Do you remember when the Giants and the Panthers played an amazing game in Week 16 at the Meadowlands for the right to be the #1 seed and have homefield advantage throughout the playoffs? Do you remember when you thought those two teams would meet again a few weeks later with a bigger prize on the line? Ka-boom!
The #1 seed New York Giants -- GONE!
The #2 seed Carolina Panthers -- GONE!
In perhaps the most unexpected matchup in NFC Championship Game history, the Arizona Cardinals will host, yes host, the Philadelphia Eagles for the right to play in Super Bowl XLIII.
So what went wrong here? Why are both the Giants and the Panthers home watching the rest of the playoffs?
For the Giants, who once were 11-1 and cruising to a repeat Super Bowl championship, they never recovered after losing to the Eagles at Giants Stadium in Week 13. New York only won one more game after their 11th win, the victory over the Panthers, and couldn't get the amazing ground game going the rest of the season. Maybe not having Plaxico Burress to stretch out the defenses really hurt more than most thought it would. Shows again why stats aren't always the key. Burress didn't have big numbers in many games when he played this year, but the ability for the team to run was still there. That wasn't the case once he was gone.
As far as the NFC Divisional loss, give credit to the Eagles' coaching staff, especially defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, who came up with a perfect scheme to stop the Giants. He should stay in the booth above the field when Philadelphia heads to Arizona.
The Panthers, who went 8-0 at home this year in the regular season, forgot what got them to where they were. When trailing 27-7 in the second quarter on Saturday, sure, it didn't look good, but why did they nearly give up on the run for the rest of the contest? Why was Jake Delhomme allowed to continue to make mistake after mistake? The way Carolina ran the ball this season, their run offense is like a pass offense and could've gotten them down the field quickly and perhaps opened up more opportunities for Steve Smith.
Some will say that the bye week really hurt these teams, but isn't that what they play all season for? Why do you think the Giants and Panthers are done? Share your thoughts by adding a comment.
As I finish this, the Chargers have just scored to take a 7-0 lead in Pittsburgh. Is the AFC disaster story coming tonight?
For more coverage, check out Sports Examiner Paula Duffy.
Comments
Andy: what a weekend! Folks here in So Cal and praying to whatever is holy for the Chargers.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!