Ring 6
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Heading into the playoffs, which areas are of no concern, which are potentially troublesome?
Or, put another way, if we lose in the playoffs which areas are likely to cause the problems?
My List
No concern
QB- This is an advantage in a big game for us, no matter who the opponent.
Run D- Has developed into the best in the NFL
Sprecial teams- More likely to be a plus than a problem
WR/TE- We wont lose because they cannot get open or they drop passes
Pass rush- A weakness early in the year, I think the LBs and the schemes plus Seymour will make this a plus, or at least not a liabilitiy
Coaching- It means more in the playoffs, and we have the best
Concerns
Secondary- While it has played better, there is still the worry that they are susceptible
OLine- Injuries would hurt. They must forge a running game for us. Ive seen too many times of struggle in the run game to not be a bit concerned they could play poorly vs a tough front 7
IMO, we will not lose to anyones running game. We will not lose due to Brady, his weapons or being outcoached.
The biggest combination to worry about is a physical front 7 that stuffs our run, and an offense that will protect the QB and expose our secondary. I think the secondary won't be exposed unless we cannot generate pressure, need to blitz a lot, and it gets picked up.
Looking at the playoffs teams, I see some that could pose some problems and none that have all of what it takes to make all of the concerns an issue.
Pittsburgh- If they cannot run, they cannot win, and they will not run on us.
Jax- Do have the run D, but cannot throw effectively enough to outduel Brady if necessary.
Denver- We can be effective at all phases vs their D, although it is pretty good. If we stop the run, Jake Plummer will not beat us.
Cincy- Their passing game is good, but our run D and pass rush will make it tougher for them to throw well. Their defense needs turnovers. They won't get them vs Brady, and we will probably score more points vs them than any playoff team.
Indy- First, you have to convince me Manning can play well against us in a playoff game. To date he has been the worst player on the field in those games. Since it will be in Indy, I don't think their D has much chance against our O. The combination of a physical running game, and our receivers on turf vs their secondary makes the biggest mismatch of the day their D trying to stop our O.
Interstingly, if you break down those opponents, we win because of our offense vs Indy and Cincy, and because of our defense vs Pitt and Jax, and as a team vs Denver.
This team has shown one flaw the 03/04 Champs never did: The ability to get behind, lose control of the game and just play poorly. I dont see that happening against any of these teams. It may, but if it doesnt, we are SB bound.
Or, put another way, if we lose in the playoffs which areas are likely to cause the problems?
My List
No concern
QB- This is an advantage in a big game for us, no matter who the opponent.
Run D- Has developed into the best in the NFL
Sprecial teams- More likely to be a plus than a problem
WR/TE- We wont lose because they cannot get open or they drop passes
Pass rush- A weakness early in the year, I think the LBs and the schemes plus Seymour will make this a plus, or at least not a liabilitiy
Coaching- It means more in the playoffs, and we have the best
Concerns
Secondary- While it has played better, there is still the worry that they are susceptible
OLine- Injuries would hurt. They must forge a running game for us. Ive seen too many times of struggle in the run game to not be a bit concerned they could play poorly vs a tough front 7
IMO, we will not lose to anyones running game. We will not lose due to Brady, his weapons or being outcoached.
The biggest combination to worry about is a physical front 7 that stuffs our run, and an offense that will protect the QB and expose our secondary. I think the secondary won't be exposed unless we cannot generate pressure, need to blitz a lot, and it gets picked up.
Looking at the playoffs teams, I see some that could pose some problems and none that have all of what it takes to make all of the concerns an issue.
Pittsburgh- If they cannot run, they cannot win, and they will not run on us.
Jax- Do have the run D, but cannot throw effectively enough to outduel Brady if necessary.
Denver- We can be effective at all phases vs their D, although it is pretty good. If we stop the run, Jake Plummer will not beat us.
Cincy- Their passing game is good, but our run D and pass rush will make it tougher for them to throw well. Their defense needs turnovers. They won't get them vs Brady, and we will probably score more points vs them than any playoff team.
Indy- First, you have to convince me Manning can play well against us in a playoff game. To date he has been the worst player on the field in those games. Since it will be in Indy, I don't think their D has much chance against our O. The combination of a physical running game, and our receivers on turf vs their secondary makes the biggest mismatch of the day their D trying to stop our O.
Interstingly, if you break down those opponents, we win because of our offense vs Indy and Cincy, and because of our defense vs Pitt and Jax, and as a team vs Denver.
This team has shown one flaw the 03/04 Champs never did: The ability to get behind, lose control of the game and just play poorly. I dont see that happening against any of these teams. It may, but if it doesnt, we are SB bound.