Home teams take Saturday playoff games

Well, like I always say … or maybe should start saying, never bet against the home team in the playoffs.

San Diego dominated Indianapolis in the second Wild Card game Saturday evening. Though the overtime 23-17 score might not show it, if it weren’t for a fumble inside the five yard line and a defensive breakdown allowing Reggie Wayne to catch a 72 yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning, the Chargers would have won hands down – as both John Madden and Matt Millen said on the NBC Post game coverage.

In the early game I underestimated the degree to which Kurt Warner’s veteran presence could impact the game. He outplayed rookie Matt Ryan in the Cardinals’ win over Atlanta. Interesting to see was the re-emergence of Edgerrin James, who was benched at mid-season and didn’t get more than a handful of carries until last week.

His 73 yards rushing gave Arizona a rare dual threat offense and he helped open up the passing game. I think James’ presence was the difference in the game.

At any rate, Saturday provided two exciting and interesting playoff games. If the Sunday games are as entertaining the NFL should be more than happy with its weekend.