Ahh...yes, we have come to the final game of the NFL season, the ultimate game, watched by so many just for the commercials and the halftime show, but for the purist, still the NFL championship will be decided with this very game. Plus, it features two historical teams, one many consider the team of the '60s with the Green Bay Packers, and the other many consider the team of the '70s, and possibly even the 2000s thus far, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The names have such cache, it's hard not to foresee this game surpassing even last year's mark of 106 million viewers for the most watched television program of all time. Finally, these two teams many considered favorites in their respective conferences to make the Super Bowl, including this blogger who predicted both would make the playoffs. Before getting into dissecting each team, and giving an edge to each team in the following positions: offensive line, quarterback, running back, wide receivers/tight ends, kicker, punter, defensive line, linebacker, and secondary. Allow me to look at how each team got to the Super Bowl in Dallas.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Came through the first four games of the regular season without starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger relatively unscathed, going 3-1, with their only loss to division rival Baltimore. Pittsburgh then went 9-3 after those first four games to finish 12-4 and win the divisional tiebreaker over Baltimore for the coveted number two seed in the AFC, where they had a first round bye and were fortunate enough to have the New York Jets beat New England so the AFC Championship game would be at home. Before that AFC title game, Pittsburgh had to face divisional rival Baltimore for the third time in a hard hitting, brutal game which changed momentum after Ray Rice's key fumble in the third quarter. That allowed the Steelers to seize momentum and eventually won that game 31-24.
Then came the AFC championship game, where the Steelers steamrolled the Jets in the first half to make it a seemingly insurmountable 24-0 lead at the break. New York valiantly tried to make a comeback, but Pittsburgh sealed it on a crucial third down conversion from Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown to seal the game and run out the clock from there.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay has had to overcome three big injuries to get to the playoffs, one to starting tight end Jermichael Finley who was supposed to have a breakout year, and another to starting linebacker Nick Barnett, who was a leader on the defensive side of the ball. Then, there was starting running back Ryan Grant, who was supposed to carry the load running the ball and take some pressure off of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Plus, Green Bay had two must win games at the end of the season to even make the playoffs, and they won both to get in. Really, the Packers have been on a roll since Rodgers came back from his second concussion of the season to defeat both the Giants and Bears to get into the playoffs.
In the playoffs, the Packers have had to play all three of their games on the road thus far, playing in Philadelphia where Green Bay pulled a running game out of its hat to rush for over 100 yards against a fairly porous Eagles run defense, and Green Bay escaped Philly with a 21-16 victory. The divisional round they had to go to a place where only one team one all season, to the Georgia Dome to face the Atlanta Falcons. Only New Orleans beat Atlanta in Atlanta this season, and the Packers met that challenge easily, defeating the number one seed 48-21. Finally, they had to face another divisional foe like the Steelers did when they faced their rivals, the Chicago Bears in the NFC championship game. The Packers caught somewhat of a break in that Jay Cutler was out for half the game and they relied on their defense to get them to the Super Bowl, clinching the victory with a B.J. Raji interception return for touchdown.
Now that you know how the teams got here, it is now time to break it down.
Offensive Line
Both teams have fairly mobile quarterbacks, with Rodgers and Roethlisberger able to move out of the pocket and keep plays alive, so offensive line play isn't as key as one would think in this game. The edge goes to the Packers though, for the simple reason that Maurkice Pouncey, the all-pro rookie center of the Steelers is most likely out of the Super Bowl with a high ankle sprain, which is highly difficult to come back from.
Edge: Packers
Quarterback
Both teams have excellent quarterbacks who have very different strengths. Rodgers can put a team on his back and carry it, much like he did for the past five games, throwing the ball effectively down the field and accurately. Rodgers can also run the ball pretty well for a quarterback, as he is willing to tuck the ball and run with it if need be. Roethlisberger is a leader, who can manage the game very well, throwing when he needs to, but can also be like Rodgers and throw the ball 40 times if need be with accuracy. That, and the fact the he's been to the Super Bowl twice before, gives him the slight edge over Rodgers right now.
Edge: Steelers
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Green Bay has a plethora of targets to throw to who can be Pro Bowl caliber: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson. These are all names which are recognizable, and all four had over 550 yards receiving on the year. Pittsburgh has Hines Ward as the main number one threat, but the rest of the guys are very unknown who are first year starters like Mike Wallace, who is their deep threat, and they normally throw to him once a game to try for a big play. The tight end position favors Pittsburgh because Heath Miller can block very well as well as catch the ball for a great possession guy. Green Bay lost Finley, and that hurt them here, as otherwise they would have a gigantic edge in this category. As it is, they still have a big one though.
Edge: Packers
Running Backs
Green Bay had virtually zero running game throughout the regular season since Ryan Grant went down with an injury, now they have found one in the postseason with sixth round choice James Starks out of Buffalo. Green Bay also has a solid backup with power back John Kuhn, who is the main guy for down inside the 10 yard line. The Steelers are notorious for running the ball htroughout their history and turning out great backs like Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis. They have another potentially great one with Rashard Mendenhall, who just comepleted his second consecutive 1,000 yard rushing season. Then, they also have a good backup with Mewelde Moore, who is more of a third down back than anything.
Edge: Steelers
Kicker
Pittsburgh released their original kicker, Jeff Reed in the middle of the season, as he was doing awful at Heinz Field, and signed Shaun Suisham who was sitting at home when the Steelers called. Green Bay on the other hand, has had former Pro Bowler Mason Crosby for three seasons, and is one of the best in football. Crosby also has a very strong leg, as evidenced in the first game of the season when he hit a 56-yard field goal.
Edge: Packers
Punter
Pittsburgh had an injury to their former Pro Bowl punter Daniel Speulveda late in the season, so by de facto, the edge goes to the Packers.
Edge: Packers
Defensive line
Both teams are very even in the front seven, as both employ 3-4 defenses, which means they have three down lineman, and four linebackers, instead of the usual 4-3, which is vice versa. Both have great nose tackles, Green Bay with B.J. Raji, Pittsburgh with Casey Hampton. Both have very good defensive ends, Green Bay with Cullen Jenkins and Johnny Jolly. Pittsburgh with Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith.
Edge: Slightly to the Packers, as they are younger.
Linebackers
I would take either team's set of linebackers over pretty much any other in the NFL. All eight are capable of being all-pro linebackers. Both teams can rush the passer like no other, both teams have linebackers who can drop back in coverage and cover tight ends with relative ease, so this one I'm afraid is a push.
Edge: Push
Secondary
While both teams have very good secondaries, Pittsburgh has all-pro Troy Polamalu and he can change a game by himself. Offensive coordinators and quarterbacks are always looking out for where he is on the field, as Polamalu can leap over both lines and make a sack, he can come in on run defense and stop a running back in his tracks, he can pick off a quarterback and return it for a touchdown. Just for Polamalu, the Steelers have the edge.
Edge: Steelers
Coaching
Mike Tomlin is the youngest coach ever to go to two Super Bowls. Mike McCarthy is also very good, but can sometimes have trouble with clock management. Pittsburgh also has a hall of fame assistant in Dick LeBeau, who will try and blitz Rodgers all day to try and make hi make mistakes. Green Bay also has some fine assistant coaches in Dom Capers who will try and do the exact same thing to Roethlisberger with his schemes. Overall, both coaching staffs are really good, but must give the edge to the Steelers based on experience.
Edge: Steelers
So, after the tally has been totaled, I give a slight edge overall to the Packers, 5-4, with a push thrown in for good measure. Does that mean I'm going to pick the Packers? Yes, as I think the Packers will be able to overcome their injuries and become the third team ever to play all of its games on the road and win their fourth Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XLV Prediction: Packers 26, Steelers 21
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Championship Sunday!
These playoffs are as exciting as ever, and the viewership reminds us of that fact. The conference championships will determine who will face one another in the Super Bowl. Both feature rematches from the regular season as well.
Green Bay at Chicago
This is an excellent game between divisional rivals, both possess a great defense, and both have one part of their offense which is suspect at times. The Bears greatest weakness is Jay Cutler, who hasn't been very Cutler-like the past few games, as he has a better than 2-1 touchdown to interception ratio in the games the Bears have won, which is very key if the Bears are to win this game. The key for the Packers is to get a running game going well with James Starks, and allow him to chew up clock time. Another key for the Packers is to kick it away from Devin Hester, the best return man in the league. The Bears played very well against a team who really shouldn't have even been in the playoffs, the Seahawks last week, and I don't think that Cutler will be able to get away from the pressure the Green Bay linebackers will impose upon him. Then, Aaron Rodgers has been so good in each of his three playoff games, garnering over a 100 quarterback rating in each of those games. Although nobody really knows how a quarterback rating is put together, we all know that over a 100 is good, hence go with the Packers.
Pick: Green Bay 24-20
New York Jets at Pittsburgh
These two teams met in week 15, with the Jets escaping 22-17. The key component in that game though is that Pittsburgh didn't have a game changing player, Troy Polamalu. To give you an idea of how valuable Polamalu is, Pittsburgh has won nearly 70 percent of its games when he is in the lineup, and has only won half when he is absent from the lineup. That is a game changer. Polamalu can wreak havoc on a quarterback by lining up in so many different areas of the field and can jump over both lines to get to a quarterback. The Jets have been keeping quiet this week, which is odd, since they spoke loudly last week against their big rivals, the Patriots, so I don't know what Rex Ryan has planned for his team, but it will be a tough battle. Expect a game like last week's Steelers-Ravens one, where momentum can shift at the drop of a hat on a turnover, and expect it to be very hard hitting and grind it out football. This is going to be a game where Ben Roethlisberger will need to carry his team down the field and this time he will make the winning score, unlike week 15.
Pick: Pittsburgh 28, New York 26
Green Bay at Chicago
This is an excellent game between divisional rivals, both possess a great defense, and both have one part of their offense which is suspect at times. The Bears greatest weakness is Jay Cutler, who hasn't been very Cutler-like the past few games, as he has a better than 2-1 touchdown to interception ratio in the games the Bears have won, which is very key if the Bears are to win this game. The key for the Packers is to get a running game going well with James Starks, and allow him to chew up clock time. Another key for the Packers is to kick it away from Devin Hester, the best return man in the league. The Bears played very well against a team who really shouldn't have even been in the playoffs, the Seahawks last week, and I don't think that Cutler will be able to get away from the pressure the Green Bay linebackers will impose upon him. Then, Aaron Rodgers has been so good in each of his three playoff games, garnering over a 100 quarterback rating in each of those games. Although nobody really knows how a quarterback rating is put together, we all know that over a 100 is good, hence go with the Packers.
Pick: Green Bay 24-20
New York Jets at Pittsburgh
These two teams met in week 15, with the Jets escaping 22-17. The key component in that game though is that Pittsburgh didn't have a game changing player, Troy Polamalu. To give you an idea of how valuable Polamalu is, Pittsburgh has won nearly 70 percent of its games when he is in the lineup, and has only won half when he is absent from the lineup. That is a game changer. Polamalu can wreak havoc on a quarterback by lining up in so many different areas of the field and can jump over both lines to get to a quarterback. The Jets have been keeping quiet this week, which is odd, since they spoke loudly last week against their big rivals, the Patriots, so I don't know what Rex Ryan has planned for his team, but it will be a tough battle. Expect a game like last week's Steelers-Ravens one, where momentum can shift at the drop of a hat on a turnover, and expect it to be very hard hitting and grind it out football. This is going to be a game where Ben Roethlisberger will need to carry his team down the field and this time he will make the winning score, unlike week 15.
Pick: Pittsburgh 28, New York 26
Friday, January 14, 2011
Divisional Playoffs!
This weekends round of divisional playoffs is the most intriguing in recent memory, as it features rematches in all four games, including a rubber match in the AFC, with divisional games occurring here. This is the first time in the history of the playoffs. The only playoff game this weekend which doesn't scream good is the one with the Seahawks obviously, as they will still have a losing record heading into the game against the Bears.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
This is one of those divisional games which is screaming tight battle, down to the wire, hard hitting, and grind it out football. Both games earlier in the season were decided by three points. These rivals are also very much rivals, as the Steelers lead the all time series, 9-8. The first game also had Pittsburgh without Ben Roethlisberger, who was still serving his four game suspension for violating the league's conduct policy. Then, the second game was a defensive struggle right up until the end, when Troy Polamalu forced a fumble from Joe Flacco and Pittsburgh scored on their ensuing possession. I'm expecting something very similar to happen in this game, where Polamalu, or some other member of the Pittsburgh defense makes a big play and Pittsburgh will win and move onto the AFC Championship game.
Pick: Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 13
Green Bay at Atlanta
The game earlier this season was in Atlanta, and Green Bay still only lost by three. Green Bay found a running game with James Starks last week versus a porous Eagle defense. If Starks can keep that up, Green Bay could run away with this game. Too bad I think Green Bay found lightning in a bottle last week with Starks. The Pack will have to rely on Aaron Rodgers arm to get them past Atlanta. Plus, they'll have to find a way to beat down Michael Turner, and stop the Falcons running game. Turner is a pounding running back with legs which are very powerful and getting them stopped will be vital. Green Bay has been on a roll, winning three in a row, and Aaron Rodgers has continued to put up amazing numbers since coming back after his second concussion. I'm thinking the roles will be reversed this game, as Green Bay kicks the winning field goal with a minute or less remaining.
Pick: Green Bay 24, Atlanta 23
Seattle at Chicago
Seattle won the earlier meeting of these two clubs 23-20. Granted, this was before Chicago's bye week, when they really started to get going. Prior to the bye, Chicago had losses to both this Seattle team and Washington. Chicago then went 7-2 down the stretch, to win the NFC North and secure the number two seed in the NFC. Seattle is a tough team to figure out, as they lost three straight heading into week 17, then they won against St. Louis and New Orleans to move on to Chicago. Seattle could conceivably make another run like they did last week and win with their "us against the world" attitude. Seattle will need to make Jay Cutler turn into the old Jay Cutler and force him to throw picks like nobody's business in his first playoff start along with stopping Matt Forte, who is having a great third year. This is Cutler's first playoff start in his career, so that is worth noting, while it is Hasselbeck's 11th. This could be like Arizona's Super Bowl run in the 2008-09 playoffs, where nobody thinks they will do anything, and they just keep winning. I'm not expecting Seattle to go to the Super Bowl, but I think they can win again.
Pick: Seattle 31, Chicago 23
New York Jets at New England
The Jets have been running their mouths the entire week, which is their style, and they may as well say all they can now, before they lose big like they did the last time against the Patriots in New England. I don't think it will quite be like the 45-3 blowout like it was in December, but I don't think it will be close. New England is seemingly on a mission like it was in 2007, when it ran out of fuel in the Super Bowl. This time, they have a much younger defense which is looking better and better as each game progresses, and Tom Brady is performing at maybe the best level of his career. The Jets barely beat a weakened Colts team last week, and it took a game winning drive at the end to set up a game winning field goal as time expired. Plus, Bill Belichick wants to continue to rub it in against their division "rivals." The series has not been close recently, with New England winning 12 of the past 16 meetings.
Pick: New England 39, New York Jets 10
Check back next week when I'll preview the Conference Championships.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
This is one of those divisional games which is screaming tight battle, down to the wire, hard hitting, and grind it out football. Both games earlier in the season were decided by three points. These rivals are also very much rivals, as the Steelers lead the all time series, 9-8. The first game also had Pittsburgh without Ben Roethlisberger, who was still serving his four game suspension for violating the league's conduct policy. Then, the second game was a defensive struggle right up until the end, when Troy Polamalu forced a fumble from Joe Flacco and Pittsburgh scored on their ensuing possession. I'm expecting something very similar to happen in this game, where Polamalu, or some other member of the Pittsburgh defense makes a big play and Pittsburgh will win and move onto the AFC Championship game.
Pick: Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 13
Green Bay at Atlanta
The game earlier this season was in Atlanta, and Green Bay still only lost by three. Green Bay found a running game with James Starks last week versus a porous Eagle defense. If Starks can keep that up, Green Bay could run away with this game. Too bad I think Green Bay found lightning in a bottle last week with Starks. The Pack will have to rely on Aaron Rodgers arm to get them past Atlanta. Plus, they'll have to find a way to beat down Michael Turner, and stop the Falcons running game. Turner is a pounding running back with legs which are very powerful and getting them stopped will be vital. Green Bay has been on a roll, winning three in a row, and Aaron Rodgers has continued to put up amazing numbers since coming back after his second concussion. I'm thinking the roles will be reversed this game, as Green Bay kicks the winning field goal with a minute or less remaining.
Pick: Green Bay 24, Atlanta 23
Seattle at Chicago
Seattle won the earlier meeting of these two clubs 23-20. Granted, this was before Chicago's bye week, when they really started to get going. Prior to the bye, Chicago had losses to both this Seattle team and Washington. Chicago then went 7-2 down the stretch, to win the NFC North and secure the number two seed in the NFC. Seattle is a tough team to figure out, as they lost three straight heading into week 17, then they won against St. Louis and New Orleans to move on to Chicago. Seattle could conceivably make another run like they did last week and win with their "us against the world" attitude. Seattle will need to make Jay Cutler turn into the old Jay Cutler and force him to throw picks like nobody's business in his first playoff start along with stopping Matt Forte, who is having a great third year. This is Cutler's first playoff start in his career, so that is worth noting, while it is Hasselbeck's 11th. This could be like Arizona's Super Bowl run in the 2008-09 playoffs, where nobody thinks they will do anything, and they just keep winning. I'm not expecting Seattle to go to the Super Bowl, but I think they can win again.
Pick: Seattle 31, Chicago 23
New York Jets at New England
The Jets have been running their mouths the entire week, which is their style, and they may as well say all they can now, before they lose big like they did the last time against the Patriots in New England. I don't think it will quite be like the 45-3 blowout like it was in December, but I don't think it will be close. New England is seemingly on a mission like it was in 2007, when it ran out of fuel in the Super Bowl. This time, they have a much younger defense which is looking better and better as each game progresses, and Tom Brady is performing at maybe the best level of his career. The Jets barely beat a weakened Colts team last week, and it took a game winning drive at the end to set up a game winning field goal as time expired. Plus, Bill Belichick wants to continue to rub it in against their division "rivals." The series has not been close recently, with New England winning 12 of the past 16 meetings.
Pick: New England 39, New York Jets 10
Check back next week when I'll preview the Conference Championships.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Final Bowl Games & Wild Card Weekend
Yes, this is the end of the bowl season, which includes the long delayed National Championship game. The Bowl season is stretched out for entirely too long. The prime example is in the national title game, as both teams will have last played a game on December 4th! So, expect a relatively sloppy first quarter, but the game after that should be okay.
Then, there is the wild card round of the playoffs in the NFL. The wild card teams from both the NFC and AFC are all capable of going all the way to the Super Bowl and winning it. There is one team which for sure is not going to make it out of the divisional round, and that is the Seahawks. The reason being is that they have come out of the NFC Worst, rather West. Now, without further ado, here are six of the final seven bowl games, and the NFL Wild Card preview.
Bowls
Discover Orange Bowl
No. 4 Stanford vs. No. 13 Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech may be the best two loss team in the nation, as after the first week, they've won 11 straight games. Unfortunately for them, they're facing arguably the best one loss team in the nation in Stanford, whose only loss came against No. 2 Oregon at Oregon. That game was very close for three quarters, as it was 35-31 in favor of Oregon, and Stanford allowed two touchdowns in the fourth without scoring. Stanford also has a ton of seniors on their roster for experience. Stanford also has arguably the future number one pick in the NFL Draft, Andrew Luck who can throw blocks like a great fullback, yet is a very precise passer. Stanford's defense is also very good, as they have only given up 25 or more points three times. Virginia Tech on the other hand, has just been very consistent, but they also play in a fairly weak ACC conference, which hurts them in my book.
Pick: Stanford 47, Virginia Tech 24
Allstate Sugar Bowl
No. 6 Ohio State vs. No. 8 Arkansas
Ohio State has five players playing in this game, who really should not be in my opinion for accepting improper benefits for selling some trophies and jerseys and such. Those five players include star quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Pryor has been improving year after year, but it won't be enough to stop a very good and consistent SEC West team. The Big Ten will continue to falter as a conference in bowl games, and will go 1-6 total.
Pick: Arkansas 33, Ohio State 20
At&t Cotton Bowl Classsic
No. 11 LSU vs. No. 17 Texas A&M
A&M has been a surprise team this season, making a three game improvement over last season, going 9-3. A&M has a fairly potent offense, and that came with a quarterback change in the middle of the season from Jerrod Johnson to Ryan Tannehill has made a world of difference. The only time in the Aggies final four games they didn't score 24+ points was against an incredible Nebraska defense which just so happens to be as good as LSU's defense. LSU has some very athletic players on defense including all conference cornerback Patrick Peterson, who will be a top 15 draft choice.
Pick: LSU 20, Texas A&M 13
BBVA Compass Bowl
Pittsburgh vs. Kentucky
Pittsburgh's football program is in a state of disarray, as they have fired two head coaches within a span of one month. The first, Dave Wannstedt didn't live up to expectations throughout his entire six year tenure, and the second, Mike Haywood was fired after he committed felony domestic assault. But, even without a head coach, Pittsburgh has some good players, including speedy Dion Lewis. Kentucky is making its fifth consecutive bowl appearance, which is a feat for basketball-centric Kentucky. Although, whenever a team makes a coaching change, whether from within or outside and makes a bowl, it can be considered a good season. Kentucky is under first year head coach Joker Phillips, the former offensive coordinator. Kentucky was highly competitive in some high profile games, including forcing top ranked Auburn to go to overtime, and beating SEC East champion South Carolina at home. Kentucky also has a quarterback it can continue to groom in Mike Hartline, who had a fairly good season, throwing for 23 touchdowns and only 9 interceptions.
Pick: Kentucky 34, Pitt 24
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
No. 15 Nevada vs. Boston College
Nevada beat a top ten Boise State team and has baffled defenses all year with its pistol offense, which utilizes Colin Kapernick as its shooter so to speak. Kapernick can throw the ball with accuracy and run the ball very effectively in this offense. Boston College started out the season 2-5 to rebound with a five game winning streak to get to this bowl. Boston College also has a very good run defense, which could slow this offense down, but I don't think it will since this offense is just so unique.
Pick: Nevada 38, BC 23
Tostitos BCS National Championship Game
No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 2 Oregon
One thing can be said about this game, expect a lot of points to be scored, as both teams rank in the top five in points scored in all of Division 1-A. Both teams have Heisman candidates, Oregon's LaMichael James, and Heisman winner Cam Newton of Auburn. Oregon's explosion of offense comes from their speed, as they run each offensive play within about 30 seconds of their previous one. Auburn's offense comes almost exclusively from Newton, as he is their leading rusher and passer. If Oregon can slow down Newton enough, which is a tough task, as Newton is huge at 6-6 250, then Oregon can run all over Auburn. Take the Ducks to stop the SEC's winning streak of national championships.
Pick: Oregon 45, Auburn 39
NFL Wild Card round
New Orleans at Seattle
Seattle has lost 7 of its past 10, and it has a backup quarterback most likely starting in Charlie Whitehurst. New Orleans on the other hand, has been winning consistently, and is the defending Super Bowl Champions. I'm sure Drew Brees and the Saints would love to go back to the Super Bowl and possibly win it. Plus, the Seahawks lost to the Saints earlier in the season 34-19.
Pick: New Orleans 48, Seattle 13
New York Jets at Indianapolis
Indianapolis was on the brink at the beginning of December, at 6-6 of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2002. But, they have bounced back to win four straight games, by only an average of five points. Their veteran leadership and intangibles have gotten them this far, and could get them past an incredibly veteran Jets team who they faced in last year's AFC Championship game and beat. New York backed into the playoffs for the second straight season, but they could win this game and learn from last season's AFC Championship game. I think the Jets can come back and play to win.
Pick: New York 23, Indianapolis 21
Baltimore at Kansas City
Kansas City is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2003, when they won the AFC West last. There is a huge difference between that '03 team and this team, and that is experience. Most of the players on this Chiefs team were in college and high school last time the team made it. Baltimore just made it last season and beat the Patriots in the first round last postseason. Baltimore was a Super Bowl contender coming into the season, and they very well could go to the Super Bowl playing all of their games on the road. Baltimore has a very experienced and veteran defense which is seemingly always good, and then Joe Flacco is in his second year of starting, which should translate into a better postseason. Flacco also has a better receiving corps to work with this season, including All-Pro Anquan Boldin.
Pick: Baltimore 31, Kansas City 17
Green Bay at Philadelphia
This is a rematch of week one of the regular season. Green Bay has come back and won two straight over some very good teams, the North division champs the Bears and a team barely missing the playoffs the Giants. Green Bay also won week one over the Eagles 27-20, but also in that game, Kevin Kolb was knocked out early in the game. Mike Vick then came in and outscored the Packers over the second half 17-14. The Packers are coming in hot, the Eagles their past two games of competitive football have not played very well for 7 of 8 of those quarters. The Eagles are going to win, but it will be a very narrow victory.
Pick: Philadelphia 30, Green Bay 28
Then, there is the wild card round of the playoffs in the NFL. The wild card teams from both the NFC and AFC are all capable of going all the way to the Super Bowl and winning it. There is one team which for sure is not going to make it out of the divisional round, and that is the Seahawks. The reason being is that they have come out of the NFC Worst, rather West. Now, without further ado, here are six of the final seven bowl games, and the NFL Wild Card preview.
Bowls
Discover Orange Bowl
No. 4 Stanford vs. No. 13 Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech may be the best two loss team in the nation, as after the first week, they've won 11 straight games. Unfortunately for them, they're facing arguably the best one loss team in the nation in Stanford, whose only loss came against No. 2 Oregon at Oregon. That game was very close for three quarters, as it was 35-31 in favor of Oregon, and Stanford allowed two touchdowns in the fourth without scoring. Stanford also has a ton of seniors on their roster for experience. Stanford also has arguably the future number one pick in the NFL Draft, Andrew Luck who can throw blocks like a great fullback, yet is a very precise passer. Stanford's defense is also very good, as they have only given up 25 or more points three times. Virginia Tech on the other hand, has just been very consistent, but they also play in a fairly weak ACC conference, which hurts them in my book.
Pick: Stanford 47, Virginia Tech 24
Allstate Sugar Bowl
No. 6 Ohio State vs. No. 8 Arkansas
Ohio State has five players playing in this game, who really should not be in my opinion for accepting improper benefits for selling some trophies and jerseys and such. Those five players include star quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Pryor has been improving year after year, but it won't be enough to stop a very good and consistent SEC West team. The Big Ten will continue to falter as a conference in bowl games, and will go 1-6 total.
Pick: Arkansas 33, Ohio State 20
At&t Cotton Bowl Classsic
No. 11 LSU vs. No. 17 Texas A&M
A&M has been a surprise team this season, making a three game improvement over last season, going 9-3. A&M has a fairly potent offense, and that came with a quarterback change in the middle of the season from Jerrod Johnson to Ryan Tannehill has made a world of difference. The only time in the Aggies final four games they didn't score 24+ points was against an incredible Nebraska defense which just so happens to be as good as LSU's defense. LSU has some very athletic players on defense including all conference cornerback Patrick Peterson, who will be a top 15 draft choice.
Pick: LSU 20, Texas A&M 13
BBVA Compass Bowl
Pittsburgh vs. Kentucky
Pittsburgh's football program is in a state of disarray, as they have fired two head coaches within a span of one month. The first, Dave Wannstedt didn't live up to expectations throughout his entire six year tenure, and the second, Mike Haywood was fired after he committed felony domestic assault. But, even without a head coach, Pittsburgh has some good players, including speedy Dion Lewis. Kentucky is making its fifth consecutive bowl appearance, which is a feat for basketball-centric Kentucky. Although, whenever a team makes a coaching change, whether from within or outside and makes a bowl, it can be considered a good season. Kentucky is under first year head coach Joker Phillips, the former offensive coordinator. Kentucky was highly competitive in some high profile games, including forcing top ranked Auburn to go to overtime, and beating SEC East champion South Carolina at home. Kentucky also has a quarterback it can continue to groom in Mike Hartline, who had a fairly good season, throwing for 23 touchdowns and only 9 interceptions.
Pick: Kentucky 34, Pitt 24
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
No. 15 Nevada vs. Boston College
Nevada beat a top ten Boise State team and has baffled defenses all year with its pistol offense, which utilizes Colin Kapernick as its shooter so to speak. Kapernick can throw the ball with accuracy and run the ball very effectively in this offense. Boston College started out the season 2-5 to rebound with a five game winning streak to get to this bowl. Boston College also has a very good run defense, which could slow this offense down, but I don't think it will since this offense is just so unique.
Pick: Nevada 38, BC 23
Tostitos BCS National Championship Game
No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 2 Oregon
One thing can be said about this game, expect a lot of points to be scored, as both teams rank in the top five in points scored in all of Division 1-A. Both teams have Heisman candidates, Oregon's LaMichael James, and Heisman winner Cam Newton of Auburn. Oregon's explosion of offense comes from their speed, as they run each offensive play within about 30 seconds of their previous one. Auburn's offense comes almost exclusively from Newton, as he is their leading rusher and passer. If Oregon can slow down Newton enough, which is a tough task, as Newton is huge at 6-6 250, then Oregon can run all over Auburn. Take the Ducks to stop the SEC's winning streak of national championships.
Pick: Oregon 45, Auburn 39
NFL Wild Card round
New Orleans at Seattle
Seattle has lost 7 of its past 10, and it has a backup quarterback most likely starting in Charlie Whitehurst. New Orleans on the other hand, has been winning consistently, and is the defending Super Bowl Champions. I'm sure Drew Brees and the Saints would love to go back to the Super Bowl and possibly win it. Plus, the Seahawks lost to the Saints earlier in the season 34-19.
Pick: New Orleans 48, Seattle 13
New York Jets at Indianapolis
Indianapolis was on the brink at the beginning of December, at 6-6 of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2002. But, they have bounced back to win four straight games, by only an average of five points. Their veteran leadership and intangibles have gotten them this far, and could get them past an incredibly veteran Jets team who they faced in last year's AFC Championship game and beat. New York backed into the playoffs for the second straight season, but they could win this game and learn from last season's AFC Championship game. I think the Jets can come back and play to win.
Pick: New York 23, Indianapolis 21
Baltimore at Kansas City
Kansas City is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2003, when they won the AFC West last. There is a huge difference between that '03 team and this team, and that is experience. Most of the players on this Chiefs team were in college and high school last time the team made it. Baltimore just made it last season and beat the Patriots in the first round last postseason. Baltimore was a Super Bowl contender coming into the season, and they very well could go to the Super Bowl playing all of their games on the road. Baltimore has a very experienced and veteran defense which is seemingly always good, and then Joe Flacco is in his second year of starting, which should translate into a better postseason. Flacco also has a better receiving corps to work with this season, including All-Pro Anquan Boldin.
Pick: Baltimore 31, Kansas City 17
Green Bay at Philadelphia
This is a rematch of week one of the regular season. Green Bay has come back and won two straight over some very good teams, the North division champs the Bears and a team barely missing the playoffs the Giants. Green Bay also won week one over the Eagles 27-20, but also in that game, Kevin Kolb was knocked out early in the game. Mike Vick then came in and outscored the Packers over the second half 17-14. The Packers are coming in hot, the Eagles their past two games of competitive football have not played very well for 7 of 8 of those quarters. The Eagles are going to win, but it will be a very narrow victory.
Pick: Philadelphia 30, Green Bay 28
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Game of 2010!
There are 12 games to choose from in the past year. Allow me to review them.
January: Arizona Cardinals 51-Green Bay Packers 45 (OT), NFL Wild Card Playoff.
This high scoring, offensive explosion helped the Cardinals move on in the playoffs and Green Bay came back from a 17-0 deficit to force overtime.
February: Canada 3, United States 2, OT, Gold Medal game at the 2010 Winter Olympics. David vs. Goliath match up. David, the United States won the first game in the preliminary round 5-3. Canada would have none of that in the second game, but the U.S. came back resiliently and pushed it into overtime with 25 seconds to play.
March: Kansas State 101, Xavier 96, 2OT, 2010 Men's Basketball Tournment. Electrifying game, which sent K-State on to the elite eight. This was a "David vs. Goliath" game, and Xavier nearly pulled the upset.
April: Duke 61, Butler 59. Another "David vs. Goliath" match up, and Goliath won again, but barely. Cinderella wasn't given her glass slipper tonight, but it was an amazing game, which was so close for Butler to pull it out.
May: Philadelphia Flyers 4, Boston Bruins 3, Game 7, Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Flyers came back from a 3-0 game deficit and a 3-0 series deficit to force this decisive game 7. As mentioned earlier, the Flyers went down 3-0 early in the game, but came roaring back after a time out by Peter Laviolette.
June: Wimbledon 1st round: John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut. This match was the longest in the history of tennis. Isner eventually won after three days 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-3), 70-68.
July: 2010 World Cup final. Spain vs. The Netherlands. This game was very physical, and scoreless until the 116th minute, the latest a winning goal was scored in the history of the World Cup. Spain wins 1-0.
August: 92nd PGA Championship, it featured a playoff and Martin Kaymer won hist first major title.
September: Boise State vs. Virginia Tech. Intense game, tension filled and Boise came out with the victory 33-30.
October: Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants game 2, NLDS. Atlanta won 5-4 on a dramatic long home run in the 11th inning by Rick Ankiel.
November: Auburn at Alabama, Iron Bowl. Auburn came back from a 24-0 deficit to remain number one and have the chance to play for the National Title.
December: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants. Philly came back from a huge deficit to retain control of first place in the NFC East. Philadelphia came back from a 31-10 deficit with 8:17 left in the game to win 38-31.
The game of the year in my mind must be the 2010 Winter Olympics Gold Medal game between the Unites States and Canada. This game featured intense hockey, pride, and an underdog in the U.S. It also featured overtime, which Canada's star and golden boy, Sidney Crosby eventually scored to give the home country their most coveted gold.
January: Arizona Cardinals 51-Green Bay Packers 45 (OT), NFL Wild Card Playoff.
This high scoring, offensive explosion helped the Cardinals move on in the playoffs and Green Bay came back from a 17-0 deficit to force overtime.
February: Canada 3, United States 2, OT, Gold Medal game at the 2010 Winter Olympics. David vs. Goliath match up. David, the United States won the first game in the preliminary round 5-3. Canada would have none of that in the second game, but the U.S. came back resiliently and pushed it into overtime with 25 seconds to play.
March: Kansas State 101, Xavier 96, 2OT, 2010 Men's Basketball Tournment. Electrifying game, which sent K-State on to the elite eight. This was a "David vs. Goliath" game, and Xavier nearly pulled the upset.
April: Duke 61, Butler 59. Another "David vs. Goliath" match up, and Goliath won again, but barely. Cinderella wasn't given her glass slipper tonight, but it was an amazing game, which was so close for Butler to pull it out.
May: Philadelphia Flyers 4, Boston Bruins 3, Game 7, Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Flyers came back from a 3-0 game deficit and a 3-0 series deficit to force this decisive game 7. As mentioned earlier, the Flyers went down 3-0 early in the game, but came roaring back after a time out by Peter Laviolette.
June: Wimbledon 1st round: John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut. This match was the longest in the history of tennis. Isner eventually won after three days 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-3), 70-68.
July: 2010 World Cup final. Spain vs. The Netherlands. This game was very physical, and scoreless until the 116th minute, the latest a winning goal was scored in the history of the World Cup. Spain wins 1-0.
August: 92nd PGA Championship, it featured a playoff and Martin Kaymer won hist first major title.
September: Boise State vs. Virginia Tech. Intense game, tension filled and Boise came out with the victory 33-30.
October: Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants game 2, NLDS. Atlanta won 5-4 on a dramatic long home run in the 11th inning by Rick Ankiel.
November: Auburn at Alabama, Iron Bowl. Auburn came back from a 24-0 deficit to remain number one and have the chance to play for the National Title.
December: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants. Philly came back from a huge deficit to retain control of first place in the NFC East. Philadelphia came back from a 31-10 deficit with 8:17 left in the game to win 38-31.
The game of the year in my mind must be the 2010 Winter Olympics Gold Medal game between the Unites States and Canada. This game featured intense hockey, pride, and an underdog in the U.S. It also featured overtime, which Canada's star and golden boy, Sidney Crosby eventually scored to give the home country their most coveted gold.
December Game of the Month!
We have passed another year in the sports universe, and another month, which means it is now time for the game of the month. December did not provide too much as far as memorable games, except for one. The one which will forever haunt New York Giants fans and will forever make Philadelphia Eagles fans gloat over the Giants. The game which I am speaking of occurred week 15 in the regular season. This game always presents itself as a rivalry game, and it doesn't matter how good or bad each team is, it is always intense. This game was no different.
The first three plus quarters were completely dominated by the Giants. As with 8:00 to go in the game, the Giants were winning 31-10. Most, if not all Eagles fans decided to turn the game off, as a three touchdown lead with 8:00 left is pretty much safe. Not so fast my friend, as Lee Corso would say. The Eagles then slowly mounted a comeback. With 7::28 left in the fourth, the Eagles scored on a long 65 yard pass play, to make the score 31-17 New York. Most fans are still saying that a comeback is not looking good, especially when the Eagles offense was looking so lethargic throughout the day.
The Eagles then pull a surprise onside kick out of their hat and recover it. That was probably the turning point in the entire game. The Eagles then score on the ensuing possession to make the score now 31-24. Everyone now is starting to believe in the Eagles and the team responds on the next Giants possession. On the next Giants drive, the Eagles only allow one first down, and force the Giants to punt the ball back to the Eagles.
Philadelphia gets the ball back and it only takes them 1:45 to tie the game up. But, now Philadelphia fans are worried that they may have given the Giants a bit too much time to regain the lead. However, momentum is squarely on the Eagles side. The following drive by the Giants results in two incomplete passes and a sack. The Giants made two fatal mistakes after the sack. The first is that they took a timeout instead of sending the game into overtime. The second was that they kicked the ball directly to one of the top three returners in the NFL, DeSean Jackson. Jackson made a mistake when he received the ball by initially fumbling it. However, the fumble may have been good, as it then bought a few more seconds of time for Jackson to maneuver his way through the field and run out the last few seconds of time for the Eagles victory.
This game was special, and not only because I am an Eagles fan. It is also special because it is only the fifth time a team has come back to win in regulation from a deficit of 21 points or more in the fourth quarter. Jackson also tied for the longest touchdown play at the end of regulation since 1960. Overall, it was a great day to be an Eagles fan. Now, please look for the game of the year column, coming soon.
The first three plus quarters were completely dominated by the Giants. As with 8:00 to go in the game, the Giants were winning 31-10. Most, if not all Eagles fans decided to turn the game off, as a three touchdown lead with 8:00 left is pretty much safe. Not so fast my friend, as Lee Corso would say. The Eagles then slowly mounted a comeback. With 7::28 left in the fourth, the Eagles scored on a long 65 yard pass play, to make the score 31-17 New York. Most fans are still saying that a comeback is not looking good, especially when the Eagles offense was looking so lethargic throughout the day.
The Eagles then pull a surprise onside kick out of their hat and recover it. That was probably the turning point in the entire game. The Eagles then score on the ensuing possession to make the score now 31-24. Everyone now is starting to believe in the Eagles and the team responds on the next Giants possession. On the next Giants drive, the Eagles only allow one first down, and force the Giants to punt the ball back to the Eagles.
Philadelphia gets the ball back and it only takes them 1:45 to tie the game up. But, now Philadelphia fans are worried that they may have given the Giants a bit too much time to regain the lead. However, momentum is squarely on the Eagles side. The following drive by the Giants results in two incomplete passes and a sack. The Giants made two fatal mistakes after the sack. The first is that they took a timeout instead of sending the game into overtime. The second was that they kicked the ball directly to one of the top three returners in the NFL, DeSean Jackson. Jackson made a mistake when he received the ball by initially fumbling it. However, the fumble may have been good, as it then bought a few more seconds of time for Jackson to maneuver his way through the field and run out the last few seconds of time for the Eagles victory.
This game was special, and not only because I am an Eagles fan. It is also special because it is only the fifth time a team has come back to win in regulation from a deficit of 21 points or more in the fourth quarter. Jackson also tied for the longest touchdown play at the end of regulation since 1960. Overall, it was a great day to be an Eagles fan. Now, please look for the game of the year column, coming soon.
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