Pitt RB LeSean McCoy toDeclare for the NFL Draft
January 14, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment
Pitt's LeSean McCoy (#25) will declare for the draft
It is much regarded that one of the Big East most impressive RB this season will declare for the NFL Draft, the 5′11″, 210 star RB LeSean McCoy have told his coach that he’ll be passing up on the opportunity to lead the Pittsburgh Panthers for another 2 years and instead will made himself eligible for the NFL Draft. The shifty McCoy have rushed for 1,488 yards this season for 21 TDs and he has a career total of 2,816 yards and 35 TDs, that is more yardage and TDs than former Pitt Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett. And he established all of that in2 seasons only.
McCoy is projected to be the 2nd RB to be chosen by various websites behind Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno and a clear late-1st round to early 2nd round selection. Although he announced that he was going to stay early November, he have snce changed his mind and now will be going to test his luck in the pros. He’ll be joining Ohio State’s Chris “Beanie” Wells, Iowa’s Shonn Green and UCONN’s Donald Brown as prominent RBs to declare for the draft.
Texas Tech Star Wide Receiver Will Enter the NFL Draft
January 14, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment

The high flying WR Michael Crabtree (#5) will bring his game into the big League
What’s left to prove? That is in the case of Texas Tech Red Raiders WR Michael Crabtree, the 2-time All-American and 2-time Biletnikoff Award (Freshman and Sophomore) have announced his intentions on participating in the 2009 NFL Draft. It comes to no one’s surprise as Crabtree, who’s career total is 231 catches, for 3,127 yards and 41 TDs in just 2 years of varsity play. He’s a surefire Top 10 prospect as he has the combination of size and athleticism to compete in the pro ranks, a lot of teams needs a WR and he’ll be the 1st WR selected in the draft, the 6′3″ 214 lbs. Crabtree can be an impact player in the NFL and he knows it.
On Tuesday, he have announced his intentions to leave Texas Tech and on to the big stage. He is similar to former Cal WR and now Eagles DeSean Jackson’s situation last season, but for Crabtree it was a sure shot since he caugh his game winning TD against Texas in Lubbock to knock down the then #1 ranked Longhorns. All season long he have made a lot of highlights that he can fit in his resume and it’ll be sure a good year to enter the NFL draft, let’s just hope he’s ready for the big show.
Heisman Trophy Winner QB Bradford Expects to Return to OU
January 14, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment

Sam Bradford (#14) Might Stay at OU
With much buzz about the draft this year, the big names seems to be declaring but the bigger names favoring to stay in College. Oklahoma University Quarterback Sam Bradford who beat Florida’s Tim Tebow for the Heisman trophy is rumored to be favoring to stay in campus rather than declaring for the draft which have him projected at least a Top 10 selection. The Sophomore Redshirt star QB is one of the players who got shi stock skyrocketed during the season with impressive Big 12 season runs that gave them the ticket to the BCS Bowl which evidently they lost to the uptempo Florida Gators.
Most of his teammates are favoring to return to Oklahoma University and they feel that he’ll most likely return as well to lead them to another BCS Bowl-bound season. If he declares there is no telling where might put him out there. He can go as high as #1 to the Detroit Lions who badly needed a QB to compliment star WR Calvin Johnson, or he can slip out of the top 10 if his NFL Combine don’t play up to the expectations. He’ll announce his decision on Wednesday 5:30 ET.
Cards’ Boldin Hopes to Play Sunday Against Eagles
January 14, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment

Anquan Boldin (#81) Hopes to Help the Cards against the Eagles
Anquan Boldin is one of the most dynamic WR in the league and he is one of the reason why the Arizona Cardinals is no going to face the upbeat Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game on Sunday. But the problem is he didn’t play against the Carolina Panthers when his Cardinals triumph over the NFC leading Panthers, so now, Boldin is hungry to be a part of the team when that face the Eagles at home on Sunday. He wants to play and he finally practiced on Wednesday which boost his chance to play in the NFC Championship bout.
He said that his trip to Dallas for a chiropractor has been successful treatment for his strained left hamstring. When healthy Anquan Boldin proves that he is one of the most dangerous WR in the league and together with WR Larry Fitzgerald they form the most explosive WR duo in the league, there is no telling how they will be able to make a big run to stop the surging Eagles.
Final College Football Top 25 (USA Today)
January 13, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment

Of course there are different takes on getting a Top 25, I showed ESPN’s take earlier, now here is USA Today’s pick. They are different but Florida remains unanimous as the lone #1 of the bunch. But I strongly considers a Playoff to really determine the #1, right now I would say Florida would get great challenge from Texas and USC and even Utah but that is just my 2 cents anyway. So, here it is, USA Today’s Final Top 25 College Football rankings:
1. Florida (60) 13-1 1,524
2. USC 12-1 1,393
3. Texas 12-1 1,389
4. Utah (1) 13-0 1,375
5. Oklahoma 12-2 1,333
6. Alabama 12-2 1,157
7. TCU 11-2 1,114
8. Penn State 11-2 1,091
9. Oregon 10-3 1,011
10. Georgia 10-3 904
11. Ohio State 10-3 874
12. Texas Tech 11-2 867
13. Boise State 12-1 809
14. Virginia Tech 10-4 740
15. Mississippi 9-4 620
16. Missouri 10-4 549
17. Cincinnati 11-3 493
18. Oklahoma State 9-4 480
19. Oregon State 9-4 407
20. Iowa 9-4 250
21. Brigham Young 10-3 248
22. Georgia Tech 9-4 219
23. Florida State 9-4 217
24. Michigan State 9-4 179
25. California 9-4 116
Final College Football Top 25 (ESPN)
January 13, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment

What a year for College Football, it was a rough twist and turn and got us all surprised by the unbelievable Utah run for a 13-0 run which marks them as the only undefeated team in the country. Florida silently made their way up as Big 12 powers, slug it out to gain BCS nod. USC finished the season strong but 1 might think, what if they didn’t lost to Oregon State? So, with all that being a question here is, ESPN’s final College Football rankings, for all of you to ponder.
1. Florida (48) 13-1 1,606
2. Utah (16) 13-0 1,519
3. USC (1) 12-1 1,481
4. Texas 12-1 1,478
5. Oklahoma 12-2 1,391
6. Alabama 12-2 1,264
7. TCU 11-2 1,193
8. Penn State 11-2 1,153
9. Ohio State 10-3 1,013
10. Oregon 10-3 997
11. Boise State 12-1 938
12. Texas Tech 11-2 916
13. Georgia 10-3 903
14. Mississippi 9-4 857
15. Virginia Tech 10-4 713
16. Oklahoma State 9-4 534
17. Cincinnati 11-3 506
18. Oregon State 9-4 467
19. Missouri 10-4 435
20. Iowa 9-4 317
21. Florida State 9-4 246
22. Georgia Tech 9-4 223
23. West Virginia 9-4 144
24. Michigan State 9-4 138
25. Brigham Young 10-3 137
Ex-Lions Coach Joins Bears as D-Line Coach
January 12, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment

Now He Has a new Coaching Job
It was an awful engagement with ex-Lions Head Coach Rod Marenelli and his former team. He is the first head coach to achieve the uneventful feat of having a 0-16 season with the Lions. But although that was something to forget, he quickly bounced back as he joins his roots as a D-Line coach with the Chicago Bears this Saturday, the team announced. Marenelli only won 10 games and lost 38 games during his 3 year stint in Detroit, which got him the boot after the dismal 0-16 season.
But now, he is ready for a new start as he will also act as the team’s assistant coach. His hiring wasn’t a big surprise as he was a great defensive line coach when he was in Tampa Bay where he served there for a decade and he is good friends with Bears coach Lovie Smith. Now, they will have teh chance to make the defense of the Bears even better with the arrival of Marenelli, let’s just hope there is no curse on that 0-16 season that the ex-Lions Coach migh bring.
Patriots Offensive Coordinator Named Broncos Head Coach
January 12, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment

All Smile with his new Head Coaching Position
The Denver Broncos wasted no time on hiring their new head coach as they hired New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels, they signed him to a 4-year deal, the team announced. The Broncos replaced the veteran Coach Mike Shanahan with a 32-year old up and comer. Shanahan won back-to-back Super Bowl woth QB John Elway and RB Terrell Davis but won only 1 playoff game eversince.
The Broncos needs some changes in their coaching and a fresh new start is what they needed. Josh McDaniels spent worked his way up to the ranks to be Offensive Coordinator for Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. Now he will get his chance to coach his own team. He was one of the mastermind on Tom Brady’s 50-TD season which ended with a 19-0 season before losing to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.
McDaniels will have a great offensive team already with a help of a healthy Running Back they’ll sure make some noise in the NFL. This will be a good start for the Broncos’ off-season moves and we’ll see how their transition from veteran head coach to rookie head coach will be next season.
Colts’ Head Coach Tony Dungy Leans on Retiring
January 12, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment

Tony Dungy will call it quits after 13 years of coaching
Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy will announce his retirement from the game of football, announced by WR Coach Clyde Christensen to the staff. Dungy will be replaced by one of his assitant coaches Jim Cladwell who was with Dungy since 2001 in Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he was the QB Coach for the Colts and was moved as associte head coach a year ago.
They said they were expecting it every year as Dungy have expressed his interest to retire every off-season. The 53-year old coach was the first black coach to win the Super Bowl in 2006. He have coached for 13 years (1996-2008) In which he coached Tampa Bay from 1996-2001 and Indinanpolis from 2002-2008. He is also the first coach to have 10 consecutive playoff appearance since 1970. He has 11 total playoff appearance through out his career. He is also the only coach to produce 6 straight 12 win seasons during his tenure as a Head Coach.
It has been known that Dungy intended to retire when he is 50-years old but his peers pushed him to have a few years more which he had agreed on but lately he is really pushing to retire and spend time with his family. Dungy did have an illustrous careeer overall and will be remembered as one of the greats when all is said and done.
AmericanFootballBlog’s NFL Mock Draft ‘09
January 12, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment
I know it’s too early to tell but with some underclassmen already declaring I am really itching to make my own Mock Draft for the ‘09 draft. So, let me have a crack on it with my own 1st Round Mock Draft, with the BCS championship crowned, I think it’s time for me to pick my best guess for this year’s draft. Here it is:
***Trades :
Green Bay trades #9 and 3rd to Cleveland for #5
Houston trades #15 and 3rd to Buffalo for #11
Minnesota trades #23, 2nd and 5th to San Diego for #16
First Round: (With Top 15 Reviews)
1. Detroit Lions – QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma (SO-RS) 6′4″, 218 lbs. – If he declares which is highly anticipated this will be a logical pick for the Lions, they have their worst season ever. They will have to pick for needs and QB is their number 1 need. I would be surprised if they go the other way, but right now. WR Calvin Johnson needs a good QB for sure. If Bradford declares he’ll be the#1 ranked QB in the draft for sure. It will be a QB or OT for them, but I got my pulse on a QB.
2. St. Louis Rams – OT Andre Smith, Alabama (JR) 6′4″, 340 lbs. – This is going to be an OT pick for sure, if Andre Smith won’t be #1 well Rams would likely address their O-Line needs and Andre Smith is the best of the bunch. They can go for a defensive player but I doubt it. Rams would fill a need here and can likely get a starter with Smith.
3. Kansas City Chiefs – QB Matt Stafford, Georgia (JR) 6′3″, 237 lbs. – It’s tough I was going to say they’ll pick a DE or OLB but if you see them play last season the obvious need is QB, with a developing WR Dwayne Bowe, they might wanna go for a QB here. Although possibility of an OT being picked here is also there, there aren’t so much QB that can help them in the next rounds and Stafford is ready to contribute, let me see TE Tony Gonzales grin now.
4. Seattle Seahawks – OLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest (SR) 6′3″, 247 - Seattle can go for an OT or WR here but they need some help in their defense. If Curry won’t be picked early and falls in Seattle’s lap, I won’t hesitate to pick him. He’s got exceptional speed and agility that can be an asset for sure. Seattle would likely take chance on this but it’ll be worth it. Especially if you see how their defense plays this season, you would think that this can be a good pick for sure.
5. Green Bay Packers (From Cleveland Browns) – OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia (SR), 6′6″, 315 lbs. – The Packers can go for a DE here but logical pick would be an OT. Monroe has the size and the strength to stop the pass rush and also to protect the run and create holes. This is a good pick if the Packers wants to protect its QB Aaron Rodgers and RB Ryan Grant. I think this would be a safe pick and smart at the same time, they can go sexy and pick a WR here but I doubt it, they’ll either going for an OT or a defensive player (DE or LB).
6. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Brian Orakpo, Texas (SR), 6′4″ 260 lbs. - I think that if Orakpo fallsat #6 Bengals should nab him, they need defense big time, I still think they need RB but they can get some quality there in the 2nd round, they also need OT but Orakpo is just too hard to pass, he is great overall athlete with the combination of speed, acceleration and power. You can’t pass on that. He can be an immidiate impact for sure.
7. Oakland Raiders – WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (SO-RS) 6′3″, 214 lbs. – Well, #1 he’s the best WR prospect and he just declared, he’s a clear cut top 3 prospect but in the event that he falls at #7, the Raiders who have a very poor WR corps (sorry guys) can not pass on this. Of course some additional OT or G can help but c’mon a WR that can make plays, a deep threat receiver that has the gear to change speeds when needed. He is one of the best WRs if not the best in the country. It will also help QB Jamarcus Russel on his progress, imagine him, Russell and RB Darren McFadden on your offense.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars – OT Jason Smith, Baylor (SR), 6′5″ 298 lbs. - Well, they need to protect QB David Garrard better and what better way to do that than picking the best OT available. Smith is strong and a good blocker, he can create some opening in the run while also giving QB Garrard the protection he needs. Jaguars should automatically go for an OT here. They can also go for defense or WR but OT is what this team needs.
9. Cleveland Browns (from Green Bay Packers) – S Taylor Mays, USC (JR), 6′3″, 230 lbs. – They can go for a CB but Taylor Mays is a good enough pick for them, one of the elite defensive player out of Pete Carroll’s system, he has the speed to make blitzes or the awareness for coverage. Browns needs a secondary and Mays will fit right in their system, although getting a Cb is not bad as well.
10. San Francisco 49ers – CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State (SR), 6′1″, 201 lbs. - A safe pick to get Jenkins at 10, he is smart and has the athleticism to be an elite CB. He can be a great zone or man-to-man coverage guy. I can see 49ers going for a DE or even a QB at this point but they need some help in the secondary and Jenkins will fit nicely for sure. He can help the 49ers secondary and can even be a special teams player an option for KR/PR with his exceptional speed.
11. Houston Texans (from Buffalo Bills) – OT Michael Oher, Ole Miss (SR), 6′5″, 318 lbs. – Well the Texans have developed a great offense this year and just need to protect it more. with Oher they can have a pass blocker that can buy QB Matt Schaub time to get his target. A strong and agile OT which can be a very good pick for them. They might also look for a Safety or CB with this pick.
12. Denver Broncos – ILB Rey Maualuga, USC (SR), 6′2″, 260 lbs. – The Broncos needs help with their LB set and Maualuga can be an answer, although a DE might also be in discussion here I would suggest them to get an ILB in this spot. Maualuga is a strong, big hitting stopper. He has the speed but not as elite as the others, but when he delivers you’ll feel it in your bones. This is a logical pick for Denver and can be a good one for sure.
13. Washington Redskins – DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma (SO-RS), 6′4″, 295 lbs. – They need some stopper in the defenside side of the game, they got good enough offense but still mssing some pieces stopping the opposing team’s offense. If McCoy declares, he will be one of the best DTs in his class. He can help the Redskins declining defense and will be able to make changes as well. The Redskins should grab him if ever he falls this deep.
14. New Orleans Saints – CB Vontae Davis, Illinois (JR), 6′0″, 204 lbs. – The Saints need some help in their secondary and Davis can be the man, if CB Malcolm Jenkins can be gone which is probably the case, Davis will be their best pick will be Jenkins. It’s a good pick concerning they have needs in that position. This will be a good pick for sure.
15. Buffalo Bills (From Houston Texans) – TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma (JR) 6′6″, 261 lbs. – Well this is an obvious pick, the Bills need some variation in their passing game and Gresham is an elite prospect he have been one of the best players in the Sooners offense and with his size and skills it’s really be a treat having a player like him. although the Bills might need a CB, SS or DE but I think they need a TE more.
16. Minnesota Vikings (From San Diego Chargers) – WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri (SO-RS), 6′1″ 200 lbs.
17. New York Jets – DT B.J. Raji, Boston College (SR) 6′1″, 232 lbs.
18. Chicago Bears – DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech (SR) 6′6″, 260lbs.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia (SO-RS) 5′11″, 207 lbs.
20. Detroit Lions (From Dallas Cowboys) – S William Moore, Missouri (SR), 6′1″, 230 lbs.
21. Arizona Cardinals – DE/OLB Aaron Maybin, Penn State (SO-RS), 6′4″, 236 lbs.
22. San Diego Chargers (From Minnesota Vikings) – DE Tyson Jackson, LSU (SR), 6′5″, 292 lbs.
23. New England Patriots -TE Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State (SR), 6′6″, 280 lbs.
24. Atlanta Falcons – DE Everette Brown, Florida State (JR), 6′4″, 252 lbs.
25. Miami Dolphins -CB D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt (JR), 5′10″, 182 lbs.
26. Baltimore Ravens – WR Percy Harvin, Florida (JR), 5′11″, 195 lbs.
27. Indianapolis Colts – OLB Brian Cushing, USC (SR), 6′3″, 255 lbs.
28. PhiladelphiaEagles (From Carolina Panthers) -OL Ciron Black, LSU (JR), 6′5″ 320 lbs.
29. Tennessee Titans – WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland (JR), 6′3″, 206 lbs.
30. New York Giants – WR Kenny Brit, Rutgets (JR), 6′4″, 215 lbs.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers – OG Duke Robinson, Oklahoma (SR), 6′5″, 335 lbs.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – DT Peria Jerry, Mississippi (SR), 6′2″, 295 lbs.
There you have it my own Mock Draft for 2009. I hope that ya’ll like it. It’s not as accurate as other mock drafts but I think that would be my opinion. Feel free to comment or suggest anything, you guys might want to say. Thank You.
NFC Championship Breakdown
January 12, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment

Who wants it more?
I think that it’s safe to say that NFC have surprised most of us, forget the regular season, it’s the Arizona Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles game now, it’s the year fo the birds for the AFC no doubt. Both teams are capable of big offensive outburst as we’ve seen all season long. Both teams have a veteran Super Bowl QBs that can lead them to the promise land, so the question here now lies, who can soar higher? For the Cardinals the game is played in the air, for the Eagles the game is played in the ground with the occasional air. So, which style will be victorious? Eagle’s Andy Reid’s or Cards Ken Whisenhunt’s? So, let’s break this down differently.
QB Advantage: Both teams have very good clutch QBs but very different styles as well. For the Cardinals, they have a Hall of Famer pocket presence with clutch game in QB Kurt Warner, although many might argue that he maybe past behind his best playing days, but with the strong showing last game against the Carolina Panthers you have to think twice. The Eagles in the other hand have a very capable agile and accurate QB in Donovan McNabb who by his own rights led the Eaglesin the Super bowl before, but his inconsistent play in the regular season have people asking if he can go all the way? His numbers aren’t sexy but he gets the job done, he is hard to take down but occasionally throws the pick. Edge: Even
Running and Passing Game: Well, it is easy to differentiate this teams, Cards play more in the air because they have weapons for it WR Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin can be lethal and this year they have shown it. But the problem is Boldin have history of injury this season, although we have seen Fitzgerald carry the load, it is still hard to se eif he can be able to do it again with tight Eagles coverage. Eagles have a fair game in the receiving as well but not as elite as the Cards, WRs Jason Avant, Rookie DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis plus TEs Brent Celek and L.J. Smith, sure McNabb has options but none of them can be as good as the Cards duo which makes you wonder if quality is better than quantity. Rushing the ball the advantage here will be on the Eagles again a quality over quantity issue, the Eagles have 1 elite back in RB Brian Westbrook and the Cards have 2 capable backs in RBs Edgerrin James and Rookie Tim Hightower, now who will come out winner on this match ups? Edge: Even (Receiving Cards; Rushing Eagles).
Defense: This is probably where this game will be decided, with their offense at an even match up. You have to wonder who wants it more? Well in the Defensive side of the ball game, the Cards has an underrated but surprising defense they have 5 picks against the Panthers and also can stop the run if they focus on it. Their strength is the secondary with CBs Rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Roderick Hood and Safeties Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle, also OLB Karlos Dansby can make plays too. For the Eagles they have a good LB set with Chris Gocong and Stewart Bradley, also DE Trent Cole and DT Mike Patterson can give you the pressure. Their Secondary is also as dangerous lead by CBs Asante Samuels and Sheldon Brown and Safeties Quintin Mikell and Brian Dawkins. Who can stop both teams offense will be the key on this game. Now the question is, who’s faury tale ending will be this game? Edge: Eagles
Prediction: Cardinals 24; Eagles 26
AFC Conference Championship Breakdown
January 12, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment

Can Big Ben Avoid This?
It was a hard fought playoff series in the AFC thus far, and through it all, one thing has been clear in the AFC, DEFENSE wins it all. There are some capable teams that could go this far, but in the end 2 of the most dominant defensive force is left in the AFC Conference Championship game. The Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, both team anchors one of the most intimidating defenses in all of the AFC and probably the league. So, let’s break this team down on who got the best chance on getting the bid to play for in the Super Bowl XLIII.
Baltimore Ravens – One of the toughest defensive teams in the league right now, they eat, sleep and breathe defense. Led by MLB Ray Lewis and FS Ed Reed, this team will sure give Steelersrun for their money in the offensive end. It will be interesting how Big Ben (QB Ben Roethlisberger) would react in the kind of pressure that Lewis, OLB Terrell Suggs, ILB Bart Scott and OLB Jarret Johnson will give to him. Their Secondary is also as dangerous with FS Ed Reed leading the pack and SS Jim Leonhard helping out blitzes. CBs Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister will be keeping the receivers problematic.
Their offense will have to do their part, although their Offense is not as big as their defense, they need to make things happen in the offensive end of the football field. Rookie QB Joe Flacco, have been nice but I don’t think that he will be able to fully shoulder the offense with the pressure that the Steelers will give them. Their running game has been pretty much impressive although at times short handed, RB Willis McGahee is impressive when healthy and FB Le’Ron McClain has showed that he can run with the best of them when given a chance. Their key will be the run but I think that this will be a game that should be decided in the air, Flacco have some options but I don’t think their enough though, WRs Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton should step up when their numbers are called.
Pittsburgh Steelers – We know how good this team is in crunch time and in terms of defense they can also play with the best of them. They have stopped Chargers rushing game (forcing only 15 yards) but one might wonder what if RB LaDanian Tomlinson is healthy? Anyway, they have capable men stopping he Baltimore offense with a D-Line that made us think of the ‘Steel Curtain’ back in the day and a secondary that features one of the best coverage safeties in the nation in SS Troy Polamalu. Their line is composed of OLB’s LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison and ILB’s James Farrior and Larry Foote. It will be entertaining how wiill they play against a Joe Flacco and his offense.
Steelers have an advantge in the offensive end for sure, with QB Ben Roethlisberger being healthy and protected, it’s tough to stop him, we know he is clutch when it matters. His WR corps of Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes is capable of forcing problems here and there and their RB Willie Parker is known to be elusive and can make plays (as seen on the Chargers game). Now, the question will be can they hold the defense of the Ravens? We have heard the well-chronicled bounty for Hines Ward by Raven’s LB Terrell Suggs earlier this season and let see how this rivalry will go.
Prediction: Steelers 10; Baltimore 13
Eagles Soars High, Defeat Giants to Advance
January 11, 2009 by jron · Leave a Comment

QB Donovan McNabb (#5) Scoops for a Rushing TD
East Rutherford, NJ - The Eagles comes to the game with momentum in which they are relying to their leader veteran QB Donovan McNabb, he has been in this position before and he wants to get the 5th NFC Conference Championship game appearance for him and the Philadelphia Eagles. The end game result was Philadelphia Eagles 23; New York Giants 11. The end score was the first in NFL history and with that win it was also the first time since the top 3 seed of the NFC will not be participating the NFC championship game. McNabb was the key for the Eagles win as he scored 2 TD (1 passing and another rushing), although his stat line wasn’t eye popping the way he move the ball was amazing enough to cap the win. As he posted 22/40 in passing for 217 yards, 1 TD and 2 Pass Intercepted, he also rushed 5 times for 16 yards and a crucial TD.
Overall the game wasn’t really a high scoring affair as both teams struggled committing turnovers (PHI 2; NYG 3). Defense was the key on winning this game but QB Donovan McNabb showed his ability to move outside thpocket to convert on 3rd downs and keep the drives alive. RB Brian Westbrook didn’t have a big game ( 18 carries for 36 yards) as he was clamped by the run stopping defense of the Giants, that opened up their passing as 3 players had 4 receptions (WRs DeSean Jackson for 88 yards, Jason Avant for 43 yards and Kevin Curtis for 40 yards) and TE Brent Celek had the key 4th quarter TD to seal the deal he has 3 reception for 12 yards. Their defense was also the key as CB Asante Samuel (4 tackles, 1 Interception) and Safety Quintin Mikell (5 tackles, 1 Interception) both picked Giants QB Eli Manning’s 2 passes.
New York Giants was getting the job done as they scored a safety and converted 3 FG by kicker John Carney, but Carney missed twice that may have been the deciding factor to give the Giants a lead. QB Eli Manning was awful today he passed 15/29 for 169 yards and 2 picks although he was not sacked, some dropped passes from his target was seen, on one play WR Steve Smith had an unforced turnover that kills their drive. Their running game was there actually, RBs Brandon Jacobs (19 carries for 92 yards) and Derrick Ward (12 carries 46 yards) keep the defense honest. But like I said the turnovers kept them out of the game.
It was a good win for the surging Eagles who was almost out of playoff contention and a regenerated McNabb led them to the playoffs and up until now, making things happen. Kicker David Akers have kicked for 18 straight playoff Field Goals which is an NFL record. Now, the stage is set as the Arizona Cardinals who was waiting on who will be their opponent will be, is going to face the uptempo Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday.

