Originally posted by HighLordDave No one has . . . yet. You get the feeling, though, that nobody wants the job, and guys are seeing Oakland as a professional graveyard and would rather take a job a Appalachian State or Tallahassee Community College (much like Arizona or the pre-Parcells Cowboys and pre-Lewis Bengals). All of the "big-name" coaches have gone somewhere else (Tom Coughlin, Dennis Green) or would prefer to be unemployed (Dan Reeves, Jim Fassel, **** Jauron) than work for Al Davis.
Maurice Carthon, Greg Knapp, and Sean Payton have all interviewed for the job, but none of them have any better credentials than the deposed Bill Callahan, and none are true rising stars among assistant coaches. I just don't think anyone wants to work for a nutball like Davis. Unlike Mike Brown, the new and improved Jerry Jones, or the Bidwell family, who have apparently seen the light and ceded a lot of their closely-guarded control to the coach and/or GM, Davis refused to pay market value for a high-profile coach and won't acknowledge that he's no longer the innovator he once was.
No one wants to face that dreaded come-over
Hey, if worse comes to worse, they could hire me. I know a bit about football, and Davis doesnt scare me. OK, maybe Im in denial, but that check could work out quite well
“Caw, Caw!” The call of the wild calls you. Are you listening? Do you dare challenge their power? Do you dare invade? Nature will always triumph in the end.
[color=sky blue]I know that I die gracefully in vain. I know inside detiorates in pain.[/color]-Razed in Black
Neither game was of the "instant classic" type, but both were very good.
Although I was 1-1 last week, I can't say I'm surprised Carolina won. Much like New England, the Panthers are a great team, with an exceptional front four on defense, a punishing running game and a QB who hasn't made too many mistakes (ie-2000 Baltimore Ravens or the Steelers of the 70s).
Over the last four years, the Eagles have been a one-man show (Donovan McNabb) backed up by a pretty good defense. On Sunday, there were a one-man show backed up by an average defense and they paid for it. McNabb, who single-handedly willed the Eagles back into the divisional round against the Packers, simply had no help (7 dropped passes by my count) coupled with a cheap-shot rib injury that took Philadelphia out of the game.
I'm not saying the Eagles are bad; they're not. Andy Reid has done one hell of a job in Philadelphia and Eagles fans need to realise just what an accomplishment winning 51 games in four years is. However, just like the Bills, there's no Lombardi Trophy in the case, so it feels a little more hollow than it should. What the Eagles need is to shore up their defense, draft a couple of solid WRs and put an end to the running back by committee. If McNabb had one reliable WR catching for him (ie-Jimmy Smith, Tory Holt, Marvin Harrison), his lifetime completion rate would be well above 57%.
The Colts played well in the first two rounds of the playoffs, but the Curse of the Dome Teams caught up with them. With the exception of the 1999 Rams (who had home field advantage and still almost lost to the Bucs), no dome team has won the Super Bowl and the reason for that is that domes make teams soft, and invariably the Football Gods make sure there's a cold weather game to be played for everyone. That's why Denver, Green Bay, Buffalo, and New England have been so good in home playoff games.
Peyton Manning is sure to bear more of the blame than he is due, just has he got more credit than he was due for Indianapolis's wins. That Pats made him look foolish, which is okay because with 14 straight wins, they've made everyone look foolish. The Colts are in good shape, even if they may not realise it. Their offense is among the best in the league with little need for tinkering. The defense needs help, but we knew that going into this year. I think that Tony Dungy is getting the scheme installed, now he just needs to get the personnel to execute. While the cover 2 has been all the rage over the last few yers, people forget how hard it is to run like the Bucs do, because not every team has a Warren Sapp, a Derrick Brooks and a John Lynch to anchor the defense. I think next year the Colts will be just as competetive and a little bit hungrier.
I really like Carolina, after being 1-15 two years ago, they play hard and find ways to win close, despite having a roster full of no-names. I think what's going to hurt them in two weeks is that while they've won a lot of close games, their luck is going to run out sometime, and I think it will be against the Pats.
This brings me to the AFC champion New England Patriots. These guys are simply the best team in football with the best coaches and the most ways to manufacture luck. There's not one superstar among them, but 14 straight wins (in one season) is unmatched except for the 1972 Dolphins. Bill Belichick may be the most boring news conference coach in the world, but he and his staff's attention to detail is unmatched. Add on a roster full of guys who are willing to take pay cuts and give up touches for wins, and the Patriots make steamrolling people look easy.
I think Carolina is a good team. I think they'll play hard and come out swinging. However, I think New England is going to end up with the win because their coaching staff is more experienced and has been there before.
Shortly after taking the head coaching job at NC State, former FSU offensive coordinator Chuck Amato was asked how the Seminoles's dominance could be ended. He replied, "Dismantle the coaching staff" (which has happened now that he and Mark Richt have left, and Bobby's inept son is calling the plays and can't handle their QB situation).
The way I see it, the same thing will apply to the Patriots; in an era of salary caps, revenue sharing and free agents, the great equaliser is talent scouting and coaching, both areas in which owner Bob Kraft, Bill Belichick and the rest of New England's front office are giants among mortals.
The early line I heard was Patriots (-7); I don't know if I'd spot Carolina the points (at least not with my money), but I think New England is going to win outright.
Jesus saves! And takes half damage!
If brute force doesn't work, you're not using enough.
I am loving this.....a championship game with two class defenses
I'm taking the Panthers though. Both teams are eerily similar in the offensive and defensive rankings, so I think it comes down to style of play. I don't look for NEs secondary to be as much of a factor in this game simply because the Panthers ain't gonna throw it anyway. Whoever wins at the line, will win the game, and I think Carolina has the edge there.
As far as the rest of the game goes....I'd love to see a 3 point game in the fourth the way Brady and Jake have been playing at the end of games this year.
But I see the QB, recievers, and defenses as pretty even here, give the edge to Carolina in the running game, and in the return game. Look for a low scoring, feild position type of battle, and special teams usually plays a deciding factor in those. He Hate Me can return kicks, and Pats can't punt.
Plus, I just like the Panthers personally, you know, Davis and all
Lord of Lurkers
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
Well Im as happy as can be. This is the best matchup I could have hoped for. I like both teams, and while I have Patriot fan blood in me, Im also a huge fan of the underdog, and have liked the Panthers since they joined the NFL (they joined the NFL the exact same year I became a fan). So either way, I will be happy with the winner (and I know many of my peers here in Massachusetts would rip me apart for saying this, so Im being quietly happy).
I am shocked that the Patriots are THAT much of a favorite, but Im not surprised they are the favorite.
But 53% of the time for the ESPN computers? Thats kind of surprising, but its close enough to 50%, which wouldnt have surprised me.
Both teams have great defenses, and that continues to prove that defense wins.
Breaking it down, Id say:
Quarterbacks: Patriots (Though Delhomme is good, and I actually voted for him to go to the Pro Bowl)
Wide Recievers/Secondary: Panthers (Muhammed, Smith, Davis, Foster, its good stuff)
Running: Panthers
Offensive Line: Patriots (Very close though)
Overall Offense: Patriots (the recievers catch when they need to, and the Pats CAN run)
Kick/Punt return: Panthers (Johnson vs Smart--good matchup!)
Kick/FG kicker: Patriots (Again, VERY close)
Punter: Panthers
Overall Special Teams: Panthers
But thats all opinion based, and Ive seen many more Patriots games then I have seen Panthers games this year, so my knowledge is skewed.
My pick is for the Patriots to win 17-13
“Caw, Caw!” The call of the wild calls you. Are you listening? Do you dare challenge their power? Do you dare invade? Nature will always triumph in the end.
[color=sky blue]I know that I die gracefully in vain. I know inside detiorates in pain.[/color]-Razed in Black
Computer simulations.....that's why they play the game
Don't get me wrong, it wouldn't surprise me to see the pats win, just I think it's close enough and my gut tells me it's Panthers year. I'm on the opposite side of the ball as Ty here, I haven't seen many Pats games, but I've seen about half the Panthers games. Maybe that factors into my gut feeling too.
No, it's just pulling for Davis after Washington gave him the shaft
Lord of Lurkers
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
Originally posted by Bloodstalker Computer simulations.....that's why they play the game
Don't get me wrong, it wouldn't surprise me to see the pats win, just I think it's close enough and my gut tells me it's Panthers year. I'm on the opposite side of the ball as Ty here, I haven't seen many Pats games, but I've seen about half the Panthers games. Maybe that factors into my gut feeling too.
No, it's just pulling for Davis after Washington gave him the shaft
You can't be for the Panthers...That would put us on the same side
Where's the fun in that ?!?!?
Scayde Moody
(Pronounced Shayde) The virtue of self sacrifice is the lie perpetuated by the weak to enslave the strong
I am rooting for the Patriots, and not because I am a Pats fan.
I lived in Jacksonville, when we were awarded the franchise, so I consider myself to be an "original" Jaguar fan. Being that the Jaguars and the Panthers came into the league at the same time, it galls me to see our arch-rival getting to the big game before my "hometown" team. I know it's kind of petty, but I want the Patriots to win.
Despite the computer simulations, I think the Patriots are too complete and have too much experience to lose, but I still wouldn't be surprised if Carolina wins.
Jesus saves! And takes half damage!
If brute force doesn't work, you're not using enough.
I lived in Jacksonville, when we were awarded the franchise, so I consider myself to be an "original" Jaguar fan. Being that the Jaguars and the Panthers came into the league at the same time, it galls me to see our arch-rival getting to the big game before my "hometown" team. I know it's kind of petty, but I want the Patriots to win.
It ain't petty. I feel the same way about the Cowboys....and the eagles.....and the Giants.....
Lord of Lurkers
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
Yes BS. But alas the Eagles have had thier three chances... the Giants will continue to flop... and the cowgirls... well this next season. We will see some good Cowboys and Indian games.
Jackie Treehorn: People forget the brain is the biggest sex organ.
The Dude: On you maybe.
Wow. I really think you guys could have your own sports show on TV. You could put that "Best Damn Sports Show" or whatever its called to shame. I can see it all now: Bloodstalker would play the part of Tom Arnold.
But really, I'm serious. You guys could do this for a living.
Okay, so far we have:
HighLordDave: Patriots over Panthers, 16 to 13, under 38, 7-pt spread not covered. Bloodstalker: Panthers over Patriots, 24 to 20, over, not coverd. Tybaltus: Patriots over Panthers, 17 to 13, under, spread not covered. Gwalchmai: Panthers over Patriots, 28 to 21, over, covered. RandomThug: Pathers over Patriots by 10.
I don't have the knowledge you guys have, so all I can do is make a gut-level guess. I think the Pats have the strength to do this, but they also have had the tendency this season to only just win a lot of close games. I think the Panthers are going to try to blow them out of the water, and I think they will. The Pats will keep it close, and it will be a higher-scoring game than everyone expects. I also predict that Howard Dean will interrupt the Half-Time festivities to recite all the names of the States at the top of his lungs and blue monkeys will fly out of his arse.
I really like Tyb's idea of picking the final score. I wonder who can most accurately guess the score?
That there; exactly the kinda diversion we coulda used.
Ok first off Redskins go 12-4 next year and win division. Secondly My baby is a Patriots fan, merely because ehem and i quote "Tom Brady's Cute" SO she is very excited because this is really our first superbowl party... And the party we are going to is this guys house who is a Patriots fan.
But not in the sense you and me might liek a team. I was told, and again I quote, by his brother "Don't wear the opposing teams jersy, just dont show up". This guy has his family photo's wearing Pat's jersy's. Guy's probably got a tattoo or three of the pats.
This is why I say Panthers over the over rated pat's with a big win, two scores at least. The panther's running game is just going to control the clock, give Brady a lot less time to be active on the field. Also the Panthers play hard, real hard. I think Mcnabb is tougher than mr. bradypants. So I can see Brady getting hit a little too hard.
Panthers by at least 10
Jackie Treehorn: People forget the brain is the biggest sex organ.
The Dude: On you maybe.
If wer're picking scores, I'm taking the Patriots 16-13.
The early line on the game is Patriots (-7) with the over/under being 38 to 38½, depending on who your bookie is. I don't think the Pats are going to cover the spread, and if you're a betting person, the safest bet right now is probably to take the under.
Jesus saves! And takes half damage!
If brute force doesn't work, you're not using enough.
