Best of Seven

There is a lot of baseball going on these days. Each team plays 162 games a season over the course of about 180 days. Multiply that by the teams in the league and that's about 2,430 baseball games each summer... too many for me to cover, so for today I won't. No, today I want to talk about being the best of seven, a far more manageable number on which to focus. For the mathematically challenged, that's really only winning four games in a series that could go up to seven games.

Right now being the best of seven refers to the first round of the NHL (National Hockey League) playoffs. The NHL is divided into two conferences, Eastern and Western. Here is how the series panned out this year:

Western Conference

Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild

St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars
San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings


Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins vs. Detroit Red Wings
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Feel free to choose a team and jump on their bandwagon. Since we know Sports Guy's Girls read to get general info they can share or at the very least be able to interject into a conversation, here's a helpful hint: you may not want to jump on the Detroit, St. Louis, Dallas, or Tampa Bay bandwagon. They have already been eliminated.

Games in the playoffs are played a little differently than during the regular season. If the playoff game ends regular play in a tie both teams continue to overtime periods until there is a winner. Regular season games first go to overtime then to a shoutout (three players on each take turns trying to get a shot past the opposing goalie).

Now that you know who is playing to be the best of seven and get to the second round, who will your new favorite hockey team be?

Happy Birthday, You're Terrible

Welcome back Sports Guy's fans! Today there was a major birthday in the sporting world that you may never see again... a sports venue turned 100 years old. That's right, Wrigley Field had a milestone birthday today celebrating 100 years of disappointment and loss. The reason you will probably never see this again is because unlike Cubs fans and their supporters, other teams along with their supporters have the good sense to want to watch a game in modern day comfort without the fear that parts of the stadium may literally rain down upon them.

I grew up going to Cubs games and cheering for the lovable losers, but the charm of the Curse of the Billy Goat has lost a little of its luster. Baseball games can be a lot of fun, eating hotdogs and having an Old Style can be fun too. Do you know what's not fun? Being a fan of the only MLB team to have never won a World Series, that's what. I've taken my talents of being a baseball fan to other stadiums and I have to admit, it's great to be a baseball fan in a stadium where your team wins and you have access to Club Level amenities. That being said, you can take the girl out of Wrigley, but...after many years it's sad to report you still can't take the Wrigley out of this girl.

What better way for fans to feel the love of their hometown team than with a loss to the Diamondbacks (7-5). Happy Birthday, you're still terrible, and that's only one of the 100 reasons people love the Cubs.

Are you there God? It's me, ________.

Insert any of the following teams into the blank and you will have the headlining titles for all of the leagues 0-3 teams.

The Colts
The Colts have yet to win a game.  Last week they did manage to keep it close as they battled the Pittsburgh Steelers.  In my opinion, the highlight of the game was resorting the the third string QB, Painter, who may see a lot of playing time this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Painter had 5 completions for 60 yards in week 3.  Manning was sitting up in the booth last week, let's see if he can guide the young QB to a win.

The Rams
The Rams started the season with a lot of buzz.  I never really understood why.  Last week the Rams were politely shown the door in Baltimore as they lost 37-7.  However, I do think the Rams may be able to pull off a win today against the Washington Redskins.  Rams have a bye week in week 5, a win going into the bye would be HUGE for locker room moral, it might even create some.

The Vikings
If football games were only played for two quarters at a time, the Vikings would have a perfect season.  They have been unstoppable in the first two quarters, but as they emerge from the locker room in the second half it is as though all the air has been deflated from their viking ship sails and the team is coming down off a first half high.  Donovan Mcnabb still hasn't found a rhythm with his new team.  After getting shut out in the second half against the Detroit Lions last weekend, the Viking have a lot of explaining to do to the fans in Minnesota.  This week, the Vikings travel to Kansas City to play the Chiefs who are also 0-3.  The good news here is someone has to come out of this game a winner... unless they tie.

The Chiefs
Kansas City was embarrassed in the first two weeks of the season losing to the Bills and the Lions by more than 30 points in each game.  Last week, they played a closer game against the San Diego Chargers losing by 3 points.  Maybe the Chiefs are about to find their groove and fire away on all cylinders. This week in order to win, the Chiefs have to take advantage of the Vikings weak second half performances.

The Dolphins
The Dolphins are 7th in rushing yards so far this year.  The questions is, where have they been rushing to, because it hasn't been the endzone.  Last week they lost to the Browns, a team I'm not fond of because I'm not exactly sure what a "Brown" is.  Is that really the best, most intimidating name a franchise can come up with, really?  Anyway, this week the Dolphins are traveling to San Diego to look for a win against the 2-1 Chargers.  Chargers are tough at home, and Dolphins are not typically aggressive animals.  The football team hasn't shown that can be either.

Howling like a Wounded Dog

Michael Vick got into a little hot water a week ago for making comments that the officials of the game were not making what, in his eyes were missed roughing the passer calls.  It turns out, after a little data research, that officials do not protect certain players with roughing the passer calls more or less than others.  There was no data to support Vick's complaints, and therefore he later made a statement that he believed the officials were in fact doing their job.

Vick may have been a little salty because of a bruised bone in his hand that occurred during game 3 against the Giants.  He has since been fitted with a special glove, and will play the 49ers in week 4.  However, is that really a reason to howl like a wounded dog (have you picked up in that irony yet?).

Perhaps, if Vick were doing a better job of getting the ball out there wouldn't as many opportunities for opponents to "be all up in his face"... just saying.

Take out your Binoculars

A look ahead game is a game where one team playing has already written their opponent off before the game even starts and then looks ahead to the games that come after the one they haven't played yet.  This, in turn, causes the team to get defeated by the very team they thought they could easily beat.

The NY Jets are playing the Oakland Raiders this Sunday in what I believe is one such game.  It is the first of three cities the Jets will visit as their next three weeks will be played on the road.  After playing the Raiders, the Jets will jet over to Baltimore and then to New England for a much anticipated matchup.  

The Raiders however just suffered an embarrassing loss at Buffalo to the Bills.  They are playing at home, and after having their first two games on the road, are ready to put a "W" on their card.

This week's Raiders/Jets game has look ahead written all over it.  Take out your binoculars boys and girls, it's time to look ahead.

And the Winner is...

Last night the Emmys were on TV.  So was the Eagles/Falcons game.  I'll tell you who won't be getting an award for best performance last night... the Falcon's offensive line.  They did little to nothing to protect their QB as he looked more like a stunt double getting plowed play after play.  Have you ever seen a baker beat a pasty lump of dough before it was finally cooked....it was a little like that.

However this little dough boy became a sort of comeback story as somehow the Falcons were able to pull off a win even though the Eagles were up by 10 in the second half.  It's no secret how they were able to pull off the win, it wasn't the editing department or the directing department led by head coach, Mike Smith.  It was that the opposing QB, Michael Vick, a sort of ATL hometown hero left the game and didn't play the last quarter.

You may be thinking that one man can't make that much of an impact, and it isn't fair that I put all the blame on Vick not being in the game as to why the Falcons won.  How soon you forget our lesson from Week One: there is an "I" in team... this one's name is spelled V-I-C-K.

Final score: Falcons (35-31)

Week One Rundown

Week one is nearly in the books (there are two Monday night games yet to be played).  Here are a few of the highlights you may have missed.


Bears vs. Falcons (30-12)
The Bears were looking like, well, a real pro football team on Sunday.  Who is this guy, and whatever he did with the real Jay Cutler we don't want to know!  Brian Urlacher scored a defensive touchdown and had an interception.  If the Bears can play as they did during the season opener for the rest of the season, there may be another postseason playoff in their future.

Texans vs. Colts (34-7)
Can I look now, is it over?  This is the feeling I may have for the rest of the Colt's season.  They were shut down by the Texans in Houston.  Don't worry boys, there are only 16 games left.

Cardinals vs. Panthers (28-21)
Cam Newton the newly drafted QB for the Panthers had quite a game on Sunday.  He threw for 422 yards passing, the most of any rookie QB in his NFL opening game.  Sadly, it wasn't enough to beat the Cardinals.

Jets vs. Cowboys (27-24)
The Jets won by three as they blocked a punt in the forth quarter to then score a touchdown.  They later kicked a 50 yard field goal to put themselves over the Cowboys in the final minutes of the game.  Dallas did have a chance to drive down the field in the final minute of the game, but they didn't appear ready for their first victory of the season.  Especially when, with less than eight seconds to go, the snapped ball to Romo bounced off the surprised QB.  The ball hit him in the chest, and what could have been a play to get Dallas into field goal range was ended.  Not a great offensive game for the Jets, but they fly to victory anyway.
Interesting sidebar:  If you can't seem to get enough of the larger than life Rex Ryan, you can now see his twin brother as he coaches in Dallas.  Buddy Ryan looks strikingly similar.  There is one way to tell them apart; Buddy has scary gray clown hair.

Well there you go boys and girls.  Just a few highlights to the beginning of the season.  Now Monday morning as you sashay up to the water cooler, remember a gem or two from above and you will be sounding like a Sports Guy's Girl in no time.

Twas the Night Before Football

Welcome to the start of football.  Well, technically Thursday was the start of football with the Packers beating the Saints, but it is finally time once again for football Sunday.  With all the nerves of the offseason lockout behind us it's time to make sure the batteries in the remote are new, the cheese dip is warm, and there are plenty of beers chilling in the fridge.

Last season I had a 59% accuracy ATS (against the spread) in a pool where I attempted pick winning teams for every game of the season.  That's freaking amazing and could potentially make me a lot of money if I ever took my talents public, but instead my goal is simple: First and foremost I want to entertain my readers with the same informative wit you have come to love, and break down sports in an easy to understand way.  After all, sports are really just soap operas with jock straps and pads.

For the first week I'm looking for:

1. The Colts to lose.  Without Manning, they may not win very many games this season, if any at all... What was that old saying? There is no "I" in team... well for the Colts there is, and he happens to be sitting on the sidelines recovering from neck surgery.

2.  The Bears to lose at home to the Falcons.  With all the problems the Bears have with upset players feeling like they aren't getting paid what they are worth (they aren't) and a lack luster QB who just broke up an engagement to a Dancing with the Stars contestant, there are more fireworks going on off the field than on it.  

3.  I like San Francisco.  Granted my accuracy rating would be a lot higher if I wouldn't have picked them to win so many times last year, but I still like them.  I think this team has a lot of potential.

I look forward to may colorful stories to come out of the season, and I can't wait to share them with all of you.  So, sleep tight and when you wake up tomorrow morning ask yourself one question.  Are you ready for some football????

Christmas in July

Tomorrow is my favorite day of the year.  It isn't my birthday, or Christmas, or any specific holiday per say, but after I tell you why I love July 13, 2011 so much I'm willing to bet any Sports Guy's Girl will come to love it just as much as me.

For those of you who don't know tomorrow is the ONLY day of the year where there are no professional games being played.  The All Star Game was played today (National League won 5-1).  Players are traveling tomorrow to their next city.  There will be no baseball, hockey, basketball, or football games going on anywhere!  It's the one day a year even my sports enthusiast boyfriend will admit that even ESPN is boring to watch.

So pop the bubbly and enjoy your day.  Happy Day After the All Star Game everyone!

Every Girl's Dream

You may have heard the NFL and the NBA are both in lockout situations.  This means there could potentially be a fall/winter without basketball and football.  Hold on ladies, don't go putting your party hat on just yet.  Here's why the lockout is not as great as it may sound.

Think about what your life will be like without these sports for a season.  I bet you are imagining six months of you and your significant other antiquing, having long meaningful conversations, and dinners with your parents.  Well, I'm here to tell you that is NOT what you are in store for.  Think back to how your husband/boyfriend acts when they are sick.  The crying and whining, laying on the couch without purpose.  THAT is what your next 6 months is about to be like.

Here are some ideas of what to say to help your significant other get through this rough time:

He: I can't believe there may be a whole winter without football and basketball.
You:  That really sucks.  I really liked watching the games with you.  I was actually starting to get into it.

He: I love football.
You: Football is the best.

He: This lockout is ridiculous.
You: It boils down to a bunch of billionaires fighting with a bunch of millionaires over money.  They need to pull up their big boy pants and get back on the field/court.

He: How is Lebron ever going to get his six titles if the NBA locksout during his peak years.
You: Don't be ridiculous.  Lebron is never going to win six titles.

He: What are we supposed to do all winter!?...
This one is a trap.  Remember do NOT mention antiques or your parents.  Instead say:
You: We'll have to get by on NCAA.


If in the event your significant other starts up a conversation and you are in too deep with get out, simply ask them if they'd like a cold beer and then leave the room.

Hopefully both the NFL and NBA can come to some type of agreement.  If not, buckle up ladies, it's bound to be a rough couple of months.

Two Cities One Cup

As I'm sure you know, the Boston Bruins beat Vancouver in an exciting Game 7.  As Boston flew home to celebrate with their fans, Canadians showed their good sportsmanship by burning the city and sending many of their own fans to the hospital.  I really didn't think Canadians had it in them to get so angry and violent.  I guess losing Game 7 to the Canadians is a lot like how my mom felt about Oprah leaving daytime TV.  She still can't talk about it.

So Boston gets to hold onto the Stanley Cup (hockey's most important trophy) for the next year, and all Canada has is a lousy Olympic gold metal from a few months ago... how quickly one forgets.

I happened to be in Bean Town the weekend of the Stanley Cup Parade.  Id' like to say it was on purpose, because then I could maybe write the trip off as a business expense - it wasn't. However, since is was in the city I decided I should make my way to the parade, pay my respects to Stanley, and do a little reporting from the scene.

Here is Stanley in all his glory.

Each of the players rode through the streets of Boston on a Duck.  A Duck is a military vehicle turned tourist trap that can maneuver on land and water.  I know this because the day before I went on the tour (insert laughter here).  

While waiting the two and a half hours it took before the parade came through in the blazing hot sun among the Bruins fans in their black and yellow I couldn't help thinking - this might possibly be the closest I ever come to seeing Stanley in all his glory.  That is unless I bump into him at a local strip club.  I hear the players enjoy taking him for a dance now and then.  I wonder if the players tell the strippers they can look but not touch... In any event, the odds of that happening are only slightly higher than that of Oprah returning to daytime TV.

Remember Me???

So.... It's been awhile.  Have no fear!  I am back on the saddle and have lots of juicy sports info to keep you up to date with what's going on this summer.
To be completely honest, I have been trying to figure out how I can best cover the summer sports world.  I mean, there are 30 baseball teams out there, and each team plays something like 162 games.  If you think I'm going to write about each team everyday then you are off your rocker.  Likewise, I know you aren't really all that interested in every game anyway and just need a few juicy bites to sound like you know something. So.... let's get back to business and see what's been going on!

The Steelers "Turnover" and take it from the Packers

The Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 25-31 in the final game of the 2010/2011 season.  Overall here is a look at what happened.

• The Steelers defense was playing like they were startled by all of the bright lights of the cameras.  They had a hard time stopping the Packers on any big down.
• Big Ben (the Steelers quarterback) is known for taking his time in the pocket (he has quite the pump fake).  Normally this isn't a problem, but when your offensive line can't hold the defense you might think Big Ben would try to get out of the pocket and get rid of the ball a little faster.  That didn't happen - I guess I was wrong.
• Packers suffered three injuries during the game that took out some of their starting players,  but that was okay with them as that's how they have been winning all season long.  With injuries ensuing the Packers managed to work with the talent they had to fill the gaps.
• Aaron Rodgers won a new car... and will probably vacation in Disney World as he is named MVP of the game.

What's most amazing about the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl win is that they were a six seed team.  They had to beat Chicago to get into the playoffs, beat the Eagles and Falcons on the road, and then beat Chicago AGAIN.  The Packers definitely took the hard road.  In the end the trophy goes to the best team, and with the way Green Bay crawled back and took their fate into their own hands it's hard to argue with that.

No one mentioned Brett Favre or the potential lockout for next year, Christina Aguilera made up her own lyrics to our national anthem, the cameras caught Cameron Diaz hand feeding A-Rod popcorn, and Mike McCarthy (the Packers head coach) took a bath in orange Gatorade.  It might sound like a circus, but it's America's game and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Diamonds are a Boy's Best Friend

The Packers are going to the Super Bowl and Hell (I mean Dallas) has frozen over.  Tomorrow's big game featuring the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers is fast approaching.  This past week, Dallas was hit with a large storm that brought freezing rain, snow, and ice.  Luckily, Jerry Jones sprung for the deluxe model so Cowboy Stadium has a dome.


I was correct in saying that Donald Driver would have another reason to wear his cowboy hat.  The Packers showed up in Dallas sporting black cowboy hats in an attempt to send a message.  The message was received loud and clear: not everyone looks good in a cowboy hat.  Especially not 300 pound linemen from Wisconsin.


This year the Black Eyed Peas are the halftime performers.  It will be this first time a woman had been the main halftime event since Janet Jackson's boob popped out in 2004.


Here are some interesting facts about tomorrow's game:

• Of the top 10 most watched television programs of all time, 9 of them are Super Bowls.
• A 30 second commercial spot during the Super Bowl costs 2.8 million dollars.
• 8 million pounds of guacamole will be consumed.  To put that into perspective, that would be like covering the field end zone to end zone in avocados that is 12 feet deep.
• 9 million pieces of pizza will be consumed.
• The Vince Lombardi Trophy made by Tiffany takes 72 man-hours to produce; it costs $12,500 - See men love things from Tiffany too!
• The winning team receives diamond encrusted Super Bowl rings.
• No network footage exists of Super Bowl I. It was taped over, supposedly for a soap opera. The two teams in Super Bowl I were the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. The game was played in Los Angeles. - Oops!

For many tomorrow will be a day of mourning - the football season finally comes to an end.  However, if you are an aspiring Sports guy's girl, then it's a day to celebrate!  You successfully faked it through your first football season.

So, tomorrow enjoy the guacamole, pizza, overpaid commercials, men in tight pants, Tiffany trophy, and diamond rings.  Just remember: in the end diamonds are a boy's best friend.

Ben and Aaron do Dallas

Last Sunday, the Packers beat the Bears on the road and the Steelers beat the Jets at home.

On February 6th the Steelers and the Packers will face off in a final showdown, and perhaps the biggest game in all of sports: the Super Bowl.  Lets take a look ahead and see what to watch for while you are watching Ben and Aaron do Dallas.

In case you haven't picked up on my "Debbie does Dallas" reference, the Super Bowl this year will be held in Dallas, Texas.  Jerry Jones, the team owner, has made it clear to the world that yes, the old adage is true: everything is bigger in Texas.  The stadium holds up to 100,000 people and there is a $40 million HDTV hanging from the ceiling.  But don't worry Jerry can afford the mortgage payments on this bad boy by offering an option for people who can't afford a ticket to the game. They can park near the stadium and watch it on an outdoor video screen for the low, low cost of only $200!  What a nice guy.

Back to the actual game and not the circus around it...
The Packers played well last weekend.  I know because I was there to cheer for the Bears, but wasn't able to on account of their lackluster performance.  I stood, along with thousands of others, in silence as the Packers ran up and down the field as Cutler faked an injury and Urlacher had what should have been a game changing interception but instead let Aaron Rodgers tackle him.  A quarterback should not be able to tackle ANYONE let alone a big strong defensive player.  It was ugly, and I am still trying to recover after the heartbreak, but I like the Cubs so I'm sure I can get over this.

Back the the actual game and not my bitter feelings toward Cutler and his imaginary injuries...
Didn't I tell you Donald Driver would find another use for that cowboy hat?  The Packers are a really good team.  They were a good team when half of the starters were out on injured reserve.  Now that everyone is healthy, this team is dangerous.  They have a great QB in Aaron Rodgers and are coached by what many believe is the best coach in Football this season, Mike McCarthy.

The Steelers have QB Big Ben and a great running back in Rashard Mendenhall.  Mendenhall was actually passesd up by Dallas in the draft for Felix Jones.  If you don't know Felix's name, then you can see why Dallas fans may be a little bitter that Mendenhall is in town.  Dallas is also a city known for big hair.  Troy Polamalu will feel right at home with his Head and Shoulders locks.  It's amazing how everything comes together, isn't it?

The Second 2-Seed vs. 6-Seed Game of the Day

You may be surprised to learn that the Bears/Packers is not the only game happening this Sunday.  There is another conference... the AFC... remember them?  Well, if not then let's do something sports reporters across the country have been forgetting to do all week: cover that game too.

Last weekend the Jets beat the New England Patriots.  The Patriots looked as if they suffered some sort of temporary paralysis as the Jets pounded them up and down the field.  The Jets are a good team, but not a Super Bowl good team.  They are, like the Packers, a 6-seeded team.  To get to this game they beat the Colts and the Patriots, both while on the road.

The Steelers are, just like the Bears, a second-seeded team (aren't the similarities striking!?)  Last week they beat the Ravens at home.  They play again this Sunday night at Heinz Field where they are favored to win by 3.5 points.

The Jets have been out to cross teams off their list.  I have a feeling the Steelers are going to take that list,  ball it up, and throw it back in Rex Ryan's face.  But maybe not, Big Ben may just politely ask the Jets to step aside as they march past them on their way to Dallas.  I hear he's a much nicer person these days.

The Super Bowl Before the Super Bowl

There is tension building in the air.  Can you feel it?  This weekend has a storm brewing and the epicenter of destruction is going to be directly over Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

You may be thinking; why all this hoopla over a game?  Well, if that's what you are thinking then you better keep your thoughts to yourself because by asking that question aloud you will be exposing your embarrassing lack of sports knowledge.  Instead, read on and find out why this weekend has a game that defines the spirit of competition.

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

Bears/Packers is the definition of team rivalry.  These two teams that have a hatred for each other that burns like the Great Chicago Fire.  This is one of the few times when everyone will stop and take notice, your boyfriend has a valid reason to watch "the game" instead of go shopping, and you need to have an idea of what happened just to keep pace at the office Monday morning.  Do not try to be bigger than this game, do not make plans that aren't centered around a couch/TV/screaming at the TV like the players can hear you.  This rivalry dates back to 1921, and any event that has been going on that long will trump over your plans every time.

Now that we have that squared away we can talk team dynamics.  The Packers are a 6- seeded team.  That means they were the lowest ranked NFC team going into the playoffs.  They have beat the Eagles and the Falcons, both while on the road.  The Bears however, are seeded at 2.  They had a first round bye, then played the Seahawks at home and won.  Chicago and Green Bay are the last two teams left in the NFC.  They meet up this Sunday, and the winner is going to the Super Bowl.

The Packers are favored by 3.5 points.  Interesting since they are the lower-seeded away team, but not unexpected because the Bears have been underestimated all year.  After a troublesome season of injury the Packers are finally healthy and firing on all cylinders.  On Thursday night, many of the players were spotted at a Brad Paisley concert.  Can you imagine Donald Driver with a cowboy hat on?  One thing is for sure, if the Packers get to Dallas, Driver will get to wear the hat at least once more.

The Bears are playing at home, healthy, and looking to prove the critics wrong.  Don't underestimate a team with the defensive strength of the Great Wall, and a player like Hester who returns punts as easily as most people walk to the mailbox.  These Bears do not have the swagger of the 1985 team, but maybe an NFC championship will make Lovie and the boys dance all the way down to Texas.

P.S. This little lady is going to the game, and will post pics from inside the stadium on Sunday.  Can you guess whose numbers I'll be wearing?

What was on Before the Golden Globes

In case you didn't get to see this weekend's games, or fell asleep on the couch while they were on, here is a recap of the games that went on and what it all means for next weekend.  Yes, we are already looking ahead to next weekend (isn't football great?).

Chicago vs. Seattle
If you had tuned in for the first half of the Chicago/Seattle game you might have been wondering if Seattle was even going to show up.  They looked a lot like my dad in a Victoria's Secret store; they were nervous, and clearly didn't belong there in the first place.
If Chicago can play this way next week they might be able to pull off a win against the next team standing in their way: the Packers.

Final Score: 35-24

Atlanta vs. Green Bay
You may have thought the home field advantage would have had some meaning for the Falcons going into the Packers/Falcons game on Saturday night.  If you had, you would have been wrong.  This game was a blow out, the only use the Georgia Dome served was to keep Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the Packers warm as they beat the Falcons up and down the field.... aren't falcons on some type of endangered species list to protect them against such a beating?
Next stop for the Packers - Chicago

Final Score: 48-21

Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore
This was a close, heated game between two groups of oversized and angry men.  In the end the home team came out on top.  The win by the Steelers means they will go up against the Jets next Sunday to try to power their way through to the Super Bowl.  If they can pull it off next week, this will be their third Super Bowl in the past six seasons.

Final Score: 31-24

New England vs. New York Jets
Tom Brady and crew did NOT look like the unstoppable Patriots of seasons past.
On the other side of things, the Jets really looked like they were laying it all out on the line.  Head coach, Rex Ryan, even "ran" the length of the field at the end of the game to congratulate players on a "haha in your face" meaningless touchdown.  If you don't know why that visual is funny, google Rex Ryan.  Be careful not to open any foot fetish websites though.  All jokes aside the Jets will be flying to Pittsburgh for their match up with the Steelers next Sunday.

Final Score: 28-21

Divisional Playoffs - What to Expect

Baltimore Ravens - Pittsburgh Steelers

This game will be played in Pittsburgh with two teams that DO NOT like each other.  Both teams play a tight defense, and have monsters on both sides of the ball.  In their last 22 meetings on the field, Steelers have won 13.  This is going to be a GOOD game.

Atlanta Falcons - Green Bay Packers

It's a good thing Atlanta plays in a dome!  With all the snow and ice they have had in the south, especially Atlanta, the thought of playing a home game in Atlanta - in the snow doesn't make it seem like a home game at all.  Nonetheless, the Packers are going down to the frozen south to try and do what many teams in the NFL have not been able to do at the Georgia Dome.  That is win.
The last meeting between the teams was this season at the Georgia Dome where the score was a tight 27-24, a Falcons win.
With the hostile working environment the Packers face, lets see if they can get it done.

Chicago Bears - Seattle Seahawks


Have you even been witness to an act of God?  I have, last weekend while watching the Seahawks beat the New Orleans Saints (who by the way, won the Super Bowl last year).  The Seahawks are NOT good.  In fact, they have a losing record.  They are by definition the best of the worst and have somehow found a way into the playoffs.
Chicago and Seattle have already played once this year where Chicago lost at home 23 - 20.  It's embarrassing, but what would be more embarrassing is if Chicago finds a way to lose to them again in the playoffs.
Lovie Smith, Brian Urlacher, Jay Cutler and the rest of Chicago needs a win... they haven't been to the playoffs since their Super Bowl loss in 2007 when, by the way, they also had to play Seattle in a divisional playoff game to get through to the Super Bowl.  Coincidence, or another act of God?

New York Jets - New England Patriots


New England is like the better looking, smarter, and funnier older sibling... you do not like them and guess what?  They don't care, because they are happy being awesome with or without you on board. Well, just so you know Patriots fans... the fat guy (Rex Ryan, coach) and his team are coming to play, and they want to mess up Tom Brady's hair and get a little dirty.
Tom Brady is a fantastic quarterback.  Mark Sanchez is good... until he is bad, and then it's really, really bad.  So which Mark Sanchez will show up in New England?  Tom Brady is hoping it's the bad one.

No Big "O" Last Night...

Last night the BCS Championship was played between Auburn and Oregon.  You may be interested to know that Oregon is well known for their multitude of uniforms (aka outfits).  In fact, there was a lot of interest in what the boys would wear last night (see... men really do care about fashion!).  Well, it turns out they should have paid less attention to matching their day-glo shoes to their day-glo do-rags and and paid a little more attention to how they could stop the offensive linemen of Auburn.
My mom called today to tell me that she felt bad for Oregon, because they looked so small.  Excellent observation Mom!  On average the Auburn linemen weigh 45 lbs. more than the Oregon line (Oregon probably wanted to fit in their uniforms and look good... they were on TV after all).
With all jokes aside, Oregon wasn't really running the hurry-up offense they are used to, and looked a little worn down by the time they finally tied the game up in the fourth quarter.
Final Score: Auburn 22 - Oregon 19