NFL Wildcard Round Games

[Galaril]

I thought since there wasn't a thread to talk about the Wildcard games coming up I would start it.

[MikeVic]

I'm scared.

[Galaril]

The Chargers-Titans game is starting to look like the Titans won't even be fielding a full team with all the injuries. Vince Young reinjuries the quad and Haynesworth repulls his hammy against the Colts. Than they lose there Hback/TE Scaife who was the second leading reciever and Youngs favorite college target. Now they have lost the #1 reciever Roydell Williams with a broken ankle he recieved the other day in practice. On top of this there starting center and RG gaurd are banged up and questionable to play. Oh, yeah I almost forgot Lendale White has an injured knee:(.................
So, with the Chargers being almost completely healthy and at home everything points to an asswhooping. But, for some reason this one I think is going to be alot closer than anyone expects. One thing is for sure after seeing the game these two teams played earlier in the year they sure don't like each other. This will be a very physical and fun game to much I think.

[Jas_lov]

We had a thread, but it died I guess. Here were my predictions:

My predictions:

Jacksonville 28 Pittsburgh 24

Seattle 31 Washington 21

San Diego 17 Tennessee 7

New York 24 Tampa Bay 20

3 favorites, 1 underdog. 2 home teams, 2 road teams. But I think all 4 favorites and all 4 home teams will win next week. Green Bay-Dallas and Indy-New England should be some great football and a ratings bonanza.

[bhlloy]

The Chargers-Titans game is starting to look like the Titans won't even be fielding a full team with all the injuries. Vince Young reinjuries the quad and Haynesworth repulls his hammy against the Colts. Than they lose there Hback/TE Scaife who was the second leading reciever and Youngs favorite college target. Now they have lost the #1 reciever Roydell Williams with a broken ankle he recieved the other day in practice. On top of this there starting center and RG gaurd are banged up and questionable to play. Oh, yeah I almost forgot Lendale White has an injured knee:(.................
So, with the Chargers being almost completely healthy and at home everything points to an asswhooping. But, for some reason this one I think is going to be alot closer than anyone expects. One thing is for sure after seeing the game these two teams played earlier in the year they sure don't like each other. This will be a very physical and fun game to much I think.

I see two possible outcomes - Chargers blowout and close Titans victory. Which one happens depends on which Phillip Rivers shows up. As a Chargers fan, I'm praying for Kerry Collins because the Bolts pass rush is really good, and he'll just be a sitting duck back there.

Chargers really should win easily, but this team has choked so many times in the playoffs, and Rivers just hasn't been good most weeks this year. I think the Titans D is good enough to somewhat contain LT, so a large part of it is going to fall on Rivers' shoulders. Gulp.

[albionmoonlight]

Pittsburgh will win by a moderate margin. They are very playoff experienced, and I think that JAX won't come out hungry enough, having read every pundit under the sun claim that they "are the team no one wants to face."

Seattle will beat Washington easily. Seattle has been good long enough that people forget how good they are. They are another team with a lot of playoff experience. I think that they win easily at home.

San Diego will beat Tennessee easily. San Diego is a very good team that seems to be peaking. Tennessee is injured. That said, this is the prediction of the four about which I am the least confident.

Tampa Bay will beat New York in a close game. Tampa Bay hasn't really played anyone all season. But Jeff Garcia is the kind of QB you want in the playoffs. Sneaky and keeps drives alive with his legs. New York left it all on the field against New England. When they look up in the 4th quarter of this game and see that they are down by 4 and Eli just threw an interception at the 50, the wheels will start to come off.

[Lathum]

Garcia scares the crap out of me, the guy knows how to win.

I do think the Giants win as long as Jacobs has a good game and Eli limits his mistakes.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Garcia scares the crap out of me, the guy knows how to win.

Yeah, he was just awesome in Cleveland and Detroit. I hate that Jeff Garcia.

[rkmsuf]

"knows how to win"

now what exactly is that in football?

maybe it's vince young's plan to throw a ton of ints to facilitate wins.

[Mustang]

Tennessee will win. The NFL wants the Patriots to play an easier team.

[Galaril]

I see two possible outcomes - Chargers blowout and close Titans victory. Which one happens depends on which Phillip Rivers shows up. As a Chargers fan, I'm praying for Kerry Collins because the Bolts pass rush is really good, and he'll just be a sitting duck back there.

Chargers really should win easily, but this team has choked so many times in the playoffs, and Rivers just hasn't been good most weeks this year. I think the Titans D is good enough to somewhat contain LT, so a large part of it is going to fall on Rivers' shoulders. Gulp.

Agree. Being a Titans fan I am scared shitless to have Collins back there but it says a lot about this years V.Young that having the former player is probably the Titans best chance. This is mostly due to Young being banged up.

[Lathum]

Yeah, he was just awesome in Cleveland and Detroit. I hate that Jeff Garcia.

He also took an Eagles team headed way south and turned their season around. Made the Bucs a division champion and when he left the 49ers they went right in the crapper.

That Cleveland team was a mess and to use Detroit as an argument is laughable. Nobody wins in Detroit.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Nobody wins in Detroit.

And that's why I am bitter and lash out blindly. They are all to blame, even Jeff "Poopy" Garcia.

[Fidatelo]

Giants seem totally overrated to me. I can't see them winning.

Pitt beats Jax
Wash beats Seattle
SD beats what's left of Tenn
Tampa beats Eli

[revrew]

JAX 28, Pit 17
SEA 24, Wash 21
SD 41, Ten 10
TBY 31, Giants 20

[Lathum]

Giants seem totally overrated to me. I can't see them winning.



I'm curious why you think that?

[Fidatelo]

I'm curious why you think that?

Most of their wins were against crappy opponents, they seemed to lose any time they faced someone decent. Plus the times I watched them I just wasn't impressed. Finally, I have pretty much zero confidence in Eli.

Don't get me wrong, I want them to win, I just don't think they will.

[Abe Sargent]

JAX 28, Pit 17


you

[14ers]

I am looking forward to watching Seatle the most this weekend. Seatle seams to be a team that everyone has forgotten and has all the weapons to go to the Superbowl.


I don't see how the Steelers can compete with Willie Parker and both their starting offensive tackles injured. No running game and no offensive line will make for a very bad day for Big Ben.

[Greyroofoo]

I was trying to prok a fat chick till you all came along, fuck you all...

[Thomkal]

Jacksonville over Pittsburgh

-I really like Pittsburgh, but many of the key players are either hurt or out for this game and that worries me. Plus Jax beat Pitt this season.

Seattle over Washington

-tough to pick against the Redskins given what happened to them this year, but I think they are playing above their heads right now, and it has to catch up to them sometime. Travelling across the country to play a team they lost to in the playoffs last year doesn't help either. Having said that I would not be surprised if Washington won. Seattle played in a weak division, and hasn't looked too good themselves at times.

San Diego over Tennessee

-pick I feel most comfortable with. Tennessee may not have their best QB and have lost their top WR, and have to travel across the country. Even with a healthy Young and Williams I'd pick San Diego, but this seems the mostly likely to be a blowout to me of the four games.

Giants over Tampa Bay

-not sure I understand all the Buccaneer love. They played in a horrible division, and come into the playoffs losing three of their last four-to Houston, San Francisco, and Carolina. Not exactly the momentum you want coming into the playoffs. They lost big to Seattle and Indy early in the season, but to their credit, lost to Jax by a point and beat Washington and Tennessee. Giants certainly haven't played well at times this season, but seem to have come together in the last five weeks. I'm a bit worried they come out flat though after their good play against New England.

Just my opinions. They have a 50% chance to be wrong. :)

[Bisbo]

Seattle will beat Washington easily. Seattle has been good long enough that people forget how good they are. They are another team with a lot of playoff experience. I think that they win easily at home.



I think so, Albion. The Seahawks played one of the easiest schedules in the NFL this year, and did not fare well against the few quality teams they played. The Redskins played a much more difficult schedule, and - except for the blowout by the Patriots - played very well. The Skins are on a mission and are battle-tested; the Seahawks have been loafing lately. Seahawks win.

[Lathum]

Most of their wins were against crappy opponents, they seemed to lose any time they faced someone decent. Plus the times I watched them I just wasn't impressed. Finally, I have pretty much zero confidence in Eli.

Don't get me wrong, I want them to win, I just don't think they will.

I don't really agree with most of this.

Like you said most of there losses were to decent teams. As for beiting crappy teams all they can do is play there schedule.

They play in the second hardest division where the last place team went 8-8. They had 6 wins in a row at one point which is impressive no matter who you are. They had solid road wins late in the season against Chicago and Buffalo and gave the Pats all they could handle.

Plus they had some major injury concerns this season.

I agree Eli is tough to trust in a big spot but they can run the ball, they have a solid defense and Burress gives them big play ability.

I also don't think anyone is really overrating them. It seems everyone is calling this game a pick em and saying the seahawks are the darkhorse in the NFC.

[MikeVic]

Dammit, I thought the Steelers were playing at 3pm... looks like 7pm now.

[astrosfan64]

And the kiss of death, I pick the skins over the hawks.

[Cringer]

Too many media guys I have heard seem to like Jacksonville. That makes me think Pittsbugh wins.

Predictions seem fun, so here it goes.

Pitt wins 20-13
Seattle wins 27-17 (hopefully Washington wins)
Tampa wins 23-17
San Diego wins 30-17

I guess I like the home teams.

[Galaxy]

And the kiss of death, I pick the skins over the hawks.

:D

[Lathum]

I'll bite

Seattle 31- 21
Jacksonville 28-10
NYG 34-28
SD 38-10

[wade moore]

And the kiss of death, I pick the skins over the hawks.
I hate you.



GO SKINS!

I think the Skins/Seahawks game could go either way. IMO it hinges on whether Collins can keep up his improbable play, which I sure hope he can.

[Lathum]

Hasselback just missed a sure TD

[Jas_lov]

ALEXANDER FUMBLES!

[Cringer]

No he doesn't.

[Travis]

ALEXANDER FUMBLES!

I certainly hope the review says otherwise.

[Jas_lov]

OVERTURNED!

[Travis]

Face cleaver for 6, very nice!

[tucker rocky]

ALEXANDER FUMBLES!

OVERTURNED!

PLACEMEIER BOOMED THAT ONE!

:D

[Jas_lov]

PLACEMEIER BOOMED THAT ONE!

:D

PORTIS RUNS FOR A 6 YARD GAIN!

[Jas_lov]

COLLINS FUMBLES! SEAHAWKS BALL!

[Lathum]

I don't think the Skins are gonna win this challange

[Jas_lov]

INCOMPLETE PASS!

[Travis]

WTF?!

How do you change the ruling on the field before a review?

[Lathum]

wow, they change the ruling on the play

[Jas_lov]

Without a review. It didn't make sense.

[tucker rocky]

COLLINS FUMBLES! SEAHAWKS BALL!

No he doesn't.

[tucker rocky]

It was a fumble though, stupid refs.

[MikeVic]

Can you guys please stop quote jas_lov? I have him on ignore for a reason. :(

[mauchow]

I don't think it was a fumble.

[Travis]

I don't think it was a fumble.

It at least appeared to be ruled a fumble on the field initially, and while a review may or may not have changed that, I'd really like to hear the reasoning behind the ruling on the field changing to an incomplete pass (with both teams reacting to it as a turnover and Gibbs having thrown the challenge flag). If it's reviewed and reversed, fine, but the ruling was changed into a situation where a challenge by Seattle is pointless, that's why I'm miffed about the situation.

[Lathum]

Can you guys please stop quote jas_lov? I have him on ignore for a reason. :(

does he have you on ignore?

[Jas_lov]

Washington needs to get the running game going. 8 rushes for 12 yards is pathetic.

[mauchow]

It at least appeared to be ruled a fumble on the field initially, and while a review may or may not have changed that, I'd really like to hear the reasoning behind the ruling on the field changing to an incomplete pass (with both teams reacting to it as a turnover and Gibbs having thrown the challenge flag). If it's reviewed and reversed, fine, but the ruling was changed into a situation where a challenge by Seattle is pointless, that's why I'm miffed about the situation.

I agree, I was telling my brother the same thing. They got the call right, imo, but should have been done differently.

[Jas_lov]

What a terrible series. Great field position and they go backwards.

[Travis]

Wow, Hill with a great sack over Betts.

[Lathum]

What a terrible series. Great field position and they go backwards.

I agree

[Travis]

NICE!

Gah, n'er mind, waiting for the review.

[bhlloy]

That spot wasn't even close. Interesting to see if they pick it up, but I think he got at least another half yard.

Shows how much I know...

[Travis]

Time for Hasselbeck to step up. Points to end the half and then to open the second half could really make Washington one dimensional.

[Radii]

Well, too late to pick the Skins game, but:

Jacksonville 27, Pitt 16
Giants 20, Bucs 17
San Diego 30, Tennessee 10

[Lathum]

Nasty hit on Hasselback there

[Cringer]

Skins may not get over 3-6 points in this game at this rate. yuck

[Jas_lov]

Now they're moving the ball a little bit. Nice catch by Cooley!

[Lathum]

Now they're moving the ball a little bit. Nice catch by Cooley!

They'll turn it over

[Jas_lov]

So close to turning it over. The Redskins need to punch it in here!

[Cringer]

Come on touchdown. I just want a good game at this point.

Almost picked off in the endzone. Lathum almost called it there...

[Jas_lov]

There it is! We have a ball game!

[Jas_lov]

Uh oh! INT. Redskins good field position for the go ahead touchdown.

[Jas_lov]

And there's the go ahead TD! What a turn of events!

[Carman Bulldog]

Wow! I would say we have a ballgame now.

[Lathum]

what a turn around

[Cringer]

Skins may not get over 3-6 points in this game at this rate. yuck

This post had the exact effect I desired with it. :D

[Travis]

Sweet freaking mercy

[Carman Bulldog]

I think the ghost of Sean Taylor messed with the ball there.

[Cringer]

WOW! Bad play by Burleson on the kickoff return that wasn't.

[Jas_lov]

Terrible miss.

[Northwood_DK]

another wow

[IMetTrentGreen]

Shawn Taylor was distracted on that one.

[Cringer]

Gees, I was about to say that I really thought that kick looked good. THe replay showed otherwise I guess. Bad miss man.

[Lathum]

wow. just wow

[Northwood_DK]

why the hurry?

[Travis]

Nice range by Landry.

[Lathum]

it appears nobody wants to win this game

[Cringer]

it appears nobody wants to win this game

Actually, I think the Redskins have decided they want to win after a first half of not caring. No one gave the memo to the kicker is all.

[Travis]

Please oh please oh please have the stones to call some blitzes Marshall, don't give Collins time to pick and choose.

[Travis]

Nice of Moss to give up on that one, not sure why he came up short like that.

[Lathum]

terrible throw

[MikeVic]

Why did Santana not even try to break it up?

[Jas_lov]

That should just about wrap it up.

[Cringer]

Insane second half. I love the playoffs when my team isn't playing in the game.

[Cringer]

Mike Holmgren could probably upgrade to a young hot wife now couldn't he?

[Cringer]

Seattle coming to Green Bay. Good thing Matt Hasselback doesn't have any bad memories of playoff games in Green Bay, because I am pretty sure the play by play guy just said Todd Hasselback said "We want the ball and we are going to score" the last time Seattle visited Green Bay for a playoff game.

I wonder what ever happened to Todd?

[Jas_lov]

Tom Hammond is an idiot. Matt Hasselbeck guaranteed the win over his former team and then proceeded to give the win to his former team. God knows how many times that will be replayed this week. Seattle will pose a tough matchup for Green Bay.

[Travis]

Assuming nothing crazy happens in the last couple minutes here, I really like the matchup from Seattle's point of view. Hasselbeck *should* be very focused and looking for a bit of redemption (as well as having another week for his wrist to heal up), but more importantly, with the pressure the front 7 can apply, I'm really hoping they can force Favre into two or three interceptions which would go a long way towards them making it to another NFC championship game.

[dime]

am I really the only one that thinks tennessee can beat san diego? the chargers only have two "good" (over .500) wins all year, vs indy and vs tenn...they were extremely lucky to win either game.

also, phil rivers is the worst QB in the playoffs and norv turner is the worst coach in the playoffs.

[MikeVic]

Did they cut off Najeh saying the last part of his University? LOL.

[Cringer]

Tom Hammond is an idiot. Matt Hasselbeck guaranteed the win over his former team and then proceeded to give the win to his former team. God knows how many times that will be replayed this week. Seattle will pose a tough matchup for Green Bay.

Hasselbeck didn't guarantee a win. All he said was we want the ball and we are going to score. Although a guarantee of a victory in the media would have been better then saying that over the PA system at the coin toss I think. :D

[MikeVic]

I think one knee was down before the ball started coming out?

[SirFozzie]

Call will be confirmed, absolutely positively looks like knee was down

[Jas_lov]

Hasselbeck didn't guarantee a win. All he said was we want the ball and we are going to score. Although a guarantee of a victory in the media would have been better then saying that over the PA system at the coin toss I think. :D

He most certainly did guarantee victory. They were in overtime and whoever scores first in overtime wins the game. Hasselbeck's exact words after the Seahawks won the coinflip were "We want the ball AND WE'RE GOING TO SCORE." In overtime, a score equals a win. He guaranteed victory for his team but when it came time to actually follow through on his guarantee, he guaranteed the win for the Packers when he threw the ball right to Al Harris, pick-6.

[MikeVic]

Of COURSE special teams! I forgot about that.

[WSUCougar]

Woot!

[SirFozzie]

WOW. Huge return by Maurice Jones Drew.

you don't often start a possession at the 1 yard line of the opponent from the Kickoff ;)

[mckerney]

Go Gary Russell! His sophomore year at Minnesota he was the best runningback the Gophers had in the past few years, better than Barber or Maroney.

[dime]

He most certainly did guarantee victory. They were in overtime and whoever scores first in overtime wins the game. Hasselbeck's exact words after the Seahawks won the coinflip were "We want the ball AND WE'RE GOING TO SCORE." In overtime, a score equals a win. He guaranteed victory for his team but when it came time to actually follow through on his guarantee, he guaranteed the win for the Packers when he threw the ball right to Al Harris, pick-6.

if favre had done that it would have been another cute story of how much he enjoys the game and so on...but hasselback did it and everyone shat on him. go figure.

[Jas_lov]

if favre had done that it would have been another cute story of how much he enjoys the game and so on...but hasselback did it and everyone shat on him. go figure.

Favre never would have said anything like that. Hasselbeck did it, cost his team the game, and deserves the criticism for doing so. He guaranteed victory, but for the wrong team.

[dime]

Favre never would have said anything like that.

dude you gotta be kidding me. that's exactly the kind of thing favre would say, he said as much after the game - he was hasselbeck's biggest influence when they were both in GB.

[Jas_lov]

dude you gotta be kidding me. that's exactly the kind of thing favre would say, he said as much after the game - he was hasselbeck's biggest influence when they were both in GB.

Could you please cite me a time when Favre guaranteed victory then?

[Jas_lov]

That was a great INT run back! But it may come back for the penalty.

[wade moore]

And the kiss of death, I pick the skins over the hawks.

damn you to hell.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I brought this up in a weekly thread a few weeks back, but I still don't understand the penalty enforced on the kickoff on that INT return. Take the play, decline the penalty.

Had that been a completion and defensive PI, would Pittsburgh have gotten the catch + 15 yards? No.

And I get, the 15 yards isn't nearly as big a deal as the TD. Eventhough, the "block" was Russell trying to make the tackle.

[SirFozzie]

Maybe from now on defenders will cut their hair close ;)

[JonInMiddleGA]

"Down by contact" not nearly as interesting as "down by dreadlocks".

[Jas_lov]

TD Jones-Drew! Jacksonville is killing Roethlisberger!

[SirFozzie]

Way too easy.

[Raiders Army]

Man, this is ridickulus.

[Jas_lov]

The crowd should boo. This could be over by halftime. 4 sacks, 2 INTs.

[Lathum]

I think Jacksonville has the best shot at beating the Pats right now

[SirFozzie]

Wow. full speed, looked like Pass Interference.. slowed down, good call

[dawgfan]

And the kiss of death, I pick the skins over the hawks.
Thanks! Can you keep picking against the Seahawks please - I'd like to see a major sports championship from my city again before I die...

[Jas_lov]

Another INT. Warm up Charlie Batch!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Whoa ! again.

[SirFozzie]

What a day for Ben to revert to 2006 mode

[astrosfan64]

Thanks! Can you keep picking against the Seahawks please - I'd like to see a major sports championship from my city again before I die...

I almost picked the hawks today. I was looking at the points and a ton of people were taking the skins. But, I didn't want to let you guys down.

Though, I can tell you there is NO chance that the Seahawks win next week.

I took the Jags and the -3 in this game. So we shall see.

[dawgfan]

Though, I can tell you there is NO chance that the Seahawks win next week.
Awesome - thanks for obliging!

[Jas_lov]

This game is over. Pittsburgh's defense is a disgrace.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Has there been one holding call made this game - either side? Watching Barnes fistful of Foote's jersey made me think of it. The whole 'holding happens every play, just a matter of if it's called'. I find it really hard to buy that there hasn't been one call, either direction, the entire game.

[Lathum]

This game is over. Pittsburgh's defense is a disgrace.

yup

[molson]

Has there been one holding call made this game - either side? Watching Barnes fistful of Foote's jersey made me think of it. The whole 'holding happens every play, just a matter of if it's called'. I find it really hard to buy that there hasn't been one call, either direction, the entire game.

There's always going to be less calls in the playoffs. Smart teams will use that to their advantage. (Even if whiners say after the game, "they were holding on every play!!!".) Not mentioning any names.

[molson]

I think Jacksonville has the best shot at beating the Pats right now

I'm certainly rooting for the Titans tomorrow.

[Jas_lov]

TD Big Ben to Holmes. But now the defense will have to stop Jacksonville, and they can't.

[Jas_lov]

Holding, offense! Takes away a fantastic catch by Ward.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Holding, offense! Takes away a fantastic catch by Ward.


There is the holding call! Except, on a play that there wasn't holding...at least not on Mahan. :confused:

[Carman Bulldog]

I'm not a Steelers fan, but that was an awful call considering how the game has been enforced thus far.

[Jas_lov]

What the hell was Garrard doing! What an idiot!

[Crapshoot]

Go Stillers!

[Ragone]

This game is over. Pittsburgh's defense is a disgrace.

Over, did someone say over? Nothing is over till we decide it is!

[Jas_lov]

I spoke too soon again Ragone! Jacksonville's defense is a disgrace.

[Ajaxab]

Horrible interference call. At the very least call offsetting penalties.

[General Mike]

These refs are a disgrace.

[SirFozzie]

he had a point about that face mask on the 4th down play.

[bhlloy]

If they lose this game, it's Koetter and Del Rio's fault. No reason to start throwing the ball at all with that lead. And even if you do, you have to make sure your QB isn't just heaving it downfield.

Two great fourth quarters so far...

[Lathum]

What the hell!!

I go play Wii for a half hour and this is what happens

[Carman Bulldog]

Would an incidental face mask and a pass interference call offset and be a replay of down or only an intentional face mask?

[JonInMiddleGA]

I took the Jags and the -3 in this game.

Umm ... maybe we should have all figured this was going to happen?

[SirFozzie]

Would an incidental face mask and a pass interference call offset and be a replay of down or only an intentional face mask?

Offsetting fouls, replay of down.

[Jas_lov]

What a run by Garrard!

[SirFozzie]

W o W.

Holy shit.

[Lathum]

what a play

[Radii]

That was just an incredible run. Not sliding and juking Polamalu for a bunch more yards is awesome.

[Noop]

Amazing play by Garrard

[Lathum]

I love the fact that they just showed the replay of Romo blowing it.

[Noop]

I thought he was going to muff the snap to be honest.

[Galaril]

Wow Madden really has lost it with the going and taking a shot in the endzone. Either it would be an INT or an incomplete pass which would stop the clock and with 2 timeouts left for the Steelers that would leave them with well over a minute. What an idiot.

[Jas_lov]

How fitting it ends on a Big Ben turnover! Good game Jacksonville! Good game me! I went 2-0 today!

[Noop]

Well someone fumbled. Jacksonville wins.

[SirFozzie]

Del Rio on the sideline... "Holy shit! I'm not going to be fired?"

[bhlloy]

heh... congrats to the Jags

[General Mike]

Yay Jaguars!

[Raiders Army]

Weird the Democratic debate ended right after the game ended.

[dawgfan]

I took the Jags and the -3 in this game. So we shall see.
Man, you're just on fire today...

[Izulde]

That run by Garrard was a beautiful thing to watch.

[stevew]

Fuck the fat piece of shit worthless linemen. Sean Mahan, go fuck yourself. Tomlin, I understand the strategy of going for 2, but not on the 12 yard line. Typical steeler special teams. Argh.

I was fine with losing, I left the bar at halftime, listened to the game on the radio the whole way back from my brother's house, get home, and then they fuck it up.

[Izulde]

Wow Madden really has lost it with the going and taking a shot in the endzone. Either it would be an INT or an incomplete pass which would stop the clock and with 2 timeouts left for the Steelers that would leave them with well over a minute. What an idiot.

Exactly.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Fuck the fat piece of shit worthless linemen. Sean Mahan, go fuck yourself. Tomlin, I understand the strategy of going for 2, but not on the 12 yard line. Typical steeler special teams. Argh.

I was fine with losing, I left the bar at halftime, listened to the game on the radio the whole way back from my brother's house, get home, and then they fuck it up.

Did you just catch Tomlin's press conference? Bouchette asked him about 3 times does he regret losing by two after going for 2 point conversions twice in the 4th quarter. Tomlin danced around it a few times, Bouchette just kept re-wording it.

Tomlin finally says "If I had a crystal ball, and knew we'd lose by 2, then yes I guess I'll say those were questionable. Does that make you feel better?"

Tomlin has NEVER been angry with the media all season. Pretty funny to see.

[stevew]

Did you just catch Tomlin's press conference? Bouchette asked him about 3 times does he regret losing by two after going for 2 point conversions twice in the 4th quarter. Tomlin danced around it a few times, Bouchette just kept re-wording it.

Tomlin finally says "If I had a crystal ball, and knew we'd lose by 2, then yes I guess I'll say those were questionable. Does that make you feel better?"

Tomlin has NEVER been angry with the media all season. Pretty funny to see.

Nah, I get stuck with the Murder City locals unfortunately. It was the right call initially, but there were still several minutes left at the time. When useless fuck got called for holding, then it seemed obvious that you'd not want to re-go for it. Hitting it from 12 yards out is nearly impossible. I mean, there still would have been time left at that point(10 minutes) to where you could still get 2 FG drives if you had too. Just poor thought process that far from the goalline, and with that much time left on the clock.

[stevew]

That run by Garrard was a beautiful thing to watch.

Sure, if you're down with watching a holding clinic. It was a good playcall, but upon re-watching it again, Polamalu and Harrison both got mugged. But still, they should have stayed in the gaps...really pisspoor containment.

Frigging Lord Tyrone may as well let him get the TD, we'd have been better off.

[stevew]

All bitterness about pisspoor coach decisions aside, congrats to the Jags.

[stevew]

Quad dola-

I think NE will easily cover next week(assuming it's the Jags).

[SnowMan]

Favre never would have said anything like that. Hasselbeck did it, cost his team the game, and deserves the criticism for doing so. He guaranteed victory, but for the wrong team. During an interview tonight, Hasselbeck said he didn't regret saying it, and would do it again. According to him, he was trying to instill some confidence in a young team that they could win a game like that in the playoffs. Remember, this was when Seattle hadn't won a playoff game in ~15 years, and Matt was trying to motivate players, not guarantee a win. I like the move, Favre liked the move, and it's great to see Matt can even poke fun at himself about it.

[RomaGoth]

Another Steeler disappointment. Of course, 5 super bowl titles will do that to you, eh? Meh, outcome might have been different with Parker in the backfield. Maybe next year....? ;)

[stevew]

At least you still have 4 more favorite teams to cheer on in the playoffs. ;)

[14ers]

I really do not understand all the media hype for the Jags being the darkhorse of the AFC. The only thing that kept the JAGs in it tonight were huge mistakes by the Steelers.


I like'd the Chargers and Seahawks as the Darkhorse teams this year

[Jas_lov]

People think the Jags will be able to run all over the Patriots and beat them in Foxboro. I don't see it either. I think the Chargers and Seahawks can be a threat to the Colts and Packers, but I don't really see any of the 4 home teams losing next week. If you wanna talk about teams not beating anybody, talk about Seattle. They beat Tampa Bay the very first week of the season and then they beat the following terrible teams: Bengals, 49ers, Rams, 49ers, Bears, Rams, Eagles, Cardinals, Ravens. Also throw in the losses to the Cardinals and Panthers. I wonder if Hasselbeck will guarantee a victory for the Packers again. If I had to pick a team to lose next week it would be the Colts to the Chargers, but I wouldn't count on it.

[EagleFan]

I love the fact that they just showed the replay of Romo blowing it.

That replay should be mandatory for every NFL telecast.... :D

[astrosfan64]

Man, you're just on fire today...

Yeah, this hasn't been a great bowl run or Football playoffs so far. :(

[Lathum]

Yeah, this hasn't been a great bowl run or Football playoffs so far. :(

please take Tampa Bay today

[astrosfan64]

please take Tampa Bay today

I think Tampa Bay and the -3 is the best pick in the playoffs. That is a no brainer, I'm all over Tampa Bay!

Still haven't decided on the Titans game. Though I'm leaning towards towards the Titans and the 10 1/2.

[Lathum]

I think Tampa Bay and the -3 is the best pick in the playoffs. That is a no brainer, I'm all over Tampa Bay!

.

Awesome!!

[Lathum]

Hasselback is funny. Did anyone see his press confrence

[JeeberD]

That replay should be mandatory for every NFL telecast.... :D

Gotta do something to get you excited since the Geagles didn't make the playoffs...

[Dutch]

The Bucs have a lot of weaknesses and I think their record is good indication of that. By and large, they have been playing over their heads this year in what is basically a rebuilding year. (They did revamp their defense quite extensively) and they rebuild practically every year at QB.

So, with the defense rebuilding, they are definately younger and faster than they used to be a year or two ago, but they are trying hard to re-invent the old school Monte Kiffin philosophy of lighter/faster defensive players. The bottom line for that is if you keep with your ground game and have some success for the first 2/3 of the game, the last 1/3 of the game is all yours.


"They're going to get off the bus running the football," Kiffin, Tampa Bay's long-time defensive coordinator, said. "And if we let them do it, it can be a long day."


Brandon Jacobs will be the deciding factor in this game.

[Lathum]

Brandon Jacobs will be the deciding factor in this game.

I totaly agree. I went with the Jacobs jersey today.

[Cringer]

SO it looks like Tampa will be playing in Dallas next week. ;)

I am pretty sure I just heard Joe Buck say about Clayton, "When he has balls in his hands, he runs pretty angry."

I think a lot of us would Joe. Aikman laughed a little after words, I think he noticed the pause after the word hands as well.

[Cringer]

I wonder if Hasselbeck will guarantee a victory for the Packers again.

How many times are you going to bring this up between now and the end of Packer game on Saturday? Seriously, I would guess there isn't one singal guy on either team who gives a crap about that. And I am pretty sure very few guys on either team cared about it when it happened. It was funny, that was all.

[molson]

How many times are you going to bring this up between now and the end of Packer game on Saturday? Seriously, I would guess there isn't one singal guy on either team who gives a crap about that. And I am pretty sure very few guys on either team cared about it when it happened. It was funny, that was all.

It was playful trash-talking that goes on the ENTIRE game, every game. I think Jas_lov's delicate sensibilities would be extremely offended if he was ever able to listen to mic'd up player during a complete NFL or NBA game.

[14ers]

Why is the AFC playing both late games this weekend? I thought they always alternated days.

[sabotai]

The Giants offensive line is getting destroyed by the Bucs front 7. For that matter, the Giants defensive line is sucking a lot so far as well.

[Raiders Army]

Man the Buccs are destroying the Giants although it doesn't show it on the scoreboard. That may be their undoing...

[Cringer]

Man the Buccs are destroying the Giants although it doesn't show it on the scoreboard. That may be their undoing...

As the Giants move the ball a little here, I had the same thought. A big play puts them right back in it.

I just think the Giants have no chance winning in Dallas, where Tampa is a little more impressive looking to me then they are to the Giants fans here.

[Raiders Army]

tru dat. What is the crowd chanting? I'm through with all this changin. I'm not going to go changin. I didn't know Coors was the banquet beer. What the hell is a banquet beer?

This is our country. Chevy.

[Jas_lov]

Eli is playing very well and passing all over the Bucs. 14-7 Giants.

[Jas_lov]

Terrible pass by Garcia. I could go 3-0 on my playoff picks!

[sabotai]

Getting picked off by Corey Webster has got to do some damage to your morale.

[CU Tiger]

Eli is probably playing his best gamee of the season, possibly his career.

Granted its only an abovee average performance, I ahtee Eli and I am a Cowboys fan...but i think my opinion is unbiased

[Jas_lov]

I agree. Eli has looked really good today. The Giants have just clinched the game with that long drive and TD. 24-7.

[Jas_lov]

I think Tampa Bay and the -3 is the best pick in the playoffs. That is a no brainer, I'm all over Tampa Bay!

Still haven't decided on the Titans game. Though I'm leaning towards towards the Titans and the 10 1/2.

LOL! This just isn't your week.

[astrosfan64]

I agree. Eli has looked really good today. The Giants have just clinched the game with that long drive and TD. 24-7.

Agreed and I'm now 0 and 3 in my playoff picks!

Sorry Titan Fans I'm picking you guys to at least cover the 10 1/2.

[Neuqua]

.....Runs off to put considerable change on Chargers -11.....

[astrosfan64]

that seals it!

[Cringer]

SO it looks like Tampa will be playing in Dallas next week. ;)

I am pretty sure I just heard Joe Buck say about Clayton, "When he has balls in his hands, he runs pretty angry."

I think a lot of us would Joe. Aikman laughed a little after words, I think he noticed the pause after the word hands as well.

So games aren't decided in the first 10 minutes? Damn.

Congrats to the Giants, I sure hope they can knock off Dallas next week.

[SteveMax58]

Giants are going to Dallas! WOOT!!

[Lathum]

Best game of Eli's career.

Anyone who had the Giants and Eli buried can kiss my a@@, he showed today he can be a big game QB.

Bring on Dallas baby!!

[Dutch]

I was very excited to see the Bucs keep it alive with injuries to Cadillac Williams and Luke Petigout...I didn't see them having success with those two things happening, but they managed alright.

But realistically, I understand that the Bucs even being in the playoffs this year (despite a noble resurgence of their defense) was the surprising demise of the Saints and the Vickless Falcons. But, that's why they play the games.

I was surprised that Eli handled the pressure so well, perhaps he's getting back on track? We'll see if this gives him confidence going into Dallas.

Good luck! :)

[tucker rocky]

Titans open in an interesting formation??

[JAG]

Titans open in an interesting formation??

Wow. I have never seen anything like that.

[Northwood_DK]

Titans open in an interesting formation??now if only that was posible in Maximum Football

[tucker rocky]

Titans open in an interesting formation??

Wow. I have never seen anything like that.

Looks like a play Urban Meyer would pull out of the playbook.

[Groundhog]

Can someone describe the titans formation?

[bhlloy]

They lined up normally, then shifted the entire line except the center to the left touchline and tried to throw a screen pass to the receiver located on that side. I've seen it done before (and it's legal as long as the line is balanced still) but not sure if it's ever been done in the NFL.

The Chargers have come out completely flat again. I've run out of people to blame. Feck it.

[Fidatelo]

I don't get the point of a lot of rules. Like the line being 'balanced' or eligible receivers, etc. Why can't people line up anywhere? Why can't anyone catch the ball? It doesn't make sense to me.

[Jas_lov]

It was a strange formation and it didn't work. The Chargers get the fumble! What a break for them as it looked like the Titans were going in for a TD.

[bhlloy]

I don't get the point of a lot of rules. Like the line being 'balanced' or eligible receivers, etc. Why can't people line up anywhere? Why can't anyone catch the ball? It doesn't make sense to me.

It would basically be pass ball or contact flag then with ridiculously high scoring. Which is fine if that is the kind of game you want to see. I wouldn't...

[Jas_lov]

INT! I knew this would be a low scoring game. The Chargers have just 60 yards total offense through a quarter and a half. It's a good thing they're playing a bad offensive team.

[Jas_lov]

Now the Chargers 2nd biggest weapon is being carted off the field. I hope Gates is ok.

[Fidatelo]

It would basically be pass ball or contact flag then with ridiculously high scoring. Which is fine if that is the kind of game you want to see. I wouldn't...

I don't know enough about the little details of football so I'll assume this to be true, although it always seems like they are introducing little rules to help the offense out, which maybe they wouldn't otherwise need?

[Fidatelo]

Now the Chargers 2nd biggest weapon is being carted off the field. I hope Gates is ok.

I thought when a guy was lying prone on the turf the defense is supposed to just touch him down, not unload on him like the Titans did? Shouldn't that be a penalty?

[bhlloy]

I don't know enough about the little details of football so I'll assume this to be true, although it always seems like they are introducing little rules to help the offense out, which maybe they wouldn't otherwise need?

I see what you are saying. Imagine football without a line at all. That is what would happen if you took out the eligibility and balanced line requirements. It wouldn't be the same game. In fact, it would probably be rugby...

[Antmeister]

Man, I hope the Chargers are just having first half jitter or something. This makes absolutely no sense at this time considering the injuries to Tennessee. I hope they explode in the 2nd half like they are supposed to perform, but it seems that Phillip Rivers has definitely regressed from last year.

[Fidatelo]

I see what you are saying. Imagine football without a line at all. That is what would happen if you took out the eligibility and balanced line requirements. It wouldn't be the same game. In fact, it would probably be rugby...

But you'd probably want a line of some kind right? I think you would just see a huge amount of variation to it. I don't know, maybe you would get rugby. I think we need "The Answer Guy" that used to be in ESPN the Magazine to get to the bottom of this.

[SirFozzie]

With the near indefensible position of not using ANY of their first half time outs, I'm wondering if Marty Schottenheimer is just wearing a Norv Turner Hallowee Mask on the sidelines..

[bhlloy]

Man, I hope the Chargers are just having first half jitter or something. This makes absolutely no sense at this time considering the injuries to Tennessee. I hope they explode in the 2nd half like they are supposed to perform, but it seems that Phillip Rivers has definitely regressed from last year.

It makes me physically sick that they dropped one of the classiest guys in the league and one of the best leaders for the whiny little puke Rivers. All the guy does is throw up soft hospital or interception balls, and then whines and cries on the sideline. Him talking trash to Thornton when he threw a horrible ball to Gates to completely lay him out for the hit was the last straw. I hope LT knocks him cold in the locker room and Volek plays the second half, even if we lose.

Second problem is that the middle of the defense is horribly soft. I have never had any time for Cooper or Wilhelm but I don't think they have done anything but get blown off the line and miss tackles today. Jamal Williams is getting old and overrated. The entire Titans interior line are backups and they are just having their way with the SD front 7. Pretty embarassing stuff.

[Jas_lov]

The Chargers offense has finally woken up. 10-6 Chargers.

[Izulde]

Chambers with 121 yards receiving so far.

You're welcome, San Diego. :mad:

[Carman Bulldog]

Umm... forward progress?

[Icy]

Wow what a stop to the LT jump, but he was able to cross the line later.

[Izulde]

That was some heads-up play by LT there.

[molson]

Umm... forward progress?

His forward progress clearly wasn't stopped yet, you're allowed to keep fighting after the first hit.

[tucker rocky]

Don't you love it when the classic NFL music plays?

[Galaril]

His forward progress clearly wasn't stopped yet, you're allowed to keep fighting after the first hit.

yes, at least when you are a star in the NFL that is:)

[bhlloy]

Why not try Kerry Collins? At least he can throw the ball further than a 20 yard lame duck.

[RendeR]

Mcreedy (sp?) proves time and time again that he's a really dispicable player. Year in and year out he's involved in cheap shot plays on wide receivers and here today he tries to cut the knees out of an O-lineman during an INT return.

Can the league start fining this guy finally?

[Lathum]

Sorry Titan Fans I'm picking you guys to at least cover the 10 1/2.

I wish I was your bookie.

[astrosfan64]

I wish I was your bookie.

Well great news! when I finally put my bet in the line moved to 11 pts.

Woo Hoo I pushed!

So I only went 0 and 3 and 1 this NFL weekend!.

I use bodoglife.com they aren't so bad. Any gambler that tells you they never lose is lying :). It has its ups and downs, but I have come out ahead more over the past 6 years and it is alot of fun.

[Lathum]

Well make sure you get us your picks early this week ;)

[Lathum]

I'm pretty surprised how big the lines are for next weekends games.

Packers -8
Pats -11.5
Indy -8.5
Dallas -7.5

[Jas_lov]

Of the people who were brave enough to pick games this week, three of us went 4-0. Myself, Thomkai, and Lathum. Radii went 3-0, but he didn't get his picks in on time so he's disqualified. We'll break the tie by point differential. Thomakai didn't post any scores so he's disqualified. Lathum was off the final scores by an astonishing 82 points! I, on the other hand, was only off the final scores by a mere 26 points! So I guess the winner of round 1 is me. No surprise there. I look forward to defending my crown next week!

[DaddyTorgo]

Of the people who were brave enough to pick games this week, three of us went 4-0. Myself, Thomkai, and Lathum. Radii went 3-0, but he didn't get his picks in on time so he's disqualified. We'll break the tie by point differential. Thomakai didn't post any scores so he's disqualified. Lathum was off the final scores by an astonishing 82 points! I, on the other hand, was only off the final scores by a mere 26 points! So I guess the winner of round 1 is me. No surprise there. I look forward to defending my crown next week!

somebody appointed you judge and jury eh?? :p

[Lathum]

I thought the Chargers would score more points

[Radii]

I thought the Chargers would score more points

+1.

Between San Diego's inconsistancy and Indy's injuries, I have no idea what to expect out of that game. Hopefully the weather is good in Green Bay and we have a good shootout there, and hopefully its bad in New England and the Jags put up a good fight.

[TazFTW]

I'm pretty surprised how big the lines are for next weekends games.

Packers -8
Pats -11.5
Indy -8.5
Dallas -7.5

Pats are undefeated, Eli hasn't sucked. Gotta go with the hot hand, astrofan. :cool:

[Galaril]

I thought the Chargers would score more points

As in the game these two played a month ago the Titans D dominted the game through three quarters until they got worn down and the Chargers were then able to score. So, I would give the Titans D alittle credit for the Chargers low scoring.

[Thomkal]

Of the people who were brave enough to pick games this week, three of us went 4-0. Myself, Thomkai, and Lathum. Radii went 3-0, but he didn't get his picks in on time so he's disqualified. We'll break the tie by point differential. Thomakai didn't post any scores so he's disqualified. Lathum was off the final scores by an astonishing 82 points! I, on the other hand, was only off the final scores by a mere 26 points! So I guess the winner of round 1 is me. No surprise there. I look forward to defending my crown next week!

I didn't realize this was a competition. :D I'll happily take my 4-0 anyway.