Read the argument from Loyal Homer about which NFL playoff game is the best of the upcoming weekend.
Rarely in sports does the star power on the field in a game promise quality. Such is the case for the NFL divisional playoff game this Sunday afternoon when the Minnesota Vikings host the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL’s best playoff game, and perhaps its best game all season.
We are all aware of the start power in this game, from both sides. The Vikings have Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson, and Jared Allen along with an entire cast of supporting characters. The Cowboys have Tony Romo, Marion Barber, and DeMarcus Ware along with their entire cast of supporting characters. The talent abounds, and fans are in for a treat.
Usually when analyzing what the best games of the weekend will be I rely heavily on statistics and general game knowledge – football teams have to run the ball well and stop the run to win in the playoffs. The Cowboys have a strong and dynamic running attack and the ability to stop the run. The Vikings have Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor – a dynamic duo in their own right – along with a defense that is excellent against the run. But, these are playoff teams. That is what fans and the media expect. What will make this such a great game is not that raw data, but the immeasurable stuff.
The Cowboys have something in this game coming in the Vikings will fight tooth and nail to take away – momentum. Ever since DeMarcus Ware’s scary head injury in the penultimate game of the season – and his miraculous return a week later – the Cowboys have played with an extra bounce on both sides of the ball. Tony Romo’s passes are sharper, Miles Austin’s routes are a little crisper, Keith Brookings tackles are a little stronger, and even Felix Jones is a little faster (though that is hard to believe). Momentum breeds confidence, confidence wins. The Cowboys have it right now, and the Vikings need it.
Desperation lives in both teams, and both coaches. The coaches from both teams have a tremendous amount of incentive to win.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips has his back against the wall. General Manager Jerry Jones has a nice contract extension sitting somewhere in a desk drawer (a desk that is probably made of gold, diamonds, and rare baby seal skin). If Wade Phillips wins this game – and perhaps a conference championship game, Jones will likely offer Phillips a pen and the contract. If Phillips and the Cowboys lose Sunday, Phillips career in Dallas will come to an abrupt end.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress also has his back to the wall. He has been vocally critical of his star quarterback (who may know a thing or two more about the offense than Childress), and entered the season on a hot seat. Thus far the Vikings have played well, especially having started the season so strongly. Lately, however, the Vikings have begun to slip – especially in road games. The Vikings are fortunate to be playing at home Sunday, having lost four of the last five road games. While the team has played strong at home, without a secure return from Favre and the prospect of ending a once promising season on a down note, Childress could find himself unemployed.
Coaches coach, and players play. The difference is players have stronger contracts than coaches. If the players of both teams like and respect their coaches, they best pull out all the stops this weekend.
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This game has the requisite drama every big game needs – plenty of coaches coaching for their jobs, players playing for contracts, players giving it one last shot, players trying to erase a stigma… and that whole “lose and the team’s out of the playoffs” thing. Without a doubt I have had the best track record at picking the must-watch games of the weekends throughout the Fall and Winter. This game is no exception. Grab a six pack (or if you’re like Sports Geek, a smooth bourbon or a delicious scotch) and enjoy what promises to be not only the best game of the weekend and playoffs, but perhaps the entire season.
