Ending the Henne Era in Miami Would Be Unwise

Because it's far too soon.

People need to calm down about Henne. If the Dolphins replace him they'll be making a mistake far too many teams have made over the last 10+ seasons. It takes time for QBs to learn an NFL system and adapt to the pro. game. Also, and I know this is STARTLING for many people, the talent around you matters. Crazy, I know. Henne just started his 23rd NFL game, a loss to the Browns. He's being blamed for the loss. Even though his play was bad today people think he needs to go. Let's check the numbers...

In 23 starts Henne is 473 of 771 (61.3%) for 5,167 yards with 23 TDs and 27 INTs. That's a 76.5 QB rating in his 23 starts, in which his team is 12-11.

Here's another current QBs stats after 23 starts. Mystery QB was 459 of 765 (60.0%) for 4,685 yards with 24 TDs and 27 INTs. That's a 73.4 QB rating in his 23 starts, in which his team was 9-14.

Anyone care to guess who the "mystery QB" is?

To spare everyone some time, and for those that don't care, "mystery QB" is Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees. Yep, performed worse than Henne overall. I think Brees is doing just fine, don't you?

So calm the hell down people. It took Brees until his 4th year in the league to start being a Pro Bowl-caliber QB.

Scouts, Inc. writers to teach divination at Hogwarts this fall

Or, at least, they should be employed by Dumbledore to do that. (Nothing like some fantasy/sci-fi reference on a sports blog). This is why.

Penn State to Start True Freshman at QB in 2010?

According to Craig Haubert and Billy Tucker of ESPNs Scouts, Incs. expect that to be the case. They believe it will be true freshman Robert Bolden - over sophomore Kevin Newsome and fellow true freshman Paul Jones - taking snaps under center come September.

Ding, ding, ding! That analysis/prediction was posted all the way back in February.

Adam Rittenberg loves it. So do I.

Here's ESPNs write-up on the revelation, which comes the same night as the Big Ten's announcement of division alignments and the 2011 & 2012 schedules.

Penn State ends up in a strong division with perennial powerhouse Ohio State and midwestern squads Indiana, Purdue, and Illinois. And, oh yeah, an end-of-the-season showdown with Wisconsin. The best part of the divisions is each team getting a cross-divisional rival. Penn State's? Nebraska.

Settle the score for '94...annually!

So excited for Saturday!!!

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

CareMeridian contacted me about running an article about traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and their relation to sports, especially football. Below is the article passed along to me by them. I urge you to read it.

Mild TBI and Sports Related Injuries

Athletics are a fun and healthy way to stay active that millions of people take part in each day. However, some of these activities can take a toll on the physical body of the individual. Contact sports like football, boxing, soccer, and hockey can cause damage that can change a person’s entire life and sometimes can even be irreversible. An example of this type of sports injury is traumatic brain injuries. A TBI can permanently alter someone’s life and can even require long-term rehabilitation and care from special facilities like CareMeridian and these injuries are often too common when taking part in sports.

According to the Brain Injury Resource Center, an estimated 300,000 sports related brain injuries occur each year. Most of these injuries are not classified as severe. Many of these mild TBI’s or concussions may appear unthreatening, but in fact they can often cause significant damage if not treated properly. The hidden danger of a concussion comes from the fact that it is usually passed off as nothing more than pain and soreness inflicted from the sporting activity, which is why they can easily be a repeatable injury. Consequently, concussions are often regarded as very hazardous and should be given thorough and constant attention.

Concussions are head injuries that are caused by blows to the head that usually cause the brain to move violently within the skull. For a sport like football this type of injury is common and unfortunately, at times ignored. Many athletes shake off the pain that’s caused from the head injury, because the immediate effects are often unnoticed. Yet, without treatment, a simple injury can cause a lifetime of suffering. The NFL has a concussion rate of 61% and this type of injury not only sidelines the player impacted, but can end their career. Some NFL players, like quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Steve Young, retired from the game rather than take on the risk that comes from the injury, but others are not so lucky. Many retired football players and athletes battle memory loss and constant migraine headaches that result from head injuries.

Participating in athletic competition (football, soccer, basketball, etc…) is inherent in many different peoples’ lifestyles, but comes with risk of injury. Mild TBI is among the most common forms of sports related injuries, which also include fractures, tears, bursitis, sprains and more. As an enjoyable means of human interaction and competitive lift, sports will always be an integral ingredient of modern day society. Ultimately, it’s important to be aware of mild traumatic brain injuries (symptoms, treatment, etc…) and the frequency of occurrence on the field of play.

Awareness is always a good thing. Continue to enjoy all of the wonderful contact sports out there, but be mindful and safe.

Thanks to CareMeridian for passing along this article.

The Phield 2010: My Bracket

As The Phield churns out matchup previews over the course of the next few days, as well as starts the tournament with voting for the play-in game, let's take a look at my bracket.

My bracket for The Phield 2010. Click to enlarge and see my predictions.

Yep, I'm calling for a 3-seed to take it all. I am still shocked The Fightins were given a 3 and not a 2 (or even a 1), as their site has been stellar since its full-time debut in the spring of 2008. Yep, before the greatest night, er, nights in Phillies history. My final four consists of Macho Row, The Fightins, Beerleaguer, and The Zo Zone.

Macho Row, in my opinion, got too high a seed and could have easily been a 3 or 4. I think they can take down the almighty 700 Level, the overall #1 seed. Why? Because, while The 700 Level is an excellent Philly blog, it is split over all things Philly sports. I think blogs that are dedicated to just the Phillies cover the team more thoroughly and I think that will be shown with the results in The Phield. Really though, no disrespect to The 700 Level. I've been a daily reader of their site since 2006 and think they're the best all-around Philly blog on the web. For this though I go Macho Row.

The Fightins may just be my favorite Phillies-centric blog. It has a little of everything: statistics, game recaps, a kick-ass store, focus on broadcasters, and jokes. Boy do they bring the jokes. They have the fan base to topple the other 64 worthy entrants.

Beerleaguer is a classic and located just outside my hometown. The commenters may appear dry and pessimistic about everything but sole writer Weitzel knows his stuff. His strong following should get him to the Final Four. I'll be one pushing to get him there.

Lastly comes The Zo Zone, my favorite blog by a Phillies beat writer. I figure one of the beat writers makes it and since Zo is my favorite - and appears in tune with fans and other blogs - I think he storms past fellow beat writer blog Finger Food and edges out Swing and a Long Drive in the Elite Eight.

So there are my picks. I'm not getting into every single selection because that would take forever. Plus, this is just my gut feeling and biased approach as to which blogs I like best.

Really the real winner in this whole awesome process are the smaller, less-known blogs. This is free advertising for them and they should relish the chance to grab a new audience. I know I'll be perusing all 65 of these sites more often to get as much Phillies love as possible. Each site is different and original, and I respect that.

So, now that you see who I got... who you got? Favor The 700 Level? Love a dark horse?

Playing The Phield

Yep, another long break in posts. Sorry about that. We're mainly a Penn State/NFL blog so it's hard to stay up on things from February through August (save for April... NFL draft!). One thing I need to start doing again is blogging about my beloved Phillies. And this might push me to do so. It's called "The Phield".

The Phield has composed a bracket of 65 of the best Philadelphia Phillies blogs around the Internet to determine one Phillies blog to rule them all. It's an awesome idea, started by former Phillies Nation - a #1 seed, by the way - writer by the name of Timothy Malcolm. He has done a stupendous job of finding great Phillies fans' sites from across the web, excluding us here. But that's OK; I never expected to be added to The Phield since I haven't written about the team since October 30th, 2009. Heck, I didn't even comment on the World Series loss or offseason changes.

Anyway, this leads me to want to start talking about the Phillies again. I love the team but don't give them as much face time here due to my obsession with all things football. Hopefully that changes this coming season and I can get a high seed for the 2011 Phield. That's my new goal.

For reference, here is The Phield for 2010, taken from the main site.

Click to enlarge.

Malcolm certainly included all of the ones I peruse on a daily basis, such as Macho Row, The 700 Level, The Fightins, Swing and a Long Drive, and Phinally Philly, plus a lot more. There are at least 30 I hadn't even heard of before this tournament. My Google Reader is about to be even more full...

You can get involved in the voting, too! Follow @ThePhield on Twitter, where you can submit votes and get updates. You can also vote by emailing thephield@gmail.com by 8 PM each day. You vote for your favorite blog in each two-team matchup, when the match-up is featured on the site (and mentioned on Twitter). UPDATE: Kevin McGuire, from Macho Row, has let me know that The Phield has changed voting procedures to a poll on the main site. Vote there each day between 8 AM and 8 PM.

Good luck to all 65 teams involved! My the best Phillies blog win!

Allison Baver, Speedskating Extraordinaire

The 2010 Winter Olympics are in full swing now, with medals being handed out left and right. I personally have watched multiple snowboarding and skiing events plus some curling, hockey, and figure skating. One event that I caught on Saturday but has been absent since then is speedskating, an event that has many people in the Reading, PA area excited. Why? Wilson High School alum Allison Baver will participate in multiple events, including the 1000m (finals-Feb. 26th), 1500m (finals-Feb. 20th), and 3000m (finals-Feb. 24th). This is Allison's 3rd winter games. Her team finished 7th in the 3000m relay in Salt Lake City (2002) and 4th in the same relay in Torino (2006). She finished 7th in the 500m in Italy as well. The Olympics are what everyone focuses on but she has also done extremely well in the World Cup and World Championships, leading Team USA in total medals on multiple occasions.

She also happens to be not only a Wilson alum but also a Penn State graduate, too. Thanks to this she is featured at Black Shoe Diaries in a new series called "Nittany Lion Spotlight". The article is nice and gives a brief biography on Allison and her past and present. It also touches briefly on her looks.

Allison Baver, Speedskating Extraordinaire

Not too shabby, eh? (The games are in Vancouver. I had to.) Well upon finishing the article I hit up the comments to see what everyone was saying. Towards the end I noticed a comment from user LionsandBear...

Click to enlarge.

LionsandBear previously mentions that his wife attended Wilson with Allison. With regards to this comment... I like it. However, I was quick to add the he had forgotten 2000 Summer Olympics (Sydney) swimmer Kristy Kowal, who earned a silver in the 200m breaststroke event.

And for those wondering what "The JuggerNitt" was referring to, watch this.

Let's Get It Started

I know we rarely get into hockey on here (despite at least 3 of us being big hockey fans), but I had to post this picture when I saw it.

By @NHLFlyers on twitter (via The 700 Level via TweetPhoto)

So awesome. The good guys take on the Swiss at 3 PM eastern today on USA Network. Let it begin, indeed.

A Tweet from The Man

Former star Penn State linebacker LaVar Arrington was angered by current Redskins RB Clinton Portis. Why? This is why...

LaVar Arrington was the man in D.C. when I arrived, and all of the sudden LaVar felt like it was competition, and he left D.C. He didn't want to be in D.C. any more. He gave back $15, 20 million to leave D.C., because he felt like he wasn't the main money guy, because everybody was getting [paid]. Laveranues, myself, Deion was still getting paid, so he even had input. So I think it was just the wrong attitude, and I think for some of the beliefs that was funneled through, it was like whoever gets the money was the captain.

-- Clinton Portis, on NFL Network, February 6, 2010.

Huh? Well, as you could expect, LaVar did not take kindly to that unsubstantiated diss. Arrington had a rebuttal... and what a rebuttal it is. Here's a tiny portion...

I get a call from Renaldo Wynn, my family, my teammate. I get a call from Cornelius Griffin, my family, my teammate. And you know what they say to me? They say to me, if we don't get this stuff restructured, if you don't restructure it and this collective bargaining agreement doesn't get done, we will be out of jobs. We will lose our jobs, because of how high your cap number is, and all the people that they have tried to restructure to be able to be under this cap.

Ok. So if that's the situation, you're telling me these are my teammates, these are my soldiers, we go to war together, I humble myself for a great purpose and I called the Washington Redskins and I told them there would be one condition that I would restructure my contract. If you think I'm lying, you can call Joe Gibbs, you can call the Washington Redskins. Ask them. I told them the restructured contract of every single individual on the defensive unit, if those contracts are guaranteed as opposed to just being stuck somewhere in a drawer...you honor the contracts and I will restructure my deal....I was unselfish, and I was a leader, and I am proud of that to this day.

The Redskins did not guarantee those guys their contracts. They did not. So therefore I did not restructure my contract....It wasn't $15, $20 million that I threw away to get away from Clinton Portis. It was a $3 million bonus that I was due, that I took $1 million of it instead of 3. You keep the 3, you give me the 1, and let's part our ways

-- former Redskins (and PSU) linebacker LaVar Arrington, on The LaVar Arrington Show, February 8, 2010

Yes, folks. That is a small snippet of the "rant", though it was more of a rebuttal.

LaVar Arrington and Dukes for 106.7 "The Fan" in D.C.

So, after reading the full transcription (you can also download the entire thing here) I sent a tweet to LaVar (@LaVarArrington), simply saying "You're rant was epic and spot on. Awesome." And I got a response.

Simple. Nothing earth shattering, but awesome nonetheless. LaVar seriously tweeted to me. ME! And the great thing is I know he does it to a lot of people who mention him in a tweet. That's what's so great about LaVar - he LOVES HIS FANS, as he mentioned in the rebuttal. Wish there was a way we could get him back to Happy Valley.

Regardless LaVar, you're awesome.

Super Bowl: Who I Wanted to Win VS What Really Happened

The first Super Bowl I remember was #26, Redskins vs Bills, Buffalo's second consecutive trip (and second of four straight). I was thinking today, before the Colts and Saints march in to the record books, what happened in past Super Bowls, in regards to who I wanted to win and what the actual outcome was. Check the list below.

SUPER BOWL AFC CHAMP NFC CHAMP HOPED WOULD WIN ACTUAL CHAMP
XXVI Bills Redskins Redskins Redskins
XXVII Bills Cowboys Cowboys Cowboys
XXVIII Bills Cowboys Cowboys Cowboys
XXIX Chargers 49ers 49ers 49ers
XXX Steelers Cowboys Steelers Cowboys
XXXI Patriots Packers Patriots Packers
XXXII Broncos Packers Broncos Broncos
XXXIII Broncos Falcons Falcons Broncos
XXXIV Titans Rams Titans Rams
XXXV Ravens Giants Giants Ravens
XXXVI Patriots Rams Patriots Patriots
XXXVII Raiders Buccaneers Buccaneers Buccaneers
XXXVIII Patriots Panthers Panthers Patriots
XXXIX Patriots Eagles Patriots Patriots
XL Steelers Seahawks Steelers Steelers
XLI Colts Bears Bears Colts
XLII Patriots Giants Giants Giants
XLIII Steelers Cardinals Steelers Steelers
XLIV Colts Saints Saints ????????

So...

I'm 11-7, not too shabby. Of course there were some that I really didn't care, like XXX, XXXIII, XXXIV, XXXVI, and then this years. I'll be happy whether the Colts or Saints win.

Here's to a great Super Bowl XLIV!

And I can't wait to be at Super Bowl XLV a year from now! Yes, I am going. Exactly 10 years after I was at Super Bowl XXXV!

My Picks for 2010 NFL Playoffs: Super Bowl XLIV

K.I.S.S. - Keep it simple stupid.

High scoring, light on defense. Cliches out in full force: turnovers, line play, great QBs being great.

Peyton Manning - soon to be the greatest QB of All-Time - is too much for the mediocre Saints defense, and he out guns Drew Brees and a surprisingly balanced New Orleans attack. The Saints ground game looks good early but can't keep up with the high-flying Colts.

PREDICTION: Colts 38, Saints 27

Penn State to Start True Freshman at QB in 2010?

According to Craig Haubert and Billy Tucker of ESPNs Scouts, Incs. expect that to be the case. They believe it will be true freshman Robert Bolden - over sophomore Kevin Newsome and fellow true freshman Paul Jones - taking snaps under center come September.

7. Bold move in Happy Valley

A true freshman will be leading Penn State's offense before the 2010 season is over because Daryll Clark is gone and a new starter needs to emerge. Robert Bolden (Orchard Lake, Mich./Saint Mary's) will prove to be the best overall option over Kevin Newsome and fellow true freshman Paul Jones (Mckees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox).

If that happens it would show a huge operating change as Joe Paterno has historically favored upperclassmen at every position, not just QB. His philosophy has been you have to earn your chance to play. Of course in 2005 we saw the emergence of a young WR corp. Plus, the defensive coaches have never considered class standing a determining factor in playing time.

There had been murmurings that JoePa and the Nittany Lions would look at current WR Brett Brackett and backup QB Matt McGloin for the starting QB spot as well for 2010. So as it appears, this is a completely wide open QB race with 5 players. Who will really be considered for the spot? My money would still be on Newsome since he has a year in the system and some, albeit limited, experience in Saturday's. However, Bolden may be may #2. And since it is only February - and he is enrolled early - maybe Bolden may start as a true freshman? That'd be something. Whoever it is better be ready for Saturday, September 11th.

EDIT: Thanks to a commenter for correcting my "early enrollment" mistake. It was Paul Jones, not Bolden, who is already on Campus. I think this makes Bolden's chances even slimmer now.

Best. Facebook Group. Ever.

Join me, won't you?

Hat tip: Jack Strap

Football Outsiders Believes Former Nittany Lion Hali Deserved Pro Bowl Selection

The Pro Bowl has become a farce, especially now that it's a week before the Super Bowl meaning a bunch of players fore-go the chance to participate because they have a slightly more important game the following Sunday.

Though it may be a meaningless game, selections are still considered important to a players legacy. Football Outsiders addresses who got snubbed and who wasn't deserving. It's done via ESPN and is INSIDER only.

The only player of interest for readers of this blog is their stance on former Penn State DE Tamba Hali. Bill Barnwell, of Football Outsiders, had this to say:

Tamba Hali, OLB, Kansas City Chiefs -- Who, you ask? Hali bounced back after a poor 2008, even though the rest of the defense around him is still mostly miserable. Hali's 8.5 sacks don't sound like a Pro Bowler's total, but the rest of the Chiefs only combined for 13.5 sacks more. In addition, Hali picked up 20.5 quarterback hurries, an elite total and a good indicator that his sack numbers will increase next season. The idea that Tennessee Titans end Kyle Vanden Bosch (three sacks, 12 hurries) made it to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement despite playing essentially the same position as Hali is ludicrous.

I won't quote the article anymore for fear of the ESPN lawyers. But that's some good praise for one of the real "good guys" in the NFL. Nice to hear he rebounded in 2009 and has a lot of potential for 2010. Good luck, Tamba.

Voice of the Vikings Isn't Too High on Favre at the Moment

Have a listen.

Yeah, Paul Allen of KFAN is (rightfully) upset.

But why do you even ponder passing? I mean you CAN TAKE A KNEE AND TRY A 56-YARD FIELD GOAL! THIS IS NOT DETROIT, MAN, THIS IS THE SUPERBOWL!

--Paul Allen, KFAN (Twin Cities), following Favre's 4th quarter INT

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

What a terrible decision, one Jets and Packers fans are all too familiar with. And how does Brett respond?

By (supposedly) hanging them up, of course! Third time's a charm... I hope.

Colts, Saints Set for Showdown in Miami

Congratulations to the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, the AFC and NFC Champions, respectively, for the 2009 NFL season. This will be New Orleans' first appearance in the Super Bowl.

Also, congratulations to the Jets and Vikings on putting together great seasons as well. Though I have to say for personal reasons I'm glad you lost today. Sorry, but it is true. Still you both had wonderful seasons and should be applauded for that.

I have officially finished 1-9 in the 2009-2010 playoffs, prediction wise. I'm telling you people, it's hard to prognosticate as well as I do.

Super Bowl XLIV will be epic, as two potent offenses will face off with the ability to put points on the board on every play from scrimmage. I won't do any predicting now; we have two weeks to do that!

During those 2 weeks I expect plenty of coverage of what the media believes is the most important thing after these games - will Favre retire...again?

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Bye bye, Favre!

My Picks for 2010 NFL Playoffs: Conference Championships

Nope, I didn't get to 0-8 thanks to the Cardinals Cowboys Chargers Colts; 1-7 will have to do. Alas, there are 2 more games to pick! Onward for my 2009-2010 Conference Championship selections...

#5 Jets @ #1 Colts - Seriously, WTF?!?! How is this possible?!?! I get the Bengals, but the Chargers too? There is something that wants the Jets in this position, but what is it? AND WHY? Regardless of those philosophical musings, the Jets are here and only the Colts stand in their way of the freakin' Super Bowl. I've been picking against them for a few weeks now. It's time to end that. I picked against them because, well, I HATE them and believe they're overrated. And they are. That's not different. They're 9-7 regular season record says that. As does their subpar QB. But they're playing hot at the right time, just like a few past Wild Card teams. Props to them. And of course, as the cliche goes, defense wins championships (a good running game doesn't hurt, either). Sorry, Peyton. These Jets are soaring - all the way to Miami.

PREDICTION: Jets 17, Colts 13

#2 Vikings @ #1 Saints - I hate Brett Favre. Hate. HATE. So seeing him do this again is aggravating. I don't want him to accomplish anything more. It burns me up inside. That's why I need the Saints to win. I can't handle Favre in another Super Bowl. I don't want him in one again, let alone to win the whole damn thing. The Vikings looked great last week against an overmatched Cowboys team, which surprised most people. Can they do it against a supposedly stronger opponent? On their field? In a city that has never seen a Super Bowl-caliber team (other than when they're hosting it)? Won't happen, right? Well I'm going to say - much like the Jets/Colts game - that whoever I want to win, won't. Damn, damn, damn!

PREDICTION: Vikings 28, Saints 24

If my predictions come true then I'll go undefeated in a round for the first time. However it will also cause this to happen...

Me if the Jets AND Vikings win on Sunday.

And I won't be watching.

However, if I go 1-1 or, better yet, 0-2 (hey, it's VERY likely based on the past 2 weeks) then I will be very happy.

Go Colts. And Saints.

Book - DRAFT SEASON: Four Months on the clock

I know I focus a lot on the NFL draft around here, especially the past 2 years. This year will be lighter nut I assure you I'll have a mock or two up eventually, plus a breakdown of the Dolphins and maybe a few other teams.

While you're on the edge of your seat waiting for that stuff, why not read a book?

DRAFT SEASON: Four Months on the clock

Rivals.com senior writer Bobby Deren presents DRAFT SEASON, the thrilling story of four young football players as they prepare for the bewildering, multi-million dollar extravaganza that is the NFL Draft. Morgan Trent, Kenny McKinley, Frantz Joseph and Lydon Murtha come from different backgrounds, but are united in their determination to make it to the NFL. Once they have played their final down of college football, their eyes immediately turn toward the NFL Draft. Deren followed these four players from the time they finished their college careers all the way through the 2009 NFL Draft. DRAFT SEASON takes you inside the everyday battles each player endures as he tries to achieve his lifelong goal of playing in the NFL.

DRAFT SEASON is the first book that enables readers to live the experience, as these four young men – physically powerful but often emotionally fragile – experience a tumultuous four months from collegiate dominance, through the first tinges of career anxiety as they seek out unimagined wealth and a place in the National Football League. DRAFT SEASON exposes readers to the players on a personal level during this stressful period, to understand the world as they saw it – to experience the simmering tension that only a twenty-two year old vying for legitimacy with a billion dollar franchise can know. DRAFT SEASON also features insight from current NFL coaches, general managers, former NFL coaches and some of the nation’s most renowned NFL Draft experts in addition to a host of current NFL players. Learn more about DRAFT SEASON at www.DraftSeasonBook.com or at www.BobbyDeren.com.

Bobby Deren has been featured on numerous television and radio broadcasts offering his expertise on college football. He graduated from Delaware Valley College with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and is also a former college athlete.

I Thought the Packers-Cardinals Game Was Rather Entertaining

Apparently Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers didn't see it that way, at least for a few minutes in the 3rd quarter.

Yep, that would be him asleep and then waking up. You know, that feeling when you're in class/at work where you shouldn't be napping but nod off for a few seconds (or minutes). Welcome to that feeling on LIVE TELEVISION, Dom.

My Picks for 2010 NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round

I'm back, aiming to take sports predicting to a whole new low. Can I make it to 0-8? Time will tell.

Saturday's Games
#4 Cardinals @ #1 Saints - Oh, Kurt Warner. You and your buddies had to ruin my dream. I'll forgive you. I like you. I wish you all the best this Saturday. You'll need it. NOLA is a hell of a place to play. The Saints were flying high with 13 straight wins before falling flat at the end. They're not in this situation (read: the playoffs) often so it's kind of new territory. Brees was an MVP candidate and they have a tough OL and some speedy WRs. The defense has some holes, as usual. You'll have some fun with that, won't you? Yes, I'm taking Arizona in another barn burner. I've been picking the Saints to be a great team long before the talking heads. And they proved me right, for the first few months. December? Eh, not so much. Can they respond and rebound or will a terrible finish dash Who Dat hopes? Sorry, Saints. It's not your year. Warner's Cards have found that '09 playoffs groove!

PREDICTION: Cardinals 48, Saints 42


#6 Ravens @ #1 Colts - The team that formerly inhabited Baltimore faces the team that currently resides there. A lot has been said about rust for the Colts since they haven't played a meaningful game in a month. And they're 0-3 when they have a bye. The Ravens, on the other hand, punched the Patriots in the face and groin (thank you for that, by the way) and are flying high. People are mentioning them in the same breath as some team from almost 10 years ago. They played in a meaningful game, apparently. Are they that good. No? Close? Maybe. But they are feeling pretty good right now and are facing a team under scrutiny from fans and the media. The best QB ever will be too much for Ray Lewis and Co. (again). Manning will lead his team to yet another victory, silencing the talk from weeks 16 and 17. It'll be until the end. The Ravens will have a chance to tie but Flacco won't pull it out.

PREDICTION: Colts 27, Ravens 20


Sunday's Games
#4 Cowboys @ #1 Vikings - Has Dallas broken through? Are they as good as the media says? I don't know. I really wanted to take them last week, but it would have ruined my "Green Bay-destroying-Brett Favre-in-the-divisional-round" hopes. Turns out, the Cardinals and Eagles both destroyed that. So here I am with the Cowboys and the Minnesota Favres. That's all they have, right? It's what the media wants you to think. After all, he's "America's QB" just like the Cowboys are "America's Team". Yes, I seriously heard Greeny on Mike & Mike in the Morning say that. Anyway, I try not to let my opinions on teams or players drive my picks (didn't work last week). I'll stay true and try to base this on what I'm comfortable with: stats and gut feelings. Say hello to another game in Jerry's World. Dallas takes it to Minnesota in the dome, overcoming many Flozell false starts. Dallas runs outside and hits on 2 big plays (the Viking secondary is 'meh' at best). All heavenly Favre doesn't have enough.

PREDICTION: Cowboys 24, Vikings 21


#5 Jets @ #2 Chargers - The Jets haven't given up more than 15 points since a week 11 thumping by the Patriots, who are now spectators. I think that streak ends in beautiful San Diego on Sunday evening. Why? Because the Chargers average 28 points per game and scored 20 or more in all 16 games this season. And they have an 11 game winning streak. And they are playing at home. I have to give props to New York though because they truly remind me of the 2000-2001 Ravens. We know how that ended, right? I don't foresee them repeating that feat but, as is the case in the playoffs, a strong D and great ground game will take you places. That place is San Diego, not Miami. J! E! T! S! should mean journey ends this Sunday (thanks, Marcellus).

PREDICTION: Chargers 28, Jets 16

0-4

Yep.

I suck at picking in the NFL playoffs.

For 2 straight years.