Is Ne A Good Matchup For The First Round?

[TSizzle00]

Anyone else notice how much better the Ravens defense plays the Patriots as opposed to other "better" defenses like the Jets and Steelers? That being said would it be crazy to think they might be a better team to play in the playoffs than say the Jets or Steelers? Already this season the Jets and Steelers have limited our offense to 10 points. Not sayig they couldn't have scored more but their defense plays our offense better than NE can. I just find it strange that the Steelers D has such a hard time with Brady considering their pass rush is better than the Ravens.

[True]

I believe the Ravens personnel (outside of Brady of course) is way better than the Patriots this year.

The Ravens would lose the matchup simply on being out coached. Belichick is the only coach that I can actually find intimidating. If the Ravens don't fix up their philosophy in the last 4 games and make adjustments to actually play all 4 quarters in a game, I don't have a strong sense of confidence heading into the playoffs.

[TSizzle00]

[quote name='True' timestamp='1291726601' post='565666']
I believe the Ravens personnel (outside of Brady of course) is way better than the Patriots this year.

The Ravens would lose the matchup simply on being out coached. Belichick is the only coach that I can actually find intimidating. If the Ravens don't fix up their philosophy in the last 4 games and make adjustments to actually play all 4 quarters in a game, I don't have a strong sense of confidence heading into the playoffs.
[/quote]

It does seem like our offensive strategy does not change, thats why it only works for half of the time.

[Purple Punishment]

The Pats are on fire right now, I would rather face the Chiefs lol

[Jamal]

NE isn't going to play in the first round.....

Chiefs or Jags would be a favorable match-up. Lets just hope the Colts continue the down slide.

[ravensfan160]

I think we would stand as good a chance as any team to go into Foxborough and win. Having said that, I don't think anyone will.

[Bltravens]

I dont know if anyone can stop that onslaught...we'd have to limit the damage and hope to hell the offense scores points. Playing the Chiefs imo at their place would result in a 2008 Dolphins wildcard game again. We've played against better backs all year in Jones who sets the table for Charles. Bowe scares me but Cassel doesnt.

[flynismo]

Is this a serious question? We can't beat a broken Steelers team, but you're wondering if the best team in football is a good matchup for us?Lol... Just messing with ya (kinda)yes, traditionally we play well and then lose when we face NE. Why? We play well because our defensive schemes are pretty dang good against them. We take away what makes them so dangerous -- not the quick pass, but the deep ball. We force Brady to check down all day long.We also have a knack for knowing when and how to attack.So why do we lose to them? In the past, we simply didn't have the talent on offense to win. They usually have good defensive schemes against us as well, and we've never had a qb who can make the right throws/decisions that you must have if you expect to beat these guys. Now we do. So why did we lose to them this season if we have a great defensive scheme and a QB who can slay these fools?Weeeeeelllllll......i dont want to turn this into another cam cameron thread, so I'm going to let you come to your own conclusion.

[indianstick]

We probably aren't going to play NE in the first round..but i don't care who we play in the second, pats or steelers, we can beat either of them.

I think it doesn't matter who we play in the first round, Cheifs or jags, I feel like cassell is just as good as garrad and the cheifs have a good 1,2 punch in their running game. Cheifs probably have a better D and special teams so I would probably rather play the Jags. We would just have to focus on stopping the running game and I think we can outscore them.

[scrock]

If we want to get to the Superbowl we are going to have to face all those teams..Pats, Steelers, Jets...whoever is in our way

[BloodRaven]

Why do the Pats and Steelers have to be so damn clutch all the time?!

[RL52TheGreatest]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1291750452' post='566137']
Why do the Pats and Steelers have to be so damn clutch all the time?!
[/quote]
It's easy to be clutch when you have a future HOF coach and QB at your disposal. As for the Steelers, half of the time it's because of the officials giving them bogus calls (see: Dolphins game earlier this season, their 2 recent Super Bowls, etc.).

[scrock]

Seems that franchises with a lot of history and have been in the league forever are looked upon more favorably. New England, Steelers, Jets....they are the darlings of the league and things just work out for them (minus Jets)...

[RL52TheGreatest]

Oh yeah, in response to this question: NO. I don't care how close we play them; the percentages don't favor ANY team going to Foxborough and beating them. We already went against the odds last year and beat them, but to do it again? Not likely to happen. If we can get fix our offensive woes by the end of the season (also, not likely) then I'll maybe change my mind, but until that happens I'm hoping we face somebody else and hoping Brady breaks his leg.

[hawkprey]

Well let's see, we went in there once and went into overtime. BOTH teams have improved since then. We'll have their run game on lockdown and Suggs should cause nightmares for Brady. Then we'd just need Flacco to pass against a cover 2. All games are winnable.

[gabefergy]

I'd rather not see NE in the playoffs, they arent a good match-up for anyone right now. The key to beating them is pressure on Brady, but their O-line is playing great and he is barely getting touched. They are a much different team than the NE of last year's playoffs.