Another week, another round of identical picks by Holly and me. Both of us picked the Saints, Colts, Cowboys and Chargers. Both of us went 2-0 on the Saturday again. Both of us went 0-2 on the Sunday again. And so both of us have another week of picks to make.
I'm still stunned by the Jets game. San Diego was undoubtedly the hottest team in football going into the game, and I didn't think the Jets would have enough offense to match up with the Chargers. I knew the Jets could run on the Bolts and felt like the game would be close, but I didn't think it would be enough. I assumed Revis would be able to lock down Jackson, but I was most worried about Gates.
I forgot, however, about the one thing that could stop the Chargers: Norv Turner, Playoff Edition. The Chargers could not find a way to capitalize on all the yardage they accumulated in the first half, and they got conservative with their playcalling for whatever reason.
Having Nate Kaeding miss 3 kicks sure didn't hurt, either. I don't know why he only misses kicks against the Jets, but I'm sure glad he does. Even at his best, he looks like a scared 14 year old out there.
Speaking of 14 year olds, did anybody else notice that the male 14 year old winner of the Punt, Pass and Kick competition was an Eagles fan from Buffalo? If that doesn't sum up the ineptitude of the Bills over the past 15+ years, I don't know what does.
I love Rex Ryan so much. The swagger he brought to this team, especially in comparison to the soulless, militaristic, anti-fun mentality of Eric Mangini, is infectious. In his press conference, he actually apologized to Jets fans for going soft after they went up 17-7. How awesome is that? And that 4th and 1 call to go for it had me fired up. Underneath that mound of fat over his belt lie the biggest balls in sports.
Onto the Conference Championship games. What I like most about the 4 remaining teams is that every possible Super Bowl matchup has a compelling story. Breaking it down:
Colts-Saints: The best two teams in football this year, the only pair to go undefeated so late into a season, the Manning connection.
Colts-Vikings: Manning vs. Favre (actually the least compelling of the 4 possibilities)
Jets-Saints: Rematch of Week 4 which was closer than the score indicated, #1 offense versus #1 defense
Jets-Vikings: How Favre screwed the Jets last year
Finally, this Jets-Colts matchup creates the Lake Family Civil War. I'm going to be bunkered in the basement for the game on Sunday, and we've agreed to have Maddie dressed in neutral colors this week (but her room is green - advantage me!). I'll be happy for Jen if the Colts win, but it would be so great to have the Jets make the Super Bowl for the first time since I've been alive. It's so improbable, and I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it.
I'm also going to have a hell of a time making my picks this week. Not so much the NFC game, but there's a head/heart battle raging already for the AFC game. It's a great problem to have, though.
1 comment:
Wow, excellent win by your team Savior. I got a few things to say.
First, excellent post on the blog and I agree just about everything you've stated abut Rex Ryan and the Jets. I was happy to see them win, as I was pulling for them.
Second... hilarious that no kicker, not Kaeding nor the bungles kicker, Graham was his name I think, can kick a field goal on the Jets. I think opposing kickers are 0-5 on field goal attempts against the Jets in the post season so far.
Third, yesterday was the best day of football I've had in a while. Cowpukes lose in embarrassing fashion and the choking bolts are one and done... You're welcome San Diego... you can keep Rivers and Kaeding and merroidman... the Giants will keep Eli and be very very happy about it.
And finally... dude... you didn't pick your own team in the pool? Serves you right if Aunt Holl beats you in the end.
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