This is a really strong team from top to bottom.
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After a regular season that saw Brady work his magic with a patchwork offensive lineup, his arsenal will be back near full strength.
It’s hard for aging quarterbacks to maintain their standard of play, to do things the way they used to, and when playoff losses pile up over the years, it changes the way people view you. There aren’t many weaknesses. Running back has been a carousel, most recently occupied by veteran Steven Jackson, who didn’t sign with New England until December 22. In the 2004 AFC title game, perhaps the best game of his career, Law intercepted Manning three times. If the Cardinals play to their potential, they certainly can win this game. The same is true on defense, because the Cardinals call a very aggressive defensive game. If the Panthers play the entire game like they did the first half against the Seahawks, they will absolutely win the game.
There’s been a lot to savor during Manning’s four seasons in Denver, but Shapiro says his most memorable Manning moment came on the day he was introduced as a Bronco in 2012. But there’s little to suggest he can get them the ball beyond 15 yards.
(RNN) – The Carolina Panthers have the most fun at their job. Of course the Panthers got to 14-0 before finally losing a game. Patriots love to point to the nine first-round exits by Peyton Manning led teams, but should Manning finish his career with a winning playoff record against Brady, the criticism has less merit. The third-year running back ran for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
Sunday’s AFC Championship game could feel more like a funeral than a football game.
Basically it comes down to this: If Carson Palmer doesn’t make stupid decisions and he has his offense flowing, Cam Newton won’t be able to muster up enough points from his offense to match Arizona.
The Cardinals have +375 odds after surviving a scare from the wild-card Green Bay Packers during a 26-20 home overtime win in the divisional round. He’s the favorite to win NFL MVP for a reason, and he’ll be in a big spot on Sunday.
“They did have to punt 10 times, ” Phillips said. They didn’t have their second rushing attempt of the game until there was over seven minutes gone in the second quarter. That’s a pretty good referendum on the current state of the two QBs. It won’t be because of some fatal flaw on either side. Defensive tackles Frostee Rucker (ankle) and Josh Mauro (calf) were limited throughout the week, but will be ready for Sunday. The pass rushers leading the National Football League in sacks helped them out, too.
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New England’s quarterback talked about the difficulty of getting every player in the same rhythm on the road. These teams are 30-4 combined, counting playoffs. Among those who have left for other teams after helping the Patriots to the Super Bowl: Randy Moss, Ty Law, Wes Welker, Asante Samuel, Adam Vinatieri. This could be a classic.
