As the stakes increase dramatically for the NFL’s final four teams, don’t rule out a little outside-the-box thinking for one or more of the head coaches who’ll be trying to get to their first career Super Bowls as head coaches.
One common device in this regard is to replace punt and kick returners with guys ordinarily viewed as too valuable to the base offense or defense.
In Indy, for example, Darrelle Revis could be on a different kind of island, as the Jets’ punt returner. If you doubt his skills in this regard, consider this highlight from his days as Pitt’s punt returner.
For the Vikings, Percy Harvin could supplement his kickoff return duties with the return of punts. Though, Harvin didn’t look “natural” in training camp when catching punted footballs, the Vikings on at least one occasion put Harvin deep with Darius Reynaud during the regular season. Presumably, Reynaud could catch the punt and then hand, pitch, or throw it to Harvin.
Of course, such a tactic would be even riskier than usual, given that Harvin wasn’t available to practice the routine on Thursday or Friday, due to his migraine headaches.
Then there’s the possibility that Bush will make a cameo as kickoff returner for the Saints.
Also, keep in mind an unusual punt formation the Vikings used way back in Week Two, with backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson serving as the “up” back. It gives the Vikings a Wildcat-type of option at a time when it appears that a punt is coming.
At a minimum, it might make the Saints think twice before setting up the blocking for Bush.
Speaking of the Wildcat, the trendy but here-to-stay wrinkle looms large over the two games. Though the respective road teams have made more extensive use of the formation this year, the one thing about the conference title games is that anything can happen — and the biggest surprise would be if we don’t see any surprises at all.
Also expect the Saints and Colts to win their games by at least 7 points despite any weird personnel moves.
“In Indy, for example, Darrelle Revis could be on a different kind of island, as the Jets’ punt returner.”
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Against Manning? Really?
LOL! Talk about the risk not being worth the reward…
So let me get this straight. You expect coaches to come up something the opposing team doesn’t expect in these sudden death playoff games? Say it ain’t so!
The Tampa Bay Curse will continue. This curse states that every team to lose at least once to Tampa Bay in the regular season has NOT won the Super Bowl. The Bucs began play in 1976.
Below is the list of every playoff team Tampa Bay has ever beaten.
1976: None
1977: None
1978: Minnesota, Atlanta
1979: Chicago, Los Angeles Rams (lost Super Bowl XIV)
1980: Los Angeles Rams
1981: None
1982: Detroit, Miami (lost Super Bowl XVII)
1983: None
1984: New York Giants
1985: None
1986: None
1987: Minnesota (lost NFC Championship)
1988: Buffalo (lost AFC Championship)
1989: None
1990: None
1991: Detroit (lost NFC Championship)
1992: None
1993: Detroit, Minnesota, Denver
1994: Detroit, Minnesota
1995: Philadelphia, Green Bay (lost NFC Championship)
1996: Minnesota
1997: Detroit, Minnesota, Miami, New England, New York Giants
1998: Green Bay, Minnesota (lost NFC Championship in OT)
1999: Seattle, Minnesota, Detroit
2000: Minnesota, Miami, St. Louis
2001: Green Bay, Baltimore, St. Louis (lost Super Bowl XXXVI)
2002: Atlanta, Cleveland, Green Bay (Tampa Bay won Super Bowl XXXVII this season)
2003: Dallas, Philadelphia (lost NFC Championship)
2004: Atlanta (Falcons lost NFC Championship)
2005: Washington, Carolina
2006: Philadelphia
2007: Tennessee, Washington
2008: Atlanta, Carolina, Minnesota
2009: Green Bay, New Orleans
That’s 50 for 50 so far, and if New Orleans fails to win the title, it’ll be 51 for 51.
The unexpected?
Painter will start at QB!
Florio… you suck at making news up. This one was ok though.
I’ll also expect an informercial for P90Rex Ryan’s halfbarrel-ab workout.
So, the Jets and Vikings are going to take their very good punt returners off the field, and replace them with guys who haven’t returned punts at all this season?
How is that going to help them?
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant, penetrating analysis of whatever it is will be as it is. But, with all your excess free time creating brain wave doldrums you neglected to include the perfect bromide: Beware of unintended consequences!
This may be the most thought provoking article ever written in the history of sports journalism. Seriously, you actually expect the coaches, in a win or go home conference championship game, to pull out all the stops? Maybe try to outcoach the other coach perhaps? I had no clue. Truly brilliant analogy.
I think your idea that something unspecified happening is incredible. Even though a lot of people would be quick to point out that this happens in almost every game played in an NFL season, I personally am grateful that you’ve brought this extra bit of depth to the analysis of the game.
Which person on twitter is this story from, mike?
You’re on the right track with Harvin, Florio…but think offense.
NFC Prediction:
Percy Harvin lines up in the backfield and has 7 carries today for 50 yards and a touchdown.
AFC Prediction:
The Jets use the wildcat formation at least 5 times today.
The Tampa Bay Curse will continue. This curse states that every team to lose at least once to Tampa Bay in the regular season has NOT won the Super Bowl. The Bucs began play in 1976.
You have way to much free time.
Why risk injuring Revis when you have other solid returners, it’s just not worth losing him. They don’t happen to have another all pro CB hidden away do they (not referring to Lito unless we have a time machine).
Wonder if Indy will pull their starters in the 3rd quarter to rest them for the Super Bowl. Would that be considered unexpected?
Send them home, Jets!
The only unexpect will be TB handing the trophy to Brett and telling that young man to run it around the dome…what a wonderful setting
Do you really think Tarvaris Jackson is really a threat and will make the Saints focus on him instead of blocking? Even if Tarvaris gets the ball on a fake punt, do you really think he can complete the pass? The guy is terrible and is the reason they went after a 40 year old after having a bad year, even though that did turn out pretty well.
Here we go Pervy, its the day we have been waiting for all season long. Great list btw. Guess you had some time to kill b4 showtime. How bout the curse of Minnesota? vikes, twolves, gophers, twinkies? only time u guys win is when the frozen 4 comes around.
Should be a great game today unless the Queens dont even show up at all with their overrated D. AP will have big numbers but everyone including Favre knows D Sharp is taking one to the house. Im thinking both teams in 30s-40s Garrett Hartley comes thru with game winner. Gonna be kinda loud in the Dome hopefully Percy Harvin wont get a head ache. WHO DAT!
ps. dont fret Pervy, Favre will be back next year
winfield5815 says: January 24, 2010 12:53 PM
Also expect the Saints and Colts to win their games by at least 7 points despite any weird personnel moves.
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Agreed.
philwauke says:
January 24, 2010 1:17 PM
The Tampa Bay Curse will continue. This curse states that every team to lose at least once to Tampa Bay in the regular season has NOT won the Super Bowl. The Bucs began play in 1976.
You have way to much free time.
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I’m generally don’t buy curse talk,but that is enough to make any Saints fan think! LOL 98Vikings 15-1 (lone loss to Tampa)We know what happened to us in the NFCCG now don’t we? Your turn!
@philwauke – I’m with you.
Does this curse have anything to do with the Bucs being irrelavant during most of their existance?
Here are some other curses that not many people talk about:
the Dan Snyder curse – since he bought the team the Redskins haven’t won the Super Bowl
the non-playoff curse – no team that has missed the playoffs has ever won a Super Bowl
the January curse – no team that has ever lost in January has ever won a Super Bowl
@Az-Wee-Pay …
Hey there! I like your predictions, especially about the Jets and the wildcat. I’m not a huge fan of the wildcat, but it can make a game interesting, and I’d feel better about the Jets running it … if not for the outcome of that Colts/Dolphins game earlier in the season. Any thoughts on who the winners of these two games will be?
My sources tell me that one of the plays being ran today is “The Annexation of Puerto Rico”.
BigSkyVike1 says:
January 24, 2010 1:32 PM
The only unexpect will be TB handing the trophy to Brett and telling that young man to run it around the dome…what a
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Stop trying to be me toooool!
Go Vikes!
THIS IS OUR YEAR!!
THIS IS OUR YEAR!!
The NFL needs to tighten up the scripts and dress rehearsals, the fakery is just too blatant lately. Watch how fast those Jet PSL’s sell out now!
Hey Deb, thanks. Looks like the Jets should have used Smith back there in the wildcat a few more times today.
On the picks, I called Indy by 17 and Minnesota by 4 earlier here. Not looking too good on the Vikes right now, as Favre is getting pounded in this one…brings back memories of Montana in Kansas City against Bruce Smith and Buffalo. Not good…
# Asswipe Johnson (Pronounced Az-Wee-Pay) says: January 24, 2010 11:29 AM
Just think how Ryan is gonna feel after the Colts leave them in in this one…
Prediction: Wayne goes for over 120 yards and a touchdown on Revis today.
Colts 38
Jets 21
# Asswipe Johnson (Pronounced Az-Wee-Pay) says: January 23, 2010 8:14 PM
Prediction:
Minnesota 31
New Orleans 27