The Crystal Ball 2011 The Championships

With only a few hours to think about it, I can already tell you I do not like living in a world where Joe Paterno is no longer around. I can guarantee I’m not the only one either. Rest in peace JoePa.

Opening Kickoff

How pissed, in private of course, will Peyton be if Eli goes on to win his second Super Bowl ring? Eli should make a big show of giving one to Cooper, something Peyton could never do. I bet that would make Thanksgiving in the Manning household a tad uncomfortable.

The Way It Was

NFL representatives have been on site of each game reviewing plays to make sure trainers don’t miss players with potential concussions. NFL players, fans, and teams should be thanking James Harrison for this. Because when Harrison hit McCoy and the Browns botched it, this change was deemed necessary and instituted. Harrison and his head has been the leading proponent for change in the NFL regarding its concussion policies. He’s a hero, not a villain.

49ers 36 – Saints 32

Who had Alex Smith driving the 49ers 86 yards in less than 2 minutes for the game winning drive? Anyone? No? I didn’t think so.

The Saints turned ball over 5 times, and it haunted them. San Francisco didn’t capitalize on the turnovers very well, but the 13 points they did generate from Saints miscues turned out to be just enough

New Orleans looked disjointed and out of rhythm all game long. It wasn’t until the 4^th quarter their offense looked explosive and dynamic.

And I knew the Saint defense were not world beaters but giving up 36 points?

I know everyone’s surprised about Alex Smith playing such a tremendous game against the Saints, but we shouldn't be. After all, there were multiple reasons he was a number one draft pick. On top of that, despite having 7 offensive coordinators over his career, he still managed to hang around amongst the turmoil, which shows both his talent and resolve. Is it such a stretch that now with some stability and positive coaching influencing him he's finally reaching some of that potential seen on draft day?

The victory was a feel good win for the team and the fans of San Francisco. I mean watching Vernon Davis crying after scoring the go ahead touchdown with 9 seconds remaining you have to feel good for a guy like that. Just watching that level of unbridled joy is exhilarating. But before we get too far on this bandwagon, let’s clear up a few items.

First of all, come on, 49er rally towels? Give me a break. Yes, I know Pittsburgh was not the first team to come up with such a gimmick, and yes, I know, we don't have exclusive rights to said gimmick. But by now, any team that does such gimmick just looks like their coming up with a cheap knockoff of the Terrible Towel. Don't argue you do look that way.

And let's stop calling Vernon Davis' touchdown "the grab" I know it's been a long time since 49er playoff glory, but there's no need to pervert the past by trying to apply it to the present.

And Harbaugh quit acting like an asshole. His team is playing its biggest game and engineering its greatest victory in years, and he spent half the game looking perplexed as if he was trying to figure out who cut the cheese. Every week he makes it harder for casual fans to root for his team.

That being said, a tremendous win by San Francisco. But you know what, the more Jim Harbaugh wins, and the bigger games he wins, the more atrocious Mike Singletary looks as a head coach.

Patriots 45 – Broncos 10

I guess we should have all realized that Jesus loves Tom Brady more than Tim Tebow.

Woof the Patriots took the Broncos to the woodshed. Do you think that perhaps Brady got a little sick of all the Tebow talk?

Since the game was over by halftime, there’s really not much to say about it. I will say this. No offense Denver, but better you than us.

But once again, for no good reason Belichick left Brady in late in the game risking injury. He should have been out of the game before the 4^th quarter. Here’s hoping Belichick pays for his insolence. Although I did like Brady’s drop kick.

Von miller, I know it was a bad game, but come, you gotta keep your head about you. Starting a fight is no way to end a season.

Ravens 20 – Texans 13

I wasn’t sure if Baltimore would have enough left in the tank to take on the Texans after playing two Super Bowls already this season. It turns out they did, color me surprised.

Actually, I think it may have been three Super Bowls so far. After the Ravens won the AFC north in Cincinnati during week 17 they broke out division championship hats and t-shirts. I think that does count as a third Super Bowl. I’m just serving sour grapes. I’m sure if my team only won a division championship every 5-6 years I’d be celebrating too.

Despite Ed Reed’s gimpy ankle, Ray Lewis’ age and Joe Flacco’s fu Manchu mustache, the Ravens managed to squeak by a rookie third string quarterback playing on the road in his first ever playoff game.

Giants 37 – Packers 20

The Packers receivers coach should have done a discount double check on his players’ hands, because not one of them could seem to hold onto a football.

Yes, Greg Jennings fumbled. Everyone knows. But the Giants won the game despite getting jobbed on the call and the replay. So let’s move on.

Ok, shame on me for making fun. Eli Manning is an elite quarterback in the NFL and should be mentioned amongst them. Amazing how much the guy has shined this season when you take away his brothers oversized shadow.

I think this sums it up for all Packer fans.

The Steel Pit

Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians retired this week amid rumors of changes coming for the Steelers’ coaching staff. Whether Bruce retired, or was forced out by Tomlin, Art Rooney II or just didn’t have his contract renewed is still a matter of conjecture. But the team felt that the underachieving offense needed a change and in some manner affected a change.

Arians’ offense, and specifically his play calling, have been a point of contention for many Pittsburgh fans and often criticized. I am no exception from that group. I mean come on, how many failed bubble screens can you call before you realize the play is just not working? But I digress.

I will always thank Arians for one thing. No not the Super Bowl trips and the win, that’s obvious. I thank him for changing perceptions regarding offensive football in Pittsburgh. Too often too many Steeler fans felt the only way to be successful was to run the ball, and when that didn’t work you had to run more. The pass seemingly was akin to nuclear waste, only to be handled in emergencies and only with much trepidation and fear. Arians moved the offense away from that archaic thinking, started working in a more modern passing offense and showed fans that not only can you win games passing first, but that it was ok to do so and still fit into the Pittsburgh way of doing things. He allowed stubborn fans to like a passing game, and by doing so helped change perceptions regarding what constituted the Steeler offense.

For many fans, this is a drastic sea change of thinking, and it wasn’t an easy change. But Arians stayed his course, suffered the slings and arrows and helped build a new outlook for fans to the point that now people were calling for his head because the passing game was not good enough. So for changing those long held perceptions, I will always be thankful for the work Bruce Arians did for the team and hope that he does finds enjoyment in retirement.

In other news, as the team begins to decide who should stay or go as they work through their crippling cap issues, Hines Ward stated that he would take a severe pay cut to remain with the team. I know it may not make sense from a few logical viewpoints, but I think the team should do this and not think twice. Don’t let one of your team leaders play his last season or two in another uniform that would not be right guys.

Big Douche settled his sexual assault civil suit this week, very quietly with no details regarding any monetary settlement. I’m sure money exchanged hands, and I’m sure it was substantial.

Running backs coach Kirby Wilson is still hospitalized in critical condition from the effects of a fire at his house earlier this month. Prayers and thoughts for Kirby to turn a positive corner soon.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

According to a recent survey, Tim Tebow is the most desired celebrity neighbor. It’s a beautiful day in his neighborhood.

Apparently, Joe Flacco is so nonplussed about playoff pressure he’s been skateboarding in his driveway. The last professional athlete to win a championship with a mustache like that was Hulk Hogan. Do you really want to put Joe Flacco into the same group as the Hulkster?

O.J. Simpson’s lawyers are stating a bank is foreclosing on Simpson’s Florida home. How can he still afford lawyers?

The Broncos have announced that Tim Tebow will be their incumbent starter for the 2012 season. I wonder what may have prompted that decision….

In the final Tebow segment this week, it was reported that Tebow played through injuries during the Patriots game. Yes, I’m sure he did, just like every player on the field that weekend. Come on guys, if you want to find a Tebow story, find a better one. Every player plays with an injury, that’s nothing special.

Peyton Manning wants to stay in Indianapolis. I don’t think that choice will be up to him much longer.

Oh look, Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant was detained by police. Oh he’s a winner isn’t he?

With their season over, now the Packers have moved on to making tough personnel decisions, including what to do with fan favorite and aging wide receiver Donald Driver. Packer fans, I know how you feel. Have you met Hines Ward?

LaDainian Tomlinson joined the Jets fracas, piling on and ripping the team and calling Mark Sanchez pampered. You know what’s most telling in all of this? Sanchez has yet to say anything even to just defend himself.

New Miss America, Laura Kaeppeler from Wisconsin, wants Aaron Rodgers to give her a call. Perhaps she just wants to find a better car insurance rate.

The Kansas City Star published an article detailing the distrust, anxiety and paranoia currently prevailing within the Chiefs organization. Who would have thought an organization run by Scott Pioli, who learned his skills at the foot of Bill Belichick, would create an atmosphere of distrust and paranoia?

Apparently, hidden amongst his defensive skills is an offensive mind, since Ravens safety Ed Reed piped up for no explainable reason his opinion of Joe Flacco’s performance against Houston and his opinions on how the offense should run. This of course sparked much discussion and controversy, prompting other players to defend Flacco and culminating in Reed and Flacco staging a fake fight to diffuse any tension and illustrate no hard feelings between the teammates. That’s right Baltimore, focus on anything but the Patriot offense. Good thinking. You’ve made yourselves front runners for next week’s idiot.

And outside the NFL news, former receiver Terrell Owens has announced he will play this season in the Indoor Football League. This news is too sad and pathetic to make a joke.

Duck Duck Coach

Chicago – There is no word on a new offensive coordinator or a general manager, although it takes time to get these things right.

Indianapolis – In a surprise to absolutely no one, the team fired Jim Caldwell as well as a slew of assistant coaches. Poor Peyton doesn't have a friend left in Indianapolis. If I were him, I'd start looking around at teams with decent offenses but horrendous quarterback situations for a potential new job because it more and more that he'll be next on Irsay’s house cleaning list.

Miami – The Dolphins got a clue and hired a decent coach, Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Hopefully Joe and his family can find a new life in Miami to help ease the pain of losing their son tragically.

New Orleans – Hired former Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo to replace Gregg Williams at defensive coordinator. Does this count as a trade? Since Spagnuolo was a head coach, do the Saints need to throw in cash or a future assistant coach?

Oakland – No word yet on the first head coach of the Mark Davis era.

St. Louis – The team also hired Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to run their defense. They did see the game in San Francisco, right?

Tampa Bay – If they hired anyone of note, it escaped my eyes.

He Said He Said

"This game isn't about wins and losses. It's about relationships." Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis after Baltimore's win over the Texans

That’s an easy statement to make after you win.

"That's the pretty boy. That's the man of the NFL. That's Mr. Do-It-All. So everybody is going to hold that against me but I don't care" – Ravens defensive back Bernard Pollard, known previously as the Kansas City Chief who destroyed Brady’s knee in week 1 of the 2008 season and torpedoed the Patriots that year

Is it too much to ask Bernard for a repeat performance?

"I'm sure if we win, I'll have nothing to do with why we won.'' -- Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco the Houston game

Good gravy, he should be working for the Psychic Friends Network with prognostication skills like that.

"It's one of the few I've actually thrown up. I've never had one completed before . . . on our side." – Giants quarterback Eli Manning on his end of the half Hail Mary pass to give the Giants a commanding halftime lead.

Oh, that wacky Eli and his wry sense of humor. Maybe he should host Saturday Night Live….

"I didn't think it was going to end tonight. We had a championship-caliber regular season and didn't play well today. Personally, I didn't play as well as I wanted to." – Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers

It’s funny how everyone seems to forget each year that of the 12 teams who enter the playoffs, 11 of them finish the season with a loss. Yet when that loss comes, everyone is surprised.

“The phrase "divisional playoffs.'' Stupid title for the weekend.” – SI.com’s Peter King

The great and powerful NFL Oz has spoken. We must now come up with a new name for this weekend of playoff football, lest he spite more good players by withholding his vote for the Hall of Fame. Yup, King is a voting member of the Hall of Fame I’m surprised he hasn’t sent out a reminder tweet in case anyone has forgotten over the past few days.

“Joe was kind of rattled a little bit by that defense. They had a lot of guys in the box on him and they were giving it to him. I think a couple of times he needed to get rid of the ball. It just didn’t look like he had a hold on the offense.” – Ravens safety Ed Reed on Joe Flacco

"My quarterback can go out and beat anybody. Anybody." – Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs defending Flacco

Hey Baltimore, are you too dumb to know distractions kill? Have you not read my Super Bowl picks the last few years? Why would you, you weren’t involved. Ha ha ha.

Idiot of the Week

You know what’s great about the playoffs? Everyone steps up their game, including potential idiots. Oh, it’s like a buffet and I just cannot decide.

Maybe I’ll start with a sampling of Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, whose defensive game plan gave up 36 points to one of the least dynamic offenses in the NFL. No, tastes too much like road kill.

Maybe I’ll try this Bill Leavy, who blew a horrible call in Green Bay, and the subsequent review. Wow Bill Leavy blowing calls in the playoffs? Sorry I’ve had this dish before. I don’t want leftovers.

What about some Von Miller, who lost his cool in New England and started a fight near the end of the game. Yes that’s dumb but who hasn’t lost their cool against the Patriots? That’s a stale dish.

Oh, this looks great! Yes, I’ll have a heaping helping of Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers as my idiot this week.

The Packers played an awful defensive game in general, but their defensive stance on final play of the first half was cover your eyes atrocious. The Giants with only seconds remaining lined up on the Green Bay 37 yard line for one final play. If they are not going to attempt a long field goal, there is only one logical place for a pass to go, which is into the end zone.

Yet Capers, supposedly the true genius behind the fire zone blitz, did not pick up on this obvious strategy. There were only two Green Bay defensive backs in the end zone to cover three Giant receivers. The remaining Packer secondary was outside the end zone. Why? Why weren’t they all crowding the receivers in anticipation of a Hail Mary pass?

Capers blew an obvious defensive call, and hastened the end of Green Bay’s season. Dom, you are an idiot.

On Tap This Week

Funny I foolishly point out who I don’t want to win the Super Bowl, and all but one of those teams won to move on to this round. That figures.

Last week: 2-2

Season to Date: 175 - 90

Paid for it with the standings too. Well, let’s look at how things are shaping up for a trip to the Super Bowl this week. I think I’d be happy if we could just avoid having the Harbaugh Bowl. Two weeks of listening to constant stories about those two would make me long for a Rex and Rob Ryan documentary.

Sunday

AFC Championship Game - Baltimore (13-4) at New England (14-3)

Let’s see, do I want the hated division rival for which my loathing knows no bounds, or the team of successful cheaters who could tie records set by my favorite team’s coach and quarterback decades ago? This is not picking a football winner, its Sophie’s choice! Ok, I’ll just hold my nose and get it over with.

Patriots over Ravens

NFC Championship Game - New York Giants (11-7) at San Francisco (14-3)

Giants vs. 49ers in the NFC Championship game, what is this a rerun of I Love the 80’s?

New York is obviously peaking at the right time. San Francisco looked tremendous in their thrilling last second win over New Orleans. But something tells me they blew their emotional fuse, and are primed for a letdown game. Although I have been wrong before.

Giants over 49ers