Cavs Reach A New Low In Futility:

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost their 25 straight game yesterday, setting the record for most consecutive losses ever. Not only the Cavs hold the record (and continue to add to it every game) for most losses in a single season, but they now hold the consecutive loss record for any point of time, including those teams that spanned two seasons. Cleveland right now has nothing going for them, and they look to be in complete disarray. The Cavs should begin to look to make some big moves at the trade deadline to start the post-Lebron rebuilding process, though at this point they don’t have a lot in the way of commodities to deal. Regardless, of how bad of a team the Cavs are, there is no reason they should have 25 straight losses, one can only hope they pull themselves together soon and find a way out of this.

Super Bowl XLV Sets Rating Mark:

Over 111 million people tuned into Packers beating the Steelers on Sunday, as this year’s Super Bowl set the record for most viewed television show in history. It represented a 4.5 million jump from last season, and showed once again why the NFL is the strongest sports league, and that football has taken over as America’s pastime. Overall this season the NFL’s viewership was up 13 percent, and is up 24 percent over the last half decade. This shows once again why I don’t believe that either the Owners or Players will look to have any sort of work stoppage in the coming months, as there is too much on the line. Sure the NFL would still get next year’s TV revenue, but they’d have to pay it back eventually and a lockout would upset quite a few sponsors. As for the players they wouldn’t be paid this year, and if a lockout starting hurting viewership, it will affect future TV deals and sponsorship dollars, which ends up hurting the players as well since their amount of money is predicated on an overall percentage of revenues. I believe cooler heads will prevail, but the Super Bowl ratings are hopefully a sobering reminder of what is at stake for both the League and the Players.

The Green Bay Packers won their 4th Super Bowl last night over the Pittsburgh Steelers, and while it is easy to give MVP Aaron Rodgers all the credit I think two units really deserve recognition for the win last night, and that is the Packers offensive line and the Green Bay defense.

While you look at the numbers and you would say that the Packers offensive line gave up more sacks, pressures and hits than the Steelers offensive line, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story. The Packers offensive line continuously picked up the Steelers blitzes, and allowed Rodgers to throw the ball down field. If Rodgers checked down every time there was an overload blitz he might have never gotten sacked or hit in this game, but the Packers also might not have won. The Packers offensive line held the point of attack long enough for Rodgers to wait for his receivers to get open down the field, he might have paid a physical price, but it was worth it. Had the Packers offensive line not held up for as much as it did, my guess is you’d have seen the Packers have three turnovers and Steelers would be holding up the Lombardi trophy.

The other unit that isn’t getting near enough credit today is Dom Capers 3-4 defense. The Packers defense might have gotten on one sack, but they owned the offensive line of the Steelers (usually with even less blitzers). All you have to look at is the three turnovers and you will see just how great of a job the Packers coming up when it mattered most.

Late in the first quarter the Steelers were in the shadow of their end zone after a block in the back penalty on the kick-off. On the very next play Ben Roethlisberger went back to pass, and despite it being just a normal rush the pocket collapsed in front of him. Backup NT Howard Green just got under the pads of starting guard Chris Kemoeatu. Green drove him back into Roethlisberger and hooked the quarterbacks throwing arm. That meant the deep sideline pass to Mike Wallace was severely under-thrown and it fell into the waiting arms of safety Nick Collins. Collins made an impressive return and put up 7 more points for the Packers.

A couple drives later the Steelers had cut the lead to 14-3, and just stopped the Packers on a 3 and out. Despite an early penalty the Steelers were driving and had just entered Green Bay territory when their defense came up with another big play. Roethlisberger tried to hit Wallace again for a short pass over the middle when backup corner back Jarrett Bush read the play and stepped up and made the interception. Four plays later the Packers were in the end zone once again making it 21-3.

In the 2nd half the Steelers had cut the lead to 21-17, and seemed to have momentum on their side. Their defense had shut the Packers down the entire 3rd quarter, and the offense finally seemed to be in rhythm (not to mention the Packers had multiple injuries on defense). Then as the 4th quarter began, the defense stepped up once again. On a 2nd and 2 from the GB 33 yard line, the Packers got great penetration and had two tacklers in the backfield wrapping up running back Rashard Mendenhall, including All-Pro Clay Matthews Jr. who his helmet right on the ball popping it out. Linebacker Desmond Bishop recovered the fumble and returned it to the Green Bay 45. Three minutes and eight plays later the Packers were once again up 11, and that proved to be insurmountable for Pittsburgh.

While I’m not trying to take away Aaron Rodgers accomplishments, and I believe he made the most of his opportunities against an elite defense, I don’t think he is the main reason there will be a parade in Green Bay this week. The Packers got 21 points off turnovers, including the pick 6. And the other two touchdowns, the Packers only had to go half the field. Twice the Steelers looked poised to score, and the big play ability of the Packers defense, set up the offense to put up points. Without the Packers dominating defensive performance the Packers don’t come close to winning this game, and without the protection of the offensive line, the Steelers defense would have easily ruled the day.

Discuss the Super Bowl from start to finish in the comments portion of this blog! I’ll weigh in with thoughts through out the game in both the comments and in the actual post. Enjoy the game!

Prediction: I’ll go into some more detail later, but I like the Steelers in this game, it should be a close one but give me Pittsburgh 31-27!. What are your predictions? Answer below!

It’s game time who do you have ?

I think it will be a close one, but I like the Steelers balance and experience in this one. Their offensive line is a little weak, but Roethlisberger is the one quarterback, that can handle the blitz. Roethlisberger doesn’t win style points for his quarterback play, but this is football not figure staking. Roethlisberger gets the job done and that is all that matters. I think the Packers will keep this game close, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they have some butterflies and start off slow. I don’t expect a blowout, so this should be a fun game to watch.

Steelers:

1. Get Pressure Early And Often:

Aaron Rodgers might be one of the better quarterbacks running away from pressure, but he is still human, and more susceptible to mistakes when under pressure. Also, it doesn’t matter how many guy you have in coverage, a receiver will always find a way to get open. Pittsburgh needs to do what it does best and blitz Rodgers non-stop.

2. Replace Maukice Pouncey:

While Doug Legursky will be the man replacing the Steelers Pro Bowl center, the entire offense will need to help replace his presence on the team. Both guards will need to see how much help they can give Legursky on each play, and running backs will need to be prepared to chip or block up the middle. Tight ends and receivers will need to come out of their breaks quicker, to quicken up the passing game. And finally Ben Roethlisberger will need recognize that the middle will collapse and get out of there before he gets into trouble.

3. Stop Clay Matthews Jr. and B.J. Raji:

While part of this is in the replacing Pouncey entry, since he would have gone up against Raji, they would have needed a special game plan for him even if Pouncey was playing. Raji and Matthews are the heart and soul of this Packers defense. Yes the Packers have a number of other good defenders, but none as important as those two. If the Steelers can neutralize those two, (at least to an extent) they should have no problem implementing their offense.

Packers:

1. Find some Running Room:

Yes the Steelers have the best run defense in the league (actually one of the best in league history), but the Packers can’t abandon the run. A big part of their postseason success has been the emergence of James Starks, and what he as meant to this team. While he might not be a star, he has consistently picked up the tough yards when they need him to the most. He has helped keep the opposing offense off the field, and the clock running when the Packers have a lead. And most importantly he has shown that he at least needs to be respected by the opposing defenses. For as great as Aaron Rodgers is, he needs to have some semblance of a running game if he wants to win.

2. Be Aware of Troy Polamalu:

Troy Polamalu has had an uneventful postseason yet, and hasn’t made too many big plays, but if the Packers think they don’t have to be aware of him they will be sadly mistaken. While the Steelers have kept him deep for most of the postseason he has benefited them, but basically shutting down his zone on the field. Neither Joe Flacco or Mark Sanchez has come close to challenging him, and that has led to other players stepping up and making big plays. My guess is that Aaron Rodgers and company won’t have a choice and they won’t just be able to ignore Polamalu. I think the Steelers will blitz Polamalu more and let him play closer to the line. The Packers have to make sure that Polamalu gets blocked, otherwise he will make the big play.

3. Get Aaron Rodgers Going:

While the Packers have some very good offensive players, Aaron Rodgers is the key to this game. Regardless of how good the Steelers run defense is, the Packers don’t have the personnel to win this game on the ground. They need Rodgers to come up big, and pick up big chunks of yards through the air. They also need Rodgers to be smart with the football, you know the Steelers are going to be coming and that is what they are counting on. They want Rodgers to throw the ball before he has a chance to see the whole field so a defender can jump the route. Rodgers has to always be aware of the blitz, and if he doesn’t have a check down option throw it away as opposed to throwing an interception or taking a sack. And if you are going to take the sack, make sure you have your hands on the ball, as the Steelers might be the best team at the strip-sack. The best thing Rodgers can do, is make the Steelers pay for blitzing, while you know there will be some guys in zone coverage, there will also be some guys matched up one-on-one. Rodgers has to recognize the coverage and exploit it with big plays. If the Packers can get some early scores, you will help somewhat eliminate the Steelers rushing attack.

By Guest Blogger John Manuel (AKA Stinger):

Its Super Bowl week at Jerryland!  The match-up is solid and a good game is expected.  Who will win?  I think the Packers will.  Actually I think the Packers could take the next three Super Bowls.  Packers’ management has done an extraordinary job lining up their team for the next five years.  They have talent at all positions and especially where it matters, quarterback and on defense.  The Steelers are in good shape also, but just slightly older at some positions.  Would it shock me if the Steelers won?  Absolutely not.

It’s funny I have a friend who looks like Hines Ward and is currently vacationing in Puerto Rico this week.  I wonder if people are looking at him and thinking he is pulling a Tony Romo before the game.  As for the game, I am still not sold on the Packers running game of Starks, Jackson and Kuhn.  But does this really matter?  I expect the Pack to spread out the Steelers D and air it out.  By the end of the game, I wouldn’t be shocked if Aaron Rodgers was their leading rusher. Is there prop bet on that somewhere?  James Jones is a key if he can catch the ball.  The guy seems to always be a factor, mostly positive but sometimes negative.  I said in my last blog that I thought John Kuhn would score the first touchdown.  I am actually rooting for Donald Driver to get the honor.  This guy (Gruden talk) has had a great career, which has mostly been overlooked with all the solid Packers’ receivers of the Brett Favre years.  On the Steelers side I like Randle- El to be a major factor.  Just joking.  If they win, he should Ron Artest his ring for charity.  But I do like Emmanuel Sanders to make a couple big plays.

Which movie will have more commercials?  That Adam Sandler/ Jennifer Aniston movie or Green Lantern?  Don’t be afraid to bet on the next commercial this Sunday.  Cars are always a good way to go.  Or try picking the top hit during the Black Eyed Peas set list exactly for something like 10-1 odds.   Calling it – “Let’s Get It Started”, “Imma Bee”, “Boom Boom Pow” and close with “I Gotta Feeling.”  I wouldn’t go with this, I am not a Black Eyed Peas fan.  Waiting for the Geto Boys or 2 Live Crew to get the Super Bowl halftime gig.  As for the 2011 Lingerie Bowl, I got the Los Angeles Temptation at 2-1.  If I win a couple commercial bets during the first half, might order the game.  See ya BEPs.

One thing I don’t understand is when I listen to radio hosts like Mike Greenberg they always mention that Mike Tomlin is a fiery coach.  I don’t see it.  His best attribute I feel is that he seems calm.  Whatever he is, it has worked.  Both coaches have worked and more importantly their assistants have been major parts of success.

Stable coaching combined with solid drafting and player development?  Sounds like the Snyder and Cerrato years?  Wonder if Vinny is at the Super Bowl?  He should have a reunion with all the players we got from bad moves – Jeff George, Jason Taylor, TJ Duckett, Adam Archuleta, and Albert Haynesworth.  Those guys should rent a party bus and spend some of the extra benjamins they got on a Dallas strip club tour.  Vinny can chauffer.

The game looks to be promising from the standpoint of two solid franchises with great quarterbacks and defenses.  I like both teams moving the ball and scoring.  Big, big, big change if Maurkice Pouncey can go at close to 100%.  BJ Raji has started to dominate opposing interior offensive lines and if Pouncey is out, Raji could be looked at as a MVP candidate possibility.

The real question is will Fox replace Pam Oliver or Chris Myers on the sidelines with Ines Sainz?  Let’s hope so.  Calling it — Packers 30-24.  Green Lantern.  And Geto Boys halftime performance by 2018.

The Packers Head To Their 5th Super Bowl: The Packers drove down and scored on their first drive, on the arm of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay continued to keep the pressure up with another touchdown drive, and they looked firmly in control through three quarters. In the 4th quarter though they needed their defense to come up with big plays to win the game.

It was the most unlikely of scenarios, as the Bears were down to their 3rd string emergency quarterback, Caleb Hanie. Starter Jay Cutler got injured in a first half, where he was constantly under pressure. He did try to play the 2nd half, but it was apparent that he didn’t look or feel alright. Veteran backup Todd Collins replaced him, but he was no more effective and he too got banged up against the Packers defense. That meant that everything rested on the shoulders of a 3rd year undrafted rookie free agent out of Colorado State. And due to the rules of inactive players, by putting Hanie in the Bears ensured they couldn’t turn back to Cutler or Collins no matter what happened.

While he was the unlikeliest of heroes Hanie answered the call for the Bears. Completing a crucial 2nd and 13 pass from the 33 yard line, that went 32 yards and set up a one yard touchdown run. Despite the Packers having everything go right up until that point, the Bears were just one score away from tying the game. You could see the momentum switch at that point, as the Bears defense allowed just 17 offensive yards in three 4th quarter drives (not counting the kneel down at the end of the game), the Bears did have 30 yards in penalties, but even with two free first downs the Packers couldn’t move the ball. Hanie wasn’t perfect though, as he threw a costly pick 6 with six minutes to go. The young quarterback rebounded though, as on the Bears ensuing drive he completed four straight passes to go 60 yards in a 1:20, and put the Bears back within one score.

Hanie would lead one more drive for the Bears, and he got them down deep into Packers territory, but threw a decisive interception on a 4th and 5 play from the 29 yard line. While some people may question Hanie on that last drive, the real questions should be directed at HC Lovie Smith and OC Mike Martz. Facing a 3rd and 3, they called a timeout, switching away from a run that looked like it was going to work, for an end around play that lost two yards. That put Hanie in a bad situation and further away from the first down. Not to take away from the Packers defense, but that timeout just didn’t make sense as it allowed Green Bay some time to think and come up with the big play. The result could have been the same regardless, but there is no doubt that it didn’t help Hanie’s odds of converting the 4th down.

The Packers will now head to Dallas to take on the Steelers, and while they’ve been impressive for the majority of the postseason, they will need to answer why they were so bad in the 4th quarter yesterday.

Pittsburgh Survives A New York Comeback Attempt: It really was the tale of two halves, as the Steelers jumped out to a 24-0 lead, and the Jets answered with 19 straight points, 16 of which came in the 2nd half. In the first half the Steelers were able to run and throw at will, and their defense completely had the Jets number.

The 2nd half belonged to the Jets as they moved the ball pretty effectively against the Steelers defense. Mark Sanchez looked very poised and in control in the 2nd half and hit on the throws that he was throwing incomplete in the first half. Although the Steelers still stopped the run, Shonn Greene had some nice gains on crucial plays for the Jets, setting up 3rd and short situations, and making things easier for the offense. On defense the Jets finally had an answer for the Steelers running game, and came up with some big sacks against Roethlisberger as well. A crucial interception on a broken play, kept the Steelers from scoring and putting the game out of reach. After being stopped on a 4th and goal at the one yard line, the Jets defense showed blitz and a bad snap led to a safety.

While the Jets dominated the majority of the 2nd half a few little victories were the difference in this game for the Steelers. While the 4th and goal stop was wasted with safety, and ensuing drive in which the Jets scored, the Steelers defense made them fight for every yard each drive. Combined the two drives for the Jets took over twelve and a half minutes, which resulted in 9 points (2 of which weren’t the fault of the defense). That 4th and goal stop was crucial as it forced the Jets to ‘regain’ the yards they already had and waste more time off the clock. And while the Pittsburgh offense was ineffective for much of the 2nd half, Roethlisberger came up big when it mattered. He completed two big first down passes, that ensured that the Jets would never get the ball back, and sent the Steelers to their 8th Super Bowl.

Green Bay Packers:

1. Use the Deep Passing Game as A Decoy: After last week’s game against the Falcons, everyone in Chicago is expecting Aaron Rodgers to air this ball out and try to get the big play. If I’m the Packers I’d use those expectations to my advantage. I would continuously send receivers on deep routes and run a series of draws and short passing routes underneath. If Chicago commits the safety to stopping the deep pass, then the field will be open to turn a short 6 yard pass into a big gain. Conversely if they give their corners safety help then I’d attack deep to Greg Jennings. I’m guessing they won’t want to get beat by the pass, so you probably will have some openings underneath. The Packers have to take advantage of that and force the Bears into changing their defensive strategy.

2. Attack The Bears Offensive Line: In two games against the Bears, the Packers have 9 sacks on Jay Cutler, yet they only split the series and barely beat them the last week of the season. The sacks though did kill a number of drives for the Bears, and the constant pressure did slow them down somewhat. Green Bay has to keep the pressure on, and not let Cutler feel comfortable at home.

3. Run the Ball Effectively: The Packers just haven’t been able to move the ball on the ground against the Bears defense, and that has to change if they want to win today. Green Bay will need both Starks and Kuhn to pick up the tough yards, and extend drives for them. They simply can’t continuously get stuffed, forcing 2nd and 3rd and long plays. The Packers could also use some long drives to eat up the clock. The Packers don’t need a huge game on the ground, but I’d say they have to pick up 80+ to win today.

Chicago Bears:

1. Get Devin Hester Involved: Unfortunately I don’t really see Hester getting an opportunity to contribute on punt returns, so you will have to find even more ways to get him involved. I would first and foremost make him your primary kick returner today. Daniel Manning does a nice job, but Hester is something special. And if they are going to be kicking away from him in the punting game, Hester should’t get too tired fielding kickoffs, and the Packers either concede good field position or put it in Hester’s hands. I’d also try to get Hester on some crossing routes in the open field with other receivers running routes to clear out the zone. If the Bears utilize Hester as a weapon, they could really open up this game, and force the Packers to change their strategy.

2. Run the Ball/Rely On the Screen: That Packers pass rush is incredible so the Bears have to find a way to keep Cutler from being killed back there. I would use the run and short screen passes to slow down the Packers blitz. Matt Forte is extremely effective catching the ball out of the backfield, so I’d make him one of your offensive centerpieces early on in the game.

3. Control the Line of Scrimmage on Defense With Your Front Seven: The Bears have to be able to both stop the run and get pressure on Aaron Rodgers solely with their front seven if they want to win. The Packers wide receivers are too good to offer safety help in the running game, or pull someone off coverage for a blitz. If Chicago can win the battle up front then they have a real shot in this game.

Prediction: Packers 23-20

49ers Hand Singletary A Pink Slip: Now I understand the 49ers have been a huge disappointment this season and Singletary was going to be fired in a week anyways, but why fire him now? What does firing him one week early do for this team? This isn’t even a situation like Dallas or Minnesota where the interim coach might have a chance of becoming the next head coach, to allow him to get his feet wet. The 49ers are expected to pursue a number of big coaching names this offseason. I do understand that Singletary has had some issues with this team and he got into a verbal disagreement with Troy Smith on the sideline, but did he really cause enough embarrassment to be fired a week early?

Rodgers Returns Healthy, In a Rout Over The Giants: Two weeks ago Aaron Rodgers left the game after sustaining a concussion, which caused him to miss last week’s game and a good bit of practice. Obviously the concussion or time off didn’t negatively affect Rodgers as he went out and had perhaps the best game of his career. The Giants secondary didn’t have an answer for Rodgers as he torched them for 400+ yards and 4 touchdowns. The win moved the Packers into a Wild Card spot, and left the Giants on the outside looking in. After the heartbreaking loss in New England last week, this was the type of game the Packers needed to get back into postseason form after back-to-back losses without Rodgers.

Panthers Have Their Best Week Of The Season, Lock Up The Top Pick: With their loss on Thursday night, and the Broncos and the Bengals winning yesterday the Panthers are guaranteed the number 1 pick in next April’s draft. Unfortunately it also means the Patriots are guaranteed the 33rd selection since they own the Panthers 2nd round pick. Carolina could have a tough decision next year if Andrew Luck declares for the draft since they just drafted Jimmy Clausen this past season to be the quarterback of their future. While Luck very well could be an elite Franchise quarterback, they would be passing on more glaring needs in a year where they don’t even have a 2nd round pick. The could try to move Clausen for a pick or two, or even trade back from the number 1 slot (which they should do if they really believe in Clausen) and stockpile premium picks. The one thing I don’t see them doing is taking another player (Bowers, Green, Dareus etc.) over Luck with that top pick. Now if Andrew Luck doesn’t declare for the draft it will completely change the dynamic of Carolina’s thinking, and hurt their ability to trade out of that pick. One thing is certain Andrew Luck now knows who holds his future in his hands, and if he has ‘Carolina on his mind’.

Eagles Beat The Giants In Dramatic Fashion: When you are up by 28 points with under 8 minutes to go at home, you can usually chalk that up as a win, except of course for yesterday. The Giants suffered a complete breakdown on offense, defense and special teams after dominating all game. I know they can’t label one particular guy to blame but that was an awful decision by the punter to kick it away to DeSean Jackson with just seconds on the clock (and the Eagles having no timeouts). So what if you kick it out of bounds and they have 9 or 10 seconds with solid field position, they basically have to throw a hail mary, which I’d rather take my chances on that having Jackson in the open field. Also I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how bad that onside kick was. The coaches said they thought it might be a possibility and discussed it, but apparently no one took them seriously, because none of the Giants were ready for it. Given the situation that they were in, the Eagles needed a momentum changer. How you weren’t ready for that, I don’t understand.

Matt Flynn Nearly Leads The Packers Over The Patriots: Color me shocked. I never thought the Packers would be within 10 points of the Patriots without Aaron Rodgers at the helm. This game was in Foxboro no less, making it an even more impressive start by Flynn. Flynn at times held on to the ball too long and made a few errant throws, but he also wasn’t helped out by a Packers receiving corps that dropped a couple of easy passes. While the Patriots ended up winning, Flynn really had them on the ropes and if not for a fluky big kickoff return by an offensive lineman in the first half, the Packers might have won this game.

Colts Move Into First Place: It has been a rough, injury filled season for the Super Bowl runner-ups, but they got back in the playoff hunt with a win over Jacksonville. While the Colts and Jags have the same record, Indy holds the tie breakers and now holds their playoff hopes in their hands. It was a great game by the Colts who held the Jaguars rushing attack in check. At the same time Indianapolis showed some ability to run the ball themselves. If the Colts can start to move the ball effectively on the ground, and play better defense, they could make a run this postseason.

I really don’t even know what to say anymore as it appears each week is crazier than the last:

-While it isn’t too shocking that the Colts beat the Chiefs yesterday (though maybe a bit surprising that Indy had trouble scoring), what it meant was pretty surprising. Not only did the Colts hand the Chiefs their first loss, and knock off the final unbeaten team, but they ensured that no team started the year 4-0 or better. It is the first time since the 70′s that at least one team hasn’t been able to win at least their first 4 games. And considering that last year the Saints and Colts went pretty deep into the season before they got their first loss, it is even more shocking.

-The Redskins once again had the game decided on the final play of the game. In 4 of their 5 games this season the Redskins fate has been decided on the final play of the game. Now some of that makes sense since in overtime the game is sudden death so any score is the final play, but the Redskins have already had two overtime games which is a bit much. This Redskins version of the “Kardiac Kids” are 3-1 in those final play games so luck is on their side, but for their fan’s sake it would be nice to see them take a knee in one game.

-The Cowboys fall to 1-3 after getting beat bad by the Titans at home. The Cowboys were easily good enough to win that game, but their penchant for penalties (which has plagued them all year) has lost them another game. Dallas is now two games back in the division that they were supposed to win this year. And for all the hype of them having a chance to have a ‘home’ Super Bowl, not only is the idea of them making it unlikely at this point, but would they even want to? The Cowboys are now 0-2 at home this year, and have looked completely lost.

-The Chargers fall to the Raiders for the first time in 13 games. San Diego can’t seem to put two good week’s together this season. One week after dominating the Cardinals, the Raiders come out and just flat out beat the Chargers. San Diego might not be out of the division, but this does not look like a team that could go far in the postseason.

-The Bengals lose another game. After losing to the Browns last week, this week the Bengals lose to the Buccaneers. This was considered a Super Bowl contender after they added T.O., Jermaine Gresham and a few other options to Carson Palmer’s arsenal. The problem apparently isn’t Palmer’s weapons but Palmer himself. He threw three interceptions yesterday. One of which was returned for a touchdown, while the other two set up both the game tying and game winning drives (pretty short fields on both) in the final 3 minutes of the game. The Bengals gave this game away and now have serious question marks at QB going forward.

-Undrafted Hall and the Cards knock off the Super Bowl Champs. Now who ever saw this coming? I liked Max Hall coming out of college and thought he would be a solid backup in the league, but he showed a lot of moxie and poise in yesterday’s win. Now Hall didn’t ‘lead them’ to victory in the traditional sense, but he played solid football. And most importantly he kept them in a position to win. The Saints didn’t give up a single rushing or passing touchdown, but their 4 turnovers (two of which were returned for scores) sealed their fate. They also weren’t able to rattle the rookie quarterback too much, as the Cardinals held the ball for half the game. Saints are another Super Bowl contender who right now 5 weeks into the season look like anything but. It’s a long way to go but it is pretty troubling start so far.