Sunday Sausage Links 1/31/10

If it's Sunday, it's time for another edition of our Sunday Sausage Links! We'll take you on a trip around the world wide web to share with you the news, analysis, and general craziness that caught our eye this week. And instead of being brought to you by the latest babe in no clothes, our links article is brought to you by an athlete from the past. Today, it's 1982 Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker. Unfortunately, anyone under the age of 30 only knows of Herschel the MMA fighter...

News

-In case you missed it last night, a recap of Herschel Walker's debut fight against a beanbag chair posing as a legitimate fighter. (ESPN/Sherdog)

-The Bears finally may be closing in on Mike Martz as their new offensive coordinator, that is if Jay Cutler doesn't throw a hissy fit. Is Martz visiting Cutler in Nashville a sign of Cutler's boorish control of the franchise, or Martz's level of desperation? (Chicago Tribune)

-Vikings OT Bryant McKinnie found a unique way to get out of the Pro Bowl this week. I mean, really, how much of a malcontent do you have to be to be asked to leave the Pro Bowl? (National Football Post)

-Amazing story from English soccer as national team captain John Terry was revealed to have had an affair with a former teammate's girlfriend. His sponsors and his captain status are in jeopardy heading to the World Cup...it's kind of like Tiger Woods, without the secret plastic surgery and sex addiction...at least so far. (The Guardian)

-More soccer, as somehow the Togo National Team was banned from the next two African Cup of Nations Tournament after their team was shot at by rebels...makes sense, right? (Sky Sports)

-You'd think the smart people at Nike would know better not to talk about guns in an ad with Kobe and LeBron? If you're ads are going to mention guns, you could at least use them to get rid of those stupid puppets! (NBC Sports)

-Allegations of cheating, threat of a lawsuit, no it's not the next high-profile Hollywood divorce, it's Phil Mickelson and his choice of sand wedge! (Golf.com)

-And lastly, Roger Federer continues to be, well, Roger Federer. (SI.com)

The Blogosphere/Opinion

-If you haven't gotten enough soccer so far already, Awful Announcing has released the entire tv schedule for the group stage of the World Cup. Start organizing your drunken European friends....now! (Awful Announcing)

-Hello, my name is Bryce Harper, and apparently (even though I've played less than a week of college baseball) I'm a really big deal. (The Nats Blog)

-A good argument from Midwest Sports Fans that February is really the worst month of the sports calendar...even with that whole Super Bowl thing. (Midwest Sports Fans)

-Could the answer to the Bears offensive woes actually be a member of their Super Bowl Shuffle champions...and no, the answer is not Coach Ditka! (Rumors & Rants)

-Why does the NFL have to control the world...not even cultural sayings or a once-ravaged community are safe from its neon claws! Who Dat! (NOLA.com)

-And finally, a smart look at the mercurial Reggie Bush...the man who might make the most impact on next Sunday's Super Bowl. (SI.com)

Just for Fun

-Apparently, Steve Jobs introduced an oversized ITouch and geeks everywhere wet their pants for the next 72 hours. (CNET)

-Lastly, for some reason, the movie about mutant smurfs is apparently about to be, financially, the best of all-time? Am I missing something? (MSNBC)

That does it for the week's links! Stay tuned this week for our comprehensive Super Bowl coverage, featuring RSS Top 10s, and Y1's increasingly insane ramblings as his Saints march to destiny! Until next time, it's bye for now!

Where In The World Is Randall Simon?

We started this blog back in June and had to pick a name that was stupid, funny, and somewhat relevant to sports. I don't know how we came up with Randall Simon's Sausages, but that moment fit what we wanted the blog to be about - sports and having fun. Well, I always wondered, just where was Randall Simon exactly? Last I remember, he was playing for the Netherlands in the WBC. Well, we found him, or he found us. Believe it or not, we received an e-mail last night from the Rockford RiverHawks that Randall Simon had signed a contract with the independent minor-league team. The RiverHawks press team contacted us with the news that Randall Simon will be joining the RiverHawks for the upcoming season (its almost like we're a legit sports site, scary, very scary). Here are some excerpts from the press release we were sent, which can also be seen on the RiverHawks website.

LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks will have big-league experience in the clubhouse this season.

The team announced Wednesday that it has signed eight-year major-league veteran Randall Simon to a contract. Simon, a first baseman, has played in the majors for six different teams, including the Chicago Cubs. Simon represented the Netherlands in both World Baseball Classics, 2006 and 2009.

“The first reason I signed him was identity, because he gives instant identity to our franchise,” RiverHawks co-owner and director of baseball operations Dave Ciarrachi said. “There are a lot of people in Rockford, even though we’ve been here for eight years, who had no idea who we were. They know now that we are a Double-A, Triple-A level professional baseball team, with high-level ballplayers playing at a high-level stadium.

“No. 2, he will give us the ability to have recognition in the baseball community outside Rockford.

“Third, I have checked with a lot of my sources on this. … Everybody I have talked to has told me quality things about him, as a clubhouse guy and as a guy who likes to mentor young players. Along with (player-coach) Richie Austin and another guy we plan on obtaining, we are going to have three guys in our clubhouse with a combined 40 years in professional.”

2010 will be the 19^th season of professional baseball for the 34-year-old Simon.

Simon signed out of Curacao, in the Netherlands Antilles, with the Atlanta Braves in 1992. Cubs fans probably best remember Simon as a mid-August acquisition in 2003, when Chicago reached the National League Championship Series. Simon hit .282 with six home runs and 21 RBI in 33 games after Pittsburgh traded him to the Cubs for outfielder Ray Sadler. He hit .333 in the postseason.

"I am excited about making my return to the to Chicago area with the RiverHawks,” Simon said. “I have fond memories of the Cubs fans and how much they embraced me and look forward to a great year in Rockford."

Simon has also played in the majors for Detroit, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia. Simon hit .283 with 49 home runs and 237 RBIs in 537 big-league games.

“Randall’s a contact hitter, give us a little different look,” Ciarrachi said. “He hits lefties and righties. He can be a force in the middle of your batting order. He’s not a power guy, per se, but in our ballpark he can be a power hitter, particularly with our short right field.”

The RiverHawks are members of the Northern League, an eight-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 18^th season in 2010. The RiverHawks’ ninth season begins at 7:05 p.m. May 20 against the Schaumburg Flyers at Road Ranger Stadium.

This wouldn't be complete without the incident that inspired us, right?

But, it still looks like Randall can get it done. Check out this play from last year's WBC!

By all accounts Randall is doing fairly well for himself in baseball, and it looks like he'll be a great addition to the team. The loyal Cubbie fans will make him feel at home in Rockford. The whole Sausagegate thing was overblown by the media at the time (Randall Simon took a swing at the Italian Sausage, oh the humanity!), but I think now we all have the proper perspective - a harmless, hilarious moment. Heck, we named our blog after it! When Randall reports to Rockford in May, we might even get him on RSS for an interview. We're conquering new frontiers every day - look out world!

Saints Fan Diary Vol. 6 - A Little Bit of Controversy!

The first bit of real Super Bowl hype has officially come! Whew, and you thought we were actually going to have to be resigned to analyzing the Semi-Pro Bowl. Thankfully, 10 days before the game, Saints coordinator Gregg Williams has given the starving media something interesting to dissect, analyze, and go bonkers over. As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported, here is what Williams had to say that was either part nutty, part offensive, part stupid, or part brilliant... depending on your outlook on life.

About pressuring Manning...

"The big thing is that he throws the ball so early that we're going to have to do a good job of finding ways to get to him and when we do get to him we're going to have to make sure he gets a couple 'remember me' shots when we get there."

About punishing Manning and perhaps drawing penalties...

"When you put too much of that type of worry on a warrior's mind, he doesn't play all out," Williams said. "If it happens, it happens. And the only thing you'd like for me to say is that if it happens you hope he doesn't get back up and play again."

Mike Florio is scared to death that the Saints will try and take Manning out of the Super Bowl by playing dirty and delivering late hits on purpose... please. Other pundits believe Williams is just plain ignorant in thinking that his defense has a chance to get to Manning at all. Others laugh and say that the Saints D will remember Manning torching them for 350 yards and 4 TDs. Some say this quote is good bulletin board material for the Colts. If you listen to the actual quote in context, the last bit was more of a light-hearted remark, not a threat to Manning's career.

While it's easy to hyperventilate over a defensive coordinator speaking with an open mind, here's 5 doses of reality...

1) We are still 10 days from the Super Bowl and anything relevant said during this time will be taken out of context.

2) Should Gregg Williams say that his team has no chance to sack Manning and will concede 40 points?

3) Would you rather face Peyton Manning in the biggest game of your life or Curtis Painter?

4) Defenses... are supposed... to try and hit... the quarterback.

5) Williams' comments mean about 0.01 % of the grand Super Bowl Scheme, the Saints punishment of Kurt Warner and Brett Favre means much more.

The real story is the transformation of the Saints defense into a physical unit that can punish the best QBs in the game. Granted, the remark about knocking Manning out of the game might be too much candor. But, it's taking the comments out of context to say that there is a bounty on Manning's head. Behind Williams' comments though is an underlying attitude and nastiness that can help the Saints D. They said Kurt Warner would kill the blitz of the Saints - all New Orleans did was usher him into retirement.

Then in the NFC Championship Game, the Saints punished Brett Favre for 60 minutes, thinking that their hits would pay off and Favre would make a mistake in the end. Favre showed unreal toughness, but did make the mistake that the Saints were anticipating. The Saints beat up Favre like few QB's ever have without actually getting sacked. The physical and emotional toll was evident for #4 after the game.

Now, the Saints defense faces its toughest test. There is no other way to beat Peyton Manning than to punish him and put him on the ground. Pittsburgh, San Diego, and New England have shown the blueprint to beating Peyton Manning is to get in his face, make him uncomfortable, and hit him. The Saints have absolutely zero hope of winning if they want to sit back in a zone all night and let Manning go to town as The Sheriff (sorry, had to make fun of Jon Gruden's nicknames at some point).

The culture of QBs in bubble wrap has led to a surprised reaction by most at Williams' comments, but this is the old-school attitude that has taken the Saints to where they are. Peyton Manning might complain to get calls, the league and its puppets will want to protect its stars, and folks can pretend that this is flag football. Should it be expected that the Saints play nice with Manning so he can look good for his next "Cut That Meat" commercial? Or for his next dress up act?

When Super Sunday comes, it'll be the players on the field that win the game and not Gregg Williams' mouth, overprotective referees, or offended talking heads. As a Saints fan, it is refreshing to hear the team admit that they are coming into this game to win and play with the same fire and physical nature that has taken them to the team's first Super Bowl appearance. The NFC Championship was nice, but now it's time to win a world championship. Sure, they might not get to Manning, and he might throw for 400 yards in a blowout win. Or, the Saints might be able to punish Manning like Favre and Warner before him and lift the Lombardi Trophy. Whatever the outcome is, it's not going to be dependent on innocuous comments by a defensive coordinator 10 days before the game.

Who Wants to Be #1?

As Y1 begins his march towards insanity and the Super Bowl, college basketball slowly starts to creep back into national focus. However, as the eyes of many sports fans come back to the college hardwood, they all must be left asking, Who's #1? Not only that, does any team this season want to be #1? With South Carolina's upset of Kentucky, there'll be a new #1 for the 4th time in 5 weeks. Here's our look at the short and long-term future of the current candidates, the Top 6 in the AP Poll, all of which have received #1 votes at some point during the young season.

(1) Kentucky

Kentucky was able to savor their reign at #1 for one whole day, before being knocked off at South Carolina. Finally, the talented freshmen core of Kentucky played, well, like freshmen (save another solid performance from DeMarcus Cousins). However, most worrisome was the play of Patrick Patterson (5 points in 35 min??), who needs to assume a leadership role for this team to succeed in the long-term. When the backcourt of Wall and Bledsoe isn't dominating, Patterson has to be the man for this team to score pressure baskets. Hopefully for the Wildcats, their loss was just another example of everything President Obama touching turning to dust, instead of a harbinger of things to come.

Short Term: Expect at least 2-3 more losses in conference as this young team continues to gel and teams dare the Cats to beat them from the outside. They should still win the SEC and be in line for a #1 seed, but they won't be back at #1 in the polls for a while.

Long Term: With the way guard play has dominated the NCAA tournament, Kentucky certainly is sill a viable contender for the title. It also doesn't hurt to have the best player in the country on your side, like UK does with John Wall.

(2) Kansas

With Kentucky's loss, Kansas becomes heir to the throne nobody wants. But, they'll have to endure a test of their own at Kansas St., who already claimed Texas as an upset victim while they were ranked #1. While Kansas has undoubtedly played one of the weaker schedules of the Top 6, they've also got perhaps the deepest, most talented roster as well. If they can handle their challenge in Manhattan on Saturday, they could be poised for a long run at the top of the polls.

Short Term: As mentioned above, if they take care of business in an overall weak conference, they'll enjoy a solid reign at the top of the polls. But slipping against K-State or Texas could see them slide to the back of the pack in the upper echelon of teams.

Long Term: With the best inside/outside combo in the country (Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins) and a talented supporting cast, they should honestly stroll to the Final Four. However, they've also shown they can be snuck up on...I mean, did you see them have to be bailed out at home...to Cornell?!

(3) Villanova

1a in terms of easy scheduling among the Top 6 has to be Jay Wright's Villanova. They've coasted out of conference and have avoided the heavy hitters so far in Big East play. And while longtime RSS fave Scottie Reynolds is still playing at an All-American level, this seems to be a much less talented bunch than last year's Final Four team. If Reynolds can do some more heavy lifting, they can stay in contention for #1 throughout the year, but that prospect looks bleak.

Short Term: Will begin to stumble once they face the likes of WVU, Pitt, Syracuse, and UConn. It will be tough for them to compete at the top of a loaded Big East with their lack of depth.

Long Term: While Reynolds is one of the toughest, and most talented guards in the country, it doesn't seem he has the supporting cast to make a deep run at MSG in the Big East tourney or in the Big Dance.

(4) Syracuse

The Orange are the highest ranked team to not have been ranked #1 so far this season, but they have a look of a team that will only get better as the season improves. With a great balance of returning players (Jackson, Onuaku, Rautins) and emerging talent (Scoop Jardine and Wesley Johnson) Syracuse is the early Big East favorite, as long as Jim Boeheim's famed 2-3 zone continues to stifle the opposition. Their comeback from an early hole against a solid GTown team suggests they have the heart to compete in what will once again be the nation's toughest conference by a mile.

Short Term: The Big East will be a battle, but they have a favorable schedule the rest of the way playing UConn and Louisville at home before traveling to Georgetown. If they win the games they're supposed to, they should be next in line after Kansas for #1 in the polls.

Long Term: Wesley Johnson has been spectacular, but they have to develop a consistent second option to succeed deep into March. Much like Villanova, they lack the depth of other elite teams who are contenders for the Final 4.

(5) Michigan St.

The Spartans have walked the tightrope to their best conference start in school history, going to 8-0 in the Big Ten with their last second win against Michigan. They also return much of the team that made it to the National Championship game last season and have played perhaps the toughest schedule in the country (vs. Florida, vs. Gonzaga, @UNC, @Texas, and an underrated Big Ten). They will be a factor in both the race for #1 in the polls, and the Final Four.

Short Term: They look due to lose a conference game, but a game at Wisconsin and two against Purdue are the only games they wouldn't be a strong favorite. A two game lead in conference should be enough to see them through to the regular season conference title.

Long Term: Their experience and depth will certainly allow them to be right in the mix for a #1 seed and a Final Four berth. Jr. Kailin Lucas should continue to become even more a driving force for this team during the Big Dance. The scariest part, Michigan St. historically doesn't even peak until March.

(6) Texas

Last, but not least, are the Texas Longhorns who have fallen from a brief cameo atop the polls to 6th thanks to losses at Kansas State and UConn. Those losses combined with other tough games out of conference should have them battle tested for the rest of the season. They also have the benefit of getting Kansas in Austin and avoiding K-State. Other than a trip to Mizzou, there doesn't seem to be any other difficult games on their schedule. A long winning streak could be in the cards for the Longhorns.

Short Term: Led by Damion James and a cast of young, talented guards and wings (sense a theme here) the Longhorns will be able to scrap their way back to another reign at #1 in the rankings. They'll fight it out with Kansas all the way in the Big 12.

Long Term: James is a great player, but Rick Barnes's teams usually seem to underperform in the tournament for some reason. If they're matched up with a team who has experienced guard play, they could be in for an early rude awakening.

So, those are the fortunes for the Top 6 as they stand. Are we missing someone else who could be a legitimate contender for #1 during the season? Let us know by leaving a comment below. Also don't forget to follow us on Twitter and join us later this week for Y1's ongoing Saints diary. Until next time, it's bye for now!

Senior Bowl Cattle Call

This time of year the Senior Bowl is going on, where personnel departments from all 32 NFL teams gather to watch college players coming out to be drafted. The players are studied, scrutinized and interviewed to see how they will fit into a team's scheme and philosophy. Tim Tebow is one of those players. Possibly one of the greatest to ever don a college football uniform, Tebow now looks to take his game to the next level. Already though, you hear from people that he can't take the snap from under center, throws poorly, his release is too long, and that he is a system quarterback. You won't hear too much about the Heisman Trophy, the two national championships, and the various records he set at Florida. Those aren't "measurables."

All of these pseudo-Nostradamus types can see into their crystal ball into Tebow's future and all the other players at the Senior Bowl. However, I liken these predictors and oracles of the game to weathermen - 30% accurate. They bat a nice .300. What did these draftniks say about guys in the Super Bowl like Marques Colston and Pierre Thomas (7th round/undrafted) or Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon (4th round/undrafted from Mount Union). When looking back on the superstars of today, lets see what these brilliant minds had to say...

Peyton Manning: In Manning’s case, he may be a solid and productive NFL QB, but he may not have Hall of Fame type skills, but it certainly won’t be for lack of effort..

Tom Brady: Lacks a strong arm. Doesn't rifle the long outs, but he's an accurate passer with a good feel for touch. Sails some throws and hangs some deep balls. Leader. Eyeballs his primary target at times, but shows the ability to come off and find alternates. Generally makes good decisions

Drew Brees: Plays in the spread offense, taking the bulk of his snaps from the shotgun... Tends to side-arm his passes going deep...Lacks accuracy and touch on his long throws... Seems more comfortable in the short/intermediate passing attack...Does not possess the ideal height you look for in a pro passer, though his ability to scan the field helps him compensate in this area...

David Terrell: Terrell is a tall receiver with a sturdy frame and a muscular build who was highly productive throughout his three-year career. He shows good awareness settling down in openings in the middle of the field and has a strong push off to gain separation in his release. Terrell is aggressive fighting for the ball and is a good leaper. He has some medical concerns, but is an excellent prospect who should be a very high pick. *Oh, if you don't recognize this name he was a Top 10 pick by the Bears in 2001, and lasted till 2004, sorry Y2*

So you see, they don't know it all, although they would like you to think so. Who knows how Tebow's career is going to turn out. I don't know, you don't know, Mel Kiper don't know, even the great Randall doesn't know. Just let Tebow and the rest get on the field and then we can know.

-Brother Yohey

Saints Fan Diary: Vol. 5 - The Saints Are Going To The Super Bowl!

As I said yesterday, it will take me a long time to sink in that the Saints are finally going to the Super Bowl. Who knows, maybe this whole fan diary thing is good luck, at least I'll know that it's not a dream. Sunday's game was the most intense roller-coaster ride I can ever remember being on (I'll spare you the details of me pacing around the room like a crazed maniac and crying at the end of the game).

The back and forth nature of the game - the fumbles, the big plays, the replay challenges, the hits on Favre, Porter's INT, 4th & 1 in OT, and Hartley's kick was too much to handle. If you've been under a rock for the last 48 hours, here are the awesome highlights of one of the more thrilling conference title games ever featuring the radio calls of both teams...

One thing you might have missed though is the incredible call from Vikings radio on Favre's pick, THIS IS NOT DETROIT MAN!!!

Jokes at the Vikings radio team aside, this game had so many twists and turns that I felt like I was a character in one of those Saw sequels, except I survived. But, when looking at the big picture, that game and that win meant more to the Saints fan base than any game could mean. When seeing the celebrations and the quotes from players, coaches, and dignitaries from Sunday, it was clear exactly how much winning the NFC Championship in the Superdome meant. In fact, that win Sunday might mean more to the Saints franchise than a Super Bowl could. Here are some quotes from the Times-Picayune:

"It's incredible," linebacker Scott Fujita said. "For everything to come together on this night for the city of New Orleans, it just doesn't get any better. This was the biggest game in Saints history. I really don't have any words to describe it. I still feel like I'm floating."

"You can draw so many parallels between this team and our fans," Drew Brees said. "We've had to lean on each other in order to survive, in order to get to where we are now. We've used to the strength and resiliency of our fans to go out and play every Sunday. It hasn't always been easy. We've had to overcome adversity, just like this city has."

"This stadium became a symbol of so much. To see the stadium come back, and now to see that it means so much to this community, that's very significant in and of itself, " said Roger Goodell, who also was in the building for the emotional Monday night return against Atlanta in '06. "But the real significance to us is the team, and how it reflects so much of this community and represents the hopes and dreams of this community.

"This is for everybody in this city, " Coach Sean Payton said. "This stadium used to have holes in it and used to be wet. It's not wet anymore. This is for the city of New Orleans."

Now, that might not make any sense, but it's the symbolism of winning that game in the Superdome for the people of New Orleans in New Orleans. For a franchise that has had so much losing to be able to win the biggest game in franchise history in front of the home fans is an unforgettable moment. Garrett Hartley's kick going through the uprights was the culmination of 43 years of waiting for that moment.

For this Saints fan, Hartley's kick going through the uprights meant the 20 years of living through the Dome Patrol's playoff losses, Ricky Williams in a wedding dress, John Carney's missed PAT, Aaron Brooks' backwards pass, the close calls, getting Brees and Bush, the 2006 comeback, and all the good and bad memories in between.

I never thought that the Saints would reach the Super Bowl. When you cheer for a team that has had such little success over the years, you always have hope, but you never really expect your team to finally reach the mountaintop. You always tell yourself, "maybe next year" and think that that is the great thing about sports, that there is always next year. But you never expect next year to be this year.

Now I know what the greatest thing about sports and being a fan is experiencing when next year becomes this year.

With the two week break until the Super Bowl, our fan diary will continue up until the big game. While the joy and memories of finally reaching the Super Bowl will last a lifetime, there is still a world title to win! We'll provide extensive Super Bowl coverage for the next two weeks, and pay attention to some other stuff going on in sports as well. Bye for now!

The Ballad of Brett Favre

Last night was an unforgettable roller-coaster ride. As a Saints fan, it was the moment and the night that I've waited on for 20 years. All of the pain, happiness, close calls, thrilling moments, and years of waiting culminated when Garrett Hartley's 40 yard FG went through the uprights. But, it will take some time for last night's game to sink in from the Saints perspective. That will come later this week. Today, we have to touch on Brett Favre. If last night were the final game of Brett Favre's career, it is the perfect ending for a Greek tragedy that would make Homer proud.

I'm no Brett Favre fan. As was outlined in the pregame fan diaries, there are several reasons not to root for this guy. But, I will say this - last night's performance was incredible. Even I was in awe of what Favre accomplished, and how he played last night. Even though he was not sacked, Favre was pounded like few QB's have ever been in a big game.

The hits he took from McCray, Sharper, Ayodele and others were brutal. After the first INT made by Jonathan Vilma, it looked like Favre was finished. His ankle seemed twisted and sprained. Lying on the training table in between posessions, some people might have thought he was finished.

*By the way, since I'm being extra nice to Favre, I have to take a shot at the arrogant Joe Buck. Buck gave us this absolute beauty as Favre was smashed and threw a pick, I'm still smiling Joe, at your flippant attempt at professionalism...

In the end, Favre got up and went on. Favre was heroic throughout the game, but in the tragically flawed way he has always been. Like in Green Bay, his last pass was an INT. He committed a cardinal sin of quarterbacking - throwing across his body, with a game winning FG beckoning. Tracy Porter stepped in front of Sidney Rice, and Favre would not get another chance to win the game. You can blame the Vikings coaches, referees, Adrian Peterson, and voodoo curses all you want, but Favre threw the pick. The worshipping media can make all the excuses they want, but Favre threw the pick. Favre played an unbelievable game, he made great throws and showed his legendary toughness, but Favre threw the pick that cost the Vikings the game.

In the NFC Championship Game, Favre set records for most playoff completions, passing yards... and interceptions. Should we have expected anything different? Although Favre took the Vikings to within an eyelash of the Super Bowl and took care of the ball all season, is it a surprise that he made the fatal error in the end? Like so many seasons before, Favre led his team to within reach of the promised land, but was stopped there.

He says his return is "highly unlikely." Who cares what he says now, we all know this soap opera will continue until mid-August. But, if it does end this way, it is the perfectly fitting ending to Favre's career. We saw what has made Favre one of the all-time greats last night: the gunslinging mentality, the great throws, and the toughness to withstand the Saints D laying the wood all night. So much brilliance, so much determination, and yet that fatal flaw that haunted him in the end.

If that's the last throw of Favre's career, we'll remember him as one of the all-time greats. By the time Peyton Manning's career is done, maybe he'll have some records, and maybe he won't. But the records are insignificant to Favre's legacy. His legacy on the field is tied into how he played the game, the good and the bad, even what was possibly the last pass of his career. We'll remember him as the ultimate tragic hero.

AFC Championship Preview

While I've been paying the utmost attention to the NFC Championship Game this week in my Saints fan diaries, there is another game to be played on Championship Sunday in the AFC. The underdog Jets go to the massive Lucas Oil Stadium and try to end the Colts season after dashing their dreams of perfection. Here's Brother Yohey's in-depth thoughts, and I'll give my pick afterwards...

The sexy pick for SB XLIV is the Colts-Vikings. Manning v. Favre. Nothing would make the media happier than 2 weeks straight of Favre stories. For me however, I may gouge my eyes out with a red-hot poker infected with Syphilis if that ends up happening. However, I don't see that happening because Manning v. Favre will be replaced with Sanchez v. Brees and here is why.

The catalyst to a NYJ Super Bowl trip is their line play on both sides of the ball. The offensive line, anchored by their left side trio of Ferguson, Faneca and Mangold will be key in neutralizing the speed rush of the Colts and their defensive end duo - Freeney and Mathis. If the Colts defensive line is able to neutralize the Jets offensive line, then Gary Brackett will be having another redonkulous game as he had last week. If the Colts can withstand the Woody Hayes-esque pummeling the Jets will unleash they have a great chance to make me wrong in predicting a Jets victory. However, if Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones are able to get a combined 35-40 carries for 100+ yards, that could be enough for the Jets. The best way to neutralize the Colts end rush is run it right up the middle and take them out of the game.

The Jets defense, especially the line will have to be quick and persistent when going up agains the Colts line. They are helped out immensely in regards to this by having Revis Island to work on Reggie Wayne. If Lito Sheppard is able to contain Garcon/Collie and Dallas Clark can be slowed down it could be a long day for Manning. Containment of the skill players will allow the Jets line to pound the Colts and rattle Manning, opening up the game for David Thomas and Bart Scott to cause havoc. Ryan will have to be aggressive and not use the Muhammad Ali "rope-a-dope" defense. I think he will play a Blitzkrieg defense against the Colts with nothing to lose. It will be a gamble, but having a superb secondary and linebacking core allows Ryan to play the game he is genetically inclined to: reckless and aggressive.

In conclusion, if the Jets can control the line play on both sides of the ball Sunday they have a better than 50/50 chance to be playing in Miami. They have shown a superior defense and the play of their offensive line vs. the Chargers was enlightening to me. Of course, being anti-Favre, I'd dislike it even more if it was a Jets-Vikings Super Bowl (I'd hate to be a Packers fan if that happened), but that won't be happening. Jets-Saints, Super Bowl XLVI.

Score: Jets 23 Colts 10

Yohey is correct in saying that this game will come down to the battle in the trenches. The Jets must be able to stick with the running game to put points on the board and keep Manning off the field. Last week, their commitment to the run game finally paid off in the 4th quarter. To get there, they'll need the Sanchise to come through and complete the odd pass here and there to move the chains and keep the Colts D honest. The X's and O's seem to favor a Colts win, but wouldn't it be poetic justice if the Jets beat the Colts again. Not only for the Colts foregoing a chance at history, but allowing the Jets in the playoffs as well. Ever since that decision happened, I've had the sense that the Colts would regret not trying for 16-0. If the football gods have any say, the Jets will be on the road to Miami. PICK - JETS

NFC Championship Saints Fan Diary: Vol. 4 - The Matchups

Today, it's time to look at the X's and O's behind the Saints matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. With the game a mere 2 days away, this running fan blog is the only thing keeping my sanity. Which matchups do I love as a Saints fan, which matchups am I worried about, and which matchups will decide who lifts the Halas Trophy Sunday night?

3 Good Matchups

1) Drew Brees v Vikings Pass D

-Last year, Drew Brees threw for 330 yards against this Vikings defense. If Brees gets the time to throw (more on that later), he could slice and dice an underwhelming Vikings secondary that was ranked 19th against the pass and only had 11 interceptions. As much as everyone says this game is meant for Favre's legacy, it means even more to Brees. This is the game that could finally vault Brees into where he belongs amongst elite QBs. I would expect Brees to come out at his best on Sunday and give the Saints a huge boost.

2) Reggie Bush v Whoever

-Bush had his breakout game against the Cards with over 200 total yards and 2 TDs including a scintillating punt return. Last year, the Vikes allowed 2 return TDs to Bush and almost a 3rd if he didn't stumble. The former Heisman Trophy winner is also running the ball as good as he has in his entire pro career. He's averaging 10.3 yards per carry in his last 5 games. His speed in the run game, catching the ball, and in returns is the x factor for the Saints. Bush has played his best in big games, which is a good sign for Saints fans.

3) Saints WRs v Vikings Secondary

-Do you sense a theme here where the Saints might have an edge in the passing game? Especially with Antoine Winfield well below his best, the Vikings secondary can't match up man for man with the Saints receivers. The Saints offense isn't built on featuring one receiver - one week it's Colston, then it could be Henderson or Meachem with a dose of Jeremy Shockey. The Vikings just don't have the personnel to cover all of these weapons. Again though, Brees will need time to throw, which leads us to....

3 Bad Matchups

1) Jared Allen v Jermon Bushrod

-Jermon Bushrod will need help. The 3rd year tackle has done an admirable job filling in for All-Pro Jamaal Brown this season, but he got abused by DeMarcus Ware late in the season. Ware had 2 sacks and a forced fumble against Bushrod. Now, he faces another premier pass rusher, and bear wrangler extraordinaire in Jared Allen. The eccentric Allen is another guy that you love to hate if he's not on your team. SI had a good feature on the Vikes sackmaster and how he turned his life around after a tumultuous career in Kansas City. The Saints could catch a break with Ray Edwards an injury doubt on the other side of the line, but this is still a defense that led the NFL in sacks. Bushrod and RT Jon Stinchcomb will have to come up big - and get a little help from backs and TEs to keep Drew Brees upright.

2) Garrett Hartley v Ryan Longwell

-If this game comes down to a kick, the Vikings will have a ginormous advantage. Ryan Longwell has kicked well in domes for a long time and he has good memories in the Superdome. In last year's game, Longwell made the game winner with 13 seconds to play. On the other hand, Garrett Hartley doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the clutch. He snap hooked a 37 yard FG to clinch home field against the Bucs. If this game comes down to a game-winning kick, a lot of prayers will go up from Who Dat nation.

3) Adrian Peterson v Saints Run D

-Yes, AP has really struggled recently. Yes, he has an issue fumbling the ball. Yes, he only had 32 yards on 21 carries in last year's meeting. But, did you see Tim Hightower run through the Saints D on the first play from scrimmage last week? The Saints and their 21st ranked run D would be susceptible to a team that would consistently hammer the ball on the ground. It's time for Adrian Peterson to play like the best running back in football.

5 Key Matchups

1) Favre v Sharper

-The media seem to have attached themselves to this particular matchup (probably because it involves Favre), but it is one of the key matchups. These two former teammates each play such a crucial role for their clubs. Sharper has been the face of the Saints resurgent defense that was 2nd in the league in takeaways. Shockingly, Favre has taken care of the ball this season by throwing a surprisingly low 7 INTs. If Sharper can just bait Favre into one or two bad throws, then we could see the Favre meltdown finally come (see his 6 INTs in the 2001 Div Round, 4 INTs in the 2005 Div Round, and 2007 choke against the Giants).

2) Sidney Rice v Jabari Greer

-Sidney Rice has been the revelation of the season for Favre and the Vikings. Coming out of South Carolina, he was a talented, but unheralded 2nd round pick. Now, he is the #1 WR on an NFC Championship team. His 3 TD receptions against the Cowboys will serve the Saints D notice. Waiting on the other end is a healthy Jabari Greer. Greer, a free agent pickup from Buffalo, has been just as important as Darren Sharper in remaking the Saints D. Greer's matchup with Rice is pivotal to slowing Favre and freeing up Saints blitzers.

3) Sean Payton v Brad Childress

-Well, these head coaches are both looking for their first Super Bowl appearance, but I'm not sure that either one necessarily inspires supreme confidence in their fanbases. Payton has worked wonders in New Orleans, but there is still the feeling that he might make a dumb call that could cost the Saints. Childress has trouble reigning in his star QB and has never seemed like filling the part of elite mastermind like Dungy or Belichick. Payton's superior game planning, offensive prowess, and NFC title game experience might give him the slight edge.

These are all really intriguing matchups, but none will have a bigger impact than the following matchups. The NFC Championship will come down to who wins the matchup between...

4) The Williams Wall v Jahri Evans, Jonathan Goodwin, and Carl Nicks and

5) Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, & Mike Bell v Vikings Run D

-The interior of the Saints offensive line vs the Williams Wall, and the ability for the Saints to run the ball, are the most important matchups in this football game. Evans and Nicks are two huge, young, punishing, and powerful guards that are road graders and excellent pass protectors. The underrated Goodwin was just named to the Pro Bowl at center. These 3 guys are a physical presence weighing in at 979 lbs!

Pat and Kevin Williams are the best DT combo in the league, and perhaps the last 1o years. They come into the ring at 628 lbs (although 317 for Pat Williams might be under by at least 40 lbs). The Vikes have the 2nd ranked run D in the league, but the Saints will have to try to attack the strength of the Vikings defense.

I realize that sounds crazy, and the Saints have a big edge in the passing game, but for New Orleans to succeed they must have balance offensively. In their more impressive wins this season, they consistently ran the ball well. Heck, they even outrushed the Jets in a Week 4 victory. Against Dallas, they were one dimensional with only 65 rush yards. But, last week against Arizona, they came out early pounding the rock and finished with 171 yards on the ground. They will need Thomas, Bush, and Bell to keep the offense ahead of the chains, slow down the Vikes pass rush, and give the Saints balance.

History says that this is the key matchup as well. Against the Bears in the 2006 NFC title game, the Saints were in prime position to take the lead in the 3rd quarter. The Saints had gone from 16-0 to 16-14 and were marching to the Bears 29 with a nice mix of pass and run. Then, three incompletions later, Billy Cundiff missed a FG. The Saints never got back into the game and were blown out in the 4th quarter because they abandoned the running game. If the Saints want to win on Sunday, they have to be willing to run the ball to win.

With all of these interesting matchups all over the field it should be a fantastic NFC Championship game. I just hope I will be able to tell you about the experience of what it feels like as a fan to finally go to the Super Bowl on Monday...

NFC Championship Saints Fan Diary: Vol. 3 - Facing Favre

Today brings us to Part III of my Saints fan diary. In Part I and Part II we covered the Divisional win and what it means to Saints fans to finally host the NFC Championship. Today, we begin to turn our attention to the matchup between the Saints and the Vikings starring the evil Brett Favre. Ok, maybe he's not really evil, maybe he's even a good guy to sit down and have a brew with, but I sure as heck wish he would just go away.

By now you've heard all the punditry proclaim that this Vikings season with that #4 guy is the perfect Hollywood script for the good ol' boy to ride into the sunset on a white stallion. I've seen tweets and columns talking about the media's love of Favre, and the blogosphere's hatred for him. Like always, the truth falls somewhere in the middle... but I'm more inclined to be a part of the anti-Favre crowd. I know that not everyone is going to gush over my team, or my favorite player like Favre. But is it jealousy that causes the angst and anger from fans and bloggers, or are there legit reasons? From my perspective as a Saints fan, NFL fan, and microscopic part of the blogosphere, here are 4 reasons to not love Brett...

1) Everybody Else Loves Him

-It's like people living in Columbus being Michigan fans. Or folks in Boston growing up and rooting for the Yankees. Sometimes, it just feels better to go against the grain. And, when you hear about how great and wonderful someone is for 20 years, there comes a point when you just get tired of it all. Especially when that person's reputation has been built up to a godlike status while ignoring other traits that would bring down 99% of athletes, such as...

2) The Waffling

-I don't have a problem with folks wanting to play football into their 40s. If Willie Mays wants to stumble around in centerfield for the Mets, it is his right. But, for many years, Favre has held the media and the sports world by the puppet strings to gain attention for his months of decision making, retirements, and unretirements. You didn't see any anti-Favre backlash until all of this Packers-Jets-Vikings nonsense developed, well, except from Bears fans. I'm sure if you bottled Favre's false tears from his many semi-retirement, close to retirement, and retirement press conferences you could water the Sahara.

3) The Narcissist

-Can you tell that this guy loves himself? All of the constant running around like he won the Super Bowl for every TD pass? But hey, at least he controlled himself while running up the score against the Cowboys last week... oh, wait, he didn't? Sorry. It seems that all the talk about acting like you've been there before goes out the window when it comes to the biggest showboat I've ever seen. Heck, the guy even has to turn his ability to hold an entire franchise hostage into a lame Sears commercial. It's like he knows the commercial shines a light on his ridiculous retirement act, but knows he can get away with it because he's Brett Favre and he's just so funny! And have you seen him fill a pair of Wrangler's? No wonder you have to wipe the drool off of Trent Dilfer's mouth every time Favre comes on ESPN. To top it all off, Favre decided to piggy back off of "Pants on the Ground" after last week's win! Somehow he made a song about young men and their droopy pants about his own personal success! It boggles the mind!

4) The Hypocrite

-This is the biggest thing that annoys me about Favre - he's an enormous hypocrite. Leaving Green Bay didn't bother me because he wanted to play and they wanted to move on. But, leaving New York like he did by manipulating his 2nd retirement left a bad taste in the mouths of a lot of people (not to mention his Jets teammates). Then, when he showed up to Minnesota on a white cloud after training camp, it sent my mind back to 2005 when Favre called out WR Javon Walker for holding out of mini camp. If you'll take a look at the article, you'll see that Favre calls out Walker for not being a "team player" and that if more people held out, "the game would be ruined." (Click here for some other examples)

This guy has a heck of a nerve. Favre broke ranks and called out a teammate for wanting a small portion of the millions that he has soaked in all these years. Are you kidding me? Have you ever heard another example of a player calling out another player like that? Please. And then, the same Brett Favre who didn't want to see a teammate paid, and openly criticized him for skipping mini-camp skipped mini-camp and training camp with the Vikings!!! I wonder what that first conversation was like between Favre, Rosenfels, and Tavaris Jackson...

Favre: Hello, I'm Brett Favre. Who the %#@$ are you?

Tavaris: Hi Brett, I'm T-Jack, thank you for coming in and ruining my chance at being a starting QB. You know, I haven't had the best start to my career, but by holding your clipboard I know that I will be much better off in the long run.

Sage: Yea, yea, yea. And, I got traded here, not to have a chance to compete, but because I wanted to be your emergency QB. Forget about that whole skipping training camp thing, we know that everybody loves you Brett. We know that you are 40, and that you are so good you don't need to practice with your teammates or anything.

Tavaris: Making a mockery of a team concept is no issue with us. Oh, and don't worry about what Coach Childress says, just call whatever play you want Brett.

Favre: Sage can you take this bag to my private dressing room? I don't like sharing a locker room with normies. Oh, and it's 25 dollars for an autograph.

Losing to Brett Favre and seeing him lift the Halas Trophy in the Superdome is my own personal doomsday scenario. For me, the Saints and Drew Brees are the anti-Favre. Brees is a QB who is not about just himself, but his team and his city. A guy who was too short, too injured, and not a big enough star to be an elite QB.

The Saints also have guys that needed second chances like Brees and Jeremy Shockey and Anthony Hargrove. Undrafted players like Marques Colston and Pierre Thomas. Professionals who play without fanfare and constant adoration like Vilma, Fujita, Sharper, and Smith.

For the Saints to come this far and be beaten by somebody who embodies the anti-team concept would be a bitter pill to swallow. For long suffering Saints fans, we had to live through Montana and Young's 49ers in the NFC West and were always held down by teams with more talent and more glamour. Losing to Favre's Vikings means being beaten by another star QB and another season that felt good for a while but ultimately fell short.

For this Saints fan, Sunday is the day I've waited on for 2 decades. A chance to finally make it to the Super Bowl. And, if Drew Brees can lift that George Halas trophy and send Brett Favre into another phony retirement, it'll make the historic day even more sweeter.

In our next installment we'll take an in-depth preview of the game itself. What are the matchups and storylines to watch in the NFC Championship? Find out at RSS.