NFL Week 1: Someone Tell These Guys Preseason Is Over

I’m sorry, was that the first weekend of the NFL’s regular season or the last week of the preseason? It may just be me, but debut performances all around the league seemed much sloppier this year than in past years. From the top – last year’s Super Bowl qualifiers – to the bottom – I’m looking at you, Rams of St. Louis – teams displayed considerable rust and some form of memory loss regarding how this fine game is to be played.

There were, of course, exceptions in New England and, surprisingly, the Titans. (Shout out to my boy V.Y.; here’s hoping he can finally find some success in this league) But what about those Saints and Packers – two teams many experts pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl? They barely eked out W’s, at times sleepwalking through their respective games. The Vikings and Cowboys looked almost lifeless in their losses, and poor Peyton couldn’t rally his Colts, even with 57 (57? Yes, 57!) passing attempts. A controversial call prevented the Lions from stealing a win in the Windy City, where Jay Cutler and Co. seemed to try everything to give that game away; the refs apparently didn’t get that memo. Speaking of which, did some officials think they were still on summer vacation, too?

Perhaps teams weren’t mentally ready for full speed. They didn’t look physically prepared, either. Trainers are probably in better shape than the boys in uniform tonight. Injuries ranged from the getting-into-game-shape cramps to more serious varieties. I found it unsettling, in fact, how many times players motioned frantically for training staff to assist a downed comrade or a head coach tended to an injured player – two less-than-encouraging signs when analyzing injury severity. I quickly decided to check how Dustin Johnson was faring when FOX started replying Leonard Weaver’s gruesome knee injury. And how many hard knocks to the noggin were there today? Injury lists this week will be more crowded than the 49ers bandwagon. . .this morning. Is the game getting more violent, more dangerous? I understand that teams and players may need an adjustment period at the beginning of the year; time away from live hitting and game speed account for the sloppiness and injuries. Today the rust and wounds seemed more rampant . . . hopefully not a foreshadowing of the potential mess that could transpire for the NFL in 2011.

LeBron, Tiger, Brett, Oh My! (Right, and that Iniesta Guy) For Sports Fans, It's Christmas in July

I recall lamenting the dearth of sports news in the dead of . . . er, spring. That stretch after March Madness' culmination in early April when all we have is opening day - the excitement of which wears off rather quickly, especially in Milwaukee - is almost unbearable.

Today, however, I was giddy as I poured over stories detailing the NCAA's new tourney format, previewing the All-Star Game, recapping Spain's World Cup triumph, analyzing the Heat-fecta (that one'll go on for a while), and of course. . .ESPN's annual Favrefest - 2010 edition.

I have a LeBron James post that I've been working since last Thursday . . . my fingers can't keep up and my mind overheats every time I try to put it together. It's unprecedented. It's selfless and selfish at the same time. It’s . . . I, I just can't talk about it. . .

In the meantime, I'm going to revel in the current sportsabord. Especially the Brewers' chance to have a great couple days. What's that? Oh, sure, I know they don't play - it's their best chance not to lose.

OK, I don't mean to hate on the 'Crew. I mean, they are, after all, building a giant new scoreboard - to supersize the sucking! Funny that the only two teams that have larger boards are the Royals and Diamondbacks. Huh. Maybe the teams figure if they blind the fans (those who bother to show), they won't notice the teams' futility on the field. No, I bet the Brewers need all the room to list the pitchers they burn through in a game. Sorry, Mark Attanasio, it wouldn’t be so frustrating if those horrid teams from the early 2000s were still in town . . . but with this team’s talent (albeit one-, maybe two-dimensional), I expect more. I tasted the playoffs two years ago; the bar ain’t goin’ back down.

Phew, now that I have that out of my system . . . time to move on and check out ESPN's profile of St. Andrews to gear up for the Open.

Ahhh, July.

World Cup Wonder: Soccer Should Exist in U.S. More than Once Every 4 Years

Was that brief period of excitement about the U.S. soccer team another demonstration of Americans’ imperialistic nature, or the beginning of a beeeeaaa-uutiful relationship?

Every four years or so (purely by coincidence), I’ve follow the sport of soccer. The fascination typically lingers for a few weeks and then quickly dissipates after a month or so (purely by coincidence). This year was different. Thanks to some of my friends who have a legitimate interest in and passion for the sport (read: who actually follow it more often than every fourth summer), I’ve watched more soccer during the past two weeks than during the entirety of my 26 years. It really is an engaging and exciting sport. Really.

Soccer’s recent fleeting presence in the American sporting arena was both predictable and disconcerting. It was gone so fast I didn't even have a chance to make one blog post . . . or even a "headed to the Nomad" Twitter post. Only a select few U.S. residents are true soccer crazies, and only a few more have jumped on the bandwagon. Soccer is not popular in America (what a revelation, right?). I’m not even sure a majority of Americans know how the game is played . . . or that the World Cup is even taking place. We are a bunch of soccer haters. Even Microsoft is in on it – spell check is telling me there is something wrong with the word “fútbol.” It doesn’t slap that annoying red line under “résumé” or “adios.” A little respect, please.

I am anything but a soccer expert and am certainly not qualified to argue its pros and cons and place in America. I have, however, made some noteworthy observations during the past two weeks’ worth of World Cup action that I would like to share in an effort to at least suggest consideration for adopting soccer into our sporting hearts:

1. The pure excitement. Although the final score may be determined in literally one second, each of the 90 or so minutes of a game is therefore engaging. A goal can be scored and a team’s fate sealed at any moment, so every moment counts. Do not mistake me for bad-mouthing America’s pastime, but in a soccer match there are at least 11 men constantly in action, setting up plays and hustling to balls hurling toward the end- or sidelines – all to score that fateful goal. Isn’t that more exciting than watching at least 11 men scratch themselves in the dugout? OK, OK, baseball is baseball and I won’t mess with it. I also acknowledge that, during that 90-plus minutes of soccer action, the same strapping and hustling men also occasionally nancy around holding their calves, heads, or whatever after merely brushing up against another player. Nonetheless, there is an art and thrill to the game that I have found captivating.

2. The uniforms. I know, we all hate the middle-aged chick in the office NCAA Tourney pool who can’t even spell Gonzaga, but wins the whole darn thing because her Final Four had the “prettiest outfits.” I, like every other college hoop sucker . . .er, fan. . .out there think I’m a genius and pick based on my basketball “knowledge.” In this case, though, I have to play the pretty jersey card; I think soccer jerseys are some of the coolest in all of sports. A friend of mine introduced this topic at our U.S. soccer team post-mortem on Saturday. Granted, the beverages may have made the conversation seem more captivating than it really is, but hear me out. I like me a good football jersey to layer up come fall, and nothing feels better than a worn ball cap and pristine white Brewers jersey in the bleachers on a sunny summer evening. . .but there’s something about those fútbol unis. Maybe it’s the sociologist in me that is fascinated by the various cultures materialized in the fabric donned by their representatives on the world’s stage. Or maybe it’s the bright, shiny colors. Whatever it is, they’re just cool. And special thanks to Adidas and Puma for form-fitting jerseys . . . yum. Nike, there is room for improvement; I’ll be looking forward to your craftsmanship in 2014.

3. The commentators. Listening to some dude with a Scottish accent sizing up a Phil Mickelson putt drives me nuts. That barely-audible whisper is maddening; I always wish some dude in the gallery would yell, “Don’t chunk it!” one of these times. Anyhow, a similar brogue during a soccer match is charming to me. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the culture thing again. It’s also because these guys say what they think – and react to what’s going on in the field of play. There are no Joe Bucks plugging their networks, celebrity name-dropping, or tippy-toeing around questionable calls to suck up to the league. No, these guys say what you’re thinking at home, and then teach you a thing or two about the game.

4. The celebration. Who knew it would be so fun to yell “GOOOOOAAAAALLLLL” at the top of your lungs?

5. The Vuvuzelas. Even some true soccer buffs can’t stand ‘em. I like them – the sound adds a certain character to the game. They outrank cowbells in my book.

Clearly, I saved the most relevant and significant arguments until last. Truth is, there is much, much more to the game itself than the supplements I documented in my 2010 World Cup diary above. For me, these extras just added to the fun of the past couple weeks. Looking ahead, I will certainly be watching the rest of the Cup play out and intend to follow the action across the pond a little more closely. A tiny part of me also hopes the sport gains a bit more footing in America, but I highly doubt this summer’s short-lived soccer “interest” will start a craze, given the domestic league’s shallow talent pool and Americans’ seemingly innate apathy for the sport.

But who knows, if the NFL can’t get its stuff together by next season, there could be a new fútbol in America.

Rodgers Ready for Super Run? Thank Favre.

With the Packers’ offseason officially ending Wednesday following a 3-day minicamp, it’s time to gear up and ponder the upcoming season. Will the team fulfill the prophesies of those who predict a green and gold NFC Championship, merely inch a bit closer by winning a playoff game, or perform poorer than in its 2009 campaign? Whatever the Packers’ fate, one of the guarantees we can make is that Aaron Rodgers’ play will significantly influence it.

I did some thinking about Mr. Rodgers this offseason, following a successful year in ’09 and the drama in ’08. As painful as it is for me to admit, Rodgers looks good; he was groomed to be an elite NFL QB and is so far coming into the part well. During the offseason drama that included a trade of franchise icon Brett Favre to the New York Jets, I was convinced that Aaron Rodgers was the personification of Ted Thompson’s best Ron Wolf impression – it was clear Thompson wanted the team to be completely his and his alone. Rodgers was his QB.

No worries – I won’t bring the hate in this post (anymore); in fact, I was pondering about how good Rodgers is.

Before we begin, you must understand how much it pains me to admit that Rodgers is a solid QB. To give you an idea of how much it annoys me, consider my Halloween costume last year – green and yellow flowered mini skirt, pigtails adorned with green and gold ribbon, green tights and the capper – a replica #12 Packers jersey with “ERIN” carefully stitched on the name plate.

I digress – point is, I still think Rodgers has much work to do before being considered a top NFL QB or MVP candidate. Like win. Favre, despite being in the doghouse for inconsistent play during his first few seasons in Titletown, never had a losing season and won his first playoff game in only his second season.

Still, Rodgers posted monster stats last year and looks to be using the tools Thompson knew he possessed before drafting him with Favre still in the driver’s seat. My question is – would he be the same quarterback today if Brett had kept his mouth shut and butt on his tractor in the summer of 2008?

It is my opinion that Aaron Rodgers is as good a QB as he is today – and viewed as such by those in and around the NFL – because of Brett Favre. Sure, the man has talent – and did when Thompson snagged him in the first-round in 2005. What he had when he took the reins in 2008 was that talent, plus 3 years’ experience behind Favre. . .and, perhaps more significant, a huge chip on his shoulder.

The years behind Favre were obviously invaluable in shaping the young quarterback. Working behind a legend – whoever it is – would be invaluable to any NFL novice. And regardless of how much or little Favre put his arm around Rodgers and instructed him, Aaron could still learn a lot during practice, film and game time with Favre; just listen to how much the Vikings players said they’ve learned in just one year of playing with him.

As for the chip, Favre may have very well created a monster. In his campaign to bust down the doors of Lambeau because he thought he was the best option for the Packers (guessing), he turned off the organization and most of the fan base from someone they held in such high regard for nearly two decades. Favre pushed us into Rodgers’ waiting arms, and the fans embraced him. Everyone – fans, the front office and his teammates – wanted Rodgers to succeed. That support, coupled with the indirect hostility and implied challenge from Favre set a raging fire under Rodgers. What helped his cause was keeping his head down and mouth shut (with the exception of this dig that was almost immediately forgotten). Even after he was out of Green Bay, Favre was still breathing down Rodgers’ back – from halfway across the country, but nonetheless on everyone’s mind.

But Rodgers didn’t shrink from the spotlight, and the spotlight embraced him. The NFL was obsessed with Favre versus Rodgers comparisons in ’08. Because of that media attention, folks who follow, write about and live and breathe the NFL saw more of Rodgers and the Packers. Especially last year focus was back on the NFC North and, more specifically, the Packers-Vikings rivalry. Without such attention paid to Rodgers during the past two years, would analysts forecast Rodgers to be the 2010 MVP? Phillip Rivers, another young QB who posted impressive stats and took his team to the Divisional playoff round, isn’t as publicized or lauded as Rodgers. (The conspiracy theorist in me swears Thompson paid off his share of NFL analysts to hype his young investment; how else does Rodgers telling Packers fans to shut up not create more waves? C'mon, it could totally happen.)

It was not the compelling scenario between Favre and Rodgers that kept the Packers in the media, however. Rodgers made Thompson’s argument by coming out firing in September. Amidst the turmoil and controversy, the young QB put the team on his back and embraced it – he made it about the team, not the QB, which is exactly the opposite of what Favre did before his bitter dismissal from Green Bay. I’ve heard several accounts of how massive Rodgers’ ego is; had Favre not indirectly emphasized the importance of operating, practicing and playing as a team, Rodgers may have begun his career as a very different player and teammate.

It is, after all, that team mentality that has given the Pack success the past two seasons. C’mon, two of the best –and most critical – defensive starters in Al Harris and Aaron Kampman go down with season-ending injuries and the team still makes the playoffs last year – it’s the system, it’s the guys. They think together, play together and win together.

The lessons Rodgers learned behind Favre were invaluable in a football sense. What he learned during that infamous summer in Packers history was invaluable in a leadership and life sense.

Favre once had unbreakable chemistry with and loyalty for his teammates and organization in Green Bay; because he somehow lost that may be one of the biggest reasons Rodgers may become the next Lambeau legend. It's now completely up to Aaron to determine whether it's as "that dude who followed Brett" or something of his own.

Can Celts Close It Out in 6?

The CPSN called last night’s X-factor in Paul Pierce. L.A. – or more accurately Kobe – was not enough to withstand the Celtics’ charge in Game 5. Now the pressure is on the Lakers and, judging by his performance and post-game outburst, Kobe is up to the challenge. It will be up to his teammates to decide whether there will be a Game 7, because Bryant clearly can’t do it all on his own. He tried last night – scoring the Lakers’ only points (23 at that) over about a quarter and a half – but managed to only keep L.A. within double digits. Check that, he single-handedly kept his team in the game.

Without Kobe’s scoring barrage, the Lakers would have suffered the same drought the Bucks did in Game 6 against the Hawks – a nearly-eight minute cold streak during which the Hawks peeled off 19 points versus the Bucks’ goose egg. That deficiency spelled the team’s series demise.

Could the Lakers’ feeble performance outside of its star in Game 5 be the turning point in the Finals series (even though the Celts seemed to overtake momentum after Game 1’s drubbing)? We’ll see how L.A. responds in friendly confines. Will home court advantage work its magic, as Phil Jackson suggested in his post-game comments or will the wheels completely fall off for the Lakers.

Revisiting the CPSN’s predictions following Game 4, we expect to see Kobe take over to give the Lakers its 16th title. But will it be enough? Game 5 showed us that even a spectacular individual effort can’t win a game; perhaps the X-factor L.A. needs in Game 6 is playing as a team.

You're Hot Then You're Cold; You Win Then You Lose

Is it because the bar is so much higher and the game so much more challenging in the Finals? Perhaps it’s because they’re too overconfident and therefore less focused after a big game. Whatever the reason, the X-factors – the stars in Games 1, 2 and 3 my earlier post discussed – severely underachieved in the game following their big performances. In Game 2, Kobe Bryant, Game 1’s hero, missed significant playing time because of foul trouble. Despite posting 21 points, he shot only 8 of 20 and couldn’t save his team from losing its first home game during these playoffs.

Ray Allen not only cooled after setting an NBA Finals record for 3s, he froze. Should we give credit to the Lakers for figuring out how to effectively defend Allen? Something knocked Ray Ray completely off his game – he went ice cold and shot 0 for lucky number 13.

Tonight, Derek Fisher was anything but heroic. In fact, he looked like someone who hadn’t nearly the amount of playoff experience that he possesses, taking poor shots and getting into foul trouble. The Lakers controlled most of the game until late in the third, when momentum started to swing. No one stepped up for L.A. tonight; instead, it was the Celtics bench stealing the show and another win to even the series.

A play symbolic of the Lakers’ second half meltdown was a baffling possession by Fisher in the waning seconds. Upon gaining possession with 31 seconds remaining and his team down 8, Fisher dribbled furiously up court, pulled up as if to take a tre, passed up the shot, drove to the basket . . . but then pulled the ball back out beyond the perimeter! He then made a layup, but let valuable second tick off the clock for only a deuce. And, granted the Lakers were in deep trouble at that point, but a quick 3 keeps them in the game. Who better to make that shot than the man who’s done it on that very stage so many times before?

After dominating Game 1 of the Finals, the Lakers have let the Celtics make a series of it. Now that Boston has found its rhythm, a Game 5 win by the Celts puts tremendous pressure on the Lakers to stand their ground at home. Who will step up next and give his team a 3-2 edge going west? The CPSN predicts it will be someone in green and white (Paul Pierce has been way too quiet thus far). Then Kobe shows us why he’s still better than LeBron because he wins games in the playoffs – namely, Games 6 and 7 in L.A.

NBA Finals So Far All About the X

Through three games, the NBA Finals have been about the X-factor. Three games, three different players making an impact for his team, which, without his production, would have likely been on the losing end. Not surprisingly, these fellas are no strangers to carrying their teams to playoff wins; they're consistent performers - no Dante Halls in this mix (pause for reflective, "Ohhh yea, I remember that guy").

Game 1 it was Kobe; he blew up the Celts D and left them too awestruck to generate any offensive or defensive rhythm. Game 2’s X was of course three-baller Ray Allen. The Celtics needed all of his eight record-breaking threes and eight additional points to pull away from the Lakers, who kept things close until a fourth-quarter meltdown.

Tonight’s X-factor? Veteran playoff X-factor Derek Fisher. In a game during which the Lakers somehow built a 17-point lead as quickly as the Celtics shaved it down, Fisher was the difference in the critical fourth quarter. In the quarter, Gasol sank a couple clutch shots and Kobe made a few hustle plays, but Fisher’s 11 points and key defensive board with the Lakers clinging to a 4-point lead with 53 seconds left solidified the win.

Who'll step up in Game 4? Boston needs it to be someone in green and white to stay in the series.

Lakers' Complete Game Cans Celts

Watching Game 1 of the 2010 Finals was like watching the Celts pound on the Magic for 4 out of 6 games a round prior. The Lakers’ defense was stifling, offense aggressive and productive and composure in tact. These two teams are talented enough to keep things competitive through 7 games, but the way the Lakers dominated at home tonight, home court advantage may be influential. That and the fact that Kobe & Co. were faster, quicker and seemingly hungrier.

What I’ve learned from watching the NBA the past few years is that not much matters until the 4th quarter. It’s what I call the perfect party sport. I’m more than happy to invite friends over or attend functions to "watch" a basketball game, because I can not only listen to people, but also reply coherently. If it’s a blowout, I’m not missing anything; if it’s close, everyone starts to pay attention. Football is a much more solitary sport . . . at least in my case – I'm really just looking out for the safety of others.

Back to tonight’s Lakers-Celtics contest, which was an exception to the party rule. That is, I was excited enough about the start of the Finals to watch from minute one. . .and was bored by the end of the 3rd quarter. If I had plunked out almost twice an entire month’s salary to attend the game (oh, yea, I considered it enough to do my research), I’d have serious buyer’s remorse (then again, if I’m buying Lakers tickets, chances are my salary analogy wouldn’t be accurate).

Fact is the Celtics were owned tonight. How significant is this Game 1 loss? A series is hardly over after one contest, but history is not encouraging for the Celts' chances. Since the NBA’s first season in 1946-47, the team that won game 1 of a best-of-seven series won 319 of 407 series (that’s a whopping .784 winning percentage, kids). Oh, and my friends and yours at ESPN also note that Phil Jackson's teams dominate after posting a W in game 1 of a playoff series – they’ve won 47 straight series.

As fun as it was seeing Kobe fly around and feeling the energy halfway across the country at the Staples Center Wednesday evening, it would be all the more fun to see a competitive, well-played series. If the Lakers stay true to historical form, here’s hoping they do so in 7 games.

He's (Coming) Baaaaaaack. . .

Have you heard? ESPN broke news of Favre’s Friday morning ankle surgery approximately two hours ago, but we'll undoubtedly hear MUCH more about it – and him – in the coming days and weeks.

Could this mean he's definitely returning? If I'm a betting woman (on this, not the CWS), I'd say yes. A man who loathes surgery going under the knife for the second time in as many years . . . yea, I'd say that's a sure sign he's leaning toward competing for that coveted second ring.

More on this story to come - it will be interesting to witness the team's reaction to this news and a possible return.

Lakers-Suns Game 1 Recap

Tonight's line: Kobe drops 40 on Suns in 35 minutes. I'm not gonna say it.

Stop. Kobe Time. Ohh-ohh. . .Can't Touch This. . .Ohh-ohh. . .

A couple months ago I wrote about Tiger Woods’ return to golf and the quandary about how we should receive him – with forgiveness or scorn. While crafting that post, one of my thought processes was how we can love athletes for what they do on the court, field or course, but may not even respect what they do off it.

For years, I’ve had a slight obsession with Kobe Bryant. Like a little kid, I get a thrill watching take the buzzer-beating, sink the game-winner and move around the court with his patented swagga. Even after his legal debacle, I had to watch when Kobe was on – and once again marvel at his skill almost to the point of admiration. In all fairness, he righted his wrongs and hasn’t been in trouble since – at least not to the public’s knowledge. Oh, and dude changed his jersey number. C’mon.

This all breaks down to me either having forgiven him in a sense or accepted the double-standard of liking an athlete for what he or she does between the lines. I’d like to believe I haven’t lowered my standards . . . but truth is, we can all have our guilty pleasures, can’t we? I just can’t help it – he’s like the Derek Jeter of the NBA in the sense that he comes up in crunch time to make the biggest shots of all – often times in jaw-dropping fashion. All I know is that I’m stoked to see what Kobe has in store against the risen Suns and perhaps beyond.

Coming soon: Why I still haven’t forgiven my college hero, one Dwyane Wade. Or as we at MU called him, “D” or “D-Wade” (I can’t help it the rest of the world is full of copycats).

My Boston Beef In Prelude to Tomorrow's Celtic Commotion

Is it just me or are Boston fans either whining about how we should feel sorry for them because their sports teams are failures (oh woe is them) or running their mouths about how awesome their teams are (enough already)? (With all due respect to Sports Guy Bill Simmons)

Get ready for some hard-core braggin' tomorrow. Meanwhile, Cleveland fans - who legitimately have a beef - are once again left out in the cold.

A New Primetime

So I’m sitting enjoying a run-of-the-mill episode of Criminal Minds this evening (guilty pleasure) and a supporting character comes on screen who looks quite familiar. In fact, dude looks like Greg Jennings! “Nah,” I tell myself, “It’s just the football withdrawal; I must be seeing things.” But I could swear this lab tech - who utters no more than two lines and then vanishes - is Jennings’ long-lost twin brother . . . er, actor twin brother.

Fast forward to the late local news, which promotes a piece about Greg Jennings’ acting debut on tonight’s episode of Criminal Minds. Ohmygosh, it’s true! Yikes, players do have serious time to kill during the offseason. Props to Greg for using his well – he did a decent job in the role and looked his usual fine self. Check out more info about Jennings’ cameo, what he thought and another potential acting opp for the wideout.

Yes, It's Time For . . . Favre Watch 2010

Wow. Just when you thought the whole world is sick of Brett Favre and any shred of news related to the legend, USA Today publishes one of the most detailed Favre Watch accounts this Four Fanatic has seen. I expected to see a recollection of Favre’s past flip flops and foibles, dripping with sarcasm and satire. Instead, it’s a legit timeline that includes links to full stories about each juicy detail.

What is it about the guy that makes you either loathe or love him? Want to either stick a pencil in your eye or pour over every word when you see another story about Favre? I don’t know, but at least for me, football will be significantly less interesting once he’s on his tractor – for good.

Badass Bucks

Well, they did it. Took care of business in A-T-L and now have a chance to close out the series at home. Do the Hawks Fear the Deer now?

Even the team mascot is getting in the act – check out Bango intimidating the opponent with a death-defying dunk getting mad-style hits on YouTube . . . and a rather entertaining skit that calls to mind Andy Samberg’s SNL “Punched” bit.

Can I just say that I love the attitude the Bucks are rolling out? Let the excitement continue!

Bogut-less Bucks Bounce Back

The beginning of the end or the start of something good? After Saturday’s drubbing of the Hawks, the Milwaukee Bucks could easily lose Monday night and bow of the playoffs in ATL with only one win. Such is how the NBA playoffs play out sometimes. On the other hand, this could be the momentum and confidence boost the underdog and short-handed (hoofed?) Bucks need.

Thus far in their series with Atlanta, the Bucks have been nothing to fear. The Hawks are preying upon the Bucks’ weaknesses and caging their strengths. Last night – with the help of a crowd hungry for Hawk meat (Josh Smith was on special) – the Bucks bound free and dominated the visitors. The Hawks looked more like fish out of water than wild birds of prey.

(I could go all day with these animal metaphors)

Monday night will tell us whether the Bucks found their rhythm or if the Hawks were perhaps just fatigued after flying north.

Let’s hope it’s the former and, come Game 5, the Hawks will Fear the Deer.

Well Done, NCAA

Closing the loop on an earlier post, I’m pleased to report on the NCAA expanding the Men’s Basketball tournament from 65 to . . . 68 teams. Whew! Why expand at all? Gives major conferences more bids, while still allowing a decent number of mid-majors to have a shot (way to represent, Butler).

I’m also thrilled that CBS is locked in to carry the tourney for at least the next 14 years (in a multi-billion-yes, I said billion-dollar deal). Call me sentimental but I always come close to shedding a tear every time I hear that theme music (“do do do do do doooo do doooo. . .” Ahhh).

News of expansion isn’t as prevalent as it would be any other non-NFL Draft night of the year. An initial report from ESPN gives us the basics.

Brewers Trends a Downer

So Brewers fans, which downer should we talk about – the Brewers’ track record on nationally televised games, or how its stars fare following landing a huge contract? Let’s start by clarifying that expectations for the Crew this year vary; some think the team’s holes from last year have been filled, while others think there are still too many areas of concern for the team to make the playoffs.

Regardless of predictions for the year, I bet all Brewers fans were stoked on Opening Day, high on the hopes that a fresh season brings. Starting the series against three post season favorites – Rockies, Cardinals and Cubs – was daunting, but also an opportunity to build confidence early and get some qualities wins on the record, especially against division rivals.

And heck, to do it on Fox Saturday baseball on a gorgeous afternoon at Miller Park would be . . . a dream. Just like it was last year. Aaaand the year before that. The Brewers don’t have many chances to show the country its talent – mostly because there wasn’t much of that recently. But during the past three years or so, when the Attanasio era was in full swing with Braun, Fielder and Co., the Brewers are woeful in nationally televised games. Oh, well, maybe it’s better to fly under the radar, right? We’ll get back to that in a bit.

Another disconcerting trend continued this weekend is the flop of a big-money signing. First there was Derek Turnbow, a little-known closer who, after a grand coming out party in 2005 and landed a three-year $6.5 million contract . . . only to struggle following his All-Star Game appearance in 2006 until being sent to the minors in ’08. Then the Crew landed Jeff Suppan, who at the time seemed to solidify the pitching ranks instantly. After the gigantic four-year, $42 million deal was signed, Soup never really blossomed into the all-star the team and its fans expected.

Certainly, one outing does not a season make. In the same way, the first weekend of the year won’t determine its direction for any team. Sunday night, in fact, the Brewers eked out a close win against the Cards on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Hopefully the Crew can build some consistency and momentum during the season. And hopefully Milwaukee – team and fans included – can sustain the excitement we felt leading up to Opening Day through September to buy some quality wins . . . and not bust in October.

New Beginnings

Know the feeling of that first truly spring-like day of the year? When the warm sun and soft breeze hit your skin as you walk outside and smell spring in the air. Ahhh. Doesn’t that feel great? Springtime is like a natural energy boost. It is a time of rejuvenation, rebirth and hope. We have a chance to forget the hardship and shake the doldrums of winter and begin anew.

This year, more so than in years past, I feel this sense of renewal transcend into the world of sports. Donovan gets a chance to reinvent himself in Washington. Four NBA teams at or near the bottom of their division last season in this year’s playoffs. And Tiger Woods . . . oh, Tiger, Tiger. . .

What a coincidence that Tiger is making his return (it remains to be seen how triumphant it is) to golf in the Master’s – which, with March Madness and Opening Day, is one of the truest signs of spring in the sporting world. Tiger certainly has more than bad feelings to shake following his fall . . . and winter. How should the sports world receive him? Should we forgive and forget, or is he tarnished like so many fallen sports heroes before him?

We Americans are obsessed with our athletes. Both on amateur (think NCAA tourney) and professional levels, we put our sports stars on pedestals. We admire them; we rise and fall with their success and failure. Heck, we buy their shoes, wear their clothes and drink their sports drinks. (Don’t deny it – you and I both know you don’t buy Nike T-shirts because of their moisture wicking, aerodynamic fabric engineering)

But how do we treat them when we discover the Brett Favres we thought were down-to-earth, just-like-me heroes are really selfish egomaniacs? Do we stop admiring, watching or obsessing about them? Can we just turn off our love for and fascination about these stars?

I used to cast these flawed sports figures on the deadbeats pile; they were forever ruined in my mind and their story ended in tragedy. After living a few years outside my youthfully-idealistic little bubble world, however, I realize that no one is perfect; we humans make life-altering mistakes. Should we live the rest of our lives in shame, or can we repent, receive forgiveness, change our ways and begin a new chapter?

Do sports figures deserve our (their fans) forgiveness?

Some people may still cheer for a tarnished athlete based on his performance between the lines, not how he conducts himself personally. That’s fair.

But some athletes – like Tiger – screw up so badly in their personal lives that it’s hard for even the truest fans to stay on his side. A figure so beloved and followed because of his seemingly perfect persona and tremendous ability has been revealed as anything but perfect.

As Tiger embarks on his new beginning as Master’s play opens tomorrow, consider whether you’re willing to give him – and other starts that have strayed – another shot. We may never know if they really changes for the better, but in the spirit of springtime, shouldn’t we give them the chance?

Or perhaps we just wait for that soft spring breeze to blow in the next star who, maybe, just maybe, will avoid the inescapable web of transgression into which seemingly all our athletes are becoming entangled.

We can only hope.

Expansion Examination

Would last night's NCAA Men's Basketball tournament final have been the same had Butler and Duke entered the tournament with 94 other teams? There are so many questions and thoughts in the air regarding expanding the NCAA Tournament from 64 to 96 teams. My first thoughts are that expansion would shrink the significance of the regular season, while diminishing the distinctiveness of making the tournament. Sadly, it seems to be all about money.

Two USA Today columnists recently shared some interesting insights into a possible expansion. Check them out here:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/2010-03-25-hiestand-mccarthy-ncaa_N.htm?csp=34

Fitting End

I’m in a place where I can talk about it. There was some hard core denial, to be sure; by 11 pm Saturday I was still perched in front of the TV waiting for Lazar and Co. to come bounding onto some court . . . somewhere. But now I realize what a fitting end last Thursday evening’s loss was for the 2009-2010 Golden Eagles.

All year long the second half was a different story from the first for MU. The kinds of errors they made during the second half of many games this season are the kinds of mistakes you chalk up to youth. “Aw, they’re young, they’ll be more mature and composed next season.” Only problem is that this team was made up of seasoned vets; most of the rotation were upperclassmen and three of MU’s starting five were seniors. Still, the turnovers, missed free throws and surrendered leads happened time after time.

I hate to blame DJO for fumbling the ball out of bounds on Marquette’s second to last (and potentially game-winning) possession. Doing so would be like blaming Favre for Minny’s Championship Game loss – yes, he committed the final error, helped the opposition drive the last nail into the coffin – but too many other variables before that played into the team’s demise. DJO (who is young and can grow to be a better player next year) is as much at fault as every other Eagle who took the floor (including, unfortunately, Buzz).

Maybe if the team hadn’t spent so much time at the barbershop (did you see those crazy cuts?) and more time practicing free throws, the outcome would have been different. OK, I liked seeing the guys do something different for the tourney; it meant they knew how special it was. If only their play had reflected that, too. I digress. Simply put, MU let a 15-point lead disappear. Yes, it’s March Madness and that happens; but this team that prepared itself by pulling out close games all year should not have had to do the same last Thursday.

What’s worse is how badly MU could have potentially pummeled New Mexico. Sure, it’s all speculation, but one of my brackets had MU in the Elite Eight (one of many, may I note). My mouth watered at the prospect of knocking off Big East foe West Virginia, thus avenging an early season beating and making an underrated team one of the last 8 standing.

Again, that’s all a waste of time to consider now. It was a good ride. And, hey, Marquette has some young kids coming up and still on the roster. They’ll be better next year.

Jinx. . .Now Can MU Buy a Tourney Spot?

While reading through my last blog* prior to posting, I thought to myself, “Self, are you jinxing Marquette here? I mean, they still have one game left.” My confidence was so high in the Golden Eagles closing out the season with a win on Senior Day, I quickly dismissed my thought.

Three days later, as I sat transfixed by another dagger-to-the-heart shot at the end of regulation and watched MU sputter in OT, I couldn’t help but feel at least partially responsible. Turns out, I should have listened to myself when debating my last blog post; I’m actually quite smart.

Guess the buzz from the Louisville lashing hadn’t yet worn off. I mean, how could I have posted such a thing, when I witnessed every crest, dip and curve in MU’s roller coaster ride of a season? I had to know that shot would happen; in fact, with 16 seconds remaining following Lazar Hayward’s selfish 3-point attempt, I did. Of course Marquette would miss two opportunities at a rebound after a wild 3-point attempt by Notre Dame; and of course the last desperation shot before the buzzer would fall for the loathed Irish.

With the season in the history books, the question again presents itself: Is Marquette worthy of an at-large berth? Head-to-head play aside, Marquette deserves to dance more than Notre Dame.
In the wild Big East, isn’t an 11-win season (good for fifth in the conference) enough for an at-large berth? Looking at quality wins, Notre Dame just edges MU and finished the year on a four-game winning streak, include big victories over No. 16 Pitt and No. 13 Georgetown. The Irish finished sixth.

Marquette, however, beat Georgetown, as well, in addition to UConn and Louisville (which just knocked off No. 1 Syracuse). MU also came much closer to beating Villanova twice (72-74, 76-78) than ND did once (72-90). Almost, however, still doesn’t count.

Marquette versus Notre Dame is quite the conundrum for the selection committee. It seems to me, though, that Marquette put a better overall season together, overcoming a tough, tough start (1-3 against four ranked Big East teams) to finish tied for fifth overall in the conference (tied with Louisville, which they beat). Fifth overall in the toughest conference in the country.

If my last post taught me anything, I’m declaring Notre Dame a lock for an NCAA tourney berth. With only the Big East tournament left, no way they don’t make it. None.


* See: “Care to Dance?” Posted March 3, 2010.

Care to Dance?

In one evening, the speculation surrounding the Marquette Golden Eagles Men’s basketball squad transformed from whether or not the team will even make the NCAA Tournament, to where it will be seeded. Yes, the preseason pick to be 12th in the Big East showed up to play versus Louisville last night and may have locked up the bid that was theirs to earn.

So many times this season the Golden Eagles failed to take advantage of opportunities; other times, they seemed to try their darndest to give games away. The ‘Nova loses fall into the first category; missed free throws at the end cost MU those games. Pittsburgh sure looked tough two weeks ago at the Bradley Center, but Marquette was certainly in it. But silly turnovers and frequent missed free throws (both at critical stages of the game) made me think I was watching the Marquette high school team that competes just down the road from campus.

Those three OT victories in a row were no doubt impressive . . . but did they all have to come down to an extra period? Against Cincinnati, MU gave up a 13 point lead prior to halftime and fought to stay in the game for most of the second half. They built a 4-point lead – significant in this close a game – with about 6 minutes left, but later needed Lazar Hayward’s last-second tre to force OT. Versus St. John’s, the team shot a putrid 34.4%, and a few days later couldn’t buy a rebound from Seton Hall.

The bottom line? Marquette won each game, despite its struggles. It wasn’t pretty – they should have won at least two (if not all) of those contests in regulation – but you can’t say enough for the mettle the team showed in pulling each game out. Um, oh, yea, those games were all on the road, too.

In order to make the tournament, the Golden Eagles needed to start closing out games.

Check.

To make noise in the tournament, they need to follow the blue print they laid out during the last four games (in particular, Tuesday evening’s jaunt against Pitino’s crew). Marquette’s not big, but the intensity and skill with which they played last night could earn them an upset or two in the Big Dance.

Winter Olympics, Why Am I Already Sick of Thee?

Winter Olympics, Why Am I Already Sick of Thee?
Let Us Count the Ways

I was looking forward to the Winter Olympics. As mentioned in my previous post, the month of February is a sports chasm, so the Olympics were a welcome bridge from football season to March Madness. Frankly, I love watching athletes from all over the world compete in their unique areas of expertise, with the world watching. It’s similar to the excitement college sports bring – no money or endorsements on the line (for the most part). No, the Olympics are all about courage, pride, country and personal accomplishment. Pure sport (disclaimer: term “sport” used loosely; there is curling at the Olympics, after all).

We are only a week into the 2010 Winter Games, but my enthusiasm has already bottomed out. Here are the top reasons why:

1. NBC’s choppy coverage. I may appreciate the Games more if I were able to tune into USA, MSNBC or CNBC for a more diverse sample of events. However, I’m cable-less and therefore doomed to watch Bob Costas, Al Michaels and Mary Carillo mostly drone on about athlete’s life stories and show me medal presentation ceremonies. Hello, I’d like to see some competition – and more than just performances of the top three finishers, too. When NBC does appease me with live action, its duration is typically short, not allowing me to appreciate the flow of an event and the drama of competition. Seemingly, the only event NBC cares to show viewers more than 10 minutes of at a time is, sadly, figure skating. Which brings us to reason number two.
2. Dick Button. My apologies to skating enthusiasts, but really, how often do we need to hear Mr. Button weigh in? It feels like Costas begins each of his studio segments with, “Here with me again is Dick Button.” NBC finds it necessary to have the man comment on everything. “Dick, I had Cheerios® for breakfast today. What are your thoughts?”
3. Speaking of commenting on everything, Bob Costas seems to be more interested in his colleagues’ fashion sense than Olympic events or athletes’ performances. Honestly, I counted five comments Costas made to guests in studio about their clothing, just the first two nights of coverage. He first observed how preppy Chris Collinsworth looked in his layered sweater-sport coat combo. Again, I’m going to go back to, bring me some event action; I don’t care that you think Mary Carillo looks like she belongs at a quidditch match. (By the way, a Harry Potter reference, really? With how many sports-centric viewers did that even resonate?) Costas knows sports better than most broadcasters out there. I thought he also knew how to call a sporting event, as opposed to making it his own show, like so many commentators out there. Unfortunately, he’s not true to form during these Winter Olympics.
4. Stephen Colbert. Dennis Miller didn’t save Monday Night Football for ABC; Colbert ain’t gonna save the Winter Olympics for NBC.

Maybe I’ll catch a few more events here and there over the course of the week. For the most part, however, I’m ready to move on to Selection Sunday (which is apparently what Marquette is looking ahead to, ‘cuz they sure weren’t focused on Pitt. . .but don’t even get me started on that!).

The Least Wonderful Time of the Year

Ah, the offseason. Time for NFL fans to catch our breath, regroup and enjoy other sporting genres before another season is upon us. In years past, I’ve been sad when the Super Bowl ends, as it signals the end to yet another season. There is a void of football news and action – well, except for the now-annual “will he/won’t he” spiel – until April’s draft. The void is accompanied by feelings of emptiness and symptoms of withdrawal, without our weekly fix. Traditionally, we wait until the Madness of March to quench our sporting thirsts.

This year is different. Sure, the Winter Olympics can keep us sports fans occupied. But for the hard-core football fans out there, the NFL is still very much in the spotlight. It’s time for the players, the league and everyone in between can come to friendly and reasonable terms in time to preserve the future prosperity and popularity of the league. Namely, work out the collective bargaining agreement thingy. Who wants the NFL to have the problems of MLB when it comes to small markets versus big owners – the NFL would turn into JJFL, the Jerry Jones Football League.

It baffles me that in a league that’s become so successful and so popular, there is a risk of a lockout or uncapped seasons. Check that, I’m not baffled; rather, I fully understand that greed is preventing progress. My expertise about the negotiation details is lacking, but I know that March 3, 2010 is an important date; if an agreement isn’t reached by then, the NFL is in for an interesting season and far more significant 2011 offseason.

I think I speak for millions of passionate fans who hope the league we’ve grown to love makes the right decisions and continues to entertain and captivate us – not alienate us. Here’s hoping the Commish can earn his recent multi-million dollar contract extension. Otherwise, NFL arenas may resemble this:

Tell Us How You REALLY Feel, Vikes Fans

I love how the Minnesota Vikings are pretending as though retirement is not even an option for Brett Favre. This week they posted a video on vikings.com for "Best of Brett Favre as a Viking So Far." So far? That's a big leap there, purple people. After enduring this dance for more than 5 years, knowing the reasons Favre has given in the past for coming back or retiring, all signs point to third time's the charm.

On the other hand - as we've witness during the past 3 years - anything can happen. There sure are enough people who want Favre to give it another go . . . and they're letting Brett know it.

A group of fans (organized through the Facebook group 4 MILLION VIKINGS FANS WANT BRETT FAVRE BACK IN MINNESOTA FOR 2010) pooled their money for a billboard in Mississippi reading, "Hey #4, do Minnesota fans love you and want you back next year? You Brettcha!" Now they know how to appeal to this guy. Build his ego, make him feel wanted. They sure are playing all the right cards. (Check out the full story at: http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20100204/NEWS01/2040360/-You-Brettcha/---Billboard-shows-fans-love-Brett-Favre)

Packers fans made a similar plea in 2008, but it was too little, too late. . .that and, Ted Thompson surely wasn't listening (read that story at: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20080709/PKR01/807090680/Murphy--Harlan-try-to-quell-Favre-furor)

The Vikings movement's leader, Jay Tappe of Minneapolis, says he hopes to continue raising donations to keep the billboard up for another month. Donations can be made at a microsite you can link to from the Facebook group's page. Tappe reports that money not used for the billboard will go to Brett and Deanna's foundations.

What passion (desperation?) from Vikes fans. I, for one, think it's a tribute to the legend - the excitement he brings every weekend and potential he gives his team to win the big one.

One thing’s for sure – this is only the beginning of what promises to be an offseason of great consequence for the Vikings organization, in both the short- and long-term.

A Dirty Win is Still a Win. . .I Guess

After a week like last week, you'd think I'd keep my distance from anything pigskin-related. You'd think I would stay away from "Super Bowl Central" on ESPN. No, not me. I love yanking on that hang nail, picking at that scab, playing chicken with my sanity.

So this morning I found myself clicking here, clicking there, used to that miserable feeling enough by now to tolerate it, when. . .*snap* OK, that’s it, last straw.

Can someone please tell me when we time traveled back to the eras of Ray Nitschke or Mean Joe Greene and Jack Tatum, when all a defense wanted to do was knock an opponent unconscious? Heck with stopping a guy from gaining yards, let’s keep him from being able to feed himself ever again. That leads me to the question: What’s up with Greg Williams? Seriously. What’s this dude’s deal? His defense’s hit on Kurt Warner in the Divisional playoff was borderline legal – but it was legal nevertheless.

The hit on Favre? The NFL has gone on record saying it was illegal (hey Pete Morelli, get your eyes checked this offseason). Not only that, it was dirty. By nastily going after two graying, top-notch QBs with the intent of knocking them out of the game, aren’t you pretty much admitting that you can’t beat your opponent based on talent alone, Saints? “Alright fellas, we ain’t better than these guys, so we’ll try to break some legs and put a beat on the second stringers.”

I understand that football is . . . well, football (insert manly growl here). But, c’mon, folks. “We’re going to have to make sure [Manning] gets a couple ‘remember me’ shots when we get there,” Williams professed during a recent radio interview. Really? Because simply pressuring the quarterback, getting in his head and knocking him around a bit isn’t enough? Just playing all 60 minutes and shutting Peyton down is too hard, so hit him and “hope he doesn’t get back up and play again.” Classy, Greg, classy.

Let’s have some perspective here. Especially now when the league is trying to understand, prevent and treat concussions better to help a player enjoy the best life after football possible, we can’t have this filth on the field.

It’s not only cheap and dirty, but it’s cowardly, too. If you can’t bring it for 60 minutes and beat a team because you outplay it, you don’t deserve to win. Just line up and play, boys; no cheap shots, no b.s. That’s football.

Although. . .based on the way the Saints played last Sunday night – have 5 turnovers fall in your lap, face a 40-year old QB with one good leg and just barely luck out a win – I suppose I understand your thought, Mr. Williams. A win is a win. . .however you weasel into it, right?

True Warriors

As the healing process continues from my purple and gold wounds, it’s still hard for me to watch or listen to anything sporting-event related. However, I found myself watching the Marquette-UConn game earlier today. Having given into temptation shortly into the second half, I knew I was only readying myself for another heart-breaking defeat. MU was hanging with the mighty Huskies, who recently whomped then-No. 1 Texas. Chances were the undersized Warriors would fall in yet another close contest with a ranked opponent.

Marquette is 2-4 versus ranked Big East opponents this season, yeeouch. The kicker in those games was that – aside from the contest at Syracuse – MU lost by a combined total of 6 points in 4 contests. They should have won each of those games; missed free throws in the waning seconds doomed them each time.

The reason they were so close in those games is the underrated defense, energy and chemistry this team has built. Buzz Williams has done quite a job keeping the team focused and ready to play after that other guy up and left. ‘Nova’s an explosive team; Marquette gave up 74 and 78 points to the Wildcats in each of their matchups. In their other Big East contests, MU held Georgetown, West Virginia, DePaul and UConn to an average of 60 points. (Oh, by the way, Marquette beat that Georgetown team who today creamed No. 7 Duke)

OK, back to the game. There I sat, braced for that sinking feeling, when I see David Cubillan, in a low defensive stance at the top of the key, clapping enthusiastically, psyching himself up and daring his man to beat him. Now MU had just missed a field goal and the game was tied. . .2 minutes and change left and Coob was fired up and glued on his man. I like what I see.

The D clamped down on the Huskies to end the game and give MU a much-needed Big East win. That Jimmy Butler guy? Yeah, he’s alright, too.

The 2009-2010 version of the Marquette Golden Eagles brings energy and defense to the floor every time. The home stretch should (should being the operative word) be friendly to them after a tough start and give the Golden Eagles a chance to build some serious MO come tourney time.

Disaster averted this day. Feels good to savor victory again.

What's That Feeling?

Truth is, the game never should have come down to that throw. Like the Giants contest at frigid Lambeau Field two years prior, Brett Favre should not have been the game-breaker in the NFC Championship. Opportunities fell in both the Vikings’ and Packers’ laps the nights of their respective championship contents, but neither team could capitalize. Both times, Favre put the final nail in the coffin and felt the sting of defeat.

The worst part of it all? The Vikings were the better team Sunday night. Had it not been for even one of their 3 fumbles, the Vikings would have dominated the Saints, who didn’t seem to realize they were playing for a trip to the Super Bowl. For that matter, neither did the Vikings, who literally gave the championship away. All week, I braced myself for defeat, knowing how explosive the Saints’ offense and how vulnerable our secondary was. Like many fellow Vikes fans, however, I expected a win. That’s what I was thinking; what I felt was an entirely different story.

All day leading up to the game, I had the eerie feeling that the game was already lost. Like there is no sense in playing, history's already written. I told myself it was the magnitude of the game. All my purple friends were confident; why wasn’t I?

Then the game started. Wow, pound that ball in on the first drive to go up 7-0. Confidence builds. Looking back, the way the first half ended was like an omen – the Saints were handing the Vikes the game, but inexperience . . . jitters . . . something caused them to lose focus (and the ball) all night. But they were still in it.

Fast forward to 2:37 left in the game. The Vikings have the ball in the perfect scenario. This is it – beat up all day, Favre and Co. could put the game away on one last, glorious drive to Miami. I’m confident now, after seeing the Vikes fight and claw to stay in the game. This is their time. No, I wouldn’t let myself think it, but I could feel it. The dream was real.

Then it happened.

No, not the pick . . . not yet. It was back – that feeling. As the Vikes lined up after the 2 minute break, my excitement vanished and I was left with an odd, anticlimactic, emptiness. As if I already knew, a foreshadowing of sorts.

The rest is history. Several questionable calls and one weighty questionable decision later, New Orleans was ecstatic and the Vikings were done. Overtime was merely a delay of the inevitable, a prolonging of the misery. Such a perfect, promising season had come to a heart-pounding climax and quickly screeched to a bitter, gut-wrenching, inexplicable end. That feeling of mine? I’m sad to say there was something to it. It could have been the ghosts of Lambeau, making sure Favre's career ended the way it was supposed to in 2007. Or it could have been the result of Minnesota just never putting the game away - a game they should have won by the third quarter.

Some say the journey is the reward. Many expected – and all of us in the purple and gold nation hoped – it would end in Miami. Nevertheless, the 2009 season was quite the ride. The memories should not be tarnished by the way the season ended . . . although we’ll all inevitably wonder “What if?”

Big Whee! Vikes Dominate 'Boys in Divisional Playoff

The wait was nearly unbearable; you could feel the anxiety, the excitement. All of it building, building as we waited for our boys – no, not the ones from Dallas, they had already pranced onto the field and were taunting the crowd and showboating in typical Cowgirl form. Then it came – that sound, once for me a tone that indicated trouble or defeat, now a glorious sound symbolizing triumph and victory - the Vikings' horn. Game on.

Would the Vikings lay an egg on the heels of a 2-3 end to the regular season? Would Favre fail in the playoffs? Are the Cowboys as good as the experts hype them to be? All of these questions were answered with exclamations from the Vikings and the book on the divisional round slammed shut after a 34-3 trouncing of Jerry Jones’ crew. Go home, Tony Romo and Co.; today’s is the Vikings’ day. For someone with a fear of flying, even the plane ride back to good old Wisconsin was enjoyable on this day. High fiving fellow Vikings fans through security and strutting to my gate in a purple and gold #4 jersey with a grin on my face was the icing on the cake. Not even looking to next week; time to enjoy this one for a while.

OMG Sid and A.P. in Touchable Distance

What a perfect way to start Divisional Playoff Sunday. Saunter into the stadium roughly 2 hours before kickoff, as anxious as a kid on Christmas Eve, and who do we stumble upon? Why, it’s Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice, dressed up to the nines just chillin’ by the concession stands! I must admit, I was a bit worried about the stars hanging out, still dressed in street clothes, a mere 2 hours prior to kickoff. . .but A.P. assures me it’s OK.