It's now or never AFC & NFC Championship day

Hey ya'll it's your one and only Sportsgal89 IN THE BUILDING on a lovely Sunday afternoon before the showdowns of the year which determine who will be entering the XLV Super Bowl! Despite the fact that these two games are the games that determine our Super Bowl XLV Contenders, these games are huge because the last time these four teams met the stakes were very different.
In the NFC we have the Packers and DA Bears in a showdown of the ages because for these two teams it is the SUPER BOWL, these two teams will NEVER meet in a Super Bowl unless for some reason they get redrawn in to another division (which won't happen). The last time these two teams had a show down in the playoffs was in 1941 and the Bears took home that win 33-14 and followed that with the Defeat of the NY Giants and their 4th title. Between these two teams is a history of greatness, amidst playoff wins, and championships the show down at Soldier Field is going to be a beautiful one.
The last time this team met this season was January 2, 2011 at Green Bay. The Pack won that low scoring game 10-3.

With all the tweets I am anxious to see the boys in Blue and Orange come out and dominate, but with Aaron Rodgers at the helm of the Pack, wow-- All I can say is today is going to be exciting and the magic well "Play until that whistle". Not to give away who I am going for, but all I can say is "BEAR DOWN!!"




And on the side of the AFC we have the one and only Sixburgh against the HardKnock Jets. My stomach is in knots! I just can't wait until that clock hits 6:30 and that first ball is let loose in Heinz. As I prepare for today I just remember that this is one more game, this is THE game. This is OUR Superbowl because once we get past this we get past it all. The last time the Steelers and the Jets played each other this season it was Week 15 (Santonio Holmes says "That was personal"- his first game in Pittsburgh since he was released)- I am a Green and White number 10 fan since before he was a Steeler while he was at Ohio State, so while I like hime right now he is the ENEMY well he and the JETS are the enemy. Like I was saying week 15 the Steelers saw their loss at home against the Jets, where the Jets pulled of a 22-17 win against the Steelers. It was disgustingly unexpected and something I hope we do NOT repeat!

While I have love for the Jets and their story the thing I have to say is that all the teams left weren't supposed to be here. And we beat the odds again and again. I'll give it to the Jets and the Packers, there is hope being a 6th Seed, but on this day greatness was born-- Myron Cope the creator of the legendary TERRIBLE TOWEL and as we wave them proudly we bring on all of Steeler Nation near and far, alive and dead to push our boys as we THE 12th MAN Cheer them on loudly and proudly. It is all or nothing on this Glorious Day!




The Motto: GO HARD OR STAY HOME!!

NFL Playoffs 2010-2011 Season Round 2 part 2

Hello! It's your girl SportsGal89 in the building! And I'm back with another addition of my sports blog. I decided last minute that I was going to break up the two blogs of this round into their respective divisions as it will make the most sense for next week as well.
So now on to the game that I ACTUALLY had a stake in. The AFC Game between the NY JETS and the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. Why do I have a stake in this game, the winner determines who we play against in the AFC Division Title game. While I do not really care who we played, because either way the team is going to be one more STEP in the stairway to 7, the thing that I will say was I was leaning more towards being comfortable with home field advantage if we play the Jets.
But at any rate any game we had was going to be a retribution game because we lost to both teams in the regular season so beating them in their one game away from Superbowl XLV would be AMAZING!
So by now you probably already know the outcome, but I will keep moving as if you don't know. The week leading up to this game was a comical back and forth battle of words between members of the Jets (including "Sexy Rexy" and Pats Head Coach). So needless to say this was a highly anticipated game and one that at least for Steelers fans across the country determined who we would be facing in the AFC Championship game.
Now the Ken Doll didn't cease to amaze me with his wildly flowing hair... Let's get real.. It's the Patriots, you expect nothing less but greatness when you watch them play. Well except **COUGH**COUGH** 18-1!!

[Brief interruption by SportsGal89, hey y'all so today is 1-19-2011. I have been writing, or attempting to write this blog for the last 3 days and well with the AFC Championship and NFC Championship only a few days out, I have lost all drive to complete this blog in my regular fashion. So here is the following is my speed update]
If you don't already know and which I think you do: The JETS had in my opinion a SURPRISING upset of the Patriots. I know that for Jets fans this my opinion is the exact thought that motivates their team to come out and win, week after week. But here is the thing you take the Jets and you put them up against one of the best teams in the league and facing one of the, if not the best current QBs in the league and you really wonder if they are actually going to play ball- and let's not forget that A** Whopping they took the last time these two teams met up 45-3! My Lord!
While I didn't think the Jets were going to allow themselves to get owned again, I did think that the end result was going to be another loss to the Jets. So to all the Jets fans I am sorry for doubting you, but besides taking out Peyton and the Ken Doll at home, there hasn't been extreme moves that have made me feel like I could stand and all out support them the way I support other teams or my team.
But what I like about the Jets is when you think they've been backed against a corner they really come back and lay it on you. They slowly chip away at the Defense making moves up and down the field that says wow this team in the next year or two is going to be unstoppable. But I think our doubts, as fans of this sport are still valid. There are times when they aren't consistent, when their wins are closer to a luck of the draw, you see Sanchez perform better each week, developing into one heck of a commander on that field- and as a fan I love that. And I guess that is also what scares me and also makes me have my doubts.
Needless to say the Pats fell apart, 2 attempted onside kicks that did not work in their favor at all. Done well (by the Saints in 2009 Super Bowl) but done horribly in Sunday's game against the Jets. Looking at the closing stats of Sanchez and Brady, you are just wondering how this happened- Brady 299 yards 2 touchdown and 1 Int and Sanchez 194 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INT. It was a big game for the Jets D, bringing Brady down I think a total of 5 times, the Offense for the Jets gave Sanchez time to develop, time to make plays happen.
With that the Jets took the win 28-21 in one emotional and powerful game and week both on and off the field. The end of that game and watching Braylon's back flip and Scott's explosive conversation after- I have to say that this team is energetic and makes watching the game extremely fun.
So I'll apologize for not keeping up with my regular antics, but I am #gamedaymotivated. I cannot wait for Sunday and the showdown at Heinz.
I'll give you some feedback I have for the AFC Championship game before Sunday.
Also follow me on Twitter if you don't already: njc89

2010-2011 NFL Playoffs Round 2 part 2

Hey y'all it's your favorite sports fan SportsGal89 in the building... And here we go with another (I think) brilliant edition to this season NFL series.
We start this day's blog with the Chicago Bears match-up against the Seattle Seahawks. Jokingly on Saturday night I put up a FB status saying can we add the Seahawks to the bird epidemic sweeping across the league (and we actually were able to)! Not easily though however, but a win is a win.
Remember going into this I was picking the Bears. And the Bears did not fail to disappoint with a sold-out stadium and impending snow Cutler and DA BEARS were one their game early. Took a lead 7-0, then an increase to 14-0. Second Quarter the Bears keep climbing 21-0 and I'm thinking this game is going to be a blowout. For the rest of the second quarter however, the scoreboard doesn't move. It sits still on 21-0 for a a good 10 minutes, the snow coming down harder but nothing else on a frigged Sunday Funday.
At the start of the 3rd quarter I found myself cleaning our staff office and logging into ESPN.Com for their Game Cast update of the game. But at the 12 minute mark The Bears led a remarkable 7 minute series to bring their lead up 28-0. But it seemed that despite their significant deficit, the Seahawks weren't going down without a fight. They quickly put some points on the board with a field goal followed by an unanswered series by the Bears, which followed with a touchdown by the SeaHawks bringing the score to 28-10 with a Bears lead. The next four series between the two teams produced nothing for either side.
I haven't really said it that much this year, but in yesterday's game it was fitting- "The magic of the game sets off in the 4th quarter." Bears with 6:17 remaining in my thoughts further solidify their lead by scoring yet another TD. I mean let's be reminded this game was won primarily on the arm of Cutler. Bringing the score to 35-10.
But the Seahawks came back fighting chomping slowly at a Bears lead.
With 4:40 eating away 2minutes the Seahawks score AGAIN. Bringing the scoreboard to 35-17 Bears. 2 minutes remaining and the Bears manage to do nothing with one of their last drives. But the Seahawks in the fourth quarter they came to play- A little to late, but at least they showed up.
Scoring a TD late bringing the board 35-24 Bears. While they had a good run, it wasn't good enough. I don't know what to make of the Seahawks run at the playoffs. Like whether it can be attributed to Pete Carroll's arrival, or the fact that the West is just slipping in this arena. But whatever it was you have to give the Seahawks some credit, I mean the took on the 09-10 Superbowl Champs and beat them. So while their season didn't end on such a high not it did end with, I guess, a lot to be proud of.
With that, Da Bears advance to play against the Pack. And while I have love for the Bears and would like to see Tomlin and Lovie have a match up, the Bears inconsistency worries me a little bit- who am I kidding a LOT!
But with a healthy team, I think they will be a great challenge for the Pack. We'll see what happens on Sunday.

Playoff Opener Round 2!!

Hey y'all it's your favorite sports blogger SportsGal89 in the building and I am SUPER Stoked to bring you this special edition of the playoff analysis of the 2011 season!!
This will be a little bit of notes from the game/stream of consciousness and an actual analysis of the game! So here goes nothing, I hope you enjoy. But first let me say that one your girl was rocking her FULL Steelers gear in practically Ravens country. I mean I was wearing the Steelers scarf, the Bettis Jersey, the Steeler Coat EVERYTHING! I was ready to go and was excited. I had some people talk crap to me before the game but I was still confident that our team would come back strong.
However, before I get into this whole thing, while I never said it, OF COURSE I WAS NERVOUS. There are a few things I go into when I think about my teams in the big game- one play to the whistle and most importantly play as if this game was your last. Do not give up, or I will be on the first plane to whoop all ya'll behinds!
So now to the game!
"5 minutes to kickoff and I am feeling a bit nervous in my stomach, but fully confident that we can kick some butt tonight! Let's Go!

First Quarter:
Kickoff! And it's GAME TIME! Suisham kicks the punt and also makes the tackle KILLING a 52 yard punt return by the Ravens Webb. And ALREADY seeing the black and purple makes me want to yack! I cannot express how much I despise this team and how much I thrive on this particular battle and rivalry. For the record I love TOMLIN! Why, because although he challenged early, I LIKE that he challenged early.. It means that he's not going to wait until he has more time, but actually look at the play on the field and make strong decisions in order to bring his team closer to victory.

Game continues:
So Ed Reed has a hold of Ward's face mask and we get the penalty. I don't mind Ward getting a penalty, I mean it was a hard hit, but it was a legitimate hit, it wasn't anything that wouldn't have been cleared. But the problem, you have Hines by himself defending his QB and after he body slams the defender to the ground a whistle blows and Hines is ATTACKED by 3 other Ravens defenders-- not to mention Ed Reed's clear grab of the face mask! And as I watch the replay I get infuriated even more! Dang it! Some BS!

Moving on I realize that while this is a battle, we still have to play. We need to figure out how to break out and actually pull away from this Ravens D. And clearly we did and do, with 6:18 left in the first quarter, we drive to the Ravens endzone, pass interference on the Ravens and we get in enough movement for a touchdown! SWEET!
So early on there is a battle, Ike Taylor takes on the Housh with a headbuttt that doesn't cost a penalty but will surely cost him cash in the end.

2nd Quarter: I am tight! Why? BECAUSE I SAY IT ALL THE TIME- PLAY TO THE WHISTLE. Off some dumbness that even I MISSED.. Cory Redding picks up a forced fumble by Ben and runs it in for a TD. It was so slow motion that even I turned my head from the TV thinking we are going to commercial, only to find out that no, actually Redding was the bright one in the crayon box and scored a legit touchdown. 1) how did I miss that and 2) how does the team not play to the whistle?! Reminds me of the Oregon vs. Auburn game and the crazy Dyer run. So now the game is 14-7 and I am like okay we have an all out battle!

I am not sure what the time was, but we got beaten with our penalties.. One in particular Keenan Lewis pushes a guy in the back and then immediately threw his arms up as if he didn't do anything wrong. Clearly he did! And my thoughts, clearly the Steelers are playing as if they don't want a Superbowl (yeah I said it, SUPERBOWL- my feelings you get into the playoffs in the position that the Steelers are in and while I say you focus one game at a time, the Steelers are a caliber team that the final game, the Superbowl is the one that they should be focused on). While I always say play each game as one game at a time, this is not the time! FOR SURE! It IS the playoffs! This is the time that you play with all you got.

There was a HUGE 14yard play from Ben to Sanders for a first down. Moore rushed again for a first down and the Steelers are back in this game. While I am pleased with this drive, I notice the clock and I think dang, we DEFINITELY need to score before the half. There was a HUGE 14 yard play by Ben to Sanders for a first down and then Moore had another quick rush for a first down shortly after. However,Suisham misses the field goal, sadly we do not produce and we end up going into the Half down by 14 21-7.

Coach Cohwer during the halftime show stated that if he was in the locker room, he would tell his guys to play ball and DON'T PANIC. And going into the second half I wonder if Tomlin told HIS boys the same thing. And boy do the boys settle down! Ahh Mr. Ryan Clark is up against Ray Rice and forces Rice's fumble (which he rarely makes). But AGAIN nothing is worth a turnover if you can't produce, AND boy do my boys produce. A sweet TD to Heath Miller puts the game at 21-14. I write: Steelers find our rhythm, so let's hope it sticks and we can take the win.
Clark ends up being the BIG play maker in the 3rd quarter!! Shortly following the Heath Miller TD, Flacco throws a pass intended for Heap, BUT Ryan Clark is there for the pick and Steelers get the ball back!! Ben connects a sweet little bullet to #86 Hines Ward- our 2006 Superbowl MVP, for a TD. And now we HAVE a ball game 21-21! Let's Go STEELERS, WOOOOOO!
So now after being down by 14 before the half, we make it all up in the second half. So thank you Tomlin and Coach Cohwer for making it clear to our boys that this IS just another game, don;t panic and let's get the win!!
So now all of a sudden the game takes an amazing turn for the better (as a Steeler fan!!) Flacco fumbles the snap and it's recovered by the Steelers. What I like about the Steelers, they make the most of the forced turnovers. We get in good field goal range and Suisham for the kick and we take the lead 24-21. What is amazing is that we are down by 14 and we don't even let that phase us in the second half, it was almost like 2 complete different games. We hold the Ravens to a total of 3 points in the second half! Ravens answer our kick with one of their own and now the game is 24-24. There was a sweet little pass to Antonio Brown for 58 yards, that was a reminder fo the Justin Tuck helmet grab in the Giants Superbowl win against the Pats.
Mendenhall digs for a TD and KEMO doesn't go a game without disappointing and drawing a penalty, but at least now the game is 31-24 with a minute and change remaining. Flacco does nothing with their possession of the ball and the Steelers get the ball back, with Big Ben kneeling and the Steelers moving on in this playoff run. "
But don't take my word for it watch the footage:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81db3c64/GameDay-Ravens-vs-Steelers-highlights

What I liked and where I think the Steelers were successful:
Ryan Clark! Ziggy Hood and the sack against Flacco. Our ability to keep our heads in the game and not get discouraged, after the first half. Keeping the ball out of Bouldin's hands was crucial!
One thing we have to look at for next game, T.P #43, there were some plays that he didn't follow through, it wasn't like him. So hopefully his connections are a little tighter next week.
It's funny how after watching the game that matters to me, the game I thought lasted forever. That watching the game that doesn't matter to me seems to go by so quickly. I liked the Falcons, I thought they played very well, but up against the Pack and Aaron Rodgers OUCH! Tonight was definitely the night that the "Bird Epidemic" continues! 48-21 the Pack stops the Falcons and advances. I would say that I was going to be surprised, but Aaron Rodgers is the man that Green Bay needed after releasing Brett Favre. And the best thing is, with Favre ending his career the way he is, the Pack can move forward into a new era and a new legacy under Rodgers.
So what I gave my predictions last week Steelers, Pack, Jets(Pats)and the Bears. So for I am up 2 we'll see how the next 2 goes. But I will be rooting for the J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets. Why? The Jets owe it to themselves after that horrible 45-3 and to be honest I want home field advantage moving forward to drop the Jets after they BEST us!
So here is to the next set of games!

BCS Championship

Hey y'all it's your favorite sports fan SportsGal89 here with another great addition to this thing we call a blog ;). Tonight I had the pleasure of watching the highly contested BCS Championship Game featuring the Auburn Tigers and the Oregon Ducks. Now, no matter where you stand in the whole BCS match up, those who are arguing that the points system sucks and the various divisions (SEC, PAC-10, Big Ten...) are annoying and that there should be playoffs in order to determine "true" champions and those who like the current way this system is (which is not many of you) would still say that tonight was a pretty interesting game!
From all of the media coverage surrounding the game you knew who the favored team was (WAR EAGLES- Auburn for those of you who don't know). I mean Cam Newton has had his name in the media for a hot minute amidst controversy surrounding his father, his Heisman win, his unbelievable skill and his good looks(oh wait, that was just me. And then you have the freshman #5 Michael Dyer doing work on the field and really setting himself up for a fabulous 2-3 years depending on his NFL aspirations with Auburn. Not to mention the top Defensive Player Fairley (#90) these boys just had an incredible story and for a novice(because I do not follow it half as much as I follow the pros. I mean there are 1) too many teams to count, too many divisions to follow and the point system even confuses me- so while I am a fan of THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, I only really pay attention to the rest of the teams once we get to the final games leading up to the Bowl games) college football fan such as myself, you get wrapped up in the story behind it all. Now let's not take away from the #2 Ducks, I mean HELLO it's OREGON! A resident of the Bay Area for 8 years, I understand the power of the Ducks in the sports world and what this championship game means for Duck fans and Pac-10 fans in general.
But going in I had my pick (Auburn) but I wasn't stupid, by no means was this game going to be one sided, I knew that Cam's usual "showboatin" wouldn't be possible against the Oregon D and the Ducks D definitely came to play (sacking him a few times and stopping his run game whenever possible). Auburn and Newton need to slow down. I mean given you haven't played for 35 days everyone is all hyped about this game so of course it's going to be a little crazy and intense. The first few drives from Auburn Newton overthrew or was short in his passes. It was clear that they just needed to settle down. When I have kids and they play sports the one thing I am going to continue to tell them even when it's a championship game. It is just another game, one you've played countless times before. Be above the hype, stay focused, play hard and play to the whistle.
The Ducks looked ready, they were prepared. Those little shuffle passes were annoying (only because of the speed- remember I am an NFL baby; so the quickness of a ball being released in a shuffle pass is something I am not very used to). But the Ducks gave you everything you expected, stopping Cam when they could and making it nearly impossible for redzone entrance.
But Auburn held their own. Oregon was the first to get into the redzone, but it means nothing if you can't capitalize on it. Oregon definitely delivered with a field goal leading the scoreboard 3-nil.
But top performer for the Tigers, Freshman Michael Dyer with an amazing story on why he wears the number 5 (btw), delivered. Picking at the Oregon D with 22 carries, for 143 yds. A touchdown by the Tigers early in the 2nd quarter made this an interesting game to watch.
While I can't recap every thing that happened I will give you a few little morsels that I thought were just beautiful. And if I can find some video footage it might make it an even better story ;)
The first one: a safety against Oregon played well defensively by Auburn, turned the ball over late in the 2nd quarter to set Auburn up for another beautiful drive and a 30 yard pass from Newton to Blake for a touchdown and lead of 16-11. Going into the half I knew Auburn still had to settle down, but that this game was not going to be an easy one on either side of the ball.
Opening up the second half: Auburn's ball, no big plays. Defense did their job Auburn scores a FG bringing the lead 19-11. No big plays when the ball returns to the Ducks, except for the Defense on both teams continuing to shut down the other team's "usual" plays.
When the game really changed: A forced fumble by Cam Newton with 5:05 on the clock and the ball recovered at the Auburn 40- I said it before and I will say it again, forced fumbles and interceptions don't mean much if you can't deliver! And Oregon delivered, holding the ball for 2minutes+ and getting into the endzone and finally completing with a touchdown! score now 19-17, Ducks go for a 2-point conversion and tie the game 19-19. By this time it is 11:55pm EST. I'm thinking, yo I could stand to watch this game go into OT- Battle to the death right? Lmao! Auburn had a different story and it all fell into the hands and feet of Michael Dyer!
Dyer ran for 37 yards to the Oregon 23 yard line giving the Tigers a fresh breath to keep moving. Dyer got the ball again came up short-- On the Oregon 1. Now there are 10 seconds left, do you run the ball in or go for the FG early. Twitter and FB blowing up, people saying go for it, go for it, go for it. I agreed with all of them Go for the TD if you don't get it you go for the FG. Well Coach Chizik also agreed and let Cam attempt a QB sneak for the TD. Obviously it didn't work so Auburn went for the FG with 2 seconds remaining and won the game. Closing out a wonderful undefeated season, a Heisman win and taking home the BCS Championship Trophy for the SEC.
If you missed it, you must have the best excuse ever to have missed it, because it was simply AMAZING. Go to Espn.com for footage from last nights game.
And Congratulations to the Auburn Tigers on the win and the Oregon Ducks for putting up a GREAT fight!

NFL Playoffs 2010-2011 Season Part 2

Hey Ya'll it's your favorite sports fan SportsGal89 in the Building and what a wonderful day in sports it is! In a few hours the BCS Championship game will be played in AZ featuring The Auburn Tigers and the Oregon Ducks. I am rooting for my boy Cam Newton and Auburn --but I will admit I didn't follow them as much as the true Tiger fans have. What I will say is I hope it will be a good game and I will be excited to see Cam have a run at the pros if he so chooses. But I will save the BCS talks for the next blog. Tonight I am talking to you about the NFL Playoffs. The first round is over, as you remember the Seahawks romped the Saints and the Colts were taken out by the Jets.
So Saturday's games featured the Ravens against the Chiefs and the Eagles against the Pack(ers). Now the avid antagonist to the Ravens that I am, really wanted a Chiefs win. I mean I can continue to go in on my absolute detest of the Ravens but that aside I would have loved to see them booted early. But alas, my dreams did not come true. The Chiefs got beat, I mean SPANKED a nasty 30-7. And the message from Terrell Suggs " Pitt we coming for ya." Boy Bring It! We'll be waiting and gladly ready to put the hurt on ya. So there you have it folks the third and final match up of this 2010-2011 Season between the Ravens and the Steelers and you know who this girl is going for.... The "BLACK and YELLOW" of course ;).
Now, no matter the outcome of this Pack vs. Eagles game I was just glad to see my boy Vick play. I have been a fan of Michael Vick while he was in ATL. Injuries aside he is a phenomenal athlete and I believe that this was his season to show that despite all of the shortcomings of his past, he is back and ready for business. Hopefully the rest of the world will catch up, because every analysis keeps going back to him needing to "prove" himself. If he was white (yes I am going there) it wouldn't be necessarily this constant story. I mean the same thing happened to Ricky Williams and let's not forget that Vince Young has had his own go round in the circuit as well. It won't end with Vick, when Plax returns from his jail term, his will be the next story of the "troubled" Black athlete's redemption.
But anyways, I just hope that Vick's skills far out weigh people's judgements. I wanted a win for Vick and the Eagles to further solidify that he is the right guy for Philly and that there is a redemption story for him. But even without a win he made his mark on the 2010-2011 season, that is for sure.
Sadly however, the Pack was just too good, to ready, too alive for the Eagles. With Desean Jackson injured the Eagles were a little weak. Packers led the scoreboard for the first half and the Eagles caught a little fire during the second half but it wasn't enough to keep the Pack from taking the win. I think the Pack wanted it more, hungered for it more.
So Saturday features the Ravens vs the Steelers at 4:30pm followed by the Packers vs the Falcons at 8pm. Sunday features the Seahawks vs the Bears at 1pm and then the Jets vs New England.
Here are my picks:
STEELERS of course.. And to Terrell Suggs, keep talking that mess stating, "This is World War III to us. This is definitely Armageddon." Yeah an Armageddon that you will be going down in. See this is my thing I don't like to talk mess before a game, I like to stay focused on the task at hand. I mean yes, I am not playing the game, but I often feel like it is me getting ready to play. I don't want to be distracted by what commentators say or the other players. I prepare for each game as if it is just one more game, living above the hype. But this dude, Terrell Suggs, keep running your mouth because the Steelers are only going to be fueled even more by your mouth.
The Pack, Da Bears and I am going for J-E-T-S and Rexy who was talking a big game today dishing it out to Belichick in the media rounds (but I won't hold my breathe or rather be surprised by a Pats win) all I am saying is that the J-E-T-S better play to win, that 45-3 game was SORRY!

NFL Playoffs 2010-2011 Season

Hey y'all it's your favorite sports fan- SportsGal89 In the Building! And we officially have a WONDERFUL playoff season upon us. The 2010-2011 NFL Playoff run has officially kicked-off tonight! Very exciting and very interesting turn of events.
The first set of playoff games brought us some familiar champion faces as we watched the Saints (2009 Superbowl Champs) and the Colts (2 Time Superbowl Champions, 4 time NFL Champions and last year's Saints opponents) faced the Seahawks and the Jets respectively.
So let's start with the Saints and Seahawks:
Saints were of coursed favored going into this game, given that they were the returning Superbowl Champs and with Matt Hasselbeck off and on with a hip injury and playing his first game (today's) everyone thought that new NFL coach Pete Carroll would have an uphill battle that he would eventually lose. But Pete Carroll a "G" in his own right is not bashful when it comes to championship caliber match ups. While I don't respect how he, with perfect timing, took a job in the pros, I do like his the legacy he left at USC and I am not at all surprised that the underdogs took this game, giving the West Coast a little something to be excited about.
It was a tough game and there were many times that I thought the Saints were playing sloppy, but by the second half the Saints picked up a little rythym it wasn't as annoying to watch. Needless to say the Carroll's Seahawks took the win with a battle to battle game. But Hasselbeck (the one everyone thought was going to be the weak link) ended up coming back and just throwing some beautiful passes and really driving to keep this team together. But with the Saints inconsistency all season it wasn't that much of a stretch to see where they were losing key plays. But the big name besides Hasselbeck for the Seahawks was the one, the only Marshawn Lynch who really was the nail in the coffin for the Saints D. Interestingly enough the last time the Seahawks made it to the Superbowl was against the Steelers in 2006 when we played them and won in Detroit (SIXBURGH- yes I had to do it)

And for the game of the evening the Colts (again played the Saints in the Superbowl last year) versus Ryan's Hardknocks. Let me say this first, I have no real interest in either game aside from the fact that I want to watch some good ball. But going into this game, while I love the J-E-T-S story, I want the Jets to suffer a little bit still, for the Steelers Loss they handed us AT HOME! This game initially started off low scoring, well I mean it ended low scoring too. But the first two quarters was just a defensive game, neither team really making the most of those 3rd conversions.
Then the Colts scored (I will own it that I thought the Colts were going to take it) in the 2nd quarter keeping the Jets scoreless into the half. But come halftime I have no clue what Rexy said to his boys (I can imagine) but the JETS came back alive. Anotonio Cromartie with a 41 yard punt return at the beginning of the 3rd leading to a Jets touchdown and extra point good by Folk. Colts and Manning still looked pretty nice- Again I'll give it to Manning, definitely favored in this match up considering his legacy etc and his skill, but where I felt the Colts should have had the win, they definitely gave it up, A crucial play coming by Taj Smith in my opinion sort of turned the game, roughing the kicker and giving the Jets another opportunity to go for a touchdown. While they didn't get it, it definitely took away from the Colts time and opportunity to take the lead. I thought the game was over after Manning led his team to field goal range giving Vinateri and his leg the golden moment. But with 53 seconds left on the clock Sanchez and the boys in green and white got enough field room to allow Folk to be the game winner with a sweet field goal kicked in the final seconds of the game.
And the closing remarks from this sports fan, while my team wasn't playing I have to say that was the most knot creating set of games I have had the pleasure to watch. It is really funny that I get so caught up when I have no real investment (but again, that is my love of sports and not just the teams). 2 years ago when the Steelers went to the Superbowl I had a theory about us winning and going to the big game. My theory was dependent on the who scored first in each playoff match up. In the last set of playoff games before the superbowl the team that scored first was the team that one. So far in this playoff run well at least in these two games, the team that scored first lost. So if my theory is right, whoever scores first in the next two games tomorrow should lose (hopefully) so I hope the Ravens score first ;)