2009 NFL Playoffs

[dellmanlego]

I hate the NFL's sudden death it is so unfair... I knew when they had the sudden death whoever won the toss won the game...

[JACKAZZTJM]

I hate the NFL's sudden death it is so unfair... I knew when they had the sudden death whoever won the toss won the game...

wow thats very silly anyway.......eagles win it all damm its a good time to live in killadelphia right now

[luns101]

Has Terrell Owens been dumped by the Cowboys yet?

[king sam]

Has Terrell Owens been dumped by the Cowboys yet?

There were talking about this earlier today, I dont see it happening. TO is by far a lot easier to deal with as a cowboy then he was as an eagle or when he was one of my niners. The press makes him out to be such a pain in the ass cause its easy given his track record, and Im pretty sure Jerry Jones sees that.

Plus I heard something like if TO goes then so does Jarrett and I know hes been interviewing for head coaching jobs around the league but my guess would be this will be Wade's last season then it will be Jarrett's regime their in Dallas

[oVo]

Has Terrell Owens been dumped by the Cowboys yet?

There's been talk in the local media about Terrell Owens and I sure hope they hold on to him. The worst part about TO not being a Cowboy is having to play against him. The man can get it done on the field and I think the offense has benefited significantly with him out there. Jason Witten's numbers improved significantly with Owens on the team, because every defense has to account for him which gives the rest of the team opportunities to make plays. If they can fit Roy Williams into the scheme of things, they won't find another receiver out there to match him on the opposite side than Owens. Letting TO go would be a near equivilent to the Dallas Mavericks trading away Steve Nash... and the Mavs have yet to find anyone to take his place.

Garrett has done a few interviews, but the Broncos position is already filled and I anticipate he'll still be in Dallas next season.

Dallas helped all these playoff teams make it into the post season... splitting games with the Eagles and letting the other three squeak by at the end of their games. It was probably the OT loss to the Cardinals that was the most devastating, losing Romo, their Aussie pro-bowl punter for the year and the gameon successive plays. But hey, shit happens... and yes, you sorry bastards! I'm a Cowboys fan!

[jbrettlip]

I am in Phoenix for work, adn I have to see the atmosphere is laughable. Everyone is walking around with their BRAND NEW Cards gear...Two days ago, they released 10,000 tickets to the game! I come from Pittsburgh, where true die-hard fans live (because for years, that was all we had was the Steelers). Now I live in Dallas, where they are a little more "band wagon" and front runners, but still passionate. Cities like Phoenix should host the Superbowl, not have an NFL team!!!!!

Eagles and Steelers in the Superbowl.

PS Nash was a product of a system in PHX. He never had that kind of success in D.

[Iz Man]

Has Terrell Owens been dumped by the Cowboys yet?

Have you seen the poll on http://www.NFL.com ?
The poll asks "Which player would you rather have on your team?"
-Randy Moss
-Terrel Owens
-Neither

Last I saw:

Randy Moss - 23%
Terrel Owens - 16%
Neither - 61%

Hilarious.

Back to the Championship games...

Flacco will be showcased as the rookie he is. Dick LeBeau will throw defensive schemes at him that'll throw him in quite the tizzy, which will lead to sacks and interceptions. Willie Parker is healthy; and much more elusive than the Titans' backs. Look for ~70yds out of Fast Willie, which will be enough in this defensive battle to propel the Steelers past the Ratbirds.

The Cards' passing game will excel because James will be effective on the ground, as he has been so far in the playoffs. This will negate the Philly pass rush. Look for a high scoring game with Arizona coming out on top.

By the way, I've only been wrong in one pick in the playoffs this year, and that was my heart over my mind with Miami over the convicts in the wildcard round.
Don't doubt the Iz.........

[king sam]

By the way, I've only been wrong in one pick in the playoffs this year, and that was my heart over my mind with Miami over the convicts in the wildcard round.
Don't doubt the Iz.........

I'm not doubting "the lz", but I came to the same conclusion, just different reasons.

Cards over Philly
Philly is playing great ball, but Westbrook aint doing squat, at least not what we are used to Westbrook doing, and DeSean Jackson still makes rookie mistakes, will happen more this game.
Asante Samuel is their best corner, and he gambles a lot, the cards will take advantage of this.
And lets face it even if you put Brian Dawkins and Samuel on Fitz it wouldn't matter, Fitz would make the plays he needed to make.

Cards have turned it on with both sides of the line. The key to beating Arizona is hitting Warner early and often, he has been protected in every game, a comfortable Warner behind center is a deadly offense.
This is also due to Edge being the Edge of yesteryear. Whether Arizona was brilliant enough to rest him and start Hightower mid season so he could be this productive I dont know. BUT IT DEFINITELY PAID OFF

Arizona wins, but it will be a good game.

Pitt over Baltimore
Baltimore's Defense is incredible, ED REED is SUPERHUMAN, if (big if) they can keep the game low scoring this Defense can win the game.
If the Defense cant, and with FWP looking good, and Big Ben throwing accurate deep strikes to whoever wants them this offense will sputter. Flacco is going to be a great QB, but he has not been asked so far to go out and win them a game. If Pitt can get up by 2 scores or more, they will turn to Flacco to throw the ball, and while I was extremely impressed last week with that TD to Mason, it will not be enough.
(Which is why I think Carolina is watching the rest of the playoffs from their couches, the Cards got out big and the needed their QB, which much like Flacco, to be more than just a game manager to come up big and he couldn't do enough)

Steelers O, already said above, but their offensive line is suspect. If Baltimore can put Big Ben on his back enough and make FWP ineffective this one could definitely be interesting, especially with that D out for blood cause of the last meeting between these 2.
And the Pitt D is strong enough in the middle to make it tough for McClain/McGahee to run productively consistently and force Flacco into situations where he will make mistakes.

I'm saying the Offense of Pitt comes out on top.

But Pittsburgh will be banged up after this game, and Arizona's high flying Offense will be too much to handle on Feb 1st.

The team that was supposed to be gone last week (Cards) win the Super Bowl !!

[luns101]

Have you seen the poll on http://www.NFL.com ?
The poll asks "Which player would you rather have on your team?"
-Randy Moss
-Terrel Owens
-Neither

Last I saw:

Randy Moss - 23%
Terrel Owens - 16%
Neither - 61%

Hilarious.

Trade them both to Detroit and make them room together for away games!

[king sam]

Trade them both to Detroit and make them room together for away games!

Rumor around has it that Sam Bradford elected to come back his senior year cause he didnt want to play for them

[Gold Knight]

Trade them both to Detroit and make them room together for away games!

Rumor around has it that Sam Bradford elected to come back his senior year cause he didnt want to play for them

If you look at Sam Bradford it just seems he doesnt have the size yet to truly be a franchise QB. At OU he was so well protected that you never really saw any big hits laid on him, but him size in comparison to Sanchez and Stafford just leaves a little to be questioned, seeing as he would be such a high pick that likely a team with a bad O-Line would pick him up. Sorry, as accurrate as Bradford was at OU, i think he is one of the more overrated NFL prospects due to the complete core of players on that offense.

[king sam]

If you look at Sam Bradford it just seems he doesnt have the size yet to truly be a franchise QB. At OU he was so well protected that you never really saw any big hits laid on him, but him size in comparison to Sanchez and Stafford just leaves a little to be questioned, seeing as he would be such a high pick that likely a team with a bad O-Line would pick him up. Sorry, as accurrate as Bradford was at OU, i think he is one of the more overrated NFL prospects due to the complete core of players on that offense.

I couldnt agree with your more. I bet he uses everything he can this season to bulk up in the gym, but it doesnt change the fact that I think him not coming out this year will be his downfall. Him staying is the product of all the doubts nfl scouts have of him and his ability to sustain pressure as a pocket passer.

However he is not going to prove that he wasnt just a product of a wide open offensive system with the loss of all of his O line with the exception of Trent Williams, the loss of all his WR's except Caleb. Sure he will have the best TE to throw to again this year, and Oklahoma's Running Backs are always great. But this year wont be Bradford's year to spread the field out and pick opponents apart with a 4 wide set like he did for 60+ points this year.

He will get more pressure this year from defending line man, and wont have the same talent around him to make the plays he did this last year.

Ultimately Bradford's stock will drop rather than soar with his decision to not go pro's. Just ask Sanchez, 90% of his decision to come out I guarantee was the money he will make now that the only other QB he will be competing with in the draft will be Stafford.

But Im not totally against Bradford's move to stay. It makes the victory sweeter for when Colt McCoy comes to town with the Horns and tramples the Sooners on our way to the 2010 National Championship

[oVo]

It's going to be cold with a chance of snow in Pittsburgh today and I'm wondering why the Steelers/Ravens AFC Championship matchup isn't the early game to give them half a chance
at slightly better weather?

. . .

I'm actually gald to hear that McCoy, Tebow and Bradford are all returning next year. I think Stafford and Sanchez both would have benefitted greatly by playing another college season and who they end up with now will be huge in how they develop as pros. I'm sure cashing in the big payday they have earned with all their hard work is a factor, as well as fear of potential injuries. Vince Young had a National Championship under his belt which probably helped make his choice simpler... and Phoenix has a Heisman quarterback --who had a rough intro to the NFL-- currently backing up Warner.

Fans thought the Houston Texans were nuts to pass up Bush, Leinart and Young in that draft while using their top pick to take a defensive end... and that's turned out ok for them. With few exceptions it's hard for most offensive players to step right into the pros and have an immediate impact. Adrian Peterson of course is one of those and the Ravens and Falcons have both had good seasons with their rookie QBs.

[oVo]

The poll asks "Which player would you rather have on your team?"
-Randy Moss
-Terrell Owens

Give me Larry Fitzgerald as my first choice.
although... Randy Moss and Terrell Owens both at Detroit would be fun to watch, even with Stafford or Sanchez at QB.

[Redfelt]

Well I was 3-1 this weekend with my picks...
Problem was I went with my heart over my brain with the Ratbirds @ the Fish....

I've been rooting for the Cards in the NFC ever since Ken Wis took over the reigns...he was my pick to replace Cowher in Pittsburgh. I see the Cards pulling an upset this weekend.

Here goes:

Arizona over Carolina: The Cards' passing game will be too much, plus its in a warm weather venue. 28-24 Cards

Philly over NYG: Once again, my heart over my brain. Being a former Syracuse season ticket holder, I've got to go with Donovan. The Philly "D" will put pressure on Eli, and if they can stop (or hinder) the Giants' running game, watch out. 20-17 Philly

Ratbirds over Tennessee: My brain over my heart on this one, even though a Tenn win means a road trip for the Steelers in the AFC Champ game. The Convicts' "D" will be too much for Tenn. Low scoring, but a win for those ugly world league uniforms....
13-7 Ratbirds

The 5-time Champion Steelers over the Chargers: Well DUH ! Phillip who? If the Chargers score in double digits, it'll be 10 points, and that's it. Harrison, Troy P. & co. will dominate the Chargers' offense. A healthy Willie Parker will get his 100+ yards and Big Ben (more wins in first 5 seasons than ANYONE prior) will keep it accurate as long as the O-Line steps it up. Look for Hines Ward to lay out another Linebacker. 24-10 STEELERS

nicely done

[Serbia]

I haven't read any of this thread, but I'd just like to say this:

Please, DON'T let the Lions draft a QB with the first overall pick! They need defensive help much more seriously than a QB. Or how about an offensive line, eh? That might be nice to have, rather than a rookie QB who's going to get KILLED by the MIA O-line.

Oh, and GO CARDS! Another team, who, by just making it the Super Bowl, will make the Lions that much more pathetic.

[oVo]

I suppose the CHICAGO fans can smile that the Cardinals used to call the windy city home and so far
the red birds have really teased the Eagles with some opportunities that they couldn't cash in.

Detroit had a lot of injuries to deal with and will do much better next year if they can just stay healthy.

[MrDizzle]

Detroit had a lot of injuries to deal with and will do much better next year if they can just stay healthy.

Um, the Lions are going nowhere if they keep starting QB's who freely run out the back of their own endzones. Anyway, Cardinals are lookin' pretty solid in this game. Any picks for the AFC Championship game? I'm gonna go with the Steelers cuz I think their D is gonna cause Flacco some serious problems.

[oVo]

Future Hall of Fame quarterback...
Warner is going to his 3rd Super Bowl.
What a great game and sensational Cardinals' drive for the winning touchdown.

[got tonkaed]

Future Hall of Fame quarterback...
Warner is going to his 3rd Super Bowl.
What a great game and sensational Cardinals' drive for the winning touchdown.

not taking anything away from the cards, especially after that gut check last drive to take the win. Still, that ref has to make that call on 4th down i think.

[luns101]

The Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl?!! I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Congratulations to the Phoenix organization.



Now people, can we once and for all lay to rest the idea that Donovan McNabb belongs in the Hall of Fame someday? All I hear from people here in California is how great he is and how he belongs in Canton.

[king sam]

not taking anything away from the cards, especially after that gut check last drive to take the win. Still, that ref has to make that call on 4th down i think.

Nah, it was contact but who's to say it wasn't incidental, Hood was tripped up.. Too close of a call to make to fair in any one direction especially with it being a game changing call.

Plus its all fair, that kickoff before half should have went back to Arizona and that was a blown call against them.

[got tonkaed]

To be honest i dont think you can do the whole they got now we get one back. You are right that it was close, and yeah Arizona got cheated out of one on the kickoff. But still if hes interferring youve got to throw the flag, because its just as much a deciding play if you dont call it. Fox didnt give us great angles on it but it looks like as hes falling he trips him up a little bit. Its not an easy job and i dont think it was a poorly officiated game, but they are putting you out there to make the call not end a teams season by not making it.

[king sam]

To be honest i dont think you can do the whole they got now we get one back. You are right that it was close, and yeah Arizona got cheated out of one on the kickoff. But still if hes interferring youve got to throw the flag, because its just as much a deciding play if you dont call it. Fox didnt give us great angles on it but it looks like as hes falling he trips him up a little bit. Its not an easy job and i dont think it was a poorly officiated game, but they are putting you out there to make the call not end a teams season by not making it.

True just without undeniable clear evidence of it being pass interference I don't think you can make that call. And even if you do Philly has 1 timeout with a little over a minute and a lot of field still yet to go. Sure it sucks for every Philly fan, and this will be all you hear from them for reasoning why they lost.

But I'm not buying they score even if they got that call. I do feel that had Arizona gotten the ball inside their own 40 before half they would have went up by another TD though. That's why I said its "tit for tat"

[oVo]

The call on the kick "going out of bounds" towards the end of the second quarter was a terrible and will likely cause a rule change in what is reviewable in the off season. Biggest problem there was a fast whistle blowing the play dead. The "no call" on the 4th down pass play was a good one, the receiver still had an chance to make the catch and didn't. If "defensive pass interference" could be reviewed, there was actually inconclusive evidence to overturn the call as made on the field.

Burger wins an oscar for his performance on the last Steeler possession of the first half, where Pittsburgh blew another golden opportunity for points but managed to get another slobberknocker in against a Ravens' defense that may be running out of DBs. Nice that Sweed could vent his frustrations after dropping what might have been a touchdown. This game has been as good as advertised so far...