Conference Championship Discussion

[Daws1089]

I would like to know NO will stop the Minn pass rush? Bushrod at left tackle will get owned by Allen. Shockey will likely be much less than 90% so his help won't be much. He was never much of a blocker to begin with so do they use the other TE Thomas or use an RB to help out Bushrod? Sounds like trouble to me. If Ray Edwards isn't effective with his injury, then it is a different story, but I don't see how they stop Allen. Dallas was able to get a ton of pressure on Brees when they beat them in the regular season and they were able to run the ball pretty well. I think this is the blueprint for taking down NO. Pass rush and run the ball. The NO defense can definitely be had. I like Minn, but they have not played well on the road.


I have my thoughts on the NYJ in another thread. Basically, I'm still looking for some solid reasons to back the Colts, which I can't seem to find. They are at home, they have revenge, they have the better QB but that is all I see. Even if we pretend like NYJ/IND didn't play in week 16, it's not like their run game and #1 D are going anywhere.

I saw this line up to 8 at some places. I'm just not seeing the point of pounding the Colts. Dallas Clark could be an issue I guess?

[FlyersFan]

I have my thoughts on the NYJ in another thread. Basically, I'm still looking for some solid reasons to back the Colts, which I can't seem to find. They are at home, they have revenge, they have the better QB but that is all I see. Even if we pretend like NYJ/IND didn't play in week 16, it's not like their run game and #1 D are going anywhere.

I saw this line up to 8 at some places. I'm just not seeing the point of pounding the Colts. Dallas Clark could be an issue I guess?

here is the flip side to that coin. CIN and SDG BOTH had the NYJ on the ropes and let them off with turnovers and missed FG's. Both teams led the NYJ 7-0 and had things going their way until some unforced mistakes. If you let the NYJ hang around then they will cover. BUT......i have yet to see the NYJ and stinkchez play from behind. And if IND can get out to a 14-0 lead, i could see things going south for the NYJ. All this hoopla over sanchez in 2 games, but lets see what he does IF he is forced to bring the team back.

So it boils down to which school of thought you buy into. If you think IND can get out to a lead i could see things snowballing on stinkchez. If IND turns the ball over and misses FG's like Cincinnati and SDG then i would say the NYJ stay within the number. And honestly, until the game plays out, anyone's guess is no better than another's. I think the IND win this game but by how much really will be dictated by how the game plays out.

[Daws1089]

I'm not entirely convinced CIN had NYJ on the ropes. I didn't see all of that game, but from what I watched, which was the first 3 quarters I did not see CIN as the one in control. They were able to get some good runs, but the Palmer fumble was a forced mistake.


As for this game sunday, yea you're right anyone's guess is as good as the next guy's. Something drastic would have to happen for NYJ to be down 14-0 early. If they are down 14-0 early I wouldn't panic especially if I had 8 pts. If they were down 14 in the 2nd half then yea I'd be pretty worried.

[COACH DITKA]

I would definitely agree w/the notion of the first quarter/quarter and a half being key. If Indy can jump out early, it will force the Jets to go away from their bread and butter, the running game, and force Sanchez to make decisions and try to complete passes to Keller, Cotchery, and Sir Drops-a-Lot. If the Jets can force a turnover early and put up points allowing Sanchez to merely manage the game, I think the Jets have a good shot. If they run the ball 40x, that Colts D could easily wear down as they are fast but not big. It's also hard to go against Peyton in a game like this. This just seems like one of those games where they team that gets the lead early can just play off that and we subsequently won't see a late comeback by either team barring stupid turnovers.

[Daws1089]

nice discussion :puke:



I'm liking Minny more and more with all these touts backing NO

[Nicky Santoro]

IMO, I think Favre has a horrid game. Statistically, Favre is having the best season of his illustrious, 19-year career; however, the 40-year-old quarterback and his teams have often struggled in the playoffs (4-6 SU and 4-5-1 ATS since 1997).If New Orleans’ defense can apply consistent pressure on Favre, as he has demonstrated in past playoff games, may become rattled, force the football into coverage and commit turnovers.

Adrian Peterson has not rushed for 100+ yards in eight consecutive games, if they can't get him or Taylor going it will be a long day for Favre.

Here is a whack trend: Since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, the winning teams of the conference championship games (NFC and AFC) are 65-0-2 ATS when the line is less than 10 points, WTF does that mean?? New Orleans is 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games as a favorite of 3.5-10 points. The Superdome will be rockin'!

Game plan for the Jets, ball control. Keep Manning off the field by utilizing that great running game. The Colts were No. 24 in the league in run defense, allowing 126.5 yards per contest. Keep Sanchez away from 3rd and long. Pressure Manning with blitzes and keep him on his heels.