Conference Showdowns Set

Wasn't expected to get a post in before next weekend, but had to sneak one in after games this weekend. 

First off, to Mr. Seiders whom I called out for a bet on the Cowboys/Giants game - I, in fact, will have the burrito with a frozen rita. For the record, and for those who don't read the comments on this blog, here's what Mr. Seiders had to say to my challenge:

"I'll take that bet. The boys should be rested and amped to play. The Giants will be no problem. I'll have the Nuevo Leon burrito and a frozen with salt." 

Either way, it was a very entertaining game. Let's recap the big weekend...

• What a game by Favre and the Packers - man they look good. I missed most of the beginning when they were down early, but evidently they weren't phased. How ecstatic are they to be, all of a sudden, playing at home for the conference title? 
• I do think the Packers looked much better than the Giants or Cowboys this weekend - not sure if that really matters, but I gotta think the Pack will be favored by 4 to 6 points. But don't forget, the Giants play in a similar (not as extreme) conditions in the Meadowlands so weather won't be quite the advantage as it would with other teams. 
• One more thing on the Packers - they are one of the youngest (in fact, maybe youngest collective team) teams in the NFL. These guys could have a very bright future. 
• Did you happen to see the passing statistics for both Garrard and Brady in Saturday's game? Brady finished 26 of 28 for 262 and 3 scores. That's a 93% completion percentage. That's crazy. Garrard finished 22 of 33 (which is a very good 67%), but was perfect at the half. I think he was 10 for 10 and Brady was like 10 for 11. Unbelievable. 
• The Patriots are just damn good. They didn't even use Moss (1 catch) and still put up 400 yards on a very tough Jags defense. And how about this for the "aging linebackers" of the Patriots - the Jags rushed for 80 yards and this was supposed to be the key reason why they could beat the Pats. Don't get me wrong, they played very tough and if I'm not mistaken, were tied with them at halftime, but to come out and put up 2 field goals in the second half. Obviously the Patrtiots' defense is very good. 
• How happy are the Patriots about the getting the Chargers next weekend? Say what you will Charger fan, the Patriots are giddy right now. 
• I have a very hard time seeing the Patriots even coming close to losing a game from here on out. They're avoiding Peyton and the Colts and they're avoiding the Cowboys - they couldn't be happier about that.
• Memo to the Colts' receivers: MAKE A PLAY!!! Man, what a terrible game by the Colts receiving corps today. I know one of Peyton's INTs was tipped (and I thought I heard the other was as well, but didn't see it) and in that instance I think it was Adai who lunged at it at the goal line. They just couldn't shake the Chargers defense.
• I'll say this - what's worse about this loss is that Tomlinson was a non factor and Rivers was out for the final half of the 4th quarter - you can't let Billy Volek and Michael Turner beat you in your own home. Embarrassing.  
  
• I've consistently been underwhelmed with Phillip Rivers this season and been quite vocal about the fact that I don't think he's as good as advertised, but he made some pretty big-time throws today and especially when they needed him. With that said, I've always thought this, but today I confirmed it - he's a classless punk. You would never see Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre ore hell, even Tony Romo, act the way he did on the sideline in that game. He really needs to grow up and act like he's been there.
• And speaking of Manning - how crazy is it that Eli Manning is in a conference championship after beating a number 1 seed in their own home while Peyton is at home after losing to the #3 seed in your own home? Weird. 
• How about those Giants - I'll tell you, when they scored on that opening drive, I felt pretty good....until the Cowboys went on a 10 minute drive to score. That was crazy right there, talk about sucking the life out of a defense. With that and the Cowboys converting close to 100% on third downs, I thought they would eventually roll the Giants. 
• And when did the lion of that defense wake up? They came out in the second half and looked like a completely different team. You read it here - once they were able to get pressure on Romo, it was a whole different story. He did make some great plays here and there, but he really needs to learn to throw the ball away. He took 2 sacks in the second half (the only two by the way) where he was outside the pocket and could have easily tossed it away - then when he does, he gets a grounding penalty. Bad decision making there, but it's tough with Strahan and Ume in your face all day. 
• There really can't be any question at this point that Marion Barber is the number one running back for the Cowboys - he's so much better than Jones and I'm glad to see them giving him the ball so much - he carried them in the first half it seemed like. Jones is a good backup, no doubt, but if somewhere down the line you're able to package him up or trade him to get some depth somewhere else, take it. You can fill a backup RB position quite easily in the NFL. He's got value out there, I'm sure of it. 
• And although Eli didn't throw up spectacular numbers, he managed the game exceptionally well completing 67% of his passes and tossing 2 TDs with...most importantly, no interceptions. 
• Oddly, the Cowboys out gained the Giants by more than 100 yards, had more first downs and converted 60+% of third downs. They did have that one turnover, but it was on the last play of the game (essentially) while the G-men had no turnovers. I guess it proved to be the game. 
• Can't wait for Packers/Giants - could be a good game, but I'm putting my money on Favre vs. Brady in the super bowl.

College Basketball:

My gosh Texas, way to open up conference play on a high note. You don't expect to go undefeated in conference play, but there are games you just gotta win. You have to win those tough road games you're SUPPOSED to win. It's not the end of the world, it's not like football, but they do need to play much better than this. I'd hate to be a player on that Texas team and have to deal with Barnes after that game - he was pissed. 

I talked about it on this blog before the season started. We've talked about him throughout the season, and I have a feeling we'll be talking about him consistently all year. Damion James has really stepped it up this year. This dude was the only guy doing anything in that Mizzou game. He's starting to turn into a monster on the court. If this guy doesn't jump at the money too fast and let's his game develop at the college level, I really think he could be a major superstar at this school. I think he's that good. We all know about Augustin and Abrams, but this guy is just as important to this team. 

But as we saw on Saturday, the talent doesn't always translate into victories. Very sloppy. 

NBA:

Listen up Laker fans (all 3 of you out there that is), this team is playing some tremendous ball right now and at this particular point in the season, could compete with the west's best teams. 

BUT, I still firmly believe the season doesn't really start until after the all star break. 

As I'm sure you are, I'm cautiously optimistic - things certainly look more solid than they have in a long time with this team. So, I'm going to sit back and not think too much about it - 10 games after the all-star break, I'm reassessing. Here's what the schedule looks like:

Hawks at home

at Suns

at Clippers

at Sonics

Blazers 

Heat 

at Blazers

Mavs

at Kings

Clippers

Not a terribly tough schedule - if they can maintain this ride for the next month into all-star break and come out of this 10 game stint with a 7-3 or 8-2 record, I'd start getting excited. And, they only get the Spurs one more time in the last game of the year. Could be a big step up for this team this year. 

Alright, it'll be quiet here until after the conference championship games. Have a great week.