Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff
Singing a few disharmonious verses while anxiously awaiting American Idol’s search for the next Taylor Hicks (remember when I told you Mr. Purple Suit would be singing next to Kathy Lee Gifford on a Carnival Cruise someday? Well, now that he’s been dumped by his record label, Hicks is well on his way to fulfilling that prophecy);
I get a chuckle out of the “pundits” who keep searching for ways to beat the Patriots. It ain’t gonna happen, people! The same “experts” who preached about the lack of a running game coming back to bite New England when the weather turned cold (funny, you don’t hear that theory much anymore) point to the Jaguars 350-yards of total offense and claim the chink in the armor can now be found on defense.
What they forget is; the only statistic that matters is the scoreboard. You see, Jacksonville averaged 27-points per game this year. That number ballooned to 32-PPG over the last eight weeks. The “struggling” Pats defense held the Jags to a touchdown less than they’d averaged this season, nearly two touchdowns less than they’d averaged the last two months. So unless they start awarding wins and losses based on yardage, I’ll take my chances with a unit that keeps the opposition off the scoreboard when it really counts.
As for this week’s opponent, remember LaDainian Tomlinson pontificating about the “classless” Patriots and their midfield celebration after last year’s playoffs? I hope LT is paying attention to the antics of his own quarterback. Philip Rivers, who can’t stop jawing at opposing players and fans, is well on his way to becoming the biggest jerk in the NFL…and that’s saying something!
Speaking of the AFC Championship, join us on TheSunBlog this Sunday for a live blog of the big Pats-Chargers tilt. In case you aren’t familiar with what a live blog is, it’s a running commentary, including my typically off the wall observations, of what’s going on during the game. The fun part is you can chime in with your thoughts as the action unfolds. We did it during last year’s Pats-Colts AFC Championship (the Lowell City Golf Tournament, too) and ended up with some pretty interesting trash talk along the way. Philip Rivers would have been proud.
If you ever find yourself taking the cool, crunch-time efficiency of Tom Brady for granted, think back to Tony Romo’s 4th quarter performance against the Giants. With his team’s season on the line, Romo didn’t toss the ball away when he should have, heaved it out of bounds when he shouldn’t have, threw a hissy fit at his offensive linemen and even grabbed a referee’s shirt at the shoulder.
The Cowboys QB was so out of control, I expected him to be carted out of Texas Stadium on a gurney, a la Britney Spears. Seems the onrush of paparazzi he and Jessica “Yoko Romo” Simpson encountered in Acapulco wasn’t enough preparation for a blitzing NFL defense.
Danny Ainge has done a marvelous job reconstructing the Celtics, but there’s still one bit of building remaining; Ainge must cement the backup point guard position. Though Rajon Rondo has performed above and beyond expectations, the offense bogs down far too often when the second year playmaker is out of the lineup.
I read the other day that Manny Fernandez isn’t expected back in the Bruins lineup till next year. How typical of the Black and Gold. They invest 4-million salary cap dollars on a career backup with a bum knee, only to get four games out of him. That’s the lowest rate of return since Mitt Romney spent 20-million of his personal fortune to finish second in Iowa and New Hampshire.
That’s the view from here…how do you see things?
Tony Romo reminds me of Drew Bledsoe, he can do the job until crunch time.
Posted by anefo85 | January 15, 2008 8:07 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 08:07
Tony Romo reminds me of Ted Panos
Posted by Georg Lopez | January 15, 2008 12:01 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 12:01
Lets stray from the nonsense for a while and take a look at this Pats/Chargers match up. This is not an easy or a definite win for the Pats. I'll tell you that right now.
1. QB. Here I have to give The Pats the slight edge with Rivers being banged up. With that being said, if Brady were to get injured then the edge goes to SD, as Volek is far superior to Cassel. Look for the Chargers to try to knock Brady out of the game maybe by a cheap shot from shawn merriman.
2. RB. This obviously goes to SD. Both their RB's and there offensive line are better than that of the Patriots.
3. WR the teams are pretty even here. I know what you're gonna say Panos... "but the patriots have randy mosss..." You are so predictable it's pathetic! Yeah the pats have moss but we saw what a NON Factor he was against the Jaguars and also what a non factor he was in the playoffs during his entire career. So let's discount moss and say the teams are evenly matched at that position, as no one the pats have besides randy can compare to antonio gates even though he's banged up.
5. Defense... Clearly San Diego has a better defense. New England defense has shown it's age as of late. They are worn down and tired old men. You mark my words Panos, Merriman will have at least 4 sacks and Brady will throw two picks.
6. Coaching, slight edge to the Pats.
My prediction, the pats will barely win, in a low scoring game. And that is mainly because the NFL would like to see them in the super bowl where they will lose to the packers. Seriously, nobody wants to see a SD NYG super bowl. That's my take Panos...
Posted by Danimal | January 15, 2008 1:37 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 13:37
Coaching, slight edge to the Pats.
Are you kidding me? Bill Belichick is only slightly better than Norv Turner??? Norv Turner?? The guy who before this season was 58-82 and 1!!! But, oh, now he’s 69-87 and 1!!! Oh sure, NOW I can see why he is so great. Puhlezze! Belichick’s record with the Patriots is 75 and 37 for the regular season and 12 and 2 in the play offs – I think “The Edge” in coaching is clearly with the Patriots.
And for the record, I think there are quite a few people out there (media included) who would love to see a Chargers/Giants Super Bowl.
Just imagine the story line – Eli “I or rather my Daddy does not want me to play on the Chargers” Manning versus Philip “the guy we got when we traded Manning” Rivers. San Diego fans would be foaming at the mouth for that match up.
Of course I want the Patriots to win but Charges vs. Giants would be funny…
You are correct when you say the Patriots Defense is beginning to look old.
But, the primary point I can agree with you on is that the game will be much closer than what is being predicted. Of course, I am not big on conspiracy theories, so I think the Patriots will win on their on merits.
Posted by alp | January 15, 2008 2:12 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 14:12
Teddy, no mention of TO?? I had to say I got quite the chuckle out of his little post-game interview.
Was waiting for the comment right after the one about his having always "had his QBs backs" to explain that he's always there with the knife. The guy's pathetic (even more so than Romo's playoff performance) and much more fun to make fun of than Tony these days.
The guy back-stabbed both Garcia and McNabb- won't be too long before he throws Tony under the bus too.
On Pats/Chargers- agree with both Danimal and alp- very close game (much closer than predicted) with Pats probably winning by just over a TD. Just remember that Chargers feel disrespected by Patriots over last year's playoffs (whether justified or not) which may either give them lots of motivation and make them play better - or - it could backfire and they lose by about 4 TDs. I do think either is a possibility.
Posted by dboisver | January 15, 2008 3:25 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 15:25
Honestly, DB, I wasn't that upset that Dallas lost. As a kid, it would ruin my mood for weeks. Now, I find it poetic justice because Jerry Jones is an idiot for bringing a head case like T.O. into the organization. As an Eagles fan, you know very well what's going to happen next year as Mr. Owens self-destructs and takes the Cowboys down with him.
It's sickening to see Jones' plastic face on the sidelines, right next to the head coach in the final minutes of a game. What a disgrace to the proud tradition of previous ownership and great men like Gil Brandt and Tom Landry. Jones sealed the organization's fate when he drove Jimmy Johnson out to feed his own ego. That Barry Switzer was able to win a title only shows how much talent JJ had accumulated...he might have won 5 or 6 with that crew if left alone by the owner.
He almost recaptured the glory with Parcells, but couldn't stop meddling long enough to keep Tuna happy long-term. I don't for a minute believe Parcells' latest retirement wasn't sealed the second Jones brought T.O. in against the coach's objections.
The Cowboys deserve what they get, and as a lifelong fan, it saddens me to write those words and have those feelings.
Posted by Teddy P. | January 15, 2008 4:41 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 16:41
Danimal = Delusional
2. RB. This obviously goes to SD. Both their RB's and there offensive line are better than that of the Patriots. BRADY WAS SACKED 21 TIMES TO RIVERS 22. PATS LINE BETTER PASS PROTECTORS. CHARGERS 2,000 RUSHING YARDS, PATS 1,300, AND PATS NEVER RUN. PATS HAVE 17 RUSHING TD'S CHARGERS 19. PRETTY EVEN. PATS HAVE 3 PRO BOWLERS ON O-LINE CHARGER= NONE.
SORRY. YOU'RE WRONG
3. WR the teams are pretty even here. I know what you're gonna say Panos... "but the patriots have randy mosss..." You are so predictable it's pathetic! Yeah the pats have moss but we saw what a NON Factor he was against the Jaguars and also what a non factor he was in the playoffs during his entire career. So let's discount moss and say the teams are evenly matched at that position, as no one the pats have besides randy can compare to antonio gates even though he's banged up.
CHAMBERS AND JACKSON WOULD BE OUT PLAYED BY GAFFNEY AND WASHINGTON. LET ALONE MOSS/WELKER/STALLWORTH. THIS WAS JUST A DUMB ARGUMENT .
5. Defense... Clearly San Diego has a better defense. New England defense has shown it's age as of late. They are worn down and tired old men. You mark my words Panos, Merriman will have at least 4 sacks and Brady will throw two picks. DEFENSE IN THE PLAYOFFS IS WHAT MATTERS. HOW'D THAT WORK OUT LAST YEAR?
6. Coaching, slight edge to the Pats. FUNNIEST THING I EVER HEARD/
MAYBE THIS "TALKING SPORT" ISN'T YOUR THING, TRY POTTERY CLASSES.
Posted by Legend Killer | January 15, 2008 4:41 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 16:41
Luckily for the Birds (and Giants) Snyder = Jerry Jones as my guess is that was a big part of the reason Gibbs left. Now they'll be back to another Steve Spurrier-type and the losing seasons will begin again in Washington.
As for Dallas I think Wade Phillips = Switzer too. A puppet coach that Jones can pull the strings with.
At least I did respect them back in the Landry and then JJ days even though I loathed them but now that they have the perfect coach, wide receiver, and owner (for fans of opposing NFC East teams, anyway) it will be fun to watch them implode.
I know very well how TO can ruin a team- Eagles are still recovering now. It did get them a SB appearance (although it is funny that TO didn't play in any of the playoff games they won, just in the SB?) but at a very high cost. As long as the ball goes to him he'll be happy but once it stops he will explode again and, this time, it will hopefully spell the end of his NFL career unless the Raiders want to take a shot at him...
I just want to know how TO was able to get himself to tear up right before going on camera. The dark sunglasses were a nice touch too :-)
Posted by dboisver | January 16, 2008 9:37 AM
Posted on January 16, 2008 09:37
T.O. went to the same acting coach as Hillary Clinton!
Posted by Teddy P. | January 16, 2008 9:47 AM
Posted on January 16, 2008 09:47
UM legend killer, let me start off by saying that i think you are a "super homer" just like panos. It seems to me that plenty of folks agree with my analysis exept for you and panos. And the pro bowl? You and i both know that's a load of horse crap. nice attempt to discredit my argument however. A+ for effort.
Posted by Danimal | January 16, 2008 11:53 AM
Posted on January 16, 2008 11:53
Delusional,
I backed up everything I said with numbers and facts. You pulled your garbage out of your sphincter.
Have another sip of Haterade. And as far as me being a homer, You better ask somebody...
Pottery classes start at 7pm at Greater Lowell Tech.
Posted by Legend Killer | January 16, 2008 1:02 PM
Posted on January 16, 2008 13:02
Hold on a minute, Danimal, I am far from a homer as you folks say, but I would have to agree that you are in fact delusional. I was born a Jets fan, and thus hate The Pats, kind of like the way you folks hate the Yanks. But, Pats have a slight edge at head coach???? The San Diego receivers and the Pats receivers are evenly matched???? Even without Moss that is a ridiculous statement. And everyone knows Norv Turner is just an awful coach.
The edge at the RB position.... I'll give you that. San Diego has an advantage there. But the offensive line of New England is much better that that of the Chargers. Same is true of the defenses.
In conclusion, it is difficult for me to decide who is more mislead... Danimal for even writing garbage like that or Dboisver and alp for backing him up.
Posted by JB | January 16, 2008 7:10 PM
Posted on January 16, 2008 19:10
I beg your pardon JB, but I DID not "back up" Danimal as you say.
I agreed that the Patriots defense is looking old -- and it HAS been showning signs of age in the last several games -- 35 points to Eli Manning -- come on!
Excuse me for being realistic. I LOVE this team but am honest enough to admit when I think the game will be closer than the Las Vegas spread. My experience as a season ticket holder since 1993 has shown me that there is no such thing as an "easy win" for any team in the NFL -- Unless of course the opponent is the New York Jets!
Posted by alp | January 16, 2008 11:47 PM
Posted on January 16, 2008 23:47
Oh my, alp i didn't know you were a season ticket holder. Please excuse me for for doubting your knowledge of the game. If i had known you had season tickets since 1993 i would have never placed you in the same category as Danimal.
Posted by JB | January 17, 2008 7:59 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 07:59
Hey JB.
Exactly the response I was hoping to get!
Enjoy the game on Sunday -- I know I will and I expect the Patriots to give us all the response we are hoping for -- a return trip to the Super Bowl!
Posted by alp | January 17, 2008 9:42 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 09:42
Hey thatnks JB i hope you enjoy the game as well. Hey, would you like to go out sometime?
Posted by JB | January 17, 2008 12:13 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:13
Straight-up anyone would be foolish to bet on the Chargers.
However I do think it will be closer than Vegas is saying- between the weather and the fact that San Diego does match up as favorably as another team can with the Patriots. I'd say it'll be around 34-28 Patriots but I'll bet it stays pretty close throughout the game.
Posted by dboisver | January 18, 2008 1:43 PM
Posted on January 18, 2008 13:43