This Sunday is going to have one of the biggest games out there that's not a post-season game.

 

At work, I have Vikings fans who have hated #4 over the years for the EXACT same reasons why I have love him.

 

It was funny the day at work with the October 5th game, because I wore my Favre jersey that Steve and Marge gave me. I said it was to counter-act the ugly purple jersey. For the week after, I got several interesting jokes.

 

I made my retaliation plan plain.  I'm giving out string cheese sticks to my Vikings fans WHEN Green Bay beats them.

 

However, I'm probably considered a torn fan. I always want Brett Favre to succeed. But, on this rubbermatch, I want him to fail one time in Lambeau. He's a Hall of Famer first ballot, and he'll go in as a Packer.

 

May the best team win.

Well, this weekend marks the end of an era in the upper Midwest. The Minnesota Twins will play their last regular season games in what is fondly called The Homer Dome.

 

The thing about the Dome as far as baseball goes...it sucks for the most part. Opposing players hate playing there, because, well, a little white ball is kind of hard to see when it's hit and is lost in the Dome's white roof and lights.

 

It's got Astro Turf, the center field is kind of skewed, and trying to go to concessions or to the bathroom is a pain.

 

That said, some of my best memories of going to baseball games there are incredible. Ive been to six baseball games (and one Monday Night Football game).

 

Perhaps the fondest memory is hearing "Next at bat, KIIIIIIIIRBY PUUUUUUUCKEEEEETT!"

 

It also just has some of the most famous sports moment,s from The Vikings losing a chance to go to the Super Bowl with a muffed field goal kick, Brett Favre magic (more thoughts on that in another post), and perhaps one of the endings of the best World Series in history.

 

Game 6 ended with Kirby hitting a home run to force Game 7. And of course, Game 7's miracle Jack Morris pitching against a very talented Atlanta Braves team in 1991.

 

The Dome will still host football games, as I don't think the Vikings will able to build a new outdoor stadium just yet.

 

Next year, the Twins will play in a new shiny OUTDOOR stadium, complete with video displays from Daktronics..:D (I'm hoping to be able to go to a game just to see it!)

 

So yeah, the Dome won't be missed by baseball, but it has a lot of memories. Unless of course, the Detroit Tigers lose their last 3, and the Twins win their last 3, a tie-breaker game will happen either Monday morning, or Tuesday to see who gets in the playoffs (there's been many a time that the Twins had to play morning games, and the Gophers play night games).

I was trying to figure out how I planned on writing about the Detroit Lions finally winning a game during the regular season. Personally, good for them. Especially those players, coaches, staff, and the greater metropolitan area of Detroit.

 

For one of the hardest hit areas during the recession, it got a boost morally. The only problem:

 

No one within 90 miles of Detroit saw the victory, unless you were at Ford Field.

 

It was blacked out, meaning the game against Washington was not aired. Even bars with HDTV package deals can't show games blacked out. Blackouts occur when a team doesn't sell x amount of tickets 72 hours prior to the game.

 

I myself have cut back on my own bills by forgoing cable. In a way,  I'm reading more books again (one of my favorite hobbies), if I want music, I just click on a few rock stations I have bookmarked.

 

I either go downtown to catch parts of games, or I just sit at home, find the closest radio station online to a game I'm interested in.

 

In some ways, I find this rather entertaining, because I have to rely on my own mind's eye on what I'm listening to. I also wonder what the people of Greater Michigan saw in their minds' eye when they were listening to their down-trodden team win. Because, I really wish that they could have had a chance to watch the victory, instead of having to listen to it on a radio, or on the internet.

 

But because of the way ticket sales/blackout rules are written, the NFL views that if even during the recession, if the lift the blackouts for this year, they may not get it back. It's understandabe, considering a salary-capless year is coming up, and that guys like Jerry Jones just built a $2.2 billion dollar stadium. It's called $$ for the league, owners, and players. It truly could get ugly.

 

If anything, the NFL Network should allow Detroit stations to show this game for free in repeat. It's a done deal. Let the fans have a piece of the pie for free.

 

Glad you won one, guys.

Boy, oh boy. Is this a sad day. But yet, a glorious day.

 

John Madden, coach, broadcaster, the namesake of a video game franchise, retired from broadcasting.

 

No announcer in sports had a major impact this side of Howard Cosell on such a national level. Not only that, but when a VIDEO GAME is enshrined into the Football Hall Of Fame, that's an icon beyond no measure.

 

It saddens me, because I'll miss John's play by play, his analysis. However, it was announced earlier that Chris Collinsworth will step up. At work, my football buddies were wondering, "Who could replace Madden?" Many of us said Bob Costas, but when I read that Chris was going to be the one, I slapped my forehead. I FORGOT him.

 

That's a very worthy choice. Unless you don't like Chris or his style, he's perfect. He's young enough to be able to announce for decades. Many of the games I've heard him announce each Sunday were the ones I loved watching. Like Madden, he's a student of the game. Except, he was a player, not a coach.

 

However, prior to each football season, EA Sports released a Madden title for the last twenty years. I can see them handle it in several ways:

 

1). Have him voice, like he's done.

2). Replace him with Chris. There's precedence. When Pat Summerall retired, and John went to Monday Night Football, Al Michaels was play by play.

3). Have this year's with Chris doing play by play, and John voicing color.

4). Retire the series.

 

Any of those decisions, or any I haven't thought of, would rock.

 

To John:

 

BOOM!

 

And thank you for the memories.

 

 

Over the weekend, the steroids have crept up yet again for Major League Baseball.

 

The one who thought could save them from Barry Bonds, Alex Rodrquez was named for using steroids, and personally, I think he's the first of the ones who cares about his legacy and his sport came clean. Miguel Tejeda, on the other hand was arrested for lying to a federal agent on his use of steroids today.

 

The reason why this is important to me, is the fact that baseball has such a storied history. I haven't cared much in years, which saddens me.

 

I remember having a conversation with Obi Wan where he told me, despite my disdain for Barry Bonds, and the Mitchell Report's mention of names, I'll never fall out of love with it.

 

He's right. I love it enought to write about it. I just wish that the union and the owners realize that they should all come clean.

 

Admit that there is a problem, and if the offenders are truly men, come out, admit it, and face the consequences.

 

If I were Bud Selig, I would resign, because you never cared for the fans, and you and Doug Fehr both should testify on what YOU KNEW.

 

For me to truly want to actucally flip on a baseball game (even the World Series), I want a "Dead Poet's Society" moment.

 

I'd like to see players just to follow A-Rod, and step up on a desk and say,

 

"Oh Captain! My Captain!"

 

Not to save my love for baseball.

 

But to save themselves.

 

Then I can believe again.

 

 

 

Nice article about Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisberger. It's kind of heavy on Warner, but how Ben changed since his last Super Bowl win is a pretty nice read.

Well, tomorrow night is when the most pizzas are sold, where just before the halftime show begins that the sewer systems in the country overflow (sorry, had to say it), and The Boss will play halftime at some Pop Warner flag football game going on that no one will watch.

 

Ok, all kidding aside, it's an unofficial holiday called Super Sunday. I'm debating on going to Cubby's (http://www.cubbyssportsbarandgrill.com/index.swf) and have a massive hangover, or play it safe, and stay home. If I go, I'll prolly head down right before game time.

 

Now my thoughts on the game itself. Currently, Pittsburgh is favored by seven points over the "Where in the HELL did they come from??!" Arizona. I see some synergy between the '05 Steelers and the '08 Cardinals, not to mention other surprise teams in recent memory.

 

1). in '05, no one expected Pittsburgh to win all on the road to win it all.

 

2). Arizona, by some wierd fluke, didn't have to go that route, HOWEVER, it's a wierd road nonetheless. They beat the Falcons at home, Philiadelphia won in Minnesota and beat Jersey A (aka New York Giants). If Philly didn't win that game, Arizona would have to go to New York. The Cardinals were not expected to even come close to beating Carolina, but Jake Delhome (QB for the Panthers) self-destructed. Which in turn brought Philly to the Desert.

 

3). Look at the New York Giants from last year. They won 10 road games at the end of the season (including playoffs and Super Bowl). They were the David to New England's 18-0 Goliath.

 

4). Indianapolis two seasons actually won in the playoffs due to defense, which was remarkable. Usually it is on the shoulders of some insignificant QB named Peyton Manning (GOD I hope they have more Mastercard commercials with him this year. He's so hilarious!), but when playoff time came around, they stepped up. Interesting fact: Cardinals RB Edgerrin James was traded from Indianapolis to Arizona prior to that season, and the Colts actually gave him a ring, because he was a major part of the Colts' revival with his carrer there. To me, that's class.

 

5). I remember watching much of "The Greatest Show On Turf"'s 1999 season. The St. Louis Rams (led a former grocery store bag boy/AFL Iowa Barnstormer QB named Kurt Warner who ended up being Super Bowl MVP) seemed to quietly go 14-2 without much respect. When Minnesota games weren't played (since they're the local market for me), Rams games seemed to be on alot. I missed a good portion of the season due to my work sched, and I had to listen to the Super Bowl on the radio on that Sunday. I was trying to tape it, but only got the first half.

 

6). Super Bowl XXXV (Ravens-Giants) had the two weakest offenses in Super Bowl history. The Ravens won solely on defense. The giant's lone score was a touchdown on the second half kickoff runback. People are arguing about the Cardinals being the worst Super Bowl contender due to record, and the fact they came out of the weakest division of football. The trick is, they won the games that have mattered in the playoffs. They won the "One and Done" games.

 

7). In contrast, Pittsburgh this year is kind of a combination of the 2000 Ravens due to defense, and the quietness during the season. Everyone was focusing on "Can New England win without Brady (Answer: True), and "What's wrong with Peyton Manning?" (Earlier in the season, Manning was still gimpy from his off-season knee surgery, but became himself again). It didn't help that the Tennesee Titans rocked most teams' worlds, the 1-15 Dolphins of last year perform the best turnaround in a seaon in history, and to focus on the New York Bretts (err, Jets). So yeah, they were kind of buried in the news (except for Steeler Nation, of course).

 

8). Kurt Warner and Ben Rothlisberger (Arizona QB, Pittsburgh QB, respectfully) both are charmed men. In 1999, Warner's jump to starter was due to a season ending injury to Trent Green in the pre-season. After the loss to New England, his career turned journeyman/backup due to injuries. In Arizona, he became starter when QB Matt Leinert was ineffective. Suddenly, if he wins the game tomorrow, he very well could become Hall of Fame worthy. "Big Ben" on the other hand, is much more lucky than Warner in the sense that a few months after winning the Super Bowl, he nearly died in a motorcycle accident. He wasn't wearing a helmet. The following season, his performance was subpar, but not surprising.

 

9). Here's an article that is rather fascinating to me. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/01/21/chff/index.html?bcnn=yes

The reason I think this is fascinating is, Peyton Manning is considered one of the smartest on-field QBs in the business, and a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame. He's one of the few (if not only) QBs who can call his own plays. Yet, Kurt Warner has a much better record in the post season. Granted, as the article states, his is better with five fewer games, so that possibly can skew the data, but it can't be ignored.

 

10). Arizone coach Kent Wisenhunt won a ring with Pittsburgh in '05, and has the opportunity to win against his old team. If Pittsburgh wins, Mike Tomlin will be the second black coach to win the big game, and the Steelers will have six rings out of seven tries.

 

I'm rooting for the Cardinals, but if Pittsburgh wins, I'm cool with that.

 

Peter King's comments pretty much sums it up.

 

I'll miss you coach. You're a fine man, and I am happy for you.

Maybe finally, Adam "Pacman" Jones will get his just desserts. He was cut by the Dallas Cowboys today.

 

Here's the deal: Mr. Jones is more famous off-field than on. Before the 2007 season, the former Tennessee Titan was either implicated or present for no less than ten off-field confrontations with police, or investigated in such activities. One of these incidents was at a Las Vegas strip club where a bouncer was maimed.

 

Due to these transgressions, he was suspended for the entire 2007 season.

 

However, one might haunt him:

 

 

I'm not a Cowboys fan by any means, but I'm glad they cut him, because we really do not need people as role models such as this.

I intended to post about this on Sunday, but I had more important things to deal with. However, I feel that this is a very important topic to address, considering the times we're in. It's important, because of what is going on with the auto industry, and quite frankly, I see a parallel.

 

Sports is an endeavor that is a great way to release tension, get exercise, and get jacked up on emotionally. I never played any sports in highschool except intermural basketball, and later football (soccer). Mostly for me for fun.

 

As a fan, I root for my teams. I also root against rival teams. Like last year's New England Patriots going undefeated until the Super Bowl, it got old hearing about it. But what I am about to discuss is a contrast. That team certainly had incredible talent, and if they had won it all, fine. But they got blindsided, and more than likely, just tired.

 

What the Detroit Lions did this year was the epitome of failure from the owner down to the players. I'll be honest, as it got closer to the end of the season, I was rooting for the Lions to go winless, even though the players or coaches themselves really didn't deserve it. They actually could have won some games.

 

In the dawn of the century, the Ford family hired Matt Millen, former NFL player and game announcer as president and CEO. Basically, he ran everything from hiring coaches to running the draft. He failed on every single decision he made. During the "Millen Era" as his tenure is known, he had several teams start off with major hot win streaks (last year's Lions went 6-2 before going 7-9.) Millen was fired early in this past season, but futility just kept on going.

 

The problem is, Bill Ford, Jr. (son of owner William Clay Ford, Sr.) had to publically voice his opinion before Millen got fired. This was despite Millen getting a contract extension, despite the fanbase of Detroit chanting "Fire Millen!" not only in home arenas for the other franchises, but also on road games for all four teams over the years.

 

If anything, Detroit got some draft picks by sending Roy Williams (WR) to Dallas. That might help them, but it depends on the "new management".

 

It was sad watching that Thanksgiving game with the Tennesee Titans, because the ineptitude of the team was televised nationwide. If that was the only game you saw of this team, trust me, it was a good example. I saw the Green Bay game earlier in the season, and as always, early season games are hard to judge. The Lions were winning until QB John Kitna threw interceptions (two that went for touchdowns outright). This happened in the final five minutes of the game.

 

They had some "almost wins"..some close ones, but somehow, they just could not execute And as the season went on, I guess I was more in disbelief than anything. I actually started to read articles from the Detroit papers, and die-hard Lions fans wanting them to do the unthinkable, because it might just give a wakeup call.

 

Ford didn't clean house, like he should have with the executives. Perhaps he should cede to his son, Bill.

 

The hardships of Detroit (as a whole) is based on an archaic model. If the Lions would have won a game or two, I don't think that it would be that glaring. But, consider:

 

1). Detroit is one of two major cities with four separate playing fields for their respective teams: Ford Field (Lions), Tiger Stadium (Tigers), Joe Louis Arena (Red Wings) and The Palace (in Auburn Hills for the Pistons). With the exception of the Lions, every other major team has won championships since 1957 (the last time they won a championship).

 

2). Ford Field replaced the Silverdome as the home field for the Lions. It was a $500 million investment that has yet to have even a sniff of a playoff game for both the team and their field.

 

3). The team kept on executives who were part of the debacle of this past season. Now, that could be good or bad. If the staff has fresh ideas, then ok. But if next season goes sour...

 

4). This shows a glaring problem of management in the auto industry. Make more economical cars. Make more affordable cars. Why do you think foreign cars are more popular? It was poor management of allowing the CEOs of the industry fly out to be bailed out in company jets.

 

It saddens me to see 0-16, even thought I rooted for it. But it should be a wakeup call. Of the four professional teams, the Lions are the most vulnerable. With the ties to the auto industry as well, they could lose their team to another city, or worse.

 

I'm not a fan of the Lions. I prefer them to lose their Thanksgiving game. I know it's "tradition", but sometimes tradition needs to end to renew yourself.

 

That's the shame of 0-16.

Talk about how one hit could change the season of a team.

 

Seven minutes into the first quarter of the Chief-Patriots game, quarterback Tom Brady, the NFL's pretty boy, and New England's unqestionable leader was knocked out for the season (confirmed today) with an ACL tear.  Considering I had a minor knee injury this winter, I feel fro Brady.  For a football player, especially for one that was mobile (and I place this now in past tense) as Brady, he'll never be the same.  Even though Dan Marino was never mobile, look what happened to his career.  He still put up numbers, but he became limited.

 

One thing's for sure, this will definately show us just how much of a genius coach Belichick really is.  Was it the coaching, or the player?  Many suggest that pre-Brady, Belichick was close to getting fired, and his record in Cleveland was horrid.

 

The AFC benefits, because without New England in the dominent picture (after all, they could still posibbly contend), many teams might literally have a fighting chance.

 

San Diego will now have a chance to really go to the Super Bowl.  The best player in the game LaDanian Tomilison might finally get a chance to dance in the Big One.

 

The AFC East, with the surging Bills and the New York Bretts (err, Jets) can possibly get to win the division, or go to the playoffs.

 

But, that's why they play the games.

 

Jim Abbott always amazed me, watching him flip his glove on every pitch.

 

 

He is an inspiration to all with handicaps.

 

 

I was watching/listening to the first round of the NFL draft yesterday, and the pick that didn't surpise me was made by the Atlanta Falcons.

 

That team basically told Michael Vick that they have moved on. They drafted a quarterback that probably will not run around, and make decisions that are sensible.

 

When Vick played, he showed incredible talent and brilliance.  However, considering his conviction and imprisonment for dogfighting, it also shows his poor decision making.  There were games where he simply dominated.  There were games where you simply did not know which Vick would show up.

 

What happened in Atlanta during the Vick years is they could not draft anyone to compliment him.  Wide receivers?  Well, if you QB plays as a running back for much of the game, you end up playing as a blocker.  Runningback?  Well, look at Vick's numbers.  Why have a runningback on your team, if your quarterback amasses yards?

 

I would commend Vick for wanting to return to the NFL after his sentance, However, he should return as a runningback, because he is much more geared for that position.

 

With the pick of Matt Ryan, the team turned a corner.  Micheal Vick's time in Atlanta ended when Matt walked the stage.

 

Much pressure will be on Mr. Ryan. Even if he fails his first year, Atlanta will have someone to root for. Someone the coaching staff and fans to believe in.

 

I seem to recall a certain quarterback that was drafted by the Falcons in 1991, and was traded because the coach simply didn't like him. Now that quarterback is on his way to the Hall of Fame. His name is Brett Favre.

 

One became a legend. One fell from grace. One is unproven, but he probably has the hardest shoes to fill.

 

Next weekend is the NFL draft, and many sports websites are doing stories concerning past drafts.  ESPN had a two-part article this weekend.  The first was listing the biggest draft busts.  Today's article was about draft steals.  At the top of the list, of course (and rightly so, I might add) is QB Tom Brady of the New England Patriots.  As the last player drafted last in the 2000 draft, he deserves the accolades he has received.

 

However, this post is actually about TE Shannon Sharpe's story, who played with the Denver Broncos and Balitmore Ravens. He won three Super Bowls (two with Denver, one with Baltimore).

 

His older brother Sterling, wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers worked out with him on the day he was picked by the Broncos.

 

The way Shannon describes his rookie year, it's literally like being picked last on a pickup game of basketball.  All the popular players get picked higher.  But, usually, the lower picks in the draft get picked on even more than the "next big star" of the upper crust of the draft.

 

Shannon said he was almost cut by the team on the last pre-season game of the 1990 season, and played his heart out.  Eventually, quarterback John Elway helped him focus.  And he ended up winning three Super Bowls.

 

The most interesting memory for me with the Broncos beating Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXII is this:

 

Sterling Sharpe had to retire a couple of years before the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI, due to health reasons.  He became a commentator, and was asked after the Packer loss if he was disappointed his former team lost the game.  He said he was just happy for his brother, even if it was against the team he played for.

 

And now, there's a possibility that Shannon Sharpe will be first ballot for the Hall of Fame.

 

Even though I watch the draft each year, hearing top picks demanding insane amounts of money without proving anything just boggles me.  And yet, here's a guy who thought he was going to be picked in the early rounds gets picked near the end of the draft, and becomes a Hall of Famer.

 

Because of Tom Brady, now there's a watch on who gets picked last.

 

To me, my point is, if you have the talent, the correct mindset, the personality, it doesn't matter where you're picked.

 

So much value is put at the upper ends of the draft, and it boils down to $$.  I hope when the NFLPA and owners get together to talk contract, perhaps they should discuss that ALL players be given a set minimum salary.

 

Pipe dream, but it's what is needed to keep players in check.  Instant cash does not mean instant success.  Work for it, boys.

 

Just ask Shannon Sharpe.

 

 

 

 

Welp, the post-Brett Favre Era begins.

 

Home games in bold, nationally televised games with an *.  Unless noted, games are on Sundays. Special notes with and explaination with (1), (2), etc.

 

Sept 8:   MINNESOTA VIKINGS*(Monday) (1)

Sept 14: Detroit Lions (2)

Sept 21: DALLAS COWBOYS* (3)

Sept 28: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Oct 5:    ATLANTA FALCONS

Oct 12:  Seattle Seahawks (4)

Oct 19:  INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Oct 26:  BYE (No game played for Green Bay)

Nov 2:   Tennessee Titans

Nov 9:   Minnesota Vikings

Nov 16: CHICAGO BEARS (5)

Nov 24: New Orleans Saints* (Monday)

Nov 30: CAROLINA PANTHERS

Dec 7:   HOUSTON TEXANS

Dec 14: Jacksonville Jaguars

Dec 21: Chicago Bears* (Monday)

Dec 28: DETROIT LIONS

 

(1): Division Rival. First game with a starting quarterback for Green Bay not named Brett Favre since 1992.

 

(2): Division Rival. Hosts traditional early afternoon Thanksgiving Day game.

 

(3): Hosts traditional late afternoon Thanksgiving Day game.

 

(4): Seattle Seahawks Coach Mike Holmgren coached the Green Bay Packers from 1992 to 1998.  Started quarterback Brett Favre on Sept 26, 1992.  Won Super Bowl XXXI with Brett Favre as his quarterback against the New England Patriots, and lost Super Bowl XXXII with Brett Favre as his quarterback in an emotional Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos.  Left Green Bay for Seattle. Coached against Green Bay and lost in 2008 in Divisional Round in a blizzard game, which was the last game between Holmgren and Favre.  This season is reportedly to be Mike Holgren's last year as head coach.  Depending on playoffs, may be last game Holmgren coaches against the team that he will be responsible for bringing back to it's former dominance not seen since the Vince Lombardi era.

 

(5): Division Rival. Oldest continuous rivalry in the National Football League.

 

Stupid fact 1: Including the Packers, there are 24 appearances in a Super Bowl for a represented team.

 

Stupid Fact 2: Nine of those 24 appearing (including one by the Packers) have lost.  The sore spot is the Minnesota Vikings at 0-4.

 

Stupid Fact 3: Only Green Bay and Dallas have won more than two (Green Bay: 3-1, Dallas 5-2).

 

Stupid Fact 4: The Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts are the only team to have appeared in Super Bowls with strange firsts (however, Dallas appeared in one of those Super Bowls).  The first was with the " I Gurantee It" phrase from New York Jets QB Joe Namath in Super Bowl III. Colts got beat 16-7.  The second is against Dallas in Super Bowl V, when both teams had the most turnovers. Baltimore won.  Also of note, this Super Bowl is the only one to have the Most Valuable Player (MVP) come from the LOSING team. The third is Super Bowl XLII, which was the first to have any weather actually affect the game, as it rained during the game between Indianapolis and the Chicago Bears.

 

Stupid Fact 5: The Tennesee Titans are the only team that have lost the Super Bowl on a play that was not determined on special teams against the Saint Louis Rams in the final seconds of XXXIV. Kevin Dyson was downed one yard short attempting to place the football over the goal line as time expired.  Had he crossed the plane, the Super Bowl would have gone into the first overtime in history.

 

However, there is one Awesome Fact:

 

Awesome Fact: Super Bowl XLII is the first Super Bowl to have not one, but both head coaches (Chicago's Lovie Smith and Indianapolis' Tony Dungy).

 

So as spring comes around for summer, I'm awaiting football season...

Well, the day came (onmy birthday, no less).  Brett Favre retired from football.

 

Honestly, I'm kind of glad he did.  Many times, athletes have stayed their welcome.  This includes greats such as Joe Montana, Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, and Dan Marino.  All of those are from the modern era (as in the last 25 years or so).  The only one not mentioned on that list was John Elway.  He left at the right time.

 

Sometimes what happens is, players who are great don't know how to step back.  Favre was different in the sense that he, like Rice, Montana, and Smith, he won a championship early in his career.  Dan Marino and John Elway were supposed to be the wonder kids of their era.  Marino unfortunately could not return to the big game.  Elway managed to, and won his last two, and retired.

 

Brett Favre was different.  The last three years or so in the off-season were nightmares for Packer fans.  Will he, or won't he?

 

The fact that the last few years prior to the 2007 season were both statistically and emotionally not been good for Brett.  But this year's Packers team surprised everyone.

 

I think that in the end, he retired because he had too much fun this year, and had wonderful emotions during the season.  Stat hogs will say that his 442 touchdown (20 more than Marino), yardage 61,000+, and an amazing 275 starts since 1992 (including playoffs) is what he was shooting for.

 

I disagree.

 

He played his heart out year in, year out.  The best game of his career I never saw because I was working.  I'm not talking about the two Super Bowls.  I'm talking about the Oakland game where he destoryed them Raiders a day after his father died.

 

So thanks for the memories.

 

 

 

Many people have told me from time to time, or I have read blog comments on CNNSI, ESPN, and various other reliable sports sites that this is a waste of our time.

 

It's not, because even if you are not a sports fan, the fact remains that there are millions (and if you think of it, billions) are sports fans at some sort of fundimental level.

 

If you really think of it, sports replace the Games of Rome, where it was literally survival.  An edge, if you will, in those games of life and death.  It was judge, jury, and executioner.  This is, of course, our modern view.  Could Caesar rig his former favorite to die by his thumb (or have him/her (yes there are recorded references for female gladiators)) because of some slight?  Or conversely, could Caesar find ways to ensure his favorite to win?

 

The road to being number one in sports has, and sadly, will always be finding ways to outbeat an opponent.  However, I've changed my views concerning Spygate as it's called with the New England Patriots.  To me, that's a waste of time for Congress.

 

What I am addressing is the Mitchell Report, Barry Bonds, Floyd Landis, Marion Jones, and if you really want to go old school, Ben Johnson. 

 

I could really go on.  my point being is I think with Congress asking all of the major sports federations and the USIOC (United States International Olympic Committee) are going to testify.  The point being is this:

 

Sports in our world is important.  Those of you who have read my blog know that I take my sports seriously.  But the trick from my point of view isbase emotions:  pride and love, hatred, and in the end, humbleness and acceptance.

 

It's a way for us to (the fans) to escape whatever problems we have..to root for the home turf.  I'm from smalltown, so most state stuff is going to be me rooting for Mitchell.  College?  TBD.  One word:  'Yote.

 

NFL is complicated for me.  #4 is my idol (Brett Favre); but I have to fight against rooting against Chad Greenway of the Minnesota Vikings.

 

MLB is even more complicated, because with the cloud of this investigation, I met some of the Minnesota Twins last month.

 

Again, I could go on.

 

This is truly a world issue.

 

 

 

Well, after mocking some New England Patriots fans at work (I'm not mean, but there's a reason; more on that in a moment), all I can say was last night's game was incredible.  I fathom as to why Eli Manning got the MVP, as I felt some of the defensive guys deserved it, but oh well. 

 

As far as picking on the Patriot fans, one only needs to look at how coach Bill Belichick left the field with two seconds left in the game.  To me, he more or less showed his unprofessionalism by doing so.  He's a sore loser.  He has been known to be arrogant for years, and his arrogance basically bit him in the ass last night.  Oh well, Mr. Hoodie.  I commend you for doing what you did, but be graceful.

 

Two weeks ago, my Packers lost a game that was considered one of the coldest ever by these very same Giants.  I was shocked, just like you probably feel now.  Deal with it.

 

Will it steel your team to try to do it again?  Or will your team go the route of mediocrity that recent Super Bowl losers tend to follow?  Honestly, I don't see the latter happening, because of what we witnessed this year.  But there is such thing as a Super Bowl Hangover.  Ask the Rams, Giants, Raiders (the worst of the bunch), Panthers, Eagles, and Bears.  All of those teams tanked the next year.  But, the Patriots are coached too well and too talented to tank.  Only time will tell.

 

What you did proves how hard to go completely undefeated in the NFL.  Football is the only sport that does not follow a 'series' format.  The exception is playing your division rivals twice.  Meeting a team a third time is common, but rarely, a sweep is made.  The seasons of baseball, basketball, and hockey have series or multiple meetings.  Soccer is probably the most resembled to the NFL; however, they still play more games than the NFL does in a season.

 

I hope this is a humbling experience for your organization.  In 2002, you were the underdogs.

 

Learn from being on the other side of this experience in 2008.

I've watched every Super Bowl since 1980, with the exception of Rams over the the Titans in 2000, and the blowout of the Ravens and the Giants.

 

But wow, this was an incedible game.

 

All I can say.