Wild Card Weekend -- Saturday Games Open Thread

by John Bena (aka TheSportsGuru) on Jan 3, 2009 2:00 PM MST in 2008 Game Day Threads Comment 76 comments

The NFL's Wild Card Playoffs begin at 4:30 PM EST this afternoon! Obviously the Broncos aren't a part of it, but we have our own bit of excitement to deal with. That doesn't mean we should ignore the football happening on the field. Consider this your open thread for today's games, your predictions for today's games, and anything else playoffs-related.

Atl_medium Ari_medium
Atlanta Falcons (11-5) at Arizona Cardinals (9-7)
4:30 PM EST, NBC
Falcons coverage: The Falcoholic
Cardinals coverage: Revenge of the Birds

The Broncos beat the Falcons, in Atlanta even, but there is nothing disputing just how good of a football team this is. Matt Ryan is the only reason Ryan Clady isn't Rookie of the Year and Michael Turner showed exactly what the right Free Agent acquisition can do for a football team. The Cardinals are high flying, but extrememly one dimensional. They are playing their first home playoff game in 100 years, and haven't won a playoff gaem since Jake Plummer beat the Cowboys 10 years ago. Final Verdict: The Falcons have great balance on both sides of the ball. Add that to the fact that what appeared to be Jason Elam heading to the home town team has turned into what could be a deep run in the playoffs ang you have to root for the Falcons, right?.

Prediction: FALCONS 24, CARDINALS 20

Ind_medium Sd_medium
Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at San Diego Chargers (8-8)
8:00 PM EST, NBC
Colts coverage: Stampede Blue
Chargers coverage: Bolts from the Blue

The Broncos didn't win the battle against the Chargers, but it is Denver that could be the reason the Chargers are one and done in the playoffs. LaDainian Tomlinson has a torn tendon near his groin and is a game time decision. Antonio Gates is also hobbled and if the Chargers are to have any chance in beating the Cotls they'll need to score.

For Indy, the Tony Dungy watch is once again on, and Peyton Manning is playing arguably the best ball of his career. Plus, I consider BigBlueShoe a good friend. I'll pull for the Colts, and believe they'll go on the road and beat Phyllis and the Chargers.

Prediction: Colts 38, Chargers 21

Hat tip to Buffalo Rumblings for the preview piece.

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Comments

GO COLTS!!!!

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 2:03 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I like the Colts and Falcons to win today as well.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by hoosierteacher on Jan 3, 2009 2:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I'll Take The Flip Side...

It’s all about where these games are played for me. That said, I’m much more confident in the Cards than the Bolts.

Here we go again: http://thefulldeck.blogspot.com/

by ejruiz on Jan 3, 2009 2:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the Bolts are going to crash and burn.

If I could gamble, I’d put money on the Colts and the Eagles. The other 2 games are total toss-ups to me. I think the Falcons and Dolphins will win them, though.

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 2:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow...

I think we’re polar opposites in the first round. I’d have to go with Arizona, San Diego (though that’s the real toss-up for me), Baltimore and Minneso… nah, I think we agree on Philly, at least!

Here we go again: http://thefulldeck.blogspot.com/

by ejruiz on Jan 3, 2009 3:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

crash and burn huh?

"When Bellotti attempted to shake the hand of Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson after the game, Robinson offered his left hand. His right was swollen and battered from the Ducks' defense."

by MarineCorpsDuck on Jan 4, 2009 6:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I want a good game for Michael Turner.

He’s the Fantasy MVP. (full list coming out when I feel like doing a full list. I had my “fantasy wrap-up” post ready but other thing popped up. Like, you know, that little thing about Mike Shanahan getting fired. Yeah, that kind of got in the way..)

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 2:22 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Foxy and Elam, gotta pull for ATL **

by Hobnail_Boot on Jan 3, 2009 2:32 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Things could not have worked out any better for those two.

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 3, 2009 3:27 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate when NBC has the NFL games

collinsworth is a dweeb

The Ralphie Report - Go Buffs!...All Colorado Buffaloes on SBNation - http://www.ralphiereport.com/

by irish1611 on Jan 3, 2009 2:32 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

amen to that.....

NBC’s ratings would go up by 75% if they got rid of Collinsworthless and Keith Overbite….

i would actually watch “Football Night in America” if that happened.

fader nation is a conquered nation

Jerry Jones is Al Davis with a smile!

by mdierk on Jan 3, 2009 2:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't stomach Keith O.

I don’t think people with outspoken political opinions, left or right, have any place in sportscasting. Sports are the time for Americans to come together. He needs to pick one job or the other.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by hoosierteacher on Jan 3, 2009 3:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Neither can I

That Patrick, Olberman, Collinsworth set-up really ticks me off. Add to that Mr. Olympics himself and then Tiki and “The Bus” and it REALLY ticks me off haha.

by phantom818 on Jan 3, 2009 3:51 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

still need to cut more fat

Tiki, Bettis, DP, et al. Even Costas gets on my nerves. Seriously, just allow George Michael (Sports Machine for those old enough to remember) to do highlights until the game starts. I’ll even suffer Madden for another year or so until he retires or floats off into space.

I wish Woody Paige was our coach!

by bcfunk on Jan 3, 2009 3:06 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe George Michael could wear hot pink short shorts and sing "wake me up before you go go" until the game starts.

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 3, 2009 3:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Wrong George... :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbg6SxbtD-I

I wish Woody Paige was our coach!

by bcfunk on Jan 3, 2009 4:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...he's pretty good.

But why would you want that…

When you could have this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wsCZ7Ft_Z8

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 3, 2009 4:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 3, 2009 4:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Meh.

Why would you want any of that, when THIS is available!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 4:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

lol...the first comment on that video is hysterical.

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 3, 2009 4:45 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL...!

I wish Woody Paige was our coach!

by bcfunk on Jan 3, 2009 6:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Holy crapsicles.

Anquan Boldin is faster than a 4.7 40.

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 3:31 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

LDT's groin injury is worse than previously reported

Gate’s ankle is very bad as well. Doesn’t bode well for the Bolts.

Their D has really stepped up since the coaching change, but Manning is incendiary right now. If they can blitz him effectively, they might be Ok and the blue shoe’s O line is banged up, but it’s going to be tough.

Jim Goodman for Broncos GM!

by broncobear on Jan 3, 2009 4:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

You gotta like Dungy...

He’s a classy dude.

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 3, 2009 4:11 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

It looks like the Cardinals are going to win their first playoff game since 1836.

In other news, I made a bunny.

(\_ _/)
(=`.`=)

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 4:51 PM MST reply actions 1 recs

lol...papi you're hysterical.

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 3, 2009 4:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

oh yeah...and sweet bunny.

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 3, 2009 4:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

His name is Bubbles.

And he thinks so, too. But if you poke him, he will bite.

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 5:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You cracked me up, papi

Thanks for a well needed belly laught!

Jim Goodman for Broncos GM!

by broncobear on Jan 3, 2009 5:43 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That's too damn funny Papi. LMAO

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 3, 2009 7:06 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That celebration by the Cardinals was more than a little gay.

Even gayer than Bubbles.

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 5:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

not quite as gay as Wham though.

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 3, 2009 5:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Or Jim Fassel

-TSG

SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport

Questions, Comments...E-Mail Me!
milehighreport@gmail.com

by John Bena (aka TheSportsGuru) on Jan 3, 2009 9:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Now it's time to loose!

For the Bolts at least ;)

by DjBroncos on Jan 3, 2009 5:59 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

“These guys?” the Pro Bowl quarterback (Jay Cutler) asked, gesturing to the players celebrating behind him. “San Diego? No, I don’t think so. I think Indy’ll handle ‘em pretty good. We really can’t stop anybody, and that’s the bottom line.”

Oops.

"When Bellotti attempted to shake the hand of Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson after the game, Robinson offered his left hand. His right was swollen and battered from the Ducks' defense."

by MarineCorpsDuck on Jan 4, 2009 6:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Let's go Colts D!

There is only One Moment—this moment—the Eternal Moment of Now

by sirsam on Jan 3, 2009 6:11 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Colts offense looks pretty similiar to the Broncos.

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 3, 2009 6:30 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

LT wants to ride his bicycle, he wants to ride his bike :)

by phantom818 on Jan 3, 2009 7:40 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Can he ride his bike with no handlebars? No handlebars?

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 7:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

A Flobots reference...

nice…and you’re not even from Denver.

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 4, 2009 1:43 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

LT is really banged up

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has a detached tendon in his groin area that is so bad, doctors recommended that he have surgery this week, a league source said Saturday.

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 3, 2009 8:21 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

OMG OMG OMG

WE CAN HAS TO WATCH TEH SOOPR BOLL COMERCIELZZ IN 3D ZOMG!!!

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 7:48 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I must say that was pretty hilarious.

by phantom818 on Jan 3, 2009 7:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

OMG, SD finally lets Bennett play.

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 3, 2009 8:16 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

SD wins...

Ugghhhhh……….

There is only One Moment—this moment—the Eternal Moment of Now

by sirsam on Jan 3, 2009 9:35 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

The Colts should have called "tails"

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 3, 2009 9:51 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

"tails never fails"

by broncofan91 on Jan 3, 2009 9:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

They had no discipline on that last drive.

Even the Colts didn’t grab the facemask on that drive, they still stop them.

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 3, 2009 10:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I know, how many times can you give the game away?

by phantom818 on Jan 3, 2009 10:06 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I mean't even if

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 3, 2009 10:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

it was like watching our defense

by broncofan91 on Jan 3, 2009 10:03 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Got that right

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 3, 2009 10:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Tough for the Colts to fight both the Chargers and the Refs

3 first downs by penalty in that drive.

Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960

by Darin H on Jan 3, 2009 10:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

there was nothing wrong with those calls

by broncofan91 on Jan 3, 2009 10:27 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, just a lack of defensive discipline

Like Michaels, I started thinking something was a little fishy when I kept seeing all these calls pop up, but every time I watched the replays the calls were confirmed. Just absolute stupidity on the part of the Colts D. And how about that Sproles…run little man run!

by phantom818 on Jan 3, 2009 10:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

The holding call on the receiver?

No way any other ref team makes that call in OT. Winter shouldn’t be reffing playoff games.

Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960

by Darin H on Jan 3, 2009 10:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

there was a hold you could see it on the replay

by broncofan91 on Jan 3, 2009 10:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

For a good example of reffing

see the other game played today. Maybe you enjoy a game where every ticky-tack call is made. I don’t.

Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960

by Darin H on Jan 3, 2009 10:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I heard Madden and Al

mention that this officiating crew calls the most penalties. With that said, there were no bad calls there because that guy grabbing the facemask, when it wasn’t necessary, cost them. SD would have had to attempt a 57 yd FG. Colts defense had trouble getting off the field on 3rd down sometimes…..boy that sounds like DEN.

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 3, 2009 10:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

2/2

The Cards and Bolts made me 2/2 today, let’s see how far I can take this. I’m liking the Ravens and Eagles (I guess I’m going to the birds… oh God, that was terrible) but I’m not very comfortable with either pck.

Here we go again: http://thefulldeck.blogspot.com/

by ejruiz on Jan 3, 2009 9:52 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

lol

I’m 0 for 2. My hypocrisy apparently only goes so far as fantasy football.

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 10:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm glad

I for one am glad the Bolts won. I think it’s great that the AFC West, which has been totally disrespected the ENTIRE year by MSN got to punch Manning and the colts in the mouth. I hope the Bolts roll all the way to the SB. Realistically though I think it’s going to be Carolina and Ten in the SB.

If people aren't supposed to eat animals, why are they made out of meat??

by BigDave on Jan 3, 2009 9:54 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

You are glad the Bolts won ( head scratcher).....I'm not.

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 3, 2009 9:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't care

if it weren’t for all those shots of Phyllis celebrating after the game with his little butt buddies. To think, we handed them the division on a freaking platter. And now they’ve got a shot at the Super Bowl.. Dammit, I FUCKING HATE THE GODDAMN CHARGERS!!! I HATE THEM!!! GAAAAAAHHH!!!!

…I feel better now.

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 3, 2009 11:01 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I feel ya bro.

Yeah, we wrapped the division and gave it to them……unbelieveable. Honestly I really don’t care who wins if the Broncos aren’t in the playoffs, yet I am always bummed when SD wins.

Oh well, life goes on.

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 3, 2009 11:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Oops.

"When Bellotti attempted to shake the hand of Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson after the game, Robinson offered his left hand. His right was swollen and battered from the Ducks' defense."

by MarineCorpsDuck on Jan 4, 2009 7:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I think he needs to keep those comments to himself.

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 4, 2009 7:26 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully Spags will keep him in line.

And MCD, are you trying to be funny, or are you trying to be a troll? Because it’s not working. Man, failing at being a troll… That’s some herdcore failage right there.

In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.

by papigrande on Jan 4, 2009 7:29 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Not being a troll. All I posted was a quote. If that makes you angry, I don’t really know what to tell you.

"When Bellotti attempted to shake the hand of Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson after the game, Robinson offered his left hand. His right was swollen and battered from the Ducks' defense."

by MarineCorpsDuck on Jan 4, 2009 9:07 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Duh

That’s the definition of trolling. You post something (twice) provocative to elicit a response without being interested in serious discussion. Your post = trolling. You fail at Interwebz.

BTW. I note that you’re too much of a wuss to come out and say anything directly.

Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960

by Darin H on Jan 4, 2009 9:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

So…you do or do NOT want me to troll? What do you want me to say, “directly”? You’re boy said it, and I used it as a response to people saying things like, " I FUCKING HATE THE GODDAMN CHARGERS!!! I HATE THEM!!! GAAAAAAHHH!!!!" and “I think the Bolts are going to crash and burn.” It was a response. And speaking of trolling, I highly doubt you’d say what you just said to me if it wasn’t on a blog my friend.

"When Bellotti attempted to shake the hand of Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson after the game, Robinson offered his left hand. His right was swollen and battered from the Ducks' defense."

by MarineCorpsDuck on Jan 4, 2009 9:26 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

If you HATE the Chargers,

then why in your profile does it say you are a fan of the Chargers?

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 4, 2009 9:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

My bad, I just realized you were quoting someone else.

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 4, 2009 9:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

AHAHAHAHHAHAH

Are you done masturbating now?

Here’s how little I think of what other fans think of the Broncos, I don’t even bother with their blogs. You hanging out here a week after you beat us shows me that you’re insecure.

Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960

by Darin H on Jan 4, 2009 9:56 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs