Seattle 41, New Orleans 36.
We just witnessed one of the great upsets in NFL playoff history, but that fact has been forgotten. Why? Everyone is still talking about Marshawn Lynch's now legendary 67-yard TD run that effectively won the game for the Hawks. In fact, the run was so epic that it made the Earth shake. Literally. And if you did not jump up and down in euphoria after that stiff arm of Tracy Porter, you are NOT, repeat, NOT a true football fan. That is included with eight, EIGHT broken tackles. It will be on highlight reels for years to come.
NY Jets 17, Indianapolis 16.
No surprise here, honestly. The Colts simply had to deal with too many injuries this year, and the Jets are simply the better team. Mark Sanchez grew up as an NFL quarterback in this game, although he did recieve a little help on the Jets' final drive from the Colts' Jim Caldwell, who will be on the hot seat next season. One immortal quarterback down for Rex Ryan, another one on deck next week.
Baltimore 30, Kansas City 7.
Again, no real surprise in terms of the victor here, but it's surprising how Kansas City unraveled so quickly. Rumors indicate that Head Coach Todd Haley stripped now-former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis of his play-calling duties. The truth is, the entire team, players and coaches, forgot how to play the game Sunday. That all being said, this Chiefs team took a huge step forward this season, and is far ahead of schedule in terms of reaching their ultimate goal: a Patriots-esque dynasty. As for the Ravens, this is their billionth postseason road win in the last couple of years, and it especially felt good for them to do it for the troubled Ed Reed.
Green Bay 21, Philadelphia 16.
It's easy to blame David Akers for this loss, missing two makable field goals that turned out to be the difference in the score. But in all honesty, the entire Eagles team fell apart after the Miracle in the New Meadowlands, losing their last three games. Michael Vick was no longer his electric self, the running game was non-existent, and the defense couldn't make the big stop when necessary. Now, my original NFC favorite is out, and a new one is in: the Green Bay Packers. This team is deep enough and talented enough despite a laundry list of injuries to make it to Dallas. If they beat Atlanta next week, bet on them heading there.
Divisional Round Picks (2-2 last week; won with NYJ and BAL, lost with NO and PHI; 23-25 overall)
Pittsburgh 20, Baltimore 16. (PIT -3)
The best rivalry in the NFL, hands down. No arguments. When these two get together, you will see the most physical, bruising football possible, and this is the way the game is meant to be played. Every single game between these two is a thriller, and this one should be no exception. Both meetings in the regular season were decided by three points, both road wins. Does this bode well for the Ravens? Probably. But if Ed Reed's family problems prevent him from playing, a bigger edge goes to the rested, presumably healthy Steelers. For now, based on the big play abilities of Big Ben and Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh gets a slight edge.
Green Bay 27, Atlanta 21. (GB +2)
As stated before, the Packers are my new NFC favorite, and they will show why against Atlanta. If the physical defense of Green Bay can stop Atlanta's running game and put the game in Matty Ice's hands, they have an excellent chance of winning. The key here will be if Ryan can make one big play through the air to either Roddy White or Tony Gonzalez. If so, it will give the Atlanta offense confidence it can compete with Aaron Rodgers in a potential shootout. Atlanta's time will come in the Mike Smith-Matt Ryan era, but right now the Pack seem to be on a magic carpet ride.
Chicago 23, Seattle 17. (SEA +10)
A 7-9 team can't possibly make a conference championship game, can it? Well, if you watched the Seahawks last week, they looked like a completely different team than the one that played in the regular season, beating the defending champs. If they can beat New Orleans, they should have the confidence to beat anybody. But this one will not be easy. If a transformed Jay Cutler can shred apart the Seattle defense early, which may be simple for him, is it fair to expect Matt Hasselbeck to duplicate by far the best performance of his career again in this one? This one will be closer than you think, but I believe Seattle's magic runs out at Soldier Field, setting up the oldest rivarly in the NFL for the NFC title game.
New England 31, NY Jets 18. (NE -8 1/2)
Let Rex Ryan do all the smack talking he wants. His Jets are still not any better than the team he brought to Foxboro a few Monday nights ago, only to promptly get embarrassed 45-3. That won't happen again this time, but the Jets simply don't have the firepower to compete with a Tom Brady-led offense. Effectively, the Jets will have to play a game similar to what Seattle played against New Orleans last weekend. If that happens, the Jets can pull off their greatest upset since Super Bowl III. But come on, it's almost impossible to bet against Brady and Belichick in January.
Showing posts with label Patriots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Patriots. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Random Thoughts from the Passionate Sports Fan's Mind IV
The Jets get destroyed by the Patriots 45-3.
If this doesn't humble the Jets, nothing will. Also, for those that believe the Jets have been lucky, this kind of loss may cripple their season.
Steelers defeat the Ravens 13-10.
The more talented team didn't win Sunday night. The team with the most heart did.
Josh McDaniels out as Broncos head coach.
Can one man single-handedly ruin a great franchise? This man came damn near close. It will take years to clean up the mess he made.
Boston acquires Adrian Gonzalez.
If they can sign Carl Crawford and get bullpen help, pencil them in for a 115 win 2011 season, assuming they stay healthy. God help us all if so. Oh by the way, do any more Red Sox Nation members want to continue to complain about the Yankees' payroll?
Nationals sign Jayson Werth for 7 years, $126 million.
Similar contracts: Giambi, Jason (NYY); Zito, Barry (SF); Hampton, Mike (COL); Wells, Vernon (TOR). I thought Washington needed to curb reckless spending? Enjoy this contract, Washington. Which brings us to the Nationals potentially...
...Offering Cliff Lee a 7 year deal.
1. Can we call the Nats Yankees South if this happens?
2. Good luck signing Ryan Zimmerman!
The Knicks are playing competitive basketball again.
YAWWWWNNNN. Wake me up if they make the finals.
The Rangers have the best road record in the NHL, but one of the worst home records.
Can this team get some consistency, please? Then, trade for Brad Richards and make a deep playoff run, perhaps? Oh yeah, fire Sather, too.
Rutgers misses out on a bowl game for the first time since 2004.
Not to split hairs with Greg Schiano, but where is this great football program we all expected?
And my non-sports thought of the week:
The fact that President Obama had to bow down to the GOP and allow for an extension for tax cuts for the wealthy in exchange for an extension for unemployment benefits is an out and out disgrace. It brings several things to mind:
1. The Republicans want the lower and middle classes to die in this country.
2. This economy won't be fixed during this current administration.
3. For the first time, I am leaning toward not voting for Obama in 2012. He caved in to the pressure and showed that he doesn't have the guts to take a stand or make difficult decisions in the White House. But that will NOT mean I am voting Republican. The day I vote Republican for anything is the day the sky turns green.
NFL Picks for Week 14 (2-2 last week, 14-14 overall)
DAL +3 1/2 over Phi
Cle +1 over BUF
Atl -8 over CAR
NE -4 over CHI
If this doesn't humble the Jets, nothing will. Also, for those that believe the Jets have been lucky, this kind of loss may cripple their season.
Steelers defeat the Ravens 13-10.
The more talented team didn't win Sunday night. The team with the most heart did.
Josh McDaniels out as Broncos head coach.
Can one man single-handedly ruin a great franchise? This man came damn near close. It will take years to clean up the mess he made.
Boston acquires Adrian Gonzalez.
If they can sign Carl Crawford and get bullpen help, pencil them in for a 115 win 2011 season, assuming they stay healthy. God help us all if so. Oh by the way, do any more Red Sox Nation members want to continue to complain about the Yankees' payroll?
Nationals sign Jayson Werth for 7 years, $126 million.
Similar contracts: Giambi, Jason (NYY); Zito, Barry (SF); Hampton, Mike (COL); Wells, Vernon (TOR). I thought Washington needed to curb reckless spending? Enjoy this contract, Washington. Which brings us to the Nationals potentially...
...Offering Cliff Lee a 7 year deal.
1. Can we call the Nats Yankees South if this happens?
2. Good luck signing Ryan Zimmerman!
The Knicks are playing competitive basketball again.
YAWWWWNNNN. Wake me up if they make the finals.
The Rangers have the best road record in the NHL, but one of the worst home records.
Can this team get some consistency, please? Then, trade for Brad Richards and make a deep playoff run, perhaps? Oh yeah, fire Sather, too.
Rutgers misses out on a bowl game for the first time since 2004.
Not to split hairs with Greg Schiano, but where is this great football program we all expected?
And my non-sports thought of the week:
The fact that President Obama had to bow down to the GOP and allow for an extension for tax cuts for the wealthy in exchange for an extension for unemployment benefits is an out and out disgrace. It brings several things to mind:
1. The Republicans want the lower and middle classes to die in this country.
2. This economy won't be fixed during this current administration.
3. For the first time, I am leaning toward not voting for Obama in 2012. He caved in to the pressure and showed that he doesn't have the guts to take a stand or make difficult decisions in the White House. But that will NOT mean I am voting Republican. The day I vote Republican for anything is the day the sky turns green.
NFL Picks for Week 14 (2-2 last week, 14-14 overall)
DAL +3 1/2 over Phi
Cle +1 over BUF
Atl -8 over CAR
NE -4 over CHI
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Previewing the Two Biggest Games of the NFL Season.
Steelers v Ravens, Sunday Night.
Quarterbacks
PIT: Big Ben's numbers since the end of his suspension have been typical of his career, but he needs to get rid of the ball quicker against the relentless Baltimore pass rush, especially with a bad foot.
BAL: Joe Flacco has yet to take the next step toward superstardom, but a huge performance will go a long way.
Advantage: Steelers
Running Backs
PIT: Rashard Mendenhall has had a breakout season, but the Steelers' overall run game has been inconsistent at times.
BAL: Ray Rice is Mr. Consistency, and Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McLain will tough out the short-yardage situations.
Advantage: Ravens
Wide Recievers
PIT: Hines Ward is banged up, and they may have to rely on a big play by Mike Wallace to have a chance to win this one.
BAL: The big three of Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, and Derrick Mason have been inconsistent at times, but Boldin can run off a big play at any moment.
Advantage: EVEN
Tight Ends
Heath Miller and Todd Heap are mirror images of each other. Expect key roles from both players for their teams Sunday night.
Advantage: EVEN
Offensive Line
PIT: They are missing three starters, and needs to stop taking careless penalties.
BAL: Michael Oher is banged up, but is more trustworthy and healthy.
Advantage: Ravens
Defensive Line
PIT: They really miss Aaron Smith, but Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley are as feared as anyone in the game.
BAL: Haloti Ngata is one of the most underrated defensive tackles in the league.
Advantage: Steelers
Linebackers
PIT: James Harrison apparently could care less about being fined for helmet-to-helmet hits, and Sunday should be no exception. James Farrior is still a force at age 36.
BAL: He may be on the downside of his career, but Ray Lewis is still as feared as ever.
Advantage: EVEN
Defensive Backs
PIT: Major weakness at the corners. William Gay should not be on an NFL roster. But the long-haired one still patrols the backfield.
BAL: Ray-Ray may be the spiritual leader of the Baltimore D, but Ed Reed is the quarterback.
Advantage: Ravens
Coaches
PIT: Mike Tomlin's team has shown a lack of discipline in the second half of games, especially with dumb penalties and a lack of killer instinct. They will need both if they have a lead late Sunday night.
BAL: John Harbaugh sometimes does not get the credit he deserves. All the Ravens have done under his tutelige is win.
Advantage: Steelers
Prediction: Steelers 13, Ravens 10.
Jets v Patriots, Monday Night.
Quarterbacks
NYJ: Mark Sanchez is maturing week by week and is showing remarkable poise when faced with adversity. Monday could be a defining moment in his career.
NE: Tom Brady is the NFL MVP at this point of the season.
Advantage: Patriots
Running Backs
NYJ: L.T.'s renaissance has made folks forget a disappointing season from Shonn Greene.
NE: Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead are capable, but nothing to write home about.
Advantage: Jets
Wide Recievers
NYJ: Jerricho Cotchery is banged up, but Santonio Holmes can always be counted on in crunch time.
NE: Deion Branch has resurrected his career back with the Pats and Brady, and Wes Welker is the most dangerous slot reciever there is.
Advantage: EVEN
Tight Ends
NYJ: Dustin Keller is one of the most underrated TE's in the game. He is Mr. Dependable for Mark Sanchez.
NE: Despite a great game in Pittsburgh, what else has Rob Gronkowski done?
Advantage: Jets
Offensive Line
NYJ: Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson are studs.
NE: Virtually a no-name line, but will protect Brady 100% every single play.
Advantage: Patriots
Defensive Line
NYJ: Shaun Ellis and Vernon Gholston can overpower anyone at any time.
NE: Vince Wilfork is an excellent player, but nothing to write home about besides that.
Advantage: Jets
Linebackers
NYJ: David Harris, Bart Scott, Jason Taylor, and Calvin Pace. 'Nuff Said.
NE: Quick! Name a Patriot linebacker!
Advantage: Jets
Defensive Backs
NYJ: We all know about Revis Island, but how about the year Antonio Cromartie has had for Gang Green? Oh yeah, Jim Leonhard is a very underrated player, and Kyle Wilson looks like the real deal.
NE: One of the worst secondaries in the league, and could be a massive liability come playoff time.
Advantage: Jets
Coaches
NYJ: Don't be surprised if Rex Ryan pulls a page out of Broadway Joe's book and guarantees victory Monday. So far, his team has backed up nearly all of his talk.
NE: Bill Belichick is still Bill Belichick. You know he wants to destroy his opponent this week. When he is angry, watch out.
Advantage: Patriots
Prediction: Patriots 27, Jets 20
Picks for Week 13 (3-1 last week, 12-12 overall)
KC -8 over Den
NO -7 over Cin
Stl -2 over ARI
ATL -3 over TB
Quarterbacks
PIT: Big Ben's numbers since the end of his suspension have been typical of his career, but he needs to get rid of the ball quicker against the relentless Baltimore pass rush, especially with a bad foot.
BAL: Joe Flacco has yet to take the next step toward superstardom, but a huge performance will go a long way.
Advantage: Steelers
Running Backs
PIT: Rashard Mendenhall has had a breakout season, but the Steelers' overall run game has been inconsistent at times.
BAL: Ray Rice is Mr. Consistency, and Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McLain will tough out the short-yardage situations.
Advantage: Ravens
Wide Recievers
PIT: Hines Ward is banged up, and they may have to rely on a big play by Mike Wallace to have a chance to win this one.
BAL: The big three of Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, and Derrick Mason have been inconsistent at times, but Boldin can run off a big play at any moment.
Advantage: EVEN
Tight Ends
Heath Miller and Todd Heap are mirror images of each other. Expect key roles from both players for their teams Sunday night.
Advantage: EVEN
Offensive Line
PIT: They are missing three starters, and needs to stop taking careless penalties.
BAL: Michael Oher is banged up, but is more trustworthy and healthy.
Advantage: Ravens
Defensive Line
PIT: They really miss Aaron Smith, but Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley are as feared as anyone in the game.
BAL: Haloti Ngata is one of the most underrated defensive tackles in the league.
Advantage: Steelers
Linebackers
PIT: James Harrison apparently could care less about being fined for helmet-to-helmet hits, and Sunday should be no exception. James Farrior is still a force at age 36.
BAL: He may be on the downside of his career, but Ray Lewis is still as feared as ever.
Advantage: EVEN
Defensive Backs
PIT: Major weakness at the corners. William Gay should not be on an NFL roster. But the long-haired one still patrols the backfield.
BAL: Ray-Ray may be the spiritual leader of the Baltimore D, but Ed Reed is the quarterback.
Advantage: Ravens
Coaches
PIT: Mike Tomlin's team has shown a lack of discipline in the second half of games, especially with dumb penalties and a lack of killer instinct. They will need both if they have a lead late Sunday night.
BAL: John Harbaugh sometimes does not get the credit he deserves. All the Ravens have done under his tutelige is win.
Advantage: Steelers
Prediction: Steelers 13, Ravens 10.
Jets v Patriots, Monday Night.
Quarterbacks
NYJ: Mark Sanchez is maturing week by week and is showing remarkable poise when faced with adversity. Monday could be a defining moment in his career.
NE: Tom Brady is the NFL MVP at this point of the season.
Advantage: Patriots
Running Backs
NYJ: L.T.'s renaissance has made folks forget a disappointing season from Shonn Greene.
NE: Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead are capable, but nothing to write home about.
Advantage: Jets
Wide Recievers
NYJ: Jerricho Cotchery is banged up, but Santonio Holmes can always be counted on in crunch time.
NE: Deion Branch has resurrected his career back with the Pats and Brady, and Wes Welker is the most dangerous slot reciever there is.
Advantage: EVEN
Tight Ends
NYJ: Dustin Keller is one of the most underrated TE's in the game. He is Mr. Dependable for Mark Sanchez.
NE: Despite a great game in Pittsburgh, what else has Rob Gronkowski done?
Advantage: Jets
Offensive Line
NYJ: Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson are studs.
NE: Virtually a no-name line, but will protect Brady 100% every single play.
Advantage: Patriots
Defensive Line
NYJ: Shaun Ellis and Vernon Gholston can overpower anyone at any time.
NE: Vince Wilfork is an excellent player, but nothing to write home about besides that.
Advantage: Jets
Linebackers
NYJ: David Harris, Bart Scott, Jason Taylor, and Calvin Pace. 'Nuff Said.
NE: Quick! Name a Patriot linebacker!
Advantage: Jets
Defensive Backs
NYJ: We all know about Revis Island, but how about the year Antonio Cromartie has had for Gang Green? Oh yeah, Jim Leonhard is a very underrated player, and Kyle Wilson looks like the real deal.
NE: One of the worst secondaries in the league, and could be a massive liability come playoff time.
Advantage: Jets
Coaches
NYJ: Don't be surprised if Rex Ryan pulls a page out of Broadway Joe's book and guarantees victory Monday. So far, his team has backed up nearly all of his talk.
NE: Bill Belichick is still Bill Belichick. You know he wants to destroy his opponent this week. When he is angry, watch out.
Advantage: Patriots
Prediction: Patriots 27, Jets 20
Picks for Week 13 (3-1 last week, 12-12 overall)
KC -8 over Den
NO -7 over Cin
Stl -2 over ARI
ATL -3 over TB
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