The 11th Hour

Better late than never. This weeks conference championships should all be great games. I don't expect any blowouts. Pittsburgh at Denver should be a very physical game. The Steelers will play smashmouth football and there defense will be pressuring Jake Plummer all game long. In the end, Denver will win this game. They are extremely tough at home and no team has ever won three road games in a row to reach the Super Bowl. So the odds are stacked against the Steelers but they'll play hard and anything is possible when you play tough. Denver 24-21.

Next is Carolina at Seattle. Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has played perfect football with hardly anyone outside of Seattle taking notice. Carolina on the other hand, has been up and down all season until of late. Like the Steelers, Carolina will have to win their third straight road game to reach the Super Bowl which hasn't been done. Another strong home team and road team trying to overcome the odds, adds up to another Seattle win, 27-24.

Surprise, Surprise

I'm uber late on this post. In fact, this is the 11th hour. Let's just say I had a very bad week.

In review of last weeks divisional games, there were a few surprises. First, the most unexciting game of the week, Seattle's win over Washington. Not much to say except all went according to predicted. Washington played a tough game, but in the end Seattle proved to be too much for the Redskins. Seattle's very quiet and amazing season continued. My record 1-0.

Next, Golden Boy Tom Brady and Company lost for the first time. Denver is extremely tough at home and Jake Plummer didn't fall apart. A few bad calls, and being outplayed for most of the game lead to a 27-13 Denver win. A pass interference call in the endzone against Asante Samuel changed the game. It shouldn't have been called but you can't dispute an official's penalty call. Later in the game, Champ Bailey intercepted a Brady pass and ran in back from the back on Denver's endzone down the field to the opposite endzone. Ben Watson, ran all the way from the other side of the field and laid out Bailey just before he reached the endzone. The ball came loose and flew out of bounds. After a replay, the evidence was inconlusive according the officials that the ball went out in the endzone, which would have resulted in a touchback and New England would have the ball at the 20. Instead, Denver had the ball at the 1 and lead to a touchdown. Even with the two bum calls, Denver played extremely well and deserved the win. Without the two bad calls, the game would have been much closer and gone the other way but it didn't and Denver won because they outplayed New England. Now I'm 1-1.

This game was the last game but I wanted to leave the biggest shocker for last. So, the Chicago - Carolina game went as predicted, except for the score. Steve Smith's big plays crushed Chicago. I only said there'd be one, but a Smith had two huge touchdowns on a 12 reception 218 yard performance. This led to a 29-21 Carolina win. The shocker was the amount of points these two defensive teams put on the board. That's 2-1 for me.

The biggest surprise of the weekend was the Steelers victory over Indy. The Colts were the heavy favorites and Pittsburgh only won there first road playoff game in a long time last week against Cincinnati. So no one expected a 21-18 Steelers win. Unfortunately, the Colts seem to fold against a more physical team, which was exactly what happened. The Steelers were more physical and the Colts didn't adjust to the pressure. Peyton Manning and how people talk about how smart of a player he is, didn't adjust to the pressure. The game got very exciting at the end. Peyton was sacked twice including on fourth down to offically end the Colts last chance drive. Pittsburgh took control at the 2 yard line and ran Jerome "I haven't fumbled all year" Bettis to the right. The Colts plunged forward in Bettis' path and knocked the ball loose and Nick Harper picked up the ball and ran it back. Ben Roethlisberger made a touchdown saving tackle near midfield. Peyton took over made a few nice plays but the drive stalled after two passing miscues. Again, the pressure seemed to rattle him into making poor decisions. So it was left up to quite possibly the most accurate kicker in the league, who hadn't missed a field goal in the playoffs yet, to tie the game. Well, Mike Vanderjagt missed a 47 yard field goal by about 20 yards to the right. He wasn't even close and the Steelers pulled off the biggest upset of the year. Sadly, I ended the day 2-2. Total playoff record 6-2.

Weekend Picks

Well, it's almost time for the weekend round of NFL playoff games. So here are my picks:

I'll start with the easy one, Indy over the Steelers. Other than fans of the Steelers, I don't know anyone picking the Steelers to win. Both these teams met earlier in the year and Indy opened a can of you know what on Pittsburgh. Indy rolls 31-10.

I'm taking New England over Denver. I'll ride Golden Boy Tom Brady until he loses. Jake Plummer has played well this year but New England's defense will pressure him to no end and we'll all see the old Jake Plummer. Brady will improve to 11-0, which will set up another rematch between New England and Indianapolis. NE win 24-7.

The next two games I have no idea what to expect but I'll give it a shot. I believe the Seahawks will beat out a tough Washington team. Seattle is too tough at home, has more offense and will pound Shaun Alexander. I usually like to pick the strong defensive team but in this case, home field advantage means everything. Seattle is undefeated at home and the playoff losing streak for Seattle ends now. Seahawks win 24-20.

The game between Chicago and Carolina is an absolute toss up for me, but I'm taking Carolina. They were the sexy pick at the beginning of the season to go to the Super bowl and they are hot right now. This game will be a defensive struggle but the big play will win this game. Both teams will grind this game out running the ball and playing extremely good defense. Carolina has the x-factor in Steve Smith and I think one huge play from him will be the difference. Carolina holds on to win 13-10.

There you have it. Those are my picks and I'm stick to it. I'm 4-0 so far.

Get well Carson

I can only hope that Carson Palmer fully recovers from his injury. If he plays football again, that's an added bonus. In only his third year, he suffered a severe injury in his first playoff game and first for the Bengals' franchise since 1990. I hate to see players go down with an injury, especially ones who are so young and talented. For more on his injury check out the ESPN article.

What's wrong with this guy

What is Marcus Vick's malfunction? The kid just got himself in more trouble with the law by alledgedly brandishing a weapon in front of three teenagers at a McDonalds. I know you're 21 but come on, you've been in trouble with teenagers before for providing underaged teenagers with alcohol. --Side note, why do we say underaged teenagers? You can't even drink if your younger than 21, so if you are a teenager you already are underaged. So why state they are underaged when no teenager can drink period? End note.--So why put yourself in a situation with teenagers? Grow up and conduct yourself as an adult. Especially since you are entering the draft for the NFL. Those are professionals but then again, they all don't act very professional at times. Some way more than others. Regardless, you are not the same calibur as your brother even though you may think so. In fact, you're speculated to be a late second day pick or even worse, find another league to play football. For some reason, you seem to feel entitled to play professional football and reap the benefits of a hefty contract. The last few athletes to feel this way are both sitting at home. One, Maurice Clarett, is in trouble with the law once again and is not even on an NFL roster. The other, Terrell Owens, hasn't played football in months and was suspended and deactivated by his employer. It didn't work out for them and it most certainly will not work out for you. Go ahead, try to stomp on the calf of an NFL lineman, you'll probably find yourself laying on your back. It seems to me that you are desparately in need of another humbling moment. I suppose being kicked off your team wasn't enough. What will you think when the phone doesn't ring on draft day? You may have to get used to the 110 yard field of the CFL.

No surprises

So much for wildcards. The weekend games went as expected. Washington kept its roll on. The Steelers pounded the ball. The early season super bowl pick Panthers showed up and Mr. Tom "I can't lose" Brady showed up in the second half. As much as I would love to jump in and ridicule Washington's offensive production, they were playing the number one defense. They may have looked a whole heckuva lot like last years team Saturday, their defense carried them to the divisional round. And for all those fans, you can rejoice because the Giants, Cowboys and Eagles aren't playing anymore. You all are the kings of the NFC East this year. Maybe they'll pull one out next week but that's a whole nother story.

Next week will be harder to predict. I can't imagine how these match ups will turn out; Washington at Seattle, Carolina at Chicago, New England at Denver and Pittsburgh at Indianapolis. I expect New England to win not just because Brady is now 10-0, but Mike Shanahan hasn't won a playoff game since John Elway retired, which I believe was nearly ten years ago. This could be the Colts' year so I would presume they win setting up another rematch between the Patriots and Colts. The other two games are toss ups. I don't what to expect from Chicago but it will be cold, loud but I think the Panthers defense will show up again proving to be the difference. Though, with the Bears defense I can't count them out. Then it's Washington and Seattle. Seattle lost earlier in the year to Washington but that was on the road. The Seahawks are very good at home so I would be inclined to pick them. However, Washington is still hot, their defense is playing extremely well and I always go with the better defensive team. I believe defense wins championships. We'll see this weekend which teams advance and continue down the road to the super bowl.

Wildcard Weekend

I almost didn't get to post this before the beginning of the NFL playoffs, but not that anyone really cares. Painfully, my Brownies once again did not make the playoffs and to make matters worse both the Steelers and Bengals are in. Believe you me, I'll be cheering the other Ohio team as they take on the Steelers. I'm a little jealous also, because I live near DC and the Redskins made the playoffs. For a couple of years now being in this area, I haven't paid the Redskins any attention because they stink. Then of course, the savior, Joe Gibbs came back and now look at them. A bonafide playoff team ready to make a run at the Super Bowl.

This will be an interesting year in the NFL playoffs. Can golden boy Tom Brady keep a perfect record and win another SuperBowl? Will this be Peyton's year? Is Seattle good enough to make it to the SuperBowl or will defense carrrying the Bears to Detriot? Perhaps the hottest team, the Redskins will continue to roll.

My prediction, Patriots and Bears in SuperBowl. Sorry Peyton and the Colts, but homefield advantage won't help you this year or any other year as long as the Pats are playing. Sure you all beat the Patriots earlier this year but I'm talking 9-0. That's the Brady's record in the playoffs. He doesn't lose and Peyton is known for not winning the big game. No National championship in your fours years at Tennessee and you've yet to break into the SuperBowl. So unless Jacksonville can win tonight, I'm sorry to say after another great season, you'll be back home watching the Patriots go for a three peat. As for Seattle, I'm not convinced they can win in the playoffs. Chicago has a great defense and a managable offense with Rex Grossman and great defense seems to win over all else. In fact, the Bears are going down the 2000 SuperBowl champions Ravens road. Though, I wouldn't be surprised if old Gibbs pulls one over everyones head and finds a way back to the SuperBowl. Yep, I had a sip of the koolaid. No matter what, I'm eagerly looking forward to the playoffs.

Congratulations Texas

As much as I would have liked to see the three peat by USC, Texas played an unbelievable game. Possibly the best single game performance by any player in recent memory, Vince Young compiled 200 rushing yards and 267 passing yards, including the game winning touchdown. The game was absolutely amazing and probably will reair very soon on ESPN Classic. I was almost convinced USC had the game wrapped up with just over six minutes to go and a twelve point lead. Well, I was wrong. Vince Young lead the Longhorns in their comeback.

The game could have gone either way. Early in the game, USC had the chance to deliver a punishing blow. However, Reggie Bush, Mr. Heisman, had a brain cramp and tried to lateral which resulted in a costly turnover. The moment swung towards Texas as they scored thirteen unanwsered. As much of a folly that play was, it wasn't a game ending decision.

Late in the game, fourth and one with two minutes to go, Texas stuffed Lendale White. Texas rode the wave to score the game winning touchdown. On the fourth and one, Reggie Bush stood beside coach Carroll, watching the final play of the drive stall. There are some who argue, Bush should have been on the field, but when you have a guy who was making big plays, ie Lendale White, you give him the ball. Texas stuffed it. Game over. Though the game wasn't over. Texas faced a fourth and five near USC's endzone, their last chance at a first down or score. USC couldn't stop Young, who scrambled and found the endzone with less than thirty ticks left.

Both teams played an outstanding game and a fantastic finish to the college season. Only seven or eight more months until it all starts over again.

34-20 Buckeye butt kicking

What a way to start the new year. The Buckeyes of Ohio State gave the Fighting Irish a good old Ohio State butt kicking. Tough tenacious defense and big plays spelled doom for the Irish. The Buckeyes own the Fiesta Bowl, having won three of the last four bowl games played out in Tempe, AZ. From the very first Ohio State possession to the last, all their touchdowns were scored by the big play.

The game was close and you might say it wasn't such a butt kicking. In fact, if it wasn't for a penalty and then a replay, the outcome could have been very different. If memory serves me well, the Buckeyes were up by a mere eight points when the tight end Gonzalez fumbled and Notre Dame picked up the ball and ran it back for a touchdown. Thankfully, a penalty was called on the Irish which negated the touchdown but it would have still there ball but a replay by the officials reversed the call. Gonzalez never had possession therefore no fumble. Ohio State then added a field goal. Ohio State eventually went up by 14 points but could have been more if not for a fumble near the endzone and two blocked field goals. Notre Dame pulled within seven points late in the game. However, the game ened a few minutes early with Antonio Pittman's 60 yard rush to seal the game for the Buckeyes.

Hats off to the Fighting Irish. They kept scrapping despite giving up big play and big play. Eventually, those were too much to overcome and the defense held strong. I know this fan is estatic and over joyed. The Buckeyes may not have won the national championship, but they did show whats to come next year and every year is a great year when defeating Michigan. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. No Buckeye posting is complete without mentioning the asskicking of Michigan. I hope to see this number many times next year, 617. That is the total yards for the offense last night. 400 plus came from a future Heisman hopeful, Troy Smith. Oh, and to the father in law, I hope this beat down will suffice. Good luck to USC on Wednesday.
O-H-I-O!

The new year

Well, I started this blog in effort to separate the sports in my life. I can rant and rave as a fan of sports but it doesn't always fit inbetween the politics, religion and random thoughts. So, I have unveiled the space completely devoted to another passion in my life, sports. Though, I haven't really gone overboard with the sports this past year. I've had my "I'm sorry but I HAVE to watch this game" moments. This is a work in progress. I want banners, lots of sports banners. Tons of photos, a whole heck of alot of testosterone but most of all passion. You don't have to be a guy, or a "man's man", or a total meathead. You simply must have passion for sports. I may have my favorites and love to see them kick ass but I enjoy watching close battles and total dominations. I don't like missing instant classics or unbelieve single game performances by some of the greatest players of this era or by even the unlikeliest athletes. So without further adu, the first real post of my new blog.