NFL 2010..One Roller Coaster of a Season!

The 2010 NFL Season had more ups and downs than all the roller coasters in Cedar Point combined!  We love roller coasters and since the NFL season had just as many thrills and chills, we thoroughly enjoyed these past months on the gridiron.  Here are just a few of our favorite highs and lows….

High Points:

Michael Vick’s comeback! 

This is no doubt the “feel good” story of the year.  Vick’s phenomenal performance after being incarcerated on dog fighting charges and being relegated to back up behind both Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb could truly be a movie script.  The perfect ending may have to wait, though.  Only a Super Bowl Championship seems like the larger than life finale fitting Vick, Andy Reid and the Eagles.

Ndamukong Suh PAT attempt 

In early November in a game vs. the NY Jets, 307 pound Ndamukong Suh, a rookie tackle for the Detroit Lions, lined up for the extra point attempt after the starting kicker got injured.  While he missed the extra point, the sight of Suh making the attempt was definitely a highlight of the 2010 season!

Celebration dance by B.J. Raji 

In the NFC title game vs. the Bears, Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji intercepted a Bears pass and “ran” 18 yards for a TD.  His hula hoop-like dance was one of the most amusing, fun moments of the playoffs!  Click below to see Raji in motion.

The Chicago Bears

The Bears made it to the NFC title game, despite the preseason prediction by most pundits who beleived they were a below average team with little hope.  In 2009, they went 7-9 and had failed to make the playoffs for the third consecutive year.  The Bears ended the 2010 season at 11-5.  Some people believe that luck was a big factor in their winning season, as they faced a number of back up QBs and a 7-9 Seattle Seahawks team in the playoffs.  In Week 1 against the Lions, a Detroit TD was overturned by a little known, controversial call with just a minute to play, giving the Bears the win.  Lucky or not, it was good to see the Bears return to the playoffs once again!

Aaron Rodgers 

The Packers’ QB finally emerged from Brett Favre’s shadow.   His stellar play this season earned the Packers a Super Bowl Championship, but nearly as important, gave Rodgers the recognition he deserved.  During the regular season, he earned a passer rating of 101.2 – the third best in the NFL.  He also ranked third in rushing yards by a QB.   In the post season, Rodgers had a passer rating of 109.8 and showed his composure and exceptional ability to read defenses.  What we love most about the Aaron Rodgers 2010 story is that in addition to being a great QB, he seems to be a genuinely good guy as well!

Low Points:

Mike Shanahan   

Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan started a streak of behavior in October that slowly spiraled into a complete lack of respect for veteran QB Donovan McNabb by the end of the season.  Trailing by 6 and with less than 2 minutes left in a game against Detroit, Shanahan benched McNabb and put in back up Rex Grossman.  On the next play, Grossman fumbled the ball, Detroit returned it for a TD.  After that fiasco, most coaches would have tried to apologize for their poor decision.  But Shanahan went in front of the media and awkwardly tried to explain his decision by first claiming he benched McNabb because he didn’t feel he could run the 2 minute offense.  His statement was perceived as a criticism of McNabb’s intellectual ability by many in the public, so Shanahan changed his reason, stating that he actually thought McNabb didn’t have the physical endurance to effectively run the two minute offense.  Later, he modified his statement once again and claimed McNabb was suffering from sore hamstrings.  The tension between Shanahan and McNabb was quite evident.  Later, with only 3 games left in the regular season,   Shanahan benched McNabb in favor of Rexman and actually publicly demoted him to 3^rd string.  The Redskins had a myriad of problems this season.  But it appears that Shanahan chose to focus on McNabb rather than recognize other issues hurting the team, including the coaching staff and their poor decision making over the course of the season.

Peyton Manning’s streak of INTs

11 INTs over a three game span brought forth criticism about Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning.  Some questioned his age, while others questioned his ability.  Manning had to deal with a porous offensive line, a slew of injuries to his receiving corps and no running game all season.  Despite his 4700 yards of passing this year, Peyton could not carry the team alone.  But to question Manning’s ability is absurd and short sighted.  It was one of the low points in the season for us, but Manning himself seemed unscathed by his critics.  That focus and drive makes him one of the game’s all time greatest QBs!

Vince Young meltdown 

In a game vs. the Redskins, Young injured his hand.  When Titans coach Jeff Fisher put back up Kerry Collins in, Young became agitated and a childish tantrum ensued.  He paced the sidelines, swearing and mumbling to himself, and then tossed his shoulder pads and jersey into the stands as he stormed into the locker room at the end of the game.  That day was his last as the Titans’ starting QB.  Owner Bud Adams recently announced that Young will not be on the roster next season.  He will either be traded or released. 

Inconsistent fines by the NFL 

The NFL established a reactionary, subjective policy early in the season in response to a number of head injuries.  While we applaud their efforts to protect players, this policy fell short and needs to be revamped before next season.

Super Bowl XLV seat fiasco  

In the most technologically advanced and extravagant stadium in the history of football, Jerry Jones’ Cowboys Stadium came up short on the most important day for the NFL.  400 fans attending the Super Bowl were unable to be seated because their seating area was not completed in time.  The seats were valued at $800 and the NFL issued a refund of $2400 to each of those affected.  Fans had the option to watch the game in the $350 “Standing Room Only” section or on monitors in the North Field Club.  Despite these allowances by the NFL, fans were understandably upset.  There is no excuse for incomplete seating areas in a venue like the Super Bowl!

New York Jets Tripping 

The Jets Strength and Conditioning coach, Sal Alosi, admitted he intentionally tripped Miami’s Nolan Carroll as he raced down the sideline on punt coverage.  Alosi’s role in the NFL was to help players become physically stronger and healthier, yet he showed a complete lack of judgment when he tried to trip an opponent running at full speed.  Alosi was subsequently fined and suspended by the Jets.  Later, the NFL levied a $100,000 fine against the Jets.  Alosi announced his resignation from the team January 31^st.

The NFL’s decision to postpone the Eagles vs. Vikings game 

In late December, the NFL postponed the Eagles/Vikings game because of a predicted winter storm expected to dump 18 inches of snow on the city.  Since when does FOOTBALL get postponed due to weather?  This isn’t soccer and the NFL set a bad precedent by postponing the game when both teams were in the city and capable of playing.  Vince Lombardi must have turned over in his grave!

We hope you have enjoyed our review of our favorite ups and downs of this past season.  It truly was an exhilarating ride, but like any good roller coaster, seemed much too short!

Post Season Awards! Brady Earned NFL MVP, But We Still Don’t Have to Like Him

The Super Bowl is over and it’s time to reflect upon the past season.  What were the highs and lows?  What player or team was the biggest surprise and who left fans feeling disappointed?  Which coaching and owner decisions were successful and which were foolish?  There’s plenty to discuss about the 2010 NFL season and playoffs, but before we delve into these issues, let’s take a look at a few of the major post-season honors recently awarded to some of the gridiron’s greatest players.

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady was named the NFL’s 2010 MVP.  The award is bestowed by the Associated Press and voters consist of 50 members of the media from throughout the U.S.  For the first time, the vote for MVP was unanimous, with Brady receiving all 50 votes.  In 2007, with a 16-0 record, Brady received the MVP award with 49 votes. 

This season Brady passed for over 3900 yards.  With 36 TDs and a mere 4 INTs, his TD:INT ratio of 9.0 set a record for the highest ratio in NFL history.  The previous record was set by Brady in 2007.  Brady also set another incredible record this season with 334 consecutive throws without an interception.  His pretty boy looks, coupled with his exceptional athletic ability, make him one of the most popular NFL players among women – just not us!  But we will concede that he truly did deserve this award.

The 33 year old Patriots QB was also named AP Offensive Player of the Year.  He led his team to a 14-2 regular season record, the best in the NFL.  Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick shared the spotlight as well.  He was named NFL Coach of the Year, receiving 30 of the 50 votes by members of the AP.  Since joining the Patriots in 2000, Belichick has led the Patriots to 3 Super Bowl Championships, 4 Conference Championships and 8 Division titles.  This is the 3^rd time he has received Coach of the Year honors.

The NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year was a much closer vote, with Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu edging out Green Bay Packer linebacker Clay Matthews by just 2 votes.  Polamalu received 17 votes, Matthews earned 15 and fellow Steelers linebacker James Harrison received 8.  Polamalu had 63 tackles this season, along with 7 INTs in 14 games.  His game-changing play ability, coupled with his natural instincts, helped Pittsburgh earn its #2 defensive ranking and get them to the Super Bowl.  In the end, however, Clay Matthews earned the NFL’s most sought after award – a Super Bowl title.  His forced fumble in the 4^th quarter was a MAJOR momentum changing play in the game and helped seal the Packers’ victory.

Speaking of the Super Bowl, another award was given out Sunday night.  Aaron Rodgers became Super Bowl XLV MVP after he and the Green Bay Packers defeated Pittsburgh 31-25.  Rodgers completed 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards.  He had 3 TDs and no interceptions.  The victory was the first Super Bowl title for the Packers since 1997.

Finally, we come to an award that is perhaps our very favorite this post-season – the Comeback Player of the Year.  Michael Vick was recently honored with this AP award, receiving 29.5 votes.  After limited play in 2009 as a back up to Donovan McNabb, the 30 year old Vick began the 2010 season as a back up to Eagles QB Kevin Kolb.  When Kolb became injured in the first game of the season, Vick stepped in and his exceptional performances earned him the starting position for the rest of the season.  This season, Vick threw for over 3000 yards, 21 TDs, 6 INTs and had an impressive QB rating of 100.2.  His spectacular scrambling and running ability earned him 9 rushing TDs and almost 700 yards on 100 attempts.  After his 18 month incarceration for dog fighting, his success both on and off the field this season deservedly earned him the Comeback Player of the Year honor.

Stay tuned for more post-season discussion!  Next up:  the highs and lows of the 2010 NFL season!  With more drama than a cat fight on an episode of “The Bachelor”, this past season had many thrilling ups and downs that are both entertaining and interesting to look back on.  The season may be over, but a true fan never tires of gabbing about the gridiron!

Can the Packers’ Contain Polamalu and the Steelers?

Tomorrow is the big day – Super Bowl XLV is shaping up to be a classic.  Two tough, physical defenses look to make this a low scoring, hard hitting game.  Since we have Super Bowl party platters to prepare, let’s take a quick look at the Steelers’ defense.  Will the Steel Curtain be able to close the window on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers?  Here is our take on this crucial aspect of tomorrow’s game.

Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu was recently named the Associated Press’ Defensive Player of the Year.  He deserved it.  He is the leader of the Steelers’ #2 ranked defense and will be perhaps the number one threat to Aaron Rodgers in Super Bowl XLV.   Polamalu had 7 interceptions and 63 tackles in 14 games during the regular season.  Polamalu is a hard hitter, but what is most impressive about him is his natural and uncanny ability to be at the right place at the right time on the field.

Other key players on the defense are outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley.   Harrison enters Super Bowl XLV with 13.5 sacks, while Woodley has 12.  Woodley will pass rush on the right side of the Packers’ offensive line, forcing Rodgers to his left to throw.  This pressure could possibly impact Rodgers’ accuracy, so expect the Steelers to blitz Woodley all game.  Harrison has become notorious for his ferocious hits, as well as his ability to apply pressure to QBS.  Given Rodgers’ two concussions this season, the Packers will need to account for Harrison and keep him away from the pocket.

The Steelers have the #1 ranked rush defense and will likely limit the Packers’ running game.  Although Green Bay’s James Starks has established a running game late in the season, the Steelers should be able to contain him, forcing Rodgers to win the game through the air.

The Steel Curtain vs. Aaron Rodgers – who will win this intense battle of two powerful, unrelenting forces?  While it is hard to bet against the Steelers’ defense, we give the slight edge to Green Bay.  In order for the Packers to win, they will need to keep the ball away from Polamalu as much as possible.  Rodgers’ accuracy and quick release should allow him to make big plays downfield.  With the weakest part of the Steelers’ defense at cornerback, look for Rodgers to work the perimeter.

As we close out this week’s 4 part Super Bowl XLV analysis before the big day tomorrow, we have given the edge to Green Bay’s defense over the Steelers’ offense.  We also believe that Aaron Rodgers will find a way to score and prevail over the Steelers’ dominant defense.  Look for a low scoring, close game with Green Bay walking away with the Lombardi Trophy.

The Packers got to the Super Bowl with sheer guts and determination this year.  Finishing the season with an award named after their legendary coach – who believed in hard work and determination above all else – would be the perfect ending for Rodgers and the Packers.  Prediction:  Green Bay 24-Pittsburgh 21.

Flying Ace Aaron Rodgers is the Man in Command!

A few weeks ago, we wrote a feature about Aaron Rodgers being accustomed to being overlooked.  He was snubbed for the Pro Bowl.  He was not offered any Division I college scholarships coming out of high school.  He was passed over in the draft to a much lower spot than predicted and, finally, he had to live in the shadow of Brett Favre for three long years. 

Rodgers flourished “flying under the radar” in the past, but he no longer holds stealth status.  Instead, he is like a state-of-the-art fighter jet pilot.  On Sunday he will fly into Cowboys Stadium and try to blast the Steel Curtain to shreds on his way to winning the Lombardi Trophy.   Let’s take a look at Green Bay’s offensive weapons and what they need to do to overcome the Steelers’ #2 ranked defense.

Aaron Rodgers is indeed the “pilot” of Green Bay’s offense.   In the post season he has been soaring high, completing over 70% of his pass attempts for nearly 800 yards and an impressive 113 quarterback rating.  In those 3 playoff games, he threw for 6 TDs.  His accuracy and quick release have been a thing of beauty this post-season, rivaling the elegance and finesse of a seasoned Blue Angels pilot performing his aerial show.  Combined with his strength, often underestimated mobility and composure, Rodgers just oozes Super Bowl MVP potential.

Greg Jennings is one of Rodgers’ favorite downfield targets.  With 76 catches for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns, he received his first Pro Bowl bid this season.  Rodgers has other powerful weapons in his arsenal as well.  Twelve year veteran Donald Driver is the Packers all time leading receiver and has been selected for the Pro Bowl three times.  Jordy Nelson and James Jones have made great contributions this year, especially in third and fourth down situations.  With a number of offensive passing threats, Jennings is less likely to be in double coverage, which gives the Packers a greater scoring opportunity.

Most of the season, the Packers’ running game has been practically non-existent.   More recently, RB James Starks has been able to contribute to the rushing game which has helped balance the offense.  During the regular season Starks was injured and played in only 3 games, rushing for a mere 101 yards.  During the post season, he has accumulated 263 yards.  Facing the Steelers’ #1 ranked rush defense will likely limit Starks’, but his power and speed will get him the tough, short yardage when most needed.

Keeping pressure off Aaron Rodgers is a necessity for the Packers’ offensive line.  Rodgers suffered two concussions this season and a brutal hit to the head in the NFC Championship game.  The Packers cannot afford to let Rodgers take a blow to the head on Sunday.  The O-line is an experienced group, including Pro Bowl tackle Chad Clifton who has been on the team since 2000.  Center Scott Wells and left guard Daryn Colledge have played in their current positions since 2006.  While the O-line is not an outstanding unit, it adequately gets the job done.  Rodgers’ mobility and ability to get rid of the ball quickly help make up for this average O-line.

As we look at the overall Super Bowl scenario it appears that, offensively, the Packers will be forced to almost exclusively rely on Rodgers since the running game will be limited.  The key for Green Bay will come down to how effectively they can contain the Steelers’ intense pass rush and how well the receiving corps matches up against Pittsburgh’s secondary.  The battle should be intense, but Aaron Rodgers seems poised and ready to take command, just like the celebrated fighter pilot he has become!

Can Clay Matthews and the Packers Bring Down Big Ben?

The clock is ticking down to Super Bowl XLV and we are getting excited for this classic match up!  We’ve taken a look at Pittsburgh’s offense, focusing on the offensive line and the adversity it has faced this past season.  We believe that the O-line must win the battle in the trenches and allow a rushing game to develop in order for the Steelers to win.   Standing in their way is Green Bay’s defensive guru – Dom Capers.  Let’s examine Capers, some key players and the potential strategies Green Bay will use to stop Big Ben and company.

Defensive coordinator Dom Capers is considered one of the most organized and thorough coaches in the league.  He keeps volumes of notes and is a master at devising schemes that confound opposing offenses.  When he coached at Pittsburgh in 1992, he and Dick LeBeau, the Steelers’ current defensive coordinator, created and installed the 3-4 zone defense that the Steelers use today.  On Sunday, Capers and LeBeau face off against each other in a battle of defensive masterminds.  There is no doubt that both defensive coordinators will devise clever, well designed game strategies.  The game will come down to which team best executes those game plans.

In 2009, Green Bay lost to Pittsburgh 37-36.  Roethlisberger had over 500 yards passing and 3 TDs in that game.  Capers and his pressure oriented defense sacked Big Ben 5 times, but it wasn’t enough to throw the big, physical QB off of his game.  Mike Wallace also had a huge impact on that game.  He had a TD on the first play from scrimmage, as well as the game winning TD in the final seconds of the game.   Capers will likely use that 2009 game as inspiration as he draws up his 3-4, zone-blitz scheme to contain the Steelers. 

In the 2009 contest, Capers didn’t pressure Big Ben as much in the final minutes of the game because his deep coverage was falling apart and Roethlisberger was picking them apart.  He was only able to rush 3 or 4 players in the final minutes and the opportunistic Wallace scored on a 19 yard TD pass.  The Packers have cornerbacks Sam Shields and Tramon Williams to provide much better coverage than in the 2009 game, which should allow more Capers to rush more players towards the pocket and apply more pressure on Big Ben. 

Given Pittsburgh’s patchwork O-line due to injuries, Capers will look to exploit any suspected weaknesses.  With Pittsburgh standout center Maurkice Pouncey doubtful for Sunday, 6’ 2”, 337 pound nose tackle B.J. Raji is likely chomping at the bit.  Raji has become a YouTube phenomenon after he intercepted a pass in the NFC Championship game, returned it for a TD and proceeded to celebrate by dancing with his hands on his waist and wiggling his hips like he was in a hoola hoop contest.  Raji is the heaviest player to ever score a TD in post season play!  If Pouncey is out, Capers will look to disrupt his replacement – undrafted center Doug Legursky – and the dancing Raji may just be the one to cause that disruption.

Another potential mismatch exists between tenacious left outside linebacker Clay Matthews and Steelers right tackle Flozell Adams.  In last year’s game, Matthews annihilated Steelers tackle Max Starks as he sacked Big Ben twice and hit him hard three times.  Mathews also forced a fumble that eventually got overturned.  Big Ben is hard to bring down, but with Matthews’ success against him from last year, it is an advantage that Capers is sure to use, especially as he is lined up against the declining, older Adams, who is in his 13^th year in the NFL.  Both Raji and Matthews will try to disrupt the pocket all game long, pressuring Big Ben and causing a potential game changing turnover in the process.

The Steelers know they will need to run the ball to win and will count on Rashard Mendenhall to carry the load.   In the AFC Championship game against the #3 ranked Jets rush defense, Mendenhall ground out 121 crucial yards.  The Packers have a run defense ranked a mediocre 18^th in the league.  At first glance, that appears to give the Steelers a real advantage in running the ball.  However, Capers has deliberately designed his defense to allow opponents to gain 5 or 6 yards on 1^st and 2^nd down.  They use their nickel package, with 5 defensive backs on the field.  Capers’ strategy is that in passing to set up the run, this scheme gives the Packers a chance of creating an interception.  When it matters, Capers dials up a defense that stiffens to stop the run. 

Raji and tackle Ryan Pickett have been effective in stopping the inside run, which Mendenhall favors.  Matthews and linebacker A.J. Hawk will be called upon to stop Mendenhall from getting to the second line of defense.  In 2009, with much of the same defensive personnel in place, the Packers run defense ranked first in the league.  That is why the #18 ranking is so deceptive.  Capers has simply devised a different tactic that gives up short yardage on 1^st or 2^nd down, but can effectively stop the run on crucial third downs.

After looking at the matchup between the Steelers offense and Packers defense, we give the edge to Green Bay.  While Roethlisberger will undoubtedly make some clutch plays, we think Capers and his pressure oriented defense will slow down Big Ben’s scoring.  We also think turnovers by the Packers’ defense will play a pivotal role in the outcome of the game.  Clay Matthews missed the Associated Press’ coveted Defensive Player of the Year this season by the slimmest of margins (a mere 2 votes) to Super Bowl rival Troy Polamalu.  The relentless Matthews has something to prove and we feel he may very well be a critical factor in Super Bowl XLV.

Steelers O-Line May be Key to 7th Super Bowl Championship

This week, as we look forward to Super Bowl XLV, we will look at each team’s offensive and defensive units and what they need to do to be successful as they appear on the biggest gridiron stage in the world!   Today, we examine Pittsburgh’s offense, including its strengths, the challenges it has faced and the keys to holding off a very talented Green Bay defense.  While Pittsburgh is known for its defensive prowess, like the lore of the Steel Curtain, offensively the Steelers must have a big day if they want to walk away with their 7^th Super Bowl title.

Ben Roethlisberger is the face of Pittsburgh’s offense.  With 2 Super Bowl rings and an impressive record in post season play, he is a critical component to the Steelers’ success.  While he may not have the accuracy and poise of Peyton Manning, Big Ben can make the clutch plays needed to pull off a win.  He has grit and determination that does not quit and it is those attributes that have brought the Steelers to Super Bowl XLV. 

Big Ben’s 6’5” 240 pound frame has been essential this season.  His size and strength make it difficult for defenders to bring him down.  But Roethlisberger has faced a great deal of pressure since the offensive line has been plagued with injuries all season.  Right tackle Willie Colon was injured in July and missed the entire season.  Right guard Trai Essex missed 4 games early in the season, left tackle Max Starks was out Week 9 and left guard Chris Kemoeatu missed a game with an ankle injury as well.  Rookie center Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers’ first round draft pick last year, is the latest misfortune to affect the O-line.  Pouncey suffered an ankle injury in the AFC Championship game and it is unlikely he will play on Sunday.

If Pouncey does indeed miss the Super Bowl, it means that right tackle Flozell Adams will be the only offensive line player to have started every game this season.  Adams is a veteran who played for the Cowboys the past 12 seasons before being released by them this year.  This is his first Super Bowl appearance and as he returns to play for the Lombardi Trophy in Cowboys Stadium, we can’t help but wonder if Jerry Jones regrets his decision to let him go.

The adversity that the Steelers’ offensive line has lived with this season would have caused many teams to fail.  Injuries forced some O-lineman to play positions they had never played before.  Despite these challenges and Roethlisberger’s 4 game suspension early in the season, the Steelers found a way to win.  Against the Packers, they will have to be able to run the ball, which could prove to be especially difficult if Pouncey is out.  But in last week’s AFC Championship game, the O-line played what was arguably its best game yet.  Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 121 yards in that game, but more importantly he consistently gets the tough, short yardage when most needed.  In post-season play, the Steelers have scored on all 6 of their first and goal situations and Mendenhall scored 3 of those TDs.

When Mendenhall isn’t being asked to grind out some yardage, Big Ben will go to the air.  Roethlisberger will no doubt be pressured by Dom Capers’ defense.  Big Ben has the ability to escape pressure, but the Packers will be relentless with their very talented defensive unit, including linebacker Clay Matthews and defensive tackle B.J. Raji. 

With a strong pass rush from the Packers, the key for Big Ben will be to get rid of the ball quickly.  He has the ability to make quick passes, especially on crucial third downs, that can prove deadly to blitzing defenses.  Roethlisberger’s downfield targets include veteran Hines Ward, who was the Super Bowl MVP in 2005.  However, look for the younger players in the receiving corps, like Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown to play bigger roles in Sunday’s game. 

As a rookie, Wallace caught the game winning TD in a 2009 game against the Packers, just as the clock expired.  This season he led Pittsburgh with over 1200 yards and 10 TDs.  In the post season, rookie receiver Brown has been more of a factor, as Wallace has been drawing double coverage.

The Steelers face an intimidating defense on Sunday orchestrated by Capers who is simply a master at disguising his schemes.  Pittsburgh’s offense will face a daunting challenge trying to read and contain the defense, but they can triumph if their offensive line plays well.  While Pittsburgh’s O-line is often criticized, it has scraped and scratched its way to success amid much adversity.  For the Steelers to win, the O-line MUST contain the Packers so that Roethlisberger is not constantly shedding off defenders all day long.  If they can step up as they did in the AFC Championship game, the running game can be established and it will allow Pittsburgh to control the clock.  A running game will also force more Packers to the line of scrimmage and open up Big Ben’s passing game.   While Roethlisberger may indeed be the face of the Steelers offense, on Sunday it will be the O-line that determines whether they win or lose.

Art, Architecture and Football!

When Jerry Jones acquired the Dallas Cowboys in 1989 for $140 million dollars, it was viewed as a poor business decision.  The team was just an average team that was losing money.  The original Texas Stadium was a mundane steel and concrete structure that offered few amenities, except for some simple suites.  It did not have air conditioning and was suited only to football.

But the larger than life Jones eventually turned the team into the highest valued sports franchises in the history of the U.S.  He also built Cowboys Stadium, the site for this weekend’s Super Bowl XLV.  As we prepare for the big game, we thought we would share some background about this one of a kind, high-tech sports and entertainment venue. 

From the start, Jones wanted a larger, more luxurious stadium befitting his beloved Cowboys.  When they decided to build a new stadium, he and his family immersed themselves into the world of art and architecture so that they could be active participants in the design process.  They traveled extensively to visit everything from ancient ruins to the most modern, cutting edge architecture.

The Cowboys hosted a design competition to solicit ideas for the new stadium.  Ultimately they chose HKS – a Dallas based architecture firm that was relatively new.  The architects at HKS were all in their 20s and 30s.  They had never designed a stadium from scratch, but had worked on some renovations of other sports venues.  Jones chose the firm over the more established architects in the competition because of their unconventional ideas and the feeling that he could easily work with them.     

HKS put forth some basic themes for the stadium – transparency and light, clarity, flexibility and state of the art technology and communication.  Despite the stadium’s home of Arlington having mostly traditional architecture, including the nostalgic Texas Rangers ballpark, Jerry Jones and HKS decided upon a contemporary design that was suited not just for football, but a variety of sports and entertainment. 

Here are some fun, albeit useless, facts about Cowboys Stadium!  As you watch the Super Bowl this weekend, you can impress your family and friends with trivia about Jerry Jones’ amazing architectural feat!

Everything’s Bigger in Texas!

• The original budget in 2004 was $650 million, but when the stadium was completed in 2009, the final price tag was a whopping $1.2 billion.
• The 160 foot wide x 72 foot high digital media board hanging in mid-field cost between $40 – 50 million.  It weighs an unbelievable 1.2 million pounds and is suspended from the ceiling 90 feet above the field. 
• The two arches in the stadium are made of steel imported from Luxembourg.   They were made in Oklahoma and taken by truck to the site.  At 1225 feet, they are the longest single spans ever built.  Structurally speaking, there were far less expensive alternatives to the arches, like corner columns, but Jones wanted a modern look to the building and paid the enormous additional costs to make sure the stadium had the progressive look he desired.
• The roof is 661,000 square feet and is the largest of its kind in the world.  The domed top can open or close in just 12 minutes to cover the opening above the field.
• The stadium is approximately 3 MILLION square feet inside.  It is a quarter mile in length.  The Statue of Liberty could stand up inside the stadium.
• There are more than 80,000 seats, but the stadium was built with flexibility to expand the seating to over 100,000.

Sweet Deal!

• Cowboys Stadium is the only stadium with field level sideline suites, each with private patios.
• The luxury suites feature plush leather seats, flat screen TVS, private full service bars, private restrooms and removable glass panels that open up so that that the entire suite is open to the playing field.
• Suite owners and club seat ticket holders have exclusive access to the American Airlines Lounge and the Sony Lounge.  Each lounge is on the opposite side of the stadium and has 3 story atriums with windows that span floor to ceiling.

Field of Dreams

• There are 3 different synthetic fields at the stadium – one for NFL games, college games and high school games.  There’s also a blank field that can be painted to accommodate any other sport.
• The end zones each feature 5 retractable glass doors.  At 120 feet high, they are the largest movable glass doors in the world.   The doors can be opened in 8 minutes to create a 180 foot entry way into the plaza.

Let There Be Light

• HKS used light as a major theme throughout the building.  The use of glass and transparent materials allows patrons to feel like they are outside, rather than in a building.
• The roof retractable and is covered in a translucent material that brings in an abundance of natural light. 
• The retractable end zone doors are made of glass, so that even when closed, there is a feeling of openness.
• The roof and the base are connected by curved glass walls.  They are each 900 feet long and are fritted.  The frit is a pattern of very tiny dots on the glass.  The bottom of the fritted glass wall is 90% covered, while the top is 10% covered.  This allows for a unique play of light that sets different moods depending upon the time of day.

Stadium or Art Gallery?

• The stadium is filled with world-class, contemporary art.  Rather than the ordinary sports photos, statues of famous athletes and other sports-related items, the Jones’ decided to fill the stadium with the some of the most cutting edge art around.
• There are 21 pieces in the art collection, occupying almost 100,000 square feet of space.  Most of the major contemporary art museums do not have this much square footage devoted to art.

Cowboy Stadium truly is one of the most unique venues to have ever hosted a Super Bowl.  Its high tech, highly sophisticated architecture, combined with amazing works of modern art, make it the most cutting edge sports venue of its kind.  This Sunday, as you enjoy the intensity and action packed Packers and Steelers game, take time out to appreciate the beauty and sophistication of Cowboys Stadium.

Steeler Nation or Cheeseheads? Which Super Bowl Team Boasts the Best Fans?

In 2008, ESPN ranked all 32 NFL teams’ fan bases and determined that the Steelers and Packers were tied for first place.  Exactly what criteria were used to make this determination is unclear, but not many people would argue that these two teams have fiercely devoted fans.  After a “tiebreaker” by an ESPN writer who just happened to be a native of Steeler country, they ultimately named the Steelers’ fans the best in the NFL due in part to their sellout of 299 consecutive games.  Every home game since 1972 has been a sellout.

Pittsburgh’s fan base is referred to as “Steeler Nation” and their fans are indeed scattered throughout the country. How and why is there such a huge, nationwide following of the Steelers?  The answer can be traced to the decline of the steel industry and the emergence of the Steelers as a dominant force in the league.  When Chuck Noll became head coach, the Steelers ushered in a new decade of supremacy.  The 1970’s gave birth to many Steeler icons such as Terry Bradshaw, Jack Ham, Franco Harris, “Mean” Joe Greene, Lynn Swann and John Stallworth – just to name a few.  Is it any wonder that during that decade the franchise made the playoffs 8 times and won the Super Bowl 4 times?

The rise in the Steelers’ success occurred at a time when the steel industry began its decline.  In the late 70s to early 80s, steel mills shut down, causing major unemployment and the beginning of an economic crisis in the Pittsburgh region.  As a result, many people were forced to leave the area to find jobs.  When they left, they took with them their fervor and passion for their beloved Steelers.  Behold, Steeler Nation was born! 

Today, the Steelers’ black and gold clad fans are rampant wherever the team travels.  Waving their trademark “Terrible Towels”, they should indeed be considered one of the most loyal, fervent fan bases in the NFL.

So how does the Steeler Nation compare to Green Bay’s Cheeseheads?  Green Bay has the 2^nd oldest franchise in the NFL and, like the Steelers, their fans are loyal beyond measure.  Perhaps that loyalty can be attributed to the small town feeling associated with the team.  Or perhaps it is the fact that the Packers are the only non-profit, publicly owned professional sports franchise in the U.S., with nearly 112,000 shareholders, most of whom are Cheesehead-wearing fanatics!  On game day, nothing can compare to the70.000 screaming fans at Lambeau Field.  Their incomparable passion and dedication is certainly tied to the fact that most of these fans have an actual stake in the team!

So as we head into the Super Bowl, which team boasts the most devoted, fervent fan base?  Tune in on February 6^th and find out when these two fanatical groups meet in Cowboys Stadium for a real Texas showdown!  Jerry Jones’ egotistical vision built the largest, most state of the art NFL stadium in the country, with a seating capacity of over 100,000.  What better venue to host two of the largest and most dedicated fan bases in all of professional sports?  Even with this massive seating capacity, we have a feeling the stadium will be bursting at the seams!

Super Bowl XLV – Let’s Get Ready!!!

After a few days recovering from last weekend’s Conference Championship games, we’re back!  Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that on February 6^th, Super Bowl XLV will feature the AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the NFC Champion Green Bay Packers.  As the big day approaches, we will be bringing you all the latest player, coach and team news, as well as what we think the keys to the game are for both teams.  We will also include some features that look at some of the interesting and unique aspects of this year’s Super Bowl.

The Steelers are the oldest team in the AFC, having been established in 1933.  Pittsburgh has 6 Super Bowl championships – the most in the history of the NFL.  The Packers franchise was started in 1919 and they have the most league titles, twelve of which are prior to the establishment of the Super Bowl.  With two teams so rich in tradition, Super Bowl XLV is shaping up to be one of the greatest matchups in recent history. 

We hope you will join us over the next 10 days as we explore the on and off field storylines – like an in depth feature on Cowboy’s Stadium, a look at the very loyal and unique fan bases of both teams, a preview of the pre-game and half time entertainment, and of course, an in depth analysis of both teams!

As we prepare for next Sunday’s festivities, we want to share one of our very favorite tailgating recipes that will be a great addition to your Super Bowl party menu.  It is super easy and can be made the day before the big game.  Enjoy!

Touchdown Tortellini Skewers

Marinade: 

½ cup olive oil

4 Tbsp. sugar

4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Salt, pepper, oregano, basil

Cook one package of fresh tortellini (cheese filled).  I use the multi-colored tortellini to make it look more interesting.  Drain and rinse with cold water.  Add cubed Jarlsberg cheese.  I buy the pre-packaged wedge of Jarlsberg from the deli and use the entire thing, cubing them to approximately equal the amount of tortellini pieces I have cooked.  Add sliced pepperoni (use enough to approx. correspond to the number of tortellini and cubed cheese) and cherry tomatoes and place in marinade.  Refrigerate a few hours to overnight.

Place on wooden skewers or long football themed picks, alternating tortellini, cheese, and pepperoni.  I use just a small amount of the cherry tomatoes, usually one or two per skewer.  Place on tray and cover with plastic wrap.  Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Who Will Make it to the Super Bowl? Here are Our Predictions!

Today will determine who will be going to the Super Bowl on February 5th.  Will the Chicago Bears win today in the longest rivalry in the history of the NFL?  Or will the Green Bay Packers represent the NFC and make a run for the ultimate title?  In the AFC, will the Steel Curtain be lowered on the Jets or will New York find a way to soar above Pittsburgh’s tough, stingy defense?  Whatever the outcome, this is shaping up to be an electrifying day for gridiron fans!  Here’s our take on who emerges victorious today.

Chicago has home field advantage, but we think the Packers’ overcome the crowd, weather conditions and the Bears’ defense and win in a close game.  Aaron Rodgers is playing phenomenal football and we think he will do whatever it takes to win the game. The keys to a Green Bay victory are…

1.  Keeping the game from being one dimensional.  Most of the season, the Packers relied almost exclusively on Aaron Rodgers and the passing game.  When they found a running game, they became a much more balanced offense that is simply harder to defend.  The Bears have the #2 rushing defense in the NFL, which will make it a real challenge for Packers RB James Starks.
2. The Packer’s defense needs to pressure Bears QB Jay Cutler.  Last week against the Seahawks, Cutler had 274 yards passing and 2 TDs, but that was against a Seahawks defense that did little to pressure him.  The Bears have the #5 pass defense in the league, which means Cutler will be facing a much different situation than he did last week.
3. The Packers need to stop Matt Forte.  Forte poses a threat as a running back and a wide receiver and is peaking at just the right time.  If the Packers don’t have an answer for Forte, he may just win the game for the Bears – especially given the frigid, wintry conditions expected at Soldier Field today.  Since the Packers are better at pass defense than run defense, Forte could be a real game changer.

 

The Jets/Steelers game is a tough one to call.  Big Ben has the experience to take the Steelers into the Super Bowl and is hard to pick against.  But the Jets are coming off a huge upset win against the Patriots and sometimes sheer momentum is enough to beat even the toughest opponents. We pick the Jets in what should be another close one!  For our prediction to come true here is what has to happen.

1.  Real pressure on Big Ben.  Last week the Jets defense pressured Tom Brady, causing him to lose his rhythm.  Big Ben has the physical size, strength and mobility to escape that pressure.  For the Jets to win, they MUST find a way to disrupt the two-time Super Bowl winning QB.
2. Contain strong safety Troy Polamalu and head hunter linebacker James Harrison.  If the Jets cannot control these two defensive dynamos, Sanchez is in for a very long day – much of it on the ground looking up at the sky!
3. Make Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson key components in the offensive game plan today.  For the Jets to win, they must run a balanced offense, using their two RBs and using a game plan that allows Sanchez to make quick, short throws downfield.  This will be an enormous challenge, given the relentless rush defense of the Steelers.

Given all these seemingly impossible tasks, why have we picked the Jets over the Steelers?  Jets coach Rex Ryan has lost two AFC Championships in a row and simply won’t tolerate a third.  Combined with the momentum the Jets are on after last week’s defeat of the Patriots, we think he and his team will back up their season long tough talk with a victory over the favored Steelers.