AFC Championship Game Recap

New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Prediction: Steelers 21 - Jets 13
Actual: Steelers 24 - Jets 19

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to their 8th Super Bowl in their history. They are currently 6-1 in the Super Bowl with wins in Super Bowl IX (1974), X (1975), XIII (1978), XIV (1979), XL (2005), and XLIII (2008). The Steelers led the league in Super Bowl wins with 6 and will be shooting for 7 in 2 weeks. With a win in my opinion Ben Roethlisberger would immediately have to be thrown in to the discussion for one of the best QB's of all time.

Coming in to this game you had two of the best defenses in the league and the #1 (Steelers) and #3 (Jets) run defense in the league. If the Steelers were to pull off a win it would have to be on the arm of Ben Roethlisberger....THATS WHY THEY PLAY THE GAME! The Steelers came out and ran the ball right at the Jets, the Jets looked tired and unprepared on defense as Mendenhall broke tackle after tackle on the first drive. Drive Stats: 15 plays, 66 yards, 9 minutes of offense. The Steelers had the ball for 27 real-time minutes before the Jets touched the ball again. Great start to the game for the Steelers who came out and showed the Jets they are going to beat them physically.

The Jets first half offense: 23 plays, 60 yards, 1 turnover, 3 points. The 3 points came right before the half. The Steelers on the other hand owned the first half offensively and defensively. There second drive ended in a Ben Roethlisberger interception. The Steelers defense held tough and got the ball back to Big Ben who was able to lead two more scoring drives, 17-0 Steelers. The biggest play of the game came with 1:13 remaining in the half, Mark Sanchez dropped back, Ike Taylor blitzed from the outside, as Sanchez started to throw Taylor hit him, FUMBLE!!! William Gay was able to recover it and return it 19 yards for the score, 24-0. After the fumble, Sanchez was in a lot of pain and looked as if he might have to come out of the game, but unlike Jay Cutler was able to convince his coaches he could continue to play. The Jets got the ball back with 1:08 remaining in the half and Sanchez started to get hot, 7 plays 44 yards to lead them to a big field goal before the half. 24-3

The Jets got the ball first and on their 5th play Sanchez threw a 45 yard bomb to former Steeler Santonio Holmes in under 3 minutes 24-10 and we now have a game. The Steelers second half offense mimicked the Jets offense: 26 plays, 75 yards, 1 turnover, and 1 safety. The Jets were driving down the field on their 3rd drive of the half 17 plays, 80 yards, and 8:12 off the clock. They got down within the Red Zone and the Steelers showed why they were ranked as the #1 defense stopping the Jets at the 1 yard line on fourth down. On the Steelers first play on the drive Ben Roethlisberger could not handle the snap but was able to get on top of the ball in the end zone to avoid giving the Jets a touchdown. The score was 24-12 now. Sanchez again drove his offense down the field but this time was able to punch them in with a Jerricho Cotchery 4 yard touchdown catch. The score was now 24-19 with 3:06 remaining.

Big Ben has been known as one of the most clutch QB's in the league for the past few years and in this game he proved it. When you look at the box score it looks like Big Ben had a really bad game, but what the stats don't show you are the amount of clutch throws he made this game, 2 of them coming on this game sealing drive. The Steelers had a 5 point lead with 2:56 remaining after the kickoff. Roethlisberger was able to hit Heath Miller for a 14 yard gain for a necessary first down, Jets timeout. The Jets forced the Steelers in to a 3rd down play with not much time remaining, the Steelers had run the previous 2 plays and everyone was predicting that you run the ball and run 40 second off the clock as the Jets were out of timeouts. All the sudden the Steelers came out of the huddle with Ben Roethlisberger in the shotgun and 5 WR's on the outside. I personally was shocked when I saw such a gutsy call when you have a defense like the Steelers. Big Ben called hike, stood in the pocket for a few seconds felt the pressure scrambled to his right and found rookie Antonio Brown for a 14 yard gain to seal the win.

Player of the game: Rashard Mendenhall 27 carries, 121 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches for 32 yards.

This win was very emotional for Ben Roethlisberger who after the game was seen kneeling on the ground with an AFCCG shirt in his face. After what he went through earlier this season, a season that began with a four-game suspension is one win away from giving him a third Super Bowl victory.

NFC Championship Game Recap

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
Prediction: Packers 14 - Bears 10
Actual: Packers 21 - Bears 14

The Green Bay Packers are going to their 5th Super Bowl in their history. They are currently 3-1 in the Super Bowl with wins in Super Bowl I (1966), II (1967), and XXXI (1996). The Packers have a history of great players and a very rich history; there three Super Bowl wins rank tied for fourth most of any team in the league. The team they will be facing is the Pittsburgh Steelers who lead the league in Super Bowl wins with 6. If the Packers can pull off a win in two weeks Aaron Rodgers will have finally fully replaced the legend of Brett Favre.

This game started the same as the past two games for Green Bay this year in the playoffs. The Packers received to open the game and immediately drive 84 yards on 7 plays. Aaron Rodgers opened the game 4-4 on the drive and made it look really easy to score on a one yard bootleg rush. He was hit hard while going in the end zone and it was revealed after the game he bruised his throwing shoulder badly. The Bears defense was able to figure out the Packers for the rest of the quarter by holding them to just 53 yards after the opening drive. While the Bears defense was able to keep their team in it, the offense wasn't able to do anything against the Packers.

The Bears first half stats: 6 drives, 25 plays (4 plays per series), 92 yards, and only 12 1/2 minutes of possession time. Jay Cutler was terrible in the first half, with not many yards or completions and a big interception at the 3 yard line. Aaron Rodgers after the first drive wasn't too hot either. The Packers opened the second quarter with a 5 play, 50 yard touchdown drive ending in a James Stark rush for a touchdown. Rodgers was driving the Packers down the field right before the half and on a short pass to Donald Driver under threw him, the ball bounced off Driver's foot and in to the hands of Lance Briggs for a huge turnover. End of the first half 14-0 Packers, it was looking like the Packers were going to run away with it but the second half was really good.

The Packers came out hot with a 9 play, 77 yard drive. Rodgers got the Packers to the 6 yard line, and then on the 9th play of the drive dropped back, bought some time and fired a pass over the middle that Brian Urlacher was able to jump in front of and take off with what looked like a easy touchdown, Rodgers made probably his best play of the day chasing down Urlacher and making the tackle at the Bears 40 yard line. This is when things got interesting and what most have you have read about all week long so far, Jay Cutler who was hit earlier in the game relatively hard came out of the game for Todd Collins. First off, I have a huge problem with this, this is for the Super Bowl, and you only get one chance. I am appalled at the actions of Cutler to actually allow his coach and company to pull him from the game, especially when from the way he was walking around he did not look to bad to play.

Todd Collins came out and was very ineffective going 0-4 and not leading his team to any points. In comes Caleb Hanie at the end of the third quarter, putting in your third QB before the start of the 4th quarter makes it impossible for the Bears to bring in either Collins or Cutler anymore, not that this was a factor down 14-0 when both QB's had played terrible. Hanie came in and lead the Bears on an 8 play 67 yard touchdown drive and all the sudden we got ourselves a game. Who would have seen this happening?!?!

The Packers offense had been completely shut down all game since the second quarter and that continued as the Packers offense did not score again. The Bears offense went three and out on the first series of the fourth and on the second series got the ball on a punt and started their drive on their own 10 yard line. First play - Matt Forte for 2 yards, Second Play - Hanie to Bennett for 3 yards. Third and 5 from the 15 yard line, 6:04 remaining, Hanie drops back looking for Forte on the slant, intercepted by the biggest guy on the field in BJ Raji, 6-2 337 pounds, who runs it in and then gets his dance on in the end zone to make the game 21-7 and pretty much seal the deal. The Bears were able to score one more time as Hanie connected with Earl Bennett for 35 yards, but it was too little too late. The Packers intercepted Hanie on his last effort with 37 seconds left.

Great finish to a great game. Still bothered by the decision of Cutler, they are saying it’s a MCL sprain but I still think he should have been fighting for his chance to get into the game to prove his toughness. Stay tuned for the AFCCG recap coming your way on Thursday!

Aaron Rodgers and John Kuhn Hold Up the Trophy

B.J. Raji Celebrating his Game Sealing Interception

Divisional Round Recap + Predictions

Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears
Prediction: Bears 27 - Seahawks 14
Actual: Bears 35 - Seahawks 24


The Bears victory guarantees the third meeting of the Packers and Bears this season and 181 times overall. This will be the first time they face for the right to go to the Superbowl though.

This game got off to a bad start for the underdog Seahawks right from the start, after upsetting the reigning Superbowl Champs the week before the Seahawks came out flat in this game and got dominated the entire first half. The Seahawks punted on their first eight drives while the Bears scored on three of the first four drives. Seattle got the ball first and immediately went three-and-out. The Bears got the ball at the 34 yard line, and took only three plays to put seven points on the board. Jay Cutler threw a perfect pass through the snow flurries to Greg Olsen for a 58 yard touchdown. The Bears were able to score again on a 8 play 50 yard drive ending in a Chester Taylor 1-yard run to make it 14-0. Next Bears drive 9 plays-63 yards, Jay Cutler finished the drive with a 6 yard touchdown run to make it 21-0 at the half.

The Bears dominated the first half, controlling the ball for around 60% of the time and compiling 208 yards and holding the Seahawks to 88! The Bears got the ball first in the second half, the Seahawks desperately needed a stop and a quick score. The defense was able to force the Bears in to a three and out, but their offense also went three and out. The next drive by the Bears was the dagger, 14 plays, 70 yards, 8 minutes, touchdown by Jay Cutler. The Seahawks were then finally able to put some points on the board by way of a Olindo Mare 30 yard field goal, 28-3 end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw the Bears go into a prevent defense and allow Matt Hasselbeck throw touchdowns to Mike Williams (2) and Brandon Stokley, but Jay Cutler was able to score his 4th touchdown of the game with a pass to Kellen Davis  for 38 yards. Final score: 35-24.

New York Jets @ New England Patriots
Prediction: Patriots 35 - Jets 21
Actual: Jets 28 - Patriots 21


The week leading up to this game was very entertaining for all fans of football, you had Antonio Cromartie, Rex Ryan, and the rest of the Jets talking trash all week and guaranteeing victory over their rival Patriots. They came out Sunday night and proved they were right. Going against the Patriots #1 ranked offense they were able to shut down Tom Brady and co. to the tune of only 3 first half points.

The Jets punted on their first drive and after the last game against the Patriots where the Patriots beat the Jets 45-3 it looked as if the Pats were going to do the same. They came out passing all over the Jets until a botched screen pass resulted in Tom Brady's first interception in 335 attempts. Nick Folk ended up missing the chip-shot field goal for the Jets so still 0-0. Brady was able to march his offense down the field again and get his team a field goal chance which Shayne Graham was able to knock through. The second quarter belonged to the Jets, Mark Sanchez was able to complete a 7 yard pass to LaDainian Tomlinson. It looked as if the Jets would go into the half up 7-3, then on a fourth down Patrick Chung called an audible changing the punt to a fake punt run, he botched the snap and was stopped short of the first down giving the Jets great field position which Mark Sanchez took full advantage of hitting Braylon Edwards who broke two tackles on his way to another Jets touchdown, 14-3.

The Patriots were forced to punt on their first two drives of the second half and all the momentum was with the Jets. On their third drive the Patriots were able to steal back the momentum with a 80 yard drive ending in a Alge Crumpler touchdown followed by a two point conversion by Sammy Morris. 14-11 Jets lead still but the crowd was alive again in Foxboro. The Jets needed a statement drive to get back the momentum and Mark Sanchez delivered again. 5 Plays 75 yards ending in a perfect fade throw to Santonio Holmes to make it a ten point game and put alot of pressure on Tom Brady to score quick. First drive of fourth quarter Brady was able to drive the Pats down the field 48 yards but failed to convert a 4th down giving the Jets the ball back with only 5:15 remaining.

The Patriots were able to force the Jets to punt in only 1:46, Brady was able to lead a field goal drive to make it a 1 score game 21-14. With only 1:57 remaining the Patriots were forced to try an onside kick which failed, Cromartie picked it up and ran it back to the twenty yard line, which Shonn Green converted in to seven points and basically sealing the win. 28-14 with only 1:41 remaining, the Patriots scored again but failed with the onside kick again putting the Jets in their second straight Conference Title game.

Predictions for Championship Games:
AFCCG:
New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers

This is a tough game to pick but I am going to go with the Steelers winning this one. They have been winners ever since drafting Ben Roethlisberger. I think the Jets after having two huge emotional wins over rivals (Colts and Patriots) that I think this week could be a let down. I see a good defensive battle with turnovers being the key.

Final Prediction: Steelers 20 - Jets 14

NFCCG:
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

Another tough game, not to mention a rivalry game. These two teams split in the regular season, the bears winning the first meeting and the Packers winning a game they had to win in week 17 in Chicago. The Packers are the most dangerous team in the playoffs offensively in my opinion and I think that trend continues. I see Aaron Rodgers having another great game and the Packers coming out on top.

Final Prediction: Packers 21 - Bears 10

Divisional Playoff Round

Hello everyone,

My name is Justin Kennedy, I live in Stuart, Florida and my blog is going to be about Mainstream Sports, baseball, football, etc. This blog will include recaps, predictions, and overall analysis.

So far in the playoffs I am 6-2 with my predictions. Only losses are the Saints losing to the Seahawks in the first round, and now the Jets beating the almighty Patriots gives me 2 losses. There were two great games over the weekend and two stinkers. Let's start with my favorite game of the weekend.


Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Prediction: Steelers 17 - Ravens 14
Actual: Steelers 31 - Ravens 24


This game had a lot more offense then I expected, especially early on. Other than the score this was a typical Ravens and Steelers matchup, hard hitting, cursing at one another, fighting and shoving after every play, and every player giving it all they had. Pittsburgh was able to take an early lead on a Rashard Mendenhall touchdown. The Steelers defense, coming in to the game as the number 1 defense in the league, then gave up an immediate touchdown drive to the Ravens, Ray Rice pounded it in breaking off several tackles on his way to a 14 yard touchdown. This is when it got interesting. Ben Roethlisberger dropped back from his own 10 and while throwing was hit, the ball landed on the ground only to have every player just look at it thinking it was a dead ball. Finally, Cory Redding decided to remember what his little league coach taught him and recover the ball and run it in to make the score 14-7. In the second quarter Joe Flacco was able to find Todd Heap for another touchdown after a Mendenhall fumble in Steeler territory. Down 21-7 to a great defense, not to mention a rival that knows your offense very well, most people would have thought it was over.

THAT'S WHY THEY PLAY THE GAME! The Steelers came out after halftime with a ton of energy, caused a quick turnover by Ray Rice, and turning it in to 7 with a pass from Roethlisberger to Heath Miller. Two drives later Flacco overthrew Todd Heap right in to the hands of Ryan Clark who returned it to the 25. Four plays later, Touchdown to Hines Ward and just like that 21-21. The fourth quarter started with both teams exchanging field goals and then 'Big Ben' took over and showed why he has won two super bowls and is one of the clutchiest quarterbacks in the league. Big Ben led the steelers on a 11 play, 50 yard drive ending in another Rashard Mendenhall touchdown. That left the Ravens with only 1:33 left in the game, the Ravens drive pretty much summed up the second half, 4 plays, -8 yards. Game over, what an incredible game. Easily one of my favorite rivalries in sports and one of the most thrilling playoff games this season.


Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons
Prediction: Packers 35 - Falcons 21
Actual: Packers 48 - Falcons 21


This game was over early. Aaron Rodgers came out firing bullets all over the field. His performance cements his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the league now. Rodgers came out and completed 31 of his 36 attempts, and if I remember correctly he only had 2 incompletions in the first half. 366 yards and 3 touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown. Rodgers out performed what was considered the best team in the NFC, and not only out performed, dominated them. It was a clinic from the first snap of the game. Rodgers lead drives of 13, 10, 7, 12, and 8 play touchdown drives. He also lead four touchdown drives of at least 80 yards. In all my years of watching football it was the best performance I have seen in some time. Matt Ryan who in the regular season only threw 9 interceptions came out Saturday night and threw 2 interceptions and had a QB Rating of 69.0, in other words this was not the performance Ryan was looking for.

That is the recap of the Saturday games, my next post will be on the  games that took place on Sunday between the Seahawks-Bears, and Jets-Pats.