Already a Wild, Wild Card Weekend (2011 NFL Playoffs)

So far, this year's NFL playoffs have been shaping up entirely different than most, if not all, experts expected.  On Saturday afternoon, the defending champions, the New Orleans Saints, came into Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington to play the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks in an NFC wild card matchup.  The Seahawks made history a week earlier by becoming the first team with a losing record to make the playoffs.  In addition, they earned a home game by winning their division.  There were some experts that expected the game to be close, but I don't believe anyone truly believed the Seahawks would pull off the upset.  Not only did the Hawks win the game 41-36, but they also controlled the game well and led most of it.  In addition, in the upset, the Seahawk's RB, Marshawn Lynch, made one of the most spectacular runs I have ever seen in my entire life of watching football. 

Elsewhere, in Indianapolis, the Colts took on the New York Jets in an AFC wild card game.  As a dedicated Colts fan, I obviously had much more interest in this game than any other playoff game this weekend.  I believed the Colts, despite their numerous injuries on the season, would pull off the win playing at home and with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time in Peyton Manning.  Both teams started the game very sluggish on offense.  Later, the Colts appeared to take control just before half time when they went up 7-0.  However, the Jets proved to be more efficient in key moments down the stretch than the Colts.  They took the lead late in the game 14-13.  I knew the Colts would answer in some way, but I was definitely hoping for a touchdown to put the game away.  Unfortunately the drive stalled, and the Colts had to try a 50 yard field goal.  Although they made the try and took the lead, the Jets would quickly answer with a great kick return and efficient drive.  The Jets nailed a 32 yard field goal to put away the Colts with no time left on the clock.  As a Colts fan, I was devastated.  I can handle some losses well if the Colts are apparently playing a superior opponent.  However, I knew the Colts could defeat the Jets at home.  I suppose it was neither the defending champion Saints, nor the Colts year to win Super Bowl 45.