in going over my past playoff successes, i have determined that my easiest wins occurred when i discovered matchups that could be exploited. despite 6th sense's excellent write-up and the statistical matchup he uncovered b/t pitt's rushing O and the pats rushing D, i can't buy it.
i haven't believed in the pats all yr and i really still don't. i think last week's game was a fluke and they needed the striped shirts to give them an undeserved win. but all yr long the pats have found a way to prove me wrong.
brady still had to lead that team down the field 3x to get the pats the win. granted, the oakland D is nothing to fear but in the conditions, completing 9 of 9 on a lengthy drive is impressive against any D.
smith is banged up and who knows how much he'll play. he is not overly impressive anyway. however, imo, ne is better off w/o him and w/ the more dangerous redmond getting the ball. it gives ne a different look. troy brown has simply been a game breaker this yr. he makes things happen. the steelers cbs have made some big plays this yr but they have given up almost as many. don't forget the steeler D is missing a big chunk out of the heart of their D with holmes on the sidelines w/a bum knee.
last week, the steeler's(my one big play of the weekend -- posted at madjacks) played w/an attitude and played for respect. the defense desired the title that the ravens defense was claiming and they had something to prove. don't think NE, with some talented vets, especially in the DBs, don't want to prove someone else can play D. the ne D will be primed for a big effort today.
i like pitt and i see them winning the game but i don't see them having the same motivation as last week. i see them as a more conservative team and in a slight letdown situation (as much as you can have a letdown in a championship game). i can't be sure they cover the number here.
i think for pitt to cover the number, they will need a +2 turnover ratio. we know brady can turn it over but we also know he can do some special things.
i don't like the side either way here but i do like the total to stay under 38 and i have teased it with under 49(55) - SIA, in the stl game.
i haven't believed in the pats all yr and i really still don't. i think last week's game was a fluke and they needed the striped shirts to give them an undeserved win. but all yr long the pats have found a way to prove me wrong.
brady still had to lead that team down the field 3x to get the pats the win. granted, the oakland D is nothing to fear but in the conditions, completing 9 of 9 on a lengthy drive is impressive against any D.
smith is banged up and who knows how much he'll play. he is not overly impressive anyway. however, imo, ne is better off w/o him and w/ the more dangerous redmond getting the ball. it gives ne a different look. troy brown has simply been a game breaker this yr. he makes things happen. the steelers cbs have made some big plays this yr but they have given up almost as many. don't forget the steeler D is missing a big chunk out of the heart of their D with holmes on the sidelines w/a bum knee.
last week, the steeler's(my one big play of the weekend -- posted at madjacks) played w/an attitude and played for respect. the defense desired the title that the ravens defense was claiming and they had something to prove. don't think NE, with some talented vets, especially in the DBs, don't want to prove someone else can play D. the ne D will be primed for a big effort today.
i like pitt and i see them winning the game but i don't see them having the same motivation as last week. i see them as a more conservative team and in a slight letdown situation (as much as you can have a letdown in a championship game). i can't be sure they cover the number here.
i think for pitt to cover the number, they will need a +2 turnover ratio. we know brady can turn it over but we also know he can do some special things.
i don't like the side either way here but i do like the total to stay under 38 and i have teased it with under 49(55) - SIA, in the stl game.
