Who is Tonight's game more important for?

Tonight, in Atlanta (8:00 PM EST, FOX), the next generation of Elite Quarterbacks (sans Joe Flacco) square off in the Georgia Dome. Both Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan (aka "Matty Ice," possibly the sickest nickname given to any player, ever) have already enjoyed exorbitant success in their NFL careers. While Ryan is two years younger (25, Rodgers is 27), they have both been starters for their respective clubs for the last three seasons (recall, Rodgers backed up the immortal Brett Favre for the first 3 seasons of his career). Statistically, Rodgers has a clear edge. Here is how their numbers stack up:

Rodgers: 64.4 Completion %, 12,723 Yds, 87 TD, 32 INT, 98.8 rating
Ryan: 60.8 Completion %, 10,061 Yds, 66 TD, 34 INT, 86.9 rating

However, it is worth noting that Ryan is 2-0 in his young career vs. Rodgers, and Rodgers has 16 fumbles in his career as a starter. Ironically, both of these players lost their playoff debut to the Arizona Cardinals. Rodgers last year, on the road, in that absurd 51-45 overtime game in which it was his fumble that was returned for the winning score, and Ryan the year prior to that, in the Georgia Dome, as the upstart Cardinals went on to lose to the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.

Overall, both of these young quarterbacks have shown incredible poise and talent. Ryan has a record of 33-13 as a starter, and Rodgers is not far behind with a record of 27-20. Toss out Rodgers' first season as a starter -- in wish he completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 4038 yards, 28 TDs and 93.8 QB rating -- and he is 21-10 as a starter over the last two years. Together, in their young careers, the two have played just three playoffs games, with the only win belonging to Rodgers last week in Philadelphia. Despite this limited sample size, we still hear the questions of "Can they finally win in the playoffs?" When I hear this I think "That has got to be a joke, right?" Ryan lost his playoff debut in his rookie season to a team with a Super Bowl winning quarterback (Kurt Warner) that went on to win the NFC. Rodgers lost his playoff debut on the road, in overtime, to the same Super Bowl winning QB. It's not as if we're discussing John Elway who was 0-3 in Super Bowls 15 years into his career. Chances are, either Ryan or Rodgers will never win a Super Bowl, most quarterbacks never do. But only three years into their career, this talk about not producing when it counts is absolutely absurd.

Now that I have given my 2 cents on that front, I will say this. This game tonight means more for Matt Ryan than it does Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers "finally" got his big playoff win, on the road none-the-less, in Philadelphia. If Ryan loses tonight, he will drop to *gasp* 0-2 in his playoff career. While I may poke fun at analysts who flip their shit over such a stat, it is worth noting that it will be 0-2 at home in the playoffs, whereas he is 20-2 at home in the regular season in his tenure in Atlanta. While I do not believe Falcons fans have anything to worry about, they still have an enormously talented, young roster that is poised for much success over the next several seasons. However, if Matty Ice wants to avoid hearing "Can he win when it counts" all summer long, he needs to win tonight. For Rodgers, the pressure is off. He got his playoff win, courtesy of Mike Vick going all Jay Cutler last Sunday.

Now, what you've all been waiting for, it's time for T-Bred Predictions:

Ravens over Steelers in Heinz Field -- The Ravens are getting hot at the right time. Their offense was scary good last week in Kansas City, and the defense is starting to look like the 2000 Super Bowl team creating turnovers like it's their job. Oh wait, it is their job. And they're doing it.

Packers over Falcons in the Georgia Dome -- The Falcons squeaked out a 20-17 win in week 12, but there were a few questionable calls including some "technical difficulties" that interfered with Mike McCarthy's ability to challenge a key play. Also, the Packers reestablished their running game last week in Philadelphia, something they have struggled with since Ryan Grant went on season-ending IR.

Stay tuned tomorrow morning for T-Bred Predictions on Bears at Seahawks and Jets at Patriots.

Jason Taylor: The One Jet that Gets It

ESPN Boston:

As for Brady's on-field demeanor, which rubbed some Jets the wrong way Dec. 6, Taylor acknowledged that it caught his attention.

"I know people talk about him celebrating or whatever, pointing at the sideline, I've heard things about that. He was pretty demonstrative up there when we played him up there last time when they scored a touchdown," he said. "I come from a school of thought that if you don't want someone to celebrate or be excited, say something to you, or do something that you might perceive to be offensive, then don't let them score and they won't do that.

"I respect Brady as a competitor, and as a person No. 1. I think the things he's done on the field this year have been nothing short of amazing. He's a guy who plays with a lot of passion. As an athlete, you can appreciate it. If he's not on your team, it will obviously tick you off. But again, keep him out of the end zone and you won't be offended by it."

Finally, amidst all the gibberish coming out of Jet camp, we finally have some common sense. First, you had Braylon Edwards crying because the TB12 train left his asshole feeling sore, then you had Rex Ryan saying that this so-called 'rivalry' is personal (just like his foot-fetish video, and pictures of Darrelle Revis sniffing Michelle's feet) between him and Belichick, then we have Antonio Cromartie acting like Tom Brady stole one of his kids. It's ridiculous, the circus they're running over there in Florham Park. Apparently, someone in Green and White finally gets it: Jason Taylor. I'll be the first to admit I pretty much hate Jason Taylor. I completely agreed with Bill Parcells on the whole Dancing with the Stars fiasco, and I think he's a huge tool for going on Dancing with the Stars to begin with. Okay, so the real reason I hate him is because he is -- should I say used to be -- really good and has always been a division rival. Whatever the case may be, he's the one guy in that room full of cheaters, drunk drivers, and amnesic fathers to actually say something logical. Don't like the way Brady celebrates? Don't let him score. You think the Patriots appreciated Braylon's dougie? But no one cried about it, they just made sure it didn't happen again.