2007 NFL Wild Card Playoff Preview
By Scott Burgess
Washington (9-7) at Seattle (10-6)
Kick Off: Sat, Jan 05, 2008 4:30 PM ET
The Seattle Seahawks host the Washington Redskins, at Qwest Field, to get a chance to advance into the NFC Divisional game.
The Washington Redskins are riding a four game win streak that’s got them into the playoffs. Since QB Todd Collins took over for injured QB Jason Campbell the Redskins are a rejuvenated team. Their last game against the Dallas Cowboys proved they can compete against the best. They beat the Cowboys 27-6, literally shutting them down. Their passing game and rushing game are firing on all cylinders. Their defense is great at stopping the rush but will need to watch out for the arm of QB Matt Hasselbeck. The Seattle Seahawks are going into the playoffs with NO momentum after losing two of their last three games. Their rushing game has drastically dropped and coach Holmgren has opted for more of a passing game. Word has it that QB Matt Hasselbeck injured his thumb last week and he’ll still start. Whether this is an issue will be determined on Saturday. WR Deion Branch didn’t play last week due to a calf injury and it won’t be known if he’ll play until Friday. The only thing going the Seahawks way is home field advantage and the 12th man.
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Jacksonville (11-5) at Pittsburgh (10-6)
Kick Off: Sat, Jan 05, 2008 8:00 PM ET
The Pittsburgh Steelers play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars, at mud filled Heinz Field, to get a chance to advance into the AFC Divisional game.
The Jacksonville Jaguars bring their heavy rushing game into Pittsburgh, which proved useful in beating the Steelers 29-22, in Pitt, when they met up in Week 16. The Jags RB Fred Taylor ran for 147 YDS which was the 2nd most the Steelers have allowed in 63 games. The Jags QB David Garrard has been almost flawless in his passing game and their rushing has been even better running for over 2,000 YDS. The Jags are great on defense and they can shut down the best of the best. The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t looked like the same team they once were. They’ve lost three of their last four games, one of those to the Jags. They’ve lost their #1 rusher Willie Parker due to a broken leg, but it shouldn’t matter because the Jags have shut down opponents running game and it’ll be in Pittsburgh best interest to opt for the passing game. QB Ben Roethlisberger is capable of throwing TD passes, as he did against the Ravens; he threw five TD in the first half. The Steelers are a very defensive team which will make for an interesting game. One factor in this game will be the condition of field which is notorious for being BAD.
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N.Y. Giants (10-6) at Tampa Bay (9-7)
Kick Off: Sun, Jan 06, 2008 1:00 PM ET
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play host to the New York Giants, at Raymond James Stadium, to get a chance to advance into the NFC Divisional game.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming into the playoffs after suffering a two game losing streak, but that doesn’t mean they’re underdogs. The Bucs will have their strong defense ready for the Giants. They’re the 2nd best team at preventing the pass which should prove well against the Giants top receiver WR Plaxico Burress. QB Jeff Garcia has beaten the Giants three times in a row, in the playoffs, not necessarily in a Bucs uniform. The Bucs will have to improve their pass defense, but with the Giants shotty QB Eli Manning at the helm it shouldn’t be that much of an issue. The NY Giants are an injury plagued team that barely squeaked into the playoffs. Strangely enough the Giants suck at home but are five for five on the road without hometown pressure. Their passing game isn’t that great but their rushing game has proved to be effective. Their defense might be in trouble with many starters injured; they have six players who will be a game time decision.
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Tennessee (10-6) at San Diego (11-5)
Kick Off: Sun, Jan 06, 2008 4:30 PM ET
The San Diego Chargers play host to the Tennessee Titians, at Qualcomm Stadium, to get a chance to advance into the AFC Divisional game.
The San Diego Chargers are coming into this game with a six game winning streak, with no sign of slowing down. The last time these two teams met up it was an extremely physical game with the Chargers winning 23-17 in OT. The Chargers have their offense firing on all cylinders just like they had last year. They aren’t particularly known for their passing game but rather their 7th ranked running game thanks to RB LaDainian Tomlinson. The Jags defense excels with Jyles Tucker in the lineup, he had three sacks, two forced fumbles one which was recovered in the end zone for a TD last week. Home field advantage should also prove helpful. The Tennessee Titians have three wins in a row with their most impressive, 16-10, win over the Colts. Since QB Kerry Collins took over for QB Vince Young last week the Titians looked like a better team. The Titians are great at the rush and their defense is even better at preventing it. It’s going to be a game that’s going to take place mainly on the ground.
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