Pigskin and Pine Tar

The Wild Card Round was one of the best weekends of football all year. There were no blowouts, a ridiculous comeback, a couple of game winning kicks, and the playoff infamy of Andy Dalton grows. Here’s what to look for next week.

NFC

Game 1: New Orleans Saints(6) at Seattle Seahawks(1)

The first time these two teams met in Seattle, it was a disaster for New Orleans, and pretty much a perfect game for Seattle. Seattle has lost at home for the first time in Russell Wilson’s career since that game, but they followed that up with a blowout of the Rams. New Orleans was able to bully their way through Philadelphia’s weak defense on a game winning drive last week, but don’t expect Seattle’s tough front seven to bend so easily. Wilson was not sharp in the home loss they had, but that was against Arizona’s stifling defense, a far tougher defense than the Saints. This game will be closer than last time, but Seattle is too strong at home to lose to the Saints after a bye week. 31-21 Seattle.

Game 2: San Francisco 49ers(5) at Carolina Panthers(2)

These teams met in a heavily contested defensive battle in Week 10, and Carolina ended up winning a nail biter 10-9. This game took place when Colin Kaepernick was struggling mightily, and he managed to throw for just 92 yards in a horrific game for him. As it turns out, that was rock bottom for Kaepernick, and his play since then has been much improved. The 49ers were a dropped pass from winning that game, and that game was played without Michael Crabtree. Aldon Smith was also limited in that game, as it was his first game back from a 5 game absence. This game, unlike the Week 10 match up, will be played on Carolina’s home turf, and the Panthers have three premier playmakers: Quarterback Cam Newton, Linebacker Luke Kuechly, and Defense Lineman Star Lotulelei. The only sure thing about this game is that it will be close. With Michael Crabtree getting healthier every week, and revenge on their minds, the Niners steal one in Charlotte, 17-14.

AFC

Game 1: Indianapolis Colts(4) at New England Patriots(2)

Andrew Luck’s comeback last week against the Chiefs was the stuff of legends, and perhaps the birth of a superstar quarterback. Luck was one of the most hyped ever quarterbacks going into the draft, and he’s done nothing short of living up to expectations. New England has been devastated by injuries this season, leaving them short handed. The Colts, too have suffered major injury losses but have recuperated well. New England has the home field advantage in this one, and that can’t be overlooked, just ask Peyton Manning how tough it is to play in Foxboro in January. The Patriots will be in every game they play as long as Tom Brady is suiting up, but the defense has suffered too many major injuries to contain perhaps the league’s best young quarterback. For the Colts, they are building off the momemtum of one of the greatest postseason comebacks ever. The bye week and the seeding favors the Patriots, but the injuries have taken too large a toll on this Patriots team. 35-28 Indianapolis.

Game 2: San Diego Chargers(6) at Denver Broncos(1)

This is an interesting one. The Chargers needed a whole lot of luck to get into the playoffs, but they trounced the Bengals round one and defeated the Broncos in Denver in Week 15. The key to victory for San Diego is keeping Peyton Manning on the sidelines to prevent the prolific Broncos offense from lighting up the scoreboard like usual. Long drives with clutch 3rd down conversions for the Chargers will eat up clock and make things tough on Manning and the Broncos offense. The game in Week 15 was played without Wes Welker, who figures to be a major factor in this game. If the Chargers win here, they have a great oppurtunity to make the Super Bowl, because the Broncos are most definitley the best team in the AFC. Still, stopping Manning and that Broncos passing attack figures to be a tough task for the San Diego secondary. This will be a much more tightly contested game than predicted.  The Broncos’ offensive firepower nets them a 34-31 overtime victory.

The Panthers were the suprise team of the year, but can they win a playoff game? Credit for the image goes to: http://www.telephonewallpaper.com/artwork/steve-smith–89_original.jpg

Andrew Luck engineered one of the greatest playoff comebacks of all time. Can he top the original Captain Comeback, Tom Brady? Credit for the image goes to: http://media.kansas.com/smedia/2014/01/04/21/25/810-V2jyV.SlMa.81.jpeg

Which AFC West quarterback will prevail in the first postseason meeting of these two teams? Credit for the image goes to: http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/13/files/2013/04/6924962.jpg

1. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville-Bridgewater isn’t exactly a can’t miss prospect like Andrew Luck, but he’s pretty close. He can make all throws, and is a strong favorite for the No. 1 overall pick, held by the Texans. Bridgewater is a complete prospect and should have a lot of success in the NFL.

2. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M-Previously, I had Manziel going in the second round to sit on the bench for a couple years and learn before taking a starting position. This would still be a good option for him, but after his astonishing performance in the Chick Fil-A Bowl, he is in a position to be drafted with one of the top 5 selections in the 2014 draft, and he’s earned it. Manziel was nearly perfect in that game, making every throw on the field and managing to escape pressure with his legs. He was fired up on the sidelines, leading his team, and brought home a win after a 21 point halftime deficit in what would be his final college game if he decides to declare for the draft. He passed for 382 yards and 4 TD’s, no picks, and his leading receiver was Derel Walker. Mike Evans who? Manziel’s performance was one for the ages, and one of the finest games from a quarterback I have ever seen.

3. Derek Carr, Fresno State- Carr is a traditional pocket passer, but he is one of the best in the country at that. Carr’s mechanics and decision making are sound, and he has the look of a franchise QB. Carr’s performance in his bowl game is underwhelming in contrast to what Johnny Manziel did, and that’s why they are ranked in this order. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Carr is the second quarterback taken, the Jaguars would be a good fit.

4. Blake Bortles, UCF- Bortles was an unknown heading into the season, but he put together a great season and led the Knights to a BCS bowl victory. Bortles is fundamentally sound and makes few mistakes. Along with Manziel, he is a threat as a runner. Bortles would be a good fit for a team like the Browns or the Raiders, both of whom own early picks in the draft and are in the market for a quarterback.

5. AJ McCarron, Alabama-McCarron owns an incredible college career record, but that was with an overpowering defense and a dominant run game. McCarron makes some nice throws, but not enough to win the game for you by himself. The Jets might take a look at him-his consistency and traditional pocket passing make him a nice contrast to Geno Smith’s unpredictability, and the Jets have that championship defense. The Vikings would have that strong running game  for him to rely on. McCarron is a solid QB, but not a spectacular one.

Other notable College Quarterbacks

Tahj Boyd, Clemson-Has a little Colin Kaepernick in his game, but too inconsistent in big games to merit being on this list. Remember, he almost lost the game with a critical interception in the Orange Bowl-until Braxton Miller gave it right back.

Marcus Mariota, Oregon- Mariota has announced that he is going to return to Oregon for his junior season, and if he delivers next year, he could be the top pick in 2015.

Jameis Winston, FSU-Winston is ineligible for 2014 draft because he is only a red shirt freshman. When he decides to declare for the draft, expect him to taken early.

NFC 

Game 1: San Francisco at Green Bay

On paper, this screams for an blowout, and Colin Kaepernick has had his way with the Packers defense the last 2 times these teams have met. The Packers have a weak run defense and just barely scraped by into the playoffs at 8-7-1. They needed late magic on 4th and 8 with 38 seconds remaining before Aaron Rodgers found a wide open Randall Cobb to win the NFC North and send the Pack to the playoffs with home field advantage. Still, nothing is impossible with Aaron Rodgers under center, as good a quarterback as you’ll find in NFL history. Unlike the past two meetings between these teams, this game will be played at Lambeau, with an expected high of 19 degrees, instead of sunny SF in september. While the Packers limped into the playoff picture, San Francisco cruised into January, winners of six straight. Despite the presence of Rodgers, I predict Frank Gore and the 49ers run game will gash the Packers on the ground to the tune of 160+ yards on at least 30 carries combined. Rodgers will throw for over 300 yards and 2 touchdowns, but the 49ers defense will force 2 turnovers minimum and win the game by 2 scores.

Game 2: New Orleans at Philedalphia

The New Orleans Saints own a spotless 8-0 home record, but are a below average 3-5 on the road. They are on the road here, and out of their cozy Louisana Superdome and into frigid Philedalphia. The Saint haven’t been unlucky on the road-they have been blown out. The Saints defense is suspect on the road, which doesn’t bode well when facing Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy. The Eagles outlasted a gutsy effort by Kyle Orton and the Cowboys in Week 17 to sew up a playoff spot. Many Eagles players are in unfamiliar territory, and nerves might play a factor in the beginning of the game, whereas this is business as usual for Drew Brees and the Saints. I predict that McCoy has 3 scores, 2 rushing and 1 receiving, and Nick Foles survives a shootout with Brees to win the game 30-27.

AFC

Game 1: San Diego Chargers at Cinncinati Bengals:

San Diego snuck into the playoffs due to a missed field goal that should have been re-kicked, but that’s all a moot point if they can beat the Bengals. Phillp Rivers is playing some of the best football of his career, and Ryan Matthews has shown that when he’s healthy, he is a dynamic running back. Keenan Allen is making a strong case for the rookie of the year, and Antonio Gates is still productive. For the Bengals, their chances for a deep playoff run revolve around Andy Dalton. Cinncinati is loaded with offensive weapons including AJ Green, GIovani Bernard, and Mohammed Sanu. Dalton needs to get the ball to his playmakers quickly and effectively. Dalton has not played well in his first two playoff appearences, sending the Bengals home empty handed after first round losses in each of his first two seasons. A good day from Dalton wins this game for the Bengals, but considering the growth of this Chargers team and the performances that they can put on when clicking, this one is far from a sure thing. It’s unwise to trust Dalton in the playoffs. 24-14 Chargers.

Game 2: Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts.

These 2 teams met at Kansas City in Week 16, and it wasn’t pretty. Indy ran all over the once-dominant Chiefs defense, and the KC offense stalled once they got away from the run game. After starting 9-0, the Chiefs stumbled to a 2-5 finish. This is a big game for Kansas City in terms of defining their year. Were they the team that rode a dominant defense and a star running back deep into the playoffs? Or were they a team who got lucky with an easy strenghth of schedule and folded in games against tough opponents? On the road, with a sputtering offense and a defense that looks out of sync, the Chiefs are not the imposing threat they once were. On the other side of the field are the Colts, a well coached team with a rising star in quarterback Andrew Luck. The Colts also have a defensive monster in Robert Mathis, who led the league in sacks. Luck and the Colts take this game, 21-16, but it’s a tough road ahead for Indy without Reggie Wayne.

Colin Kaepernick had a career day against the Packers last time these two teams met in the playoffs. Credit for the image goes to: http://host.madison.com/sports/football/professional/packers-can-t-stop-colin-kaepernick-fall—to/article_54524972-5d39-11e2-bee1-0019bb2963f4.html

 

The Saints have had trouble on the road, including a 34-7 scorching on Monday Night Football. Credit for the image goes to: http://seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2022382926_saintssidebar03xml.html

There’s no doubt about what type of player AJ Green(right) is-but the same cannot be said about his quarterback.(Andy Dalton, left) Credit for the image goes to: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d823038c5/article/week-5-observations-bengals-playing-well-behind-rookies (Article is from 2011)

Jamaal Charles will do his best to carry his team, but will it be enough? Credit for the image goes to: http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2013/08/01/2013-fantasy-football-face-off-lesean-mccoy-vs-jamaal-charles/

I do not own any of these pictures and all credit goes to the photographers and the websites.

The Jets started the season off on a poor note, losing Mark Sanchez to a torn labrum during a preseason game. This thrust Geno Smith, a rookie second round pick, into a starting role. Smith has had an up and down season, compiling impressive wins against the Falcons and Patriots, but an awful 4 week stretch has created a lot of controvesy on Smith’s future with New York. The Jets had playoff aspirations as recently as midseason, but poor play on offense has seen them slip to 6-8 and out of serious playoff contention. To be fair to Geno Smith, he doesn’t exactly have a lot of weapons to work with, given that Santonio Holmes is his number 1 receiver. Bilial Powell has ok this year, but at age 25 he has years to grow. The real reason the Jets have won six games is due to their dominant defense. Muhammed Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson are both monsters up front, there really isn’t a line that can challenge the strength, speed, and talent of these two guys. Quinton Coples, a versatile player that can play linebacker or play with his hand in the dirt, has been playing very well. Calvin Pace has racked up 9 sacks in his 11th year. David Harris has been a great run stopper, totaling 112 tackles to date. The secondary needs some work, but when Cromartie returns to health and as Milliner begins to catch up to the speed of the NFL, the unit will become stronger. The defense is top 10, maybe top 5 in the league, and Head Coach Rex Ryan is one of the best defensive minds in the game. The Jets may want to look at Mike Evans out of Texas A&M in the first round of the draft next year to be their possesion receiver. Evans is a terrific wideout that has excellent body control and has the tools to make an immediate impact as a possesion receiver. In the second or third rounds, the front office should take a long hard look at Alabama’s AJ McCarrron or Georgia’s Aaron Murray. Both are more prototypical pocket passers and should provide good competition for Smith, who is a good athlete but struggles with accuracy slumps. If Geno never figures it out at the pro level, either McCarron or Murray have the tools to be possible franchise QB’s.