RSS Quick Hit: The Cavs Finally Get It Right

After last season's disappointing finish to the Cavs season, nothing less than an NBA Championship will suffice in 2010, not for the players, fans, or most importantly, the future of one LeBron James. Last season, with the best regular season record, the Cavs stood pat at the trade deadline, and it bit them in the playoffs as they were outmatched by Orlando. But after getting it wrong last season, GM Danny Ferry has finally made the move that could keep the Cavs at the top of the NBA heap, by trading for Wizards F Antawn Jamison.

With much of the starstruck media pining for a pairing of LeBron James with Suns F Amare Stoudemire, it seemed the Phoenix forward was destined to head to Cleveland. Danny Ferry though was smart to avoid the overhyped Stoudemire, even though it would've broughten the fellow young All-Star King James has craved. Jamison has always been the better fit for the Cavs for several reasons.

1) Jamison is a much more versatile player than Stoudemire with his ability to strech the floor by hitting the 3 (a 35% 3PT shooter) and doesn't need the ball to set up his own shot. Jamison's unique offensive skill set should blend in flawlessly with what the Cavs already have offfensively. Stoudemire is still a one-dimensional offensive player at this point in his career and, although he thrived with Steve Nash, wouldn't be as good a compliment as Jamison.

2) By turning down Stoudemire, the Cavs prevent the type of mismatches they faced in last year's playoffs against Orlando...specifically, Rashard Lewis. Jamison will be able to stick with Lewis on the perimeter much better than Amare Stoudemire. If the Cavs had thrown out both Stoudemire and Shaq defensively against perimeter teams like Atlanta/Orlando, they would have been vulnerable to pick and roll. I mean...did you see the Suns try to play defense with both Shaq and Amare? It made the All-Star game look a playoff game between Riley's Heat and Van Gundy's Knicks!

3) Despite Stoudemire's advantage over Jamison with youth and athleticism, Jamison is just as good a rebounder, averaging around 8 RPG over his career. Stoudemire himself is only averaging about 8.5 RPG, and don't forget Suns HC Alvin Gentry benched Stoudemire for his vanishing act 0n the glass earlier this season.

4) Taking advantage of the Wizards fire sale allows the Cavs to keep a hold of promising young PF J.J. Hickson. LeBron has developed a rapport with Hickson throughout the season and giving him up for Stoudemire would've been a steep price. By grabbing Jamison, the Cavs only give up Z's expiring contract and a first-round pick (probably last in the 1st round). So, not only will the Cavs keep a player with a lot of upside, they will most likely resign Big Z in 30 days after a buyout from the Wiz. Now Mike Brown has at his disposal at the 4 and 5 positions Shaq, Anderson Varejao, Big Z, Hickson, Jamison, and LeBron. That's depth and flexibility the Cavs haven't yet had in the LeBron era.

So, for once in the reign of King James, it seems GM Danny Ferry has cooked the porridge just right, not too cold, or too hot. Last year, Ferry kept the status quo and watched his team passed by at the end of the season. This year, he resisted the flashy, but square peg to fit into his team's needs by passing on Amare Stoudemire and trading for the less flashy, but reliable Antawn Jamison. Although the future of LeBron James remains up in the air, this move may have proven to LeBron that the Cavs are willing to do what it takes to deliver the King a consistent championship winner.

We'll keep track of the rest of the deadline dealing in the NBA, as well as our continuing curling coverage...where the U.S. captains have been less than perfect in crunch time. But, there's still time for all the Olympic teams, and you know our patriotic flame will not be extinguished easily! Until next time, it's USA all the way!

RSS Top 10 - Reasons to Love Olympic Curling

The Olympics have been going on since Friday, but if you're like those of us at RSS Nation, you know the real Olympics start today with the first matches of curling! But why has curling become such a cult classic among Olympic Sports? In our latest RSS Top 10, here are 10 reasons why curling is taking over the Olympics!

1) What other sport, or where else in the world, is it cool for a man to so vigorously sweep something? Perhaps doing unwanted housework could be a second job for these Olympians.

2) Only in curling is it acceptable for men and women to yell "HARD" at the top of their lungs in public. Somehow I feel a "that's what she said joke" coming on...hey, get your mind out of the gutter!

3) The scoring system is so simple and familiar to American viewers. Closest stones to the middle (or button) get scored in the end, high score after 10 ends (think innings) wins. And not a trace of instant replay or pitchers scratching themselves anywhere in sight!

4) Where else could the term "hog line" be appropriate?

5) Each team has only about 70 minutes to complete their turns, or else they are forced to forfeit. This provides for high drama in the closing ends as teams are fighting the scoreboard and the clock. Come to think of it, maybe NASCAR should consider a time limit after their 7 hour Daytona 500 last Sunday.

6) These aren't pompous billion dollar athletes checking into sex rehab clinics or shooting themselves in the leg. The US team is made up of a bartender, substitute teacher, construction worker, and IT technicican. Regular Joes sliding stones on ice, the American dream!

7) The charming Canadian accent of Don Duguid. It's like listening to your grandpa talk you through your first baseball game.

8) The strategy in an end of curling is exciting to watch, but easy to understand. Most viewers have played shuffleboard or marbles (ok, so maybe kids under 30 have never played marbles, lousy video games). But, it is interesting to watch so much strategy unfold, only to lead to blasting 5 rocks out of the house!

9) What else are you going to watch at the Olympics, pairs figure skating? Curling's so cool, even the Simpsons made an episode all about curling! Granted, the Simpsons haven't been on top of their game since 1998, but still, it's a start to mainstream curling in the U.S.!

10) Curling is something unlike any other sport Americans watch on a regular basis, and it only comes around every 4 years. In other words, it's the only sport that ESPN doesn't shove down our throats on a regular basis! It's almost like that whole less is more saying might actually be right...

What are your thoughts on the most niche of all the Winter Olympic Sports? Any reasons we left out, or any other sports we should consider following? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below or giving us a tweet @RSS_Sports! We'll be back later this week with our thoughts on more Olympics and happenings on the hardwood. Until then, it's bye for now!

7 Things We Missed This Weekend

Due to our extended absence covering the NCAC Swimming Championships in Canton, OH, there is a lot in the sports world that we need to get caught up on RSS nation! I will say that we had a better than expected time at the swim meets, and I discovered that swimming may be the toughest sport to do play by play for! Luckily we survived, and it actually was quite fun. While Snowmageddon 2010 continues in central Ohio, here's 7 Things We Missed This Extended Weekend!

1. NBA All-Star Game

-The largest crowd ever to watch a hoops game showed up at Jerry Jones palace for the 2010 All-Star Game. The NBA's version of the ASG is by far the best and most entertaining in all of sports and Sunday night's game showed why. The spectacle was one of the cooler sights that I've seen, and it takes away from David Stern's news that the league will lose 400 million dollars this year! (BTW, don't be surprised if we hear about both NBA and NFL labor trouble soon). The game was its usual barrage of highlights until late fouls made it a free throw shooting contest. Dwyane Wade won MVP and the East won 141-139, roll the highlights!

2. Slam Dunk Contest

-While the ASG is better than ever, the slam dunk contest is coming off perhaps the worst competition in the history of the event. When your star for the evening is Nate Robinson, you know there are issues. In looking at the lack of star power in the field, you knew it would take something awesome to make this a memorable slam dunk. In the end, it underwhelmed completely as Lil' Nate took his 3rd title. The dunk contest doesn't need fixed, just like the HR derby or any other skills contest. The actual nuts and bolts are still as good of an idea as ever. What it does need are the stars of the game to step up and save it before it fades away into oblivion. The dunk contest won't be able to survive the Nate Robinsons and Shannon Browns of the world too much longer. Wait a sec, wasn't this guy supposed to be in it?

3. Daytona 500

-A pothole?? At Daytona?? Seriously?? NASCAR is coming into a make or break year as far as its popularity on the national stage and 2 hours of delays during your Super Bowl of racing is not the best way to start the year. Could you imagine last week if Peyton Manning and Drew Brees had to sit in the locker room for an extra 2 hours (let alone wheeling The Who on and off stage) because of a hole in the turf? Jamie McMurray was able to hold off Little E in an exciting end, but two more problems arose for NASCAR. Another year without a big name winner, and more calamity and the end of the green/white/checkered finish. NASCAR has always been ahead of the curve (get it?) as far as rules and standards go, and they'll need to revisit plenty in the coming weeks.

4. College BBall Comings & Goings

-Coming: KU and UK - 1/2 in the polls and still with only 1 loss. They both beat Top 15 teams this week in Texas and Tennessee respectively.

Going: Texas - 5 losses out of 8 to drop them from #1 to #17 in the polls.

Coming: Ohio State - blowout win on the road at Illinois. With POY candidate Evan Turner healthy, the Bucks are a legit darkhorse

Going: West Virginia - two losses to ranked Big East teams, while tough games, this team may not be a true title contender

Coming: Big XII - Texas A&M and Baylor make the Top 25 this week while they also have strong teams like Missouri and Oklahoma, they may be the deepest conference in the country.

Going: Cornell - sorry Nard dog, the Big Red's stay in the Top 25 lasted about as long as your engagement to Angela. Maybe this video will make Cornell fans feel better...

5. NHL = No Hockey League... For 2 Weeks At Least

-Is the Olympic break a good or bad thing for the NHL? Being a casual hockey fan who checks out the occasional game and tunes in for the Stanley Cup playoffs, it's a good thing. I'll watch a lot more hockey at the Olympics than I would during the regular season. I'll get to know players that I would not care about seeing during the regular season. The Winter Olympics gives hockey a much needed attraction and attention that a normal regular season schedule would not bring. It would be foolish for the NHL to abandon the Winter Olympics because the NHL gets more focus when they aren't playing this time of year. On another note, we were at this sweet game in the 5th row yesterday between the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets. The NHL actually does put on a good show at times!

6. Epic Oprah Fail

-What could possibly put a damper on the Saints winning the Super Bowl? How 'bout Oprah trying to wipe Drew Brees' birthmark off his face...

7. Epic Torch Fail

-What could be even more awkward than #6? How 'bout an epic fail with hundreds of millions of eyes watching, and Canada's greatest athlete looking like he's going to set a stadium on fire with the Olympic flame, check out the hilarious link and Gretzky's reaction about a minute in.

RSS Quick Hit: Winter Olympic Tragedy

Sad news out of Vancouver today while Y1 and I are in Canton covering the North Coast Athletic Conference Swimming and Diving Championships. The death of a Georgian luger in a practice run has certainly changed the feel of this year's Winter Olympics. With an extended take on the latest developments, here's Brother Yohey...

A time that is supposed to be about joy and togetherness has a shockwave fall over it today when Nodar Kumaritashvili, a Georgian Luger, was flung over the side of the luge track and crashed into an unprotected steel barrier, killing him. He was only 21.

This dreadful occurance has caused me, and undoubtedly many others, to undergo some reflection and put things in perspective. Events such as the luge are what the Winter Olympics are known for; speed and sharp turns on surfaces that have no traction. The downhill ski events where the athletes are flying off or ramps and crashing down on the snow to take a sharp turn between the flags at speeds in excess of 70mph. The bobsled, luge and skeleton where athletes are either sitting in cubby as they fly down the track (bobsled) or they lie flat on a platform with skates that is no thicker than your average cookie sheet. Images of crashing athletes have been long known as the epitome of the agony of defeat. But, it's only supposed to stop at defeat, never is the danger actually supposed to take an athlete's life.

It is sad that it takes a sad event such as this to bring safety into the spotlight while humanizing the athletes we place on a mythical platform. This may be the equivalent of Dale Earnhardt's accident in NASCAR for the Olympics. I can't imagine they won't start to regulate these tracks for compliance. There have been concerns about this particular track for weeks leading up to the Olympiad in Vancouver. Several nations were even restricted from seeing the track and planning for races; the smaller nations only saw the track in the past few days. Unbeknownst to me and other Olympic athletes, full access was only granted to the Canadians in the lead up to the event. I would hope the Canadians would trade that competitive advantage now if it meant preventing the tragedy we've just seen. I realize that the Olympics are in Vancouver but officials should have opened the track to all competitors at a much earlier stage to ensure safety. Officials may start lowering the angle of the sides of the tracks to keep the "catapult" effect from happening like it did to Nodar.

As I watched about 3 minutes of the Opening Ceremony tonight I could not put the death past me. Something like that is going to be a dark cloud over the ceremonies, no matter how much pomp and circumstance was on display tonight. This was not the only crash during the week; it is reported that there were around 12 in practice runs. Something has to be done because at the speed lugers and other athletes are reaching and with little protection they have, the tragedy that befell the Georgian Kumaritashvili may become the norm rather than the exception.

Saints Fan Diary Vol 10. - Super Saints

Well, they did it. It's taken a few days for the reality to sink in that the team I've loved the most for the realized part of my existence won the world championship. Even typing the words now that the Saints have won the Super Bowl is a surreal experience. Something I never thought would happen. But, it did happen. And, although the journey to Miami was the roller-coaster ride of a lifetime, there is no greater feeling as a sports fan than seeing the Saints lift the Lombardi Trophy.

The Super Bowl was a completely different experience for Saints fans than the NFC Championship Game. As a game, the Vikings showdown was much more stressful and panic inducing because it was to get to the Super Bowl. That game, in New Orleans, symbolized the struggle of the entire Saints franchise to finally reach the big game. The NFC title game was a back and forth affair and the emotional swings were intense. Winning the NFC title in the Superdome was such a powerful and symbolic event for New Orleans and Saints fans everywhere that it was finally a joy just to make it to the Super Bowl.

But of course, you still want your team to win the title! Who knows, this may be the only chance that the Saints get (just ask Cubs fans) and you have to take advantage of it. All day, I just believed for whatever reason that the Saints could get it done. I don't know how or why, but I just kept telling myself "today will be a good day" about 300 times. Granted, down 10-0 at the end of the first quarter I wasn't exactly feeling so optimistic.

Garret Hartley was in the zone. His performance was one of many that won the game in a total team effort for New Orleans. Don't underestimate his first FG to make it 10-3. Those first points in the Super Bowl are always the hardest to get and that drive helped get New Orleans into the flow of the game. In my mind, I knew that New Orleans had the power to come back, but did they have the defense to slow down the Colts? I don't think even the most biased Saints fan saw a 31-7 run in the last 3 quarters coming.

The first turning point was Pierre Garcon's drop. This stop was absolutely huge because it allowed the Saints to limit Manning's possessions and control the 2nd quarter clock. Another good drive brought them to 1st and Goal inside the 5 in the closing minutes of the first half. When 4th down came, millions of Saints fans knew Sean Payton would go for it. While the running play was stuffed, his coaching in this stretch was phenomenal. He timed the sequence just right to get another Hartley FG while making sure Manning got no more points going into the break. Even though the 4th down stop happened, the momentum was in the corner of New Orleans. As a fan, I was some weird combination of skeptical and hopeful while just praying that they could come out of the halftime break with something special.

Little did I know that the gutsiest call in Super Bowl history would come after The Who were wheeled off stage back to the nursing home. I had a sneaking suspicion Sean Payton might do something crazy in this game, and the onside kick coming out of the second half was the brilliant call that changed the game...

I was screaming at the TV just hoping the Saints had the ball after the longest and most dramatic unpiling in the history of Western Civilization... and I don't think that's an overexaggeration! Thankfully for my health, Chris Reis and Jonathan Casillas made sure the Saints had the ball.

The night before the game, I watched highlights of every Saints game this season just to enjoy the memories of the 2009 season. It was a great reminder that win or lose, this season had been like no other and had provided so many great memories. Evidently, Sean Payton was thinking something similar. For this game, he didn't need Ronnie Lott or Bill Parcells to provide motivation, but to remind this team how great they are and the ride they took their fans on this season. From ESPN...

The storyline was predictable: The scrappy Saints, the plucky overachievers, were facing the best player in the game, Peyton Manning. What was lost during the week, but was painfully obvious Sunday, is that the Saints weren't overachieving at all: They're actually really, really talented. That's why, on the morning of the game, coach Sean Payton didn't show his players a clip from "Rocky" to get them pumped up. No, he played a highlight reel from their season, reminding them of the greatness they already have achieved. The Super Bowl victory was technically an upset, but to the Saints, it was a natural progression."

One thing I did notice during all those highlights was Pierre Thomas' brilliant screen passes. He's the best in the NFL at breaking through tackles and reading blocks on the screen and seeing a screen put the Saints in the lead was a fitting play. Thomas was another unsung hero for New Orleans - an undrafted free agent out of Illinois who earned his spot as the starting running back of a Super Bowl champ. The TD occurs at the :58 mark...

And just like that, the Saints were in the lead in the Super Bowl. I had to ask my family if it was real! It was! The Saints were leading in the Super Bowl in the 2nd half! For the first time it really hit me that there was a chance that the Saints could actually become World Champions. The 2nd half was the most fun I have ever had watching any sporting event. The positive energy of this team is infectious, and to see America get behind them (highest rated TV event... ever!) makes it all the more special.

After an exchange of an Indy TD and a NO FG, the score was 17-16 entering the 4th quarter. With Indy driving, the Saints were able to stop them on the edge of FG range. Luckily, Matt Stover missed from outside 50, giving the ball to New Orleans with great field position and an opportunity to take a 4th quarter lead. The Saints did not disappoint. Brees was a perfect 8/8 to 8 different receivers including a 2 point conversion, capped off by a redemption TD for Jeremy Shockey and an acrobatic catch by Lance Moore...

OK, obviously at this point I'm beyond excited. Just over 5 minutes away from the impossible dream coming true. But, Peyton Manning, the Sheriff, was on the other sideline. Surely they couldn't do to Manning what they did to Warner and Favre. You heard all week that the Saints D wasn't up to the task and couldn't do the job against one of the all-time greats. Well, that was until Tracy Porter etched his name into the annals of history with what now has to be the most famous INT of all-time...

The joy in that moment is unmatched. Our entire family was standing in our living room jumping up and down and screaming with joy. All I could do was just scream YEEESSSS over and over again at the top of my lungs. Even though I had to sweat out the last 3 minutes, that one play was what I have watched thousands and thousands of hours of sports for. We love sports because it's unscripted drama. We wait for that one play that we'll remember the rest of our lives. Tracy Porter's INT was that play. I grew up an NFL fan. I've seen the Super Bowl videos of John Riggins, Old Man Willie, and Joe Willie Namath. I never thought that my team would have one of those iconic moments that will live forever. A few minutes later Drew Brees took a knee and the Saints had won the Super Bowl.

There were no tears of joy this time. This experience was unlike the NFC Championship - now it was time to celebrate! I ran outside to do a quick snowangel in the yard (in shorts and a t-shirt btw) and tried to get back inside by the time the coaches shook hands. Judging by the scenes of Saints fans everywhere, winning the Super Bowl meant pure, unbridled joy. Yes, Who Dat Nation couldn't believe it, but finally our guys were the ones lifting the Lombardi Trophy. It would have been nice to go to the parade and join an estimated 800,000 Saints fans, but the snow and work and school obligations in C-Bus meant I had to be there in spirit. Oh, well... maybe I'll make it there for the 2010 Home opener.

When I say it was the happiest day of my life, that may sound sad and pathetic, and that I need to prioritize my life and get it in order, and all of that nonsense... but, it's really true! This is a team I've lived and died with for 20 years, for all of my known existence. I can never remember not being a Saints fan. And now, they can never take this season and this trophy away. When you follow a team so passionately for so long, this is the day you dream about coming true. The memories will last forever, and I won't come down from this high for quite some time.

To see what this SB trophy has meant to Saints fans and the city of New Orleans is almost impossible to quantify with words. Just look at the pictures and the videos. Look at the joy, hope, and unity this team and this championship has brought to a city that was almost wiped off of the map. This championship may mean more to a city and a fanbase than any championship in sports history - and I firmly believe that.

The 2009 New Orleans Saints were a team of destiny. Players who were undrafted, casted off, overrated, not good enough, players who conqured demons, a coach that was too bold, an owner that was too old, and a QB that was too short who went 29/32 in the final 3 quarters of the Super Bowl and won the MVP. Drew Brees spoke of his time in New Orleans as a divine calling and fans on the Gulf Coast have had their faith restored because of this team... heck the pope even allowed Saints flags to be flown in churches on Super Sunday! What other event in sports has ever done so much for its fans? Like my brother said, this trophy isn't going to rebuild homes or people's lives, but it has brought so much hope and happiness to people who deserve it. Ironically, I think it was CNN's David Gergen who said it best...

New Orleans is not back yet, and the crown may not sit long on the temple of the Saints - one can already see Peyton Manning plotting out next year. But isn’t this a moment to savor? Isn’t this a time to remind ourselves that if New Orleans and the Saints can rally together to get up off their backs and stand tall, so can America itself?

If the Saints can be champions, then so can the great people of the city of New Orleans, and so can anyone else who has been told that they can't do it for any reason. In this case, this team and this year was about so much more than a game. For this sports fan, it was a season and a championship that will never be matched. It was about the redemptive story of a team, a city, and a nation of supporters that believed and finished strong as World Champions.

We hope you've enjoyed our NFL coverage and our Saints fan diary. Thanks to everyone who has been along for the ride. Blogging will be a little lighter in the next couple weeks so I can recover, and because we will be broadcasting the NCAC Swimming Championships (featuring 30 time D3 champ Kenyon) this weekend from Canton. We have some other projects on the table as well, but we'll still check in on the Olympics, the hardwood, and everything else inbetween. Who dat! Bye for now...

11 Random Observations from Super Bowl 44

Can you believe it? The New Orleans Saints are champions of the world. If you've followed this blog, you know my brother, Y1, has been a Saints fan since he was 2 years old. Needless to say, yesterday was the happiest day of his life. And while he'll be here shortly to take you through what it means to him, the team, and the city, here's 11 random observations from a slightly more unbiased observer.

1) Finally, M*A*S*H has been dethroned as the most-watched tv program of all-time! It took an epic Mid-Atlantic blizzard, a touching story arc (the Saints and Katrina) and perhaps the greatest QB of all-time (Peyton Manning) to draw 106.5 million people to their tvs. Personally, I've never been impressed by what I've seen from M*A*S*H, so glad to see football has taken its rightful place in tv history.

2) For 4 hours of pregame, CBS didn't do a bad job, at least when they minimized mic time for Shannon Sharpe and Bill Cowher. The biggest downside, Katie Couric's interview of President Obama. No softball questions to start, no wheelhouse sports questions, it's straight into healthcare! Who cares? Super Sunday is the one day we can escape all the crap of our daily lives! Next time, lighten up a little, Katie!

3) The scariest moment of the day though had to be Peyton Manning's walk into the stadium. It struck me as odd that a man who seems so genial in those commercials tried his best to look intimidating walking in to the stadium. I couldn't tell if he was attempting to redefine the "Manning Face" or just really had to get to the bathroom. Still, it was the oddest image of Super Bowl Sunday. Hillary Clinton is jealous of the scowling ability Peyton Manning showed on Sunday.

4) A close runner-up to Peyton Manning's pregame for scariest moment of the day had to be The Who at half-time. I'd argue Pete Townshend's flabby old-man stomach flopping out on every windmill strum was more offensive to viewers than Janet Jackson's nipple. Maybe it's time to invest in a slightly younger act? Is Gene Autry still alive? If this keeps up, we're going to have an hour delay while medics attend to a collapsed musical legend.

5) The commercials in the game were a let down as well. The Tebow "abortion" ad turned out to be much ado about nothing. Anyone offended by that needs to look at themselves in the mirror. Still, it was unspectacular like the rest of the ads. Stalwarts like Coke, Bud Light, and car companies were disappointing at best, terrible at worst. The best in my opinion was the smart, but understated Google search ad.

6) By far the most shocking number of the game was zero...the number of times we saw Kim Kardashian cheering on Reggie Bush. Truthfully CBS did a wonderful job focusing on the game and not the celeb fans like Archie Manning and the Kardashians. How often does it feel like you're actually watching a football game during the Super Bowl? There weren't 50 million crowd shots (FOX), or announcers trying to upstage the game (cough, Joe Buck, cough). Kudos to Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, and the production crew.

8) On to the actual game...you'll hear a small pocket of chemically unbalanced, depressed Colts fans talking about a missed block-in-the-back penalty on Tracy Porter's pick 6. Don't buy it. If you look closely, Manning is turning as Will Smith is blocking him. Kudos to all officials, including anonymous head ref Scott Green, who stayed out of the way and let the players decide the outcome.

9) Reggie Wayne is getting too much flack for not breaking up Manning's interception. It was a combination of a great blitz call by Gregg Williams, a rushed throw by Manning, and a terrific read by Tracy Porter. It would be a shame to take credit away from the Saints win by finding one scapegoat to place all of the blame on...it was too well played a Super Bowl.

10) By the way, if anyone can find a pulse on Jim Caldwell, it would help to confirm the man is alive. His steely expression and sense of calm works great over the long haul of the season, but in the biggest game of them all, the Colts seemed just a little flat. Once the Saints settled down, all of the emotional momentum was firmly on their side, and the Colts were denied in their feeble attempts to get it back. The difference in demeanor between Caldwell and Sean Payton was the most glaring discrepancy between the two teams.

11) Lastly, one Saints related point (can't let Y1 take all the glory the rest of the week)...don't listen to anyone (Colin Cowherd, Scott Van Pelt, etc.) who tries to tell you destiny, or fate, or faith, didn't play a role in the Super Bowl. Drew Brees said it himself, signing in New Orleans was a calling...God placed him in New Orleans for a reason. Y1 and myself are men of faith, and I can tell you from our experiences in the Big Easy, that those wonderful people are full of faith as well. Hurricane Katrina may have taken some of that away, but Drew Brees and the Saints have helped to restore some of that faith with their World Championship. It won't build houses and schools, it won't feed the hungry, it won't heal the sick. But, it shows hope is real, and faith is rewarded. The Saints were destined to win, just like the Colts were supposed to win three years ago, to give Tony Dungy the platform necessary to tell his amazing story. And now, the Saints, as Super Bowl Champions, can continue to play their small part in healing a community.

Again, make sure you stay tuned the rest of the week for Y1's Saints follow-up to their World Championship. Also, we're gearing up for Olympic coverage and the emergence of basketball! If you're not a Colts fan, raise a toast to all the Who Dats for the Saints and the city of New Orleans. Until then, it's bye for now!

The Unofficial RSS NFL Hall of Fame Ballot - 2010

The most underrated event of Super Bowl Week is upon us with the announcement Saturday of the newest class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While Y1 has been obsessed with his Saints quest for a title, we'll let Brother Yohey fill out our HOF Ballot.

Every year around this time we get to find out who will become the newest member of the NFL elite by having their glorious bust enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is a time when the true immortals of the game receive the honor they deserve after leaving the game they loved. This year, the list of candidates is numerous with many players, coaches and executives who have excelled, but only a handful may be chosen. So, who is worthy to be rewarded with the big bronze bust?

Jerry Rice (WR):

Is there any question Rice is a first-ballot Hall of Famer? If so you need to re-evaluate your outlook on life and existence as a human. THE greatest WR ever (I always will consider Jim Brown the greatest player ever, bar none) set a myriad of records that will be tough to be broken, no matter how pass happy the league becomes. His SB rings make his case open and shut, even with his unfortunate Seahawks era ending his career. Even Perry Mason couldn't defend Rice's detractors, if there are any.

Emmitt Smith (RB): All-time leading rusher. Important piece of the Cowboy success of the 90's. Not the greatest RB ever but certainly a worthy HOF member. Unanimous selection. When I try to condense his career into one moment it would have to be the finale of the 1993 regular season against the New York Giants. Playing with a separated shoulder he had 168 yards rushing and 10 receptions to help the Cowboys clinch the NFC East. Not to mention he is also 2nd all-time to Rice in yards from scrimmage. Another easy first-ballot Hall of Famer

Dick Lebeau (DB/Coach): Has the unique combination of contributing to the game as both a player and a coach. Underrated, but outstanding as a DB for the Lions, he was Night Train Lane's battery mate and was just as feared as his more famous teammate. Lebeau was also instrumental in developing and utilizing the zone blitz scheme as an assistant coach; the defensive version of the West Coast Offense. His 62 career interceptions don't hurt either. He is a senior candidate and it is about time he gets recognized.

Russ Grimm (OL): In my estimation, the greatest Hog on the famed Redskins line (my distaste for Mark May prevents me from choosing him) needs to get his time in the Sun. It's high time someone from the most famous offensive line of the past generation becomes enshrined in Canton. Not to mention the guy is a hell of a coach. Let this Grimm brother's fairy tale become reality.

Cris Carter (WR): CC may not have been as flashy as Rice was but he was the best possession receiver of his era. His mentoring of Randy Moss and success he had with the Vikings, along with his stats make him a shoe-in for me, even in an already strong WR class. Not to mention, having to endure NFL Countdown every Sunday as the buffer between Chris Berman and Me-Shawn Johnson should earn the guy some recognition!

Rickey Jackson (LB): Do I know anything about his career? No. But, apparently he was a poor man's version of LT. This selection is based on a theory I have about the Saints. Not only does this season seem like destiny regarding the SB, but also the HOF. The greatest Saints defender of Y1's "Dome Patrol" going in along with them winning the SB would be a great way to reward that city and lift it up where it once was.

Brett Favre (QB): Just put him in already and wave the waiting period. Maybe this is the way the world can finally be rid of Favre. They probably have his bust made and reserved.

Bernie Kosar (QB - Browns): Not a finalist either, but hey, can't a Browns fan be allowed to dream once during Super Bowl Week?

Well, there you have Brother Yohey's next HOF class, what's yours? Let us know by leaving a comment below. Also don't forget you can check out our stories on BallHype or, if you want our updated 140 character thoughts, follow us on Twitter! Enjoy the end of the NFL season....it might not be around much longer! Until next time, it's bye for now!

Saints Fan Diary Vol 9. - The Matchups

Similarly to our NFC Championship coverage, our final column for the Super Bowl is an in-depth look at the matchups for Super Bowl XLIV. What are the good matchups for the Saints? The bad ones? And the ones that can go either way. For whatever reason, the hype this week has seemed subdued. Maybe its the fact that these are two good stories and there have been few sources of controversy this week. Maybe its because everybody and their great grandpappy say they're rooting for the Saints, but are picking the Colts to win. Remember that these two teams started 27-0. When looking at SB XLIV, this one could be a classic.

3 Good Matchups

1) Sean Payton v Jim Caldwell

-Jim Caldwell seems like a great guy and a great leader for the Colts. But, what does he offer as the head man besides being Tony Dungy's clone? Granted, that's a great thing. But, you get the feeling that Sean Payton will have that extra motivational device, or extra trick play that can provide a spark for New Orleans. With two weeks to prepare, one of the great offensive artists in the game needs to put together his Mona Lisa.

2) Will Smith v Charlie Johnson

-As Freeney's Ankle Turns, the matchup on the opposite side of the ball is just as important. Quietly, former Buckeye Will Smith had a great season for the rejuvenated Saints D. Honestly, could anyone notice Charlie Johnson if he walked into a room with a sign saying, "I'm Colts LT Charlie Johnson." The man charged with protecting Peyton Manning's blindside has played well, but Will Smith needs to play like the player that had a career high 13 sacks and get at least 1 against Peyton Manning.

3) Pierre Thomas v Colts Run D

-The Saints will have to run the ball to be effective on offense and keep Peyton Manning off the field. That burden falls mostly to Pierre Thomas. The Colts did a good job against the Jets running attack, but they have proved susceptible in years past. The absence of Bob Sanders may finally be felt if the Saints can control the clock and punish the Colts. Here, the inside trio of Evans, Goodwin, and Nicks can have a big impact in controlling the line of scrimmage. If the Saints get over 150 on the ground, they have a great chance to win.

3 Bad Matchups

1) Dwight Freeney v Jermon Bushrod

-I don't care how many bad ankles Freeney is playing on, he can still provide problems for Jermon Bushrod. Heck, I don't care who plays, Bushrod is the weakness of the Saints offense. In fairness though, Bushrod hasn't played that bad. But, he was exposed on a big stage against DeMarcus Ware. And, even though he kept Jared Allen quiet, the extra protection schemes limited the Saints' options and slowed down the offensive attack (7 3 & outs). Bushrod needs to hold his own, but its a question mark against whoever lines up on the other side.

2) Tom Moore v Gregg Williams

-Gregg Williams shot his mouth off earlier this week, but the bad matchup is that Manning is 6-2 lifetime against Gregg Williams defenses. While Manning gets all the credit, Colts offensive guru Tom Moore goes under the radar as his Obi Wan Kenobi. Williams has done a great job as Saints DC, but its questionable whether or not his blitz packages can get to Manning. The Saints might be forced to play straight up against Manning, which is a scary proposition.

3) Joseph Addai v Saints Run D

-With all the focus being on the two quarterbacks this week, the two running backs stand to profit as well with these matchups. Joseph Addai is just as good of a matchup as the Colts as Pierre Thomas is for the Saints. Addai is the unknown soldier of the Colts offense, but he has an elusive running style that can trouble New Orleans, who has had some issues with spotty tackling throughout the season.

3 Scary Matchups

1) Peyton Manning v The World

-Peyton Manning is this close to becoming the next Brett Favre. If he does win the Super Bowl, it will be interesting to see if the public gets tired of his act and the endless praise he receives as the best in the game and perhaps the best of all time. By the time his career is over, he will be the best ever, but will fans get tired of the Favrian attention? Judging by all the pregame hype, the Saints are facing the Zeus of Quarterbacks. Manning only shows his humanity when defenses get in his face, hit him, and frustrate him. The Saints must hit Manning, and hit him often to have any hope. Paging Curtis Painter??

2) Dallas Clark v Saints S/LB's

-If Clark gets consistently matched up with OLBs Scott Shanle and Scott Fujita, or SS Roman Harper, he will get 10 catches for over 100 yards. This is the one skill position matchup that should scare Who Dat Nation. Shanle and Fujita don't have the speed to cover Clark, and Harper does not have the strength to guard him in the redzone. Visante Shiancoe was a problem for the Saints two weeks ago and Clark is even better.

3) Austin Collie v Randall Gay

-Another matchup that should delight Peyton Manning is his slot receiver Austin Collie against the 3rd CB Randall Gay. Gay does have Super Bowl experience with the Patriots, but he has been outmatched in important games. Gay is much better in the slot than on the outside, but Collie is coming off of a career day in the AFC Championship. The Saints will have to repeat their performance against Wes Welker (6 catches 32 yards) to have a chance.

3 Great Matchups

1) Drew Breeees v Colts Pass D

2) Shockey, Colston, Henderson, Meachem v Colts Secondary

-As good as Manning is, Drew Brees again enters a big game as the less fancied QB. But, the weapons at his disposal are superior to those of the Colts. The sheer depth of the Saints WR/TE corps should scare the Colts. Shoot, if Mark Sanchez and Braylon Edwards can get huge plays in the passing game, can't Brees, Henderson, and Meachem do the same? A healthy Jeremy Shockey will be a boost as well, but this game is all about the QBs. This is the moment that Drew Brees has waited for, the moment he feels destined to be in, and the win that belongs to him and the city of New Orleans. You get the sense that Brees has an unmatched will and self belief that it is destiny for him and these Saints to do the unthinkable. Only a win on Sunday can finally vault Brees into the Pantheon of QBs where he rightfully belongs.

3) Saints Special Teams v Colts Special Teams

-The Saints special teams have been a key to their success throughout the playoffs. Good returns at crucial times, big plays from Reggie Bush, and even a clutch FG from Garrett Hartley. Don't underestimate rookie P Thomas Morestead and his booming punts and kickoffs as well. The Saints are much more likely to get a gamebreaking special teams play Sunday night, and those can always shift a game dramatically.

5 Toss Ups

1) Jabari Greer & Tracy Porter v Reggie Wayne & Pierre Garcon

-With Greer and Porter injured for much of the season, the Saints statistics in the passing game are negatively jaded. Greer and Porter were ginormous against Minnesota - Porter with his crucial INT and Greer doing a fantastic job against Sidney Rice. Their matchup against Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon is critical. If they can hold Wayne and Garcon under 100 yards, then it will limit Manning's options and force him to spend some more time in the pocket. Manning has shown that he gets frustrated when he gets hit, and its not just about the blitz, but the coverage the Saints CBs can provide.

2) Jon Stinchcomb v Robert Mathis

-All the attention has been on the Freeney/Bushrod matchup, but the other side of the Saints O-Line is a huge factor. In the NFC Championship game, unheralded RT Jon Stinchcomb did a good job with Ray Edwards, who tore up the Cowboys. He'll need to block Mathis 1 on 1 if Freeney is able to play at all. Stinchcomb is just as important as Bushrod in allowing Brees the time and opportunity to pass well.

3) Jon Vilma & Darren Sharper v Colts Skill Players

-For all of the talk of the quarterbacking Zeus destroying the Saints D, these two men will be huge up the middle of the Saints defense. Jon Vilma might be the most underrated MLB in the game, and Darren Sharper has gotten a lot of press as the one who can get a pick of Peyton Manning. These two have made plays all season long, and they will need to be at their best on the biggest stage.

4) Good Reggie v Bad Reggie

-Let's be honest. Nobody knows which Reggie Bush is showing up. In the past, he has played well in big games for the Saints. Well, if you don't count last week's underwhelming NFC Championship performance. He can make a big play for you, or against you. The key is back to Sean Payton. If he can find a new way to use Reggie Bush, one we haven't seen before (maybe a long TD pass?), then maybe he can be the difference maker.

5) Destiny v History

-In the end, this is what Super Bowl XLIV is about. Will the history and experience lead the Colts to victory, or does the fairy tale ending finish the magical season for the Saints and the city of New Orleans? With the pressure of making the Super Bowl off, the Saints might play with nothing to lose. The pressure to win the NFC Championship in the Superdome isn't their in Miami. Do the Saints see this as the final step of their journey, or are they just happy to be there? Everything coming out of Miami this week has seemed to say that the Saints are there to win a championship. History isn't on their side, but it hasn't been for 43 years.

This year has always felt different. This team has embraced the journey of getting to Super Bowl XLIV. They know the stakes, and they know what this win will mean to New Orleans and Saints fans everywhere. Win or lose, the 2009 season will be one remembered by Saints fans for the rest of eternity. But, it won't quite be the same unless they lift the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday. All season, their mantra has been "Finish Strong." On Sunday, I'll be joining Who Dat Nation in hoping and praying that the Saints can finish strong in Miami with a World Championship.

Saints Fan Diary Vol 8. - 20 Questions

Thankfully, the real world has kept me busy enough to avoid the Chinese water torture that has been the two week break between Championship weekend and the Super Bowl. Seriously... there is a game coming up on Sunday, right? With the hecticness of Super Bowl week, there are so many questions... especially for a Saints fan that is new to this whole Super Bowl thing. So with that, here are 20 Questions that have passed through my mind this week! Then, tomorrow we'll get into the X's and O's with the matchups for the Saints and the Colts.

1. Has anyone at any Super Bowl, ever, gotten more attention than Peyton Manning? Will he resist the Favrian path in having the public turn against him because of all the endless praise?

2. Which Reggie Bush shows up? Is it the one that had over 200 yards and 2 TDs against Arizona or 41 yards and a fumble against Minny? Or, is it this Reggie Bush? Uh oh.

3. Can Dwight Freeney's unusual healing tactics work in time to make him able to contribute... and why hasn't Greg Oden called him yet?

4. Will anybody know who The Who is? And why is a group that broke up in the early 80's performing at the Super Bowl in 2010?

5. After a poor 2009, will Super Bowl commercials rebound? What will be the reception to Tim Tebow's ad? Tebow/Palin 2016 anyone?

6. Which role player steps up in a big way? Will it be an unheralded defender, special teamer, or 3rd receiver to make the difference?

7. How untolerable will CBS's unending pregame take? Can America withstand Shannon Sharpe for 6 hours, especially if he is inducted into the Hall of Fame the previous day?

8. Can the Saints hit Peyton Manning like they did Brett Favre? Will the NFL allow them too?

9. Will this game set offensive Super Bowl records? And will it continue the run of classics we have seen the last two seasons?

10. Who will be shown more during the broadcast - Kim Kardashian, Archie Manning, or Curtis Painter? I realllllly hope its Curtis Painter somehow.

11. Can Jabari Greer slow down Reggie Wayne like he did Sidney Rice? And can anybody on the Saints cover Dallas Clark?

12. Which random NFL legend will be the most awkward to stand out as a part of Super Bowl festivities? (hint: first name Emmitt)

13. And why is it that all of these ex-players have something to sell during Super Bowl week? Haven't they made enough money? And where do all of these products come from? Do they sell them the other 51 weeks of the year?

Come to think of it... I'm starting to sound like someone...

OK, maybe I should just stop at 13...

Make sure you keep up with our Super Bowl Coverage for the rest of the week! And don't worry, we'll get back to rest of the sports world eventually. Until next time, bye for now!

RSS Top 10 - Most Forgettable Super Bowls

Well, it's Super Bowl week. And although I am slowly losing my sanity due to the Saints actually being in the big game for once (check out my fan diaries in the archives on the right of the page), that won't stop us from pumping out another Top 10! This time of year, most folks want to remember all of the great moments in Super Bowl history. We'll get there, eventually, but first we thought it'd be fun to walk down memory lane and try and remember the games that we're most likely to forget. Here now the Top 10 Most Forgettable Super Bowls!

10) Super Bowl II - Green Bay 33 Oakland 14

-This game isn't just forgettable because it was a long time ago, but it was never an exciting game. The Packers dominated throughout and only a late Oakland score got them within 3 touchdowns. Darryl Lamonica was a robust 15/34, and the Packers leading rusher Ben Wilson sat out most of the second half due to a missing contact lens. That's the most interesting storyline. Most folks assume it was Lombardi's last game to add some mystique to it, but he went on to coach for a season in Washington in 1969.

9) Super Bowl VIII - Miami 24 Minnesota 7

Although Super Bowl VII might have been just as uncompelling as VI and VIII, the Dolphins did go unbeaten that season. Their second title in a row didn't produce a barnburner either. Even though Larry Csonka had a great day on the ground (145 yards and 2 TDs), the whopping 7 passes Bob Griese threw in the game would not make for a thrilling affair. The Vikings didn't even score until the 4th quarter to avoid an embarrassing shutout. The game was played within the historic confines of... Rice Stadium. Yawn. Hey though, at least Fran Tarkenton still hates Brett Favre!

8) Super Bowl XL - Pittsburgh 21 Seattle 10

From the minute the Seahawks were going to be in the Super Bowl, you knew it was going to be an ugly, ugly game. Add to that the worst performance by a winning quarterback (and remember, Brad Johnson and Trent Dilfer won rings) by Ben Roethlisberger (9/21 123 yards, 2 INTs) and you get a big pile of cow plop. Aside from Antwan Rande El's reverse TD pass and Willie Parker's 75-yard TD run, this game was boring with a capital B. Sure The Chin and The Bus (did you know Jerome Bettis was from Detroit...what an astonishing storyline?!) finally got their ring. And a few dozen unbalanced Seahawks fans still go nuts if you mention the officiating...but, other than that, this had all the excitement of a Minnesota Wild/Phoenix Coyotes game.

7) Super Bowl XXXVII - Tampa Bay 48 Oakland 21

This was supposed to be the culmination of the new Raiders, which had been slowly building a contender under Al Davis, who wasn't revealed to be legally insane yet. One clue might have been giving away Jon Gruden to the Bucs before the season and hiring in his place Bill Callahan, the dumbest coach in America. Not only did C Barret Robbins go missing for much of Super Bowl week under Callahan's watch, but Callahan failed to change any of his offense's signals prior to the game. And whose offense were the Raiders running in Super Bowl XXXVII...Jon Gruden's! And who was the coach of the Bucs (aka THE OPPOSITION)...Jon Gruden! Who might know what plays the Raiders were runnning...duhhhh Jon Gruden!!! No wonder Rich Gannon threw a record 5 INTs, including 3 that were run all the way back for TDs. As Bucs safety John Lynch pointed out after the game, "It's uncanny how the plays we ran in practice showed up, same formation, same motion." So in one way, this game was memorable, for the worst coaching performance in any championship game...ever!

6) Super Bowl XXVIII - Dallas 30 Buffalo 13

Ask anyone who loves the Super Bowl about the Bills and Cowboys in the Big Game, and you'll hear about the blowout in Super Bowl XXVII, the Leon Lett play, and all sorts of details that aren't from this forgettable affair. Fans across the country were anticipating Buffalo's revenge against the Cowboys and finally winning the big game. But as the Cowboys slowly and methodically took control with a 24-0 second half, the culmination of what could have been a memorable Super Bowl turned into a Super Dud. But hey, at least the premiere of the John Larroquette Show followed the game, ugh!

5) Super Bowl XXXV - Baltimore 34 New York Giants 7

Ok, the Ravens defense was one of the best in history, but Super Bowl XXXV was one of the most boring, lopsided affairs in recent memory. One, the most dynamic offensive player on the field was Ravens RB Jamal Lewis. Second, 21 of the points came in a 36 second stretch in the 2nd half which saw back-to-back kickoff returns, admittedly, kind of cool. But, then you remember the starting quarterbacks were Trent Dilfer (153 yards and 1 TD) and Kerry Collins (4 INTs)...yuck! Maybe the game would have been more interesting if Ray Lewis was being interviewed by the media with Shannon Sharpe by his side, instead of playing the Giants. Oh yea, and the starting QBs were Trent Dilfer and Kerry Collins.

4) Super Bowl XXIV - San Francisco 55 Denver 10

Of course the biggest blowout in Super Bowl history has to be on the list of forgettable games. Not only was this the most uncompetitive Super Bowl in history, its devoid of any memorable plays that other blowouts had, like the Fridge rumbling into the endzone, or Don Beebe tracking down Leon Lett. No Bill Walsh, no Elway comeback, no drama whatsoever. It was 27-3 at halftime, 41-3 in the 2nd half, and fans across the nation were pulling hamstrings trying to find reruns of The Cosby Show.

3) Super Bowl IX - Pittsburgh 16 Minnesota 6

Is it a bad time to bring up the Vikings Super Bowl performances, because their Super Bowl history is just awful. Along with these two on the list they also suffered blowouts to the Chiefs and Raiders in IV and XI as well. This Super Bowl snoozer featured a halftime score of 2-0 to the Steelers, with the first field goal or touchdown scored well into the 3rd quarter. Minnesota's only points would come on a blocked punt in the 4th quarter, and of course they followed that effort up by missing the extra point! Not to mention, the game was supposed to be played in the brand new Superdome, but had to be moved out into the dreary confines of Tulane Stadium at the last minute. Thankfully the Vikings have had a lot to cheer about recently...

2) Super Bowl VI - Dallas 24 Miami 3

-Say Super Bowl 6 to someone and just see if anything comes out of their mouths other than drool. This may be one of the worst championship games in history. Sure, Miami would go on to a historic season the next year, but their performance here was nothing short of awful. 10 first downs and only 185 total yards! The Dolphins should have known they were in trouble when Richard Nixon called in a play to Don Shula after the AFC Championship... and Shula ran the play! Thankfully it was only an incompletion, and at least Shula had a better post-SB6 career than Dick Nixon.

1) Super Bowl XII - Dallas 27 Denver 10

Super Bowl XII was supposed to be a battle between former teammates Roger Staubach and Craig Morton. Unfortunately, Morton and the "Orange Crush" were crushed by the Doomsday Defense. Morton turned in the all-time stinker in terms of QB performance going 4/15 for 39 yards and 4 INTs. Yeah, he completed as many passes to the Cowboys as he did his own team. As a team, the Broncos had 7 turnovers in the 1st half...7! That's almost how many points they had for the game! Not that Roger the Dodger fared all that great for Dallas, throwing for 1 TD and under 200 yards. The fact that Harvey Martin and Randy White had to share the MVP shows you how many memorable performances there were during the game. Undoubtedly the most forgettable Super Bowl of all-time.