Seahawks reaping rewards for their patience on rookie Wilson

By Kshell

The Seattle Seahawks are currently sitting right in the mix of the playoff race at 5-4 on the season. A big reason for the Seahawks optimism is the improved play of rookie quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson came under scrutiny after the Seahawks 2-2 star where he wasn't playing that well. Even I had jumped off the bandwagon and suggested that Pete Carroll go with Matt Flynn. Since that poor game in St. Louis the play calling has allowed Wilson to open it up a little bit more. Wilson since that game has played well vs Carolina, was terrific against New England, played bad vs the 49ers(tons of drops), played well vs Detroit and again was terrific vs Minnesota. Wilson currently leads all rookie quarterbacks with 13 passing touchdowns(yes more than Luck and RGIII). Wilson has rewarded Carroll's faith in him and the Seahawks are looking like a dangerous team.

What do the names Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Tony Romo and Cam Newton have in common? They all lost to Russell Wilson. Wilson has came a long ways since the beginning of the year. Some of that is due to the running game of Marshawn Lynch who has ran for 881 yards this year on 4.8 YPC with four touchdowns. Lynch is second in the NFL in rushing yards which has allowed Wilson to grow as a quarterback. The defense has also allowed Wilson to grow as the defense currently ranks third in points allowed and fourth in yards allowed. Due to that the Seahawks were able to survive Wilson's growing pains the first four weeks when they were only 2-2. Wilson in the last four weeks Wilson's play as improved greatly.

Wilson on the year is 145-234(62.0%) passing for 1,639 yards(7.0 YPA) with 13 touchdowns to 8 interceptions. He has also rushed for 155 yards and has a quarterback rating of 87.2. Now in the previous four weeks he has been exceptionally well. In those four games Wilson has been 66-109(60.6%) passing for 824 yards(7.6 YPA) with eight touchdowns to only two interceptions. He has ran for 63 yards and has a 100.9 quarterback rating.

The play of Wilson lately has been refreshing to watch as has the play of wide receivers Sidney Rice and Golden Tate. Sidney Rice this year has caught 32 passes for 421 yards(13.2 YPC) with four touchdowns. In the last four weeks he has caught 15 passes for 222 yards(14.8 YPC) with three touchdowns. Golden Tate has 24 receptions for 283 yards(11.8 YPC) with five touchdowns. In the last four games Tate has caught 14 passes for 139 yards(9.9 YPC) with two touchdowns.

The Seahawks offense only averaged 17.2 points per game in the first five weeks. In the past four games the offense is averaging 21 points per game. The play of Wilson has stopped fans from chanting "put in Matt Flynn" and appreciate that the Seahawks are growing as a franchise. The Seahawks are the type of team who is going to improve as the season goes on mainly cause they stuck with Wilson. Carroll sticking with Wilson will pay dividends like it did for Mike Holmgren when he stuck with Matt Hasselbeck. If the Seahawks make the playoffs fans should give the credit to Carroll for not pressing the panic button after the week four loss to the St.Louis Rams. Wilson's play recently has proven that the franchise is going in the right direction and that Wilson is the quarterback for this franchise for years to come.

Observations from Seahawks wild 14-12 win over Packers

By Kshell

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Green Bay Packers 14-12 on one of the more wild finishes in Monday Night Football history. We've all seen the catch by Golden Tate by now and I'll get into that play specifically in a moment as he hauled in the 24 yard game winning touchdown pass from rookie Russell Wilson. The shame in this controversy is so much of this game has already been forgotten which is what I'll be going over. The Seahawks more importantly are now 2-1 on the season and 18-8 all-time on Monday Night Football while being 14-5 all-time at home. This was a huge home win for Pete Carroll who has built this Seahawks defense into an elite defense. So in this upcoming post I'll just go over some observations of the game.

-  After looking at the replay of the final play it had appeared that the Packers M.D. Jennings had intercepted the pass. It was also obvious Golden Tate had committed an offensive pass interference.

Now I'll say this I think if the real refs had done this game the same call would have been made. It was in live action and it had appeared that Tate had caught it simultaneously with Jennings. The rule states that the offensive guy is rewarded the catch and that can't be reviewed. I also don't think the real refs would dare call an offensive pass interference as they  never call pass interference on Hail Marry plays either. I think this was a lot tougher call than people want to admit. I also believe had the Packers won this way there would be 1/10th the outrage. Nobody seemed to care after the Super Bowl XL loss or Vinny Testaverde scoring that phantom touchdown to beat the Seahawks in 1998.

-  It was a nice coming out party for the most scrutinized pick in the 2012 draft Bruce Irvin. Irvin as most of you know many said the Seahawks wasted a first round pick on. Well in this game he got after Aaron Rodgers quite a bit recording two sacks which gives him 2.5 for the year.

Irvin was brought in to create pressure on the quarterback and so far this year he has done just that. I also liked his flare for the moment as he did the "discount double check " dance after his first sack. I think Mel Kiper Jr did the Seahawks a favor as well by famously doubting the Irvin pick. Reading Irvin's twitter you can tell that fuels him which is nice.

Irvin is that pass rusher that Aaron Curry was supposed to be for the Seahawks. The Seahawks haven't had a pass rusher like him since Julian Peterson when they led the NFL in sacks back in 2007. Watching Irvin grow in this defense is going to be fun to watch for years to come.

- Chris Clemons was another great pick up by the Seahawks in the Carroll regime. He has recorded 11 sacks the last two seasons and recorded four on Aaron Rodgers in the first half alone. Clemons tied a Seahawks record for most sacks in a game with four other guys with four sacks.

For the year now Clemons has five sacks and with the addition of Irvin he can get even more sacks. The last two years he has been the only primary pass rusher for the Seahawks. With Irvin now in the fold Clemons will have help creating sacks which makes an already top 10 defense even more scary. This defense really doesn't have a weakness on their roster which is headlined by the pass rush of Clemons and Irvin as they sacked a hard quarterback in Aaron Rodgers eight times in the first half.

- Switching to the offense I felt Marshawn Lynch ran hard once again especially in the first half. Lynch finished with 98 yards rushing on 25 carries(3.9 YPC) as he ran for the tough yards. It was a grind for Lynch whose longest run was only for nine yards but he was consistently getting yards against those eight man fronts.

Lynch on 4th and two got the key first down which could have set the Seahawks up for the win. Lynch this year unlike Shaun Alexander is running well despite his contract. This season Lynch has ran for 305 yards(4.2 YPC) with one touchdown. Lynch has been steady for the Seahawks which they need him to be since they have a rookie quarterback. Lynch is the face of the franchise on offense and is the leader this offensive unit desperately needs. This was yet another great personal move by the Carroll/Schneider regime in acquiring Lynch.

- The passing game once against struggled which isn't all rookie Russell Wilson's fault. Wilson was 10-21 passing for 130 yards with two touchdowns but more importantly zero interceptions. Wilson also rushed for 18 yards.

Wilson did earn his first career 4th quarter comeback as well. For the year Wilson is 43-75(57.3%) for 434 yards(5.8 YPA) with four touchdowns to one interception with 66 yards rushing. The passing game must do more going forward but the key is Wilson isn't losing the game. Wilson was throwing the ball away constantly and gave up only one sack. For the second straight week and for the 10th straight quarter he didn't turn the ball over either. Wilson will eventually have to do more but for now he is growing in this offense which is exactly what Carroll wants.

- This was a breakout game for Golden Tate who finished with three receptions for 68 yards with two touchdowns. Tate who had the breakout game and last week had the monster block on Sean Lee is proving to be a football player.

Tate had a weird game as well. He showed his big play ability with that 41 yard touchdown reception in the second quarter on a beautifully thrown play action pass by Wilson. Then he appeared to be the goat as the Seahawks were facing a 4th and 3 from the seven yard line. Wilson threw a great fade to Sidney Rice only for Tate to be in the wrong spot and jump in front of the pass only to drop the ball which many thought lost the game. Only Tate would make up for it as Wilson would lob up the hail marry despite being three Packers defenders Tate went up and wrestled the ball to at least make the officials make a judgement call. They ruled it a touchdown and for Tate who was a second round pick in 2010 this was easily his biggest moment as a Seahawks wide receiver.

- Lost in all this madness was the Seahawks defense holding Tony Romo to seven points last week and Aaron Rodgers to 12 points this week(their only touchdown was bs but the national networks won't bring that up). The Seahawks defense currently ranks 4th in the NFL in yardage, 2nd against the run and 1st in the NFL in points allowed.

They shut the mighty Packers offense out in the first half as they recorded eight sacks. Then after the failed red zone play the Seahawks offense late in the game the Packers took over from their own 7 yard line with the Seahawks having just two timeouts. One first down and the game is over. The Seahawks forced a fumble on the first play but the Packers recovered it. The Seahawks defense forced the three and out to allow the crazy play to happen. This defense has been terrific this year. Clemons had four sacks, Brandon Mebane had two and Irvin had two sacks. The defensive secondary was incredible holding Rodgers out of the end zone and to only 223 yards passing on 39 pass attempts.

Carroll has built this defense as every player on that starting except for Leroy Hill and Red Bryant(who he moved to defensive end) were acquired by the Carroll/Schneider combo. They deserve all the credit for this terrific defense which looks to be the best in the NFL. It's a shame that call is overlooking the great job this defense had done.

- Great win for Pete Carroll in his third year as Seahawks head coach. Carroll now improves to 16-19 as Seahawks head coach but remember the team was 9-23 the previous two seasons he took over. He has built this defense from 25th in the NFL in points allowed three years in a row from 2008-2010 to 7th last year to 1st so far this year.

This Seahawks first half of the schedule is tough but they are 2-1 as they head on the road for four of the next five games. I like the direction that Carroll has this franchise going in. The defense is the best defense the Seahawks have had in over a decade probably back to 1997. This defense has no weaknesses and that reflects Carroll who has hit so many home runs as team president so far with the Seahawks. From the Lynch trade, to drafting Chancellor and Thomas, to acquiring Browner and Clemons when nobody thought much of them this franchise is going places.

This game will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Nobody will remember the blown calls both ways or that the Seahawks defense proved they are an elite defense by shutting down one of the better offenses in football. This game will be remembered on the final play of the game which is a shame as the Seahawks really played well on the national big stage. No credit will be given to the Seahawks though as the national narrative is Seattle "stole" this game which is fine. The Seahawks are 2-1 which they needed since the Arizona Cardinals are 3-0 and the San Francisco 49ers are 2-1. This was a huge win for the Seahawks and a lot happened in the first 59:52 of the game but unfortunately all anyone will remember is the final eight seconds.

Seattle Seahawks 2012 schedule is released!

By Kshell

The Seattle Seahawks 2012 NFL schedule has officially been released. This year the Seahawks will begin the season on the road against a divisional opponent like they did last year as they begin the year against the Arizona Cardinals. Their home opener will be the second week of the year as they take on the Dallas Cowboys. The Seahawks have two national T.V. primetime games as they take on the Green Bay Packers at home on Monday Night on week three. Then later on in week seven at San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night football. In this following post I'll give my two cents on each game while examing more games more deeply.

‎1 Sun, Sep 9  @ Arizona Cardinals (0-0) 1:15 pm PDT 

Previous meeting: Arizona Cardinals won 23-20 in 2011

These teams split the season series last year each winning on their homefield. The Seahawks last year went 7-9 while the Cardinals went 8-8. Both teams are hoping to return to the playoffs as Matt Flynn will be making his first start in a Seahawks uniform going up against Larry Fitzgerald and Cardinals offense.

2 Sun, Sep 16  vs Dallas Cowboys (0-0) 1:05 pm PDT

Previous meeting: Dallas Cowboys won 23-13 in 2011

This will be the Seahawks home opener as they take on the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have won the last three meetings against the Seahawks all down in Dallas. The last time the Cowboys played the Seahawks in Seattle was the memorable 2006 Wild Card playoff game. The Seahawks won that game 21-20 in a wild finish. That game is most memorable because the Cowboys were in position to win the game with a field goal. Instead holder and starting quarterback Tony Romo fumbled the ball and was tackled short of the goaline.  Romo's miscue still haunts him to this day as the following year with the #1 seed the Cowboys lost their first playoff game. Romo being called a choke artist started that night in Seattle. This will be Matt Flynn's first home start of his career for the Seahawks as well.

3 Mon, Sep 24 vs Green Bay Packers (0-0) 5:30 pm ESPN 

Previous meeting: Packers won 48-10 in 2009

This is an interesting matchup as Matt Flynn takes on his former team as the Seahawks take on reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have won three in a row against the Seahawks. Although last time these two teams played on Monday night it was in Seattle as the Seahawks won in the snow 34-24. The Seahawks have won five games in a row on Monday Night and have the best record in the NFL on monday night. This will be a special game as every game on Monday night is special.

4 Sun, Sep 30  @ St. Louis Rams (0-0) 10:00 am PDT

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 30-13 in 2011

The Seahawks have dominated this series losing just one time against the Rams since 2005 posting a 13-1 record against the Rams. This is a key divisional game as the Seahawks prepare for the Rams on the road. The Rams will be having a new head coach as Jeff Fisher takes over the Rams hoping to lead them to some wins as they have been horrible lately.

5 Sun, Oct 7 @ Carolina Panthers  (0-0) 1:05 pm PDT

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 31-14 in 2010

The Seahawks get their first taste of Cam Newton the electric quarterback. The Seahawks have never won a game at Carolina in franchise history as they are 0-2 all-time. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers to go to the Super Bowl in the 2005 NFC Championship game. That was then and this is now. The Seahawks will have a hard time containing Newton as most teams have.

6 Sun, Oct 14 vs New England Patriots (0-0) 1:05 pm PDT 

Previous Meeting: New England won 24-21 in 2008

The Seahawks host the defending AFC Champions New England Patriots as Tom Brady makes his first appearance at Century Link Field. Brady missed the meeting in 2008 as he was out for the season as the Patriots rallied to defeat the Seahawks during Mike Holmgren's last season. Brady however did defeat the Seahawks back in 2004 at home 30-20. This will be another fun game for Seahawks fans as the day before the USC Trojans who are expected to contend for a national title will be playing the Washington Huskies on the same field. For fans of Seattle the SODO area will be packed for that 48 hour run. This will also see the return of Deion Branch back to Seattle where he played with the Seahawks from 2006-2010 and was regarded as a bust. This will also be Pete Carroll's first game against his old team. He was the head coach of the Patriots from 1997-1999 before being fired for Bill Bellicheck. That worked out well for both as Bellicheck won three super bowls while Carroll became a legend at USC.

7 Thu, Oct 18 @ San Francisco 49ers (0-0) 5:20 pm PDT

Previous meeting: San Francisco won 19-17

Last year the 49ers won swept the season series from the Seahawks. This will be the second primetime game for the Seahawks as they travel to play at the defending NFC West champions 49ers on a Thursday Night game. This will be a short turnaround for the Seahawks who are 1-1 on Thursday Night games in this recent format. If the Seahawks wish to compete for a division title they'll have to beat the 49ers. Jim Harbaugh dating back to his days at Stanford is 4-1 all-time against Pete Carroll including last years season sweep.

8 Sun, Oct 28 @ Detroit Lions  (0-0) 10:00 am PDT

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 32-20 in 2009

The Seahawks take on a Detriot Lions team fresh off of making their first postseason appearance since 1999. The Lions last time they played the Seahawks blew a 17-0 lead as then rookie Mathew Stafford threw five interceptions. Now Stafford is no longer a rookie in fact he is a pro bowler who has led his team to the playoffs. This game is on the road at Ford Field the site of Super Bowl XL the place that gave the Seahawks the most heart breaking loss in franchise history.

 9 Sun, Nov 4 vs Minnesota Vikings (0-0) 1:05 pm PST

Previous meeting: Vikings won 35-9 in 2009

The Seahawks will be hosting the electric Adrian Peterson who still remains as one of the leagues premiere backs. The Vikings are in a transition right now unlike the NFC championship game bound squad the Seahawks faced back in 2009. Tarvaris Jackson the Seahawks backup quarterback also played with the Vikings. This will also be a homecoming for John Carlson who just signed a five year 25 million dollar deal with the Vikings.

10 Sun, Nov 11 vs New York Jets (0-0) 1:05 pm PST

Previous meeting: Seahawks on 13-3 in 2008

Tim Tebow will be playing at Seattle for the first time as who knows if he'll be the starting quarterback by then. Mark Sanchez the quarterback the Seahawks passed on will be entering a make or break season as will his loud mouth head coach Rex Ryan. The Jets who went to back to back AFC championship games in 2009 and 2010 are hoping to get back there. This will be the teams first meeting since Mike Holmgren coached his last game in Seattle as the Seahawks defeated the Jets in the snow 13-3 back in 2008.

11 Bye

12 Sun, Nov 25 @ Miami Dolphins (0-0) 10:00 am PST 

Previous meeting: Dolphins won 21-19 in 2008

Matt Flynn will be taking on the team he passed on to go to Seattle. The Dolphins were very much in the Flynn sweepstakes before losing out. This will be a cross country flight for the Seahawks who in the past haven't done very well in 10 a.m. games on the east coast. The last time these two teams played the Dolphins were enjoying an AFC divisional championship debuting the Wildcat. They have fallen on hard times since then because they still have yet to replace Dan Marino at quarterback.


13 Sun, Dec 2 @ Chicago Bears (0-0) 10:00 am PST

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 38-14 in 2011

In what will be the fourth trip to Chicago for the Seahawks in the last three years. The Seahawks have owned the Bears in the regular season winning the last three matchups including twice in Chicago. In the playoffs though the Bears have ended the Seahawks season twice. Last year the Seahawks crushed the Bears in Chicago behind a strong defensive outing. The Bears were banged up without Jay Cutler and Matt Forte. The Bears are always a tough match up especially on the road in Chicago.

14 Sun, Dec 9 vs Arizona Cardinals  (0-0) 1:15 pm PST
This will be the second matchup of the season for the Seahawks. In a strange scheduling by the NFL this will actually be the Seahawks first home game against a divisional opponent. The Seahawks have defeated the Cardinals the last two years at home and hope to do so again.

15 Sun, Dec 16 @ Buffalo Bills (0-0) 1:05 pm PST

Previous meeting: Bills won 34-10 in 2008

This game will be played out of this country as the Seahawks will be actually playing in Toronto which spoils what should have been the return of Marshawn Lynch to his old team the Buffalo Bills. The Seahawks traded for Lynch during the 2010 season and so far have been very happy with that trade.  Lynch provided a memorable playoff run to defeat the bounty hunting New Orleans Saints in the 2010 Wild Card playoff round. Then last year Lynch ran for over 1,000 yards first time a Seahawk did that since MVP Shaun Alexander did it in 2005. Lynch also made the pro bowl last year as the Seahawks sent five guys to the pro bowl. The Bills are a hurting franchise having not made the playoffs since 1999 when the music city miracle happened. The Bills are a decent team but as a Seahawks fan I'm thankful this december game is in Toronto in a dome and not in the horrid temperatures that Buffalo can produce in late December. This will also be the Seahawks last road game of the season.

 16 Sun, Dec 23 vs San Francisco 49ers (0-0) 1:15 p.m PST

This game has a chance to be very huge as the Seahawks take on the 49ers for the second time. Like year during the Christmas week the Seahawks will be hosting the 49ers in which will be pivotal game in the division title race. The Seahawks also might be developing a rivalry with the 49ers. There is no secret Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh don't like each other. I actually like that our head coach doesn't like another coach in our division. I always hate how Steve Sarkisian is so nice to every coach after getting his butt handed to him it's refreshing to see. With the addition of Flynn the Seahawks are hoping to take over this division. Beating the 49ers would be a nice start to doing just that.

17 Sun, Dec 30 vs St. Louis Rams (0-0) 1:15 pm EST

Two years ago these two teams played on the last game of the regular season and it came down to the division title which the Seahawks won the game 16-6. Can the Seahawks repeat history by clinching the division title on the last week of the NFL season? We'll sure find out. The Seahawks have won seven in a row at home against the Rams as they hope to continue this domination of the Rams. I like that the Seahawks have all three divisional games late in the year at home. If the division race is close you have to like the Seahawks.

Seahawks sign former Packers backup quarterback Flynn to three year deal

By Kshell

The Seattle Seahawks are hoping to strike gold once again at the quarterback position. The Seahawks signed Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn to a three year 19 million dollar deal that can be up to 26 million with 10 guaranteed. I wrote about this scenario last month about is Matt Flynn the answer? Well Pete Carroll is hoping he is the answer as his career in Seattle will be defined by what Flynn will do. Carroll whiffed on Charlie Whitehurst and Tarvaris Jackson. He is hoping now that Flynn can produce for him much like Matt Hasselbeck produced for Mike Holmgren. Now that Flynn is in Seattle fans are wondering just who is Matt Flynn? Where did he come from and why are fans so excited about acquiring him?

Matt Flynn was a seventh round pick by the Green Packers out of LSU Tigers. Current Seahawks General Manager John Schneider did give Flynn a fourth round grade. Flynn in his career at LSU passed for 3,096 yards(7.1 YPA) with 31 touchdowns to 13 interceptions while completing 56.1% of his passes. His first three years he sat behind eventual #1 pick overall JaMarcus Russell. During his senior year at LSU in the 2007 season Flynn completed 56.3% of his passes for 2,407 yards(6.7 YPA) with 21 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. He also led the Tigers to a national championship that year as the Tigers defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes to win the national championship. Flynn like I stated wasn't a big prospect coming out of college as he fell to the 7th round being the 209th pick overall. Flynn was drafted by the Packers not knowing if he'd even make the team since Brett Favre was coming off a pro bowl season and Aaron Rodgers who was already a first round pick had been sitting for three seasons. The Packers also chose Brian Brohm from Louisville in the second round to compete with Rodgers just in case Favre were to retire. Basically Flynn was a complete after thought of that draft. Then Favre retired that offseason then came back but the Packers decided to cut Favre loose opening a roster spot for Flynn.

In Flynn's first two years in Green Bay he sat behind Aaron Rodgers and had attempted only 17 pass attempts. Then during the third year Rodgers got a little banged up which allowed Flynn to make a start against the New England Patriots who had the best record in the NFL. In that game the Packers barely lost on the road 31-27 on Sunday Night Football but Flynn had made a name for himself. Flynn in that game was 24 for 37 passing(64.9%) for 251 yards(6.8 YPA) for three touchdowns to one interception. Then during the 2011 season Rodgers was enjoying an MVP season. As the Packers had wrapped up the #1 seed in the NFC the final game of the year was Flynn's chance to shine as he started against the playoff bound Detroit Lions. The Packers won that shootout 45-41 as Flynn impressed many scouts during that win. Flynn was 31 for 44 passing(70.5%) for 480 yards(12.6 YPA) with six touchdowns(new Packers record) to just one interception. That is when most figured Flynn was in for a big payday this offseason.

The market ended up drying up for Flynn as teams were scared that he could bust out like Matt Cassell and Kevin Kolb recently did. Due to those quarterbacks struggles the Seahawks signed Flynn to  a fair market deal and are hoping this is their new quarterback of the future. Flynn was signed by Schneider a guy who had drafted him in the 7th round but gave him a 4th round grade. Carroll has no acquired three quarterbacks in Seattle all of which were backups the year before. Unlike the previous two Flynn has actually showed some promise in the NFL. The Seahawks are a 7-9 team with five pro bowlers which features a top 10 defense. Flynn can be the guy to get the Seahawks over the hump much like Hasselbeck was this past decade.

The Seahawks made the smart safe move on a position that badly needed to be addressed. Carroll isn't emptying his checkbook on Flynn which will allow the Seahawks to boost their other needs in the draft and through free agency. Now with the 12th pick overall the Seahawks are now in a position to draft the best player available instead of reaching for a quarterback. I predict the Seahawks will draft a quarterback still probably in the third-fifth round range to develope him just in case Flynn doesn't work out. The great part about this deal is if Flynn doesn't work out the Seahawks are paying him slightly above good backup quarterback money so they can still acquire another quarterback. If Flynn works out he'll earn his bonuses therefore he'll be happy in Seattle. This was a move that had to be done and I'm glad the Seahawks have a new quarterback in town.

Eli Manning proves only ELIte quarterbacks win super bowls!

By Kshell

This past Sunday the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 to win their fourth super bowl championship. In doing so quarterback Eli Manning defeated Tom Brady for the second time in the Super Bowl. Eli playing in the house that his brother Peyton[Manning] built etched his name amongst the elite quarterbacks today. Eli [Manning] also proved a trend that has been developing in today's NFL as well. This year in the NFL you saw three guys pass for over 5,000 yards including Drew Brees and Tom Brady breaking Dan Marino's single season record for most passing yards in a season. This was the year of the quarterback as 10 quarterbacks passed for over 4,000 yards and 20 over 3,000 yards. Three quarterbacks threw for over 40 touchdown passes, five went over 30 touchdowns and 14 over 20 touchdowns. All this without four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning who missed the entire season. The proof is in the pudding if you don't have an elite quarterback you aren't winning a superbowl.

Besides putting up big numbers these elite quarterbacks are also taking home super bowls. In the last five super bowls(two teams so 10 quarterbacks) here are the following super bowl quarterbacks: Tom Brady twice(2 regular season MVP, two first-team all-pro's, seven pro bowls, single season record holder for touchdowns in a season and two SB MVP's), Eli Manning twice( two pro bowls, two SB MVP's), Ben Roethlisberger twice( Rookie of the year, two pro bowls), Peyton Manning(four MVP's, five first-team all-pro's, 11 pro bowls, SB MVP), Drew Brees( one first-team all-pro, single season record holder for passing yards, six pro bowls, SB MVP), Aaron Rodgers(MVP, one first-team all-pro, single season QB rating record, two pro bowls and SB MVP), and Kurt Warner(Two MVP's, two first-team all-pro's, four pro bowls and SB MVP). As you can see that is an impressive list considering seven quarterbacks have combined won nine regular season MVP's, 11 first-team all-pro, 34 pro bowls and eight super bowl MVP's. Since 2003 the following quarterbacks have won a super bowl: Tom Brady(three times), Ben Rothlisberger(twice), Peyton Manning, Eli Manning(twice), Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers. As you can see this is a quarterbacks league the days of Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson winning super bowls are over. Those quarterbacks I listed unless they self destruct will be going to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This is why the Seattle Seahawks must act fast because currently they don't have that quarterback(you could argue that they never have).

The Seattle Seahawks came a long ways since last year having five pro bowl players to the zero they've had the last two years. The Seahawks finished with the same record as last year at 7-9 despite a defense ranked in the top 10 and a running back who went to the pro bowl in Marshawn Lynch. The reason for the Seahawks struggles to put it simply was they had no quarterback. While not being bad Tarvaris Jackson also proved he isn't good either. Jackson has never made a pro bowl in his career. Last season with the Seahawks Jackson passed for 3,091 yards(15 games, 14 starts) completing 60.2% of his passes with 14 touchdowns to 13 interceptions on the season. His quarterback rating was 79.2 which looking at these numbers aren't bad. The problem is those numbers aren't good and like the previous paragraph stated you need elite quarterback play to be winners. Jackson is the defination of average to below average. In his career his rating is 77.7, has a completion percentage of 59.4%, touchdown to interception ratio of 38-35 and a starting record that sits at 17-17. Jackson is a servicable quarterback who can be a spot starter if your franchise quarterback is missing one to four games. Anything more from Jackson and your season will be doomed. Which is why the Seahawks must take some chances this offseason on landing that elite quarterback.

The Seahawks this offseason have three choices at the quarterback position and only three options. The first option is through the draft whether you trade up, wait for a guy to fall to you or grab him later on in the draft. The next option is to go hard for quarterback Matt Flynn of the Green Bay Packers who is set to be a free agent this offseason. The last one has the best possible short term value but also could be the most disasterous which is signing Peyton Manning. The Colts have basically said they are drafting Andrew Luck and both they and Manning are working on the exit strategy. Tomorrow in a piece I'll be writing I'll further explore this very topic on what the Seahawks should do going forward with their quarterback problem. If this piece has taught you anything is that the days of game managing quarterbacks hoisting the lombardi trophy appear to be dead for now. Sure Alex Smith, Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco can lead you to a title game appearance but those guys aren't playing on Super Bowl Sunday. Those guys aren't hoisting the Lombardi trophy either. The Seahawks franchise has already tasted title game appearances and super bowl appearances. We want the whole thing right now which is a Super Bowl championship trophy! If the Seahawks are to ever get that trophy they must find an elite quarterback or expect many more Super Bowl Sunday's where the confetti drops down and it isn't blue and green. If you want to win a championship you must acquire an elite quarterback there is just no way around it.

Fantasy Football cheat guide

By Kshell

Everywhere across the United States and perhaps the world fans are eagerly awaiting the 2011 NFL season. With the NFL season starting that means fantasy football drafts are currently going on. I'm in three leagues and I've drafted in one league with two more left to go. Now I'm afraid I'm pulling a Billy Beane in money ball where I'm telling my secrets so my opponents will catch up to me. In this following post I'll give some basic advice and give you some insight on what I think to do for fantasy football drafts. Keep in mind everyone loves how they drafted and a good chance the winner of your league is based on who played the waiver wire the best. I'll give plenty of basic advice to follow which should land you in the playoffs and hopefully win your fantasy football league(unless your playing with me of course). This is like in poker where I'll be telling you ABC poker.

I still think the number one rule is to attack the running back position. In a basic 12 team league you typically start two running backs and then one or two flex positions. In the NFL only 32 starting running backs with some of them sharing time you want to have the monopoly on running backs. For an example Arian Foster last year racked up 307 points in fantasy while the second place guy was Peyton Hillis who had 220.19 and 10th was Rashard Mendenhall 188.49 then Mike Tolbert was 20th with 140.91 points. Also pay attention to the depth charts as Foster last year typically went in the fourth-sixth round while Hillis was a free agent pick up. Foster scored 118.51(7.41 points per week) more than the 10th ranked running back. I personally like to have drafted two running backs before I take my first receiver and three running backs if not four running backs before I take my first tight end. Ideally in a PPR league you want running backs who rack up receptions so even if they have a poor reality game they still have a good fantasy game. The top five pass catchers at the running back position were Lesean McCoy(78 receptions), Arian Foster(68 receptions), Ray Rice(63 receptions), Peyton Hillis(61 receptions) and Darren Sproles(59 receptions). Those first four should go in the first round although Hillis and McCoy seem to fall out of the top 10 so don't hesitate to draft them.

In fantasy football like teams do in real life you always have to be prepared for injuries. Many fantasy owners saw their season go down the drain in 2008 when Tom Brady was injured first game. Now a smart owner will take a backup quarterback who has upside in round seven or eight. You always want to make sure you have insurance on your first round pick. If he is in a friendly offense take his backup. So if you have Michael Vick don't be afraid to draft Vince Young. If you draft a running back in the first round always take his handcuff even if he sits on your bench doing nothing. You don't want to be the Priest Holmes owner in 2005 when he was injured then Larry Johnson blew up. In general I'd avoid taking a quarterback in the first round. Last year Aaron Rodgers scored 290.43 points and the second highest was Tom Brady with 287.03. The 10th ranked quarterback was Eli Manning with 218.05 points, the 20th ranked guy was Sam Bradford with 172.24 points. The difference between the #1 ranked quarter back and the 10th guy was only 72.38 points(4.52 points a week) which is half the difference between the #1 running back and #10 running back. If you have a late first round pick I'd do what I did my last draft take McCoy first round then on the way back take Drew Brees or Rodgers. If you have an early pick don't take Vick instead take a running back then on the way back take another running back then in the third round take a Tony Romo type. The different between the #1 quarterback and sixth quarterback isn't that much.

Speaking of Michael Vick he is a prime example of my previous paragraph. How many Kevin Kolb owners last year screamed "oh crap!" when Kolb went down then some owner snatched up Vick off free agency? Andy Reid has a friendly offense so having Vick on your roster would have been a smart move. This year I think Vick is being grossly overrated in fantasy. Now is Vick great? Yes but to take a quarterback in the top three of your draft is just being crazy. With so much talent at the quarterback position just stick to running backs. Although Vick is very tempting because he can run and pass. Vick is injury prone so if you take Vick early take running backs next three picks then as a backup acquire someone like Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman or Kevin Kolb. Hopefully your league has a waiver pick up so the guy who has the least life who sits on the computer all day doesn't just pick up a bunch of players week one. Vick changed leagues throughout fantasy last year although he didn't win one fantasy title in the three leagues I was in. If anything remember to take a quarterback in round three and go with running backs you'll thank me when you make the playoffs.

In most fantasy leagues it pays to be balanced not fantasy football. Let your buddy be "balanced" as he goes running back, quarterback, wide receiver, and then tight end. Go unbalance and go running back, running back, quarterback then running back. At the end of the day it's about who has the most points and the running backs especially those who rack up receptions rack up the most points. For receivers Roddy White had the most points with 228.29, Dwayne Bowe was second with 219.74. The 10th rated receiver was Stevie Johnson with 178.55. The difference between the top rated receiver and 10th was only 49.74(3.10 per week difference). The 20th ranked receiver Mario Manningham scored 151.07 points which is only 27.48 from the 10th receiver(1.71 points difference). There isn't much of a difference between the top tier receivers and mid tier receivers then bottom tier receivers. The same goes for tight ends as Witten led with 169.80, Antonio Gates was second with 143.14 while Zach Miller had 107.66. The difference was 62.14(3.88 points difference). The difference between Gates and Miller was just 35.48(2.21) points. So while someone in your league takes the top rated tight end because he is head and shoulders above everyone else remember that Witten scored just 28.89 points(1.80 per week) more than the 20th ranked running back and just 18.73 more than the 20th ranked wide receiver(1.17 per week). Witten is also scoring 2.44 less points than the 20th ranked quarter back. Like I said let someone else be balanced while you build an unbalanced team that is smashing your friend.

I have one rule I always obey when drafting in fantasy football which is I always take a kicker in the last round. I simply don't care about having the best kicker. As some chase the top kicker I'll be taking my fifth or sixth running back while getting some really good value. The top kicker was the Oakland Raiders Sebestian Janikowski who scored 158 points, the 10th kicker was Mason Crosby with 124 points and the 20th was Gano with 111 points. The difference between the #1 kicker and 10th is only 34 points(2.1 points per week) and 20th kicker is 47 points(2.93 points). I'll take a kicker the very last round and let my opponent be "balanced" while I stock up on running backs. You want to buy your running backs in bulk because some will bust but some will emerge. You will kick yourself for passing on a sleeper back but you'll never kick yourself for passing on the top kicker. Same goes for defenses as the New England Patriots scored the most points with 182, the Pittsburgh Steelers were second with 169 points. The Dallas Cowboys were 10th with 132 points and the Cleveland Browns were 20th with 118 points. The difference between the top defense and 10th defense is 64 points(4.0 points per week). I tend to grab two defenses who are ranked like eighth and 12th somewhere in that range and play matchups I feel that is better than picking high on a defense. I noticed when one guy takes a defense or a kicker everyone copies. Just sit back and take stock up on running backs.

One last piece of advice is pay attention to the coach. Think what you want about Norv Turner but his quarterbacks thrive in his offense. Why Phillip Rivers despite losing Vincent Jackson keeps getting better. I drafted him in a keeper league in the seventh round back in 2007 and he guided me to a regular season fantasy championship in 2008 and won me a fantasy championship in 2009. Don't fall into the trap of the Denver Broncos passing numbers as Josh McDaniels is gone while John Fox who is more consertative is there. Instead look at Sam Bradford who McDaniels is now the offensive coordinator for. Other than Wes Welker avoid all New England receivers as Tom Brady likes to spread the ball around. One week your guy can blow up for you while the next week he does nothing for you. Mike Shannahan has a habit of producing good running games but he also likes to mix up who he starts. So keep an eye on who he is using at running back which it appears to be Tim Hightower so he could bust out. The key is knowing who is coaching your player if he leans on the pass or the run. Also draft guys on good offenses you don't want your team full of Seattle Seahawks or Buffalo Bills. You want plenty of players on high scoring teams which increases the chance of your guy scoring a touchdown.

In conclusion, if you remember anything from this post that is to go heavy on running backs. I know that is boring advice but that is winning advice. Don't worry about starting two receivers ranked in the teens and a tight end ranked lower than 10th. Just grab a top six quarterback and load up on running backs. If you go running back, quarterback, running back, and running back you'll make the playoffs. Just make sure to look on the waiver wire as plenty of big time guys emerge from the waiver wire. Hopefully your team can stay healthy as losing your first round pick is tough. Look at the tendancies of the coaching staff of the player you are drafting from. Keep in mind this is fantasy and not real life so although Tom Brady is the best quarterback in the NFL don't waste a first round pick on him. Also try to avoid all Seattle Seahawks other than Zach Miller as he is the only player worth starting on your roster. Hopefully you enjoyed my fantasy football advice. I know I may have pulled a Billy Beane where my opponents will close the gap on me but I welcome the challenge.

Rodgers leads Packers to Super Bowl win over Steelers 31-25!

By Kshell

The Green Bay Packers are bringing the Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown, USA. The Packers were led by Aaron Rodgers who will no longer have to look over his shoulder and see Brett Favre's shadow. Rodgers the Super Bowl MVP was near perfect in the win over the Steelers throwing for 304 yards with three touchdowns despite several drops from his receivers. The Packers took advantage of three Steelers turnovers and turned those turnovers into 21 points. Despite a late rally by the Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger the Packers were victorious. The Packers have won the Super Bowl for the fourth time in franchise history but first time since 1996 when Mike Holmgren and Brett Favre ran the show. The Packers will celebrate this victory while the Steelers will be kicking themselves as they blew their chance to become elite status. Both these franchises have young franchise quarterbacks so they'll have plenty of chances to get back to this big game. At the start of the year yours truly predicted the Packers would win the Super Bowl which you can read right here.



The Packers in this Super Bowl game never once trailed throughout the entire game. The Packers are dropping some early passes finally started to amount a drive against the Steelers defense. After a dropped pass killed the Packers first drive Rodgers as he would all game would hit his passes on the second drive. Rodgers would hit Jordy Nelson for a gain of nine to set up a third and one. Then James Starks would rush for eight yards for a first down to the Packers 37 yard line. After another first down conversation by Starks to the Packers 46 yard line. Rodgers would hit Brandon Jackson for a 14 yard gain to the Steelers 38 yard line. Then facing a third and one from the Steelers 29 yard line the Packers called for a play action pass to Nelson who had dropped an earlier touchdown. This time Rodgers hit Nelson for the 29 yard touchdown pass to the right corner of the end zone. The Packers would take an early 7-0 lead on the Steelers after a Rodgers touchdown pass.



The game went from bad to worse for the Steelers. After a holding penalty which backed the Steelers to their own seven yard line Roethlisberger would throw an ill-advised deep pass. That pass was intercepted by Nick Collins and was ran back 37 yards for the touchdown to give the Packers a 14-0 lead. Believe it or not that 14-0 lead was huge as no team had ever came back from 14 points down to win a Super Bowl. Collins did receive an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty which would give the Steelers good field position. The Steelers starting on their own 36 yard line would go on a 13 play 49 yard drive which would eat up over seven minutes in time of possession. The Steelers would have to settle for a Shaun Suisham 33 yard field goal to cut the score to 14-3. After the Packers would go three and out the Steelers would have a chance to grab momentum. Roethlisberger would be intercepted once again at midfield with four minutes to go in the half. The Packers would try to take advantage of Roethlisberger's mistake and put the game away.



Aaron Rodgers would waste little time to take advantage of the Steelers mistake. Rodgers would hit Jennings for a four yard gain then would hit Nelson for a gain of 16 yards to the Steelers 33 yard line. Starks would then run for 12 yards to the Steelers 21 yard line. Rodgers would then fire a pass down the middle to Jennings for a 21 yard touchdown with 2:24 left in the half. For Rodgers that would be his second touchdown pass of the first half. The Packers would take a commanding 21-3 lead against the Steelers. No team had ever came back from 18 points down in the Super Bowl. The Steelers would make a game of it right before the half though. You see you can't put a team who has won two Super Bowls in the last five seasons away that easily. The Steelers were left plenty of time to still try and salvage the half and get some momentum going into halftime. This is when Roethlisberger would finally start hitting his passes to make the game interesting.



The Steelers started on their own 23 yard line knowing that they must get a score or any hopes at a championship would most likely end. Roethlisberger on the first play would hit Antwaan Randle El for a gain of 37 yards to the Packers 40 yard line. The Packers on this drive would lose both starting cornerbacks Charles Woodson(2009 Defensive MVP) and Sam Shields. Facing a third and 10 from the Packers 40 yard line Roethlisberger would hit Hines Ward down the middle for a 14 yard gain to the Packers 26 yard line. Facing a second and nine from the Packers 25 yard line Roethlisberger would hit Ward once again down the middle for a gain of 17 yards to the Packers eight yard line. Then Roethlisberger once again hit Ward to complete the drive hitting Ward for an eight yard touchdown pass. Up until that touchdown Roethlisberger had five interceptions to just one touchdown in the Super Bowl. With that touchdown the Steelers close the gap to 21-10 at halftime. The Steelers trailed by just 11 points and the Packers two starting corners along with Donald Driver were out of the game.



The Steelers would begin the second half by three and outing the mighty Packers offense. After a poor punt and penalty the Steelers had the ball at midfield. The Steelers didn't even attempt a single pass on this scoring drive. The drive began with Rashard Mendenhall running for 17 yards to the Packers 33 yard line. Facing a second and seven from the Packers 30 yard line Roethlisberger would rush for six yards setting up a third and one from the Packers 24 yard line. Isaac Redman took the carry on the short yardage situation and ran 16 yards to the Packers eight yard line. That is when Mendenhall capped the drive with an eight yard touchdown drive to cut the lead to 21-17. The Steelers defense would three and out the Packers offense once again. The Steelers then went on a nine play drive to the Packers 29 yard line but Roethlisberger would get sacked. The Steelers would then miss the 52 yard field goal attempt.



The Steelers had all the momentum in the game and it had appeared they were going to complete the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. The Steelers with the ball on the Packers 33 yard line would hand off to Mendenhall who had crushed the Packers to that point but Clay Matthews would force the fumble. The Steelers would turn the ball over for the third time in the game. The Packers then had new life on their own 45 yard line. Facing a critical third and seven from their own 48 yard line Rodgers would hit James Jones who had dropped a few passes already. Jones made a great diving catch on the sideline for a gain of 12 yards to extend the drive. On second and 10 from the Steelers 40 yard line Rodgers would hit Nelson only Nelson would drop the pass. The Packers would have four drops on the game. Rodgers not losing faith in his teammate would hit Nelson on a key third down conversation for a gain of 38 yards to the Steelers two yard line. After getting sacked Rodgers would hit Jennings for an eight yard touchdown to take a commanding 28-17 lead with under 12 minutes to go. That would be Rodgers third touchdown pass of the game. The Steelers weren't willing to go away so easily though.



The Steelers with their season on the line would do what they've done all night which is answer back with a score of their own. After a Roethlisberger completion for nine yards he would hit Mike Wallace for 16 yards to the Packers 46 yard line. Roethlisberger would hit Wallace once again for 14 yards to the Packers 32 yard line. After a holding penalty and a pass of two yards Roethlisberger was facing a critical second and 18 when he hit Ward for a gain of 15 to set up a third and three from the Packers 25 yard line. On third and three Roethlisberger would hit Wallace on a perfect fade pass for the touchdown to cut the lead to 28-23. The Steelers would go for two to cut the lead down to a field goal. Roethlisberger in shotgun would run a play that you would see at Autzen Stadium with the Oregon Ducks. Roethlisberger would take the snap run to his left then option pitch it to Randle El who scored on the two point conversation. With seven and a half minutes to go the Packers would have the ball up only 28-25. This would be Rodgers defining drive and the biggest drive of his life. Like he had all night long he would deliver once again.



The Packers would begin this crucial drive from their own 25 yard line. Rodgers would get sacked on the first play of the drive. Then Rodgers would hit Nelson for a gain of nine yards. After a critical false start penalty the Packers faced the biggest play of their lives which was third and 10 from the 25 yard line. This is when Rodgers despite throwing three touchdowns in the game would complete the biggest pass of his life. He would hit Jennings on a seam pattern down the middle for a gain of 31 to the Steelers 44 yard line. Had the Packers failed there the Steelers would have great field position with over five minutes to go in the game. Starks on the next play would rush for 15 yards to the Steelers 29 yard line. Facing a second and nine from the Steelers 29 yard line Rodgers would hit James Jones for a gain of 21 yards to the Steelers eight yard line. After two short completions the Packers faced a third and goal from the five yard line which Rodgers pass hit Nelson in both hands but was incomplete. The Packers would settle for a Mason Crosby 23 yard field goal to go up 31-25. The Steelers would have two minutes and only one timeout left to try and win the game.



The Steelers would have one last shot from their own 13 yard line. Roethlisberger would hit Heath Miller down the middle for a gain of 15 yards to their own 28 yard line. After a pass for five yards to their own 33 yard line the Steelers would then have three straight incomplete passes. The last one hit Wallace in both his hands but was dropped. Steeler fans including Roethlisberger at the time would argue that there should have been pass interference called. There was no such call and the Green Bay Packers were going to win the Super Bowl! Head coach Mike McCarthy joins legends such as Vince Lombardi and Mike Holmgren as the third coach in Packers history to win a Super Bowl. The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had to sit his first three years after falling to the late first round. Remember the San Francisco 49ers debated on who to take with the first pick overall Aaron Rodgers or Alex Smith. Rodgers wins the MVP for the Packers and has now won as many Super Bowls as Brett Favre. Rodgers is creating his own legend in Green Bay and the Packers are experiencing a run of quarterbacks not seen since the 49ers had Joe Montana hand the torch over to Steve Young.

All in all the Green Bay Packers are the Super Bowl champions led by Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was 24 of 39 passing for 304 yard with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Rodgers would have a quarterback rating of 111.5 for the game. His counterpart Ben Roethlisberger would have his struggles early but played well in the second half. For Roethlisberger he would finish completing 25 of 40 passes for 263 yards with two touchdowns but two very costly interceptions. The Packers took advantage of the Steelers turnovers scoring 21 points off the Steelers three turnovers. The Packers themselves did not turn the ball over but were far from perfect. The Packers had a few dumb penalties but many were killed by dropped passes. Nonetheless the Packers led by Rodgers are the Super Bowl champions. Not like Ted Thompson and other Packers management needed "validation" on choosing Rodgers over Favre but today definately gave them that. The Packers are the world champions despite being in the smallest city in profesional sports. Nobody can ever take away this championship from Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers!

Observations:



- Mike McCarthy joins Mike Holmgren and of course Vince Lombardi as Super Bowl winning head coaches in Green Bay Packers history. When the Packers hired McCarthy he was a fairly unknown coach at the time. He had came from the San Francisco 49ers organization. McCarthy hired as head coach after the Packers went 4-12 in 2005. McCarthy was hired over Sean Payton who would join the Saints in 2006. McCarthy in his first year started off slow at 4-8 but the Packers won four in a row to go to 8-8. Meanwhile Payton led the Saints to the NFC title game so I'm sure some fans in Green Bay were thinking they hired the wrong guy.

In 2007 McCarthy in just his second season led the Packers to the NFC Championship game. Led by Brett Favre have a resurgence in his career the Packers hosted the NFC title game only to lose to eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants. That is when the Packers underwent a change which was rough for a coach entering just his third season. The Packers decided to say good bye to Brett Favre despite being one game away from the Super Bowl. The Packers traded him to the Jets for a third round draft pick(Which was traded to move up in first round to select Clay Matthews). In 2008 the Packers suffered only their second losing season since 1993 with Aaron Rodgers.

Last year was another tough year for the Packers and McCarthy. The Packers finally made the playoffs again only to lose 51-45 in a wild Wild Card playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals. What made the year so tough was that Brett Favre played for the Minnesota Vikings and swept the Packers. The Vikings also played in the NFC Championship game. The Saints with Sean Payton who the Packers passed on won the Super Bowl that year.

This year the Packers were the trendy pick to go to the Super Bowl. The first game of the year they lost starting running back Ryan Grant. The Packers lost 13 players to the IR including stud tight end JerMichael Finley. The Packers had heartbreaking losses this year losing six games by just 20 points. The Packers never once trailed by seven points at any point in this season(20 games including playoffs). The Packers were out of the playoffs with two games to go had to beat the Giants and then the Bears to advance. Then the Packers had to upset the Eagles on the road, Falcons on the road and then the Bears. Now the Packers are the Super Bowl champions and nobody will ever question hiring Mike McCarthy. Seeing how the San Francisco 49ers had McCarthy the whole time but never promoted him. Now McCarthy is kind in Green Bay. The previous two Super Bowl winning coaches have a street named after them when will McCarthy get his?



- What do Tom Brady, Kurt Warner, Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger all have in common? Won a Super Bowl right? Well that and those are the last four losing quarterbacks in the Super Bowl. Showing that possibly experience in the big game is overrated.

In three of those four guys cases(Warner lost to Roethlisberger) the Super Bowl winning quarterback had never played in the big game before. Brady lost to Eli Manning who before that year had never won a playoff game in his career. Then Peyton Manning lost to Drew Brees who before that year had just one career playoff win. Now Roethlisberger lost to Rodgers who before this year had played in just one playoff game in his career.

Just goes to show you that Super Bowl experience could be overrated as Super Bowl winning quarterbacks are losing to first time quarterbacks. The days of Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson and Rex Grossman starting Super Bowls appear to be over. In the past four Super Bowls all seven quarterbacks(Roethlisberger went twice) have gone to a pro bowl. Since 2003 only Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger have been to the Super Bowl in the AFC. While 10 different teams in 10 years have gone to the Super Bowl in the NFC since 2001.



- This Super Bowl will be remembered as the Super Bowl that Aaron Rodgers finally escaped the Brett Favre shadow. He has been terrific taking over for Favre throwing for over 4,000 in his first two seasons and just missing it in his third season as a starter in the NFL. In the life of the NFL though you are measured by what you do in the playoffs especially if you are a quarterback.

Rodgers heading into this year was 0-1 in the playoffs but that playoff game was hardly his fault. In his first career playoff start the Packers lost 51-45 in overtime where Rodgers threw for 423 yards with four touchdowns including a rushing touchdown and just one interception. This year Rodgers was also on fire in the playoffs passing for nine touchdowns to just two interceptions while rushing for two touchdowns. In his career in five games he is 4-1 while completing 67.8% of his passes for 1,517(305.7 per game) yards. Rodgers has thrown for 13 touchdowns to three interceptions with three rushing touchdowns in his playoff career with a rating of 112.6.

Another decision the San Francisco 49ers fans have to be kicking themselves over. Just like Tim Lincecum with Seattle fans Rodgers is from the Bay Area. Rodgers was stellar for California yet the 49ers chose Alex Smith with the #1 pick overall. The 49ers haven't been to the playoffs since 2002 while the Packers have had just two losing seasons since 1993. The 49ers could have easily had the Rodgers-McCarthy combo instead they sit at home wondering what could have been?

The Packers chose Rodgers although he wasn't a need. The Packers had Brett Favre already who never gets injured as he started 296 consecutive games in his career from 1992-2010. Rodgers was to good of a value to pass up with the 24th pick plus Favre had threatened retirement since the 2003 season. The Packers didn't want to be like the Arizona Cardinals this year where their quarterback retires and the franchise falls apart. Instead the Packers did what the 49ers of the 80's did which was trade a second and fourth round picks to acquire Steve Young. The 49ers had a nice transition from Montana to Young where they enjoyed great success from 1981-1998where they were the premiere team of the NFL.

All in all this is why the Packers are a great organization. Unlike the Seahawks who didn't draft replacements for Walter Jones, Matt Hasselbeck or Shaun Alexander the Packers drafted Rodgers. The Packers had a rough 2008 season but that was one season and now they are World Champions. Just remember Seahawks fans the Packers are mostly a roster of draft picks and the guy who did the drafting for the Packers is current Seahawks general manager John Schneider. The Seahawks are in good hands with Schneider unlike Tim Ruskell who appeared clueless when it comes to the draft. This Super Bowl win was also good for the NFL. Shows why the NFL is the best sport that a small city like Green Bay can hoist it's fourth Super Bowl Championship is incredible. In baseball they would have already moved same goes for the NBA but in the NFL they are one of the better franchises. Well this Super Bowl wraps up a great NFL season. Hopefully in September we'll have a season but we shall see. I'll continue to post about the labor stuff in the offseason so don't worry. What a great season and congrats to the Green Bay Packers on winning the Super Bowl!