Smart
- no (few) penalties
- no turnovers
- play to your strengths (pass rush, mccoy/karlos)
- win special teams
Dumb
- take lots of penalties
- turn the ball over
- try to be something you're not (drop everybody into coverage, throw lots of deep balls)
- lose special teams by turning it over, taking penalties, missing FGs, etc...
If they play "smart" and lose, then tip-of-the-hat to New England.
If they play "dumb" and lose, then they don't deserve to make the playoffs this year... they're just not good enough.