Ahhh yes, the Brett Favre song-and-dance has served well as NFL offseason drama. The story has really evolved into a satire of today’s sports coverage as even the worldwide leader seems to recognize that the constant analysis is silly. Most recently, the story has dinged the iron-man’s rep a bit as he’s resorted to launching insults at Packer brass. Oh I forgot, he shoots from the hip… rep remains fully intact.

But here’s the thing: I’m dead serious when I say, “Thank you Gunslinger, and please return as a Redskin.”

First, thanks for giving Ol’ #5 a year off from the ESPNapparazzi. Nothing about McNabbulous heading to the Windy City. Not a peep from Wilma. I bet you even forget the name of the guy Big Red took in round 2 last year.

Second, Washington is the perfect fit for Favre - suit him up in Burgundy and Old! The Birds were tied for last in the league in picks a season ago with 11. Coupling the addition of Asante Samuel to our secondary with the opportunity to face Favre twice a season (and assuming we can catch punts), we’d be going worst-to-first like Bob Cox and them. Could the Birds trade a player to the Pack on the Skins behalf? I got it…

Redskins get: Brett Favre
Packers get: LJ Smith
Eagles get: Complimentary National Zoo Passes

Labels: bird seed, nfl

Super Bowl reactions? MJ dropped a real eye-opener while watching some post-game coverage. "Who does Eli's brother play for?" she asked with a straight face. Wwwwwwhat just happened?

I say good for Eli. I was pulling for him out of sympathy. Being a 5 fan, it's easy to spot when a QB is getting a raw deal from the hometown fans. Not to mention the Patriots' comeuppance has been long overdue.

But it's important to remember it was the Giants. Sure you pull for them in this one, but visions of Bender pacing through the living room during the game's closing moments were a bit over the top. And tales of tears for Elisha from various Instituters is well past the line.

At the end of the day though, to have made such investments into this season and the final, most thrilling chapter features an N.E. Heartbreak at the hands of Giants, all I hear are the words of an immortal: "for who, for what?"

Labels: MJ wants to be on my blog more, nfl

Months ago: It took awhile, but watching dishes finally became pain-free. However, reviewing monthly statements with a fine-tooth comb is strongly advised. Expect to make some phone calls.

A month ago: Cha-ching! A 15-1 (Charlie Batch = dream-killer) week 17 propelled The Institute Pick'em Frenzy's 10th ranked entrant all the way to the top of the final standings. He is I and I am him, slim with a tilted brim.

A few weeks ago: Corporate structure shake-up at the Institute. Marketing's top dog tabbed fall guy. Domino effect?

A week ago: You know, this '08 Bushisms page-a-day calendar was a clutch gift from MJ. Sure they've been around for a few years, the Bushisms become poetry knowing this is W's final year on the job. "First, let me make it very clear, poor people aren't necessarily killers. Just because you happen to be not rich doesn't mean you're willing to kill."

Just days ago: This, That and He Said What? makes it's triumphant return! This semiannual posting craze is sure to catch on.

Yesterday: In a roundabout way, a sister school is claiming that they're sitting more students because their web site is (intentionally?) crappy. If they had a well-designed, easily navigable web site, so goes the argument, prospective students wouldn't be frustrated into calling. Sister please! (Noss-ism?)

Today: There wasn't a trace of ice on my morning commute until I started down that hill on Little Creek Road. Suddenly, my brakes wouldn't catch and I was flying, veering to the left and to the right, seemingly out of control. There was a pick-up off-road by the stars-and-stripes barn and a fellow on the other side of the road waving his arms frantically, then bailing as my swerving sport wagon barreled closer. I was going too fast and the road was too slick to turn off into an open field. A car was at the bottom of the hill, astutely peeling off onto the nearest driveway. I zipped by that car as Little Creek began to finally level off. My speed lowered and my brakes finally caught. Eeeewwwwwhat a rrrrush! A rush I hope to never experience again.

Labels: Dish, MJ wants to be on my blog more, nfl, road-trips, work

As the men in Midnight Green prepare to launch another promising season this Sunday at Lambeau, I'll kick around a few thoughts on the state of the Birds this 2007 season eve by reflecting on the most quotable of preseason Eagle quotes:

"It's going to be a new 100 percent," Jevon Kearse said yesterday. "It's not the 100 I used to be. It's a new 100 percent."

The defensive end position remains key for the Eagles this season as it would be nice to be able to pressure the quarterback consistently without blitzing linebackers or safeties. This was the game plan last season, but things didn't work out so well. I think Juqua Thomas might be the man to watch this season, so it's probably okay that Jevon's feeling less freakish.

"Before every game, we're going to say that the first thing we want to do is take that run away. Let the quarterbacks and the DBs decide the game." -- Broderick Bunkley

This ties in with the previous quote, and quite frankly, it scares me. Should the above M.O. go awry again this season, 5's unit will be under the gun to win shootouts aplenty. I've been content with our Gang Green defense allowing rushing yards by the bunches in the past because: a) even though opponent's running games were effective, head coaches just couldn't resist the lure of the passing game and more times than not ended up playing right into the Birds' claws; and b) we usually won 11+ games. I'm just not sold on this LB/DB crew going into the season.

Asked when he'd last returned punts, before the Eagles asked him to take a shot, (Greg) Lewis said, "Probably in a previous life."

The special teams unit was quite the toast of Philly's preseason. The Aussie punter beat out the incumbent and will be on the field goal holding hot seat. Maybe more of a concern is Mike Dorenbos' adventure at replacing a long-snapping legend. Then just this week the whirling dervish that is JR Reed has returned to return since spotlight skier Jeremy hadn't Bloomed. Oh, and there's what Greg Lewis said. Could be an adventure.

"I think the people who really understand the game really understand what an outstanding quarterback Donovan McNabb is and what he's meant to the franchise," Ron Jaworski said.

Finally, if things don't work out this year and the proverbial window suddenly slams shut on this Reid/McNabb/Dawkins version of our beloved Birds, it will have been an enjoyable ride. Donovan's not done by any means and will no doubt pick up the pieces should it be with another franchise. But it's easy to get caught up in what could happen if the team struggles. Andy Reid steps away from the game, Dawk retires, and management cuts ties to top-dollar vets, ultimately creating a starting spot for QB Kevin Kolb and his new era.

But that's all worst-case stuff and my fearless forecast for the upcoming season does not at all hint at a closing window of opportunity. I've seen guesses on the Eagles' record this season ranging from 8-8 to 10-6, but I'm ready to lap those low-balls. It looks like we've got games against 3 alleged elite teams (CHI/NE/NO), 1 pretty good team (SEA), and a lot of question marks. I say we split the 4 toughest tussles, lose once to a division rival, and one more time St. Elsewhere. That's right... Midnight Green is back to the upper echelon: 12-4.

Labels: bird seed, nfl

In an attempt to find the positives in an awfully bland Super Bowl, here are your winners:

• The officials went unnoticeable, certainly a great improvement over last year's game.
• My 9/7 square won me 30 bucks.
• Free agent quarterbacks.
  
• Coca-Cola.
• I'll agree with this article - Jim Nantz.
• Prince Rogers Nelson redeemed himself.
• Oh, and insisted by this tee-shirt, the Colts.

Labels: commercials, nfl

Labels: nfl

Gilbert's voluminous shooting has made the transition away from football easier than expected, but I figured I'd stick one last fork in the 2006 Birds with a few final thoughts on their final loss and the forthcoming off-season...

Leaving points on the field

• Following a nice special teams wrinkle with Jason Avant returning a kickoff on a reverse, the Eagles drive stalled after Brian Westbrook dropped a sure 7 yard 2nd down gain. The ensuing 3rd and 10 attempt was incomplete and the Eagles had to punt. The Saints were struggling mightily to stop the Eagles in the stretch prior to this drive, but the Westbrook miscue let them off the hook.
  
  
• The Eagles faced 2nd and 1 inside the Saints 10 yard line early in the 4th quarter, trailing 27-21. Following a run for no gain, Jeff Garcia completed a pass in the flat to fullback Thomas Tapeh for a loss of 2 or 3 yards. Philly settled for a David Akers field goal rather than completing the drive with a go-ahead touchdown.

Second-guessing Philly brass

• I loved the early strategy of attempting to exploit the Saints secondary by featuring our suddenly dangerous wide receiving corps. However, as the game progressed, I thought the Birds started to lean on Westbrook much more and the receivers became an afterthought. There was a point during the 3rd quarter that I felt Brown, Stallworth and Baskett simply couldn't be stopped. A few more shots to those guys in the 4th would have been nice.
  
  
• Todd and Rich agree with those who have second-guessed a 4th and 15 punt decision late in the game, in fact Coach Reid even admitted he'd do things differently. But The Sports Reporter's Bill Conlin has gone overboard.

Other thoughts

• With his back up against the wall, Jeff Garcia completed what would have been a huge 4th and 10 pass to Hank Baskett with a little over 2 minutes left in the game. Of course, the only false start of the game nullified the gain and Garcia would not get another opportunity to make a play. Granted, he failed to move the team on the previous drive, but it would have been fun to see what he could have done with a new set of downs in that situation. It's hard to believe he wouldn't have found a way to get the score they needed.
  
  
• I'm dying to bring some stats into this recap, so let's consider Time of Possession. The curse of the big play returned in this game for the Eagles as 2 of their TD drives were converted in 3 plays. Combine that with a lousy opening drive and two bad ones to close the game and Philly totaled 6 3-play drives. These brief drives lead to a deficit of over 10 minutes in Time of Possession. The Saints ran 25 more plays than the Eagles (74-49).
  
  
• Every game is huge in the NFL and this playoff match-up served as a reminder of this. Both teams finished 10-6 and the Saints earned the higher seed thanks to a regular season win over Philly in New Orleans. Getting back one or two of those ridiculous mid-season losses (Matt Bryant!) would have meant home field advantage for the Birds in this one, a factor that they would have undoubtedly benefited from.

Looking ahead to the off-season

• I know the glaring need appears to be at the linebacker position, but I'm not sure I wouldn't spend a high pick on a nickel corner who can boost our return game. Rod Hood and William James were disappointments against the Saints. Another young, quality corner would sure up coverage and provide assurance for Sheppard/Brown injuries.
  
  
• Can't we put together a serious, in-depth package for 3rd/4th and 1 situations? Maybe a mini-playbook just for this down and distance? Draft a bruiser and get rid of Moats or Mahe. Put Feely in at QB to take the hit on a plunge. Can Westbrook only launch if he's on the goal-line? Just do something other than resorting to passes in these spots!
  

Labels: bird seed, nfl

I didn't quite nail it, but with the Saints on my mind I thought I'd revisit my Roger Craig/Reggie Bush comparison:

Roger Craig 1983

Rush Yds TDs Rec Yds TDs  Ret. TDs  Est. FP
176  725  8   48 427  4      0        186

Reggie Bush 2006

Rush Yds TDs Rec Yds TDs  Ret. TDs  Est. FP
155  565  6   88 742  2      1        184

Wendell Tyler 1983

Rush Yds TDs Rec Yds TDs  Est. FP
176  856  4   34 285  2     149

Deuce McAllister 2006

Rush Yds TDs Rec Yds TDs  Est. FP
244  1057 10  30 198  0     184 

Labels: fantasy football, nfl

So the Eagles escaped the Wild Card round and will now face the Saints in the Divisional round. I've got a few thoughts:

• When Tiki started off the game running the way he did against the Redskins the week before, I thought we were doomed. When our D forced Eli to play the way he did against us 3 weeks ago, I thought we had it in the bag. But in the end, Andy Reid had it right all along... the game came down to "the wire."

• I've always wondered what, if anything, is said between teammates on the sidelines before big kicks. Tonight's YDR AP selection featured some interesting dialog between P Dirk Johnson and K David Akers:

"Before I went out, Dirk said, 'Those goal posts really are wide, aren't they?' " Akers said. "I said, 'You know what? We're going to be celebrating in a minute.' "

• Losing "Lockdown" Lito seems like a pretty big deal. Sheppard picked off Breesy in the Birds/Saints seasonal tilt. They'll also miss his sure tackling out on the edge when Reggie Bush darts wide.

• To rehash any of the weekend's memorable moments (i.e. Peyton's picks, Akers' kicks and Romo taking Gramatica's bullet) tune into Video OnDemand for expanded highlight packages of all the games.

Labels: bird seed, nfl

Most fantasy football seasons have come to a close, leaving week 17 as merely a transition from fantasy-land to the playoffs for most NFL fans. However, the possibility of the Green Bay Packers making the playoffs may be more intriguing than any prize waiver claim or mid-season fantasy football blockbuster. Should any of the scenarios below come true for the Pack, they'll claim the 6 seed in the NFC playoff tree:

1) GB win + NYG win + GB clinches strength of victory tiebreaker over NYG, OR
2) GB win + NYG loss or tie + STL loss or tie, OR
3) GB win + NYG loss or tie + CAR win, OR
4) GB win + NYG loss or tie + ATL win, OR
5) GB tie + NYG loss + STL loss + ATL loss or tie + CAR loss or tie

Philadelphia vs. Green Bay in round 1 of the NFC bracket is fantasy football. I can't think of a more favorable match-up for the Eagles. Plus, it's always fun to watch Favre go down slinging. 4th and 26? That won't be necessary this time around (but it would be nice to make Fred Mitchell an honorary captain).

As for the actual fantasy football season, I'm pretending it never happened. The Gang Green franchise suffered miserably through yet another embarrassing campaign. Three leagues participated in, zero post-season appearances, out-scored by 76% of my opponents.

Labels: fantasy football, nfl

Peter King said (on page 7 of this week's Monday Morning QB):

h. You can always count on Aaron Brooks for a minus-two touchdown-to-interception ratio in a meaningless game. Or a meaningful one, for that matter, though he hasn't played in one of those in years.

Being a quasi Aaron Brooks apologist, I threw this comment into his Mailbag:

Nice try Mr. King. I'm no Aaron Brooks apologist, but check out these touchdown-to-interception ratios: Aikman 1.17; Moon 1.24; Elway 1.32; Kelly 1.35; AARON BROOKS 1.40.

This next sentence was going to link to the reprint of that mind-blowing nugget in today's Monday Morning QB Tuesday Edition. But I am shocked, shocked!, to see that King (unranked, by the way) ducked my call-out of his call-out. And I'm sure the Aaron Brooks photo choice on page 2 is a not so coy call-out of my call-out of his call-out.

Anyway, Donovan's is 2.11. Try to remember that when ol' #5 gets back on the field (sometime in the middle of 2010?) and Aikman is in the booth questioning his decision-making.

Labels: bunkum, nfl

1. Chad Johnson’s not the NFL’s best WR, he’s not even his team’s best WR.
   
   
2. The most disappointing thing about the Eagles collapse this week against the Giants was the jovial attitudes players had with each other (David Akers excluded) on the playing field. There were many instances, but this culminated with John Runyan and Michael Strahan laughing about a hold called on Runyan during the Eagles collapse.
   
   
3. Not only do they start for actual NFL teams, but Jon Kitna and Rex Grossman put on quite the week 2 quarterbacking clinic in their head-to-head matchup, combining for 43 of 57 passing (about 75%), 4 TDs (all Grossman’s) and 0 Interceptions.
   
   
4. If Ben Roethlisberger is standing on the sidelines wearing a gray sweatsuit and backwards cap again tonight, the NBA better fine him for dress code violations.
   
   
5. Good to see Billy McMullen getting into the action in each of his first 2 games with the Vikings.
   
   
6. I caught bits and pieces of the Raiders/Ravens game yesterday and those announcers (Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker) were praising Oak-town QB Andrew Walter. That doesn’t make any sense.
   
   
7. Michael Pick’s playing well enough to get his hype-machine jump-started. Thankfully, Brett Favre isn’t.
   
   
8. Count me in for voting “yes” for Reggie Bush gaining dual position eligibility in fantasy football leagues.
   
   
9. Other fantasy issues: 1) Tatum Bell, Mike Bell… pick one Shanahan!; 2) Maybe Bender was right… grab Jericho Cotchery while you can; 3) Is my third round pick Matt Hasselbeck even in the top 20 at his position?
   
   
10. Non-football thought of the day: I accidentally drank from the wrong can of soda this morning. The blue can to my left was cold, refreshing and headache-reducing. The red can to my right was open for 3 days and nearly empty. I found out that the red can was also full of ants. Its harder than I thought it would be to mentally get past a mouthful of Cherry-Coke and ants.

Labels: nfl

I'll take a stab at this hot topic... What should we expect from Reggie Bush’s first term with the New Orleans Saints? From a fantasy football perspective, how much production can we bank on? With the idea that Bush is considered to be a special player, I scoured the all-time rushing list to match up Bush’s potential with the rookie season’s of the NFL’s top 50 runners.

The perfect comparison: Roger Craig

Year Rush Yds TDs Rec Yds TDs
1983 176  725  8   48 427  4

The 30th all-time rusher in NFL history with over 8,000 yards, Roger Craig chewed up an additional 5,000 yards as a pass-catcher. His rookie season set the tone for his forthcoming record-breaking achievement, becoming the first NFL player to eclipse the 1,000 yard benchmark in both rushing and receiving in the same season (1985). Craig joined an established veteran in San Fran’s backfield as a rookie, and while Wendell Tyler averaged more carries per game, Roger Craig’s unique abilities warranted more total touches. More importantly, his versatility proved valuable in the end zone, where he outscored Tyler 12 to 6 in scores. Bush spent time in Hollywood... couldn't he be Roger Craig's stunt-double with Deuce McAllister playing the co-starring Wendell Tyler role? If so, Bush would tally 180 or so fantasy points, good enough for a top 10 finish based on points by RB in 2005.

A less favorable comparison: James Brooks

Year Rush Yds TDs Rec Yds TDs
1981 109  525  3   46 329  3

Brooks was a first round pick out of Auburn, and his build was even smaller than Bush’s. Like Reggie, the incumbant at James’ position was an established veteran capable of both 1,000 yard seasons and missing games due to injury. The ‘81 season proved to be one where Chuck Muncie stayed healthy and carried the load as the workhorse back, taking more than twice as many hand-offs as the rook. Brooks’ versatile style still got him on the field though, enough to scoot for over 850 total yards and 6 touchdowns. Similar production from Bush would net about 130 fantasy points (top 25) and would be a letdown to fantasy owners who selected The President early in their drafts.

A guy can dream, can’t he?: Herschel Walker

Year Rush Yds TDs Rec Yds TDs
1985 151  737  12  76 837  2

Dreaming too big (ie. Sanders, Faulk, James, Tomlinson) is unrealistic because Reggie Bush just won’t carry the ball 25 times a game out of the chute like those players did. Herschel Walker was a back built to do that, but wasn’t given the opportunity due to the veteran presence of Tony Dorsett (and seemingly inept management/coaching). Like Bush, Walker was a Heisman trophy winner and highly coveted rookie, but he opted for the USFL (go Generals) for his first few seasons and didn’t make it to the NFL until 1985. Although out-carried on a per-game basis by Dorsett that season, Walker’s numbers mightily overshadowed the incumbant’s. He averaged nearly 5 yards per carry compared to Tony’s 4.1, and led the team in receptions and touchdowns. Herschel’s line above would total around 215 fantasy points, putting him in last year’s top 7. Can Reggie Bush put the end of Deuce McAllister’s career into overdrive and knock out those kind of numbers?

Labels: fantasy football, nfl

Y'uns Stillers won. While attempting to find the good in this game, one could point to the age old football adage that big plays win big games. Pittsburgh made 3 big plays that essentially scored their 3 touchdowns. First, the 3rd and 28 completion to Hines Ward inside the Steelers 5 that set up their first TD. Then the Fast Willie Parker touchdown scoot that knocked Marcus Allen out of the record books. And finally, the gadget play that allowed Antwaan Randle-El (my vote for MVP should the NFL ever adopt the American Idol voting system) to show off his passing skills. 3 huge plays totaling 21 points.

BUT, here's how I really feel about the game...

• Stealers
• Refs were far from Super in this one
• Game's third team upstaged Steelers, Hawks

Labels: nfl

Unfortunately, we all know tons of Steelers fans. But does anyone really know a Seahawks fan? Despite being nearly as nonexistent as the bird itself, here's a chance to get to know one...

1) Name & Age:
Josh, 31

2) How does a kid from south-central PA become a Seahawks fan?
Started out as a Cowboys fan (too young to know any better). Became a Seahawks fan when they had the best receiver of all time (at the time), Steve Largent.

3) Did you ever own a Seahawks replica jersey and which player's was it?
I have never owned a Seahawks replica jersey, but I will gladly accept donations toward the purchase of one, and it would have to be #37.


4) I'm sure you're ga-ga over Shaun Alexander right now, so which Seahawks player before him was your all-time favorite?
Steve Largent. He was told that he was too small and too slow to play at the professional level. All he did was set every significant receiving record en route to a Hall of Fame career.

5) If you could bring back one defensive player from Seattle's past to insert into their current lineup, who would it be and why?
Cortez Kennedy. The Tezmanian Devil was the best past rusher in franchise history.

6) Which play during the NFC Championship victory drew the most emotion in your living room?
Going to have to call it a tie between the High and the Low:
High: Seattle's first touchdown, Hasselbeck's 17 yard touchdown pass over the middle to Jerramy Stevens.
Low: The idiot refs for picking up the flag on the obvious block in the back that sprung Steve Smith for a punt return for a touchdown.

7) Who do you feel is the most underrated Seahawk player heading into the big game?
The entire team! Can you think of a team that was this successful and has received this little credit, including being the #1 Team in the NFC playing the #6 Team in the AFC, yet tagged as the underdog? I'll take it, all the way to the bank!

8) If Seattle beats Pittsburgh in this game, will you finally be able to forgive Franco Harris for going into the Hall as a Steeler?
Already done.

9) Which Hawk is most likely to go all Freddie Mitchell on us these next two weeks?
Koren Robinson, oh wait the 'Hawks released his sorry butt at the end of last year. I'll go with Matt "We'll take the ball and we're going to score" Hasselbeck.

10) Is there a better Super Bowl to make your first appearance in than "XL"? Prediction?
Nope, eXtra Large it is!!!! Seattle 31 Steelers 20 (and it won't be that close!)

Labels: nfl

... it's more than a coat factory. In fact, their current throwbacks rack may very well be the most impressive offering in department store history. As I browsed the rack last weekend, I saw:

Lafayette Lever College Jersey
This makes Burlington the #1 jersey source for all Fat Lever fans. I can't imagine that there are any, but a quick look at his career stats and there probably should be - how about his '88/'89 season of 20, 9 & 8?

Fennis Dembo College Jersey
Yes, the same Fennis Dembo that graced a Sports Illustrated cover in the late 80's. That really was his only claim to fame. Unless a Burlington shopper is 6'5", 280+ lbs and has been transplanted from Wyoming to Pennsylvania, this jersey won't leave the rack.

70's Era Julius Erving Sixers Jersey
Probably the greatest jersey on the rack, this style Sixers jersey just looks good. And Doctor J was at his finest in the 70s. They had a ton of these, so there might actually be some normal Med-XL sizes available.

80's Era Moses Malone Sixers Jersey
Moses' arrival to the Sixers in '83 translated into an NBA Championship, the last pro sports championship Philadelphia has won. He only spent 4 years in Philly, but the Burlington throwback rack is about quality, not quantity.

Reebok Throwback Eagles Jerseys - Randall Cunningham and Ron Jaworski
Not that either player ever wore jerseys like these in a game, but they are some cool looking throwbacks. Ol' #12 was more from my era of fandom, so I've always held him a notch or 2 above Jaws. But if you compare these 2 Bird QB's stats, the primes of their careers are strikingly similar. They both had equal numbers of seasons ranked in the NFL's top 10 in Pass Attempts (5), Passing Yards (5), and Passing Touchdowns (6).

Nice work Burlington Coat Factory!

Labels: NBA, nfl, vouchers

Broncos vs. Steelers

• The Steel City Destiny Train rolls on during their 1st offensive series: 2 should-be INTs by the Donkeys and 1 overturned lost fumble.
• The Broncos performance thus far is painfully reminiscent of the '03 & '04 Birds.
• Is this game still on? I've found "Ringside" to be more entertaining at this point. Ali's about to fight the Grill Guy.
• Ahhh... Jake's a gunslinger!
• Ali's now fighting Chuck Wepner. Apparently, this Wepner fella was the inspiration for Rocky.
• Pittsburgh wins 34-17.

Seahawks vs. Panthers

• Engram says "We will win." I sure hope so.
• Aikman eludes to "those kinds of calls not being made" in Championship games... Panthers fans are familiar with the concept.
• Hey! That Sean Locklear mug shot looks just like the one I saw 50 times earlier this week.
• QB Seneca Wallace with the catch? Did Holmgren just do a Belichick team-building thing?
• Ahhh... Jake's a gunslinger!
• The officials are at it again. Quick review: An illegal blocker raised his arms immediately after blocking to indicate to the world that he just clipped a player; the clipped player was looking for a flag after tumbling; the ref flew a flag. Result? No penalty.
• Nice spunk by Hasselbeck, or as my wife calls him, Hasselhoff. No signs of complacency.
• Eric B. and Rakim back the Shaun Alexander video recap. Wearing #37 still isn't cool.
• Seahawks win to set up the first AFC vs. AFC Super Bowl. Or the first Franco Harris Bowl.
  

Labels: nfl, tape-delayed blog

Seahawks vs. Redskins (Department store glimpses only)

• Wow! What a run by Seahawks All-Pro running back... Mack Strong?
• Could Matt Hasselbeck end up as the Seahawks premier QB ever? He's got some work to do to match Dave Kreig's career numbers. Kreig surprisingly ranks 11th in the NFL's history books in career passing yards and 9th in career passing touchdowns.
• Santana Moss' near TD-catch in the closing moments was a heartbreaker to gamblers everywhere. The Skins would've covered with those 6 points and Josh would owe me a dollar.

Broncos vs. Patriots

• Broncos brass favors a fade route over Mike Anderson on 4th and goal. Momentum shifts mightily towards the Patriots.
• Champ Bailey forgets that Tom Brady hates to lose and picks off his pass in the end zone, returning the interception to Denver's 2.
• Troy Brown forgets that Bill Belichick is a genious and muffs a punt. Denver's recovery may have sealed a victory.
• Denver wins, thankfully.

Colts vs. Steelers

• This is a big one... CBS broke out their top graphic package - a scrolling LED message board! Nearly as impressive as the scrolling LED belt buckle Kirby wore to the New Year's Eve party.
  
• What's that about zero first quarter interceptions?
• Is there a more ridiculous rulebook than the NFL's? And to think the officials have regular jobs and just do this on the side. Do you ever wonder if its a conspiracy? The more points of contention, plus part-time refs equals more challenges and delays and... commercials!
• The Closer fumbles. I'll never consider experience as a factor in pro sports contests again.
• Let's all say it together: "He missed it." Denver or Pittsburgh will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

Bears vs. Panthers

• Chicago fans, welcome to the playoffs: single-converage against Steve Smith, 3 incomplete passes to open on offense, and a shank from the punter. Good luck.
• I think I just saw Urlacher make an actual game-changing play. That's got to be the first since the world went ga-ga over him chasing down Donovan in an '02 playoff game.
• Just as expected... Bernard Berrian is taking over this game!
• Some more strange calls. Some more Steve Smith. Some more muggings by Panthers DBs. Carolina wins.

Labels: nfl, tape-delayed blog

Redskins vs. Buccaneers (Joined in progress)

• Is that the Rocket Man, ol' #12 at QB for Tampa? No, that's Chris Simms diving across the goal line. Bonus: The play gave Mike Patrick an opportunity to remind us that the goal line extends to infinity. Isn't that something... so it's really a goal line segment?!?
• Alstott's leap wasn't so reminiscent of Randall. 4th and short becomes the biggest play of the game for the Bucs O.
• Two incomplete deep balls to Edell Sheppard, one to the fault of Shep and one to the fault of Phil's kid. Ball game. 17-10 Skins.

Jaguars vs. Patriots

• The televised endorsements must be taking their toll on Tom Brady. If he would have canned the theatrics on the direct snap trick play, I'm certain Andre Davis would've had a touchdown. Add "cut up American Express cards" to Andre's offseason to-do list.
• Refreshing to see a short yardage play-fake result in a touchdown to a wide receiver. If Vrabel would've gotten another 3 yard TD catch, I might actually be upset that Jacksonville is getting blown out.
• This game is boring... looks like the Bulls are leading their game by 25 points too. I think I'll watch Hinrich and Co. finish off the Grizz.

Panthers vs. Giants

• Nick Goings from? Pitt.
• Wha??... "I don't disagree with the no-call there." - Troy Aikman
• Steve Smith's play? Stellar. Steve Smith's TD celebrations? Clumsy. This Panther WR is fast becoming pro sport history's most impressive Steve Smith. Easily more impressive than this one. Toss up compared to this one. Hockey doesn't count. Amazingly enough, there has never been an MLB player named Steve Smith.
• I thought Eli was going to be a gamer. I guess my fantasy football player evaluation skills have spilled into the playoffs.

Steelers vs. Bengals

• Cincy's opening drive... the game is forever changed after Kerry and Kevin's long lost brother Kimo Von Erich puts a submission hold on Carson Palmer's leg.
• The Bengals come out to receive the 2nd half kick-off with a 17-14 lead. The stadium is dead quiet. This can't be good.
• Steelers win going away. They shouldn't be too satisfied considering the "hit" on Palmer was such a factor. Chad Johnson is crying.

Final Thoughts (Putting the Wild in Wild Card)

• All four better record teams lost in the Wild Card round.
• 3 of the 4 home teams lost.
• 3 of the 4 teams to score first won.
• The Skins 7 point win was the only contest decided by single digits.
• All 4 teams I was rooting for lost. However, I won't toss aside my "root for the home team" strategy as I'm pulling for all of the round 2 favorites.

Labels: nfl, tape-delayed blog

December 19th: MNF stands for Monday Night Favre as the gunslinger's 3 win Packers square off against the 4 win Ravens. So thrilling that I actually watched a series or two, which was enough action to see Favre throw a few hail-mary's. It's amazing that he actually used to be pretty good.

December 21st: Gilbert Arenas scores 36 points on 14 of 27 shooting to lead the Wiz past the Nuggets. The Wizards are currently the 8th ranked team in the Eastern Conference and are not quite playing as well as they played last season. Big reason? 27 shots is not enough for Gil Arenas... keep shootin' Gilbert!

December 22nd: From the mouth of the Ultrasound technician... "If you promise not to paint your room pink, it looks like a 70/30 chance it's a girl." Fair enough. A gray room it is.

December 23rd: Nice! An early Christmas gift! The Papertown Fribble acquired Tracy McGrady and Joel Pryzbilla from Upper Echelon for Baron Davis and Emeka Okafor. I know, it sounds like Echelon got the gift, but the Fribble needed a shake-up!

December 24th: Good to see the George W. Bush Christmas photo was replaced by Olivia's Happy Hannukah craft at the Miller's.


December 25th: Christmas morning with MJ... good times. And how about that iHome? An alarm clock with a sleep mode that plays music from an iPod means no more John Tesh Radio Show!

December 26th: Team Jacoby/Snyder thrive down the stretch of "Think A Little During Christmas" and edge Team Dietrich/Kayla by 1 point. Clutch work on the Singers and Songs Jumble.

December 27th: The return of junkmail... it is amazing to me that I still only get 12 CD's for the price of one. In 1989, I got 8 tapes for the price of one. Considering the boom in digital music over the last 3 years or so, I would have bet the penny that you tape to the reply card that you could get at least 25 CD's for the price of one by now.

December 28th: On her way home from work, just as she's about to turn into the driveway, my wife decides to shine her high-beams in the direction of an oncoming police car. The officer figures he'd investigate and gets out of his car as my wife stops in the driveway. A brief exchange of "can I help you with anything ma'am" followed by "I'm sorry, I meant to turn on my turn signal" and the policeman left. The problem? MJ was driving with a headlight out. The cop either didn't notice or thought it was no big deal. Nice work, Ace.

Labels: fantasy basketball, holidays, Mallory, nfl, WashWiz