Brady/Manning XV: AFC Championship Game

[Soxy]

They have to have contingencies in case of a serious weather event.  And by "serious" I mean, as bowaic states, "life threatening."  You think advertisers wouldn't be pissed if the game got moved to Monday or Tuesday night?  That's a worst case scenario.  They're only doing that if they have no other choice; i.e. NYC declares a State of Emergency.  If it's a run of the mill snowstorm, they're playing on Sunday.
 
Edit - Yeah..... what they said.

 

[SMU_Sox]

Yeah, that makes more sense. It was on NPR recently too though but they aren't exactly tuned into sports even on Wednesdays.

 

[dcmissle]

Interesting that the lines are basically the same regardless of opponent.  I think NE matches up better with SEA and DEN matches up better with SF.
SF weakness is deep passing whereas that is SEA strength.  

I'm inclined to agree. From the Pats' perspective, I'd prefer Seattle, whose offense doesn't seem very dynamic. A relatively low scoring and close game would appear to be a good bet. On the other hand, Davis, Crabtree and Boldin would be a handful, and in the final game, Kap would have a license from Harbaugh to run wild.

 

[8slim]

In terms of Super Bowl weather, the NFL's biggest concern is not Sunday, it's Friday and to a lesser extent Saturday. The worry is that weather keeps thousands of people from flying into NYC. Once most of them are there it's not nearly as big of a concern. A few inches of snow won't keep the shuttle buses from driving from Manhattan to East Rutherford.

 

[DaveRoberts'Shoes]

Anyone going to the game Sunday?  I'm thinking of making the trip.  
 
Depends if I want to make my next alimony payment.  Such a hassle...

 

[H78]

It's going to be funny to see how quickly people shut up about a "cold weather" Super Bowl when it's 48 degrees and clear at kickoff.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Anyone going to the game Sunday?  I'm thinking of making the trip.  
 
Depends if I want to make my next alimony payment.  Such a hassle...

I thought you had the private jet paid off from everybody's $10 here. Easy trip then.

 

[singaporesoxfan]

They played that Eagles-Lions game in 6 inches of snow. It was my favourite non-Pats game of the year. Everyone going for two, everyone forced to go for it because they couldn't kick extra points or field goals. I want snow.

 

[triniSox]

For fans of Greg Cosell's analysis, he spends a few minutes talking about the Pats-Broncos matchup here (from about 4 min mark to 7 min mark): http://www.stationcaster.com/stations/wgfx/media/mp3/Greg_Cosell_with_Midday_180-1389816025.mp3
 
Paraphrased tidbits:

Spoiler

• Denver's secondary is a weak point. Showed up vs San Diego especially later on. Will be weaker without Chris Harris
• Would not be surprised to see Patriots throw the ball more than people expect. BB is a game-specific planner. Denver hoping Brady throws the ball could be a mistake
• Patriots offense able to sustain high levels in face of injury due to winning schemes especially pre-snap and talent at QB
• Patriots secondary is better than people think. 
• Some Patriots defenders improved a lot over the year - Jamie Collins raw coming out now playing well. Would be interesting matchup with J. Thomas who is more athletic than Fleener.

 

[mpx42]

I spent the whole night at the bar and it seemed like every TV had the NFL Network on, which was replaying the 2006 NFC Championship Game. Excruciating.

 

[PseuFighter]

Anyone going to the game Sunday?  I'm thinking of making the trip.  
 
Depends if I want to make my next alimony payment.  Such a hassle...

I'll be there. Do it if you can.

 

[Al Zarilla]

I spent the whole night at the bar and it seemed like every TV had the NFL Network on, which was replaying the 2006 NFC Championship Game. Excruciating.

You mean the AFCCG? That's what NFLN had on where I am and I avoided it like a game that had Dan Dierdorf, Tim McCarver and Joe Morgan calling it (if that were ever possible). 

 

[Ferm Sheller]

Anyone going to the game Sunday?  I'm thinking of making the trip.  
 
Depends if I want to make my next alimony payment.  Such a hassle...

I'm going. Flying out on Saturday. Can't F'n wait.

 

[j44thor]

You mean the AFCCG? That's what NFLN had on where I am and I avoided it like a game that had Dan Dierdorf, Tim McCarver and Joe Morgan calling it (if that were ever possible). 

 
At first I thought it was a story about Belichick as they started by briefly talking about the 2001 Pats then they started hinting at Spygate which is ridiculous since that didn't come out until after that game.  Couldn't hit the remote fast enough at that point, only then did I realize they were replaying that game WTF.

 

[MannysDestination]

 
Pretty sure.  The article you posted seems fairly sensational to me.  It reads like they're just trying to get a headline and some attention.  There's too much at stake for the NFL.  They thought this one through.  Barring a huge weather event this game is happening on Sunday 2/2.  They go out of their way to stress their weather clearing capabilities in the article I posted.

Rescheduling the fucking SUPERBOWL when it's being held in one of the most expensive cities in the world as a test run of outdoor northern venues would be a business debacle. That article only has quotes from officials that say they have done their due diligence on potential extreme scenarios. The author's spin is the only factor that makes a reschedule seem more likely than common sense would dictate. If they reschedule it would probably poison the well for future NYC superbowls, and NYC superbowls are probably ridiculous money makers. 
 
Edit: Oops, mobile posting cut off the end, fixed.

 

[rslm]

It's going to be funny to see how quickly people shut up about a "cold weather" Super Bowl when it's 48 degrees and clear at kickoff.

Early extended forecast calls for high of 41 and low of 31 with no snow or rain forecast. Obviously, extended forecasts are not always accurate.

 

[Ralphwiggum]

This isn't the first Super Bowl in a cold weather city so the NFL has already dealt with the possibility of snow disrupting travel to the Super Bowl city on Friday and Saturday.  In terms of contingencies, the only change for this game compared to the games played in Minnesota and Detroit should be the possibility of snow during the actual game, and as others have noted, they will play the game unless it is a true snow emergency.

 

[Ralphwiggum]

Back on topic:  Bert Breer reported on T&R this morning that Brady was back at the practice facility today which means (a) he is feeling better and (b) they don't think he is contagious anymore.  He speculated that a big reason he was sent home yesterday was because he had something contagious and they wanted to limit contact he had with the rest of the team.

 

[bankshot1]

Barnwell's preview on AFCCG is up
 
 
http://grantland.com/features/afc-championship-preview-a-whole-new-ballgame/
 
I haven't read it yet, but I will go out on a limb and say this game hinges on turnovers, or whoever has the ball last.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Barnwell's preview on AFCCG is up
 
 
http://grantland.com/features/afc-championship-preview-a-whole-new-ballgame/
 
I haven't read it yet, but I will go out on a limb and say this game hinges on turnovers, or whoever has the ball last.

 
AND THE WINNER IS:
 
If the Patriots can exploit a weakened Broncos secondary, well, it might just come down to who gets the ball last.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

"there’s only so much they can do if Denver executes well"
 
"it might just come down to who gets the ball last."
 
This article is riddled with problems, but that sums it up.

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

Barnwell's preview on AFCCG is up
 
 
http://grantland.com/features/afc-championship-preview-a-whole-new-ballgame/
 
I haven't read it yet, but I will go out on a limb and say this game hinges on turnovers, or whoever has the ball last.

 
Got next week's lottery numbers too?

 

[Stitch01]

Barnwell's preview on AFCCG is up
 
 
http://grantland.com/features/afc-championship-preview-a-whole-new-ballgame/
 
I haven't read it yet, but I will go out on a limb and say this game hinges on turnovers, or whoever has the ball last.

Winner!

 

[ShaneTrot]

What has happened to Barnwell? NE's run defense has been much better with Siliga at NT and Hightower has been crushing it.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

Collins is a "backup outside linebacker".
 
Alright.

 

[Super Nomario]

Barnwell's preview on AFCCG is up
 
 
http://grantland.com/features/afc-championship-preview-a-whole-new-ballgame/
 
I haven't read it yet, but I will go out on a limb and say this game hinges on turnovers, or whoever has the ball last.

It's hard to take Barnwell seriously when he writes this whole article and doesn't even mention Sealver Siliga. And he lives in Boston, so there's not much excuse.
 
EDIT: one point he makes that I think is interesting is around the Pats' conditioning in high altitude. Jones and Ninkovich have both played 96+% of the snaps this year; can that continue? What about Chris Jones (90% since Kelly got hurt) or Siliga (72% the past 5 games)?

 

[Shelterdog]

What has happened to Barnwell? NE's run defense has been much better with Siliga at NT and Hightower has been crushing it.

 
He's kind of smart, kind of lazy, and has to write a shitload of words so he just uses cliches and sophistry to ligthen his workload. 

 

[EJPats]

Collins is a "backup outside linebacker".

He did this with Siliga too. Called him a cast-off. And while both statements are technically true, he makes no mention of how well Collins and Siliga are actually playing.

 

[Carmine Hose]

As an aside, when the Pats set the scoring record in 2007, they were accused vigorously of poor sportsmanship for "running up the score."  Denver just broke their scoring record.  Anyone recall seeing this argument revived?

 

[NortheasternPJ]

As an aside, when the Pats set the scoring record in 2007, they were accused vigorously of poor sportsmanship for "running up the score."  Denver just broke their scoring record.  Anyone recall seeing this argument revived?

 
Check the Denver Broncos thread. It was discussed at length there, but the short answer is no.

 

[mascho]

 
Check the Denver Broncos thread. It was discussed at length there, but the short answer is no.

 
There's also a discussion of that in the "Patriots and the Media" thread as well.

 

[simplyeric]

"there’s only so much they can do if Denver executes well"
 
"it might just come down to who gets the ball last."
 
This article is riddled with problems, but that sums it up.

 
 
Is this even true though?  If both teams execute consistently well (or, I suppose, consistently poorly), I wouldn't be surprised if it was an overtime fieldgoal.  Do they do double overtime in the playoffs?  hmm...
 
But, if one team blinks, it could turn into a 2 or 3 score game before we know what happened.  Kinda like the Colts game.  
 
I could see a 1-point squeeker for either team, and I could see a 14-21 point win for either team, based on a few key possessions.  

 

[Bucknahs Bum Ankle]

 
 Do they do double overtime in the playoffs?  hmm...
 

A playoff game can't end in a tie, so yeah double, triple, whatever it takes.

 

[MentalDisabldLst]

Do they do double overtime in the playoffs?  hmm...

 
No, they go to a shootout.

 

[Marciano490]

Anyone going to the game Sunday?  I'm thinking of making the trip.  
 
Depends if I want to make my next alimony payment.  Such a hassle...

 
Get a gun.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Perfect attendance at Patriots' practice.

 

[lambeau]

SN raised the possibility of more no-huddle, which could be a real advantage. If the Patriots continue in sub, like last week, for them it's not a problem.
But the Broncos have shored up their run defense by using Paris Lenon at MLB, and for passing they like to replace him with Woodyard, and Irving with Champ Bailey, Ihenacho with Huff, and a tackle with Ayers for pass-rushing-- around four substitutions.No-huddle could prevent this,forcing them to choose big or small.

 

[simplyeric]

 
No, they go to a shootout.

 
I thought the whole game was supposed to be a shootout.
 
(obviously they can't end in a tie...I just can't recall the overtime rules.  It just goes on and on as sudden death after the first fieldgoal/TD/possession thing is passed over, yes?)

 

[dynomite]

 
No, they go to a shootout.

But the home team bats last.

... Yes, the Ravens/Broncos divisional round game last year went into 2OT. If memory serves, one of the CBS announcers began to freak out as the clock wound down in OT, thinking that the Ravens (who were in FG range) would have to kick off/lose possession in 2OT, only to correct himself as some producer clearly screamed in his ear. But hey, it's not like it's his job to know these things...

 

[Rico Guapo]

Perfect attendance at Patriots' practice.

 
Having Dobson healthy (relatively speaking, given its late in the season) could help tremendously against Denver's shitty secondary.

 

[ShaneTrot]

 
 
Is this even true though?  If both teams execute consistently well (or, I suppose, consistently poorly), I wouldn't be surprised if it was an overtime fieldgoal.  Do they do double overtime in the playoffs?  hmm...
 
But, if one team blinks, it could turn into a 2 or 3 score game before we know what happened.  Kinda like the Colts game.  
 
I could see a 1-point squeeker for either team, and I could see a 14-21 point win for either team, based on a few key possessions.  

NE has lost by by a margin of >14 twice in the last 4 years: 2013 AFC championship 28-13 to the Ravens, and on Nov 10, 2010 to the Browns 34-14. I expect this game to be close and excruciating in the 4th quarter.

 

[Super Nomario]

 
Having Dobson healthy (relatively speaking, given its late in the season) could help tremendously against Denver's shitty secondary.

During the regular season a guy who misses a couple of weeks usually gets another week off after returning to practice, but given it's the playoffs and Thompkins' status is also uncertain, I wouldn't be surprised if Dobson is active.

 

[Tony C]

Wow, has Barnwell just sort of given up -- he didn't really even try in that article.

 

[RedOctober3829]

@Trags: As reported Wednesday #Patriots are indeed planning to travel to Denver Friday after practice.

 

[RedOctober3829]

During the regular season a guy who misses a couple of weeks usually gets another week off after returning to practice, but given it's the playoffs and Thompkins' status is also uncertain, I wouldn't be surprised if Dobson is active.

If Dobson is practicing, he'll be out there. They need him as a viable threat at the X.

 

[Dogman]

 
He's kind of smart, kind of lazy, and has to write a shitload of words so he just uses cliches and sophistry to ligthen his workload. 

 
You just described half the posters in this forum. 
 
AMIRITE, PHRAGLE??!!/

 

[simplyeric]

But the home team bats last.

... Yes, the Ravens/Broncos divisional round game last year went into 2OT. If memory serves, one of the CBS announcers began to freak out as the clock wound down in OT, thinking that the Ravens (who were in FG range) would have to kick off/lose possession in 2OT, only to correct himself as some producer clearly screamed in his ear. But hey, it's not like it's his job to know these things...

 
That's a real problem, because of Gronk's injury on a goalie play last season that he can't quite fully come back from yet.
Who are we going to get to bowl on the third day of the test?

 

[Shelterdog]

 
You just described half the posters in this forum. 
 
AMIRITE, PHRAGLE??!!/

 
Of course we're not paid to write about football for a national publication.

 

[MentalDisabldLst]

Of course we're not paid to write about football for a national publication.

 
I would read the shit out of SoSH Magazine.
 
And not just for the dirty pictures.  Okay, maybe mostly for that and the "Nip's Slips" column that leads off every issue.

 

[RedOctober3829]

@DougKyedNESN: Practice squad WR Greg Orton said he's mostly been mimicking Demaryius Thomas at practice, but he's been Eric Decker, too.