NFL Conference Championships Review

...And then there were two. We've arrived at this. Two weeks of agonizing hype, long pregame shows, fake debates between Skip Bayless and whatever other chump ESPN throws on the other side of the desk, peaking at Super Bowl commercials, etc... Two games this past Sunday in bitter cold conditions with swirling gusts of wind to decide who earns a ticket to warm, placid Glendale for Super Bowl XLII. Here are my thoughts on the conference championship games:

San Diego @ New England (Final: New England 21-12)

• Not to nitpick an 18-0 team (there will be plenty of praise later), but Randy Moss has caught only two passes for 32 yards combined in two playoff games (also picked up 14 yards on an end around in this game). I have to think at some point he has to become a factor in the playoffs for New England to raise the Lombardi trophy
• Laurence Maroney (25 carries, 122 yards, 1 TD) has taken his game to another level in the playoffs. Consecutive 100+ yard games. He absolutely wore down the Charger defense in the second half. What a weapon and a welcome addition to the Pats arsenal.
• Difference of the game was in the red zone. The Patriots scored 3 touchdowns in 4 red zone possessions, Chargers kicked 3 field goals in their 3 trips. 21 is greater than 9. Note to the NFL: if you end up sending your kicker onto the field for 3, make sure he takes a white flag with him.
• Asante Samuel is playing like a man possessed in the postseason. I'd say odds are slim to none that he's a Patriot next year. Great cover corner who will get Champ Bailey type money.
  
• In all honesty, I was surprised at how close the Chargers kept this game, especially without Tomlinson for all but the first drive and a very limited Antonio Gates. Credit the defense with mixing up their looks and getting pressure on Tom Brady. They managed to pick him off three times and did a pretty good job covering the Pats dangerous wide receivers. It's been proven that the way to contain New England defensively is to blitz selectively and play physical with their receivers. We'll see if the Giants follow suit in two weeks.

New York @ Green Bay (Final: 23-20 New York)

• Anyone want to try to justify the Packers calling only 13 rushing plays against one of the better pass rushes in the NFL? I didn't think so. Seriously, Ryan Grant couldn't get on track (29 yards). However, the blame lies with the game plan, it is inexcusable to go away from what had been working so well up to this point. The Giants featured a much more balanced approach, calling 38 rushes (I'm not counting Eli Manning's scramble as a called run play, but the QB sneak will suffice).
• Eli Manning really came of age in this game. The stat line won't look impressive (21/40, 254 yards), but he was never rattled by anything and didn't flinch at the prospect of trailing on the road in the 2nd half. After turning the ball over 21 times this season, the younger Manning has gone three playoff games without a single turnover.
• With everything on his side (familiarity with the elements, this stage of the playoffs, and homefield), Brett Favre folded under pressure. He got three opportunities to get points and win this game and he tried to do it all himself. The results of the Packers final three possessions: 3 and out, 3 and out, and interception. Ouch.
• Plaxico Burress (11 catches, 154 yards) looked as healthy as I've seen since September. He absolutely abused Al Harris in every way. He has Randy Moss like ability, and now he's got some confidence on his side.
• The Giants were able to get crucial stops when they needed to despite getting absolutely no pressure from ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. Combining for 2 tackles (both Strahan) and no sacks. They haven't gotten great production from the ends in the playoffs. If they want to have any chance to knock off New England, they have to be a factor.

Both of these games surprised me, I thought we were in for a pretty boring weekend of football and we got two competitive games. 13 days and counting until kickoff in Glendale. Later this week, I'll have a new Twaro's Take. About...something. I haven't quite decided yet.