Division Round: No Upsets But Some Drama

The match-ups this week were basically two mismatches and two more even games, one with a ready theme (the two old pros). The Packers early on looked to have things in control, but the Rams managed to keep things close. Until Packers sealed the deal in the 4th and the Rams could not even get one of the TDs back. But, pretty good game for over three quarters.

Then, we have another shot for the Bills to blow it, this time versus the Ravens. This was more stressful for me since the Bills were one of the teams I wanted to win (though neutrally, an upset would have the usual underdog charms). The conditions made kicking field goals problematic (various attempts, one made). It was a 3-3 game at the Half, after a quick score at the end by the Ravens. This reflected the last Ravens play-off game that ended with a 10-10 score, partially off a Ravens turnover. The Ravens defense again important along with Lamar Jackson.

Then, the third quarter was two long scoring drives. First, the Bills. Then, the Ravens ... until intercepted in the end zone and it was 17-3, Bills. The ill fates have hurt the Ravens too, and did so here with Lamar Jackson then getting hurt. Near the end, his back-up got near the goal line, but four attempts didn't make the eight yards. But, the Ravens kept at it, the game ending with a roughing the kicker during a punt letting Bills run out the clock.

I admit that I wasn't watching the second part, though I did watch a lot of the first. Basically, people are already predicting a Packers and Kansas City Super Bowl though the Rams were in it until mid-Fourth Quarter and one of the old pros beating them is possible. The Browns didn't seem much of a barrier to KC, even with their great first quarter last time (recall Kansas City had a big defecit last year and soon it was a laugher the other way and you could see them going for it on 4th and 1 last week unlike the Steelers and win in the 4th). Note to that the quarterbacks for the Browns, KC and Packers are all in insurance commercials, Baker Mayfield having more of a role in a series of Progressive ads. Rodgers has been in one or more past commercials too.

Kansas City went ahead by two scores and then 16-3, but the Browns had a shot late to make it 16-10 and getting the ball in the 3rd. Browns fans basically predicted the fumble into the end zone, which by rule is a touchback (KC ball). A dumb rule. The ref, however, missed a rather clear (everyone but the ref seemed to see it) if unreviewable [the fumble itself was reviewed], helmet to helmet that was a major reason for the fumble. Again, at least at the goal line, that too seems like a dumb rule.

KC ended up tacking on three. The ref probably was focusing on the ball crossing the plane, but it is unclear me how you miss that. It's one of those human but oh so aggravating change making calls that make certain games so painful. The Browns were big underdogs, but that seemed like their chance to at least make a game out of it. For me, such moments ruin the game in question for me. I realize the human part of the game. It is equal-wise human to think something like that ruins it.

The game was tainted, even though the Browns came back close, helped by Mahomes leaving the game with a concussion (he already seemed to have a bad foot). The game ended with the back-up nearly icing it in the closing minute and a half on third and long on a run. Then, Kansas City being THE MAN, they couldn't just punt (Browns needing a TD) or even a sneak (it was inches), but at midfield, went with a pass. To ice the game. Game still tainted and I'm so f-ing tired of these people. But, it's the Browns. Them actually winning is against the rules or something. The game developments didn't change that the Browns was robbed of a TD or at least a FG shot. In a game they lost by five.

Pretty Boy not being on the Pats any more as well as Tampa actually having ups and downs this year made me less bitter about the possibility of success. Giving Tampa a shot was fine. I have no big dig against the Saints really. And, either is a decent match to the Packers if they have good games. So, not a big concern for me really who won the night game. Some enjoyed the match-up, which is fine, but didn't really care much.

So much I will end it here. Go Bills. If KC wins again? Won't watch Super Bowl. [Tampa won though it was 20-20 fairly late. Saints turnovers killed them.]

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As an aside, it was reported that Porntube scrubbed its site of many videos after some sex trafficking allegations made them wary about best practices. A few popular links on this very blog talks about soft porn content so it might be noted here that a quick look of my own suggests the effects. Various videos I found particular interesting, shall I say, now are down, with various comments (a reference to guidelines, simply that the content isn't there, removal by request of people involved etc.). I don't know how useful this all was but as with many things there is a need to regulate. And, this includes sexual content.