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by Digger

(Countdown to Super Bowl XLIII)

If you thought last weekend's NFL Wild Card Playoffs were great to watch... then just wait for what's in store this weekend. NFL season marches on full speed ahead towards the Super Bowl. 3 of 4 matchups feature six teams which define heavy hitting big play defenses. After back to back seasons with Manning's quarterbacking their teams to Bowl victories, many had hoped to see them go head to head this year. SD knocked off older brother Peyton. Eli remains attempting to lead his Giants to consecutive crowns.

Saturday

Baltimore Ravens (11-5) @ Tennessee Titans (13-3): Baltimore is a very dangerous club. Their defense is playing extremely well shutting down opponents with pounding hits and superb pass coverage. On any given Sunday, their D might outscore foes offenses! An efficient offense controls the clock and field position. Tennessee has played very well this year. They made a run at undefeated history and ended up with an NFL best 13 wins. Their defense has played well. On offense, it's a 2 headed monster rushing attack of Chris Johnson (1228 yds) and LenDale White (15 td) which will make or break the Titans. Tough task rushing against one of the toughest D units. Titans will not survive without running effectively and there's a big problem. Center Mawae could be out due to injury.. this spells trouble for rushing and pass protection. Kerry Collins is efficient but will not be able to evade swarming Ravens. I'm having flashes picturing Collins with a deer in the headlights expression... while wearing a big red bullseye... getting creamed all afternoon. Titans defense must play big time football to survive Baltimore.
Ravens win battle of field goals, 22-13.

Arizona Cardinals (9-7) @ Carolina Panthers (11-5): So much for defenses. On paper this game is all about offense. Cardinals QB Warner is no stranger to Playoff football. 4583 yards and 30 td passes led his team to NFC West crown and first ever Cards Playoff win in Arizona! A big weapon could be missing in WR Boldin. However, Warner still has top notch receivers in Fitzgerald and Breaston. Edgerrin James is Cards featured Playoff back after a turbulent season. His clutch runs helped pave the way for victory vs Atlanta. Defense played inspired football and deserves credit for last week's win. I give Az's D little chance at shutting down Carolina's attack but don't be surprised if they're able to do just enough. Panthers offense can be explosive. QB Jake Delhomme is a big gamer. WR Steve Smith can handle double teams better than any other NFL receiver. RB DeAngelo Williams (1515 yds, 18 td) continues to amaze. He scored 16 td's in final 8 games including 2 games with 4 each. He seems to find every inch of daylight. Panthers defense plays bend but don't break style. Their hands will be full defending against red birds.
This game will be a shootout unless weather interferes. Carolina survives slugfest, 44-34.

Sunday

Philadelphia Eagles (10-6-1) @ New York Giants (12-4): These teams hate each other. NFC East rivals will come out swinging on defense while trying to stir it up on offense. QB Donovan McNabb is the Playoffs hottest signal caller. Not long ago, Philly fans were ready to run him out of town. He's been lazer sharp in recent weeks but inconsistent WR's usually spasm out and drop too many between the digit passes. Drops could be deadly vs a Giants team making a living capitalizing on others mistakes. Eagles key is Westbrook. If he's able to run wild around NY defenders then Philly might pull off an upset at the Meadowlands. Defensive coordinator Johnson will be blitzing on every down and will have his DB's trying to rough up a Burress-less Giants crew. His scheme worked wonders in Week 14 which was a decisive turning point in Philly's season. Eagles are NFC's hottest team. They seem eerily familiar to the Champs from one year ago (Giants). Giants had a stellar season until stumbling down the stretch after losing Plaxico Burress to gun charges leading to team suspension. NY's WR's will be hit often within 5 yards and must fight through what should be a very aggressive plan of defense by Eagles. Defense will be ready to play and know the Eagles well enough to formulate a big game D plan. On offense, questions still surrounding pounding RB Jacobs health. Offensive line is the key to Giants success for running and passing game. For most of this season, Giants OL hammered defensive lines creating great running lanes and gave Eli just enough time to step up in the pocket. '08 was a confidence filled year for Manning and he's primed to get the job done vs the Eagles. TE Boss is often the forgotten man and will be open all day of his number is called. NY's Offensive & Defensive Coordinators being considered for Head Coaching positions... hopefully, this is not a lockerroom or practice field distraction!
Giants to win classic NFC East heavy hitting game in 20 degree weather.. go down as NFC game of the year, 26-24.

San Diego Chargers (8-8) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): SD is AFC's hottest team right now. Forget their 8-8 record, they're playing like 14-2. QB Philip Rivers was left off AFC Pro Bowl Roster. Ironic, he was just named AP Offensive Player of the Year! Rivers will be under intense pressure by Steelers pass rush. Trick for him is not forcing throws as Steelers D is excellent at disguising coverage and plays the leagues best zone/man to man. RB LT is out of this one which is probably better for SD. LT is one of the games greatest backs but Pittsburgh knows how to defense him. Introduce little spark plug Sproles ... just what the Chargers need to give Pitt's D pause... and possibly fits. One false step or over-pursuit could spring this guy for a Bolt TD. TE Gates will have all sorts of trouble finding a seem unless Sproles running freezes LB's. WR's can expect to be hit on nearly every snap. SD D will have to win field position wars so offense can play on shorter field. As for Pittsburgh, QB Ben Roethlisberger was a bit off this season until 4th quarter football where his play often won games late. He suffered a concussion and is one hit away from seeing stars again. Steelers running game is key to open up passing attack. Pitt's WR's will find plenty of daylight in cold temp's. Steelers beat Chargers Week 11 in NFL's 1st ever 11-10 game.
Even though SD is on a hot streak, I'm thinking this one goes to Pittsburgh. Heinz Field will be loud providing a great home field advantage. Steelers 24-20.