I'm kinda over the loss, but I'll survive. Any comments suggesting that a QB should be running when he's not known to (despite the injuries) is silly. Then again, I can mention how Rodgers was out because of a concussion and Cutler being out of the same thing... because they ran unnecessarily (of course, not all cases are simple, but we can also point to a Brett Favre Vikings NFC Championship game as the cue to remind some folks). Too many rushing QBs get injured... and often (McNabb and Vick aren't out of this list)... so don't go thinking this is a good idea all the time (tm).
(6) Packers @ (2) Bears: Sunday 4 est
PackersThe Packers are a better overall team than the Bears. The game will be close mind you, given the nature of divisional rivals and pretty much anything can happen. Rodgers probably won't have the awesome pwnage game like he did vs the Falcons, but having a legit running game will make it harder for the Bears since it allows play action. The Bears o-line is better now, but I think it can be had... However, if the Bears are to win, it will start with Devin Hester and special teams making it... I think that Bears defense can hold its end of the bargain, but I like the Packers d better in this scenario. I still think Cutler is a semi-Grossman like guy and he's either going to be very good or very bad...
Besides, who's cute idea was it to let the Seahawks back in the game... the HB pass is a TERRIBLE IDEA at this point.
If the Steelers win, Big Ben has made enough big plays when he's outside the pocket while the Jets defense may have broken down... and the Steelers defense with Polamalu gets a turnover (most likely from an INT). The Steelers defense is more than capable to stopping that Jets running game to force Sanchez to throw... but that fail of a run defense was a major issue the last time around.
(6) Jets @ (2) Steelers: Sunday 8 est (I think)
JetsI don't like this pick as I want the Steelers to win. I like Big Ben (as the player, not the off field crap), but I feel that the Jets can reasonably contain Ben in the pocket like last time. Despite the biggest difference in this matchup is Polamalu being missing in the last game, the problem unfortunately is that the Steelers o-line is not that good... especially compared to the Jets o-line. More importantly, Jets special teams is still holding up its side of the deal... and similar to the earlier Jets @ Steelers matchup, the Steelers special teams is simply not that great. I think the Jets will do a lot more zone coverage despite the number of receivers that the Steelers feature... and I'm sure Santonio Holmes will at least attempt to make a statement against his former team.
I'm just surprised that no actual analysis has gone to this point.... but I guess we still watch the games on any given Sunday.
There's no real advantage to the Packers over the Bears when it comes to the weather.... Packers have played in Lambeau Field... that's fucking cold weather to me (not in this playoffs, but it almost sounds like you were making them some sort of dome team).
It's also worth pointing out that Lovie Smith didn't really want to face the Packers in the playoffs... and that was the effort that was shown in Week 17. I think it's fair to say it won't be as maddeningly low scoring, but it's still a potential omen. The Packers are playing their best football... and as my best comparison of them.. they do look like the Steelers of 06 when they won the SB. There's something to be said for that...
Also, I don't have any issues with the cheeseheads (except for the Vikings fans). I don't have any issue with the same team that used to have Brett Favre that beat the Pats more than a decade ago in a SB.
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