Reading the early 2009 NFL Playoffs tea leaves
by Brad Wells on Jan 10, 2010 10:22 AM EST
in Colts Analysis
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PrintWhen the Jets dispatched the Bengals yesterday afternoon, the playoff situation for the #1 seeded Colts got very simple. Both teams the Colts could play next week are teams they've faced already in the regular season. Later today, the Ravens will face the Patriots in Foxboro, and since Bill Belichick and his crew have never lost a home playoff game in the Wild Card round, I think the chances of the Jets facing the Colts in the playoffs are very strong.
If the Ravens lose, the set-up would feature the Patriot at the Chargers. The last time those two teams met in a playoff match-up, the Pats went to San Diego in 2007 (for the 2006 playoffs) and shocked the Chargers by beating them in their own house. A Ravens lose today would also re-acquaint the Colts and Jets, who so famously faced each other two weeks ago when Jim Caldwell sat his starters, giving up on a then-undefeated season. The Jets were the Colts first loss in 2009, and the Colts have yet to win another game since that loss.
After that Week Sixteen Jets game, I went on radio station XL-950's "The Zone" with Derek Schultz and DZ from 18to88. One of the items we discussed was the possibility of the Jets returning to Indianapolis to face the Colts in the playoffs. Needless to say, if that scenario plays out and the Jets are indeed the Colts next opponent, the pressure on the Colts to destroy the Jets and win the game will be immense. In fact, the pressure would be on par with what happened back in 2003, when the Broncos came to town for the playoffs after beating the Colts in the regular season.
But, we aren't there yet, and if the Ravens manage to pull off a pretty substantial upset by beating the Patriots, playing the Ravens in Indy is, by no means, a pressure-less game itself. The one positive we can take from the Bengals losing is that the remaining teams in the AFC playoffs are very familiar to the Colts. It was the Bengals who were the true Wild Card with a tough defense, excellent ground game, and seemingly strong team unity in the face of some serious adversity this season. Plus, the Colts had not played a Bengals team led by Carson Palmer since 2006, and that team was much different than the one that lost in the playoffs yesterday.
I'm interested in seeing how the Ravens will attack the Patriots, who are without Wes Welker and who have struggled on defense all season. As always, the playoffs are where all the emotion and intensity explode into a fury of (usually) great football. Today's match-ups should offer a lot of entertaining football, and by the end of the day we will know who the Colts opponent is for next week.
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I want some good games today.
Jets-Bengals was awful and Cowboys-Eagles was only slightly entertaining. I need some playoffs-worthy football.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
I heard that!
Predictions for today: Ratbirds over Pats, Cards over Pack
by peytonsurdaddy on Jan 10, 2010 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I have those
same predictions……well, if you took the opposite of that.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
You so funny Cass...
But today you’re going down! And when I take someone down, they stay tooken down!
by peytonsurdaddy on Jan 10, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Good luck with that.
I am 2-0 in playoff predictions so far.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
You actually found that Cowboys-Eagles blowout more entertaining than the close Jets-Bengals game? As a fan with no rooting interest in any of the teams, I thought that the Eagles-Cowboys game was a disaster for fans of entertaining football.
Close does not = entertaining.
Both offenses were run-oriented and were horrible while doing it. That adds up to an extremely boring game.
At least Eagles-Cowboys had some big plays and epic fails (like Vick’s botched handoff).
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
I agree
I thought Jets/Bengals was a much better game than the penalty fest that was Cowboys-Eagles.
Insert Clever Statement Here
Not really responding to you as much as the idea.
I thought 3 of the 4 teams yesterday looked aweful. Eagles looked like the Lions. The Jets/Bengals game looked like two teams trying to lose. The whole 4th quarter looked like two teams showing what not to do. Bad clock management and inept play from the Bengals, and a complete inability to close the game out by the Jets. It made my eyes bleed.
by vintagephoenix on Jan 10, 2010 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
hoping for some good games when i get home.
see you guys later
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
previously known as (ANGELSFAITH)
by TheAngelsColts on Jan 10, 2010 11:18 AM EST reply actions
Go Patriots!
Now excuse me while I go take multiple showers
Insert Clever Statement Here
You might just want to watch
the game while in the shower then.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Picks
Patriots 31- Ravens 27 (Really tempted to pick Baltimore, I think it could go either way)
Packers 31- Cardinals 20
Insert Clever Statement Here
Sounds good to me.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
I want the Pats to be One and Done
I can not root for them.
DID SOMEONE SAY CHAMPIONSHIP
by BROWNdude on Jan 10, 2010 11:27 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I can if it helps the Colts.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Cass, how far
is Purdue from your home? I remember yesterday that you had to get back to school.
Peyton Manning makes it Wayne on them hoes!!!!
A couple of hours.
I’m already back here. Unfortunately, one of my roommates has the TV and he’s not back yet. So, I’m going to have to lug all my stuff over to a common area where they have a TV. I’m hoping the internet hookup over there will work OK so I can still comment here during the game.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
,,,
"About a month ago I got a cactus. A week later, it died. I was really depressed because I was like 'Damn! I am less nurturing than a desert.' (Ladies, that's not true)"
I wouldn't want to be Namath
Namath’s career INT% is what Sanchez’s was this year.
Insert Clever Statement Here
And now for something completely different
Here is LaDainian Tomlinson dancing. So horrible it’s hilarious.
Insert Clever Statement Here
by MrNFL on Jan 10, 2010 11:40 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
OMG!
That is soooooo bad!
Did I just say “OMG”?
by peytonsurdaddy on Jan 10, 2010 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Why does that remind
me of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTeOcVelYi0&feature=related
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Even Urkel
dances better than Tomlinson. At least he can outrun Urkel…I guess.
Peyton Manning makes it Wayne on them hoes!!!!
LdT that is
Only one LT.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Jan 10, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
BTW
That is freaking hilarious.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Jan 10, 2010 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
I love how that serves as "proof"
that the Chargers will win the SB – LMAO!!!
How can you not love a team that does this?
GO (EWW) Pats
and Packers
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
Hmmmmmmmmm...........
I can’t figure out who I would want to win out of a Pats-Chargers matchup. The Chargers may be a better team, but the Chargers don’t have Randy Moss, who has repeatedly victimized us. This is a tough one.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
I say Pats
The Chargers D is far better than the Patriots.
Insert Clever Statement Here
Maybe we can have a 5 overtime game!
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Pats D is better by DVOA, points and yards per game
though with Welker out I’m more concerned about the Chargers O. A single covered Vincent Jackson is more dangerous than a double covered Moss.
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Jan 10, 2010 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
the less
of Randy Moss’s mug i see on tv the better
by sandtiger812 on Jan 10, 2010 12:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I'd be happy to see less of:
Randy Moss
Phillip Rivers
Would it be too much to ask for 1 and outs for both?
by flores salicis on Jan 10, 2010 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
Jets @ Colts for AFCCG? sure but means 2 more weeks of Jabba the hutt er i mean Rex Ryan.
by sandtiger812 on Jan 10, 2010 12:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
that would be pretty amusing
But you’re right. I don’t think I could stand much more of Rex Ryan either. Why don’t we just hand the AFC championship now to the Colts and be done with it?
by flores salicis on Jan 10, 2010 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
I think
The other AFC teams should just be disqualified for being so annoying.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Jan 10, 2010 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
The Bengals weren't annoying.
They were just bad.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
But they are also already out
So no need to disqualify them.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Jan 10, 2010 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
With games like that, I root for plane crashes and illnesses.
Joking of course, but still funny (if you’re not a Pats/Chargers fan, sorry Mar.).
by vintagephoenix on Jan 10, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
I say
go Ratbirds & Redbirds. With Revis covering Reggie that means a lot of balls going to Dallas, Austin & Pierre(sp?). i would rather face the Raven someone we beat in Baltimore.
by sandtiger812 on Jan 10, 2010 12:09 PM EST via mobile reply actions
News
Shefter: Arizona’s Kurt Warner always could change his mind, but those that know the 38-year-old QB believe this will be his final NFL season.
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
and why today is likely to be his last NFL game
Adam_Schefter
Cardinals not expecting WR Anquan Boldin to play due to a knee injury. His knee is bothering him far more than his sore ankle.
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Jan 10, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
Damn
I was hoping to play them in the SB
by sandtiger812 on Jan 10, 2010 12:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Fitzgerald is going to be
double-covered all game.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Did not see that coming.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Test.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
The Packers are the NFC's version
of the San Diego Chargers? Nah, they aren’t anywhere near that irritating.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Aaron Rodgers seems like a decent enough guy
Rivers always makes me want to punch him in the face. His attitude is just so annoying on the sidelines.
by flores salicis on Jan 10, 2010 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
No jury would ever convict
the guy who punches Rivers in the face.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Forgot about that.
Any other Cal players still left in the playoffs?
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
let's see...
Tully Banta-Cain (Patriots)
J.P. Ladouceur (Cowboys)
Ryan Longwell (Vikings)
Matt Giordano (Packers)
David Binn (Chargers)
That’s all I can remember off the top of my head
How can you not love a team that does this?
that actually really confused me for a second
I was like, if you were a Chicago Bears fan, why would you like Rodgers? Haha, forgot about Cal.
by flores salicis on Jan 10, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
Flacco is being bothered by
an injured hip? Ouch.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
still the healthiest QB in the matchup
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Jan 10, 2010 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
This is true.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Rex has great confidence in Braylon Edwards?
He might be the only one.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
if I hear one more analyst say...
“I like X team because THEY RUN THE BALL SO WELL AND THAT’S HOW YOU WIN”…..
I just need to put the TV on mute.
by flores salicis on Jan 10, 2010 12:38 PM EST reply actions
I've learned to just tune it out a little bit.
Had to learn because both of my brothers absolutely love ESPN.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
so does my roommate...
Sadly, I feel like my IQ drops each minute I hear their “analysis”.
by flores salicis on Jan 10, 2010 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
What's really annoying is that
my brothers now claim that I don’t like anybody else’s opinion but my own. Apparently, I have to either like ESPN or I like nobody.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
I wonder if those guys even believe their own "opinion"
Their “opinion” is so flawed, so simplistic, so frequently based on extremely shallow “interpretation” of stats without context or not grounded in any kind of reality that it has to just be crap they spew because they think it sells. I can’t imagine that anyone who actually follows the game really pays any attention to any of these “analysts”.
by flores salicis on Jan 10, 2010 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
Who was that guy
who just called out the Patriots?
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Hmmmm.........
Brady has never lost a home playoff game. There’s a reason to root for the Ravens.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
they won't be playing at home against the Chargers or Indy though
So does it matter that they have such a good home record for playoffs?
by flores salicis on Jan 10, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
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