Playoff Observations

I watched just about all of the four NFL divisional playoff games last weekend. There were a few things that jumped out at me as the games were going on. With the Golden Globes on tonight, how about we make these observations an award ceremony? Here are a few observations to contemplate:

Worst performance by a head coach: Andy Reid punting with less than two minutes to go in the game. Philadelphia was down 27-24 with 1:56 remaining and facing a fourth-and-10 on its own 44. Reid set up to go for it and an offensive lineman was called for a false start. That set up a fourth-and-15 from the 39. Reid then decides to punt. It was a terrible call. If you are going to put it in your defense’s hands to make a stop, why not go for it on fourth-and-15? Best case scenario has the Saints picking up no yards (which was probably the goal after they punted), and trying to punt and down the ball inside the 20. The Eagles would probably get the ball at the 20 (after a punt into the end zone) and still have about a minute to go trying to move the ball into field goal range. Basically Reid decided to put the game in the hands of his defense, a defense that couldn’t stop the run all night, instead of relying on his offense, one of the highest rated offenses in the league the entire season. That made absolutely no sense. Fourth-and-15s are tough to pick up, but a defense that was shredded by the run all game long is not going to suddenly stuff Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush at the end of the game. Reid punted and with that decision threw away any slight chance at winning.

Lifetime UN-achievement award: Marty Schottenheimer. Marty-ball chokes it away again. Granted, the Chargers' offense was decent this week, they just couldn’t find a way to do anything right down the stretch (i.e. the last five minutes of the game). Schottenheimer wastes a timeout challenging the fumble. His assistants watching the replay should have been fully aware the proper call was made. He then ends up having to burn one with 3:46 remaining when he desperately could have used them both in the final two minutes. With those extra timeouts, the Chargers might have pushed into a better position and been attempting a field from closer than 54 yards with no time remaining.

Best player in a lead offensive role: Deuce McAllister. The man, who might have had the quietest 1,000-yard season in the history of the NFL this year, rushed 21 times for 143 yards and one touchdown. He also caught four passes for 20 yards and another touchdown. He did it all and the Eagles couldn’t contain him. He, not Reggie Bush, was the biggest offensive threat for the Saints. He should get plenty of carries against the Bears this weekend.

Best performance in a supporting role: Robbie Gould obviously. He might not be on the field that much, but his performance stole the show – a la a great supporting actor. Adam Vinitieri and Stephen Gostkowski played well, but Gould won the game in overtime. And, not only did he win the game in overtime that was the longest kick he’s ever made in his career!

Worst performance in a defensive role: It’s a tie! Marlon McCree and Quentin Jammer. McCree comes up huge with an interception in the fourth quarter with 6:25 remaining in the game. The Chargers are going to take over and run LaDainian Tomlinson into field goal range to go up by 11 and ice the game. But, wait a minute. Troy Brown strips McCree and the Patriots recover. From hero to goat, McCree can’t hold onto the ball after making a huge play and that leads to a touchdown and two-point conversion to tie the game. Did I mention that came on a fourth down?

Next up is Jammer. With the game tied, Schottenheimer puts his best cover corner one-on-one with the Patriots top receiver Reche Caldwell. And, what happened? Jammer gets burned for a 49-yard catch and run by Caldwell that puts the Patriots in field goal range for the game winner. Did I mention that came on third-and-10? An incomplete pass and the Patriots are punting with plenty of time left for the Chargers. Oops!

Best comeback performance: For the man who returned to a former home and played great; the award goes to Reche Caldwell. He had seven receptions for 80 yards, including the game-tying touchdown. And don’t forget that huge 49-yard reception that set up the game-winning field goal that won Jammer a worst performance in a defensive role award. Had the Eagles won, Donte Stallworth and his three receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown might have done it, but a loser in the game means a loser in this category too.

The preview of the championship games will be coming sometime before the first kickoff Sunday. Stay tuned.

Who do you think made the biggest mistakes, came up clutch or deserves recognition for this weekend? What other awards should be handed out for the weekend’s performances? Sound off and post your comments below.

Photo Sources: eagles.scout.com, nfl.com, patriots.com