Championship Sunday...get'cha popcorn ready

The NFL enjoyed a fantastic Championship Sunday last year. Both games were nail biters, and plays that you won't soon forget ultimately decided both contests. The Patriots and Giants won their respective wars of attrition, and the rest was history. This year's Championship Sunday could be even better, and yes...I got my popcorn ready.

The NFC kicks things off with a match up of quarterbacks playing at an MVP level. Atlanta's Matt Ryan showcases an offense that had not one...but two receivers with 1,100 plus yards. That's not even counting Hall of Fame to be tight in Tony Gonzales, who scored a touchdown in his first career playoff victory last week. The Falcons put up 30 points on a tough Seattle defense. The 49ers defense is equally tough, but can be scored on.

San Fransisco was a fumble or two away from reaching the Super Bowl last year, and this year's team is even more potent offensively. This year's 49ers have Colin Kaepernick under center, and all he did last week was put up 45 points on the Green Bay Packers. I say he because Kaepernick was unstoppable, both running and throwing. Haven't seen a post season performance like that since Vince Young in the Rose Bowl. One can only wonder what he has in store for a Falcons team that was torched this season by Cam Newton (over 700 total yards, 6 tds, no turnovers in two games this yr) and Russell Wilson (445 total yards, 3tds, 1 int last week). Should be plenty of fireworks in this one.

The AFC has a Championship Sunday rematch for the first time in 25 years...and if the Patriots and Ravens can even come close to last year's thriller, we should be in for a treat. Last week both teams combined to score 83 points, while giving up a combined 63 points. You do the math....#shootout. You should get plenty of bathroom break opportunities with all of the scoring in this one.

And let's not look at this as just a legacy game for retiring Ray Lewis. Tom Brady has a lot to prove as well. Yes, Brady is a first ballot Hall of Famer...but he hasn't won a thing since "spy gate". Coincidence? Maybe. But conspiracy theories won't continue to fall on deaf ears, so it would behoove Mr. Brady to get it done...soon.

Regardless of who advances today, us fans should still feel like winners. I got my popcorn...and I'm ready for some football.  follow @plcolter

Now who's Tebowing?

The Denver Broncos were eliminated from the playoffs in shocking fashion last weekend. The Baltimore Ravens are now looking at the Patriots. The Broncos are looking at what might have been. Half way across the country, I'm sure Tim Tebow had to be thinking..."Ha ha...I got y'all that far last year."

For all of the fanfare surrounding Peyton Manning and the winning streak, the Broncos were knocked out in the divisional round...again. We all know that Tim Tebow is too humble to ask this...so I will. Hey Denver...where was the improvement?

Last year Tim Tebow lead his Broncos to a divisional title and second round playoff appearance...the same as Peyton Manning. And Tebow actually won his home playoff start last year. In fact, Tebow's Broncos also went on a winning streak. Sure, he didn't throw for as many yards as Peyton Manning...and he never will. But this ain't fantasy football we're talking about, Tebow is a winner!

The New York Jets were beyond negligent by refusing to play Tebow...but I digress.

Who knows what Tebow could have done with this year's Broncos? (or Jets for that matter...but again I digress). Hopefully Tebow gets a fair shake at a starting job this off season. But you can't help but think that he was rooting for the Ravens. And loved every minute of it.   follow @plcolter 

So...what are you saying Dirk?

Dallas Mavericks star forward Dirk Nowitzki is frustrated. Frustrated with the front office's recent free agent failings. Frustrated with his injury. And frustrated with the current state of his team. In an interview that aired before Wednesday's game with the Clippers, Nowitzki stated...and I'm paraphrasing....

I would only leave the Mavericks to chase a ring. But since I have a ring, I think I'll finish my career here in Dallas. But I only have a few good years left and I don't want to play for a mediocre team.

Um...so what exactly are you saying Dirk?

It sounds like you're saying...get me some help this summer or get me outta here. But don't be passive aggressive about it. As comedian Kevin Hart would say...SAY IT WITH'YA CHEST!

Dirk Nowitzki is a local legend on two continents. A multiple all star player, league MVP, and Finals MVP. Dirk has done it all and is a sure fire Hall of Famer. He's earned the right to tell owner Mark Cuban...Look bruh..I'm gonna give you one more summer...if you can't land anybody...waive my no trade clause and ship me out. I'm too old for this.

And no one could blame him.

And Dirk...please don't try to spare the fan's feelings. Because if they were GM, they would ship you out of here for Dwight Howard yesterday. Fans root for the team...as long as we're winning, we don't care who's on the court.

Bottom line Dirk...You only have a small window of leverage left. If you're going to use it...us it with a swagger. SAY IT WITH'YA CHEST!  follow @plcolter

Hey Reggie Wayne...give it a rest

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Indianapolis Colts 24-9 in last Sunday's AFC wild card game. Ray Lewis made his triumphant return in the final home game of his 17 year Hall of Fame career. Lewis, a linebacker, lined up at running back on the game's final snap...then proceeded to do his squirrel dance one last time for the fans who supported him. One Indianapolis Colt thought it was disrespectful. Hey Reggie Wayne...shut the bleep up!

For one, Wayne would not have felt disrespected, or even cared at all, if the Colts would have won the game. And who cares if he feels disrespected? That was a Ravens home game. It wasn't like Ray pulled a T.O. and ran to the Colts 50 yard line to dance on the horseshoe.

Secondly, if the Colts felt disrespected by the whole Ray Lewis swan song extravaganza, then they are hypocrites. During their regular season home game finale, they played an emotional tribute to their embattled head coach, who was returning from a serious ailment. Everyone in the arena (including the visiting and division rival Texans) stood and applauded for several minutes prior to kickoff.

And you don't think that gave the Colts (who were playing at home) an emotional and competitive edge? It's a copy cat league Reggie Wayne. Take your loss like a man.   follow @plcolter

Let's keep the RG3 debate to Sunday's game

Yesterday's playoff game between Washington and Seattle was less about the Seahawks first road playoff win in forever. It was more about the Redskins franchise quaterback Robert Griffin III. RG3 injured his knee late in the regular season, and didn't seem healthy at all Sunday afternoon.

Controversy sparked when the Redskins team doctor stated he never cleared RG3 to return to the Baltimore game, the game Griffin was injured. Dr. Andrews also expressed concerns over RG3 playing against Seattle...and for good reason. RG3 was injured again and the coach is coming under fire.

Can we please leave the debate there?

Today a prominent radio personality used Griffin's injury to validate his claims that pocket passers are superior to dual threat quarterbacks. He basically said (and I'm paraphrasing) This is why you draft Andrew Luck over RG3. Griffin is the fancy sports car, and Luck is the reliable SUV. He stated...to be able, you have to be available. 

Duh....That goes for any position in any sport....but I digress.

This is not about Andrew Luck vs RG3. This is not about black or white. This is not about runner vs passer. It's all about winning. GET OVER IT!! Steve McNair was a great running quarterback. Troy Aikman was a prolific passing quarterback. Both careers were cut short...to injuries.

Now do I think RG3 should have been out there playing last Sunday? No I don't...

But let's please keep the debate there and not drum up that tired old debate about running qb's vs passing qb's. Both styles are winning in today's NFL.    follow @plcolter

2011...The forgotten QB class

The NFL playoffs are upon us...and all of the attention has gone to the three rookie qb phenoms Andrew Luck, RG3, and Russell Wilson. All three are deserving of praise. They all played great this year and they all took their teams to the playoffs. Lost in all of the fanfare is the fact the sophomore qb class has quietly put together a solid campaign themselves.

Christian Ponder lead his Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs in his second year, and that was without his best weapon Percy Harvin for the important playoff push. Yes, Adrian Peterson deserves the lions share of the credit, but RG3 and Wilson also had 1,500 plus yard rushers to carry them.

Andy Dalton has quietly taken his Cincinnati Bengals to the playoffs back to back years. The Bengals have not done that in lord knows when. He has a stud receiver in A.J. Green, and a solid defense. Dalton has a chance to be good for the foreseeable future.

The San Fransisco 49ers gave second year qb Colin Kaepernick his shot midway through the season, and he did not disappoint. He took the starting job from former number one overall pick and last year's starter Alex Smith. Kaepernick...and the 49ers have not looked back. San Fransisco is more dynamic offensively, and that's a scary thing considering the talent they already have on defense. Kaepernick definately has the potential to be really good for a long time.

And that's not including last year's number one pick Cam Newton...who quietly put together a solid sophomore season. He combined for over 4,600 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also cut his turnovers down. Most importantly, the Panthers improved their record each season with Cam under center. In a division with perennial playoff contenders Atlanta and New Orleans, Newton's playoff debut will be delayed. But surrounded with the right talent, there's no doubt he will make it there...and soon.

Bottom line, the playoffs are full of good young talent at qb. The game is in good hands for a long long time.     follow@plcolter

Lakers struggle...a conspiracy theory?

This just in...the Los Angeles Lakers are struggling, and theories are a plenty. First it was Mike Brown. Then it was Nash's injury. Then it was D'Antoni's system. Now it's because their old. While all of those may have some merit, the real person to blame is David Stern and the NBA.

Last off season the Lakers pulled off a trade that brought all world point guard Chris Paul to town. At the time CP3 was playing for the New Orleans Hornets...a team without an owner and being ran by the league. Well...David Stern (on behalf of the other owners) rejected a trade that would have featured arguably the best back court tandem in NBA history. Instead, Stern (on behalf of the owners) accepted a trade that sent CP3 to the Clippers. A team that, at the time, were a laughing stock.

Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant would have dominated the league together, so what if you lose Pau Gasol in the process. They would have had no need for Nash or (overrated over smiling) Dwight Howard. The Clippers became the high scoring high octane team, while the Lakers were left scrambling to pick up the pieces. Something about that just doesn't seem fair.

The conspiracy theorist in me can't help but implicate Michael Jordan. Every one knows that Kobe Bryant wants to tie Jordan's six championships. Everyone knows the Jordan Kobe comparison takes on a different spin if that happens. And everyone knows that Jordan is part owner of the Bobcats.

Could Jordan have spear headed the commissioner's decision to veto that trade? Would Jordan stoop that low in the spirit of competitiveness? I'm not saying. I'm just saying.    follow @plcolter

Titans keep coach...what about CJ?

The NFL regular season is only a few days old, but seven coaches and five executives have already been fired. The coach that lost four of his last six games, six losses by three or more touchdowns, the worst defense in franchise history, and a 6-10 record avoided "Black Monday". Happy New Years Titans fans...Merry Christmas Mike Munchak.

Titans owner Bud Adams elected to keep Munchak, which confuses me to this day (but I digress). Keeping a head coach with a 15-17 record his first two seasons could mean one of three things. 1. Bud Adams wants to save face (he personally selected Munchak after letting long time head coach Jeff Fisher go). 2. Mr.Adams is a homer (Munchak has been a part of the organization as a hall of fame player and coach since 1982). 3. Mr. Adams honestly believes this team as constructed has the leadership and talent to make the playoffs. If that is in deed the case...then you have to keep CJ right?

Chris Johnson is by far the most explosive and valuable player on the team, but cases can be made on both sides on whether his lofty 9 million dollar salary next year is worth it to keep him. On February 9,2013 Johnson's 9 million dollars becomes guaranteed.

If the Titans are expecting Jake Locker to progress, it will be in their best interest to surround him with as many weapons as possible. Johnson is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, and is incredibly durable. He has not missed a start due to injury since being drafted, and has never failed to reach 1,000 yards since becoming the Titans starter. There is also a serious drop off at back up running back, no one is even close to stealing reps.

On the other hand, Johnson's yards can be somewhat misleading. Yes...CJ is electrifying, but he never seems to have any impact runs. I can't remember a game where Johnson toted it six straight times to close out a victory. Or even an explosive run to tie or win a game late in the fourth quarter. During CJ2K's 2000 yard campaign, the Titans finished 8-8 and were no threat to make a super bowl run.

Kinda like this season, but if you keep Munchak, you have to keep CJ.   follow @plcolter

Denard Robinson injury a blessing in disguise

Denard Robinson finished his career as the quarterback with the most rushing yards in the history of college football. Ironically enough, he didn't even finish his career as Michigan's starting signal caller.

Robinson injured his throwing elbow on October 27 and hasn't thrown a meaningful pass since. I'm sure it was hard for Robinson to watch back up Devin Gardner take over and play so well down the stretch....he's obviously the future and Michigan should be excited. As for Denard, his phenomenal speed and natural running instincts kept him on the field the last three games...mostly at tail back. What had to be a disappointment for Robinson could actually be a blessing in disguise.

Denard "Shoelace" Robinson was no doubt a great college quarterback, but I have serious doubts about his chances playing the position in the NFL. He has two major strikes, small and inaccurate. He would be much better suited as a utility player, a Darren Sproles type player if you will.

With all of the rule changes, the NFL has become a wide open pass happy league.  Denard and his 4.2 speed could take advantage of that. Forced into action as that type of player the past few games, Robinson got a chance to show that he can be used (drafted) to fill a variety of roles. Robinson ran for 100 yards against a tough South Carolina defense in the Outback Bowl. He was equally explosive as the primary ball carrier against Ohio State the prior game.

The way that Denard handled his "demotion" was nothing short of classy. He's a character guy and a great athlete. I know that Robinson would like to prove to the world that he could do it as a quarterback on the pro level. That would not have ended well. Fate may have intervened in his favor.    follow @plcolter