**** Official "McDaniels-free zone" Cincinnati @ Houston playoff game thread ****

[JD10367]

Go Bengals.

[Deberg_1990]

So this makes the 3rd expansion team to win a playoff game after the Chiefs last playoff win.

[tecumseh]

Originally Posted by JD10367

If they'd won homefield throughout, I'd agree. Having to possibly go on the road to New England might've killed it for them (just as, if the Patriots had ended up with the 2nd seed, I would've said that having to possibly go on the road to Baltimore might've killed it for them).

However, if Pitt beats Denver tomorrow, and then takes out New England while Baltimore handles Houston at home, that sets up a very favorable AFCN Championship Game of Pitt @ Baltimore... which would bode very well for Baltimore.

Pats'll run the table. Pats/Pack SB. Pack takes all.

[Dylan]

marvin lewis needs to shoot himself in the head after this game

[HemiEd]

I get this sickening feeling that we are watching the 2012 Chiefs in the Bengals, due to their total lack of discipline. But hey, the players love Lewis.

[crispystl]

Originally Posted by RINGLEADER

Think they can beat the Texans (again).

Also think they can beat the Patriots or Steelers (again).

None of the teams they're going to face matches up particularly well against them.

I just can't see Flacco beating Brady in New England.

[Bowser]

Are those dumbasses actually chanting "Whoop, there it is"?

[JD10367]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

1. OIC, UC the Pat's throttling of the Rams' potent offense as a failure of the OC. I disagree. BB used a confounding mix of deception and pressure to take them out of their game. Texas can do the same with QB pressure and coverage.

Brady > Warner, Belichick > Martz.

2. The Texans have hung 31 on a Bengals D highly superior to NEs [granted 7 is due to INT return, but it's the first playoff game for the franchise and their 5th round rookie QB].

"Hung 31"? They got a freak pick-INT, a should've-been-a-pick by Cincy that was dropped, a blown coverage on one of the best WRs n the game, a late TD where Cincy clearly gave up and didn't even try to tackle... An offensive juggernaut under Yates they are not. I'd be shocked if, next week in Baltimore, the Texans get over 20. And in New England, even with the Patriots' weak D, I'd be surprised if they get over 30... and scoring 30 or less may not be enough.

Again, nothing against Houston, they have a lot of talent, but with Yates--and having to go on the road to Baltimore and then possibly New England--I don't see it happening for them this year.

Now, one scenario I can see, is if Pitt wins tomorrow and then takes out New England. If the Texans can squeak out a win in Baltimore they would then host the AFCCG vs. Pittsburgh.

Basically, between New England, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Houston, there are many entertaining possibilities matchup-wise. (Now watch Denver **** it up by winning tomorrow, LOL...)

[tk13]

We heard this last year about how nobody in the AFC can beat the Pats. Although the AFC is so down this year maybe it happens. But still, NE's defense is not very good. And there are teams like Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Houston who have good defenses and can punch you in the mouth. I'm not sure it's even a 25% lock. All these teams have flaws that can be exposed in a one game setting.

[Dylan]

Texans have an excellent young defense -- Wade will have them ready -- He plays smashmouth football -- great blitz pkgs - j/m/o

Ravens defense is old -- something to think about, anyway ...

[JD10367]

Originally Posted by crispystl420

I just can't see Flacco beating Brady in New England.

Well, he did it two years ago. Granted, the Pats spotted them a giant lead with some awful run-tackling and bad O, and this year's Patriots have a much better chance of coming back from being down. Flacco may simply be a better Sanchez but, despite Flacco's limitations, it's not like he hasn't won in the playoffs before, and done so in New England.

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by Bowser

Are those dumbasses actually chanting "Whoop, there it is"?

yes, I blame the region more so than the fans. These facilities need to update their music. Turner field and Yankee Stadium are no exceptions. They always play the same nonsense. such as 'I got the Power' by C&C Music Factory and stuff like that. ...and I'm all like 'jeez it's 2012!'

[cdcox]

Originally Posted by tk13

We heard this last year about how nobody in the AFC can beat the Pats. Although the AFC is so down this year maybe it happens. But still, NE's defense is not very good. And there are teams like Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Houston who have good defenses and can punch you in the mouth. I'm not sure it's even a 25% lock. All these teams have flaws that can be exposed in a one game setting.

Since they only have to win two games, even if the games were even odds it would be 25%. I think they will be favorites in both games.

[tk13]

Originally Posted by JD10367

Well, he did it two years ago. Granted, the Pats spotted them a giant lead with some awful run-tackling and bad O, and this year's Patriots have a much better chance of coming back from being down. Flacco may simply be a better Sanchez but, despite Flacco's limitations, it's not like he hasn't won in the playoffs before, and done so in New England.

Yeah, but Flacco literally went something like 4/10 passing in that game too.

[JD10367]

Congratulations, Houston. Although it's not like winning a home game against Cincy is an "upset", you finally scored your first playoff game, your first HOME playoff game, and your first playoff WIN, all at the same time while starting a #3 QB fifth-round rookie.

[Bowser]

Look at that - a rookie 5th round pick winning a playoff game! [/trollface]