Every Monday, our very own DLamp will be taking a look at what just happened the day before in the NFL, and looking ahead to the Monday night game(s).
That’s right, it was an off week. A bye from professional football games. So this will be an abbreviated version of the Fast Five.
What’s that you say? The Pro Bowl?
Shut up!
That’s no less a game than my and my friends throwing a football in the street to see if any of us could throw the football 30 yards (hint: we can’t). David Garrard played. David Garrard!
Other sports play their all-star games mid-season, and it’s considered an honor to be named to. You never see Derek Jeter bowing out because of a tight back or something. You never see Kobe decide that vacationing with family is more important than being on that stage. But football just can’t seem to get that aura. I’m sure having it after the season has something to do with it, but that’s not all of it. It’s just the perception of the game being a big pile of BS. Players can’t be bothered to show up to be honored. It’s kind of sad, really. It seems to be the one part of their product that the NFL really can’t get a grasp on.
Oh well…THE SUPER BOWL IS THIS WEEKEND! HUZZAH’S ALL AROUND!
Do I already have next Monday off?
You bet your ass. It’s essential. I am going to need that day to recover from what I’m going to put my body through on Sunday. Check back in later this week for a preview of how to Super Bowl party.
Am I sad that Kurt Warner called it a career?
Yeah. Like I’ve said before, I think Warner’s tale is really good for football (even if I do disagree with his strong religious beliefs). I hope that he makes it into the Hall of Fame. I think he deserves it. But most writers are on the fence, so we’ll have to wait and see. The other reason I’m sad is: this officially starts Matt Leinart’s time in the spotlight. If he starts playing well (and that’s a big ‘if’) that’ll be three USC QB’s playing well in the NFL (Carson Palmer and Mark Sanchez being the other two). And, really, I just can’t take all that chatter from the annoying USC fans all around me.
Where will Julius Peppers land?
Everyone is reporting that the Panthers will let Peppers test free agency this year, a year after he requested it. So now we get to speculate where he lands. Peppers can be absolutely dominant at times, but also completely disappear when he’s not properly motivated. I think all ‘free agent landing spot’ lists has to start with Washington, because they love to throw money at people no matter if they fit their system or not. Right, Albert? There has been some talk about the Patriots stepping up and making a play for him to try and reignite the fire in their defense. But I don’t see Belichick paying a defensive player as much as Peppers will demand. My vote is for some team that you never saw coming, like when TO signed with Buffalo last year.
Will Dwight Freeney play in the Super Bowl?
They’re calling it a ligament tear. That doesn’t sound good. But I still think Freeney will play…sort of. I don’t think he’ll play anywhere close to his regular minutes, but I think he’ll see the field. The Colts will probably convince him to take “the shot” (not that it would be that hard to convince someone to play in the biggest game of the year) and save his energy for surefire passing downs (second or third and longs). But they need him. They need to get to Brees, or he’s going to pick them apart.
Monday Night Playoff Super Bowl Sneak (Preview) Attack
Indy vs. New Orleans – I think this is going to be a great game (assuming you like touchdowns). Both teams have great QBs, opportunistic defenses, and playmakers all over the field. My brain tells me not to pick against Manning, who has been here and done this before. But my heart is rooting for the Saints and Drew Brees. Pick: Saints