Patriots vs. Titans Divisional Playoff: The Buildup

Ed Hillel

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Dec 12, 2007
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There is no playoff team I’d rather face and probably 5-7 more not in the playoffs I’d be more “worried” about playing. This is a team the Pats should handle without much consternation. It’s as ideal a matchup as any Divisional round team could hope for imo.
 
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j44thor

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Aug 1, 2006
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Only real concern is Titans slowing the game down limiting possessions.
They do have an advantage in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Still much rather face TN than KC. Is worth noting TN swept JAX this season so I guess PIT has the easier path to the AFC Championship.
 

mostman

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Jun 3, 2003
18,739
What’s the weather forecast?
NWS:

Saturday
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night
A chance of rain or freezing rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
So figure around 35 and a chance of rain.
 

4 6 3 DP

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Oct 24, 2001
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Amazing scenario for the Pats. A tomato can that won their game of the year, bottom 10 offense, nothing major on D, Pitt has to play a defense that can turn them over...Perfect weekend results.
 

Was (Not Wasdin)

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Jul 26, 2007
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I’d rather face Tennessee, no question, but I do worry about Mariota. Pats struggled early in the year with QBs that can make plays with their legs. Have to shut Mariota down early and force him to throw.
 

Bierman9

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Jul 19, 2005
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I just re-read the game thread about the TEN-KC game... regarding the Mariota to Mariota TD.... why no review of whether he was over the line on the pass? Unsure if I saw a definitive answer... Said "over the line" as I watched... apologies if this has been answered and I missed it... appreciate all the collective knowledge here... That being said, I like NE vs TEN with PIT getting JAX...

Prosit!
 

Section15Box113

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I just re-read the game thread about the TEN-KC game... regarding the Mariota to Mariota TD.... why no review of whether he was over the line on the pass? Unsure if I saw a definitive answer... Said "over the line" as I watched... apologies if this has been answered and I missed it... appreciate all the collective knowledge here... That being said, I like NE vs TEN with PIT getting JAX...

Prosit!
His back foot was behind the line.
 

DJnVa

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Dec 16, 2010
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I just re-read the game thread about the TEN-KC game... regarding the Mariota to Mariota TD.... why no review of whether he was over the line on the pass? Unsure if I saw a definitive answer... Said "over the line" as I watched... apologies if this has been answered and I missed it... appreciate all the collective knowledge here... That being said, I like NE vs TEN with PIT getting JAX...

Prosit!
There was a review, as it was a scoring play, just didn't take all that long.
 

richgedman'sghost

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As you probably know, all touchdowns are reviewed. The play was reviewed quickly by the command center in NYC and deemed to be legal. Gruden and McDonough both said the play appeared to be legal according to them.
 

Bierman9

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Jul 19, 2005
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Much obliged.... had the sound off as the Boss and my daughter were present and I was "trying" to keep them happy... ;-)
 

Harry Hooper

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Only real concern is Titans slowing the game down limiting possessions.
They do have an advantage in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Still much rather face TN than KC. Is worth noting TN swept JAX this season so I guess PIT has the easier path to the AFC Championship.
Potential for Titans to dominate the LOS both ways is the only concern.
 

snowmanny

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Dec 8, 2005
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Last year in this game the Pats were favored by 16 (I looked it up) so things are clearly declining.
 

dynomite

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I can't even envision how much would have to go wrong for the Pats to lose this game. They could be -2 in turnovers and cover the spread.
Well I think it would have to be something like that 2015 home game against the Eagles. That day the Eagles got 21 points off TDs on a blocked punt, a 99-yard pick-six, and a punt return. Pats were only -1 in turnovers (2 INTs for us, 1 fumble for the Eagles) unless you count the blocked punt.

And even after all that, the Pats only lost 35-28 and got the ball back with 1:02 left and an opportunity drive for a tying score.

Long story short, I agree a LOT would have to go wrong on Saturday to lose.
 

rodderick

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Well I think it would have to be something like that 2015 home game against the Eagles. That day the Eagles got 21 points off TDs on a blocked punt, a 99-yard pick-six, and a punt return. Pats were only -1 in turnovers (2 INTs for us, 1 fumble for the Eagles) unless you count the blocked punt.

And even after all that, the Pats only lost 35-28 and got the ball back with 1:02 left and an opportunity drive for a tying score.

Long story short, I agree a LOT would have to go wrong on Saturday to lose.
And with all that, if Belichick doesn't have a stroke and call for an onside drop kick with the Pats up 14-0, they likely end up beating the Eagles comfortably.
 

Super Nomario

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And with all that, if Belichick doesn't have a stroke and call for an onside drop kick with the Pats up 14-0, they likely end up beating the Eagles comfortably.
So bizarre what people fixate on. That was probably not one of the 10 most impactful plays in that game.

I can't even envision how much would have to go wrong for the Pats to lose this game. They could be -2 in turnovers and cover the spread.
I mean, they lost to the 6-10 Dolphins less than a month ago. And yeah, Gronk was out for that game, but if he pulls a hammy in the first quarter it's not the most unlikely thing in the world. Upsets happen, even to really good teams. They probably win this game 80-85% of the time, but that still leaves 15-20%.
 

jablo1312

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Sep 20, 2005
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I will always defend the mortar kick. They saw an opportunity and took a chance. Could have been executed better but the up-man for the Eagles who recovered the kick made a good play to cover it up too. And in the end it gave the Eagles what, like 18 yards of field position? Yawn
 

Kenny F'ing Powers

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Nov 17, 2010
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So bizarre what people fixate on. That was probably not one of the 10 most impactful plays in that game.


I mean, they lost to the 6-10 Dolphins less than a month ago. And yeah, Gronk was out for that game, but if he pulls a hammy in the first quarter it's not the most unlikely thing in the world. Upsets happen, even to really good teams. They probably win this game 80-85% of the time, but that still leaves 15-20%.
You forgot the additional 25% win odds for being the Patriots. That means they win 105 - 110% of the time.
 

SumnerH

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Jul 18, 2005
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Reminds me of a quote from the book I'm reading (paraphrasing):

“He wasn’t training us for a calm and orderly world where we could kick back and relax. He was training us for a situation that was fucked up on all sides. We’re in it now, and I say we’re equal to it.

I don’t need to be reminded that we’re up to our heads in choppy water, or that there are black fins circling in that water. I just want you all to remember that we’re the goddamned sharks.”

—Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora
 

koufax32

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Dec 8, 2006
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This will be one of those frustrating games where we see Patriots rushers moving slowly to contain Mariota instead of pushing for the sack. That will leave time and room for dump offs so I hope NE puts on a tackling clinic. We’ll all be frustrated by Mariota moving the sticks and keeping the ball out of Brady’s hands. It will be the fourth quarter and we’ll realize it’s 27-10 and that TEN’s points all came in the first 20 minutes of action.

I assume Delaine Walker will be the weapon that gets taken away so big spotlight on Chung. Where does he get help from though?
 

RedOctober3829

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Jul 19, 2005
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Derrick Henry is in Atlanta tonight to watch the national title game. On a day that amounts to a Tuesday in game prep, he decides to go out of town. That should tell you the difference in organizations.
 

DJnVa

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Dec 16, 2010
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Reminds me of a quote from the book I'm reading (paraphrasing):

“He wasn’t training us for a calm and orderly world where we could kick back and relax. He was training us for a situation that was fucked up on all sides. We’re in it now, and I say we’re equal to it.

I don’t need to be reminded that we’re up to our heads in choppy water, or that there are black fins circling in that water. I just want you all to remember that we’re the goddamned sharks.”

—Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora
I recently read that. I liked it much better than book 2 of the series.
 

doc

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Jul 14, 2005
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Reminds me of a quote from the book I'm reading (paraphrasing):

“He wasn’t training us for a calm and orderly world where we could kick back and relax. He was training us for a situation that was fucked up on all sides. We’re in it now, and I say we’re equal to it.

I don’t need to be reminded that we’re up to our heads in choppy water, or that there are black fins circling in that water. I just want you all to remember that we’re the goddamned sharks.”

—Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora
Fantastic Book Sumner