NFL Divisional Playoffs

[Ray Barnes]

I can see the score. Had NO made that field goal in the first quarter, and gotten some points on their previous drive after that awful kick (thanks to the wind) instead of turning the ball over on downs, this would be probably 16-6 or 16-10. If NO gets some points early in the second half, I think the game is very much on.

[Roy Hersh]

By no means am I saying it is even close to over, but the game easily could've been a 20-0 game just as easily. I think that NO will be much tougher trying to pass the ball vs. an easier group of Seattle safeties and CB's, than running against Seattle's D line. As you've seen, the usually hot NO screen passing game has been ineffective at best and they need to try throwing further down field where I think they would be more effective. However, Seattle's D is paralyzing the NO O for the most part. Being able to force fumbles etc. is always a strength of Seattle ... this year

[Ray Barnes]

That sack of Brees on NO's first drive in the 3rd quarter was pretty critical, since up to then the Saints were looking good to get some points. The Saints are running out of wind advantage time.

As an aside, I am enjoying this ongoing blog/commentary.

[Roy Hersh]

I hear that D.B. has someone scouting info from this blog and found my suggestion to give up on screens and throw deep. The result 8 points. Cut the lead in half and now at the beginning of the 4th qtr. FINALLY we have a real game!

[Ray Barnes]

We do indeed. It is unfortunate that Percy Harvin is out with a concussion, I was really looking forward to seeing him. I can see why, in his very limited action, they traded for him.

The Saints D is still playing very tough.

[Roy Hersh]

Game over? I can't imagine with 2 mins left and 0 time outs they can possibly score w/out an onside kick miracle and a hail Mary. But Seattle will run the ball 3 times and game over even if NO scores here.

[Ray Barnes]

It's not over until the fat lady sings; however, she was just seen leaving catering and warming up.

[Roy Hersh]

Big meaningless play unless they have the perfect storm of an onside kick that is run in by NO on the recovery and they score a TD that way. Likely? Nah.

[Roy Hersh]

Woooohoo. Now we get the great hail Mary play.

[Roy Hersh]

Freaky finish. Wild last 10 minutes.

[Ray Barnes]

In spite of hoping for Seattle to win, I have tried to maintain as much objectivity as possible from the first play to the last. I think it is fair to say the outcome was doubt right up until the end. Ultimately, that late Hawks touchdown was the difference. Mother Nature probably had a bigger role in the game than the performance of either team. Anyway, the NFC Championship is in Seattle next weekend, so the ownership must be delighted.

[Roy Hersh]

As Seattle is my home team but certainly not my favorite as you know, I'd say you have to give a ton of credit to M. Lynch and on the other side of the ball, Earl Thomas was incredible. That crazy forward lateral was a bad way for the game to end, but the play before it, how does that receiver not step out of bounds.

Personally, as mentioned in the other thread, I really want to see the 49'ers play Seattle next week. That would be the best two teams in the NFC and hopefully the 49'ers will earn their appearance in the Championship game.

[Ray Barnes]

Have to agree with you Roy. That catch made just before the touchdown run by I believe Baldwin, under the circumstances, was superb too. There were good plays made by both teams, but Seattle ultimately made more of them, and NO's 2 missed field goals were significant. Seattle's running and defense get a lot of press, but they are pretty strong on special teams, which helped them today.

My early pick would be 49ers over Panthers tomorrow.

[Ray Barnes]

Nice to see that both teams are playing hard in New England, on yet another very inclement day. That throw by Andrew Luck was textbook stuff.

[Ray Barnes]

With about 11 minutes to go, NE is ahead by 21 points. The game is not over. Just ask the Chiefs, or the Cowboys.

[Moses Botbol]

Pats were solid

[Roy Hersh]

Can't wait for SD vs DEN

[Ray Barnes]

That should be interesting. In spite of being a Patriots enthusiast, I am very much hoping for the Broncos to win. We have already seen a Chargers/Patriots AFC Championship game in NE. It would be nice to see Brady vs. Manning one more time. The Patriots lost the AFC Championship last year at home against the Ravens. Time to hit the road for a change of fortune, in spite of the lost gate revenue.

[Roy Hersh]

4 quick picks:

Seattle, (not wet here today or yesterday) and NO is ready for cold and it is not cold here now either. I think Seattle will ultimately win, but they best not take the Saints for granted, as they are a heck of a tough team. - Well it was wet but Seattle came out on top - CORRECT

Heart roots against NE Patsies, but head says they will win at home, and might be a blow out. - Even predicted the blow out - CORRECT

I think SF will wind up playing in NFC Championship game vs. Seattle. The 49'ers are tough and focused and have a better balanced team. Even on the road against a v. solid team, they should prevail. - CORRECT

Denver by 12. Don't see the donkeys having a hard time this time around. Noise will be amped up to the max.

ADDED TODAY: Still have a short while b4 the big game in Denver. Can't wait to see this one!

[Ray Barnes]

We are both 3 for 3 so far on the weekend Roy, but it may be worth mentioning the Pats game was 29-22 for NE after three quarters. The game got out of reach for the Colts late. Not that I'm picking nits or anything.