Let's get right into PtS this week, it'll be slightly abridged because of the holiday business!
Underrated & Overrated Story of The Week: The Colts Give Up
-We knew this was coming. We knew that if the Colts had a chance at history that they wouldn't go for it... so why all of the vitriol when Peyton Manning was pulled for Curtis Painter in the 3rd Quarter of Sunday's loss to the Jets? We knew this was coming, remember. But, now that we have actually seen it happen - the question remains, why did Colts fans and national media react so negatively? Here's 5 reasons including some under the radar observations:
1) The Colts were going solo for 16-0 - With the Saints bowing out of the picture (more on them later), all of the pressure was on the Colts perfect pursuit. Thus, they had 100% of the spotlight when they inserted Curtis Painter to "close the deal."
2) Timing - The interesting subplot is why Manning was pulled when he was. In the middle of the 3rd quarter in a close game? Why not at halftime, or after a few series? What is the point in playing 2/3 of a game... and then pulling your best players? That's the aspect that made no sense.
3) They were sooo close - The Colts were literally just over 5 quarters from a perfect season. Finishing off the Jets and the Sanchise, and then beating the Brian Brohm led Bills in Week 17. It was so close that Colts fans and everyone else could taste 16-0, and then the Colts robbed their players and their fans a chance at history.
4) The players wanted it - You could tell, especially while Peyton Manning watched that atrocious 4th quarter, that the players knew history was ripped out of their hands. But, hey, at least this strategy has worked in the past... wait, it hasn't? Hmm...
5) There are no other precedents in sport - When can you ever remember someone for all intent and purpose throwing a game with history on the line? Jordan didn't sit in the pursuit of 70 wins. This is like a jockey slowing up down the stretch in the Preakness to save his horse for the Belmont - it doesn't make any sense. This is like Coach K resting his Dukies in the ACC Tournament to save them for the Big Dance. This is like Ohio State saying screw Michigan, we want to save ourselves for the Rose Bowl (although OSU's backups could still handle Michigan easily, cha-ching!). Nowhere else in sports do you see a team simply refuse a chance at being the best. Isn't that why we play and watch sports: to win and be the best? Time will tell whether this was all worth the trouble in the end.
3 Stars:
3rd Star: Donovan McNabb & Philip Rivers (QB-Eagles/Chargers)
-These 2 guys are leading the hottest teams in the AFC and NFC respectively. With another win in Week 16, watch out for these two teams coming from the likely #2 seeds in each conference. Also watch for hundreds of talking heads to jump on their respective bandwagons.
2nd Star: Carolina Panthers
-A total team effort in demolishing the Giants in a must-win game at the Meadowlands. Matt Moore played very well, Steve Smith gutted through a broken arm, and Jonathan Stewart ran for over 2 bills. Thankfully for NFC playoff teams, Carolina will be watching in January.
1st Star: Jay Cutler (QB-Bears)
-Wow, for once Jay Culter played well in primetime! 4 TDs including the game-winner in OT and even outdueling the greatest and most wonderful human being who has ever walked the face of the planet - that is enough to earn our #1 star! Maybe this is the silver lining Bears fans needed to get through an offseason without a 1st or 2nd round draft pick, no O-Line, and now maybe 1 legit WR in Devin Aromashodu.
Fab 5:
1. Indy
2. New Orleans
3. San Diego
4. Philly
5. Minny
-A thought about our rankings: As far as I'm concerned, the Colts remain unbeaten. The rest of the rankings remain the same because I'm still hoping New Orleans gets things figured out before playoff time... hoping.
8 Random Observations:
1) About my Saints - I don't know why, but I just thought they would find a way to lose that game to Tampa Bay. Thanks to Chicago, the Saints do have the #1 seed, but is it too late to save the ship? There is a tendency to overrate year-end performances, everyone will forget the late season struggles of NO, Min, and Indy if they reach Miami.
2) However, I would be concerned with only scoring 17 points against Dallas and Tampa Bay the last 2 weeks. Watch for the returns of a healthy Jeremy Shockey and Jabari Greer to give a huge boost to the Saints... at least that's what I'm praying for.
3) My Lord, MNF was an all night love fest. Do me a favor and Twitter search Favre and ESPN to see what comes up. The in-game coverage was pitiful and the postgame was just as bad. Here's my angry man, Peter Griffin You Know What Really Grinds My Gears column from last night. Don't even bother calling it journalism when Favre is involved.
4) As if that wasn't bad enough, the headlines from the day included, "Favre Impresses" and just this evening "Mainstay Favre to back up Brees in Pro Bowl." Yes, that's right. Brett Favre is the star attraction even though the fans voted in a different guy. But, why should what any fans think matter when the Almighty Brett lords over all.
5) While the Favre hype is unbearable, the hype about the NFC East is just as bad at times (see Cowboys v Redskins on Sunday Night). Thankfully, Rumors & Rants articulates those feelings nicely here.
6) You know what game I would've flexed into Sunday Night next week? Titans @ Seahawks. Chris Johnson deserves to have the spotlight for 3 hours out of this season. He needs 128 yards for 2,000 and with Tennessee out of the playoff picture he'll get his chances. Unfortunately, Johnson's quest will go unnoticed like it has all season.
*For the rest of the season we'll save our last 2 observations to take a look at the AFC and NFC Playoff Picture! Here's who we think will get in...
AFC:
1) Indy 14-2 (L @ Buf)
2) SD 13-3 (W v Wsh)
3) NE 11-5 (W @ Hou)
4) Cincy 11-5 (W v NYJ)
5) Bal 9-7 (W @ Oak)
6) Pitt 9-7 (W v Mia)
*The Jets choke on Sunday night as Pittsburgh and Baltimore take care of business to make remarkable turnarounds and get into the postseason.
NFC:
1) New Orleans 13-3 (L @ Car)
2) Philadelphia 12-4 (W v Dal)
3) Minnesota 12-4 (W v NYG)
4) Arizona 11-5 (W v GB)
5) Green Bay 10-6 (L @ Zona)
6) Dallas 10-6 (W @ Wsh, L v Phi)
Incredibly, Dallas and Arizona have a chance at the 2 seed, but we see Philly beating the Boys and the Vikes rebounding against the hapless Giants.
What Happened In Week 16 That Will Change The Season: Setting The Course For The Playoffs
-It's amazing to see the different tracks in which teams are taking to the postseason. In truth, it is incredibly hard to pick a favorite amongst this bunch of teams. Let's take a look at the different paths that the Super Bowl hopefuls are on...
Fading & Praying - New Orleans, Minnesota, *Indy (by choice)
Surging & Streaking - Philly, San Diego
Flying Under The Radar - Cincy, NE, GB
Looking For A Rematch - Pittsburgh, Arizona
The Trendy Wild Card Picks - Dallas, Baltimore
Will one of these groups of teams stand up once the playoffs start? You know, if this season has proved anything, it's that we have no idea what will happen come playoff time. Maybe New Orleans will rise up and find their 13-0 magic? Maybe Dallas will ride their new December success to Miami? Maybe Brady & Belichick turn it on? Really, I could seriously see any combination of these 12 teams playing for the Super Bowl in Miami. Whoever makes it, it'll be a wild ride to get there.
Check back for our #1 Story of the Decade and our 2010 CFB Bowl Picks!
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