Who will win? The team with the best defense, the Steelers, or the team that can get rid of the ball just fast enough to beat the team with the best defense by running multiple slants, the Cardinals? Hard to say. Let's see what Carl of Aqua Teen has to say.
The Steelers? Well, if Carl says it, then it must be true. To be honest, though, I'm kind of pulling for a Cardinals upset. However, I'm only pulling for an upset if the game plays out as follows . . .
1) Kurt Warner gets injured on first play from scrimmage;
2) Matt Leinart comes in;
3) Leinart throws for 350 yards;
4) Leinart throws for 4 TDs; and
5) Leinart wins MVP.
As a side note, he doesn't necessarily have to throw for 350 and 4TDs, he just needs to dominate. I'm not picky, but I'd prefer the 350 with 4 scores. As for the MVP, it is a must. If he doesn't dominate, then it's all for naught.
Why am I pulling for this? As you know, I am sick and tired of hearing that Kurt Warner is a Hall of Famer. If he gets hurt and Leinart comes in and plays exceedingly well, then it is proof that Warner's great play is more a result of those around him than his actual ability. And if that does happen, then Warner does not get into the Hall of Fame.
GO CARDS!!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Joe Torre to Yanks: Frack You
I must say that I find the reports about Joe Torre bashing the Yankees in his new book hilarious. Let's set the stage for why I find this funny . . .
Since the Yanks won their last World Series, the franchise has made several stupid decisions that have come back to haunt them. To-wit:
1) Letting Andy Pettite go (before bringing him back);
2) Signing A-Rod;
3) Signing Randy Johnson;
4) Signing Jaret Wright;
5) Signing Carl Pavano;
6) Signing Matsui;
7) Signing Johnny Over The Hill Damon . . .
Well, you get the idea. Offering Torre a pay cut and a one-year contract was the perfect example of how stupid the Yankees have become. You don't force out a manager who took you to the postseason 12 years in a row. Sure, maybe the team failed to accomplish anything, but that was hardly Torre's fault. It was the fault of the organization for putting so much money into pitchers and players who were either not that good or well past their prime (you see that they learned their lesson with this year's free agent spending spree). The fact that some of those teams made it the postseason was remarkable. And Torre deserved nothing but respect for getting those sub-par teams to the playoffs. A manager who wins three World Series deserves a lot more than a pay cut and a one-year contract.
I'm glad to see that Torre is striking back and calling out the Yankees for dumb move after dumb move.
Man, looking at that list of those free agent signings, I can't begin to understand how Brian Cashman has managed to keep his job all these years. Looks like yet another dumb move by the Yankees . . .
Since the Yanks won their last World Series, the franchise has made several stupid decisions that have come back to haunt them. To-wit:
1) Letting Andy Pettite go (before bringing him back);
2) Signing A-Rod;
3) Signing Randy Johnson;
4) Signing Jaret Wright;
5) Signing Carl Pavano;
6) Signing Matsui;
7) Signing Johnny Over The Hill Damon . . .
Well, you get the idea. Offering Torre a pay cut and a one-year contract was the perfect example of how stupid the Yankees have become. You don't force out a manager who took you to the postseason 12 years in a row. Sure, maybe the team failed to accomplish anything, but that was hardly Torre's fault. It was the fault of the organization for putting so much money into pitchers and players who were either not that good or well past their prime (you see that they learned their lesson with this year's free agent spending spree). The fact that some of those teams made it the postseason was remarkable. And Torre deserved nothing but respect for getting those sub-par teams to the playoffs. A manager who wins three World Series deserves a lot more than a pay cut and a one-year contract.
I'm glad to see that Torre is striking back and calling out the Yankees for dumb move after dumb move.
Man, looking at that list of those free agent signings, I can't begin to understand how Brian Cashman has managed to keep his job all these years. Looks like yet another dumb move by the Yankees . . .
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Jeff Kent
Jeff Kent retired and now there's some debate as to whether he's a Hall of Famer. His offensive stats are extremely impressive for second basemen. He hit almost 400 home runs, has over 1500 RBI, and has close to 2500 hits. He passes Ryne Sandberg in practically every major offensive category, even batting average, and I think that most people would agree that Sandberg is the yardstick for greatness among second basemen.
However, Kent and defense didn't really go hand-in-hand. Where Sandberg got 9 Gold Gloves, Kent had zero. And Kent, despite his offensive numbers, only managed 4 Silver Sluggers. That shocked me, but not as much as learning that Sandberg had 7, including 5 straight. Sandberg was also a 10 time All-Star, whereas Kent made it half as many times.
At first blush, Kent looks like a Hall of Famer. I mean, all those home runs, hits, and RBI from a second baseman is something that has to be acknowledged by the Hall, right? But if you look at his All-Star appearances, his lack of Gold Gloves, and his few Silver Sluggers, you start to wonder if he is a Hall of Famer after all. Maybe, on further inspection, Kent is more a product of his era. Kent benefited from smaller ball parks, expansion, and watered-down pitching. I don't hard, it's hard to say.
To be honest, I really can't come to an opinion on this one. Thoughts? I can't make up my mind and could use some help. I think that Ted Keith from SI.com is right -- we need more time to evaluate Kent and compare him to other second basemen from his era, just before, and shortly thereafter.
However, Kent and defense didn't really go hand-in-hand. Where Sandberg got 9 Gold Gloves, Kent had zero. And Kent, despite his offensive numbers, only managed 4 Silver Sluggers. That shocked me, but not as much as learning that Sandberg had 7, including 5 straight. Sandberg was also a 10 time All-Star, whereas Kent made it half as many times.
At first blush, Kent looks like a Hall of Famer. I mean, all those home runs, hits, and RBI from a second baseman is something that has to be acknowledged by the Hall, right? But if you look at his All-Star appearances, his lack of Gold Gloves, and his few Silver Sluggers, you start to wonder if he is a Hall of Famer after all. Maybe, on further inspection, Kent is more a product of his era. Kent benefited from smaller ball parks, expansion, and watered-down pitching. I don't hard, it's hard to say.
To be honest, I really can't come to an opinion on this one. Thoughts? I can't make up my mind and could use some help. I think that Ted Keith from SI.com is right -- we need more time to evaluate Kent and compare him to other second basemen from his era, just before, and shortly thereafter.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Kurt Warner Not a Hall of Famer
There has been a lot of debate lately about Kurt Warner being a Hall of Famer for leading the Cardinals into the playoffs. While I think that Kurt Warner has done some amazing things, I must respectfully disagree.
First, I have to admit that Warner did some amazing things in St. Louis. But let's be honest about who was responsible for turning the Rams from pathetic to contender -- MARSHALL FAULK. Those two MVP awards that Warner got in St. Louis were because of Faulk. He was the catalyst of that team. He was not only the running game, but was also an instrumental part of the passing game. While Faulk was shut down running the ball in the Super Bowl against the Titans, he put together 90 receiving yards on 5 catches. That same year, Faulk set an NFL record for yards from scrimmage. That championship was all about Faulk. Warner helped, certainly, but Faulk was the key.
The rest of Warner's career in St. Louis proves my point. With Isaac Bruce slowing down, Az Hakim and Ricky Proehl gone elsewhere, Warner's numbers slipped. Not only that, but with Faulk injured, the Rams fell apart, Warner lost his starting job, and was shipped to the Giants. He didn't do much there and, outside of this year, he has only been slightly above-average in Arizona. This year, too, saw Warner's dependence on those around him. The Cards started out hot, but sputtered when the running game absolutely fell to pieces. The low-point had to be the New England game that saw him get benched for Matt Leinart during a beating that no team should ever have to experience.
But the Cards turned the corner after that beat down and have played surprisingly well the rest of the way. Why? Must be all those TDs that Warner's been throwing to Larry Fitzgerald. Well, um, no, that's not it. Edgerrin James has been given a lot of touches early in the playoff games and, while not doing great, his play has allowed the Cards to control the clock and free up Breaston, the tight ends, and, most important, Fitzgerald. James is more responsible for this turnaround that Warner.
Again, I think that Warner has played great football and done some amazing things. However, as good has he's been, he's not a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback. Let's end the debate right now.
First, I have to admit that Warner did some amazing things in St. Louis. But let's be honest about who was responsible for turning the Rams from pathetic to contender -- MARSHALL FAULK. Those two MVP awards that Warner got in St. Louis were because of Faulk. He was the catalyst of that team. He was not only the running game, but was also an instrumental part of the passing game. While Faulk was shut down running the ball in the Super Bowl against the Titans, he put together 90 receiving yards on 5 catches. That same year, Faulk set an NFL record for yards from scrimmage. That championship was all about Faulk. Warner helped, certainly, but Faulk was the key.
The rest of Warner's career in St. Louis proves my point. With Isaac Bruce slowing down, Az Hakim and Ricky Proehl gone elsewhere, Warner's numbers slipped. Not only that, but with Faulk injured, the Rams fell apart, Warner lost his starting job, and was shipped to the Giants. He didn't do much there and, outside of this year, he has only been slightly above-average in Arizona. This year, too, saw Warner's dependence on those around him. The Cards started out hot, but sputtered when the running game absolutely fell to pieces. The low-point had to be the New England game that saw him get benched for Matt Leinart during a beating that no team should ever have to experience.
But the Cards turned the corner after that beat down and have played surprisingly well the rest of the way. Why? Must be all those TDs that Warner's been throwing to Larry Fitzgerald. Well, um, no, that's not it. Edgerrin James has been given a lot of touches early in the playoff games and, while not doing great, his play has allowed the Cards to control the clock and free up Breaston, the tight ends, and, most important, Fitzgerald. James is more responsible for this turnaround that Warner.
Again, I think that Warner has played great football and done some amazing things. However, as good has he's been, he's not a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback. Let's end the debate right now.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Jon Gruden, Fired.
As a Panthers fan, I must say that I'm actually happy about this. Gruden is a good coach who almost always has his team ready to play at a very high level. That West Coast Offense he runs isn't easy to defend against, either.
I'm not too sure why the Bucs fired Gruden. As it is, they are one year removed from an NFC South Division title and the playoffs. And, despite inconsistency from Gruden teams since the Super Bowl, the Bucs have won two division titles since then and been to the playoffs twice. Further, the Bucs have been overhauling their roster since the Super Bowl victory and suffered through key injuries to QB and RB, two of the most important positions on a team. Where they haven't changed personnel on defense, they are old (see Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber).
And not to question the wisdom of getting rid of Gruden too much, but firing a coach this late after the regular season doesn't make too much sense. The Bucs are behind the eight-ball when it comes to getting the top remaining prospects, and the last time a team fired a coach this late, the Chargers ended up with Norv Turner (not sure how well that will work out come next season), and when Parcells left Dallas so suddenly, the Cowboys ended up with Wade Phillips. Does anyone think that was a good idea? And will anyone ever hire Jason Garrett?
I'm not too sure why the Bucs fired Gruden. As it is, they are one year removed from an NFC South Division title and the playoffs. And, despite inconsistency from Gruden teams since the Super Bowl, the Bucs have won two division titles since then and been to the playoffs twice. Further, the Bucs have been overhauling their roster since the Super Bowl victory and suffered through key injuries to QB and RB, two of the most important positions on a team. Where they haven't changed personnel on defense, they are old (see Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber).
And not to question the wisdom of getting rid of Gruden too much, but firing a coach this late after the regular season doesn't make too much sense. The Bucs are behind the eight-ball when it comes to getting the top remaining prospects, and the last time a team fired a coach this late, the Chargers ended up with Norv Turner (not sure how well that will work out come next season), and when Parcells left Dallas so suddenly, the Cowboys ended up with Wade Phillips. Does anyone think that was a good idea? And will anyone ever hire Jason Garrett?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Bears Kept the Wrong Coordinator
After the Super Bowl in 2006, the Bears made a strange personnel decision and fired their defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. It's a move that I didn't understand at the time, and I certainly don't understand it now. Today, Lovie Smith, the head coach of the Bears, dismissed Rivera's replacement, Bob Babich. Babich inherited a defense that ranked 2nd and 5th under Rivera, and quickly ruined it. The Bears ranked 28th and 21st the last two years. Rivera, however, took over a Chargers defense that was falling apart this year and got it to play at a high level down the stretch and was instrumental in getting the Chargers into the playoffs.
When Rivera was let go, the defense was the heart of a Bears team with a terrible offense. And the man who runs that offense at the time, Ron Turner, has somehow kept his job despite inconsistent play from his quaterbacks while with the Bears. It started with Rex Grossman, and continued with Kyle Orton, who played better than Grossman, but not at a level high enough to keep the Bears in contention for the Super Bowl. Bears fans must be all the more frustrated as a Grossman was a first round draft pick, and Orton was a 4th round pick out of Purdue thought by many to be a steal. Not only that, but Brian Griese, a pretty decent game manager, was with the Bears for two seasons and didn't do much of anything. Given that Griese's strength is in short-passing and keeping the offense on the field, it's bizarre that Turner couldn't use those abilities to get enough production out of an offense that only needed to be slightly below average for the defense to carry the team to a championship.
Do you think that Lovie Smith regrets letting Ron Rivera go and keeping Ron Turner? If I were Lovie Smith, I would.
When Rivera was let go, the defense was the heart of a Bears team with a terrible offense. And the man who runs that offense at the time, Ron Turner, has somehow kept his job despite inconsistent play from his quaterbacks while with the Bears. It started with Rex Grossman, and continued with Kyle Orton, who played better than Grossman, but not at a level high enough to keep the Bears in contention for the Super Bowl. Bears fans must be all the more frustrated as a Grossman was a first round draft pick, and Orton was a 4th round pick out of Purdue thought by many to be a steal. Not only that, but Brian Griese, a pretty decent game manager, was with the Bears for two seasons and didn't do much of anything. Given that Griese's strength is in short-passing and keeping the offense on the field, it's bizarre that Turner couldn't use those abilities to get enough production out of an offense that only needed to be slightly below average for the defense to carry the team to a championship.
Do you think that Lovie Smith regrets letting Ron Rivera go and keeping Ron Turner? If I were Lovie Smith, I would.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Congrats Jim Rice
Finally
Jim Ed Rice, one of the most feared hitters of the late 70's and 80's, finally made a deserved Hall of Fame spot. Red Sox Nation could not be happier.
Another sports thought . . .
Hey Asante Samuel, nice job intercepting Eli Manning and help your Eagles get to the NFC Championship, but I got one questions . .
WHY THE FUCK DID YOU HOLD ONTO THAT ONE AND NOT THE ONE IN THE SUPER BOWL LAST YEAR?
I am Malach and I can't let go
Jim Ed Rice, one of the most feared hitters of the late 70's and 80's, finally made a deserved Hall of Fame spot. Red Sox Nation could not be happier.
Another sports thought . . .
Hey Asante Samuel, nice job intercepting Eli Manning and help your Eagles get to the NFC Championship, but I got one questions . .
WHY THE FUCK DID YOU HOLD ONTO THAT ONE AND NOT THE ONE IN THE SUPER BOWL LAST YEAR?
I am Malach and I can't let go
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Cardinals v. Panthers -- I Was There
A lot of Panthers fans at the game last Saturday were upset. I'm not sure why, but most people I talked to said that it was because of Jake Delhomme's performance. All I can say about that is that I was at the game and I didn't notice anything upsetting.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Tony Dungy and the Playoffs
There has been a lot of debate lately regarding whether Tony Dungy is a bust in the playoffs. That's a difficult debate as the Colts won the Super Bowl a few years back. Also, Dungy got to the AFC Championship twice with the Colts. Sounds impressive, no?
Well, like with most things, the truth is complicated. To understand Dungy's success as a head coach, you have to back to his days in Tampa Bay. When Dungy came to Tampa, the organization was in shambles. He slowly put together an impressive defense and a capable offense. In four short seasons, Dungy had Tampa Bay one questionable reversal away from the Super Bowl. Had it not been for that dubious call, Tampa would have upset the heavily-favored Rams and made it to the Super Bowl against the Titans. After that, though, his team went from 11-5 to 10-6 and then to 9-7, losing twice in the Wild-Card round to the Eagles. Dungy's overall record in the postseason with Tampa Bay was an underwhelming 2-4.
After that, he went to the Colts. The Colts were on the rise, but struggled on defense and, despite having an excellent offense, were unable to put it all together and win consistently. Enter Tony Dungy. The Colts go 10-6 and get back to the playoffs, losing to a far superior Jets team in the Wild-Card round. After that, the Colts make it to the AFC Championship game and lose to a far superior Patriots team. Another 12-4 season ended in a loss to the Pats in the divisional round. After three season in Indianapolis, Dungy had won 3 and lost 3 in the postseason. Not too shabby, not at all.
After his second straight loss to the Pats, Dungy guides the Colts to a 14-2 regular season. But a very impressive season ends in an embarrassing last-second loss to a Steelers team who, while going on to win the Super Bowl, had been inconsistent throughout most of the season and got hot late. Dungy's postseason record with the Colts was 3-4 at that point. Again, nothing to shake a stick at.
And the next season, Dungy got the crowning achievement -- a Super Bowl win. The Colts went 4-0 in the playoffs and beat the Patriots in the AFC Championship game en route to defeating the Bears and taking the Super Bowl. Dungy's record with the Colts improved to 7-4 in the playoffs, and with the defense finally playing to a level necessary to sustain the Colts success, looked poised to create a dynasty. And with Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, and Bob Sanders and Dwight Frenney on defense, one more Super Bowl over the next few years wouldn't be out of the question, and a return to the AFC Championship would be a given.
But that hasn't happened. Since winning the Super Bowl, the Colts have done what they always do under Dungy in the regular season, win a lot more than they lose. The Colts were 13-3 in 2007 and 12-4, thanks to NINE straight wins, this season. But they also suffered two bitter losses to the Chargers in the playoffs; for those of you paying attention, that's an 0-2 record in the postseason. And, in all fairness to the Chargers, the Colts should have won each of those games. The Chargers, coached by Norv Turner the last two years, have been extremely inconsistent in regular season and made the playoffs this year thanks in large part to an historic collapse by the Broncos. The Colts have not won a postseason game since winning the Super Bowl despite putting up an ungodly 25-7 regular season record over that two-year span.
To put up that many wins in two years and fail to make a conference championship, or at least win ONE postseason game, is just unacceptable. Colts fans should be upset about that. While Dungy is a phenomenal coach, he cannot sustain excellence at the championship level. He took Tampa Bay to a high point and the organization fell flat afterwards. The same has happened with the Colts. The Colts won the Super Bowl that Tampa Bay never did. It was an amazing moment that Dungy and the Colts had been waiting a long time for.
But it is unlikely that Dungy will be able to return to that level. His postseason career involves SIX one-and-dones. SIX. If you take out the 2006 season, Dungy's postseason record is a miserable 5-10. That is not a sign of sustained excellence; it is a sign of underachieving. If the Colts want another Super Bowl, Dungy is not the man to bring it to them. Dungy is a very good coach, but he is certainly not great. He is not a Bellichick, not a Parcells, not a Cowher, nor a Holmgren.
That being said, if Dungy does come back for another year and wins a Super Bowl, I will gladly eat crow.
Well, like with most things, the truth is complicated. To understand Dungy's success as a head coach, you have to back to his days in Tampa Bay. When Dungy came to Tampa, the organization was in shambles. He slowly put together an impressive defense and a capable offense. In four short seasons, Dungy had Tampa Bay one questionable reversal away from the Super Bowl. Had it not been for that dubious call, Tampa would have upset the heavily-favored Rams and made it to the Super Bowl against the Titans. After that, though, his team went from 11-5 to 10-6 and then to 9-7, losing twice in the Wild-Card round to the Eagles. Dungy's overall record in the postseason with Tampa Bay was an underwhelming 2-4.
After that, he went to the Colts. The Colts were on the rise, but struggled on defense and, despite having an excellent offense, were unable to put it all together and win consistently. Enter Tony Dungy. The Colts go 10-6 and get back to the playoffs, losing to a far superior Jets team in the Wild-Card round. After that, the Colts make it to the AFC Championship game and lose to a far superior Patriots team. Another 12-4 season ended in a loss to the Pats in the divisional round. After three season in Indianapolis, Dungy had won 3 and lost 3 in the postseason. Not too shabby, not at all.
After his second straight loss to the Pats, Dungy guides the Colts to a 14-2 regular season. But a very impressive season ends in an embarrassing last-second loss to a Steelers team who, while going on to win the Super Bowl, had been inconsistent throughout most of the season and got hot late. Dungy's postseason record with the Colts was 3-4 at that point. Again, nothing to shake a stick at.
And the next season, Dungy got the crowning achievement -- a Super Bowl win. The Colts went 4-0 in the playoffs and beat the Patriots in the AFC Championship game en route to defeating the Bears and taking the Super Bowl. Dungy's record with the Colts improved to 7-4 in the playoffs, and with the defense finally playing to a level necessary to sustain the Colts success, looked poised to create a dynasty. And with Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, and Bob Sanders and Dwight Frenney on defense, one more Super Bowl over the next few years wouldn't be out of the question, and a return to the AFC Championship would be a given.
But that hasn't happened. Since winning the Super Bowl, the Colts have done what they always do under Dungy in the regular season, win a lot more than they lose. The Colts were 13-3 in 2007 and 12-4, thanks to NINE straight wins, this season. But they also suffered two bitter losses to the Chargers in the playoffs; for those of you paying attention, that's an 0-2 record in the postseason. And, in all fairness to the Chargers, the Colts should have won each of those games. The Chargers, coached by Norv Turner the last two years, have been extremely inconsistent in regular season and made the playoffs this year thanks in large part to an historic collapse by the Broncos. The Colts have not won a postseason game since winning the Super Bowl despite putting up an ungodly 25-7 regular season record over that two-year span.
To put up that many wins in two years and fail to make a conference championship, or at least win ONE postseason game, is just unacceptable. Colts fans should be upset about that. While Dungy is a phenomenal coach, he cannot sustain excellence at the championship level. He took Tampa Bay to a high point and the organization fell flat afterwards. The same has happened with the Colts. The Colts won the Super Bowl that Tampa Bay never did. It was an amazing moment that Dungy and the Colts had been waiting a long time for.
But it is unlikely that Dungy will be able to return to that level. His postseason career involves SIX one-and-dones. SIX. If you take out the 2006 season, Dungy's postseason record is a miserable 5-10. That is not a sign of sustained excellence; it is a sign of underachieving. If the Colts want another Super Bowl, Dungy is not the man to bring it to them. Dungy is a very good coach, but he is certainly not great. He is not a Bellichick, not a Parcells, not a Cowher, nor a Holmgren.
That being said, if Dungy does come back for another year and wins a Super Bowl, I will gladly eat crow.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The Real MVP
Is whomever Peter King doesn't vote for.
I didn't understand all the "Peyton Manning is the MVP" talk that started up in the last six weeks or so of the season. Sure, he was playing better, but his defense got healthier as did his receiving corps. That had as much to do with the team's winning streak as did Manning. He also played like garbage at the start of the season and had an awful game late in the season against the Browns. The Browns? Really?
In my mind, the MVP should have been Philip Rivers. He threw for more touchdowns and yards than Manning, threw fewer interceptions, and had a better rating than Manning. Brees had a good argument, but Rivers' team made the playoffs. Michael Turner also had a good argument, but Matt Ryan had a large part in that team's success (although Turner was more important as running the ball and playing good defense wins championships).
Rivers was the key in the Chargers' turnaround from dead in the water to AFC West Division champ. He kept throwing for touchdowns, he kept moving the ball down the field, and he did it all without LT playing well (to say the least), with an inconsistent defense that saw a change at coordinator, and a banged up Antonio Gates who missed A LOT of practice all season. Sure, Rivers can be an immature punk some times, but you can't hate on his ability or on what he accomplished this season.
Manning, however, is the new Brett Favre, the darling of the media who gets all sorts of excuses made for his poor performance (remember the injury rumors early on this year?). While Manning is a great QB, and more consistent and less turnover prone than Favre, he isn't the best QB ever. Heck, he stinks in the postseason record-wise, although this year he put up good numbers in his latest one-and-done performance (and I feel bad for him, the last several years he's played well in the postseason, but his team hasn't gotten it done since winning the Super Bowl).
And who did Manning lose to this year? The same team Manning and the Colts lost to last year, the Chargers. And who is the QB for the Chargers? Who led the team that shut down the Colts in their first and only playoff game this year and last?
Philip Rivers. The real MVP.
I didn't understand all the "Peyton Manning is the MVP" talk that started up in the last six weeks or so of the season. Sure, he was playing better, but his defense got healthier as did his receiving corps. That had as much to do with the team's winning streak as did Manning. He also played like garbage at the start of the season and had an awful game late in the season against the Browns. The Browns? Really?
In my mind, the MVP should have been Philip Rivers. He threw for more touchdowns and yards than Manning, threw fewer interceptions, and had a better rating than Manning. Brees had a good argument, but Rivers' team made the playoffs. Michael Turner also had a good argument, but Matt Ryan had a large part in that team's success (although Turner was more important as running the ball and playing good defense wins championships).
Rivers was the key in the Chargers' turnaround from dead in the water to AFC West Division champ. He kept throwing for touchdowns, he kept moving the ball down the field, and he did it all without LT playing well (to say the least), with an inconsistent defense that saw a change at coordinator, and a banged up Antonio Gates who missed A LOT of practice all season. Sure, Rivers can be an immature punk some times, but you can't hate on his ability or on what he accomplished this season.
Manning, however, is the new Brett Favre, the darling of the media who gets all sorts of excuses made for his poor performance (remember the injury rumors early on this year?). While Manning is a great QB, and more consistent and less turnover prone than Favre, he isn't the best QB ever. Heck, he stinks in the postseason record-wise, although this year he put up good numbers in his latest one-and-done performance (and I feel bad for him, the last several years he's played well in the postseason, but his team hasn't gotten it done since winning the Super Bowl).
And who did Manning lose to this year? The same team Manning and the Colts lost to last year, the Chargers. And who is the QB for the Chargers? Who led the team that shut down the Colts in their first and only playoff game this year and last?
Philip Rivers. The real MVP.
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