| one4gatr |
| Dont forget about Jacksonville. They have been playing a bit mediocre lately but they are a damn tough team and very capable of beating anyone in the AFC. For you Pats fans it looks like Jville will be your draw provided we dont drop both of the next two games. Jacksonville could finish 12-4 and still be a wild card. Dont make me pull out the "no respect" card.... |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
Dont forget about Jacksonville. They have been playing a bit mediocre lately but they are a damn tough team and very capable of beating anyone in the AFC. For you Pats fans it looks like Jville will be your draw provided we dont drop both of the next two games. Jacksonville could finish 12-4 and still be a wild card. Dont make me pull out the "no respect" card....
You need your starter back. |
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| keremoner |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
Dont forget about Jacksonville. They have been playing a bit mediocre lately but they are a damn tough team and very capable of beating anyone in the AFC. For you Pats fans it looks like Jville will be your draw provided we dont drop both of the next two games. Jacksonville could finish 12-4 and still be a wild card. Dont make me pull out the "no respect" card....
Jacksonville will have to come to Foxboro and win a game. I doubt that will be this year. They are a good team but don't have what it takes to beat the Pats at home in playoffs. The way things look, if SD makes the playoffs (and that is a big if), they'll have to beat Pats at home. At this point, I'd be willing to place a wager that that will NOT happen. I'll repeat my bold prediction. Pats will be the SB champs once again (and I mean this year):4: |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
You need your starter back.
The backup may actually be better (in some ways) than the starter. Garrard is a very capable QB and adds a dimension that Leftwich doesnt have... mobility. Our biggest weakness on offense is our O coordinator. He refuses to challenge defenses deep or in the middle of the field. The Jags have built themselves around their D. Most of you dont know but our GM (Shaq Harris) and our HC both were on that Ravens staff that went to the SB. They would much rather play a conservative offense and a stifling D.
If the Jags win our lose it will be D and special teams first with the O doing just enough and not making mistakes. |
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| laborlitigator |
| Still, generally Superbowls are won and lost with QB play. . . |
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| m2pc |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Still, generally Superbowls are won and lost with QB play. . .
Based on that, I would have to say if I were a team going into a SB game, I would want Brady leading the helm..... |
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| keremoner |
quote:
Originally posted by m2pc
Based on that, I would have to say if I were a team going into a SB game, I would want Brady leading the helm.....
Without even a remote question, he is the best QB since Montana. The guy is amazing in his maturity and skills. Manning is great but nothing like Brady. Brady has proven himself over the past 4 years. Any disagreements? |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Still, generally Superbowls are won and lost with QB play. . .
How many SB's has Peyton won? Recent history has shown that you CAN win a SB without a "superstar" QB. What you need however is a QB who is efficient and makes few mistakes. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
Jacksonville will have to come to Foxboro and win a game. I doubt that will be this year. They are a good team but don't have what it takes to beat the Pats at home in playoffs. The way things look, if SD makes the playoffs (and that is a big if), they'll have to beat Pats at home. At this point, I'd be willing to place a wager that that will NOT happen. I'll repeat my bold prediction. Pats will be the SB champs once again (and I mean this year):4:
Standings as of today :
#1 Indy
#2 Denver
#3 Cinnci
#4 NE
#5 Jax
#6 Pitt/SD
1&2 get BYE's
3&6 Play
4&5 Play
So that puts Jax vs NE in the 1st Round
If NE wins they still might not get INDY in the second round if the 6 beats the 3 NE would be on the road in Denver.
So its conceivable that NE would need to beat the 2 toughest (defensive) teams to even get a sniff of INDY.
IF NE gets to the SB this year they will have definitely earned it.
All I can say is good luck! |
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| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
Without even a remote question, he is the best QB since Montana. The guy is amazing in his maturity and skills. Manning is great but nothing like Brady. Brady has proven himself over the past 4 years. Any disagreements?
Brady is a great game-mgmt QB, doesn't make mistakes when it truly counts. That said, Pats don't win 2 of their last 3 SBs without Vinatieri - he's the true MVP. . .
Oh, and MDX05FAN, I told you so . . . :D |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
Standings as of today :
#1 Indy
#2 Denver
#3 Cinnci
#4 NE
#5 Jax
#6 Pitt/SD
1&2 get BYE's
3&6 Play
4&5 Play
So that puts Jax vs NE in the 1st Round
If NE wins they still might not get INDY in the second round if the 6 beats the 3 NE would be on the road in Denver.
So its conceivable that NE would need to beat the 2 toughest (defensive) teams to even get a sniff of INDY.
IF NE gets to the SB this year they will have definitely earned it.
All I can say is good luck!
Pittsburgh trumps San Diego since they beat them earlier this year. Looking at it realistically, Bolts don't make the playoffs.
Pittsburgh has Cleveland and Detroit
SD has KC and Denver
Looks like they won't have a shot at them.
Unless of course Jax loses to either Houston (no way in heck) or Tennessee. The Bolts beat them conference record wise. Still, Bolts would have to win 2 tough games. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
How many SB's has Peyton won? Recent history has shown that you CAN win a SB without a "superstar" QB. What you need however is a QB who is efficient and makes few mistakes.
Say what you want, 11 out of the last 13 Superbowl winners have been with either HOF or nearly HOF QB's. The other teams that won were defensively dominating. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Say what you want, 11 out of the last 13 Superbowl winners have been with either HOF or nearly HOF QB's. The other teams that won were defensively dominating.
I will use Brady as an example. For the last 2 years he has NOT placed in the top 5 in : passing yards, td passes, qb rating. But yet the guy has won 2 superbowls. He is the leading the league this year in passing yards, he is # 3 in td's, and doesnt make the top 5 in passer rating.
Using purely statics one could say that Brady has not been the best QB in the league the last 2 years and in fact hasnt been one of the top 5. Dan Marino is another good example. Never won a SB but arguably one of the best QB's ever.
As the old saying goes defenses win championships. It helps to have a top notch QB but as long as your QB is efficient, you have a good run game, a DOMINANT defense, and special teams doesnt give up big plays you stand a pretty good chance of being a winner.
The Pats have won with balance not entirely because of Tom Bradys steller QB performance. Does he make the HOF? Probably. But not solely because of his arm. |
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| one4gatr |
Oh and just for posterity...
2003 passing leaders
Manning
Green
Bulger
Hasselbeck
Johnson
2004 passing leaders
Culpepper
Green
Manning
Plummer
Farve
2005 passing leaders
Brady
Manning
Palmer
Green
Brees
If I were drafting a team from the ground up today it would be real hard for me to not pick Manning as my QB. But when all things are said and done I think Brady will have more rings than Manning and thats what its really about isnt it? |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
Oh and just for posterity...
2003 passing leaders
Manning
Green
Bulger
Hasselbeck
Johnson
2004 passing leaders
Culpepper
Green
Manning
Plummer
Farve
2005 passing leaders
Brady
Manning
Palmer
Green
Brees
If I were drafting a team from the ground up today it would be real hard for me to not pick Manning as my QB. But when all things are said and done I think Brady will have more rings than Manning and thats what its really about isnt it?
Let me guess, you play fantasy football? |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
I will use Brady as an example. For the last 2 years he has NOT placed in the top 5 in : passing yards, td passes, qb rating. But yet the guy has won 2 superbowls. He is the leading the league this year in passing yards, he is # 3 in td's, and doesnt make the top 5 in passer rating.
Using purely statics one could say that Brady has not been the best QB in the league the last 2 years and in fact hasnt been one of the top 5. Dan Marino is another good example. Never won a SB but arguably one of the best QB's ever.
As the old saying goes defenses win championships. It helps to have a top notch QB but as long as your QB is efficient, you have a good run game, a DOMINANT defense, and special teams doesnt give up big plays you stand a pretty good chance of being a winner.
The Pats have won with balance not entirely because of Tom Bradys steller QB performance. Does he make the HOF? Probably. But not solely because of his arm.
Forget the stats, if I had to start a team today, I'd probably chose Brady first overall. Not everything is yardage and touchdowns. ie. Mark Bulger.
Remember, Brady still had to move the team in the last minute against the Rams. Leadership stands for something which simply cannot always be quantified. |
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| keremoner |
Stats don't tell the critical part of the story: the judgement and maturity of the QB. Also they are subjective in that Pats have had tougher schedules in those two years than others mentioned as well as the Bellichick philosophy of scoring just enough to win and never ever running the score up on anyone like KC, Indy and some other teams like to do. I think that most so called experts agree that Brady is the best clutch QB out there regardless of the stats. Afterall the best stats are number of games won and SB rings won. Also remember that Brady has accomplished all that with teams that had very few super star caliber players. Pats success has been long lasting because it has been many factors that allow them to win and not just a gret QB or a great few players around him. It is the intangibles such as team spirit, proparation, coaching, etc.
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
I will use Brady as an example. For the last 2 years he has NOT placed in the top 5 in : passing yards, td passes, qb rating. But yet the guy has won 2 superbowls. He is the leading the league this year in passing yards, he is # 3 in td's, and doesnt make the top 5 in passer rating.
Using purely statics one could say that Brady has not been the best QB in the league the last 2 years and in fact hasnt been one of the top 5. Dan Marino is another good example. Never won a SB but arguably one of the best QB's ever.
As the old saying goes defenses win championships. It helps to have a top notch QB but as long as your QB is efficient, you have a good run game, a DOMINANT defense, and special teams doesnt give up big plays you stand a pretty good chance of being a winner.
The Pats have won with balance not entirely because of Tom Bradys steller QB performance. Does he make the HOF? Probably. But not solely because of his arm.
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Let me guess, you play fantasy football?
Yes... and I have in fact had Brady as my QB before.
quote:
Pats success has been long lasting because it has been many factors that allow them to win and not just a gret QB or a great few players around him. It is the intangibles such as team spirit, proparation, coaching, etc.
My point exactly. I am not saying that Brady isnt a good QB what I am saying is you dont need a superstar QB to win a SB. |
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| one4gatr |
Now back to my original thought....
There are only 4 teams in the NFL that have a better record than Jacksonville right now. They are : Indy, Cinnci, Denver, Seattle. Jacksonville has played ALL 4 and has beaten 2 of them. I am not saying Jville is SB bound but for those of you who looking past them you might be just end up being disappointed. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
Now back to my original thought....
There are only 4 teams in the NFL that have a better record than Jacksonville right now. They are : Indy, Cinnci, Denver, Seattle. Jacksonville has played ALL 4 and has beaten 2 of them. I am not saying Jville is SB bound but for those of you who looking past them you might be just end up being disappointed.
Fair enough but I like Leftwich more. Then again, the D had you down 26-10 in the 4th. Big time defenses generally keep you under 20. |
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| one4gatr |
Leftwich is a very capable QB but he lacks even modest mobility. He has a good arm for the deep ball but struggles in the short passing game. Dont get me wrong he has been playing pretty good as of late but I think that Garrard can play just as well if our O coordinator gets his head out of his arse.
quote:
Then again, the D had you down 26-10 in the 4th. Big time defenses generally keep you under 20
You are absolutely right there. But then again this is only one time out of the last handful of times they have played that they have been playing with that kind of deficit. Quite frankly I think it was the Offensive play calling in that game that got us down. Carl Smith came into the season bragging about how the Jags would have this new vertical offense but we have yet to see it. The team got themselves totally out of control in that game. I would love to see them match up another time this year. I would venture to say that you wouldnt see that kind of margin again. |
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| keremoner |
| Maik, you are awfully quiet. Are you scared to jinx the Pats by agreeing that if they stay at this trajectory, they are probably the team to beat? |
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| laborlitigator |
| It should be an interesting game to see on the turf. Then again, Bill was able to slow down the Greatest Show on Turf. |
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| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
Maik, you are awfully quiet. Are you scared to jinx the Pats by agreeing that if they stay at this trajectory, they are probably the team to beat?
Cautiously optimistic. While I have been pleased with the Pats last couple of games, the defense is still somewhat suspect. While I agree that the front 7 is finally all together and playing the way we thought they would, they have still not stopped a first rate offense.
Once they get in the playoffs, they will be up against far better qb's than they have seen these last 3 weeks. I have no doubt that they will score their share of points, but the long ball still scares me on defense.
To say that they are the team to beat is simply due to the fact that they are defending champs. To me, Indy is clearly the team to beat.
As for the Chargers, I doubt they will even make the tournament, and even if they do, the chances of beating both the Pats and Colts again is really quite remote. |
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| keremoner |
The only reason why I am a little less than 100% confident is lack of Rodney Harrison from the line up. If he was healthy, the threat of giving up long completions would not scare me a bit.
quote:
Originally posted by Maik
Cautiously optimistic. While I have been pleased with the Pats last couple of games, the defense is still somewhat suspect. While I agree that the front 7 is finally all together and playing the way we thought they would, they have still not stopped a first rate offense.
Once they get in the playoffs, they will be up against far better qb's than they have seen these last 3 weeks. I have no doubt that they will score their share of points, but the long ball still scares me on defense.
To say that they are the team to beat is simply due to the fact that they are defending champs. To me, Indy is clearly the team to beat.
As for the Chargers, I doubt they will even make the tournament, and even if they do, the chances of beating both the Pats and Colts again is really quite remote.
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| keremoner |
| Still looking good for Pats after Monday night (even though I had to hold my breath when Bruschi got injured) |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
Still looking good for Pats after Monday night (even though I had to hold my breath when Bruschi got injured)
I was always under the impression that the Pats prided themselves for having the ability to play multiple positions and have interchangeable parts. Regardless of Bruschi's injury, I always thought it was Belicheck's system and the concept of team that prevailed. |
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| keremoner |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
I was always under the impression that the Pats prided themselves for having the ability to play multiple positions and have interchangeable parts. Regardless of Bruschi's injury, I always thought it was Belicheck's system and the concept of team that prevailed.
It is to a great extent but there are limits to players abilities and Bruschi, like Brady, is irreplacable. His importance is magnified especially since Pats secondary is still decimated. They need a great pass rusher to be able to stop the Colts. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
It is to a great extent but there are limits to players abilities and Bruschi, like Brady, is irreplacable. His importance is magnified especially since Pats secondary is still decimated. They need a great pass rusher to be able to stop the Colts.
I guess its just a forgone conclusion that the Pats will match up against the Colts huh? |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
You need your starter back.
Looks like Leftwich will be ready to go this weekend. |
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| keremoner |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
I guess its just a forgone conclusion that the Pats will match up against the Colts huh?
Sorry to look past the Jags but I believe that at this stage of the game, Pats are on a roll - especially defensively, and when Pats go on a roll, they usually are pretty near unstoppable. |
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| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
Sorry to look past the Jags but I believe that at this stage of the game, Pats are on a roll - especially defensively, and when Pats go on a roll, they usually are pretty near unstoppable.
I agree that Pats are on a roll, but beating up the Jets twice and the Bills once is hardly indicative of a "roll". While I agree that the Pats will likely get past the first round, it will certainly not be a cakewalk.
Likely opponents are the Jags or Steelers. Against the Jags, the Pats best friend will likely be the weather. They are a formidable opponent and with their QB back they could be dangerious. As for the Steelers, they are also playing very well right now and will give the Pats all they can handle. The Pats front 7 on defense is peaking right now, but the secondary still worries me. They will not be playing against weak qbs in the playoffs. |
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| keremoner |
Maik, Maik, Maik.... don't be so pessimistic man! I wouldn't call TB a weak team by any stretch of the imagination. Yet they looked like amateurs when they faced the Pats. In my opinion, Steelers are the biggest threat to Pats, so I want the 4th seed. Whatever happens, I am optimistic. Pats have one thing going for them (other than the fact that they are hot): They have plenty of big game experience and no one else has. That is very critical and many people miss that point.
quote:
Originally posted by Maik
I agree that Pats are on a roll, but beating up the Jets twice and the Bills once is hardly indicative of a "roll". While I agree that the Pats will likely get past the first round, it will certainly not be a cakewalk.
Likely opponents are the Jags or Steelers. Against the Jags, the Pats best friend will likely be the weather. They are a formidable opponent and with their QB back they could be dangerious. As for the Steelers, they are also playing very well right now and will give the Pats all they can handle. The Pats front 7 on defense is peaking right now, but the secondary still worries me. They will not be playing against weak qbs in the playoffs.
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Against the Jags, the Pats best friend will likely be the weather
I wouldnt count on that too much... the Jags are a pretty good cold weather team. I personally would rather the Jags play Cinnci in the first round I guess we will have to wait until this weekend to find out how everything shakes out. |
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| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
I wouldnt count on that too much... the Jags are a pretty good cold weather team. I personally would rather the Jags play Cinnci in the first round I guess we will have to wait until this weekend to find out how everything shakes out.
Brady has not lost a game in sub 40 degree weather and Pats have an amazing record in snow. Statement was really directed towards them, not the Jags. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Statement was really directed towards them, not the Jags.
Oh.. Ok.. I thought it was one of those Florida teams cant play in cold weather statements... The latest news down here is that Leftwich may not be as healthy as reported. He can drop back and throw just fine but it appears he is having trouble pivoting for handoffs on that broken ankle. The rumor is that he will sit out for the Titans game Sunday and be evaluated next week.
The rumor down here is that the Pats may start Flutie this weekend. You guys hear anything like that up there? |
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| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
The rumor down here is that the Pats may start Flutie this weekend. You guys hear anything like that up there?
Not likely. I would guess that they will treat it like a preseason game. All regular healthy starters will start and play into the 2nd qtr. |
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| one4gatr |
Well it looks as if you Pats fans get your wish. You guys get the lowly 12-4 Jags for your first round opponent. It was nice to see the Pats tank the game last weekend so they could get the easier draw. Looks like the weather will be a balmy 28 degrees with a 40% chance of snow.
JDR said that barring any setbacks that Leftwich will be starting. |
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| laborlitigator |
Great, by winning the division, we get to play the more difficult opponent from the NFC South, in my humble opinion of course.
I just hope we get one of our linebackers back for the game. |
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| keremoner |
Giants will advance IMHO. As for Pats, I am glad we're playing Jacksonville and not the Steelers.
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Great, by winning the division, we get to play the more difficult opponent from the NFC South, in my humble opinion of course.
I just hope we get one of our linebackers back for the game.
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
Giants will advance IMHO. As for Pats, I am glad we're playing Jacksonville and not the Steelers.
Oh the Pats are playing this weekend? I thought they cancelled the game.
FWIW.. Leftwich has been taking all the snaps in practice. It appears the biggest player of concern is Mike Peterson (wrist). It appears most everyone else will be good to go. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
Oh the Pats are playing this weekend? I thought they cancelled the game.
FWIW.. Leftwich has been taking all the snaps in practice. It appears the biggest player of concern is Mike Peterson (wrist). It appears most everyone else will be good to go.
This is going to be an enjoyable game. |
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| Maik |
I for one believe the Pats Jags game to be fairly evenly matched.
Lack of respect for Jags is likely due to the fact that they have beaten weak teams and not faired well against teams with winning records. Fact is, however, that the Pats are in the same boat but being back to back champs, they get the edge for having been here before. Also, weather will likely be a factor as gametime temps will likely be in the teens. I am not convinced that the Jags offense is good enough to be able to exploit Pats secondary and I also believe that the Pats will be able to move the ball on offence.
I see a close game, with the Pats pulling out a 24 -21 win on a Doug Flutie dropkick fieldgoal after an injury takes Vinateiri out of the game.
Additionally, I hope the Bengals can get by the Steelers. Nothing would be more fun than a Pats Colts rematch the following week. |
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| keremoner |
I see a score of Pats 31 - Jags 21
My crystal ball also tells me Steelers 35 - Bengals 28
(as much as I'd like to see Pats - Colts rematch)
quote:
Originally posted by Maik
I for one believe the Pats Jags game to be fairly evenly matched.
Lack of respect for Jags is likely due to the fact that they have beaten weak teams and not faired well against teams with winning records. Fact is, however, that the Pats are in the same boat but being back to back champs, they get the edge for having been here before. Also, weather will likely be a factor as gametime temps will likely be in the teens. I am not convinced that the Jags offense is good enough to be able to exploit Pats secondary and I also believe that the Pats will be able to move the ball on offence.
I see a close game, with the Pats pulling out a 24 -21 win on a Doug Flutie dropkick fieldgoal after an injury takes Vinateiri out of the game.
Additionally, I hope the Bengals can get by the Steelers. Nothing would be more fun than a Pats Colts rematch the following week.
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| screbr |
Is it me or are the Broncos still flying under the radar? It seems to me that no one outside of Denver is even talking about them, which ultimately could work to our advantage.
Seems like the Pats, Indy and the Steelers (for the AFC) are getting alot of coverage (for good reason), but that the 13-3 Broncos are just above the Jags on the "recognition scale." Even the Seahawks way up in the corner are getting noticed.
Maybe it's still the "cowtown" image that Denver carries, or the fact that Jake the Snake is our QB and lacks any real respect, but it's odd to me. What are the media saying in your areas about Denver? Anything? |
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| keremoner |
Believe me. As a Pats fan, I'd love to see them play the Colts for more than one reason. One of them being, Broncos scare me more than the Colts. I believe that Pats can handle Indy at their home better than Broncos in Mile High.
Jake the Snake is a good QB but no where near Brady or Manning overall.
I don't believe that Denver will make it to the SB. My pick is Pats, Colts, or Steelers from AFC and Seahawks from NFC. Bengals and Jags are toast and Denver is a slight likelihood IMHO.
Sorry fans of those teams.
BTW, lets see if I can keep my record up. I was .720 with my picks this year (for all 256 games) which is significantly better than the so-called ESPN experts, best of whom was around .600
quote:
Originally posted by screbr
Is it me or are the Broncos still flying under the radar? It seems to me that no one outside of Denver is even talking about them, which ultimately could work to our advantage.
Seems like the Pats, Indy and the Steelers (for the AFC) are getting alot of coverage (for good reason), but that the 13-3 Broncos are just above the Jags on the "recognition scale." Even the Seahawks way up in the corner are getting noticed.
Maybe it's still the "cowtown" image that Denver carries, or the fact that Jake the Snake is our QB and lacks any real respect, but it's odd to me. What are the media saying in your areas about Denver? Anything?
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| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by screbr
Maybe it's still the "cowtown" image that Denver carries, or the fact that Jake the Snake is our QB and lacks any real respect, but it's odd to me. What are the media saying in your areas about Denver? Anything?
In Boston, Denver has not gotten much attention. Not for lack of respect, but rather because the prevailing sentiment is that most Pats fans fear Denver more than the Colts. The Pats have never fared well in Denver and Shanahan is a very capable coach. I dont see it as a case of Denver being under the radar as much as there is exitement over the Pats/Colts rivalry. It is my opinion that both the Colts and Bronkos are better than the Pats this year...but in a one game playoff it is hard to bet against Coach Belichick. |
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| laborlitigator |
Note that many of the QB's in the playoffs are there for the 1st time:
Eli, Leftwich, Palmer, Simms, Orton/Grossman
Something to watch. . . |
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| one4gatr |
Congrats Pats Fans. Give your coach a game ball he was in my opinion the difference between these two teams. From what I saw Saturday night both of our teams were lucky to be where we were.
I think JDR made a major mistake in starting Leftwich from the standpoint that Belichick said he wasnt concerned about Leftwich moving around the pocket at all. He could have saved face by starting Garrard who is very mobile and would give the Pats a different dimension to defense. Additionally he could have said hey Byron wasnt 100% and he is our franchise QB and I am not going to risk his health and career.
In any event good luck with the Broncos I think you guys are going to need it. |
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| keremoner |
I was surprised how easily the Giants were bowled over.
Expected the Skins win but they'll have to be more aggresive in offense to stand a chance in Seattle.
I was somewhat disappointed with the Steelers. They'll need to be just as aggressive with Indy. I believe that if they hit hard and blitz effectively, they can shake the Colts up.
Pats were great as I expected but the front 7 will need to be just as dominating against Denver (to make up for the lacking defensive ends) to win.
Next week's predictions: Pats, Indy, Seattle, Carolina |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Pats were great as I expected
Wow.... thats a pretty bold statement. Not trying to hate here but I guess you and I watched different games. I thought the Pats D played pretty good but I wouldnt put the Jags offense up there with the Broncos or Colts. The Pats offense looked nearly as bad as the Jags and thats not saying much. 7 points came from the defense and another 7 came from a busted play to Ben Watson that even Belichick said " really should have been probably a third-down stop".
As I said in my last post the Jags got out coached. Your next two opponents (if the Pats are that lucky) have head coaches with serious playoff experience. Given what I saw on Saturday night I wouldnt be booking my flight to Detroit just yet. |
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| keremoner |
I think Pats offense in the second half was, if not great, more than adequate. But remember, it is defense that wins championships and the front 7 of the Pats is playing better than anyone now. Plus, the duo of Bellichick and Brady is better than their counterparts in Denver or Indy. So based on those, I am predicting a close victory for Pats next week (provided that the front 7 of the defensive line plays at the same level as they did this Saturday)
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
Wow.... thats a pretty bold statement. Not trying to hate here but I guess you and I watched different games. I thought the Pats D played pretty good but I wouldnt put the Jags offense up there with the Broncos or Colts. The Pats offense looked nearly as bad as the Jags and thats not saying much. 7 points came from the defense and another 7 came from a busted play to Ben Watson that even Belichick said " really should have been probably a third-down stop".
As I said in my last post the Jags got out coached. Your next two opponents (if the Pats are that lucky) have head coaches with serious playoff experience. Given what I saw on Saturday night I wouldnt be booking my flight to Detroit just yet.
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| carguy1234 |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
I was surprised how easily the Giants were bowled over...
I wasn't, not with Eli Manning. He makes too many bad throws. |
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| andreseng |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Note that many of the QB's in the playoffs are there for the 1st time:
Eli, Leftwich, Palmer, Simms, Orton/Grossman
Something to watch. . .
LL-
And now 4 of the 5 you mentioned are done and out and the 5th hasn't played. Nice call. Orton/Grossman has that hot defense to fall back on though. Should be a fun weekend.
I like Denver/Indy and Seattle/Carolina.
:1: |
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| one4gatr |
I couldnt find the official 2nd half stats but Brady over all was 15 of 27 201 yards 3 tds (Leftwich was 18/31 175). The second half looked something like 8 of 10 for 124 yards 63 of which came on a busted play.
Total rushing yards were 118 with Faulk going 6 for 51 and Dillon 17 for 40.
Good enough to beat the Jags yes. Not what I would call "great". I think the Pats will definitely need to get the offense cranked up if they want to have a chance against Denver. I personally hope the Pats beat the Broncos because I cant stand the RAT head coach. |
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| Maik |
Busted play???
Since when is running over a couple of players a busted play?
Looked like a damned good run by Watson to me. After the play, I turned to the guy next to me (my son in law) and commented how much that play reminded me of Coates.
As for Brady not having a "great day". I agree that it was not his finest game, overall. But, as usual, he made no mistakes (turnovers) and hit his receivers when he really needed to, converting some 3rd and longs. I agree that he will have to play better next week, but I have little doubt that he will. Pats have not traditionally fared well in Denver, but I have confidence that Belichick will outcoach Shanahan again. Plus, Belicheck has an amazing record for beating teams that beat the Pats earlier in the season. From a statistical standpoint, I dont think that the Broncos are so good that they will be able to beat the Pats twice in the same season. Pats emerging strength is the run defense. If they can hold the Bronco's running game, I doubt that Plummer can beat the Pats. After all, Plummer has no playoff experience.
Prediction : Pats 27
Broncos 20 |
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| screbr |
quote:
Pats have not traditionally fared well in Denver, but I have confidence that Belichick will outcoach Shanahan again. Plus, Belicheck has an amazing record for beating teams that beat the Pats earlier in the season. From a statistical standpoint, I dont think that the Broncos are so good that they will be able to beat the Pats twice in the same season. Pats emerging strength is the run defense. If they can hold the Bronco's running game, I doubt that Plummer can beat the Pats. After all, Plummer has no playoff experience.
Actually, Plummer has playoff experience, just no W's.
There's no question that this will be a great game. The Pats are peaking, but coming in to a Broncos field that saw no defeats during the season, and with a crowd that will be buzzin with excitement (1st playoff game in Denver since '98). The Pats will be too focused on stopping the run, which will open up the play action pass to Smith, Lelie and Putzier against a weak Pats secondary. I see the Pats struggling from the noise in the stadium, and ultimately falling to the Mile High boys: Denver 24 - Pats 17.
Giddee up! |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
you and I watched different games.
No kidding. I must've been watching a different game. What most fans have not realized yet is that NE wins. Whether they 'played the best' is inconsequential. They have always played good enough to win. Their gameplan was built to defeat the Jags, not put on a fireworks show about their offensive or defensive potential. One thing they have learnt over the last five years is not to push players needless and take personnel hits. Even this year, if they had 100% of the players healthy, they would be untouchable.
Based on how efficiently they caged the Jags its not even a question that they have proven their capability to win the third one in a row. The only team with a remote chance of stopping Belichick are the Broncos. They are dangerous. Indy is a pushover and Seattle has a one-dimensional game. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by carguy1234
I wasn't, not with Eli Manning. He makes too many bad throws.
I kind of expected the loss. To me, it's his rookie season and he still needs much more development. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Since when is running over a couple of players a busted play?
Your own coach said it was a busted play. The first guy he "ran over" was playing with a broken wrist and a cast on his hand. Its kind of hard to tackle a guy of that size with one hand. The second guy he ran over is a backup. I am not making any excuses here we got beat but what I am saying is you guys had some things go your way on a couple of plays. If you think you are going to go into to Denver and play the same kind of game you did against Jax and get a W you are delusional.
As far as I am concerned the Pats are the champs until someone beats them but I just dont see the same SB machine with this team that I have seen in the last few years.
quote:
Indy is a pushover
All I can say to that is wow. |
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| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
Your own coach said it was a busted play. The first guy he "ran over" was playing with a broken wrist and a cast on his hand. Its kind of hard to tackle a guy of that size with one hand. The second guy he ran over is a backup. I am not making any excuses here we got beat but what I am saying is you guys had some things go your way on a couple of plays. If you think you are going to go into to Denver and play the same kind of game you did against Jax and get a W you are delusional.
As far as I am concerned the Pats are the champs until someone beats them but I just dont see the same SB machine with this team that I have seen in the last few years.
All I can say to that is wow.
I can not imagine Belichick calling that a "busted" play. Normally, a "busted play is one in that was to at all drawn up. The fact that one defender had a cast and the other was a back up hardly makes it a "busted play".
As for the Jags, they showed me nothing at all. A decent defensive line and no offense at all. I realize they were 12-4, but they are not really ready for the Super Bowl.
As for the Pats being the "sb machine", I feel far better about their chances now than I did a month ago. They are peaking at the right time and the defense has gotten it together. Denver will be a real test, but I like the Pats chances. Weather will not be a factor, and if the Pats can protect from giving up the long ball early, they will do well.
As for Indy, anyone who considers them a pushover is speaking with no sense at all. I certainly do hope that the Steelers beat them...then, if the Pats win, I get one more home game to go to. |
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| Maik |
Two streaks on the line Saturday in Denver...
Broncos are 8-0 at home this year, while Brady is 10-0 in playoff games... |
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| keremoner |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by anjan
[B]
if they had 100% of the players healthy, they would be untouchable.
Oh how true that is! Bellichick is a genious. Brady is the absolute best QB since Montana (and maybe better than Montana was), and the defensive unit is playing all pumped up. If likes of Harrison and Matt Light were healthy, there would be absolutely no contest this year (which I guess would make it kinda boring) |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
All I can say to that is wow.
If you were watching Indy's losses since last year then you know that you need to do only one thing to send them in a tizzy - rush Peyton. If you get to him 3-4 times, as Chargers did, he falls apart at the seams. That is his Achilles Heel.
Granted its not simple to do that but good defenses like Bellichick's can do that surgically. Just watch if they get past Steelers... |
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| keremoner |
How true that is for anyone who watches and understands football. A dominant front 7 defensive unit can put Indy on ice in a hurry and Pats look like they may get a chance to do just that if Steelers don't do it first.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a Pats-Steelers AFC championship game.
Despite their crippling injury situation, seeing how well Pats are playing is a good indication that they are a true dynasty.
quote:
Originally posted by anjan
If you were watching Indy's losses since last year then you know that you need to do only one thing to send them in a tizzy - rush Peyton. If you get to him 3-4 times, as Chargers did, he falls apart at the seams. That is his Achilles Heel.
Granted its not simple to do that but good defenses like Bellichick's can do that surgically. Just watch if they get past Steelers...
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| keremoner |
considering that there will be 4 gret games this week end. Is everyone afraid to jinx their team or what?
go Pats and Steelers. (with Pats winning it all, of course) |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
considering that there will be 4 gret games this week end. Is everyone afraid to jinx their team or what?
go Pats and Steelers. (with Pats winning it all, of course)
I think the Steelers are running into a buzzsaw. Pats won't look as good as they did last week - I think Denver wins by 10.
As for the NFC, Panthers in a close one over the Bears (rookie QB) and the boring Seahawks over the banged up Skins. |
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| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Pats won't look as good as they did last week - I think Denver wins by 10.
I'll take a little action on that. Donkies by 10? Don't count on it.
Its going to come down to the very end of the game, either way.
You must be a NY Football Giant's fan. |
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| keremoner |
Pats 27 Broncos 24
Seattle 17 Wash 10
Indy 27 Steelers 20 (although I'd prefer the other way!)
Carolina 14 Chicago 17
Next round:
Pats 31 Indy 27
Seattle 14 Chicago 17
SB
Pats 31 Chicago 20
Spoken like a true Pats fan!!
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
I think the Steelers are running into a buzzsaw. Pats won't look as good as they did last week - I think Denver wins by 10.
As for the NFC, Panthers in a close one over the Bears (rookie QB) and the boring Seahawks over the banged up Skins.
:2: |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by Maik
You must be a NY Football Giant's fan.
So what does that have to do with it. In fact, I'm less biased in analyzing the two teams.
During New England's current run, their best win was over Jags. Also, name one quality win New England has had on the road. Tough to find one.
While the Broncos have beaten (at home), the Eagles (with McNabb and Owens), SD, KC, Jax and NE.
Just a reminder that home teams are 90%+ winners in the divisional rounds playoffs. |
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