Official NFL playoff thread

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dougp

Diamond Member
May 3, 2002
7,909
4
0
Not really. T.J. Yates and Jacoby Jones combined for what, four turnovers, or was it five? Those two gave the Ravens the game. If Matt Schaub were playing, I believe it would have turned out differently.

Oh, but he didn't - and 3 interceptions, yah that's the offense's fault. They were outplayed by the defense or else the turnover's wouldn't have been committed and the Texans would walk away the victors.
 

AstroManLuca

Lifer
Jun 24, 2004
15,628
5
81
Oh, but he didn't - and 3 interceptions, yah that's the offense's fault. They were outplayed by the defense or else the turnover's wouldn't have been committed and the Texans would walk away the victors.

Really, both teams were much stronger on defense than on offense. Like you said, the difference was the turnovers. The Ravens' offense wasn't much good with Flacco completing only around 50% of his passes and Ray Rice being mostly shut down, especially when it was important (that 4th and goal at the 1). Yates also only completed about half of his passes and both he and Foster couldn't get important yards when it counted. Both teams only converted about one third of their third down attempts. Foster may have rushed for over 100 yards but they were garbage stats, most didn't lead to points.

It was a defense-oriented, low-scoring game. Any number of small things could have swung the game in the Texans' favor. Jacoby Jones not fumbling that punt, just one of those interceptions not happening... but like you said, at the end of the day, the best team wins. Or at least the best team on that day wins.
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
Oh, yeah, I forgot to make a note. All four remaining teams play in OPEN stadiums.

Suck on that, dome teams. :awe:
 

BUTCH1

Lifer
Jul 15, 2000
20,433
1,769
126
It will be interesting to see if Reed's ankle and neck hold up, I know he's tough but tackling the Gronk won't be much fun and I'll bet dollars for donuts BB targets him early to see how Reed responds...
 

fustercluck

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2002
7,402
0
71
When the 49ers play well on offense, like they did in the 4th Quarter against the Saints, they are the best team in the NFL. I just don't trust Alex Smith and that offense yet. 2007 Superbowl rematch coming up! Giants vs Pats. Pats get revenge!
 

IndyColtsFan

Lifer
Sep 22, 2007
33,655
688
126
As long as the Pats lose, I don't care what happens the rest of the playoffs. :D Seriously though, I also think we will probably see a rematch of the Pats vs. Giants and I think the Giants should win, but who knows.
 

Capt Caveman

Lifer
Jan 30, 2005
34,543
651
126
As long as the Pats lose, I don't care what happens the rest of the playoffs. :D Seriously though, I also think we will probably see a rematch of the Pats vs. Giants and I think the Giants should win, but who knows.

And my fingers are crossed that this will be a season of redemption for NE. Beating the Ravens today to revenge the 2009 playoff loss then beating the Giants in the Superbowl in ICF's hometown.

But if the Giants were to win then Eli would be known as the better Manning. :biggrin:
 

Gothgar

Lifer
Sep 1, 2004
13,429
1
0
As long as the Pats lose, I don't care what happens the rest of the playoffs. :D Seriously though, I also think we will probably see a rematch of the Pats vs. Giants and I think the Giants should win, but who knows.

:mad:

Thought we were bros ICF... fucking Niners v. Pats Super Bowl.

Then the tears from Pats fans, they will be oh so delicious when the Niners stomp them too!
 

zinfamous

No Lifer
Jul 12, 2006
111,904
31,432
146
When the 49ers play well on offense, like they did in the 4th Quarter against the Saints, they are the best team in the NFL. I just don't trust Alex Smith and that offense yet. 2007 Superbowl rematch coming up! Giants vs Pats. Pats get revenge!

I agree wtih that, based on what I've seen all year.

I hope Smith is really developing into what he was supposed to be. Everything about that game was pure balls for Alex Smith, and I think he went a long way to building his own confidence and the trust of the fans, which is a pretty big deal.

I remember when Eli first came in, and he was nothing more than mediocre for a season or two. I strongly disliked him for his attitude and the way that he entered the league, but he turned out to be a real gamer. I don't think he's any less of a clutch player in the NFL than Brady is. He might be the top "clutch" player.

It would be nice if Alex Smith, starting last week and this week, captures this moment and it manages to define him as a player for the rest of his career. He's finally got what he hasn't had yet in the NFL--a legitimate coaching staff that is not only great, but actually supports him. I don't know if Harbaugh sees himself in this kid, but I think he's managed to design the offense around Smith's best skills.
 

zinfamous

No Lifer
Jul 12, 2006
111,904
31,432
146
nasty, nasty weather over here. It's going to be a sloppy game. Definitely weather that favors the Giants. Maybe SF can run some reverses to Vernon Davis.

:D
 

BUTCH1

Lifer
Jul 15, 2000
20,433
1,769
126
Here we go, I've also got a feeling the Pat's D will have a big game, they've got people back from injury and are playing with intensity..
 

MetalMat

Diamond Member
Jun 14, 2004
9,687
36
91
I hope the 49ers win, another Giants vs Patriots or Ravens superbowl would just bore me.