NFL AFC Championship Game - Patriots vs Chargers

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: RapidSnail

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: RapidSnail

Originally posted by: Rebasxer
Lol.

Brady + Maroney + Moss + Stallworth + Welker + Better veteran defense > Colts

Lol.

The "veteran" defense means little in this case. NE's weaknesses are letting up big plays on defense (look at some of the Jag's drives) and vulnerability to a persistent running attack. In my mind, the deciding factor for Indy is their defense. They are youthful and full of energy and seem to play very well against the Pats. Brady, like all QB's, is less effective under pressure, something the Colt's bring effectively against NE. The rest of the NE's offensive squad has equivilent parallels to Indy's squad so I consider that moot.

I wouldn't put it past NE to win, but I just think Indy's got it at the right time.

You do know that the Pats D held the Jags to only 2 FGs in the 2nd half and held them to 80 yards rushing for the entire game. And without Freeney, i don't see the Colts able to put much pressure on Brady.

With the Pats at home, Pats by 10.

Note - the Pats had more rushing yards than the Colts this season.

But the Jags, even without the running game, were able to penetrate pretty well into NE territory. Imagine what a much more experienced QB can do to the secondary as well as the running game. And I wasn't aware that Freeney will be missing. That could drastically change the amount of pressure the Colts line could put on Brady. Defensive pressure will be the deciding factor in this game. Mark it.

Edit: I also missed the rushing yards reference. I wasn't aware of that either. I still think Addai has been a better back the Maroney-Faulk. Although I do think Maroney has some good potential.

I think that's a narrow-minded argument. Look at the Jags' drives. Garrard did an excellent job of managing the game and creating opportunities. The Patriots took away the Jags' biggest weapon and forced them to win through the air. Despite giving up yards, the Patriots' defense really clamped down in the red zone. Twice they got to Garrard and he made two amazing plays instead of taking the sack. The Patriots did what they wanted - they created situations where Garrard had to make amazing plays to keep the drive alive, and he did a number of times.


Upcoming game thoughts: The Chargers are a much, much better team than most people are giving them credit for. They have an opportunistic defense and a lot of great weapons on offense. Throw out the week 2 meeting - the Chargers are a different team now.

NE's offensive line has shown it is adept at picking up blitzes and does an excellent job of adjusting to the pressure presented. The question is if Merriman and Phillips generate pressure on Brady without having to bring the house? If they cannot, I think they'll find themselves chasing guys like Welker and Stallworth downfield on screens / short throws.

I think this one will be closer than most are predicting, but a late drive by the Pats will seal it.

Patriots: 31, Chargers 28.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
I think this one will be closer than most are predicting, but a late drive by the Pats will seal it.

Patriots: 31, Chargers 28.

You think it's going to be that close with Rivers, LT, and Gates all banged up?

 

[Nitemare]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
I think this one will be closer than most are predicting, but a late drive by the Pats will seal it.

Patriots: 31, Chargers 28.

You think it's going to be that close with Rivers, LT, and Gates all banged up?

Philly brought them a loss almost...

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Nitemare

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
I think this one will be closer than most are predicting, but a late drive by the Pats will seal it.

Patriots: 31, Chargers 28.

You think it's going to be that close with Rivers, LT, and Gates all banged up?

Philly brought them a loss almost...

Which means what?

Since we're making useless comparisons, I'll throw out that the Pats beat the Charges 38-14, they beat the Cowboys 48-27, the Skins 52-7, and the Steelers 34-13. Then I'll say they barely scraped by versus the Giants 38-35, 20-10 vs Jets, 27-24 vs Ravens, and 24-20 Colts.

What does it all mean? Not a god damn thing.

The Chargers are a much improved team over the beginning of the season, but their weapons are going to be limited vs. the Pats. Rivers, Gates, and LT aren't going to be firing on all cylinders (and that's if they all play). Chambers is still a stud, and Volek has shown he can handle himself on a single drive. Problem is, can an injured Rivers or healthy Volek lead the charge against the Patriots defense? Can an injured LT open up the passing game by getting the yards they need.

The Patriots are doing very welll offensively and defensively right now. The Pats are going to score versus the Chargers. There are no ifs, ands, or buts, about that. It's going to come down to if the Chargers can keep up with the Pats. And with a lot of banged up key players, that doesn't look very likely.

 

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
I think this one will be closer than most are predicting, but a late drive by the Pats will seal it.

Patriots: 31, Chargers 28.

You think it's going to be that close with Rivers, LT, and Gates all banged up?

Based on the fact they beat the Colts, who I think are as good as NE, anything is possible. This Chargers team will be pretty fired up to avenge their loss last season and I think it will show. They're a big, physical team with a talented (if sometimes suspect) defense and those qualities play well against the Patriots.

Until we hear more about their injuries, everything surrounding LT, Gates, and Rivers is speculation, but I'll bet on them playing. Rivers might have the most difficulty, though, because it's his left knee that's hurt, right? That means he might have trouble planting to throw and he'll definitely have trouble moving around the pocket.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: NuclearNed
This game is going to make me feel really filthy stinking dirty. I dislike Rivers so much I might actually <gasp, sob> find myself rooting for the Patriots!

I'm so ashamed.

Why do you dislike Rivers so much? I loved it when he was yelling at the fans as they taunted him when he was walking toward the tunnel.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Nitemare

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
I think this one will be closer than most are predicting, but a late drive by the Pats will seal it.

Patriots: 31, Chargers 28.

You think it's going to be that close with Rivers, LT, and Gates all banged up?

Philly brought them a loss almost...

Which means what?

Since we're making useless comparisons, I'll throw out that the Pats beat the Charges 38-14, they beat the Cowboys 48-27, the Skins 52-7, and the Steelers 34-13. Then I'll say they barely scraped by versus the Giants 38-35, 20-10 vs Jets, 27-24 vs Ravens, and 24-20 Colts.

What does it all mean? Not a god damn thing.

The Chargers are a much improved team over the beginning of the season, but their weapons are going to be limited vs. the Pats. Rivers, Gates, and LT aren't going to be firing on all cylinders (and that's if they all play). Chambers is still a stud, and Volek has shown he can handle himself on a single drive. Problem is, can an injured Rivers or healthy Volek lead the charge against the Patriots defense? Can an injured LT open up the passing game by getting the yards they need.

The Patriots are doing very welll offensively and defensively right now. The Pats are going to score versus the Chargers. There are no ifs, ands, or buts, about that. It's going to come down to if the Chargers can keep up with the Pats. And with a lot of banged up key players, that doesn't look very likely.

I agree with you 100% although I'm still rooting for the Chargers.

 

[Nitemare]

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
I think this one will be closer than most are predicting, but a late drive by the Pats will seal it.

Patriots: 31, Chargers 28.

You think it's going to be that close with Rivers, LT, and Gates all banged up?

Based on the fact they beat the Colts, who I think are as good as NE, anything is possible. This Chargers team will be pretty fired up to avenge their loss last season and I think it will show. They're a big, physical team with a talented (if sometimes suspect) defense and those qualities play well against the Patriots.

Until we hear more about their injuries, everything surrounding LT, Gates, and Rivers is speculation, but I'll bet on them playing. Rivers might have the most difficulty, though, because it's his left knee that's hurt, right? That means he might have trouble planting to throw and he'll definitely have trouble moving around the pocket.

Playing with heart and guts sometimes evens out the playing field...

Granted on paper they don't have a chance and I would not put money on them, it would not surprise me if it was a competitive game.

 

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: Nitemare

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
I think this one will be closer than most are predicting, but a late drive by the Pats will seal it.

Patriots: 31, Chargers 28.

You think it's going to be that close with Rivers, LT, and Gates all banged up?

Based on the fact they beat the Colts, who I think are as good as NE, anything is possible. This Chargers team will be pretty fired up to avenge their loss last season and I think it will show. They're a big, physical team with a talented (if sometimes suspect) defense and those qualities play well against the Patriots.

Until we hear more about their injuries, everything surrounding LT, Gates, and Rivers is speculation, but I'll bet on them playing. Rivers might have the most difficulty, though, because it's his left knee that's hurt, right? That means he might have trouble planting to throw and he'll definitely have trouble moving around the pocket.

Playing with heart and guts sometimes evens out the playing field...

Granted on paper they don't have a chance and I would not put money on them, it would not surprise me if it was a competitive game.

I agree. Don't doubt the Chargers. It's going to be a good game.

 

[rasczak]

Chargers to the SB!

S.D. Native here

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Nitemare

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
I think this one will be closer than most are predicting, but a late drive by the Pats will seal it.

Patriots: 31, Chargers 28.

You think it's going to be that close with Rivers, LT, and Gates all banged up?

Philly brought them a loss almost...

Which means what?

Since we're making useless comparisons, I'll throw out that the Pats beat the Charges 38-14, they beat the Cowboys 48-27, the Skins 52-7, and the Steelers 34-13. Then I'll say they barely scraped by versus the Giants 38-35, 20-10 vs Jets, 27-24 vs Ravens, and 24-20 Colts.

What does it all mean? Not a god damn thing.

The Chargers are a much improved team over the beginning of the season, but their weapons are going to be limited vs. the Pats. Rivers, Gates, and LT aren't going to be firing on all cylinders (and that's if they all play). Chambers is still a stud, and Volek has shown he can handle himself on a single drive. Problem is, can an injured Rivers or healthy Volek lead the charge against the Patriots defense? Can an injured LT open up the passing game by getting the yards they need.

The Patriots are doing very welll offensively and defensively right now. The Pats are going to score versus the Chargers. There are no ifs, ands, or buts, about that. It's going to come down to if the Chargers can keep up with the Pats. And with a lot of banged up key players, that doesn't look very likely.

I agree with you 100% although I'm still rooting for the Chargers.

:thumbsup:

Best post so far. Good luck to the Chargers!

 

[rasczak]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: JRich
Colts

/thread

Maybe next year!!!

Still in shock how 2nd string players could beat Indy.

With Rivers, LT and Gate injured, the score will be worse than it was earlier in the year.

Pats 42-10

Some are making the mistake that these 2nd stringers are jsut that, 2nd stringers. Michael Turner could start for any club in the league. He just happens to play behind the greatest back of this century.

as for volek, he could have started in tennesee were it not for a guy named mcnair, and another guy named young.

we were fortunate to have these two (very capable of being starters) playing for our team.

 

[Reckoner]

Originally posted by: mooglemania85

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
You can't just change this topic title because the Colts lost.

That's weak...really weak.:thumbsdown:

What are you talking about. Thread was originally titled, "Patriots vs Chargers/Colts", since it was created after NE beat JAX and prior to the Chargers/Colts game.

QFT, WTF are you talking about Jules?

 

[aplefka]

Man, a sticky thread for only the AFC championship game? 6 days to go still no less. Impressive.

 

[Phokus]

Rivers needs to be put in his place... he's so obnoxious even some people who are indifferent or even hate the pats are rooting for the Pats... i mean you have to be a COMPLETE douchebag for that to happen

 

[rise]

Originally posted by: aplefka
Man, a sticky thread for only the AFC championship game? 6 days to go still no less. Impressive.

you're welcome.

 

[MotF Bane]

Originally posted by: Phokus
Rivers needs to be put in his place... he's so obnoxious even some people who are indifferent or even hate the pats are rooting for the Pats... i mean you have to be a COMPLETE douchebag for that to happen

Let him talk trash to the Patriots fans. I wish him luck with that.

 

[rasczak]

granted he could be a little less hothead, but I think he relishes in "talking" to the fans

 

[Phokus]

Originally posted by: jpbelauskas
granted he could be a little less hothead, but I think he relishes in "talking" to the fans

to the fans... and to other players... and their coaches... and the media... and probably his own teammates and coaches too... maybe even random children that ask for his autograph

But other than that, he's COMPLETELY level headed

 

[anxi80]

in san diego we're used to it so thats why it doesnt bother us any. jake peavy has been getting crap for years because of his fist pumping and fiery emotions on the field. its those damn boys from alabama i tells ya!

 

[crownjules]

Chargers don't have a chance. Sorry, but look what the same setup did to us last year.

Last year, Patriots played at SD and got roughed up but won. We then had to go on the road again to play the Colts and it clearly showed that the SD game and all the travel wore us down. We might have won had it been a home game and/or it wasn't so much of a slugfest in SD. But both of those factors combined proved to be a 1-2 punch.

The Chargers are now in the exact same situation, except the Pats are a much tougher opponent then Indy was to the Pats last year. They might also be out a few key players.

 

[w3stfa11]

I predict an upset. Brady has 2 interceptions and some other weird shit happens and the Chargers win.

 

[Gibson486]

I am predicting Brady vs the other Manning in the SB. That game would be awesome. I hope it would as good as their last game.

Before I get too ahead....Brady is on a roll. He has momentum that only God himself could stop. What can you say? He's just ontop of the world.

 

[Ricochet]

Originally posted by: Nitemare

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
I think this one will be closer than most are predicting, but a late drive by the Pats will seal it.

Patriots: 31, Chargers 28.

You think it's going to be that close with Rivers, LT, and Gates all banged up?

Based on the fact they beat the Colts, who I think are as good as NE, anything is possible. This Chargers team will be pretty fired up to avenge their loss last season and I think it will show. They're a big, physical team with a talented (if sometimes suspect) defense and those qualities play well against the Patriots.

Until we hear more about their injuries, everything surrounding LT, Gates, and Rivers is speculation, but I'll bet on them playing. Rivers might have the most difficulty, though, because it's his left knee that's hurt, right? That means he might have trouble planting to throw and he'll definitely have trouble moving around the pocket.

Playing with heart and guts sometimes evens out the playing field...

Granted on paper they don't have a chance and I would not put money on them, it would not surprise me if it was a competitive game.

Agreed. Nothing is a given. The Ravens had plenty of heart and guts going into the game against the Pats. The Chargers should take their cue from that game.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: ricochet

Originally posted by: Nitemare

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
I think this one will be closer than most are predicting, but a late drive by the Pats will seal it.

Patriots: 31, Chargers 28.

You think it's going to be that close with Rivers, LT, and Gates all banged up?

Based on the fact they beat the Colts, who I think are as good as NE, anything is possible. This Chargers team will be pretty fired up to avenge their loss last season and I think it will show. They're a big, physical team with a talented (if sometimes suspect) defense and those qualities play well against the Patriots.

Until we hear more about their injuries, everything surrounding LT, Gates, and Rivers is speculation, but I'll bet on them playing. Rivers might have the most difficulty, though, because it's his left knee that's hurt, right? That means he might have trouble planting to throw and he'll definitely have trouble moving around the pocket.

Playing with heart and guts sometimes evens out the playing field...

Granted on paper they don't have a chance and I would not put money on them, it would not surprise me if it was a competitive game.

Agreed. Nothing is a given. The Ravens had plenty of heart and guts going into the game against the Pats. The Chargers should take their cue from that game.

Here's an interesting question:

What if the Patriots play their hearts and guts out versus the Chargers? :Q