I don't really know what to say about either game. The first one was so bizarre and full of obvious drama rehashing it in blog form seems pointless. The second was such a one-sided, never-in-doubt blowout - almost exactly like the last few contests between the Colts and Patriots - there's nothing new to add. So I'll offer a few stray thoughts, assuming everyone watched - or heard about - most of what transpired.

• Forget about all the strange late-game heroics, Mike McCarthy's decision to kick field goals from the one-yard line twice in the first quarter was the central story of the game. Beyond leaving expected points on the table that might have precluded a Seattle comeback, it showed he neither trusted his offense to succeed, nor his defense in the event the offense failed (having Seattle backed up at the one-yard line is itself worth nearly as much as a field goal with plenty of time left in the half.) McCarthy let his fear of failure undermine his team's optimal chances to win the game.

• By contrast Pete Carroll's decision to fake a FG down 16-0 in the third quarter was especially courageous. Carroll's team was being shut out at home - an embarrassing situation for the Super Bowl champs, and a converted field goal would not only have cut the lead to 13 (obviating the need to make two two-point conversions), but also would have been highly defensible in the post-game press conference. Moreover, failing to convert the fake would have been especially demoralizing, amounting to yet another turnover and fruitless drive. But Carroll was willing to take a chance, and courage is contagious.

• McCarthy's ineptitude went beyond those early-game calls, however. When the Seahawks had the ball after the onside kick at the Packers 35-yard line with one timeout and 2:00 left, time was no longer an issue for them. But it was certainly for the Packers who would need to drive the length of the field in the event of a Seattle score. McCarthy, however, seemed oblivious to this fact, not using any of three timeouts on defense and was bailed out only because Marshawn Lynch broke off a 24-yard TD with 1:35 left. Had the Seahawks been more deliberate, there would have been too little time left for Aaron Rodgers to drive for the game-tying field-goal.

• The Packers deserve a better coach and should be in the Super Bowl.

• While there were several huge turning-point plays, perhaps the biggest (and most overlooked) was the insane two-point conversion where Russell Wilson was trapped 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage and had the presence of mind to heave a desperation Hail Mary across the entire field to Luke Willson. On a two-point conversion, there's no downside, so taking a sack or throwing the ball away - things quarterbacks are trained to do under duress - makes no sense, and Wilson gave his receiver a chance. That play was the difference between Mason Crosby's subsequent field goal sending the game to overtime rather than ending it. And how often does a two-point conversion necessitate a Hail Mary that swings a conference title game?

• LeGarrette Blount played like a bigger, heavier version of Marshawn Lynch, running over would-be tacklers, but also showing quick feet and surprising ability to change directions and make defenders miss.

• What a contrast between the Colts playing at Denver and at New England. Given how Denver's personnel stacks up with anyone's, I'll chalk it up to the huge disparity in coaching, game-planning and preparation.

• The Patriots destroyed Andrew Luck who managed a meager 126 yards (3.8 YPA) and two picks.

• Before the late game, Vegas had installed the Seahawks as three-point Super Bowl favorites in the event of a Patriots win. By Sunday night, it was already a pick 'em. If Richard Sherman's injury turns out to be serious, I'd expect that line to move even more - as it should. I'll feel fairly confident the Patriots will win the game, especially if Sherman doesn't suit up.