We are just two weeks away from Super Bowl XLVII, and it is sure to be a great one. With four teams remaining (Patriots, Ravens, 49ers and Giants), it shall make the games this weekend even better. The Divisional Round had some exciting outcomes, and I would not be surprised if that carried over to the Conference Championship. From 3 o'clock onwards, football fans everywhere will tune into the NFL playoffs in what should be another memorable weekend for football.
Ravens at Patriots: After dominating the highly revered Denver Broncos, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will move on to the AFC Championship game for the 6th time in 11 years. The offense in New England looked extroidanry against the Broncos, led by future hall of famer Tom Brady (record tying 6 touchdown passes). However, the most astonishing part of last game was how well the Patriot's defense played. Tim Tebow threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns against one of the league's best defenses, the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, in the Divisional Round, Tebow's luck ran out, and he passed for a mediocre 136 yards with no touchdowns against the horrific Pats secondary. It is not like Tebow was running the ball well, either; in 31 dropabcks, the Broncos quarterback was sacked behind the line 5 times, one of which resulted in a turnover. As for Baltimore, the number 2 seed is coming off of a spectacular defensive performance against the Houston Texans (4 turnovers). However, the offense was lacking any sort of stand out performance, especially from star running back Ray Rice. Also, Pro-Bowl safety Ed Reed participated in a limited practice due to an ankle injury. If their star defender were to be missing against the Pats, there is no way the Ravens can beat the outstanding Tom Brady in Foxborough.
Patriots over Ravens: 30-20
Stand-Out Performance: QB Tom Brady: 320 passing yards, 2 passing TD's, 1 rushing TD
Giants at 49ers: Last weekend, the 2 seeded San Francisco 49ers beat Drew Brees in a thriller at home. Though they were ranked higher, the 49ers were considered to be the underdog entering Saturday's game. The main reason they were able to defeat New Orleans (besides with their exceptional defense) was due to their great passing performance from quarterback Alex Smith. Normally, Smith would throw for a mediocre 200 yards each game. However, against New Orleans, he had 299 yards with four total touchdowns. This weekend, they will play the New York Giants at home, a team who is coming off of a surprising win over the Green Bay Packers. Like the defense in San Francisco, the Giants defense was absolutely incredible in the Divisional Round. Traditionally, Aaron Rodgers picks apart defenses, especially in important games. However, New York was able to sack Rodgers 5 times, picked him off once, and recovered a fumble as well. The offense did great as well, led by quarterback Eli Manning (330 passing yards, 3 passing TD's) and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (7 receptions, 165 yards, 2 TD's). If both teams play to their full potential, the 49ers have the edge. However, in the playoffs, it is all about consistency.
49ers over Giants 34-27 (OT)
Stand-Out Performance: K David Akers: 5 FGA, 5 FGM, 1 Game Tying FG
Ravens at Patriots: After dominating the highly revered Denver Broncos, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will move on to the AFC Championship game for the 6th time in 11 years. The offense in New England looked extroidanry against the Broncos, led by future hall of famer Tom Brady (record tying 6 touchdown passes). However, the most astonishing part of last game was how well the Patriot's defense played. Tim Tebow threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns against one of the league's best defenses, the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, in the Divisional Round, Tebow's luck ran out, and he passed for a mediocre 136 yards with no touchdowns against the horrific Pats secondary. It is not like Tebow was running the ball well, either; in 31 dropabcks, the Broncos quarterback was sacked behind the line 5 times, one of which resulted in a turnover. As for Baltimore, the number 2 seed is coming off of a spectacular defensive performance against the Houston Texans (4 turnovers). However, the offense was lacking any sort of stand out performance, especially from star running back Ray Rice. Also, Pro-Bowl safety Ed Reed participated in a limited practice due to an ankle injury. If their star defender were to be missing against the Pats, there is no way the Ravens can beat the outstanding Tom Brady in Foxborough.Patriots over Ravens: 30-20
Stand-Out Performance: QB Tom Brady: 320 passing yards, 2 passing TD's, 1 rushing TD
Giants at 49ers: Last weekend, the 2 seeded San Francisco 49ers beat Drew Brees in a thriller at home. Though they were ranked higher, the 49ers were considered to be the underdog entering Saturday's game. The main reason they were able to defeat New Orleans (besides with their exceptional defense) was due to their great passing performance from quarterback Alex Smith. Normally, Smith would throw for a mediocre 200 yards each game. However, against New Orleans, he had 299 yards with four total touchdowns. This weekend, they will play the New York Giants at home, a team who is coming off of a surprising win over the Green Bay Packers. Like the defense in San Francisco, the Giants defense was absolutely incredible in the Divisional Round. Traditionally, Aaron Rodgers picks apart defenses, especially in important games. However, New York was able to sack Rodgers 5 times, picked him off once, and recovered a fumble as well. The offense did great as well, led by quarterback Eli Manning (330 passing yards, 3 passing TD's) and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (7 receptions, 165 yards, 2 TD's). If both teams play to their full potential, the 49ers have the edge. However, in the playoffs, it is all about consistency.
49ers over Giants 34-27 (OT)
Stand-Out Performance: K David Akers: 5 FGA, 5 FGM, 1 Game Tying FG
No comments:
Post a Comment