If I had to bet right now because my life depended upon it. I go with these guys right now for these reasons.
Tenn- cause they are simply rolling, and having O'Donnel step in and win. Just means to me that this team is clicking on all fascets of the game. Plus, Baltimore's one dimensional attack will not cut it when playing from behind.
Carolina- as Dallas luck ran out. You can only depend on it so long, and at Carolina it will show this. Losing at NO's today even with stars from NO out is just a bad sign of a team not ready to enter into the playoff scene. Parcel is good yes, but his team is not as good as he is. Not this year, but it does look promising.
Denver- Indy last two important games and they lose one bad at home. The other maybe the most important for this team reaching the SB and they , should have lost it, but somehow luckily win. This is not a good sign. Denver already went to Indy and won and dominated them against all the situational and motivational advantages Indy had. Still, they came out ahead. Im right now sold. Todays lost was to be expected against GB and it doesnt count for me.
GB- Simply because Farve is focused like he has never been focused like before. Its sad that sometimes it takes something like a loved one to get us back to being aware of life. Bret is aware of life, but it is on the life that he was meant to live, as he has done in the past where he shined as a QB for the GB Packers. Only this time, its also for the father who he loves so much. This love is something that is strong, it will spread to the others on the team and they also will start to remember what they need to do and become focused as well. Bretts desire to win for his father as a tribute to his memory is something that just adds to his overwhelming desire to win already. Making this one a lock is also due to these reasons, Seattle will freeze their grapes at Lambeau, GB's rush attack cant be stopped by them, and simply because they suck on the road.
Those are my picks for the playoffs right now. Later, well anything can happen. But for now, I like these because of these reasons that stand out for me. Thanks for allowing me to share them. Aloha CC.
Tenn- cause they are simply rolling, and having O'Donnel step in and win. Just means to me that this team is clicking on all fascets of the game. Plus, Baltimore's one dimensional attack will not cut it when playing from behind.
Carolina- as Dallas luck ran out. You can only depend on it so long, and at Carolina it will show this. Losing at NO's today even with stars from NO out is just a bad sign of a team not ready to enter into the playoff scene. Parcel is good yes, but his team is not as good as he is. Not this year, but it does look promising.
Denver- Indy last two important games and they lose one bad at home. The other maybe the most important for this team reaching the SB and they , should have lost it, but somehow luckily win. This is not a good sign. Denver already went to Indy and won and dominated them against all the situational and motivational advantages Indy had. Still, they came out ahead. Im right now sold. Todays lost was to be expected against GB and it doesnt count for me.
GB- Simply because Farve is focused like he has never been focused like before. Its sad that sometimes it takes something like a loved one to get us back to being aware of life. Bret is aware of life, but it is on the life that he was meant to live, as he has done in the past where he shined as a QB for the GB Packers. Only this time, its also for the father who he loves so much. This love is something that is strong, it will spread to the others on the team and they also will start to remember what they need to do and become focused as well. Bretts desire to win for his father as a tribute to his memory is something that just adds to his overwhelming desire to win already. Making this one a lock is also due to these reasons, Seattle will freeze their grapes at Lambeau, GB's rush attack cant be stopped by them, and simply because they suck on the road.
Those are my picks for the playoffs right now. Later, well anything can happen. But for now, I like these because of these reasons that stand out for me. Thanks for allowing me to share them. Aloha CC.
Another teaser...
Denver +10
Green Bay Pk
Pack has strong memories of last year's Atlanta debacle - will not let it happen again versus a team they rolled two months ago.
Broncs just manhandled the Colts last Sunday. They have a great chance to win again - worst case scenario they stay within 10 points.
Denver +10
Green Bay Pk
Pack has strong memories of last year's Atlanta debacle - will not let it happen again versus a team they rolled two months ago.
Broncs just manhandled the Colts last Sunday. They have a great chance to win again - worst case scenario they stay within 10 points.
I assume Anthony Wright will QB for Baltimore. Why wouldn't he?
Lots of people seem to like the Titans. I'm not so sure about them. CC, how can you say the Titans are "simply rolling"? I think they've been simply treading water since their 31-7 win over Miami on Nov 9th.
After Nov 9th, they had a 10-3 win (@ home!)over Jaxville.
Then a 38-31 win over the non-Vick Falcons. How the hell can you let the non-Vick Falcons score 31 points? Even worse, Atlanta was winning @ one point during the 2nd half!
Then a 24-17 loss to NYJ and a 29-27 loss to Indy.
Then a 28-26 win over Buffalo. The same Buffalo that played like ASS the next two weeks against Miami and New England.
Then a miracle 27-24 win @ Houston. McNair threw a 4th down TD, just like Arizona today.
Then a 33-13 win today against Tampa. But when was the last time Tampa played a full 60 minutes?
But I'll admit, all of this is somewhat difficult to analyze when you consider that McNair was injured or didn't play. He didn't play today, so maybe that will give him time to heal some of his various injuries.
Anyway, I wouldn't overlook Baltimore. They are 7-1 @ home, their only loss coming to KC in Week 4 (back when KC was a really good team). FYI, KC won the game 17-10 on a Dante Hall kick return. If it wasn't for Kyle Boller's inexperience (he threw 3 INTs), I think the Ravens would've won.
Sure, the Ravens don't have an exciting offense. But they do have Jamal Lewis, who just had arguably the best season by a RB since Eric Dickerson. The QB position is definitely weak for them, but Wright is better than Boller or Redman, the two QBs who were playing earlier in the year.
Baltimore's defense is good enough to win the game by themselves. On any given day, they can hold any team to 10 (or less) points, especially @ home. I can't stand Ray Lewis, but he motivates the entire defense to play up to their potential on every play.
Mediocre offense, great defense, journeyman QB. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Didn't the Ravens already win the Super Bowl with that formula? If they can get a lead on somebody, they're gonna pound the ball with Jamal Lewis and burn the clock.
That being said, if I had to make a pick, I'd take the Titans. But that's assuming McNair is relatively healthy. What if McNair isn't healthy, or what if he gets injured during the game? Do you think O'Donnell can beat the Ravens?
Lots of people seem to like the Titans. I'm not so sure about them. CC, how can you say the Titans are "simply rolling"? I think they've been simply treading water since their 31-7 win over Miami on Nov 9th.
After Nov 9th, they had a 10-3 win (@ home!)over Jaxville.
Then a 38-31 win over the non-Vick Falcons. How the hell can you let the non-Vick Falcons score 31 points? Even worse, Atlanta was winning @ one point during the 2nd half!
Then a 24-17 loss to NYJ and a 29-27 loss to Indy.
Then a 28-26 win over Buffalo. The same Buffalo that played like ASS the next two weeks against Miami and New England.
Then a miracle 27-24 win @ Houston. McNair threw a 4th down TD, just like Arizona today.
Then a 33-13 win today against Tampa. But when was the last time Tampa played a full 60 minutes?
But I'll admit, all of this is somewhat difficult to analyze when you consider that McNair was injured or didn't play. He didn't play today, so maybe that will give him time to heal some of his various injuries.
Anyway, I wouldn't overlook Baltimore. They are 7-1 @ home, their only loss coming to KC in Week 4 (back when KC was a really good team). FYI, KC won the game 17-10 on a Dante Hall kick return. If it wasn't for Kyle Boller's inexperience (he threw 3 INTs), I think the Ravens would've won.
Sure, the Ravens don't have an exciting offense. But they do have Jamal Lewis, who just had arguably the best season by a RB since Eric Dickerson. The QB position is definitely weak for them, but Wright is better than Boller or Redman, the two QBs who were playing earlier in the year.
Baltimore's defense is good enough to win the game by themselves. On any given day, they can hold any team to 10 (or less) points, especially @ home. I can't stand Ray Lewis, but he motivates the entire defense to play up to their potential on every play.
Mediocre offense, great defense, journeyman QB. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Didn't the Ravens already win the Super Bowl with that formula? If they can get a lead on somebody, they're gonna pound the ball with Jamal Lewis and burn the clock.
That being said, if I had to make a pick, I'd take the Titans. But that's assuming McNair is relatively healthy. What if McNair isn't healthy, or what if he gets injured during the game? Do you think O'Donnell can beat the Ravens?
Funk Monkey, how can I say the Titans are rolling, maybe because eventhough McNair has been out or has been playing hurt. They simply still win. Three game win streak where McNair played in one. More than that the other two wins were with a first time started Volek starting and the other with a veteran QB whose last time started was almost a year ago. Then one win which they came back for that one with a hurt McNair. When I say they are rolling , I am speaking of the entire team. To be in those situations and still come out with a win no matter what the score was is not the issue to look at. What is more impressive is how and under what conditions they won. This last game against Tampa Bay, supporting my reasons.
Now as far as the Ravens goes. No one doubts the running of Jamal Lewis or the play of Ray Lewis. Its the passing Off or should I say lack of it, which I my opinion will be the cause of their losing to Tenn. And here is why.
Balt ranks last in the league in Pass Off. Not middle ,but last. Tenn def against the pass is average , but that wont matter because their Def ranks 1st against the run. Not having to worry so much on the pass hurting you . They can focus more on Jamal. In last nights game, the Steeler made this adjustments and they shut him down enough after the first Q to make Balt rely on the pass inwhich is their weakness. Now Pitt doesn't rank near Tenn against the run and if they are able to do this. There is nothing concrete to tell me that the number 1 def against the run will not be able to as well duplicate or even better. You live by the run , and you die by the run. No balance, means easier time taking away your strength or at least make it less effective. When this happens, Baltimore must now utilize their weakness the passing game, and that wont get them any place.
Now a second key to beating Baltimore, is to key up on Jamal, and make the Off passing game to again be utilized. I think the game against Oakland tells alot. Oakland with the worst def against the rush held Jamal to little over 120 yards , but it was the passing game which failed to help them to come back when they were down.
In that game, Oakland took the lead , forcing Baltimore to use the pass to come back and it couldnt. Big disadvantage for Baltimore. In all of Baltimores loses this season , the were all down at the half and they could not come back. Not having an off with the ability to come from behind is a big disadvantage. Now Tenn has the ability to comeback as they show it at Houston. Now you use this example as showing what you feel a game that was played badly by Tenn , probably due to the final score. But you need to look alittle deeper and you will see that, for one, McNair was hurt when he did this. Two, Texans are very tough at home and should have defeated the Indy Colts today, and that was without their starting QB , so that should say alot about the Texans rest of the team. If you are seeing Texans as a week team, then you are mistaken. They have come very close this year to upsetting many teams. They just lack a complete game play. But when they get to that, people will need to watch out.
On the defensive side of the ball , yes the Ravens are good , but they are not great. It never fails to amaze me when others keep relating their def now and compare it to that of the one which helped to win the SB. Hello, that def is not the same def. There parts missing to that SB winning Def. bottom line is that is not the same def no matter what arguments you want to bring up. If it was, Baltimore would be a dominating team. They are not. Yes they are a good def. but not number 1. People need to try and remember that. Just because Ray Lewis is still their doesn't make the def great it just makes them better than average. Major components like I mentioned is missing, from the Dl and from the Secondary.
Now Tenn Off is a efficient and effective one balanced attack with the run and the pass. They have the number 1 QB in the league. It is safe to say that McNair will play. Still , if he doesnt, O'Donnell is more than capable of leading them as today has shown. He is still on his game, which is good. Or even better maybe he is not, but by todays performance , if he is not, that just says that the entire off is on their game, which is even better. Remember, O'Donnell led Pitt to the SuperBowl, and he led Tenn back in Jan over Pitt in the playoff game. What has Anthony Wright done that compares to Neil. Nothing, which is an another advantage for Tenn.
Now again, the Ravens are good but can Ray Lewis be held responsible to stop the 4th rank pass Off by himself. This off is loaded with weapons, they use three TE's who can all be used for run and passes. they have receivers like Mason 6th ranked and McCareins 17th ranked in the league. Not to mention Eddie George who can also pass catch and run. Who else from Baltimore will help Lewis stop these guys.
But here is an added advantage that the Titans have which may play a huge part to stopping the Ravens off. The Titans have the 6th best punter in the NFL. This is big as it will make the Ravens off travel the lenth of the field. Something that this Off is not equiped to do period.
If people are still living in the past and on it, because of the Ravens SB winning year. Then that is simply not smart thing to do. Look deeper at the whole picture and you will also see that the advantage clearly lies with Tenn. Especially if they have the lead at the half or have a lead period. Even if Baltimore takes a lead, can they hold on to it. Last night showed perfectly that they cant. But Pitt is not at the level of the Titans and surely doesnt have the QB like the Titans have in McNair. They just have not as much of an advantage in any catergory besides Jamal and Ray Lewis , and being at home. But Tenn has proven that they can win on the road and more importantly from behind. Plus , they have the off that can score and many weapons to depend on. To many answers from the Titans and not enough questions from the Ravens , and that spells a defeat. Thats why I can say that the Titans are rolling and will continue to roll right past the Raven on to the SB.
Dam, I think I'll talked myself into making this my underdog playoff play of the year. Nah, Denver has that category locked up.
[This message was edited by Co-Captain on December 29, 2003 at 03:52 AM.]
Now as far as the Ravens goes. No one doubts the running of Jamal Lewis or the play of Ray Lewis. Its the passing Off or should I say lack of it, which I my opinion will be the cause of their losing to Tenn. And here is why.
Balt ranks last in the league in Pass Off. Not middle ,but last. Tenn def against the pass is average , but that wont matter because their Def ranks 1st against the run. Not having to worry so much on the pass hurting you . They can focus more on Jamal. In last nights game, the Steeler made this adjustments and they shut him down enough after the first Q to make Balt rely on the pass inwhich is their weakness. Now Pitt doesn't rank near Tenn against the run and if they are able to do this. There is nothing concrete to tell me that the number 1 def against the run will not be able to as well duplicate or even better. You live by the run , and you die by the run. No balance, means easier time taking away your strength or at least make it less effective. When this happens, Baltimore must now utilize their weakness the passing game, and that wont get them any place.
Now a second key to beating Baltimore, is to key up on Jamal, and make the Off passing game to again be utilized. I think the game against Oakland tells alot. Oakland with the worst def against the rush held Jamal to little over 120 yards , but it was the passing game which failed to help them to come back when they were down.
In that game, Oakland took the lead , forcing Baltimore to use the pass to come back and it couldnt. Big disadvantage for Baltimore. In all of Baltimores loses this season , the were all down at the half and they could not come back. Not having an off with the ability to come from behind is a big disadvantage. Now Tenn has the ability to comeback as they show it at Houston. Now you use this example as showing what you feel a game that was played badly by Tenn , probably due to the final score. But you need to look alittle deeper and you will see that, for one, McNair was hurt when he did this. Two, Texans are very tough at home and should have defeated the Indy Colts today, and that was without their starting QB , so that should say alot about the Texans rest of the team. If you are seeing Texans as a week team, then you are mistaken. They have come very close this year to upsetting many teams. They just lack a complete game play. But when they get to that, people will need to watch out.
On the defensive side of the ball , yes the Ravens are good , but they are not great. It never fails to amaze me when others keep relating their def now and compare it to that of the one which helped to win the SB. Hello, that def is not the same def. There parts missing to that SB winning Def. bottom line is that is not the same def no matter what arguments you want to bring up. If it was, Baltimore would be a dominating team. They are not. Yes they are a good def. but not number 1. People need to try and remember that. Just because Ray Lewis is still their doesn't make the def great it just makes them better than average. Major components like I mentioned is missing, from the Dl and from the Secondary.
Now Tenn Off is a efficient and effective one balanced attack with the run and the pass. They have the number 1 QB in the league. It is safe to say that McNair will play. Still , if he doesnt, O'Donnell is more than capable of leading them as today has shown. He is still on his game, which is good. Or even better maybe he is not, but by todays performance , if he is not, that just says that the entire off is on their game, which is even better. Remember, O'Donnell led Pitt to the SuperBowl, and he led Tenn back in Jan over Pitt in the playoff game. What has Anthony Wright done that compares to Neil. Nothing, which is an another advantage for Tenn.
Now again, the Ravens are good but can Ray Lewis be held responsible to stop the 4th rank pass Off by himself. This off is loaded with weapons, they use three TE's who can all be used for run and passes. they have receivers like Mason 6th ranked and McCareins 17th ranked in the league. Not to mention Eddie George who can also pass catch and run. Who else from Baltimore will help Lewis stop these guys.
But here is an added advantage that the Titans have which may play a huge part to stopping the Ravens off. The Titans have the 6th best punter in the NFL. This is big as it will make the Ravens off travel the lenth of the field. Something that this Off is not equiped to do period.
If people are still living in the past and on it, because of the Ravens SB winning year. Then that is simply not smart thing to do. Look deeper at the whole picture and you will also see that the advantage clearly lies with Tenn. Especially if they have the lead at the half or have a lead period. Even if Baltimore takes a lead, can they hold on to it. Last night showed perfectly that they cant. But Pitt is not at the level of the Titans and surely doesnt have the QB like the Titans have in McNair. They just have not as much of an advantage in any catergory besides Jamal and Ray Lewis , and being at home. But Tenn has proven that they can win on the road and more importantly from behind. Plus , they have the off that can score and many weapons to depend on. To many answers from the Titans and not enough questions from the Ravens , and that spells a defeat. Thats why I can say that the Titans are rolling and will continue to roll right past the Raven on to the SB.
Dam, I think I'll talked myself into making this my underdog playoff play of the year. Nah, Denver has that category locked up.
[This message was edited by Co-Captain on December 29, 2003 at 03:52 AM.]
CC, good argument/reasoning. Much better than when people simply post crap such as "GAME OF THE YEAR, TAKE IT TO THE BANK!!!!!!!!!!!"
As I said, if I had to pick, I'd take the Titans. The Ravens are good, but their style of play (and QB) gives them almost *NO* margin for error, whereas the Titans can recover from 1-2 mistakes if need be.
As I said, if I had to pick, I'd take the Titans. The Ravens are good, but their style of play (and QB) gives them almost *NO* margin for error, whereas the Titans can recover from 1-2 mistakes if need be.
Funk Monkey I agree, good reasoning/debates are how were all learn and that is why I am still here. I agree on the posting of just plays unless you put your record up with it. As the record can speak for itself. Still, thanks for the debate. It forced me to have to exercise my thinking on this game more than I previously had. If more people are willing to do this with an open mind and less ego, we could come up with a shit load of opportunities where we would learn more than what we already know.
--Funk Monkey, if you havent already, go to oldmanTed's post in coll fb, and post a support for what all the others their is trying to do. We need more guys like yourself who are willing to communicate, rather than complain, contradict, and condemn. Aloha CC.
--Funk Monkey, if you havent already, go to oldmanTed's post in coll fb, and post a support for what all the others their is trying to do. We need more guys like yourself who are willing to communicate, rather than complain, contradict, and condemn. Aloha CC.
TItans
GB teaser sounds splended
I believe GB will cover the 7 with no problems against a team that can't play on the road, they have proved it.
Tennessee simply put, will have to much for Balt to answer. Anthony right IS A BUMB! he will be exposed BIG TIME in this game. The Titans will have him on his back all day!
I also like Dallas, Parcels motivated his way to the playoffs. The Cowboys will go all out for him.
Denver? Nough said.
GB teaser sounds splended
I believe GB will cover the 7 with no problems against a team that can't play on the road, they have proved it.
Tennessee simply put, will have to much for Balt to answer. Anthony right IS A BUMB! he will be exposed BIG TIME in this game. The Titans will have him on his back all day!
I also like Dallas, Parcels motivated his way to the playoffs. The Cowboys will go all out for him.
Denver? Nough said.
tennessee's offensive strength is throwing the ball not running. to win in the playoffs you need to run and stop the run. imo the ravens with the #3 defense in the league vs. the titans with the #13 defense, will be able to more than handle an injured mcnair led team.
what team led the nfl in sacks this year? oh that was the ravens!~ eddie george has never done that well vs. the ravens, and without a running game to take pressure off of a somewhat immobilized mcnair, the ravens will be feasting on sacks saturday.
jamal lewis on the other hand has always done well vs. tennessee. even in 2000 when tenn had the number one defense in the league. i doubt tenn will be able to stop jamal. their only chance will be if they get a big lead and force the ravens to throw the ball, and that isnt likely to happen against this ravens defense, especially in baltimore.
co-captain says this isnt the same ravens defense as in 2000 and he is right, but this defense is damn close to being as good as that one.
the linebackers are actually BETTER NOW. and the secondary has cmac as an experienced corner who is shutting down anyone he faces. next we have ed reed who is surpassing all expectations and has shown himself to be a top safety in the nfl (as evidenced by his pro bowl selection). since baxter moved to corner, and will demps came in a saftey, there hasnt been a team that has been able to throw the ball effectively against the ravens.
for those of you who dont remember the ravens/titans games when they were in the same division, these are true smash mouth defensive games. the ravens have won like the last 5 meetings and by halftime of those games you could see defeat on the faces of the titans.
what team led the nfl in sacks this year? oh that was the ravens!~ eddie george has never done that well vs. the ravens, and without a running game to take pressure off of a somewhat immobilized mcnair, the ravens will be feasting on sacks saturday.
jamal lewis on the other hand has always done well vs. tennessee. even in 2000 when tenn had the number one defense in the league. i doubt tenn will be able to stop jamal. their only chance will be if they get a big lead and force the ravens to throw the ball, and that isnt likely to happen against this ravens defense, especially in baltimore.
co-captain says this isnt the same ravens defense as in 2000 and he is right, but this defense is damn close to being as good as that one.
the linebackers are actually BETTER NOW. and the secondary has cmac as an experienced corner who is shutting down anyone he faces. next we have ed reed who is surpassing all expectations and has shown himself to be a top safety in the nfl (as evidenced by his pro bowl selection). since baxter moved to corner, and will demps came in a saftey, there hasnt been a team that has been able to throw the ball effectively against the ravens.
for those of you who dont remember the ravens/titans games when they were in the same division, these are true smash mouth defensive games. the ravens have won like the last 5 meetings and by halftime of those games you could see defeat on the faces of the titans.
