The NFL Playoffs on FieldTurf!
FieldTurf boasts representatives in each conference. Let the conference championships begin!
FieldTurf is assured matchups on its surface this week and next, as the Patriots host the Ravens at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Championship this week, and the Super Bowl to be followed at Lucas Oil Stadium next week. With the New York Giants (the other FieldTurf team) travelling to San Francisco for the NFC Championship tilt, the Giants aim to wrap up an improbable playoff run that includes a road victory vs. the top ranked regular season team in the Green Bay Packers and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. The New England Patriots look to do the same on their home field vs. the Baltimore Ravens – as the possibility of an all FieldTurf Super Bowl on FieldTurf is very real! Let’s preview the AFC title game that’s to be played on FieldTurf:
AFC Championship matchup
New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens
Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA
This year’s AFC title game features a little bit of everything. A world class quarterback (Tom Brady), a world class defense (the Baltimore Ravens), drama (safety Ed Reed calling out his quarterback), and history (New England losing to Baltimore 33-14 in the 2009 AFC Wild Card Playoffs). Brady looks to continue on what was arguably only his 2nd best season – and he threw for over 5000 yards! Only Drew Brees had more passing yards this season, and beforehand only Dan Marino has ever thrown for more than 5000 yards in a season. Brady also threw for 39 touchdowns, 2nd highest total in his career behind his 50 touchdown season, while only throwing 12 interceptions – good for a 105.6 QB rating. Last week at home, Brady threw 5 touchdowns in the first half vs. the Broncos and finished the game with 6. Simply put, the man is on top of his game. The Ravens defense will undoubtedly look to make Brady uncomfortable in the pocket, and force him to make difficult throws. On his home FieldTurf, Brady is virtually unbeatable, and it’ll be interest to see how he fares vs. one of the league’s best defenses year in and year out.
On the topic of the Ravens defense, the mantra is as constant as ever. Tough, in-your-face, physical brand of defense – led by the emotional leader that is Ray Lewis. For over the past decade, Lewis has been regarded as the most valuable defensive player in the league. The intangibles he brings to the table, as if having an extra coach out on the field, his presence is simply irreplaceable on the football field. Although his athletic abilities may be on the decline due to age, don’t tell that to Ray Lewis – as he always seems to make the big play when it counts. Surrounded by a boat load of talent that includes defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed, the Ravens D boasts a ferocious attack that keeps coming and coming. The key will be getting to Brady, pressuring him to make errant throws, and containing the Pats tight ends. The early jump and speed the FieldTurf surfaces enables players to have at Gillette Stadium could provide the Ravens a needed boost this Sunday.
Amidst the drama surrounding Ed Reed calling out quarterback Joe Flacco for his ordinary performances this season and including last week, to the Patriots and Ravens having quite a heated rivalry – especially in the playoffs very recently – this all sets up for a great game. Both teams will look to do what has made them successful all year, and both teams want to fight off their demons. The Pats will look to prove that they can beat a good team that has a +.500 record, while the Ravens will look to prove they deserve to be here – after many experts believe they got by a weak inexperienced Houston team that lost the game more than Baltimore won it. This matchup looks to be a pick’em, and any of these two teams can come out victorious. The NFL on FieldTurf surely never fails to disappoint!
