Archives for January 4, 2014

I’d like to play Cincinnati, then go to Denver, then see Seattle in the Super Bowl if I was creating a dream matchup road. That’s not the easiest road, but it’s the one that would be most satisfying to win against as far as I’m concerned.

I think the Colts would be the most favorable matchup. The Chiefs scare me a bit, I think they have good elements to matchup well against the Pats. Bengals are good, but I think the Pats would love another shot at them.

Divisional matchups in the playoffs are always tough (see Pats in 2010). The teams have played twice, there are no major surprises nor is anyone intimidated. The Broncos have two potential playoff opponents from their division, plus two teams that already beat them. I think just about any team in the AFC can beat any other team on a given playoff day, but Denver certainly isn’t going to get an easy pass from anyone.

These teams all know them and will feel confident going into Mile High.n

Now that’s a question! Nothing against Ninkovich but I’d still lean toward Vrabel. I think he was just an overly more dominant player and more of a tone-setter and on-field leader. I remember reading a story that when the defensive calls weren’t relayed in quick enough, Vrabel would call the play.

Also can’t forget the touchdown catches in the Super Bowl. And also telling Philip Rivers in the 2006 AFCDG that “he would never be Drew Brees, he knew it, the Pats knew it and the fans knew it”. 

Vrabel was everything the early 2000’s dynasty was. A castoff from Pittsburgh who found multiple roles in New England and came through in the clutch time and time again. He also gave the defense much of the edge that they had. No one looked forward to playing against Mike Vrabel, that’s for sure.

Ninkovich has certainly built a great career for himself in New England, and is one of the main stalwarts of the post-2000’s defense. There’s a ton to love about him, but Vrabel was special, and helped win Super Bowls, so he still has the edge.