Every now and then I will post a “tidbits” blog, which features a random sampling of recent sports stories.The reason for “tidbits” is basically that I don’t have enough details for a full article, but still would prefer to blog about it.
For this week’s “tidbits” segment, I am focusing on Super Bowl XL, Ben Roethlisberger, Alexander Ovechkin, and Jay Gibbons.Enjoy!
Big Ben Saves the Day
Ben Roethlisberger single handedly saved the victory for the Steelers in the AFC divisional playoff game against Indianapolis.It was him, not Vanderjagt losing it with his wayward kick.It was not the Steelers defense, though they certainly helped in keeping Peyton Manning and the Indy offense off balance.Big Ben saved the day, and not on offense.Roethlisberger saved the game when he hustled down the field immediately after the Bettis fumble and put himself in position to make the game saving tackle at the 40 yard line.If Roethlisberger did not immediately drop back to make the play, the Colts instead cruise down the field for an easy TD and a four point lead with less then a minute to go in the game.The Steelers may be a six seed, but they are not playing like one.They have the talent of a team that deserved a bye week.Furthermore, Roethlisberger is not playing like a second-year player, but instead one with poise to take his team to a Super Bowl title.One more game to go and Ben and the Steelers will already be there.The only team in the way is Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, and the upstart Seattle Seahawks. Sunday promises to be an interesting game for sure.
Super Bowl XL Prediction
Steelers vs. Seahawks
Pittsburgh has made a great run after rattling off three straight road wins against the 1, 2, and 3 seeds in the AFC. Many people out there feel they will continue that streak and take the title, allowing for Jerome Bettis to retire on top.However, you cannot underestimate Mike Holmgren and the very balanced Seahawks squad.Seattle has the league MVP in Shaun Alexander, who has had an additional two weeks to fully recover from the concussion he suffered against the Washington Redskins in the NFC divisional playoff game.While the Steelers were very efficient in blitzing and causing multiple headaches against both the Colts and Broncos, I see Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck keeping his composure even with the pressure of the big game.Hasselbeck was able to handle Washington’s “D”, as well as the aggressive Carolina defense.He will find ways to be efficient and move the Seahawks offense when necessary.This game may not be the most exciting matchup, but it should be a tight game and an exciting Super Bowl.After a series of blowouts over many recent years, this Super Bowl game should be far from that.In the end, Mike Holmgren will find a way to get it done and beat out Bill Cowher for the title.Look for the ‘Hawks to eke this one out in the fourth quarter, even without the presence of their precious “12th man”.
KP’s Call: Seahawks win 27-23
Gibby Serves Another Term
Hike up your socks Orioles fans, as all reports are stating that Jay Gibbons has signed a four year contract extension for approximately 21.1 million dollars.There you have it; Gibby, as he is called by teammates, will be back for four more years. Honestly, you have to love it when things like this happen.This is a great story for both Jay Gibbons and the Baltimore Orioles.Here you have the Orioles, who keep a guy who has left-handed power (helpful for Camden Yards), a great attitude, and plays extremely hard.On the other side, you have Gibbons (.277 average, 26 home runs, and 79 RBI’s in 2005), who truly loves playing for Baltimore.He is one of the rare players of today who got a chance, took advantage of that chance, and then didn’t leave the team for money but instead was loyal to the team that gave him the opportunity.If not for Johan Santana, one could argue that Jay Gibbons is the biggest Rule 5 success story.There are a handful of others you could compare to him, but he is certainly worthy of being on the list of the best to be selected in the Rule 5 baseball draft.The Orioles were lucky to pick him up, especially since they managed to steal him away from the division rival Toronto Blue Jays.All in all, as an Orioles fan, I am very pleased to see Gibbons “serving another term” in Baltimore.
“Alexander the Great” conquers the Coyotes
If you have not heard of Alexander Ovechkin, you should really know him by now.Either way, you need to watch this highlight <Click here to see the madness>. The previously stated link is to Google video, which features an acrobatic goal scoring hockey highlight via Fox Sports Net of a recent game between the Washington Capitals and Phoenix Coyotes.Ovechkin (34 goals and 31 assists in 50 games so far this season, including the one seen in the highlight) is a young superstar in the making for the Washington Capitals.He was the first pick in the draft prior to the strike year, and can be considered a top rookie alongside of Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby this season.“Alexander the Great”, as he has been called, is making quite the impression in the NHL, and should be a force for years to come.That highlight is only the beginning for Ovechkin.On the other hand,the Capitals still need some work, as they are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference (with only 41 points), but they now have themselves a star to help put more bodies in their arena seats.If get you a second, check out that highlight, and keep an eye out for many more from Ovechkin in the future.
Synopsis for tidbits Volume II:
Four more years!Four more years!!Just down the road from Washington D.C., the town familiar with hearing that phrase, people are instead hearing that chant in Baltimore, where Jay Gibbons has signed a contract extension to remain implanted in the Orioles outfield until the year 2009.
Speaking of four more years, it is very possible that Peyton Manning may be waiting four more years to get to the Super Bowl.The Colts have the talent, but are they going to emerge as today’s Buffalo Bills team, loaded with talent, but not able to win the “big game”??Big Ben Roethlisberger can attest to that, as him and the Steelers managed to spoil Indy’s hopes for a title game appearance and a Super Bowl ring.
While it was quiet in Indianapolis, it was the opposite in Phoenix, where even the hometown Coyotes fans had to marvel at the acrobatic goal by emerging star Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals.After “Alexander the Great” managed to sneak in a no-look goal, the cheers could be heard as far north as Detroit, Michigan.
Speaking of Detroit, there is an important game going on there this coming weekend.That’s right sports fans; Super Bowl XL is taking place in Detroit.Finally, a WINNING football team will emerge from the depths of “Detroit Rock City”.Sorry Lions fans, I couldn’t resist.Who will it be though, the Seattle Seahawks or the Pittsburgh Steelers?Only time will tell.Enjoy the big game!!
Sure glad Jerramy Stevens woke Joey Porter of the Steelers up. I would hate to think he would sleepwalk through the game on Sunday.
I have it on good authority that the Seattle Seahawks are now shaking in their boots because Mr. Porter is upset. Hopefully the Seahawks will be able to overcome the terror induced as a result of all this commotion and show up on Sunday to play their role as the NFC's sacrificial lamb to the AFC's Steelers.
As a matter of fact, on behalf of Seahawk Fans everywhere, let me thank all of the other teams the Seahawks beat this season for rolling over and clearing the way for the Seahawks. We really appreciate your generosity.
