A Giant Weekend

It's down to four in the NFL playoffs, and its a tale of two different stories in the AFC and NFC. Pre-season odds on a Pats/Chargers AFC Title game would have been pretty reasonable, but how many people predicted a Packers/Giants NFC Championship game before the season?? After the Packers outscored Seattle 42-6 in the final 55 minutes on Saturday, the Patriots took the Jaguars best shot, and still rolled to a 31-20 victory.

Sunday was the more interesting day; two road teams pulled significant upsets, and two preseason favorites were derailed. Despite a hobbled Antonio Gates, and losing both Philip Rivers and LDT to injury, the Chargers shocked the Colts in Indy to advance to the AFC Championship game. This sets up a potentially disastrous AFC title game, and the big wigs and CBS are still weeping over losing their dream matchup. The only way the Chargers can make this a game, is if they can get healthy (fast) and Shawne Merriman can terrorize Brady. I don't like the Chargers chances at all, but its football, and stranger things have happened.

How about them GGGGGG-Men?? You have to give Eli Manning credit. After all the abuse he's taken, after all the talking heads saying he would never be a star in this league, he has elevated his game the past 4 weeks and grown by leaps and bounds. He hasn't put up eye-popping numbers, but he's made the smart plays, avoiding the disastrous ones, and emerged as a true leader. While Eli has blossomed, the Giants have quietly been working the two-headed rusher monster, as Ahmad Bradshaw has served as the perfect compliment to the hard-nosed Brandon Jacobs. Additionally, Amani Toomer has proven himself to be among the league's most underrated receivers, and Kevin Boss has filled Shockey's shoes flawlessly. The pass rush has been key all season, and was outstanding on the Cowboys final drive. R.W. McQuarters played a phenomenal game, but the secondary must get healthy in a hurry for the Giants to advance. The blue and red have exceeded expectations, and Giants' fans are thrilled to even make it to Lambeau, but don't expect anyone to be satisfied. Going into Lambeau and winning is a tall task, but who can really argue with 8 straight road wins??