Playoffs, baby!
Posted by: Bradley McDonald
An analysis of this week's playoffs game, brought to you exclusively from The Bench Warmer(s)!
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
It's odd to see the Patriots playing away from home in the playoffs. They're used to having home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but that didn't happen this year. A big contributor to the Patriots sub-par (by their standards) record was the health of their defense. They were banged up all season, but they seem to be a lot healthier now and with coach Bill Belichick and Tom Brady leading the way for them, anything is possible.
The Broncos beat the Patriots back in October, 28-20, and have been very consistent all year. Jake Plummer has put in probably put in the best year of his career by playing smart and not turning the ball over.
New England totally annihilated Jacksonville last weekend, but Denver will be a tougher test. I'm going to go with the Broncos in a semi-upset over the defending champions!
Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts embarrassed the Steelers on Monday Night Football in week 12 by winning 26-7. The Colts jumped out to an early lead (REAL early - first play was an 80 yard touchdown pass) and had the game in control before Pittsburgh could catch it's breath.
I don't think the Steelers will go down as easily as they did in the previous game. But Peyton and company cannot be stopped, only slowed, and the Steelers can't keep up with them on the offensive end. If Pittsburgh doesn't give up any big plays, they can stay in this game, but that's easier said than done. Although, I wouldn't be totally surprised by a Steelers' upset, I just can't pick against Indy and their revamped defense.
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
The Bears have averaged only 16.3 points per game all season, but it's their defense that wins games. They force turnovers from overly aggressive teams, but are also tough on the run, and that makes for a powerful combination. They should also be better at offense now that quarterback Rex Grossman is back behind center. Kyle Orton just looked helpless back there.
Carolina lost to Chicago by ten points a few weeks ago. They got in a hole by turning the ball over early and Da Bears never gave them any breathing room. This game should be another low-scoring affair especially since it's in the dead of winter at Chicago's Soldier Field.
The Panthers are playing very well right now, as evidenced by the 23-0 thrashing of the Giants and, if Carolina's coaches learned anything from the last time these two teams matched up, I would give them the edge.
Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks
It would surprise me if this game was even close. The Seahawks have one of the most powerful offenses in the league and I just don't think the 'Skins can keep up. Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander broke the all-time touchdown record for a year and he'll probably get a couple in this game.
The Redskins did squeek out a 20-17 overtime victory in week 4, but since then, Seattle has gotten it's act together and reeled off 11 straight victories. Washington will have to score more than 20 points to win this game and I don't think that'll happen, especially since their quarterback has been playing with a banged up knee.
An analysis of this week's playoffs game, brought to you exclusively from The Bench Warmer(s)!
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
It's odd to see the Patriots playing away from home in the playoffs. They're used to having home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but that didn't happen this year. A big contributor to the Patriots sub-par (by their standards) record was the health of their defense. They were banged up all season, but they seem to be a lot healthier now and with coach Bill Belichick and Tom Brady leading the way for them, anything is possible.
The Broncos beat the Patriots back in October, 28-20, and have been very consistent all year. Jake Plummer has put in probably put in the best year of his career by playing smart and not turning the ball over.
New England totally annihilated Jacksonville last weekend, but Denver will be a tougher test. I'm going to go with the Broncos in a semi-upset over the defending champions!
Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts embarrassed the Steelers on Monday Night Football in week 12 by winning 26-7. The Colts jumped out to an early lead (REAL early - first play was an 80 yard touchdown pass) and had the game in control before Pittsburgh could catch it's breath.
I don't think the Steelers will go down as easily as they did in the previous game. But Peyton and company cannot be stopped, only slowed, and the Steelers can't keep up with them on the offensive end. If Pittsburgh doesn't give up any big plays, they can stay in this game, but that's easier said than done. Although, I wouldn't be totally surprised by a Steelers' upset, I just can't pick against Indy and their revamped defense.
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
The Bears have averaged only 16.3 points per game all season, but it's their defense that wins games. They force turnovers from overly aggressive teams, but are also tough on the run, and that makes for a powerful combination. They should also be better at offense now that quarterback Rex Grossman is back behind center. Kyle Orton just looked helpless back there.
Carolina lost to Chicago by ten points a few weeks ago. They got in a hole by turning the ball over early and Da Bears never gave them any breathing room. This game should be another low-scoring affair especially since it's in the dead of winter at Chicago's Soldier Field.
The Panthers are playing very well right now, as evidenced by the 23-0 thrashing of the Giants and, if Carolina's coaches learned anything from the last time these two teams matched up, I would give them the edge.
Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks
It would surprise me if this game was even close. The Seahawks have one of the most powerful offenses in the league and I just don't think the 'Skins can keep up. Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander broke the all-time touchdown record for a year and he'll probably get a couple in this game.
The Redskins did squeek out a 20-17 overtime victory in week 4, but since then, Seattle has gotten it's act together and reeled off 11 straight victories. Washington will have to score more than 20 points to win this game and I don't think that'll happen, especially since their quarterback has been playing with a banged up knee.
