Super Bowl Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

New York Giants vs. New England Patriots - The Rematch

We are less than two hours before kickoff of Super Bowl XLVI and Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is officially active for the game, surprise-surprise...

This is the first Super Bowl in the history of the sport between two former Super Bowl MVPs. Tom Brady will try for the second time to join Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw as the only QBs to win the Super Bowl four times. This is also Brady's second try against the Giants (Super Bowl XLII).

New York offense:

The Giants' passing attack is just as explosive and difficult to defend as New England's; however, New York has a respectable running game that I expect them to utilize. I will be looking for Ahmad Bradshaw to have a big game because he is small, quick and elusive. He should be able to eclipse 100 total yards between rushing and receiving out of the backfield. If Brandon Jacobs doesn't start the game and show effectiveness, look for Coughlin to focus on Bradshaw. Jacobs is an incredible back when he runs downhill and straight ahead, but he is useless when he dances around and takes time on his cuts.

The Eli Manning-led passing attack is as good as any in the league because of the depth the Giants have at receiver. They lack a truly effective receiving tight end (unlike the Pats), but with Nicks, Cruz, Manningham and Bradshaw's ability out of the backfield, the Giants have numerous play-makers that New England's porous defense needs to account for today. Eli Manning has proved this season that he should be considered a top quarterback in the NFL, but he can cement his place as an elite QB with a victory.

New England offense:

The Pats are the same offensive team that they have been, with the exception of replacing Randy Moss with Rob Gronkowski. They rely on quick passes and timing. An effective way to get Brady out of his element is to get pressure with your four-man rush and clog the passing lanes by playing zone coverage. The Giants have one of the best defensive lines I've ever seen, and should be able to get pressure similar to that of Super Bowl XLII. However, unfortunately for the Giants, there might not be a better coach in the business at pregame planning and in-game adjustments than Bill Belichick. BB is even better when he gets to rematch a team he lost to earlier that season.

The Pats do an excellent job of using the pass to open up the run and are not afraid to rely on Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis if he is finding running room. The Law Firm is a big back and he doesn't fumble, which makes him an excellent complement to a Belichick-coached team. The Giants can't over-compensate for the pass or Green-Ellis will run all over them.

Recap:

I think the Giants will get a formidable amount of pressure on Brady and cause some problems. I also think that even though New England has the worst defense in the NFL, Belichick will have them ready. A lot of people think this one is going way over the total (53.5), but remember the total of the game played earlier this season was only (44, all scored in the second half).

I said it earlier and I'll say it again, if the Giants make the Super Bowl - they'll win it. I will stick by that.

Prediction:
New York Giants 27 (+3) New England Patriots 23

Enjoy the final game of the NFL season.

Rodgers That

Is that all she wrote?

By Dan Rodgers

The Super Bowl is over and that means the NFL season has concluded. The Packers beat the Steelers 31-25 in a good game. It could be the last NFL game that we've seen for quite some time because the current CBA expires on March 4.

Personally, if there is no 2011 NFL season, I might cry. I am not surprised that the NFL is on the verge of a lockout when the Jets are on the up-and-up...

There will be billions of dollars lost just by one season not being played, not to mention the things other people will do with their time which could effect the future of the NFL. People may lose interest because they will gain interest in other sports or activities.

I don't think it's possible for the players/owners to be willing to lose so much money so they should come to an agreement. However, I'm not a greedy millionaire so what do I know?

If there is any kind of update, I'll be sure to write about it.

Rodgers That

Cheese 21 Steel City 10

By Dan Rodgers

First, something is wrong with Dallas' sound system because this half-time show was half-ass. I did enjoy seeing Slash come out. Holy hell, Usher just dropped down from the big screen.

Okay, this show has vastly improved as it went along due to two surprises that most people should have loved. Back to the game...

The Packers came to play and I am sorry I forgot to post before the game because I was telling everyone that I loved the Pack. As I suspected, Rodgers is finding holes in that below-average Pitt secondary. However, I didn't expect Big Ben to throw two first half interceptions.

I like the Steelers to try and run the ball more effectively in the second half if they can stop the Packers on their opening drive. (Which they did)

I don't feel like saying much because the game is back on.

Prediction: Pack win, A-Rod MVP...I know I'm so bold...

The Unfortunate World of Sports

By Dan Rodgers

So, right now we are in the middle of the NBA and NHL seasons. The Super Bowl is a few days away, and pitchers and catchers meet in a couple weeks.

Basically, right now and especially after the Super Bowl won't be an exciting time in the sports world. Only trades and teams getting hot or cold can make these sports become interesting. March Madness begins shortly, but that is the next big thing (besides this Sunday) that will be exciting in the sports world.

Like I said before, I still think the Packers will win. However, I am a bit depressed at the lack of excitement that will probably take place during the weeks after the Super Bowl and before March Madness, and then after that and before the NBA and NHL playoffs.

I am bored right now before I go out for the night so I felt like venting about the unfortunate break we are forced to take as a sports fan. I hope you can survive. I'll cover the SB later.

Rodgers That

Can't Wait

By Dan Rodgers

At the post-game conference following the Jets win over the Patriots in the second round of the AFC playoffs, LB Bart Scott was congratulated on the victory and the reporter said, "See you in Pittsburgh." Scott's response, "Can't wait."

Of course, now the entire Jets organization is using it and Sports Center is currently mocking the hell out of it and it's hilarious.

We'll see how that goes this Sunday at 6:30. The Jets travel to Pittsburgh for the second time this season and look to beat the Steelers to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl III.

Two notable injury updates are that Pitt DE Aaron Smith will not play and NY QB/WR/KR Brad Smith is likely to play.

Two game breakers in this one will the Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and Jets receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes returns to Pittsburgh for the second time this year and faces the team that dumped the Super Bowl MVP for a fifth round pick. Holmes didn't have a big game last time so he will look to get some payback against his former team.

Polamalu is the kind of guy that can give Chezmo tons of issues. He blitzes whenever he wants and is probably the best player left in the playoffs. He is phenomenal against the pass and a great tackler. Chezmo needs to know where he is on the field at all times.

I think my Jets have a solid chance of beating the Steelers as they did so earlier in the season. I expect some big plays out of both defenses.

As for the NFC, I'm in love with the Packers. I think they'll cover their field goal spread (-3).

Rodgers That

Opening Night: Vikes @ Saints

By Daniel Rodgers

Okay folks, the time has finally arrived! Opening night of the NFL season minutes from going underway and I couldn't be more excited. I have a few more days to wait until my Jets play the opening MNF game, but I just love football in general.

Spread: Saints -5.5 Over/Under: 48.5

The Saints are opening the 2010 NFL season at home against the Minnesota Vikings. Since the Super Bowl champs started consistently hosting the opening game in 2004, they haven't lost. I don't think New Orleans will break that trend.

Vikes: A lot of people are saying that the Viking defense is going to bring some payback for the beating that Brett Favre took during the NFC Championship game. I don't think too much will happen outside of the ordinary. In terms of the offense, don't be surprised to see a lot of Adrian Peterson. This means you could expect a lot of fumbles, we'll have to wait and see if AP made the necessary adjustments.

Nawlins: The Saints are coming off of the first Super Bowl in franchise history. They have a high-flying offense and a big-play defense. Their offense is compiled of Brees, and he just makes everyone better. There is no one special, Colston is a damn good receiver and they have other talented players. Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Robert Meachem are nothing to brag about but Brees' ability increases their value. The same goes with their defense. Jon Vilma and Will Smith are good players but it's the big play they make that changes games. They don't shut teams down, they just force turnovers when necessary.

I like the Saints to repeat what they did in the NFC Championship game, just with a bit more authority. Look for the Saints to try to strip the ball like they did last season. The game will be a big test for AP. The Saints should cover the spread, but I think the over/under will be close because the odds maker people are good at their job.

My Prediction: Saints 30 Vikings 23

Saints -5.5 Over 48.5

Rodgers That

Holmes to the Jets?

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, now this is definitely a confusing one on me. It has been reported that the Jets have traded a fifth round pick in this year's NFL Draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers in return for troubled receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes, a former Super Bowl MVP, has great talent but has had some run-ins with the law. He has tested positive for marijuana, and was also accused for throwing a glass at a woman's head at a night club.

Personally, a former Super Bowl MVP for a fifth round pick is an absolute steal. Holmes, I believe, is already suspended for the first four games of the season due to violating the susbstance abuse policy. If Holmes doesn't go to prison for whatever reason and puts up good numbers this is a phenomenal trade for New York. On the other hand, Pittsburgh is just cutting their losses and getting whatever they can? I don't know. What I do know, is that this is a chance I would be willing to take.

The Jets now have a ridiculously talented receiving corps in Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards, and Holmes. Cotchery is the only one without off-the-field issues and he is now probably going to be put in the slot. Mark Sanchez now has plenty of targets to throw to including Dustin Keller. Don't expect outrageous numbers though because Sanchez is still only a second year player with a second year head coach. I would definitely expect some sort of improvement though. Gotta love Gang Green.

Rodgers That

BREESing into Mardi Gras

By Dan Rodgers

The people of Nawlins will be celebrating Mardi Gras a week or so early as they rejoice in the streets because they just won their first Super Bowl in franchise history. Drew Brees was named MVP of the game as he tied a Super Bowl record with 32 completions. He also threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Peyton Manning had one less completion than Brees but 45 more yards. However, he also threw an interception for Tracy Porter that was returned for what was the game clinching touchdown. To the surprise of many, Joe Addai had 135 all-purpose yards but the Colts couldn't seem to convert when necessary.

The turning point in the game, even though it was early, was when the Saints recovered an onside kick to open the second half. That gave them the ball down four instead of the Colts up four with the ball. Brees threw a touchdown to Pierre Thomas and the Saints stole all of the momentum. Peyton Manning looked out of rythym, Dwight Freeney was noticeably a nonfactor besides his one sack, and the receivers were surprisingly dropping passes.

Some might say the Saints won the game and others might say the Colts lost the game...all I know is that I should start going with what I want more than what I think will happen.

I thought: Colts 37 Saints 31

I wanted: Saints 33 Colts 28

It was: Saints 31 Colts 17

Well, all I have left to say is that I couldn't be happier for the Saints and Drew Brees. Personally, I think Brees is better than Tom Brady and he isn't even in the same conversation. Sure, Brady has won three SB's but he also had a stellar defense at the time. Brees just won the big one all by himself. Sure he got the pick-6, but the whole season he led his team and is putting up potentially record setting numbers with good players but nobody special. Brady put up above-average numbers at best until he got Moss and Welker. Not to mention he hasn't won anything since he got them which proves how important his defense was. Wow, didn't realize how much I wrote. Well that is enough on the QB discussion until later.

Rodgers That

Rodgers That

Super Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

Hey everyone, sorry about my two week hiatus. I have been in school and getting myself on track, but no worries because I'm back.

It's the moment we've all the waiting for...the Super Bowl.

The Indianapolis Colts travel to Miami to take on the New Orleans Saints. Two of the best quarterbacks in the league face off in a game that looks to be an explosion of offense and a scoring fest.

The game features two elite quarterbacks in Drew Brees and Peyton Manning. Brees has revived the Saints after decades of turmoil and being devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The Saints enter their first ever Super Bowl in franchise history and the Colts head into their fourth total and second in four years.

Now don't get upset that I'm not mentioning much about other players on these two teams because this game is solely going to be decided by the play of the quarterbacks. However, don't be surprised by a turnover or two possibly going back for a score. But in the end, this game should come down to the final possession whether there is three minutes on the clock or 45 seconds.

Enough B.S. about the game, I'm sure if you're interested you have been watching ESPN and such for the past two weeks to get all of your facts and information.

Indianapolis Colts (-5.5) vs. New Orleans Saints

My prediction: Colts 37 Saints 31

Let it be known that I want to Saints to win but I am trying to leave my emotions behind me. I just don't see how Peyton Manning doesn't take over and dominate the Saints defense. Look for Manning to have a big day but don't count out the rushing attack (attack being used very loosely) for the Colts because the Saints will do whatever they can to stop the pass.

What I want to happen: Saints 33 Colts 28

Look for an update possibly closer to game time.

Rodgers That