Annals of the Homestarmy - Football

Impressed

nospam@example.com (Radar) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 18:23:35 -0700

When I heard that Tom Petty was going to be the halftime show at the superbowl, I was a little disappointed. I thought that they could have gotten someone a little better (Bon Jovi, The Who, or Metallica). I don't know about you guys, but I would have to say that Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers rocked.

Colts Fans Stupidity = Good Pub for Pats

nospam@example.com (Sideshow) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:16:29 -0700

Well the Colt's fans' absolute stupidity and classlessness over the past weekend has allowed their biggest Rival to claim the spotlight (as if the Pats really needed it), and get good publicity for this weekend.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft said the team will honor 14-year-old Anna Grant before Sunday's game. Grant, a high school freshman from Stratham, N.H., was the team's representative in a Punt, Pass & Kick competition in her age group, and when she was introduced at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis before the fourth quarter Sunday, she was the only one booed. "Why should a champion be booed?" Kraft said. "She won an intensive competition. She's supposed to be honored. We will recognize her as the winner on the field. Our fans will know." Grant said, "It really didn't bother me at all. People at the game came up to me afterward and said, 'It's not you. It's your jersey.' "

Now We Have Time to Worry

nospam@example.com (Ancient of Days) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:20:21 -0700

Now that football is over for the season, Colts fans have time to look around the league and wonder who on earth would replace Tony Dungy as head coach if he decides to retire - which he has been threating to do for 2-3 years now. Any suggestions on who might be out there? It seems a rather bleak picture to me...I think Irsay should tell Tony "You don't get to retire until you train your successor."

Most critically, I'm also worried about both Howard Mudd (one of the best O-Line coaches in the league) and Tom Moore (the only Offensive Coordinator Peyton has ever known in his NFL career). I'm concerned that they might both consider breaking in a new Head Coach to be one step more than they want to take. I mean, think about this: Tom Moore was on Chuck Noll's coaching staff at the Pittsburgh Steelers while Tony Dungy was PLAYING for the Steelers!

That is NOT Being a Fan

nospam@example.com (Ancient of Days) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 13:42:36 -0700

Between the 3rd and 4th quarters of the SD/IND game, they presented the awards for the NFL "Punt, Pass, and Kick" awards. Each kid was "representing" a professional NFL team. The winner in the 14-15 year old category was representing the New England Patriots, and the Colts "fans" booed her. That is ridiculous behaviour by grown men and women. To the credit of the young woman, she laughed it off, but I was so disappointed in the Colts fans that I spent the next offensive series writing this instead of watching the game. Don't be surprised if the football gods punish the Colts for this.

Gotta love the mess that is NCAA Football

nospam@example.com (Sideshow) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:43:38 -0700

Since it's inception the BCS proponents have always feared 3 worst case scenarios. The least tragic of these was that the BCS Champion was unconvincing enough, and a team left out of the BCS Championship was convincing enough to cause a split national championship, which the BCS claimed it would eliminate since the championship was "decided on the field".

More critical though were the following two scenarios:

1. More than two undefeated teams at the end of the regular season, which meant an undefeated team would not get a chance to play in the BCS Championship game.

and

2. No major (a.k.a. BCS Conference) undefeated team, and a jumbled mess where really isn't a clear cut obvious pick for the National Championship, possibly causing a 2 loss team to get in over a 1 loss team.

Continue reading "Gotta love the mess that is NCAA Football"

Pancakes Predict Patriots Perdition

nospam@example.com (Ancient of Days) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 21:35:27 -0600

My wife made pancakes for dinner tonight (we like to do breakfast foods for dinner), when she showed me something...not realizing the sacred significance, she proclaimed "This pancake has a perfect 'U' on it!"

"That's not a U, that's a horseshoe...the Colts are going to win!" I exclaimed.

And everyone knows you can't argue with foretelling foodstuffs!

(Images are links to full-sized versions)

Superbowl XLI Recap

nospam@example.com (Sideshow) — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 06:26:38 -0700

Okay I can admit it. Manning proved myself, Bill Simmons and many others wrong. He can actually win the big game. Congrats to the Colts and to AoD, our resident Colts fan.

As for the game itself, meh. Utterly forgettable. Even the commercials were very average (with what seemed like fewer new commercials than I can remember in a long time). About the only thing that was cool was Prince singing Purple Rain, in the Pouring Rain. This game seemed to be a case of which team didn't want it more. That and Rex Grossman proving he truly was one of the worst, if not the worst, QB of a Superbowl team, ever. But in the end it doesn't matter how good the game was. All that matters is who won.

The one problem I have was the BS decision by the Media to award Manning the MVP. Manning's game was merely average, doing just enough to win (Which in and of itself is a miracle), but the true MVP was Dominic Rhodes. Starting in the Second half, when the Bears were still hanging in the game, Rhodes was the work horse pounding the ball up the middle, and keeping the Bears defense on the field and just chewing up time. That first posession of the Colts that took up half the third quarter, yea the majority of that was Dominic Rhodes, Rhodes 21 rushes for 117 yards and 1 Touch made him the MVP. After him the MVP should've been Joseph Addai, who became the first Rookie RB to start a Superbowl since 1990. Addai had 10 Receptions (11 is the record) for 66 yards (All in the first half), and also racked up 77 yards rushing. When Manning struggled early Addai is what helped calmed him down.

But as usual, the Media is blinded by the Manning spotlight.

As for Manning himself I have to say I was impressed by him this postseason. Manning did the things I never thought he could. It's funny AoD one time told me and Giggler, the reason that he liked Manning so much, was because Manning was a perfectionist, who had to have everything be perfect. That was always Manning's downfall. This postseason Manning realized that he has 10 other people on offense, and 11 people on defense to help him out. Manning realized he didn't have to be lights out everytime he stepped on the field. He realized that if he struggled he could rely on his teammates.

Many games this year there was a difference in Manning. The show at the line of scrimmage with Manning gesturing like a wild monkey was pretty much gone. In the wild card round Manning realized he was having a horrible game and he and OC Tom Moore switched the game plan from passing to running. Manning had a terrible performance in the divisional game. But when he had to make the important throw he did. After an ugly first 24 minutes in the Conference Champion Manning didn't meltdown. He calmed his team and drove them for a figgie right before the half. The comeback was on and the Belichick/Brady demons were slayed.

Last Night was an average performance by Manning. Of course it didn't help that last night, much like the entire postseason, his star WR's failed to show up. (In fact the two worst Postseason Colts performances were turned in by Wayne and Harrison this year). He struggled early with an interception. But then something happened. Manning turned into someone else. In all honesty he turned into Tom Brady. He sat in the pocket and took what was given him. If it was the short stuff he took it and drove his team. Manning didn't force anything. Manning knew he didn't have to win this game. Manning knew that all he had to do was get his team in position, and be ready if they needed something big in crunch time. It's how he's played all postseason. It's also why this postseason was the best 4 weeks Manning has ever played in his career.

Finally...

nospam@example.com (Ancient of Days) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 20:12:58 -0700

Now the Colts can disintegrate to various teams throughout the league and come back into control of their salary cap situation. And all it took was Manning realizing that he doesn't win or lose games all by himself. He finally showed that he actually believes that it's a team game.

Halftime Impressions

nospam@example.com (Ancient of Days) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 17:43:32 -0700

So far, it's been precisely the game I expected...well, except I didn't expect Adam V. to miss that field goal to close out the half. But all in all, an exciting game, and the Colts Defense is doing pretty much exactly what they need to in order to keep this game tight.

In the second half, I predict:
More catches by Dallas Clark, resulting in some good openings for Addai/Rhodes
At least two more INTs, one by each QB
At least one more long run by the Bears
A steady march down the field somewhere between 4:00-2:00 in the 4th to seal a win for the Colts

GO COLTS!!!

SuperBowl XLI

nospam@example.com (Sideshow) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 10:43:00 -0700

First off, to Radar and anyone else who enjoyed Monday's Superbowl Mythbusting, I apologize. I had a whole week of stuff planned, but do to a family issue, my head or my heart just weren't into doing the research that would have been needed.

Secondly. I don't know what anyones plans for SuperBowl Sunday are, but My Dad and I are resurrecting our Super Bowl Bash and you all are invited. If you want just call me and I'll give you directions.

Finally It's time for a matchup and predictions.

This matchup is being trumped as Colts' O vs. Bears D. As well as Can Rex Grossman avoid a meltdown. However there is so much more to look at.

There are really 3 key matchups, and 2 key players that I think will determine the outcome of the game.

Player and Matchup #1 is Dallas Clark. The Indy TE has been the best pass catcher on the Colts this postseason, and throughout the last few years, when the Colts needed a big play, it wasn't Marvin, or Reggie that ended up on the Receiving end, it was usually Dallas Clark. Clark had a monstrous game in the Divisional round, and backed it up with some big catches in Conference Championship. Dallas Clark is the Most important offensive player on the Colts this game. The reason for this is he will be the guy that Urlacher matches up with. If Clark can take advantage of Urlacher, and keep him occupied, it will open up the middle for Addai and Rhodes, and help keep him out of Manning's face. However if Clark has a bad day or is not a part of the early game plan, Urlacher could get in a groove which could be costly.

Player #2 is Devin Hester. There is not a more demoralizing TD than a Punt or Kickoff Return. Hester had a record 6 in the Regular season. Likewise Special Teams turnovers are equally demoralizing. No non-QB had more fumbles than Hester. The 2nd important matchup of this game will be Hester vs the Colts Special Teams. In Superbowl XXXI Desmond Howard became the Games MVP Because of his Momentum Changing Kickoff TD. Hester has that same possiblity this week. The Colts special Teams have struggled in the postseason giving up pretty good field position. Whichever team Hester hurts, will be the team that loses this game.

Matchup #3 is the Colts' D vs. the Bears' O. The maligned portion of each team will be a big factor. Can the Colts suddenly resurgent Defense stay strong against a Power Running game that will switch it up from the speed of Thomas Jones, to the Hit you in the face of Cedric Benson. Can the Bear's Offense keep the Colts and Manning off the Field. As I mentioned Monday, the Bears can win in a high scoring affair, but in order to do that, it will have to be with Sustained drives on their part. When Manning is off the field for prolonged time he gets a bit cold.

The other X-Factor: With all the talk on QB's, it's important to note, that very rarely does the Superbowl actually come down to the play of the QB. One need not look any further than Last year's Superbowl for further proof.

It's an interesting matchup. Most people don't give the Bears' much of a chance, but as history has proven many times, when It comes to A Good Offense vs. a Good Defense, as long as the Defense has an adequate offense, Defense wins. After all the cliche goes, Offense sells tickets, but Defense wins Championships. This year won't be much difference as I see the Bears prevailing with Devin Hester deserving of the MVP, but Urlacher winning it.

Also here's a random Oddity for you. The coin flip winner has lost 8 of the last 10 Superbowls.

Mythbusting: SuperBowl Edition

nospam@example.com (Sideshow) — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:17:50 -0700

Well, only 6 days to go till, what should be a national holiday, Super Bowl Sunday, when AoD's Indianapolis Colts face off versus the Monsters of the Midway Chicago Bears for supreme bragging rights in all of Football-dom.

To get ready for the big game I'm going to do a mythbusting exercise everyday from now till Friday, where I take one popular opinion from this game and decide if it's true of false. So with all due respect to the Mythbuster Show, let's get started.

Today's Myth: Chicago's Offense cannot keep up with the Colt's Offense.

The main thought coming into this game is it's a Matchup of the Bears' D vs. the Colts' Highscoring High Powered offense. Many pundits think the Bears grind it out offense can't keep up with that high powered Colt's Aerial attack.

Let's check the numbers shall we?

Fact 1: The Chicago Bears scored the EXACT same amount of points during the Regular Season as the Indianapolis Colts with 427 points.
Fact 2: In the 3 games the Colts have played this postseason they have score 25.3 pts/game. In the Bears two games they have scored 33 pts/game. However the Colts have gone up against the 1st, 2nd and 11th Ranked Scoring Defenses in the league (FYI, Bears are ranked 3rd), while the Bears have gone up against the 13th, and 19th ranked scoring Defense.
Fact 3: While one would be foolish to argue the Bears' WRs are better than the Colts' WRs, the Best WR this postseason is wearing a Bears Uniform. In 3 Games Marvin Harrison (8 Catches 134 Yards) and Reggie Wayne (15 Catches, 155 yards, 1 TD) have been outperformed in just two games by Bernard Berrian (10 Catches, 190 Yards 2 TD's). However the best pass catcher is Dallas Clark by far (17 Catches, 281 Yards).
Fact 4: Rex Grossman had 7 games during the Regular season with a rating of 100 or better. and only 5 of below 80 (This does not count week 16 where Grossman had limited time). Grossman when he was off though was really really bad with Ratings of 10.2, 1.3, and 36.8 in 3 different outings this season. Peyton Manning also only had 7 games with a 100 or better rating.
Fact 5: Indy was ranked #2 in Passing Offense (269.3 yards/game) while Chicago was ranked 14th (205.1 yards/game).
Fact 6: Chicago was ranked #15 in Rushing Offense (119.9 yards/game) while Indianapolis was 11th (110.1 yards/game).
Fact 7: Indy was #3 in Total yards/game with 379.4, while Chicago was 15th with 324.9.

So while a Aerial Shootout probably will spell doom for the Chicago Bears (Peyton vs. Rex, I mean come one), at least on paper a High Scoring affair does not.

Championship Weekend

nospam@example.com (Sideshow) — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 09:17:21 -0700

It all comes down to this. Well at least until the actual Superbowl.

Two intriguing matchups.

First off in the NFC we have the Feel Good Story of the Year, in the New Orleans Saints, traveling to Chicago to take on the Monsters of the Midway and the Chicago Bears. The Bears Defense, has been sputtering the last half of the season, and has a few injuries to deal with. While Rex played okay in the divisional playoff, the fact that the Bears struggled against an inferior Seahawks team has to be driving fans crazy. Meanwhile, if not for one of the most horrendous, awful, inexplicably atrocious coaching decisions of all time, the Saints might not have made it past Philadelphia. Although they did play well against Philadelphia and deserved to win. Reggie Bush and Deuce offer a great chance to test the, suddenly giving Bears rushing defense, while Brees will have some success through the air. Rex Grossman on the other hand is still Rex Grossman, and can't be trusted. The Saints are playing in their first ever Conference Championship, and in two weeks will be playing in their first ever Superbowl.

Over in the AFC we have a bit of a Repeat.

The Patriots and Colts have played each other 6 times in the last 4 years, including 2 times in the playoffs. Patriots are 4-2 in that span (2-0 in the playoffs). There are plenty of interesting things to note in this game, like Colts winning with Manning playing poorly this playoff season. Colts defense suddenly awaken. But really it comes down to 1 thing. Peyton Manning vs. Bill Belichick in the postseason. The choice is obvious and the Patriots will be in their 4th Superbowl in the last 6 years.

Post your predictions in the Comments.

Round 2 Recap

nospam@example.com (Sideshow) — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 08:52:01 -0700

Ahh the final four. In the NFC we have the Dream season in N.O. vs the Monster of a Nightmare qb in Rex Grossman (Who actually played well) and the Bears.

In the AFC the NFL Has opted for a repeat as the Patriots and the Colts square off again.

Meanwhile with our picks we've got the following standings

Radar - 7-1
Mad Giggler - 7-1
Andy - 3-1
Bling Bling - 6-2
Sideshow - 3-5
Anon - 0-1
AoD - 4-0 in football picks but the rest of the stuff he's just all messed up on.

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

nospam@example.com (The Mad Giggler) — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:40:59 -0700

Since Sideshow is busy losing weight in an unhealthy way today, I think it's time to post picks for this weekend's playoff games. Remember to post your picks in the comments section below.

First up, we have Indianapolis at Baltimore. Strength goes against strength as Indy's (regular season) high powered offense goes against the league's top defense. Can Steve McNair make the difference against the Colts suddenly spry defense? I say. . .no. I'm rooting for a rematch of Indy vs. New England in the AFC championship here, so I have to choose Indianapolis over Baltimore.

The second game on Saturday will be Philadelphia at New Orleans. The Saints have been referred to as "America's team", and have benefited from a lot of great karma. The Eagles on the other hand have some karma of their own in the form of a possible Ewing Theory as a rejuvenated Jeff Garcia has replaced Donovan McNabb. The Eagles are also in high spirits after seeing That One Receiver banished to the off-season. I like Drew Brees, but the Eagles have much more playoff experience. I have a feeling Philly will be in South Florida later this month, so I'm picking Philadelphia over New Orleans.

Sunday morning will bring the ugly match-up of Seattle at Chicago. The Seahawks should feel fortunate just to be in the playoffs, let alone the Divisional Round. I will never understand how they managed to overcome both the Madden Cover Curse and the SuperBowl Loser Curse in the same season. Unfortunately, I don't think their mojo will be enough to overcome the Bear's defense. Thankfully, Rex Grossman will keep things close on into the final quarter. Sadly, I have to go with Chicago over Seattle in this one.

Our final game this weekend is the one most sports writers seem intrigued by, as New England visits sunny San Diego. I'm a bit of a homer for this game, so I won't go into my man-crush on Tom Brady. New England will scrap out a win here against Marty Chokenheimer.

Ur-ban Mey-er.....

nospam@example.com (Sideshow) — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 21:44:45 -0700

Chant it with me!

UR-BAN MEY-ER! Clap Clap ClapClapClap UR-BAN MEY-ER!

Come on media idiots, tell me how the Spread Offense and Meyer were just a fluke!