Divisional Playoff Football

[mckerney]

Rams are (officially) done if Bulger's hurt.

And I thought they were right in it giving up more than 12 yards a carry.

[Joe]

Yes. He's missed 2 XPs in a game his team lost in overtime, in a game that was played indoors.

Why any playoff team would have him on their roster is beyond me.

thanks for bringing up that old wound. fuckin brien :mad:

[mckerney]

thanks for bringing up that old wound. fuckin brien :mad:

You don't have to tell me, I'm filled with rage everytime I hear his name. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Easy Mac]

Jesús Horacio Christo, St. Louis is getting worse.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nice return for the Falcons.

[Ragone]

Nice block in the back.. jeezus

[Joe]

rossum does it again

[Easy Mac]

wow, Little almost killed Vick... his 2nd of his career.

[TroyF]

Well, it's great that after seeing the reply forty five times, the announcers were able to figure out that it was a block in the back that sprung Rossum on the last return.

I was beginning to wonder if I'd completely lost my eyesite. That was just pathetic.

[Ragone]

wow, Little almost killed Vick... his 2nd of his career.

Was little on the sideline getting tanked?

[Buccaneer]

That's his second worst nightmare. McNabb without Owens, so he runs some more? And Vick running as usual?

Bucc would just as soon propel himself down a slide of razor blades into a vat salt and rubbing alcohol then watch either game.

Me? I like watching Vick. I like watching Culpepper. I like watching McNabb. Doesn't matter to me what the game is. I think the game of the playoffs is tomorrow. I believe the winner of the Indy/NE game will win two more games and hold up the trophy in a few weeks.
That sounds painful enough just reading about the razor blades. I didn't like Jets-Steelers game that much, neither QB looked very good. Some nice runs by the RBs though. Really enjoyed watching Manning last week. Never liked watching Favre. I really like aggressive defensive plays and special teams. I like rooting against stupid coaches like Martz, Tice and Holmgren. I can easily pick and choose what I like and don't like and it doesn't have to match anyone else's list. I don't ever recall hating every single team representing a conference in the playoffs as this year's NFC. There was always at least one team to root fot but this year it's awful. Go AFC.

[Easy Mac]

I doubt it would shock anyone.

The NFL: You can't shake your ass, but felons are welcome.

[Joe]

seahawks disease.. lol

[Recoil]

Can anyone give me a quick summary of the Falcons-Rams game so far. I just got home. I want to know how the hell this ATL offense has put up 38. I'm not complaining though.

[Ragone]

actually its nfcwestitis.. the only cure is contraction

[DaddyTorgo]

jeebus. this is a rout. And I gotta say, Michael Vick looks damn good, as does the rest of the Falcons offense (Warrick Dunn anyone?). Tomorrow's games ought to be simply awesome though.

[Joe]

Can anyone give me a quick summary of the Falcons-Rams game so far. I just got home. I want to know how the hell this ATL offense has put up 38. I'm not complaining though.


lets see.. vick and dunn are getting 15 ypc, rossum returns every punt to at least the 20 yard line, and the rams are playing like shit.

[KWhit]

Can anyone give me a quick summary of the Falcons-Rams game so far. I just got home. I want to know how the hell this ATL offense has put up 38. I'm not complaining though.
The Falcons have had great field position all night due to Allen Rossum's punt (and kickoff) returns. He ahs set a record tonight with punt return yardage (and has a TD). The rest has been a steady diet of runs by Dunn and Vick.

[TroyF]

That sounds painful enough just reading about the razor blades. I didn't like Jets-Steelers game that much, neither QB looked very good. Some nice runs by the RBs though. Really enjoyed watching Manning last week. Never liked watching Favre. I really like aggressive defensive plays and special teams. I like rooting against stupid coaches like Martz, Tice and Holmgren. I can easily pick and choose what I like and don't like and it doesn't have to match anyone else's list. I don't ever recall hating every single team representing a conference in the playoffs as this year's NFC. There was always at least one team to root fot but this year it's awful. Go AFC.


Never said it did. Your list is your list. We have people here who love watching WR get mugged twenty yards down field and would love to see them clothslined in the middle of the field without a call. We have people who despise running QB's and those who can't stand QB's with weak arms. People who love smash mouth and people who love Air Coryell.

Me? So long as the rules are being called and the players are allowed to do their thing (ie: WR being allowed to move, DE being allowed to rush upfield without getting tackled), I like just about anything. I appreciate a 45 yard scramble by Vick, a quick read by Manning and a well times crossing route from Brady. I like watching a "home run" back, a true power back like Bettis, or an old pro showing the young pups how it's done like Curtis Martin.

Don't worry, I'm pretty certain the AFC will win the Super Bowl. But if Vick or Culpepper get to that game, the Pats, Steelers or Colts had better be prepared. Those guys know how to play the game and are dangerous, especially if the game is close in the fourth and your D has been on the field awhile.

[Joe]

fumbbbbbbbbbbbble!!!

[Recoil]

Damn. What a hit by Brooking.

[Joe]

ahhh... good to see Jim Mora, Sr. at a playoff game..

[Recoil]

Has Bulger been hit this hard the whole game?

[Dutch]

Nice job to the Falcons, I hate seeing teams get beat up on the field....except the Rams. :D

[ctmason]

Why is Michael Vick still in this game?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Why is Michael Vick still in this game?

I was just thinking the same thing.

[Joe]

Has Bulger been hit this hard the whole game?


yep, i was surprised to see him come out for the 2nd half

[Easy Mac]

It would be classic if he had a career ender.

[Joe]

It would be classic if he had a career ender.


whaaaaaaaat? nooooooooo :eek:

[DaddyTorgo]

well, who's Vick's backup? I figure we'll see him on the next possession...

edit: reckless of Mora though. Stupid...just plain stuipd. Get your $$ man out of there. And when does it become running up the score??

[Joe]

man... i dont think i saw a single ram even move on that td play

[Easy Mac]

wow, I'd fine all the Rams after this... they had no passion at all... truly pathetic.

[JonInMiddleGA]

pwned

[Joe]

i think vick's backup is Matt Schaub

[Ragone]

i find it kinda hard to get excited about a team that lost to the chiefs by 50.. :)

[Joe]

the rams should all be cut.. RIGHT NOW

[DaddyTorgo]

Matt Schaub...Virginia boy right? Or is it Virginia Tech or something? I think my little brother drafted him in Madden once (hey...the kid is 10, he likes to control the players http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif )

[Recoil]

http://members.boards.ie/patrick/Pwned.jpg

[DaddyTorgo]

the rams should all be cut.. RIGHT NOW
at this point, why should they even bother trying? Can't they just stay on the bench? LOL...the announcer on the radio just said "would it be unsportsmanlike conduct if the rams just came out and kneeled down 3 times and punted?" Makes sense to me!

[Ragone]

unsportsman like was atlanta going for it on 4th down.. they could have kneeled it.. i imagine st louis would have just ran out the clock

[DaddyTorgo]

yeah, like i said before...at what point did this become "running up the score?" I think the last Atlanta TD was a bit...much. They shoulda just stopped after the safety.

[Ragone]

I'm waiting for polley or archuleta or little to go last boy scout on vick.. :)

[VPI97]

unsportsman like was atlanta going for it on 4th down.. they could have kneeled it.. i imagine st louis would have just ran out the clockIt was payback for the Rams/Falcons MNF game a year ago...in that one, the Rams ran it up by throwing 90% of the time in the fourth quarter and Bulger gave an on-field interview after the game basically calling the Falcons a junior high team.

[Ragone]

It was payback for the Rams/Falcons MNF game a year ago...in that one, the Rams ran it up by throwing 90% of the time in the fourth quarter and Bulger gave an on-field interview after the game basically calling the Falcons a junior high team.

Was any of the coaching staff from that game even involved? (Falcons that is)

[VPI97]

Was any of the coaching staff from that game even involved? (Falcons that is)Nope, but I would imagine that the players enjoyed the hell out of scoring again. As a Falcons fan, I know I did.

[Joe]

Matt Schaub...Virginia boy right? Or is it Virginia Tech or something? I think my little brother drafted him in Madden once (hey...the kid is 10, he likes to control the players http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif )


yep, he was the qb at virginia. his best play has to be from a few weeks ago when the only thing between him and the endzone was a referee... and he smashed right into him, bloodying the ref's face. now that is highlight material.

[Ben E Lou]

THAT was a fun game to be at! GrantDawg and I were among the 70,000 at the Dome for this one. It was rockin' from the time we got on the MARTA Train around 6:30pm. Absolutely *electric* atmosphere. All I can say right now is GO VIKINGS. Because of the timing of the NFC Championship, I'd actually be able to make it, too. I hardly ever get to regular season games (and GrantDawg basically never does) because of the normal 1pm start. More comments in the morning. For now, I'm off to check stats. For some reason, the powers that be in the Dome kept posting "Game 2 vs. Rams" stats rather than ongoing stats during the game. Very annoying. I can't imagine what Vick and Dunn's ypc numbers looked like on the night.

[FBPro]

THAT was a fun game to be at! GrantDawg and I were among the 70,000 at the Dome for this one. It was rockin' from the time we got on the MARTA Train around 6:30pm. Absolutely *electric* atmosphere. All I can say right now is GO VIKINGS. Because of the timing of the NFC Championship, I'd actually be able to make it, too. I hardly ever get to regular season games (and GrantDawg basically never does) because of the normal 1pm start. More comments in the morning. For now, I'm off to check stats. For some reason, the powers that be in the Dome kept posting "Game 2 vs. Rams" stats rather than ongoing stats during the game. Very annoying. I can't imagine what Vick and Dunn's ypc numbers looked like on the night.

Jealous glare.......:) Glad U enjoyed it.

[mckerney]

All I can say right now is GO VIKINGS.

I like way you think. :)


You do realize it'd be payback for '98 though, and the only thing to repeat would be Morten Andersen hitting the game winning field goal again. :p

[FBPro]

I like way you think. :)


You do realize it'd be payback for '98 though, and the only thing to repeat would be Morten Andersen hitting the game winning field goal again. :p

Not even close........ :)

[GrantDawg]

You all talk like the Steelers dominated. Pittsburgh better send Doug Brien a playoff share.

I mean, seriously.
I said when he missed the second field goal that Cower ought to send his payceck this week to Brien.

[ISiddiqui]

WOOOOO FALCONS!

What a great game. 320+ Rushing Yards?! Are you kidding me? WOW! Vick, Dunn, Duckett all looked amazing. Rossum was Rossum and the D clamped down in the 2nd half (the Safety was great :D).

[GrantDawg]

THAT was a fun game to be at! GrantDawg and I were among the 70,000 at the Dome for this one. It was rockin' from the time we got on the MARTA Train around 6:30pm. Absolutely *electric* atmosphere. All I can say right now is GO VIKINGS. Because of the timing of the NFC Championship, I'd actually be able to make it, too. I hardly ever get to regular season games (and GrantDawg basically never does) because of the normal 1pm start. More comments in the morning. For now, I'm off to check stats. For some reason, the powers that be in the Dome kept posting "Game 2 vs. Rams" stats rather than ongoing stats during the game. Very annoying. I can't imagine what Vick and Dunn's ypc numbers looked like on the night.
Yeah, it was fun heading out of the stadium and heading toward the train with people chanting "Let's go, Vikings!" :D

That was just simply the best game I've ever been to.

[GrantDawg]

Oh, and Bucc...when they showed the stat that the Falcons had 300+ yards on the ground and only 65 yards in the air, I told Ben that this game must be your nightmare. I called it "The Ben E. Lou memorial playoff game, sponsored by Ford."

[Desnudo]

you know, I have never figured out if that word more for an insult or not. oh well, we can still be best buds.
;)

I was just bustin' your tomato. ;)

[cthomer5000]

Yeah, it was fun heading out of the stadium and heading toward the train with people chanting "Let's go, Vikings!" :D

That was just simply the best game I've ever been to.
Blowouts really are fun in person. I remember the Jets thrashing Green Bay in Week 17 two years ago to make the playoffs (after the Pats made their miracle comeback over the Dolphins to win that game and keep the Jets alive).

The atmosphere in the beginning of that game, when the Pats-Dolphins went final, was about the craziest thing ever.

[Noop]

Micheal Vick proved me wrong but I am not a fully believer...yet...how bout my boi Warrick Dunn Seminole pride baby...

[Suicane75]

E-A-G-L-E-S

[Noop]

D - O - L - P - H - I - N - S
Holla at ya boi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

THAT was a fun game to be at! GrantDawg and I were among the 70,000 at the Dome for this one. It was rockin' from the time we got on the MARTA Train around 6:30pm. Absolutely *electric* atmosphere. All I can say right now is GO VIKINGS. Because of the timing of the NFC Championship, I'd actually be able to make it, too. I hardly ever get to regular season games (and GrantDawg basically never does) because of the normal 1pm start. More comments in the morning. For now, I'm off to check stats. For some reason, the powers that be in the Dome kept posting "Game 2 vs. Rams" stats rather than ongoing stats during the game. Very annoying. I can't imagine what Vick and Dunn's ypc numbers looked like on the night.
I figured you and GrantDawg were at the game, since you weren't on here. Hate to crush your dream, but I'm feeling quite confident that the Eagles are going to win big today :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Good Tackling. Let's go EAGLES!

[Buccaneer]

Oh, and Bucc...when they showed the stat that the Falcons had 300+ yards on the ground and only 65 yards in the air, I told Ben that this game must be your nightmare. I called it "The Ben E. Lou memorial playoff game, sponsored by Ford."
It's only a nightmare because the Falcons won (not that I wanted the Rams to win either). :p

By the way, I didn't put the money on the Rams because after I got back, I saw that the Rams' Rushing Defense sucks big time. Knew the Falcons would run all over them.

[temley06]

Culpepper has had some pretty bad throws so far.

[Eaglesfan27]

Very nice throw from McNabb to Westbrook.

[temley06]

The Eagles didn't show much rust from their month long break on that drive.

[TLK]

The Vikings need to answer here....

[Eaglesfan27]

Touchdown McNabb to Mitchell!

[SunDancer]

Whats with TO sitting up at club level?

[TroyF]

OK, if you were a network executive, shouldn't you just fire Buck right now?

When Moss fakes dropping his pants, Buck acts as though he pulled a "Last Boyscout" move in a game and pulled a gun shooting players on the way to the end zone. Freddie Mitchell makes a similar move and he spends the next thirty seconds blowing him.

When you've lost your objectivity to that point, it's time to go. (and no, I'm not defending Moss, it's just that your reactions and criticism should be the same, no matter who the player)

As for the game, I think the announcers nailed my thoughts (think it was Aikman): Culpepper is just thinking too much right now. He makes that pass to Moss 99 out of 100 times. He needs to just start playing and stop worrying about the blitz. Just deal with the fact you are going to get sacked a couple of times. Drop back and do what you can do.

Of course, it's a coaches job to help tell him that. . . and we all know the Vikes coaches are idiots with headsets.

Oh. . . and what the hell was Moss doing there? Geez.

[cthomer5000]

Whats with TO sitting up at club level?
my only thought is that maybe he's trying to help out in the event that he sees anything out there.

Or his teammates demanded it so they didn't have to hear him talk all game....

[Eaglesfan27]

Excellent pass from McNabb to Lewis for 53 yards!

[temley06]

Nice pass defense

[cthomer5000]

wow, the line on the INDY/NE game is now EVEN.

[Eaglesfan27]

McNabb to Westbrook! TD! Great route by Westbrook.

[TroyF]

Eagles look really sharp. Vikings need to take that kick off return and parlay it into a TD or this thing will be history. 3rd and long coming up here. A 3 and out ends this IMO.

[TroyF]

Ummm. . . Well, so much for that. What a great catch.

[TLK]

hell of a catch by Robinson...

[Eaglesfan27]

Darn, that was a nice catch by Robinson.

[TroyF]

Nice scramble from Culpepper there. That was a big drive for the Vikes. Announcers really lighting up Moss. I mean, it's OK to point out he has no catches, but it's not OK to point out that he was wide open on a 3rd and long early in the game and Culpepper one hopped it to him. Or that his carrying out the fake reverse helped Bennett go for 18 up the gut on an Eagle blitz.

The announcers can drive me nuts at times. Moss is a wack job, we all know it. But their constant fascination with shredding him repeatedly is baffling.

Great KO return from the Eagles there. The Vikes desperately need a defensive stop. They can't play from 14 down all game.

[SunDancer]

my only thought is that maybe he's trying to help out in the event that he sees anything out there.

Or his teammates demanded it so they didn't have to hear him talk all game....

Yeah, I was just wondering. Usually players that are out, still stand on the sidelines with the teammates.

[Eaglesfan27]

Whew. Lucky play there.

[TLK]

that was crazy....

[Buccaneer]

I'm liking how the Eagles are playing and their style. They can do the same thing next week, right? RIGHT?

[TroyF]

Wow, what a lucky break that was.

Vikings defense is just imploding here. No pressure on McNabb.He's just standing there thowing thos short crossing routes. One thing. . . you keep throwing those short crossing routes all game, there is a high likelihood one gets tipped in the air and ran back for a score.

Now, will the Vikings stay in this one long enough for that to matter? Doubtful at this point.

[cthomer5000]

We will see that LJ Smith fumble play in playoff highlight reels for a long time.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm liking how the Eagles are playing and their style. They can do the same thing next week, right? RIGHT?
I think so. Of course, Atlanta will be a much tougher foe.

[TroyF]

I'm liking how the Eagles are playing and their style. They can do the same thing next week, right? RIGHT?

Doubtful. The Vikes are playing defense horribly right now. Anyone could be running up and down the field on them. Odds are, the Eagles won't continue to do this all game even with this defense playing this badly.

The Eagles need to be careful here. As much as they've dominated this football game, the Vikings are driving again. With a slightly different bounce of the ball, the Vikes would be driving to tie the score. As it is, the Vikes can't stop them at all right now, and they might be down only 7 after this drive.

edit: Doesn't mean they won't beat the Falcons. . . I'm not saying that at all.

[Eaglesfan27]

That was a really stupid play by Moss and/or the coaches. Lack of communication.

[TroyF]

What a huge play. Ubelievably poor coaching. Good lord. That was just horrible.

Eagles can put this game away with a drive here.

[mckerney]

I don't like that play call right there. Once again this year the Vikes try a special teams trick on 4th down instead of leaving their offense on the field.

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow. Pinkston actually caught one.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Levens has had some good hard runs this game.

[kingfc22]

That Viking was out of bounds.

[Eaglesfan27]

This should be an interesting challenge.

[TroyF]

Do you need two feet in to reestablish yourself here? If he need two feet, he didn't get it. If it's just a foot and your body, it's Vikings ball. If he needed two feet, Eagles hold on.

Amazing, I can't remember seeing 5 of these types of plays in the last ten years and then we see it in back to back playoff games?

[Eaglesfan27]

Whew. Good call by the refs.

[TroyF]

The Eagles, for all of their domination, are getting incredibly lucky this game. Amazingly lucky.

[Eaglesfan27]

L.J. Smith's Speed is really surprising at times. Nice little play there.

[mckerney]

Tough for Johnson to get pressure on McNabb when he's being held from behind.

[Eaglesfan27]

Lewis is really impressing today.

[Tekneek]

Tough for Johnson to get pressure on McNabb when he's being held from behind.

Are the officials letting obvious holding calls go? If that is the theme for the day, the late game will be frustrating to watch.

[mckerney]

Are the officials letting obvious holding calls go? If that is the theme for the day, the late game will be frustrating to watch.

Was the only one I've noticed so far, so hopefully not.

[mckerney]

Whew. I was worried they were going to give McNabb a measurement.

[Joe]

Are the officials letting obvious holding calls go? If that is the theme for the day, the late game will be frustrating to watch.


on both sides they are, some obvious holds by Birk havent been called

[Eaglesfan27]

That was some annoyingly bad time management. Good thing they are up by 14.

[mckerney]

That was some annoyingly bad time management. Good thing they are up by 14.

This bug will hopefully be fixed in next years version.

[TroyF]

L.J. Smith's Speed is really surprising at times. Nice little play there.


I love LJ Smith. Think he's underutilized. With TO down, they have no choice. 34 catches is too little.

This may be the one of the worst game plans I've ever seen. The Eagles have ZERO WR who can make a big play. The Vikes need to play an aggressive, tight defense. Instead they are rushing four, rarely blitzing and laying off of the receivers all game. What idiots.

Oh, and that play by McNabb at the end of the half? That costs teams championships. He's too good to be doing crap like that.

Eagles defense has been darned good. I think, if they continue to play well and win today, they'll beat the Falcons next week. (Because they have the athletes on defense to contain the Falcon offense)

[Eaglesfan27]

I love LJ Smith. Think he's underutilized. With TO down, they have no choice. 34 catches is too little.

This may be the one of the worst game plans I've ever seen. The Eagles have ZERO WR who can make a big play. The Vikes need to play an aggressive, tight defense. Instead they are rushing four, rarely blitzing and laying off of the receivers all game. What idiots.

Oh, and that play by McNabb at the end of the half? That costs teams championships. He's too good to be doing crap like that.

Eagles defense has been darned good. I think, if they continue to play well and win today, they'll beat the Falcons next week. (Because they have the athletes on defense to contain the Falcon offense)
Lewis actually looks like a WR who can make some plays. That 53 yard reception was nice. He also had a nice catch towards the end of the half. So, I'd say they have 1 WR who can make a big play.

[ISiddiqui]

Man, what in the Hell was that at the end of the half? Though the Eagles are looking good so far.

[TroyF]

on both sides they are, some obvious holds by Birk havent been called


Yeah, the offensive holding calls are being ignored on both sides. Some terrible OLine officiating. On the other hand, on most plays the Vikings are rushing four and dropping seven. Even if they get through, McNabb is going to sidestep them. They need to put some blitzes on and stop being so damned concerned he's going to run.

[mckerney]

We need more Wiggins.

[TroyF]

Lewis actually looks like a WR who can make some plays. That 53 yard reception was nice. He also had a nice catch towards the end of the half. So, I'd say they have 1 WR who can make a big play.

On both plays, it took an hour and a half for the play to develop. He's averaging 12 yards a catch for his career and right at 10 yards a catch this year.

Not bashing him, he's making some plays. . . but can he make those plays if McNabb is pressured early? Can he make a blitz adjustment at this point in his career? Can he handle aggressive, bump and run coverage?

The Vikings seem to have no interest in finding out any of the questions. Me? I'd love to see him develop as a solid complement to TO. I'd love to cheer for anyone other than TO or Moss. :) But I'm not ready to say he's a WR that can make plays yet either.

[Tekneek]

This bug will hopefully be fixed in next years version.

Has it been fixed so that Philadelphia can actually make it to the Super Bowl? It's simply not realistic to make it to the NFC Championship game this many times in a row and not win it.

[EagleFan]

OK, if you were a network executive, shouldn't you just fire Buck right now?

When Moss fakes dropping his pants, Buck acts as though he pulled a "Last Boyscout" move in a game and pulled a gun shooting players on the way to the end zone. Freddie Mitchell makes a similar move and he spends the next thirty seconds blowing him.

When you've lost your objectivity to that point, it's time to go. (and no, I'm not defending Moss, it's just that your reactions and criticism should be the same, no matter who the player)

As for the game, I think the announcers nailed my thoughts (think it was Aikman): Culpepper is just thinking too much right now. He makes that pass to Moss 99 out of 100 times. He needs to just start playing and stop worrying about the blitz. Just deal with the fact you are going to get sacked a couple of times. Drop back and do what you can do.

Of course, it's a coaches job to help tell him that. . . and we all know the Vikes coaches are idiots with headsets.

Oh. . . and what the hell was Moss doing there? Geez.

Are you seroous? He should get on a player who was feigning an "opposite moon" in reaction to Moss? Get real!!!

[TroyF]

Gasp. . . 2 blitzes, 2 rushed throws, 2 incompletions. . . Amazing how that works.

[TroyF]

Are you seroous? He should get on a player who was feigning an "opposite moon" in reaction to Moss? Get real!!!

And Moss was doing a moon in response to a Packer fan tradition of mooning the visiting team after the game in the parking lot.

Does that make his action OK? Acting as though your pants are down is acting as though your pants are down.

FWIW, were I Andy Reid, I'd beat Mitchell to within an inch of his life in the film room this week. How can he suggest his coach challenge that call? That was psychotic. What an idiot.

[Eaglesfan27]

Eagles get screwed on that play. That was a fumble.

[Yossarian]

What did Mitchel do that was mosslike?

[TroyF]

Horrific call there. The Vikings catch a break there, their first major one of the game.

[Joe]

What did Mitchel do that was mosslike?

scored a TD

[Eaglesfan27]

Yes! Reese!

[TroyF]

Great INT. Poetic justice there. Eagles deserved that INT after the non fumble call.

Now we'll see if McNabb adjusts to the blitzing technique the Vikes should have been putting on him all game.

[Easy Mac]

man, Vikings defensive lineman was being held like mad on that play.

[mckerney]

Impressive.

[Joe]

nice pass

[ISiddiqui]

My lord... Culpepper threw that RIGHT to the Eagles D.

[Dr. Sak]

WAY TO GO TROTTIER!

[ISiddiqui]

Nice play by Mitchell... wow!

[Joe]

geez

[kingfc22]

Ballgame

[Dr. Sak]

WAY TO GO PEOPLE'S CHAMP!!

[Ben E Lou]

That was a big-time play.

[TroyF]

That's not a TD folks, that's a touchback.

[mckerney]

Ballgame

Touchback

[Dr. Sak]

thats not a td..vikes ball

[Eaglesfan27]

Darn it. He fumbled it.. Great effort, but terrible fumble.

[kingfc22]

dola

Wow!

[Joe]

yeah touchback definitely

[JAG]

What a break for Minnesota.

[Joe]

thats not a catch

it was a definite catch, not a td though

[TroyF]

Ballgame


If it stands, you are 100% correct. I don't see how this is going to stand though. The only way it can is if the official thinks the ball crossed the plane before the fumble. It's close, but I don't think he got there.

I think it's a touchback and Vikings ball at the twenty. The Vikings season (what's left of it) centers on this call.

[Joe]

why do they call him the peoples champ?

[Ragone]

if the eagles get this call.. the fix is in

[Easy Mac]

That was the most obvious fumble of the year.

[ISiddiqui]

Wow... from "Ballgame" to "Maybe not" in 2 minutes.

[Joe]

oh... self-given nickname... thats lame as hell

[Dr. Sak]

why do they call him the peoples champ?

He named himself that. Thats why he puts the belt on every time he scores. I think it is funny but he doesnt deserve that name.

[Ksyrup]

This should be a blowout by now. At least a 4-TD lead.

[TLK]

they need a touchdown on this drive....

[mckerney]

oh... self-given nickname... thats lame as hell

"Peoples" = Freddie Mitchell

[Dr. Sak]

I don't like how the Eagles are letting the Vikes hang around.

[Ragone]

If it was a fan given nickname it would be.. gatorarm or butterfingers

[Joe]

nice play by burleson

[Ksyrup]

Freddie Mitchell is the Fidel Castro of the NFL.

[mckerney]

Wiggins and N-Beezy makin' it count.

[Joe]

yeah i agree, too much letting the vikes hang around

[mckerney]

Agreed with what Collinsworth is saying, the Vikings are lucky to be in this game right now.

[Joe]

Freddie Mitchell is the Fidel Castro of the NFL.


what was castro's self-given nickname?

[Ragone]

what was castro's self-given nickname?

Hdic (head dictator in charge) ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

Nice play by the defense (and terrible play by Culpepper)

[TroyF]

Great blitz call.

[Easy Mac]

Wow, Brian Dawkins just had a case of Tourettes.

[Ben E Lou]

They really ought to try the FG here.

[Ragone]

Can't really blame them for going for it.. Cortez is spanish for wide right

[mckerney]

Agreed with what Collinsworth is saying, the Vikings are lucky to be in this game right now.

Actually, both teams have screwed up plenty so far in this game, and both have gotten lucky at times. It could be 35-7 just as easily as it could be 14-7

[mckerney]

They really ought to try the FG here.

Not so sure with Cortez being the only guy who'd try it.

EDIT: Cortez is 8/18 from 40-49 in his career, and he hasn't really done much FG kicking lately. The guy was driving a FedEx truck a few weeks ago. I suppose it's a nice story to be back in the NFL after that, but FedEx truck to kick off specialist isn't exactly grocery store to Superbowl MVP.

[TroyF]

Agreed with what Collinsworth is saying, the Vikings are lucky to be in this game right now.


This is really a strange game. As much as the Vikings are lucky to be in the game, you could make a case the Eagles are lucky to be as far ahead as they are. Both teams seem hell bent on taking the breaks given to them and choking them away. I can't say that I'm impressed with either team.

[kingfc22]

Do the Vikings WANT to win this game?

[Ragone]

Eagles defensive coordinator must be using his xbox and ask madden for playcalling.. i haven't seen someone blitz on every play except on madden :)

[TroyF]

Wow. . . there is was. The play I've thought would happen all game. The crossing pattern thrown off and picked off and ran back a long way.

Errr. . . wait, he dropped the ball.

Unbelievable.

[mckerney]

How did Russell pick of 9 passes last season. He's dropped about 5 this year.

[JAG]

I don't see the Vikings scoring three times, including two TD's. That should be the ballgame.

[TroyF]

Watching the Steelers/Jets game yesterday, I became fully convinced that the winner of today's game was going to win the AFC Championship.

Watching this one, I'm getting the same feeling. As good as the Eagles D is, I'm becoming convinced that they'll struggle against the Falcons D as well. Then it comes down to playmakers. And I like the Falcons group of guys (Vick, Dunn, Crumpler) more than I like the Eagles group. (McNabb, Westbrook, LJ Smith)

I'll probably change my opinion twenty times between now and the title game, but I really think the Eagles can be had if the Falcons hold onto the football.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nice play by Lito. The Eagles' offense has been too inconsistent, but the defense really has played well this game.

[TLK]

well, the undercard is almost over.... main event time....

[kingfc22]

well, the undercard is almost over.... main event time....
Amen to that.

[Eaglesfan27]

I have to go to work for an hour or two and will miss most of the 1st half of the "Main Event." I agree that the second game will be more exciting and competitive, but I couldn't miss the Eagles win.

[Easy Mac]

Man, I don't think the Seahawks have dropped this many passes.

[Eaglesfan27]

I love that hard clean hit by Sheldon Brown late in the game.

[TroyF]

I have to go to work for an hour or two and will miss most of the 1st half of the "Main Event." I agree that the second game will be more exciting and competitive, but I couldn't miss the Eagles win.

Nor should you. Enjoy the run man. It's going to be a good championship game next week. Two teams without a lot of Super Bowl history. It'll be fun no matter who goes.

As a Broncos fan, I can tell you you'll always remember that first Super Bowl win. If you guys do it this year, you'll remember every play. :)

That said, I don't like your chances to go the distance this year.

[TroyF]

Well, Seymour out, snow in.

This is the game we've all been waiting for. Going to be a fun one either way.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nor should you. Enjoy the run man. It's going to be a good championship game next week. Two teams without a lot of Super Bowl history. It'll be fun no matter who goes.

As a Broncos fan, I can tell you you'll always remember that first Super Bowl win. If you guys do it this year, you'll remember every play. :)

That said, I don't like your chances to go the distance this year.

I like our chances to get to the Superbowl, but I would agree that I don't like our chances to win it. The Eagles-Falcons game next week will be highly competitive, but I think the defense can win the game for the Eagles with McNabb and company doing just enough.

[kingfc22]

I see snow. YEA!!!

[TLK]

I finally understand the love for Bonnie Bernstein.... looking good today.....

[Ben E Lou]

Watching the Steelers/Jets game yesterday, I became fully convinced that the winner of today's game was going to win the AFC Championship.

Watching this one, I'm getting the same feeling. As good as the Eagles D is, I'm becoming convinced that they'll struggle against the Falcons D as well. Then it comes down to playmakers. And I like the Falcons group of guys (Vick, Dunn, Crumpler) more than I like the Eagles group. (McNabb, Westbrook, LJ Smith)

I'll probably change my opinion twenty times between now and the title game, but I really think the Eagles can be had if the Falcons hold onto the football.Well, they CAN be had, but I'm not so sure it will happen. I think it will be an interesting matchup, and probably a low-scoring game. I wouldn't be surprised to see a similar game to two years ago.

[ISiddiqui]

Wow... I bet Indy really, really doesn't like the idea of snow on the ground in New England!

[GrantDawg]

Watching the Steelers/Jets game yesterday, I became fully convinced that the winner of today's game was going to win the AFC Championship.

Watching this one, I'm getting the same feeling. As good as the Eagles D is, I'm becoming convinced that they'll struggle against the Falcons D as well. Then it comes down to playmakers. And I like the Falcons group of guys (Vick, Dunn, Crumpler) more than I like the Eagles group. (McNabb, Westbrook, LJ Smith)

I'll probably change my opinion twenty times between now and the title game, but I really think the Eagles can be had if the Falcons hold onto the football.I don't agree. I hope you're right, but I think the Eagles D is much better than the Falcons D, and they have the speed up front to neutralize Vick. Atlanta's offensive line is the worst pass blocking line in the league. By the time Vick makes even a short drop, someone has come free and is in the backfield. The sad thing is, even when he gets time, the only player on the team that is very good at getting open is Crumpler. I predict the Eagles D to completely shut the Falcons down, and the Eagles will have great field position all day. They may not score a lot, but they'll score more than enough to win.

It has been a great run, and I've loved every minute of it. I don't think it is going past next week though (But again, I would just love to be wrong, and if anyone knows anything about choking at home in the NFC championship game...).

[EagleFan]

What did Mitchel do that was mosslike?

Nothing, unless you are TroyF and can;t see this for what it is.

On his first touchdown he did a "mock-Moss" of putting on his pants (reverse of the whole mooning thing) and then putting on that stupid "People's Champ" belt that Mitchell does. Somehow it seems that TroyF is the only person in America who somehow believes that a mock of that is as bad as a public mock mooning of the crowd ON NATIONAL TV. If Moss wanted to retaliate to what they (Packers fans) do, he should have just mooned them from the bus on the way home. Somehow TroyF feels that Joe Buck should be fired for not over-reating to Mitchell. Get REAL!!!

[EagleFan]

I like our chances to get to the Superbowl, but I would agree that I don't like our chances to win it. The Eagles-Falcons game next week will be highly competitive, but I think the defense can win the game for the Eagles with McNabb and company doing just enough.

If they can force Vick to actually throw the ball, they will have a pretty good shot at winning. It will be a stiffer defense than what the Vikings have but the key will be no stupid mistakes and make Vick be an actual quarterback.

[mckerney]

Now that the seasons over, hopefully Red can concentrate on selling the team to Glen Taylor and Reggie Fowler.

Either that or he sure as hell better be ready to spend some money this offseason and start caring about winning.

[kingfc22]

Go Pats!!!

[TroyF]

Nothing, unless you are TroyF and can;t see this for what it is.

On his first touchdown he did a "mock-Moss" of putting on his pants (reverse of the whole mooning thing) and then putting on that stupid "People's Champ" belt that Mitchell does. Somehow it seems that TroyF is the only person in America who somehow believes that a mock of that is as bad as a public mock mooning of the crowd ON NATIONAL TV. If Moss wanted to retaliate to what they (Packers fans) do, he should have just mooned them from the bus on the way home. Somehow TroyF feels that Joe Buck should be fired for not over-reating to Mitchell. Get REAL!!!


Yeah, the only reason this wasn't on national TV is because Fox didn't show it. Buck was a complete jack ass for acting the way he did last week. Then this week, he overcorrects himself and acts like it was nothing and proceeds to TALK UP Mitchell after Mitchell does something that was just as stupid as Moss. Pulling your pants up, then walking around with a fake belt is SO old school, right?

He's an idiot. Moss is an idiot. And Fox is an idiot for letting that jack ass call football games.

[TroyF]

Well, one possession for each team, and each team punts. Pats did get a first down on the first play. Really, really stupid penalty by NE getting a delay of game on 3rd and 5.

Both teams dinking and dunking a bit early on. Colts didn't attack the middle of the Pats D early, that surprised me a bit.

Time for possession two.

[Vince]

Pollard, that is inexcusable. I think the pass on first down should have been caught too. Not a stellar start for the Colts.

[TroyF]

There was the attack on the middle of the D. Wide open, just missed the pass. They can't be missing those, that's where they'll win the game. Then James up the middle for 7. I expect the Colts to go inside out today.

Good lord, Clark has to make that catch. The Colts gotta get their heads out of their rear ends. You just can't make mistakes like that and beat the Patriots here. They are tough enough without missing wide open receivers and dropping balls.

[Vince]

Well put, Troy. The pass on first down was pretty bad, but still catchable in my opinion.

[temley06]

The Colts look like they are frozen out there. They had better thaw out quickly.

[TroyF]

The Colts look like they are frozen out there. They had better thaw out quickly.


Yeah, they are a bit sluggish. They are doing SOME of the things they need to do to win this thing though. They are controlling the run very well so far. The last possession was critical. The Pats had field possession for most of the first quarter. They needed to get some first downs and swing the field. They did that. A 3 and out from the 10 would have resulted in Pats points.

They are attacking the middle of the defense pretty hard. They need to stick with that. Inside/out. Get the Pats safeties to cheat inside a bit and open it up for Wayne and Harrison on the outside. So far so good in that regard. I think they are setting them up for some long throws later.

Now. . . just as I said they were doing a good job on the run, they get gashed for a couple of decent gains and a first down. That's the thing they can't afford.

[ISiddiqui]

Yeah, the Pats are doing well on the run this drive.

[temley06]

I agree, they needed that last drive. Manning started to look a little more comfortable, in that he was moving better.

[TroyF]

Big sack to end the quarter. All in all, I think the Colts should be pleased. The offense isn't clicking yet, but the D has hung in tough. I don't believe you can shut down the Colts for an entire game, great D, weather or not. They are going to make some plays. They need to hang in the game long enough to make em. So far, so good in that regard. They have to cut out the silly mistakes though and Brady looks sharp.

NE has to be pleased about the defense and the running on this drive. Looking good for them. On the other hand, they have to be concerned about a few things. For one, the Colts appear to be able to put pressure on Brady with just the front four. They've did it a few times now. That has to concern NE a bit. Those plays will cause fumbles and INT's, something the Colts feast on.

[kingfc22]

Going to the no-huddle was an excellent choice. Very good play-calling

[Easy Mac]

On the pass to Bethel Johnson, did anyone else see one of the Colts blitzers get clotheslined by an o-lineman? A safety was blitzing, and the NE lineman just reached out and clotheslined the guy.

[TroyF]

Going to the no-huddle was an excellent choice. Very good play-calling


Agreed, nice change of pace. They may turn it into a TD here.

[TLK]

big stop here?

[TroyF]

Gotta go for it here. A play action pass will lock them into a TD here.

[kingfc22]

False start.

[TroyF]

False start, huge mistake, huge, huge mistake.

[kingfc22]

dola, kick it now

[TroyF]

Who do they think they are, the Colts? Some uncharacteristic mistakes by the Pats. A great drive ruined by an incredibly stupid play.

I'll say the same thing about the Pats dinking and dunking as I did about McNabb today, but it goes double in these conditions: They keep dinking and dunking it, one of the balls is going to be tipped up. The Pats have had great fortune over the years, but one of those could easily get ran back a long, long way. (the type of pass I'm talking about is the Troy Brown 2 yard completion over the middle) I don't think you can live off of the dink and dunk all day.

[kingfc22]

Isn't it great how NE makes Manning look human.

[temley06]

Colts need a stop here.

[mckerney]

Isn't it great how NE makes Manning look human.

Or like he's playing the Jets.

[kingfc22]

Huge run by Dillon. And to think they didn't need him in their 2 Super Bowl wins.

[Joe]

that wasnt the stop they needed

[TLK]

Dillon is a beast. It's hard not to like the Pats.... so many good stories on their team...

[temley06]

Last year they held the Pats to field goals, instead of TDs. That is what they need to keep doing, until the offense gets it's head out of it's ass. Considering the way the offense has played, the Colts are fortunate to be down only by 6.

[Cringer]

Dillon is a beast. It's hard not to like the Pats.... so many good stories on their team...


Pretty easy for me not to like them actually.

[ISiddiqui]

Pretty easy for me not to like them actually.
Ditto. I dislike Belichek greatly.

[mckerney]

In his 3 playoff wins Manning is 71 of 89 (79.7%) for 1138 yards with 12 TDs and 1 INT. Passer rating of 153.6, average score of 42.7 points.

4 playoff losses he's 73 of 153 (47.7%) for 795 with 2 TDs and 6 INTs. Passer rating of 36.8, average score of 11.8 points.

So far this is looking more like the 2nd group.

[kingfc22]

Man, what a play. More smashmouth football like last year.

[spleen1015]

This game looks like the last 3 games between these teams. The Patriots have the Colts' number.

[temley06]

That was a heck of a play by Bruschi

[Glengoyne]

I'm rooting for the Pats, but that "Fumble" call was just wrong.

[temley06]

The Colts defense is keeping them in this one so far.

[TroyF]

As badly as Manning has looked, he won't look this bad all game. I can't believe the Pats haven't taken advantage of it. 6 points? This is the opposite of the usual NE/Indy game. One team is dominating the game straight across the board, but is making enough key mistakes to keep the other one in the game.

The only question is how the Colts finish this. Do they take advantage of the Pats generous gifts? You can see the Colts are starting to get a read on the Pats defense the last couple of drives. A holding penalty and a wonderful play by Bruschi (a questionable call, but it was close enough I can't argue too much with it) killed the last drive. . . but the Colts are starting to find the open spots.

Pats are great at making adjustments. Incredible actually. But how much can they adjust without their CB's and Seymour? It'll be fun to watch what they try to do. Manning is getting into his groove right now.

[temley06]

Nice explanation by Simms

[TroyF]

Wow, what an incredible play call that went for naught. Gotta know the rules if you are going to try a trick play.

[TLK]

This is big-time football.... Stokley took a hell of a hit there...

[TroyF]

First down. Great catch. Colts have a couple of shots at the end zone now.

Samuel will get fined for that hit. It's legal in terms of game action, but it's not legal by the NFL home office. He can expect to get docked for that one.

[ISiddiqui]

Wow... that was almost a dumb play. Should have been intercepted.

[TroyF]

Wow, Manning looks at the top of the field, he has an easy TD. Instead they settle for the FG.

[kingfc22]

AFC football has been amazing this post-season. Should be a great 2nd half.

[temley06]

Manning had someone, Stokely I think wide open on the left side of the field and missed him. Damn

[TroyF]

Oh, and yes, the ball should have been picked. Again, it's amazing to me how much the Pats look like the Colts today and vice versa. Dropped INT's, false starts at the one, not putting a team away that you are dominating. That's all things the Colts do, not the Pats. The Pats usually take care of every other category.

This is one of those rare games that both teams have to like their chances right now. The Pats have to feel confident they can move the ball. They also have to feel the D is doing exactly what they want.

The Colts have to be thinking they have figured out the D and can move the ball. They also have to be ELATED that they can put pressure on Brady with just four guys. That opens up so much on defense. I'm sure they think that pressure will result in a turnover or two in the second half.

Who am I confident in? Can't tell, though I'd give a slight lean to the Colts. They are starting to move the football and they are getting heat on Brady without having to blitz. If they play the way they did the final 8 minutes of the second quarter, I like their chances.

[SirFozzie]

Pats need another long drive to start the 2nd half. That 9 minute drive really knocked the Colts for a loop, but they recovered nicely at the end of the half.

Interesting trick play there, Bellicheck is on the sidelines saying "Damn, I gotta steal that one"

[TroyF]

In his 3 playoff wins Manning is 71 of 89 (79.7%) for 1138 yards with 12 TDs and 1 INT. Passer rating of 153.6, average score of 42.7 points.

4 playoff losses he's 73 of 153 (47.7%) for 795 with 2 TDs and 6 INTs. Passer rating of 36.8, average score of 11.8 points.

So far this is looking more like the 2nd group.

Manning actually isn't doing that badly % wise. He's now 15-23 for 130. Of his 8 incompletions, there have been 3 drops. He finished those final two drives with a 12-14 stretch. (that did include the one near INT)

[Desnudo]

The Patriots should have put the Colts away last year too and didn't. The one major team flaw is that they often fail to capitalize on opportunities and end up in close games that shouldn't be close. It comes back to their willingness to abandon the run too easily. Dillon is destroying the Colts and what do we get? A bomb followed by short passes. Looks like it should be a good game in the second half.

[cody8200]

How about that helmet to helmet stokley took? Definite fine worthy and how about the uncalled personal foul-15 yards....not called of course

[SirFozzie]

How about that helmet to helmet stokley took? Definite fine worthy and how about the uncalled personal foul-15 yards....not called of course

Did you even listen to Simms explanation? Of course not.

[Desnudo]

How about that helmet to helmet stokley took? Definite fine worthy and how about the uncalled personal foul-15 yards....not called of course

I've seen missed calls on both sides of the ball. That one was debatable, not a given. Let's not start the argument again.

[TroyF]

Colts continue to get major pressure on Brady without blitzing. Nearly had an INT off of it.

[JAG]

The Colts get some great blocking on those screens.

[TroyF]

Good lord, ANOTHER stupid play by NE. This is amazing to watch.

As for the helmut to helmut, Simms explanation was dead on. It's not a foul in the context of the game. He became a ball carrier when he caught the ball and made a football move. The NFL office gets to look at it differently though. That will draw a fine.

[temley06]

What a bush league play by Izzo. You're better than that.

[kingfc22]

So does anyone think that the snow piling up on the field will come into play later on in the game? Maybe on a key FG attempt.

[TroyF]

I'd go for this.

[TroyF]

I don't like this one at all. At the very least, put Manning under center and try to draw em off. Take the five and punt. You don't lose anything. Beli and Brady would have done it.

[JAG]

I don't like this one at all. At the very least, put Manning under center and try to draw em off. Take the five and punt. You don't lose anything. Beli and Brady would have done it.

I agree. Plus you get an idea of how they'll try and defend the play for potential later exploitation.

[TroyF]

So does anyone think that the snow piling up on the field will come into play later on in the game? Maybe on a key FG attempt.


It could. The Pats desperately need to snow to keep falling HARD. Not because of Manning, I think he's figured out the Pats defense and will have a much better second half. They need it so Brady has time to throw the ball. The Pats are living life dangerously right now. The more Brady gets hit, the more likely they are to turn the ball over. The Colts D-Line is controlling the game right now.