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January 22, 2008 - Washington, DC - In a shocking move Congress has acted to prevent the New England Patriots from competing in the Super Bowl this season; the possibility that they may rescind their previous Super Bowl titles is "on the table" according to several sources on Capitol Hill.

The move comes after recent moves by Congress to eliminate steroids in baseball and sports in general. The Congressional rationale for intervening in baseball is to prevent young athletes from using steroids. They believe that if baseball players are allowed to get away with it then kids will learn that you can cheat and succeed; or worse, that cheating is the key to success.

After the Patriots defeated the Chargers a meeting of the House Committee on Government Reform (the same committee that lead the charge on steroids) was held and it was decided action must be taken. The House of Representatives had passed a resolution condemning the Patriots early Monday morning and the "True Patriots Don't Cheat Act" was passed by mid-day. The Senate quickly passed mirror legislation and with the President's approval the New England Patriots have been removed from the February 3rd game and the San Diego Chargers put in their place.

"The Chargers represent what's right about America," Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA) said, "LT, Philip Rivers, and Antonio Gates were all out there injured and playing their hearts out... well LT was a little too hurt but you know what I mean. They went out there and played with their hearts. Those so-called 'Patriots' a pack of hoodlums and cheaters. We did this today so that the children of this country don't get the wrong message; we want kids to know cheating doesn't pay."

Massachusetts Senator John Kerry (D) rebutted Hunter's statement, "The New England Patriots are an iconic franchise and I don't believe they should be prevented from playing in this game. They got caught cheating. So what? I always say if you're not cheating, you're not trying."

Congress agreed with Representative Hunter and sent an official reprimand to Senator Kerry before breaking for their six-week vacation this evening. The Patriots "Spy Gate" scandal was an issue Congress simply couldn't ignore.

"We would be absolute hypocrites not to do this," Illinois Senator and Presidential Candidate Barrack Obama (D) said, "How can we as a nation, as a people, and as a Congress attack cheating on the one hand and reward it on the other? In the end, we can't. It's time to take a stand and show our children that if you cheat you will get caught and you will get punished."

When asked for his feelings on the matter Presidential Candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) smiled into the camera and after a few seconds said, "Optimism."

Fred Thompson's (R) office said he was "taking a nap" when called for comment.

Thus far there's been no official reaction for the NFL but Patriots Coach Bill Belichick launched into an uncharacteristic and intelligible tirade when asked for comment. The question now is how will fans react to this move? Congress is betting they will applaud it, "the country is committed to stopping cheaters from succeeding" Senator and Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton (D-NY) said, "and so are we."

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Introduction

Another season down, another first round playoff exit. After a hot 13-3 start all Cowboys fans are left to wonder is "what happened?" Many have taken the path of blaming Tony Romo's trip to Mexico during his three day weekend. I think that's a bit ridiculous. What happened was systemic and not the result of one man's (actually TE Jason Witten was there too) actions.

At the same time offensive line coach Tony Sparano was "interviewing" for the Miami Dolphins. Maybe that distraction is what caused the awful offensive line play we witnessed from a group that had an otherwise solid season. Or maybe the fact that Jason Garrett was busy doing interviews explains why the Cowboys problems of starting games with a score continued. Or the fact that the wide receivers seemed unable to haul in passes when it mattered most.

Tony Romo was forced to scramble around and try to make plays on his own. Twice he probably should've thrown it away but in at least one of those two instances if he had time to set his feet it was a TD (assuming Austin Miles would have caught it).

But that's really all irrelevant. The Cowboys lost and now they stare another off season of "fixing" in the face.

Step One

Step one is completed: retain Jason Garrett. Garrett got a hefty pay raise and a shiny new "Assistant Head Coach" title. With a season of experience under his belt Garrett should be a much more balanced OC next season and we'll see a healthy dose of Marion "the Barbarian" and some "trickeration" next season.

I think he'll be able to puzzle out why the Cowboys started so slow and I anticipate the Cowboys starting many games in a "hurry-up" offense. One more year of tutelage will give Garrett enough confidence in Romo to let him do it. Also, Barber starting the game will immediately force teams to respect the run (something they didn't have to do with Jones) and open up some options in the passing attack.

Step Two

Step two is shoring up the rest of the coaching staff. It's important to have a complete staff who understands (and believes in) the philosophy of the team. They'll need to fill some holes as Tony Sparano (offensive line coach) is gone and it appears Todd Bowles (secondary coach) may be leaving too.

Hudson Houck seems to be on his way to coach the line. I expect the Cowboys will fill the rest of their voids quickly with some of Wade Phillips' guys. Another thing the Cowboys have to look at is the organization of their scouting department.

The head of College and Pro Scouting, Jeff Ireland, left to be the GM in Miami and the Cowboys may want to fill that void. However, I understand it was created for Ireland and the Cowboys already have College Scouting and Pro Scouting heads so they may simply eliminate the position. Regardless, it's important that the scouting department and coaching staff are on the same page and ready to go for the off season and especially the draft.

Step Three: Phase One

With the coaching staff and scouting departments set it's important to look at what free agents are to be signed. Phase One is to look at your own free agents and make some decisions about them.

First, Marion Barber (RFA) will be resigned to a comfortable, multi-year deal. He's the starter for next season and Cowboys fans expect great things from him. Can his physical running style hold up over an entire season? Isn't that the same thing they said about Adrian Peterson?

Second, Ken Hamlin (UFA) had a great season. He's made the Pro Bowl based on what he was able to do in the Cowboys secondary and was a pleasant surprise for fans like me. I'd like to see the Cowboys lock him up for a few more seasons and see if he can continue on the track he's on. However, I wouldn't break the bank for Hamlin and I believe the Cowboys will give him a conservative offer to remain in a good situation.

Third, Flozell Adams (UFA) the Cowboys have an interesting decision with Adams. While at times he simply dominates his opponents at other times he shows his age and appears slow. Also, his focus is sometimes questionable as he virtually guarantees one or two false starts a game.

The Cowboys have a number of options here. They could let him go and place Pat McQuinstan or Doug Free in his place. Both are highly regarded by Dallas coaches. Or, they could let him go and move Leonard Davis to left tackle. That means Cory Proctor (who was decent filling in for Gurode at times) could be put in at Right Guard. Finally, they could simply resign him and trust the line to play like it did last season.

I don't have enough info to make this decision but I would like to see McQuinstan or Free take over. As much as I love Adams his false starts kill me. Besides that, he's getting up there in age and another long term deal could have detrimental consequences over the next couple years.

Finally, Julius Jones is gone. Done. Good riddance. Jones did nothing after his rookie season and proved to be as soft as Bill Parcells predicted. He proved that if there wasn't a hole big enough for a Mack truck then he couldn't make it. He was slow getting around the edge and once he was hit his run was all over. Jones is a backup at best and it's up to another team to somehow resurrect his dying career.

There are some other free agents but these are the most important. Most of the Cowboys important FA's had been extended before the season and the others (like Canty) can be dealt with rather easily. Jaques Reeves is probably gone too but he was never more than a "maybe" nickel corner at best.

Step Three: Phase Two

Now, after you've decided which of your free agents are absolutely essential you begin to look at the free agent market. The Cowboys are about $16 million or so under the cap so they have ample room to manovure. I think the most imporant issue they must address is their defensive secondary. They have a solid pass rush (off the edges anyway) and need to be able to shut teams down in man coverage (something they struggled doing). Safety help only comes from one side as Roy Williams regressed even further this year and, honestly, risked his job.

Therefore, I think the Cowboys should go for a home run here and throw a lot of money at premiere corner Asante Samuel. Since Samuel did so well this year the Pats can't franchise him again the fact that he hasn't already negotiated an extension says he's willing to explore deals. The Cowboys can toss a lot of money at him and give him the chance to go from one great team to another. However, the Pats also have a lot of money and are sure to be right back in the hunt next year.

But if the Cowboys could some how convince Samuel to part ways with the Pats then they could solve many problems with this one move. First, it would give them another shutdown corner. With Samuel on one side and Newman on the other teams will be fearful of the Cowboys secondary (something they haven't been since Darren Woodson retired). Also, the Cowboys need a solid nickel corner and Anthony Henry would fit that role well. He's getting up in age but is still a solid corner and the extra rest would only help his game.

With those three corners the Cowboys could trust man coverage while allowing Ken Hamlin to float in the backfield. This would also free Roy Williams up to simply swarm the ball on every down. With more than capable corners in all three positions Williams' coverage deficiency wouldn't be as glaring and he could even earn a Pro Bowl spot.

Of course, Samuel is the biggest fish this offseason and will be hard for the Cowboys to reel in. After him I'd like them to go get Marcus Trufant. Easily the second best corner on the market he would slide into the number two spot on the Cowboys roster. While he wouldn't necessarily inspire the fear Samuel would the Cowboys secondary would be seriously upgraded. Either way, the Cowboys need a known quantity in the backfield and that's why I'd like to see them sign a vet instead of draft a top corner.

Depending who the Cowboys sign, they may want to pursue Bernard Berrian; especially if Terry Glenn retires. However, I think the Cowboys could avoid having to pay someone and draft an adequate receiver. But if they don't get that home run in the defensive secondary then they may aim for one for the receiving corps.

Other than that the Cowboys could go big and sign Lance Briggs. He's looking to be the lead linebacker on a team of his own (and that's not happening any time soon in Chicago) and as well as Bradie James has done Briggs is better. Again, I doubt the Cowboys would go here but it's a possibility. They desperately need a strong pass rush up the middle and a linebacker like Briggs or a tough NT could be possibilities.

Step Four

The draft. The Cowboys traded Brady Quinn to the Cleveland Browns for the Browns' 2008 first round draft pick. At the time, I was certain it would be a top five pick, instead it's number 22. Regardless, having two draft picks opens up a list of options and the Cowboys must be looking forward to the draft with eager anticipation.

So, I'll assume for my own benefit that the Cowboys some how land Asante Samuel. If that's the case then there are three positions they should look at on day one. In no particular order: Wide Receiver, Running Back, Nose Tackle.

As for Wide Receiver I'm not sure who will still be on the board by the times the Cowboys pick. WR is a difficult position to project and I'm not sure the Cowboys will use a first round pick on one. I think instead they'll scoop up Felix Jones out of Arkansas and maybe someone like Kentwan Balmer who could play either NT or DE.

The Cowboys could pull any numbers of moves like trading up into the top five or ten, trading down, swapping a round one pick this year for one next year. But I anticipate they'll try to load up for a Super Bowl run and use both round one selections. I am almost certain they'll take a running back and depending what they do either a WR or DB after that.

Step Five

Intensity. The Cowboys have lacked intensity on both sides of the ball for a long time. I just don't see anyone really stepping up with energy on a consistent basis. The closest I've seen is Marion Barber and now that he's starting things could change. However, they need a leader on defense who will give that unit a spark. That's why I believe signing someone like Asante Samuel is so important. Samuel gambles to make plays but is successful most of the time and his intensity would add a whole new dynamic to the Cowboys.

I think Jason Garrett will be spending his time this off season figuring out how to get the Cowboys scoring early (something they didn't do despite their numbers). Meanwhile, Wade Phillips will be working on how to help the defense finish. Consistently the defense was stout early and then broke down as time went on. If the Cowboys defense can hold up throughout the game and the offense can start hot then the Cowboys will have a much better shot next year.

Conclusion

I happen to know for a fact that Jerry Jones checks this blog hourly so look for these things to happen. If they don't then surely Mr. Jones T3 line must be down and the satellites he owns disabled (probably by Bill Belichick).

But these are things I would be doing if I were owner of the Dallas Cowboys and I sincerely hope Jerry Jones does something dramatic to return my team to greatness.

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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 of a guy 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.

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Introduction

Well, wildcard weekend is behind us and I think most people weren't surprised by the results. As for my picks I went 2 for 4. The Redskins did not march into Qwest Field and steal a victory as I anticipated and demonstrated why it's so hard to pick a game involving a team you've never seen play. Meanwhile, the Giants did march into Tampa Bay and Eli played one of the best games of his career.

As predicted the Jags went into Pittsburgh and simply outfought the Steelers. They proved that they do belong in the playoffs and can contend against the (historically) more physical northern teams.

I was scared while watching the beginning of the Chargers-Titans game. I expected the Chargers to simply dismantle the Titans but that didn't appear to be the case. The Titans held their own through the first half but Philip Rivers really stepped up in the second half. The Chargers showed they can win without LT dominating and could be an upset team.

Now, that the review of last week is over it's time to make picks for this weekend.

San Diego at Indianapolis

In week 10 the San Diego Chargers defeated a faltering Colts team. Indy had lost the previous week to the New England Patriots and were also missing Marvin Harrison. It was about this time that the Colts suffered a number of key injuries and people wondered if they would even make the playoffs.

However, the Chargers victory was really a combination of unlikely events. First, the Colts gave up a couple special teams touchdowns to Darren Sproles on a kickoff and a punt. Then Peyton Manning played like a rookie by throwing 6 interceptions (3 to the prodigy that is Antonio Cromartie). Finally, Adam Vinatieri missed a couple field goals, one that could've captured the lead from 29-yards out.

The Chargers are a solid team but they barely got away with a win that week and I don't think they will get out of Indy with another one. The Colts have been playing well lately and Peyton is back to form. Plus, Marvin Harrison may be coming back and that can only improve an offense that has really come together. Meanwhile, their defense is powerful and I believe they will shutdown the "Bolts" offense.

This game will go back and forth until the fourth quarter. It is then that Peyton Manning will take over and lead the Colts to victory. The Colts will win in a close one and the Chargers will have their hopes put off for yet another season.

Seattle at Green Bay

This is a flashback game, lots of history between these two teams. Holmgren will have the Seahawks well prepared and Matt Hasselback would love nothing more than to go into Lambeau and win. However, Brett Favre is playing the best football of his long career and the young team around him knows how to conduct itself.

Ryan Grant has been a true find and has added the all important rushing attack many believed the Packers were in desperate need of. Mike McCarthy has coached this team into the top tier in the NFC and their defense is one of the best in the league.

While I expect the Seahawks to go into Lambeau well prepared I can not pick against the Packers at home. This game will be close and it will be Favre's to win or lose. If he plays like he has for most of this season then the Packers will be fine, however, if he reverts to his occasional gunslinger faults then it will be up to their defense.

New York at Dallas

It's hard enough to sweep a division opponent during the regular season; it's even more difficult to do it and then beat them again in the playoffs

However, that's the task that lies ahead of the Dallas Cowboys. And they have some major questions. Their once hot offense has cooled off lately and one of their biggest weapons in Terrell Owens may be missing for this game. Meanwhile, their running game accumulated a total of one yard against the Redskins in the season finale and Tony Romo has only thrown one TD in the past four games.

The Giants, on the other hand, played valiantly against the Patriots and even better against the Bucs. Eli played like he should've been playing for about two or three years now and their defense held its own.

But, I think at the end of the day the Cowboys are simply the better team. Terry Glenn should be back near full strength for the game and that adds a dimension that will be difficult to prepare for. Also, Marion Barber will be extremely motivated to silence the critics and I expect him to punch the Giants' defense in the mouth (literally).

Also, I believe the Cowboys are really going to rally because of how much doubt is being tossed in their direction. Everyone is discounting them and pointing out reasons why they can't win: peaked too soon, head coach doesn't win the playoffs, quarterback is faltering, defense is weakening, etc.

Great teams win when the doubts are highest and this is the time for the Cowboys to show their a great team.

Jacksonville at New England

The Patriots are having historic success. They are the first team to go 16-0 and are looking to become only the second team in history to go undefeated. If they can accomplish that then they will no doubt be heralded as the greatest team in NFL history.

However, this is the upset pick of the century. I believe the Jaguars will go into Foxboro and shock everyone. While the Patriots seem unstoppable I don't believe they are. They have a few weaknesses and I believe the Jaguars are the perfect team to exploit them.

The Patriots have trouble with physical runners and none are more physical then the tandem of Jones-Drew and Taylor. If those two can get off the ground early then they can do a lot of damage to the Patriots. The Ravens almost (should have) defeated the Patriots on the legs of Willis McGahee and not much else. I believe the Jaguars can do the same.

Meanwhile, I believe if the Jaguars can combine physical defense and power running they have the perfect combination to beat the Patriots. But, the Patriots are one of the best coached teams in the NFL and will be well prepared.

While the Jaguars have the ability to beat the Pats I won't be surprised if the Patriots find a way to win. However, I have to pick against the Pats because the only thing better than another undefeated season would be an upset.

Quick Recap

Colts over Chargers

Packers over Seahawks

Cowboys over Giants

Jaguars over Patriots

Well, I picked safer this week. Instead of a fifty-fifty split with upsets I only picked one major upset. The only pick I'm truly confident in is the Colts over the Chargers. I feel that Indianapolis is coming together at the right time and just in a great position to advance. Meanwhile, I'm shaky on all my other picks. The Seahawks looked really good last week, the Cowboys have been severely under performing while the Giants have been excelling, and the Patriots may in fact be the best team ever.

Tony Romo on Vacation

I am so disgusted with the constant discussion of Tony Romo's personal life. So football players aren't allowed to have personal lives? He's not allowed to date someone famous? He's not allowed to use his three-days away from football to actually get away from football!?!?

Listen, if I played professional football then I would work hard to win; but, if I was dating Jessica Simpson I would work hard to get some alone time with her too. One of the reasons Romo broke up with Underwood was because she wanted him to take more time away from football. He refused, relationship over.

Now you have everyone and their mother worried about what Tony Romo does with his vacation time. It doesn't matter. No matter how he does on Sunday it will have nothing to do with him taking his off days off! I mean, does your weekend really affect your work week? It can if you let it but hopefully you're smart enough to not let it.

I believe that Tony Romo (who has gone from undrafted out of a D-II school to the starter on one of the most prestigious teams in the league) is smart enough to not let it affect his game. If he struggles, it will have nothing to do with how he spends his off time and everything to do with his readiness to play at a high level.

Enough of this what did Tony Romo do with his vacation? Vacations are so you can get away from your job and if he can get away to Mexico with Jessica Simpson then more power to him.

Side note: Skip Bayless is a complete hack whose hatred for the Cowboys is so transparent to be absurd. He has gone so far as to slander legendary coach Tom Landry and Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman. I would love to see the Cowboys be successful not only because I'm a fan but just to shut Skip Bayless up.

Joe Gibbs Resigns

I want to say that Joe Gibbs deserves to be in the Hall of Fame simply for what he was able to do this season. While the past four years haven't been all that successful he dealt with something no one should have to: the death of a young and rising star.

While the Redskins lost their first game after Sean Taylor's murder they rallied soon after to four straight victories. And even though the Redskins lost in the playoffs the fact that they got in is a testament to how good of a coach Gibbs truly is.

Joe Gibbs deserves all the credit in the world and will be missed by the NFL. It will take someone special to fill his shoes and I'm not sure another coach could do what he has done.

Fred Taylor Named to Pro Bowl

All I can say is that's about time. Fred Taylor has deserved a trip to Hawaii several times but was continually over looked. Until yesterday. With Willie Parker's injury he was finally named to the Pro Bowl (the only Jaguar to go).

Fred Taylor resurrected his career only a little while after it looked like he might retire. He looks as good as he has during any other part of his career and looks like he could play for several more seasons.

I'm glad Taylor finally made the Pro Bowl and (contrary to the opinion of many others) I'm not so sure the Jags will be willing to part with him for Jones-Drew. Regardless of where he goes I think Taylor has a few more productive seasons and will receive a lucrative contract this off season.

49ers Hire Mike Martz as OC

Great move. I said earlier this season that I anticipated the loss of Norv Turner would hurt the 'Niners. A great coordinator is under rated and his loss was over looked. Martz once had a great run in St. Louis and was never quite able to replicate it in Detroit. Hopefully he's learned to tone down his love for the passing game and will utilize Frank Gore in San Francisco.

Conclusion

Well, that wraps up the second week of my playoff picks. I'm hoping I do much better this week but no matter how poorly I do, I fully intend to be back after next weekend and make my picks for the Conference games!

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Introduction

Well, the final week of the NFL regular season is over. Twenty teams are done for the year, twelve are starting anew. The New England Patriots have become the first undefeated team heading into the playoffs since the 1972 Miami Dolphins and are looking to replicate that team's historic success.

I don't know for a fact, but I'm willing to bet it's fairly rare for a division to send three teams to the playoffs. I bet it's even more rare for two divisions to each send three teams to the playoffs. But this year 50% of the playoff teams hail from the NFC East and AFC South.

The biggest question of this playoff season is who do we think can beat the Patriots? As they try to make history and go down as the greatest team ever to play we must ask ourselves if they can be stopped.

But for now, the Patriots aren't playing and have two weeks to wait and see whom they will face. For now, I'll give you my thoughts on the first NFL games of 2008 and how I think they will shake out.

Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)

Earlier in the season it looked like the Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the top two or three teams in the NFL. Now, it looks like they may not even be top five. They're still good but there are a lot of questions around them.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, look like beasts. They've been playing well on both sides of the ball and David Garrard has been a real find. The best part of the team, of course, is its running back tandem of Fred Taylor (1,202 yards rushing) and Maurice Jones-Drew (768 yards rushing).

I think this game won't quite be a repeat of a few weeks ago but will have the same result. The Steelers will step up their game and be more like the smash-mouth Steelers of old. In the end, however, I think the combo of Jone-Drew and Taylor will just be took much and the Jaguars will win in a close one.

Tennessee Titans (10-6) at San Diego Chargers (11-5)

It was really nice to see the Titans get in to the playoffs. I've always liked Vince Young so it will be good to see him in the real NFL. However, I am concerned about just how hurt he is. If he is forced to sit in the pocket or even hesitate when he has an opening cause of injury concern then the Titans will be crushed.

If he comes back near 100% then they have a glimmer of hope but just a glimmer. LaDainian Tomlinson for all his complaining came alive as the year went on. He's captured another rushing title and forces other teams to game plan around him. That will open things up for Gates and Chambers and allow the Chargers to move the ball through the air.

While the Titans have shown a lot of heart their season will come to a screeching halt in San Diego. I fully expect the Titans to get crushed but this is still a step in the right direction. Next year, they will be a dangerous team.

Washington Redskins (9-7) at Seattle Seahawks (10-6)

This seems eerily like a few years ago. Back then the Redskins had to win something like their last 5 games to make the playoffs and they did. Then they went to Seattle and lost to the eventual NFC Champs.

I think things will be different this year, though I must confess I haven't watched Seattle this year. The Redskins are playing with two things that are paramount in sports: confidence and heart. Those two things can combine to make even the least talented teams deadly.

The Seahawks have been returning to form late in the season and still have home field advantage. However, I think the window may have closed on the Seahawks hopes and this may be their final home game of the playoffs for a while.

I think the 'Skins will come out energized and if they can score early will win the game. If it becomes a grind it out game, however, Seattle will prevail. I think Portis will have a good day and Collins will continue to manage the game and lead the Redskins to victory.

New York Giants (10-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)

The Giants played a good game against the New England Patriots and no one can fault them for losing. However, I've never trusted Eli and I continue to not trust Eli. I don't think the kid has what it takes and I expect him to fold after his first mistake.

He likes the inherent ability to bounce back from something he does wrong and he lets it kill him for the rest of the game. I expect the Bucs will attack him early and often and I anticipate an early INT to seal the deal.

After that, Eli will stumble around and show the occasional flash before failing to convert critical downs. In the end I think Eli will get a last chance to drive his team down the field for victory... but that will end when Ronde Barber intercepts him and returns it for a TD (his twin brother cheering him on the sidelines).

Quick Recap

Jagsover Steelers

Chargers over Titans

Redskins over Seahawks

Bucs over Giants

That's a fifty-fifty split between home and away teams (or upper and lower seeds). If these games play out this way then in the AFC we'll have the Jaguars at New England and the Chargers at Indianapolis. In the NFC we'll have the Redskins at Dallas and the Bucs at Green Bay.

Patriot Games

There are only two teams I feel are capable of beating the New England Patriots. The Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts are obvious but the Jags may surprise people.

The Jaguars are a tough, physical team. They play angry and have one of the best running games in the league. The Pats' weakness is against the run and passes up the middle. With Garrard's accuracy and the running of Taylor/Jones-Drew they could be the upset team of the season.

Brian Billick Bye-Bye

It's about time. Brian Billick is one of the most over rated coaches of this century and I'm glad he got canned. The players didn't respect him because he didn't deserve respect and I'll be interested to see if he ever wins anything significant in the NFL again. He'll crop up somewhere as head coach (Atlanta?) but I sincerely hope it's not for your team.

Isn't Tuna with Dolphin illegal?

So Bill Parcells has fired the GM and is preparing to bring in Jeff Ireland from Dallas. Parcells likes his guys and Ireland is certainly one of his guys. And for as much as people dislike Jerry Jones the guy refuses to hold back his guys so Ireland will probably be gone to Miami.

There's still the question of head coach to deal with. I'm not convinced Cam Cameron won't be given another shot. Now, whether or not he should is certainly debatable but I think there's generally a two season minimum for new head coaches (expect in Oakland).

There are a few names to toss out there. The most obvious is Bill Cowher but I seriously doubt the Tuna will bring him in. The two will simply clash way too much. Brian Billick is another option but I'm betting the Tuna stays away from him.

Tony Sparano from the Cowboys is a sleeper option and is another one of Bill's trusted guys. Steve Mariucci is another name I'd like to throw out there as a candidate.

Who ever he brings in, Bill will want to run the 3-4 which means Jason Taylor will either be converted to line backer or retire to his acting career.

It will certainly be interesting to see what Bill Parcells does with this team and if he can really resist stepping onto the sidelines himself.

Conclusion

That's it for now. Let me know what you think of my picks and I hope you all have a happy new year!

Don't forget to vote in my new poll!