Normally, I try to look at specific matchups and look for mismatches that will lead to a decisive win. (worked well this playoffs, 8-2 on sides this year). Well, in this game, there aren't any. Maybe the defensive backs are a little overmatched on both teams (Woodson looked really bad last week after a great game against the Jets), thats all I'm seeing. If it were the regular season, probably would just watch as a fan. But can anyone really watch the SB without action? I can't. So lets look at probably the biggest factor in football, motivation.
I know, I know, everyone is motivated to win a SB. No one needs a kick in the ass to get up for the biggest sporting event in the world.
BUT
Don't think for a second that the Raiders don't now this is their last shot before heading to salary cap hell. They are 50 MILLION over the cap for next year. Gannon, bye. Garner, seeya. Jerry, get those golf clubs ready. TimmyB, hows a pay cut sound? This team will be completely dismantled after the season and they know it. Tampa, they have Chucky, Sapp, Simeon, Meshawn and just about everyone else signed for next season. They will be back and, in the back of their minds, they know it.
The question is, will this matter? In the first quarter, no. Second, probably not. But when this game becomes a slugfest (and it will) it will come down to who can control the line of scrimmage in the late third and fourth. This is where I like the Raiders. That Tampa pass rush will slow down, and Gannon will pick those zones apart. If they go man to man, then Porter will burn them deep. The occasional Garner carry will keep everyone off balance and Jerry will make his timely catches.
All of this said, Tampa's D is the best the league has seen since Baltimore's and they won't roll over. But they won't have any choice. This Oakland team is a team of destiny. They are essentially playing at home, and many of these guys have been here before (RWoodson, Rice, Romo, Adams, Dorsett).
Just win baby.
Oakland 27 Chucky 21.
Just throwing another a quick thought out there. Was it just me or were there some big holes in that Tampa secondary when Philly FINALLY started dropping five steps and throwing those deep in routes. Was it there all game and Fat Andy was just being a bitch (likely), or was it there because Tampa softened their coverage? Hard to say, hopefully Edge matchup will look into it this week. May effect my total play here.
Good luck all, this should be a classic. :toast:
I know, I know, everyone is motivated to win a SB. No one needs a kick in the ass to get up for the biggest sporting event in the world.
BUT
Don't think for a second that the Raiders don't now this is their last shot before heading to salary cap hell. They are 50 MILLION over the cap for next year. Gannon, bye. Garner, seeya. Jerry, get those golf clubs ready. TimmyB, hows a pay cut sound? This team will be completely dismantled after the season and they know it. Tampa, they have Chucky, Sapp, Simeon, Meshawn and just about everyone else signed for next season. They will be back and, in the back of their minds, they know it.
The question is, will this matter? In the first quarter, no. Second, probably not. But when this game becomes a slugfest (and it will) it will come down to who can control the line of scrimmage in the late third and fourth. This is where I like the Raiders. That Tampa pass rush will slow down, and Gannon will pick those zones apart. If they go man to man, then Porter will burn them deep. The occasional Garner carry will keep everyone off balance and Jerry will make his timely catches.
All of this said, Tampa's D is the best the league has seen since Baltimore's and they won't roll over. But they won't have any choice. This Oakland team is a team of destiny. They are essentially playing at home, and many of these guys have been here before (RWoodson, Rice, Romo, Adams, Dorsett).
Just win baby.
Oakland 27 Chucky 21.
Just throwing another a quick thought out there. Was it just me or were there some big holes in that Tampa secondary when Philly FINALLY started dropping five steps and throwing those deep in routes. Was it there all game and Fat Andy was just being a bitch (likely), or was it there because Tampa softened their coverage? Hard to say, hopefully Edge matchup will look into it this week. May effect my total play here.
Good luck all, this should be a classic. :toast:
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