Official NFL Division PLayoffs Thread

[Greyroofoo]

Nice to see the Colts start with a 3&out and a nice punt return

[TroyF]

I know Bob Sanders is good and all, but when did he turn the Colts defense into the '85 Bears?

So the first series sees the Ravens with two runs and a short pass and punt and the Colts run three straight times for a first down. Yeah, I expected that one.

[Greyroofoo]

Bah, I want TDs not FGs!!!!

[TroyF]

Huge stuff there. Still, Colts have to be happy with that start. They get three points, eat up over 5 minutes of clock on that drive.

[Vince]

Kind of crazy, it looked like Baltimore wasn't even prepared for the 3rd down play, then stuffed the crap out of them.

[Z²+]

Anyone else notice they started the first quarter with 23:00 on the clock?

[Greyroofoo]

Kind of crazy, it looked like Baltimore wasn't even prepared for the 3rd down play, then stuffed the crap out of them.

Didn't look like the Colts Line was prepared either :(

[kingfc22]

Can we get some officials that ACTUALLY make a ruling while the play is in progress?

[Vince]

Fumble! This is about as great a start as Indy could have ever hoped for.

[Greyroofoo]

F'ing nice hit by Nick Harper! The refs better rule that a fumble

[TroyF]

Sometimes you watch a game and realize six year olds could do a better job of reffing. That was an EASY call, even at full speed. The official took his eye off the player to make a spot. Just a horrific call. Lets hope they get it right on the replay.

[TroyF]

Good to see they got it right. Huge stand coming up for the Ravens defense. They don't want to be down double digits this early.

[kingfc22]

Good D!

[Greyroofoo]

Ping Colts:

Stop trying to be cute!!!

[TroyF]

Great D by the Ravens. Also great D by the Colts thus far. Colts had a decent drive the first time, ugly that time. Ravens still don't have a first down. Still, they gotta be happy only being down six now. Could be much worse. Colts are just HAMMERING the Ravens ball carriers on both defense and special teams.

[Greyroofoo]

Great D by the Colts!

[TroyF]

Someone taught the Colts D to hit people over the last few weeks. I'm not sure where, but they have been just drilling people the last two weeks. Today even more than last week.

Another horrific call. That was CLEARLY PI.

[Vince]

Is it just me or was that a terrible call?

[st.cronin]

Wow, that was a pitiful acting job by ... Harrison? Whoever it was that "fell down."

[kingfc22]

There are some big hits early in this game. Man, I love playoff football.

[TroyF]

Beyond terrible. Grabbing a guy by the shirt and throwing him to the ground fifteen yards down the field isn't "enough" to be PI? That's not only a horrible call, but one that can change the momentum of the game.

[TroyF]

Wow, that was a pitiful acting job by ... Harrison? Whoever it was that "fell down."


I just replayed it in TIVO, and I'm not sure I could disagree with your assessemnt more than I do now.

[st.cronin]

Beyond terrible. Grabbing a guy by the shirt and throwing him to the ground fifteen yards down the field isn't "enough" to be PI? That's not only a horrible call, but one that can change the momentum of the game.

pfffffft
It was pure act, there was no PI

[Vince]

I'm with Troy...I think that was clearly PI after watching the replay. In real time, I thought he might be diving because he knew he couldn't get there.

[st.cronin]

I just replayed it in TIVO, and I'm not sure I could disagree with your assessemnt more than I do now.

:D

[Greyroofoo]

Someone taught the Colts D to hit people over the last few weeks. I'm not sure where, but they have been just drilling people the last two weeks. Today even more than last week.

Another horrific call. That was CLEARLY PI.

Clearly PI

Bob Sanders is clearly the Heart of the Indy Defense.

[TroyF]

Just watched a third time and tried to look at it from a die hard Colts hater. . . and I still can't find anything that makes me think that was a dive. Manning pump faked and the CB was clearly fooled. At the VERY least he cut off the route illegaly, but it's pretty clear to me he grabbed jersey and threw. I just don't see anything that tells me that's a dive.

[Lathum]

you know what this game needs?

more commercials

[st.cronin]

Well, I don't really want to argue this, but ... one hand on the chest and he falls down? That's either acting, or true clumsiness. I guess it could be PI, but no way should dude have fallen down. I'm sure he embellished.

[TroyF]

Well, I don't really want to argue this, but ... one hand on the chest and he falls down? That's either acting, or true clumsiness. I guess it could be PI, but no way should dude have fallen down. I'm sure he embellished.

My last post on it too. . . but how is a handful of jersey turn into a "hand on the chest?"

He clearly grabbed jersey. You can say what you want about the throwing motion, which I think was pretty damned clear, but in no way was that just a minor hand on the chest. Ridiculous call, just a ridiculous call.

[TroyF]

Ravens exploiting the Colts D now. Running at will and setting up the play action. Next offensive possession is huge for the Colts , no matter how this drive ends up. (and it sure looks like a TD coming here in a second)

[Lathum]

arg McNair!!

bad for the over

[TroyF]

Spoke to soon. Horrific play by McNair there. He did the same thing against Denver earlier this year. You gotta be careful with the ball there.

Still a huge possession for the Colts. Backed up against the goal line, if they don't get a couple of first downs, the Ravens will have the ball right back down there in a second anyway. Plus, any Manning mistake will be devastating on this part of the field.

[TroyF]

God, I HATE Ray Lewis. I still can't believe I had him on my all-time team. That just kills me.

[Vince]

I think that those first few rushed 3rd downs were just bait to get the Ravens to start jumping offsides for the rest of the game.

[Vince]

Wow, lucky as hell.

[kingfc22]

Where is the holding on that play? The LB got tackled in the backfield.

[miami_fan]

God, I HATE Ray Lewis. I still can't believe I had him on my all-time team. That just kills me.


So he is not a good LB?

[TroyF]

Did I say that? I think in his younger days, he may have been one of the top three MLB's in the history of the league.

He was also the centerpiece of the all-time team I put together that won the vote on FOFC.

My hatred of a player doesn't blind me to how good he is. I passed that point sometime around my sixth birthday.

[TroyF]

That was a monster drive from the Colts. Got away with a Manning INT, but I never heard any NE fans complain about the breaks they got over the years. :)

If the Ravens end up losing the game, the McNair pass, followed by the Colts drive will be the reason it happened.

[miami_fan]

Did I say that? I think in his younger days, he may have been one of the top three MLB's in the history of the league.

He was also the centerpiece of the all-time team I put together that won the vote on FOFC.

My hatred of a player doesn't blind me to how good he is. I passed that point sometime around my sixth birthday.

I was just clarifying. I interpreted your statement as am expression of regret for putting on him on your all time team based on your dislike of him.


I.E. I hate Peyton Manning so he is not an all time great.

[TroyF]

Manning just has to complete that pass. Just no excuse for missing one like that. I think the Manning haters are, for the most part, complete morons. But that's a pass he has to make.

[Greyroofoo]

AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TroyF]

If Clark had caught that ball, he may have run for another twenty yards inside the five. The guy slipped adn he had him torched.

Vintage Manning on this drive. Running the offense perfectly. But that drop may end it. Either way, they are in FG range for Adam V. if there aren't any mistakes made.

[Desnudo]

Looks like I picked the wrong day to take the over

[TroyF]

What is the O/U on this one? You could easily see a few TD's in the fourth if the score stands the way it is. The Ravens will be taking more chances on both sides of the ball. I could easily see some points in the fourth.

Huge, huge series coming up for the Ravens. They need to get their O back on the field quickly.

[Desnudo]

41. Grow some balls Billick. One play, punt wiped out.

[Lathum]

nice catch reggie

[st.cronin]

41. Grow some balls Billick. One play, punt wiped out.

No kidding. Is that Billick, or Herm Edwards?

[Lathum]

terrible challenge. Billick is coaching them right out of this game

[Desnudo]

No kidding

[Lathum]

lol

Ray Lewis has bailed out Manning a few times

[TroyF]

Yup, Billick with two huge mistakes there. No question. Manning shouldn't have thrown that pass. It's like a series thing with him right now. On one series he's the Manning of the regular season. On the next one, he's Eli.

[st.cronin]

I know the Ravens and Chiefs don't have tremendous skill players on offense, but neither team has shown any imagination with the ball.

[st.cronin]

Well, never mind.

wtf is going on here.

[Lathum]

that play had everything but the band

[Desnudo]

Is it just me or does Baltimore seem to have the most generic offense of the playoffs? Run up the middle, try a deep ball, run up the middle, try a deep ball...

[Lathum]

OMG Todd Heap :eek:

[Desnudo]

That means run up the middle is next

[st.cronin]

Yes, that was quite a catch.

[TroyF]

Yeah, amazing catch. Each team with only one Time Out when the fourth starts. Horrible management there. But good for the fans. Fourth Quarter should move a bit faster now.

[st.cronin]

It's true, I think - the Colts defense does, in fact, suck.

[TroyF]

It's true, I think - the Colts defense does, in fact, suck.


While it may be true the Colts D sucks, I'm not quite sure how you are getting that out of this game. The Ravens average 22 points per game, 318 yards per game, and 214 yards passing per game.

Through three quarters, they had 3 points, 219 total yards and 139 yards passing. I'd say the Colts defense is playing pretty damned good defense today.

[Lathum]

this game needs more field goals

[Lathum]

and cowbell

[Desnudo]

This game needs to end

[st.cronin]

While it may be true the Colts D sucks, I'm not quite sure how you are getting that out of this game. The Ravens average 22 points per game, 318 yards per game, and 214 yards passing per game.

Through three quarters, they had 3 points, 219 total yards and 139 yards passing. I'd say the Colts defense is playing pretty damned good defense today.

I think it's more a function of offensive gameplan. If this were being played on FOF, there would be a lot of "the Colts looked very familiar with that play."

Just my opinion, and don't hold me to it, I may change my mind.

[cartman]

Indianapolis United 4
FC Baltimore 2

[miami_fan]

If I am a Ravens fan, I am hoping the D scores.

[Lathum]

This game needs to end

agreed. I wanna see that rat garcia get what's coming to him

[Lathum]

If I am a Ravens fan, I am hoping the D scores.

that's probably your only chance

[TroyF]

I think it's more a function of offensive gameplan. If this were being played on FOF, there would be a lot of "the Colts looked very familiar with that play."

Just my opinion, and don't hold me to it, I may change my mind.


I don't really disagree with you. But at the end of the day, the game counts and nothing else. The Colts are doing a good job of winning the game to this point and the defense is holding their own.

The Ravens aren't mixing things up a lot and the Colts have gotten some huge breaks. On the other hand, they are making a lot of their own breaks with huge hits and fairly solid tackling most of the day.

[st.cronin]

That was an absolutely insane throw by Peyton Manning. He's been real lucky today.

[TroyF]

All of the above said, the Colts are in some trouble now. 3rd and 19 and if they punt from here, the Ravens will have terrific filed position.

[TroyF]

Everyone will throw a fit on Manning on that one. . . but that was a smart play. A long punt with no return, you can live with that.

[Desnudo]

Why in the world are you getting away from the running game when you're only down by 6? It's embarassing to watch the play calling here.

[st.cronin]

Everyone will throw a fit on Manning on that one. . . but that was a smart play. A long punt with no return, you can live with that.

No kidding, Ed Reed would have done his team a better favor by just knocking the ball to the ground.

[TroyF]

Colts D steps up again.

[Vince]

Nick Harper = Player of the Game

[Desnudo]

If this were Madden, I would have called a run every single play.

[st.cronin]

Egads. Bring on Kyle Boller.

[miami_fan]

Fire Fassel......oh wait.

[Desnudo]

But Boller doesn't exhibit the same leadership when he's throwing game killing INTs.

[bhlloy]

The irony is, when the Ravens knew they didn't have a passing game under Trent Dilfer, they were a much better team. Basically without McNair's interceptions the game is tied.

[Lathum]

this game is awufull. Is america's next top model on?

[Desnudo]

Wow, that's a crazy throw by Manning.

[st.cronin]

If I were the commisioner, both of these teams would be eliminated.

[Lathum]

has anyone else noticed the safties are playing really deep?

Oh wait, the annoucers have pointed that out 5000 times

[TroyF]

If this were Madden, I would have called a run every single play.


Ravens have a few big runs today, but Lewis is at something like 4.3 a carry and is around 3 yards a pop without the one 18 yard run. Not sure calling running plays every call you could make it work.

I'd be going down the field more with play action. I'm stunned they have only tried one or two deep balls all game.

[Noble_Platypus]

WHo is pissing this game away more, Indys offense or Baltimores offense?

[Desnudo]

Ravens have a few big runs today, but Lewis is at something like 4.3 a carry and is around 3 yards a pop without the one 18 yard run. Not sure calling running plays every call you could make it work.

I'd be going down the field more with play action. I'm stunned they have only tried one or two deep balls all game.

I wouldn't have gone shotgun on the first set though. They've had success grinding it out, no reason to do a 180.

[Desnudo]

These QBs are playing crazy.

[TroyF]

If the Colts could muster a FG here, the game would be over. then again, a wild pass adn the Colts could be trailing by one. Bizzare game.

[Lathum]

This is just a warmup for Rex tomorrow

[Desnudo]

The Ravens should just let the viewers vote on what play they'll run on offense

[Lathum]

The Ravens should just let the viewers vote on what play they'll run on offense

lol

[Vince]

Do you throw for a first here? Or take another 40 seconds off, and most likely have to punt?

[TroyF]

Big play here. Colts pick it up, they can take it down to nearly the two minute warning and they'll be near FG range.

[Greyroofoo]

Kind of funny that we have 4 picks between the QBs that once shared the NFL MVP award

[TroyF]

Throw.

[Vince]

Holy crap.

[Greyroofoo]

F***ing GREAT CATCH CLARK!!!!

[TroyF]

That was one of the best throws I've ever seen. You can't place it any better than that. Simply amazing.

[TroyF]

Oh, and I'm not taking anything away from the catch, it was incredible. But that throw had to be in that exact window. A hair behind or in front and it doesn't work. That was impressive.

[miami_fan]

If Marty Schottenheimer's job is in question if the Chargers lose tomorrow, is it that much of a stretch if Billick's job were in question after this game?

[Vince]

Game over.

[Greyroofoo]

This is probably the best Dominic Rhodes has run all season!

[bulletsponge]

didnt some colts fan say they wanted to get rid of Rhodes in another thread earlier in the season? hes POUNDING the ravens

[TroyF]

Yep, Colts hold onto the ball and Adam V. hits the FG, game is over. Only a collapse could cost em. Manning didn't have the best game today, but he made the key throw in the end. Back to the final four for the Colts. This also means I really don't care who wins The Super Bowl either. Not a huge fan of the Patriots, but I could live with them. I like every other team in the playoffs.

[Lathum]

lol,
manning finaly throws one to his own team and I'm taking a piss

[Greyroofoo]

Earn your paycheck Adam V

[Greyroofoo]

ITS GOOD!

[SirFozzie]

Adam V. Automatic.

[bulletsponge]

Earn your paycheck Adam V

can you name a moment he hasnt earned it?

[Buccaneer]

I am so very happy that the Colts won. Now I don't care what happens here on out, I'll like the results.

[Lathum]

whoa, looked like they were gonna block it

[Greyroofoo]

can you name a moment he hasnt earned it?

The last Colts/Patriots game

[Greyroofoo]

Mathis just drove the nail throught the coffin!

[miami_fan]

As badly as the Ravens offense played, I have to give some credit to Ron Meeks and the Colts D. They have been battered by critics all year long, but they have played well in the playoffs.

[Greyroofoo]

PING: SirFozzie


You get to keep your sig for at least another week.

[st.cronin]

God, I sure hope Steve McNair has retired. He was once great, but that was absolutely pathetic.

[MizzouRah]

If you like kicking, this game was for you.

[Noble_Platypus]

COLTS WIN!!. Fuck the Ravens and their fucking piss and moan fans.

[SirFozzie]

PING: SirFozzie


You get to keep your sig for at least another week.

Damn. I was a bit happy that after I put the sig up, I seemed to jinx the Colts. ;) Who knows, Pats-Colts what, 8? :D

[Vinatieri for Prez]

I hate 'em, but the Indy D stepped up. Only 6 points against. It's really sad for Baltimore. Hold the Colts to 15 points and no TDs and . . . . don't even come close to winning the game.

There was some bad playcalling by the Ravens too -- total lack of imagination.

[Daimyo]

I'm a Colts fan and I didn't think this team had a chance in the playoffs before it started and if I had known Manning would play this poorly I would have bet money on the Colts to lose. Its amazing how much the defense has stepped up (aided by some uninspired play calling by their opponents) this year. With defense and clutch kicking getting his back, I guess Manning is getting a glimpse of what it must feel like to live in Brady's world.

I can't believe I'm going to have to root for the Pats to win tomorrow.

[Noble_Platypus]

Whoever wins the Pats-Bolts game wont have a vanilla offense like the Chiefs and Ravens, Indy had better start scoring TDs and not FGs and Manning had better knock off throwing INTs

[Brillig]

Welcome to the NFL, Mr. Bush.

[TheOhioStateUniversity]

He... got.... smashed....

[st.cronin]

Reggie Bush has just announced his retirement from professional football.

:D

[tucker rocky]

Bush got:


JACKED UP!

[miami_fan]

Siragusa adds nothing to the broadcast except weight.

[Brillig]

Siragusa adds nothing to the broadcast except weight.

C'mon, I found his pre-game analysis enthralling. Especially when he let me in on the fact that one team was going to win and the other would lose tonight. One less thing to lose sleep over.

Actually, he reminds me of 'The Cut-man' from Sports Night. :D

[JPhillips]

Nice long shot on the bimbo in the "Fuck Da Eagles" half-shirt.

[wade moore]

So.. as a Colts fan that was a tough game to watch... Peyton will continue to get criticized I'm sure as the conversation moves away from "You can't win the big games" to "You play poorly in big games".. :rolleyes:

Anyway.. I'm happy to see the win no matter how it happens. Peyton could have 30 INT's and I don't care as long as they win - I think Peyton agrees.

I'm not sure who I'd rather see next week... Patriots winning means a home game, which would be nice... but let's face it, the Pats have owned the Colts in the playoffs which doesn't give me a warm fuzzy...

On the other hand, playing the Chargers in San Diego is a scary thought if the offense continues to not be able to put points on the board...

So, idano.. I guess I'll root for the Pats, but I really don't want to face either of them.

[mauchow]

Gotta pick that..

[wade moore]

Reggie Bush Says: Eagles, welcome to the Superdome.

[st.cronin]

That was a little Marcus Allen style "whoosh" from 25 there.

[mauchow]

Nice rush by Reggie then an even better pass by Brees for first and goal!

[miami_fan]

The God Warrior?:confused:

[McSweeny]

5 quarters of football today and no touchdowns

[McSweeny]

much better

[st.cronin]

Ok, that was crazy.

[Crapshoot]

Bush is looking good. :D

[MizzouRah]

Nice long shot on the bimbo in the "Fuck Da Eagles" half-shirt.

I bet that's the first thing that is coming off when she gets home after the game... talk about easy access. :D

[miami_fan]

5 quarters of football today and no touchdowns

Do me a favor. Can you make the comment about the lack of TDs before tomorrow's games?

[Galaril]

Whoever wins the Pats-Bolts game wont have a vanilla offense like the Chiefs and Ravens, Indy had better start scoring TDs and not FGs and Manning had better knock off throwing INTs

As many are saying andI know agree since I thought the Ravens were the real deal, that the winner of the Bolts/Pats game will be super bowl champ. Whoever goes against the Colts next week will crush these pretenders.

[TazFTW]

Awesome.

[TroyF]

As many are saying andI know agree since I thought the Ravens were the real deal, that the winner of the Bolts/Pats game will be super bowl champ. Whoever goes against the Colts next week will crush these pretenders.


I could be an idiot and be way off base. . . but I don't think anyone will blow the Colts out. They may get beat, but I think it'll be a dogfight for whoever does it.

[Lathum]

i hate the eagles

[miami_fan]

Brian Westbrook. The non Pro Bowler

[MizzouRah]

I really can't believe how good the Eagles have been playing the past 6 games. Sheesh... I bet EaglesFan27 is one happy man right about now.

[albionmoonlight]

Well, that sucked.

[saldana]

i hate the eagles

bwaaaaahahahahahahahahahaha

[EagleFan]

Who dat?????? E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles!!!!! :D

Just wish I could actually see the game and not just listen over the net.

[Lathum]

bwaaaaahahahahahahahahahaha

shutup, last time i checked the niners weren't doing much

[MizzouRah]

Why didn't they go for 2?

[Lathum]

Why didn't they go for 2?

I actualy love the fact they didn't go for 2. It is way to early to leave points on the field

[EagleFan]

Why didn't they go for 2?

He consulted with Rich Kotite before making the decision?

[Galaril]

I could be an idiot and be way off base. . . but I don't think anyone will blow the Colts out. They may get beat, but I think it'll be a dogfight for whoever does it.

Yes, I agree.

[MizzouRah]

I actualy love the fact they didn't go for 2. It is way to early to leave points on the field

It's too early to try and tie the game?

[Lathum]

It's too early to try and tie the game?

sure, with all the points being scored why leave anything behind

[Buccaneer]

Come on Saints.

[saldana]

shutup, last time i checked the niners weren't doing much

doing about as much as the giants are right now.

[EagleFan]

Wow, it sounds like this is one hell of a game.

[MizzouRah]

Excellent game!

[saldana]

how would you like to have that job

hot girl in bar: So what do you do for a living?

guy: I work for the New Orleans Saints.

hot girl in bar: Really?! Are you a football player?

guy: Not exactly. I work with the coaching staff.

hot girl in bar: Oh. So you are like an assistant or something?

guy: Not exactly.

hot girl in bar: So what exactly do you do for the Saints?

guy: I stand next to the Defensive Coordinator and hold up a big white towel for him to hide behind so no one can see the signals he is sending to the team on the field.

hot girl in bar: see ya.

[Tigercat]

Hey, at least its good to know that HS towel boys can advance to the pros too!

[Noble_Platypus]

As many are saying andI know agree since I thought the Ravens were the real deal, that the winner of the Bolts/Pats game will be super bowl champ. Whoever goes against the Colts next week will crush these pretenders.

14-4 and 1 of if not the best offense in football hardly makes them a pretender.

[Lathum]

oh no

[MizzouRah]

oh my

[Lathum]

this is why you don't leave points behind. if the eagles kick a field goal the game is tied instead of the saints down by one

[Lathum]

dola-
assuming they didn't get the conversion

[EagleFan]

I have no fingernails left.....

[Lathum]

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

false start!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[MizzouRah]

dola-
assuming they didn't get the conversion

:)

They get it and they are up by 4 and looking really good.

[Celeval]

Wow... what a time for that.

[saldana]

that was a terrible series of plays...the pitchout on 2nd and 11 was awful

[Lathum]

:)

They get it and they are up by 4 and looking really good.

i'm a half empty kind of guy :)

[Tigercat]

The Saints haven't played or coached one of their better games at all. Its been the guts shown by the guys in the trenches (and Deuce) thats given the Saints this game, if the score holds up.

Gotta think that the short Eagles week/Saints by week had something to do with the Saints winning in the trenches too.

[Masked]

come on ... one yard

[SirFozzie]

ballgame!

[SirFozzie]

Of course this is with 20/20 hindsight, but why the hell did the Iggles punt on 4th and 15?

A) Your defensive line is dead. Not dead tired, just DEAD.
B) You just got a play once
C) One first down and it's over.

[EagleFan]

Damn!!! Great game Saints, good luck in the next round.

[headtrauma]

The Eagles go home. My week has been officially made.

[saldana]

Of course this is with 20/20 hindsight, but why the hell did the Iggles punt on 4th and 15?

A) Your defensive line is dead. Not dead tired, just DEAD.
B) You just got a play once
C) One first down and it's over.

i was saying the same thing...with 1:56 left in the game, how do you think you are getting the ball back at any point there...they needed to take a shot, but Reid never gambles, he is as predictible as he is fat.

[Vince]

Of course this is with 20/20 hindsight, but why the hell did the Iggles punt on 4th and 15?

A) Your defensive line is dead. Not dead tired, just DEAD.
B) You just got a play once
C) One first down and it's over.
Seriously. Especially a game in which you've given up nearly 30 points. Sheesh, that seemed like a no-brainer play.

[saldana]

dola, the good thing about this outcome is that i wont have to tolerate any annoying eagle fans at my super bowl party this year....now if the patriots could just lose...

[EagleFan]

The Eagles go home. My week has been officially made.

lol, gotta love bittenrness!!!

[Abe Sargent]

Of course this is with 20/20 hindsight, but why the hell did the Iggles punt on 4th and 15?

A) Your defensive line is dead. Not dead tired, just DEAD.
B) You just got a play once
C) One first down and it's over.

I think I heard a coach say once that one basic rule is to always make decisions that extend the game when you are losing. One play, with a significantly less than 50% chance of making it, and the game is over right there. Punt, and you have a guaranteed four chances to get the ball in a turnover (punt, three downs).

Plus, a statustician might know the chances of foring a three and out versus converting a 4th and 15. Who knows which is more liekly, but they are probably right there with each other. He was damned either way, neither was likely to happen at that point.

[MizzouRah]

i'm a half empty kind of guy :)

Meet half full guy. :D

[Buccaneer]

My wife, son and I are ecstatic for the Saints and New Orleans area.

[Tigercat]

So I am in the suburbs, and since the game ended multiple houses have been shooting up fireworks. I am going to have to go downtown in a bit to experience the festivities there too.

[Dr. Sak]

The Eagles go home. My week has been officially made.

I hope the Pats lose tomorrow so we don't have to hear the Tom Brady lovefest anymore.

[sachmo71]

WHOO HOO! GEAUX SAINTS!

[Desnudo]

I hope the Pats lose tomorrow so we don't have to hear the Tom Brady lovefest anymore.

Tom Brady is too nice of a guy to lower himself to your level

[Dr. Sak]

Tom Brady is too nice of a guy to lower himself to your level

Yeah he settles for Phil Simms.

[Eaglesfan27]

I really can't believe how good the Eagles have been playing the past 6 games. Sheesh... I bet EaglesFan27 is one happy man right about now.


I was :(



It was great with 11 of our friends over all cheering for the Saints and being louder than all of them combined when Westbrook scored. However, the last hour and a half or so has sucked :(


I'm glad they have all left now. They want to come back next week which I'm sure I'll feel better about in a few days.

[Eaglesfan27]

So I am in the suburbs, and since the game ended multiple houses have been shooting up fireworks. I am going to have to go downtown in a bit to experience the festivities there too.


Lots of houses in my neighborhood shot off fireworks as well. My wife and our friends shot off some fireworks from our place too. Now they all left to drive down to the quarter to join in the celebration. They tried to talk me into it, but I'm just not in the mood right now.

[ShaneTheMaster]

WHO DAT! I'm still waiting to wake up! Now we just need Seattle to beat the Bears!

[Vinatieri for Prez]

I think I heard a coach say once that one basic rule is to always make decisions that extend the game when you are losing. One play, with a significantly less than 50% chance of making it, and the game is over right there. Punt, and you have a guaranteed four chances to get the ball in a turnover (punt, three downs).

Plus, a statustician might know the chances of foring a three and out versus converting a 4th and 15. Who knows which is more liekly, but they are probably right there with each other. He was damned either way, neither was likely to happen at that point.

Two problems with this. It doesn't take into account a particular game situation. First, his defense was dog tired. Second, it's not ball game over if you don't get it. Saints would have got it at the 40. Philly could then get an opportunity to hold them to 3 and out and still get the ball back. Point is you still get your defensive stand opportunity AND a chance to keep going on 4th down if he keeps the punt team off the field. You make dumb decisions like that and you deserve to lose.

[EagleFan]

Two problems with this. It doesn't take into account a particular game situation. First, his defense was dog tired. Second, it's not ball game over if you don't get it. Saints would have got it at the 40. Philly could then get an opportunity to hold them to 3 and out and still get the ball back. Point is you still get your defensive stand opportunity AND a chance to keep going on 4th down if he keeps the punt team off the field. You make dumb decisions like that and you deserve to lose.

Not a dumb decision. They don't make it then New Orleans gets it at the 40. Obviously a 1st down is game over but they can be in field goal range without getting the first down. A field goal makes them need to get a touchdown with no timeouts and about 30 seconds left from around the 25-30. If the Saints are happy with the lead and punt then the Eagles get the ball inside their 20 with no timeouts.

After punting, if the Eagles hold the Saints and force a punt, they start at around their 40 only needing a field goal. Field position is priceless with that little bit of time.

What needs to be weighed are the odds of converting a 4th and 15 versus the increased odds that starting a drive with no timeouts on around your 40 give you over the other two options (down 6 and around your 30 or down 3 and around your 15).


Overall two things stand out (based only on hearing it so I I do not have a first hand account of it so correct me if I am wrong. The first is the punt at the end of teh first half. If the punter kicks the ball it sounds as if it would have been blocked. This could have meant at least 3 if not 7 more points by the Eagles making it 21-13 at the half. The Westbrook touchdown would have then made it 28-13 and most likely game over at that point.

The other was the defensive stand that led to the final field goal of the game by the Eagles. Obviously a touchdown there changes the entire rest of the game, it could still have been a Saints win but it would have obviously played out differently.

There is also a third in a way. Andrews being out and his replacement has the false start that kept them from making the 4th and 10 conversion.


Oh, and a question for those who saw the game. Did Garcia suck today? Just based on the description of most of his throws it sounded that way to me. I heard several that sounded as if they should have been picked off or were way off target. On the plus side it sounded as it the Stallworth touchdown was a great throw.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oh, and a question for those who saw the game. Did Garcia suck today? Just based on the description of most of his throws it sounded that way to me. I heard several that sounded as if they should have been picked off or were way off target. On the plus side it sounded as it the Stallworth touchdown was a great throw.


I don't think he sucked. The Saints played an Eagles style of defense at times and blitzed quite a bit. As a result, Garcia was under heavy pressure all day which contributed to some poor throws. However, he made a heck of a throw on the Stallworth TD (although Stallworth had to adjust to it) and he threw some intermediate passes that were excellent surprisingly hard throws. His receivers dropped quite a few catchable balls too.

However, due to pressure he threw a few balls that should have been picked off and just weren't.

[bhlloy]

I hated the punt call at the time. Seemed like Philly was starting to complete those mid range passes quite nicely, and I couldn't see them stopping Deuce from getting a first down in three carries. Even if they did (assuming no turnover or punt return TD) they would still have to drive 30+ yards in under 30 seconds to kick a mid to long range field goal.

Hearing Sean Salisbury on Sportscenter and reading the arguments above, it's a very close call with possibly an edge to punting the ball away.

[Vince]

I don't think he sucked. The Saints played an Eagles style of defense at times and blitzed quite a bit. As a result, Garcia was under heavy pressure all day which contributed to some poor throws. However, he made a heck of a throw on the Stallworth TD (although Stallworth had to adjust to it) and he threw some intermediate passes that were excellent surprisingly hard throws. His receivers dropped quite a few catchable balls too.

However, due to pressure he threw a few balls that should have been picked off and just weren't.

This is a pretty spot-on description. He made a few amazing throws, and a couple of pretty terrible ones. I'd say overall he had a pretty good day, with a few bad spots.

[bhlloy]

With regards to Garcia, he had two of his biggest plays called back because of the injury to Shawn Andrews. If that third down pass is complete, I don't feel there is anyway the Eagles don't at least get back to force overtime. I thought he played pretty well.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Not a dumb decision. They don't make it then New Orleans gets it at the 40. Obviously a 1st down is game over but they can be in field goal range without getting the first down. A field goal makes them need to get a touchdown with no timeouts and about 30 seconds left from around the 25-30. If the Saints are happy with the lead and punt then the Eagles get the ball inside their 20 with no timeouts.

After punting, if the Eagles hold the Saints and force a punt, they start at around their 40 only needing a field goal. Field position is priceless with that little bit of time.

What needs to be weighed are the odds of converting a 4th and 15 versus the increased odds that starting a drive with no timeouts on around your 40 give you over the other two options (down 6 and around your 30 or down 3 and around your 15).

Just gotta say nope. You leave out the ass-tired Philly defense/hot Deuce McAllister out of the calculation. So when you add this to a chance to convert 4-15, you have to go for it. They didn't and they lost.

[EagleFan]

Just gotta say nope. You leave out the ass-tired Philly defense/hot Deuce McAllister out of the calculation. So when you add this to a chance to convert 4-15, you have to go for it. They didn't and they lost.

You're leaving out the absence of one the best players on the offensive line in Andrews and the pressure on Garia all day. He would have practically no chance of getting the ball off for a 15 yard completion as New Orleans would have brought the house. Eitehr way we are down to having the defense dig down for a stop and punting allows you to be in better position after the stop that you hope for.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

He would have practically no chance of getting the ball off for a 15 yard completion as New Orleans would have brought the house.

You mean like the one he completed the play before? Or the one McNabb completed against the Packers a few years back? Ever heard of a screen pass?
Look, it's not easy but if they couldn't do that, what makes you think they were going to do it then even if they got the ball back? My point is they could have tried and then still gotten the ball back by holding the Saints after that to 3 and out.

[EagleFan]

If the defense can't come up with a 3 and out stop when they absolutely have to than they really have no business winning anyway. The defense has come up LARGE in key spots when they have needed to lately so there was no reason to think they had no shot to at that point. The one they completed the play before was a false start that was blown dead, there is no real way of knowing if that had any affect on it, plus needing 10 and needing 15 are a lot different. Screen pass? You still need time for a screen pass. The McNabb against the Packers was the exception to the rule (or else no team would ever punt). Using the 4th and 26 as logic for play choice would be like saying that because your neighbor bought a lottery ticket and hit last week that you must be going to this week so go quit your job.

If they were in Saint territory than I may agree. Hell, I was pissed at the punt at first until I thought about it for a bit and realized that it was an uphill battle either way but punting gave tghem a slight chance on the back end of the gamble.


Here's what was going through coach Reid's mind: Eagles/Patriots 2005. Down by 3 with under 2 minutes left and a failed onside kick is followed by a defensive stand by a defensive unit that was getting torched by New England all second half. A punt then started the Eagles on their own 4. If he kicks off they start at least around their 30, if not their 40. That one time risk put them behind the eight ball when they got the ball back.

[MizzouRah]

Sorry Eaglesfan(s), your team had a good run, even when your starting QB went down.

[spleen1015]

I learned something watching BSU - OU and OSU-UF with you guys. It is fun!

I was playing poker last night and wondering what you guys had to say about what was going on in the games.

What the hell is wrong with me?

[spleen1015]

Dola,

WOOHOO!

Colts WIN!!!!!!

[Coffee Warlord]

Touchdown BEARS!

[Lathum]

Hasselbeck looks in pain

[Lathum]

i think the residents of chicago may be warming up to rex

[Coffee Warlord]

REXY!

[Atocep]

1) without Tommie Harris the bears defenese is rather average and struggles to get any pass rush.

2) Cedric needs more carries.

3) Rex is most frustrating player I've ever seen in my life.

[Coffee Warlord]

JONES!

[Lathum]

so does the sweatband around the elbow serve any purpose?

[Atocep]

And right after I post that Jones scores a TD and the bears get their first sack.

[Lathum]

great call on the draw play. This game has turned out much better then i anticipated

[Brillig]

Yeah, so far the NFC is blowing the AFC away... in terms of watchable games, anyway.

[Lathum]

ugh, what a downer for the seattle defense

[Vince]

What the hell was that throw by Hasselbeck?

[Young Drachma]

Who sits at the bus stop with a fish tank in hand?

[Lathum]

that was maybe the sloppiest fourth down play i've ever seen

[Coffee Warlord]

This game is giving me a heart attack.

[Lathum]

'if I were a Bears fan I wouldn't feel very good about my chances right now

to late to take this back?

[DaddyTorgo]

'if I were a Bears fan I wouldn't feel very good about my chances right now

13-15 yds...they could very well get that

[DaddyTorgo]

oooh. BIG mistake by hasselbeck there!

[ISiddiqui]

Overtime now.

[Lathum]

OVERTIME

"We'll take the ball and we're gonna win!!"

[Vince]

Damn it, the 'hawks had two chances, and they blew it.

[MylesKnight]

Watching a little of this one and I've got a thought..

If the Bears are the best of the NFC, then technically isn't next week's AFC Title Game the actual NFL Title Game?

[Vince]

Hoo, boy. 50 yarder...his career long is 49. He's got the wind, though.

[Vince]

Wow, nice kick.

[Young Drachma]

Nice work, Gould.

[Coffee Warlord]

ROBBIE GOULD!

[Cringer]

Bears suck.

[spleen1015]

Here's to hoping NO can beat them.

[Coffee Warlord]

Here's to hoping NO can beat them.

Silence.

[DaddyTorgo]

i'd love to see the saints in the superbowl

[LloydLungs]

Here's to hoping NO can beat them.

Hear hear. Though I suspect the Saints will lose based on their performance vs. the Steelers earlier this year, when they faced a cruddy QB who was throwing INTs by the bushels to the rest of the league, yet dominated the Saints. Our defensive backs will drop all the INTs Grossman will throw them, and they will probably need those for points if the weather's bad, as Dome teams historically suck in cold weather in January.

Of course, Chicago's been downright balmy lately.

[Tigercat]

I am actually just as glad to see us going to Chicago as playing Seattle at home. Seattle at home would be good for the city in the short run, but the Saints have played better with their backs against the wall this year. (See: better road record than home.) They will be the underdogs playing in conditions they aren't use to, I like those odds for a chance to the Super Bowl.

Edit: remember lloyd, these aren't the SOS that can't respond to adversity, they are the antithesis of those guys.

[spleen1015]

Well, the only team still alive that can beat the Colts is the Chargers. The Colts' chances are looking good.

Rooting for the Pats tonight. It's only fitting that the Colts go to the Super Bowl by beating them.

[Desnudo]

Well, the only team still alive that can beat the Colts is the Chargers. The Colts' chances are looking good.

Rooting for the Pats tonight. It's only fitting that the Colts go to the Super Bowl by beating them.

Aren't you jumping the gun a little bit here?

[Eaglesfan27]

I think that drop was one of the worst I've ever seen by a DB.

[Fouts]

Argh!! Would have been a sweet INT.

[LloydLungs]

Edit: remember lloyd, these aren't the SOS that can't respond to adversity, they are the antithesis of those guys.

I agree. I wouldn't necessarily have agreed before yesterday, but that cutesy play call/Reggie Bush fumble was THE CLASSIC SOS MOMENT and we fought through it like champs.

Still, we do have a weak butterfingers secondary and history has been uniformly unkind to dome teams in cold weather in the playoffs. Has a dome team ever gotten to the Super Bowl by winning outside a dome? The Falcons won at Minnesota to get there in 1998, and the dominant Rams teams in the 99-01 range played at home, I believe.

Then again, if anybody is going to break the mold, these Saints will. What a special team.