I've read and watched plenty of reviews of the Baltimore/New England game from Saturday evening for plenty of obvious reasons. What I specifically was looking for was detail over John Harbaugh's unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the 3rd quarter, and what the Patriots had done that set him off. I think I'm a bit more clear on what had transpired, but it's still something that I don't recall ever seeing in a football game before.
Patriots running back Shane Vereen went to a ref prior to the play in question to inform him he would be an ineligible receiver, thus making him an offensive lineman on the upcoming play. Tight end Michael Hoomanawanui would be the eligible receiver downfield. The Patriots ran the play as quickly as possible in order to prevent the Ravens to properly adjust to the new lineup, and New England was able to score a game-tying touchdown at that point before going on to win the game.
It was clever and crafty, for sure. Certainly gutsy on Belichick's part to call the play. It's also within the rules of the game. Most likely it was a play the Patriots had drawn up in their practices during the previous week to exploit the Ravens' obvious weakness in their secondary.
John Harbaugh was obviously not happy about the set up on the field, and his post-game conference he openly admitted to saying he took the penalty in order to give his defense time to adjust to the phony offensive line set up. Sneaky as the play was, the Ravens were still winning the game at that point, and had plenty of opportunity to close the door on the Patriots. One trick play didn't determine the outcome of the game, and the Ravens had even regained the lead following the Patriots' touchdown. Had their defense managed to get off the field on the Patriots' final drive, they'd be moving on to play Indianapolis in the AFC Championship Game. Instead, they are planning on what to do for the NFL draft in April.
1. All in all, the Ravens had a successful, bounce back season compared to 2013. There was little place to go but up for the Ravens in 2014, and they have plenty to happy about. Joe Flacco had a career year, and the offense as a whole thrived under Gary Kubiak. Fortunately for Baltimore, Kubiak won't be looking for another head coaching job, despite the Bears' heavy interest in him. What they need to prioritize for next season is rebuilding their secondary, though having 5 cornerbacks returning from season-ending injuries will contribute to that strategy.
2. The Seahawks are almost unfathomably good. Seattle became the first defending Super Bowl champion to win a playoff game since the 2004 Patriots Saturday night, thumping the Panthers in the process. Carolina actually kept the game pretty close for the first half, but reality caught up in the second half as Seattle's defense poured it on. Kam Chancellor committed one of the great athletic feats in recent memory in the game by blocking a field goal, and then later picked off Cam Newton, returning the interception for a touchdown. Chancellor isn't nearly the household name that other Seahawks defensive players are, particularly Richard Sherman. He's every bit as good, though.
3. Dez Bryant didn't catch that ball, but it sucks that the game was ultimately decided on reversing a key play like that. By the letter of the law, Dez Bryant's catch was nullified the moment the ball hit the ground and dislodged it from his arm. The Cowboys/Packers game was another playoff classic, and the Cowboys were poised to score a possibly game-winning touchdown after converting a critical 4th down play. As much as I personally hate the Cowboys, I can't deny how great Tony Romo had played yesterday and how he was every bit as good as Aaron Rodgers was. While I disagree with Dez Bryant claiming he caught the ball, I do think he understands the rule in place. I also understand why he's as upset about it as he is, since no player would want a playoff game decided on reversing a critical play.
4. Speaking of Aaron Rodgers, he can only fake looking game-ready for so long. Rodgers claimed after the game that his calf muscle can last long enough for the NFC Champiionship Game and potentially Super Bowl 49, but he was hobbling around the field for most of the game yesterday. If the Packers do win in Seattle next weekend, he'll have a week to rest his calf muscle again to prepare for the Super Bowl. Packers fans everywhere have to hope that he doesn't injure his leg so severely in the championship game that he either can't play effectively or can't play at all in the Super Bowl (assuming the Packers win).
5. It's much, much too soon to start the "Was yesterday Peyton's last NFL game?" discussion. Manning did have arguably one of his worst playoff performances ever, and his demeanor following the game would suggest he's at least contemplating retirement. He has to be aware he's very close to the end of his career, and the loss on Sunday had to impact him emotionally. Still, Father Time will catch up to everyone on a long enough timeline. If I were a betting man, I'd bet that Manning has one year left in his career, though his best chance at another championship is almost certainly behind him.
6. Is there any reason not to expect a Patriots/Seahawks Super Bowl at this point? Super Bowl 48 was the first match up between two #1 seeds since Super Bowl 44 (Saints/Colts). I see no reason why we wouldn't have a second straight contest between #1 seeds at this point. Both the Patriots and Seahawks had defeated their opponents in their respective championship games earlier this season, though the Seahawks had faced the Packers back in the Thursday night season opener. Even if either the Colts or the Packers winning on Sunday would be a surprise, I'd be far less surprised to see the Packers winning than the Colts. Regardless, I think everyone is anticipating by late Sunday night that the Seahawks and Patriots will emerge victorious in their conference championship games.
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