And then there were four... And three of them were here last year. This weekend is huge, as the games played will help shape the legacies of many of the players involved. The most obvious is Ray Lewis. For the third straight week this could be his last game. The most dominant middle linebacker of my era will be retiring after this season, and I can tell you with 100% certainty that he does not want this to be his last game. No, he wants his last game to be in New Orleans, hoisting up his second Superbowl trophy. It would be a fitting ending to one of the greatest careers the NFL has ever seen. It would possibly cement Ray Lewis' legacy as the best linebacker ever.
Tom Brady is another player who has a lot on the line here. After winning three titles in his first four seasons, he immediately jumped in the discussion of the best quarterbacks ever. However, since the 2004 season, despite multiple MVPs, broken records, and even a fifty touchdown season, he has not won another title. He has been to a total of five Superbowls, but he has lost his last two and has struggled in some big games. A loss here could have people questioning his greatness. A win, though, would get him to his sixth Superbowl, the most ever, and would solidify his place atop the Mount Rushmore of NFL passers.
Though Matt Ryan is young, he has already developed a reputation of shrinking in big situations. He won the first playoff game of his career in his fourth attempt a week ago, despite throwing two picks. He made the big plays down the stretch that helped give his team the victory after allowing one of the biggest comebacks in NFL playoff history. A loss here could waver any confidence Ryan has built and could prove that he is not a big game quarterback. On the other hand, a win could turn that all around. A Superbowl appearance for Matty Ice and the Falcons could thrust him into the conversation of the elite. He would join a short list of active players who have won a title, and could put his numbers head to head with any one of them. This game is huge for Matt Ryan.
For the 49ers, it is not so much the legacy of a player, but of an entire unit. For the last half a decade the 49ers defense has been among the best in the league. Led by All Pro middle linebacker Patrick Willis, this defense just keeps adding different pieces that seem to fit perfectly. As good as the defense has been, they have very little to show for it. This year could change everything. A win this week would put people like Willis, second year sack artist Aldon Smith, and defensive anchor Justin Smith in the spotlight they have deserved for a while now. Colin Kaepernick might be getting all the attention this week, but if San Francisco is to win today, it will be on the strength of their defense.
The first game of the weekend will have Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons hosting the San Francisco 49ers and that dominant defense. The Niners were in this position last season. This version of the Falcons has never been here. Last week, Colin Kaepernick showed the world what he is capable of in the victory. His running ability was put on display when he ran for 181 yards, a record for a quarterback in any game in history. The Falcons have struggled against rushing quarterbacks, but used a drop and spy technique against Russell Wilson that was somewhat effective. If they can improve on that this week against the Niners they have a chance. On the other side, San Francisco needs to find a way to stop this explosive Atlanta offense. They have rediscovered their running game, and with the weapons Matt Ryan has, they are dangerous. If San Fran can get a consistent pass rush and keep Ryan out of rhythm, the Niners win this one easy.
The last game of the weekend has Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens playing in Foxboro against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. One of the best offenses in history against one of the best defenses in history trying to make its last stand. This is a rematch of the classic AFC title game from a year ago. It is also a rematch of a game from Week 2 this season. Both games came down to a field goal, and if it does this time, the Ravens will win. Justin Tucker has been automatic as a rookie, already beating the Pats once this season. Stephen Gostkowski has been shaky to say the least, and the bigger the kick this season, the shakier he has been. if this game is close the Ravens will win. If New England wins it will be by at least two scores. This game may come down to who can run the ball better.
Last week, I lost a Superbowl Pick as the Niners beat the Packers. Matt's preseason picks of the Ravens and Niners are still there, but he changed his AFC pick to New England before the postseason started. Did he change his mind again this week? Here are our picks.
Tom Brady is another player who has a lot on the line here. After winning three titles in his first four seasons, he immediately jumped in the discussion of the best quarterbacks ever. However, since the 2004 season, despite multiple MVPs, broken records, and even a fifty touchdown season, he has not won another title. He has been to a total of five Superbowls, but he has lost his last two and has struggled in some big games. A loss here could have people questioning his greatness. A win, though, would get him to his sixth Superbowl, the most ever, and would solidify his place atop the Mount Rushmore of NFL passers.
Though Matt Ryan is young, he has already developed a reputation of shrinking in big situations. He won the first playoff game of his career in his fourth attempt a week ago, despite throwing two picks. He made the big plays down the stretch that helped give his team the victory after allowing one of the biggest comebacks in NFL playoff history. A loss here could waver any confidence Ryan has built and could prove that he is not a big game quarterback. On the other hand, a win could turn that all around. A Superbowl appearance for Matty Ice and the Falcons could thrust him into the conversation of the elite. He would join a short list of active players who have won a title, and could put his numbers head to head with any one of them. This game is huge for Matt Ryan.
For the 49ers, it is not so much the legacy of a player, but of an entire unit. For the last half a decade the 49ers defense has been among the best in the league. Led by All Pro middle linebacker Patrick Willis, this defense just keeps adding different pieces that seem to fit perfectly. As good as the defense has been, they have very little to show for it. This year could change everything. A win this week would put people like Willis, second year sack artist Aldon Smith, and defensive anchor Justin Smith in the spotlight they have deserved for a while now. Colin Kaepernick might be getting all the attention this week, but if San Francisco is to win today, it will be on the strength of their defense.
The first game of the weekend will have Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons hosting the San Francisco 49ers and that dominant defense. The Niners were in this position last season. This version of the Falcons has never been here. Last week, Colin Kaepernick showed the world what he is capable of in the victory. His running ability was put on display when he ran for 181 yards, a record for a quarterback in any game in history. The Falcons have struggled against rushing quarterbacks, but used a drop and spy technique against Russell Wilson that was somewhat effective. If they can improve on that this week against the Niners they have a chance. On the other side, San Francisco needs to find a way to stop this explosive Atlanta offense. They have rediscovered their running game, and with the weapons Matt Ryan has, they are dangerous. If San Fran can get a consistent pass rush and keep Ryan out of rhythm, the Niners win this one easy.
The last game of the weekend has Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens playing in Foxboro against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. One of the best offenses in history against one of the best defenses in history trying to make its last stand. This is a rematch of the classic AFC title game from a year ago. It is also a rematch of a game from Week 2 this season. Both games came down to a field goal, and if it does this time, the Ravens will win. Justin Tucker has been automatic as a rookie, already beating the Pats once this season. Stephen Gostkowski has been shaky to say the least, and the bigger the kick this season, the shakier he has been. if this game is close the Ravens will win. If New England wins it will be by at least two scores. This game may come down to who can run the ball better.
Last week, I lost a Superbowl Pick as the Niners beat the Packers. Matt's preseason picks of the Ravens and Niners are still there, but he changed his AFC pick to New England before the postseason started. Did he change his mind again this week? Here are our picks.
Jimmy's Picks NFC Championship - Falcons over 49ers I have been going back and forth on this one all week. I have gone against the Falcons all season and I have gotten burned. The Niners are favored on the road, and they have been the better team recently. The Falcons may feel disrespected here, and they should play that way. Despite the offensive playmakers on both teams, I think this game will be a defensive struggle that will come down to the final minutes. Here, Matt Ryan will make the difference and the Falcons will win. Falcons 24-20 AFC Championship - Patriots over Ravens Betting against Ray Lewis will always come back to bite you in the ass. It happened to me again last week. but this week, I just feel that even without Gronk, the Pats have too many weapons for the aging and ailing Ravens defense. Ray Lewis is a warrior who will fight until there is no fight left, but even that will not be enough in this game. The Pats are determined to make it back to the Superbowl, and the Ravens will fall just short again. This one will not be as close as the last two meetings. Pats 34-23 | Matt's Picks NFC Championship - 49ers over Falcons This is a matchup of the 1 and 2 seeds, which does not seem to happen much in today's NFL. Atlanta finished with the league's best record, yet did not seem to be its best team. The 49ers on the other hand have dominated with two separate quarterbacks, a rare feat in the NFL. San Fran has the most potent mix of offense and defense of the four remaining teams. This game has the potential of being a barn-burner, remaining close to the end, with the Niners hanging on in the end. Niners 38-35 AFC Championship - Patriots over Ravens It seems as if these teams were destined to meet in a rematch of last years conference championship. These two organizations exemplify what it means to be consistent. The game will feature one of the best offensive generals in Tom Brady squaring off against one if the best defensive generals in Ray Lewis. If this game stays close I can see the Ravens pulling off the upset, but with the Patriots being the fresher of the two teams I see them pulling away in the end. Pats 31-21 |
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