Reverend Ref +

PLAYOFFS

This past weekend and next weekend are usually the two best weekends of football. These are just by far and away the most entertaining games around, and this past weekend was no exception.

How about Seattle showing that they were actually a good, all around team and not simply a product of the pathetic NFC West. The league's rushing leader and MVP goes out early in the game with a concussion, they commit three turnovers, and they still managed to look good and beat Washington.

The Denver game was also entertaining, having won their first playoff game in the post-Elway era.

Chicago and Carolina was fun to watch. Who knew that the defense that only allowed something like 218 yards per game would give up well over 400? And again, this one wasn't really decided until the final possession.

But how about that Pittsburgh/Indianapolis game? Holy Cow! Pittsburgh simply dominated the Colts all game, until the final three minutes or so. I'm not sure the last time I've seen a game where the emotional pendulum swung so far back and forth in the last two minutes of a game. Manning sacked on the 2 yard line, game wrapped up, Bettis fumbles, Big Ben makes a game saving tackle, Indy drives downfield, gets in position for a game-tying field goal, and then . . .

And then CBS places the Mother-Of-All-Curses on kicker Mike Vanderjagt. I'm watching this unfold, when CBS flashes a stat on the bottom of the screen -- Hasn't missed a field goal all year. 6/6 and 14/14 on PAT's (or something like that). I told Mrs. Ref right then, "That's it, game over." And sure enough . . .

WIDE RIGHT. I mean -- did you see that thing?!?! The goal posts weren't even in view as it hooked (or sliced, I always get those confused) so far right he was in danger of hitting the mascot ala "Bull Durham."

Anyway, entertaining games all around. And next week are the two best games of the season. I'm looking forward to them.