After 512 games, 8 playoff games, and a playoff quarterback that only needed to complete 10 passes to win a playoff game, we are finally in the conference championship. For the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens are playing at the New England Patriots. In the NFC, the New York Giants are playing at the San Francisco 49ers.
On January 22nd at 3:00 p.m. ET, the Baltimore Ravens will play at the New England Patriots. The New England Patriots had the second worst defense in the league. But last week Tom Brady broke the record for the most touchdowns thrown in a playoff game, with a defense that seemed better than their rating. The Patriots won this game with their 32.1 points per game average against the low scoring Broncos, who only averaged 19.3 points a game and were missing their play calling safety Brian Dawkins. The Patriots' defense was terrible during the regular season, giving up 411.1 yards per game; but surprisingly only giving up 21.4 points per game. The Patriots are a "bend but don't break" defense in the red zone.
The Baltimore Ravens on the other hand, have a strong defense and an offense that has proved it can put points on the board. They are a much more balanced team compared to the Patriots. If you were to try and find a weakness on the Ravens most people would think it is Joe Flacco. Realistically their weakness is a trickle down effect stemming from the fact that the Ravens' offensive coordinator Cam Camron, has on more than one occasion, put all the weight on Mr. Flacco's back; even though they have Ray Rice, one of the most well rounded backs in the league . Mr. Rice is the biggest weapon on the team. He can do everything. He even managed to throw a touchdown this season. He garners that much attention because he is such a threat. And there are times Mr. Camron sticks Mr. Rice on the back burner and puts too much pressure on Mr. Flacco. With their still dominant (maybe not to the level they once were) defense, and a offense that could be dangerous if used correctly, the Ravens still make for a well balanced team.
Only a few hours later, the New York Giants will be playing at the San Fransisco 49ers at 6:30 p.m. ET. The New York Giants had a rocky first half of the season. But the second half of the season Eli earned his elite tag that he gave himself before the season began, with some help from Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. Victor Cruz has emerged as one of the best deep threats of the season, who along with Mr. Nicks, draws more attention from the opposing team's defense. The Giants really are very good at some things and pretty bad at others. On the offensive side their passing game is top notch, but they also have the 32nd ranked run game in the league. That is mostly because Ahmad Bradshaw was out a good portion of the season with injuries. On the defensive side of the ball, they have arguably the best defensive line in the league. Unfortunately they have a very suspect secondary even though they have so many first and second rounders. The Giants have grown hot and healthy going into the playoffs. Now their offense can run and pass, and Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Jason Pierre-Paul are healthy and can wreak havoc in the back field.
The San Fransico 49ers, coached by the soon-to-be Coach of the Year, Jim Harbaugh, have made one of the biggest turn arounds of all time. The 49ers game is simple. Run hard with Frank Gore, have Alex Smith manage the game, and have the defense play mistake free and put the offense in good field position. As simple as that formula is, it works. San Fransico had only one touchdown ran in all season against them. And that came near the end on of the season. Harbaugh plays to the strengths of his entire team, while drawing up a winning game plan.
The Patriots and Ravens game is going to be close. The only reason for this is because the Ravens defense is so good and the Patriots defense is so bad. Expect Mr.Rice to have a big game, even if he doesn;t get the touches he should. And expect too see Mr.Brady knocked off his "spot" by Mr.Suggs. Mr. Brady is going to do what Mr. Brady does. He will throw to his tight ends, working the field with his great arm, and carry the scheme out thats put in place. But the Patriots defense will make it too difficult for the patriots to keep up with Ray Lewis running a strong, fast, and veteran defense. The score is going to be 35-24 Baltimore Ravens.
The 49ers and Giants game is going to be the opposite from the Patriots vs. Ravens game. Expect a defensive game with multiple turnovers. The 49ers are going to hit hard, not miss tackles, and won't make mistakes. Expect great play out of their special teams also. But the problem will be the offense. They have good run game with Frank Gore and Kendal Hunter. They are mediocre as far as their wide receivers to say the least. Vernon Davis is their only real passing threat. Alex Smith will disappear like he did against the Baltimore Ravens. This pass rush is going to swallow him whole. And if he barely won with 5 turnovers against the Saints, he has no shot aginst this offensive line. The Giants hands down will win by 11 points. The score will be 24-13 Giants, making it a Giants and Ravens Superbowl. Enjoy the games and enjoy the day. Unless you're a Patriot or 49ers fan.
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