As we wait for Jimmy Garoppolo to sign an extension with the 49ers and for the Scouting Combine to start and for free agency to begin, let’s turn our attention to Sunday’s conference championship games.
Here’s what to watch for in each one.
Disclaimer: I’m not taking Tom Brady’s thumb injury seriously. The quarterback allegedly hurt it in practice on Wednesday and almost certainly will play on Sunday. No one knows if the injury is fact or fiction. The Patriots could be playing mind games with their opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Bill Belichick has played so many mind games throughout the years. You simply cannot trust his injury reports or what he says.
Click here to read the rest of my column.
Jags have a chance if they can follow Coughlins plan against NE by getting home with 4 and staying balanced on offense.
Think the Philly D, at home is too much for Minnesota to overcome. Would be great to see the Vikings at home in the Super Bowl though.
Good Article, Grant and the topic of conversation at 4949 Centennial.
The NFL’s annual underclassman list shows added draft talent to an already solid draft position for the 49ers.
A few reasons for positivity and the 49ers making the wild card if not a 1st Rd. bye in 2018:
1. Last season, at 0-9, folks were envious of the LA Rams head coach, suggesting Shanny was over his head w/o an OC. I stated that the front office had little time to plan their offseason program, find talent, and to judge them on 2018 when the 49er front office has a full offseason to work with.
2. 49ers found their ‘franchise QB’ in year 1 ! Anyone want to bet against Shanny finding something easier—–A go to wide receiver in year 2 ?
3. The draft is loaded with O-Linemen. For example, I mentioned a small school OT who is labeled a franchise left tackle in the previous article–Chukwuma Okorafor, West Michigan .
The undrclassman declarations augment the 49ers draft position—they can wait for the best offer to trade down, trade up or, draft their next leo,Bradley Chubb, Georgia if he falls. Pass rusher, over an ND guard.
A nice article about the LEO (Pass Rusher) being the NFL’s 2nd most important pos. is listed below.
4. Trade down possibilities are over 90% due to underclassman declarations. One guard does not effect the team as much as a LEO or or 3 more talented players. If the house in Vegas gave anyone a 3-1 advantage on a bet only the fool turns it down.
In last years draft, that fool proved to be the Chicago Bears.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2017/08/01/the-value-of-a-sack-and-why-pass-rusher-is-the-nfls-second-most-important-position/?utm_term=.58b41576fd71
*And most on this site know, but it bears repeating. 4 QB’s are picked to go in the top 10 in 2018. Another factor pushing talent toward the 49ers or allowing them the luxury of trading down a few spots.
2018 NFL pass rush depth demonstrated by this Clemson Monster, he would look good on the 49ers
Clelin Ferrell: “The 6-5 Monster” | Clemson Highlights ᴴᴰ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvjQK_04h0Y
There’s just one little hiccup. He’s not going to be in the 2018 NFL draft.
Sooner or later that clock is going to strike midnight and the Gilded Coach will be turning into a pumpkin. I’m guessing sometime tomorrow unless Brady’s hand is as bad as some are saying (it required stitches). And if that’s true… It’ll be interesting because in the second-half of the season, the Patriots had the better defense, not the Jags.
Oh, and FWIW, I’d pay real money to see the Hoyer-Bortles Bowl.
Brady’s case of ‘football age’ and an arthritic throwing hand isn’t fooling anyone.
Belichick just made Kraft the fool by demonstrating the NFL is a young man’s game–having team doctors write arthritis on the injury report is an embarassment and a ‘get even’ for the Garoppolo trade.
“I’m not taking Tom Brady’s thumb injury seriously.”
Hmm. Remember Schilling’s bloody sock? Was it real? Was it paint or ketchup?
Eagles Vs Vikings could go either way. Wentz is missing valuable playoff reps.
Good defenses travel well (Jaguars, Vikings). Brady has a built in excuse to lose (thumb). I mentioned last Sunday that Coughlin has the blueprint to beat the Pats (pressure from D-line).
Does the league and NBC want a SB with Bortles Vs Keenum or Foles? The Jags have to stay composed if the refs get flag happy.
“Does the league and NBC want a SB with Bortles Vs Keenum or Foles?”
Tinfoil hats! Get your tinfoil hats here!!
Yeah, superstars getting superstar treatment is tinfoil territory. Have you ever seen a pitcher get a called third strike on a ball that was out of the strike zone? Someone like MJ going to the line after little or no contact? How about the home team getting a favorable call? Keep in mind that I said “if” the refs get flag happy.
BB takes away Fournette Me Not, and forces Bortles to make plays. He’ll make a few through the air, and the majority on the ground. I felt Marrone was a great hire by the Jaguars. They’ll bite Tom’s hand with every sack. The smell of blood will linger, and I expect them to hunt down Brady. 27-24 Jaguars.
Vikings will ground the Phillies run game, and force Foles to fly as high as the sun, on his way, like an Eagle. Instead, he’ll fly on broken wings. 20-17 Vikings.
The Eagles were lucky to win last week. Foles threw multiple interceptable balls even though most of his passes didn’t travel past five years. And the Falcons had Sarkesian calling the plays. I’m not so sure he’ll get past the Vikings.
OTOH, I kind of like Keenum’s chances. He’s got a bit of Jeff Garcia in him.
“Foles threw multiple interceptable balls”
The double standard is thick with this one
Tom Brady IS hurt.
Flags are at half staff.
Bortles and Foles will both capitulate. Pats and Vikings will both win convincingly.
Nice play by Weineke.
Bortles had a good game against Steelers. Pit made a strong run , but Jags scored on the final 2 possessions. Jags D nearly lost that game. It was Bortles who secured the win.
Mike Vrabel named Titans new head coach.