Official NFL Division PLayoffs Thread

[st.cronin]

Yep. I'm agree. It's completely amazing that he made sure to point out how classy he is in the press conference. Yeah, normally, he is, but right after saying that, he calls out Belichick. He might as well have pulled out a steel chair, run into the Patriots press room, and whacked Bill with it.

That would have been awesome!!!1!1! x2

[bhlloy]

Where do you start with that debacle? So many mistakes, so many players. Marlon McCree is supposed to be the smartest player in the league and he intercepts the deep ball on fourth down? I have never seen a player try to pick the ball up in the Parker situation. I have never seen a worse decision by a QB than the ball Rivers threw straight to Roosevelt Colvin. Unbelievably bad penalty by Florence. Bad penalty by Olivea on an extra point for fucks sake. Vincent Jackson inexplicably doesn't drag his foot for an easy touchdown. Second and four with a rookie QB and the leagues MVP who hasn't run for a loss the whole game and they go shotgun. EDIT - to add the marvellous decision by Cromartie to not let the ball go out of bounds on the kickoff when field position was absolutely crucial and to add the decision to go for it on fourth down well within Kaeding's range at the start of the game.

Ultimately Marty has to carry the can. His teams just don't seem ready to play in the playoffs and they just gave this game away. The Patriots did not play well at all and they won. Fucking heartbreaking and I'm going to get drunk.

[Galaril]

God. Please!!!!!!!!! Don't allow the Pats to win the Super Bowl again. I couldn't bare having to listen to the Pats fans around here boast and brag for another year. I would like to see the Saints win the SB, but I think the Pats smell blood and will eat the Colts alive and anyone in the SB:( Hater? Oh yeah.

[jeff061]

But you're a perplexing hater since you are calling them to win :). Anyways, there are far far far far far far more haters than Pats fans these days. If I can suck it up and ignore them, you can ignore us.

[Tigercat]

chicago/katrina and colts/pats final 4? that is what the NFL and the tv execs have been praying for...I think seattle got hosed by the officiating today, and I think the pats got a lot of penalty yards considering they were holding on almost every play.

so yeah, I guess I am a hater.

TV Execs must not have gotten the memo. The Saints weren't scheduled on national games except the home opener and and a Sunday nighter. Oh, and the consensus pick for the Saints was a repeat 3-13.

Glad to see that you can hate a HARD EARNED uplifting story. Everyone has doubted the Saints for the start but they have earned their piece, yes in the face of tragety. The media is harping on it, but sometimes a story is a story.

Shame on the media for covering a team doing well and recognizing that it has more significance than a normal team doing well.

Shame on the media for focusing on optimism in the face of tragedy. Maybe they should take a cue from you and just go for bitter?

[Buccaneer]

TV Execs must not have gotten the memo. The Saints weren't scheduled on national games except the home opener and and a Sunday nighter. Oh, and the consensus pick for the Saints was a repeat 3-13.

Glad to see that you can hate a HARD EARNED uplifting story. Everyone has doubted the Saints for the start but they have earned their piece, yes in the face of tragety. The media is harping on it, but sometimes a story is a story.

Shame on the media for covering a team doing well and recognizing that it has more significance than a normal team doing well.

Shame on the media for focusing on optimism in the face of tragedy. Maybe they should take a cue from you and just go for bitter?

Just ignore dime like the rest of us do. I am not a fan of the NFC but I certainly have been following the Saints all season and really want them to win the championship. It is a great, unbelievable story.

[Pumpy Tudors]

TV Execs must not have gotten the memo. The Saints weren't scheduled on national games except the home opener and and a Sunday nighter. Oh, and the consensus pick for the Saints was a repeat 3-13.

Glad to see that you can hate a HARD EARNED uplifting story. Everyone has doubted the Saints for the start but they have earned their piece, yes in the face of tragety. The media is harping on it, but sometimes a story is a story.

Shame on the media for covering a team doing well and recognizing that it has more significance than a normal team doing well.

Shame on the media for focusing on optimism in the face of tragedy. Maybe they should take a cue from you and just go for bitter?
You said that with more restraint than I could have. I agree.

[JPhillips]

I wish there was a way for the Saints to win it all, but Tom Benson wouldn't get anything. I have a very hard time wishing success for that idiot.

[Hammer755]

Jeez. I figured the media would immediately jump on the Marty Curse thing, but I thought this place has smarter folks than that. This loss was not Schottenheimer's fault by any stretch. He put his players in position to win, and they blew it. There is nothing a coach can do about the turnovers and idiotic penalties that cost San Diego the game.

[ISiddiqui]

Though, really, this had to happen. For Manning to get the monkey off his back, he has to beat his biggest nemesis. Steve Young had to beat the Cowboys on the way to his SuperBowl ring.

[RedKingGold]

Though, really, this had to happen. For Manning to get the monkey off his back, he has to beat his biggest nemesis. Steve Young had to beat the Cowboys on the way to his SuperBowl ring.

Very true. And this year's playoffs screamed for a Colt's Super Bowl Run (last year's post-season flop, going in with some people expecting them to lose in the past two rounds, etc.).

[bhlloy]

Jeez. I figured the media would immediately jump on the Marty Curse thing, but I thought this place has smarter folks than that. This loss was not Schottenheimer's fault by any stretch. He put his players in position to win, and they blew it. There is nothing a coach can do about the turnovers and idiotic penalties that cost San Diego the game.

So a head coach is not responsible for keeping discipline and teaching his players the basic fundamentals of the game?

[st.cronin]

Jeez. I figured the media would immediately jump on the Marty Curse thing, but I thought this place has smarter folks than that. This loss was not Schottenheimer's fault by any stretch. He put his players in position to win, and they blew it. There is nothing a coach can do about the turnovers and idiotic penalties that cost San Diego the game.

The Chargers lost by 3 points. On the teams first drive, the Chargers went for it on 4th and 10 instead of trying to kick a field goal.

[Logan]

The Chargers lost by 3 points. On the teams first drive, the Chargers went for it on 4th and 10 instead of trying to kick a field goal.

So the next 30 drives would have played out exactly the same, resulting in overtime?

[st.cronin]

So the next 30 drives would have played out exactly the same, resulting in overtime?

No, but the point is it was a close game, every point counts, and Marty left points on the field there. That was a bad call, roundly criticized in this thread at the time.

[Logan]

Yeah I hear you. I guess I'm still annoyed at how Sean Salisbury tried making the point last week that if Dallas didn't give up that safety against Seattle, they would have won 20-19, as if the last 10 minutes of the game wouldn't have changed.

[Daimyo]

The Chargers lost by 3 points. On the teams first drive, the Chargers went for it on 4th and 10 instead of trying to kick a field goal.
The very next drive the Pats, at almost the exact same field position (opponent's ~30 yard line) had a 4th and 2 and took the points. Pats are pretty aggressive on 4th downs overall, but there was no reason for either team to go for it in that situation.... I guess that's a small part of why Belichick has all the rings and Marty always chokes.

[Fouts]

The Chargers lost by 3 points. On the teams first drive, the Chargers went for it on 4th and 10 instead of trying to kick a field goal.

It was a 47 yarder against the wind. And it wasn't the first drive.

[WelshWizard]

I am from Boston and obviously a Patriots fan. This was a terrible game for Brady but he came through big when it mattered, the last drive of the 1st half to go in at half time only down by 4 when we were getting our asses kicked. Also again the game winning drive to get into field goal position.

No way we should have won this game, i think you have to look at Schottenheimer he took the ball out of his playmakers hand in Tomlinson when they needed him the most and gave the ball to Rivers to make plays. I don't get it, obviously i am happy they did but LT was having his way with us on the ground and then you just ignore it when you needed tough yards at the end.

I hate to nit pick at things also but i have to say that first incomplete/fumble call in the 1st Quarter because he did not make a football move is crap, he could not because Ellis Hobbs was tackling him and in the process knocked the ball out. I thought that was a fumble if Hobbs does not knock the ball out the receiver falls to the ground with control and it would have been a complete pass. Anyway we won. LOL

Bring on the Colts.

[st.cronin]

It was a 47 yarder against the wind. And it wasn't the first drive.

*shrug* I remember thinking the Chargers playcalling in that area of the field (roughly 30 yards from the end zone) was really weird all day, particularly on 3rd and 4th downs. You may disagree.

[Fouts]

*shrug* I remember thinking the Chargers playcalling in that area of the field (roughly 30 yards from the end zone) was really weird all day, particularly on 3rd and 4th downs. You may disagree.

I don't disagree. The didn't use LT enough, but I think the coach knows his kicker pretty well.

[JonInMiddleGA]

... it has more significance than a normal team doing well.

It's an angle, something to talk about. Other than that ... :rolleyes:

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Wow. No matter how I have pumped up Brady over the years, I am now speechless. The guy is money, simple. He did not play well for long stretches, but when it counted he's there (we'll forget about the Denver game last year).

Some interesting thoughts:

-Brady threw 3 picks

-Gaffney had 10 catches (many of the big variety) and 1 TD. What a mid season pickup.

-Former charger Caldwell: game-tying TD catch and big catch to set up winning FG. Everybody slammed him, but he's been doing this all year for the most part

-Troy Brown may be my all-time favorite Patriot. That forced fumble won the game; much like his catch in 2001 SB.

-Schotty made some bad calls. Not kicking the FG; losing a timeout on the Mcree fumble challenge; not giving LT the ball when it mattered.

And two final thoughts. I feel safe now saying that Deion Branch was not missed this season for the most part, except for the time it took the new WRs to get on the same page as Brady. But right now, I don't think the Pats are missing him. As I stated at the beginning of the season, Brady makes guys (even ones like Caldwell and Gaffney) look great. He did the same with Branch. Frankly, Branch was nothing special in his 2 playoff games without Brady.

LT, you lost a little class today, calling out BB. First, players that do stupid little idiot dances (17 times in a season for no other real reason that to rub it in to QBs he's sacked) deserved to be mocked when they lose -- and disappear at many points in the biggest game of the season. Second, if you don't want that to happen why don't you call out your buddy Merriman earlier in the season for doing his classless little dance game after game.

[bhlloy]

Good call on Marty with the worst challenge I have ever seen on the McCree fumble. That time out would have allowed them to run Tomlinson one more time to try and get a closer field goal. I had completely forgotten about that gem.

And I call BS on Marty making a good call "knowing his kicker". Kaeding is a very good kicker and has enough leg to make 47 yards, into the wind or not. If he wasn't he wouldn't belong in the NFL. Marty just made a crappy ass call.

[st.cronin]

And two final thoughts. I feel safe now saying that Deion Branch was not missed this season for the most part, except for the time it took the new WRs to get on the same page as Brady. But right now, I don't think the Pats are missing him. As I stated at the beginning of the season, Brady makes guys (even ones like Caldwell and Gaffney) look great. He did the same with Branch. Frankly, Branch was nothing special in his 2 playoff games without Brady.

I still disagree. I think they miss Branch. If Gaffney or Caldwell catches 10 balls in a Super Bowl win, I'll change my mind. I think at least some of what looked like Brady being teh suck was him not being on the same page as his recievers.

[Fouts]

Good call on Marty with the worst challenge I have ever seen on the McCree fumble. That time out would have allowed them to run Tomlinson one more time to try and get a closer field goal. I had completely forgotten about that gem.

And I call BS on Marty making a good call "knowing his kicker". Kaeding is a very good kicker and has enough leg to make 47 yards, into the wind or not. If he wasn't he wouldn't belong in the NFL. Marty just made a crappy ass call.

Kaeding had the wind and missed the 54 yarder by quite a bit. Like I said, I didn't like many of the calls, but that one didn't bother me. Relying on Rivers too much did.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

I still disagree. I think they miss Branch. If Gaffney or Caldwell catches 10 balls in a Super Bowl win, I'll change my mind. I think at least some of what looked like Brady being teh suck was him not being on the same page as his recievers.

Well, they have to get to a SB first to give it a try. Right now, what's to expect that won't happen IF they make it. I think my biggest argument was Branch's non-performance in his 2 games with Seattle. They paid 39 million and the 23rd overall pick for that guy!

[Fouts]

LT, you lost a little class today, calling out BB. First, players that do stupid little idiot dances (17 times in a season for no other real reason that to rub it in to QBs he's sacked) deserved to be mocked when they lose -- and disappear at many points in the biggest game of the season. Second, if you don't want that to happen why don't you call out your buddy Merriman earlier in the season for doing his classless little dance game after game.

I just saw the highlights on this, and I am glad he did what he did. LT is protecting his home field. Winning is one thing, but rubbing it in is another. Take your win, head on out to your next game, but don't go dancing on our field.

Good for you LT.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

I just saw the highlights on this, and I am glad he did what he did. LT is protecting his home field. Winning is one thing, but rubbing it in is another. Take your win, head on out to your next game, but don't go dancing on our field.

Good for you LT.

Ok, so why does Merriman get a pass for his stupid little dance, which is essentially taunting a QB on his home field? I would agree with you if Merriman wasn't such an ass to begin with. You got your sack now go back to the huddle. Where's LT speaking on that?

[Fouts]

Ok, so why does Merriman get a pass for his stupid little dance, which is essentially taunting a QB on his home field? I would agree with you if Merriman wasn't such an ass to begin with. You got your sack now go back to the huddle. Where's LT speaking on that?

Who cares??

This is after the game that the Patriots won on the Chargers field. You dance at midfield after the game, rubbing in the playoff loss, expect to get called out. I would have expected the whole team to get out there and stop that shit.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Who cares??


Perhaps the Patriots did?? Perhaps you should pose the same question to LT?

Anyways, I would prefer they didn't do it, but I can't get too beat up about it.

[Tigercat]

It's an angle, something to talk about. Other than that ... :rolleyes:

Its part of human nature to try and put higher significance on the simpler things(in this case sports).

But you really would be surprised, it may be sappy, but it really does mean a lot to a metro area of 1 million who have had a rougher couple of years than any other area in the nation. I haven't seen so many random smiles in a day in my entire life.

I could care less if the media talks about it in that light, but if its a story that makes OTHER people in other places feel good, in a sports inspiration movie type way, I figure what the hell. I think if I was a neutral person, the whole Saints thing would bug me a lot less than a lot of other sports angles. But then again, I hate ND but the movie Rudy is my favorite sports movie. I'm a sap. :p

[INDalltheway]

I don't like Merriman, but to call out just him for celebrating is stupid. Look at the whole league, especially your own player Junior Seau who celebrates making a tackle on a 6 yard gain... Go Colts, and Manning and the offense is going to break out this weekend.

Oh, and Woody Paige will be talking all sorts of shit on Around the Horn today since he was the only one that gave the Colts a chance. Gotta love it.

[molson]

And two final thoughts. I feel safe now saying that Deion Branch was not missed this season for the most part, except for the time it took the new WRs to get on the same page as Brady. But right now, I don't think the Pats are missing him. As I stated at the beginning of the season, Brady makes guys (even ones like Caldwell and Gaffney) look great. He did the same with Branch. Frankly, Branch was nothing special in his 2 playoff games without Brady.


The Pats would surely be better with him, but I can't imagine there's still anyone who thinks the Pats should have paid him what he got in Seattle. He's been a huge bust.

[EagleFan]

That Shottenheimer (sp?) playoff magic continues I see. Maybe he needs to hire a "playoff" coach to take over for him once he reaches the post season. I did not see the game (obviously, butg actually that one will be on in tape delay sometime during the next week on ESPN India (of course at some major off hour).

Damn, I thought a New Orleans vs San Diego Super Bowl would have been entertaining as hell. Hopefully a Saints/Pats Super Bowl; as that should be decent.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Who cares??

This is after the game that the Patriots won on the Chargers field. You dance at midfield after the game, rubbing in the playoff loss, expect to get called out. I would have expected the whole team to get out there and stop that shit.
How is the Patriots' behavior any different than what Shawne Merriman does? He makes a sack and does a dance that just as effectively shows up the opposing team's quarterback and offensive line. Why is that OK?

I mean, if you think that Merriman is wrong for doing his dance on another team's field, fine. If your argument is that he's OK but the Patriots aren't, I'm going to ask for a little clarity on this one.

[WelshWizard]

I still disagree. I think they miss Branch. If Gaffney or Caldwell catches 10 balls in a Super Bowl win, I'll change my mind. I think at least some of what looked like Brady being teh suck was him not being on the same page as his recievers.

I could not disagree with you more on this, you have to give the Chargers Defense kudos in this respect, Brady was under pressure all day, threw many short passes to open receivers and that was not often as the coverage by the Chargers was great most of the day. I think the Patriots receivers did a great job making big catches when they needed to be made and Brady making big throws when they needed them.

[WelshWizard]

I still disagree. I think they miss Branch. If Gaffney or Caldwell catches 10 balls in a Super Bowl win, I'll change my mind. I think at least some of what looked like Brady being teh suck was him not being on the same page as his recievers.

I could not disagree with you more on this, you have to give the Chargers Defense kudos in this respect, Brady was under pressure all day, threw many short passes to open receivers and that was not often as the coverage by the Chargers was great most of the day. I think the Patriots receivers did a great job making big catches when they needed to be made and Brady making big throws when they needed them.

[RedKingGold]

How is the Patriots' behavior any different than what Shawne Merriman does? He makes a sack and does a dance that just as effectively shows up the opposing team's quarterback and offensive line. Why is that OK?

I mean, if you think that Merriman is wrong for doing his dance on another team's field, fine. If your argument is that he's OK but the Patriots aren't, I'm going to ask for a little clarity on this one.

I think the crux of Fout's argument is that Merriman's dance is more spontaneous after a sack whereas the Patriots act of dancing on the logo is a little bit more premeditated. Also, Merriman's dance is more of an individual thing whereas a couple of the Patriot's players were combined doing it.

I don't necessarily agree with that argument, but it is a somewhat solid point.

[WelshWizard]

Who cares??

This is after the game that the Patriots won on the Chargers field. You dance at midfield after the game, rubbing in the playoff loss, expect to get called out. I would have expected the whole team to get out there and stop that shit.

Were the players near the middle of the field when the kick was missed and the game at that point is over? Emotions run high when you win wether at home or away to say this was rubbing it in is ludicrous, they won a game they probably should not have and if the Chargers had just beaten the Patriots in New England the same thing would have happened. LT was a sore loser and looked like my 6 year old son running off the field.

[Butter]

Pats and/or Pats fans acting classless? NEVER!

[gstelmack]

Sheesh. I came on here to give kudos to the Chargers for a hard-fought scrappy game that could have gone either way, and all I see are a bunch of whiny San Diego fans upset that the Patriots were excited that they managed to pull this game out? I mean I watched LT shrug off Patriots something like 60 seconds after the game ended; how bad could the Patriots have been rubbing it in in 60 seconds? I saw a lot of Patriots congratulating a lot of Chargers on a hard-fought game *despite* the late hit on the extra point and the DB dance-and-head-butt. And everyone is all whiny about the Patriots?

Give it a rest. This is a hardworking team that has EARNED their success. That was a hard-fought game that earned a little celebration. San Diego did their own share of taunting during the game. Suck it up.

[Galaril]

Pats and/or Pats fans acting classless? NEVER!

Yeah, no kidding. But, according to Pats fans they are the most unselfish, humble, courageous, underrated, clean playing tteam ever. Oh, and Coach B is the greatest coach in NFL history. I love the Pats colored glasses in NE:)

[gstelmack]

Yeah, no kidding. But, according to Pats fans they are the most unselfish, humble, courageous, underrated, clean playing tteam ever. Oh, and Coach B is the greatest coach in NFL history. I love the Pats colored glasses in NE:)

How do them sour grapes taste? This is just the typical hatred that a successful team always gets. This is a team that has won 3 Super Bowls in a 4-year span, made the playoffs last year, and is heading to an AFC championship game again. This with a roster that most feel is underwhelming every year, not to mention tons of injuries. But apparently they still suck as a team. :rolleyes:

[SirFozzie]

BTW, they reported on Boston TV after the game that on that stupid challenge, it was because Rivers thought he saw something on the Jumbotron replay, and ran over to Schottenheimer and demanded he throw the flag

[Antmeister]

....all I see are a bunch of whiny San Diego fans upset that the Patriots were excited that they managed to pull this game out?...

Uh....I don't thnk there are a bunch of whiny Charger fans here. I see more whiny Patriot haters. Fouts and I have given the Patriots their kudos. Heck I even mentioned that Brady made the plays down the stretch when Rivers could not. Fouts thought it was a good game as well and is looking forward to the future while he is just defending what Thomlinson was upset about. I see more Patriot haters upset with the ending more than anyone else.

[RPI-Fan]

The 4th-and-11 in the 1st quarter was puzzling... Siphers is THE best coffin-corner punter in the league... 2 touchbacks all year... if you aren't going to go for the points you might as well punt it there and have the Pats start from their own 10. With most punters that's not an option but Siphers is so good that a touchback for him is essentially the 10 yard line.

Also, there were :08 left on the clock when the Chargers kicked the FG? I was thinking they would throw a 5-10 yard out pattern there. Would that have been way out of line?

[jeff061]

He was kicking into the wind, so I guess I'm not quite as puzzled as some that he didn't go for the FG.

But I agree with RPI, I figured he'd try to lock them in their own 10. Like they had been doing every punt the first half of the game.

Which is another story of the game. San Diego could have blown it open in the first half, the field position they were getting, and what the Pats were getting, was just ridiculous. But they didn't.

[st.cronin]

Pats and/or Pats fans acting classless? NEVER!

You're right, compared to class acts like the Bengals, the Patriots are a disgrace. I'm really ashamed to be rooting for a team with so few arrests.

[st.cronin]

I could not disagree with you more on this, you have to give the Chargers Defense kudos in this respect, Brady was under pressure all day

This was true early in the game, but the offensive line definitely tightened up a lot quickly. There were plenty of times, though, when Brady had ample time and still ended up throwing a pass that looked way off-target.

[Butter]

You're right, compared to class acts like the Bengals, the Patriots are a disgrace. I'm really ashamed to be rooting for a team with so few arrests.

Yeah, you'd think Dillon would have a drug arrest by now or something. They need to pick it up.

[miami_fan]

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=52452&page=2

Joey Porter mimicing Culpepper. ROFL!!!

What is the dfference between mimicing a player and showing up a player? Believe me this is not a question of sour grapes cause the Fish last night and absolutely deserve to lose this game. Plus I am as big a fan of any and all celebrations on the field. I am just curious because I know at some point this season someone is going to "mimic" another player/team and will be ripped for it.

It's mimicking if you're the one doing it and you're fans of their team. It's showing up if you're the one being mimicked and are fans of the team whose players are being mimicked.

It's pretty much SOP for many of the Steelers to act like dicks any time they win. In fact, so far as I can tell, it's encouraged. This was no different.

Oh, and nice game Daunte. This was a nice reminder of how bad you actually sucked before the knee injury.

Oh come on man. It's the first week of the season. Don't blow your 'bitter load' that fast.

Porter was a force last night. He was home; it wasn't in Miami. He was having FUN.

Aside from Porter and a couple over-excited DBs, I can't think of any other Steelers that get jacked up like dicks when they win.

And they certainly don't waist time trying to figure out endzone dances.

I thought it was hilarious. The only ones that care are whiny fans. I seriously doubt any of the Dolphins have a problem with anything that went on.

I thoguht it was too. And I will the Steeler fan to admit that I HATE Porter's kick in the dirt move he does. I think that's tacky. Still, the roll mock was a cute gesture. Nothing wrong with making a player eat some crow.

Ward's mock of T.O. 2 years ago was similar.

Guys with moves like that set themselves up for mockery every time they don't step up.

Like I said, I have no problem with what he did. I just know that when someone else does something similar later this season (weekend?) they will be extensive calls for rules changes, penalties, and condemnation of the player's soul for the sake of the children who may be watching.

[gstelmack]

Uh....I don't thnk there are a bunch of whiny Charger fans here. I see more whiny Patriot haters.

You are correct and I apologize to San Diego fans. It really was a fun, stressful game to watch, and I am disappointed that the Patriots haters are doing their best to wreck it.

[st.cronin]

You are correct and I apologize to San Diego fans. It really was a fun, stressful game to watch, and I am disappointed that the Patriots haters are doing their best to wreck it.

Chargers fans are proabably the classiest fans in the league. Hats off to the Chargers and their fans.

[Butter]

It was painful to see the Chargers lose like that. But that being said, once Brown made the strip, I knew the game was over even with the Pats down 8. I told my wife right then that the Pats would score, make a stop, then kick a game winning FG.

[Desnudo]

Did that turn your wife on?

[Butter]

Of course.