Originally posted by SmokeyJoe:
Originally posted by LayTheWoodall:
For as much talent as that defense had, where was the signature defensive game in the playoffs during that 3 year run?
Seattle not only usurped our spot in that time, their defense also did what ours couldn't and shut down Brees and Manning and hoisted a Lombardi.
Maybe if we don't give up 125 yards to Cruz in the first half alone, we win that slugfest even with Kyle Williams' performance.
Think the defense was pretty damn good in the playoffs in '11. Gave up a lot of points to an all time great offense in the Saints, but also turned them over 5 times. They beat the ever loving hell out of Eli and our offense just wasn't good enough, not to mention the special teams gaffes.
The '12 defense did not play as well down the stretch. We were really more of an offensive team by the end of the year. Key players (both Smiths) were banged up and the Patriots seemingly broke us at halftime in that primetime game (though we did win the game).
I think we were lucky to avoid Seattle in the '12 playoffs, even though we would have had them at home. They were the best team in the NFL from 12-14. We were good all around in '13, just not at their level, and I also think Denver would have been real tough in the SB. We did not match up with them like Seattle did. They were built perfectly to shut down passing offenses.
*So many great playoff games during that run, even though we didn't get it done*
I think we would've had a tough time with Denver as well. It would've likely been a long day for Rogers and Brown. We would've likely won, but it wouldn't have been a blowout like the actual game was.
but his stats say he played well. 