What is STLCardinalFan talking about? I'm not sure if he's posting his picks for the weekend or what. :)
Somebody here (lbb I think) dropped the hammer on me for putting Tom Brady and Trent Dilfer in the same sentence prior to the Colts game last playoffs. Nah, wasn't me. Injuries shouldn't turn the Pats into the 31st ranked passing defense in the league, ahead of only San Francisco. That number is gonna getcha, Mr. Stone Cold Lock. Sounds like anybody ought to be able to bomb it into the end zone on the Pats and make it work, but somehow it's not like that. Remember, the Pats were way back in the weeds in some important categories back in '02, and they still made it happen. Numbers and rankings and past performances aren't always a very good predictor with the Pats, because above all, they're a team that excels at preparation, and at playing the game that they need to play to beat today's opponent. I'm pretty confident that they're gonna beat Jacksonville, largely because of that preparation thang -- I really think they have that down better than anyone in the NFL; they just have such a well-honed ability, individually and collectively, to do what they need to to prepare for next week's game. Another big ingredient is going to be veteran experience, and I also think a few rookies will shine as well. In particular, I'm looking for my homeboy, #18 Andre Davis, to do something worthwhile.
You had me going for a while, rcade. Valleys 'n peaks, baby, valleys 'n peaks. New England is peaking just at the right time. Their collective mindset is that they've had everything bad happen and they are still in it. That does a lot for team confidence. Rudy Tomjonovich quote: "Never underestimate the heart of a champion." Patriots probably won't go Super this year, but soemone will need a home field advantage to knock 'em out. If Bruschi takes the field in this game against Jax the emotional lift will ADD 3 more points to the spread. As far as the over-under. . . I don't see more than three touchdowns total for the ENTIRE game. Jax came so far, but their's is waiting next season when they'll rip eveybody on their way to a ring.
Two Words. (With a BIll and Ted Accent) YEAH RIGHT!!! Pats by 10 :)
You all are crazy if you think the Jags are going to beat the Pats! The patriots are a proven team who is well coached and has adjusted to their injury problems. Jacksonville, on the other hand, is just now getting a semi-healthy Byron Leftwich back in the mix... No way!! I'm not a Patriot fan, but only a fool can see that New England is the favorite by a longshot!!.... As for the Bears v. Pat rematch... Your half right... the Bears will be eliminated in their 1st playoff match-up... That's my word!!
Super Bowl match-up: Pats v. Wash.... That's my word!!
Jag's are NOT getting a ring anytime soon... sorry... but that's my word!! Ya'll better listen!!
I am glad we have your word!
Injuries shouldn't turn the Pats into the 31st ranked passing defense in the league, ahead of only San Francisco. As lbb alluded to above, this really depends on what stat you look at: most, if not all, of the Pats' 3 championship teams had "bad" defenses in terms of yards allowed. Also, if we were to take one of the Jags' great DTs away for 6 games, remove an All Pro linebacker and their entire secondary, would that affect their level of play? It did a number on the Pats this season. I don't think this is a laugher either way. But I don't think the Jags' offense is good enough to get them very deep in the playoffs. But I am swayed by the size of your lock.
The Jaguars lost their franchise player designee and defensive captain, strong safety Donovin Darius, to a season-ending ACL injury in week 2. I think there's too much injury talk regarding the Pats. Unless all of those DBs have jumped off the IR recently, it's still a reason to regard their secondary as vulnerable. But we'll see in another nine hours.
What is STLCardinalFan talking about? I'm not sure if he's posting his picks for the weekend or what. :) My weekend pool picks but they didn't come out right. With my luck this year, the outcomes won't come out right either.
I think there's too much injury talk regarding the Pats. On the radio last night I heard that every starter that started the first game of the season will start today. Add to that 36 super bowl rings on the Pats, (out of 57 or so) and the experience/success that implies, it's difficult seeing the Pats losing. More importantly for us bettors, will they cover that big 7.5!
I can't see taking the Pats with that spread, but I still like them to win.
If the Jags throw deep early and often, they win. Both Carolina and Philly figured this out too late (the Eagles waaay too late). I'm losing my mind watching teams avoid doing the one thing the Pats are worst at defending.
If the Jags throw deep early and often, they win. I wouldn't count on that. Looks like Asante Samuel is good to go, and Ellis Hobbs ain't no slouch either. I expect the Jag-yoo-ars will try this, but either Samuel or Hobbs could take the wind out of their sails in a hurry. It wouldn't surprise me to see a big offensive play for the Jags, or a big turnover for NE, early in the game.
pats all the way!! No one will suprize them in a playoff game!! They will kick a-- one and ALL
Who do you like to get the '08 Democratic nomination, Cadenhead? (cackle)
...as if the Patriots need anyone else to wish them ill....thanks for the boost, roger. 28-3 and counting..
A few observations: 1. I was right: The weather wasn't a factor. 2. Take away just four plays, and it's a 3-point Jaguars win. 3. I said Byron Leftwich would hit those big targets in the Jags receiving corps. I didn't say they'd actually catch any of the passes. 4. My analysis underestimated the importance of touchdowns on the outcome of a playoff game. 5. I absofreaking nailed the under. 6. The next pope will pick the name Belichick the I.
6. The next pope will pick the name Belichick the I. Especially if he wants to boost his infallibility rep.
2. Take away just four plays, and it's a 3-point Jaguars win. That's true of any 4 touchdowns, of course. Hee hee. I think I just peed my pants. :) That'll teach you to express your opinion, rcade- you'd never catch me doing that! :P
