Read Post # 519 -- NFL Divisional Playoffs thread

[Retro Rob]

Seattle never plays well in the first half when they travel east and play the 10AM PST game. I don't think any west coast team does. I don't know why they schedule like that in the playoffs. Heck, I woke up at 10AM and I was still groggy. lol

Anyways, I knew they'd have to come back in the second half when I saw the schedule, but 31 was just too much. At least they made a game of it, but a big part of that was Carolina being up so much so soon and just coasting, then they couldn't get back in the groove. Carolina vs Arizona should be a great game.

This game is the reason why I think big leads hurt teams, especially when they get them so early in the game.

I mean, its hard to play with a sense of urgency when you're sitting on a 31 point cushion. Its human to protect the lead, unless you're the Patriots, which is one of the very rare teams that can put teams away early and for good.

Carolina absolutely played not to lose. That nearly costs them.

 

[glenn1]

I'm watching kids and no access to TV, is PFM really playing as badly as the box scores indicate?

 

[Childs]

This game is the reason why I think big leads hurt teams, especially when they get them so early in the game.

I mean, its hard to play with a sense of urgency when you're sitting on a 31 point cushion. Its human to protect the lead, unless you're the Patriots, which is one of the very rare teams that can put teams away early and for good.

Carolina absolutely played not to lose. That nearly costs them.

Yeah, big leads early don't matter against a good team. If you let off just a little bit they always get back in the game. Its kinda hard though, because incomplete passes stop the clock, and even if you just run the ball 3 times and punt and never score again they other team can't make up 31 points. They can with 3 and out possessions that don't take any time off the clock. A 3 and out and punt takes off like 3 min, so Seattle would effectively need to score 31 points in one quarter against one of the best defenses in the NFL. I can understand Carolina's thinking. If they were only up by say 17 I'm sure they would have played differently.

Take away that one 70 yard run by Stewart, and Carolina didn't really run the ball well. They had success passing against Seattle's zone, so they should have stuck to it. And if they did I don't think Seattle could have stopped it. But it made an otherwise uncompetitive game interesting.

 

[Ricochet]

I'm watching kids and no access to TV, is PFM really playing as badly as the box scores indicate?

His receivers aren't doing him any favors and for a top level defense, Broncos aren't tackling very well.

 

[Childs]

His receivers aren't doing him any favors and for a top level defense, Broncos aren't tackling very well.

The wind isn't helping him any either.

 

[zinfamous]

This game still hasn't told me anything about Carolina. I didn't think the Hawks were that good, so not sure what to make of Carolina after not being able to put up any points the 2nd half.

Would have loved to see Seattle crushed. Oh well.

because you didn't watch the last 8 games.

 

[zinfamous]

Do not disagree w/ that at all- they've been much better...just don't agree that they are average for the league.

It was a very different team for the second half.

If you weigh the first half of the season heavier, they are below average to average. You weigh the second half, they were an elite defense.

 

[smackababy]

because you didn't watch the last 8 games.

Um, he is a Pats fan, and they are the most informed NFL viewers.


Denver blowing their timeouts... This may come back to haunt them.

 

[waggy]

wtf. pit got a gift.

that should have been on the 1 or a safety.

 

[smackababy]

Pit lucky on that muffed punt. That was almost a Denver TD.

 

[Ken g6]

Denver finally looks like they have some offense.

 

[gorcorps]

Ugh... Burning all these timeouts can't possibly end well. That was a good drive after the turnover though. First time the offense actually clicked

 

[smackababy]

I just don't see either of these teams beating NE playing like they are.

 

[Retro Rob]

I just don't see either of these teams beating NE playing like they are.

Neither do I....

 

[waggy]

I just don't see either of these teams beating NE playing like they are.

nope. I don't see either team winning after today.

 

[Childs]

I just don't see either of these teams beating NE playing like they are.

Nope. Its essentially a bye week for NE. Maybe if Pittsburg had Brown and one of their running backs, but Denver just doesn't have enough on offense to keep pace with NE.

 

[gorcorps]

I just don't see either of these teams beating NE playing like they are.

Most likely not. Denver's defense didn't look as sharp as they usually do, but Pittsburgh also put up a big game against Denver earlier so it could just be that match-up that makes the D look so bad.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

Panthers and Pats in the SB, Panthers win it.

 

[glenn1]

I just don't see either of these teams beating NE playing like they are.

Maybe Osweiler will be ready by next week. If judging by the answer to my question about how well PFM was playing ("____ isn't helping" is never an encouraging answer to that question) the Broncos are probably better off sending him back to the bench.

 

[Childs]

Most likely not. Denver's defense didn't look as sharp as they usually do, but Pittsburgh also put up a big game against Denver earlier so it could just be that match-up that makes the D look so bad.

Pittsburg is pretty good, so I don't think its a reflection on Denver's D. Pittsburg probably would have won the Super Bowl this year if they could have stayed relatively healthy. I think they'll win the AFC next year.

 

[Jeffg010]

There is a reason Toussaint was cut by so many teams. I guess they saw he was fumbler. That fumble cost the Steelers the game. I can't wait to get Bell back.

 

[emperus]

because you didn't watch the last 8 games.

You mean last week where they should have lost or this week where they got blown out by the 3rd quarter?

 

[purbeast0]

ugh another boring ass afc championship game. i'm tired of the brady/manning duel. especially when peyton is a shell of his former self.

 

[emperus]

Denver didn't look good. Fortunate bryant was out.

 

[tmc]

yep, i want peyton to go out with another ring, but looks like it will be an easy NE win next week.