*Kitna named Superbowl MVP!* Official NFL 2013 Postseason thread

[zinfamous]

I know many people Richard Sherman is nothing but a punk. And on the field, he does talk trash just like many DB's and WR's. However, Sherman is an extremely smart guy, even graduating from Stanford. His on field antics are an act to get into the oppositions head.

The diva WR that was more prevalent during the 90's and early 00's drove me crazy, even if he was on my team.

Off the field, Sherman is a completely different person. To wit, check out this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH_otsw7jTE

Koren Robinson? :\

That guy was super talented in college, but predictably left early (after 2 years) and was basically just a blowhard that never really got into consistent WR #2 status. Plus, he was just a lifelong idiot.

 

[Ban Bot]

His off the field antics are what annoy people. Talk on the field is one thing, talking off the field is far worse. And please, let's not pretend that everyone who goes to Stanford is smart, plenty of idiots can be found there.

His antics, on and off the field, are very calculating. Fact: it is hard to get recognition. See all the underperforming hold overs in all pro/star games. Getting recognition (i.e. a good contract) is even harder if you switched positions late in college, were only ok-to-good (not great or exceptional) in college, don't fit the classical mold or have off the chart measurable, and didn't even start your rookie year.

So how do you improve your stock? First you have to play well. But a great DB is like a great O lineman--you won't get mentioned much and you cannot count on the talking heads noticing how good you are. So you talk up your game and bring attention to yourself. Did this work for Sherman?

Per the stat line I saw online Sherman was the least targeted CB in the league and the NFL leader in INTs.

That is a rare, exceptional combination that explains why opposing QB passer rating is horrible and SEA led the league in INTs and yards passing in a pass happy league on a 13-3 team that put a lot of opponents in a positions where they needed to pass to win.

Getting under the skin of opposing receivers and QBs is just bonus points.

I personally prefer players like Barry Sanders and Steve Largent who let their play do ALL the talking. But if you are gonna talk back it up. Players like DeAngelo Hall are annoying because they are not very good. Sherman? His body of work is exceptional.

There is not a team in the league that, if they could redo the draft and get him for a 5th-6th rounder and a minimal contract, would not pull that trigger in a heartbeat.

Sherman's problem will be when his play declines how he handled that. It is one thing to talk when you are one of the best; another when you stink. See: Hall.

Anyways, his self marketing supports how intelligent he is. Football wise he is also very savvy (when he breaks down the game on the radio he always seems to have a very strong grasp of what everyone's roles are and the game situation. His answers are never, "Just try to cover my guy and make a play." I don't think Sherman is an exceptional athlete; what he is is very smart and at applying the skills he does have.)

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Don't see the issue with a QB coach. Brady has always had one until he passed away. I forget his name but Brady would work with him all off-season, working on mechanics, footwork, pocket presence, etc. And after every game, Brady would speak to him to go over his game.

All QBs including Manning have missed seeing a wide open WR or did something wrong during the course of a game, having someone point those out and how to correct them can only make a QB better.

Edit - Tom Martinez

http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/14930/tom-brady-still-listens-to-qb-whisperer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNE9kjJVsMc
http://content.usatoday.com/communi...oun-death-of-quarterback-coach-tom-martinez/1

I believe Josh McDaniel and Bill O'Brien were one time Brady's QB coach.

Yes, but going from QB Coach to a Head Coach is a huge stretch.

 

[Imported]

Add Zimmer to the Vikings!

 

[KeithTalent]

Add Zimmer to the Vikings!

Took them long enough considering it was nearly confirmed several days ago. Seems like a solid enough hire.

KT

 

[Ban Bot]

SF @ SEA – a homer's thoughts.

Anyone can win from here on out. I am not one to predict or “guarantee” anything. I like matchups. As a SEA homer I really respect SF and believe SF is good enough to win. In fact I think SEA and SF are the two best teams in the NFL and have the horses that at their best SF can beat anyone. I feel the same way about SEA. I even “like” Harbaugh. I think he is silly but he is passionate AND knows football. He is a very good coach and he is his own man.

Being a SEA homer here are some reasons I think the SF is hotter/better than SEA is being overplayed. While I would not be surprised if SF won I also won’t be surprised if SEA blows SF out. Here are some reasons why.

The last two games in SF were very close (2012: 13-6; 2013: 19-17).

The last two games in SEA did not end up close (2012: 42-13; 2013: 29-3).

Those facts are skewed by all sorts of details; in the very first game in SF Wilson was still very raw. In the last SEA game the game was very close in the 3rd. But I think those 4 games show SEA is very good and matches up well. SF has proven to struggle at SEA as of late. Those don’t guarantee a result Sunday but it balances out the current narrative as SF was playing well last year before getting destroyed by SEA at home.

The NFL narrative is SF is playing lights out and SEA is playing poorly. SF has been playing very well. All that matters is Ws. But SF has had a lot of close games the second half of the season: CAR at home (L, 10-9), at NO (L, 23-20), SEA at home (W, 19-17), ATL at home (W, 34-24), at ARI (W, 23-20), and at GB (W, 23-20). Some of those are “deceiving” as SF was missing key cogs in the CAR game and had some fluke plays; ditto NO. But ATL was a scare. I agree SF is playing well. Looking at the games on the field, ignoring stats and end scores, SF is a really, really good team and finds ways to win. But they are not destroying good teams, either.

The SEA game is one that is interesting as it is a good benchmark how these two are playing as of late. I think SF had everything to play for in that game and SEA had almost nothing. It was SF last division game at Candlestick, SF was 2.5 games behind SEA with ARI nipping at their tails so it was a must win. And there was the revenge factor for being thoroughly embarrassed in week two in SEA and the previous year. SF won, and deserved the win, in SF this year. But it was close, 19-17, and the ball bounced their way. A fluky blocked punt was big. SEA losing Wright and having the combination of Maxwell (backup) over pursue and Earl Thomas taking a bad angle on the 51 yard Gore scamper on 3rd down are things you cannot count on. What I am saying is not that SF didn’t deserve to win but SF better not be betting on THOSE things happening again. SF, to win in SEA, will have to play even BETTER.

I think SF can play better than in WEEK 14 so I am not counting them out.

But if you are following the narrative about how great SF is playing I think SF needs to up there game even more as they are now in SEA against an amped SEA team. I would NOT hang my hat firmly on the, “SF is playing great, SEA not” hook. That may come true this Sunday. But WEEK 14 says SF’s best is only slightly better than SEA on the road.

As for the SEA narrative, that they are really struggling on OFF, I agree. But a qualified agreement. Look, SEA had 3 weaknesses last year: their OL cannot pass block, WRs could NOT get separation (see ATL), and they had only 1 proven pass rusher (Clemens who had an ACL in the playoffs). So they fixed the pass rush with Bennet and Avril and those were GREAT moves. With WR they went after Harvin who unfortunately was hurt before the season started and then lost their backup TE (McCoy) and Rice (underperforming but still a big target). SEA was left with their number 3-4-5 receivers in Tate-Baldwin-Kearse. All smaller receivers without speed; two were undrafted. SEA also failed to address their OL which was horrible this year with injuries.

And yet they went 13-3 and the PFF breakdown on Wilson shows once you put aside SEA doesn’t pass a lot Wilson is very, very good. That said he has not been as sharp as of late. Gameplan? People adjusting? Hitting a wall? Who knows. Against NO Wilson missed quite a few passes, especially slants. He handed off to Lynch on the wrong side. He hesitated on a wide open Harvin bubble screen. He failed to threaten with his feet when he had chances. As repugnant as I found Bush’s head shot (tucked his arms in, led with the crown of his helmet, left his feet, and clearly aimed at the head with no play on the ball or body of Harvin, and a ton of high fiving with no concern over the big penalty) Wilson takes some blame for not looking off the safety and putting Harvin in that situation.

So I get it, SEA’s OFF is a problem. SEA has a habit of slow starts. Their line is so bad their TE Miller blocks too much when he may be their best healthy receiver. Until the NO game Lynch was in a dry spell.

And yet SEA scored 23 points against NO. DEN scored 24 against SD and SF scored 23 against CAR. SEA’s OFF, for all their troubles, was like #7 in scoring even though they are toward the bottom in yards. SEA plays an ugly form of OFF but they score. Even in the NO game it was rainy, cold, and more importantly very windy with 20mph winds and gusts over 40mph. Between these elements, having a lead, NO taking the wind in the third, and NO having one of the best DEF backfields in the league (statistically) resulted in SEA being very conservative in the pass game. And yet SEA put up 23 and it could have been worse for NO as SEA left a number of plays on the field (couple INTs, missed turnover challenge, holding on a 50 yard run, settling for FGs in the red zone, etc). Considering the weather made SEA on dimensional I don’t think the 23 points was bad.

What I did see was Lynch looked like a back being “protected” at the end of the season who burst out. 13 freaking missed tackles!! Ray Rice had 9 all year! All other playoff backs last week had 17. And everyone can dis Harvin (tip: As someone with TN I know migraines are no joke. The meds work). But this is what I saw: With Harvin on the field NO stopped putting 8 in the box and their safeties played deeper. If SEA can keep Harvin on the field it changes the game. If I am SF even Harvin can play I don’t want to see him on the field AT all; in fact I would be more afraid if he did kick off returns and only 10-20 total OFF plays (i.e. spot duty to threaten a screen or fly sweep; best case scenario for SF is if he plays a lot IMO). SEA went 13-3 without him but I do think he presented an X factor in SEA’s favor.

As bad as SEA’s OFF is their DEF has been playing at another level as of late. When Wagner got healthy they really got stingy on the run and their pass defense is historically good. Their special teams are also exceptional and the threat of Harvin returning kicks makes them that much better.
In a nutshell the narrative, SF playing lights out and SEA playing poorly, has the backdrop of a match up in that time period that was close, 19-17.

Changing venues from SF to SEA and much more on the line for SEA I would not count the Hawks out. SF is good enough to win, and they are a really great team and deserve a lot of respect, I wouldn’t overplay SEA’s troubles. They may struggle on Sunday… but they may also blow SF out. Again.

 

[Imported]

Like the write up. I believe it really will be a coin flip in the end.

Funny you mentioned Bennet.. I saw this question asked on Twitter. Would you cut Lynch if it meant keeping Bennet? Watching the SEA backup RBs play, I feel like they could be 80% of what Lynch is now.

 

[lupi]

Zimmer finalizes with the Vikes leaving just the Browns open. But don't worry Brown fans, "we're just being methodical". Ignore all those rumors about possible candidates contacting the former coach and then decided to decline the interview.

 

[darkewaffle]

They probably just couldn't stomach living in Cleveland

 

[IAteYourMother]

Ban Bot, are you under some sort of delusion that the Seahawks are considered underdogs?

 

[Ban Bot]

Ban Bot, are you under some sort of delusion that the Seahawks are considered underdogs?

Against the spread they clearly are not underdogs--unless I am delusional I never claimed this, either. Reading some national material and listening to Mike&Mike and their NFL guys the theme I noted above (SF is hot and playing better, SEA struggling) is being played out. I think the narrative lacks some supporting details.

 

[zinfamous]

Ban Bot, are you under some sort of delusion that the Seahawks are considered underdogs?

I read that as him trying to downplay those that think it will be a guaranteed blowout, all while giving major props to SF and explaining Seattle's weaknesses.

Both have played great, or terrible, games against each other in the last couple of seasons...and we know the situation with those.

For me....I'm somewhat expecting another blowout in Seattle, but I hope it's a close game and would not be surprised if that is the case, and even if SF manages to win.

 

[IAteYourMother]

Against the spread they clearly are not underdogs--unless I am delusional I never claimed this, either. Reading some national material and listening to Mike&Mike and their NFL guys the theme I noted above (SF is hot and playing better, SEA struggling) is being played out. I think the narrative lacks some supporting details.

To me the narrative is that SF is hotter than SEA and therefore has a pretty decent chance of beating Seattle. Nothing really more than that. I guess that's pretty much what your post was saying, which made me think that you were trying to rebut some sort of idea that everyone is picking SF to win

 

[rudeguy]

so



long








between
















games

 

[KeithTalent]

I'm pretty shocked the line crossed 3 points (I got it at 3.5). Neutral field I would call them even, normal home field is what, maybe a point or two, so they are giving at least two full points more for home field advantage here? I know it's hard to win there, but that seems crazy to me. This game feels like a coin flip and I would be quite shocked if either team won by more than a field goal.

KT

 

[IAteYourMother]

I'm pretty shocked the line crossed 3 points (I got it at 3.5). Neutral field I would call them even, normal home field is what, maybe a point or two, so they are giving at least two full points more for home field advantage here? I know it's hard to win there, but that seems crazy to me. This game feels like a coin flip and I would be quite shocked if either team won by more than a field goal.

KT

HFA is usually 3 points

 

[zinfamous]

I'm pretty shocked the line crossed 3 points (I got it at 3.5). Neutral field I would call them even, normal home field is what, maybe a point or two, so they are giving at least two full points more for home field advantage here? I know it's hard to win there, but that seems crazy to me. This game feels like a coin flip and I would be quite shocked if either team won by more than a field goal.

KT

I haven't seen the weather report, but I expect the Seattle fans to go all out for this one.

I predict Kaep is forced to burn two timeouts in the first quarter.

 

[KeithTalent]

HFA is usually 3 points

I guess you're right. Had it in my head as two. So they are saying Seattle is 0.5 points better on a neutral field. Not sure I agree.

I haven't seen the weather report, but I expect the Seattle fans to go all out for this one.

I predict Kaep is forced to burn two timeouts in the first quarter.

I'm sure it will be loud. A buddy of mine was trying to get tickets so he could drive down to watch, but he said they are $400 a pop for the nosebleeds.:|

KT

 

[Ban Bot]

I haven't seen the weather report, but I expect the Seattle fans to go all out for this one.

I predict Kaep is forced to burn two timeouts in the first quarter.

My homer pick (which is worthless mind you) is the individual match ups will be close like the game last month... but I trust Wilson to take care of the ball more so than Kap. So with home field the ball will bounce in Seattle's favor and after some big plays (sack-fumble, INT, big return) the game gets out of control like the last two SEA home games.

Of course flip the turnover scenario and SF wins. The uncertainty is what makes this so exciting!

 

[Capt Caveman]

Better not jinx NE:

 

[RPD]

Having been here in a few days, what good games again. I really really wish the NFL would fine Cam for his flop when Brooks tried and failed at jumping the snap count. I can't STAND flopping in ANY sport, NFL was the last place I'd ever see full out flopping (I don't even see WR's do it much).

I honestly don't have a good feeling about going back up to SEA to play there. I'm just setting my bar low so I won't be too disappointed. The only slight hope I have is if the Saints O didn't lay a fat egg the game would have been better and AZ beat them, they haven't looked AS dominate there. Plus what are the odds we get blown out 3 out of 3 times up there? -_-

I always tell myself as a 49er's fan I should always throw money down on SEA when they play each other, if the 49ers win I'm happy, SEA wins I get some beer money..

 

[dank69]

Having been here in a few days, what good games again. I really really wish the NFL would fine Cam for his flop when Brooks tried and failed at jumping the snap count. I can't STAND flopping in ANY sport, NFL was the last place I'd ever see full out flopping (I don't even see WR's do it much).

I honestly don't have a good feeling about going back up to SEA to play there. I'm just setting my bar low so I won't be too disappointed. The only slight hope I have is if the Saints O didn't lay a fat egg the game would have been better and AZ beat them, they haven't looked AS dominate there. Plus what are the odds we get blown out 3 out of 3 times up there? -_-

I always tell myself as a 49er's fan I should always throw money down on SEA when they play each other, if the 49ers win I'm happy, SEA wins I get some beer money..

I feel good about SF chances. I'd feel better if I knew for certain that they were practicing two things:

2 minute drill
offense pre-snap communication with noise cancelling headsets on

I am going to be pissed off if they burn timeouts early again or take delay of game penalties. You KNOW where you are going, prepare for it.

 

[Imported]

I feel good about SF chances. I'd feel better if I knew for certain that they were practicing two things:

2 minute drill
offense pre-snap communication with noise cancelling headsets on

I am going to be pissed off if they burn timeouts early again or take delay of game penalties. You KNOW where you are going, prepare for it.

Never even thought of that.. would be interesting to know.

 

[RPD]

I feel good about SF chances. I'd feel better if I knew for certain that they were practicing two things:

2 minute drill
offense pre-snap communication with noise cancelling headsets on

I am going to be pissed off if they burn timeouts early again or take delay of game penalties. You KNOW where you are going, prepare for it.

Oh yea, last two games they have been really bad at burning time outs argh. I just don't understand why teams don't work on more non-audible signs for going into stadiums that are so loud. Obviously there's limitations on what you can sign and getting the line men on the same page is another matter, but there should be a way to do it.

 

[Ban Bot]

I feel good about SF chances. I'd feel better if I knew for certain that they were practicing two things:

2 minute drill
offense pre-snap communication with noise cancelling headsets on

I am going to be pissed off if they burn timeouts early again or take delay of game penalties. You KNOW where you are going, prepare for it.

That may be a good idea but it may need some tweaking.

At >130db the noise is conducting through the bone as well. Even if the sound coming into the ear directly is cancelled the noise conducting through the bone will still be quite intense. I have first hand experience as I went deaf in one ear. When they have tested that ear I can hear they crank it up and I can hear it in my good ear.

Maybe if they practiced & played with said noise cancelling device AND had loud speakers it could help. I actually think it would be a crazy shock going from silent to crazy loud--maybe everyone should practice with crazy loud headphones blaring?

EDIT: Bad sign for Hawk fans: Harvin not practicing Wednesday. He is not cleared to practice, let alone play.