Sunday, January 8, 2012

2012 NFL PLAYOFFS - STEELERS v. BRONCOS



How the Steelers can lose:

1. Leave the Broncos in the game too long. If they are behind by a touchdown or less going into the 4th quarter they'll have a 65% chance of winning. Weird things happen at Mile High, particularly in the kicking game and the Broncos have the advantage here. If it comes down to a difference of a FG the Broncos will win.

2. Turnovers. The Bronocs offense scores so few points the defense will be COMPELLED to get the ball back as often as possible. The Steeler must play error-free football.

3. Ben takes too may sacks. An incomplete pass is ALWAYS better than lost yardage especially against and inferior team.

4. The Steelers are unable to stop the vaunted Bronco running game. They average 164.5 yards per game (1st in the league) while the Steelers give up 99.8 YPG (8th in the league).

5. A miracle occurs and Tebow finds his passing touch. He averages 123.5 YPG (32nd in the league) and the Steelers give up only 173 (1st in the league and against much better passers than Tebow).

6. More Steelers injuries. This has been a curse the entire season and if the Steelers are going to move past this and the next game they cannot afford any additional injuries ANYWHERE.


Overall:

1. The Broncos have lost three game in a row. The Steelers have won two (against inferior oppnents). 

2. Tebow is NOT an NFL passer but can run. Ben is injured and limited in his mobility. This is why I still push to start Batch as I did last week. You can't tell me Ben made that much of a difference in that game and may have been a bit of a hindrance.

3. The Steelers have significant playoff experience and can win on the road in the playoffs (although not so well in the regular season this year). The Broncos do not, particularly at key positions.

4. The Steelers have the better defense and the better QB (the Craig Woofley rule with respect to winning).


Prediction:

STEELERS 23 Broncos 10


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