By: Anthony D'Amato
Now that the playoff picture is set, it’s time to take a look at the field, dissect each team, and pick ‘em.
WILD CARD ROUND
(6)
4:30 p.m. EST, Sunday, 6 January 2008 on CBS
Strengths: For the Titans, it has to be Albert Haynesworth. Excluding Week 17, opponents averaged 142.25 yards a game rushing against a Haynesworth-less Titans squad. When he’s in the lineup though, opposing teams average only 78.18 rushing yards a game (and LaDanian Tomlinson is the only back to break the century mark in those games). Also, I’m not sure I’d want anybody other than Rob Bironas attempting a field goal in a late situation. Across the field, the San Diego Chargers boast the best all-round back in the National Football League. LDT (I refuse to call him ‘LT’ and since there are 3 capitalized letters in his name already, doesn’t this kind of make more sense than repeating a nickname?) can single-handedly change a game, even a season. What happened to the Chargers after they decided to hand him the ball? They went from a 1-3 start to 10-2 the rest of the way finishing with a 6 game win streak. Couple him with a dominant weapon in Antonio Gates and
Weaknesses: For both teams, the most glaring problem is the efficiency at the quarterback position. Vince Young’s health is a concern, but he should be ready to go. His efficiency is questionable, and he’ll be making his playoff debut, but his history suggests he’s a strong performer in big games. Philip Rivers shouldn’t be passing the ball 40 times a game, either. He’s got to keep moving the chains, and limit his mistakes.
X Factor: The Chargers will gameplan to run away from perennial Pro Bowl LB Keith Bulluck. The Titans would be foolish to kick to either Michael Turner or Darren Sproles.
Outcome: Expect a physical and primarily defensive game, much like the overtime battle in Week 13 – Chargers eek this one out, 20-17.
(5)
8:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, 5 January 2008 on NBC
Strengths: The Jaguars have a tenacious defense and employ the most effective two-man backfield in the NFL, which means they’ll battle for field position and slug it out all game long. David Garrard has been a marvelous game manager – he limits his mistakes and makes the necessary throws. Reggie Williams has emerged has a legitimate scoring threat and red zone target with 10 receiving touchdowns on the season. The Steelers have a quarterback with Super Bowl experience in Ben Roethlisberger, who had a terrific year after the hullabaloo season following that motorcycle accident.
Weaknesses: The Jags don’t have a #1 receiver and Fred Taylor has openly complained about the artificial turf at Heinz Field. The Steelers are without Willie Parker after he suffered that broken leg and was placed on IR.
X-Factor: David Garrard is going to struggle moving this offense against the Steelers D, so it’s extremely important that he minimizes his mistakes. Najeh Davenport gets the bulk of the carries as
Outcome: Willie Parker’s absence will hurt more than you think. Jags tire out Pittsburgh D by the 4th quarter and hang on despite a few late scoring drives led by Roethlisberger, 27-24.
(6)
4:30 p.m. EST, Saturday, 5 January 2008 on NBC
Strengths:
Weaknesses: For my money, Jason Campbell is not a playoff caliber QB. I can get by with David Garrard and Jeff Garcia (no mistakes) or Vince Young (playmaking ability) and Eli Manning (not as bad as everyone thinks). Shaun Alexander (probable) and Deion Branch (questionable) are both listed on the injury report for
X-Factor: Qwest Field, for both teams. There are 4 stadiums I’d want to avoid at this point in the season: Arrowhead Stadium, Gillette Stadium, Lambeau Field, and Qwest. Notice the sound level on Saturday and you’ll see what I mean.
Outcome: Washington 14, Seattle 36.
(5)
6:00 p.m. EST, Sunday, 6 January 2008 on FOX
Strengths: The G-Men are coming off a very strong showing last week against The Undefeated, and hung in there due to the NFC’s 2nd best defense. They have playmakers at the skill positions on both sides of the ball and a great front 7. You know Tom Coughlin will have them prepared, and we should see a heavy dose of the running game. The Buccaneers have the only defense ranked higher than the Giants and shut down the passing attack better than anybody in the NFL. Jeff Garcia doesn’t make many mistakes (like Garrard), and
Weaknesses: Sinorice Moss, Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress are banged up, but only Moss should sit. Eli’s mistakes are the biggest liability for the Giants. The Bucs will miss their leading receiver Joey Galloway, who Garcia created a good rapport, so Garcia will have to find other targets.
X-Factor: Eli Manning has to limit his mistakes, make good decisions, and avoid falling back into bad habits (such as tolling back into pressure instead of stepping up into the pocket). Earnest Graham, who has been a pleasant surprise for
Outcome: A characteristic 4th quarter Eli Manning interception will prove costly as the Buccaneers will manage the clock and preserve a 16-14 win.
(5)
8:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, 12 January 2008 on CBS
Strengths: (Seeing as I’ve covered the lower-seeded teams already, the S/W sections will be for the 1 and 2 seeds.) The Patriots have the Golden Boy, the Genius Coach, and the Super Freak receiver to complement a crazygood defense. Home field advantage plays out to be a strength here, as weather could impact the game.
Weaknesses: I’m really really really really really nitpicking here, but I’m not as completely blown away by the Pats rush attack as I am by the other parts of their team.
X-Factor: If Fred Taylor + MoJo Drew can find some space and get going, the Jags have a shot. If Tom Brady throws more than 3 picks, I don’t see the Patriots winning. (Those are 2 pretty damn big IF’s.)
Outcome: I’m not picking against The Undefeated, who win another close game 21-17.
(3)
1:00 p.m. EST, Sunday, 13 January 2008 on CBS
Strengths: Peyton Manning is… well, what can be said that hasn’t been said already? Joseph Addai was a steal that late in the NFL Draft a couple years ago, and this team has the depth to cover some of its injuries.
Weaknesses: Marvin Harrison is questionable, and might be used more as a decoy than a legit weapon.
X-Factor: The Colts receivers will need to step it up in the absence of
Outcome: This will be a great game, but I’ve got the Colts winning 31-21.
(4)
4:30 p.m. EST, Sunday, 13 January 2008 on FOX
Strengths: I had a discussion with a ‘Boys fan earlier this season, and he went so far as to claiming he wouldn’t trade Tony Romo for Tom Brady. Quite frankly, I don’t blame him, and I think Dallas brass was right giving him that extension, seeing has they haven’t had a QB whose star shines as bright as the one on his helmet. I can’t wait to see a motivated T.O. on a national stage. Remember what happened that Sunday Owens had 4 touchdown catches, and then Randy Moss upstaged him with 4 in the first half during the night game? Well, this time Moss plays first…
Weaknesses: The Cowboys are susceptible to the pass, but the Bucs don’t really have that prolific of an air attack.
X-Factor: Jessica Simpson – watch the game at home, at a bar, whatever, just keep her out of the
Outcome: Sorry Bucs fans, the Cowboys will run away with this one 41-20.
(3)
4:30 p.m. EST, Saturday, 12 January 2008 on FOX
Strengths: #4. Exactly, you know who I’m talking about. I don’t even have to mention his name. There were questions at the beginning of the season on whether this young team would be able to compete. They rallied around him in what could be his last shot. The
Weaknesses: They don’t run the ball great, that’s about all I can say.
X-Factor: Pressure. Pressure on Mike Holmgren returning to Lambeau. Pressure Hasselbeck will put on himself to perform well against the team that sent him packing. Pressure on Favre to carry his team. Pressure on the rest of his team to come through.
Outcome: The Packers escape 24-17 with a late drive led by #4.
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
AFC (2)
-:-- p.m. EST, 20 January 2008 on CBS
A few years ago, there was an offensive juggernaut that was blowing out opponents and threatening to stay undefeated late into the season. Obviously, that team was the favorite to run the postseason table and win the Super Bowl. However, a team that had just as sound a passer and a stronger ground game, not to mention a superior defense, pulled the rug out and eventually went on to win the 2005 championship.
NFC (2)
-:-- p.m. EST, 20 January 2008 on FOX
Tony Romo overcomes the botched snap fiasco and has a great postseason, but Brett Favre will find a way to get it done. I think the Packers defense is really underrated and will keep the Cowboys offense in check. Charles Woodson will limit T.O. and the front 7 will swallow up Julius Jones and Marion Barber. Aaron Kampman is a beast and will provide the pressure needed to slow Romo and the passing game. Pack wins 28-24.
SUPER BOWL XLII
6:00 p.m. EST, 3 February 2008 in
Heads or Tails? Tails! Just kidding, but that’s what it feels like having to choose this game. Defending champs or fairy tale ending? This game will continue the string of great Super Bowls we’ve had this decade, but the Packers win 27-24. What can I say? I’m a sucker for
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