2013 NFL Playoffs Thread

[Papi34]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Well if Joe Flacco can win this next game it's going to be hard for the detractors to keep criticizing him. Nobody has taken out Manning and Brady in the same season yet. Since Brady first took the Patriots to the Superbowl, it's been one of Brady, Manning, or Roethlisberger representing the AFC with the freak exception of Rich Gannon in 2003. If Billy Cundiff doesn't doink it, he would have broke that streak last year.

Not necessarily, if Cundiff hits it the game goes to OT, Ravens dont win from that kick being made

[Senator Clay Davis]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Well if Joe Flacco can win this next game it's going to be hard for the detractors to keep criticizing him. Nobody has taken out Manning and Brady in the same season yet. Since Brady first took the Patriots to the Superbowl, it's been one of Brady, Manning, or Roethlisberger representing the AFC with the freak exception of Rich Gannon in 2003. If Billy Cundiff doesn't doink it, he would have broke that streak last year.

The worst part of this being wrong? The guy who did actually do it? Mark Sanchez (2010). Flacco can really never win.

[troutman]

Sorry folks. There is no stopping my magical year.

Pats get to the Superbowl. I win the CP Hockey Pool. Giants win the World Series. Stamps get to the Grey Cup. Pats could go to the Superbowl again.

I should buy some lottery tickets.

Put some money on the Flames?

[troutman]

Joe Flacco, seven playoff wins in five years; Peyton Manning, nine playoff wins in 14 years

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl...#ixzz2Hy42U9nB

[M*A*S*H 4077]

The biggest takeaway from this past weekend for me was how much tackling is becoming a lost art. No one wraps up anymore, just trying for the big hit (but don't hit anyone too hard or you'll be flagged).

The Pats did a great job of tackling compared to the other teams this weekend (not including the 49ers and Packers because I barely saw that game).

[Bobblehead]

The 49ers since the start of the regular season:
win, win, loss
win, win, loss
win, win, tie
win, win, loss
win, win, loss
win, win, <NFC Championship>

The Niners don't seem to play well when they are favoured. I expect they will play up the, "We are on the road so we can't be the favourites" angle.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

The worst part of this being wrong? The guy who did actually do it? Mark Sanchez (2010). Flacco can really never win.

I completely forgot about that abberation. So the Jets beat the Colts in the first week the Patriots in the second, and than lost to the Steelers in the last week. Look at the Jets roster today, and my question is...how the hell did that happen.

Although Sanchez still never got his team to the Superbowl. Flacco hasn't yet, but he's also got his team to the playoffs every year he's been there. Mind you comparing the Ravens offence to the Jets offence in terms of my perceived talent levels, and it's not close. Baltimore has pretty good offensive pieces.

[Senator Clay Davis]

I think it just shows you that there's a difference between successful QB and great QB. The Ravens need to tread carefully when doing the new Flacco deal, because he views himself in the elite Brady/Manning class, when really there are at least 10 QBs almost all people would take ahead of him. A deal like Matt Cassel's (6yrs, $60 m) should be their goal, cause Joe Flacco is not worth $15m+ a season. A deal like that could devastate them long term, just like the Sanchez/Schaub/Fitzpatrick deals. Pay for the quarterback you're getting, not the QB you hope to get.

[Stay Golden]

Now that Manning has been erased from the playoffs they have become all that more enjoyable to watch.

Both games are going to incredible. SF and ATL should be a fun game and Brady vs Lewis is always a can't miss even.

SF vs NE for the super bowl.
SF should win over ATL handily and NE will win a close one over BAL its going to be a tough game.
Unless Brady makes this a track meet for NE he is so damn good.

[Papi34]

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images...e_original.gif

Dangit how do you post gifs!

[dirk diggler]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

I think it just shows you that there's a difference between successful QB and great QB. The Ravens need to tread carefully when doing the new Flacco deal, because he views himself in the elite Brady/Manning class, when really there are at least 10 QBs almost all people would take ahead of him. A deal like Matt Cassel's (6yrs, $60 m) should be their goal, cause Joe Flacco is not worth $15m+ a season. A deal like that could devastate them long term, just like the Sanchez/Schaub/Fitzpatrick deals. Pay for the quarterback you're getting, not the QB you hope to get.

when i hear rumors of Cutler getting a 5 year 90 million dollar deal, if i was Flacco, i wouldnt be happy with 10m/year......

[dirk diggler]

Originally Posted by Stay Golden

Now that Manning has been erased from the playoffs they have become all that more enjoyable to watch.

Both games are going to incredible. SF and ATL should be a fun game and Brady vs Lewis is always a can't miss even.

SF vs NE for the super bowl.
SF should win over ATL handily and NE will win a close one over BAL its going to be a tough game.
Unless Brady makes this a track meet for NE he is so damn good.

Paymeaton Manning has never been a big game QB but in his defense, he gave his team the lead with 40 seconds left.... it shouldnt have come down to his brutal pick in OT, in saying that, i am so happy he is out of the playoffs...

[dirk diggler]

How does "defensive genius" Dom Capers continue to be so revered? other than the year they won the super bowl, his defense has looked awful. they dont tackle well and they dont seem to make adjustments. After Kaepernick was running all over them, nothing changed, they didnt adjust. The Pack are wasting some prime Aaron Rodgers years with a horrible defense. Woodson needs to retire, he has had a fantastic career but he is past his prime

[rubecube]

From Grantland:

"I think I'll order Papa John's tonight. That's the only way you can get Peyton Manning to deliver during the playoffs."

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Will ATL finally get some respect if they beat the 49ers this week?

I mean, media respect isn't the only thing that matters, but it's been irrationally low for a first seeded team.

[Papi34]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Will ATL finally get some respect if they beat the 49ers this week?

I mean, media respect isn't the only thing that matters, but it's been irrationally low for a first seeded team.

My bets on the falcons... if that helps at all haha

winning that first playoff game will be a gorilla off their back.. they of course lose to NE in the superbowl where they always struggle in NOLA and will essentially be the away team as the locals will not be cheering for the falcons haha

[Senator Clay Davis]

The thing about the Falcons winning and the "monkey" coming of the back is, in many ways, that was their Super Bowl. Losing that game would be been potentially franchise altering, so winning allows them to play more freely, but with less motivation than the 49ers, who it cannot be forgetten were a few plays from being in the Super Bowl last year. With a very similar lineup for the 49ers as last year, I expect them to come out wanting it much worse than the Falcons, plus my already existing belief that they are the better team, makes me think this won't be a close game.

But if the Falcons win of course they get respect. This isn't college, it's settled on the field so victory is the only currency of respect.

[Sylvanfan]

I predict that New England beats the Ravens 28-24, the Ravens compete, but the Brady, Roethlisberger, Manning era of AFC domination reaches a full decade, and 11 of the past 12 seasons. Baltimore will play it tough, but at the end of the day I think New England is better this year than they were last year on defence, and even without Gronkowski have enough weapons on offence that the Ravens will not be able to keep them from scoring 4 TD's. What they lose in the passing game is made up by a better running attack this year.

I'll take San Francisco to get by Atlanta 19-13 in a game where Kaepernick struggles throwing the ball. I think he'll do well running, but won't have as much success through the air. 49'ers will get a pass rush and do a better job keeping Atlanta from running which will limit the Falcons attack. It won't be the 49'ers best game, but their defence will play well enough to get them through.

[home_sweet_dome]

I love the way the Niners match up against the Falcons, and yet something about this game gives me a bad vibe. I think it ends up being a lot closer than it should be due to turnovers and somehow the Niners pull it out at the end but Atlanta covers the 3.5 point spread. Also like the under in this game. Definitely nervous right now though.

Not much of a feel on the AFC game, think the Pats win though and it may not be as close as many think.

[saskflames69]

I'm back and I'm unapologetically rooting for my Pats.

Atlanta vs New England Super Bowl. You can count on it.