+- Atlanta Falcons Talk (http://atlantafalconstalk.com)
+-- Forum: Falcons Fans Message Boards (/Forum-Falcons-Fans-Message-Boards)
+--- Forum: Talk About The Falcons & So Much More (/Forum-Talk-About-The-Falcons-So-Much-More)
+--- Thread: NFL: Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend (/Thread-NFL-Biggest-Questions-For-Wildcard-Weekend)
Pages: 1 2
Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend - RFlagg - 01-04-2012 02:19 PM
Looking at each game this weekend, here are what I perceive to be the biggest questions in each game this weekend.
Cincinatti @ Houston: Can Cincinnati contain the Houston ground game?
When these two teams played in week 14, the Bengals held Foster and Tate to a combined 108 yards on 23 carries. While a 108 yards may seem good, it is nowhere near what the Texans average each week. If the Bengals can go into Houston and contain both backs for a second time, they have a good chance to win the game.
Atlanta @ NY Giants: Can the Falcons secondary hold Eli in check?
The Falcons Pass D has had suspect moments this season, but overall has played well. Against 2 of the leagues leading passers this year (Stafford once and Brees twice), the Falcons D gave up an average of 270.7 yards passing, well below the average for those two. On the otherside, Eli had a breakout year as he nearly eclipsed the 5,000 yard mark as well. If the Falcons can contain Eli Manning, then they should make a game of this one.
Detroit @ New Orleans: Can the Lions pass rush get to Brees?
When the Lions played the Saints in week 13, the were without Suh. They only managed 2 sacks and Drew Brees torched them for 342 yards and 3 TDs. This week, Suh is back and if he can put some pressure on Brees, that may make a difference. Of course, have a few of the Saints holds called wouldn't hurt, see this picture:
![[Image: 9paNx.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/9paNx.jpg)
Pittsburgh @ Denver: Can the Broncos find some more "Tebow Time" Magic?
In a word, no. Tim Tebow started 11 games for the Broncos this year, and they went 7-4. Good for them. The 4 losses? To Detroit, New England, Buffalo, and Kansas City. In fact, the only win over a playoff team that the Broncos had was way back in week 2, when Kyle Orton led the team to a 24-22 victory over the Bengals. There is no reason to think that Tebow will get the job done against the Steelers.
RE: Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend - The Don™ - 01-04-2012 02:43 PM
I bet that didn't get called.
RE: Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend - Jimusmc - 01-04-2012 02:59 PM
(01-04-2012 02:43 PM)The Don™ Wrote:
I bet that didn't get called.
yep, you know it.
RE: Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend - RFlagg - 01-04-2012 03:01 PM
(01-04-2012 02:43 PM)The Don™ Wrote:
I bet that didn't get called.
I found that pick while reading a Yahoo article on the Lions/Saints game this week, and they used it while talking about Brees game vs them earlier this season. My immediate thought "That's a hold".
RE: Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend - BC32 - 01-04-2012 03:04 PM
(01-04-2012 02:43 PM)The Don™ Wrote:
That's not holding. He's making sure that lions player don't fly away.
RE: Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend - Jesus - 01-04-2012 03:11 PM
(01-04-2012 02:19 PM)RFlagg Wrote: If the Falcons can contain Eli Manning, then they should make a game of this one.
Well as long as they can make a game of it.
Do you think the idea that the Falcons can't win this game is based on:
1. The Giants are a superior team.
2. The Giants are playing at home.
3. The Falcons have yet to win a playoff game with Ryan and Smith.
4. The Falcons have not lost to a team with a losing record in four years but the Giants lost to 3 this year, including the Redskins twice, which means the Falcons can't possibly beat Giants.
RE: Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend - RFlagg - 01-04-2012 03:23 PM
(01-04-2012 03:11 PM)Jesus Wrote: Well as long as they can make a game of it.
Do you think the idea that the Falcons can't win this game is based on:
1. The Giants are a superior team.
2. The Giants are playing at home.
3. The Falcons have yet to win a playoff game with Ryan and Smith.
4. The Falcons have not lost to a team with a losing record in four years but the Giants lost to 3 this year, including the Redskins twice, which means the Falcons can't possibly beat Giants.
I wouldn't say it's any one thing. Playing outdoors on the road certainly hurts (the Falcons are 12-10 under Ryan in outdoor games, 31-9 indoors). The Giants pass rush could give our O-Line fits. The Giants as of late have improved at running the ball (right at 4 ypc the last 4 games). All things combine so I can see why Vegas would pick the Giants as the favorites.
That said, I am picking the Falcons to win.
RE: Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend - ATLBound - 01-04-2012 05:26 PM
Actually with the Giants at home on a 3 point win...they are essentially saying either we are even or the Falcons are a better team.
I cant remember which but the home team either gets a 3 pt or 7 pt advantage automatically
RE: Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend - Anomaly - 01-04-2012 05:35 PM
(01-04-2012 05:26 PM)ATLBound Wrote: Actually with the Giants at home on a 3 point win...they are essentially saying either we are even or the Falcons are a better team.
I cant remember which but the home team either gets a 3 pt or 7 pt advantage automatically
Home field is usually worth 3 points.
RE: Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend - ATLBound - 01-04-2012 05:43 PM
(01-04-2012 05:35 PM)Va Falcon 88 Wrote: Home field is usually worth 3 points.
Thanks...so basically Vegas is saying we don't really know who will win because these teams are so even so we will give the edge to the home team.