Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Super Bowl Bound

The Bears look "alive" in their win over the Saints last Sunday.
What needs to happen for them to win?

I would say the defense needs to set the tone of this game. Take the pressure off of Grossman, and let him "relax" as much as possible. They need to pressure Manning as much as possible. They can disrupt his game.

And like playing Euchre, always count on your partner for one. Special teams being the partner, then also need to make some big plays, whether it is pinning them inside the 5 yard line or Deven Hester returning a kick for 6.

The offense should establish a running game and keep the passing game as a luxury rather than a necessity. I love to watch a passing game, but if Chicago utilizes both running backs. They should stay "fresh" and make some big plays.

If all of the above happens and Rex can make a couple plays in a "clutch" situation, Chicago is in pretty good shape.



The Colts have done it, where they have come so close in many of the past several seasons.

What do they need to do?

Offense, Peyton Manning has several weapons of choice, and without a doubt can put points on the board. He can make the "clutch" plays and play out long drives.

The defense, well it is much like Chicago's offense, it just depends which one shows up. We have seen them allow rushing yards all season, then against Kansas City not allow a first down. Larry Johnson barely put up any numbers and he was second in rushing (for the season) only to Ladainian Tomlinson. If they show up, stop the run and make Rex lead the team, they are going to get some INT's.

Special teams, they just need to be consistant and contain Deven Hester on kick returns. If they keep him quiet, they have done what they need to do.


I don't know that I could pick one of these teams to win, but I am rooting for the Bears. I want to see the second edition of the Super Bowl Shuffle. I know they don't have a "Flashy" Jim McMahon, or the "Sweetness" of Walter Payton, or Willy Gault's "world class speed, But they do have a new generation of the "Monsters of the Midway"

Yep, I got the photos from FOXSports.com

Monday, January 01, 2007

Final Week of the Regular Season

San Francisco at Denver

Well did anyone watch the San Fran / Denver game? I did late in the game. There were some strange calls there towards the end with the challenges. But outside of that what an exciting game. San Fran wins in OT.


But last night, Denver didn't just lose their final game and playoff spot. Darrent Williams was gunned down, corner back for the Broncos was killed. Williams just 24 years old, and just finished his second season with the Broncos.

Photo from NFL.com

Da Bears, I understand they didn't need that win, but you could at least try a little. Oh, and if that was a try, what a sorry bunch of misfits. I don't care what excuses there are, you do NOT go into the playoffs like that. Chicago, probably 1 game left. bla bla bla...

The Chiefs, wow, two weeks ago I said they had a slim to nothing chance of making it. WELL they did! They needed help and they got it.



Next week:


Chiefs @ Colts


Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC


I take the Chiefs just because, I like their running game. This converts to clock management. Colts haven't seemed to worry about the run all season, allowing tons of yards. Dungy is a good coach, and likes to appear in the playoffs, but that is about as far as it goes.





Cowboys @ Seahawks


Saturday, 8 p.m. ET on NBC


Neither team is blasting into the playoffs. But I like the Cowboys in this game. I am counting on Parcells to have the Cowboys prepared.





Jets @ Patriots


Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on CBS


I like the Patriots at home, and this ain't their first rodeo. They have not only been to 3 of the last 5 Super Bowls, but also won 3 of the last 5 Super Bowls. Winning each by only 3 points.





Giants @ Eagles


Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX


I'll take Philly in this one. They appear to be on a roll.... Let's see if they can ride this one out...





Special Mention:
Goes out to the Oakland Raiders for wrapping up the first overall pick of the 2007 draft. Maybe Quinn will come on board. None the less they were in a Super Bowl just 4 years ago, let's get it "back" together. Art Shell needs a little more time.

See ya in a week...