So we're down to 4. Yes, 4 teams left in the NFL and in all honesty, not really that excited for this weekend. In fact, I think it's the least excited I've been for a conference championship weekend this century. I really one like one team (Steelers). I am happy for but not rooting for two more (Eagles and Cardinals) and I really despise one team (Ravens). But more than the teams, it's the fact that I don't really think any of these teams stand out as the NFL's best. Maybe the Steelers but they always win so ugly that it's hard to believe that are the best.But before I go ruining your Sunday, here are my predictions. Trust me, I won't miss a minute of the games and no matter what, I will be watching the Super Bowl with high interest. Just saying, these aren't exactly the best matchups ever.
Philadelphia Eagles (11-6-1) vs. Arizona Cardinals (11-7)
Glendale, AZ - University of Phoenix Stadium
Sunday 3pm - FOX
First off, mad props to both these teams. The Eagles were left for dead with 3 weeks to go in the regular season. The Cards were forgotten about once the playoffs began. But both have overcome all the doubters and are now one win away from the Super Bowl. WOW.
The Eagles have been doing it thanks to a balanced offense and an inspired defense. The offense, led by RB Brian Westbrook, has looked unstoppable at times in the playoffs. Plus, QB Donovan McNabb looks like he is having fun again. And that's big because McNabb is an emotional QB. When he's feeling good, he's playing great. And despite the fact that he has a WR corps that no one can name, he knows how to find the open man and he trusts them to make the play.
The defense though is what's been so impressive. Jim Johnson is still one of the better D-Coordinators out there and he's shown it the last two weeks. With great gameplans against run-first offenses the past two weeks, his defense has looked superior. But he's gonna need a new gameplan this week with the pass-happy Cards on the other side.
In all honesty, I don't think anyone really knows how the Cards got this far. It was their offense all season that led them to wins but in the postseason, it's been the defense doing the job. They forced 6 turnovers out of a playoff veteran QB in Jake Delhomme last week. And two weeks ago, they slowed RB Michael Turner and rattled QB Matt Ryan just enough. This week though, they have to slow down an offense clicking on all cylinders.
Thankfully, if the defense doesn't slow down Philly just enough, the offense can hold its own. QB Kurt Warner still has enough magic in his arm to fling it with speed and accuracy. And the best part is that he has some of the better receivers in the game to throw to. Larry Fitzgerald is an absolute beast. Anquan Boldin is nothing to laugh at, even at 50%. And Steve Breaston has turned into a threat as well, with his speed and help on special teams too. And maybe most importantly for this team, the O-Line has been amazing. Warner has had all kinds of time so far in the playoffs and the run game has been the best it's been all season.
The game is in Arizona so weather won't be a problem and the Cards will have the crowd behind them. But after playing in Minnesota's Metrodome and Giants Stadium, I don't think the Eagles will be phased by the crowd at all. Both head coaches have been this far, though AZ coach Ken Whisenhunt was only a coordinator. If you would have told me two weeks ago this would be the matchup, I would have picked the Eagles with no problem. But the Cards have been playing so well lately that I really had to think hard about this one.
PREDICTION: Philadelphia 31, Arizona 23
Baltimore Ravens (13-5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4)
Pittsburgh, PA - Heinz Field
Sunday 6:30pm - CBS
You know, when these teams played in December in the infamous "instant replay controversy" game, I was mad to see the game settled in such a manner because these two teams played their hearts out and it came down to that. But now, just like SD/DEN in Week 17, these teams get one more shot to duke it out but this time, the stakes are much higher.
The Ravens are a tough team to play because like any good team, they get under your skin. The defense plays with such intensity and ferocity that after one half, the offense is too worried about the defense to concentrate on their own offense. Consider this. The Ravens D has played two of the most consistent QBs in the league in the playoffs in Chad Pennington and Kerry Collins. And despite giving up 533 passing yds, they only gave up one pass TD. And in 2 games, they've forced 7 turnovers. And given up just 19 points. Yeah, they're pretty good.
The offense isn't spectacular but when the defense is so good, all the Ravens offense needs to do is control the ball and take advantage of the turonvers the defense forces. That's exactly what QB Joe Flacco and the Ravens do. The numbers are never great but as long as they don't run the ball over themselves (1 in 2 playoff games), they are always in the game until the end.
The Steelers have been down this road before. Granted, this is the first time under Mike Tomlin but who are we kidding? Tomlin is a just a younger, black version of Bill Cowher. And with Dick LeBeau leading the defense, this Steelers team is always gonna be good. The defense wasn't exactly amazing versus San Diego but the regular season stats don't lie. This defense is the best in the NFL and with the Ravens in town, they'll be ready.
Against San Diego, no doubt the offense was the reason for the win. QB Ben Roethlisberger was solid as usual but it was Willie Parker that stole the show. With the help of an O-Line that only gave up one sack, Parker ran for 146 yards, proving he's ready for the postseason stretch. And this team is playoff-tested. They know how to run a 2-minute offense and play from behind or ahead.
Now I know the saying is that it's tough to beat the same team three times. But this is the Ravens-Steelers. It's becoming a better rivalry than Steelers-Browns just because one team does not dominate it. With each game, the past gets thrown out, so I'm not counting those two wins as anything. When it all comes down to it, this game will be won with defense. Oh, and don't forget that the Steelers have the home crowd behind them.
PREDICTION: Pittsburgh 20, Baltimore 10
Alright, those are my picks. I'm forecasting a Keystone State Super Bowl but I've been wrong pretty much these entire playoffs so if you're a betting man, I'd go with Arizona vs. Baltimore. Enjoy the games!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment