Peyton MANning how to stop?

Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Those teams have wicked defenses and adequate enough offenses. I don’t think my heart can stand another performance by our D like the one they turned in for most of last night (the obvious plays – pick-six and sacks – notwithstanding).

I can’t offer detailed statistical evidence or insightful football analysis… this is a gut feel.

I’m not bothered about Pittsburgh, surprisingly enough. Yeah, they play hard and tough but they’re a soft matchup offensively and their O-line can be had. The Ravens are even more inept on offense.

No, it’s the Titans I’m most worried about. Not because I think Kerry Collins is going to pass us to death, but because that running game can gash us time and time again and keep our offense off the field, and their D is good enough to take away Manning’s options.

I’m not particularly concerned about anyone in the NFC – the Panthers have a great ground attack but Delhomme’s a liability under pressure, and their defense isn’t as good as the Titans. The Giants were shown up by the Steelers and without Burress to gameplan for, their soft in the air and their running game is banged up. If we can get to the Superbowl, I fancy our chances.

Dreaming is cool, but it’s too early to worry about the NFC, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, or Tennessee. Gotta take care of Denver/SD first. I don’t think it matters which teams we’ve beaten and which teams we haven’t. Nothing matters in the playoffs except that one particular game you are playing in. We’ve learned this the hard way several times.

Unlike last year with the Chargers and Pats and 2006 with the Chargers, I don’t fear any team right now. There is no one I see and say, “Dear lord I hope they don’t play us.” We beat Pittsburgh at Heinz. We embarrassed the Ravens and made Flacco our bitch. We are a better team than the Titans, Jets, Dolphins, and Pats. I fear no one.