Favre Watch - Day 6

The information coming out of Minnesota Viking camp is that Brett Favre has not decided whether to come back next year or not.

Goodbye Kurt Warner

Kurt Warner retired today. At my age I'm just starting to see great players retiring whose careers I've witnessed as adult an from beginning to end. Most people who know Warner have heard about his time in the Arena Football League, NFL Europe, and yes, stocking grocery shelves in Iowa before coming into the NFL.

The highlight of his famed career is obviously his Super Bowl win with the St. Louis Rams. He was an NFL rookie that year that only played because the quarterback in front of him, Trent Green, went down with a season ending injury. Warner led one of the most prolific offenses in NFL history over the solid D of the Tennessee Titans. Most remember it as one of the most exciting Super Bowls to date ending 1 yard short of a tie with not time left.

Warner's best year had to be the '08 season. He had about almost a 10 game streak of two touchdowns a game and averaged over 26 points a game. In '09 I did not think he'd come close to his number is '08 but he did, and won the division. He took part in one of the most exciting playoff games ever in a 51-45 victory over the Packers.

Kurt Warner is the kind of gentle warrior we may never see the likes of again. His devotion to God and his family are unparalled in sports these days. He and his odd wife will be missed. Goodbye Kurt.

Favre Watch - Day 3

In NFL news, Brett Favre has not decided what he's going to do...retire or not retire.

In related news Kurt Warner has an announcement to make on Friday. Something tells me he's not holding a press conference with 4 days notice to let the World know he's coming back next year. I probably wouldn't have drafted him anyway, but it will be one less #1 QB available in next year's draft. I'd be surprised if Matt Leinart takes the Cardinals to the playoffs.

Let me know if you hear anything on Brett Favre.

Favre Watch - Day 1

So I've decided to start a Favre watch for the Spring and Summer time. For those of you who stop following the NFL once your fantasy football season ends, check my blog periodically for the latest on the Brett Favre retirement situation.

Day 1 - Favre may retire, but hasn't decided for sure yet.

Brett Favre admitted he was pretty banged up after the recent loss. Although he doesn't know what or when his decision will be, he says it will be "sooner" rather than "later". Coach Brad Childress is cooly "giving" Favre all the time he needs to come to a decision. Keep checking back for a new update.

Poor Brett Favre

Well the story book ending didn't end the way it was meant to. But it sounds like a lot of you insensitive fans are glad you won't be seeing Favre Thoughts anymore. To be honest I'm okay with the Saints winning and representing the NFC in the Super Bowl, but for the Vikings to lose the way they did just kills me. Imagine if your team lost the way the Vikings did, I don't think I could trust my team again. Kind of like getting your high school or college crush and just when you thought life couldn't get any better you get dumped.

Now it's the Colts and Saints in the Super Bowl. I always thought I'd be rooting for the NFC team, but now that we're here I'm not so sure. I mean, it's easy to root against the Colts and Manning. They were terrible for so long, they have awful blue uniforms, they play in a dome, and their fan base is comprised of Indianans who don't like basketball. But I have so much respect for Peyton Manning, surely because he plays the Titans twice a year and usually wins. But also because he's been in the shadow of Tom Brady at times and is typically out shined. We don't hear about his girlfriends, cologne, his own logo, illegitimate children, etc. So should the general public appreciate Manning over Brady?

Anyway, I'll have to decide who I'm pulling for closer to the game. It always fun seeing Manning lose a meaningful game much less the Super Bowl, but I'd really like him to catch Brady in Super Bowls. On the other side you have the humble New Orleans Saints who I feel were lucky to beat fate and the Minnesota Vikings. I think their offense is better than the Colts and oddly enough it may be the Colts trying to keep the ball away from Drew Brees with long drives. If the Saints defense shows any weakness Manning will exploit it, they just need to do their best to not fall behind.

Championship Weekend

Okay, I lied about wild card weekend being the best weekend in football, because it's definitely Championship weekend. Two games decide who's going to the Super Bowl. I'm torn in both games.

In the AFC, the Jets are the perfect example of why you may or may not like the cinderella team. Rex Ryan is a no nonsense coach who is full of a lot of talk while inspiring his team to do the walking for him. But what if they upset the Colts? I think I'd prefer the Saints or Vikings over either AFC team, but then I'd have anxiety about it being a blow out and not enjoying the game. Then again, if the Jets win, perhaps they ARE for real and will put up a good game.

Typically I cheer against Manning and wait in anticipation for the day he receives a Kurt Warner like, concussion worthy hit. But now that he's already won a Super Bowl, I wouldn't mind him win a couple more because he's a better quarterback than Tom Brady. This goes back to the best QB vs. most Super Bowl wins argument. I don't think it should be the end all be all, but to some it is.

The NFC game should be a blast. If Minnesota can weather the storm in the first half they should be fine. You hear most analysts say Adrian Peterson needs to make an impact. Well they've been saying that the last couple months and AP's numbers have been relatively average. The truth is that as long as AP keeps playing like an average running back Brett Favre will have to continue to play out of his mind like he has the last two games. If AP wants to be considered one of the top running backs ever, now would be a good time to break a hundred yards. I know another 28 who'd love to trade places with AP.

Prediction: Colts vs. Vikings in Super Bowl 44. Two of the greatest quarterbacks go head to head in a thriller - I hope.

Highlight of the weekend...

The highlight of the weekend was definitely the Jets beating the Chargers in Sunday's thrilling. It was a boring game for most, and for the first 30 minutes it didn't look like the Jets had a prayer. But like in most their wins, they hung around long enough to make the difference in the 4th quarter.

Shonne Greene's LT TD imitation was classic. I remember when LenDale White did that in the 2007 season playoffs, only for the Titans to eventually lose. The only thing Greene could have done to make that better was if he added a little electric glide. Thankfully I'll never have to see that video again. Who knows if anyone will see LT in a Charger uniform. Anything can happen in the off season, but you wonder if they Chargers let him go where LT would sign. My bet is he signs for a small contract on a team that has a chance to go far. LT in a Colts or Eagles uniform? It could happen, you heard it hear first.

So it's the Jets and Colts in the AFC championship in a rematch of Super Bowl 3. I hope the Jets give the Colts a good game, but I'm afraid to see the Jets prevail too. Imagine Favre vs. his old team the Jets who thought he was done. I don't think the Jets defense can win two more games for them. Just so the Super Bowl doesn't end up being a disappointment I'll be rooting for the Colts. I'm open to either NFC team, but I think I like the Brett Favre storyline even though his interviews are starting to seem like therapy sessions.

4 work days until the weekend!

Chargers Jets

I sincerly hope this is a good game. The big receiving core of the Chargers have made the difference during the Chargers 11 game win streak. Tomlinson is over the hill, too old, and not as explosive as he once was. You won't see him take most the carries on any drive, but they're paying him too much not to at least let him have the touchdowns inside the goal line.

The Chargers are going to move the ball that's for sure. If the Jets redzone defense can keep Rivers and the Chargers to field goals they at least have a shot. The Jets running game will have to come up big and have some long possessions.

You can't talk about Chargers playoff football without talking about Rivers playing on torn knee ligaments while Tomlinson sat on the bench barricaded in his coat and helmet on. I think LT lost much respect in the lockeroom while Rivers gained it tremendously. I don't think it's a coincidence that the Chargers are now suddenly a big passing team.

Darren Sproles will prove to be clutch. I expect a few 20+ yard plays for him and he is always a threat on special teams.

This game will be over in the 3rd quarter, Chargers by 14+, but good luck to the Rex Ryan.

The Battle of the Gun Slingers

The story line of this game depends on who you like the most to win. Will "Coach Wade" keep his job? Is Romo the Quarterback the media wants him to be? Can old man Favre come back from the dead and win one more Super Bowl?

Did you hear about Brett Favre's new book? It's called Deep Thoughts, by Brett Favre. It will just be a compilation of sound bytes from a few interviews he's done. They may even make a 2 hour long dvd edition. I've never seen someone open up and reflect inside of a live nationally televised press conference more than Brett Favre.

AP's been pretty average the 2nd half of the season. In an interview this week, he was already saying he might only get 15 carries and that the point was to win the game however possible. I think that give you a hint of his mediocrity continuing this week.

On the other side of the ball you have a tough Dallas D that underperformed the first half of the season. On offense the Cowboys rely on timely runs from Felix Jones. Romo will need help from his running backs, he can not be forced to do it all himself. Both teams will have to battle for balance offensively.

If the Vikings lose it will be a total choke by Brett Favre and I don't see that happening. He'll need a big day and I think he'll get it in the form of TDs not yards. Being the #1 game of the weekend, this one should live up to its billing. I predict a back and forth game that the Vikings will pull away with late.

Colts bust the Ravens

The Ravens looked like Ravens of old, the defense just couldn't do enough to win. While the Offense sputtered and stalled, the Ravens defense held the Colts for th most part, even intercepting Manning twice.

If you watched the game on CBS like I did, you probably now hate Manning just as much as Dan Dierdorf loves him. You have thought Dierdorf was impersonating every CNN anchor over President Obama. As if never before had a Quarterback threw a touchdown pass inside of the two minute warning, let alone ran the last play with 7 seconds left. Dierdof even had the nerve to credit "the smartest play Peyton Manning's ever made" after Manning took an a la Favre sack early in the game. I'm starting to understand why some people are tired of hearing about Favre, but Dierdorf was practically making me uncomfortable.

The AFC Championship will be interesting. Either the Jets get a rematch against the Colts to prove their worth, or we see the resurgent Chargers take on the playoff match up. Hopefully then, will the AFC provide a competitive game.

Saints deck the Cards

The Cardinals started off like they finished last week, then they were finished. After taking the first play from scrimmage 70 yards for a touchdown, the Cards were shut out to 1 TD the rest of the way. In the meantime the Saints racked up 45 points by the 3rd quarter.

The highlight of the game had to be Warner's awkward interception and head over heels blow he took. Unfortunately Warner couldn't be Warner today as he got rocked throughout the game. The Saints offense was just to much to handle for the Cards D, in addition to Rodgers-Cromartie being knocked out early.

I think the Saints belong in the NFC Championship. Their season was just to good to flame out early. I look forward to either another showdown with the Cowboys or hopefully the long awaiting matchup with Favre and the Vikings.

The Cardinals will most likely have to rely on the lefty Matt Leinart next year, which pretty much guarantees the departure of Anquan Boldin (to the Titans maybe??). You feel for Warner to go out like that, as well as Larry Fitzgerald who may have just passed his best chance at a Super Bowl ring.

I'm looking forward to the potential NFC matchup next week, I think whoever comes out of the NFC beats the AFC team represented.

Ravens and Colts, again

I hate it when two teams I dislike play eachother in the playoffs. Not only do you have to watch a player or two you dislike win, you have to see them play the following week. I'll be frank, I may dislike Ray Lewis more than any other football player in the league, okay LaDainian Tomlinson comes to mind, but Ray Lewis, gosh I hate that guy. I mean, I respect Ray Lewis as a person. I'm sure he's a great husband and father, gives to chairity and things like that. But if you've seen him before a game, during an interview, or even during a game you probably know what I mean. He just overdoes it, and I think it's all for show, for marketability. Then he and his defense (he's a captain) go out and play just to hurt you. They don't care about bringing you down, keeping you from the first down, they just want to crush you and take you out of the game. Some people love that and call it toughness, I think its hurts the game.

Now I have to talk about Peyton Manning, so I used to want to see him hit hard just once. I hated how perfect he was. Watching him play is like playing the computer in All Madden, it's almost not fair. Granted the Colts offense hasn't been as fluid this year, but they still went undefeated until the wins didn't matter. I also have to admit I became a Peyton fan after he beat Tom Brady and went on to win his first Super Bowl. I began to hope he would tie Tom Brady at some point with 3 Super Bowls, otherwise the argument of who is the best QB of all time would be lost by who won more Super Bowls. Who wouldn't want more rings, but I don't think thats always the end all be all to who a better QB is.

So tommorow is Saturday and it's liver vs. lima beans. I think a lot of the Ravens chances will fall on Joe Flacco's shoulders. The Colts D that isn't that strong will do what it can to stuff Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. You have to expect the Ravens D to stop Manning half the time, but that means they need points. I've seen a lot of teams go for it on 4th down against the Colts. They carry the mantra of, you can't settle for field goals. I agree with that, but it doesn't mean don't kick field goals. If you're in the game you will miss the 6 or 9 points you could have had, because Manning will kill you if you turn the ball over on downs.

My prediction pivots on the first two drives. If the Colts turn them into TDs, the game will be over early. I don't think that will happen, but even then the Ravens defense is getting old and slow, and as I said before, would need an impressive offensive showing to have a chance. Flacco has not had quite the magic he had last year, I expect him to make mistakes and turn the ball over. But if he can limit them and the defense can hold accordingly it should make for a good game. It should be a tight game throughout, but Manning has proven invincible in the 4th quarter this season. Colts by 10.

Cards and Saints

This game should answer some questions about what playing poorly to close out the end of the season will do to a football team. For much of the season the Saints were considered the best team in the league, until they played the Cowboys. To be fair the game didn't mean nearly as much to the Saints as it did the playoff hopeful 'Boys. The Saints went on to lose their next two games, but each became less meaningful than the previous.

What the Saints have going for them Saturday is the Who Dat nation. The advantage of playing at home is that even with a slow start the momentum can swich quickly. The Saints are full of play makers and can score from anywhere on the field, special teams, and even defense. Drew Brees will play with a chip on his shoulder to prove that he, and the Saints are for real. "The gate, is narrow!"

The Cardinals are coming off one of the best games in playoff history. I've decided that the only way it could have been better was if Aaron Rodgers would have hit that pass at the start of OT. Had he, the story would be about the little known, underrated quarterback out dueling the Wizard - Kurt Warner. But alas he'll have to wait his turn while the veteran Warner takes his team into the Superdome. I've been inside the Superdome and it's like you're at an MMA fight. You feel the crowd wanting to rush the field as much as the players. Warner will have to deal with a lot of noise it will be a factor.

Rumor has it Anquan Boldin isn't going to play again. I wonder if he decided to bail on the Cardinals for the postseason because of his contract dispute. College coaches do it all the time before bowl games. I'm not sure if they can go all the way without Boldin, but even without him they might have the best receiving group second if only to the Saints.

I expect another game like that Cards and Pack last week. High scoring and fast pace. The Cardinals will have to take advantage of every drive early. The Saints just need to find their groove before halftime and they'll be fine. Although I want to see the Cards red uniforms one more week, I have this feeling we may see Kurt Warner self destruct in his last NFL game. And by self destruct, I don't meant vintage, 3 fumbles and 3 interception Kurt Warner, but a couple late turnovers to ice it. The more I think about it, the more I want to see Brees defeat his former team and replacement the ever annoying Philip Rivers.

Warner and Rodgers Dazzle

WOW! It's terrible that there has to be a loser after a game like that. Aaron Rodgers led his team back from three touchdowns in the second half to tie the game at 38-38. The teams ended regulation tied 45-45 before going into overtime. I couldn't even post a comment for several days because trying to summarize that game would not have dealt it justice.

There's so much to talk about I don't even know where to start; probably with how bad you have to feel for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers threw for 422 yards and 4 TDs, even Quarterback Bills would have been impressed with his game. The game started as eerily as it ended with two spectacular defensive plays divided by the mosts explosive shootout in NFL history. The first play of the game was a tipped pass (Dansby) resulting in an interception (Rodgers-Cromartie). But the play I will remember is the 1st of the overtime period when Rodgers missed an open Greg Jennings 40 yards downfield that would have ended it. Two plays later Michael Adams' spider man move on Rodgers resulted in a fumble before player of the game Karlos Dansby's recovery and game winning touchdown return.

Kurt Warner, the more this guy plays the more I think he's a Hall of Fame quarterback. I'm only echoing what most fans are saying now, but I used to hate this guy when he played for the Rams. Remember when he backed up Eli Manning, everyone thought he was dead.

It is not often a Quarterback throws 33 passes and completes more touchdown passes than incompletions. Get that game played jersey and body armor in the Hall of Fame now! I'm pretty sure if one day the NFL allowed players to wear jetpacks to spice up the game, they would all look like Kurt Warner. I can't tell if Warner looks like an extreme BMX racer or someone out of the Raider Nation.

Next week the Cardinals go to New Orleans for what should be another classic shootout. What I would like to know is how many Drew Brees fantasy owners are pulling for the Saints because of their 1st round Brees pick?

If this game is half as exciting as the Packers-Cardinals one was, we will be in for a treat!

Ravens slap Brady and the Patriots

Another playoff game disappointment. Not because the Patriots lost, but because it was over after Ray Rice took the first hand off 85 yards for a touchdown.

I would have preferred a tight game decided in the 4th quarter, or a 60-0 blow out. Instead the Patriots kept it within miracle comeback reach until about 6 minutes left in the 4th. Congrats to the Ravens though, they deserved it and deserve a chance to take down the undefeated Colts. I'm sure Peyton was a Patriots fan today.

The Ravens must continue to run the ball well and play tough defense, but Flacco has to play better. Derrick Mason't name didn't get brought up until the 3rd quarter and against the Colts you're going to have to keep up with their offense through some stretches.

Is the dynasty over for the Patriots? Seems like the Ravens have a tendency of knocking good teams out before losing to eventual Super Bowl winners. I'm already looking forward to next Saturday...

Cowboys overmatch Eagles

Did the Eagles know that tonight's game counted? A 34-14 blow out that wasn't even that close goes to show you, again, how important it is to have momentum going into the playoffs. You could tell early that the Eagles just did not have it. McNabb was pressured all game, receivers couldn't get open, turnovers, and the running game was completely abandoned.

How does it feel to be an Eagles fan, your team has a great year with a pleathora of receivers. Rookie running back LeSean McCoy showed promise of a true back, and even full back Leonard Weaver got into the mix late. The team simply blew up the final 2 weeks of their season. I'm sure we'll be hearing whether McNabb belongs in Philly. I think he does.

The Cowboys head to Minnesota next Sunday where they will have to proove again that they are worth the orbiting media that revolves around them now. Did you see W. in the middle of a handshake with Jerry Jones as Felix Jones ran it in from 73 yards out? Regardless of what side of the aisle your on, you gotta wonder who benefits more from that photo opp.: one of the most hated Presidents in history, or the most despised yet beloved owners in the NFL. I'm interested to see how or if that will affect the coverage of Jerry and the Cowboys in the coming days.

Jets Defense, rookies lead the way.

The New York Jets proved that they do belong, the Bengals proved they didn't. An active and blitzing defense gave Carson Palmer fits and rookies Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene lead the office to 24 points. The Bengals could never get it going, Eightfive didn't catch a ball until the 2nd half, and Darelle Revis had a pick.

I'm not sure if the death of Chris Henry had anything to do with the Bengals finishing the season poorly, but they did not come ready to play on Saturday. You have to wonder if not "playing to win the game" last week hurt them.

You have to be impressed with Mark Sanchez, not of his dirty goatee but how poised he was. Sanchez completed 80% of his passes and threw 2 TDs. More importantly there were no interceptions or turnovers. A roll out pass to Dustin Keller put the Jets up 7-0 and gave me the feeling that the Jets wouldn't need much more offense to keep the Bengals at bay. The Jets extended their lead to 21-7 before holding off for the 24-14 win.

The Jets take their game to either Indy or San Diego, where they will be heavy underdogs. They do have the recipe for success, a stout defense and an effective running game, but if they want to win next week they have to find some stick'em for Braylon Edwards, I mean seriously. How many touchdowns has he dropped in the last 3 years? He needs to step up for the Jets to make a serious move.

I don't see the Jets winning next week, but I will definitely be cheering for them to win. They must score first and extend their possessions, create turnovers and hope for bad games from either Manning or Rivers. I'm almost reminded of last year's Tennessee Titans, but if the Titans formula couldn't do it, surely neither will the Jets.

Baltimore - New England

The Ravens and Patriots game is the last game I decided to talk about. Probably because I'm not too intrigued by it. Unless you are a bandwagon Red Sox fan, you probably don't have much support for the Patriots. Unless you're a Yankee fan, how can you like a team that cheated with spy gate, allegedly, falsifies injury reports, and has already won 3 Super Bowls in recent times? I think I'm like most fans when it comes to Tom Brady and Belichick, I loved the story of Brady taking over a team and taking it to the Championship. I for one also love Belichick's post game conferences. His dry, I'm not taking the bait and will throw it in your face delivery cracks me up. He's not about himself he's about the team, proven when the Patriots were introduced as a team in their first Super Bowl.

You also can't talk about the post 2000 Patriots without talking about 2007. I think after they beat the Colts in week 8? everyone knew they were the best team, it was just whether they could go undefeated. I followed the streak, but for some reason I really wanted to see them lose down the road. Ultimately I feel they lost the Super Bowl because they played to win their last game against their eventual opponent the NY Giants.

So what about the 2009 team? After basically sacrificing the 2008 season the Patriots offense had to find their groove. The defense was older and the offense was not able take quick leads like 2007. Some weaknesses showed but what we know is that this team was not as good as the 07 team.

Enough with the Patriots, how about the Ravens. The Ravens can be a difficult sell. The defense is almost a mirror difference with the offense. Once the undeniably best in the league, now not so much, but still a top unit. The offense is led by Joe Flacco and the most explosive offense the Ravens have had in their history. Okay, that's not saying much, but Ray Rice is suddenly a top back in the league and is backed up by a brusier in Le'Ron McClain. Out of nowhere Willis McGahee has returned to be an impact 2nd back behind Rice, scoring two touchdowns in the playoff clinching season finale. If the offense can run the ball, Flacco, a tall strong QB that can throw the deep ball, will. Derrick Mason may not be the best receiver in the AFC, you can't contain him for 60 snaps, look for 2-3 deep bals thrown to him right at the goal line. On the other side of the ball the once dominant Ravens D is now only dominant on occasion, but often enough to deserve their playoff spot.

I'm not so sure the Patriots will slice up the Ravens D. This will be a field position game decided by which team plays smarter. Look for a big 2nd half play to make the difference.

Although the season's most impactful receiver Wes Welker is out for the playoffs, Julian Edelman appears to be an ample replacement. I think the loss of Bart Scott and a depleted secondary of the Ravens will be too much to overcome against the still highly potent Patriot offense. Randy Moss will have a big game and the Patriots will be downing the ball to win the game. For the Ravens to have a chance, they will need to get to Brady like the Giants did. Patriots 31-21.

Cowboys - Eagles

Cowboys and Eagles, if you're going for ratings this is the game you want. NFC East rivals, The South vs. The East Coast. Romo vs. McNabb.

For most fans this is a who do you hate the least game. Unless you live in Texas, you're probably sick of Jerry Jones and his multimillion dollar stadium. How lucky was he to be able to host a playoff game and show off his stadium one more time. It's kind of like a $10,000 watch. Do you need one, of course not. But if you have enough money to buy one for yourself, your mom and dad, brother and sister, agent, high school coach, and a back up watch just in case, would you buy one, ok maybe. I'll give Jones credit though, I don't think any owner loves his team more than he does.

I never have liked Donovan McNabb, no good reason really. He was a little ornery when he was younger, and he still is a little. We all remember Rush Limbaugh's comments awhile ago. Limbaugh tried making a point that should have been saved for his own show. I don't defend what he did, but I also hold McNabb accountable for not trying to diffuse the situation while taking the high road. He let the public and media build Limbaugh's comments into something they weren't. It created lots of tension not only in the sports world but throughout the country, LIKE PENNSYLVANIA. In a World where racism happens, we have to learn to move on when we can rather than let it linger on the news channels.

Back to football, McNabb is a Pro Bowl quarterback who's only missing a Super Bowl ring. The only reason I have a slight desire to see the Eagles pull this out is because I drafted McNabb and DeSean Jackson in my fantasy football league this year. They were my bread and butter and I want to see them be successful. I admit that this is a major NFL fan foul. There is rule of ethics in Fantasy Football that can be difficult to follow. You don't want to draft players from your favorite team, that makes you a homer. The great challenge is to draft players you dislike or who are on teams you dislike. It's like hedging your bet. But as you may have already noticed it has backfired on me this year. So what needs to happen is the Cowboys need to win handily, not to give me any hope or feel any grief for the McNabb to Jackson 60 point combo.

I'm a closet Cowboys fan since Parcell's coached them and I like Tony Romo's story. However, 'Coach Wade'...you're fired (hand gesture a la Trumph). Eagles romp the Boys secondary while McNabb throws for 350.

Packers - Cardinals

There are a lot of reasons to be excited about this game.
1)There could be 100 points scored.
2)Aaron Rodgers could cast his own shadow.
3)The Cardinals are back for revenge after losing the Super Bowl that they should have won.
4)The colorful uniforms.

Yes I said colorful uniforms.
There's also a very bad thing about this game.
1)One team has to lose.

I can also understand why most people don't care too much about this game.
1)The media orbited around Green Bay, Wisconsin for so long then ditched it after Favre went to New York and there's no coverage of Green Bay like there used to be.
2)Aaron Rodgers always smiles and never takes the bait in interviews.
3)Kurt Warner's fumbling and pinkie problems.
4)Kurt Warner's wife.
5)And the everpresent Anquan Boldin contract situation.

In fact, I'm willing to bet that if you are interested in this matchup its probably only because you had one or more of players on your fantasy football team. It's okay, you don't have to admit it. I have always been a Cardinals fan since I had the brain capacity to follow the NFC teams. Really it was because I was tired of seeing Dallas win Super Bowls in the early 90s.

I think we all feel the same way about Kurt Warner. That is, we enjoy watching his success like last year all the way to the Super Bowl, the same way we enjoy seeing him get drilled by a 300lb lineman into the ground, forcing a fumble, concussion and jamming his pinkie all in a few short seconds play. And of course it always happens in the pivotal point of a game. But in all seriousness, what's not to like about the Cardinals. Larry Fitzgerald is probably the best receiver in game. Who doesn't like a football player that looks like a dragon but speaks like a Harvard business man. Anquan Boldin is a name I wish was mine. Not to mention defensive players Karlos Dansby and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, how can you not like watching this team on tv?

Then there are the Green Bay Packers. No offense to the legend Brett Favre, but it's nice to follow a team that's not all about one player. The Packers resemble the Cardinals in many ways: big fast receivers, a strong armed quarterback, and a resilient defense. This game is sure to be filled with big plays and potentially 2 300 yard passing games. You hear it over and over again, but if you win the turnover battle you win the game. I think that rings true in this match up especially. With a lot of passing plays being called, there will be a defense that's deflects a ball for an INT, or maybe a timely sack/fumble. I see the Packers Defense being the victors here.

Although I may lean a little toward the Packers in this one, I will be cheering for the losing team come 4th quarter.

Wild Card Weekend - Jets Bengals

Maybe the best weekend in the NFL season, okay unless your team is out of the playoffs. But let's face it, Fantasy Football is over, win or lose you don't care about what's going on in the game you're not watching (I know only one game is on at a time, but you get my point). Now it's very rare I root for a number #1 seed. If you do I call you a bandwagon fan (see Yankees/Red Sox fan). Why is it that when a team wins the championship of their respected sport, their 'fans' come out of the wood work? Not only that, but a bunch of "life long" fans only have the newest apparal that says "Super Bowl Champs" or "NBA Champs", etc. If there is ever a Titans shirt made that says "Super Bowl Champs", I'll also buy one, but it's going in the closet or in a frame or something. You just don't wear something like that, it's sacred. I don't care if you buy an extra one.

What was I talking about again? Oh yeah, this weekend. The real reason my anticipation level is so high is because there are games on Saturday. And if you are familiar with the NFL's playoff seeding, you get really annoyed with how they schedule these games, but annoyed in a good and intriguing way. Let's talk about the first match up, the Jets at the Cincinnati Bengals. The Jets don't deserve to be here. I can say that now, but I won't be able to say it after they beat the Bengals at Paul Brown stadium. Rex Ryan has transformed the New York defense to something we haven't seen since the Parcell's days. Although their rookie quarterback is not capable of putting the team on his back, they have the best running game in the NFL. They will go as far as their running game takes them. I believe Mark Sanchez is capable of a game winning drive, but if they get down early its over.

As for the Bengals, they have been impressive all year. A 6-0 division record does not sound as impressive as beating Pittsburgh twice in a year and not to mention the Baltimore Ravens twice as well. Somehow without T.J. Who's Your Momma, Carson Palmer has led drives when he's had to with the help of a clutch running game and a commendable comeback year by Chad Eightfive. I'll be rooting for the Bungles in this one, but they will have to separate themselves early.

Freshman Almost Prevails

How many of us thought at some point that this one was over? I did, and if you were like me you watched anyway. Through draw play after draw play, even after the back breaking, rifle it 5 feet to your running back's face with 3 seconds left in case he can escape the 5 linemen surrounding him and run for a 70 yard touchdown play, we stuck with it. There was just a feeling that this rookie, Garret Gilbert, a freshman who saw mostly garbage time througout the season, would come alive and make a game of it.

He did finally, albeit late in the 3rd quarter down 24-6. Two quick touchdowns to Jordan Shipley including a sweet 55 yard in stride strike across the middle made it 24-21 after a 2 point conversion with 6 minutes to go. "YES!" millions of people shouted while saying "honey, not now this is the National Championship!" But not me of course, I do have the ability to cozy up and watch a game of this magnitude, I have to.

The Texas defense, led by LB Roddrick Muckelroy, then held the Crimson Tide to a 3 and out. May I add that the Texas defense is what kept Texas in the game the second half. So there it was, the stage was set, just over 3 minutes remaining, 2 timeouts, and 94 yards seperating the 6'4 Garret Gilbert from the most unlikely success story in college football history. First play, penalty, 10 yards first down. Second play, blind side blitz, the left tackle must have been looking for his contact lense because he completely ignored Eryk Anders, who gave Gilbert the hardest hit if his career, a fumble, and ultimately the game.

As Alabama ran up the score in the final two minutes, it was easy to wonder what if Colt McCoy would have stayed in. What if Garret Gilbert didn't throw two crucial interceptions, including the tag against his RB...what if Nebraska would have made a better kick with no penalties in the Big 12 championship. But that, is why college football is college football.

End of Season

It is the end of the 2009 NFL regular season and what a disappointing season for this Titans fan. After achieving the best record in the NFL in 2008, the Titans started out in an 0-6 hole which they nearly climbed out. After closing the year out 8-2 the Titans finished 8-8 and only a game out of the playoffs. The highlight of the stretch run had to be the 99 yard touchdown drive against the Arizona Cardinals ending on the final play of the game. Mid-season replacement Vince Young who took over after the 0-6 start found the break out rookie Kenny Britt in the back of the end zone with no time remaining.

Although it was hardly the year this football team expected, it was a historic season for second year back Chris Johnson. CJ broke 3 runs for 85 yards or more this season. A feat previously done only over an entire career. After 16 games, CJ broke the 2,000 yard barrier becoming only the 6th player to do so.

It will be a long off season for the Titans and with that will bring turnover. Keith Bullock could be the biggest departure as he reaches the twilight of his career, meanwhile VY has solidified his starting spot. Names I expect to be gone are LenDale White and Jevon Kearse. The defensive line should retain most its starters although I question whether Kyle Vanden Bosch will return. His performance suffered this season, perhaps due to the absence of Albert Haynesworth in the middle of the d-line.

Next on the Titans schedule comes the 2010 NFL draft on April 22nd. The Titans look to claim the 16th or 17th pick. Most fans would agree the defensive secondary has the biggest holes. It also may do the Titans well to find a kickoff and punt returner for 2010. The loss of Chris Carr to the Ravens last off season proved significant with muffed catches and poorly judged balls during the 0-6 start.

Since I may not make another post until after Wild Card weekend, here are my predictions. San Diego will beat their divisional round opponent and face the Colts in the AFC Championship game and win. They will play the Minnesota Vikings, led by the grey haired Brett Favre. The Vikings will dispatch the Saints or possibly Green Bay in the NFC Championship, but will not have enough to beat Philip Rivers and the San Diego "Super" Chargers.