Dave2112
Level of Cherry Feather
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Well, no Cinderella story this year. It looks like a game between the big boys, as only the #1 and #2 teams are left to duke it out. So, who's going to go to the big game?
Here's my take:
Philadelphia Vs. Tampa Bay
Forget the history, streaks and stats...they don't mean anything now. The NFL's top two defenses will bang heads at the Vet, but it will be the offenses that will decide this one. Tampa cannot expect the kind of success they had against the 49ers, where safeties were playing cornerback. The best way to get running yards against the Bucs is to run straight at them, and a back like Duce Staley can get at least some of that accomplished. At least enough to keep the D out of the Cover Two all night. On the other side, Mike Alstott, a converted FB, will not have as much luck against Douglas and Co. And while Tampa has some gifted recievers, none are that fast...and Philly's secondary has real speed. One more thing...this will be the last game played at storied Veteran's Stadium and it's the NFC Championship. No way the Eagles finish up there with a loss.
Eagles over Buccaneers: 26-17
Oakland Vs. Tennessee
With all of the talk about the Jets starting 1-4 and finishing 9-7, many have overlooked the Titans' 1-4 start and 10-1 finish. There's a lot to prove from this talented team that was snubbed by Pro Bowl voters.
The Raiders are the aging vets, the gunslingers, the Jedi Masters. Not many players have 1,000 receptions, but two of them line up to either side of the league's 37-year-old MVP. It's the defense that's going to kill them, though. A lot was expended in defeating the Jets, and the Oakland secondary was banged-up to begin with. There was so much hype and animosity proir to the Jets game, that I think Oakland gets caught looking past the Titans. Tennessee has a very underrated defense this year, especially on the road. They are much more physical than New York, with more playoff experience in big games. As quietly as they came into the season...they slip into San Diego on the 26th.
Titans over Raiders: 31-24
What do you think?
Here's my take:
Philadelphia Vs. Tampa Bay
Forget the history, streaks and stats...they don't mean anything now. The NFL's top two defenses will bang heads at the Vet, but it will be the offenses that will decide this one. Tampa cannot expect the kind of success they had against the 49ers, where safeties were playing cornerback. The best way to get running yards against the Bucs is to run straight at them, and a back like Duce Staley can get at least some of that accomplished. At least enough to keep the D out of the Cover Two all night. On the other side, Mike Alstott, a converted FB, will not have as much luck against Douglas and Co. And while Tampa has some gifted recievers, none are that fast...and Philly's secondary has real speed. One more thing...this will be the last game played at storied Veteran's Stadium and it's the NFC Championship. No way the Eagles finish up there with a loss.
Eagles over Buccaneers: 26-17
Oakland Vs. Tennessee
With all of the talk about the Jets starting 1-4 and finishing 9-7, many have overlooked the Titans' 1-4 start and 10-1 finish. There's a lot to prove from this talented team that was snubbed by Pro Bowl voters.
The Raiders are the aging vets, the gunslingers, the Jedi Masters. Not many players have 1,000 receptions, but two of them line up to either side of the league's 37-year-old MVP. It's the defense that's going to kill them, though. A lot was expended in defeating the Jets, and the Oakland secondary was banged-up to begin with. There was so much hype and animosity proir to the Jets game, that I think Oakland gets caught looking past the Titans. Tennessee has a very underrated defense this year, especially on the road. They are much more physical than New York, with more playoff experience in big games. As quietly as they came into the season...they slip into San Diego on the 26th.
Titans over Raiders: 31-24
What do you think?
