They have been balling out, but it's also been born of desperation because of the hole they put themselves in. It is very hard to maintain that desperation mode for long. While on the surface, a loss against either of their next two opponents is unlikely, it also wouldn't shock me. And it would bring them to Miami dragging their tails either way. Personally, I don't think 3-0 is off the table for us. We have the talent. The Cowboys are very similar to us with lots of big wins over iffy teams, play better at home than on the road, unproven but explosive. Either they will come in here hanging after a physical game against the Bills and just looking forward to their home matchup against Detroit, or they will come in angry and looking to embarrass us. Ravens are a weird team. They just never seem that impressive, but they are well coached and they just find ways to win. If we beat Dallas, I'd see the Ravens as a coin flip assuming decent weather. If it's nasty, I'd lean heavily on Baltimore. A wild card for that game is how they handle San Fran. Again, a big physical matchup that is mentally draining ... could that lead to a down game against us? Would be nice.
Their first 3 TD drives were all continued due to roughing penalities, not sure what that says exactly, but interesting.
Against Dallas, we need to do exactly what Buffalo did: get out to an early lead and run, run and run some more. Dallas is not a good comeback team (because their qb is not) and the success of their defense is predicated on playing with a lead, so their pass rushers are turned loose and the secondary can be opportunistic. If they have to defend against the run, their strength is negated and they will be off balance and susceptible to a beat down, a la the Buffalo and San Fran games.
Dallas could not stop the outside run. They're big boys but they don't set the edge. In that game. And they never countered it. Once the safety's start to cheat up. drop one over them for the bomb.
Yup, we saw the blueprint and I expect we'll do the exact same thing. Heavy outside run game until they shut it down. I don't know about you guys, but I'm excited! In a lot of ways Miami's playoffs start right now against three solid playoff teams for seeding. It's a great time to be a Fins fan!
Mostert goes to wherever the hole is, so that should work out well, LOL. His first TD this week was supposed to be an inside run but the Jets took it away. He just bounced right on out to the edge and walked in for an easy score.
Even if we win the next two, and lose week 18 while resting starters, we would need the 49ers to beat the Ravens in order to get the #1 seed. That scenario would get us the division though. Ideally, we want to go 3-0. But, we need to win at least 2 out of the last 3 with one of those wins coming against the Ravens. If the 49ers can beat the Ravens, we'd get the #1 seed in most scenarios. Other than 3-0 this is what would be best: Win 2 of 3 with one of those against the Ravens. Ravens lose to the 49ers. Jags (Bucs, Panthers, Titans left) win their division, and Browns 9-5 (Texans, Jets, Bengals left) , Bengals 8-6 (Steelers, Chiefs, Browns left), and Colts 8-6 (Falcons, Raiders, Texans left) all get to 11 wins. That would ensure the Dolphins get the #1 seed and the Bills are sitting at home. What's funny is, there is a chance that the Bills could go 11-6 and miss the playoffs. lol
Yeah, I mistakenly left the 49ers over Ravens out of that scenario, because in my mind I'm accepting that as a fact. I guess I should actually wait for that to happen first, LOL.
What's crazy is, there's a couple of scenarios where the Browns get the #1 seed. Not to mention a scenario where we are the 2nd seed and would face the Bills as the 7th seed. At least that would be in Miami though.
The #1 seed really is wide open still with the #11 Broncos 3 games back and three games left to play. The AFC picture will become much clearer this weekend since all 4 divisions are still technically up for grabs.
It is crazy. both #1 seeds are going against each other this weekend and both #2 seeds are going against each other this weekend. I don't know if that has ever happened in week 16.
I have a good feeling that the results of both of those games will end up in the Phin's favor. I can see SF destroying the Ravens and the Phins beating Dallas by 10.
Have you watch the ravens? They are going to be super tough to beat. Excellent / running qb which we struggle with/ excellent special teams!
We've beaten the Ravens the past two times, and Tua is undefeated against Baltimore. It's also arguably his best game ever as a pro. The Ravens are always tough but so is Miami and we're going to be all over Jackson in that backfield.
The Ravens game is shaping up to be the biggest game of the season for us. I think the fact that (to an extent) we're a carbon copy of SF could really help us in preparing for the Ravens. McDaniel will have fresh game tape to watch on how the Ravens defend SFs offense. The defense will definitely be getting some cardio in chasing Jackson around behind the LOS.
Ravens will have be on a short week with the Monday night game across the country and the Dolphins game staying as a 1pm start on Sunday. Hopefully San Francisco beats them up a little bit.
