|
EVENTS
Sportsman of the Year
Heisman Trophy
Swimsuit 2001
CENTERS
Fantasy Central
Inside Game
Video Plus
Statitudes
Your Turn
Message Boards
Email Newsletters
Golf Guide
Cities
CNNSI.com GROUP
Sports Illustrated
Life of Reilly
SI Women
SI for Kids
Press Room
TBS/TNT Sports
CNN Languages
COMMERCE
SI Customer Service
SI Media Kits
Get into College
Sports Memorabilia
TeamStore
|
|
Championship Preview
Another chance to 'Show Me Something'
Posted: Wednesday January 10, 2001 3:01 PM
By Jon A. Dolezar, CNNSI.com
The NFL asked its players to "Show Me Something" in its postseason ad
campaigns.
Vikings linebacker Dwayne Rudd showed us something by recording 13
tackles to help the Vikes' oft-criticized defense shut down the Saints'
ground attack. Raiders cornerback Tory James showed us something by leading
Oakland's defensive mauling of Miami with two picks, seven tackles, three
passes defended and a forced fumble. Giants rookie defensive tackle
Cornelius Griffin showed us something with a four-tackle, 1 1/2-sack
performance after tallying only five sacks in the regular season. Unheralded
Ravens free safety Anthony Mitchell showed us something on his 90-yard
blocked field-goal return for a touchdown.
So far what all the teams have shown is that home-field advantage is all that it's cracked up to be. Other than Baltimore's 14-point win at Tennessee in the divisional playoffs, the home team has swept the remaining seven games.
As for the recent history of the teams matching up this weekend, the
Vikings have won three of the last four meetings against the Giants,
including a 23-22 come-from-behind win at Giants Stadium in the NFC wild-card round Dec. 27, 1997. Minnesota also routed New York 34-17 at the Meadowlands in
Week 16 of the 1999 season, with Cris Carter catching five passes for 131
yards, including a 27-yard touchdown pass from Randy Moss.
Since moving to Baltimore from Cleveland five years ago, the Ravens have won both games against the Raiders. The last meeting between the teams was Nov. 8, 1998, at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, which the Ravens won 13-10 on a game-winning field goal from Matt Stover. The Ravens' only touchdown in that contest came on a Rod Woodson 18-yard interception return. Hmmm, seems not much has changed with the Ravens in the past two seasons after all.
So if you are looking for omens or trends, there you go. But rest assured:
Some player who hasn't crossed your mind will be the one to "Show Me
Something" this weekend and help propel his team into Super Bowl XXXV.
| Conference Championship Games Preview
|
|
Vikings (12-5) at Giants (13-4),
12:30 p.m. Sunday |
|
Key Stat |
| 23: Combined Championship Game appearances by the
Giants (16) and Vikings (7). Stats matchup | Preview |
| Key
Matchup |
| Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss (26 catches for 584
yards and seven touchdowns in five career postseason games) against Giants
cornerbacks Jason Sehorn (eight tackles, four passes defended and two
interceptions in two career postseason games). |
| Player to
Watch |
| Tiki Barber, RB, New York: Banged-up back had only 48
total yards on 18 touches against the Eagles last week after averaging 107.8
total yards in the regular season. |
| Multimedia |
 Minnesota's Cris Carter discusses what he expects from the Giants.
Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper insists his team can't afford to commit errors on Sunday.
Culpepper praises the Giants' coaching staff for the strong leadership it provides.
Vikings head coach Dennis Green considers his offense a serious threat to the opponent.
Green talks about what the Vikings' opponent has done effectively during its winning streak.
New York's Jason Sehorn notes Smith's potential to make the big play.
New York's Michael Strahan knows it won't be easy to contain Minnesota's balanced offensive attack.
New York's Mike Barrow insists stopping Robert Smith is a top priority.
Barrow believes Smith can do things that Eddie George can't do.
|
| |
Ravens (14-4) at Raiders (13-4), 4:05 p.m. Sunday
|
| Key
Stat |
| 22: AFC-leading playoff victory total for the Raiders, including a 24-7 win against the Steelers on Dec. 26, 1976, the last AFC Championship Game to be played in Oakland.
Stats matchup | Preview
|
| Key
Matchup |
| Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley (4.5 yards per carry in regular season, but only 2.9 against Dolphins last week) against Ravens
middle linebacker Ray Lewis (19 tackles, two interceptions, three passes
defended in two playoff games). |
| Player to Watch |
| Trent Dilfer, QB, Baltimore: Has completed only 14 of
30 passes for 247 yards in the Ravens' two playoff wins, and could be
hampered by the bruised ribs he suffered on a devastating hit from Titans
linebacker Keith Bulluck in the second quarter last
Sunday. |
| Multimedia |
Oakland's Andre Rison guarantees a win during a conversation with CNNSI.com's John Giannone.
Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon suggests that Oakland's offense will look to attack early and often.
Oakland's Charles Woodson believes his team controls its own destiny.
Oakland head coach Jon Gruden maintains a more humble approach.
Gruden respects Ray Lewis' ability a great deal.
Ravens coach Brian Billick analyzes the Raiders offense.
Ravens LB Ray Lewis talks about how Baltimore will defend the Raiders offense.
Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe adds a light moment about Baltimore's offense.
|
|
|
|
