The Cutler Did It

Sports offer us real life theater. The excitement of sports, such as NFL football, always goes beyond the action on the football field, in some manner. This is a big part of what captivates us.

Sports often produce stars who elicit mixed reactions, controversy. There are characters that we, generally, either love or hate. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has fully evolved into one of those characters.


BUCKED THE BRONCOS

Cutler was drafted 11th overall in the first round of the 2006 draft by the Denver Broncos. He arrived with high expectations as an eventual replacement for incumbent signal caller Jake Plummer, who has just guided the Broncos to a 13-3 records and hosting the AFC Championship game the year before.

Controversy attached to Cutler from the beginning. The Broncos started 7-4 in 2006, though Plummer struggled. Then Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan benched Plummer and replaced him with rookie Jay Cutler.

The Broncos would only win two games for the rest of the year and the Broncos missed the playoffs. Cutler, statistically, outplayed Plummer, but the win/loss record is the only stat that counts after Week 17 and Cutler and the Broncos fell woefully short. Plummer would retire after the season, rather than agree to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to whom he was traded in the following offseason.

Shanahan was fired after the 2008 season and replaced with Josh McDaniels. Allegedly, McDaniels covertly made attempts to bring in free agent Matt Cassell to replace Cutler. Cassell signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, Cutler got wind of want happened, and Cutler, the franchise quarterback, demanded out of Denver.

The Cutler flap forced a QB swap with the Chicago Bears for their serviceable but unspectacular quarterback, Kyle Orton. The Broncos would suffer two consecutive, and wrenching, losing season and McDaniels was fired after his second season as coach. The Cutler Carnage continued.
    

The Internet has endless rips on Cutler. He may not be the NFL QB with whom fans would most like to drink a beer. 1



JAY THE JERK

Jake Plummer…Mike Shanahan…Josh McDaniels…future employment is not something one may easily associate with colleagues of Jay Cutler. Nonetheless, the arrival of Cutler before the 2009 season was celebrated in Chicago. The Bears acquired a player who appeared to be a long term solution at the quarterback position, something the team has not had for any extended period since local legend Jim McMahon was with the team in the late 1980s.



Cutler has received a myriad of criticisms since arriving in Chicago. He has been criticized for his body language during games. Reporters have said teammates described Cutler as “distant” in the locker room.



He was accused by NFL players on other teams of not being tough enough and checking out the NFC title game, this past January, with an injury he could have played through (which turned out to be a torn knee ligament). He was even made into the bad guy for the alleged manner in which he (supposedly) dumped ex-fiancé and reality starlet Kristin Cavallari over the summer. The label “Jay the Jerk” has stuck with Cutler among many in the public eye.

Cutler's ex, Kristin Cavallari. He must be doing something right if he can dump her. 2



CHICAGO CUTLERY

Bad luck…lightning rod…controversial…jerk. Every unflattering descriptor under the sun could be tossed at Cutler. Since arriving in Chicago, though, he has been a leader on the field. The guy wins, sometimes having to do so the hard way.

Through 34 starts in Chicago, Cutler has been sacked 101 times, and hit countless other times. The Bears offensive line has been Swiss cheese. In a (offensive coordinator) Mike Martz scheme that relies heavily on deep, downfield passes, this is a recipe for quarterback stew. Cutler has only missed one start since coming to the Bears.

The bottom line, in the NFL, is winning. The goal is to reach the Super Bowl. The Bears failed to reach the playoffs in the two seasons after their appearance in Super Bowl XLI and before Cutler’s arrival in 2009. The Bears did not have a winning record in those two seasons, combined, prior to Cutler’s tenure.

Since Cutler’s arrival, the Bears have won more games than they have lost. They won a division title last season, and hosted the 2010 NFC Championship Game. Cutler continues to be a high profile member of the “Eat Grass Club”, having been sacked 14 times this season through three games. Yet he often finds way to turn broken plays into gains and the Bears have had an opportunity to win each week because of Cutler’s quick decisions, having never trailed by more than 7 points at halftime in 2010.

Cutler celebrates with teammates during the Bears' divisional round playoff win over the Seattle Seahawks last year. 3

IF YOU CAN’T HAVE BRADY

Jay Cutler is not in the same class of quarterbacks as Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. However, only Brady and Manning are in the class of Brady or Manning. Still, Cutler has fulfilled his role of leading the offense and putting his team in position to win, better than the majority of starting quarterbacks in the NFL.

You can love him. You can hate him (and a lot of people do). But the Bears are better off with him than without him.

Cutler's time in Denver was just a boot camp for what he would experience in Chicago. 4

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1, 2) Images from thesportsbank.net

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4) Image from worldnews108.blogspot.com

The NFL Real World

The NFL lockout is affecting everyone. Some of the rookie free agents and younger players, either without a contract or earning far less money than established veterans, have had to take on real, 9 to 5 jobs to get by until the lockout is lifted.

Today, we are going to take a look at three NFL players who had to bite the bullet and put on white collars instead of white jerseys. Let’s drop in on a few of them and see how they’re doing.

I hope (first pick in the 2011 NFL draft) Cam Newton still has that nice suit. At the rate negotiations are going, he may need it for work soon. 1

Our first player is managing a Foot Locker at a local shopping mall. They are getting ready to open their doors this morning.

Player: Alright! Some of you know me; I play in the NFL. Well today, you’re ALL players! We're all reaching for a championship! Foot Action? They ain’t gettin’ no action on us! Athlete’s Foot? That’s a disease! Champs? That’s CHUMPS! Alright let’s get it started, just how we practiced. ... ONE!

Crew of salespeople: ONE!

Player: TWO!

Crew: TWO!

Player: SELL!

Crew: SHOES!

Player: THREE!

Crew: THREE!

Player: FOUR!

Crew: FOUR!

Player: SELL!

Crew: MORE!



Dwight Howard could be joining his NFL brethren if the NBA keeps following the NFL's path. 2


Our second player is working as an insurance agent. The owner thought the discipline and work ethic of NFL players would go over well in the office.

Office worker: Damnit! The fax machine is out of paper. I think I’ll just slip a little paper out of the copier here….

(sudden, loud collision in the office as the player tackles the worker)

Player: Acme Insurance is a TEAM! When the fax is outta paper, we’re ALL outta paper! We don’t steal paper from the Xerox machine! Do we?

Worker: (confused) No?

Player: I can’t hear you!!!

Worker: NO SIR!

Player: That’s RIGHT! What do we do?

Worker: Refill the fax with a new ream of paper.

Player: With WHAT?

Worker: (louder but nervous) A new ream of pa-per!!

Player: That’s right!

How much less waste would we have in the office if someone like Terry Tate - Office Linebacker were in the building? 3

Our third player got a job in construction. Physical work outdoors, he thought, would be a good fit and help keep him in shape.

Foreman: Wow! This football player was a great hire. Look at him. Here at 5 am. In shape. He’s carrying twice the materials around that the other guys do. And he keeps working till after dark. You know, with this guy around, we really don’t need Frank anymore. Call Frank in. Tell him to bring his hard hat.

Secretary: (on the phone) Frank? The foreman would like to see you.

Frank: You wanted to see me?

Foreman: Frank we appreciate all of your hard work for National Construction, but with the new guy around doing twice the work, we have to let ya go.

Frank: WHAT?

Foreman: Now, there will still be opportunities for you to lay bricks. I have some contacts across town at United Construction I can reach out to. I’ll need your hard hat.

Poor Frank is competing with the big boys, now. 4 

So, as you can see, the lockout is turning everyone's world upside down. Let’s hope Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith can iron out their wrinkles soon, or the NFL and, in fact, the world as we know it may change, and not for the better!





1) Image from astorandblackblog.com
2) image from footlocker.com
3) Image from thewallofbadass.com; Terry Tate - Office Lineback is a ficttuous character and is a trademark and intellectual property of Reebok.
4) Image from usatoday.com

Super Bowl XLV Reflections

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The 2010 NFL Season has concluded and the Green Bay Packers are the Super Bowl Champions. The first champion of the 2010s, the Packers ran a gauntlet in December and January to reach the big game. Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his team outplayed, outcoached, and outmanned a Pittsburgh Steelers team than many had begun to crown after Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s return from a four game suspension in October.

I could go over stats and Xs and Os but who cares? It does not change the Packers win. And other than the turnover battle, stats and schemes tell very little of the story of this championship contest. Pittsburgh turned the ball over three times, including a Nick Collins interception returned for a touchdown while Green Bay did not turn the ball over.

However, there were a number of noteworthy and telling points in Super Bowl XLV. There were not many “turning points” in the game in the traditional sense. The Packers never trailed. However, there were a number of “defining moments” that played a major role in determining the outcome of the game.

Turnovers, Turnovers, Turnovers

One of my all-time favorite NFL head coaches, Jim Mora, Sr. (Saints, Colts) often said, “The only statistic that matters is ‘turnovers’.” That appeared to ring true in Super Bowl XLV. One of the most significant determinants was a turnover that did not happen. Early in the game, Tramon Williams of the Packers muffed a punt when a teammate inadvertently made contact with him. Williams managed to recover the ball when it appeared that a Steelers player was able to touch the ball on the ground first. Green Bay responded soon after by scoring a touchdown. Less than a minute later, Collins scored a touchdown off of a Roethlisberger interception. The Steelers were in a big, early hole. The Steelers, who lost by a touchdown, dug a crater sized hole by losing the turnover battle and did nothing to bridge the gap of the impact of the turnover battle on the game by turning the ball over two more times.

Nick Collins celebrates a pick six. 2

Quarterback Battle

Big Ben usually thrives on defensive pressure and makes opponents pay. Not in the Super Bowl, though.... 3

Super Bowl XLV MVP Aaron Rodgers had plenty to smile about, hi-fiving a fan in celebration. 4

Roethlisberger was efficient and adequate. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sharp and clutch. This, frankly, was the opposite of what I expected to see. Rodgers looked like the signal caller who had been to the Super Bowl and won twice before. Roethlisberger, while not bad overall, never appeared to be able to raise his level of play above that of everyone else on the field. The bottom line is that Aaron Rodgers and his teammates, when they had to make a play, made plays to sustain drives, nearly every time the situation arose. The Steelers only appeared to connect in pivotal situations after halftime, and not when the game was on the line in the final minute. Games between evenly matched teams are almost always decided by a clear winner at the quarterback position and, if football were boxing, Aaron Rodgers won by unanimous decision.

Too Big a Hole; Too Little, Too Late

Pittsburgh fell too far behind too quickly to have any more than a slim chance to win the Super Bowl. The record for the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history is held by two teams, tied for the record of 10 points; the Washington Redskins came back to beat the Denver Broncos in super Bowl XXII and the New Orleans Saints, a year ago, came back from the same deficit to beat the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. The Steelers fell into a 14 point hole in the first quarter, growing to an 18 point gap just before the two minute warning in the first half.

Unlike regular season games, playoff games, especially the Super Bowl, involve the best of the best teams. The gaps in talent between any two playoff teams facing each other are usually very slim. When one team falls into an early hole, even if it outplays its opponent down the stretch, it is extremely difficult to completely bridge the early gap in the score because the opponent is not going to lie dormant.

Off Color Commercials

This has nothing to do with the game itself, but the commercials in the Super Bowl broadcast are often one of the more interesting elements of the event. I saw more slapstick and toilet humor, with cans of Pepsi Max being hurled by jealous girlfriends and into groins and teleflorists using breast jokes to sell flowers. Yes, such low common denominator humor is as old as time and will always garner someone’s attention, but commercials of Super Bowls past have involved far more creativity with far fewer technological tools available to produce them.  

Love hurts. 7

Madden NFL 11

It Is Better to Receive than to Give the Ball Away

Rashard Mendenhall's big fumble in the fourth quarter may have been the separator put the Packers out of reach of the Steelers. 5

Packers wide receivers Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson were not perfect. As a team, the Packers had several dropped passes. Football, however, is a game in which there will typically be over 100 plays from scrimmage, yet, often, a small handful of plays can swing the momentum and influence the outcome of a game. The Nelson dropped a couple of passes that could have crippled the Steelers, yet he made up for missed opportunities by redeeming himself with big plays. Greg Jennings made two clutch catches, for touchdowns, that put multiple score space between the Packers and Steelers.

The Steelers, on the other hand, came very close, on numerous occasions, to relieving the pressure of its scoring deficit to the Packers, but could never cut the margin to any less than three points. Too many times, the Steelers could not convert on third down. Too often, a receiver was slightly overthrown downfield. Too often, the Steelers gave the ball to their opponents before it could get its motor revved.

The Difference Between Champions and Runner Ups

When the game was done, the Packers were six points better than the Steelers. Both teams fought hard. Both teams could have had a different outcome had they executed certain plays differently than they had, a better outcome for the Steelers, a worse outcome for the Packers. However, football is a game of inches and there are no do overs in the postseason. When the rubber hit the road, the Packers had enough to stand out above the Steelers and stand out from the rest of the NFL.

Dynasty?

Every time a new Super Bowl Champion is crowned, the sports media quickly speculates on whether or not that team can repeat. The NFL has had three different champions in the past three seasons, the Packers, Saints, and Steelers with young nuclei that will remain intact for several years to come.  In addition, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have, minimally (barring serious injury), three high-level seasons remaining in their careers, if not more.  There is also a team that plays its game in New Jersey coached by a big colorful character named Rex Ryan with enormous championship potential, dynasty potential. Let us also not forget about quarterbacks Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers and Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons. These rising stars are capable of leading teams to a championship. Finally, the Baltimore Ravens, while racing against Father Time in some positions, appear to be at the doorstep of returning to the Super Bowl.

There have only been eight repeat Super Bowl wins by seven franchises in the history of the NFL (’67 Packers, ’73 Dolphins, ’75 Steelers, ’79 Steelers, ’89 49ers, ’93 Cowboys, ’98 Broncos, ’04 Patriots). The prospect of any team repeating in any sport, ever, is a bleak one due to the competitive nature of professional sports, particularly in the NFL, in which there is a salary cap and larger market teams cannot simply spend at will to force smaller market teams out of contention (cough…baseball…cough).

While I think it is very possible that this team of Packers could win another championship in the next 5 years, the Saints, Steelers, and the aforementioned teams are equally viable. The odds of a Packers repeat, no matter what improvements are made in the offseason, are not probable. What I do expect from the Packers, along with the other major players mentioned, is that those teams will be a competitive force with the potential to reach the Super Bowl in each of the next several seasons.

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Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhttrick.info


1) Image from homedepot.com
2) Image from huffingtonpost.com via Associated Press
3) Image from abc24.com
4) Image from businessinsider.com
5) Image from espn.com
6) Image from nola.com
7) Image from bvonmoney.com

Must See Sports - First Weekend of February, 2011

Due to some unavoidable obstacles, The Daily Hat Trick could not publish Must See Sports on its usual Thursday spot. Have no fear! The Daily Hat Trick is back in the saddle!


Thursday, February, 3, 2011

Miami Heat at Orlando Magic

Obviously, I am a tad late on this one, but it was all it was cracked up to be. This game is becoming a fierce rivalry and LeBron is pulling his weight in these battles. The Eastern Conference is back, folks.

Heat 104
Magic 100
FINAL

LeBron James: 51 points

Superman and The King: brining the relevance back to the East 1

Friday, February 4, 2011

Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics

The Mavs and Celtics battle in this nationally televised match. While not probable, it is a possible preview of the NBA Finals. The Mavericks appear to be back on track after experiencing a slump last month in the absence of forward Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki recently surpassed the 20,000 career points plateau and there is no reason to think he will slow down by tonight.

That said; the Celtics are healthy. They are hot. They are very tough to beat at home. While not a game breaking player, forward Peja Stojakovic is not traveling with the team and is not expected to make his debut with the Mavericks until Monday, at the earliest. When at a disadvantage, a catch and shoot guy on the perimeter could make a difference. Barring poor execution, I do not see Dallas ripping this game away in Bean Town.

Advantage: Celtics


Saturday, February 5, 2011

Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Hornets

Yes, I am getting my homer on. I am getting my Hornets on, too, tomorrow night. Yours truly stops at nothing to bring you close to the action and the Hat Trick will be on location for this Western Conference showdown. Alright...I bought tickets and I may as well take some notes and pictures. I fessed up. Happy?

This is a game that both teams need as both teams, strong contenders in the West, have dropped games in the past week that they had within their grasps. The Lakers lost a game to the league-best San Antonio Spurs on an Antonio McDyess put back with 0.3 seconds remaining as time expired. The Hornets dropped games to a then conference-worst Sacramento Kings.

Kobe appears frustrated to a point bordering on anger and the Hornets are banged up, with point guard Chris Paul playing on a tweaked ankle and center Emeka Okafor out with a strained oblique muscle. The Black Mamba always seems to, for whatever reason, step his game up and bite the Bees at The Hive, no matter how well or poorly the other nine players are performing on the court.

Advantage: Lakers

I love watching Kobe play in person but I hate how he impacts the final score when I see him in New Orleans. 2

NCAA Men's College Basketball
Kentucky Wildcats (11) at Florida Gators (23)

The Florida Gators are in first place in the SEC East and, at this point in the season, it would be unfair of me to call Florida's standing "smoke and mirrors". But as I look at the record, the schedule, the statistical rankings, and the results, I cannot help but think Florida's bubble is going to burst. They hook up with the division rival Kentucky Wildcats in a late, 9:00 EST start on ESPN.

The Gators earned a quality win at Vanderbilt earlier this week. However, Florida only has one win over an opponent with a winning SEC record (the Bruce Pearl-less Tennessee Volunteers). The Gators are ranked lower than 100 in the NCAA in points, assists, and field goal percentage. Their second leading scorer, guard Kenny Boynton, is shooting 36% from the field.

In contrast, Kentucky is a game and a half back of Florida in the East. The Wildcats have had some questionable losses, dropping games to Ole Miss and Georgia, but it also has had impressive out of conference wins against Washington, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Indiana, and Louisville. "Diaper Dandy" freshman guards Terrance Jones and Brandon Knight are ready for the NBA now and as the calendar inches closer to March, Kentucky coach John Calipari's teams get increasingly focused. I think the Gator's bubble bursts and the Cats get on track.

Advantage: Kentucky

Dear Gators: Good luck keeping up with Jones. Regards, Reality
Dear NBA: Thanks for the 19 year old age requirement. Regards, Kentucky Coach John Calipari 3

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Sunday offers the following host of must-see sporting events:

National Hockey League
Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals

PGA Golf
Final Round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open

Rugby (Scrum)
Rugby Union - Anglo-Welsh Cup

Dragons vs Scarlets at Newport

Rugby between the Dragons and Scarlets is "must see" for Sunday? C'MON, MAN! 4

YEAH RIGHT, BABY!!!

Super Bowl XLV - Pittsburgh Steelers vs Green Bay Packers

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The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers: to quote NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, "THAT is FOOTBALL!"

Neither of these teams had had the glamorous level of media exposure enjoyed by the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, or Philadelphia Eagles in 2010. Regardless, I think the football gods got this one right. I think, all factors considered proportionately, the Steelers are the best of the AFC and the Packers are the best of the NFC. That is not always the case with the Super Bowl.

The Daily Hat Trick will go into greater depth of the game itself over the weekend. What I find most intriguing about this Super Bowl is the apparent lack of intrigue. I have heard more about Steelers rookie Pro Bowl center Maurkice Puncey'sRoethlisberger scandal questions do not count), the coaches, the fans, the journey of the teams, or any human interest stories.

The 21st century, 24 hour media knows how to sell. This pattern of coverage tells me that people really are not as interested in the two teams involved as they typically are for a Super Bowl. The Steelers are not sexy. But if you are a true football fan, they are very relevant, whether you like them or not. The Packers are not sexy. But their QB is going to bring the "sexy back" to Titletown that left with Brett Favre. Then again, perhaps it was just "sexual harassment" that left Green Bay with the Ol' Gunslinger?

Yes, I'm reaching, here. But the sands of Favre's time on this blog are slipping as I think he is really retiring this time around. No Favre...no Jenn. Men, you want more Jenn; admit it. Ladies: thank you for tolerating Jenn this season. You can count on your hands the number of times you'll see this young woman again. Okay, maybe your fingers.... Maybe a toe or two.... 6

Las Vegas likes Green Bay, but I think the QB battle is what will tip the nearly even scales. Roethlisberger has been there and done that. A-Rodg is JUST beginning to emerge from the shadow of #4, who we are still discussing even though he and his team have long since been out of this year's Super Bowl picture.

Advantage: Steelers

Say what you want about Big Ben (middle), but THIS hottie can NOT accuse him of doing anything unsolicited! 7 

Other noteworthy events:
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics

These teams hook up in a nationally televised game on ABC before the Super Bowl. If you tire of the day long pre-game Super Bowl coverage and need actual sports to get you through the day, this may get you by.

Boston is at home. They are almost impossible to beat there. Orlando appears to be a half step behind the elite of the Eastern Conference, in light of its recent home loss and surrender of 51 points to LeBron James and the Heat. Superman will need to be super to walk out of the TD Garden with a win.

Advantage: Celtics

NCAA Men's College Basketball
Ohio State Buckeyes (1) at Minnesota Golden Gophers

This is a big matchup in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes try to remain unbeaten in the house of a talented, but struggling Minnesota team, badly in need of a conference win. Good luck slowing down freshman forward Jared Sullinger (18 PPG 10 RPG) on his way to the Big Ten title (and the NBA). The game is nationally televised on ESPN at 2pm EST.

Advantage: Ohio State


Monday, February 7, 2011

NCAA Men's College Basketball
Missouri Tigers (15) vs Kansas Jayhawks (2)

Big battle in the Big XII. Kansas (2nd in Big XII) brings the "Morris Brothers" show, Marcus Morris (17 PPG 7 RPG) and Markieff Morris (13 PPG 9 RPG) back home to Lawrence to take on a Missouri team whose standing in the Big XII (7th place) is slipping quickly. Missouri is a good team in a tough conference and, prior to Wednesday, could rebut, to its critics, that it has several quality wins, in and out of conference, only losses were against tough competition. However, a loss to Oklahoma State (2-5 in the conference prior to Wednesday's game) not only put Missouri further back in the Big XII race, but, paired with a loss to Kansas on Monday, may jeopardize its Top 25 ranking and possible seeding in the Big Dance next month.

Advantage: Kansas

1) Image from theglobeandmail.com
2) Image from nationalgeographic.com
3) Image from sec.floridatoday.com
4) Image from rugbymeansdiamond.blogspot.com
5) Image from sportsosphere.com
6) Image from maximonline.com
7) Image from drunkathlete.com

And Then There Were Two

Good Monday morning, Hat Trick readers! Today, I have a comprehensive, Xs and Os break down of some big matchups in the National Hockey League. We are going to cover a little Australian Open this morning (in which Americans have been ridden out on a rail). Also, we will touch on some Euro league soccer.

Anyone for tennis? 1

PSYCHE!

Obviously, football is not the only thing, but it is everything right now. The conference championship games were unusual, but entertaining. When the dust finally settled, as many, myself included, expected, the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers survived and advanced to play in Super Bowl XLV in North Texas in two weeks.

Both victors bent, but did not break after jumping out to comfortable, multi-score, early leads. The Green Bay Packers did not reinvent the wheel. They played their game and did not make mistakes. Eventually, even the best defenses, including that of the Bears, will leave a small window of opportunity and Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were able to squeeze through when the opportunities presented themselves. Offense gets a “C”; defense gets a “B”; coaching gets an “A” for the Packers. Defensive tackle BJ Raji gets a 7.5 for his end zone jiggle.

Teach me how to "Raji"...teach-teach me how to "Raji"! 2

This game was unusual on a number of fronts. The road team, a sixth seed, was favored in this game. In spite of the cold weather, I was surprised to see that there were only 14 points scored between both teams in the first three quarters of play. However, the most unusual outcome of this game is that the biggest story of the 2010 NFC Championship Game had nothing to do with anyone on the winning team.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was ineffective for much of the entire day. In the third quarter, Cutler was removed from the game and replaced by Todd Collins. Cutler suffered an unspecified knee injury at some point prior to his removal. Cutler was seen on the sidelines walking, without crutches, triggering a multitude of critical remarks from current and former players and the media. An image of fans burning Jay Cutler’s jersey, after the game, was broadcast on television. Good thing he did not announce he was taking his talents to South Beach. They may have burned his house down!

LeBron: "Good! Gooood! People aren't talking about me! Goood! They're burning Cutler's house down? Goood! People aren't talking about me. 4

Bears linebacker and defensive captain Brian Urlacher vociferously defended Cutler and Cutler’s toughness. For me, frankly, that is all I need to see. I find it ridiculous that a bunch of talking heads in the media, many of whom never played organized football at any level, have the gall to call into question the heart of one of the NFL’s better quarterbacks, a quarterback who has been sacked nearly 100 times in the past two seasons and only missed one game during his tenure with the Bears. I am disappointed that so many of Cutler’s fellow NFL player comrades called the quarterback’s heart and toughness into question without speaking to the man and having any idea what the type and extent of Cutler’s injury was. I am buying what Cutler is selling until I see lemons.



Is it just me, or does anyone else think Lovie Smith looks a little like James Evans from "Good Times"?
Lovie: "DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!"

 In the American Football Conference, the stars of sports media in the 2010 season, the New York Jets, led by their coach, the round mound of soundbites, Rex Ryan, traveled to Heinz Field to face the AFC North champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh was favored, but, out of the gates, the game appeared to be a rout, with the Steelers scoring the first 24 points of the game. The Jets battled back and had several opportunities to tie the score or take the lead, with the Jets defense holding the Steelers scoreless after the Steelers’ initial outburst of first half points.

The New York Jets, Coach Ryan, and quarterback Mark Sanchez demonstrated, to me, that they are still not ready for prime time. The Jets are a very talented team with, who I believe is, the best “player’s coach” in the NFL. However, the Jets, early in the game, appeared to lack the type of focus demonstrated in the divisional round game at the New England Patriots.

JETS Suck! Suck! Suck! Shirt (Extra Extra Large)

I think that Pittsburgh, candidly, is a better team than New England, pound for pound, in spite of the regular season records. I understand why the Jets were fueled by intense emotion before and after the Patriots game, given the recent histories surrounding those two franchises. What I do not understand is how a coach as talented as Ryan could allow his team to play in a championship game on the road, against a tougher opponent in the Steelers, with so little focus. The Jets clearly did not suffer from a failure to prepare, as they clearly “snapped out of ‘it’” (whatever “it” was) after halftime. An unprepared team cannot snap out of anything because they would be ill-equipped to face their opponent.

 I guess he'll need a snack, and a new headset.

(Video from YouTube)

The Jets are not ready for prime time. On third and goal from inside the Steelers three yard line with a chance to cut the lead to seven points, instead of trusting the strengths of the team (the offensive line and the running game), the Jets elected to pass, nearly resulting in an interception. Sanchez had the options of checking down at the line of scrimmage, tucking the ball and attempting to run into the end zone, looking for another read, or simply throwing the ball away. In spite of playing impressively in the playoffs in his short career, I cannot help but think that a more experienced quarterback, such as his Steelers counterpart, Ben Roethlisberger, would have made a more sound decision and come away with six points after such a drive. The Jets are not ready for prime time.

Two QBs: One on the rise and one at the peek. 5

This leaves us with the two teams that have weathered the storm better than any other teams in their respective conferences. I think the playoff process got this Super Bowl correct and the two best teams to represent the NFC and AFC are playing in the big game. One team has a young coach, 38 year old Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who is achieving well beyond his years, shooting for his second Super Bowl championship in his fourth year as an NFL head coach. One team has an elite quarterback, in Roethlisberger, who, in spite of his well publicized personal shortcomings, knows how to win and will rely on his toughness to get his team over the hurdle, if necessary.

The other team has an emerging young quarterback, possibly playing the position, at the moment, at a higher level than anyone else. It has a group of experienced veteran receivers, particularly Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, who do not, literally nor figuratively, drop the ball. It has a cast of athletic defensive players that appear to have completely gelled as a unit and are as deceptive in presentation and crisp in execution as any defense in the NFL.

This should be a fantastic matchup. The Super Bowl is America’s signature entertainment event, and television ratings overwhelmingly support that claim. Super Bowls with bad, one sided matchups are still bonanzas for television networks and advertisers. This contest contains enough storylines, personal stories of achievement, and sub-plots to fill a series of novels. I will withhold my personal prediction of the winner (which is worth no more than the paper on which one can print it) until next week, after more of the background scouting and analysis has been presented by the media. But, to quote a memorable playoff personality, Jets linebacker Bart Scott, “CAN’T WAIT!!!”

CAN'T WAIT! 6

1,4) Image from huffingtonpost.com
2,3) Image from espn.com
5) Image from Yahoo! Sports
6) Image from frontburner.dmagazine.com

Must See Sports - Fourth Weekend of January, 2011

It is that time of the week, again. Time to gather 'round the fire, roast a few marshmallows on a stick, and let your old Uncle Eric guide you through the never ending menu of sports coming up this week. Or you can just read the following.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Dallas Mavericks at Chicago Bulls

This just in: DIRK IS BACK! And not a moment too soon for Mavericks fans.... The Mavs finally, and convincingly, ended an uncharacteristically horrendous skid, having lost 9 of their past 11 (please keep the 9/11 conspiracy theories to yourselves, guys) including six straight heading into last night's game, a win at home against the Los Angeles Lakers. Forward Dirk Nowitzki had 14 points and 8 rebounds and Jason Kidd, apparently after drinking from the fountain of youth, had 21 points, including 5 of 8 from downtown, and 10 assists to take down the Lake Show.

I'm ba-ack! 1

The Bulls, while comfortably in first place in the Central Division, are in a dogfight for seeding in the Eastern Conference playoffs with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, and Orlando Magic. Every game counts for the Bulls as they trail the first place Celtics by 4.5 games and lead the fifth place Magic by a single game.

Coming off of an upset loss at home to the Charlotte Bobcats, the Bulls can ill-afford to help their Eastern Conference competitors gain any ground. Derrick Rose continues to play consistent, high octane offensive basketball and the Bulls will need it against a Mavericks team with renewed confidence. Good teams tend to be more sharply focused after an upset loss. The opposite is often true for teams coming off of a big win. The Bulls are also at home.

Advantage: Bulls

Friday, January 21, 2011

Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets

I typically try to avoid mentioning a team more than once in this segment, but the Lakers are the Lakers and the "Melo-drama" unfolding in Denver is too interesting to ignore. New Jersey Nets Owner Mikhail Prokhorov recently announced that the Nets would discontinue its efforts to acquire Nuggets superstar forward Carmelo Anthony in a trade. As Nets minority owner Jay-Z might say, "On to the Next One".

Last night, Melo responded to the speculation that he was "distracted" by dropping 35 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and stealing the ball 3 times from the Northwest Division leading Oklahoma City Thunder, saying it was "personal" (gotta love the Rex Ryan influence on all sports). I do not think Melo will need much outside motivation to prepare for The Black Mamba (Kobe Bryant) , The Candyman (Lamar Odom), and "Boom Boom" Pau Gasol (yes, I made that up).

Both teams have been less consistent in execution than they have been in recent years. However, the Lakers "inconsistency" has them still in first place in the Pacific Division while the Nuggets are in seventh place in the Western Conference playoff race. Still, the Pepsi Center in Denver is a very difficult place to win on the road and, trade rumors, "distractions" or otherwise, Carmelo appears to be sharply focused.

Advantage: Nuggets

Prokhorov sounds like Ernst Stavro Blofeld from the James Bond movies saying, "Goodbye, Mr. Bond!"

Video Source: YouTube

Saturday, January 22, 2011

NCAA Men's College Basketball

Villanova Wildcats (7) at Syracuse Orange (3)

If you are a college basketball fanatic, this Saturday will be like Christmas for you. There are several great matchups on the schedule, however, this Big East battle stands out. Syracuse had its first loss of the season handed to them by the (increasingly) hot and convincing #4 University of Pittsburgh Panthers.

Villanova is coming off of its first Big East loss, a nailbiter, to Connecticut. Led by versatile senior point guard Corey Fisher and coach Jim Wright, Nova is in the Big East mix, as usual, and has a golden opportunity to establish a foothold in the conference race.

This game is a toss up. I would not bet money on this one. Hmm.... Syracuse is at home. Their point guard is named "Scoop".

Advantage: Syracuse

Scoooooo-oop! 2

Kansas State Wildcats (24) at Texas A&M Aggies (10)

The Aggies basketball program is as strong as it has ever been at this point in the season, winning 16 of its first 17 games, including its first three in the Big XII. A&M suffered its first conference loss yesterday, a whipping at the hands of the Texas Longhorns. In contrast, Kansas State appears to have lost some of its (head coach) Frank Martin inspired mojo, with a 1-3 start in Big XII play. Questionable shot selection, shoddy defensive play, and foolish turnovers appear to be plaguing the Wildcats.

ANY game with K-State coach Frank Martin is worth watching! 3 

I believe in Martin and I think they have an on court leader in senior guard Jacob Pullen. I also think K-State will snap out of this self-inflicted funk. The Aggies are ripe for the picking, as the loss to Texas may have put a dent in their confidence. However, the Aggies are at home and K-State simply appears off of its game as a team.

Advantage: Texas A&M

Other noteworthy NCAA Men's Basketball games on Saturday:

Ohio State Buckeyes (1) at Illinois Illini (22) Advantage: Ohio State

Texas Longhorns (11) at Kansas Jayhawks (2) Advantage: Kansas

Michigan State Spartans (18) at Purdue Boilermakers (13) Advantage: Michigan State

Sunday, January 23, 2011

I am sure that many of you scrolled down to this date and I cannot blame you. The NFC and AFC Championship games both have the makings of classics that could live in NFL lore for years to come.

2010 NFC Championship Game

Green Bay Packers (12-6) at Chicago Bears (12-5)

Aaron Rodgers and the hopes of Cheeseheads everywhere travel to Soldier Field to take on the Monsters of the Midway. While the Packers and Bears are the NFL's oldest rivalry, with both teams having participated in a combined six Super Bowls and several NFL Championship games (prior to the Super Bowl era), this is the first time the two rivals have met in the postseason since the 1941 Western Division championship playoff, en route to the Bears' league championship that season.

Aaron Rodgers is playing the quarterback position better than any other QB in the NFL at this moment. Better than Tom Brady...better than Peyton Manning...better than Drew Brees...better than Ben Roethlisberger. A-Rodg is executing as crisply as I have seen a signal caller do so in the postseason. The Packers are playing smart, deceptive, but disciplined defense and, the most surprising element to me, they are running the football with authority in the postseason.

The Bears, in my opinion, have faced very few tough tests this season. The Seattle Seahawks were not a tough test, regardless of any media spin. Quarterback Jay Cutler looks razor sharp at times and, at other times (often the most inopportune times), makes decisions that could make a pee wee league coach smack his forehead. I am not suggesting that Cutler cannot win this big game. I am saying that I have yet to see it, nor concrete evidence of the probability of it, on any comparable stage. The Bears' defense will be a problem for Rodgers. Bears defensive end Julius Peppers allows the Bears front four to dictate the direction of the line play and frees up the linebackers to focus on its primary responsibilities.

If Matt Forte can be effective running the football early in the game, this could shape up into low scoring dogfight for every single yard of field position. My confidence in the Bears offensive line and Jay Cutler's decisions, under pressure, are not as great as my confidence in Rodgers, and a focused Packers defense led by rookie cornerback Tramon Williams and linebackers Clay Matthews III and A.J. Hawk. Home field is not everything (clearly, in this postseason), and it could shape up to be nothing if the Packers get out of the gates early.

Advantage: Packers

2010 AFC Championship Game

New York Jets (13-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4)

Let me be very clear on one point. The natural, unscripted drama, hype, theater, heated personal dialog, and raw emotion demonstrated by the players, coaches, and fans for the divisional playoff game between the Jets and New England Patriots last week cannot possibly be exceeded by any other game in this post season, including the upcoming Super Bowl. That matchup was as titanic a fight for manhood, pride, respect, and survival as there could have possibly been, given the opponents, their histories, and the personalities involved.

I have made no secret that, among teams that are not my Saints, New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan is my favorite coach because of how he motivates his players and speaks his mind, making the Jets the most fun team, not my own, for me to follow. I expect a great game between two teams with very tough, physical defenses.

HOWEVER, when I compare the soundbites in this week's press conferences to those of last week, I am waiting for "Kumbayah" to start playing in the background! I understand that Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin  and Ryan are friends, with a great degree of respect and admiration for one another, but COME ON! You are the "(expletive) New York Jets" and not some "slap(stick)" team and this is FOOTBALL! Give us some red meat, Rex. Give us a "Goddamn snack"! You are starving us here!!!

CAN'T WAIT? Coulda fooled me! 5

I mean...Big Ben Roethlisberger crediting the Jets for having a good, confusing defense and saying, "I don't know how I'm going to do it,"? Jets WR Santonio Holmes calling Steelers safety Troy Polamalu the greatest player he has ever seen in person?? Ryan saying that Tomlin is one of his favorite coaches and Tomlin replying, "I love Rex,"??? I got a little excited when Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor said he would "lay out" Holmes, only to follow it up by saying he loved the man like a brother. These are the Steelers and Jets???? Yes, that is Jim Mora-esqe "playoffs" incredulity you would hear in my voice if I were speaking. COME ON MAN!!!

Who are you and what have you done with Rex Ryan? 4

Alright, I tried my best to hype up the disappointing lack of hype. The Steelers are at home and while Mark Sanchez appears to rise to a new level and be in a zone of superlative focus during the playoffs, I think quarterback play will tip the scales in this matchup between two lockdown defenses and strong running games. Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl rings and, as if it were possible, appears to be getting BETTER in big games and in high pressure situations. I think think Sanchez needs to grow some more and demonstrate more consistency throughout the entire season before he marches his team into the Big Ketchup Bottle and knocks off the Steelers on his way to the Super Bowl.

Advantage: Steelers



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1) Image from dailytitan.com
2) Image from orangehoops.org
3) Image from ballinisahbit.net
4) Image from daylife.com
5) Image from ESPN via YouTube