The New England Patriots: Spooking the NFL One Week at a Time

The Pats have gone out and tamed two first-class sophomore quarterbacks in consecutive weeks. Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco played respectable games. Even the New York Jets’ win over the Patriots seem a bit off. The whole game looked like New York was waiting for New England to prevail; all the Jets could do was blitz all the time and pray that Tom Brady would not find his gait.  When Brady was knocked out at the start of last season there was a scuttle to reorganize the AFC pecking order. When New England regenerated itself, Miami had just squeaked by them in the East. A sense that the league had been given a brief break from Brady, Belichick, and the Ark of the Covenant they keep stored under Fox borough.

The New England Patriots status has preceded them this year. Tom Brady is still on the road to recovery from his knee injury. Brady must remember that hit every time he drops back. But Brady is slowly recapturing his form, and in the meantime the rest of the NFL is praying that Matt Cassel just dreamed that he left for Kansas City. If teams would like to pound New England they need to go out there and strike them in the mouth. You have to act, instead of just reacting to what the Patriots settle on showing up.

Rebuilding the Chiefs

For quite sometime, the Kansas Chiefs haven’t been performing well and there are currently on the path to rebuilding their team. One of their first move to turn their organization around is to recruit the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, Todd Haley, as their head coach.

While Todd Haley is a great addition to their team, there still is a lot to do to improve the team. It’s just a beggining of a team rehabilitation program.

Another thing that they have to deal with is running back Larry Johnson. They still don’t know what to do with him, and a trade would be difficult. His age, along with what comes with him off the field would make him of less value, and the Chiefs wouldn’t get much in return. A better option for them would probably to release him.

They also need to fill the quarterback position. They have the number 3 pick, so they would be able to get someone like Mark Sanchez. If ever Tom Brady is able to play, then they probably have a chance of getting Matt Cassell.

The Pro Bowl Beast

The AFC once again faced the NFC in another exciting Pro Bowl. A collection of all the best talent in the NFL where seen playing together and against each other, which is probably the highest level of American Football in the World. Some would only play for fun, some would play to win, others would simply dominte.

Larry Fitzgerald has had a phenomenal season. He was such a headache for the defense, that even against the Steelers, he was still able to unleash his fury even though he was covered for most of the Superbowl. Now that he’s playing in the Pro Bowl, he once again proved that he can destroy the defense, even if that defense is a collection of AFC all stars.

It was because of him that the NFC won against the AFC, and he became the first Cardinal in history to ever become a Pro Bowl MVP. He caught 5 passes, and gained 2 touchedowns. If that’s not monstrous enough, he’s catched at least a touchdown for the last 7 games he’s played.

It was just right that he was named Pro Bowl MVP.

The Smooth and Rocky Road

Two teams will be facing off at a potentially epic battle this coming Superbowl Sunday. So many stories surround the players and the coaching staff of these two teams, and indeed it will be a night to remember. If ever the Pittsburgh Steelers pull off a win, they would enter the history books as the only team in NFL history to win 6 Superbowls. If the Arizona Cardinals lead by the time the game is over, they would get their first ever Superbowl championship in franchise history.

These two teams have travelled different roads to get to the Superbowl, but both have endured certain obstacles. It was a tough battle for the Steelers throughout the season, since their division has teams that are over .500 . Still, they would come up with enough wins to get them to where they are right now.

The Cardinals on the other hand, had a relatively easier time. They are playing for the NFC west division, and this is indeed the easiest division in the NFL. Still, they went through some tough competitors in the playoffs and seem to be well poised to give a good fight on Superbowl Sunday.

Rising Roethlisberger

One of the most important players in a team would be the quarterback. It is up to him to call the shots, make the plays, and deal with tough situations on the field. You could call him the extension of the coach out there. It’s so vital to a team that they have a very good quarterback. The Pittsburgh Steelers are really lucky to have Big Ben on their side.

Ben Roethlisberger’s rookie season is said to be one of the best rookie seasons ever in the NFL. He was able to bring his team all the way to the AFC title game, but fell short. He would soon pick up the slack and give the Steelers their 5th Superbowl championship in 2005. Now, he’s at it again and will prove to be a worthy adversary against the Cardinal defense.

Most NFL coaches would tell you that it would take at least 5 years for a QB to fully develop, and if this is the case, Big Ben will have much more to offer. He is definitely on the path of being one of the best quarter backs in NFL history. It will definitely be fulfilling to watch him perform on Superbowl 43.

Ward of Steel

Playing with an injury is one of the most difficult decisions an athelete can make in his career. Sometimes, a game is not worth risking your career. Of course, the Superbowl just isn’t any game, and Hines Ward isn’t just any athtlete.

Ever since the AFC championship game, people have been constantly questioning whether he would be able to play in the Superbowl or not. It was at that game that he sprained his MCL, and that is a serious injury especially if it gets aggrevated. Whenever asked, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has been firm with his answer that Ward will be able to play on Superbowl Sunday.

Hines Ward is a very important part of the team, as he holds most of the Steelers’ pass-catching records, and has proven to be one of the toughest players in the league. Playing without him would damage the Steelers offense, especially since it’s not as great to begin with.

According to Ward himself, he definitely will be able to play on Superbowl Sunday. He says it’s not as bad and he’s not even wearing a brace right now. He’ll be wearing one though on Superbowl Sunday itself.

Steelers Pounds Chargers Upset Bid with a Big Win

Pittsburgh, PA - The score Pittsburgh Steelers 35; San Diego Steelers 24, right from the start the Steelers have one goal in mind, ‘STOP THE RUN’ which thanks in big part of the injury that made feature back LaDanian Tomlinson’s injury out of the game the Steelers allowed only 15 rushing yards from the Chargers all of which was by 1st time starter RB Darren Sproles (11 carries for 15 yards and 5 receptions for 91 yards and a TD). The rush defense of Steelers was active enough that Chargers was force to air it all out with QB Phillip Rivers who finished with 21/35 passing for 308 yards and 3 TDs and 1 interception. It wasn’t enough as Linebackers James Farrior (7 tackles) and Larry Foote (5 Tackles and 1 Interception) was intimadating enough to pressure the run of the Chargers.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger plays as if he didn’t have a concussion last week 17, as he played really well, (only sacked once) with 17/26 passing for 186 yards and a TD. But the game was really decided on Chargers own medicine ‘Rushing’, Willie Parker ran for a career playoff-high of 146 yards on 27 carries and reached the endzone for 2 TDs. Former Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward led all Steelers in receiving with 4 receptions for 70 yards but it was TE Heath Miller had a receiving TD with his 3 reception for 37 yards. They were clicking all cylinders as Linebacker LaMarr Woodley(4 tackles, 1 sack), DE Brett Keisel (3 tackes, 1 sack) and Linebacker James Harrison (2 tackles, 1 sack)  each reached Chargers QB Phillip Rivers for sacks.

The Chargers kissed their playoff hopes on that game, as their effort advancing up to the divisional playoff from wildcard status stopped here. One thing for sure, the Steelers missed LaDanian Tomlinson, although Darren Sproles was dynamic on his last 2 games, he isn’t experienced enough to lead a team like Tomlinson does. With this Steelers win it marks their 3rd AFC championship game in 5 years. They will be facing another hot wildcard team a defensive powerhouse in their own rights the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Jan. 18 at home.

Who Will Own the AFC Divisional Playoffs?

It is a race with no clear winner, each team have what it takes to be crowned the next AFC champs now that the reigning champs of the conference didn’t make it to the playoffs, thanks to then early injury of last year’s MVP Tom Brady, the Patriots didn’t make it. Now, the 4-way battle royale of hungry teams such as Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers will slug it out to determine who will represent the AFC conference against the NFC. I think that all 4 teams have the chance to make it but the question is who wants it more? So, let us break down the match ups that will be showcasing this weekend for the AFC divisional playoffs.

The Battle of North and South (Part 1)

Baltimore Ravens (11-5) vs. Tennessee Titans (13-3)

Defense: If you look at the standings you will see that the Tennessee Titans have the upper hand but if you look deeper you know that the Ravens can give the Titans a run for their money, although Titans won their game last Oct. 5, 2008. It seems like the Defense of Baltimore Ravens stood out more, led by former Super Bowl MVP Middle Linebacker Ray Lewis and Superhuman Free Safety Ed Reed it is hard to move the ball on the ground with these guys (Last meeting Titans only had 47 Rushing yards 44 of it are from rookie RB Chris Johnson). The Titans defense is not to be taken for granted both as they have weapons such as Defensive Tackle Albert Haynesworth, Linebacker Keith Bulluck and a secondary corps of Corner Back Cortland Finnegan, Safeties Chris Hope and Michael Griffin will keep the Ravens’ offense in check. Edge: Ravens

Offense: Titans have the edge with a Lightning and Thunder combo of Running Backs Chris Johnson and LenDale White they are really hard to stop, but the Ravens did shut them down on their last game. Their passing game is decent but with an aging QB in Kerry Collins that will see a lot of pass rushes you might wonder how are they going to move the ball. You have to wonder, what if QB Vince Young comes to play will there be any difference. For the Ravens they have a pretty much good offense but not enough weapons, led by Rookie QB Joe Flacco to keep the offense moving in the air and ground force of Running Backs Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee, you might wonder if their Offensive Line can hold the defense better than the Titans. It will be a good enough to see who get the spot for the NFC conference championship game. Edge: Titans

Prediction: Titans 14; Ravens 17

The Underdog vs. The Big Dog (Part 2)

Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) vs. San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Offense: Obviously, it’s a little hard to call this one, with the Chargers changing their scheme from run-heavy to balance favoring the pass; you might think will they have what it takes? If powerhouse Running Back LaDanian Tomlinson probable for their game because of a groin tear injury the load will be pass on backup spark plug Running Back Darren Sproles who was sensational against Indianapolis Colts rushing for 2 TDs. Their passing game can be an option with QB Phillip Rivers having choices of WR Vincent Jackson and Tight End Antonio Gates. Steelers have some good enough offense too, although the question is if QB Ben Roethlisberger can be healthy enough to lead the Steelers offense into victory, they have a decent running game led by Running Back Willie Parker and a pair of Wide Receivers that can really be lethal in former Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward and the dynamic Santonio Holmes. It will be interesting as both teams have banged up stars come game time. Edge: Chargers

Defense: The Steelers is known to be really be lethal defensively they have proved it from time to time as their run stopping D have given their opponents what they are capable of. RB Darren Sproles if he starts will be shocked for sure on how Linebackers James Harrison, Lamarr Woodley and James Farrior pressure both the pass and the rush, add the hard-hitting-playmaking Safety Troy Polamalu who is blitz happy and can also kill you in zone and man-to-man coverage. The Chargers are underrated in the defensive side of the game although they have key players such as D-Linemen Luis Castillo and Jamal Williams, their Linebackers Shaun Phillips and Jyles Tucker can pressure the QB but one must be thinking what if Shawne Merriman is around. This will be a real interesting match up for sure. Edge: Steelers

Predictions: Steelers 21; Chargers 28

It will be a really interesting series that we will witness this weekend, whatever the outcome of the game will be very much interesting. The Chargers will try to pull a Cinderella-type run, with star player LaDanian Tomlinson hurt and a backup RB in Darren Sproles who proved that he is a little engine that could. The Steelers is trying to raise their status back to being NFL’s finest team and their mission is to make it into Super Bowl, their last was their win against Shaun Alexander and the Seattle Seahawks circa 2005. Baltimore Ravens has a similar hunger with the Steelers but they go deep as their last appearance was a win against New York Giants back in 2001. They want to prove once again that defense wins championships. And of course the Titans is trying to prove anyone that they are a Super Bowl caliber team, they want to prove to everybody that their 13-3 record was not a fluke and even without their star QB Vince Young out of the picture they can still be one of NFL’s elite teams, but are they Super Bowl worthy? You decide.