From: gordons@netcom.com (Gordon Storga)
Subject: Re: More predictions
Organization: Gizmonic Institute - Home of the "Big G Burger"
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 02:13:15 GMT

What a weekend.  I went 2-2 on predictions for a playoff total of 5-3.
Review:
>Predictions:  
>Washington 27  SF 10
>
>Washington is hot with impressive individual performances as well as team
>efforts.  SF had a week off and may be distracted by the Montana issue.
>Close first half with second half special team play that breaks it open
>for Washington.  SF goes with Young the whole way leaving fans to question
>Seifert and starting an off-season qb controversy.

Well, I was way off here.  No doubt that a good overall team can beat a
so-so team even if they have some great performances.  Of course,
Washington *didn't* have any great performances.  I wasn't too far off on
Young's play.  I thought it might leave people wondering a bit and there
were some comments in the paper.  4 turnovers, tsk, tsk.

>Dallas 31  Philly 13
>Early Philly lead evaporates as Emmitt builds up steam.  Philly defense
>shows it's age and injuries - Smith over 125 yards.  Philly defense also
>continues to show they have no clue on how to cover a TE - Novacek 2 TDS.
>Cunningham plays well but dropped passes cost him the game.

I couldn't have predicted this one any better.  Philly did have the early
lead, but they couldn't stop the TEs for Dallas (three TD's combined), nor
could they stop Smith (114 yards, 1 TD).  Cunningham didn't play all that
badly either.

>SD 21  Miami 17
>Marino can't do it alone, and yes, he's still alone.  SD - not pretty but
>gets the job done.

Big error.  Don't bet against Shula at home.  Team effort comes through 
for Miami.

>Buffalo 35  Pittsburgh 17
>Kelly or Reich, it makes no difference.  Foster can't run (in this game)
>and O'donnell is not ready.  By the time Cowher realizes this it's too
>late.  Late game rally by Pitt but too little too late.

Half right.  Foster was able to run, but O'Donnell was awful.


Predictions for the championships:

Dallas 31  SF 21
SF doesn't appear to have the defense to stop Dallas.  The turf might be
the deciding factor, but Smith has shown he can run on natural grass.
Passing games are farely even with the advantage in TE production going to
Dallas.  SF has to face the #1 defense, Dallas doesn't.  Dallas can run on
anyone.  Dallas looked sharp, SF looked lethargic.  Barring injury it
should be a Dallas victory.

Buffalo 35  Miami 17
Buffalo has too much offense for Miami's defense, and just enough
defense for Miami's O.  Miami has been inconsistent at times.  I
shouldn't go against Shula, and I'd like to see the rematch with the
Cowboys, but I'm taking Buffalo for a record tying 3rd consecutive SB
appearance.

Interesting aspects to next week:
If Miami wins it sets up a definate rematch SB against Dallas or SF,
both Miami losses.  Miami would also set the record with 6 SB
appearances.  This record would be tied if Dallas beats SF, which would
also give Dallas a 4-1 record against SF in NFC championships.  If SF
makes it along with Buffalo then SF joins Dallas and Miami with 5
appearances.  A Dallas-Miami SB matches the two teams with the most SB
appearances both going for their 3rd win.  (oops! do the Raiders have 5
SB appearances too?)

Anyway, some interesting side-bars.


Gordon
-- 
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