Re. The Manning Pout

I've written about Peyton Manning before. So what I'm about to say shouldn't be a surprise:

There's something about seeing Peyton Manning lose that makes me smile.

Is that a terrible thing to say?

- ER

Re. The Grey Cup

I told my Editor at TheGoodPoint.com that I wanted to write an article about the Grey Cup. He gave me his blessings and commended me on my bravery.

Bravery-shmavery!

The Grey Cup is a cultural event. It's a match that features pure football without the over-hyped glitz and glamour of the Super Bowl.

So far my Grey Cup article, I try to convince American football fans and apathetic Canadians to watch the game. I think they'll like what they see.

And for the record, I'm picking Montreal.

- ER

Re. Super Bowl XLIV

I have to admit: I got a little choked up watching the Saints win last night.

Nobody deserves this more than the Saints and the city of New Orleans. After everything that's happened in the last four years, it was beautiful to see Drew Brees lift that trophy over his head.

I'm a sucker for a good storyline. The city and the team gets knocked down by a horrible hurricane. They get up, rebuild and eventually find their way to the top. It's dramatic and inspiring. This victory will help the city in many ways.

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints - Super Bowl Champions

PS: Pretty good halftime show. There's no better intro than the opening to The Who's Bubba O'Reilly.

- ER

The Obligatory Super Bowl Prediction

Saints by.......10 points.

That's all I've got.

Enjoy the game.

- ER

Re. Peyton Manning

There's something about Peyton Manning that really bugs me.

He's one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL and has had a very successful career. He's a hall-of-famer, no doubt. However, he comes across as a bitter jerk.

I was watching the Colts/Ravens playoff game this past Saturday. Every time a teammate dropped a pass or failed to make a gain, Manning would have this disgusting expression on his face. And it wasn't done subtly. Peyton was very animated. He was literally sneering at his teammates.

The CBS broadcast showed the ending of the 2006 AFC final when Vanderjagt missed the field goal. You see the failed FG and then it cuts to Peyton who rolled his eyes and mouthed something along the lines of "I knew he'd miss."

Greg Gumble made note of it during the broadcast. The veteran commentator explained that Manning was a perfectionist. That's very understandable, but you'd think someone as experienced as Peyton Manning could keep his emotions in check.

I know, most star athletes are bitter jerks. Most star athletes have big egos. Most star athletes have a ''me-first'' attitude. I guess Peyton is no exception.

Forgive me if what I'm saying is old news. To be honest, I am a casual fan of football; both CFL and NFL. It was just something that was bugging me while I watched the game. One day, the bitterness Manning expresses to his teammates will haunt him. Maybe next week against the Jets. Or it won't happen at all.

- ER

Wholesome Weekend Reading Material

My review of The Wrestler.

I know, I know, shameless.

In other news, I'm picking the Cardinals to win the Super Bowl. Nothing like a good "underdog" storyline.

- ER

Super Bowl Upset

I'm still shell shocked.

Usually, the actual championship match is a lackluster affair. One team usually dominates the other and turns the game into a blowout. Not this year.

I haven't seen an exciting and close Super Bowl since XXXIV (Rams/Titans) and XXXVI (Patriots/Rams).

As football fans digest the biggest upset in NFL history, here are some thoughts that are currently swimming in my head:

- Eli Manning lifted a huge amount of weight off his shoulders.

- Tyree and Plexico are names that will be remembered forever.

- How did Eli break free from the swarm of New England defenders?

- For the Patriots, 18-1 is a losing season.

- How many endorsement deals did Tom Brady lose after last night?

- The New York Giants play in New Jersey.

- Tom Petty was awesome! Much better then Prince last year.

- Eli vs. Payton: Next year's Super Bowl? A dream match up.

- The 95/96 Red Wings, the 06/07 Mavericks, and the 07 Mets are laughing at the Patriots.

- Why would two gorgeous women hook up with two corporate animated beavers? Has to be more then the furniture. Can anyone say inner-species erotica?

- Sucks to be a New York Jets fan.

The Hek

*Striving to be 19-0: Episode 70 of the Audio Circus*

My Super Bowl Prediction

Patriots by ten points.

That's all I really have to say.

I feel everyone should watch this game, especially non-football fans. It will be your last chance to see one of the best football teams ever assembled. Maybe the greatest team in NFL history. Years from now, children will sit in history class and learn about the 2007 New England Patriots.

The Hek

Here's To You, Tony Dungy

Congratulations to the Indianapolis Colts.

At first, it appeared that their nerves were getting the best of them. You had the kick off return by Chicago. Then, the Colts received two false start penalties, followed by Payton Manning throwing an interception. It also started to rain which I figured would favour the Bears since they're use to playing in Soldier Field, which experiences all types of crazy weather, whereas the Colts play more games in an indoor stadium. But, Indy settled down and took charge when it mattered the most. The defence was clutch, especially in the 4th quarter, when the Colts forced Chicago's Rex Grossman to throw two interceptions. One of which was returned for a touchdown and in my opinion, was the moment that solidified Indy's victory.

If there is one person on the Colts that I am really happy for, it's their head coach, Tony Dungy.

Dungy is one of the most respected coaches in the National Football League. This admiration is not only for his work on the field, but also for his work off the field. Unlike other coaches in the NFL and other professional sports leagues, he is very respectful to his players and doesn't raise his voice or go on a power trip.

Fourteen months ago, Dungy was probably at the top of his game, when tragedy struck his family.

Three days before Christmas, Dungy's 18-year-old son, James, died of a drug overdose. A preliminary coroner's report showed that James had committed suicide. The death was devastating to Dungy, his family, and the Colts.

At the time, the Colts were having a phenomenal season. They went an impressive 13-0 before finishing the 2005 campaign with a record of 14-2. Many had picked Indy to win the Super Bowl. However, James' death clearly affected the Colts, who seemed to lack the desire and energy they showed for most of the season. They ended up being eliminated by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs. Nobody could blame Tony Dungy if he wasn't focused on winning. The fact that he was able to return to the sidelines, just a couple of weeks after burying his son, was something no one was expecting.

One could only imagine the pain Dungy was and probably still is feeling. The worst thing for any parent is outliving a son or a daughter. I hope I never have to go through that. I pray that it never happens to any of my friends or family. You have to appreciate how Dungy was able to come back this season despite carrying such a heavy burden.

The Colts were not as impressive as they were in 2005. They went 12-4 and failed to earn a bye to the second round of the playoffs, as they had done in the previous year. However, they managed to fight their way to the championship. Many teams are not be able to hold on, when it appears that any chance of winning would end up unfulfilled. I believe the Colts were able to win because of the strength and leadership provided by Dungy. He is not only their head coach but also an inspiration and a metaphor for overcoming your deepest sorrow.

Of course, winning the Super Bowl will not bring back his son. However, it will help ease the pain, just a little bit.

Here's to you, Tony Dungy.

The Hek

*Catch Episode 28 of the Audio Circus*

Super Sunday

After much thought and analysis, I have decided to endorse the Indianapolis Colts. I am predicting that Payton Manning will lead the Colts to victory and be crowned the champions of Super Bowl XLI. My apologies to all those who are supporting the Chicago Bears.

For those who will be watching the Super Bowl for the festivities rather then the actual game, here is some important information: (1.) Gloria Estefan will be performing during the "pre-game" show. Usually, a Super Bowl pre-game show starts at 1:oo and goes until 6:00, so be sure to check CBS's schedule to find out the exact time of when Ms. Estefan goes on. (2.) Billy Joel will be singing the national anthem. (3.) Prince will be the main act for the half-time show. I'm really excited for this. As long as he sticks with his tunes from the 1980's and stays away from any of the new stuff, the show will be off the charts.

Enjoy the game.

And now, the Maury Povich "You Are Not The Father" moment of the week:



Like I said, this is so horrible, it's funny.

The Hek