2009 Divisional Playoffs

[Capt. N-R]

4* Ravens +3

Lots of tough information to digest on many accounts. Toughest factor for Ravens is playing a rested team off six days rest. But getting past that the Ravens have held 12 of 18 opponents to 14 or less points. This makes the Ravens very attractive at +3. Titans have been very good defensively also but it has been done against a lesser class of team. The Titans only faced 2 of the league's top 10 scoring offenses (Packers and Jets) and they went to overtime to beat the Packers and lost handily to the Jets (both games in Nashville.)

3* Cardinals +10

Lots of attention given to the struggles on the East Coast. But all of their struggles occurred at 1 pm or with a short week (the Philly game). They have had the standard week and get a 8 pm (5 pm Pacific) kick tonight. Kurt Warner has been solid over the years in the playoffs getting double digits is quite attractive. Panthers have a very dominant edge in the running game but that might help burn even more time. One interesting note: the Lions were only getting 15 when they came to Carolina about 6 weeks ago. There is a overlay here and I will take it. Look for a Panthers win along the lines of 6-8 points.

[Capt. N-R]

Adding a small 2nd Half Play

3* Panthers -9

Cards are not a solid running team overall (despite the last two weeks) and trying to protect a 20 point lead is stiff. Pantehrs will get it to single digits.

FYI-Panthers trailed 17-3 in the first go around and rallied to win 27-23.

[Capt. N-R]

Who could have imagined Delhomme playing that bad??????? There are a lot of unhappy people in my region (I am a Redskin fan so no matter to me)

Today...........

3* Giants -4

Lots has been made about the comeback of McNabb since the benching. Looking closer at the box score really tells the tale of what has happened. The Eagles defense has really tightened the screws.

Here is a recap

Cardinals: commit 4 turnovers
Browns: commit 2 turnovers including a pick six
Cowboys: commit 5 turnovers including 2 fumble returns for TD's
Vikings: commit 2 turnovers including a pick six

It must also be noted in the 2nd Giants game that Domenik Hixon dropped a wide open pass running down the field and Jacobs left in the early third with a knee injury.

The Eagles have been Jekyll and Hyde on offense. Let's see what they have done on the road this 2nd half:

Seahawks: 2 offensive TD's
Bengals: 1 offensive TD's (in 5 quarters)
Ravens: 0 offensive TD's
Giants: 2 offensive TD's
Redskins: 0 offensive TD's
Vikings: 1 offensive TD's

What has been written as the resurgence of McNabb has really been the heightened play of the Eagles defense. Which brings us to today. You have mid 20's weather and freezing rain. The Giants bring three running backs into what figures to be a physical game and come in well rested (they rested players in week 17). The Eagles bring the weaker running game and are coming in off two must wins were they have played at high emotional levels. Can their energy source (feeding off turnovers) continue today? Down the stretch they faced Ken Dorsey, Tony Romo, and Tavaris Jackson...............it would not seem the Eagles blitz schemes should shake Eli with the same results.

5* Steelers -6

Similar writeup to above. But the Steelers have the far superior defense and running game and are well rested. The Steelers dominated the first matchup but were loose with the ball. LT also had some success in the first game. Darren Sproles is more of a fast track runner---and sloppy Heinz Field is probably the wrong spot. A gimpy Antonio Gates is also a hindrance. Willie Parker is finally healthy and that should be just what the doctor ordered.

The Steelers went 11 games in a row this year with holding teams under 300 yards offense. Think about that. And today a team from Southern California heads to the Northeast in the midst of a winter front. I have seen that movie many times.

[secondbase]

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