Upcoming playoff game with Ravens 1/15/2012

[angrydre]

coming into the Cincy game, my gut said we rout the Bengals and lose in Baltimore. I don't know if it was the game we played on Saturday, the lingering excitement from being in the building, or if I'm really onto something, but if you pressed me right now, I'm taking the Texans by 4.

These 2 teams are so much the same it's ridiculous, with QB's you're not sure your can count on on Sunday (just 'cause Yates is a rook. I believe in the kid in general), great defenses, and 2 of the top 5 running backs in the NFL, good TE's, the list goes on. Yet I think we're gonna pull it out, and here's why (remember that we hung in for 55 minutes the first time, without Dre, and with Foster playing like trash. Hit the damn bong, kid!):

Andre Johnson. It can't be emphasized enough, his impact just being on the field. He had a solid day Saturday, with his 5 for 90 and a touch, but Megatron lapped him with his 12 for 211 and 2. I expect Angry Dre to make a statement.

Johnathan Joseph. Anquan Bolden caught 8 for 132 last time. Considering how well he kept AJ Green in check on Saturday after getting lit up a bit the first time, I expect him to bring the pain.

Arian Foster. He played like trash the first time. 15 for 49?!? THAT won't happen again. I expect him to break at least one for 40+. Am I getting carried away already?

Our defense is just as good as theirs. Anyone who thinks we're gonna sputter while they have a banner day is smoking some REALLY quality shizzle. Put down the pipe. This defense is gonna be hungry.

Our running game is better than theirs. Yeah, Ray Rice is awesome, and he's got Vonta Leach leading the way, so you can call Ray and Arian a wash, but Ben Tate > Ricky Williams, and THAT isn't close.

We're gonna have to stretch the field and work the middle in the passing game to keep everyone honest and really open up the run, but if I know that, Kubiak knows that.

And then there's the other stuff. I've just had a feeling, since the injuries started piling up, that this year is just special. AFC Championship, that's what my gut said.

The Ravens could EASILY be looking forward to New England, satisfied with the way they won the first time, Our first time in the divisional round, with a 5th round rookie QB, the Ravens are SUPPOSED to win. I've seen the line as high as Ravens -9. If I wasn't nearly destitute thanks to my jaunt to Houston for the game last week, I'd be all over that.

Besides, we're just DUE to beat Baltimore. Doesn't it feel like we play them every year, and every time we find a way to lose. This is a year of firsts and getting over the hump. I think we've got a little magic left.

All that combines for a win by less than a TD. For the first time in my life, I'll be rooting for Tim Tebow, HARD. A home AFC Championship game would really be the best thing for everyone, my girlfriend included. Not only do I get really sad when we lose, but playoff victories make for some good lovin', am I right, boys?