Before we get to today's games, how 'bout them Utes? Does last night's stunning and decisive victory of 'Bama by Utah make it clear to even the staunchest supporters of the BCS that this system doesn't work, and only a playoff can really determine who the top team in the nation is? (BTW: we knew the Utes had an offense, but did anyone think they could hold the Tide to 17 points?)
On to today's games:
- Buffalo vs. Connecticut
INTERNATIONAL BOWL - Atlanta at Arizona
- Indianapolis at San Diego
Does anyone know if two games on NBC means we've got to put up with eight hours of Olbermann?
*****Update: Joe Concha's playoff views below the fold:
Pigskins and Politics Playoff Edition
Joe Concha
Wild Card Weekend offers everything we love and hate about the NFL.
For starters, we have the fairness of a 12-4 team (Colts) going on the road to play an 8-8 team (Chargers). Then again, we also have an organization that nearly went 0-16 hosting a team that has a quarterback that was partying at the University of Delaware (an underrated party school, by the way) just 10 months ago.
The Cardinals may be the worst playoff team in history, but they too are at home to a favored Atlanta squad that was ranked 32 out of 32 on ESPN's power rankings entering the season.
It truly is a case of the good, the bad, and the ugly. So here's your not-for-profit playoff picks on a week where flipping a coin is likely a better option when trying to select a winner:
Falcons at Cardinals: I once wrote a dating advice column where I instructed women to avoid guys who had first names as last names. In short, unscientific facts say you simply can't trust a guy named, say Jeff George, JeMarcus Russell, Seneca Wallace, etc.
So when breaking down Atlanta-Arizona, it's almost impossible to say which QB one can trust when choosing between Kurt Warner and rookie Matt Ryan (Ryan becomes even more confusing because "Ryan" is a unisex first name).
Here are two facts that made the final decision a little easier:
1) No rookie QB has ever won a road playoff game. Never. Like, in the history of the world.
2) Michael Turner loves home cooking, but Turner rushed for about 400 YARDS LESS on the road than in Georgia. He's scored 14 touchdowns in Atlanta, just 3 touchdowns everywhere else.
To quote the Warden in Shawshank when he explains to a delusional Andy who's really in charge, "You understand me? Catching my drift? Or am I being obtuse?"
Falcons 24
Cardinals 30
Colts at Chargers: Or the more hip version, Colts at Bolts.
Shame these two teams are playing each other so early in the playoffs, since more than a few people believe these are the two best teams in the conference right now.
Chargers are hot, yes, and have been playing playoff football in terms of survival the past four weeks after starting the season 4-8. But the Colts are hotter than hot. Hell, they haven't lost since the World Series was going on. Peyton Manning has completed 72 percent of his passes during this stretch.
Chargers rudely ruined what everybody wanted to see in the playoffs last year: A rematch of the AFC Championship Game between Indy and New England. And if you can name the San Diego's quarterback who led them to a comeback at the RCA Dome last year, you're either related to him or in a fantasy football playoff league.
This will be yet another 3-4 point game (the last three meetings have been decided by a combined 8 points), and all things being even, I'll take the team with Vinatieri on it.
Colts 23
Bolts 20
Joe Concha is a weekly contributor to Newsbusters.org and couldn't be more estatic knowing that Tony Kornheiser will be nowhere near any of the aforementioned games. Email Joe at joeconcha@yahoo.com or use the ultra-friendly comments section below.
Post script: Don't miss Joe on your local Fox affiliate at 7:40, 8:40, and 9:40 AM ET.




















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The Tide rolled over and died.
January 3, 2009 - 13:28 ET by R D Helm'nuff said. :-(
GO FALCONS!
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -Because enough is enough.
The Utah upset was
January 3, 2009 - 13:30 ET by gueinThe Utah upset was surprising indeed, but how 'bout the manhandling of Texas Tech by Ole Miss! The Rebs spotted them 14 pts in the first quarter on turnovers and then proceeded to steam roll the Tech defense on the ground. I'm originally from MS (but not an Ole Miss grad) and was thrilled to see that they have recruited well since Eli Manning graduated. Eli's senior year was the last good team that Ole Miss had until this year.
Ol Miss
January 3, 2009 - 14:14 ET by general companyWas very impressive, but Bama? Do the Ut's deserve the NC?
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Costas too?
January 3, 2009 - 13:38 ET by nofateEight hours of the supercilious Costas is barely bearable but with the imperious Overbite thrown in, well, are we watching football or social commentary? What happened to the game?
"The future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves."
michaelyon-online.com
Mute button and lots of beer breaks should pull me through
January 3, 2009 - 14:41 ET by dboCould not agree more nofate. I find Costas arrogant and obnoxious well Olbermann is, well...just a complete goof. Going to be using the mute button a lot. On the flipside, NBC has Al Michaels and John Madden doing the play by play and the color, two of my favorites.
What have been NBC's Sunday
January 4, 2009 - 05:08 ET by kevcadWhat have been NBC's Sunday night numbers since taking over football duties from ESPN? Are they not doing as well as predicted? Personally, I always avoid their pre-game show if I'm interested in watching the game.
If, supposing, nearly half the country is not watching NBC's Sunday night football program just because of Odormann's presence, just imagine the ratings boost NBC would get if just by removing this one vile impediment?
Start each day with a smile, then get it over with. - W.C. Fields
The `Tide got ROLLED ...
January 3, 2009 - 13:58 ET by Miss CheviousWhat an awesome display .. but whats a Ute ???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1V-4boT_ts
Miss Chevious:
January 3, 2009 - 14:24 ET by ChaitealoverAccording to Joe Pesci's character in "My Cousin Vinny," a "ute" is a young man. In a courtroom scene, he refers to the defendants as "The 2 utes," thus befuddling Fred Gwynne as the judge.
But I suspect you already knew that :-)
Chai
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money" Margaret Thatcher
8 hours of Olberman?
January 3, 2009 - 15:33 ET by ricklailI sure hope not. Maybe only at halftime. Sirius Radio carries the broadcast of both teams. The trouble is there is about a 30 second difference in the TV and the radio so a simulcast won't work.
What happened to BAMA. Did they forget to show up?
I was rooting for Ole Miss seeing how they were the underdogs.
Boy did ECU stink up the TV. I know a few fans that made the trip to Memphis. As a matter of fact one of them works for me. That is a long ride back when you lose like that. I think it is about 16 hours-not sure never having driven it.
As for the NFL. The Falcons should run all over the Cardinals. The Colts handle the Bolts easily. Not sure about the Eagles and the Ravens. Vegas has picked all the road teams. Could happen.
YOU CAN KEEP "THE CHANGE" PALIN 2012
You know
January 4, 2009 - 14:18 ET by BobAnthonyI was having the same problem.
The Constitution is NOT a conspiracy theory and the founding fathers are NOT conspiracy theorists!
Hey Joe, Cancha give the Falcons a break just this once?
January 3, 2009 - 16:41 ET by R D HelmFalcons 24
Cardinals 30
Falcons 30
Cardinals 24
There, fixed it. :-)
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -Because enough is enough.
Dave
January 3, 2009 - 16:44 ET by Noel SheppardDave,
Well, FWIW, I'm taking the Dirty Birds. However, I can't be impartial because as a 49er fan I CAN'T root for Kurt Warner! :-) ns
Noel,
January 3, 2009 - 17:04 ET by R D HelmLOL-I'm just giving Joe a hard time 'cause it seems he's always picking the Falcons to lose.
Heck, 11-5 ain't too shabby for a team everybody was picking to finish squarely in the basement this season.
Of course, I would feel a lot better about this game if the Falcons had a little denser D. We give up far too many points at times, which nearly killed us last Sunday.
I'll catch up to you all at half-time.
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -Because enough is enough.
Go Warner and the
January 3, 2009 - 18:02 ET by bigtimerGo Warner and the Cardinals...plus the second game is a tough one for me...but go Chargers...all the way...come on Rivers and LT ...do your thing today!
I heard late last night that Manning was made MVP anyway, so I won't feel so bad going against him today anyway.
Just got off the roof watching the world go by...don't know who all is here watching today...but hey, what fun, no matter what!
Btw...gorgeous play with Warner/James!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Matt Ryan
January 3, 2009 - 19:05 ET by Noel SheppardI had NO idea this kid was this good! Wow! When's the last time you've seen a rookie QB with this much poise? Wow! ns
Noel... I've been
January 3, 2009 - 19:22 ET by bigtimerNoel...
I've been watching the Falcons/Ryan for quite a bit recently, he's been awesome to watch...I knew this would be good...well, I figured it would, are you still going for the Dirty Birds as you call them?
Dave and misterb if you guys are around...we still have another half to go...sure hope Warner pulls it off, if not, I'm happy for you guys anyway.
My other half keeps telling me that is looks pretty bleak for me....darn, to think I just helped him shovel snow off the roof...for hours, you can't tell who he's pulling for can you? ;-)
Darn it all...those dang dirty birds just made me smile, a pick up of 27 yards for a touch-down on a fumble by the other dirty birds, barely made the extra pt....geesh...what a game so far.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
bt
January 3, 2009 - 20:24 ET by Noel Sheppardbt,
Well, the Dirty Birds aren't looking very good. That fumble at the beginning of the half killed them. Too bad. I like this kid Ryan. ns
The two calls that should
January 3, 2009 - 19:58 ET by bigtimerThe two calls that should have been made against the Falcons and weren't, holding and pass interference...are seeming to come back to bite them.
4th quarter coming up.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Cardinals
January 3, 2009 - 20:42 ET by bigtimerCardinals 30-24!
Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!
I love ya' Warner...YOU are the best!
Of course along with the rest of the crew...special mention to James!
I am one happy camper....heheheeeeeee
Now on to the Colts/Chargers....go Rivers!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
4th and 10
January 3, 2009 - 20:52 ET by dbodouble post
4th and 10
January 3, 2009 - 20:51 ET by dboSure glad NBC is showing aerial shots from a blimp of a game being played inside a dome.
Congratulations to the Atlanta Falcons.
January 3, 2009 - 21:25 ET by R D HelmNo, we didn't win today, but damnit, we weren't even supposed to be here.
The Falcons went from 4-12 season in '07, a coaching change, a rookie QB, and just about every hardship and obstacle that could be thrown their way, yet they still finished the season at 11-5.
Thank you Coach Smith, Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Michael Turner, and all of the the rest of you who helped this team reach the impressive level it realized this season.
You made it fun to be a Falcon's fan again.
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -Because enough is enough.
→ And
January 3, 2009 - 21:29 ET by Cool ArrowOnly thing better would have been Falcons winning with Michael Vick listening in from the prison kitchen.
I congratulate the Falcons
January 3, 2009 - 21:47 ET by bigtimerI congratulate the Falcons too. ;-)
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I thought the Falcons had a
January 3, 2009 - 21:59 ET by JerI thought the Falcons had a great chance of winning this game, but is there any team in the NFL whose performance is so wildly divergent between home and road than Arizona?
Jer
Jer,
January 3, 2009 - 22:10 ET by R D HelmArizona is awesome at home.
But for that damn fumble at the beginning of the 3rd quarter.....
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -Because enough is enough.
→ Manning on a mission
January 3, 2009 - 21:36 ET by Cool ArrowIt could be a very long night for the Chargers.
7-0
Could be CA... I'm a
January 3, 2009 - 21:43 ET by bigtimerCould be CA...
I'm a watchin'...this is a hard game for me to root for anyway as I love both teams.
You've got Peyton going 6 for 6....how great is that...
Then again, you've got Sproles, Gates, LT...
Who knows, I love it all!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I'm with Manning
January 3, 2009 - 21:49 ET by Cool ArrowClass act if ever there was one.
But being an old Oilers fan, I want to see a Titans/Colts matchup.
Better yet would be a rematch against Kurt Warner in the Super Bowl.
Odds are severely against it, I know.
CA... Delicious it would
January 3, 2009 - 21:52 ET by bigtimerCA...
Delicious it would be though.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Cool... 7-7. "America
January 3, 2009 - 21:58 ET by bigtimerCool...
7-7.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
→ Now we're cooking
January 3, 2009 - 22:04 ET by Cool ArrowThis might be a fun game too.
Manning still looks in control
Good endaround there.
→ What a punt!
January 3, 2009 - 22:13 ET by Cool ArrowIs that a bionic leg?
Cool...Was that awesome or
January 4, 2009 - 01:10 ET by bigtimerCool...Was that awesome or not?!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
→ Definitely awesome
January 4, 2009 - 01:12 ET by Cool ArrowA 67 yard kick with no return because it just stayed up in the air forever.
That guy is a weapon
I told my other half about
January 4, 2009 - 01:16 ET by bigtimerI told my other half about that, he just woke up after I was going OMG outloud, he didn't blieve me....until he saw the replay.
Snicker...snicker...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
→ Wow
January 3, 2009 - 22:28 ET by Cool ArrowWhat a run!
14 - 7, Chargers
→ Change of fortune
January 3, 2009 - 22:32 ET by Cool ArrowAnd now the Chargers strip the ball?
Unfair...
January 4, 2009 - 00:30 ET by JerI think the post season home field rules should be reviewed, because it is of such immense importance in the playoffs [despite the Giants success last year].
But, jeez, Indiana went 12-4 in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, while the Chargers squeaked in with an 8-8 record in probably the weakest division in the conference. Plus, the Colts beat the Chargers in San Diego during the regular season.
Yet, San Diego gets home field in the playoff game between the two teams. I'm crying foul.
Jer
note: make that Indianapolis, not Indiana
What a Game so far...
January 4, 2009 - 00:27 ET by bigtimer17-17 OT!
Fun, fun, fun!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
→ Sproles Rules
January 4, 2009 - 00:31 ET by Cool ArrowWhat a game. Lots of good hits.
But Sproles 304 all-purpose yds?
WOW
→ Oh No
January 4, 2009 - 00:34 ET by Cool ArrowReferees rule
→ Sproles Rolls!
January 4, 2009 - 00:37 ET by Cool ArrowWonder who the MVP of this game will be?
ROFLMAO! Sproles...MVP!
January 4, 2009 - 00:38 ET by bigtimerROFLMAO!
Sproles...MVP!
Chargers WIN!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
→ For sure bt
January 4, 2009 - 00:42 ET by Cool ArrowAnd I have to agree with putting the punter up there on the Horse Trailer.
He was as good as Ray Guy or Reggie Roby on their best days.
Wow!
January 4, 2009 - 00:41 ET by Noel SheppardWorst officiated game of the season. How disgraceful.
What is it about Saturday Night Wild Card games that brings out the worst in the officials? This wasn't as bad as the tuck rule game when the officials gave it to the Patriots, but it was pretty bad. ns
→ You got that right NS
January 4, 2009 - 00:44 ET by Cool ArrowI thought the Refs came to play tonight.
I didn't see holding late in OT. I guess they did, though.
CA
January 4, 2009 - 00:47 ET by Noel SheppardCA,
Not only that, take a look at the Colt called for that face-mask. He was held by a Bolt before that call, and was face-masked himself by the same guy.
I'm a 49er fan with no pony in this race. I just don't like it when the officials decide a game, and this officiating squad decided this game. Shame on them. ns
→ Face mask
January 4, 2009 - 00:52 ET by Cool ArrowI was still fuming over the holding when they stepped in again.
I'm still fuming over the
January 4, 2009 - 01:06 ET by bigtimerI'm still fuming over the call of no fumble before the end of the second half...it was, and the Chargers should have had possession IMO.
Oh well...all's well that ends well.
2 Wins for me today!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
→ Congratulations bt
January 4, 2009 - 01:09 ET by Cool ArrowLike Noel, I've got no pony in this race.
Sproles carried the day.
But I'm still pulling for the Titans next week.
BT
January 4, 2009 - 01:49 ET by Noel SheppardBT,
I was in a restaurant with the family when that happened. Wasn't paying complete attention, but it looked like a fumble to me. There was also a call where a receiver was called out of bounds on replay, but it looked like he got both feet in. Don't remember which team got screwed on that one.
Maybe these bad calls all evened out. It just seemed that overtime was dominated by flags. How many yards did the Bolts get on penalties in that game-winning drive?
Again, I'm a 9er fan without a pony in this race. I was rooting for the Colts just because I really like Peyton. However, my anger about the officiating is as impartial as it could be. Trust me. ns
It was the Chargers ball as
January 4, 2009 - 02:09 ET by bigtimerIt was the Chargers ball as far as I am concerned, heck even ol' wazza' hiz name agreed, he said a fumble is a fumble...you know the guy who they took the magic marker away from years ago now, oh yeah, now I remember...Madden...as in John Madden!
Chargers should have had that. Period!
Noel, btw...if you have paid any attention, (I know full well you have other things going on) since I have been here from day one and the NFL, I love both teams...this was a tough one for me....still my heart belongs to San Diego...
Gosh I would love to see them win the Super Bowl before I go.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
→ That punt
January 4, 2009 - 00:49 ET by Cool ArrowI guess I was thinking exotic when the Colts were backed up to their endzone.
I thought they would pull a Don Shula and take the safety rather than punt, giving themselves a chance to kick it deep on the free kick.
Instead, they got a great punt of 60 yds, but a 26 yd return.
Loved the sign
January 4, 2009 - 01:26 ET by Chaitealoverthat I saw a Charger fan holding at the end of the game:
Cutler: Pro Bowl
Manning: MVP
Rivers beat them both!
Chai
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money" Margaret Thatcher
Chai... Priceless. "Amer
January 4, 2009 - 02:12 ET by bigtimerChai...
Priceless.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh