Analysis of Sunday's Games

Steelers Win. Steelers Win. Steelers Win.
Yeah I know it shouldn't seem like something that is worth repeating, they had beaten the Chargers last time they met, they were higher ranked, playing at home, and have the NFL's number 1 defense. The Chargers were without their injury prone running back (lets call him mr. no play in playoffs). But after Saturdays games in which both visiting teams won, and then the Eagles upsetting the Giants, home field advantage looked like a curse. Never in the the history of the NFL had a playoff weekend saw all the road teams win, and until the last game this weekend it was very possible.
The Steelers came out and were immediately the victims of a very well placed pass, the Chargers ran a great play that pulled Troy down low to cover Gates, allowing one on one coverage deep. Rivers delivered a picture perfect pass into super tight coverage and the Chargers went up 7-0 immediately. I can tell you my heart sank a little, knowing the struggles our offense has had at times putting up points. The Steelers came out moved the ball a little, were just outside FG range and let Big Ben pooch punt the Chargers down at the 10. The Chargers who last week excelled in their punting game ended up punting the ball to Holmes who slipped right through weak special teams coverage and even the game up immediately. You could tell this was a blow to the Chargers morale. The 3rd Quarter of this game was where the Steelers showcased why they are an elite team. They took the opening kick and marched down the field taking 8 minutes off the clock, putting up 7 points. Then the Steelers defense game out and allowed the Chargers just one snap before deflecting and intercepting the pass. The Steelers then held the ball the rest of the 3rd Quarter. At one time in the game Philip Rivers hadn't touched the ball for 90 minutes (in real life time). From there the defense did what it did and the Steelers are now off to face the Ravens. This matchup was best described by Mike Tomlin who said a scrimmage with the Ravens is all out war, and this is the AFC Championship game. If the first two games are any indication this will be a nail biter, and FG's could win this one.
I want to also mention that the Eagles are looking like a Championship caliber team. Westbrook/Buckhalter are delivering one two running game / screen pass attack, while Jackson is a great deep threat. The defense seems to be playing with purpose. The Giants just don't have the swagger needed to win. They don't have Burris who for as nuts as he is, is still an excellent receiver. The loss of him has allowed teams to put more pressure on Eli. The Giants defense which amazed everyone this year by performing as well as they did without Strahan who retired, and Osi who was injured. This team is in trouble for next year as two of the three Earth, Wind and Fire RB's are up for free agency, Burris likely done, and only bright spot is Osi coming back.

I look forward to the match ups next week. Eagles / Chargers, and of course Steelers / Ravens.