Good start to NFL Playoffs

Well the playoffs are here and they are off to a good start. Arizona took out Atlanta, and the refs gave San Diego the win against Indy.

What's funny is that both SD and Indy both knew there were going to be a ton of calls because the officiating crew calls the most penalties on average every week. So no matter what happens, the officials make sure that they call a "good" game, not realizing even though there are penalties on every play, a "good" game is not one that is stopped after every one. 3 first downs were rewarded to SD on their only drive in overtime. 2 of them were letter of the law right, one was a judgment call that Madden tried to justify when he replayed, but he knew it was a weak call. The ref should have swallowed his whistle and let them play. Football is a contact sport after all. Nothing is more infuriating than the officiating crew that affects the outcome of a game. That said, the Colts let this one slip away and if they'd done their job it wouldn't have made it to overtime.

What makes the officiating so frustrating in the second game was the lack of officiating in the first game. 2 obvious calls, right in front of the officials - one for the mysterious judgment call pass interference - was ignored. They allowed the players to play and allowed contact between the players. Cris Collinsworth however called both plays out and told the audience that the refs had blown it. It's refreshing to hear someone not afraid to call out the refs, especially since everyone seems to get fined if they say anything negative about the zebras.

Glad to see the Cards advance, and although I was pulling for the Colts, I am not torn up about the Chargers. Tomorrow's games not as sexy, but I'll take Miami over Baltimore(but I won't be surprised if Miami lays an egg-they might just be happy to have made it to the playoffs after sucking last year). I think the Eagles buck the trend and will be the only visiting team to win this week over Minnesota. Not sure I am sold on TJ at QB for Minn and if Minn's defense isn't 100% Westbrook and Mcnabb should be able to move the ball. Look out for the Eagle's blitz, let's say 6 sacks and a fumble.