Open Thread: NFL Wild Card Playoffs, Day 2
by Brian Galliford on Jan 4, 2009 10:00 AM EST
in Blog Series
Email
PrintI would like to publicly apologize to fans of the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts today. I am a complete epic failure when it comes to correctly predicting playoff games. It's been an issue for me as long as I've been a fan of the NFL, and said issue reared its ugly head yesterday. On the contrary, however, I'd like to publicly say you're welcome to fans of the Arizona Cardinals (victors yesterday over the Falcons 30-24) and San Diego Chargers (defeated the Colts 23-17 in OT).
The second day of Wild Card Weekend begins at 1PM EST today; there's nothing more we can do save putting my prediction curse to yet another test. Here we go...
Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at Miami Dolphins (11-5)
1:00 PM EST, CBS
Ravens coverage: Baltimore Beatdown
Dolphins coverage: The Phinsider
Let's just say that I intensely dislike the Miami Dolphins - for obvious reasons. So let's just say that I'm a little skeptical of Miami's 9-1 finish to the season when they're beating teams like the Broncos, Seahawks, Raiders, Rams, 49ers, Chiefs, Jets, and the biggest joke of all, the Bills. Meanwhile, the Ravens' defense is killer, they're far more battle-tested thanks to a pretty brutal schedule, and they pounded the Dolphins in Miami earlier this season. Please, please don't let me be wrong on this one...
Prediction: RAVENS 28, DOLPHINS 17
Familiar Faces: Ravens DT Justin Bannan, S Jim Leonhard, RB Willis McGahee.
Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) at Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
4:30 PM EST, FOX
Eagles coverage: Bleeding Green Nation
Vikings coverage: Daily Norseman
I honestly don't know how to call this one. I like Philly's blitzing defense just as much as Minnesota's beefy defense. I like Philly's passing attack just as much as Minnesota's rushing attack. This is the most evenly matched wild card matchup in my eyes. (Now you can expect a blowout!) In the playoffs, winners are generally able to run and stop the run - see the Cards and Colts yesterday as proof that this theory is true - and I like Minnesota's chances to pull off that formula better than Philly's.
Prediction: VIKINGS 23, EAGLES 20
Familiar Faces: Eagles LS Jon Dorenbos, Vikings DT Pat Williams, CB Antoine Winfield
Yes, folks. We'll be getting back to what we do best - which is clearly Bills coverage - bright and early tomorrow morning.
88 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
wow we got money!
I was just watching the CBS pregame show and the segment where they do that GM talk with Casserly and he noted that Buffalo has the fifth most cap space out of any team this off-season with $29.4 million. That is great news and probably means Ralph wasn’t kidding about making a big splash in free agency. Also, bringing in talent this year serves two purposes. One, it could help Jauron get us into the playoffs next year or two, if he doesn’t get us to the playoffs the high talent level could make it easier to attract a Shanahan or Cowher to Buffalo next off-season. Interesting note, Casserly was saying that with such a high level of linebacker talent in the draft guys like Karlos Dansby, Bart Scott, Jon Wilma, and Ray Lewis will not be as highly sought after. Well, maybe that opens things up for us a bit to make a move for one of them? I don’t want to get ahead of myself but the Bills have proven willing to spend FA dollars on o-linemen, right? Maybe center Jason Brown, who seems like he has a decent shot of hitting the market, and Vilma as pickups is not so crazy to imagine? That would let us go DE then TE in the draft.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
I’m thinking it is very unlikely that Jason Brown makes it to free agency. He is probably their best offensive lineman (maybe Ben Grubbs) and is only 25 years old (26 by the time the season starts).
I think Baltimore has plenty of money to sign Lewis, Suggs AND Brown this offseaon and here is my logic:
Baltimore hasn’t been a big player in free agency for a couple of years with the McGahee trade being their only big splash during the last two offseasons. They spent a little bit on Willie Anderson, but their other offseason moves have been dirt cheap additions like Jim Leonhard, Lorenzo Neal, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Frank Walker type players. Something that people don’t usually consider when thinking about how much money their team has to spend is where they draft. Baltimore hasn’t had to spend much money on the draft by taking Joe Flacco 17th overall (which also means that like Buffalo, Baltimore doesn’t have much money invested in the QB position) and Ben Grubbs 29th overall the last two years. Baltimore won’t have to spend on a draft pick again this year as they will pick somewhere in the twenties. Baltimore has also let some of their own players leave. Adalius Thomas got the big contract (5 years, 35 mil), but Jamal Lewis (3 years, 17 mil) and Tony Pashos (5 years, 24 mil) all got paid by teams other than the Ravens before the 2006 season.
So Baltimore hasn’t big a big spender, but I almost feel like they won’t even have to spend huge to keep the three guys. Ray Lewis made 6.5 mil last year and as a soon to be 34 year old, he won’t demand a long term contract. So his yearly salary should be comparable to what he is making now and he won’t get a huge signing bonus because he probably won’t sign a contract longer than 3 or 4 years. Suggs is obviously going to cash in huge, but he made 8.5 mil last year as a franchise tag player. He will get a huge signing bonus, but his yearly salary (even with the signing bonus factored into it) shouldn’t be much bigger than the number that is coming off the books when his franchise tag runs out this year and actually might be less. Bart Scott made 3.5 mil last year and isn’t likely to be brought back. He has gotten on the coach’s bad side a couple times while in Baltimore and I don’t think they want him back, even at a reasonable price. McGahee has a good shot to be released this offseason after not getting many carries in favor of Rice and McLain. Samari Rolle is another vet with a pretty big contract (over 4 mil this year and 4.5 mil next year) who might be released.
So while Jason Brown will surely demand a huge deal, I think Baltimore will have no problems paying up.
by kaisertown on Jan 4, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Reports on Rotoworld have Brown close to signing an extension
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
Man, we should have drafted McClain...
Just watching him this season has me thinking “We could have had him easily” every time he’s rumbling for 5+ yards.
I wish we could have drafted a ton of guys instead of the scrubs we picked.
McClain was picked 26 slots after Dwayne Wright……..UGH
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
Even more gauling ...
Jason Brown – 4th round, 23rd pick 2005 …also from my alma mater who produce all-pro Center Jeff Saturday on the Colts.
POS Preston – 4th round 21st pick in the same draft …
ARRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Good info. I looked up some more on the Ravens online. They have 14.9 million in cap space, compare that to the Bills who have 29 mil. As you noted, the Ravens have been willing to let players go in the past such as Jamal Lewis, Tony Pashos, and Adalius Thomas. However, you are likely correct that they will be working hard to extend Jason Brown. To me, this signals that Lewis, Suggs or Scott, or maybe two out of the three are on the way out.
Who knows? Maybe we get luck and they decide to resign Suggs, Lewis and Scott and let Brown go? Either way, there is no way they can keep em all, I’d say two out of the four hit the market in some combination.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
by poz on Jan 4, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Is that 14.9 mil in cap space this year, or next year? In other words, does that factor guys like Lewis, Scott and Suggs not being under contract?
It’s true that Baltimore doesn’t have a great cap situation, but I don’t think that is indicative of how small the salary number is for next year. Baltimore only paid 90.7 mil in salary this year which is lower than every team in the league except Kansas City.
Baltimore is completely cap screwed over from Jonathon Ogden and Steve McNair. I found an article that was written last offseason that said over half of their cap space was taken up by 9 players (Jonathon Ogden, Ray Lewis, Steve McNair, Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Mike Flynn, Mike Anderson, Derek Mason, and Trevor Pryce)
http://www.ravens24x7.com/column_view.php?cid=46&id=2224&view=archive
Apparently the Ravens have over 5 mil in dead cap money tied up in Ogden that goes away after next year and another 5 mil due to McNair’s contract that goes down after next year is gone after 2010. The potential release of McGahee or Rolle would clear up a couple mil in cap space too.
Baltimore probably has more real dollars to spend than any other team in the league this offseason. They may have to get creative with some contracts to make them cap friendly, but they should have no problem locking up the big 3 free agents in Suggs, Lewis and Brown.
Even though Ogden retired?
I thought it was wiped away if a guy retired?
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
The cap number goes down with salary and some guarantees no longer counting against the cap, but signing bonus money and some guarantees (I don’t know the specifics) always counts against the cap regardless of the status of the player.
http://www.profootball24x7.com/column_view.php?cid=46&id=2863&view=archive
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
by poz on Jan 4, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
if
you read through to the bottom the author seems to imply that Brown will be their biggest priority this offseason
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
by poz on Jan 4, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
That's smart
Good, smart teams build the interior of their lines and always make sure it’s a strength
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
are you saying
we should draft Mack? Is the king of DE lobbying changing his mind?
Haha, I’m going to guess the answer to that is no.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
by poz on Jan 4, 2009 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
No because #11 is not worth picking him at. Take a C in round 2 and I’ll be happy.
This had nothing to do with that anyhow. We haven’t been able to build a strong OL in 20 years.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
that is so sad
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
by poz on Jan 4, 2009 9:18 PM EST up reply actions
by the way
if we took Mack, I’d be happy, simply because he’s the best C in the draft.
I’d prefer not taking him at 11 though. I want Everette Brown, most likely, at that spot right now. The dream scenario would be to drop 5 or so spots, to acquire an extra 3rd or so, pick Brown or Selvie and move back into the 20’s to get Mack. Obviously, not with this front office, and probably not totally realistic anyways, but that’s my dream scenario (as of 1/4)…..
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
Ray Lewis is 34, so i’d rather the Bills didn’t spend the money on him. Look at what spending for older FA players did for the Jets.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 4, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
Because I despise Willis McGahee so much...
I find myself rooting for the Dolphins. Well and to be honest, i’m happy for Chad Pennington.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 4, 2009 1:09 PM EST reply actions
what?
The last thing I want is for the Dolphins to gain any confidence by winning this game. I hope they get crushed. Willis McGahee is in the past, we got Marshawn and he’s on the decline, who cares?
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
by poz on Jan 4, 2009 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
You should applaud what the Dolphins have done. Maybe it’ll help light a fire under WIlson’s ass to actually do something this off season.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 4, 2009 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
ha ha is it possible to light a fire under a 90 year old’s ass?
I do applaud what the Dolphins have done, it is impressive no doubt. But enough is enough. The further they go in the playoffs the harder they will be to beat next year, confidence is important in this league. Plus, I really don’t like them.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
by poz on Jan 4, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
Oh I don’t like them either (obviously), but I like the Ravens even less – aside from McGahee, that is.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 4, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions
Sure,
All you need is dinner at “Mighty Taco”, a zippo, a long stick, and a lot of nerve!!!!
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"
too late for that
He already blew the chance for change
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
McGahee doesn't even play
he’s just another irrelevant RB
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
Jason Brown
Everyone keep an eye on #60 Jason Brown
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
he’ll look great in a Bills uniform.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 4, 2009 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
yes indeed he will
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
by poz on Jan 4, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
Man… I really like watching Jim Leonhard play.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
He was a UFA last year, and we chose not to re-sign him. We re-signed Bryan Scott instead.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 4, 2009 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
He stunk here and was routinely out of position and a step late. Don’t really understand how he’s contributing and playing so well for Bmore. Kind of odd, but then again, when you’re surrounded by much better talent, you tend to play better….
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
coaching coaching coaching
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 4, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
yes that too
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 4, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
Nice non-block by Satele on Miami's last drive of the first half
It was a Fowler-esque type of move…
Haha, yeah, Miami’s line was getting blown up the entire half. Man, that Ravens D is fantastic…
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 4, 2009 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
Miami is a veritable turnover machine today. What’s that spell?? DOOM
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
Or mabye DOOM II or DOOM III
DOOM was the first computer game I got into. Classic
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
Hey Brain
Where’s my congratulatory front page post for winning the BR1 Fantasy League??!?!??!! I’ve been waiting 2 weeks for it!!! I’m sure WA (I think) and whoever won the 3rd league are just as anxious to see their name in lights…
Haha
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
Are you not a member of the Triumvirate? Write it your damn self. :)
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 4, 2009 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
haha that was pretty funny Jim Leonhard just rocked Devone Bess when Bess was trying to run block him!
And another pick for Pennington.
How is this Ed Reed’s 3rd playoff game? Was he injured every other time they made the playoffs for the most part????
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
It’s not the Fins day today. What a dag bone shame. Pennington having a day to forget overthrowing much of the time.
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
It’s not surprising. Anybody from the AFC East, with the possible exception of the Pats (just because they’re the Pats), was going to get smoked by a team like Baltimore. It’s a weak division.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 4, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Baltimore is the blueprint on how Buffalo SHOULD be built.......
Strong running game…….QB who is NOT required to win games….and dominating defense with solid special teams……
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 4, 2009 3:56 PM EST reply actions
We're almost there
We have a solid Special Teams, and, uh, umm, yeah that’s about it
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
yep
bluprint is correct. Gotta have a dominant defense when our offense is pain-stakingly terrible. So hopefully like for Dick Jauron in Chicago, this is our magical year for our defense in Buffalo. Force a ton of turnovers and gift our offense a ton of points
MARVelous
won't matter
eagles don’t run up the middle anyhow…..dome, loud noise, jared allen…..i take the purple here today
MARVelous
I'd take Donovan Mcnabb in a dome over Taravis Jackson any day of the week.....
Eagles by 7
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 4, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
we'll see......
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 4, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
McNabb, as said on pregame, the most underappreciated player in the NFL. Couldn’t agree more
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
he's probably the most scrutinized as well
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 4, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
I say it again........
I trust Mcnabb much more than Taravis “pick 6” Jackson
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 4, 2009 5:49 PM EST reply actions
How sad are Vikings fans? Those morons boo at every stupid little thing because they don’t like their coach…
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
I have to give props
I just noticed at the bottom of the screen that Ron from NM is listed as the site analyst. I love it, great blog going on here
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
agreed
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 4, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
Hate to say I told you so Marv.................
but………..I told you so……..lol….
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 4, 2009 9:39 PM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Buffalo Rumblings
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
