NFL Playoff Sunday Open Thread

NFL Playoff Sunday Open Thread

By NB Staff (Bio | Archive)
January 11, 2009 - 11:06 ET

Playoff weekend began with what would have to be described as surprises Saturday with both away underdogs winning. Sadly, in the first game, much like in last weekend's games, the refs played a huge part.

Hey, zebras: when the play clock is at zero, and the ball hasn't been snapped, that's delay of game. Probably the easiest call you have to make all day. Sheesh.

Anyway, Joe's got us covered below the fold:

Story Continues Below Ad ↓

Ok, close your eyes...

Now picture hearing the following promo:

Super Bowl Sunday on NBC kicks off at 8:00 AM with a very special two-hour edition of Countdown with Keith Olbermann!

Keith will show us conclusive evidence that Sarah Palin finished DEAD LAST in her office playoff pool by picking the Cardinals and Ravens TO LOSE in the first round!

Did the vapid VP nominee purposely select Arizona to lose to rattle the old bones of John McCain?

Special guest Jonathan Alter, making his 3,000th appearence, breaks it all down!

Then...

It's NBC's pregame show LIVE from Tampa! Former organization cancers Matt Millen and Tiki Barber play X's and O's with the keys to defeat!

RAVENS!

CARDINALS!

It's the game we've all been waiting for!

And it's only on N-B-C!

One more win by the Ravens (who had no business winning yesterday) and Cardinals (who I said would cover but never actually thought would destroy the Panthers) and that's what we're looking at for the big game, folks.

Here's hoping today's winners below can help us avoid such a doomsday scenario:

Giants at Eagles: For a team that has never won a Super Bowl, you have to applaud Eagles fans for their arrogance and misplaced confidence. They're alot like former Pennsylvania resident Chris Matthews, who has never won even his time slot more than 1-2 days out of an entire year, but actually had thoughts of winning a 2010 Senate race in a state he hasn't lived in since 1974.

By the way, '74 is the year the most hated blonde on TV (even more than Ann Coulter) tried to run for office in a U.S. House Primary and received a whopping 23% of the vote.

Getting back to the Eagles, they won't get any gifts like the ones Tavaris Jackson was handing out like M&M's last week. Eli Manning is at quarterback this time around. Brandon Jacobs is now healthy, and I just can't buy another #6 seed winning four consecutive games on the road again in the playoffs.

If the Giants can pressure McNabb (0 sacks in two previous meetings this year) they win the game. If not, well, get ready for a least-anticipated NFC Championship game since Rams-Bucs in '79.

Chargers at Steelers:

I love the way all of the news networks reported this particular item:

"On Wednesday, President George W. Bush hosted a luncheon at the White House for President-Elect Barack Obama...along with all of the living ex-Presidents."

Really?

He didn't invite any of the dead ex-presidents?

Reagan and Washington had scheduling conflicts?

Sorry...I always found the wording in that lead funny...

Anyway, the big question entering this final game of the weekend is if the Chargers have an away version of those powder blue uniforms. If so, and if Norv Turner is smart enough to order his team to wear them, they win the game. It's really that simple.

But given the likelihood that San Diego shows up in the white and navy, here's how it will go.

And it will be ugly:

The Chargers offensive line gets overwhelmed by the Steelers front seven.

Phillip Rivers throws three interceptions and still talks trash throughout the game.

Tomlinson doesn't even suit up (which he likely won't), and Darren Sproles shows why he isn't an everyday back and was a third-stringer just one year ago. His performance against the Colts was nice, but that defense is three shades softer than the Steel curtain, which doesn't allow anyone to run on them at home.

Ben Roethlisberger, human statue, will have an average day coming off a concussion, but he won't make any mistakes. The defense will prove him a short field to work with. Willie Parker, Hines Ward and the 25-degree weather (which never seems to work out for any warm weather team in the playoffs) will do the rest.

Chargers 13
Steelers 27

Joe Concha is a weekly contributor to Newsbusters.org and plans on gaining 5-7 pounds this weekend. Email questions or comments to joe.concha@foxnews.com.

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Ravens deserved win.

January 11, 2009 - 11:34 ET by flyingmonkey

Why do you think the Ravens had no business winning? I am an avid football fan and my rule of thumb for Ravens games is this:

If you can't put 13 points on the scoreboard, you will not beat the Ravens.

The Ravens have a adequate offense and a rookie quarterback but their awsome "D"-fense can keep the other team off the board. You can't beat them if you can't outscore them.

Surprise!

January 11, 2009 - 11:40 ET by nofate

I loved that Cardinals game yesterday. Before the game, the talking heads on Fox and the announcers were as much as saying, "Why play the game??? Why are the Cardinals even making the trip? The whole thing is pointless, they can't win."

SIX turnovers!!! Happy B-day! Go Kurt, but, shhh!, don't say "Praise the Lord" so loud after you win the game, you can see the interviewer shuddering. I love it.

"The future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves."

michaelyon-online.com

nofate.... Exactly right,

January 11, 2009 - 20:30 ET by bigtimer

nofate....

Exactly right, I knew the minute Warner even dared to mention Praise the Lord...the msm would do what they always do...ignore as much as they possibly can the team he is on, or the great job he has done.

I hope with all my heart the Cards go all the way!

Steelers my 2nd choice now with the Giants and Chargers out.

....anybody but the Eagles or Ravens.

..."America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

Ok Joe- we get it, you're

January 11, 2009 - 11:42 ET by BKeyser

Ok Joe- we get it, you're not a Ravens fan. But saying the Ravens had no business winning yesterday is merely a denial of the final scoreboard. Tennessee won 13 games, had a week off, played at home, and got BEAT UP by a more physical team. They couldn't convert when they had to. Call it Karma (since Tennessee shouldn't have won in Baltimore week 5), call 'em choke-artists, say they're poorly coached- in the end Baltimore made the plays that changed the outcome of the game, not the refs. And don't forget, had the ref's called the first Titans-Ravens game and the second Steelers-Ravens game correctly, Baltimore might have been the well-rested team playing at home.

Also- regarding the "non-call": nobody stopped playing. Its not like it was a false start that wasn't called and defensive players shut it down assuming a whistle. Everybody on both sides of the ball were in top gear during the play and Flacco-Heap connected while two Titan DB's failed to break it up. Give credit where credit is due.

But, if you're still upset, I did find a page on NFL.con that indicates an apology is forthcoming from the NFL to Tennessee. It reads, "We understand your frustration at the omission of a whistle upon the expiration of the play clock. While this happens at least twice during every NFL game (the Back Judge rarely has the play clock and Center-QB in the same line of sight like on a TV screen) we do apologize to all Titans fans for not having enough lollipops available for all of your sobbing fans. Next time don't turn the ball over in the Red Zone."

Sorry- the Ravens deserve a little payback for the number of bad calls against them this year.

BK

January 11, 2009 - 12:51 ET by Noel Sheppard

BK,

So, by your reasoning should every penalty go uncalled if the 22 guys on the field keep playing? The flag should only be valid if someone stops playing?

Forgive me, but that's the play of the game. Almost two seconds elapsed after the clock was at zero. Should the Ravens get credit for completing a great pass and catch that yielded a first down? No. Why? Because flags should have been thrown as soon as the clock went to zero, and the great play should never have occurred.

You know, there was an NFC Championship game in 1993 between the 49ers and the Cowboys. On the first play from scrimmage after the opening kickoff, Jerry Rice caught a 63-yard TD pass from Steve Young that was called back for a holding by Guy McIntyre. Nobody stopped playing when the flag was thrown. But, six points were taken off the scoreboard, and what could have set the 49ers up with all the momentum in the world and an excited crowd was nullified. That's the way penalties work sometimes.

However, on the flipside, offensive holding is subjective. There are a lot of holding calls that are pathetic, and a lot that go unnoticed. BUT, delay of game is NOT subjective. Clock goes to zero, and you haven't snapped the ball, it's a penalty. PERIOD. Doesn't matter whether or not people stopped playing. It's a penalty, and yesterday for some truly bizarre reason, although almost two full seconds elapsed AFTER the clock hit ZERO, there was no penalty.

Please bear in mind: I had NO pony in this race (I'm a 49er fan!) and NO money on it. I just wanted to see a good game, and that no-call in my view made it an atrocity. JMHO. ns

Understandable

January 11, 2009 - 13:29 ET by BKeyser

Yep- I agree, it was a missed call. But again, that particular missed call happens AT LEAST twice EVERY game! And, what you failed to note, is that the OFFICIAL play clock is kept by the back judge. Is it possible that the play clock was off a bit? I don't know- and I'm not proposing any conspiracy (its football and human error is part of the game) but the official did not see reason to throw a flag. In the Referee's comments after the game, he did not indicate an error was made.

My point about the play continuing was that all 22 players on the field thought it was a legal play- not that all plays not given-up on by players on the field should be free of penalties. Comments by Titans after also indicated that they were not aware of the violation. Therefore, they were playing the down as if there was no penalty, and could not stop the conversion. Also, since it was third down at the time, even had the penalty been called, another play would have been run. Now, had the Ravens ran the ball on 3rd and 2 and gained 3, you might argue that had everything else been equal, the call made a difference. But, since they gained 23 on the pass to Heap, 3rd and 2 or 3rd and 7 is immaterial.

The atrocity occured in week 5 in Baltimore when Suggs was called for a blow to the helmet (of Tennessee's Collins) on a play that should've been blown for a false start. It was 4th and 6 and Collins' pass fell incomplete. There was just over 2 minutes remaining, the Ravens were up 10-6, and Tennessee was out of time outs. That atrocious call extended a drive that was over, (albeit for an obviously blown call) and allowed the Titans (with the help of a subsequent questionable penalty on Baltimore) to drive down the field for the winning score. So, that's a fine 16 year-old example, but the Ravens suffered at the hands of the ref's this year, against this same team. And Noel? 16 years! Come on...get over it! LOL

Inevitably, whether you have a horse in the race or not, human error will provoke some of the lamest excuses for the losing team. The Titans were the atrocity, not the officials. There were many many non-calls during that game. As in most post-season games, the officials usually try to let the players on the field settle the game. In yesterday's case, it was a tired but game Ravens defense that forced Keri Collins to throw a pick, and LenDale White and Alge Crumpler to fumble in the Red Zone.

Call it how you will but blaming the ref's for the Titans' loss is scapegoating the fact that Baltimore wanted it more and executed when it counted.

BK

January 11, 2009 - 13:42 ET by Noel Sheppard

BK,

You think two delay of game penalties are missed in every game? Really? That's the first one I've seen this year, and I can't remember in ALL my years of watching college and professional football a missed DOG call having such a huge impact on a game. ns

BK

January 11, 2009 - 13:59 ET by Noel Sheppard

BK,

Let's talk about that safety the Giants just got. McNabb in my view was being hit by two Giants as he released the ball. That impacted the trajectory of the throw thereby negating intentional grounding. That should have been an incomplete pass in my view and NOT a safety.

Anybody else see it that way? ns

Noel, That's the way

January 11, 2009 - 14:16 ET by RW_the original

Noel,

That's the way I saw it too. Not so much for the guy that hit his arm before he threw the ball, but there was a Giant in front of McNabb spinning him to the right as he was throwing.

RW

January 11, 2009 - 15:44 ET by Noel Sheppard

RW,

And, as you saw after a commercial break, McNabb was talking to an official about exactly that. Yet, the announcers never broad it up. ns

→ Go Giants

January 11, 2009 - 15:50 ET by Cool Arrow

Just bein' a contrarian.

And I like Manning.

And I want to see Plaxico kicking himself with his good leg.

LYDSEXICS UNTIE!

Sorry-

January 11, 2009 - 18:45 ET by BKeyser

Sorry, Noel, I was traveling at the time of the safety. Though the XM SportingNews guys had different takes on the play. Some said the contact forced the errant throw, others said there was no one within 25 yards. I didn't see it, though.

And yes, I think there are usually at least one or two DOG penalties or potential penalties in each game. CBS, for example, doesn't show the play clock on every down- only when its getting close to zero. Sometimes its called, other times not. I don't know how many times I've said this year alone, "they didn't get it off." I didn't say, however, that they were game changers.

NFC

January 11, 2009 - 11:54 ET by sawing batta

"it's so cold in the D"

Ya know what chaps me

January 11, 2009 - 12:00 ET by general company

The Chargers at 8-8 got to host the 12-4 Colts, and if they manage to beat the Steelers then they get to go back home and host the Ravens at 11-4. I think this is BS and I dont care if they won a lousy division, the team with the best record should host always.

The Ravens did deserve to win btw, the Titans had great oppertunities to put the game out of reach. But Balt stepped up and forced the turnovers that kept them in the game. Great game though.

And what about those Cardinals? Who saw that comming, I wonder it they can keep it going. The D was awsome and Warner and Fitz were spectacular.

I think the Giants win 24-17

And I like the Steelers 20-13

I think both game are going to be great, and please do not use my predictions for your wagers,,,,I never seem to get it right.

"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg

I could care less who wins

January 11, 2009 - 13:02 ET by ricklail

I could care less who wins the Super Bowl. After that embarassment in Charlotte, I have give up football until next season. I am ready for the ACC season and NASCAR to begin.

YOU CAN KEEP "THE CHANGE" PALIN 2012

No kidding Rick

January 11, 2009 - 16:18 ET by choselife3x

I could hear Jake crying himself to sleep last night.

In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.

TEBOW TO RETURN!!!!

January 11, 2009 - 14:25 ET by Blonde

Announced live from the Swamp during the National Championship Celebration.

The Gator Nation breathes a sigh of relief!

GO GATORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JJ

January 11, 2009 - 15:55 ET by Noel Sheppard

JJ,

So what seniors will you be losing? ns

NS

January 11, 2009 - 16:31 ET by Blonde

The most notable seniors leaving are Louis Murphy (the big receiver), Phil Trautwein (he got the motion penalties the other night) and CI....Cornelius Ingraham, who didn't play this year at all due to injury.

There are eleven starting seniors who are not returning. Most on special teams. Almost the entire O and D lines are returning (the Pouncey Twins, woo hoo)....and most of the marquee players.

Questionable are Harvin and Spikes. But I'd suspect there's a bit of "threesome" psychology going on, a la the 2006 basketball team.

The celebration was a hoot....Danny Wuerffel introduced Tebow saying, "well, Tim, you haven't won one as a Senior". Tim then gave his speech (in the past tense...I said to mom, "wow, he's going"). Then he walked off, stopped, turned around, grabbed the mic and said, "oh yeah, I forgot, let's do it again next year, I'm coming back".

I watched the game again this morning, and saw something to gladden my heart. On Harvin's second big run, he was smoking up the right sideline when Jeff Demps came screaming up inside of him, overcame him and made a couple of key blocks. Turbo charged and lightning speed (Demps just missed going to the Olympics, and he doesn't run track at all).

Things are cool in Title Town...looks like we'll already be ranked #1 for next year (kiss of death, I know...but we've never had a Tebow beforeP. Life is sweet!

Good evening Blonde

January 11, 2009 - 16:43 ET by cocodrie

Figured Tebow would stay. He's got real class.

JJ

January 11, 2009 - 16:15 ET by Noel Sheppard

JJ,

This one's for you:

I love this kid!!! ns

Thanks, NS

January 11, 2009 - 16:38 ET by Blonde

That was very kind of you...and I am so thrilled you've become a Tebow fan.

<edit> Although the vista is not quite so panoramic, the audio is a bit better, here. Timmy had us all going!

JJ

January 11, 2009 - 16:42 ET by Noel Sheppard

JJ,

Here's a more audible version:

NS

January 11, 2009 - 16:43 ET by Blonde

xxx oooo

NS

January 11, 2009 - 20:01 ET by Blonde

Interesting Tebow fact (from Wiki):

Tebow was born on August 14, 1987 in the Philippines to Bob and Pam Tebow, who were serving as Christian missionaries at the time.[1] While pregnant Pam suffered a life-threatening infection with a pathogenic amoeba. Because of extremely strong drugs used to bring her out of a coma and to relieve her dysentery, the fetus had experienced a severe placental abruption. Expecting a stillbirth, doctors recommended an abortion to protect her own life.[1] She carried the baby to term, and both mother and child survived.