For those who think the Pat's are going to walk all over the Ravens and whoever else the play, if, they make the SB have a good look at their season:
The defensive ranking:
http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats? ... &Submit=Go
Patriots schedule:
http://www.patriots.com/games-and-stats/schedule.html
Ravens schedule:
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/Gameday/Schedule.aspx
49ers schedule:
http://www.49ers.com/gameday/season-schedule.html
Giants schedule:
http://www.giants.com/games-and-schedules/schedule.html
To surmise;
The Patriots played 4 games against top ten defenses and won three, lost one (but two of those wons were against the same team - NYJ). Played seven teams in the top twenty winning all. Played five games outside the top twenty winning three and losing two.
Result - they've had a fairly easy schedule which may bite them in the arse against quality opposition with a high powered defense and quality offense (i.e. all of the final three teams).
The Ravens played eleven games against top ten defenses and won nine, losing two. Played three games against top twenty defenses winning one and losing the other two. Played only two games against defense outside the top twenty winning both.
Result - this is a battle hardened team that will make life very, very difficult for the Patriots and, if they make it, their SB opponents.
The NYG played five games against top ten defenses and won two, loding the other three. Played six games against top twenty defenses winning four and losing two. Played five games against defenses outside the top twenty winning three and losing two.
Result - same amount of games against top twenty ranked teams as the Patriots but a worse winning record. Yes they've come good towards the end of the season but those wins were against Dallas (a team they always play well against) and a dead-in-the-water NYJ. They lost to the Redskins. They struggle against high powered defenses and will continue to do so.
The 49ers played seven games against top ten ranked defenses winning six and losing one. Played four games against top twenty ranked defenses winning two, losing two. Played five games against defeses outside the top twenty winning all five.
Result - as per the Ravens this team has had a harder schedule and has proved they can play well against top defenses.
My prediction for this weekend is:
Patriots vs Ravens - should be a good game with Ed Reed being the biggest influence on the outcome. If Reed plays at his best the Ravens will likely cause and upset given how bad the Patriots defense is. Look for the Ravens to try and make this contest as physical as possible, it's how they play their best football and the Patriots offense (aside from Wes Welker) aren't fond of heavy hitting.
Ravens to win.
49ers vs NYG - another great game and with the confidence the Giants have going into this one look for the 9er defense to try and break their spirit in the forst quarter with their renowned heavy hitting defense. Both these teams like it physical on both sides of the ball though the Giants WR's tend to wiggle their hips rather than put their heads down to gain yards. This game will be decided by the respective teams defenses and the 9ers have the better defense.
49ers to win (but it may be a nail biter
)
A Collingwood supporter since the egg was inseminated.
, well shit happens and he's a talented player that will learn and get better from the experience.
