NFL Playoffs Thread

tallaghtoutlaws wrote: »

Sounds like you are confusing the feelings of some fans arrogance and the feelings of the actual team.

Been a Pats fan for over 20 years and this game has an air of caution to it and BB and TB and all of the Pats players know it.

As for the Jets game last year hardly a comparison you can make considering Rex Ryan came off more arrogant than the Pats. But rival games are always going to get an air of arrogance regardless of how important the game is.

More a fan thing, though in a lot of the examples i initially made, the teams bought into it. to be fair i did note in the general banter thread that the pats have taken a completely different approach, praising us like they did in the first game. But the general feeling coming from the fans is that it'll be easy and we're quite good when doubted. I never said they were complacent either, just that the recent results mean that the team is far more grounded than the fans and pundits going predicting blowouts.

For what it's worth:
-We've seen the pats A game already this year on the offensive side, very rare a team is going to drop more than 41 on you unless you're a poor side. I do think we'll be better prepared for the pats offence than the first time.
-As well beaten as we were at home, there were a lot of positives from that game, we racked up points well and it was a catastrophic second quarter that buried us.
-We're a better road team than a home one.
-Decker was off form, he'll be missed but has had awful issues with drops the previous weeks. Royal stepped up admirably in his absence and Demaryius Prime (as they're now calling him on the broncos boards, lol) is developing into a serious threat.
-McGahee is fit, we ran the ball very well last time but Lance Ball has fumbling issues. McGahee is a better back and less turnover prone. If we establish the run game and avoid turnovers, this will be close and anything can happen.
-We're playing with house money. At 11/2 underdogs we've nothing to lose really, this season is already a resounding success. Meanwhile the Pats want to avoid another playoff one and done at home and being two touchdown favourites is a pressurizing situation. As a result i think that the longer we keep it close and the famous "Tebow Time" approaches, the tension is really going to build and it's anybody's game,
-Tebow is showtime, he's been mint in front of large national audiences any time he's played in these situations. Given that this could be the most watched non-superbowl NFL game ever against the most recent dynasty the league produced, this is his biggest game yet.
-For what it's worth, i think we'll lose, but cover.

Nothing to lose. Come on Denver.

Some great games this weekend, really looking foreward to them, hopefully they'll all be exciting/tight games !

Saints @ 49ers
The easy prediction is the Saints, such an explosive offense, but.........as has been pointed out, they are 'away' from home, and outside in the elements, against a strong D. I still think they'll get it done tho.

Broncos @ Patriots
As a Bronco fan, this is as big as it gets, going into Bradyville in a playoff game, as underdogs, with no expectations.
NE: They are big favs, and rightly so, with a future HOFer @ QB, loads of weapons, and BB as HC & they've had 2 weeks preparation.
Broncos: We shouldn't even be here, we were 1-4, we pulled wins 'out-of-the-sky', we've a 'FB who can throw' @ QB !!, & inexperienced, and yet with him at QB, it seems is our best chance to get the 'win' ! The team played really well last week, in a game nobody gave them a chance, and guess what ditto this week !

For the Patriots to win:
1. Play like they have been doing on Offense, ie. super consistent.
2. Step up 'big time' on Defense.

If the Broncos are to win, they need to:
1. Play as well as last week, ie. execution of key plays (esp Tebow).
2. No turnovers.
3. Run the ball well, keep Brady on his bench.
4. Defend well, hassle Brady, and hope for a few TOs.
.........simple!
Prediction: mmmm........Patriots ........but I wouldn't be surprised if.......:pac:

Texans @ Ravens
Can Flacco be the difference between these 2 running teams ? that could be the key. Hense, I'll go with the Ravens.

Giants @ Packers
Will Rodgers be a bit rusty ?? he can't afford to be against a rejuvinated Giants D. Can Eli play well in Lambeau ?? Will they Cruz through this one ?? I'm sticking with the Packers, home field adv and an incredible O will get it done.

Cases can be made for all the underdogs, and as I mentioned earlier, the best underdog double for me is: 49ers/Broncos.

Goddamit, C'mon Texans!

FWIW

NO @ SF: Possibly the game of the weekend up first. Will be a close run thing but Brees and Co. will push on in the fourth. 31:21 NO

DE @ NE: Broncos bubble will be well and truly burst. Picked them to win against the off kilter Steelers last week but they have a mammoth task to get a similar result here. Brady and Co. to beat them down and out. 46:17 NE

HOU @ BAL: Had a sneaky early season bet on Houston but injuries have slowed them down somewhat. They'll be more than a match for Baltimore and it'll come down to which Ravens side turn up. I'm sticking with the Texans though with Foster sealing a 24:17 win.

NYG @ GB: Giants have done just enough to get this far, but its a game too far I think. The Pack will run this one from start to finish.... 42:21

All in all, an interesting weekend. Looking forward to it....Enjoy all!

Can't wait for the game.

Please please let's not spot the broncos any sort of a lead.

Dunno if it has been posted but I just say this video here of Packers fans turning up to help clear the stadium of snow. Great to see the dedication involved.

SO it is 5am where I am at now and no internet cafes in sight so **** it I got myself gamepass to ensure I see the Packers but with the added extra of seeing this mornings game. I have not slept in 20 hours and going be struggling later on but both could be crackers. Not missing this weekend.

just putting in a post now fridge full of little green bottles ,
kids in bed wife sent to the mother in laws
fire on ... all set for a great night of football ...
life is good ..
so for everyone here hope ye have a great weekend ..
and i suppose for the sake of my paddy power acc go Broncos ...

have Sproles a 7s to score the first touchdown.....good value IMO...;)

Siragusa the gangster!

Jeff is back!

Dirty 49ers hit gets them the ball.