AFC Playoffs Are Set

by Blitzburgh on Dec 28, 2008 8:27 PM EST Comment 51 comments

Here are your AFC Seeds (edited after conclusion of SD-DEN game)

* Congratulations to the Baltimore Ravens for their emphatic beatdown of Jacksonville. Joe Flacco had perhaps his best game as a pro, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed do what they do - make big plays, and the Ravens coaching staff undeniably schooled Jack Del Rio and his staff. It's not important, but can you believe that Del Rio wouldn't kick a FG from the Ravens' 20 yard line in the 3rd quarter...down 3 scores! Just makes no sense. We'll see if Del Rio is out of a job in the near future, but it wouldn't surprise me if that was the case.

* Congratulations as well to the Miami Dolphins for handling the New York Jets in the Meadowlands. The biggest difference in the game? 3 Brett Favre INTs compared to 0 for Chad Pennington. The +46 rushing yards edge also contributed to the Dolphins winning the time of possession battle 33+ minutes to 26+ minutes.

* Indianapolis keeps rolling. It was a game where Jeff Fisher and the Titans showed next to nothing offensively, but nevertheless, the efficiency with which both Peyton Manning and Jim Sorgi moved the offense was still impressive. The Colts have won 9 in a row heading into Wild Card Weekend next week in San Diego. Look out AFC, but don't sleep on the Chargers. They still have top notch talent on both sides of the ball, even if it did take them an absurd number of ~~games~~ months to get rolling.

* The Jets lose 4 of 5 to close. Awful. Have we seen the last of Brett Favre?

* The Pats were the odd man out this year. Despite winning their final 4 ball games, New England missed out on the playoffs due to tiebreakers.

* I'll touch on this later, but as opposed to the NFC playoff contending teams which crapped the bed for the most part down the stretch (Tampa, Chicago, Dallas, New Orleans, Washington), the AFC playoff teams are all heading into the Dance with a positive head of steam. The Dolphins have won 5 in a row and 9 of 10. Indy has won 9 in a row. Tennesee may have stumbled a bit in Week 15 and 17, but they won the game that counted against Pittsburgh in Week 16. San Diego (the likely winner tonight) will have won 4 in a row. The Ravens have won 5 of their past 6 and 9 of their past 11, making them a #6 seed that nobody's eager to face. And last but not least, the Steelers have won 6 of 7. This is not a top heavy bracket like it has been in recent years, but it sure is filled with teams trending in the right direction. I'm not sure I would write off any of those 6 team's chances at making a Super Bowl in this wacky year.

The fun's only just begun.

More soon.

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fyi

they already announced that we will be playing Sunday Jan 11 at 4:45. That is the last game of the week, giving Ben an extra day to recover. Not sure if that is coincidence or what, but we’ll take it.

by schnifin on Dec 28, 2008 10:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the update

I’m making plans for that weekend and was trying to find out if they had announced the times yet, but all I could find was the schedule for Wild Card Weekend. Do you have a link for the rest of the 2nd round schedule?

by DC Black&Gold on Dec 28, 2008 10:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i don't at the moment they went through it at halftime of the sunday night game

by schnifin on Dec 28, 2008 10:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok, thanks

As long as I know what time we’re playing, that’s all that really matters:)

by DC Black&Gold on Dec 28, 2008 10:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

the titans are playing sat.

if that helps at all

by schnifin on Dec 28, 2008 10:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Playoff schedule

was just released (Wild Card and Divisional rounds)

by DC Black&Gold on Dec 28, 2008 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We knocked out the Pats and Cowboys

on the way to 12-4 and the #2 seed. Not a bad regular season. Now let’s go the distance.

by Jonny B. on Dec 29, 2008 12:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

It's too good to be true

Both the Cowboys and the Pats miss the playoffs? Bwa ha ha ha haaaa…

by TURFgeek on Dec 29, 2008 2:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Pats

I wanted to talk a little bit about The Pats. I was going to put this in a fan post, but it seems more appropriate here.

The Pats are not one of the 6 best teams in the AFC. Period. Of the 6 playoff teams, who is worse than the Pats?

The Pats lost to Indy, Pittsburgh and San Diego. They went 1-1 against the Dolphins.

So that leaves Baltimore and Tennessee. Tennessee went 1-1 against Indy and beat Pittsburgh and Baltimore. And Tennessee has only 3 losses this year, so I think it’s obvious that the Pats don’t deserve it more than them.

That leaves Baltimore. Baltimore had the same record as the Pats, and against playoff teams, each went 2-4. Okay, so the two are pretty even. I’d say that the Patriots had a much softer schedule than the Ravens, and that the Pats had fewer wins against good teams, but quantifiably, it’s close.

Close happens every year. The Pats two wins against playoff teams came against Miami and Arizona. They had 4 other chances to beat a playoff team, and they failed. They aren’t top 6 in the AFC, and I wish that Pats fans (and ESPN talking heads) would stop whining.

by PaulMorel on Dec 29, 2008 12:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

hear hear

Totally agree. The Pats had a nice season, but with the way the competition closed the yera, they werent good enough. They had a chance against SD and lost so I’m not sure why its such an ‘injustice’ that theyre left out.

by Blitzburgh on Dec 29, 2008 12:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's karma

The football goods are still p.o.’d about the whole videotaping scandal. The Pats paid the price. (Insert malevolent snicker here.)

by TURFgeek on Dec 29, 2008 2:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

im cueing up

The most shrill laugh I can muster

by Blitzburgh on Dec 29, 2008 2:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Playoffs

So, we’ve played against 6 of the 11 other playoff teams, 7 games total, with a record of 4-3, and two of those games (Colts, Giants) we gave away. Not bad.

I hope that we get the Dolphins in the Divisional Round, but that’s not too likely. It’s going to be a tough road to Tampa, but I think we can get there.

Let’s just hope Ben is ok.

by NoCal-SteelCity on Dec 29, 2008 2:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

True, but the cowboys did give us a game as well.

OH WAIT, they aren’t a playoff team this year.

Had to find a way to sneak that in.

by steelguy99 on Dec 29, 2008 8:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wonderful look

Firstly, I hate Dallas and New England and they both stank. To see them both eliminated is a joy to my heart.

Secondly, I am quite happy about the chargers winning the division. They are hot right now, and as we all know its not your record but how you have been playing lately that matters.

The reason I am glad the chargers won, is Denver is phony. I dont like em much. San Diego CAN play good ball. I’d rather see them and the colts beat on eachother mercilessly before coming to the Burgh, where I will be watching :)

You simply would rather have an exhausted opponent. And we all know the Colts would have steamrolled the Broncos.

by Mechem on Dec 29, 2008 6:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

This couldn't have worked out better.

The two most evil sports franchises not named the Yankees are home for the playoffs. Watching the Cowboys collapse was a thing of beauty. I wish TO would’ve given us a few tears in the post-game press conference. That would have been the icing.

The Patriots are out. I got what I asked for this Christmas. I’m glad they weren’t able to ride their softie schedule to the playoffs.

I am also glad Favre got bettered by Chad Pennington. The grass is not always greener, New York. Favre is a prima donna and I hope he finally freaking retires. His “legacy” is forever tarnished in my mind. Go away, Brett.

Go Steelers.

by JHolmes on Dec 29, 2008 11:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

haha

I was traveling during the Sunday games, so I was going to watch the highlights from the Steelers game. When I loaded the NFL video page, the main video showed Tony Romo laying on the ground, and my wife (who is from Philly, and a minor Eagles fan) said “Wait, I want to watch Romo cry!” We watched the Cowboys highlights first and were not disappointed.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Dec 29, 2008 12:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lol, awesome

by Blitzburgh on Dec 29, 2008 6:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Favre

Its interesting. I have lost respect for his handling of the Green Bay scenario. I would have been totally fine with him saying I want to go elsewhere. But to yank there chain around irritated me a lot.

But New York wouldnt have had the year they did without him. At the same time, hes lost his magic cause he throws way too many INT’s.

And props to Miami for winning the division. Going from 1-15 to Division champs is amazing.

by Mechem on Dec 29, 2008 12:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

You’re right they wouldn’t have had the year they had without him – because they wouldn’t have lost to pennington. Say what you want about the intangibles of both QBs and their teams, but Mr. Chad completely outplayed favre this year.

by steelguy99 on Dec 29, 2008 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yes

I agree with you there. But at the same time I think Favre gave them confidence. They HAD pennington and no doubt he played great. But Favre’s arrival sort of gave them an extra sense of power and they started out strong.

But Favre in the end did not let them succeed. But I honestly dont believe they go 9-7 with Chad.

by Mechem on Dec 29, 2008 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And now they have shot themselves in the foot for the conceivable future. I love seeing that happen.

by steelguy99 on Dec 29, 2008 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You guys overlooked the big change!!

Although Pennington did outplay Favre (RETIRE ALREADY!!) take a look at the coaching. Spagnola totally turned that Dolphina franchise around and bringing in the “wildcat” offense was a great addition which proved to work in their favor. Eric “Man-gina” is a horrible coach IMO. He calls useless plays all of the time in pressure situations and his two-minute drills suck!! They deserved to lose not only because of the coaching but also for playing Brett as if he was in his prime. Don’t get me wrong, Brett still has a gun but he is a poor decision maker, I would rather have a QB that is comfortable in the pocket and good at making decisions than one that can throw it a mile. Yeah, some can argue that the jets did a lot better than last year under Favre, but I thought the Jets were stupid for putting all their chips in one basket all for the “Favre Hype.” They shuld have kept Pennington and went for a coaching change instead of releasing Pennington ( who I think hasn’t reached his prime yet) and paying all this money for Brett for what…one more year, two at the most. The guys like in his mid-40’s!!! Nonetheless Brett is a HOF’r but I would never want him on my team. I was upset at the way he handled the Green Bay situation, and was more upset at the way he handled last nights press conference. He acted as if he didn’t give a sh**, saying he didn’t care about his interceptions and all he cares about is just playing. That’s great and all but when your teams playoff hopes are on the line as well as your coaches job, YOU NEED TO START CARING BRETT!!!!

by SteelChad88 on Dec 29, 2008 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Mangini's one saving grace

Despite sucking at decision making, he had the balls to call out Brett in practice for his silly play. I’ll give him credit for that.

by Tizoc on Dec 29, 2008 2:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hahaha

I give him credit for that too Tizoc haha

by SteelChad88 on Dec 30, 2008 1:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

playoff picture

While I’d rather have the #1 seed and beat all the good teams, I can’t complain about this setup. We’ll definitely have the easier divisional round opponent (I’d rather play the Colts than the Ravens, the Chargers than than Colts, or the Dolphins than the Chargers). If we win, we’ll visit a beat up Titans team or host the team that beat them.

Lets just hope that the week off helps guys Ben and Hampton, who’s been playing like shit for a month now.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Dec 29, 2008 12:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

+1

Hampton needs to get his snack together.

by steelguy99 on Dec 29, 2008 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

AFC East is a fraud

The records of the Dolphins, Patriots, Jets, and Bills were greatly inflated by their soft schedule. Here is how bad it was: of the 40 games these teams played outside the division (that is, not against each other), only 8 were against teams that finished with a winning record. That’s right, 80% of their non-divisional games were against teams that finished 8-8 or worse. By comparison, only 30% of the Steelers’ non-divisional opponents did not have winning records.

In those 8 games against winning teams, the AFC East had a record of 3-5. Two of those three wins were against the Arizona Cardinals, whose 9-7 record was itself inflated by playing in the weak NFC West. Excluding the Cardinals, the AFC East was 1-3 against winning teams, with the sole victory being Jets over Titans.

Dolphins: lost to Cardinals, lost to Ravens
Patriots: lost to Steelers, lost to Colts, beat Cardinals (after Cardinals had clinched)
Jets: beat Titans, beat Cardinals
Bills: lost to Cardinals

If the AFC East teams had faced the same schedule as the AFC North, I doubt any of them would have finished better than 8-8. The Patriots deserved to stay home, and the Dolphins will be exposed as frauds in the playoffs.

by Steelin on Dec 29, 2008 1:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If only

the Pats could have beaten us. If they win just that one game, they finish 12-4 with the #2 seed, no? Instead, they are the #7 seed. Paybacks. Paybacks. But we aren’t quite even just yet.

by Jonny B. on Dec 29, 2008 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We won't be even

until we humiliate them in 2 AFC Championship Games.

I hate the Patriots.

by JHolmes on Dec 29, 2008 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You got to admit though,

It does feel good. :-D

Especially after all the whining after the game this year that they “gave” us the game.

by Jonny B. on Dec 29, 2008 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

+1,000,000

by 703Steeler on Dec 29, 2008 5:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lawl

the Pats are a joke this year. I love how after those 2 400 yard games, everyone was declaring Matty C the next buddha/jesus/allah/insert diety.

And I really loved reading Vic Carucci eating the humble pie after we humiliated Cassel. Because he had been lauding him and for us to show that really he was a product of playing soft defenses was perfect.

I think the Pats rule of terror is over. The Dolphins win it again next year. Brady WILL NOT be the same in 09. Jets will plummet.

by Mechem on Dec 29, 2008 3:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Correct me if I'm wrong

but the only way we meet the Ravens in the playoffs is if we play them in the AFC Championship game. The way I figure it, they are the number 6 (lowest) seed and therefore play against the top team/Tennessee (if they beat Miami).

Personally I think that’s a good thing. We’ve already defeated them twice and it is extremely difficult to beat a team with that much talent 3 out of 3 times. Also, they’re on a roll right now and their confidence is high.

If we do have to take them on it would mean a home game for us as opposed to a road game at Tennessee. All in all, I’d have to say that we’re in pretty good shape.

by Steev1705 on Dec 29, 2008 5:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t buy into the 3rd time is a charm stuff personally.

Their confidence might be high if they get a 4th win in a row, but I assure you it will sink a bit when they face off against the only team to hand them two losses in a season this year.

by steelguy99 on Dec 29, 2008 5:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

To clarify, basically I just view the fact that we beat them twice as further evidence that we can beat them a third time.

by steelguy99 on Dec 29, 2008 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

Both games were really, really close. If we do win a third time, it won’t be easy.

by Jonny B. on Dec 29, 2008 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I really don’t expect any playoff games to be easy.

Do you know three other close games this year? Indy, NYG, and PHI, but we lost to all three of them. When it came down to the final buzzer the steelers had what it took to beat the ravens – twice, and the ravens didn’t. Score two for the good guys.

We made flacco look like a tool last game, and I think we can handle the run game better next time. Am I worried about their D? Sure, but it’s not like we moved the ball at will on the titans, our other option for the AFCC.

by steelguy99 on Dec 29, 2008 5:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree,

Except for the Philly game being close. That game was close in score only. There was no point in the second half I thought we were going to win that game.

by Jonny B. on Dec 29, 2008 5:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I agree with you, we got destroyed – but there could have been a huge fluke in there sometime before they put up 15. When you’re down, say, 44-3, then you have absolutely no chance.

by steelguy99 on Dec 29, 2008 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The best case scenario for us this weekend

would be if Miami could somehow upset Baltimore. If this happens we would have Miami at home and Tennessee would get the winner of San Diego./Indy.

by Jonny B. on Dec 29, 2008 5:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, I’m ot scared of miami one bit. Honestly though, if miami beats baltimore I’ll be a little worried unless it is because baltimore sits all of its starters.

by steelguy99 on Dec 29, 2008 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not saying it’s going to happen. I’m just saying that’s what I’ll be rooting for to happen.

by Jonny B. on Dec 29, 2008 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m getting my pink and teal ready as we speak.

by steelguy99 on Dec 29, 2008 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Besides, we have a score to settle with Miami. They blew us out in the AFCC in ‘84, and went on to lose to the Redskins in the SB. When you get to be a fan as long as I’ve been, there is ALWAYS a score to settle with some team.

I’m not quite old enugh to remember the ’72 AFCC, but what the heck, we owe them for that, too!

by Jonny B. on Dec 29, 2008 5:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs