In our latest episode, we examine the weaknesses that led to the exit of each franchise that was tossed from the playoffs last wknd.

Going into last wknd’s action, there were no “complete” teams left – only those who had outweighed their weaknesses enough to advance to the NFL’s Divisional Playoff Round.

* Indianapolis vs Baltimore

Baltimore’s ball-control running game could get no headway against the uber-maligned Indy run defense. I mean seriously, the Ravens only rushed their battering ram RB Jamal Lewis 13 times? Bad call, coach.

Both sides threw two interceptions, but only one side controlled the ground. Thusly did the Colts advance past the #1 NFL defense.

* Philadelphia vs New Orleans

Part of the reason New Orleans' offense was #1 for the 2006 NFL regular season was due to its balance. Were a defense to load the line of scrimmage to stop the run, the Saints could pass. If the D dropped more men into coverage, Coach Payton could hammer up the middle with Deuce. Balance and adaptability equal points. Usually.

The opposite of this is the Philly offense. Mustachioed Philly Head Coach Andy Reid's offensive style is a form of the West Coast offense grown wild in the backyard. Folks forget that Bill Walsh's original West Coast Offense relied upon threat of the run to set up the pass. Reid's unpruned style uses the pass to set up the pass. Then they pass some more. The run is used only as a change-of-pace, and when it comes, as it did for a long TD in this game, it's a surprise to opposing defenses.

Not having a run game has tons of attendant problems: short-yardage plays become an ordeal, and it's far harder to kill the clock when the clock needs to be killed.

As the final drives went up and down the field, the Saints could rely on the run, while Philly had to go pass.

* Seattle vs Chicago

Oh hell, this game could’ve fallen to either team. Sloppy as a bursted burrito this game was.

Da Bearss couldn’t take advantage of a depleted Seahawk secondary, allowing a guy who was working in a mortgage office (a mortgage office!) a few months ago reel in an interception.

Seattle couldn't take advantage of Chicago's (comparatively) light defensive line with power-running. RB Shaun Alexander got 26 touches, but against a D-line built to pass-rush, the larger Seahawk O-line should've had better results. Nnnnope.

* New England vs San Diego

The Patriots won this game due to composure, and making the most of every opportunity the Chargers allowed them.

Stupid-as-hell penalties, mind-rendingly inane play-calling on both sides of the ball, and imminently avoidable fumbles let the Pats knock out an opponent that outmatched them on paper, but not on the field. That's why we play the games, ahh reckon.

It felt as though the Chargers were keeping their powder dry; playing gingerly, while the Patriots plain went nuts in the second half, passing like madmen out of multi-receiver offensive sets that forced the SuperChargers out of their comfy 3-4 base alignment.

Who what?! If this sounds like the Patriots got their offense unbalanced and it worked out in their favor – indeed -- that’s what it was.

How getting unbalanced work out for the Pats and work against the Eagles? Well, the Chargers could not shift their defensive style to match the wacky all-out offense.

New England adjusted, San Diego couldn't respond, and with 14 points in the second half, the Pats gutted their way to another unlikely playoff win.