Holiday Special

Trying to get one last post in before the holidays approach and what a time to do it - can you remember a time when the NFL has been more exciting than this so late in the season? We had 2 games yesterday that decided the number one seed in both conferences - that's something else. Not a lot of college football to get into this time around - I've seen a combined of 3 minutes of the bowl games thus far and I honestly couldn't even tell you what games those were that I did see. And besides, I'm hoping my hiatus from college football for the next week or so will help to make the New Year's Day and beyond games that much more exciting. The good news is there's plenty of other things to touch on so here we go...

NFL:

• Much like our economy, I think the Cowboys situation is going to get worse before it gets any better. Please, Jerry Jones, explain to me what value TO is bringing to the table on this team. Between Witten, Creighton and Williams I'm sure you would be doing just as good if not better without him. In fact, I would almost guarantee it. Why in the world did you bring in Roy Williams if you're not going to use him? And if these guys aren't looking at getting another QB option (backup who you can develop) then they are dumb, dumb, dumb.
  
• One other thing on the Cowboys - there's no chance in hell that Jason Garrett is going to be the next coach. I mean not a single chance. If I were Jones I'd be evaluating whether or not I even want him back calling offensive plays. That offense looks like it's about 2 or 3 steps behind the defense in almost all of their games - you can't really compete if it takes your O-coordinator (and players) 2-3 quarters to figure out where the holes are in the defense.
  
• But, keep that Choice kid. That dude can run the ball.
  
• I'm a Roethlisberger fan, I really am, but how is it possible that he *still* has no internal clock in his head that screams RUN, RUN, RUN? 2 picks and 2 fumbles lost yesterday. In your most important game of the year. Unacceptable.
  
• How can you not love what the Dolphins and Falcons are doing right now? I'm routing for both of these guys to make it into the playoffs (I think Falcons are there). Dolphins were 1-15 last year and the Falcons were (I think) 2-14. Both are looking at 10 or 11 win seasons this year with rookie head coaches and new QBs. Unreal.
  
• How in the world did Brett Favre make the pro bowl? I love him, I really do, but that may be one of the least deserved pro bowl picks in many years.
  
• Here's who I've got as my top 5 for MVP: 1) Peyton Manning (they just clinched the playoffs; without him they may have won 4 games), 2) Albert Haynesworth (this dude will make a ridiculous amount of money next year...somewhere), and 3) Matt Ryan (don't think he'll win it, but you can't argue with what he's been able to do.
  
• If there was an MVP of the last month it would probably go to Phillip Rivers.
  
• I watched the last 5 minutes of the second quarter and entire second half of the Giants game last night - amazing how much of a difference Brandon Jacobs can make. I didn't think they had a chance in that game, even as late as the last 6 minutes. Delhomme had ALL DAY to throw the ball when he dropped back which is scary to think about in the playoffs. If the Giants can't get more pressure than they did last night than it could be a problem. The good news was even with all day to throw, Steve Smith only caught 2 balls for 19 yards. That's good coverage right there.
  
• A bit premature for the Titans to be stomping on the Steeler towels - you may very well see these guys in the playoffs yet again. Don't think it won't be remembered. I doubt Fisher was cool with that.
  
• Carolina most certainly has a wicked 1-2 combo at running back.
  
• If the NFL were college football, the Giants would be playing in a pre-Christmas bowl game simply because of their 2 straight losses the last two weeks (remember, in college football, the last few weeks are all that matter). On the flip side, the Ravens would probably be playing for the (insert some corporate name here) national championship. Have I told you all how much I'm loving the NFL right now?
  
• On the flip side, it's a travesty that the Cowboys can *still* make the playoffs. Cowboys vs. Cardinals in the first round - there's one for the ages.
• Interesting 2009 story alert: what will the Patriots' QB situation look like in April? Matt Cassell can play ball my friends, no doubt.
  
• Buuuut, why in the world was he still in the game so damn late? Not smart Belichick.
• I think Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are drinking something special - how they continue to play at this level on a consistent basis is beyond me.
  
• Sounds like they've moving the Jets/Dolphins game back to 3:15 start time - awesome.
  

Running Horns:
This team has regressed considerably since the start of the season. Just as they are every year they play them, they were pushed around and out "physical'ed" by the Spartans. Turnovers and free throws - those are the culprits. I saw these guys play a relatively flawless game against Tulane earlier this year and since then it's been sloppy play all around. The amount of offensive rebounds they are giving up is just ridiculous and now they travel to Wisconsin this week where they essentially have a must-win game.

I'm confident that Barnes will have these guys playing harder and jelling better, but right now these guys don't look like a top 15 "team", although they have a ton of top 10 "players". Who knows, at least they're playing like this now - they really have some work to do before they get into conference play. Although the Big 12 as a whole may be down as a whole this year, there will definitely be some tests.

Lot of work to do with these guys...lot of work.

Non-Sports Thoughts for the Week:

• Memo to everyone: just because your cell phone rings, it doesn't mean you have to answer it! My Lord, when I see people in the check-out line at the store, putting their kids in/taking them out of car seats, trying on clothes, whatever, while trying to have a conversation on their phones it makes me crazy. CALL THEM BACK!!! Trust me, you aren't as important as you think you are and the conversation you're having certainly isn't *that* important.
  
• We get it media, it's cold. It's called winter and it usually shows up this time of year.
  
• I'm not sure Joe Biden won't compete with Bush on number of stupid comments made before it's all said and done.
  

That's what I got gang - have a safe and happy holiday. I'll be back sometime in early January with a look at some of the better bowl games.