Weekend Fun: Divisional playoffs style

January 12th, 2007 | Posted by PostmanE

Is there a better sports month than January? Think about it: the NBA is in full swing (not to mention approaching the always-fun All Star Game), the college basketball season is entering its bonafide conference schedule, college football wraps up with a bang, and the NFL - well, you know all about the NFL.

That’s where we are this weekend: still digesting the college football season, steadying ourselves under the increasing weight of college basketball, keeping one eye on the NBA schedule, and staying squarely focused on the NFL playoffs, a mammoth entity too great for even the most apathetic NFL fan to ignore. Plus, I mean, the Bears are playing.

So let’s go through the Divisional match ups, completely ignoring the gambling lines - I’m not touching those with a ten foot pole - and see what we’ve got here.

Colts at Ravens, Sat. 4:30 p.m. EST

I confess: I thought the Colts were going to lay about 700 yards rushing to Larry Johnson last week, so perhaps I shouldn’t doubt them so vociferously again this week. But … bah, fuck it: they’re going to get crushed. The Ravens D is second in the NFL in rush defense, first in points allowed, sixth in pass yards allowed, and first in total yards allowed. Sure, Manning might be able to hit on some short routes, but Joseph Addai ain’t seen nothing like this.

Ravens 27, Indianapolis 20.

Eagles at Saints, Sat. 8 p.m. EST

Sometimes, in these playoff games, it takes some sort of extenuating circumstance to pick a rooting interest. A bet, perhaps, or maybe some ill will toward your ex-girlfriend’s new Philadelphia boyfriend. (I made that up. Promise.) But this game is not difficult in the least: New Orleans, a team that could uplift a still-struggling city with the flick of a few Drew Brees spirals, or a team led by … Jeff Garcia. Easy decision.

Saints 34, Eagles 17

Seahawks at BEARS, Sun. 1 p.m. EST

On the set of Superfans: Sure, Da Seahawks got an OK offense, der, Bob, but you know what? I think Rexy’s gonna get it done. Grossman’s line: 9 touchdowns, 0 INTs, 847 yards. (What? It could happen! Me, I’ll be watching the game with a Tank Johnson-like ski cap over my face. I can’t take this stuff.)

In all seriousness, I don’t know what to make of this game. The weather is supposed be nasty, but that doesn’t matter; Seattle isn’t exactly Tampa Bay. No, if the Bears have an advantage, it’s - stay with me here - Cedric Benson. He hits the hole, runs hard, needs no cutbacks and doesn’t rely on his footing to get him places. If it’s slippery, Lovie, GIVE THIS MAN THE BALL. Failing that, line up Rex at wide receiver. Might as well.

Don’t think I’m not keeping the faith, though. Who do you think I am?

Da BEARS 123, Seahawks - 22

New England at San Diego, Sun. 4:30 p.m. EST

Now this is a divisional playoff game. Belichick’s wily coaching style (the Patriots stood pat all year, just barely tipping their hand against the Titans in Week 17; what a coach!) vs. Martyball, a style that has apparently all but left San Diego. Problem is, what if the Chargers are nursing a small lead early? If you were a Charger fan, would you feel safe with that lead, knowing your coach might have a relapse and decide to start handing the ball off as many times as is humanly possible? Phillip Rivers will be taking knees on 1st and 10 at the 25, while Tom Brady sits on the sideline, grinning slyly, waiting for that last fourth quarter drive. Scarrrry.

That said, San Diego is still the best team in the league, and the Patriots laid a playoff stinker last year, so maybe Belichick isn’t so infallible. And it’s in San Diego … you know what? I just talked myself into this. Let’s go Chargers.

Chargers 24, Patriots 21

The first of many

October 9th, 2006 | Posted by PostmanR

Last week, we threw an awful lot of text at you. Seriously. Just scroll down a bit and you’ll see. So, during this brand new and exciting five-day period, we’re going to try and shore that up a bit. (We’re all visual learners anyways, no?)

Here it is in all its glory; Reggie Bush’s first career touchdown. If you’re in class or at work, no worries. The volume isn’t all that nescessary.

Enjoy.

Tuesday Morning Team Quarterback: The Saints turn us to blithering ninnies (and win a solid football game, too)

September 26th, 2006 | Posted by PostmanE

I played football in high school. I never saw the field. Of course, the ultimate shame came when I was once handed the head coach’s scratch clipboard and was told to “write down anything I say that seems important.” What a loaded demand. This week, Week 2 of TMTM, we’ve got a big time heart-wrecker at the recently remodeled Superdome, as the Saints take on the Falcons. Since I’m writing this posthumously, I’ll just tell you - it was a palpable emotional experience, converting both of us jaded, cynical Postmen into soft-hearted, understanding types. Weird, we know.

Anyway, if you’re ready for some football, or just want to hear the NOLA Clap, head (Dirty) south of the jump with us.

CONTINUE READING THIS POST –>

So, I’m OK with this hype

September 25th, 2006 | Posted by PostmanR

When The Best Rock Band in the Universe (happy birthday Johnny Drama!) comes to play your event, you damn well better feel honored.

Such is the case tonight, when U2 (with Green Day) rocks it like they’ve never rocked before at tonight’s tilt between the Saints and Falcons at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. There will reportedly be hundreds upon hundreds of media folk there and as we all know, it will be the first game inside the dome since Katrina forced a whole host of ‘Nawlins folk inside its doors.

To be so spring 2006, this is kind of a big deal.

And usually on this kind of Interweb idea bin, one would scoff at the over-hyping of this event. Not the case here, dear reader. Do you remember back during NFL Draft time, when you thought New Orleans was just about the worst team to get drafted by? Who the hell would have wanted to go there?

Reggie Bush is now the idol of the town and his jersey are selling like hotcakes. (I’ve still never gotten why hotcakes apparently sell so well.) Tickets are sold out for the entire season at the Superdome. Which, I must admit, is pretty remarkable.

It’s quite a nice treat seeing New Orleans rally around this team and try to find some purpose in tonight. They deserve it, after all.

Yeah, Bono is kind of tool-ish. But I’ll be on my couch watching him croon like the man of passion that he is. And you all should, too.