the NFL playoffs

[Ray Barnes]

Well, as far as possible, I refuse to let enthusiasm interfere with rationality. For the record, the bet was on the entire series. When the Canucks were up 2-doughnut, I hastened to remind the few zealots I could engage that the Canucks had not been able to score more than 2 regulation goals a game against Boston for the previous 2 or 3 years, and those results would eventually bite them in the posterior. In the meanwhile, the fans were engaging in street celebrations after every victory, which i though was completely inappropriate.

You may recall the 1982 finals between the NY Islanders and the Canucks. In spite of unanimous disbelief from my co-workers, I advance wagered the Islanders to win in 4 straight. It was a pleasantly dissapointing result.

[Ray Barnes]

For those who may be rooting for Denver over New England, you might be pleased to know that Wes Welker's status for the game is, at best, questionable. Since much of the Patriots offence is built around "the slot machine", this could be real trouble. The last time Welker missed a playoff game due to injury after getting hurt on the last "mean nothing" game of the season, the Ravens won.

[Ray Barnes]

San Francisco, CA - 64F, sunny
Foxboro, MA - 23F, partly cloudy, wind 17mph

[Roy Hersh]

The 49ers have capitalized on the 5 turnovers by the Saints. I expected a tougher and less mistake riddled game. 20-14 at the moment and Brees will have to really fight hard to overcome the INTs and fumbles, in order to keep it close and have any chance of winning. This is not the N.O. team we typically see; however it is less than a TD differential and is still anybody's game (at the moment).

[Ray Barnes]

I agree with the Fox commentators that the Saints defence has been excellent considering what they have had to deal with.

Funny thing is, the Saints had a great drive going from (I think) their 13 yard line until they got greedy and went for a TD pass.

[Roy Hersh]

When have you ever seen four lead changes in the last five minutes of a NFL Playoff game? This has been an unbelieveable ending to a crazy fun game. I am happy for the 49'ers even though I am not a fan of that team.

[Derek T.]

A fantastic game - for a neutral this was a great example of what competitive sport is all about

[Ray Barnes]

I was half expecting Sproules to have a long kick return and Brees to score at the very end - but no. Fun game for everyone except the coaches. Congrats 49ers.

[Ray Barnes]

I did not like the ruling on the alleged touchdown pass to Gronkowski - the ball appeared to hit the ground. Too bad.

[Eric Menchen]

O.k. Last pass maybe not great, but two previous Tebow passes hit receivers on the hands.

BTW, lots of hikes without 7 offensive men strictly on the line.

[Ray Barnes]

At least the Broncos got the points back on a Brady interception. Since then, the Broncos are getting outplayed on both sides of the ball. To say the least, it is not as entertaining to watch, Patriots fan or not, as the earlier game today.

[Roy Hersh]

In all fairness, the Broncos loss wasn't the fault of Tim Tebow. Not that he helped much, but agreed that momentum was lost when balls were dropped. He lacks the touch of a great QB, but so did Elway early in his career and look how he turned out. The Broncos D has improved a lot, ok not in this game, but compared to recent years. McGahee has proven he is the real deal and possibly the best Denver's had since T. Davis. Now if they could combine both a strong running game and improved passing game with consistency, they'd be an elite AFC offense. The D is coming along fine and it's only a couple of players away from making Denver a serious contender.

[Moses Botbol]

At least the Broncos got the points back on a Brady interception. Since then, the Broncos are getting outplayed on both sides of the ball. To say the least, it is not as entertaining to watch, Patriots fan or not, as the earlier game today.

First game was one for the history books!

My Pats should up and displayed both defense and offense. Pats D numbers are great, but hard to argue with what they did last night. Hard to pick many faults with their play.

[Glenn E.]

(Tebow) lacks the touch of a great QB, but so did Elway early in his career and look how he turned out. The Broncos D has improved a lot, ok not in this game, but compared to recent years.

I don't think that comparison is valid. Elway was always a more-or-less traditional NFL quarterback. He was just rough around the edges when he was drafted and needed time to adjust to the NFL. He, like Favre, was able to save plays with his feet, but really neither one of those two could be called a runner.

Tebow is an athlete, and that's about it. He's an okay but not great runner. He's not a great passer. He's like Michael Vick or Cam Newton but without most of the talent. (FWIW, Newton > Vick by a fairly wide margin IMO due to size, speed, and passing ability.)

Tebow had some success this year due almost entirely to the Denver defense, which played out of its mind during that 7-1 stretch.

Vick was amazing his first year or so because defensive coordinators didn't know what to do about him. Once they started to figure him out he was much less effective, though still good. I expect the same thing to happen to Cam Newton next year, though unlike Vick it does seem that Newton can be a capable pocket passer so his drop off might not be as significant.

Tebow, on the other hand, basically can't pass. (At least at the level of a real NFL quarterback.) Once defenses start to scheme against him, he's toast. The option is a gimmick in the NFL because it's just not effective - defenses are too fast and too smart to fall for it. So what's he left with? Handing the ball to McGahee, which the defenses will be expecting next year. I predict 7-9 at best next year and more likely 6-10.

[Ray Barnes]

I heard an NFL network analyst comment yesterday that Tebow had the leadership ability of a Ray Lewis, and the throwing arm of a Ray Lewis.

Speaking of which, looks like the Ravens are getting right down to business.

Watching last night's highlight package, I agree with Roy, the last 4:06 of the game in Candlestick Park was unprecedented. Watching it over again was pretty riveting in its own right.

[Eric Menchen]

Yesterday Tebow was unimpressive, and the Denver defense just fell apart.

[Tom D.]

Yesterday Tebow was unimpressive, and the Denver defense just fell apart.

Agreed. Tebow didn't do a lot. But then again, he wasn't on the field while NE was scoring their 45 points. Broncos are still a work in progress, but it's nice to see the franchise having some success again.

The question is moot this year anyway, as the Packers will not be stopped by anyone...

[Ray Barnes]

Good luck Tom. I hope for your sake we are not about to witness the first road win of the NFL post-season after 7 home wins. Let's see, what was the score last time these teams played? Packers 38, Giants 35, in New Jersey. This could be as much fun as the other NFC battle!

[Tom D.]

Yesterday Tebow was unimpressive, and the Denver defense just fell apart.

Agreed. Tebow didn't do a lot. But then again, he wasn't on the field while NE was scoring their 45 points. Broncos are still a work in progress, but it's nice to see the franchise having some success again.

The question is moot this year anyway, as the Packers will not be stopped by anyone...

Although they might decide to take the day off

Never seen the O look this tight.

[Ray Barnes]

The Packers IMHO were indeed not stopped by anyone - except themselves. Imagine how everyone in the Saints organization feels now, with hindsight knowledge, that they gave away the right to host the NFC Championship game?