2014 NFL Playoffs Thread

[Abe Sargent]

And so it begins....



My quick prediction, I think the NFC's wild cards are both too powerful for their divisons but I expect both AFC home games to win so we'll have 2 home wins and two road wins - Saints and 49ers in NFC, Bengals and Colts in the AFC.

[cougarfreak]

NWS just issued a winter storm warning for Cincinnati for all day Sunday. 4-8" with ice followed by the coldest weather in 20 years. I think that helps Cincy become even more of a favorite.

[fantom1979]

I wonder how bad the weather would have to get for them to delay the game.

[Lathum]

NWS just issued a winter storm warning for Cincinnati for all day Sunday. 4-8" with ice followed by the coldest weather in 20 years. I think that helps Cincy become even more of a favorite.

just woke up and saw that. It is supposed to be really nasty here. I agree it favors the Bengals since it will neutralize Rivers.

[claphamsa]

see of BJGE Can shine!

[mauchow]

-50 wind chills in GB for the game....

[Julio Riddols]

Lots of crazy ass weather this weekend.. Should make the games virtually unpredictable. Weather is one hell of an equalizer sometimes.

[rowech]

just woke up and saw that. It is supposed to be really nasty here. I agree it favors the Bengals since it will neutralize Rivers.

As long as Gruden doesn't decide it's an advantage to Dalton.

[cartman]

Brees and Foles attended the same high school (Austin Westlake). Only other time two QBs from the same high school met in an NFL Playoff game was when Terry Bradshaw and Joe Ferguson faced off in 1974.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Saints are pretty ordinary when playing outside on the road. I could see then losing.

[Logan]

Saw a lot of late money came in on KC. Went from IND -1.5 to KC -1.5

[Thomkal]

uhoh Charles is down

[Logan]

Couldn't tell if he took a shot to the head from the side or just landed awkwardly.

[Thomkal]

Couldn't tell if he took a shot to the head from the side or just landed awkwardly.

looks like landed awkwardly-head bounced off the turf

[EagleFan]

Bad spot there. They gave him where he rolled to.

[chadritt]

Yeah, i dont think he got hit in the head but it bouncing off the turf could be bad on its own.

[Ragone]

Whelp this game is likely over.. Chiefs lost 36% of their offense.. Got some Christmas decorations to finish putting away!

[Thomkal]

Whelp this game is likely over.. Chiefs lost 36% of their offense.. Got some Christmas decorations to finish putting away!

Oh ye of little faith, they scored a TD without him :)

[Warhammer]

I'm thinking that the Chargers will never want to play in Cincy in the playoffs again...

[EagleFan]

"Wasn't on the facemask."

Does he have money on the Chiefs?


Wow, that was a laser pass for the touchdown.

[Thomkal]

that was a pretty impressive all pass answer to the KC TD. If Charles isn't coming back, this may turn into an all-pass game

[NobodyHere]

That was like one of my Madden drives

[NobodyHere]

Heh, just realized that of the past 5 playoff trips for the Chiefs, they were eliminated by the Colts 3 times.

[Ragone]

Alex smith on the sideline "I have to throw? more then 200 yards? in a game?"

[Ragone]

Maybe they could put Charles in Davis's Uniform?

[Logan]

How did Reid kick there?

[chadritt]

oof, Charles looked really out of it on the sidelines there. That might be bad.

[Thomkal]

I thought the Chiefs secondary was supposed to be good?

[whomario]

great throw by Smith there :)

[miami_fan]

Okay that pass went at least five yards in the air.

[Abe Sargent]

Hello Kansas City!

[cuervo72]

lol@richardson

[Thomkal]

oof Trent Richaradson oof

[frnk55]

lol@richardson
+1

[BillJasper]

I wonder if the Colts are rejecting the Richardson trade right about now? :lol:

[cuervo72]

I wonder if the Colts are rejecting the Richardson trade right about now? :lol:

yy, his hands just failed a physical.

[Julio Riddols]

Richardson is SO SLOW. Kid is like fucking refrigerated molasses compared to almost any average running back. I almost wonder if he will be in the league in a year or two.

[Abe Sargent]

Shovel pass Alex Smith? TD BABY!

[bhlloy]

I don't know if I've ever been as wrong about an established NFL player than I was about Richardson. He's terrible. Well, me and the thousands of fantasy owners who drafted him in the top 5 this year.

[Julio Riddols]

KC is beating the unholy hell out of the Colts, man. Making a statement right now.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

No one questioning giving Knile Davis all those reps last week and instilling confidence in him now. There's a reason you find out what you have available when a game doesn't matter to your playoff hopes.

[Bigsmooth]

Loving this game so far. Having Luck and Hilton on Draftstreet is going to cash in as they play catch up all day.

Edit: Ha...as Hilton goes down...

[Glengoyne]

KC is rolling. I really figured them to be one and done.

In my survey of all things wrong with rules in the NFL... If Sherman had gone to his knees to celebrate that touchdown, and lost control of the ball like that it would have been ruled an incompletion. Worst rule ever.

[Desnudo]

How was that hit on hilton not a helmet to helmet?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Anyone who thought that we were going to see a repeat of the game in Arrowhead was fooling themselves. KC was missing key players and had a four turnover game. Perhaps didn't expect this good of a start, but there's a reason Indianapolis was a very slight favorite despite being at home.

[Glengoyne]

Anyone who thought that we were going to see a repeat of the game in Arrowhead was fooling themselves. KC was missing key players and had a four turnover game. Perhaps didn't expect this good of a start, but there's a reason Indianapolis was a very slight favorite despite being at home.

Hey there is still a chance the team I dismissed all season will show up...right?

These particular Chiefs don't suck enough.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Hey there is still a chance the team I dismissed all season will show up...right?

These particular Chiefs don't suck enough.

Another stat that's pretty telling is that Andy Reid is 7-2 for his career in the first round of the playoffs. That's impressive stuff. He can coach.

Alex Smith looks really poised as well. Having a QB with playoff success is a wonderful thing.

[Thomkal]

Has there been any flags so far?

[whomario]

I don´t get why people choose to always harp on Smiths shortcomings rather than embrace what he´s done despite them (and that horendous start to his pro career).

Another big 3rd down conversion with his legs here.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Has there been any flags so far?

One. Illegal contact against Indy.

[Bigsmooth]

Anyone who thought that we were going to see a repeat of the game in Arrowhead was fooling themselves. KC was missing key players and had a four turnover game. Perhaps didn't expect this good of a start, but there's a reason Indianapolis was a very slight favorite despite being at home.

Line closed with KC as the favorite before kickoff. "Sharps" hammered KC and that's why they are sharps I suppose.

[Thomkal]

One. Illegal contact against Indy.

And they must have heard my question :)

[Abe Sargent]

Alright, raise your hand if you had the Chiefs up by 21 in the first half...

[BillJasper]

Colts need a TD before the half or this one is over.

[miami_fan]

ummm.

[BillJasper]

Alright, raise your hand if you had the Chiefs up by 21 in the first half...

I thought they had a shot, but never in a million years did I think they would play this well.

Should be some great drunk tweeting by Irsay this weekend. :lol:

[Abe Sargent]

I like that Alex Smith tried a bomb into the endzone as time expired for the half - keep on the gas - don't let up. Too many one sided blowouts in teh NFL this season turned into a one sided blowout the other way in the 2nd half.

[TroyF]

I don´t get why people choose to always harp on Smiths shortcomings rather than embrace what he´s done despite them (and that horendous start to his pro career).

Another big 3rd down conversion with his legs here.

Love Smith, always have, but he's doing things today he hasn't done all year. The deep pass has Indy on their heals and he's running far more than he did during the regular season. He's ran as much in this half as much as he usually ran in full games.

This has ZERO to do with the Chiefs injuried players coming back and everything to do with how well they are playing today. This is by far and away the best they have played in a single half this year. Nothing else even comes close. The announcer keeps making excuses about the Colts DB's, and I laugh at that as well. They are simply seeing things nobody who has played the Chiefs this year has seen.

I know Mizzou keeps spouting off that line of bullsh!%, but this was a team that was outgained 470-220 against the Buffalo Bills when they were fully healthy. This is a team that averaged 337 total yards and 208 yards passing a game over the course of 16 games. They have 323 and 214 right now and they haven't had their best player for most of the half. Sorry, but Albert doesn't make that much of a difference. He certainly didn't in the regular season.

As far as the defense goes, Luck has had plenty of time to throw the ball outside of the one sack and a couple of pressures in over 20 drop backs. The Colts have ran the ball just fine too. This is simply a case of the Chiefs offense being dominant, and the Colts missing on a couple of third downs. Any Patriots fan in 2007 or Broncos fan this year knows this script well. When an opposing team gets off kilter and cannot stop the offense, you are dead.

Who knows, maybe the Chiefs become the Cinderella NFL team this year. I kind of doubt it because it's 100% not in this teams identity to do this even for another quarter again in the playoffs, but that's why they play the games. Credit to KC for coming up with their best performance of the season in the playoffs. Gotta give Reid and Smith a ton of credit.

[TroyF]

Alright, raise your hand if you had the Chiefs up by 21 in the first half...

I thought the Chiefs would struggle to score 21 in the game.

[BillJasper]

Guess we'll see how good Pagano and his staff are making adjustments.

LOL! Interception while typing this.

[Abe Sargent]

ANOTHER pick already?

[Izulde]

LOL

[BillJasper]

Nice TD throw by Smith.

[kingfc22]

Alex Smith is tearing them apart.

[Abe Sargent]

No slow down in the second half it seems.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Love Smith, always have, but he's doing things today he hasn't done all year. The deep pass has Indy on their heals and he's running far more than he did during the regular season. He's ran as much in this half as much as he usually ran in full games.

This has ZERO to do with the Chiefs injuried players coming back and everything to do with how well they are playing today. This is by far and away the best they have played in a single half this year. Nothing else even comes close. The announcer keeps making excuses about the Colts DB's, and I laugh at that as well. They are simply seeing things nobody who has played the Chiefs this year has seen.

I know Mizzou keeps spouting off that line of bullsh!%, but this was a team that was outgained 470-220 against the Buffalo Bills when they were fully healthy. This is a team that averaged 337 total yards and 208 yards passing a game over the course of 16 games. They have 323 and 214 right now and they haven't had their best player for most of the half. Sorry, but Albert doesn't make that much of a difference. He certainly didn't in the regular season.

As far as the defense goes, Luck has had plenty of time to throw the ball outside of the one sack and a couple of pressures in over 20 drop backs. The Colts have ran the ball just fine too. This is simply a case of the Chiefs offense being dominant, and the Colts missing on a couple of third downs. Any Patriots fan in 2007 or Broncos fan this year knows this script well. When an opposing team gets off kilter and cannot stop the offense, you are dead.

Who knows, maybe the Chiefs become the Cinderella NFL team this year. I kind of doubt it because it's 100% not in this teams identity to do this even for another quarter again in the playoffs, but that's why they play the games. Credit to KC for coming up with their best performance of the season in the playoffs. Gotta give Reid and Smith a ton of credit.

This feels like last night after the Cotton Bowl.

This is how KC has played all year. Limit mistakes and, when healthy, the defense is opportunistic. The pass rush has clearly been better with Houston back on the other sides. Hali is now back to facing single coverage and has been in the backfield all game long.

[Abe Sargent]

Love Smith, always have, but he's doing things today he hasn't done all year. The deep pass has Indy on their heals and he's running far more than he did during the regular season. He's ran as much in this half as much as he usually ran in full games.



Maybe he's become like the Anti-Peyton, just on fire in playoff games? ;)

[Julio Riddols]

Now what if Indy finds a way to score 28 unanswered?

[BillJasper]

Great catch by Rogers.

[kingfc22]

Maybe he's become like the Anti-Peyton, just on fire in playoff games? ;)

:lol::lol::lol:

[Julio Riddols]

Donald Brown isn't a bad back if he can stay healthy.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Now what if Indy finds a way to score 28 unanswered?

The playoff record for points in a half is 31 points, which the Chiefs tied in the first half. Assuming that the Chiefs manage a field goal over the rest of the half, Indy would have to match that feat to force overtime.

[Solecismic]

In the last seven seasons, the Chiefs have had four or fewer wins four different times, and made the playoffs two of the other three seasons.

Are they the 9-0 team before the bye in November, or the 2-5 team since the bye?

Who knows. Kansas City is the anti-Dallas. But Alex Smith is more than decent if used properly. He's not a top five quarterback, and probably never will be. But he's a better-than-average game manager with good physical skills who will surprise you with his running ability.

[Abe Sargent]

And so it begins...

[BillJasper]

KC needs to put together a drive to grab back momentum.

[kingfc22]

Glad Flowers is back up. That looked like a real innocent collision.

[EagleFan]

The playoff record for points in a half is 31 points, which the Chiefs tied in the first half. Assuming that the Chiefs manage a field goal over the rest of the half, Indy would have to match that feat to force overtime.

I guess if you are pulling numbers out of your ass that would be the record. The ACTUAL record for most points scored in a half is 45.

Hell, the Jaguars scored 41 in a half in 99 and the Bills did the same in 90.

The Patriots scored 35 in a QUARTER twice.

[EagleFan]

Time for Andy to play call the Colts back into the game.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I guess if you are pulling numbers out of your ass that would be the record. The ACTUAL record for most points scored in a half is 45.

Hell, the Jaguars scored 41 in a half in 99 and the Bills did the same in 90.

The Patriots scored 35 in a QUARTER twice.

Sorry, you're correct. That was a Chiefs franchise record.

[Glengoyne]

Grounding?

Between tackles. Not thrown to line of scrimmage.


What did I miss?

[Bigsmooth]

I think this Colts WR core could become pretty scary if Rogers develops...

[Julio Riddols]

This is turning into one of the most exciting playoff games I have seen. So much going on, and we're not even in crunch time yet.

[Julio Riddols]

Now if Smith comes in and steps up again, we might have the most points scored in a game in NFL history.

[Glengoyne]

Now if Smith comes in and steps up again, we might have the most points scored in a game in NFL history.

But we can't have that. I want it to remain a game, and I'd like Andy Reid to step on his dick a little bit as well.

[TroyF]

This feels like last night after the Cotton Bowl.

This is how KC has played all year. Limit mistakes and, when healthy, the defense is opportunistic. The pass rush has clearly been better with Houston back on the other sides. Hali is now back to facing single coverage and has been in the backfield all game long.

Seriously, stop it. The pass rush better? In the first half, the Colts dropped back 24 times, there were THREE pressures. THREE. That's one pressure for every 8 drop backs. One time they got to him for a sack.

This is NOT the way the Chiefs played all year. They scored more points in the first half than they did in 12 of their 16 full games and they played a garbage schedule in those games. If their offense plays the way they normally play, the Chiefs have about 14 points now and are losing the football game. Hell forgtet the turnovers. The Chiefs have scoring drives of 82, 73, 79, and 81 yards. They are currently driving for another 70 plus yard drive score. You've watched the Chiefs all year. Tell me how many 70+ yard scoring drives they have had this year with Alex Smith at QB? I doubt you know, so I'll fill you in. 21 times. 1.4 per game. They have close to a months of scoring drives that long in a single half and you want to talk about the injuries and pass rush? Yeah, it's the pass rush doing this.

Be proud of the fact the Chiefs just played their best half of the season. I mean it. I would be damned proud of it were it my team. But don't misinterpret what is going on either. The Chiefs pass rush has been putrid today. Luck has dropped back 33 times and been hit four times. None of the INT's were the result of pressure, all of them were poor decisions or poor throws. As I typed that, Luck led a drive where the Chiefs didn't come within 4 yards of touching him. They really shouldn't be that tired as they've only played 16 minutes today.

I know, it's your team, so you have a great read on them. I'm just the biased idiot who has no idea what's going on.

[Julio Riddols]

Man, I figured 28 unanswered, but we might see a 38-3 run or something instead.

[TroyF]

FYI Mizzou, the play that just happened, all four Chiefs were blocked for 3 seconds, Luck looked to three WR and then had a wide open lane for 17 yards. That wasn't pressure. There were no Chiefs DL within 2 yards of him on that play.

[Julio Riddols]

OH SHIT

[kcchief19]

Love Smith, always have, but he's doing things today he hasn't done all year. The deep pass has Indy on their heals and he's running far more than he did during the regular season. He's ran as much in this half as much as he usually ran in full games.

Completely disagree. This is the Chiefs offense -- minus Jamaal Charles. The offense largely been improving its timing all season long, and slowly but surely Smith's completion rate and passing yards have increased. This is the third game of Smith's last four starts the team has scored 30 or more points in the first half.

The Chiefs have tried the long bomb to Avery several times this season. That was the first time the defense completely blew the coverage and left him wide open. Avery dropped a couple that he should have caught. Earlier in the season, Smith was overthrowing him -- just like the overthrow to Gray at the beginning of the fourth quarter. It's all timing and knowing where these guys will be. That takes time to learn.

The read option and scramble has been a part of Smith's game all season. He set a team record for rushing. Nothing new.

I think this game is a reflection of Smith's abilities to manage a game and Reid's ability to put together a game plan. It's been a near flawless plan and near perfect execution. Without the injuries, Chiefs probably roll. I'll admit, I'm surprised because I truly felt the Colts were getting things fixed after Wayne went down and the dominated the Chiefs in KC.

I completely agree with Jim. Alex Smith isn't a top five quarterback. But he's the kind of guy you can build a game plan around and take advantage of what he does best, which is complete short passes, protect the ball and run.

41-38 … this thing isn't over yet. Good grief.

[bhlloy]

How is this still a game?

[Izulde]

Wow! That was insane!

[Drake]

What I have learned this season as a Colts fan: I will follow Andrew Luck. The guy just grinds, no matter how bad things look.

[NobodyHere]

Ha! No one expects the old running-back fumble TD run!

[TroyF]

That was a flukish play there. Luck lived up to his name on that one.

The Colts now have over 450 yards of total offense with at least 2 possessions left.

Alex Smith has played well all game and the Chiefs have done a good job against the pass rush of the Colts. They want to win the game, they need both of those things on this drive, because unless Luck throws another duck, the Chiefs have no prayer of stopping Andrew Luck right now.

[Julio Riddols]

As amped as I would be as a Colts player, I think they force a 3 and out, then take the lead. K.C. is going to have to catch them napping and get a big play to slow the momentum down even a little bit.

[Dutch]

A great statement drive up until that lucky bounce....so the Chiefs are definitely in trouble.

[BillJasper]

Davis is hurt. :(

[Julio Riddols]

One thing I noticed about the fans in this.. They never once got quiet, even when the Colts were down 28. Those are the kind of fans every team wants.

[Dutch]

Good Lord....good thing the Chiefs played all their backups last week...guys are dropping like flies.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

One thing I noticed about the fans in this.. They never once got quiet, even when the Colts were down 28. Those are the kind of fans every team wants.

That the same fan base that allowed an estimated 10K Chiefs fans into the game today?

Andy Reid is going to be our starting RB if we keep carting off players.

[Julio Riddols]

Big conversion there.

[Julio Riddols]

That the same fan base that allowed an estimated 10K Chiefs fans into the game today?

Andy Reid is going to be our starting RB if we keep carting off players.

Those 10k sure aren't making any noise when the Colts are on the field. Its not like tickets are affordable at all either.

[Dutch]

10k? That's nothing. Bucs games are usually 20k-30k... :(

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Those 10k sure aren't making any noise when the Colts are on the field. Its not like tickets are affordable at all either.

They were noisy in the first half. A bit quieter now. :)

[Julio Riddols]

This is a huge drive by the Chiefs. Big time.

[TroyF]

Completely disagree. This is the Chiefs offense -- minus Jamaal Charles. The offense largely been improving its timing all season long, and slowly but surely Smith's completion rate and passing yards have increased. This is the third game of Smith's last four starts the team has scored 30 or more points in the first half.

The Chiefs have tried the long bomb to Avery several times this season. That was the first time the defense completely blew the coverage and left him wide open. Avery dropped a couple that he should have caught. Earlier in the season, Smith was overthrowing him -- just like the overthrow to Gray at the beginning of the fourth quarter. It's all timing and knowing where these guys will be. That takes time to learn.

The read option and scramble has been a part of Smith's game all season. He set a team record for rushing. Nothing new.

I think this game is a reflection of Smith's abilities to manage a game and Reid's ability to put together a game plan. It's been a near flawless plan and near perfect execution. Without the injuries, Chiefs probably roll. I'll admit, I'm surprised because I truly felt the Colts were getting things fixed after Wayne went down and the dominated the Chiefs in KC.

I completely agree with Jim. Alex Smith isn't a top five quarterback. But he's the kind of guy you can build a game plan around and take advantage of what he does best, which is complete short passes, protect the ball and run.

41-38 … this thing isn't over yet. Good grief.

OK, lets look at the three times you scored 30 in the first half:


Chargers -
Redskins - A punt return for a TD, a KO return for a TD, TD drives of 41, 25 and 13 yards
Raiders - INT for a TD, an 11 yard drive, a 16 yard drive

Today they had 4 scoring drives of 70 yards. They did have one short drive, but in no other game this season has the Chiefs offense performed like this. You guys had 400 yards of offense in ONE game this season. Against my pathetic Broncos defense. With 7:24 left in the fourth quarter, you now have 435 total yards of offense. Even with Charles, you guys haven't done this to anyone. Again, this isn't an insult to the Chiefs, it's a compliment. They are playing their best football when it counts the most.

[TroyF]

OK, if a guy is laying on the ground with a potential concussion, you probably shouldn't slap him upside the helmet four times. Not really a bright idea guy.

[Dutch]

Dude gets kneed in the head and his buddy runs up to slap him repeatedly in the head...akward.

[PilotMan]

Teammate gets kneed in the head, help him celebrate with some playful slaps to the helmet (as he lays prone)!

[cuervo72]

yy, wife and I both were like WTF? on that.

[Glengoyne]

I don't think it was at all evident that he hit his head on that play. I mean yeah, it might brea good rule of thumb not to slap a guy in the helmet if he is slow to get up. I just don't think it was evident there.

[TroyF]

Funny how four of us commented on it at the same time. That was brutal.

924 yards of total offense now. Very good shot we'll see 1,000, possibly 1,100 depending on turnovers or how quick the scores go. QBs have dropped back 83 time and have been hit 8 times. The two QB's have combined for over 800 yards of offense including their rushing stats.

Truly an amazing game.

[TroyF]

I don't think it was at all evident that he hit his head on that play. I mean yeah, it might brea good rule of thumb not to slap a guy in the helmet if he is slow to get up. I just don't think it was evident there.

Don't disagree, it was just kind of funny to see.

I would have to see the replay, but I believe 75 of the Colts got away with a hold on that last play. Looked like one of the interior Chiefs actually blew that play up and got twirled by the shoulder. Critical non call there.

[Julio Riddols]

Good lord, these injuries.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Another injury? Just brutal.

[Vince, Pt. II]

The NFL should really turn the injury setting down.

[kingfc22]

Geez. Who's the grounds keeper? He should be fired for such poor field conditions.

[TroyF]

Other goofy stats:

TOP: Chiefs 35 minutes, Colts 20 minutes
plays: Chiefs 74, Colts 61
teams are a combined 14-23 on third and fourth down conversions.

[kingfc22]

WOW!

[Julio Riddols]

OH MY

[TroyF]

See ya. Colts go boom.

I'll never forget Alex vs. the Saints. This aint over.

[BillJasper]

I... Can't... Believe... It...

[Julio Riddols]

Luck is building his legend, starting now.

[MizzouCowboy]

Luck really is amazing. That could not have been thrown better.

[CleBrownsfan]

Luck is building his legend, starting now.

I was just thinking this. What a game!

[cuervo72]

OH MY

Heh, exactly what I audibly said when that pass landed.

[Dutch]

Too many key injuries for the Chiefs. Availability > Ability. Chief's backups gettin' smoked in the 2nd half.

[Izulde]

Craziness.

[Dutch]

I guess the Chief's aren't going to miss their injured RB's on this drive.

[kingfc22]

Succup must be hoping for a TD here.

[TroyF]

We are now over 1,000 yards. Chiefs just crossed 500 for the first time this year.

[Julio Riddols]

Oh man, I hope this somehow goes to OT.

[Solecismic]

I guess the Chief's aren't going to miss their injured RB's on this drive.

They really need to work the clock, so I think it might be a huge factor.

[TroyF]

That MUST be grounding.

[kingfc22]

That should be grounding.

[Glengoyne]

Grounding there ?

oK



That is the second time IMO

[BillJasper]

There's the flag. Took them long enough to throw it.

[Galaril]

Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will be eager to meet either of these defenses. It's like arena ball.

[JPhillips]

Huge intentional grounding call.

[Julio Riddols]

Oof, huge play by the Colts D there.

[TroyF]

As a Broncos fan, I can't tell you how much I want the Chiefs to win this football game. Luck scares the hell out of me.

[duckman]

Clearly, the Chiefs are distracted by the Charlie Strong to Texas news.

[Glengoyne]

I think everyone called the down field screen play there.

[Julio Riddols]

The next play will likely decide the game I think.

[BillJasper]

Great game. My hats off to the Chiefs who played a great game whether they win or lose.

[Dutch]

60 yd FG attempt? What's Succup's longest? :)

[BillJasper]

Clearly, the Chiefs are distracted by the Charlie Strong to Texas news.

:lol:

[TroyF]

Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will be eager to meet either of these defenses. It's like arena ball.

Think the Chiefs had a great game plan, tweaks to surprise the Colts early and amazing execution. I don't think they can pull that off again. And this has been their defense anytime they've played a good QB this year. The Colts? Luck scares me. He really, really scares me. He'd love to face the Pats or Broncos defenses too. The advantage would be playing them at home without that crowd going crazy.

[JPhillips]

How do you call your last timeout after the 2 minute warning?

[kingfc22]

The next play will likely decide the game I think.

With no timeouts left. That is assured now.

[MizzouCowboy]

Reid making Jason Garrett look like a clock management guru.

[TroyF]

Announcers yapping about the Time Out, it's USELESS now. If they convert this, they'll want to kill clock. If tehy don't, the time out won't help them get the ball back. That time out was meaningless there.

[Glengoyne]

How do you call your last timeout after the 2 minute warning?

+1

[BillJasper]

Out of bounds.

[TroyF]

Have to see the replay, but I thought the call was right.

[Julio Riddols]

Well, that was how close the Chiefs were to winning.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Dwayne Bowe, you're fucking terrible. How do you not stay in bounds there?!!?

[kingfc22]

Glad I didn't switch off this one.

[Drake]

Apparently Reid knew he wouldn't need the timeout...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Two freakin' inches. Ugh.

[BillJasper]

How in the world do you blow a 28 point second half lead?

[chadritt]

WOW. That was a phenomenally fun game to watch.

[JPhillips]

At least the Colts didn't set a record for points in a half.

[Abe Sargent]

And there's another game in a few minutes, right? Dang!

[Julio Riddols]

One of the best playoff games ever, we'll see if the Colts can avoid a little lag after such a crazy win.

[Galaril]

Think the Chiefs had a great game plan, tweaks to surprise the Colts early and amazing execution. I don't think they can pull that off again. And this has been their defense anytime they've played a good QB this year. The Colts? Luck scares me. He really, really scares me. He'd love to face the Pats or Broncos defenses too. The advantage would be playing them at home without that crowd going crazy.

The guy that just threw three Ints doesn't scare me.

[TroyF]

Game over. I give the Chiefs all the credit in the world. That was an amazing performance. The injuries, especially to Charles was just brutal to take. My feelings on how good I think the team is are well known, but they played their asses off today. They deserved a better fate.

As others have said, Luck is already building his legend. Assuming Cincy wins tomorrow, I'm truly frightened about next week. That will not be an easy football game.

[Dutch]

Wild, crazy, zany, fun game to watch. Wow, how does the Eagles/Saints game beat that???? :D

[Julio Riddols]

Pagano is gonna be a good coach for a long time.

[bhlloy]

That was nuts, and I have a feeling that the Saints-Eagles game is going to be just as good.

[hoopsguy]

One of the best playoff games ever, we'll see if the Colts can avoid a little lag after such a crazy win.

Don't think you can count on Luck throwing 3 picks again next week. 28 points down in playoffs and find a way to move on. Seems almost unfair for a franchise to get Manning and this dude back-to-back.

[Galaril]

As a long time Houston Oilers fan I remember painful the Bills comeback in 1992 playoffs being down 31 so I can feel Chiefs fans pain.

[JAG]

How do you call your last timeout after the 2 minute warning?

You're not very familiar with Andy Reid's time management skills, are you?

[cartman]

Biggest lead blown in a playoff game since "The Comeback".

[BillJasper]

The guy that just threw three Ints doesn't scare me.

Two of those INT's were actually touched by Colts receivers first though. It'll be interesting to see how the Colts play going outdoors in January.

[Julio Riddols]

I feel like I just had sex.

[TroyF]

The guy that just threw three Ints doesn't scare me.

The guy who threw for 440 yards and had 4 80+ yard drives for TD's should.

Turnovers are a crapshoot a lot of times. A dropped, gimmee INT cost Oklahoma State last night. Eli and Favre would throw 5 balls a game in the playoffs that could be picked off. Even if the Donkies or Patriots put themselves in a position to make those pics, there is no stone cold lock they get them. The Broncos and Pats both had 17 INT's this year. If they are looking at INT's as the way to win next week, they had better come up with a better game plan.

[Drake]

Does this game get a name like "The Comeback" or "Music City Miracle"?

[NobodyHere]

Two freakin' inches. Ugh.

That's what she said

[BillJasper]

I feel like I just had sex.

Anyone got a cigarette?

[SackAttack]

I left to get gas/fuel line antifreeze and KC was still up two scores.

Holy meltdown, Batman.

[Thomkal]

wow what a crazy game that was

[Matthean]

It'll be interesting to see how the Colts play going outdoors in January.

Just don't let Luck get warmed up. He seems to get behind or sloppy in his play, but once he locks on, the other team is essentially screwed. If Wayne wasn't hurt, I would blindly say they make it to the Super Bowl.

[MrBug708]

Does this game get a name like "The Comeback" or "Music City Miracle"?

The game that Charlie Strong forgot

[NobodyHere]

So who should Colts root for tomorrow?

Do they want to play in New England or Denver?

[MIJB#19]

Heartbreaking loss for the Chiefs.

Luck seems to be at his best when his team is down going into the fourth quarter...

[JAG]

Don't think you can count on Luck throwing 3 picks again next week. 28 points down in playoffs and find a way to move on. Seems almost unfair for a franchise to get Manning and this dude back-to-back.

Like Montana and Young, or Aikman and Qunicy Cart...oh sorry, that was that alternate dimension.

[Julio Riddols]

Does this game get a name like "The Comeback" or "Music City Miracle"?

The Lucky Win.

[Karlifornia]

Ok, Troy and MBBF, time to release the pulsating sexual tension between you two

[TroyF]

As a long time Houston Oilers fan I remember painful the Bills comeback in 1992 playoffs being down 31 so I can feel Chiefs fans pain.

As a Broncos fan, we had a massive lead on the Raiders on a Monday night and lost.

Then the '87 Super Bowl wasn't a comeback, but it was shocking how quick things spun out of control. 10-0 after the first quarter. Things are going pretty good. Down 35-10 at halftime, what the hell just happened?

Then we had the two stomach punch games, Jacksonville in '97 and Baltimore last year. I didn't see either of those two losses coming. Not in a million years. Those are the hardest to take. I can come up with multiple ways we lose to Luck next week. I didn't see how Baltimore could beat us last year.

[TroyF]

The Lucky Win.

The Succup (Ok, he didn't miss a FG or cost them the game, his name just writes punchlines though. I didn't say GOOD punchlines, cut me some slack.)

[Logan]

How did Reid kick there?

Ahem.

Pussy.

[NobodyHere]

Don't think you can count on Luck throwing 3 picks again next week. 28 points down in playoffs and find a way to move on. Seems almost unfair for a franchise to get Manning and this dude back-to-back.

You want unfair? Try this list!

Detmer, Couch, Wynn, Pederson, Holcomb, Garcia, McCown, Frye, Anderson, Dilfer, Quinn, Dorsey, Gradkowski, McCoy, Delhomme, Wallace, Weeden, Lewis, Hoyer, & Campbell

[Galaril]

The guy who threw for 440 yards and had 4 80+ yard drives for TD's should.

Turnovers are a crapshoot a lot of times. A dropped, gimmee INT cost Oklahoma State last night. Eli and Favre would throw 5 balls a game in the playoffs that could be picked off. Even if the Donkies or Patriots put themselves in a position to make those pics, there is no stone cold lock they get them. The Broncos and Pats both had 17 INT's this year. If they are looking at INT's as the way to win next week, they had better come up with a better game plan.

Yes but this discussion reminds me of the quote I Desmond Howard say the other day when his fellow announcers were lauding the victory of Texas A&M over Duke " We are talking about 52-48 victory over Duke? Duke right?" sort of goes with this one too. Chiefs were what we all thought they were. I think the Broncos should be more scared of there defense than Luck but it all is relative I suppose.

[sterlingice]

As a long time Houston Oilers fan I remember painful the Bills comeback in 1992 playoffs being down 31 so I can feel Chiefs fans pain.

I remember little SI (ok, I was 11 or 12) going into the other room at halftime telling mom "The Oilers are finally going to win a playoff game!". Her: "the game isn't over yet, it is? They could still lose." Two hours later, little SI is crushed, having learned a lesson about life's disappointments :(

SI

[gstelmack]

So in the Football Outsiders playoff challenge, I had TY Hilton and Dwayne Bowe as 2 of my WRs. I think I did okay there...

[hoopsguy]

You want unfair? Try this list!

Detmer, Couch, Wynn, Pederson, Holcomb, Garcia, McCown, Frye, Anderson, Dilfer, Quinn, Dorsey, Gradkowski, McCoy, Delhomme, Wallace, Weeden, Lewis, Hoyer, & Campbell

I think this list can compete:
Jay Fiedler, Damon Huard, Ray Lucas, Brian Griese, AJ Feeley, Sage Rosenfels, Gus Frerotte, Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper, Cleo Lemon, Trent Green, John Beck, Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, Tyler Thigpen, Matt Moore and Ryan Tannehill

[Izulde]

So it was your mom's fault the Oilers lost? :D

[Julio Riddols]

Man, this Saints/Eagles game is boring as hell.

[Abe Sargent]

So far this game is a real Puntasaurus Rex.

[cuervo72]

Idiot!

[Drake]

So who should Colts root for tomorrow?

Do they want to play in New England or Denver?

Honestly? Denver.

I would have Peyton Manning's baby for all the great years he gave us, but I would not wager on him to come through in a big playoff game. I was always on the edge of my seat waiting for him to throw a bird...and too often, he did.

I love the guy, but I'm not scared of him in January. I'm scared of Tom Brady, even though I think NE has the inferior team between the Pats and Denver.

[Abe Sargent]

Does this game get a name like "The Comeback" or "Music City Miracle"?

If we hadn;t seen like fifteen similar contests in the regular season this year, maybe.

[RedKingGold]

I didn't read through this thread until after the Chiefs game ended, it was pretty epic to see MBBF go silent midway through page 3.

[Abe Sargent]

Baby's first pick!

[Groundhog]

Yikes.

[Thomkal]

I like that Alex Smith tried a bomb into the endzone as time expired for the half - keep on the gas - don't let up. Too many one sided blowouts in teh NFL this season turned into a one sided blowout the other way in the 2nd half.

Catching up in the thread here from where I left it at halftime, and boy was this prophetic :)

[kingfc22]

Good thing Philly fans weren't in Indy today. They would have been booing all game at the injuries.

[Thomkal]

Now what if Indy finds a way to score 28 unanswered?

Yeah I wonder...nah will never happen. (still catching up)

[TroyF]

Honestly? Denver.

I would have Peyton Manning's baby for all the great years he gave us, but I would not wager on him to come through in a big playoff game. I was always on the edge of my seat waiting for him to throw a bird...and too often, he did.

I love the guy, but I'm not scared of him in January. I'm scared of Tom Brady, even though I think NE has the inferior team between the Pats and Denver.

Honestly, I don't see a huge difference between Denver/NE. If someone beats one of them next week, the other one had better be worried they have the pathway to do it to them too.

I think Manning will be fine. I think both the Denver and Pats defense leaves a lot to be desired. The one team I wasn't really worried about in the AFC is now gone. I thought the other five teams were better. I don't think there is an "easy" game left. Just play who comes up on the schedule at this point. I REALLY wanted the Chiefs a third time. Sigh. . .

[cartman]

Despite yesterday's rough game, I think the Chiefs can make some noise in the playoffs.

I have to give MBBF credit when he is correct. The Chiefs definitely made some noise in the playoffs. A 140dB+ choking sound.

[JPhillips]

That kick sounded like a punch sound effect.

[cartman]

So after the shootout earlier, this game is shaping up to be a 3-0 game.

[cuervo72]

That gets reversed.

[rowech]

That gets reversed.

They should keep it just because of the stupidity of reaching the ball like that.

[Danny]

That was the right call

[SteveMax58]

The Lucky Win.
Dome Luck?

[claphamsa]

I watched 5 episodes of game of thrones today, maybe I should have watched football instead...

[sterlingice]

I watched 5 episodes of game of thrones today, maybe I should have watched football instead...

You probably saw less casualties

SI

[kingfc22]

Stay classy Philly.

[claphamsa]

You probably saw less casualties

SI

they do love their gore.

[TroyF]

I have to give MBBF credit when he is correct. The Chiefs definitely made some noise in the playoffs. A 140dB+ choking sound.

No, I have to say he was right. They played far better than I thought they would. Far better on offense than they've played all year. The defense is very average, injuries or no injuries. The pass rush against good teams is non existent. But he was dead on, the Chiefs did not just walk in and get throttled. They should have won that game and they should have won it without their best player. That was an impressive offensive performence.

If I have any gripe against the Chiefs now, it's that there is no way they should have as many pro bowlers on their defense as the Broncos do as a team. That defense is nowhere near good enough to have half of it in the pro bowl. We saw that one on full display today.

[Dutch]

Pro-Bowl voting is about as bad as the actual Pro-Bowl game.

[Danny]

This is the worst I've seen Brees look in a while

[Tigercat]

Its about as bad as Brees looked at Seattle. The problem is that the Saints don't have a single WR/TE this year that can separate off of a jam in outdoor conditions. Graham isn't explosive off of jams since his injury, Colston is getting long enough in the tooth that he's lost half a step. Moore was never good off a jam. Stills might be a guy that can compensate for all of that long term, but he's still raw... With a healthy Graham, Joe Morgan back on the team, and Stills in his second year, the passing game should be back on track outdoors next year. In the meantime, even if the Saints win tonight, the Seahawks CBs remain a horrible matchup for the Saints WRs.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Huge drop there.

[cuervo72]

This game is about over.

[Danny]

Officials with a nicely called game

[kingfc22]

This game is about over.

Yep. Eagles not showing much at all right now on either side of the ball.

[Galaril]

This game is about over.

Yup. Insert proverbial fork.

[NobodyHere]

This game is about over.

Have you learned nothing from the last game?

[kingfc22]

Have you learned nothing from the last game?

Difference is Colts were actually making plays throughout the second half. Eagles look dead out there.

[Matthean]

Have you learned nothing from the last game?

Eagles aren't that Lucky.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Not that I want that hit to be a penalty, but how is that not hitting a defenseless receiver?

[rowech]

Difference is Colts were actually making plays throughout the second half. Eagles look dead out there.

Just needed one person to post it to make it start happening.

[EagleFan]

Not that I want that hit to be a penalty, but how is that not hitting a defenseless receiver?

Leading with the helmet at least.

[Tigercat]

Not that I want that hit to be a penalty, but how is that not hitting a defenseless receiver?

The WR was higher than the defender, so he didn't lower his head, nor did he contact through the WRs neck or helmet. Those are the specific guidelines in the rulebook for it.

[cuervo72]

Have you learned nothing from the last game?

Just a gut feeling from watching years of Eagles games.

This year has been in many ways a lot like the Reid teams - when the offense is on, it is near unstoppable. But when it is off, it just can't do crap. And there is not a lot in between. Football Outsiders kinda backs me up on this - look at the variation they have on their DVOA. (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/dvoa-ratings/2013/final-2013-dvoa-ratings) They're the Little Girl With the Curl.

This game (despite that touchdown) just feels like one of those down games. Also, their defense isn't that great, and I think Brees will do enough to win this for NO.

[SirFozzie]

Can we call Lucas Oil Stadium "The Luckbox" after that comeback? :)

[EagleFan]

The WR was higher than the defender, so he didn't lower his head, nor did he contact through the WRs neck or helmet. Those are the specific guidelines in the rulebook for it.

Wrong on one account, he did lower his head and led with the helmet. That is why he practically knocked himself out.

[kingfc22]

Just needed one person to post it to make it start happening.

:D Glad I was able to wake them up all by myself.

[Julio Riddols]

Dome Luck?

Andrew Luck

[Vince, Pt. II]

The WR was higher than the defender, so he didn't lower his head, nor did he contact through the WRs neck or helmet. Those are the specific guidelines in the rulebook for it.

I thought leading with the helmet/contact to the other player's head/neck region was different than the defenseless receiver thing? I know the 49ers have been dinged this year for a non-helmet area defenseless receiver hit.

[kingfc22]

You have to kick it here.

[Tigercat]

I thought leading with the helmet/contact to the other player's head/neck region was different than the defenseless receiver thing? I know the 49ers have been dinged this year for a non-helmet area defenseless receiver hit.

The Rule: (as cut up a bit by PFT)

“It is a foul if a player initiates unnecessary contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture.
(a) Players in a defenseless posture are: [. . .]
(2) A receiver attempting to catch a pass; or who has completed a catch and has not had time to protect himself or has not clearly become a runner. If the receiver/runner is capable of avoiding or warding off the impending contact of an opponent, he is no longer a defenseless player;
[. . .]
(b) Prohibited contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture is:
(1) Forcibly hitting the defenseless player’s head or neck area with the helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder, regardless of whether the defensive player also uses his arms to tackle the defenseless player by encircling or grasping him; and
(2) Lowering the head and making forcible contact with the top/crown or forehead/”hairline” parts of the helmet against any part of the defenseless player’s body.”

So it would have to be one of three things,
1) Hit through the WRs head or neck
2) Lowering of the defenders head and a forceful contact through the defenders helmet
3) "unnecessary contact," which is the part that is really open ended, but wouldn't apply to Lewis's hit

[EagleFan]

The Rule: (as cut up a bit by PFT)



So it would have to be one of three things,
1) Hit through the WRs head or neck
2) Lowering of the defenders head and a forceful contact through the defenders helmet
3) "unnecessary contact," which is the part that is really open ended, but wouldn't apply to Lewis's hit

That would be option 2.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Good to know. I'm probably forgetting details of the hits I'm thinking of.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I have nothing against the Saints (actually really want them to win), but it's pretty awesome seeing that look on Rob Ryan's face.

[TroyF]

Cannot complain as a football fan with the playoff games from today. No idea how this one ends, but two very good games to watch.

[Tigercat]

That would be option 2.

Lewis climbed the ladder on him and got more shock from the WRs elbow than the WR got from any helmet contact. That does not constitute forceful contact through the helmet towards the defenseless player. Just be satisfied that the play as correctly non-called changed the fortune of this game as it is by taking Lewis out the game.