Froma guy who views the game beyond just the X’s and O’s, anything, everything and then some will be available in this year’s National Football League Championship match-ups. If you are a football guy or gal, you will find intrigue in both Foxboro, Massachusetts and in Seattle, Washington. Superior quarterback play, defensive scheme and adjustments, chased by old fashion, kick-your-fanny, rushing attacks are sure to satisfy the palate of the most hardcore football guru.
AFC Championship
Byrds-Eye: ‘Genius’ or ‘Jackass’ Prediction
Indianapolis Colts 38
New England Patriots 30
Let’s get right to it. The Colts defense is playing at an extremely high and consistent level led by cornerback, Vontae Davis. I pay special attention to the play of defensive backs during my comfortable and lazy NFL Sunday afternoons. I began to pay close attention to Davis when a college teammate of mine, Will Allen, and Davis became teammates with the Miami Dolphins. The way the play of Davis has evolved through the years is reminiscent of a young Rhonde Barber who spent all 16 years of his professional football career in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers. Barber is sure to be a first ballot, NFL Hall of Fame inductee whose man-to-man cover skills and ability to make big, timely plays, for his team improved with each year played. Colts quarterback, Andrew Luck, is sure to get a variety of looks from Patriot head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia. Patriot offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniel’s, will offer a balance of run and pass while featuring plenty of tight end, Rob Gronkowski. I anticipate a shootout in Gillette Stadium with the Indianapolis Colts finding the edge. Andrew Luck’s underestimated athleticism and ability to create outside of the pocket will prove to be the difference in today’s AFC championship game.
NFC Championship
Green Bay Packers 23
Seattle Seahawks 27
The chitter chatter I’ve heard of Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, milking the injury to his calf is elementary football logic. Rodgers is limited, confined and has been regulated to becoming a pocket passer by the calf strain. Football is a game of inches on any given Sunday, however, during this time of the year, there is literally no room for error. The importance to win the turnover battle and to execute on every snap is crucial to the outcome of the game. I mean we are talking Championship football where you win or go on vacation. I said it before and I’ll say it again, that Seahawk defense AND special teams unit is a bunch of school yard bullies on the field and will force Packer turnovers. The production of Seahawk running back, Marshawn Lynch, who continues to run like a pissed off wild bull, will allow the Seahawk’s to win time of possession. The commotion generated by the often imitated, never duplicated “12th Man,” will propel the Seahawks to a repeat appearance in the Super Bowl.