Florida Firecats - af2 Football

And then came the climax of the first half of the season in the NFL, which is the seventeenth week.

Culminating in what is for many the culmination, the conclusion of the "sixteen efforts" to others, is the last step before starting to ride to the playoffs and, hopefully, even more better. In fact, the season of pro football provides seventeen days-per-hour of play, to tell the truth though, the races are actually played by the teams sixteen, because, in turn, every team, every week, in rotation, all observed a day of "Bye" to rest.

I said that for now are seventeen races since, for several months, negotiations are underway between the tight league and union players so that they will be accepted by this latest revolutionary idea: play eighteen regular season games, and abandon unnecessary calls for "pre-season."

Anyway, this Sunday we had the opportunity to be present at the same time, 19.00 and then from 22:05, Italian time, the spectacle of the sixteen teams, all in the field without interruption.

Furthermore, during its last day's racing season, have been programmed and some huge challenges sentitissime interdivisional, from Chicago-Green Bay, New York Giants - Washington, passing through Pittsburgh - Cleveland, ending with Dallas - Philadelphia Oakland - Kansas City, and last but not least, St. Louis - Seattle, that will decide, after many years, the landing of a playoff loser-winner "of Division, namely the West Division.

Without this "pomposity" take the field, and we see in detail what he told us this last day.

Miami Dolphins - New England Patriots 7-38

A perfect ending for the regular season for the team that has literally dominated the first half of the season. Now the Patriots for a well deserved week off in preparation for the Divisional.

The odds, already the day before, saw the hosts data for winning by a wide margin, and so it turned out. In fact, New England, although the owner has left some on the bench, it was not in any way "up" before the end, and, again, overwhelmed the hapless opponents, the Dolphins today, under the usual hail of points. And again, the word that best describes the course of the match is "Unstoppable."

But we come to the match. Match ... Call it "training" pre-playoffs: Oh yes, because from the very first time you figured out how the evening would develop three touchdowns, to Gronkowski, Green-Ellis, and Edelman on punt return, plus the usual FG Graham closed the contest on the thirtieth minute. In the third quarter, the last regular season TD pass from Brady to Crumpler, followed by the Tate-but this time from the hands of Hoyer. Decreed that the heavy 38-0 to close the third period. Miami shows up only with Bess. Thus, the final 38-7.

As for the numbers of the race for Miami "double" QB, but so Thigpen-10/21, 169 Yds, 1 TD; as Henne-6/16, 71 Yds, 1 INT, and can not hold a candle to the sinking of Patriots face of excessive power. The only sign of life it provides Bess, with the only TD and useless. For New England, early this match has assumed the characteristics of a workout in preparation for the playoffs: Green-Ellis, Gronkowski, Crumpler, Tate, Edelman Punt Return in the half, they have just feasted at the table Dolphins. Among the guests, but could not miss the "head of the table," Tom Brady: 10/16, 199 Yds, 2 touchdowns thrown, before leaving the stage to his companion Hoyer, who has not disfigured: 7 / 13, 122 yds, 1 TD .

Thus, neither ends with the best record in league, 14-2, and in addition to the Division, winning the field-factor remains anyone, will take on the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Best wishes to all ...

Miami, by contrast, ends at 7-9, and even more embarrassing, it ends with a home record of 1-7, in the face instead of just 6-2 on the road. Now, as in other "strands", the position of coach begins to wobble. Also because, as much in football as in other team sports, to pay in such cases is always the coach. We'll see what happens in any case certainly eventful off-season Dolphins.

Buffalo Bills - New York Jets 7-38

The Jets, to kick off with a good record of 10-5, had half a foot to the playoffs, a victory for seriva then have absolute certainty. The win came, but in the end, is the sixth seed reached the last useful to at least the Wild Card Game, as Baltimore, defeating Cincinnati, the Jets snatched the fifth, and then next week, the White NY-green must contend, like last year, with the Colts.

The previous challenge, as good as AFC Championship, went to Indianapolis, which has also reached the Super Bowl, and was defeated by the Saints. But back to today, and the game.

The Jets, full of young people leave quietly, and in the first quarter, marking only the kicker Folk. From the second quarter, however, things change: the first set in half interception by Cole, then the usual Td Holmes, make it more substantial, "the advance" of the Jets. In the third period, the Bills are awakened, and although it is a flash in the pan, with Byrd, they show up on the board. But after that, I'm gone again. So NY has taken the train of thought: at the close of the third quarter, WR Edwards, and then, the last village, racing Clemens and Conner, leading the hosts on 38-7 DefInt.

As mentioned, the Jets were full of young people: some a little 'less, as the QB Brunell, but has not "lost" his arm: 6 / 12, 110 yds, 2 Tds, 1 INT. Others, such as the "real" young McKnight showed his talent: 158 Yds races. Among teammates, great performance of back-field: Conner, Clemens, Holmes, Edwards led the Jets to the cause of their positive contribution, in the secondary, CB Cole has been at the forefront of the evening-2 INTs, including reported in a touchdown.

For Buffalo, it was concluded, finally, another, but more troubled than others, the season that sees them again, "the pole", and out of the playoffs. For the latter game, Buffalo has also given space to the findings: the two QBS, Brohm-10/23, 106 yds, 2 INTs, which Brown-2 / 3, 24 yds, 1 INT have clearly shown that this year " the movement "Bills was truly in need. In conclusion, the Jets closed the regular season with 11-5, and next week on Saturday, precisely, will have to (re) to contend with the Colts, but Indianapolis. Buffalo, after a dreadful start of 0-8, concluded "in pairs", the last eight races of the year, and in some moments, the Bills have shown signs of awakening. But, objectively, in East Division, as in the North to Cleveland, for the Bills, life is always hard.

Cincinnati Bengals - Baltimore Ravens 7-13

One of the many "battles" that the timing of the AFC North in store for us every week. Given the developments, this race had little meaning for both teams: Cincinnati had now lost hope of continuing the season. And it is objectively one of the biggest disappointments of the 2010 season: to be watching last year, although ended prematurely against the Jets, is looking to the starting roster, "Cincy" had all the cards to put a spoke in the wheels of the Steelers like the Ravens, the two "superpowers" of the Division,

Instead, game after game, the Bengals have collected not only defeated, but also a bad impression, and soon, the record started to decline, and in the end, it was steady at 4-12. Speech diametrically opposite to Baltimore: the start, was the outsider to the head of the Division, but compared to the Steelers, they found more trouble on the road, and even after their home defeat at the hands of Pittsburgh, had to abandon the ambition of leadership , and were "satisfied" to hoist himself into second place. Second place in Conference becomes the fifth, then next Sunday the Ravens will have to go to Kansas City to meet the great Chiefs for the third Wild Card Game the weekend. That said, let's see how the game was held.

A game that honestly, went a bit 'wearily. In fact, for the first two quarters, Baltimore controls easily, and simply mark with a kicker Cundiff. Between the third and last quarter, before the then Bengal Raven Rice Simpson, make it a bit 'more peppery the end of the race. But at the end of Baltimore has the best, and how accenntato, won the contest. A level of personal performance, QB Flacco's house is "only" 14/19, 125 yds, 1 INT. The counterpart Palmer you want to give more to be done: 32/45, 305 Yds, 1 TD and 2 INTs, but his defeat comes the twelfth.

And now, for the coaching staff, as some players on the roster, promises a long off season. Baltimore on the contrary, 12-4, will meet with the Chiefs (10-6). KC is 7-1 at home, 5-3 away in Baltimore. These are the cold numbers, but as shown by this wonderful game, every Sunday is always different.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Cleveland Browns 41-9

Within the North Division when they meet these two teams, the show reaches very high levels. For several years now, the show we see it often led by one of the two sidelines. And the game last night is no exception.

For Cleveland, a defeat was definitely predictable, but this size was not under consideration. Pittsburgh, having also direct clashes with all the divisional contenders, and in particular, with Baltimore, had the advantage, therefore, a victory would secure the yellow-blacks the divisional title. And so it was: the Steeler game was a symphony: Mendenhall and Wallace in the first quarter, yet Mendenhall, Miller and FG Suisham, where Cleveland is liable only kicked three-pointers, leading the promo time on the 31-3 Steelers . In the third quarter, Ward swell the score. At the last village, finally, Cleveland scored the only TD of the day with Robiskie. Pittsburgh concludes with the challenge of the FG Suisham.

For Cleveland, a very bad performance of rookie McCoy: 20/41, 209 Yds, 1 TD, 3 INTs. The only positive note is only to Robiskie. Pittsburgh instead pulls out a monster performance: Big Ben shows a 18/22, 280 Yds, 2 touchdowns, rushing touchdowns Mendenhall-2, Wallace, Miller, Ward, with unTd head, categorically say that Pittsburgh will be tough for everyone. Finally, Cleveland, another season to forget: the 5-11 final record which also makes this off season long. Pittsburgh instead ends up 12-4 and now will enjoy a well deserved bye week, waiting for the Divisional, which will play at home.

Oakland Raiders - Kansas City Chiefs 31-10

In this case, was never more appropriate nickname: the "Corsairs" have dug out the fact Arrowhead Stadium, giving the Chiefs the first home defeat. Not exactly the best way to draw closer to the post season after a long time, especially since next week the Chiefs will face one of the best teams in the AFC, the Ravens. From the Chiefs of the record is not exactly the most exemplary of the Ravens on the road. But now we talk about this game.

The Chiefs, before yesterday, were unbeaten at home. For their part, lost hopes of post season, the Raiders could only conclude the season in a good way, and maybe give some heartache in Kansas City. In addition, for the Raiders, there was another goal: to finish undefeated against all divisional opponents. And so it was. But let's look at the course of the match. After FG Succop, for the Chiefs, has started a bad domenica.Già in the second period, Schilens with a TD and FG Janikowski with the lead ahead of Oakland. In the second half, the music does not change and indeed, the situation is complicated terribly KC: Although Charles brought into equilibrium KC, Oakland did not give up and settles down, with Bush at the close of the third fraction, and then with Ford, and finally with the 'interception set out in the end zone of Routt, the "hooks" that finally sent to the yellow-red carpet to coach Haley. And as such, must rearrange ideas and focus on the delicate Willd Card against the Ravens.

Oakland welcomes again the season, but he may be, in a small, satisfied: in fact, from that of Denver, the Raiders began an ascent that only nearly came to an end with the landing to the playoffs. However, the job of coach Cable has been very positive, and we will see in this next off season what will happen in sunny California Bay.

Minnesota Vikings - Detroit Lions 13-20

Coach Frazier has been forced to leave the bench Favre, who has thus finally greeted the troops and now we can say with some confidence, "Thanks 4 the memories" great Brett, see you in that Hall of Fame. Will miss a player as dominant and durable. But as demonstrated by the Lions, "the invitation to sentimentality, and out of the claws.

As reported by nfl.com, Detroit has watched "Four-ward" and gave the last of a disappointment this season that Minnesota has run on a veritable roller-coaster ": favorite game as not only division but also the Conference, including a coach is not well liked by players, and a series of "accidents", stumbling, soon saw their destiny "down south". And so, with the latter defeat, settles on the final record 6-10. Like Detroit, which, given the bad situation in which it found right away, you finally managed to go up a bit 'on its feet, and finishes the season with four straight wins, but the record langue, also at 6-10 .

Coming to the challenge, Lions, third in the second village, with two kicks at the goal of Burleson and Reyner, who go ahead and not look back once more. Minnesota shows up only with the interception Allen, reported touchdown.In the last quarter, the Vikings, with two more and kicked Longwell, we report below, but the final TD of Morris brings the score 13-20 Lion. Coming to the cold numbers, the young Webb, in his second game as a starter, he can not bring her up: 20/32, 148 yds, 1 INT her final score. If it were not for the interception Allen, Minnesota would have risked an embarrassing shut-out. Conversely, Detroit responded with Shaun Hill in a great day: 29/39, 288 Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT. Among the men in the back-field, yet another positive test for Burleson, as Morris, authors of touchdowns that earned him such as field goals, the fourth consecutive victory and the final regular season 6-10. At this point, a long off season for both teams: honestly, Detroit is that Minnesota will have to move wisely on the front of the market for Free Agents, and perhaps point to some "crack" from the Draft. However, both salute the 2010 season.

Carolina Panthers - Atlanta Falcons 10-31

On paper, the prediction game already written: Atlanta, at the kick-off was sure of a playoff spot, but since last week, coach Smith's men have been caught by the pursuers Saints, that the level of record, had taken only one game at a disadvantage in this match, Atlanta had to be careful not to get caught up with emotion. Looking at the scoreboard, the end result makes it clear that the Falcons were concentrated at large and have played a much better game. With this victory, the Falcons 13-3 to go up and off the ticket for the Divisional, which will host the turf at the Georgia Dome. In addition, it will enjoy a turn of rest, and then can watch quietly from the sofa of their facility to the clashes on Saturday / Sunday.

As for the race, the Georgians are easily lead to 21-0 to close the first half. For its part, Carolina could not wait to end this terrible season, with the indecision of the roles in the field, and moral injury in their heels. Before the game, nfl.com and other sites gave the news that Fox was ousted coach. Decision, "amazing". ... Back in the match, the Panthers they show only a FG and a TD in the last period. Atlanta, however, with another TD and a FG, had double-locked the contest. Speaking of numbers, the Panthers end their odyssey with Clausen in the control room, which records a 19/33, 182 Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT. Only King to save the honor of the Carolina players. On the side line of Atlanta, Ryan is proving even more efficace-22/32, 236 Yds, 2 touchdowns. Among the companions of Fortune, Turner, White, and "Gonzo" Gonzales mark a TD apiece, and bring it to the Divisional Atlanta. That is already a great achievement, but watch to "sit" the pitfalls are always around the corner.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - New Orleans Saints 23-13

On the one hand, we can call it "upset", but let me, it was an upset in half. In effect, Tampa Bay had to do his duty, win, and hope that the Giants did a wrong move in that of Washington. How to Green Bay. Instead .... Instead, the Bucs conludono season with 10 victories, but they remain at home. How, moreover, even the Giants. However, we look to match the Superdome.

Tampa's first-half puts it very clear that things are harder than usual NO: for the guests, with the FG Barth and Td Briscoe's say that is a nice surprise for the Serbian Saints. Small note on the TD which sealed the 10-7 Bucs: on fourth and long, Tampa sends special team to kick the field and the football is good, but NO, with one of his men, he commits a stupid, pointless, bloody " Offside: Ergo Ten Yards penalty automatic first down for the Bucs, who in two steps, mark the TD. Let's get back to us. In the third quarter of the match will ignite: the Saints are apparent only with Hartley, as Tampa, again with Barth and TD Williams, is reported on the last lap and in the open, is located in well-deserved advantage. The last sentence is rather a bit 'devoid of strong emotions. Only Tampa contiuna on track and the last FG Barth puts on the board of the 23-17 "almost" final. The Saints, who go under the kicker Hartley, but it was not enough. Then, as above, Tampa, despite the victory, out of the playoff race. New Orleans instead reaches the Wild Card, where if the will with the "winners-losers" division of Seattle Seahawks. Too bad for Tampa, which now needs to reflect on what during the off season has not gone the right way. New Orleans invecepotrà defend their title.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Houston Texans 17-34

"End of the road" for both Shiera. Jacksonville, until the game against the Colts, was the first in the Division, and one step away from the post season. Instead, it happened a "bang" that has cut the legs of the players in Florida, and the defeats against the Colts and the Redskins, the Jaguars have said "Bye bye post-season." So the Jaguars end up in the same year, 8-8 record with a home-away "palindrome": Jacksonville 5-3, 3-5 out. Houston conversely, has another "record" since she was born (2002) has not reached the playoffs. All other "expansion" teams or those teams that have moved to cities, at least once, a "post-season trip" did. But let us return to the match.

The Texans in the first half and scored two touchdowns and two field goals that appear to be another tough obstacle for the Jaguars, but they respond promptly, and shorter distances with Scobee, Lewis and Jennings. In the second half, between the third and final period, Daniels and Foster finally close the dispute and give the Jaguars a crushing defeat. At the same roster, Jacksonville Garard first left out of contention, in its place Edwards has taken the field, which has discrete numbers: 12/25, 140 Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT. Jennings only to be saved-108 Yds, 1 TD and Lewis, received a Td. On the side line, Schaub has not disfigured: 18/22, 253 Yds, 1 TD. Back-field, the protagonist was ssoluto Foster, 180 Yds, 2 rushing touchdowns. That with the support of Ward and Daniels led Houston to victory.

Victory even comforting, because for the umpteenth time, the Texans' last stop of the season. So, no post season for both teams, and ultimately, off season of reflection for both management, because a steep fall of this type will affect the entire coaching staff, because in these cases, the culprits are always those who do not play.

Dallas Cowboys - Philadelphia Eagles 14-13

At the start, we learn that, with regard to the Eagles, on Sunday decided to leave the bench their owners. "Doubly evil, or as they say" did they regret "for Coach Reid and the supporters of the" City of brotherly love. " Why? First, this is a game that has always reserved the show, so even if Phil was sure of the Wild Card as the East Division leader, had faced the Cowboys. And of course, fans of the Eagles will not have welcomed this, shall we say, "waiver".Secondly, it went wrong because Dallas, as the past January, the last game, have defeated Philadelphia.

You have to be honest, it was a feast for the eyes: to paraphrase the soccer, the game was wearily continued with a game still in midfield. " However, Dallas had the honor to play especially since the playoffs the players of Texas, greeted them in practice after losing 45-7 to Green Bay coach and Garret, who according to rumors, was promoted to full-time coach from volcanic Jerry Jones. As mentioned above, the game will not be included in the "pearls" of the season. However, Dallas has made the commitment right. However, it is Philaldeplhia who takes the lead with Hall, a pass from Kolb. At the end of the second period, one of the plays that change the inertia: Demarcus Ware and Spencer are on the hunt for Kolb, who escapes the first but not the second, which stripped the ball at the Eagles Qb, allowing his companion, Ware, of not only cover the fumble, but fly away peacefully in half: 7-7, and teams in the locker room. From where Dallas comes out even more convinced of the possible external impact. But, again Phila to be more specific, because in a couple of occasions, both the Cowboys special teams, that even the secondary, become "hawking" and allow the Eagles to recover some balls, two in particular that are turned into 6 points with precise kicks Akers. But, "The best has yet to come": the third QB Dallas, McGee, Arizona had revealed that several deficient, now takes the ball with two hands, and closing of the match, contact information in the hands of wise and gold TE Witten that undisturbed, crossing the end zone at home and thus leads to a minute, the Cowboys ahead, 14-13, and finally, the Newman's interception ends the duel in Dallas and allows for "up" to 6 - 10.

For the same reason, Dallas has won on all fronts. In addition, the "substitute sotituto" McGee has played un'egregia game: 11/27, 127 Yds, 1 TD. The offensive department, Witten has been the key that allowed burgle the safe in Philadelphia. In terms of defense, apart from a few missteps in levels of ball-handling, more proof that capitalize Ware: 1 Fumble recovered and taken to the end zone and three sacks. Mate Spencer department has made "only" two.This already makes it clear as to the Eagles has been a long Sunday. In addition, Kolb, "thawed" by Reid, has demonstrated its freshness and clarity of ideas. Indeed. For him, 18/36, 162 Yds, 1 TD and three INTs.

The only one who has followed the right path was Hall. But it is not worth anything. So, Dallas welcomes the end of the season with a win prestige and a record of 5 wins under Garret and three defeats. From work, home-Cowboys, in this off-season there will be much: apart from improving the performance at home (2-6), we will mainly be recorded assignments of the secondary, because if attacked over the long haul, the Cowboys go in anguish. In terms of defense, however, things are going well. As for the offensive line, has proven to know Kitne deserve the trust.However, we need a reinforcement of the highest level. Why is good to reach the playoffs, but the Cowboys should and can aspire to higher goals-NFC Championship and Super Bowl are two targets, which up to fifteen years ago, were in the DNA of Texans. Philadelphia instead greets supporters with his fourth home defeat, the second row.Next Sunday, at home, the Packers will land, a very dangerous customer. However, in business, are 3-5. But for this very important appointment, the owners return, and therefore, will be a performance full.

New York Giants - Washington Redskins 17-14

The Giants had to win and hope that it would be succeeded by a series of "anchors" for, because otherwise, he would have spoken rightly, fail. And unfortunately for the Blue NY bankruptcy was made. Why, Green Bay, winning with the Bears, the Giants did not allow access to a post-season was that at some point, pretty easy. We come to the game. The Giants started well, with the first and Tynes, and then with Jacobs, who go easy on 10-0.Washington responds only with Davis. Manningham in the penultimate period, with a reception from 92 Yds, bears its on 17-7, which seems to put an end to talk. But Washington, with Armstrong, puts a little 'pepper on further with TD 17-14. But Grossman, with four errors in a row, allowing the Giants to impossesarsi the ball and kneel down and to conclude a successful 2010. For the third game, as Washington has runner Grossman, signing another good performance: 26/44, 336 Yds, 2 Tds, 1 INT. Equally good performance of the TE Davis and Armstrong Wr. But it is not enough.

On the opposite side line, Manning he has not played a bad partita-17/29, 243 Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT. On the offensive department, the two touchdowns came from Jacobs and Manningham. In conclusion, NY has literally throwing away an easy port to the playoffs with a few games that seemed manageable, but which turned out to be heavy boomerang. It concludes with a record of 10-6 in seventh place in the NFC. Henceforth, it is assumed the post of Coughlin will not be so sure. Unless it's all the fault of the Punter who has not thrown the ball off the field ... .. Washington, after yet another mini-revolution, is found also in 6-10, but the playoffs are a pipe dream for the whole 'arc of the season. Coach Shnahan is experienced, has always been able to bring out the best from his men. From now until the next season, the front office must first resolve the grain-Haynesworth, and maybe try to give a solid appearance to the roster. For Washington, there are too many years away from the post season.

Chicago Bears - Green Bay Packers 30-10

The historic, classic challenge of the NFC North is resolved in favor of the Packers, who conquered in the first victory against their rivals, but also access to the Wild Card, where they must contend with the Eagles. Chicago, already sure of the Division, may have already dropped out before the game. So, Green Bay, seeing how little resistance they live across its opposite, has climbed to the top, and drive after drive, he crossed the field, and on several occasions, stressed the difficulty the defense. Chicago, to be honest, did not seem very focused, and in fact, was limited to "minimum wage": FG Gould. After that, "dark."

Green Bay, understood that the other party does not answer, he decided to make her own, and drive after drive, she approached the finish line. We must say that Chicago has taken in defense until the last period. Sure, there have been some general amnesia that could be costly, but still, the estate has been there. However, GB has been more obstinate, and finally, with Lee, has crowned his efforts and the player's home, could make the "Leap Packer" trademark of the Wisconsin team. Finally, the Collins interception, a pass from Cutler, marked the end of the match.So, Green Bay will go to Philadelphia to meet with Vick, Jackson and his associates. Chicago, will rest and try to recharge the batteries, in view of the Divisional will be held on the ground friend of Soldier Field.

Tennessee Titans - Indianapolis Colts 20-23

On the one hand, the defeat with the Cowboys seemed to have tremendously complicated the plans for the continuation for Manning and Co. II. Instead, after the Scoppola, have arrived victories, the last against the Titans derelicts. So, Indy can breathe a big sigh of relief and focus sull'importantissima and delicate challenge of next week, Saturday, still at Lucas Oil Stadium, where "land" from the New York Jets.

Besides being the January 2010 edition of the Championship, won by the Colts, is also one of the games and challenges that evoke the football "of yore": Colts-Jets in fact recalls the challenges of "The Master" Unitas vs "Broadway" Joe Namath. But there is a time for memories of the past. There will be time to dissect due to the myriad meanings of this match. Let's go back to our days. Indianapolis had only one objective: winning. And a corollary that the Jaguars expect to run into another bad day. And so it finally happened. Now, however, a quick recap.

Indianapolis and Tennessee come together for the first quarter. Two field goals by one. In the second, the Colts are starting to get going: Vinatieri and Wayne still give a jerk to the first race. Tennessee still comply with Byronas. In the third period, only to score for his Garçon, as the Titans broke up and driver receptions and Britt Johnson, rieuqilibrano the match. Finally, a few seconds after the regular time, the wise coach Caldwell relies feet Vinatieri, who own the gong, centers the ball of hashmarks and sends Indy to the playoffs. Reading these numbers, it is understood that the lot was "on the edge" for a long time, and performance is confirmed: Collins, the returning Collins, has a very good 28/39, 300 Yds, 2 touchdowns. Manning responded with a 27/41, 264 Yds, 2 touchdowns. In addition, the two teams have "flown" above the balloons: Britt / Johnson, Wayne / Garçon were the targets of the two QBS.

Thus, to Indianapolis, the race continues, and next Saturday, the blue-white in Indianapolis should be ready, because come the Jets, looking for a great away win, you definitely want a rematch for the past year . Sabato 8 gennaio da cardiopalma in quel di Indianapolis. Tennessee al contrario, finisce come peggio non poteva sperare: da 5-2 a 6-10. Forse coach Fisher ha perso la presa sul locker room, forse i giocatori sono logori, fatto sta che da quì al prossimo settembre ci sarà da lavorare a Nashville.

San Diego Chargers – Denver Broncos 33-28

Altra sfida calda per la AFC West, che però non aveva ripercussioni sulla volata playoffs. Denver più di San Diego giocava per l'onore, anche perchè questa stagione, per i Broncos, assomiglia a molte del passato. Sotto coach McDaniels, si era iniziato con un promettentissimo 6-0, poi, piano piano, i problemi sono affiorati nella loro pesantezza e complessità, e la carriera del giovane coach si è conclusa sul record(se non sbaglio) di 17-22. Al suo posto, è stato chiamato, interim, Studesville, che dopo un buon inizio, non è riuscito a tenere sulla frusta i suoi giocatori, che poi, hanno di nuovo mollato. E il record langue e piange: 4-12.

Tuttavia, posto che Orton è comunque un buon Qb, affidabile, un pallido raggio di sole c'è e si chiama Tim Tebow. Ma il front office Broncos deve essere in grado di costruire un buon “contorno”, sia attraverso un buon mercato della Free Agency, sia attraverso il Draft, che da quello che si può carpire, sarà davvero un fucina di talenti. San Diego, dal canto suo, è qualche anno che parte in sordina, e poi, settimana dopo settimana, esplode. Questo 2010 non sembrava far eccezione, invece, dopo la schiacciante vittoria contro i Chiefs, gli ingranaggi si sono fermati, e dopo la sconfitta contro i Bengals, hanno dovuto definitvamente salutare le speranze di post season.

Domenica, per i Chargers, quindi, la possibilità di finire almeno con un record vincente. Dopo il Td di Lloyd che porta subito davanti i Broncos, i Chargers si scatenano nel secondo periodo: Matthews e tre FGs di Kaeding danno a San Diego il 16-7 che chiude il primo tempo. Il secondo tempo però continua sulla falsa riga del primo, e San Diego segna ancora con Matthews e Kaeding. Denver risponde solo con Decker. In chiusura di match, Matthews segna il suo terzo Td personale. Denver si fa vedere in ritardo con Vaughn, 97 Yds di ritorno di Punt in meta, e infine con il solido Tebow. Come già premesso, Tebow è stata una gran bella scoperta, e anche in quest partita ha sfoderato una buona prestazione: 16/36, 205 Yds, però a fronte dei due Tds, ha anche lanciato due INTs. I compagni di back-field, Lloyd e Decker hanno tentato di “seguire” la retta via di Tebow, ma non è stato abbastanza. Di converso, Rivers, a parte i numeri personali, non ha trovato una gran giornata: 21/37, 313 Yds, 1 INT. Domenica da ricordare invece per il rookie Matthews: 120 Yds su corsa e 3 Tds. Ciòò detto, San Diego porta a casa una preziosa vittoria, e sale a 9-7, relegando i Broncos a 4-12. Quindi, per le due squadre, si prospetta una off season di ripensamenti.

Arizona Cardinals – San Francisco 49ers 7-38

Già il recente Monday Night aveva detto che i Niners erano più in palla rispetto agli spenti Cardinals. Inoltre, quel Monday Night aveva creato nei Cardinals un “caso” Anderson-il Qb venne beccato a ridersela con i suoi sotto 36-7. Comunque, per questa stagione, entrambi gli schieramenti volevano salutare possibilmente con una vittoria. Per quanto riguarda San Francisco, lunedì scorso, dopo la decima sconfitta, la dirigenza 'niners ha deciso di licenziare Singletary ed affidare a Jim Tomsula il ruolo e la “patata bollente”.

Onestamente, il licenziamento alla penultima giornata non lo si è compreso totalmente. Tuttavia, il tabellone dice che è stata una scelta “vittoriosa”. Perchè, per la seconda volta in stagione, San Francisco banchetta al tavolo Cardinals e porta a casa una vittoria che può essere l'inizio dell'ennesima nuova vita in quel della Baia di San Francisco. Dopo un primo tempo interlocutorio, chiuso su un 10-7 'niners che lasciava ancor aperta la sfida, San Francisco, tra terzo e ultimo periodo, segnano ben 4 Tds-2 su passaggio, uno su corsa, e l'ultimo su intercettodi Brown.

Per quanto riguarda i padroni di casa, il ruolo di Qb è stato ricoperto dai due back-up Bartel-che firma un 16/28, 150 Yds, 1 INT, e Skelton, 14/25, 92 Yds, 1 Td, 1 INT. L'unico squillo viene da Fitzgerald. Sulla side line 'niners, buona prestazione di Alex Smith: 15/29, 276 Yds, 2 Tds. Per Westbrook, due Tds su corsa; del reparto Wrs, Davis e Ginn hanno supportato la causa ospite. Infine il Cb Brown sigilla la vittoria.A questo punto, si possono tirare le somme: tanto Arizona quanto San Francisco, sono state due grandi delusioni. San Francisco, pensando al suo glorioso passato recente, si trova ora impantanata sul fondo della West Division, e sono oramai parrecchi anni che i giocatori che indossano questa maglia non riescono a far girare per il verso giusto la stagione. Adesso, è cambiato di nuovo il coach, e nessuno può immaginare cosa riserverà il prossimo futuro. Fatto sta che la dirigenza deve riuscire a muoversi nel verso giusto, per riportare in alto il glorioso, e pieno di storia, simbolo della Baia nei posti che compete ad una franchigia come San Francisco.

Di converso, dopo le due ultime positive stagioni, concluse con un viaggio al Super Bowl, e un'altra dominando la Division, Arizona ha trovato grandissime difficoltà. Tra un ruolo di Qb che ha presentato protagonisti alquanto deficitari, infortuni, giocatori che hanno perso la grinta passata, i Cardinals sono infine ricaduti nei bassifondi della Division, come della Conference. Ora, in questa off season per il management Cardinals, il compito innanzitutto di trovare un “nuovo Kurt Warner”, che sappia cioè trasmettere ai compagni la giusta voglia e grinta, che possa riportare in alto una gran bella realtà, come quella dei Cardinals.

St.Louis Rams – Seattle Seahawks 6-16

Dulcis in fundo, una delle partite più attese in quanto, la “vincente” sarebbe approdata ai playoffs, e sabato prossimo si sfiderà contro i Saints. St.Louis, con una probabile vittoriam sarebbe tornata ai playoffs, dando ai propri tifosi un altro motivo per sorridere e per continuare il processo di risalita. Di contro, Seattle doveva vincere se voleva dare ai suoi rivali un grosso dispiacere, e trovare un posto nella Wild Card quanto mai inaspettato.

La partita. Seattle parte bene con Williams, ma St.Louis risponde prontamente, sebbene solo con un calcio. Nel prosieguo, la sfida continua a livello di FGs: in totale i Rams ne segnano solo due. Seattle tre, ma ciò che rende più aperto il divario è proprio il Td in apertura. Per ciò che concerne le prestazioni dei giocatori in campo, Bradford non brilla come al solito-19/36, 155 Yds, 1 INT; il contraltare Whitehurst invece si fa preferire-22/36, 192 Yds, 1 Td. E l'unico Td di giornata viene da Williams. Per il resto, grande prova dei due kicker.

Fu così quindi che St.Louis si bloccò proprio sul più bello. Seattle al contrario entra nella storia: è infatti la prima squadra dell'era moderna del football che raggiunge i playoffs con un record perdente. In molte occasioni, anche il giornalista-presentatore JW . Stewart ha detto la sua sulla Division: infatti l'ha definita “The Worst Division”. E la “Worst Division” della Nfl ha decretato che i Seahawks vadano ai playoffs, e incontrino i campioni di New Orleans.