Courtesy of nfl.com

By TLarner

Win and you’re in, to the Super Bowl that is. Fierce NFC North rivals face off in Chicago, while hopefuls in New York travel to the Steel City.

NFC Championship: Green Bay at Chicago

For the third time this season, NFC North rivals face off, but this time for all the glory. With a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, the Packers (12-6) and Bears (12-5) meet for only the second time in postseason action. On December 14, 1941, the Bears beat the Packers 33-14 to reach the NFL title game.

In Week 3, Chicago hosted Green Bay, and won 20-17. The Packers led 10-7 going into the fourth quarter, but a punt return by Devin Hester gave the Bears the lead. Aaron Rodgers drove down the field, and finished the drive off with a three-yard touchdown run, but Chicago Kicker Robbie Gould connected on two field goals to secure the win. In that game, the Packers had 18 penalties for 152 yards, which ruined many drives.

Then in Week 17, Green Bay defeated Chicago 10-3 at home. It was a must win for them to reach the playoffs as the sixth seed in the NFC. Rodgers threw the only touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter on a one-yard pass to tight end Donald Lee. In a defensive battle, the Packers picked off Jay Cutler twice.

Last week, the Green Bay defense terrorized the Atlanta Falcon’s high powered offense. They sacked Matt Ryan five times, intercepted him twice, and also forced a fumble. Atlanta was held to under 200 total yards, and was only 3 of 10 on third down conversions. In Chicago’s first playoff game, they beat the Seattle Seahawks 35-24. Seattle’s three running backs were held to 20 yards on nine carries, while the Bears ran for 176 yards.

This week, I believe the Green Bay Packers have the edge. The defense has played lights out football since that Week 17 game against the Bears. They have shut down two of the best offenses in the league by beating Philadelphia and Atlanta in the first two rounds of the playoffs. And last week, the offense was unstoppable. Rodgers threw for three touchdowns, and ran for another. Four different receivers had over 75 yards. The Bears need defensive ends Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije to harass Rodgers all game long. If they can disrupt the passing game, and Cutler is able to play without any turnovers, and Hester can take a kick to the house, then Chicago has a chance.

My prediction, Green Bay Packers 24-14.

AFC Championship:

New York Jets at Pittsburgh

The New York Jets (13-5) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4) will face off for the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. This is a position the Steelers are used to being in, unlike the Jets. The last time New York played in the Super Bowl was in 1969 against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Joe Namath’s infamous “guarantee” led to a 16-7 victory. The Steelers are looking for their third Lombardi Trophy since 2006. In Super Bowl XL, they defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10, and in Super Bowl XLIII, they beat the Cardinals 27-23.

In Week 15, these two teams faced off in Pittsburgh. The Jets won 22-17. Special teams ace Brad Smith returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh running back Mewelde Moore was tackled for a safety by Jason Taylor, putting the game out of reach. It’s important to note that Steelers’ safety Troy Polamalu did not play in that game, but he will play today.

The Jets have knocked off Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in consecutive weeks, and are hoping to add another elite QB to that list by defeating Ben Roethlisberger. Against New England, the New York defense sacked Brady five times, and picked him off once. Mark Sanchez threw three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Steelers defeated the Ravens last week 31-24. Roethlisberger threw for two touchdowns, and running back Rashard Mendenhall ran for two more. The Pittsburgh defense sacked Joe Flacco five times, and safety Ryan Clark added an interception and forced fumble. Baltimore was held to a pathetic 126 total yards.

Fans in New York should be worried today. The Steelers have the top run stopping defense in the NFL. Although the Jets have the third best defense against the run, I would take Roethlisberger over Sanchez any day. Sanchez is 4-1 in playoff games, but Roethlisberger already has two Super Bowl rings.

My prediction, Pittsburgh Steelers 21-7.

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Garcon (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

By Paul Gotham

Redemption Song

Twenty-nine days ago, Jim Caldwell, Peyton Manning and the rest of the Indianapolis Colts endured a flock of boo birds amongst their fans at Lucas Oil Stadium. With home field advantage through the playoffs safely in hand, the Colts opted to rest their starters for the second half of their game against the New York Jets. Thus the Colts forfeited the opportunity of reaching a perfect season and allowed the Jets to avoid elimination.

Luck seemed an adversary when the Colts would have to face those same Jets for the AFC Championship. The difference now was Gang Green no longer was facing elimination but walking arm in arm with momentum.

Irony looked like the tone of the day as the Jets held the Colts scoreless in the first quarter. The Colts’ troubles deepened when a drive stalled in the red zone and had to settle for a field goal. New York added to Indy’s miseries with a quick strike and a 7-3 lead.

New York would strike twice more -  a touchdown and a field goal. On the sideline, there were signs of frustration from Manning. ‘Ground and pound’  closed in on the American vernacular.

When the dust of the second stanza settled,  a 17-13 score in favor of the Jets stared the Colts in the face. Usually no deficit is too much for Manning and the Colts. Except that this deficit was to a team that had not surrendered more than fifteen points since the end of November.

Redemption Song

That was when the Colts went “forward in this generation” and earned their redemption.

The Colt offense scored 17 in the second half while the Colt defense kept the Jets out of the end zone.

With Reggie Wayne nearly suffocated in a Darrelle Revis blanket, Manning turned to Pierre Garcon, Dallas Clark and Austin Collie to pick apart the top defense in the league. Garcon grabbed a four yard pass from Manning to put the Colts ahead to stay seven minutes into the third. Garcon’s touchdown begs the question: has a D3 player ever caught a touchdown pass in an NFL Conference Championship game? During his college years, Garcon roamed the gridiron at Mount Union College.

Garcon made 11 catches on the day for 151 yards.

Clark caught a 15-yard touchdown in the fourth. Collie made seven grabs for 123 yards. Then the Colts became a ball-control team – something they scoffed at earlier this year.  Earlier this year, the Colts scored 27 points with 14:53 worth of possession. On Championship Sunday, Manning orchestrated two second-half drives that lasted longer than five minutes a piece. The second of which came midway through the fourth quarter – a 12-play, 71-yard drive that took 5:33 and all but ended the Jets’ chances.

Manning finished 26-39 for 377 yards and three touchdowns.

“But my hand was made strong, by the hand of the almighty. We go forward in this generation, triumphantly.”

Livin’ in the future

Mark Sanchez is no longer a rookie, and the New York Jets are none worse for the wear. Getting to the AFC Championship with a rookie quarterback is a testament to the balanced attack of the Jets.  If not already, AFC East opponents should take notice. Rex Ryan has created a serious contender not just some one-year wonder.

“Don’t worry darlin’, now baby don’t you fret. We’re livin’ in the future, and none of this has happened yet.”

My City of Ruins

My City Of Ruins

“With these hands, with these hands…Come on rise up! Come on rise up!”

Much has been made (as it should be) of the misfortune and ensuing struggle faced by the residents of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.  To no small degree, the New Orleans Saints have played a role in boosting the morale of Gulf Coast denizens. Forced into a vagabond existence five years ago, the Saints’ triumphant return is near completion.

Garrett Hartley split the uprights in overtime to end an effort by the Saints that will be characterized more as opportunistic than precise.

Drew Brees completed 17 passes to eight different receivers for 197 yards.  Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush managed just 69 yards on 21 carries. But the only stat that matters is the final score: New Orleans 31 Minnesota 28.

Brees hooked up with Thomas in the first, Devery Henderson in the third and finally Reggie Bush in the fourth. Thomas also scored on a nine-yard run.

The Saint defense, like that port-a-potty at the family picnic, were johnny on the spot all day causing six Minnesota fumbles (three lost) and two interceptions.

“Now the sweet bells of mercy drift through the evening trees. Young men on the corner like scattered leaves. The boarded up windows, the empty streets while my brother’s down on his knees.”

The bitterest pill

The Bitterest Pill

Brad Childress and his Minnesota Vikings have the entire off-season to figure out how one team can dominate another by so much and come away with a loss.  Minnesota nearly doubled New Orleans in total yards, 475-257. The Vikes outrushed the Saints (165-68) and outpassed the Saints (310-189). Yet, in the end, all that matters is 31-28.

Many will focus on the interception thrown by Brett Favre. Fair enough, it was an ill-advised pass. But don’t forget what else happened. It’s kind of like Bill Buckner’s error. Yeah, it happened. But how about the fact that Calvin Schiraldi had a two-run lead with two outs and no one on when he got confused and thought he was tossing batting practice. That’s sort of like the Vikings getting flagged for 12 men in the huddle…AFTER a timeout! Maybe a pass would not have been needed if the Vikings had that five yards back. Favre could have run to the sideline. True. But Bob Stanley did not need to bounce the ball five feet in front of the plate allowing the winning run to move into scoring position. And that Minnesota defensive back, who shall remain nameless, could have secured the ball that tipped off the hands of  Marques Colston.

So Favre threw an interception on the last pass of his career…again. Bill Buckner let one go through the wickets. That’s all right, Favre will get his bust in Canton. Billy Buckner? This weekend he’ll be signing autographs at a card show or playing in some celebrity softball game. Somehow, life is not fair. Billy never made us endure any soap operas. I’m retired. I’m not retired. I’m retired. I’m not retired…

“The dying spark, you left your mark on me…for the bitterest pill is mine to swallow.”

I strenuously object!

McCarver trumps Aikman

Anyone else catch the exchange between Joe Buck and Troy Aikman? New Orleans got flagged for roughing the passer. On the first replay, Aikman commented that he didn’t like the call. Buck disagreed. You read that right. Buck disagreed. How many times has Tim McCarver put his foot in his mouth only to have pipsqueak smooth it over by mentioning that jello mouth caught Bob Gibson or something? Then Fox shows the replay again (remember, this is the NFL where a 60:00 game consists of about 15:00 of play, 25:00 of replays and 20:00 of watching guys stand in the hudlle or on the sideline). Aikman proceeds to explain himself at length. When he finished, Buck dismissed it: “I disagree.”  I half expected him to pull a Demi Moore and “strenuously” disagree.

Joe? You do realize you are sitting next to hall-of-famer right? Not to mention a hall-of-fame quarterback. Okay, he’s had a couple of concussions, but the guy still has his wits about him. You might want to defer to his judgment in the future.

Jaworski spot on

When Ron Jaworski makes a prediction, people should listen in the future. On the Sunday Morning Countdown, Jaws predicted that the Jets would go long on their third possession to Braylen Edwards. After the Colts made it three to nothing, the Jets took the kickoff for their third possession. First play, Sanchez dropped back and hit Edwards for an 80-yard touchdown. Now, THAT’S a prediction! Jaworski described how he had analyzed Jet tapes for a while and picked up on the tendency.

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Photo by Jonathan Daniel

By Paul Gotham

No Surrender

Not much was certain prior to the Jets – Bengals meeting. Were the Bengals playing possum the previous week when they fell 37-0 to the Jets? If so or if not, how would AFC North champion respond? How would rookie Mark Sanchez perform in his first playoff game?  Is the Jets’ defense for real?

No – not well – pretty well – and yes.

Rex Ryan’s Jets showed they do not know how to retreat.

The Jets managed just 48 yards on 16 plays in the game’s first quarter. Ex-Jet Laveranues Coles spotted the Bengals a lead on an 11-yard pass from Carson Palmer.

From there Mark Sanchez did what the Jets needed him to do – limit the damages. Shonn Greene scampered 39 yards to tie the score early in the second quarter. Sanchez hooked up Dustin Keller on a 45-yard pass and the Jets never looked back en route to 24-14 win.

Sanchez finished 12-15 for 182 yards, with one touchdown, and ZERO interceptions. The Jets did not turn the ball over at all.

The Jets’ defense  held the Bengals to 281 yards of total offense including 110 through the air. New York caught a break early when Coles fumbled on the Jets 30.

Chad Johnson proved himself as more hype than substance. The Bengal receiver finished with two catches for 28 yards. #85′s performance probably should not have come as any surprise. He finished with 72 catches for the year – 26th in the league – for 1,047 yards – 20th in the league. Hey Chad! His name is Darrelle Revis. How do you like him?

“Blood brothers in the stormy night with a vow to defend – No retreat no surrender.”

Under My Thumb

Six to two – that is the number of touchdowns to interceptions Tony Romo has thrown in the recent four game winning streak for the Dallas Cowboys.

Excuse me for a minute.

Yeah, sorry about that. I had a little vomit in my mouth.

78 to 30 – that is how much the Cowboys outscored the Eagles in three games this season – all victories for the Cowboys.  How did the Giants beat the Cowboys twice?

Are the Cowboys really good? Or, are the Eagles suddenly bad?  58-14 the last two weeks? Call the Eagles a bunch of wet rags. Call them old dolls. Call them pinatas. Call them whatever you like, the Cowboys threw them around.

To make things worse for the Eagles, the Cowboys actually committed more penalties 14-9.

As expected, the Eagles gained just 56 yards on the ground. Philly outgained Dallas through the air, 284-228, but four turnovers doomed the Eagles. No, two of eleven third down efficiency doomed the Eagles. No, giving up 198 yards on the ground doomed. Wait, maybe the Cowboys doomed the Eagles.

Whatever way you look at it, the Cowboys have the Eagles under their thumb.

“Down to me, the change has come…under my thumb.”

Won’t Get Fooled Again

The last time New England lost a playoff game at home, oil derricks adorned the helmets of the NFL team from Houston – a streak that covered 10 games.

Prior to Sunday, New England had never lost to Baltimore. Ever. The Pats were 5-0 against The Ravens including a 27-21 victory earlier this season.

New England was undefeated at home this season.

Baltimore showed they would not be tricked again.

All of that history was thrown out the window as easily and as quickly as Ray Rice sprinted 83 yards to day light – ON THE FIRST PLAY FROM SCRIMMAGE! Little did the football world know, the game could have ceased right there. Fans of New England might have been happy if it had. Baltimore gave Tom Brady the third degree picking three of his passes, sacking him three times and knocking down the Patriot QB three more times.

“I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution. Take a bow for the new revolution.”

Born To Run

In a game that saw the Green Bay Packers have more comebacks than Evander Holyfield (or that quarterback that wears #4) it was a play made just when things seemed to be going the Pack’s way that decided it.

Green Bay recovered from a 21 point second half deficit only to fall behind seven with less than five minutes to play. Not to be denied Aaron Rodgers connected with Spencer Havner for the tie.

Then things seemed to turn.

Neil Rackers missed a chip shot that would have given the Cardinals the game. Green Bay won the coin toss in overtime.

Just like that, things changed again. Michael Adams sacked Rodgers. The ball came loose. Karlos Dansby recovered it, and the Cardinals advanced.

This game will be remembered for: 96 total points – a new NFL playoff record, 1,024 combined yards, countless highlight reel clips on offense and a whole lot of running up and down the field.

On a random note – ever wonder what a graduation ceremony at the University of Phoenix is like?

“Chrome wheeled, fuel injected and stepping out over the line.”

Local Hero

Four of next weekend’s quarterbacks developed their game at small schools: Kurt Warner (Northern Iowa), Tony Romo (Eastern Illinois), Joe Flacco (Delaware) and Brett Favre (Southern Mississippi).

Looking ahead

Cardinals at Saints: What is the over / under for this game?

Ravens at Colts: Stopping Tom Brady is one thing. Stopping Peyton Manning? The Colts rushing game is last in the league.

Cowboys at Vikings: If there is such a thing as home field advantage the Metrodome is the place. Minnesota fans are still looking for revenge. Maybe Drew Pearson and Nate Wright should serve as honorary captains for this one.

Jets at Chargers: How good is that Jet defense?

Got any NFL splinters? Share them here.

By Paul Gotham

Trading Places

In November, the Indianapolis Colts won four consecutive games by a combined total of 10 points. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints have lit up scoreboards to the tune of 407 points while limiting opponents to 221. For one day, at least, the two undefeated teams changed roles. Indy sprinted to a 21-3 lead, and its defense held serve as they downed the Tennessee Titans, 27-17. New Orleans needed overtime to best the Washington Redskins,  33-30.

Peyton Manning and the Colts added a couple more milestones to their resume notching their 12th victory of the season.  Indy has reached a dozen triumphs in seven consecutive seasons – adding to their own record. The win was the 113th of the decade, tying the San Francisco 49ers of the 1990s for the most wins in a decade.  The Colts also tied the Pats for the most consecutive regular season wins with 21.

Tennessee came in riding a five-game win streak and was the last team to beat the Colts in the regular season – October 27, 2008. The Titans could not manage the same result yesterday.

Joseph Addai rushed for two touchdowns. Manning completed 24 of 37 for 270. Pierre Garcon had a career day with six receptions for 136 yards. But the Indy defense made the difference. Clint Session led the defense with 12 unassisted tackles and a forced fumble. The Colts defense stiffened with a pair of goal-line stands and two fourth down stops.

For the seventh game in a row, Tennessee’s Chris Johnson rushed for over 1oo yards tying a franchise record set by Earl Campbell.

New Orleans found the elixir for their Monday night hangover just in time. Less than a week after causing the New England Patriots to surrender, the Saints pulled out all the stops to beat the 3-8 Washington Redskins.  When Washington’s Shaun Suisham missed a 23-yard field goal with 1:52 to play, Drew Brees and company got a second life. Instead of trailing by 10, the Saints needed just a touchdown to tie. A 53-yard strike to Robert Meachem tied the score. Garrett Hartley nailed the winning field goal in overtime.

But that is half of the story. New Orleans took advantage of a series of strange plays. A shanked punt turned into a 29-yard gain when Washington’s Kevin Barnes, lying on his back, was hit with the ball and the Saints recovered.  Four plays later, Washington appeared to have recovered when Kareem Moore intercepted a Brees pass. Inexplicably, Meachem grabbed the ball right out of Moore’s hands and returned it for 44-yard score.

Washington has now lost three consecutive games when leading in the fourth quarter.

Muh, muh mediocre

Is Charlie available?

Two weeks into the season, the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers stood at 1-1. Many thought the two AFC powerhouses had their wakeup calls. Maybe they hit the snooze alarm.

Pittsburgh and New England have combined to lose 7 of their last 8.

The Pats have a clear case of homesickness. Other than a win over Tampa Bay in London, the Pats have a big Ofer on the road. The Pats “got it bad so bad” that the Dolphins abandoned their running attack.  Miami, the kings of the Wildcat, rushed the ball 27 times while throwing 52 passes. Can we revisit Belichick’s decision to go for it on fourth down against the Colts. Do you think he knew something about his team that we didn’t – well, at least at the time? The Pats can not defend the pass. Wonder if Belichick plays euchre because he sure has shown everyone his hand.

Even New England fans are calling the Patriots mediocre.

The Super Bowl champion Steelers had fourth quarter leads of 17-13 and 24-20 before succumbing to Oakland Free Academy.  Gradowski and Janikowski sealed the victory. Gradowski found Louis Murphy in the end zone with :11 remaining. Janikowski split the uprights as the Raiders won, 27-24.  If the playoffs started next weekend, the Steelers would be watching.

19th Nervous Breakdown

The final month of the year is becoming a favorite of the Eagles, Giants, and Redskins and all their fans. The Cowpokes just can’t get out of their own way during the season of yuletide. Anyone else getting pleasure out of watching Jerry Jones squirm as the ‘Pokes implode? Hey Jerra! Good luck against the Chargers next week…and the Saints the week after that…and the Eagles two weeks after that. Maybe you should tell wonder boy Jason Garrett to run the ball a little more. 23 rushes for 45 yards? Ouch! What happened to that All Pro line?

“Oh, who’s to blame. That girl’s just insane. Nothing I do don’t seem to work. It only seems to make matters worse.”

8th on the list

LaDanian Tomlinson passed hall-of famer, Jim Brown on the all-time rushing list. Tomlinson had 20 for 64 yards and a touchdown as San Diego downed Cleveland, 30-23. Tomlinson’s touchdown was the 150th of his career – he reached that plateau faster than anyone in the history of the NFL – 137 games.

Three of the top eight rushers of all time played college football outside the major six conferences: Walter Payton (Jackson State), Eric Dickerson (SMU), and Tomlinson (TCU).

Hungry Heart

After his rookie quarterback was injured while lunging for a first down, New York Jets coach, Rex Ryan, openly criticized Mark Sanchez. C’mon coach! He was just taking one for the team. Ya know, he was willing to “lay down his money and play his part…everybody’s got a hu-hu-hungaree heart…oh oh oh.”

Monday night lights

The forecast is calling for a wintry mix. Mr. Rodgers meet Mr. Flacco. Actually, it might be more appropriate to say – Mr. Flacco meet Mr. Woodson.  GBay needs the win to keep pace with the Eagles for the final wild card spot. Baltimore needs the win keep within sniffing distance of the AFC wild card.

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AP Photo/Wade Payne

By Paul Gotham

Another week; another comeback

Anyone wanting to anoint Peyton Manning and his band of brothers as drama queens of the NFL, will get no argument. For the fifth time in as many games the Indianapolis Colts trailed in the fourth quarter.  Like the previous four games, the Colts recovered in time for a 35-27 victory over the Houston Texans. Indy outscored the Texans 21-7 in the fourth.  Seconds after Indy grabbed its first lead at 21-20, Clint Session intercepted a Matt Schaub pass and returned it 27 yards for the touchdown.

Houston committed 10 penalties for 129 yards. Two second-half pass interference calls proved costly as both contributed to Indy touchdowns.

Kris Brown staked the Texans to a 17-0 lead in the second quarter with a 35-yard field goal.

Staying on the radar

With two teams maintaining undefeated records, the Minnesota Vikings might go unnoticed. Well, maybe not. The pressure of going undefeated is off them, and the Vikings might have the best lineup in the NFL.  Instead of falling apart like Humpty Dumpty, Brett Favre contniues to lead the potent Viking offense. Yesterday, the Vikes rolled up 537 total yards against the Chicago Chihuahuas…er…Bears. Favre with Adrian Peterson, and Sidney Rice are as lethal a trio as any in the league. Minnesota averages 31 points per game. New Orleans leads the league at 36.9, and Indy scores 27.6. At the same time the Vikes limit opponents to 18.5ppg. New Orleans opponents score 20 ppg. Indy’s adversaries get 16.7.

On the season, Favre has 24 touchdowns with just three interceptions.

Minnesota visits Arizona next week before an interesting showdown with Cincinnati. Speaking of the Bengals….

Break out the brooms

Cincy downed Cleveland 16-7, and with that the Bengals earned a perfect 6-0 record against its AFC North rivals. Cincy stands in first at 8-3. Pittsburgh and Baltimore trail at 6-5. The Bengals host the Detroit Lions before the aforementioned date with Minnesota.

The Chinchillas - "Something's happening"

Young love in Music City

The current list of NFL MVP candidates consists of Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre. How much longer before Vince Young gets mentioned? After falling to 0-6, the Tennessee Titans seemed destined for January fourth tee times. Five games later and denizens of Tennessee can start singing: “Baby, something’s happening…”

What changed? Young went under center and the Titans are 5-6.

Yesterday, Young found Kenny Britt in the end zone as time expired, and the Titans tripped the Arizona Cardinals, 20-17.  Young threw for 387 yards for the day.

"Same as it ever was."

After the game, Matt Leinart must have been mumbling “this is not my beautiful house” because it was “same as it ever was.”

Forced to sit starting quarterback, Kurt Warner, the Cardinals turned to Leinart. Once again, Leinart was burned by a late drive orchestrated by Young. In the 2006 Rose Bowl, Young scampered eight yards for the winning touchdown to lead the Texas Longhorns over the Leinart-led USC Trojans.

“Into the blue again, after the money’s gone

Once in a lifetime, water flowing underground.”

For those keeping track at home

Three of this weekend’s top five receivers (total yards) honed their talents outside of the major six conferences of Division 1A football.  Miles Austin made seven catches (145 yards) Thursday for the Cowpokes. Austin played his college ball at Monmouth. Donald Driver (7 catches – 142 yards) played at Alcorn State. San Diego’s Antonio Gates (7/118) roamed the college grid iron at Kent State.

That’s not to mention Indy’s Pierre Garcon (5 /63 yards and a TD). The product of D3 Mount Union has four touchdowns on the season.

While we’re on the topic, four quarterbacks from winning teams also played outside the BCS schools: Buffalo’s Ryan Fitzpatrick (Harvard), San Francisco’ Alex Smith (Utah), Minnesota’s Brett Favre (Southern Mississippi), and Baltimore’s Joe Flacco (Delaware).

What difference does a coach make?

Just ask fans of the Buffalo Bills. Perry Fewell took over as interim head coach less than two weeks ago, and the Bills showed more enthusiasm yesterday than they have shown in a decade. One play can demonstrate the change in attitude on Bills Drive. With a 17-14 lead and less than 3:00 remaining, Buffalo forced a Miami punt. A couple of weeks ago, the Bills would have attempted to run off tackle twice before a third and long screen and and a return punt. Yesterday, Ryan Fitzpatrick went up top on first down and hit Terrell Owens with 51-yard bomb!!!

Thanksgiving turkeys

Call them by name: The Detroit Lions, Oakland Free Academy, and the New York football Giants. Does any fan want to hear that their team is protesting having to play on Thanksgiving?  Thank you, NFL Network. You spared me the misery of having to watch that debacle.

In case you missed dessert

‘Pomme’ Delhomme served up four more turnovers yesterday as Carolina lost to the New York Jets, 16-7. ‘Pomme’ has thrown 18 picks and 8 touchdowns on the season.

Mark Sanchez completed 13 of 17 for 154 yards as the Jets improved to 5-6. Yeah, the rookie is finding “The Ties that Bind.” Sometimes, “you sit and wonder who’s gonna stop the rain, who’ll ease the sadness, who’s gonna quiet the pain.”

Got any NFL Splinters? Share them here.

AP Photo/Darron Cummings

By Paul Gotham

Down to the wire

Indianapolis and New Orleans took different paths, but both remain undefeated. The Saints had to “hang on, hang on, hang on,” while Indy was able to “look out, look out, look out.”

Uncharacteristically, the Saints turned over the ball four times to the St. Louis Rams, but as it has been all season, the Saints found a way. Courtney Roby returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown.  From there, the Saints held on for dear life. Fortunately for the denizens of Cajun country,  the Rams forgot to practice clock management prior to the game – squandering a chance to win as time expired.

Saints head coach, Sean Payton, will have to turn his attention to the recent injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Jabari Greer was sidelined with a groin injury, and Tracy Porter limped off with a possible ACL injury.

On the other hand, the Colts woke up the echoes of cliches past and ‘grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat.’   This week’s most debatable coaching call made for great drama as Peyton Manning led the Colts to two touchdowns in the game’s final 3:00 for a 35-34 triumph. Belichick and the Pats went for it on 4th and 2 inside their own 30. The Colts D held, and the rest is highlight material.

The Chinchillas-"anything goes in love and war."

Critics are slamming Belichick for the decision. Yeah, “anything goes in love and war. Yes, anything goes.” When a guy wins three Super Bowl titles in one decade, he earns the benefit of the doubt. Thing is, the game never should have been that close. New England had two turnovers inside the Colt ten yard line. Belichick went for the win, on the road in the tenth week of the season. Something tells me Tom Brady and the Pats will recover.

The Football Night in America crew reported that they timed Randy Moss running 40 yards in less than four seconds. I’m not sure I trust their stop watch. 40 yards in less than four seconds? 10 yards in less than a second?

Ladies and gentlemen – the leaders of the AFC North

No need to adjust your set at home. The Cincinnati Bengals have ascended to heights the Queen City hasn’t known for a couple of decades. With a defense to shake the last drop of ketchup from a bottle of Heinz 57,  the Bengals have swept the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens.  Cincinnati’s D has given up one touchdown in the last two weeks – a span where they downed the Ravens, 17-7 and yesterday, the Steelers, 18-12.  Cincinnati held the Super Bowl Champion’s offense, which was number one in the league, to a third down efficiency of 3 /15.

Street Fighting Man

Could anyone blame Aaron Rodgers if he lobbied for the Green Bay Packers to implement the Wildcat into their offense. After last week’s loss to Tampa Bay, Rodgers had been sacked a total of 37 times for the first half of the season. You read that right. The Packer QB kissed the turf 37 times in the first eight games. Multiply that over a 16-game campaign, and the Packers would have an infamous record.

“And what can a poor boy do?”

Yesterday, Rodgers threw one touchdown and ran for another as the Pack downed the Cowpokes, 17-7. Rodgers completed 25-36 for 189 yards.

Tin men, scare crows, and lions

Any chance of the Buffalo Bills salvaging some semblance of a respectable season ended yesterday. Deadlocked at 17 after three quarters, the Bills looked good. Then, Tennessee scored 24 unanswered. Mount T.O. exploded. And the Bills fans have to be wondering about this organization. Other than Jarius Byrd, who intercepted a pass for the fifth game in a row, the Bills have few positives. The only thing missing from yesterday’s game was the yellow brick road because the Bills had no heart, no courage, and yeah, you guessed it, very little brains.

Tennessee is now 3-0 with Vince Young under center. In the 21st century NFL given to ‘spread’ offenses, the Titans have turned to the ‘option.’  Chris Johnson gained 132 yards on the ground and 100 through the air.

Empire burlesque

NFL fans scratched their heads as the Denver Broncos sprinted to a record of 6-0. Three consecutive losses – including yesterday’s to the Washington Redskins, 27-17 – have fans wondering if we have “seen the real Broncos at last.”  Denver’s losses coupled with San Diego’s four game win streak has knotted the AFC West. Next weekend’s tilt in Denver should be interesting.

Blinded by the light?

What started 3-0 has now turned into 4-5. In September, Rex Ryan looked like a genius, and Mark Sanchez a prodigy. The New York Jets toppled Houston, New England, and Tennessee. The view from above must have been too much because lately the Jets look “cut loose like a deuce.”

Josh Scobee kicked a field goal as time expired, and Jacksonville downed New York, 24-22.

Maurice Jones-Drew took one for the team. Instead of scoring a touchdown, the Jaguar running back opted to kill clock and took a knee. Jones-Drew went to the turf at the two-yard line keeping the clock in motion and the jet offense on the sideline.

MNF

Baltimore at Cleveland. Browns’ coach, Eric Mangini, tapped Brady Quinn for the start tonight. Did I hear someone say lamb to the slaughter? That’s great ‘Mangenius’. Give the kid the ball against Baltimore who is coming off a loss. You couldn’t wait a week when you guys play the Lions?

"I am the nothing man." AP Photo/Darron Cummings

No lead is safe…

At least when New Orleans and Indianapolis is involved, opponents can not score enough.  The Saints and Colts continued walking a thin, thin line en route to their undefeated marks. New Orleans erased an 11-point halftime deficit to defeat the Panthers 30-20. Carolina’s defense held New Orleans to just 84 yards on the ground, but the Saints have been figuring out a way to win all year. Drew Brees completed 24 of 35 for 330 yards. Robert Meachem led the way with 98 receiving yards on 5 catches.

For those keeping track at home, ‘Pomme’ DelHomme forgot to bring the dessert. The Carolina QB went an entire game without any turnovers.

The Chinchillas - "walking on a thin line"

Indy also performed their own escape routine. After Steve Slaton scored on a one-yard run , the Houston Texans led the Colts 17-13 in the fourth. Jospeh Addai answered seven minutes later with his own end zone plunge. Indy needed a little divine intervention. The Texans missed a field goal from 42 yards away as time expired.

Indy head coach, Jim Caldwell, might be considered the nothing man because “around here everybody acts the same; around here everybody acts like nothing’s changed.” Fans would be hard-pressed to remember a coach who has more quietly led his team to an 8-0 start.

Welcome to the working week

Tom ‘Terrific’ and his Pats have had plenty of pictures in the paper ‘being rhythmically admired,’  but Bill Belichick’s crew will need to ‘do it till their through it, so they better get to it.’ New England travels to Indy for a Sunday night show down with the Colts next week. After that those pesky Jets come to town. If that isn’t bad enough, the Pats geaux to N’Awlins for a Monday night soiree with the Saints.

For all those fans keeping track at home

Heisman trophy winner, Matt Leinart got into the game yesterday. He threw one pass. Leinart completed that pass…to THE WRONG TEAM. Yeah, Matt. Life is grand. “And I say this at the risk of falling from favor.”

Spirit in the night

Mark Sanchez and the Jets enjoyed a bye week. It’s been rumored that Mark “picked up Hazy Davy and Killer Joe” and headed out “to where the gypsy angels go.”

Does All State cover Green Bay

Aaron Rodgers might want to consider some insurance. The lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers sacked the Packer QB six times yesterday. At this rate Rodgers will kiss the turf 74 times this season. Ouch! Tampa Bay in those lovely creamsicle colored jerseys scored 21 fourth quarter points to win 38 -28. Tampa Bay has scored 37 combined points in the fourth quarter this year.

Cincinnati in first

Holy Kenny Anderson is it true? The Bengals clipped the Ravens 17-7 yesterday sweeping the season series from the divisional foe. The Bengals haven’t done that since 1997. Next up – the Steelers. Considering the Steelers have the Monday night game, can the Bengals take advantage?

Free falling G-Men

A clear-thinking Giant fan.

A recent article by Chas sums up my sentiments toward the Giants. In the back of my mind is always the possibility that the Giants could implode at any moment. Yesterday’s debacle could make any clear-thinking Big Blue fan scream. First and goal, and the Giants managed a field goal. Followed by the defense playing matador to Philip Rivers and the Chargers.Not that Rivers had any motivation to beat the Giants or anything.

MNF

Pittsburgh at Denver. Hey Broncos! “Is it you baby, or just a brilliant disguise?”

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Joseph Addai (29) celebrates with wide receiver Reggie Wayne (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

By Paul Gotham

Addai’s pass keeps Colts perfect

If a sign of a good team is that they win when playing poorly, then the Indianapolis Colts are a good team (okay, so I realize the previous statement makes me the master of the obvious). Not much of Indy’s win over San Francisco looked like their previous six triumphs. Not much came easy either. Sure, Peyton Manning threw for 347 yards on 31-48 passing. But Manning did not throw for a touchdown. The Colts didn’t even score a touchdown for the first three quarters. At half, San Fran led Indy, 14-9. Matt Stover put one through the uprights to draw the Colts closer, 14-12. When all else failed, Indy turned to the half back option, and Joseph Addai connected with Reggie Wayne on a 22-yard pass to put the Colts up, 18-14.

Suddenly, the Colts have some signs of vulnerability, and the Houston Texas at 5-3 are looming. Indy hosts Houton next weekend before the two meet again deep in the heart of Texas on November 29th.

Denver came crashing back to earth. Baltimore manhandled the Broncos, 30-7. Entering Sunday’s game, Denver had allowed 10 second-half points. The Ravens scored 24 after the break. The Broncos host the Steelers next week and still have the Chargers, Colts, Eagles, and Giants remaining.

Baltimore QB, Joe Flacco, had another efficient day – 20-25 for 175 yards and a touchdown.

You want to throw to the white shirts.

Somewhere in the swamps of Jersey…

…there is a football team that started the season 5-0. Since then, the Giants have dropped three. Now it looks like the G-Men are caught in the middle. There is a distinct difference between the haves of the NFL (Indy, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and Denver) and the have-nots ( St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Cleveland, and Kansas City). The Giants seemed stuck in the quagmire between the two. Things looked good when Eli Manning hit Kevin Boss with 1:54 remaining in the half. Despite playing poorly, New York pulled to within16-7. Momentum was theirs. Then Eli suffered from colorblindness. Momentum turned into a 30-7 deficit. The second stanza didn’t look any better for Big Blue.

“Hold on tight. Stay up all night. ‘Cause Rosy I’m comin’ on strong.”

Trivia Time

How do you score 21 consecutive points without your offense ever touching the field? Easy. Let Ted Ginn Jr. receive two kickoffs.

How do you score 30 points while only accumulating 104 yards of total offense? Easy. Let Ted Ginn Jr. receive two kickoffs.

Miami pulled off the feat yesterday. Ginn had 299 returning to lead the Dolphins past the Jets, 30-25. Between Ginn’s returns, Jason Taylor picked up a fumble and returned it 48 yards for the score.

The Jets had a chance late in the game. With the faithful watching a “fairy tale so tragic,” Mark Sanchez almost proved he was the “prince to break the spell.” With New York “countin’ on a miracle,” Sanchez led the Jets down field only to come up short on fourth and goal.

Free as a Byrd

Buffalo rookie Jairus Byrd had two more interceptions yesterday. That makes seven on the season. Byrd is one of the few positives Buffalo can take into the bye week. The Bills lost to Houston, 31 -10. This after leading 10-6 at half. Buffalo had a two-game winning streak going. Now, talk will resume about head coach, Dick Jauron’s job. Jauron might want to start weighing his options for life after Buffalo. Maybe Jauron should consider a relaxing stint as a driver of a beer truck.

Third a charm?

Josh Freeman gets the start at QB for Tampa Bay next week. Freeman is the third to go under center for the winless Bucs. At least Freeman won’t have to concern himself with lofty expectations.

MNF

Atlanta visits New Orleans tonight. Oooh yeah, something’s happenin’.

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AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

By Paul Gotham

One less makes it makes it three

Denver, Indianapolis, and New Orleans maintained their unblemished records. Denver’s stayed intact by virtue of the bye week. Indy did what Indy does. The Saints took strides to legitimacy.

The St. Louis Rams figured out how to keep Peyton Manning under 300 yards passing for the game. That was small consolation considering the Colts trounced the Rams 42-6.  Manning finished the afternoon 23/34 for 234 and tds. The passing total marked the first time this season under 300 yards for the 12-year veteran. Manning completed 7 of 10 for for 118 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter. Indy has won 15 consecutive regular season contests. St. Louis has lost 17 in a row. Indy’s challenge will be to maintain their efficiency when they host the 49ers next week. Could be a difficult task considering the Rams must have seemed slow yesterday. After a date with the Texans, Indy hosts New England before traveling to Baltimore.

Any rumors of the Saints demise were proven untrue. After spotting the Dolphins a 24-3 lead, Drew Brees and the Saints showed they are contenders. Despite being intercepted early, Brees responded to lead the Saints past a resilient Dolphin squad in Miami. New Orleans closed to within 21-10 before half. Then the teams traded scores in the third. Miami led entering the fourth, 34-24 before the Saints rattled off 24 unanswered points. Marcus Colston made five catches and one td. Brees only threw for one td, but the Saint qb rushed for two others.

With Ben Roethlisberger coming into the weekend as the #1 rated quarterback in the NFL, fans wondered if the Steelers defensive identity had become a thing of the past.  Two defensive touchdowns and a goal line stand should reassure Steel Town it is “same as it ever was.” Minnesota gained 386 yards of total offense. But when it mattered, the Steeler defense made the plays.  On five trips to the red zone, Minnesota scored just one touchdown. The Vikings had a first and goal inside the one, and the Steelers stuffed three run attempts before the Vikings settled for a field goal. Adrian Peterson entered the day averaging 161 yards rushing per game. The Steelers held the star running back to 69 yards on the ground. The Steeler defense converted two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. LaMarr Woodley returned a fumble 77 yards for six points. Keyaron Fox returned an interception 82 yards for another score.

Pittsburgh gets a bye week before traveling to Denver. The Broncos travel to Baltimore next week. Minnesota at Green Bay next week. Isn’t there some discussion about an appropriate greeting for #4?

London Calling

“Yes, I was there too. And you know what they said? Well, some of it was true.”

I am all for Commissioner Goodell’s attempts to clean up the league. The hard line Goodell has taken with behavioral infractions is commendable. I admired Goodell when he lowered playoff ticket prices as an attempt to help fans through tough economic times. This whole foray over seas? I am not on board. First, we have exhibition games in England. Then, we lose a regular season game. I hear talk of an NFL franchise in London. That will work as well as the Red Bulls in the EPL. Now, I hear mention that Goodell is considering a future Super Bowl in London? This only works with me if he is considering relegation at some point. A Super Bowl in London? Maybe I shouldn’t be so concerned. It’s not like I can rub enough nickels together to ever attend that soiree.

Seriously, how does this help the product of the league?  New England crushed Tampa Bay yesterday at Wembley. Will jet lag affect the Patriots at all with the upcoming game against the Colts?

Of course, the league office is going to refer to how the Giants won the Super Bowl when they played the Dolphins on the old sod.

On another note, the Patriots have won their last two games by a combined score of 94-7. Gulp. Was it something I said?

How ’bout them Buffalo Bills?!?

I can hear the cheers now: U-G-L-Y – you ain’t got no alibi; you ugly. It does not matter how you win as long as you win. The Panthers out-gained the Bills 425-167. The Bills outscored Carolina 20-9. Jake Delhomme’s nickname needs to be apple, because he has all the makings of a good turnover. ‘Apple’ threw three more picks yesterday. Delhomme now has 13 ints this year to 4tds. How did the trading deadline pass without the Panthers making a deal for Brady Quinn?

Parity goes bonk!

A lot of good that salary cap is doing. So much for the favorable scheduling. Six of yesterday’s games were decided by 20 or more points.  What is the name of the bridge connecting the haves and have nots of the NFL?

Sanchez handles his Badlands

After limping through three losses, Mark Sanchez “spit in the face of these Badlands” and led the Jets to a 38-0 drubbing of Oakland H.S.. Sanchez went 9 of 15 for for 143 yards and one touchdown. Okay, so the game plan didn’t take many chances. At least the Jets coaching staff showed Sanchez can do an efficient job of handing off the pigskin.

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AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

By Paul Gotham

Saints and Vikings march on

Both New Orleans and Minnesota put their unbeaten records on the line yesterday. Both remained undefeated. The similarities end there.

The Saints rolled up 493 yards of total offense and left no doubt in trouncing the formerly undefeated New York Giants, 48-27. Brett Favre tossed three touchdowns, but it almost wasn’t enough as the Minnesota walked a thin line in defeating Baltimore, 33-31.

New Orleans took advantage of a home game after a bye week and fired on all cylinders. Seven different Saints marched into the end zone, Drew Brees threw four touchdowns giving him 101 with the Saints, and the New Orleans defense played stingy. Marques Colston (Hofstra) made 8 receptions for 166 yards including one touchdown.

Eli Manning completed just 14 passes while being intercepted once. The Giant offense lacked timing all day. That tends to happen when a team feasts on the likes of the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Redskins.  New Orleans brought an entirely different pace than the aforementioned sisters of the poor.

New York hosts an Arizona team that resembled their Super Bowl participant selves in beating Seattle 27-3. New Orleans travels to Miami for an interesting date with wildcat offense of the Dolphins. Saint defense coordinator, Gregg Williams has developed schemes to disrupt passing attacks. Will the Saints figure out the rushing attack of the fish?

AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid

Six games played, and Brett Favre remains off the injury report. Whew! I am still reeling from Bill’s description of Favre’s pending downfall.   Favre completed 21-29 for 278 yards along with a 58-yard strike to Sidney Rice to set up the eventual winning field goal.  Minnesota unleashed a balanced attack. Are the Ravens still considered a vaunted defense? Adrian Peterson rushed for 143 yards. Despite the impressive numbers, Favre could only watch as Steve Hauschka’s field goal attempt sailed wide sealing the Minnesota victory.

The Vikes travel to Pittsburgh next week before heading to Green Bay – time to walk like men.

Not to be lost in the mix is the performance by Baltimore QB, Joe Flacco, who threw for 385 yards going 28 for 43.

Denver puts their unblemished record on the line tonight in San Diego. The Broncos have a bye next week before embarking on a gauntlet that will see rookie coach Josh McDaniels prepare his surprise crew for the Ravens, Steelers, Chargers, and Giants over five weeks.

Peyton Manning had the chance to rest his arm this week. Anyone want to take a guess as to Manning’s numbers next week in St. Louis? Wonder if he’ll get pulled at half if he hasn’t thrown for 300 yards.

Curse or Coincidence?

Not that I believe in voodoo or anything (or maybe I do since I am a Boston Red Sox fan), but it just seems very strange that the last time the Tennessee Titans won a game was …oh…let’s see…last year! And when I say last year, I don’t mean last season. I mean the last calendar year. Considering that the department stores are breaking out Christmas decorations, this streak of infamy is taking on a length of time.

Last December, the 21st to be exact, the Titans downed the Steelers, 31-14. That was the day LenDale White, Javon Kearse, and Keith Bulluck decided to do a little dance and make a little flub with ‘The Terrible Towel.’ The next week Tennessee lost 23-0, followed by a first-round playoff loss at home. The Titans are 0-6 this season. Which wouldn’t be so bad, except that they lost 59-0 yesterday. Is Jeff Fisher’s seat getting hot?

Oh yeah, in case you’re keeping track. Last week, the Lions’ mascot decided to stomp on the ‘Towel’ while the Lions were driving for a potential game-tying touchdown. You guessed it. The Lions didn’t tie the game, and this week they fell 26-0 to the Pack. Does Detroit need anymore misery?

One Step Up

…and two steps back. Mark Sanchez welcome to winter north of the Mason-Dixon line. Hey Kid! You’re not in SoCal anymore. We have varying weather conditions in these parts, and ya best get used to it.

Oh my, not sure if the Jets rookie “woke up this morning to a cold house,” but he sure has “been given some hard lessons lately.” Let’s put it this way – the Buffalo Bills defense had more catches yesterday than Terrell Owens. Munch on that one for a minute. T.O. made three catches yesterday. The Buffalo defense? They had six interceptions (five off Sanchez) as the Bills won in OT, 16-13. At times, the Jets rookie looked bothered by the wind in Giants Stadium. Oh boy, it’s gonna be a long season if that continues.

By the way, is there a new sheriff in Buffalo…uh…maybe deputy would be more appropriate…actually, sergeant sounds more fitting (no offense intended to those who wear the uniform)? Ryan Fitzpatrick came off the bench to replace the injured …what’s his name?…and threw for 116 yards. Not to mention a 40-yard attempt that was ruled incomplete…barely.

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