Playoff Observations: Wild Card Round Jan 6, 2009 | More

Arizona 30, Atlanta 24

Larry Fitzgerald is my hero.

Other then the fact that the Falcons had no answer for the Arizona WR, this was a pretty evenly matched contest. Fitzgerald finished the day with six catches for 101 yards and a score … and man was his touchdown incredible. The wideout leaped in the air and snagged a 42-yard pass over two Atlanta defenders off a flea flicker. It was one of the best grabs of the first round. With the win, the Cardinals now face an interesting matchup at Carolina. Fitzgerald should have another big game, especially if WR Anquan Boldin’s hamstring strain doesn’t allow him to play.

San Diego 23, Indianapolis 17 (OT)

Note to officials: If a game goes to overtime, you can’t let it be decided by penalties.

I’m not saying that the blame fully rests on the shoulders of the referees, but they were a big reason that the Colts lost to the Chargers on Saturday night. San Diego drove down the field in OT because of a few questionable defensive holding penalties. Each one resulted in a first down for the Chargers. In my opinion, both of these calls were terrible and it’s a shame that such an exciting game had to be decided like this. I’m not saying that the Colts would have scored on their first drive of the extra period or even won the game, but Peyton Manning, playoffs and overtime seem to go well together.

It’s about time Darren Sproles got the ball.

No one benefited more from the groin injury to Ladainian Tomlinson then the super reserve Sproles. Sproles received a season-high 22 carries that went for 105 yards with two touchdowns. He also contributed with five receptions for 45 yards and 178 total return yards. He was an all-around savage in the biggest game of the season for San Diego. The speedster out of Kansas State should get just as much of a workload this week with LT set to be inactive, but don’t necessarily expect another huge day because Pittsburgh defense is the best in the league. Nonetheless, props to Sproles as he deserved this great performance.

Baltimore 27, Miami 9

Attention AFC: A trip to the Super Bowl can only be attained if you get past the Ravens defense.

In case you didn’t know, the Baltimore Ravens defense is the real deal. And they once again proved this on Sunday when they dismantled Chad Pennington and the rest of the Dolphin offense. Baltimore came up with four interceptions, two by safety Ed Reed, three sacks, a fumble recovery, a blocked extra point and a defensive TD. They did all this and allowed just nine points to a team that had 11 regular season victories. I know Miami really wasn’t as good as their record indicated, but this was still a very dominating performance for a defense on the road.

Philadelphia 26, Minnesota 14

When in doubt, give the ball to Brian Westbrook.

With the Philadelphia Eagles clinging to a 16-14 lead late in the fourth quarter, who else delivered the big play then Westbrook. Westbrook caught a little screen pass from QB Donovan McNabb and scampered 71 yards for the game-clinching touchdown. This was vintage Westbrook, who has been up-and-down all season. He had been a non-factor all day until that big play, but with the game on the line, there isn’t anyone else I would want with the ball then Westbrook.