thats why they are about to become the BEST TEAM EVER
because they suck ???
Hey, sorry if I stirred some shit up in this little Brady man love thread. I'm but a frustrated Jet fan, so i'm sure you can understand the sudden outburst. Sometimes I just can't contain myself when I see this fucking thread, you know? Anyway, yes the Pats may become the best team ever, but it's a shame that some of that will be tarnished due to them getting caught cheating..
And of course I didn't mean 'suck' as in they are a bad team. That obviously wouldn't make any sense, would it? I meant it in a way that they suck cock, and I hate them....carry on..
'I want to hurry home to you
put on a slow, dumb show for you
and crack you up
so you can put a blue ribbon on my brain
god I'm very, very frightening
and I'll overdo it'
'I want to hurry home to you
put on a slow, dumb show for you
and crack you up
so you can put a blue ribbon on my brain
god I'm very, very frightening
and I'll overdo it'
'I want to hurry home to you
put on a slow, dumb show for you
and crack you up
so you can put a blue ribbon on my brain
god I'm very, very frightening
and I'll overdo it'
Yea, there's nothing wrong with Romo. Can't blame that loss on him at all. Brady knows because what happened to Romo on that last drive happened to him last year at Indi.
dallas receivers this year 10x better than NE receiver last year
I've always liked trash talking. Admired it, really. If you're between the ages of 18 and 39, it's part of our generation. It's all we've ever known when it comes to competition. We're the children spawned by the greatest trash-talking movie of all time, White Men Can't Jump. For the most part, it's in our DNA now. We can't resist.
But seriously, moderately successful professional athlete, please heed this advice.
Shut up.
That means you, Philip Rivers, who had the gall to taunt, tease and, in general, completely spaz out in front of Colts fans Sunday after the San Diego Chargers defeated defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis.
You see, trash talking is an art. It's sort of like novel writing or ballet. Just because it looks cool doesn't mean everyone should attempt it. More and more, it seems, you don't even have to be any good to talk smack. Sixth-round draft picks who will be selling insurance in a year are popping up on kickoffs after a tackle, jawing with Devin Hester and Joshua Cribbs, acting as if they've just won an Oscar. They're pounding their chests, preening for the cameras with bulging biceps, pointing to the heavens and barking, "You don't want another piece of this!"
Meanwhile, everyone watching on television can see that Hester got tripped by his own man.
Enough. We're instituting the Two Pro Bowl Rule. Until you've made it to two Pro Bowls, you're not allowed to dance or jaw with anyone. In baseball, don't stare down the pitcher after a long home run unless you've got a pair of All-Star appearances under your belt. Don't pop off at the AT&T Family Plan Open unless you've got a couple of major trophies in your case.
Otherwise, it's awkward. It's ridiculous. It's like watching overweight people dance at a wedding. We're not laughing and cheering with you, dude. Trust me.
Deion Sanders and Larry Bird earned the right to talk trash. Ray Lewis can dance the waltz after every deflected pass for all I care because, after years of getting it done, he has earned it. Tom Brady doesn't have to wipe that smirk off his face because he's got three Super Bowl rings and at night he gets to go home and sleep the with prom queen. Do you go home with the prom queen? No, you don't.
You, moderately successful professional athlete, just look like a moron. Catch a few passes when it matters, then we'll talk. Randy Moss catches passes with his elbow when his arms are pinned. He'd probably catch them with his teeth if the NFL didn't require that he wear a face mask. You can't do that. That's why you shouldn't strut and preen like he does.
You, Philip Rivers, might be the biggest offender. I once watched you talk trash and try to start a fight - right after you'd lost for the fourth straight time to Maryland. On the same day North Carolina State retired your jersey. Before the game. You were a clown then, and you remain one today. This past weekend, you were talking trash even though you didn't even play for much of the fourth quarter. Enough.
Leave the smack talking to those who've earned the right to do it.
"I think we really are at the same point we were last season and I wasn't very happy with the way last year ended," Brady told reporters in a teleconference call on Wednesday.
"So we are no better than we were last year at this time. This is the most important game of the year."
1. Patriots WR Randy Moss vs. CB Quentin Jammer: The Patriots have done two things in the past few weeks that would intimidate any opponent. They started running the ball well, and last week proved they can win and score more than 30 points without Randy Moss catching more than one ball. Moss will line up against Antonio Cromartie once in a while, but mostly he will face off with Jammer. Moss came to New England to get a Super Bowl ring and he's one game away from the trip. There may be times when the Chargers leave Jammer on Moss alone and Brady will go to him right away. Moss averages 15 yards a reception and Jammer can't take the short slant routes and the deep go routes away. Early on, Moss takes the slant and sooner or later the slugo (slant and go route).
2. Patriots LT Matt Light vs. OLB Shawne Merriman: San Diego ran close to 30 five-man pressures against the Titans in the wild-card round, and they will do the same against Brady. Look for Ted Cottrell to move Merriman around, seeking the ideal matchup. However, in general, Light has him in the five-man pressures when linebacker Shaun Phillips comes from the other side. Light has the benefit of Brady's quick release, but Merriman will be all Light can handle, and the All-Pro linebacker should be able to get to Tom Brady once or twice. The quick screen to Kevin Faulk will slow down the rush.
3. Patriots DE Richard Seymour vs. LT Marcus McNeil: Seymour is just rounding into good football shape and he needs to have a big day against the LaDainian Tomlinson running attack. The Chargers like the off-tackle/dip play to their left where Seymour lines up. Seymour should be able to handle McNeil against the run and pass. McNeil has had some struggles against the power rushers this year, and Seymour can be one of the best power players in the league.
4. Patriots NT Vince Wilfork vs. C Nick Hardwick: San Diego really likes to lead one of their fullbacks up on a linebacker and run the inside lead. I counted 13 such runs in the Tennessee game. They need Hardwick to neutralize Wilfork and not let him clog up both A gaps. If you can discipline yourself to watch this battle, you will see two of the best in the business go at it. Hardwick is very underrated and Wilfork is a massive All-Pro nose tackle. San Diego needs to average 3.5-4 yards per inside rush against a Patriots defense that is No. 26 in average gain per rush. I expect 10 inside gut runs mostly in the first half, and it will set the tone for the rest of the game.
5. Patriots SS Rodney Harrison vs. TE Antonio Gates: Harrison is a very good box player, but can struggle in space against a player such as Gates. Gates is not going to practice this week but will play. He will challenge Harrison on the vertical routes, especially when the safety creeps up into the box. If Harrison figures out that Gates is limited because of his toe, he will be very physical with him. Gates will not produce the seven receptions and 77 yards he had the first time these teams met.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Kirwan breaks it down:
The Chargers were routed by the Patriots in a Week 2 showdown, but much has changed since that Sunday night in Foxboro. Below is a breakdown of where these teams stand heading into Sunday's AFC Championship Game:
If you like the Patriots ...
» The Patriots average 34 points a game at home and allow fewer than 14 points.
» Laurence Maroney in the last four games: 83 touches, 468 yards and five touchdowns.
» Through 17 games, Tom Brady is 14-of-26 for 675 yards (26 yards per attempt) and nine touchdowns when throwing a deep pass.
» New England has the No. 1 offense in total yards, passing yards, interceptions and points.
» Brady gets sacked once per 27.5 pass attempts and throws an interception once every 52 pass attempts.
» Tom Brady's postseason record is 13-2.
If you like the Chargers ...
» The Chargers are the No. 1 team in the NFL in turnovers, plus-24 during the regular season and plus-3 this postseason.
» The Chargers defense leads the NFL with 33 interceptions in 18 games.
» The Chargers are averaging 28.5 points a game for the last eight games, all wins. [***EDIT - not to discount the chargers 8game win streak, because any 8 game win streak is impressive, but they played ravens, lions, broncos and titans at home and the chiefs, raiders, titans and colts on the road. with the exception of the titans and colts everyone else will be picking at the top of the 2008 draft***]
» The Chargers are giving up just nine points a game in their eight-game winning streak.
» Philip Rivers has thrown just two interceptions in his last 144 pass attempts.
there is a "report" floating around that rivers has a partially torn acl and has not been officially ruled out, but just that his lateral movements are obviously limited.
LT returned to practice today although gates and rivers did not. also, merriman sat out with some sort of illness.
all the pundit's early picks have been pats winning by 14-17 points.
"When the NFL rule-makers cracked down four years ago on clutching-and-grabbing tactics by defensive players to try to open up the passing game, the move widely was viewed as a response to the rugged way in which the New England Patriots had played defense on their way to their first two Super Bowl titles.
"That 2004 directive by the league's competition committee changed the way the game is played, perhaps forever. It has led to a rewriting of the record book. And, oddly enough, it set the stage for the Patriots to become arguably the most dominant team in league history this season as they chase an unbeaten season and their fourth Super Bowl championship with an offense orchestrated by Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.
"The very rule once thought to be more detrimental to the Patriots than to any other NFL club has become a crucial asset, yet another example of how the franchise has become a dynasty because Belichick and his front office are more adaptable than anyone else in the league."
I wouldn't consider a Chargers win on Sunday to be as big an upset as when the Falcons beat the 15-1 Vikings in '98 in the NFC title game...even though New England is undefeated. I mean, the FALCONS were in the super bowl. that's was just so silly.
Jim McCabe, Boston Globe: Chargers (vs. 13 1/2-point spread). “And after the game, stop by the Bass Pro Shop at Patriot Place for all your ice fishing needs.”
Boston Globe staff: 4-1 for Patriots. (vs. spread)
Cold, Hard Football Facts: Patriots 38, Chargers 21. "The Chargers don't have a clear edge anywhere on the field – even their greatest strengths are matched by New England strengths – and they're playing in very un-San Diego-like conditions in Foxboro. As if that weren't enough negative reinforcement, they're also hurt at some of the most critical positions on the field."
Peter King, Sports Illustrated: Patriots 30, Chargers 13. “I would never say San Diego doesn't have a chance -- especially after giving up 12 points a game over the last eight games. They'll send the house at Brady and hope to force some turnovers. But we've read that script throughout this season, and it always ends the same way.”
Dr. Z, Sports Illustrated: Patriots 34, Chargers 17. “So give me a medical report and I'll predict a score for you. You won't do that? OK, I'll predict one anyway, but bear in mind that I'm the same bloke who swore that Indy would win in a blowout last weekend.”
Mike Tanier, Football Outsiders: Patriots. “Anything can happen. A Merriman sack can turn Brady into Matt Cassel. A Sproles punt return, an Antonio Cromotie interception ... these are the straws we grasp for when trying to justify a Chargers upset. The Chargers' front seven is great, but the Steelers' and Giants' front sevens barely put a dent in the Patriots. Tomlinson and Michael Turner are great runners, but the Patriots withstood the best 1-2 running punch in the league last week, holding Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew to 66 yards. The Chargers need breaks, they need flukes, they need two lightning strikes, one from each side of their helmets, to win this game.”
Jeremy Green, Scouts Inc.: Patriots
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Patriots 27, Chargers 20. “The Patriots are big favorites here and they should be. The Chargers are limping in with their key players hurting. If Philip Rivers can't go, it will be up to Billy Volek to win it. I think Rivers will play. The key will be how well the Chargers' two lines can handle the Patriots. I think they can have success on both sides. Look for LaDainian Tomlinson to run for 100 yards and keep the sticks moving. The San Diego defense will tackle well and keep Randy Moss in front of them. In the end, though, the Patriots are just too good. Tom Brady throws for three more scores and the Patriots will get to 18-0.”
Jeff Zillgitt, USA Today: Patriots 35, Chargers 20. “With a backup quarterback, a backup running back and a star tight end playing on basically one leg, San Diego beat the Colts in Indianapolis. Impressive indeed, especially San Diego's defense, which is why the Chargers are in this game. But where does that leave the Chargers against the Patriots? In a tough spot, even if Philip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson play.”
USA Today staff picks: Patriots, 7-1.
Cris Carter, Yahoo! sports: Patriots. “Let's see: The Pats are too good, too well-coached, too focused and too talented to be denied a trip to Super Bowl XLII.”
ESPN.com staff: Patriots across the board (Merrill Hoge, Sean Salisbury, and Mark Schlereth yet to pick).
Jay Novacek, MSNBC: Patriots 34, Chargers 21. “The Chargers can’t make any mistakes and still win. The Patriots can. Also, the Chargers have to fly across the country, play in front of a partisan crowd and maybe even in nasty weather. And when you may have to do all of that without your three offensive stars in LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates, that’s too much to overcome.”
Greg Cote, Miami Herald: Patriots 34, Chargers 23. “There is no stopping these Patriots. None whatsoever."
Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Patriots 34, Chargers 23. “It comes as no surprise the Patriots are in the AFC title game for the fourth time in seven seasons. Nor will it be a surprise when they win their fourth Super Bowl in that span. The only surprise will be if Chargers QB Philip Rivers acts like something other than a moron.”
Jerry Magee, San Diego Tribune: Chargers (vs. 14-point spread). “Their rivals haven't caught up to the New Englanders, but the wagering numbers have. They have covered just once in their past six games. They won't this time, either. Norv Turner's guys can score enough to fit within this figure, if not win straight-up. They just have to limit what that Brady boy can do.”
Terry Bannon, Chicago Tribune: Patriots 30, Chargers 13.
believe it or not, we don't "need" anything. that is only the spoiled brat in us trying to fill some temporary solution to an emptyness that does not exist.
I have eaten so much gold I crapped excellence - drtyfrnk29
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all!
I wouldn't consider a Chargers win on Sunday to be as big an upset as when the Falcons beat the 15-1 Vikings in '98 in the NFC title game...even though New England is undefeated. I mean, the FALCONS were in the super bowl. that's was just so silly.
PATRIOTS prevail 21-12 similar to the great RUSH album.
Peace
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Comments
why even play the game then?
Esther's here and she's sick?
hi Esther, now we are all going to be sick, thanks
10% is high if they play 100 times SD might win once.
SHOW COUNT: (159) 1990's=3, 2000's=53, 2010/20's=103, US=118, CAN=15, Europe=20 ,New Zealand=2, Australia=2
Mexico=1, Colombia=1
Upcoming: Aucklandx2, Gold Coast, Melbournex2
Hey, sorry if I stirred some shit up in this little Brady man love thread. I'm but a frustrated Jet fan, so i'm sure you can understand the sudden outburst. Sometimes I just can't contain myself when I see this fucking thread, you know? Anyway, yes the Pats may become the best team ever, but it's a shame that some of that will be tarnished due to them getting caught cheating..
And of course I didn't mean 'suck' as in they are a bad team. That obviously wouldn't make any sense, would it? I meant it in a way that they suck cock, and I hate them....carry on..
put on a slow, dumb show for you
and crack you up
so you can put a blue ribbon on my brain
god I'm very, very frightening
and I'll overdo it'
put on a slow, dumb show for you
and crack you up
so you can put a blue ribbon on my brain
god I'm very, very frightening
and I'll overdo it'
put on a slow, dumb show for you
and crack you up
so you can put a blue ribbon on my brain
god I'm very, very frightening
and I'll overdo it'
romo had it better off and still choked
and the crazies are here
the only time we've seen brady go off this was the colts game when the refs were trying to hand the colts the win *much like last week*
remember when ny was on all 4 fours begging for the OC to pick their city for the '12 olympics?
you do live there dont you?
seriously does anything but shit come out of his posts?
Esther's here and she's sick?
hi Esther, now we are all going to be sick, thanks
because anything could happen.
i wish i remember the accuscore simulation figures from the chargers / colts game.
it is supposed to be close to zero with the wind chill on sunday for game time.
Dear moderately successful professional athlete:
A word, if I may.
I've always liked trash talking. Admired it, really. If you're between the ages of 18 and 39, it's part of our generation. It's all we've ever known when it comes to competition. We're the children spawned by the greatest trash-talking movie of all time, White Men Can't Jump. For the most part, it's in our DNA now. We can't resist.
But seriously, moderately successful professional athlete, please heed this advice.
Shut up.
That means you, Philip Rivers, who had the gall to taunt, tease and, in general, completely spaz out in front of Colts fans Sunday after the San Diego Chargers defeated defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis.
You see, trash talking is an art. It's sort of like novel writing or ballet. Just because it looks cool doesn't mean everyone should attempt it. More and more, it seems, you don't even have to be any good to talk smack. Sixth-round draft picks who will be selling insurance in a year are popping up on kickoffs after a tackle, jawing with Devin Hester and Joshua Cribbs, acting as if they've just won an Oscar. They're pounding their chests, preening for the cameras with bulging biceps, pointing to the heavens and barking, "You don't want another piece of this!"
Meanwhile, everyone watching on television can see that Hester got tripped by his own man.
Enough. We're instituting the Two Pro Bowl Rule. Until you've made it to two Pro Bowls, you're not allowed to dance or jaw with anyone. In baseball, don't stare down the pitcher after a long home run unless you've got a pair of All-Star appearances under your belt. Don't pop off at the AT&T Family Plan Open unless you've got a couple of major trophies in your case.
Otherwise, it's awkward. It's ridiculous. It's like watching overweight people dance at a wedding. We're not laughing and cheering with you, dude. Trust me.
Deion Sanders and Larry Bird earned the right to talk trash. Ray Lewis can dance the waltz after every deflected pass for all I care because, after years of getting it done, he has earned it. Tom Brady doesn't have to wipe that smirk off his face because he's got three Super Bowl rings and at night he gets to go home and sleep the with prom queen. Do you go home with the prom queen? No, you don't.
You, moderately successful professional athlete, just look like a moron. Catch a few passes when it matters, then we'll talk. Randy Moss catches passes with his elbow when his arms are pinned. He'd probably catch them with his teeth if the NFL didn't require that he wear a face mask. You can't do that. That's why you shouldn't strut and preen like he does.
You, Philip Rivers, might be the biggest offender. I once watched you talk trash and try to start a fight - right after you'd lost for the fourth straight time to Maryland. On the same day North Carolina State retired your jersey. Before the game. You were a clown then, and you remain one today. This past weekend, you were talking trash even though you didn't even play for much of the fourth quarter. Enough.
Leave the smack talking to those who've earned the right to do it.
"I think we really are at the same point we were last season and I wasn't very happy with the way last year ended," Brady told reporters in a teleconference call on Wednesday.
"So we are no better than we were last year at this time. This is the most important game of the year."
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d806021f9&template=with-video&confirm=true&campaign=ec0005
the highlights:
Key matchups
1. Patriots WR Randy Moss vs. CB Quentin Jammer: The Patriots have done two things in the past few weeks that would intimidate any opponent. They started running the ball well, and last week proved they can win and score more than 30 points without Randy Moss catching more than one ball. Moss will line up against Antonio Cromartie once in a while, but mostly he will face off with Jammer. Moss came to New England to get a Super Bowl ring and he's one game away from the trip. There may be times when the Chargers leave Jammer on Moss alone and Brady will go to him right away. Moss averages 15 yards a reception and Jammer can't take the short slant routes and the deep go routes away. Early on, Moss takes the slant and sooner or later the slugo (slant and go route).
2. Patriots LT Matt Light vs. OLB Shawne Merriman: San Diego ran close to 30 five-man pressures against the Titans in the wild-card round, and they will do the same against Brady. Look for Ted Cottrell to move Merriman around, seeking the ideal matchup. However, in general, Light has him in the five-man pressures when linebacker Shaun Phillips comes from the other side. Light has the benefit of Brady's quick release, but Merriman will be all Light can handle, and the All-Pro linebacker should be able to get to Tom Brady once or twice. The quick screen to Kevin Faulk will slow down the rush.
3. Patriots DE Richard Seymour vs. LT Marcus McNeil: Seymour is just rounding into good football shape and he needs to have a big day against the LaDainian Tomlinson running attack. The Chargers like the off-tackle/dip play to their left where Seymour lines up. Seymour should be able to handle McNeil against the run and pass. McNeil has had some struggles against the power rushers this year, and Seymour can be one of the best power players in the league.
4. Patriots NT Vince Wilfork vs. C Nick Hardwick: San Diego really likes to lead one of their fullbacks up on a linebacker and run the inside lead. I counted 13 such runs in the Tennessee game. They need Hardwick to neutralize Wilfork and not let him clog up both A gaps. If you can discipline yourself to watch this battle, you will see two of the best in the business go at it. Hardwick is very underrated and Wilfork is a massive All-Pro nose tackle. San Diego needs to average 3.5-4 yards per inside rush against a Patriots defense that is No. 26 in average gain per rush. I expect 10 inside gut runs mostly in the first half, and it will set the tone for the rest of the game.
5. Patriots SS Rodney Harrison vs. TE Antonio Gates: Harrison is a very good box player, but can struggle in space against a player such as Gates. Gates is not going to practice this week but will play. He will challenge Harrison on the vertical routes, especially when the safety creeps up into the box. If Harrison figures out that Gates is limited because of his toe, he will be very physical with him. Gates will not produce the seven receptions and 77 yards he had the first time these teams met.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Kirwan breaks it down:
The Chargers were routed by the Patriots in a Week 2 showdown, but much has changed since that Sunday night in Foxboro. Below is a breakdown of where these teams stand heading into Sunday's AFC Championship Game:
If you like the Patriots ...
» The Patriots average 34 points a game at home and allow fewer than 14 points.
» Laurence Maroney in the last four games: 83 touches, 468 yards and five touchdowns.
» Through 17 games, Tom Brady is 14-of-26 for 675 yards (26 yards per attempt) and nine touchdowns when throwing a deep pass.
» New England has the No. 1 offense in total yards, passing yards, interceptions and points.
» Brady gets sacked once per 27.5 pass attempts and throws an interception once every 52 pass attempts.
» Tom Brady's postseason record is 13-2.
If you like the Chargers ...
» The Chargers are the No. 1 team in the NFL in turnovers, plus-24 during the regular season and plus-3 this postseason.
» The Chargers defense leads the NFL with 33 interceptions in 18 games.
» The Chargers are averaging 28.5 points a game for the last eight games, all wins. [***EDIT - not to discount the chargers 8game win streak, because any 8 game win streak is impressive, but they played ravens, lions, broncos and titans at home and the chiefs, raiders, titans and colts on the road. with the exception of the titans and colts everyone else will be picking at the top of the 2008 draft***]
» The Chargers are giving up just nine points a game in their eight-game winning streak.
» Philip Rivers has thrown just two interceptions in his last 144 pass attempts.
Kirwin's pick - Pats 35, Chargers 17
LT returned to practice today although gates and rivers did not. also, merriman sat out with some sort of illness.
all the pundit's early picks have been pats winning by 14-17 points.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/16/AR2008011603650.html
"When the NFL rule-makers cracked down four years ago on clutching-and-grabbing tactics by defensive players to try to open up the passing game, the move widely was viewed as a response to the rugged way in which the New England Patriots had played defense on their way to their first two Super Bowl titles.
"That 2004 directive by the league's competition committee changed the way the game is played, perhaps forever. It has led to a rewriting of the record book. And, oddly enough, it set the stage for the Patriots to become arguably the most dominant team in league history this season as they chase an unbeaten season and their fourth Super Bowl championship with an offense orchestrated by Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.
"The very rule once thought to be more detrimental to the Patriots than to any other NFL club has become a crucial asset, yet another example of how the franchise has become a dynasty because Belichick and his front office are more adaptable than anyone else in the league."
Pearl Jam bootlegs:
http://wegotshit.blogspot.com
Jim McCabe, Boston Globe: Chargers (vs. 13 1/2-point spread). “And after the game, stop by the Bass Pro Shop at Patriot Place for all your ice fishing needs.”
Boston Globe staff: 4-1 for Patriots. (vs. spread)
Cold, Hard Football Facts: Patriots 38, Chargers 21. "The Chargers don't have a clear edge anywhere on the field – even their greatest strengths are matched by New England strengths – and they're playing in very un-San Diego-like conditions in Foxboro. As if that weren't enough negative reinforcement, they're also hurt at some of the most critical positions on the field."
Peter King, Sports Illustrated: Patriots 30, Chargers 13. “I would never say San Diego doesn't have a chance -- especially after giving up 12 points a game over the last eight games. They'll send the house at Brady and hope to force some turnovers. But we've read that script throughout this season, and it always ends the same way.”
Dr. Z, Sports Illustrated: Patriots 34, Chargers 17. “So give me a medical report and I'll predict a score for you. You won't do that? OK, I'll predict one anyway, but bear in mind that I'm the same bloke who swore that Indy would win in a blowout last weekend.”
Mike Tanier, Football Outsiders: Patriots. “Anything can happen. A Merriman sack can turn Brady into Matt Cassel. A Sproles punt return, an Antonio Cromotie interception ... these are the straws we grasp for when trying to justify a Chargers upset. The Chargers' front seven is great, but the Steelers' and Giants' front sevens barely put a dent in the Patriots. Tomlinson and Michael Turner are great runners, but the Patriots withstood the best 1-2 running punch in the league last week, holding Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew to 66 yards. The Chargers need breaks, they need flukes, they need two lightning strikes, one from each side of their helmets, to win this game.”
Jeremy Green, Scouts Inc.: Patriots
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Patriots 27, Chargers 20. “The Patriots are big favorites here and they should be. The Chargers are limping in with their key players hurting. If Philip Rivers can't go, it will be up to Billy Volek to win it. I think Rivers will play. The key will be how well the Chargers' two lines can handle the Patriots. I think they can have success on both sides. Look for LaDainian Tomlinson to run for 100 yards and keep the sticks moving. The San Diego defense will tackle well and keep Randy Moss in front of them. In the end, though, the Patriots are just too good. Tom Brady throws for three more scores and the Patriots will get to 18-0.”
Jeff Zillgitt, USA Today: Patriots 35, Chargers 20. “With a backup quarterback, a backup running back and a star tight end playing on basically one leg, San Diego beat the Colts in Indianapolis. Impressive indeed, especially San Diego's defense, which is why the Chargers are in this game. But where does that leave the Chargers against the Patriots? In a tough spot, even if Philip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson play.”
USA Today staff picks: Patriots, 7-1.
Cris Carter, Yahoo! sports: Patriots. “Let's see: The Pats are too good, too well-coached, too focused and too talented to be denied a trip to Super Bowl XLII.”
ESPN.com staff: Patriots across the board (Merrill Hoge, Sean Salisbury, and Mark Schlereth yet to pick).
Jay Novacek, MSNBC: Patriots 34, Chargers 21. “The Chargers can’t make any mistakes and still win. The Patriots can. Also, the Chargers have to fly across the country, play in front of a partisan crowd and maybe even in nasty weather. And when you may have to do all of that without your three offensive stars in LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates, that’s too much to overcome.”
Greg Cote, Miami Herald: Patriots 34, Chargers 23. “There is no stopping these Patriots. None whatsoever."
Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Patriots 34, Chargers 23. “It comes as no surprise the Patriots are in the AFC title game for the fourth time in seven seasons. Nor will it be a surprise when they win their fourth Super Bowl in that span. The only surprise will be if Chargers QB Philip Rivers acts like something other than a moron.”
Jerry Magee, San Diego Tribune: Chargers (vs. 14-point spread). “Their rivals haven't caught up to the New Englanders, but the wagering numbers have. They have covered just once in their past six games. They won't this time, either. Norv Turner's guys can score enough to fit within this figure, if not win straight-up. They just have to limit what that Brady boy can do.”
Terry Bannon, Chicago Tribune: Patriots 30, Chargers 13.
Our pick: Patriots 30, Chargers 25. Glendale awaits.
rivers officially doubtful for sunday with partially torn acl in addition to a sprained mcl.
3pm EST
I have eaten so much gold I crapped excellence - drtyfrnk29
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all!
exactly...
pats...yawn
Esther's here and she's sick?
hi Esther, now we are all going to be sick, thanks
finally something you and I agree on. the NFC isn't only terrible. it's fucking annoying too.
case in point: In 2004, the Jags, Ravens and Bills all missed the AFC playoffs at 9-7 while the Rams and Vikings were NFC wildcards at 8-8. gay.
Pearl Jam bootlegs:
http://wegotshit.blogspot.com
Peace
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
any team they havent beaten that someone is going to bring up and say the pats got lucky?