Divisional Round Morning Action - Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 3:55 AM EST
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PrintWow, Arizona moves on with a resounding victory over the #2 seed Carolina Panthers. Congratulations to former Steelers coaches Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm. They have achieved lots in their first two years and are just one win away from a potential Super Bowl berth.
Not like you say? Probably not, but it's also not a stretch at all. Why? Because as the #4 seed, theres a very legitimate possibility that the Cardinals could be hosting next week's NFC Championship game. That would happen if the Eagles took down the Giants in the Meadowlands Sunday afternoon.
Not going to spend much time explaining why I think that's exactly going to happen, but I do. Both road teams won during the regular season; McNabb's no stranger to big games; but most importantly to me, New York doesn't have enough offensive firepower to repeat as champs. I personally think their run is short lived and will end tomorrow against the Eagles. There's just nobody on the Giants that can scare Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. With no Plaxico Burress to worry about, matchup problems disappear and the Eagles can do what they like to do best: blitz with abandon while leaving their excellent CBs alone 1-on-1. That's not risky against the Giants with no Plax.
Well what about Brandon Jacobs you might say? I don't know. I don't think he's enough to win a game against that Eagles defense. Manning has to have targets in the passing game for it work and I don't see where the Giants have an edge in any match up on the outside.
We'll see what happens, but if the Eagles were in fact to win, Arizona would host them next Sunday. Being that AZ is one of the more dangerous home teams in the entire league, it's not at all inconceivable to imagine the Arizona Cardinals playing in their first Super Bowl in who knows how long, but roughly 60 years ago when the franchise wasn't even in Arizona.
And to round out the speculation, how about mentioning it still being possible that Whisenhunt and Tomlin lead their respective teams to the Super Bowl.Wild huh? Long ways to go, and it begins with this early NFC game between the two longtime divisional rivals along the eastern seaboard. The craziness could continue with a Philly 'upset' before the Steelers and Chargers cap off the so far memorable weekend later that evening in Pittsburgh.
Let's start with this for now.
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i'm with you
that the eagles will beat the giants. i live in the ny metro area, so i’m so sick of hearing about big blue. but even laying aside my opinions about eli being a bit overrated, i think the eagles should win this game, setting up a game in arizona. either one of those two teams would present interesting story lines for a superbowl with pit. i, for one, would enjoy a pa turnpike bowl (unless we lost, which would make for some insufferable eagles fans). anyway, i am so freaking excited about the steelers game today, the ‘grand finale’ of the weekend, so to speak. go stillers!
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
Agreed
I also like Philly in this match-up.
Also if I weren’t a Steelers fan I would be routing heavily for Philly and San Diego today. It’d be a fun occurence to watch all the pundits who complained so roundly about taking conference seeding out get their come-up-ins. I really like the current playoff system and completely believe it is fair. The Pats* didn’t belong in the playoffs more than San Diego and San Diego proved that last week with a big win over the Colts. The Pats* racked up a good record against 8 games versus the two West divisions which were terrible this year.
But alas, I’m a born and bred, will die, a steelers fan. There’s half a chance I’ll be like that guy who had a heart attack when Bettis fumbled. Considering how much my obsession grows year by year, there will come a time when my physical body will respond to the games.
Thus everything that happens today before 4:30 EST is wasted time for me. Here we go Steelers, here we go!
by Chicago Steeler on Jan 11, 2009 9:54 AM EST reply actions
1) Anyone see Ray Lewis post game? He is all puffed up about his “freaking” Ravens. Download Beatdown 3.0
2) Job well done by Whiz and the Redbird crew. The longshot just got considerably shorter. I’d love to see the football Cardinals host the NFCC game and advance. If Kurt Warner wins a SB for the Redbirds is he a lock for the HOF?
3) How fun would it be to see club Tomlin vs. club Whiz?
3) Against the Bolts today.
a) #39= 125+yds rush, 1TD,
b) #83= 7rec 75yrds, 1TD
c) #86= 5rec 105yrds, 1TD
d) #92= 2sacks, 2FF
e) #43= INT, 1 sack
f) PIT 27 SD 13
Anxiety
I am so nervous about today’s game. Ben had better step up, and we had better not embarrass ourselves, like the Panthers did yesterday. I can’t stomach the idea of a loss to the 8-8 Chargers.
The two key players for the Giants
Justin Tuck – hasn’t done much over the last 4 (0.5 sack i think), he has to put the pressure on McNabb for the Giants D to be successful.
Dominic Hixon – Droped a 50 yd pass, would be TD pass in the 1st quarter of the 2nd meeting. He is the big play threat for New York, and getting open for one double move deep ball (Asante Samuel is very aggressive and will bite) might be the key to getting this Giants O moving.
Should be very windy in the Meadowlands (weird) this afternoon (just as it was the last time Dec. 7th). I don’t think that really favors either team, but maybe a slight edge to the Giants because of the ability to run in short yardage situations.
No doubt that this game is a FG game either way. Should be a really great game.
I’m going 17-14 NYG. Brandon Jacobs 18 car. 83 yds. 2TDs, Eli Manning 16-26 147 yds 0 INT.
in a nutshell
The reason the eagles win is Eli. We’ve all seen eli crumble under pressure before. The eagles can pressure him and he will fold. He will miss his criminal malcontent receiver too much.
That was a good run.
But im still not convinced. Each of those games I was waiting for the I-man to stumble. I don’t think he has had a better four game stretch in his career. This isn’t the same team this year, however. Their best player on offense and defense are not there anymore. The game will be more in Eli’s hands this time. If the Eagles jump out to a lead and/or stuff the run and force Eli to throw over 40 times there WILL be turnovers.
Correction.
Two best players on defense and best player on offense. Forgot about the Strahan retirement.
yeah but,
That was onlty for a half. right??
When Kolb came him, he looked even worse. How did Phllip Rivers look against us last time? It’s hard to look good against the #1 or #2 ranked defense in the NFL.
Um yeah, but he’s Kolb.
When you get taken out for him, it’s bad. McNabb looked worse than Ben against the eagles that day, and that’s saying something.
It was a bad move by Reed.
like you said. It Kolb. Even if McNabb is stinking it up, he still gives you a better chance.
The whole point though is that mcnabb can self-destruct. Maybe he’s less likely to than Eli, but it can happen.
On the other hand,
Eli has to face the second-best DC in the NFL.
I sure as hell don’t want to play the team we looked the worst against this year(and not just this year) again.
Ill be watching both games at local Pub.
I won’t openly be cheering For G-men, but secretly want them to win. There are a fair share of stiller fans, even here in Iggle country.
I know but,
It’s not like being in the "Burgh, though, where its a birthright, passed straight from the umbilical cord.
True. I do love it here, but I must say that watching a game overrun with steelers fans in enemy territory has its own level of satisfaction.
I watched the titans/steelers game in the middle of that weekend long blizzard a few weeks ago when I was near boston. I had to walk to the bar because the roads were so bad, but the one I ended up picking had only steelers fans. It’s a great feeling.
I'm a misplaced Yinser,
Last time I came back for a visit was for ’05 SB. We watched the game at a place in the North Hills called the Fox and Hound. If we go again this year, it may be time for another visit.
highlight video
does anybody know where to find the steelers highlight video of all of their super bowls. I think lonely road of faith by kid rock is the song that is played during this highlight video… just trying to get pumped up
Unfortunately,
I live in Iggle country. My roomie is a huge fan so i am forced to follow them.
Eagles fans
Almost every last one would be calling for their coach’s and QB’s heads had they not luckily made the playoffs. Now a SB apearance doesn’t seem all that unlikely if they can get past the G-men, today.
Also, had they not made the playoffs,
I could almost guarantee you one or the other would have been gone. Whichever one (probably Reed) would have had a job the next week.
I dunno...
I wouldn’t want to play the Cardinals right now.
A hot quarterback, a big-time wide receiver, a secondary playing out of its mind…sounds a lot like a certain Super Bowl champion from a year ago…minus the running game, but Fitz is twice what Burress ever was.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/features/talent
Exact same picks from week 11, including that wickersham guy who has always been hating on the steelers. Of course, every single picker picked the panthers to win.
I don’t believe these pro picks! I think they’re just hyping the game! If anything Bradshaw wants the steelers to get angry!!!!
I think FWP is gonna break lose today!!!! GO WILLIE!!!!
actually, in all fairness.
Bradshaw said he only picked both underdogs in order to try and catch Strahan in their little contest they got going.
Wind big factor here
letting the giants go up while they are into wind doesn’t bode well for Iggles.
Let's try QB sneak if we need to,
I know it’s risky, but there’s no tomorrow if we lose, now.
You got to give it to asante samuel – I think he could have run for the TD, but instead he chose to pummel Eli.
Alright guys – off to the game.
It’s still lightly snowing here, by the way. And still friggin cold.
Random off topic...
Hey, anyone think there may be a possibility the Steelers have a cup of coffee with Jordan Gross this off-season? He’ an UFA…
Probably
But I think they’re going to have to. Call me a pessimist, but I get the feeling “offensive line” is going to be the topic of anxiety after this afternoon’s game.
Rivera’s D sliced up Indy pretty good last week. The Colts O line is at least a step better than ours. Probably more.
by Neal Coolong on Jan 11, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Looks healthy, too.
If he is busting runs like that in the 1st qtr, just wait until the 4th qtr rolls around.
WInd probably took it
like the announcer said. Going with the wind presents problems, too.
Saftey.
theres something you dont see, unless you watch the steelers.
We wone by the safety against the chargers.
Although that could have been a TD if we could have recovered the fumble.
Johan gets a no decision
…after throwing seven scoreless with three hits. Never shoulda left Minnesota…
FSN here in Minneapolis
…Just showed the shutout he threw against the Mets at Shea two years ago…nearly brought tears to my eyes…
by Neal Coolong on Jan 11, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
"And we'll SEE YOU....
…TOMORROW NIGHT!"
One of the greatest moments of my sports fandom life. THAT brings tears to my eyes. One of the last pure hometown heroes we’ll ever see. R.I.P. Mr. Puckett…thanks for the $20 for parking your car in 2000.
by Neal Coolong on Jan 11, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
…TOMORROW NIGHT!"
One of the greatest moments of my sports fandom life. THAT brings tears to my eyes. One of the last pure hometown heroes we’ll ever see. R.I.P. Mr. Puckett…thanks for the $20 for parking your car in 2000.
by Neal Coolong on Jan 11, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
puckett is one my favorites
I am a life long Cincinnati Reds fan
Puckett and Eric Davis were my two favorites
I love how they always show Coughlin's reaction.
They know it’s going to be good TV.
Even if you aren't a sports fan,
Just watching the Chin do his Schtick has entertainment value all its own.
He was so much better in the early and mid-90s though
I remember a game around that time, when the Steelers got a penalty for 12 men on the field on a field goal attempt at the end of the first half. He got a print-out from the booth that confirmed there were 11 on the field, ran out to the ref, stuffed it in his pocket, and sprinted off the field.
Not that I wasn’t a fan before that, but he became my coach for life at that point.
by Neal Coolong on Jan 11, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
Also, that MNF game against Jacksonville,
When they blocked our GW field goal try and Cowher almost leaped off the sideline to tackle the returner who had an easy TD. That was the best!!! I really thought he was going to do it.
They wont show you Reed too much.
Not good TV.
Me too,
If things go our way early, I think he Could have his highest total of the season.
thats what I was thinking
I had a dream the other night he had 130 yds and 2 TDs
Hopefully that will come true
Nothing could be more perfect
Then a W and a big day by FWP. Moving forward teams will have to play us somewhat more honestly.
Mets 8 Phillies 7
Brad Lidge blows his first save in a year and a half.
When the FG is good,
they don’t show Coughlin.
11-10 there you have it.
Surprised the announces haven’t alluded to the score.
yes ripped off a few big ones
one for 24 yards
There used to major (15 yds) and minor (5 yds)
but not anymore
Elisha needs to get his shit together.
by bradyquinnsclipboard on Jan 11, 2009 3:36 PM EST reply actions
dude is throwing wounded ducks all day
by bradyquinnsclipboard on Jan 11, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Ok I've donned the #58 home jersey
which I bust out only on special occasions. I’m off to the local pub. I’ll see you all for the post game thread/celebration. GO STILLERS!!!
The Giants are going to start running out of time soon
The Giants are going to start running out of time soon
lol.
i am totally with you on that. i can’t wait to listen to both wfan and espn out of new york so i can hear them all whine and cry. i’m so tired of hearing about big blue. you know who’s the worst? max kellerman on espn radio.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
i should have said
that i live in jersey and listen to wfan somewhat often.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
where in ky?
i lived outside lexington for 6 years. i’m not from the jerz either. i was born and raised in western pa.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
cool. i lived in wilmore, which is just past nicholasville, i went to jessamine county high school. i’m in hunterdon county here in jersey. where you at?
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
South orange
Wilmore and the “wonderful” Asbury College (not)
I went to Tates Creek in Lexington
I live in South Orange in the moment…I have no clue where Hunterdon Co. is
west jersey
it borders pennsylvania. take 78 west. flemington and clinton are the towns. its a bit more rural out here with mostly commuters.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
yeah
i live really close to there. i’ve eaten there a few times.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
Bad play calling...
shoulda had a spread formation and pass more….they could always go draw play too. Too bad for them…..
expecting
a week press talking about how this game would be different with Plax
So many giant fans I know were saying "we don't need plax!!"
I’m glad I don’t listen to sports radio…..crazy stuff on there.
i listen to it for the interviews
with Coaches, players, analyst and stuff
not the callers everybody has an opinion on everything….mostly garbage fill time
Game Over
I’m ready for the Steeler game thread!!!
STEEEEEELERRRRRSSS!!!! GO GO GO GO GO GOOOOOOOO!!!!!
wow
The Cards are hosting the NFC Champ game…..never would of guessed that.
just saw that LT is officially inactive for today’s game.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
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