NFL Conference Championship Games Open Thread
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2009 12:00 PM EST
in Events
73 comments
The 2009 NFL Playoffs continue this afternoon with the AFC and NFC Championship games - and once two winners are decided, Super Bowl XLIII's participants will be decided. So let's hear it, Bills fans - who's going to the Super Bowl? Today's matchups promise to, at the very least, be highly entertaining...
Arizona Cardinals (11-7) vs Philadelphia Eagles (11-6-1)
3:00 PM EST, FOX
Cardinals coverage: Revenge of the Birds
Eagles coverage: Bleeding Green Nation
Long thought of as duds of the NFL, the Cardinals have thrown dung into the faces of the Lions, Bengals and Bills by achieving a conference title game for the first time in franchise history - and they get to host it. Good for them. Most folks have fallen in love with the idea that the Eagles are essentially shoo-ins to win this game - they've got playmakers, their defense has been off the charts, and they've been to this point in the post-season before. I, on the other hand, think the Cardinals are tough for anyone to beat at home, really like their playmakers offensively, and hey - there defense has been pretty darned good, too. I'll take the home team in an upset.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 23, Eagles 20
Familiar faces: Cardinals OL Mike Gandy, Eagles LS Jon Dorenbos
Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4) vs Baltimore Ravens (13-5)
6:30 PM EST, CBS
Steelers coverage: Behind the Steel Curtain
Ravens coverage: Baltimore Beatdown
To me, nothing is better in sports than an intra-division conference championship game - especially when the two teams involved are the bitterest of rivals. Take, for example, Buffalo's 29-10 drubbing of the Dolphins in 1992 to advance to their third straight Super Bowl - now that's a satisfying win. The Steelers won this matchup twice during the regular season, but the Ravens team they'll face this evening is playing at their highest level yet. In the end, however, the defenses cancel each other out, and I like Pittsburgh's ability to make the big play offensively far more than I like the Ravens' ability. Once again, I'll take the home team.
PREDICTION: Steelers 17, Ravens 13
Familiar faces: Ravens RB Willis McGahee, DT Justin Bannan, S Jim Leonhard
Predicted Super Bowl XLIII matchup: Steelers vs Cardinals
Now it's your turn. While I sit here and realize that my predictions will likely result in a Ravens vs Eagles Super Bowl, you have a chance to one-up me and gain some bragging rights if you post your predictions as well. Let's hear it!
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predictions
Eagles-27, Cardinals-17
I’ll be rooting for the Cardinals big-time. I hate Philadelphia, their emotionally-deformed QB, their smug head coach, and their trailer-trash fans with all my heart and nothing irks me more than seeing them succeed. This fact alone should be enough to send you running to your bookie to bet on the Eagles. Every team I root for loses; it’s as simple as that, so you might as well make some money off my misery. Warner picks apart passive defenses that sit back and wait (see Week 5), but often struggles against defenses that get in his face. I see Jim Johnson having a field day.
Steelers- 23, Ravens-7
I’m wildly impressed with Joe Flacco. I think he’s already lapped Trent Edwards in terms of poise and decision-making (and he’s unquestionably more physically gifted than Buffalo’s most important player). That being said, I think a rookie QB on the road in a championship game against Tomlin and LeBeau makes for a long late afternoon. Baltimore’s defense is awesome, but they haven’t had a bye since Week 2 and Tennessee moved up and down the field against them last week before self-destructing in the red zone. I think it’s fairly close for a half, but Pittsburgh pulls away late. I see a McGahee fumble in the third quarter being the turning point of this game. That will be the highlight of my day.
Go Cards.
The passing of the torch is finally complete.
by Benjamin Salem on Jan 18, 2009 12:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Every team I root for loses
Aren’t you a fan of the 10-time World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals?
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2009 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They’ve had a terrible winter. Not addressing the bullpen after it blows 30 games last year is inexcusable. They basically have a marketing guru as their GM too.
The passing of the torch is finally complete.
by Benjamin Salem on Jan 19, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, but my point was the Cardinals have won something. :)
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 19, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL @ home team in an upset......thats funny...
but yeah Im down with the red birds…
ARI 24
PHI 17
BAL 14
PIT 10
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 12:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Agree
I think your right, Arizona Pittsburg Superbowl, whoda thunkit? As much as I love Baltimore I think the defences are even, but Rothlesburger has been here before and has more offensive weapons. And Arizona at home, I just not sure Philly can stop them. Plus as long as the Cards contain Westbrook Philly shouldn’t throwup a lot of points. But really both games could go either way and it wouldn’t be a shocker.
by mavadjdj on Jan 18, 2009 2:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Warner to Fitzgerald is just a gross combination right now.......
just amazingly sick……..
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 4:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’d trade many a player for Fitz if I was the Bills GM. He’s pretty much going in the direction of Jordan-type abilities. Though I bet Jordan was faster.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 18, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He's reaching top 3 player in entire NFL levels with his play in the post season.......
It’s arguable he’s the best right now period
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It would probably cost two first round picks...
and you don’t build teams by trading that many draft picks
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 18, 2009 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
man but dare to dream right.....
him and evans…..it would be so good
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fitz is untradable. AZ probably wouldn’t even listen to offers for him. In addition to how incredible he is, he also just got a new contract so trading him would be cap suicide for the Cards.
by kaisertown on Jan 19, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That was a bogus call on the kickoff
Even though I want the Eagles to go to the SB, that call was horrendous.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 18, 2009 4:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that was a freaking terrible call. I’m pro-Cards, so needless to say, I was a little miffed. That’s a call that usually goes against the Bills, too.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Man its just so hard to believe that this Cardnial team was 9-7........
and got blasted by the PATS 47-7………the look like they went 13-3 atleast this year…what a great first half for Arizona……
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 4:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
They killed us, didn't they?
I believe it
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 18, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
true
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Eagles making a game of it with that score
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 5:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i have
a parlay of $80 on
AZ to lose by 4 or less and
Balt to lose by 6 or less
Pays $320.
Hope it happens. BTW, wouldn’t be nice if we had the sembleance of either of these teams? God I love thier coaching staffs. So aggressive and so ruthless
MARVelous
by MARVelous on Jan 18, 2009 5:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
well i want AZ to win......
however if you win 320 bucks I would be happy for you……
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow. Who woulda guessed. 4th Q and its a game! If you win this tell me the bar you will be at. I didn’t think the eagles had a chance aftar the 1st half.
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
by keuka121 on Jan 18, 2009 5:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
great drive by arizona here....however they seem content to just get a field goal.....
doesnt really make sense to me
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 5:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
what a fantastic drive and play call on 3rd down there.......
if Warner isnt a HOF QB then….well…..i just dont know what one is.
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 6:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
congrats to Cards......
sorry bout your 80 bucks Marv….
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 6:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
As Bob Matthews would say Kurt warner came to play. I will bet the cards in the Super Bowl. One of the finest winners ever. Kurt Warner. He can pick apart a defense as good as anyone has.
Can’t wait for game two.
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
by keuka121 on Jan 18, 2009 6:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I can’t believe AZ won. At least there is some hope for our beloved Bills. Maybe someday we’ll make it back to the big game…
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 18, 2009 6:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ravens 16-13
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 18, 2009 6:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Balt D is holding.......
but their offense needs to help em out
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 7:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I dont understand why cam cameron keeps running PA on 2nd and long.....
because then it puts them in 3rd and long……
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 7:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, their whole offensive game plan has sucked…
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
leonard around the ball again......fumble recovery
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 7:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully McGahee gets a fine
for wearing his socks college-style. Yup, I hate him that much.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 18, 2009 7:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
you see that trademark dance on 3rd and 1........
when if he had hit the hole hard he probably would have gotten it.
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 7:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw some insane stat that he was clocked at 4.28 in the 40. That must have been college.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 18, 2009 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
pre knee injury......
perhaps….he was damn fast and a top 3 pick before that NC game
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 7:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t understand all the McGahee venom, personally. I mean, obviously everyone is entitled to hate who they will, but McGahee to me is ancient history…
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2009 7:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i dont hate him.......im just glad he is gone.....
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 7:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t explain it (well why it’s still something I care enough about). But I think what it stems from his how he bashed the city, bashed the team, when they were the only ones who took a 1st round risk on him. He’d be worth a lot less had they not drafted him. So it’s really just him showing any lack of respect for the people and organization that gave him his opportunity.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 18, 2009 8:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t hate McGahee, but I really do enjoy watching him mostly suck in Baltimore.
by kaisertown on Jan 19, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So it's perhaps a sensitive subjuct with everyone here, but...
Should the day come the Bills are no longer Buffalonians, will you still support them, if not, then who might you? I really might struggle to myself, probably in the same way most Browns fans felt about the Ravens, and most Ravens fans felt about the Colts.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 18, 2009 7:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
if they move to toronto.....no i wont......I would probably root for the Carolina Panthers because of my family ties there.
if the move to LA most definitely I will……..
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 7:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ahh yes, the LA thing. See i’m probably the opposite. If they’re LA-bound, i’ll most likely become a Steelers supporter. I’ve ALWAYS loved the way they play ball. I remember in the Bills glory days how they couldn’t beat the Steelers; usually came out of those games really dinged up.
Let’s hope we don’t have to look to a different team though. I just can’t support a move across the country.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 18, 2009 7:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
If Buffalo moves, even to Toronto, I will probably follow them some and follow the Browns more, but I think I just wouldn’t really have a team I cared about, kinda like how I don’t really like any specific NBA team. I would cheer for fantasy players and that is about it.
by kaisertown on Jan 19, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
dang big PR by Leonard................
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 8:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
it's so frustrating...
that we could have had Ngata. He was the pick right after Whitner… the guy is a beast. Imagine our D-line with him dominating the middle.
Don't forget to pay the troll toll...
by evdawg419 on Jan 18, 2009 8:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He was the guy I felt the Bills HAD to draft. I thought there was no way they pass on him. Then I realized something: it’s the Bills.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 18, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Limas Sweed anyone?
haha I was one of the one clammoring for him last year when we picked Hardy. Shows how bad last year’s tall WRs were. The only ones that have done anything so far are the short, quick ones (Avery, Jackson)
Don't forget to pay the troll toll...
by evdawg419 on Jan 18, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
he just laid a hellacious block though......
ouch
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 8:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and btw that "roughing" call was total BS.......
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 8:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hi guys, the AFC game
is as tough as we thought it would be. I’m surprised how much the loss of Hines Ward seems to have affected Pittsburgh’s offense. Of course, when your running game is abandoned or goes south, it isn’t good. Then again, Baltimore’s only TD march was a 17-yard one.
Can’t see Pittsburgh losing, either this game or the Super Bowl.
by ccthemovieman on Jan 18, 2009 9:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
people keep picking against the cards......
but they’re obviously no joke……there is no way the Steeler DB’s can shut down Fitz and Bolden…an entire game
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
they might not have to
The Steelers will be all over Warner…..and they never lose Super Bowls.
Like to see Kurt pull if off, though.
by ccthemovieman on Jan 19, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Leonard and Ngata
We screwed up both and it proves the Bills cannot judge talent. We easily could have kept Leonard and Jauron said we just couldn’t keep him.
The Bills CAN win every game
by killascript on Jan 18, 2009 9:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
leonards stellar play is just as much scheme as it is talent......
he wasnt that good in our scheme….thats all
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 9:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe so
But then perhaps there is something wrong with the schemers. He’s returning punts, causing fumbles. What does Ko Simpson do again?
Let me ask you this, do you thnk Ed Reed would be good or bad on the Bills roster?
I just think that better coaches can have players assimilate to their system and get the most out of them.
That might also mean, that if Whitner went somewhere else, he’d have 5 or 6 ints in a year and be menace all over the defensive bacfield.
I don’t by it, the Bills are ruining careers
The Bills CAN win every game
by killascript on Jan 18, 2009 9:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the coaching for the bills is very very very suspect......in game day application and....more than likely
in preparation
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 9:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Tom Brady would be average in a Bills uniform.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 18, 2009 11:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mcgahee just got jacked up
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 10:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It looks like he is OK
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"
by Joe P. on Jan 18, 2009 10:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What impressed me the most of McGahee today was the way he pass-blocked. He was amazing at picking up the blitz!
I’m glad that he was able to talk and move his limbs, man that was a vicious hit!
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
by keysh67 on Jan 19, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That was ugly. Clark should have been flagged for helmet to helmet. He’s definitely getting fined, that’s for sure. Glad McGahee is going to be ok.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 19, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good to see it looks like he’ll be okay. I may not like the guy, but one career-threatening injury is too many.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 19, 2009 7:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Brian you were TWO for TWO today........
congrats! lol
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2009 10:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I just saw that
Where’d that come from? I thought our fearless leader’s playoff picking (alliteration!) ineptitude was like death and taxes!
Congrats, Brian. I’m looking forward to the SB now, the Steelers D, in terms of system (read: BLITZ!! PRESSURE!! QB DEATH!) reminds me of a better Eagles D…which the Cards found holes in pretty well. I hope its an interesting game, though it could just as easily be a complete blowout. Eh, if the Bills can’t make it, at least it’s a real underdog story. And Daulerio at Deadspin’s gonna have a Cardinal tattooed on his backside, so everyone wins. Kinda.
John Madden told me 90% of the game was half-mental...
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Jan 19, 2009 12:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha, thanks. I’ll ruin everything when I pick the Cards in the Super Bowl.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 19, 2009 7:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dang Steelers/Cards, I think it’ll be a turnover fest. Steelers are going to blitz the crap out of Warner, hope the Cards line can hold up. I’d LOVE to see that team beat Pittsburgh….
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 18, 2009 10:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I am happy for Kurt Warner
As well as Ken Whisenhunt, they both deserve a lot of credit. Also Larry Fitz is a great athlete and great competitor. He cashed in big and could have easily coasted the next few years but no, he actually up’d his game another notch! What a great receiver!
And a lot of credit should also go to the Bidwills because they went and got a new stadium and built a team to get to the Superbowl. They are proof that smaller market teams can make it if the owner is willing to do what it takes.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
by keysh67 on Jan 19, 2009 12:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Small market?
Phoenix is a very big city and much more prosperous than let’s say, Buffalo. So I am not sure about small market unless you mean the amount of fans, but a trip to the super bowl might change that
The Bills CAN win every game
by killascript on Jan 19, 2009 8:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, for years they had a hard time filling the stadium. It’s nice to see them turn things around.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
by keysh67 on Jan 19, 2009 9:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
The Steelers – Eagles game was a study in coaching contrasts. The Cards put Rogers-Cromartie on DeSean Jackson all day. Didn’t matter where he lined up. Jackson had one big play against them. The Eagles did not follow that strategy allowing Fitzgerald to be guarded by whomever. I would have put Samuel on Fitz all day. The Eagles didn’t and paid dearly for it. I like the strategy of putting your best on their best. Shadow him all game.
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
by keuka121 on Jan 19, 2009 10:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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