THE KEYS TO WINNING SUPER BOWL XLII : NEW YORK GIANTS EDITION

Well as promised today we are going to take a look at the keys to success for the New York Giants, as they are looking to upset the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.


#1: DEFENSE
The keys to both teams winning this game will be how well they play defensively. Personally, I believe the Giants have a lot more to worry about than the Patriots, considering the Giants offensive line is no where near as good as the Patriots.

If they plan on having a shot at this game, the Giants' defensive line must be able to penetrate the Patriots' offensive line and get to Patriots QB Tom Brady. In their Week 17 match-up they did just that and came within a field-goal of winning that game. The problem with the pass rush in that game was that the Giants defensive backs couldn't cover the Patriots dangerous receiving core, thus propelling the Patriots to a 38-35 victory in that game.

The defensive line needs to make Brady moves his feet, particularly DE's Michael Strahan and Osi Umeyiora. They need to make him hurry his throws and throw off-balance in order to deter his pinpoint accuracy. Furthermore, Giants DB's Corey Webster and Aaron Ross will have to play shutdown defense on passing plays. That means they must stop WR's Wes Welker, and Randy Moss, Brady's two favorite targets who have lit up the stat sheet all season. (Moss with his 23 receiving TD's and Welker's 116 receptions; both of which are team records.)


#2: QB - ELI MANNING
This will be Mannings first trip to the big game and it will be exciting to see how he will react to the pressure surrounding the game. If the Giants win this game expect Manning to be the main reason why. If the Giants do win expect him to join his brother Peyton as a Super Bowl MVP.

The Patriots will send a number of different blitzes at Manning in order to confuse him. He, like Brady, will also have to rely heavily on his offensive line to protect against the pass-rush. During interviews in Tuesday's annual "Super Bowl Media Day" Manning appeared to be very relaxed and almost giddy at the chance to be playing in the Super Bowl. Look for Manning to try and go over the top on Patriots defensive backs by throwing high, deep passes to his recievers. His receiving corps has a huge height advantage over the Patriots defensive backs, look for him to incorporate this strategy in his gameplan.


#3: GIANTS RUNNING BACKS
Starting RB Brandon Jacobs and spell RB Ahmad Bradshaw will have to do their best to establish the running game early. Look for the Giants to run a number of draw plays to Bradshaw in passing situations, in order to throw off the defense. Jacobs will be utilized in short yardage situations where he is at his best.

However, Jacobs has been known to blast through the line and turn what looks to be a 5-yard run into a 25-yard gain. Jacobs has a similar running style as former players Jim Brown, Roger Craig and Jerome Bettis. His strategy is to hit or be hit, he has been known to overpower linebackers and defensive lineman with his monstrous 6'4", 240 pound frame, which is exceptionally large for a RUNNING BACK. Jacobs could establish himself as one of the best power-rushers currently in the league, if they can defeat the Patriots. Remember in Week 17 Jacobs rushed for only 67 yards on 15 carries.

Bradshaw is a work in progress, he has only picked up significant playing time since the end of the season. Bradshaw is an explosive back with exceptional speed. He also has soft hands and is a good receiver in the backfield. The Giants will look to use him in short passing routes and runs to the outside. His speed will make him a key factor in the Giants' chances of winning.

THE KEYS TO WINNING SUPER BOWL XLII : NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS EDITION

#1: DEFENSE

New England must be able to stop Eli Manning if they plan on winning. They must force Manning to throw the ball after they establish the run-block early in the game. However, their veteran linebacker core has to be careful when they blitz, especially on short 3rd down situations.

Consider this, in their Week 17 match-up the Giants were 6-10 in 3rd down situations. The Giants slot-receivers ran a lot of short passing routes in that game which enabled them to move the football downfield efficiently. Also, Giants TE Kyle Boss was driving the New England linebackers insane. In that game he caught 4 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. He has become a favorite target of Manning; the Patriots should look for him to be utilized more in this game, particularly on short-slant routes across the middle of the field.

In order to prevent these short passing routes SS Rodney Harrison will have to limit the amount he blitzes. Look for Harrison to blitz early on in the game when they are establishing the run-block, however as the game progresses look for him to drop into doube-up man coverage on a receiver, in order to prevent Manning’s short-pass tendencies of late.

Patriots CB’s Ellis Hobbs and Asante Samuel will have to do their best to prevent Giants WR Plaxico Burress from becoming a deep ball threat. When the Giants reach midfield they like to throw for the end zone for a quick touchdown, if possible. Hobbs and Samuel are both roughly 5’10”, meanwhile Burress is 6’5” and therefore maintains a significant height advantage over the Patriots top shut-down cornerbacks. If Burress can utilize his height and speed, he can expect a few touchdowns along with a Super Bowl ring. However, don't expect the Patriots to let him run by, expect them to bump him off the line in order to prevent him from running clean routes.

#2: TOM BRADY

Brady may have limited mobility in the game. Remember he is facing the NFL’s top pass-rush in the Giants (allowed a league best 97.7 rushing yards per game.) Remember the Giants have several fast players on defense, and speed tends to frustrate the Patriots offensive schemes.

However, there is also the fact that this will be Brady’s 4th Super Bowl game, thus giving him the experience edge. He also has by-far the best offensive line in the NFL and a plethora of offensive options unlike any other he had in his previous Super Bowl‘s.

If Brady is healthy and able to move around in the pocket comfortably, look for him to have a career game. If his mobility is limited and he cannot move around in the pocket as gracefully as he does, look for it to be a long night for the Patriots superstar. However, with the competitive nature that Brady so naturally embodies, and the Patriots perfect season on the line, we can expect Brady to be as effective as he has been all season.

#3: WES WELKER

Welker must be ready for everything that comes his way. With WR Randy Moss likely to be facing double and triple-coverage situations, look for Welker to get open on short passing routes, while Moss lures Giants defenders downfield.

Welker has been Brady’s go to guy all season, there is no reason to believe he won’t be Brady’s #1 target. Brady and Welker connected 116 times during the regular season, a franchise record. When Brady gets pressured in the pocket he will be looking to see if Welker is open before trying anything downfield to Moss.

In their Week 17 match-up Welker caught 11 passes for 122 yards. Welker has a super-human ability to pick up crucial yardage after contact, which makes him a vital piece to the Patriots successes this season. If the Patriots are going to win this game Welker will be the reason why. In fact, Welker is my prediction for Super Bowl XLII MVP. That is of course if the Patriots win.

Brady= GOD?

I found this joke on my good-friend Moe Lauzier's blog, you can access his blog @ http://moeissuesoftheday.blogspot.com/

"God asks Peyton Manning first: 'What do you believe?' Peyton thinks long and hard, looks God in the eye, and says, 'I believe in hard work, and in staying true to family and friends. I believe in giving. I was lucky, but I always tried to do right by my fans.' God can't help but see the essential goodness of Manning, and offers him a seat to his left.

Then God turns to Tony Romo and says, 'What do you believe?' Tony says, 'I believe passion, discipline, courage and honor are the fundamentals of life. I, too, have been lucky, but win or lose, I've always tried to be a true sportsman, both on and off the playing fields.' God is greatly moved by Tony's sincere eloquence, and he offers him a seat to his right.

Finally, God turns to Tom Brady: 'And you, Tom, what do you believe?' Tom replies, 'I believe you're in my seat.'"

Thanks for the entertainment Moe.
You can also join Moe Saturday mornings from 6am-9am for
'Issues of the Day' on BOSTON'S TALKSTATION, AM 680WRKO

Despite Sports Glory, Legislation for Casino Gambling will lead to hard times in Massachusetts

The Commonwealth or State of Massachusetts has become the "hub" of sports for the country lately. Consider this...

The Boston Red Sox have just won their second World Series title in 3 years, a feat some people never thought they'd see accomplished once in their lifetime. Especially myself, as I am a New York Yankees fan (that's right haha)...

The New England Patriots (or Foxboro Patriots as I like to call them) are 18-0 and on their way to Glendale, Arizona to face the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII...

The Boston Celtics are off to a 33-6 start (the best in the league) and appear well on their way to their first NBA title in 22 years, the first of my lifetime...

On a "lesser" note, the Boston Bruins appear to have shaken off the bitter December in which they went 6-10 and have moved into playoff contention (currently the 7th seed). Keep in mind that only 12 points seperate the top 8 teams...

However, there are still some serious issues with Massachusetts politically, which many people don't appear to take into account because of the great sports era Massachusetts is currently experiencing.

Some State Officials (Including the governor and the states 2 United States Senators) believe the regulation of casino gambling will solve the job crisis that it currently faces. Many people in our state are in favor of legislation for casino gambling, under the notion that Connecticut and Rhode Island reap "valuable" tax dollars from Massachusetts residents who venture to those states to gamble. However, they do not realize the repercussions of such a casino in our state, at THIS time, with unemployment at an all-time high!

Massachusetts currently ranks 40th in crime amongst other states our country, which is exceptionally low. The implementation of casino gambling in Massachusetts will significantlly effect the crime rate.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick (I Hate the fact we share the same name) has proposed the construction of 3 casinos in Massachusetts. One for every region of the state (Southcoast, Greater Boston, Western Massachusetts/Springfield).

With unemployment in the state ranked 21st in the country and the United States Economy heading towards a recession, how will people be able to afford to go to casinos once they are constructed if they won't have any money to gamble?

A limited number of jobs will be created from these casinos, most of which will come from TEMPORARY construction jobs. A limited number of jobs will be available for relevant casino work, such as security officers, ushers, kitchen staff, card dealers, etc.

Casino gambling is not the way to go for Massachusetts right now. What will broke-gambling junkies do when they run out of money to gamble? They will commit robbery and burglary.

"HEY I JUST LOST $7,000 ON THE PATRIOTS GAME AT THAT NEW MIDDLEBORO CASINO WHAT THE HELL AM I GOING TO DO?!" --- OJ Simpson (if he were a resident haha)

"WELL YOU COULD ALWAYS ROB SOME HOUSES RIGHT OJ?" --- hahaha

People in this state need to focus on the real issues at stake. Not to say that what the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots are currently accomplishing is great, but people around here need to start paying attention more to the future it faces. Also don't take it as if everyone will get robbed, just those unfortunate ones.

We can change the current direction in which our state is heading and prevent the crime rate from going up. What our politicians need to do is find other ways to create jobs and perhaps raise the state sales tax to 6-7% rather than the current 5% we currently charge on all nonessential purchases.

Don't let the triumphs and current sports glory surrounding the State of Massachusetts fool you, the state is heading towards hard times, unless of course the people try and prevent it.

Unlikely AFC Championship Match-Up is Guaranteed to Entertain Viewers

Although some might think the AFC Championship match-up on Sunday will be boring a blow-out, resulting in a New England Patriots Super Bowl berth, you may want to reconsider reclining your chairs for these games. You won't be able to just sit back and enjoy those buffalo wings and pizza while watching the games, in fact you might find yourself on the edge of your seat.

AFC Championship: San Diego Chargers @ New England (Sunday 3PM CBS Network)

The San Diego Chargers shocked the Indianapolis Colts last weekend despite being the clear underdogs going into the game. Despite the second quarter injury to Chargers all-pro RB LaDanian Tomlinson (knee injury) and the third quarter departure of starting QB Philip Rivers, the Chargers were able to hang on and defeat the Colts 28-24. Chargers fans can give thanks to brilliant efforts by second-string QB Billy Volek (who scored the go ahead TD on a QB sneak) and back-up RB Michael Turner (71 yards on 17 carries).

However, the Chargers are now up against the New England Patriots for a trip to the Super Bowl. The Patriots have achieved a 17-0 record (including playoffs) and it appears there is no team that can stop them. Considering they man-handled the Chargers in Week 2 many people believe this game will indeed be a blow-out, but are the Chargers the same team they were in Week 2?

After upsetting the defending Super Bowl Champion Colts, a reporter approached Chargers defensive lineman Igor Olshansky who proclaimed, "New England better watch out!", with a menacing and malicious grin swiped across his face. Perhaps Olshansky believes the Chargers are a changed team since the Week 2 blowout they suffered at the hands of New England 38-14. This was a game in which LaDanian Tomlinson was limited to 58 total yards (43 rushing, 15 receiving).

Meanwhile the Patriot defense intercepted Philip Rivers twice, and sacked him three times, ultimately limiting the Chargers offense to 201 total yards. Furthermore, Patriots QB Tom Brady enjoyed a field day throwing for 3 TD's and 279 yards en route to the victory.

Olshansky followed up his comments on Sunday with these words on Tuesday, "The Patriots are more worried about us this weekend." What was actually intended by the comments is unknown, however if Olshansky believes the Patriots are more worried because there perfect season lies in the balance, he is dead-wrong. I believe Tom Brady said it best after the Patriots completed the 16-0 perfect REGULAR season, "All this is nice right now, we will enjoy the next couple of days, but then it is back to work. All of this means nothing unless we achieve the ultimate goal of being Super Bowl champions."

Brady talks as if he hasn't won 3 Super Bowls already. That is why it is a sure bet the Patriots will win this weekend, however the score will be closer than Week 2. Perhaps the Chargers will produce another touchdown. Patriots 35, Chargers 21

What we can learn from the Mitchell Report

Former United States Senator George J. Mitchell conducted an extensive and in-depth investigation over the obvious use of anabolic steroids by Major League Baseball players. The 409-page document was released last December. The 20-month investigation pointed out 80 current or former players who are alleged or have admitted usage of steroids or any other type of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Some players implicated were one-time all-stars others had very brief careers in MLB.

COPY THE FOLLOWING LINK & PASTE IT INTO YOUR BROSER FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF PLAYERS NAMED IN THE MITCHELL REPORT (ESPN)
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3153646


Mitchell was appointed by MLB Commissioner Alan H. “Bud” Selig to lead the investigation after the book Game of Shadows implicated a number of current or former players who have allegedly used PEDs. Investigative reporters Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada wrote the book which chronicles use of several types of steroids by such baseball superstars as Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield. The book introduced usage of the newest steroid human-growth hormone (HGH, which is an undetectable synthetic PED that is believed to help players recover faster from hard work-outs and injuries. The investigation was conducted after U.S. Congress members pointed out several flaws with the overall effectiveness of the MLB drug policy and it's drug-testing program. Currently urine samples cannot detect HGH, but they can detect other forms of anabolic steroids.

Previously, before the modern MLB drug policy that is retroactive to 2002 under the MLB and MLB Players Association (MLBPA) collective bargaining agreement, players were only tested for steroids if there was “reasonable cause”. Unfortunately according to Mitchell the MLBPA was very uncooperative in his investigation. In fact when Mitchell asked to conduct an interview with MLBPA CEO Gene Orza, he declined.

What upset me the most about this report was the discovery Mitchell sent a memorandum out to each and every active player associated with MLB. In this memo he urged any player to come forward with any relevant information to his investigation. However, NOT A SINGLE PLAYER contacted him or responded to his memorandum. Furthermore the MLBPA sent out a memorandum URGING PLAYERS NOT TO COOPERATE. It is good to note however that steroid usage in MLB has declined. In fact only 3 players were suspended during the 2007 for abuse of the MLB drug policy concerning steroids.

To say the least bit Mitchell did what he could to ensure he would deliver an effective and comprehensive report. However, due to the lack of cooperation from current players and the MLBPA, his report has been viewed by many as inconclusive although there is strong evidence against several players that they have used steroids. Evidence included in the report include bank checks, prescriptions, “cycle” legers and shipping invoices. Mitchell met with former New York Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski who suggested that several players had approached him about purchasing HGH and how to use it. Furthermore, he had supplied it to them and given them information about how to use it. Radomski, along with Brian McNamee, the former trainer for Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte (whom were named in the report by McNamee), were the main providers of information to the report.

The Mitchell Report led me to ponder a number of questions…

1.) How could it be that not a single player in MLB has any relevant information regarding steroid usage in, or out of the clubhouse, when there have been several admitted users currently and in the past?

That’s right. Nobody spoke up although several current or former Baltimore Orioles players have admitted to or have been accused of using steroids.(Not to single-out any team individually, because all 30 MLB teams had or have a player named in this report) Also, you would think that a player using steroids would have at least asked someone around the clubhouse if they have any information about the drugs. (We all know birds of a feather flock together) Furthermore, why is it now that it seems every player wants to co-operate with Mitchell? Shame on them! What are they scared of being prosecuted?! They should’ve assisted him in the first place….

2.) Why in the hell would the MLBPA urge players not to cooperate?
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This goes to show you the lack of power Mitchell had conducting this investigation. If he had sufficient power there full cooperation in his investigation would have been mandatory and perhaps more insight could have been offered into his investigation.

3.) With the upcoming Congressional hearings, will their be any punishment for the MLBPA’s and the owners’ allege sabotage of Mitchell’s investigation?

My guess is not. I doubt Congress will even bring up this issue, although I strongly believe they should investigate MLBPA CEO Gene Orza and MLBPA executive director Donald Fehr’s involvement in such an activity because according to what I have read in the Mitchell Report I have concluded that perhaps team owners and the Players Association conspired to downplay the need for an effective drug policy. Following the 1994 MLB Strike, Commissioner Selig proposed a plan to begin random drug testing of athletes, however his idea, “never made it to the main table” and was therefore disregarded. Moreover, the owners seemed to be more worry about the decreasing economic gains from baseball events. It is my belief that the owners and MLBPA denied Selig’s suggestion in order to increase profits, or at least prevent them from slipping any further.

In closing, I guess we will have to wait until the next step in procuring the integrity of Major League Baseball for now and the future. The Congressional hearings that are scheduled to take place January 16 should be the next great stepping stone in helping baseball rid itself of steroids and suspicion. The Mitchell Report did implicate a number of players and connect them to using steroids. However, now it is up to Commissioner Selig to decide which cases do in fact effect the integrity of MLB and to seek out forms of punishment. Whether it be stripping a Cy Young Award winner from the award, or banishing someone from the Hall of Fame, I do believe Selig will seek justice in certain cases.

Funny though the 2008 attendance ratings just came out and it appears MLB has just broken it’s record for attendance for the fourth consecutive year…funny ain’t it?

29-3 Celtics: Can they be beaten in a playoff series?

The Boston Celtics have gotten off to a tremendous start, in fact they have the best record after 32 games since the 95-96 Chicago Bulls team, who went on to win the NBA Championship that June.

Thanks to strong performances by the "Big Three" (Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce), and sophomore point-guard Rajon Rondo. Along with sufficient bench-production from Glen "Big Baby" Davis, Eddie House and James Posey, the Celtics have evolved into an Eastern Conference powerhouse.

The lock-down defensive strategies of Doc Rivers and his run 'n gun offensive philosophy has allowed the Celtics to blow by opponents. He has preached the importance of physical conditioning, particularly cardiovascular conditioning, to his players and they have responded by playing shut-down defense and tremendously on the fast break, offensively.

The explosiveness of the Celtics and their ability to refrain from losing consecutive games has immediately made them a playoff contender. In fact they are the Eastern Conference front-runner in most analysts opinions, although there has been some argument for the Detroit Pistons. The Celtics and Pistons have split their season series 1-1 and have one game remaining to play later in the season in Boston. If the Celtics can maintain their success and continue to dominate teams with their fast-break offense and lock-down defense they will indeed win that elusive 17th NBA Championship.

Either way it appears that playoff basketball will be in the mix for Boston fans this spring and be prepared for it. The 2007 Boston Celtics are no joke. They have come to remind me of the Celtics of the glory days with Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish and Larry Bird running the floor, along with Cedric Maxwell and Danny Ainge. Hopefully they will be able to accomplish the same feats the teams of Celtics lore have.

P.S: Dear Readers sorry about my hiatus over the Holiday season. I have been doing a lot of reading and research into the Mitchell Report and I am not quite done reading it. Please keep in touch and continue visiting my page for the latest updates.