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2010 NFL Week 18 Game Recaps

Seahawks 41, Saints 36

Wow. Remember when Matt Hasselbeck's pass bounced off of Ben Obomanu's hands and into the arms of a Saints defensive back, leading to a subsequent Saints touchdown that made the game 10-0? I assumed I screwed up my 3-unit Seahawks +10 pick, and was getting ready to receive loads of hate mail for it.

Despite being down by 10 on two occasions and struggling to stop Drew Brees early on, Seattle never gave up. The defense eventually made enough stops, while Matt Hasselbeck inexplicably looked like he was the same quarterback who commanded the Seahawks to a Super Bowl appearance five years ago.

I really can't believe how well Hasselbeck played. He looked like a shell of his former self all year, carelessly tossing multiple interceptions every week. Against the Saints, however, Hasselbeck went 22-of-35 for 272 yards, four touchdowns and a pick that wasn't his fault. He also endured several drops, as well as a poor route by Mike Williams (5-68, TD) that could have been a long score.

New Orleans' secondary just didn't have a chance. Strong safety Roman Harper was torched on numerous occasions, and the team desperately missed Malcolm Jenkins.

Hasselbeck will be a free agent in March. It now appears as though he could be retained, barring a disastrous performance in the next couple of weeks.

Hasselbeck wasn't the only offensive player to come up huge after struggling the entire season. Marshawn Lynch, who often ran sluggishly this year, bulldozed the Saints for 131 yards on 19 carries. Lynch had one touchdown, which was one of the greatest runs I've ever seen in my life; the former Bill broke eight tackles (including one nasty stiff-arm) en route to a 67-yard score.

Two more Seahawks who experienced a resurgence: John Carlson (3-17, 2 TDs) and Brandon Stokley (4-73, TD). You have to wonder where this has been all year.

As for the Saints, they're just yet another team to fail to reach the second round of the playoffs following a Super Bowl victory. The last franchise to do this was New England - back in 2004.

Don't blame Drew Brees for this shocking loss; he went 39-of-60 for 404 yards and two touchdowns. Brees was victimized by poor pass protection, a lacking running game (both Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory were out) and shaky play-calling at times; on one of the most important plays of the contest - a 4th-and-1 in their own territory down 14 at the end of the third quarter - Sean Payton opted to give Julius Jones the ball. Jones was stuffed at the line of scrimmage, bringing joy to all the Seattle fans who watched Jones waste carries for years in the Pacific Northwest.

Jets 17, Colts 16

The Jets did a lot of growing up Saturday night. Rex Ryan finally beat Peyton Manning, while Mark Sanchez orchestrated a brilliant game-winning drive, culminating with Nick Folk's decisive 32-yard field goal.

Sanchez (18-of-31, 189 yards, INT) was brutal in the first half. He was sailing his throws, missing a wide-open receiver in the end zone for a touchdown. Later on the same possession, Sanchez tossed an interception when he overthrew his target.

However, Sanchez calmed down after intermission. He was suddenly way more accurate. And on the team's final drive, he called the play himself that resulted in an 18-yard completion to Braylon Edwards, giving Folk an easy kick.

LaDainian Tomlinson looked great. He was exceptional at the beginning of the year, but appeared to wear down as the season went on. But he looked like the old LT at Indianapolis, rushing for 82 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Shonn Greene (19-70) was also effective.

Ryan's defense did a great job limiting Peyton Manning and his offense to 312 total yards. The Colts had just one big play, a 56-yard bomb to Pierre Garcon (5-112, TD), who beat Antonio Cromartie. Outside of that, Indianapolis moved the chains, but couldn't get into the end zone.

Manning went 18-of-26 for 225 yards and a touchdown. He remarkably attempted just one pass inside the red zone, which was an incompletion to Jacob Tamme. Manning simply didn't have many options at his disposal; Darrelle Revis completely erased Reggie Wayne, who caught one ball for one measly yard.

The Colts ran the ball efficiently out of shotgun draws on third-and-long, as Joseph Addai (13-60) and Dominic Rhodes (14-33) each achieved an unexpected first down in that situation. Unfortunately for Indianapolis, the team went to the well one too many times. They failed on their final attempt, forcing to settle for a field goal.

Speaking of a poor coaching decision, what was Jim Caldwell doing when he called a timeout with 29 seconds remaining in regulation amid a running clock? Instead of being forced into an unfavorable 50-yard field goal, the Jets were able to run another play - which is when Sanchez hit Edwards for 18 yards along the sideline.

Ravens 30, Chiefs 7

Ah, so this is what happens when the Chiefs play a good team at home. It's really a shame that Kansas City wasted a playoff spot; the Chargers would have been much more competitive (until Nate Kaeding's perennial choke job, that is.)

If you didn't watch this game, you might find it hard to believe that this game was in doubt for Baltimore at intermission. The score was 10-7, thanks to a late score by the Ravens. In fact, it was 7-3 for most of the first half. Baltimore had complete control of the game when Joe Flacco fumbled at midfield. A couple of plays later, Jamaal Charles broke through for a 41-yard touchdown run.

When this happened, I wrote, "Are the Chiefs really going to get another B.S. win?" Thankfully, the better team won in Arrowhead this time. I just didn't feel like watching a Round 2 blowout in Pittsburgh. The four units didn't hurt either.

Not to completely rag on the Chiefs - OK, fine, this is fun - Phil Simms said at the end of the broadcast, "The Ravens exposed some of Kansas City's flaws, but they'll take care of them this offseason."

I really don't think that's possible. The offensive line stinks, there's no No. 2 receiver and the defense has holes, but the Chiefs' greatest flaw is Matt Cassel. Cassel (9-of-18, 70 yards, 3 INTs) is not a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL. He thrived this season because of all the horrific opponents he played, but as Simms said, Baltimore finally exposed Kansas City's flaw.

Adding insult to injury, things won't be any better for Cassel next year with Charlie Weis headed to Florida.

You really have to wonder what happened to Charles (9-82, TD). He ran the ball just twice in the second half. One of those carries was the turning point of the game - down 10-7 early in the third quarter, Todd Haley opted to go for it on 4th-and-inches on Baltimore's 33. Charles was stuffed for a 4-yard loss, and didn't receive a single carry after that.

Following that botched fourth-down attempt, the Chiefs' offense had minus-23 yards of offense with three turnovers. There was nearly a fourth, but Cassel was saved by the tuck rule.

One more thing on the Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe didn't catch a single pass. It's hard to tell whether Cassel was too inept to get him the ball, or Bowe was actually hurt despite the fact that Kansas City took him off the injury report late in the week.

As for the Ravens, they'll move on to play the Steelers next week. Flacco has never beaten Ben Roethlisberger, so this would be a good time to get over that hurdle.

Flacco played great Sunday, as he improved to 4-2 in the postseason. Flacco went 25-of-34 for 265 yards and two touchdowns, breaking Baltimore single-game playoff records for yards and completions. He took some sacks early and had that aforementioned fumble - Tamba Hali was a monster - but Flacco decided to scramble often in the second half. He gained 26 yards on seven important rushes.

Flacco often targeted Todd Heap, who constantly beat rookie safety Eric Berry. Heap caught 10 balls for 108 yards, becoming the first Ravens player to ever accumulate 10 receptions in a playoff game.

Packers 21, Eagles 16

Dom Capers is a hell of a defensive coordinator. Coming into this game, the big question was how QB Dog Killer would deal with Capers' trademark blitzes behind a horrid offensive line. But the Packers seldom blitzed, especially in the first half; they sent extra pass-rushers only four times prior to intermission.

QB Dog Killer still made some nice plays, going 20-of-36 for 292 yards, one touchdown and an interception. He was plagued by several drops (mostly by Jason Avant) and his weak front line. Right tackle Winston Justice was benched in the fourth quarter after being abused by Clay Matthews. Justice somehow had three penalties in a span of just two plays.

The Eagles just looked out of rhythm all afternoon, which can't be a surprise because aside from a fluky 8-minute rally against the capsizing Giants, they haven't played well in a month. I already mentioned the offensive line and drops. QB Dog Killer made some poor clock-management decisions down the stretch. On the Eagles' final play, QB Dog Killer lobbed up an underthrown ball for Riley Cooper instead of spiking it. Green Bay corner Tramon Williams, who somehow didn't make the Pro Bowl, came up with the game-clinching interception.

And then there was David Akers... Akers, who has a long, great postseason track record, whiffed on attempts from 41 and 34 yards. The first miss was excusable; he was going against a strong wind. The second kick was an easy try that Akers can usually make in his sleep.

After the game, someone vandalized Akers' Wikipedia page, writing, "He looks at kid porn on his computer and donates all of his salary to Al Qaeda and the Taliban." Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Congrats to Aaron Rodgers, who won his first playoff game. Rodgers was outstanding, going 18-of-27 for 180 yards and three scores. Like QB Dog Killer, Rodgers was hurt by drops. There were three big ones, including a potential 60-yard touchdown by James Jones at the end of the first half.

I don't think anyone thought the Packers would rush for 138 yards in this game. Rookie James Starks was outstanding, generating 123 yards on 23 attempts. He's an explosive runner who could be the team's back of the future.

The Packers travel to Atlanta next week to avenge a last-second regular-season loss back in Week 12. No NFC six-seed has ever won the Super Bowl before, but the Packers have a great chance to buck that trend. They could be the second-best team in the NFL. At least I think so.

For more, check out my updated 2010 NFL Power Rankings, which will be posted Monday morning.

Mookie 10-10-2011 01:32 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.62 (total posts: 1)

Doug Baldwin leads the team with 20 catches, 330 yards, and 2 scores and yet he's inconsistent? Dude you're joking. I don't even think he has a drop.

The QBs are inconsistent more than anything. I'd pick him up after the bye!

lolrus 10-10-2011 01:07 pm xxx.xxx.xxx9.75 (total posts: 1)

103

"James Starks (12-40) had more than double the carries that Grant did (7-18)"

Rob 10-10-2011 11:50 am xxx.xxx.xxx.158 (total posts: 1)

you didnt mention anything about the bills in that write up. everything was about the eagles. o well. everyone can keep ignoring what the bills are doing good and always talk about what the other teams are doing wrong.

Patrick 10-10-2011 11:24 am xxx.xxx.xxx.180 (total posts: 1)

Bogus non cover? really? Had denver finished out with orton, who you expected to play the whole game when making your predictions, they would have LOST BY 16!!!!

db 10-10-2011 11:02 am xxx.xxx.xxx.170 (total posts: 2)

yeah, the chargers only outgained denver by 150 yards, bogus non-cover.

Lance 10-10-2011 10:24 am xxx.xxx.xxx.137 (total posts: 4)

Well, I think I'll punch Mike Mularkey in the face if I ever run into him. By far the worst coordinator in the league. He went all out in the first two drives against the Packers by finally calling screens and slant routes but then remembered he's supposed to be as predictable as possible and to make the offense as unbalanced as humanly possible.

Wirst Coach ever 10-10-2011 10:22 am xxx.xxx.xxx.212 (total posts: 1)

@Vince: yes, the Chargers won but WE lost (all the people who had money on the Broncos ATS).
And not running the ball on the first two downs at the own 20 with about 3 minutes left was incredibly stupid by Norv Turner. If Rivers doesn't complete the 3rd and 10 you give the red hot Tebow the ball with more than 3 minutes left. So this time Norv wasn't punished for his stupidity, but he eventually will. With Norv on the sideline the Chargers stand no chance whatsoever against a well-coached team in the playoffs. Mark my words!

Ron 10-10-2011 09:35 am xxx.xxx.xxx.121 (total posts: 2)

Has anyone noticed that referee Jerome Boger sounds like he took lessons from Emmitt Smith on how to debacle the english language?

Help! 10-10-2011 08:09 am xxx.xxx.xxx.126 (total posts: 3)

"Matt Cassel really deserves a lot of credit for this win."

What the hell did you do with Walter?! Walter would never write something positive about Matt Cassel. Someone call the FBI and put in for a missing persons for Walter.

Mark Hogan 10-10-2011 07:15 am xxx.xxx.xxx.186 (total posts: 1)

Come on Walt!!! T he refs had a stake in this game???? Be more professional!!

Lucas 10-10-2011 06:11 am xxx.xxx.xxx.229 (total posts: 1)

It's finally Tebow time! What should've happened 4 and a half weeks ago is finally here. Finally my Broncos have a shot at winning some ball games. Finally!

Vince 10-10-2011 05:29 am xxx.xxx.xxx3.99 (total posts: 4)

What was the second bogus personal foul? And the one that 'left the announcers befuddled' actually was legit. The ref announced "Hit on a defenseless receiver." When CBS showed the replay, at the top of the screen, you could just barely see Vincent Jackson, turned around and watching the pass to Floyd I think it was, and you could see a safety come from behind him and drill him to the ground, hitting him in the back. I think it was #26 on Denver. But I don't recall the other personal foul you're speaking of.

@Wirst Coach ever: I tend to agree that Norv Turner isn't a good coach, but what are you talking about? The Chargers won, last time I checked. If you're referring to why the Broncos lost the Chargers game, how could it have been Turner's playcalling? Orton was a much more obvious target.

Wirst Coach ever 10-10-2011 04:22 am xxx.xxx.xxx.213 (total posts: 1)

Hi Walt,

Just wanted to point out the main reason why we lost the Chargers game - the atrocious play calling by Norv Turner.

With around 3 minutes left for no reason whatsoever he decided to throw the ball twice on the first two downs instead of running it to keep the clock going. Of course both passes were incomplete. Only because of this absolute horrible play calling the Chargers were forced to try the filed goal instead of just running down the clock.

I'm really looking forward to unloading against Norv Turner in the playoffs, when his idiotic play calling once again will kill the Chargers.

Dear Dan 10-10-2011 03:58 am xxx.xxx.xxx.203 (total posts: 3)

Technically they had 1 but it was offset by another Denver Personal foul

Refs Suck 10-10-2011 03:57 am xxx.xxx.xxx.203 (total posts: 3)

I'm glad I wasn't the only one watching the Broncos and seeing all those phantom calls. 2 personal fours that were not there FML.

On the plus side looks like Orton will ride the bench now, its #TebowTime. When Tebow was on the field the Broncos technically won. 14-6. Imagine if tebow had played the whole time. I would be fine with Orton if he showed that he actually wanted to play. But honestly to me it looks as though he just wants to get paid. Tebow is a gamer and has someting that Orton doesn't leadership and a passion for the game.

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2009: Live 2009 NFL Draft Blog - April 25
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2007: NFL Draft: Day 1 Review Blog - April 28
Quarterback Rankings - June 25
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Chief Carl Has Lost a Step - Sept. 9
The NFL Cheated the Patriots - Sept. 16
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NFL Week 18 Wrap-Up - Jan. 6
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2008 Championship Sunday Diary - Jan. 20
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2010 NFL Week 18 Game Recaps

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