Winner Take All

Seahawks     23
Saints          15


The conference championship match ups are set and we could not have hoped for better pairings.  Two of the greatest quarterbacks who ever lived, Tom Brady & Peyton Manning, will square off to determine the AFC representative for the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the George Halas trophy will be awarded to whoever comes out on top of the game taking place right here in Seattle-- the third and final meeting of the season between the Seahawks and the 49ers.  The fiercest rivalry in the NFL today.

Seattle continued the tradition of owning the Saints at the CLink this weekend.  Tenacious wind and rain thoroughly compromised the passing attack of both teams. Drew Brees, one of the best passers in the game, was held to a mere 34 passing yards in the first half. Brees did, however, finish the day with 309 yards through the air.

Marshawn Lynch had an outstanding day on the ground for Seattle, finishing the day with 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Lynch will need to be the centerpiece for Seattle's offense when they face their rivals next Sunday in the championship game.  His physically abusive running style will break the spirits of any defense when given enough touches.

There are only two games left in the playoffs before the Super Bowl. It all comes down to these championship match ups. The tremendous seasons of Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, Golden Tate, Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and Bobby Wagner will be meaningless if they are unable to accomplish their ultimate goal for this season.

San Francisco will come in here having played 4 of their last 5 games on the road.  They have played in the freezing temperatures of Lambeau Field and physical street-fight games against teams like Arizona and Carolina.  They'll return to Seattle, the scene of the no-holds-barred thumping they took in week 2, a battered yet road tested team. They've won their last 8 games including a 2-point victory over Seattle in San Francisco.

There are no excuses for Seattle.  This is the match up they dreamed of.  One game away from the promised land and an opportunity to settle the score against their rivals. Every player and coach will need to step up and do their part.  It all comes down to Sunday.

I can't wait.