4thandDone.com provides unique commentary on the wide world of sports -- Major League Baseball (MLB), NBA basketball, NFL football, NHL hockey, NCAA collegiate sports (March Madness, BCS), Olympics, and FIFA World Cup, all with a light touch of pop culture. This includes game recaps, entertaining analysis, and previews and predictions.

Joe Flacco was surprisingly the most impressive quarterback on Sunday. The 49er defense was the most disruptive and imposing unit. Unfortunately, neither Flacco nor the 49er defense advanced to the Superbowl because their special teams fell short.

While Tom Brady is every bit as good as his 6 TD performance last week, the Ravens ranking as the NFL’s 3rd best defense is misleading. In the NFC, Eli is out for his second NFC crown while Alex Smith aims to prove last week was no fluke.

I’m a little late on this, and for that I apologize. I came down with an awful illness. But don’t worry, I wasn’t nearly as sick as the Packers offense or Joe Flacco. Sadly, one of those two still advanced.

Alex Smith erased years of disappointment after going toe-to-toe with the Saints and emerging victorious. Smith and the 49ers owe their revival to Jim Harbaugh. Oh yeah, Tom Brady and the Patriots were pretty good, too. Also, little children apparently upset America.

The 49er defense has its work cut out against the NFL’s hottest offense. Tim Tebow tries to eliminate another AFC legend and Joe Flacco gets to prove he’s better than a rookie. Also, three reasons the Giants won’t win.

This will be brief. I have only two thoughts to share. One pertains to the widespread panic surrounding the Miami Heat. The other; Kobe Bryant’s dominance.

The NFL playoff field has dwindled to eight contenders. I’m a week later than usual, so let’s breakdown and rank the remaining participants before Alabama and LSU play a third time.

Demaryius Thomas is still running, the Saints are still marching, the Falcon offense is still scoreless, and the Bengals still haven’t come out of the locker room for the 2nd half in Houston. Oh yeah, some quarterback in Denver put on a show, too. I think his name is Tebow.

The opening round of the NFL Playoffs offers some intriguing matchups. As a bitter Eagles fan that hasn’t quite gotten over their postseason absence, that’s all I have to say.

The saddest time of the year is upon us. Christmas is over, the work grind goes until Memorial Day, and the NFL season comes to a close. Let’s say goodbye to the 2011 season by recalling the fondest moment for each team. Weekly picks are included, too. Feliz ano nuevo.