NFL so far

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by zaphod

Cowboys---Packers will present an interesting match up of Al Harris vs Terrel Owens. I call that a draw. Also Boys have 2 excellent Corner backs so that negates 2 of the 5 Packer wide outs. Leaves game in balance of the running game, special teams and whether CB Charles Woodson or his replacement plays well.

Green Bay's starting D line is dinged up but was 11 deep in quality DL players ( now 10 with Cole breaking his arm in Lion game). Mike McCarthey has repeatedly said he will not risk further injury to key players to win this game. Securing a divisional title and a playoff bye is more important.

Turn overs will as always be a wild card. If Boys can consistently pressure Favre he has been known to throw picks.

The play of Packer wide outs rookie James Jones, ex-Viking Korin Robinson, Ruvell Martin and Tight End Donald Lee and maybe Bubba Franks will have to balance out the expected stellar performance of Cowboy Tight End Whitten (sp???)

The rest I see even except for Favre. Nothing against Romo but the OLD MAN is another coach on the field. If OL Tackles Taucsher and Cliffton hold up it will be a very entertaining game.

BTW the Eagles really put a scare into the Patriots at New England. Shows a quality Defensive Line paired with good corners will test them in play offs.

Both the NFC Cowboys and Packers have that!!!!

Excellent analysis, Zaphod. I agree that this matchup will be about turnovers and special teams play. These teams are so evenly matched in so many ways, and they are two very solid defenses. Look for McCarthy to change things up with some early blitz packages to try to get some early momentum and keep Owens from scoring early, then give Grant 25 or more touches to keep the ball out of Romo's hands. Brett will throw the ball, but I see the Pack using their newfound running game in this one.

I think the 'Boys will look for big plays downfield early to test the Packers' corners, who, with Woodson probably out and Harris occasionally susceptible, can be beaten.

Big plays and turnovers. Seems it's always the way in big games like this. Can Mason Crosby kick that 44-yarder with time expired to seal the 24-21 win for the Pack? I hope so.

[sssmokin]

I saw in today's paper about the ESPN story about pool etc. to stop Peterson. It wasn't a big deal, and no one was even fined.

[VtDivot]

Pack are banged up - Cowboys are at home... Cowboys will cover the spread.

[zaphod]

Boys wide outs and OL are banged up too. Only one GOOD healthy corner. Running game (by committee) must work for Cowboys to prevail. Packers need pressure from Kampman AND Bennett AND Bigby to keep the REST of the very pedestrian Cowboy wide outs in check. Cowboys absolutely need pressure from DL and maybe more than their usual blitzing. Otherwise Favre will throw at 70% completion rate and the OLD MAN will prevail. Packers will only run if opportunities present themselves.

Boys are hoping their HUGE offensive line will wear down the very deep Green Bay defensive front four. A real test of wills for both sides. Packers have not played much against a 3/4 defense so zone blocking reads will be tested. They did play against one ( Chargers) but which Charger team showed up that day??

Boys have not won against anyone with a positive record so this will be their second shot at a quality team. Packers are away but their away record is VERY good this year. Toss up again.

Have not figured out how Cowboys are going to Defense the Big 5 wide out package. But again Packer defensive scheme is vulnerable to good tight end play. Even again.

I guess the best bet is to pop a cold one and watch. Anyone betting on this game is really gambling in the truest sense of the word. So many injured players in both camps are probable or questionable that no help in handicapping there.

Look for the two of them to meet again for NFC title game and a chance against BRADY & MOSS INCORPORATED.

I think it is a shame both these quality teams were scheduled to play on short week (Turkey Day) then not given a 10 day respite. Guess it was to fill the coffers of the NFL Network but this quick turn around will not benefit either team in the long run. Players need time to recoup from their collisions.
For a good read on NFL scouts opinions of game go to PackersNews.com - Pete Dougherty column: How Packers match up with Dallas or for 30 questions and answers 30 Questions and Answers - PackerChatters Second link is the best.
BTW the Bears and Vikings are still in the hunt for a wide card. WOW

[VtDivot]

Merry Christmas Pats fans... wow. The Ravens put a bow on that one.

[ualtim]

Originally Posted by VtDivot

Merry Christmas Pats fans... wow. The Ravens put a bow on that one.

Thanks . A "W" is a "W" no matter how ugly its accomplished.

[warbirdlover]

It looks like the other teams are starting to figure the Pats out a little bit. Then if they could finish it off.....

Got to hand it to the Pats though. To play badly and still win is a good sign.

[MGP]

My secret wish is slowly coming true. The Pats go 16-0 in the regular season, then lose their first playoff game thus pissng off all of New England as well as all their bandwagon fans.

Ok, I could be wrong...

[zaphod]

My secret wish is slowly coming true. The Pats go 16-0 in the regular season, then lose their first playoff game thus pissng off all of New England as well as all their bandwagon fans.

Oh that's COLD. Wish I thought of that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only thing I could added to that is Bellicheck is caught cheating again in playoff game. What an arrogant public image.

[ualtim]

I am just hoping someone does something stupid to piss off the Pats again so that they will go back to destroying everyone again. Jets game coming up a few weeks, maybe that will do it.

[Wi-Golfer]

At least my Dolphins locked up 1st pick in the draft, and with Parcells in charge now maybe they wont squander it on another Ted Ginn.

[zaphod]

Bears when over Packers big 35-7 . Oops. Cold and windy day at Soldier's Field. Classic Bear's weather in winter.

Dallas backs into best record in NFC. Neither the Pack or Dallas wanted it enough?????

[ualtim]

Originally Posted by Wi-Golfer

At least my Dolphins locked up 1st pick in the draft, and with Parcells in charge now maybe they wont squander it on another Ted Ginn.

Its the Fins, of course they will screw up the draft with or without Parcells.

The Pats need the 49'ers to drop their last game so that they can get a better pick to trade away for 4 more first day picks.