Roger Goodell couldn't have needled it into submission any better: The NFL got four divisional round gems this weekend. Two significant upsets, the Packers rolling in a scene off a Christmas card and the Patriots reminding a jealous sports nation that no, the Jaguars were not the one team that "no one wants to face."
(In the interests of being forthright, I am a grinder-eating, packie-shopping New Englander. I'm also a Giants fan, but if you care about the first point, odds are you've already assuming the worst. Far be it for me to stand in the way of stereotyping!)
Football's final four offer a multitude of outstanding matchups and, for those so interested, storylines galore. Love or hate them, New England's are obvious. Same with Green Bay. Even the Giants: they've gone from three miserable quarters in Buffalo to running with New England, dominating Tampa and sneaking by Dallas. All three would be well worth the time on Feb. 3.
And then there's the Chargers, a team that only makes me wonder more about why those without a dog in the fight aren't pulling for the Patriots to make history.
Yeah, what San Diego did in Indianapolis was incredible, engineering the game-winning points with back-ups at the skill positions and Antonio Gates playing with a dislocated toe. Almost as incredible, though?
Philip Rivers jawing with the Indy fans like he'd actually accomplished something. Same as he jawed with Ellis Hobbs last January following a tremendous 14-for-32 afternoon. You tell 'em, you barely top-20 quarterback, you! Maybe this week, you can actually remain on the field for most of the game's critical moments!
(Though that would make it harder for you to talk smack. Not impossible, though, because you're a pro.)
He fits in well, though. LaDainian Tomlinson, who continues to prove you can be credited for being 'classy' simply by getting everyone to say you are. Shawne Merriman, a red-handed drug cheat who created the stupid dance the Pats so cruelly, cruelly mocked after actually accomplishing something. Their teammates, who filled newspapers with the always popular spins on "The better team didn't win today."
Good for them, earning another chance at the league's reigning dynasty.
Perhaps this time they can do some talking on the field.
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