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.

FOOTBALL VOID

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

I've been looking for sporting events to fill the FOOTBALL VOID with mixed results.

Basketball would be the natural filler for me, but in the NBA my team--the 76ers continue to be less than mediocre. The NBA All-Star weekend was disappointing overall with a weak slam dunk field (thought Lebron was going to spice that up?), a "Celebrity" Game where Michael Rapaport (who?) was the MVP with 4 points, H-O-R-S-E, and the most interesting thing about the NBA game was that they got over 100,000 fans in Dallas Stadium.

I've been getting more interested in College Basketball with March Madness on the way, especially in the Big East where Villanova (always want the Big 5 teams to do well) & Syracuse are at the top, although Georgetown recently beat Nova and this week almost finished a great comeback vs. Cuse. No March Madness ramifications, but We Are! Penn State! has won 2 Big 10 games in a row including beating Michigan (always enjoy beating the Wolverines in anything) yesterday.

Having worked for Penske at one time, I'm a casual fan of auto racing and tuned in to see Danica "Go Daddy" Patrick's NASCAR debut in-process last week just as she crashed out & this week she finished, but near the rear--3 laps behind the winner. I'm a "Tiger" golf fan, so his "sex addiction" has eliminated that as a possibility. Also Tennis never really captivates me until Wimbledon. Finally, I've not really gotten into the NHL (besides the Winter Classics which are very cool) since their Strike/Lockout.

This year we have the Winter Olympics to help with the FOOTBALL VOID. Our hometown hero, Allison Baver lost last night in one of her speed skating events, but will be watching as she still has a couple more shots at medals. Right now on ESPN, there's a 1980 Miracle on Ice (I was at a concert at Shippensburg when they announced that stunning upset of the Russkies) story that just got me warmed up for tonight's Team USA vs. Team Canada match-up, as we try to beat Oh Canada in the Olympics for the 1st time since 1960 (yes, 1960) which was actually The First Miracle on Ice. I know it's only a preliminary round game, but gotta fill the FOOTBALL VOID.

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!

35-24 Colts

Don't question it, just roll with it. I'd offer insight but I recently completed digging my car out of 30" of snow and plan on doing no thinking for the rest of the night. I'm just gonna sit back and hopefully watch Ilya Kovalchuk score some goals for my Devils.

AMERICA'S TEAM?

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

Years back they said that the Dallas Cowboys were AMERICA'S TEAM. I never understood that, but realized that maybe that was because I was an Eagles fan & simultaneously a Cowboys-hater. In the midst of the Jerry Jones era, I'm not hearing that anymore which is good, but think it's time for a real AMERICA'S TEAM & would like to nominate the New Orleans Saints.

My case for the Saints as AMERICA'S TEAM starts with the severe strife that New Orleans has gone through since Hurricane Katrina. This football franchise has had a lot more disappointments (i.e. Aints) than success, but now they are in their inaugural Super Bowl. Their QB Drew Brees also seems like a really good guy in addition to being a top-rate QB. So let's kick-off the Saints as AMERICA'S TEAM with everybody getting behind them to upset Peyton Manning (Who Dat?) & his Colts (who dem?). And following that will be the greatest Super Bowl celebration in history--think Mardi Gras on Bonds/Sosa/McGwire Steroids.

NOT MY FAVRE-ITE PLAYER

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

Brett FAVRE is NOT & has never been MY FAVRE-ITE or Favorite PLAYER, but after the Vikes went down in The Big Easy, I was a bit surprised by the degree of hater-ism displayed towards him. For example, right after the game I saw the following from some old high school classmates:

Judy Tomko Dowdalls Saint are in.... good bye Mr. Favre, here goes the retirement again and again and again..... GO SAINTS!

January 24 at 10:20pm · Comment · · View Feedback (10)Hide Feedback (10)

Lynn Dettra Bozzelli

wonder what team he'll try to worm his way onto next year?

January 24 at 10:31pm

Judy Tomko Dowdalls

well we will have to wait till after training camp.....

January 24 at 10:33pm

Lynn Dettra Bozzelli

yeah, thats when he usually gets in his good cry.

January 24 at 10:34pm

Judy Tomko Dowdalls

ya know i dont like the iggles, but, if he does retire.... McNabb to Minnesota? Childress is there?? but then again, along as reid is coach iggles lose.

January 24 at 10:36pm

Glenn Miller

you gals are vicious; To be fair Favre took some mean hits & just kept getting up & almost throwing them to the Super Bowl

January 24 at 10:45pm ·

Judy Tomko Dowdalls

Paalleessse, Bears fan here, tired of him. he needs to go home to his wifie poo and mom.

January 24 at 10:46pm

Lynn Dettra Bozzelli

Brett Favre just needs to retire already Glenn...give it up, take a rest, go back to Mississippi.

January 24 at 10:53pm

Rick White

Favre was faking those injuries yesterday. The Old Gunslinger lost another game because he's a selfish, overrated and reckless QB. Isn't there a Facebook group I can join out there called Brett Favre Haters?

January 25 at 10:11am

Lynn Dettra Bozzelli

Rick, I bet we could find a BF Haters page. There's a page for everything else

January 25 at 11:53am

Judy Tomko Dowdalls

I'm in and I know my hubby is in, he is the biggest Fav...re hater.

January 25 at 1:54pm

Judy joined the group Sports Fountainhead.

Then shortly after Judy joined the Sports Fountainhead as noted above, her & the others joined Facebook's "Brett Favre Haters" group. I joined too just to see what the members were posting & they were fittingly flinging it at the gunslinger.

The BF Hate also showed up before & after the game in this very Blog by our Founder Joey Mays "Hayes" (reference Major League) and you can read all about it below.

Although not a full-fledged FAVRE Hater, I first started getting annoyed by John Madden's "love affair" with Brett, although then really enjoyed it when Frank Caliendo entertainingly mocked it. Then of course the whole "retirement" thing back-and-forth with the Packers was annoying and I unbiasedly felt that FAVRE handled it all very irritatingly. On to the Jets & the way he finished up there was a fiasco, so I guess I can kind of understand how that would build some hatred. Finally this year, he came back out of "retirement" yet again to stick it to the Packers by leading the Vikings to a Super Bowl victory before his fitting "gun-slinging" interception ended that & kicked off a final round ("he's not coming back"--reference end of "Point Break") of hate that may not subside until he's elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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.

AFC & NFC CHAMPIONSHIPS

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

So I'm coming off a 3-1 prognosticating week with the J-E-T-S Jets as the only blemish--besides the Sports Fountainhead's "E", who had the Jets last week? So now it's on to the Big Time--The AFC & NFC CHAMPIONSHIP Games:

Jets @ Colts
Remember 1969 when "Broadway" Joe Namath guaranteed a CHAMPIONSHIP victory over the Colts? OK, some of you weren't born yet, but you've heard about that right? Another interesting parallel from 1969 was that Buddy Ryan was then a Jets Coach and this week it's his son Rex whose leading his Jets vs. the Colts. Maybe all this is telling me something about who I should pick? Could "Hollywood" Mark Sanchez be the modern day "Broadway" Joe? Nah, Colts 20 Jets 10

Vikings @ Saints
Remember 2008 Week 5 MNF when the Vikings ventured into New Orleans? Come on, you were all living then. Let me refresh you, Minnesota won 30-27 on a FG with 13 seconds left. Noteworthy was that this game was the first in NFL history that had a combination of a blocked field goal, a TD pass by a non-quarterback (Chester Taylor), two field goals of beyond 50 yards and two punt return touchdowns (by Reggie Bush). The Vikes prevailed then despite having Gus Frerotte at QB & Andrian Peterson only rushing for 32 yards on 21 carries. So I predict in this NFC CHAMPIONSHIP Game that Brett Favre will make Vikings fans forget about Gus Frerotte (I'm really out on a limb there) & Adrian Peterson will run for over 100 yards (that sounds like an easy prediction, but he hasn't run for 100 since Week 10 vs. Lions), and Drew Brees' Saints will still come marching into the Super Bowl with a 28-27 victory.

And remember, you heard it right here in the Sports Fountainhead.

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.

EAGLES-LESS 8

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

If Sports Fountainhead Founding Father J.Mays can courageously come back from an 0-4 picking week & make predictions for the EAGLES-LESS 8, then so can I from 1-3. With my EAGLES out, I guess their big question is if Donovan "Chunky Soup" McNabb will "be back" (say it like The Terminator, the now CA Governor)? Well to semi-quote The Clash "If he stays there will be trouble, if he goes there will be double." On to the teams still playing:

Cardinal @ Saints: Over/Under is 57 points, I'm going with the Under as Drew "Cool" Brees (my fantasy football QB) shows why he should have been the NFL MVP by leading his Saints marching in for a late TD & a 28-27 win.

Ravens @ Colts: OK, Peyton "Place" Manning was the MVP yet again, but he'll just be good enough to win in this one, 20-14.

Jets @ Chargers: Nobody's talking about the Chargers, so I will--they have a good team. Good enough to shut-up Rexy Ryan's Jets 21-13.

Cowboys @ Vikings: I saved what I believe is the best game of the EAGLES-LESS 8 Round of the Playoffs for last. It's also the most interesting game to me as a Cowboys-hater. So I can't be unbiased, but that won't stop me from predicting that Brett "Wrangling Man" Favre will move one-step closer to why he came back this year by sending Tony Romo down to Kokomo. Vikes 30 Cowboys 20.

And when it's all said & done, Remember you heard it right here in the Sports Fountainhead.

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.

0-for-2 a.k.a Damn Eagles

Oh boy, here we go again. After not getting a SINGLE GAME RIGHT last year, I'm off to a stupendous start this year. On to 0-2!

I wish I could just be 0-2*, since I admitted I really just decided on the Eagles because that would mean when the Packers beat Arizona they'd head to Minnesota. I want that. But I know it doesn't work that way.

The Eagles looked awful after the challenge by Wade Phillips reversed the INT call. They looked unprepared (Andy Reid's fault) and disinterested, almost like they gave up (team leaders fault, probably McNabb). I know a lot of fans want changes in Philadelphia and they may get it. Brian Westbrook is probably gone (they don't use him anyway) and McNabb is probably 50/50. The thing is, who do you replace him with? Vick is not a good QB, despite the TD throw last night, and Kolb is still inexperienced and an INT machine. But, you have to start rebuilding at some point because this era of Eagles football should be coming to a close. Was it successful? That depends on your definition. I'd tend to say yes but, without a Super Bowl win, it's hard to say so for sure.

Congratulations Dallas Cowboys as you exorcised your playoff demons. I have to admit, the 'boys look good. Now I just need them to trounce Brett Favre next week an I may need to really start pulling for them (FYI, I'm hoping for the Saints out of the NFC).

0-2 feels great...for a second year in a row!

Wow, I suck at this.

0-for-1 a.k.a Damn Jets

This is why I don't get paid the big bucks to prognosticate.

The Jets beat the Bengals and Mark Sanchez did his part to not screw it up. Who would have thunk it? I mean, besides E and Rex?

Congrats, Jets. You earn the right to play the Colts in Indy. Have fun with that.

And the Bengals streak is up to 20 years since their last playoff victory. God, that sucks.

I hope my skills improve over the next 3 games. And then continue into next week.

My Picks for 2010 NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Round

E and Jack Strap have made their picks so I guess I should man up and make some "bold predictions sure to be wrong" as well. I won't make you wait any longer; I know the suspense is just killing you.

Saturday's Games
#6 Jets @ #3 Bengals - One of three rematches in the Wild Card round. An intriguing matchup since Rex Ryan believes his team should be Super Bowl favorites and the Bengals showed little fight in Week 17. I think Cincinnati has much more in store for the J! E! T! S! JETS! JETS! JETS! this time around. However, defense (and running games) win championships so it won't be a blowout. Jets keep it close but the inexperienced and overrated Mark Sanchez can be the hero when his team needs him to be

PREDICTION: Bengals 16, Jets 10


#6 Eagles @ #3 Cowboys - Another rematch, however a much better one in the late game. Sure, the Jets and Bengals should be close and go down to the wire but this is a rivalry. Easily one of the best in the NFL. The Cowboys have never beaten a team three times in a season. The Eagles have the better coaching staff and playoff record (4-0 in Wild Card round). I know Wade Phillips seems to have made strides this season and the Cowboys had a great December for the first time in a long time but... I just don't like the feeling I have. It will be a great game. That's all I'm hoping for*.

PREDICTION: Eagles 27, Cowboys 21


Sunday's Games
#5 Ravens @ #4 Patriots - The only non week 17 rematch features two opponents that are really starting to hate each other. The Ravens think the Patriots, specifically QB Tom Brady, get way too many penalties called that are borderline or unwarranted [I tend to agree]. The Patriots want to prove they can overcome Welker's injury and a mediocre defense to obtain the mystique they carried from 2004 through 2007. I think this will be a battle and a bad penalty could have a huge impact on this game.

PREDICTION: Patriots 24, Ravens 17


#5 Packers @ #4 Cardinals - And finally, the 3rd Week 17 rematch of the Wild Card round. This game wasn't even close in the final week of the regular season and I really don't think it will be any different here. Sure, Warner didn't play the whole game but that wasn't the only problem. Anquan Boldin and Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie are doubtful and that is a huge blow to all three facets of the Cardinals game. I think the Packers are on too much of a roll and the Cardinals are too beat up and weak to stop Rodgers and Co. Of course, Arizona could prove me wrong and play like they did in January last year.

PREDICTION: Packers 31, Cardinals 20

*Total disclosure... I really think the Cowboys can win. But, I want to see Aaron Rodgers and the Packers CRUSH the Vikings in the Divisional Round. So, since I was 50/50 on the Eagles/Cowboys I went with what had to happen to get Green Bay to Minnesota next week.

ROUND 1 {DING-DING} PLAYOFFS

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

With all the regular season ANNOINTING (see story below) over & E's picks in, let me take a shot at predicting ROUND 1 {DING-DING} of the NFL Playoffs:

Jets @ Bengals: As a life-long Eagles fan, I really miss Buddy Ryan but at least this week we had his son Rex making bold proclamations (the nut doesn't fall far from the tree). So for Buddy, I say Jets 20 Bengals 14.

Eagles @ Cowboys: Can you imagine what it would have been like this week if the aforementioned Buddy Ryan & Jimmy "The Hair" Johnson were coaching this game rather than boring Andy & Wade? No pre-game hype, but post-game celebration by the Eagles after winning 27-21 in Jerry's Joint.

Ravens @ Patriots: OK, I can't pick another road-winner in ROUND 1 {DING-DING} of the NFL PLAYOFFS, but the loss of Welker will be a problem for the Pats next week. This week it's Patriots 21 Ravens 13.

Packers @ Cardinals: This game will be a lot closer than the temperature difference in Green Bay (18 degrees forecast @ game-time tomorrow) vs. 70 degrees in Glendale. I'm thinking that Brett Favre will be watching his under-study Aaron Rodgers lead a 4th quarter comeback for the Pack 35-31.

Ring that ROUND 1 Bell {DING-DING} & let the PLAYOFFS begin!