Posts Tagged ‘NFL Playoffs’

Jabroni of the Week: Chris Christie

Posted: January 29, 2012 by Keith Stone in football, jabronis, NFL
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Twice this weekend while I was rocking my Eli Manning jersey, people felt the need to remind me that the Giants play in New Jersey. I don’t know if they were just haters or wanted to convert me to a Bills fan, but it’s a moot point. The Giants are my team whether they play in New York, Jersey, or go back to the Yale Bowl. Let’s face it, though. They’re a New York team. When they won the Super Bowl in 2007, there was a parade down the Canyon of Heroes and a rally at Giants Stadium. Fair enough. However, when New Jersey governor Chris Christie was on the Today Show, he said he wanted any possible victory parade to be held in New Jersey since that’s where they play and train. Did I mention that Christie is a Jets fan?

I actually like the guy. He’s a big talker but he can back it up, and he’s probably the most viable republican presidential candidate despite choosing not to run. He’s stood up against anyone that gets in the way of accomplishing his goals. In that way, he’s a little like Eli Manning. Christie needs to know his role here.  Sure, I’m a little biased against parades in New Jersey, but going from the Canyon of Heroes to the Canyon of Hobos in Newark is about as big of a dropoff as Christina Aguilera in 2003 to today.

Chris, baby, I know you’re still a little torn up about about this whole Jets collapse. Losing to the Giants on Christmas Eve probably didn’t help, but don’t be a sore loser. One day your team will have its day in the sun [tries to stifle laughter]. Don’t bring any negative attention to my G-Men. When you and Rex bring home the title at the Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, then you can have your beloved New Jersey parade. Champions do it in the Canyon of Heroes. Until then, you’re a jabroni, brother.

CBS New York

Throwback: Helmet Catch

Posted: January 29, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL, videos
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Dedicated to all you Pats fans out there. See you Sunday.

Party Like It’s 2007?

Posted: January 27, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL
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Katie Baker of Grantland does a great job writing about the pulse of the New York sports fan. She hit the nail on the head again in comparing the 2011 Giants with the 2007 version that won Super Bowl XLII. As awesome as this whole season has been, it does feel like the stakes are higher. The four years before Super Bowls feel like a lot longer, even greater than the gap between the unfortunate XXXV and XLII.  With the rise of the Saints and Packers, getting to the Super Bowl feels like even a bigger feat than 2007 with way more to lose. Fortunately, this year’s team is way more skilled at offense but with one bad bounce or one bad call, none of that might matter. Come next Sunday, we’ll see if the wait was worth it and if this playoff run, as incredible as it seems, is greater than the one that saw the demise of the only 18-0 team in history.

Old Lady Butchers National Anthem At AFC Championship Game

Posted: January 24, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL
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My mistake, that’s Steven Tyler. The Aerosmith frontman and Boston native had a little trouble with the words and general tone of the Star-Spangled Banner before Sunday’s Ravens-Patriots game for the AFC Title. Tyler was later seen enjoying the game with Pats owner Robert Kraft and celebrating the win on the podium as the Lamar Hunt Trophy was being presented. At least he was a more logical choice than the time Zooey Deschanel sang the anthem before the World Series. Hey, did any of you guys hear that there was a special American Idol on after the NFC Championship Game? Gotta love that cross-promotion.

WEEK 86 – Rewriting History

Posted: January 22, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL
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It was the same end of the field that Matt Bryant prepared to make a kick to keep the Giants’ Title hopes alive in 2002.

As Lawrence Tynes lined up for the field goal to send the Giants to the Super Bowl, I had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.  When the snap was low, it seemed to be happening all over again. But then, Steve Weatherford was able to get the ball down, Tynes booted the ball right down the pipes, and the Giants had exorcised the demons and were heading to Indianapolis.

Looking back, it was a great game. Old-school defensive struggles are the best. I said earlier that one of the keys of the game would be to hold onto the ball. The Giants did. The 49ers did not. I’m not going to pretend that the Giants didn’t luck out, but then again I’d rather be lucky than good. Kyle Williams has to get away from the ball when it’s bouncing on the ground. That was a horrible play. It shouldn’t have happened. The 49ers had all the momentum at that point, but the Giants cashed in when it mattered. If that second fumble doesn’t happen, I’m not so sure the game doesn’t go into double overtime the way both defenses were playing. Those are the breaks.

There were a lot of heroes, which is how Championship teams play. Eli took a complete pounding. It looked like he was hit by a bus driven by an elephant. He deserves all the credit in the world for standing in there and making smart decisions. Sure, the Niners botched a couple of potential interceptions and fumbled once but he was being hit HARD. Victor Cruz was spectacular also. He made so many great catches in big spots. Him and Nicks are going to kill teams no matter what. Then there’s Mario Manningham who only had one catch but it was spectacular and redemption for when he dropped the game-tying touchdown the last time in San Fran. Devin Thomas recognizing that first fumble and picking up the ball was huge, not to mention his second fumble recovery. Jacquian Williams forcing that second fumble was a great hustle play. Finally, Steve Weatherford getting that snap down may have been the biggest play of the game.

And so Weatherford did get the ball down and the Patriots are next. Some people might say that history is repeating itself. The Giants have gone through an NFC South team, then the #1 seed, then an underrated yet dangerous #2 seed, and now the Pats. They won the NFC in overtime on the road both times. The beat the Packers both times. Heck, the games have been played at the same times. But simply believing that history is going to repeat itself isn’t enough to win the Lombardi Trophy. Lawrence Tynes proved that history can change and Trey Junkin can sleep easy.

5 Giant Keys To Victory In San Francisco

Posted: January 22, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL
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The Giants just don’t have to worry about the 49ers’ fearsome defense and a hostile San Francisco crowd, the rain and wind may conspire against the Giants’ hot passing game. To help them weather the elements, here are five ways to keep their playoff run going all the way to Indianapolis.

1. Break them – The 49ers have the uncanny ability to stop opponents in the middle of long drives. They bend but don’t break. It’s great to drive the ball 55 yards for a field goal, but the Giants can’t let San Fran break their momentum when things are moving. Those extra four points can go a long way to win the game or get a little breathing room and put more pressure on the 49ers’ offense. Converting on third and fourth downs in San Francisco territory is going to be paramount to the Giants’ success.

2. Hold onto the ball – The Saints had five turnovers in their loss to the Niners last week. That probably won’t happen again but San Fran hits hard so it’s important that everybody that carries the ball protects it, even at the expense of a few extra yards. The 49ers’ secondary also does a good job of disguising itself. Eli threw two INT’s in WEEK 10. He has to be more careful this time. With sloppy conditions, the game has the potential to be a low-scoring affair and a defensive score could be the difference. If this turns into a field-position battle, you don’t want to give the other team the opportunity for any easy touchdowns.

3. Don’t forget Gore – The Hydra put pressure on Aaron Rodgers all game last week. Getting in Alex Smith’s face is going to be key to beating the 49ers and trying to force turnovers. However, the defensive line has to remember about Frank Gore. They did a fantastic job against a star runner in Michael Turner in the Wild Card Round and kept Gore under wraps earlier in the season. That has to continue, especially since it’s going to be hard to throw the ball. Sometimes when Giants’ pass rush is at its finest, they over-pursue and let runners pick up big chunks of yards. Taking away the passing game means nothing if Gore is allowed to run amok. Kendall Hunter is dangerous too. He averaged more than six yards per carry when these teams met before.

4. Be patient – This is the best defense the Giants have faced in a while. The offense has been playing great but if the weather and the Niners have the unit stuck in mud (literally and figuratively), the Giants can’t abandon a mixed pass/run gameplan or take unnecessary risks. With the big play potential of Nicks and Cruz, as well as the punishing running of Bradshaw and Jacobs, the Giants should eventually break through. Like the Falcons game, if the Giants are facing a deficit and their offense is stagnant, good things will eventually come if they remain consistent.

5. Talk is cheap, play the game – It’s Coach Coughlin’s mantra and words to live by. The Giants are confident and playing great but none of that matters if they don’t take care of business on the field. They don’t appear overconfident but it’s always a possibility when you beat the best team in the league and everyone is picking you to make the Super Bowl. The 49ers are for real. They beat some good teams this year and have the ability to beat the Giants again. The teams both did a little talking over the week that was exaggerated by the media, but for sure this game is going to be decided between the lines. Everything that happened in the past is just that. You can’t be distracted by words or the weather. You have to go out there and do it.

ROUND 3 Picks: Almost There

Posted: January 22, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL
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There’s no time to fool around anymore. The stakes are too high. A trip to Super Bowl XLVI is on the line now. One bounce, one slip, one drop, one fumble, and your entire season is done. All four teams left have something to prove. The Patriots and Giants are out to show that the glory days of the past aren’t done, while the Ravens and Niners want the entire world to know that they’re for real. All four teams are truly great. Some have been more consistent than others. Some have had harder schedules. Some have battled injuries. None of that matters now. It’s 60 minutes for the right to play for the World Title. It’s all will and determination. Whoever wants it more is going to get it. Pick time.

RAVENS AT PATRIOTS (-6.5)
Stone’s Take: Despite their utter domination of the Broncos last week, I still can’t put my finger on the Pats. While all signs would point to a blowout, I can’t shake the fact that they played so poorly at the beginning of games towards the end of the season. The Broncos were happy to make it to the second round, but the Ravens have been here before and aren’t satisfied. Sure, they looked awful against Houston but they grinded out the win and that does count for something. However, I just can’t see the Ravens’ defense shutting down the Patriots or Joe Flacco putting up a ton of points. If Ray Rice can get a long touchdown run, they might have a chance, but New England just looks really focused right now. Prediction: Patriots 28, Ravens 24

Rory’s Take: It’s happening people.  It’s happening!  Giants-Pats.  Eli-Brady.  Yankees-Red Sox.  Clam Chowder-Clam Chowda.  I’m not sure I can handle this.  Oh yeah, there’s games to play this weekend.  Whatever.  Prediction: Patriots 38, Ravens 20

GIANTS AT 49ERS (-2.5)
Stone’s Take: Under perfect conditions, you’d have to take the Giants in this game. The 49ers may have beaten them in the regular season, but that was a depleted Giants team that was a Mario Manningham drop away from forcing overtime. There’s only one problem. There’s a 95% chance of rain. If the Giants can’t get their passing game going, it could be trouble because the Niners’ rush defense is so tough. Unlike other playoff newbies that might be happy with a big win like their game against the Saints last week, I think San Fran has their eyes on the big prize. Harbaugh isn’t going to let them forget about it. With that said, the Giants are finally healthy and confident and are as explosive as anyone out there. If Alex Smith can pass on the Hydra, then he deserves to be in the Super Bowl. But if Aaron Rodgers couldn’t, why should Alex Smith? Prediction: Giants 28, 49ers 10

Rory’s Take:

Prediction: Giants 27, 49ers 21

PLAYOFF RECORDS
Stone: 5-3 (Last week: 2-2)
Rory: 5-3 (2-2)

Last week’s picks

Haunted

Posted: January 19, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL
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In 2003, the Giants called the retired Trey Junkin at his home a few days before the biggest game of the season. They needed a long snapper. In exchange for around $17,000 and a final chance to win an elusive Super Bowl ring, Junkin suited up against the 49ers in one of the wildest playoff games in NFL history. However, his botched snap on the game-winning field goal in the closing seconds cost the Giants the game and cemented his name in football infamy.

The Daily News caught up with Junkin in Louisiana to see how his life has been since then. Understandably, it’s been rough. Finding a job in football has been difficult, and he still thinks about his moment everyday. Sometimes, it jolts him awake while he’s sleeping. The article is an interesting read and it’s tragic that the play still has such an impact on the guy’s life when he only had a few days to prepare to play in a professional football game. It’s Junkin’s birthday on Sunday, as well as the Giants’ first playoff game in San Francisco since then with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. There’d be no better present than a little closure.

Trivia Time: NFL Playoffs

Posted: January 15, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL, trivia
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It’s fucking freezing outside, which means we’re in the heart of the NFL Playoffs. The NFL Champion used to be determined by the team with the best record in the regular season. In 1932, the Chicago Bears and Portsmouth Spartans (now the Detroit Lions) finished the season tied and played a single game for the Title. Due to bad weather, the game was played indoors at Chicago Stadium on an 80-yard dirt field. No, I’m not making this up. The Bears won 9-0 and the game was so popular that a Championship Game was played in 1933 and every year since. The playoffs have evolved a lot since then but one thing never changes: Champions save their best for the playoffs. That brings us to our Question of the Week. Get it right and you get the game ball. The answer, as always, is after the jump.

Who is the all-time NFL Playoff touchdown leader? (and a hint: it is not Ickey Woods)

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WEEK 85 – Hail Eli

Posted: January 15, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL
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Giants 37, Packers 20

THE CHAMP IS DEAD! What an amazing victory by the Giants. They thoroughly controlled play in every aspect of the game, and should have won by even more if the refs weren’t so disgraceful. From Nicks on that amazing hail mary from nowhere to Cruz on the second onsides kick to Osi stripping Rodgers when it looked like the Pack was about to score, the Giants seized control and never let Green Bay have it back. People might say that the Packers looked out of it. It’s true that Rodgers’s timing was off but that’s because the Hydra was in his face all day. And if the Packers don’t want to hold onto the ball, hell, Chase Blackburn will take it. The QB scrambles by Rodgers hurt but they were never for more than 15 yards and the Pack just couldn’t put it together for the important plays. Those are the plays that Champions make.

It’s not time to celebrate yet. The 49ers are a great team. They beat the Saints. While the Giants are a more balanced team, it’s not going to be a cake walk. However, you have to think that with Eli and the boys firing on all cylinders and their health and confidence at a high for the season, they’re not going to allow the 49ers defense to shut them down. It’s going to be an intense game for the Halas Trophy.

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