NFL Championship Round - Discount Double Check-Out

[Rock Bandit]

15-1 in the regular season, one and done in the playoffs. Will we ever get to see another back to back champion in today's NFL?

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

Suggs vs. Uggs: BAL @ NE

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

ELI-te vs. .....ALEX SMITH!?!: NY @ SF

After their spectacular wins last weekend I think I'm more excited to watch the NFC game. I'll definitely enjoy watching it more as I'm a nervous wreck during Ravens games.

GO RAVENS!

[Dark Prince]

Go Giants, their defense is on a roll and Eli is hitting his targets. Will be an exciting one that's for sure. Looking forward to both games.

[Purple Santa]

15-1 in the regular season, one and done in the playoffs. Will we ever get to see another back to back champion in today's NFL?


Yes. I used to hear this same question before NE did it when they were dominating not so long ago. The NFL likes parity. Spread the wealth around. It makes it harder for teams to repeat but it will happen again. Not soon though. I don't see any team dominating like NE did for awhile.

[shunoshi]

There tends to be a dynasty once per decade, 49ers in the 80s, Cowboys in the 90s, followed by the Pats last decade. We'll see who emerges this year.

As for the games this weekend, I'm rooting for the underdog 49ers since that last game was not only amazing, but knocked out the Saints (who I still have hard feelings over from an epic NFC championship self destruct). I also still hold a grudge against the Giants (yes, another shitty NFC championship game). Go 49ers/Ravens Superbowl!

[Vanthar]

Give me the Pats and Giants. Tom will be attempting to blow them out in the biggest F you revenge ever for ruining their perfect season.

I also don't like Joe Flacco or Alex Smith and think that Super Bowl would be super boring.

[PathMaster]

Niners game and Giants game were some of the best football I have seen in a long time if ever. The Niners game was outstanding. And the Giants just played great football.

Both game next week should be great as well.

[Hyperglide]

Go Niners!

I'm calling a Niners vs. Patriots Super Bowl.

[Kagger]

There tends to be a dynasty once per decade, 49ers in the 80s, Cowboys in the 90s, followed by the Pats last decade. We'll see who emerges this year.

As for the games this weekend, I'm rooting for the underdog 49ers since that last game was not only amazing, but knocked out the Saints (who I still have hard feelings over from an epic NFC championship self destruct). I also still hold a grudge against the Giants (yes, another shitty NFC championship game). Go 49ers/Ravens Superbowl!

70's Steelers, Packers 60's. Let's not forget history.

Packers deserved to lose yesterday. Easier to take a loss like that, where they just suck, then a heart breaker.

I have to do some thinking on my picks this week. I'm leaning towards Patriots vs 49ers though. The Giants got run on by a crappy run team, so we'll see how they do against a team that does it a lot.

[fitbabits]

I'm calling a Giants vs Patriots Superbowl! If that happens, I hope to every deity knows that the Patriots spank the Giants!

[Blue]

I hope the Patriots get set on fire. Literally. I don't care who wins what as long as that happens.

[Mot Wakorb]

I'm calling the Harbough bowl - Jim vs John in Super Bowl XLVI

[Urizen]

Packers deserved to lose yesterday. Easier to take a loss like that, where they just suck, then a heart breaker.

Meh. I disagree. If my team has to lose, I'd rather it be that both teams play out of their skins and give me a classic game to remember forever. I can live with my team playing to their potential and losing. It's harder for me to swallow an uncharacteristic performance.

That is, I'd rather the Patriots lose 38-35 than 13-10. They've been an offensive powerhouse all season. To just fail at your bread and butter at this stage would be tragic.

I don't get the Patriots hate, honestly. They've had such a tough time in the postseason since the 2008 SB, that they could actually use some redemption. It's not often that my head and heart agree on these things, but I think 49ers v Pats is the most likely SB.

[KSmitty]

Sad, sad, sad to see the Texans go, especially on a loss like that but the injuries were going to catch up to the team sooner or later. And rookie QBs are going to make rookie mistakes. Oh and Jacoby Jones needs to be off the punt return team, like eternally.

I don't think the Niners will stop Big Blue, the Giants just seem to find a way to win. Patriots versus Ravens I'll go with the Patriots, unless the Ravens can do MUCH better on their running game than they did this weekend.

So my call:
Superbowl Rematch - Giants vs Patriots

I don't get the Patriots hate, honestly. They've had such a tough time in the postseason since the 2008 SB, that they could actually use some redemption. It's not often that my head and heart agree on these things, but I think 49ers v Pats is the most likely SB.
It comes from that point in time when they were THE team in the NFL. The announcers/media would constantly tele-fellate Brady and Belichick and their fans had gotten pretty obnoxious as well. Personally I lost respect for the team when they started running up the score/stat padding.

[PathMaster]

It comes from that point in time when they were THE team in the NFL. The announcers/media would constantly tele-fellate Brady and Belichick and their fans had gotten pretty obnoxious as well. Personally I lost respect for the team when they started running up the score/stat padding.

Wait they stopped doing that? I still here all the gushing about Brady every week.

Several teams have shown that when a team starts hitting him early, and constantly pushing him back and down, he starts to get off his game. And does not pass well at all. He is a great quarterback, I am not doubting that, but everyone still gushes over him. Other teams could be doing better in many respects if not all and yet they still compare them to the Patriots. They are still looked at as the team to beat. I think the Ravens can beat them, after all it is the NFL, any team can beat another.

[Veregon]

Don't forget that they also got caught cheating and basically got away with it because they did it first. Now they are doing it again with the hiring of the opponent's old coach the week you face them in the playoffs.

I imagine Belichik and Brady as the kids who look for any bug in a game that let's them have a big advantage. Reminds me of the world's first MMO teams who do whatever it takes to drop a boss first and then get banned/sanctioned for abusing an encounter.

[PathMaster]

I have no love for either of them, nor the team. I despise Brady's attitude most of the time. He rarely if ever admits he got beat or out played. It is always something he did. No one can be better than him. I would much prefer some humility, someone who will admit right out: "Ya know, I fucked up on that pass. I need to do better." That is not Brady.

[KSmitty]

Wait they stopped doing that? I still here all the gushing about Brady every week.

Several teams have shown that when a team starts hitting him early, and constantly pushing him back and down, he starts to get off his game. And does not pass well at all. He is a great quarterback, I am not doubting that, but everyone still gushes over him. Other teams could be doing better in many respects if not all and yet they still compare them to the Patriots. They are still looked at as the team to beat. I think the Ravens can beat them, after all it is the NFL, any team can beat another.

No, no they still do it, the Pats simply aren't the media darling they once were. The announcers love them some Patriots, that's the consideration that Championships earn you. I can't remeber which channel it was, but one time I was watching TV and basically one of the analyst said "The Patriots are bad at defending A,B,C and this team they're playing is good at A,B,C". One of the other announcers STILL picked the Patriots. The analyst gave him a look like Did you hear what I just said?!?. So yes I agree they still do it, just not to the same level.

This year was all about Rodgers, then Tebow Mania hit and then EVERYONE loooooved Drew Brees after he broke the passing record. Its a very fickle sports media we have and for 2/3 of the season their lips were firmly attached to Rodgers' back end.

[roboninja]

Don't forget that they also got caught cheating and basically got away with it because they did it first. Now they are doing it again with the hiring of the opponent's old coach the week you face them in the playoffs.

I imagine Belichik and Brady as the kids who look for any bug in a game that let's them have a big advantage. Reminds me of the world's first MMO teams who do whatever it takes to drop a boss first and then get banned/sanctioned for abusing an encounter.

Exactly how is this cheating? Can you point me to the rule it violates?

[Zanzibar]

Go 49ers! What an epic win.

Part of me wants to pick the Giants simply because I was so absolutely mistaken about my NFC picks last week that I figure I'm on a roll.

I despise Belichick. I hope Brady is the delicious savory middle of a bone-crushing Ray Lewis/Terrell Suggs sandwich.

[Kagger]

Meh. I disagree. If my team has to lose, I'd rather it be that both teams play out of their skins and give me a classic game to remember forever. I can live with my team playing to their potential and losing. It's harder for me to swallow an uncharacteristic performance.

That is, I'd rather the Patriots lose 38-35 than 13-10. They've been an offensive powerhouse all season. To just fail at your bread and butter at this stage would be tragic.

I don't get the Patriots hate, honestly. They've had such a tough time in the postseason since the 2008 SB, that they could actually use some redemption. It's not often that my head and heart agree on these things, but I think 49ers v Pats is the most likely SB.

Let me more fully explain:

Super Bowl XXXII (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_bowl_xxxii): We were unable to stop the rush. We were ranked number 1 in offense and defense. We sat one of our linemen, and were gased in the 4th. Only Super Bowl loss and one of the first games I remember:

The Catch II (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Catch_II#NFC:_San_Francisco_49ers_30.2C_Green_ Bay_Packers_27): Jerry Rice fumbled the ball, but was ruled down. Our player new INSTANTLY it was a bad call. Replay proved INSTANTLY it was a bad call. Replay did not exist. It was a long time coming, but this was one of the games that pushed it over the edge. Also, it was the last chance of that team. Reggie White retired, Holgremn left. Window closed, and off a terrible call.

4th and 26 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4th_and_26): Self explanatory. Who gives up 4th and 26? Follow it off with a classic Favre Int.

2007 NFC Championship Game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_NFL_playoffs#NFC_Championship:_New _York_Giants_23.2C_Green_Bay_Packers_20_.28OT.29) Favre's last game as a packer, following one of his finest (Seattle). Last image is of him throwing an interception. Mind you, this was one a miracle, come back Season for Favre. Hate to see that that was hist last play as a packer.

2009 NFC Wild Card (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_NFL_playoffs#NFC:_Arizona_Cardinal s_51.2C_Green_Bay_Packers_45_.28OT.29) This is actually a really neat game. Overcame two fumbles. Rodgers "arrived" He as overshadows by a wonderful performance by Warner. He missed a wide open receiver on the first play of OT. And then, controversy (http://cmsimg.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=U0&Date=20100112&Category=PKR07&ArtNo=100112158&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Mike-Vandermause-column-Officials-blunder-brings-Green-Bay-Packers-game-season-premature-end). Game ends a sacke fumble that should been nullified by a face mask.


So yes, I am quite thankful there is a playoff game where we are the only reason for our failure, and it was such a terrible game I will never see it again. Not a bad call, not a "We were a better team but Favre threw an interception late in his career". I see too many of these games on ESPN2 at night, and I hate having to avoid football during the summer.

[Libuke]

I have no love for either of them, nor the team. I despise Brady's attitude most of the time. He rarely if ever admits he got beat or out played. It is always something he did. No one can be better than him. I would much prefer some humility, someone who will admit right out: "Ya know, I fucked up on that pass. I need to do better." That is not Brady.

This seems contradictory to me you say he always says it was something he did, not the other team's play that they lost, but then say he should just once admit that it was his fault.


I personally don't get the patriot hate, they were winning a lot so people like them not like that never happens.

I also don't care about running up the score, why keep the came even relatively close, lose your momentum, and then maybe let the other team back into the game? Having said that I am sure they could have ran up the score to 80 against Denver if they really wanted to last week.

[PathMaster]

Anyone else see and be annoyed with the absolute horrible calls by the refs in the Packer v Giants game?

[Vanthar]

Anyone else see and be annoyed with the absolute horrible calls by the refs in the Packer v Giants game?

I found it to be exceptionally impressive that the Giants still blew them out in spite of 2 horrific calls. The fumble and the roughing the QB were straight garbage that both led to points. It's one of the major reasons I'm picking them again. They should have beat the Packers by more.

[Urizen]

Personally I lost respect for the team when they started running up the score/stat padding.

They've never been an elite defensive team. As such, I only think an idiot would consider any lead safe. You'll be happy to know that against the Broncos, the score was 35-7 at the half, and the Pats only added 10 after that.

He is a great quarterback, I am not doubting that, but everyone still gushes over him.

You lost me here. I believe people gush because he is great.

Don't forget that they also got caught cheating and basically got away with it because they did it first.

People seem to forget that that happened in the first week of the season, and the Patriots went 19-1 that year when they were probably the most scrutinized team by the league. At that point, anything suspicious and the league would have thrown the book at them.

So yes, I am quite thankful there is a playoff game where we are the only reason for our failure, and it was such a terrible game I will never see it again. Not a bad call, not a "We were a better team but Favre threw an interception late in his career". I see too many of these games on ESPN2 at night, and I hate having to avoid football during the summer.

Fair enough.

This seems contradictory to me you say he always says it was something he did, not the other team's play that they lost, but then say he should just once admit that it was his fault.

Completely agree. I feel like Brady's always talking about his mistakes and improving them, and deflecting praise towards coaches and teammates whenever possible. He's a pretty boring interviewer that way.

[Banacek]

All the teams left have one a SB before. Three of them won multiple times.

Why do I watch football?

[Stmfuller]

All the teams left have one a SB before. Three of them won multiple times.

Why do I watch football?

Because crack is Wack homes

[Banacek]

Because crack is Wack homes

I know, and I'll keep watching. And keep buying Sunday Ticket. All the while all my friends who are Giants fans will keep laughing, as the Giants make another SB run and my Eagles pretty much will never win.

[Banacek]

Oh, and Brady has nothing but praise for the Ravens:

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/sports/pro/football&sa=NFL&eid=7467599

"There's no one that's going to overlook a team like that. It would be impossible to do," Brady said in his weekly interview on Boston sports radio station WEEI. "They present a ton of challenges in all three phases of the game. You watch them yesterday, they're physical, they're tough, they can cover. They've got some of the best players in the history of the NFL at their position, in (Terrell) Suggs and Ray Lewis and Ed Reed and Haloti Ngata. You've got phenomenal players there.

So yes, Brady does acknowledge that other teams are good.

[KSmitty]

They've never been an elite defensive team. As such, I only think an idiot would consider any lead safe. You'll be happy to know that against the Broncos, the score was 35-7 at the half, and the Pats only added 10 after that.

That would be where you and I differ in opinion. I do feel that there are 'safe' leads in a game. If I can add 3 touchdowns to my opponent's score and still be in the lead, I would consider that a 'safe' lead with less than a quarter of football left. If the score is 35 to 3 in the fourth quarter and the opposing team hasn't been able to muster anything offensively all game long then I, as a coach, would look to pull my starters. Your star players' season can end in a single play, Belichick keeping his starters in with such significant leads seemed a very poor decision to me. So Welker runs across the middle and gets popped right in the ear hole. Now he's concussed and going to miss the next two games. Was that really worth it when you're up 42 - 10 ? That and it just seems in poor taste to run up the score. I know that NFL coaches are in the business of winning, but at some point don't you display some professional courtesy/consideration?

[PathMaster]

Oh, and Brady has nothing but praise for the Ravens:

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/sports/pro/football&sa=NFL&eid=7467599



So yes, Brady does acknowledge that other teams are good.

Defenses that will very likely be in his face all game. It should be a great game though, as long as Flacco can get himself together.

[Banacek]

Defenses that will very likely be in his face all game. It should be a great game though, as long as Flacco can get himself together.

I think it's going to be a good one as well. I hope the Ravens can win, since I'm a Suggs fan.

[Vanthar]

That would be where you and I differ in opinion. I do feel that there are 'safe' leads in a game. If I can add 3 touchdowns to my opponent's score and still be in the lead, I would consider that a 'safe' lead with less than a quarter of football left. If the score is 35 to 3 in the fourth quarter and the opposing team hasn't been able to muster anything offensively all game long then I, as a coach, would look to pull my starters. Your star players' season can end in a single play, Belichick keeping his starters in with such significant leads seemed a very poor decision to me. So Welker runs across the middle and gets popped right in the ear hole. Now he's concussed and going to miss the next two games. Was that really worth it when you're up 42 - 10 ? That and it just seems in poor taste to run up the score. I know that NFL coaches are in the business of winning, but at some point don't you display some professional courtesy/consideration?

In professional sports, I see no reason why the teams should ever let up. If Brady or someone gets injured, Belichick will be killed by the media and fans. If you don't like it, stop them. They're all professional football players and the Broncos had come back from multiple touchdown deficits before. I've seen plenty of 'F you touchdowns' over the years from the Pats but I don't really think 10 points in the second half is a big deal.

[Xerxes]

I'd hope for a Silver and Gold Super Bowl which means both those teams are going to lose.

Fuck the Ravens. >_<


Sad, sad, sad to see the Texans go, especially on a loss like that but the injuries were going to catch up to the team sooner or later. And rookie QBs are going to make rookie mistakes. Oh and Jacoby Jones needs to be off the punt return team, like eternally.

Jacoby needs to find another team. Get a new #2 WR and a real return man. Shit, they should of let Manning play the position after that second flub.

[KSmitty]

Jacoby needs to find another team. Get a new #2 WR and a real return man. Shit, they should of let Manning play the position after that second flub.

I don't know how many times I have seen him make a dumb-ass decision on a punt return. Running backwards and losing yards, making a punt catch and trying to run when a defender is less than two yards away, DROPPING PUNTS!.... ugh, yeah he needs to not be on the punt team anymore.


In professional sports, I see no reason why the teams should ever let up. If Brady or someone gets injured, Belichick will be killed by the media and fans. If you don't like it, stop them. They're all professional football players and the Broncos had come back from multiple touchdown deficits before. I've seen plenty of 'F you touchdowns' over the years from the Pats but I don't really think 10 points in the second half is a big deal.
No I wasn't speaking to their recent scores/games, more of the time when they were THE New England Patriots. And as I was saying before, I personally would let up on a game that I am winning heavily as it just seems like kicking someone when they're down; that's just me though. That, and I always have the option of putting my starters back in if the other team starts getting uppity. :)

[Xerxes]

Not much better as a receiver though. He's just a warm body.

[Purple Santa]

wow. 32 yds. ouch.

[Banacek]

The 2007 repeat script continues...

[roboninja]

So, looks like Cundiff might be looking for a new job. Kickers rarely survive misses like that.

[Rock Bandit]

Fire Cam Cameron. Get a real quarterback. fukin ra-dik-a-liss.

[Mot Wakorb]

Fire Cam Cameron. Get a real quarterback. fukin ra-dik-a-liss.

Can't blame Flacco for Evans dropping that football. Should've been reviewed though - had two feet down and control for a moment.

[Kagger]

Can't blame Flacco for Evans dropping that football. Should've been reviewed though - had two feet down and control for a moment.

I bet a review would have "stood"

It should be a bigger deal. Kicker doesn't have to kick if holds onto the ball.


In my family Pick 'em I have the Patriots and 49ers. Tied for first, with my sister and I picking the same. We'll head into the Super Bowl tied.

[Urizen]

Can't blame Flacco for Evans dropping that football. Should've been reviewed though - had two feet down and control for a moment.

This is my one gripe with replay technology. You watch just about anything in super slow-mo, and there will always be a moment where a player will appear "in control". Obviously, it's great to see if someone was down by contact of if there was a fumble, or to see if a receiver lands both feet inside the sidelines...

But the whole "in control" debate often turns into an abuse of the technology. You watch that at full speed, and no one will ever say it was a good catch. And this goes both ways. I don't think the Ravens would have wanted to be on the other end of that call if it roles were reversed.

As for Cundiff, he's just not that good. He hasn't had a great season. Everyone was surprised by how bad a miss it was, but I think when they take a step back, they'll realize it shouldn't have been the surprise it was. The Ravens had every chance to win that game -- so it goes. Congrats to them for putting on a show for the viewing public.

[Mot Wakorb]

This is my one gripe with replay technology. You watch just about anything in super slow-mo, and there will always be a moment where a player will appear "in control". Obviously, it's great to see if someone was down by contact of if there was a fumble, or to see if a receiver lands both feet inside the sidelines...

But the whole "in control" debate often turns into an abuse of the technology. You watch that at full speed, and no one will ever say it was a good catch. And this goes both ways. I don't think the Ravens would have wanted to be on the other end of that call if it roles were reversed.

As for Cundiff, he's just not that good. He hasn't had a great season. Everyone was surprised by how bad a miss it was, but I think when they take a step back, they'll realize it shouldn't have been the surprise it was. The Ravens had every chance to win that game -- so it goes. Congrats to them for putting on a show for the viewing public.

I'll just say - I agree with what you're saying about the replay stuff. That said, you use the tech to your advantage if you can as a coach.

As for Cundiff - you're right, there's a reason he has bounced around. The Ravens just screwed up, the missed catch was more important than that field goal.

[Lance Uppercut]

Aaand that's game. That's 2 fucked up punt returns.

[resikel]

One punter is a hero, one punter is not. Wow. What a weekend.

[Lance Uppercut]

I guess you could say he was going to go to the Super Bowl, but he took a football to the knee.

[Xerxes]

I'm rooting for Bud Lite this year. I think they have a strong defense and might go all the way.

[Stmfuller]

All I can say is...The Giants would have lost to Detroit.

[PathMaster]

Ugly game like I thought it might turn out. But Eli took a beating and still kept getting up. I could not believe when he got hit in the arm by the defender and the defender's arms are the ones who moved back. Eli still threw the ball, just a little short.

Good ugly defensive game. Superbowl!

[resikel]

I guess you could say he was going to go to the Super Bowl, but he took a football to the knee.

http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly8ijpJX7P1r7g2ieo1_400.jpg
http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly8ifvfDK41qzbaw4o1_500.jpg
http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly8ic8T2kM1qz5v0lo1_500.jpg

[Urizen]

could not believe when he got hit in the arm by the defender and the defender's arms are the ones who moved back. Eli still threw the ball, just a little short.

I thought the exact same thing. The next play was a third and three. I would have bet the farm that Eli as going to hand it off, just because his shoulder probably felt like it weighed a ton.

Dopey-looking kid shook it off like nothing. Dropped back fired a completion for a first down.

Dude is tough as nails. I'm worried about my Pats.

[Uatu]

Well, this Super Bowl will suck. Was really hoping at least one of the 49ers or ravens would of made it.

[Fubl]

Everyone's going to blame cundiff but if you watch the replay koch barely got the ball correctly placed the laces where not centered and where in the direction it shanked . They rushed cundiff in the whole process and should have used their last time out

[evilgoodwin]

I made a cheap bet on who'd be in the super bowl.

I've never been so sad to win $5 :P

[KSmitty]

I called the Pats and Giants, but honestly I thought the Ravens had the momentum going into the 4th quarter and were going to win. The look on Rice's face after the field goal says everything about that game.

So Patriots and Giants to the big game, does this make New England fans happy or wary?


Well, this Super Bowl will suck. Was really hoping at least one of the 49ers or ravens would of made it.

How exactly does this make the superbowl suck?

[PathMaster]

I do so love the unending articles that the Giants stole, were given, were gifted, the NFC title by the Redskins. It does not matter that they played good football with no turnovers and did not give up at all. Nope. Underdogs again.

Even during the game, the Giants are always considered the underdog. Just in how the announcers and even commentators talk about them you can tell.

[fitbabits]

I do so love the unending articles that the Giants stole, were given, were gifted, the NFC title by the Redskins. It does not matter that they played good football with no turnovers and did not give up at all. Nope. Underdogs again.

Even during the game, the Giants are always considered the underdog. Just in how the announcers and even commentators talk about them you can tell.
You listened to a different game from me. The amount of praise Manning, etc. receive borders on Favre levels of crap.

[Zanzibar]

Well, the 49ers couldn't really expect to go to the Super Bowl by scoring 17 points and being something like 1 for 15 on 3rd down. Alex Smith didn't turn the ball over, but it was hardly any kind of 'good' outing for him. The offensive coordinators couldn't find a way to change things up so Alex Smith could find some passing lanes.

[PathMaster]

You listened to a different game from me. The amount of praise Manning, etc. receive borders on Favre levels of crap.

Funny, I heard a lot of Alex Smith praising. So I would ask you the same, but I believe you are a Brady fan, so I understand. The Mannings are spoilers for you! :p

[fitbabits]

Funny, I heard a lot of Alex Smith praising. So I would ask you the same, but I believe you are a Brady fan, so I understand. The Mannings are spoilers for you! :p
I'm not a Brady fan, actually. He's a great player, but his personality leaves a lot to be desired.

As for the praising of Manning versus Smith... One tends to hear what one wants to hear. :)

[PathMaster]

I'm not a Brady fan, actually. He's a great player, but his personality leaves a lot to be desired.

As for the praising of Manning versus Smith... One tends to hear what one wants to hear. :)

Shh, you are ruining it!!

I will be the first to admit though, that my love for the Giants, gives me a giant bias in their favor! Pun intended!

[Mot Wakorb]

You listened to a different game from me. The amount of praise Manning, etc. receive borders on Favre levels of crap.

The only team that Fox truly seems to hate (well, Buck and Aikman at least) are the Packers. Even when they play well, those two love to shit on them. Never got that.

[Banacek]

The only team that Fox truly seems to hate (well, Buck and Aikman at least) are the Packers. Even when they play well, those two love to shit on them. Never got that.

Buck only cares about team that have huge markets that will lead to ratings. You can tell every time he talks. So annoying. He and Tim McCarver make the WS unbearable.

[Vanthar]

Aikman and Buck ran an Aaron Rodgers love fest all season.....

I watch a lot of football and think they're crappy announcers, but I'm not sure I see bias in their announcing.

[PathMaster]

Anyone else read something wrong with this article (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/01/david-tyree-rooted-for-ravens-to-beat-giants/1):

Former Giants WR David Tyree, he of the spectacular 2008 Super Bowl catch and the outspoken rejection of gay marriage, is inching back into the spotlight as we gear up for XLVI.

Released in 2009 by the Giants a year after his Super Bowl XLII heroics vs. New England, Tyree participated in a conference call with reporters Tuesday, where he spoke of the Giants' NFC Championship victory against Baltimore on Sunday.

"I was rooting for the Ravens," he said. "I'm always rooting somewhat for the underdog. I thought regardless, whoever won you had a great storyline as far as assuming that the Giants went - you got a rematch with 2000 and you got a rematch with 2007."

The 32-year-old Tyree, who is writing a faith-based book with his wife, discussed the similarities between the Giants of 2007 and 2011, acknowledging that the roster is almost completely different.

"You know me, I'm one of those people where I don't think anything happens by accident," Tyree said. "As much as we all know these are two totally different teams, at the same time the road to get there was pretty much the same. As far as the chemistry and things all came together it was a carbon copy."

[Banacek]

The fact that they are talking to him at all?