NFL 2010
- Thread starter Dak
- Start date
MasterOLightning
Optimator
It's Cutler's first playoff game, and he's capable of having a bad enough game that they would lose. But the Bears defense is pretty seasoned, and I would be pretty surprised if they allowed more than 20 points. I expect a really conservative plan on offense and a reliance on defense and special teams to control field position. This team used that strategy to go to the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman not too long ago, with a lot of the same defensive starters, and not with Peppers, who has been terrific so far. Cutler is just a lot better than Grossman was, and has protected the ball much better this year than last year, even though he makes some very ill-advised throws. Hester has been outstanding lately. Teams that score are giving the ball back to the Bears between the 35-50.
CHI vs. GB games have been very balanced this year. I also think CHI could do well at ATL. They had a better record on the road, but their best wins were at home (PHI, GB, NYJ), in addition to some terrible losses (NE, SEA, WSH). The offense seems better suited for a fast track on turf. ATL seems to need a lot of plays to score, and they get away with it since they are so good at avoiding errors. I am not sure sure the Falcons can play from behind as well as PHI or GB could.
BAL @ PIT is a toss-up to me, but I'd give PIT the edge based on being at home and having the bye. Ravens finally seemed to have a good offensive game. Experience looked like a factor today as well.
NYJ @ NE probably won't even be close. Sanchez is not good enough, and the Jets defense is not all that special. It would take uncharacteristic turnovers. But let's not make too much of a deal about Brady's anti-INT streak. Anyone who's watched him lately has seen some clear drops by opposing DBs. There's been some luck there. However, their RBs look better than what they've run out there the past few years, and certainly better than what Indy had.
CHI vs. GB games have been very balanced this year. I also think CHI could do well at ATL. They had a better record on the road, but their best wins were at home (PHI, GB, NYJ), in addition to some terrible losses (NE, SEA, WSH). The offense seems better suited for a fast track on turf. ATL seems to need a lot of plays to score, and they get away with it since they are so good at avoiding errors. I am not sure sure the Falcons can play from behind as well as PHI or GB could.
BAL @ PIT is a toss-up to me, but I'd give PIT the edge based on being at home and having the bye. Ravens finally seemed to have a good offensive game. Experience looked like a factor today as well.
NYJ @ NE probably won't even be close. Sanchez is not good enough, and the Jets defense is not all that special. It would take uncharacteristic turnovers. But let's not make too much of a deal about Brady's anti-INT streak. Anyone who's watched him lately has seen some clear drops by opposing DBs. There's been some luck there. However, their RBs look better than what they've run out there the past few years, and certainly better than what Indy had.
Matt
Active Member
Yeah, I agree with almost all of those things you said, but I think that was just one of those games where they didn't play too well but still was able to do just enough to win. I don't think they commit too many penalties though, they're much improved on that from last year. The game they played against ATL was close and I think GB should have won, and I like their chances this week.
I hated McCarthy up until this year, I've gained respect for him considering all the major injuries they've suffered and the adjustments they've made. However, I think they need to keep him but hire an offensive coordinator, because he doesn't manage the clock well and is just retarded sometimes when calling plays (just look at the play calling on their last possession - everyone in the stadium knew they were going to try and run, and they failed twice which gave Philly the ball back). He also sometimes abandons the run completely, which is stupid, considering James Starks has been pretty consistent all year and the offensive line is solid.
I heard some analysts talking about how Green Bay is too passive late in the game when they have the lead and I agree with that too. They lost at least 3 games (not sure, but I think around that number) this year at the end of the game or in overtime after having the lead. If they can get the lead and maintain some kind of controlled aggression against the Falcons I really like their chances. And I agree again with MasterOLightning, I don't think Ryan can bring them back quickly. Their offense is predicated on long, slow drives.
I predict it'll be a Packers victory, with the score being around 20-17.
Matt
Active Member
King Richard
Hello there
Badbird
Never banned
Jimmy... Dead.
contemplative curmudgeon
When I look at the match up since 2003 it's been unbelievably even between the Steelers and Ravens, but this year I believe the Ravens are the better team. After watching the way the Steelers were handled by the Patriots I think the Ravens will make the right adjustments and use a spread mentality against those vulnerable corners.
G'luck tho.
Oh and there are only 2 division rivalries this week. I don't know the third game you are referring to but the Seahawks/Bear and/or Packers/Falcons are not in the same divisions.
skeptik
Member
- Feb 7, 2003
- 24,413
- 71
- 48
Well, I have a bit more experience in watching Steelers v Ravens games I believe, and Roethlisberger has always had their number. Keep in mind he was drafted in 2004; the Steelers were awful in 2003, which is why they had the 10th overall pick. The Patriots have made a lot of teams look bad this year, so that's a very poor barometer. And Belichick's offensive scheme has always been the nemesis of Dick LeBeau's zone blitz techniques. The fact that the Ravens play the Patriots better has nothing to do with the Steelers. Keep in mind that the last 3 times the Ravens have beaten the Steelers, it has been with Charlie Batch twice and Dennis Dixon once. I also am confident that the Steelers are a better team now then they were the last time the two teams met. For one, after Heath Miller returned from his concussion that the Ravens gave him, Bruce Arians remembered that he exists, and he has become once again the crucial element in their offense that he should be, and their two rookie receivers, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown, continue to look more polished every week. Ziggy Hood, Aaron Smith's replacement, has also come on greatly since their last game as well. On top of that, their offensive line has become more cohesive than it was. This same offensive line rotation has now played 8 consecutive games together, which is huge considering the left tackle was signed as a backup and was forced into the starting lineup because of a season ending neck injury, the center is a rookie, the right guard is an undrafted free agent with minimal starting experience (he started two games at left guard last year), and the right tackle was also not on the team last year. And the biggest difference is that they'll be rested now with the bye week. Polamalu among others will certainly greatly benefit from the extra rest.
The 3 was a typo btw.
King Richard
Hello there
I'm going to be really honest, I'm glad the season is over for the Colts early for two reasons:
1) The less games they play, the less players get hurt. This team was bit about eleventy times in the nuts by the injury bug. Each week key players were dropping like flies, and each week it was like watching a completely different team play on both sides of the ball. Now that they are done for they can finally get healthy and hopefully squash that injury bug and prevent it from ever returning.
2) They get a higher pick in the draft! It's been forever since the Colts were slotted at the 22nd or higher pick in the draft, so this is actually quite exciting to see who they'll get. As an fyi, the last time the Colts picked 22nd or higher they nabbed Dwight Freeney. I'm not saying that's going to happen again, but it just goes to show how much of a difference 6 to 10 draft slots can make. I'm hoping against hope that this is the year Polian finally has a chance to make move for a stud offensive tackle or lineman. I was really pulling for Maurkice Pouncey last season for numerous reasons (he's good, I'm a Florida homer, et al). Polian's logic is that unless you have a shot at the top 3-4 lineman in the first round the pick doesn't justify just taking a lineman for the hell of it unless you get lucky (although a ton of Colts fans would beg to differ).
If the Colts were able to once and for all fortify the trenches, this team could attain elite status. Until they resolve these recurring issues, they aren't elite and I think everyone is going to see more 10-6 season out of these guys, unfortunately.
As for the playoffs, I don't care who wins the Super Bowl as long as it's not the Patriots. I really prefer not to see the Steelers win either because the thought of Ben having TWO more rings than Manning is disturbing. I'm really pulling for the NFC teams. They're all good stories and are fun to watch.
P.S. Fuck the Saints, watching them get raped by the Seahawks pleased me. WHERE'S YOUR ONSIDE KICK NOW PAYTON YOU FUCK!
1) The less games they play, the less players get hurt. This team was bit about eleventy times in the nuts by the injury bug. Each week key players were dropping like flies, and each week it was like watching a completely different team play on both sides of the ball. Now that they are done for they can finally get healthy and hopefully squash that injury bug and prevent it from ever returning.
2) They get a higher pick in the draft! It's been forever since the Colts were slotted at the 22nd or higher pick in the draft, so this is actually quite exciting to see who they'll get. As an fyi, the last time the Colts picked 22nd or higher they nabbed Dwight Freeney. I'm not saying that's going to happen again, but it just goes to show how much of a difference 6 to 10 draft slots can make. I'm hoping against hope that this is the year Polian finally has a chance to make move for a stud offensive tackle or lineman. I was really pulling for Maurkice Pouncey last season for numerous reasons (he's good, I'm a Florida homer, et al). Polian's logic is that unless you have a shot at the top 3-4 lineman in the first round the pick doesn't justify just taking a lineman for the hell of it unless you get lucky (although a ton of Colts fans would beg to differ).
If the Colts were able to once and for all fortify the trenches, this team could attain elite status. Until they resolve these recurring issues, they aren't elite and I think everyone is going to see more 10-6 season out of these guys, unfortunately.
As for the playoffs, I don't care who wins the Super Bowl as long as it's not the Patriots. I really prefer not to see the Steelers win either because the thought of Ben having TWO more rings than Manning is disturbing. I'm really pulling for the NFC teams. They're all good stories and are fun to watch.
P.S. Fuck the Saints, watching them get raped by the Seahawks pleased me. WHERE'S YOUR ONSIDE KICK NOW PAYTON YOU FUCK!
^ Sooooo, you were rooting for the Jets to hit that field-goal at the end riiiiight?
Seriously, your comments hint of sour grapes and ring of a losers mentality?
"i'm glad the season is over early for the Colts" YOU CAN NEVER SAY THIS!..."the less games they play the less they get hurt"?? They wear pads not skirts...you have all fuckin offseason to heal.
In the end, big picture and injuries with-standing you still had a chance...were a couple of great Peyton performances away from the title. You always trade / take that over any of the scenerios that you mentioned. Sure, a higher draft position is nice but so what...moving up a few spots? I'd rather the lowest pick in-turn winning a title anyday. Plus, the Pats are loaded with 3rd, 4th, 5th rounders...its about need and fitting a system.
The key is, and I know you don't want to hear it, the Patriots method. Of ridding the problems (Moss)...not over-paying and hanging onto players too long (Vrabel / Seymore)...trading players and draft picks and then drafting / evaluating remarkably. And cheating of course. Seriously, it was basically a rebuilding year for the Pats (mainly defensively)...a very very good year regardless of what happens the rest of the way. The great teams stay afloat don't dip too much...you know this and the Colts manage this at times as well.
King Richard
Hello there
This Colts team just wasn't good enough to win it all. They were going to get bounced at some point in the playoffs so it's better to lose early than in the championship or something, both from a draft perspective and to prevent myself from getting to hopeful only to have my dreams crushed again.
I know it's kind of a ridiculous thing to say when the team you root for made the playoffs, but they are better off not playing anymore this season.
I know it's kind of a ridiculous thing to say when the team you root for made the playoffs, but they are better off not playing anymore this season.
I hear you and was really not trying to bust you...actually I was.
Seriously, with all the injuries and such it must be frustrating to think what if they were healthy? That said, I stand firm on my comments. Every year is different. All teams are flawed this year to a point and its wide open for many to win the title...mentioned this many times.
The Colts lost by 1 point to a team that many thought (right or wrong) would reach the SB. I still believe with Peyton, Freeney and Mathis upright...you still had a chance. In that -you have two things vital for the playoffs...a great QB and two of the best pass rushers to disrupt other good / great QBs. There are only so many opps to win a title. If your in the mix like the Colts were...it has to be all "in it to win it"! Hell, talk about having high hopes and then being crushed. How is losing the SB to the Giants workin for ya?! That season was a helluva ride and worth every play, every second, every moment. Have to Take the good with the bad. Many other sucky / mediocre teams and thier fans would love to be in that spot and have thier chance.
Am I making any sense?...I'm done preaching now.
Seriously, with all the injuries and such it must be frustrating to think what if they were healthy? That said, I stand firm on my comments. Every year is different. All teams are flawed this year to a point and its wide open for many to win the title...mentioned this many times.
The Colts lost by 1 point to a team that many thought (right or wrong) would reach the SB. I still believe with Peyton, Freeney and Mathis upright...you still had a chance. In that -you have two things vital for the playoffs...a great QB and two of the best pass rushers to disrupt other good / great QBs. There are only so many opps to win a title. If your in the mix like the Colts were...it has to be all "in it to win it"! Hell, talk about having high hopes and then being crushed. How is losing the SB to the Giants workin for ya?! That season was a helluva ride and worth every play, every second, every moment. Have to Take the good with the bad. Many other sucky / mediocre teams and thier fans would love to be in that spot and have thier chance.
Am I making any sense?...I'm done preaching now.
Badbird
Never banned
Alteredmindeath
Wasteland Survivor
Krow
Garbage Connoisseur
Alteredmindeath
Wasteland Survivor
Ravens Vs Steelers -Saturday
Jets Vs Patriots -Sunday
Bears Vs Seahawks-Sunday
Falcons vs Packers-Saturday
Jets Vs Patriots -Sunday
Bears Vs Seahawks-Sunday
Falcons vs Packers-Saturday
Alteredmindeath
Wasteland Survivor
Going purely on favorites, I'd pick the opposite on every one of these.
jets are not favored...
pats -9 / 45
steelers -3 / 37
bears -10 / 41
falcons -3 / 44
if to bet? packers and ravens...imo live 'dogs...good chance of winning outright.
brooks55
Elixir of Sorrow
Similar threads
