NFL 2011 Season Thread

[Team Sheep]

One half away from winning $120. Come on.

[Innovator]

30 MORE FUCKING MINUTES. DONT FUCK IT UP PLEASE.

[Innovator]

I think the hail mary might've done Vito in.

[Innovator]

There we go Tynes, way to kick the ball down the field.

[Innovator]

Stupid NFL MVP

[Innovator]

OSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

[Innovator]

STRIP! FUMBLE! OSI! BALLIN!

[CSL]

Osi Umenyiora, Barnet, London, England, UK, the Earth

[Innovator]

GB should kneel until 3rd down. Fucking ridiculous.

[Innovator]

Calls hold, misses the face mask.

[Innovator]

Offense needs to do something in the 4th, getting ridiculous.

[Innovator]

Perry Fewell's strategy of leaving receivers open and them dropping it is paying off.

[Innovator]

THERE WE GO! BOLEYWOOD!

[Corndad]

I might be jumpin on the Giants Bandwagon. Is there any room left? They are straight up outplaying Packers today.

[Innovator]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 1st Down in the 2nd half!

[Innovator]

Holding in the secondary on the Packers. Ref getting cut tomorrow.

[Triple Naitch]

Eli is having an amazing day.

[CSL]

cruzzzzzzzzzz

[Kris P Lettus]

Uhhh oh, Victor Cruz is hurt..

[James Steele]

Fuckkkkk

[Corndad]

Eli is the Post Season Quarterback of that family.

[Innovator]

Giants up 10.

[Kris P Lettus]

He is better than Petting cause he played at Ole Miss not at gayass Tennessee..

[Innovator]

Nervous.

[Nark Order]

FUMBLE

[Innovator]

FUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GIANTS BALL AT THE 3!

[Emperor Smeat]

wow another turnover by the Packers.

Packers defense has been decent today but the Giants D has been godly against Rodgers.

[Innovator]

MANNING TO MANNINGHAM!

[Nark Order]

TOUCHDOWN.

PACKERS CHOKING ON THEIR OWN GOUDA, SON.

[CSL]

this is unreal

[Innovator]

30-13 GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGMEN

[Innovator]

If the Giants hold on, can we stop with the discount double dick commercials?

[Corndad]

I'm sensing a SB 42 Rematch in a few weeks.

[Nark Order]

I'm sensing a SB 42 Rematch in a few weeks.

I'm not.

:)

[Innovator]

I'm sensing a SB 42 Rematch in a few weeks.
No you're not.

[Innovator]

Babysteps.

[Innovator]

WHAT BLOW TO TEH HEAD>!>!>!>

[Innovator]

FUCK YOU REFS

[Corndad]

Bad Call. No where near the head.

[Nark Order]

Yeah, horrible call.

[Dragon]

Quite the blow to the head. Helmets barely touch at the end.

[DaveBrawl]

I'm sensing a SB 42 Rematch in a few weeks.

Super Bowl 35. :shifty:

[Team Sheep]

So glad I got on the Giants after they beat the Jets. Thank you 49ers, Patriots, Ravens and Giants, $120 coming my way. And my other $230 winnings of the Giants making the Super Bowl is still alive.

[FakeLaser]

Whyyyyyyyyy do I never put money on the Giants when I have a gut feeling that always seems to be right

[CSL]

get the shitty calls out of the way this week, there's a game against SF waiting with plenty of potential for phantom illegal man & missed pass interference calls

[McLegend]

Would love a nice choke by the Giants.

[Kris P Lettus]

Hope Canty is ok..

[Kris P Lettus]

Now trending #JoeBuckshair

[Nark Order]

Well, hold on. Aaron Rodgers sill has the potential to magically transform into Tim Tebow here.

[Kris P Lettus]

G-men

[Innovator]

ELI THROWING THE BLOCK!

[Kris P Lettus]

Bradshaw went beastmode there..

[Team Sheep]

Well, hold on. Aaron Rodgers sill has the potential to magically transform into Tim Tebow here.

Nah.

[Innovator]

Why toss to Jacobs?

[Innovator]

TOUCHDOWN JACOBS

[Innovator]

BRING IT NARC

[Kris P Lettus]

Nah.

After what Alex Smith did yesterday, anything is possible..

:(

[CSL]

relax baby, it's overrr

[Nark Order]

Inno, this has been brewing for some time.

It has been decided.

[Innovator]

I still remember 2002. FUCK WHY ARE THEY SHOWING IT NOW

[#1-norm-fan]

Well, I'm a Giants fan for the next week.

[Innovator]

Giants won't be going into the prevent in the 3rd quarter this time.

[#1-norm-fan]

Seriously if the Giants go into Green Bay and just beat up the Packers like this only to lose to San Francisco...

[Innovator]

Clash of the Titans next week baby! Alex Fucking Smith vs. Eli Fucking Manning

[Evil Vito]

What a game. Amazing. Already know I'm pulling for the NFC rep in the Super Bowl.

[Innovator]

AND ITS AAAAAAAAAAAAAALL OVER

[Nark Order]

Grats Giants fans. It is time.

[#1-norm-fan]

"Probably the worst performance we've seen from the packers all year..."

Really Troy Aikman? Probably? Just... probably..."

[Corndad]

Well I hope San Fran fixed their lights they got another night game next week lol

[Skippord]

whoa, I woke up when it was 30 to 13 and I was like I did not see that coming

[#1-norm-fan]

Well I hope San Fran fixed their lights they got another night game next week lol

The game will be over before it gets dark.

[#1-norm-fan]

Possibly...

[Corndad]

The game will be over before it gets dark.

Game starts at 6pm Eastern. 3pm there. I dunno. Gonna be close. Game wouldn't be over till after 7pm there.

[Evil Vito]

Pack have to get some secondary help in the draft. If they get that, look out.

[Gonzo]

First of all, :cool:

Second of all, I was joking with my father about Eli Manning's status as an elite NFL QB. I said that the way I could tell he wasn't considered elite is because he didn't get bullshit flags thrown to his benefit. Then a bullshit flag gets thrown to Rodgers benefit. :|

Manning was getting hammered with some questionable hits, at least the way it has been officiated since the rules were put into effect.

Should be a hell of a game next week.

[D Mac]

All of the teams I like are out now. Now I root for anybody vs Pats.

[Innovator]

49ers vs. Giants will be a dogfight.

[Innovator]

One more, BALLIN

[Supreme Olajuwon]

New York Manning

[screech]

Happy with the win by the Ravens, but what an ugly game. No way we win next week playing like that. Terrified about going to New England, especially because of our inability to score/move the ball ever. Defense has to be at their A game for us to have a shot.

Only got to see about half of Packers-Giants, but wow. Giants D really showed up and the offense took advantage of the turnovers. Looking forward to the NFC title game & would be happy with either team winning it all (unless the Ravens make it, of course :D).

[screech]

Also I am glad that I am not being blocked for being a Ravens fan. Love all of you.

[#1-norm-fan]

I wanna see a Giants-Patriots rematch.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Being a Ravens fan has nothing to do with why people dislike Droford.

[#1-norm-fan]

And without the undefeated season, I'd get to freely root for New England this time.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Being a Ravens fan has nothing to do with why people dislike Droford.

TPWW hates the Ravens because of Droford but that's not the same thing.

Go Pats and 49ners. Two of the biggest dynasties in NFL history in the Superbowl would be so epic. Can you imagine the bullshit ESPN would make it about Montana and Brady.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

pretty sure if you're a patriots fan you're not allowed to complain about ESPN

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Still haven't come down to Earth yet. What a game. Also so glad that the game didn't come down to those blown calls by the refs. I still maintain that Aaron Rodgers paid them off with the money he received from State Farm from his discount double check. :shifty:

I went into this game thinking a win would be gravy...but next week? Not so much. They definitely have shown they are a Super Bowl team. I've tried to avoid comparing it to the 2007 team but at this point it's pretty much impossible. The magic just feels like it's there.</font>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

True they are all over their junk now, but they weren't at the start of this run. They didn't air clips of Pats in playoff promos. There was a blatant lack of respect for the Pats in the media which the team fed on.

They cover the team but they are just waiting for it to fall apart so they can say how they never thought they were good enough to win. I expect them to disavow any knowledge of how they ball-washed the Packers all year long.

[DrA]

This is the second time I can recall where a seemingly unstoppable team lost just after the death of a coach's son. The same thing happened to Indianapolis right after Tony Dungy's son killed himself.

[Nark Order]

This is gonna be pretty wonderful. Both fanbases are absolutely certain they can win this game. This should be quite the battle. 9ers and Giants is a hell of an NFC Championship game.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, gonna be so stoked for the game. Gotta say, as fun as a Giants/Pats rematch would be...I'd love it for the Ravens to win the early game. Would be pretty cool entering the NFC Title game knowing we're either getting the Harbaugh Bowl or a rematch from the 2000 Super Bowl. The season ending with Droford crying would be a huge plus.</font>

[Crimson]

Amazing..how do the Giants keep doin it. Pulling for 49ers/Ravens even though it'll probably be the most boring superbowl macthup

[Gonzo]

Hot hand in the dice game baby.

[Droford]

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/american_crow_7.jpg

bunch of people on here better get ready to start eating

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I have no idea what you just said! This is AWESOME

[Droford]

The Matt Ryan curse means the Giants are going to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl 35 rematch!

[Nark Order]

This is pretty incredible having Droford blocked.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Extremely refreshing. Much less clutter.</font>

[Droford]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/flLqAvF4rZE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

just a reminder of what happened a couple years ago when the Ravens went to NE

[Droford]

We have our first Ravens player retirement announcement: Matt Birk is retiring at the end of the season.

When they win the Super Bowl that will also include Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

OMG it's like the fun has magically returned to this place. I wanna post in this thread now!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Still love thinking about the Catch III yesterday. Such an amazing finish to a game. And Vernon Davis' emotional dump afterwards was super touching.

[Gonzo]

Still love thinking about the Catch III yesterday. Such an amazing finish to a game. And Vernon Davis' emotional dump afterwards was super touching.

Yeah, thrilling game to watch. Definitely thought the 9ers were done for after that last Saints' TD. Unbelievable.

The run that Alex Smith had, the QB bootleg, was awesome too.

[Droford]

Ravens are 58-1 all time when they are +2 on turnovers (+4 today)

Also, the most overlooked thing out of the whole game today was the fact that the Ravens played a penalty free game, which is shocking considering the usually always get called for a couple false starts on offense or something ticky tack..

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Just wanted to reach through my tv and give Vernon Davis a hug.

[Nark Order]

That was by far the best moment of the year for me. Seeing Vernon make the play that he's always dreamed of making made me very happy. After all that team has been through, it was just a good moment.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, Niners/Saints is going to be tough to beat for this postseason. After the first half today I thought Giants/Packers was gonna come down to a photo finish but it never happened.

Like I said, the decision is easy for who to root for in the Super Bowl this year. NFC rep all the way.</font>

[FearedSanctity]

This is pretty incredible having Droford blocked.

Thread is def a lot less aggravating and more intelligent

[RoXer]

Ravens are 58-1 all time when they are +2 on turnovers (+4 today)

Also, the most overlooked thing out of the whole game today was the fact that the Ravens played a penalty free game, which is shocking considering the usually always get called for a couple false starts on offense or something ticky tack..<label for="rb_iconid_7">http://www.tpww.net/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif</label>

[DaveBrawl]

Wasn't he going to make a wager or something?

[Nark Order]

At least put that in spoiler tags, Roxer. You fuck

[Droford]

Wasn't he going to make a wager or something?

I was gonna do another "If the Ravens don't win I wont post in the NFL thread for a year" like I did earlier, but then I figured that would be stupid because what do I gain if they do win outside of being able to come in here and gloat about it considering you all have me blocked.

Im just glad that Ravens didn't shit the bed like the Packers did, I mean..15-1 and then lose the first playoff game at home, and didnt just lose but got smacked around and pretty much humilated... If I was a Packers fan Id be going into hibernation for the next 7 months.

Also, I predict when defenses get to the Super Bowl (Ravens/49ers) and beat down all these high powered offenses, that this trend towards totally forgetting how to play defense is gonna start to reverse itself and we're gonna start seeing some defense played, although it will need some help in from the league office to fix the rules that favor offenses...

NFL Network points out tidbits:

Ravens go to Super bowl - Baltimore/Indy Connection
Giants go to Super Bowl - Eli playing in his Brothers house
49ers go to Super Bowl - Jim Harbaugh's name is in the Colts Ring of Honor

[Innovator]

Hopefully ESPN will shut up about whether or not teams should rest the starters or play the games.

[Triple Naitch]

Not a chance

[Innovator]

Tiki Barber has tried to set up a face-to-face meeting with New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin in an attempt to bury the hatchet, but Coughlin won't accept one, the franchise's all-time leading rusher told ESPNNewYork.com's Ian O'Connor during an interview on ESPN New York 1050.

"We tried. He said no, through his agent, (Giants vice president of communications) Pat Hanlon," Barber said. "But one of these days I'm sure it'll happen, because as we know, time heals all wounds. And I think at the end of the day, Giants fans, despite their dislike of me at times, know that I was one of the guys that put (it) on the line every time I put on my uniform."

It has been well-documented how Barber never saw eye-to-eye with Coughlin during his playing days, and the two eventually had a falling out. Barber had said in the past that it was the Coughlin's militant and "demeaning" coaching style that drove him from the field into the broadcast booth. On Nov. 29, a day after the Giants were blown out by the Saints in New Orleans, Barber wrote an online column criticizing Coughlin.

"I took pride in what I did. I knew there were 52 other guys counting on me every week," Barber replied when asked why he was able to rise to the occasion on Sundays despite his rocky relationship with Coughlin. "One issue I've ever had with Tom is he never respected that. He always tried to vilify me."

One player who's earned Barber's respect is quarterback Eli Manning.

Barber, who once questioned Manning's leadership capabilities, said his ex-teammate has greatly improved in that department, and is no longer rattled by adversity.

Barber even thinks Manning has a chance to outplay Aaron Rodgers in Sunday's NFC divisional playoff game.

"Here's what I look for when I'm looking for an elite quarterback. Someone that no matter the circumstances -- whether you're playing great, whether you're playing horrible -- has that unfettered drive to succeed," Barber said.

"That's what Eli has learned over the last five or six years -- from the early days when I saw him where everything used to rattle him -- to now. No matter what happens, he's always into the football game and doing something to help his team win.

"That's my definition of an elite quarterback, and why Eli is in on that conversation now."

Barber retired following the 2006 season, but attempted to make a comeback in 2011. He worked out with the Miami Dolphins in August, but they didn't offer him a contract, and neither did any other NFL team. Barber's former teammate, Plaxico Burress, was surprised, prompting Burress to say that Barber was "better than half the backs in this league."

Barber agrees with Burress' assessment, but said he won't be attempting another comeback again.

"No. No. I'm not trying to come back," Barber said. "It was an excuse for me to get up off the couch and do something, and it worked, because now I'm engaged in a few different things and I feel really strong about where I am personally, and that's all that matters in life."

Barber questioned Manning's ability as a leader following his retirement, saying Manning's pregame speeches were "almost comical."

To which Manning famously responded: "I'm not going to lose any sleep about what Tiki has to say. I guess I could have questioned his leadership skills last year with calling out the coach and having articles about him retiring in the middle of the season, and (how) he's lost the heart (to play). As a quarterback, you're reading that your running back has lost the heart to play the game and it's about the 10th week. I can see that a little bit at times."

Mike Mazzeo is a regular contributor to ESPNNewYork.com.



Doucher.

[OssMan]

Last night I had a dream that Tiki Barber was a flight attendant who was pushing the drink cart across a football field giving the drinks to the players as they lined up for 1st and 10. I was like this is what Tiki Barber's career has become.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Amazing.</font>

[Kris P Lettus]

http://i.imgur.com/T0DbY.png

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The state of Louisiana doesn't think the Saints were a Super Bowl quality team.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol @ Louisiana being butthurt</font>

[Kris P Lettus]

This is from a 15 year old Simpsons episode..

http://i.imgur.com/OlFca.jpg

[#1-norm-fan]

Wow. An episode of The Simpsons 15 years ago showed a final score between two teams that have played multiple times since then and it was kinda close to the final score between the two teams in their second game of this season.

Just goes to show you, there's something out there...

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Can't help but feel like the Saints and Packers are both proof that defense still wins championships, even in the offense-heavy NFL. That's the very reason why I can't be sold on the Patriots.

The Broncos' playcalling was stupid and made no effort to exploit their awful secondary. Problem is, I'm not sure Joe Flacco is capable of exploiting them either (cue Droford defending Flacco...good thing he's blocked).</font>

[Innovator]

Am I the only one who hasn't blocked Droford?

[#1-norm-fan]

I haven't blocked him.

[FearedSanctity]

The Star Athlete And Memaw


[BlindGossip] This star of an NFL team was dining out with a male friend at a steakhouse the other night. After dinner, they were sitting there texting and talking on their cell phones when a young fan came over. He explained that he didn’t want an autograph or a photo, but that his 85-year-old grandmother was a lifelong fan of the team, and it would mean the world to her if the athlete would simply say hello to her as he was leaving the restaurant. The athlete looked up from his cell phone, glared at the fan for five or six seconds, looked over at the grandmother, and said “No! Now get the f*ck away from my table!” The stunned fan retreated back to his table. A few minutes later, the athlete did manage to acknowledge the fan and his grandmother… by giving them the finger on his way out of the restaurant.

SOLVED!

It’s Jay Cutler, quarterback of the Chicago Bears!

This lovely little display of maturity took place last week at a steakhouse north of Chicago.

What’s the problem, Jay? We know you hurt your wittle thumb, but why so hostile to a fan and his elderly grandmother? You’re a rich and famous athlete and you’re re-engaged to a beautiful reality star (Kristin Cavallari). You’ve got a $50 million contract and your thumb will heal. So, why are you so angry?

We hear that this isn’t the first time you’ve treated your fans badly. Shyness and personality quirks are one thing. Chronic nastiness and disrespect is another. You think that you have the arm of a John Elway, but you definitely don’t have the heart of a John Elway. Quit acting like such an entitled, ungrateful dirtbag before the fans of Chicago turn on you like the fans of Denver did.

:roll:

[Kris P Lettus]

Makes me proud to have a guy like Drew Brees leading my team..

[#1-norm-fan]

I have my doubts about whether "BlindGossip" is a reliable source.

[FearedSanctity]

No reason to doubt it. Pretty well known Cutler was a piece of shit in Denver too

[Nark Order]

Jay Cutler is a notorious fucking dipshit when it comes to that stuff.

[CSL]

still seems a bit "overly-ridiculous", even for a manchild like Cutler

[CSL]

"well no shit genius" of the day: John Elway telling the press that "Tim Tebow has earned the right to go into training camp as the starting QB"

[FearedSanctity]

Elway just confirmed owner Pat Bowlen is cheap. When asked if Denver would take advantage of their cap space he basically said they would continue to follow the budget set by the owner, and this past season they spent 98% of that budget. Problem is, that budget still left $20+million in cap space. WOOO, time for more average depth signings!

[FearedSanctity]

Still having problems forgiving them for passing on Brandon Mebane for a relatively low $5million a year

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I don't even know who Brandon Mebane is, but it sounds to me like you're entering Vito Cruz levels of nitpickiness with your favorite team, FearedSanctity.

[FearedSanctity]

DT for the Seahawks. DT was a major need before the season and was proven to still be a major need during the second half of the season. Mebane is a top level DT and they passed on him, didn't draft not one DT and their free agency signing was Ty Warren, a guy who was coming off an injury the year before and got injured again and put on IR before the season even started.

So sir, I'd have to kindly disagree that seemingly ignoring your teams biggest weakness us nitpicking

[FearedSanctity]

And don't even get me started on the Lloyd (5th round pick) and Gaffney (DE Jeremy Jarmon, cut in preseason) trades :mad:

[DaveBrawl]

You probably thought you'd seen the last of Tim Tebow, for a while at least, after the Broncos' 35-point demolition at the hands of the New England Patriots in the NFL playoffs. But there's a good chance you'll be watching the Broncos quarterback again on Championship Weekend.

CBS wants Tim Tebow to join its broadcast as a guest analyst for the AFC Championship game between New England and Baltimore.

"We've had conversations with his (Tebow's) people," CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus told the USA Today's Michael Hiestand. "We have a request in. We haven't heard back.

Tebow is expected to inform the CBS suits by midweek if he'll be hanging with Bill Cowher, Boomer Esiason, Shannon Sharpe and Dan Marino on the CBS set.

Tebow's sorry performance against the Patriots, combined with a thrilling finish between the 49ers and Saints, helped Fox beat CBS in the Saturday NFL TV ratings battle.

As for the 2012 season, the Denver Post reports Broncos executive vice president John Elway is expected to commit to the former Heisman Trophy winner as the Broncos quarterback for the fall.

Tebow and Droford talking about the same game.

[#1-norm-fan]

still seems a bit "overly-ridiculous", even for a manchild like Cutler

Yeah. There's a point where I would have to say "Alright, I'm not blindly buying this one".

That story sounds like something from a movie about a dick athlete who's about to get his comeuppance.

[Droford]

Can't help but feel like the Saints and Packers are both proof that defense still wins championships, even in the offense-heavy NFL. That's the very reason why I can't be sold on the Patriots.

The Broncos' playcalling was stupid and made no effort to exploit their awful secondary. Problem is, I'm not sure Joe Flacco is capable of exploiting them either (cue Droford defending Flacco...good thing he's blocked).

I'll quote you even though you have me blocked.

Flacco isn't capable of eploiting the Patriots defense? Flacco threw for 300 yards in the 2nd game vs Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh including the game winning drive 90 yards down the field. Pittsburgh's defense >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> New England's Defense

The problem is, everyone is saying "Joe Flacco has to step up and we don't think he can" and thats WRONG. He went 4 of 10 for 34 yards in the last Patriot game and the Ravens still fucking won 33-14 because the defense forced turnovers and Ray Rice ran all over their defense (22 carries for 159). The last time I checked, Ray Rice is still a Raven and the Defense is still good at forcing turnovers. If they stick to the gameplan they had in the 2010 game, any production they get out of Flacco will be gravy. Ray Rice running = ball control = keep tom Brady off the field. Last time I checked, the NFL doesn't allow QBs to throw touchdowns while their team's offense is on the sideline.

Any issues of the Ravens defense looking bad yesterday were primarily with Foster running and the Patriots don't have an Arian Foster on their roster. The Patriots front 7 on the O Line aren't as good as the Texans and they won't keep Suggs, Kruger and Ngata away from Tom Brady.

[Emperor Smeat]

They do have Aaron Hernandez :shifty:

Patriots do have a pretty decent rush defense although they are only ranked #31/#32 overall due to the pass defense giving up a ton of yards (but not points).

[Droford]

Flacco..screen pass to ray rice..down the field..40..30..20...10...5....TOUCHDOWN RAVENS.

get ready to hear that at least once. That might be how Flacco exploits the Patriots Defense.

[screech]

I think we have a shot if we can get pressure on Brady and force him to make things happen. Not saying he can't make plays under pressure, but it's more likely he makes mistakes (obviously). If we have to play catch up, it's gonna be a long day.

That and Ray Rice being Ray Rice. Also I do think Flacco can exploit the secondary, but I don't know if it'll happen (or matter by the time he takes snaps).

[screech]

Also, Smelly Meatball (and STD - think he's a fan too) I'd like to wish you the best of luck in this game between our two teams.

[Emperor Smeat]

same for you.

[Innovator]

Narc, I see you lurking. IT'S ON.

[Nark Order]

Man, seeing shit tons of Giants fans that are looking directly past us to a rematch with the Pats. Hearing about the rematch much more than I am the actual NFC Championship match.

I suppose I should welcome the overconfidence from Giants fans. You know Harbaugh is going to give like 30 "Nobody believes in us" speeches again this week. lol

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm not looking past the Niners at all. Their defense is approximately 5 million times better than the Packers' and it's gonna be a great game. But I will be pulling for the Ravens on Sunday simply because they're the team I'd rather play if we make it (and if not, the Harbaugh Bowl is a fun alternative).

Kinda like how I was rooting hard for the Niners against the Saints. Wasn't looking past the Packers, just rooting for the team I'd rather play if it got to that point as the Saints do not lose in New Orleans.</font>

[DaveWadding]

Wow, this is nice. Why didn't I do this sooner?

[parkmania]

Kind of amazed at the number of Pittsburghers that were rooting for the Patriots to beat the Broncos, citing hatred for Tebow. Gee, we've hated Timmy for a whole 3 months but we've hated Belichick for around 10 years.

PRIORITIES, PEOPLE!

[Team Sheep]

He went 4 of 10 for 34 yards in the last Patriot game and the Ravens still fucking won 33-14 because the defense forced turnovers and Ray Rice ran all over their defense (22 carries for 159).

October 17, 2010: Patriots 23-20 Ravens.

[Reavant]

I'll quote you even though you have me blocked.

Flacco isn't capable of eploiting the Patriots defense? Flacco threw for 300 yards in the 2nd game vs Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh including the game winning drive 90 yards down the field. Pittsburgh's defense


flacco did exploit the steelers defense for 300 yards in the regular season at home....


Tebow exploited them for over 300 yards IN THE PLAYOFFS. A time in which you would think the steelers would be playing out of their mind because its... THE PLAYOFFS.

So yes please, continue to use a QBs performance against the steelers defense as a benchmark as where they are as an effective QB

[SammyG]

Fisher AND Gregg Williams at DC? Love it.

[Droford]

Just watched the Ravens/Texans game since I missed it. At the end, CBS put up their graphic with 2 Baltimore vs 1 New England with Flacco and Brady besides the bracket. At the bottom they had 2 San Francisco vs NY Giants/Green Bay with Patrick Willis and Aaron Rodgers besides it. CBS FAILS

[Droford]

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IFpZl4gMR0w" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe>

Totally forgot about this, especially starting at about 1 minute.

Visa has some ESP for predicting the Ravens were going to the Super Bowl!

[RoXer]

He made his friend wear the helmet of his favorite and possibly even native team instead of his friend's favorite team in order to get tickets to the Super Bowl.

They did not predict anything because there is not footage of the Ravens playing in the Super Bowl or VISA stating "we predict the Ravens will play in the Super Bowl". It's just a coincidence.

His friend's favorite team are the New England Patriots. They are both playing in the AFC Championship game. That's the weirder coincidence.

[FearedSanctity]

With the Denver Broncos withdrawal from the race for the title of the National Football League's Super Bowl Champions, I have decided to endorse the San Francisco 49ers for the remainder of the playoffs.

[Rock Bottom]

I think the Ravens can manage the Patriot's offense enough to give their own offense a chance to win the game. In the beginning of the game against the Texans, it looked as if they found a nice balance between Rice and throwing to Boldin and Smith, and it turned out that our run game came up pretty short. Honestly, we were lucky that the Texans gave up so many turnovers.

There was a bad decision in the 3rd quarter, when the Ravens were in the lead by 4, and stopped at the Patriots' 1/2 yard line on 4th down. Instead of going into the 4th quarter with a 7-point lead, they risked everything and were stopped. Luckily for us, that decision went unpunished without a Texans touchdown, but I really doubt the Patriots are that generous.

I'm confident and hopeful that we play better than we did last week. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't that great. The offense has the tools it needs to succeed if the defense can continue to step up, but I feel the entire game rides on the offense. I feel really good about having guys like Ed Reed out there against a quarterback who will definitely throw the ball. I just hope Flacco can get the ball to guys like Anquan Boldin, Torrie Smith and Ray Rice. Shit, even Ricky Williams. Also hope the offensive line is a bit more sturdy than it was last Sunday.

[Rock Bottom]

I also think that playing the Patriots is going to be harder than playing either the 49ers or the Giants.

[Kris P Lettus]

Fisher AND Gregg Williams at DC? Love it.

His defense will work better for yall due to your line getting better pressure than ours.. just pray your db's can rock man coverage for like 80% of defensive plays..

[Innovator]

I'm not overlooking the Niners at all. Nobody should considering they beat us earlier.

NFL has to be happy that they have so many storylines ready to go for the Superbowl.

[Triple Naitch]

He made his friend wear the helmet of his favorite and possibly even native team instead of his friend's favorite team in order to get tickets to the Super Bowl.

They did not predict anything because there is not footage of the Ravens playing in the Super Bowl or VISA stating "we predict the Ravens will play in the Super Bowl". It's just a coincidence.

His friend's favorite team are the New England Patriots. They are both playing in the AFC Championship game. That's the weirder coincidence.

Don't forget his MiMa is a Browns fan.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

So are we still talking about Tom Coughlin getting fired?

[Innovator]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZjvXxwvg8mc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Innovator]

He's off the HOT FUCKING SEAT for now, just wait until next season.

[Blakeamus]

Funny that when Coughlin's firing is considered, the Giants end up in the NFC Championship...

[Blakeamus]

Man, seeing shit tons of Giants fans that are looking directly past us to a rematch with the Pats. Hearing about the rematch much more than I am the actual NFC Championship match.

I suppose I should welcome the overconfidence from Giants fans. You know Harbaugh is going to give like 30 "Nobody believes in us" speeches again this week. lol

Liked how it was said the Giant's were more concern playing the Saint's than the 49ers. I'm a Saint's fan and after witnessing this awesome game with the 9ers, I must say that they are a force to be reckon with.

[Nark Order]

So are we still talking about Tom Coughlin getting fired?

Rome was talking about how he should be in consideration for the HOF actually, should he win the SB. Quite the turnaround.

I suppose you'd almost have to put him in the HOF after a second ring and another seemingly out of nowhere SB appearance.

[Blakeamus]

True

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Coughlin is extremely close to cementing a spot in the Giants' Ring of Honor once he retires. Winning record in all but his first season (obvious transition year with Eli taking over as a rookie midway through), 3 division titles, 5 playoff appearances overall, 2 NFC title game appearances, a Super Bowl appearance (maybe another coming), and a Super Bowl win (ditto).

Come to think, given the high regard in which the Maras hold him, he probably already had his spot lined up.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Colts fire Jim Caldwell</font>

[Innovator]

I wonder if he blinked when he heard the news.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Colts are rumored to be interested in Spagnuolo.

PLEASE TAKE HIM INDY! Just keep him away from Philly.</font>

[Boomer]

Falcons hire Mike Nolan as DC. Sounds good to me.

[Innovator]

I think Phil Simms was just at the chiropractor underneath my office.

[ClockShot]

Sucks for Caldwell. I guess the flavor of the month is hire a new gm and/or president and let them clean house.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

This has gotta be the job opening that gets Gruden back coaching. We all know how hard he gets thinking about quarterbacks, and now he can coach Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck or BOTH.

[RoXer]

Guys, are you forgetting about Jim Tressel?

[RoXer]

duh

[Emperor Smeat]

ESPN thinks had Spagnuolo taken the defensive coordinator offer from the Colts, Caldwell would have very likely staid as the head coach.

Spag ended up refusing and was willing to look elsewhere which made the Colts dump Caldwell in order to keep Spag as a potential candidate and away from other teams.

[Gonzo]

<font color=goldenrod>Coughlin is extremely close to cementing a spot in the Giants' Ring of Honor once he retires. Winning record in all but his first season (obvious transition year with Eli taking over as a rookie midway through), 3 division titles, 5 playoff appearances overall, 2 NFC title game appearances, a Super Bowl appearance (maybe another coming), and a Super Bowl win (ditto).

Come to think, given the high regard in which the Maras hold him, he probably already had his spot lined up.</font>

Yeah for as fickle as the New York media and fans are the franchise has been successful during his tenure.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The media always pointed to his three "one and done" playoff appearances as a reason for his dismissal but I've always found that to be a bit ridiculous. The 2005 one sucked because the team didn't show up in the game, but still it was only his second season so it was a nice building block. They were a Wild Card in 2006 and got beaten by a better Eagles team.

The only one that bothered me was getting the #1 seed in 2008 only to be promptly knocked out by the Eagles. Even without Burress, I felt like the Giants had enough talent to get back to the Super Bowl for the 2nd straight year. I remember they played an awesome game against the Steelers that year and I felt like that was going to wind up being the Super Bowl 43 matchup.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>My white Super Bowl 42 shirt is in rough shape after 4 years of regular wearing. :( Really hope I'll be able to get another one soon.</font> :shifty:

[Droford]

Ive never worn the official SB 35 Champions shirt I bought 20 minutes after the game online. If the Ravens and Giants play the Super Bowl Im busting it out, probably should still fit.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

HMMMMMMMMMMM apparently Ed Reed thinks Joe Flacco isn't very good either.

[Droford]

former Raven Trevor Pryce was on the new NBC Sports network last night and he gave Baltimore no chance this weekend. In his words "nothing is stopping Tom Brady (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1653/tom-brady) this season, he is too determined." That includes our Baltimore Ravens (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/baltimore-ravens). Pryce went on to say he was headed over to Terrell Suggs (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1434/terrell-suggs)' house the next day for a movie session and he would tell him that to his face too.I would love to be a fly on the wall for that one.

Sizzle won the Media's version of the NFL Defensive Player of the Year too.

Baltimore Ravens Stat of the Day:

Ravens record vs playoff teams: 7-0 (Steelers Twice, Bengals twice, Texans twice, 49ers)
Patriots record vs teams with a winning regular season record: 0-2 (Lost to Steelers and Giants)

of course, they're 2-2 if you compare the record vs playoff teams since they beat the broncos, a .500 team twice.

[Droford]

Never really even though about this:


The Patriots have inflicted heavy damage on opponents with tight ends Rob Gronkowski (http://www.nfl.com/players/robgronkowski/profile?id=GRO135948) and Aaron Hernandez (http://www.nfl.com/players/aaronhernandez/profile?id=HER281088), who become a bees' nest for the Ravens in Sunday's AFC Championship Game (http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2012012200/2011/POST20/ravens@patriots#menu=gameinfo).


It's hard to imagine what New England would look like without the pair, but had fate been slightly tweaked, one or both of these men could be in Baltimore -- something that approached reality during the 2010 NFL Draft.
Both the Patriots and Ravens were eyeing tight ends, with Baltimore on the lookout for Todd Heap (http://www.nfl.com/players/toddheap/profile?id=HEA302949)'s replacement. Gronkowski was an enticing prospect, but a back injury forced him to miss both his junior season at Arizona and the NFL Scouting Combine, drawing caution from the Ravens' front office.
"These are million-dollar decisions. When that much money is on the line, you have to exhaust every resource," Ravens director of player personnel Eric DeCosta told The Baltimore Sun, via Comcast SportsNet New England (http://www.csnne.com/blog/patriots-talk/post/Pats-tight-ends-almost-went-to-Baltimore?blockID=632308&feedID=3352&awid=6543071116869050989-932), explaining that the team explored Gronkowski as a "medical case."
We'll never know if the Ravens would have taken the chance on Gronk. The Patriots, holding the 44th overall pick, traded up for the Oakland Raiders (http://www.nfl.com/teams/oaklandraiders/profile?team=OAK)' 42nd selection -- hopscotching the Ravens, who sat at No. 43. Patriots coach Bill Belichick wasted no time in grabbing the tight end. One pick later, the Ravens selected linebacker Sergio Kindle (http://www.nfl.com/players/sergiokindle/profile?id=KIN188762).



The Ravens drafted tight end Ed Dickson (http://www.nfl.com/players/eddickson/profile?id=DIC709336) at No.70 and selected another, Dennis Pitta (http://www.nfl.com/players/dennispitta/profile?id=PIT086233), at No. 114. The Patriots nabbed Hernandez at the 113th spot.

[weather vane]

Ed Reed knows how bad Flacco is. That is mint.

I like everybody on Baltimore except Flacco cause he blows.

[Nark Order]

There was a poll yesterday on ESPN of "Who would you rather have going into the playoffs between Smith and Flacco?" and Alex Smith won 72% to 28%.

:)

[Droford]

Ed Reed knows how bad Flacco is. That is mint.

I like everybody on Baltimore except Flacco cause he blows.

You obviously hate winning. Especially with that Pirates Logo as your avatar.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Francesa is at it again "it's better to lose in the Conference Title game than lose in the Super Bowl". What an idiot.</font>

[James Steele]

I would love to be a fly on the wall for that one.

Sizzle won the Media's version of the NFL Defensive Player of the Year too.

Baltimore Ravens Stat of the Day:

Ravens record vs playoff teams: 7-0 (Steelers Twice, Bengals twice, Texans twice, 49ers)
Patriots record vs teams with a winning regular season record: 0-2 (Lost to Steelers and Giants)

of course, they're 2-2 if you compare the record vs playoff teams since they beat the broncos, a .500 team twice.


So now you are openly cherry-picking meaningless stats to bolster your nonsensical belief in the Ravens beating the New England Football Patriots?

[Droford]

The best team the Patriots beat all year was the Broncos.

I rest my case.

[DaveBrawl]

The best team 7 other teams beat this year was the Broncos, because they're awesome.

[Droford]

Flacco is Sizzle's boy lol..

<small>Terrell Suggs has one message for all the naysayers.
http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/18_LFW_Flacco_news.jpg
Don’t. Count. Joe. Out.
There aren’t words to describe the power with which Suggs has in the video below when defending his “boy.”
You get the feeling that the 6-foot-3, 260-pound linebacker could jump through the screen to knock some sense into Flacco’s critics, who are buzzing louder than ever after Flacco and Co. garnered just 227 total yards against the Houston Texans’ No. 2 ranked defense Sunday.
“I would never count Joe out. I would never count Joe out,” Suggs told ESPN’s First Take. “My quarterback can go out and beat anybody. My quarterback can go out and beat anybody. Anybody.”
Statistically speaking, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan and Philip Rivers are often times put on a higher pedestal than Flacco.
But Flacco continues to win games.
“My boy can go and play with the best of them,” Suggs said. “That’s why we’re in the position that we’re in. And a majority of the league is at home watching him play. My quarterback has been in the playoffs every year he has been in the league. Three of the four years my quarterback has won double-digit games. Every year he’s won playoff games. So, when it comes to comparisons, there’s not a lot of quarterbacks you can compare to my boy cause some quarterback still ain’t got they first playoff win yet, but my boy has been there every year.”


</small>

[DaveBrawl]

Tom Selleck would be proud of that mustache.

[Rock Bottom]

HMMMMMMMMMMM apparently Ed Reed thinks Joe Flacco isn't very good either.

Neither does Suggs.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mWmgvD4BXaE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

3:40, lol

[Rock Bottom]

They're all pretty good about defending the team, and Flacco is part of the team. Just think we'd be better off with a different QB.

[CSL]

that well known NFL Insider Rob Lowe on Twitter claiming Peyton Manning will retire

[Rock Bottom]

I don't think he's awful, he's just not consistent.

[Rock Bottom]

that well known NFL Insider Rob Lowe on Twitter claiming Peyton Manning will retire

This leaves the field wide open for more ██████ bag roundtable about Peyton/Eli

[CSL]

hey now, he was great in The West Wing and Youngblood

[FearedSanctity]

that well known NFL Insider Rob Lowe on Twitter claiming Peyton Manning will retire

PostBroncos Lindsay Jones
RT @CindyBoren: If @RobLowe has broken news about Peyton Manning, I will literally eat my coffee cup.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Imagine if it wound up being true somehow? Such a sudden end to a career.</font> :o

[Triple Naitch]

Rob Lowe has inside knowledge from his White House experience.

[DaveBrawl]

Does ESPN make Rob Lowe their lead NFL ████yst if he's right?

[Droford]

They're all pretty good about defending the team, and Flacco is part of the team. Just think we'd be better off with a different QB.
You put a different QB in there who gets it in their head that they want to pass for 500 yards a game and the Ravens wont even win 8 games that year.
Aside from the fact that the Ravens dont have the receivers to pull that off anyway, it gets away from the fundamental basis of Ravens football for the last decade plus, which has always been run the football and play defense.

[CSL]

greggdoyelcbs (https://twitter.com/#!/greggdoyelcbs) Gregg Doyel



Say ... <S style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 0px; opacity: 0.5">@</S>RobLowe (https://twitter.com/#!/RobLowe) is literally the FIRST person <S style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 0px; opacity: 0.5">@</S>JimIrsay (https://twitter.com/#!/JimIrsay) followed on Twitter. I wonder who Lowe's source is?

[Droford]

Its a shame the game wont be on Satur-day, its supposed to Snow in MA all day.

[MVP]

The Pats play well in the snow.

[Droford]

Yeah, but its gonna rain on Sunday, and that field turns into mud way too easy. So Snow> Rain. Remember the Ravens/Pats game from a couple years ago where it rained the whole game and there was like 2 inches of mud for a field.

[Droford]

http://img3.timelines-se.com/photos/images/a547edd5542096efbe92390301995dab_three_column.jpg

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It's even made its way to NFL.com

Rob Lowe: King of Trolls</font>

[Droford]

Also supposed to rain in SF. Sunday Muddy Sunday?

[Team Sheep]

It's artificial you dumbass.

[Droford]

Oh, it is..well, it wasn't back in that game obviously

[Team Sheep]

It's been turf since 2006 when this happened:

http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljv7jwki9H1qfpib1o1_500.jpg

So yeah, a bit longer than "a couple of years ago."

[Droford]

Hmm. 3 of the Ravens 4 losses came on Grass field (Titans/Jaguars/Chargers). Ravens were 10-1 on turf (8-0 at home), 2-3 on grass.

[Droford]

Tom Brady <s>left</s> missed practice with a left shoulder injury..and Eli Manning has a stomach virus and didnt practice either

hmm

[Skippord]

hey now, he was great in The West Wing and Youngblood
and Parks And Rec

[Rock Bottom]

You put a different QB in there who gets it in their head that they want to pass for 500 yards a game and the Ravens wont even win 8 games that year.
Aside from the fact that the Ravens dont have the receivers to pull that off anyway, it gets away from the fundamental basis of Ravens football for the last decade plus, which has always been run the football and play defense.

500 yards a game isn't even realistic so I won't touch that.

I could go hand the ball to Ray Rice, if that's all we needed to do. We need options. Smith and Boldin are fully capable.

Flacco has been capable of sick 90 yard drives, using only seconds on a game clock. He's been capable of handling pressure. Just not consistently. For that matter, our offensive line isn't consistent either. Flacco needs to stop getting happy feet. Either that or stop trolling games.

Rice ran for what last game? We only won because Arian Foster's shoulders got tired and Houston has a rookie QB.

We can't stake our whole game on Ray Rice, and just say that Flacco is consistent because all that needs to happen is run the ball and have solid defense. That's stupid.

[Rock Bottom]

An opponent's defense should be more of an indicator on whether or not we throw the ball, by the way, not the Ravens' fundamentals.

[Rock Bottom]

late cool ████

http://belair.patch.com/articles/terrell-suggs-gives-bel-air-boy-tickets-apparel#photo-8897927

[Droford]

I just watched the special on the 2000 Ravens. As great as the defense was that year, the offense was awful for the first half of the season before Dilfer got in. They went all of October without scoring an offensive TD and still won 2 games out of 5. With Dilfer they scored fewer than 24 points 2 out of 11 games.

Was looking at the stats and the 2011 defense gave up only 655 more yards than the 2000 defense and only 143 more on passing (512 more rush yards) They gave up the same # of passing TDs (11) but 5 more TDs than 2000 (10-5). 2000 had more Ints though (23-15), but the net yards per pass attempt was basically the same (5.4 vs 5.3 this year). Ravens had more sacks this year (48-35) and more forced fumbles (23-19) I think what Im trying to say here is that the Ravens pass defense this year is as good as the pass defense was in 2000, and while they were no where close to the rush defense of 2000, it was still ok. I dont think the worse run defense will matter much in NE as I dont see them running the ball very much.

[Rock Bottom]

http://audio.weei.com/a/50976600/ed-reed-criticizes-joe-flacco-while-terrell-suggs-defends-him.htm

this good exact #1

[Droford]

Suggs is stepping up to position himself as the leader of the defense and take Ray Lewis' spot when he retires.

[Nark Order]

Does ESPN make Rob Lowe their lead NFL ████yst if he's right?

rofl at that censor

[Droford]

Baltimore is known as "Charm City," but its football team hasn't charmed many fans across the United States. In fact, I saw something on a network website this week that identified the ideal Super Bowl matchups as New England vs. San Francisco and New England vs. the Giants.
There was no mention of Baltimore, and now I know why.
"The sexier story is Tom Brady and Bill Belichick," said former Washington GM Vinny Cerrato, now a radio talk-show host in Baltimore.
That's one way of putting it. Another is this: Most of NFL Nation really doesn't like or care for the Baltimore Ravens (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/page/BAL/baltimore-ravens). It doesn't believe they can beat New England this weekend, and, deep down inside, it hopes they don't.
I'm sorry, but that's just the way it is. Or, at least, that's just the way it seems.
"And I can tell you why in two words," said a friend of mine in San Diego. "Ray Lewis. People are tired of him. They're tired of his dance, and they're tired of his story. People just don't like him."



Maybe, but then they're missing out on something bigger, and that something is a decent football team. I understand why people enjoy watching Brady. I enjoy watching him, too. He's the best quarterback in the game and the most successful. I also understand why they would like to see a rematch of Super Bowl XLII with the Giants and Patriots. I mean, if you can replay one of the most memorable games in Super Bowl history, why not? I even understand wanting to see San Francisco and coach Jim Harbaugh, just because their stories are fresh.
But why not Baltimore?
The Ravens have one of the league's premier running backs in Ray Rice (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1243206/ray-rice). They have one of the league's top defenses. They have future Hall of Famers in Lewis and safety Ed Reed (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/302218/ed-reed). And they have a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Terrell Suggs (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/396177/terrell-suggs). Heck, they even have a Harbaugh of their own, Jim's older brother John, who has taken the team to the playoffs in each of his four seasons with Baltimore and is one of the game's most likeable individuals.
But there's something more. If Baltimore were to win Sunday, fans there would have an opportunity to do something they've been waiting on for decades ... and that's to parade through the streets of Indianapolis, the city that stole their Colts.
OK, so that's overdramatic, but, trust me, that's how Baltimore feels. I know because I not only lived in Baltimore in 1984 when the Colts left town; I had been covering the team.
"There's a lot of angst here," said Nestor Aparicio, CEO/owner of wnst.net.
I get it. What I don't get is why there's not a lot of love everywhere else. I've seen the Ravens this season, and there's a reason they're 13-4. They're a good, solid, physical team that can beat you on both sides of the ball. They beat Pittsburgh twice. They beat Cincinnati twice. And Houston. And San Francisco. Put them together, and what do you have? I'll tell you: They're all playoff teams.
Now, quick, tell me how many playoff teams New England conquered this season? One -- the Broncos. In fact, it didn't beat one opponent that finished the season with a winning record. Baltimore, on the other hand, was 7-1 vs. winning clubs. Yet the Patriots not only are 7½-point favorites to reach their fifth Super Bowl with Brady; they're the People's Choice, with fans everywhere pulling for them and against the Ravens.
"One reason," said Aparicio, "is that it wasn't often that people saw the Ravens on national TV, but, when they did, they stunk. In the Jacksonville game they were awful. In the San Diego game they were awful. And they were less than impressive in last weekend's victory.
"But I think there's something else, and that's what it says about the country not liking Ray Lewis (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/3831/ray-lewis) or some of the other players. It's kind of a winning-ugly scene."
That goes beyond Lewis to quarterback Joe Flacco (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1250697/joe-flacco), and, granted, there's a big difference between what people see in him and what they see in Brady. Flacco looks good one day, not so good the next, and he didn't look so good last weekend. Brady seldom is anything but Tom Terrific, throwing for six touchdowns and 363 yards in last weekend's demolition of Denver, and tell me you were surprised.
It's Tom Frickin' Brady, for crying out loud.
It's also entertainment, and that's what people want. But it's not necessarily what wins ballgames, and maybe it's Brady or maybe it's his 9-2 home playoff record or maybe it's Baltimore going 4-4 on the road this season that has people down on the Ravens ... I don't know. All I know is that few give them a shot, and most would be glad to see them go away.
"I think," said Cerrato, "it's because people don't think Flacco can keep up with Brady."
Maybe, but he doesn't have to. In fact, when Baltimore went into Foxborough in the 2009 playoffs, Flacco completed all of four passes ... and the Ravens won by 19. That can happen when you run for 234 yards, which the Ravens did that afternoon. It can happen when you frazzle Brady, too, which the Ravens also did, sacking him three times and intercepting him three times.
Apparently, nobody thinks that will happen again. I think it could. Some people hope it doesn't happen again, and, sorry, I don't get it. The Ravens don't have Tom Brady (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/187741/tom-brady), but they do have a team worthy of reaching a Super Bowl. The problem is: Few believe in them, and fewer still want them.
"This is an emotional thing," said Aparicio. "It's warfare for the city."
Now, more than ever, I can understand.


Really good article.

[DaveBrawl]

rofl at that censor

This censorship is detracting from my immensely in depth posting.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>JimIrsay Jim Irsay
My sources tell me Rob will star in an epic remake of "Deep Throat" with aging ████ stars and 4 finger circus clowns!</font>

[weather vane]

You obviously hate winning. Especially with that Pirates Logo as your avatar.

lol Red Sox fan here guy...

Not to mention... THE STANLEY CUP CHAMPION BOSTON ████ING BRUINS!

[weather vane]

Can we censor Flacco?

[DaveBrawl]

lol Red Sox fan here guy...

Not to mention... THE STANLEY CUP CHAMPION BOSTON ████ING BRUINS!

I think we should uncensor this.

You don't censor the Boston Bruins.

[Droford]

I still dont get the P

[Nark Order]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MYyql_CbjxI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Reavant]

that was a sick hit

[Droford]

Its time for the Baltimore Ravens STAT FACTS of the Day

#1: The Baltimore Ravens in their 16 game postseason history have never allowed a QB to pass for 300 yards. They had never allowed a 100 yard rusher prior to the game vs Houston.

#2: The Ravens are 10-1 in Postseason play when posting a Positive Turnover ratio (0-5 with a negative turnover Ratio) Since 2000 they've forced 46 turnovers in the playoffs, the most of any team since 2000 in the playoffs.

#3: The Baltimore Ravens defense has allowed a record 16.5 pts per game in 16 all time post season games, the fewest since 1970.

#4: The Baltimore Ravens are 5-0 all time when scoring first in the playoffs, 10-2 all time when leading or tied at the half.

[RoXer]

that was a sick hit

that was an illegal hit

[RoXer]

Its time for the Baltimore Ravens STAT FACTS of the Day

#1: The Baltimore Ravens in their 16 game postseason history have never allowed a QB to pass for 300 yards. They had never allowed a 100 yard rusher prior to the game vs Houston.

#2: The Ravens are 10-1 in Postseason play when posting a Positive Turnover ratio (0-5 with a negative turnover Ratio) Since 2000 they've forced 46 turnovers in the playoffs, the most of any team since 2000 in the playoffs.

#3: The Baltimore Ravens defense has allowed a record 16.5 pts per game in 16 all time post season games, the fewest since 1970.

#4: The Baltimore Ravens are 5-0 all time when scoring first in the playoffs, 10-2 all time when leading or tied at the half.<label for="rb_iconid_7">http://www.tpww.net/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif</label>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

If something is the fewest since 1970, then it's not a record. It's the fewest since 1970.

[FearedSanctity]

Miami apparently set to announce Broncos OC Mike McCoy as their new HC tomorow. So ████ing long

[#1-norm-fan]

I feel like every time people say "This team is starting to remind me of (team that won a championship) that team falters." Which doesn't make me feel good about the Giants chances.

As for NE/Bal, Baltimore might keep it somewhat close but I can't see them winning.

[Nark Order]

that was an illegal hit

Noh.

Helmet to helmet is legal on advancing runners. The helmet to helmet rule was made to help protect defenseless players.

http://www.wdbj7.com/sns-ap-fbn-saints-thomas-hit,0,2943429.story

[Evil Vito]

I feel like every time people say "This team is starting to remind me of (team that won a championship) that team falters." Which doesn't make me feel good about the Giants chances.

As for NE/Bal, Baltimore might keep it somewhat close but I can't see them winning.

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, I've been trying to hard to stay away from 2007 Giants comparisons...but it's admittedly very difficult to do that given the way the team has finally started to gel from that Jets game onward.

I have a Pats fan friend who isn't even going to watch the NFC Title game because he's convinced that between the good defenses, bad weather, and awful field conditions it will be a "low scoring borefest". Because high scoring games with no defense are apparently much more exciting.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>For the record, he's also thoroughly convinced that there's no chance the Patriots lose this year and is positive that the 4 year streak of competitive Super Bowls is going to end as Brady puts together the best Super Bowl performance of all time.

...you know, maybe Mike Fatcessa has a point. It WOULD be far more annoying to have to listen to this guy gloat about getting "revenge" than anything else that could possible happen this postseason.</font>

[Innovator]

So I guess Superbowl 42 was a snorefest. Where every play meant something.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>He clearly doesn't remember that SB because of the several weeks of fetal position crying that immediately followed.</font>

[Innovator]

My Pats fan friend who I watched the game with didn't watch TV for 3 weeks. He came to my house and the first thing I pointed to was a Tyree signed photo of Catch 42. I saw the hurt in his eyes.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Giants fans talking about the Patriots again.

OVERLOOKING THE NINERS

[Nark Order]

Has happened the whole season. That worked really well for New Orleans.

WAR SMITH! ALL OF THEM!