Hank Goldberg
These title games have a recent habit of not being close. You don't have to go back very far to find examples, like last year in both conferences. Remember, Tampa Bay put it to the Eagles at Philadelphia.
When the Eagles beat Carolina 25-16 on Nov. 30th, Panthers kicker John Kasay missed three field goals and an extra point. Carolina also failed to convert inside the Philly 8-yard line at the end of the first half. So these teams are evenly matched.
The pressure is on Philadelphia after two consecutive title game losses at home . The Eagles are facing a better defense this week, and does Donovan McNabb have another 4th-and-26 in him?
The Eagles' front seven is small and has given up 162 yards per game rushing and 5.7 yards per carry the second half of the season.
I should also point out that the Panthers don't just run (Deshaun Foster and possibly Stephen Davis). Jake Delhomme has averaged 250 yards passing in his last seven games, thanks to the emergence of Steve Smith. They are tough 4-1 against the number when getting three or more.
New England-Indianapolis is another rematch. The Pats overcame four Peyton Manning touchdown passes to prevail 38-34 earlier. Those 38 points have given New England confidence that they will move the ball Sunday. Indy wasn't the only team on the field that didn't punt last week. K.C. didn't either.
The Colts are 8-1 on the road. Peyton is red-hot.
In their last meeting, Bethel Johnson scored on a kick return for New England. Dante Hall did that against the Colts last week. So how special are the specials?
Nobody slows down a high-powered offense like Bill Belechick. The Super Bowl against the Rams is a perfect example. Manning's numbers in his last four Foxboro appearances: 0-4, 6 TDs, 11 interceptions.
Finally, New England has the Colts' number; 11-2 straight up in their last 13 meetings.
The Picks: Carolina plus 4½ New England minus 3
These title games have a recent habit of not being close. You don't have to go back very far to find examples, like last year in both conferences. Remember, Tampa Bay put it to the Eagles at Philadelphia.
When the Eagles beat Carolina 25-16 on Nov. 30th, Panthers kicker John Kasay missed three field goals and an extra point. Carolina also failed to convert inside the Philly 8-yard line at the end of the first half. So these teams are evenly matched.
The pressure is on Philadelphia after two consecutive title game losses at home . The Eagles are facing a better defense this week, and does Donovan McNabb have another 4th-and-26 in him?
The Eagles' front seven is small and has given up 162 yards per game rushing and 5.7 yards per carry the second half of the season.
I should also point out that the Panthers don't just run (Deshaun Foster and possibly Stephen Davis). Jake Delhomme has averaged 250 yards passing in his last seven games, thanks to the emergence of Steve Smith. They are tough 4-1 against the number when getting three or more.
New England-Indianapolis is another rematch. The Pats overcame four Peyton Manning touchdown passes to prevail 38-34 earlier. Those 38 points have given New England confidence that they will move the ball Sunday. Indy wasn't the only team on the field that didn't punt last week. K.C. didn't either.
The Colts are 8-1 on the road. Peyton is red-hot.
In their last meeting, Bethel Johnson scored on a kick return for New England. Dante Hall did that against the Colts last week. So how special are the specials?
Nobody slows down a high-powered offense like Bill Belechick. The Super Bowl against the Rams is a perfect example. Manning's numbers in his last four Foxboro appearances: 0-4, 6 TDs, 11 interceptions.
Finally, New England has the Colts' number; 11-2 straight up in their last 13 meetings.
The Picks: Carolina plus 4½ New England minus 3
Comment