NFL Playoffs

[discuspaul]

Hey,

- The Chiefs are already on their way to dealing with the Texans, as expected.

- Looking for the Steelers to edge out the Bengals later today - we'll see.

- I have my money on the Pack taking care of the Skins, but that one could be close.

- Fully expect my Hawks to vanquish the Vikes, but that too may be close.

These last two games could readily be upsets.

Next round - NFC:

The Pack at the Cardinals ? - Would be a good one.
The Hawks at the Panthers ? That too would be a doozy.

I think it could very well be the Hawks vs. the Cards for the NFC championship.

Next round - AFC:

- Don't much care, frankly. But I have the Pats taking the AFC mantle once again.

Super Bowl thoughts:

- Re-match of Hawks- Pats ??? Can Seattle get that chance to avenge for last year ?

[rickztahone]

What a disappointment the Houston game was. Lucky, I had KC winning it. I also have pit winning later but I have Washington winning as well as Seattle

[discuspaul]

What a disappointment the Houston game was. Lucky, I had KC winning it. I also have pit winning later but I have Washington winning as well as Seattle

So did I.
I also think the Steelers will sneak by the Bengals.

But your calling for Washington to beat Green Bay is very interesting. That would be quite a downer for Rodgers & the Packers, but not really that unexpected given Green Bay's lacklustre performance at times this year, and the fact they got lucky a couple of times also.

You know, I think you may be right but if so, that won't sit well with our friend Keith in Wisconsin - that's a given ! :)

[discuspaul]

Wow - what a finish to the Steelers' 2 point win over the Bengals in the final seconds - very exciting & couldn't be more dramatic. I did call it right though.
I wonder if we're going to get a finish like that tomorrow ? Packers/Redskins ? Could even be Seahawks/Vikings !
Looking forward to it - I'll be on the edge of my seat.

[rickztahone]

Same here. I had money riding on steelers game and was really upset but jeremy hill put a smile on my face :)

[Discus-n00b]

Go Carolina!

[Keith Perkins]

I hope the Seattle offense figures out soon the game isn't at the new stadium yet and shows up and plays. Two and half quarters and nothing.

[Keith Perkins]

Well I guess the offensive bus found the correct field between the 3rd and 4th quarters.

[discuspaul]

What a squeaker !!! But Seattle did it.
Nerves by both the kicker and his holder ?
What a game.

Now Keith, let's see if the cheeseheads can do the same.
If they do, it'll have to be ARod playing one of his best this year.

[Keith Perkins]

I'd love to be 4 for 4 on the division champions getting beat this weekend, no doubt.

[discuspaul]

Yeah - I sure buy that too !!!!
What an NFC title game that would be.

P.S. 2 Wild Card teams going for the NFC championship. Would that be a first ?

[discuspaul]

Yeah - I sure buy that too !!!!
What an NFC title game that would be.

P.S. 2 Wild Card teams going for the NFC championship. Would that be a first ?

P.P.S. Of course, the Pack has to get by the Skins first. I'm rooting for your team, Keith buddy.

[discuspaul]

NFC mission accomplished.

Now the question is:
What is the biggest reason I'd like to see both of these wild card teams beat the division champs they''ll be up against ?

And the answer is:
For the resulting match-up it will produce. :)

[Las Vegas]

Oh that kicker on the Vikings. He's got a lot on his mind now for a long time. I wanted the Vikings to win, because I feel that the Panthers will have a better chance of winning or making it through the playoffs than having to face Seattle. My wife loves the Panthers. So I told her I believe her team will have a better chance of winning now that the Vikings are about to win the game. OOPPSSSS!! Oh well. Now I have serious doubts that the Panthers will win next week. Sure hope I'm wrong, but I can't take the bet! HA!

[Kal-El]

Damn Seattle got lucky and escape again in the playoff. I'm hopping Panthers finish them off...

[MattArmstrong]

I'm amazed that Seattle has gotten this far this year after the injuries they've had dealt to them so far. I don't see them going much farther, but I've been down on their chances all year and they keep surprising me!

[rickztahone]

Poor Vikings :(. I had Seattle winning that game but to do it in that manner, that is just depressing. And AP fumbles AGAIN in a crucial time. Reminds me of Jeremy Hill. Can't hold on to the football. On the last drive, every time they handed it off to AP I kept yelling "hold that ball like your life depending on it!". He did, too bad the kicker couldn't clinche the game. What a shame.

Can Carolina beat Seattle? I really don't know. Seattle plays very competitive football during the playoffs and on the road, their record speaks for itself.

[Keith Perkins]

I suppose the suddenness of the turn of events makes the Vikings loss the worst from a fans perspective, but there are some Bengals fans who I'm sure might argue that point.

[discuspaul]

I suppose the suddenness of the turn of events makes the Vikings loss the worst from a fans perspective, but there are some Bengals fans who I'm sure might argue that point.

Exactly. And that's for sure.

In this game, as we all know, you've got to get lucky every once in a while (and hope you don't run into any bad luck.)

[rickztahone]

I suppose the suddenness of the turn of events makes the Vikings loss the worst from a fans perspective, but there are some Bengals fans who I'm sure might argue that point.

and indeed they should. It was careless to get that last penalty to push the ball closer to a manageable field goal range. Despite how everything was stacked against Steelers before they even got the ball back, I was sure they were going to win. I didn't know how, but I knew they would. When Jeremy Hill fumbled, I knew the game was over for the bengals. Those fans should be downright rabid.

[discuspaul]

I'm amazed that Seattle has gotten this far this year after the injuries they've had dealt to them so far. I don't see them going much farther, but I've been down on their chances all year and they keep surprising me!


Poor Vikings :(. I had Seattle winning that game but to do it in that manner, that is just depressing. And AP fumbles AGAIN in a crucial time. Reminds me of Jeremy Hill. Can't hold on to the football. On the last drive, every time they handed it off to AP I kept yelling "hold that ball like your life depending on it!". He did, too bad the kicker couldn't clinche the game. What a shame.

Can Carolina beat Seattle? I really don't know. Seattle plays very competitive football during the playoffs and on the road, their record speaks for itself.

Over the past 3 years, I've seen ample evidence that you can never count Seattle out, despite blowing last year's sure win in the Super Bowl. I believe Pete Carroll deserves a lot of the credit.

[rickztahone]

Over the past 3 years, I've seen ample evidence that you can never count Seattle out, despite blowing last year's sure win in the Super Bowl. I believe Pete Carroll deserves a lot of the credit.

No arguement here. Look at how his team turned the game around. Seattle was getting dominated the first half of the game.

[Discus-n00b]

Panthers putting a HURTING on the Seahawks! Loving it.

[discuspaul]

First time I've seen the Hawks manhandled this badly in well over 3 years.
They completely blew it in the first half, and there was no coming back from that many points down.
The Panthers deserved the win.
But there's always next year.

[Las Vegas]

YEA! THE PANTHERS GOT OVER THE HUMP! I think they will easily beat the Cardinals! The Superbowl contender threat is New England. I don't like Denver, and I hate New England! So I'm gonna HAVE TO cheer on Denver! Ugh!

[Las Vegas]

I guess I should also say, DIE PITTSBURGH....

[kyaw06]

go pats

[rickztahone]

YEA! THE PANTHERS GOT OVER THE HUMP! I think they will easily beat the Cardinals! The Superbowl contender threat is New England. I don't like Denver, and I hate New England! So I'm gonna HAVE TO cheer on Denver! Ugh!

EASILY beat the Cardinals? I have Carolina winning that game, but I do not believe they will do it easily, if at all.

I am 7 of 8 on post season picks. I plan to go perfect from here on out :)

[Las Vegas]

EASILY! I'll bet the spread will be 7 in favor of the Panthers. I'm gonna take that bet at the book!

[discuspaul]

Good luck.
But I don't think the spread will be 7 - probably more like 3, and in favor of the Cards. :)

[Las Vegas]

Paul you remember this score? 36 to 6 in Phoenix? Loss to Cardinals. A *beating* from the Seahawks? Carolina has beaten the hawks twice now this season. I'm guessing on the spread, but I'm sure the Cardinals will not be the favorite.

[rickztahone]

EASILY! I'll bet the spread will be 7 in favor of the Panthers. I'm gonna take that bet at the book!

Well, you are certainly in the right state to make that bet ;)

[Las Vegas]

Well the Panthers are the favorite by 3. I was hoping by more to feel more confident about them winning this game. So me and the wife are off to the casino to watch the game! I sure hope the Broncos can beat the Patriots, I'm concerned for the Broncos's survival this sunday but on "any given sunday" any team can win! Have fun today all football fans!

[Discus-n00b]

So glad the Patriots lost. Hate them, their coach, their QB, everything about them. Grandpa Manning gets one more shot before he retires.

Come on Panthers!!!

[Keith Perkins]

I'm glad the first game was good. I wonder how much Carolina will be favored by for the SB. Oh, and there's another interception, think that's 5.

[Discus-n00b]

Grandpa Manning might break a hip against this Carolina defense! Super Bowl bound!!!

[Las Vegas]

I knew Carolina would win! The word I used was "EASILY" Those bookies scared me when they made the spread 3. CAROLINA SUPERBOWL BOUND! 2nd time now. They played awesome! SB will be a tough game. #1 offense against #1 defense! Bad thing is defense has always won! Ugh! That means Panthers have to play better to win that game. I sure hope they can do it. Still gonna bet on them. I think the Panthers will be the dog in that game! So they will have to play excellent to win.

[Keith Perkins]

...I think the Panthers will be the dog in that game! So they will have to play excellent to win.

You must be more lucky than good gambling, Carolina is favored by 4 points give or take a half point.

[rickztahone]

You must be more lucky than good gambling, Carolina is favored by 4 points give or take a half point.

yup, every single book I've checked gives the fav to Carolina, and rightly so IMO. I will lay down some money on Carolina, especially the way they have been playing. If Stewart runs half as well as he has been lately, Denver D will have to forced to try to protect against the run which opens up the passing game. Ginn got a couple of catches that he normally doesn't get, so it is good to see him being productive (for once, had him on fantasy and always dropped balls).

[Las Vegas]

You must be more lucky than good gambling, Carolina is favored by 4 points give or take a half point.
Well cut me a little slack. That spread came out Sunday evening right after the game was over. Its based on the Panthers scoring rep. But I've always belived that the Cardinals just don't have a reliable defense. I live in Las Vegas because I gamble. I know I'm better than lucky. But if you think luck has more of an impact on my gambling risk, eh ok by me. Every gambler will tell you theyll take luck anytime it pays! I said my opinion, I made my picks, I won. Luck played no part in my picks this past sunday. Now I'm looking forward to invest part of my winnings on the SB game. I'm not a booky, but for them to put out a spread so quickly is very unusual. Especially against the #1 defense? I'll wait and consider it. I want to bet on Panthers to win. But I'll also bet that spread will come down a point or two. After I find out about injuries, I'll consider if it's worth the bet. The worst part about grinding is getting "unlucky"!

[Keith Perkins]

Well cut me a little slack.

Nope, I live by the old motto never give a sucker an even break my fishy friend. lol

Glad you made some money this weekend.

[Las Vegas]

Ok, the SB Weekend is here! The Panthers stayed the favorite for the past two weeks and the spread just kept moving in their favor. I hope the Panthers will win! BUT???? My local casino is giving a spread of +6 for Denver. So I had to take it. My hope is that the Panthers will win. My bet is that the Panthers won't beat that spread or will lose the game. I just think that Denvers defense will be too much for Cam or his offense to handel. I believe it will be a close scoring game. Also I'm taking the under score of 46. So that's my prediction. Have fun everybody! GO PANTHERS!

[rickztahone]

6 points, that is quite the spread

[Discus-n00b]

Panthers are to hyped, I don't think Denever will be able to handle it the entire game. Panthers D is just as good. Panthers have been cruising putting up 38, 31, 49 pts the last few games and many of those games they did most of the damage in the first half and slacked off, don't see them doing that this time. Denver has struggled in the last few games. OT, 27, 23, 20pts and less than a TD type of spread.

These are two very similar teams, Carolina holds a bigger edge on offense than separates the teams on defense. I'd call it even on defense.

I just can see Carolina running away with it. Hope so. Go Panthers!!!

[nc0gnet0]

Denver has arguably the best secondary in the NFL. Look what they did to Brady. They can make Carolina one dimensional, and if they rattle Cam early, this will be an interesting ballgame. I like Denver's chances to hang in and maybe pull it out late, maybe a game winning FG. However, if Carolina gets up early, then game over.

[kyaw06]

Corolina is number one in offence and denver is number one in defence.So always in big game defence is win.So far Cam Newton is good at his home crowds.Go with the history,so my money is on denver.

[Las Vegas]

DiscusPaul? Where are you? Come on, what's your prediction? Say it! Its all for fun.

[discuspaul]

Corolina is number one in offence and denver is number one in defence.So always in big game defence is win.So far Cam Newton is good at his home crowds.Go with the history,so my money is on denver.

I rather like the foregoing rationale.

If the score is kept low by Denver's defence, and so long as Manning plays fairly error free, I'll go with Denver by 3.
If Carolina's offense and Newton get off to a flying start, the Panthers could score big points, in which case Denver loses by 14.
How's that for fence sitting !

[Las Vegas]

LMAO! So you're saying, "uh I think both teams will win" ! Way not to commit Paul! Funny!!! Hey I was watching the show O.J. Simpson. As the attorney said, "PICK A SIDE!" Ha!

[Keith Perkins]

I'm thinking Manning has a lousy day and Cam has a big one. Not what I want to see, but what I'm expecting.

Top that off with I'll be in Santa Clara on Tuesday for a couple of days.

[rickztahone]

I rather like the foregoing rationale.

If the score is kept low by Denver's defence, and so long as Manning plays fairly error free, I'll go with Denver by 3.
If Carolina's offense and Newton get off to a flying start, the Panthers could score big points, in which case Denver loses by 14.
How's that for fence sitting !

By any chance, we're you ever a politician? Lol

[discuspaul]

LMAO! So you're saying, "uh I think both teams will win" ! Way not to commit Paul! Funny!!! Hey I was watching the show O.J. Simpson. As the attorney said, "PICK A SIDE!" Ha!

No, that's not technically correct - re-read my post: I said I'm "going with Denver by 3".
And I simply added that if Carolina puts up a lot of quick points., they'll win & Denver will lose, so I lose too.
I didn't say I was going with Carolina.

[Keith Perkins]

No, that's not technically correct - re-read my post: I said I'm "going with Denver by 3".
And I simply added that if Carolina puts up a lot of quick points., they'll win & Denver will lose, so I lose too.
I didn't say I was going with Carolina.

I think your prior post lost something in translation.

[discuspaul]

I think your prior post lost something in translation.

Yeah ok - maybe. But it wasn't intentional. :) :)

[discuspaul]

Btw, since we're on the subject of sports, and given that the SB will be over tomorrow, there will be no further talk of football, so I think we need to shift our attention to MLB (spring training starts soon!!).

I'm going with our Jays to be AL Champions, despite what KC did last year, and completely discounting the potential 2016 fortunes of the Boston Sox with our dearly departed Price. And in the NL, you know what, I kinda like the Chi Cubs to emerge as champs & play in the WS vs. TO.
Thoughts ?

Or, if you're no baseball fan, what do you think of our TO. Raptors now ?.
I think they can surpass the Cavs to take the eastern conf., and really getting down to it, I also think they can outplay Golden State & Curry in the finals.
Comments, NBA fans ?

[Keith Perkins]

There are only 3 seasons in my book Paul: Pre-season, football season, and off season.

[rickztahone]

There are only 3 seasons in my book Paul: Pre-season, football season, and off season.

:laugh: same for me. Can you imagine? My wife already is jealous of my time and football. She'd go crazy if I were a baseball fan

[discuspaul]

There are only 3 seasons in my book Paul: Pre-season, football season, and off season.

And all this time I thought you were a Brewers fan !
Where ever did I hear that ?

[discuspaul]

:laugh: same for me. Can you imagine? My wife already is jealous of my time and football. She'd go crazy if I were a baseball fan

Gosh Ricardo - And those Dodgers have such a great team - and so do the Angels for that matter -I kinda feel sorry for you.

[Las Vegas]

HA! You guys kill me!

[rickztahone]

Gosh Ricardo - And those Dodgers have such a great team - and so do the Angels for that matter -I kinda feel sorry for you.

Meh, not a fan. However, we will be getting the rams back!!!

[Keith Perkins]

And all this time I thought you were a Brewers fan !
Where ever did I hear that ?

I don't know Paul, I haven't bought a MLB ticket since the first players strike. I have been to two games though thanks to work in group situations and I have to say the Brewers do have an awesome stadium.

[discuspaul]

Meh, not a fan. However, we will be getting the rams back!!!

Yeah for sure. You know I lived in L.A. in '84- '85 when the Rams were active there before, and as I mentioned in another post, I felt Vince Ferragamo was a super QB - loved watching him play.

And Ricardo, you might also get the Raiders back sometime, or if not, perhaps the Chargers - either one of which I think would be good additions to the L.A. NFL scene.

[Keith Perkins]

Yeah for sure. You know I lived in L.A. in '84- '85 when the Rams were active there before, and as I mentioned in another post, I felt Vince Ferragamo was a super QB - loved watching him play.

And Ricardo, you might also get the Raiders back sometime, or if not, perhaps the Chargers - either one of which I think would be good additions to the L.A. NFL scene.

Of course you're still better off cheering for the Packers from afar.

[Keith Perkins]

Won't say that I'm a Gaga fine, but that said she's got a voice and I expected her national anthem to be good. She didn't disappoint. Embellished enough to make it interesting while not making it non-understandable at all. The accompaniment was perfectly minimalistic as well. Good start to the event.

[discuspaul]

Would you believe that Vegas was taking bets on whether it would take her 1.5 minutes to sing the anthem, or 2 minutes, or more than 2 minutes. Those who bet on the latter did quite well I think, although I've no idea how the odds were set up.

There apparently were about a dozen categories of real silly bets on SB matters unrelated to the game itself, including, for example, how many times they would show the Golden Gate bridge in the pre and post game shows.
Unreal crap !

[Keith Perkins]

Yup Paul, that doesn't surprise me at all. Carolina being down by 10 however does surprise me a bit.

[discuspaul]

Yup Paul, that doesn't surprise me at all. Carolina being down by 10 however does surprise me a bit.


I think it's great for the Broncs' old man. I've got Denver by 3. 'Cause I think Newton is a one year wonder.

[nc0gnet0]

Denver has arguably the best secondary in the NFL. Look what they did to Brady. They can make Carolina one dimensional, and if they rattle Cam early, this will be an interesting ballgame. I like Denver's chances to hang in and maybe pull it out late, maybe a game winning FG. However, if Carolina gets up early, then game over.


hmmmmmmmm

[discuspaul]

Hey Rick, I really like that !
I didn't recall that you had said that earlier, but that's exactly how I feel !
Another approx. 20 minutes of play time to go.

P.S. Make that 15 minutes.

[discuspaul]

If the score is kept low by Denver's defence, and so long as Manning plays fairly error free, I'll go with Denver by 3.
If Carolina's offense and Newton get off to a flying start, the Panthers could score big points, in which case Denver loses by 14.



Here's my earlier post - similar to Rick's, huh ?

[Discus-n00b]

Panther's Oline was atrocious tonight. Didn't show at all and it helped the Panthers shoot themselves in the foot all night. Ridiculously unevenly called game by the refs as well, I suspect they wanted to protect the golden boy on his way out. Carolina defense did fairly well.

[discuspaul]

What a super bowl ! Couldn't ask for better, and the right team won ! Congrats to the 'old man' and the Denver defence.
Peyton goes out with a bang - there isn't anyone more deserving.
200 wins - most all time.


Now, who's the MVP of this game ? Let's find out.

[Keith Perkins]

Two things from this game that I still can't wrap my head around. First, how that non-catch Carolina challenged was overturned and made a catch. Second, how the Denver punt returner gets bounced around and is surrounded by several Panthers, fields the punt, and no one tackles him.

And my favorite commercial was the Heinz one with all the wiener dogs in hot dog bun costumes running to the ketchup and mustard bottles, followed by the signing sheep. Unless of course I'm forgetting something else.

Ps. Guess I forgot about the Doritos commercial. Not really my kind of humor, but I see it got really high marks.

[Kal-El]

Two things from this game that I still can't wrap my head around. First, how that non-catch Carolina challenged was overturned and made a catch. Second, how the Denver punt returner gets bounced around and is surrounded by several Panthers, fields the punt, and no one tackles him.

And my favorite commercial was the Heinz one with all the wiener dogs in hot dog bun costumes running to the ketchup and mustard bottles, followed by the signing sheep. Unless of course I'm forgetting something else.

Ps. Guess I forgot about the Doritos commercial. Not really my kind of humor, but I see it got really high marks.

That one changed the game as it lead to the Denver defensive TD. That was clearly a catch and first down in Denver's territory. Anyway, Denver's D was lights-out causing all sorts of issue for Cam. Doesn't matter who the QB is he would struggle if not protected.

[Las Vegas]

Well that game went somewhat like I thought it would. I just didn't know that Cam was playing for Denver! That was the first game that I saw Cam lose the game. He basically gave Denver 14 points on his own! Then with the last minute of the game he gave up! He literally gave up! You would not see top QBs like T.Brady, A.Rodgers even P.Manning just throw the game away like that at the end. Use the "hurry-up offensive" hit the quick pass to the sidelines then the last resort "hailmary" pass. I am truely disappointed in Cam.

[Discus-n00b]

I wouldn't rest that on Cam. His offensive line was just not even in the stadium. Denver's D is good but Cam had ZERO blocking what so ever. Hence why he was sailing passes and such. Just no time. And the refs were just awful, they obviously didn't lose the game for the Panthers but they CHANGED the game. Clear offsides not called on the missed FG, that HORRID call to not call that ball a catch early in the game, lots of holding called one way and not the other, etc. It was just bad.

[Las Vegas]

Oh that no catch challenge call for Cotchery was awful! The most worse call ever on record! I knew Den Def was gonna be too much for Cam and his O-line to handle (just read my prior posts here). But Cam's passing was definately off. Presure or not, his recievers were open and his passes were off target. He's an expericed Pro with an A+ passing arm. Even with the Den pass rush, he should have completed a better % of quick short passes. Of course having dependable recievers that can catch would help. He only has one dependable reciever and that's G.Olsen. The others are all 50% - 50% on catching. And that just won't win games. It's like T.Brady once said in an interview, "I don't care how fast you are, tall or short, young or old, all I want to know is CAN YOU CATCH?" I also think that Carolina matched Denver very well. I think they even out-played them. Manning didn't have a Pro day. If you take away the two bad fumbles that Cam gave, then the game would have been decided down to the last second or overtime. I'm still in belief that Cam cost them the game. Of course I still won my bet, but I really wanted the Panthers to win.

[rickztahone]

Can defenses win games? ABSOLUTELY, and that is what we witnessed yesterday. Cam had no O line protection and the Denver D were out for blood. Bad call on the first Ron Rivera challenge. Gano missing the FG game changer? I don't think so. Denver controlled this game the whole way, but Manning didn't win it for them, their D did. I was happy to see Von as the MVP, he deserved it.

I would love for the " old man" to retire with this. It is how most greats should retire, not like Favre when he just doesn't know when to call it quits.

[Keith Perkins]

Well boys and girls, I found myself somewhere unexpected the middle of last week. Thought I'd share what greeted me Tuesday night and what things looked like on Wednesday afternoon.

SFO AIRPORT TRAM

94548

THE BIG TENT

94549

GOLDEN

94550

STADIUM WALL

94551

LOOKING UP

94552

MAN HE'S TALL

94553

CONFETTI

94554

Hoping my Broncos friend from work enjoys the pictures and confetti. I figure the confetti is one thing the average Broncos fan won't have.

[rickztahone]

Cool shots, tfs

[Keith Perkins]

Thanks Ricardo. It was so bright that day there were times I basically couldn't see anything on the screen of my phone and really wondered what I was getting. I'm still now just seeing details in the pictures I didn't realize were there. If you get a chance take a look at the 4 shots of the golden gate bridge in the thread in my homesteader section. I particularly like the last couple.

[Second Hand Pat]

Those are cool Keith and now a part of SB history :D
Pat