Championship Sunday brings conflicting emotions for me. It brings the very essence, the finest, that pro football has to offer; the two best teams in each conference duking it out for the right to go to the Super Bowl. It also means that, save for the commonly anti-climatic Super Bowl, the football season is over, and that leaves a hole in the sports, and emptywheel, world until next fall. Well, enough of that, we DO have one outstanding day of gridiron glory left, lets get to it.
Frightning Lightning Bolts at Pats – The Bolts are busted up. Tomlinson has a hyperextended knee. Rivers also has a bum knee and Antonio Gates can hardly walk, but will undoubtedly play fine just like last week, with his famous toe. None of these three have practiced this week, but all are expected to play. Shawne "Gastineau" Merriman is a little under the weather, but has practiced and should be ready. For the Pats, Donte Stallworth and guard Steve Neal have minor pains, but have practiced and are good to go. Now if I am Bill Belichick, I am telling the whole team how the female complainant against Randy Moss is on the Charger’s payroll, and a statement has to be made for their oppressed teammate by steamrolling the Bolts and running up the score. The weather forecast is for bitter cold and wind. Not exactly favorable conditions for the beach boys. The Bolts have been playing inspired and excellent football for weeks now, and Norval Turner is off the snide and has actually won a playoff game. Congratulations on the fine season randiego; however, I fear it has come to an end. The Pats win this one easy.
NY Football Giants at The Green Bay Favres – What do you say about this game? It has everything you could ask for as a fan, and more. Young Eli Manning is actually playing like the reliable bulletproof Ecodrive watch he hawks. The Gents running game is strong and deep and the defense tough. Well, except for the secondary that is; where Kevin Dockery, Sam Madison and Aaron Ross are all pretty nicked up, but are available. Good thing they won’t be facing a proven quarterback or anything. For the Pack, everybody is practicing and ready to go, although Woodson, Bubba Franks and Nick Barnett are still nursing minor bumps and bruises; but nothing alarming. The frozen tundra, the freezing cold air, the championship banners, Titletown, Lombardi, Starr, Nitschke, cheeseheads and Curly Lambeau. It is all there, and all as it should be. Really, can you picture a better setting and storyline? I can’t. Neither can Phred. Both teams have sound running games and strong offensive lines. Both have hot quarterbacks pulling the trigger. The difference is the defensive secondaries, and there the Packers have what looks to be a commanding edge. The Giants deserve to be in this game and are to be commended for getting into it. I am more worried about them than I ought to be; but, as long as Favre doesn’t press, the Packers are going to be arriving in Phoenix soon. The kids will keep Brett loose and ready to rock and roll. Ah, the power of cheese!
As there are only two games, if you wish to make a play on the much coveted "Emptywheel Shiny Hubcap Award", you are going to have to predict the points in addition to the winners. Get some antifreeze in you, its cold out there! What do you have to say for yourselves?