Denver/NE review
Some stray thoughts on the Broncos/Pats game.
1: The better team won, albeit with a bit of help from the zebras and a lot from the Patriots themselves. New England did a helluva job this year, all things considered. You don’t lose two first-tier coordinators and suffer the injury problems they did and still click on as though nothing happened. I don’t think that any team in this era can lose that much and fully reload in one year. Hats off to the Pats, because they accomplished more this year than I thought they could. But all that said, Denver has simply been a better club all year.
2: Of course, I also wonder how the game might have gone had the back judge not has his head up his ass on that interference call. One of the worst blown calls I’ve seen in a playoff game in a long time. That’s one of those moments that can turn a whole game, and I wonder if the league will have a word of prayer with Ref Flaghappy this week.
3: I also wonder about the fumble call on Bailey’s return. I didn’t see an angle that would overturn the call on the field, but I suspect that if you had that aerial camera in the right spot it would have shown that NE was right in their challenge. So Denver was fortunate there.
4: The Kicker Factor: Vinatieri missed a layup and Sauerbrun forced a fumble. I think that’s predicted in Revelation 13, right after the beast with seven heads and ten horns and upon his horns ten crowns.
5: Props to the Denver D, though. One of their biggest problems in recent years was that they simply didn’t get any takeaways. If they get three fumbles and two picks next week, they’ll be heading for the Super Bowl.
6: However, in order to get all that pressure on Brady they had to bring the house (and despite the pressure and knockdowns they didn’t get a single sack). Another huge issue they’ve had in the Shanny Era is that they just can’t get to the QB with their down four. Shanahan has refused, throughout his entire head coaching career, to pursue and invest in a legit pass rushing monster. Indy has more weapons than NE (assuming Indy wins today – not that this will help), and if Denver has to blitz the way they did yesterday to get to Manning the game will be over by halftime.
7: The 4th-and-goal call by Shanahan was the single dumbest play call in the history of organized sports. A fade?! I’m all in favor of the element of surprise, but that’s a low percentage route in the best of circumstances. That call was only marginally better than punting. No, wait – if you’d punted sideways at least you’d have had them pinned deep…..
8: Denver probably handles Pittsburgh at home, but I don’t see any reason to think they can beat Indy in the dome, do you?
lullaby pit 
Now that the Colts are showing some life (at 10 minutes in the 2nd) it’s anybody’s guess. I’d prefer a Colts/Broncos matchup but since those are my 2 favorite teams I’d be torn either way. Great game last night.
Now that the Colts are showing some life (at 10 minutes in the 2nd) it’s anybody’s guess. I’d prefer a Colts/Broncos matchup but since those are my 2 favorite teams I’d be torn either way. Great game last night.
yeah dude
nice observations … I gotta admit that I was thrilled that the Pats lost, as I absolutely abhor their many bandwagon jumping fans around here !!!
For #8, I agree that Denver definitely has the edge, although the Stillers looked pretty tough today — I think it’s gonna be a great game !
yeah dude
nice observations … I gotta admit that I was thrilled that the Pats lost, as I absolutely abhor their many bandwagon jumping fans around here !!!
For #8, I agree that Denver definitely has the edge, although the Stillers looked pretty tough today — I think it’s gonna be a great game !
I don’t see the Broncos winning
I don’t see the Broncos winning this week. The Steelers have that magic. For some reason it feels like 2001 when the Pats won. I had a feeling then and I have a feeling now. I’m not pulling for them, I’m just being realistic. Go Seahawks! Win one for Steve Largent and the Boz!
I don’t see the Broncos winning
I don’t see the Broncos winning this week. The Steelers have that magic. For some reason it feels like 2001 when the Pats won. I had a feeling then and I have a feeling now. I’m not pulling for them, I’m just being realistic. Go Seahawks! Win one for Steve Largent and the Boz!
Re: I don’t see the Broncos winning
I can see the Pitt/Den game going either way. Polamalu is precisely what Jake doesn’t need to have deal with. However, Denver has a running game and a great defense, kinda like Pittsburgh. Very similar teams in a lot of ways. I hope home field advantage counts for something.
But damn, it sucks that my Panthers have to go to Seattle without their running back….
Re: I don’t see the Broncos winning
I can see the Pitt/Den game going either way. Polamalu is precisely what Jake doesn’t need to have deal with. However, Denver has a running game and a great defense, kinda like Pittsburgh. Very similar teams in a lot of ways. I hope home field advantage counts for something.
But damn, it sucks that my Panthers have to go to Seattle without their running back….
Re: I don’t see the Broncos winning
Back in the 80’s when the Bills were worse then they are now I used to follow Seattle cause of Steve Largent. So I have to root for them, although I do like the Panthers. How can you hate any of those two teams. That actually could be the problem this year. Who do you hate in the NFC. I wonder how low the Bowl ratings will be this year? I’d like to see Jake win the big one, it’s tough to follow Lord Elway. He’s kinda the anti Elway which I dig, he’s also got a sweet beard. Steelers fans are way overrated. Last year when the Bills lost to the Steelers third string team they were no fun. The Steelers fans lacked the wit of a white trash Jets fan, and the cocky ignorance of a Pats fan. They just kinda took up space.
Re: I don’t see the Broncos winning
Back in the 80’s when the Bills were worse then they are now I used to follow Seattle cause of Steve Largent. So I have to root for them, although I do like the Panthers. How can you hate any of those two teams. That actually could be the problem this year. Who do you hate in the NFC. I wonder how low the Bowl ratings will be this year? I’d like to see Jake win the big one, it’s tough to follow Lord Elway. He’s kinda the anti Elway which I dig, he’s also got a sweet beard. Steelers fans are way overrated. Last year when the Bills lost to the Steelers third string team they were no fun. The Steelers fans lacked the wit of a white trash Jets fan, and the cocky ignorance of a Pats fan. They just kinda took up space.