LOVE AND FOOTBALL?

So, I noticed an article at MSN.Com, talking ’bout “Dating Is Like The Super Bowl” http://msn.match.com/msn/article.aspxarticleid=9223&TrackingID=516311&BannerID=544657&menuid=6&GT1=10787

I read it and to me, it was weak as hell. The analogy only gave the reader the dating game through the point of view of the Coach, GM and Owner. What about the point of view of the PLAYER? because that’s what most of us are in this game.  What about getting out there on your field of choice to play for whatever it is you want?  Some people play for  a meaningful relatioship while some people play for sex. There are those who play for that “elusive” wedding ring and bells and whistles of a wedding, while some play for self esteem or even money and revenge. The point is, everything looks good in the front office and in the luxury boxes. The field in love is just as brutal and unforgiving as the  gridiron or maybe even worse because while you may have wingmen or wingwomen if you will,  but you are a one man or one woman team at the end of the day. Honestly, I dont know where the author of this feature is coming from when she wrote what she wrote. But for me and maybe for most people, the following  is  what can and does happen in the game of love.

We get our hearts mangled and ripped apart like Theismann’s leg only to patch it up again and get out there.  We do this because, could it be that the reward is greater than the risk?  While some patch up the ‘heart’ and get out there again, some just go the sideline.  People go to the sideline for various reason. Maybe they need to study the ‘playbook’ before trying again, or they wine or give up.

The author of “Dating is Like the Super Bowl” wrote about people being ‘benchwarmers’ and ‘trade material’ now who in the hell wants to be that? People will do whatever they can to aviod being that. Who is gonna stand  on the sidelines like a damn fool and wait for the ‘Coach’ to make up his or her mind? Anyone worth their salt would get out there and find somebody else!

 I do however agree with the author’s ‘rules’ of the game. one of the stories subjects said. ”When cutting or releasing a date, you should always do it in person, especially  if that date has been a good performer and has contributed to the overall success of your ‘team.’ and “Never release your decision to the ‘press’ or your pack of friends beforehand.”

Thats is some great rules but how bout strategy? In the game of love, in my opinion, defense is key!

Playoff Forecast:The AFC

Patriots

Colts

 Chargers

Steelers

 Jaguars

 Titans

Wild Card

Titans vs Chargers

Jaguars vs Steelers

The AFC once again proves why it is the toughtest confrence to compete in. Some players and coaches around the league believe that this year’s field is the toughest ever. They may have a point because there have never been a five seed that ever struck fear in opponents like the Jacksonville Jaguars. This team definitely have upset potential. The Jags’ two man running attack of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, the consistent play of David Garrrad, and a stingy defense propelled the team to an 11-5 record. The Jags ended the season 2nd in the league in rushing. While Garrad boast a 102.2 quarterback rating. The Jags’ d is’nt  too shabby either. They ranked in the top 10 in nearly every defensive category. Not bad for a team thatr playes in the shadow of the Colts.

Speaking of the Colts, everyone forgot that these guys are the regining Super Bowl Champs, and they went 13-3 for the year. Ironically, Coach Dungy wouldn’t have it any other way. Being under ther radar suits them. It really suits them because there is no pressure on the team. Its only motivation becaue right now, its all about New England and Jacksonville. However, injuries to key players are a huge caveat here. Marvin Harrison was injured for virtually the entire season with a knee injury. Dwight Freeny  is on injured reserve. The reports are that Harrison may be able to play in the divisonal round . The question is, how rusty will he be? The loss of Freeny is critical becaue no pass rusher=problems. The Titans, Chargers, and Jags are great in the backfield and they will exploit that weakness.

I am suprised that the Chargers made the playoffs this year. When AJ Smith dumped Schottenheimer for Norv Turner last Feb., I said ‘ Turner will ruin this team’. In the early half of the season, I was right. The Bolts, however, turned it up in the second half and the players may have bought into Turner’s system after all. I don’t know if it is the weakness of the AFC West, or maybe Norv Turner modified his coaching and bought into the players’ way of doing things. Whatever they are doing, they are doing it right.  The Chargers and the Colts are the true darkhorses of the playoffs.

To me, the Titans and the Steelers are the weakest links in the playoffs. Tennessee is one dimensional and Vince Young is inconstent and do not have quality receivers around him. With that said, he will move out of the pocket and scramble. Coach Jeff Fisher is basically using the possiblility of starting Kerry Collins as a ploy to throw off the Chargers’ D. We all know Vince will start. So, Fisher should stop the charade.

Pittsburgh may have won the AFC North but this is a weak team on defense. The Ravens exploited the hell out of the Steelers’ secondary on Sunday. If Troy Smith. Derek Mason, and Darling did that, what do you think Brady, Moss, Manning, Harrison, and Others will do?

For New England to continue their success, they must put 16-0 behind them quickly, and focus on 0-0. At the end of the season, the Patriots shouwd some dent’s in their armor. Primarly, their red zone defense. Offensively, I would like to see them run the ball more because opposing defenses will try and take away the pass.  Remember, four teams laid the blueprint for this, and would have won if they all didn’t choke at the end.   Now the stakes are higher, and there is no room for error for anyone.

 In the wild card round, I pick the Jags over the Steelers and the Chargers over the Titans.

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: AFC SOUTH

1.  Colts

While the question of can the Colts repeat remains to be seen, these guys should not have a problem clenching the AFC South. Once again, look for the offense to carry the defense.  Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison will be tough to stop as usual. Joseph Adai is a solid replacement for Dominic Rhodes at running back.

There are some questions  on defense. The biggest question is will  DE Dwight Freeny fall off after receiving a huge contract in the offseason. It will shock me if Freeny continues to work hard because there are so many players getting lazy once they get those large salaries. Another question is can this young unit pick up where guys such as Cato June left off I believe this imbalance won’t affect Indianapolis much during the regular season but they must make adjustments to the defense if they have any chance of repeating.

 2007 projected record  12-4

2.  Jaguars

I believe that Jacksonville is a solid team. The defense was ranked second in the league last year in total defense. I expect for the unit to continue its success.  The two headed rushing attack of Maurice Jones Drew and Fred Taylor should keep this team competive regardless of who is playing behind center. 

 2007 projected record 9-7

3.  Titans

To me, this team is third in the AFC South by default. If Vince Young can beat the Madden curse, the offense will be centered around him. While Eric Moulds is a solid receiver, he is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. This team must address the receiver position soon.

The Titans’ defense is looking to rebound from last year’s mess. They were last in the league in total defense, so there is nowhere to go but up. Tennessee should thank Houston for the obvious.

projected 2007 record  4-12

4.  Texans

With the first pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Houston Texans select………

projected 2007 record 2-14