A shocking development in the playoffs thus far is that two of the top three quarterbacks lost last week in Brees and Rodgers and two mediocre quarterbacks made it to the last step before the super bowl. Flacco vs. Brady and Smith vs. Manning who will win and punch their ticket to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl?
Ravens vs Patriots: Two years ago the Ravens embarrassed New England at Foxboro even in spite of Joe Flacco and will probably have to do the same this time around. Brady looked unstoppable last week against Denver and the Ravens defense looked below average against TJ Yates and the run. It took three well timed interceptions for the Ravens to squeak by the Texans. If the Ravens have a shot the defense has to hold Brady to field goals, stop the run, and Ray Rice MUST have at least 20 touches via the pass and the run.
However, the Patriots offense looks like a juggernaut and I don't think there is anyway in heck that the Ravens defense can cover the two athletic tight ends that New England has in Gronkowski and Hernandez. These two will probably take the two best corners the Ravens have which leaves Wes Welker to produce which he is more than capable of doing. In my opinion the Patriots will flip the script on Baltimore and blow them out this time leaving people to question if Flacco is a legitimate quarterback and the Ravens defense as Tom Brady will shred them Sunday afternoon.
My Pick: Patriots by 10
Giants vs 49ers: In a battle of two teams hardly anyone would've picked to be the last two standing in the NFC one team (Giants) has a defense that rushes the passer with the best of any team and the other (49ers) that has the best linebacking corp in football. The Giants are on FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIREEEEEEEE! and Eli Manning is playing a lot like his older brother Peyton, the running game has shown up the last two playoff games and they dominated the Packers in every aspect of the game a week ago. If the Giants want to win this game they have to stop the 49ers running game and get constant pressure on Alex Smith to force him into quick ill advised decisions something I think they'll be able to do. The Giants also have to make big plays in the passing game like they have the last few weeks with either Victor Cruz or Hakeem Nicks and the running game must at least keep the linebackers at bay.
The 49ers keys to victory are simple and the core of their success keep the opposing quarterback off the field by running the ball with Frank Gore, be effective with the play-action, get pressure on the quarterback with Justin and Aldon Smith, and punch the ball into the endzone. Please 49ers score touchdowns kicking field goals won't win you this game. last but not least either Crabtree or Vernon Davis need to have a big game and a couple big plays just like last week against the Saints. In conclusion 49ers and Giants on paper looks fairly even and is a battle of the two hottest teams in the NFC over the past 2 months it will be close and I think Eli Manning will play New England once again in the Super Bowl...What....? DEJA VU MUCH?!?!?!?!?!
My Pick: Giants by 4
Next Blog: Recap on the NFL Conference Championship games as well as a Super Bowl Preview
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