Monday, January 24, 2011

A Brutal Rivalry Renewed

I've had the good fortune to attend a handful of regular season NFL games. However, my first playoff game was a week ago at Heinz Field to witness my favorite team - the Pittsburgh Steelers do battle against the Baltimore Ravens. I chose to write this article not to provide a synopsis of the game, but rather, to discuss the atmosphere of a playoff game.

All I can say is thank goodness that the Pittsburgh Penguins hosted the Winter Classic this year. You may say, what in the world does this have to do with playoff football? Well, without the temporary bleachers that were erected behind the south endzone, I probably wouldn't have gotten tickets. My wife and I got seats a few rows up with a view directly between the goalpost uprights. They provided a fantastic perspective of the field of play, one that you rarely get on television.

The matchup that we witnessed was between two bitter rivals who have equal part respect and loathing for one another. The Baltimore Ravens franchise came into existence in 1996, when Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell decided to chase the money and move the Ohio city's beloved team to Baltimore. The Steelers and Browns shared a rivalry that lasted not for years or decades, but generations. People from each city usually use colorful language when describing folks from the other town. When the Browns disappeared, the Steelers were left without a natural rival.  But, by the beginning of the new century, Baltimore proved to be the replacement for the rival Browns (even though Cleveland got its franchise back in 1999).

The recent history of the rivalry has been fairly even. Ray Lewis has been the heart and soul of the Ravens team since its inception. Primarily due to their stellar play on defense, the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000. The Steelers once proud Super Bowl tradition was invigorated by championship wins in 2006 and 2009. The two teams have combined for nine of the last eleven AFC North division titles (Cincinnati won it in 2005 and 2009). The teams mirror one another with their styles of play - you can count on facing a hard-hitting, stout defense any time you face either one of these teams.

Yet, when these two teams square off against one another, the hitting is turned up more than a few notches. We all know the vicious hits that have been a part of the fabric of this rivalry. The first few images that come to mind are Willis McGahee being nearly decapitated by a torpedo strike from Ryan Clark in the 2008 AFC Championship. I can't forget a regular season contest in the 2008 season where Ray Lewis tackled Rashard Mendenhall so hard that his scapula broke. I don't think I've ever heard of that injury occurring in an NFL game before or since. The most deflating hit came in the 2006 season when Bart Scott came untouched for one of the Ravens' nine sacks of Ben Roethlisberger. Both players still mention that hit. Scott lauds himself for knocking all the air out of "Big Ben," while Ben recalls that was probably the hardest he's ever been hit. Then, there is the incessant jawing between the combatants. Hines Ward gets under opponents' skin with his aggressive play at the wide receiver position. Ed Reed and company give it right back to the man with the ever-present smile. You get the point - it's nasty. Smash mouth football at its finest.

Both teams stepped onto Heinz Field that freezing cold day (game time temperatures were in the low 30s) with something to prove. The Steelers wanted to keep the Ravens down by defeating them for the third time in as many tries in playoff games. Baltimore wanted to show that they were the team to be reckoned with, and that Joe Flacco can win a meaningful contest with the game on the line.

 A glimpse from afar of the tailgating scene outside Heinz Field

For the majority of games that I’ve attended, you walk in and see some late-arriving people get to their seats. When we finished tailgating with friends nearly an hour before gametime, it was as if a sea of people began moving towards the entrances to the stadium. You'd better get in, get your seat, lock in your chinstrap because the epic battle was due to begin. By the time the anthem was being played, you could feel the wave of emotion in the crowd. The fighter jets flying over elicited an ovation that drowned out the end of the Star-Spangled Banner. 

 
The starting defensive lineup being announced to the delight of a Terrible Towel waving crowd

The home crowd was ecstatic when the Steelers scored a touchdown on their opening drive. As the first half progressed, the fans were very antsy because the Ravens had hung 21 points on their team, thanks primarily to two turnovers that set up Baltimore for quick scores. As the half came to a close, Pittsburgh missed a field goal after sustaining a decent but unspectacular drive. The best way I can describe the vibe at halftime was seething. There were a lot of grumbles. There were a select few who were choosing this moment to begin increasing the vulgarities towards men wearing purple jerseys in the stands. And, I overheard one individual guaranteeing a Steeler victory.

What the crowd needed was a spark...something to get everyone back in the game. For the beginning of the third quarter during regular season games, you would regularly see many seats open seats due to restroom lines, the need for more food, or last call for alcohol. Not tonight. There were still some seats open, but the crowd was ready and waiting for something...anything to happen. Pittsburgh got the ball to start and began driving, but stalled before reaching scoring range. When Baltimore got the ball back, they decided not to go into an offensive shell and mix up the playcalling. On a third and long, a safe play turned into disaster for the road team...and started the next 90 minutes where the crowd was in a frenzy. The short pass to Ray Rice, a man who never fumbles, was stripped by safety Ryan Clark and recovered by LaMarr Woodley. Two short plays later, Roethlisberger pump faked, then hit a wide open Heath Miller for an easy TD pass. The crowd had arrived!

After the ensuing kickoff, a television timeout afforded the Heinz Field public address system to simply say, "You want it, you got it," before beginning the rallying cry for Steeler faithful. The jumbotron went black then the images of Steeler highlights began rolling as the chords of "Renegade" by Styx could not be heard due to the throng of screaming and yelling amongst the Pittsburgh faithful. As the music went from placid to the drum beats that kick off the rocking part of the song, the Terrible Towels united as one.  It was precisely at this time that we learned why these bleachers were temporary. As the crowd throbbed, so did the stands to the tune of the entire section of bleachers pulsing back and forth nearly a foot each second. We all looked at each other like "What? Really?!" My wife only said, "Just land on your butt if we're going to fall" as we were about 12 feet off the ground.



The offensive huddle pinned deep in its own end.

The home team did not disappoint by getting the gift of a terrible read by Joe Flacco that resulted in an interception that once again positioned the Steelers for another quick score - this time, a Hines Ward touchdown catch. He promptly searched out a fellow #86 in the crowd to hand-deliver a memory to a lucky fan. The score at the third quarter was 21-21. The Pittsburghers had all the momentum and their defense had stymied a diverse Baltimore offense with only 92 yards through three quarters.

You always expect that the fourth quarter will decide the Steelers / Ravens games and this was not going to be an exception. Both teams mustered a field goal, but each team continually shot itself in the foot with dumb penalties and other gaffes. Baltimore had a punt return for a touchdown nullified by a holding penalty. There was an audible gasp of horror during this play until everyone saw the yellow flag on the field. Marcus Smith was incensed that he was called for holding and visibly upset on the sideline.  Meanwhile, big money receiver Anquan Boldin failed to catch a sure touchdown pass on the goal line that would have given the Ravens a four-point lead midway through the 4th quarter.

As the Steelers began to approach midfield with four minutes to go, the palpitations of the crowd could be felt. The game is in our hands. This can be won.  Then, came a sack on first down.  Loss of nine.  Second down was a perfect pass to rookie Emmanuel Sanders, but the ball was separated from his leaping attempt by Ed Reed – incomplete.  So, it’s 3rd and 19.  The play doesn’t come in from the sideline quickly enough forcing Pittsburgh to call a time out to avoid 3rd and 24.  My goodness, the slippery slope that the game was headed down…all of a sudden, the possibility that Baltimore could get the ball back with two minutes and three time outs against the Steelers’ inconsistent secondary was becoming a reality.  Then, lightning struck.

Roethlisberger fires a long pass to rookie Antonio Brown, who gets one step behind the Baltimore cornerback.  58 yards later, the crowd erupts as Brown pins the ball to his helmet to secure the catch before going out of bounds.  Most of us didn’t even see how he pulled it in, but we knew that the big play just happened.  The crowd was able to revel in the glory of that play during the two-minute warning.  The previously half-naked guy (who smartened up and put on his clothes) hugged me like a long-lost brother.  It was a sense of euphoria.  Five plays later, Rashard Mendenhall made a tough goal line run to punch in what proved to be the winning score.  It felt like the end of the film “Rudy.”

Of course, we had to rely on the defense one more time…and they didn’t disappoint.  Ziggy Hood’s third down sack put the Ravens in a precarious 4th and 18, also forcing John Harbaugh to call his final timeout with just over a minute to go.  An abbreviated version of “Renegade” was played, but the crowd didn’t need any prodding.  The screams of DE-FENSE were growing in intensity, not lessening.  As the 4th down play transpired, T.J. Houshmandzadeh easily shook William Gay’s coverage to get wide open for what would have been a first down pass.  But, he dropped the ball that was well-placed by the Ravens’ quarterback.  As T.J. stormed off the field in obvious frustration that he let his team down, Heinz Field nearly imploded.  Ravens fans scurried out, Steelers fans were able to celebrate another playoff victory over their archrival.

A postgame view of the jumbotron underneath the giant ketchup bottles

The regular season tilts that I’ve seen pale in comparison with the Steelers / Ravens playoff game.  It was well worth the price of admission.  There may not have been any breathtaking hits to recollect (no, the headbutts between Ike Taylor and T.J. Houshmandzadeh don’t count), but the magnitude of each play was its own scene in a five-act drama.  The postgame wave of relief, giddiness, joy, and festival-like atmosphere extended from the stadium in every direction in a web-like fashion.


I, for one, was fairly certain that would have been the last game played at Heinz Field in the 2010-2011 season.  But, the New York Jets had different ideas, allowing Pittsburgh to host the AFC Championship game.  The crowd must have been as fired up for that showdown with the Super Bowl on the line.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Youthful Innocence

This editorial article is a vast departure from my other writings.  I’m sure that next week’s entry will return to the usual ranting and raving.  Hopefully, you’ll see why I chose to write these words at this specific time.

Some people say that sports are passed down from parent to child.  If a parent was involved in athletic pursuits as a youth, then their child is obviously inclined to follow in their footsteps.  This particular case is no different.

Baseball is in the genes.  Not only did this youngster get a passing interest of glory days gone by from the parents, but there was a living, breathing ancestor who had made it to the ‘big show.’  One of the child’s relatives had been a bona fide Major League baseball player with eight years of playing experience, eight years as a manager, and even performed the duties of general manager.  In addition, the child’s father still serves as a professional baseball scout supervisor.  So, it was ingrained in this youth to have a fervent passion for the sport.  Little League was, of course, an important part of life.  As with many children, the desire to become a professional athlete was unmistakable.

With many children, their interests are as diversified as the colors in a 96-count box of Crayola.  This youth was no exception.  Baseball is a family passion, but in this case, swimming is also a favorite pastime.  Other interests include helping less privileged children via charity work and a budding fascination with student government.  It is every parent’s wish to have children with an unquenchable desire to throw themselves fully into life.  After all, a well-rounded child usually grows up to be a balanced, upstanding individual…one to be proud of.  The parents must have been absolutely beaming by how their little third grader had grown up, while still enjoying a youthful exuberance.  At such a young age, an adolescent should be carefree, able to pursue each endeavor with a ravenous appetite. 

But, life can sometimes throw you an unexpected curveball – one that changes everything in a heart-stopping instant, one that hits you in the chest and leaves you breathless, literally in this case.  That is what happened to the happy-go-lucky, future Major Leaguer in this story…the one who was such a pleasure to her parents.

This nine-year old girl, who also loved ballet, gymnastics, and horses was struck down…not by an inside fastball or some illness, but rather, by a Glock 9mm bullet.  As most Americans know by now, her name was Christina Green.  She was the girl whose light left this world as a result of Jared Loughner’s attempt to assassinate Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, Arizona, on January 8, 2011.  Unfortunately, Christina was one of six people murdered and 14 others injured by this disturbed individual.

Christina’s thirst for more knowledge about government led her to attend Congresswoman Giffords’ “Congress on Your Corner” at the local Safeway shopping center.  She had just been elected to student council and was interested to speak with the elected official. 

How could anyone have known that Loughner’s apparent psychosis would lead him to take out his delusions by spraying the crowd with gunfire?  There were many red flags in his troubled past, but no one could have foreseen his antisocial behavior, uneasy demeanor, and drug use causing a national tragedy.

Everyone is thankful that Rep. Giffords is exhibiting what can only be described as a phenomenal signs of recovering after being shot in the head.  While that is absolutely wonderful, we have seen six lives extinguished with no earthly hope for a new day.

I always picture my kids living long, healthy, and fruitful lives.  Every child deserves an opportunity to do just that.  An abominable incident like this quickly brings into focus that the promise of tomorrow is not always granted.  Would Christina have realized her dream of becoming the first female MLB player?  Would she have become a veterinarian?  A lawmaker?  Cured cancer?  Perhaps not, but the point is that we will never know.

Kids have this youthful innocence that is so endearing.  You can see it in the sparkle in their eyes.  Children can make an entire family feel “young.”  To know that the Green family has to lay one of their two children to rest has united a country in mourning.  Our collective heart is hurting with you.

Eerily enough, young Christina was born on September 11, 2001.  Her father, John Green (the pro scout) remarked that Christina “entered the world on a tragic day and she went out on a tragic day.”  But, for the time between, she was a beacon of everything that is right with the world.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

2010 "Expert" NFL Playoff Predictions

The National Football League's postseason is here, so let the prognostications begin. Back in September, I originally thought that Green Bay would defeat Indianapolis in the Super Bowl. I correctly selected seven of the 12 playoff teams - not the best percentage, but who forecast that the (still) hapless Seahawks or even the Chiefs in the playoffs this year? But, this column is meant more for discussion, debate, and enjoyment. So, here goes nothing.

Wild Card Round

AFC
New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts
This matchup could not be more of a battle of contrasts. Jim Caldwell - calm, mild-mannered, team manager. Rex Ryan - brash, outspoken, and more of a "details" guy. Peyton Manning - NFL superstar, veteran leader, can read a defense like nobody's business. Mark Sanchez - game manager, sophomore QB, makes erratic throws at times. Indy's running game - a huge question mark with three decent but unspectacular options in Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, and Dominic Rhodes. Jets' runners - LaDainian Tomlinson is a first ballot Hall of Famer, but his production has slipped significantly lately while Shonn Greene has been steady, although not the impactful halfback the Jets would have expected based on how he finished 2009. Indy's receiving corps has taken major hits with season-ending injuries to Dallas Clark and Austin Collie. Blair White and Jacob Tamme have filled in, but the weight falls on Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon to get open for Manning. Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards are great weapons at the wide receiver position, and Dustin Keller could be a nightmare matchup for Indianapolis' defense. The Colts' speed pass rushers Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are most effective when Indianapolis gets a lead. If this game remains close and New York can run the ball, expect the threat of those defensive ends to primarily be neutralized. Gary Brackett is a beast of a linebacker, who is all over the field. Antoine Bethea has bolstered the Colts' secondary since Bob Sanders found himself on injured reserve yet again. The Jets' defense was touted as the league's best before the season began. They have faltered a bit down the stretch. Darrelle Revis is still a fantastic cover corner, but his dominance has not achieved his 2009 levels. Jason Taylor is no longer a preeminent pass rusher. The linebacking corps is often left vulnerable by the risky, blitzing schemes that are called by Ryan at almost every opportunity. Special Teams - the kicking game favors Adam Vinatieri and the Colts due to Nick Folk's penchance for missing makable field goals. However, Brad Smith is an elusive return man for the Jets, and could provide an offensive spark if a gimmick play is called at the opportune moment. 
Rob's bold prediction: the Jets pull the upset and defeat the under-manned Colts by forcing Manning to rely on underneath routes. Sanchez plays adequately, but it's the defense that earns the victory. Jets 24, Colts 20.


Can Revis Island make an appearance against Peyton Manning's depleted receiving corps?

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs
The state of Missouri went from absolutely inept in 2009 (St. Louis was 1-15 and Kansas City was 4-12) to nearly having both its teams winning divisions this year. Matt Cassel has shocked many (myself included) with his precision, and ability to lead the Chiefs to the AFC West crown and a playoff berth. Jamaal Charles is averaging over 6 yards per carry. No, that's not a misprint - 6 yards!! Dwayne Bowe had a huge comeback season this year with 15 touchdown receptions. Meanwhile, Tony Moeaki exhibits great hands at the tight end position. Tamba Hali creates havoc in the opposing backfield and the defensive secondary features playmaking youngsters, Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry. The wild card on the team is the shifty return man / running back / wide receiver Dexter McCluster. Supposedly, Kansas City looked ahead of their final regular season opponent, Oakland, by preparing for the Jets and got trounced 31-10. Now, they face a more seasoned team in the Baltimore Ravens. Joe Flacco has led his Ravens to road postseason victories over his first two seasons, so facing a hostile Arrowhead Stadium crowd likely will not phase him. Ray Rice is a dual threat out of the backfield and Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Todd Heap offer Flacco options all over the field. Then, there's the vaunted Ravens defense. They are best suited for stopping the run with Haloti Ngata at nose tackle, Ray Lewis still runs sideline to sideline to make plays. Terrell Suggs has revved up his motor over the past two months by intimidating QBs with his relentless pass rush. The cornerback position is especially weak for Baltimore, however Ed Reed makes up for many liabilities with his ballhawking mentality. It is youth versus experience, upstarts against veterans. If you look closely at the past four games, the Ravens won...but, "Cool Joe" Flacco has looked lost. He has all these options, a good running game, a talented offensive line and the wins are there, but the stats aren't. 
Rob's bold prediction: the Chiefs' home field advantage is not overcome in back-to-back weeks. Baltimore's offense does not score enough points. Chiefs 21, Ravens 13.


Will Arrowhead's aroma of barbecue distract Joe Flacco and company?

NFC
New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks
Well, it's nice to know that we have at least one worthy playoff team in this matchup. The Saints are defending Super Bowl champions and deserving of their 11-5 mark. They have all-world quarterback, Drew Brees. He distributes the ball so well to whoever the open guy is. That could be any one of the weapons in the arsenal - Marques Colston, Robert Meacham, Reggie Bush, Jimmy Graham, Lance Moore, etc., etc. Sean Payton has a very pass-happy offensive gameplan for New Orleans. So, running backs Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush aren't primary options. Their defense forced turnovers consistently in 2009, but guys like Will Smith haven't put as much pressure on QBs and ball-magnet safety Darren Sharper has been out most of the season. But, Jonathan Vilma still leads a reliable group of linebackers. Then, there's the 7-9 Seahawks. They're not a playoff team but unfortunately, they are. I think it would be a disservice of me to try and break down the prominent players on the Seahawks because there aren't any. The only one worth mentioning is the 12th man - the home crowd at Qwest Field. They're the loudest stadium in the league, but it won't affect Brees and company.
Rob's ho-hum prediction: Saints 34, Seahawks 10 in a yawner. I'm bored even writing about this one.


Anybody who thinks this man is a legitimate NFL quarterback deserves to be ridiculed.


Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles
By my estimation, these teams are mirror images of one another. This contest could be an absolute shootout, rivaling that of the Green Bay / Arizona playoff game from a season ago. Michael Vick and Aaron Rodgers with their respective passing games will give viewers the most entertaining game of the weekend. Having said that, Philadelphia's offensive line has allowed a few too many hits on their redemption story QB down the stretch and Green Bay has seen Rodgers face two concussions recently. Neither team is known for running the ball - the Eagles because of their West Coast passing offensive philosophy, the Packers because of a season-long injury to their starter, Ryan GrantLeSean McCoy is a versatile runner for the Eagles, but his forte is getting out of the backfield as a receiver. Don't be surprised if there is between 700 and 800 passing yards between the two teams and 60 to 70 points scored. The triple threat of Eagles receivers DeSean JacksonJeremy Maclin, andJason Avant spread out the field to allow Vick to use his arm or, more dangerously, his legs. Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are the recipients ofAaron Rodgers' laser rocket passes. Both defenses feature elite pass rushers in Clay Matthews, Jr. and Trent Cole. Each secondary has a lurking defensive back that can find the ball, if the opposing quarterback makes an errant throw; Rodgers and Vick should be mindful to avoid Asante Samuel and Charles Woodson. Expect both defenses to dial up the pass rush because (1) neither team has a dominant running game, (2) the vertical passing game is the biggest threat for both offenses, and (3) the backup QB for both teams is not nearly as capable as the top dog. I think that the difference between the two teams is the defensive coordinator positionDom Capers will show some wrinkles that will fluster Philly's offensive braintrust (Andy Reid, Marty Morninhweg, and Vick) with the pre-snap look of the amoeba defense. If Jim Johnson hadn't succumbed to cancer and was still spitting along the Philadelphia sidelines as the top "D" man, I'd pick the Birds.
Rob's hair-pulling, teeth-gnashing prediction: The Cheeseheads makes one timely play on defense to bring a Philly scoring drive to a halt. Packers 34, Eagles 28.


Michael Vick would have a long day if he saw enough of Clay Matthews, Jr. to determine what shampoo he used.

So, there you have my first round predictions. I'm not going to go into an exhaustive discussion on subsequent games because the matchups could certainly change, but I do have a general feeling of how I think things will shake down as the playoffs progress.


Divisional Round

AFC
New York Jets at New England Patriots (projected matchup)
Tom Brady will pick apart the Jets, not to the tune of 45-3, but it will still be an easy victory.

Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers (projected matchup)
The Steelers' run defense will contain the Chiefs' ponies, making them one-dimensional. A close game because of special teams, but Pittsburgh prevails.

NFC
New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears (projected matchup)
I usually look at QBs when making selections as playoff rounds go deeper. Brees vs. Cutler? I'll take Brees and New Orleans.

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons (projected matchup)
A tantalizing rematch of an outstanding regular season game where Atlanta kicked a last second field goal to win. Matt Ryan and crew are a year away from a Super Bowl. The Cheeseheads are victorious.


Conference Championships

AFC
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots (projected matchup)
The Pats (and more specifically Tom Brady) are the Steelers' kryptonite. The curse continues...New England goes back to the Super Bowl after a three-year absence.

NFC
Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints (projected matchup)
The most difficult matchup for me to predict. Two excellent teams, but I'm going with Green Bay. Brees makes an inopportune mistake to allow Rodgers and GB to head to Dallas.


Super Bowl


As much as I would like to stick with my preseason selection of Green Bay to win it all, I can't foresee anyone defeating the Patriots. Brady is picking apart defenses so easily right now. If someone could force him to throw a few interceptions, I would predict a Patriots loss because they give up a lot of yards and points. But, no one is doing that right now.



Mr. Gisele Bundchen might hoist Lombardi for the fourth time in his career, this time with floppy hair.