Q&A For NFC and AFC Conference Championships

OK, this is a preview for this weekend's NFL Conference Championship games. Oh, but I'm not doing this one alone! So I'll introduce those who have taken the time to provide their answers to the questions most of you have on your mind for this weekend's NFL Conference Championship games. See, we're like Radio Shack: You've got questions, we've got answers. There's more truth to that than you know!

First, we have my real-life friend birdbrainz from central Pennsylvania making an appearance on Basic Bloganomics. He's been a solid fantasy player for many years, and is the biggest diehard Eagles fan I know.

Next up, we have a man that really needs no introduction, but he's going to get one because I said so! We have fantasy sports guru Ryan Lester from the Lester's Legends site stopping by to answer questions for this week's games. He's a Patriots fan.

Finally, the guy who debuted on Basic Bloganomics yesterday with a post. Cleveland sports fan Paul H is here to provide his take on the questions that most of you are wondering about for this weekend's games.

So we'll start things off by talking about the NFC Conference Championship as the Philadelphia Eagles are at the Arizona Cardinals.


1. What is the No. 1 thing the Cardinals have to do to overcome their bad loss earlier in the year to Philly and win this game?

birdbrainz: Turnovers and balancing their offense. In the first matchup on Thanksgiving, Kurt Warner threw for three interceptions for the game. Not to mention two of them were on the Cardinals first two possessions. This along with a well balance Eagle offense propelled the Eagles to a 21-0 lead early into the second quarter. The Cardinals also lost a fumble by Boldin early in the fourth quarter that helped ice any chance the Cardinals had at a comeback. The Cardinals also like the Eagles, must “attempt” to keep their offense balanced. The Eagles are going to bring their successful and complex blitz package to test Kurt Warner early and often. At least a threat of a run will slow the Eagles defensive ends Trent Cole, and Juqua Parker from pinning their ears back and attacking.

Lester's Legends: Continue to play incredible Defense. They played nearly a perfect game against Carolina.

Paul H: I don’t think Arizona has anything to overcome, I think they are overwhelmed before the game even begins. Questions have to be raised about the Cardinals’ QB situation and whether Kurt Warner has what it takes to reach the “Big Game” at this stage of his career. I believe Donovan McNabb is the better QB here and with his quick legs he gives Philly something Arizona doesn’t have with Warner, speed.

David Funk: Here's a stat for you: Arizona is a +7 in turnover margin in the playoffs. Arizona will not win this game if they turn the ball over like they did in the first meeting in Philadelphia. They have nine turnovers on defense in the playoffs, and losing the turnover battle against Philly will send the Eagles to Tampa and not them.

2. Will Brian Westbrook have a better game against Arizona than he did against the Giants?

birdbrainz: It’s hard to think that Brian Westbrook will continue to struggle as he did against Giants. His 18 carries for 36 yards might have been one of his worst outings against the Giants. For all the memorable moments he has had against the G Men, last Sunday certainly falls short of all of them. I think Westbrook is really struggling to deal with a left knee sprain and a high right ankle sprain he suffered against Pittsburgh in week 3. His best game of the year came against the Cardinals on Thanksgiving and the Cardinals will know where 36 is at all times. He might not match his 130 totals yards and 4 TD’s he had last time, but expect Westbrook to carry the load again for the birds.

Lester's Legends: I believe so. The Giants see him twice a year and it's hard to surprise anybody. Though the Cardinals faced him already, they don't have as much experience facing him. Plus, the Giants Defense is better than Arizona's.

Paul H: For his sake, I hope so! I don’t think Arizona has a defense strong enough to stop him. He’s going to be aggressive and eager to shake last week off and help the Eagles make the trip to Tampa.

David Funk: He had his best game of the season against them the last time they played, so I don't expect him to duplicate those numbers. However, he will have a better game than the 36 rushing yards he had against the Giants.

3. We know Philly is one of the best in defensive scheming throughout the NFL. How do you think the Eagles will attack the Arizona offense and vice versa for the Cardinals offense?

birdbrainz: Eagles D vs. Card’s O-I expect the Eagles to blitz much like they have in the past against Warner. They have had success against Warner as a Ram and Giant using this game plan so why change? I think the Eagles blitzing will force Warner into quick slants, and then it becomes a tackling game. Fitzgerald & Boldin (if healthy) are great at yards after the catch and tackling might determine how much the Eagles blitz.
Card’s D vs. Eagles O- I think the Cardinals will also bring pressure but they must be aware of the Eagles screen game. I think if the Cardinal blitz and jam the small Philly wideouts, they might force McNabb into some mistakes. Former Eagle Rod Hood and rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will be ready for this task.

Lester's Legends: I think the Eagles will bring the heat and put pressure on Arizona's O-Line to allow Warner the time to make his progressions. The Cardinals will have to continue to find ways to get Larry Fitzgerald open. If he doesn't have a big game, they Cardinals can forget about moving on.

Paul H: One of the biggest weapons Arizona has is Larry Fitzgerald. He effectively sealed the Panthers fate last week with his amazing performance and he seems like the kind of guy who gives encore performances. If the Eagles don’t shut him down, they are done. The best way to shut him down is to make sure he doesn’t get yards after the catch. I expect him to be double-teamed much of the day.
Arizona needs to be aggressive and stop the run. Brian Westbrook is coming off a forgettable performance and will be looking to rebound so he may be more aggressive in gaining yards. If he doesn’t protect the ball, one fumble could be the game. Arizona needs to attack early and often. Go for a strip as soon as possible to put the idea in Westbrook’s head and then execute the run stop to perfection

David Funk: I think the Eagles will pressure Warner with blitzes all game because of the ability of Samuel to play Fitzgerald fairly close on an island. Warner will have to get rid of the ball quickly which could mean short slants will be featured in the offense.
Arizona will have to disguise coverages much like they've done in the first two playoff games. They absolutely cannot allow Westbrook to have a big day or break off a run or reception that changes the game. Look for McNabb to move around in the pocket like usual and get Westbrook the ball as often as possible.

4. Which guy are you looking at to be the player of the game between Philly and Arizona?

birdbrainz: I think the pressure from the Eagles will be tough on Warner and force some interceptions. My player of the game is second team all-pro safety Quintin Mikell. I think Warner will force the ball to Larry Fitzgerald who most likely will be matched up with Asante Samuel with Mikell helping deep. The pass rush of the Eagles plus the depth of the Eagles secondary spells turnovers.

Lester's Legends: Donovan McNabb. The word that keeps coming to mind for me when I think about McNabb is Redemption.

Paul H: I enjoy watching a good defense, so I’m going with Brian Dawkins to be the key player in this game. He always seems to come up with a big play in the clutch, and with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line I don’t expect him to disappoint.

David Funk: I'm going to go with Trent Cole on defense. The Eagles are going to blitz which will make the Cardinals not be able to double-team him or Parker on the other side. Cole didn't have a sack last week(nor did the Eagles as a team), but I don't see it happening here for the second straight week. I think he makes one or two big plays with either a couple of sacks or a game-changing turnover.

5. What are the three key matchups to watch for in the NFC Championship?

birdbrainz: Eagles Defensive Ends Trent Cole/Juqua Parker vs. Cardinals Tackles Mike Gandy/Levi Brown - With the loss of blocking tight end Stephen Spach for Arizona, these tackles could have their hands full with the speedy rushers from Philly. Someone will need to stay home and help chip these ends to slow them down.
WLB Karlos Dansby (ARZ) vs. RB Brian Westbrook (PHL)- Even with a banged up Westbrook someone will need to spy him and versatile Dansby might give it a try. Even if Westbrook struggles early he could dash you for a quick score out of nowhere….just ask the Vikings.
P Ben Graham (ARZ) vs. PR DeSean Jackson (PHL)-Teams in the playoffs are averaging 10 yards a return against Graham and Jackson likes when the lights are on him. They must contain Jackson and make the Philadelphia offense go the length of the field.

Lester's Legends: Asante Samuel and Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals O-Line and Eagles D-Line.

Paul H: As I mentioned before, the biggest matchup is the QB battle. Can Warner still do it? Can McNabb take the Eagles back to the Super Bowl? Larry Fitzgerald vs. Eagles secondary. Brian Westbrook vs. Cardinals O-Line.

David Funk: Asante Samuel vs Larry Fitzgerald because if Samuel's coverage isn't good in this game, then the gameplan for the Eagles changes which hurts them. Broderick Bunkley vs Arizona O-line is another one because Bunkley created havoc against the Giants and that can't happen if the Cardinals want to move on. I agree with birdbrainz on Westbrook vs Dansby.

6. Who wins the George Halas Trophy in the NFC and why?

birdbrainz: My pick….Eagles 31 Cardinals 20.…..The Eagles will overcome the passion and fire that will come from Arizona early on and take control by the half. The Eagles have only allowed four touchdowns in the last six games and are on to much of a roll. Get ready Tampa, the Philly phans are coming!!!

Lester's Legends: Philadelphia. They are the more complete team.

Paul H: All signs point to Philly, but Arizona has skated through 2 weeks of Playoff football and is standing on the door-step to the Super Bowl. They have put up a minimum of 30 points in each game and have built a team that is burning through the NFC in the Playoffs. I’m picking the Cardinals.

David Funk: I like Philly here. They have been playing well on both sides of the ball, and the defense will be prepared to stop Fitzgerald from another big day. Arizona will make this a tougher game this time around, but I think the Eagles move on.

OK, now we shift over to talk about the AFC Conference Championship game as the Baltimore Ravens are at the Pittsburgh Steelers


7. Which defense do you like better right now: Baltimore or Pittsburgh?

birdbrainz: I think these defenses are very close, but I’d give the advantage to Baltimore. I understand statically speaking the Steelers might have several advantages but the Ravens make things happen when the other teams have scoring chances. Just look at the Titans game when the Ravens force Alge Crumpler to cough up the ball and turn the momentum back Baltimore’s way. The Ravens have only given up more then 13 points one time in the last eight contests. It seems like they bend but don’t break in the red zone and force you into costly mistakes at important times.

Lester's Legends: Baltimore

Paul H: Pittsburgh. They have the Defensive Player of the Year, an absolute beast who racked up tackles (92) and sacks (16) like there was no tomorrow. I can imagine the image of James Harrison about to put you into the ground is one of the few things that could make a man literally crap himself.

David Funk: I think Baltimore is the better defense at this point though Pittsburgh is very good. Ray Lewis has been helped by a strong defensive front this year. The Steelers have James Harrison who had one of the better defensive seasons in sometime, too.

8. Willie Parker and the offensive line had a big day against San Diego. Which player on offense will Pittsburgh need to play well in order to beat Baltimore?

birdbrainz: Heath Miller needs to step up and be that crutch for Roethlisberger to lean on. We all know what kind of pressure the Ravens will bring and that quick dump off option to Miller might help open things up. Miller has only combined for 5 catches for 34 yards in their two meetings this season. With Suggs hurting for Baltimore it would make sense to get Miller involved.

Lester's Legends: Big Ben.

Paul H: Ben Roethlisberger got hit hard in the final game of the season against Cleveland. That’s not the kind of thing that you shake off. The Steelers may say he’s 100% but I think otherwise. There have to be lingering effects, and I wonder if he is ready to go up against a tough Baltimore defense that should be blitzing. If Big Ben is feeling good, it’s going to be a bad day for the Ravens.

David Funk: As much as I want to say Big Ben, I'm going to go with Santonio Holmes. I don't see Willie Parker having the kind of game he had against the Chargers, and Hines Ward will likely be covered up for much of the game. Holmes has to step up.

9. What kind of game do you expect from Joe Flacco against Pittsburgh?

birdbrainz: I’ll be honest, I haven’t been a Flacco supporter for most of the year. I don’t know if it’s because of when he takes his helmet off, the marks left on his head from his helmet that annoy me or what? But he has shown me the strength of his arm and maturity beyond his years. He struggled in the last meeting going 11 for 28 and 115 yards. With the forecast calling for 40% chance of snow and the wind whipping around Heinz Field it’s not great conditions for Flacco to come out firing. I think his numbers will be a little better but don’t expect too much on the scoreboard.

Lester's Legends: Little responsibility

Paul H: This kid has already etched his name into the record books as the only rookie QB to win 2 playoff games. He’s held his own against arguably the best team in 2008, the Titans, and the comeback team of 2008, the Dolphins. I don’t look for him to put up legendary numbers, but I would not be surprised to see him put together a big drive for the win. All he needs to do is think, “I’ve got nothing to lose,” and go out there and play.

David Funk: I think the Ravens finally have their quarterback of the future, but I don't see him having a good day with the frigid weather. He may do well with running the ball, but I don't see him having a good game throwing the ball.

10. Which guy are you looking at to be the player of the game between Baltimore and Pittsburgh?

birdbrainz: Look at all the choices. Ray Lewis? Maybe Ed Reed pulls another pick six? Maybe fast Willie Parker busts out after a screen pass? Or Santonio Holmes scores the only touchdown on a punt return? All are great choices but the player of the game will have to different colored shoes on. Jeff Reed will make a game winning kick with around the 2 minute warning to earn the honors.

Lester's Legends: Ed Reed.

Paul H: Until the guy retires, and perhaps a few years after that, Ray Lewis is always going to be a factor in Ravens games. He is one of the best at his position and has a reputation for a coming up with a big hit at the right time. I think this game is going to be close, and Lewis is going to be busy looking out for that big hit.

David Funk: I'm going with Troy Polamalu on defense. He's going to be up on the line all game long challenging the Ravens offensive line and forcing Flacco to beat them deep. With the potential precipitation coming, this sets up well for someone like Polamalu to have a great game.

11. What are the three key matchups to watch for in the AFC Championship?

birdbrainz: WR Derrick Mason (Bal) vs. CB Ike Taylor (Pit) -I really think the weakness to Steelers defense is their corners. Derrick Mason was a pro-bowl snub mostly because of the low profile offense he is in. His 80 catches and 1037 yards are amazing considering how little the Ravens throw. Mason could really give the Ravens a great chance if he can make 1 big play.
NT Haloti Ngata (Bal) vs. G Chris Kemoeatu (Pit)- This matchup makes or breaks what type of game Ray Lewis will have. Lewis has had a great season mainly in part because of Ngata keeping offensive lineman from blocking him. If Lewis has a clean look at oncoming backs it’ll be a long day for the Steelers.
Coach John Harbaugh (Bal) vs. Coach Mike Tomlin (Pit) - The bottom line in sports is wins and losses. And how you do in the playoffs too often reflects people's opinions of your success. Which one of these young coaches will do something significant in a big spot? Will it be an ill advised challenge or a terrible fake punt call? Both of these coaches reputation will be on the line Sunday and we might look at them differently after the game.

Lester's Legends: Pitt O-Line vs. Balt pass Rush, Balt O-Line vs. Pitt Pass Rush, Heath Miller vs. LBs/S

Paul H: Willie Parker vs. Ray Lewis. Willie Parker needs to stay away from the middle, and juke and spin his way far from Lewis, or he will be stopped. Joe Flacco vs. James Harrison. Baltimore’s O-Line needs to give Flacco as much time as possible in the pocket and they have to keep Harrison away from Flacco. Troy Polamalu vs. Ravens receivers. Offense wins game, defense wins championships.

David Funk: Haloti Ngata vs the Steelers offensive line which is so critical to how this game unfolds for both sides of the ball. Santonio Holmes & Hines Ward vs Baltimore secondary because I think the Steelers will have a tough time running the ball and the weather conditions will not do anyone favors. Baltimore offensive line vs James Harrison because the Ravens have to account for him on every play.

12. Who wins the Lamar Hunt Trophy in the AFC and why?

birdbrainz: My pick….Steelers 13 Ravens 10.…..This game will be ugly to watch but fun if you’re a fan of strategic football. I think most of the game will be a battle of field position. The names of both punters will be sketched into your head by halftime. But in the end, Jeff Reed will boot Pittsburgh into the battle of Pennsylvania bragging rights. Tampa Bay be prepared, there’s a couple interesting fans bases on their way down to visit!

Lester's Legends: Baltimore. I see Big Ben getting knocked out of the game.

Paul H: As a Cleveland fan, this is our worst nightmare! Our two biggest enemies fighting to see who represents the AFC in the Super Bowl! Pittsburgh’s defense is immaculate, but Baltimore’s rookie QB is putting himself into position as the franchise QB for Baltimore. I’m going with the lesser of two evils here and picking Baltimore. It will be a close game, and will come down to a big play of defense.

David Funk: I'd be surprised if either one of them had more than two offensive touchdowns in this game. In the end, I think the weather will keep it a very low-scoring game. I like Pittsburgh to move on because of being a little more balanced, and it will be the defense that wins it for them with a key turnover or two in this game.

OK, so here's a recap of who we're picking to play each other in the Super Bowl:

birdbrainz: Eagles vs Steelers
Lester's Legends: Eagles vs Ravens
Paul H: Cardinals vs Ravens
David Funk: Eagles vs Steelers

That's a wrap for previewing the games this weekend as all four teams prepare for their final stop on the road to Tampa for the Super Bowl. Thanks to birdbrainz, Lester, and Paul for stopping by. Be sure to check their blogs/profiles out as well as those on my Blog Roll list for more great reads. Thanks for viewing!

Posted in: AFC, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, football, National Football League, NFC, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers

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