Steelers Win Super Bowl

The Pittsburgh Steelers have claimed Super Bowl XLIII in fantastic win over the resilient Arizona Cardinals. What a great way to cap the NFL season! Everyone thought this game was going to be a blowout (in favor of the Steelers), but those tough Cardinals proved us wrong.

I know I didn't post my prediction before the game. Their is so much hype revolved around this big game, that I didn't want to have to add more of the same. Also, I kept going back and forth on who I thought would win.

Two receivers starred in this game. Larry Fitzgerald showed up as advertised. In the first half, he wasn't a factor. But in the second half he lead the Cardinals back from the dead with two BIG touchdown passes. The other receiver, Santonio Holmes surprisingly took over the game. His biggest play came at the very end, when he tiptoed in bounds in the touchdown to give his Steelers the victory. He had nine catches for 131 yards. He is your Super Bowl MVP, and he deserves it.

Pittsburgh's defense showed up (also as advertised). Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison returned an interception 100 yards to end the first half with the Steelers winning 17-7. That was a key play that will be overshadowed because of the fantastic finish.

The Cardinals tried to bounce back, but it was too little too late. Fitzgerald had a seven catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns, including a 64-yarder that gave the Cards the lead with two and a half minutes left

Congratulations to the World Champion Steelers!

The Eagles Blew It!

The Philadelphia Eagles have done it again. Just when you think that they might win their first Super Bowl Championship, they come out and have a lousy game like that. I thought this team was the team destined to win the Super Bowl. But they lost to the Arizona Cardinals in a game they should have won easily, had they showed up before halftime.

When the smoke had cleared (and the confetti started falling), the Eagles lost 32-25 and it was all over. It was their fault and only their fault that they lost. Donovan McNabb played horrendous in the first half. He looked good in the second half, but by then it was far too late.

I was very surprised by their second half surge, as almost everyone watching the game was. I thought the game was over when the clock ran out to end the second quarter. The defense had not played very well up to that point, and the offense was downright ugly. But then in the second quarter, Brent Celek showed why he is the starting tightend. An acrobatic catch by the rookie Desean Jackson gave hope to all the Eagle fans. But it was all for nothing.

Donovan McNabb will never win the big one. It is that simple. The great quarterbacks are consistent in their dominance. McNabb is anything but. It is as if he needs to warm up for a half until he can throw the ball in the hands of a receiver. You can blame the defense, but I can't. They weren't getting any help, and McNabb was only hurting the team.

Many people will blame Andy. But I can't really blame Reid. The players are the ones that have the final say on the outcome of the game, the coaches can only sit and watch. Of course, Reid must have made some kind of halftime adjustment. How do you think they played so much better in the second half? But it was not enough. It will not ever be enough with McNabb around.

Eagles-Cardinals Preview

The Philadelphia Eagles will be playing the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium in the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles are favored in this game by four points. Personally, I think they will win by more than that. But let's break down these two teams.

Running Game

The Eagles have a first class rusher in Brian Westbrook, but he is not 100%. Westbrook will most likely play in this game but maybe in a limited role. He may need the help of backup Correll Buckhalter. The Eagles need Westbrook to be more of a factor in this game than he was in the previous two playoff games.

The Cardinals have a aging Edgerrin James at running back, complemented by Tim Hightower. I am pretty sure the Eagles defense will have no problem with this running game (or lack there of). The Eagles have stopped the likes of Adrian Peterson and Brandon Jacobs. They should be able to keep James in check.

Edge: Eagles

Passing Game

Donovan McNabb needs to have a great game for the Eagles to win. It is as simple as that. He has been playing superb in the last two playoff games. It was good news to hear that wideout Jason Avant will be playing tomorrow afternoon, after suffering an injury. Avant has been a key receiver on third downs. McNabb needs to run a lot a screens to Westbrook to keep the Arizona defense honest. I do think that tightend Brent Celek will have a big game on Sunday.

Arizona's passing game is one of the finest in the entire league. Kurt Warner is playing very well. Heck, it's not that hard when you have guys like Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald on your side. I notice that Warner has played very well only when he has had two great wideouts on his team. When he was in Saint Louis he had Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. Now he has Boldin and Fitz.

Edge: Cardinals

Defense

The Eagles defense is the reason that the Eagles keep coming back for more. They have kept the offense in the game. Just when it looks like the game may slip away, the defense comes up with a big stop or turnover to give the Eagles the momentum. Asante Samuel is absolutely on fire. He is the MVP of the Eagles playoff run so far. No doubt about it.

The Cardinals defense has been playing surprisingly well lately. The Eagles may have a little trouble with them. The Eagles played against two very good defenses in the first two rounds, so I think they will be able to handle these guys.


My Prediction: Eagles 35
Cardinals 13

Bring On Arizona!

The Eagles are heading back to the NFC Championship game after their 23-11 win over the division-rival New York Giants at the Meadowlands. If you remember I picked the Eagles to win 24-14 prior to the game. My prediction came dangerously close.

The Eagles played very well earlier this afternoon. Well, let's say their defense played very well. Asante Samuel came up with a big pick that led to the game's first touchdown. Samuel has been worth every penny the Eagles gave him. He consistently comes up with clutch interceptions.

Donovan McNabb played alright in this game. He makes some good throws and he makes some throws that make you scratch your head. As long as he can score enough points, the defense will hold the other team. That's one of the things I have learned about the Eagles in their two playoff games.

The Eagles will now have a shot to go to their third Super Bowl in team history if they can just beat the Arizona Cardinals in the desert. They killed the Cardinals 48-20 on Thanksgiving Day earlier this season. So why can't they do it again? I have a feeling it won't be as easy as last time. It's always harder in the playoffs (just ask the New England Patriots). Even without their star wideout Anquan Boldin, the Cardinals will still be tough to beat.

Reminder: McNabb is 1-4 in NFC Championship games. But, hey, that's better than not getting that far at all. McNabb has had great games against the Cards in that past, but that's mostly because they stunk.

These Eagles may be ones destined to win the Super Bowl. They have no pressure on them. Most Eagles fans still can't believe their in the playoffs. That's why they are playing so well. Did you see McNabb pick up the phone on the Giant sideline? He calm, cool, and collected on the field. He is having fun and enjoying the moment. He used to get nervous in the big games (cough, puking incident, cough). He knows this may be his last chance. Not just his last chance, maybe team leaders Brain Dawkins and Jon Runyan's last chance to. They want to make the most of it.

Go Eagles!

Tomorrow afternoon the Philadelphia Eagles will face off against the defending champions New York Giants in the second round of the NFL Playoffs. Now you obviously know who I think will win. Tomorrow will be a tough game for both teams. It will be a low-scoring, defensive game where no team pulls away until maybe the end. I will compare several aspects of the way these teams play the game:

The Running Game
The Giants running game is one of the best in the league. Brandon Jacobs is an absolute Juggernaut when running it up the gut. He defies logic. He is bigger than a defensive end and can run just as fast as any other running back. Jacobs is coming back from an injury. An important note is that the Giants beat the Eagles in the first game they played with Jacobs but the Eagles beat the Giants late in the season when they were without him. Reliable backups Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw will come in to relieve Jacobs.

The Eagles also have a very good rushing attack, too bad their coach doesn't know that. Brain Westbrook is one of the versatile players in the entire league. He can run up the middle. He can use his speed to get outside. He can line up as a receiver. But his specialty is a screen pass, which he is liable to break open for 30-plus yards. All you have to do is give him space.

Slight Edge to the Giants (mostly because Andy Reid doesn't believe in running the ball)

The Passing Game
Both of these teams can throw the ball well (let's use that term loosely). Giants quarterback Eli Manning can throw well when he has time. But when he doesn't have time, he will sputter like a deer in the headlights. I will guarantee it. The Giants miss Plaxico Burress, even though they won't admit it. He was their red zone target because of his size.

Donovan McNabb can be a good quarterback. It really depends on how he starts off the game. If he leads the Eagles to a touchdown on the first drive, he'll probably have a good game. Now if he throws an interception on the first drive, the receivers will be getting the ball at their feet for the rest of the game. Wide out Jason Avant has been clutch on third downs this season.

Edge: Even

Defense

Edge: Eagles

Special Teams

Edge: Eagles

Predicted Score: 24-14, Eagles advance to NFC Championship

Giant Upset

If you would have told me that the final score of Super Bowl XLII was going to be 17-14 Giants, I would have directed you to the nearest medical professional. Wow! That was a great game. Eli Manning showed he could come up big in the clutch with that game-winning drive.

Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning played well. He did throw one interception that should have been caught by Steve Smith. On that game-winning drive, Manning eluded several tacklers and throw a bomb to wide recevier David Tyree, who caught the ball with one hand against his helmet. That was one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history, if you ask me. Plaxico Burress caught the decisive touchdown. Burress did not have the game he did against the Packers but I think his prediction came the closest. His prediction was a 23-17 Giant win.

The Giant's defense was amazing last night. I think the Super Bowl MVPs should have been the Giant's defensive line. Micheal Strahan finally got his ring, he also picked up one sack of Brady. Osi Umenyiora played well. Justin Tuck played great. The rookie out of Notre Dame played the game of his life. The Giants D-line was one of the major reasons why they one.

The Patriots, looking for their 19 straight win, played well below their potential playing level. For the first time in a long while, the Patriots weren't the best team on the field. Brady played alright, but definetly not great. Somebody who did play great was Patriots wide recevier Wes Welker. Welker had 11 catches, tied for most in Super Bowl history, and would have easily been the MVP had the Patriots won.

So that ends the talk of are the Patriots the best team ever. They had the best regular season of any team in the history of football but they aren't even the best team now, let alone the history of the NFL. Tom Brady is a great quarterback, a Hall of Famer who already has three Super Bowl rings.

One of the best Super Bowls in history and one of the biggest upsets in sports' history was witnessed last night. That will be a game I won't soon forget. So, be happy for the Giants, for they are champions of the world.

Super Game Breakers

This is who I think will step up for their team:

Giants: Ahmad Bradshaw- The rookie running back will be key for the Giants. Bradshaw is quick and can outrun the Patriots aging defense, escpecially the linebackers. Brandon Jacobs will have a good game but I wouldn't be suprised if Bradshaw has a better one,

Patriots: Wes Welker- Welker is one of Brady's favorite target and the Giants are aware of that. Look for Welker to have double-digit receptions. I can see Welker having a better game than Randy Moss. I expect Moss to make some big plays but, for most of the game, he should be well covered.

MVP- Tom Brady- Brady will look impeccable. This may not be his best game of the season but look for him to be consistently accurate.

Final Prediction: Patriots 35, Giants 28

Patriotic Super Bowl?

Super Bowl XLII is fast approaching and I think it's sure to be a good one. The Giants are 14-point underdogs but they won't look like it on Sunday night. They will play their hearts out and give it the best they've got, but so will the Patriots. The Patriots are going for 19-0 and only the second perfect season in NFL history. The other team was the 1972 Miami Dolphins. If the Pats win this one I think they will be the best team in NFL history.
Let's breakdown the Patriots' offense; here is their starters:
LG Logan Mankins
LT Matt Light
C Dan Koppen
RT Nick Kaczur
RG Stephen Neal
TE Benjamin Watson
WR Randy Moss
WR Wes Welker
WR Donte Stallworth
RB Laurence Maroney
QB Tom Brady
This offense, as we all know, is the most explosive squad in the league. Somebody who is not listed as a starter but is still a key part to this offense is backup running back Kevin Faulk. Look for him and Maroney to work the screens. Moss is one of the most dynamic receviers you'll find in this league but he hasn't seen much action in the postseason. That doesn't mean a thing because Moss is still a dangerous deep threat. Wes Welker led the Pats in receptions this year and he also broke a team single season record in that category. He usually rins slant routes up the middle. Both Moss and Welker should be double-covered most of the time. While were talking receviers, you can't forget about Stallworth, that's when he burns you. He has great speed up the sidelines. Tom Brady is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. Even though he was caught wearing a brace on his foot last week, he will play and look perfect doing it. He is so accurate. And now to the offensive line. Brady wouldn't be nearly as good without them playing soundly every game of this season. They act as a brick wall protecting Brady and they will be tough to beat.

Now to the guys who will be opposing this great offensive side; let's take a look at the Giants' defensive starters:
LE Michael Strahan
DT Barry Cofield
DT Fred Robbins
RE Osi Umenyiora
OLB Kawika Mitchell
MLB Antonia Pierce
OLB Reggie Torbor
CB Corey Webster
CB Aaron Ross
SS James Butler
FS Gibril Wilson
When you look at this New York defense, the thing that stands out is the D-line. Micheal Strahan is aging and losing speed but he can still get to the quarterback. Osi Umenyiora could be the best end in the league. Justin Tuck also comes in at defensive end and he has played well. This defense will have to cover the long pass well while also shutting down Wes Welker over the middle.

Here are the offensive starters for the Giants:
LG Rich Seubert
LT David Diel
C Shaun O'Hara
RT Kareem McKenzie
RG Chris Snee
TE Kevin Boss
WR Plaxico Burress
WR Amani Toomer
RB Brandon Jacobs
FB Madison Hedgecock
QB Eli Manning
Plaxico Burress has been outstanding for this Giant offense. The 6-5 Burress is a key target for Eli Manning and look for him to have the ball in his hands a lot. Toomer is a solid recevier who manning trusts to make those tough catches. Brandon Jacobs is a tough back who should get a ton of handoffs in Glendale. But also look for backup running back Ahmad Bradshaw to share carries with him. Bradshaw is fast out of the backfield. Eli Manning was mistake-prone during the season but has been Brady-like in the playoffs

Here's a look at the Pats' defensive starters:
LE Ty Warren
NT Vince Wilfork
RE Richard Seymour
OLB Mike Vrabel
ILB Junior Seau
ILB Tedy Bruschi
OLB Adalius Thomas
CB Asante Samuel
CB Ellis Hobbs
SS Rodney Harrison
FS James Sanders
The Pats' D is aging and they want to win this Super Bowl bad. Mike Vrabel is a tackle machine who is having a breakout year. Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi are good but will they be able to keep up with the Giants' offense. Adalius Thomas has played well this year. One of the best cornerbacks in the league is Asante Samuel. If I'm Eli Manning, I wouldn't throw in his direction. Rodney Harrison is a herd-hitting safety who can sometimes let his emotions get the best of him.


My Prediction: Patriots 35, Giants 28

I post my Game Breakers tommorow

NFL Picks of the Week

Last week: 1 out of 3

Chargers at Patriots, today at 3:oopm est
winner- Patriots
My Prediction: Patriots 35, Chargers 24
The Chargers three playmakers are not 100%: LT, Antonio Gates, and Phillip Rivers. That should be a major factor in this game. I do think all of those players will play but the Pats should beat them regardless. Tom Brady should breeze through the San Diego D.

Giants at Packers, today at 6:00pm est
winner- Packers
My Prediction: Packers 28, Giants 21
The Giants have been playing well but I think luck only goes so far. They beat a bad Cowboys team last week. They will struggle against a complete Packers team. Look for Ryan Grant to have a repeat performance of last week's 201 yard game.

Playoff Predictions

I went 3 for 4 last week.

Today's Games:

Seattle at Green Bay, 4:30pm est.
winner- Packers
My Prediction: Packers 28, Seahawks 24
This should be an enticing match up between two good teams. The Packers have become two dimensional with the emergence of tailback Ryan Grant. And Brett Farve has been playing great this season and will most likely play again next year. Matt Hasslebeck has been playing on fire recently but should be slowed down by the Packers solid secondary. This one will come down to the fourth quarter.

Jaguars at Patriots, 8:00pm est.
winner- Jaguars
My Prediction: Jaguars 35, Patriots 31
This is the game of the week, right here ladies and gentlemen. The jags are the most dangerous team out there right now and they will grind one out against the undefeated Pats by their lethal combination of run and pass plays. The Jags defense is tough and will sort of contain the Pats' explosive offense. David Garrard needs to have a better game this week than he had last week in order for this to happen.

Tomorrow's Games:

Chargers at Colts, 1pm est.
winner- Colts
My Prediction: Colts 31, Chargers 28
The Chargers are hot now but their number one receiver (Antonio Gates) may not be a 100% healthy nor playing. The Chargers may become one dimensional, but their one dimension is pretty good. LT will have yet another good game but it won't be enough to beat the Colts.

Giants at Cowboys, 4:30pm est.
winner- Cowboys
My Prediction: Cowboys 24, Giants 21
As an Eagles fan, I hate both of these teams but I will show no bias. This will be a hard-fought game between two division rivals. The Giants defense has been spectacular, but so has the Cowboys offense. Eli Manning has been making less mistakes of late, and he should play fairly well. But the Cowboys are the better team and they will win.

My Postseason Picks

Here is how I think the playoffs will pan out.

NFC Wild Card Games:

Redskins vs. Seahawks, Today at 4:30
winner- Seahawks
My Prediction: Seahawks 28, Redskins 17
The Redskins have a lot to play for: they made it to the playoffs even though their starting quarterback Jason Campbell went down with an injury, and Shawn Taylor was murdered earlier in this season. They will play their hearts out but the Seahawks will play the bad guy as they put the 'skins' Super Bowl dreams to rest. Give the Redskins credit for getting to this point with all of the things that they have faced this season. Look for Matt Hassleback to have a good day.

Buccaneers vs. Giants, Tomorrow at 1
winner- Bucs
My Prediction: Bucs 35, Giants 14
Even though the Giants are favored in this game, they will be outplayed and beaten by the Buccaneers. The Bucs' defense will put pressure on Eli Manning and force him to throw multiple interceptions and ultimately have a bad game. Jeff Garcia will lead the Bucs to victory by putting together long scoring drives.

AFC Wild Card Games:

Steelers vs. Jaguars, Today at 8
winner- Jaguars
My Prediction: Jags 31, Steelers 28
The Jags have been rolling of late using their dynamic runing duo of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Look for them to have stellar days against a rock hard Steelers' defense. Fred Taylor will use his power and speed to have another 100-yard day. This will be a close game in which Steelers' QB Ben Rothelisberger air it out all game and has a good day. The Jags will just edge out the Steelers in this one.

Chargers vs Titans, Tomorrow at 4:30
winner- Chargers
My Prediction: Chargers 24, Titans 16
With the Titans all banged up, the Chargers will win this game. They will use LT to tire out the Titans' D. Look for LT to have a spectagular game. Vince Young is not playing at 100% and that should be evident. The Titans are also without their starting running back Lendale White who has been a workhorse for them.

A Look into the Future:

NFC Divisional Games (Jan. 12-13):

Cowboys vs. Buccaneers
winner- Cowboys

Seahawks vs. Packers
winner- Packers

AFC Divisional Games (Jan. 12-13):

Jaguars vs. Patriots
winner- Jaguars

Chargers vs. Colts
winner- Colts

NFC Championship Game (Jan. 20)

Cowboys vs. Packers
winner- Cowboys

AFC Championship (Jan. 20)

Jaguars vs. Colts
winner- Jaguars

Super Bowl (Feb. 3)

Cowboys vs. Jaguars
winner- Jaguars

Mounting Pressure on Pats

So, it finally happened: the Patriots have finished undefeated in the regular season with 16 wins and no losses. They are the second team to go without a loss in the regular season. The other team to do that was the 1972 Dolphins, who went 13-o. The Patriots are the first team since the NFL implemented a 16 game season to win all 16. The Patriots blew out most teams they faced and lead the league in points, yards, and passing yards. Their quarterback finished the season with a remarkable 117.2 passer rating.

From what I have seen during the season, I can safely say that the Pats had the best regular season in the history of pro football. I don't think they will win it all, though. The Pats do have so many great weapons on both offense and defense, but I think that they will struggle in the playoffs. They also have the Associated Press Coach of the Year in Bill Belichick. The pressure mounting on them is so great because they are expected to win the Super Bowl and it would be a huge disappointment if they don't. They pressure has already started to bring them down. Just look at their late-season games. They just edged out the Giants, Ravens, and Eagles. Only one team in that group (Giants) are heading to the playoffs and has a winning record. The Patriots made some major mistakes against Giants last week. For example, golden boy Brady threw multiple TDs and sure-handed Randy Moss (above, right) dropped a deep pass that was right in his hands. They almost lost to a horrible Ravens team. They also struggled against an Eagles team playing their second-string quarterback. I think when they play a good team with confidence and a nice winning streak, they will be upset. Then again, they will probably win the Super Bowl, just because I said that.