All but forgotten as a postseason contender just one month earlier, Andy Reid, Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles have a playoff win. Next up for them: The Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
Brian Westbrook caught a short pass out of the backfield and zigzagged through the Minnesota defence for a devastating 71-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, and the Eagles spoiled the Vikings’ first home playoff game in eight years with a 26-14 victory yesterday.
RAVENS 27, DOLPHINS 9
The Baltimore Ravens had Chad Pennington spinning, ducking, on his heels and on his back. When he did manage to get a pass away, they were often there to snatch it. The Ravens came up with four interceptions, including one returned 64 yards for a touchdown by Ed Reed, and won 27-9 to spoil the Miami Dolphins’ first playoff game in seven seasons.
CHARGERS 23, COLTS 17 (OT)
The San Diego Chargers outdid Peyton Manning for the second straight January, again turning to surprise stars to spark them along in the playoffs.
Given more playing time because of LaDainian Tomlinson’s groin injury, Darren Sproles scooted 22 yards for the winning score 6:20 into overtime and the Chargers beat the Colts 23-17 in an AFC Wild Card game Saturday night.
CARDINALS 30, FALCONS 24
The Arizona Cardinals have consecutive home playoff wins — 61 years apart. Kurt Warner opened with a 42-yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald and connected with Anquan Boldin on a 71-yard scoring play as the Cardinals beat Atlanta 30-24 Saturday.
