Who needs Kurt Warner? With
Trent Green and Marshall Faulk, the Rams have been
explosive.
|
|
|
"The Creator" May Will Himself
To A Win
Gresham is up to his old playoff tricks. Sliding thought regular
season, going through his ups and downs only to land on his feet
in the playoffs. Remember 1998, when "The Creator" was
actually born? A mediocre 7-9 season, and he then backed into the
playoffs and forced everyone else to back that thang up, outta the
playoffs. Yes, we all remember. That was the start of a 24-8 record
over the past two seasons and two PFL titles. Now Gresham is sky
high, feeling as though he can whup anyone on the face of the earth.
This is when Gresham is most dangerous, when he believes he can
win, even though his team talent, and his offensive scheme doesn't
warrant him doing so. That is not good news for James Brooks who
is feeling the pressure of carrying a 15-1 record into the playoffs,
playing as a marked man. In addition, Brooks carries the curse of
the #1 seed. The same mojo that knocked out Dallas and San Francisco
in 1997, Green Bay and Jacksonville (then lead by Keith Franklin)
in 1998, the NY Jets in 1999. Only Gresham has been able to avoid
the curse. Brooks now must deal with Gresham when he is at his finest,
in the playoffs.
The Winner Takes All
This game will more than likely decide who will win PFL Superbowl
IV. If the Rams pull the stunner, no way no one else beats him.
It will only fuel his fire to burn the Packers or Niners en route
to a unprecedented 3rd PFL title. On the other hand, a win by
Brooks, and he is virtually a shoe in to win it all. The Vikes
have defeated everyone remaining in the playoff field. His biggest
test may come from the Packers, but another shot at Fox at home
gives the Vikes the edge. Jacksonville cruised through the NFC,
which used to have to more dominant teams two years ago. But the
balance of powers have shifted. Two of the Jags losses came from
the AFC powerhouses, Green Bay and Minnesota. So regardless of
who wins here, the Jags may not be able to hold serve. This could
be another year for the AFC.
How The Game Will Be Played
The main focus of the Rams
game plan is the passing attack. Brooks will be in the labs all
week to devise ways to put pressure on Trent Green to force the
ball before he is ready to throw it. The Rams will counter by
keep an option for the quick dump off to avoid the blitz. How
effective this is will determine the course of the game. The Rams
game is clearly offensive. The Vikings forte is balance, good
offense and good defense. Look for the Rams to attempt to explode
early while Brooks employs the methodical, lethargic attack to
the Rams defense. One concern the Vikes must have is surrendering
the big lead late in the game. In both meetings between Fox and
Brooks earlier this season, the Vikes lead by as much as 21 points
in the second half, only to have the Packers come back and take
the lead. Green Bay's offense is explosive, but St. Louis' is
more lethal when playing in desperation.
PREDICTION
While The Creator may be flying
high on confidence at this point, the reality is Brooks has the
better team and is the better coach. The Rams can win this game
if Minnesota makes the mistakes, this is not anand shut
case. However, if the Vikes limit the turnovers, and play their
regular game, they win. The Rams will make it exciting, but I
think this will be The Creators final call in the 2000 season.
|