Causion's NFL Conference Finals Predictions
Today at CausionCreations, I give my predictions for this Sunday's AFC and NFC Championship games. Check it out.
Panthers vs Cardinals
in Carolina
The two best teams, all season in the NFC will meet in the NFC Championship game this Sunday in Carolina. In my heart of hearts, I am rooting for Cam Newton. I have always been a fan of his personally and I like to see a young black man prove the doubters wrong. Traditionally, we know what has always been said about black quarterbacks, and that is, they run first. We ll Cam has shattered that stereotype, while also showing that he is not scared to run when need be and run like non other. He is big, his has a great arm, and he makes good decisions with the football. Sure, he's cocky, arrogant even, but he backs it up. I like the mans swag, and its infectious to watch.
On the other hand, there is Carson Palmer. This guy has been a very good QB in the is league for years, and just has not been able to get over the hump. I juries have derailed him time and time again, and he even had to play for the Oakland Raiders. Smh. I can't help but root for the Cardinals as well. Especially Larry Fitzgerald. This man has been a model of consistency in this league and has stayed faithful to the Cardinals organization, even when it looked like all hope was gone. He is one of the classiest players ever to take the field.
The issue I am having is the narrative that has begun already this week. There are those who are using this game as a referendum on the right way to play of the game. You have those who hate Cam's arrogance and showboat swagger, and look at Fitzgerald as the exact opposite. They will then use the result of the game as some sort of "I told you so moment" to support their way of feeling either way. I for one do not like that.
I don't think there is one correct way to play and win this game of football. No, sportsmanship should not be done away with. Yes, athletes should be good role models. But that has nothing to do with the result of this game in my opinion.
My overall takeaway is, the Cardinals are going on the road to play a team that is hungry. But they are hungry to. QB is even, RB, slight edge to CAR, WR, edge to ARZ, TE edge to CAR, D line, edge to ARZ, LB, edge to CAR, DBs, edge to ARZ, and special teams is a push. So in the end, they match up fairly well. I just have to go with my gut.
On the other hand, there is Carson Palmer. This guy has been a very good QB in the is league for years, and just has not been able to get over the hump. I juries have derailed him time and time again, and he even had to play for the Oakland Raiders. Smh. I can't help but root for the Cardinals as well. Especially Larry Fitzgerald. This man has been a model of consistency in this league and has stayed faithful to the Cardinals organization, even when it looked like all hope was gone. He is one of the classiest players ever to take the field.
The issue I am having is the narrative that has begun already this week. There are those who are using this game as a referendum on the right way to play of the game. You have those who hate Cam's arrogance and showboat swagger, and look at Fitzgerald as the exact opposite. They will then use the result of the game as some sort of "I told you so moment" to support their way of feeling either way. I for one do not like that.
I don't think there is one correct way to play and win this game of football. No, sportsmanship should not be done away with. Yes, athletes should be good role models. But that has nothing to do with the result of this game in my opinion.
My overall takeaway is, the Cardinals are going on the road to play a team that is hungry. But they are hungry to. QB is even, RB, slight edge to CAR, WR, edge to ARZ, TE edge to CAR, D line, edge to ARZ, LB, edge to CAR, DBs, edge to ARZ, and special teams is a push. So in the end, they match up fairly well. I just have to go with my gut.
Broncos vs Patriots
in Denver
Here we go again, Manning vs Brady. We know the story. For years, Peyton was considered the best QB in the regular season, while failing in the playoffs. While Brady racked up ring after ring. Traditionally, Brady owns this match-up, and conventional wisdom would tell you that this Sunday will be no different.
Manning's arm strength has diminished greatly. The receivers are not used to catching his balls, it seems, or he's just throwing awkward ducks that are difficult to bring in. I think its a mixture of both issues. On the other hand, Brady has his weapons back with Edelman, Gronk, and Amendola, and they look ready for another title run. But they go up against a Denver defense that was the best during the regular season, although they have looked very normal in certain games throughout the season.
The game in many ways does come down to, which defense will play the best. Or, can Peyton Manning elevate his offense to match that of the Patriots. The consensus opinion appears to be the that the Patriots are just better than the Broncos, even on the road. The quick passing attack of Tom Brady will be enough to propell them back to the Superbowl. As for me....
Manning's arm strength has diminished greatly. The receivers are not used to catching his balls, it seems, or he's just throwing awkward ducks that are difficult to bring in. I think its a mixture of both issues. On the other hand, Brady has his weapons back with Edelman, Gronk, and Amendola, and they look ready for another title run. But they go up against a Denver defense that was the best during the regular season, although they have looked very normal in certain games throughout the season.
The game in many ways does come down to, which defense will play the best. Or, can Peyton Manning elevate his offense to match that of the Patriots. The consensus opinion appears to be the that the Patriots are just better than the Broncos, even on the road. The quick passing attack of Tom Brady will be enough to propell them back to the Superbowl. As for me....
Super Bowl 50
I love underdogs.
I just think that the Cardinals are ready and able to go into Carolina and win. While either result will bring a smile on my face, Im rolling with Arizona.
This is Peyton Mannings last ride. And I want him to beat his arch rival one more time. I think he will do enough to get the W. Should be great.
I just think that the Cardinals are ready and able to go into Carolina and win. While either result will bring a smile on my face, Im rolling with Arizona.
This is Peyton Mannings last ride. And I want him to beat his arch rival one more time. I think he will do enough to get the W. Should be great.