After two weeks of so-called experts and reporters breaking down each team's strengths and weaknesses and what Kurt Warner's favorite food is and what Big Ben likes in music and dislikes ...it's nice to have the game just a mere 24+ hours away. I do like the hype to an extent, but once you hit Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Super Bowl weekend...you're ready for the game!
So the stage is set: The flashy Arizona Cardinals (yes the Arizona Cardinals!) take on the tough and rigid Pittsburgh Steelers defense (ranked first in the National Football League). They say 'Defense Wins Championships' which has proven correct a lot in the past, but I have a little hunch. The best defense or the best team doesn't always win the big game. Just check last year's Super Bowl. The undefeated New England Patriots were upset by the New York Giants. How? By one VERY lucky catch by Giants' receiver David Tyree. The whole Patriots season without a single loss faded without any gold due to a single catch. You can't script that. You also can't script a 8-7 Arizona Cardinals team looking putrid losing 47-7 in the ice and snow in Foxboro and then winning every week after that (including the post season) to get to the grandest stage in the NFL (maybe in all of sports). I've said it before on this blog and I'll probably say it again next season, you just can't predict what will happen in the NFL nowadays from week to week.
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January 31, 2009
January 21, 2009
Jake Calenda
The Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets have certainly had their differences in the past on the court. Memorable physical drag-em-out games, down to the wire playoff games with the Jazz being the ones having the upper hand more times than not. However, both teams have had similar problems this season with...
you guessed it from the title...injuries.
The Jazz basically started a bench squad for the majority of the beginning of the season without Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams in the starting mix. Williams came back eventually from an ankle injury while Boozer just had arthroscopic knee surgery 12 days ago.
The Rockets on the other side of the coin have also had their fair share of nagging injuries. Tracy McGrady continues to be out. He's in the middle of his '2 week physical conditioning'. Ron Artest has a ankle injury and has made it clear he's uncertain when he'll be able to return to the court. So the pieces of the puzzle are still up in the air for the 26-16 Houston Rockets.
you guessed it from the title...injuries.
The Jazz basically started a bench squad for the majority of the beginning of the season without Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams in the starting mix. Williams came back eventually from an ankle injury while Boozer just had arthroscopic knee surgery 12 days ago.
The Rockets on the other side of the coin have also had their fair share of nagging injuries. Tracy McGrady continues to be out. He's in the middle of his '2 week physical conditioning'. Ron Artest has a ankle injury and has made it clear he's uncertain when he'll be able to return to the court. So the pieces of the puzzle are still up in the air for the 26-16 Houston Rockets.
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January 20, 2009
Jake Calenda
The stage was officially set after Sunday's two Conference games for the 43rd Super Bowl. The Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers both jumped over their last hurdles to go to the big dance. But don't ask either coach if they'll be satisfied with just making it. They want to win it! I'll bring you a in-depth 7 part preview of the big game as I'll give my prediction on the game on the 7th and final post. So let's get to it! This is the 'intro' post to the 7 part series.
SUPER BOWL XLIII
Arizona Cardinals v. Pittsburgh Steelers
If you would have asked any NFL fan before the season started what they thought the Super Bowl match up would be, most likely they wouldn't have guessed the Arizona Cardinals would be in it. They would have probably predicted a Division winner (since the NFC West is not the toughest division of football) but the Super Bowl? Not so fast right? However the NFL is a wacky sport. It doesn't matter how well you start out or how many big names you have on a team, but instead of chemistry and getting hot at just the right time.
SUPER BOWL XLIII
Arizona Cardinals v. Pittsburgh Steelers
If you would have asked any NFL fan before the season started what they thought the Super Bowl match up would be, most likely they wouldn't have guessed the Arizona Cardinals would be in it. They would have probably predicted a Division winner (since the NFC West is not the toughest division of football) but the Super Bowl? Not so fast right? However the NFL is a wacky sport. It doesn't matter how well you start out or how many big names you have on a team, but instead of chemistry and getting hot at just the right time.
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December 25, 2008
Jake Calenda
From Week 12 to Week 15 the Houston Texans showed great poise and determination. They started a 4-game winning streak in Cleveland in a defensive battle. Not overly impressive, but a win is a win in the National Football League. The team then dominated a displaced looking Jacksonville Jaguars team at home in the first Monday Night game in franchise history.
Still...not overly impressive.
Week 14 came and the Texans flew into frosty Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers. A Packers team that hasn't played well most of the season, but anytime you play in a historic stadium like Lambeau and in single digit temperatures....it's going to be tough!
Matt Schaub returned from his MCL injury suffered during the road game at the Vikings (Nov.2nd) and threw for a franchise-record 414 passing yards in the freezing temperatures. The headline following the game on the 'YahooN! Fantasy Sports' page called Schaub a "Cool Customer". Accurate to the tee! Despite the 400+ yard day for Schaub, the Texans turned the ball over 4 times. Most times that would equal a loss in the record books, but the Packers didn't play good football. They scored all of their 21 points off Texans turnovers. Houston escaped with a 24-21 victory with a game-winning field goal from kicker Kris Brown.
Still...not overly impressive.
Week 14 came and the Texans flew into frosty Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers. A Packers team that hasn't played well most of the season, but anytime you play in a historic stadium like Lambeau and in single digit temperatures....it's going to be tough!
Matt Schaub returned from his MCL injury suffered during the road game at the Vikings (Nov.2nd) and threw for a franchise-record 414 passing yards in the freezing temperatures. The headline following the game on the 'YahooN! Fantasy Sports' page called Schaub a "Cool Customer". Accurate to the tee! Despite the 400+ yard day for Schaub, the Texans turned the ball over 4 times. Most times that would equal a loss in the record books, but the Packers didn't play good football. They scored all of their 21 points off Texans turnovers. Houston escaped with a 24-21 victory with a game-winning field goal from kicker Kris Brown.
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December 19, 2008
Jake Calenda
Week 16 is off and rolling as the NFL season continues to wind down. Due to a busy schedule and some internet difficulties I was not able to bring you a Week 15 prediction post. But have no fear I'm back this week with a Week 16 post (yip yip hooray!) I went a miserable 1-3 in Week 14. With the season winding down, theirs several big games with playoff implications on the line. So without further a due....let's take a look at the games and predictions of the week.
Overall Record: 21-19
Week 14 Record: 1-3
1) Houston Texans @ Oakland Raiders
The Houston Texans were officially eliminated from the playoffs at the end of Week 15 to no surprise after the shaky first half of the season, but faded playoff hopes hasn't kept the team down the past 4 weeks as they've played tough defense and good football overall. In the last 4 weeks the Texans have defeated (in order): Browns, Jaguars, Packers, Titans. Okay the Browns and Jaguars isn't too big of a deal, but going into Lambeau and dominating the Packers and then coming home and defeating the first place team and rival the Titans? That's a statement. This should be a layup for the Texans this week as they go into Oakland to face the 3-11 Raiders. A loss would be very disappointing for a team that has won 4 straight. I take the Texans in this one as they'll win their 5th straight game (hopefully).
Overall Record: 21-19
Week 14 Record: 1-3
1) Houston Texans @ Oakland Raiders
The Houston Texans were officially eliminated from the playoffs at the end of Week 15 to no surprise after the shaky first half of the season, but faded playoff hopes hasn't kept the team down the past 4 weeks as they've played tough defense and good football overall. In the last 4 weeks the Texans have defeated (in order): Browns, Jaguars, Packers, Titans. Okay the Browns and Jaguars isn't too big of a deal, but going into Lambeau and dominating the Packers and then coming home and defeating the first place team and rival the Titans? That's a statement. This should be a layup for the Texans this week as they go into Oakland to face the 3-11 Raiders. A loss would be very disappointing for a team that has won 4 straight. I take the Texans in this one as they'll win their 5th straight game (hopefully).
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December 15, 2008
Jake Calenda
A 1-point win never seemed so mammoth.
Yesterday the Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 13-12 in front of a jam-packed crowd at Reliant Stadium. With the win the Texans evened their season record at 7-7 and recorded their first 4 game winning streak in franchise history. Playoff chances have been done for weeks, but the Texans are still playing tough and like a team with a lot on the line.
The Titans with the loss snapped a 7-game winning streak against the Texans. A winning streak that had several close finishes. Who could forget Rob Bironas' record setting 8 FG kicks (the last 1 to win the game) or Steve McNair's game-winning drive and touchdown pass to Drew Bennett or the ever painful 35 yard game ending run by Vince Young in overtime.
Yesterday the Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 13-12 in front of a jam-packed crowd at Reliant Stadium. With the win the Texans evened their season record at 7-7 and recorded their first 4 game winning streak in franchise history. Playoff chances have been done for weeks, but the Texans are still playing tough and like a team with a lot on the line.
The Titans with the loss snapped a 7-game winning streak against the Texans. A winning streak that had several close finishes. Who could forget Rob Bironas' record setting 8 FG kicks (the last 1 to win the game) or Steve McNair's game-winning drive and touchdown pass to Drew Bennett or the ever painful 35 yard game ending run by Vince Young in overtime.
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December 09, 2008
Jake Calenda
Another week is in the books in the National Football League as we head to Week 15. But first let's take a look back at the week that was...Week 14! (my tongue is getting twisted) Several surprising outcomes this past Sunday including a few of the games I picked. I went a disappointing 1-3 in my picks. Very poor performance on my part. I'm finally realizing I'll never have a grip on the NFL. It's the most inconsistent professional sport out there. Any team can lose on any given week. But enough sulking, let's get on to this week's Fallout Report!
Week 14 Record: 1-3
Overall Record: 21-19
Texans 24 Packers 21
I honestly did not see this one coming. The score does not illustrate the domination the Texans had over the Green Bay Packers in this one. Houston turned the ball over not once, not twice, not even three times...but four! But they still won the game. That will not happen on most given Sundays. The Packers scored all of their 21 points off Houston turnovers. Matt Schaub returned from injury and played pretty well. He didn't let the frigid temps get to him as he kept his cool. Yahoo! Fantasy sports showed a graphic of Schaub that had the headline above it: "Cool Customer". Can't argue with that headline. Packers played poorly as they fall to a disappointing 5-8.
Week 14 Record: 1-3
Overall Record: 21-19
Texans 24 Packers 21
I honestly did not see this one coming. The score does not illustrate the domination the Texans had over the Green Bay Packers in this one. Houston turned the ball over not once, not twice, not even three times...but four! But they still won the game. That will not happen on most given Sundays. The Packers scored all of their 21 points off Houston turnovers. Matt Schaub returned from injury and played pretty well. He didn't let the frigid temps get to him as he kept his cool. Yahoo! Fantasy sports showed a graphic of Schaub that had the headline above it: "Cool Customer". Can't argue with that headline. Packers played poorly as they fall to a disappointing 5-8.
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December 07, 2008
Jake Calenda
Week 14 rolls along as Week 13 is officially history. I went 2-2 last week, picking again without any assistance from a Crystal Ball or a Crypt Keeper. Not a great performance by me, but I'm confident that my record will be better this week. So with that said, again without any assistance....let's kick things off with the Texans/Packers!
Overall Record: 20-16
Last Week: 2-2
1) Houston Texans @ Green Bay Packers
The Texans were impressive in their dismauling of the Jaguars on Monday Night Football. Many will put the excuse of the Jags 'mailing it in' (which is probably true), but! A win is a win is a win and for Texans fans...that was nice for a change. The Texans will travel to frigid Lambeau Field to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Game time temp is suppose to be anywhere from 10-20 degrees. Being from Houston, let me tell you something....When it's 50 outside, I think "hey this is pretty chilly!". I cannot imagine what playing in 15 degree weather feels like. I know some Texans players have prior experience in playing in the cold, but some don't. I think the Texans will get dominated in this one. Packers are going to be playing like it's a nice sunny day while the Texans are like the icicles along the bottom of the roof, just waiting until it gets warmer to melt away. With that said, Green Bay, Green Bay, Green Bay......unfortunately for Texans fans.
Overall Record: 20-16
Last Week: 2-2
1) Houston Texans @ Green Bay Packers
The Texans were impressive in their dismauling of the Jaguars on Monday Night Football. Many will put the excuse of the Jags 'mailing it in' (which is probably true), but! A win is a win is a win and for Texans fans...that was nice for a change. The Texans will travel to frigid Lambeau Field to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Game time temp is suppose to be anywhere from 10-20 degrees. Being from Houston, let me tell you something....When it's 50 outside, I think "hey this is pretty chilly!". I cannot imagine what playing in 15 degree weather feels like. I know some Texans players have prior experience in playing in the cold, but some don't. I think the Texans will get dominated in this one. Packers are going to be playing like it's a nice sunny day while the Texans are like the icicles along the bottom of the roof, just waiting until it gets warmer to melt away. With that said, Green Bay, Green Bay, Green Bay......unfortunately for Texans fans.
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December 02, 2008
Jake Calenda
Week 13 is in the books as we are getting closer to the playoffs in the National Football League (still 4 weeks away, but with the way this season has flown bye, it won't be long!). Before I begin I want to apologize to my 3 readers for not keeping up with the Fallout Report. I'll have it on time (every Tuesday) from now until the playoffs. With that said, let's see how I did!
Week 13 Record: 2-2
Overall Record: 20-16
Eagles 48 Cardinals 20
Donovan McNabb bounced back and led the Eagles to a dominant performance over the NFC West front runners. McNabb threw for 260 yards, 4 scores and no picks. Brian Westbrook added over 100+ yards along with 2 scores and the Eagles never looked back in this one. I thought this game would be a close one with the Cardinals winning. I'll take the hit! All 3 games on Thanksgiving were complete blowouts. Maybe next year the NFL can schedule better games. I know the Lions and Cowboys will probably remain on Turkey Day for eternity, but maybe have the Lions face a divisional foe every year and also have the Cowboys face a divisional opponent. I know I wouldn't mind seeing the Boys play the Giants, Eagles or Redskins every Thanksgiving!
Week 13 Record: 2-2
Overall Record: 20-16
Eagles 48 Cardinals 20
Donovan McNabb bounced back and led the Eagles to a dominant performance over the NFC West front runners. McNabb threw for 260 yards, 4 scores and no picks. Brian Westbrook added over 100+ yards along with 2 scores and the Eagles never looked back in this one. I thought this game would be a close one with the Cardinals winning. I'll take the hit! All 3 games on Thanksgiving were complete blowouts. Maybe next year the NFL can schedule better games. I know the Lions and Cowboys will probably remain on Turkey Day for eternity, but maybe have the Lions face a divisional foe every year and also have the Cowboys face a divisional opponent. I know I wouldn't mind seeing the Boys play the Giants, Eagles or Redskins every Thanksgiving!
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November 28, 2008
Jake Calenda
The Houston Rockets are coming off a hard fought 1 point loss to the Indiana Pacers this past Wednesday at Toyota Center. The Yellow and blue stunned the home town team by scoring often and late snapping the Rockets' three game winning streak. The loss soured the return of forward Shane Battier who made his season debut after missing the first 15 games of the season due to inflammation in his surgically-repaired left ankle.
The Rockets will try to turn the page returning to the court tomorrow night to face a familiar foe:
the San Antonio Spurs.
The two teams played earlier this season in a low-scoring affair. The Spurs won despite being without key parts Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Tim Duncan and rookie George Hill came up big in the 77-75 win. Duncan had a game-saving block against Rockets guard Aaron Brooks late to clinch the win for the Spurs.
The Rockets will try to turn the page returning to the court tomorrow night to face a familiar foe:
the San Antonio Spurs.
The two teams played earlier this season in a low-scoring affair. The Spurs won despite being without key parts Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Tim Duncan and rookie George Hill came up big in the 77-75 win. Duncan had a game-saving block against Rockets guard Aaron Brooks late to clinch the win for the Spurs.
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