2007 NFL Playoffs thread

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:57 pm

wco81 wrote:Thing about the Colts is that they don't have a consistent enough running game and they're missing a dynamic 3rd WR at the slot. But with Clark in there, they may make up with toughness what they lack in explosion in the middle.

Actually, I think the running game has been generally more consistent this year. They still have some short-yardage issues, but they were able to pound a 7-minute drive against the Ravens on Dominic Rhodes' back--in recent years they've gone 3-and-out way too much in rushing situations like that.

Stokely's really missed in the slot. Even though Clark made a couple big grabs, he was struggling to get any separation from the quick Ravens LBs. He'll probably have similar issues this week and it would be nice if the Colts could get an LB off the field like they could with Stokely. Maybe Proehl will be healthy or Moorehead will step up (oh so close on Saturday) but the Colts offense doesn't come close to matching the Patriots' versatility.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:01 pm

XXXIV wrote:The added bonus to the Colts wining is that we will never have to hear that Manning cant win the big one ever again

...from people that can't even with the big one in Madden on rookie or are nowhere near the top of their chosen professions.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:04 pm

I expect Pats to blitz Manning, like the Steelers did last year.

They need someone who can catch the hot reads around the LBs and hang on. Or not get manhandled as the Pats WR were in the two previous playoff games.

They also need a threat deeper down the middle or else the safeties will be all over Harrison and Wayne all game.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:17 pm

For more on the Brady-Manning debate...with a distinct and appropriate tongue-in-cheek twist:

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/2007/0 ... ings/4832/

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:38 pm

wco81 wrote:I expect Pats to blitz Manning, like the Steelers did last year.

It wasn't the blitzes, per se, that bothered Manning. It was the fact that the line couldn't tell who was blitzing. The Steelers have always been known for zone blitzing, but they had schemes in that game that were amazing. They lined up inside linebackers at DE, DE at linebacker, swapped inside linebackers to the outside, and the Colts also could never account for Polamalu. Plus, many times Porter just beat his man to apply pressure. The Steelers really didn't bring the 5th man, which would be considered a blitz in the 3-4, any more than usual or any more than the Monday night loss earlier in the season.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:46 pm

Leebo33 wrote:
wco81 wrote:I expect Pats to blitz Manning, like the Steelers did last year.
It wasn't the blitzes, per se, that bothered Manning. It was the fact that the line couldn't tell who was blitzing. The Steelers have always been known for zone blitzing, but they had schemes in that game that were amazing. They lined up inside linebackers at DE, DE at linebacker, swapped inside linebackers to the outside, and the Colts also could never account for Polamalu. Plus, many times Porter just beat his man to apply pressure. The Steelers really didn't bring the 5th man, which would be considered a blitz in the 3-4, any more than usual or any more than the Monday night loss earlier in the season.

The Pats confused the Rams O line in XXXVI with the same kind of stuff...not that its that hard to confuse Martz.

On the play Warner threw the int to Law for a TD the man that nailed him was an UNBLOCKED DE not a blitzing LB. he blew right by a RT that blocked no one on the play.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:47 pm

As a Bears fan I am happy with the seasonm if they should lose next week I won't deem this season a failure like most. I was only expecting them to make a run at a playoff shot this year.

My friends chide me about the Bears having the weakest schedule in the NFL. I wasn't under the impression that having the weekest schedule guranteed you home field throughout, a bye and a chane to play in the divisional championship game. Who had the weakest schedle last year, the year before? Where did they end up?

One thing this season has really opened my eyes up to and that is the Bears are generally disliked throughout the country and by the media. I can't help but wonder why? Was it the arrogance of the 85 video? Is it something more?

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 4:26 pm

Danimal wrote:One thing this season has really opened my eyes up to and that is the Bears are generally disliked throughout the country and by the media.

Really? There were some NFL hats on sale last fall for dirt cheap and I purposely picked the Bears out of the lot (Steelers weren't available) because I figured they'd be the most neutral team out of the choices I had (Raiders, NE, NYG, etc.). Maybe that's because I live in Steelers/Eagles territory and the Bears aren't a rival.

AJColossal · Post by **AJColossal** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 4:26 pm

Danimal wrote:One thing this season has really opened my eyes up to and that is the Bears are generally disliked throughout the country and by the media. I can't help but wonder why? Was it the arrogance of the 85 video? Is it something more?

It's just going to get worse. Now we're the f***ers who are trying to stop the New Orleans Saints from making the Super Bowl.

Thank God we didn't go one-and-out. That would have been unbearable to go through that kind of disappointment again.

Bottom line, the whole thing's up for grabs. 4 teams are left, and no one looks sensational right now.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 4:52 pm

ESPN's pissed that the Bears aren't located in NY or Boston

Hey, someone had to say it.

kevinpars · Post by **kevinpars** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 6:00 pm

Say what you want about Brady, but he was fortunate that his third pick was fumbled. And while they are the best coached and most disciplined team in the league, the game was won more because of what the Chargers did wrong rather than what the Pats did right. Only Marty would decide, on second and 4 and with the best runner in the NFL, to go to the passing game on second and third down. The Patriots have had some incredible hard fought victories during their run, but this was not one of them. This was about the most predictable outcome of any of the playoff games this year.

And yes, I respect the Patriots and what they have done. But I am tired of the whole "we don't get no respect" B.S. For the last 4 years every sportswriter in the country has gushed about the genius of their coach, their QB, their defense. We get it. They are the best football team in the NFL, in the world, in the history of mankind. Do they really need to pull out the respect card every week?? Ohh, the Chargers aren't showing us enough respect, oh, Freddie Mitchell is not showing us enough respect. The press has been Monica Lewinski to their Bill Cllinton so enough already.

I am not the least bit surprised by the outcome of the game. It was just a variation of the same thing that Belicheck has done every year as head coach and what he did as a defensive coach with the Giants, Pats and Jets. An explosive offensive team favored to win because of superior talent finds themselves in a tight game in the 4th quarter. Was this any different than the Giants beating the Bills, the Pats beating the Rams?? Frustrate the other team into making mistakes, keep the game close, the ball out of the other team's hands and get to the 4th quarter where you know you will win the game.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 6:12 pm

What a great weekend of fooball. I just got back from visiting my brother so I could watch the Bears game with him. I've never felt such a roller coaster of emotions during a Bears playoff game. It's hard to believe Grossman turned in one of the better QB performances this week.

New Orleans will be pretty tough, especially if the Bears D wears down like they did in the second half against Seattle. But the Saints defense looks pretty terrible. Honestly, Reid and the coaching staff really screwed themselves out of a chance to win. I don't understand how you give Brian Westbrook only 13 carries in a close game. They really blew it when they were down 27-21 and settled for the FG inside the goal line. Just terrible coaching by the Eagles.

I have to agree with Kevin about SD losing that game more than NE winning it. Brady is an amazing QB, one of the best in the postseason, but he has shown in the last two years that he is vulnerable when teams put consistent pressure on him. The Colts have the ability to do that. But at the same time, I can't see picking against NE. Even when they get outplayed all game, they still find ways to win.

However, this is definitely the Colts' best chance to make it to the Super Bowl. The Pats' offensive philosophy plays right into Indy's defensive strengths. If Manning can avoid the kinds of picks he's thrown the last couple weeks, they can probably win the game.

I was really surprised so many people thought the Ravens could make it to the SB. They just didn't impress me that much. They had a great defense, but McNair has been a terrible postseason QB (despite a Super Bowl appearance), and their running game was very average.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 9:21 pm

Any team that can get Jabar Gaffney 10 catches for over 100 yards HAS to be pretty good. That guy has been GARBAGE since leaving Florida...so I guess Brady is pretty good.

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 9:37 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:Any team that can get Jabar Gaffney 10 catches for over 100 yards HAS to be pretty good. That guy has been GARBAGE since leaving Florida...so I guess Brady is pretty good.

The amazing thing is that the guy had 11 catches ALL SEASON, and he had 10 in 1 game against one of the tougher defense in the league. Go figure.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 9:55 pm

Leebo33 wrote:
Danimal wrote:One thing this season has really opened my eyes up to and that is the Bears are generally disliked throughout the country and by the media.
Really? There were some NFL hats on sale last fall for dirt cheap and I purposely picked the Bears out of the lot (Steelers weren't available) because I figured they'd be the most neutral team out of the choices I had (Raiders, NE, NYG, etc.). Maybe that's because I live in Steelers/Eagles territory and the Bears aren't a rival.

The Bears have fans everywhere. They enjoy a Cub like following. At least that has been my experience.

Its the fans perspective that gives hime the idea his team is hated. While the Rams were good I always thought ESPN was extremely anti Ram.

Templehorn · Post by **Templehorn** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 10:47 pm

Danimal wrote:As a Bears fan I am happy with the seasonm if they should lose next week I won't deem this season a failure like most. I was only expecting them to make a run at a playoff shot this year.

My friends chide me about the Bears having the weakest schedule in the NFL. I wasn't under the impression that having the weekest schedule guranteed you home field throughout, a bye and a chane to play in the divisional championship game. Who had the weakest schedle last year, the year before? Where did they end up?

One thing this season has really opened my eyes up to and that is the Bears are generally disliked throughout the country and by the media. I can't help but wonder why? Was it the arrogance of the 85 video? Is it something more?

The national media sluts have hated us since the Ditka days. The biggest hater still to this day is that c*** al Michaels. They hate us because we don't buy into their East Coast bias and are very localized in our tastes.

I am so happy we won that game. We've lost this game the last 2 times we were here. We had to get over the hump. And our idiot coaches tried their best to give this game away but thank god they didnt. The f***in decrepit refs gave us the calls but I think the old ref wanted to get into the pants of Virginia McKaskey after the game so it worked out for us. s***, it's time we got some breaks.

DIIIIIITTTTTTTTTKKKKKKKKKKKAAAAAAAAA!

DAAAAA KOOOOOOAAAAACHHHHHHH!

DIIIIIITTTTTTKKKKKKKKKAAAAAAAAAAA!

POLISH SUASGAE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go BearZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 10:53 pm

Did you suit up this week Siam?

Templehorn · Post by **Templehorn** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 10:59 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:Did you suit up this week Siam?

I should have becuase this f***in game was making me f***in go crazy, seriously.

one day, my wife barged the f***in bathroom door down and dragged me out of the shower. I was like wtf! she's says to me I've been in the shower for an hour and she thought I died in there or something. I was like holy s***, it's been an hour in here? What I was doing was singing BEAR DOWN CHICAGO BEARS over and over and over again. AFter that, I was thinking I must have been going f***in crazy.

Then all week, I didnt' trust our coaches. These lanebrains are f***in going to arizona to get a job, indy to see their freinds coach, all thsi s*** after f***in blowing it that game last year to the panthers since they didnt knwo how to f***in change a gameplan. I was very worried we would lose.

Then yesterday, all throughout the game I was sh1tting bricks. We had so many chances we could have blown it. When that f***in fg finally wen through, i must have screamed so loud since I was maybe like 12 or some s*** like that when I first learned about chicks. I jumped so high, maybe comaprible to when MJ hit that last second shot to beat the Jazz in utah back in 98.

Anyway, I should have suited up. These f***ers have put me through hell this whole last week. But they came through and I was so proud of them. I dont know what I will do with myself if they win sunday and get to the superbowl. I'll probably have to do some SOUR GRAPES on myself!

Prediction :

BEARS 41
SAINTS 0

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 11:01 pm

I can promise you that the Bears WILL NOT score 41 and they will not shut out the Saints. Write that down.

vader29 · Post by **vader29** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 1:40 am

XXXIV wrote:Its the fans perspective that gives hime the idea his team is hated. While the Rams were good I always thought ESPN was extremely anti Ram.

I think it's that way everywhere with people feeling the national media is not giving their team enough "respect" when they are doing well, it was that way with callers to talk shows around here during the Steelers playoff run last year and even more so during they're 15-1 season a year earlier, just don't pay them no mind and enjoy it, because it is a great feeling of ups and downs and is all worth it in the end if your team wins it all.

The only good thing about the Steelers not repeating this year is that I won't be spending over 300 bucks on Super Bowl merchandise.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 11:12 am

Funny picture of Marty getting a "gatorade" shower on ProFootballTalk.

http://www.profootballtalk.com

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 12:08 pm

Pete wrote:Funny picture of Marty getting a "gatorade" shower on ProFootballTalk.

http://www.profootballtalk.com

...Its funny cause its true...

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 12:34 pm

XXXIV wrote:
Pete wrote:Funny picture of Marty getting a "gatorade" shower on ProFootballTalk.

http://www.profootballtalk.com
...Its funny cause its true...

It is a very funny picture, but I feel bad for him. His coaching didn't lose that game. His idiot players did. With the possible exception of not kicking that FG early, I thought the Chargers completely outcoached the Pats. They made Brady look like ass for 80% of the game and shut down the Pats rushing attack. I guess you can attribute mental breakdowns to coaching, but considering how few mistakes the Chargers made this year, it's hard to blame Marty for most of what happened on Sunday.

I can't believe he may get fired after a 14-2 season. That franchise has its collective head firmly up its collective ass.

Feanor · Post by **Feanor** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 1:06 pm

Challenging the clear fumble after the interception was a terrible coaching decision that hurt the Chargers a lot at the end of the game when they were trying to get downfield for a field goal to tie it.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 1:15 pm

I know it didn't play a big role in the outcome of the game, but I'm still stumped as to why Marty decided to go for it on fourth-and-11 from the Pats' 32 in the first quarter.

Yeah, the wind was blowing hard, making it unlikely that even Pro Bowl kicker Kaeding would make the kick. But why not pooch a punt inside the 20 or deeper, giving New England sh*tty field position?

Marty shouldn't be canned, but decisions like that -- and the dopey replay challenge on the fumble late in the game -- sometimes make me wonder about him.

Take care,
PK