Super Bowl XLIV Preview: NFL's Best QB Will Top NFL's Second Best QB

This year's Super Bowl has the potential to be one of- if not the- most entertaining championship games ever played. Besides pitting the top two teams from their respective conference, each participant followed similar paths over the regular season and used like formulas to achieve their success.

Both the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints flirted with perfect records deep into the schedule, only to close out the regular season with mini-losing streaks. Of course, this may well have been impacted by the importance quotient dropping off due to already having clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Interestingly, in somewhat of a contradiction of conventional NFL wisdom, neither team exhibits the balance normally associated with dominant teams. Instead, both teams rely heavily on prolific offenses led by each conference's best quarterback to overcome somewhat mediocre defensive units. The Colts' Peyton Manning was awarded a record fourth MVP trophy for this year's efforts in a surprising landslide over the Saints' Drew Brees.

Manning only enhanced his status as the NFL's media darling with a strong postseason against two of the league's best defenses and a plethora of politically correct sound bites. And, to kick off this year's Super Bowl countdown, rookie Head Coach Jim Caldwell had everyone scurrying for their "Webster's" and added to the Manning legend as he attributed "hypermnesia" as an active ingredient in his quarterback's secret sauce.

it is unclear whether the NFL's equivalent of "Aquaman" possesses this particular super power, clairvoyance or x-ray vision- but we do know that he has proven to be pretty hard to stop on the football field. In particular, the Saints will have their work cut out for them considering they were the 25th ranked defense in the regular season and a couple new weapons have emerged for the Colts in the postseason.

Indianapolis already sports two players that hit the century mark in regular season receptions in wide receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark. With defenses keying on them in the postseason, however, Manning simply adjusted and made stars out of young wideouts Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. The pair has combined for 360 yards and three touchdowns in its two playoff contests.

The Colts possess an anemic run game that finished dead last in the NFL this season, but generally only use the run to keep defenses honest. De facto offensive coordinator Manning will order up the run when the Saints show nickel and dime packages, but will be happy to fill the air with "Wilson Official" game balls. Expect him to repeatedly attack a Saints vulnerability with a steady stream of passes to Clark.

New Orleans Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams obviously is aware of the many ways that the Colts can beat his team through the air, so he made no secret of his plan to get after Manning. Taking a page out of former Bears and Eagles coach Buddy Ryan's book, Williams wants his defenders to levy "remember-me" hits and limit Manning's time to find open receivers with the same relentless pass rush exhibited against Brett Favre in the NFC title game.

Saying it and doing it, though, are two different things. On a typical day for Manning, rarely does any part of his body other than his feet touch the turf and his "plain Jane" Colts uniform remains tidy white. He was sacked an NFL low ten times, thanks to an offensive line that specializes in pass protection, a superior ability to read opposing defenses, a quick release and "Michael Jordan-like" treatment from NFL officials.

In all likelihood, Manning will roll up yardage and light up the scoreboard, but the key for the Saints- as it has been all year long- will be to force turnovers. Led by All-Pro safety Darren Sharper, New Orleans accumulated 39 take-aways and eight defensive TD's during the regular season and have continued this trend in the playoffs. A couple key targets might be the inexperienced Collie and Garcon as Saints defenders try to strip the ball after catches.

For all the fan fare about Manning and the Colts passing game, Brees and the Saints were at the top of the rankings all season. New Orleans averaged more than 400 yards and almost 32 points per game, approximately 40 yards and 6 points more than the Colts. The MVP voting outcome notwithstanding, the Saints signal caller topped Manning in most statistical categories including touchdowns (34 to 33), interceptions (11 to 16), completion percentage (70.6% to 68.8%) and overall rating (109.6 to 99.9.)

Brees is a master at spreading the ball around with precise accuracy. His favorite target continues to be lanky Marques Colston, who should get plenty of looks throughout the day. He will also stretch the field with Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem, and throw plenty of passes underneath to his running backs.

The Colts are particularly adept at shutting down tight ends, so expect a slow day for Jeremy Shockey. This may prove to be a very favorable match-up for the Saints, since it consumes a Colts strength with a player who will still be somewhat limited by an ankle injury anyway.

An often overlooked aspect of the New Orleans offense is their running game since they have no one who finished in the top 20 rushers, but their running back by committee approach could have a big day against the Colts suspect run defense. The Saints are much more physical upfront and should be able to open up some nice running lanes.

Similar to their opponents, this offense will present a huge challenge to a Colts defense that finished 18th in the regular season. Additionally, with All-World defensive end Dwight Freeney limited by a torn ankle ligament, Brees will have more time to survey the field while elusive running backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas should be able to take advantage. Expect the former to break off a couple long runs on screen plays.

One more subtle match-up could prove to have large import to the outcome of the game. The Colts have struggled with special teams coverage, while New Orleans features one of the most explosive returners in Bush. With both offenses likely scoring freely, a long return might be a tipping point in the contest.

Keys to the Game

Saints

1. No stage fright
2. Sustain drives to keep Manning off the field
3. Disguise defensive schemes
4. Pressure Manning into 1-2 turnovers and to limit time
5. Create fumbles by stripping the ball from young receivers
6. Bush break a return and a couple screen plays
7. Jam Clark to disrupt timing and limit production
8. Secure ball
9. Put the ball in the end zone
10. No cheap points

Colts

1. Avoid press clippings and do not underestimate Saints
2. Continue to play strong run defense in the postseason
3. Generate pass rush from other players not name Freeney
4. Avoid turnovers
5. Contain Saints return game
6. Correct play calls by Manning
7. Cover Bush in the flat and limit long gains
8. Officiating position towards protecting Manning and his receivers

Prediction

If the Saints avoid nerves associated with playing on the big stage for the first time, this game will go into the record books as the highest scoring Super Bowl in history. Both quarterbacks will take turns leading their team up and down the field from start to finish. By game's end, the combined passing yardage could approach 800.

Although he is scheduled to play, there is no way that Freeney will be able to be effective with a torn ligament as he will lose speed, drive and maneuverability. Similar to the Cardinals game, expect Bush to break free for a touchdown on a punt return or screen play- or both.

Manning will counter by dropping some picture perfect tosses into the hands of Wayne, Clark, Garcon and Collie. Ultimately, this track meet will come down to the wire with this year's top quarterback prevailing over the NFL's next best. Drew Brees and company will finally bring home the coveted Lombardi Trophy for their long suffering fans.

Saints 42

Colts 41

For additional coverage and unique perspectives go to yesterday's post: Super Bowl XLIV: Random Thoughts on Hypermnesia, Kim Kardashian and More.

I'm just saying....Super Bowl Edition: Hypermnesia, Kim Kardashion, Gatorade, The Who and More

A collection of random thoughts and observations on Super Bowl XLIV for you to consider. I'm just saying....

• Injured Colts star defensive player Dwight Freeney showed up at "Media Day" wearing flip flops. This might not seem unusual considering the South Beach location, but it would certainly seem to be an unconventional medical approach for a guy trying to "shake off" a torn ankle ligament.
• So, the Colts Peyton Manning has hypermnesia? I'm not so sure of that, but watching him frantically dance like the Black Eyed Peas at the line of scrimmage before each and every snap, I could buy into the notion that he is simply "hyper." Or, perhaps the condition could just be spelled "H-Y-P-E."
• Does Saints Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams have Buddy Ryan blood lines somewhere in his family tree? He seems to be taking a page out of the former Chicago Bears defensive coordinator and Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach's repertoire with all his pre-game comments about roughing up Peyton Manning with some "remember me hits." What's next- Jimmy Johnson exposing a bounty placed on Manning's head or body bags stacked on the Saints sidelines?
• If the Saints prevail, I would envision players following the requisite script of dumping a large cooler of Gatorade on head coach Sean Payton as the clock winds down. But, if the Colts are to bring home their second Super Bowl Championship, it seems more likely that players will veer from protocol and simply hand head coach Jim Caldwell one measured quart of the sports drink in a plain white, leak proof bottle with the Colts insignia facing cameras. Maybe I'm just saying that the Colts seem a little bit "corporate."
• Much has been made of the NFL's trend of booking, shall we say, geriatric half-time entertainers. Perhaps the league is aligning to the demographics of the Super Bowl attendees, or they are just figuring that they surely don't have to worry about any intentional "wardrobe malfunctions" with 60ish or 70ish musicians like The Who, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and The Boss?
• Will Reggie Bush's and the Saints' good luck charm be in attendance at the Super Bowl and in the spotlight, again? The team would be wise to host Kim Kardashian, the anti-Simpson, in the Saints luxury suite as a motivational source, especially considering her inspiration to Bush and the Colts vulnerability on special teams coverage.
• Speaking of Kardashian, she also sure would liven up the festivities if the Saints were to find themselves spraying champagne around the locker room after the game. Or, is that prohibited by the "No Fun League?"
• Lets hope the Super Bowl officials allow the players some space to play the game rather than litter the field with hankies all day. Greg Williams' pre-game comments certainly don't help the cause, especially considering the "Michael Jordan" treatment already afforded Peyton Manning and anybody on the other end of his passes in a Colts uniform.
• Although it messes up the sexy tradition of "Super Sunday," the idea of switching the Super Bowl to Saturday's makes an incredible amount of success. To validate, just ask businesses about worker productivity or employee absenteeism on the following Monday. And, besides, who chooses to throw a big party on a Sunday night over a Saturday night? If the NFL does not come to their senses here, perhaps Hallmark could declare "Super Bowl Monday" a new national holiday?
• With Dwight Freeney injured, two prolific offensive teams led by two of the NFL's top quarterbacks, pro-offense rule changes and a pair of somewhat vulnerable defenses- the ingredients for the highest scoring Super Bowl in history seem to be in place. The current record is 75 points, set in Super Bowl XXIX (29 for those of you who use our country's traditional numbering system) when the San Francisco 49ers crushed the San Diego Chargers, 49-26. Heck, if Reggie Bush or Darren Sharper throw in a return TD, the record might be broken in the third quarter.
• I'll bet Jim Caldwell is feeling a little bit better about his decision to rest Peyton Manning and others in Week 16 at the expense of an undefeated season. His Colts team is poised to win a second championship. On the other hand, if they do, won't we be hearing for a long time to come that the Colts could have gone down in history as the greatest team ever?
• Speaking of Caldwell, does his current success as a rookie head coach and his career history tell us that it is harder to win in the ACC than the NFL?
• How many hours into CBS' coverage on Super Sunday before they run a segment showing Brett Favre in his Saints-loyal Mississippi hometown? When they run it, I am guessing that Favre will express that it is highly unlikely that he will return next season, but he needs to talk it over with his family, doesn't want to make a snap decision, yadda, yadda, yadda.
• According to a moneywatch.com article this week, U.S. home prices have appreciated 999% during the Super Bowl era, while tickets for the hallowed event have appreciated at a slightly higher rate- a mere 22,225% to be exact. I wonder if the NFL would consider selling Super Bowl stock? Or, could the Super Bowl be the next bubble around the corner? Nah.
• After arguably being unfairly snubbed as this season's NFL MVP, it would be easy to envision Drew Brees outplaying Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl, but losing out on the game's MVP award to him- even if the Saints win.

NFC Championship Preview: Brees Better Bet Than Favre

When the Saints go marching into the Superdome on Sunday evening to face the Minnesota Vikings, they will be lugging with them the dreams of the New Orleans long suffering fans. Only one other time in the team's mostly star crossed history has it advanced this far in a quest for a championship, but that season ended there with a disappointing blowout.

Although their opponents in the NFC Championship Game have four times reached the Super Bowl in its history, the Vikings similarly have yet to end a season in jubilation. Fans of both teams share the same high hopes that this will be their year.

Drew Brees and his dynamic offensive unit are on a mission to forever erase the bad memories of paper bag mask days gone past. And, on the other side, ageless Brett Favre and his young proteges look to finish what no other Vikings team has been able to do before.

The hard, cruel reality of the NFL's annual single elimination tourney, though, is that the dream will end for one team and their fanbase on Sunday night. Conversely, the other triumphantly heads to Miami for Super Bowl 44 and further lifts the energy and anticipation in their hometown city.

While the AFC contest pits teams of contrasting styles (as detailed in yesterday's post  AFC Championship Preview: Can Ryan's Jets Beat the Colts Varsity?), the NFC matches teams that are closer to mirror images. Both the Saints and Vikings can score points in bunches and are led by the two highest rated quarterbacks in the NFL this season.

On defense, Minnesota boasts the stronger unit in traditional terms of limiting yardage and scoring, but New Orleans makes up for any deficiencies with its opportunistic style. As they did last week against Arizona, they force turnovers and score points. Led by former Vikings star Darren Sharper, the Saints defense scored a remarkable 8 touchdowns in the regular season.

Both teams have struggled with pass coverage, although some of this relates to opponents playing catch-up. The Saints finished 26th against the pass, but with some of their secondary back at full strength after injuries, this number might belie their true capabilities.

The Vikings compensate for pass coverage issues with a heavy pass rush, led by All Pro Jared Allen. They led the NFL in sacks and will surely look to keep the pressure on Brees, but may be limited by the absence of its other three starters on the defensive line. All three are listed as "questionable", so this could have an huge impact on the Vikings chances.

On the other side of the line, the Vikings feature one of the NFL's biggest names in running back Adrian Peterson, while the Saints deploy a running back by committee approach. Oddly enough, the Saints have been more effective on the ground, especially considering that Peterson has not cracked the century mark in eight weeks.

The front four has also been instrumental in the Vikings 2nd rated run defense. Besides the injury factor, because the Saints tend to use the pass to set up the run, it is reasonable to assume that they will still have some success on the ground. Look for them to run delays and draws with under-rated Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell, and try to get Reggie Bush in space to take advantage of his explosiveness.

A good portion of the fireworks during the regular season and thus far in the playoffs have come through the air as Brees and Favre have had spectacular years.  A strong argument can be made that either of them should have finished ahead of Peyton Manning for the league MVP trophy.

If Bush plays with the same determination and energy as a week ago, it could be a long day for the Vikings. Brees will look to get the ball out quickly and make the Vikings pay for over pursuit by swinging the ball to Bush on the edges. His favorite target continues to be Marcus Colston, but Brees does an exceptional job getting everyone involved in the offense.

Favre will attempt to use his big arm to get the ball down the field and change things up by dumping the ball off to Peterson, Chester Taylor and hopefully Percy Harvin, who is a game time decision due to migraines. The Vikings big vertical threat is lanky, fast and athletic Sidney Rice, who lit up the Cardinals with three touchdowns.

From a pure talent perspective, the Vikings could be the best team in football. However, the Saints look to be healthier, have home dome advantage and seem to have intangibles in their favor.

The ultimate swing factor comes down to the two QB's, though. Brees has a history of consistently playing well in big games, and although he has had the greater fan fare, Favre has had a Jekyll and Hyde persona in big games throughout his career.  On Sunday, my money is on Brees and the Saints to continue their quest to make  "The Aints" moniker a distant memory.

Vikings 27

Saints 31

NFL Divisional Playoff Preview- Part 1

One of the best sports weekends of the year kicks off tomorrow with the NFL Divisional Playoffs. Fans are treated to two full days of action with this year's slate featuring some especially compelling match-ups. A solid argument can be made for any of the eight participating teams to advance to next week's Championship Games.

An interesting aspect, albeit to the chagrin of some NFL traditionalists, relates to the fact that weather will not be a factor in any of the four contests. There will be no frozen tundra this week with three games played in domes and the fourth being hosted in temperate San Diego. Accordingly, all of this weekend's action will be determined based on strategy, preparation and execution.

Of course, the four teams that spent the previous weekend resting and watching the Wild Card round by virtue of their well earned seedings have a little bit of a jump start on their opponents. This has been less of an advantage in recent years, especially a year ago when three visiting teams advanced. Here is a preview of what to expect in Saturday's games, including my predictions on the eventual outcome. Neither pick is made with a great deal of conviction.

Arizona (11-6) at New Orleans (13-3) - Saturday, 4:30 PM ET

The Cardinals head to New Orleans fresh off one of the most action packed and thrilling playoff games in NFL history. Arizona's overtime victory came on a defensive score after three hours of trading touchdowns with the Green Bay Packers in a game that looked like a cross between Arena Football and an NCAA tie breaker.

Like a year ago, the Cardinals were led by senior statesman Kurt Warner, who posted some other worldly numbers. Despite missing one of his star receivers, Warner connected on almost 88% of his 33 pass attempts for 379 yards and 5 TD's.

Because he got a late start in his career, and was once prematurely considered washed up after being hampered by a thumb injury, Warner is arguably the most underrated quarterback in the league's history.

Speculation has begun to grow that the Cardinals signal caller may call it quits after this season, but fans can be heartened by living in the present and knowing that Warner gives them a shot to win against anybody. After prevailing in last week's dramatic shootout against a very talented Packers team, the Cardinals have been rewarded with facing the NFC's top seed on enemy turf, so once again, the team's hopes will rest firmly in Warner's capable hands.

It appears that wide receiver Anquin Boldin will be shut down once again due to multiple leg injuries. Accordingly, the team will rely heavily on Pro Bowl receiver and part-time acrobat Larry Fitzgerald along with Steve Breaston and Early Doucet.

On offense, the Cardinals match up very favorably. They will likely keep the ball in the air, while discriminately mixing in the run to keep defenders honest, as they try to exploit the Saints 26th ranked pass unit. The hallmark of the Saints defense has been creating turnovers, so if the Cardinals can avoid turnovers, they very well could outscore their opponents for a second consecutive week.

While this is a positive view, it also implies that Arizona's biggest challenge will be keeping Drew Brees and company out of the end zone. The Saints feature the NFL's most prolific offense, having averaged more than 400 yards and almost 32 points per game. These numbers are even a little watered down by the final couple games when the team was playing out the string.

In my book, Brees should have been the NFL's Most Valuable Player this season. He finished the season with a 109.6 quarterback rating on the strength of a 71% completion percentage, just shy of 300 yards per game and 34 TD's. Regardless of what may not being sitting on his mantle, the Cardinals surely realize the challenge they face in trying to slow him down.

Like their opponent, the Saints will also try to take advantage of a Cardinals pass defense that finished three spots higher in the regular season, and was torched by Aaron Rodgers for 422 yards last Sunday. But similar to New Orleans, the calling card of the Cards unit is forcing turnovers, both by jumping routes and stripping balls.

Vegas has established the over/under for this game at 57 points. Although hefty by normal standards, this seems light to me. Expect another highly entertaining shootout with the game coming down to a missed field goal or a key turnover. Because neither team will be able to stop the other, I anticipate that a gambling play by Darren Sharper or a member of the Cards aggressive secondary will tip the game one way or the other.

Cardinals 42

Saints 44

Baltimore (10-7) at Indianapolis (14-2) - Saturday, 8:15 PM ET

With adrenaline still pumping from a thrilling opening game, NFL fans will switch over to catch the nightcap featuring two bitter rivals. The Ravens travel to Indianapolis to face the formerly beloved team that picked up and left Baltimore in the dark of the night.

The city endured a dozen years without an NFL team before they wooed away Cleveland's franchise. In a complicated twist, the team was renamed the Ravens, while Cleveland was awarded an expansion team and the "Browns" name. All this is to set the stage that there is still lingering hostility in Baltimore towards the Colts franchise, so a lust for revenge provides added incentive to the fans, if not the players.

On the surface, by virtue of the teams' respective regular season records, the Colts would seem to be heavy favorites, but the late season trends would indicate otherwise. The Colts rolled to 14 straight wins and appeared poised to run the table, until rookie head coach Jim Caldwell suddenly pulled Peyton Manning in Week 16. The move resulted in a loss of the game and possibly the spirit of his players.

Conversely, the Ravens finished the season on a high note after being up and down all season. They have won four of the last five games, including a surprising blowout of the Patriots last weekend in Foxboro. And, importantly, the team seems to match-up well against a Colts team that narrowly beat them in Week 11.

After struggling early in the season, the vaunted Ravens defense has come together in the latter part of the season, finishing third in both total yards and points allowed. They also play an attacking style that forces turnovers and can make for a very long day for even the best opposing QB's.

The Colts, of course, feature one of the all-time best in reigning MVP Peyton Manning, who continues to build his resume over 12 seasons. Manning earned his fourth MVP trophy by leading his team to the most wins, while racking up 4500 yards and 33 TD's. As usual, he will look to spread the ball around, but will surely keep a heavy focus on his top two pass catchers, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark.

Indianapolis will find difficulty establishing anything on the ground against the Ravens stout run defense. Veteran Joseph Addai is not quite the same back he was a couple years ago. In order to compensate, Manning will try to hit Addai in the flat to open up opportunities down the field.

On the offensive side, the Ravens match up well with the Colts. Second year running back Ray Rice has emerged as a star, finishing with more than 2,000 yards in combined rushing and receiving yardage this season. He also comes into the game with the "hot hand" (or "hot quads") having compiled 159 rushing yards against the Patriots. Meanwhile, Indianapolis has struggled against the run, finishing 24th in the NFL.

The Colts defense fares a little better against the pass, but Baltimore's second year signal caller Joe Flacco will be constrained by a conservative game plan. Head coach John Harbaugh will be perfectly intent to rely on his tough defense along with Rice and back-up Willis McGahee to keep the ball out of Manning's hands.

A Ravens upset would not be surprising at all. This could become reality if Indianapolis falls behind early and then looks to Manning to lead a comeback as it did so often during the season. If the game stays close, the experience edge of Manning over Flacco should prove to be the difference.

Ravens 20

Colts 23

I'm just saying....

I'm Just Saying......

A weekly collection of random thoughts and observations for you to consider.

• Although I try not to do it often, I happened to find myself listening to some of Deion Sanders' "expert" commentary before Sunday night's Giants/Broncos game. Both teams entered the night 6-4 and 1 1/2 games behind the division leader, but Sanders proceeded to say "The Giants have their back to the wall, as do the Broncos, but it is a must win game for the Giants." Huh?
• Speaking of Sanders, he weighed in on Minnesota Mascot Goldy Gopher stiff arming and knocking over Pop Warner players with this gem "There's a brother in there. There's a brother in there, I'm telling you. His sales are gonna plummet, but there's a brother inside of Barney. Take off his hat, I guarantee you there's a brother in there." Deion would do us a favor by vacating his commentator role to realize his true passion of becoming full-time assistant agent for Michael Crabtree.
• Why is it that NFL players with dreadlocks or similar hair flowing from the bottom of their helmet seem to play with a frantic looking style? Mike McKenzie, Lawrence Maroney, Marion Barber, Eldra Buckley, Tim Hightower, Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu are a few that come to mind.
• Are Bill Belichick disciples required by the NFL or some secret code to wear baggy sweatshirts with sawed off sleeves on the sidelines? Or does it just make it easy to pull a trick out when they need it?
• On Monday night, Saints QB Drew Brees sure looked like the NFL's MVP, but he can probably feel the hot breath of Vikings QB Brett Favre and Colts QB Peyton Manning on the back of his neck.
• I love the Phillies idea of signing John Smoltz if the price is reasonable. Although he is somewhere between Pedro and Jamie in age, he still has the stuff, a great competitive spirit, superior pitching acumen and a perfect personality for their team.
• I hated to see good guy Pedro Feliz and his glove leave the team, but Ruben Amaro and colleagues have hit another long ball with the acquisition of Placido Polanco to take his place. Although he does not walk a whole lot either, he hits for a high average, will be a strong defender despite switching positions and adds to team chemistry.
• Has Pittsburgh receiver Hines Ward been vacationing in the International Space Station over the past couple months? How else can you explain his critical comments about Ben Roethlisberger not playing due to a concussion amidst the greatly heightened concerns and NFL regulations regarding head injuries?
• Similarly, I am wondering if Tar Heels coach Roy Williams has picked up a newspaper or turned on the evening news anytime over the past couple years? Roy's recent rant that UNC's Dean E. Smith Center wasn't filled to capacity, especially to see his 600th career win, and that fans should "get their sorry rear ends" there might suggest that he is not aware of the country's deep recession. I am not sure when coaches were entitled to sellouts, but if Williams' admonishment works, perhaps the Sixers should hire him as a spokesperson?
• With the Sixers looking to be short handed tonight with rookie Jrue Holiday's injury, it begs to ask the question exactly what mode of transportation Allen Iverson is taking to join the team? He signed on Wednesday, but does not join the team until Monday.
• Considering how players such as Cole Hamels, Brad Lidge and Ryan Howard were adversely affected by offseason demands after having big seasons, wouldn't it make a lot of sense for the Phillies to be more involved in policing players training regimen's and personal appearances through the winter months?
• Jason Avant is proving to be the perfect complement to speed receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Considering the Eagles pass centric offense, signing the tough, sure handed Avant to a long-term deal right now before he becomes a free agent in 2010 is imperative. As his confidence and synergy with McNabb continues to grow, he still has a lot more upside and he is already looking quite good.
• Additional caution regarding head injuries in the NFL is surely warranted, but I would have to think that helmets could also be substantially improved to absorb more shock than current models. Perhaps Nasa would do a consulting gig?

Eagles: Week 2 Happenings and Prospects

The Eagles started out the season with a dominant defensive performance that helped to ease concerns about having a new defensive coordinator and losing Stewart Bradley and Brian Dawkins. Unfortunately, their win against the Panthers was dampened by losing Donovan McNabb to a rib injury. Most of the news and discussion since then have been about things other than "x's" and "o's."

Events of the Week

Although the Eagles won in a blowout in week 1, the immediate focus after the game was the health of their starting quarterback, and then a series of personnel moves and a couple NFL office rulings. I guess you can throw Dr. Phil's visit on top of that since his comments certainly made their way to the Eagles locker room.

By game's end on Sunday, word had already been disseminated that McNabb had suffered a broken rib on a 3rd quarter touchdown scramble. This led to a series of personnel moves and a ruling by the NFL office (see NFL Office Needs to Re-Examine Its Priorities and Logic for more on this paradoxical decision.)

The Eagles quickly signed recently released (by Oakland) Jeff Garcia to bolster the QB position and moved Michael Vick to the active roster to allow him to practice with the team. To make room, the team released wide receiver (and Hugh Hefner's rival) Hank Baskett and put former Pro Bowl player Shawn Andrews on the Injured Reserve list. The former was a mild surprise. The latter was a major surprise.

With McNabb doubtful to play this week (and probably next), Andy Reid has reinforced that Kevin Kolb is the starter "right now." This is coach speak for "Kolb is on a short leash, so don't be surprised to see Garcia or Vick next week."

Placing Andrews on IR appears to be throwing in the towel on his physical and mental health for 2009, and possibly beyond, to remove weekly distractions and uncertainties. It also would seem to be a decision made out of frustration and could come back to haunt the team against opponents with big pass rushes like the Giants or Vikings, and might limit some of their aggressiveness overall. Of course, that assumes that Andrews would have made it onto the field for at least portions of the season.

The NFL determined that no penalty or fine was in order for the late hit that injured McNabb. However, the NFL office did take extreme exception to the Eagles end zone celebration circle in the same game and handed out $60,000 in fines for this gratuitous act of elation.

Prospects for Week 2

Kevin Kolb may look fairly good against a less than stellar Saints defense, but it is probably going to take a great performance to out score the high powered Saints offense. The Saints have picked right up where they left off last year, when they were the NFL's most prolific offense, scoring 45 points in the season opener. Of course, there is a vast difference between the Eagles defense and the Lions defense that they faced last week.

Look for Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy to lead a strong rushing attack on Sunday, and for the Eagles to keep things short with Kolb. The Eagles pass defense will be effective, but will not be able to totally contain Brees. In the end, the Eagles will miss McNabb, give up a cheap touchdown due to a turnover and fail to be able to put together a winning drive in the 4th quarter.

Saints 27

Eagles 23