Divisional Round Recap: Denver's New Look Ball Control Offense

The first three games in the divisional round playoff weekend went as planned with all of the favorites winning meaning San Diego-Denver game felt like the perfect recipe to screw it up. There is no way we could be #blessed to get Seattle-San Francisco and New England-Denver. But the Broncos made sure we get a dream final four by beating San Diego, 24-17, with a convincing win by Denver for three quarters with an efficient day from Peyton Manning, a slowed down Denver offense and how the fourth quarter would worry me moving forward.

Everyone wanted to see another bad Peyton playoff performance. I have no idea when it shifted from people sort of haphazardly defending Manning's struggles to everyone expecting him to succumb to the pressure. Manning is a great quarterback no matter if it is in the regular season or the playoffs. He did not press at all in the game, and Manning's interception really did not affect the game although it could have put the game out of reach early in the first game. Additionally, it was not the typical Denver performance where the offense moved up and down the field. They were a controlled attack giving San Diego a test of their own medicine.

The whole year San Diego has been known as a team who controls the clock and wears you down with Danny Woodhead, Ronnie Brown and Ryan Mathews. Denver basically decided to play copycat and used their own version with Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball. Denver duo had 133 yards on 34 carries, and while they only averaged about four yards per game, they still slowed down the game to keep San Diego off the field. With the year Manning had this season, people forget this team can run the football at an above average level. Yesterday, they needed it more than ever. I think it controlled Manning putting him at a more relaxed state which is important to him and his success. This will need to be how Denver plays for the next couple of games if they want to win the Super Bowl.

If people forgot, or they decided to give in for a significant other, female roommate, sister, brother, male roommate who wanted to watch the Golden Globes Red Carpet, San Diego scored 17 points in the final quarter. People will probably not make much of it, but it should be one of the things that should scare the living hell out of Broncos fans. Remember Denver's coach is John Fox, and one of the biggest criticism of Fox throughout his Carolina years was his ability to turn into the biggest conservative play caller when his team has a big lead.  Fox showed that on Sunday, and in fact, he showed it when New England and Denver met for the first time. I realize this is not Fox's philosophy, but he really needs to put the foot down on the throat when they have a chance. Do not worry about the 'what if' and just finish the deal.  Broncos and Fox made it too close for comfort in the final quarter on Sunday.

The narrative shifts from 'Manning cannot win the big one' to 'Brady versus Manning' and the debate that comes with it. Manning has a chance to make it to his third Super Bowl while Brady could break a record for Super Bowl appearances with six. This will be a top notch football game, and you just hope conditions are perfect for a complete duel between these quarterbacks as this might be the last time we see it in the playoffs.

Charlie. 

Divisional Round Playoff Picks

Everyone knows the dream matchup for the following Sunday... It would be Seattle-San Francisco and Denver-New England. This would make any casual fan of the NFL go from six to midnight. I could not even begin to fathom the ratings for each of these games so then here lies the questions, 'Who is the team that royally screws this thing up?'  That is the question I have been wondering all week. I cannot just put my
finger on who it will be honestly.

Saturday
New Orleans at Seattle 3:30 pm FOX - Here is the first case where I think our dream matchup could get ruined and no one thinks this is possible. People will point to the unreal secondary of Seattle and for good reason, they are one of the best ever. New Orleans predicates an offense off passing, passing and a random Mark Ingram appearance like a wild Snorlax appearing out of nowhere. It seems like the Saints are pissed off people believe they cannot win on the road.  They already won in Philly, but no one thinks New Orleans can do it again. Head coach Sean Payton is certainly going down with a fight blowing out speakers to emulate the sound and having a Seahawks logo in their practice facility.  New Orleans needs to limit mistakes if they want to win this game. It bite them hard in the game against Seattle the first time around, and if they stay composed New Orleans can win this game.

Seattle on the other hand comes in fresh. Bye weeks have not been the best thing for teams in the last couple of years, but with how physical the Seahawks play, a week off could be useful. Even though Percy Harvin will be back this week, people are forgetting how bad Russell Wilson has been as the season closed out. Harvin might help him, but since the New Orleans game, Wilson has been less than stellar. Also remember Seattle's offensive line is one of the worst in the NFL in terms of pass-blocking and this Saints team can get to Wilson. I am taking the Saints. Maybe I am looking too much into this one, but Seattle seems ripe for the upset. NO 23-21

Indianapolis at New England (-7.5) 7:15 pm CBS - This is a game where I could see things either being a complete blowout by New England or getting really weird. The reason for the blowout is Indianapolis' defense is goddamn awful. They do not have much going for them besides Robert Mathis. It is like a band with a good lead singer and just a bunch of mediocre guitarists and drums. Even with the bad weather, Tom Brady and their three-headed rushing attack could have a big day.

 It could get weird because Indianapolis since Andrew Luck has been their quarterback only seems to win in the most bizarre fashion. It is never a clear cut victory; something crazy always has to happen. This would be a defining win for Luck's career if he is able to take down Brady in the playoffs.  He will need to be perfect. New England's defense might not be great, but their offense cannot get extra opportunities. When I look at this game, I think we are getting an Indianapolis team that will be 'just happy to be there' and not really believing they can win this game. Patriots in a big way. NE 38-20

Sunday
San Francisco (-3) at Carolina 12:00 pm FOX - You want to see some hitting?  This is your game. Colin Kaepernick struggled their last meeting with only throwing for 99 yards and a couple turnovers. He will have to deal with a jacked up Carolina crowd, but he at least gets Michael Crabtree this time around which should be fun against these Carolina. Kaepernick always seems to have a little extra for the playoffs, and I think he rectifies the poor start from earlier in this season. One thing that would worry me if I were San Fran would be Frank Gore. He could be wearing down, and while Carolina's stout rush defense is tough to get through, Niners still need some Gore yards.

As for the Panthers, they are a team with many people experiencing the playoffs for the first time. It is extremely vital Carolina comes out in the first quarter, and just plays Panthers football. If they come out tight, let San Francisco get the early advantage, it might be curtains for this team. Cam Newton will have the largest microscope on him, and he needs not to force anything. One thing that will help is the fired up fanbase of Carolina. These folks have not seen a playoff game in quite some time, and they will be ready to help out the team as much as they can.  I like San Francisco in this one. It seems like the Niners are the hottest team in the league, and I will ride them to another round. SF 16-14

San Diego at Denver (-10) 3:30 pm CBS - Ever think sometimes the criticism is so severe on the guy that he will say 'F--- it, let's give them something else to talk about.'? That's how I feel about Peyton Manning. I cannot remember a time where he received so much shit for not winning the postseason. I mean it is well-documented, but at the same time, this seems a bit excessive. I have a feeling this will be an iconic Manning performance. Even though San Diego seemed to improved defensively in the last couple weeks, I still think this is a below average secondary that Manning can exploit. The reason Denver loses this game will not be Manning rather the defense therefore I expect a close game, but seriously, Manning is going to put everyone on notice. DEN 34-30

Charlie.

Wild Card Recap: Dumpster Fire Dalton

Seeing what happened to Kansas City on Saturday made you think about Cincinnati instantaneously. The reason is being is Bengals have been exactly like the Chiefs in terms of they have not won a playoff game in over 20 years. For Cincinnati, it has been worse than Kansas City as Bengals have not won a playoff game since 1990. This seemed like more than given to break the streak. Cincinnati is undefeated at the so-called 'The Jungle' playing a San Diego team whom basically snaked their way into the playoffs like the guy from The Wolf on Wall Street. It seemed like a lock. But once again, Cincinnati failed to live up to the bright lights and it all falls on their quarterback.

Sometimes blaming the quarterback is an unjust thing to do. People do with Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys all the time, and there are ton more examples of quarterbacks getting the brunt of the blame when it is undeserving. But this is one of those cases where it all falls on the quarterback. Andy Dalton cost his team the football game, and once again, it a big football game with a big moment, he failed to step up to the big lights. This is a problem, and probably it means they have an issue at quarterback whether they want to admit it or not right now.

Cincinnati held a 10-7 advantage heading into halftime. They could have been up at least three more points if Giovanni Bernard did not fumble near the goal line. Dalton came out in the second half, and it honestly seemed like he tightened up crumbling under the pressure even when there was not much. After San Diego scored a touchdown to retake the lead giving Chargers a 14-10 lead early in the third quarter, Dalton tries to run the ball falling forward leading him to fumble the ball. San Diego recovered and added a field goal to give them a seven-point advantage. Dalton played adequtely leading up to this point, but it seemed like the fumble was the start of the spiral like when your friend suggests to do RumpleMintz shots after five hours of drinking.

It became the same story with Dalton as instead of coming up with a response to San Diego getting a score and tying up the game, he threw a putrid interception to Shareece Wright. Once again, this turnover happened in Chargers territory. People really think this guy is a franchise quarterback?  This is an average quarterback at this point. Sure he wins games, but Trent Dilfer won games with a good defense behind him. There are so many quarterbacks that have been bailed out by having a great defense, but Dalton cost his team a chance to win this football game without question even though his defense gave him a chance in another attempt to bail his ass out. San Diego only turned Dalton's mistakes to six points meaning Cincinnati at least a chance in this football game and Dalton pissed it away like a drunk Billy Madison.

Even with the ineptitude of Dalton, San Diego deserves credit for winning the football game. Chargers defense played well even with holding one of the worst pass defenses in he National Football League (This actually makes Dalton's day more criminal). They also ran the ball for almost 200 yards with a three-headed monster of Ronnie Brown, Danny Woodhead and Ryan Mathews against one of the best rush defenses in the NFL. With Mathews banged up, they were still able to find a way to control the clock and pull off the massive upset against Cincinnati. Also let's not forget Phillip Rivers being the first person since my grandpa in the 2000s to wear a bolo tie.

It is not time for Cincinnati to make a quarterback change, but they should draft a quarterback in the upcoming 2014 NFL draft. It is a loaded quarterback draft meaning they could get someone like Aaron Murray, Zach Mettenberger or Logan Thomas in the mid-rounds. In no way should Cincinnati be thinking about giving Dalton a 100 million dollar contract in 2015 when his contract is up. Dalton might be sixth in passing for the season, but he might just be a mid-level quarterback who knows how to throw a vertical route to A.J. Green.

Charlie.

Sportandfashion-news NFL Wild Card Picks: Blackouts, Weather and Scoring... Oh My!

It is time to make my NFL picks for the weekend. This was my first season where I tried to bet with Las Vegas. I do not have any experience and think I did slightly below average going 14 games under .500 with a couple pushes thrown in there. I realize how bad it would be actually sports gamble, but I feel like if my money is right, why not? At least try it out and see what happens. As for straight up, it was a successful season once again winning over 160 games. Let's hope the straight up trend continues for the playoffs.

SATURDAY 
Kansas City at Indianapolis 3:35 pm NBC - Is it weird I think this could be the best non-Packer game of the weekend?  I am introducing a new Sportandfashion-news theory for this game called the 'Arizona Theory.'  It is based off Arizona Cardinals 2009 team that got crushed by Green Bay Packers in the final game of the season only to beat the same team in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Kansas City suffered an embarrassing home defeat to Indianapolis 23-7 earlier this month, but remember, Chiefs had locked up the fifth seed and they knew there was a chance they could be seeing Indianapolis in this round of the playoffs. This means they could be showing all sorts of shit Indianapolis did not see the first time around.

Andy Reid has not been to the playoffs since 2010, and he did not win a playoff game since 2008. Same goes for Kansas City with their team not having a playoff win since 1994. But this game will come down to which star shines the brightest... Jamaal Charles or Andrew Luck. Indianapolis boasts one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL meaning Charles could have a huge game on the fast track at Lucas Oil. Last three games are not really indicative of what the Colts have done against ground. Tennessee's second game they rushed for 162 as a team, Cincinnati rushed for 155 yards and Arizona rushed for 120. Charles might be the difference maker.

But that's not to say Luck could not have the same day with the Colts. Kansas City's secondary have become their biggest problem of their comeback season. While the Chiefs have not faced a ton of great quarterbacks this season, but when they have, results are not the greatest. Luck seemed to move the ball better in the last couple of games without forcing the ball as he only has one interception in the last four games

Indianapolis seems to beat giants this season. They always seem to play up to their opponent. Alex Smith on the road and winning seems to mix like oil and water. Indy in a close one. Indianapolis 34 Kansas City 29 

New Orleans at Philadelphia 7:10 pm NBC - These are two of my favorite teams to watch this season so this game should be a delight to watch. I really would be surprised if we see a blowout even though the odds might be against New Orleans. I really think this is a game where I would be nervous as an Eagles fan.

Many people have already pushed the narrative about Saints not being a good road team as well as how much dome teams suffer in cold weather playoff teams. It almost reminds me a bit of Atlanta in 2002 with Green Bay. A little different elements, but no one gave Atlanta a chance, no one. I feel like some of that is happening with New Orleans. Drew Brees will be able to move the ball against this defense, but they will need to run the ball to create some balance. Saints have a big problem not involving their run game more, and that needs to happen on Saturday night.

Philadelphia is the bandwagon team of the playoffs. They are a fun offense with likable players such as Nick Foles, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy. People go head over heels to tell you how great Chip Kelly has been this season. This might have to be a Shady game for Philadelphia because New Orleans ranks second in pass defense. They really have not allowed many gaudy numbers against the pass. They do not force many turnovers, but it seems like New Orleans does not give up the big play as much as other teams taking away one of Philadelphia's big parts of their offense.

This is a game that applies to the logic 'Until you can do it, I don't believe you can do it.' I cannot take New Orleans on the road in a big game until they prove they can win one of these games. I BELIEVE YOU NARRATIVES. Philadelphia 27 New Orleans 21

SUNDAY
San Diego at Cincinnati 12:05 pm CBS - There are two people I have came around to liking in 2013, Jason Dufner and Phillip Rivers.  There are more people out there whom I have come to like, but in sports, Duf and Rivers are guys I choose to like versus disliking. Rivers being a crybaby is somewhat annoying, but the guy is just so quirky, it works perfectly for me. He is an oddball unlike some of the other robotic-like quarterbacks I have to respect it.

Rivers will be up against it on Sunday with Cincinnati having one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. They also force turnovers which is a problem for Rivers at times. San Diego quarterback will need to be in control if they want to win the game, and see if their rushing attack can at least give them something because they will need to keep their defense off the field as much as possible.

Andy Dalton is sixth in the NFL at passing the football. That is incredible because I do not consider him that good in any sort of scenario.  But one thing the Red Rocket does well is take advantage of bad pass defenses this year except for San Diego. Dalton really struggled on the road this season facing the Chargers in a game I think many people forgot about. Just a mirage or something to keep an eye on? Like Rivers, Dalton needs to limit his turnovers as much as possible.

This is the third straight playoff appearence for Cincinnati, their fourth in five years. They still have not won a playoff game since 1990. I think that changes with a spirited performances at one of the toughest places to play this season. CIN 24-21

San Francisco at Green Bay 3:35 pm FOX - I made a pick as well as a full breakdown of this game earlier today. Check it out. 

Charlie.

Tap's Thursday Night Pick

We have come to an end with this blog post. It is the final Thursday night game for the National Football
League meaning this blog post ceases to exist. I mean we could do NBA games, but that's probably not in the cards.  People have said multiple times how much they hate Thursday night games, but honestly, I think finally players are starting to figure out how play on a short week. The last five weeks we have had close football games and they were played at a pretty high quality. I feel like this is an encouraging sign for the future of Thursday night games especially when NFL is flirting with the idea of a second Thursday night game.

I feel like we are at a juncture where Goodell is going to pull a Charlie Day and go WILDCARD BITCHES YEEHAWWWW with the schedule in the coming years. We already saw it with the 8:30 am game in London next year with Atlanta-Detroit.  I would be shocked if the NFL does not make a deal with Google to stream games on YouTube for a price of course. That is the great frontier right now. NFL is too smart to not recognize more and more people are not cable subscribers and they could make a massive deal with Google meaning even if someone owns say an XBOX 1 or Playstation 4, they can stream the game right from their video game. If they do not want to stream fully, it might be the Thursday games at very least.

Notice I said games because I do believe they will try to add a second Thursday night game although I have no idea how they would do the TV schedule. I guess one game would begin at 6 pm and the other one would be 9:15 pm meaning the second game will have to feature one of the West Coast teams at home. Although the other thing they could do is start the first game at 6 pm and the next one at 8 pm with the game saying the game will be shown on YouTube and then on the NFL Network when the first game is over. I am real interested to see where the NFL goes from here.

As for the game tonight pitting Denver Broncos (10-2) against the puzzling San Diego (6-7) with Broncos being a 7.5 point favorites at home in chilly Denver where temperatures are expected to be a low of 29. Peyton Manning will be able to exploit the San Diego defense, and even with Phillip Rivers' December record, I do not think they have enough to overcome the Broncos at home in a primetime game.
Denver 35 San Diego 24 

Charlie.