| NFL Playoffs - Conference Championship Game Previews | |
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia
Sunday, Jan. 19, 3:00 PM ET
At: Veterans Stadium
Bucs Stop Here
Game Analysis: When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game on Sunday, they'll be visiting the ghosts of playoffs past and the memories aren't pretty. The Bucs have a terrible time in Veterans Stadium and have been ousted from the playoffs the past two seasons after being thumped in the crusty old battlefield. And to top it off, they haven't scored an offensive touchdown in their past three meetings in Philly.
After facing Atlanta's Michael Vick in last weekend's playoff game, Eagles defenders have to be drooling over the prospects of having a relatively stationary target in Brad Johnson, especially behind a somewhat questionable offensive line. Last week the Eagles put a leash on their pass rush, but you can be certain the dogs will be released on Sunday afternoon.
Johnson has had a great season, and probably deserved a Pro Bowl bid, but he's going against the NFL's best secondary and he lacks the type of burner at wide receiver that can stretch this defense. The Bucs receivers are big and strong, but they lack breakaway speed which will allow the Eagles to really tighten the screws on defense. I think Tampa will have a really tough time moving the ball.
I don't anticipate an offensive explosion from the Eagles either, but Donovan McNabb's mobility should give the Eagles the edge they need.
My Prediction: Philadelphia 20, Tampa Bay 10
Tennessee at Oakland
Sunday, Jan. 19, 6:30 PM ET
At: Network Associates Coliseum
Last Chance for Raider Vets
Game Analysis: Rich Gannon, Jerry Rice, and Tim Brown know this is probably their last real shot at the big game, and you know they'll be ready to play, but maybe a tougher assignment for the Titans will be the youngster Jerry Porter. He emerged this year as a scoring threat, and he burned the Jets for a 29-yard touchdown and a 50-yard gain last weekend.
The Raiders put up 52 points against the Titans in a convincing victory way back in week four, but this is a different Titans team, especially on defense. Still, I don't think their secondary can contain the Raiders receivers.
On the Tennessee side, Steve McNair is as tough as they come and has played as well as anyone the second half of the year. But Eddie George needs to step up his game and keep the chains and the clock moving if the Titans hope to wear down the Raiders defense. They must keep the ball out of Gannon's hands as much as possible. I don't think the Raiders secondary will have a lot of trouble handling the Titans receivers, but TE Frank Wycheck could loosen things up for the rest of the receiving corps with another game like last weekend's against the Steelers.
Tennessee is the hottest team in the league right now, but the Raiders are right behind them. I don't think George will be able to move the ball consistently on the ground and McNair will be forced to win the game with his arm. Look for Jerry Rice to play an inspired game and put up big numbers.
My Prediction: Raiders 27, Titans 13
