AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Most Valuable Player
Peyton Manning looked uncomfortable early against some blitzes, but finished 26 of 39 for 377 yards. His touchdown drive before halftime turned the game back in the Colts’ favor. And he excelled at finding mismatches in the second half.
Pro Bowl performance
Colts receiver Pierre Garcon is a terrific story, rising from Division III standout to the NFL. But Garcon (11 catches, 151 yards) is darned good and understands how to use his size. Even when the Jets played him inside, he still got there.
Overlooked
Colts running back Joseph Addai made a big difference on the ground, something he has not done enough of this season. But he finished with a season-high 80 yards on 18 carries as the Jets dared Indy to run.
Oops!
The Jets were on the other end of missed field goals all postseason. In fact, opposing kickers missed their first five attempts. Sunday, it was Jay Feely who missed two field goals. They needed every point they could muster.
From the Sidelines
Colts coach Jim Caldwell has such a calm demeanor that you can’t tell what’s going on by his body language; perfect for a veteran team. Also, the Colts wisely attacked with the run game enough to make a difference.
New York’s offensive game plan worked well in the first half under assistant Brian Schottenheimer. But the Colts weren’t fooled in the second. Defensively, Rex Ryan’s crew was beaten on the ground, especially when using a three-man front. — John Keim
Most Valuable Player
Peyton Manning looked uncomfortable early against some blitzes, but finished 26 of 39 for 377 yards. His touchdown drive before halftime turned the game back in the Colts’ favor. And he excelled at finding mismatches in the second half.
Pro Bowl performance
Colts receiver Pierre Garcon is a terrific story, rising from Division III standout to the NFL. But Garcon (11 catches, 151 yards) is darned good and understands how to use his size. Even when the Jets played him inside, he still got there.
Overlooked
Colts running back Joseph Addai made a big difference on the ground, something he has not done enough of this season. But he finished with a season-high 80 yards on 18 carries as the Jets dared Indy to run.
Oops!
The Jets were on the other end of missed field goals all postseason. In fact, opposing kickers missed their first five attempts. Sunday, it was Jay Feely who missed two field goals. They needed every point they could muster.
From the Sidelines
Colts coach Jim Caldwell has such a calm demeanor that you can’t tell what’s going on by his body language; perfect for a veteran team. Also, the Colts wisely attacked with the run game enough to make a difference.
New York’s offensive game plan worked well in the first half under assistant Brian Schottenheimer. But the Colts weren’t fooled in the second. Defensively, Rex Ryan’s crew was beaten on the ground, especially when using a three-man front. — John Keim
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NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Most Valuable Player
Saints QB Drew Brees (17 of 31, 197 yards) had one of his worst statistical games this year, but cashed in with three touchdown passes when the Saints got in position to score. He also directed an offense that didn’t have a turnover.
Pro Bowl performance
Saints LB Jonathan Vilma had an interception, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble, leading an opportunistic defense that had Vikings QB Brett Favre on the run. The Saints forced five turnovers and two other fumbles that the Vikings recovered.
Overlooked
Saints 23-year-old CB Tracy Porter had eight tackles and made two huge plays in the fourth quarter, intercepting Favre at the end of regulation and forcing a fumble by Bernard Berrian inside the New Orleans 10-yard line, which was recovered by Vilma.
Oops!
Even on a gimpy left ankle, Brett Favre had room to run for a first down and set up a field goal try at the end of regulation, but threw an ill-advised pass across his body that was intercepted by Porter.
From the Sidelines
New Orleans changed the game when defensive coordinator Gregg Williams turned up the heat on Favre. The Saints forced an interception and a fumble on consecutive Minnesota possessions in the second half, changing the momentum.
Brad Childress had a solid game plan, mixing the run and pass effectively, but the inability of his backs — Favre (2 interceptions, 1 fumble), Adrian Peterson (2 fumbles) and Percy Harvin (1 fumble) to protect the ball was costly. — Kevin Duleavy
Most Valuable Player
Saints QB Drew Brees (17 of 31, 197 yards) had one of his worst statistical games this year, but cashed in with three touchdown passes when the Saints got in position to score. He also directed an offense that didn’t have a turnover.
Pro Bowl performance
Saints LB Jonathan Vilma had an interception, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble, leading an opportunistic defense that had Vikings QB Brett Favre on the run. The Saints forced five turnovers and two other fumbles that the Vikings recovered.
Overlooked
Saints 23-year-old CB Tracy Porter had eight tackles and made two huge plays in the fourth quarter, intercepting Favre at the end of regulation and forcing a fumble by Bernard Berrian inside the New Orleans 10-yard line, which was recovered by Vilma.
Oops!
Even on a gimpy left ankle, Brett Favre had room to run for a first down and set up a field goal try at the end of regulation, but threw an ill-advised pass across his body that was intercepted by Porter.
From the Sidelines
New Orleans changed the game when defensive coordinator Gregg Williams turned up the heat on Favre. The Saints forced an interception and a fumble on consecutive Minnesota possessions in the second half, changing the momentum.
Brad Childress had a solid game plan, mixing the run and pass effectively, but the inability of his backs — Favre (2 interceptions, 1 fumble), Adrian Peterson (2 fumbles) and Percy Harvin (1 fumble) to protect the ball was costly. — Kevin Duleavy
