After all the talk about the dominance of QB in the NFL this semester it seems almost ironic that the last 4 quarter backs left in the playoffs where Mark Sanchez, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rogers and Jay Cutler. In no way am I saying that Aaron Rogers and Ben Roethlisberger and not top 10 NFL QB's, (although I would freely and openly say that about Cutler and Sanchez) I am simply saying that the real key to winning this season may have in fact come from the exact opposite side of the field. I honestly feel that the reason for the success of teams this season has come from the Defensive Backs. The final 4 teams left in the season are made up of 2 of probably the most physical and intimidating defenses as a whole in the Jets and the Steelers, a team with possibly the fastest set of DB's in the league with Green Bay, and then the Bears, who even with an off season defensively still have big names like Tillman and Manningham swarming around in the secondary.
To further prove my point, think about the biggest plays that happened in this weekends games, the first thing that comes to mind for me is the game ending interception by Sheild's of the Green Bay Packer's. Another was Urlacher's pick and run back, where he was finally pulled down by Rogers. And I don't think there is any football fan in the nation who would decline that teams have to change their game plans when they are faced with Polumalu, Antonio Cromartie or Revis.
As disappointed as I was to see Chicago lose, I am definitely looking forward to watching the Super Bowl. Both teams should show up big defensively and it should lead to a tight close game.
I have to agree with you that defense has and will continue to play a large role in the playoffs. Take a look at who is in the Super Bowl. The Packer's main weakness on defense is there linebacking core, aside from Clay Matthews of course, and this has allowed many team to run the ball very well against them. Pittsburgh on the other hand has its weaknesses in the secondary, aside from Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh's pass defense had problems stopping the Jets late in that game.
ReplyDeleteGood post and should definitely be a great game to watch.