Check this post out in HD and vote in my poll: Who Will Win the Super Bowl?

Introduction

Another week down and another bad week for my prognostications. My one upset pick went down as the Patriots took care of business against the Jags. Then the Packers destroyed the Seahawks at Lambeau, the Bolts shocked the Colts (see what I did there?), and the Giants defeated the Cowboys.

That means only my pick of the Pack over the ‘Hawks was accurate. The Cowboys were close to beating the Giants (keep running Patrick!) but alas my boys fell again. Meanwhile, the Colts just didn’t look like themselves. The Chargers played a tough game and came out with the victory. Now, the question is can they fix what ails them and beat the Patriots in cold, cloudy, and windy Gillet?

San Diego at New England

This game could probably be considered the “real” Super Bowl but it’s not the game we expected. After watching the Colts play the Pats earlier this season I was pretty sure they could defeat the 17-0 Patriots if they met in the playoffs.

The game with the Chargers inspired much less confidence and I have no reason to believe the outcome of the playoff game will be any different then the regular season. The Chargers have an injured QB and an injured RB not to mention a big mouth. The Patriots are playing at an unbelievable level and I don’t believe the Chargers can stop them.

The only hope is that the Chargers can get some kind of pressure on Tom Brady and allow their corners to make plays. If they can force a couple (yes, it will take several) interceptions then they may escape with a win. If they can’t do that, then the Patriots will roll into Arizona after a comfortable win.

New York at Green Bay

I keep waiting for Eli Manning to play like the Eli Manning we’ve all seen the past couple years. Instead, he’s playing like the Eli Manning the Giants were hoping for when they traded for him. His play has been stunning (for his standards, not a knock just genuine surprise) and the Giants defense has come alive.

After questions about their health and talent the Giants defense has really responded. While their secondary is still sore, they’ve proven that serious Quarterback pressure can cure a lot of issues. That’s how they’ve won all those road games, if you can force the QB’s into mistakes even a less than average DB can make a play.

However, Green Bay is playing unbelievably as well. Bret Favre is one of the greatest Quarterbacks of all time and is playing like it. Meanwhile, Ryan Grant (former Giant) is playing great and is sure to have a chip on his shoulder for this weekends game. The Packers defense is solid, combining both a solid pass rush and a talented secondary, and will give the Giants all kinds of problems.

Besides that, it’s supposed to be cold in Lambeau (very cold) and that favors the Packers. Ryan Grant is a little better than the Giants tandem backs, the Packers defense is at least equal to what the Giants can do, but Bret Favre is still head-and-shoulders above Eli Manning.

Despite how well he’s been playing, when the game’s on the line, I’m still taking Favre over Manning. The Packers win this game in a close one and prepare to go to Arizona for a storied Super Bowl.

Quick Recap

Patriots over Chargers

Packers over Giants

Though based on how I’ve been doing, it’s very likely we’ll see a Chargers-Giants Super Bowl. That game would also be storied but not nearly as much as Favre versus the Patriots (you know that’s how it will billed).

Norm Chow Fired

This move shocks me; I really don’t know how to react. A couple years ago there was a lot of talk about Chow becoming the first Asian head coach in the NFL. Now, the Titans have decided he’s not worthy of reaping the rewards of grooming Vince Young.

I think the Ravens should be taking a serious look at Chow as a guy who could revive their offense. Atlanta should also be paying attention as Chow has been unfairly over looked for a long time now.

He’ll land on his feet somewhere, I just thing the Titans are making a mistake here and Chow will prove it at his next stop.

Tony Sparano in Miami

This is a great hire. Sparano did some great things for the Cowboys offense. He’s a tough guy and very much a Bill Parcells guy. The question is, will the Tuna let Sparano coach his way or was this a hire o####uy he knew he could control?

I think that Sparano is his own man, whether Bill knows it or not, and will run the Dolphins his way. If Parcells could stay out of the on-field stuff then Sparano could be very successful. However, if Bill tries to insert himself then I think Sparano will resist and there will be more problems in Miami.

Tony Dungy, Mike Holmgren

Both of these guys have left their marks on the game. From Holmgren’s old Green Bay team sprang forth quite a coaching tree (including Andy Reid and Mark Sherman) and Tony Dungy became the first black head coach to win a Super Bowl last year. Both are seriously considering leaving the game after this season and if they do I feel like the NFL will have quite a void to feel.

Personally, I hope both come back. Neither are particular old and both have plenty more to offer the game. I could see Holmgren staying as a GM but I really hope he remains on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Dungy is simply a great guy who knows what he’s doing. He helped turn that Indianapolis defense around and mold the team into one of the great teams of the decade.

So, here’s to hoping both return but wishing both luck with whatever they decide to do.

Conclusion

I’m feeling rather deflated about the Cowboys losing but by the weekend I’ll be revved back up. I’m switching allegiances to the Packers through the playoffs and hoping Bret Favre can ride into the sunset holding a Lombari trophy.

Literally, just imagine Bret Favre in a cowboy hat, the Lombardi trophy secured to his saddle bag, riding off into the Arizona desert sunset… fade to black.

What a way to end a career and I sincerely hope Bret Favre is able to do it.