Random thoughts from a cluttered mind...
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE We now move into the second weekend of the playoffs. All four teams that won last weekend are on the road this weekend.
In the AFC, the Colts threw us a curve last week by showing us some defensive play in their win over the Chiefs. Now, they will get a stern test as they go back to their birthplace in Baltimore to face the Ravens, a team with a nasty Defense. This will be a tough game for the Colts to win, without question. They will need to deal with some tough line pressure and good coverage in the secondary. Meanwhile, QB Steve McNair will show us his experience and prowess in trying to lead the Ravens to victory and move on, which is very possible. A Colt win to me would be a surprise.
The Patriots will be going cross-country to take on the San Diego Chargers. We all know the Pats have the experience from past Super Bowl wins to deal with playing on the road in the postseason. The Chargers and Marty Schottenheimer must take care of all aspects of their game in order to handle this New England squad. Bill Belichick is arguably the best coach in the NFL. Obviously, RB (and NFL MVP) LaDainian Tomlinson will be a key factor to the outcome of this contest.
In the NFC, the upstart Eagles head down to the bayou to take on the ‘cinderella’ New Orleans Saints, a team that has been embraced by folks around the U.S., not just because of their team, but because of the plight of their city following Hurricane Katrina.The Saints have had a great season, thanks to head coach Sean Payton, QB Drew Brees, and the RB tandem of Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush. They will go up against an Eagle squad that has shown us some grit these last few weeks, especially with resurgent QB Jeff Garcia.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks will go play the Monsters of the Midway, the Chicago Bears. Seattle is lucky to be playing, thanks to Cowboy QB Tony Romo’s butterfingers. Seattle still has a good team, with QB Matt Hassellbeck and RB Shaun Alexander leading the offense. But Chicago showed us this year they have strength on defense, and if they can get a decent game out of former Gator QB Rex Grossman, should be able to find victory.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL If you were wondering just how predominant Florida Gator football is over this area, then you found out pretty easily this past week. Florida’s win in the BCS Final showed just how many Gator fans exist, even though a lot of them never even went to college. But there is no question now that UF is at the top in an unprecedented basis, in basketball AND football, and so we will hear this for a few months, without no problem.
SELECT THOUGHTS This past week we saw Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Mark McGwire wasn’t even close to receiving enough votes, which makes me wonder if he’ll ever be considered. Its quite obvious many baseball writers who have a vote feel that McGwire was involved in steroid use to some extent. Also, it makes me wonder if other players who are rumored to be involved with steroids, such as Rafael Palmiero, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds, will be shunned from the Hall.
I’m not saying this as if I’m despondent or sad. It certainly is unfortunate. But all individuals have their decisions to make in life, including writers and their opinions.
The boys have already arrived in Daytona in starting to gear up for the 500. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is there, testing his #8 car, but he’s reportedly having issues with his stepmother, who is the head of DEI. Seems Dale, Jr. wants a little more control over his business, and his ‘partner’ is not too happy about him being a celebrity AND a driver. Could mean Earnhardt’s days driving #8 could end after is season.
This weekend the Australian Open tennis tournament begins ‘Down Under’. In the Summer heat, we’ll see if Andy Roddick can make a push to unseat Roger Federer on the Men’s side, while Serena Williams is back playing after injuries kept her out of the U.S. Open.
Tom Weppel talks trash on Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. on WIOJ-AM 1010, and on SportsAvengers.com 24/7.
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