As we approach the final NFL contest of the year, The Big Kahuna (Super Bowl XLVI), I would be remiss if I didn't explain my choices in the NFC and AFC Championship games. First Baltimore, I still believe that the Ravens were the best team on the field that day and if Lee Evans holds on to the ball or Billy Cundiff hits that chip shot field goal we're talking a different game this weekend. But they choked and it was so evident when they rushed out to kick that field goal without calling a timeout and in their haste they were not set, contributing to the botched kick. I guess Johnny Harbaugh was saving his timeouts for next year.
In the other game I was blinded by the defensive play of the Niners against the Saints and the play of quarterback Alex Smith. Unfortunately San Francisco was woefully outplayed by a Giants defense and Eli Manning, who was nothing short of spectacular. I drank the Niners kool-aid and I was poisoned. Enough said.
So let's get to Sunday's Big game, the New England Patriots vs. the New York Giants.
This match-up pits two great quarterbacks and two legendary franchises against each other. This game reminds me of the Super Bowl's in the 70's, especially the Steelers against the Cowboys where you had Hall of Famer's Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach dueling each other for the Lombardi Trophy. Lets break it down.
In the Patriots corner as Tom Brady goes so goes New England. So far in this postseason Brady has played one good game and had one poor performance against Baltimore. Brady's stats look like this: a QB rating of 106.8, a 68.6 completion pct., 602 total pass yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Everything seems to be running smoothly here. But underneath the statistics lies the fact that Brady had a great game against Denver. Against the Ravens' defense he struggled, throwing 3 interceptions without throwing a touchdown pass. Playing against a tremendous NY Giant defense, who are giving up just 200.7 yards passing, 130 yards rushing and a paltry 321 yards per game, is going to be a daunting task. And with TE Gronkowski's high ankle sprain, the seam routes that NE is so fond of could be severely limited, especially with the absence of a particular deep threat in NE's wide receiving corps. And with a very average running game, it might be a tough night for Brady and Co.
On the other side of the ball, Eli Manning has played superbly with a 103.1 QB rating, a 61.8 comp. pct, 923 yards thrown, 8 TD, and 1 Int. He could always throw accurately enough with good escape ability, but this year he's really manifested that "Manning" toughness. NE's defense has gave up 195 passing yards per game, 130 yards rushing per game, and 321 yards total yards per game. To say that NE's defense is an enigma would be an understatement. They ranked at the bottom in all statistical categories during the season. They have risen up under the tutelage of Defensive maven Bill Belichick during this current playoff run. Giving coach B two weeks to prepare a defensive game plan however will give the defensive unit a real shot at victory. But they have not played a team with better wideouts than the Giants and if there is a definite weakness in NE's defense it's in the defensive backfield. And I'll always believe that defense wins championships and I know this game will be determined by the execution of these two fine defenses.
In conclusion, what can we say here, this should be a competitive game in all three areas, with two future HOF QBs playing for their piece of history in the annals of NFL History. And two defenseive teams that are performing at a high level. It could be a field goal that determines this one. I say NYG 24 NE 20.
See ya next season.
I remain…
"Big Al Notz"
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KISS…..Keep it simple stupid. That particular mantra was held in full view in last weekends wild card games. If you looked at the Pittsburgh Steelers Denver Broncos match up, Tim Tebow, quarterback of the Denver Broncos, was vilified by the drive by sports media. Can't play. Can't throw. Can't win. Right! These guys that pontificate on the ability or inability of certain athletes to perform should be noted. Most of these journalists that write this crap wouldn't be able to throw a football 10 yards, yet, they tell you that Tim Tebow doesn't have the stuff it takes to get the job done. Well, ask Ike Taylor.
Denver plays at NE Patriots on Saturday at 8 PM. From the frying pan into the fire for Tebow and the Broncos and again they're the underdog. Tom Brady is playing extremely well and he has the full compliment of receivers, including those two monster tight ends that can dominate the entire game. The problem is with the Pat's defense. They're playing better but if Tebow and the Broncos can run the ball effectively keeping Brady off the field, Denver's defense and special teams could pull off an upset here.
In the other AFC Divisional Game, the Baltimore Ravens will host the AFC South winner Houston Texans in what I see as a gargantuan defensive match. Houston won their 1st playoff game last week against Cincinnati. Wade Philips' guys are playing lights out. Joe Flacco has to perform at a very high level in this game as I believe Houston will shut down the run and put a lot of pressure on Flacco. On the other side, rookie QB Tyler Yates has played beyond his years. As long as he can hold on to the football and avoid turnovers. With their running game going, they could make it a long day for the Baltimore Birdies.
In the NFC contests, the first game pits the high flying New Orleans Saints against the San Francisco 49ers. Drew Brees is playing as well as any of the QBs remaining in the playoffs and he will have to have one of his better games as the San Francisco defense is stout against the run and could cause significant difficulty in the passing game with consistent pressure from a very fine defensive unit. Alex Smith on the other hand is playing in his first post season affair and under the tutelage of first year Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. He has made steady improvement, not only throwing the ball but with better decision making. He'll need it as DC Williams of the Saints blitzes coming off the bus. This one is a toss up!
Green Bay and New York meet on Sunday in a game which renews a recent playoff rivalry. As these two teams met a couple of years ago to decide a super bowl berth with the Giants beating the Packers at home in a subzero chill fest. The Giants are playing good team football. Their defensive line is as good as any still playing. They're solid against the run and put relentless pressure on the QB. Eli Manning proudly said early this year that he was an "Elite" QB, but he didn't need to say it to me as he proved his mettle against the Patriots in the Super Bowl a couple years ago. If the Giants can play mistake free football, there is no doubt they can beat Green Bay. On the other hand, Aaron Rodgers and co. are running like a fine-tuned engine. There are no weaknesses here. Defense could be the Achilles heel of the Pack as they have given up huge chunks of yardage and a ton of points. January at Lambeau could make an already great game infinitely more interesting.
Aloha,
Big Al
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Playoffs?....Playoffs? I'm not talking about playoffs…that iconic phrase u heard by former Colts Head Coach Jim Mora now occupies a place in NFL folklore forever. But its simplicity signifies a deeper meaning here. It shows how important the playoffs are to all NFL teams. Hope springs eternal as they say and so the coaches, players, and especially the fans have renewed hope in the extra season. They've seen it happen before; a wild card team with absolutely no chance of winning suddenly sees everything fall their way(providing for the fact that they're playing winning football) and somehow their team is in the big game competing for a championship. Heady times for any NFL fan to be sure and especially when its unexpected. And if you don't believe it can happen, a look back to recent history shows how the wild card NY Giants defeated the unbeaten NE Patriots. So the wild card weekend will be upon us before we know it. Lets evaluate the QBs and defenses for this weekends tilts.
Saturday games begin with the surprising Cincinnati Bengals visiting the Houston Texans. This is the first time for Houston in a playoff game. Both teams are playing rookie QBs. Andy Dalton as a starter for the year and Tyler Yates, a rookie thrown into the fire the last few games. This makes for an interesting viewing, but I believe that defense will win this game and the Houston Texans have been playing lights out. As a unit all year and with defensive head coach Wade Phillips back after surgery, they'll play inspired football to be sure.
Saturday evening's game has the playoff starved Detroit Lions going to New Orleans to play the Saints. A rejuvenated Saints to be blunt, who have they're eyes fixed on another Lombardi trophy. The last time these two met, Drew Brees and Co. dominated. There is nothing I see to change my mind, although Matt Stafford and his talented corps of WRs could give NO secondary some difficulty in the end. But Detroit can't beat the very talented Saints.
Sunday's game pits the NFC East winner New York Giants against the wild card Atlanta Falcons. Once again this game looks like a battle between two top NFL QBs in Eli Manning and Matt Ryan. Both of their strong armed QBs have the ability to dominate a football game. With both teams having a strong running attack and excellent receivers on both sides of the ball, this game looks like another defensive struggle. The Giants have a better defensive line while Atlanta plays great team defense. Look for this one to be close with the Giants kicking a field goal to win.
Sunday's afternoons game is an exciting matchup between the AFC West division winning Denver Broncos and the veteran playoff tested Pittsburgh Steelers. The duel between Tim Tebow and the Steelers' defense looks to be the story here, even though Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger has a high ankle sprain and depleted running game. He's got a group of some of the best WR in the league, which should keep Denver off balance. If Pittsburgh can keep Tebow in the pocket and force him to throw, it could be a long day for the Broncos.
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New game for the NFL post season.
Pick one player from each team in this format:
(2QB, 3RB, 3WR, 2TE, 1K, 1D).
Point system is as follows:
Passing TDs: 6 points
Passing Yards (per 5): 0.25 points
Rushing TDs: 6 points
Rushing Yards: 0.10 points
Receiving TDs: 6 points
Receiving Yards: 0.10 points
Receptions: 1 points
Interceptions: -2 points
Fumbles Lost: -2 points
Field Goals 50+ yards: 5 points
Field Goals 40-49 yards: 4 points
Field Goals 0-39 yards: 3 points
Point after touchdown: 1 points
Defensive Scoring:
0 points allowed: 10 points
1-6 points allowed: 7 points
7-13 points allowed: 4 points
14-17 points allowed: 2 points
18-21 points allowed: 0 points
22-34 points allowed: -1 points
35-45 points allowed: -4 points
46+ points allowed: -7 points
Kick/punt block: 2 points
Def. interception: 2 points
Def. fumble recovery: 2 points
Safety: 2 points
D/ST touchdown: 6 points
Sack: 1 points
Tiebreaker: Most points scored in Super Bowl by remaining players.
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Okay we are doing a Rinko contest this Saturday Night.
At stake, one copy of every print in our Print Shop.
Details
1. Go to sportsfantology.com. Sign up for an account, ( if you already have an account woooo)
2. You can enter the game through this link. Just click the "join" button.
3. Buy in is $10.
4. At stake, 1 of each:
5. Valued around $400.
6. We will also be shipping them out Monday, December 19. We'll be mailing them priority so you'll have them for Christmas.
RULES:
The rules are simple.
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Pick 14 players from the games on Saturday. ( NOTE THE 1PM BETWEEN THE BOSTON AND PHILLY WILL NOT BE APART OF THIS.)
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Again, THE 1PM BETWEEN THE BOSTON AND PHILLY WILL NOT BE APART OF THIS.
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Rosters lock at 7pm.
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The scoring system is on the game page.
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Good luck.
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by Big Al Notz
Going….Going… Wow only four weeks left in the NFL regular season and the playoff race is nearly settled. But there are still NFL players that are playing for incentives and personal goals. As well as pride. Quarterbacks are at the top of the list, not only as the main focal points of the team but recognition as a quality NFL QB is assured and thus resulting in increased monetary compensation. So there is still value out there. Just take a look at what I believe are the top QBs not necessarily on winning teams.
Philip Rivers - I know! I know the expectations have exceeded the results but nevertheless this guy plays hard, he plays hurt, and this years interception ration is unacceptable. Yet with four games left and slim playoff chances, I look for Rivers to finish strong.
Michael Vick - Dream Team leader has played injured most of the year(another example of what the lack of OTAs has wrought). Still, he hasn’t made the decisions on the field that make you a consistent winner. His ribs are healed and barring another injury he should play better in the final 4 games.
Mark Sanchez - Not just him but Rex Ryan’s boys haven’t cut the mustard so far this year. Even though he threw 4 TD’s against Buffalo, his completion rate was below 50%. But the Jets do have a slight chance of making the playoffs. So look for Sanchez to run a simplified offense, try to limit his mistakes, and rely on defense and the running game to help him.
Colt McCoy - His health could be an issue due to the hard hit he received in the Pittsburgh game Thursday night, but his problem is not between the 20 yard lines but in the red zone. He doesn’t get much help either. Dropped passes, indifferent RB Hillis and lack of qaulity receivers hurt him. But he showed moxie going back in the game after James Harrison’s hit. He is certainly playing for his job next year.
Cam Newton - Even though his success hasn’t shown in the win/loss column, he definitely has what it takes to win in the NFL. He’s big, strong, has a good arm, and appears to be playing within himself without sacrificing the spontaneity of his game. He’s learning, so look for an extra effort these last 4 games.
Tavaris Jackson - Seattle’s signal caller has endured a lot of adversity these past few years. Yet he seems to get himself up off the mat and compete. Especially at home. He has a great running back in Lynch, solid tight ends and receivers, and a hard nosed defense behind him. Could be a spoiler.
There you have it and don’t be surprised at what happens the rest of the way. There’s always a team that comes out of nowhere to challenge for a title. Going…Going…
Gone
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The deadline for Rinko's December/January game is tonight.
The current pot is $1350
Congrats to the winners for the October/November game:
We will be contacting the money winners this week.
*NOTE: If you finished 6th -15th you have been emailed and your account has been credited with $10.
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The deadline for Rinko's December/January game is tonight.
The current pot is $1350
Congrats to the winners for the October/November game:
We will be contacting the money winners this week.
*NOTE: If you finished 6th -15th you have been emailed and your account has been credited with $10.
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By Big Al Notz
Thanksgiving begins the Holiday season and especially for the sports degenerate. Football, Hockey, College Basketball, you name it. There is action every day. But especially football with the swift approach of the NFL playoffs and the College Bowl Season. But first things first, I think it's time to take stock of ourselves and take a look back at the Top 10 Turkeys of the year so far.
10. Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts organization somehow managed to convince everyone, especially the Colts fans, that Peyton would be able to come back from potentially career-threatening neck surgery in a relatively short period of time knowing full well that was not the case. In fact, there is talk that his career might be over
9. If there ever looked like a good fit for Kevin Kolb, Arizona looked like the place. Big OL, solid running back, good if not spectacular receivers. Yet, there hasn't been anything to write home about so far. And now with Kolb injured, this season looks like a bust.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal caller Josh Freeman has had a rough year. He's throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. It's true his receivers have had a hard time holding on to the ball. But his accuracy and footwork in the pocket have regressed since last year.
7. Mark Sanchez in my view will always be just an average NFL quarterback. He has taken a huge step backwards after two average years. He has a better than average set of receivers, yet, he can't seem to finish and I think he lacks elite NFL talent, the kind you need to win championships.
6. Buffalo's new 60 million dollar man sure doesn't make me forget Jim Kelly and over the past 4 weeks he has certainly came crashing down to earth. And even though he's listed at 6'2", he plays like he's 5'11". A lot of passed are knocked down, tipped, and picked off.
5. Michael Vick started out most games like gangbusters, but he could never play well enough to finish the contest. And of course it's not all his fault, but he is the perfect example of why a mobile running NFL QB has a hard time succeeding.
4. Everyone has expected Phil Rivers to have won at least 1 Super Bowl by now. But even though anyone can win the AFC West, he doesn't inspire me in the least. He's not relaxed in the pocket even with ample time. And he's forcing the ball, causing turnovers. Bad News!
3. Colt McCoy of the Cleveland Browns has been given more rope to hang himself than any QB in recent memory. Holmgren should be ashamed trying to sell this tripe to the winning starved Cleveland fans.
2. Donovan Mcnabb "I've not come to praise Caesar but to bury him" Well whatever it is you get the message. The once fine skills of this proud veteran have left him. It's time to go.
The Top Turkey of the NFL season is none other than NFL commish Roger Goodell. He's so determined to leave his lasting personal imprimatur on the league that he doesn't realize its in the negative. From playing NFL games in Europe to fining players exorbitant amounts for playing hard the way they are taught. The old NFL as we remember it is fading away and Mr. Goodell is leading the charge. He must be stopped before he turns a hard, tough sport into an unrecognizable figment of his imagination.
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The deadline to sign up for the December/January game is December 1st. Sign up here.
The currently prize pool is $830. [ rinko ]
In the current game, the race is coming down to the wire:
There are some people that did select Crosby. The game could be turned on its head if he has a big week.
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