of the field. Between the hashes, there has been no one better than Heath this year. The game is still going to be close, but things are looking good for the Steelers.

Baltimore Scouting Report

As we well know by this point, the Ravens aren't going to do anything that will be of a big surprise. Joe Flacco has a strong arm and the ability to stretch the field. Derrick Mason is his go-to reciever and always the #1 target. Mason might be one of the best route-runners in the league, and over the course of the season he has developed a great relationship with Flacco. Mason racked up 137 yards in the first meeting but was held to 23 in the second go around. Look for Ike to be matched up against Mason the whole game. Mark Clayton is the #2 guy in the passing game. He is the downfield target and he has solid speed. Clark will likely shade towards Clayton rather than Mason, leaving Ike on an island.

The Steelers will probably use Polamalu in run defense and have a linebacker tracking Todd Heap-of-sh*t, rather than using Polamalu to cover him. The Ravens sole passing touchdown against the Steelers this year was not to Mason, Clayton or Heap-of-sh*t, but rather Derrick Wilcox, a backup fullback they hit out of the backfield on play-action from the 4.

The Ravens playoff strategy has been relatively conservative, but it has also played to their strengths. They know the strength of their team is the defense, so their offensive strategy has been relatively simple. When they are in their own territory, they will run the ball, even on 3rd and long. They won't take chances on their side of the 50 and are not afraid to let Sam Koch, who averaged over 45 yards a punt this season, reverse the field. They are willing to punt because they know their defense isn't going to give up many points. Once the Ravens cross the 50, they are a different story. Against Tennessee, they were taking shots downfield as soon as they crossed the 50, one of which resulted in the game-tying touchdown.

However, the Ravens coaches, who are probably smarter than me since they're paid to coach and I write on a blog, will likely know this so it wouldn't be a total shock to seem them try to air it out (particulalry on first and second down when the Steelers are looking run).

One reason for the Ravens to air it out is their ailing backfield. Le'Ron McClain has been a heck of a discovery for them at tailback after he made the Pro Bowl as a fullback. McClain is a bruiser of the Jerome Bettis mold, but he has been hampered by an ankle injury that may slow him down against the Steelers. Willis McGahee has been reduced to a backup role, but he has given the Steelers problems before. The Ravens had success in the second game running the ball with an unbalanced line (bringing in an extra tackle and putting him in the tight end place). This strategy was somewhat successful in negating Harrison in run defense, but their extra tackle was also flagged for multiple penalties against the Defensive Player of the Year.

Speaking of injuries, the big question mark this week is Pro Bowl linebacker Tyrelle Suggs, who remains questionable with a strained shoulder. However, the the Death Eaters defense will still be formidable without him. Is "Death Eaters" too badass of a name to give the Ravens defense? Maybe, but it sticks with the Baltimore/Voldemort thing I've been doing...and their defense is just about as scary.

The holes in the Baltimore defense are in the secondary. Ed Reed is a ballhawk, but the corners have been exposed by the Steelers in the past. Reed is the playmaker in the secondary, and the Steelers have had the most success against Baltimore when they have thrown short crossing routes and enabled their recievers to run in space. Hines Ward had two almost identical 33-yard catches against the Ravens in the second game where he reeled it in about 7 yards from the line and turned upfield for a big gain.

The Ravens, possibly more than any other team, exposed flaws in the Steelers kick return units. In the second game, Jeff Reed and Mitch Berger both made touchdown-saving tackles against Yamon Figures and Jim Leonard. The Ravens are solid in the return department and could give the Steelers problems here.

Playing the advantages:

Baltimore's run game vs. Steelers Defense: Steelers
Baltimore's pass game vs. Steelers Defense: Steelers
Baltimore's return teams vs. Steelers coverage: Ravens
Steelers run game vs. Ravens Defense: Ravens
Steelers pass game vs. Ravens Defense: Steelers
Steelers return teams vs. Ravens coverage: Ravens

All in all, this game is going to be close. The Steelers have the advantage of the home crowd, but that means nothing this time of year.

The one factor that could play into this game is fatigue. The Ravens have not had a bye week since week 2, which makes this their 18th consecutive week with a game. The advantages for them lie in the fact that they have a short travel time and are playing a familiar team.

Look for both teams to have limited success running the ball. A few big plays through the air or on defense will likely be the difference in this game. It will be low-scoring and bloody. The team that wins the turnover battle will win this game.

Some mid-week motivation

More to come as we get closer to gameday.

Holmes has been clutch lately.

By the way, we have racked up 14 votes in the poll over there on the right hand side. Honestly, I didn't know we had that many readers. Thanks to everyone who has voted thus far and who has been reading!

GO STEELERS!!!

V for Vendetta: STEELERS WIN

Be wary, Be wary
Of mid January
The Chargers can upset and shock
I see no reason
Why the '94 season
Should ever be forgot

We were very careful around here not to mention the 1994-95 AFC Championship Game all week leading up to this game. San Diego came in huge underdogs and upset the Steelers in one of the most stunning upsets in Pittsburgh history. Personally, I can't ever remember feeling so dejected after a sporting event. The only other one that could come close was the Pirates loss to the Braves in the 92 NLCS. But we won't go there now. This game was all about one thing: exorcising demons.

Starring Dick LeBeau

35
24

Pittsburgh was on upset alert coming into the game, as all 3 home teams had failed to protect their home turf. But none of them had Jack Bauer and Styx taking the field.

Styx rocked out the national anthem...

...then stayed on the field to sing the opening of Renegade before player introductions. The place was going nuts even before the coin was flipped. No YouTube videos of this yet. The best we can find is this video of the defensive introductions.



Woodley dominates with his water-spraying.

Best introduction picture of the year?

Speaking of awesome pictures from this game, here's another:

No point to posting this except for its photographic awesomeness.

The Steelers won the toss and deferred. Kickoff time. Everything all week was about stopping Darren Sproles. Keyaron Fox and Lawrence Timmons are all over it.

San Diego comes out firing with a play-action pass to Gates on the weak side for a big gain. Sproles gets stuffed on a running play, then reels one in for 12 yards to get close to the Steelers 40. Rivers goes play action and fires over the top for Jackson, who reels it in with Ike in single coverage for the touchdown. Where was the safety over the top on this play? San Diego: 4 plays, 75 yards, touchdown. So much for a fired up defense.

0-7

We needed to not go 3-and-out on our first possession to give the defense some time to regroup. Willie Parker dominates the show by picking up two first downs in 3 carries to get things rolling. Holmes gets called for holding on a WR screen to Hines, setting the Steelers back to first and 19. After an incompletion, Heath reels in a big grab to get the Steelers to 3rd and 9, but Ben overthrows Holmes, setting up decision time for the coaches with the ball at the 34. Ben pulls a Kordell Stewart and pooches the ball, sticking it at the 9 yard line.

Yeah, Ben's punt was better than Berger's would have been.

San Diego comes out thinking that our safeties have pulled back and that they might have a sliver of hope to run the ball. Yeah right. Sproles gains minimal yardage on two plays, then gets overthrown on 3rd down. Huge stand by the defense after giving up a touchdown on the first drive. But no one had any idea what was about to come next.

Click

Click

BOOM.
First Punt Return TD for the Steelers since Holmes did it in '06 at Carolina

First Punt Return TD in the playoffs since Antwaan Randel El broke a 66-yarder against Cleveland in January 2003 in the game where Tommy Gun brought us back against the Browns.

7-7

The Defense had a quick turnaround, but got a quick break on an offensive face mask, sending the Chargers back to 1st and 25. However, Rivers was able to pick the defense apart with 3 short passes to move the chains. A false start and a blown up run put the Chargers in 2nd and long where LaMarr Woodley bull-rushes his way to Rivers and buries him in the backfield. Bill Leavy proves to be a better ref than the clown in the Baltimore-Tennessee game and calls San Diego for a delay of game. Farrior stuffs Sproles like a sardine on 3rd and long and Scifres comes in to punt.....wisely, he kicks it out of bounds, away from Holmes.

The offense comes back on the field looking to get things rolling. After nothing on first down, Ben goes deep for Nate, but Nate can't reel it in, setting up a 3rd and long where Ben gets sacked by a blitzing safety while Mewelde Moore stands around and blocks no one. Punt.

Sproles bounces a run for 8, his longest tote of the day, then picks up the first down with a 4-yard plunge as the quarter expires.

Second Quarter

The Chargers dominated the first quarter with over 10 minutes in time of possession. Luckily, we were still in the game thanks to Holmes.

Farrior and Harrison stuff Sproles on the first play of the new frame, then Gates pulls one down across the middle to set up 3rd and short. Aaron Smith is all over the Sproles run and stops him short of the sticks. Turner wastes a timeout by challenging the call and he loses. Punt.

The next drive was all about one guy: Willie Parker. Parker got four straight touches running for 7, 5, 6, and 5 before Moore gave him a breather. Moore picked up 4 then Parker came back for 3 more, setting up 3rd and short. Stapleton sets us back with a false start, and Ben hits Carey Davis on a crossing pattern, but Davis is pulled down short of the sticks. Need more power in those legs, son. Sadly, that's not the first time this game we'll say that either. The Steelers move to 0-3 on 3rd down conversions. Ben wants to go for it, but San Diego saves us by taking a time out. Tomlin makes the right call. Punt team.

After an incompletion on first down, Harrison gets pressure and forces an incompletion on second down. Ike blitzes off the corner and Rivers throws one up for Jackson, which is ruled a catch. Tomlin challenges the 43-yard completion and wins it, sending the Chargers packing with a 3-and-out.

Holmes picks up 3 yards on a reverse, then Nate pulls one down for 5 to set up 3rd and 2. Now, for most legitimate Steelers teams, 3rd and 2 is a running down. It always has been, it always should be. Not for Bruce Arians. He calls a pass to Carey Davis who gets stopped short of the sticks...again. Get Davis in the weight room doing some squats, pronto. On 4th and 2 from their own 45, the Steelers execute a fake worse than Jack's flash-forward beard.

The Chargers get the ball on our side of the 50, in prime position to score.

After two plays go nowhere, Rivers finds Gates for 15 down the seam for the first down to get them into field goal range. The Diesel blows up Sproles in the backfield and Woodley is all over a short pass to the little guy out of the backfield, setting up another 3rd and long. Rivers hits Gates for 8, getting them back into field goal range, but well short of the sticks. Kaeding drills it right after the two-minute warning.

7-10

With the lead in San Diego's hands, Pittsburgh needed to respond. After a good return by Russell to the 34, Ben hit Holmes for 15, then out of the no-huddle hits Moore for 9 more. Some Charger claimed to be injured, forcing San Diego to use their last time out, and giving our offense time to game plan with 2nd and 1 at the San Diego 42. Ben misses a wide open Heath Miller across the middle, then the Bulldozer comes in and plows for the first down. The Steelers wisely take a time out with just over a minute to go.

Ben overthrows an open Santonio Holmes on a deep corner route, bringing up second down. Hines pulls one in, but the proctologist report comes in and it says we need a Colonoscopy. Illegal Formation. I swear, Colon takes a bad penalty at least once a game. Hines steps back up though and makes a great effort to come back for the ball and turn it upfield, going out of bounds at the 3. Red Zone offense killed us last game against San Diego, but Willie Parker goes left end and bowls right over a San Diego corner to find paydirt.

14-10

The Chargers couldn't take the cold, so they decided to kill the clock and give the Steelers offense another shot after they warmed up a bit.

Halftime

Nothing too exciting here. The Steelers had 8 1/2 minutes of possession in the 2nd quarter, but had only converted 1 third down thus far in the game. What do you know, they did it on a running play.

Third Quarter

Opportunity was knocking for the Steelers to take a two-score lead out of the break. The Willie Parker show dominates for 4 plays before Holmes snags a big grab on 3rd and 7 to keep the drive alive. Ben went deep for Holmes again, but no dice, bringing up second and long. Parker went nowhere on 2nd down, but Ben was able to convert again, this time finding Nasty Nate for a big gain. Willie goes for 2, then Carey Davis comes into the game, and we joke that he'll get the ball again. What do you know, Ben throws it to him. What do you know, no gain. On 3rd and 8, Ben goes to the bank and finds Heath Miller depositing checks. Money. First down at the 12. Parker reels off 4 more, then Ben goes play-action and we all know what time it is

Heath peels off a block to find himself wide open in the flat. He runs over a Charger in the end zone for good measure.

21-10

Sproles rips off a huge 63-yard return on the ensuing kickoff to seemingly give San Diego a shot at getting back in the game with the ball at the Steelers 23. Already in field goal range, Rivers looks for Jackson but the Diesel gets a paw up and swats the ball in the air. Larry Foote makes a diving interception that San Diego challenges. It wasn't happening for Turner today, as the interception is upheld and the Steelers get the ball back.

Parker runs twice to set up 3rd and 3 where Ben hands to Moore going left, but Holmes gets it on the reverse going the other way and scampers for the first down. Parker gets 4 on first down, but a Heath Miller holding penalty on the next play sets things back. The Steelers can't recover and have to punt.

When you have a sucky punter, sometimes it works out. For the second time this year, a Berger punt hits one of the coverage guys from the other team. This time it was Chargers safety Eric Weddle...in the head. Big Play Willie Gay recovers, giving the Steelers new life at the San Diego 23.

Stapleton sets us back with his second false start of the game. After a broken play on first down, Ben hits Hines for a big 19-yarder to get down to the 9. San Diego gets flagged for a late hit out of bounds, moving the ball down to the 4. Parker gets to the 1 on first down, then Ben shows some nimble feet on a naked bootleg where he has to avoid pressure and eventually throw the ball away. On 3rd and goal from the 1, Russell is stuffed and the quarter expires.

San Diego ran 1 offensive play in the 3rd quarter. It was an interception.

Fourth Quarter

With 4th and goal from the 1 and an 11-point lead, the Steelers should have kicked the field goal to make it a 14-point game. However, they make the second poor coaching move of the night (fake punt was the first) and go for it. Arians described the play thusly in a post-game interview: "Ideally, we could have called a goalline play, which would have been a QB sneak. However, since our QB has a concussion, we had to call a short-yardage play." You mean to tell me you have no "Goalline" plays that involve handing off to a tailback? Get outta tahn. Of all people, why hand off to Carey Davis? Davis, who obviously has the leg muscles of a newborn, can't push his way in.

On first down, Rivers hits Hester out of the backfield in the flat. Hester turns it upfield and streaks for 11 yards and a first down. LaMarr Woodley, who is making a serious run at being nicknamed "The Undertaker" buries Rivers back at the 2.

Two incompletions later, Scifres is punting out of his own end zone to Holmes. No magic this time, but the Steelers still get the ball in San Diego territory.

Parker gets 4 yards on first down, then Ben goes deep again. This time, Nate draws a pass interference penalty in the end zone, giving us the ball on the 1. Gary Russell is no nonsense this time and The Bulldozer blasts his way in from a yard out.

28-10

The Steelers come out with Renegade, but with a 28-10 lead, the need for a defensive stop is a little less pressing. The more important issue now is the clock. The Diesel comes up with a sack on second down...

...and busts out his row the boat celebration.

However, Polamalu misses a tackle in the flat against the tight end not named Gates, allowing the Chargers to keep the drive alive. Sproles pulls in a crossing route grab for 11 yards, moving them into Steelers territory. After two incompletions, Rivers hits Chambers for another first down. Two plays later, he goes back to Chambers down the middle, who reels it in at the 8. Troy wacked Rivers in the head on a blitz, picking up a roughing the passer penalty to move them even closer. Some no-name reciever catches a touchdown on a slant to get the game back to 11.

28-17

We referenced it once already, but I'm sure everyone remembers the 2002-03 playoff game against Cleveland when we came back from a big deficit to beat the Browns. Guess who was Cleveland's offensive coordinator that game? Yup, Bruce Arians. And what was one of the reasons why Cleveland lost that game? Because he threw with the lead and didn't kill the clock with the running game.

So what do the Steelers do with their lead chopped to 11 and just over 9 minutes on the clock? Come out throwing. Deep. Nate almost comes down with it, but it slips out of his hands as he hits the ground. Clock stopped. Nate comes back with a big second down catch to get to 3rd and 3.

Ben has one almost picked off by an undercutting defensive back, but he threads the needle to Hines for the first down. After 64,000 people at the stadium recover from their collective heart attacks, the Steelers decide to run the ball. Parker goes for 2, then gets to the outside and turns upfield for 27. Parker picks up 7 more before getting a breather. Moore gets a solid 4, then it's Parker time again. He is stopped for 1, but does his Flash impression on the next play and turns on the afterburners for a 16-yard score.

35-17
Bring on the Ravens.

After the Steelers took 5 minutes off the clock and put 7 more points on the board, the Chargers were more or less done. The rest was simply formality. Rivers throws two incompletions then...

Harrison, who was getting held all game, breaks through a hold and brings down Rivers.

In a strange call, rather than going for it on 4th down, the Chargers elect to punt. This was pretty much a collective giving up by their coaches.

Byron brings out the second string offense, complete with Limas Sweed and the second-string O-Line. Russell gets 2 carries and the Chargers strangely use their time outs. Why do you punt and then use time outs as if you're still trying to win? That makes no sense. Moron, Incorporated Arians calls a pass on 3rd down and Byron goes over the top for Sweed, who has the ball in his hands but can't make the catch. Rookie nerves. He's going to need to get over them. Punt.

With just under 3:00 to play, San Diego comes out firing against the prevent. Rivers hits Chambers for 20, then Hester out of the backfield for a short gain. Rivers goes down the sidelines for Jackson and Ike rips the ball away, coming out with it. The pass is ruled incomplete, and Tomlin makes a poor (not terrible like the fake punt or going for it on 4th and 1, just poor) decision to challenge. The challenge fails, but the Steelers catch a break on a delay of game. On 3rd and long, Rivers dumps one off to Sproles who shows he is the only Charger who hasn't given up yet, turning on the jets in the open field and blowing past all the Steelers for a 62-yard score.

35-24

The Steelers were offsides on the first onside kick attempt, so San Diego gets another go. Gary Russell falls on it and Leftwich comes in for the victory formation.

Game. Vendetta accomplished. Demons of '94 be gone.

Players of the Game:
Offensive Game Ball: Santonio Holmes

Willie Parker is a very, very close second here, but Holmes was the catalyst for the offense. His punt return shifted momentum and he came up with 3 big 3rd down conversions (2 through the air and one on a reverse) to keep drives alive.

Defensive Game Ball: LaMarr Woodley
5 tackles (3 for a loss), and 2 huge sacks where he just buried Rivers.

Honorable Mentions:
Willie Parker
Heath Miller
Larry Foote
James Farrior
Brett Keisel
Ben Roethlisberger
Hines Ward
Justin Hartwig

Mr. Yuck Sticker of the Game
Carey Davis with the ball in his hands

He had 0, absolutely zero power in his legs. Send the boy to the gym coach. He couldn't drive for any extra yards on his catches and couldn't convert the 4th and inches at the goal line. I don't know why the Steelers kept giving him the ball when they saw he wasn't doing anything with it.

Final Thoughts

• Bring on the Ravens!
• Mike Tomlin is 11-1 in his career against divisonal opponents
• Time of Possession: Steelers 36:30, Chargers 23:30
• Huge game by Parker. He still looks fresh, which bodes well for the next game, even against Baltimore's tough defense.
• I know we can get pressure on Flacco
• Did the Chargers have a pass rush today? Great job by the offensive line, particularly Hartwig, Stapleton, and Kemoeatu against Williams in the middle.
  
• Ben had a fantastic game. He wasn't flashy, didn't put up big numbers, but he was efficient and didn't turn the ball over, which is all we needed from him.
• Great to see Holmes have a big game
• Hines always has huge games against Baltimore
• The road to the Super Bowl goes through Pittsburgh. What a great feeling.
• Believe it. Yes. We. Can.
• Even though none of them were complete, I don't mind trying to go over the top. I like the play calls. It kept the safeties back, allowing Parker some room to run between the tackles.
• We should run the ball on 3rd and 2.
• San Diego had 1 play in the 3rd quarter. What a performance by the Steelers.
• I've got a feeling....
  

Divisional Round: Day 2 -- Pennsylvania Power

11
23

In a game that was, at one point, 11-10, the Eagles pulled away and knocked off the Giants to earn a trip to Arizona for the NFC Championship game. The last I saw of this game was David Akers kicking a field goal to put the Eagles ahead 13-11 and preserve the Steelers-Chargers game as the only 11-10 game in NFL history. After that, I was headed down to Heinz Field for the game, so you'll have to forgive my succinct recap of this game. McNabb and Manning both threw two interceptions in the swirling winds, but McNabb cashed in with a touchdown, whereas Manning couldn't find the end zone. In the Giants 5 trips to the Red Zone, they managed only 3 field goals. Now that's pulling a Plaxico.

35
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There will be a full-game recap coming this week, so I'll keep this one short. This past week, John and I were talking about our "Impact Players" for the game. I chose Heath Miller and John chose LaMarr Woodley. Both players came up huge in key situations for the Steelers today. However, the two biggest players of the game have to be Santonio Holmes and Willie Parker. Holmes, who not only got the Steelers on the board with a punt return for a touchdown, also converted 3 third downs to keep drives alive. The Flash ran for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns, carving up San Diego's defense. The Steelers were the only home team to win this weekend, and earn a date with Baltimore for a chance to dance with Lombardi.

Divisional Round Stats:

• The first team to score in every game lost.
• Home teams lost 3 of 4.
  
• This will be the 4th consecutive year a team will make it from Wild Card Weekend to the Super Bowl (both Philly and Arizona played Wild Card Weekend)
• The teams that won the turnover battle won all 4 games.
• Baltimore and Pittsburgh were the only teams not to throw interceptions.

Championship Weekend Schedule

• Arizona hosts Philadelphia at 3:00 EST (which is noon Arizona time, which is completely stupid that this game is this early out there).
• Pittsburgh hosts Baltimore at 6:30 EST. Be ready.

Gameday: Divisional Round

San Diego comes to town riding high on a winning streak, with the Steelers looking to defend their home turf. With Baltimore's win yesterday, the team that wins today's game gets to host the AFC Championship game.

The Steelers have their destiny in their own hands and need to come out strong in defense of the home turf. And who better for homeland security than the man with experience.

Jack has been solid for us all year, but this is the playoffs.

So the Steelers have someone in reserve to get his back.

The national anthem today will be sung by none other than...

All bets are off if they play Renegade while the defense runs out onto the field.

Or at halftime.

Or any point today.

Styx will sing Renegade.

Count on it.



GO STEELERS.

Divisional Round: Day 1 -- Shock and Awe

10
13

Baltimore gets another road win courtesy of their defense. Three turnovers in the red zone take points off the board from Tennessee. Baltimore gets the benefit of the refs blowing a huge Delay of Game call, allowing them to pick up a first down and get in position to kick the game winning field goal. Delay of Game isn't a reviewable penalty, but it should be. I wouldn't be surprised if Delay of Game becomes a penalty that can be reviewed by challenge. Both teams got beat up during the game, the biggest injury being Chris Johnson of the Titans going down with an ankle injury. Tennessee simply couldn't run the ball after Johnson went down, giving Baltimore the opening to win the game.

13
33

The Cardinals shock the world by going into Charlotte and scoring 33 straight points against a solid Carolina defense. Larry Fitzgerald had the game of his life with 166 yards and a touchdown. Jake Delhomme had a forgettable game with 5 interceptions and a fumble. Arizona could host the NFC Championship game if Philly knocks off the Giants today. In spite of everyone saying Arizona couldn't win on the East coast, or that they couldn't win without Boldin, they pulled it off, putting up 33 in front of a shocked Carolina crowd who hadn't seen a loss all year.

2008 Playoffs: Divisional Round

Saturday 4:30
CBS

In the first of four rematch games this week, Tennessee and Baltimore go Round 2 in Nashville. Both teams are looking to play smash-mouth football. Tennessee boasts the best 1-2 punch at running back in the league with Chris Johnson and LenDale White. Baltimore counters with Le'Ron McClain and Willis MaGahee. Look for McCalin to see the lion's share of carries against the physical Titans defense. Baltimore's defense needs no introduction, we all know what they bring to the table. They're going to play a punishing game and force turnovers. In the end, this game will be close, and I will be shocked if more than 2 TD's are scored by either offense.

Ian's Prediction: Tennessee 13-9

John's Prediction: Baltimore 10-9

Saturday 8:15
FOX

Arizona gets another shot at Carolina, where they lost 27-23 at the end of October. A lot has happened since October, but one thing remains the same: Arizona is 0-5 in the Eastern Time Zone this year, and 3-5 on the road overall. Their 3 wins came against their divisional opponents, making them 0-5 against all road opponents outside their division. On the other side, Carolina has been dominant at home, posting an 8-0 mark in the friendly confines of Bank of America Stadium. Arizona was able to handle Michael Turner and the Atlanta offense by forcing turnovers, and they're going to have to have a similar defensive performance if they want to stay with Carolina. On the whole, Carolina's offense has a huge advantage with one of the best running back combos in the league and a passing game anchored by Steve Smith and Mushin Muhammad. In their earlier matchup, Kurt Warner went off for 381 yards, but the Cardinals ground game was stifled. On the other side, DeAngelo Williams ran for 108 yards while Delhomme threw for over 250. Look for a strong performance from Carolina's offense and Arizona to struggle on the road once again.

Ian's Prediction: Carolina 31-20

John's Prediction: Arizona 23-20

Sunday 1:00
FOX

The Giants and Eagles have played two fantastic games this year, which the teams split. In Round 3, to the victor go the spoils and the ticket to the NFC Championship game. The Eagles know they can beat the Giants, and the Giants are still struggling to find a passing game without Plaxico. The Giants running game is good, but the Eagles boast a very good run defense. On the other side of the ball, the Giants have a solid defense all around, with defensive end Justin Tuck anchoring their pass rush. This game will hinge on the Giants ability to protect Eli Manning against the Eagles blitzing defense and Brian Westbrook's ability to make plays in space out of the backfield.

Ian's prediction: Eagles 24-17

John's prediction: Giants 28-10

Sunday 4:45
CBS

In the last rematch of the weekend, well...this game needs no introducing. We all know what's at stake here, and don't need any reminding about how cocky San Diego is. They are on top of the world now, riding their winning streak. The Steelers need a big performance from the running game to keep the ball out of Ben's hands and need a solid defensive performance to keep Rivers and the Chargers off the field and off the scoreboard.

Ian's prediction: Steelers 24-17

John's prediction: Steelers 27-13