Divisional Playoffs pics

  KISS…..Keep it simple stupid. That particular mantra was held in full view in last weekends wild card games. If you looked at the Pittsburgh Steelers Denver Broncos match up, Tim Tebow, quarterback of the Denver Broncos, was vilified by the drive by sports media. Can't play. Can't throw. Can't win. Right! These guys that pontificate on the ability or inability of certain athletes to perform should be noted. Most of these journalists that write this crap wouldn't be able to throw a football 10 yards, yet, they tell you that Tim Tebow doesn't have the stuff it takes to get the job done. Well, ask Ike Taylor.

  Denver plays at NE Patriots on Saturday at 8 PM. From the frying pan into the fire for Tebow and the Broncos and again they're the underdog. Tom Brady is playing extremely well and he has the full compliment of receivers, including those two monster tight ends that can dominate the entire game. The problem is with the Pat's defense. They're playing better but if Tebow and the Broncos can run the ball effectively keeping Brady off the field, Denver's defense and special teams could pull off an upset here.

  In the other AFC Divisional Game, the Baltimore Ravens will host the AFC South winner Houston Texans in what I see as a gargantuan defensive match. Houston won their 1st playoff game last week against Cincinnati. Wade Philips' guys are playing lights out. Joe Flacco has to perform at a very high level in this game as I believe Houston will shut down the run and put a lot of pressure on Flacco. On the other side, rookie QB Tyler Yates has played beyond his years. As long as he can hold on to the football and avoid turnovers. With their running game going, they could make it a long day for the Baltimore Birdies.

  In the NFC contests, the first game pits the high flying New Orleans Saints against the San Francisco 49ers. Drew Brees is playing as well as any of the QBs remaining in the playoffs and he will have to have one of his better games as the San Francisco defense is stout against the run and could cause significant difficulty in the passing game with consistent pressure from a very fine defensive unit. Alex Smith on the other hand is playing in his first post season affair and under the tutelage of first year Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. He has made steady improvement, not only throwing the ball but with better decision making. He'll need it as DC Williams of the Saints blitzes coming off the bus. This one is a toss up!

  Green Bay and New York meet on Sunday in a game which renews a recent playoff rivalry. As these two teams met a couple of years ago to decide a super bowl berth with the Giants beating the Packers at home in a subzero chill fest. The Giants are playing good team football. Their defensive line is as good as any still playing. They're solid against the run and put relentless pressure on the QB. Eli Manning proudly said early this year that he was an "Elite" QB, but he didn't need to say it to me as he proved his mettle against the Patriots in the Super Bowl a couple years ago. If the Giants can play mistake free football, there is no doubt they can beat Green Bay. On the other hand, Aaron Rodgers and co. are running like a fine-tuned engine. There are no weaknesses here. Defense could be the Achilles heel of the Pack as they have given up huge chunks of yardage and a ton of points. January at Lambeau could make an already great game infinitely more interesting.

  Aloha,

  Big Al