Joined: Jan 26, 2008
Posts: 80
Status: Offline
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Interesting how the two teams that got into the playoffs through the disqualification of two other teams made the most of their opportunity. Although it was not too much of an upset, Chicago throttled Green Bay last week for the chance to play the Giants again. The Colts, on the other hand, shocked the Bengals in a major upset to move on and get a rematch against the Chargers.
Looking at the remaining teams, I must admit the remaining field reminds me of the old days when former great coaches such as Hatam (Colts), Simmonds (Bears), Smith (Rams), Chaney (Steelers), and Bold (Saints) consistently led their teams into the playoffs. Their teams managed to get in again with new coaches (well done guys), so it is clear those teams still have great roster talent. Perhaps the game even favors them somehow after many seasons of success. All I know is we basically have the same teams in the second round of the playoffs as I am used to seeing and I went inexplicably 0-4 in my predictions as a result. The stats painted a whole different picture than we ended up with. Let's see if the stats can at least get one game right this week.
13 Indianapolis at 22 San Diego
The Colts upset the Bengals last week and now get a chance to face the Chargers again. They lost to San Diego 3-6 in week 16, so they know they have a shot at beating them if they play very well. Even though the Colts #1 running game led by HB Scooter McLendon (77 yards, 3.5 ypc last week) faces the Chargers #2 run defense, don't expect the Colts to give up on the run. At this stage, you go with what got you here. That said, Colts QB Pat Bavaro (306 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs last week) showed the Colts have more than just a running game. The Chargers are damn tough to score on as the Colts found out in week 16, and it will likely be even more challenging to score on them this time even if they don't have LB Pat Brice (questionable). The real difference in this game will be the Chargers offense. I just don't see them being held to 6 points again by the Colts. QB Troy Taylor (31 TDs/4866 yds) and WR Guy Sanders (174 rec/2137 yds/19 TDs) will find the endzone a lot more in this one especially if the Chargers force a lot of turnovers in this one (SD +13 vs. IND -6).
15 St. Louis at 18 New Orleans
Here we go again. That's what the Saints must be saying with the Rams coming into town to spoil the party. The Saints lost to the Rams 17-20 in week 5 and 3-10 in week 14, so this is a chance for sweet revenge. The bye week may have helped them too as the Saints are 100% healthy while the Rams come into this game battered up with 5 players listed as probable including WR1 Art Monk and DT1 Ed Dunlap. The Saints defense led by LB Derrick Thomas (115 tackles, 2 INTs) will need to do what the Falcons could not do last week - stop HB Adrian Peterson (95 yds/3.3 ypc/1 TD last week). The Saints will also be hard pressed to move the ball against a very balanced Rams defense (8th vs. run and pass). For the Saints to win, either HB Tim Worley (1318 yds/5 TDs) or QB Scott Zolak will need to step it up a notch and avoid turning over the ball. Just like the Rams did last week, I expect the Saints to somehow escape this one and avoid an embarrassing three game sweep.
11 Pittsburgh at 20 Miami
If you had told me six weeks ago that the Steelers would be in the divisional playoffs instead of the Bengals, I would have thought you were lying. If you told me they would crush the Seahawks in the Wild Card round to do it, I would have thought you were insane. As crazy as it sounds, the Steelers pulled off a major upset last week beating Seattle 27-10 in a turnover filled game to make it to the divisional round of the playoffs. This week, they'll need to force more turnovers as I don't expect their 16th ranked offense led by QB Cary Conklin (240 yds/3 TDs/1 INT last week), WR Lawyer Tillman (114 yds/3 TDs last week), and HB Barry Sanders (991 yds/3.5 ypc/8 TDs this season) to find much success against Miami's #1 defense led by DE Dennis Bentley (80 tackles/34 sacks!) and CB Quentin Jammer (4 INTs). On the bright side for the Steelers, the Dolphins prefer to pass and that is what the Steelers are good at stopping. That said, in a game where it's all about the defenses, I have to go with Miami's defense.
12 Chicago at 24 NY Giants
The Bears could not stop the Packers sack machine (allowed 10 sacks), but in the end, Bears QB Mark Detmer (3,984 yds, 36 TDs) and Bears WR Walter Wilson (1,670 yds, 18 TDs) still won the air battle against the Packers to get them to the divisional round. Unfortunately for the Bears, they suffered some key injuries which may impact their game against the Giants. With DE Broderick Bunkley listed as probable, DE Sammy Parks will need to carry the DL for the Bears. On the other side of the ball, G1 Jerry Fontenot is doubtful, so QB Mark Detmer will have even less protection this week. Lucky for him, the Giants are not known for having a pass rush. The thing about the Giants is that they have a very unique defense that relies less on the pass rush and more on effective defensive schemes. Only a few coaches have figured their defense out. One thing is for certain, the Bears didn't in week 12, losing 3-31 to them. The Giants have not allowed 20 or more points since week 5! Surprisingly, the G-men lost to the Cowboys 14-16 in week 17, so if I were the coach of the Bears I'd be taking a good look at that game film. What was even more extaordinary about that game was that the G-men did not score 30+ points like they usually do. Perhaps they rested their offensive starters? That said, the Bears are in trouble already simply because their stregth is their passing game and that is exactly what the G-men are great at shutting down. Furthermore, Chicago's 17th ranked defense will have its hands full against the G-men's #2 pass attack led by QB M. Watson Jr. (3,451 yds/28 TDs), HB Jim Brown (147 catches/1,498 yds/10 TDs), and WR Andre Riley (174 catches/1,661 yds/18 TDs). The G-men are determined to get back to the Gelat bowl and if the stats mean anything this week, this game will just a speed bump along the way. |
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