Early games- Open Thread

by Brad Wells on Dec 30, 2007 10:58 AM EST in Game Threads

Lots of playoff intrigue with many of the early games: Will Cleveland win, making tonight's flexed game a must for the Titans? Will Pittsburgh grab the 3rd seed with Roethlisberger sitting? Will San Diego get the 3rd seed? If they do, it would be a re-match between SD and Tennessee from a few weeks ago.

Oh, and be prepared for all the "Perfect Pats" talk today. Again, according to Chris Collinsworth last night, the 2007 Patriots are the greatest team in the history of football. Amazing how Chris always makes statements prematurely regarding the Pats. I suggest you retain and remember Chris' statement last night folks. I know I will.

This is an open thread. Enjoy.

[Update [2007-12-30 11:18:8 by BigBlueShoe]: Thought this was funny regarding last night's game:

We're just moments away from the kickoff of Patriots-Giants, the most meaningful meaningless game in NFL history. And since we're so close, there probably isn't time for Patriots coach Bill Belichick to put anything new on the bulletin board.

But if there were time, he'd probably try this: ESPN reported this evening that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning called his brother, Giants quarterback Eli Manning, to give him the simple message that the Patriots are beatable.

Of course, that's not exactly a shocking comment. What's Peyton supposed to say? "Hey, Eli, just so you know, you have no chance"? But it is a comment that you can bet Belichick will mention to his players in three weeks, assuming the seemingly inevitable Patriots-Colts AFC Championship game does, in fact, take place.

Fine. If Cheatin' Bill wants to use something like that to motivate his team, go head. If the Colts used such pettiness to motivate their team, there is literally a Santa sack full of disrespect from the Pats, especially here and here. But whatever, the Colts don't do that. If these two teams should meet, the Colts will likely realize HOLY CRAP, IT'S THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. And such childishness "motivation" is moot when you're in that kind of a game. Again, that's still a big "if" for the Colts and Pats to meet again, but if they do look for Indy to do what it does: Win with class.

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Comments

Well, actually...

Doesn't matter if Cleveland wins or loses... the Titans have to win no matter what due to tie breaking scenarios.

Anyone remember how the USC Trojans were the best team ever and then they got beat in the Rose Bowl? They certainly weren't, were they? UT certainly proved that.

The Pats deserve the acclaim for being the first team to do this, but they have just a good a chance of winning in the playoffs as they do losing. It's going to be a fun month and a half!

by DallyDrake on Dec 30, 2007 1:13 PM EST reply actions

Cleveland doesn't matter unless

The Colts and Titans tie. Crazy tiebreakers.

my blog http://shakennbaken.blogspot.com/

by shake n bake on Dec 30, 2007 1:45 PM EST up reply actions

yes!

I thought about this last night. I've watched the patriots a lot and it seems like they only turn it on late, much like USC did in the Bush/Leinart year. The undefeated Trojans had "no chance" of losing, but they did. Very interesting.

by Ed OG on Dec 30, 2007 2:33 PM EST up reply actions

Can anyone picture

Belicheat using that stuff to motivate Moss?

Walk on, walk on With hope in your heart And you'll never walk alone You'll never walk alone

by MerryGoByeBye on Dec 30, 2007 3:51 PM EST reply actions

The Pats will pick between

#5 and #8 depending on the Raiders, Cheifs and Ravens games.

If all three lose the pick is #8. If any win they are tied at 5-11 and it's decided by strength of schedule or coin flip if tied.

my blog http://shakennbaken.blogspot.com/

by shake n bake on Dec 30, 2007 5:57 PM EST reply actions

I heard that

I heard that in a remote village in Africa that Jim Sorgi's brother said that he thought the Colts would beat New England. ESPN has sent 3 reporters to get a quote on video so that Belicheat can show his players that somebody who knew a Colt player guaranteed a victory against the Pats. Apparently, he is having trouble motivating his players and asked ESPN for something (anything) that they could provide for him.

by Blueisgood on Dec 31, 2007 12:13 AM EST reply actions