NFL games - 1/23/05

[FBPro]

Might as well get this started now, less than 2 hours from ATL-PHIL kickoff. Go Falcons.

[johnnyshaka]

Go EAGLES!

[TLK]

Any idea on how the weather is going to be for both games?

[FBPro]

COLD, WINDY but very slight precip. chance........with these conditions running teams should be at an advantage over a passing team. :D

[johnnyshaka]

In Pitt it's sunny, but cold and wind COULD be a factor.

In Philly, it's still pretty ugly and the wind WILL definitely be a factor.

[SirFozzie]

Looks like Philly and Pittsburgh got clobbered too...

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/football/nfl/specials/playoffs/2004/01/22/bc.fbn.conferencechampi.ap/tx_0123_snow.tunnel_ap.jpg

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/football/nfl/specials/playoffs/2004/01/22/bc.fbn.conferencechampi.ap/t1_linc_snow_ap.jpg

[TLK]

I'll put my 12-2 record from the Season Prediction thread on the line... :)


Falcons 23 Eagles 17
Patriots 20 Steelers 13


:edit: and after looking it over I think the safest bet today is New England (-3)

[Darkiller]

I think today, especially with the bad weather conditions that are expected, Philly will finally get over the NFC Championship game hump and make it to the SuperBowl.

I may be wrong but I just don't see Michael Vick running for XXX yards in these conditions...and if he's stuffed, Atlanta will not make enough plays to keep up with the Eagles.

Just my two cents.

[Dutch]

I agree. *IF* the field conditions are bad, the Falcons will lose. If the field conditions are good, they are going to have to hope for the usual Eagles collapse.

Eagles should still be favored in this game regardless of weather.

As for the AFC, I'm wondering if Rothlesberger is about to implode....

At the end of the day?

Philadelphia and New England in the Super Bowl.

[Cringer]

Go Pack Go!!!




oh wait, we got whooped two weeks ago.

Go Steelers Go!

[Havok]

Since my hometeam Redskins arn't in it, and my second favorite team was smoked by the Pats last week.

Go AFC!!!!!

as long as the Atlanta Vicks or the Eagles don't win the superbowl im happy :)

[FBPro]

Cold and windy does not help the Eagles who would rather pass than run, cold and windy does not hinder a running team like the Falcons.

ATL 28
PHIL 17

[Swaggs]

I can't wait for these two games.

I think you can make a good argument that these are the four best teams in the NFL. You can argue that Indy may be better than Atlanta, but I think last week Atlanta proved it belongs. I also think that New England, Philly, and Pittsburgh are three of the best teams we have seen in awhile.

I think Atlanta has to have a nearly perfect game to win at Philadelphia. No turnovers, no special team breakdowns, and control the clock for better than 60% of the time. I think this one will be more low scoring than a lot of folks are predicting. I'll say Philly wins 16-7.

I haven't anticipated a game like this Pats-Steelers for a long time. I think the Steelers game last week was an abberation because, other than the Jets having two huge plays for TDs (yes, it is a big "but"), the Steelers offensive and defensive lines controlled the game, much like that Pats' did last week. Turnovers will again be the key to this one. Probably the first team to score points from a turnover will be able to control the clock. I think Big Ben plays better and the homefield advantage pays off. I'll say Pittsburgh wins 23-13.

[Joe]

i'll go with the eagles, weather definitely will help them.


and also the pats. big ben will need to make plays in this game, and his 7 td/8 int mark over the past 8 games i dont like at all... even if they were all wins.

[Rizon]

Pats 13
Steeljaws 7

Black Birds 21
Green Birds 0

Pats 31
Black Birds 7

[General Mike]

I hate the Eagles and I'm sick of the Patriots, so now you know who I'm rooting for. When it comes down to it tho, I think the Pats and Eagles will win.

[cthomer5000]

Pats, Eagles.

Unfortunately I think both have strong potential for being not all that close.

[cthomer5000]

And I hate the wacky start times. Damn you NFL and your multi-billion dollar network contract!

[duckman]

Are they still playing football? I haven't even noticed. ;)

[Dr. Sak]

I turned down free Steeler tickets this morning. The Eagles better not let me down.

GO Eagles!!

[Ben E Lou]

<table class="smalltable" bgcolor="#c8c8c8" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#000080"><td class="smalltableheader" colspan="2"><center> Forecast for Philadelphia County </center> </td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="2" bgcolor="#eeeeee"> Updated: 12:05 PM EST on January 23, 2005 </td> </tr> <!-- --> <tr bgcolor="#ffffdd"><td colspan="2"> Wind Chill Advisory in effect for tonight... </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td align="right" width="44">http://icons.wunderground.com/graphics/conds/snow.GIF</td> <td align="left" width="100%">This Afternoon
Partly cloudy. Areas of blowing snow. Breezy with highs around 20. North winds around 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Wind chill values near zero degrees.
Detail (http://www.wunderground.org/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=19019&hourly=1&yday=22&weekday=Sunday)</td></tr></tbody> </table>
I can't see how 25-35mph winds favor Philly. It doesn't necessarily mean Atlanta will win, but I see the weather being a slight advantage in our favor. The very hard field may be tougher for Vick to plant and cut on than normal, but that kind of wind in a open-ended stadium is not good for a passing team.

I definitely think this one will be low-scoring.

[Z²+]

I have my money on the Phil-Pitt Steagles.

[Swaggs]

Too bad we don't have any barefoot kickers around anymore. Kicking a football today, at either field, will be like kicking a cement block. :)

[MikeVic]

I turned down free Steeler tickets this morning.


:eek: Boo!

[Eaglesfan27]

I also believe Philly and Pittsburgh will win.

I think that Philly has enough speed on defense to contain the Falcon's potent running game.

I think Pittsburgh's running game will take the pressure off of Ben.

[Buccaneer]

Go Eagles. We don't need another Kordell Stewart.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

I haven't been this excited for two NFL games in a long time. I just got back from the store with the required refreshments and am all ready for the games :)

[kingfc22]

Falcons by 4
Pats by 10

[JonInMiddleGA]

It all comes down to whether Vick can be Vick in those conditions. My guess is no, and if not, the Falcons will be lucky to score an offensive touchdown at all. If Vick is ineffective, or even just an average QB, the Eagles pack the box, stuff Dunn & Duckett & it's over.

Meanwhile, I'm hoping Steelers & expecting Patriots. Bad luck for the Steelers to get the homefield weather and then have to face a team that is as good or better in it than they are.

[Eaglesfan27]

Was there a backstory on that kid that was singing the national anthem that I missed?

[MikeVic]

Was there a backstory on that kid that was singing the national anthem that I missed?

That's what I want to know too.

[TLK]

Was there a backstory on that kid that was singing the national anthem that I missed?

I'm thinking there has to be a story, but I didn't hear one....

[kingfc22]

They didn't mention anything on FOX, but there announce team SUCKS anyways.

[Ben E Lou]

I'm thinking cerebral palsy.

[kingfc22]

Is it wrong that I want the Eagles to blow their 4th straight NFC championship game in a row? *evil laugh*

[SunDancer]

I think the Falcons can be better. Remember, they got a terrific defense against a TO-less Eagles offense. The sun's out, and the field looks fine. Vick just needs to be allow things to happen, and not force plays.

[Eaglesfan27]

Great to see Atlanta have to use a timeout early in the game. Also, I love how the Eagles defense is playing early :)

[Buccaneer]

That's it. Too much happy feet for me. :(

[Buccaneer]

At least I got FBCB to keep me entertained.

[Eaglesfan27]

That was a nice little run by McNabb. Good first pass too. I think it is key for the Eagles to score early, and it is looking good early.

[cthomer5000]

That's it. Too much happy feet for me. :(
You really are amazing.

[Ben E Lou]

Yeah, if the Eagles put up seven here, Atlanta could be in trouble.

[Swaggs]

At least I got FBCB to keep me entertained.

I'm with you. :)

Wife is working all day today, so I get to play FBCB and watch football, in peace, all day long.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm with you. :)

Wife is working all day today, so I get to play FBCB and watch football, in peace, all day long.
My wife doesn't go to work til 5, but she knew I wanted to watch the game in peace (she doesn't like football at all :( ), so she went over to her best friend's house to hang out with her a bit before work :)

[Ben E Lou]

Wow! Thanks!!!! :D

[cthomer5000]

Big stop for the Eagles. Not a bad chocie from Philly though, since that's a pretty risky field goal..

[Eaglesfan27]

Big stop for the Eagles. Not a bad chocie from Philly though, since that's a pretty risky field goal..
Agreed. Good call by Reid. Very good play by the Falcons Special Teams to stop it.

That was not pass interference!! The ball was there. Darn.. on replay the ball wasn't quite there yet.

[cthomer5000]

I think it was the correct call on the pass interference. A Falcons score would be good for morale and to shut the crowd up a bit.

[Ben E Lou]

Agreed. Good call by Reid. Very good play by the Falcons Special Teams to stop it. Is it tricky to kick with the wind at your back?

[Swaggs]

It looks awful cold there. :)

[cthomer5000]

Vick... are you kidding me?

[Ben E Lou]

Ok.........

[Eaglesfan27]

That was an UGLY pass from Vick.

[Swaggs]

Wow... That was a high school play.

[cthomer5000]

Is it tricky to kick with the wind at your back?
The wind is not blowing in straight line, it's changing direction like crazy.

[Eaglesfan27]

Is it tricky to kick with the wind at your back?
I may be mistaken but it seems like the wind is swirling some, and isn't directly at their back all of the time.

[kingfc22]

If the wind stays the same, the Falcons should have the advantage at the end of both halves. Could be something to watch for.

[cthomer5000]

If the wind stays the same, the Falcons should have the advantage at the end of both halves. Could be something to watch for.
I think the wind will seriously impact field goals negatively all day long. Anything over 40 yards is going to be real risky.

[kingfc22]

I was thinking more punts and field position. I'm really curious to see what happens on this Philly punt....Penalty no punt. But I still want to see a punt in this direction.

[temley06]

Atlanta would have been fortunate if that had been picked off.

[Eaglesfan27]

Great run by Westbrook! :)

[cthomer5000]

LJ Smith... representin' Rutgers!

[Eaglesfan27]

McNabb is getting great pass blocking too :)

[cthomer5000]

7-0 Eagles. Big drive coming up for Atlanta. I thnk Philly has the potential to knock them out early if they don't start scoring.

[Eaglesfan27]

What a second effort by the Eagles.. TD Levens!

[Swaggs]

Wow. Levens really wanted in.

[Icy]

Awesome extra effort from Levens!

[Swaggs]

Falcons need to put points on the board on this drive.

[Eaglesfan27]

LJ Smith... representin' Rutgers!
In my Madden Franchise, he has developed to be the top TE in the league. Hopefully, he can develop IRL similarly.

[temley06]

Was it Buck who said the Eagles can't run against the Falcons?

[General Mike]

LJ Smith... representin' Rutgers!

:) :( :confused:

[cthomer5000]

The Falcons should just run a true option. Vick, Dunn, and Duckett would be damn tough to stop.

[kingfc22]

Why did they not run there.

[Eaglesfan27]

Please let that flag be on the Falcons..

[kingfc22]

Weak call.

[Buccaneer]

cth, I'm rooting for the Eagles so that should count for something.

[Ben E Lou]

Why did they not run there.I'm wondering the same thing, but the penalty sure was big.

[Eaglesfan27]

Why did they not run there.
Because the Eagles run defense is looking dominant?

[kingfc22]

Yea baby. What a run.

[Ben E Lou]

Nice run there.

[General Mike]

nice scramble by Vick.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sheesh.. heck of a play by Vick. He beat the freak bad on that play.

[DeToxRox]

my nipples are hard just watching this game

[TLK]

Live by the Vick, die by the Vick

[cthomer5000]

Vick might need 150 yards running for them to win this, based on how poorly their passing game is going.

[cthomer5000]

Falcons should let the clock run out here so the wind is at their back.

[cthomer5000]

If the wind is truly blowing in that one direction, the Eagles should have called a timeout.

edit: they did. I should be a freakin' assistant coach.

[Eaglesfan27]

Great run stuff on 3rd and 1.

[DeToxRox]

Nice stop. Let's see what happens on 4th. I say go for it.

[Ben E Lou]

Time out Philly

[Swaggs]

To kick or not to kick?

[kingfc22]

I like that TO call right there.

[Ben E Lou]

To kick or not to kick?Gotta go for it now, with the time out.

[Eaglesfan27]

Interesting time out by Philly.

[Swaggs]

Ballsy coaching by Reid.

[cthomer5000]

Ballsy coaching by Reid.
no-brainer coaching. Don't confuse ballsy with using one's head. Of course at least 28-29 other coaches wouldn't have even thought about the timeout.

[Ben E Lou]

I like the time out call. I'd say that's a good call for the Eagles.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think the TO forces Atlanta to go for it. This will be a great time out if they can stop the Falcons on 4th down.

[JAG]

Good call on the timeout, but it didn't work out too well (at least for now).

[Ben E Lou]

Big play there. If they stop us there, it would have been HUGE for them.

[kingfc22]

I say the Falcons should air one out down the field on their first play with the wind.

[Ben E Lou]

Well, we're too close in to truly "air one out," but I'd like a little play action here.

[Dutch]

1st QTR recap

The Eagles look sharp and poised.

I was actually telling Vick to "Get up!" when he looked hurt.

Both of these teams look like they deserve to be here. Should be a great game.

The Falcons need to prove they can use the wind to their advantage in the 2nd and 3rd qtrs or they are in trouble. They need to be up by 8 or more in the 4th qtr to win.

The footing looks good enough for Vick and Dunn. So far Vick is impressing me with his improv, (but truly goes without saying,) not his passing.

[JAG]

Gotta give Atlanta this, they have some creative playcallers (granted, I haven't seen many games of theirs this year)

[Eaglesfan27]

I think passing "with the wind" is still going to be challenging with the wind making overthrows more likely.

[Ben E Lou]

Nice subterfuge there. Looked like the play they ran last week, but this time Dunn keeps it.

[kingfc22]

Why did we let Mora go when we had the chance to make him coach. Damn Niners and John York. :mad:

[Ben E Lou]

Gotta give Atlanta this, they have some creative playcallers (granted, I haven't seen many games of theirs this year)To clarify what I said earlier, that looked exactly like a play last week where Dun threw it to Vick.

[Ben E Lou]

I think passing "with the wind" is still going to be challenging with the wind making overthrows more likely.Agreed. Donovan already has an overthrow with the wind.

[cthomer5000]

Gotta get it in the endzone here guys..

[Swaggs]

Time for a PA bootleg...

[TroyF]

I haven't read all of the comments in this thread, but I can say I massively dislike the two major calls by Andy Reid in this game.

Trying a fake field goal from 50 yards in those conditions? Horrible. No team is going to be stupid enough to fall for that fake. Hell, even the Vikings aren't that stupid.

Then the TO at the end of Q1. The Falcons go conservative there. They would have likely attempted the long field goal. 48 yards. This is the same field goal you didn't have the confidence YOUR kicker (and a very good kicker I might add) couldn't hit.

So you waste a TO and make the Falcons do what they SHOULD have done. You force them to be aggressive. They pick up the first down and they go with the wind. Basicly, you put all of your eggs in one basket. You either stop them on the fourth and 1, or you give them free reign to drive down for a TD. Then you get to go into the teeth of the wind.

Why not be happy with a 7-3 lead (at worst) and let your offense do their thing?

[Eaglesfan27]

To clarify what I said earlier, that looked exactly like a play last week where Dun threw it to Vick.
I remembered that play, and I said to myself last week that the Eagles would see a variation of it this week.

Nice play calling.

[Eaglesfan27]

That looked like a great Vick play until Hollis Thomas slammed into Vick!

[cthomer5000]

I haven't read all of the comments in this thread, but I can say I massively dislike the two major calls by Andy Reid in this game.

Trying a fake field goal from 50 yards in those conditions? Horrible. No team is going to be stupid enough to fall for that fake. Hell, even the Vikings aren't that stupid.

Then the TO at the end of Q1. The Falcons go conservative there. They would have likely attempted the long field goal. 48 yards. This is the same field goal you didn't have the confidence YOUR kicker (and a very good kicker I might add) couldn't hit.

So you waste a TO and make the Falcons do what they SHOULD have done. You force them to be aggressive. They pick up the first down and they go with the wind. Basicly, you put all of your eggs in one basket. You either stop them on the fourth and 1, or you give them free reign to drive down for a TD. Then you get to go into the teeth of the wind.

Why not be happy with a 7-3 lead (at worst) and let your offense do their thing?
I think the Falcons probably would have gone for it either way. You cannot say decisively that the timeout changed what the Falcons would have done.

[Swaggs]

Good answer drive by the Falcons.

[Eaglesfan27]

I haven't read all of the comments in this thread, but I can say I massively dislike the two major calls by Andy Reid in this game.

Trying a fake field goal from 50 yards in those conditions? Horrible. No team is going to be stupid enough to fall for that fake. Hell, even the Vikings aren't that stupid.

Then the TO at the end of Q1. The Falcons go conservative there. They would have likely attempted the long field goal. 48 yards. This is the same field goal you didn't have the confidence YOUR kicker (and a very good kicker I might add) couldn't hit.

So you waste a TO and make the Falcons do what they SHOULD have done. You force them to be aggressive. They pick up the first down and they go with the wind. Basicly, you put all of your eggs in one basket. You either stop them on the fourth and 1, or you give them free reign to drive down for a TD. Then you get to go into the teeth of the wind.

Why not be happy with a 7-3 lead (at worst) and let your offense do their thing?
I liked the first call, but I agree with your analysis of the 2nd call. I didn't like the TO with the result of the play, but I do admire his confidence in the defense. I'm sure he knew the TO would force Atlanta to go for it, and he was confident that his defense would stop them. It didn't work, and with hindsight I don't like the call, but I can see his reasoning.

[Ben E Lou]

Actually, the Falcons' color man made a good point about the time out: Mora isn't exactly a conservative coach; the odds are pretty decent that he would have gone for it regardless. He may have wasted that time out, after all.

[TroyF]

I think the Falcons probably would have gone for it either way. You cannot say decisively that the timeout changed what the Falcons would have done.


Then all the more reason not to take the timeout. What exactly did it change then? If you feel they would have went for it anyway, the TO did nothing for you either way. If you think they are going to kick it, that's exactly what you want. It just doesn't make any sense.

As it is, they got away with giving up the three. . . but it was a much easier three than what they would have attempted from 48 yards out.

Heading into the wind and needing every extra yard you can get at the end of the half, that TO was more valuable in your pocket. Down to one TO now. Make a challenge and lose, you have zero TO's for the first half. If you think you are going to win by 20, fine. But I think this will be a close game all the way through. And I think wasting your TO's like that is just not the way to go.

The Falcons MIGHT have made an idiotic decision and went for the FG if the Eagles don't take the TO. The Eagles just made their decision easy as pie. They are very lucky it didn't turn into a 7-7 game.

[cthomer5000]

Obviously he has faith in the defense though. So he either gets a chance to stop them on 4th and 1, or let them kick an even riskier field goal than they would have otherwise.

I think the faith in the defense to keep them out of the end zone even if they did convert the 4th down played a large part in it.

I can see both sides of the call, but I don't think it's a big deal either way.

[Ben E Lou]

Man, penalties have wiped out three would-be important plays now, Atlanta helped twice, Philly helped once.

[Eaglesfan27]

GREAT play by McNabb!

[Swaggs]

McNabb looked Vick-ish on that play.

[General Mike]

2 fucking amazing plays by the Syracuse grad.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yes! Lewis does it again! Lewis is becoming an X-Factor :)

[TLK]

Lewis pushed off on that catch...

edit- maybe not :)

[Ben E Lou]

We have GOT to stop them here.

[TroyF]

I liked the first call, but I agree with your analysis of the 2nd call. I didn't like the TO with the result of the play, but I do admire his confidence in the defense. I'm sure he knew the TO would force Atlanta to go for it, and he was confident that his defense would stop them. It didn't work, and with hindsight I don't like the call, but I can see his reasoning.


If it's a 35 yard field goal and in, I LOVE the call. But 50? No way. Again, no defense in their right minds would fall for that fake. Talking to a friend on the phone, we both said it at the same time "watch for the fake"

If you don't think the kicker can hit that field goal, you are better off going for it. Fakes on 50+ yard field goals rarely work in great weather. They have ZERO chance of working in this weather.

Eagles looking good on O and they'll probably win the game regardless. But those were horrible calls. To be blunt, those are the types of calls that keep you out of championship games.

[Dr. Sak]

McNabb looked Vick-ish on that play.

The difference between Vick and McNabb on that play is that McNabb looks to throw while Vick would just have took off running.

[Eaglesfan27]

The other Lewis catches it for the TD. He was WIDE open.. love the play call :)

[cthomer5000]

I think this will be tough to overturn.

[TroyF]

That's a great catch. TD all the way.

[Swaggs]

In or out?

[Ben E Lou]

Close, but it looks like he got 'em both down. :(

[Dutch]

Boy that looks like he got his right foot down (with a little sod kicked up).

[Buccaneer]

You see, that's the difference of why I respect and like McNabb a whole lot more than Vick. I really don't mind happy feet as long as you get out of being sacked and wait for a receiver to get open. McNabb did that while Vick would taken off running and get 7-8 yds. Go Eagles.

Edit: What bask said.

[Dr. Sak]

REAL close...i say in :)

[kingfc22]

I'm gonna say in as well. :(

[3ric]

Good thing he remembered to put a footprint in the end zone.

[cthomer5000]

Lewis pushed off on that catch...

edit- maybe not :)
The wind/underthrow really helped them there. I initially thought it was a push-off as well, but the replay was pretty clear that it was not.

[Eaglesfan27]

It was very close. Too close to conclusively overturn, so TD :)

[Eaglesfan27]

That angle makes it look like he definitely got the 2nd foot down.

[Swaggs]

I don't see how they can overturn it.

[Swaggs]

Damnit. I hate it when Collinsworth agrees with me!

[kingfc22]

ATL needs to answer again.

[Ben E Lou]

Big pressure on this possession.

[Eaglesfan27]

The wind/underthrow really helped them there. I initially thought it was a push-off as well, but the replay was pretty clear that it was not.

Really nice play by Greg to come back to the ball :)

[Dutch]

The Falcons are slowly losing their grasp on the situation...

[Dutch]

Big pressure on this possession.

Yes, they definately have to make something happen. They cannot afford a 3 and out.

[Eaglesfan27]

The Falcons are slowly losing their grasp on the situation...

I don't think it is going to be that slow if they don't score on this upcoming drive. If the Eagles hold and score at least 3 more points before the half, I think this game is going to be extremely hard for the Falcons to get back into.

[Buccaneer]

The Falcons are slowly losing their grasp on the situation...
Still a long ways to go.

[cthomer5000]

Falcons need a field goal, minimum, before the half.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, but with Vick's apparent trouble of passing accurately in this wind and against this defense, 14 points would be a HUGE lead for the Eagles.

[Buccaneer]

I don't think the Eagles would be content to sit on a 14 point lead, knowing past championships. Despite Vicks inability to pass, the Falcons do have a lot of creative weapons.

[kingfc22]

What a catch by Crumpler!!! And what a hit too.

[JAG]

Nice play but what a hit by Dawkins.

[Eaglesfan27]

I don't think the Eagles would be content to sit on a 14 point lead, knowing past championships. Despite Vicks inability to pass, the Falcons do have a lot of creative weapons.
Oh, I don't think the Eagles would be content to sit on a 14 point lead either. I just think the momentum factor would be huge for the Eagles if they go into the half up at least 14 points.

[Eaglesfan27]

That being said, Vick with a nice pass and Crumpler with a nice catch. Atlanta is looking good on this drive.

[kingfc22]

TD Falcons. Woot! :D

[Buccaneer]

Yep.

[Dutch]

That was HUGE! Crump and now TD Dunn!

[cthomer5000]

Good. Now we can kill the 2 minute warning TV break and the 'kickoff return' break with one break.

[Swaggs]

Falcons need their defense to step up now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oh crud. Normally, I root for a close game (I am in the 2nd game) but I would have loved to see this one turn into a blowout.

[JAG]

Good. Now we can kill the 2 minute warning TV break and the 'kickoff return' break with one break.

Nice call. :)

[kingfc22]

Good. Now we can kill the 2 minute warning TV break and the 'kickoff return' break with one break.
Nah, TV advertisers want their money's worth.

[cthomer5000]

Nah, TV advertisers want their money's worth.
Oh, I know the commercials will still run. But it just means 1 break. I'd take less, but longer, commerical breaks than interruptions after consecutive plays.

[Passacaglia]

The way these announcers talk, you'd think this was the strongest wind since 1588. Even after they reported that McNabb said he felt fine throwing deep into the wind, they STILL won't shut up about it!

[kingfc22]

Oh, I know the commercials will still run. But it just means 1 break. I'd take less, but longer, commerical breaks than interruptions after consecutive plays.
Me too.

[TLK]

I thought it was a decent spot...

[Celeval]

I think a good spot there honestly, Westbrook had the ball in his right hand extended - his body was at the first down line, the ball was not.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think that spot was a little off, but it's hard to tell from the replays.

[JAG]

Pretty decent half overall for the Falcons to be down only 4. I think they're going to need either 17 more points this half to win or 10 points and some turnovers / special teams plays to win.

[TLK]

This is could of been a lot worse for the Falcons. The need a stop on the Eagles to start the 3rd, and then suck up as much clock as they can, when they get the ball.

[Dr. Sak]

The Eagles need to continue to contain Vick. They did a pretty good job doing that. I think the wind affects Vick a lot more than it does McNabb.

The Eagles also need to stop the stupid penalties. They are killing drives and extending Falcon drives.

[Dutch]

The Falcons did what they had to do to make it to Halftime. I honestly thought it would be 21-3 at halftime in favor of the Eagles.

Good job, the Falcons need to give it everything they got in the 3rd quarter and just run on empty in the 4th if they have too.

It's been a good game so far. Can't wait to see how it unfolds!

[Ben E Lou]

Pro: Falcons' coaching staff has seemed to do pretty well at making halftime adjustments lately.
Con: The Eagles have three key penalties to our one, and yet still lead.

[kingfc22]

Falcons get the wind to end the game as well.

[Eaglesfan27]

Should have been a roughing the passer call too.

[QuikSand]

I've only been paying sporadic attention, but...

I love it when there's an intriguing x-factor in a big game, like it sounds as though the wind is for this one. I just think it adds a whole extra dimension of coaching to the game -- and I support having the "chess game" of football being highlighted when it's all on the line.

[Eaglesfan27]

Very nice run by Westbrook.

[Eaglesfan27]

The Eagles are looking really good on this drive :)

[kingfc22]

Falcons need to force a FG attempt here.

[kingfc22]

Catch the freaking football!!

[JAG]

Nice 3 point drop.

[Eaglesfan27]

Horrible pass by McNabb.

[bronconick]

So far on this drive, Atlanta showed a lack of tackling skill, and a lack of catching skill. It's just a question of which team's infection from the Detroit Lions kills them first. Atlanta, for losing to Detroit, or Philadelphia, for hiring Marty Morninweg.

[Dutch]

Horrible pass by McNabb.

That might have been a case of the wind that is "with him" is really just swirling around and knocking passes down.

[Ben E Lou]

Interesting commercial.

[Dr. Sak]

Before the 2nd half started they showed a graphic of the wind..

Beginning of the game it was coming out of the North now it has shifted to NW which will make the wind swirl around the stadium.

[TLK]

So far on this drive, Atlanta showed a lack of tackling skill, and a lack of catching skill. It's just a question of which team's infection from the Detroit Lions kills them first. Atlanta, for losing to Detroit, or Philadelphia, for hiring Marty Morninweg.
I had it blocked out of my mind that Mornhinweg still had a job in the NFL. I guess that's another reason to root for the Falcons. At the least, the Lions can say they beat a team, that played in the Super Bowl.

[cthomer5000]

Interesting commercial.
Heh. So I'm not the only one who didn't quite see what they were going for on that one.

[kingfc22]

Ouch.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nice pick by Dawkins!

[j51]

Watching Vick pass is like watching Antoine Walker shoot threes.

[Cringer]

Heh, Vick has a ways to go to become a good QB IMO. Pretty inconsistent.

[Dr. Sak]

Eagles offense looked tight on that series

[Ben E Lou]

I can NOT watch a football game with non-football people. "Do they keep their hats {sic} on when they're on the sidelines because it is cold?" Since they got here, I only get to retreat into this room during commercials. Grrrrrrr.

The Falcons need a score of some kind her, badly.

[kingfc22]

The Falcons D needs to get some 3 and outs.

[Dutch]

I can NOT watch a football game with non-football people. "Do they keep their hats {sic} on when they're on the sidelines because it is cold?" Since they got here, I only get to retreat into this room during commercials. Grrrrrrr.

The Falcons need a score of some kind her, badly.

That's funny. During the Eagles/Bucs championship game, my wife asks me what the difference between off-sides and encroachment and false start was.

I snapped, "That's a question for the PRE-season!"

(Wrong move, but hey, I got to watch the game in peace.) :)

[Dr. Sak]

Best hit of the day - The Security Guard

[TLK]

hell of a hit by the security guard....

[Cringer]

you saw it? I didn't

[Dr. Sak]

you saw it? I didn't

I caught the hit on the far left of my screen. Not sure I saw it because I had a widescreen tv.

[Dutch]

you saw it? I didn't

It was quick, but the station has to cut away as soon as they see it. It looked like he got jacked! Must've been an ex-high school LB. :D

[TLK]

I have a normal (non-widescreen) and I caught it at about the 50 yard line...

[Eaglesfan27]

I like that call on the reverse.

[kingfc22]

The Eagles punter has totally outperformed the Atlanta punter today.

[Dr. Sak]

how is it that Dirk Johnson can get off good punts into the wind but Atlanta's cant?

[Cringer]

I caught the hit on the far left of my screen. Not sure I saw it because I had a widescreen tv.

I have a 53" widescreen, I must have been looking at the wrong part or just not very focused on the game.... :confused:

[JAG]

The Falcons' offense has been a disaster this half.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nice tackle by Burgess on Vick :)

[Dutch]

I guess TO is healthy enough to dance, but still I think he should save himself for the Super Bowl....that's when he gets the most press. :)

[kingfc22]

Another crap punt.

[Dutch]

Peerless Price, please report to Mike Holmgren's office for a job. Peerless Price...

[Cringer]

Congrats to the Eagles on finally breaking through and getting into the Superbowl again.

I am not really knocking on the Falcons here, they have been playing pretty hard and kept it close, but it just seems the Eagles are in control now.

[SunDancer]

I just don't get some of the playcalling by the Falcons and Vick's thinking.

[DaddyTorgo]

yeah. i havn't seen nearly enough of Vick using his skill-set. He oughta stop trying to play to the Philly-strength. I think McNabb has more rushing yards than Vick in this game!

[Eaglesfan27]

It's good to see McNabb passing better this drive. Last drive his passing was starting to worry me.

[Dutch]

"Why did that guy (McNabb) run out of bounds?", my son asked.

"So he doesn't get hit.", I responded.

"Well, if he doesn't want to get tackled, he shouldn't have signed up for the NFL."

He's going to be a great football critic one day. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

yeah. i havn't seen nearly enough of Vick using his skill-set. He oughta stop trying to play to the Philly-strength. I think McNabb has more rushing yards than Vick in this game!
That is mostly due to the Eagles doing an excellent job of spying him. They have Kearse and Burgess doing that throughout the game, and they are doing it well :)

[Eaglesfan27]

"Why did that guy (McNabb) run out of bounds?", my son asked.

"So he doesn't get hit.", I responded.

"Well, if he doesn't want to get tackled, he shouldn't have signed up for the NFL."

He's going to be a great football critic one day. :D

That is awesome. :D

[Joe]

nice defense

[Eaglesfan27]

Greg Lewis has really impressed me the last few weeks with his improved performance.

[DaddyTorgo]

That is mostly due to the Eagles doing an excellent job of spying him. They have Kearse and Burgess doing that throughout the game, and they are doing it well :)
okay. I only watched really the first half on TV, this second half I've been listening on the radio, where I couldn't tell that.

[cthomer5000]

work that clock Philly.

[kingfc22]

Put this one in the bag.

Go Pats!!!

[cthomer5000]

It's all but over now. Glad I jumped on that halftime line...

[Dr. Sak]

JACKSONVILLE HERE WE COME!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

BALL GAME! TD McNabb to Chad Lewis! :)

[Dutch]

That's a wrap!

Nice season to the Falcons....

But the Eagles deserve this trip! Go NFC!!!

[Recoil]

This game is pretty irrelevant considering that the Pats will beat anyone they play in the SB.

[Qwikshot]

WOOT WOOT WOOT

EAGLES!!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

Now, I just hope Pittsburgh can make it an all Pennsylvania Super Bowl.

[Qwikshot]

This game is pretty irrelevant considering that the Pats will beat anyone they play in the SB.
http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

[DaddyTorgo]

This game is pretty irrelevant considering that the Pats will beat anyone they play in the SB. mark this down under "not all Pats fans are overconfident jerks."

-The Pats still have to take care of business tonight against the Steelers. I think they can and will, and I think it will be a 10 point win, but they still gotta get it done.

[Ben E Lou]

Oh well. Good season, and plenty to build on. We definitely got farther then expected this year. The Falcons need one more wide receiver and some more development from Vick to take it to the next level.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think Philly's defense will give either the Pats or the Patriots problems in the Super Bowl. I really think it will be a good game.

[Qwikshot]

This was a great game...on the edge of my seat all day.

[Dr. Sak]

This game is pretty irrelevant considering that the Pats will beat anyone they play in the SB.

Tell that to Joe Namath and the '69 Jets.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oh well. Good season, and plenty to build on. We definitely got farther then expected this year. The Falcons need one more wide receiver and some more development from Vick to take it to the next level.

Agreed. Atlanta looks poised to challenge Philly for the NFC Championship for the next few years.

[Cringer]

Here is my problem with who Iwant to win the AFC, because I want the Eagles to lose in the SB. I think the Patriots can beat them no problem. Pittsburgh is the team I want to win the AFC though, but I think Philly has a pretty good chance to beat Pitt.....oh well, we will see what happens.....

[Ben E Lou]

The play that personified this loss was the Vick rollout when the LB was right there in his face when he got there. If that isn't open, the Falcons are always going to struggle, because it signifies that the handoffs aren't going to be working by and large, either.

Catch the dadgum ball, Jenkins.

[cthomer5000]

Tell that to Joe Namath and the '69 Jets.
Or more fittingly the 2001 Patriots.

[Ragone]

Atlanta lost this game when they took the attitude that they were "playing with house money" as jim mora jr put it.. that sets a attitude of.. hey.. we are happy to be here.. and what happens happens


Instead of "lets go out there and make philly 0-4 in nfc title games"

[yabanci]

That was one of the most boring playoff games I've seen in a while.

[cthomer5000]

What was the deal with the literal WWF style championship belt on the Eagles assistant types was holding on the sideline? Does that belong to Freddy Mitchell?

[henry296]

News from the AFC Game..

Richard Seymour is inactive. Wouldn't have played much anyway.

[Ragone]

ah, now its time for the real championship game

[tucker rocky]

I think Philly's defense will give either the Pats or the Patriots problems in the Super Bowl. I really think it will be a good game.
Is NE playing themselves? :D