[The NFL Post] 2012 Championship Preview
- Written By: Mr. G3nius
Due to a return to campus life last week, I was unable to properly preview each game in the divisional round, but I’m back this week to cover the conference title games respectively. Below, I previewed each game, an X factor for both respective teams and conclude with predictions.
#2 Baltimore Ravens at #1 New England Patriots (Sun. 3:30 PM)
This is easily the expected matchup for the AFC Conference title as throughout the season, both squads looked like the premier contenders to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. It’s a classic clash of offense vs. defense, brain vs. brawn, a true rivalry in every sense of the word. Thing is, it’s been a pretty one-sided rivalry as the Patriots own a 6-1 record over the Ravens, with the Ravens’ lone win coming in 2009’s divisional matchup. The Patriots enter this game with the best quarterback left in the playoffs in Tom Brady, an explosive offense led by the three-headed monster of Gronkowski-Welker-Hernandez and a defense that ranked 31st in yardage given up during the regular season. The Ravens, on the flipside, enter with one of the best defenses in the league, led by veterans Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, and an offense that is centered around pinball machine running back Ray Rice.
X-Factors:
For New England, their x-factor remains the offensive line. Should it remain as stout as it did against the Broncos’ pass rushers, Brady and his array of weapons will pick apart the Ravens defense. No team has found a way to stop New England’s two-TE offense and it’s doubtful the Ravens possess the personnel to be the first. The book is out on Brady, and any other great QB: get pressure up the middle of the offensive line and when you get to the quarterback, knock em around early. For Baltimore, the x-factor is oft-criticized quarterback Joe Flacco. The Patriots are going to score points and it’ll be up to him to make the throws necessary to keep the Patriots’ offense off the field as well as hold serve on the scoreboard.
Prediction:
Brady and the Patriots offense will open the game with their no-huddle offense and look to put pressure on the Ravens early on. If they are able to take a double digit lead, this will thrust the game directly into Flacco’s hands and take it out of Ray Rice’s hands: exactly what Patriots coach Bill Belichick wishes to do. At the most important position on the field, the Ravens are at a clear disadvantage and it will cost them a chance at playing in the Super Bowl. Patriots win 31-23.
#4 New York Giants at #2 San Francisco 49ers (Sun. 6:30 PM)
While everyone outside of East Rutherford and the Bay Area drooled over an opening day rematch between the high-powered offense of the New Orleans Saints and the defending champion Green Bay Packers in the conference title game, the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers had their own plans, pummeling both respective teams and punching tickets for Sunday evening’s clash. The New York Giants travel to San Francisco for a rematch of their bout earlier this season (the Niners won 27-20) with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. The Giants return, with their #1 back Ahmad Bradshaw and feared pass rusher Osi Umenyiora (both, who did not play during the regular season game) in tow, strengthening an offensive attack led by Eli Manning and fortifying a defensive line that comes after opposing quarterbacks in waves. The Niners are coming off an emotional win over the Saints last weekend, led by quarterback Alex Smith doing his best Joe Montana comeback impression and a hard-nosed defensive front, led by the Smiths (Justin and rookie Aldon).
X-Factors:
For the Giants x-factor, look no further than Antrel Rolle. The biggest mouth on this Giants squad will have to show up big this weekend since I assume he will assume great responsibility in slowing Niners tight end Vernon Davis. He poked fun at the Niners and this week and he’ll have to prove his play is bigger than his mouth. The Niners’ x-factor comes in the form of tight end Vernon Davis, recipient of last weekend’s game winning score. During the year of the tight end, he possesses the biggest matchup problem for the Giants to deal with and he will have to have a huge game for the Niners to move on to the Super Bowl.
Prediction:
I look for this game to be similar to last weekend’s matchup between the Niners and the Saints as both stellar defenses will both teams in the game. San Francisco will lead heading into the fourth quarter, where Eli Manning will cap another fourth quarter comeback with a touchdown pass to who else, but Victor Cruz. Giants win 24-20.
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