Sunday, January 13, 2013

Divisional Playoff Fireworks



Down Goes Denver!

Yes my fellow Raider fans, the Peyton Manning led 2012 Denver Broncos went down in the playoffs in the worse way; at home - in double overtime - on a Manning interception that setup the Baltimore Ravens winning field goal.  It was a pass that never should've been thrown in an overtime that never should've happened.

With 31 seconds left in regulation and the Broncos leading by seven, Ravens QB Joe Flacco heaved a 70 yard pass to sideline streaking receiver Jacoby Jones who'd somehow gotten behind Denver's stumbling, bumbling defense.  It is a play that'll go down as the beginning of the end for two great legendary players; Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis.

While Peyton will most likely return next season to chase down a second super bowl championship, Ravens future HOF linebacker Ray Lewis has announced he'll end his 17 year career at the end of this season.  Lewis will continue his trek toward a possible second super bowl championship next week when the Ravens play the winner of today's Texans vs Patriots game. 

Final Score
Ravens 38
Denver 35


Later in the day the Oakland Raiders cross-bay rival find themselves one game away from the "Big Show" after unproven playoff quarterback Colin Kaepernick has busted up the record books in leading the 49ers to a crushing win over the national media darling Green Bay Packers and their golden boy QB Aaron Rodgers. 

I'll admit, I was drawn into the media hype projecting Rodgers picking apart the 49er defense.  This morning that same national media has to be wondering how the heck they missed the Kaepernick equation of this matchup.  Its not as if they'd never heard of him or seen him perform his magic on national television. Maybe that monday night magic is a performance they erased from their media memories since it happened against their other national darling QB, Tom Brady. 
Niner fans better get up off that 'Alex Smith should start in the playoffs' talk and recognize the gift horse that just ran 181 yards like a gazelle, scoring two touchdowns and throwing for two more in his first playoff appearance. Kaep broke NFL records dating back to the Cleveland Browns 1950's quarterback Otto Graham.
 
Graham played in 10 straight title games and had four AAFC and three NFL championships. In the final game of his career, Graham ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more in a 38-14 championship victory over the Los Angeles Rams in 1955.  Sounds kinda Kaepernick like doesn't it? Graham is in the Hall of Fame.

I'm sure no Niner fan can recall their great Joe Montana ever putting on a one man performance like Kid Kaepernick. The Niners will face the winner of today's Seattle Seahawks vs Atlanta Falcon's game for the chance to go to the super bowl.

If it weren't for so many Niner fans hate'in on the Raiders of late, I might congratulate and wish my bay area brothers good luck next week against one of the dirty bird teams.  But too much Raider Hating has flowed under the bay bridge for this Raider fan to give red and gold well wishes. 

Nope, not today. But I do recognize and congratulate Colin "Kid" Kaepernick on an electrifying performance and wish hime all the success he deserves in the NFL. And if they don't show you love after this season Kid Kaep, know that there's a team just across the bay that'll show you love and loyalty, win - lose - or tie.

Raider Nation salutes you Kid! Great Game!

Final Score
Packers 31
Forty-Niners 45

note: Kaepernick has family ties in Wisconsin, Packer country.

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