Fútbol del Americano De 2010

[Taco-Calamitous]

Wow. That picture is... somewhat distressing. Particularly Rex Ryan as Hon Solo.

How about those Packers though, huh?! Wow. I thought they'd win, but I didn't think they'd score that many points on the number one seed. The last game those two teams played was much closer... Obviously the Packers are on a roll, and they're only picking up steam. I like them again next week over Chicago, but obviously it should probably be a bit closer of a game. Yeah, Chicago beat up on the Seahawks a bit today... but it was the Seahawks, away from Seattle. They've been like that all year on the road versus superior teams.

On the other side of the divisions, I'm pleased to be wrong about the Jets/Patriots game (the only one of four, I might add. Though I'd have been fine with being 1/4 instead of 3/4, really.) Maybe mostly because I'm sick and tired of 3 teams this past decade: The Colts, The Steelers, and The Patriots. Has there been a year in the past ten years where one of them didn't go to the Super Bowl? Oh yeah, the Ravens back in like '01. Oh, and the Oakland Raiders on '03. After '03... But anyway, Jets have to go to Pittsburgh next week. Even though the Patriots beat the Steelers at home earlier this year, I have a feeling the Steel Curtain will be much tougher an obstacle for the Jets to overcome. There's no revenge factor in this game, and really, aside from a few games, the Steelers have looked rock solid all year, where as the Pats and Jets have looked shaky even in games they won. I pick the Steelers to win. (Watch the Jets prove me wrong again next week, ha.) Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Zargabaath]

Even though the Patriots beat the Steelers at home earlier this year, I have a feeling the Steel Curtain will be much tougher an obstacle for the Jets to overcome. There's no revenge factor in this game, and really, aside from a few games, the Steelers have looked rock solid all year, where as the Pats and Jets have looked shaky even in games they won. I pick the Steelers to win. (Watch the Jets prove me wrong again next week, ha.) Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

I believe you mean the Jets beating the Steelers at Heinz Field earlier this year, but this was one key person missing from that game - Polamalu. That defense really depends on him. I expect the Steelers defense to play better than that regular season match-up. Polamalu should be feeling better as well since his injury will have another week to get better.

But you are right about the AFC not being that diverse. Unlike the NFC which has had 9 different teams represent that Conference since 2001; the only repeats were the Giants ('01 & '08).


Edit: Oh, and Rex Ryan as Han Solo reminds me of Peter Griffon as Han.

[Pete]

I'm still walking on air from that game last night. My biggest concern though is that the Jets will be emotionally drained. From the way they've all been speaking in their interviews and press conferences, I don't believe they will be though. I have a good amount of confidence in this team, but I was at the edge of my seat for the entire second half, and especially during both onside kicks. Hell, I was still incredibly nervous when they went into the victory formation, fully expecting some kind of Patriot shenanigans... until the clock hit zero.

I think that the Jets have a tough game ahead of them on Sunday, but as they've proven before, they can hang with the best of them. They've beaten the Steelers once already, granted without Polamalu, but I think their offensive tackles are suspect, and that if we can get rolling on offense, establishing Greene and LT, we'll be able to have a good game.

I honestly think that if the Jets do win, it'll be incredibly interesting, since they've played both the Packers and Bears, and had two completely different styled games. 9-0 against the Packers, where they contained Rodgers, and only gave up 3 field goals, and a shootout against the Bears, where Sanchez kept up with Cutler until the end, but fell short. Regardless, we need to beat Rapelisberger first.

And yeah, the AFC isn't really diverse at all. You always seem to have the Patriots, Steelers, Colts and Ravens. The Chargers are usually in it, and the Jets turn up every now and then.

[Zargabaath]

Tis Saturday after a week that was not as bad I thought. Tomorrow is the big day for 4 teams; a little less than 25 hours before the first game starts. Here are my thoughts


Packers @ Bears: It is hard to take away much from either of the regular season games. In game 1 (week 3) the Packers were called for 18 penalties - a franchise record for 1 game. It is also interesting and a bit suspicious that the officiating crew who were at that game will be officiating this game as well. Hmmm, dirty Chicago politics? (j/k). The Packers held the ball for 10 more minutes and Rodgers threw for over 300 yds, I suspect why we didn't score more were because of the insane amount of penalties called against them - for the regular season the Packers ranked 3rd lowest in penalties with 78. Bears defense did not sack Rodgers in that game. In the second game (week 17) the Bears had "no incentive" to play other than keeping momentum of their starters. I find this to not be entirely accurate. The Bears/Packers rivalry is the longest & one of the biggest in Football/sports; do as anybody honestly think that if the chance arose either team would not naturally dash the playoff hopes of the other? Would the Yankees or Redsox not try to knock each other out of the playoffs? Lovie Smith said when hired that his goal was to beat the Packers, what better victory than to destroy their playoff hopes because any real sports fan can attest that in the playoffs anything can happen - 2004 ALCS. Continuing in the second game, the Bears were able to get around 90 yds running but their O-Line gave up 6 sacks, 3 more than in the first meeting. Bears were able to contain the Packers offense as well and the Packers did a better job in limiting Hester in the return game. I've been hearing a lot of how the Bears defense is good and that Rodgers won't have the same type of game like last week which is expected, but I find that analysts are overlooking the Packers defense which ranked 5th (Bears 9th) had the second in most sacks, fewest points allowed and interceptions. One point I found out from John Ritchie was that neither team is really all that good in the running game: Bears 22nd, Packers 24th; Bears averaged 101 yds/g while the Packers 100.4 yds/g. I like the Packers because of their defense that will have a lot of playmakers in the group and the Packers offense lead by Rodgers. Both team will try to run which the Bears should do better; Bears run defense gave up an avg of 90 yds/g which if the Packers got 90 yds would be pretty good. The field is tough but the Packers do have experience from this year and past years for those not in their Rookie year playing at Soldier Field.



Jets @ Steelers: During their regular season match the Steelers did not have Polamalu or Heath Miller (TE) in that game; with their inclusion in this game the Steelers will undergo a definite change on defense and offense. I'm having doubts that the Jets will be able to run against the Steelers though the Steelers are missing that one fellow who was instrumental in stopping the run - but Polamalu is back. With how Rex has attacked/defended against Manning & Brady I feel confident that he will find a very effective way against Roethlisberger. Rex may blitz more because that O-Line is wrecked and I do believe the Jets will be able to bring him down which they did three times during week 15. After showing to me twice of handling Manning & Brady, though Manning was able to adjust during the second-half I feel that the Jets will win this game - a close game. Even if it comes down to Sanchez who has proven time and time again to be able to lead this team in the 4th quarter to victory and is 4-1 on the road in the playoffs.

[Polk]

HEY YOU GUYS. YOU GUYS YOU GUYS YOU GUYS.

The packers are going to the super bowl.

[Taco-Calamitous]

Damn right they are. And they've advanced by defeating their hated enemies, the Chicago Bears, not once but twice. That was an intense game, though. Maybe the Bears would've done better if they'd just benched Cutler and played that rookie Chanie; he was awesome. Had a lot of poise for a big time situation like that. Although when the announcers commented towards the end that he hadn't made any mistakes yet, I knew that they had jinxed him, ha. I thought to myself, "He's gonna make a mistake." Sure enough, three plays later, there's your interception and your game.

I will say that I hope Rodgers works on whatever happened to him that made him start throwing balls at people's feet towards the end of the first half, though. And that the receivers work on actually catching the damn ball! The offense started out awesome, and then totally broke down. I was like, "Don't do this to me, Pack! Don't do this to me!" But the D saved their asses in the end. Of course, the offense's play wasn't the only thing that was stressing me out; all those damned commercials! Five minutes of commercials after the Bears' scoring drive, then the consecutive 2 and outs! I swear there were more ****ing commercials during that half hour period than there was actual game. Like, a 2/3 ratio.

My condolences to all Jets fans. And by that I mean specifically Pete. In all honesty, I was kinda hoping they'd win, because I think the Packers probably have a better chance against them than the Steelers. Looked like they might pull out the all time comeback deficit for a little while at the end there. I am worried about the Steel Curtain and that running back Mendenhall in the Super Bowl; he was a beast.

Still, I'm gonna call the Pack to win it all. Because if they don't, I will cry. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Pete]

The Jets lost to themselves. They came out flat in the first half and let the Steelers manhandle them. Seriously, a 9 minute opening drive?

When they got their heads out of their asses, they were able to get into a groove... except for when they couldn't get a ****ing touchdown on first and goal.

Honestly though, I'm not even all that pissed or upset. I'm disappointed, since this team was built to win, and if they would have played like they had in the second half, I'm sure it would have been a much different story.

And **** the terrible towel. That thing's gay.

[Sasquatch]

Bears didn't beat themselves, they just didn't show up until the fourth quarter. While Caleb Hanie wasn't the best QB on the Bears, it seemed like he tried the hardest -- and it's pretty sad when you can rely more on your third-string QB than you can on your first-string. The first half, the Bears couldn't cover anybody, couldn't tackle, and couldn't get pressure on Defense. On Offense, they couldn't get out of coverage, they couldn't open holes, and they couldn't protect the pocket. They came out a little more motivated in the second half, but still weren't playing to their potential.

My honest prediction before the game was 27-24 Green Bay. I was about 60/40 (maybe 55/45) sure that the Packers would win, but I thought that it would have been a better game than that.

Now I'm torn on the Super Bowl. See, I hate the Steelers. Those queerbags have six rings and a total of six championships, while the Bears and Packers each have at least half again that many. They're a good team, sure, I'm just tired of ignorant morons shit-talking that the Steelers are the best team ever, while ignoring anything that happened before '66. Of course, there is the same trash-talk from Packer fans (as well as fans of every team, I'm sure), and since I live in Wisconsin and am a Bears fan, it would be great to see the Packers lose. But then, that would be satisfying all the dumbass Packer fans around where I live. (Of course, there are plenty that actually respect other teams and their players -- those are respectable fans. But there are others that, for some reason, believe that no penalty against their favorite team should stand, that every play should be a penalty against its opponents -- yes, the refs were paid off on every single game your team has ever lost -- that laugh when an opposing player gets hurt, etc. etc.)

No Super Bowl has ever ended in a tie before. I wonder if they would even let that happen? If the regulation game ends tied, and nobody scores in Sudden Death overtime, what are the regulations on what happens next?

I still think Aaron Rodgers is overrated. Sure, he can excell sometimes, but every quarterback can. Hell, Rex Grossman has had higher QB ratings than Aaron Rodgers has. But all too many people are making him out to be even better than Favre was in his prime, when he hasn't proven himself. And sure, he's done great, but let's face it. It's the Packers. It's a team entirely built around the quarterback. Hell, I could go to Green Bay and at least finish 8-8.

[Sean]

I hate the Steelers, mainly because I hate roflbuger. (Yes, I know that's not his actual name.)

I was really pulling for the jets last night, but my money (if I had actually put money on it) was on Pitts.

I'm really hoping the Packers win it, though. I haaaaaaaaaate the Steelers. Next to the Patriots, Steelers take second for me.


In an unrelated side-note: I heard murmurings that the Rams might be interested in Plaxico Burress (again). I still think it's hilarious he shot himself.

[Taco-Calamitous]

Well, I dunno if Rodgers is better than Favre was in his prime, but I think he's better than Favre has been the last couple of years. He certainly has been more consistent for the Packers than Grossman ever was, and when he is knocked out of a game, it shows; they lost both the games Flynn took over for him in, and one of them was against the lowly Lions. (The other was in a close game against the Patriots, but Flynn had a chance to win that one and did not seem to understand that he needed to hurry his ass up at the end. Still, if called upon again, he'll probably get better.) Rodgers also was the second best rushing QB behind Michael-freaking-Vick during the regular season, and I don't remember Favre ever being all that mobile; he was called "The Gunslinger" for a reason.

I don't think Rodgers has proven that he will be a lasting presence in the NFL yet, but we'll see if he wins this Super Bowl. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Kaiden]

Rodgers first 3 years as a starter are right up there with farve. He's in a tough spot always being compared to one of best quarterbacks ever to play. While he continues to put up 4000 yards and 30 tds a year. I don't you are giving him credit for the kind of games he had in the playoffs. That game against the Flacons was some of the best quarterback play I have seen all year. Granted he had a terrible half against the bears.

[Zargabaath]

It's not a big surprise who I want to win this Superbowl but I'll still give my thoughts on the game.

Steelers vs Packers: Both teams have superb defenses who have continued to play well during the playoffs. Both their DC were the ones who created "Blitzburgh" back in the early 90s. I like the Packers receivers against the Steelers secondary especially with the field that the game will be played on which is a bonus for Rodgers - he gets to wear his favorite shoes which makes his feet happy. Steelers have Ward, Wallace & TE Miller as receiving threats but the play of the Packers secondary has been splendid this year with relative no-names who stepped up their game in the playoffs. Steelers have the better LBs & with Walden looking as not to play for the Pack, Zombo will fill in whom I'm uneasy about since he hasn't played for some time - Walden has continuity. The front 3 of the Packers can definitely get after the QB who I'll take over the Steelers DL because the I find the Packers OL to be better than the Steelers, though the later have played well all year despite their injuries. It will be hard for the Packers to run the ball effectively but there is the possibility to get a decent amount. If they are more physical than Pittsburgh than they can kind of repeat the Jets performance in the second half though their best option is a rookie who has done well in the playoffs. One of the Packers challenges this game will be stopping the Pittsburgh running game. Rodgers and Big Ben can both extend plays and have good arms; Big Ben with the farther range and a better deep threat (Wallace). Steelers have the experience but that doesn't always translate into wins: Saints beat the Colts last year; Giants over the Patriots in 07; the Bills in the 90s(?) lost 4 straight times but other times it is a boon. I believe this game will be won through defense and special teams mostly through good punting. My sisters and I did a playoff bracket before they started and I had the Packers versing the Ravens with the Ravens winning; I had the Ravens beating the Steelers as an upset - that didn't work out. I did think that game was a toss-up as this game but Big Ben's luck and the Steelers defense which is the best the Pack have faced is a tough assignment even being on a favorable field. I'm going with the Pack because I feel their defense has done a slightly better job in the playoffs and have made plenty of big plays at the end of the halves during the playoffs.

[Taco-Calamitous]

All I gotta say is...

HOW 'BOUT THEM PACKERS?!!

Fuck yeah. I was nervous, I will admit. And I thought it was gonna be a route for a little while. But those guys pulled it off. Have to admit I did not see that last drive coming. And they won a game this post season that didn't come on an interception for a change, heh.

You happy, Polk? Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Polk]

YouTube - Green and Yellow OFFICIAL VIDEO

LET ME TELL YOU BOUT THEM PACKERS.

I'll be back when I'm not nearly as drunk

edit: this one's better

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oicSTRWH_i0

[OceanEyes28]

OH YEAH PACKERS OH YEAH!!!!!!

Eat it, Steelers. BAHAHAHAHA.

Um. I don't know what else to say. I was hoping the Packers would win, they did, I ate shrimp and cookies and then danced to 90s music. It was a good day.

[Pete]

Anytime a rapist loses, I'm happy.

Case in point, Roethlisberger lost, and so I'm quite happy.

I'm also excited that this is a **** you to Favre, who dicked around with Rodgers with his whole un-retiring thing and general douchebaggery. I also tip my hat to the Packers GM and other player management for deciding to ditch Favre and go with Rodgers, who clearly was the right choice for the future.

Lets just hope my boy Sanchez will have similar results next year.