One of the NFL’s most fascinating and bizarre characters hangs it up after an up, down, and upside down 11 year career. From all-everything at Texas, to the Saints breaking the bank for him in 1999 to Miami, Australia, Toronto, Baltimore and everywhere in between, Ricky Williams was one of a kind. Juiced Sports Radio takes A look back at the whacky, wonderful, wildly unexplainable world of Ricky and tries to put it all in perspective.

After a dreadful, laughable 2012 Pro Bowl, there is the legitimate possibility that the NFL’s annual All-Star Game, which was christened the Pro Bowl back in 1950, could be axed. If the effort isn’t there, the main question is – why keep it? How can the Pro Bowl be fixed, if at all? Juiced Sports Radio takes a look the much scrutinized showcase game from both sides. We welcome all opinions.

Captivating, invigorating, exasperating, culmination.

The Giants took on the Patriots once more in a winner-take-all grudge match, on sports’ biggest stage, and once more beat them in gut-wrenching fashion, using a late, clutch final TD drive to put a stake in the once infallible New England machine. And in just 120 minutes of on the field football play, the G-Men have erased the Pats perfection and their potential as the greatest dynasty ever, instead placing themselves into rather unexplainable company.

Two Super seasons, sandwiched in-between 2 no shows, and a #1 seed wasted, they way they wasted the nearly perfect Pack in the NFC Divisional round. The Giants are the most head-scratching, mediocre, mini-dynasty sports may have ever seen, but they owe apologies to no one, despite amassing just 19 regular season wins in their last 2 Super Bowl runs.

The numbers don’t justify it, the middling mediocrity in-season does anything but validate it, but the Giants play best when the lights are brightest, and when their backs are against the wall. And that my friends, makes for a Super team.

In almost eerie duplication, they practically replicated their historic Super Bowl 42 win, by following a similar blue-print to slosh the Pats. An incredible, unforgettable, immortality-in-the moment grab, a clutch Eli drive, an easy final TD, and a Pats offense stopped short on the games final drive. Only this time the 17 it took last time, wasn’t enough.  For the Patriots that is.

Besides 2 touchdowns sandwiched in between Madonna’s ‘Return to the 90’s party of stars’, the Patriots struggled to get the ball inside the pylon, and that inability to put the nail in New York’s clutch-creating coffin, gave the Giants one last chance to party like it was 2007.

New York, struggling to finish drives themselves, was on the wrong end of a 17-15 score, and a Pats TD very likely would have salted away another title for the Hoodie and the Chin.  But on 2nd and 11 from the Giants 44 with the game deep into the 4th, Tom Brady lofted up a deep throw to the sure-handed Wes Welker, who leaped into the air, watched the ball careen off his finger tips, and bounce helplessly to the ground. A stunning drop for the NFL’s leading receiver, and a sure-fire turning point in a crazy finish that had a few.

Two plays later it was the Patriots who were punting, kept out of field goal range on a failed 3rd and 11 hookup to Deion Branch, and wondering if the Giants could once again beat them at their own Super Bowl game. It was after all, clutch, that the Patriots amazing decade long run had been built on. Brady was the leader in all 3, leading the team down the field when they needed it most, the difference in all 3, well, 3.

The ball was in Eli Manning’s hands now, with 3:46 to go and as Gus Johnson would put it, one last chance to dance. And dance New York did, wasting no time in going for the spirited defining moment — a jaw dropping, can this really happen twice, (against the same team no less, in the same similarly critical moment) play that will be shown over and over again. Eli heaved a deep pass towards midfield, and sandwiched between two Pats defenders, there was Mario Manningham on the other end, somehow bringing in the incredible 38 yard completion — tippy toes and all. You could almost hear New England fans’ hearts — whether Brady bandwagoners or long-time die-hard Pats fans– breaking at once. They just had to be thinking, you have got to be kidding me.

I know I was.

Immediately David Tyree’s catch in Super Bowl 42 came into that same haunting light. That play — a miraculous use of the helmet to hold onto the ball with Rodney Harrison draped all over him catch – came on a wild Eli scramble in a critical 3rd down play. This one was on 1st down, and felt more like Santonio Holmes’ Super Bowl 44 snag, tapped toes and all, with 2 Cardinals defenders just out of reach.

You could feel the momentum swing like a pendulum, and the Pats, who really had no other choice but to challenge it, lost a critical timeout that came back to bite them later. But Super Mario’s finger tips snag re-wrote the story, and reignited a stagnant Giants offense.

From there Mario took over, as Eli zeroed in on him 3 straight times, connecting twice, and by then the Giants had gone from their own 12 to New England’s 32 and were well within field goal range. A few more first downs and they could kill the clock, trot out big-kick Tynes, and win the Super Bowl the way New England had become accustomed to — on a last second kick.

But the Giants save their clutch kicks for NFC title games, and their moment-freezing touchdowns for their final Super Bowl drive.

Eli Manning hit Hakeem Nicks for 14, and all of a sudden the Giants were at New England’s 18 with time comfortably on their side. Two plays later, another first down. This one was coming down to a field goal. There was no other way for it to end. Unless… the Pats gave up the touchdown, relinquishing the fact that there was no way two chip shot field goals would be missed to hand them two straight playoff games. Bradshaw got the ball to the Pats 6. It was playing out perfectly. Two more runs, and the Giants could run the clock to single second digits.

The Patriots were helpless. The situation looked utterly hopeless.

And then the Maurice Jones-Drew play. Or at least, that’s the first thing I thought of. Bradshaw got the ball once more, and the Pats defense parted, inviting him to score. As Bradshaw cued in on the endzone, his teammates began hollering, get down. But as Bradshaw seemingly attempted to fall down, his forward motion took him awkwardly into the endzone, giving the Giants the lead — in one of those rare, “what were you thinking by scoring!” Super Bowl plays. Jones-Drew just a few years earlier, in a 2009 game against the other New York team, the Jets, was given a free path to the endzone too, with the Jags trailing 22-21, but New York unable to stop the clock. Jones-Drew reached the 1 yard line and stopped on a dime, taking an unprovoked knee to assure that the Jags could melt the clock to nothing, kick a chippie field goal, and win. That’s exactly what happened too. Jacksonville prevailed in a 24-22 thriller on a Josh Scobee kick. It was the most talked about play the following week.

Bradshaw’s play could’ve been the most scrutinized non-kneel down of all-time (next to the Miracle at the Meadowlands). By taking the lead over control of the clock, the Giants running back gave New England one last crack at a comeback win. But two critical drops, including a throw behind Deion Branch that could’ve really shook things up, halted New England’s momentum. Brady hit Branch on 4th and 16 to keep hopes alive, but by then the Patriots were racing the clock, as well as the field. A short pass to Aaron Hernandez got them to their own 44, but it was the last completion the usually on-target Brady would throw all night.

A spike. A hail mary to Hernandez which killed critical clock time, and one last prayer, gone unanswered, and improbably once again, the Giants were celebrating another Super Bowl title. And the Pats, bitterly wondering what could have been once more.

On the final play the ball fittingly deflected off a Giants defender — what do you do? bat it down! — and landed a foot or so from injured and stymied all world  tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronk, had a chance to dive for it, but his hobbling ankle resulted in more of a final fall, as the ball landed maybe an arms length in front of his outstretched hands.

It was Gronk, whose injury headlined all the Super Bowl story-lines for two weeks. Maybe if he was healthy he corrals it in for the greatest play in Super Bowl history. But he clearly wasn’t himself, as evidenced by his measly 26 yards on 2 completions. Chad Ochocinco — who infamously tweeted that he landed in heaven when New England acquired him this off-season — was good for just 1 reception and 21 yards. Add it all up and a Pats team heralded for their explosive offense, was held at bay with the exception of 2 touchdown drives sandwiched between the long halftime break.

17 points, which crippled New England’s perfect 2007 season, were 4 points  short on this night. Two, was the number of fumbles, that the Pats couldn’t pounce on. A number that undoubtedly affected the outcome of this crazy game.

And so, the Giants ride into the night with the oldest Super Bowl winning head coach in NFL history. Tom Coughlin, whose hot seat was boiling lava hot going into week 16 against the Jets, became just the 13th coach in league history to win 2 Lombardi trophies.

From 6-2, to 7-7, to a 6 game winning streak and Super Bowl champions.

The New York Giants uncanny ability to dig themselves out of deficits, powered them once more, as Eli’s final drive capped a season chalk full of ‘em. It was his 8th 4th quarter drive for the go ahead-score either tied or from behind this year.

Not bad for Peyton’s little brother. Not bad at Peyton’s place.

Eli didn’t need his star to be validated, he already had it in his name. But just for the hell of it, let’s say it now and let’s say it loud: he is an Eli-te QB. He is clutch. His veins cold as ice-water in crutch time. Tom Brady once owned that throne.  But you don’t lose twice to the same team, and the same QB and hold onto that distinction.

Eli is the man now. His 2 Super Bowl titles living proof that the highly scrutinized 2004 #1 overall pick, has lived up to his lofty billing. And just think — over in San Diego, the Chargers drafted both him and Drew Brees, and have nary a Super Bowl appearance to show for it.

Over in Arizona, the Cardinals were a Nathan Poole dropped end-zone prayer from having that #1 pick. What could’ve been? Cards fans will never know.

Needless to say, Giants fans, have to be pretty happy with the way things worked out.

Unfortunately for the G-Men, with his 2nd Super Bowl win Tom Coughlin will probably never be on the hot-seat again and the Giants will be the hunted, not the hunters once more. Can they live up to the hype when people expect them to win?

I guess we’ll find out on September 6th, when the Giants host the first game of the 2012 NFL season. And somewhere in between, they’ll have that parade. And in the crowd of Giants players, will be Chris Canty, who tweeted that New York would win 28-17.

He’s no Broadway Joe, but he was right about one thing: the Giants are champs. Back on Christmas Eve, with the Giants backed up almost to their own goaline, who in their right mind could have seen that coming?

Photo: Reuters

True, hardcore sports fans watch the Super Bowl for the game.  But that doesn’t mean we don’t all enjoy the commercials.  On advertising’s most hyped up day each year, different ad agencies and the large — usually well known — companies they represent, have 30 seconds to a minute to put up or shut up.  To make a lasting impression or to get stuck in the mud.  To create that re-watchability factor that will have people circling over to YouTube and commercial review articles the next day or to have people hardly remember the commercial aired at all.

While all the marbles are on the line this Sunday in Indianapolis, IN the Giants and Patriots will square off in a Super Bowl rematch.  But in the advertising world, it’s a dog eat dog money mashing, where 6 figures buys you literally a second of ad space.  And hey, 1 second ads can work — High Life! — just don’t expect any this Super Bowl.

I don’t have the breakdown on all the different Super Bowl ads, but there are a few certainly worth keeping your eyes on.

Toyota

Toyota will be unveiling their new ‘Connections’ spot on Super Sunday, but what makes this ad intriguing is that it gives fans a chance to Shazam the commercial and enter a contest to win a car, plus another one for a friend, all through the app. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a company use Shazam to run a contest. If you ask me — I think it’s a pretty innovative idea. Sorry Nissan.

This, for better or for worse is where advertising is heading.  Which got me thinking: Could you imagine if you had to go to a website to find out if the kid caught Mean Joe Greene’s jersey? “See more at coke.com/meanjoe. <– not a real website!) But everything is digital nowadays, and traditional advertising just doesn’t cut it anymore.

The PR release on the commercial as sent to me by Toyota:

“Connections” marks the first major outreach effort for the Camry Effect, a social media initiative developed to unite the nearly seven million Camry drivers in this country through an interactive, online experience. The Camry Effect provides past and present Camry owners a platform to share their stories, moments and memories from over the past 30 years.

It’s a nice nostalgic compilation, which gets away from the usual gags, sex, and utter ridiculousness that most spots go for. Most importantly it’s relatable, so I think ultimately it will be well-liked.

Coca-Cola

Coke can be found almost everywhere in the world — and wherever there’s a place that doesn’t know Coke and their friendly polar bear, they have people who are trying to get Coke in those areas.  Coke is brand awareness.  While it’s nothing more than a soft drink, the way Coke has branded itself through the past 100 years is unparalleled, bar none. It’s a timeless, classic.  Their cute fuzzy polar bears are treasured. And Coke just makes everything seem a little more magical.

I fell in love with their polar bears as a kid, and grew up to love polar bears because of it. I’m serious!  So what Coke is doing this Super Sunday is beyond cool. It’s downright revolutionary.  In addition to running their usual Super spots, Coke will introduce the first ever Polar Bowl. Unfortunately, it’s not real live polar bears playing football.  But the idea they came up with is almost as brilliant.

Coke’s mini-site dedicated to just the game (see link above), will feature polar bears watching the game just as you are at home. Here’s the cool part. Via Branding Magazine:

The bears reactions will be manipulated by two employees at Coke ad agency Wieden+Kennedy, so they will jump, groan, whoop – anything that you would do if your team was winning/loosing, and all that with a refreshing Coke in their hands. Also, should a racy advert air, they’ll cover a cubs eyes, so he doesn’t look (this particular detail is just too darn cute, you must admit).

So the bears will literally be reacting to the same thing you’re watching. I mean, how creative is that?  They will even have penguins too!

Sneak preview at one of their many commercials for the event — this one featuring New York bear.

Other ads:

Chevy

Woot, woot, will roll out Zack Borst’s winning Route66 entry on Super Sunday. Or you can just watch it here. “Best day ever!” — VH1 should totally sue!

Doritos

The usual Super Bowl advertising entrants will have their usual barrage of comical advertising as created by you– the fan. People submitted their ideas, Doritos choose a few and on Sunday, we find out which. This was allegedly one of the winning spots that you’ll see on Gameday, and before you watch, let me warn you that it is really cheesy.

Go Daddy

The domain name company will trot out a few more allegedly racy ads — this time featuring the new Pussycat Dolls. This idea is so dumb, it’s like the TV commercial version of something straight to DVD. We get it Go Daddy! You think you’re racy and hip. Newsflash: you’re just annoying. Tell me if any of these names ring a bell:

Lauren Bennett, Paradiso Girls
Vanessa Curry, Laker Girls,
Erica Jenkins, Dallas Cowboy cheerleader
Chrystina Sayers, Girlicious
Paula Van Oppen, So You Think You Can Dance.

Not listed, Jim’s dad, Eugene Levy. American Pie fans should get the joke.

It used to be fun to wait for the Super Bowl so you could see the new commercials, but now companies are leaking them all over the internet the week before, to try to ‘build buzz.’ Kind of kills the surprise element if you ask me.

Other companies participating, because we don’t feel like giving away every ad:

Hulu +
CareerBuilder.com
ETrade
TaxACT.com
Cars.com

and … you know what? Just watch the damn game on Sunday like people used to!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday everybody. Enjoy the game.

Let’s get a few things out of the way before we get into this so it’s clear that objectivity will reign supreme.

Fact: I live in Massachusetts and am a huge Patriots fan.  It would mean a great deal to me if they won.

Fact: I have picked against the Patriots in 11 of their 18 games this season.

My Opinion: The Giants are the better team.

That being said…

Patriots -3 (2.5 @ some books) vs. NY Giants

People say that the Giants are the hottest team in football.  Not true.  The Patriots are.  They have won ten in a row since losing a heartbreaker to guess who…the Giants back in November.  Meanwhile, New York was croaked by Rex Grossman and the Redskins at home in week 15.

People say the Giants have beaten superior teams.  Record-wise, that is true.  But let’s look exactly at what they have done during their run.  They beat the Cowboys and the Jets, two underachieving teams in the midst of their seasons being flushed down the toilet.  They basically shut out a fraudulent Falcons team at home.  Then they beat the Packers which was, at first glance, a shock.  However, in order to beat them they needed a halftime Hail Mary conversion and a 66 yard Nicks catch-and-run touchdown where Packer defenders bumbled all around him and did everything but tackle. And let’s not forget that most of the Packers’ key starters hadn’t played a game in three whole weeks.  There was a little bit of rust in play.  We’ll get to the 49ers game in a bit.

People say the Patriots haven’t beaten a team with a winning record all year before last weekend.  This is true, but the key is that they laid no eggs in the process which the Giants are extremely prone to do (Washington, Seattle, Vince Young’s Eagles, and Washington again).  The Patriots lost to two good teams (Pittsburgh and these Giants) by one score each in the middle of the season while they were putting together a patchwork defense of waiver pickups, wide receivers, and undrafted free agents.  They also lost to Buffalo after racking up a 21-0 lead and then falling asleep.  That is the extent of their blemishes this season.  It’s not their fault that they had to play “bad teams”.  They were supposed to beat them and they did.

People say the Patriots shouldn’t even be here because they were lucky and shouldn’t have won last week.  Well guess what?  The Giants were also lucky and shouldn’t have won last week.  Ted Ginn was out so the Giants ended up on the good side of two special teams turnovers at critical times in the game.  Prior to the second one they had the ball twice in overtime and couldn’t score.  Without a turnover, that game might still be going on now.

People say that the Patriots’ defense sucks.  A really crappy defense probably lets up 30 points regularly, right?  New England has only allowed 30 once, 27 once, and nobody else has scored more than 25 against them all season.  These Patriots can put up four touchdowns and a field goal if they need to.

People say that the Giants have already beaten the Patriots once this year.  What they don’t tell you is that New England had the game in hand with seconds to go when Sergio Brown interfered with Victor Cruz on the goal line and gave New York a fresh set of downs to take the game.  Mr. Brown does not play so much since then.  A wide receiver took over his spot until Patrick Chung came back from injury.

People say that the Giants will maul Tom Brady like they did four years ago.  First of all, in the game they played this season Brady was sacked twice and hit three times.  That means he was touched basically once per quarter.  That ain’t so scary considering in their first Superbowl he was sacked five times and reset the counter for how many times he was knocked to the ground.  Secondly, New England’s offensive line is strong now that they have added rookie Nate Solder and Sebatian Vollmer has come back from injury.  Brady will get rid of the ball quickly now that he doesn’t have to wait for Randy Moss to run the length of the field.  He’ll stay clean.

People say that emotions and intangibles will play no part in this game.  They say that X’s and O’s and matchups will determine the outcome.  The Giants hold the edge at nearly every position on the field except for tight end and (maybe?) quarterback.  But this Patriots team needs to win this game.  Eli, these receivers, and even Tom Coughlin will be around for a long time.  Brady is on the back 9 of his career.  He’s not just yet calling ahead to the clubhouse to order a hot dog from the 18th tee, but he’s probably on the final par five of the course.  The sun is creeping behind the trees and his wife is calling his cell phone asking him when he’ll be home while his buddies roll their eyes.  “Almost done,” he’ll say, maybe stretching the truth a bit so she’ll leave him alone.  Maybe not.  Time will tell.  He and Belichick want two more rings so they can be untouchable.  They know they lucked out this year with injuries around the league and their first playoff opponent.  They can steal this one.  They want payback for the one that got away.  And they have the memory of their beloved owner’s even more beloved wife to honor.

People say none of that matters.

Those people haven’t seen the look in the veteran Patriots’ eyes lately.

For years Peyton Manning covered up many of Indianapolis’ glaring needs. Year after year as they piled up double digit wins, his offensive brilliance and cohesion made him the most important player in the Colts organization.  Then, when neck surgeries went awry, we found out quickly that he was the most valuable player in the league.

Indianapolis limped out to a dreadful 0-13 start without #18 under center this season, before finally slogging out a pair of comfort wins – as they went from perennial playoff and Super Bowl contender all the way to the bottom of the NFL’s bottom-feeders.

Indianapolis’ inability to groom a QB behind Manning cost them dearly this season. Obviously.  But losing the face of their franchise may have been the reality check the Colts needed.  As weird as it would be to see the Colts without Manning, it might be a necessary step for them to re-tool and re-load. Holding onto their iconic, record setting, Super Bowl winning QB is the smart PR move, but might not be the best long term move. Ask the Dolphins about Dan Marino, and the backup plan they had in place after he retired. They’re still trying to replace his namesake almost 2 decades later (Fittingly, Marino retired after Peyton’s second season – Manning’s first of many playoff appearances).

The 35 year old Manning doesn’t appear ready to retire just yet, which means the Colts are stuck with the #1 pick – presumably Andrew Luck —  and Manning. While the Packers were able to draft Aaron Rodgers and stash him behind Brett Favre as Favre completed the twilight years of his Packer career, teams don’t usually have that luxury.

Peyton Manning probably doesn’t want to be the guy who helps groom his eventual replacement.  The Colts don’t look like a team that can win a Super Bowl right now anyways. So why not let Manning try to get another ring elsewhere as the Colts start fresh. If healthy enough, Manning could definitely elevate a middle-tier team into a playoff contender or even a Super Bowl threat; There’s already been rumors about a team like Miami or Arizona taking a crack at the Colts star.

The Colts have fired their Head Coach, their long time GM, and Center Jeff Saturday, a Colts lifer has retired. Reggie Wayne is as good as gone, and the old guard that helped make the blue horsies the machine that they were has pretty much moved on – whether to new teams or new careers.

The timing is what makes this whole changing of the guard awkward. It was afterall, not even a  year ago on July 30, 2011 that Manning and Indy agreed to a 5 year deal worth $90 million. Money aside, less than a year into that deal, Manning could be gone.

At 35, honing in on 36, Manning is obviously no longer a young pup.  His lack of mobility, but quick release, and brilliance at assessing defenses and making changes on the line, reminds me a great deal of Marino towards the end of his career.  My dad used to always wonder aloud how Manning would play on a team like the Dolphins, or a team that had a weak offensive line. I always figured he’d do just fine.

But we might actually find out. We really might find out how Manning would do put on a new team in a new environment, having to adjust to a new offensive line and brand new coaches. It’d be fascinating.  Besides, it’s not exactly a new thing for iconic franchise QBs to change addresses at the tail end of their career.  For every John Elway and Jim Kelly, there is a Brett Favre or Joe Montana. Even the unforgettable Joe Namath played out his final season – an injury plagued ending – as a Los Angeles Ram.

The point is this: Manning’s legacy with the Colts is secured. While the allure of playing with one team for an entire career is an aspect sports fans treasure – we call it loyalty – no one can ever question Peyton’s loyalty to the organization.  He brought the Colts to the top.

Consider this: The Baltimore Colts moved to Indianapolis in 1984. In their first 12 years in their new home, the Colts made the playoffs just 3 times.  After drafting Manning in 1998, Indy would go on to win 8 division titles, make 3 AFC Title game appearances, 2 Super Bowls, and would climb to the top of the ladder for their lone Super Bowl triumph against the Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

Other incredible stats: Indianapolis made the playoffs every year that Manning played after his rookie season with the exception of 1 – 2001. The Colts finished 6-10 that season, which also was the last season before the NFL switched from 6 divisions to 8 and Indy was moved from the AFC East to the South. 2001 was also the last season of the Jim Mora Era, which led to Tony Dungy, the man who would escalate Manning and the Colts to elite status.

Incredible Stat #2: Before Manning the Colts franchise had played football dating all the way back to 1953.  They had 9 seasons of 10 or more wins in the 44 seasons before Manning’s arrival. With Manning Indianapolis has had 11 seasons of double digit wins since 1998.

Incredible Stat #3: The Colts won 12 or more games for 7 straight seasons (2003-2009). That’s an NFL record. Here’s perspective. From 1953-1997, the Colts had just 2 seasons of 12 wins or more (1964, 1968).  This is one of the NFL’s most historic teams, folks.

So to say that Manning’s legacy is secure as a Colt is the understatement of the year.

Throw in some of these NFL records: 4 NFL MVPs, 6 consecutive seasons with 4000+ passing yards, and 11 seasons with 4000 yards or more and Manning’s impact on the league has been obvious.

All of this comes in the midst of little brother Eli’s second run to the Super Bowl, and questions about whether little brother has over-taken big brother. While I love the fact that Eli has led the Giants to 5 straight road playoff wins (another NFL record) and has a chance to double Peyton’s  title total, Eli is nowhere near the star or the game-changer that Manning ever was.

Peyton never benefited from a ferocious pass-rush like the Giants have.  He took good players and made them great. He commanded the line of scrimmage like no one else. He had the fastest trigger and the best awareness, and no matter how many Super Bowls Eli wins, nothing will change that fact. Eli isn’t the type of guy who you could put on the Rams and he’d win them 10 games. Peyton (when healthy) is.

So here’s the bread and butter to all of this: It’s okay for Manning to change locales at this point in his career. It’s okay for the Colts to seize the opportunity for a fresh start, with their all-world QB’s health status in continued limbo. It’s okay for both sides to start anew. While it just wouldn’t feel right to see Peyton donning anything but a Colts helmet, we eventually got used to Favre in something other than a Packer lid. It happens. It makes more sense for the Colts to move on now, rather than to hold on to their shrinking window of opportunity. With a new GM in place and a new coach on the way, the Colts look nothing like the model franchise they did just a few years ago.  That aura of consistency and invincibility has faded. In its place is a new regime and a new plan.

I don’t think Peyton is part of that plan. For both sides, in the end, it’s probably a good thing.

Photo: Getty

With the Senior Bowl this week and everyone in the draft already declared, it is time for another mock draft. The top five seems pretty predictable at this point in the journey to the draft, but the rest is anyone’s guess. Our latest mock draft adds the second round for a little bit more draft goodness. Enjoy.

Round 1

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

We all know this is the pick, unless Andrew Luck tragically gets injured at the combine or off-the-field (even then I think they would take him). While Luck is the clear number one, the mystery behind this pick is what happens to Peyton Manning. He has 50/50 chance sticking around in my opinion.

2. St. Louis Rams: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Jason Smith has been a complete bust coming out of Baylor. With that said, Kalil is probably the best offensive line prospect since Jake Long, so he would most likely make up for Smith’s lack of production. A lot of draftniks see this spot as the ultimate trade partner for the team trying to draft RG3 and I agree. The Browns are the most likely candidate as they have to first round picks (most importantly one in the top five) that will allow the Rams to get one of the two players they need (Blackmon, Kalil) at a discount and have plenty of picks or at least important ones to help get their team afloat with Jeff Fisher.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Justin Blackmon, WR, Okla. St.

Much like last year’s draft, it is hard not to get supreme talent in the top five. Justin Blackmon could be the answer to a lot of the questions in Minnesota. Christian Ponder struggled down the stretch with Adrian Peterson out as his only weapon was Percy Harvin. Blackmon brings a deep threat and a redzone option to the Vikings that they haven’t had since Randy Moss (yes, that’s me calling out Sidney Rice).

4. Cleveland Browns: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Again, I see this being a trade but if St. Louis doesn’t want to trade this will be the pick for sure. Colt McCoy has had his moments but it is time to bring in a guy who you think can carry a franchise. GM Tom Heckert comes from the Eagles organization and what better way to jumpstart this franchise than a faster, more accurate Donovan McNabb.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, HB, Alabama

Trent Richardson is an interesting prospect as he is a top player overall but need for running back is very slim, especially in the first round. If he isn’t taken by the Bucs, he’ll likely be on the board till the Bengals pick in the last teens. Luckily for him, LaGarrett Blount had a horrible sophomore year and proved he needs a partner in the backfield to carry the load. Richardson is dynamic running between the tackles and has the speed to make guys miss. Whoever inherits the coaching reigns (they luckily avoided the worst hire ever in Chip Kelly) will need a guy to take pressure off of Josh Freeman.

6. Washington Redskins: Devon Still, DE/DT, Penn St.

With the Skins missing out on Blackmon, Griffin and Luck, they decide to make a change and not significantly reach on a player. Washington struggled with their front all season and Adam Carriker has really worked out the way they hoped. Still is a monster of a man who doesn’t have an enormous ceiling but is less likely to be a bust than other options (Ryan Tannenhill). They are the other likely team to trade with the Rams at the two spot, but if they don’t get there, look for them to trade back.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Despite his disappearance in the National Championship game, Morris Claiborne is the best cornerback prospect in the draft. Rashean Mathis is getting up there in age and Derek Cox is just another guy. Claiborne can bring stability and youth to the secondary who has already established their safety unit. A pass rusher or wide receiver would be ideal here but with a lack of value, the Jags take care of their third need.

8. Miami Dolphins: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Joe Philibin and Jeff Ireland are likely to go after a free agent to solve their quarterback problems, so Riley Reiff can protect that veteran. Reiff is a big guy with solid athleticism. With Vernon Carey moving to the inside last season, the Fins lack a bookend to Jake Long.

9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE/DT, UNC

Quinton Coples is kind of a tweener but that could be a big sell for Carolina. Both Ron Rivera and Sean McDermott coached under the late Jim Johnson, who used his defensive ends as defensive tackles on third downs to get extra pressure. Coples can get to the QB and with Johnson’s style of pass rush, he could do some damage with Charles Johnson. Coples is local so no doubt he’ll draw local interest to the stadium and has most likely been on the Panther’s radar for some time.

10.  Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, OLB/DE, Alabama

If the Bills want to stay in a 3-4, they have to be able to get pressure from their linebackers. The Shawn Merriman Project failed. Enter Courtney Upshaw, who put on a show during the National Championship this year. Upshaw is athletic and strike fear in opposing QBs. He has a shot of being the Aldon Smith of the 2012 season.

11.  Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Much like in St. Louis, the other Missouri team has had a problem keeping their QB safe. Martin is a good player who thrived with a smart quarterback (Luck) and playing next to a tremendous talent at guard (David DeCastro). Martin is the best value for a team with tremendous talent coming off of a bunch of key injuries. A lot of analyst think that the Chiefs could go for Richardson if he drops here, but I think they ride the Jamaal Charles bandwagon a bit longer.

12.  Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

The Seahawks have two choices here: reach for Ryan Tannenhill of Texas A&M or draft a pass rusher. Perry is likely the best option on the board for the rush. He was recruited by Pete Carroll so they have a connection there as well. Chris Cleamons has been an absolute monster since he came to town, time to give him a friend who can go QB hunting with him.

13.  Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Cardinals have a ton of needs but a problem that is greatly overlooked is the number two receiver. Since Anquan Boldin was traded, Larry Fitzgerald has been triple covered (yet he still plays lights out). Early Doucet and Andre Roberts are good role players but Fitz needs a guy that can take some of the heat off of him. Floyd is big and sometimes reminds me of Fitz. He stayed in college after flirting with the draft last season, but I think it was the right choice.

14.  Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Cowboys secondary is awful and Janoris Jenkins has all the talent in the world with the off-the-field problems to match. Jerry Jones likes athletic, cartoon characters at his playmaking positions so Jenkins will fit right in. Michael Jenkins has regressed tremendously since his rookie year and Terrence Newman’s age is really starting to show. With a division that has Jeremy Maclin, Desean Jackson (likely), Victor Cruz, and Hakeem Nicks, Jenkins will be a welcomed asset.

15.  Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Eagles fans have been pining for a linebacker who can tackle since 2007, they get their man here in Kuechly. A lot has been said about Andy Reid not drafting linebackers early, but after watching the Giants go to the Superbowl and seeing Spags go to the Saints, he has to do something drastic (at least for him). Kuechly is the nation’s leading tackler and will be surely welcomed by Philly fans.

16.  New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina

The Jets have really lacked a pass rush lately (outside of surprising redemption story, Aaron Maybin). If Rex Ryan wants to continually talk about the postseason in the preseason, he better have a guy that can take down opposing QBs. Ingram has played well this season and plays the rough and tough style that Ryan covets. Ingram would likely take the place of the aging Calvin Pace.

17.  Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK): Lamar Miller, HB, Miami

It seems that every time Cedric Benson wants to leave the Bengals, they pull him back in (with a one year deal). The third time will be the last as Benson doesn’t fit the youth movement in Cincy. Lamar Miller is the second best option at running back and follows a great line of Miami runners.

18.  San Diego Chargers: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The Chargers lost their heart and speed when Darren Sproles left town, so they make up for it with Alshon Jeffery. The pass catcher from South Carolina is known for his breakaway speed and ability to stretch the field. The Chargers need to find a way to replace the likely leaving Vincent Jackson and also find a way to frighten opposing defenses.

19.  Chicago Bears: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Bears have a great pass rush, the problem is the inside of their line. Brockers is big and mean and can make Brian Urlacher’s job much easier. I would not be surprised to see a wide receiver taken here.

20.  Tennessee Titans: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Chris Johnson struggled a bit this season. With a new pass blocker in toe with DeCastro, Johnson will have a lot more room to run. Mike Munchak is a Hall of Fame offensive lineman, so that area of the offense should be paramount to him.

21.  Cincinnati Bengals: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Bengals have had an inconsistent secondary this year due to injuries. Chris Crocker got absolutely blown away in the playoffs by the Texans. Mark Barron is the best safety available and comes from a winning program.

22.  Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The best way for RG3 to adjust to the pros is by pairing him with his number one option in college, Kendall Wright. The Browns have lacked a number one receiver for years and Wright can fill that void. He is also a terrific return man.

23.  Detroit Lions: Alfonso Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The biggest weakness for the Lions is their secondary. Alfonso Dennard poses rare size at the position and plays the tough against larger wide receivers. Unless they trade for or sign a veteran with significant starting experience, they will go corner in the first round.

24.  Pittsburgh Steelers: Stephen Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

The Steelers showed their age against the Broncos in the playoffs. Ike Taylor is likely still the starter but they need to start planning for the future with A.J. Green and Torrey Smith in the division. Stephen Gilmore is fast and can make plays for this aging defense.

25.  Denver Broncos: Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Starting linebacker, Joe Mays, is a free agent this season and the Broncos could look to upgrade the position. Dont’a Hightower shined in the National Championship game but some scouts question his ability to be a three-down guy. Either way, Hightower would be an upgrade over the smaller Mays.

26.  Houston Texans: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

With Chris Myers likely headed out the door for a much bigger contract, the Texans can’t afford to lose their hold of the division. Konz is easily the best center in the draft and his Wisconsin background is a big selling point for any team (Wisconsin generally produces productive offensive lineman).

27.  New England (via NO): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

The AFC Champs could use a bit more in the QB pressure game. Poe can start at nose tackle right away and with two picks in the first round, the AFC winners get a bit of luxury at pick 27.

28.  Green Bay Packers: Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The Packers offensive line continues to be inconsistent. The running game has continued to fall off with Mike McCarthy rarely running the ball. While Aaron Rodgers is an elite QB, the Packers need to find a bit more balance in their attack. Cordy Glenn is a monster who can eat up space and lead the way for James Sparks and Ryan Grant.

29.  Baltimore Ravens: Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

A field goal kick away from overtime and a possible Superbowl, the Ravens are still close to their main goal. With Hightower and Kuechly off the board, the replacement for Ray Lewis will have to wait. Andre Branch will be a huge upgrade at the 5-techinque where he can stop the run and get a burst on interior lineman.

30.  San Francisco 49ers: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan St.

Justin Smith is clearly an elite player, but Jerel Worthy can take some of the blockers away from Smith. Worthy has a big body that can eliminate offensive lineman. Wide Receiver could be a possibility here as well.

31.  New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

The NFC champs have a lot of good going into their offense but they could definitely upgrade at tight end. Dwayne Allen is a big step up from Travis Beckum and Chase Ballard and would provide another great option for Eli Manning.

32.  New England Patriots: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The Patriots continue to upgrade with Mohamed Sanu who can take the place of the aging Deion Branch and provide a spark on the outside for Tom Brady. The tight ends get all the attention these days, but Sanu can have defensive coordinator looking at him in the gameplan.

Round 2

33. St. Louis Rams: Fletcher Cox, DT, Miss. St.

Fred Robbins is a nice player but Cox would be a huge upgrade.

34.Indianapolis Colts: Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska

Ernie Sims should not be a starter in this league anymore and the Colts seemed to miss Clint Sessions this season.

35. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio St.

Adams is a possible first round pick but if he falls, he will go no further than here.

36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

Much like Adams, Minnifield could be a first rounder as well, so value is high here and the Bucs need a replacement for Ronde Barber.

37. Cleveland Browns: Zebrie Sanders, OT, FSU

Tony Pashos has been a good transitional guy, time to bring in a young stub.

38. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

The Jaguars have been searching for a standout wide receiver and Randle can help out in the vertical attack.

39. Washington Redskins: Ryan Tannenhill, QB, Texas A&M

Shanahan gets his man and by being patient too. Chances are that he could be the Andy Dalton of this draft.

40. Carolina Panthers: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

Losing Richard Marshall last year made it really tough on the rest of the Carolina secondary.

41. Buffalo Bills: Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

Ryan Fitzpatrick really digressed after getting his contract, they need a developmental guy if the problems continue.

42. Miami Dolphins: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Joe Phillbin relies heavily on tight ends and Fleener is a quality guy in the second round.

43. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego St.

The Seahawks also need a developmental QB as well and Lindley’s West Coast ties link him to Pete Carroll.

44. Kansas City Chiefs: Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

There is a good chance Tyson Jackson has one more shot in KC, so why not have a backup plan.

45. Dallas Cowboys: Kelechi Osemele, OG, Iowa St.

The Dallas offensive line needs help still, especially if they want to run the ball.

46. Philadelphia Eagles: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

The Eagles normally take smaller defensive ends but Jones rush in all different directions with Juqua Parker and Daryl Tapp possibly on the way out.

47. New York Jets: David Wilson, HB, Virginia Tech

LT is likely on the way out of New York, Wilson can fill his shoes.

48. New England (via OAK): Antonio Allen, SS, South Carolina

The AFC champs are still awful in the secondary despite picks being dedicated to the DBs.

49. San Diego Chargers: LaMichael James, HB, Oregon

If the Chargers are looking for Darren Sproles, here is Sproles-lite.

50. Chicago Bears: Chris Polk, HB, Washington

Matt Forte looks like a contract fight waiting to happen, so adding a running pup to the mix will help soften the blows of a holdout.

51. Philadelphia (via ARI): Bobby Wagner, OLB, Utah St.

Andy Reid loves his Mormons and the Philly linebacker group needs a lot of high-quality retooling.

52. Tennessee Titans: Ben Jones, C, Georgia

As noted before, CJ2K was paid a ton of money, so open up lanes for the guy.

53. Cincinnati Bengals: Nate Potter, OT, Boise St.

The Bengals are going to need to protect their new franchise guy for the next 10 years, so when Andrew Whitworth retires, Potter can take over.

54. Detroit Lions: Bobby Massie, OT, Mississippi

The Lions have refused to get an upgrade at tackle for years, here is their chance to help Stafford out.

55. Atlanta Falcons: Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

Tony Gonzales isn’t going to play forever and Charles is a local guy for the Falcons.

56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin

The Steelers offensive line continues to improve and Zeitler could help a team with few holes.

57. Denver Broncos: Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona St.

I am not convinced that John Elway is convinced that Tebow is the answer.

58. Houston Texans: Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State

The Texans need to add youth on at wide receiver after Andre Johnson has dealt with the injury bug lately.

59. New Orleans Saints: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

Shaun Rodgers didn’t work out this season, Thompson can take his place.

60. Green Bay Packers: Martin Markelle, S, Oklahoma St.

Nick Collins isn’t guaranteed to play next season, so Markelle can compete to replace him.

61. Baltimore Ravens: Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

Lee Evans is likely one and done in Baltimore, so Toon is a guy they can pair with Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith next season.

62. San Francisco 49ers: Dwight Jones, WR, UNC

Braylon Edwards didn’t last the season and Kyle Williams doesn’t have it so bright these days. Jones can lineup across from Michael Crabtree.

63. New York Giants: Bernard Pierce, HB, Temple

Brandon Jacobs is likely to leave in free agency, so Ahmad Bradshaw needs a running mate.

64. New England Patriots: Marcus Forston, DL, Miami

The Patriots need to continue to get in the face of opposing QBs and stop the run, so Forston can handle that business.

Photo: Getty

Sunday morning, little known 49ers backup kick returner and 4th string WR Kyle Williams woke up to the exciting news that he would be fielding kicks, with all-world special teams guy, Tedd Ginn Jr. out with an injury. The kid had to be ecstatic.

Just a second year WR out of Arizona State, the 5′10, 186 pound Williams was getting the chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to play hero or even to just have a significant impact, in a game that could send the 49ers to the Super Bowl. But like any movie with a hero, the man who comes in to try and save the day, can also be the one who falls victim to the opposite affect: they can also become the villain.  The scapegoat.  The man everyone tries to run out of town.

So when Williams muffed a critical punt return — correction: misplayed a punt, allowing it to graze off his leg — allowing New York’s Devin Thomas to recover deep in 49ers territory with San Fran holding onto a 14-10 lead in the 4th quarter, he went from loveable backup, to despised f*^$up.  The Giants turned the turnover into a touchdown.

But the 49ers came back and Williams seemed to attain for his ghastly error in judgement with a solid return late in the game. Unfortunately, that’s not where the story ends.  By now, you probably know that Williams — son of White Sox GM Kenny Williams — also fumbled a punt in overtime. Oddly enough it was recovered by who else — Thomas. The sinister begining of a pairing that will likely link Williams and Thomas for the duration of their sporting careers and who knows, maybe beyond.  But Williams’ second critical mistake did more than doom the home team and it’s Super Bowl dreams. It made him the scapegoat of all scapegoats.  An easy target for the ire of broken-hearted Bay area fans, jilted by two special teams plays that arguably cost their team the NFC title.

So, people turned to social media and with access, comes well, easy outlets for abject hatred — and they began spewing Williams with death threats. Classy folks.

It’s not surprising, it happens too often. It’s the stage. It’s the eyeballs. When you play for all the marbles you can become iconic or be perceived as demonic. Williams didn’t screw up on purpose, it just wasn’t his night. But 49ers fans, like any sports fan, will tell you that you never know when your team will get that chance again, just ask the Cubs. Their irrational anger was pointed directly at the young returner and today a man we hardly knew some 48 hours ago, is the focus of a barrage of hatred.

Of course, had he taken that second punt to the house and sent the 49ers to the Super Bowl, he’d be a god. They’d give him the key to the city. He’d have his own David Tyree moment in the sun. Instead, the ball was stripped from his grasp, and the chance to be a hero evaporated into the lowest of lows — being perceived as a zero.

In a regular season game, this goes away. Ask Philip Rivers, who fumbled away what appeared to be a sure win on MNF in Kansas City. But he had the week after to make amends, and the week after that. The problem with the post-season, especially in football, is its finality. You don’t get another game to atone for your blunder — you have to hear about it for upwards of 7 months.

Sports fans can be a cruel group, but as Mike Vick, Kobe Bryant, and Tiger Woods have shown, even when we claim to hate an athlete with all our heart, we eventually can be won back over by them, if they make up for it on the field.  Williams did nothing wrong off the field, unlike those 3 larger than life names.  Unfortunately neither did Buckner.

Williams’ teammates quickly came to his aid, as did many other football players after the game — which was nice — but the damage had been done. We always say that athletes have the ability to tune out just about anything, which makes them so brilliant at what they do.  But I find it hard to believe that Williams isn’t shaken by this. There are a lot of nut-jobs out there, meaning that not every threat is baseless. While this isn’t a third world country, where a star might actually get lynched after a costly error, it’s still a place filled with passionate people, who let their heart get in the way of their head.

Sports fans becomes so attached to their teams, that when they lose — especially during an unexpected, out of nowhere thrill ride, like San Fran had this year back to the top — that it rips their hearts out. If you are a hardcore fan of a team you’ve been through those range of emotions — wanting to punch a door, pacing the room, cursing repeatedly, stomping your feet like a 5 year old, even ranting angrily on message boards, Facebook, or Twitter. But the Bill Buckner treatment needs to stop.

It is just a game. Though an escape, it is not the end all. Life goes on, they’ll play another season next year. This will all go away in time.

Threatening a man’s life though because he fumbled a football. That might scar him forever.

Photo: Reuters

What’s old is new again.

Coming from nearly identical paths back to the Big Game, the New York Giants and New England Patriots will square off once more for the Lombardi trophy. I’ll write a story when I can make sense of all the madness that we witnessed on Sunday throughout the day: the botched plays, the incredible performances, the nail-biting finishes, the head-scratching calls from both the refs and the coaches, but first I have to show you just how eerily similar this Super Bowl rematch is:

> In 2007 the Giants made the Super Bowl as a 5 seed with a 10-6 record.
> Today the Giants clinched a Super Bowl berth as a 4 seed with a 9-7 record.

> In 2007 the Giants had to win 3 playoff games to get to Arizona.
> This year the Giants had to win 3 playoff games to get to Indy.

> In order to clinch that Super Bowl appearance the Giants had to go in adverse conditions and knock off the #2 seed Packers in overtime with a Lawrence Tynes 47 yard FG (The Packers were 13-3, 7-1 at home).
> In order to clinch their Super Bowl XLVI appearance the Giants had to go in adverse conditions (this time, wind and rain, compared to Lambeau’s frigid conditions) and knock off the #2 seed 49ers in overtime with a Lawrence Tynes 31 yard FG (The 49ers were 13-3, 7-1 at home).

> Manning’s leading receiver versus the Pack: Plaxico Burress (151 yards)
> Manning’s leading receiver versus the 49ers: Victor Cruz (143 yards).

> 2007: versus New England (at Giants Stadium): Patriots win by 3.
> 2011: versus New England (at Gilette Stadium): Giants win by 4.

> 2007 Giants: started 6-2, finished season 4-4
> 2011 Giants: started 6-2, finished season 3-5

> 2007 Giants: Tom Coughlin’s job reportedly in jeopardy, until team pulls together, wins Super Bowl.
> 2011 Giants: Tom Coughlin’s job in great doubt if Giants don’t beat Cowboys final game of the season, to get in playoffs (they win).

> 2007 Patriots 16-0 (AFC #1 seed)
> 2011 Patriots 13-3 (AFC #1 seed)

So what does all of this tell us? It tells us that the Giants are a team built for the post-season. It tells us that Tom Coughlin, should always be on the hot seat (even though he may never be again), because his team plays better with their back against the wall then any team in the NFL. The Giants play with a chip on their shoulder and are unphased no matter what road they have to take.  But when they’re the favorites they don’t meet the hype.  When people expect little to nothing of them they excel. If people want to pick on the 9-7 NFC West division winning Cardinals as one of the worst teams to ever make a Super Bowl, then the Giants should be in the discussion too, as they are also 9-7.

I’m just saying.

Still, it’s incredible that 4 years later, what’s old is remarkably new again. The Patriots are clearly the superior team on paper once again, but once again, it’s the Giants standing in their way for another Super Bowl title. This has all the makings of another classic heavyweight bout. And what’s amazing, is that, while there are some new faces, 4 years later a lot of the same familiar ones remain. Tom Brady versus Eli Manning. The Hoodie versus Coughlin. Incredible offense versus suffocating pass rush.  The Patriots on a red hot winning streak — 9 games  in a row, running into the team that barely made the show.

This time the setting will be Indianapolis, in a dome. How very familiar. We have two weeks to dissect it, and to ask the same question we asked then, that we’re already asking now: Is Eli Manning an elite QB? The Giants still win with their defense and the Pats are more of an offensively off-kilter than they were in 2007 (and they were a freaking juggernaut back then).  This time, the Patriots won’t hear about how great they are. This won’t be the sports’ most poignant upset if the Giants win. Records aside, New York can play with anyone and they love the limelight.

We’ll hear for the next 2 weeks how Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels will game-plan that Giants rush, and how Brady has another crack at his 4th Super Bowl ring (now making his 5th appearance). We’ll hear about New England’s historic run, the records they’re running down left and right (all time playoff wins – move over Joe Montana, make room for Brady) and what it would mean for Brady and the Hoodie to win an amazing 4th Super Bowl title as a pair. But now, the Giants, in the most unlikely of ways, have a chance to win an unlikely 2nd Super Bowl in 4 seasons. Dynasty, no? How could you if you miss the playoffs twice in that span. But Goliath killers? Yeah.

The stage is set for another rematch. We were this close to the Harbaugh Bowl instead we get the Bah Harbaugh No!

Baltimore and San Fran both had ample opportunities to flip the script, but both teams made ghastly mistakes: Lee Evans go ahead TD drop, Billy Cundiff’s horrendous hooked FG, and Kyle Williams’ gruesome pair of muffed kicks, the second one dooming a back and forth, field possession game to a chip-shot FG. It became abundantly clear as both teams exchanged possessions late in the 4th that the first team to screw up, would get booted out of the playoffs by a kicker. Neither team could sustain a drive and both pass rushes were unstoppable. Throw in miscues, bad penalties, and two would be picks turned 49er teammate collisions, and San Fran has to be ready to pull its hair out, knowing how close it was to winning this game. The Ravens probably feel like they cheated themselves of a win.

Joe Flacco re-earned my respect (before his dumb post-game tirade, really Joe?) and Vernon Davis showed he’s a primetime player with another big time effort (although he couldn’t get the ball enough).

But in the end it’s Brady and Manning. Again.

Ready for Giants-Pats Super Bowl 2.0?

Playoffs:  3-5  AFC: 0-4 NFC:  3-1

4- Teams left

3- Great defenses

2- Great offenses

1 – Blogger with no clue how either game will turn out.

But I’ll give it a shot.  Here we go.

Baltimore (+7) @ New England

So many reasons to pick each team.  Let’s go through them.

Reasons to pick Baltimore:

• Ray Rice is an animal, both rushing and receiving, and has had success against New England.
• In the Joe Flacco era these games have been incredibly close.  The only one that wasn’t close was when Baltimore blew out the Patriots in the playoffs on the same field.
• Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata.
• Emotions.  Baltimore has confidence; they’ve won here in the playoffs before.  They also have desperation; this defensive group may not be here again together.
• The Patriots played two winning teams all year (NY Giants & Pittsburgh) and lost to both.  The rest of their schedule was filled to the brim with cupcakes and they lost to one of them too (Buffalo).
• New England’s most effective rusher in the playoffs is a tight end.

Reasons to pick the Patriots:

• Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are leaps and bounds ahead of Flacco and Harbaugh.
• Welker, Gronkowski, and Hernandez did not play in the playoff game that Baltimore won.
• Welker, Gronkowski, and Hernandez are ridiculous.
• The game is in Foxboro where they have only lost three times in the last 41 home games.
• The Patriots are averaging 32 points per game at home this season.  The Ravens can’t score that many points.
• The Ravens have only faced one offensive minded quarterback (Rivers) since November 6th (Roethlisberger, if you count him) and they got lit up by him.

I don’t think the Ravens can match touchdowns with the Patriots, obviously.  But I do think that they will hit hard, whether it be Brady, Welker, or one of the tight ends.  They’ll do their thing and try to rough people up and intimidate, but the Patriots will pull out a close one.  Take Baltimore and the 7 points, but expect New England to head to Indy.

NY Giants (+2.5) @ San Francisco

Alex Smith out dueled the best statistical quarterback in the history of the NFL last week and Vernon Davis lived up to his expectations for one game.  Nobody saw that coming.  But the Giants will.  Up above I mentioned the number of great offenses and great defenses left in the playoffs.  Well the Giants are the only team with both.  The pass rush is outstanding and the corners can cover.  Eli Manning can move the ball effortlessly and has big play receivers to go to.  Let there be no mistake, San Francisco’s defense is nasty and there will be some jarring hits on those receivers, but it won’t be enough to completely derail the train.  Take the 2.5 points and buckle up for a Giants/Patriots Super Bowl rematch.

Photo: AP