No. 5 New Orleans Saints (11-5) @ No. 4 Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
The Saints may have the most unlucky draw of these playoffs. Yes, they get to play the worst team to make it, but, the Seahawks do have one of the most raucous crowds in the NFL. Even though the Saints have a better record, they have to travel to Seattle because Seattle won their division.
All that aside, New Orleans comes into this post season reeling, losing two of their last three games; looking especially bad in week 17 against the Bucs. These are the defending champs, however, and they're still one of the most dangerous offensive units in the league. QB Drew Brees had another solid season, despite multiple injuries in his back field. RB's Reggie Bush, Chris Ivory, and Pierre Thomas missed a total of 22 games, and it shows in their 28th ranked rushing attack. Drew Brees always has plenty of receivers to throw to, Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey, and Jimmy Graham (if he is able to go) will all make for a difficult game for the Seahawks secondary.
Because of all the attention paid to the Saints offense, their defense doesn't get as much credit as they deserve. New Orleans D ranks 4th in opponent passing yards per game, and 16th in opponent rushing yards per game. Last years' Superbowl hero Tracy Porter has big play capabilities in the secondary, along with Roman Harper and Jabari Greer. LB Johnathon Vilma is one of the best in the league, so look for him to have a big impact against the lackluster Seahawks running game.
Key to Saints victory: Just play your game.
The Seahawks are the first team in NFL history to win their division with a sub .500 record, and they get a first round home game in the playoffs; but hey, rules are rules.
Seattle comes into the post season with a little bit of a QB controversy. Pete Carroll gave the nod to Charlie Whitehurst in the must win Sunday night game against the Rams, but is now undecided as to who will start against the Saints on Saturday. Personally, I don't think it matters either way, but I feel that Carroll is doing this to try to confuse New Orleans game plan. Seattle's passing game is ranked 19th in the league, and their rushing game is the worst in the NFL. Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett will split touches out of the back field, and the Saints secondary will focus their efforts on WR Mike Williams, who leads the team in receptions, and receiving yards.
The Seahawks bring a lackluster defense to the table. They gave up 27 or more points eight times this season, and New Orleans should have a field day. Seattle's D is ranked 27th in passing yards allowed, and 21st in rushing yards allowed, which doesn't bode well for them against New Orleans pass heavy offensive attack. The one bright spot for this defense is rookie DB Earl Thomas, who has five interceptions this season.
Key for Seahawks victory: Do everything right.
Prediction: Saints 31-13
No. 6 Green Bay Packers (10-6) @ No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
The Packers were in danger of missing the playoffs after being given such high expectations. They gutted out a 10-3 victory against the Bears at Lambeau to make the post season, and they are, in my opinion, the most dangerous team in the playoffs.
QB Aaron Rodgers has had a great season, despite multiple concussions, and an injury to his top back, Ryan Grant, in the first game of the season. The Pack bring the 5th ranked passing attack into this game, and one of the best WR's in the NFL in Greg Jennings. Jennings had a huge season recording 1265 yards and 12 TD's. The Eagles D will pay a lot of attention to Jennings, so look for Rodgers to target James Jones much more. The injury to Ryan Grant caused Green Bay's rushing attack to greatly suffer. RB Brandon Jackson didn't have the production the team wanted, and it shows in a 24th ranked rushing attack. Another staggering stat is QB Aaron Rodgers is the teams second leading rusher.
The Packers defense is scary, and it is led by soon to be defensive player of the year Clay Matthews. Matthews has been absolutely ridiculous this season with 13.5 sacks and an interception. Not to be out done, fellow LB A.J. Hawk has 111 tackles and 3 interceptions. The Packers secondary is one of the best in the league, they rank 5th in passing yards allowed per game, and they have combined for 14 interceptions. Look for them to blitz Mike Vick early and often.
Key to Packers Victory: contain Mike Vick, and cause two turnovers. The offense will come.
QB Mike Vick has had an amazing season thus far, and this stage is where he performs at his best. Vick has thrown for over 3,000 yards and rushed for over 600 while amassing 30 total TD's. RB LeSean McCoy, combined with Vick lead the Eagles 5th ranked rushing attack, gaining 145.4 yards per game. WR DeSean Jackson is the biggest deep threat receiver in the NFL, averaging 22.5 yards per catch. Look for Vick to go deep to Jackson very, very early. If Jackson can't get open deep, look for Jeremy Maclin to have a huge day underneath. The Eagles O-Line need to be ready for multiple blitz packages that the Packers D will show them.
The Eagles defense is mediocre, ranking 15th in both passing yards allowed, and rushing yards allowed. It looks like Stewart Bradley will be out for this game, which puts more pressure on Ernie Sims and the LB core. DE Trent Cole must come off the edge hard, and get to Rodgers in order to disrupt any rhythm. Look for DB's Asante Samuel and Quintin Mikell to make some big plays, they have combined for 10 interceptions this season.
Key to Eagles victory: Vick and McCoy must combine for 110 rushing yards and two TD's. Also, they must sack Rodgers at least three times.
Prediction: Green Bay 27-24
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Showing posts with label Seattle Seahawks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seattle Seahawks. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
NFC West Preview and Predictions
1. San Francisco 49ers - 10-6
Former top overall pick, Quarterback Alex Smith played his way into another shot to the the starter in San Francisco. In his first few seasons, Smith could not live up to the expectations of being a franchise QB. In his first three seasons as a starter, Smith threw 19 TD's and 31 interceptions, that's not the output a team wants from a player they build their franchise around. Midway through the 2007 season, Smith was benched, and he didn't play at all in 2008. Last season, however, Smith got a second chance, and he took advantage of it. In 10 starts in 2009, Smith threw for 18 TD's, 12 interceptions and 2,350 yards. That career best 10 game stretch that Smith put together solidified him as the starting QB in the 2010 season. The 49ers have quietly put together a good offense around Smith. Frank Gore is one of the best RB's in the NFL and TE Vernon Davis has tremendous speed and skill at his position. The only question mark I see with this offense is at the Wide Receiver position. Michael Crabtree has yet to prove himself as a NFL wide out, but he does have the ability. Ted Ginn Jr. came over from Miami in the offseason, and he fits in as a slot receiver that Smith can count on to make sure handed catches. Overall, if Alex Smith can keep it together for an entire season, I like the 49ers offense.
The defense in San Francisco is nothing to sleep on. They have one of the NFL's best group of Linebackers with Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson. In 2009, those four guys combined for 19.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions. The Niners also have a lockdown Cornerback in Nate Clements, and another Cornerback who is primed for a huge year in Shawntae Spencer. San Francisco is gonna benefit greatly from the departure Kurt Warner.
2. Arizona Cardinals - 6-10
I think the Cards will quickly get over the break up with Matt Leinart, but with Kurt Warner gone, the starting QB job has been handed over to Derek Anderson. Some of you may remember the one taste of success that Anderson had with the Browns back in 2007 when he threw for 29 TD's and nearly 3,800 yards, the Cardinals hope that Anderson can come up with another season just like that in 2010. There are plenty of guys on the Cardinals offense that can help Anderson achieve success in 2010, WR Larry Fitzgerald is easily a top five wide out in the league, Steve Breaston is a good slot receiver, and the combo of Tim Hightower and Chris " Beanie" Wells in the back field can be very effective. It's up to Anderson to keep the offense on track.
Arizona's defense took a huge blow when LB Karlos Dansby left for Miami, but the Cards defense should still be feared a bit. Defensive Tackles Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell each had 7 sacks in 2009, and the Linebacking core led by veterans Joey Porter and Clark Haggans has the chance to be very dangerous. Arizona's secondary is also very dangerous, starting with CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who had 6 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles in 2009. Safeties Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Wilson combined for 8 interceptions last season.
3. Seattle Seahawks - 4-12
First year Coach Pete Carroll has his work cut out for him. Many were surprised that he left his lofty position as Head Coach at USC, but soon realized that Carroll was escaping NCAA sanctions for recruiting violations. Carroll inherits a Seahawks team that is not exactly a well rounded team, especially on offense. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is still a serviceable player, when he is healthy, and staying healthy has been his biggest problem over the last few seasons. Seattle will start third year RB Justin Forsett who had a very productive 2009 season despite limited action. Forsett ran the ball only. 114 times but gained 619 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and scored 4 TD's. Carroll surprisingly cut WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who was the Seahawks best receiver only a year ago. What was even more shocking was that Carroll cut him in favor of former USC WR and draft bust Mike Williams. Williams was drafted 10th overall in 2005 by the Detroit Lions, but never lived up to the high expectations. Carroll must be trying to get back the USC glory days.
The weakness of the Seahawks defense is their Defensive Line, their front four only combined for 4.5 sacks in 2009. The Linebackers are led by sixth year man Lofa Tatupu, but second year LB Aaron Curry will be the anchor of this defensive unit. Seattle's secondary is mixed with experience, Marcus Trufant and Lawyer Milloy, and inexperience with rookie DB out of Texas, Earl Thomas. Thomas will learn a lot from Trufant and Milloy this season, let's just hope he's listening.
4. St. Louis Rams - 3-13
The Rams are in rebuilding mode, and Sam Bradford is not a bad way to start the process. I can't give many stats on Bradford because college football doesn't come close to the NFL, but the Rams didn't make him the first overall pick in 2010 for no reason. Like any rookie, Bradford will have some major growing pains. I think he has the skill and maturity to handle the rough times with an open mind and work through them properly. Bradford will eventually be a good QB in the NFL, but 2010 will be a true test of will. Running Back Steven Jackson will provide Bradford with someone who can bail him out. Not only is Jackson a fantastic runner, but in my view, he is the best receiving RB in the NFL. Bradford can find a lot of peace in handing or throwing the ball to the ultra talented Steven Jackson. The Rams receivers will not provide Bradford with the same sense of peace, however, their inexperience may be detrimental to the development of the highly touted QB. Their number one WR Laurent Robinson's highest catch total in a season is only 37, I am extremely surprised that the Rams front office didn't make a move for a veteran receiver who could give Sam Bradford some stability.
The Rams defense has a couple of nice pieces with third year DE Chris Long, veteran LB Na'il Diggs, rookie LB James LaurinaitIs and Free Safety OshIomogho Atogwe. The good players this defense possesses will not make up for how many holes opposing offenses will be able to expose.
Former top overall pick, Quarterback Alex Smith played his way into another shot to the the starter in San Francisco. In his first few seasons, Smith could not live up to the expectations of being a franchise QB. In his first three seasons as a starter, Smith threw 19 TD's and 31 interceptions, that's not the output a team wants from a player they build their franchise around. Midway through the 2007 season, Smith was benched, and he didn't play at all in 2008. Last season, however, Smith got a second chance, and he took advantage of it. In 10 starts in 2009, Smith threw for 18 TD's, 12 interceptions and 2,350 yards. That career best 10 game stretch that Smith put together solidified him as the starting QB in the 2010 season. The 49ers have quietly put together a good offense around Smith. Frank Gore is one of the best RB's in the NFL and TE Vernon Davis has tremendous speed and skill at his position. The only question mark I see with this offense is at the Wide Receiver position. Michael Crabtree has yet to prove himself as a NFL wide out, but he does have the ability. Ted Ginn Jr. came over from Miami in the offseason, and he fits in as a slot receiver that Smith can count on to make sure handed catches. Overall, if Alex Smith can keep it together for an entire season, I like the 49ers offense.
The defense in San Francisco is nothing to sleep on. They have one of the NFL's best group of Linebackers with Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson. In 2009, those four guys combined for 19.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions. The Niners also have a lockdown Cornerback in Nate Clements, and another Cornerback who is primed for a huge year in Shawntae Spencer. San Francisco is gonna benefit greatly from the departure Kurt Warner.
2. Arizona Cardinals - 6-10
I think the Cards will quickly get over the break up with Matt Leinart, but with Kurt Warner gone, the starting QB job has been handed over to Derek Anderson. Some of you may remember the one taste of success that Anderson had with the Browns back in 2007 when he threw for 29 TD's and nearly 3,800 yards, the Cardinals hope that Anderson can come up with another season just like that in 2010. There are plenty of guys on the Cardinals offense that can help Anderson achieve success in 2010, WR Larry Fitzgerald is easily a top five wide out in the league, Steve Breaston is a good slot receiver, and the combo of Tim Hightower and Chris " Beanie" Wells in the back field can be very effective. It's up to Anderson to keep the offense on track.
Arizona's defense took a huge blow when LB Karlos Dansby left for Miami, but the Cards defense should still be feared a bit. Defensive Tackles Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell each had 7 sacks in 2009, and the Linebacking core led by veterans Joey Porter and Clark Haggans has the chance to be very dangerous. Arizona's secondary is also very dangerous, starting with CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who had 6 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles in 2009. Safeties Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Wilson combined for 8 interceptions last season.
3. Seattle Seahawks - 4-12
First year Coach Pete Carroll has his work cut out for him. Many were surprised that he left his lofty position as Head Coach at USC, but soon realized that Carroll was escaping NCAA sanctions for recruiting violations. Carroll inherits a Seahawks team that is not exactly a well rounded team, especially on offense. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is still a serviceable player, when he is healthy, and staying healthy has been his biggest problem over the last few seasons. Seattle will start third year RB Justin Forsett who had a very productive 2009 season despite limited action. Forsett ran the ball only. 114 times but gained 619 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and scored 4 TD's. Carroll surprisingly cut WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who was the Seahawks best receiver only a year ago. What was even more shocking was that Carroll cut him in favor of former USC WR and draft bust Mike Williams. Williams was drafted 10th overall in 2005 by the Detroit Lions, but never lived up to the high expectations. Carroll must be trying to get back the USC glory days.
The weakness of the Seahawks defense is their Defensive Line, their front four only combined for 4.5 sacks in 2009. The Linebackers are led by sixth year man Lofa Tatupu, but second year LB Aaron Curry will be the anchor of this defensive unit. Seattle's secondary is mixed with experience, Marcus Trufant and Lawyer Milloy, and inexperience with rookie DB out of Texas, Earl Thomas. Thomas will learn a lot from Trufant and Milloy this season, let's just hope he's listening.
4. St. Louis Rams - 3-13
The Rams are in rebuilding mode, and Sam Bradford is not a bad way to start the process. I can't give many stats on Bradford because college football doesn't come close to the NFL, but the Rams didn't make him the first overall pick in 2010 for no reason. Like any rookie, Bradford will have some major growing pains. I think he has the skill and maturity to handle the rough times with an open mind and work through them properly. Bradford will eventually be a good QB in the NFL, but 2010 will be a true test of will. Running Back Steven Jackson will provide Bradford with someone who can bail him out. Not only is Jackson a fantastic runner, but in my view, he is the best receiving RB in the NFL. Bradford can find a lot of peace in handing or throwing the ball to the ultra talented Steven Jackson. The Rams receivers will not provide Bradford with the same sense of peace, however, their inexperience may be detrimental to the development of the highly touted QB. Their number one WR Laurent Robinson's highest catch total in a season is only 37, I am extremely surprised that the Rams front office didn't make a move for a veteran receiver who could give Sam Bradford some stability.
The Rams defense has a couple of nice pieces with third year DE Chris Long, veteran LB Na'il Diggs, rookie LB James LaurinaitIs and Free Safety OshIomogho Atogwe. The good players this defense possesses will not make up for how many holes opposing offenses will be able to expose.
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