NFL winners seek sharper outings
Second-round games exposed shortcomings
CHARLOTTE , N.C . • Every team in the second round of the NFL playoffs learned some lessons about themselves.
For the four winners, how they apply those lessons will determine if they make the Super Bowl.
All four have been to the big game in this century, with the Patriots, of course, leading the way. But even the fourtime champions who looked the most solid of the survivors of the second round have some self-searching to do.
Both NFC t eams will need to find their previously staunch defences. Carolina was opportunistic and impenetrable for 30 minutes, almost amateurish for the next 30 in surviving Seattle 31-24.
Arizona was victimized for big plays by receivers few people outside of Green Bay knew in a 26-20 overtime victory.
And Denver must find the end zone rather than settling for field goals against New England after a 23-16 win over Pittsburgh.
Some things the final four — and the rest of the football world — learned over the weekend:
NEW ENGLAND
The Patriots couldn’t run the ball against Kansas City, and Denver had the best regularseason defence in the NFL. New England was helped greatly by a timid Chiefs defence, but to expect to so easily move the ball against the Broncos could be a mistake.
Of course, the Patriots discovered that Julian Edelman could step right back in after missing nearly a month with a broken foot. That’s a significant boost to the offence if Edelman came out of the victory in good shape.
DENVER
Peyton Manning c a me through with yet another winning drive, his 55 t h in the fourth quarter or overtime, extending one of the dozen NFL records he owns. Not to be overlooked, though, is it was the only touchdown march for Denver; stalling in the red zone is a formula for failure against the Patriots.
Consistent pressure when New England’s Tom Brady drops back to pass, as he will do from the outset next Sunday, also is required. Denver recognizes that, and also found it can provide it with a multi-dimension defence.
“Our confidence is perfect. We’re good,” cornerback Aqib Talib said. “We’re playing a team who we beat earlier in the year. We’re at home. We’re healthy. So, let’s get it.”
CAROLINA
The Panthers saw what they lacked even as they were being schooled by the Seahawks: a finishing touch.
Yes, they have the league’s top record at 16-1, but playing half a game or so isn’t going to cut it anymore. The Panthers seemed to wear down against Seattle, mentally and physically. An immaturity still exists in Carolina on both sides of the ball.
“We have to find a way to complete a full game of football,” All- Pro quarterback Cam Newton said of his team turning 31-0 at halftime into a 31-24 thriller.“We have been known to take our foot off the throttle and we have to find that killer instinct.”
ARIZONA
Aaron Rodgers’ second sensational desperation pass in six weeks emphasized how vulnerable the Cardinals’ defence, particularly the secondary, is to big plays. Remember, Rodgers hit Jeff Janis for 60 yards on a fourthand-20 before the Hail Mary to Janis forced overtime.
Just as worrisome and in need of immediate repair is Carson Palmer’s poor decision making, something that took many by surprise considering the great season he is having. Arizona’s running game is good, but the Cardinals will need to mount a steady passing attack minus those errors in Charlotte.