Has anyone else noticed the river of accusations that seem to keep flowing through Beantown over recent years? Wait, you have no idea what I’m referring to? Take a seat and do your best impression of Auguste Rodin’s “Thinker Statue”, and maybe It’ll come to you. Not yet? Fine, I got you covered.




Remember Tom Brady’s ankle injury late last season? There were a number of individuals out there that accused Brady of faking, to mess with the opposing team and their game plan. Backing that rumor, the media caught Brady away from the New England practice facilities walking just fine. The locals discarded it because at least this time, Brady wasn’t sporting a Yankees hat. Meanwhile, on the practice field, he was in a walking cast and hobbling with a noticeable limp.

If the faking rumor was true, it makes sense. Having a more immobile Brady would change the defensive schemes of the opponent. Having no Brady at all means a different plan for another quarterback, or perhaps more emphasis on the New England running game.




But was Brady faking?


Let’s switch over to baseball. Remember the rumors that came out last year to discuss how Curt Schilling faked the whole “bloody sock” incident? It was Gary Thorne who mentioned it on the air during an Orioles broadcast in 2007. A day later, Thorne was on the air quickly eliminating these rumors, saying that he misheard (or perhaps “misremembered”…) what Doug Mirabelli said about the injury… which was that it was strictly for PR. Did someone get to Thorne?

Sure, if it were true, it also makes sense. The Red Sox were not only trying to eliminate an 86-year curse, but also attempting to overcome a 3-0 deficit from their hated rivals. Schilling’s heroic Game 6 performance was ten thousand pounds of motivation, soaked into one little sock.



But was Schilling faking?


As recently as yesterday, Boston sports has once again been launched into a similar spotlight, this time with Paul Pierce and the Celtics, who are desperately trying to find an additional “kick in the pants” to help knock off the Los Angeles Lakers in this year’s NBA Finals. Some critics have been vocal in stating that Los Angeles head coach Phil Jackson has hinted that Paul Pierce faked his knee injury during Game 1. Certainly, someone nicknamed “The Truth” wouldn’t do something like that?!

It is rather curious though, considering that Pierce was quoted as saying he heard a “pop”, and thought his knee was torn at the time. That plus he was carried off the court, later coming back looking like a million bucks. Let’s face it though… actually, let’s face “the truth”. Pierce’s return to the court not only sparked the crowd, but also his teammates. Hitting the clutch three pointers late in the game just made that enthusiasm and motivation grow even more… so much that the Garden nearly exploded like a popcorn bag left in the microwave for a minute too long. Pierce’s heroic return generated an insurmountable lead… and just like that, Game 1 was Boston’s for the taking, leaving Kobe and the Lakers helpless.



But is Pierce faking?


Would Boston sports really fake more than Elaine Benes did with Jerry on Seinfeld? Or are the opponents and sports fans out there trying to find a way to deal with their jealousy for the recent stretch of greatness that Boston sports is currently on? That remains to be seen.

If you’re going to go out and call them all classless for such behavior, I invite you to sit and think about this one first. While I personally think there are a plethora of better ways to force motivation on your teammates and fans, there is still nothing wrong with what any Boston sports player has done… if they even did it at all.

The key point we’re missing here is plain and simple. Winning in competitive sports is much more than just skill. Obviously, you do need to have elite talent to compete. However, icy veins, guts, and heart are also important… and most importantly, a team needs cohesion and motivation to push them to the top of the mountain.

Sometimes, getting your team to exhibit all those traits take extreme measures. I certainly am not accusing Boston sports players of faking, but I also wouldn’t be shocked if any of the aforementioned stars did it either.

Faking or not faking, it isn’t cheating. It isn’t like they videotaped anything.

I understand that Bill Belichick has never been a fountain of personality when it comes to press conferences, quotes, and the media. In fact, the answers to the majority of his questions are about as vanilla as the wardrobe he sports on the sideline.

Let’s face it, he lets his ego get the best of him, to the point that winning is the only thing that matters. It’s his competitive edge, which I get to some degree, as certainly he’s not alone in having that desire to succeed. Yet, tonight I saw Bill Belichick stoop to what I would call a new low. A new low that by far eclipsed some of his past antics. To quote Fat Albert, he’s “like school on Saturday… no class”… and quite frankly, I think that’s putting it nicely.

In the wake of one of the more shocking upsets in NFL history, the focus of the cameras were deterred from the elation and joy that was about to explode from the sideline of the New York Giants, after their stunning 17-14 Super Bowl XLII victory over the “Artist formerly known as the undefeated New England Patriots”. Instead, the focus was pressed back on Belichick, who was able to trash the opponent’s newly earned spotlight just enough for the world to notice. At least, it certainly caught my attention.

Once Tom Brady’s final attempt to reach Randy Moss (on a 60-yard Hail Mary pass) fell incomplete, New England’s fate was sealed, and its perfect season had vanished quicker than the ’72 Dolphins could pop open their champagne bottles.

Still, in the final frenzy, players and media began to scatter onto the field, including Patriots coach Bill Belichick, albeit prematurely. Belichick did manage to give a brief congratulatory message to Giants coach Tom Coughlin, only to have a confrontation with the officiating crew shortly thereafter, in which we can only assume that he was informed that there were still two seconds on the clock, and another play would need to be run. Instead of pushing his team back to the sideline and restore order to the game, Belichick instead stormed off the field, exiting before the game clock hit zero, leaving his players to clean up the shocking mess that he left behind.

Quite honestly, this left me in complete disbelief. While on the biggest stage in all of sports, Bill Belichick, a three-time Super Bowl champion, didn’t have the decency to honor his opponent, and have enough class to remain on the field for a few more seconds. Just a few measly seconds. That’s it, that’s all it took.

There is no doubt in my mind that this was a tough loss for Belichick and the Patriots. Losing a Super Bowl is never an easy pill to ####. This one no doubt was tougher after not only losing a chance at another Super Bowl title, but also at a perfect season… “Superfection” if you will. Still, that doesn’t make his actions right.

No one can take away what Eli Manning, Tom Coughlin, and the rest of the New York Giants accomplished earlier tonight. New York’s performance was truly gutsy, inspirational, hard fought, and lucky, all wrapped into one Lombardi trophy-sized package. On a stage expected to present us with imminent perfection, the Giants instead created their own version of history, and did so in remarkable fashion.

No one can take that away from them. Even still, Bill Belichick and his classless actions certainly tried to in his own way. And as a fan of the game, that frustrated me.

Winning may be everything, but losing with dignity is definitely something as well. Someone please tell Bill Belichick that the next time they see him.


Photo Credits:
“Eli Pumped” – Via Fox Sports – Julie Jacobson / AP and “Belichick in Red” – Via Fox Sports – Paul Sancya / AP

All week on television, I keep hearing the “experts” chirping on and on as to how each believes that the Patriots moving on to the AFC Championship is a foregone conclusion, and taking care of the Jaguars was going to be a piece of cake. Therefore, I thought I would come in and not just throw that theory under the bus, but chain it up to the back of the bus and let it drag for a while. You see, not only do the Jaguars have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but also could find that history could possibly be on their side as well. To explain, let’s flashback to the NFL just over a decade ago…

And the Rest is History…

It was 1995, and the football world soon would learn that the city of Jacksonville, Florida was about to surprise many by joining Charlotte, North Carolina as the other city that year to be rewarded with an NFL franchise.

Unlike most expansion franchises of past and present, the Jacksonville Jaguars were immediately thrust into an eclectic mix of controversy, attention, and excitement. Right off the bat, the team not only was sued by the Ford Motor Company due to the similarity of the team logo (to that of the Jaguar car), the Jaguars also forced their way onto the NFL scene almost immediately by making the AFC Playoffs in only its second year of existence. This feat, of course, was matched by their youthful NFC counterparts, the Carolina Panthers. Yet, it wasn’t the way this team made the playoffs, but what they did once they got there that is pertinent. As you will soon see, the ’96 Jaguars have some eerie similarities to its 2007 counterpart.

On the Mark

The ’96 Jaguars were led by Mark Brunell, who at the time, was a slick-footed and mobile 26-year old quarterback. Brunell not only eclipsed the 4,000 passing yard plateau, but also had nearly 400 yards on the ground that year. David Garrard, the 2007 version of Brunell, while equally as mobile (nearly 200 yards during the season), is instead built like a tank, able to run over defenders like they’re a speed bump on the road. Furthermore, Garrard has made very few mistakes, tossing only three interceptions during 325 regular season attempts. Garrard’s mistake-free play and mobility is going to be key in competing with New England’s potent attack.

The “Who Are You” Crew

The Jacksonville receiving corps was a group of non-household names in 1996, yet featured players talented enough that they played themselves onto the NFL map. During the historic 1996 campaign, Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith established themselves in the NFL, as both eclipsed the 1,000 yards receiving mark that season. This year’s group of receivers in Jacksonville are once again not household names, yet possess enough talent to catch Garrard’s passes when the game is on the line. The Jags featured no 1,000 receivers in 2007, but successfully spread the ball out to players such as Reggie Williams, Ernest Wilford, Matt Jones, and Dennis Northcutt.

The Two-Headed Monsters

Having two feature backs on one team, also frequently referred to as the “two headed monster”, is a trendy and often used strategy in today’s NFL. The concept was infrequently used in the ‘90’s, but the Jaguars did implement it by using both James Stewart and Natrone Means during most games. Jacksonville’s 1996 two-headed monster combined for over 1,200 yards rushing. The 2007 version features veteran Fred Taylor alongside the youthfully talented Maurice Jones-Drew. Taylor and Jones-Drew combined for nearly 2,000 yards rushing this season.

The “Men of Teal”

On defense, the Jaguars are physical. A blue-collar group that consistently hits you in the mouth and tries to knock you off the line of scrimmage. Statistically, they’re not among the league’s elite, but they still cracked the top 15 in both 1996 and 2007. This stat was especially impressive for the 2007 team, who found themselves in a division with a trio of solid football teams, none of which ended the season with a losing record (Indianapolis – 13-3, Tennessee – 10-6, and Houston – 8-8). They’re a big, solid, and strong group, almost “Superman-like”. Therefore, one could easily refer to them as the “Men of Teal”, instead of the “Men of Steel”.

Elite and Greet

These two Jacksonville playoff teams (past and present) both were presented a meet and greet with the NFL’s elite team during that respective season. In 1996, it was the Denver Broncos, led by poster boy John Elway, who powered their way to a 13-3 regular season record. Alongside of Elway included a slew of other weapons, including RB Terrell Davis, TE Shannon Sharpe, WR Rod Smith, and WR Ed McCaffrey. In 1996, the Broncos were #1 in the NFL in total yards on offense, as well as #4 in total yards on defense. The 2007 counterpart is the story of the year in the NFL, that being the powerful New England Patriots, led by today’s poster boy Tom Brady. Vaulting their way to the first ever 16-0 regular season, the Patriots, run by head coach Bill Belichick, also featured their own arsenal of weapons, including WR Randy Moss, WR Wes Welker, ILB Tedy Bruschi, CB Asante Samuel, among others. Interestingly enough, like the ’96 Broncos, the ’07 Patriots were #1 in the NFL in total yards on offense, as well as #4 in total yards on defense.

Past and Present Day…

The 1996 Jags team entered the playoffs as the #5 seed, eventually holding off the Buffalo Bills 30-27 during Wild Card weekend. That set up the Divisional playoff matchup with the high octane Broncos team, when the Jags shocked the world by eliminating Denver at home by the same score (30-27). Today, here we are yet again. The Jaguars are the #5 seed in the AFC. They enter Saturday night’s showdown with New England as a heavy underdog, barely escaping with a narrow 31-29 victory in Pittsburgh last weekend. The Patriots, led by NFL Passing TD record holder Tom Brady, have the heavy burden of trying to complete the unimaginable, a perfect season since the NFL expanded to sixteen regular season games. Ironically, the 1996 Jaguars eventually lost the AFC Championship game that year to the Patriots.

A Simple Plan

The New England juggernaut is hanging on by a thread. If you can’t see it, your judgment is clouded. The Eagles, the Ravens… all teams that are inferior in talent this year, yet had their chances. There is only so many times a team can keep eeking out victories. Maybe if Rex Ryan hadn’t called that timeout in Baltimore. Perhaps if Eli hadn’t tossed that late interception in New York. If only the Colts and Giants could manage to hold on to each of their fourth quarter leads. Sure, it shows talent and poise to keep on winning, but the question remains, do the Patriots have three more games like this in them?

Beating the Patriots, believe it or not, requires a simple plan. Limit your mistakes and eat clock. The Jaguars have the players to make this happen. Jones-Drew and Taylor need to do their best impression of Willis McGahee and Brandon Jacobs. Run hard, run strong, and run efficiently, keeping New England’s offense off the field as much as possible. Because, the Pats will score. Garrard and the offense need to be in regular season form. The defense needs to be themselves… physical, smack the opposition in the mouth, while wreaking havoc for players like Moss right off the line of scrimmage. The tangibles are there. Execution is the only thing left. And oh yeah, you will have thousands upon thousands of wicked-loud fans to deal with up there in Chowda-land. Pressure? Nahhhh…

Easier said than done, that much is true. Yet, not out of the realm of possibility.

In Conclusion

Most involved with this 2007 Jacksonville team weren’t placed in the exact situation as the 1996 team, but the franchise as a whole has been. A franchise that has consistently maintained the same format and structure throughout its existence, from its inception in 1995 until today. This 2007 Jaguars team can build off that, and feed off it. A team with similar makeup and strengths able to make the unthinkable happen. It can happen again. Now, the 2007 Jaguars are in a position to make their own history.

As we have seen during the season, a near flawless game is needed to knock off the Patriots, and teams that have came close, simply made too many critical mistakes down the stretch, eventually relinquishing the lead to Tom Brady and crew. If the Jaguars should need any motivation at all, Coach Del Rio should pipe in highlights of those feisty ’96 Jaguars, who derailed pretty boy John Elway and Denver’s offensive onslaught.

The “Men of Teal” are here, and don’t be shocked if they spoil New England’s Super Bowl pahhty.

When you have connections, you have connections. In the past, I was able to get my hands on some long lost letters from the childhoods of various athletes. This time, my connections have set me up with an information gold mine. That’s right… diaries. Specifically, I’m diving in and providing you with the diary entries that are relevant to this weekend’s matchup between the Colts and Patriots, or as it is more commonly being referred to as “Super Bowl XLI ½ ”. I finish the list with my own personal entry (and prediction) on what could be “the game of the year”.

Dear Diary: The Pats vs. Colts Entries**

Dear Diary,

I really wish that Tom would stop wearing that stupid hat after games. He looks like a 50’s paper boy.

Gisele Bundchen

Dear Diary,

With my teammate Sammy Morris out for the year, I may stop getting hate mail from all of my fantasy owners. Now if Coach would just start running the ball more often.

Laurence Maroney

Dear Diary,

During the week, we went out and bought up all the video cameras at every electronics store in the Indianapolis area. That should keep Belichick under wraps.

Jim Irsay

Dear Diary,

I’m not afraid of you Joseph Addai. I’m not afraid of you Kenton Keith. I’m the plug in your running game’s sink. Our team is 6th in the NFL allowing only 87 yards per game on the ground.

Vince Wilfork

Dear Diary,

I can’t believe Kraft and Co. took this long to deliver weapons to help me out on offense! Seriously, this game is now like shooting fish in a barrel. I yawned about a half dozen times in the second half of last week’s game. I also started daydreaming about the little lady again. Damn, she’s fine!

Tom Brady

Dear Diary,

Sure, Randy Moss is a big target that is putting up ridiculous numbers so far this season. But I’m Bob Sanders… my name may sound like I’m an accountant, but I’m a defensive force. Our “D” is too, and we lead the league in passing defense, allowing 165.4 yards per game.

Bob Sanders

Dear Diary,

People keep talking about my QB being on pace to break the touchdown record… what about me? I’m on pace to break the touchdown record for a wide receiver! I’m pushing 800 yards receiving and have 11 scores already… plus I’m finally playing for a winner. Life is good!

Randy Moss

Dear Diary,

I plan to be all over the field in this game. Whether on special teams, running across the middle, or running deeper routes, I’m going to be in the nightmares of Indianapolis fans for weeks to come.

Wes Welker

Dear Diary,

I can’t wait to get revenge on this team for beating us in last year’s AFC Championship. We’re going to put up as many points as we possibly can, all game long, no matter what the score is.

Bill Belichick

Dear Diary,

I admit it, I have been having nightmares about facing this New England offense. They look unstoppable and we are going to have our hands full on Sunday.

Marlin Jackson

Dear Diary,

Talk all you want about the offense of the Patriots, our team is right up there. I personally have 32 catches, 388 yards receiving, and lead the team in touchdowns with six… and I’m just the team’s tight end!

Dallas Clark

Dear Diary,

People say we won’t have a chance without Marvin, and I’ll be double covered all day. Believe me, we have enough weapons, and Peyton spreads the ball out enough. Yes, I lead the team in receiving yards, with 668 (and 5 touchdowns), but we’ll be ready no matter what, and so will our fans.

Reggie Wayne

Dear Diary,

I know I was holding out before the season began, but I’m here, and I’m ready. Bring on Reggie Wayne and bring on the Colts. I’ve been waiting for this game for almost a year. It’s payback time. Get ready Peyton, I already have four interceptions this season, and I’ll be watching.

Asante Samuel

Dear Diary,

People questioned my ability to carry the rushing attack. I even missed a game due to injury, and still have almost 600 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on the season. I’m going to be ready on Sunday. We’ll all be ready.

Joseph Addai

Dear Diary,

Everyone questioned the depth on our team after losing a number of players during the offseason. They focused on me being able to help Joseph out in the running game. Well, I’m averaging the same per carry (4.8 yards), and I’ll be ready to help out come Sunday.

Kenton Keith

Dear Diary,

We will have our hands full with the Patriots offense, considering that they lead the league in points per game (41.4), yards per game (439.5), and passing yards per game (303.8). Still, we’re not too shabby ourselves. In fact, we’re more “under the radar” than any other 7-0 team in the history of football.

Tony Dungy

Dear Diary,

All the talk in the NFL is about the Patriots. We have defeated them in three straight games, we’re the defending champs, and we’re playing at home. Put the touchdown record talk aside, and let’s talk about how much of a battle this game is going to be.

Peyton Manning

Dear Diary,

Everyone is talking about how unbelievable New England’s offense is this season. Yet, our group is third in the league in points (32 per game) and third in total yards (399 yards per game)… and that’s without me for some significant time. I want to participate in this game so badly, and hope my knee will hold up come Sunday.

Marvin Harrison

Dear Diary,

Gisele is the only one that has seen Brady on his back this season. I plan to change that when Sunday arrives. Everyone talks about our offense, but our “D” is solid too, allowing only 14.6 points per game, which is second in the NFL.

Dwight Freeney

Dear Diary,

Updating my season: 42 total tackles, 29 solo tackles, eight sacks, and four forced fumbles. Watch out Peyton, I’m going to be your worst nightmare.

Mike Vrabel

Dear Diary,

I have been a part of recent history for both franchises, and I can’t wait for this game on Sunday. I hope to have another opportunity to allow my foot to push my current team to victory, and to being the frontrunner for home field advantage in the AFC.

Adam Vinatieri

Dear Diary,

The Game: The Colts and Pats play this Sunday in the most anticipated game of the regular season. The media has been focusing on the Patriots all year, while letting a very talented Indianapolis team fly under the radar. Both offenses are powerful and can strike at any moment. Both defenses are talented as well, featuring a number of playmakers all over the field. The winner gets the inside track on home field advantage in the AFC and immediately becomes the Super Bowl favorite.

The Colts: Marvin Harrison is still ####ed up, but Peyton Manning has enough other weapons that Indy’s offense should still be able to move the ball efficiently. Addai and Keith have been a solid one-two punch in the Indy backfield, and the home crowd will also help out. On defense, the Colts will absolutely need to get pressure on Brady. If Brady gets comfortable early in the game, the Colts could be playing catch up all day long.

The Patriots: New England’s key on offense will be trying to establish a consistent running game (with Maroney), which would keep the Indy defense off balance. The New England defense will need to find ways to slow down Peyton Manning, and possibly force him into a few mistakes. Harrison will be ####ed up, and may not even play, which could help the Patriots focus more on Reggie Wayne, therefore forcing Dallas Clark and the rest of the offense to beat them.

The Talk: New England has dominated its competition thus far, but look at the schedule closer. Sure, the Patriots defeated solid teams in Dallas and San Diego, but they have also faced its weak division foes in Buffalo, New York, and Miami. Indianapolis has faced the more consistent group of stronger opponents, with Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Denver, Jacksonville, Carolina, and New Orleans all on their schedule. What I’m getting at is simply the Colts have overall faced stronger competition, and should have more playing time against more consistent opponents (on both sides of the ball). New England’s juggernaut offense will not be stopped, but this experience, coupled with Indy’s talented offense, should keep them in the game.

The Prediction: Offenses should prevail in this one, and I see this game coming down to the team who has the ball last. For all the reasons mentioned above (statistically and from a player’s standpoint), I see New England edging out the Colts by a touchdown, and getting revenge from last year’s playoff loss. I also won’t be shocked to see these two teams meet again in an AFC Championship rematch.
Prediction: Patriots 38, Colts 31

- KP

** Please note that these diary entries are fabricated and none of these comments were ever stated by any of the individuals listed, with exception to myself, who made my own comment and prediction. Each line is simply my interpretation of the game, the moment, and the talent of each player or individual involved in the game. All stats and information are realistic, and researched through the Fox and NFL websites.

This post is part of Mike Greenspire’s Blogger Contest, featuring articles related to the NFL. I would like to encourage all of you to read the posts of all the other participants. Best wishes, and as always, thanks for reading… - KP

While traveling on the commuter train the other day, my mind started to brainstorm a number of different things that I would like to see between now and the end of the upcoming Super Bowl.  Later that night, I decided that it would be more entertaining to list out the things that I would likely NOT see, and here is a sampling of some of the thoughts that popped into my head…

 

Things you will NOT see between now and the end of Super Bowl XLI

You will NOT see T.O. and “The Tuna” having a nice romantic dinner together.

You will NOT see any wardrobe malfunctions.  At least, I hope not considering the fact that Prince will be on stage this time around.

You will NOT see Michael Vick drinking out of any water bottles… and you will especially not see him drinking out of any Coke bottles. 

You will NOT see Jim Mora giving one of his trademark speeches for the Colts, but you would want to!

>>  Can Jim Mora sub in just for the speeches?

“You will NOT see Robert Parrish walking through that door!  You will not see Larry Bird walking through that door! You will not see Kevin McHale walking through that door!”  Wait, wrong sport…  

You will NOT see anyone thanking the theory of Evolution for the team’s victory.

You will NOT see any player taunting Brian Urlacher.  Nice work Reggie!

You will NOT see Bill Belichick wearing a suit and tie. 

You will NOT see any “HeadOn” commercials during the big game.  “HeadOn, apply directly to the forehead.  HeadOn apply directly to the forehead.  HeadOn…”

You will NOT see Peyton Manning giving a “thumbs up” sign, but that doesn’t mean that his injured digit will not be ok for the Super Bowl.

You will NOT see a stellar performance from Rex Grossman… or maybe you will… or maybe you will not… or maybe you will….

You will NOT see Britney Spears in a Super Bowl commercial.  Whether or not you will see Britney’s underpants (or lack thereof) is still open for debate. 

You will NOT see a group of cows drop in on Dolphins Stadium featuring signs that say “Eat More Chikin”.

You will NOT see a member of the Cincinnati Bengals get arrested.  Who am I kidding?  You probably will see that!

You will NOT see Dennis Green during the game screaming, “The Bears are what we thought they were!”

You will NOT see a list of what each of the 23 flavors in Dr. Pepper actually are.

You will NOT see Tom Brady in pre-game warm-ups, but you WILL see Peyton Manning.  Wait a second… really?!

You will NOT see any pre-game trash talking between the two head coaches, even in a game where the Vince Lombardi Trophy is at stake.

  Great friends Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy face each other in Super Bowl XLI

 

And finally…

YOU WILL SEE the Colts and Bears duke it out in what will hopefully turn out to be a great Super Bowl filled with memorable moments and quality commercials.

 

Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on things that you will and will not see between now and the end of the Super Bowl XLI.

 

By the way, for those of you that saw my “Stupid Pill Survey”, in case you care, I will be posting results in a few days.  If you haven’t already voted, please do!  -KP