San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers- 4:45 PM ET on CBS
So it's on, the Chargers go back to Pittsburgh to face those Steelers. This is a rematch from week 11 of the season, when the Steelers won a close 11-10 game. Personally, I can't see this game finishing with that score.
The Chargers appeared to be out of the playoff hunt. They were 4-8 and had nothing to look forward to. However, the Chargers won four straight games, while the Broncos collapsed, thus leading to the Chargers getting into the playoffs at 8-8. Last week, the Chargers defeated the Colts in the Wild Card round to advance on and face the Steelers.
The key in this game for the Chargers is Philip Rivers. He has really shown a lot of promise as the Chargers quarterback. Rivers had a career year in 2008, throwing for 4009 yards and 34 touchdowns. Rivers had a quiet game against the Colts, but his task will be tougher against this Steelers defense.
This of course leads me to discuss the Steelers defense as the key for Pittsburgh. The Steelers D, led by James Harrison and Troy Polamalu, were the top dogs in the NFL this season. They are ranked first in points and yards. To say that they are just very good is an insult to Steelers fans everywhere. The Steelers D is the class of the NFL. All arguments about best defense stops in Pittsburgh.
Pick: I'm picking the Steelers and here's why...As of right now, LaDainian Tomlinson is doubtful for Sunday's game. Darren Sproles is a good player, but I can't see him doing very well against that Steelers D. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger should be feeling better and connecting with Hines Ward and Heath Miller. Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore will be vital in the running game for the Steelers. The Steelers will be firing on all cylinders Sunday.
Let's recap the picks now:
Steelers
Giants
Ravens
Panthers
Enjoy Divisional Playoff weekend.
Showing posts with label Divisional Showdowns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Divisional Showdowns. Show all posts
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Division Showdown: Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans- Saturday 4:30 PM ET on CBS
We now reached the AFC portion of our preview. The Ravens, the sixth seed in the AFC playoffs head on the road to face the Titans. These two faced each other in week five of the 2008 season. The Titans won a close 13-10 game. An Alge Crumpler 11-yard touchdown catch with less than two minutes left in the game made the difference for the Titans.
We could talk about the Titans defense and the Chris Johnson-LenDale White duo, but Kerry Collins brings something to this team that neither have. I of course am talking about playoff experience. Collins is money in the postseason. He led the Carolina Panthers to an NFC Title game during the '96 season. He also led the Giants to the Super Bowl during the 2000 season, losing to the Ravens. Vince Young might still be the future of this franchise, but for now Collins is calling the shots in the playoffs.
For the Ravens, we have many different avenues we can go, but we can't emphasize their defense enough. The Ravens D has finished in the top 10 for yards given up in nine out of the last 10 seasons. Also, they've finished in the top 10 for points given up in eight of the last 10 seasons.
This is a tough defense that has been raised by the likes of Marvin Lewis, Mike Nolan and now Rex Ryan. All three have an impressive defensive record and are the biggest reason why the Ravens are one of the best defenses in the NFL since the late 90s.
Pick: This will most likely be another close game. However, there is no denying the Ravens are on fire right now. The Titans started the season 10-0, but went 3-3 in the final six games. The Ravens have a better defense and that will be the difference. I'm picking the Ravens.
We now reached the AFC portion of our preview. The Ravens, the sixth seed in the AFC playoffs head on the road to face the Titans. These two faced each other in week five of the 2008 season. The Titans won a close 13-10 game. An Alge Crumpler 11-yard touchdown catch with less than two minutes left in the game made the difference for the Titans.
We could talk about the Titans defense and the Chris Johnson-LenDale White duo, but Kerry Collins brings something to this team that neither have. I of course am talking about playoff experience. Collins is money in the postseason. He led the Carolina Panthers to an NFC Title game during the '96 season. He also led the Giants to the Super Bowl during the 2000 season, losing to the Ravens. Vince Young might still be the future of this franchise, but for now Collins is calling the shots in the playoffs.
For the Ravens, we have many different avenues we can go, but we can't emphasize their defense enough. The Ravens D has finished in the top 10 for yards given up in nine out of the last 10 seasons. Also, they've finished in the top 10 for points given up in eight of the last 10 seasons.
This is a tough defense that has been raised by the likes of Marvin Lewis, Mike Nolan and now Rex Ryan. All three have an impressive defensive record and are the biggest reason why the Ravens are one of the best defenses in the NFL since the late 90s.
Pick: This will most likely be another close game. However, there is no denying the Ravens are on fire right now. The Titans started the season 10-0, but went 3-3 in the final six games. The Ravens have a better defense and that will be the difference. I'm picking the Ravens.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Divisional Showdown: Eagles at Giants
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants- Sunday at 1 PM ET on FOX
So we have a divisional showdown to determine who goes on to the NFC Title game. These are two very good teams. This season, it is all about the Giants. The defending Super Bowl champions have had an excellent 2008 season. They're a terrific defense, even without Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. Brandom Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw had a good year, with Jacobs and Ward both running for over 1,000 yards.
Earth, Wind and Fire (the backs not the band) are the key for the Giants. The three backs combined for 2469 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing. The key is Jacobs. He's the star of the trio. The Eagles will do everything in their power to stop them.
The Eagles were considered goners by a lot of people. Both Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid were politely asked by the Philly fans to get the hell out of town. The Eagles played excellent football down the stretch, even with a heartbreaking one-yard short loss to the Redskins, to pick up the sixth playoff spot in the NFC.
The Eagles found themselves in the playoffs after thrashing the Cowboys 44-6. Over the weekend, the Eagles knocked off the Vikings in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Now the ultimate showdown is on.
The key for the Eagles is their offense. Once again, the Eagles are a top 10 offense for this season. McNabb in fact threw for 3916 yards, a career high. He also completed 345 passes this season, also a career high. McNabb is going to Brian Westbrook early and often. Westbrook is by far the Eagles biggest threat.
One factor that also needs to be considered is the battle of teacher and pupil. I of course mean the battle between Jim Johnson (Eagles Defensive Coordinator) and Steve Spagnuolo (Giants Defensive Coordinator). These two will be ready to go at each other on Sunday.
PREDICTION: The match-up between the two is at 1-1 for this season. The Eagles won the last time these two faced each other in the playoffs. I like and have respect for both teams. This has the chance to be a great game. However, I'm picking the Giants to beat the Eagles.
Tomorrow, I start with a preview of the AFC games.
So we have a divisional showdown to determine who goes on to the NFC Title game. These are two very good teams. This season, it is all about the Giants. The defending Super Bowl champions have had an excellent 2008 season. They're a terrific defense, even without Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. Brandom Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw had a good year, with Jacobs and Ward both running for over 1,000 yards.
Earth, Wind and Fire (the backs not the band) are the key for the Giants. The three backs combined for 2469 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing. The key is Jacobs. He's the star of the trio. The Eagles will do everything in their power to stop them.
The Eagles were considered goners by a lot of people. Both Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid were politely asked by the Philly fans to get the hell out of town. The Eagles played excellent football down the stretch, even with a heartbreaking one-yard short loss to the Redskins, to pick up the sixth playoff spot in the NFC.
The Eagles found themselves in the playoffs after thrashing the Cowboys 44-6. Over the weekend, the Eagles knocked off the Vikings in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Now the ultimate showdown is on.
The key for the Eagles is their offense. Once again, the Eagles are a top 10 offense for this season. McNabb in fact threw for 3916 yards, a career high. He also completed 345 passes this season, also a career high. McNabb is going to Brian Westbrook early and often. Westbrook is by far the Eagles biggest threat.
One factor that also needs to be considered is the battle of teacher and pupil. I of course mean the battle between Jim Johnson (Eagles Defensive Coordinator) and Steve Spagnuolo (Giants Defensive Coordinator). These two will be ready to go at each other on Sunday.
PREDICTION: The match-up between the two is at 1-1 for this season. The Eagles won the last time these two faced each other in the playoffs. I like and have respect for both teams. This has the chance to be a great game. However, I'm picking the Giants to beat the Eagles.
Tomorrow, I start with a preview of the AFC games.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Division Showdowns: Arizona at Carolina
Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers- Saturday 8:15 PM ET on FOX
These two teams squared off in week 8 of the 2008 season. In that game, the Cardinals jumped out to a 17-3 lead. However, the Panthers would put up 21 points in the third quarter, as well as a field goal in the fourth quarter, to defeat the Cardinals 27-23.
Kurt Warner and his trio of receivers (Boldin, Fitzgerald and Breaston) dominated the passing attack for the Cardinals. Warner threw for 381 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers never gave up more passing yards then in the game against the Cardinals.
It seems unlikely that the Cards will have the same kind of success. It seems harder knowing that the Panthers will focus much of their defense on the passing attack. However, the Falcons couldn't stop the Cardinals, so anything is possible.
The key for the Panthers is the running game. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are a true 1-2 combo punch. Williams and Stewart represent 2351 of the 2437 rushing yards for the Panthers this season. The Panthers ran for 30 touchdowns this season, best in the NFL.
The Cardinals are in the middle of the pack when it comes to giving up rushing yards. However, the Cardinals managed to shut down the Michael Turner attack, holding him to only 42 yards.
My Pick: The Cardinals have had their great deal of road woes this season. They're 3-5 on the road. So I don't think they could pull it off. I'm picking the Panthers.
Tomorrow, I'll profile the NFC match-up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
