NFL Championship Sunday

[OleMissCub]

Who dat

 

We dat

 

very original!! :D

 

I officially have the worlds worst hangover. Ugggh. Hope it goes away before gametime.

[TruffleShuffle]

i'm hoping the colts' score is higher than rex ryan's waist size... so probably about 53.

[ScrubMD]

OK, prediction time.

 

First, with the caveat that previous games aren't necessarily predictive or indicative, I wanted to quickly review the previous Colts-Jets game (it's been about 50-50 but I've heard/read a lot of "it was only 15-10'). Even before the mass exodus, the Colts were playing with one hand tied behind their back due to resting players and a limited game plan. Further, the Colts had an extra point blocked and the subsequently failed on a two-point conversion, and the Jets scored seven of their 10 points on a 106-yard kickoff return (I believe the only such return the Colts have allowed and the Jets have scored). It was a pretty fluky 15-10. Not to say the Jets have no chance.

 

I don't particularly think this is a very good matchup for the Jets, though. First, it's a Rex Ryan defense (so analogous to the Ravens) which Peyton Manning and the Colts have been very successful against. Second, the Jets rely on big plays offensively. Eleven of the Jets 38 TD's have been from plays 29-yard or greater, including three of five in the playoffs. The Jets struggle to sustain long drive -- which will surely be the goal today. The Colts defense, however, is predicated on not giving up the big play. The Colts allowed 29 TD's and -- excepting two scored by the Bills against backups -- only two were longer than 17 yards (a 64-yard Frank Gore run where two defenders ran into each other, and an irrelevant Brady-to-Moss bomb -- irrelevant because the Jets certainly cannot match that tandem). The Colts allowed the fewest passing plays of 20 or more yards. Excepting the Bills game, the Colts only allowed five runs of 20 or more yards (which would be best in the NFL). If the Colts take away the big plays -- as is their modus operandi -- the Jets will have to sustain long drives. Now, sustaining long drives would be in the best interests of the Jets, but I just don't see that as a very likely scenario.

 

If the Colts play well and don't shoot themselves in the foot, they should be fine. Colts 23, Jets 9. Saints 27, Vikings 24.

 

I think that's a pretty good analysis. It's kind of weird that most NFL teams still seem to think the Colts have their 2002 defense. Over and over they just try to run it down their throats, and it just hasn't worked this year (excluding the Dolphins, for some reason the Colts couldn't seem to figure out the wild cat). And the Jets don't have much of a choice but to try that, and I think it will once again fail. And I agree that the Colts will win and it won't be particularly close. Unless the Jets really will try 100x harder than the Colts, like they seem to think they will, they just don't match up well.

[JonJayCutler]

Dear Jets, please advance to and win the Super Bowl. Thanks.

[UMFan83]

Dear sports gods,

 

I despise Brett Favre more than anything in the world. I despise the Vikings more than any football team besides the Packers. Since the Bears made the Super Bowl my favorite memory in football is watching Favre choke the NFC title game away in 2007. Now I'm a Michigan and DePaul basketball fan, my baseball team hasn't won the title in 102 years or been in the championship round in 65 years and I have watched 2 teams I despise as much as the Packers and Vikings win World Series and have their fans laugh in my face about it. Without getting even more long winded, I think you know what I'm getting out here. Give me a damn break.

 

umfan83

 

P.S. Also, Katrina. Don't forget.

[RedFlash]

Hey Brett Favre, you need to remember that you are Brett Favre. One of your trademarked 3 INTS game is greatly appreciated. Oh yeah, Adrian one of your famous fumbles would be so much appreciated.

[Guest]

I'm hoping for and believe the home teams will win with the Saints-Vikings game being the closer of the two, though neither will be a blowout.

[ScrubMD]

I have a strong feeling that the Saints will do to Favre what they did to Brady earlier in the season. And hopefully hit him like they did Warner.

[Roast]

I'm saying....

Colts 35

Jets 17

 

As for the second game I have no idea what's gonna happen or who I want to win. I love Favre and Peterson but the Saints are just a fun team to watch.

 

I guess I'll say...

Vikings 27

Saints 21

 

But I have absolutely no confidence in that pick.

[ScrubMD]

Colts 24

Jest 10

 

 

Saints 38

Vikings 20

[Roast]

Holy crap. If Peyton has that much time all day the Jets are gonna get slaughtered.

[Roast]

Of course if they do that...

[TruffleShuffle]

rex ryan looks like he's about a year or two bacon double cheeseburgers from a massive heart attack.

[Roast]

Wow, what a throw/catch.

[sneakypower]

why in the world is Feely wearing gloves

[UMFan83]

A kicker missed a kick!!! Huge news!

[TruffleShuffle]

A kicker missed a kick!!! Huge news!

 

i can't remember a playoffs that was such a wall-to-wall choke-fest for kickers.

[Roast]

A kicker missed a kick!!! Huge news!

 

i can't remember a playoffs that was such a wall-to-wall choke-fest for kickers.

It just hasn't been the playoffs, though. The entire season was just horrible.

[Roast]

Just a quick look at the league-wide FG% stats from pro-football-reference.com

 

2009: 81.3%

2008: 84.5%

2007: 82.8%

2006: 81.4%

 

 

Apparently it's not that far out of whack, it just seems like it.

[TruffleShuffle]

nice defense

[UMFan83]

That was a Favre like celebration by Sanchez on that TD. Nice play though!

[SpongeWorthy]

Nice.

[rocket]

so was anyone else thinking that braylon was going to drop the pass while the ball was in the air?

[Roast]

Didn't expect that.

[UMFan83]

so was anyone else thinking that braylon was going to drop the pass while the ball was in the air?

 

The thought crossed my mind, but since his abilities can no longer affect my fantasy team, he no reason to drop it.