Prog goes ‘wild’ over playoff’s unexpected endings Published Jan. 16, 2007 By Pigskin Prognosticator from the land of the downcast TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Surprise, surprise! After a very probable Wild Card Round of playoffs, the Divisional Round threw a monkey wrench into everyone's expectations. The weekend kicked off with Indianapolis visiting Baltimore, a game where many thought Baltimore would dominate a reportedly soft Indianapolis team. Instead the Colts came out and beat the Ravens at their own game by giving up a total of only 244 yards and forcing four turnovers. The Colts offense wasn't spectacular, but was able to get kicker Adam Vinatieri into field goal range as he connected for a playoff record five field goals. Now he has a chance to haunt his former team, New England Patriots, for letting him get away during the off-season. No matter what, this game looks to be hard-hitting when these two rivals face off on Sunday. Saturday's late game featured two teams with a great Cinderella story as they climbed into the playoffs. Philadelphia won six games straight even though they lost star quarterback Donovan McNabb to an injury for the season. Not bad for a team who was predicted to finish last in their division with McNabb playing - let alone without him. New Orleans on the other hand, has an amazing story, causing me to wonder if after the season we should stop calling underdog teams "Cinderella stories" and call them "Saints stories." The Saints are playing in New Orleans this year for the first time since hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Many thought the Saints wouldn't be able to return to the city because of the damage. After relocating to San Antonio and Baton Rouge last season, the team struggled and finished the season 3-13, tied for worst in the league. The Saints were awarded the second overall pick in the draft after the season. University of Southern California running back Reggie Bush was drafted with the pick. Along with fellow rookie wide receiver Marques Colston and newly-signed quarterback Drew Brees, these players helped turn this team around to finish 11-5 this season and the NFC South Division champions. Not a bad turnaround if you ask me. A team who has been a disappointment this season is Seattle. After finishing the season 9-7, but still winning a weak NFC West Division, Seattle took advantage of their good fortune to make the playoffs last week and beat Dallas. This past weekend, last season's Super Bowl runner-up went to Chicago in what was a 12-round brawl. The game went back and forth between each team as they delivered blows, but the knockout came in overtime from Bears kicker Robbie Gould on a 48-yard field goal to win the game. In a game where there was a total of 677 yards, the Bears offense was able to keep them in the game instead of losing it. The offense will need to perform at least at this level if they expect to beat the Saints and their high powered offense. The final game of the weekend was between juggernaut San Diego and New England. This was supposed to be a game where the Patriots would be obliterated by a tenacious Charger defense to go along with a high powered offense that show cased MVP running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson didn't disappoint with his performance as he combined for a total of 187 yards and two touchdowns. Although he carried his team through the game, they fell short in the end. Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski came through with a 31-yard field goal with 1:10 left in the game to put the team on top. On the ensuing drive by the Chargers, they were able to quickly drive to the Patriot 39 yard-line, but kicker Nate Kaeding missed a 54-yard field goal attempt with three seconds to tie it up. Maybe next year will be kinder to the top two seeds in the AFC, but championship weekend should still be dandy with the four remaining teams slugging it out with hopes to reach the Super Bowl. So get ready for some high-flying, hard-hitting action this week. Now let's get out there and watch some football!