Love, War & Football (Brian)

Love, war and football….can anything hurt you worse?

     I remember a movie a few years ago that showed how a split second can change it all.  Decide to turn left and get hit by a bus, turn left and meet the woman of your dreams kind of thing.

     4^th and 11 – a last second TD that sends one to the pinnacle of human joy with hugs and high-fives all around; or a game-clinching INT that drops one to his knees with tears of agony filling weary eyes.

     Men aren’t shallow.  We love our wives and kids more than anything and know where football fits in the spectrum of importance; but the thrill of victory and agony of defeat are powerful forces that cannot be appropriately put into words.

     You see grown men cry, appear as venerable as top-conditioned football machines can be.  Perhaps this crippling loss and the aftermath will serve to help ease the circus; although I doubt it. 

     It can be, though, a bonding period of understanding for fans of the storied franchises who have it so much harder than those of other teams and, more importantly, between the athletes and men who give these organizations their all.

     America’s Team – some people want to debate that; and some things seem completely un-debatable.  No NFL team raises the ire of people so much.  No team brings out the media vultures as much.  They raise these human men up, scrutinize, probe, poke and prod until a man as private, proud and steely as Terrell Owens succumbs to tears.

     Winning (and losing) is harder in places like Dallas (Cowboys), New York (Yankees) or Los Angeles (Lakers) because everything is made bigger.

     Let’s look at the NFL first.  You have the Patriots at 16-0 coming into this weekend and all that surrounds what goes with that.  They have the playboy QB who has dated models, and had a baby with one of them.  Rodney Harrison is seen as a true punk by many. And Belicheck has spy gate and the evil empire that hangs over him. Certainly good stories and some that do spark coverage and conversation…..but how ‘bout them Cowboys?

     Or what about the Colts trying to defend their title?  Manning does more commercials that Jordan in his day.  They have assistant coaches interviewing for jobs.  Apparently Dungy is thinking of stepping away……but how ‘bout them Cowboys?

     NY is the media capital of the world and Strahan never shies away from the camera while Eli attempts to finally get out of big brother’s shadow.   Brett Favre builds orphanages in his spare time (okay that was made up); but his Paul Bunyanesque stature makes everything in his past just float away and he becomes the feel good story of the century….while over at Valley Ranch…???

     But where does all the media circle like vultures all week – Dallas.  Romo and Jessica in Mexico (you think maybe a Colt, Patriot or Packer took a small vacation to try and get away on their bye week – we’d never know).  Will the Cowboys keep Garrett? Do they fire Wade Phillips to keep him if they lose?  How many coaches and personnel will the Dolphins take?

     Oh yeah – these are human men trying to live life and prepare to win a football game.  I couldn’t be prouder as a fan, a man, and a person of faith to here Tony Romo stand up and say that he is strong enough in his faith to believe that he does what is right, or to see TO come to tears defending his QB, teammate and friend.  Perhaps, just perhaps the media can give them a day or two to hurt like the human men that they are before they start speculating on all that went wrong and needs to be fixed.

You see – I’m not defending my team or making excuses; rather I want to make fans of other teams realize what we go through.  And to illustrate that I also make mention of the Yankees and Lakers – two other teams that are “America’s team” type organizations because they are as loved as they are hated nationwide. 

     As much as I am on one side of the America’s Team ledger with the Cowboys, I am on the opposite side with the Yankees and Lakers – can’t stand them.  But I can look across the aisle and extend a Peyton Manning-like head shake of disbelief at what they and their fans endure.  I can empathize as to what it is like to have every move challenged, put under the microscope, coach and player vilified for every decision and move they make both on and off the field.  To play under as much scrutiny, speculation and pressure as presidential candidates has got to be tough; but yet these men continue to come back, to give their all and fight with a pride and a bond held by few; and then stand in front of cameras and microphones and face whatever they must.

     Cheerios or a pop tart.  Hit the snooze and run ten minutes late, just missing that 10 car accident.  Catch that pass over the middle and run for another 60 yards or miss it and the punting unit jogs out to the field.  Stay home and be bombarded everyday by the media over questions and speculation about how your team struggled down the stretch and the fate of your coaches, or get away for a few days with a girl you really like and some friends and just be a regular guy.  All tough choices – but no one questioned my pop tart decision this morning.

     I’ve got to go now – there are about 20 people waiting for me to breakdown the game.  (on a side note I was just informed by my wonderful, supporting wife that my 5 year old son who is named Dallas took his Tony Romo figurine in for preschool show and tell today – very, very proud moment… but I do not know if I should shelter him or raise him into this tough sports world as a proud supporter and fighter) I’ll wait about 2 days to let the hurt heal then I’ll go back to the drawing board and turn on the TV again to see Wade Phillips fighting for his dignity, or maybe Kobe scoring 60 while trade speculation stirs up or a Kobe / Phil feud story hits the headlines, or perhaps Steinbrenner blows up or A-Rod strikes out again or is seen with a blonde having dinner.

     Hold your head high Cowboy fans, Yankee fans and Laker fans!  Keep supporting your team, keep those priorities in line and be proud and know that there will never, ever be a dull day or a greater franchise in your respected sports.

 

     Love, war and football…can anything else be more worth fighting for sometimes?

Updated Standings

Well, that was a rough week for all three of us.  Here are the updated standings:

Bob 4-3-1 (1-3 this week)

Brian 3-4-1 (1-3 this week)

Evan 2-5-1 (0-4 this week)

A couple articles will be posted later this week written by Brian and Bob (I am still reeling from the O-fer I posted this weekend…but I’ll be back!)

Standings after Wild Card Weekend

Hey guys – thanks for checking out the site.  After the first four games of this year’s playoffs, the standings are as follows:

Bob – 3-0-1

Brian – 2-1-1

Evan – 2-1-1

All three writers have a winning record after the first weekend – but how long will that last?  We’ll find out in a few short days.  Now – onto the projections!

Bob’s Picks (games 1/12-13)

Thanks to the G-men coming through in the Tampa, I’m boasting a one game lead heading into this weekend’s games. Home teams rule in the divisional round (historically speaking), which is definitely reflected in this weekend’s spreads. Enough chit chat, let’s get to the meat.

PACKERS (-8) vs. Seahawks

You know, I haven’t heard too much about this matchup this week. Everyone (the ESPN’s of the world, etc.) seem content to discuss the Jaguars/Pats and Jessica Simpson. I like this eight point spread, although with spreads as large as we’re seeing this week I find it hard to believe that one of the home teams will not allow a last minute meaningless TD that allows the underdog to cover but not win. That’s why I’m choosing this game to back the underdog. Don’t get my wrong, I expect the Pack to win. I just think the game will be a little closer than everyone thinks. Ryan Grant’s going to have a decent game, but he won’t run all over Seattle’s 12th ranked defense (ranking by total yards allowed). In fact, Seattle held the visiting Redskins to only 75 rushing yards a week ago. Mike Holmgren knows Brett Favre too, keep that in mind. I always like to back the team whose coach has intimate knowledge of the opponent (interestingly enough, this knowledge never seems to be reflected in the spread). Take Arizona’s upset of Pittsburgh earlier this season as an example.

Final score: Green Bay 20, Seattle 17

COWBOYS (-7.5) vs. Giants

Here’s the game you’ve been hearing about. Yeah, Jessica Simpson went on vacation to Mexico with Mr. Romo. You think the Cowboys are distracted by this, probably not… Anyway, the T.O. injury is a real threat to their success, and even though he didn’t practice yesterday (or so I read somewhere) he’ll probably play. And he’s killed the Giants in the past. Killed them. Maybe his injured ankle keeps the Giants from having to double team him, who knows. Eli’s playing well (relatively speaking), the Giants are the “hot” team and this week’s sexy pick for sportswriters. How many times have we heard about how good the Giants are on the road. Feels like a trap game to me. People could easily put the pieces described above together (Simpson & Romo, Injured T.O., Giants on a hot streak) and forget one thing: when you back the Giants, you’re backing Eli Manning on the road. Does that really make you feel good? Probably not, but I’m ignoring the warning signs and I’m backing the G-men for the second straight week. I’m going in “eyes wide open” as they say.

Final score: New York 28, Dallas 24

PATRIOTS (-13) vs. Jaguars

This game is another popular upset pick this week. Here are the selling points flying around in favor of the Jaguars. The Jaguars don’t get blown out. They run the ball effectively and control the clock. The Patriots might have a good defense, but they’re not that great against the run (as evidenced by the Baltimore game this year). In fact, the Patriots might only have good run defense statistics because teams are always so far behind they’re always throwing. You know what; all these points might be valid. But everybody’s forgetting one simple fact; the Patriots are freaking sick. They’re so good we’ll be telling our grandchildren about them. Can the Jaguar secondary hang with Moss? No. No way. And then there’s Welker. The guy’s been great this year, there’s no denying it. Belichick is going to put the Jags in their place.

Final score: New England 35, Jacksonville 14

COLTS (-9) vs. Chargers

Two words. Bob Sanders. He is going to destroy LT. This level of truth to that statement grows exponentially if Sanders no longer has to worry about Gates. You know, just the idea that Gates might not be 100% is probably making Bob Sanders salivate. I’m excited to watch this game. Philip Rivers is not that good. Norv Turner! Ha! Enough said.

Final score: Indianapolis 27, Chargers 13

Evan’s Picks (games 1/12-13)

So Wild Card Weekend was a little wild after all, with New York shocking many people (including myself) and moving on to the second round of the playoffs. I was officially 2-1-1 this past week, winning the Chargers and Seahawks games, losing the Giants (who saw that one coming? Oh yeah…Bob did), and tying on the Jacksonville line. This week, the big dogs come out to play…and there should be some seriously good football to watch.

Jacksonville vs. NEW ENGLAND (-13)

Jaguars vs. Patriots. Del Rio vs. Belichek. The Suit vs. The Hoodie. I love everything about this game. I have ridden the Jags bandwagon through the second half of the season with a distinct passion. I have stood behind their two-headed running back combination and their (until this past weekend) mistake-free quarterback for weeks and weeks, and it hasn’t failed me yet…but the buck stops here. The Patriots are just too good. I’d like to give the Jags a shot to win this game, but the fact is they barely squeaked by the Steelers (thanks to a 30+ yard fourth down run by Garrard…and let’s face it – that is never going to happen again), and they will need to play much better than they did last week just to keep this game close. The only way I see them having any shot to knock off the undefeated Pats is to start off by running the ball, followed by running the ball some more, and then finish by running the ball – and keeping that electric Patriots offense on the sidelines. Control time of possession, get the mid-range passing game going and get a few turnovers, and you might just see the Jags surprise some people. All that being said, I don’t think it will happen.  I do think the Jags will contend for most of the game, but in the end, the Pats are just too talented to be beaten in this one.

PICK: Patriots 34 – Jaguars 20

Fun Fact: After playing catcher at Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo, California, Tom Brady was drafted in the 18th round of the 1995 Major League Baseball draft by the Montreal Expos. I guess he made the right decision on that one.

San Diego vs. INDIANAPOLIS (-9)

I love Peyton Manning. I love his receivers. I love Joseph Addai, the Colts underrated defense, and Tony Dungy. What’s not to love about this team? They have a bunch of unselfish guys that work together to make a really solid team. Throw in the fact that they will be playing at home in front of their fans that want so badly to see a repeat of last year’s playoff magic, and they can’t be beat in this game. Marvin Harrison looked like “The Marvin Harrison of old” in practice on Monday, according to ESPN’s John Clayton. His presence on the field gives Manning a weapon he hasn’t had in months – and even if he’s not at 100%, the whole offense will be better with him out there. On defense, the Colts should stack the line to try to contain Tomlinson and make Rivers throw to beat them. The Chargers offense is built around LT for a reason, and if Rivers has to throw the ball too much, the Colts will be able to capitalize on the mistakes that he is bound to make. On the other side, the San Diego defense looked very solid against Tennessee last week, and their corners have thrived on making some spectacular interceptions in recent weeks – but not from Manning. Not this time. The Colts take home the victory in the end and set up the game that everyone wants to see…the rematch of Brady vs. Manning (the good one).

PICK: Colts 31 – Chargers 20

Fun Fact: During the summer, Peyton Manning, his two brothers Cooper and Eli, and his dad Archie run the “Manning Passing Academy” – a five day camp aimed at improving the skills of offensive players. The camp usually opens up with Peyton and Cooper (formerly a receiver at Ole Miss) showing off for the kids a little by connecting on some crisp deep passes, followed by Eli throwing an interception (Zing!).

New York Giants vs. DALLAS (-7.5)

Okay, so I ripped on Eli last week (and just a second ago, too). I said he had no chance, I may have mentioned a career-ending injury that should have happened – big deal. I will admit when I am wrong, and I was wrong about Eli this past weekend – he actually played pretty well against Tampa Bay. Who would have thought that after resting so many of their players the last couple weeks, the Bucs would look that bad? They must have borrowed Jim Tressel’s game plan…but that’s beside the point. Onto this week’s matchup. Dallas is a very talented team, but there are some questions that need to be answered here before I can give them my seal of approval. Can TO come back this week from his ankle injury? Can Romo put his playoff blunder from last season out of his mind and assure us that his BBOTW (Blonde Bombshell of the Week) will not be in attendance? Can they beat a division opponent three times in one season? I say yes to all of the above. Dallas got to take last week off and rest those guys that had been hurting the last few weeks of the season. TO should be back in some form, although probably not at 100%, and Terry Glenn should be able to play as well. Terence Newman and Andre Gurode have been practicing with no restrictions. All signs point to these guys being able to play, which will help Dallas put away the G-Men once and for all. The Giants shocked a lot of people last week with their solid win in Tampa this past weekend, but don’t count on it happening again this week in Dallas.

PICK: Dallas 34 – Giants 24

Fun Fact: After his senior year at Burlington High School in 1998, Tony Romo was the runner-up for the Wisconsin Mr. Basketball award behind Caron Butler, who currently plays for the NBA’s Washington Wizards.  How much you want to bet he dated the smokin’ hot blonde cheerleader that year, too?

Seattle vs. GREEN BAY (-8)

Brett Favre, Lambeau Field, January. Brett Favre, Lambeau Field, January. Just keep reminding yourself of those three things before you make your pick for this game. Yes, Favre is 38. Yes, he has been a bit banged up through the second half of the season. But I think it’s safe to say that he’s had a little magic throughout the season – right? And now he gets to up against Holmgren – the guy who coached him to a Super Bowl victory back in the 90s – and that could be where he’s heading again this year (Favre, that is). The Packers defense will shut down the Seattle running game, so Hasselbeck will have to step up and throw the ball to win, which he is capable of doing. The thing that scares me about this game is that Seattle has its best and fastest defense in the past decade, including their Super Bowl team from a couple years ago. They put pressure on opposing quarterbacks (anyone see the highlights of Patrick Kearney against Todd Collins last week?), they can stop the run, and they are aggressive. Favre has been somewhat prone to interceptions over the past few years, and I don’t doubt he’ll throw at least one in this game. However, I think the “magic” of Favre takes over in the second half, and he wins another January playoff game at Lambeau Field – most likely his last one.

PICK: Packers 27 – Seattle 24

Fun Fact: Brett Favre started for the Hancock North Central High School baseball team – as an eighth grader. He earned five varsity letters.  What can we say — the guy is good.

Brian’s Picks (games 1/12-13)

Okay so the first week I was pretty dead on except that Chucky and his boys in Tampa Bay were no match for the new beasts from the east, the NY football Giants as Berman would say.  Now things get real this week as the top seeds spring into action.

PACKERS (-8) vs. Seahawks: The Favre-mania starts now in full swing!  With the writers strike in progress, Hollywood is kind of slow right now.  I have no idea who Jennifer Aniston is dating and all the reruns have allowed me time to finally get reacquainted with my family.  But the paparazzi will be in full swing during this weekend as Brett welcomes back his old coach Mike Holmgren and the Seattle Seahawks.  Can Brett sling the Pack to one more Super Bowl?  Does Holmgren and the battle tested Seahawks have what it takes to win in Green Bay against the youngest team in the NFL led by the grizzled vet Favre who smiles all the while, throwing darts to a stable of talented WRs?  I see this as being very close.  The Seattle defense is very under-rated and they will attack Favre which usually means (shhh – quietly as I fear a Cheese-head attack and bad karma for even insinuating Favre is not the greatest human being ever)….he throws INTs like Christmas isn’t over.  The opportunistic defense of Seattle keeps this close but in the end the Lambeau field advantage, a solid Packers D, the Packers running game behind Grant and the Seahawks inability to run it mean the Pack prevail and Favre charges ahead to lead the country out of recession and single handedly end the war in Iraq (are we sure he and Madden couldn’t make a great ticket for ‘08 election)…. Packers 24  Seattle 20

COWBOYS (-7.5) vs. Giants:  First full disclosure – I am a huge Cowboys fan. So, in the honor of respectable journalism, I will not pick or comment on this game. I instead turn it over to my colleague Ryan Brawlings…Ryan:

Thanks Brian.  Well – taking off from your Packers piece; can we get anymore Hollywood drama than the Dallas Cowboys?  This is how America’s team is supposed to operate, controlling headlines on ESPN, E! and CNN at the same time.  Jessica and Romo in Mexico, TO in a walking boot, coaches flying all around the country interviewing for jobs and a team trying to focus after playing poorly down the stretch to beat a division rival for the 3rd time in a season.  Are you sure the writers are really on strike? Eli Manning and the Giants have played well (2) weeks in a row.  They know Dallas and Dallas knows them; no secrets, just getting after it.  I’m telling you this as an objective observer (since Brian respectively declined to pick this game); the Cowboys are going to come out smoking in the game – attacking the Giants with Witten, Barber, Crayton, TO at maybe 80% and Glenn.  Jason Garrett (please stay in Dallas!…Brian – give me back the keyboard…sorry about that) will call the game of his life, mix it up and slow down the aggressive Giants D early with mis-direction, screens, slants and a re-dedication to the running game.  The Cowboys are going to look at Eli and say “come on Manning, score with us”.  Now, Manning will make some plays with Plax, Jacobs and the new threat Bradshaw; but keep up with the Cowboys and their aggressive, attacking, healthy defense – I do not think so.  And Manning trying to score with the Cowboys without making a few mistakes – come on!  I think this will be an extremely hard fought, hard hitting, momentum changing back and forth kind of game.  Grab your popcorn!    Dallas 31  Giants 27 ….. back to you Brian!

PATRIOTS (-13) vs. Jaguars:  Wow – very well done Ryan!  Couldn’t have said it better myself.  Okay – so the Jags slapped Pittsburgh hard and plan on bringing it full throttle to the Patriots and….it won’t matter folks.  The Jaguars one weakness on defense is their secondary and the Pats have, hmm, let’s see..Brady, Moss, Welker and company.  The Patriots will spread out the Jags and air it out, figuring if they get up early then Garrard and company will have trouble keeping it up.  The Jags have to find a way to keep this game in the low to mid 20s and they just can’t.  Now – I think the Jags will be able to do a decent job controlling the ball, running with Taylor and Jones-Drew and exploiting the Pats D which I personally do not think talent-wise is all that great – but the scheme of Dr. Evil Belicheck is incredible!  So they will play old school football and, despite trailing 21-3 early in the 2nd quarter, they will continue to run, run, punt etc and just run right out of steam.  The inspired Jags leave it all on the line but do not have enough in the end.  The Patriots do not let up as this is the stretch drive and they know the Colts are coming next week. Oh and one more prediction – Del Rio slugs Dr Evil right in the kisser at midfield after the game but his hand goes right through Bill because…he’s not human!   Patriots  37  Jags 13.

COLTS (-9) vs. Chargers:  Didn’t my final pick start out this way last week…Hey – this one is easy!  This is what the Colts have aimed for all season.  They are poised, they are ready, they have been here and they have flown under the radar behind the Patriots all season – perfect position for the defending champs.  The Bolts look as if they will be without Gates making their offense even more limited.  I do look forward to a couple great collisions between LT and Bob Sanders.  A couple of those could be reported as sonic booms in astrological centers nearby.   I think I have picked up on my theme for this week – early starts.  Manning comes out so locked in and focused and gets the Colts off to an early start at home.  Chargers battle behind a gallant effort of 116 yards from LT but just do not have enough to derail this savvy team determined to get another shot at the Patriots.  Dungy’s teams play in control and that will be evident as they will be efficient and effective.  This is just business for them, as they actually want to play the Pats next.  Colts 34  Chargers  17.

Classic Reds games replayed on FSN

Need a Reds fix?
Re-live the Cincinnati Reds greatest memories, as FSN Ohio brings back the classic games of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Hosted by Thom Brennaman and Jeff Brantley, Reds Classic Rewind airs on the following dates and times on FSN Ohio:

Air Date         Air Time         Event Date         Event

1/14/08         8:00pm         9/11/1985        Pete Rose 4192 Game vs. San Diego

1/21/08         8:00pm         10/12/1990     NLCS Game 6 vs. Pittsburgh

1/28/08         8:00pm         10/20/1990     World Series Game 4 vs. Oakland

2/4/08           8:00pm         6/16/1978        Tom Seaver’s no hitter vs. St. Louis   

2/11/08         9:00pm         6/30/2006       Reds comeback vs. Cleveland

2/18/08         8:00pm         9/16/1988        Tom Browning’s perfect game vs. Dodgers

2/25/08         8:00pm        10/14/1975      World Series game 3 vs. Boston

3/3/08           8:00pm         10/21/1975      World Series game 6 vs. Boston

3/10/08         8:00pm         10/22/1975      World Series game 7 vs. Boston

(this story thanks to www.1530homer.com/pages/lancesBlog.html)

Evan’s Wild Card Picks (from Thursday 1/3/08)

We, here at Wire2Wire Sports, thought it would be a good way to ring in the New Year by throwing out our NFL Picks for Wild Card Weekend. We’ve got four games going on this weekend, and our writers will all choose our picks, and provide you with a little insight into the game. As always, questions and/or comments are welcome – please either post a response on the blog, or e-mail us from our contact page.

Jacksonville (-2) @ Pittsburgh

This is the game I want to watch. Pittsburgh’s stifling defense can stop anyone on any given day, but Jacksonville has been running the ball very well through the second half of the season. Fred Taylor seems to have located the fountain of youth, and David Garrard has been one of the most effective passers in the NFL this season (18 TDs to only 3 INTs). Both played very well against the Steelers in week 15, combining for all four Jacksonville TDs in a 29-22 win. On defense, Jacksonville is dealing with a couple injuries (Marcus Stroud on IR with an ankle injury, and Mike Peterson nursing a hand injury) which could open up some holes for the Steelers, but with Willie Parker out of the picture for the playoffs with a broken leg, Ben Roethlisberger will have to step up his game. Roethlisberger seems to be okay after injuring his ankle a couple weeks ago, but considering his blind side is being guarded by Trai Essex (Who??) – a guy who has only played in three games this year and only started once since 2005, he may not be fine for long.

PICK: Jacksonville 23 – Pittsburgh 20

Fun Fact: Jacksonville RB Fred Taylor of the cousin of Steelers WR Santonio Holmes.

Washington @ Seattle (Seattle -3.5)

Who would have thought that 36 year old Todd Collins would be just what the Washington Redskins were looking for? But the fact is that since he took over as starting QB, the ‘Skins have looked solid. Rock solid. Clinton Portis is healthy and quietly having a great season, the defense is playing good, aggressive football, and the tragic and untimely death of Sean Taylor has brought the team together just in the nick of time. Still…year after year, where is one of the toughest places to go play? Seattle. I suspect Mike Holmgren has given Matt Hasselbeck the green light to throw the ball 50+ times in this game (not really, but I wouldn’t be surprised), while Shaun Alexander’s only hope is to not break anything. Both teams have been hot down the stretch, but in the end, I believe this game will be more along the lines of a shootout. But the fact remains…there is a reason Todd Collins has not been starting in the NFL in recent years (or any year since 1997)…he’s just not that good. And who did he beat out that year in Buffalo to earn that starting spot? Alex Van Pelt and Billy Joe Hobert. That’s like getting picked ahead of the kids with their shorts hiked up past their belly buttons and tape on their glasses at recess. Congrats, Todd – you aren’t the worst QB on our roster! Seattle overmatches Washington in this one.

PICK: Seattle 34 – Washington 24

Fun Fact: On the May 14^th 2007 episode of a BET show titled “Ballers”, Portis guaranteed that the Redskins would make it to the NFC Championship Game saying “I think this year we’re going to make a lot of news. We went out and got what we needed. I actually think this will be our year. We’re going to be in the NFC championship game. I guarantee that. Whatever that takes, we’re going to get there.” Not this year, Clinton.

Tennessee @ San Diego (San Diego -9)

This game is just unfair. Tennessee eeks their way into the playoffs on the shoulders of a nail biter against the Jim Sorgi and the Indianapolis back-ups, and now they will probably have to rely on Kerry Collins as their starting QB. The guy has a graying beard and a bald spot…come on! Tennessee runs the ball pretty well, but San Diego should have Shawne Merriman and Luis Castillo back at full speed for this game – not to mention guys named LaDanian and Antonio. The only way Tennessee wins this game is if they can clone Albert Haynesworth a dozen times, and each one of them stomps on their respective opponents foreheads. San Diego rolls in this one.

PICK: San Diego 31 – Tennessee 13

Fun Fact: The Chargers are 5-0 when Antonio Gates scores more than one TD.

NY Giants @ Tampa Bay (Tampa Bay -3)

Not many people realize this after his display against a stellar New England defense, but Eli Manning sucks. I mean, he is really bad. If I were big bro Peyton, I would have tackled him so hard during the family two-hand-touch football game at Thanksgiving that he would have had to sit out the rest of the year – just to save him the embarrassment of being a First-round loser in the playoffs (can you see where I’m going with this one?). “Crab cakes and football – that’s what Maryland does!” (A little Wedding Crashers reference for ya). Combine all that with the fact that Eli has to go up against a very good Tampa Bay defense, and that is a recipe for disaster. Surprisingly enough, Jeff Garcia has put together a very solid 2007 season for Tampa Bay, and waiver-wire specialty Earnest Graham looks like he should have had the starting spot ahead of Caddy all along – even before the gruesome knee injury. Tampa Bay embarrasses Eli and the Giants in this one.

PICK: Tampa Bay 27 – NY Giants 10

Fun (and sad) Fact: Jeff Garcia married Carmella DeCesare, the 2004 Playboy Playmate of the Year, on April 21, 2007 in San Martin, California. If you’ve never Google Imaged her, do it – and thank me later.

Bob’s Wild Card Weekend Picks (from Thursday, 1/3/08)

Well, I just finished the very long drive from Dayton back to New York through an intense snow storm somewhere near Pittsburgh. It turned what was a 9.5 hour drive to Dayton into an 11.5 hour drive back to New York. Fun times, let me tell you.

Jacksonville (-2) @ Pittsburgh

I think Jacksonville is the team to beat in the AFC this postseason, despite the winter weather Pittsburgh experienced late this week (much of it during my drive, it wasn’t pretty). Jacksonville has already shown they can play in the cold by beating Pittsburgh on the road with the “grind it out” style of play that features two top running backs, and I see no reason why the outcome will be any different here. The Jaguars have a chip on their shoulder and a “why not us?” bond going right now with all the talk of the Patriots and the Colts – look for them to win 21-17.

Seattle (-3.5) vs. Washington

I’ve been saying all year how much that “12^th man” in Seattle can impact a football game and its time to put my reputation where my mouth is. Despite the poor season Shaun Alexander is having and the momentum Washington carries into this playoff game, I think Seattle scores early and holds off the Redskins 31-21.

San Diego (-9) vs. Tennessee

Tennessee doesn’t even deserve to be here. Vince Young and Albert Haynesworth are a little banged up and even when Young’s healthy, he still throws like a girl. Yeah he’s a winner and I’m a little afraid of backing Norv Turner to cover a big spread, but I like the Chargers 24-10. I’m not backing any team that only beats the Colts practice squad by 6.

Tampa Bay (-3) vs. NY Giants

Here’s the upset pick of the week folks. Yes, the Giants are a little banged up after their latest romp with the Patriots, but what a game it was! I think that Eli will gain a lot of confidence from that effort in Week 17 and carry it forward into the playoffs. Yes, the Giants haven’t won a playoff game in awhile and I’m aware that I’m backing Eli on the road, but remember, Jeff “twinkle toes” Garcia is the starting quarterback for Tampa. Giants win 23-16.

Brian’s Wild Card Weekend Picks

Well – wild card weekend is here – let the playoff madness begin! Surprise teams that fired into the playoffs (Washington, Tennessee), perennial division winners (Seattle, Pittsburgh), a team that we are still trying to figure out (San Diego) and the question marks (Giants, Jacksonville and the Bucs). My prediction – wild card weekend will not be so wild. Here are my picks with the spread:

Jacksonville (-2) at Pittsburgh – They beat them in Pittsburgh a couple weeks ago, W illie Parker is out, Big Ben makes classic mistakes when asked to do too much, and the Jags are actually a more physical team then the Steelers and are peaking at the right time. Every team that deals with the Jags (and yes I love to refer to them as the Jags) will feel their pain from here on out. This game should be very, very hard fought, tough football. I have not been sold on the Steelers all year and I had picked the Jags to end Indy’s run this year as division champs so I will stick with the running game, the defense and Garrard not making those key mistakes - while Big Ben flings a couple of sailing ducks floating south in the air to get picked off. (Side note – as a Miami, OH grad living in Cincinnati – it just pains me to see him in a Steelers uni) Jags 20-17.

Seattle (-3.5) vs. Washington - How many times have we seen this scenario: veteran coach having his mental aptitude questioned, being told to go back to NASCAR, team imploding, an unfortunate incident that could totally deflate the team, backup QB….and then all of a sudden then reel off (4) straight wins and swoop into the playoffs hitting on all cylinders (NASCAR reference!). All those highly insightful ESPN analysts start falling all over themselves to predict how nobody wants to play them in the playoffs because the defense is playing very aggressively, the running game in churning and the QB is not making key mistakes. Seattle is doomed! Problem is – Seattle is the toughest place on earth to go play; especially when you have to go across country - and Holmgren knows how to coach. Hasselback throws for 4 TD’s and the Seattle front led by Patrick Kearney harasses Todd Collins all day long. Seattle 31-17.

San Diego (-9) vs. Tennessee - nothing points to the Titans being able to even compete in this game…except this matchup: Jeff Fisher vs. Norv Turner – perhaps the biggest mismatch since Florida / OSU last year! San Diego may be the most talented team in the league and they have won 5 or 6 in a row. The defense has been playing great, and LT is LT. Kerry Collins may start for the Titans and they are probably not even as talented as USC, but Fisher will find a way to keep them in the game and make it interesting. He is one of the best coaches in the game. In the end LT wills the offense to productivity (and runs it well enough that Phillip Rivers doesn’t have to throw much and therefore doesn’t have to have LT mad at him), Cromartie makes a leaping INT (one of the greatest plays I’ve ever seen in that Indy game) and Sproles makes a play on special teams. Bettors everywhere are thrilled as it appears the Titans will cover behind a daring performance by Collins; but then he throws a late INT to…Cromartie….and Kaeding adds a late FG. San Diego 29-19

Tampa Bay (-3) vs. Giants - This one is easy. The Bucs sleep-walked through the last several weeks while the Giants looked amazing giving the Pats a great game with Eli “finally getting it”. So…the Giants left everything they had on the field (how many times have we seen that after a team plays the Patriots tight this year they have nothing the next week). The Tampa secondary stifles Eli, picking him at least 9 times while Garcia does his Garcia thing and the Bucs roll. Tampa 30 – 7.