Horse Tracks: Some thoughts on terrible playoff games

With the Denver Broncos eliminated following their late-season loss against Kansas City, I was kind of looking forward to sitting back and enjoying some stress-free playoff football.

Don't get me wrong, the Peyton Manning era with the Broncos was something I'll never forget. Two AFC Championships and a Super Bowl victory were incredible, but getting there was a stomach churning ride riddled with disappointment and heartache.

Wild Card Weekend yielded four blowouts. While I enjoyed watching the Raiders get creamed, it was at the hands of Brock Osweiler. I understand his situation and would have done the same thing, albeit with a bit more grace. Although the Broncos Super Bowl 50 win wiped away some of the ire I hold toward Seattle, I still wanted them to lose and they failed me, by 20 points. I couldn't have cared less who won the Steelers-Dolphins game. The Giants-Packers matchup should have been a great game, right? Nope, a 25-point butt whooping. Pfffft.

The highlight of this year's playoffs was the Divisional Round. Atlanta sent Richard Sherman and the Seahawks packing following a 16-point loss. Brock Osweiler did what we all knew he would and had an atrocious performance against the Patriots. Hands down, the best playoff game was the Green Bay-Dallas tilt that thoroughly ruined Jerry Jones' day. That's what you deserve for getting a Hall of Fame nod over our own Pat Bolwen. Lastly, while the Pittsburgh-Kansas City game was close, it was a horrible game to watch. Yes, our division rival lost and, for most of Broncos Country, that was good enough. However, watching Pittsburgh win the game kicking 6 field goals isn't fun for anybody.

So fast forward to Sunday's action. By the middle of the third quarter (and that's being generous) both Conference Championship games were over. Against Atlanta, the Packers misplaced their mojo and not even Aaron Rogers could bail them out. In the next game, the Steelers found out that it takes a lot more than a bunch of field goals to beat Bill Belichick. Both the Steelers and the Packers thoroughly embarrassed themselves and, although it stings to miss the playoffs, I am happy that I'm not waking up this morning after being handed such a lopsided loss on international television.

Two weeks from now the Pats and the Dirty Birds face off in Houston. While I, along with most of Broncos Country, will be rooting against a team rather than for a team, I just want a good game. Is that too much to ask?

HORSE TRACKS

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I hate to break it to this Raider fan, but when you have to put tarps over your seats fans are already boycotting. Time for a boycott | | chippewa.com

The Falcons embarrassed the Packers on Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl. Falcons blow out Packers in NFC Championship to advance to Super Bowl LI | FOX Sports

The Packers suffered an inordinate amount of injuries. The Packers suffered so many injuries that they had to use a nose tackle on offense | FOX Sports

Matt Ryan elite? Gosh... Really? I reluctantly agree? Matt Ryan's near-perfect postseason has cemented his place as an elite NFL quarterback | FOX Sports

With the Falcons playing in the Super Bowl, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will have to wait to claim his head coaching gig in San Francisco. What mastermind is in line to take over for Shanny the Younger in Atlanta? Chip Kelly is reportedly a candidate for Falcons if OC Kyle Shanahan leaves - CBSSports.com

Once Shanny the Younger arrives in San Francisco... Could 49ers, Shanahan have eyes for Kirk Cousins? - NFL.com

The Patriots won the AFC.

The Patriots have set the price for a gently used Garoppolo at a paltry first-round pick. Assuming the Browns or Chiefs don't fall for it, they're high if they think anyone will give them that. Patriots reportedly open to trading Jimmy Garoppolo for a first-round pick - CBSSports.com

Patriots already favored by 3 in the Super Bowl. My guess is that it'll pull even right before kickoff. 2017 Super Bowl Spread: Patriots favored by 3 over Falcons in opening line - SportsLine.com

Sean Payton to the Colts? Saints and Colts discuss possible trade for Sean Payton, but talks break down - CBSSports.com