Hours Away posted by Randolph Charlotin

With less than five hours before free agency begins, let me get a few thoughts out of my mind:

Be sure to sign the Leigh Bodden thank-you card. He’s not coming back. He’s the second-best corner back available in free agency after Houston’s Dunta Robinson. It shouldn’t take him long to find an offer that he can’t pass up. His gamble to sign a one year deal with a promise from the Patriots that they wouldn’t franchise him will pay off. He erased his years with Detroit, including the 0-16 season, from everyone’s mind. Wish you luck at your next career stop, Leigh, as long as it’s not with an AFC East team.

Want to know what’s the value of LB Adalius Thomas? None. It’s not that there aren’t any teams that want him, but no team will make a trade offer for a guy they know the Pats want to dump. They know the divorce is coming, so they’ll wait until New England cuts him and sign Thomas without giving up compensation. One of those teams rumored to be interested in Thomas as a free agent is the New York Jets, where Thomas would be reunited with his former defensive coordinator, Jets head coach Rex Ryan. Guess which two games Thomas circles on his calendar if he matriculates to the Jets?

If that happens, the Pats should take the Jets’ Thomas. The Jets recently cut RB Thomas Jones to save money. New York says they want to re-sign him, but New England should swoop in and steal him away. I’d like him better than Fred Taylor because Jones is younger (31 to Taylor’s 34) and Thomas has been more durable. He missed just three games since 2004 to Taylor’s 22 games. I’m also concerned about the aging backfield, with Laurence Maroney the only RB younger than 30. Taylor and Sammy Morris (four last year, 17 since signing with the Pats in 2007) both missed games. Because the coaching staff won’t utilize BenJarvus Green-Ellis, he isn’t part of the conversation.

The Best Quarterback Matchups in the Super Bowl Since 1985 posted by Colin Linneweber

The Indianapolis Colts will play the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The contest is expected to be an offensive shootout pitting Colts (16-2) quarterback Peyton Manning against Saints (15-3) signal-caller Drew Brees.

Manning, 33, a four-time AP NFL MVP, and Brees, 31, a three-time All-Pro selection, are two of the greatest quarterbacks to grace the gridiron during this generation.

In recognition of the impending Super Bowl matchup, I decided to rank the best quarterback showdowns to have occurred in the Super Bowl since 1985.

1)      Super Bowl XXIV- Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers destroyed John Elway and the Denver Broncos 55-10 in the most lopsided championship game ever at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Montana, a three-time First Team All-Pro selection who made the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, was named the Super Bowl MVP after he completed 22 of 29 passes for 297 yards and five touchdowns.

Elway, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro, played horrifically in the embarrassing blowout loss.

In total, Elway completed 10 out of 26 passes for a measly 108 yards and two interceptions.

On this January evening, Montana and the 49ers overwhelmed Elway and the Broncos.

Nevertheless, this Super Bowl showcased perhaps the two greatest quarterbacks in the annals of the NFL.

2)      Super Bowl XIX- Montana and the Niners thrashed Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins 38-16 at Stanford Stadium in California.

Wild Cards Trump Green Bay; Rodgers Ripped Off posted by Frederick Barry

It was, as they say, one for the ages in Arizona tonight as the Cardinals took on the Green Bay Packers in what turned out to be the most exciting post-season match-up thus far this season.  When all was said and done, the Cardinals pulled off a victory in an offensive slug-fest that dragged into overtime and ended with a staggering final score of 45-51.

It appeared as though this game would have as clear a winner as the three Wild Card games before it as the Cardinals opened up with a 17 point lead in the first quarter. However, Green Bay clawed back by scoring ten points to Arizona's seven in the second quarter.  The half ended with the score 24-10, but early in the third quarter Arizona showed their resolve and put up another touchdown with a 33-yard touchdown pass from poised passer Kurt Warner to sure-handed Larry Fitzgerald. 

With a 31-10 lead, it seemed clear that the Cardinals were in control of the game. Green Bay, led by post-season newbie Aaron Rodgers, was not quite ready to admit defeat.  In a ten play, 80 yard drive that ate only 3:55 off the clock Green Bay marched down the field.  Aaron Rodgers capped off the drive with a 6-yard strike to Donald Driver making the score 31-17.

On the ensuing kick-off, a text book onside kick left the Packers with the ball and a chance to narrow the gap between them and the Cards to just one touchdown.  Rodgers' post-season inexperience did not show as he led his offense down the short field in eight plays and tossed a ten yard touchdown to Jordy Nelson.  The score now stood at 24-31 and things were heating up in Arizona.

Cardinals eliminate Packers in an overtime thriller 51-45 posted by Joe Anello

It's fitting that in a game with over 1000 yards of offense, a defensive play decides the outcome. On the first drive of overtime, an Aaron Rodgers fumble was recovered by Cardinal Karlos Dansby and taken back 17 yards for the game-winning touchdown, eliminating the Packers from post-season play with a final of 51-45.

After a first quarter which saw the Packers turn the ball over twice and miss a field goal as the Cardinals scored two touchdowns and a field goal, it seemed like all four wild-card games this weekend would be drama-free at halftime. For some viewers, it was. Five consecutive Packer touchdowns to start the second half brought Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers back from the brink and to the verge of overcoming a 21-point third quarter deficit and heading to New Orleans.

On a night where the passing games stole the spotlight, it was Arizona's running game that made its mark. With 156 yards on only 23 carries, Ken Wisenhunt's Cardinals imposed their will physically on the Packer front seven. Beanie Wells totaled 91 yards out the backfield, establishing himself as the Cardinals top running back for the playoffs. In the end, it was turnovers that brought the Packers' season to an end. All three turnovers led to Cardinal scores, digging too big a hole for the Pack to climb out of. Larry Fitzgerald coughed up Arizona's only turnover, caused by a Charles Woodson strip.

Joe's Opening Drive: Wild-Card Sunday posted by Joe Anello

After the Cowboys and the Jets dominated their opponents to move onto the divisional round, we've got some great action on tap today with a physical match-up in New England and a (hopefully) high-flying contest in the Arizona desert. Here's the Opening Drive of Wild-Card Sunday!

(9-7) Baltimore Ravens at (10-6) New England Patriots
1:00PM ET CBS

After a deep playoff run last year, the Ravens struggled to find consistency this season on the defensive of the ball, much to everyone's surprise. Running back Ray Rice has the ability to pound the ball as well as catch passes out of the backfield for sophomore QB Joe Flacco. Receiver Derrick Mason hasn't been as dependable in recent weeks, but he still managed another 1000-yard season. Tight end Todd Heap caught 6 touchdowns this season, second on the team. Keep an eye on wide-out Demetrius Williams, who might be Flacco's best downfield threat. On defense, safety Ed Reed should be healthy enough to play after nursing a groin injury for part of the regular season. Ray Lewis is as demonstrative as ever, but that defensive line featuring Haloti Ngata and Trevor Pryce will be the biggest factor in whether Baltimore can pull off the upset.

In New England, things just aren't the same. Tom Brady may be the comeback player of the year, but he's not playing at his best yet. He'll be without Wes Welker until next year, so rookie receiver Julian Edelman has to step in and be that possession receiver. Edelman won't have the experience, but he could be quicker than Welker. I don't think it will be a steep drop-off in production. Randy Moss should see all the double coverage he can handle. Back Laurence Maroney has come on in the second half of the year to bring a running game back to New England. For all the offensive talent, the Patriots' defense has been the problem all year. Young, inconsistent and inexperienced, the secondary has made too many mistakes. They aren't pressuring opposing quarterbacks. It's difficult to win in the postseason with that combination.

NFL Playoffs preview posted by Ryan Turner

Is everyone ready for their repeat of Week 17 in the NFL? That’s certainly what it feels like, with the Eagles returning to Arlington to take on the Cowboys and the Packers returning to Glendale to face the Cardinals. At least the Bengals and Jets are giving us some variety by switching from New York to the Queen City for their rematch. The Patriots and Ravens are the only original match up of Wildcard Weekend, but when we look again, it’s still nothing new.

The Patriots beat the Ravens 27-21 at Gillette Stadium in Week 4. This fact would be surprising if you just looked at the box score. Joe Flacco threw two touchdown passes for the Ravens while Tom Brady had just one for the Pats. Ray Rice ran for 103 yards for the Ravens on his own while the Patriots had just 85 rushing yards as a team. Looking at that, one would think that the Ravens dominated this game and would have won by at least a touchdown. Baltimore did lose the turnover battle, but only 2-to-1, so it wasn’t that big of a difference. The Ravens simply didn’t get it done in the fourth quarter, getting stopped on fourth down twice. This game will likely come down to the wire again, but I’ll take the Ravens this time. Flacco’s got nearly two years of experience now and the Patriots will be without Wes Welker, one of the cornerstones of the New England offense. Sure, the Pats could get a running game going, but against Baltimore’s defense, I’d say that’s unlikely at best. They still have Terrell Suggs. They still have Ray Lewis, and Lewis hasn’t dropped off much despite his age. They can stop the run and they’ll stop the Patriots run on Sunday.

Joe's Final Drive: Week 17 posted by Joe Anello

Though it means nothing, I am required by football law to point out I was 7-0 in my Opening Drive predictions for week 17. Woot. Multiple teams lost because they did not keep their starters in while one NFC East leader got railed on. Now, onto the last week of the regular season with this edition of the Final Drive! 

(12-4) Minnesota Vikings 44
(8-8) New York Giants 7 

Way to not show up for the last two weeks of the season G-men. You're ensured some massive roster changes with your less-than stellar effort. Meanwhile, the Vikings jumped back into the two seed with the Eagles' loss, giving old man Favre a week off before mounting a Super Bowl run. There's cause for concern in Minnesota after the Vikings have failed to get Adrian Peterson going heading into the playoffs. We'll see how that plays out in two weeks.

(9-7) Houston Texans 34 
(10-6) New England Patriots 27

The biggest injury of the weekend is clearly the loss of Wes Welker for the Pats. For those of you screaming that Belichick shouldn't have been playing his starters, Welker was injured on the first drive of the game without being contacted. It could have happened warming up. His loss will leave QB Tom Brady without his favorite receiver and plenty of double coverage for Randy Moss. For the Texans, congratulations are due for the first winning season in franchise history, but they couldn't sneak into the playoffs. Regardless, QB Matt Schaub, who led the league in passing yards, gives them hope for the immediate future.

Joe's Opening Drive: Week 17 posted by Joe Anello

Happy New Year everyone! The NFC is all about seeding this Sunday, with all of the players at the table. In the AFC, the two wildcard spots will be hotly contested with the Ravens and Jets owning the inside track. Let's not waste time, here's the Opening Drive of week 17 in the NFL! *sniffle* It goes by so fast!

(8-7) Pittsburgh Steelers at (7-8) Miami Dolphins

Well they need help, but the Steelers aren't eliminated from post-season play yet. However, every scenario that finds the Steelers defending their title requires at least two teams in front of them to fall plus an obvious Pittsburgh win. After a late rally against the Texans last week, the Dolphins will be focused on getting to 8-8 but will need Chad Henne to play near-perfect along with a large dose of Ricky Williams (who may not play). Even on the road without Troy Polamalu, I like Pittsburgh to win. Though any Steeler (lookin' at you LaMarr Woodley) or Steeler fan who thinks the Colts or Patriots are resting players because they don't want to see the Steelers in the playoffs is delirious. Maybe you shouldn't have lost five straight?

(10-5) New England Patriots at (8-7) Houston Texans

If the Texans are going to make their first ever playoffs, they need losses from two of the following three teams: the Jets, Ravens, or Broncos. Matt Schaub has taken great strides to become a top signal-caller this season and he'll be staring at a weak New England secondary today.  The real question is how long the Patriots will feel like playing. Tom Brady says he expects to play the entire game, but I'm not convinced. Perhaps a half, but anything beyond that would be foolish. Bill Belichick's Pats aren't playing for anything other than the 3 or 4 seed, so unless they prefer to play San Diego I don't envision more than a half for Brady, Welker and Moss. Houston should get the win unless Belichick has a second coach-fart this season. 

Joe's Opening Drive: Week 15 posted by Joe Anello

After another dramatic Colts win, the still-undefeated Saints try their luck against the Cowboys on Saturday night while the second seed in the AFC is on the line on Sunday. Let's start the Opening Drive of week 15 in the NFL!

(8-5) Dallas Cowboys at (13-0) New Orleans Saints 

Dallas' DeMarcus Ware is going to play less than a week after suffering a neck strain, but that may not be enough for the free-falling Cowboys. Going into New Orleans and escaping with a victory will require near-flawless play and a lot of luck. Even without tight end Jeremy Shockey, Drew Brees has an abundance of weapons at his disposal. If the Saints move to 14-0, it will could signal the end of Dallas' playoff hopes and the end of Wade Philips' tenure as head coach.

***UPDATE: Dallas freaking did it. I'll be sure to cover this stunner in the Final Drive.

(8-5) New England Patriots at (5-8) Buffalo Bills 

Don't look now, but the rest of the AFC East is catching up to the Patriots. If Bill Belichick's squad loses another road game (which they've done consistently this season) and Miami or the Jets win, the Pats will fall out of the division lead and risk a playoff berth entirely. In a up-and-down season in Buffalo, this could be a signature win to carry them over into next year.

(9-4) Cincinnati Bengals at (10-3) San Diego Chargers

In the most significant game of the weekend, San Diego and Cincinnati are essentially playing for the number two seed in the AFC and an additional home game in the playoffs. San Diego has been lighting teams up in December while the Bengals were just lambasted by Minnesota. After the tragic loss of Chris Henry, I can't believe the Bengals are going to have enough in the tank to head out west and win.

What I learned from the Bears' 21-14 loss to the Packers posted by Joe Anello

I feel teased. I feel like a perfect 10 didn't bother giving me the time of day when I walked past her at the bar. No big whoop. I wasn't going to think twice about it. But then she starts coyly smiling at me an hour later while drinking a cocktail through a straw. A half hour later SHE comes over to me and asks if I'm single, causing me to wonder whether or not I cleaned my bedroom and stashed my Spider-man pillow in case of a female presence. All of a sudden, when I feel like she's giving me the all-clear, she walks away to chat up douche number six and leaves me high and dry. That's how the Bears' 21-14 loss to the Packers made me feel.

After a none-too shocking three-and-out by the Bears offense, Green Bay running back Ryan Grant took his first carry 62 yards to paydirt, leaving me resigned to an unseemly stomping at the hands of our division rivals. But a funny thing happened at Soldier Field on Sunday... the Aaron Rodgers didn't start throwing 40-yard bombs, the Bear defense tightened and the Bear offense scored! After pulling ahead 14-13 in the third quarter of a game they had no business winning, I actually thought we had a chance. That'll teach me.

A few things resonated with me from this game:

-Devin Aromashodu needed to see the field earlier this season. When Jay Cutler likes a receiver, he's going to look for them. Period. Just see what Johnny Knox has done this season. Aromashodu's 8 catches for 76 yards and one impressive endzone grab came only because Devin Hester was on the sidelines. As the only big wide-out on the roster, Lovie Smith must be able to see the match-up problems he can cause. He may not be Randy Moss, but with Cutler he won't have to be.

Goodell: Pack finances reflect concerns (AP)

As the only NFL team required to disclose its financial information to the public, the Green Bay Packers have become Exhibit A amid rising tensions between owners and players over a new collective bargaining agreement. Just don't expect otherteams to open up their books in an attempt to make the owners' case. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

NFL suspends Packers DE Jolly for season (AP)

The NFL suspended Green Bay Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly without pay for the upcoming season and perhaps beyond for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Jolly's suspension begins immediately and will continue through at least the 2010 season. He will be eligible to apply for reinstatement after the Super Bowl. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Packers want to host Big Ten title game (AP)

The Green Bay Packers are interested in hosting a potential Big Ten conference championship game at Lambeau Field. A team spokesman said the Packers have made preliminary contact with Big Ten officials to request information on hosting a new conference championship game, which will become possible after Nebraska leaves the Big 12 for the Big Ten in 2011. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Packers' profit drops $10.3 million (AP)

The Green Bay Packers remain profitable, just not as much as they have been in recent years. And as the only NFL team that opens its books to the public, this year's financial report is certain to come up in the league's labor negotiations. Packers officials said Wednesday that the team posted an operating profit of $9.8 million in the fiscal year that ended March 31, down from $20.1... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Carolina hold off Green Bay rally

Brett Favre shines but cannot prevent the Green Bay Packers suffering their worst NFL start in 17 years. [read full article]

From BBC Sport