Page 20 - Aruba Today

20

SPORTSWednesday 20 January 2016

Wilner column:

Want the Lombardi Trophy? Pay attention to your lessons

By BARRY WILNER Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL divisional
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C.
Every team in the second
round of the NFL play- (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
offs learned some lessons
about themselves. ular-season defense in the or overtime, extending one CAROLINA: The Panthers ARIZONA: Aaron Rodgers’
For the four winners, how NFL. New England was of the dozen NFL records saw what they lacked second sensational des-
they apply those lessons will helped greatly by a timid he owns. Not to be over- even as they were being peration pass in six weeks
determine if they make the Chiefs defense, but to ex- looked, though, is it was the schooled by the Seahawks: emphasized how vulnera-
Super Bowl. All four have pect to so easily move the only touchdown march for a finishing touch. ble the Cardinals’ defense,
been to the big game in ball against the Broncos Denver; stalling in the red Yes, they have the league’s particularly the secondary,
this century, with the Patri- could be a major mistake. zone is a formula for failure top record at 16-1, but play- is to big plays. Remember,
ots, of course, leading the Of course, the Patriots dis- against the Patriots. ing half a game or so isn’t Rodgers hit Jeff Janis for 60
way. But even the four-time covered that Julian Edel- Consistent pressure when going to cut it anymore. yards on a fourth-and-20
champions who looked the man could step right back Brady drops back to pass, The Panthers seemed to before the Hail Mary to Ja-
most solid of the survivors in after missing nearly a as he will do from the out- wear down against Seattle, nis forced overtime.
of the second round have month with a broken foot. set next Sunday, also is re- mentally and physically. Just as worrisome and in
some self-searching to do. That’s a significant boost quired. Denver recognizes An immaturity still exists in need of immediate repair
They simply have fewer to the offense if Edelman that, and also found it can Carolina on both sides of is Carson Palmer’s poor de-
questions to answer, which came out of the victory in provide it with a multi-di- the ball. cision making, something
makes sense when Tom good shape. mension defense. “We have to find a way to that took many by surprise
Brady is your quarterback. The defending champions In fact, the Broncos’ best complete a full game of considering the great sea-
“I think we had plenty of also have prospered with chance of getting Man- football,” All-Pro quarter- son he is having. Arizona’s
plays out there that we several backups being ning to another and likely fi- back Cam Newton said running game is good, but
left on the field, things that called upon because of nal Super Bowl is the D. That of his team turning 31-0 at the Cardinals will need to
we can definitely do bet- injuries. Top linebackers Je- fact was hit home pointed- halftime into a 31-24 thrill- mount a steady passing at-
ter, and I think we can be rod Mayo and Jamie Col- ly against Pittsburgh. er.” We have been known tack minus those errors in
sharper next week.” Brady lins were hurt on Saturday, “Our confidence is perfect. to take our foot off the Charlotte.
said after the 27-20 win so there could be more We’re good,” cornerback throttle and we have to All of that said, any of
against Kansas City. “So holes to fill. Aqib Talib said. “We’re find that killer instinct. Yeah these four teams is highly
that’s what we’re going to playing a team who we we won the football game, capable of lifting the Lom-
try to be. We’re going to DENVER: Peyton Manning beat earlier in the year. but there are some things bardi Trophy. Paying atten-
need it.” Both NFC teams came through with yet We’re at home. We’re we have to go back and fix tion to the lessons learned
will need to find their pre- another winning drive, his healthy. So, let’s get it.” and do better with.” will make that goal more
viously staunch defenses. 55th in the fourth quarter reachable.q
Carolina was opportunistic
and impenetrable for 30
minutes, almost amateurish
for the next 30 in surviving
Seattle 31-24.
Arizona was victimized for
big plays by receivers few
people outside of Green
Bay knew in a 26-20 over-
time victory.
And Denver must find the
end zone rather than set-
tling for field goals against
New England after a 23-16
win over Pittsburgh.
Some things the final four —
and the rest of the football
world — learned over the
weekend:

NEW ENGLAND: The Patri-
ots couldn’t run the ball
against Kansas City, and
Denver had the best reg-