1/14/2005
Colts vs. Patriots - Playoff Preview
By Mark Riley
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick often is called a defensive genius. His uncanny ability to slow down Peyton Manning and the explosive Indianapolis Colts is one reason why that label fits so well.
Belichick will try to help his team overcome its decimated secondary and find a way to limit Manning again as the defending champion Patriots face the Colts in a divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium.
While every other opponent seems to have no chance at stopping Manning, the two-time league MVP, Belichick and the Patriots have had remarkable success against the league's best quarterback and the NFL's most potent offense.
New England has won five straight against Manning and the Colts, including a 27-24 victory in this season's opener and a 24-14 triumph in the 2003 AFC Championship Game.
Manning has never won at New England, losing all six games there with a dismal 59.6 passer rating. In 11 games when facing Belichick as a head coach or a defensive coordinator, Manning has thrown 19 touchdowns against 18 interceptions and has a passer rating of 74.3, nearly 20 points lower than against all other opponents.
Belichick, however, doesn't believe he does anything special against Manning.
"Nobody wants to see me on the field against Peyton Manning," he said. "Not me, not any fan. Nobody except the Colts."
In last season's AFC championship game, the Patriots intercepted Manning four times, but three of those were by standout cornerback Ty Law, out for the season with a foot injury. Not only will be Patriots be without Law, one of the league's best at his position, but Tyrone Poole, their other starting corner, has been out since the fourth week of the season and will not play in the playoffs.
Without Law and Poole, Belichick has been forced to use wide receiver Troy Brown as a defensive back and linebacker Don Davis as a safety. Undrafted free agent Randall Gay and Earthwind Moreland also have seen time in place of Law and Poole.
The Patriots signed cornerback Hank Poteat, who hasn't played since Carolina released him in the preseason, on Jan. 10.
"It's certainly not an ideal situation at this point, but we'll do what we think is best," Belichick said.
Manning isn't ready to admit the Patriots, despite their problems in the secondary, will be pushovers.
"It's been no Ty Law since the Pittsburgh game, and they win every game," he said. "Ty is one of the top players in the NFL, and of course he's missed, but as we all say, 'Everybody else has to step up,' and they've been stepping up."
New England's secondary, led by Rodney Harrison, will have their hands full against the Colts.
Manning had one of the best regular seasons in league history, setting NFL records with 49 touchdown passes and a passer rating of 121.1. With his quick release and ability to read defenses, Manning can pick apart even the most accomplished secondary, making this perhaps the most challenging game of Belichick's career.
"At New England," said Manning, referring to the AFC title game last Jan. 18, "I played like an absolute dog. There's no question about it. We have to play great up there against a great team."
Manning showed no signs of slowing down last week in a 49-24 rout of Denver. He threw for 457 yards, second most in postseason history, and four touchdowns.
"It was outstanding execution throughout the entire game," Manning said. "Tony (Dungy) talks about staying calm in pressure situations and it doesn't get more intense than the playoffs."
Denver decided to take away favorite option Marvin Harrison early, so Manning turned to emerging star Reggie Wayne, who finished with 221 yards -- the third most in playoff history -- on 10 catches with two touchdowns. Tight end Dallas Clarkhad six receptions for 113 yards and a score.
While the Colts have a more explosive offense than the Patriots, New England also is a very capable offensive team and will be best served by holding the ball as long as possible to keep Manning off the field.
The Patriots have won two Super Bowls in three years without much of a running game, but that changed this season with the addition of Corey Dillion, who rushed for 1,635 yards in 15 games. Dillon figures to see plenty of touches against a Colts defense that ranked 24th against the run.
Though overshadowed by Manning, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had an excellent regular season and earned his second trip to the Pro Bowl. Brady, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, has eight touchdowns and three interceptions in four career games against Indianapolis with a 106.3 passer rating.
Brady isn't concerned about the lack of attention he receives when compared to Manning.
"I have had way too much attention over the last three years to ever think that," he said. "I mean, no way. No way."
One of the unknown factors in this game will be the health of Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymore, who sat out the last game of the regular season with an injured knee. Seymour is listed as questionable for the Sunday showdown. The Patriots haven't lost a home game in more than two years, winning 19 in a row, including the postseason, since a 30-17 loss to the New York Jets on Dec. 22, 200
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick often is called a defensive genius. His uncanny ability to slow down Peyton Manning and the explosive Indianapolis Colts is one reason why that label fits so well.
Belichick will try to help his team overcome its decimated secondary and find a way to limit Manning again as the defending champion Patriots face the Colts in a divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium.
While every other opponent seems to have no chance at stopping Manning, the two-time league MVP, Belichick and the Patriots have had remarkable success against the league's best quarterback and the NFL's most potent offense.
New England has won five straight against Manning and the Colts, including a 27-24 victory in this season's opener and a 24-14 triumph in the 2003 AFC Championship Game.
Manning has never won at New England, losing all six games there with a dismal 59.6 passer rating. In 11 games when facing Belichick as a head coach or a defensive coordinator, Manning has thrown 19 touchdowns against 18 interceptions and has a passer rating of 74.3, nearly 20 points lower than against all other opponents.
Belichick, however, doesn't believe he does anything special against Manning.
"Nobody wants to see me on the field against Peyton Manning," he said. "Not me, not any fan. Nobody except the Colts."
In last season's AFC championship game, the Patriots intercepted Manning four times, but three of those were by standout cornerback Ty Law, out for the season with a foot injury. Not only will be Patriots be without Law, one of the league's best at his position, but Tyrone Poole, their other starting corner, has been out since the fourth week of the season and will not play in the playoffs.
Without Law and Poole, Belichick has been forced to use wide receiver Troy Brown as a defensive back and linebacker Don Davis as a safety. Undrafted free agent Randall Gay and Earthwind Moreland also have seen time in place of Law and Poole.
The Patriots signed cornerback Hank Poteat, who hasn't played since Carolina released him in the preseason, on Jan. 10.
"It's certainly not an ideal situation at this point, but we'll do what we think is best," Belichick said.
Manning isn't ready to admit the Patriots, despite their problems in the secondary, will be pushovers.
"It's been no Ty Law since the Pittsburgh game, and they win every game," he said. "Ty is one of the top players in the NFL, and of course he's missed, but as we all say, 'Everybody else has to step up,' and they've been stepping up."
New England's secondary, led by Rodney Harrison, will have their hands full against the Colts.
Manning had one of the best regular seasons in league history, setting NFL records with 49 touchdown passes and a passer rating of 121.1. With his quick release and ability to read defenses, Manning can pick apart even the most accomplished secondary, making this perhaps the most challenging game of Belichick's career.
"At New England," said Manning, referring to the AFC title game last Jan. 18, "I played like an absolute dog. There's no question about it. We have to play great up there against a great team."
Manning showed no signs of slowing down last week in a 49-24 rout of Denver. He threw for 457 yards, second most in postseason history, and four touchdowns.
"It was outstanding execution throughout the entire game," Manning said. "Tony (Dungy) talks about staying calm in pressure situations and it doesn't get more intense than the playoffs."
Denver decided to take away favorite option Marvin Harrison early, so Manning turned to emerging star Reggie Wayne, who finished with 221 yards -- the third most in playoff history -- on 10 catches with two touchdowns. Tight end Dallas Clarkhad six receptions for 113 yards and a score.
While the Colts have a more explosive offense than the Patriots, New England also is a very capable offensive team and will be best served by holding the ball as long as possible to keep Manning off the field.
The Patriots have won two Super Bowls in three years without much of a running game, but that changed this season with the addition of Corey Dillion, who rushed for 1,635 yards in 15 games. Dillon figures to see plenty of touches against a Colts defense that ranked 24th against the run.
Though overshadowed by Manning, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had an excellent regular season and earned his second trip to the Pro Bowl. Brady, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, has eight touchdowns and three interceptions in four career games against Indianapolis with a 106.3 passer rating.
Brady isn't concerned about the lack of attention he receives when compared to Manning.
"I have had way too much attention over the last three years to ever think that," he said. "I mean, no way. No way."
One of the unknown factors in this game will be the health of Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymore, who sat out the last game of the regular season with an injured knee. Seymour is listed as questionable for the Sunday showdown. The Patriots haven't lost a home game in more than two years, winning 19 in a row, including the postseason, since a 30-17 loss to the New York Jets on Dec. 22, 200
Vikings vs. Eagles - Playoff Preview
By Mark Riley
Randy Moss has angered teammates, been embroiled in controversy and bothered by injury.
At least he'll be on the field. Terrell Owens won't be.
That puts a bigger burden on Donovan McNabb as the Philadelphia Eagles seek a fourth consecutive trip to the NFC championship game, with Moss and the Minnesota Vikings hoping to spoil that bid by finding holes in a defense full of Pro Bowl performers.
"I expect a big game from Randy every single time we go out," Vikings receiver Nate Burleson said. "It's hard for him, because everybody gives him a lot of flak about certain things that he does, but really, when it comes down to it, that's a guy that I know I would rather have than any other receiver in this league."
All eyes will be on Moss, not just to see what he can do against an Eagles secondary that might be the NFL's best -- one that held him in check in Week 2 -- but also for whatever his latest antics might include.
That's another reason Owens gets so much attention, but he won't be returning any sooner than the Super Bowl due to torn ankle ligaments.
"You guys said T.O. took the pressure off of me. Now I guess I have all the pressure again," McNabb said. "I love pressure. I love to step out there and everybody is standing on their feet with their mouth wide open to find out what I'm going to do next. ... Buckle your seat belts and enjoy the ride."
The absence of Owens isn't the only reason many are wondering how the Eagles will fare as they enter the postseason, looking to finally make the Super Bowl following three consecutive NFC title game defeats. Philadelphia hasn't played a meaningful game in nearly a month, and it has been even longer since it truly looked like the NFC's most dominant team.
"We love it when people doubt us," Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown said. "They don't expect us to do anything because we don't have T.O. That's the best situation to be in."
Moss hasn't put himself in the best of situations recently.
He annoyed many teammates and coaches in the regular season-ending, 21-18 loss at Washington by leaving the field with two seconds to play. Last week, he ruffled feathers by pretending to moon the crowd in Green Bay after scoring a late touchdown in the Vikings' 31-17 wild-card victory.
Moss had four catches for 70 yards and caught two of Daunte Culpepper’s four touchdown passes despite playing with a sprained right ankle.
"That's Randy," Vikings center Matt Birk said. "You take the good with the bad."
Moss missed the Wednesday practice but is expected to play. Owens' injury changes the dynamic of an Eagles offense that often looked unstoppable.
Owens helped McNabb have a career year, but was hurt in a Week 15 victory against Dallas that allowed Philadelphia to clinch home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. McNabb barely played in the last two games, and new top option Brian Westbrook didn't play at all as the Eagles' backups lost to St. Louis and Cincinnati.
"The positives about it is that we're fresh and ready to go," McNabb said. "We got all our guys healthy. It's sad when you don't play one or two games and all of a sudden people think you're out of sync.
Donovan McNabb and the Eagles will line up against the Vikings again, but not with Terrell Owens.
"We'll be ready to go. We'll be fired up."
Even in the previous two games -- ones that mattered and in which Owens played -- Philadelphia did not look good against teams that both finished 6-10. The Eagles won 17-14 at Washington and beat the Cowboys 12-7.
With Owens missing and the Vikings considered to have a suspect defense, the featured matchup is Minnesota's potent passing offense against Philadelphia's secondary.
"You've got to have that attack attitude," Vikings tight end Jermaine Wiggins said. "You've got to jump on somebody's throat, and you've just got to smother them."
Culpepper threw for 284 yards last week and set a team playoff record with his 137.1 passer rating. Minnesota had lost four of five to close the regular season, but the wild-card victory was another example of how Culpepper just keeps playing well.
He has thrown for at least 270 yards in five consecutive games, totaling 13 touchdown passes and one interception. Culpepper has found another reliable target besides Moss, with Burleson having caught four TD passes in the past four weeks.
That trio is going up against a defensive backfield that includes three Pro Bowl selections -- cornerback Lito Sheppard and safeties Brian Dawkins and Michael Lewis. Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and pass rusher Jevon Kearse also made the team.
The 6-foot-4 Moss has a half-foot advantage over Sheppard and Brown, both generously listed at 5-foot-10, though that duo limited him to 69 yards in Philadelphia's 27-16 victory against the visiting Vikings on Sept. 20.
The Eagles allowed the fewest points in the NFC (260), and gave up only 200.8 passing yards per game despite winning many blowouts in which opponents were forced to throw often.
"We're on an elevator," Sheppard said. "We're on the 17th floor now. We have three more floors to go. Until we get to our peak, we're still getting better."
Randy Moss has angered teammates, been embroiled in controversy and bothered by injury.
At least he'll be on the field. Terrell Owens won't be.
That puts a bigger burden on Donovan McNabb as the Philadelphia Eagles seek a fourth consecutive trip to the NFC championship game, with Moss and the Minnesota Vikings hoping to spoil that bid by finding holes in a defense full of Pro Bowl performers.
"I expect a big game from Randy every single time we go out," Vikings receiver Nate Burleson said. "It's hard for him, because everybody gives him a lot of flak about certain things that he does, but really, when it comes down to it, that's a guy that I know I would rather have than any other receiver in this league."
All eyes will be on Moss, not just to see what he can do against an Eagles secondary that might be the NFL's best -- one that held him in check in Week 2 -- but also for whatever his latest antics might include.
That's another reason Owens gets so much attention, but he won't be returning any sooner than the Super Bowl due to torn ankle ligaments.
"You guys said T.O. took the pressure off of me. Now I guess I have all the pressure again," McNabb said. "I love pressure. I love to step out there and everybody is standing on their feet with their mouth wide open to find out what I'm going to do next. ... Buckle your seat belts and enjoy the ride."
The absence of Owens isn't the only reason many are wondering how the Eagles will fare as they enter the postseason, looking to finally make the Super Bowl following three consecutive NFC title game defeats. Philadelphia hasn't played a meaningful game in nearly a month, and it has been even longer since it truly looked like the NFC's most dominant team.
"We love it when people doubt us," Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown said. "They don't expect us to do anything because we don't have T.O. That's the best situation to be in."
Moss hasn't put himself in the best of situations recently.
He annoyed many teammates and coaches in the regular season-ending, 21-18 loss at Washington by leaving the field with two seconds to play. Last week, he ruffled feathers by pretending to moon the crowd in Green Bay after scoring a late touchdown in the Vikings' 31-17 wild-card victory.
Moss had four catches for 70 yards and caught two of Daunte Culpepper’s four touchdown passes despite playing with a sprained right ankle.
"That's Randy," Vikings center Matt Birk said. "You take the good with the bad."
Moss missed the Wednesday practice but is expected to play. Owens' injury changes the dynamic of an Eagles offense that often looked unstoppable.
Owens helped McNabb have a career year, but was hurt in a Week 15 victory against Dallas that allowed Philadelphia to clinch home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. McNabb barely played in the last two games, and new top option Brian Westbrook didn't play at all as the Eagles' backups lost to St. Louis and Cincinnati.
"The positives about it is that we're fresh and ready to go," McNabb said. "We got all our guys healthy. It's sad when you don't play one or two games and all of a sudden people think you're out of sync.
Donovan McNabb and the Eagles will line up against the Vikings again, but not with Terrell Owens.
"We'll be ready to go. We'll be fired up."
Even in the previous two games -- ones that mattered and in which Owens played -- Philadelphia did not look good against teams that both finished 6-10. The Eagles won 17-14 at Washington and beat the Cowboys 12-7.
With Owens missing and the Vikings considered to have a suspect defense, the featured matchup is Minnesota's potent passing offense against Philadelphia's secondary.
"You've got to have that attack attitude," Vikings tight end Jermaine Wiggins said. "You've got to jump on somebody's throat, and you've just got to smother them."
Culpepper threw for 284 yards last week and set a team playoff record with his 137.1 passer rating. Minnesota had lost four of five to close the regular season, but the wild-card victory was another example of how Culpepper just keeps playing well.
He has thrown for at least 270 yards in five consecutive games, totaling 13 touchdown passes and one interception. Culpepper has found another reliable target besides Moss, with Burleson having caught four TD passes in the past four weeks.
That trio is going up against a defensive backfield that includes three Pro Bowl selections -- cornerback Lito Sheppard and safeties Brian Dawkins and Michael Lewis. Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and pass rusher Jevon Kearse also made the team.
The 6-foot-4 Moss has a half-foot advantage over Sheppard and Brown, both generously listed at 5-foot-10, though that duo limited him to 69 yards in Philadelphia's 27-16 victory against the visiting Vikings on Sept. 20.
The Eagles allowed the fewest points in the NFC (260), and gave up only 200.8 passing yards per game despite winning many blowouts in which opponents were forced to throw often.
"We're on an elevator," Sheppard said. "We're on the 17th floor now. We have three more floors to go. Until we get to our peak, we're still getting better."
Rams vs. Falcons - Playoff Preview
By Mark Riley
The Atlanta Falcons earned a first-round bye and a home playoff game by winning the NFC South. That home-field advantage, however, might look downright inviting to the St. Louis Rams.
After barely keeping their season alive the past two weeks, the Rams will take on the Falcons on the artificial turf of the Georgia Dome in what could be a high-scoring divisional playoff game.
The Rams have exhibited a resilience in their past two contests that has been missing all year. They defeated the New York Jets in overtime in their season finale in a game they had to win to make the playoffs, then knocked off the Seattle Seahawks 27-20 on the road Jan. 8 in a wild-card contest.
Marc Bulger threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, the last a 17-yarder to Cam Cleeland with 2:11 to play, and the Rams advanced when Seattle's Bobby Engram couldn't hold on to a Matt Hasselbeck pass in the end zone on fourth-and-4 from the Rams' 5 with 27 seconds remaining.
"The last three weeks -- this is a different team than the previous 14 weeks," coach Mike Martz said. "This is kind of who I think we are."
More than anything, Martz's team is one that thrives on the turf of their home stadium, the Edward Jones Dome, where it went 6-2 this season. With All-Pro receivers Torry Holt and Issac Bruce, and running backs Marshall Faulk and Steven Jackson St. Louis' speedy roster is built to succeed on artificial surfaces such as that of the Georgia Dome.
The Rams, however, are only getting the chance to do so after a tumultuous 2004 that nearly saw them miss the postseason. Hurt by injuries and infighting, the team came together with three consecutive victories and finally has embraced a new defensive scheme that allowed it to limit the Seahawks' Shaun Alexander, the NFC's leading rusher this season, to 40 yards on 15 carries last week.
St. Louis' defense, though, will faces a considerably tougher task. Their newfound ability to stop the run will be tested against the NFL's best rushing attack, led by superstar quarterback Michael Vick and running backs Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett The trio helped the Falcons roll up 2,672 rushing yards and a 5.1-yard average, both league bests, as well as 20 TDs on the ground. Vick led the league with 7.5 yards per attempt and rushed for 902 yards, the third-highest single-season total by a quarterback in NFL history.
"He certainly is unique and probably as an athlete is the best in the league; there's no question about that," Martz said. "The first thing you do is you need to account for him."
Martz and the Rams learned that lesson in Week 2, as the NFL's most dangerous run-pass threat rushed for 109 yards on 12 carries and passed for 179 in the Falcons' 34-17 victory against St. Louis at the Georgia Dome.
Michael Vick ran past the Rams in their meeting earlier this season.
That victory broke a seven-game losing streak in the series for the Falcons, who resided in the NFC West with the Rams before the NFL realigned from six to eight divisions three seasons ago.
The Falcons have the added advantage of the rest and healing that comes with a first-round bye, as first-year coach Jim Mora won't list anyone on the team's injury report this week. Regardless of health, Atlanta's potent running game might not matter if the team's resurgent defense can't contain the Rams' high-powered offense.
The key for Atlanta in trying to slow down St. Louis might lie with the ability of the Falcons' outstanding front four to get pressure on Bulger. Linemen Patrick Kerney, Rod Coleman, Brady Smith and Ed Jasper lead a defense that piled up a league-high 48 sacks.
Pro Bowl performer Kerney had 13 while Coleman added 11½, and the Falcons will need those players to continue to get to the quarterback in order to keep the Rams' big plays to a minimum
"They don't just work together," defensive line coach Bill Johnson said. "They're the greatest group of guys I've ever coached from a personality standpoint."
Mora led the Falcons to a reversal of their 2003 record and only the third division title in franchise history this season. Many of Atlanta's players have relatively little postseason experience, as the team last played in the playoffs in 2002. Rust also could be a factor for the Falcons; Mora rested Vick and most of his key players during the last two weeks of the regular season, both losses.
"We've just got to prepare the way we've been preparing for teams all year and making sure that we do everything possible to have our best week of preparation and just get ready to play a great football game," Vick said Jan. 11.
"We've studied this team. We know what their tendencies are and what they do, so it's just all about putting the game plan together and making sure that the game plan is a game plan that can take advantage of the things that they do."
The winning team has scored 30-plus points in 13 of the past 15 contests between the former NFC West rivals.
The Atlanta Falcons earned a first-round bye and a home playoff game by winning the NFC South. That home-field advantage, however, might look downright inviting to the St. Louis Rams.
After barely keeping their season alive the past two weeks, the Rams will take on the Falcons on the artificial turf of the Georgia Dome in what could be a high-scoring divisional playoff game.
The Rams have exhibited a resilience in their past two contests that has been missing all year. They defeated the New York Jets in overtime in their season finale in a game they had to win to make the playoffs, then knocked off the Seattle Seahawks 27-20 on the road Jan. 8 in a wild-card contest.
Marc Bulger threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, the last a 17-yarder to Cam Cleeland with 2:11 to play, and the Rams advanced when Seattle's Bobby Engram couldn't hold on to a Matt Hasselbeck pass in the end zone on fourth-and-4 from the Rams' 5 with 27 seconds remaining.
"The last three weeks -- this is a different team than the previous 14 weeks," coach Mike Martz said. "This is kind of who I think we are."
More than anything, Martz's team is one that thrives on the turf of their home stadium, the Edward Jones Dome, where it went 6-2 this season. With All-Pro receivers Torry Holt and Issac Bruce, and running backs Marshall Faulk and Steven Jackson St. Louis' speedy roster is built to succeed on artificial surfaces such as that of the Georgia Dome.
The Rams, however, are only getting the chance to do so after a tumultuous 2004 that nearly saw them miss the postseason. Hurt by injuries and infighting, the team came together with three consecutive victories and finally has embraced a new defensive scheme that allowed it to limit the Seahawks' Shaun Alexander, the NFC's leading rusher this season, to 40 yards on 15 carries last week.
St. Louis' defense, though, will faces a considerably tougher task. Their newfound ability to stop the run will be tested against the NFL's best rushing attack, led by superstar quarterback Michael Vick and running backs Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett The trio helped the Falcons roll up 2,672 rushing yards and a 5.1-yard average, both league bests, as well as 20 TDs on the ground. Vick led the league with 7.5 yards per attempt and rushed for 902 yards, the third-highest single-season total by a quarterback in NFL history.
"He certainly is unique and probably as an athlete is the best in the league; there's no question about that," Martz said. "The first thing you do is you need to account for him."
Martz and the Rams learned that lesson in Week 2, as the NFL's most dangerous run-pass threat rushed for 109 yards on 12 carries and passed for 179 in the Falcons' 34-17 victory against St. Louis at the Georgia Dome.
Michael Vick ran past the Rams in their meeting earlier this season.
That victory broke a seven-game losing streak in the series for the Falcons, who resided in the NFC West with the Rams before the NFL realigned from six to eight divisions three seasons ago.
The Falcons have the added advantage of the rest and healing that comes with a first-round bye, as first-year coach Jim Mora won't list anyone on the team's injury report this week. Regardless of health, Atlanta's potent running game might not matter if the team's resurgent defense can't contain the Rams' high-powered offense.
The key for Atlanta in trying to slow down St. Louis might lie with the ability of the Falcons' outstanding front four to get pressure on Bulger. Linemen Patrick Kerney, Rod Coleman, Brady Smith and Ed Jasper lead a defense that piled up a league-high 48 sacks.
Pro Bowl performer Kerney had 13 while Coleman added 11½, and the Falcons will need those players to continue to get to the quarterback in order to keep the Rams' big plays to a minimum
"They don't just work together," defensive line coach Bill Johnson said. "They're the greatest group of guys I've ever coached from a personality standpoint."
Mora led the Falcons to a reversal of their 2003 record and only the third division title in franchise history this season. Many of Atlanta's players have relatively little postseason experience, as the team last played in the playoffs in 2002. Rust also could be a factor for the Falcons; Mora rested Vick and most of his key players during the last two weeks of the regular season, both losses.
"We've just got to prepare the way we've been preparing for teams all year and making sure that we do everything possible to have our best week of preparation and just get ready to play a great football game," Vick said Jan. 11.
"We've studied this team. We know what their tendencies are and what they do, so it's just all about putting the game plan together and making sure that the game plan is a game plan that can take advantage of the things that they do."
The winning team has scored 30-plus points in 13 of the past 15 contests between the former NFC West rivals.
Jets vs Steelers - Playoff Preview
By Mark Riley
Sooner or later, Ben Rothlisberger is going to lose a game in the NFL.
Someday, the New York Jets are going to win one in Pittsburgh.
Both of those things could happen as early as Jan. 15 if the Jets can find a way to go into Heinz Field and beat the Steelers, who boast the NFL's best record and its Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Roethlisberger had one of the best seasons ever by a rookie quarterback, setting an NFL record by winning his first 13 starts. Pittsburgh closed the season with a franchise-record 14-game winning streak, with Roethlisberger sitting out the season finale to rest sore ribs after the Steelers had already clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Included in the Steelers' winning streak was a 17-6 home victory against the Jets on Dec. 12, dropping New York to 0-6 all-time in Pittsburgh. That was part of the Jets' 5-6 record to close the season, which would have cost them a playoff spot if the Steelers, using mostly backups, had lost to Buffalo in their last game.
The defeat to Pittsburgh renewed criticism of both Chad Pennington and the Jets' ability to beat good teams after he was intercepted three times while leading New York to only a pair of field goals.
"Obviously I didn't play well the last time we played Pittsburgh, so those questions will be asked again," said Pennington, who sat out the Wednesday practice with a stomach virus. "We'll handle those things and go up there ready to play."
Pennington helped silence some criticism by leading New York to a 20-17 overtime victory against AFC West champion San Diego in the wild-card round. He was 23-for-33 for 279 yards and two touchdowns, including a 47-yarder to Santana Moss that was the longest TD pass of the season for a player who doesn't have a particularly strong arm and struggled late in the season after a rotator cuff injury.
While Pennington's failures have been well-documented, forgotten is how much Roethlisberger struggled in the regular-season game against the Jets. He was only 9-for-19 for 144 yards, and suffered two interceptions and two sacks. In fact, Pittsburgh's lone touchdown pass was thrown by running back Jerome Bettis.
However, Roethlisberger was without deep threat Plaxico Burress , who caught a team-high five touchdown passes, for that game because of an injured hamstring.
"They were bringing a lot of people, and penalties hurt us a lot," Roethlisberger said. "We did not play a good first half of football offensively. We made some mistakes, but the good thing is we got out with the win."
The Jets have a better chance to pressure Roethlisberger if defensive end John Abraham can play. He has missed the past five games with a sprained right knee and is listed as questionable for this week.
Both teams can overcome struggles by their quarterback, because they prefer the run anyway.
Pittsburgh had the NFL's second-best running attack behind the duo of Duce Staley and Bettis. The Steelers rushed for 154 yards per game, with Bettis rushing for most of his 941 yards and 13 touchdowns after Staley was forced to miss a number of games with a hamstring injury.
Staley finished with 830 yards and was well on his way to 1,000 as the featured back before missing six games. He is healthy now, but coach Bill Cowher has not yet said which will be the starting back.
The Steelers will begin their quest for the Super Bowl against the Jets, whom they beat last month.
"It doesn't really matter, because I promise you both of us are going to play," Bettis said. "It's a two-headed monster. The guy who lines up there (to start the game) I don't think is too significant."
New York finished right behind Pittsburgh in third place and has NFL rushing champion and Pittsburgh native Curtis martin, who gained 1,697 yards, and Lamont Jordan, who had an important carry that set up the winning field goal in overtime last week.
Neither accomplished much against the Steelers' top-ranked rushing defense, with Martin carrying 24 times for 72 yards and Jordan adding only 10 yards on his three carries.
The game will match fiery coaches Cowher and Herman Edwards, who earlier this week apologized for yelling at one of his assistants on the sideline during the victory in San Diego. Cowher and Edwards were teammates with the Philadelphia Eagles in the mid-1980s, and both have enjoyed some postseason success as coaches.
Edwards has the Jets into the second round for the second time in three years, and last week became the first Jets coach to win a road playoff game since Walt Michaels in 1982. Cowher has led the Steelers to at least one victory in each of their past six postseason appearances and is 7-4 at home in the playoffs.
The Steelers are 15-2 all-time against the Jets and would play host to the AFC championship game with another victory. If New York wins, it will visit the winner of the New England-Indianapolis game.
Sooner or later, Ben Rothlisberger is going to lose a game in the NFL.
Someday, the New York Jets are going to win one in Pittsburgh.
Both of those things could happen as early as Jan. 15 if the Jets can find a way to go into Heinz Field and beat the Steelers, who boast the NFL's best record and its Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Roethlisberger had one of the best seasons ever by a rookie quarterback, setting an NFL record by winning his first 13 starts. Pittsburgh closed the season with a franchise-record 14-game winning streak, with Roethlisberger sitting out the season finale to rest sore ribs after the Steelers had already clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Included in the Steelers' winning streak was a 17-6 home victory against the Jets on Dec. 12, dropping New York to 0-6 all-time in Pittsburgh. That was part of the Jets' 5-6 record to close the season, which would have cost them a playoff spot if the Steelers, using mostly backups, had lost to Buffalo in their last game.
The defeat to Pittsburgh renewed criticism of both Chad Pennington and the Jets' ability to beat good teams after he was intercepted three times while leading New York to only a pair of field goals.
"Obviously I didn't play well the last time we played Pittsburgh, so those questions will be asked again," said Pennington, who sat out the Wednesday practice with a stomach virus. "We'll handle those things and go up there ready to play."
Pennington helped silence some criticism by leading New York to a 20-17 overtime victory against AFC West champion San Diego in the wild-card round. He was 23-for-33 for 279 yards and two touchdowns, including a 47-yarder to Santana Moss that was the longest TD pass of the season for a player who doesn't have a particularly strong arm and struggled late in the season after a rotator cuff injury.
While Pennington's failures have been well-documented, forgotten is how much Roethlisberger struggled in the regular-season game against the Jets. He was only 9-for-19 for 144 yards, and suffered two interceptions and two sacks. In fact, Pittsburgh's lone touchdown pass was thrown by running back Jerome Bettis.
However, Roethlisberger was without deep threat Plaxico Burress , who caught a team-high five touchdown passes, for that game because of an injured hamstring.
"They were bringing a lot of people, and penalties hurt us a lot," Roethlisberger said. "We did not play a good first half of football offensively. We made some mistakes, but the good thing is we got out with the win."
The Jets have a better chance to pressure Roethlisberger if defensive end John Abraham can play. He has missed the past five games with a sprained right knee and is listed as questionable for this week.
Both teams can overcome struggles by their quarterback, because they prefer the run anyway.
Pittsburgh had the NFL's second-best running attack behind the duo of Duce Staley and Bettis. The Steelers rushed for 154 yards per game, with Bettis rushing for most of his 941 yards and 13 touchdowns after Staley was forced to miss a number of games with a hamstring injury.
Staley finished with 830 yards and was well on his way to 1,000 as the featured back before missing six games. He is healthy now, but coach Bill Cowher has not yet said which will be the starting back.
The Steelers will begin their quest for the Super Bowl against the Jets, whom they beat last month.
"It doesn't really matter, because I promise you both of us are going to play," Bettis said. "It's a two-headed monster. The guy who lines up there (to start the game) I don't think is too significant."
New York finished right behind Pittsburgh in third place and has NFL rushing champion and Pittsburgh native Curtis martin, who gained 1,697 yards, and Lamont Jordan, who had an important carry that set up the winning field goal in overtime last week.
Neither accomplished much against the Steelers' top-ranked rushing defense, with Martin carrying 24 times for 72 yards and Jordan adding only 10 yards on his three carries.
The game will match fiery coaches Cowher and Herman Edwards, who earlier this week apologized for yelling at one of his assistants on the sideline during the victory in San Diego. Cowher and Edwards were teammates with the Philadelphia Eagles in the mid-1980s, and both have enjoyed some postseason success as coaches.
Edwards has the Jets into the second round for the second time in three years, and last week became the first Jets coach to win a road playoff game since Walt Michaels in 1982. Cowher has led the Steelers to at least one victory in each of their past six postseason appearances and is 7-4 at home in the playoffs.
The Steelers are 15-2 all-time against the Jets and would play host to the AFC championship game with another victory. If New York wins, it will visit the winner of the New England-Indianapolis game.
