“Just reported on TV Eagles have some interest in b farve once they trade kolb. Sources told me its possible. Not sure what farve thinks”

Something of that nature is obviously going to receive a lot of attention, and Howard Eskin has been around the game long enough to expect that. The veteran sportscaster may be the one breaking this possible story and should be commended for that.

With that said, Favre was thought to be finally retired after a number of false alarms and at 41 years of age, he looked to be finished at the end of last season. His consecutive game starting streak was finally snapped at 297 (in the regular season, 321 including the post-season) when he sustained a shoulder injury. He also suffered a concussion a few weeks later in his final NFL game. He announced his retirement on January 2 and filed his papers with the league after that.

Now with the NFL lockout on the verge of being lifted with the signing of a new, 10-year collective bargaining agreement, player movement in the form of trades and free agent signings is expected to take off. Kevin Kolb has been rumored to be on his way out of Philadelphia, with Arizona being mentioned as a possible destination.

That would leave the Eagles without a viable back-up to Michael Vick, whose style of play requires having a reliable arm in place to step in at a minute’s notice. It makes total sense to bring in a veteran who has starting experience and is willing to stand on the sidelines for long stretches at a time, but does Favre fit that description?

Green Bay felt totally comfortable trading him to the Jets in 2008 to allow for the growth of Aaron Rodgers and they were repaid with a Super Bowl championship last season. Favre is such a competitive guy that it is difficult picturing him sitting around and not chomping at the bit to get in the huddle.

The Eagles would be better served leaving Favre at home in Mississippi, and the same goes for the NFL. It’s time that one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game rides off into the sunset – and doesn’t turn the horse around again.

Photo By Jim Leary

“We want football!”

The chant resonated throughout the theater following a chorus of boos to “greet” Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Me, too,” he sheepishly responded to the fan’s plea. There were a few trades throughout the first round on Thursday evening, but war room personnel had to be satisfied moving only present and future draft picks with the labor issues.

The Atlanta Falcons made the boldest move of the night by trading up to Cleveland’s fifth spot for their first (27th overall), second (59th) and fourth round (124th) picks, plus a one and four in 2012. Alabama wideout Julio Jones will have a lot of pressure on him to come in and prove that he was worth all of that. He certainly feels confident enough to do that and where to give credit.

“Coach (Nick) Saban is a great coach to get you ready for the pros,” Jones said of his Crimson Tide collegiate mentor.

Quarterbacks came off the board fast as Cam Newton was picked first overall by the Carolina Panthers, followed by Jake Locker (eighth to Tennessee), Blaine Gabbert (10th to Jacksonville) and Christian Ponder (12th to Minnesota). Newton has a lot to prove, as pundits have been saying that the Auburn product does not have the intelligence to excel at the professional level. The Panthers cleaned house and will start fresh with Newton as the new face of the franchise.

Gabbert will sit behind David Garrard for a year or two but will get the nod prior to that if the incumbent starter falters or becomes injured, as he is prone to do. Ponder very well may earn the Vikings’ starting job, with Brett Favre (supposedly) retired.

Only one running back was drafted in the first round and the New Orleans Saints traded up to grab Mark Ingram. The NFL is a pass-first league and runners have felt the change.

Defense wins and the top of the draft was peppered with players like linebacker Von Miller (second to Denver), defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (third to Buffalo), defensive back Patrick Peterson (fifth to Arizona) and defensive end Aldon Smith (seventh to San Francisco) to round out the top ten alone.

Perhaps the best pure player in the entire  draft is Peterson, who is chomping at the bit to begin his professional career. “I can’t wait to get to Arizona, show those guys what I have to offer and get them back to the Super Bowl,” he said. DB’s have had great success in the NFL when drafted high and expect Peterson to top the list when it’s all said and done.

First things first, though. Getting a new Collective Bargaining Agreement signed is priority but it is fun to be able to follow America’s Game again, albeit only for a few days.

2011 NFL DRAFT ORDER

1. Carolina (2-14)
2. Denver (4-12)
3. Buffalo (4-12)
4. Cincinnati (4-12)
5. Arizona (5-11)
6. Cleveland (5-11)
7. San Francisco (6-10)
8. Tennessee (6-10)
9. Dallas (6-10)
10. Washington (6-10)
11. Houston (6-10)
12. Minnesota (6-10)
13. Detroit (6-10)
14. St. Louis (7-9)
15. Miami (7-9)
16. Jacksonville (8-8)
17. New England (14-2) – from Oakland
18. San Diego (9-7)
19. New York Giants (10-6)
20. Tampa Bay (10-6)
21. Kansas City (10-6)
22. Indianapolis (10-6)
23. Philadelphia (10-6)
24. New Orleans (11-5)
25. Seattle (7-9)
26. Baltimore (12-4)
27. Atlanta (13-3)
28. New England (14-2)
29. Chicago (11-5)
30. New York Jets (11-5)
31. Green Bay (10-6)*
32. Pittsburgh (12-4)*

Green Bay’s favorite son dried his retirement announcement tears and had the itch again. He wanted to suit up and be an NFL quarterback once again. But the problem was that the plan to go with Aaron Rodgers had already been put in place.

The former first round draft choice had played the good soldier and bided his time. If Thompson would have brought Favre back, Rodgers’s attitude would most likely have changed drastically. To back-up a legend for three years and remain quiet was one thing, but to go through an entire offseason as the named starter to only have that ripped away as the preseason was about to commence was another.

Head coach Mike McCarthy was in Rodgers’ corner, so that made it easier that they were all in agreement that it was time to move on. Thompson had Favre in his control and eventually traded him to the New York Jets for a conditional draft pick, one that turned out to be a third rounder in 2009 that they packaged to move up and select linebacker Clay Matthews. Not a bad deal at all.

There were a number of critics who had a field day bashing Thompson, but he did what he felt was right for the franchise and it turned out to be the right move. Favre had an inconsistent season with the Jets and then played the retirement/out-of-retirement game again to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, the team he wanted to play for all along when he changed his mind the first time.

Rodgers seem to take a little stab at Favre in a roundabout way when he commented, “The whole organization stood by me and they told the truth, and I told the truth, and we moved on together.”

While Rodgers was eclipsing 4,000 passing yards in each of the three seasons since Favre left Wisconsin, Favre had one amazing season (2009) and one this past year that was injury filled and not nearly as effective. It appears that he has finally played his last game while Rodgers led his team to the Super Bowl.

It would have been easy for Thompson to welcome Fare back and deal with Rodgers later. The heir apparent was still under contract in 2008 but it would have been a tough sell to convince him to stick around after that. The way everything turned out, Rodgers and Matthews became integral parts on both sides of the ball that propelled Green Bay to the level they are at today.

“In some ways sitting for three years and then playing is helpful,” Thompson said of his quarterback. “That’s the way it was back in the day. You always brought quarterbacks in and you developed them for about two or three years before you actually played them  - that’s hard to do anymore.”

As Favre finally rides into the sunset, Rodgers hasn’t even hit his prime years yet as an NFL quarterback. Second guessing? Not in the least bit for Ted Thompson.

Photo by Bill Menzel

The Brett Favre – Brad Childress soap opera appeared to hit rock bottom before the 41-year-old QB mounted another great comeback. Although they are only 3-5, Minnesota may have saved their season and live to play another week in a division where the mediocre lead. Arizona (3-5) could have moved into a three-way tie for first place in the NFC West if they could have held on to a 14-point lead with five minutes to go, but they let one get away.

Jets – 23, LIONS – 20 (OT)

Just how the Jets pulled this one out is still puzzling. New York played horribly, with 11 penalties (three directly leading to Detroit scores) committed and having to burn two timeouts early in the final stanza defensively because they had too many men on the field. The Lions ultimately scored a TD anyway and went up by 10 points. That’s when the Jets – who have not played particularly sharp since their win at Buffalo over a month ago – made their move, with some help from the mistake-prone 2-6 Lions. Just why Detroit HC Jim Schwartz called a pass play on third-and-six with under two minutes to go is a mystery. Kill the clock, Jim. That’s how you win in the NFL. Of course the Jets tied it up, won the coin toss and subsequently marched down the field (with the assistance of a late hit penalty) so that Nick Folk could hit a 36 yarder to improve the Jets to 6-2.

RAIDERS – 23, Chiefs – 20 (OT)

Can anyone believe that Oakland (5-4) is only a half game out of first place this late in the season? Even the staunchest supporters who take up residency in the Black Hole have to cross their fingers behind their backs if they say they did. The Silver & Black won their third straight game with the left foot of kicker Sebastian Janikowski, who tied it up with a 41-yard field goal with seconds remaining and then won it  with a 33-yard kick in the extra period. As far as Kansas City (5-3) goes, they are in a dogfight for the division when it seemed only a few weeks ago tat they would be the only winning club out of the AFC West.

EAGLES  -26, Colts – 24

Michael Vick versus Peyton Manning played out as advertised but with a bit of a surprise ending. Philadelphia came out firing on a all cylinders, allowed Indianapolis to take the lead before stiffening up in the second half for a slim victory. Both teams are now 5-3 and in second place in their respective divisions. Philly is still a bit of a pleasant surprise so far but Indy has to be viewed as a minor disappointment. Sure, the Colts may get hot in the playoffs but need to play more consistent if they are to go far.

Bears – 22, BILLS – 19

Toronto was the setting and the result was the ‘home’ team is still winless. Buffalo (0-9) went up north for the third time in franchise history and played Chicago well but Jay Cutler managed to throw a pass to his teammate and not the opponent for once with a late TD. The Bills are looking at the top spot in April while the Bears try to be the most inconsistent team in the NFL to earn a playoff spot.

BROWNS  - 34, Patriots – 14

The shocker of the day resulted in a game that may play into what will happen in the AFC East. New England (6-2) dropped behind the Jets, who travel to Cleveland next week to face a team that has defeated the defending Super Bowl champs and now arguably the best team in the conference their last two games. The Browns (3-5) put the smack down on the Pats from pillar to post and could very well do the same thing to a Jets team who has been lucky to be 3-1 in their last four games when they very well could be 0-4.

RAVENS – 26, Dolphins  -10

Miami (4-4) lost for the first time on the road this season and Baltimore stayed in first place in the AFC North with a convincing win. The vaunted Raven defense held the Fish to a mere 24 yards on the ground in the second half. They are going to be a force in the playoffs, especially if QB Joey Flacco continues to have games like this (20-for-27, 266 yards and two touchdowns). Miami will be watching the post season from their beach chairs again.

FALCONS  -27, Buccaneers – 21

This was a surprise game to decide first place in the NFC South, but with the Saints struggling that’s exactly what it was. Atlanta (6-2) stayed on top and Tampa Bay fell to 5-3 and third place. When it’s all said and done, New Orleans will be close to the top and make the playoffs if not win the division outright. The Falcons are a playoff contender while the Bucs will fade.

Chargers  -29, TEXANS  -23

Is it too late for San Diego to make a run? They have looked good the past two weeks after a brutal start and are now 4-5 in a mediocre division. Houston (4-4) is now in the basement in the AFC South and are going in the opposite direction of the Chargers. Always considered a playoff team but one that misses out seems to be the case once again with the Texans, while the Chargers – who always make a big run at the end to sneak into the post season – are right on track to do it again.

Giants – 41, SEAHAWKS – 7

New York won their fourth consecutive game with a blowout in the Pacific North West to improve to 6-2, saying atop the NFC East. Seattle dropped their second in a row, fell to 4-4 and actually saw the idle Rams move ahead of them in the putrid NFC West.

Saints – 34, PANTHERS – 3

Playing like a defending Super Bowl champions should, New Orleans (6-3) took care of business against hapless Carolina (1-7). It shouldn’t be too long before the Saints unseat the Falcons and take over the division.

PACKERS – 45, Cowboys – 7

Jerry Jones finally pulled the plug on HC Wade Phillips and should have done so long ago. Another total embarrassment for 1-7 Dallas. Green Bay kept pace with the Bears and should rise to the top by the end of the season.

Photo by Jim Leary

The third Sunday in the young NFL season commenced last night with a thrilling affair that resulted in the New York Jets barely hanging on to beat the Dolphins, 31-23, in Miami. Quarterback Mark Sanchez threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns, two to tight end Dustin Keller and one to wideout Braylon Edwards.

By winning their second consecutive game, the Jets now sit atop the AFC East in a three-way tie with the ‘Fins and New England Patriots, all at 2-1. If Miami had won, they would have been 2 1/2 games ahead of New York with the tie breaker. The Jets did themselves a big favor by beating another divisional opponent, something that may come into play later in the year for postseason berths.

PATRIOTS – 38, Bills – 30

New England won a shootout at home against the Buffalo Bills, 38-30, who also released Trent Edwards today. He had started the first two games of the season at quarterback for the Bills before being benched in favor of Ryan Fitzpatrick and now the team is reeling and winless after three games. Perhaps new head coach Chan Gailey set the precedent for a bad season by chastising fans at training camp for booing the team. The situation is a mess up in western New York.

Colts – 27, BRONCOS – 13

Another division looking tight is the AFC South, with Houston, Indianapolis and Tennessee all at 2-1. The Colts left Denver 1-2 after a convincing 27-13 win over the Broncos. The Horseshoes are clicking on a  cylinders the past two weeks and will be a factor all year long.

Titans – 29, GIANTS – 10

The Titans went into the Meadowlands Stadium and embarrassed the Giants, 29-10. Chris Johnson ran for 125 yards while Big Blue shot themselves in the foot with three turnovers (two inside the Tennessee 6-yard line), committed five personal fouls and missed two field goal attempts. The Titans imporved to 2-1 while New York fell to 1-2.

That makes it two ugly loses in a row for Tom Coughlin’s bunch and the wheels could be coming off really soon for the G-Men. Brandon Jacobs followed up the helmet throwing incident in Indy last Sunday night with 17 yards on 4 carries and starting OT Kareem McKenzie was benched after committing two of the personal fouls.

Cowboys – 27, TEXANS – 13

Two teams that had been winless broke into the column on the left with season-salvaging victories. The Dallas Cowboys (1-2) showed up in Houston and took down their interstate rival Texans, 27-13, while Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings picked on the hapless Detroit Lions and won going away, 24-10. No telling what would have been the headlines had either one or both of these 2009 playoff teams started off 0-3.

Quarterback Tony Romo had three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) to silence the 71,000-plus in attendance. The Texans fell to 2-1 and need to shake this one off as a loss to a non-divisional opponent, regardless of where they play.

VIKINGS – 24, Lions – 10

With a passing attack slowed down by injuries and the age of the quarterback, Minnesota got off the schneid by hnding the ball to Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 160 yards and two scores. For Detroit (0-3), Shaun Hill went 29-for-43, 237 yards and one touchdown in place of the injured Matthew Stafford.

Falcons – 27, SAINTS – 24 (OT)

The defending Super Bowl champions appear as if they may be suffering from a Super Bowl hangover after all. They looked shaky in their opening win versus Minnesota and now lost a divisional game against their rival. A missed 29-yard field goal attempt by Garret Hartley in the extra session spurned on the Falcons, who drove down the field and won it when Matt Bryant connected from 46 yards out with under two minutes to go before a tie would have been declared. Both teams are now 2-1.

Bengals – 20, PANTHERS – 7

Jimmy Clausen got his first NFL start at quarterback for Carolina but could not get them in the win column. The former Notre Dame star threw for 188 yards and no scores while Cincy QB Carson Palmer sealed the game with a fourth quarter toss to Credric Benson.

At 0-3, the John Fox watch may be on in Charlotte. The Bengals improved to 2-1.

Steelers – 38, BUCCANEERS – 13

Using their third different starting quarterback since the pre-season while awaiting Ben Roethlisberger’s four-game suspension to run out, one would figure that Pittsburgh would be in big trouble. But exactly the opposite is true as they won again to start off 3-0.

Byron Leftwich was hurt in the summer, so Dennis Dixon took over. But he, too, became injured last week so enter Charlie Batch. The veteran had not started a game in nearly three years but led the way with three touchdown passes.

For Tampa Bay (1-2), their struggles continue as Josh Freeman gains some valuable experience in his first season as the starting quarterback.

RAVENS – 24, Browns – 17

Eric Mangini must be nervous every time his telephone rings after another poor performance by the Browns. Head honcho Mike Holmgren cannot have liked what he saw, especially with Anquan Boldin catching three strikes from Joey Flacco for scores.

Baltimore upped their record to 2-1 and bounced back after a bad game last week in Cincinnati.

CHIEFS – 31, 49ers – 10

Two of the season’s early surprises met yesterday at Arrowhead Stadium and followed suit. Kansas City is now 3-0 and San Fran still winless following the lopsided outcome. No one expected Kaycee to contend and many expected the Niners to challenge for the NC West, but that’s why they play the games.

Matt Cassel caught the 49ers off guard on a fake end around and threw a 45-yard strike to Dwayne Bowe for one of three scores on the day for the former Patriot quarterback.

RAMS – 30, Redskins – 16

Snapping a 14-game losing streak is not an easy task, but St. Louis made it look that way by dismissing Washington at the RCA Dome. Overall number one draft pick Sam Bradford threw for 235 yards and a touchdown while back-up running back Kenneth Darby put the Rams (1-2) ahead for good in the third quarter after starter Steven Jackson was injured.

Washington (1-2) has lost two straight after beating Dallas in the opening Sunday night game of the season.

Eagles – 28, JAGUARS – 3

The resurgence of Michael Vick continued as the former Falcon franchise player had four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) in a blowout win over  hapless Jacksonville. Philadelphia (2-1) won for the second straight time with Vick under center and apparently do not miss Donovan McNabb one bit.

David Garrard had a miserable day for the 1-2 Jags by going 13-for-30, 105 yards, no touchdowns and a pick. This team will be picking high in next year’s draft.

CARDINALS – 24, Raiders – 23

Arizona escaped with a narrow one-point win over Oakland when Sebastian Janokowski was wide left on the last play of the game from 32 yards out. The kicker also missed two other attempts during the game and his team dropped to 1-2. Things are not well in northern California and head coach Tom Cable may be in trouble if the Silver and Black do not turn it around soon.

For the 2-1 Cards, Derek Anderson had two touchdown passes and LaRod Stephens – Howling had a 102-yard opening kickoff return. Although they played sloppy at times, Arizona walks away with a win when a loss would have been a tough pill to swallow at home versus a sub par opponent.

SEAHAWKS – 27, Chargers – 20

Little Leon Washington came up big yesterday in the Pacific north west with two kickoff returns for touchdowns. The former Jet special teams standout took the opening kick of the third quarter 101 yards and Seattle was on their way, leading 17-0 at that point.

But San Diego came back and tied the game 20-20 with 6:39 remaining in the contest. But Washington took the ensuing kickoff 99 yards to the house to put the ‘Hawks in front for good and improve their record to 2-1.

At 1-2, the Chargers are a bit of a disappointment so far, having also lost to divisional foe Kansas City in the matinee on the Monday night affair in Week One.

Photo by William J. Hauser

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Let’s assume that old man river makes it official once training camp ends and has another effective campaign running the show in Minny. Favre is better than anything else the Vikings have on their roster and anyone who feels that Tavaris Jackson can get the job done is clearly dreaming. The NFL is better with Favre still running around and he should have enough left in the tank to get his team to the second round of the playoffs.

PREDICTION: 11-5 (12-4 in 2009)

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Aaron Rodgers took some big steps as a quarterback last season but still has a ways to go. He should get better and better, which will bode well for fans at the Frozen Tundra. A tough break in the playoff overtime loss at Arizona notwithstanding, he showed that he can light it up in big spots. Depending on the Favre situation, the Pack can finish as high as first or as low as third.

PREDICTION: 10-6 (11-5 in 2009)

CHICAGO BEARS

What should have been a big season in ’09 in the Windy City came to a crashing halt in the season opening loss to the Packers. LB Brian Urlacher was lost for the year and new QB Jay Cutler began what was an interception filled winter of discontent. They should bounce back enough to contend for a wild card spot.

PREDICTION: 10-6 (7-9 in 2009)

DETROIT LIONS

HC Jim Schwartz won two games in his rookie year, two more than the Lions did in 2008. So if he can double that again, they will still finish in their usual spot in the cellar. Getting first round draft pick DT Ndamukong Suh signed and in camp was important and the Lions will slowly grow as these high draft picks mature.

PREDICTION: 5-11 (2-14 in 2009)

Photo by Bill Menzel

The last blowout came in January of 2003 when the Bucs manhandled the Raiders, 48-21. So we are unfortunately overdue for a dud.

This game is ripe for just that, too. The Colts are playing fantastic on both sides of the ball and shut down two formidable rushing attacks in the playoffs against the Ravens and Jets. Peyton Manning, who was named the NFL MVP, also has so much experience and won not only a ring but the game MVP in the same Miami venue in Super Bowl XLI.

The Saints did look strong in pasting the Cards, but were outplayed two weeks ago in the NFC Championship Game. The Vikings had a huge day offensively, easily outgaining the home team, 475 to 257 yards. If not for a late interception thrown by Brett Favre, the Saints would not have had the opportunity to win the game in overtime by a field goal.

The Colts are favored by four points in this game, and that seems like a low number, all things considered. If the weather turns wet, both teams play in a dome. But it was a torrential downpour when Indianapolis beat Chicago three years ago and they didn’t miss a beat. Even with a banged-up Dwight Freeney (at best), the Colts still have the horses to run away with it.

At least you can still follow your boxes.

Photo by Bill Menzel

In the AFC Championship Game, the upstart New York Jets were able to contain the 2009 NFL MVP, albeit for one quarter. The league’s number one defense actually sacked Manning on consecutive offensive plays over two series and at one point in the second quarter, the Jets led 17-6. Answering a Jay Feeley field goal, Manning sliced through Gang Green’s secondary to cut into the deficit at the half to four points.

While Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez (17 for 30, 257 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception) played extremely well, the offense could not get going and went scoreless in the second half. At the same time, the Colts controlled the pace and Manning had his way. He threw for 377 yards and three scores to three different receivers in Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon and Dallas Clark en route to the 30-17 victory.

The Superdome hosted the NFC Championship Game and what was expected to be a close shootout between two offensive juggernauts in the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings did not disappoint. Brett Favre came out slinging as expected, as did Drew Brees. At half time, the score was even at 14 and although they had four turnovers, the Vikes were very much in the game and actually were in position to win the game in the waning seconds. But a penalty for too many men in the huddle set them back five yards, setting up a third down. Instead of calling a conservative run to set up a long field goal attempt, Minnesota elected to throw.

Favre rolled to his right out of the pocket and threw into double coverage across his body. On cue, the ball was picked off and we were headed into the extra stanza. For all the great things that Favre (28 for 46, 310 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions) has done in 19 NFL seasons, he has a tendency to make a terrible decision at the worst time. It happened in the playoffs before, against the Giants and Eagles.

The Saints won the coin toss and went on a drive that seemed to go on forever due to three booth reviews. Garrett Hartley nailed a 40-yard field goal and there was happiness in the bayou with the scoreboard showing a 31-28 win for the home squad.

Super Bowl XLIV will be an interesting affair, one that will pit an old dog that has been there/done that in Manning and a bunch of wide-eyed Saints. Expect a lot of offense in this one, so take the over.

Photo by William J. Hauser

On Saturday, the New Orleans Saints rebounded after a lackluster end of the regular season with a convincing 45-14 knockout of the Arizona Cardinals. last season’s NFC representative in the Super Bowl. Reggie Bush scored two touchdowns as the Superdome rocked and rolled. Not much of a surprise there, as the Saints were expected to dispel of a team that may have still been showing the affects of an exhausting overtime win against Green Bay the week before.

That evening, the Baltimore Ravens were ousted by Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, 20-3. They took a two-touchdown lead at half time and coasted the rest of the way. Three turnovers did the Ravens in, setting up Indy to play host next weekend one game away from Super Bowl XLIV. Although they played extremely well in taking out the Patriots in the Wild Card round, Baltimore was clearly outclassed versus a well-rested Colts squad.

On Sunday, Brett Favre turned back the clock and led his new team to the conference championship. The 40-year-old former Packer and Jet threw for four touchdowns (three to Sidney Rice) to lead the Minnesota Vikings to the 34-3 victory over Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones’ boys may have exorcised some December (and early January) demons by winning their division and then dispatching the Eagles, but were never even competitive in the dome.

Saving the best for last, the game of the weekend came in San Diego pitting the Chargers against the upstart New York Jets. Given no chance to move on, the Jets came out and played the 11-win Bolts tooth-and nail. They trailed by a mere seven points heading into the locker room and were clearly the team ‘hanging around’ against a formidable opponent.

Jay Feeley hit a 46-yard field goal to cut into the lead during the third quarter. Then the turning point in the game occurred towards the end of the quarter. The Jets downed a punt deep in the Chargers zone and a few plays later, Philip Rivers was intercepted by Jim Leonhard. A Chargers personal foul moved the ball inside the 10 at the start of the final stanza, which set up Mark Sanchez’s two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dustin Keller and a 10-7 advantage.

Sanchez is not the only Jet rookie to be making a name for himself in the postseason, as running back Shonn Greene had another 100-yard performance and a long run for a score. He scampered 53 yards to give the Jets a 10-point lead with 7:26 left in the game. San Diego scored with 2:14 left when Rivers dove in from a yard out, but Kerry Rhodes recovered Nate Keading’s onside kick. The game wasn’t decided until Thomas Jones moved the chains on fourth and one with 1:09 left in the contest.

Keading, the AFC’s Pro Bowl representative, had a forgettable day with three missed field goals (36, 57 and 40 yards), which opened the door that the Jets kicked in on their way to Indianapolis for their first appearance in the AFC Championship Game since 1998.

Say what you want about the Jets and their outspoken rookie head coach, but Rex Ryan will have another week in the spotlight to psyche up his charges. The strategy has clearly worked and this team is going into Indy believing in themselves.

When the two teams met up in Week 16, Colts head coach Jim Caldwell pulled Manning in the third quarter with a 15-10 lead. The Jets rallied against back-up quarterback Lance Painter and that began their ascent towards where they are today. Once again, the Jets will be heavy underdogs and that is exactly the way they like it.

Photo by Bill Menzel

Well, maybe the Detroit Lions can make plans for the beginning of February.

Don’t go out to Las Vegas just yet with these predictions, but we’ll take a look at them after New Year’s Day to see how accurate they were.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2008 record: 11-5) After barely missing the playoffs on a tiebreaker with a back-up quarterback the entire season sans the first quarter of the opening game, the Pats are an angry bunch looking for redemption. Tom Brady is back and if he stays healthy, expect this team to dominate again. PREDICTION: 13-3, division winner, Super Bowl champions.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (2008 record: 11-5) Their 10-game improvement was the story of the last regular season but a one-and-done in the playoffs didn’t make head honcho Bill Parcells too happy. Chad Pennington is good for another double-digit season in wins but expect the Fish to take a step back, especially with the Wildcat offense not catching anybody off guard this year. PREDICTION: 9-7

NEW YORK JETS (2008 record: 9-7) Good riddance, Brett Favre, hello Mark Sanchez. Gang Green will be going with a rookie quarterback and head coach so there will be some growing pains. Rex Ryan has the right attitude but will need some time to get them back to the playoffs. PREDICTION: 6-10

BUFFALO BILLS (2008 record: 7-9) Anyone want to take a guess how long before Terrell Owens rips apart this locker room? The mercurial wide receiver is not the right fit for this team and will delay the progress of young quarterback Trent Edwards. PREDICTION: 6-10

AFC NORTH

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2008 record: 12-4) The defending Super Bowl champions will not repeat but will be a factor, no less. Big Ben is as steady as they come and their defense is always special. PREDICTION: 11-5, division winner.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (2008 record: 11-5) Joey Flacco played extremely well as a rookie and ran the conservative offense well. They lost linebacker Bart Scott in free agency to the Jets but resigned Ray Lewis, who may have one more good run left in him. PREDICTION: 10-6, wild card team.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (2008 record: 4-11-1) Typical Eric Mangini. His secret-squirrel methods seem to have been taken up a notch by the new head coach choosing to keep his starting quarterback’s identity a secret nearly until the offense jogs out on the field for their first series. This is not a good football team that has had questionable drafts of late, leaving them void of quality starters and depth. Great fans, though. PREDICTION: 5-11

CINCINNATI BENGALS (2008 record: 4-12) What will it take to pull the plug on Marvin Lewis? The Bungles have been consistently bad on the field, off the field and in the locker room. They are the old Trailblazers of the NFL. At least Chad Johnson (I refuse to call him Ochocinco) will be interesting and have some fun. PREDICTION: 4-12

AFC SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2008 record: 12-4) Peyton Manning has still got that zip on his ball and will carry the Colts on his back. The mainstays are getting a little up there but they should be able to stay healthy enough for a successful campaign. PREDICTION: 11-5, division winner.

TENNESSEE TITANS (2008 record: 13-3) A 10-0 start to the season put the former Houston Oilers on a path to the playoffs. Expect them to go down a notch or two with the likelihood of Kerry Collins coming back down to earth a bit. Also, the free agent defection of Albert Haynesworth will hurt the defense. PREDICTION: 10-6, wild card team.

HOUSTON TEXANS (2008 record: 8-8) Slowly but surely, this franchise is headed in the right direction. They have a talented young defense and seem to be content with Matt Schaub at quarterback. They still are at least a year away from making the postseason. PREDICTION: 8-8

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2008 record: 5-11) The Jags took a big step back last season. Were they as bad as their record showed? Maybe not, but as Bill Parcells always said you are what you are. David Garrard is a player and head coach Jack Del Rio looks good in a suit. PREDICTION: 7-9

AFC WEST

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (2008 record: 8-8) The Bolts pulled out a miracle playoff berth last year after a rough start. With Phillip Rivers and LT, they should run away with the weakest division in football. PREDICTION: 12-4, division winner.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2008 record: 2-14) The rebuilding has begun and Arrowhead Stadium will not be a happy place this winter. We will find out if Matt Cassel is a legitimate starting quarterback in this league or if he was merely a product of a good system in New England. PREDICTION: 6-10

OAKLAND RAIDERS (2008 record: 5-11) This may be JaMarcus Russell’s last chance at proving that he is not a complete bust. The former overall number one draft pick has not only played bad but is in terrible condition on top of that. PREDICTION: 5-11

DENVER BRONCOS (2008 record: 8-8) This team will have a huge drop off. No Mike Shanahan and no Jay Cutler make for a long season at Mile High. When you also factor in the Brandon Marshall fiasco, it could get ugly real fast for new head coach Josh McDaniel. PREDICTION: 4-12

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

NFC EAST

NEW YORK GIANTS (2008 record: 12-4) The G-Men’s season began spiraling downward once Plaxico Burress went out. They haven’t replaced the gun-totting wide receiver and will struggle at times stretching the field. Good for them they have an awesome defense that will welcome back Osi Umenyiora. Signing Chris Canty away from Dallas was also a huge plus. PREDICTION: 11-5, division winner.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2008 record: 9-6-1) The Birds somehow found their way into the playoffs and knocked out Big Blue on the road, so they are a resilient bunch. Michael Vick will definitely bring a different element to Phlly and his talent will outshine the distraction that he may cause the first few weeks he is in uniform. PREDICTION: 10-6, wild card team.

DALLAS COWBOYS (2008 record: 9-7) They have a gleaming new stadium but the same head coach. Wade Phillips has not been effective and the meddling Jerry Jones is no help. Cutting T.O. is addition by subtraction and maybe Tony Romo will play better without the constant questions surrounding their relationship. PREDICTION: 9-7

WASHINGTON REDSKINS (2008 record: 8-8) Jason Campbell is not the answer at quarterback but may be the ‘Skins’ best option. Jim Zorn got the most out of his bunch then and he may again. Albert Haynesworth came at a big cost and his health is always an issue. PREDICTION: 7-9

NFC NORTH

CHICAGO BEARS (2008 record: 9-7) Acquiring the pouting Jay Cutler was a coup for this franchise, who have their best quarterback since Jim McMahon shuffled his way to the Super Bowl. His players go all out for Lovie Smith, who will find a way to win when it counts. PREDICTION: 11-5, division winner, NFC representative in the Super Bowl.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2008 record: 10-6) The Vikes squeaked into the playoffs last year and now are relying on the soon-to-be 40-year-old Brett Favre to take them further. Adrian Peterson is arguably the best back in the game and their defense is strong. Close but no cigar. PREDICTION: 10-6, wild card team

GREEN BAY PACKERS (2008 record: 6-10) Aaron Rodgers proved that he was the real deal and that the organization made the right decision in not giving in to Favre. They will improve, however slightly. PREDICTION: 8-8

DETROIT LIONS (2008 record: 0-16) They won’t be as bad as they were, but going winless shows that the team gave up on itself. Matt Stafford will take his lumps and there will be a party in the Motor City when they win their first game since…PREDICTION: 3-13

NFC SOUTH

ATLANTA FALCONS (2008: 11-5) This is a team that has bounced back in a flash. ’08 Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan is a franchise quarterback, Michael Turner is a big-time back and the team added tight end Tony Gonzalez. PREDICTION: 10-6, division winner.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (2008 record: 12-4) After a high caliber regular season, John Fox’s team fell apart in the playoffs. How much longer will they be able to ride the Jake Delhomme train? Expect a drop-off here. PREDICTION: 9-7

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2008 record: 8-8) Drew Brees is one of the top quarterbacks in the league and will once again find himself at the Pro Bowl. Unfortunately his team will miss the playoffs by a game. PREDICTION: 9-7

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2008 record: 9-7) The Bucs are in a rebuilding mode and there will be many growing pains. At some point during the season, they will insert rookie Josh Freeman and see what he can do with the offense. That is not usually a positive sign. PREDICTION: 6-10

NFC WEST

ARIZONA CARDINALS (2008 record: 9-7) Their amazing run ended in a crushing defeat on Super Sunday but they have enough talent to become a contender. It is so hard to just make the big game, let alone get back. The Cards will not make it as interesting this season. PREDICTION: 10-6, division winner.

ST. LOUIS RAMS (2008 record: 2-14) Steve Spagnuolo comes in and will bring with him an air of confidence. It will take some time, of course, but the Rams will surprise some folks. PREDICTION: 6-10

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2008 record: 7-9) Mike Singletary was a special player and may one day become a special coach, but he does not have the talent (or patience) to do it with this group. An unsettled quarterback situation is also a problem. PREDICTION: 6-10

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2008 record: 4-12) Jim Mora, Jr. gets another crack at it and has some players on his roster. They had an awful year in Mike Holmgren’s swan song but should look slightly better. PREDICTION: 5-11

PLAYOFFS

WILD CARD ROUND: Pittsburgh over Tennessee, Indianapolis over Baltimore, Arizona over Minnesota, Philadelphia over Atlanta

DIVISIONAL ROUND: New England over Indianapolis, Pittsburgh over San Diego, Chicago over Philadelphia, New York Giants over Arizona

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS: New England over Pittsburgh, Chicago over New York Giants

SUPER BOWL XLIV: New England over Chicago

Photo by William J. Hauser