Barnes' NFL Analysis and Magic's Postseason Picks
By: Matt Barnes
January 23, 2010
The real key to winning this late in the NFL postseason is finding a way to get on a roll. It’s not a very long season for those teams and I think that the team that gets hot at the right time can ride that momentum through the playoffs. Defense, ball control and running the ball are all very important.
New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET
One of the major positive factors for the Colts is the continuity they have on offense with key players like Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne. It’s great and you see it in all sports, teams that can really build that chemistry. The Pistons had it a few years back and so did the Lakers a few years ago; it really says a lot to stick with one team and build that chemistry. The players start to get to know each other’s game inside out. I think they definitely have an advantage with that.
But with all that said, cornerback Darrelle Revis has shut down every receiver he’s played against and he’s going to give the Colts a tough challenge.
Also, I like how New York has eased rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez into the lineup. I think they have a great strategy. Sanchez has thrown when he’s needed to, but most of the time they’ve controlled the clock and ran all over people.
The Jets have a No.1 defense and a No. 1 rushing attack, but they haven’t gone against the Colts with Peyton Manning in the lineup for a full four quarters this season. With Manning being there and having been through this before, I like the Colts to beat the Jets.
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints: Sunday, 6:40 p.m. ET
It’s going to be crazy out there. It’s going to be wild in New Orleans. They have crazy, loyal fans. I really think this game is going to be a shootout. Drew Brees and Brett Favre are two great quarterbacks. New Orleans has a load of talent, but Minnesota has a great running back and Favre – and you can really never count him out.
It’s great to see what Favre is doing at 40 years old. There are a lot of people talking bad and down about him, but the bottom line is he can still play the game. I think he’s had one of the best seasons of his career at 40, so you really feel for that and that kind of pushes you to root for him.
The Vikings also have a stellar pass rush. When teams are disrupting you like that, you don’t get a chance to throw the ball. And New Orleans has had some problems with that.
It’s going to be an amazing game. It’s almost like this is the Super Bowl. It’s going to be an exciting game to watch.
This one is a tough call, it’s almost like a coin flip for me. I like both of them a lot. But since I have to pick a team I’ll say … New Orleans over Minnesota.
All of player picks were compiled by OrlandoMagic.com's Dan Savage. Player playoff selections are for entertainment purposes only.
By: Matt Barnes
January 23, 2010
The real key to winning this late in the NFL postseason is finding a way to get on a roll. It’s not a very long season for those teams and I think that the team that gets hot at the right time can ride that momentum through the playoffs. Defense, ball control and running the ball are all very important.
New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET
One of the major positive factors for the Colts is the continuity they have on offense with key players like Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne. It’s great and you see it in all sports, teams that can really build that chemistry. The Pistons had it a few years back and so did the Lakers a few years ago; it really says a lot to stick with one team and build that chemistry. The players start to get to know each other’s game inside out. I think they definitely have an advantage with that.
But with all that said, cornerback Darrelle Revis has shut down every receiver he’s played against and he’s going to give the Colts a tough challenge.
Also, I like how New York has eased rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez into the lineup. I think they have a great strategy. Sanchez has thrown when he’s needed to, but most of the time they’ve controlled the clock and ran all over people.
The Jets have a No.1 defense and a No. 1 rushing attack, but they haven’t gone against the Colts with Peyton Manning in the lineup for a full four quarters this season. With Manning being there and having been through this before, I like the Colts to beat the Jets.
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints: Sunday, 6:40 p.m. ET
It’s going to be crazy out there. It’s going to be wild in New Orleans. They have crazy, loyal fans. I really think this game is going to be a shootout. Drew Brees and Brett Favre are two great quarterbacks. New Orleans has a load of talent, but Minnesota has a great running back and Favre – and you can really never count him out.
It’s great to see what Favre is doing at 40 years old. There are a lot of people talking bad and down about him, but the bottom line is he can still play the game. I think he’s had one of the best seasons of his career at 40, so you really feel for that and that kind of pushes you to root for him.
The Vikings also have a stellar pass rush. When teams are disrupting you like that, you don’t get a chance to throw the ball. And New Orleans has had some problems with that.
It’s going to be an amazing game. It’s almost like this is the Super Bowl. It’s going to be an exciting game to watch.
This one is a tough call, it’s almost like a coin flip for me. I like both of them a lot. But since I have to pick a team I’ll say … New Orleans over Minnesota.
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All of player picks were compiled by OrlandoMagic.com's Dan Savage. Player playoff selections are for entertainment purposes only.
