The Opening Drive: 2012 Wildcard Sunday

If Saturday’s games were any indication, then Sunday’s remaining Wildcard action should be entertaining as hell. Who’s got time for lengthy introductions though? Let’s break down this action!

 


(10-6) Atlanta Falcons at
(9-7) New York Giants
1:00 PM ET, FOX

Even more of a toss-up than Texans-Bengals, this game seems like it could go either way. Matt Ryan and the Falcons have been hot of late, winning five of their last seven games. However, all of those wins except one (Tennessee) came against sub .500 teams. Atlanta’s been kicking the crap out of crappy teams in 2011. Ryan hasn’t looked as sharp against quality defenses, but he hasn’t been getting help from receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones in those outings. Too many drops in an inconsistent passing attack. As always, the key to their success is the production of Michael Turner. The Falcons have a very aggressive offensive line that excels at run blocking, but their pass blocking hasn’t been as dependable. Defensively they’ve struggled to produce any sort of pass rush, even with Ray Edwards. John Abraham needs to have a big day.

Eli Manning may have just completed his best season as a professional quarterback. It came at a great time too, as the Giants wouldn’t have even been competitive this season without Manning’s heroics. Their running game hasn’t been as dominant as in years past, which is a direct result of the decline of their offensive line. Still, Manning’s put up points this year thanks to a stellar receiving crew, fronted by Victor Cruz, who looks like most explosive receiver in the game. On defense, the Giants are weak in the secondary, but those deficiencies are masked by the outstanding play of the defensive line. They still have Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora, but the emergence of Jason Pierre-Paul this year has really elevated their chances this postseason. Their front four has the type of talent they had when they won the Super Bowl and is a key to beating these high-powered offenses.

New York is a three point home favorite. A sign that Vegas thinks this is a pick ‘em.

Were this in Atlanta, I’d probably feel differently. Since it’s in NY, I‘ll take the Giants. Shouldn’t be a pounding, but it should be more than three.

How much time do you want me to spend on this one? Okay, fine. Big Ben is still hurt with a high ankle sprain, but something tells me he’ll be out there with an occasional limp and yet miraculously and dramatically lead his team to a victory. Sound familiar? Veteran DB Champ Bailey will likely be matched up on speedster Mike Wallace, but with rookies at safety for the Broncos (no Brian Dawkins), there won’t be an effective top on their defense. Keep an eye on Wallace for big plays. Without Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers are going to need a committee effort at running back just to keep some pressure off Roethlisberger. Safety Ryan Clark won’t be out there, but I’m not sure he needs to be against the Bronco offense. The Steelers have too many excellent pass-rushers to let this game get away from them.

Oh Timmy Teebs. It’s been a fun ride (when you lose), but now it’s time for it to end. Unless you’ve still saved up some magic or have taught your receivers how to get any separation whatsoever, the Steelers are going to frustrate you with bump-and-run coverage all day to make you beat them down the field. As good as Willis McGahee has been this season, his numbers are going to drop staggeringly against the Steeler run defense.  To aid any chance of a Bronco victory, that defense has to get major pressure on Roethlisberger and get consistent pressure in his face. Without it that secondary could get torched early and often.

Pittsburgh is a nine point road favorite.

Agh. With the way the Steelers play sometimes, this could easily be a 14-6 kind of game. However, I’m going to go with my heart’s desire to see Tebow crushed and take the Steelers to put them down by a crap-ton. Get off my playoff lawn Teebs.

Check back later tonight for The Final Drive of Wildcard weekend!