Your 2011 AFC Championship Game Open Thread
by Christopher Gates on Jan 22, 2012 1:30 PM CST
in NFL
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Print| BALTIMORE RAVENS (13-4) |
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (14-3) | |
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| Date: | 22 January 2012 |
Location: | Foxboro, MA |
| Time: | 2:00 PM Central | Stadium: | Gillette Stadium |
| TV: | CBS | Know Thy Foes: | Baltimore Beatdown Pats Pulpit |
| Chris' Prediction: | Patriots 31, Ravens 21 |
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| Final Score: | Patriots 23, Ravens 20 | ||
The first of our two games on this Championship Sunday is set to kick off in Foxboro in about half an hour. The New England Patriots, led by the NFL's best quarterback in Tom Brady, will do battle with the Baltimore Ravens, who have (arguably) the best defense of the final four teams remaining.
Last weekend, the Patriots crushed the Denver Broncos by a score of 45-10, with Brady tying an NFL post-season record with six touchdown passes. The Ravens took on the Houston Texans and had their struggles, taking a 17-3 lead in the first quarter and holding on to win 20-13 when Houston's last-second Hail Mary fell incomplete.
I gave you my opinion on this one yesterday. . .while the Ravens' defense is very, very good, in a big game like this, it's hard for me not to trust Tom Brady more than Joe Flacco. Throw in the fact that we're not really sure how close to 100% Ed Reed is for Baltimore, and the Ravens could have their struggles this afternoon.
One of the final three games of the 2011 NFL season is ready for kickoff, folks. Talk about it with your fellow Vikings fans right here!
(And, yes, the thread for the NFC Championship Game will be popping up about half an hour before kickoff is scheduled for that one, too.)
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Patriots 27 Ravens 24
Anyone think this one won’t be close?
@EastCoastViking
by EastCoastViking on Jan 22, 2012 1:34 PM CST reply actions
I wouldn't trust Flacco to hit a mosquito with a nuclear bomb.
I know he complains about not getting any respect, but there’s a damn good reason. He’s not even close to Brady.
Patriots 41 Ravens 17
I agree Flacco is awful.
I live in the Baltimore area and the fans here think he’s a top 10 QB. That entire QB draft class has been very disappointing to me.
@EastCoastViking
by EastCoastViking on Jan 22, 2012 1:55 PM CST up reply actions
I agree Flacco is awful.
I live in the Baltimore area and the fans here think he’s a top 10 QB. That entire QB draft class has been very disappointing to me.
@EastCoastViking
by EastCoastViking on Jan 22, 2012 1:54 PM CST reply actions
It won't surprise me if
the Pats win big but I wouldn’t be upset if the Ravens pull this out…you know all that harbaugh bowl hype could get quite entertaining
A successful coach needs a patient wife, loyal dog, and great quarterback - and not necessarily in that order.
-- Bud Grant
Flacco isn't the whole team
Baltimore in an upset!
by vking1 on Jan 22, 2012 2:13 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Someday
I hope the Vikings have a QB awful enough to get back to the conference championship game.
But I gotta go with NE today on the basis of head coaches and their track records.
by Lars in SLP on Jan 22, 2012 2:13 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Anyone notice how much Evans looks like Shiancoe?
I’ve never noticed that before. My first thought was “Oh Visanthe, how’d you sneak onto the Ravens?”
and there is
Bryants man making the sack… Ahh just like old times
by Lunchpail on Jan 22, 2012 2:18 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Ravens do this every loss.
Feed the ball to Rice. I had a feeling they’d fall in to the “Pats secondary is terrible so lets pass all over them” hype. Flacco just isn’t good enough to throw 40 times a game.
@EastCoastViking
by EastCoastViking on Jan 22, 2012 2:18 PM CST reply actions
Nice grab by Edelman
Patriots move the sticks again.
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by Christopher Gates on Jan 22, 2012 2:22 PM CST reply actions
Talk about an overabundance of weapons
whoa – turnover?
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
home team call
A successful coach needs a patient wife, loyal dog, and great quarterback - and not necessarily in that order.
-- Bud Grant
yeah me either
A successful coach needs a patient wife, loyal dog, and great quarterback - and not necessarily in that order.
-- Bud Grant
by PurpleValhalla on Jan 22, 2012 2:25 PM CST up reply actions
gronk no catch ball
A successful coach needs a patient wife, loyal dog, and great quarterback - and not necessarily in that order.
-- Bud Grant
Wow
You’re not going to see that out of Brady very often. Gronkowski was WIDE open there.
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"Don't do anything by half. If you love someone, love them with all your soul. When you go to work, work your ass off. When you hate someone, hate them until it hurts." - Henry Rollins
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by Christopher Gates on Jan 22, 2012 2:24 PM CST reply actions
Take your pick.
Over or under Terrell Suggs gums ending the game with 1 sack?
@EastCoastViking
by EastCoastViking on Jan 22, 2012 2:24 PM CST reply actions
As someone who never played football...
Why do OLinemen not have an audible when they get hopelessly beat. I know it all happens really fast, but you think you’d be able to yell a short phrase if you knew your guy was about to get past you. Seems like it would allow the QB to dodge sacks a little easier.
Because
If the Vikings did that it would sound like a barbershop quartet!
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
by abba7 on Jan 22, 2012 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
You need to get yourself a profile pic already!
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
For every foot the Raven's defense holds NE
Looks like their offense will go back a foot…
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 22, 2012 2:33 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Needs to be the Ray Rice show
or this game is over
@EastCoastViking
by EastCoastViking on Jan 22, 2012 2:35 PM CST reply actions
nice interception
A successful coach needs a patient wife, loyal dog, and great quarterback - and not necessarily in that order.
-- Bud Grant
There is the Ravens only hope
turnovers
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
Awful throw by Brady
At no point during his route was Edelman open there. Great coverage by LaDarius Webb.
SBNation Minnesota - For the greatest sports fans in the world.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
"Don't do anything by half. If you love someone, love them with all your soul. When you go to work, work your ass off. When you hate someone, hate them until it hurts." - Henry Rollins
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by Christopher Gates on Jan 22, 2012 2:38 PM CST reply actions
Free agent next year
@EastCoastViking
by EastCoastViking on Jan 22, 2012 2:39 PM CST up reply actions
Webb is looking good
Could we be the only team with a couple of spidermen?
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 22, 2012 2:41 PM CST up reply actions
He'd be a nice get
He’s got three interceptions in the post-season so far. . .his price tag is going up.
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"Don't do anything by half. If you love someone, love them with all your soul. When you go to work, work your ass off. When you hate someone, hate them until it hurts." - Henry Rollins
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by Christopher Gates on Jan 22, 2012 2:43 PM CST up reply actions
wouldn't that just suck?
not
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
Almost let the safeties catch up...
Was way late and short…
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 22, 2012 2:40 PM CST up reply actions
What the Hell Tom brady!!!
stop trying to do your best Aaron Rodgers impression!
"Never take your eyes off of your opponent…even when you bow."
Is Todd Heap
still in the league? I always thought he was pretty good.
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
With a trident?
SBNation Minnesota - For the greatest sports fans in the world.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
"Don't do anything by half. If you love someone, love them with all your soul. When you go to work, work your ass off. When you hate someone, hate them until it hurts." - Henry Rollins
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by Christopher Gates on Jan 22, 2012 3:06 PM CST up reply actions
Looks like the refs are letting both teams play
And da birdies are making a game of it…
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 22, 2012 3:08 PM CST reply actions
Was watching McKinnie on that series.
I don’t care what the circumstances were the Vikings completely fumbled that move. Charlie Johnson for pete sake!
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
You're right
but would we have to have focused on a starting LT quite so hard? I know hind site is 20-20.
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
McKinnie wasn't just an on the field issue
He needed a change of scenery. Guess the clubs and food were just too good in Minnesota for him to care about football.
@EastCoastViking
by EastCoastViking on Jan 22, 2012 3:16 PM CST up reply actions
Don't know how many times this will have to be said about McKinnie but...
He was 400 pounds and going to cost the Vikings a ton of money. He lost the weight because we cut him. IF we had kept him, he probably wouldn’t have lost the weight.
I agree
Coaches/managers/leaders who want to “make a point” like about McKinnie’s weight are usually wrong and just trying to stamp their personal imprint on the team, which really has nothing to do with winning…
If LF did it because of McKinnie’s contract or performance then I would feel differently…
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 22, 2012 3:17 PM CST up reply actions
DAMN YOU FOR RUINING MY CHILDHOOD, GEORGE LUCAS!
Still going to see Star Wars in 3D in the theater.
But I refuse to enjoy it, dammit!
Flacco and Dennis Pitta have matching mustaches!
That’s disturbing.
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
LOL Jared Allen in that commercial was awesome
…“NAILED IT!!”
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
Yeah, that was hilarious!
Reason #3,205 on why Jared Allen is awesome.
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
Damn it!
I went to the Commissary during halftime and missed it.
What was it a commercial for?
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"Don't do anything by half. If you love someone, love them with all your soul. When you go to work, work your ass off. When you hate someone, hate them until it hurts." - Henry Rollins
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by Christopher Gates on Jan 22, 2012 3:50 PM CST up reply actions
Just a fan appreciation commercial
Allen and players from several other teams just showed up at houses or fire houses, or restaurants, and sang. Allen’s was hysterical. As he’s walking away from the front door of the family he sang to he screams ’NAILED it, woooo!!"
Typically hysterical stuff from JA.
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
it just got posted to YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz18EC5NEwM
i dunno if i missed the first half, or if what they showed on TV was the 30sec spot, but even JA prepping w/ “…red leather, yellow leather…” is hilarious.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
Ditto
Hard to stop a hard hitter like Hernandez and a 6’6" guy like Gronk.
Wait, can we switch Harvin to TE and match him with our own 6’6" Rudolph?
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 22, 2012 3:52 PM CST up reply actions
Hernandez is a running back too!
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
I would like it
if we could pass protect like the pats
A successful coach needs a patient wife, loyal dog, and great quarterback - and not necessarily in that order.
-- Bud Grant
by PurpleValhalla on Jan 22, 2012 3:53 PM CST up reply actions
Yip, that was a nice stop.
but yeah, the Ravens will need to score on just about every drive if they’re going to compete.
Southwest Airlines commercial -
did Japanese guy just do the JA sack celebration?
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
Anyone know what they grey design on the field is?
I’ve always wondered, but been too lazy to look it up. Looks like a building…
It's supposed to be a light tower and bridge
Which is the logo of Gillette Stadium…
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 22, 2012 4:06 PM CST up reply actions
yeah -- stadium logo
http://www.massacademy.com/MA/userimages/gillette_stadium_logo.jpg
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
LOLWUT
McKinnie is still a turnstile, I see
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
wow, i knew Torrey Smith was fast, but...
…jeez.
think he stepped out, though… it’s really close.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
NE needs a nice long drive here....ending with a TD
Pats-D is failing, so Brady will have to play defense for them by keeping the Ravens Offense off the field.
Holy Cow...
The “Harbowl” is starting to look like more of a possibility….
by Loki Loves Purple on Jan 22, 2012 4:18 PM CST reply actions
looked like grounding to me. hrrm.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
ahh missed that
thx — that’s what i get for talking to my wife on the phone while trying to watch the game… =)
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
dude they've been advertising Catherine's last CSI episode for like a month and a half...
…or so it seems. man, that show went downhill… last good ep was back in ’05 when Tarantino guest-directed the season finale.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
uh oh... Gronk injured...??
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
oh crap, yeah -- no question mark on that...
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
seems to be walking on it better than expected
wouldn’t be surprised if they wrapped it up and he’s back on the field in the 4th.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
Sheesh
Didn’t think NE’s touchdowns would all be on the ground…
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 22, 2012 4:32 PM CST reply actions
You're right!
Excellent game!
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
When I don't really care about who wins...
all I want is a good game. We’ve had a lot of them this year, and this is no exception…
Fun to watch!
by Loki Loves Purple on Jan 22, 2012 4:40 PM CST up reply actions
that landing looked like it hurt
ouchie.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
OOH CRUSHING TURNOVER!!
nice grab. i honestly never thought i’d be cheering for the Pats, but i’m leaning toward wanting the drama of a SB XLII rematch…
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
Wow! Crazy Game!
Just crazy… Loving it!
Whoever loses this game should still go home proud at how they played….
by Loki Loves Purple on Jan 22, 2012 4:47 PM CST reply actions
That was SWEET!
"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was." ~Muhammad Ali~
@Vikesfan1961
wow i thought for sure that hit the ground...!!
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
Yeah
Would rather go to overtime than lose in regular time… since the Ravens defense is pretty good this game against the pass…
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 22, 2012 4:58 PM CST up reply actions
Kick it
you want a chance at a tie right now.
by PurplePrideforLife! on Jan 22, 2012 4:55 PM CST reply actions
Ravens need a 3 and out.
"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was." ~Muhammad Ali~
@Vikesfan1961
Agreed. Bad call...
No faith in the FG kicker….
by Loki Loves Purple on Jan 22, 2012 4:58 PM CST reply actions
what were the ravens thinking?
to quote Charles Barkley, “that play calling was turrible”
wow
That decision makes chilly look like a genius.
by Jepp The Viking on Jan 22, 2012 5:00 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Or makes Harbaugh look like a genius if they score here...
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 22, 2012 5:02 PM CST up reply actions
Flacco's gonna have a chance to prove everyone wrong.
Don’t have much faith in him, but there’s a chance!
looks like the kick ass offense
With all of these dump passes.
by Jepp The Viking on Jan 22, 2012 5:05 PM CST via mobile reply actions
next up:
Tom Brady at safety.
by Jepp The Viking on Jan 22, 2012 5:08 PM CST via mobile reply actions
And that explains....
the 4rth and 6 call…
ouch…
by Loki Loves Purple on Jan 22, 2012 5:10 PM CST reply actions
No kidding!
A Pro Bowl kicker one year, a chump the next!
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 22, 2012 5:11 PM CST up reply actions
Ummmmmm
You might want to add “kicker” to the Baltimore Ravens’ list of off-season needs.
SBNation Minnesota - For the greatest sports fans in the world.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
"Don't do anything by half. If you love someone, love them with all your soul. When you go to work, work your ass off. When you hate someone, hate them until it hurts." - Henry Rollins
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by Christopher Gates on Jan 22, 2012 5:10 PM CST reply actions
I feel really bad for Birk
really was hoping they’d win, so he would retire with a superbowl ring……………
That really sucks...
…such a good game… too good to end this way….
by Loki Loves Purple on Jan 22, 2012 5:12 PM CST reply actions
wow
and the kicker blows what in all probability is Ed Reed and Ray Lewis last superbowl chance
first-worst-first?
I feel so bad for Ed Reed
and what has been Canton-Bound career,he may never make it to the Super Bowl
He'll be in good company at least
There are quite a few people in Canton who never even got a conference championship, or even the playoffs.
Wasn't Reed
On the Trent Dilfer Baltimore team that won the Super Bowl, or did he come along after that?
SBNation Minnesota - For the greatest sports fans in the world.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
"Don't do anything by half. If you love someone, love them with all your soul. When you go to work, work your ass off. When you hate someone, hate them until it hurts." - Henry Rollins
Follow @DailyNorsemanSB
Follow @SBNMinnesota
by Christopher Gates on Jan 22, 2012 5:18 PM CST up reply actions
Yep, sure enough
Got drafted in 2002. I thought he had been in the league longer than that.
SBNation Minnesota - For the greatest sports fans in the world.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
"Don't do anything by half. If you love someone, love them with all your soul. When you go to work, work your ass off. When you hate someone, hate them until it hurts." - Henry Rollins
Follow @DailyNorsemanSB
Follow @SBNMinnesota
by Christopher Gates on Jan 22, 2012 5:19 PM CST up reply actions
That's gotta sting.
Such a good drive, was close to straight out winning it…
Welcome to Shanksville
Gotta hate being the goat, maybe they won’t blame Flacco now.
Pats D...
…made some amazing plays that last drive. That is “this” close to a Baltimore win…
by Loki Loves Purple on Jan 22, 2012 5:14 PM CST reply actions
DAARN
No Harbowl for us…
"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was." ~Muhammad Ali~
@Vikesfan1961
bummer.....
Way to pull a Gary Anderson.
by Randytheviking17 on Jan 22, 2012 5:17 PM CST via mobile reply actions
shanon sharpe
Just said something intelligent. Stop the presses
by Jepp The Viking on Jan 22, 2012 5:19 PM CST via mobile reply actions
take that birk
you cursed traitor
by los vikingos on Jan 22, 2012 5:25 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
Seriously?
“Childress criticized Saint Paul native Matt Birk for attending the birth of his child.” He left the Vikings because Childress was an asshole. Period.
maybe
but his departure definitley hurt our team big time, so i feel no love for him. local boy turned his back on us as far as im concerned. screw him abd the cartoon-logo laden pansies from b’more.
by los vikingos on Jan 22, 2012 5:33 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Dude, Ponder before and now Birk who was a great player for us for years....
Birk was with us for 11 years Chilldress DROVE HIM AWAY! And make sure to check out the Vikings front page for Ponder highlights.
Am I the only one who thought it was a TD
Ravens receiver had control of the ball in the end zone, then ball was knocked out. That’s a touchdown by NFL rules.
by Vikefandc on Jan 22, 2012 5:45 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I just love it when Flacco is shown to be the incompetent, big arm loser that he is
He was supposed to “light it up” against this bad defense, unlike last week with Houston’s pretty good defense. Last week he looked like crap and this week he didn’t look much better. Cocky prick
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