Hat tip to Deadspin. Yes, I confess, I rooted for the cheeseheads. Woo!
Showing posts with label NFL Playoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL Playoffs. Show all posts
Monday, February 07, 2011
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Speaker Emeritus, Part 2, and other things.
Judging from the post below, and comments on Rep. Campfield's Facebook page (He is one of my Facebook friends because I find him fascinating, even if we agree on little), the Republicans are PETRIFIED of the Speaker Emeritus idea for Jimmy Naifeh.
Now, if this turns out to be anything more than an honorary title, then I have problems with it, OK? So, far, NOTHING indicates that this is anything more than an honorary title for someone who served in the office longer than anybody, IIRC. Remember, the Speaker can ask ANYONE from the House membership to sit in the chair if he chooses; this is done frequently in Washington, and I believe it can be done here.
I also note that Speaker Williams voted with the Republicans on all three constitutional offices (although, as The Rep has noted, each race was effectively over after the Senate gave each Republican a five-vote lead coming out of there) and he is in charge. Now, it appears that the committee assignments have yet to be done; however, the Lege is on recess until February 9, so we should know something by then.
At that point, we will get some idea of how this is going to shake out. Right now, Kent Williams is the most powerful person in the legislature, because he is the 50th House vote. He is no liberal by any means, and while Mumpower and his troops will not have the carte blanche they thought they were getting, I suspect that they won't be shut out, either.
Does Williams owe Naifeh and Odom? Well, hell yes he does, but to what extent? Williams knows if he looks like a puppet for EITHER Naifeh or Mumpower, it will hurt him back home. His area is OLD-SCHOOL Republican, long before the new breed of Gingrichites arrived. Williams beat Mumpower's guy TWICE, so Williams knows if he does what his district wants, rather than what the party tells him to do, he will be just fine, even if he's not Speaker in the 107th General Assembly.
There needs to be serious reflection for Mumpower, Casada and the other 47 in his group, as there are a few in that group for whom I have a deep respect. Stories like this make the Mumpower group look like bumpkins who've come to the big city for the first time, not people who have been asked to govern. As is often said to football players who over-celebrate a touchdown, act like you've been there. Even if you haven't.
We are three weeks away from the actual work of the session, with committee assignments and the Governor's undoubtedly dire budget address. There's a hell of a lot of work to do for this state and not much time to do it. EVERYONE needs to focus and remember why they are there, and it's not about your press clippings. As we were reminded this week, it ain't about the talk, it's about the walk.
In other news, I am an idiot for not telling you about this, because for the last two weeks I have been devouring a new website set up by Sadcox and our beloved Newscoma called NewsTechZilla. It's all about news, technology, journalism, and lots and lots of good stuff. Go check it out, you should subscribe to either the email or RSS feed, or both, as I have done. It's got the 'Coma touch, so it's top-notch! You'll also find it below and to the right in THE ENDLESS BLOGROLL, of course.
Now, to my crackpot predictions for the NFL.
It's an all-BIRD Super Bowl, my friends, as the Arizona Cardinals, (the Norman Chad Team of Destiny) led by 78-year-old Kurt Warner, will defeat the Philadelphia Eagles and face the Baltimore Ravens of rookie sensation Joe Flacco and ultimate gangstas Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, who will send Ben Roethlisberger to the emergency ward while humiliating the Steelers at Heinz Field. Remember, with these picks, you're getting your money's worth!
That's enough for now, I ponder a FGF pick for the morning.....
Now, if this turns out to be anything more than an honorary title, then I have problems with it, OK? So, far, NOTHING indicates that this is anything more than an honorary title for someone who served in the office longer than anybody, IIRC. Remember, the Speaker can ask ANYONE from the House membership to sit in the chair if he chooses; this is done frequently in Washington, and I believe it can be done here.
I also note that Speaker Williams voted with the Republicans on all three constitutional offices (although, as The Rep has noted, each race was effectively over after the Senate gave each Republican a five-vote lead coming out of there) and he is in charge. Now, it appears that the committee assignments have yet to be done; however, the Lege is on recess until February 9, so we should know something by then.
At that point, we will get some idea of how this is going to shake out. Right now, Kent Williams is the most powerful person in the legislature, because he is the 50th House vote. He is no liberal by any means, and while Mumpower and his troops will not have the carte blanche they thought they were getting, I suspect that they won't be shut out, either.
Does Williams owe Naifeh and Odom? Well, hell yes he does, but to what extent? Williams knows if he looks like a puppet for EITHER Naifeh or Mumpower, it will hurt him back home. His area is OLD-SCHOOL Republican, long before the new breed of Gingrichites arrived. Williams beat Mumpower's guy TWICE, so Williams knows if he does what his district wants, rather than what the party tells him to do, he will be just fine, even if he's not Speaker in the 107th General Assembly.
There needs to be serious reflection for Mumpower, Casada and the other 47 in his group, as there are a few in that group for whom I have a deep respect. Stories like this make the Mumpower group look like bumpkins who've come to the big city for the first time, not people who have been asked to govern. As is often said to football players who over-celebrate a touchdown, act like you've been there. Even if you haven't.
We are three weeks away from the actual work of the session, with committee assignments and the Governor's undoubtedly dire budget address. There's a hell of a lot of work to do for this state and not much time to do it. EVERYONE needs to focus and remember why they are there, and it's not about your press clippings. As we were reminded this week, it ain't about the talk, it's about the walk.
In other news, I am an idiot for not telling you about this, because for the last two weeks I have been devouring a new website set up by Sadcox and our beloved Newscoma called NewsTechZilla. It's all about news, technology, journalism, and lots and lots of good stuff. Go check it out, you should subscribe to either the email or RSS feed, or both, as I have done. It's got the 'Coma touch, so it's top-notch! You'll also find it below and to the right in THE ENDLESS BLOGROLL, of course.
Now, to my crackpot predictions for the NFL.
It's an all-BIRD Super Bowl, my friends, as the Arizona Cardinals, (the Norman Chad Team of Destiny) led by 78-year-old Kurt Warner, will defeat the Philadelphia Eagles and face the Baltimore Ravens of rookie sensation Joe Flacco and ultimate gangstas Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, who will send Ben Roethlisberger to the emergency ward while humiliating the Steelers at Heinz Field. Remember, with these picks, you're getting your money's worth!
That's enough for now, I ponder a FGF pick for the morning.....
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Ah well, we'll always have 1985, I guess.
Chicago Tribune photo by Nuccio DiNuzzoWell, after Devin Hester (pictured above) ran back the opening kickoff for a touchdown, it was pretty much downhill for the NFC Champion Chicago Bears, as the Super Bowl was won convincingly by the Indianapolis Colts, 29-17.
Peyton Manning won the MVP in the same manner some Hollywood actors win an Oscar, as a lifetime achievement award. Oh, Peyton outplayed Rex Grossman, but the game was truly won by the Colts DEFENSE, which was the joke of the AFC in the regular season but the TOAST of the AFC in the playoffs and Super Bowl.
Tony Dungy, a fine and classy individual, Bill Polian (4 SB losses with the Bills) and Manning all have the giant Ls removed from their foreheads, and they deserve this championship. They and their Colts were the last team standing, and that's what counts.
Congratulations to the Champions of Super Bowl XLI, the Indianapolis Colts.
SIDE NOTE: This makes my final record 9-2 for the playoffs, not too shabby. My two losses were when the Colts beat the Ravens and the Bears.
Friday, February 02, 2007
The time has come...
For my Super Bowl pick....
Super Bowl XLI, Miami, Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears, 5:21 PM, CBS (WREG -3)
Let me tell you a story that I think is a parallel to this year's game. When the Colts first played in this game, in January 1969, they came to Miami as prohibitive favorites. Just as this year, they were the champions of the conference or league that was perceived to be clearly superior to the other one.
Just as this year, the Colts had a legendary QB who was thought to be one of the best all-time, with a great head coach who was also thought to be among the elite.
Just as this year, the other team had a quarterback from the North who went to a SEC school to play under a legendary coach, who helped prepare him for the road ahead..
Just as this year, that QB, who had struggled in the pros prior to that season, enraged the mighty Colts by guaranteeing victory for the upstarts.
Before that earlier game, the Al DeRogatis of NBC stunned the world by predicting that if the New York Jets got over 100 yards on the ground, they would win the game.
Behind Matt Snell and Emerson Boozer, Joe Namath led the upstart Jets to the Super Bowl title by not making any mistakes.
So, if Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson can run for a combined 100 yards, I believe that Rex Grossman will manage this game efficiently, keeping the legendary Peyton Manning off the field and winning the game for the Bears.
I am confident in the Bears' defense, and I think they will shut down Harrison and Wayne, and that will be enough.
PICK: Bears 23, Colts 10
Super Bowl XLI, Miami, Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears, 5:21 PM, CBS (WREG -3)
Let me tell you a story that I think is a parallel to this year's game. When the Colts first played in this game, in January 1969, they came to Miami as prohibitive favorites. Just as this year, they were the champions of the conference or league that was perceived to be clearly superior to the other one.
Just as this year, the Colts had a legendary QB who was thought to be one of the best all-time, with a great head coach who was also thought to be among the elite.
Just as this year, the other team had a quarterback from the North who went to a SEC school to play under a legendary coach, who helped prepare him for the road ahead..
Just as this year, that QB, who had struggled in the pros prior to that season, enraged the mighty Colts by guaranteeing victory for the upstarts.
Before that earlier game, the Al DeRogatis of NBC stunned the world by predicting that if the New York Jets got over 100 yards on the ground, they would win the game.
Behind Matt Snell and Emerson Boozer, Joe Namath led the upstart Jets to the Super Bowl title by not making any mistakes.
So, if Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson can run for a combined 100 yards, I believe that Rex Grossman will manage this game efficiently, keeping the legendary Peyton Manning off the field and winning the game for the Bears.
I am confident in the Bears' defense, and I think they will shut down Harrison and Wayne, and that will be enough.
PICK: Bears 23, Colts 10
Monday, January 22, 2007
Uh. isn't it Brady who's supposed to come from behind and win?
Photo courtesy NY TimesYes, Virginia, there must be a Santa Claus because Peyton Manning won the BIG ONE.
COMING FROM BEHIND.
AGAINST THE PATRIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After Manning had been picked late in the second quarter by Asante Samuel, who ran it back for a TD to give the Patriots a 21-3 lead, I'll guarantee you that NO ONE outside the state of Indiana though the Colts were anything but toast-on-a-stick.
However, they worked and got a field goal just before the half to cut it to 21-6. Bear Bryant often said that the first drive of the second-half was the most important, because it set the tone for that half. Manning proved him right, as he drove the Colts down the field, scoring the TD himself to cut it to 21-13, and from that point the Patriots simply couldn't stop them.
The winning drive went 80 yards in 77 seconds, with Joseph Addai finishing it with a 3-yard TD with one minute left. After Tom Brady briefly scared the crowd by taking the Pats to midfield, Marlin Jackson picked him off at the 35, and that, my friends, was that.
I can hardly wait for Bill Simmons' next column.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
BEAR DOWN!!!!!!
Photo Courtesy Chicago TribuneIt wasn't the weather, it was the turnovers that the best defense in the NFL forced on the United States Saints, leading to the first Bears' Super Bowl berth in 21 years, 39-14.
Rex Grossman came up big when he had to, going 4 for 4 for 78 yards to give the Bears a 25-14 lead, and the Bears never looked back.
They await the winner of the AFC title game, either the Cols or the Patriots.
Friday, January 19, 2007
7-1 and rolling!
Yes, I'm tired of dealing with this damned Senate 30 race, and I'm ready to make my predictions, which have been close to perfect, except for the Colts suddenly having a defense not seen since the late '60s, and not ever in Indy. Here we go....
NFC Championship Game, New Orleans at Chicago, Sunday, 2 PM, FOX (WHBQ - 13)
On a neutral field or in New Orleans, given how strong the United States Saints (per TMQ) have played all year, this probably wouldn't be close. The Bears defense has not been the same since losing Tommie Harris off the line and Mike Brown, the best safety in the NFL when he's healthy (which is to say, RARELY). Of course, you're well acquainted with Rex Grossman, the NFL version of Sybil, who defines erratic on the field.
Not to mention, that, except for a few diehards and Chicagoland transplants around the country, NOBODY outside Chicagoland is going to root for the Bears, for obvious reasons. I just hope the Saints' players don't look at each Bears and see George Bush; we're doomed in that case.
However, the Bears have done the only thing they could do in such a situation, they have gone to their last hope: Tom Skilling. It is he who brings news of BEAR WEATHER! The legendary WGN-TV weatherman has forecast THIS for Sunday:
Alrighty then! Ever played in a blizzard, Deuce? Ever seen snow at all, Reggie? Don't answer that, Drew, we KNOW you went to Purdue. Your brethren, however, used to warm and dry in the Superdome, will have problems executing ANYTHING in the blowing and drifting snow, and your marvelous and uplifting run comes to a slushy stop at the Spaceship on the Lake.
PICK: Bears 17, Saints 13
AFC Championship Game, New England at Indianapolis, Sunday, 5:30 PM, CBS (WREG - 3)
You know, this third playoff meeting between the Pats and the Colts has a different feel about it. Things have changed, what with this game being in Indy rather than Foxboro, indoors instead of out, the Colts RUNNING the ball consistently and throwing to tight end Dallas Clark down the middle instead of going deep to Harrison and Wayne. For heaven's sakes, they're even STOPPING the run.
Oh, and they have Adam Vinatieri, too.
The Patriots are not the Patriots of old, I keep telling myself, even though 81-year-old Rodney Harrison has gotten out of his walker to practice these last two days. I suspect that's more to get in to Peyton Manning's head than anything else. They still have a great DL with Richard Seymour, but Vrabel and Bruschi are slowing down, and Asante Samuel is the only reliable DB.
The Patriots often fire themselves up by claiming no one respects them and they have to stand up for themselves. Right, guys, what kind of respect do you expect? THIS?
Well, I am torn. Yes, I remember that BELICHICK AND BRADY HAVE NEVER LOST A PLAYOFF GAME IN FOXBORO, AND HAVE ONLY LOST ONE PLAYOFF GAME OUTSIDE FOXBORO, AND ARE 12-1 TOGETHER, 2-0 AGAINST INDY.
You know what, I could be Charlie Brown thinking Lucy will actually hold the ball so I can kick it, I could be a sap, but I believe the only Peyton Manning face we'll see this weekend is one of joy and relief. It's upset time at the RCA Dome.
PICK: Colts 28, Patriots 17
NFC Championship Game, New Orleans at Chicago, Sunday, 2 PM, FOX (WHBQ - 13)
On a neutral field or in New Orleans, given how strong the United States Saints (per TMQ) have played all year, this probably wouldn't be close. The Bears defense has not been the same since losing Tommie Harris off the line and Mike Brown, the best safety in the NFL when he's healthy (which is to say, RARELY). Of course, you're well acquainted with Rex Grossman, the NFL version of Sybil, who defines erratic on the field.
Not to mention, that, except for a few diehards and Chicagoland transplants around the country, NOBODY outside Chicagoland is going to root for the Bears, for obvious reasons. I just hope the Saints' players don't look at each Bears and see George Bush; we're doomed in that case.
However, the Bears have done the only thing they could do in such a situation, they have gone to their last hope: Tom Skilling. It is he who brings news of BEAR WEATHER! The legendary WGN-TV weatherman has forecast THIS for Sunday:
| Sunday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
 | 32 25 | Overcast lowers/thickens. Blustery SSE winds gust to 20-25 m.p.h. at times. Snow develops mid/late a.m.; Accumulation possible. Bears/Saints game wind chills: 10s. | |
Alrighty then! Ever played in a blizzard, Deuce? Ever seen snow at all, Reggie? Don't answer that, Drew, we KNOW you went to Purdue. Your brethren, however, used to warm and dry in the Superdome, will have problems executing ANYTHING in the blowing and drifting snow, and your marvelous and uplifting run comes to a slushy stop at the Spaceship on the Lake.
PICK: Bears 17, Saints 13
AFC Championship Game, New England at Indianapolis, Sunday, 5:30 PM, CBS (WREG - 3)
You know, this third playoff meeting between the Pats and the Colts has a different feel about it. Things have changed, what with this game being in Indy rather than Foxboro, indoors instead of out, the Colts RUNNING the ball consistently and throwing to tight end Dallas Clark down the middle instead of going deep to Harrison and Wayne. For heaven's sakes, they're even STOPPING the run.
Oh, and they have Adam Vinatieri, too.
The Patriots are not the Patriots of old, I keep telling myself, even though 81-year-old Rodney Harrison has gotten out of his walker to practice these last two days. I suspect that's more to get in to Peyton Manning's head than anything else. They still have a great DL with Richard Seymour, but Vrabel and Bruschi are slowing down, and Asante Samuel is the only reliable DB.
The Patriots often fire themselves up by claiming no one respects them and they have to stand up for themselves. Right, guys, what kind of respect do you expect? THIS?
Well, I am torn. Yes, I remember that BELICHICK AND BRADY HAVE NEVER LOST A PLAYOFF GAME IN FOXBORO, AND HAVE ONLY LOST ONE PLAYOFF GAME OUTSIDE FOXBORO, AND ARE 12-1 TOGETHER, 2-0 AGAINST INDY.
You know what, I could be Charlie Brown thinking Lucy will actually hold the ball so I can kick it, I could be a sap, but I believe the only Peyton Manning face we'll see this weekend is one of joy and relief. It's upset time at the RCA Dome.
PICK: Colts 28, Patriots 17
Friday, January 12, 2007
It's Friday and I promised you some picks, didn't I?
Well, let's get to it, then. Your humble Cracker went 4-0, thanks to Tony Romo.
AFC Divisional Playoff Game 1, Indianapolis at Baltimore, Saturday, 3:30 PM, CBS (WREG -3)
Well, the Ravens have long been known for the killer defense, and, well, the Colts HAVEN'T. Their win against KC was more the result of Herm Edwards playing into the Colts' hands with their offense, or lack thereof. Expect to see what Bill Simmons calls "The Peyton Manning Face" by the 4th Quarter, as Indy goes home before the Super Bowl yet again.
Ray Lewis may personally kill and eat Manning, if he's not careful.
PICK: Ravens 28, Colts 13
NFC Divisional Playoff Game 1, Philadelphia at New Orleans, Saturday, 7 PM, FOX (WHBQ - 13)
Jeff Garcia has had a remarkable run subbing for Donovan McNabb after the All-Pro veteran went down for the year after game 11, when the Iggles were a lowly 5-6 and looking like they would out on the golf course in January. Garcia came out and reminded everyone not of his last couple of years, but the Garcia of his youth with the 49ers. Sparking Ewing Theory thoughts, the Iggles have won seven games in a row to capture the NFC East and knock off the Giants last week at home at the Linc.
They WON'T be at the Linc Saturday night. They will be at the Superdome, home of America's NEW Team, your New Orleans Saints. Sean Payton has revitalized the franchise that everyone thought was San Antonio-bound, with the help of the Dolphins (for passing on Drew Brees for Daunte Culpepper), the Houston Texans (for passing on Reggie Bush in favor of Mario Williams), Deuce McAllister in a personal renaissance, and the fans of New Orleans, in and out of The Big Easy.
There will be high emotion, high drama, but I believe Jeff Garcia's fantasy run ends here, as the Saints will be focused and the Eagles will be stopped.
PICK: Saints 24, Eagles 10
NFC Divisional Playoff Game 2, Seahawks at Bears, Sunday, Noon, FOX (WHBQ - 13)
OK, which Rex Grossman will show up? That's really the definitive question for this game, as he will either win the game for the Bears with TD passes or for the Seahawks with interceptions. As long as Rex has a decent game, not a bad one, the Bears' defense, as usual, will be good enough to eke out a win at home in an ice storm at the Spaceship on The Lake.
PICK: Bears 13, Seahawks 3
AFC Divisional Playoff Game 2, Patriots at Chargers, Sunday, 3:30 PM, CBS (WREG - 3)
The Chargers have the MVP, LaDanian Tomlinson, the FORMERLY roided-up All-Pro Defensive End, Shawne Merriman, they have home field at the Murph (it ain't Qualcomm to me) and a young but decent QB, Philip Rivers, who is improving each game, except that this will be his FIRST playoff game as a starter.
Unfortunately, they also have Marty Schottenheimer as a head coach. Mr. I-Can-Find-More-Ways-To-Lose-In-January-Than-Any-Coach-EVER!
And, well, they're facing.......The New England Patriots.
BELICHICK. BRADY. 11-1 in the Playoffs together, NEVER lost a playoff at home and only ONE on the road, last year at Denver.
Sorry, LDT, your season ends here, especially with Marty on your sidelines.
PICK: Patriots 27, Chargers 17
AFC Divisional Playoff Game 1, Indianapolis at Baltimore, Saturday, 3:30 PM, CBS (WREG -3)
Well, the Ravens have long been known for the killer defense, and, well, the Colts HAVEN'T. Their win against KC was more the result of Herm Edwards playing into the Colts' hands with their offense, or lack thereof. Expect to see what Bill Simmons calls "The Peyton Manning Face" by the 4th Quarter, as Indy goes home before the Super Bowl yet again.
Ray Lewis may personally kill and eat Manning, if he's not careful.
PICK: Ravens 28, Colts 13
NFC Divisional Playoff Game 1, Philadelphia at New Orleans, Saturday, 7 PM, FOX (WHBQ - 13)
Jeff Garcia has had a remarkable run subbing for Donovan McNabb after the All-Pro veteran went down for the year after game 11, when the Iggles were a lowly 5-6 and looking like they would out on the golf course in January. Garcia came out and reminded everyone not of his last couple of years, but the Garcia of his youth with the 49ers. Sparking Ewing Theory thoughts, the Iggles have won seven games in a row to capture the NFC East and knock off the Giants last week at home at the Linc.
They WON'T be at the Linc Saturday night. They will be at the Superdome, home of America's NEW Team, your New Orleans Saints. Sean Payton has revitalized the franchise that everyone thought was San Antonio-bound, with the help of the Dolphins (for passing on Drew Brees for Daunte Culpepper), the Houston Texans (for passing on Reggie Bush in favor of Mario Williams), Deuce McAllister in a personal renaissance, and the fans of New Orleans, in and out of The Big Easy.
There will be high emotion, high drama, but I believe Jeff Garcia's fantasy run ends here, as the Saints will be focused and the Eagles will be stopped.
PICK: Saints 24, Eagles 10
NFC Divisional Playoff Game 2, Seahawks at Bears, Sunday, Noon, FOX (WHBQ - 13)
OK, which Rex Grossman will show up? That's really the definitive question for this game, as he will either win the game for the Bears with TD passes or for the Seahawks with interceptions. As long as Rex has a decent game, not a bad one, the Bears' defense, as usual, will be good enough to eke out a win at home in an ice storm at the Spaceship on The Lake.
PICK: Bears 13, Seahawks 3
AFC Divisional Playoff Game 2, Patriots at Chargers, Sunday, 3:30 PM, CBS (WREG - 3)
The Chargers have the MVP, LaDanian Tomlinson, the FORMERLY roided-up All-Pro Defensive End, Shawne Merriman, they have home field at the Murph (it ain't Qualcomm to me) and a young but decent QB, Philip Rivers, who is improving each game, except that this will be his FIRST playoff game as a starter.
Unfortunately, they also have Marty Schottenheimer as a head coach. Mr. I-Can-Find-More-Ways-To-Lose-In-January-Than-Any-Coach-EVER!
And, well, they're facing.......The New England Patriots.
BELICHICK. BRADY. 11-1 in the Playoffs together, NEVER lost a playoff at home and only ONE on the road, last year at Denver.
Sorry, LDT, your season ends here, especially with Marty on your sidelines.
PICK: Patriots 27, Chargers 17
Friday, January 05, 2007
No wagering, please
As always, these predictions ARE FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. CAPICHE???
Ahem. The Wild Card round of the National Football League playoffs begin this weekend, and I have my opinions about them as well. Here we go:
AFC Wild Card Game 1 - Kansas City at Indianapolis, 3:30 PM, NBC (WMC 5)
We will know after the first drive by Herman Edwards' Chiefs how this game will go. If the Chiefs fail to score a touchdown on their opening drive, the Colts will win and advance to the Divisional Round next weekend. In fact, if the Chiefs fail to score a touchdown on ANY possession Saturday, they are toast-on-a-stick.
Their only hope is to keep their offense on the field for LOOOONNNGGG, grinding drives that end with Larry Johnson touchdowns, keeping Peyton Manning off the field as much as possible. If Larry Johnson doesn't get 35 carries for 225 yards and 4-5 TDs, it's over for KC, as they are no more able to stop Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne than I am able to guard Pau Gasol.
PICK: Colts 42, Chiefs 24
NFC Wild Card Game 1, Dallas at Seattle, 7 PM, NBC (WMC - 5)
For all their injuries this year, let's not forget that the Seahawks are A) the defending NFC Champions, B) healthier than they have been all year and C) at HOME. The Cowboys are none of those, with receivers who are dropping balls at critical moments (Hi, T.O.!), they have a journeyman QB who had 5 great games until the League's defenses adjusted to him, but they have a creditable defense.
Unfortunately, that defense will probably be gasping by the 4th Quarter, as they will have been out there too long. Hasselbeck and Shawn (Remember me, I was LDT LAST YEAR!) Alexander will be too much for the Boys in what will turn out to be Bill Parcells' swan song by the middle of next week.
PICK: Seahawks 28, Cowboys 17
AFC Wild Card Game 2 - NY Jets at New England, Noon, CBS (WREG - 3)
Master Vs. Pupil, Part III. I know, Eric Mangini is a terrific coach, having learned at the feet of the Master during his days in Foxboro. The J-E-T-S are a gritty band of overachievers who will follow their leader anywhere. They are primed and ready for this mission against the Patriots, who will be lack their leading headhunter, er, tackler in Rodney Harrison.
OK, cut the crap. Belichick and Brady HAVE NEVER LOST A PLAYOFF GAME IN FOXBORO. THEY HAVE ONLY LOST ONE PLAYOFF GAME OUTSIDE FOXBORO. They aren't going to lose this one, either. The Master gives yet another painful lesson to his pupil, sending Mangini and his disciples home weeping copiously.
PICK: Patriots 31, Jets 13
NFC Wild Card Game 2, NY Giants at Philadelphia, 3:30 PM, FOX (WHBQ - 13)
Look, the Giants, with the possible exception of Tiki Barber and Michael Strahan, would just as soon be on vacation in Bermuda or Aruba right now. They are already wondering who will replace Ernie Accorsi as GM (he is retiring at the end of the playoffs) and who the new GM will bring in to replace Tom Coughlin as Head Coach (he will be INVOLUNTARILY retired at the end of the playoffs).
And, they will be at the Linc, where Jeff Garcia has renewed his and his team's vigor and showed Andy Reid that good things can happen when you equalize the running and passing game. Besides, the Eagles WANT to be here, and beyond.
We'll miss you, Tiki. We WON'T miss you, Tom; go back to college ball where you belong. Someone else will have to get that deer-in-the-headlights look off Eli Manning's face.
PICK: Eagles 28, Giants 10
More picks next Friday; just remember, no wagering, please!!
Ahem. The Wild Card round of the National Football League playoffs begin this weekend, and I have my opinions about them as well. Here we go:
AFC Wild Card Game 1 - Kansas City at Indianapolis, 3:30 PM, NBC (WMC 5)
We will know after the first drive by Herman Edwards' Chiefs how this game will go. If the Chiefs fail to score a touchdown on their opening drive, the Colts will win and advance to the Divisional Round next weekend. In fact, if the Chiefs fail to score a touchdown on ANY possession Saturday, they are toast-on-a-stick.
Their only hope is to keep their offense on the field for LOOOONNNGGG, grinding drives that end with Larry Johnson touchdowns, keeping Peyton Manning off the field as much as possible. If Larry Johnson doesn't get 35 carries for 225 yards and 4-5 TDs, it's over for KC, as they are no more able to stop Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne than I am able to guard Pau Gasol.
PICK: Colts 42, Chiefs 24
NFC Wild Card Game 1, Dallas at Seattle, 7 PM, NBC (WMC - 5)
For all their injuries this year, let's not forget that the Seahawks are A) the defending NFC Champions, B) healthier than they have been all year and C) at HOME. The Cowboys are none of those, with receivers who are dropping balls at critical moments (Hi, T.O.!), they have a journeyman QB who had 5 great games until the League's defenses adjusted to him, but they have a creditable defense.
Unfortunately, that defense will probably be gasping by the 4th Quarter, as they will have been out there too long. Hasselbeck and Shawn (Remember me, I was LDT LAST YEAR!) Alexander will be too much for the Boys in what will turn out to be Bill Parcells' swan song by the middle of next week.
PICK: Seahawks 28, Cowboys 17
AFC Wild Card Game 2 - NY Jets at New England, Noon, CBS (WREG - 3)
Master Vs. Pupil, Part III. I know, Eric Mangini is a terrific coach, having learned at the feet of the Master during his days in Foxboro. The J-E-T-S are a gritty band of overachievers who will follow their leader anywhere. They are primed and ready for this mission against the Patriots, who will be lack their leading headhunter, er, tackler in Rodney Harrison.
OK, cut the crap. Belichick and Brady HAVE NEVER LOST A PLAYOFF GAME IN FOXBORO. THEY HAVE ONLY LOST ONE PLAYOFF GAME OUTSIDE FOXBORO. They aren't going to lose this one, either. The Master gives yet another painful lesson to his pupil, sending Mangini and his disciples home weeping copiously.
PICK: Patriots 31, Jets 13
NFC Wild Card Game 2, NY Giants at Philadelphia, 3:30 PM, FOX (WHBQ - 13)
Look, the Giants, with the possible exception of Tiki Barber and Michael Strahan, would just as soon be on vacation in Bermuda or Aruba right now. They are already wondering who will replace Ernie Accorsi as GM (he is retiring at the end of the playoffs) and who the new GM will bring in to replace Tom Coughlin as Head Coach (he will be INVOLUNTARILY retired at the end of the playoffs).
And, they will be at the Linc, where Jeff Garcia has renewed his and his team's vigor and showed Andy Reid that good things can happen when you equalize the running and passing game. Besides, the Eagles WANT to be here, and beyond.
We'll miss you, Tiki. We WON'T miss you, Tom; go back to college ball where you belong. Someone else will have to get that deer-in-the-headlights look off Eli Manning's face.
PICK: Eagles 28, Giants 10
More picks next Friday; just remember, no wagering, please!!
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