I didn't see any slights to MS in AP's comments, just praise. If the Hawks had Pete as HC and MS 3 years earlier, I think MS may have better career stats but that's not the case. AP came back from a major knee injury and it looks like it had little impact on his production. AP is the best back in the NFL. Of course, as should be expected, Lynch will try and prove otherwise this coming Sunday. If MS had not had surgery 6 weeks ago I think MS may have similar numbers as AP this year. AP is a grade A+ back and MS is a grade A back. The difference is minute when they are both healthy and the Hawks O line plays at an average level.
I'm concerned that MS might struggle to hold on to the ball in this weekends game. Cold is one thing, but this game might be played in the coldest temperatures ever for a play off game. I've worked in these temps once for 2 days. You lose all feeling in your hands and feet after a half hour (even with layers of clothing) and breathing deep has a real potential for damage to your lungs. We worked for 2 hours then went to the crew shack and warmed up, then did it again. I couldn't imagine being hit multiple times in those temps. The temps will have a huge impact on this game. The ball will feel like it weights 10 pounds and covered in ice. Going to be lots of balls on the ground....and the passing game will be almost non existent.