NFL Playoffs

[Blackman]

Two stats I found that are pertinent -- take them as you will.

The Falcons scored as many points during regulation in the regular season as their opponents (337-337), an almost unheard-of stat for a conference finalist. Conversely, the Eagles outscored regular-season foes, 383-260, in regulation.


Eagles kicker David Akers is 5-for-6 in field goal attempts in playoff games at Lincoln Financial Field, where the wind can be quite tricky. His Atlanta counterpart, Jay Feely, never has kicked in the stadium and was a mediocre 5-for-8 on the road from beyond 30 yards this season.

 

[Dizzayton]

The 2003 Carolina Panthers only outscored their opponents by 25 in the regular season. And I don't think that the their last 2 games were meaningless like the Falcons.

 

[THE KOD]

Blackman

SCORE BY PERIODS Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 OT PTS

TEAM 71 118 42 106 3 340
OPPONENTS 57 105 76 99 0 337
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If a team scores just as much as is scored against them, what that tells me is that in a big game it should be close.

whats your take on that ?

KOD

 

[Blackman]

Scott:

When I look at that stat I don't think it says a ton about this individual game, but to me the stat says that maybe this Atlanta defense is not as dominating as people like to make them out to be, or at least one some days. If you look at the Kansas City, Tampa Bay and Denver (I realize they were up big so maybe some let down can be expected) games, all on the road, the defense was less than impressive. Just maybe a "when it rains it pours" situation with this defense. They can be good, and have shown that especially at home, but when they are off -- they can be really off.

My personal take on this game is that the line won't matter. Either the Eagles stomp the Falcons or the Falcons win straight up. Based on the tension of the situation and the ability of the Falcons to pull out a lot of close games, I don't see the Eagles winning a squeaker. If they win, which I do think they will, they will have to dominate this one from the opening kickoff. If they get down early the loose will start to tighten and you know what that means.

 

[Blackman]

Just heard that Vick's 78.4 passer rating would be the lowest to get into the Super Bowl since 1980 --- not sure if that's relevant because of his ability to be a playmaker with his legs but it's just another stat I want to throw out there.

 

[THE KOD]

. They can be good, and have shown that especially at home, but when they are off -- they can be really off.


If they get down early the noose will start to tighten and you know what that means.

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I agree with the first statement. And Vick may struggle mightily in this game if they make him pass in the cold. Falcons have played some games terrible defense, but so does every NFL team.

I think the second statement means that if Philly gets behind the fans may come out of the stands and whack McNabb on the head with a philly cheese steak and a cold budweiser.

Is there any danger to McNabbs career with Philly if he loses this game ? Trade him or draft a QB ?

 

[Blackman]

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Is there any danger to McNabbs career with Philly if he loses this game ? Trade him or draft a QB ?

Not a chance. As much hype as TO gets, this is McNabb's team and he's the face of the franchise. He's not going anywhere.


Scott do you know what the Falcons are doing with travel? I know they were supposed to fly into Philly tomorrow but since this storm is predicted are they coming in today? Just wondering if they are getting thrown off their schedule.

 

[THE KOD]

Scott do you know what the Falcons are doing with travel? I know they were supposed to fly into Philly tomorrow but since this storm is predicted are they coming in today? Just wondering if they are getting thrown off their schedule.

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Blackman

I called Falcons HQ and because of security reasons she wouldn't release any of the Falcons
travel plans.

So I asked her if the Falcons were still in town and she said yes.

I would say plans are to fly to Philly on Saturday.

 

[Blackman]

Thanks Scott -- very interesting. Hopefully this storm doesn't get too crazy.

 

[THE KOD]

Not a chance. As much hype as TO gets, this is McNabb's team and he's the face of the franchise. He's not going anywhere.

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Blackman

Even if he loses four ? Philly fans must be very tolerant ! haha

 

[Blackman]

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Blackman

Even if he loses four ? Philly fans must be very tolerant ! haha

If someone gets thrown under the bus it will be Andy Reid not McNabb. Hopefully it does not come to that. But this is a must win for Reid or I think he's going to start to lose the fans.

But then again, what do I know. I went to a game at the Linc last year vs the Jets and watched in disbelief as people chanted "AJ FEELEY" after McNabb threw a few incomplete passes in a row. Some of the Eagle fans are a fickle bunch, and very outspoken.

 

[THE KOD]

Black

any way you can tell me what the condition of the field will be ?

Will Philly not clear the field or just enough to make it presentable ?

 

[THE KOD]

Falcons arrive in chilly Philly

 

[freelancc]

nice photo.. :mj14:

 

[THE KOD]

I am wondering specifically if when I turn on the Sony big screen am I going to see all green field ?

or am I going to see white like in that Oakland / Denver game.

its important to me.

wind chill ?

gusting winds in stadium ?

I hate these last minute details.

I am close to making this play.

 

[Blackman]

I am wondering specifically if when I turn on the Sony big screen am I going to see all green field ?

or am I going to see white like in that Oakland / Denver game.

its important to me.

wind chill ?

gusting winds in stadium ?

I hate these last minute details.

I am close to making this play.

Lurie is in charge of taking care of the field (Eagles owner) and he's going to be very certain to make sure the field is as clean as possible, or so he says. Winds could be a huge concern -- they are saying guts of 25-30 mph, and since the stadium is basically open this could be a huge factor. Temps for the game are predicted to be in single digits, wind chill will put this below 0. So to answer your questions I'd expect to see a green field but the elements will still play a big role in this game.

 

[THE KOD]

thanks blackman

Damn if the winds are gusting like that then I would say the passing game is going to be tough all day. It don't matter to Vick because if he is going to depend on passing the Falcons will lose this game.

But gusting winds will matter to McNabb as that is what he likes to do.

Got to think the team with the best running game can win ? That may be Philly actually.

Got to think the under will be something to look at. Alot of running the clock,

time goes ...tick tick tick

 

[THE KOD]

Lurie is in charge of taking care of the field (Eagles owner) and he's going to be very certain to make sure the field is as clean as possible, or so he says.

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why would they let a owner be in charge of the field that should be a job for a Official or the
maybe the NFL commissioner.

hmmmmmm

 

[Blackman]

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why would they let a owner be in charge of the field that should be a job for a Official or the
maybe the NFL commissioner.

hmmmmmm

I think after this whole Patriots not covering the field thing last week the NFL might start to regulate these playoff fields more. Still put the normal field crew, but make sure someone from the NFL is there at all times just to make sure things are on the up and up. Makes sense to me.

Side note -- a state of emergency was called in NJ today, no one is allowed on the roads until 8 am. The Eagles usually stay in Cherry Hill but I assume this won't throw off their gameday schedule, since it's a 3pm start.

 

[THE KOD]