Tag Archives: Philadelphia Eagles

Ten Fun Super Bowl Facts to Get You Fired Up

When I hosted a sports talk radio program on my college radio station at Buffalo State College, my on air name was “Dr. Super Bowl” due to my intense love of Super Bowl history. For me, this is the most wonderful time of the year. You can have your shopping days until Christmas, I’ll take the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. I have lost many close friends and have driven several family members to tears of boredom dropping mad Super Bowl trivia on their unsuspecting souls. However, you the true sports fan will appreciate these mind-numbing fun facts about the greatest event in the history of the world.

Wear the White Jersey

It is the new rage for the home team to select the white road jersey. AFC teams are designated as the home team for even-numbered Super Bowls such as this fifty-second edition of the big game. The New England Patriots wore their blue jersey for every home game since a 2011 clash with the Dallas Cowboys. Bill Belichick no doubt made that choice because of the old superstition that the Cowboys always lose big games in their blue. Additionally, the Patriots have been the home team in five of their nine Super Bowl appearances. Each time, they wore their home jersey. Each time they were the “road” team, they wore white. Why the change this season?

Teams wearing white have won twelve of the last thirteen Super Bowls. The Green Bay Packers were the lone exception with their 2011 Super Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the old days, teams did not have a choice. The home team was required to wear the dark jersey. Thus, we were robbed of what would have been a gorgeous match-up in the Orange Bowl for the 1971 Super Bowl between the Cowboys and Baltimore Colts as Dallas was forced to wear the blue instead of their famous “whites”. Dallas was the first home team to wear the white jersey doing it in the epic 1979 Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team that has worn the white is 33-18 all-time.

Minnesota, Here We Come

This season marks the second time the Super Bowl has been played in the land of 10,000 lakes. The 1992 Super Bowl between the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills took place in Minnesota’s Metrodome. Like this season, that game featured the top seeds from each conference. Buffalo came in as the defending AFC champion losing the year before to the Giants by a single point. The Redskins were the dominant NFC team that season and crushed their two playoff opponents en route to the Super Bowl. Washington led by journeyman Mark Rypien walloped Buffalo physically and on the scoreboard. Safety Brad Edwards had a monster game that has largely been forgotten. The 37-24 score does not do justice to this one-sided affair.

Gronk’s Super Bowl Story

Like most things pertaining to Gronk, his Super Bowl appearances have been unusual. This will be the fourth time New England has played in the big game since Gronkowski arrived on the scene in 2010. In the 2012 Super Bowl against the New York Giants, he played on a sprained ankle. Therefore, Brady targeted Aaron Hernandez much more in the passing attack. Three seasons later, Gronkowski was virtually unstoppable in the thrilling win over the Seattle Seahawks. He scored a second quarter touchdown when single-covered by a linebacker. On the go-ahead scoring drive, he made two huge receptions. Last season, the Patriots won the Super Bowl without Gronkowski in the lineup. Due to his concussion in the AFC Championship game, his status is still unclear for the Super Bowl.

I Love the 80’s

The Eagles and Patriots each played in one Super Bowl during the decade of my youth. The irreplaceable Dick Vermeil coached the 1980 Eagles to their first championship in 20 years. They were awesome on defense on diverse on offense as they built their game plan around quarterback Ron Jaworski, talented running back Wilbert Montgomery and the giant wide receiver Harold Carmichael. Unfortunately, they were flat and nervous come Super Bowl Sunday as the Oakland Raiders flattened them 27-10. Jaworski was picked off three times by Rod Martin. His counterpart veteran Jim Plunkett was on his game throwing three touchdown passes and winning the MVP.

The Patriots Super Bowl appearance following the 1985 season was a train wreck of catastrophic proportions. They got absolutely steamrolled by the historic Mike Ditka-coached Chicago Bears. The Patriots can take solace in the fact that they were the first team to make the Super Bowl after winning three road playoff games. Incredibly, in each of those games, they were +4 in turnover differential including their shocking AFC championship conquest in Miami over the Dolphins.

JT is the Man

Timberlake returns for a third time to provide Super Bowl halftime entertainment. His 2001 performance alongside Aerosmith, *NSYNC and Britney Spears was way better than the game itself between the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants. The same cannot be said of his controversial appearance at the 2004 Super Bowl when he assisted Janet Jackson with a wardrobe malfunction. That game between the Patriots and Carolina Panthers was superb. A youthful Tom Brady was heroic in leading his team to a last-second win.

Giants Assistant Bill Belichick

Belichick is the head coach for a Super Bowl for an NFL-record eighth time. However, he also coached in the big game as the defensive coordinator of the Giants in the 1987 and 1991 Super Bowls. His 1986 Giants were a historically-good unit featuring the legendary Lawrence Taylor. They punished John Elway in a 39-20 win in Pasadena. On the other hand, his 1990 team were massive underdogs against the high-powered Bills led by Jim Kelly. The Bills had come off a 51-3 dismantling of the Los Angeles Raiders in the AFC championship game. The Giants squeaked by Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Niners had a good offense that season while Buffalo was incredible. Belichick devised a scheme where he played just two down linemen daring the Bills to run. When they Bills did run the ball to all-world Thurman Thomas, they gained yards. However, Belichick knew Kelly’s gunslinging mentality would not allow him to hand the ball off all night. New York’s defense did just enough to hold Buffalo to seventeen offensive points and a missed field goal at the buzzer. Belichick’s one other Super Bowl did not go well when Green Bay topped the Patriots in 1997. He served that team as defensive backs coach. Therefore, coach Belichick’s overall Super Bowl record is a respectable 7-3.

Bills Backup Frank Reich

Anyone who paid attention to the Eagles two playoff games has to applaud the efforts of offensive coordinator Frank Reich. I am not just bragging on him because I watched him play numerous times in Buffalo as a kid. He truly has done an excellent job helping Philadelphia get to the Super Bowl with backup quarterback Nick Foles.

Against the Atlanta Falcons, Reich trusted his running game between the tackles and short passing game. The Eagles did not score a lot, but they possessed the ball the majority of the second half. That ball control led to the narrow victory over the Falcons. Against the Minnesota Vikings, Reich won the game on third down. All season long, the Vikings had the ability to get teams off the field on third. Thanks to Reich’s tremendous game plan, the Vikings did not come close to resembling the team in the regular season as they could not stop tight end Zach Ertz whatsoever.

Reich was a member of the Bills when they played in four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990’s. He got into the game on two occasions. In the 1992 Super Bowl against the Redskins, he came in for some garbage time late in the fourth. Under the current concussion protocol system, he probably would have gotten in sooner because Kelly got his bell rung early and often by Richie Pettibon’s bone-crushing defense. In the 1993 Super Bowl against the Cowboys, Reich relieved Kelly in the second quarter after the Bills starter injured his knee. Reich had engineered two playoff wins that season including the greatest comeback in NFL history in the Wild Card game. On this day, the Cowboys lightning-fast defense proved way too good for Reich and the Bills. He committed an embarrassing five turnovers in the 52-17 loss.

February 4th

February 4th will be the date of the Super Bowl for just the second time. Eleven years ago, the Indianapolis Colts claimed the city’s first and only Super Bowl championship by defeating the Chicago Bears 29-17. The incomparable Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff for a dramatic touchdown for the Bears. In a steady downpour, Manning was not at his best in this game, but he was good enough especially on third down. The Colts transformed a 14-6 deficit into a 22-14 lead.

Late in the third, Chicago kicked a field goal to cut lead to five. Then, Kelvin Hayden made the play of his life. He intercepted Rex Grossman and raced fifty-six yards on the soggy turf for the score and a 29-17 victory. This was not a marvelous Super Bowl by any standards. However, it was a marvelous accomplishment for Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning on February 4th, 2007.

Don’t Lose My Number

If Nick Foles guides the Eagles to a Super Bowl championship, he will join Drew Brees and Jim McMahon as the only quarterbacks to win it wearing the jersey #9. McMahon had an amazing personality and he was a good player and all, but honestly, the Bears could have won that game with Mike Ditka himself at quarterback. On the other hand, Brees was the New Orleans Saints absolute best player when they conquered the Colts in the 2010 Super Bowl.

Tom Brady’s five Super Bowl titles are among 16 championships by quarterbacks wearing the #12 jersey. Terry Bradshaw of the Steelers was 4-0 in the 1970’s. His first two Super Bowls came as a result of their running game and incomparable Steel Curtain defense. However, he won consecutive Super Bowl MVP awards in Super Bowl XIII and Super Bowl XIV. Also, in the 1970’s, Roger Staubach and Bob Griese won two championships wearing #12. Joe Namath, Ken Stabler and Aaron Rodgers captured the other three titles adorning football’s most popular number.

40 is the New 30

Tom Brady will be the sixth person in NFL history to play in a Super Bowl over the age of 40. For that reason alone, I cheer for the guy! He joins two placekickers, two punters and the greatest wide receiver ever created, Jerry Rice. Brady is a unique individual in that he is playing as good now as he did when he was 30. Mark Brunell and Earl Morrall dressed for the Super Bowl at 39 but were well past their prime in their backup role. Carolina’s defense overwhelmed 39-year old Peyton Manning in Super Bowl 50. His best days were behind him. Yet, with Brady, he is not just the oldest player in the NFL, he is the greatest player in the NFL.

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills

Super Bowl LII Preview and Prediction

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Super Bowl LII

After all that developed during the 2017-2018 season, it will conclude with the two top-seeded teams squaring off in U.S. Bank Stadium. Fans and media have huddled around the drama, adversity and success (or lack thereof), of each NFL franchise since August. This year’s playoffs featured twelve teams which all had the potential to have their ticket to the Super Bowl punched. The Bills made their first playoff appearance in decades. Chiefs fans left Arrowhead Stadium disappointed after the Titans pulled off a comeback upset in the Wild Card. The Saints were one play away from advancing to the NFC Championship, until the Minneapolis Miracle happened. The postseason has been filled with surprises and highlights, but in the end, there can only be one victor.

On February 4th, the New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles, will battle to make history. All thirty-two teams in the NFL share a common goal: to win the Super Bowl. Every franchise grinds from August to January to earn a spot in the playoffs. The twenty that fail to make it plan accordingly to ensure that they will be present in January next season. The Super Bowl is the mecca of the football world, where sports and entertainment collide. Numbers, statistics and odds circle around the media in the two week break between the Championship games and the Super Bowl. This guide contains for betting on an array of props in the Super Bowl, ranging from points scored to the color of Gatorade poured on the winning coach.

Super Bowl LII- Patriots vs. Eagles: Three Things to Know

1. Experience is Key

Nick Foles will be making his first Super Bowl appearance, to add to his four postseason starts, in his six year career. Though impressive, it is a ninth of Tom Brady’s thirty-six starts in the playoffs. This will be Brady’s eighth Super Bowl appearance in his career, he has only lost in two of them. Coincidentally, the last time the Eagles appeared in the Super Bowl was in 2004, and they lost to none other than Tom Brady and the Pats. Fast forward fourteen years, both teams are completely different except for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady leading New England.

Brady and Belichick might have the upper edge with Super Bowl experience, but they have not faced the Eagles since 2015. Head coach, Doug Pederson, is a crafty play caller and defensive coordinator. Jim Schwartz coaches a young and hungry defense, that leads the league in defensive scoring. Nick Foles might be rattled in his first few drives in a Super Bowl environment, but the Eagles’ planning prior to kickoff could cause a few surprises.

2. Offensive Maestros

Nick Foles unexpectedly became a starter for the Eagles late into the season, after Carson Wentz suffered an ACL injury. He started out rusty the first few games, but was able to pull out a win in each of his starts, except for one. Foles is a talented veteran, and a scary backup, to have on a team. He picked up right where Wentz left off, with little turbulence.

Carson Wentz might have locked up the first seed in the playoffs for the Eagles, but it’s no fluke that Foles has gotten the team to the Super Bowl. In the NFC Championship, Foles tore apart the Vikings’ stingy defense. He posted 352 passing yards, and three touchdowns, in a blowout victory. The Eagles’ running back trio of Jay Ajayi, LaGarrette Blount, and Corey Clement, are all great weapons for Foles to utilize in the backfield as well. The Eagles’ boast a stacked receiving corp as well. Wrapping up the offense, Lane Johnson and his o-line, are one of the best in the league.

The best offensive tackle performances from the 2017 playoffs! pic.twitter.com/m69Q63IAlY

— PFF (@PFF) January 24, 2018

The opposing offense is extremely resilient. The Patriots are missing multiple starters to injury, but still cannot seem to lose. Dion Lewis is having a career year at the team’s primary running back position. Rob Gronkowski, whose availability is up in the air at the moment, can be a spark to the offense on every drive. Both Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola, are posting career numbers in the playoffs. Amendola has been a key receiver in the playoffs, and came in clutch on Sunday against the Jaguars.

Danny Amendola came up with the clutch plays as the Patriots completed the comeback to take down the Jaguarshttps://t.co/5k4Q9QCVzl pic.twitter.com/s6dHScZfSK

— PFF (@PFF) January 21, 2018

However, only one team has Tom Brady. He has mounted a whopping eight postseason comebacks, upon a plethora more in the regular season. He completed an MVP-worthy season, without one of his best receivers, and an occasionally faulty offensive line. Only Brady could make a season like this look like a clinic.

3. Protect the Throne

Coming into this year, almost everyone expected the Patriots to make a deep playoff run. No one held the Eagles to the same standard. The Eagles are hungry for a Super Bowl trophy. Despite losing their starting quarterback, they came out swinging in every playoff match-up. They are not scared of Tom Brady, or the Patriots, but rather they are excited to dethrone them:

The Eagles are coming for Tom Brady's crown. pic.twitter.com/mZuDrdbSgM

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 22, 2018

The Eagles want nothing more than to have a repeat of the beat-down they gave to the Vikings. Though they are the one seed in the NFC, they were written off in the Divisional Round. The Eagles embraced their underdog role, and played their hearts out throughout the playoffs. Now in the Super Bowl, the odds are against them once again. This time, however, they will battle one of the most methodical teams in the NFL. The Patriots are elite because of the preparation they put into each game. Their game-plan changes depending on what team they face. They have two weeks to study film, and see how the Eagles play. Bill Belichick is amazing at pointing out teams’ weaknesses, so it is safe to say the Patriots will be ready. We’ll all have to see how this match-up fares out on Super Bowl Sunday.

Prediction: 33-24 Patriots

Cover image courtesy of PennLive.com.

Top 5 Most Surprising Teams of the NFL Season

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5. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (13-3)

What a year for the Vikes. The expectation of them entering the season was to possibly makes the playoffs. It was a sure thing that their defense would be one of the better units in the league. However, a plethora of questions remained on the other side of the ball. Teddy Bridgewater was hurt and Sam Bradford had an inconsistent past. It was difficult to gauge how well the offense would perform heading into the season. Luckily, rookie RB Dalvin Cook provided a much-needed spark. Then things went downhill as Sam Bradford and Dalvin Cook both went down for the year. So… who was there to save the day? (Or the season, I suppose). A man who goes by the name of Case Keenum. Yup — you heard me.

Mr. Keenum had a not so successful career entering the season. In 26 career starts he had just 24 TD passes and 20 interceptions. This year was quite the turnaround. Keenum threw 22 TD’s and just seven interceptions in his 15 games. He ranked second in the league in total QBR at 69.8, one spot behind Carson Wentz. Also, one spot ahead of Mr. Tom Brady. Keenum certainly deservses high praise for his borderline MVP effort this season. He is the central reason why Minnesota was able to become the 10th best offense in the league, averaging 23.9 points per game.

Of course, the defense deserves some love too. The defense was a very good unit last year and was even better this year. They only surrendered a league-best 275.9 yards per game. Also, they lead the league in points allowed per game at 15.8. So, is it fair to say they have the best defense in the league? I’d say so. Would not want to play this team in the cold weather in the playoffs.

4. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (13-3)

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Just like their aforementioned NFC pals, the Eagles finished the season 13-3. They also received elite QB play from a player who was not considered elite entering the season. What is more impressive about the Eagles is that they were not really expected to do so well this year. Last year, they were rather mediocre, as they finished 7-9 in a tough division. In 2016 they finished 16th in points scored per game and 12th in points allowed. Very average. However, they knew they had a bright future as they seemingly found the next best young QB in Carson Wentz. Luckily for the Eagles, the future came faster than expected.

The 2016 rookie that seemed full of potential blossomed into the MVP front-runner prior to injury. Wentz missed the final three games of the season and will not be returning until next season. Had he stayed healthy, many believe he would have one the MVP award. The impressive thing about the Eagles is that they lost their MVP-caliber QB and still had success. Foles proved to be a viable backup and the defense kept on doing what it does. Sans Wentz, a Superbowl victory will be difficult, but not out of the question. Philly has to be excited with the potential of this team’s future.

3. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (11-5)

The Saints — most famously known for thoroughly enjoying 7-9 seasons. It’s something they just love to do since winning the Superbowl back in 2009. In fact, they finished 7-9 each of the past three seasons and four of the past five. There must be something about 7-9 that is so appealing to that organization. Anyway, I was expecting more of the same from them this year, losing high scoring shootouts. Here is how a typical Saints game had gone over the past five seasons: Brees throws for 400 yards and four TD’s but the defense played like a high school team, Saints lose 48-45. Poor Drew.

Finally, the Saints broke the 7-9 mold this year. They finished 11-5 which is quite a significant improvement. The difference was that they finally had a solid defense. One of the biggest reasons for the defensive improvement was CB Marshon Lattimore, who has quickly become one of the best CB’s in the game. A rookie on the other side of the ball was also an enormous addition. Alvin Kamara is so dangerous because he is a talented runner out of the backfield and is also a very good pass catcher. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and 10.2 yards per reception for 13 total TD’s. Along with Mark Ingram, their run game is nearly impossible to stop. I am sure Brees is relieved to not have to throw for 500 yards every game, he now acts more as a facilitator.

2. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (10-6)

firstcoastnews.com

The lone AFC team to make the list, and boy would it be a boring conference without the Jag’s emergence. Perhaps a team not located in Pittsburgh or New England could make some noise in the playoffs this year. Jacksonville’s success has come from the excellent defense they have played all year. Their pass rush was relentless all season. They finished the year second in sacks with 55, lead by Calais Campbell’s 14.5.

The defensive improvements were a huge help to QB Blake Bortles. In the past Bortles has shown some flashes of skilled QB play, but he often makes untimely mistakes. With an elite defense behind him, he was able to focus on taking care of the ball instead of having to try to make things happen. He threw a career low 13 interceptions and had a viable quarter back rating of 84.7. If Bortles can take care of the ball and the defense continues to dominate, Jacksonville will be a tough out in the playoffs.

LOS ANGELES RAMS (11-5)

Wow, did not see this coming. The Rams have flat-out sucked for a long time. From 2004 to 2016 the Rams had a record of 64-127-1. This poor stretch was expected to continue as the offense looked terrible no matter who was under center. Goff unfortunately did not appear to be the answer in his rookie season and it appeared that Gurley’s talents were being wasted in an abysmal offense. The defense had shown flashes in recent years but never was able to play consistently. Well finally, the Rams have figured it out. Goff is playing exceptionally, Gurley had room to run and the defense shows up every week. The only thing this team lacks is experience. They are a very young yet explosive team. I think their youth may be their downfall in the playoffs. However the playoffs will be great experience for their young players.

Regardless of how the season ends the Rams have to like the spot they are in. It looks like Goff and Gurley will be the center of the offense for years to come. Also, young coach Sean McVay looks like he knows was he is doing to say the least. He took the leagues worst offense from 2016 and turned it into the leagues best as they more-than doubled their points per game total from 14 to 29.9, remarkable. The defense also improved from 23rd to 12th in points per game.

*Questions or comments? find me on Twitter @MLBfromNH*

*Featured Picture credit to turfshowtimes.com*

2018 NFL Playoffs: NFC Preview

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The NFC is up for grabs going into Wild Card weekend. All six playoff teams are separated by only three games in the win column going into Saturday’s action. It is hard to predict which NFC team will find themselves present at Super Bowl 52. Competition will be tight with so much parity in the conference this season and injuries to top players such as Philadelphia QB Carson Wentz. Every team has qualities that can land them in Minnesota on February 4th and we’re discussing them all.

Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)

After going 11-2 through their first 13 games the Eagles lost their starting QB, and MVP hopeful, Carson Wentz. Back-up Nick Foles managed to keep Philadelphia on top of the NFC in their final three games. To continue their success they will need to take what is the most balanced team in the NFL and excel in specific areas. Foles will need to make throws. It seems obvious, but with a top-three run game by yardage, Foles will have chances to make big plays. If he can connect on a few of them they will have a chance to beat defenses such as Minnesota. On the other side of the ball they will need to produce turnovers to give Foles more opportunities to be good. The hope is that won’t be an issue as Philly has 19 interceptions on the season, good for fourth best in the league.

Everything seems to be looking up for the future of the Eagles. You don’t hear that everyday when discussing Philadelphia sports. They acquired the excuse for failure this postseason when Wentz went down, so they should be playing care-free. Wentz will look to continue the beginning of a promising career when he returns next fall regardless of this year’s results.

Minnesota Vikings (13-3)

There are two certainties in Minnesota this Winter. One is snow. The other is a suffocating defense. Assuming Minnesota keeps up their play on their number one defense, the questions remain with the offense. QB Case Keenum has had a career season in the absence of Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford. It has yet to be proven if he can perform in the playoffs with his newly found success. The true key to Minnesota’s playoff success is special teams. Close games are often decided by single digits and field goals. Kicker Kai Forbath has will need to be money. He has been inconsistent all year missing two kicks inside 40 yards and five PAT’s. If Forbath kicks well, then Minnesota should find themselves on the right side of close games.

Minnesota should be considered a favorite to make the Super Bowl. Their effective and young defense should have fans excited for the future. But there is a QB controversy to be addressed in the offseason and Keenum’s playoff performance could hold weight moving forward. Look for him to sink or swim these playoffs.

Los Angeles Rams (11-5)

The Rams are the most exciting team to enter the playoffs this season. They hold the league’s number one scoring offense and third best point differential. The 2017 Rams are the first team in NFL history to go from worst to first in league offense in only a year. The key to the Rams’ success has been, and will remain, their offensive line. They have been exceptional all year and if they continue to succeed so will Goff and Gurley. First-year coach Sean McVay will be able to dig into his bag of tricks for his high-flying offense if the O-line gives him the space. Gurley will be an MVP finalist this season and he will give any defense trouble this postseason. Don’t be surprised if McVay and company are in Minnesota come February 4th if their O-line holds strong.

There is little conflict or controversy in the foreseeable future for the Rams. They have improved immensely from last season. Whether the Rams find themselves in the Super Bowl or as a one-and-done This year has set the building blocks for the next great show to hit Los Angeles. The greatest show on turf should be excited for the future. Yet in the present the Rams are a threat to make the Super Bowl this year. That will remain the case if this cast stays together in the future.

New Orleans Saints

New Orleans’ playoff success relies on one man, Drew Brees. They aren’t here without him and it never hurts to have a future hall of famer on your team. Brees’ new favorite target, rookie Alvin Kamara, will surely play a huge role in the success of the Saints this Winter. With 13 total touch downs Kamara is a true red zone threat. Brees has always spread the ball throughout his career. This will not change in the playoffs even though Kamara has been amazing. Brees will have to score when he has the chance for the Saints to make the Super Bowl. New Orleans’ ability to score fast can be a curse and a blessing. Brees will need to manage the clock whenever possible to give his defense rest throughout the playoffs.

This is a very important playoff push for the Saints. ‘Who Dat’ nation is not foreign to the Super Bowl as it is often held there and Brees has one of his own. However, they also know the Saints can be inconsistent year to year and with Brees aging, there’s no telling how many more successful years he has left. It is important for them maximize this opportunity to get back to the big game this season.

Carolina Panthers (11-5)

Cam Newton will need to be a leader if Carolina wants to succeed in the playoffs. I’m not referring to his questionable sense of fashion or troubles with the media. I’m specifically talking about on-field leadership. His mood and performance on the field fuels the offense and when Newton is rattled, so is the rest of the team. That means Newton needs to keep and even-keel composure throughout the playoffs and not be afraid to use assets such as rookie running back Christian McCaffery. Furthermore, if Ron Rivera and the coaching staff can appropriately manage the play calling and player usage then Carolina can make a run.

Coming off a difficult 2016 season Ron Rivera’s seat immediately warmed up entering this year. Making the playoffs gives Rivera a sigh of relief, but not certainty. A playoff run is imperative to Rivera’s future job security as it concerns the Panthers. The Panthers unfortunately are weak compared to their NFC competition and is likely to fold prior to the conference championship.

Atlanta Falcons (10-6)

Atlanta has been a totally different team despite bringing back most of their roster from last year. The Super Bowl loss hangover has seemed to take its toll on the Falcons this year. They have the talent to make a legitimate run this postseason. That talent just needs to step up. Matt Ryan has had a lack-luster season coming off an MVP performance in 2016. Most important to Atlanta’s success will be their role players on offense. Atlanta is most successful when players such as Sanu are able to play a big role in the offense. Look for him to have a big postseason if the Falcons advance.

Despite their low seed Atlanta has high playoff expectations. They are the most experienced NFC roster following their success last year and should use that to their advantage. This year’s outcome shouldn’t change Atlanta’s future plans. They will most likely continue with their core and be back in the playoff discussion next season.

Sources

Featured photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
Nick Foles photo via phillymag.com
Todd Gurley photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Stats by pro-football-reference.com

NFL Week 13 Key Match-Ups: Which AFC North Team Must Win to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

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Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 13 features one of the best rivalries in football. The Bengals and Steelers have had a few chippy match-ups over the past few years. The most memorable was their 2015 wildcard game. That game was all but over and it looked like Cincinnati was about to notch their first playoff win since 1991. Not so fast though. With the lead and the ball and under two minutes remaining after a Landry Jones interception, Cincy coughed it right back up thanks to a Jeremy Hill fumble. Then stupid penalties by Vontaze Burfict and Adam Jones allowed Pittsburgh to move deep into Cincy territory and kick a game-winning 35-yard field goal. Yeah, we all remember that one.

Anyways, this game is an absolute must win for the Bengals. They are very quietly still in playoff contention after back to back wins to improve to 5-6. I think many people have forgotten about the Bengals due to their poor start, but they are the same team that has been rather consistent in recent history. Cincy has finished with at least ten wins four out of the last five seasons. If you take a look, their roster looks very similar to the team that went 12-4 just two years ago. They still have their core players on both sides of the ball such as Carlos Dunlap, Adam Jones, Vontaze Burfict, Andy Dalton and AJ Green as well as head coach Marvin Lewis. Their unlikely run at the playoffs will begin with a big win at home vs Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, I think Cincy will play a decent game, but come up short: 23-20 Pittsburgh.

Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons

You have to love this match up. Arguably the best defense in the league travels south to visit one of the league’s hottest offenses. Minnesota has allowed 19 points or less in eight of their eleven games this season. Atlanta’s offense is returning to 2016 form after a slow start, averaging about 32 points over their last three games. Something will have to give this week. Minnesota is likely in position to win the division, but a big road win in Atlanta would make it nearly impossible for Detroit to catch them. The stakes are much higher for Atlanta (7-4). The Falcons are a game back from New Orleans and Carolina, who play each other this week. If they do not pull off the win this week, winning the NFC South will become a very tall task. Not feeling overly confident in choosing a winner in this one but I think Matty Ice will do just enough to pull off a close win: 24-23 Atlanta.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

Intriguing game here, divisional foes with identical 8-3 records are facing off. Tied at the top of what has been the best division in football this year. New Orleans and Carolina already played once this year in a game that Drew Brees and company embarrassed Carolina at home, handing them a 34-13 beat down. That was back when Alvin Kamara had a much smaller role and was not running haywire on every defense in his way. I think New Orleans will come out on top and sweep the season series: 27-17 Saints.

Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks

Absolute gem of a Sunday night game. Philly travels out west as they will try to snatch the NFC torch from Seattle. Seattle has reigned in the NFC over the past five years but it appears Wentzylvania has seen enough. Despite a plethora of injuries for Seattle this will still be a true test for the Eagles. If there is a team in the league that just will not quit, it is the Seahawks. Do not think a few key injuries are going to influence them to throw in the towel on the season. They will show up to play and try to prove to the rest of the league that the NFC is still ruled by the legion of boom, even if the legion of boom is currently in a body cast. Also, Seahawk pride aside, Seattle is right in the mix of the playoff race. They are currently in 7^th in the NFC but with the two teams currently one game ahead of Seattle facing one another this weekend, Seattle knows a win could situate them into one of those two spots and also allow them to stay within striking distance of the Rams. Unfortunately for Seattle, I think their banged-up secondary will not be strong enough to contain Wentz and company: 27-20 Eagles.

Follow me on Twitter: @MLBfromNH

Week 11 Winners and Losers

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As I was writing this article I realized that this week’s winners and losers are oddly similar to last week’s. Quite interesting if you ask me, it seems that many teams across the league are trending rapidly up or down. Down the stretch it will be interesting to see which struggling teams can turn it around and which contenders will turn into pretenders. Let’s get to it.

WEEK 11 WINNERS

ATLANTA FALCONS, 34-31 WIN AT SEATTLE

Don’t look now but it looks like Atlanta is turning into Hotlanta. With back-to-back impressive wins, the Falcons have found themselves back in the NFC playoff picture. Their win over Seattle moved them up to the sixth seed in the NFC. The key to Atlanta’s recent resurgence? Their relentless pass rush. Adrian Clayborn and Grady Jarrett were chasing Russell Wilson out of the pocket all night, not allowing him to get comfortable. Also, Matt Ryan was efficient as he completed over 70% of his passes for 195 yards and two TD’s. Well done Atlanta, welcome back to NFC-relevancy. five of Atlanta’s last six games are against division opponents, including four home games. Up next: a very winnable game at home vs Tampa Bay.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, 34-31 OT WIN VS WASHINGTON

Beginning to wonder if anyone can beat this team. They just won their eighth straight game in a dramatic fourth quarter comeback lead by two perfect drives from Brees. It was vintage Drew, which is something we have not seen much this year because Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara and the defense have been so good. How perfect was Brees on the last two comeback drives? 11-11 for 164 yards, two TD’s and a two-point conversion. Yup, he can still carry the team when necessary. The Saints are the first team in the modern era to start a season 0-2 and then win eight straight. Also, can we start acknowledging that Alvin Kamara is the best rookie running back in the league? He had another 116 scrimmage yards and a TD on just 14 touches.

Side note: I really feel for the Redskins. They might be the most injured team in the league and have had an absolutely brutal schedule. So far the ‘Skins have faced the Eagles twice, the Rams, Saints, Vikings, 49ers, Raiders, Cowboys, Seahawks and Chiefs. Washington is one of the best 4-6 teams I have ever seen, along with this years Chargers.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS, 24-7 WIN VS LA RAMS

Dominant win versus the red-hot Rams. The Vikings are legit and another impressive win has them in my “Winners” column for consecutive weeks. Did anyone think Minnesota would be 8-2 considering their injuries to key players and relatively tough schedule? I sure didn’t. I feel like I owe these guys an apology for picking them to lose almost every week. They have proved me wrong week in and week out and it is time I accept the fact that this team is for real. Holding the NFL’s highest scoring offense to a measly seven points was very impressive. Equally impressive is their 11th ranked offense in terms of point per game, sans Bradford, Bridgewater and Dalvin Cook. Who would have thought that Case Keenum would carry this offense so well. Up next: At Lions then at Falcons, two more tough tests.

WEEK 11 LOSERS

BUFFALO BILLS, 54-24 LOSS AT LA CHARGERS

Oh man, just when it could not have gotten uglier, it did. Another blow out loss for Buffalo makes it three straight losses. They have lost their last two games by a total of 67 points *cringe*. I am going to be conservative here and throw 90% of the blame on Head Coach Sean McDermott. “Mr. McDermott, if you don’t mind me asking, what the hell are you doing?”. My brain short fuses every time I try to understand why he benched Tyrod Taylor for rookie Nathan Peterman. Sure, they had lost two games straight, so what? It happens. The correct way to respond to back to back losses is to practice hard, get back to the basics, study your opponent and show up to play. Not bench your starting QB, who was absolutely not the problem.

Tyrod is no Tom Brady but he has proven to be a viable starting QB. Also, this bonehead move sends a message to the players from the coach saying “Well we have lost two straight games, I think I am going to give up on my 5-4 team and start thinking about next year”. Let’s see how Nathan Peterman fared in his first NFL start, shall we? He completed 11 passes, unfortunately five of them were completed to the wrong team. Peterman’s stat line was: 6-14, 5 interceptions for 66 yards. Tyrod came in for the second half and went 15-25 for 158 yards, four carries for 38 yards and 2 total TD’s. Yeah, I wonder who the better QB is? Smooth move Mr. McDermott.

Luckily for Buffalo, the AFC wildcard race is wide open. The Bills have two very winnable games vs the Dolphins and a home game vs Indy remaining. If they can win those three as well as steal one of their two remaining games against the Pats or win in Kansas City then I like their chances of getting a wildcard spot.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS, 12-9 LOSS AT NY GIANTS

Uh oh, the team that seemed like it was on top of the NFL after five weeks has now lost four of its last five. That’s right, the Chiefs are now just 6-4 after starting 5-0. Their previous three losses were not so concerning considering they came against quality teams (Pittsburgh, Oakland and Dallas). However, this loss is very concerning considering that the Giants entered the contest with a record of 1-8. Also, the Chiefs’ offense that has been a powerhouse almost all season only managed nine points against a team that is allowing 24.7 points per game. That kind of effort is not going to cut it. Luckily for Kansas City, the entire AFC West is underachieving and they lead both the Raiders and Chargers by two games. Up next: A home game vs the ailing Bills.

DALLAS COWBOYS, 37-9 LOSS VS PHILADELPHIA

Congratulations Dallas, you have earned yourself a spot under in the losers column for the second consecutive week. Back-to-back blowout losses for the ‘Boys. Two weeks ago they lost 27-7 at Atlanta and then they got embarrassed in a prime time game at home against a division rival. Yes, I agree that they were out-matched and I did not expect them to win this one. However, I expected it to be close, but they could not even keep it a three possession game.

The main concern for Dallas is how bad their offense is without Zeke. Dak looks like a different player out there sans his best weapon. Dallas is averaging just eight points without their superstar RB and boy do they need him back. Unfortunately for the Cowboys there are a surplus of playoff-caliber teams in the NFC and at 5-5, it may be time for Dallas to start thinking about next year. Up next: LA Chargers in big D.

*Follow me on Twitter: @MLBfromNH (Kevin Civiello)*

WEEK 11: KEY MATCH-UPS AND SCORE PREDICTIONS

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Week 11 features some tantalizing match-ups for football fans. Plenty are “Game of the Week” worthy, thus making my decision for the true highlight event quite difficult. Of all the high-profile match-ups, I have to say Rams at Vikings intrigues me the most. I feel as though many fans circled Philadelphia at Dallas due to the whole divisional-rival thing, but Los Angeles at Minnesota is the real attention grabber of week 11. Other notable match ups this week include Atlanta at Seattle, New England at Oakland in Mexico City, and Washington at New Orleans.

Let’s get to it.

LOS ANGELES RAMS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Stoked for this game. Who would have expected both of these teams to be 7-2? No one. Especially the Rams, who have been one of the worst teams in the league over the past decade-and-a-half or so. The last time they finished over .500 was 2003. Last year, they went 4-12 with a -170 point differential. What a turnaround it has been this year. Los Angeles leads the NFC West at 7-2 and own a league leading point differential at +134.

Then we have the Vikings, who certainly had higher expectations in 2017 than the Rams but I do not think many expected them to be where they are at. Sure, Rodgers going down for the season has given them a pretty clear lane to the division title but with the level they are playing at, they are deserving of it. Their defense is as anticipated but the surprise is the offensive production with Case Keenum under center. Sans Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Bradford and Dalvin Cook, the Vikings have proven that they are at the very least a playoff team. I expect this to be a very close game but I have to give the rollin’ Rams the slight edge here: 24-23.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT DALLAS COWBOYS

This match up just has a pleasant ring to it. It seems like any NFC East match-up is always one that gets the fans excited. I love this game, but it has to fall second to the LA and Minnesota game solely because it will be lacking a guy named Ezekiel Elliott. You know, that guy who wears #21 for the Cowboys? Yeah him, he’s pretty good. Unfortunately he is serving a six game suspension so the ‘Boys will attempt to get the job done without him. Luckily, they are at home which helps but I do not think they can pull this one off against Philadelphia.

The Cowboys only hope is that Alfred Morris and Rod Smith can run it down the Eagles throat, which I just do not see happening. Philadelphia is ranked first in the league in rush yards allowed per game at 66.4. I expect it to be competitive but ultimately Dak and company will lack the fire power to keep up with Wentzylvania. Eagles 31 Cowboys 20.

ATLANTA FALCONS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

This will be a rematch of last years NFC Divisional playoff round. The Falcons took that one 36-20 at home vs Seattle. You bet Pete Carroll’s team will be seeking revenge. Both teams are missing an extremely valuable player. Devonta Freeman will (listed as doubtful) be out with a concussion and Richard Sherman is out for the year with a ruptured achilles. Tevin Coleman will play a key role for Atlanta. If Freeman does sit this one out, Coleman will be heavily relied on out of the backfield, with some help from Terron Ward.

Seattle will rely on quality play from corner backs’ Jeremy Lane and Shaquill Griffin to to fill the role of Richard Sherman. This could be a tough task for them as they will be going up against the big and fast Atlanta receivers, Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. The Falcons looked great last week, but one solid performance is not a enough to convince me they are back to last year’s form yet. I am going with Seattle in this one: 26-20.

SCORE PREDICTIONS:

Jacksonville 27, Cleveland 10

Tampa Bay 16, Miami 17

Baltimore 20, Green Bay 17

Detroit 23, Chicago 17

LA Rams 24, Minnesota 23

Arizona 20, Houston 13

Kansas City 27, NY Giants 16

Washington 20, New Orleans 31

Buffalo 17, LA Chargers 23

Cincinnati 16, Denver 20

New England 31, Oakland 23

Philadelphia 31, Dallas 20

Atlanta 20, Seattle 26