The 2015 AFC Championship Game features the Denver Broncos hosting the New England Patriots in what looks like the final installment of the Tom Brady and Peyton Manning rivalry. It had to come down to this. There is no other way for it to happen. Manning vs. Brady with the Super Bowl on the line. The Broncos are making their 10th AFC Championship Game appearance (I am lucky to witness 9 of these in my life), and they are looking to win the AFC for the second time in three years. Two years ago, Denver dominated the Patriots en route to a 26-16 victory. This time around, the game is back in Denver once again, but it is a very different Patriots team that is coming to Mile High. This game is going to be very tough for Denver to win, and as the week went on, I tried to come up with different scenarios in my mind that would make me feel more confident, but I am having trouble doing that. Trust me, it isn't me being too cautious or trying to use reverse psychology. Before I get to my preview and prediction of the game, I just want to say that I am really trying to soak up the Broncos being in the AFC Championship. This the Broncos second time in the AFC Title game in three years. It is the third AFC Championship since 2005. It is very rare and special to make it this far if you are rooting for your favorite team, so I feel like it is important to try and enjoy and appreciate this as much as I can. You don't know when your team is going to get back to this spot, and especially with the end of Peyton Manning's career and run in Denver on the horizon, I have to try to be mindful of just how special it is to be in this spot. With that said here is why this game scares me so much, and why I think it will be a surprise if Denver wins....
1) Tom Brady is playing at a high level. He has played as good as he has this season, and it will be very tough to derail him on Sunday. Forget about the 2-6 record in Denver, we know how good he is, and I have a tough time seeing Denver's defense stopping him. He almost beat Denver singlehandedly in Denver during the regular season on that Sunday night, and he basically had no weapons left after Gronk got hurt. He is 3-0 in the playoffs against #1 defenses historically
2) The return of Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski pose the biggest threat to the Broncos and their defense. Watching the two of them last week in the Divisional win over KC just reminded you of how lethal these two are. The Broncos really didn't stop Gronk in their regular season matchup, and Edelman has really killed Denver when he has played them the last couple of years. I don't know how Denver is going to slow down these two. Throw in the fact that Chris Harris, who is the Broncos best player in the secondary, is banged up and not 100% with a shoulder injury, and the Gronk/Edelman duo really becomes problematic.
3) We know how good Bill Belichick is in these big games, but the entire Pats coaching staff usually brings their "A" game into these contests. I can see Belichick and DC Matt Patricia frustrating the hell out of Peyton Manning. I could also see OC Josh McDaniels outsmarting Wade Phillips. The coaching staff of New England gives them an edge in this game.
4) The New England defense isn't as soft as some people think. Rob Ninkovich always plays well against the Broncos, and Chandler Jones was great against them in the regular season. I think they matchup well with Denver in the secondary, and for this game they are healthy on defense with Jamie Collins and Donta Hightower playing in the game. I don't see Denver running all over them, and they can cover well, so how can Denver manufacture enough points to win this game?
5) I have a hard time believing that the Broncos are going to be able to beat the Patriots once in the regular season and then in the postseason. It happened in 2006 with the Colts, 2010 with the Jets, and 2012 with the Ravens. The way that first game played out in Denver, I just don't see the Patriots coming to Mile High and losing twice to this team.
6) If you didn't follow football all year long, and then decided to watch the Divisional Playoffs, then there is no way you wouldn't think that the Patriots are the better team. The truth is that the Pats are the better team, and I just think there is no way around it. I feel like the Broncos are about to walk into a buzzsaw on Sunday. It turns the tables on what it was like for New England when they came into Denver two years ago, and the Broncos were clearly the better team and proved it.
7) The final part that scares me is the fact that Belichick and Brady have always had the upperhand on Peyton Manning in this rivalry. They have gotten the best of him more than he has gotten the best of them. In what could be Manning's final game ever, doesn't it just seem like Brady and Belichick will be the ones to put him away for good? It doesn't seem fair, but it has been that way the whole rivalry, so why would it happen any other way.
All is not totally hopeless for the Broncos. There are some reasons why you can make a case that the Broncos will pull the upset on Sunday. Here is what could be in their favor...
1) The Broncos do have homefield advantage. As a result of their win over the Pats in November in Mile High, the Broncos get to host the AFC Championship. They are 5-1 in AFC Title Games at home. It will certainly help them, and the crowd will be electric from the start.
2) As good as Tom Brady and that offense is for New England, the Broncos have the best defense in the NFL. They have rushers that could potentially get to Brady with Von Miller, Demarcus Ware (He missed the first game between the two teams), Derek Wolfe, and Malik Jackson. They have a secondary that can cover multiple receiving options, and they have a front seven that can stop the run. If anyone can slow down the Pats offense, Denver's defense has about as good of a shot to do it. Don't forget about the Broncos defense. Remember that.
3) The Broncos have won weird, close, and nerve-racking games all year long against good competition. If they are going to win this game, it will follow the same formula. If this game is slow and ugly, then the Broncos will be fine with that because that is the style they played all year long. Turnovers by the defense and timely plays by the offense helped them to get to 13 wins, and maybe it will work in their favor one more time. They got the big break all year, so maybe it is their year and they will get that break again on Sunday.
4) This looks like it could be the end of Peyton Manning's career. As tough of a season he had with the injuries and the poor play, he still finds himself in the AFC Championship Game with a chance to go to another Super Bowl. Maybe this is how it is supposed to end? Maybe he will get a chance to go back to the Super Bowl and ride off into the sunset. This looks like this is his last chance, so maybe destiny and fate on our his side this last time. Brady going to get more opportunities after this year, but this looks like the end for Peyton Manning. Maybe-just maybe- it is supposed to end with him going back to another Super Bowl and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Prediction: New England (-3) over DENVER: As much as I try to build a case for the Broncos, I just think that the Patriots are healthy and simply the better team at this point. If Peyton Manning were his vintage self, then I would call this game a toss up, but Manning isn't the same player, and the Broncos just won't have enough to keep pace with the Pats. I hate to say it, but I could see the Pats running away with this one early in the second half.
Final Score: Patriots-33 Broncos-17
Friday, January 22, 2016
NFC Championship Game Picks
Last Week's Record: 3-1
Overall Playoff Record: 6-2
Regular Season Record: 123-125-11
2-Arizona at 1-Carolina
(NFC Championship Game)
A Case for the Cardinals: Although they escaped win a dramatic win last week over Green Bay, and they were bombed at home in Week 17 by the Seahawks, the Cards are a very solid team that finished the regular season 13-3. Don't forget about that. Plus, after struggling last week, I would expect Bruce Arians to have Carson Palmer ready to go, and it would not surprise me to see Palmer play a really good game. If he does that, then the Cards will have a really good chance to win the game. Also, the Cardinals are not being picked by anyone to win this game. They will surely use that as motivation. I think they matchup better with the Panthers than a lot of people are giving them credit for.
A Case for the Panthers: After last week's thumping of the Seahawks, the Panthers proved they were the real deal in the NFC this year. As I said earlier in the playoffs, it just seems like it is the Panthers year. Cam Newton is going to be the NFL MVP, and you just have a feeling that this team's destiny is to be playing in Super Bowl 50. It will be very hard to convince me that they will blow this game at home. Even if this game gets close, you have to believe that Newton will find a way to will his team to another victory.
Prediction: CAROLINA(-3) over Arizona: I think this will be a close game, and it has the makings of a game that will come down to the wire. In any event, it is the Panthers year, so I see them gettong it done at home on Sunday night, and they will advance to their first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl XXXVIII.
Final Score: Panthers-28 Cardinals-17
Overall Playoff Record: 6-2
Regular Season Record: 123-125-11
2-Arizona at 1-Carolina
(NFC Championship Game)
A Case for the Cardinals: Although they escaped win a dramatic win last week over Green Bay, and they were bombed at home in Week 17 by the Seahawks, the Cards are a very solid team that finished the regular season 13-3. Don't forget about that. Plus, after struggling last week, I would expect Bruce Arians to have Carson Palmer ready to go, and it would not surprise me to see Palmer play a really good game. If he does that, then the Cards will have a really good chance to win the game. Also, the Cardinals are not being picked by anyone to win this game. They will surely use that as motivation. I think they matchup better with the Panthers than a lot of people are giving them credit for.
A Case for the Panthers: After last week's thumping of the Seahawks, the Panthers proved they were the real deal in the NFC this year. As I said earlier in the playoffs, it just seems like it is the Panthers year. Cam Newton is going to be the NFL MVP, and you just have a feeling that this team's destiny is to be playing in Super Bowl 50. It will be very hard to convince me that they will blow this game at home. Even if this game gets close, you have to believe that Newton will find a way to will his team to another victory.
Prediction: CAROLINA(-3) over Arizona: I think this will be a close game, and it has the makings of a game that will come down to the wire. In any event, it is the Panthers year, so I see them gettong it done at home on Sunday night, and they will advance to their first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl XXXVIII.
Final Score: Panthers-28 Cardinals-17
Monday, January 18, 2016
Divsional Round Review!
The Divisional Round featured all the top seeds winning for the first time since 2004. All four games finished with one score games, and it featured one classic finish in Arizona. Here is my breakdown of the three games in sequential order....
New England-27 Kansas City-20
1) The Patriots came down and scored a touchdown on a Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski 8-yard touchdown on the first drive, and you knew it was going to be the Patriots afternoon. This game never felt like it was going to go against the Pats.
2) The Pats offense looked really good once again with Julian Edelman back, and Brady wasn't even touched the entire game from the pocket. Edelman had a big day, and Gronk was great as usual, and as the Pats were scoring touchdowns, the Chiefs were kicking field goals.
3) It was 14-6 when Brady hit Gronk for another touchdown to make it 21-6. At that point, I really thought the game was over. I never felt like the game was in danger for the Pats, and after that score, it was over in my opinion.
4) The Chiefs held on for long enough and they were down 27-13 and driving when Andy Reid went back to his bag of tricks. Alex Smith, who played gutty all game long, completed a pass down to the 1-yard line with 2:57 left, and the Chiefs had three timeouts left and ran one play there before the two-minute warning. Of course, the Chiefs ran a run play that was stopped for no gain. Then, they threw a pass that was complete after a false start, the clock was still running, and the Chiefs didn't call a timeout once again. They finally scored with only 1:13 left, and they still had three timeouts left! The Chiefs then went for an onside kick, it was recovered by the Pats, and New England was able to get a first down off a deflection to secure the win. Andy Reid is a good coach and he has done a nice job with the Chiefs, but these game situations with him on the sideline are just awful. He makes you scratch your head at times, and it cost him once again.
Arizona-26 Green Bay-20 (OT)
1) This was the most memorable game of the weekend. This game will be remembered as the "Double Hail Mary" game which featured Aaron Rodgers completing another Hail Mary to tie the game at 20 with no time left in regulation. We will get to that in a bit.
2) The game can be summed up pretty easily until the 4th quarter. Carson Palmer was pretty bad and struggled throwing two crucial interceptions. The Packers got their running game going again, and Aaron Rodgers was making some big plays with basically no receivers after Randall Cobb went down with a chest injury in the second quarter. He was throwing to Jeff Janis and Jarred Abberdaris for God's sake. They battled enough to take a 13-7 lead after Rodgers hit Janis midway through the third quarter to take a 13-7 lead. You had the feeling that the Packers were going to pull this one out.
3) The Cardinals took a 17-13 lead when the Palmer hit Michael Floyd with a 9-yard pass with 3:44 left in the game. From there, the Packers went for it on a 4th and 5 at their own 25 and 2:42 left. Rodgers one-hopped a pass to James Jones and looked like the Packers were done. The Packers only had one timeout left, and after a run by Arizona, the Packers had to burn their last timeout. The Cards and Bruce Arians called for a pass that was incomplete and gave Green Bay a much needed timeout. After an Arizona run, the Cards settled for a field goal and a 20-13 lead. I really have no problem with Arians being aggressive in that spot because if it is a complete pass, then the game is over. You can't fault being aggressive there in my opinion.
4) What happened next was about as remarkable as you can get in a game. The Packers got the ball with no timeouts and 1:50 left from their own 14. Rodgers hits a 4th and 20 bomb to Janis for a gain of 60 in his first Hail Mary attempt to keep their hopes alive. Instead, of spiking it, the Packers tried to run a play, and the play was incomplete and the Packers had a penalty in there as well for illegal motion. With 4 seconds left, Rodgers drops back and hits Janis with a 41-yard bomb on his second Hail Mary of the game, and somehow they tie the game at 20 with no time left. It was unbelievable to watch, and I can't believe that Rodgers was able to complete that pass. Janis caught the ball with two Cardinals, including Patrick Peterson, covering him. It was a surreal moment.
5) On the first play of overtime, Palmer scrambled around and somehow found Larry Fitzgerald all the way across the field, and Fitz caught it and broke free and got down to the 5 yard line for a 75 yard gain. Two plays later, Palmer ran a shovel pass and Fitzgerald caught it and won the game on a 5-yard pass and the Cards advance 26-20 in overtime.
6) This game will be remembered for Aaron Rodgers amazing Hail Mary throws. Forget about what Arizona did in overtime won't be remembered. It is kind of a shame that Rodgers and the Packers lost, and Arizona really was lucky to advance but they are headed to their first NFC Championship Game since 2008.
Carolina-31 Seattle-24
1) I thought this was the least exciting game of the weekend, and I was surprised because I thought this had the potential to be the best game of the weekend. This game can be summed up on the first two series of the game. Jonathan Stewart broke a huge run on the first play of the game for 59 yards, and they scored a few plays later to take a 7-0 lead. On Seattle's first series, Marshawn Lynch got crushed on first down, and then Russell Wilson got picked off by Luke Kuechly and returned for a 14 yard touchdown and the Panthers were up 14-0 with only 11:38 left in the first quarter. What a way for the game to start for the Panthers.
2) This game was 31-0 at the half, and the Panthers really took the foot off the gas pedal after they had that big lead. I know the Seahawks clawed their way back and cut the lead to 31-24 to make it a little interesting, but the game was over in the first half. The Panthers were just looking to get the hell out of there with the win and no injuries. I know that the Seahawks actually had an onside kick attempt, and the Panthers recovered and ran out the clock, but this game was never in doubt.
3) Give the Panthers credit. They went 15-1 this year, and they drew the Seahawks in their first playoff game and they came out and crushed Seattle and put a 31-0 lead at the half. I thought the Panthers were going to win, and my feeling was that the Seahawks would be gassed having to come across the country for the second straight week and they had to play another early game on Sunday after doing it last week in Minnesota. My gut was right because Carolina punched Seattle in the mouth from the very first play and never looked back. Carolina gets back to the NFC Championship for the first time since 2005, and you have to think that they are the favorites to win Super Bowl 50 at this point.
New England-27 Kansas City-20
1) The Patriots came down and scored a touchdown on a Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski 8-yard touchdown on the first drive, and you knew it was going to be the Patriots afternoon. This game never felt like it was going to go against the Pats.
2) The Pats offense looked really good once again with Julian Edelman back, and Brady wasn't even touched the entire game from the pocket. Edelman had a big day, and Gronk was great as usual, and as the Pats were scoring touchdowns, the Chiefs were kicking field goals.
3) It was 14-6 when Brady hit Gronk for another touchdown to make it 21-6. At that point, I really thought the game was over. I never felt like the game was in danger for the Pats, and after that score, it was over in my opinion.
4) The Chiefs held on for long enough and they were down 27-13 and driving when Andy Reid went back to his bag of tricks. Alex Smith, who played gutty all game long, completed a pass down to the 1-yard line with 2:57 left, and the Chiefs had three timeouts left and ran one play there before the two-minute warning. Of course, the Chiefs ran a run play that was stopped for no gain. Then, they threw a pass that was complete after a false start, the clock was still running, and the Chiefs didn't call a timeout once again. They finally scored with only 1:13 left, and they still had three timeouts left! The Chiefs then went for an onside kick, it was recovered by the Pats, and New England was able to get a first down off a deflection to secure the win. Andy Reid is a good coach and he has done a nice job with the Chiefs, but these game situations with him on the sideline are just awful. He makes you scratch your head at times, and it cost him once again.
Arizona-26 Green Bay-20 (OT)
1) This was the most memorable game of the weekend. This game will be remembered as the "Double Hail Mary" game which featured Aaron Rodgers completing another Hail Mary to tie the game at 20 with no time left in regulation. We will get to that in a bit.
2) The game can be summed up pretty easily until the 4th quarter. Carson Palmer was pretty bad and struggled throwing two crucial interceptions. The Packers got their running game going again, and Aaron Rodgers was making some big plays with basically no receivers after Randall Cobb went down with a chest injury in the second quarter. He was throwing to Jeff Janis and Jarred Abberdaris for God's sake. They battled enough to take a 13-7 lead after Rodgers hit Janis midway through the third quarter to take a 13-7 lead. You had the feeling that the Packers were going to pull this one out.
3) The Cardinals took a 17-13 lead when the Palmer hit Michael Floyd with a 9-yard pass with 3:44 left in the game. From there, the Packers went for it on a 4th and 5 at their own 25 and 2:42 left. Rodgers one-hopped a pass to James Jones and looked like the Packers were done. The Packers only had one timeout left, and after a run by Arizona, the Packers had to burn their last timeout. The Cards and Bruce Arians called for a pass that was incomplete and gave Green Bay a much needed timeout. After an Arizona run, the Cards settled for a field goal and a 20-13 lead. I really have no problem with Arians being aggressive in that spot because if it is a complete pass, then the game is over. You can't fault being aggressive there in my opinion.
4) What happened next was about as remarkable as you can get in a game. The Packers got the ball with no timeouts and 1:50 left from their own 14. Rodgers hits a 4th and 20 bomb to Janis for a gain of 60 in his first Hail Mary attempt to keep their hopes alive. Instead, of spiking it, the Packers tried to run a play, and the play was incomplete and the Packers had a penalty in there as well for illegal motion. With 4 seconds left, Rodgers drops back and hits Janis with a 41-yard bomb on his second Hail Mary of the game, and somehow they tie the game at 20 with no time left. It was unbelievable to watch, and I can't believe that Rodgers was able to complete that pass. Janis caught the ball with two Cardinals, including Patrick Peterson, covering him. It was a surreal moment.
5) On the first play of overtime, Palmer scrambled around and somehow found Larry Fitzgerald all the way across the field, and Fitz caught it and broke free and got down to the 5 yard line for a 75 yard gain. Two plays later, Palmer ran a shovel pass and Fitzgerald caught it and won the game on a 5-yard pass and the Cards advance 26-20 in overtime.
6) This game will be remembered for Aaron Rodgers amazing Hail Mary throws. Forget about what Arizona did in overtime won't be remembered. It is kind of a shame that Rodgers and the Packers lost, and Arizona really was lucky to advance but they are headed to their first NFC Championship Game since 2008.
Carolina-31 Seattle-24
1) I thought this was the least exciting game of the weekend, and I was surprised because I thought this had the potential to be the best game of the weekend. This game can be summed up on the first two series of the game. Jonathan Stewart broke a huge run on the first play of the game for 59 yards, and they scored a few plays later to take a 7-0 lead. On Seattle's first series, Marshawn Lynch got crushed on first down, and then Russell Wilson got picked off by Luke Kuechly and returned for a 14 yard touchdown and the Panthers were up 14-0 with only 11:38 left in the first quarter. What a way for the game to start for the Panthers.
2) This game was 31-0 at the half, and the Panthers really took the foot off the gas pedal after they had that big lead. I know the Seahawks clawed their way back and cut the lead to 31-24 to make it a little interesting, but the game was over in the first half. The Panthers were just looking to get the hell out of there with the win and no injuries. I know that the Seahawks actually had an onside kick attempt, and the Panthers recovered and ran out the clock, but this game was never in doubt.
3) Give the Panthers credit. They went 15-1 this year, and they drew the Seahawks in their first playoff game and they came out and crushed Seattle and put a 31-0 lead at the half. I thought the Panthers were going to win, and my feeling was that the Seahawks would be gassed having to come across the country for the second straight week and they had to play another early game on Sunday after doing it last week in Minnesota. My gut was right because Carolina punched Seattle in the mouth from the very first play and never looked back. Carolina gets back to the NFC Championship for the first time since 2005, and you have to think that they are the favorites to win Super Bowl 50 at this point.
Broncos Grind Out Victory Over Steelers-Advance to AFC Championship Game
The Broncos were a touchdown favorite heading into the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the wounded, beat-up Pittsburgh Steelers. Antonio Brown was out with a concussion, DeAngelo Williams was out with an ankle injury, and Ben Roethlisberger was playing with partially separated shoulder. All the experts were pointing to an easy Broncos win at home with the returning Peyton Manning. If you watched the Broncos all year, they have played low-scoring, tight, close games with their defense carrying the day. Why would you expect anything different in this playoff game? The Broncos grinded out another tough, close game at home 23-16 to advance to the AFC Championship Game next Sunday against the hated Patriots. Yes, it will be another Tom Brady-Peyton Manning matchup. Before we get to that, the Broncos took care of their part with the win over the Steelers. It wasn't easy. There were times that looked a little bleak for the Broncos, but like they did all year long, they fought, clawed and found a way to take the lead late and have their defense hold off Big Ben and the Steelers at the end of the game. It wasn't the prettiest game, but the Broncos did it that way all year, and that is how they advanced to host the AFC Title Game next week. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....
1) You can't ask for a better start from the Broncos perspective. They forced a quick three and out for Pittsburgh, got a nice return by Omar Bolden on the punt return. Unfortunately, the Broncos settled for a field goal after only getting one first down, and it was 3-0. The next series, the Steelers drove the ball down to the Broncos 32, and on a 4th and 1 play, Pittsburgh went for it and Aqib Talib broke up the pass intended for Markus Wheaton and Denver took over on downs.
2) After the teams exchanged punts, the Broncos again took over in good field position, but once again they had to settle for another field goal by Brandon McManus, and the Broncos only lead 6-0. Settling for field goals on those drives was unfortunate because the Broncos should have had a bigger lead.
3) The Steelers settled in, and they hit a couple of big plays on the next drive including an end-around to Martavis Bryant and a Fitzgerald Toissaint touchdown run gave them a 7-6 late in the first quarter. So, after all that momentum to start the game, Denver was now trailing by a point.
4) The Broncos have been plagued by drops all year long, and once again it hurt them again in this game. With the Broncos driving on the next series, Manning just missed Demaryius Thomas on a deep post, and Emmanuel Sanders dropped a 3rd down pass that would have put them in field goal range.
5) The Steelers got the ball back and Big Ben hit a wide-open Darrius Heyward-Bey on a 58 yard hookup on a blown coverage and it set up a field goal and a 10-6 lead for Pittsburgh.
6) The Broncos once again moved the ball, but the drops really started getting out of hand. A dropped pass by C.J. Anderson on a third down killed one drive. Anderson had a lot of room to run too, and if he catches that pass, then the Broncos are in business. The next drive started in good field possession but Bennie Fowler dropped one pass, and Emmanuel Sanders dropped a pass on a 4th and 3 play from the Steelers 37 yard line. Sanders would have had a first down at the Pitt 25. Just bad play by the receivers once again.
7) The Steelers got too cute on a 3rd and 2 the next series when they tried another end around with Bryant and the Broncos snuffed it out for no gain. Denver started at their own five, and C.J. Anderson busted it for a 35 yard gain and the Broncos were on the move once again. Manning drilled a 3rd and 3 pass to Thomas for a first down. The drive stalled, but it set up another McManus field goal from 51 yards and it made the score 10-9.
8) After a Broncos punt to start the third quarter, Big Ben hit Bryant for another big play on a 50 yard catch and run, but Denver's defense stiffened like they always do and escaped by only giving up a field goal and Pittsburgh had a 13-9 lead. Talib broke up another pass in the end zone to Bryant to force the field goal. Talib was solid all game long.
9) After a brilliant punt by Britton Colquitt, who had his best punting day in a long time, the Broncos pinned the Steelers back and forced a quick three and out to get the ball back. Pittsburgh got really conservative in that spot, and the Broncos were moving the ball once again with a couple of Manning completions and an Anderson run. A sack on Manning derailed the drive and once again, McManus hit a 41 yarder to cut the lead to 13-12.
10) The Steelers were on the move once again, and as the 4th quarter started, it looked like Denver was in trouble. A key penalty on a first down by Pitt put them at 1st and 25 and after a 3rd and 30 gain of 10, Pittsburgh decided against a 52 yard field goal and punted, but the ball went into the end zone for a touchback. That is how tough the wind was in the game. In a normal game at Mile High, 52 yard field goals are never a question.
11) The next series featured one of the most bizarre sequences of the game. On first down, Manning was rushed, looked like he was giving himself up for a sack like he always does, wasn't touched, got up and delivered a strike to Sanders for 34 yards. After the drive stalled, the Broncos punted and Wheaton muffed it, and Pittsburgh recovered at the one-inch line and it almost looked like a safety. At the least, it should have been spotted at the one yard line, but it was ruled a touchback and somehow Pittsburgh avoided a disaster.
12) This is where the game turned. Big Ben had the Steelers on the move once again, and on a 2nd and 4 from the Broncos 34, Bradley Roby punched the ball out of Toussaint's hand and forced the fumble that was recovered by Demarcus Ware at the Broncos 35 yard line with 9:52 to go in the game. It was the first turnover in the game, and like they did all year long, the Broncos defense got a big turnover when they needed it. What a great play by Roby.
13) A big run by Anderson down to the Pitt 35 was negated by a holding call that was questionable at best. You thought that it just wasn't going to be the Broncos day. Give Peyton Manning credit because he made one of the best throws he made all year long. After getting nearly intercepted by William Gay on 2nd and 12, he hit Bennie Fowler on a 3rd and 12 with a bullet to give Denver a first down at the Pitt 36 yard line. It was one of the biggest plays of the game at that point. A couple of runs set up Denver with a quick throw to Sanders for a first down at the Steelers 15. Ronnie Hillman had two really nice runs to give the Broncos a 1st and Goal at the Pitt 2 yard line. Two runs put the ball at the Pittsburgh 1 yard line, and the Broncos hurried up, didn't huddle, and punched it in with Anderson going over for a 1 yard touchdown run and a 18-13 lead with only 3:00 minutes to play in the game. I was nervous about the hurry up, but it worked out as it didn't allow Pittsburgh to get ready for the play. Denver went for 2, and I loved the 2-point play. They took a timeout to set it up. They stacked the receivers to the right in a bunch formation, and Manning threw a quick pass to Demaryius Thomas, who walked into the endzone and a very critical 20-13 lead.
14) Three minutes to go with the Steelers at their own 20, and Big Ben taking the field to try and tie the game. You knew it was going to come down to this as a Broncos fan. A big first down throw to Bryant put it at the 38 yard line, and then the Broncos defense stepped up once again. On a 3rd and 5 from the 43, Demarcus Ware forced a quick throw by Big Ben and an incompletion. On 4th and 5, Von Miller rushed Ben and forced him to step up and Ware cleaned it up for the huge sack. Ware and Miller saved their best pass rush of the entire game for the most critical point in the game.
15) Three straight runs by Denver set up a huge McManus with a 45 yard field goal to effectively put the game out of reach and give Denver a 23-13 lead with only 53 seconds left in the game.
16) From there, Pittsburgh drove down to get a quick field goal to make it 23-16, but Denver recovered the onside kick with only 19 seconds left, and a Manning kneeldown ended the game, and the Broncos were victorious 23-16 to advance to their 10th AFC Championship in franchise history.
17) Give Big Ben and the Steelers credit. Without their best receiver, starting running back, and a banged up shoulder, Roethlisberger was gutty, gritty, and played well enough to give his team a chance. No one should discount how admirable he played, and the Steelers as a group played their asses off and almost pulled off the upset.
18) The stories will be about Peyton Manning and his performance. It is clear that he is not the same player he was just over a year ago, but on a windy day, Manning played well enough to manage the game, didn't turn the ball over, and overcame some drops and adversity to make just enough throws and plays to win the game. He finished 22-37 for 222 yards and 0 TDs and 0 interceptions. He did what he had to do, and he did a nice job checking out of certain plays and played within himself to help his team win the game. On a day where they only converted 3-15 on third down conversions, he still produced 20 points, which was enough to get the job done.
19) As it was all year long, the defense made the plays to win the game. Outside of four big plays they gave up, they held the Steelers to only 200 yards of total offense, and they held the Steelers to 2-12 on third down. They got the turnover they needed late on the big play by Roby, and they got the sacks and pressure on the last two downs to preserve the victory. If you had to give game balls, I would give them to Von Miller, Demarcus Ware, Derek Wolfe, Aqib Talib, and of course Bradley Roby.
20) One of the underrated aspects of this game was the kicking of Brandon McManus. He made 5 field goals on a day where the wind was just gusting and wrecking havoc all game long. McManus' performance reminded me of Jason Elam's performance in the 1998 AFC Championship Game against the Jets.
21) This game was a microcosm of how the Broncos played all year long. It was tight, close, and the Broncos grinded out the victory. Forget about stats, this group likes to play in these ugly and sluggish games. Their offense and Manning did just enough at times, and their defense made the plays to win the game. I'm not going to worry about style points because winning a playoff game is hard to do in the NFL, and the 2015 Broncos came in as the #1 seed and did what they had to do: They beat the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers at home coming off the bye. Let's enjoy this one as Broncos fans. We are advancing to the AFC Championship for the second time in three years. I know that it will be a very tough game going up against the healthy Patriots, and the Broncos will be underdogs, but we will worry about that later in the week. There will be plenty of time to talk about another Tom Brady-Peyton Manning showdown later this week, and I'm going to enjoy this victory and celebrate the Broncos Divisional Playoff win over the Steelers. GO BRONCOS!!!!!
1) You can't ask for a better start from the Broncos perspective. They forced a quick three and out for Pittsburgh, got a nice return by Omar Bolden on the punt return. Unfortunately, the Broncos settled for a field goal after only getting one first down, and it was 3-0. The next series, the Steelers drove the ball down to the Broncos 32, and on a 4th and 1 play, Pittsburgh went for it and Aqib Talib broke up the pass intended for Markus Wheaton and Denver took over on downs.
2) After the teams exchanged punts, the Broncos again took over in good field position, but once again they had to settle for another field goal by Brandon McManus, and the Broncos only lead 6-0. Settling for field goals on those drives was unfortunate because the Broncos should have had a bigger lead.
3) The Steelers settled in, and they hit a couple of big plays on the next drive including an end-around to Martavis Bryant and a Fitzgerald Toissaint touchdown run gave them a 7-6 late in the first quarter. So, after all that momentum to start the game, Denver was now trailing by a point.
4) The Broncos have been plagued by drops all year long, and once again it hurt them again in this game. With the Broncos driving on the next series, Manning just missed Demaryius Thomas on a deep post, and Emmanuel Sanders dropped a 3rd down pass that would have put them in field goal range.
5) The Steelers got the ball back and Big Ben hit a wide-open Darrius Heyward-Bey on a 58 yard hookup on a blown coverage and it set up a field goal and a 10-6 lead for Pittsburgh.
6) The Broncos once again moved the ball, but the drops really started getting out of hand. A dropped pass by C.J. Anderson on a third down killed one drive. Anderson had a lot of room to run too, and if he catches that pass, then the Broncos are in business. The next drive started in good field possession but Bennie Fowler dropped one pass, and Emmanuel Sanders dropped a pass on a 4th and 3 play from the Steelers 37 yard line. Sanders would have had a first down at the Pitt 25. Just bad play by the receivers once again.
7) The Steelers got too cute on a 3rd and 2 the next series when they tried another end around with Bryant and the Broncos snuffed it out for no gain. Denver started at their own five, and C.J. Anderson busted it for a 35 yard gain and the Broncos were on the move once again. Manning drilled a 3rd and 3 pass to Thomas for a first down. The drive stalled, but it set up another McManus field goal from 51 yards and it made the score 10-9.
8) After a Broncos punt to start the third quarter, Big Ben hit Bryant for another big play on a 50 yard catch and run, but Denver's defense stiffened like they always do and escaped by only giving up a field goal and Pittsburgh had a 13-9 lead. Talib broke up another pass in the end zone to Bryant to force the field goal. Talib was solid all game long.
9) After a brilliant punt by Britton Colquitt, who had his best punting day in a long time, the Broncos pinned the Steelers back and forced a quick three and out to get the ball back. Pittsburgh got really conservative in that spot, and the Broncos were moving the ball once again with a couple of Manning completions and an Anderson run. A sack on Manning derailed the drive and once again, McManus hit a 41 yarder to cut the lead to 13-12.
10) The Steelers were on the move once again, and as the 4th quarter started, it looked like Denver was in trouble. A key penalty on a first down by Pitt put them at 1st and 25 and after a 3rd and 30 gain of 10, Pittsburgh decided against a 52 yard field goal and punted, but the ball went into the end zone for a touchback. That is how tough the wind was in the game. In a normal game at Mile High, 52 yard field goals are never a question.
11) The next series featured one of the most bizarre sequences of the game. On first down, Manning was rushed, looked like he was giving himself up for a sack like he always does, wasn't touched, got up and delivered a strike to Sanders for 34 yards. After the drive stalled, the Broncos punted and Wheaton muffed it, and Pittsburgh recovered at the one-inch line and it almost looked like a safety. At the least, it should have been spotted at the one yard line, but it was ruled a touchback and somehow Pittsburgh avoided a disaster.
12) This is where the game turned. Big Ben had the Steelers on the move once again, and on a 2nd and 4 from the Broncos 34, Bradley Roby punched the ball out of Toussaint's hand and forced the fumble that was recovered by Demarcus Ware at the Broncos 35 yard line with 9:52 to go in the game. It was the first turnover in the game, and like they did all year long, the Broncos defense got a big turnover when they needed it. What a great play by Roby.
13) A big run by Anderson down to the Pitt 35 was negated by a holding call that was questionable at best. You thought that it just wasn't going to be the Broncos day. Give Peyton Manning credit because he made one of the best throws he made all year long. After getting nearly intercepted by William Gay on 2nd and 12, he hit Bennie Fowler on a 3rd and 12 with a bullet to give Denver a first down at the Pitt 36 yard line. It was one of the biggest plays of the game at that point. A couple of runs set up Denver with a quick throw to Sanders for a first down at the Steelers 15. Ronnie Hillman had two really nice runs to give the Broncos a 1st and Goal at the Pitt 2 yard line. Two runs put the ball at the Pittsburgh 1 yard line, and the Broncos hurried up, didn't huddle, and punched it in with Anderson going over for a 1 yard touchdown run and a 18-13 lead with only 3:00 minutes to play in the game. I was nervous about the hurry up, but it worked out as it didn't allow Pittsburgh to get ready for the play. Denver went for 2, and I loved the 2-point play. They took a timeout to set it up. They stacked the receivers to the right in a bunch formation, and Manning threw a quick pass to Demaryius Thomas, who walked into the endzone and a very critical 20-13 lead.
14) Three minutes to go with the Steelers at their own 20, and Big Ben taking the field to try and tie the game. You knew it was going to come down to this as a Broncos fan. A big first down throw to Bryant put it at the 38 yard line, and then the Broncos defense stepped up once again. On a 3rd and 5 from the 43, Demarcus Ware forced a quick throw by Big Ben and an incompletion. On 4th and 5, Von Miller rushed Ben and forced him to step up and Ware cleaned it up for the huge sack. Ware and Miller saved their best pass rush of the entire game for the most critical point in the game.
15) Three straight runs by Denver set up a huge McManus with a 45 yard field goal to effectively put the game out of reach and give Denver a 23-13 lead with only 53 seconds left in the game.
16) From there, Pittsburgh drove down to get a quick field goal to make it 23-16, but Denver recovered the onside kick with only 19 seconds left, and a Manning kneeldown ended the game, and the Broncos were victorious 23-16 to advance to their 10th AFC Championship in franchise history.
17) Give Big Ben and the Steelers credit. Without their best receiver, starting running back, and a banged up shoulder, Roethlisberger was gutty, gritty, and played well enough to give his team a chance. No one should discount how admirable he played, and the Steelers as a group played their asses off and almost pulled off the upset.
18) The stories will be about Peyton Manning and his performance. It is clear that he is not the same player he was just over a year ago, but on a windy day, Manning played well enough to manage the game, didn't turn the ball over, and overcame some drops and adversity to make just enough throws and plays to win the game. He finished 22-37 for 222 yards and 0 TDs and 0 interceptions. He did what he had to do, and he did a nice job checking out of certain plays and played within himself to help his team win the game. On a day where they only converted 3-15 on third down conversions, he still produced 20 points, which was enough to get the job done.
19) As it was all year long, the defense made the plays to win the game. Outside of four big plays they gave up, they held the Steelers to only 200 yards of total offense, and they held the Steelers to 2-12 on third down. They got the turnover they needed late on the big play by Roby, and they got the sacks and pressure on the last two downs to preserve the victory. If you had to give game balls, I would give them to Von Miller, Demarcus Ware, Derek Wolfe, Aqib Talib, and of course Bradley Roby.
20) One of the underrated aspects of this game was the kicking of Brandon McManus. He made 5 field goals on a day where the wind was just gusting and wrecking havoc all game long. McManus' performance reminded me of Jason Elam's performance in the 1998 AFC Championship Game against the Jets.
21) This game was a microcosm of how the Broncos played all year long. It was tight, close, and the Broncos grinded out the victory. Forget about stats, this group likes to play in these ugly and sluggish games. Their offense and Manning did just enough at times, and their defense made the plays to win the game. I'm not going to worry about style points because winning a playoff game is hard to do in the NFL, and the 2015 Broncos came in as the #1 seed and did what they had to do: They beat the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers at home coming off the bye. Let's enjoy this one as Broncos fans. We are advancing to the AFC Championship for the second time in three years. I know that it will be a very tough game going up against the healthy Patriots, and the Broncos will be underdogs, but we will worry about that later in the week. There will be plenty of time to talk about another Tom Brady-Peyton Manning showdown later this week, and I'm going to enjoy this victory and celebrate the Broncos Divisional Playoff win over the Steelers. GO BRONCOS!!!!!
Broncos-Steelers Divisional Playoff Preview
Here we go. The Broncos run to Super Bowl 50 begins on Sunday with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming to Denver to take on the Broncos in the last game of the playoff weekend. At this point in the year, any team left in the NFL playoffs has a chance to get to the Super Bowl and win it. The Steelers are no different. This game scares the hell out of me. There are a lot of factors to consider when looking at this game from a Broncos fan perspective. Here are the things that scare me going into this game.....
1) It starts with Ben Roethlisberger. I know he has a sprained AC joint and a partially separated shoulder in his throwing as a result of a sack he took in the AFC Wild Card game at Cincy last week. The fact that he came back in and finished the game tells you all you need to know about Ben's availability this Sunday. He's playing. As long as Big Ben is out there, then he will be a factor. He can win this game on his own. He is just that good. He ripped the Broncos defense apart in Pittsburgh in Week 15, and he was the only QB to throw for over 300 yards this year on this Broncos defense. We have also seen Big Ben play very well through some really painful injuries, so I expect him to be at his best.
2) The Steelers offense has a lot of weapons and Antonio Brown completely torched Chris Harris in the first meeting. Harris has been our best CB for the past three years, and he was no match for Brown last month. He is only guy to really beat Harris at all this year. Brown is out of the game with a concussion, but the Steelers have Big Ben at the controls and they have other weapons. You have to worry about Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton ripping them apart, and someone like Heath Miller making plays as well.
3) I have no idea what to expect from Peyton Manning. In the first meeting with the Steelers, Manning was injured, so Brock Osweiler got the start. We know how that game went: Brock played really well in the first half, built a 27-10 lead, went ice cold in the second half, and the Broncos lost 34-27. I don't know what is going to happen with Manning starting this game. Are the Broncos going to run up tempo, no-huddle? Are they going to try to put Manning under center more and run the ball more? In the first matchup, the Broncos killed the Steelers by spreading them out and throwing the ball down the field in chunks. Can Manning even make those throws this week? The Peyton Manning question is the biggest factor in this game for the Broncos.
4) The Steelers seem to have nine lives. Think about it: They lost at Baltimore in Week 16 to a 4-10 Ravens team. They needed the Jets to lose to Buffalo and a win over Cleveland in Week 17 just to make the playoffs. They got the break they needed when the Jets lost, and they were on the verge of losing at Cincy last week until Jeremy Hill fumble and the Bengals melted down at the end. They looked like they were going to miss the playoffs entirely two weeks ago, and now they are here in the Divisional Playoffs. Perhaps they are on the verge of going on some magical run just like they did in 2005.
5) The injuries to Roethlisberger and Brown will be a major storyline heading into this game, but I think the Steelers will use that as motivation. They know they are heavy underdogs, they are beat up going into the game, and they will use that to get themselves to play fast and loose and with nothing to lose. That is always a dangerous combination when you are in the playoffs. God, this team scares me.
6) Next, the Broncos have played low-scoring, tight games the entire year. That is not going to change this week. Forget about the injury to Big Ben because you know he is playing. Forget about the fact that Antonio Brown is not playing. Forget about the fact that the Steelers are playing in their fourth straight road game dating back to Week 16. Forget about the fact that Denver is at home and coming off a bye with the #1 defense in the NFL. All that won't matter come kickoff on Sunday. This will be a close game no matter what. I expect it to be a very tough game for the Broncos to win.
7) Finally, maybe there is a revenge factor in play here for the Steelers. The last time these two played in a playoff game was the epic 2011 AFC Wild Card Game in Denver. Yes, the Tim Tebow to Demaryius Thomas OT game that ripped the heart out of the Steelers 29-23. I worry that karma might come back to bite the Broncos and the football Gods will give the Steelers one back in return for the Tebow game.
Prediction: Pittsburgh(+6) over DENVER: This line is way too high. I just think there are too many question marks surrounding Peyton Manning and his play. I don't care that Big Ben and Antonio Brown are banged up. I think the Steelers and Roethlisberger will do enough to go into Denver and take down the Broncos.
Final Score: Steelers-27 Broncos-17
1) It starts with Ben Roethlisberger. I know he has a sprained AC joint and a partially separated shoulder in his throwing as a result of a sack he took in the AFC Wild Card game at Cincy last week. The fact that he came back in and finished the game tells you all you need to know about Ben's availability this Sunday. He's playing. As long as Big Ben is out there, then he will be a factor. He can win this game on his own. He is just that good. He ripped the Broncos defense apart in Pittsburgh in Week 15, and he was the only QB to throw for over 300 yards this year on this Broncos defense. We have also seen Big Ben play very well through some really painful injuries, so I expect him to be at his best.
2) The Steelers offense has a lot of weapons and Antonio Brown completely torched Chris Harris in the first meeting. Harris has been our best CB for the past three years, and he was no match for Brown last month. He is only guy to really beat Harris at all this year. Brown is out of the game with a concussion, but the Steelers have Big Ben at the controls and they have other weapons. You have to worry about Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton ripping them apart, and someone like Heath Miller making plays as well.
3) I have no idea what to expect from Peyton Manning. In the first meeting with the Steelers, Manning was injured, so Brock Osweiler got the start. We know how that game went: Brock played really well in the first half, built a 27-10 lead, went ice cold in the second half, and the Broncos lost 34-27. I don't know what is going to happen with Manning starting this game. Are the Broncos going to run up tempo, no-huddle? Are they going to try to put Manning under center more and run the ball more? In the first matchup, the Broncos killed the Steelers by spreading them out and throwing the ball down the field in chunks. Can Manning even make those throws this week? The Peyton Manning question is the biggest factor in this game for the Broncos.
4) The Steelers seem to have nine lives. Think about it: They lost at Baltimore in Week 16 to a 4-10 Ravens team. They needed the Jets to lose to Buffalo and a win over Cleveland in Week 17 just to make the playoffs. They got the break they needed when the Jets lost, and they were on the verge of losing at Cincy last week until Jeremy Hill fumble and the Bengals melted down at the end. They looked like they were going to miss the playoffs entirely two weeks ago, and now they are here in the Divisional Playoffs. Perhaps they are on the verge of going on some magical run just like they did in 2005.
5) The injuries to Roethlisberger and Brown will be a major storyline heading into this game, but I think the Steelers will use that as motivation. They know they are heavy underdogs, they are beat up going into the game, and they will use that to get themselves to play fast and loose and with nothing to lose. That is always a dangerous combination when you are in the playoffs. God, this team scares me.
6) Next, the Broncos have played low-scoring, tight games the entire year. That is not going to change this week. Forget about the injury to Big Ben because you know he is playing. Forget about the fact that Antonio Brown is not playing. Forget about the fact that the Steelers are playing in their fourth straight road game dating back to Week 16. Forget about the fact that Denver is at home and coming off a bye with the #1 defense in the NFL. All that won't matter come kickoff on Sunday. This will be a close game no matter what. I expect it to be a very tough game for the Broncos to win.
7) Finally, maybe there is a revenge factor in play here for the Steelers. The last time these two played in a playoff game was the epic 2011 AFC Wild Card Game in Denver. Yes, the Tim Tebow to Demaryius Thomas OT game that ripped the heart out of the Steelers 29-23. I worry that karma might come back to bite the Broncos and the football Gods will give the Steelers one back in return for the Tebow game.
Prediction: Pittsburgh(+6) over DENVER: This line is way too high. I just think there are too many question marks surrounding Peyton Manning and his play. I don't care that Big Ben and Antonio Brown are banged up. I think the Steelers and Roethlisberger will do enough to go into Denver and take down the Broncos.
Final Score: Steelers-27 Broncos-17
Saturday, January 16, 2016
2015 NFL Divisional Playoffs Picks!
The NFL Divisional Playoff round gets going this weekend, and if there was any doubt as to the impact of a big-time QB, then look at the eight QBs that are left in this round. Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Alex Smith, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Cam Newton and Carson Palmer. Brady, Manning, Big Ben, Rodgers, and Wilson have all won at least 1 Super Bowl. Newton and Palmer have been two of the top three QBs in the entire NFL this year, and Alex Smith is a solid pro who had a Pro Bowl year. Gone are the likes of Kirk Cousins, Brian Hoyer, A.J. McCarron, and Teddy Bridgewater. It has come down to the NFL's version of the Elite Eight, and you have an elite set of QBs ready to make their move to Super Bowl 50. Here are the picks for Divisional Weekend.....
Last Week's Record: 3-1
Overall Playoff Record: 3-1
Regular Season Record: 123-125-11
5-Kansas City at 2-New England
AFC Divisional Playoff Game
A Case for the Chiefs: They have won 11 straight games heading into this one. They had an easy victory in Round 1 over the Texans. They have a really good defense that forces turnovers, and they have a very potent pass rush that could give the Patriots and their offensive line fits. They got the playoff monkey off their backs last week with their first playoff win since 1993. The pressure is on the Patriots, so the Chiefs can play fast and loose and play with that underdog mentality. They are the hottest team in the league, and a team that no one wants to see at this point of the playoffs, and maybe they have a little bit of destiny's darlings in them.
A Case for the Patriots: They are getting their banged-up players back just in time for this game. Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, and Rob Gronkowski are all healthy and ready. On defense, they are getting Donta Hightower and Jamie Collins back healthy. Jeremy Maclin is questionable for this game with a high ankle injury, so the Pats will double Travis Kelce and take him out of the game. By the way, they have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick going up against Alex Smith and Andy Reid. That certainly goes in their favor. Plus, all we have heard about the last few weeks is how they are limping and crawling into the playoffs, but the Pats have been just waiting for the playoffs, and they know they are getting healthy at the right time of the year.
Prediction: NEW ENGLAND (-5) over Kansas City: I would expect nothing but the Pats "A" game here in this spot. The Chiefs are not a pushover, but the Pats are ready and rested, and look for them to put a whipping on KC on Saturday afternoon.
Final Score: Patriots-30 Chiefs-17
5-Green Bay at 2-Arizona
NFC Divisional Playoff Game
A Case for the Packers: What you saw last week from the Packers in their victory over Washington was something we haven't seen from them since October. Can Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense do it again this week? Why not. Green Bay doesn't matchup well with Arizona, but that isn't going to matter if Rodgers gets hot again. Plus, the Packers got destroyed by the Cardinals in Week 16 in that building, and now they can use that as motivation to play their tails off. No one will give them much of a chance this week, and that is a spot that the Packers are usually not in. It would be foolish to just right them off in this game. They have played too many playoff games in recent years, and you can never count out Rodgers having a massive day. Maybe, the Packers just waited for the playoffs to get going again?
A Case for the Cardinals: They have been one of the best 2-3 teams in the entire league all year long. They are significantly better than the Packers, they pounded them a few weeks ago, they are very well-coached under Bruce Arians, and Carson Palmer had a MVP season this year. On the surface, it will be very hard for anyone to go into Arizona and get a win over this Cardinals team. You have to like the matchup from a defensive standpoint with Arizona's defense going up against the banged up Packers offensive line. They are rested, they are the better team, and there is no reason why they can't take care of business and get to the NFC Championship.
Prediction: Green Bay (+7) over ARIZONA: This game really intrigues me on Saturday night. You have Aaron Rodgers as an underdog heading to Arizona in a playoff game. I think this game will be closer than the debacle that happened in Week 16. I think Rodgers makes enough plays to keep the Packers in the game, and although I see a close Cardinals victory, it wouldn't shock me if Green Bay pulled off the upset.
Final Score: Cardinals-27 Packers-23
6-Seattle at 1-Carolina
NFC Divisional Playoff Game
A Case for the Seahawks: From last year's epic comeback to beat Green Bay in the NFC Championship to last week's victory over the Vikings on a missed field goal, it seems like the Seahawks have had some luck on their side in recent playoff history. Maybe this team is just one of those teams that just finds ways to win this big games. They come into this game with a swagger and a mentality. They are the defending NFC champs for two straight years. They will bring a cockiness and confidence into this game that might be too much for the Panthers to handle. They have played 9 playoff games since 2012, so you know they are battle tested. By the way, they have Russell Wilson too. Wilson can simply win a game by himself, and he always plays well in these playoff games.
A Case for the Panthers: At 15-1, they were the best team in the NFL all year long. They already went into Seattle and came back to beat the Seahawks earlier in the year. They aren't afraid or intimidated by them at all. Every time they play the Seahawks, the games are close. Even last year's Divisional Playoff loss to Seattle was close till the 4th quarter. The way the year played out, it just seemed like it was their year from start to finish. Plus, you have the MVP of the league this year in Cam Newton. He can take over the game himself, put this team on his back, and win the game on his own. Finally, this will be the Seahawks third straight road game going back to Week 17, and it will be their second straight game in the Eastern time zone. That has to be a factor in Carolina's favor.
Prediction: CAROLINA (-2) over Seattle: I know a lot of people are going to pick the Seahawks, but I'm not one of them. This has all the makings of a classic game, and I think it will be close. Russell Wilson vs. Cam Newton will be they guys that decide this game. I think Newton makes one more big play to win it late.
Final Score: Panthers-24 Seahawks-20
Last Week's Record: 3-1
Overall Playoff Record: 3-1
Regular Season Record: 123-125-11
5-Kansas City at 2-New England
AFC Divisional Playoff Game
A Case for the Chiefs: They have won 11 straight games heading into this one. They had an easy victory in Round 1 over the Texans. They have a really good defense that forces turnovers, and they have a very potent pass rush that could give the Patriots and their offensive line fits. They got the playoff monkey off their backs last week with their first playoff win since 1993. The pressure is on the Patriots, so the Chiefs can play fast and loose and play with that underdog mentality. They are the hottest team in the league, and a team that no one wants to see at this point of the playoffs, and maybe they have a little bit of destiny's darlings in them.
A Case for the Patriots: They are getting their banged-up players back just in time for this game. Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, and Rob Gronkowski are all healthy and ready. On defense, they are getting Donta Hightower and Jamie Collins back healthy. Jeremy Maclin is questionable for this game with a high ankle injury, so the Pats will double Travis Kelce and take him out of the game. By the way, they have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick going up against Alex Smith and Andy Reid. That certainly goes in their favor. Plus, all we have heard about the last few weeks is how they are limping and crawling into the playoffs, but the Pats have been just waiting for the playoffs, and they know they are getting healthy at the right time of the year.
Prediction: NEW ENGLAND (-5) over Kansas City: I would expect nothing but the Pats "A" game here in this spot. The Chiefs are not a pushover, but the Pats are ready and rested, and look for them to put a whipping on KC on Saturday afternoon.
Final Score: Patriots-30 Chiefs-17
5-Green Bay at 2-Arizona
NFC Divisional Playoff Game
A Case for the Packers: What you saw last week from the Packers in their victory over Washington was something we haven't seen from them since October. Can Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense do it again this week? Why not. Green Bay doesn't matchup well with Arizona, but that isn't going to matter if Rodgers gets hot again. Plus, the Packers got destroyed by the Cardinals in Week 16 in that building, and now they can use that as motivation to play their tails off. No one will give them much of a chance this week, and that is a spot that the Packers are usually not in. It would be foolish to just right them off in this game. They have played too many playoff games in recent years, and you can never count out Rodgers having a massive day. Maybe, the Packers just waited for the playoffs to get going again?
A Case for the Cardinals: They have been one of the best 2-3 teams in the entire league all year long. They are significantly better than the Packers, they pounded them a few weeks ago, they are very well-coached under Bruce Arians, and Carson Palmer had a MVP season this year. On the surface, it will be very hard for anyone to go into Arizona and get a win over this Cardinals team. You have to like the matchup from a defensive standpoint with Arizona's defense going up against the banged up Packers offensive line. They are rested, they are the better team, and there is no reason why they can't take care of business and get to the NFC Championship.
Prediction: Green Bay (+7) over ARIZONA: This game really intrigues me on Saturday night. You have Aaron Rodgers as an underdog heading to Arizona in a playoff game. I think this game will be closer than the debacle that happened in Week 16. I think Rodgers makes enough plays to keep the Packers in the game, and although I see a close Cardinals victory, it wouldn't shock me if Green Bay pulled off the upset.
Final Score: Cardinals-27 Packers-23
6-Seattle at 1-Carolina
NFC Divisional Playoff Game
A Case for the Seahawks: From last year's epic comeback to beat Green Bay in the NFC Championship to last week's victory over the Vikings on a missed field goal, it seems like the Seahawks have had some luck on their side in recent playoff history. Maybe this team is just one of those teams that just finds ways to win this big games. They come into this game with a swagger and a mentality. They are the defending NFC champs for two straight years. They will bring a cockiness and confidence into this game that might be too much for the Panthers to handle. They have played 9 playoff games since 2012, so you know they are battle tested. By the way, they have Russell Wilson too. Wilson can simply win a game by himself, and he always plays well in these playoff games.
A Case for the Panthers: At 15-1, they were the best team in the NFL all year long. They already went into Seattle and came back to beat the Seahawks earlier in the year. They aren't afraid or intimidated by them at all. Every time they play the Seahawks, the games are close. Even last year's Divisional Playoff loss to Seattle was close till the 4th quarter. The way the year played out, it just seemed like it was their year from start to finish. Plus, you have the MVP of the league this year in Cam Newton. He can take over the game himself, put this team on his back, and win the game on his own. Finally, this will be the Seahawks third straight road game going back to Week 17, and it will be their second straight game in the Eastern time zone. That has to be a factor in Carolina's favor.
Prediction: CAROLINA (-2) over Seattle: I know a lot of people are going to pick the Seahawks, but I'm not one of them. This has all the makings of a classic game, and I think it will be close. Russell Wilson vs. Cam Newton will be they guys that decide this game. I think Newton makes one more big play to win it late.
Final Score: Panthers-24 Seahawks-20
Monday, January 11, 2016
Broncos 2015 Playoffs Storylines
The Broncos enter the 2015 Playoffs as the #1 seed for the third time in four years. It is the fourth straight year with a bye, and it will be the fifth consecutive year that they will be playing in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. There are only eight teams left, and the Broncos have a chance to make it to the Super Bowl and win a third Lombardi Trophy. It has been a very strange year for the Broncos, but once again the Broncos sit in position to go the Super Bowl with homefield advantage throughout the AFC bracket. Here are the storylines for the Broncos as they prepare for their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers and a run at Super Bowl 50...
1) Orange Crush: The Broncos defense finished #1 overall, #1 against the pass, #1 against the run, and #1 in sacks in 2015. Their defense has been the best in the NFL all year long. They have carried the Broncos to a 12-4 record, and now it is on them to put it all together in the playoffs. Make no mistake: If the Broncos are going to get to and win the Super Bowl, the defense will have to play the way they did all year long and carry them there. They say that defense wins championships, and the Broncos have a Super Bowl caliber defense, but they have to prove it in these big moments. It is on them.
2) Offensive Consistency: No matter who the QB was for the Broncos this year, their offense was inconsistent all year long. They had trouble running the ball at times. Their offensive line has struggled to protect a key moments. Their running backs were up and down, and their receivers dropped way too many key passes. They struggled in the red zone, and there were times where they would go 3 and out in stretches of games. It was certainly frustrating to watch this team on offense at times, and if it wasn't for their defense, then they probably wouldn't even be in the playoffs. The Broncos only scored 30 or more points once as an offense this year. That doesn't sound like the recipe for a Super Bowl winning team. They have to somehow find a way to put together a complete, solid, and mistake-free game to have any chance of going deep in the playoffs. It is hard to see them becoming an offensive juggernaut in the postseason, but they have to be consistent on all levels. If they do that, then they will give themselves a great shot of advancing to the Super Bowl.
3) The Sheriff's Last Ride: Peyton Manning gets the start in the Divisional Round, and he had his worst season as a pro since his rookie year in 1998. Whether it was the result of a nagging foot injury that finally sidelined him for six weeks or the fact that he is a 39-year old aging QB, no one really knows for sure why he struggled. Maybe the rest will help him. Hopefully, Manning is feeling as healthy as he can be, and he can play at a high enough level to help the Broncos win. Can Manning put together two solid games in a row at home to send himself and the Broncos to Super Bowl 50? That will be the question on everyone's mind as the playoffs begin. Perhaps this will be the fitting way for Manning to end his career. A year in which he struggled the most just seems to come together for one last glorious run to a Super Bowl victory, and he rides off into the sunset with another Super Bowl under his belt. It doesn't seem likely, but sometimes sports can create moments like this. Peyton needs to somehow be Peyton one last time.
4) Battle Tested or Battle Scarred?: This is the fourth straight year the Broncos have had a bye. They exited the playoffs in awful fashion the last three years. The loss to Baltimore in 2012, the destruction at the Super Bowl in 2013, and the no-show effort in the loss to the Colts in 2014. Twice, they had a bye and lost in that first game at home. Do those experiences help them in any way this year in the playoffs? Or do the Broncos now have the stigma of faltering in the biggest games? One way or another we will find out. I certainly think that the playoff experience is a positive, and if the Broncos advance all the way to the Super Bowl, then I'm sure that will be one of the reasons why they did. Being in big games helps teams prepare for other big games down the road. In addition, to the playoff games in the past few years, Denver played in many close, playoff-type games this year against some high quality teams. Has that prepared them for this playoff run? Let's hope that is has.
5) Pressure Mounting: Whatever Peyton Manning decides to do after this season, there is a very slim possibility that he will be playing for the Broncos next year. This is his fourth year in Denver and this is probably the last shot they have with the Hall of Famer to win the Super Bowl. They are 12-4 and have the #1 seed, so they are not a long shot to win the title, and they have a lot of pressure to win-and win this season. This team has a lot of key free agents, and they won't be able to sign them all, so this team will be very different next year. The whole franchise will be different when Manning leaves, no matter who the QB is next year. They have been on top of the AFC the last four years, but they still don't have one Super Bowl title to show for it. They went out in their first playoff game to Baltimore in 2012 in the Rahim Moore debacle. They got buried and destroyed by the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII, and they went out in a whimper in the Divisional Round at home to the Colts last year. They have a reputation of faltering in these huge games, and they have to find a way to get it done this year. It won't ever be the same for this franchise going forward from here.
1) Orange Crush: The Broncos defense finished #1 overall, #1 against the pass, #1 against the run, and #1 in sacks in 2015. Their defense has been the best in the NFL all year long. They have carried the Broncos to a 12-4 record, and now it is on them to put it all together in the playoffs. Make no mistake: If the Broncos are going to get to and win the Super Bowl, the defense will have to play the way they did all year long and carry them there. They say that defense wins championships, and the Broncos have a Super Bowl caliber defense, but they have to prove it in these big moments. It is on them.
2) Offensive Consistency: No matter who the QB was for the Broncos this year, their offense was inconsistent all year long. They had trouble running the ball at times. Their offensive line has struggled to protect a key moments. Their running backs were up and down, and their receivers dropped way too many key passes. They struggled in the red zone, and there were times where they would go 3 and out in stretches of games. It was certainly frustrating to watch this team on offense at times, and if it wasn't for their defense, then they probably wouldn't even be in the playoffs. The Broncos only scored 30 or more points once as an offense this year. That doesn't sound like the recipe for a Super Bowl winning team. They have to somehow find a way to put together a complete, solid, and mistake-free game to have any chance of going deep in the playoffs. It is hard to see them becoming an offensive juggernaut in the postseason, but they have to be consistent on all levels. If they do that, then they will give themselves a great shot of advancing to the Super Bowl.
3) The Sheriff's Last Ride: Peyton Manning gets the start in the Divisional Round, and he had his worst season as a pro since his rookie year in 1998. Whether it was the result of a nagging foot injury that finally sidelined him for six weeks or the fact that he is a 39-year old aging QB, no one really knows for sure why he struggled. Maybe the rest will help him. Hopefully, Manning is feeling as healthy as he can be, and he can play at a high enough level to help the Broncos win. Can Manning put together two solid games in a row at home to send himself and the Broncos to Super Bowl 50? That will be the question on everyone's mind as the playoffs begin. Perhaps this will be the fitting way for Manning to end his career. A year in which he struggled the most just seems to come together for one last glorious run to a Super Bowl victory, and he rides off into the sunset with another Super Bowl under his belt. It doesn't seem likely, but sometimes sports can create moments like this. Peyton needs to somehow be Peyton one last time.
4) Battle Tested or Battle Scarred?: This is the fourth straight year the Broncos have had a bye. They exited the playoffs in awful fashion the last three years. The loss to Baltimore in 2012, the destruction at the Super Bowl in 2013, and the no-show effort in the loss to the Colts in 2014. Twice, they had a bye and lost in that first game at home. Do those experiences help them in any way this year in the playoffs? Or do the Broncos now have the stigma of faltering in the biggest games? One way or another we will find out. I certainly think that the playoff experience is a positive, and if the Broncos advance all the way to the Super Bowl, then I'm sure that will be one of the reasons why they did. Being in big games helps teams prepare for other big games down the road. In addition, to the playoff games in the past few years, Denver played in many close, playoff-type games this year against some high quality teams. Has that prepared them for this playoff run? Let's hope that is has.
5) Pressure Mounting: Whatever Peyton Manning decides to do after this season, there is a very slim possibility that he will be playing for the Broncos next year. This is his fourth year in Denver and this is probably the last shot they have with the Hall of Famer to win the Super Bowl. They are 12-4 and have the #1 seed, so they are not a long shot to win the title, and they have a lot of pressure to win-and win this season. This team has a lot of key free agents, and they won't be able to sign them all, so this team will be very different next year. The whole franchise will be different when Manning leaves, no matter who the QB is next year. They have been on top of the AFC the last four years, but they still don't have one Super Bowl title to show for it. They went out in their first playoff game to Baltimore in 2012 in the Rahim Moore debacle. They got buried and destroyed by the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII, and they went out in a whimper in the Divisional Round at home to the Colts last year. They have a reputation of faltering in these huge games, and they have to find a way to get it done this year. It won't ever be the same for this franchise going forward from here.
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