December 29, 2000
A Festivus for the Best of Us!
by Dave Sabo
HoustonProFootball.com
A Festivus for the best of us! So, it’s paraphrasing. I couldn’t resist co-opting the battle cry of Baltimore Ravens fans forbidden since mid-season to even mention the playoffs. For those of you that don’t get it, ask a Seinfeld fan.
Yes, the playoffs (or Festivus as it’s being hailed on the most popular T-shirt in Baltimore these days) are here. After a wild finish to the season, the pairings are set. This Saturday marks the launch of what may turn out to be one of the most wide-open postseasons in recent memory.
Baltimore and Tennessee have the two best defenses in the game, but they’ve yet to be truly tested. Their offenses both leave a bit to be desired although in the last three weeks, the Titans have begun to play like the defending AFC champs that they are (albeit against woeful opponents). Everybody else in the AFC is the anti-Titans/Ravens, boasting high-powered offenses and suspect defenses. Except for Miami, which has a nice, solid defense that has had to make up for the deficiencies on offense.
The NFC is a complete mess. St. Louis is a favorite to retain the NFC championship after very nearly missing the playoffs altogether. The Giants, who have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, may be the worst 12 and 4 team in history. Tampa Bay can’t win in the cold. Nobody is just sure how Minnesota and Philadelphia got in and New Orleans (New Orleans!) with virtual rookie Aaron Brooks and no Ricky Williams is a huge question mark that nobody really wants to play.
All picks are against the spread, not that that matters… right?
Indianapolis (-1) vs Miami
Pro Player Stadium
Miami, FL
This is a story of two teams heading in opposite directions. Since losing to the Jets in New York a month ago, Indy has gone 3-0, beating two playoff teams. One of which happened to be Miami. At Pro Player Stadium. In that same span, Miami has gone 1-3, losing to two playoff teams and laboring to beat a sorry New England squad. This game will come down to Indy’s big three of Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison against Miami’s suddenly struggling defense. If recent history is any indication, Miami’s D may well suffer an utter breakdown as it has the past two postseasons. It is imperative that they stop James early. I don’t see it happening. Look for the Colts to run a lot of play action and draws to take advantage of Miami’s aggressiveness and open up the passing game. Unless the Dolphins can establish the run and take a big early lead, the Edge(rrin) goes to the Colts.
Pick: Indianapolis
St. Louis (-6) vs New Orleans
The Superdome
New Orleans, LA
Didn’t we just watch this game last Sunday? Yes, we did and I don’t see a different result. Marshall Faulk was just named MVP, former MVP quarterback Kurt Warner reports no side effects form the bell-ringing he took last time out and all three Ram wideouts are healthy. Defense? We don’t need no stinking defense! With the fast track at the Superdome, expect a high scoring affair. Aaron Brooks has shown that he’s for real, but he won’t be able to keep up. A healthy Ricky Williams would have made this one really interesting, as would a match-up with any other NFC playoff team. Unfortunately, the Rams just have too many weapons.
Pick: St. Louis
Denver (+3 1/2) vs Baltimore
PSINet Stadium
Baltimore, MD
Sunday will mark the first step in a journey that Ravens fans hope will end in Tampa with an appearance in the NFL Championship game or, as it’s referred to in the local vernacular, Festivus Maximus. Baltimore ended the season with the NFL’s second-ranked defense. A defense which hasn’t allowed an opponent to rush for 100 yards in 33 games. A defense which beat the Jets by 2 touchdowns while giving up nearly 500 yards passing. A defense which led the NFL in both giveaway/takeaway ratio and forced turnovers. A defense which set an NFL record for fewest rushing yards and points surrendered. A defense that ranks as one of the greatest ever. Tennessee who?
On the other hand, their offense has reverted back to the dark days of Tony Banks. Trent Dilfer, after starting off with a bang, has all but disappeared. He averaged 85 yards passing in the Ravens last two games and had to be bailed out by the D, return man Jermaine Lewis and kicker Matt Stover.
Denver may match up with Ravens better than any other team in the AFC. Never mind that quarterback Brian Griese re-injured his shoulder; Denver’s Pro Bowl-snubbed offensive line has shown that they can make anybody in that backfield look good (see Gary, Olandis; Anderson, Mike and Frerotte, Gus). Actually, that does backup quarterback Frerotte a disservice as he performed well in place of Griese.
If this game were being played in Denver, the Ravens would have to also deal with the Mile High Mystique which has crushed the playoff hopes of many a team. As it is, they’ll play in Baltimore where the locals are salivating over their first playoff game since 1977. The Ravens’ D should deliver, regardless of how the offense plays. It’ll be close, with a Matt Stover field goal being the difference. The Ravens win, but fail to cover.
Pick: Baltimore
Tampa Bay (-2) vs Philadelphia
Veteran’s Stadium
Philadelphia, PA
The temperature will be below 40 degrees in Philadelphia. Tampa Bay has NEVER won when the game time temperature is below forty. Look for that streak to end this Sunday. This game should come down to quarterbacks. Which youngster can lead his team? The Eagles’ Donovan McNabb has proven to be the better man over the course of the season, but this will be his first playoff start. Shaun King was here last year and proved he is capable of winning in the postseason. I give a significant edge in talent to McNabb, but he’ll be facing the superior defense. What he wouldn’t give to have a healthy Duce Staley in the backfield now. A solid running game would keep Tampa’s D honest and I don’t think Darnell Autry and McNabb’s scrambling ability will be enough. Tampa should cruise.
Pick: Tampa Bay
Dave Sabo is an Archives Specialist with the National Archives and Records Administration. A native of Spring, TX and a life-long Oiler fan now languishing in the heart of Redskins country (Laurel, MD), Dave is utterly convinced that new ‘Skins owner, Daniel Snyder, is, indeed, the anti-Christ.
Matt Stover 
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