by YoungJRNY » Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:31 pm
Playoffs are a WHOLE different beast, and it won't be near than what you're seeing now. Some teams that aren't use to the pressure, atmosphere, and attitude of the playoffs just cannot handle the scrutiny of grid-iron post season.
Over confidence can sure be a crash back down to reality also, and the victims of this could be Tennessee, or Indy.. both playing hot football right now and can bid big.
The Steelers have WAY too many question marks on the offense side of the ball, and sooner or later it might come down to field position and I believe we do NOT have a punter that can pin people deep. Defense is the only hope.. that and veteran leadership that has BEEN there.. almost the same core that's been on the Superbowl team in '05.
The Colts were, I swear, trailing in EVERY game this season, or so it seemed. Peyton Manning just has that knack, and is the best Quarterback in this era, and he just knows how to win. The man is bread for football and is a true student turning into a teacher of the game. I don't think they were as dominant as they were in '05, but they have a shot. Still, I think they get knocked off.
Tennessee will fall flat on their face whether if it's against the Ravens, Colts, Steelers, or New England. My gut feeling says they blow their wad in the playoffs, hence, the over-confidence that must face reality, but as of now, are a strong contender for the 'Bowl.
The Ravens are a scary team if they clinch the 6th.. PERIOD. They got a FEROCIOUS defense (with holes no one wants to mention) and an offense with a rookie Quarterback that's winning. The reason why they are dangerous is simply because they enter a wildcard by just losing the division to the Steelers by a fingernail. They'll be smelling blood, and would welcome a re-match at Heinz Field against those criminals anyday. Would be a great game. (again.)
Panthers are a wicked threat, and I could see them in the Superbowl, quite easily. They have a running game that just CAN'T be stopped, and were 50 yards, and about 2 inches away from Home-Field advantage. Now they are on the brink of a 2nd round bye, and a 5th WC spot. Weird. Doesn't matter, the NFL is very afraid of Carolina.
The New York Football Giants are a unit I'm most impressed with. No one gave them a shot at the beginning, AS SUPER BOWL CHAMPS, and are escaping the shadow of falling off the map after a season they won the Super Bowl. Once again, a good enough defense, that compliments a bruising style of a running game. Very similar to Carolina, but have the edge because their home and championship is theirs' to defend.
If New England somehow gets in, watch out. Everyone knows what kind of damage they do in January, and they are a HOT team at the moment. Question is, can M.C handle the playoffs like he did the regular season? I'd say yes when it comes to the Pats*. A "Joker Card" team right now.
Atlanta needs to be watched VERY closely and they can creep up on ANYONE who decides to sleep. Wouldn't be shocked if they make it to the Conference games.
..I'll throw Dallas in there if they get in as a teeny-tiny threat, but, like we all know, they'll choke, but they STILL look good on PAPER.
Those are my threat teams that I can see playing for the cheese. The Match ups I can see are:
Colts VS Panthers
Colts Vs Giants
Steelers Vs Giants
Titans Vs Panthers
Steelers Vs Panthers
..or a possibility that it still COULD happen..a slim shot but,
Steelers VS Cowboys.
So obviously my common teams that I believe have the strongest will to punch their tickets to the Superbowl will be:
Giants
Colts
Steelers
Panthers
and the Titans.
Arizona
Miami
Denver
San Diego
or
Philly I believe will pose tough games, with 0 threats.
