NFL Playoffs 2011-2012

[Enforcer]

Well, my guys got rolled but there's no shame in getting beat by the Saints in their dome. It would have been nice to force a single punt in the game. That N.O. went for it on fourth down three times (once from around their own 35, wasn't it?) and converted all of them was pretty disheartening. The Lions were great at stopping teams on fourth down this year, but not last night. There were missed chances by the Lions. They could have had three interceptions, two of which were just flat-out drops. That would have made a huge difference in this game.

I can't be too down, though. The Lions were big underdogs. And it's not like they embarrassed themselves. The Stafford-Johnson connection is amazing. Suh and Fairley are going to be a force for years to come. This team can get better if they can augment the secondary. It's been their achilles heel all year and for a really long time now. It's the last glaring weakness the team needs to deal with. Well, a running game would be nice, too. But they've managed to score a lot of points with their offense in spite of it.

[The G Man]

Welker had a fantastic year but how good would he be with John Skelton as his QB? He and Brady raise each other's game, that's for sure.

Larry, I agree with you. The Lions had a good season and the future is bright.

[jon abbey]

Watched both games yesterday, and as a fair weather, playoff watching fan, knowing basically nothing about the league for at least 20 years, I have to say that Houston seemed like the only one of the four teams that was even engaged on the defensive side of the ball. Jesus, games are boring when teams just march up and down the field as if there were nobody else around. So let me ask you mavens: can you now be a winning team in the NFL with no defense at all? What the fuck? Is it rules changes or something?

there have only been 5 5000 yard passing seasons in league history, and two of them were in the NO/DET game. Cincy's D was OK until their QB handed the other team a TD, but basically as Cap'n said, those two teams aren't really playoff-quality teams, both were pretty bad down the stretch.

and this isn't an entirely new development: Air Coryell, the Warner/Martz teams, but teams like NO and GB and NE execute incredibly well and take full advantage of the current rules.

[jon abbey]

the Lions look good but face a potentially similar problem to what the Jets faced in getting over the top with what looks like a perennial power in their division.

[jon abbey]

there's some defense for you, Walter, and the second game today should be extremely low-scoring, especially with Pittsburgh's injuries on offense.

[walto]

Thanks for the replies. Just turned this one on--based on the recap, seems more like my cuppa. It's not that I want a scoreless game, but you oughta have to fight for some of the yards, no? I've seen a couple of N.E. games this year, and their D. seems pretty bad also.

[Captain Hate]

I've seen a couple of N.E. games this year, and their D. seems pretty bad also.

This has to be the worst defense they've had under Belichick; I'm too lazy to look up the numbers but I don't think it's even close. Which makes their record even more impressive.

[Captain Hate]

Ok who was worse prepared for the playoffs: Bengals or Falcons?

[Steve Reynolds]

and despite everything all the Falcons had to do was convert a 4th and 1/2 a yard to get right back in the game...


,,,,,,and they sneak with no RB in the backfield


who designed that formation???


Giants D looks good but Atlanta continues to bomb in the playoffs - seems like Ryan cannot raise his level of play.

[Mo Noyz]

Thanks for the replies. Just turned this one on--based on the recap, seems more like my cuppa. It's not that I want a scoreless game, but you oughta have to fight for some of the yards, no? I've seen a couple of N.E. games this year, and their D. seems pretty bad also.

Not only is the Patriots D one of the worst Belichick has ever had (as Cappz correctly points out), but one of the worst I've ever seen make it to the playoffs.

As for your previous question, I'd say jon and me summed it up as best as we possibly could. I don't necessarily agree with some of his points, but I think both opinions flesh out every reason why offense rules the day in the NFL. His opinions offer a more realistic balance with my "I hate all of this shit because I'm an old school curmudgeon" take.

Cappz, the Falcons have continually disappointed me for several years now...

How much do they remind you of the Browns from back in the day?

[jon abbey]

actually, it's pretty fascinating (to me, anyway) that the #1 seeds in each conference had the two worst-ranking defenses in the entire league by yards allowed, there's no way in hell that's ever come close to happening before.

and yeah, Scott is of course largely right, the current rules make it easier for the offenses, but the top handful of offenses are also brilliantly well-oiled machines, with seemingly endless weapons, fantastic play-calling, and remarkably talented QBs.

that was an impressive effort by the Giants, especially considering they couldn't get consistent pressure on Ryan. I love the three Giants WRs if they're all healthy, ATL took away Cruz so the other two toasted them.

[Captain Hate]

Cappz, the Falcons have continually disappointed me for several years now...

How much do they remind you of the Browns from back in the day?

I think they're much worse. At least the Browns were competitive in the contests they lost but these Falcons just looked like complete frauds out there today. If I were a season ticket holder I'd be fucking livid that they traded their future for Julio Jones when it was obvious they need some beef on both sides of the ball. Mike Smith is developing into Schottentater v2.0 with his choking dog playoff ways although this season I just didn't think they were any fucking good.

[The G Man]

Atlanta thrived with a no-huddle offense, which isn't a good road weapon. The Giants have gotten their run defense together in recent weeks, giving better opportunities to turn loose their pass rush. Michael Boley's return to the lineup, Osi and Tuck being healthy enough to be effective and Jason Pierre Paul's improvement against the run have all buoyed their defense.

Jon made good points about well-oiled offensive machines and about the double-teaming of Cruz backfiring. Good offense beats good defense unless a ferocious pass rush is part of the good defense.

[Mo Noyz]

That drop by my boy Jericho would have been a fucking touchdown...

[Mo Noyz]

I love the three Giants WRs if they're all healthy...

Agreed 100%.

Nicks, Manningham, and Cruz may be the best top three WRs I've seen on any team in a long time.

[jon abbey]

man, two incredible throws by Tebow there. you keep laughing at him until all of a sudden he's beating you.

[Captain Hate]

Even if the Steelers come back and win this, I've already gotten enough enjoyment out of this game to make it worthwhile. I wonder if the CBS cameramen are giving extra sideline exposure to Tebow to drive the haters even crazier. If so I strongly approve.

[jon abbey]

ha, Tebow is killing it this quarter, he has to be close to 200 yards passing, I wonder what the record for one quarter is?

[jon abbey]

5 completions in the game for 185 yards!!

[jon abbey]

RayRice27 Ray Rice
WOW is this really happening we don't play them but damn lol