GB vs. CHI
While they split the series over the course of the regular season, it’s difficult to say how good of an indicator those games were. In the first game, the Packers were still dealing with the loss of Ryan Grant to injury and in the second game the Bears really didn’t have anything to play for. Since the playoffs began, James Starks has given the Packers the kind of running game that they have lacked up to this point. He may not break off huge runs or have any kind of pack-breaking power, but he gets the tough yards when the Packers need them the most. His tough running, combined with a variety of run heavy packages the Packers utilize to pound opposing defenses, has provided enough balance to allow the passing game to flourish. However the Bears are strong in the middle of their defense and have a relatively deep secondary. The Bears have also done a very good job casing turnovers and forcing opposing quarterbacks into bad decisions. While they didn’t get any turnovers in their first game against Seattle (and the score would indicate that they allowed a relatively weak offense to dominate them,) they were able to make plays when they needed to, and only in the end of the game when they eased off the gas pedal did they allow the Seahawks back in it. Offensively the Bears still like to run the ball and find big plays through deep passes to Johnny Knox, but they found a good way to utilize the speed and athleticism of talented tight end Greg Olsen. They have taken to lining him up at fullback and running him into the flat or motioning him out of the backfield to line him up against a linebacker in coverage. Olsen is far too good to be hemmed in by even the most athletic linebackers. The Bears also have a wildcard in Devin Hester. Hester’s effect on special teams and field position makes the offense’s job much easier. He (or fellow talented returners Knox and Daniel Manning) will need to have a major impact if the Bears are going to win this game.
Against the Spread: Green Bay is favored by three and a half points in this game. You can call me stupid or ignorant all you want, but I am just not ready to crown them as NFC Champions just yet. They still need to prove to me that they can maintain balance with their offense. Even then I would have a hard time buying them against the Jets or Steelers. I have the Bears winning, and I am giving the points.
NYJ vs. PIT
This should be a game dominated by the defenses. Both the Steelers and the Jets have intimidating defenses that rely heavily on the impact of their secondary for their defense to succeed. The Jets not only count heavily upon the play of Darelle Revis to shut the best opposing receivers, but they also need Drew Coleman, Kyle Wilson, Dwight Lowery and Antonio Cromartie to keep the other receivers they’re facing at bay so the front line can rush the passer. They also use numerous types of zone blitzes to confuse the opposing offensive line and find a free rusher. Against a severely injured Steelers’ offensive line, the Jets should have an easier time pressing Steelers quarterback Ben Rothelisberger. However, Rothelisberger is a very mobile quarterback and extremely difficult to bring down. His ability to extend the play and find receivers down field adds a completely different dimension to what the Jets need to prepare for, as compared to their previous opponents. No matter how good the secondary, it’s extremely difficult to cover any receivers for that amount of time. Reshard Mendenhall also offers tough running in the middle to set up play-action passes. On the other side, playmaking Tasmanian Devil Troy Polumalu is back for the Steelers and it is difficult to explain how much that return helps the Steelers defense. Polumalu’s closing speed and awareness are so tremendous that it can often feel like he is playing for two. Against a Jets offense that often seems stuck in neutral because of erratic quarterback play and occasionally bad run blocking, the Steelers defense will be hard-pressed to screw up. The Jets will have to find creative ways to feed the ball to guys like Jerricho Cotchery and Brad Smith. Those slot receivers will be able to exploit the lack of depth in the Steelers secondary.
Against the Spread: The Steelers are being favorite by three and a half points in this game. I’ve never been much of a Mark Sanchez fan and I think we’ll see him unravel again in this game. I’m picking the Steelers to win and giving the points.
No comments:
Post a Comment