Three Days Until Kickoff

One year ago the Arizona Cardinals made the improbable trip to the Super Bowl. I wrote an article about how important it was for the Cardinals to have made the trip. I highlighted the importance of every fan of every doormat team to root for Arizona because if the Arizona Cardinals can make it to the Super Bowl anyone can. Every Lion, Brown, and Saint fan saw that Super Bowl and saw optimism. That Super Bowl symbolized more than a team making the improbable run to the Super Bowl, it symbolized hope.

The Cardinals lost a heartbreaker to the Steelers, but still their impact was felt everywhere. I remember writing on my blog a phrase along the lines off, "after the Cardinals recent incredible run to the Super Bowl, I can not help but wonder when will the Saints make their run?"

Who would of thought that it would actually happen. By now insanity is settling in as I grow more and more anxious for the Super Bowl. I do my best to evaluate this game as much as I can. There's the part of me that sees Peyton Manning and how he's nothing short of a computer. How, when given the chance and time, he will pick apart a defense. I look at the fact that in his last two games against the Saints he has played incredible. In the last two games Manning has thrown for 9 touchdowns and his team has won by an average score of 48-16. I look at that, plus how this New Orleans Saints defensive unit lives and dies with the turnover. I take that all in and think Manning rarely turns it over. That thought scares me.

Then there's the other half. The half that sees Drew Brees and how last week was a bad game for him. When those games happen he comes out firing on all cylinders the next week. I see an Indianapolis defense that has some young cornerbacks as well as an All-Pro defensive lineman banged up. Then I hear it from everyone. Every media outlet, every radio station, every man on television (except a few)on why the Saints will not win, on why the New Orleans Saints got to the Super Bowl and that's all that matters. They are not here to win. I take that all in and I think to myself about the only thing that really matters when looking at this game.

They have a chance.

2008 NFL Wildcard Week Predictions

Kicking off tomorrow will be the ever-exciting NFL playoffs. More so than in the past, this year's crop of teams seems to consist of no clear cut favorite on the path to the Super Bowl. Sure the Giants look like they could win it again, or the Titans, or the Steelers, or the Panthers.

Well you get the idea so without further ado I give you my predictions for the 2008 NFL Wildcard Weekend

Saturday, January 3rd
1 PM

Indianapolis Colts (12-4) @ San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Why the Colts Will Win: Indy was 3-4 this year. 3-4! I remember thinking, "Geez. Guess this is the year the Colts are finally off." Not so fast. Like the championship team these guys are they rallied, and man did they rally. Indy will win this game because of Peyton Manning. Manning just threw for his ninth consecutive 4,000 yard season. That does not bode well for a San Diego D that has been up and down this season. Did I mention that Colts' D? There's a reason Indy finished 12-4 aside from Mr. Manning. The D is bringing the heat. Phillip Rivers will have his hands full.

Why the Chargers Will Win: So what that they are 8-8. They got into the playoffs and frankly that's all that matters. The past four weeks the Chargers have gained something they did not have for most of the season. Their swagger. The confidence Phillip Rivers will be playing with, plus a home game at Qualcomm Stadium will be enough for this energized SD team to pull of the upset.

Final Prediction: The Colts will win this game not because LT and Gates are banged up, but rather the fact that the San Diego defense is just not suited to stop Peyton Manning. So you have a four game winning streak? Big whoop. Peyton Manning will lead a late drive to get his team a tough victory in San Diego.

31-28 Colts

Saturday, January 3rd
4:30 PM

Atlanta Falcons (11-5) @ Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

Why the Falcons Will Win: Power running game. Matt Ryan has had a stellar year at QB, but honestly his best game will not be needed Saturday. Reason? Michael Turner. Turner will rip through a porous Arizona defensive line. As soon as Turner gets going, Ryan will be able to pull of some play actions to keep the defense checking and in turn land Atlanta an easy victory.

Why the Cardinals Will Win: Chip on their shoulder. The only way the Cardinals beat a solid Atlanta team is if Arizona comes out angry, mad, upset, you name it. Cardinals have been the butt of every joke (aside from the Lions). The Cardinals are a better team than we have all been a victim of seeing in the past month. Quarterback Kurt Warner knows his time as an NFL starting QB is running out. This could be his last shot to work some magic.

Final Prediction: We would all like to believe that Arizona wakes up and plays. Sorry, not today. Atlanta will run the ball right down Arizona's throat. Oh, and that Atlanta D will get an early interception. Warner will lead somewhat of a rally, but sadly the consistency of Matt Ryan will smash any chance of a victory.

41-27 Falcons


Sunday, January 4th
1 PM

Baltimore Ravens (11-5) @ Miami Dolphins (11-5)

Why the Ravens Will Win: Big Ben had to drive 92 yards to beat the Ravens right at the end. If that doesn't happen you very well could be looking at a Baltimore team that is the second-seeded team in the AFC. But as we know Pitt scored, Baltimore lost. Point being? Baltimore is a legit contender, more importantly there defense is incredible. As they say, "defenses travel well." Even on the road I still expect the Baltimore D to be too stifling for an over-anxious Miami team. A recipe for a victory for Baltimore is: play defense, cause turnovers, and get that running game going. Miami quarterback Chad Pennington has had his comebacks this year, but not Sunday.

Why the Dolphins Will Win: Yes, Baltimore has a great defense, but what about Miami? Dolphins have snuck under the radar with their tenacious D. But the real factor in a Miami win is the fact this team has a) won multiple games right at the end and b) the team is thrilled to be in the postseason. Let me evaluate on part B. Sometimes a team is so pumped to get in the spotlight that the players play lights out right from the get-go. Coach Tony Sparano has had Miami doing that all year. No reason to think it will stop.

Final Prediction: The Miami feel-good story will be coming to a close. Again, Baltimore was thisclose to having a first round bye. This team is hungry and will do just enough in the turnover category to move to the next round.

17-10 Ravens


Sunday, January 4th
4:30 PM

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

Why the Eagles Will Win: The Eagles got into the playoffs in a manner that is nothing short of a miracle. First, Tampa Bay lost to Oakland then Chicago lost to Houston, but to top it off Philly beat Dallas. And man did they beat Dallas. Philly will win this game because McNabb and the offense are playing as good as anyone out there. Unless they are going out against a D like the Ravens you can pretty much be assured McNabb and Co. will be putting points up. Furthermore, the Minnesota QB situation may have gotten Minnesota a playoff spot, but it sure as heck is not going to win you a game. Look, Gus Ferotte and Tavaris Jackson are decent, not great. Great QBs are needed to win playoff games.

(Ron Jaworski was right maybe that tie would come in handy. It was enough to earn them a playoff spot.)

Why the Vikings Will Win: Adrian Peterson is nothing short of spectacular. Big time players such as him step up in big time games. This will be his coming out party. Once Peterson gets going, that will open up whoever is under center for Minnesota to throw the ball down field. Last week Philly won 44-6 because let's face it everything went right! Minnesota will be ready for that. And did I mention that Minnesota does have a defense as well? Jared Allen was brought into Minnesota to terrorize guys like McNabb in games like this. He'll be a huge difference maker.

Final Prediction: I was never overly impressed with what Minnesota did this year, but there were games where I did see Philly and I was overly impressed (Week 3, Week 17). Philly can put up points, I just don't think Minnesota can do the same. Look everyone knows Peterson is getting the ball A LOT. So now Jackson or Ferotte will need to win the game? Don't see it happening.

27-17 Eagles

NFL Playoff Chaos

The games this weekend lived up to their billings. I have some thoughts on each outcome as well as the upcoming showdowns.

42 Packers 20 Seahawks

-Ryan Grant fumbled on his first 2 carries of the ball game that in turn gave Seattle a quick 14-0 lead. Suprisely, Coach McCarthy never stopped from putting Grant back into the game. Grant would set franchise records in the game with 201 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. Now that shows a coach has confidence in his player.

-I am sorry but it seems no one told Brett Favre he is old and should be playing, well, old. Favre was 18 of 23, 173 yards and 3 touchdowns. He clearly displayed he still make the plays...even in the snow.

-Little disappointed how Seattle just fell apart. Yes, the snow start coming down, but you were up 14-0 and lost 42-20? You got outscored 42-6!


31 Patriots 20 Jaguars

-Jacksonville came to win, and had the NE defense not held David Garrad and Co. to 2 field goals they might have. Garrad proved he can be an elite QB as he kept his team in the game throughout the day with his 22 of 33, 278 yards, 2 TD day. Garrad impressed me.

-NE won this game because an individual may have played the greatest game by a QB we have ever seen. Tom Brady was 26 of 28, 262 yards, and 3 TDs. Reread that: HE THREW THE BALL 28 TIMES AND ONLY HAD 2 INCOMPLETIONS! How do you stop a guy like that? Kryponite? And lets not forget Jacksonville has one of the best defenses in the league! I am still in shock.

-Playing in Foxboro in January is an advantage for NE, but not as much as I would of thought. Again, Jax stayed with the Pats throughout the day. New England won because of a QB's exceptional play, not because of the bad play by the opposing team due to the weather.


28 Chargers 24 Colts

-Norv Turner was getting grilled earlier in the season when the Chargers started off 1-3 now he has the Bolts one game from the Super Bowl. Regardless of what happens in the game Sunday, expect A.J. Smith to bring Turner back next season with open arms.

-Phillip Rivers put up some impressive numbers by going 14 of 19, 264 yards, and 3 TDs with one interception. Only problem is the QB is making an absolute fool of himself by yelling at fans after games. What are you doing? He is a heckler, you are an NFL QB! Do not sink to his level and make yourself look like the idiot!

-During the last play of the game, Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison were both off the field with injuries. It gets to a certain point when you say to yourself, "Manning and his offense have had bad luck with injuries this year." Injuries definitely piled up in Indy, I mean their best defensive player Dwight Freeney has been on IR for a couple months now.


21 Giants 17 Cowboys

-Eli went 12 of 18, 163 yards, and 2 TDs Sunday in Dallas. For the second consecutive week Manning proved doubters wrong by putting up a moderately good performance. Eli did not need to win the game single-handily, but he did need to make the occasional big play. He certainly did that.

-Prior the game I was saying to my friends that for an NFL team to lose to the same team 3x would be quite an unusual thing to see. I figured New York would pull this one out. Well, I was right because for once the Jints prevailed over the Cowgirls. Sure Dallas won 2 out of 3 games this year against New York, but lets be honest, New York won the game that mattered the most.

-Coughlin has his team playing with a chip on their shoulder. That is the attitude that lead NY to giving Dallas it's 6th consecutive playoff loss. It is also this thinking by Coughlin and Co. that may ulitmately lead New York to the Super Bowl. The defense is clearly the team's best aspect as it shutdown Dallas (38 ppg) to a measley 17 points.


Conference Championship Predictions

Packers vs. Giants

This was supposed to be a game in Dallas between the Cowboys and Packers. Supposed. Green Bay is happy for New York's win because now they get to play at Lambeau Field where it is expected to be 11 degrees Sunday. Yes, Manning is use to cold weather games, but not like Favre. Brett thrives in cold, harsh conditions. I see a close came for 3 quarters that will be blown open in the fourth quarter.

Final: 33 Packers 20 Giants


Patriots vs. Chargers

This was supposed to be the rematch between the Colts and Patriots. I guess the Bolts forgot to lose. San Diego wants revenge on New England after last year's heartbreaking loss at home in the playoffs. The Bolts will be pumped, but so will the Pats. Tom Brady is on a mission meaning he will continue to put up outstanding numbers. More importantly, NE is use to playing in the cold weather. San Diego is not. That weather factor will not be the deciding point on who wins but it definitely plays a role. Let me put it this way, a team like NE likes playing in the cold. San Diego can deal with it. That is a big difference.

37 Patriots 22 Chargers


Super Bowl Prediction

Patriots vs. Packers

New England avenges it's 35-21 Super Bowl loss in 1996. Behind Tom Brady, NE jumps out to an early 14-0 lead. By halftime, Green Bay has cut into the lead, but still trailes 21-10. Favre makes some plays in the second half to cut the score to 21-17, but the Pats pull off a time-consuming drive that ends with a TD and Green Bay realizing a victory is out of question.

Final: 28 Patriots 17 Packers

MVP: Tom Brady (Duh!)