The Playoff Party

The playoff party is in full swing now, and a few of the perennials still remain.

Indy drank too much early on and threw up in the bushes. Everyone laughed at that and watched the Colts run home in embarrassment. New England thought it would feel better in time for the party, but just couldn’t crack its fever. Many thought that the Chargers had worn out their welcome after bowing out the last few years, but somebody must have told them the address, because they’re here now – dammit.

Of course Pittsburgh is always one of the last to leave. Whoever happens to be hosting that year is typically glad to see them go when they’ve finally had enough. It’s always the same macho-supremacy-tough guy attitude with them; bullying everyone around them and making people take shots of awful liquor. Occasionally, the Ravens sneak in behind Pittsburgh, but eventually someone shows them the door. They can get ... a little crazy sometimes, which makes people around them nervous. But this year, we have a handsome newcomer: the Titans.

Earlier in the year, I argued – vigorously at times – that Tennessee would win the Super Bowl. It’s been correctly pointed out that they have many characteristics I look for in a team (see last blog), but now I don’t see them even beating Baltimore on Saturday. Aside from defensive formations, the two teams are essentially the same. Both rely on the running game and good defense, both have “game managing” qb’s, and so on. The reason I’m picking Baltimore is based on sheer star power from the Raven defense. Ed Reed is one of the best safeties ever, combining a brute toughness with an uncanny awareness. And while Vanden Bosch and Haynesworth will be ready to play Saturday, they don’t quite have what Reed and Ray Lewis bring to the field: the ability to preform the seemingly impossible task when the team needs it most.

Ravens 19, Titans 12



Mojokong -- Basil's 31 Flavors of Chaos.