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01/18/2007 01:23:15 PM · #1 |
OK, time for picks, favorites, and trash talk. I'll lead it off:
New England at Indianapolis
There are a number of ways to look at this game. From a sheer talent perspective, the Colts get the nod. Manning and an all-pro corps of receivers, a very good running game with Addai and Rhodes, a versitile TE in Dallas Clark, and a superb offensive line. Add to that a revitalized defense that is actually playing play-off caliber football, and it's hard to see any real weaknesses. The Patriots, on the other hand, are banged up on defense, missing a number of key defensive backs, and have a depleted receiver corps after losing some big names to free agency in the previous off-season. Still, the Pats seem to find a way. Tom Brady is better at spreading the ball around than any other QB in the league, and seems to move the ball no matter who is catching his passes.
However, the Patsies have the enviable record of success in the playoffs with Belichick forming the game plan, and Brady and Co. putting it into action. The Colts have a history of, well, choking. I'll take the Patsies, even though the Colts have home field advantage.
Patriots win
New Orleans at Chicago
This is at once the easiest game and the hardest game for me to pick. The Bears have been the most consistently inconsistent team in the league this year. Rex Grossman has an uncanny ability to keep both teams in the game. Their defense is more banged up then they'd like to admit. On the other hand, the Saints have an unbelievably good offense, with weapons that seem to have come out of nowhere this year. Whoever heard of Colston and Copper a year ago? Bush has been excellent and The Duce still knows how to power run. Brees has been simply one of the best QBs of the decade this year, and their defense plays with passion and creativity. Their only downside is that they're not playing this game in Louisiana, where they have uber karma working for them. On paper, I think the Saints have the edge.
Screw the paper. I'm a Bears fan. I'm a rabid, irrational, emotional, immature Bears fan. I can't pick against the Bears no matter what logic and reason say.
Bears win by 52 points
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01/18/2007 01:37:29 PM · #2 |
John, John, John... don't you know you're living a leeeetle far north to have that unBearable affliction? You really should see a doctor about that ;-)
Has anyone ever told you that you should write pre-game analysis for one of the networks? Really that good.
I have no standing to pick anybody this week; John's forgotten more about football than I've ever known... so I'll even forgive the Bears-mania!
I'm rooting for Indy; I think the Pats will knuckle under. At least I hope so.
I'm also rooting for Nawlins. Number one, because they have shown incredible spirit and drive to get to where they are this week, and of course, number two, because they're playing those dispicable BEARS! |
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01/18/2007 01:41:57 PM · #3 |
My bedtime prayer. God, please don't let the Bears win. Amen. I don't care about the rest of'em.
Message edited by author 2007-01-18 13:42:23.
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01/18/2007 01:53:14 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by strangeghost:
Bears win by 52 points |
John, I used to think you were a rather smart individual. ;-P I'm going with the Bears too, but 52 points is just being slightly optomistic, don'cha think?
Go Pats! |
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01/18/2007 02:12:12 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by NstiG8tr:
My bedtime prayer. God, please don't let the Bears win. Amen. I don't care about the rest of'em. |
God's got nothing to do with it. Bears fans pray and light candles to Ditka. |
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01/18/2007 02:13:16 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by strangeghost:
Originally posted by NstiG8tr:
My bedtime prayer. God, please don't let the Bears win. Amen. I don't care about the rest of'em. |
God's got nothing to do with it. Bears fans pray and light candles to Ditka. |
It's hell trying to keep those iron candles lit ;-) |
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01/18/2007 02:18:47 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
John, John, John... don't you know you're living a leeeetle far north to have that unBearable affliction? You really should see a doctor about that ;-)
Has anyone ever told you that you should write pre-game analysis for one of the networks? Really that good.
I have no standing to pick anybody this week; John's forgotten more about football than I've ever known... so I'll even forgive the Bears-mania!
I'm rooting for Indy; I think the Pats will knuckle under. At least I hope so.
I'm also rooting for Nawlins. Number one, because they have shown incredible spirit and drive to get to where they are this week, and of course, number two, because they're playing those dispicable BEARS! |
You got me curious Fritz. My house is 148 miles from Lambeau field, door-to-door. However, I'm 158 miles from Soldier Field. A clear accident of geography. I swear continental drift will get me closer to Chicago within 20-30 million years at the most. There must be a rift between Madison and Green Bay.
On the analysis, I can't do that every week. But when the playoffs are dumping adrenaline into my blood, the hype pumps bullsh*t out my mouth.
Marc. You're right, that was just absurd. I change my score prediction: 52-3. |
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01/18/2007 02:24:22 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by strangeghost:
You got me curious Fritz. My house is 148 miles from Lambeau field, door-to-door. However, I'm 158 miles from Soldier Field. A clear accident of geography. I swear continental drift will get me closer to Chicago within 20-30 million years at the most. There must be a rift between Madison and Green Bay. |
It's well known that the gravity well around Lambeau is twice as deep. Even were you closer to Soldier, you'd inevitably spiral toward Lambeau. You are doomed. Prepare to be assimilated. |
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01/18/2007 02:28:51 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by strangeghost:
OK, time for picks, favorites, and trash talk. I'll lead it off:
New England at Indianapolis
..snip... I'll take the Patsies, even though the Colts have home field advantage.
Patriots win
..snip...
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Oh boy... as a New Englander Born and raised I can say that you forgot 2 things in the analysis of the Pats/Colts game
1) Adam
2) Vinatieri (Only points for Indy Lastweek)
Although I will agree that somehow the Pats just seem to win it is usually U G L Y
My hope is that if your picks for the week come true that this time around the bears do't beat the Pats in the superbowl by 36 or more points...
edit for spelling
Message edited by author 2007-01-18 14:32:52. |
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01/18/2007 02:41:55 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by strangeghost:
Marc. You're right, that was just absurd. I change my score prediction: 52-3. |
That's better. You're integrity is redeemed. |
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01/18/2007 02:56:19 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by seanh99:
Oh boy... as a New Englander Born and raised I can say that you forgot 2 things in the analysis of the Pats/Colts game
1) Adam
2) Vinatieri (Only points for Indy Lastweek)
Although I will agree that somehow the Pats just seem to win it is usually U G L Y
My hope is that if your picks for the week come true that this time around the bears do't beat the Pats in the superbowl by 36 or more points...
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Good point. The Vinatieri story will be a great sidebar (maybe headline) to this game. Brady and Vinatieri are still best friends, and I think there are still quite a few good friendships between him and his former teammates. I don't think there's any resentment other than that toward the front office for letting him go so easily. It would really be something if he kicks a signature clutch field goal to win the game for the Colts... |
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01/18/2007 03:07:58 PM · #12 |
pish! it's all gonna be about the Saints, guys. might as well prepare yourselves. :D
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01/18/2007 03:12:07 PM · #13 |
I'm forseeing Indy taking out New England
and the Saints just squeeeeeeking by the Bears only thanks to Train Wrecks Grossman who will once again let his true colors shine by turning over the ball 3 times.
Indy 30 - Pats 24
Saints - 24 - Bears: 21 (with 2 defensive scores)
:D
GO SAINTS!!!!!
Message edited by author 2007-01-18 15:16:15.
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01/18/2007 03:15:03 PM · #14 |
I really want both the Colts and the Pats to win. Colts because I want to see Manning in a Super Bowl, and the Pats to show the sports writers how full of crap they have been all year. I think the Colts will win because they have shown they can actually defend against the run after all, and Manning will finally give us a good show in the playoffs.
Colts 31 Patriots 21
This is the end of the road for the Saints. Grossman will bounce back from last week's win in great form. Da Bears' defense will make life miserable for Bush and Horn. Karney (sp?) still gets 2 touch downs, hehe.
Bears 20 Saints 14
Edit 2: Super Bowl: 24 Bears 27 Colts vinatieri of the Colts kicks a 42 yard field goal wit 2 seconds left on the clock.
Edit 1: I already have taken the day after Super Bowl off 'cause I'll be hung over. That's my most accurate prediction. Happens every time. Vacation instead of calling in sick this year; I'm so ethical.
Message edited by author 2007-01-18 15:54:41.
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01/18/2007 03:16:16 PM · #15 |
If I've said it once, I've said it a million times....
Dis isss dee Colts yeeer.
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01/18/2007 03:19:16 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by Jacko:
I think the Colts will win because they have shown they can actually defend against the run after all, and Manning will finally give us a good show in the playoffs. |
Who knew it was going to literally take them ALL year before their run D showed up? But, they showed up when it counts, the playoffs. The offense carried the weight up till then.
While I think Peyton is deserving of a ring, it is great to see the Saints doing so well and it would be awesome, IMO, if they could pull out the big win.
Everyone knew the Reggie Bush would become acclimated to the NFL, but I don't think they expected him to be as effective year 1 as he has been. And then there is Marques Colston, 7th round draft pick out of Hofstra. He's surprised everyone. Of the 4 teams there, the Saints are the most fun to watch Offensively IMO.
Don't get me wrong, Indy is fun to watch move the ball too, but we've seen Manning to Harrison/Wayne countless times. Just refreshing to see another team's offense doing so well.
Message edited by author 2007-01-18 15:20:33.
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01/18/2007 03:21:01 PM · #17 |
I thought you guys did that to McMahon in his thong. He's gone kinda coocoo for cocoa puffs hasn't he?
Originally posted by strangeghost:
Originally posted by NstiG8tr:
My bedtime prayer. God, please don't let the Bears win. Amen. I don't care about the rest of'em. |
God's got nothing to do with it. Bears fans pray and light candles to Ditka. |
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01/18/2007 03:23:38 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by NstiG8tr:
Bears fans pray and light candles to Ditka. |
Thank goodness the Saints recovered from what Ditka did to the them. "Um, yeah, I'd like to trade the future of the franchise for Ricky Williams---this plan is SURE to work". ;)
Message edited by author 2007-01-18 15:23:52.
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01/18/2007 03:33:52 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by dallasdux:
Of the 4 teams there, the Saints are the most fun to watch Offensively IMO.
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I have to agree with this. It's going to be an awesome Sunday, two GREAT games. |
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01/18/2007 03:36:25 PM · #20 |
I have a theory that the NFL is paying Grossman on the side to keep things interesting. I am not a Bears fan and am not even an NFC fan, but the Bears can just be a scary, scary team. C'mon nobody can be that inconsistent.
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01/18/2007 03:44:51 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by dallasdux:
Who knew it was going to literally take them ALL year before their run D showed up? But, they showed up when it counts, the playoffs. . |
I did. They had a Top 5 defense the last two years, but no one remembers that. Not one person ever accounts for 5 starters being hurt most of the year on defense, including pro bowlers. So with Bobaloo "Might Mouse" Sanders returning at just the right time, combined with the fact, the younger secondary took all season to learn their craft, it truly isn't suprising to me. That being said, since we are stopping the run now, it allows the true strength of the defense to shine -- the pass rush. Freeney and Mathis are a two headed beast, who when the QB drops back, are licking their chops.
But either way you slice and dice it, this game is gonna be bloody fantastic. And without a doubt, so is the Saints-Bears. And the Super Bowl, no matter what is gonna be exciting and emotional. Because 3 outta 4 teams would desperately like to get a ring for the first time in 20, 30, 40 years respectively. Wow.
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01/18/2007 03:54:37 PM · #22 |
Right on Beau. The Colts have steadily improved their defense over the past 4 years, providing the missing piece to their championship puzzle. Will this be the year? I would have loved to have been in the downtown Indianapolis sports bars last week when the Chargers imploded against the Pats. I can just see Colts fans all over the city saying, "Not the Patriots again!!"
Message edited by author 2007-01-18 15:55:04. |
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01/18/2007 03:56:52 PM · #23 |
obviously, i'm an indy fan. so that's easy.
but speaking as a fan of football in general, i'm completely sick of the patriots.
no no, hear me out. it's not that i'm bitter or jealous or anything. i'm just completely over it.
i'm sick of the word "dynasty." they've won 3 super bowls, yes, but by a total of 9 points. the way people talk about them god himself plays tackle for the patriots.
i'm sick of bellichek's stupid hooded sweatshirt. good god, man. buy a sweater vest.
i'm sick of tom brady. he's hot, rich, and a winner. shut up and let someone else have a turn.
...now that i've said that, of course, the colts are going to choke it up. and then i will get to listen to another 6 months of local sports talk radio discussing how new england owns us. and then after that another 2 months of talk about the sainted peyton manning and how "this is their year" and "he really deserves it" and "he's the best quarterback ever and just CAN'T end up like marino."
barf.
i would rather play ANY OTHER TEAM this weekend than watch the colts get smooshed by the patriots again. i'm just thankful that they can't get trampled by new england IN the super bowl. |
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01/18/2007 04:09:05 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by muckpond:
obviously, i'm an indy fan. so that's easy.
..... .... ....
i would rather play ANY OTHER TEAM this weekend than watch the colts get smooshed by the patriots again. i'm just thankful that they can't get trampled by new england IN the super bowl. |
Wow spoken like a true fa....wait, a truly cynical fan! Come on dude. Have faith. I hear you on your anti-Patriot points, no doubt. But see isn't that why this is our year. Peyton is sucking, but run game and defense is stepping up. I just feel Pats are old, worn down and not nearly as motivated. Whereas you would rather play any other team, this is exactly the way I want it to go down. Sweet, sweet redemption.
Bellichek, his sweatshirt, his attitude, everything Bellichek makes me sick. He was an a-hole to Mangini and is generally a crank to everyone. LT was right 100% on the quality of character.
You are also right about dynasty b.s. Other than the beautiful stats you threw out, if anyone actually watched the games, they played well. Not great. McGinest fake injury on goal line anyone??? At best, those were fortunate TEAM victories, not Brady victories or any other nonsense.
There is my peace...
Message edited by author 2007-01-18 16:10:09.
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01/18/2007 04:39:54 PM · #25 |
yes, i'm cynical. i'll own it.
i've had my hopes and dreams snuffed out too many times to be that into it. i love to root for the home team, but i just can't be 100% behind pey-tron and the dungybot. show some passion for chrissakes. |
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