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Two teams advance and two teams have been sent home. The NFL playoffs kicked off today and already an early favorite has been sent home.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers
The NFC South was so weak this season, the Panthers were able to host a playoff game despite having a losing record. The Panthers had quite the scare this season when quarterback Cam Newton was involved in a serious car accident. Newton was lucky enough to walk away from the accident and is back with his team.
The Panthers defense had an historic day, holding Arizona to eight first down and a total of 78 yards, the fewest yards ever allowed in postseason history. The Cardinals only gained 12 yards the entire second half. Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart out gained the entire Cardinals offense, rushing for 123 yards.
The Cardinals were the hottest team in the league at one time. Unfortunately, injuries knocked them down to their third string quarterback. It’s been a bumpy road, but if this team is one thing its resilient. Having to rely on Ryan Lindley’s arm was never expected, but after choosing him over rookie Logan Thomas the Cardinals had their man.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
It was a tough season for Baltimore, who many thought would never survive the Ray Rice scandal. However, this offense has come together nicely with the addition of veteran receiver Steve Smith. Justin Forsett has done a nice job in Rice’s absence of keeping Baltimore’s offense balanced. Joe Flacco always seems to step up in the playoffs and this could be a sleeper team this season.
The Steelers had one of their best offensive seasons in quite some time. Behind the elite play of Antonio Brown who made every catch and running back Le’Veon Bell, this Steelers offense looked like it could do some damage in the playoffs. Unfortunately, their defense is not what it used to be. The Steelers will have a lot of question marks this offseason as they have to decide what to do with James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, and Ike Taylor.
One of the most heated rivalries in all of football. Unfortunately, this game was all Baltimore. The once vaunted Steelers defense could not get a hand in Flacco’s face. On the other side of the ball, the pressure was constant for Ben Roethlisberger, who threw two interceptions. The Ravens were able to take Brown out of the game and make Big Ben throw elsewhere. Despite being at home, the Steelers never had momentum on their side in this game. This was Baltimore’s first playoff win in Pittsburgh ever.
