Minnesota Vikings: they have a very stout defense, and with the addition of Jared Allen, got that much better. However, I have a HUGE question mark at QB. If Tarvaris Jackson takes the next step forward in his development, this team has the look of a Super Bowl contender. But if he plays like the Jackson of last year, they could struggle to make the playoffs. My guess is he'll be good enough to lead the Vikings to the NFC North title. Predicted record: 10-6, division champion (3).
Green Bay Packers: no Brett Favre for the first time since 1991. They go in with an unproven QB in Aaron Rodgers. They have everything else in place: strong defense, good running game, good receiving corps. Rodgers will take his lumps early in the season, but get better as the season progresses. IF he were to get hurt, the Pack would be in a world of hurt, as they have two unproven rookie QBs backing him up: Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn. Because Rodgers will take his lumps early, it will end up costing the Pack the division title. Predicted record: 9-7 (no playoffs).
Detroit Lions: while this team has some good young players to build around, this team will be spotty and inconsistent. While Rod Marinelli may be a good coach, he alone can't improve the team's fortunes. Perhaps a change in GMs would help. This team is much closer to ten losses than ten wins. Predicted record: 7-9 (no playoffs).
Chicago Bears: only a few short years ago, this team was in the Super Bowl. Why have they fallen so far? Poor free agent acquisitions and some bad drafting decisions. (Tommie Harris isn't one of those bad decisions) The strength of this team is the defensive line. Brian Urlacher, while still very good, isn't quite the player he was in that Super Bowl run. Too many losses on the defensive side. They have failed to draft a potential franchise QB and RB in recent years. They lost Bernard Berrian, their best receiver, to the Vikings. It all adds up to a LONG season for the Bears. Predicted record: 4-12 (no playoffs).
NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks: they still have Matt Hasselbeck under center, a strong and improving offensive line, and a very stout defense. Justin Forsett looks like a keeper at RB. Question marks still abound at receiver. They will send Mike Holmgren out a divisional champion. Predicted record: 10-6 (divisional champion).
Arizona Cardinals: Kurt Warner will start the year as their starting QB. They still have the Dynamic Duo WRs of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. They have an improving defense. They have the offensive firepower. However, Boldin is a VERY unhappy camper. It remains to be seen how that will impact the team. With the improved defense, they could push the Seahawks. They will fall short, but have a winning record. Predicted record: 9-7 (no playoffs).
St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson is back, and he's a happy camper. I expect a huge year from Jackson. Marc Bulger is healthy. The defense is improved. They drafted well, with all their drafted rookies expected to stick with the team and make contributions. Chris Long will be a Rookie of the Year candidate. Expect this team to be greatly improved. Predicted record: 7-9 (no playoffs).
San Francisco 49ers: they have a new QB under center in J.T. O'Sullivan. Frank Gore will be the focal point of the offense, getting plenty of touches. Manny Lawson returns on defense after missing last season with a torn ACL. Josh Morgan, a sixth-round draft pick out of Virginia Tech, has been the best rookie in training camp and could push Bryant Johnson for a starting job. However, too many doubts still abound. They will be better than last year, but not by much. Predicted record: 6-10 (no playoffs).
Wild Card Playoffs: Carolina (6) over Minnesota (3); Philadelphia (5) over Seattle (4).
Divisional Playoffs: New Orleans (1) over Carolina; Philadelphia (5) over Dallas (2).
Sports fans, it's that time of week again. Time to submit the objects of your ire in the sports world to the lovely young lady standing beside this week's bus. She will call out each name, then they will be thrown under the Bus. I have submitted my names to her and she will call them out.
NASCAR
NASCAR Sanctioning Body: how the living HELL could they conduct a race like that? It was basically a glorified test session. The 2008 Brickyard 400 was the WORST F-ING race I have ever seen! I've seen turtle races that had more entertainment!! And they were FASTER! For conducting such a God-awful race, the NASCAR Sanctioning Body gets thrown under the Bus.
Goodyear Tires: why didn't you come to the Brickyard with a HARDER tire, one that won't wear out as fast? You wouldn't have had nearly as many issues as you did today. Go with a harder tire and stick with it. Let the crews and engineers come up with a plan to make the car drive as best it can. THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE PAID TO DO. The people responsible for these tires get thrown under the Bus.
Kurt Busch: this is for racing Kevin Harvick VERY early in the race and knocking him out of contention. Harvick was marching through the field and he was on the verge of the top 10 when he was an innocent victim of Busch's ineptitude behind the wheel. Harvick was passing you; you should have let him go and tuck in behind him. But NOOOOOO, you had to race him and got loose and collected him. You also knocked him out of the Chase in the process. You will be thrown under said Bus until he makes the Chase, and if he doesn't, you'll be thrown under every week for the rest of the season. (Sorry Kristen, I just had to vent at your driver--nothing personal against you.)
MLB
San Francisco Giants: for their fold-up job against the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend. This was a huge series; they could have got into contention with a series win. Instead, they'll be facing a double-digit deficit in the next couple of days. Maybe they wanted to get back at the Dodgers a different way. Either way, they get thrown under the Bus.
Manny Ramirez: he all but challenged the Red Sox to trade him.(Rumors are the Dodgers and Mets are interested.) Boston's feeling the pressure of the Yankees and having to defend their world title. A Yankees win tonight and they're tied with Boston, 2 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays. (And who'd have thunk both Boston and New York would be chasing the Rays this late in the season?) For his "Manny being Manny" outburst and causing dissension among the ranks, ManRam gets thrown Under The Bus.
NFL
Donte Nicholson, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: the reserve safety was Tasered twice and was arrested during a weekend scuffle at a St. Petersburg nightclub. How many times do athletes need to be reminded that NOTHING good happens after 2 AM (unless you’re getting lucky)? This came on the heels of his roommate getting arrested as he was trying to reenter the club when it was closing. You can think about what you did as you’re getting thrown under the Bus.
Brett Favre: he didn't report to Packers' training camp today. This ongoing saga is getting pretty tiresome. You shouldn't have retired in the first place. You should have done what you did last April: told the Packers that you're coming back. Ted Thompson deserves some of the blame for this for allegedly rushing your decision. But only you can make that decision to retire or not, Brett. For creating a media circus, you get thrown under the Bus.
AUTO RACING
Danica Patrick: she was unapologetic for her cat fight with Milka Duno. Of course she was. She thinks she's right about EVERYTHING. Then I’ll be unapologetic for a repeat of last week in getting her punk #### thrown under the Bus.
GOLF
Michelle Wie: ENOUGH of playing against the men already!! You’re nothing more than a freak show now. YOU’RE A JOKE! No sooner than her disqualification took place she announced she’ll be playing against the men again. It’s old and tired, just like you are. The Diva of the LPGA Tour gets thrown under the Bus again.
Andrew Giuliani: this little punk sued Duke University for being kicked off the golf team. You had a CAREER winning percentage of LESS than 20%. Numbers don’t lie, kid. If I were the coach, I’d have kicked you off the team, too. Your impact on college golf was miniscule, like your winning percentage. And I don’t give a rat’s #### if you’re the son of America’s Mayor. While I won’t throw you under the bus for attempting to make Duke’s golf team as a walk-on, I will throw you under the Bus for clogging up the court system with your frivolous lawsuit and for acting like a whiny little baby.
Thank you, Miss. You're doing a great job this week. Now on to the other fans that are itching for their opportunity.
Scanning the world of sports, you can find plenty of sports individuals and teams that so tick you off you want to call them out. Or throw them under the Bus. This is your forum to do that! I have a few that I'd like to throw Under The Bus.
NFL
Willie Andrews, CB, New England Patriots: this coward allegedly pointed a gun at his girlfriend during a domestic dispute early last Monday. At the time, the Patriots said they were aware of the report, but had "no comment." UPDATE: the Patriots released Andrews the next day. This thug does not belong on ANY NFL roster because he's a lawbreaker. If it is proven he did this, he should NOT be a free man for a VERY LONG TIME. Andrews gets thrown Under The Bus for being a thug and a dumb####.
Brett Favre: there's that rumor floating around that he may be unretiring. The Packers have moved on without him. Sounds like Aaron Rodgers is having his feet cut out from under him. Brett, you're one of the all-time greats, but enough already! For "tantalizing" us with the unretirement rumors, you get thrown Under The Bus (Cook).
NASCAR
"Fans" that threw debris on the track at Daytona: this is to you "fans" that threw debris on the track after Kyle Busch won. That was garbage. You are NOT true NASCAR fans. You are pathetic, miserable LOSERS. You can boo Kyle all you want and that's fine. But to throw debris at him after he wins a race? That's beyond the pale. Congratulations to Kyle Busch on his win at Daytona. And to you "fans" that threw debris on the track, you get thrown under the Bus, one "fan" at a time.
MLB
Milwaukee Brewers: they blew a five-run lead on Thursday. In the ninth inning. As a Dodgers fan, it PISSES ME OFF. You suck, Milwaukee. Your bullpen sucks. When you're up 5-0, three outs away from winning, and you give up the game, THAT blows. All they needed was THREE OUTS!! Yet their merry band of arsonists called the bullpen imploded. They proceeded to drag their gas cans out of the pen, soaked up that stadium with gasoline, then flicked their blue tips and burned down Chase Field. The Phoenix Fire Department was pretty busy that day. For that colossal gag job, the Brewers get thrown Under The Bus.
That's all I have for the week. What say you? Come on in with your nominees!
Sports fans, it's that time again to call out those idiots, miscreants, and all around dumbasses that so #### you off. I KNOW you have several that you want to throw under the Bus! Call them out for their idiocy. This is your forum to throw these idiots under the Bus. Remember, you can call out a player, coach, team, owner, a team's fans, or any sports personality and throw them under the Bus. I know I have my share!
NFL
Brett Favre: ENOUGH about coming back already! You made your decision to retire, stick with it!! Brett, I loved watching you play, you were one of my all-time favorite players, but when you made the decision to retire, it was time to move on. Aaron Rodgers is ready to helm the Packers' ship. Just by HINTING at a comeback, you threw Rodgers under the bus. Now it's Rodgers' turn to throw YOU under the Bus.
Reagan Mauia: this will most likely be the only time in the history of the world that Mauia and Favre will show up on the same blog. For those who don't know who Mauia is, he is the Miami Dolphins' starting FB. This bozo punched a man in the face without provocation and fled the scene. A witness took a picture of Mauia's license plate with his phone. Mauia was tracked down and arrested. I don't have to wait for more information to throw Mauia under the Bus.
NBA
Detroit Pistons: losing to the New York Knicks is bad enough, but at HOME? You lost to the Knicks when you ABSOLUTELY had to WIN in order to stay alive for home court advantage? AND on a night where the all-time greats of the Pistons franchise was honored? For all that, you get thrown under the Bus not once, not twice, not three times, but FOUR times! Hopefully we won't hear the worst chant in the history of the world, "Detroit Basketball!" in the Finals when the Celtics work you.
New York Knicks: they have begun the annual Save Isiah campaign. Donations are accepted. They are playing their BEST basketball of the season in order to Save Isiah. I imagine there are buildings all over New York that say, "Save Isiah." (Much like in the movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, there were signs painted all over Chicago that said, "Save Ferris.") The Knicks get thrown under the Bus.
Miami Heat: just quit already. D-Wade has. Oh wait, he's out for the year with injuries. Pat Riley has. He spent the NCAA Tournament scouting Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose. He hearts D-Rose. He hearts him MUCH more than coaching the band of misfits known as the Heat. Mercifully, the season will end this week for the Heat. Until then, the Heat get thrown under the Bus yet again.
MLB
Tampa Bay Rays: for all the hype that went into the Rays this year, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The Rays are looking up at the FREAKING Orioles this year. For that matter, they're looking up at everyone else in the division. This was supposed to be their breakout year. It also doesn't help when a veteran pitcher like Al Reyes gets into a fight in a bar. On his birthday, no less. Some veteran leadership there, Al. He not only got into a fight, he got his #### kicked. Then he got Tasered TWICE. Reyes gets his #### kicked, gets Tasered, AND gets thrown Under The Bus all in the same week. The Rays get thrown under for letting us down.
Fox Sports: for treating the NASCAR fans of this nation to a slap in the face. Yes, it wasn't your fault that the Yankees-Red Sox was delayed by rain. But you could have switched the game to FX and kept the NASCAR fans and the baseball fans somewhat happy. But NOOOOOOOOO, you had to milk the Yankees-Red Sox for every moment AND you had the game SIMULCAST on FX!! AND you pre-empted the NASCAR pre-race show! Because it was Yankees-Red Sox, you cut into the ACTUAL RACE. Ryan Newman was going into Turn 3 of the first lap of the race when Fox switched from the game to the race. For poor planning and for pissing a LOT of race fans off, Fox Sports goes under the Bus.
Yankees-Red Sox rivalry: yes, I get that it's a historically bitter rivalry. Yes I get that both teams are good. But they're not the only two teams in baseball!! It's an endless and breathless hype machine! For my money, the NL West rivalry is just as good, if not better, than Yankees-Red Sox. Yankees-Sox rivalry goes under the Bus.
NCAA
#### Vitale haters: been drinking the anti-Dickie V grape-flavored Haterade again? There was one guy (Fox Sports' own Mark Kriegel) that got drunk on it. Love or hate #### Vitale, his contributions to college basketball as a commentator and ambassador to the game cannot be denied. I admire Vitale's enthusiasm and passion for the game of college basketball (even though he's too much of a Duke homer). All the Dickie V haters (Kriegel included) are to be thrown under the Bus of Dickie V's choice.
Jeff Ehrhardt, QB, Murray State: this genius was charged with second-degree robbery for "a prank gone bad." So now that's what we call pushing and assaulting a campus police officer and taking his book away, a "prank gone bad"? If it were up to me, dude would be in the clink for a MINIMUM of five years. He won a $20 bet for the "prank gone bad". Sure hope that $20 was worth it, E. My bet is that he skates like Dorothy Hamill. He'll probably be suspended for the first play of the season. For such a #### prank, Ehrhardt gets thrown under the Bus.
Here is my unbiased analysis and prediction for Super Bowl XLII.
NEW YORK GIANTS
How they got there: the Giants finished 10-6 in the regular season, good enough for a wild card spot. In the postseason, they defeated Tampa Bay 24-14 in the Wild Card Playoffs; defeated Dallas 21-17 in the Divisional Playoffs; defeated Green Bay 23-20 in overtime in the NFC Championship Game.
What they must do to win: very simple. They MUST control the clock and rush for over 200 yards as a team. Eli Manning must continue to be sharp, and not turn the ball over. So far he has not committed a turnover in the postseason. On defense, they must put consistent pressure on Tom Brady with their front four. They are capable of putting pressure on Brady with just their front four. And if they aren't able to get to Brady, they must force him to see through a forest of arms ready to bat the ball down. They must win the turnover battle, and force a couple of turnovers at critical junctures. They must make a big play or two on special teams (a turnover, TD return, etc.).
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
How they got there: finished the regular season undefeated; won the AFC East; defeated Jacksonville 31-20 in the AFC Divisional Playoffs; defeated San Diego 21-12 in the AFC Championship Game.
What they must do to win: control the Giants' fierce pass rush with a variety of draws, short passes, and screens. Perhaps leave in an extra TE such as Kyle Brady for pass protection. RB Laurence Maroney could well end up being a key player in this game, as he could have his number called quite frequently. On defense, they must pressure Manning into some mistakes. At the very least, disrupt his timing. They must also slow down the Giants' punishing ground game. S James Sanders could well end up being a key factor in this aspect of the game. On special teams, they must win the field position battle and blunt the Giants' advantage.
Who will win and why: when all is said and done, I'd love to pick the Giants, but I don't see them winning. The Giants will be able to put pressure on Tom Brady, but not on a consistent basis. Laurence Maroney will have a huge game; in fact I'm predicting Maroney to have a game for the ages, setting a Super Bowl record with 210 yards on 28 carries and two TDs. He will wipe the forgettable Timmy Smith off the record books. New England caps a season for the ages with their fourth Super Bowl championship in seven years.
This is the unofficial last weekend of the football season. I will review the two conference championship games.
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots
This was a defensive slugfest. For the most part, the Chargers were able to put pressure on Tom Brady.
In the pocket Tom Brady of the New England Patriots looks to throw a pass as during the AFC Championship game. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Chargers were able to move the ball fairly efficiently, but were not able to punch it in. LaDainian Tomlinson tested his injured knee, and played the first series, but was out for the rest of the game. The Chargers' defense, aside for the second quarter, was sharp. They swarmed the Patriots' receivers, denying them the big play, and coming up with some big plays of their own.
Up to the task San Diego Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer intercepts a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Donte' Stallworth. (Winslow Townson/Associated Press)
As the game wore on, it was apparent that New England's defense was tightening up, not allowing big plays to the Chargers' offense, and putting pressure on Philip Rivers. As the Patriots' defense clamped down, Laurence Maroney found holes in the Chargers' defense. Maroney's running set up a Wes Welker TD that effectively put the game out of reach.
Spread the joy New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker celebrates with teammate Jabar Gaffney after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship game. (Winslow Townson/Associated Press)
The reactions told the story.
Not looking good Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson and fullback Andrew Pinnock sit on the bench during the third quarter of the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots. (Stephan Savoia/Associated Press)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 20: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates against the San Diego Chargers during the AFC Championship Game on January 20, 2008 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won 21-12. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) Getty Images
The Patriots held on to the ball for most of the fourth quarter and defeated the Chargers 21-12 to advance to Super Bowl XLII.
Going to Glendale New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hugs Laurence Maroney after winning the AFC Championship game 21-12 against the San Diego Chargers to advance to the Super Bowl. (Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press)
In a nutshell, the Patriots took advantage of their red zone opportunities and the Chargers didn't. While Brady wasn't sharp, and was forced into a few turnovers, he had other teammates pick up the slack, namely Laurence Maroney. Maroney was the Stud of the Game, gaining 122 yards on 25 carries. They will enter Super Bowl XLII as heavy favorites to complete a perfect season.
New York Giants at Green Bay Packers
This game was better suited for polar bears and Eskimos above the Arctic Circle. The temperature at game time was zero degrees Fahrenheit with a minus-24 wind chill. It was one of the coldest games in NFL history. The extremely bitter cold affected the quality of play, as both teams looked three steps too slow and passes were very wobbly and hung in the air. The game was close throughout, with several lead changes. After a Giants' field goal, Green Bay struck with the first big play of the game, a 90-yard TD pass from Brett Favre to Donald Driver.
Give him a lift Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre leaps into the arms of center Scott Wells after throwing a touchdown pass to Donald Driver. (Mike Roemer/Associated Press)
Off to the races Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver runs from New York Giants defenders Corey Webster and Gibril Wilson on a first-half touchdown reception. (Jeff Roberson/Associated Press)
The game was hard-hitting throughout, with plenty of trash-talking and extracurricular activity after the whistle. C Shaun O'Hara of the Giants had been accused of being a dirty player by several Packers throughout the week. Plaxico Burress and Al Harris were talking trash to each other throughout the game.
Up and away New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones during the first half. (Jeff Roberson/Associated Press)
Lawrence Tynes missed two FGs in the fourth quarter, the last one a duck-hook job as time expired in regulation. With each Tynes miss, the Giants' defense really stepped up. Early in overtime, Corey Webster made the biggest play of his career when he picked off a Brett Favre pass. The Giants won a few minutes later on Tynes' 47-yarder that split the uprights. Now the G-men are headed to Glendale to face the mighty New England Patriots in a rematch from Week 16. I had wrote that the Giants can win if they get a few turnovers. They got a few turnovers and controlled the clock with a stout running game and Eli Manning being efficient and managing the game well. Plaxico Burress was the Stud of the Game, with 11 receptions for 154 yards. Congratulations to the New England Patriots and New York Giants for advancing to Super Bowl XLII. Both teams earned their ducats. Could the G-men be the Team of Destiny and put that straight number on the L column for New England, or will New England cap a perfect season with their fourth Super Bowl in seven years?
I have decided to preview and analyze this weekend's championship games and offer my predictions.
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots
The Chargers come in as a walking MASH unit. Philip Rivers is hurt, LT is hurt, Antonio Gates is hurt, Lorenzo Neal is hurt. All of these players are expected to play in Sunday's championship game.
Having said that, the Chargers offer something to the Patriots that the Jaguars don't have: a defense that can force turnovers, particularly in the secondary. Antonio (Crime Time) Cromartie led the NFL in picks with 10. The Chargers' front three can get to the QB. It's important that they pressure Brady UP THE MIDDLE. The Chargers' DBs are fast and athletic. And don't forget Shawne (Lights Out) Merriman. For the Patriots, it is important to establish the running game, to keep the Chargers' defense honest. Brady must make quick, decisive reads. And the Patriots' O-line must keep Brady upright.
When the Chargers are on offense, they must establish LT and get him 25-30 touches (20-25 rushes, 5 receptions). And unlike in years past, they have a playmaking WR in Chris Chambers, the ex-Dolphin. He should know the Pats well, having played against them twice a year as a member of the Fins. Vincent Jackson has emerged as a playmaker opposite Chambers. Gates' injury is a question mark; he'll play, but his effectiveness will be limited. The Patriots' defense must rattle Rivers and force a couple of early turnovers.
Special teams will be very important. The Chargers MUST have a huge play on special teams (forced turnover, TD return, long return, etc.) And when the Chargers punt, they must pin the Patriots deep in their own end. The Patriots' special teams coverage must limit Darren Sproles to short returns or fair catches on punts. They must win the field possession battle.
If the Chargers jump out to a quick early lead, it will give Rivers and the Chargers LOTS of confidence that they can get it done and advance to their second Super Bowl. Will that happen? I see a close, hard-fought game for three quarters, and New England pulling away in the fourth quarter.
PREDICTION: New England 34, San Diego 24.
New York Giants at Green Bay Packers
The Giants come in on a roll, winning their last nine road games. The last time they lost was in WEEK 1 against Dallas. That seems like LAST SEASON that the G-men lost on the road. Eli Manning is playing the best football of his career, and that TD drive at the end of the first half may well become his signature drive when he looks back on his career.
For the G-men to win, they must establish the running game, as there may be a forecast of snow showers. The G-men must give the Packers' defense a heavy dose of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Manning must take a few shots down the field, regardless of the weather. The Giants' defense must pressure Favre up the middle and shut down the Packers' stout running game.
The Packers must continue to feature Ryan Grant. Favre is Favre and he has young studs at WR and TE. A well-balanced Packers attack is going to be a lot for the Giants' defense to handle. Favre should be able to exploit the Giants' battered secondary, provided the O-line gives him time.
Special teams will be very important. The Packers must limit the Giants to short returns or fair catches. This area is where the Giants have an advantage and must exploit that advantage.
Kudos for the Giants for making it this far. They could have folded the tent after Week 2, but to their credit, they dug deep and found some guts. Eli Manning has emerged as a premier NFL QB. They have found a young stud RB in Ahmad Bradshaw. Unfortunately, their secondary is very ####ed up at a bad time. While I think this game will be fairly close, and I think the Giants can win if they get some turnovers, I think the Giants' amazing run will end in cold, snowy Lambeau Field.
PREDICTION: Packers 31, Giants 20.
Those are my analyses and predictions for Championship Sunday. What do you think? Come strong with your responses!
Here is my review of today's NFL Divisional Playoff action.
Seattle at Green Bay: if you're a Seahawks fan, this game couldn't have started any better. Two forced turnovers right off the bat, and 14 points resulting from those turnovers.
Bad start Linebacker Lofa Tatupu of the Seattle Seahawks recovers a fumble by Ryan Grant of the Green Bay Packers on the first play from scrimmage setting up a Seahawks touchdown on the next play. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Unfortunately for the Seahawks, there were about 55 minutes of football left. Not to mention the snow was getting heavier as the game wore on, at times nearing whiteout conditions.
Playing in the snow Kicker Josh Brown #3 of the Seattle Seahawks kicks and makes a 27-yard field goal in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC divisional playoff game on January 12, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Once the Packers recovered from the initial shock of the two turnovers, they used their ground game to batter and beat down the Seahawks. Ryan Grant was the Stud of the Game, rushing for a post-season franchise-record 201 yards and two TDs.
Running back Ryan Grant (L) of the Green Bay Packers is tackled by Jordan Babineaux of the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Grant and the Green Bay Packers weathered a rough start before boucing back to beat Seattle 42-20. (AFP/Getty Images/Jonathan Daniel)
Brett Favre was efficient for the most part but sometimes he was Farve-ulous. Witness this play he pulled out of his ####:
From his knees Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Green Bay Packers throws a shovel pass to tight end Donald Lee #86 for an 11-yard gain in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC divisional playoff game on January 12, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
This play was on a critical third down and the completion to Lee allowed the Packers to move the chains. It set up a TD pass, and the rout was on. The Packers and the elements exposed the Seahawks' lack of a strong running game. In conditions resembling a snow globe, you need a strong running game. Grant's output was nothing short of amazing. In the long and storied history of the Packers, only Ahman Green has rushed for 200 or more yards in a game, until today. Grant set the franchise's postseason record for yards in a game, and he became the seventh RB in NFL history to achieve the feat in the postseason. If they play this way next week, they'll represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Now they await the winner of the Cowboys-Giants.
Jacksonville at New England: I liked how Jacksonville started off. They looked like they belonged there. They drove for a TD on their opening drive. New England responded in kind. They traded TDs for the first half in a very physical game.
Laid out Jacksonville Jaguars' Ernest Wilford is stopped by New England Patriots defenders Junior Seau, Brandon Meriweather and Ellis Hobbs after making a catch. (Stephan Savoia/Associated Press)
Locked in Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard throws a touchdown pass ahead of the defensive pressure from New England Patriots' Richard Seymour. (Charles Krupa/Associated Press)
As the game wore on, Jacksonville failed to capitalize on red zone scoring opportunities, settling for FGs in the second half. Tom Brady and the Patriots exposed the Jaguars' secondary as a liability. Yes, the Jags prevented big plays for the most part, but the middle of the field was left open and Brady picked them apart.
Point the way to 17-0 Tom Brady of the New England Patriots gestures before a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Elsa/Getty Images)
The Jaguars could not have executed their game plan any better than they did. They pounded the ball on the ground. They took away Randy Moss. They took care of the ball, save for a late interception. Problem was, they were playing perhaps the best single-season team in NFL history, playing at levels never before seen in the annals of the NFL. Should the Patriots cap this historic season by winning the Super Bowl, they will be THE club in NFL history that all others will be measured up to. They will wipe the 1972 Dolphins off the record books as the best single-season team in NFL history. Yes, I did predict the upset of the playoffs in this game, a 27-20 Jaguars win. Well, I got the 20 correct, but the wrong team. Actual score was 31-20 Patriots.
Now we come to the best weekend of the playoffs. The eight teams that are still in the playoffs are the elite of the league. Win or go home. For one team in particular, the pressure is enormous.
Seattle at Green Bay: the Seahawks come off a 35-14 thrashing of the Washington Redskins. While the Hawks have long been known for their offense, it was their defense that dismantled the Redskins. Green Bay comes off a bye. For Seattle to win, their defense must force Brett Favre into making mistakes. They must win the turnover battle. Offensively, they must be balanced. The RBs must combine for at least 120 yards rushing. For Green Bay to win, they must put pressure on Matt Hasselbeck, sustain long drives that lead to scores, the DBs must be physical with the Hawks' WRs, and Favre must play smart and within himself. I see this being a fairly low-scoring game. Each team will have its moments. This is the hardest game for me to pick. If Seattle were at home I'd take the Hawks. But I'm taking the Packers in a close game.
PREDICTION: Green Bay 23, Seattle 20 (OT).
Jacksonville at New England: this is a study in contrasts. Jacksonville will pound the ball on the ground and grind you down until you cry uncle. David Garrard takes care of the ball and while he doesn't have playmakers at WR, they get the job done. Their defense is physical, in your face, and the front four can put pressure on opposing QBs. New England has a record-setting passing attack, a ground game when needed, and a ball-hawking, opportunistic defense. For Jacksonville to win, they must control the ball on the ground and keep the Patriots' offense on the sidelines. They must take advantage of scoring opportunities. They MUST take care of the ball. They must put pressure on Tom Brady, forcing him to be ineffective. They must shut down the Patriots' running game. The Jags' DBs better be prepared to do a LOT of sprinting, as Brady will go deep when given the opportunity. For the Patriots to win, they must force the Jags into mistakes/turnovers. Laurence Maroney must have a solid game, with a MINIMUM of 75 yards rushing/100 yards of total offense. Brady must have time to make his reads and throw to the open receiver. The Pats' offense must have a couple of big plays early and jump out to a big early lead. The Jaguars will be able to run on the Patriots and keep Brady on the bench long enough to keep him from turning the game into a track meet. This is my upset of the entire playoffs.
PREDICTION: Jacksonville 27, New England 20.
San Diego at Indianapolis: on the surface, it looks like a bad matchup for the Colts, especially considering the recent success the Chargers have had against the Colts. However, this was before Peyton Manning won his ring. Now that Manning has his ring, he comes into this year's playoffs a lot more relaxed. This is Philip Rivers' first time in a divisional playoff. For the Chargers to win, LT has to have a monster game, the defense has to pressure and knock down Manning, and force turnovers. Plus, the Chargers' special teams have to have a huge game. Rivers must be composed and not melt down. For the Colts to win, they must force Rivers into mistakes, particularly early in the game. If the Colts jump out to a huge early lead, it will be too much for the Chargers to overcome. Joseph Addai will play a huge role in the game. This is not your older brother's Colts defense. This is a Colts defense that will punch you in the mouth repeatedly. They will do that to Rivers time and again. Addai will have a huge game. Colts win big.
PREDICTION: Colts 37, Chargers 17.
New York Giants at Dallas: this is the third time the two teams have met. It's very hard for one team to beat another three times in one season. Dallas has already beat the Giants twice. For the Giants to win, Eli Manning has to keep playing like a franchise QB. They must pound the ball on the ground and Manning must continue to make plays. Defensively, the Giants must create turnovers and put pressure on Tony Romo. They must make plays on special teams. For the Cowboys to win, Romo must play like he did earlier in the season, when he distributed the ball around to his receivers like Santa Claus distributing Christmas goodies to all the kiddies. Terrell Owens must play, and have a huge game. The ground game must be able to move the chains and not be dormant. Eli Manning continues his superb play. The Giants move the ball on the ground. Romo makes enough mistakes that the Giants take advantage of and end up winning.
PREDICTION: N.Y. Giants 30, Dallas 20.
Those are my predictions for the Divisional Playoffs. What say you?
Around the world of the NFL faster than Andre Davis taking not one, but TWO kickoff returns to The House, Crappafoni Pictures presents, spaghetti western style, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Week 17.
THE GOOD
New England Patriots: what more can be said? Perfection. 16-0. And the way they beat the Giants is the stuff legends are made of. Tom Brady got sharper as the game went on. But the playoffs are a totally different animal. The Pats better be prepared to win when they score in the teens.
Carolina Panthers: as has been a recent tradition under John Fox, the Cats went out and won their last game of the season on the road. Matt Moore was efficient, throwing for 174 yards and 2 TDs. DeAngelo Williams rushed for 121 yards and a TD. Granted, Tampa Bay was resting its starters after the first half of the game, but a win is a win, and the Cats will take it.
Washington Redskins: was that a DOMINATING defensive performance, or WHAT? The Skins defense held the Cowboys to one yard rushing. FOR THE GAME. Watching the game, I could sense the late Sean Taylor encouraging his mates; they played very inspired ball, particularly on defense. I saw the Redskins' D-line pushing the Cowboys' O-line around all game long. Now they're on to Seattle, and I think it's a very winnable game for the Redskins.
Green Bay Packers: they put an ####-kicking on the Detroit LLLLLLLLLLLLLions, plain and simple. They seemed to shake the hangover of the loss to the Bears from their systems.
Tennessee Titans: they got it done, on the road, in a hostile environment, minus Vince Young for the last third of the game. Granted, it was against the Colts' second and third string, but a win is a win in the NFL. Kerry Collins was sharp, keeping the chains moving, and extending drives. Now they're on to San Diego next weekend.
Atlanta Falcons: one of the rare times this season I've put them in the Good category. They did beat a playoff team, and scoreboard is everything in the NFL.
Houston Texans: or more specifically, Andre Davis. He returned two kickoffs to The House in a 42-28 win over Jacksonville. The Texans finished 8-8 for the first time in franchise history. The AFC South is the only division to have all four of its teams finish .500 or better.
THE BAD
Dallas Cowboys: one of the REALLY rare times (maybe the ONLY time this season) I've put them in the Bad category. They proceeded to set a franchise low for yards rushing in a game: ONE yard. Thirty-six inches. Three feet. That broke the previous low of seven yards set in 1998 against New Orleans. Tony Romo was not sharp. The Redskins' defense had a lot to do with that. The Cowboys' O-line was pushed around by the stout Redskins' D-line all game long.
St. Louis Rams: I know you wanted the season to end, but I didn't realize how desperate you were to finish it. They threw in the towel and were ready for their tee times. Now you're picking second overall.
Miami Dolphins: you were watching the back of Chad Johnson all game long as he was blowing by you. Ocho Cinco took a short pass and took it to The House from 70 yards away. You couldn't WAIT for the season to end; it couldn't end soon enough. Now comes the inevitable purging by The Big Tuna, Bill Parcells.
Detroit LLLLLLLLLLLLions: you, too, couldn't wait for the season to end. Ford Field will be a ghost town come tomorrow as the players can't leave fast enough. Many of them will be attending their alma maters' bowl games. Others will be taking a much-needed vacation. Still several others have played their last game in a LLLLLLLLLions' uniform, as they will either be released or leave via free agency.
THE UGLY
Kansas City at N.Y. Jets: this epic battle of bad teams was compounded by this game going into overtime. What, did neither team WANT to win?
Buffalo at Philadelphia: a 17-9 yawnfest played in rainy, chilly weather. It would be one thing if both teams were in the playoffs. But neither team is in the playoffs.
NOTE: this blog will expand into other sports starting this week. You can still include your NFL nominees to throw Under The Bus, but I will open it up to the other sports as well. So if you have a team, player, coach, manager, team executive (including owner), that you want to vent about and throw Under The Bus, here is your forum to do so!
NFL
The 1972 Dolphins: how does it taste now, now that your record is ripped by the 2007 New England Patriots? No champagne popping this year! The Patriots just ripped your raison d'etre from you, so the next step is throwing your #### under the damn Bus!!
The 2007 Dolphins: if you guys hadn't stumbled and actually WON, we'd be talking about you going 0-16 and running the table in reverse. Today would have been a good day to make a statement and win two of your last three games. But you guys, in typical Dolphins fashion, went out and sucked. So under the Bus you go with the 1972 Dolphins.
Seattle Seahawks: you went 1-3 against a weakened NFC South this year? Ironically, your lone win against the division came against the eventual division champion (Tampa Bay) in Week ONE of the season. Meanwhile, Carolina went 4-0 against the NFC West. Yes, you're in the playoffs, but the NFC Worst is that, the worst division in football. And you LOST to the woeful Atlanta Falcons today? Your practice squad players should have beaten the Falcons! So Under The Bus you go!
New Orleans Saints: or more specifically, their special teams. WHY on God's Green Earth do you (or anyone else for that matter) PUNT to Devin Hester? So he can Hesterize you to the tune of TWO punt returns for TDs? I think Sean Payton threw P Steve Weatherford once under the Bus, so I'll pile on and throw Weatherford under the Bus again.
Detroit LLLLLLLLLLions: weak effort against the Pack. Enough said about this sorry team.
Those are my nominations for this week. Come in with your nominations. Thank you for reading and responding.
Around the world of the NFL faster than an Ahmad Bradshaw 88-yard TD run in the snow at Buffalo, Crappafoni Pictures presents this week's vignette of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
THE GOOD
Pittsburgh Steelers: they made some big plays, particularly early in the game. They found a complement to Fast Willie Parker in Najeh Davenport. Ike Taylor had a Pick Six Special late in the game that sealed the win.
Jacksonville Jaguars: they thoroughly dominated an overmatched Raiders team. On the ground, in the air--it didn't matter. With a playoff berth on the line, they were going to get it done right, and they did.
Cincinnati Bengals: or more specifically, their defense. They picked off Derek Anderson four times, leading to three TDs, including two TDs within the last two minutes of the first half. Then the defense withstood a furious Browns rally.
Philadelphia Eagles: they put the Saints' playoff hopes on life support with their huge win in New Orleans. Donovan McNabb came up huge, including a 40-yard run to set up a score. McNabb also threw for 3 TDs.
New York Giants: they withstood a 14-0 deficit in the first quarter and dominated from that point on, outscoring the Bills 38-7. Both Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs rushed for over 145 yards. Bradshaw ripped off the NFL's longest run of the season, 88 yards for a TD in a driving snowstorm.
San Francisco 49ers: their game against Tampa Bay was one of the hardest hitting, most physical games in recent memory. They stared into the eyes of the Big Bad Bucs and didn't flinch. It was good old-fashioned, old-school smash mouth football. In the end, the Niners executed enough to pull out the win. Patrick Willis was the Stud of the Game, registering 20 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble.
Chicago Bears: it looked like THEY were the #2 seeded team in the NFC and the Packers were the cellar dwellers. The Bears' special teams blocked two punts and forced a 9-yard punt. Brian Urlacher returned a Pick Six Special for the first time in his career.
Washington Redskins: in a game they HAD to have, they put forth a great team effort and got it done. Todd Collins was sharp, Clinton Portis ran and passed all over the Vikings' defense, rushing and passing for a TD. Now with a win over the Cowboys next week, they're in the playoffs.
New England Patriots: it looked like they were going to run and hide from the Dolphins, leading 28-0 at halftime. The Fins actually outscored the Pats in the second half, holding the Pats scoreless. Laurence Maroney rushed for a career high 156 yards on just 14 carries.
THE BAD
Oakland Raiders: after that effort against the Jaguars. They were outplayed in every facet of the game. The Jags made the Raiders look like the bad team that they are.
Baltimore Ravens: are they the worst team in the NFL, or what? I think they're worse than the Dolphins, and that's saying something.
Green Bay Packers: sure, you're the second-best team in the NFC. Could have fooled me. You played like the second-WORST team in the NFC. That was ca-ca.
THE UGLY
N.Y. Jets at Tennessee: 16 total points between the teams. It seemed like neither team wanted to win. From Tennessee's perspective, style points aren't rewarded in the NFL; just wins and losses. The Titans' win means they control their own destiny. Win, and they're in.
Atlanta at Arizona: this was a matchup from hell. A bad team against another bad team. Depending on your perspective it was either a shootout or just bad defenses. I tend to lean towards the latter.
Those are my nominations. Feel free to opine with your nominations.
Scanning the wide world of sports, there are no shortage of candidates to be thrown under the Bus. I have a few candidates myself, and I open the floor for your nominations from the NFL, NBA, NASCAR, MLB, NHL, and even soccer.
NFL
St. Louis Rams: or more specifically, their coaching staff. The Rams were hanging tough with the Pittsburgh Steelers early in the fourth quarter when Scott Linehan elected to punt rather than go for it on 4th and 6. The coaching staff showed no confidence in the team's ability to win. Torry Holt, in particular, let loose with a profanity-laced tirade directed at Linehan. You were 3-11 going in; now you're 3-12. The Rams' coaching staff goes Under The Bus.
Green Bay Packers: you lost to a vastly inferior team in a game you ABSOLUTELY needed to win. The loss cost you home-field advantage for the playoffs. This is a game you should have won by at least 2 TDs. You have a better running game than them. You have a better passing game than them. You have a better defense than them, at least this year. Good luck against the Cowboys in Dallas this year. The Packers go Under The Bus.
Cleveland Browns: or more specifically, Derek Anderson. You threw FOUR picks against one of the WORST defenses in the history of the NFL? The Bengals' defense won't be confused for the 1985 Bears anytime soon. Granted, it was windy in Cincinnati, but that's why you let Jamal Lewis tote the rock 30 times. And your defense LET the Bengals score TWO TDs within the last two minutes of the first half? The math was simple: win and you're in. You lost, now you're in danger of missing the playoffs. You have to beat the 49ers at home next week, which is no longer a lock. Plus you have to have Indy beat Tennessee, which is not a lock. For his worst game of the season at the worst time, Derek Anderson goes Under The Bus.
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