NFL Open Thread: Saturday Divisional Playoffs
posted at 12:50 pm on January 10, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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I tell you, life sometimes just ain’t fair. I finally join the 21st century this week and upgrade to HD, and I probably won’t catch any of the football games this weekend. Today I have the NARN broadcast and church, and tomorrow the First Mate and I will go see the Vatican Splendors exhibit in St. Paul. (Tomorrow was supposed to be the last day to see it, but after I bought the tickets, they extended it another week.) We’ll also be busy visiting the Mathemagician, the DIL, and the two granddaughters, and the NFL is a pretty low priority stacked up to those.
Nevertheless, we have four great games this weekend — two today and two tomorrow. We’ll do the open thread for tomorrow’s games tomorrow, so for now, let’s concentrate on the Ravens at the Titans and the Cardinals at the Panthers.
- Ravens at Titans — This should be the best game today. The Ravens have a decent offense, and the Titans have a good defense. The Titans have an excellent offense, and the Ravens have an excellent defense. I’m going to predict a low-scoring affair, which will give the Ravens a chance to win — but they won’t. The Titans are going to win at home, 13-10, which will be too bad for the Steelers if they can get by the Chargers, as they will have to go on the road against Tennessee.
- Cardinals at Panthers — The Arizona Cardinals, like the Miami Dolphins, had a Cinderella season this year, but were fortunate enough to play in a weak division. They have an unchampionship-like road record at 3-5, and the Panthers are just too good to lose at home to the Cardinals on the road. Expect this to be a higher-scoring game today, with a final looking like 31-21 Panthers.
On the plus side, I can always record the games on HD and run through them in about an hour — and I think I’l work on doing just that. HD would have even made the Detroit Lions look good, I think. It made Demolition Man look almost mediocre last night ….
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I’m a Titans fan, but I have a bad feeling about this game. I think the Ravens will pull off the upset. :(
ddrintn on January 10, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Hi Ed I know how you feel. Today I have go entertain visitors from out os state. My Panthers will enjoy the victory without me.
kanda on January 10, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Are you a Saturday church-goer Ed?
JonPrichard on January 10, 2009 at 1:00 PM
I hope you do a post on that, Ed…I’d love to see that exhibit.
Predictions: Panthers win, 21-13…Ravens win in OT, 30-27
JetBoy on January 10, 2009 at 1:00 PM
I don’t know Ed, it didn’t help Dumb and Dumberer.
conservnut on January 10, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Sometimes; the Saturday evening Mass is less crowded and somewhat more practical for us.
Ed Morrissey on January 10, 2009 at 1:05 PM
The acid test: Battlefield Earth.
Ed Morrissey on January 10, 2009 at 1:06 PM
I work on Saturdays, but fortunately I work at home, and will have the TV on. I can’t wait for the Ravens/Titans game, it should be a great one.
I think the Cardinals will get their posteriors kicked, and hard, by the Panthers, but that will be a good game, too. Watching Steve Smith play is fun!
TeeDee on January 10, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Panthers game starts at 8 Eastern….hooboy…I’m gonna watch it after all
kanda on January 10, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Go Titans! I would love to see Baltimore knocked out of the playoffs. As for the NFC game, I’ve got no preference either way.
t.ferg on January 10, 2009 at 1:08 PM
Watch out! Don’t badmouth AP’s favorite movie. ;-)
conservnut on January 10, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Put your money on the PANTHERS baby!!!!
I will be there to see them rip the cardinals a new one.
Steve Smith,Deangelo Williams,Julius Peppers will be to
much for the one dimensional pass happy cardinals.
Ribs,Steak,and plenty of Beer.
God I love Football,especially the playoffs!
Baxter Greene on January 10, 2009 at 1:23 PM
Indeed. All that work to get the #1 seed, and the titans have to play the Ravens in the first game.
This should be a good one, but I’m guessing the Ravens will take it.
forest on January 10, 2009 at 1:23 PM
DeAngelo Williams will run wild on the Cardinals and Steve Smith will probably go a buck twenty five with a touch.
I love the Cardinals but they just don’t travel well.
Panthers 31
Cardinals 24
Can’t call the Titans-Ravens, pure toss up.
Fun weekend!
FireBlogger on January 10, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Mitch Hedberg, one of my favorite comedians, had a good joke about when people come up uninvited and ask about sports. I couldn’t find it, and you need to have his delivery, but I did find this one on sports. (Slight content warning for language.)
If you like it, here’s more.
Tzetzes on January 10, 2009 at 1:25 PM
I’m stocking the beer and sammitch meats for ALL the games, this will be a great football weekend.
That being said, anyone who doesn’t cheer for the Steelers is a stone cold liberal. ‘Nuff said.
Bishop on January 10, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Also, “Sports” by Tim & Eric.
Tzetzes on January 10, 2009 at 1:27 PM
I’d rather drown in acid.
BadgerHawk on January 10, 2009 at 1:43 PM
Here are my predictions with exact final scores.
It’s snowing outside, the beer is on ice and we’re ready to rock.
Go G-Men!
JammieWearingFool on January 10, 2009 at 2:12 PM
I think the Titans will win. You cannot overestimate the worth of the bye week to rest nagging injuries and prepare for the opponent. The Titans do not get the proper respect. Arizona can win if they can stop Steve Smith. San Diego must not turn the ball over, but Pittsburgh will probably win. I predict the Eagles will beat the Giants. The Giants did not finish the regular season very well.
technopeasant on January 10, 2009 at 2:20 PM
I am a Chiefs fan, so naturally I have no one to root for in the playoffs. I hope the Cardinals go all the way just for the shock value, and because it is easier for me to root for a team in red.
Bfunky292 on January 10, 2009 at 2:26 PM
The Titans have been wildly inconsistent in their past few games and looked nothing like the world-beaters they were earlier in the season.
The Titans won’t be able to run against the Ravens, especially with their center, Mawae, out.
That means it’s Kerry Collins vs. the Ravens secondary. Which means Ed Reed is going to have a big day.
The real question will be whether the Ravens can move the ball against the Tennessee Defense.
The two teams met earlier in the season when Joe Flacco was still learning the system and getting used to the NFL…
…and even then the Titans could only squeak by 13-10.
My prediction:
The Ravens D turns up the heat and forces several turnovers. This gives the Ravens O a short field which means several FG’s and a couple TD’s.
Ravens win 23-10.
Religious_Zealot on January 10, 2009 at 3:22 PM
And nobody would be more shocked than the people of Arizona, but it would be fun.
Go Cards!
AZCoyote on January 10, 2009 at 3:22 PM
I’m still holding out for Detroit!
stonemeister on January 10, 2009 at 3:28 PM
D. Williams actually had a better year than Adrian Peterson when you analyze his yards per carries and td’s, why the Panthers had him backing up Foster the last two seasons is beyond me.
This could be the Panthers year, IF, the Defense can hold their own and the coaches let the Offense do its thing.
D. Williams, J. Stewart, Steve Smith and Muhammed make for alot of Playmakers, behind a good O-Line and Delhomme is good enough with that talent to get it done.
its the Defense thats suspect..
jp on January 10, 2009 at 3:41 PM
The Titans will be throwing the ball more, and the game will hinge on field position, punting, defense, and good special teams play, along with good placekicking.
The defenses on both sides must get those crucial turnovers or force 123 outs to get field position to set up the 3-pointer.
A field goal will be GOLD in this game.
Sapwolf on January 10, 2009 at 3:42 PM
I’m Dreaming of a Quaker state Superbowl! Eagles vs Steelers in ‘09, YES WE WILL!!
abobo on January 10, 2009 at 4:08 PM
My Panthers are looking good and my AFC team is the Steeelrs, so after alosuy year for my college teams I am a-liking these here NFL playoffs purty fine.
The Ravens looks good today.
John The Baptist on January 10, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Go Ravens!!
I can’t predict a score but the Ravens will be victorious! I would also hope that Philly, San Diego and the Panthers win.
And Bishop, Bite me! The Steelers are not worth the turf they play on….come to think of it, neither are liberals.
JohnnyD on January 10, 2009 at 4:44 PM
WOOHOO!
Titans 7, Ravens 0
Sapwolf on January 10, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Wow, great 1st half.
Ravens 7
Titans 7
JohnnyD on January 10, 2009 at 5:57 PM
The Titans are dominating statistically, but man, those turnovers are keeping the game even. And those penalties…
Titans killing themselves.
ZzzzDad on January 10, 2009 at 6:05 PM
JohnnyD – What?
The Steelers are not worth the turf they play on?
Whatever that means…that real estate is worth a lot and they had bad field conditions with a game a while back. Big deal. They help Pitt and other schools. The raisins? The whole state of fairyland paid for the pathetic Cleve Brownies to come to the stinking city of liberals in a liberal state of unconsciousness. Modell is still counting taxpayer money! And laughing! How is that for liberal programs? At least most libs want to hand it to the poor!
The raisins don’t deserve capital letters and are cheap murdering thugs with a bunch of idiot fans. They have three rules:
No imagination or risks on offense. Their players lack the IQ; and moving the ball would make half of their inbred/mongo fans dizzy. They run the ball. Well, you have to do something.
Get in the other team’s head with brutality and disagreements. They hate everybody. I had to laugh at the announcer’s remarks about these teams hating each other. The raisins just invent fights and hatred. Steelers, Chargers, New England… raisins are really nice guys and with class.
Third, get turnovers even with twisting or killing the other players. This is vital since you don’t let your offense actually DO anything. Their running is a filthy, filthy joke as they do give up yards to a good defense and always did.
Only good raisin is in a cereal box.
IlikedAUH2O on January 10, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Third paragraph — their running defense..is a joke.
Also called run defense.
Called “stop them guys” in the State of Fairyland.
IlikedAUH2O on January 10, 2009 at 6:21 PM
In the early game, I predict 7-7 at the half that will carry well into the third quarter after the Titans miss a long Field Goal :-)
I hope Titans win. I really hate Baltimore. Good defensive game so far!
As for Arizona at Carolina. I live in Tucson and have watched most of Arizona’s games. They are a better team than their record indicates. Two of those east coast losses should have been wins. The refs stole the game against Washington with two terrible calls against AZ. Arizona had the Panthers beat in October, but let ‘em get away.
Having said all that, if I was to pick with my head I agree with Ed, 31-21 Panthers sounds about right. My heart says Arizona has a chance! Maybe even a good chance. GO CARDINALS!!!
Ordinary1 on January 10, 2009 at 6:46 PM
RAVENS WIN!!! RAVENS WIN!!! RAVENS WIN!!!
Zaire67 on January 10, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Prediction:27-24 Cards, google it!!!
abobo on January 10, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Steelers celebrate raisins win.
IlikedAUH2O on January 10, 2009 at 7:49 PM
Sorry Ed wrong again. You should really give the Ravens more credit. GO RAVENS!!!!!
Lance Murdock on January 10, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Ravens baby. Yeah. Bring on those stinking Steelers.
Benjamin9 on January 10, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Nasty, sloppy game.
Neither team looked on top of their game…
…probably because both teams where more interested in hurting each other than simply playing the game.
The non-call on the Delay of Game will be talked about for a long time…
…but the Titans still had a chance to stop the Ravens, and didn’t.
As much as I like the Ravens, I think they’re too beat up now to go much farther in the playoffs.
If San Diego somehow upsets the Steelers, then the Ravens have a chance.
I just don’t see a banged up Ravens team winning in Pittsburgh.
Religious_Zealot on January 10, 2009 at 8:11 PM
My bet’s on Pittsburgh for the Super Bowl.
ddrintn on January 10, 2009 at 8:11 PM
I see Pittsburgh getting TO the Super Bowl…
…but their O-Line is too porous for them to win it.
Religious_Zealot on January 10, 2009 at 8:15 PM
Well at least you got the score right Ed…..
LL
Lady Logician on January 10, 2009 at 8:18 PM
I hate it when Cindy steals my comments.
Jazz Shaw on January 10, 2009 at 8:22 PM
The best way to respond to Ravens Haters is this:
Ravens 13
Titans 10
Religious_Zealot on January 10, 2009 at 8:24 PM
Nah, I’m not a hater. Congrats to the Ravens and their fans.
ddrintn on January 10, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Wasn’t saying you were.
I was referring to the previous poster whose post could keep a garden fertilized for the entire summer.
Religious_Zealot on January 10, 2009 at 9:06 PM
GO CARDS!!! And the meek shall inherit the trophy!!!
So sayeth the Funk!
Bfunky292 on January 10, 2009 at 9:37 PM
ZONA!!! Wow. Great 1st half! Finish strong Cardinals.
Ordinary1 on January 10, 2009 at 9:58 PM
Mwahahaha, it appears that I gave Carolina too much respect!!!
abobo on January 10, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Start of the 4th Quarter:
Cards 30
Cats 7
Ouch!
bryan2369 on January 10, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Or should I say kitties?
bryan2369 on January 10, 2009 at 10:47 PM
WOW. Another interception!!! Now we hope for a Philadelphia win and the Cardinals can HOST the NFC Championship!!!!
Ordinary1 on January 10, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Merciful heavens, wouldn’t have thought Arizona even had a chance against the Panthers! Whatta game! Guess they really are that good, playing in a “weak” division, an’ all.
The Ravens/Titans game was a pretty good one, too.
TeeDee on January 10, 2009 at 10:57 PM
When the Cardinals have been bad they have been really bad. For most of the year though, they have been underrated. I am surprised by the blowout! But I am happy for the Cardinals. Maybe they will get a little respect :-)
Ordinary1 on January 10, 2009 at 11:01 PM
McCain just got his wings!
abobo on January 10, 2009 at 11:58 PM
We didn’t let ‘em off the hook.
RightOFLeft on January 10, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Heartache.
Mr. Wednesday Night on January 11, 2009 at 12:22 AM
Wow Ed, your scores were pretty close, but identifying which number goes with which team needs work… Don’t give up your day job.
al sends
afterdarknesslight on January 11, 2009 at 12:35 AM
Just got in from the PANTHERS game that was nothing but a test in humility.
I can’t believe we got our a$$’s kicked by the Cardinals who are now on their way to the NFC championship.
Tried my best on the way out of the stadium to get the police to go in there and arrest Delhome for impersonating a quarterback.
UUUGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
What an ugly night.
Baxter Greene on January 11, 2009 at 4:20 AM
It is a riot how all the fans of these franchises appear when they win. You find only about 10% of the Cowboy and Patriot fans that were present in October.
The reciting of the raisins score is also stupid. Like it spoke to their quality.
raisins 13
Titans 10
If they knew anything about football…I’ll let them try to figure it out.
IlikedAUH2O on January 11, 2009 at 8:36 AM
OH Panthers, so wrong time of the year to have the worst game of the season. I was pulling for the Titans also. At least there are the Sunday games. OK Giants over Eagles, Chargers over Steelers. Come on guys at least get me to 500.
Conservative Ivan on January 11, 2009 at 10:55 AM
I cannot believe it. My Panthers lost. Congrats Arizona Cardinals fans! I will have to wait for next year.
kanda on January 11, 2009 at 12:48 PM
I loved the Eagles/Giants outcome personally!
Eyvonne on January 12, 2009 at 4:22 PM
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