Divisional Playoffs

S

SportsNut

Breaking it down briefly
Divisional round :

<TABLE id=gridtable><TBODY><TR class=HeadOrangeTop id=header><TD id=mlpct_header style="PADDING-RIGHT: 16px; PADDING-LEFT: 16px; WIDTH: 160px" colSpan=4>Market
</TD><TD class=linebox_header width=60>Open
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</TD></TR><TR class=HeadOrange id=header><TD id=info_header width=40>Info
</TD><TD id=score_header width=50>Time
</TD><TD id=team_header width=135>Team
</TD><TD id=bets_header width=45># Bets
</TD><TD id=spreadpct_header width=40>Spread
</TD><TD id=mlpct_header width=40>ML
</TD><TD id=parlaypct_header width=40>Parlay
</TD><TD id=oupct_header width=40>OU
</TD><TD width=60>Pinnacle
</TD><TD class=linebox_header id=sbh2 ondblclick=HighlightColumn(this,2); width=60>Pinnacle
</TD><TD class=linebox_header id=sbh9 ondblclick=HighlightColumn(this,9); width=60>CRIS
</TD><TD class=linebox_header id=sbh18 ondblclick=HighlightColumn(this,18); width=60>Olympic
</TD><TD class=linebox_header id=sbh13 ondblclick=HighlightColumn(this,13); width=60>BetUS
</TD><TD class=linebox_header id=sbh21 ondblclick=HighlightColumn(this,21); width=85>Matchbook
</TD><TD class=linebox_header id=sbh12 ondblclick=HighlightColumn(this,12); width=60>SIA
</TD><TD class=linebox_header id=sbh20 ondblclick=HighlightColumn(this,20); width=60>Bodog
</TD><TD class=linebox_header id=sbh6 ondblclick=HighlightColumn(this,6); width=60>5Dimes
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<TABLE id=gridtable><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%" colSpan=17>NFL Football - 1/10/2009</TD></TR><TR id=e152072 ondblclick=highlightRow(this) style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onclick="testHit('e152072', event)"><TD id=info style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width=40></TD><TD id=score width=50>1/10
4:30P
</TD><TD id=team width=135>301 Baltimore Ravens
302 Tennessee Titans
</TD><TD id=bets width=45>3699
</TD><TD id=spreadpct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>56%
44%
</TD><TD id=mlpct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>96%
4%
</TD><TD id=parlaypct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>63%
37%
</TD><TD id=oupct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>57%
43%
</TD><TD class=linebox style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #faf39e" width=60>33.5o-110
-3+113
</TD><TD class=open id=sb2_0 width=60>35u-110
-3+101
</TD><TD class=open id=sb9_0 width=60>35 -110
-3+100
</TD><TD class=open id=sb18_0 width=60>35 -110
-3+100
</TD><TD class=open id=sb13_0 width=60>34.5 -110
-3+100
</TD><TD class=open id=sb21_0 width=85>34.5u-103o+100
-3+107/-109
</TD><TD class=open id=sb12_0 width=60>

</TD><TD class=open id=sb20_0 width=60>

</TD><TD class=open id=sb6_0 width=60>34.5 -110
-2-130
</TD></TR><TR id=e152078 ondblclick=highlightRow(this) style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e2e2e2" onclick="testHit('e152078', event)"><TD id=info style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width=40></TD><TD id=score width=50>1/10
8:15P
</TD><TD id=team width=135>303 Arizona Cardinals
304 Carolina Panthers
</TD><TD id=bets width=45>3620
</TD><TD id=spreadpct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>40%
60%
</TD><TD id=mlpct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>82%
18%
</TD><TD id=parlaypct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>51%
49%
</TD><TD id=oupct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>89%
11%
</TD><TD class=linebox style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #faf39e" width=60>46 -105
-9.5-110
</TD><TD class=open id=sb2_0 width=60>49 -105
-10-106
</TD><TD class=open id=sb9_0 width=60>48 -110
-10-110
</TD><TD class=open id=sb18_0 width=60>48 -110
-10-110
</TD><TD class=open id=sb13_0 width=60>48 -110
-10-110
</TD><TD class=open id=sb21_0 width=85>48o-118u+104
-9.5-111/+110
</TD><TD class=open id=sb12_0 width=60>

</TD><TD class=open id=sb20_0 width=60>

</TD><TD class=open id=sb6_0 width=60>48.5 -110
-11+105
</TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" colSpan=17>NFL Football - 1/11/2009</TD></TR><TR id=e152081 ondblclick=highlightRow(this) style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onclick="testHit('e152081', event)"><TD id=info style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width=40></TD><TD id=score width=50>1/11
1:00P
</TD><TD id=team width=135>305 Philadelphia Eagles
306 New York Giants
</TD><TD id=bets width=45>3342
</TD><TD id=spreadpct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>48%
52%
</TD><TD id=mlpct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>75%
25%
</TD><TD id=parlaypct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>51%
49%
</TD><TD id=oupct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>87%
13%
</TD><TD class=linebox style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #faf39e" width=60>40 -105
-5-102
</TD><TD class=open id=sb2_0 width=60>40.5o-110
-4-107
</TD><TD class=open id=sb9_0 width=60>41 -110
-4-110
</TD><TD class=open id=sb18_0 width=60>41 -110
-4-110
</TD><TD class=open id=sb13_0 width=60>41 -110
-4-110
</TD><TD class=open id=sb21_0 width=85>40.5o-113u+103
-4-110/+100
</TD><TD class=open id=sb12_0 width=60>

</TD><TD class=open id=sb20_0 width=60>

</TD><TD class=open id=sb6_0 width=60>41 -110
-4-110
</TD></TR><TR id=e152075 ondblclick=highlightRow(this) style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e2e2e2" onclick="testHit('e152075', event)"><TD id=info style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width=40>
</TD><TD id=score width=50>1/11
4:45P
</TD><TD id=team width=135>307 San Diego Chargers
308 Pittsburgh Steelers
</TD><TD id=bets width=45>3936
</TD><TD id=spreadpct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>60%
40%
</TD><TD id=mlpct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>96%
4%
</TD><TD id=parlaypct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>47%
53%
</TD><TD id=oupct style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ccff66" width=40>54%
46%
</TD><TD class=linebox style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #faf39e" width=60>39.5u-112
-6.5+100
</TD><TD class=open id=sb2_0 width=60>38 -105
-6-109
</TD><TD class=open id=sb9_0 width=60>38 -110
-6-110
</TD><TD class=open id=sb18_0 width=60>38.5 -110
-6-110
</TD><TD class=open id=sb13_0 width=60>38.5 -110
-6-110
</TD><TD class=open id=sb21_0 width=85>39u-117o+100
-6-107/+102
</TD><TD class=open id=sb12_0 width=60>

</TD><TD class=open id=sb20_0 width=60>

</TD><TD class=open id=sb6_0 width=60>38 -110
-6-110
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Played the Over @ Tenny 34 and Over 47.5 -120@ Carolina already . Liked both alot at those numbers thought they were short and so far they have continued to ride up....To early to say if I stay with them but couldnt pass them up...

Carry on...:cheers:GL
 
GIANTS MUST FIX THESE PROBLEM AREAS




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NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The Giants were been burned by long touchdown runs, including this one by the Eagles' Brian Westbrook (above), and saw a decrease in sack production from Justin Tuck (inset) and Mathias Kiwanuka in the final month of the season.

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paulschwartz.jpg

Last updated: 3:33 am
January 4, 2009
Posted: 2:11 am
January 4, 2009

HEAL thyself.
That was the decree for the Giants this past week. They concluded their regular season with too many disturbing trends and lapses and breakdowns that, if not corrected, will severely compromise their chances of becoming the first Giants team to make it back to consecutive Super Bowls.
No, the sky isn't falling and the ship isn't sinking, but no one can consider the Giants to be soaring. They were 1-3 in their last four games and yes, they probably would have found a way to win the finale in Minnesota had they kept their starters on the field. To be fair, though, they needed a big comeback and a missed Carolina field goal and overtime to beat the Panthers for the only victory in the month of December.
The dominant juggernaut that steamrolled to an 11-1 record has left the building. Will it return in time for next Sunday's playoff date? Not unless these cracks in the foundation are sealed up:
The Dead Zone: The good news for the Giants is that no team in the league was more adept at driving the ball down the field; their 69 trips inside the opponents' 20-yard line was tops in the NFL. The bad news is they scored touchdowns just 35 times, a frequency of 50.7 percent that ranked 20th in the league. Settling for field goals is going to get the Giants beat.
Bum rush: Justin Tuck had 3½ sacks in the past eight games. Mathias Kiwanuka had 1½ sacks in the past six games. Did the two starting defensive ends wear down?
Last season, the Giants feasted with a three-man end rotation that kept everyone fresh, but finding the third option this year has been problematic. Was Steve Spagnuolo trying to experiment a bit in the last regular-season game in an attempt to shake up the sagging pass rush?
Vikings coach Brad Childress said the Giants brought pressure 80 percent of the time. He estimated 50 percent would be considered high based on previous Giants games. Spagnuolo may have to manufacture pressure with increased blitzes if he can't get it with his four-man defensive line.
Fix the kick: John Carney is 44 years old and earned his second career Pro Bowl selection. He has hit 35 of 38 field goals and been a model of dependability. But his kickoffs are lousy.
He can hit it in certain directions to help the coverage, but just doesn't have the leg strength any longer. Inside the perfect conditions of the Metrodome, Carney's five kickoffs, combined with sub-standard coverage, allowed the Vikings to start on average at the 38-yard line.
That's not acceptable and is a recipe for failure in the playoffs. It is time to find a way to activate Lawrence Tynes, who is no great weapon on kickoffs, but can get the ball in the vicinity of the goal line.
Theft alert: When safety James Butler against the Vikings swiped a Tarvaris Jackson pass in the end zone, it was the first and only interception for the Giants in the past four games. That's another sagging department. Cornerbacks Corey Webster and Aaron Ross have the hands to make a difference, but down the stretch, turnovers through the air have been scarce. A game-changing play wouldn't hurt.
Too easy to end zone: For 12 games, the Giants made it exceedingly difficult for opponents to get quick-strike points. In the past four games the Giants too often have rolled out a big blue carpet and escorted ball-carriers into the end zone. It started with Brian Westbrook (30-yard scoring run, 40-yard touchdown catch-and-run) and continued with Tashard Choice (38-yard TD run), DeAngelo Williams (30-yard TD run) and Adrian Peterson (67-yard TD run). Big plays mean big problems.
"Right now, this is the time in the season when all the little things show up," cautioned Antonio Pierce. "Right now, we are playing teams that will exploit that, and we need to make sure about all our little things and all those minor things, executing exactly what you are supposed to do."
If the Giants aren't careful, the little things will add up to bad things.
paul.schwartz@nypost.com
 
Early ATS interest : Steelers , Ravens , Cards and Giants (in that order of strength)

Totals interested in: Over Carolina , Over Balt , Under Pitt , Over Philly (in that order of strength)

-Pitt being home while SD has travel back to the EAST COAST and has done nothing but travel. Remember just went down to TB, then back to SD for 2 weeks now back East already playing Buffalo , Pitt , Miami , TB and in London . LT not looking good means smallish Sproles vs Pitt . The SD OL was terrible vs Indy in pass protection as the WR's were INVINSIBLE for SD on the stat sheet. Think the line was set at -6 to entice SD action as well ..

-Balt didnt even play well and won easily . They need to open up on the offense and stay away from thinking the defense will just shut everyone down . They blew leads at home to Tenny and Pitt because the offense sat on early leads . The playcalling was just to OBVIOUS today . Health of Tenny defense ? Really short number when we see that Tenny was -3 @ Balt was hoping for at least -4...Huge payback from that 1st meeting though and hoping the public stance is Balt was unimpressive @ Miami because IMO they didnt even really try to maximize the offensive opportunities ..

-Cards line is CRAZY HIGH . Carolina's defense is not that good vs the pass . I already mentioned how ZOna went down to Carolina and outplayed them choking away a win and losing by 4 as 5 pt dogs ....the Card defense looks worrisome in the pass cause remember WHite dropped that easy TDand Boldin looks questionable at best ...Can they figure out they must keep Edge involved for 4 quarters with Hightower ?? One concern is where they got this number from but happens often in Round 2 from what I recall ...The Panthers had some injured DTs and blew big leads in the PAST 2 weeks dont forget ..

-On the fence with NYG and Philly but for the sake of leaning something like NYG . Jus tough to win twice @ NYG who they caught at a great time . Unimpressed by the Eagle offense and the scored 1 TD on offense ...this will be a war so all hands on deck...either Philly ML or NYG -4 ...

:cheers:Quick early thoughts
 
Great stuff here Nut.

Frankly, the only side I disagree with thus far is Pitt.

San Diego already showed earlier this season they could roll into Pitt and go toe to toe with the Steelers. I know the box-score tells a different story, but considering that SD is quite possibly the hottest team in the playoffs, it's not a stretch to say that their defense could play much better this time around.

IMO, considering Big Ben's concussion, it's quite a risk taking the Steelers laying nearly a TD. Recent history shows that following a concussion, Ben often has terrible games.

Both O-Lines have been struggling in just about every phase.

I just think this game could very well mirror their last meeting, resulting in a low scoring clash, with either team winning it on a last minute field goal.
 
^^^ Great points about Big Ben and his play after suffering from head injuries.

I do wonder how well Sproles will do against the Pitt defense, if you have SD you would think you rather have a healthy LT for this game. Last weekend it did not matter as Indy's rushing defense sucked all year anyway. This week though I think it will be a different story.
 
no RB is gonna run on Pitt. but sproles will be especially bad. he won't last the game if they try to do what they did with him vs the soft Colts. He will be so beat up.
 
All the lines look soft except the Ten-Balt game. It looks like to be right on.
According to the lines makers , the extra week off for teams having a bye is not included in the equation of the boosting the spread which it normally is.
Last year,s 2nd round of the playoff look like this.

New Eng -13.5 on Jax. At that time NE wasn,t covering much and missed Ats 5 of their last 6. Final 31-20
Indy -11 on SD. Super inflated for sure considering how Sd matches up well with Indy. Final SD 28-24
Dal -7 over NYG . It seemed appropiate but this game reminds me of NYG -Phil this year but NYG are only 4 favorite. Final NYG 21-17 Dal.
G.Bay -8 on Seattle. It seem appropiate but this game looks like the Arizona game this year with Arz being a bad road team and don,t travel well. Final GB-42-20 Sea.

Last year the teams receiving byes were all a td favorite or higher. This year only Car. is favorite more than a td. In my opinion the line maker didn,t not included a tax line in their opening lines for teams who are resting.

Nyg-4 , this line shows no respect for the world champs NYG when Philly can,t run the ball at all and NYG will turn this offense one dimensional. A very soft line here with the bye week and you get world champs only laying 4 at home. Phil isn,t facing Tavaris Jackson this week, the line should of came in at 7.5.

Pit -6 , this line seems light too. Pitt resting at home with their NO.1 rated defence in bad weather conditions. Chargers are banged up and have to travel to the east and play in harsh weather conditions. The line should of came in Pit-9 . Forget what happen in their previous meeting . Pit had 13 penalties to Pitts 1. Pit still outgained them yardage wise and the ref screwed the end of the game by not giving Pit that defensive Td which they deserved.The high rollers will all be on Pit-6 and will be teased from here to china.

Car-10 . How many times have we seen Arz implode on the road this year. Yes, Arz played them tough earlier this year but can this team be taken seriously on the road with road history. The line should of come in Carl -13. The high rollers will be on Car-10 and teased down.

Ten-3 . Even though the Titans get their defensive stars back and resting. Baltimore put a dominating game against the Dolphins who up until yesterday didn,t turn the ball over much. K. Collins could be a sitting duck like Pennington was yesterday but at least the Titans have a good run game to take heat off Collins. The line is right on. Balt defence can win the game for them.

There is only one doggie with small value this weekend. Balt+3. Looks like the favorite rule this weekend.
 
Spartan said:
Nyg-4 , this line shows no respect for the world champs NYG when Philly can,t run the ball at all and NYG will turn this offense one dimensional. A very soft line here with the bye week and you get world champs only laying 4 at home. Phil isn,t facing Tavaris Jackson this week, the line should of came in at 7.5.
Click to expand...

7.5? More like it shoulda came in around 13.5. The Eagles have no chance against the World Champs. They cant run against the World Champs. They cant stop the World Champs from running the ball. Especially in the World Champs' house. No chance whatsoever of that happening...

:shake:
 
smoke - Dec. 7th the Giants were in a bit of a different situation, but if you think they are in the same state then as they are now...i disagree


i think pitt might pummel SD - i wish the line was a bit lower, I did tease Pitt + Carolina already - think i'll tease Pitt w/ the Carolina total too
 
I kind of think Pitt might just kick the s**t out of SD, too. Though I want to know Big Ben has the cobwebs out of his head first.

SN, I don't know the answer to this per se, but I think if you go look at how Kurt Warner does in cold weather you're not going to be happy with the results.

I think two games this weekend are impacted by the kickoff time more than any other.

I think the Eagles benefit from their game being the early game on Sunday thus not disturbing their weekly routine at all and keeping them out of a darker, colder Meadowlands. And I think Arizona gets hurt by the start time in Carolina.

Yeah, it might have been bad if they were the early game on Sunday, thus starting in the morning for them. But I think this is worse. It'll be colder and worse than it would be in the daytime. I think this really hurts AZ.
 
Thanks aztec. Playing on Pitt here more of a play against SD and on the Pitt defense . They played fairly well on offense the last game( Int in the red zone , missed FG and settled for a FGinside the 10 so left 10 or so points off the board) but still managed just 10 points. Here is my issue with SD and its related to the offense the likely loss of LT means you have a very small Sproles trying to finding holes vs Pitt. COuld happen but the defense will punish him every chance they get . I love watching that guy play but there is a reason he was a stud in college and afterthought in the NFL( 5'6 180lbs). So LT wasnt doing much the 1st meeting 18c57 yds and just to illustrate how good the Pitt defense is teams ran the ball 18 more times vs the SD defense BUT they allowed 357 yds then Pitt. The great thing I will say about the Steelers is they had a few easy games but they played a very TOUGH schedule and probably the toughest one this season maybe in recent seasons. Especially at home which shows even more consistency from the defense because the yards allowed is identical 236 at home and 238 away .

Pitt at Home : Houston , Balt (raw Joe Flacco) , Giants , Indy , SD, Cincy , Dallas , Cle.
- Thats 5 tough teams/ games , 4 made the playoffs and the other choked , thre of the teams still playing . Now you look at the games all close all decided late and w/o checking I dont think Big Ben or the offense played well in any of them except the SD game . By well its more like they terrible .
Pitt on the road: Cle , Philly , Jax , Cincy , Wash , NE , Balt , Tenny
- Thats 4 very tough games @ Philly , @ NE , @ Balt and @ Tenny plus when they met @ Cle , @ JAx and @ Wash were not considered easy games . So they had 1 easy road game @ CIncy meaning they played 4 easy games all season . The 1st and last games of the year at home and the 2 cincy matchups but even the 2nd Cincy game came with a twist because it was on 3 days rest . Again with Pitt and the offense same deal they didnt play well @ Philly , they were medicore in the NE game , didnt do much @ Balt until the 4th Quarter , and Tenny were medicore but injured starters missing for Tenny . Mix in a poor performance against a good Wash defense and even @ CLE whose defense was slightly above NFL avergae IMO .

I think that brutal schedule plays as a huge positive for this team.

Now SD is another team who rallied to get in the playoffs . At some point this has to come at a cost with the travel schedule they had is got to be a huge negative against them. From October to Thanksgiving this team was on a plane . Thats why level playing field or NCAAF football Championshow can you weigh such an unbalanced sport fairly ? 10/5 they play @ Miami , come home host NE on SNF , then play @ Buffalo , then @ London vs NO get the week off , host KC then @ Pitt on the 16th of Nov? Is that fair 3 trips EAST (one a double trip Buffalo then London) in 6 weeks ! They had it okay most of the time after that playing 5 of 7 with this COlts game at home but still @ KC in middle America then the week after out East again in TB ! Now we go back East again !!

To me with the injuries to LT , the fight just to get in , and the travel schedule having to play in cold Pitt is just a tremendous task. Indy is a solid defense when healthy but its a quick defense not a punishing defense .

Now the other SD offensive issue is the OL in pass protection . Rivers had no time especially in the 2nd Half . The WRs were a non factor as their main weapon Vincent Jackson was shutout . Which him catching the deep ball is a huge part of their offense and usually the effective run game opens that . It didnt vs Indy because the protection was terrible. Chambers had 4r 57yds and thats it the rest went to Gates who had a big 1st Half(5 r 57yds only 3 r 30yds after and that was late 4thQ / oT) ) and then RBs. I think RBs had 7 catches for 58 yds with Sproles having 5 . They dont hve Floyd so Nanee is the 3rd WR and caught 1 ball for 15 yds and I know SD likes him but this is the playoffs and he is unproven still. SO desperate on offense they are using Michael Bennett who just signed as is a decent weapon . Still going to war with Bennett as your #2 RB and Nanee as your # 3 WR , possibly Sproles as your featured back and LT out , With Gates hopefully 100% just seems like alot less explosive then what it appears ...

Point is if Sproles is unable to run and lets not forget he had a crucial fumble at the Indy 1 and then OL cant pass protect where is the offense coming from ?? They faught to get in scoring position vs indy and that was home vs a smallish defense.

While SD is hot just how hot ? Big deal they smoked OAK they literally own the Raiders , @ KC they win 22-21 after tariling 21-3 mid 3rd quarter and they didnt run the ball and that hindered the passing game until the last 20-25 minutes when KC imploded vs another playoff contender( think SD , Miami , TB at home @ SD , @ NYJ , etc) . Then KC's terrible pass defense couldnt stop RIvers who also had Floyd that game as an option (5r 67yds TD). Not really impressive . They went toe to toe with TB and pulled away 14-0 in the 4th quarter . I mean how bad was TB defense last month or so ? Some said as soon as Kiffin was gone so was the defense but the defense kept them in it to that point and its not really that young or talented . Probably fatigue and injuries as the DL was seriously thin at the end. They host DEN who had also battled numerous injuries and lost the big game the week earlier and smoked their terrible defense who cant stop the run which neither could TB late and that opens up the SD passing game . Indy they had 3 TDs = 44, yd drive , 45 yd drive , and the OT TD ... their 2 best drives were the Sproles fumble and OT drive which was penalty aided by a tired Colts defense and tight officiating crew.

The WIN streak doesnt scream impressively it screams timely to me and what better matchup for them then INDY who they always play well . WHo they already lost to 23-20 at home despite outplaying them ?

Now the chips are stacked against them going to Pitt in 30 degree weather ...the one bonus they got was Big Ben's concussion but I would guess if he isnt okay Leftwich could step in. Leftwich has looked good in that offense when given some time. Do I want to have to see that ? Hell no but its at least somone who has shown he could move the offense. In the 1st meeting Willie Parker had 115 yds rushing as well . SD themselves has just 82yds per game at 3.8 YPC on the road and lived off the pass 250yds per . Only 22 pts @ KC , 10 @ Miami and @ Pitt due partially to missed opps include 14 @ Buffalo in that , and while they also had 28 @ Oak to be fair 25 came in the 4th Quarter. Three roads win ? Win the 4th Q at TB 21-0 (win by 14) , win @ Oak the 4th Q was 25-3 (win by 10) and win @ KC by 1 the 4th Q 12-0 and score last 19 pts of the game.....reg season SD was 0-5 vs teams who made the playoffs and Indy was the 1st win vs a playoff team and lucky for them came in the playoffs.. otherwise reg season SD had 4 wins vs OAK AND KC and won 3 of those in the 4th Quarter..they beat Denver at home so 5-1 in the division which left their other 3 wins @ TB who just limped to the finished line after losing Graham , watching the defensive line get banged up 1 by 1 and then Garcia got hurt as the icing in the cake , they beat the Jets soundly at home who didnt look good in any West Coast game and they did beat them soundly to their credit amd they beat NE in a game that wasnt as bad as the score indicates and a tough spot for the transitioning Pats at the time....

So once the Big Ben situation becomes clearer I will playing Pitt and probably would do so if for some reason Leftwich started .

It sounds odd but dont see SD cracking 14 pts . I am sure that will have a few chances to score but will have missed opps keeping the number low . If the offense struggles then after the effort of the defense last week (which was great but Addai and the OL struggled to run all season and made Indy one dimensonal) fatigue will be a factor in the 2nd H for them.....so hard for me to believe Pitt wont score at least 20 here.. Sd gave up a bullshit TD to Wayne but the defense also avoid trouble holding Indy to 2 punts and a TOD around the SD 40 any sort of 3rd conversion and COlts were in FG range at least 3 more times ..

Right now Pitt is my clearest side ...:shake:

Also I tend to think teams who have rematches wont have the favs win and not cover in both meerings with low spreads (TD or less) . So either SD wins or Pitt covers dont think we see a Loss and ATS WIN here ...Also if SD is a PK at home vs Indy then wouldnt they be a TD dog or so (+6 to +7)at Indy ? So make sense IMO Pitt is near a TD ..
 
Deuces and Tide ...(now more sensational sounding then it is but Sproles being tired playing a defense built on speed is not a good sign . He did have a big workload but you can already see how much SD is relying on him even if just subconsciously)

Hurting at running back, Chargers prepare to pay Steelers a visit

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO -- With LaDainian Tomlinson perhaps hurt worse than the team is letting on, and Darren Sproles sore from all the running he did in a thrilling wild-card victory, the San Diego Chargers turned their thoughts toward the weather and the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense.
The Chargers finally jumped above .500 and earned a rematch against the Steelers by outlasting Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts 23-17 in overtime Saturday night.
They anticipate a cold, hard-hitting divisional-round game Sunday at Pittsburgh.
<TABLE width=260 align=right><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>
Related:
» Chargers edge Colts in overtime
» These great plays are worth another look
» Manning's MVP-season comes up short

Video:
» Colts-Chargers highlights
» Dissecting Chargers' win
» Sproles steps in for Tomlinson
» Rivers doesn't miss a beat
» Manning plays well in defeat </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"That'll be a factor in how you play the game, and when you get in those games, obviously running the ball and playing defense are critical," San Diego coach Norv Turner said Sunday.
It will be a rematch of a Steelers win at home Nov. 16. Not only was it the first 11-10 score in NFL history, but it was the first of three straight losses that appeared to all but doom the Chargers.
"We did a great job defensively back there," said Turner, whose team got into the playoffs after winning the AFC West with an 8-8 record. "We gave up a lot of yards, but we had a great goal-line stand and we held them out. We had some missed opportunities on offense.
"As I said before the Indianapolis game, I believe we're a lot better team now than we were six weeks ago or eight weeks ago. So that's going to be a part of it. You're in the playoffs, and you're playing a team that's got home-field advantage and is an outstanding team. We're going to have to be at our best."
The Chargers held the Steelers without a touchdown that day, although the officials errantly took away a last-second touchdown by safety Troy Polamalu.
The Chargers fell to 0-13 in regular-season games in Pittsburgh. However, they have won twice there in the playoffs, in a wild-card game in January 1983 and a shocking upset in the AFC championship game in January 1995, resulting in the only Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
Sproles had 328 all-purpose yards against the Colts, including the winning 22-yard touchdown run in overtime.
"We've got him packed in ice back in the training room right now," Turner said jokingly. "We'll let him out on Friday.
"He was absolutely exhausted," Turner added. "If we gave him the ball one more time, he would have done anything he could to get in the end zone. He's an unbelievable guy, and we'll get him a lot of rest this week."
Tomlinson, meanwhile, didn't play after scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. He looked uncomfortable standing on the sideline, appearing to have a hard time standing straight up.
Asked about his short-term health, Tomlinson said: "I'm worried about my health. I'm very concerned."
The Chargers continue to say Tomlinson has a strained groin. Reports surfaced Saturday that Tomlinson has a detached tendon.
<TABLE width=225 align=right><TBODY><TR><TD>


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"It's a strained groin. That's what our medical report is," Turner said.
"I don't think it's any worse, but it isn't any better," Turner added. "They said he was pretty sore around that area, probably from compensating for the injury. It was obvious once he got going, to him and to us, that he would not be able to play the way he'd like to. At halftime, they worked on him, tried to get him to where he could go in the second half. But it just wasn't going to happen."
A glum Tomlinson didn't clarify the nature of his injury after the win over the Colts.
"It's a medical issue," he said. "That's all I'll say about it. I'm not a doctor, and I'm not going to stand up here and act like one."
Asked if he was advised to have surgery, he said: "I can't answer that."
Is it realistic to think Tomlinson will get better in a week?
"To be honest with you, I don't know," Turner said. "That sounds like the questions I was asking about two hours ago, you know, how much better can he get? Is time the factor? If he didn't play this week, would it be better if we were fortunate enough to win, would it be better in two weeks, where it would give him a realistic chance to be at his best?
"It's not fair to him," Turner added. "He wanted to go. Anyone that questions his mental toughness, his physical toughness, his competitiveness from a year ago, he's one of the great competitors I've been around. We've got to make the right decision, and I think L.T. wants to make the right decision, too, so that's why we'll evaluate as the week goes on."
Tomlinson missed most of last season's AFC Championship Game with a sprained ligament in his left knee and stood on the sidelines huddled in a parka, wearing his helmet with a tinted visor. Some people criticized Tomlinson's toughness then, but the Chargers themselves had provided an optimistic update on his injury, announcing in the press box that the running back had a "sore knee" and that he "can return."
Afterward, Tomlinson said: "It's obvious that I couldn't play. If I could have played, I would have been in there."
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith didn't return calls seeking comment on Tomlinson's injury.
Turner said the Chargers would get [URL="http://www.nfl.com/players/michaelbennett/profile?id=BEN384766"]Michael Bennett[/URL] ready to play more. He was signed in November.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
 
Spartan - some very valid points . What I think the difference is that there was no real TOP SEEDS this year . Tenny had the undefeated streak but lost 3 x late in the season and come in with 2 key defensive players hurting . Really on a neutral field I think Balt is the better team but with them the offense has not produced against tough defenses . Plus Joe Flacco the unknown , out of nowhere rookie is the QB .

I think the Giants and Eagles is correct would have expecte -4.5 or - which seems like it was at -5 shortly . Plax was the star in the playoffs last year with him I would say -6 but dont think you can go much higher the difference is minor bewteen these teams showing up in who executes better . You basically have equals at every spot and probably give Philly defense the upper hand although NYG has shown well ..EIther McNabb or Eli could be better that day without it being a suprise , NYG better at RB while Philly deeper at WR w/o Plax ...

I think the Zona number is to high just uncertain why that is . If you want to chose a game it reminds me of last season its the Bears / Seattle game. Carolina's defense is just not that good . The played 1 good game probably the entire 2nd H and that was more the 2nd H vs Denver . Which I guess is a weaker version of Arizona's offense. Is the big DT gonna play ?? Car allowed 2 huge comebacks the pst 2 weeks losing 1 nearly losing the other . They allowed @ NO 31 , @ NYG 34 , Den 10 , 23 to TB who Bryant just feasted on that secondary , @ GB 31 , @ ATL 45 , Det 22 , @ Oak 6 since the BYE and Zona 23 was the week before ...granted the big numbers are away but TB and Det 23 and 22 are not exactly good offenses ...Zona has looked weak on the road at 3-5 winning just the divsional games but they also played all Eastern games as well @ NE was snow and they were in a funk , @ Philly they had a short week , last game on Turkey Day , and were off a tough home loss to a physical Giants team ( teams play poorly the week after NY usually) and they didnt sound like they wanted to be their , they also played w/o Boldin a bunch of games , the other 3 losses @ NYJ a terrible 2nd Q did them in but they rallied , then @ Car and @ Wash again early starts but they were the better team both games but turnovers lost them ...they could have easily been 5-3 on the road....

Boldin a huge factor and I could see -6 to -7.5 but 9.5 now -10 feel like I am missing something ..only times away they were more then +3 was +5 @ Carlona and +9 @ NE who finished on a roll ...super hot team vs cold team in weather conditions they mostly had never seen..(loaded with Florida , Miami , FSU , some more ACC guys ..)

I clearly think there is value in Pitt ...

The difference with last year is the teams hosting all have blemishes or issues ...
NYG minus Plax takes away from their value , Carolina sort of snuck up late into a BYE spot and they are a tad under the radar but again health issues at DT , Tenny as I mentioned health of the Defensive stars and lackluster offense , Pitt has a tough schedule and some losses with no fancy wins so they dont look as good because not to many easy games where they could just steamroll the opponent and SD has star names ....

Last year we had NE at 16-0 with all their lines getting jacked up by then and the Jags number seemed kida low if anything ...
Indy was 13-3 has the obvious star power recognition , off a SB win , played in a division which had an 11 game and 10 game wildcard winner vs SD who just like this year was in a soft division and at 11-5 werent remarkable( Den 7-9 and KC and Oak 4 wins each think Houston the other team in Colts divison was 8-8 ). Plus SD was not healthy coming in I believe

Same deal in the NFC . GB and Dallas were 13-3 . The Cowboys were the NFC favs and NYG think had lost twice to them and didnt appear to match up well as their pass defense had struggled ...not the same gap bewteen Philly and NYG this season IMO ..Seattle last year still wasnt very good and would think this Zona team is better much more explosive on offense while not sure CAR is as good as the GB team in 07 ..

I think the BIG KEY though is look at the 4 QB's who hosted the games:
Brady , Peyton Manning , Favre and Romo ...superstar power
vs
Collins , Big Ben , Delhomme and Eli Manning ...besides Collins more star level recognition regardless of wjo is better the names dont carry the same weight ..

I do agree though that HOME FIELD is of great importance here ..:shake:





 
Tito said:
smoke - Dec. 7th the Giants were in a bit of a different situation, but if you think they are in the same state then as they are now...i disagree
Click to expand...

I musta missed where they signed a wide receiver since December 7th...

Fact is, without Burress, the Eagles defense matches up very well with the Giants offense...look at what they did to the best running back in football...you take away the TD run and he had 43 yards on 19 carries...

None of the giants receivers scare anyone and the birds have the secondary to man up those guys with ease and focus on shutting down the run...

Theyre gonna dare Eli to beat them with subpar receivers on a cold windy day...Ill take my chances with that

Now, that being said, if the Eagles play like they did yesterday, theyll lose...but since they have a tendancy to look nothing like they looked the previous week, theyre sure to come out blazing against the Giants

You know the Giants arent happy with this matchup...they didnt want to see anyone from the NFC East...no one from the NFC East is intimidated by them whatsoever
 
Joe Public said:
I kind of think Pitt might just kick the s**t out of SD, too. Though I want to know Big Ben has the cobwebs out of his head first.

SN, I don't know the answer to this per se, but I think if you go look at how Kurt Warner does in cold weather you're not going to be happy with the results.

I think two games this weekend are impacted by the kickoff time more than any other.

I think the Eagles benefit from their game being the early game on Sunday thus not disturbing their weekly routine at all and keeping them out of a darker, colder Meadowlands. And I think Arizona gets hurt by the start time in Carolina.

Yeah, it might have been bad if they were the early game on Sunday, thus starting in the morning for them. But I think this is worse. It'll be colder and worse than it would be in the daytime. I think this really hurts AZ.
Click to expand...

Think its hard to say the results have to carry weight but Warner wasnt a warm weather QB coming into the League . His NFL career is for an indoor team built on playing on the turf so any grass game for those Rams wasa dropoff and they were also sort of a gimmick offense . They didnt win because they had a defense but because they could score and score often . Which you watered down their offense their biggest strength just by putting them on grass . So any outdoor game was not going to be STL best and most cold weather teams are the big city teams known for defense ...

Then he goes to Arizona and the 100 degree weather and those players in general know nothing about the cold. Also again its a team built on offense and well the cold impacts the offense . So think its true the weather will impact them but more because of how Warner teams are built then his ability ...

By the way didnt check the weather other clicking on the matchups page which should Friday at 56 low of 35 and sunny ..?? Sat Nite havent looked but straight 50s all week doesnt seem to cold ..

I peaked at Warners cold stats they are bad . Problem I have its just 4 games .
The game @ NE is not comparable to just being cold so that gets thrown out the window for me , another gane was back in 2002 when the Rams were falling apart , one was @ Seattle in 07 , the other a game in 2000 @ Carolina in week 14 but he had not played in 5 weeks and the game before his absence he didnt play well ...

2008 @ NE - wintry mix and team playing poorly
2007 @ SEA - He said just some ill advised throws trying to get his team back in it . Only 1 INT on the openning possession and essentially 4 in the last quarter . Then 2nd one came down 27-14 I believe after Zona had scored , went for an onside kick and recovered it ...so 5 INTS are ugly but cant say it was the weather ..his oL allowed 5 sacks as well..
2002 - forgotten season think it was @ Philly , sacked 8 times , Kalu said the secondary blanketed all the STL WR;s and Warner fell to 0-6 as a starter that season (finished 3TDs to 11 Ints)
2000- Week 14 @ Carolina after missing 5 games ..

More worried about the rest of Arizona and the team then I am Warner ...:shake:








 
Smokedawg said:
I musta missed where they signed a wide receiver since December 7th...

Fact is, without Burress, the Eagles defense matches up very well with the Giants offense...look at what they did to the best running back in football...you take away the TD run and he had 43 yards on 19 carries...

None of the giants receivers scare anyone and the birds have the secondary to man up those guys with ease and focus on shutting down the run...

Theyre gonna dare Eli to beat them with subpar receivers on a cold windy day...Ill take my chances with that

Now, that being said, if the Eagles play like they did yesterday, theyll lose...but since they have a tendancy to look nothing like they looked the previous week, theyre sure to come out blazing against the Giants

You know the Giants arent happy with this matchup...they didnt want to see anyone from the NFC East...no one from the NFC East is intimidated by them whatsoever
Click to expand...

Damn Smoke once a homer , always a homer !! LOL . Great analysis to be honest , spot on . The Giants WRs dont scare anyone nor are they consistent , the key is containing the running game(which is easier said then done ) , and while its not ELI the last couple games in high winds at home the Giants WRs have been terrible ..wasnt it Hixon who dropped the easy TD this year vs Philly at home and last year think it was maybe Toomer vs Wash but Eli's numbers were horrible but the WRs had so many drops ..it may have been 2 years ago..know it Wash want to say Tim Hasselback beat them as well ...

Like you said Philly needs to show much better then yesterday . I do agree with Tito though that the writing was kinda on the wall that NYG was going to lose or at least struggle badly in that game at the Meadowlands ...

Fair points though on both sides but the key is basically what Smoke said IMO:shake:
 
You thought I was gonna come in here and say the Giants are gonna win???

Come on now...we could be playing the combined all star team of the 70's Steelers, 80's 49ers, 90's Cowboys and 00's Patriots (with their video crew) on the road with Tim Donaghy and Earl Hebner officiating with David Stern and Vince McMahon looking down from the owner's box and Id still think we had a chance!!
 
Well, if I remember correctly, we Eagle folk tried to tell every single one of you that the Birds were the play in that last matchup. The line was inflated and Burress was out. It was a lovely day.

This game is almost certainly going to be decided where almost every Giants/Eagles game is, in the trenches. If the Giants can control that front and run the ball, we're done. Because as Smoke says, without Plex, it will be about controlling the run and playing man on the outside.

I'm assuming Boss is healthy? If so, look for him to have a decent day.

On the other side of the ball, again, it's the line. Can this O-line give Donovan time. If so, as Smoke and others have said, the Eagles do not fear this team at all. I actually think Donovan was going to be more scared last week because of Childress' familiarity with him and how loud that damn dome can be.

The Meadowlands at 1:00 on a Sunday? Donovan's been through that close to a dozen times in his career by now.
 
Oh, and in the other game, I may put $5 on that prop bet that has Kurt Warner getting prison raped at the 50 yardline before the end of the first half.

Long odds, but I think it just might happen.
 
its very simple for the PITTS/SD game .. which ever team has the best pass rush at the QB will win this game.. If PITT does better they will force the turnovers and if SD can get at BEN we all know what will happen. he'll hold onto the football too long, get his head ripped off and probably turn it over..

ITs just a matter of which team you think will accomplish this on sunday.. i sure hope its PITT
 
Smokedawg said:
You thought I was gonna come in here and say the Giants are gonna win???

Come on now...we could be playing the combined all star team of the 70's Steelers, 80's 49ers, 90's Cowboys and 00's Patriots (with their video crew) on the road with Tim Donaghy and Earl Hebner officiating with David Stern and Vince McMahon looking down from the owner's box and Id still think we had a chance!!
Click to expand...

:36_11_6::cheers:..An Earl Hebner and the Evil Twin reference ...mix in Dangerous Danny Davis ...
 
Joe Public said:
Well, if I remember correctly, we Eagle folk tried to tell every single one of you that the Birds were the play in that last matchup. The line was inflated and Burress was out. It was a lovely day.

This game is almost certainly going to be decided where almost every Giants/Eagles game is, in the trenches. If the Giants can control that front and run the ball, we're done. Because as Smoke says, without Plex, it will be about controlling the run and playing man on the outside.

I'm assuming Boss is healthy? If so, look for him to have a decent day.

On the other side of the ball, again, it's the line. Can this O-line give Donovan time. If so, as Smoke and others have said, the Eagles do not fear this team at all. I actually think Donovan was going to be more scared last week because of Childress' familiarity with him and how loud that damn dome can be.

The Meadowlands at 1:00 on a Sunday? Donovan's been through that close to a dozen times in his career by now.
Click to expand...

Even I had no doubt that a TD was a ridiculous number in that game the Eagles did me well that day:shake:

I still dont like the Eagle offense on the road but as I said I dont really see much if anything seperating these teams at the moment ..the one aspect is dont sell the Giants short they manner they played at the Dome in a meaningless game for them speaks volumes IMO...

Hardest game of the week IMO ..really dont think any of these teams fear anyone..again who executes better wins ..Philly made critcial plays yesterday and won ..
 
barmeezee said:
its very simple for the PITTS/SD game .. which ever team has the best pass rush at the QB will win this game.. If PITT does better they will force the turnovers and if SD can get at BEN we all know what will happen. he'll hold onto the football too long, get his head ripped off and probably turn it over..

ITs just a matter of which team you think will accomplish this on sunday.. i sure hope its PITT
Click to expand...

Good point . Since SD couldnt pass protect at home , when they ran the ball , vs a small ,quick defense then why @ Pitt ? The one good thing I can lean on is Pitt ran and threw the ball well in the game vs SD which they didnt do in any or most of the other games on their schedule not labeled Cincy , Houston or Cle ...

SD hasnt done it all year why now ? Three road wins all season and all due o HUGE 4th Q comebacks ..Oak 25-3 , TB 21-0 , and KC 12-0 (19-0 last 25 minutes)..that aint happening in Pitsburgh ....

:shake:
 
barmeezee said:
its very simple for the PITTS/SD game .. which ever team has the best pass rush at the QB will win this game.. If PITT does better they will force the turnovers and if SD can get at BEN we all know what will happen. he'll hold onto the football too long, get his head ripped off and probably turn it over..

ITs just a matter of which team you think will accomplish this on sunday.. i sure hope its PITT
Click to expand...

I completely agree.

Both running games should be ineffective. It will come down to turnovers. Frankly, I have no confidence in either QB. Rivers has been making questionable throws the 2nd Half of the season, and we have no idea how Rothlisberger will perform after the concusion.

With Sproles returning kicks, I give a slight edge in Special Teams to SD, especially with Scifres pinning opponents deep, punt after punt. That guy is simply amazing. Special teams + turnovers could very well be the determining factor.

I'm leaning to SD +6, a team that's unquestionably peaking right now.
 
Smokedawg said:
I musta missed where they signed a wide receiver since December 7th...

Fact is, without Burress, the Eagles defense matches up very well with the Giants offense...look at what they did to the best running back in football...you take away the TD run and he had 43 yards on 19 carries...

None of the giants receivers scare anyone and the birds have the secondary to man up those guys with ease and focus on shutting down the run...

Theyre gonna dare Eli to beat them with subpar receivers on a cold windy day...Ill take my chances with that

Now, that being said, if the Eagles play like they did yesterday, theyll lose...but since they have a tendancy to look nothing like they looked the previous week, theyre sure to come out blazing against the Giants

You know the Giants arent happy with this matchup...they didnt want to see anyone from the NFC East...no one from the NFC East is intimidated by them whatsoever
Click to expand...


i'm just going to ignore your wise-ass opener of a line...i should've elaborated as to what i meant by the Giants being in a different state - they were in complete let down mode with all that was swirling around them, you guys were desperate for a win, Jacobs played half the game as he left in the 3rd with the knee, Pierce, the defensive QB was ABSOLUTELY not in the game (mentally). Jacobs/Pierce will be in a different state, the entire team has been able to rest and get much needed mending to some injuries to key guys. I keep hearing about Dec 7th from Philly fans...i don't know if it's that simple -
but,
I do absolutely agree with you about Plax, he is a way bigger hit than the media and a lot of fans thought. The other WR's performances were a result of Plax, he performed - people loved to harp on his issues, but he was a great player for us. I am worried, b/c the Giants are a lot easier to defend, but Jacobs will be the difference, I think. He will pound the shit out of everybody. I don't think the Eagles will want to be playing Brandon Jacobs come the 4th Q either.

I think it could be a close game, the Giants WR's don't strike fear, but I'm not impressed with the Eagles offense on the road either. I think the Under could be a good play here.
 
Spartan, I agree with everything you said, and I think all 4 home teams move on, and at worst 3 of the 4 cover. I'll be on every favorite this weekend.
 
Aztec4Life said:
Great stuff here Nut.

Frankly, the only side I disagree with thus far is Pitt.

San Diego already showed earlier this season they could roll into Pitt and go toe to toe with the Steelers. I know the box-score tells a different story, but considering that SD is quite possibly the hottest team in the playoffs, it's not a stretch to say that their defense could play much better this time around.

IMO, considering Big Ben's concussion, it's quite a risk taking the Steelers laying nearly a TD. Recent history shows that following a concussion, Ben often has terrible games.

Both O-Lines have been struggling in just about every phase.

I just think this game could very well mirror their last meeting, resulting in a low scoring clash, with either team winning it on a last minute field goal.
Click to expand...

The Steelers clearly outplayed the Chargers in that game. 432 yards of offense to 223 yards or something like that. 3 turnovers for Chargers, 0 for Steelers. Similar numbers to that and Steelers will win by 10 at least.
 
And as good as Sproles played against the Colts he averaged 4.6 yards/carry on Indy without their leading tackler. That will come to half in Pittsburgh, more like 2.3 yards/carry.
 
Ale10 said:
The Steelers clearly outplayed the Chargers in that game. 432 yards of offense to 223 yards or something like that. 3 turnovers for Chargers, 0 for Steelers. Similar numbers to that and Steelers will win by 10 at least.
Click to expand...

I already acknowledged the box-score was lopsided.

Still, the outcome was close on the scoreboard. And, SD is peaking right now.
 
Sproles runs a lot like Choice and CJ. Both of them did alright vs Pitt. Dunno how you can count this kid out. Speed kills.
 
Tito said:
but Jacobs will be the difference, I think. He will pound the shit out of everybody. I don't think the Eagles will want to be playing Brandon Jacobs come the 4th Q either.
Click to expand...

This is why its paramount for the Birds to get up on them and score touchdowns when they get in the redzone early. By saying they need to play better than they played against the vikings im talking about two principal areas:

  1. O Line needs to block better
  2. Have to score TDs and not settle for FGs in the redzone
I think number one has to happen for number two to happen...but if they can get up on them, they dont have to worry about Jacobs in the fourth quarter

Im in no way saying this is a slam dunk for the Birds...but I like their chances without burress (the defense has been on lockdown since the balty game...jim johnson, whos not one to exaggerate much said this is the most confident hes felt about any defense hes had going into a playoffs) and im pretty damn sure the giants are less enthusiastic about playing us than we are about playing them...
 
brewer said:
Sproles runs a lot like Choice and CJ. Both of them did alright vs Pitt. Dunno how you can count this kid out. Speed kills.
Click to expand...

CJ had like 70 yards on 16 carries. He has a better o-line and he had another rb to rotate with. Sproles will have Bennett and his 3 rushes. Other than that it will be on him. And he was gased at the end of the Indy game...
 
Ale10 said:
CJ had like 70 yards on 16 carries. He has a better o-line and he had another rb to rotate with. Sproles will have Bennett and his 3 rushes. Other than that it will be on him. And he was gased at the end of the Indy game...
Click to expand...

Yeah...he was gassed, and he still outran the Indy defense for a 25 yard TD to win the game.

If that's his version of being gassed, I'll take it.
 
Aztec4Life said:
Yeah...he was gassed, and he still outran the Indy defense for a 25 yard TD to win the game.

If that's his version of being gassed, I'll take it.
Click to expand...

Lot of people in the nfl can outrun the Colts defense. Especially because they were still shocked after the flags on them. In Pittsburgh he will be gassed in a lot sooner. And if the Chargers will get into 3rd and long situations, well... look out for some sacks/forced fumbles.
 
Ale10 said:
Lot of people in the nfl can outrun the Colts defense. Especially because they were still shocked after the flags on them. In Pittsburgh he will be gassed in a lot sooner. And if the Pittsburgh will get into 3rd and long situations, well... look out for some sacks/forced fumbles.
Click to expand...

Fixed it for ya.

;)
 
brewer said:
Gassed? He's playing for a contract. This is his moment.
Click to expand...

He will get a big contract thanks for his performance against Indy. And that's a good thing because earning a fat contract against the Steelers D in Pittsburgh is not fun.
 
I just dont see how you can say SD is peaking . They won 5 straight and what else? They played Oakland , barely won @ KC and vs INDY , then beat the 2 of the 3 biggest chokers down the stretch TB and Denver . Whats impressive ? I played SD in every one of these games ....they own the Raiders , KC they needed to score the las19 to win by 1 , they played a great game vs Indy but still had numerous miscues and needed OT despite playing at home and TB same deal as KC jus not as dramatic winning by 14 but they outscored TB 21-0 in the 4th and Denver that didnt take much to figure ...

They arent playing well they just getting some of the misfortune back . They should have beat Indy the 1st time and the Colts stole a ton of games this year ...

Anyway if they were peaking they NEVER would have been down 21-3 to KC ..Tb couldnt stop anyone down the stretch they allowd 38 ,13 thanks to costly ATL turnovers , 41 to SD and 31 a week later to OAK (0-4 SU). Den dropped 3 straight allowing 30,30 and 52 ..any team with a pulse could beat those two and struggling Buffalo and OAK proved that IMO ....extra rest for KC , off a good Oak game , playing a team who nearly beat them one would expect a good start not waking up mid 3rd Q and crazy late rally ...

SD hope lies in Big Ben 's concussion .Take out LT and take Vincent Jackson out of the equation not much is left ..Chambers , Gates and Sproles plus role players...names sound great but the production hasnt matched their names and well Sproles expectations just rose 50xx fold..

I dont think SD has a chance to win SU so dont see the points ta less then a TD to present any value ....
 
And before anyone will say i'm a Sproles-hater or something like that: i like the guy, i really do. It's just not a great matchup for him. (not a great matchup for any RBs)
 
I just saw that the earlier PITT-SD game the Steelers had 115 yards in penalties and the Chargers had 5. lol If that will happen again, some refs will die after the match...

And i didn't mention it before but the Steelers got back everybody healthy who is not on injured reserve. Big Ben, Harrison and Ryan Clark will all practice Wednesday and play on Sunday.
 
I don't care what anybody says. Until I see Big Ben play well with my own eyes, his health is in question.

Nut - I totally get what you're saying...but any time you beat someone in your division, no matter the score, it's impressive. SD has REALLY impressed me in their last two games.

What has Pittsburgh done? Crushed a hapless Cleveland team, with Romeo practically on his way out the door. Got creamed by Tennessee. BARELY squeeked by Baltimore, winning 13-9. And beat a crumbling Dallas squad by one TD in DECEMBER, when Dallas hardly ever wins.

IMO, San Diego's wins were much more impressive. Crushed Denver. Crushed Tampa. Struggled against, but managed to beat KC. And, crushed Oakland.

Just my opinion of course.
 
Smokedawg said:
This is why its paramount for the Birds to get up on them and score touchdowns when they get in the redzone early. By saying they need to play better than they played against the vikings im talking about two principal areas:

  1. O Line needs to block better
  2. Have to score TDs and not settle for FGs in the redzone
I think number one has to happen for number two to happen...but if they can get up on them, they dont have to worry about Jacobs in the fourth quarter

Im in no way saying this is a slam dunk for the Birds...but I like their chances without burress (the defense has been on lockdown since the balty game...jim johnson, whos not one to exaggerate much said this is the most confident hes felt about any defense hes had going into a playoffs) and im pretty damn sure the giants are less enthusiastic about playing us than we are about playing them...
Click to expand...


That's partly why I like the Under here, I think both teams are very prone to getting into the red zone and then ending up w/ a fg - and both these D's will help that tendency.

Agree with the Philly O-line - they will have to better or it will be a long day

it's gonna be a great game - :shake:
 
Gimme all four dogs and the under in NY.

SD: effective run game + defense is unpredictable + bad conditions at ketchup bottle

PHI: in Johnson's blitz schemes I trust. Rivalry + getting points in a game I expect to be a smash mouth contest. I could be very wrong, but I don't see many deep throws in this one.

Ariz: not crazy about this but have to think getting a TD and FG is nice in playoffs. Carolina doesn't lose at home + Ariz defense deplorable on road

Balt: give me Ed Reed's posse to stop a vulnerable Tenn offense. Stack the box to stop Johnson/White. No comment necessary on Collins versus Balt's secondary.
 
brewer said:
Sproles runs a lot like Choice and CJ. Both of them did alright vs Pitt. Dunno how you can count this kid out. Speed kills.
Click to expand...

pitt was on a ridiculously tough run at the time. pitt played @ NE, vs DAL, @ Balt, then @ Tenny. Jeff Fischer even said they caught pitt at the perfect time. I really think the defense was weary at the time. Choice went for 88 yards, and CJ went for 69. Choice had a great game by Pitt's D standards, but still no score and only 3.8 per carry.

I'll stick to my guns and say nobody is gonna run on this team, especially not an undersized back.
 
pitt is the best defense in the nfl, and they've played the toughest schedule in the nfl. they are rested and at home in what should be considered one of the most hostile places in the league. i don't see what the big deal is with 6 points.
 
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