Super Bowl XLIX has a lot of questions that need answered.
First, why isn't it Super Bowl IL? Isn't that the proper Roman numeral for 49? Or is the NFL so diseased at this point, it doesn't want anything construed as ill?
In the interest of full disclosure, let it be known that I have been a Seahawk fan since Jack Patera was the head coach. He had a quarterback named Jim Zorn, fresh from being cut by the Dallas Cowboys. He learned to run for his life early, which makes sense on an expansion team. They won four games that first season, four more than the other expansion team that year: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The New England Patriots come off one of the best performances I've ever seen in a Conference Championship game. The Seattle Seahawks come off one of the worst performances I've ever seen in a Conference Championship game, and the worst one I have ever seen advance to a Super Bowl. It seems cut and dried that the Patriots are one their way to a victory.
I kind of have that feeling with one caveat. If Seattle can run the football with tremendous abandon, at the clip of 200 yards or more for the game, it would be very difficult to overcome. In fact, the opportunity exists for the Seahawks to play their best game, something that may not exist for the Patriots.
The game may hinge on the availability of Max Unger. He has been on the sideline for all four Seahawk losses this season, and they played like dog meat without him in the Conference Championship game. Only tremendous acts of will and God's grace allowed the Seahawks to advance. Max Unger''s unifying force could change the outlook of this game.
My choice? I believe the Seahawks will pull this game out. It will take a large amount of rushing yards to keep the Seahawks ahead. The lack of a turnover would strengthen the Seahawk case.
Seattle 24, New England 21. The only deflated balls in this one will Tom Brady's, after three interceptions.
So...am I off base?
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Seattle Surprise and Patriot Stew
The Super Bowl should be an interesting affair in two weeks. Barring a Seahawk like comeback by Indianapolis, the Patriots and the Seahawks should be playing in the Roman Numeral Classic (Thanks, Todd Wright.) I've got an early take on the game that might be a little off base. For me, what else is new?
New England looks like a prohibitive favorite. Tom Brady has fired on all cylinders so far today, and barring injury, should do so again. Tom Brady's sixth Super Bowl start looks like it should be successful. If the offensive line plays as well as they have been and the defense maintains it's dominating ways, they look unbeatable.
To be fair, the Colts have not executed very well. Andrew Luck could have made the move from good to great, but the stage looked a little too big. He will someday, just not today. The Colts might want to think about a first round running back not named Trent Richardson. I enjoyed his Thursday quote, "I sat out the last game. I don't intend to sit out again." He didn't even make the trip to Boston. It's a Sunday league, Trent.
Everyone is talking about the finish of the NFC Championship game, but they shouldn't be. It is an improbable finish and a testament to the power of will. Seattle, led by Marshawn Lynch and the never-say-die attitude of Russell Wilson, found a way to win at the end. Even as a Seahawk fan from day one of the franchise, they had no business winning the game.
However, the Packers should have found a way to put it away early. Three possessions in Seattle's red zone netted two field goals. However, even without the intereception, it should have been 21-0 Packers after one quarter. A deficit like that would have been a lot more difficult to overcome. Whether it was because of the Seahawk defense or the Packer offense, it allowed the opportunity for the Seahawks to win a four minute game by enough points to get to overtime.
For the record, I agree with kicking the first field goal, but not the second. The field goal provided the first points of the game and capitalized on a Seahawk turnover. The second field goal should never have happened. Line up and dominate the line. Blow them off the ball and punch it in the end zone. Some pundits have called this the McCarthy "Discount Double Choke."
The Super Bowl will hinge on the injury situation. Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas, half of the Legion of Boom secondary will have MRI's tomorrow, making an unknown radiologist in the Seattle area the most important person setting Super Bowl point spreads. More important, Max Unger, who has been on the sideline for all four Seahawk losses this season, was inactive today. Will the two weeks off be enough to get him back on the field?
A year ago, the Seahawks weren't supposed to beat the Broncos. They probably aren't supposed to beat the Patriots, either. I think it boils down to old style football: line play and running the football. I hope it's a great game. Seattle may need to limit Patriot offensive time on the field. Looking forward to a little smack talk between Richard Sherman and Darrell Revis. Provided Sherman feels like talking about it.
So...am I off base?
New England looks like a prohibitive favorite. Tom Brady has fired on all cylinders so far today, and barring injury, should do so again. Tom Brady's sixth Super Bowl start looks like it should be successful. If the offensive line plays as well as they have been and the defense maintains it's dominating ways, they look unbeatable.
To be fair, the Colts have not executed very well. Andrew Luck could have made the move from good to great, but the stage looked a little too big. He will someday, just not today. The Colts might want to think about a first round running back not named Trent Richardson. I enjoyed his Thursday quote, "I sat out the last game. I don't intend to sit out again." He didn't even make the trip to Boston. It's a Sunday league, Trent.
Everyone is talking about the finish of the NFC Championship game, but they shouldn't be. It is an improbable finish and a testament to the power of will. Seattle, led by Marshawn Lynch and the never-say-die attitude of Russell Wilson, found a way to win at the end. Even as a Seahawk fan from day one of the franchise, they had no business winning the game.
However, the Packers should have found a way to put it away early. Three possessions in Seattle's red zone netted two field goals. However, even without the intereception, it should have been 21-0 Packers after one quarter. A deficit like that would have been a lot more difficult to overcome. Whether it was because of the Seahawk defense or the Packer offense, it allowed the opportunity for the Seahawks to win a four minute game by enough points to get to overtime.
For the record, I agree with kicking the first field goal, but not the second. The field goal provided the first points of the game and capitalized on a Seahawk turnover. The second field goal should never have happened. Line up and dominate the line. Blow them off the ball and punch it in the end zone. Some pundits have called this the McCarthy "Discount Double Choke."
The Super Bowl will hinge on the injury situation. Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas, half of the Legion of Boom secondary will have MRI's tomorrow, making an unknown radiologist in the Seattle area the most important person setting Super Bowl point spreads. More important, Max Unger, who has been on the sideline for all four Seahawk losses this season, was inactive today. Will the two weeks off be enough to get him back on the field?
A year ago, the Seahawks weren't supposed to beat the Broncos. They probably aren't supposed to beat the Patriots, either. I think it boils down to old style football: line play and running the football. I hope it's a great game. Seattle may need to limit Patriot offensive time on the field. Looking forward to a little smack talk between Richard Sherman and Darrell Revis. Provided Sherman feels like talking about it.
So...am I off base?
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Championships Abound
Not often you see three championship games in a week. The big questions to be answered are: 1) Can Ohio State slow down Marcus Mariota and the Oregon Ducks? 2) Can Seattle possibly play bettert than they did against Carolina? 3) Is it time for Andrew Luck to take over as the premier quarterback in the NFL?
Question 1 deals with the first College Football Playoff Championship Game. Oregon dethroned the Seminoles rather unceremoniously, while Ohio State found a way to beat the SEC myth and Alabama. The real question is: Can anybody stop the Ducks?
One big thing in Ohio State's favor is a coach that knows how to win a Championship. Urban Meyer crafted a game plan that confounded the Tide but only has a week to do it. Think there were a few calls made between Columbus and Tucson this week?
No one seems to be talking about Ohio State's offense, which is running just fine with a third string quarterback. A third string quarterback who supposedly tweeted about classes being pointless since he was there to play football. If Ohio State has a chance, it will be by running the football and keeping the Oregon offense off the field. The offense can't score if they can't get the ball.
Oregon's defense is too good for that. Granted that Florida State played like they were slain by the Holy Spirit, but Oregon plays great defense. Oregon wins, unless Ohio State runs the ball for over 250 yards. Not likely.
Side note- an unintended side effect of the College Football Playoff involves coaching. A coach successful in college playoffs looks much more enticing to the NFL. NFL coaches that are successful getting a team everywhere short of the Super Bowl might be successful in the College system, especially in the elite teams.
Seattle sure looks like a Super Bowl participant again. Green Bay got the help Dallas got a week ago. Seattle's defense must be licking it's chops facing an injured Aaron Rodgers. Their secondary is a little better than Dallas'. Seattle's pass rush is much better than Dallas', too. I see Seattle winning easily.
Green Bay's hope is to run the ball and keep Russell Wilson and the Seahawk offense off the field. Forcing about four turnovers is the other best Packer bet. I don't see either one happening. Take the Seahawks and give how many points are offered.
Indianapolis and New England is an intriguing match up. Andrew Luck is coming of age. Having defeated Peyton Manning in what I hope is his final game, he gets the chance to dispatch Tom Brady and take over as the elite quarterback of the AFC. I suppose it had to happen sooner or later.
The Colts ran the ball with abandon against the Broncos, especially the eight minute drive in the fourth quarter without Trent Richardson, who cost the Colts a first round pick. The Patriots seem ripe for an upset, even at home. They escaped by stretching the rules and perseverence. Probably won't happen twice.
The Patriots' best hope is to run the ball well and try to confuse Andrew Luck. I feel it is Luck's turn. Best chance for an upset is the Colts changing the guard.
So...am I off base?
Question 1 deals with the first College Football Playoff Championship Game. Oregon dethroned the Seminoles rather unceremoniously, while Ohio State found a way to beat the SEC myth and Alabama. The real question is: Can anybody stop the Ducks?
One big thing in Ohio State's favor is a coach that knows how to win a Championship. Urban Meyer crafted a game plan that confounded the Tide but only has a week to do it. Think there were a few calls made between Columbus and Tucson this week?
No one seems to be talking about Ohio State's offense, which is running just fine with a third string quarterback. A third string quarterback who supposedly tweeted about classes being pointless since he was there to play football. If Ohio State has a chance, it will be by running the football and keeping the Oregon offense off the field. The offense can't score if they can't get the ball.
Oregon's defense is too good for that. Granted that Florida State played like they were slain by the Holy Spirit, but Oregon plays great defense. Oregon wins, unless Ohio State runs the ball for over 250 yards. Not likely.
Side note- an unintended side effect of the College Football Playoff involves coaching. A coach successful in college playoffs looks much more enticing to the NFL. NFL coaches that are successful getting a team everywhere short of the Super Bowl might be successful in the College system, especially in the elite teams.
Seattle sure looks like a Super Bowl participant again. Green Bay got the help Dallas got a week ago. Seattle's defense must be licking it's chops facing an injured Aaron Rodgers. Their secondary is a little better than Dallas'. Seattle's pass rush is much better than Dallas', too. I see Seattle winning easily.
Green Bay's hope is to run the ball and keep Russell Wilson and the Seahawk offense off the field. Forcing about four turnovers is the other best Packer bet. I don't see either one happening. Take the Seahawks and give how many points are offered.
Indianapolis and New England is an intriguing match up. Andrew Luck is coming of age. Having defeated Peyton Manning in what I hope is his final game, he gets the chance to dispatch Tom Brady and take over as the elite quarterback of the AFC. I suppose it had to happen sooner or later.
The Colts ran the ball with abandon against the Broncos, especially the eight minute drive in the fourth quarter without Trent Richardson, who cost the Colts a first round pick. The Patriots seem ripe for an upset, even at home. They escaped by stretching the rules and perseverence. Probably won't happen twice.
The Patriots' best hope is to run the ball well and try to confuse Andrew Luck. I feel it is Luck's turn. Best chance for an upset is the Colts changing the guard.
So...am I off base?
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Divisional Round
Having survived Wild Card Weekend, I look ahead to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
It wasn't very pretty on the whole. The officiating was not very good, and understatement to Lions fans, but it usually isn't very good. The play was not very good. Heck, Tony Romo won a playoff game coming from behind.
Suppose I ought to look ahead to the Divisional Rounds of playoffs.
The AFC- Indianapolis at Denver- Indianapolis comes off an easy win against the Bengals. Denver leans on Peyton Manning and his decision making. Andrew Luck looks pretty good, but I'm still looking for a running game. Seems to me, if you can keep the other team's good quarterback off the field, you have a chance to win the game. Since neither team seems to run the ball well, it may well come down to last possession wins. Gotta take Peyton Manning. (Unless it's Luck's time to usurp the throne!)
Baltimore at New England- Tom Brady is still a force to be reckoned with, and Joe Flacco has won a Super Bowl. I have always liked the Ravens' defense, but the Patriots' defense can make big plays. The Ravens have the running back, Justin Forsett, who can control the game. If the Ravens can run the ball, Joe Flacco can finish the deal. I believe this is the game most ripe for an upset. Stay tuned. Could have the best finish of the weekend.
The NFL- Dallas at Green Bay- Tony Romo finally won a big game, sort of. Aaron Rodgers is the hottest quarterback in the NFL. DeMarco Murray and Eddie Lacy can both control the game. Neither defense could stop a strong offense. This game could be high scoring affair. Aaron Rodgers has the playoff experience Tony Romo does not. I believe it will make all the difference when push comes to shove. Dallas' best bet, believe it or not, is bad weather. It could level the playing field.
Carolina at Seattle- I've made it clear I am a lifelong Seahawk, but, objectively, this is a game of defenses. They are both physical, strong, and capable of scoring. Carolina is more physical against the run, which could be to their advantage. Seattle is incredible against the pass, and strong against the run. This game will be decided by which quarterback gives their offense more oppotunities...with their legs. Russell Wilson is a lot more accurate than Cam Newton, and should be the difference maker. Don't count the Panthers out.
So...am I off base?
It wasn't very pretty on the whole. The officiating was not very good, and understatement to Lions fans, but it usually isn't very good. The play was not very good. Heck, Tony Romo won a playoff game coming from behind.
Suppose I ought to look ahead to the Divisional Rounds of playoffs.
The AFC- Indianapolis at Denver- Indianapolis comes off an easy win against the Bengals. Denver leans on Peyton Manning and his decision making. Andrew Luck looks pretty good, but I'm still looking for a running game. Seems to me, if you can keep the other team's good quarterback off the field, you have a chance to win the game. Since neither team seems to run the ball well, it may well come down to last possession wins. Gotta take Peyton Manning. (Unless it's Luck's time to usurp the throne!)
Baltimore at New England- Tom Brady is still a force to be reckoned with, and Joe Flacco has won a Super Bowl. I have always liked the Ravens' defense, but the Patriots' defense can make big plays. The Ravens have the running back, Justin Forsett, who can control the game. If the Ravens can run the ball, Joe Flacco can finish the deal. I believe this is the game most ripe for an upset. Stay tuned. Could have the best finish of the weekend.
The NFL- Dallas at Green Bay- Tony Romo finally won a big game, sort of. Aaron Rodgers is the hottest quarterback in the NFL. DeMarco Murray and Eddie Lacy can both control the game. Neither defense could stop a strong offense. This game could be high scoring affair. Aaron Rodgers has the playoff experience Tony Romo does not. I believe it will make all the difference when push comes to shove. Dallas' best bet, believe it or not, is bad weather. It could level the playing field.
Carolina at Seattle- I've made it clear I am a lifelong Seahawk, but, objectively, this is a game of defenses. They are both physical, strong, and capable of scoring. Carolina is more physical against the run, which could be to their advantage. Seattle is incredible against the pass, and strong against the run. This game will be decided by which quarterback gives their offense more oppotunities...with their legs. Russell Wilson is a lot more accurate than Cam Newton, and should be the difference maker. Don't count the Panthers out.
So...am I off base?
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