10 Bold Predictions: Passing will continue to rule
Article By Unknown on 8th January, 2010
RealScouts
Sporting News' team of former scouts talk about 10 things to watch for during wild-card weekend.
1. Passing game takes center stage. Ten quarterbacks surpassed 4,000 passing yards this season, and seven of them are in the playoffs -- another sign that the NFL has become a pass-first entity.
Some of that has to do with a greater emphasis on spread offenses and rules changes that work to the detriment of defenses. Whatever the reason, the pass-first mentality is working, so expect more of it in the playoffs.
2. Nice to see you again. Three of the four games this weekend are rematches of games from Week 17 and one -- Eagles vs. Cowboys -- represents the third meeting between those teams.
Since 1970, there have been 19 opportunities for a team to complete a three-game sweep. Contrary to popular belief that it is darn-near impossible to pull that off, 12 teams have completed the trifecta. That doesn't bode particularly well for the Eagles, who were swept by the Cowboys in the regular season.
The Jets will test Carson Palmer's ability to beat the blitz. 3. J-E-T-S will B-L-I-T-Z. Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is one cool customer, and it shows in the way he handles himself under pressure. He's not real mobile, but he is able to stand in against pressure, make quick decisions, find his checkdowns and avoid sacks.
In fact, he ranks second in the NFL in passing efficiency against the blitz, which is why teams rarely go after him. But expect the Jets to buck the trend. Rex Ryan has lived by the blitz his whole career, and he's not about to stop now.
The Bengals don't use their tight ends or backs as receivers very often, and the Jets are confident in their ability to single-cover the Bengals' wideouts -- especially Darrelle Revis against Chad Ochocinco. That will free up players for Ryan ...
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1. Passing game takes center stage. Ten quarterbacks surpassed 4,000 passing yards this season, and seven of them are in the playoffs -- another sign that the NFL has become a pass-first entity.
Some of that has to do with a greater emphasis on spread offenses and rules changes that work to the detriment of defenses. Whatever the reason, the pass-first mentality is working, so expect more of it in the playoffs.
2. Nice to see you again. Three of the four games this weekend are rematches of games from Week 17 and one -- Eagles vs. Cowboys -- represents the third meeting between those teams.
Since 1970, there have been 19 opportunities for a team to complete a three-game sweep. Contrary to popular belief that it is darn-near impossible to pull that off, 12 teams have completed the trifecta. That doesn't bode particularly well for the Eagles, who were swept by the Cowboys in the regular season.
The Jets will test Carson Palmer's ability to beat the blitz. 3. J-E-T-S will B-L-I-T-Z. Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is one cool customer, and it shows in the way he handles himself under pressure. He's not real mobile, but he is able to stand in against pressure, make quick decisions, find his checkdowns and avoid sacks.
In fact, he ranks second in the NFL in passing efficiency against the blitz, which is why teams rarely go after him. But expect the Jets to buck the trend. Rex Ryan has lived by the blitz his whole career, and he's not about to stop now.
The Bengals don't use their tight ends or backs as receivers very often, and the Jets are confident in their ability to single-cover the Bengals' wideouts -- especially Darrelle Revis against Chad Ochocinco. That will free up players for Ryan ...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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