Oceans, shoes, and the NFL playoffs

You've probably seen the commercial during a game here or there. "It's been said one has to cross an ocean to get a decent car", or something like that. I agree, if one happens to live in a place like Japan or South Korea. That's because their governments slap such high tariffs on imports, most of their citizens will never be able to experience the pleasure of owning an American made automobile.

Then again, in the States, it can also be fairly said one has to cross an ocean to find the 8-10 year olds slaving away for pennies in a sweatshop sewing together the $200-400 a pop fancy tennis shoes that have become all the rage in the US. True enough.

But enough of that. On to the playoffs.

So far, no huge surprises. Last week, in basically toss-up games, Nawleans beat Philly, San Fran knocked off the Cheesers, and Indy sent KC packing. Though San Diego going into Cinci and winning was a bit of an eyebrow raiser.

Earlier today, Indy's luck ran out against the Brady Bunch in New England. They got walloped by 21 points, and it likely could have been worse. The Colts are a young team still finding their way, and they'll probably continue to get better in the future. But hotshot QB Andrew Luck has to get a lot better himself when faced with the pressure of playoff games. So far, 3 games played, 6 touchdown passes, and 8 interceptions. That's not going to get it done. Conversely, Brady/Belichick and company are once again indeed getting it done with seemingly sheer will power, smoke, and mirrors. It seems like the Patriots keep plugging in different no-name guys all over the field year after year -- but somehow they still win. Definitely a tribute to their coaching staff.

Drew Brees and the Saints went down at the hands of the Seahawks up in the madhouse of the northwest. Did anyone really expect a different outcome?

Today, San Diego will face Denver. Yep, the Chargers went in there not long ago and pulled out a win. They've been on a roll. Can they do it again in the playoffs? Doubtful, but I'll guarantee you Tom Brady is hoping they do. If the Chargers pull off a big upset, they have to go to New England for the AFC championship game. If Peyton Manning and the Broncos prevail, New England has to travel to Denver.

In the NFC, San Fran will play at Carolina. Another toss-up game with two very good defenses. The winner has to go to Seattle for the NFC champ game. Thing is, Seattle already knows they can whip SF at home. But if Carolina were to prevail in this game -- that would present an interesting matchup next week. Sure, Seattle would no doubt be favored at home, but Carolina QB Cam Newton is a wild card. If he plays out of his mind -- anything can happen.

Yours truly thought when this season started Denver and Seattle would meet in the Super Bowl -- and still do -- but there's still a few more twists and turns yet to go.

And hey, it's the NFL. On any given Sunday -- ya never know.