Division Winners Relax
The two winners will fill out the eight‐team bracket in divisional playoff games next weekend. The six division winners received a first‐round bye. They are Denver, New England, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Los Angeles and Minnesota.
There is little to choose between the National Football Conference contestants, both of whom finished with 9‐7 won‐lost records.
By the admission of their
… More coaches, Leenxan Bennett of Atlanta and Dick Vermeil of Philadelphia. both are far from distinguished teams.
There are reasons, however, to favor the Eagles. Their defense is as good as that of the Falcons, which deteriorated from the high standard of last season. The Eagles’ offense is distinctly superior to Atlanta's, but their kicking game is decidedly inferior.
Three matchups are worthy to note. Carmichael, a 6‐foot‐8‐inch receiver who has caught one or more passes in 96 consecutive games, will be covered primarily by Rick Byas, 5‐9.
Kuykendall, the Falcon linebacker, is a fine player. He will be looking for Wilbert Montgomery, who will be the best running back on the field.
Tim Mazzetti, a Philadelphia bartender when the season began, and John James will provide outstanding kicking for Atlanta, which is more than can be said for Mike Michel. Mazzetti, an Ivy Leaguer cut by the Eagles last season, kicked 11 field goals, two on the last play of the game, in five key victories for the Falcons, four of them won by the same score, 20‐17.
Michel, a late season acquisition, missed a conversion kick in each of the last three Eagle games and did not attempt a field goal. Vermeil said he would try to finesse this part of the game.
Less important, because it is a playoff game, are the facts that Atlanta won seven of eight games at home this season and that Philadelphia was beaten decisively only by Dallas two weeks ago.
Quarterbacks’ Status Uncertain
The Miami contest revolves around the availability of Griese, who has bruised ribs, and Pastorini, who has a weak knee among many infirmities. Pastorini had to leave the last game, a 4524 loss to San Diego. If he plays today, he will do so with a brace for support.
Neither quarterback is more important than Campbell of Houston, the league's leading ground‐gainer. Campbell rocked the Dolphins by gaining 199 yards in the memorable 35‐30 victory last Nov. 20.
Gifford Nielsen, a rookie who saw his first action against the Chargers, is Pastorini's backup. Don Strock would replace Griese.
Nielsen helped to defeat Dallas in an exhibition game last summer. Strock, a five‐year pro, was the regular for Miami's first five games this season while Griese was recovering from a knee inJury.
The Dolphin are favored for several reasons,
Their defense gave up 19 points per game in their first 13 games, but only nine in the last three thanks in part to outstanding llnebacking by Gordon. That statistic is even more meaningful than the team's affinity for the Orange Bowl Since Don Shula became coach, the Dolphins have won 58 of 68 at hоme.
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A version of this archives appears in print on December 24, 1978, on Page S4 of the New York edition with the headline: N.F.L. Playoffs Begin. Order Reprints| Today's Paper|Subscribe
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