First!

And just to start things off right, if the Pats win, it will be their first win against a top 5 DVOA team since week 3 (Pittsburgh) and only their 3rd win against a top 10 DVOA team all season (Pittsburgh in week 3, Jacksonville last week, who was 10th in DVOA).

They are 1-3 against top 5 teams.

The team they are facing is undefeated at home, which hasn't played a bad game since week 1.

I'm just saying, I know where my money is today.

I am the coach of the _choose team here_. On Saturday night I will _insert your gameplan here_. If I do this and my players execute, the _choose team here_ do not stand a chance.

O.k. here is my template entry:

I am the coach of the -Patriots-. On Saturday night I will -instruct my team to eat magic beans and defeat the Broncos-. If I do this and my players execute, the -Broncos- do not stand a chance.

Maybe there should be a restriction on the instructions precluding trivially win-ensuring game plans?

4th: (1/3 of a genuflect)

First off: my apologies if this is a multiple-post. I had some trouble submitting, and may have hit the button twice.

For all the complaints about the Pats soft 2nd-half schedule, didn't the Guts-vs-Stomps article from a few weeks ago indicate that dominance of weak teams is more indicative of postseason success than performance against strong teams?

I know it's correlation, and not causation, but I think the two most convincing explanations were:
1. In stomp wins, starters are more likely to be rested early and more take less cumulative abuse heading into the postseason (doubly so if they secure byes on account of their stomps).
2. Luck is a much bigger determinant in Gut wins, as a contest between evenly matched teams is often determined by just a few key plays that could have gone either way. Therefore, a Stomp win is a definite indicator of superiority, whereas a Gut indicates only that the two teams are close.

I'm still rooting for Denver, but maybe conventional wisdom is right about NE.

I have to say, the DVOA analysis of the Redskins-Seahawks is unusually superficial. First, on the defensive side, the Redskins have been playing with significant injuries all year, though as this week, they haven't all come at once. This week, they lose Wynn but gain Springs. They haven't had many games with their whole DL--Salavea and Griffin (the key to their defense) have been in and out, but they're in now. Likewise with the secondary, not many games with Rogers and Springs together. And Arrington has been in and out. The main point here is that their DVOA reflects injury situations with which they have played all year.
Second, though the Redskins had great success on third down in the first game, that might reflect on the Seahawks pass defense (25th in DVOA). How's Brunnell? Don't know, but it's now three weeks since the injury--presumably these things improve over time.
Third, does anyone care that the Redskins have beaten the Seahawks four times in the last five years? Seems to me that indicates something, since a lot of the personnel is the same, though both teams are improved this year. Still, if you look back at Seahawks' DVOA variance over the years, they are very consistent, and they have consistently lost to the Skins.
Finally, everyone throws around that 80% of wildcards lose in the divisional. What's the record when the wildcard beat the division winner earlier in the year?

#6, what about the 3rd down percentage stat?

I am the coach of the Broncos. On Saturday night I will bring my team to the stadium. If I do this and my players execute, the Patriots do not stand a chance.

I am the coach of the Patriots. On Saturday night I will teach Tom Brady to use jedi mind tricks. If I do this and my players execute, the Patriots still do not stand a chance.

The team they are facing is undefeated at home, which hasn’t played a bad game since week 1.

Beating Baltimore 12-10 at home isn't that great, and against both Dallas and Buffalo they looked shaky. They're no juggernaut (nor are the Patriots).

Damnit -- I hate 8pm playoff games. Today is just going to draaaaaaaag on (at least the NFC game will help make the clock move a bit).

Here is a thought to keep in mind for the Washington Redskins. Not only are they banged up, they are going to be playing their third straight road game. Not only that, but now they have to fly all the way to the west coast to play Seattle. Tall order, chaps.

I predicted a Panthers victory last week combined with Eli Manning self-destructing. This week I'm predicting that the only upset that is likely to happen is Washington beating Seattle as Brunell, Moss, and Cooley cook the Seattle secondary. I'm not saying this will happen, I'm saying its more likely than any other upset happening.

I thik PatsFan asked last time, so the winning lottery numbers will be 25, 16, 29,34, 11 + 12i. :)

Genuflect.

#9 is an example of the East Coast bias! Us westerners have the right to a Primetime game as well! Just because you want your games to start at 7pm local time doesn't mean I want my game to start at 5 pm! (Or 4pm for those hippies on the west coast.)

On NFL Primetime, they said that the mild temp. will result in teams having a harder time breathing, because of the altitude.

Is this true? There is a invesers relationship between temp and amount of Oxygen in the air?

Or are these guys pulling it straight from their butt.

Rex:

Higher temperatures in a near-constant pressure environment will generally result in lower air density, but the effect is not noticeable when dealing with the normal range of air temperatures.

I am the coach of the New York Giants. On Saturday night I will tell my players that I'm locking the doors for three hours, and anyone who can't walk out afterwards will be cut. If I do this and my players execute, the furniture of the sports bar does not stand a chance.

PatsFan, you reckon the day is dragging there.. it's already 7.45 pm here in the UK and the Broncos-Pats game won't kick off until 1 am! Greetings to you, James in London. Any good tips for staying awake at 3am while listening to radio commentary?!

Two home wins tonight: Seahawks 26-10 and Broncos 30-14.

I'm vaguely amused by the notion that someone in the UK is rooting for the New England Patriots. Heh.

Nice Hair Jimmy Johnson!

Hello JimK! A fellow insomniac. Excellent. If you've only got radio commentary and not the Sky Sports TV coverage, can I suggest whichever version of Madden I'm assuming you own?

Also, I'm wishing for a real contest in the first game. A blowout that's over by midnight (UK time) in Seattle makes it more difficult to stay around for the later game.

But the easiest way to stay awake, alert, and on the ball is obviously to follow this thread on FO as you listen. There's a good chance you'll get more insight here than you will from the commentary.

BTW, which TV crews are calling the games?

I'm a UK Pats fan, for the last 20 years (and watching last years Colts game as warmup), and I forgive you lot your previous indiscretions.
The Pats are the closest team (almost local) and they do have England in their name so it's a natural choice!
Although this post is not a multiple of 12, I feel I have to genuflect as I, alone amongst all FO posters I'm sure, have been in an elevator with Tommie B, last year in Phoenix, when he was dressed only in his swimmers and somewhat moist!
I think that must almost make me an apostle :)

Kal, I'm a Packers fan!
First game I saw when I was a kid, sometime in the 80s was Bears - Packers in cold cold weather. Packers lost but they played hard and I thought, this is my team!
I'll be cheering for Denver throughout the playoffs (I like mountains!)
James, thanks for the advice. yeah, I'll follow the threads here tonight. Damn, wish I had sky sports.. next year maybe!

Could you imagine the outrage from Womens groups if Fox was holding an NFL's Sexiest Cheerleader competition all season?

Personally i'm tired of the way Fox is objectifying these men. I will not stand for it and I will not sleep until those devilish souls at FOX stop using these men just trying to make a living as objects of Sex and all that is immoral and wrong on the world! WE MUST RISE UP AND STOP THIS ABUSE THAT IS THROWN DOWN UPON US EVERY SUNDAY! I'M MAD AS HELL! AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!

/Martha Burke

Mwahaha, I hijacked this multiple of 12!

#22 has the best ever reason to pull for a team. That made my day.

re:22

i like greek mythology. that's why i root for the titans.

Seriously, what was I thinking when I decided to support Green Bay? When I eventually visit the USA I'm going to have to go to... Wisconsin...! What was I thinking?! (That's why I also have a sneaky support for Denver... I can go hiking in the mountains and make a football pilgrimage at the same time!)

I find it interesting that the Mike Shanahan haters have been quiet this year. Last year there was a lot of discussion about Shanahan on the FO forums, about how bad he was. This year I haven't read many people (other than Aaron)giving Shanahan (and Denver in general) much credit. To get the #2 seed out of that division is an impressive accomplishment.

re 20.. we have the FOX #2 crew.. is it really the Dick Stockton-Darryl Johnston Tony Siragusa crew? Are they really the 2nd best FOX announcing team?

RE: #21

If you're trying to imply Brady doesn't walk on water, I call it nothing less than disrespect!

No disrespect intended to the Patriots but surely that no. 12 flag in Seattle must be about Tom Brady and not about the 12th man?! (genuflect)

Happy belated Trogday, everybody! (link)

I have nothing to add, except that I'm ready for some football, and I hope this first game doesn't disappoint. I kind of expect a Seattle blowout, though.

Great throw. Also, how much time has Hasselbeck had on his first three passes?

Copenhagen, I think you genuflected a little late there...are you disrespecting (genuflect) TOm BRAdy?

Did Shawn Taylor get a hand on that pass to Engram in the end zone? Or maybe a loogie?

Redskins carry some of that luck from the Tampa game on that fumble.

HELL YEAH!

Trogdor, nice link. Oh, Shaun, this is not a good time to start droppong the ball. Perhaps the Seahawks should keep throwing.

Except with the Redskins back that close to their end zone, Brunell doesn't have the room to do his usual twenty-step-drop.

I'd rather be lucky than good!

Boy that's a strong MVP. Sigh.

Brunell looks a lot slower, especially on the first rollout play. And doesn't Brunell know he can only throw to Chis Cooley or Santana Moss?

That is why Jacobs usually sits the bench.

Terrible drop by Jacobs. That might explain why he's only caught 11 passes all year.

Seahawks are not going to be able to run it today. I SMELL AN UPSET!

And that neon-green striping on the Hawks uniform is really annoying. Once you've seen it you can't stop.

20-something consecutive days of rain! Are you kidding? I'm suprised the whole place hasn't rusted shut.

Is there anything scarier than listening to and watching Tony Siragusa play with wet balls?

Nice stunt!

That would be 33 consecutive days of rain, and no, it's not a record.

Redskins are not going to be able to run it or pass it today. I SMELL A SHUTOUT!

I think the best Tony Siragusa moment so far had to be just before kickoff when he said even though its rained for 27 straight days, traction shouldn't be a problem. And then we see Shawn Alexander slip and fumble it away.

i was surprised siragusa didn't take a bite out of that football.

Memo to Seattle:

If you keep fumbling you're probably going to lose.

If you want to win stop fumbling.

Message Ends.

I still find it hard to believe that it's raining in Seattle.

I wonder why Seattle insists on fumbling in the red zone, and fielding a punt without fair catching when two guys are guaranteed to drill the returner and make him fumble. Then I remember that for sports purposes, Seattle is the Cleveland of the West, and it all makes sense. Don't be surprised when Hasselbeck throws a pick 6 on this possession.

RE:51 I Hope you are here when this game is over so I can gloat

Boy, this game is ugly so far.

20-something consecutive days of rain! Are you kidding? I’m suprised the whole place hasn’t rusted shut.

...says the guy from London.

Do the Redskins have 11 uninjured guys left to field on a given play?

There's a Taylor Jacobs sightning.

WHY are you FIELDING that??

Wow. A gunner's dream.

Zip,

It rains in London, but not 27 straight days. Is Seattle where Noah retired when the Ark went aground?

Did Holmgren tell the punt returners to commit suicidde? Or did they just forget the signal for fair catch?

Dear Seattle Punt Returner,

There's this thing called a 'Fair Catch'. It allows you to catch the ball, and the defense isn't allowed to hit you. All you have to do is wave your hand over your head a few seconds before the ball gets to you. You might want to look into it.

Sincerely,
Trogdor the Burninator

I'm looking forward to the 6th-seed Superbowl.

Got solar plexused by the football, maybe?

Mike Holmgren famously scripts his offense's first 15 plays. Presumably he does so while listening to his "Best of George HW Bush's state-of-the-union addresses", which is why Seattle is predictable, and conservative in a way that Phil Gramm could only dream of.

YES! wait... Is it okay to wish a player gets hurt in here?

Well at least there wasn't a punt returner doing something stupid there.

#55

If Alexander doesn't return, that's more like Seattle is the Cincy of the West.

No.

RE 69, yes a 37-yard pass on 3rd and short is super conservative alright...

We may get to see 500 total punting yards before half time in this one

Yeah but it's not like the Redskins offense is like the Steelers, and with that... the Redskins go backwards.

Do the Seahawks have any other punt returners?

In their last 11 drives (halftime of the Bucs game), the Redskins have 42 net yards, 3 first downs, and 9 3-and-outs.

That last pass by Hasselbeck was Eli-riffic.

When Alexander got hurt, did the announcer really say "That would be significant"? Keen insight, that.

Also, what the heck was that pass, Hasselbach? That was almost a Farve-ian pass ...

I don't think it's ever OK to root for a player to get hurt ever. When it happens, I usually go through a few stages. 1) Oooh, I hope he's OK. 2) I hope this doesn't affect his career too much. 3) Accept he's out of the game, now how does this affect things?

I think as long as the cheering an injury is a phase 3 type, as in "OK he's hurt, nothing I can do about it, so I'll just be happy that my team's chances improved" and not "I really hope [player] gets hurt today", you're OK. Beyond that is pretty shady.

By the way, Seattle's punt returner is a dork.

Coming soon to a cinema near you:

Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in a story of Love, Football, fumbles, tackles and punts (but no fair catches).

Slugfest in Seattle.

Anyone else think just maybe the Hawks watched the game tape of the Tampa D from last week? It's hard to see on TV, but I can only imagine that Moss hasn't seen single coverage yet.

355 combined gross punting yards so far...

Apparently the rest of the Redskins WRs are so bad they don't even bother lining anyone up opposite Moss.

prediction two good defenses if hasselback stays in check loss of alexander wont matter in this game

That guy in that NFL Network commercial that is commenting on Drew Rosenhaus knowing how to manage his clients looks alarmingly like Ben Affflacck.

And to top it all off he's showing the proper respect to Thomas Brady.

Bring on the AFC.

Re: 72

Since I've been watching sports, Cincy has been to the Super Bowl twice, and won a World Series. Seattle could only dream of success like that, or of cursed cities like Boston (and by cursed, I mean full of stupid, spoiled, arrogant, loud, whiny, bitchy fans).

AND IT'S A FUMBLE!

The Redskins should start punting on 1st down. I'm only half-kidding.

haHA! Seattle just needs to let the Redskins down it from now on.

Okay, Jimmy Williams, sit down. This is not your day.

So...Holmgren took the Skins and the points eh?

Worst punt returner ever. After he muffed it, he tried to pick it up instead of falling on it.

No way Holmgren lets him field anymore... please?

So, is Holmgren going to replace that punt returner guy any time soon?

Why are the announcers giving any credit to Washington for their great special teams play on that fumble? The punt returner simply dropped it.

UNbelievable how inept the Redskin offense is... Seattle's really playing bad though.

(apologies for the unintelligent remarks)

Sad thing is, even if Holmgren took Washington and the points, he still might lose his money.

"Mark Brunell used to be a running quarterback, now he is a quarterback who runs"...

sounds suspicisously like the same thing to me

And "You just cannot plan to lose your starting running back and MVP to injury"...

I am guess Mike Holgren has all kinds of plans for just this eventuality.

ANd that was game changing play right there.

At what point does Seattle go with a random WR to return punts, with orders to fair catch under threat of torture? And I don't mean wussy Democrat-defined torture, I mean cat o' nine tails type beatings. Just catch the dang ball!

And Washington have a 1st down.
Sound the trumpets.

FIRST DOWN!

Joe Gibbs is a genius. He's at least half a Belichek (no disrespect intended)

3-5, inevitable incompletion coming

Another first down. Whats next? A TOUCHDOWN?!?

I miss the old Seattle unis.

If Wash gets a TD here, Gibbs might start trying to run clock in the 2nd quarter.

I am not sure I am understanding what is on the screen. Is this... a DRIVE? Is Washington DRIVING?

Naaaaaah.

Who are the Seattle injuries? I saw Jackson left with a back problem.

Nacho, feel free to gloat now!

109

Shaun Alexander went out with a concussion and is questionable to return. A defender (Hill?) left with what looked like a leg injury.

Who are the Seattle injuries? I saw Jackson left with a back problem.

I think some dude named Alexander left with a concussion earlier.

9.5 points my ass! We're gonna win this thing!

Nacho, feel free to gloat now!

He's trying to make you jinx it. Don't bite!

That stadium looks like one freakin' massive building.........

This is no threat to catch the 1950 OSU/Michigan puntfest, though. That one featured 45 punts, and just 68 yards of total offense and three first downs (all by OSU, who still managed to lose). Blizzard football - it's FANtastic!

how much has jimmy williams have bet on the redskins to win thiw game??!

Shopping with your girlfriend during the playoffs?! Damn that's a STUNT!

If he could catch, he'd be a WR.

#120. A multiple of 12.

*Genuflect*

When Tedy Brushci does pushups it's not him pushing himself up, it's him pushing down the rest of the world.......

If Rodgers had hands he's be a reciever.

Silly Hasselbeck. Don't you know Engram can only catch it on 3rd down for a 1st down conversion?

THAT would have changed the game.

Did Holmgren borrow this game plan from Mike Martz or Andy Reid? I know Alexander is out, but at least TRY to run the ball.

Helluva spot on that 3rd down.

I would like to thank the announcers for informing us that all the Seattle fumbles have been key to this game. I never could've figured this out on my own. Fumble = bad. Got it.

Hasselbeck is reminding me, most disconcertingly, of Kyle Boller (non-NFC-North opponent) at the moment.

Hasselbeck has some serious happy feet. He was scrambling there with absolutely no threat of a pass rush. Trust your O-line, Matt. Just because Alexander's out doesn't mean they forgot how to block entirely.

why is hasselbeck running around holding the ball over his head?

Seattle now has more first downs on this drive than Washington has total.

Hasselbeck might scramble for more yards than Brunell today, that'd be a shock.

I think Seattle is pumping in crowd noise. There's no way a crowd could possibly be that loud during something as minor as a pro football game. And what are all those microphones around the field for, if not to amplify the crowd noise?

127: He's only running because he knows any attempt to throw the ball would be futile. This is the Seattle WR corp we're talking about.

Three first downs on this drive by a total of about one foot.

Spot on the DJ catch might have changed this game.

Holy crap what a catch!

About time.

Great insight from Siragusa. As if nobody ever got a yard in short yardage before. Sure they knew where the play was going. You often do in those situations. Try to stop it, though.

Say, that Darrel Jackson fella. He's not so bad. Morris is doing just enough to keep the defense honest.

TD!

Terrific Drive by Seattle. Funny how it involved running the ball occassionaly...

Darrell Jackson showing this isn't the 2004-2005 Seahawks receiving core.

What's that thing that just happened called? A down-touch? A touching down? I'm unclear.

I'd like to amend my previous statement: "Any atttempt to throw would be futile, unless said throw is off-target and lead to a ridiculous circus catch."

Great, great catch.

Has FO or anyone else done a study on the frequency penalties are called in playoff games? I ask this because there's only been 1 flag so far today (a false start) and it sure looked to me like the Seattle right guard held on the TD.

How big is that missed int by Rogers now?

No one Said we'd shut seattle out. Stay calm.

Wait a minute, when did Seattle leave the afc?

One significant difference between Tampa and Seattle?
Seattle trusts their O line enough to do the predictable thing and run on 3rd and 1, even with their backup RB.

I'm not sure about the rest of that commercial, but I really like the D-CAF *stomp stomp* D-CAF part.

142: There's an article on that in the Best of FO: Part I section of the archives, if I'm not mistaken.

142: You know, FO did that study once. It started cause TMQ claimed there are less penalties in plyoffs because the teams are more disciplined. Aaron compared the number of penalties per game for the playoff teams in the regular season vs the playoffs, and there were less penalties in the playoffs, although it varies by officiating crew.

Ooh, new show on Sky, "Behind the NFL", showing what goes on when the players are off the field.

I'm expecting drugs, murder, wife-beating, other felonies and a healthy dose of toys being thrown spectacularly out of prams.

I'm guessing it's like MLB Umpire strike percentages, it has to vary by what crew or person it is in charge. Kinda like in college football on how many reviews have been done, the numbers are out for every conference and their rates are varied.

Parambulator, one of my favorite words.

Re: 150

They could cover all the stuff you mentioned, and the only player they would need is Michael Pittman.

150, James.. if you're expecting that, just go get the DVD of the only season of 'Playmakers'.

RE:150 What's a Pram?

145: When the NFL went from 6 divisions of 5.16(repeating) teams apiece to 8 divisions of 4 teams apiece.

#140--I'm watching the game in China right now (although I think it's a Phillipine TV station) and during the commercials of NFL games they actually have little "how to play football" shows, and one of them is about the "touchdown." :) My favorite part is how they explain that, unlike in rugby when the ball has to be put over the line (apparently?), in the NFL it only has to "break the plane." Stupid rule ...

FAIR CATCH!!!!!!

Gee, announcers, I certainly saw Farris put his arm out and connect with Tatupu, and Tatupu seemed to move backward, so I guess that's what they mean by a "push."

Okay, who switched the Redskins/Hawks game with the Panthers/Bears game? I mean, okay, Delhomme just threw a great pass to Steve Smith, and Jones isn't looking so great. And boy, Grossman just looks pathetic - like a washed-up 10 year veteran with bad knees.

I expect the Bears linebackers to step up here. Seriously, it's sad.

Whew, a three & out. Finally, some normalcy.

If you're gonna throw with 18 seconds left, why throw it 2 yards?

Nacho, A pram is something you push young children around in.

"throwing your toys out of the pram" is a expression used to highlight a temper tantrum by and adult.

Example:

TO. "I want a new contract! What do you mean NO?

WAAH, I'm not playing for your team any more, your QB has smelly breath and IT'S NOT FAIR! WAAH"

This is the very definition of throwing your toys out of the pram.

#155
A pram is what we in the UK call the contraption with four wheels and a canvas hood used for pushing babies around in. Its the thing that goes down the steps in the films Battleship Potemkin and The Untouchables. What do you call it?

James: When you mentioned NFL players and toys, I immediately thought of Fred Smoot.

RE 162, having lived on both coasts, the difference is not among fans who go to games, those are the same on both coasts. The difference is among the general populous. Field intensity is the same, casual fan interest is much less casual in Boston than in San Diego or Seattle, IMHO.

Wow, a reference to Battleship Potemkin.. now I've seen everything on these discussion threads.

We call it a baby carriage. Or just a carriage, I suppose, as you usually don't see many adults being pushed around in them.

Re: 148, 149, 162

Thanks, found it. MDS, did you do any further breakdown of the types of penalties called? I would guess that the number of holding and other judgment call penalties would be way down from the regular season, but false start, illegal motion, and the like totals would be fairly similar.

Note to self: putting a link to an FO article in the 'website' field will cause the post to get lost in limbo. To find the playoff penalties article, put this after the normal web address:

/ramblings.php?p=146&cat=11

Or just search for it in the archives for yourself. I'm sick of being the FO loremaster for everyone anyway.

#165
We call it a "stroller", used for taking infants for a stroll.

Well, I'll take 7-3 at the half. I was expecting much more from the Seattle offense.

Re:165 In America we call it a Stroller

Jake Plummer looks like a roadie for whitesnake.

Well, sort of. The thing that went down the steps in the Untouchables is a baby carriage. A stroller usually has an open front and lets the baby sit facing the direction it's moving.

176: MDS, I can assure you that approximately 300 fans on extremeskins.com noticed it too, and at least half of them posted about it. So don't feel alone.

That Jake Plummer Mountain Man look is high comedy.

Washington was so close to being up 10-0 with the almost pick. Gotta tip the cap to Jackson, as the execution on the TD was as good as it gets. One-on-one, you can't expect the defender to stop that.

172

I tend to think of strollers as being smaller and inclined, so the baby sits upright. For a pram/stroller, I think of it more like a souped-up shopping cart, and the baby lies flat. Check the linked picture.
...
So, how about that football game? Real exciting, huh?

I seriously believe that Jimmy Williams was bribed. No one plays that stupidly on accident. Once was accidental, twice was purposeful, but three times is enemy action.

And see the failure of DVOA! It didn't predict that Alexander would be injured. Ha ha! (sigh)

Don't want to be sniffy or anything, but the trucks that have been advertised during this game are obscene.

YES!!!!! It's the return of that horrible Rob Thomas song! If I'm lucky that song will be stuck in my head until the NBA playoffs start, and they break out a new annoying song to play 42 billion times in the tradition of "This Is How A Heart Breaks" and the even-worse "Let's Get It Started".

Back to football for a moment. If the 'Skins are going to win this, they might need to consider Patrick Ramsey.

Their Offense has been NFL Europe like: 36 Rushing yards, 38 yards passing; 74 Total offensive yards.

The can't win consecutive playoff games without an Offense. Not unless Williams keeps wearing his "free hit here" jersey on punts.

I'm so glad there was no football before the Super Bowl. It was amazing foresight on the part of whoever invented professional football in 1967 to have such a spectacular game at the end of the season. I mean, according to that "greatest football DVD ever" you can learn all there is to know about football history by just looking at SB highlights and interviews, so apparently there was nothing before it, right?

How come Betts only has one carry so far? What with Portis banged up, I thought they would split the carries more.

Re: 176

I noticed the holding too, and commented on it in my original post, but I wrote that it was on the right guard (I failed to see that Seattle had a tight end up top on the play).

Well James, they could also make a quick trade for "Cowboy" Kyle Orton. He's such a great leader and game manager, he can easily lead his team to victory without any hint of offense.

How many punts is that?

The real question is whether the Redskins can defy the odds and win another game with five or less first downs. Any predictions?

Why is Williams still returning punts?????

189
12 so far (7 by Washington, 5 by Seattle).

Another name is baby buggy, leading to one of my favorite tongue-twisters as a kid, "rubber baby buggy bumpers."

Another Seahawk injury. Cue the "Seattle is cursed" talk.

Walter Jones out. That is not good news if you're a Seahawks fan.

I saw an NFL Films story a while ago saying the New Orleans Saints were cursed.. something about the Superdome being built on a graveyard or something. That's the only curse I know.

Hey! When did Seattle trade for Tommy Maddox?

Where did Aaron Brooks spring from?

Hasselbeck doing his best Aaron Brooks impression there. And no, that was not a great play unless the receiver was wiiiiide open. A good play would've been to chuck it out of bounds.

And the TMQ MVP curse continues.

Lot less interceptions than Brooks, and a lot more competent receivers. Just sayin'...

Was that really Joe Jurevicious? I could've sworn it was Jeff Samardzija of Notre Dame.

Wow, that was some serious touch on that pass to JJ. Hasselbeck is like Jeckyl and Hyde out there.

Hmmm, I guess he does run like Brooks, uhh, used to.

203: Really? I was certain it was Ricky Proehl...

hey, tony. was that the washington pressure you were talking about?

To Daniel the Redskins fan:

Let the crow eating begin.

Game over.

THE BURGER KING SCORES AGAIN!

Hasselback=punk

That ball in the air thing is really annoying.Typical BC behavior.

I hate the Burger King. But that Steve Young run is one of my favorite plays ever, and even a doctored version of it is freaking sweet.

The game I've seen and the comments are an interesting contrast, to me.

Due to work, I've only seen Seattle's first drive (the one that ended with Alexander's fumble) and the last drive, which ended with Hasselbeck's TD run. So, to me, they've looked unstoppable.

Two of those three Redskins first downs came on one short drive.

every time i see that burger king ad i have to wonder what the league is going to fine that guy next week for not wearing the proper uniform.

The Redskins offense is exciting to watch.

Of course, for above statement to be true your idea of "exciting" would have to be something along the lines of:

"Please put a fork in my eye."

re 215. aren't we lucky we're not being treated to a Redskins-Bears matchup?

And by "taken ill," the announcers mean "the offense makes him puke."

I dunno kleph, but it'll be more than he'd get for spitting in someone's face, that's for sure. Hey, that'd be a great clip for the next one...

Okay. I'm starting to pick up on the Redskins plays:

First down: Dive play to Clinton Portis.
Second down: Off tackle to Clinton Portis.
Third Down: Incomplete pass to Chris Cooley.
Fourth down: Punt. Seattle Fumbles.

First Down: Dive play to Clinton Portis.....

"Taylor Jacobs has been taken ill"

Did they show him his 1st half performance at halftime?

How did this team score 30+ against Dallas?

They're actually starting to do something on offense.

Hey, wasn't that an illegal formation by Washington?

And as I type it out they actually call it.

I think the Redskins offense was lifted straight from Tecmo Super Bowl.

Trog -- If I had better photoshop skills and an infinite amount of free time, I would so put together the clip of the Burger King looging in Michael Pittman's face. Just thinking about it makes me laugh out loud.

And the pram subthread has now resulted in a Potemkin reference and a ZOOM reference. Sweet.

#203 I thought that was Wayne Cherbet or maybe Tom Waddle.

#223 - I'll bet that formation was legal in the 80s...

I'd just like to congratulate the Intra-Beltway Proto-Americans on their historic crossing of midfield, and to remind them that the next WR taken after they picked Taylor Jacobs was...Anquan Boldin.

re: 216,

No, because that would have been the easiest (under) bet of the season.

No, Tecmo Super Bowl had way too many plays. This is an original Tecmo Bowl offense if there ever was one.

so are people finally going to recognize that shaun alexander is nothing more than a meatball shaped david letterman with an outstanding line?

One of the best things of Tecmo Super Bowl has to be those elaborate Touchdown celebrations..

Re: 226
Hey, Tom Waddle was a true throwback player who always hustled and always played for the love of the game.

Brave call by Gibbs.

I hate those "15-1" when rushing more than passing. So what's their record when they ignore down, distance and game situation and run every down anyway?

4th down... big conversion by Wash.

Normally I would think going for it on 4th was the right move. But in this game, I think they should've punted, and recovered the fumble inside the 5.

RE 231 yep, 34 yards for Morris is conclusive alright. Alexander is just a chump. Right?

Um... shouldn't that be intentional grounding, since there was no receiver around and he was in the pocket?

re: 231

If Seattle keeps the running the ball and picking up first downs with Morris and Strong, than people (fans and media) will finally start to acknowledge how dominant the line is.

Sooner or later one of these Brunell 'sling it where I can and see what hapens' throws has to be picked off.

I really need to type and hit the other button faster, so my comments get in before the call is made.

I'm convinced this year was a fluke for Brunell. He drops back way too much - especially when pressured. He just hangs on to the ball too long and moves in the wrong direction at the wrong time too often.

Tony Siragusa is like the low man on the totem pole news anchor that news stations send into Category 5 Hurricanes. Just listen to him.

"HEY GUYS, THE NOISE IS REALLY COMING ON DOWN HERE, AND HEY I'LL TAKE A TURKEY!"

Wow, this game is ugly to watch...
After watching last weeks game, and now approx 3 quarters of this weeks game, I only have one question....is Patrick Ramsey really any worse than Brunell? Can he be? Isn't it worth a shot to put him in there and see if he can provide some sort of spark that the 73 year old Brunell can't?

How many coaches decide to go for it on 4th and 13? How many of them are right not to?

If Brunell's turnover total is less than 4, he is better than Ramsey.

Re: 233 He also ran good routes and he had great fundamentals.

Are the "K"-balls kept in a dry location? If so, I would have attempted the 50-yard field goal there.

I think another good BK commercial would be Randy Moss scoring the TD at Lambeau and wiping his butt on the goalpost. That would be a great ad to put between pages of MMQB, I think.

Wait, my computer isn't in the same room as the television, so I missed that last play. Did they really go for it on 4th and 13 in the middle of the third quarter? Um, I know your offense sucks, and you might never get this close to the end zone again, but you still don't need to give Seattle the extra help. Pooch punt it--maybe Seattle will fumble it in the end zone.

Going for it on 4th and 13 against the Seattle defense. Very wise move.

And now Jackson burns 'em again.

Shawn Springs out with a cramp. Now Sean Taylor is down.

Also, I like Denver to win tonight, in a close one.

I think Taylor speared with his helmet. That's why they put those warnings in helmets..

The Redskins only hope now is that the Seahawks do something stupid.

I'm glad Alexander won the MVP. He's clearly been missed.

I don't know that I agree with the call, but how can the line plus one not be able to block three guys? That's just horrible. At least give him time to throw an interception downfield.

I will rarely say this about a player, but serves Taylor right to get shaken up. Maybe he'll hesitate next time before he tries to spear a player.

Personally, I'd love to see a BK commercial where a drunken King tries to kiss Suzy Kolber. This commercial would work equally well with the Pepsi Machine.

All I can say is that it's clear that Hasselbeck was coached by the same guy that made Brett Favre famous. At times he looks like the most brilliant player ever, and then you get those ' pick up my own fumble and throw it twenty yards off the wrong side and the back foot into double coverage'.

I think that Holmgren replaced Jimmy Williams with his mirror universe twin.

I also think that John Elway is hiding in Jake Plummer's neckbeard.

Re: 244

Heck, why not bring in Jason Campbell if Gibbs is really that down on Ramsey.

Cory Raymer must have ran over Siragusa's dog or something because he won't let on him and that last sack was not Raymer's fault.

Wow is SEA defense this good or WAS offense this bad, I just cannot tell.

whoa. that is some of the worst cheerleader professionalism i have seen all year. the football gods shall not be pleased.

Kal:

You're referring to Mike Sherman. Mike Sherman was an assistant of Mike Holmgren in Green Bay.

Third and 1, complete pass, and they don't get it. That play looked like a Butch Davis special.

#265, that was the perfect time for the Madden Comment Generator: "I don't understand how you can run a route on third down which doesn't pick up the first"

I was worried the Redskins might be waking up, but then the WR screen for -1 yard reassured me.

Actually, I take that back. It was completely different from a Davis play. They used play action, and actually had at least one receiver run downfield. No, a true Davis play would've been shotgun, five wideouts (all 2nd-round picks who aren't all that good), and they all would've run six-inch hitches or nine-inch curls. Someone might've even gotten cute and run a two-foot comeback. Oh, and the line would've blocked like it was a screen, guaranteeing a sack. Even though they still sucked this year, I enjoy the Crennel era so much more.

And Crennel gives me the same double-letter problem as Cincinnati. I just had to look it up to make sure.

HUHZAH!%!

Huge slice of luck for the 'Skins. Keeps the game interesting though.

That Cooley reminds me of a Mike Alstott or a Tom Rathman. Maybe even a slightly larger Steve Largent or Brian Brennan.

The luck of the Seahawks strikes again. Shades of Testaverde's helmet.

If it wasn't that they still needed another TD, I'd say they scored too soon.

Now we see, Santana Moss doesn't keep getting open. He just has magic abilities to make the defenders who are double-covering him deflect the ball right to him.

Which makes me think, Vader would've been one heck of a football player.

If there was any wonder whether God hates Seattle, there ya go.

Redskins ball.

WOW!!!!!!!!

Wow... a Seahawk meltdown has begun in earnest.

With the fumble, will they still cut to commercial?

So the over/under for a Redskins vs. Bears NFC championship game would be...

And ya know, that was in reference to the Santana Moss catch, not the turnover.

God doesn't just hate Seattle - he actively is angry at Seattle. Seattle was built on an indian burial mound or something.

I think I was right in #254.

Sweet merciful crap, I swear I'm watching a really talented Browns team here. This is freaky. There's no freaking way the Skins should be in this game. Seahawks, could you possibly do more to try to lose this one?

Really enforcing that illegal contact today.

What a crap call against Dyson. As if the Hawks need another impediment to their success.

Rest easy, Redskins fans. Taylor Jacobs is back on the field

We're still in this thing. stay calm, stay calm.

Who is "we" kemo sabe? Nice work, Hall.

FG missed. Evens out the Santana Moss TD catch.

I hate to see a guy ease oup on an obvious slobberknocker like that. Why hell are you playing defense if you don't dream about lighting somebody up?

So, he goes for it on 4th and 13 but not 4th and 4?

"We" are skins Fans

How often do teams get a +3 turnover margin and lose?

John Hall has to be one of the worst postseason kickers of all time.

During Seahawk games, my wife becomes increasingly superstitious. For reasons too complicated to explain in this little comment box, she took that missed FG as conclusive proof of polytheism.

"You" are skins fans. "We" are conference champions.

It's only "hard to believe that the Seahawks have done what they've done on offense with Shaun Alexander" if you're an idiot that doesn't know anything about their offensive line, QB, WRs, other RBs and TE. Which is fucking pathetic if you're paid to be a commentator on the live broadcast by FOX.

When did Mack Strong turn into Jerome Bettis?

Wow I think Mack Strong was shocked he found such a big hole.

Damn... Damn... Damn...