The New Orleans Saints vs Philadelphia Eagles produced little offense but a fantastic ending. Drew Brees overcame two mind-boggling interceptions in the first half to a 250 yard passing day as his team came out on top 26-24. Nick Foles threw for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns but the running game, ranked #1 in the NFL, was stopped time and time again. Rushing leader LeSean McCoy ran for a measly 77 yards and the team rushed for 80 overall. Mark Ingram on the other hand ran for 97 yards and a score. The Saints travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks, a team that has lost one home game in two years.
The Indianapolis Colts vs Kansas City Chiefs playoff matchup was above and beyond the best game of this past weekend. The Colts overcame a 28 point deficit while the Kansas City Chiefs dealt with many injuries, including Jamaal Charles (concussion), Donnie Avery and Justin Houston. Andrew Luck threw four touchdown passes in a game that will be remembered in the hearts of many Indianapolis fans while the Chiefs’ incredible season comes to a close.
Andy Dalton had three turnovers, the Bengals in total had four, and the San Diego Chargers took care of business at Paul Brown Stadium in a 27-10 win. Philip Rivers threw for 128 yards and a touchdown while the offense accumulated a total of 196 yards on the ground. The Bengals were also held scoreless in the second half. Danny Woodhead and Ronnie Brown had 1 touchdown apiece as well. Cincinnati has not won a playoff game in 23 years. Head coach Marvin Lewis, 0-5 in the playoffs, is currently on the hot seat.
The 49ers vs Packers matchup would have stole the show of the NFL Playoffs if it were not for Andrew Luck and the Colts’ 28 point comeback vs the Kansas City Chiefs. Colin Kaepernick was great against a decimated defense forced to bring in backups that hardly played this season. Vernon Davis had a touchdown catch, Frank Gore had a touchdown run, and Michael Crabtree had over 100 receiving yards. Aaron Rodgers was average on a day the Packers needed one more big play to secure a victory over one of the most talented teams in the NFL. That play never came.