Championship Weekend Retrospect

Weekend Media Gaffe(s)

• It might be old news for some, but Dan Marino's cell phone rang and interrupted the broadcast on two separate occasions during the CBS halftime show.
  
  
• Nearly every analyst on the ESPN pre-game show had no understanding for the term "underrated." When Chris Berman asked his panel of experts What is the most underrated part of Tom Brady's game, analyst after analyst spoke of his leadership, competitive spirit, and work ethic - Essentially his most well documented attributes.
  

Looking Back at the NFC Championship Game

By Zach Napolitano

It wasn't so much that Eli Manning essentially went into a Siberian Winter and beat Brett Favre at his game a la Shawn Michaels defeating Brett "The Hitman" Hart with his own finishing move, the Sharpshooter, that stunned me, though I was very surprised to say the least. It was the fact that the Ironman, a modern day John Wayne in shoulder pads - Brett Favre - tapped out mentally in a game tailor made to his strengths. I couldn't believe my eyes as I watched Favre struggle with the weather, urgently adjusting the heating pads in his ski mask between snaps, and just looking plain cold, old, and ambivalent. What happened to the Favre I knew, the one that prayed for snow and ice, the one that never buckled his chin strap, the one that looked liked like a kid in a candy store after TD passes? Where was he Sunday? I'll take the advice of rapper The Game and "not take shots at legends" by elaborating on the Favre's uninspired performance in the NFC title game. But I still feel the need to reiterate the fact that Brett Favre has lost to Michael Vick and now, Eli Manning, in playoff games at Lambeau Field. And against the latter, it just looked like he wanted to go home.

Moving onto Eli Manning: I recently compared him to a subject on the show Intervention in that the way that he seemed to mimic drug addicts by appearing rehabilitated (break-out games where he seems to have turned the corner) yet ultimately ending up living out of a car, continuing to use crystal meth (his propensityto break Giants fans' hearts). And up to 4 weeks ago, people that watched Manning play these last 4 seasons would almost unanimously agree with that comparison OR think I was taking it easy on him.

I mean, Manning has a career 75 passer rating in a pass-happy era where that particular statistic is greatly inflated! And it wasn't too long ago (less than 1 month) that Giants fans were calling New York sports talk radio station WFAN and openly suggesting that back-up quarterback Jared "From Subway" Lorenzen be given a shot at the helm in lieu of Eli.

But what Eli Manning has done these last 3 weeks absolves him of all criticism. On the road, he's defeated the NFL's #1 pass defense (Tampa Bay), beaten the number one seed in the NFC (Dallas), and outplayed a cold-weather legend - may I add, while looking totally unfazed by subzero temperatures - in the most historic and intimidating opposing field in the history of the sport. I was wrong! He's not one of the subjects on intervention that end up living out of their car, still using drugs. He's that rare case that turns their life around and makes something of them self. With the mental toughness and the heart that Manning has exhibited these last 3 weeks - NOBODY in sports has faced more criticism this side of A-Rod - it would be scary for all future NFC foes if he can parlay that fortitude with the fulfillment of the physical potential that warranted making him a #1 overall draft pick . With that said, it will certainly be weird if in future NFL Picks rationalizing my choice of the Giants because of Eli's {PASTE SUPERLATIVES HERE}. Let's see how he plays in the Super Bowl.

As for the rest of the team, it is truly amazing what has taken place in these playoffs.

Even with the absence of All-Pro tight end Jeremey Shockey, the team hasn't skipped a beat offensively. Actually, they've played better. Plaxico Burress' ankle has miraculously healed, which allowed him to dominate and humiliate the likes of Al Harris and Charles Woodson on Sunday. An already maligned defensive secondary has played superb football in the face of injury, doing so in back to back weeks against elite receiving corps and quarterbacks. The Giants have been disciplined, clutch, and together when their recent history suggests they'd would be chaotic, untimely, and divided. And then there's the supernatural rebirth of Eli Manning.

But most importantly, the Giants are getting enormous contributions from some of the youngest players on their roster. So at the end of the day, even if they lose in the Super Bowl they have an excellent young nucleus and an emerging franchise quarterback going forward into 2008 and beyond.

I was wrong a few weeks ago when I suggested that Giants window for a championship was NOW.

NFC Championship Game Awards

Offensive MVP - Eli Manning - If not for a handful of dropped passes, he puts up huge numbers Sunday.

Defensive MVP - Antonio Pierce - If he doesn't stop that screen pass, who knows what happens.

The Goat(s)

Brett Favre - Enough Said.

Al Harris - Simply owned by Burress. His and Woodson's physicality produce too many costly penalties.

Mike McCarthy - Man to Man coverage proved to be a bad idea, got away from the running game too early.

Championship Weekend Picks (1-1) - Playoff Total (4-4)

I'll discuss the New England Patriots at length in my Super Bowl Picks. For now, sit back, relax, and enjoy Jack's running diary of the AFC Championship game, which oddly enough includes a handful of my own jokes, observations, and analysis. ***Editor's Note*** Jack will be openly rooting for the Chargers and holds a strong disdain for Tom Brady.

A Running Diary of the AFC Championship Game...

By Jack Duhamel

First and foremost, I would like to comment on a bit of dishonesty I have come across this past week. After linking up with Zach to create the high powered zachnjack.com, I have come to realize success does not come overnight. I though the two of us could single-handedly navigate this URL in and out of every household in the United States. I was wrong. We needed a bit of help, so I decided to make some internships available. I gave you all an opportunity to bolster your resume and be a part of something bigger than yourself. Some of the applicants have been stellar, don’t get me wrong. We at ZNJ.com have seen some versatile applicants, many of which have high GPAs and favorable extracurricular activity. On the other hand, some of the applicants have been fraudulent in their journey to obtain an internship. I’ve come across a few generic “fill in the blank” cover letters, which saddens me. Also, some of the references were clearly childhood friends. Applicants: I’m not calling these people to ascertain how good you were at playing Cowboys and Indians, I’m trying to figure out if you’ll be a good teammate, and I need to speak with former employers, not Jimmy from across the street.

3:06- A couple nights ago I dreamt the Chargers would beat the Patriots. This being Martin Luther King Weekend, I think this premonition may hold a little water. Am I as passionate about my dream as the late MLK JR. was? No, but it’s close.

3:11- 3 and out, Brady looks jittery, I feel like MLK Jr. is right here with me. His dream may have been more ambitious, but mine may be more unattainable.

3:24- I’m seeing a nice aggressive game plan thus far for SD. It looks like former Jet great Ted Cottrell did his homework. Maroney is getting jacked up on every play, Brady is showing why he was once Drew Bledsoe’s backup.

3:28- Pats aren’t tackling, they’re not blocking, this team looks flat, possibly looking ahead to next week, No serving of humble pie this week? It appears the Patriots are being haunted by the Randy Moss Domestic Assault Case.

3:31- My daily serving of humble pie just came out of the oven- a generously topped homemade buffalo chicken variety. My keyboard is getting greasy but the show must go on.

3:34- I’ve been waiting 6 years for Brady to be exposed; Will this be the day? Talk to me MLK.

3:36- Deion Sanders made a good point on the pregame, why is Rivers crucified for his trash talk while Brady is glorified? Rivers has a passion that is rarely seen in a quarterback.

3:41- After a miscommunication on the kick return, it has become clear the Patriots are unprepared for this game. This could turn into being a classic case of hubris- excessive pride ultimately leading to ones downfall.

3:44- 14 minutes into the game the Pats resort to their first act of desperation, a Randy Moss reverse.

3:49- Pat come back with a methodical drive, extra point is absolutely drilled, would’ve been good from 30+

3:57-Bruschi reminds me of that guy in high school who is always a step slow but jumps on the pile and turns his jersey to the announcers to get credit for the tackle, absolutely pathetic. I can’t wait for a Seau and Bruschi-less pat team next year. Less theatrics and feel good stories, more sports related subject matter.

3:59- No I’m not eating crow after a Bruschi pass deflection, he was clearly holding Gates, but the wily, clutch vet got the no call.

4:03- Slices 3 and 4 down the chute, Kaeding drills another one, making that 2 3-pointers on the day. After watching The Number 23 last night I’m becoming a bit paranoid. Is Brady, Topsy Kretz?

4:09- Faced with a 4th and 3, I’m absolutely shocked the Patriots aren’t going for it here, with the complete disregard for NFL conventions they’ve shown this year. Not kicking field goals, spreading the field on every play, abandoning run games, using all four downs consistently: Just an unacceptable brand of football..

4:10- Why Not Us? Pass is good for another Chargers, FIRST DOWN!!! LET’S GO!!

4:13- I’m very unimpressed with Chris Chambers’ effort on that interception. This is where SD could fall apart. My dream may not still be alive.

4:18- My mom just delivered me some blueberry bread, cheering me up slightly. Rivers is panicking, just lofted up a jump ball; The Chargers are in desperate need of a defensive play.

4:21- I just took a look at a Sports Marketing application during the commercial break. This reeks of another generic cover letter. I’ll run some Google searches later to get to the bottom of this, I need to start running a tighter ship.

4:26- Just took a very troubling bite of the Blueberry bread, floury, batter filled bite, could be a mixing mishap, heading into the kitchen to further investigate.

4:28- UNDERCOOKED!!!!

4:31- My dog Frank just stole my 5th slice of pizza, cementing himself as the “Worst Pet of All Time”. A never before seen blend of stupidity, selfishness, and insubordination. The problem is he’s relatively young and healthy. Any advice readers?

4:36- Speaking of advice, I’ve got a handy man in the house who has become too comfortable with his surroundings. His highlights include unsolicited advice, drinking on the job, indoor smoking, and snail like pace due to hourly pay. Also, since he has been hired, my house has experienced two breaking attempts and multiple beggars at all hours of the day. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Something has to give here.

4:40- Shannon Sharpe is making an absolute fool of himself in this halftime show. Grinding his teeth, stumbling over his words, just an overall unprofessional job. It’s almost as if he’s constantly “Beat Boxing”. The guy was a great, HOF Tight End, but he doesn’t have that classic combo of looks, delivery and substance that you look for.

4:44- Speaking of unprofessional, Marino’s cell phone has rung three times so far during the Halftime Show. For a guy that never got a Ring, this is rather ironic.

4:52- Randy Moss is finally targeted and he drops the ball. No need for the trial by jury, this guy’s guilty.

4:58- Just went into the kitchen to get a drink and caught our “$40/hr. Jack of All-Trades Handyman Extraordinaire” watching the game and eating some chips. He pretended to tidy up the newspaper as I walked in, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

5:03-Seau makes a great play in the backfield to force the Kaeding field goal. I would’ve liked a more power approach to the third down, maybe a Lorenzo Neal dive- Norv Turner is beginning to show his true colors.

5:12- I’m beginning to notice a shift in the Patriots. They have woken up a bit, as their offensive line is in full attack mode. The Patriot brass has realized Brady isn’t getting it done and has decided to give the ball to Maroney.

5:17- Terrific interception by Cromartie. Brady is doing everything in his power to blow this game. Let’s start getting Matt Cassell loose on the sideline.

5:19- My two nemeses’ have just struck again- Frank having his way with the blueberry bread and the Handyman interrupting the game to talk about how good Apocalypto was. “It was pretty good I said”, he replied, “The subtitles were difficult to keep up with.”

5:25- Tomlinson is doing his best Darth Vader impression on the sideline, what a sad turn of events.

5:28- Two Maroney touches and 30 yards later the Chargers are on their heels. It looks like Belichick has simplified the playbook, giving Brady more of a “caretaker” role.

5:32- “The Caretaker” completes to Welker for a TD bringing it to 21-12. This is becoming very frustrating.

5:36- This is a huge drive in the maturation process of Philip Rivers. Even if the Chargers can’t come back to win this game, it’s important to see how a young QB can react under circumstances like this.

5:37- Head referee Jeff Triplett barely gets out an explanation due to the inclement weather.

5:45- Just used the men’s room. Let’s add poor bathroom etiquette to his resume: not flushing the toilet and leaving the toilet seat up. This guy may deserve a raise.

5:51- Brady/Faulk move the chains again; it looks like this one’s just about wrapped up. Nothing flashy from the Pats, they just lull you to sleep and churn out wins.

*I stopped the RD after this play, Pats look beatable*

*Editor's Note* - Jack also submitted a running diary of the NFC Championship game. Because our editing staff deemed his second RD "incomplete" and "uninspired" we'll leave you with the Cliff Notes version.

6:15- Terry Bradshaw and Jimmie Johnson have been exposed via HD- they look cold and old, not a good combo.

6:33- Congratulations Jimmy Johnson on a well-executed joke. He placed a glass of water on the set at the beginning of production, later marveled how the glass froze!!! Great spot.

6:43- Al Harris is interviewed, acting lively and pumped up, camera pans to a trembling Plaxico Burress who is bundled up in gear and quoted as saying “my hands are numb.” Not a good start for the G-men.

6:49- Southwest Airlines “Productivity Enhancer” commercial airs. I love the idea of the big press conference amidst a bit of controversy, but this idea is very dry and needs to be tweaked, it’s a wasted commercial.

6:54- In a strange turn of events, it appears as if Plaxico is playing with a greater sense of urgency, realizing a touchdown will allow him to return to the friendly confines of the sideline.

7:12- Jacobs is tackled after an 8 yard gain and helped up by a Green Bay defender. This is one of my biggest pet peeves in football right now. Two teams have waged a war against each other. They are doing everything they can to come out on top. You’ll see blood, guts, and tears on that field. How come every once in a while the two sides take a break in the action and sign a temporary peace treaty? I guess that makes me “Anti-Sportsmanship.”

7:16- Mr. All Terrain Brett Favre looks freezing, he just took a sip of what I believe is either coffee, tea or hot chocolate on the sideline.

7:23- I’m getting a little sick of Fox’s close-ups of the center-quarterback exchange. It’s getting awkward and there is absolutely nothing to show down there. Joe Buck, on the other hand, seems to pep up a bit each time the cameraman takes that plunge.

7:25- After a bit of jawing and some good hand checking at the line of scrimmage, I’m really beginning to enjoy this Burress/ Harris matchup - A clash of two physical, prideful players.

7:41- Atari Bigbie= Bob Sanders Lite.

Stay tuned for more posts in the upcoming days.

Be a part of the next mailbag:

Email Zach - znapolitano@gmail.com

Email Jack - ilovethisgame101@yahoo.com