NFL Conference Championships

[albionmoonlight]

Or: My chance to talk smack with jbergey22.

Vikings @ Saints (aka StarCaps must really work)

Either team could win this game. The Vikings have a great chance if they keep running the ball against a vulnerable Saints defense. If Favre starts trying to gunsling against an opportunistic Saints defense, however, then the Vikings could be in trouble. There would be a certain irony, of course, if the game turned against the Vikings because Darren Sharper picked off Brett Favre multiple times.

I give the edge to the Saints here because New Orleans' offense--even if slowed down--will force the Vikings to pass to keep up. And that puts the game in the hands of Favre. Which I think ends up giving it to the Saints.

Jets @ Colts

I think that the Colts are probably playing the one team that they don't want to be playing--the only one of the 31 other teams in the league that has absolutely no doubt in its mind that it will kick the Colts ass next week.

Which isn't to say that I think that the Colts will lose (I think that they are the best team in football, actually). But if the Colts start slow . . . I could see a fun-loving Jets team with nothing to lose really making life hard on them in the 4th quarter.

On a related note, how much fun does Rex Ryan look like he has out there? Just based on the last couple of weeks, he is one of my favorite coaches in the league.

[RedKingGold]

Vikings @ Saints

I think the Saints win somewhat easily. People forget how banged up that secondary was towards the end of the season. There's more than a nostalgic reason that New Orleans was desperate to sign a guy like Mike McKenzie who received not a nibble deep into the regular season.

In contrast, that secondary looked really healthy last week. Plus, I think Darren Sharper will be really jakked up to play against his old teams (Vikings/Packers) and old quarterback (Favre). My bet is Sharper steals the show with two picks.

I'm going to say Saints win it 34-17.

Jets @ Colts

This is one is a nail-biter, but it comes down to a Matt Stover field goal near the end of regulation and/or overtime sending Peyton back to the Super Bowl. I really like how the Jets are playing right now, but I don't think the Colts will make the numerous mental mistakes which the Chargers made and New York was able to pounce on.

I'm going to say Colts win it 16-14.

[RainMaker]

So if the Vikings win this weekend, how many people will light themselves on fire from the Favre Super Bowl coverage?

[jbergey22]

LOL. Catchy title.

I am thinking about this $500 dollar package and flying to New Orleans for the weekend so I may not be around for the smack talk.

The two best teams in the NFC did their work so it should be a great game with a lot of points being scored.(60+) Vegas set the total at 53 and the Saints -4 for you gamblers out there. I am really liking the over.

The only things I really disagree with in your analysis is that I dont see either team stopping much of each other unless the Saints can manage to turn the Vikings over a lot and I think the production of Adrian Peterson will actually decide the game and not so much Favre.

If Favre is throwing the ball 40-50 times the Vikings will lose.

Which after re-reading your post you pretty said:)

[Kodos]

I think the Colts were more afraid of the Chargers. For whatever reason, the Chargers have had their number for a while. Needless to say, I was happy to see the Jets beat them.

[Alan T]

So if the Vikings win this weekend, how many people will light themselves on fire from the Favre Super Bowl coverage?


Not me, I actually find Favre coming in at his age and possibly leading them to the superbowl and interesting story. I actually don't really have a problem with any of the teams making it to the superbowl. Its not the same tired teams we see every season lately, so it is somewhat fresh.

I guess I'd rather the Jets make it, but wouldn't mind either Jets vs Saints or Jets vs Vikings superbowl. I highly doubt thats happening though, as I think the Colts likely will win.

[jbergey22]

Vikings @ Saints

I'm going to say Saints win it 34-17.



The chances of the Saints holding the Vikings to 17 or less are slim to none. If the game were on grass maybe, but on turf the Vikings have to many speed weapons on both sides of the ball and special teams to get held back like that.

Vikings secondary is going to have a long day against all of these Saints Wr's and that is what I am concerned about. The Vikings offense will do fine.

[Abe Sargent]

I want the Colts to lose because they put the Jets in the playoffs with their benching of their stars, and handed the game to them. It would be football karma to see them lose to that team.

[Doug5984]

LOL. Catchy title.

I am thinking about this $500 dollar package and flying to New Orleans for the weekend so I may not be around for the smack talk.

The two best teams in the NFC did their work so it should be a great game with a lot of points being scored.(60+) Vegas set the total at 53 and the Saints -4 for you gamblers out there. I am really liking the over.

The only things I really disagree with in your analysis is that I dont see either team stopping much of each other unless the Saints can manage to turn the Vikings over a lot and I think the production of Adrian Peterson will actually decide the game and not so much Favre.

If Favre is throwing the ball 40-50 times the Vikings will lose.

Which after re-reading your post you pretty said:)

I'll get a little smach talk in also..:lol:

Saints defense has been great when healthy, they haven't been healthy in a long time- until last week. As I said going into the Cards game if we can make them punt 3 times, or turn the ball over a couple- we win. I always side with Vegas on who the favorite is- not the talking heads on ESPN, and right now they have the Saints. The Vikes have a good offense, but so do the Cards and we shut that down pretty easily (besides the 1st play of the game) and the Saints are better than both.

Either way, it will be an exciting game, a very loud and crazy dome something us Saints fan's have been waiting for our entire lives.
Edit to add: If this game were out doors I'd be very nervous- since we are at home in the Dome I'm a little more confident.

If you do make the trip down to New Orleans as we tell all the fans- come on down, spend a lot of money, and have a good time

[jbergey22]

I want the Colts to lose because they put the Jets in the playoffs with their benching of their stars, and handed the game to them. It would be football karma to see them lose to that team.

You know this makes a lot of sense. The NFL seems to have this underdog story so often and so many things about the Jets beating the Colts make sense. Rex Ryan promises, the resting the starters game with a chance to be undefeated, the rookie QB that struggled all season but held his job.

[Doug5984]

It also depends on what color pants the Saints wear- if we come out in that all black it's going to be a long day...

[Dr. Sak]

I would be rooting for the Jets if they were playing anyone but the Colts. I have been a huge Peyton Manning fan since he was at Tennessee ( I wore #16 in college because of him).

As for the other game I am torn. I don't feel like hearing about Brett Farve for two weeks, but I've never really been a Saints fan. Personally I'd like to see Farve go out like he has in some of his other playoff exits...throwing an INT that costs his team the game. So I guess that means Go Saints.

[jbergey22]

I always side with Vegas on who the favorite is- not the talking heads on ESPN, and right now they have the Saints. The Vikes have a good offense, but so do the Cards and we shut that down pretty easily (besides the 1st play of the game) and the Saints are better than both.



The Vegas line is designed to draw equal action its not specifically set on who they think will win. With that said I think this line is pretty much spot on.(I might have went Saints -3 instead of -4)

And with the Saints defense. They do find ways to stop teams but it generally seems to me that it is the other teams stopping themselves by turning the ball over. I am not trying to take anything away from that style of defense because it can be successful but Im not sure you can count on the Vikings turning it over more than once or twice the way Favre has played this year.

[spleen1015]

The NFC game will be a shootout. It will be the better game to watch.

The Colts are going to bet the Jets by 20.

[albionmoonlight]

jbergy22--

If you do go to New Orleans, here is a random assortment of places that I like to eat and drink. This list is nothing like complete, and you may also want to ask Doug, Pumpy, and EagleFan27 if they have suggestions. Also, these tend to be places outside of the Quarter, in part b/c that's where I tend to hang out. Depending on where you are staying and your transportation options, they may not all make sense for you:

Parasol's Restaurant & Bar | Parasol's Bar & Restaurant (http://www.parasols.com/) (local bar with great po-boys)

Jacques-Imo's Cafe - Real Nawlin' Food - Creole Soul (http://www.jacquesimoscafe.com/) (one of my favorite resturants in the city)

Preservation Hall Recordings, Sony Red Distribution and MRI present: “PRESERVATION: An Album to Benefit Preservation Hall and The Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program� featuring Tom Waits, Merle Haggard & more. (http://www.preservationhall.com/) (famous French Quarter Jazz)

http://www.myspace.com/dragonsdennola (my favorite New Orleans dive bar)

Vincent's Italian Cuisine (http://www.vincentsitaliancuisine.com/) (Mrs. A and I recently discovered the uptown location and really liked it)

[RedKingGold]

The chances of the Saints holding the Vikings to 17 or less are slim to none. If the game were on grass maybe, but on turf the Vikings have to many speed weapons on both sides of the ball and special teams to get held back like that.

Vikings secondary is going to have a long day against all of these Saints Wr's and that is what I am concerned about. The Vikings offense will do fine.

I'll stand by my prediction.

[Young Drachma]

The Week 16 story notwithstanding, it seems somewhat hilarious the Jets are facing the franchise they beat in Super Bowl III as massively heavy underdogs, with a chance to make it back to the Super Bowl for the first time since then.

[DataKing]

So if the Vikings win this weekend, how many people will light themselves on fire from the Favre Super Bowl coverage?

/raises hand.

[Doug5984]

jbergy22--

If you do go to New Orleans, here is a random assortment of places that I like to eat and drink. This list is nothing like complete, and you may also want to ask Doug, Pumpy, and EagleFan27 if they have suggestions. Also, these tend to be places outside of the Quarter, in part b/c that's where I tend to hang out. Depending on where you are staying and your transportation options, they may not all make sense for you:

Parasol's Restaurant & Bar | Parasol's Bar & Restaurant (http://www.parasols.com/) (local bar with great po-boys)

Jacques-Imo's Cafe - Real Nawlin' Food - Creole Soul (http://www.jacquesimoscafe.com/) (one of my favorite resturants in the city)

Preservation Hall Recordings, Sony Red Distribution and MRI present: “PRESERVATION: An Album to Benefit Preservation Hall and The Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program� featuring Tom Waits, Merle Haggard & more. (http://www.preservationhall.com/) (famous French Quarter Jazz)

http://www.myspace.com/dragonsdennola (my favorite New Orleans dive bar)

Vincent's Italian Cuisine (http://www.vincentsitaliancuisine.com/) (Mrs. A and I recently discovered the uptown location and really liked it)

If you do go and want some suggestions for around the quarter, or any game day questions shoot me a PM as I sometimes get away from the computer and lose track of threads

[k0ruptr]

Vikes 29
Saints 27

Saints miss a fg with 3 seconds left to lose (or that would of won it for them)

Colts 20
Jets 16

[Eaglesfan27]

jbergy22--

If you do go to New Orleans, here is a random assortment of places that I like to eat and drink. This list is nothing like complete, and you may also want to ask Doug, Pumpy, and EagleFan27 if they have suggestions. Also, these tend to be places outside of the Quarter, in part b/c that's where I tend to hang out. Depending on where you are staying and your transportation options, they may not all make sense for you:

Parasol's Restaurant & Bar | Parasol's Bar & Restaurant (http://www.parasols.com/) (local bar with great po-boys)

Jacques-Imo's Cafe - Real Nawlin' Food - Creole Soul (http://www.jacquesimoscafe.com/) (one of my favorite resturants in the city)

Preservation Hall Recordings, Sony Red Distribution and MRI present: “PRESERVATION: An Album to Benefit Preservation Hall and The Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program� featuring Tom Waits, Merle Haggard & more. (http://www.preservationhall.com/) (famous French Quarter Jazz)

http://www.myspace.com/dragonsdennola (my favorite New Orleans dive bar)

Vincent's Italian Cuisine (http://www.vincentsitaliancuisine.com/) (Mrs. A and I recently discovered the uptown location and really liked it)

I'll strongly 2nd Jacques-Imo's Cafe and Vincent's. Actually, the first date in New Orleans with my wife was at the uptown Vincent's location, so that is a particularly fond restaurant of mine.

Edit to add: If you have any particular type of food/ambiance you want, don't hesitate to shoot me a PM or ask in this thread and I'll give you my thoughts. Wife and I have eaten out a lot over the years.

[LloydLungs]

http://www.myspace.com/dragonsdennola (my favorite New Orleans dive bar)

I once tumbled down the steps of the Dragon's Den while trying to lug around a briefcase containing a grey-haired, moustached British puppet. It's a long story, but I was totally sober. Suffice it to say, just watch out for the incredibly steep, narrow steps at that place...

Vikes 29
Saints 27

Saints miss a fg with 3 seconds left to lose (or that would of won it for them)

Ugh. That's kind of what I envision as well (it is the Saints after all), but the city will pretty much implode if that happens. I don't even want to think about it.

[jbergey22]

Thanks for the suggestions albionML, Doug, and EF27. That food looks delicious albionml. I love cajun and dont get near enough of it living in Minnesota.

Once I get further along in the planning process I may have some questions for you.

Much appreciated, Thanks!

[PraetorianX]

I think the Colts will beat the Jets. People seem to overlook how good the Colts defense is (at least, when it's not snowing and their not resting people). The Ravens were averaging like 180+ yards a game rushing since week 11 (when they played the Colts, and btw only got like 60 something) and were held to only 80 something last week.

Mark Sanchez, when faced with Freeney and Mathis and a healthy(ish...still no Bob Sanders or Marlin Jackson, amongst others) Colts D that's not being rested, he'll be made to look like a rookie.

And no defense can completely shut out Manning and company, he'll score.

I also don't think Reggie Wayne will be a non-factor. Reggie only had 30 some yards in Week 16, but remember he was rested. Also, there was one play where Wayne could have had a huge catch and maybe even a touchdown, as he'd completely blown by Revis but Manning's pass was slightly off.

How often does that happen? Clark also had a drop or two in that game.

Also, it was only 10-15 when the starters were benched because they'd returned a kickoff (or was a punt?) for a TD. You can't rely on things like that to happen. Their offense was going nowhere until the Colts benched the starters.

And in that game, even when the Colts starters were in there, they didn't really have much to play for while the Jets had everything to play for. Now both teams will have everything to play for, and the Colts will likely be looking to set things straight.


Not to mention Manning will hopefully remember his last playoff game against the Jets, for some extra motivation.

*shudders* Oh that was horrible.

[Matthean]

Jets vs. Colts

I just don't see a rookie QB going on the road and beating Manning. Even with the Jets D, I think Manning knows how to work with it.

Vikings vs. Saints

People bring up the Saints D, and yet the Vikings have a rather good one themselves. Favre knows what he has before him and I think it will be a huge driving factor in them getting a win. I just don't think the Saints will have the same urgency that the Vikings will. Yes, they know they are a win away from going to the Super Bowl, but Favre is thinking he could be one loss from being done and I'm willing to beat he has a huge fear of that happening. A good example of this was Favre getting excited early during the Dallas game when Minnesota scored their 2nd TD. Granted, that desire could also force him to toss another season ending INT.

Colts vs. Vikings for the Super Bowl in the most watched one yet.
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[Pumpy Tudors]

Wonder how Brett Favre would feel if the Vikings lost but his other former team, the Jets, went to the Super Bowl?

[Daimyo]

Try as I might I'm just not seeing how the Colts-Jets game can be all that close. I'm seeing a 17-6 or 20-10 game that isn't nearly as close as the final score might indicate.

[Big Fo]

I can handle a 24/7 Favre rimjobbing from the media as long as the Jets don't win the Super Bowl. I'd prefer Colts v. Saints but just somebody please beat the Jets.

[Passacaglia]

Wonder how Brett Favre would feel if the Vikings lost but his other former team, the Jets, went to the Super Bowl?

How would Green Bay fans feel if Favre goes up against his other former team in the Super Bowl?

[Pumpy Tudors]

How would Green Bay fans feel if Favre goes up against his other former team in the Super Bowl?
Well, at least they can go hump the one Lombardi Trophy he won for them 26 years ago or whenever it was.

[Dr. Sak]

Well, at least they can go hump the one Lombardi Trophy he won for them 26 years ago or whenever it was.

You've been living near Pittsburgh too long now...talking about humping trophies. You are almost a full fledged yinzer my friend.

[DaddyTorgo]

LOL - latest Football Outsiders post talking about similarity scores...guess who Sanchez is most similar to after his rookie season?

[Pumpy Tudors]

You've been living near Pittsburgh too long now...talking about humping trophies. You are almost a full fledged yinzer my friend.
welp guess i'm done here

[jeff061]

So as a Pats loyalist am I allowed to say I am a Revis fan? I mean, don't get me wrong, Ryan and the rest of them can DIAF.

But regardless of the Moss BS, I like that Revis dude.

[Tigercat]

I am surprised at how many are completely ignoring the Saints defensive performance against the Cardinals this past week. The Saints allowed only two scoring drives, one via one 70 yard run, the other fueled by a somewhat questionable roughing the passer call that negated an INT. This against a Cardinals team that was good on the road this year and just torched the second best defense in the NFL.

If the Saints didn't shut down Warner, before and after the big hit, they put serious restraints on him, while forcing two turnovers and the aforementioned hit. And given that it coincided with the defense finally getting closer to healthy again... The Saints offensive performance may have been ho-hum in terms of who we played, but the defensive performance means something. Not that it would really surprise me to see the Vikings score 30+ points, but I find it odd that so many "experts" are ignoring what happened on that side of the ball Sat and talking like the Saints are fielding the same Saints defense from late in the season.

[Doug5984]

I am surprised at how many are completely ignoring the Saints defensive performance against the Cardinals this past week. The Saints allowed only two scoring drives, one via one 70 yard run, the other fueled by a somewhat questionable roughing the passer call that negated an INT. This against a Cardinals team that was good on the road this year and just torched the second best defense in the NFL.

If the Saints didn't shut down Warner, before and after the big hit, they put serious restraints on him, while forcing two turnovers and the aforementioned hit. And given that it coincided with the defense finally getting closer to healthy again... The Saints offensive performance may have been ho-hum in terms of who we played, but the defensive performance means something. Not that it would really surprise me to see the Vikings score 30+ points, but I find it odd that so many "experts" are ignoring what happened on that side of the ball Sat and talking like the Saints are fielding the same Saints defense from late in the season.

The experts pick and choose what they want. They hardly ever mention the injuries throughout the season. They like to admit that the Vikings beat the Cowboys, who beat the Saints (the very very injured Saints)- yet they never mention the Saints beat the Cards who beat the Vikes very recently as well. (And that we both won by same margin, but we started running the clock down halfway through the 3rd quarter, and the Vikes were trying to score at the end of the game).

They don't look at how good our pass d has been when Greer has been healthy. Or the fact that Vikings haven't been great on the road this year.

[Daimyo]

The Saints are favored in the NFC Championship. No matter who wins the AFC title game, they'll probably be favored in the Super Bowl as well. Despite what Pats fans may have tried in the past, you're not allowed to play the lack of respect card when you're the favorite.

[RedKingGold]

I am surprised at how many are completely ignoring the Saints defensive performance against the Cardinals this past week. The Saints allowed only two scoring drives, one via one 70 yard run, the other fueled by a somewhat questionable roughing the passer call that negated an INT. This against a Cardinals team that was good on the road this year and just torched the second best defense in the NFL.

If the Saints didn't shut down Warner, before and after the big hit, they put serious restraints on him, while forcing two turnovers and the aforementioned hit. And given that it coincided with the defense finally getting closer to healthy again... The Saints offensive performance may have been ho-hum in terms of who we played, but the defensive performance means something. Not that it would really surprise me to see the Vikings score 30+ points, but I find it odd that so many "experts" are ignoring what happened on that side of the ball Sat and talking like the Saints are fielding the same Saints defense from late in the season.

I'm not. As I said above, I think the Saints defensive struggles as the season went on were more because of injuries and not b/c opposing offenses were "figuring them out." Heck, the Cardinals showed how devestating certain injuries can be against the Saints after losing their top two cornerbacks during the game.

[jeff061]

The Saints are favored in the NFC Championship. No matter who wins the AFC title game, they'll probably be favored in the Super Bowl as well. Despite what Pats fans may have tried in the past, you're not allowed to play the lack of respect card when you're the favorite.

Yeah. Haven't seen the Pats fans try that in about 7 years.

Thanks for playing. Try again. Less stereotypical Colts fan next time.

[Tigercat]

The Saints are favored in the NFC Championship. No matter who wins the AFC title game, they'll probably be favored in the Super Bowl as well. Despite what Pats fans may have tried in the past, you're not allowed to play the lack of respect card when you're the favorite.

Oh and I personally am never worried about respect, as a small market team I know we(and other small markets that aren't the Green Bay Packers) will never get as much as the large markets regardless. But more than we deserve at times because of Katrina.

I was just talking about the informed debates about the game in the national media. I think they are missing the boat on the Saints defense a bit, or at least how well it performed last week.

[QuikSand]

The upset win over the Chargers has fizzled out much of this observation's novelty -- but even as the Bengals were looking like they might pound the Jets, it did occur to me that the Jets have an awfully good looking nucleus together right now. It wouldn't be a surprise at all if a couple years down the line, they are not only a playoff caliber team but a true NFL power team.

[jeff061]

The upset win over the Chargers has fizzled out much of this observation's novelty -- but even as the Bengals were looking like they might pound the Jets, it did occur to me that the Jets have an awfully good looking nucleus together right now. It wouldn't be a surprise at all if a couple years down the line, they are not only a playoff caliber team but a true NFL power team.

Yeah, the globe wrote something like that a few days ago. A power shift in the AFC East coming? - Extra Points - Boston.com (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/2010/01/a_power_shift_i.html)

Too be honest it gets a little boring, other than last year, to pretty much be handed the division on a silver platter. I look forward to the competition, assuming the Pats don't just start tanking like they did against the Ravens.

[RainMaker]

The upset win over the Chargers has fizzled out much of this observation's novelty -- but even as the Bengals were looking like they might pound the Jets, it did occur to me that the Jets have an awfully good looking nucleus together right now. It wouldn't be a surprise at all if a couple years down the line, they are not only a playoff caliber team but a true NFL power team.
They definitely have a strong nucleus. I guess my only issue with it is that it's on the defensive side of the ball. I think it's much harder for a team to be consistently dominant on the defensive side of the ball than it is on the offensive side. Teams seem to jump up and down the rankings based on injuries and other factors.

On offense, it seems much easier to maintain consistency. New Orleans is always at the top of the league now as well New England and Indy. If you have a great QB, you are going to be good no matter what it seems like.

It just seems to me that when you catch that wave of a great defense, your window is much shorter. The Bears defense went from great to putrid with almost the same players in a matter of a couple years. The Giants won a Super Bowl with their defense and now can't stop anyone. Counting on that defense to be that dominant for the next 5 years is too optimistic because you rarely dominate on that side of the field for that long.

I guess what I'm saying is that while it's nice to look into the future and see a great group of guys playing, windows in the NFL have been short in this salary cap era when it comes to defensive powerhouse and they should really be looking to take it this year.

[jbergey22]

Oh and I personally am never worried about respect, as a small market team I know we(and other small markets that aren't the Green Bay Packers) will never get as much as the large markets regardless. But more than we deserve at times because of Katrina.

I was just talking about the informed debates about the game in the national media. I think they are missing the boat on the Saints defense a bit, or at least how well it performed last week.

The Vikings averaged 32.8 points per game in domes this year. Just because everyone is predicting shootout doesnt simply mean they have forgotten about the Saints defense. These are the 2 best offenses in the NFL squaring off this week.

Stats wise defensively the Vikings are better in every category except creating TO's but Vikings fans arent feeling cheated because the experts feel the Saints will score 30 points.

Its not that people dont think these defenses are good its more so that the offenses are really good.

[jbergey22]

They don't look at how good our pass d has been when Greer has been healthy. Or the fact that Vikings haven't been great on the road this year.

Vikings dont struggle on the road in domes they struggle on grass road games. Its been a problem of theirs since the moved into this frikin dome. Luckily all the teams that are left are turf teams so playing in the grass for the Super Bowl wont be a huge advantage for any one team.

They build their teams around speed and the grass takes away a huge chunk of that advantage.

They've done quite well in different road dome stadiums in the past 20 years.

They are 21-16(.568) in road dome games since 1993 while being 46-69(.400) in other road games since 1993.

They are 11-0 on the fake stuff this year.

[Samdari]

The Saints are favored in the NFC Championship. No matter who wins the AFC title game, they'll probably be favored in the Super Bowl as well.

The Colts were the Vegas favorites going into the tournament. They would be favored over either NFC team. Either of those would be favored over the Jets.

[Kodos]

Yeah. Haven't seen the Pats fans try that in about 7 years.

You have got to be kidding. The Pats play the lack of respect card again and again and again.

[RedKingGold]

The upset win over the Chargers has fizzled out much of this observation's novelty -- but even as the Bengals were looking like they might pound the Jets, it did occur to me that the Jets have an awfully good looking nucleus together right now. It wouldn't be a surprise at all if a couple years down the line, they are not only a playoff caliber team but a true NFL power team.

I answer your statement with a question (and resulting explanation after you answer it).

Would you consider the Chicago Bears of the 1980's to be a true NFL power team?

[jbergey22]

The Colts were the Vegas favorites going into the tournament. They would be favored over either NFC team. Either of those would be favored over the Jets.

True

Id guess Colts -2 vs Saints
Colts -3/3.5 vs Vikings
Saints -3.5 vs Jets
Vikings -2.5 vs Jets

[albionmoonlight]

The upset win over the Chargers has fizzled out much of this observation's novelty -- but even as the Bengals were looking like they might pound the Jets, it did occur to me that the Jets have an awfully good looking nucleus together right now. It wouldn't be a surprise at all if a couple years down the line, they are not only a playoff caliber team but a true NFL power team.

This is also not a novel observation, but I think that the answer depends, almost totally, on

(1) Whether Sanchez is a great QB or not, and

(2) Whether Rex Ryan's unique coaching style wears well with players or ends up becoming a discipline problem after a few seasons. Guys who come off as "players coaches" don't seem to have the shelf life of guys who seem like total assholes.

Looking at Joe Flacco this year, I'd have to say that we need some more time to evaluate Sanchez. He seems to have the right tools and attitude, but we have not seen him have to put a team on his back either.

(One thing I will note about Ryan/Sanchez is that they seem made for each other. People talk about how the Saints' success comes, in part, because Brees and Payton are basically the same guy and have an almost telepathic communication with each other. I'd say that the same thing could be true of Ryan and Sanchez.)

[MikeVic]

The red/yellow/green thing that Sanchez has makes me smile every time I hear it, it's so amusing. And as a result, I can't take Sanchez seriously as a QB at all.

[Young Drachma]

Prince wrote a fight song for the Vikings. (via Pitchfork (http://pitchfork.com/news/37661-prince-writes-minnesota-vikings-fight-song-purple-and-gold-hear-it-now/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+PitchforkLatestNews+(Pitchfork:+Latest+News)))

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Fox reports that Prince wrote the song, titled "Purple and Gold", after watching the Vikings beat the Dallas Cowboys last week. "I saw the future," Prince said.

the veil of the sky draws open
the roar of the chariots touch down
we r the ones who have now come again
and walk upon water like solid ground
as we approach the throne we won't bow down
this time we won't b denied

raise every voice and let it b known
in the name of the purple and gold

we come in the name of the purple and gold
all of the odds r in r favor
no prediction 2 bold
we r the truth if the truth can b told
long reign the purple and gold

the eyes say ready 4 battle
no need 4 sword in hand
we r all amped up like a rock n roll band
ready 2 celebrate every score
ready 2 fight the elegant war
ready 2 hear the crowd roar

that's what we came 4
and so much more
in the name of the purple and gold

r spirits may b tired
r bodies may b worn
but since this day is r destiny
r history – that's y we must b
4ever strong as the wind that blows the Vikings' horn
in the name of the purple and gold

CHORUS

[Big Fo]

I heard it on the radio, it makes that "All the Sooner Fans" piece of crap released before this year's Red River Shootout sound like a classic, what a terrible song.

[Passacaglia]

Wait a minute....Prince was willing to write a song for the Vikings, but he didn't do it when they were in the NFC Championship in......1999?

[Dr. Sak]

Wait a minute....Prince was willing to write a song for the Vikings, but he didn't do it when they were in the NFC Championship in......1999?

Wasn't he just a symbol back then?

[k0ruptr]

wow, sounds like a theme song from the 70's

[jbergey22]

Wait a minute....Prince was willing to write a song for the Vikings, but he didn't do it when they were in the NFC Championship in......1999?

They already had a theme song that year which was a remake version of the Will Smith song "Miami"

[Passacaglia]

They already had a theme song that year which was a remake version of the Will Smith song "Miami"

If anything, they should have just used the song 1999.

[DataKing]

And tonight we're gonna party like it's forty-one to nothing...

Edit: oops...off by a year.

[Matthean]

Prince wrote a fight song for the Vikings.

That's not a fight song.

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[jbergey22]

And tonight we're gonna party like it's forty-one to nothing...

Edit: oops...off by a year.

LOL

[jbergey22]

Id have to agree that song is terrible

[Dr. Sak]

http://cdn.ksk.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/rexdogs.png

[Greyroofoo]

The games can't start soon enough!

[MizzouRah]

Jets and Saints baby!!!

Should I knock a few back even though I'm on call today? :D

[Lathum]

I think we see 2 more lopsided games today. Not taking anything away from the Jets, they have been a great story and fun to watch, but they got a Cincy tea who hadn't played well in weeks and a SD team that looks for ways to implode. Peyton is an assassin and is gonna carve the Jets up.

I think NO uses an emotional home crowd to rise up put the Vikings away early as Favre and Childress bicker on the sidelines and Farve spends the 4th quarter pouting.

I hope I'm wrong because with a few exceptions the playoff games have been crappy.

[Lathum]

Id have to agree that song is terrible

Jesus, that's horrible.

[Mike1409]

Jets and Saints baby!!!

Should I knock a few back even though I'm on call today? :D

I'm going to and I am on call all night!

[Lathum]

I think there needs to be a bet between Jbergey22 and Tigercat and the loser has to use the Prince song as their ringtone for 3 months.

[jbergey22]

I think we see 2 more lopsided games today. Not taking anything away from the Jets, they have been a great story and fun to watch, but they got a Cincy tea who hadn't played well in weeks and a SD team that looks for ways to implode. Peyton is an assassin and is gonna carve the Jets up.

I think NO uses an emotional home crowd to rise up put the Vikings away early as Favre and Childress bicker on the sidelines and Farve spends the 4th quarter pouting.

I hope I'm wrong because with a few exceptions the playoff games have been crappy.

Keep your hopes up Lathum. Vikings wont stop the Saints and the Saints wont stop the Vikings. It may remind you of the Eagles/Giants games this year.

This is the game AP goes off IMO. He hasnt had one of his 3 td 200+ yard games this year. He is overdue.

[jbergey22]

I think there needs to be a bet between Jbergey22 and Tigercat and the loser has to use the Prince song as their ringtone for 3 months.

Ouch the pain in that. I cant even imagine.

[Eaglesfan27]

Keep your hopes up Lathum. Vikings wont stop the Saints and the Saints wont stop the Vikings. It may remind you of the Eagles/Giants games this year.

This is the game AP goes off IMO. He hasnt had one of his 3 td 200+ yard games this year. He is overdue.

I think you're right, but if the Saints can make Favre uncomfortable early like they did to Kurt, they could make things very hard for AP. I'm just hoping that Reggie has another big game. It would be nice for Sedrick to get another sack as well.

[molson]

I'd love to see Jets/Vikings for some reason. I find Rex Ryan hillarious and awesome. And I feel bad for Minnesota sports fans.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Go Colts, Go Vikes.

[Kodos]

This is the game AP goes off IMO. He hasnt had one of his 3 td 200+ yard games this year. He is overrated.

Agreed.

[Tigercat]

I think there needs to be a bet between Jbergey22 and Tigercat and the loser has to use the Prince song as their ringtone for 3 months.

I actually was playing it from my phone multiple times yesterday. I work a couple of days a week in national park dedicated to jazz, and I was playing it outloud to see if we could find a way to turn it into a funeral dirge. I think the final opinion was that it is the musical equivalent of nuclear waste, and should either be buried underground or sent into the center of the sun.

[jbergey22]

Agreed.

Is that suppose to be clever? Quote it yourself if you want to say it dont change my quote and act like its clever.

[Kodos]

How about this. He is terribly overrated, and has done nothing noteworthy this season. Better?

Oh, and I hope they really get smacked around today.

[Lathum]

How about this. He is terribly overrated, and has done nothing noteworthy this season. Better?

Oh, and I hope they really get smacked around today.

I couldn't agree more. Between the fumbles and lack of production this year I would rather see Chester Taylor get the bulk of the carries today.

:eek:

[Kodos]

IS THAT SUPPOSED TO BE CLEVER?!?!111!

[jbergey22]

IS THAT SUPPOSED TO BE CLEVER?!?!111!

Well you guys are a waste of time today. Enjoy the games!

[Lathum]

I would love to see what it said before he edited it, and if he is this cranky now imagine what he will be like after the Vikings lose

[jbergey22]

I would love to see what it said before he edited it, and if he is this cranky now imagine what he will be like after the Vikings lose

It said enjoy the game. I changed it to games

Im not cranky at all. I am sorry if I come across as cranky for not knowing how to respond to quotes that someone made up.

I simply stopped by to hopefully have a discussion about todays games and it appears that isnt going to happen right now.

[Lathum]

We're just playing around, at least I am, that Kodos guy is a douche.

Changing quotes is actually a pretty common form of humor around here. No offense meant by any of it.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

It said enjoy the game. I changed it to games

Im not cranky at all. I am sorry if I come across as cranky for not knowing how to respond to quotes that someone made up.

I simply stopped by to hopefully say I hate the Vikings and the Vikings are terrible and I hope the Vikings lose.

Whoa, when did this change of heart happen?

[MizzouRah]

I'm going to and I am on call all night!

Beer 1 has been opened!

[jbergey22]

Any opinions on these prop bets?

Manning o/u 275 pass yds
Sanchez o/u 170.5 pass yds
Thomas Jones o/u 58.5 rush yds
Addai o/u 52.5 rush yards
Wayne o/u 62.5 rec yds
Clark o/u 70.5 rec yds
Edwards o/u 40.5 rec yds

[mauchow]

Whoa, when did this change of heart happen?

I did a double take on that. lol

Good one.

[Lathum]

Any opinions on these prop bets?



Manning o/u 275 pass yds- Over
Sanchez o/u 170.5 pass yds- Under, way under
Thomas Jones o/u 58.5 rush yds- over
Addai o/u 52.5 rush yards- over
Wayne o/u 62.5 rec yds- under
Clark o/u 70.5 rec yds-over
Edwards o/u 40.5 rec yds-under

[jbergey22]

Manning o/u 275 pass yds- Over
Sanchez o/u 170.5 pass yds- Under, way under
Thomas Jones o/u 58.5 rush yds- over
Addai o/u 52.5 rush yards- over
Wayne o/u 62.5 rec yds- under
Clark o/u 70.5 rec yds-over
Edwards o/u 40.5 rec yds-under

So out of these you would bet on the Sanchez under for sure it sounds like. Any of the others you feel strong about? I was kind of leaning under on Jones rushing yards since Greene will likely get the majority of the carries.

[albionmoonlight]

So out of these you would bet on the Sanchez under for sure it sounds like. Any of the others you feel strong about? I was kind of leaning under on Jones rushing yards since Greene will likely get the majority of the carries.

The common thinking seems to be that Revis will lock up on Wayne and Manning with focus on his other receivers. Out of all those bets, I'd hit the Wayne under the hardest.

[Lathum]

O like the over on Clark a lot as well. Last week it seemed to me Gates was open in the middle of the field a lot. With Revis locking down Wayne like Albion said Manning is going to have to go elsewhere.

[tarcone]

Go J-E-T-S

Who wants to see the Vikings lose ANOTHER Super Bowl

[Izulde]

Are the games going to be online anywhere?

Signed,
A guy who doesn't have a TV and doesn't want to make the hour trek to the sports bar.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Who wants to see the Vikings lose ANOTHER Super Bowl

{raises hand}

edit: If they're playing the Colts that is

[jbergey22]

O like the over on Clark a lot as well. Last week it seemed to me Gates was open in the middle of the field a lot. With Revis locking down Wayne like Albion said Manning is going to have to go elsewhere.

The common thinking seems to be that Revis will lock up on Wayne and Manning with focus on his other receivers. Out of all those bets, I'd hit the Wayne under the hardest.

Thanks! I'll put them in. I dont like anything as far a Colts/Jets and the pointspread so I needed some props to get me through.

[jbergey22]

Are the games going to be online anywhere?

Signed,
A guy who doesn't have a TV and doesn't want to make the hour trek to the sports bar.

Watch Online tv sports news and entertainment for free at channelsurfing (http://channelsurfing.net/)

Enjoy1

[Logan]

I always knew Manhattan itself was much more geared towards the Giants than the Jets, but I guess I didn't realize the extent until this playoff run. There's a bit of buzz here with people looking forward to the game, but what an amazing difference compared to the Giants' run of a couple years ago. I'd say it's about 10% of that level.

[Greyroofoo]

Got my pizza and Peyton Jersey! Let the games begin!

[MrDNA]

Entertaining game so far, but I'm a defensive fan.

[Greyroofoo]

Garçon!

[kingfc22]

Oh yea!

[Eaglesfan27]

Yes! Sanchez with the bomb for a TD!

[Crapshoot]

Okay, I would not expect the Colts to bite on something like that.

[Young Drachma]

All it took was his dad calling him out, huh? We'll take it.

[Abe Sargent]

Jets Jets Jets

[Matthean]

Sanchez o/u 170.5 pass yds- Under, way under
Edwards o/u 40.5 rec yds-under

115, and 100 so far.

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[Pumpy Tudors]

I would call Braylon Edwards "deceptively fast" after that. His stride made him look like he was in quicksand, but he was motoring.

[rowech]

Okay, I would not expect the Colts to bite on something like that.

I would not expect any NFL player to bite on that.

[Abe Sargent]

Goal Line stand

[Abe Sargent]

Roar from the wildcat

[kingfc22]

Nice play call there. Jets playing with tons of confidence.

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow.. talk about being wide open. Too bad Smith didn't throw that just a bit further.

[Young Drachma]

If nothing else, they're fun. And I like that.

[Calis]

Easy 7 if Smith put a little more oomph on that one.

Been a fun game so far.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Jets playing a pretty solid game so far. I think the Colts better start converting...if the Jets are still in this thing late in the second half, I think that's all kinds of bad for the Colts.

[Young Drachma]

Touchdown

[kingfc22]

YES!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

Very nice throw under pressure by Sanchez.

[Radii]

wow, very impressive score for the jets.

[kingfc22]

Keep it going J-E-T-S!

[Young Drachma]

Wow, nice work.

[Abe Sargent]

Wow

[Eaglesfan27]

Pace timed that perfectly. Never expected the Jets' defense to play this well against the Colts.

[Tigercat]

I would call Braylon Edwards "deceptively fast" after that. His stride made him look like he was in quicksand, but he was motoring.

Braylon Edwards isn't white?! Next thing you know you will be saying how surprisingly articulate Peyton Manning is.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Man, Colts are in trouble.

[Glengoyne]

This is pretty surprising. I figured the Colts would move the ball like mad, and then bog down in the red zone. I didn't figure the Jets to be as free wheeling and successful as this though.


I'm really interested in seeing how the Colts adjust.

[Young Drachma]

way to convert on that turnover somehow.

[Vince, Pt. II]

What a throw.

[Abe Sargent]

And the Colts make this respectable

[Young Drachma]

Well, they had to do that.

[MrDNA]

And it's a game again! Helluva set of throws by Peyton there.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Braylon Edwards isn't white?! Next thing you know you will be saying how surprisingly articulate Peyton Manning is.
:D

[Vince, Pt. II]

I really, really enjoy watching Peyton play QB.

[Young Drachma]

I did not expect the Jets to be leading going into the half. I'm not getting excited, but it's a good sign and I hope they can keep it up and tack more points into the 2nd half.

[Lathum]

115, and 100 so far.

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80 Yard TD passes tend to fuck up the under.

[Karlifornia]

Colts have this on lock. I want the Jets to win, though.

[Greyroofoo]

Nice to see Addai actually break some tackles

[Greyroofoo]

TD Garçon!

I think Peyton figured this defense out.

[Super Ugly]

Listening to this on the radio and it's agony. Sounds like the Jets could be in trouble.

[Fidatelo]

Jets are losing too many guys to injuries, and Peyton is picking on number 21 on the the Jets D (can't remember his name).

[Super Ugly]

Jets are losing too many guys to injuries, and Peyton is picking on number 21 on the the Jets D (can't remember his name).

:banghead:

[Lathum]

Jeez, really bad missed call there on the shot on Sanchez

[Young Drachma]

It's not over yet.

[Logan]

Jets are losing too many guys to injuries, and Peyton is picking on number 21 on the the Jets D (can't remember his name).

Strickland, I believe.

edit: Nope, Lowery.

[MrDNA]

TD Garçon!

I think Peyton figured this defense out.

I appreciate the heck out of your use of the cedilla. That's true poster dedication!

[Greyroofoo]

I appreciate the heck out of your use of the cedilla. That's true poster dedication!

I was hoping someone noticed.

[Young Drachma]

Sigh.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Wow. Lucky bounce and a half.

[Young Drachma]

bad call.

[Greyroofoo]

Wow. Lucky bounce and a half.

It reminds me of when Wayne lost the ball in the Colts AFC championship game against the Pats.

[Young Drachma]

Looked like he was trying to get the ball and instead he got mask. Oops.

[Young Drachma]

Yeah, you can't let Indy hang around that long. They'll kill you.

[Vince, Pt. II]

And now a Jets fan's nightmare: Sanchez has to step up and win the game. I'm not saying he hasn't been good today, but I just can't see him marching down the field.

[Greyroofoo]

And now a Jets fan's nightmare: Sanchez has to step up and win the game. I'm not saying he hasn't been good today, but I just can't see him marching down the field.

Especially against the Colts defense who excels in this situation.

[Young Drachma]

Oh Well.

[Neuqua]

It's just fun to watch Peyton work.

[Greyroofoo]

Always next year for Sanchez

[Tekneek]

Surprising first half. Second half went by the book.

[DeToxRox]

Well I give the Jets credit for helping out the victims of Haiti with new clothing:

http://i46.tinypic.com/24ll8x5.jpg

[Super Ugly]

Always next year for Sanchez

They're a young team. I hope to watch a lot more great runs in the coming years.

Congratulations to the Colts. I'm gutted, but there's no shame in losing to such an excellent team.

[Lathum]

With that defense and a ton of young talent the Jets are going to be a force.

[JonInMiddleGA]

One down, one to go.

[Lathum]

Who is the guy in the Miami jersey background.

[Lathum]

Love the shot Peyton took at Ryan and the Jets there.

[rowech]

Love the shot Peyton took at Ryan and the Jets there.

I had turned it off...what did he say?

[BYU 14]

With that defense and a ton of young talent the Jets are going to be a force.

I agree, Sanchez really impressed me as well considering his experience. I know they really simplified the game plans for him, but he can make all the throws and seems to have poise beyond his years, while playing in the toughest media market in the country.

A lot a credit to Ryan and his staff too, they know how to game plan around their teams strengths and they gave the Colts all they wanted for 3 quarters. The Jets will be solid for years to come if they can keep the team together.

[Noop]

Well I am happy the Jets will not be winning any championship in Joe Robbie now all we need is Farve to win to make this media bonanza complete.

[Big Fo]

It's always good to see the Jets lose. C'mon Saints now, setup a Super Bowl featuring the two best teams for most of the season.

[MrDNA]

http://www.saintsscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/iehsa1.jpg

[Greyroofoo]

http://www.saintsscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/iehsa1.jpg

Ditto, if only because I don't want to hear 2 weeks of Papa Favre hype.

[Lathum]

I had turned it off...what did he say?

Basically they asked him how he prepared for this week and he responded by saying " we just went about our business and kept our mouths shut"

[MrDNA]

When they call Favre "The 40-year old quarterback" does anyone else think for a split second they're going to say "the 40-year old virgin?"

[MrDNA]

Saints gonna need more D than that tonight! Sheesh.

[kingfc22]

So much for the crowd making a difference. Saints deploying the swiss cheese defense to start this game.

[k0ruptr]

This is gonna be a hell of a game I think!

[DaddyTorgo]

mini-gottimd in his Saints getup - go saints!!

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs146.snc3/17341_283018688360_759348360_3224650_3863758_n.jpg

[k0ruptr]

Dola, I'm happy with either team winning, and will be cheering for the NFC in the SuperBowl, but I'm slightly cheering for Favre and AD more.

Although I have met Drew Brees before and It would be awesome to see such a good guy get to the Bowl. ARG this is hard.

[k0ruptr]

Basically they asked him how he prepared for this week and he responded by saying " we just went about our business and kept our mouths shut"

oh damn, thats awesome!

[Raiders Army]

I make a not-so-risky prediction and say that it'll be a shootout with Favre throwing an interception to seal the deal for the Saints.

[k0ruptr]

I make a not-so-risky prediction and say that it'll be a shootout with Favre throwing an interception to seal the deal for the Saints.

If that happens, Favre will come back next season.

[Eaglesfan27]

Fun start to the game.

[k0ruptr]

wow!

[k0ruptr]

Fun start to the game.

+1!

[Eaglesfan27]

If the Saints keep getting to tee off on Favre, I imagine he will get shaky like Warner did last week.

[SackAttack]

Ditto, if only because I don't want to hear 2 weeks of Papa Favre hype.

I've come to the resigned conclusion that we're either going to get two weeks of Favre hype heading into the Super Bowl, or two months of 'will he/won't he' hype after it.

And it's not a foregone conclusion we won't get BOTH.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Woot !

[Lathum]

FOFC is slacking, first quarter almost over and no one has complained about Joe Buck yet.

[Dr. Sak]

Speaking from experience...as a QB wearing a cloth chin strap, getting hit continuously under the chin is extremely painful.

[Dr. Sak]

FOFC is slacking, first quarter almost over and no one has complained about Joe Buck yet.

Sorry...New Years Resolution.

[JonInMiddleGA]

FOFC is slacking, first quarter almost over and no one has complained about Joe Buck yet.

Not much point, I don't think anybody at Fox cares what we think. Still at least 50-50 that he'll become so intolerable that someone will snap eventually though.

On the bright side, at least his suckitude isn't as obvious (to me anyway) on football as it it with baseball.

[Greyroofoo]

I'm going to start complaining about people who complain that people aren't complaining about Joe Buck.

[Alan T]

Ditto, if only because I don't want to hear 2 weeks of Papa Favre hype.


2 weeks of Favre hype.. 2 weeks of Saints hype, two weeks of Colts hype.. whatever it all is the same and a little tired by now (unless you are a fan of one of those teams)

Super bowl hype is what it is. I think I'm rooting for the Vikings in this one simply because I'm not sure how enjoyable Peyton vs this Saints defense would be. I think he would rip them apart whereas the Vikings vs Colts might be a really good matchup. (Either way I'll be watching the superbowl and don't honestly care who wins though)

[Eaglesfan27]

FOFC is slacking, first quarter almost over and no one has complained about Joe Buck yet.

I figured our dislike of him was just a given now.

[MrDNA]

So far, one of the two best games of the postseason right here.

[Eaglesfan27]

Great drive by the Saints.

[Tigercat]

Both QBs look wound tight tonight, both putting too much mustard on their throws.

[Eaglesfan27]

Very stupid personal foul.

[Calis]

Wow, huge turnover by Bush there.

[Eaglesfan27]

Darn. Reggie with the fumble/muff. :(

[Lathum]

Guess Reggie Bush is going to be a difference maker this game.

[kingfc22]

Must have seen Kim's big ass in the stands right as he was about the catch the ball.

[Dr. Sak]

I think he dropped it on purpose cause he doesn't want to marry Kim.

[BrianD]

Bush just got saved with that fumble.

[Eaglesfan27]

Guess Reggie Bush is going to be a difference maker this game.

Or maybe AP is going to be the difference maker.

[kingfc22]

Thank you! :D

[Masked]

wow - AP gives it right back

[Sun Tzu]

In big games it's only a matter of time til Favre turns it over. It's been true for 20 years now, I don't see why it would change this year.

Additionally, there's no way that fumble was AP's fault. Favre was losing the handle before he even got to AP.

[Pumpy Tudors]

This game reminds me a lot of arena football. I was wondering why I was enjoying it so much.

[Groundhog]

This game reminds me a lot of arena football. I was wondering why I was enjoying it so much.

The fact that the game is being played at all is very un-Arena football like. :(

[Pumpy Tudors]

The fact that the game is being played at all is very un-Arena football like. :(
AF1 starts very soon. :)

[Groundhog]

AF1 starts very soon. :)

I'm out of the loop. :(

[k0ruptr]

CMON VIKES!

[Tigercat]

Shancoe has more speed than I thought, he is showing off some jets for a big guy tonight.

[Tigercat]

Dola, helluva punt, 63 yards in the air to the 1 yard line. Saints punter this year has been the best rookie punter I have ever seen. Lots of good punters in the NFL these days, though.

[kingfc22]

Vikes got to sit him down.

[Eaglesfan27]

How was that roughing the passer?

[MrDNA]

BS call for Granpa Favre.

[Pumpy Tudors]

JOE BUCK THINKS IT'S ROUGHING, SO IT'S ROUGHING, DAMN IT

[Tigercat]

"Excuse me Mr. Favre, I am ready to sack you. But seeing as I can't really tackle you, do you mind just accepting this sack and taking a knee? Thanks."

[Masked]

How was that roughing the passer?

Come on - you know you can't touch the QB before the ball is thrown.

edit: That's a critical call against the Saints - they get the stop, and the borderline, at best, penalty gives the Vikings a second chance.

[PurdueBrad]

That call is atrocious, completely indefensible and that pick the Saints just got, is karma.

OH wait, is Favre hurt, must be a penalty, right?

[larrymcg421]

Wow, I can't believe they didn't throw a flag there. I thought Favre hurt = automatic roughing the passer.

[Eaglesfan27]

Favre milking the knee trying to get another BS call to erase his interception.

[MrDNA]

Now THAT was roughing the passer. Can't go below the knees. Well, I guess those calls even out.

[Tigercat]

I think it is evened out though, cause they could have easily called roughing on that INT.

[Vince, Pt. II]

That looked bad.

[Galaril]

Wow that was a terrible decision by Favre on that INT. What did he throw into like 4 man coverage on that guy.

[Sun Tzu]

I'll take Favre for at least one more turnover this game...that is if he comes back into the game. The regular season *and* playoff interception king strikes again.

[larrymcg421]

"Excuse me Mr. Favre, I am ready to sack you. But seeing as I can't really tackle you, do you mind just accepting this sack and taking a knee? Thanks."

Well, that worked for Michael Strahan when he was going for the sack record.

[Tigercat]

Well, that worked for Michael Strahan when he was going for the sack record.

Ha, touche.

[MrDNA]

How can you people tackle Brett Favre? DON'T YOU KNOW HE HAS A FAMILY?!?!

[bhlloy]

That was dirty as shit. If that hit was on Brees we would have three pages crying about it by now and I'm rooting for the Saints

[Young Drachma]

I guess if Jets can't get back to the Super Bowl, the Saints should go ahead and get their first appearance out of the way a year after Arizona went there.

[Vince, Pt. II]

So what happens if Tavaris comes in and wins the game for them?

[King of New York]

Joe Buck has a serious mancrush on Favre.

[Sun Tzu]

So what happens if Tavaris comes in and wins the game for them?

Madden Cover.

[Tigercat]

That was dirty as shit. If that hit was on Brees we would have three pages crying about it by now and I'm rooting for the Saints

Illegal? Yes, you can definitely make that case. Dirty? How so? Mccray was looking towards Favre's lower body the whole time, you can clearly see that, he didn't know the ball was out.

[Pumpy Tudors]

That was dirty as shit. If that hit was on Brees we would have three pages crying about it by now and I'm rooting for the Saints
Unless I missed something, the defender grabbed Favre's ankles from behind. Even if Favre's knees bend, they at least bend the right direction. I guess I can see a case for it being questionable (somehow), but dirty? That seems like a stretch.

Unless I missed something.

[Eaglesfan27]

Big man with the fumble recovery!

[k0ruptr]

Why are the Vikings trying so hard to lose?

[Vince, Pt. II]

Favre looks horrid. Minnesota can't think that he'll be able to do this.

[larrymcg421]

Definitely a TD.

[MrDNA]

That's a touchdown.

[Eaglesfan27]

Reggie was in. They have to challenge that.

[Lathum]

Looked like a TD to me.

[Sun Tzu]

Amazing body control by Bush on that play. Bravo.

[kingfc22]

Vikes are trying to give this one away.

That looks like a TD

[bhlloy]

Way I saw it he launched himself at the back of his legs which is a hugely dirty play IMO. It certainly seems to be when it's Tom Brady.

[mauchow]

Incomplete pass, the ball was bobbled on way down and the ball hit the ground... incomplete pass, IMHO.