Hello and Happy Sunday everyone.
For starters there was a mad rush from one media outlet in reporting the passing of 85 year old Joe Paterno after a distinguished career at Penn State. The family was quick to squash this late Saturday. As it were Joe Pa passed away early this morning so the point is now moot. Condolences to the Paterno family on this weekend.
It should be noted that future Nittany Lions coach Bill O'Brien will be on the Patriots sideline hoping to will New England to a Super Bowl. I can't help but wonder if this morning's news can affect the psyche of a team. We'll find out soon enough.
Had a blast in Frisco last night watching the Texas Legends come from behind with a 22-8 run to defeat the Canton Charge for their 6th win in 7 seven games. Oddly enough, the Legends started to win once Yi Jianlian went to the Mavericks. Go figure!
Great games for Sean Williams and Dominique Jones. A good young nucleus of players learning the trade. Second game I have attended where the opponent fired off a bevy of threes. I'll be be back next week for two.
More struggles for the Dallas Stars as they lose a heart breaker Friday night at home to the Tampa Bay Lightning then get their skates handed to them in the land of the Wild 5-2. This current squad of players, like the Mavericks at times, appear listless, unfocused and tired.
This current team of players does not have the look of a playoff team. Sitting at #11 in the playoff seedings Glen Gulutzan may have his hands full in terms of teaching a system to a group of young minds. Take away all the injuries off the ice and maybe the outcomes are different.
This day in NFL history you heard the name Jack Squirek in 1984 on a 3 yard TD interception off Joe Theismann. That and a Marcus Allen 75 yard touchdown. You also had the drive by Joe Montana to lead the 49ers to an exciting 20-16 win over the Bengals. San Francisco at no time led in the first 59:26...
With today's Championship Games a few hours away I will now give you a new phrase to learn to like. Instead of 'Super Bowl' try 'SUP-HAR Bowl!' That's right. There will be tee shirts bearing this name when the Ravens and 49ers win their respective games over the Giants and Patriots.
I am of the opinion that Baltimore will play keep away ball-control and ensure that Joe Flacco has time in the pocket to throw short outlet passes into the flat. Little risk in that route. I also believe that Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis will be in Tom Brady's facemask all afternoon. Throw Tom off in his game I don't care who his receivers are! I like the Ravens today by 23-20 count and a 125 yard game for Ray Rice.
I mentioned on Tuesday that the Bay was going to be a very wet and muddy track. This matchup might be more defensive than anticipated. Turnovers will be the story in this game and I expect a thriller at game's end. 49ers by a 28-27 count. Same score as the day of 'The Catch'. Eli will be off, Alex Smith will be on. Keep an eye on Frank Gore to run some bullish yardage in an absolute bloodbath.
Yes, the Giants have never lost a championship game. 4-0 in their history. That streak ends today! Going to Green Bay last week will cause a bit of an emotional letdown while I believe the Niners defense will outsmash the aggressiveness of Osi, Justin, and the Frenchman.
Two great games to enjoy this afternoon. No blowouts and then two weeks of hype, hope, and a slow weaning of another NFL season coming to an end after a lockout that was settled last summer. When all is said and done-as I have been telling you since 11/20/11-The Ravens and 49ers will meet in Indianapolis on February 5th. Two teams, two brothers, and two great storylines. Now be sure to avoid the bunker mentality.
Make it a great day!
Sunny and 73 in North Texas.
Over and out in Big D.
Mr. Will