The NFL, the richest and best-run sports league in the world, finds itself with two attractive match-ups to decide which two teams will be going to the Super Bowl. My heart says, “The Jets” but my head says, “The Steelers at home.” Could the Jets win a third straight playoff game on the road? I think not. I’m openly rooting for the Green Bay Packers to beat the Chicago Bears. Spending 10 years in Wisconsin turned me into a “Packer Backer.” And what could exorcise the demon of Bret Favre better than a trip to the Super Bowl without him!
I hate the Stealers. I’d like to see a Jets-Packers Superbowl and a Jets victory.
Your scenario could come true, Bob. One Big Play could change everything.
As a Giant fan I’m somewhat ambivalent about the Jets but I’m certainly hoping they finally make it back to the Super Bowl after 42 years. I jsut wish they’d shut the hell up. (The same goes for their annoying fans.) I used to like the Steelers a lot, back in the Bradshaw-Swann-Mean Joe era in particular, but they’ve won enough, frankly.
The Packers lost to the Lions, for crying out loud! They are really on a roll now, however, and I think it would be unprecedented if two #6 seeds made it to the Super Bowl.
Winning three away playoff games is a Herculean task, Jeff. I’m sure plenty of gamblers are betting on the home teams.
Since the ignominious defeat of the Saints by the Seahawks (how? how?), I don’t have a horse in this race; but back in the 1970s, I was in Franco’s Italian Army–the fact that I am neither Italian nor have ever lived in Pittsburgh notwithstanding–so I’m rooting for the Steelers.
A few weeks ago, the lowly Buffalo Bills were a dropped touchdown pass in Overtime from beating the Steelers, Deb. The Fates might be on the Steelers’ side.
I’m thinking the Steelers will win big. You wonder how much the Jets have left in the tank after an emotional win over the Pats.
The Bears o-line has been hit or miss all year, and the Pack has a pretty good defense. Could be melt-down time for Cutler.
I like Jay Cutler, Drongo. I think it was a mistake for Denver to trade him. But, that being said, I see Cutler as a Jekyll-Hyde QB. Who knows which Jay Cutler will show up today: the guy who throws three TD passes or 3 interceptions?
It has been done before, George. In fact I think the Giants did it when they won the Super Bowl a few years back. But the Jets definitely have a much tougher road – Indianapolis, New England and Pittsburgh is a huge hill to climb.
But they can see the top from where they are and if Sanchez can manage to hit his receivers I think they have a good chance.
The Jets just might be the Cinderella team this year, Jeff.
I’m looking forward to the Packers-Bears game, not because I care particularly who wins, but because it is such a storied rivalry. I’m just hoping for a good game, and one in which the officials don’t ruin or decide it with their ever-increasing role as arbiters of play.
As for the AFC, only one of the teams is really an AFL team, the Jets, but I don’t like their mouthy coach much. Nor do I care for the Steelers QB. Maybe if I turn off the volume and squint a lot I can pretend it’s a Bills-Lions game…..
The Bills beat the Lions in Week Nine for their first win of the season, Rick. Like you, I have a warm spot in my heart for the original AFL teams. It would be great if the Jets could pull the upset today.
Deb, to some extent the Saints underachieved much of the year but I’m with you: I don’t see how they could lose to the Seahawks.
Deb and Jeff: the New Orleans Saints are a different team when they get away from the Super Dome. And the Seahawks were energized by former Buffalo Bill Marshawn Lynch’s astounding 67-yard TD run.
Packers and Steelers. Rust belt’s time has come.
Rust Belt Super Bowl. That has a nice ring to it, Patti.
George, I kind of like Cutler too, and wish Denver had kept him. Out of all the surly, hard-drinking diabetic QBs in the NFL, he’s my favorite. But I think the Packer defense will handle him roughly today, kicking his ursine ass all over the field. He could very well turn in a Mr. Hyde sort of performance.
You were right again, Drongo. Jay Cutler wasn’t a factor in the outcome of the game (other than his absence).
Well so far the Jets are giving a performance that plumbs the depths of ineptitude. My local high school team could have done as well.
I wonder if Bears fans are saying “why didn’t you use that quarterback instead of Cutler or Collins from the beginning?”
The Jets made it close, Jeff. But they made too many mistakes to win. I’m guessing the Steelers will be favored in the Super Bowl, but I like Green Bay to win it in an upset.
It looked like it would be a tromping, but the Jets came back almost enough. I’m going to root for the Packers. Now to shut out the hype for 2 weeks. Next weekend will be the first non-sporting event weekend since, what, beginning of September? Do me good. Lots to do around here. Not that I don’t do stuff during the week, of course. Tomorrow I HAVE to finish The Perp!
You’re not watching the PRO BOWL this weekend, Rick! I’m shocked!
I may not even watch the Superbowl.
I always buy a Super Bowl square so I’m stuck watching it to protect my investment, Bob. And I like the commercials.
If your team was in the Super Bowl would you allow one of your stars to risk injury in the Pro Bowl the week before?
Discuss, and show your work.
My answer is NO FREAKING WAY (and yes, I know it’s supposedly an exhibition game, but people break their legs in exhibition games too).
I’m with you, Jeff. Why would players want to expose themselves to possible injuries in a MEANINGLESS game? They should just announce the All-Pro list of players and leave it at that.