Espn picks Pats.

[24champ]

Well, the first predictions I've heard so far. Mike Ditka and Sean Salisbury both are taking the Pats over Denver. Ditka said the Pats defense over the last few weeks has been great and the "kids in the secondary" are playing together real well in the last 6 weeks. Hope Ditka predicts as well as his '85 Bears played, and not like his New Orleans teams!
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=15877


Got this from the Pats board since I dont watch ESPN. With that said everytime Salisbury picks the opponent, the broncos win.

[Clockwork Orange]

I'm gonna cut and paste this response for the slew of lack of media respect threads we're going to see this week.

WHO ****ING CARES?!

[AboveAverage]

I expect this from the majority of the media. And you know what, I can't really blame them. Brady and Belichick have gone 10-0 together in the playoffs. I'm just glad we have our shot at them, in OUR house baby.

[Rock Chalk]

http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/9152647/2

AFC
Patriots (11-6) at Broncos (13-3) (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)

Nothing will faze the Patriots as they seek an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl crown. Indeed, a snowy night game in January plays right into their hands.

New England's romp past Jacksonville wasn't exactly prime preparation for Denver. The Jaguars were inexperienced in the playoffs, while the Broncos made their third straight trip. Jacksonville also had little offensive spark and Denver can move the ball.

In their last meeting, the Broncos built a big lead, 28-3, only to see the Patriots storm back within eight and begin a drive. But Denver held on.

These Patriots are healthier, especially on defense, and on a roll. But the Broncos were 8-0 at home this season, and teams have run well against New England. Denver ranked first in yards rushing.

[sirhcyennek81]

Mastermind label up for grabs in this one...

:Broncos:

[Broncoman13]

Same here. The Pats are the champs... nobody seems to remember this. They've been up against the odds for three years, losing players to injury, free agency, and injury again. They keep winning, why shouldn't they get respect?

They're a far better team than they were the last time we met. In ways, I'm glad that they came back on us now b/c it will only make us respect them that much more. Plus knowing that this time they'll have Givens, Faulk, Dillon, Seymour and perhaps even Bruschi... well, this is a very different team indeed!

I have faith b/c of home field, but anybody that thinks this is going to be a 10 point easy victory at home is kidding themselves... I'm glad the media is giving us no respect, gives us a little extra to prove!

[Hulamau]

I hope everyone picks the Pats, I want them as over confident as possible when they come in here.

And I don't want to hear pretty boy crying about gettin' no respect for cryin our loud!

[sirhcyennek81]

New England is a better team coming into this matchup then they were in October. That being said, so are we. Good game coming.

:Broncos:

[Hogan11]

Of course ESPN picks the Pats......this is news?

Denver is "boring" to them because the team really has no marketable personalities, no showmen to wet their wads over.....no one to compare with the almighty Brady or the unbelievable Mario-like return of Teddy B. They probably look at the Broncos as "the sooner they're gone, the better" and I'm more than okay with that....because I really enjoy it when one of their "stars" gets sent home.....c'mon, you just know there are a few long faces over Goldmouth and the Brat Pack being finished in the ESPN studios.

[sirhcyennek81]

The disrespected dont bitch about having no respect. They remain quiet, and get their work done. So, of the 12 playoffs teams, 2 have been relatively silent...Chicago, and Denver. Bring on the Pats.

:Broncos:

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Salisbury predicted a Pats-Indy AFCC game when the playoffs were set, Denver doesn't exist according to him.

[SteveTensi13]

I hope Shanny posts this all over the locker room bulletin board on large poster type paper!

[Broncoman13]

Where you at 85...............

rofl

He's one of my favs, but I couldn't resist!

[orinjkrush]

doesn't Vegas have us as 3.5 point favorites now? are they on drugs?

[TexanBob]

ESPN is based in Connecticut.

Let's hope they're as right about the Patriots winning in Denver as they were about USC being the greatest team of all time.

[elsid13]

Who has the broadcast of the game next week?

[Northman]

ESPN is based in Connecticut.

Let's hope they're as right about the Patriots winning in Denver as they were about USC being the greatest team of all time.


Ouch. lmao

[TotallyScrewed]

It all starts up front and especially with Cooper. Who does he match up with?? Klecko or Seymore or whom? Does Seymore line up outside often? Help him if they must, but they better not let the center of the line collapse. In fact, they better win that battle.

[sirhcyennek81]

Cooper better beat a klecko matchup. good grief.

[Rigs11]

**** Salisbury, he's still talking about the chargers.I'm sure shanny will remind the broncs that they aren't getting the respect they deserve. They'll be fired up and take it out on Brady and company.

[Rock Chalk]

Here's ESPN's official Matchup page.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs05/series?series=nweden

[Garcia Bronco]

:espnsux: :espnsux: :espnsux: :espnsux:

[Rock Chalk]

1) Which team will win Saturday's game in Denver?


66.4% New England Patriots

33.6% Denver Broncos


2) Which team do you think has been more ''disrespected'' this season?


52.3% New England Patriots

47.7% Denver Broncos


3) Which would you rather have on your side?


68.8% New England's Bill Belichick

31.2% Denver's home-field advantage and week of rest


4) Which team will get the best of it when Denver has the ball?


55.8% New England defense

44.2% Denver offense


5) Which team will get the best of it when New England has the ball?


71.7% New England offense

28.3% Denver defense


6) Denver's defense ranks third in the NFL in points allowed but just 15th in yards allowed. Which stat is a better indicator of their defensive ability?


69.5% Points allowed

30.5% Yards allowed


7) Which running game would you rather have in this game?


74.5% Denver: Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell

25.5% New England: Corey Dillon


8) Who is the best receiving option in this game?


48.7% Deion Branch, Patriots

32.2% Rod Smith, Broncos

9.2% Ben Watson, Patriots

5.2% David Givens, Patriots

4.0% Ashley Lelie, Broncos

0.8% Jeb Putzier, Broncos


9) Which team do you think matches up better against the Indianapolis Colts?


77.6% New England Patriots

22.4% Denver Broncos


10) On a scale of one to five, with five being the toughest, how tough a place to play is Denver?


41.8% Four

33.3% Five

19.6% Three

3.0% Two

2.4% One


Total Votes: 9,226

[Rock Chalk]

Sportsnation Rank Remaining Teams has

1) Indy
2) New England
3) Seattle
4) Denver
5) Pitt
6) Chicago
7) Carolina
8) Washington.

[Broncoman13]

I'm going to post an Oskie Boon thread a little early... Max participation should help to really stomp a mudhole in their asses! Expect it by Wed... an extra three days of karma can't hurt!!!

[The Big E]

Douchebag Steak said that NE would come out in 4-5 WR sets and throw the ball the first 10-12 plays because this will make Jake think he has to win the game on his own. I'm not making this up.

[sirhcyennek81]

Yes...and when Brady gets hit on consecutive plays, or throws a pick, that will end right quick.

:Broncos:

[Dr. Broncenstein]

Where you at 85...............

rofl

He's one of my favs, but I couldn't resist!


Whats yo signal????? :afro:

[TotallyScrewed]

Here's ESPN's official Matchup page.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs05/series?series=nweden

There's actually a pretty good fluff article on Plummer for insiders...

Plummer's 74.4% winning over the past three years is only behind Brady and Manning, P.

Plummer's statistics are better than the average of the Superbowl years for all 39 qb's in every category except touchdowns and he's only a 1.5 behind:

Plummer = 3350-ish in yards, Aver SB QB = 2700-ish.
Plummer = 18 TD's vs 19.5 TD's.
Plummer = 7 Int's vs 11.4.
Plummer = 61% completions vs 59%.
Plummer = 90 rating vs. 85.

[B B]

Man, I don't mind saying it. I wish I never had to visit this board. No offense but the last place I wanted to go was Denver. I had this ideal reality where the Pats head for the dome and the Colts and serve Manning up a bitter meal he knows all too well. Denver meets Cincy and by some stroke of divine intervention sends them on vacation with an OT field goal. Pats head to Cincy and dismantle Carson Palmer while Flutie sits on the sideline practicing his reverse flea flicker to Adam Vinateri shuttle pass to Mike Vrabel reverse to some guy named Leo that Bill hired off the plane during the trip to play linebacker. Oh well, can't have everything eh?

I should be over in the Colts forum right now, taunting those Budweiser swilling bandwagon fans. Reminding them how favored they were last year against the Pats. Reminding them about the Pats ability to make amazing half-time adjustments. Reminding them that it's January and the playoffs and that they have never beaten the Pats in either. Planting those seeds you know; the ones they wish they could hide from that gnaw in the night.

But here I am. Hanging with the Broncos fans. Won;t be able to sow discord or doubt here. You are too much like Patriot fans I think; seen it good and bad and regardless of which it is you stay the course. I respect you guys much much more than most forums I visit. True loyalists.

Lets cut to it though eh? You and I both know that what hapened last week, last month, last decade don't mean squat. We know that every games open to mistakes, poor execution, costly penalties......turnovers. Sometimes you're in the right spot at the right moment and it all takes a sudden turn, sometimes everything goes wrong. This ain't little boy ball, this is the NFL baby, and this time of year EVERYBODY brings it.

It's gonna be a good one. Good luck to you.

[Spider]

Man, I don't mind saying it. I wish I never had to visit this board. No offense but the last place I wanted to go was Denver. I had this ideal reality where the Pats head for the dome and the Colts and serves Manning up a bitter meal he knows all too well. Denver meets Cincy and by some stroke of divine intervention sends them on vacation with an OT field goal. Pats head to Cincy and dismantle Carson Palmer while Flutie sits on the sideline practicing his reverse flea flicker to Adam Vinateri shuttle pass to Mike Vrabel reverse to some guy named Leo that Bill hired off the plane during the trip to play linebacker. Oh well, can't have everything eh?

I should be over in the Colts forum right now, taunting those Budweiser swilling bandwagon fans. Reminding them how favored they were last year against the Pats. Reminding them about the Pats ability to make amazing half-time adjustments. Reminding them that it's January and the playoffs and that they have never beaten the Pats in either. Planting those seeds you know; the ones they wish they could hide from that gnaw in the night.

But here I am. Hanging with the Broncos fans. Won;t be able to sow discord or doubt here. You are too much like Patriot fans I think; seen it good and bad and regardless of which it is you stay the course. I respect you guys much much more than most forums I visit. True loyalists.

Lets cut to it though eh? You and I both know that what hapened last week, last month, last decade don't mean squat. We know that every games open to mistakes, poor execution, costly penalties......turnovers. Sometimes you're in the right spot at the right moment and it all takes a sudden turn, sometimes everything goes wrong. This ain't little boy ball, this is the NFL baby, and this time of year EVERYBODY brings it.

It's gonna be a good one. Good luck to you.
good luck to you guys also .......expecting a tight close game .......

[elsid13]

Man, I don't mind saying it. I wish I never had to visit this board. No offense but the last place I wanted to go was Denver. I had this ideal reality where the Pats head for the dome and the Colts and serves Manning up a bitter meal he knows all too well. Denver meets Cincy and by some stroke of divine intervention sends them on vacation with an OT field goal. Pats head to Cincy and dismantle Carson Palmer while Flutie sits on the sideline practicing his reverse flea flicker to Adam Vinateri shuttle pass to Mike Vrabel reverse to some guy named Leo that Bill hired off the plane during the trip to play linebacker. Oh well, can't have everything eh?

I should be over in the Colts forum right now, taunting those Budweiser swilling bandwagon fans. Reminding them how favored they were last year against the Pats. Reminding them about the Pats ability to make amazing half-time adjustments. Reminding them that it's January and the playoffs and that they have never beaten the Pats in either. Planting those seeds you know; the ones they wish they could hide from that gnaw in the night.

But here I am. Hanging with the Broncos fans. Won;t be able to sow discord or doubt here. You are too much like Patriot fans I think; seen it good and bad and regardless of which it is you stay the course. I respect you guys much much more than most forums I visit. True loyalists.

Lets cut to it though eh? You and I both know that what hapened last week, last month, last decade don't mean squat. We know that every games open to mistakes, poor execution, costly penalties......turnovers. Sometimes you're in the right spot at the right moment and it all takes a sudden turn, sometimes everything goes wrong. This ain't little boy ball, this is the NFL baby, and this time of year EVERYBODY brings it.

It's gonna be a good one. Good luck to you.

Welcome to the board, and you have our permission to talk smack to Indy fans after we beat you. ;D

[backup qb]

it's going to be a long week having to listen to all the patriot love. Saturday night can't get here fast enough. As badly as I want to win it all, in all reality I just can't take another ass whipping like Indy's given us the last two seasons.

[Jens1893]

Doesn´t really mean anything, I know, still funny to see that according to the voters we´re the biggest underdogs this weekend.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=1959

1) Which team will win Saturday's game in Denver?

65.9% New England Patriots
34.1% Denver Broncos

2) Which team do you think has been more ''disrespected'' this season?

51.8% New England Patriots
48.2% Denver Broncos

3) Which would you rather have on your side?

68.6% New England's Bill Belichick
31.4% Denver's home-field advantage and week of rest

4) Which team will get the best of it when Denver has the ball?

56.0% New England defense
44.0% Denver offense

5) Which team will get the best of it when New England has the ball?

71.5% New England offense
28.5% Denver defense

6) Denver's defense ranks third in the NFL in points allowed but just 15th in yards allowed. Which stat is a better indicator of their defensive ability?

69.8% Points allowed
30.2% Yards allowed

7) Which running game would you rather have in this game?

74.9% Denver: Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell
25.1% New England: Corey Dillon

8) Who is the best receiving option in this game?

47.0% Deion Branch, Patriots
32.8% Rod Smith, Broncos
8.7% Ben Watson, Patriots
6.7% David Givens, Patriots
4.0% Ashley Lelie, Broncos
0.8% Jeb Putzier, Broncos

9) Which team do you think matches up better against the Indianapolis Colts?

77.3% New England Patriots
22.7% Denver Broncos

10) On a scale of one to five, with five being the toughest, how tough a place to play is Denver?

42.2% Four
33.3% Five
19.2% Three
2.9% Two
2.3% One

Total Votes: 14,757

[24champ]

Douchebag Steak said that NE would come out in 4-5 WR sets and throw the ball the first 10-12 plays because this will make Jake think he has to win the game on his own. I'm not making this up.
yeah i just saw that awhile ago, what a tool.

[hades]

Pfff, Denver gets no respect!

[Sgt Sauce]

congrats to Putzier getting 0.8% vote as best receiving option..

[loborugger]

Pfff, Denver gets no respect!

Ya, Jake should have a press conference whining about the disrespect in the media.

[Gcver2ver3]

still funny to see that according to the voters we´re the biggest underdogs this weekend.

it won't be funny unless we win....

[Northman]

Respect is earned, Denver needs to win this game to get the respect they want. without a win everything they say about the Broncos is true.

[sirhcyennek81]

One day, sometime in february, i am sure Brady will wake up and wonder...how did those broncos beat us...

:Broncos:

[The Big E]

Eric Allen was just on ESPN and predicted it would be Indy v. NE and said that's the game he wants to see. The other tools agreed with him and said that's certainly the matchup everyone here (ESPN) is hoping to see. **** 'em all. C'mon Broncos and Steelers.

Jake v. Jake in the SB, baby.

[24champ]

Eric Allen was just on ESPN and predicted it would be Indy v. NE and said that's the game he wants to see. The other tools agreed with him and said that's certainly the matchup everyone here (ESPN) is hoping to see. **** 'em all. C'mon Broncos and Steelers.

Jake v. Jake in the SB, baby.
I want to send my condolences to ESPN for wrecking their dream of seeing Pats and Colts in the AFC championship game.

[watermock]

I hople Shanahan sceams and yells. we need something to motivate thise guys.

[dsmoot]

I hople Shanahan sceams and yells. we need something to motivate thise guys.

Keys to the game

1. The great Denver fans show up

2. Pass rush at high level

3. Offensive line in high gear (including Foster)

[ak1971]

Bring the pain 12th man! We knew we had to play these pansys sooner or later. Cant wait for Saturday

[elsid13]

I hople Shanahan sceams and yells. we need something to motivate thise guys.


Don't think Shanahan going to need to do that. This team knows where it wants to be and doesn't care who stands in its way. My hope that boys aren't too pumped for the game. Warren, Brown, Myers, and EE have stated over and over how they want to win a playoff game. Our Browncos are going to bring it and the rest of the team is going to caught up in their emotions. Add to the fact that The Hammer (Al Wilson) is ready to win, this could get ugly once the fans get involved.

[RMT]

I hople Shanahan sceams and yells. we need something to motivate thise guys.

I have a feeling motivation won't be necessary for our beloved Broncos. After today's talking heads rhetoric, they'll be stoked for the entire week as will the fans.

[Play2win]

Ya, Jake should have a press conference whining about the disrespect in the media.
No, he would never do that, because he's not a Freaking CRY BABY...

[loborugger]

No, he would never do that, because he's not a Freaking CRY BABY...

I know, I know. What has happened to Brady - he's no Manning for sure, but he is showing a bit of the Prima Donna mold. First, there was the statements after Marty Chokenheimer said something about them winning while hurt. Now, there was this "no one respects us" garbage. I guess if any sports media doesnt devote half of its NFL energy to the Pats, then its disrespect.

Maybe its just cuz when the media does talk about the Pats, its all about Bruschi... :giggle:

[RMT]

I know, I know. What has happened to Brady - he's no Manning for sure, but he is showing a bit of the Prima Donna mold. First, there was the statements after Marty Chokenheimer said something about them winning while hurt. Now, there was this "no one respects us" garbage. I guess if any sports media doesnt devote half of its NFL energy to the Pats, then its disrespect.

Maybe its just cuz when the media does talk about the Pats, its all about Bruschi... :giggle:

Brady's schtick about "lack of respect" is pathetic, lame, and not even justifiable. It is so far out of line, it's incredulous. If they weren't a "different team" when they had all of those injuries, I guess that means they aren't any better now that they have those guys back in the lineup.

[Play2win]

I know, I know. What has happened to Brady - he's no Manning for sure, but he is showing a bit of the Prima Donna mold. First, there was the statements after Marty Chokenheimer said something about them winning while hurt. Now, there was this "no one respects us" garbage. I guess if any sports media doesnt devote half of its NFL energy to the Pats, then its disrespect.

Maybe its just cuz when the media does talk about the Pats, its all about Bruschi... :giggle:

Yeah, and how is Bruschi comeback player of the year when he hasn't actually "comeback".

He's still OUT, or atleast he was on their must-win post season playoff game.

I mean did Bruschi actually play ANY GAMES this year. I must have blinked and missed it. What a freaking joke...

[sirhcyennek81]

Lets say the Broncos came out with the no respect line, people would say, justifiably, we have done nothing to merit respect. But for the patriots to say it...dudes...STFU...I am sure those 3 SB rings feel like disrespect...

:Broncos: