Battle of the Banditos!!! Superbowl 44

It's SUPERBOWL Sunday!!! 

Today kicks off the 44th Superbowl match-up, just like our 44th President (Barack Obama) it's time for a change and history has already been set with these two teams. Both respectively winning their first 13 games in the regular season The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints have defied the odds of the Regular season foes and outlasted and out-hustled their previous playoff opponents to make it to  this defining moment.  The chance to play and take home the most heralded trophy in Pro football [The Lombardi Trophy] just  this time last year my hometown favorite Pittsburgh Steelers were celebrating their win in Superbowl 43 against the Arizona Cardinals. Gearing up for a superbowl party  parade in downtown Pittsburgh. Every year there is hype surrounding the superbowl and the two teams that are set to face off, which brings me to the story-line of the New Orleans Saints [first]. Who have made it to their first Superbowl EVERRRR!!! [YES! EVER!] That alone, is a great feat for the organization and the city of New Orleans. Having a re-energized QB [Captain] in Drew Brees, a new attitude, and a multitude of offensive weapons this team has made history and set a new legacy for the future of the organization ,  regardless of the outcome this will be a year to remember for the Saints.

Peyton Manning, three letters help describe this man = M V P!  Four times as a NFL quarterback in a league that has seemed to become quarterback driven, Peyton has been the most consistent of the elite QBs in the NFL and when it comes to a big game, believe you me, #18 doesn't disappoint. Even with all the MEGA stats Peyton Manning has, this will be ONLY his 2nd superbowl in 12 years, with that said Manning and the 2010 Colts are a different team from the first superbowl in 2006. They are more sound defensively and offensively they'll be lights out with Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, & Pierre Garcon, So don't get it twisted people these boys are READY.

Prediction : Saints 38-35 

Steelers Coach Dick Lebeau headed to HOF

http://www.steelers.com/article/117096/

Being an avid follower of Dick Lebeau's defensive mind, it's definitely good to see him [Coach Lebeau] being honored for his on the field accomplishments in the NFL.

 PITTSBURGH ─ Known to contemporary NFL fans as the mastermind behind the Steelers defensive successes of the past 18 seasons, Dick LeBeau was honored with the highest individual award in professional football when Pro Football Hall of Fame announced him today as a member of its Class of 2010 for his 14-year career as a player.

LeBeau is part of a seven-member class that also includes offensive guard Russ Grimm, linebacker Ricky Jackson, running back Floyd Little, defensive tackle John Randle, wide receiver Jerry Rice and running back Emmitt Smith.

 

In August 2009, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee had named LeBeau and Little as finalists for the Class of 2010, and then they both received at least 80 percent of today’s vote by the overall selection committee to be elected.
 

“I would like to congratulate Dick on his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Steelers’ President Art Rooney II said. “Few men in the history of the NFL have contributed more to the league as a player and coach than Dick LeBeau during his 51 years in the league. All of us with the Steelers are thrilled with his selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2010.”

'Steel' A Believer?

The Pittsburgh Steelers that we are witnessing this season, are NOT the 2008-2009 Superbowl Champions.
Yes! Ben Rothlisberger is still the starting QB,
Yes! Mike Tomlin is still the Head Coach,
Yes! Our Defense is still top 10 in the NFL,
So doesn't it look like we should have the same results?
Thats a big negative...To the average fan or fool who doesn't really know the game of football, or should i say in a perfect world, the Steelers would win the superbowl and come back (this season) and win every game. It hasn't been the perfect season for the Pittsburgh Steelers and unfortunately it hasn't been very promising either. To start out the year with lets just say "The Biggest Injury" of our season Troy Polomaulu goes down with a knee injury, and hasn't fully recovered from that injury missing 9 games this season. Defensively we've changed--letting our former starting CB go to the Arizona Cardinals, which puts us in a position to promote another player to the new role as a starter.
William Gay - who has played very well throughout his career as a nickel and dime back, was made a starter at the beginning of the season, but since taking on this new role Gay has been exposed week in and week out.
Not to turn all of our focus on one man, this team has been plagued with injury throughout this season, but what has plagued the team worst than injury seems to be the lack of play for the entire 60 minutes. Last season it was clear to see that the reason that the Pittsburgh Steelers were so successful was because they were able to win the close games and prevail those tough losses that they have accumulated this season.

2008 - Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) they were undefeated in the division and had identical records at home (6-2) & on the road (6-2)
2009 - Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)* don't travel well (2-5) and have been punished in their division (4-6).

Of course -- from a fan's perspective when you lose to the worst teams in the League, you pretty much suck, but it's not about who they lost to as much it is about how they lost.
In 2005 the Steelers were (7-5) before going on to win their 5th superbowl title, this year the Steelers are (7-7) coming into a "Must Win" against the other Wildcard fighting Baltimore Ravens (8-6) the Steelers have a chance to possibly turn this ugly season into a not-so dissapointing one. Having not as much control over their destiny as they did a couple weeks back, they are still riding for that last playoff spot and they have to win out the rest of this season to stay alive.
If the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to end this season without a playoff berth, for the sake of the Steeler Nation -- they can't lose this week's game against Baltimore.

Prediction: Steelers 17-13

Allen Iverson Retires

TO ALL OF MY FANS:

I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association. I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn't help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.

I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.

Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids. This is a reward that far exceeds anything that I've ever achieved on the basketball court. I have prayed for this day and I see it as my greatest gift.

I want to thank the people of Reebok International Ltd., for always allowing me to be me and for supporting me my whole career through all the ups and downs. I have enjoyed 13 wonderful seasons in the NBA, and I am grateful.

I want to first acknowledge my fans everywhere, who have been with me throughout my entire career. Without you, there would be no me. You should all know that I appreciate your support from the bottom of my heart. Thank you!

To Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley and Larry Bird, you guys gave me the vision to play the game that will be forever in my heart.

To my Mom, who encouraged and inspired me to play every day, and to all of my family and friends who stood by me from the beginning. Thank you!

To my high school coach, Michael Bailey, Coach John Thompson at Georgetown University, Coach Larry Brown and to all of my other coaches, teammates, administrators, owners and staff who've been a part of my career, Thank you as well!

I'd like to give a special thanks to the people of Memphis. I never played a home game for your beloved Grizzlies, but I want you to know how much I appreciate the opportunity given me by a great owner in Michael Heisley, and the support of the city. I wish the Memphis Grizzlies' organization all of the success that the game has to offer.

And finally, to the city of Philadelphia: I have wonderful memories of my days in a Sixers' uniform. To Philly fans, thank you. Your voice will always be music to my ears.

God Bless all of you,

ALLEN IVERSON

Credit: stephena.com

My Week 12 Football Predictions

Which team will win the game? (My selections are in bold.)
11/26 12:30 PM	FOX	Green Bay Packers (-10.5)	Detroit Lions
11/26 4:15 PM	CBS	Oakland Raiders	Dallas Cowboys (-13.5)
11/26 8:20 PM	NFL	New York Giants (-6.5)	Denver Broncos
11/29 1:00 PM	FOX	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Atlanta Falcons (-11.5)
11/29 1:00 PM	CBS	Miami Dolphins (-3.5)	Buffalo Bills
11/29 1:00 PM	CBS	Cleveland Browns	Cincinnati Bengals (-13.5)
11/29 1:00 PM	FOX	Seattle Seahawks (-2.5)	St. Louis Rams
11/29 1:00 PM	FOX	Carolina Panthers (+3.5)	New York Jets
11/29 1:00 PM	FOX	Washington Redskins	Philadelphia Eagles (-9.5)
11/29 1:00 PM	CBS	Indianapolis Colts (-3.5)	Houston Texans
11/29 4:05 PM	CBS	Kansas City Chiefs	San Diego Chargers (-13.5)
11/29 4:05 PM	CBS	Jacksonville Jaguars (+3.5)	San Francisco 49ers
11/29 4:15 PM	FOX	Arizona Cardinals (+0.5)	Tennessee Titans
11/29 4:15 PM	FOX	Chicago Bears	Minnesota Vikings (-10.5)
11/29 8:20 PM	NBC	Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5)	Baltimore Ravens
11/30 8:30 PM	ESPN	New England Patriots	New Orleans Saints (-3.5)

This week was a very short one, well for at least 6 teams that have the honor to play on the annual turkey day! 

Packers @ Lions:

Green Bay packs up for a trip to Detroit to face the battered Lions. 

• The Lions (2-8) -  Are coming off a last second win as they defeated the Cleveland Browns in the "Battle for the #1 Draft Pick", which also proved to be probably the most exciting game of week 11 (well at least for the offenses). Their defense has allowed 301 pts (Most in NFL) and they've allowed 

• The Packers (6-4) - Are also coming off a close battle with the 49ers that took 2 of their best defensive players out for the remainder of the season.  This week they'll be playing without CB Al Harris & LB Aaron Kampman and shouldn't be too worried about the Lions scoring too much without their starting QB Matt Stafford doubtful with a dislocated shoulder. Their offense is the 2nd most efficient in the NFL converting 19 TDs and only giving up 5 INTs (Minn - 1st in NFL)

Key Guys/Playmakers :

Detroit - 

WR Calvin Johnson 

LB Julian Peterson

Green Bay - 

QB Aaron Rodgers

LB Nick Barnett

#9 Pitt Panthers Big East Champions?

Pittsburgh wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, right, makes a catch for a first down over Notre Dame cornerback Darrin Walls in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009. Pittsburgh won 27-22. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

The 9th ranked Pittsburgh Panthers are on a quest for another bowl bid, but not just any bowl bid, they're playing for a bid into the elite National Championship game. After beating up on Notre Dame and adding the fuel (if you will) to an already burning situation with head coach Charlie Weiss, the Panthers have their sights on continuing their winning streak. 

Currently Pitt is 9th in the BCS with one ranked opponent left on their schedule (#5 Cincinnati ). Although this match up is the definitive of the last two, the Panthers can not overlook their present game in conference rival West Virginia. The Mountaineers aren't ranked but they are dangerous in games like this because the Panthers/ Mountaineers rivalry has lived up to be thee biggest rivalry in the Big East. 

Pitt holds the all-time series lead at 60-37-3, thanks in large part to a dominating 23-2 stretch from 1924 to 1951. West Virginia had owned a big edge in recent years -- until last season. In the 100th edition of the series, Pittsburgh scored a 13-9 upset in Morgantown to knock the Mountaineers out of the BCS title game. What had been mostly a regional rivalry gained national significance that day, which ensured that the "Backyard Brawl" would remain a heated battle.

Prediction : Panthers finish season 11-1  (LETS GO PITT!)

MotR's Week 11 NFL Picks

Selections:

Which team will win the game? (My selections are in bold.)
11/19 8:20 PM	NFL	Miami Dolphins	Carolina Panthers (-3.5)
11/22 1:00 PM	CBS	Cleveland Browns	Detroit Lions (-3.5)
11/22 1:00 PM	FOX	San Francisco 49ers (+6.5)	Green Bay Packers
11/22 1:00 PM	CBS	Pittsburgh Steelers (-9.5)	Kansas City Chiefs
11/22 1:00 PM	FOX	Washington Redskins (+11.5)	Dallas Cowboys
11/22 1:00 PM	FOX	Atlanta Falcons (+6.5)	New York Giants
11/22 1:00 PM	FOX	New Orleans Saints (-11.5)	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
11/22 1:00 PM	CBS	Buffalo Bills	Jacksonville Jaguars (-8.5)
11/22 1:00 PM	CBS	Indianapolis Colts (+0.5)	Baltimore Ravens
11/22 1:00 PM	FOX	Seattle Seahawks	Minnesota Vikings (-11.5)
11/22 4:05 PM	FOX	Arizona Cardinals (-8.5)	St. Louis Rams
11/22 4:15 PM	CBS	San Diego Chargers (-2.5)	Denver Broncos
11/22 4:15 PM	CBS	Cincinnati Bengals (-9.5)	Oakland Raiders
11/22 4:15 PM	CBS	New York Jets	New England Patriots (-10.5)
11/22 8:20 PM	NBC	Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5)	Chicago Bears
11/23 8:30 PM	ESPN	Tennessee Titans	Houston Texans (-4.5)

Tiebreakers:

What will the final score be?
Tennessee Titans	21
Houston Texans	27