Track this topic | Email this topic | Print this topic

Dang, is it me or did this feel like a really short football season this year? Those 17 weeks of the season just seemed to just sail on by. There were a lot of memorable moments in the NFL this season... Dante Hall returning 3 kicks for touchdowns in the first 3 games... kinda sadistic that he didn't get another one for the rest of the season. The Chiefs started the season 9-0. Peyton Manning had an impressive MVP-like season throwing over 4,000 yards again. Bill Parcells showed up in Dallas and had immediate results by getting Dallas back in the playoffs since 1999. The Panthers surprised everyone by winning the NFC South division and making their first playoff appearance ever... This is the same team two years ago who finished the season 1-15. The Dolphins won 10 games this year and still missed the playoffs. The Patriots won 12 in a row to close out the season and 14 of the last 15 games... This after they were supposed to lose out because of their defensive injuries. And how 'bout them Bengals? This close from being the most horrible team in the league for the past decade to getting into the playoffs.

Anyway, now it's time to make some predictions on the NFL playoffs leading up to the Super Bowl...

NFC-

Philadelphia and St. Louis have first round byes...

Seattle upsets Green Bay
Dallas defeats Carolina

AFC-

New England and Kansas City have first round byes...

Tennessee defeats Baltimore
Indianapolis defeats Denver

I know it's daft to think that Seattle can win on the road especially since they only won twice in 8 games... and they're going into Lambeau Field where Brett Favre has only lost one playoff game ever (last year against the Falcons). But the playoffs are a whole different season, anyone can tell you that.

If the regular season is any indication of how the playoffs will go, it's going to be nailbitingly exciting....

This post has been edited by Sabin on 30th December 2003 16:05

--------------------

"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

Green Bay vs Seattle is really hard to call, IMO. I think the Packers will pull it off, but it will be a close game. A late fumble by Hasselbeck will end any hope of a Seattle comeback.
Carolina defeats Dallas. Dallas has beaten, I believe, two teams with winning records this season (Both at home). Though one was Carolina, I think the Panthers are going to push Dallas around in this game and beat them pretty well.

Tennessee defeats Baltimore. I can't stand McNair, but I don't see Baltimore doing much in this game. Tennessee's playing very well right now and it will carry them through (at least) one game.

Indianapolis defeats Denver. Go Colts! Manning has a stellar game and Harrison makes more amazing catches.

I predict a superbowl between the Eagles and the Pats right now. I usually hate picking the #1 vs #1 finals, but I think it's going to happen.

--------------------

Hey, put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey, put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me

It was a miracle that put Green Bay in the playoffs over the Vikings, an amazing achievement by the Cardinals to deny the Vikes their playoff dreams. I don't think this miracle will go to waste, however. Green Bay beat Seattle earlier in the season, and I think they can do it again. In fact, I think this miracle will at least put the Packers in a championship title, maybe even the superbowl.

I think Baltimore will defeat Tennessee. They've had quite a season with two games in a row of scoring more than 40 points, and I think they've got what it takes to get past Tenessee.

Indianapolis beats Denver. Payton Manning is one hell of a quarterback, and will most likely put his talent to good use.

I don't really care about the Dallas and Panthers game, but I think Parcells' strong motivation and their teams dedication will come out with the dubya. It'd be nice to see Carolina make an impressive showing in the playoffs, but I don't think they have it in them just yet.

My superbowl pick: Indianapolis versus Green Bay. Favre deserves one more ring!

Green Bay beats Seattle- Farv and the Packers have turn it up for the last couple of games.

Dallas beats Panthers- ....Don't really care.

Tennessee over Baltimore- Would love to see the Titans to loose, but I have a feeling tha the Ravens aren't going to do much.

Indianapolis beats Denver- Manning and the rest of the Colts have had an amazing season, but they need to turn it up for this game. I think Manning is going to pull it off. Have to cheer for the home town team.

--------------------

"Ye better start believing in ghost stories; you're in one!" -Captain Barbossa (Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl)

I'm going straight to the super bowl and predicting a 20-10 victory by the Eagles over the Patriots. It's a shot in the dark, I know.

I don't see the Packers going anywhere, same with the Cowboys. Indianapolis and Baltimore will move on in the AFC. Eventually the Pats and Eagles will win their conferences and go on to the super bowl. This is just what I feel.

--------------------

Lou: There's a couple of guys fighting down at the aquarium, Chief.
Wiggum: Do they still sell those frozen bananas?
Lou: I think so.
Wiggum: Let's roll.

NFL playoff predictions round one... or the moot round as I'm calling it this year, as I don't think any of these eight teams will reach a championship game.

Colts vs. Broncos
I love Tony Dungy. I think he's one of the best coaches in the league, the Colts are underrated, and Manning and Harrison are consummate professionals who deserve to win a playoff game or two. That said, I think they're also somewhat cursed, and this year that curse is going to come in the form of Clinton Portis. The Broncos team we saw get whomped by the Packers this week won't show up, the one that handled the Colts two weeks ago will.

Broncos 34- Colts 21 (C.P. 195 yds, 3 TDs)

Titans vs. Ravens
Every time these guys meet in the playoffs it usually means a lot, and I think this one will be another great game. These are two funs teams to watch go at it, both with great defenses and running backs. I'm picking the Titans this year because I think Steve McNair is one of the best there is in this game, and is going to severly outplay Wright. Also I can't stand Brian Billick.

Titans 17- Ravens 7

Panthers vs. Cowboys
Last year we got Favre vs. Vick. This year we get...Delhomme vs. Carter??? I have the utmost respect for the resurgencies of these two franchises, but I still think this game speaks to the weakness of the NFC this year. The Dolphins would wipe the field with both these teams (and have proven it against one of them.) I'm going with the Cowboys because Parcells knows how to win in the playoffs, but I can't wait for McNabb to light them up the week after.

Cowboys 26- Panthers 24

Packers vs. Seahawks
I picked Favre in this position last year and Vick burned me. But Hasselbeck is no Michael Vick. And the Seahawks are dismall on the road. And their D has major holes in it. In short I think the Seahawks are one of three NFC teams with no business in the playoffs, and the Packers, who have been playing as good as any team in the NFL since about week 9, will make short work of them. If I was Sherman, I would go ahead and take an extra week trying to figure out how to slow down Holt in St. Louis.

Packers 41- Seahawks 14

I picked the Eagles all the way when the season started, and I'm sticking with them. It's McNabb's year to prove all his critics (*coughUltraconservaticedrugaddictcough*) wrong. I believe I picked the Broncos as their opponent, which I now am revising to the Patriots, who have made me a believer this season. I think if the Super Bowl was being held somewhere where the temperature could drop below 50 degrees, the Pats would be unbeatable. But in Houston, I gotta stick with the Eagles. I'm getting ahead of myself, though, so I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the first round and wait for the Bears to botch the head coach hiring process. (again)

--------------------

Hip-Hop QOTW:

"Yeah, where I'ma start it at, look I'ma part of that
Downtown Philly where it's realer than a heart attack
It wasn't really that ill until the start of crack
Now it's a body caught every night on the Almanac"

"Game Theory"
The Roots

Quote (Sabin @ 30th December 2003 11:02)

The Panthers surprised everyone by winning the NFC South division and making their first playoff appearance ever... This is the same team two years ago who finished the season 1-15.

Actually, the Panthers were a game out from the Super Bowl in '96, along with the Jaguars. Which of course led to a Packers vs. Patriots Super Bowl, which I'm not going to rule out this year.


Colts vs. Broncos

Colts are going to own the Broncos. Simply put. I'm so sick of everyone telling me how underrated and explosive the Broncos are. They got crushed by the Pack, busted by the Bears, I mean come on. You never know who's gonna show up week to week. They're done straight off the bat, the only thing they have going for them is Clinton Portis, and maybe the Colt's playoff curse. Manning finally gets vengeance this year.

Colts 30 - Broncos 27


Titans vs. Ravens

McNair is going to have another hobbling but valiant victory. The Ravens? Meh, they're defense is good, but I just don't really care about them. And plus I wanna keep hearing that Titans radio announcer on Sports Center. Touchdooooown TITANS!

Titans 24 - Ravens 16


Panthers vs. Cowboys

Panthers suck. Sorry. Cowboys aren't much better, but Parcells will eek out the victory. Their defense is solid alright, but ranked #1 in the league? Meh, I don't agree with that.

Cowboys 17 - Panthers 10


Packers vs. Seahawks

Woo. This is the game I'm really into. Here's the thing, I'm all with Gears on this one. The Packers are going to trounce the Seahawks. I'm a Packer hater at heart mind you, I'm just going honestly on this one. I don't wanna hear all this "Who knows Favre better than his ole pal Holmgren?" I don't look at just one player, though I must say Favre has been playing possessed since his father past, I'm looking at the whole team here. One team, we'll call them the Seahawks, are a joke on the road. Another team, we'll call them the Packers, are almost unstoppable at Lambeau in the playoffs. This year will go standard along those lines, and I'm taking bets with anyone who thinks otherwise. The Seahawks have a 15% of winning this game, and that's if Shaun Alexander has a hell of a game, Ahman Green goes back to his fumbling ways, and Favre's grievance catches up with him.

Packers 37 - Seahawks 13

--------------------

The clouds ran away, opened up the sky
And one by one I watched every constellation die
And there I was frozen, standing in my backyard
Face to face, eye to eye, staring at the last star
I should've known, walked all the way home
To find that she wasn't here, I'm still all alone

-Atmosphere "Always Coming Back Home to You"

I knew that Titans-Ravens game would be a close one, but I've never seen such a one-sided three point game. All the Ravens yardage came on basically two drives. But, I guess the advantage of having an amazing defense means you stay in every game. In the late game I can't believe the Cowboys vaunted D had such trouble with the Panthers. Oh well, the Panthers might have been able to stop Carter and Hambrick, but let's see how they fair against Faulk and Holt.

I went back and looked at our preseason predictions to see how close we've come. It's been a pretty unpredictable year, so I'd be surprised if anyone did that well. Here's what we picked. (Teams still alive are in bold.)(Yes, I have too much time on my hands.)

Super Bowl winners
BGrugby- Dolphins
SharkESP- Bucs
Gears- Eagles
Hanyou- Giants
Tidu- Eagles (later retracted. moral: don't doubt yourself too soon)
Ace909- Steelers
JLo- Dolphins
Neal- Eagles
Cloud- Bills
Evileye- Packers
wheatsac- Bucs
DF- Raiders
Karasuman- Steelers
TMagic- Bills/Broncos

Playoffs
Cloud-
AFC KC, New England, Tennessee
Pittsburgh, Oakland, Buffalo
NFC Philly, Green Bay, St. Louis
New York, Atlanta, Tampa Bay
6/12
Gears
AFC New England, Tennessee, Denver
Pittsburgh, Oakland, New York
NFC Philly, St. Louis, Seattle, Green Bay
Tampa, New Orleans
7/12
(I thought more than me and Ryan picked playoff teams...)

This post has been edited by Gears on 4th January 2004 05:14

--------------------

Hip-Hop QOTW:

"Yeah, where I'ma start it at, look I'ma part of that
Downtown Philly where it's realer than a heart attack
It wasn't really that ill until the start of crack
Now it's a body caught every night on the Almanac"

"Game Theory"
The Roots

Woo, 4-0 in my wild card picks. I even called a Hasselbeck turnover to end the game, though I said it was a fumble that would end a comeback.

Next round...

Indianapolis defeats Kansas City. Denver was just a warm up.

Philadelphia defeats Green Bay. Eh, I just don't think Green Bay had that great of a game...certainly not enough to stop the Eagles.

New England defeats Tennessee. McNair is hurting way too much. Nothing less than his 100% will be enough to defeat the Pats, and he doesn't look like he even has 50%.

Carolina defeats St. Louis. Tough, tough pick for me. I had no idea who to pick, it's a really good matchup. I just think Carolina's rolling, while St. Louis ended their season with an embarrassing meltdown against the Lions.

--------------------

Hey, put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey, put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me

Matt Haselbeck is a moron... You don't say something like that when you're over the P.A. system when you're not even at home... because then something like throwing a game-ending interception to one of two guys who's dreads are leaking from the back of their helmet (wtf is up with the dreaded fashion statement around the NFL nowadays?) is going to happen. Haselbeck is probably going to be noted for pulling a Namath, but not delivering the goods on Sportscenter this morning. Murrrr...

Anyway

NFC Divisional Series:

Green Bay def. Philadelphia- ok, so it's true that I have a personal dislike for Donavan McNabb, but that's not why I think they'll lose. Look at Philadelphia's playoff past. They were supposed to win the Super Bowl each of the last 3 years. And what have they won? Nothing more than just a few NFC East titles. And it didn't even matter that they had home field advantage throughout (see last year vs. Tampa Bay). Also, I think that Favre and the Pack are still riding the wave of Favre's magical game against the Raiders in Week 16.

St. Louis def. Carolina- simple matchup really. Each team has a reliable back who can rack up the yardage (Davis and Faulk). But St. Louis outmatches Carolina in every other category... proven reliable receivers... (Mushin Muhammed and Steve Smith are no Bruce and Holt)... both quarterbacks are still young, but Bulger is the smarter player. And take it all into consideration that St. Louis plays like a team on fire inside their own dome.

AFC Divisional Series:

Kansas City def. Indy- Peyton Manning in the next round of the playoffs? Hell must've just froze over. I don't think the aura will stick around long though. Priest Holmes will tear up the Indianapolis defense like a lion tearing through a gazelle on the open plains. True that the passing defense of KC isn't nearly as effective as it should be. Peyton will hook up with Marvin Harrison a couple times. But it's all about Priest Holmes and Trent Green. I see a huge 200+ yard, 3 TD game for Holmes and a 300+, 2 TD, 1 INT game for Green. Manning will be MVP like, of course.. at least 350 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs. It's going to be a high-scoring affair, 40+ points for both teams. But, I see a late game-ending field goal by Morten Andersen as time expires. I don't usually predict the score or the stats, but hey ... if I'm wrong, I'm wrong...

New England def. Tennessee- I also have an openly admitted dislike for the Patriots. I have ever since they defeated my team, the Rams, in the 2001 Super Bowl. But you can't argue with 12 wins in a row. Bill Bellichick is a defensive mastermind.. especially if he could win 14 games with so many of his defensive injuries. And I agree with Neal that Steve McNair not at 100% will get rocked. The only way I see Tennessee helping thereself is if Eddie George and Chris Brown get on their horse and ride like they did against the Ravens.

so the matchups:
NFC Championship: Green Bay vs. St. Louis
AFC Championship: Kansas City vs. New England

This post has been edited by Sabin on 5th January 2004 13:04

--------------------

"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

Quote (Gears @ 31st December 2003 03:03)

Broncos 34- Colts 21 (C.P. 195 yds, 3 TDs)

Ummm...yeah....

So the Colts proved me very, very wrong. I don't know what the Broncos secondary was doing, but I will give credit to Manning, who looked like he was playing Madden the entire first half.

2-2 in the WC games, not so good. I'll try to make it up this round.

New England vs. Tennessee

I really like Tennessee and Steve McNair, and in my opinion the Tennessee defensive unit was the best out of the 8 that played this weekend. BUt I don't think anyone's beating the Pats at home in the playoffs. They're too deep, too strong at too many positions, and too experienced. I hope I'm wrong on this one, but I have to pick the Pats.

Pats 20- Titans 10

Philadelphia vs. Green Bay

C'mon, Favre, you had trouble with the Seahawks? At home? And needed a defensive touchdown to win in overtime? Let's see how you fare on the road against a real, highly motivated (because of the losses Sabin noted) team, with a QB with something to prove. Most lopsided game of the second round.

Eagles 21- Packers 13

Kansas City vs. Indianapolis

This is the one where I had to question my belief that all the home teams were winning this week. But the thing about this game is that the Chiefs can be just as explosive as the Colts when they want to be. Also Dick Vermeil is an infinitely better coach than Shanahan, and won't show up with a defense that couldn't care one way or the other how many yards Manning throws for. I think this game will be won by whichever team makes the first 40-plus yard play, setting them off for a big offensive game, and sticking with my earlier prediction, I think it will be the Chiefs.

Chiefs 37- Colts 35

St. Louis vs. Carolina

I knew the Panthers D was good enough to hold the Cowboys down a little, but the thing that impressed me most about them last week was their offense. Delhomme is a lot better than I originally gave him credit for. Still, it ain't easy to go to St. Louis and beat the Rams in their dome. Yes, I know the Lions somehow did it two weeks ago in a game that should have meant a lot to the Rams, but I somehow doubt they'll let it happen again.

Rams 42- Panthers 33

Quote

wtf is up with the dreaded fashion statement around the NFL nowadays?)

What's wrong with dreads? I wish I could grow my hair out like that.


--------------------

Hip-Hop QOTW:

"Yeah, where I'ma start it at, look I'ma part of that
Downtown Philly where it's realer than a heart attack
It wasn't really that ill until the start of crack
Now it's a body caught every night on the Almanac"

"Game Theory"
The Roots

I'm not happy this season because my Steelers didn't make the playoffs, but here's my prediction on the Super Bowl

Green Bay 10
Kansas City 24

--------------------

My second daughter, if we have girls, will be named Rikku. I'm not kidding.

Quote (Tidu-who @ 31st December 2003 03:48)

Colts 30 - Broncos 27


Packers 37 - Seahawks 13

Sorry, got those scores turned around a bit.


Carolina vs. St. Louis

The game I don't care about again. Meh, I'll give it to Carolina just because I hate the Rams so much and are I think they're pretty overrated (barely getting by the Bears and Cardinals, losing to the Lions, etc.).

Panthers 20 - Rams 17


Green Bay vs. Philadelphia

Blah, all I hear on the radio now is how the Packers are a team of destiny and they have Big Daddy looking out for them up in the sky. And now Darren Sharper made up this whole stupid song as a theme for the Packers. Wow, every time something tragic happens, it has to be turned into some big commercialized trend. Man I hate the Packers. And I'm leaning towards going to UW Milwaukee too. That won't be very fun.

Eagels 27 - Packers 20


Tennessee vs. New England

I like the Titans I gotta admit, but I don't see them getting by the Patriots. Unless they do a patented "we're the favorite to win the super bowl, let's fall flat on our face to spite everyone!"

Pats 30 - Titans 24


Kansas City vs. Indianapolis

I like this game. I'm gonna go with Manning and the boys, because I like what I see from them. The one thing I will say is don't be so quick to write the Chiefs right out of the playoffs. Everyone just expects them to lay over and die. All they need is a good day out of their defense, and their high-flying offense will take care of the rest. However, I doubt that'll happen.

Colts 38 - Chiefs 35

And now we wait to see what happens.

--------------------

The clouds ran away, opened up the sky
And one by one I watched every constellation die
And there I was frozen, standing in my backyard
Face to face, eye to eye, staring at the last star
I should've known, walked all the way home
To find that she wasn't here, I'm still all alone

-Atmosphere "Always Coming Back Home to You"

I am a perfect 8-0 in NFL playoff picks so far...mwahaha. Now, I call...

Carolina defeats Philadelphia. Philadelphia did not look good against Green Bay, and Carolina looked pretty good against St. Louis. This choice was pretty obvious to me.

Indianapolis defeats New England. Peyton Manning in the playoffs: 8 TD, 0 INT. New England: Barely defeats Tennessee, who Indy beat twice in the regular season. Huzzah.

--------------------

Hey, put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey, put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me

2-2 again. At least I'm consistent.

How about the second round of the playoffs? 3 OTs, all 4 games decided by a touchdown or less...wait, here, quickly, are the top 6 most important botched plays of the second round (I didn't see all of the Chiefs-Colts game, so I might be missing some.)

6. Panthers delay of game on successful FG attempt in the first OT. Probably would have been higher if the Panthers hadn't gone on to win.

5. Packers blown coverage of Freddie Mitchell on 4th and 26. This is why the prevent doesn't work.

4. Beckett's dropped pass. He gets a little slack for two great catches during the drive, but if a ball that important hits BOTH your hands (and your helmet) you gotta catch it.

3. Wilkins missed FG in OT. It was a hard kick, but all it needed was ONE more yard.

2. Favre's OT interception. WTF was he thinking?

1. Martz quitting in regulation. The Panthers weren't stopping the Rams at all, Bruce had just had a couple of long catches in the last few minutes, why not take at least one shot at the end zone with one of the best offenses in the NFL? Thank you Andy Reid for at least trying to win in regulation.

Now, on to picks:

Philadelphia vs. Carolina

I really have to be faithful to the team I've been picking all along. The Eagles weren't very impressive in their win over the Packers, until the last two minutes and OT, but I still can't shake the feeling that a more competent QB can beat their vaunted front four. And unlike the Rams, I have a feeling the Eagles will actually cover Mushin Muhhamed when it counts.

Eagles 21- Panthers 16

New England- Indianapolis

Yes, Peyton Manning is making me think twice about my Patriots super bowl pick. I love Tony Dungy, and want to see him in the super bowl, and the Colts offense is, needless to say, on fire right now. Also the Titans showed the cold weather advantage isn't all that important. BUt whenever I go back on a previous pick, it is always wrong, and I still think the Patriots are the best all around team in the NFL this year. Their depth (especially in the secondary) will help them win this game.

Patriots 27- Colts 24

Given my previous playoff track record, only one of these games will be right. I wonder which one? I just hope these games are as exciting as the round we just watched.

--------------------

Hip-Hop QOTW:

"Yeah, where I'ma start it at, look I'ma part of that
Downtown Philly where it's realer than a heart attack
It wasn't really that ill until the start of crack
Now it's a body caught every night on the Almanac"

"Game Theory"
The Roots

wow... 3 of the 4 remaining teams I can't stand... the fourth one (the Panthers), i don't really have an opinion for (so I guess I'll root for them here on in).

here's how i break it down...


CAROLINA VS. PHILADELPHIA

I agree that Philadelphia was really sloppy in the game against the Pack. They didn't seem motivated at all. I mean, they don't win if Brett Favre didn't play like a rookie make the biggest mistake EVER and just heave it right to not one, but TWO eagles players standing RIGHT there.. and if all the packers actually were in the final play instead of just standing around while David Akers was kicking. In my honest opinion, the Eagles didn't win that game.. the Packers lost it. The way Carolina beat the Rams in their own field, the Eagles will not be able to get away with the mistakes they made against the Pack.

Sab picks Carolina


INDIANAPOLIS VS. NEW ENGLAND

I really don't give a flip about either team. Chiefs couldn't play defense worth a lick. But the Pats can.. a whole lot better than the Chiefs can. While it wasn't pretty relying on Adam Vinateri to win it ... AGAIN ... for them, the Pats downed one MVP... and I think they'll hold down the other MVP.. it'll take a big game from the defense to do it, but Bellichick is a defensive guru. Pats are 9-0 at Gillette Stadium this season (including the win against Tennesse on Saturday). And the forcast for Sunday's game... CoLd!

Sab picks New England (back in the Super Bowl)


So, the two teams who'll have to pack their bags for Houston will be
(3)Carolina Panthers
(1)New England Patriots


btw, there's nothing wrong with dreads. I too would have a dread-head if I had the hair style for it. But it started with Ricky Williams, then Edgerrin James, and it's just escalated from there...

--------------------

"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

Colts beat Patriots-Colts finally get revenge and they finally get to go to the Superbowl.

Panthers beat Eagles-Don't care about this game, but I'm going with the Panthers.

--------------------

"Ye better start believing in ghost stories; you're in one!" -Captain Barbossa (Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl)

I don't really care about any of the teams left in the playoffs, since my Packers lost. But one thing I do NOT want is the Patriots in the superbowl again. Anyways here's my predictions:

Panthers beat Eagles - The Panthers have come a long way and I think they'll really shine in this game, and get the edge over the Eagles in the fourth quarter.

Colts beat Patriots - If there's one man that can do it, it's Manning. He's had an impressive season and I think he can pull out the victory with an early lead and hold onto it all game.

Panthers beat Eagles: First off the Eagles knocked off the Packers (my second fav team besides the Browns). Also Phillies run defense is pathetic, the Panthers should be able to gain at least 200 yds. on the ground and the Panthers defense will hold McNabb and make sure that they don't get lucky like they did agaisnt that Packers.

Colts beat Patriots: I hate hate hate the Patriots. First off cause of Bellicheck he was one of the worst coaches the Browns ever hand but when he goes to N.E. he finally learns how to coach. Also the Patriots are one of the most boring teams to watch which would make a pretty bad Super Bowl. Besides there is no one that can stop Manning and Indy's offense. Two games without a punt is unbeleiveable. It will probably be another high scoring game but the Colts win it and then win the Super Bowl.

--------------------

War is for the participants a test of character; it makes bad men worse and good men better. - Joshua Chamberlain

U sir R a n00b >:-( - Cactuar

Im not quite sure why everyones against the Eagles here!Sure there run defense may not be to good..but they still have gotten this far,havnt they? although,i must admit they did get 2 huge breaks against the Packers (the 4-26 and the Packs call a horrible defense..and Favres pass to god that Dawkins grabbed) I think the Eagles will pull through with the win over the Panthers awesome defense. Im not to impressed with the Panthers offense so far.. But thats just me. the Colts will dominate the Pats tho and right now i dont think im gonna call a winner between the eagles and colts for the super bowl.. depends on how they play this week i suppose..




Its just to bad the Steelers had a crap season...

--------------------

~Lifes a bowl of punch, go ahead and spike it~  -311-
               "A Day Lived Is Another Battle Won"

Blah, whoever wins between the Colts and Pats wins the Super Bowl. I'll be clear cut on that. Unless, by some chance the Panthers and Pats end up together, the Panthers just seem like they could pull an upset against them, to me anyways.

Anyway, Colts over Patriots. I like the Colts, I respect their team and high powered offense. The Patriots aren't a team that jumps out at you as a team you'd want to like or enjoy watching, even though they're really good. I'm gonna stick with Peyton on this one.


I picked the Eagles to win the super bowl, but I wouldnt be surprised if they fell for a third straight time in the NFC Championship. To tell you the truth, this game just doesn't interest me. The Panthers bore the crap out of me. And the only player of interest on the Eagles for me is McNabb. I'll stick with the Eagles though I guess.




--------------------

The clouds ran away, opened up the sky
And one by one I watched every constellation die
And there I was frozen, standing in my backyard
Face to face, eye to eye, staring at the last star
I should've known, walked all the way home
To find that she wasn't here, I'm still all alone

-Atmosphere "Always Coming Back Home to You"

Woulda been nice if anyone on Philadelphia was a halfway decent wide receiver.

New England vs. Carolina

God, is this really the Super Bowl? I don't think I've been this disinterested since Ravens-Giants. Anyways, I've been picking against Carolina since jump, and they've surprised me every week. And the Patriots don't have that intense home-field advantage anymore. But I still think the Patriots are the best team in the NFL all-around, and it's going to show in the Super Bowl. But I'm not very confident in it. If I was a betting man (and I am) I would skip the teams in this one and just pick the under, no matter what it is, because this is going to be one low scoring game.

Patriots 10- Panthers 7

--------------------

Hip-Hop QOTW:

"Yeah, where I'ma start it at, look I'ma part of that
Downtown Philly where it's realer than a heart attack
It wasn't really that ill until the start of crack
Now it's a body caught every night on the Almanac"

"Game Theory"
The Roots

just rename the stadium at philadelphia Chokesville... cuz we didn't see the Eagles that won 12 straight... we saw the one that was badly beaten the first two weeks of the season. I think that McNabb is an incredible QB, true.. but I think that he is a regular season QB.. by the time that the playoffs roll around, he drops his composure and just chokes. 3 straight ConferenceChampionship Game losses. And personally, I am very happy that they haven't won.. Philadelphia's fan base is so horrible.

But besides that, Carolina came on strong. Brought a lot of pressure on defense, all out shutting down the Philly offense. Ricky Manning had 3 interceptions and killed any sort of momentum the Eagles were trying to get. And I'm happy to see a farmboy like Jake Delhomme get a chance to shine. This is exactly how Kurt Warner became known throughout the NFL (but we don't want to mention how good he is now >_>). Stephen Davis is a premiere Super Bowl-esque back to attempt to bring the Vince Lombardi trophy to Carolina.

And lo-and-behold, Peyton Manning can be stopped. 4 interceptions. That New England defense is solid. I actually would give a lot of credit to Bill Bellichick. Going for it on 4th down on the opening drive? No other coach would think of it... but Bellichick did and it turned into a touchdown. Ty Law, 3 interceptions... solid. They deserved that Super Bowl trip, i think.

CAROLINA vs. NEW ENGLAND: New England's defense is hands down is the reason they've come this far. And they've proved that fact in the game against the Colts. But the one weakness that I did see was the Edgerrin James was able to cut up field for a couple good runs. And I for one think that Stephen Davis is better than Edge (argument ensuing...) So if the Panthers have any shot at winning, it's through Davis. But still, I think that the Pats are going to shut down the passing game, completely eliminate Muhammed and Smith and Delhomme...

Sab picks: New England


and a Carolina/New England Super Bowl may not interest that many people elsewhere, but I live in New England... and since the falling out of the BoSox to the Yanks, if the Pats win the Super Bowl, it'll be all out pandemonium around New England.. even in this small town, I bet people will go crazy... So it is a very big deal gathering plenty of interest around here...... .... but i still don't like the patriots

This post has been edited by Sabin on 19th January 2004 03:21

--------------------

"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

I'm gonna pick the Panthers. I'm not sure why...I just have a good feeling. I'm also going to be rooting for the Panthers. >_>

--------------------

Hey, put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey, put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me