Monday, December 31, 2007

Monday Morning Quarterback

Titans 16 - Colts 10

In one respect, it was as expected. No surprise they lost, they played their subs in the second half. But the real surprise came from the struggle for the Titans to win against the second string and those called up from the practice squad. From the way Tennessee's QB Vince Young was playing, it was a good thing that he was knocked out of the game. Cagey veteran backup Kerry Collins did what he had to do, to get his team into the playoffs. But sadly for them, their season ends next week. San Diego should beat them handily.

One thing I was incredibly impressed with in last night's game was the level of play from the defensive subs. They made the Titans' offense work for it. They did not roll over and let them have it. And the hits, well they were bone crunching. Anyone that just watched this game will undoubtedly wake up sore.

Two things I can take away from this meaningless game for the Colts:

1. The defense is deep with talent.

2. The offense is not.

Next up will probably be San Diego. The Colts would love nothing more than to avenge the earlier loss to them, which is one they should have won. But this time, SD will come to the RCA Dome and it won't be pretty for the Chargers.

Some other observations from Week 17:

1. Congrats to the Pats on an undefeated season. But, it won't mean a hell of a lot if they do not win the Super Bowl. If things play out like they should, they will get Jacksonville first. Greg (our resident Pats fan) doesn't give Jacksonville any respect. But if the Patriots team feels that way, they may be cleaning out their lockers earlier than they want to.

2. Congrats to Rocket's Washington Redskins for making it in by the "skin" of their teeth. They will face Seattle next week. Good luck with that one.

3. Three teams from the NFC East made the playoffs. Dallas, NY Giants, and Washington. However, I certainly wouldn't say they are the best division in the league. Although their last place team (Philly) finished at .500, the AFC South was tougher. Their last place team (Houston) finished .500 and recorded two more overall wins. The NFC East had a combined 40 wins, the AFC South, 42. (Final Standings)

So for 12 teams, it's onward. For the rest, it's the old "we'll get them next year".


9 comments:

Obob said...

I was kinda hoping to see the Titans lose so the Browns got in, but they did put themselves there. But one thing about last night, the Colts were out to hit. I had a feeling the hot dog vendors got skittish after awhile.
Another note, I want the Pats to go undefeated. I know this is funny from a Colts fan. But I am tired of the 72 Fins sipping champagne every year and still bitter about that monday night with my Bears. Like Madden and the Immaculate Reception, I cannot let it go.

Anonymous said...

Another note, I want the Pats to go undefeated. I know this is funny from a Colts fan. But I am tired of the 72 Fins sipping champagne every year and still bitter about that monday night with my Bears.

That's a powerful commentary on how annoying and classless the '72 group is - the Patriots are the most hated team in the country, but people hate the '72 Fins even more. The image of their champagne getting warm and flat brings me great joy.

The Saturday night game was awesome. I feel like New England has been in the playoffs for a month, with each opponent treating the game like their SuperBowl. And in the last game, they come from 12 down in the 2nd half and go up by 10. They are simply amazing. I would say (knock on wood) virtually unstoppable. The Giants played valiantly, but will pay the price by losing their first round playoff game. Pats' opponents are 4-12 this year in the following game.

SuperBowl prediction (since Minn is out): New England vs. Who Cares. Final score: 44-10. :)

Happy New Year everyone....

LA Sunset said...

//I feel like New England has been in the playoffs for a month, with each opponent treating the game like their SuperBowl.//

But they haven't been. And now they will be. The pressure's clearly on them. They have had the limelight and dealt with it well. But, now it's for keeps. One loss and it's out.

The biggest factor will be the weather in Boston. If those swirling winds effect the long passing game like it often does, then it's short passes and the running game. As we all know, NE's running game is suspect. And it's hard to imagine Moss wanting to catch those short passes where he will get the crap knocked out of him by some hard-hitting linebacker or safety, after making the catch.

If this is the case, look for Welker's work load to increase and I am not sure he's good enough to carry it, with the long ball gone.

Some of their victories were close and they did show a lot of vulnerability. Live by the sword and you may die by the sword.

Anonymous said...

Hail to the Redskins!
Hail Victory!
Braves on the Warpath!
Fight for old D.C.!
Run or pass and score -- we want a lot more!
Beat 'em, Swamp 'em,
Touchdown! -- Let the points soar!
Fight on, fight on 'Til you have won
Sons of Wash-ing-ton. Rah!, Rah!, Rah!

Hail to the Redskins!
Hail Victory!
Braves on the Warpath!
Fight for old D.C.!

How sweet it is!

I was high five..ing the air last night and doing a victory dance all by myself.

Watched NE the other night. Boy! they look unstoppable. Will have to wait and see if they know something called pressure.

Good to see an inept Dallas team even though the game was meaningless.

Anonymous said...

If those swirling winds effect the long passing game like it often does, then it's short passes and the running game.

They can run - they average over 4 yards per carry, and actually had more rushing yards than Indie, Green Bay and Dallas - the only other teams with a chance at the SuperBowl. The other thing a team needs in bad weather is defense - the Pats have a top 5 defense. They also have great special teams and coaching. In short, no weaknesses.

If this is the case, look for Welker's work load to increase and I am not sure he's good enough to carry it, with the long ball gone.

He led the league in receptions. I didn't think there were still doubters on Welker.

Some of their victories were close and they did show a lot of vulnerability.

Well, I guess I should be happy they aren't being scolded for scoring too much now. But I see the close games the complete opposite: a sign the team is mentally tough, can deal with adversity, and is ready for playoff football. And pressure is what has doomed every team since '72 with a chance at going unbeaten. The only team to not let the pressure get to them - the '07-'08 Patriots. Also, the Pats were 6-0 vs. playoff teams this season. And finally, they may be the healthiest team in the playoffs.

There is a reason they play the games, though. And I can't wait.

A.C. McCloud said...

As an old Browns fan and a new Titans fan I was torn. I'm proud of the Browns going 10-6 this year, it should be a positive step for next year. They owe missing the playoffs to their own failures, though. Tennessee earned their way in through team play.

Jeff Fisher and crew have done a lot with a little. They deserve credit. I think they'll give San Diego a run for their money, but I can't disagree much with your analysis from last night's game, LA. Especially the part about the Colt's backup offense. Showed the value of Peyton very well.

LA Sunset said...

Greg,

//He led the league in receptions. I didn't think there were still doubters on Welker.//

I have no doubt is is a stellar player at his position, as is Dallas Clark at his. But, the teams that he will face have good defensive schemes and my doubt becomes specific to him carrying the load (in a game against defenses that normally have trouble with him, when the field is spread out). If the weather takes the long ball away from the game plan, it gets more tricky for offenses that depend on it and easier for defenses that have to defend it.

When this is the case, teams like the Jags and the Colts will stack everyone up and then it becomes a battle in the trenches. The reason NE is undefeated this year is the long ball threat (which is why I would vote for Moss as the MVP).

Note-I am not saying that absent the long ball, NE cannot win. I am saying it levels the playing field (if you will pardon the pun) and makes the outcome of tough physical games, more questionable.

LA Sunset said...

AC

//Jeff Fisher and crew have done a lot with a little. They deserve credit. I think they'll give San Diego a run for their money//

No doubt they are a scrappy bunch. I solely base my prediction on how SD has been playing, versus, the trouble Tenn had with the Colts backups last night. Doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but as we all know, sports ain't science.

I, too, felt bad for Cleveland. But if they had beaten the Bengals a few weeks ago (when they clearly should have), they would have been in, the Colts would have played at 1:00 yesterday, and Rocket would have had to watch his Skins at 2:00 AM Paris time. (The man ain't had no sleep, since NASN came to town.)

A.C. McCloud said...

It really doesn't matter because Greg's prediction is going to come true, unless Brady's arm falls off.

Happy New Year, LA and all.