Back from my trip to Pittsburgh. As usual, the Ravens/Steelers game came down to the wire. The turnovers balanced themselves out..the Ravens taking advantage of Steeler miscues in the first half and the Steelers taking advantage of Raven mistakes in the third quarter. For the most part both defenses were stifling, although the Steelers really clamped down in the second half. The difference, as its been over the past few years was at the QB position. Roethlisberger was able to make a crucial play (his long completed pass on 3rd and 19 to the Ravens four yard line) when it mattered most. That led to the winning TD. Flacco on the other hand was unable to garner much of a passing attack throughout (125 yards is not going to get it done in a playoff game). Both running backs, as many thought, struggled for yardage. At the end of the day, not much separates these two teams. The Steelers have been able to make a few more plays and that has been the difference.

Next week's game will be another tough match-up. For all those who wanted to bury the Jets when they lost back-back games to the Pats/Dolphins and were sitting at 9-4, Hardy did state that the Jets were still a very good football team, one that was playoff worthy. When you can play defense like the Steelers, Ravens and Jets, you always have a chance to stay in every game. Sanchez played exceedingly well against the Pats, making big throws when he had to. I suspect the Steelers/Jets to play another close hard fought contest (we can analyze all week)...Hardy is looking forward to a return trip to lovely downtown Pittsburgh on Sunday!

As far as the NFC, the Falcons ran into a buzz saw. It was not a typical 1 v. 6 match-up as everyone knew the Packers were much better than their seeding would indicate. It is rare that a playoff game can go from hotly contested to a blow-out in a matter of 8-10 minutes. That game went from 14-7 Falcons to 35-14 Green Bay in a hurry. Aaron Rodgers was brilliant and if he leads the Packers to the Super  Bowl he will definitely take a big step up in joining the premier QB's in the league. As far as the Bears, I have been waiting all season for them to fold, and yet here they are, 60 minutes from the Super Bowl. Cutler played well in his first ever playoff game, and Seattle played like the 7-9 team we all saw throughout the season. I believe the Packers are better than the Bears , but playing at home will obviously help Chicago. Tough one to call, but based on the way Rodgers is playing, I'd go with Green Bay.

So my early prediction: Steelers (you didn't expect me to pick the Jets, did you?!) v. Green Bay