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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.

@mouf 01-15-2012 04:49 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.77 (total posts: 1)

Quote from Mouf: "Seriously, I am getting tried of all this media hype over T.J. Yates, its a team game, he just didnt win it by himself. And then the media just ignores other rookie QBS in the playoffs that won like Tim Tebow"

Are you sure you don't have this backwards? Shouldn't you be tired of all the Tim Tebow (who is NOT a rookie) hype lol?

Bad Calls? 01-09-2012 07:14 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.163 (total posts: 2)

I saw some penalties that the broncos committed that should have been called

@mouf 01-09-2012 07:11 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.163 (total posts: 2)

tim tebow is not a rookie...
and there has been tons more hype over tim tebow than yates

Ryan 01-09-2012 06:34 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.146 (total posts: 1)

I'm not a Steelers or Broncos fan. Looking at it objectively, the Decker call looked right to me. He clearly lost control of the football before he was all the way down. The evidence was easily conclusive.

Mouf 01-09-2012 03:23 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.125 (total posts: 3)

149

Seriously, I am getting tried of all this media hype over T.J. Yates, its a team game, he just didnt win it by himself. And then the media just ignores other rookie QBS in the playoffs that won like Tim Tebow

MCFLYYY 01-09-2012 02:15 pm xxx.xxx.xxx7.48 (total posts: 1)

@ Shut your whining:

There was a blatant facemask on Tebow in the 4th when they were trying to drive for the game winning field goal.

@ JJ:

You picked all the favorites. Way to go out on a limb there, sport.

mouf 01-09-2012 02:02 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.125 (total posts: 3)

too many commericals in professional football? you dont say? they have squeezed every ounce of blood from the rock, its mindnumbing dealing with all the breaks

name 01-09-2012 01:52 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.213 (total posts: 1)

@LOL -
i'm kinda partial to "matty melt" myself.

JJ 01-09-2012 01:49 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.143 (total posts: 1)

Now its time for some real football. Should be an exciting next round.

NE- that is a definite, DEN defense is horrendous. Brady lights it up.

SF- would love to see them stick a Candlestick in NO. Memo to Payton & Brees you are up 17 pts & you continue to throw. Just rubbing it in?

BAL- should crush Hou. Yates had his moment against hapless Bengals. Bal is on mission.

GB-dont care what everyone is saying about the Giants, they are unpredictable as Lindsay Lohans sexuality. GB at home. Book it.

PS didnt shock me with Willis fumbling.

Matt 01-09-2012 12:52 pm xxx.xxx.xxx0.33 (total posts: 1)

@ shut your whining

How is a backwards, incomplete pass not correctly being ruled a fumble not a "bad call"? And there were two Tebow facemasks that didn't get called. One towards the sideline and one right in the pocket. Trust me.

I do agree with you on the Decker call. That was an incomplete pass. He barely had the ball at all before it got knocked loose.

LOL 01-09-2012 06:00 am xxx.xxx.xxx.212 (total posts: 1)

@Matt: How about Matty Chokes? It's simple and to the point

Shut your whining 01-09-2012 02:27 am xxx.xxx.xxx.127 (total posts: 2)

None of those "officiating calls" you mentioned were bad. There was a rule which effected the ruling on the lateral pass which, as the announcers said over and over, will get looked at and most likely changed in the offseason. And the Decker catch showed on replays that it was OBVIOUS the ball was coming out immediately upon the hit, meaning it was never a complete catch. And I didn't see any facemasks that you talked about. There was the one that the announcers thought might have been one at first (when Heyward one handed the RB's jersey and whipped him around) but saw during the replay what really happened AND COMMENTED on it for correctness.

nathan g 01-09-2012 12:38 am xxx.xxx.xxx92.4 (total posts: 1)

tebow is gods grandson.

Jeff 01-08-2012 10:42 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.170 (total posts: 1)

119

The officials were awful to the Steelers too. not calling multiple holds on Harrison, not calling pass interference on Antonio Brown on the 9 early in the game, calling a roughing on Tebow for a similar hit that Ben took the drive before... it was a poorly officiated game

Matt 01-08-2012 07:23 pm xxx.xxx.xxx2.43 (total posts: 4)

113

Could we please do away with the nickname "Matty Ice" already? He seems to choke in the biggest of moments.

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2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 19

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2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2012: Live 2012 NFL Draft Blog - April 26
2012 NFL Week 1 Recap - Sept. 10
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2012 NFL Week 3 Recap - Sept. 24
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2012 NFL Week 13 Recap - Dec. 3
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Super Bowl XLVII Recap - Feb. 4
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2011: Live 2011 NFL Draft Blog - April 28
2011 NFL Week 1 Recap - Sept. 12
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2011 NFL Week 13 Recap - Dec. 5
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2011 NFL Week 15 Recap - Dec. 19
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2011 NFL Week 17 Recap - Jan. 2
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Super Bowl XLVI Live Blog - Feb. 6

2010: Live 2010 NFL Draft Blog - April 22
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2010 NFL Week 6 Review - Oct. 18
2010 NFL Week 7 Review - Oct. 25
2010 NFL Week 8 Review - Nov. 1
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Super Bowl XLV Live Blog - Feb. 6

2009: Live 2009 NFL Draft Blog - April 25
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2009 NFL Week 1 Review - Sept. 14
2009 NFL Week 2 Review - Sept. 21
2009 NFL Week 3 Review - Sept. 28
2009 NFL Week 4 Review - Oct. 5
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2009 NFL Week 6 Review - Oct. 19
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2009 NFL Week 10 Review - Nov. 16
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2009 NFL Week 13 Review - Dec. 6
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2009 NFL Week 17 Review - Jan. 4
2009 NFL Week 18 Review - Jan. 11
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Super Bowl XLIV Live Blog - Feb. 7

2008: Live 2008 NFL Draft Blog - April 26
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NFL Wild Card Playoffs Review - Jan. 4
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NFL Championship Sunday Review - Jan. 19
Super Bowl XLIII Live Blog

2007: NFL Draft: Day 1 Review Blog - April 28
Quarterback Rankings - June 25
NFL Kickoff Blog - Sept. 6
Chief Carl Has Lost a Step - Sept. 9
The NFL Cheated the Patriots - Sept. 16
NFL Week 3 Wrap-Up - Sept. 23
NFL Week 4 Wrap-Up - Sept. 30
NFL Week 5 Wrap-Up - Oct. 7
NFL Week 6 Wrap-Up - Oct. 14
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NFL Week 11 Wrap-Up - Nov. 18
NFL Week 12 Wrap-Up - Nov. 25
NFL Week 13 Wrap-Up - Dec. 2
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NFL Week 15 Wrap-Up - Dec. 16
NFL Week 16 Wrap-Up - Dec. 23
NFL Week 17 Wrap-Up - Dec. 30
NFL Week 18 Wrap-Up - Jan. 6
NFL Week 19 Wrap-Up - Jan. 13
2008 Championship Sunday Diary - Jan. 20
Super Bowl XLII Live Blog - Feb. 3

2010 NFL Week 18 Game Recaps

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