NFL Playoffs

[Jason Menard]

With one week to go in the regular season, it looks like the playoff picture is coming into focus. In the AFC the Colts and Chargers should win their first round playoff games, which would send the Colts to New England and the Chargers to Pittsburgh for the second round. Should make for a couple of interesting games.

Any J-E-T-S fans here see their team get embarassed at home this Sunday? In case you missed it, the team they could only put up 7 points against (and only in garbage time at that) had a lousy street free agent starting at corner and a linebacker playing free safety, not to mention a wide receiver playing nickel back. Yep, dem Jets sure is "elite". New York fans, the classiest of all sports fans, once again demonstrated why they have the poor reputation they so richly deserve by throwing bottles at New England wide receiver Deion Branch after he scored a touchdown. Like Chad Pennington, the fans also failed to hit their target.
[ December 28, 2004: Message edited by: Jason Menard ]

[Thomas Paul]

The problem with the Jets can be explained in two words, "Paul Hackett". Hackett, for those who don't know, is the offensive coordinator for the Jets. His game plan against the Patriots was, apparently, attack New England's strength and ignore their weakness. As you pointed out, NE's secondary is weak but the Jets didn't even try to attack it. Miami showed how vulnerable the Pat's secondary is. I doubt that teams like Indianapolis and Pittsburgh will be following the Jets game plan.

As far as the beer bottles incident, apparently this exists only in your mind. According to the AP report, "One fan showed his disgust by throwing a plastic beer bottle on the field after the score." One fan out of 70,000. And I should also point out that the Jets (like the Giants) play in New Jersey and not New York. The only New York team is the Buffalo Bills.

I would also like to point out that there was recently a riot in Detroit during a basketball game. Your harping on New York fans is starting to get to the point where I am thinking that perhaps you are simply a jerk. As I said before, at least we don't have riots in our streets and have fans die when we win a World Series. Can the people of Boston make that claim?
[ December 28, 2004: Message edited by: Thomas Paul ]

[Jason Menard]

Having watched the MIA-NE game, and despite how horrible I think NE's patchwork secondary is, the reason NE lost had more to do with Brady's four INTs and NE giving up a kick return TD than the banged up secondary. Luckily, with almost three weeks before they really need to play next (expect SF to win next week as NE clears the benches to rest starters), the secondary should be much more healthy when they face Indy, particularly with Ty Law back.

The AFC playoffs at least should be pretty good this year. I don't know who is going for the AFC for sure, but unless Indy gets really lucky and gets to play at home or not in the cold throughout the playoffs, I don't see them making it to the big game.

As far as the NFC goes... does it really matter? Basically the NFC playoffs are a contest to see who gets the honor of defeating PhiLLLy in the championship game. I don't really see the NFC having much of a chance against whoever the AFC sends this year.
[ December 28, 2004: Message edited by: Jason Menard ]

[Bacon]

I dis-agree about Philly. They are a solid all around team. Vulnerable, yes, so is NE and Pittsburgh. Atlanta is dangerous, but a little one dimensional. Take out Vick and they have nothing. Bottom line: an AFC win is not a given, as if there is such a thing in the NFL.

NE is still the cream of the crop, IMHO, good talent, great coaching, no glaring weaknesses to exploit.

There are some sleepers this year too. I believe that my Bills could beat anybody, at any time. They are their own worst enemy, most games. I hope they get a chance to shine in the playoffs. The Jets are no push-overs either. They have played some good football this year. If anybody takes out NE or Pittsburgh, it will be Indy. They are dangerous, don't let their record fool you, they are right at the top in the AFC.

[John Dunn]

Jets can make playoffs with a loss. I think both Buffalo and Denver need to lose. Shouldn't be hard since they play Pitt. and Indi., respectively.

[Jason Menard]

Originally posted by John Dunn:
Jets can make playoffs with a loss. I think both Buffalo and Denver need to lose. Shouldn't be hard since they play Pitt. and Indi., respectively.

PIT and IND have already wrapped up their playoff positions and have nothing to play for this week. Their biggest concern will be to try and stay healthy. Expect wins from both BUF and DEN.

[John Dunn]

No way, Jason. NO F*-in' WAY!! Indy does not lose b/c its in the playoffs. These guys are going to dominate, go in strong, and add to PM's record. Jets are in.

[Jason Menard]

Originally posted by John Dunn:
No way, Jason. NO F*-in' WAY!! Indy does not lose b/c its in the playoffs. These guys are going to dominate, go in strong, and add to PM's record. Jets are in.

While we're at it, San Fran will also win this week for the same reason.

[Thomas Paul]

Originally posted by Jason Menard:
PIT and IND have already wrapped up their playoff positions and have nothing to play for this week. Their biggest concern will be to try and stay healthy. Expect wins from both BUF and DEN.

I expect IND to do what Philadelphia did, play half of the game. The thing is, half a game may be all IND's offense needs to score enough points to win.

[Bacon]

Nobody walks into Rich Stadium with a win in their pocket, nobody.

A Pittsburgh win is no where near a certainty, whether the game matters or not.

Momentum is important also. Losing the last game before the playoffs is a big negative.

[John Dunn]

RM: Momentum is important also. Losing the last game before the playoffs is a big negative.
AGREED!!!, and Jets get an automatic wild-card!! Woo-Hoo

[Bacon]

Now that's not what I meant!

[Dave Wood]

Originally posted by Thomas Paul:

I expect IND to do what Philadelphia did, play half of the game. The thing is, half a game may be all IND's offense needs to score enough points to win.

I fear (as a die-hard Broncos fan) that you might be right. A lot depends on which Denver defense decides to show up...I believe they can be really good, but they've certainly had some bad games. I think Denver has a good chance this weekend -- hopefully they'll win, Buffalo will win, and the Jets will lose...that would make Denver the #5 seed and they could play the Chargers in the first round. I honestly believe they can beat San Diego with an average or above-average performance. To beat Indy (in the playoffs) would take a nearly perfect game, I'm afraid.

[John Dunn]

Did the Jets make the playoffs?

[Thomas Paul]

Originally posted by John Dunn:
Did the Jets make the playoffs?

Yes. Buffalo lost so the Jets game against St. Louis became meaningless.

[John Dunn]

I knew that just wanted to hear Jason say it!!

[Jason Menard]

It would be great if New England drew the Jets for the playoffs, but unless some weird alignment of the planets happens allowing the Jets to beat San Diego and the Broncos to beat the Colts, it's just not going to happen. Next weekend though, I will be rooting for the Jets and the Broncos.

[John Dunn]

J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets

Hey Jason, I think we'll play NE Next week...

[Jason Menard]

Originally posted by John Dunn:
J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets

Hey Jason, I think we'll play NE Next week...

I'm afraid not. The Broncos just suck too bad.

[Dave Wood]

Originally posted by Jason Menard:


I'm afraid not. The Broncos just suck too bad.

Ouch.

[Jason Menard]

Originally posted by Dave Wood:

Ouch.

Don't get me wrong, I was rooting for them to beat Indy (who I absolutely can't stand). Unfortunately they talked a better game before hand than they ended up playing.

[Jason Menard]

As if there was ever any doubt, New England has once again asserted their dominance over Indianapolis. I can't believe that so many of the "experts" were so ready to dismiss them this past week. The there were the comments from Vanderjerk just about guaranteeing a win and saying how ripe the Pats were for the picking. The only one getting picked was Peyton. The Pats just so totally own the Colts (Indy has now lost the last 7 vs NE). Bill's your daddy Peyton, not Archie.

[Bacon]

NE still has an amazing defence. Just cause Brady looked a little shaky in a few games is hardly enough to write off a team as good as the Pats.

I've thought all along that Pittsburgh and NE would be the AFC game. Indy always looked dangerous and I had them pegged as a dark horse. The Jets were dangerous too, just not dangerous enough. They had a good run, this year.

Half way through the season it looked like the Falcons and Eagles in the NFC.

So far no big surprises.

Any early picks for the big dance?

I'll stick my neck out and say Philly and Pittsburgh. It will be close the first half, third quarter Pittsburgh will pull away, the fourth quarter Philly will show that they have advanced far enough to choke in the SB and not the NFC title game and Pittsburgh will roll em.

[Mark Fletcher]

Following yesterdays game, no doubt Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning will complain about the officiating of the game. Therefore, expect the following new rules to come into effect next season

1) All teams stadiums must be domes.
2) Only one member of the defence may be on the pitch at any time.
3) That member of the defence cant harass the offense within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage.

Peyton Manning to break his own record next season.

PS. Im glad the Vikings are out.
[ January 17, 2005: Message edited by: Mark Fletcher ]

[Thomas Paul]

Brady is the most underrated QB in the league. He isn't flashy... he just does everything right. He reminds me of Phil Simms.

Home teams won every game this week. If it holds true the it's Philly against Pitt. But I think NE is winning the Super Bowl again.

[Bacon]

You could be right Mr. Krabbs. NE is tough and can never be counted out.

However, Pittsburgh is tough too. The AFC title game will likely be the game of the year.

[Mark Fletcher]

Originally posted by Thomas Paul:
Brady is the most underrated QB in the league. He isn't flashy... he just does everything right. He reminds me of Phil Simms.

Home teams won every game this week. If it holds true the it's Philly against Pitt. But I think NE is winning the Super Bowl again.

NE are one of those teams that slipped in "under the radar" none of the players are controversial, like Randy Moss, or T.O. ... they just get the job done.

Then again, I want a Falcons vs Steelers superbowl, not because I have anything against NE as a team, but boy, some of the NE fans are getting full of themselves...

[Mark Spritzler]

Eagles winning the NFC Championship. I'll believe it when I see it. Losing three years in a row is tough to take as an Eagles fan, so I can't let my hopes get too high to be let down again. They need T.O.

Mark

[Bacon]

Originally posted by Mark Fletcher:
...some of the NE fans are getting full of themselves...

NE fans (true fans) do have something to brag about. What I can't stand are fair weather fans. For sure when the superbowl is over, there will be people with hats, shirts, jackets, etc. for the winning team. Where are they all now? When Buffalo lost in all 4 superbowls, I purposely wore my Buffalo sweatshirt before and after the games.

I know a guy that says he doesn't root for anyone team, cause he just likes football. I say he's afraid that if he does root for a team they might lose. His over-inflated ego couldn't take it.

[Amanda Leigh]

Anyone else happen to be going to the Steelers game this weekend?
Section: 210
Row: E
This is going to be so great

[Bacon]

Originally posted by Amanda Leigh:
Anyone else happen to be going to the Steelers game this weekend?
Section: 210
Row: E
This is going to be so great

So like anyone cares or is jealous or anything of the sort... like big deal!

Have fun. I still think I hate you though.

[Amanda Leigh]

Have fun. I still think I hate you though.

Don't hate me! I will brag, I mean tell you all about it afterwards

[Jason Menard]

Originally posted by Ray Marsh:
NE fans (true fans) do have something to brag about. What I can't stand are fair weather fans. For sure when the superbowl is over, there will be people with hats, shirts, jackets, etc. for the winning team. Where are they all now? When Buffalo lost in all 4 superbowls, I purposely wore my Buffalo sweatshirt before and after the games.

I know what you mean. I still have an early 90's Bledsoe jersey hanging in the closet. My current jersey is #54 who I doubt most of the bandwagon crowd even know who he is.

[Nick George]

Originally posted by Mark Spritzler:
Eagles winning the NFC Championship. I'll believe it when I see it. Losing three years in a row is tough to take as an Eagles fan, so I can't let my hopes get too high to be let down again. They need T.O.

Mark

THE people's CHAMP!!!

[Marc Peabody]

My current jersey is #54 who I doubt most of the bandwagon crowd even know who he is.

Nor do they care.

[Bacon]

Originally posted by Amanda Leigh:
Don't hate me! I will brag, I mean tell you all about it afterwards

"Don't be hatin!" a wise man once said.

Ok, I won't be hatin, a little jealous maybe, ok a lot... but not hatin!

[Jason Menard]

New England and Philly. Should be a good game. From an old post in another thread:

Originally posted by Jason Menard:
Superbowl: Assuming the Eagles don't redefine the word choke again, it will be Philly and New England. I expect the Steelers to sweep their final games and get homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, where they will lose yet another AFC Championship at Ketchup Field to New England. Maybe this time they'll wait to make their hotel reservations until after the game is played.

[Bacon]

Hey hey hey.

Its Philly and NE! It is interesting to compare the two winning teams and their style of play both offensive and defensive. But I jump ahead too quickly.

First the championship games summary:

NFC: Atlanta was beat by a better team with a better game plan. Everyone asked "How can you stop a guy like Michael Vick?" Well... Philly did it very effectively, and it was no fluke. There was a well thought out game plan to contain MV and it was executed very well.

AFC: Pittsburgh did not show up, did not come to play, NE did. I expected a better game than that. Big Ben has had a unbelievable rookie year, but in the big time he faltered. He's young and inexperienced and he'll be back, no doubt. However, Tom Brady is a big game player and showed it yesterday. So is the NE defense. Always a ? this year. They were not a ? yesterday.

The big dance: NE and Philly looked very similar yesterday. Disciplined aggressive defenses. Hard running, effective passing offenses. Brady has an edge as a passer and McNabb as a scrambler. Donavan better keep a tight grip on the ball against NE. He was a little sloppy with his passes and if he does that against NE, they will make him pay.

Prognostication: NE by 7.

[Thomas Paul]

I think Pittsburgh's QB showed that he was overrated all season. Pitt won during the season because they are a great team with a fair QB. The last two games when he NEEDED to play well, he stunk up the place. He may some day get to the Super Bowl, but it won't be because he carried the team there.

Brady showed once again that he is highly under-rated. He plays the NE system perfectly and rarely makes mistakes. I don't see anyone beating NE.
[ January 24, 2005: Message edited by: Thomas Paul ]

[Bacon]

I agree. Unless NE beats themselves, they shouldn't lose. NE has something that a lot of teams don't and that's discipline. That one characteristic affects their teamwork, sportsmanship, enthusiasm, etc.

Philly is a solid team too. I'm hoping for a good game, not a blowout. They are also well coached and talented. I expect Philly to have their defence prepared for NE, just like they were for Atlanta. I'm just don't see Philly being able to deal with the NE defence.

All in all I was disappointed with the championship games. Very little drama, neither game was really very close. Maybe the big dance will be better.