They SHOULD face the winner of the playoff game against each other ;)
But I assume you mean who to prefer... in theory Buccaneers have the weaker pass defense and run offense should help the Packers...
But when we faced the Bucs earlier this season we couldn't stop the run and their play action killed us, plus they got even more offensive weapons now... while on defense, their DL physical matched up with our OL, and Jones couldn't out move their two great speed LBers, plus their heavy blitzing getting home meant Rodgers needed the WRs to get open quick, and important to note, the Buccaneers game was both Adams first game back from injury, and we were missing Lazard due to injury.
So in theory Buccaneers might shut down Jones and Tonyan, but IF they can give Rodgers enough time, the WRs MIGHT run wild, and I've also thought Dillon who's faster than Jones (not nearly as quick, but straight line speed faster), might be able to run over one of the speed RBs and keep going... but still, Brady has all those freaking weapons, do we really want to get into a shootout that we won't be able to run the ball as well in? That's risky.
On the other hand, we could fast the Saints, which both teams best WRs missed early this year, and I think the Saints might of missed a starting DB and DE as well. Saints quick passing attack will give our pass rush troubles, plus our defense biggest struggle has been stopping the run and covering receiving RBs, few better at that than RB Kanata. But Packers matchup fairly well, TE Cook and RB Karma coverage over the middle could cause lots of headaches, but Packers running especially Aaron Jones and Tonyan could be more effective I'm this one, and having the big three WRs all healthy as well.
So I'm thinking the Packers better matchup would be the Saints... plus Brady is used to playing in bad weather... the Saints aren't. And make sure you have an extra guy watching Kamara.
I'm not sure the NFL wants a team in their home city in the Super Bowl... especially not Tom Brady nor the Patriots... as I think they want to avoid the unfair comments... then again, sometimes they seem to think any publicity is good publicity, so I'm not sure how they'd feel about it.
Originally Posted by: beast