My mistake, that’s Steven Tyler. The Aerosmith frontman and Boston native had a little trouble with the words and general tone of the Star-Spangled Banner before Sunday’s Ravens-Patriots game for the AFC Title. Tyler was later seen enjoying the game with Pats owner Robert Kraft and celebrating the win on the podium as the Lamar Hunt Trophy was being presented. At least he was a more logical choice than the time Zooey Deschanel sang the anthem before the World Series. Hey, did any of you guys hear that there was a special American Idol on after the NFC Championship Game? Gotta love that cross-promotion.
Posts Tagged ‘NFL’
Old Lady Butchers National Anthem At AFC Championship Game
Posted: January 24, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFLTags: Aerosmith, BOSTON SUCKS, football, New England Patriots, NFL, NFL Playoffs, Steven Tyler
0
WEEK 86 – Rewriting History
Posted: January 22, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFLTags: 2011 Giants, football, Giants, NFL, NFL Playoffs, San Francisco 49ers
It was the same end of the field that Matt Bryant prepared to make a kick to keep the Giants’ Title hopes alive in 2002.
As Lawrence Tynes lined up for the field goal to send the Giants to the Super Bowl, I had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. When the snap was low, it seemed to be happening all over again. But then, Steve Weatherford was able to get the ball down, Tynes booted the ball right down the pipes, and the Giants had exorcised the demons and were heading to Indianapolis.
Looking back, it was a great game. Old-school defensive struggles are the best. I said earlier that one of the keys of the game would be to hold onto the ball. The Giants did. The 49ers did not. I’m not going to pretend that the Giants didn’t luck out, but then again I’d rather be lucky than good. Kyle Williams has to get away from the ball when it’s bouncing on the ground. That was a horrible play. It shouldn’t have happened. The 49ers had all the momentum at that point, but the Giants cashed in when it mattered. If that second fumble doesn’t happen, I’m not so sure the game doesn’t go into double overtime the way both defenses were playing. Those are the breaks.
There were a lot of heroes, which is how Championship teams play. Eli took a complete pounding. It looked like he was hit by a bus driven by an elephant. He deserves all the credit in the world for standing in there and making smart decisions. Sure, the Niners botched a couple of potential interceptions and fumbled once but he was being hit HARD. Victor Cruz was spectacular also. He made so many great catches in big spots. Him and Nicks are going to kill teams no matter what. Then there’s Mario Manningham who only had one catch but it was spectacular and redemption for when he dropped the game-tying touchdown the last time in San Fran. Devin Thomas recognizing that first fumble and picking up the ball was huge, not to mention his second fumble recovery. Jacquian Williams forcing that second fumble was a great hustle play. Finally, Steve Weatherford getting that snap down may have been the biggest play of the game.
And so Weatherford did get the ball down and the Patriots are next. Some people might say that history is repeating itself. The Giants have gone through an NFC South team, then the #1 seed, then an underrated yet dangerous #2 seed, and now the Pats. They won the NFC in overtime on the road both times. The beat the Packers both times. Heck, the games have been played at the same times. But simply believing that history is going to repeat itself isn’t enough to win the Lombardi Trophy. Lawrence Tynes proved that history can change and Trey Junkin can sleep easy.
5 Giant Keys To Victory In San Francisco
Posted: January 22, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFLTags: football, Giants, NFC Championship Game, NFL, NFL Playoffs, San Francisco 49ers
The Giants just don’t have to worry about the 49ers’ fearsome defense and a hostile San Francisco crowd, the rain and wind may conspire against the Giants’ hot passing game. To help them weather the elements, here are five ways to keep their playoff run going all the way to Indianapolis.
1. Break them – The 49ers have the uncanny ability to stop opponents in the middle of long drives. They bend but don’t break. It’s great to drive the ball 55 yards for a field goal, but the Giants can’t let San Fran break their momentum when things are moving. Those extra four points can go a long way to win the game or get a little breathing room and put more pressure on the 49ers’ offense. Converting on third and fourth downs in San Francisco territory is going to be paramount to the Giants’ success.
2. Hold onto the ball – The Saints had five turnovers in their loss to the Niners last week. That probably won’t happen again but San Fran hits hard so it’s important that everybody that carries the ball protects it, even at the expense of a few extra yards. The 49ers’ secondary also does a good job of disguising itself. Eli threw two INT’s in WEEK 10. He has to be more careful this time. With sloppy conditions, the game has the potential to be a low-scoring affair and a defensive score could be the difference. If this turns into a field-position battle, you don’t want to give the other team the opportunity for any easy touchdowns.
3. Don’t forget Gore – The Hydra put pressure on Aaron Rodgers all game last week. Getting in Alex Smith’s face is going to be key to beating the 49ers and trying to force turnovers. However, the defensive line has to remember about Frank Gore. They did a fantastic job against a star runner in Michael Turner in the Wild Card Round and kept Gore under wraps earlier in the season. That has to continue, especially since it’s going to be hard to throw the ball. Sometimes when Giants’ pass rush is at its finest, they over-pursue and let runners pick up big chunks of yards. Taking away the passing game means nothing if Gore is allowed to run amok. Kendall Hunter is dangerous too. He averaged more than six yards per carry when these teams met before.
4. Be patient – This is the best defense the Giants have faced in a while. The offense has been playing great but if the weather and the Niners have the unit stuck in mud (literally and figuratively), the Giants can’t abandon a mixed pass/run gameplan or take unnecessary risks. With the big play potential of Nicks and Cruz, as well as the punishing running of Bradshaw and Jacobs, the Giants should eventually break through. Like the Falcons game, if the Giants are facing a deficit and their offense is stagnant, good things will eventually come if they remain consistent.
5. Talk is cheap, play the game – It’s Coach Coughlin’s mantra and words to live by. The Giants are confident and playing great but none of that matters if they don’t take care of business on the field. They don’t appear overconfident but it’s always a possibility when you beat the best team in the league and everyone is picking you to make the Super Bowl. The 49ers are for real. They beat some good teams this year and have the ability to beat the Giants again. The teams both did a little talking over the week that was exaggerated by the media, but for sure this game is going to be decided between the lines. Everything that happened in the past is just that. You can’t be distracted by words or the weather. You have to go out there and do it.
ROUND 3 Picks: Almost There
Posted: January 22, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFLTags: 2011 NFL Picks, football, NFL, NFL Playoffs
There’s no time to fool around anymore. The stakes are too high. A trip to Super Bowl XLVI is on the line now. One bounce, one slip, one drop, one fumble, and your entire season is done. All four teams left have something to prove. The Patriots and Giants are out to show that the glory days of the past aren’t done, while the Ravens and Niners want the entire world to know that they’re for real. All four teams are truly great. Some have been more consistent than others. Some have had harder schedules. Some have battled injuries. None of that matters now. It’s 60 minutes for the right to play for the World Title. It’s all will and determination. Whoever wants it more is going to get it. Pick time.
RAVENS AT PATRIOTS (-6.5)
Stone’s Take: Despite their utter domination of the Broncos last week, I still can’t put my finger on the Pats. While all signs would point to a blowout, I can’t shake the fact that they played so poorly at the beginning of games towards the end of the season. The Broncos were happy to make it to the second round, but the Ravens have been here before and aren’t satisfied. Sure, they looked awful against Houston but they grinded out the win and that does count for something. However, I just can’t see the Ravens’ defense shutting down the Patriots or Joe Flacco putting up a ton of points. If Ray Rice can get a long touchdown run, they might have a chance, but New England just looks really focused right now. Prediction: Patriots 28, Ravens 24
Rory’s Take: It’s happening people. It’s happening! Giants-Pats. Eli-Brady. Yankees-Red Sox. Clam Chowder-Clam Chowda. I’m not sure I can handle this. Oh yeah, there’s games to play this weekend. Whatever. Prediction: Patriots 38, Ravens 20
GIANTS AT 49ERS (-2.5)
Stone’s Take: Under perfect conditions, you’d have to take the Giants in this game. The 49ers may have beaten them in the regular season, but that was a depleted Giants team that was a Mario Manningham drop away from forcing overtime. There’s only one problem. There’s a 95% chance of rain. If the Giants can’t get their passing game going, it could be trouble because the Niners’ rush defense is so tough. Unlike other playoff newbies that might be happy with a big win like their game against the Saints last week, I think San Fran has their eyes on the big prize. Harbaugh isn’t going to let them forget about it. With that said, the Giants are finally healthy and confident and are as explosive as anyone out there. If Alex Smith can pass on the Hydra, then he deserves to be in the Super Bowl. But if Aaron Rodgers couldn’t, why should Alex Smith? Prediction: Giants 28, 49ers 10
Rory’s Take:
Prediction: Giants 27, 49ers 21
PLAYOFF RECORDS
Stone: 5-3 (Last week: 2-2)
Rory: 5-3 (2-2)
Haunted
Posted: January 19, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFLTags: football, Giants, NFL, NFL Playoffs, Trey Junkin
In 2003, the Giants called the retired Trey Junkin at his home a few days before the biggest game of the season. They needed a long snapper. In exchange for around $17,000 and a final chance to win an elusive Super Bowl ring, Junkin suited up against the 49ers in one of the wildest playoff games in NFL history. However, his botched snap on the game-winning field goal in the closing seconds cost the Giants the game and cemented his name in football infamy.
The Daily News caught up with Junkin in Louisiana to see how his life has been since then. Understandably, it’s been rough. Finding a job in football has been difficult, and he still thinks about his moment everyday. Sometimes, it jolts him awake while he’s sleeping. The article is an interesting read and it’s tragic that the play still has such an impact on the guy’s life when he only had a few days to prepare to play in a professional football game. It’s Junkin’s birthday on Sunday, as well as the Giants’ first playoff game in San Francisco since then with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. There’d be no better present than a little closure.
Which Genius Will Be the Tampa Bay Bucs’ New Coach?
Posted: January 18, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFLTags: football, NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On the surface, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ vacant head coaching spot would seem like a choice job. They’re a team with a good young quarterback a year removed from a 10-6 season and they play in the city that isn’t freezing in the winter and doubles as the strip club capital of the year. Perhaps this year’s struggles could be attributed to their young and relatively inexperienced coach, Raheem Morris. All they need is somebody with a winning pedigree. That’s why I continue to be in shock by the candidates that are being mentioned for the job.
Marty Schottenheimer is the king of playoff disappointments. Brad Childress’s run in Minnesota was one debacle after another. Wade Phillips makes Chad McGee look like Vince Lombardi. Wade Phillips decided he’d rather stay the defensive coordinator in Houston than go after the Bucs’ position. Wade Phillips!!!! That’s like the fat girl turning you down for the prom. I don’t get the rationale behind trotting out these also-rans for any head coaching position. It’s like, “Hey, this guy’s failed everywhere he’s coached. Let’s hire him!” You don’t say, “My friend Jim got food poisoning from that restaurant. Let’s eat there!”
I think we’ve learned that the trick in hiring a successful head football coach is to go after bright young coordinators (Sean Payton, Mike Tomlin) or guys that exceed expectations but ultimately fail for various reasons and need a change of scenery (Tom Coughlin-meanness, Dick Vermeil-crying). NOTE TO NFL TEAMS: DO NOT HIRE COACHES THAT HAVE CHOKED AWAY BIG PLAYOFF GAMES (Brad Childress, Marty Schottenheimer). Good luck finding a new coach, Tampa Bay. At least you have the Mons Venus.
Trivia Time: NFL Playoffs
Posted: January 15, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL, triviaTags: football, NFL, NFL Playoffs, trivia
It’s fucking freezing outside, which means we’re in the heart of the NFL Playoffs. The NFL Champion used to be determined by the team with the best record in the regular season. In 1932, the Chicago Bears and Portsmouth Spartans (now the Detroit Lions) finished the season tied and played a single game for the Title. Due to bad weather, the game was played indoors at Chicago Stadium on an 80-yard dirt field. No, I’m not making this up. The Bears won 9-0 and the game was so popular that a Championship Game was played in 1933 and every year since. The playoffs have evolved a lot since then but one thing never changes: Champions save their best for the playoffs. That brings us to our Question of the Week. Get it right and you get the game ball. The answer, as always, is after the jump.
Who is the all-time NFL Playoff touchdown leader? (and a hint: it is not Ickey Woods)
WEEK 85 – Hail Eli
Posted: January 15, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFLTags: 2011 Giants, football, Giants, Green Bay Packers, NFL, NFL Playoffs
Giants 37, Packers 20
THE CHAMP IS DEAD! What an amazing victory by the Giants. They thoroughly controlled play in every aspect of the game, and should have won by even more if the refs weren’t so disgraceful. From Nicks on that amazing hail mary from nowhere to Cruz on the second onsides kick to Osi stripping Rodgers when it looked like the Pack was about to score, the Giants seized control and never let Green Bay have it back. People might say that the Packers looked out of it. It’s true that Rodgers’s timing was off but that’s because the Hydra was in his face all day. And if the Packers don’t want to hold onto the ball, hell, Chase Blackburn will take it. The QB scrambles by Rodgers hurt but they were never for more than 15 yards and the Pack just couldn’t put it together for the important plays. Those are the plays that Champions make.
It’s not time to celebrate yet. The 49ers are a great team. They beat the Saints. While the Giants are a more balanced team, it’s not going to be a cake walk. However, you have to think that with Eli and the boys firing on all cylinders and their health and confidence at a high for the season, they’re not going to allow the 49ers defense to shut them down. It’s going to be an intense game for the Halas Trophy.
5 Giant Keys To Victory In Green Bay
Posted: January 15, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFLTags: football, Giants, Green Bay Packers, NFL, NFL Playoffs
The Giants definitely have the ability to beat the Packers but in case they need a little help, here are five ways to make it out of the tundra with their Title dreams in tact.
1. Run, baby, run – It’s going to be cold and hard to throw the ball, so Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs need to run the ball effectively. The Giants offense always works better when it’s balanced. Bradshaw and especially Jacobs need to run straight ahead and get as many yards as possible so the Giants don’t get stuck in third-and-long situations. If the Giants get involved in a shootout, their chances of winning go down significantly. There’s simply no way to match Green Bay’s scoring possession-by-possession. Even if Bradshaw and Jacobs aren’t able to pick up large chunks of yardage, by being physical and pounding the Packers up front, it will soften them up for later in the game. The big hits hurt twice as much in the cold.
2. Get off to a good start – The Giants have had a tendency to start slow and play conservatively, as evidenced in last week’s game against the Falcons. They’re not going to be able to do that this time. With the emotion of their offensive coordinator’s son’s death, the Packers are probably going to come out SUPER SUPER fired up. The Giants can’t let them get into a groove. If the Packers take an early double-digit lead, it’s going to be really hard to come back on the road.
3. Control the big plays – The Packers are going to score points. We all know that. The trick is going to be stopping them from getting easy points. The Packers can’t score any touchdowns on busted coverages, sloppy tackling, or off turnovers. On the other hand, big plays from Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks have propelled the Giants in the past three games. If they can get one against Green Bay, it will go a long way to help their chances.
4. Don’t let Aaron Rodgers escape – With the reconstituted Hydra healthier than ever and coming after the Packers’ QB, Aaron Rodgers is going to be on the run at some point during the game. He killed the Giants in their regular season matchup with his legs. He can’t do it again. It is imperative that the Giants don’t allow the Packers second chances if the coverage is good and Rodgers scrambles for first downs. It’s going to be important to pressure Rodgers but the Giants can’t whiff on any sacks. The best way to stop the Packers’ explosive receivers is by going after the master of the Discount Double Check. Simply containing Rodgers in the pocket may be more effective than going for the sack. A 20-yard run is just as bad as a 20-yard pass.
5. Play like champions – Like Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior at Wrestlemania VI, this is a Champion vs. Champion affair. A lesser team would be intimidated by Lambeau, but the Giants won here only four years ago. Many of the important players in that game are still around while new guys like Hakeem Nicks and Jason Pierre-Paul don’t appear to be fazed by the rising stakes. When you have unflappable veterans like Eli Manning and Justin Tuck at the helm, it’s hard to believe this team isn’t supremely confident. Remember, the Giants’ 2008 Title defense was derailed by the Plaxico Burress incident. After spending two years building back up, this is the best they’ve looked since then. This team has something left to prove. If they go out and play that way, they’ll win.
ROUND 2 Picks: Under the Radar
Posted: January 14, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFLTags: 2011 NFL Picks, football, NFL
After Tebowmania ran wild on ROUND 1, it seems like the only thing people want to talk about is whether he can lead the Broncos over the Patriots and to the Super Bowl, now that he’s tantalizingly close and there are no juggernauts in the AFC. It’s an interesting thought and I’m looking forward to watching the Pats-Broncos game but the amount of attention it’s gotten this week is insane, especially considering the fact that the two NFC matchups are actually more fascinating. You have two gunslinging Super Bowl MVP’s battling it out at Lambeau, and the hottest offense in the league going against the hottest defense. I can hardly wait. Last week’s matchups were boring random. It’s time to put your big boy pants on, kids, and let’s make some picks.
SAINTS (-3.5) AT 49ERS
Stone’s Pick: Honestly, I think the Saints are the best team in the NFL. I’d take them over the Packers on a neutral field. Unfortunately, they lost at Lambeau to start the season so now they have to travel to San Francisco. Like Houston last week, I think the crowd is going to play a tremendous factor considering this is the first home playoff game for the Niners in nine years. The fans are going to be ready. The weather looks like it’s holding up but playing on grass is still a huge disadvantage for the Saints. I’ll take the 49ers as long as Alex Smith doesn’t get any playoff jitters, which is certainly possible. Prediction: 49ers 23, Saints 19
Rory’s Pick: This totally has a “Nobody believes in us!” feel for the 49ers, but the Saints are just too good. I expect it to be close and low scoring early, but the Saints pull out the victory. Prediction: Saints 28, 49ers 17
BRONCOS AT PATRIOTS (-13.5)
Stone’s Pick: The Patriots confuse me. In their last two games in the regular season, they got off to horrible starts against mediocre teams, then came back to take control. They did the same thing when they played Denver in the regular season. The key is going to be playing a consistent game. If the Broncos get an early lead, they can play one of their solid, take-no-chances game like they did last week. If Tim Tebow is forced to lead them back from more than two touchdowns, it could get messy. Then again… Prediction: Patriots 27, Broncos 17
Rory’s Pick: If you’ve followed my picks, you know I hitched my wagon to the Tebows early. However, I think God only helps out Tebow on Sundays, not Saturdays. The gravy train ends here. Prediction: Patriots 31, Broncos 6 (Tebow 316!)
TEXANS AT RAVENS (-7.5)
Stone’s Pick: I think the Texans got their one win and will be content to ride out into the sunset. I can’t imagine T.J. Yates going to Baltimore against the Ravens’ defense and pulling out a win. Baltimore may be inconsistent, but they have played well at home and in big games. It’s a shame the Texans got hit by so many injuries or they would have a legit shot to make the Super Bowl. Prediction: Ravens 27, Texans 10
Rory’s Pick: The game nobody cares about! And neither do I. I’m doing solid on my picks, but my actually picking the score is nuts. Will I come close this week? Imagine if I hit one on the head? Prediction: Ravens 24, Houston 13
GIANTS AT PACKERS (-7.5)
Stone’s Pick: When these teams played in the regular season, it was about as even as it gets. The Pack may have marched down the field to win at the end, but people forget that Greg Jennings scored a touchdown that should have been called off on the review. The Giants were also missing several key players, including Osi Umanyiora. The Packers were banged up too but Osi will play a major role in limiting the amount of time Aaron Rodgers has to throw. Yes, Green Bay is explosive but with the lack of a running game, there’s a decent chance they will fall victim to the reconstituted Hydra. Eli and the Giants have been nearly as good but if they get anything out of Bradshaw and Jacobs, they’ll have the edge. Remember, this team won the Super Bowl four years ago. They won’t be intimidated. Prediction: Giants 27, Packers 17
Rory’s Pick: But I’m not picking my G-Men to win. The Giants have exceeded my expectations this season, and I can’t be greedy as a fan. A well fought game against the Pack would be all I need to leave this season satisfied. Prediction: Packers 33, Giants 32
PLAYOFF RECORDS
Stone: 3-1
Rory: 3-1
Rainman Suite 