Playoff Rooting Guide

by Mainiac on Dec 29, 2008 10:53 AM EST Comment 19 comments

Well, the Pats aren't in the playoffs, so I must figure out who to root for in the upcoming games.

So I've decided to list the teams I like, not in terms of ability, but who I can stand to root for.

(Edited once in light of Raven's taunts)

1. Atlanta Falcons. I know Miami had a bigger turnaround recordwise, but this team truly came out of nowhere, and I love Matt Ryan showing that rookies should be played as soon as possible, and Michael Turner making AJ Smith look like the fool he is.

2. Philadelphia Eagles. I just loved their win yesterday, and to whomever drives a stake into the black heart of the Cowboys I must tip my hat and cheer for.

3. Arizona Cardinals. I know they are kinda bad, but if they get past the first round I think it would be sweet, they are incredible underdogs and might get underestimated. The NFC West needs to show up so I will root for them to give a good effort.

4. Carolina Panthers. DeAngelo Williams not only helped me win my fantasy league, he's the definition of a man who doesn't like the path he's on and does something about it. I did not trust this team for a long time, but I think this could be the year they get their first ring.

5. Tennessee Titans. Their fans and players are chirpy, but this is a good team with a Hall of Fame coach. Got few qualms here.

6. Minnesota Vikings. I don't know what to think of this team. AP is a great back but he has also shown a lack of toughness. I am ready to reform some opinions though if they show me something better than almost losing to the Lions twice.

7. Baltimore Ravens. Their turnaround is impressive, and though they took my wildcard spot, they did so with a tough schedule and a rookie QB. Unfortunately, they are bad winners, and would rather taunt the Pats than prepare for Miami.

8. Miami Dolphins. Our division rival, but they gain points for sucking for so long. Pennington is also a great story. Other than Porter this team is tolerable.

9. San Diego Chargers. To be honest, their comeback is a nice story. 8-8 is an ugly record, but the postseason is a new season. Since we're not in their way this year, I suppose they could win it all...

10. Pittsburgh Steelers. Amazing defense, but this team is lucky to be in the playoffs, and yes, more arrogant than the Titans.

T-12th Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants. Please Lord save us from a Manning vs Manning Superbowl.

The views expressed in these FanPosts are not necessarily those of the writers or SBNation.

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How can you even mention a Manning-Bowl

the day after we’re still feeling a bit nauseous from being shut out of the playoffs??? So distasteful.

In our discussions, we figure we can easily root for Matt Ryan and the Falcons, the Eagles, or the Titans. Dolphins? Pennington is a great story, and I like him, but it would be so hard to root for the team. Chargers? No. Steelers? No. Ravens? They’re loudly and obnoxiously taking credit for shutting us out of the playoffs, so no. Vikings? Maybe. I like Peterson so it’s a possibility. Ugh.

They should all be thanking their lucky stars no playoff team will have to go through the Patriots.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Dec 29, 2008 11:49 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ravens

The fans will mirror the team. Remember the whiny little meltdown certain Baltimore players had at the end of our 2007 matchup? That shows me EXACTLY what they’re made of.

Blogger at SBNation's New England Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Dec 29, 2008 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ah

I have not seen any Ravens clips. If they’re talking about us instead of Miami then they may go down a spot or two.

"These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick

by Mainiac on Dec 29, 2008 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Here is the article

Knockout is relished by Ravens.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Dec 29, 2008 12:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lol, that's incredible

to still be stinging over a regular season loss that had no effect on their playoff hopes from last year

by NESilver on Dec 29, 2008 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ok

I dropped them 2 spots.

Now I’ll rout for the Titans to take the AFC crown.

"These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick

by Mainiac on Dec 29, 2008 12:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

my personal list

Is fairly close, but I put the Colts near the top on mine — regarding the “Manning Bowl” I also wouldn’t mind seeing it either. Generally speaking, I tend to support the teams whose fans and players are respectful to the Patriots and their fans as opponents (in my office, face-to-face, rather than on the internet where any moron with a keyboard and without a spellcheck can sling mud). I had a couple of Miami guys who really crossed the line a few times with me, and the Ravens’ comments were uncalled for, so I’m slotting the pair of them at the bottom, but other than that I just want to see some good teams play for it all.

And hey, if the Giants take it again, maybe we’ll stop hearing “choke job” for last year’s SB loss and hear more about what the game actually was; a damn good team beating another damn good team!

by jctsai12 on Dec 29, 2008 3:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't mind some Colts fans

They are mellowed from success, but I have a chemical need for the ‘Frustrated Manning Face’ and my levels are dangerously low.

"These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick

by Mainiac on Dec 29, 2008 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And I thought we all were getting along so well.

Where’s the love, man? :)

Seriously, you guys should have gotten in. You’ve had a very impressive year. It’s too bad you had to depend on the Bretts… I, personally, am praying the he actually retire this year!

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Dec 29, 2008 1:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hey may retire

of course that doesn’t mean he won’t play next season. : )

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Dec 29, 2008 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I just can't quit

hating your team. :-)

"These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick

by Mainiac on Dec 29, 2008 1:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

May be the Vikings for me. I still have flashbacks of " the dirty bird"

by cia on Dec 29, 2008 5:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

All wrong

It’s all about the Pats’ draft position at this point. Since draft position is fixed based on record, not playoff status, with the exception of the Super Bowl teams, here are the options:

In the AFC, we have to root for San Diego. (Ugh!)

In the NFC, we have a choice between Philadelphia, Arizona, and Minnesota.

If none of those teams make the Super Bowl, the Pats get the 24th pick. If two of them make it, they get the 22nd.

by RSNexile on Dec 29, 2008 5:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs