Today saw the first two quarter-finals of the NFL. First of all in the AFC, the Jets were beaten in overtime 20-17 at the hands of the Steelers. Then this evening in the NFC, the Falcons routed the Rams 47-17. The latter game was most notable for Michael Vick's out of the ordinary behaviour as Quarterback, and for the significance of the special teams, particularly punt and kick-off returns.
Vick is completely different from any other QB that I have seen. The only person who I can remotely liken him to is Randall Cunningham from the 90s' Eagles. He's so agile, and can make plays where there's seemingly nothing going. However, he's more of a Running Back turned Quarterback rather than vice versa. Some of his passing was erratic to say the least, and I'm surprised he got out of the game with an 11/15 completion rate. However, it seems this is more than made up for by his ability to scramble, the third play of the game seeing a 47-yard unplanned Quarterback run.
In the Jets game, Roethlisberger exhibited some uncharacteristic misfires, but the game's outcome was determined by the dodgy foot of Doug Brien. (Perhaps they should have recruited Steelers' Linebacker Larry Foote instead.) Brien missed a 47-yarder (hit the bar) and a 43-yarder, both in the last two minutes of the game, the latter of which would certainly have secured victory.
It seems my switching of loyalties to the Jets was a little premature (or ill-informed). Although I'm loathe to switch again, I think I'll be rooting for my childhood secondaries the Eagles from here on in, or at least until around 5pm EST tomorrow, depending on the outcome of their game against the Vikings. :)
