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"
   

  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