This was supposed to be the year that defied all years in the past. The year of the Quarterback, where 10 quarterbacks had 4000 yard passing. Doesn’t hurt when the NFL handicaps the defense from hard hits, along with the fact its harder to jam receivers/tight ends; pretty much play any form of defense. Anyways ESPN and all fans, like myself, just thought it was a foregone conclusion for the year if you have an elite quarterback you were probably going to the Superbowl. Defenses just couldn’t stop Green Bay, New England, or New Orleans Saints; they had too many offense weapons and could score at will.  The offenses were so good they were overcoming the terrible deficiencies of their defenses, oddly enough all three were in the bottom 5 of defenses. How was one supposed to stop Drew Brees, the man who broke Marino’s record, when he had Jimmy Graham, Darren Sproles, and what seemed like an army of interchangeable receivers.

Unfortunately for the NFL the playoffs have not exactly played out like the regular season. The old addage defense wins championship still remains true even in a year of such offensive explosion. Three of the four teams left are known for their defense; Giant’s defensive line, Raven’s D, and San Fran’s D. The lone exception is the Patriots who are one of the worst defense in the NFL, but with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick they amazingly are the favorites to win it all by Vegas standards. The point is defense wins consistently in pressure situations. Offense is all about timing and coordination, which can be thrown out the window with the simplest play, but for the most part defense is a consistent. It has shown in the playoffs thus far. Drew Brees had three turnovers in the first half of the 49er game which doomed them. The Packers had three fumbles and a fumble that should of been against the Giants; along with many missed catches. Point is playoff football will always rely on some form of defense and the team that can play better defense will more likely than not come out on top; no matter how hard the NFL tries to tinker the rules for more offensive output. Having an explosive offense is great, but there generally is a point in the season they sputter and it seems like many times it happens when its most crucial aka playoff time. Based on NFL history I expect the Patriots to lose somewhere along the road, just wait and see.