NFL Playoff Thread

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

It's wild card week, so time for a monster discussion thread:thumb:

Redskins at Bucs

The Skins secondary is really banged up right now. They lost Shawn Springs during the game yesterday, and Carlos Rodgers is banged up. It got to the point where they had to play a safety at corner. As for the Bucs, that defense is rock solid at all three levels. I think the Bucs will come out on top, since Simms will be able to make more big plays against that secondary.

Panthers at Giants

If Carolina can run the ball effectively, I think they can win this game. The Giants linebackers are banged up, and not having Pierce will hurt them in stopping the run. The thing the Giants have going for them is that their offense is a lot more balanced than the Panthers. Although, I'm not sure what the status of Shockey is going into this weekend (Mel?). I guess I'll go with the upset though, and take Carolina in a close one.

Jags at Pats

The Pats defense has played better as they've gotten more healthy. The secondary is still below average, but that front seven is one of the best in football. The Jags are gonna start Leftwich, who got no snaps in week 17. He's gonna be cold, he's immobile, and the Pats are gonna be knocking him on his ass all day long. Pats win, and it's not even close.

Steelers at Bengals

I don't know if you can call the Steelers an underdog going into this game. They've played better down the stretch, and if Roethlisberger wasn't out for part of the season then maybe they win this division. The Bengal defense is horrible, especially against the run, and I wouldn't be shocked if the Steelers pull off the 'upset' this weekend. The Bengals are gonna be a great team for many years, but their defense just isn't there yet.

[leaferfan87]

Redskins at Bucs

An interesting matchup. Both teams feature outstanding defenses, running backs that can get it done (Williams & Portis), receivers that can get it done (Moss & Galloway). That being said the Redskins will have the intangible of Brunell's playoff experience opposed to Chris Simms who will make his first playoff start. In my opinion that is what will give the Redskins a slight edge in this one. Pick: Redskins

Panthers at Giants

The Giants have struggled against the run with Pierce out so look for DeShaun Foster and Stephen Davis to have a big day. This is Eli Manning's first playoff start so it should be interesting to see how he reacts as he goes up against a great defense. This game should be close, but Carolina tends to thrive in these situations. Pick: Carolina

Jaguars at Patriots

This is not the matchup I'd want if I were Jack Del Rio. The Patriots turned it up in the second half and started to look like, well the Patriots. The Jaguars have a good defense, but Byron Leftwich has absolutely no playoff experience. The Patriots will eat him for supper. Pick: New England

Steelers at Bengals

The team split the season series this year. The Steelers have picked it up towards the end of the season. The weather could be nasty for this one and if it comes to that the Steelers can pound the ball with Bettis and Parker more effectively and have a better defense. If it turns into an shootout than the Bengals have a better chance. But, the Steelers have looked better in the last few weeks while the Bengals have stumbled a little. Pick: Pittsburgh

[PDO]

Redskins at Bucs

Have the skins been hot? Oh yeah.. but they're not hot enough. Tampa is better defensively, and while they don't have an amazing offense.. they're playing at home. The Skins'll have trouble sustaining drives against this Bucs, and in the end it'll be the difference. Bucs by 7.

Panthers at Giants

This game is going to be one helluva game. Both of these teams are very talented, both have possible MVP candidates in Barber and Smith. The main storyline I see in this game is how Eli will play against one of the best D's in the league in a pressure situation. I personally think he's not ready, and that he's going to end up on his rear too many times to be effective. Panthers by 10, Steve Smith being the difference maker.

Jaguars at Patriots

Ugh. Patriots at home the way they're playing.. and against the Jags no less. Ugly game. Patroits will walk away with this one.

Steelers at Bengals.

Bengals are at home and will be looking for a shootout. If this becomes one - they win. They almost beat Indy in a shootout, and they will beat the Steelers in one. MVP chants for Palmer. Cincy by 3.

[leaferfan87]

It just donned on me the new wave of QB's of the future that are being featured in the playoffs this season. Chris Simms, Carson Palmer, Byron Leftwich, Eli Manning and Rex Grossman will all be entering their first playoffs of the pro career. Not to mention that Ben Roethlisberger is still young too. The new guard seems to be coming of age.

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

Sean Taylor, from The U, puts the Skins up 14-0.

[Amoroq]

Redskins 17 - Bucs 10
Patriots 28 Jags 3
Panthers 23 Giants ZERO!!
Bengals 17 Steelers 14 2nd QTR

[Mel]

It's always a bitter pill to swallow when your team gets eliminated in the post season, blowout or close game doesn't matter. The season is over.

But I think it's actually probably easier to accept a blowout like the Giants got today... your dissappointment happens gradually throughout the game as opposed to a big let-down at the end. As silly as that might sound.

Hats off to Carolina, they dominated. I wish them luck in the next game.

Despite today, I am very satisfied with this season. Eli Manning had his first full year to develop, and lead the team to win the division. I feel good about the future. I feel the future is bright for this group.

The biggest Giants need is in the secondary... that was there weak spot all season. The line and backers are OK, except for the injuries to the LB's - but that's life in the NFL.

On offense, they are pretty much set. Any offensive moves should have to do with the line. Manning2 has Barber, Shockey, Burress, and Toomer. The only offensive help they need is on the line. Hopefully Eli will follow in his bro's footsteps.

Congrats to all the teams who won this weekend. :)

[leaferfan87]

Poor Carson Palmer. To have that happen to you on your first career playoff play from scrimmage really must such. Kitna held them in the game for a half, but as great teams are able to do the Steelers adjusted at half time and really dominated the Bengals.

Not to worry, Palmer should make a recovery and with a draft and a off-season to add some defensive help the Bengals should be a fine team in the future.

[J.R.]

It was a fairly lacklustre first round of The NFL Tournament.

I mean the biggest story that comes from this weekend is that Carson Palmer got knocked out of the game on his first career playoff throw (and a nice throw it was).

I felt bad for him and those fans in Cincinnati that had waited so long for success, but at the same time I couldn't help but wonder as to who would be replacing him in the Pro Bowl. I hate that game and never watch it, but it would be nice to have a fifth Bronco going to HI. :)

Now on to the games themselves:

Redskins @ Buccaneers - The best of the four games played. Chris Simms impressed me with his poise in the fourth quarter (despite the late INT), as he basically got TB back into the game, had it not been for an touchdown waved off. Another quality effort by the second hottest team going into the playoffs and I wouldn't be surprised to see Joe Gibbs' crew challenging the Seahawks next Saturday.

Jaguars @ Patriots - Yawn. Typical methotical New England style of game that nearly bore me to sleep. Is there any surprise that they beat up on a team that didn't deserve to be in the postseason at The Razor?

Panthers @ Giants - I'm disappointed with the G-men's offence, like so many are. They struggled down the stretch in the regular season with Eli Manning throwing picks and he continued that today. (Peyton Manning started his postseason career quite similarly.) Oh well, props to the Cats' defence and the better team won so it sets up a great matchup next Sunday at the Midway.

Steelers @ Bengals - Hats off for the first half Jon Kitna produced to give Cincinnati a glimmer of hope being up 17-14 in the locker room. Unfortunately for the Bengals, Pittsburgh layed their smashmouth style on them in the second half and won going away. Nice trickery to open up the double digit lead. Finally Bill Cower wins a playoff game on the road.

[leaferfan87]

WASHINGTON @ TAMPA BAY: Man the Redskins have a brutal offense, but that defense is playing so well right now. Chris Simms will be a fine QB in the future and I think there is alot of his father in his game especially with the accuracy.

JACKSONVILLE @ NEW ENGLAND: No surprises here. Why JR did the Jaguars not deserve to be in the playoffs?? The Pats just as well could've done that to any team. That TD pass to Watson where he broke multiple tackles was quite amazing and the Pats look to be in top flight, which isn't good if you're the AFC.

CAROLINA @ NY GIANTS: Well, I expected a Carolina victory and for Eli Manning to struggle, but to get shut out was quite surprising to me. Carolina simply played a great game and Steve Smith is just absolutely spectacular.

PITTSBURGH @ CINCINNATI: The result was just as I expected it, but after Carson Palmer got injured I just felt sorry for the Bengals and hoped that they'd pull it out. Kitna kept them in there in the first, but THE Pittsburgh Steelers took over in the second half with Roethlisberger putting up a good performance.

[J.R.]

Why JR did the Jaguars not deserve to be in the playoffs??The result of a joke schedule. Of their 12 wins, only three were against quality teams and they came within the first six weeks of the season, when teams aren't fully established as being good.

Quality wins:
Seahawks
Bengals
Steelers

Then for the next 11 weeks, they beat these weak teams:
Jets
Texans (twice)
Ravens
TITans (twice)
Cardinals
Browns
49ers

They had a .465 (second lowest among playoff teams) strength of schedule compared to the seventh seeded Cheifs' .504, who missed the playoffs. I know they don't have anything to do with making the schedule, but this team wasn't very good all season and that culminated on Saturday night.

[KB in Kelowna]

The only game I watched was the Steelers-Bengals. Was it me or did Jon Kitna seem to play worse the longer it went, I wondered if Lewis was going to go with the 3rd stringer. I knew once Pittsburg started to use "the Bus" they had it.

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

Well, wildcard weekend was filled with 3 games that weren't even worth watching. The exceptions being Tampa and Washington. This weekend is shaping up to be much better. I love defensive football, and Carolina vs. Chicago should be a treat this weekend. Both teams have elite defensive fronts, solid linebacking cores lead by Brian Urlacher and Dan Morgan, and the secondaries are both very good. I wouldn't be shocked if the winner in this game only had 9 or 10 points. I think that Steve Smith will make enough plays on offense for the Panthers to advance.

Saturday night will give us another great game too. Pats-Broncos should be another tight one. Denver is coming off a great regular season, and in the second half of the season everything started coming together for the Pats. However, they now have the difficult task of winning a playoff game at Mile High (hope they bring their oxygen tanks). The Broncos like to pressure the QB using their backers and safeties, and with an all rookie left side of the O-line I'd expect them to exploit that an overload that side a lot. For the Pats, they need Corey Dillon to have a big game. He needs to pick up yards to keep that Denver defense honest. When the Pats are on defense, it's all about the front 7. They need to stop the run and get pressure on Plummer. The secondary isn't good, and if Jake has all day to throw he will make big plays for the Broncos. I will pick the Pats to win, but this game could go either way. A Vinatieri or Elam kick could be the difference.

[J.R.]

To be honest this wasn't the team I wanted the Broncos to be playing in the second round of the playoffs, but as the cliche goes, to be the best, they must beat the best.

Undoubtably this Patriots/Broncos game, with two top teams, is the best matchup of the postseason thusfar, yet all the talk from the national media continues to be focused soley on the Patriots. The Broncos' locker room loves this. They're the underdogs in their own stadium, like they have been all season despite going 8-0.

The big key to this game is running and who is able to establish that first. Obviously both teams rely on the run to open up the pass and more options later in the game. Whoever runs for more quality yards will win. Plummer can look deadly when the playaction is working and Brady wins games when he has the other team is caught off guard.

I'm not expecting another beatdown like the one Denver put on New England in week six. It will be close and I think the bye week and being at home will be the difference. I truly believe the Broncos will end the Patriots' ten game postseason winning streak.

[PDO]

I'm going to kill everyone in Seattle. I bet on them, and this is how they treat me.

:curse:

[PDO]

I'm going to kill everyone in Seattle. I bet on them, and this is how they treat me.

:curse:

I'm gonig to retract my comments and party :laughing:

[J.R.]

I'm gonig to retract my comments and party :laughing:
Let me guess. You picked the Patriots?

First of all -- All you haters can take your "Can't win without Elway" and shove it. Thanks.

Pretty boy and the homeless man loses in the playoffs! Great sign in the stands read: "10-0 is as high as you'll go."

I'm personally feeling about a Mile High right now, without the help of any drug. I have a bunch of game notes that I'll post later ( i don't know when), but right now I'm drinking (including some ORANGE CRUSH).

Go steelers!

[Amoroq]

2 defining moments in the skins/hakws game.

1: The BS Off INT late in the 1st half. Sorry but 1 redskin and 2 hawks, anyway :burning:


2: The missed FG.

Hope Alexander is ok :(

[J.R.]

Proof the Broncos are still not receiving the attention the deserve: The NFL Network just cut away from Jake Plummer's (the WINNING QB) press conference and went to Tom Brady's (the LOSING QB) press conference. Oh well, the less press, the more underestimated Denver will be going into the AFC Championship next Sunday. In fact, the headline tommorow morning will not be "Broncos win", but will rather read: "Colts win Super Bowl three weeks early." :rolleyes:

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

Let me guess. You picked the Patriots?

He posted that before the Pats game even started:rolleyes:

PDO is probably happy because the Hawks won and he got some money out of the game.

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

The Pats-Broncos game didn't disappoint one bit. Both defenses came to play, and neither team could generate much offensively in the first half. That pass interference call on Samuel was BS because a)it was a late flag by the back judge, the official down the sidelines thought it was clean and b)the replays show Lelie using his hands, not Samuel. In a game that big I just don't see how a ref can throw a flag on a play like that. However, it did occur early enough in the game where the Pats had time to make a comeback.

In the second half the Pats offense really picked it up. They were moving the ball with ease against the Denver defense, but a combination of turnovers and not being able to finish drives did the Pats in. Two of Denver's TDs came on a short field, and the third came off of a missed FG. I don't care who you're playing, if you give a team that many chances they will put you away.

[J.R.]

He posted that before the Pats game even started:rolleyes:

PDO is probably happy because the Hawks won and he got some money out of the game.
I know that, but with Pro-Line (which I assume he was using to bet and not some sportsbook), you need to pick at least three correct outcomes.

[J.R.]

Game notes:

- Broncos 4th and 1 from the 3 -> The fade to Lelie was probably the worst thing they could have called. Denver's fades have worked this season to tightends that people have never heard of (i.e. Wesley Duke), not to their #2 receiver. I think a little playaction would have worked as well.

- Jake Plummer's interception. Immediately I knew it was a bad throw. He's great at rolling out of the pocketand throwing on the run, but that was him starting to fall back and off one foot. Good INT by Samuel.

- Brady was able to hook up with his receivers deep too often. It scared me because I knew the game wasn't over until the two minute warning.

- The two turnovers in less than a minute before half time basically won Denver this game, but that's how they've been winning all season. They are #2 in the league at controlling turnovers and last night they won that 5-1.

- Champ BAILLY!!! If that's a NE touchdown, they would have taken the lead and likely went on to victory. Unbelievable play that should go down in history for both him and Ben Watson. Awesome play from Watson that deserves respect by football fans, players, coaches, everyone in sports. Don't give up on a play, because it nearly gave the Pats the ball back.

- John Lynch had yet another steller game. That's what he was brought to Denver for - make tackles and get to the quarterback. Last night he had five tackles and an INT. He got to Brady at least a half dozen times and fired up that defence because of it.

- Neither running game got going. Who would have thought that?

Given the choice of playing at home or on the road in the AFC Championship game, I'll take the (now loud) INVESCO Field at Mile High. Wave that Terrible Towel, boys.

[PDO]

I have a bookie Junes.

Didn't get to watch the Bronco's/Pats game.. and managed to miss the hilights as well. Sigh. Indy is managing suck so far, although if they can play like they're capable of this game isn't over yet.

[leaferfan87]

I have a bookie Junes.

Didn't get to watch the Bronco's/Pats game.. and managed to miss the hilights as well. Sigh. Indy is managing suck so far, although if they can play like they're capable of this game isn't over yet.

Indy sucking in the playoffs...that's depossible!

[J.R.]

oh my, i cant type...

i cant believe what i just witnessed in indy..my heart stopped at least a dozen times

see u at 11 am mountain time next sunday -> Pittsburgh @ Denver (winner goes to Super Bowl XL In Detroit.)

:D

[Canucklehead]

Could someone explain to me how Polamalu's INT was ruled an incomplete pass? He took a step and then rolled over twice with control of the ball. Is that not good enough to count as possesion? Anyway, that just passed this years Grey Cup as the most unbelievable finish to a football game I've ever seen.

[J.R.]

Could someone explain to me how Polamalu's INT was ruled an incomplete pass? He took a step and then rolled over twice with control of the ball. Is that not good enough to count as possesion? Absolutely agree. It was a disgusting call. CBS announcers Dick Enberg and Dan Dierdorf were shocked that it was overturned. NFL Network host Rich Eisen could believe it, as he described it as "An insane interpretation of the rule." There is no way that there was indisputable evidence against it being an interception.

As the game went on the officials were clearly making calls in favour of the Colts, trying to get them one step closer to the Super Bowl. :rolleyes: And I must say it's funny how in the year that the baby horses get the right to play in their cute little dome throughout the playoffs, they can't do sh!t.

Anyway, that just passed this years Grey Cup as the most unbelievable finish to a football game I've ever seen.It's close, but I just may have to agree to that. It was one of those games where you feel that the trailing team is actually in the lead and I kept thinking that Manning would lead the Colts back to victory. Fortunately he didn't. :boogie:

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

I know that, but with Pro-Line (which I assume he was using to bet and not some sportsbook), you need to pick at least three correct outcomes.

I don't think PDO uses Pro-Line;)

EDIT -- Oops, I didn't scroll down to see PDO's post.

[leaferfan87]

Could someone explain to me how Polamalu's INT was ruled an incomplete pass? He took a step and then rolled over twice with control of the ball. Is that not good enough to count as possesion? Anyway, that just passed this years Grey Cup as the most unbelievable finish to a football game I've ever seen.

I was perplexed as well. He clearly had control of the ball rolled over a few times (without the ball hitting the ground) and then hitting the ball out with his knee. There was no reason that it should have been overturned.

[J.R.]

At least the NFL has some balls to say their officials got it wrong.

NFL says official should have upheld Polamalu call (http://www.superbowl.com/news/story/9168866)

NFL.com wire reports

NEW YORK (Jan. 16, 2006) -- The NFL said the referee made a mistake: Troy Polamalu caught the ball.

The league acknowledged that referee Pete Morelli erred when he overturned on replay Polamalu's interception of a Peyton Manning pass in the playoff game between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.

Mike Pereira, the league's vice president of officiating, said in a statement that Morelli should have upheld the call, made with 5:26 left in Pittsburgh's win over the Colts.

After the reversal, the Colts went on to score a touchdown and a two-point conversion, cutting the Steelers' 21-10 lead to 21-18. That led to a wild final few minutes, and Pittsburgh clinched its win only when the Colts' Mike Vanderjagt missed a 46-yard field-goal attempt.

On the play, Polamalu made a diving catch of Manning's pass, tumbled with it in his hands and got up to run. When he did, he fumbled the ball, then recovered. Colts coach Tony Dungy challenged and Morelli ruled Polamalu had not completed the catch.

About a dozen TV and scoreboard replays indicated otherwise. Had the call stood, the Steelers would have had the ball at their own 48 with an 11-point lead.

"The definition of a catch -- or in this case an interception -- states that in the process of making a catch a player must maintain possession of the ball after he contacts the ground," Pereira said.

"The initial call on the field was that Troy Polamalu intercepted the pass because he maintained possession of the ball after hitting the ground. The replay showed that Polamalu had rolled over and was rising to his feet when the ball came loose. He maintained possession long enough to establish a catch. Therefore, the replay review should have upheld the call on the field that it was a catch and fumble.

"The rule regarding the performing of an act common to the game applies when there is contact with a defensive player and the ball comes loose, which did not happen here."

The NFL almost never makes public the result of its reviews, although it did three years ago, when Pereira said officials should have called pass interference against San Francisco on the final play of a wild-card game with the New York Giants. The correct call would have given New York a second chance to kick a game-winning field goal in a 39-38 loss.

After the game, Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter said of the ruling:

"I know they wanted Indy to win this game; the whole world loves Peyton Manning. But come on, man, don't take the game away from us like that." :laughing:

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello had no comment on Porter's statement.

In the past, players who have made such statements have been subject to fines.

[J.R.]

From the Playoff Picks thread:The Steelers are a lot better than a 6th seed. If Big Ben doesn't get hurt in the middle of the season they probably win their division.Agreed. Pittsburgh is a terrific team that has several weapons that can win football games. They're dangerous right now with a lot of confidence winning two games on the road.

The Steelers are great at running the ball and stopping the run. Also Roethlisberger proved in the last two weeks that he's not just a QB that hands the ball off anymore, he can win games with his arm too. This is going to be another good game, with a trip to the Roman Numeral Classic on the line.

[J.R.]

It was quite the ride that came up two wins short.

:(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/jrthesportsczar/bronco2-sm.gif

(Sign Tom Nalen.)

[charlio lemieux]

Woo Hoo Pittsburg!