Former Steelers coach and CBS analyst Bill Cowher breaks down the divisional-round playoff games this weekend not involving the Giants and Packers with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: What was the difference between Tim Tebow against the Steelers and the one we saw the final few weeks of the regular season?
A: He had not only displayed a strong arm, but he threw it accurately. I don’t think there’s any question that the kid is getting better. They are working on it, they are doing some good things. They are trying to minimize the throws, and be repetitive with some of them so he gets better at it.
Q: How much of a factor is it that Bill Belichick and the Patriots have played Tebow and the Broncos unique offense, already this season?
A: I think that helps, but before Pittsburgh you didn’t see Tebow throw the ball down the field a lot. So, I think from that standpoint you are going to have to respect that. There’s no question that with the option game that you have a better feel for it the second time around. The only chance Denver has is if they don’t turn it over and make some more big plays. They are going to need Tom Brady to have an off day.
Q: The Patriots have lost three straight playoff games — Giants (2008), Ravens (2010) and Jets (2011) — does this year set up better for them?
A: There’s a little bit of an edge to them right now with the playoff losses in recent years. I think it’s a big motivating factor for them and a great opportunity. They are rested, the defense played better in the second half of games late in the year and they are going to get some guys back.
Q: Are the 49ers a bad matchup for the Saints?
A: It’s a great test for the Saints. The 49ers have to get pressure up the middle and make Drew Brees uncomfortable in the pocket. He sits in there between his two guards and that’s where he’s most dangerous. If they control the ball with their offense with long sustained drives, not settle for field goals, I think they’ve got a good shot.
Q: What kind of chance do you give the Texans against the Ravens?
A: l I think there’s a lot of momentum for Houston. They beat the Bengals pretty soundly, they got Andre Johnson back, who they didn’t have when they lost to Baltimore in the regular season. I just think they are a team that will have a lot of confidence going in there with nothing to lose.