The scores may seem to tell different stories, but one win was as close as the next on the NFL's first night of playoff games.The Jaguars let Pittsburgh score 16 unanswered fourth quarter points and take the lead before a last minute Josh Scobee field goal turned the tide back in Jacksonville's favor. Ben Roethlisberger then fumbled the ball on the ensuing possession to seal the Steel City's fate. However, it was David Garrard's long scramble on fourth down which allowed for the eventually game-winning FG. None of the typical stars were impressive in the contest -- both quarterbacks had more interceptions than touchdowns. Fred Taylor managed a meager 48 yards on 16 carries. Hines Ward was a bright spot for the Steelers, pulling in 10 catches for 135 yards, but even the veteran couldn't score for his team. In the end, it was a typical Jack Del Rio team -- no blockbuster stars and a good work ethic. And oh yeah, they sometimes win too.
Seattle saw a lead slip away too. Their 13 point lead simply vanished in the fourth quarter, leaving them down one. Hasselbeck and the defense responded with a touchdown pass and two (count 'em, TWO) interceptions returned for touchdowns. Just like that, Washington was done and Seattle had claimed a 35-14 lead, which ended up being the final score. Similar to the late game, the playmakers were kept in check, as Shaun Alexander and Clinton Portis combined for just over 100 yards. The quarterbacks weren't much better, throwing for a combined four interceptions.
With all of the poor performances put on by these four teams, one thing is obvious: they deserved to not earn first round byes.
