And then there were four...

By Ryan Foray
This past weekend’s divisional playoff round had everything according to plan for the home teams. The Saints, Colts, and the Vikings looked like the teams we saw earlier in the year and why they all were #1 and #2 seeds respectfully in their conferences. Things were also supposed to go this way for San Diego.
Unfortunately, no one told that to the New York Jets.
The Cinderella Story is alive and well still this week as Mark Sanchez and crew are taking the Jets one step away from the Super Bowl. They will face the Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Meanwhile, a quarterback dream match will take place in the Superdome. Brett Favre will lead the Minnesota Vikings against the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees. With some conversation about it, this Sunday’s matchups feature 3 of the best quarterbacks in the game right now and a rookie who could seriously prove himself in the next few years.
After watching the games this past weekend, here are some of the things you can conclude.
-Brett Favre looks like he could seriously play another 2 to 3 years after his performance against the Cowboys. You give him the protection that he needs and honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if Favre is playing halfway through this decade.
-Peyton Manning has played almost 15 seasons in the NFL. With the offensive line that he has had over these years…he could play another 10. I could seriously see Peyton Manning have the same durability as Vinny Testevarde, playing so long that people will be wearing throwback jerseys of him when they come out.
-Phillip Rivers is becoming the Dan Marino of our time. (Ouch) Don’t get me wrong, but I think Phillip Rivers is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and will probably be continuing his successful career and ending up in the Hall of Fame. However, until he gets that signature win in the playoffs and gets at least to the Super Bowl in the next few years, he will have that great ultimatum of being compared to other greats that can’t get the job done when it counts.
-Continuing on the subject, this was supposed to be San Diego’s Super Bowl year. They have beaten the Colts in the playoffs before, they can score as many points as the Saints can, and their defense could have pressured Favre easily out of the pocket…but once again, they have become a one and done in the playoffs. The Chargers will get back to the playoffs, but it won’t be any better of a chance than it was this year. Still no word yet on if LT will be returning to the Chargers this season too.
-Rex Ryan is slowly becoming a genius when it comes to coaching in the NFL. Let’s face it, when you bring the same intensity to the Jets Defense as you did when you had the Baltimore Ravens under your belt for so long, it’s very impressive…when you make them the #1 defense in the NFL, its genius. Also, for going for it on 4th and one is also giving a lot of trust to your offensive line and running backs. Brian Schottenheimer should also be given massive kudos for making an offensive scheme with a rookie quarterback. Making plays that make him not the major factor in the game right now is perfect for a learning experience while at the same time winning the game.