Let's talk about the Divisional Match ups: RAIDER NFL GURUS: Answer some questions!

[GRIM]

WILDCARD WEEKEND: Hey, this is getting really good. How bout' them Packers & Cardinals? Nice game! Not? Why?

Feelings about the Ravens victory against the Patri*nots in 5 WORDS.




Ok, heres some questions. Raider Gurus... Please COPY & PASTE, then ANSWER

PLEASE! Don't answer without copying and pasting. It makes it more interesting IMHO.
ADD MORE QUESTIONS within your reply posts if you wish. Thanks for participating!

QUESTION: So, do you believe these two teams were worthy of a Wildcard spot? And can you believe how many points they put up?
Thoughts about the game?

Ravens... So, they ROCKED IT in New England. What a bunch of "shit" fans! Eh? I enjoyed watching the Ravens last weekend and REALLY think they are "contenders" Do you?

RAVENS VS COLTS... QUESTION: 1. Can the Indianapolis offensive line contend with the Ravens pass rush?

2. Can the Indianapolis defensive unit stop Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and the Ravens intense running attack?

3. Do you think the Ravens lack balance on offense? And, how much, if any does this play into Indy's favor?

4. Can the Ravens defensive front apply enough pressure against Manning to help force enough turnovers to make a difference, turning the tables against Indy to the point where Baltimore has an advantage against the Colts?

5. TRUE OF FALSE: MANNING folds under the pressure and makes crucial mistakes costing the Colts a trip to the Championship game?


JETS VS SAN DIEGO: QUESTION: YES, or NO, and why...

1. THE JETS DON'T have a chance against San Diego.

2. Will the Jets keep this one close?

3. Will the Jets win? If yes, how?

4. Will San Diego crush NYJ? If yes, why?


DALLAS COWBOYS: QUESTION:

1. Are they the scariest team in the NFC?

2. If not, how will the Vikings beat them?

3. Will the Vikings dominate? If yes, why?

4. Has Romo proven he's an elite NFL QB?

FINALLY...

ARIZONA... QUESTION:

1. Will they beat New Orleans? If yes, how?

If no, why not?

2. Will the Cardinals VS Saints be a high scoring affair?

3. Which team has a more balanced attack on offense?

4. Which team has the better defensive unit?

5. Does the way New Orleans finished the regular season cast doubts on the Saints overall? Or, should the perfect record so deep into the season be considered a little more closely?

Please answer the questions and then: FEEL FREE to talk about WILDCARD WEEKEND & Elaborate on the Divisional Playoffs further.


Thanks for participating in my Raider NFL GURU thread.

[BigTron]

RAVENS VS COLTS... QUESTION:
1. Can the Indianapolis offensive line contend with the Ravens pass rush?

Yes. The Ravens had a good game last week but they have had trouble getting to QB's at times this year. Manning wont take many hits and gets the ball out quick. I think Manning will have a solid game. The Ravens secondary has also been weak at times. Suggs, Lewis and Ngata are some of the best defenders in the NFL so they could have a great game or make a big play late in the game. I think the Colts OL will do well enough to win.

2. Can the Indianapolis defensive unit stop Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and the Ravens intense running attack?

No. Ray Rice is way underrated. MaGahee is playing great off the bench. They can run the ball well. McClain is a hell of a FB too. Indy is gonna have to stack the box and force Flacco to beat them to slow this running game down.

3. Do you think the Ravens lack balance on offense? And, how much, if any does this play into Indy's favor?

Yes. If Indy stops the run they will expose a weak WR core. Flacco can be great at times and very mediocre others. He is not yet consistent week to week.

4. Can the Ravens defensive front apply enough pressure against Manning to help force enough turnovers to make a difference, turning the tables against Indy to the point where Baltimore has an advantage against the Colts?

No. They can generate a turnover but this is no advantage when you are facing Manning. They would have to hope for some fumbles. Manning is the MVP so I would just try to keep him off the field. A.K.A Ray Rice/ Willis all day.

5. TRUE OF FALSE: MANNING folds under the pressure and makes crucial mistakes costing the Colts a trip to the Championship game?

False. Manning is the last guy I wanna see on the field against my team in that situation!


JETS VS SAN DIEGO: QUESTION: YES, or NO, and why...

1. THE JETS DON'T have a chance against San Diego.

Yes they do. When you have the #1 D and Running O you can play w anybody.

2. Will the Jets keep this one close?

Yes. They can win.

3. Will the Jets win? If yes, how?

I think this game is dead even. For a Jets win they would have to stop Gates from moving the chains. V.Jackson is gonna be invisible vs Revis that will help. Running the ball on the Bolts D and keeping Rivers on the sideline would help. Bottle up Sproles on ST and dont allow him to make a big play. LT is old.

4. Will San Diego crush NYJ? If yes, why?

No. These teams match up well I think?

DALLAS COWBOYS: QUESTION:

1. Are they the scariest team in the NFC?

Nope. Drew Brees has that on lock.

2. If not, how will the Vikings beat them?

Run the ball and keep D.Ware and Spencer from letting loose and pass rushing Favre.

3. Will the Vikings dominate? If yes, why?

No. Both teams can D up like a MOFO.

4. Has Romo proven he's an elite NFL QB?

No. He needs more clutch playoff ball to reach that status IMO.

FINALLY...

ARIZONA... QUESTION:

1. Will they beat New Orleans? If yes, how?
If no, why not?

I think this will be one of the best games of the year. I would take the Saints because they are home. So no.

2. Will the Cardinals VS Saints be a high scoring affair?

Fuck yes. I cant wait.

3. Which team has a more balanced attack on offense?

I think the Cardinals do. They have two tough RB's. If they dont fumble.

4. Which team has the better defensive unit?

They both are about equal. I think the Saints considering GB scored a shitload on them.

5. Does the way New Orleans finished the regular season cast doubts on the Saints overall? Or, should the perfect record so deep into the season be considered a little more closely?

I think they will be fine as long as Drew Brees comes out ready to play. They should be ready to score on the opening drive after watching that Zona D last week.


Colts, Jets, Saints, Vikings for me. Damn these games are close. Might be homering up the Jets pick bc I hate SD/ NOrV.

[Birdwell]

Feelings about the Ravens victory against the Patri*nots in 5 WORDS.

The
dynasty
is
over.



1. Can the Indianapolis offensive line contend with the Ravens pass rush?

Contend? Yes. The key is the C making good line calls and the Village Idiot knowing where the holes will be. Count on both. The Ravens will make some plays, but not enough to seriously slow down the Colts' O.


2. Can the Indianapolis defensive unit stop Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and the Ravens intense running attack?

Not just no, but HELL NO. I'd run at Freeney all day long. Cover 2 is not a good run D up the middle, and the Colt CBs are less than stellar in run support. the best Raven D is running the ball, and Harbaugh is smart enough to know that. Look for a 38 minuet-plus Raven ToP advantage.

3. Do you think the Ravens lack balance on offense? And, how much, if any does this play into Indy's favor?

Yes, they lack balance on offense. Most teams do. It does not play into Indy's favor, however, because they cannot stop the run. Also, look for Heap to have a big day down the seam.


4. Can the Ravens defensive front apply enough pressure against Manning to help force enough turnovers to make a difference, turning the tables against Indy to the point where Baltimore has an advantage against the Colts?

Probably not. Manning gets rid of the ball quickly, reads blitzes well, and is the world's biggest film rat. Anyone still recall how he regularly beat the Vols coaches to the film room at 5:30am?

5. TRUE OF FALSE: MANNING folds under the pressure and makes crucial mistakes costing the Colts a trip to the Championship game?

False. He got by the Patsy D some time ago. A more aggressive 3-4 is better for him. But he won't be on the field enough. Ravens win 31-27.


1. THE JETS DON'T have a chance against San Diego.

Sure they do. But Sanchez will have to throw more than 15 passes.

2. Will the Jets keep this one close?

Probably, if they can stay out of third and long.

3. Will the Jets win? If yes, how?

I don't think they will. If they do, it will be because Rivers forces the ball against Rhevis and loses.

4. Will San Diego crush NYJ? If yes, why?

Not with the Jets running game. But I think they will win decisively.


DALLAS COWBOYS: QUESTION:

1. Are they the scariest team in the NFC?

Not unless you're betting on them to win and cover.

2. If not, how will the Vikings beat them?

The Vikings will win because they will successfully run the ball and the Cowboys won't.

3. Will the Vikings dominate? If yes, why?

I think they will. Great run D, good running game, and some very underrated WRs.

4. Has Romo proven he's an elite NFL QB?

By winning a playoff game? Hardly. Let's see him compete from the pocket with a pass rush in his face coming up the middle. See what I mean?


FINALLY...

ARIZONA... QUESTION:

1. Will they beat New Orleans? If yes, how? If no, why not?

They could, but I don't think they will. I think the Saints' D will put up a little more resistance than the Packer D did. I don't see the Cards stopping Brees, or even really slowing him down. That tricky coach will also have some stuff ready for this game, just like his Monday night gig against the Cowboys a few years ago.

2. Will the Cardinals VS Saints be a high scoring affair?

The over line will be the highest in the playoffs since the merger.


3. Which team has a more balanced attack on offense?

Traditionally, you'd have to say the Cards do, because of their running backs. But a lot of the short passes the Saints use are essentially running plays, so I'd say the Saints because they make you defend more of the field.

4. Which team has the better defensive unit?

Tough to say. Neither has been impressive, both have benefitted from playing with good offenses. Advantage this day to the home team which gets the benefit of the crowd.

5. Does the way New Orleans finished the regular season cast doubts on the Saints overall? Or, should the perfect record so deep into the season be considered a little more closely?[/B]

Not with a week to get ready and focused. Losing so late in the season should actually help, remind people that they can lose.

The SB matchup the NFL is dreading really could come to pass: Vikings v. Ravens. Could be a 9-6 game, could be a game in which both Ds outscore the other team's O.

[GRIM]

I did not think Arizona was worthy of a playoff berth. I felt that Larry Fitzgerald fell off at the end of the season and that when Warner went down to injury, Matt Leinart stunk it up. I couldn't believe it when they were stomped by the 49ERS on MNF in a regular season sweep by SF. Arizona's backfield does not impress me. They are average. When I saw how they came out and dominated against Green Bay in the first quarter, it reminded me of how they destroyed the Minnesota Vikings. They would not allow the Vikings defense to get to Kurt Warner. That was key in their win against the Vikings. Has my mind been changed? Not really. I think Arizona is a good team with a great QB, but they've had an up and down season. That said, I could not believe the amount of points they put up against Green Bay. I would have never guessed they could beat out the Pack. But they did.

Ravens... The Ravens are contenders and I would not be surprised to see them in the AFC Championship game. Why? Defense. That's why. Now that they have Ed Reed healthy, their defense against the pass should improve. Manning will have his hands full against this foe.

RAVENS VS COLTS... QUESTION: 1. Can the Indianapolis offensive line contend with the Ravens pass rush?

I believe the Colts offensive line will be overwhelmed by the strength and speed of the Ravens defensive unit. The Ravens will succed in getting to Peyton Manning, regardless of how fast he is getting the ball off. The defense of Baltimore will frustrate Manning early and often.




2. Can the Indianapolis defensive unit stop Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and the Ravens intense running attack?

NO. Ray Rice and Willis McGahee are a NIGHTMARE tandem. They will be used effectively to control the clock and I predict the Ravens will be in control of time of posession in the first half. The Ravens will keep it close throughout the game because of their tandem.

3. Do you think the Ravens lack balance on offense? And, how much, if any does this play into Indy's favor?

I do believe this is the chink in the Ravens armour. Flacco has been inconsistent in his second year. Yes, he can thread the needle at times, but at this level, against a Peyton Manning led Colts team, if Joe Flacco makes poor decisions and turns the ball over, it's curtains for Baltimore. Flacco must maintain balance and be patient and smart. He cannot and MUST not force the ball against the colts defense. If he is throwing on first down, he needs to make sure the receiver is open, open, open... This will help the Ravens, but if there is a lack of balance on offense, it is Flacco. And this is extremely dangerous. A single turnover could spell disaster, and plays very deeply into the Colts favor.



4. Can the Ravens defensive front apply enough pressure against Manning to help force enough turnovers to make a difference, turning the tables against Indy to the point where Baltimore has an advantage against the Colts?

I really think the Ravens have nothing to lose here. They have to get to Manning to win this game. They will be bringing the heat like no time ever during the regular season. If you think they were fired up last week against New England, wait til they play the Colts! If there is an advantage to he had against the colts, this is it. Bringing the heat, applying tremendous pressure and knocking down, hurrying, or sacking Manning could give Baltimore the advantage over the colts. Everyone always tends to look at and be fixated on the name/person of Peyton Manning. Well, what do you think the Ravens will do? Remember the AFC Championship game against Oakland where the Ravens defense took out Rich Gannon? It could happen to the Colts. And if it does, it's curtains. No Manning/No AFC Championship. Advantage Baltimore.

5. TRUE OF FALSE: MANNING folds under the pressure and makes crucial mistakes costing the Colts a trip to the Championship game?

TRUE. That is my opinion and I'm predicting a huge upset in Indy


JETS VS SAN DIEGO: QUESTION: YES, or NO, and why...

1. THE JETS DON'T have a chance against San Diego.

Call me nuts, but I think the Jets should be favored in this matchup. YES they have a chance and they can win this game! Can you say, "REVIS?"

2. Will the Jets keep this one close?

If NY can run the ball effectively the way they did against the Bengals, without turnovers they can control the clock and keep this one close. But, they cannot turn it over!

3. Will the Jets win? If yes, how?

Yes. Through their running game and the inability of San Diego to keep from choking. This is where the Chargers implode. Rivers will make mistakes. The Jets defense will do enough to keep this one close enough to win in the end.

4. Will San Diego crush NYJ? If yes, why?

NO WAY! This Jets defense is solid. More solid than many know. Rivers is going to have a rough outing against this unit. And he will be picked off more than twice. Costly picks will keep this from being another San Diego victory.


DALLAS COWBOYS: QUESTION:

1. Are they the scariest team in the NFC?

YES. To me, from what I have seen in the past two weeks, this team is not only scary, IT'S FREAKING SCARY! It cannot be understood.

2. If not, how will the Vikings beat them?

Brett Favre does not stand a chance.

3. Will the Vikings dominate? If yes, why?

Hell NO. This will be another game where Dallas comes out and dominates. They have had very few injuries this season, and the worst injury was to Colombo. He's back and this team is PEAKING at the perfect time. NO VIKINGS WIN. GUARANTEED!

4. Has Romo proven he's an elite NFL QB?

With Romo's performance the past two weeks, I think it's clear that something has certainly clicked. This game will show that he's come into his own. I think he has developed into a top 5 NFL QB.

FINALLY...

ARIZONA... QUESTION:

1. Will they beat New Orleans? If yes, how?

If no, why not?

Surpisingly, even to me, YES. Kurt Warner has been playing some of his best football ever. Arizona will beat New Orleans. New Orleans has a lot of weapons, but Arizona is peaking at the right time, just like Dallas. New Orleans laid down in the last couple of weeks and Arizona has been hitting it's stride. They won last week WITHOUT Anquan Boldin! HELLO!

2. Will the Cardinals VS Saints be a high scoring affair?

Oh, hell yes. Best game of the Divisional Weekend! Can you say, "REPEAT" of Arizona/Green Bay?

3. Which team has a more balanced attack on offense?

I give the nod to Arizona due to Hightower/Wells. It's just a fact that New Orleans doesn't scare anyone on the ground.

4. Which team has the better defensive unit?

I'm giving the nod to New Orleans on this one. They can be solid if they're hitting on all cylinders. But against Warner, they are going to be challenged seriously. Green Bay was all over that Arizona defense last week, but a lot of it had to do with Jermichael Finley. Dude is a FREAKAZOID! Hard to stop a huge threat like that. He was clutch and AZ. didn't have the answers a lot of the game.

5. Does the way New Orleans finished the regular season cast doubts on the Saints overall? Or, should the perfect record so deep into the season be considered a little more closely?

What they did over the regular season was great, but they've been exposed. The perfect record only goes so far. (*See Patriots VS Giants Superbowl.) I think the way New Orleans finished out the regular season will cost them. Arizona is riding POSITIVE momentum. New Orleans is riding a negative cloud of doubt. This will prove to be the difference in this crucial game.


This weekend will be surprising as all home field teams will lose. It's going to happen.

[Birdwell]

4. Can the Ravens defensive front apply enough pressure against Manning to help force enough turnovers to make a difference, turning the tables against Indy to the point where Baltimore has an advantage against the Colts?

I really think the Ravens have nothing to lose here. They have to get to Manning to win this game. They will be bringing the heat like no time ever during the regular season. If you think they were fired up last week against New England, wait til they play the Colts! If there is an advantage to he had against the colts, this is it. Bringing the heat, applying tremendous pressure and knocking down, hurrying, or sacking Manning could give Baltimore the advantage over the colts. Everyone always tends to look at and be fixated on the name/person of Peyton Manning. Well, what do you think the Ravens will do? Remember the AFC Championship game against Oakland where the Ravens defense took out Rich Gannon? It could happen to the Colts. And if it does, it's curtains. No Manning/No AFC Championship. Advantage Baltimore.

Thing is, Gannon did not throw downfield. Manning does. You may get to him, but he will also beat you. When you win on a blitz, you get a sack, a chnace at a fumble. When he wins, the Colts score 6. More likely they'll show a lot more blitzes than they bring, trying to get Manning to throw into coverage off a false hot read.