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by **RiverDog** » Wed Dec 24, 2014 7:59 pm

Looking ahead and assuming that we beat the Rams this Sunday and that the Packers-Lions game does not end in a tie, which NFC team do you fear the most?

by **NorthHawk** » Wed Dec 24, 2014 8:05 pm

Other than #7 beating themselves, I think the Packers pose the biggest threat to win the NFC.

by **RiverDog** » Wed Dec 24, 2014 8:17 pm

I was thinking Cowboys. If a team is going to beat us, they are going to have to run the ball. Plus the 'Boys have already beaten us at home, Romo knows us better than any QB in the playoffs having faced us 3 out of the last 4 years, and their receivers match up against our DB's as good as any in the league.

Having said that, we lost Bobby Wagner early in that first game, and with all due respect to our LOB, IMO he is our most important defensive player. We are a different team than we were when we faced them 2 months ago.

by **Zorn76** » Wed Dec 24, 2014 8:30 pm

Packers.

The Cowboys have done unexpectedly well, and did beat us legitimately at The Clink, but GB has a wealth of playoff experience that lends itself to doing well in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Dallas still has a lot to prove. They are capable of making a solid postseason run, but I need to see it before giving them the benefit of the doubt.

by **jshawaii22** » Thu Dec 25, 2014 12:35 am

Dallas is undefeated on the road this year... including the Clink.

Assuming they all come west, the Packers are not a good road team.

I see Romo to Dez as potent as Rodgers to Nelson and they both have a great RB and good balance on the O.

Both can have good D's, but with leaks in the process that the Hawks can capitalize on.

All things considered, I'd rather see GB beat Dallas in their matchup while we beat the Cards or Atlanta in ours. When we meet for the NFC Championship, I'm looking at GB

js

by **HumanCockroach** » Thu Dec 25, 2014 2:03 am

Didn't see the "zebra" option, so I went with the Seahawks beating themselves, baring that, it is actually the Lions that worry me most, as Seattle hasn't played them, the Lions front seven is IMHO the best front seven in the field, with exceptional run stuffing ability, and pass pressure, and a decent back end. I could honestly see that ending in some weird 16-9 type score, with one big play being the difference...

by **Zorn76** » Thu Dec 25, 2014 3:39 am

Playoffs are a whole new ball game, and the Cowboys are making their 1st appearance in them in nearly 5 yrs.
I don't see anybody beating us at home if we get HFA, honestly.

Every team has their flaws, including us, but we are clearly the best overall team, not only in our conference, but in the NFL.

Detroit ranks only slightly ahead of AZ and the South rep, IMO.
I could easily see them going on the road and being one-and-done.

The Packers are not a good road team, and we did clobber them pretty good to start the season, but I think we're still destined to host them in the NFCCG in a few weeks.

by **RiverDog** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 5:58 am

I thought I'd bump this thread up to see of this week's results changed anyone's opinion.

I'm still sticking with the Cowboys. They have proven that they can run the ball against us and Bryant is as tough a matchup for our secondary as any player in the league. As much as we all like to lampoon Tony Romo, he is an experienced quarterback that knows us as well as any QB in the conference. Our defense, as well as we have played in the past 6 games, hasn't seen a Pro Bowl quality quarterback for 2 months as we've racked up some impressive numbers against some very unimpressive quarterbacks...Drew Stanton, Colin Kaepernick (twice), Mark Sanchez, Ryan Lindley, and Shawn Hill, so I don't think we can make the assumption that we'll keep who ever we draw out of the end zone.

Tony Dungy was drooling over the Panthers last night, but I don't think they'd have a snowball's chance in hell of beating us up here.

by **savvyman** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:36 am

Cowboys - Great QB (who is also one of the most elusive QB's in the NFL) - Great Receiver - Great Running Back - Great O Line - - 8-0 on the road - No team has the balance offensively like the Cowboys do.

by **RiverDog** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:55 am

They've announced the playoff schedule. Our first game will come on Saturday, Jan. 11th at 5:15pm local. It's a bit of a mini break as if we win, we get an extra day off before the NFCCG, in which we would play the early game at 12:05pm local on Sunday the 18th.

I also feel it plays in our favor not to have to face the Cowboys unless it is in the NFCCG. Not that I don't think we can beat them.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/201 ... =rss&pfr=1

by **c_hawkbob** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 8:53 am

8. No fear.

by **mykc14** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 8:58 am

RiverDog wrote:They've announced the playoff schedule. Our first game will come on Saturday, Jan. 11th at 5:15pm local. It's a bit of a mini break as if we win, we get an extra day off before the NFCCG, in which we would play the early game at 12:05pm local on Sunday the 18th.

I also feel it plays in our favor not to have to face the Cowboys unless it is in the NFCCG. Not that I don't think we can beat them.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/201 ... =rss&pfr=1

I agree about the cowboys probably being our toughest possible opponent. At the same time Green Bay is also always dangerous and Detroits d is very good. Carolina and Arizona don't scare me much. In a way we really should want Dallas to win because then we would get either Carolina or Arizona which would be nice

by **Hawktawk** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 11:57 am

If Seattle plays their game they should beat anyone. My concern has been their slow starts on both sides of the ball the past few home games, especially offensively. I really didn't expect to struggle so much yesterday. I'm going to predict we are playing Carolina in 2 weeks. They are 9ers lite IMO and I like the matchup. Then we will get the winner of GB and Dallas. Either of those two teams are formidable offensively although Dallas seems stronger defensively. Still Seattle has the formula to go all the way. The best defense BY FAR and the best running game, also a QB who can find a way in spite of serious duress and protection breakdowns.

by **PasadenaHawk** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 2:43 pm

My guess is Hawks host Cowboys in the NFCCG. Is there any chance a non season ticketholder could get tickets to that game?

by **Zorn76** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 3:09 pm

About the only thing that's changed is A.R.'s calf injury, and how that affects him for the playoffs. He gets 2 weeks rest, which should help quite a bit.

Up until today, I'd say the Lions had a decent shot at beating Dallas.
Now, with Suh back to his usual stupid and classless self, I think the Cowboys win the game by 10 or more. The Lions are posers, anyway, but at least it woulda been a more interesting game.

We're gonna beat anybody that comes to The Clink.

We're going back to the Super Bowl.

by **HumanCockroach** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 4:43 pm

I don't adhere to the "they beat us in week six" theory, as Seattle is an entirely different team, with an entirely different gameplan. Dallas is pourous against the run, downright horrible, and yet Seattle did what in the game against the Boys?? Force fed Harvin til' they lost. Also, Seattle could NOT stop the run that day, couple of KEY reasons for that, and it just so happens those reasons currently are healthy and playing as well as expected. Without Murray, Romo is who we thought he is a QB prone to mind altering mistakes, without the ability to "carry" his team to victory. It is not IMHO a coincidence that Dallas' revival happens to coincide with a balanced offense, which IMHO isn't going to work as well against Seattle, as it has against those tough Jags, Giants, Skins etc.

Seattle at the time of the last game also, couldn't buy a pass rush, something that is no longer a huge issue. I actually HOPE they play Dallas, especially if the players on that team buy into the same things it appears the media, and some fans have.

Of teams I worry about most in the NFC Playoffs, Dallas isn't even in the top three, I don't in any way shape or form see them beating Seattle, in Seattle twice in one season, just don't.

( and honestly, I simply don't see Dallas going to GB and winning either)

by **RiverDog** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 6:05 pm

PasadenaHawk wrote:My guess is Hawks host Cowboys in the NFCCG. Is there any chance a non season ticketholder could get tickets to that game?

Sure, for a price anything is possible. Just don't pay your next house payment and you should be able to make a playoff ticket fit into most any household budget.

by **mykc14** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:03 pm

PasadenaHawk wrote:My guess is Hawks host Cowboys in the NFCCG. Is there any chance a non season ticketholder could get tickets to that game?

I bought tickets to the NFC Championship game last year. It was awesome. I was in the bottom row of the Hawks nest and I paid $400/ticket. Well worth every penny (although there was a moment in the 3rd quarter where, just for a second, the thought crept into my mind that I just paid $400 to watch the Hawks break my heart). Anyway that didn't happen. As far as the price goes I waited until the last minute (like literally Sunday morning) to buy mine. There were guys we were sitting next to who paid $800/ticket and another guy a few people away who paid $650/ticket. There is no doubt it is going to be expensive wherever you sit but it was a life highlight for sure.

by **PasadenaHawk** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 11:35 am

Thanks for the tip. I think I'll wait for the SB since I can drive to Az. Might wind up costing the same anyway (travel included)

by **Hawktawk** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 10:09 pm

OK I watched the condensed version of the NFC week 17 games and I want to retract my statement. Nobody in the NFC is going to beat Seattle..........................................

by **Hawk Sista** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 10:45 am

If the Hawks make the SB, we are headed over to Arizona, if only to experience the craze. I think all the remaining teams are good enough to hang around longer than we'd like (Shaun Hill almost (1/2 yard short) led a TD drive at the Clink). But, if we play like we can, I do believe I may get a tan in February this year.

NFCCG will be against the Pack or the Boys. I fear nobody but would rather face the Packers - there are too many a Cowboy fans at work to live through a home loss to them.

Go a Hawks!

by **Zorn76** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 11:30 am

SB 50 will be played practically in my back yard. Next year is gonna be nuts in San Jose, with Levi stadium 15 min away. That's when I'll get to experience the craziness.

Would love to go to AZ this year if I had the time/money, but instead will watch it on the tube.

by **PasadenaHawk** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 2:38 pm

Hawk Sista wrote:If the Hawks make the SB, we are headed over to Arizona, if only to experience the craze. I think all the remaining teams are good enough to hang around longer than we'd like (Shaun Hill almost (1/2 yard short) led a TD drive at the Clink). But, if we play like we can, I do believe I may get a tan in February this year.

NFCCG will be against the Pack or the Boys. I fear nobody but would rather face the Packers - there are too many a Cowboy fans at work to live through a home loss to them.

Go a Hawks!

if it happens, I'll be sure to find you sis.

by **monkey** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 7:01 pm

We're built to beat teams like the Packers, they scare me not one little bit. The Cowboys with their balanced offense pose a legitimate threat (they've beaten us at home once as proof), but there's no way they come into Seattle and beat us a second time the way our defense is playing right now.
The only thing we have to fear, is ourselves. The only way the Seahawks lose, is if the Seahawks play poorly.

by **RiverDog** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 7:10 am

Hawk Sista wrote:If the Hawks make the SB, we are headed over to Arizona, if only to experience the craze. I think all the remaining teams are good enough to hang around longer than we'd like (Shaun Hill almost (1/2 yard short) led a TD drive at the Clink). But, if we play like we can, I do believe I may get a tan in February this year.

NFCCG will be against the Pack or the Boys. I fear nobody but would rather face the Packers - there are too many a Cowboy fans at work to live through a home loss to them.

Go a Hawks!

There's a guy at work that has been begging me to go to the SB with him this year. If the Hawks make it, I might end up taking him up on it. A SB is on my bucket list.

by **Futureite** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 4:44 pm

Cowboys, obviously. I have to believe the people that picked the Pack are just afraid to admit they do not want to play the Cowboys.

Cowboys are the only team left in either conference that has a clear advantage in any phase over the Seahawks. Their Oline is bigger than Seattle's Dline but it's also very athletic and can get to the 2nd level. They have an extremely mobile QB and speed in the edge at WR, so you really cannot stack up against them. They are a bad matchup for an undersuzed Seattle D.

That game up in Seattle was nowhere as close to what the final score ended up being. Dallas thoroughly dominated both sides of the ball and the stat sheet. I do believe Seattle would be a slight fav if this happens though even so. But on paper I'd favor the Cowboys.

But Pack? Are you FN kidding me? Their D would never match up with Hawks' run game and their Oline is nowhere near physical enough to consistently move the ball on Haeks' D. Would be another double digit Hawk win.

by **Futureite** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 4:52 pm

monkey wrote:We're built to beat teams like the Packers, they scare me not one little bit. The Cowboys with their balanced offense pose a legitimate threat (they've beaten us at home once as proof), but there's no way they come into Seattle and beat us a second time the way our defense is playing right now.
The only thing we have to fear, is ourselves. The only way the Seahawks lose, is if the Seahawks play poorly.

I'll put money on this if it happens that Seattle D cannot handle Cowboy O. Not that Cowboys will WIN (they doubled Hawks in yardage last matchup and still nearly lost due to fumbled snaps and muffed punts), but that the Cowboy O will handle that D. I saw the matchup problem a mile away last time they met and nothing has changed since. Their Oline is just too big and pbysical for Seattle. You have Bennett and Avril outweighed by literally 50+ LBS, and these guys can also move and get on LBs. It's something that cannot be schemed around or willed around. Hawk O will have to put up points again to win.

by **HumanCockroach** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:02 pm

Nothing has changed? You should recheck that, a LOT has changed, a sh*t ton has changed. Not sure you watched that Dallas game, or at least you weren't paying attention. No Kam, no Bobby, ( ala the middle of that defense) Coyle starting in the middle..... On offense Lynch got less than ten carries, and Bevell spent the entire game force feeding Harvin, I promise you this team isn't the "same" and certainly are NOT running the same on offense in the least.

Dallas is poor against the run, and yet Seattle refused to run the ball, how in the world do you get to the "same" I haven't the foggiest, but I assure you, you are absolutely 100% off on said assessment.

by **Futureite** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:09 pm

HumanCockroach wrote:Nothing has changed? You should recheck that, a LOT has changed, a sh*t ton has changed. Not sure you watched that Dallas game, or at least you weren't paying attention. No Kam, no Bobby, ( ala the middle of that defense) Coyle starting in the middle..... On offense Lynch got less than ten carries, and Bevell spent the entire game force feeding Harvin, I promise you this team isn't the "same" and certainly are NOT running the same on offense in the least.

Dallas is poor against the run, and yet Seattle refused to run the ball, how in the world do you get to the "same" I haven't the foggiest, but I assure you, you are absolutely 100% off on said assessment.

Nothing has changed in the D v O matchup. A MLB is not going to fix that problem. It's a total mismatch and Dallas ran at will all day long last meeting. That is why I said Hawks would have to score some points to win, which they are capable of doing. But no, I would not put money on that D stopping that O. In fact, I'd put money on the opposite and I could even see Dallas dominating the entire game (though not likely). It is speed on D V size AND power (strength + speed) on O, and if it happens Dallas will wear them out. It's not my opinion, it's physics. I'd still prob make Hawks a slight fav though because it would be at their place.

by **HumanCockroach** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:13 pm

Futureite wrote:Cowboys, obviously. I have to believe the people that picked the Pack are just afraid to admit they do not want to play the Cowboys.

Cowboys are the only team left in either conference that has a clear advantage in any phase over the Seahawks. Their Oline is bigger than Seattle's Dline but it's also very athletic and can get to the 2nd level. They have an extremely mobile QB and speed in the edge at WR, so you really cannot stack up against them. They are a bad matchup for an undersuzed Seattle D.

That game up in Seattle was nowhere as close to what the final score ended up being. Dallas thoroughly dominated both sides of the ball and the stat sheet. I do believe Seattle would be a slight fav if this happens though even so. But on paper I'd favor the Cowboys.

But Pack? Are you FN kidding me? Their D would never match up with Hawks' run game and their Oline is nowhere near physical enough to consistently move the ball on Haeks' D. Would be another double digit Hawk win.

I relish facing Dallas again actually ( though I didn't pick the Pack either). Honestly, IMHO it's all about matchups in playoff football, and believe it or not, the team that matches up best against Seattles strengths is the Lions, not the Pack, or the Boys. Seattle wants to run the football, and then run it some more, and finish by running it again.... Dallas AND GB defensively, cannot stop the run, and aren't particularily strong against the pass either... Detroit however, have one of, if not the best defensive front seven in the NFL, and allow something like 65 yards a game rushing. Seattle can beat teams built that way, but more often than not, it is because the defense completely dismantles the opposing offense ( which unfortunately Detroit has ample ability to use)

Dallas has the ability to run a balanced offense, but ONLY if they can get the opposing offense off the field ( typically pass heavy offenses that make their own mistakes), the more that defense is required to make plays, the more they are prone to mistakes...

Anyone can beat anyone ( that is what the playoffs are after all) but in order for Dallas to even get a crack at Seattle, they have to beat a team that can shred their suspect pass defense, and stuff their running attack, and THEN head out to Lambeau and defeat the Pack in the cold, in that stadium, with a QB and weapons that exceed what Stafford and the Lions can do.. Just don't see Dallas advancing to Seattle to begin with, and if they somehow magically do so, I for one will be happy to welcome Romo to his own personal house of horrors once again..

by **Zorn76** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:17 pm

Playoff experience does matter, and the Packers and Seahawks have plenty of it.

It's one thing for the Cowboys to beat the Lions this weekend, but to then go into Lambeau - even with a perfect road mark - and beat GB on their field?

Nope.

I'll take the Packers undefeated season at home over Dallas's undefeated away record, especially in the playoffs.

by **Futureite** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:24 pm

I'd agree the Lions are a tough matchup on paper simply due to their huge DTs. They have a very physical D and could prob hang for a while. But their O has completely disappeared at times and I think the Hawk D would eat them up and force Stafgord into a ton of bad throws and turnovers. I could not see that game being close, at all.

Dallas does have a suspect D, but they also have enough athletes and playmakers on it to create turnovers, presdure rhe QB and pursue in the run game. The one thing that jumped out to me about their D in the last matchup was how well they pursued both Lynch and Wilson. Seemed like 3 or 4 guys arrived all at the same time for each tackle. McClain looked great V Hawks and Niners. If their O can keep them off the field and fresh they are capable of causing some problems. Still as you said I'd expect Haeks O to win that matchup.

So what we are left with IMO is which team could control the TOP. Will be interesting if it happens.

by **HumanCockroach** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:27 pm

Nothing has changed in the D v O matchup. A MLB is not going to fix that problem. It's a total mismatch and Dallas ran at will all day long last meeting. That is why I said Hawks would have to score some points to win, which they are capable of doing. But no, I would not put money on that D stopping that O. In fact, I'd put money on the opposite and I could even see Dallas dominating the entire game (though not likely). It is speed on D V size AND power (strength + speed) on O, and if it happens Dallas will wear them out. It's not my opinion, it's physics. I'd still prob make Hawks a slight fav though because it would be at their place

So it's your theory that the All Pro MLB who makes all the defensive adjustments and calls, is no different than a RFA MLB from Montana? Ok big guy, whatever you say. ROTFLMFAO.

As for opinion or physics, I recomend you check that stuff, I know for a fact that plenty of games have gone to "speed" over strength and size literally thousands of times during the course of the NFL's history, otherwise there would be only the biggest and strongest teams with a Champion trophy, and that simply is NOT the case. Dallas does NOT worry me, and yes I do believe that a defense giving up over 100 yards a game rushing without Wagner, that has allowed around 60 a game since his and Kam's return can and would ( notice not will as Dallas won't be making a return trip to Seattle this season) handle or at least limit Murray and the run game.

by **Zorn76** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:27 pm

I think Dallas beats Detroit by 10 or more.

Their problem is going into a freezing Lambeau and beating the Packers.

I just don't see it happening.

GB HFA > Dallas perfect road record for the regular season, (no matter what the weather proves to be).

by **Futureite** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:29 pm

Zorn76 wrote:Playoff experience does matter, and the Packers and Seahawks have plenty of it.

It's one thing for the Cowboys to beat the Lions this weekend, but to then go into Lambeau - even with a perfect road mark - and beat GB on their field?

Nope.

I'll take the Packers undefeated season at home over Dallas's undefeated away record, especially in the playoffs.

Playoff experience hasn't mattered with Hawks past couple yrs. Cowboys will beat by Pack by +10 if that game happens. Pack are just way too soft on D and they'd never last V Dallas. I think some of you do not want to admit the challenge that Dallas is because of what happened earlier this yr, and you know Hawks would whoop the Pack again just like the freakin Bills did a couple weeks ago. Reminds me of 2012 when Niner fans pulled for the Falcons in the playoffs. Almost to a tee.

by **Zorn76** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:38 pm

Futureite

LOL, complete B.S. pertaining to your last post, bro. The Seahawks fear NOBODY in the playoffs, and neither do I (as if it matters, lol).

I'll spell it out to you: The Seahawks are going to repeat as SB Champions.

We will beat GB, or Dallas, or whoever else comes to The Clink, then beat whoever the AFC puts in, including N.E., Denver, etc.

by **HumanCockroach** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:41 pm

Interesting take. The Cowboys D doesn't have the ability to pressure Rodgers that Buffalo did, no way no how, and there is no way you could convince me that they can stop Lacy, Cobb, Nelson and the crew. Maybe they could win ( doubtful in my mind, but hey, upsets happen all the time) if Dallas won that game it would IMHO have to be some sort of high scoring affair with Dez carrying them, not a ball control offensive game, and I just don't see that happening. As bad as GB's defense is, Dallas is right there with them, but have more and better offensive weapons across the board.

by **RiverDog** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 6:22 pm

Futureite wrote:Nothing has changed in the D v O matchup. A MLB is not going to fix that problem. It's a total mismatch and Dallas ran at will all day long last meeting. That is why I said Hawks would have to score some points to win, which they are capable of doing. But no, I would not put money on that D stopping that O. In fact, I'd put money on the opposite and I could even see Dallas dominating the entire game (though not likely). It is speed on D V size AND power (strength + speed) on O, and if it happens Dallas will wear them out. It's not my opinion, it's physics. I'd still prob make Hawks a slight fav though because it would be at their place.

A lot has changed. We've finally started getting a pass rush on the QB, something that was lacking not only in the Dallas game, but in nearly every game in the first half of the season. Bruce Irvin is now a factor that has to be accounted for. And I'm sorry, but having our All Pro Mike back in the fold is big.

On offense, the Dallas game was where Percy Harvin refused to take the field and was traded a few days later. The following week, vs. the Rams, was the low point of our season.

Bottom line is that we are a different team when we last faced Dallas. If they can beat us twice in our house in the same season, then my hat's off to them. But don't hold your breath.

by **Futureite** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 6:30 pm

River;

Completely agree that Hawks are a diff team. Most teams are at this stage compared to early in the season. But if you are telling me they match up better on D + a LB but - an allpro DTackle like Mebane, I am going to strongly disagree. The matchup problem is still exactly what it was before - an undersized but extremely athletic D V a massive and athletic Oline. With respect to this specific matchup, I don't see much changing. A 50-60 LB difference is the same no matter where or when the game is played. It's not the fact that they are bigger. It's that they are bigger AND athletic.

On the other side of the ball yes, Seattle O and run game is rolling and could be equally dominant. So of course they can win and prob should be favored. In my mind it's an even matchup with two 12 win teams and it would be very entertaining if it happens.

by **RiverDog** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 6:58 pm

Futureite wrote:River;

But if you are telling me they match up better on D + a LB but - an allpro DTackle like Mebane, I am going to strongly disagree. The matchup problem is still exactly what it was before - an undersized but extremely athletic D V a massive and athletic Oline. With respect to this specific matchup, I don't see much changing. A 50-60 LB difference is the same no matter where or when the game is played. It's not the fact that they are bigger. It's that they are bigger AND athletic.

Kevin Williams has picked up the slack and filled the void left when Mebane went down.

The other factor that you are ignoring is that we will be playing with two week's rest. Dallas plays late Sunday afternoon then gets 6 days rest before they have to travel 2,000 miles or so to face us next Saturday... providing they beat a highly motivated Detroit Lions.

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