Now the NFL playoffs are over and the big game is set — New England vs. Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX. These playoffs produced some remarkable results.
Can you believe Arizona started 9-1 on a mission to host the Super Bowl and lost a playoff game with a third-team QB named Ryan Lindley, who threw for just 76 yards? NFL record!
New England became the first team to rally twice from 14-0 and 28-14 deficits and win a playoff game? NFL record!
The Patriots had just 14 yards rushing, the fewest yards ever in a playoff win. Detroit had a 14-0 lead at Dallas — do you remember that fourth-quarter interference call that would have given the Lions a first down with minutes left up 20-17? Yes, that one, the one that got picked up? No explanation at all by the officials, followed by a 10-yard Lions punt?
Cincinnati in the playoffs again lost to Andrew Luck and Indianapolis. Head Coach Marvin Lewis 0-6 in the playoffs. Quarterback Andy Dalton 0-4 as a starting quarterback.
The great Peyton Manning loses at home in the playoffs (Denver) to Andrew Luck, the man who replaced him in Indianapolis. Manning, the five-time MVP, is just 11-13 over his career in the playoffs. Green Bay survived Dallas upset; it was the first time these two teams played in the playoffs since the Ice Bowl in 1967.
The Packers won 26-21, but only after Dez Bryant of Dallas was robbed of a sensational leaping catch at the goal line that was overturned on review by officials on a technicality. The Packers and Aaron Rodgers had a 16-0 lead at half at Seattle in the NFC Championship only to blow it and lose in overtime 28-22. Seattle will have a chance to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, first time since 2003-2004 New England.
Tom Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick continue to assault the NFL playoff record books. Brady has now reached six Super Bowls, the most ever. If he wins Sunday, February 1 vs. Seattle, he can tie Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana with four Super Bowl titles. Belichick has now won 21 playoff games, number one all-time.
This Sunday I’m off to the desert for the Pro Bowl. The NFL All-Star Game will take place in Glendale, Arizona. Then, the following Sunday, the game we’ve been waiting for, the most-watched event annually in television history: Super Bowl XLIX.
Who do you have winning? New England 14-4 vs. defending champ Seattle 14-4? Send your emails to Larry@Larry-Fitzgerald.com. Thanks.
Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday-Friday at 12:17 pm and 4:17 pm, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com, or visit www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com.