Before I get started, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday. I apologize for my absence from this blog. I had recent gall bladder surgery, and I am happy to report that it went well. My recovery is going very well. I think I am ready to write a bit more, and I want to thank my editor, and blog owner, Eric Gargiulo for being such a wonderful, and understanding editor.

Now that I am back, I am ready to comment on where the 2012-13 season is after about three-fourths of the season has now past. This is a somewhat sad time for me. It signals the impending end of the regular season. I also have to realize that the playoffs will make January go by quickly, and after the Super Bowl, no more NFL till training camps in August. Waiting six months will be agony.

This point of the season is also when the experts start talking playoff scenarios. That is the fun part. Many scenarios are a little confusing, but some are pretty simple. It makes every game from Week 13 (which starts Thursday, 11/29/12 with Saints at Atlanta on NFL Network) on more important.

Let’s discuss some of the good, the bad and the ugly at this point in the NFL Season. If this were a horse race, the teams are going around the clubhouse turn. During the last 5 games, teams fighting for playoff position will be set down for the drive, and others will be just positioning for the April Draft.

The Good:

Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning’s Season Coming Off A Fourth Neck Surgery:

I admit that I was never the biggest fan of Peyton, but since my beloved WWE Superstar Edge was forced to retire due to his own neck issues, how can I not root for Peyton to do well? He has uplifted the Broncos to be an overall better team. His playing the QB position has been awesome.

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson’s Leading the NFL in Rushing Coming Off an ACL Tear:

Much like Peyton Manning, people were wondering when Adrian Peterson tore his ACL in November of 2011, if Peterson would be the same RB as he was. Well, Peterson did more than answer the bell. He is leading the NFL in rushing. Peterson is awesome, to say the least. If Manning and Peterson could somehow share the Comeback Player of the Year Award, that would be sweet.

Tom Brady and The Patriots Force Themselves Into The Conversation As One of The Top Teams In The AFC:

The so called “World Wide Leader,” ESPN, and their talking heads were all over themselves pushing the Texans, and the Ravens as the best teams in the AFC. By their records, those teams should have been pushed, even though the Ravens got away with a few lucky breaks in a few of their wins (Patriots, Cowboys, Steelers).

One team, the defending AFC Champion Patriots were sort of forgotten, and were dismissed due to their close losses early in the season. Lately though, the Patriots have dismantled the Colts, Rams, and ESPN favorite, the Jets, and put the Patriots right back in the discussion of one of the best teams in the AFC.

The Indianapolis Colts Supporting Their Head Coach, Chuck Pagano:

As someone who lost her father to cancer, (RIP) I know all too well how the disease destroys families. This story of the Indianapolis Colts , from top management leaving the light on in Coach Pagano’s office, to the players and cheerleaders shaving their heads is very touching. It is a great story of love, support, and dedication. The team’s record of 7-4, and being on the verge of a playoff spot is nothing short of miraculous.

The Rise Of Young Quarterbacks:

The NFL is seeing an array of young QBs taking over the NFL. From the dynamic Robert Griffin III, to the Colts rookie sensation, Andrew Luck, to the San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick, fans are being treated to the next generation of QBs. I think it is great, as one day, the “old guard” will be retiring, and the NFL will need new blood.

The Bad

The Number of Players Being Caught With PEDs:

This is really a shame. I mean, why do players need to take drugs to enhance their performance? Recently, Patriots DE Jermaine Cunningham, Seahawks CB Richard Sherman, and his teammate, fellow CB Brandon Browner were nailed with four week suspensions for PEDs. Don’t these guys realize that when they take these drugs, and get caught, that they HURT THEIR TEAM? It really makes me mad.

The NFL’s Hypocrisy On Player Safety:

This item could be a blog of it’s own. Anyway, in their match up against the Ravens at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders was hit in the head/neck area by Ravens S Ed Reed. The referee, at least, felt the hit was in the neck/head area, and threw the flag for the 15 yard penalty. Reed was suspended one game for being a repeat offender over the past three years. ESPN and others had a hissy fit, and Ed Reed appealed. The suspension was overturned, and Reed got a slap on the wrist with a 50,000 dollar fine.

The hypocrisy is that the NFL ruled Reed a “repeat offender.” Well, why then did they reverse their decision? It could not have been because ESPN’s talking heads lost their marbles over the fact that Reed would have lost 430,000 dollars of his salary? It couldn’t have been that Ed Reed is one of the network’s “Golden Children?” “Mike and Mike’s” Mike Greenberg gave the excuse that Reed could not tackle due to the torn labrum. Well, what in the heck is Reed doing playing then?

My point is, if Reed was deemed a “repeat offender,” then he should have been punished like one. The NFL backed down because he was Ed Reed. I shudder to think what would have happened if this had been one of the Steelers, particularly James Harrison. If a suspension was given to Harrison as a repeat offender, one should have been given to Reed also. The heck with what a bunch of crybabies at ESPN say.

The Ugly:

Happy Trails To You:

This is more geared to coaches/GMs that I am SPECULATING that may be fired after the season is over. I mean, from watching them after all these weeks, it appears to me that the respective team owners MAY want to make some changes.

The Carolina Panthers:

When I saw earlier this season that the Panthers fired their GM, I had a feeling that Coach Ron Rivera may be on borrowed time. I had heard that in previous interviews for other teams in the past, he had not interviewed well. However, he was given a shot here. I think, IF he is fired, the team needs an offensive coach to help out Cam Newton. The team may want someone to smooth out Newton’s attitude also. Cam is not used to losing, and his poor attitude needs to be straightened out.

The Dallas Cowboys:

That goofy petition to President Obama aside, I do agree with the sentiment of the group that Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones needs to step aside as GM, and let someone else “buy the groceries,” as former Cowboy coach Bill Parcells once said. I am sort of on the fence as to whether Jason Garrett keeps his head coaching job. The Dallas Cowboys have been overrated, in my opinion, for years. They haven’t done anything in over 15 years. I know Jones loves his team, but he can’t interfere in everything.

The Kansas City Chiefs:

This is another disaster area. I don’t know what the Chiefs will do. There are people not happy with Scott Pioli, the current GM. I am sure Head Coach Romeo Crennel will be gone at the end of the season. I am sure KC will be drafting a QB. I would dump Pioli also.

The New York Jets:

Wow. What to do with this dumpster fire. Owner Woody Johnson keeps insisting that the team is “not a circus.” I don’t think it is either, because that would be an insult to circuses. Circuses are well organized, and fun to watch. This team is unorganized, and not fun at all to watch. I mean, this team is the “butt” of all jokes.

Seriously, this team has been so bad this year. I admit that a couple of their big weapons, CB Darrelle Revis, and WR Santonio Holmes wound up on IR, and their bringing in QB Tim Tebow has not worked out as hoped, but something is really wrong.

I don’t see Rex Ryan being fired. I would not fire him. After all, his first two years, the Jets DID go from being an OK team to being one game away from the Super Bowl. Last year, and this year has not gone well, but Ryan has not forgotten how to coach. Of course, this is the same team who fired Eric Mangini who had the Jets at 9-7.

I WOULD fire GM Mike Tannenbaum. He’s the one who largely put the team together.
However, what the Jets do is another thing altogether.

The Philadelphia Eagles:

I had a very sad feeling that this year was not going to be a good year for the Eagles, and especially for Head Coach Andy Reid when Reid’s son Garrett died at the team’s training camp on August 6th of this year. I know that people grieve differently, and some people throw themselves into work, but I just think losing his son had to weigh on him as he coached. Owner Jeffery Lurie’s edict of the team needing to make the playoffs didn’t help the situation, in my opinion.

However, as the injuries to star players like Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, etc piled up, and the defense not being what it should, leading to Defensive Coordinator Juan Castillo’s firing, and his replacement Todd Bowles’ failure to make the defense better, it does look like Andy Reid will be coaching his last year with the team.

What will happen with star QB Michael Vick, I don’t know. As for Reid, if he wants to coach next year, trust me, he won’t be unemployed for very long.

Well, that is my review at the three quarter pole, so to speak. The 32 teams are rounding the far turn. When they hit the stretch, we will have to see who winds up with the Lombardi in February. Like the Kentucky Derby, it is a long stretch, from now (Week 13) until February 2, 2013, but like in horse racing, anything can happen.

Terri Bey currently blogs for CamelClutchBlog.com about Wrestling, NFL, and other sports/pop culture related subjects. Her work has appeared in BleacherReport and for F4WOnline.com. Terri can be found here at Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/TerriBey and at Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/giopontifan

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I will have to say one thing about James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His loud mouth is a gift that keeps on giving. I read his so-called “apology.”

I am still amazed how his calling NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a “devil” and all those names were taken out of context. I loved how he said that his use of that “slang word” was not meant to hurt “gay people in anyway.”

Really James? As far as I know, the only way I know that word is used IS to hurt gay people. He goes on to make his non apology-apology to his teammates, and such. I am still amazed that he spent four days with Mr. Solotaroff of Men’s Journal for this interview, and all of a sudden, when the crap hits the fan, he starts backtracking and saying “everything is being taken out of context.” From “my twitter got hacked” to “I was misquoted.” to “It was out of context.”- does ANY celebrity own up to what they say online or in print anymore?

All that being said, in my previous blog on Harrison, I discussed many of of the excerpts in said Men’s Journal Magazine where he throws teammates Rashard Mendenhall, and Ben Roethlisberger under the bus, and cries about Spygate, and insults players such as Rodney Harrison and Tedy Bruschi. However, there was something else he said in the article that really irked me. It was Harrison’s playing the race card. He basically implied that he was targeted because he was African American.

That just really annoyed me. I mean, really. I admit that racism exists everywhere, and sadly will never be eradicated. There is racism in the school systems, government, MLB, WWE, and even in the NFL I am sure, and heck, even I have been a victim of racial discrimination, but Mr. Harrison, I sincerely DOUBT that you have been a victim of racism by the NFL

Harrison specifically said from the article that the Steelers were targeted because they have“too much force, too much swag, and are predominantly black.” Has Mr. Harrison been hit in the head too many times? Most NFL teams are “predominantly black.” I mean, I am puzzled with what Harrison is trying to prove. If you look at a current NFL roster of just about all 32 teams, you can see that just about all of them are predominantly black. The only couple of teams that may not fit the mold may be the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots, and even those teams have a good number of blacks, so I don’t get Harrison’s point. He is being silly, and just throwing the race card just to throw it.

Another thing he said was “I slammed Vince Young on his head and paid five grand, but just touched Drew Brees and that was 20. You think black players don’t see this shit and lose all respect for Goodell?” James, James, James, again, this does NOT have anything to do with race. The NFL is going to protect Drew Brees, because he is a top QB. Brees is a Super Bowl MVP, and is going to get more protection. Brees is a marquee QB and he is going to get the benefit of the refs and the NFL. You do make a point as to why certain QBs get more protection than others (including your own QB), but I don’t think you got fined more for the Brees hit because he was white. I don’t think you speak for all black players either, honestly.

What I found interesting about all this is that I listened to a podcast from today’s Dan Patrick show and Rich Eisen from NFL Network was the guest and they were discussing James Harrison’s racial allegations. Eisen revealed some very interesting tidbits. Eisen started the interview by calling Harrison’s allegations “beyond the pale.” Eisen then tells Dan Patrick when there is a play in a game that could be considered a rules violation, the tape of it goes to the desk of Ray Anderson who is black.

Well, Mr. Anderson has to call Merton Hanks who is also black to decide whether the player needs to be fined or suspended. Commissioner Goodell makes his decision, and the decision is subject to appeal, and the gentlemen who handle that are Art Shell, and Ted Cotrell, who are both former coaches, and were both appointed by the NFL and the then player’s union which is currently a trade association.

The whole irony of all this is that James Harrison’s current team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, owned by the Rooney family. Dan Rooney, who is the owner, and who is the Ambassador to Ireland, created what’s known as the ROONEY RULE. The Rooney rule, established in 2003, states that a minority must be interviewed for openings in NFL coaching and senior football operation opportunities.

I mean, Dan Rooney is one of the people responsible for Goodell being the commissioner, and was the man who told Goodell he had the job. Goodell has done things to STRENGTHEN the Rooney Rule. Look, I am not a huge fan of the commissioner, but I seriously doubt that Harrison is being targeted due to race. This just plain stupid.

I am tired of people, be them athletes, or ordinary people yelling and screaming “race” every time something doesn’t go their way. It is an insult to people who are REAL victims of discrimination and who have REAL cases of discrimination. In the article, James Harrison does make some valid points about the arbitrary, inconsistent and illogical enforcement of the rules against illegal hits on defensive players.What UNDERMINES his credibility is his racially tinged comments, and his name calling, and other reckless comments. It is unfortunate, because I find Harrison to be a very intelligent, and articulate person.

Like Rodney Harrison said of James Harrison on the Dan Patrick show, the day prior, “James Harrison needs to shut up, and play ball.” Rodney also said, “He [James Harrison] needs to grow up.” I could not agree more.

Terri Bey currently blogs for CamelClutchBlog.com about Wrestling, NFL, and other sports/pop culture related subjects. Her work has appeared in BleacherReport and for F4WOnline.com. Terri can be found here at Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/TerriBey and at Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/missedgehead

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As an NFL fan, I am so ready for this lockout to end, and I am sure the players are as well. I am hoping they are all somehow getting themselves in shape physically and mentally for the upcoming (fingers crossed) 2011 season.

That being sad, I see that ONE NFL player, Steeler Linebacker James Harrison already has his big mouth ready. He did an interview in the August Issue of Men’s Journal Magazine that comes out this Friday, and there are excerpts that have already come out, and some of them are head scratchers.

Most NFL fans are aware that the NFL starting in the middle of last season, started cracking down on these ultra violent hits. I am a very old school fan. I am FOR SAFETY, but I watched NFL back in the day where you had guys like Montana, Elway, Bradshaw, Kelly, Stabler, Staubach, etc who were what I call “part of the team.” What I mean is that defenders like Mean Joe Greene, Bruce Smith, etc, etc were allowed to hit the QB. Today, you can’t hit the QB. Too many rules protecting them. Now, defenses can’t hit the “defenseless” runner, and all these nutty rules. I am all for safety, after all, there is life after football, but teams should be allowed to play defense, and the refs need to officiate the rules the same.

Quite a few defensive players are not happy with these knee jerk rule changes, and the most vocal of them is James Harrison. As most fans are aware, he has accumulated the most fines in 2010 due to these so called “illegal hits.” James Harrison has been very, VERY vocal against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. In this Men’s Journal interview, he really gets nasty, and I think he goes too far. Mind you, I am writing this blog based on excerpts, but when I read them, I HAD to say something.

In one excerpt, Harrison says “If that man [Goodell] was on fire, and I had to piss on him to put him out, I wouldn’t do it.” Harrison goes on to say “I hate him, and will never respect him.” Harrison then goes on to call Goodell an anti gay slur, and a “puppet,” and “dictator.” Really James? I mean, it is one thing to disagree with the Commissioner about the rule changes and such. However, calling him names and not giving him respect is wrong, and it is a bad example to set for fans, especially young ones. Unless the person in authority is doing something atrocious, he or she should be respected.

In another couple of excerpts,James Harrison STILL whining about the Patriots. He referred to former Patriot greats Rodney Harrison and Tedy Bruschi as “clowns.” Harrison also cries about how he ” should have another ring,” and moans about how “We were the best team in football in 2004,” and bawls about how “The Patriots stole our signals and picked up 90% of our blitzes [in the 2004/05 AFC Championship Game].” Harrison then pulls the Spygate card calling the New England Patriots , “Goodell’s boys.” He also made an idiotic comment about how the Patriots’ rings should be “rescinded but Goodell won’t do it.” Child please.

Earth to James Harrison, 2007 called, and it wants its scandal back. Enough with Spygate already. This is 2011. I mean, when the Chicago White Sox won the World Series in 2005, I don’t remember anyone bringing up the 1919 Scandal. Let the damn Spygate rest already. Besides, no one is going to “rescind any rings” like you said in the interview. This is not the NCAA. Besides, James, if the 2004 Steelers were all that, why were they nearly ONE AND DONE in the playoffs that year, or did you forget that? You all barely beat the JETS AT HOME in that division playoff. If that David Brien had made just ONE of those kicks, the 2004 Steelers would have been one and done. However, it is just easy to blame crap on Spygate. Honestly, I think YOU are the “clown,” James.

James’ hatred toward Bruschi and Rodney Harrison is quite evident, but I had NO idea he had some ill will towards his OWN TEAMMATES as well. Evidently, according to the football blog, http://www.profootballtalk.com, in another excerpt, James Harrison called out Steeler running back, Rashard Mendenhall a “fumbling machine,” in his criticism of Mendenhall’s performance in the Super Bowl. He also said that “Big Ben was not Peyton Manning. He just gets paid like him.” Harrison also went on to slam Ben about the picks he threw in the Super Bowl.

Again, earth to Harrison, what is up with you? Sure, you are going to bash other players, but YOUR OWN TEAMMATES??? What is wrong with you, man?? Mendenhall’s stats for the 2010 season was 324 carries and TWO fumbles. Yeah, yeah, he had the two fumbles in the playoffs, including that one in the Super Bowl, but seriously…..he is a “fumbling machine?” Really?? Now to Ben, GOOD GRIEF. James, there is already the misconception amongst fans and NFL players, and the biased commentators on both NFL Network and ESPN that Ben is NOT an elite QB like Peyton Manning. I don’t think it is necessary for a man who is his OWN TEAMMATE to reinforce that myth. I mean, to create unnecessary drama in the locker room is not being a good teammate. Sure, the Super Bowl loss hurts, but that isn’t a reason to throw your QB and other teammates under the bus.

For decades, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been “the model franchise.” The Rooney family have a reputation for being nothing but class, and having players on their teams who they consider hard working, and being of good character. In other words, they want players doing things the “Steeler way.” I mean, if a player acts out, they either ship up, or ship out. The past few off seasons have not been kind to the Rooney family . They had to put up with their players becoming pretty dysfunctional, and now more drama with James Harrison. What they will end up doing with Harrison remains to be seen, especially since he is saying this stuff during this lockout. I hope either the Steelers and/or the league come down hard on Harrison because he is becoming an embarrassment to the Steeler Organization, and an embarrassment to the NFL.

My final piece of advice to Mr. James Harrison: Grow up, and as former WWE wrestler, and Fozzy front man Chris Jericho would say, “Would you please SHUT THE HELL UP!!”

Terri Bey currently blogs for CamelClutchBlog.com about Wrestling, NFL, and other sports/pop culture related subjects. Her work has appeared in BleacherReport and for F4WOnline.com. Terri can be found here at Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/TerriBey and at Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/missedgehead

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The Vince Lombardi Trophy is the most coveted award in the most widely seen event throughout the world, the Super Bowl. The fight for the right to appear in Super Bowl XLVI will be a closely, a very closely contested one. Last year’s champs, the Green Bay Packers shocked the NFL betting world and won their 1st Super Bowl Championship under their new regime. But can they go on and repeat?

Other teams such as the New England Patriots have won 3 Super Bowls since Tom Brady and Bill Belichick hooked up and they are looking to add another ring to their collection as their time together runs out and the team becomes older. Another team, the Indianapolis Colts with quite possibly one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Peyton Manning, have only managed to climb the mountaintop once but are looking to engrave their name on the Lombardi Trophy and the world again, while solidifying their status as a legendary team. Lastly, you have the Pittsburgh Steelers who have flown under the radar, winning two Super Bowls with Ben Rothlisberger (29 years old) and were just one game away from getting a 3rd ring last year.

Let’s take a closer look at contenders who have won the Super Bowl within the last decade and the obstacles that they might face and the betting odds available.

Green Bay Packers – 13/2 (To win the Super Bowl)

The Packers surprised everyone last season and came on strong late in the season with the leadership of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers proved that the legend of Brett Favre is a thing of the past as he came up big, time and time again, in clutch situations against some formidable teams. Green Bay made it into the playoffs with a 10-6 record but that’s where they excelled. The Packers are a very deep team and you have to start with the heart of the defense Clay Matthews. Matthews attained practically every award that was given out. He was a first team all-pro selection, NFC Defensive Player of the Year, Butkus Award Winner, and Super Bowl Champion. The bloodlines run deep as Clay Matthews III puts fear into the eyes of an offense as he’s a young, active football player. Charles Woodson and Nick Collins also made the all-pro second team.

On the offensive side, we all know about Aaron Rodgers and what he can do. Last season, wide receiver Greg Jennings made the pro bowl and caught for 1265 yards and 12 touchdowns. Just think about it, the Packers won the Super Bowl and they were without injured tight end Jermichael Finley and running back Ryan Grant. The receiving core is very deep with Jordy Nelson, James Jones, and veteran Donald Driver. If Finley and Grant can come back healthy, there’s no telling how far that this team will go.

New England Patriots (7/1)

Tom Brady has one goal in mind and that’s to be the best quarterback that’s ever played the game. Adding a 4th Super Bowl title to his resume would put him right near the top of the list. Brady has limited time as he turns 34 years old this season and isn’t surrounded by the players that he had in 2008. The Giants pulled off a major upset of the undefeated Patriots, otherwise Brady would be looking for a ring to complete a full set on one hand this season. Tom Brady has always been underestimated. In college, Drew Henson was supposed to be the man at Michigan. In the pros, Brady was drafted very late. He made it a point to prove all of the non-believers wrong and he’s made his point emphatically. RandyMoss would love to re-join the Patriots and Brady but that remains to be seen.

Brady is surrounded by a bunch of blue collar type players that he makes better with his leadership. The Patriots have a grinder at running back in Ben-Jarvus Green Ellis. He’s a 1000 yard rusher and gives New England a solid but not flashy running game. The Patriots picked up a gem in Danny Woodhead. The Jets discarded Woodhead at the end of training camp and the Patriots made him a main cog in their well oiled machine. Woodhead isn’t the most talented player in the world but with the effort that he provides and playing under Brady, Woodhead is a major force on the team. Woodhead ran for 547 yards and 5 TD’s in 14 games. He also caught for 379 yards and 1 TD in making himself a double threat for the Pats.

The Patriots also have a wide array of blue collar receivers (that Brady makes better). Wes Welker is a great possession receiver and led the Patriots in receiving last season with 848 yards and 7 TD’s. Welker spread around the wealth with players such as veteran Deion Branch, Aaron Hernandez, and tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski caught 10 TD’s and the other receivers mentioned all caught for over 500 yards each. What did Tom Brady do? He threw for 3900 yards, 36 TD’s, and 4 INT. That’s about as perfect as a QB can ever play. Look for New England to duke it out with the New York Jets in the AFC East.

Pittsburgh Steelers (10/1)

I wanted to say that the Steelers have accomplished a lot since Ben Rothlisberger and coach Mike Tomlin took the reins in the Steel City. Two Super Bowl Titles and an appearance in last year’s Super Bowl is nothing to take lightly. There have been talks that Rothlisberger held off surgery on an injury that he still has, so be on the lookout for any upcoming news. Rothlisberger doesn’t put up huge numbers, he’s just clutch and can roll out of the pocket and spot the open man. Of course he has longtime superstar Heinz Ward to throw to and Ward is a veteran and a solid receiver that always seems to have a smile on his face. Let’s not forget leading receiver Mike Wallace who caught for 1257 yards and 10 TD’s. Heath Miller is one of the best tight ends in football. Pittsburgh is solid in this area.

In the running back position, the Steelers have one of the best in Rashard Mendenhall but they need Mendenhall to stay healthy because they lack depth. Mendenhall ran for 1273 yards and 12 TD’s.

On the defensive end, the Steelers have 3 players with 100 or more tackles last season. Lawrence Timmons, James Farrior, and James Harrison lead a tough defensive team in the Steel Curtain. Let’s not forget about fan favorite Troy Palomalu and his long locks while picking up 7 interceptions on the season.

I know the numbers seem good but I think that the Steelers were lucky to get home field advantage on the Jets in the AFC Championship game and make it to the Super Bowl. They rolled in the 1st half but the Jets clearly outplayed the Steelers. This is a team with an immature QB (who was suspended the first 4 games of the season) and I think that he’s taken them as far as he can. Green Bay proved it. Pittsburgh will always play a tough game but I would look for a drop off from them in 2011.

Indianapolis Colts (16/1)

This is a team that’s not getting the credit with the lines makers. With all of the injuries that they had to endure last season, they were still able to make it to the playoffs at 10-6 after winning their last 4 games. The championships won’t say it but they have the best pure QB in the game in Peyton Manning. Manning is like a coach on the field. Time is getting short for the connection of Peyton Manning and his lead 1000 plus yard receiver Reggie Wayne. Manning is 35 years old and it’s now or maybe too late. Manning reminds me of all time great Dan Marino. Marino never had great support but had a great arm and the respect of his football team. Marino never won a Super Bowl and thankfully for Peyton, he has. In my estimation, one more Super Bowl Championship for Peyton Manning and people could possibly consider him the best of all time. Although his support hasn’t been great at times and his team has been subjected to a lot of injuries, he needs that 2nd title.

Manning was missing some major pieces last season due to injury. Running back Joseph Addai, tight end Dallas Clark, wide receivers Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez were all out of action due to injury. Indy’s leading rusher was Donald Brown with 497 yards. The fact that the Colts still managed to go 10-6 is a testament to the heart of their players.

Manning was able to incorporate receivers Jacob Tamme and Blair White into the offense. It’s amazing because these aren’t household names. Running back Dominic Rhodes came on late in the season and Addai and Rhodes make a nice combination with the passing of Manning. Peyton threw for 4700 yards last season. The man just finds ways to win.

The Colts will be legitimate contenders. I think that they’re a bargain at 16/1. The Super Bowl will be played at Lukas Oil Stadium (their home) in Indianapolis. If that’s not incentive, I don’t know what is.

New Orleans Saints (16/1)

I must be quite frank about the Saints; I don’t think that they’ve got much of a chance to pick up another title. Drew Brees didn’t look like the accurate, confident passer from the season before. A lot of those throws were inaccurate and it resulted in 22 interceptions. Brees is a very intense player and look for him to improve upon that. The Saints will be tested in week 1 when they face the Packers.

One problem that I see is running back Reggie Bush. He’s not happy with the situation in New Orleans and that’s instant trouble. He’s never lived up to the hype and let’s just say that he’s no Marshall Faulk. The Saints were lucky enough to pickup Mark Ingram in the late 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Expect Ingram to be everything that Bush isn’t.

Marques Colston provides the Saints receiving core with a 1000 plus yard season every year. He’s a consistent and reliable target for Brees. The Saints have some solid receivers in Lance Moore (763 yards, 8 TD’s), Devery Henderson (464 yards, 1 TD), and Robert Meacham (638 yards , 5 TD’s). At tight end, they have the controversial Jeremy Shockey. Shockey has been a mere average tight end in the NFL, never living up to expectations with the New York Giants. He’s learned to tone it down in New Orleans.

In my opinion, the Saints are going to have a tough time competing with teams who aren’t even on this list such as the Eagles, Falcons, and the Giants. The Giants have won a championship fairly recently but they failed to qualify for the playoffs last season and were left off.

The Eagles have a very deep receiving core, led by DeSean Jackson and the quarterbacking of Michael Vick. This team is a legitimate threat to go to the NFC Championship game.

I also think that Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons had a spectacular season in 2010. They just need a little experience. This is a team with a star at every position and shouldn’t be written off. The Falcons finished the season at 13-3 and have acquired 1st round pick Julio Jones in the 1st round of the draft. Add in Michael Turner, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez and you have a Super Bowl contender.

What to look for?

This article is about the teams that are contenders and have won before. The Indianapolis Colts fit the title accurately. Not only that but they’re at a very generous 16/1 with Peyton Manning quarterbacking the team. They’ll be healthy this season and if they can get to the Super Bowl game, it’s curtains for the opponent because they’ll be on their home field. Peyton Manning makes everyone better. He and Reggie Wayne still have a lot left in the tank. I like the Colts in this spot to win the Super Bowl and for Peyton Manning to win his 2nd NFL Championship

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A new Madden 11 roster update is available and kudos for EA Sports for updating the Madden rosters for one last time. Players have been moved from I.R. back to team rosters and ratings adjustments were made for update #19. Congrats to Aaron Rodgers who now moves into the elite 99 club.

I have to give the developers of Madden 11 a ton of props this season. Madden 11 rosters were constantly updated throughout the season more regularly than ever before. While we can sit here and debate player ratings for the next year, just the fact that the developers would offer updates at times on a weekly basis reflecting the current NFL was a much needed improvement over past years where it would take months to get a roster update.

Madden roster update #19 has over 320 transactions, rating adjustments and depth chart moves. According to the EA Sports blog, “we have had nearly 5000+ total roster moves this year in over 20 weekly roster updates.” You really can’t ask for much more as a Madden gamer can you?

The newest Madden 11 roster update will be the last. Unfortunately there haven’t been any big moves yet in the NFL that would be reflected on Madden. The nice part of this update is that all of those NFL players on injured reserve are put back on the active roster. This way you don’t have to go through the roster and make the necessary adjustments the next time you play Madden 11 online.

NFL player ratings have also been updated to reflect improvement or decline in a player’s skill set throughout the season. As stated above, the big news in this update is the recognition of Aaron Rodgers and his great 2010-11 NFL season. Rodgers joins a very small and elite 99 club. The immediate recognition of Rodgers may also be a tipoff as to the Madden 12 cover player. Sorry Green Bay Packers fans but the Madden Curse may be coming to Lambeau Field.

On the flip side, the new roster update also reflects players who declined or had a subpar 2010-11 NFL season. Nnamdi Asomugha and James Harrison are bumped out of the elite 99 overall club. Other notable increases/decreases include;

• Michael Turner dropping a point to 92
• Anquan Boldin dropping to an 89
• DeAngelo Williams dropping to an 89
• Matt Forte increasing to 90
• T.O. and Ochocinco dropping to 86
• Miles Austin bumped to 90
• Tim Tebow bumped to 76
• Ndamukong Suh bumped to 90
• Greg Jennings increased to a 94
• Jacob Tamme bumped to 82
• Jamaal Charles increased to 94 (better than Michael Turner?),
• Brett Favre decreased to an 82
• Eli Manning decreased to an 88
• LaDaninian Tomlinson decreased to an 85
• Mark Sanchez bumped up to 82 (no respect huh Jets fans?)
• LeSean McCoy increased to 88, Frank Gore decreased to 93
• LeGarrette Blount bumped to 81
• Donovan McNabb dropped yet again to an 82

To get the update, go to the online mode and try and start an online Madden game. The game will then offer you the chance to download new rosters. Download the rosters, save them, and you now have your update. Make sure you save them after they are downloaded, or you will have to do it all over again. All in all it is a pretty painless process and works the same for all consoles. Xbox 360 gamers will have to purchase a Gold Membership if you don’t already have one to get the update.

For details on the entire roster update and the latest Madden news, visit EA’s Madden Blog by clicking here. for some of the info.

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SUPER BOWL XLV OVERVIEW
As America scarfs down their nachos and wings and pizza and beer on Sunday evening, while taking in lame commercials that some ad agencies created from their colons, you may notice that, in between commercials, a football game is taking place.

Indeed, the forty-five incarnation of the Super Bowl takes place between two teams with feisty defenses and nearly infallible quarterbacks. The Green Bay Packers had to play ‘road warrior’, mounting dominant first halves on Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chicago en route to “Jerryland” in Dallas. On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers with a first round bye, outworked Baltimore in a come-from-behind win, and then built up a big enough lead on the Jets that New York couldn’t quite overcome. Now matched up head to head in Dallas this Sunday night, one side has to give. Can Ben Roethlisberger overpower Green Bay’s poaching zone defense? Or will Aaron Rodgers navigate Pittsburgh’s stifling linebacker coverage?

TEN QUESTIONS

1. How did Green Bay dominate Chicago so early?
Aaron Rodgers is on a crazy roll right now. Unlike Peyton Manning and Tom Brady this playoff season, I haven’t once seen Rodgers look timid, nor have I seen him second guess himself. The opening drive in which the Packers went downfield on a tough Bears defense, Rodgers just patiently made his reads and racked up first down after first down before scrambling in from one yard out for the score. A 14-0 halftime lead was built, and Jay Cutler was taken out of the game with a knee issue that became the source of controversy. The only reason that the game even became close is because Green Bay was unprepared for third stringer Caleb Hanie, and the kid was playing with a sense of “even if I fail, I won’t get blamed.” Matt Forte was held to 70 yards rushing, and the Packers prevented just about any big play.

2. How was Pittsburgh able to run up the score on the Jets in the first half?
The Steelers’ first possession of the game ate up around ten minutes of clock, and even the best defenses can’t go ten minutes on the field without being deflated. To let Pittsburgh keep the clock rolling for that long and end up with a touchdown, it’s demoralizing. Compounding the problem is that the Jets could not answer back, instead watching haplessly as Pittsburgh added 17 more points in the second quarter. A team like Pittsburgh can strangle a quarterback, and Mark Sanchez seemed wholly unprepared to throw a counter punch after the Steelers chewed up that first quarter. The Jets offensive line, considered one of the stronger lines in the league, allowed Ike Taylor to fly in and clobber Sanchez, forcing a fumble that William Gay took in 19 yards for a touchdown, at a point in which the Jets couldn’t afford to give ground. Pittsburgh simply dominated when it mattered.

3. Is Aaron Rodgers capable of navigating Pittsburgh’s defense?
What did I say earlier about Rodgers playing with no fear? You don’t want to play stupid against Pittsburgh, but there’s no sense in being conservative against Dick LeBeau’s new “Steel Curtain” either. Rodgers, of course, is the former type. He’s completed 15 passes between 20 and 39 yards this postseason, far more than the second place quarterback (Jay Cutler with 7), and, as mentioned, led Green Bay down field on Chicago on that opening drive without hesitation. Pittsburgh, of course, has kept up their defensive pressure all postseason; the Steelers have two defensive touchdowns (one off of a fumble, the other on a pick six), and have seven sacks over two games, including five against Baltimore. Rodgers has developed a quicker release on his throws due to offensive line woes (particularly last season), and it’s up to him to make sure the Steelers coverage doesn’t shadow his range of vision.

4. Is Ben Roethlisberger the most underrated quarterback in football?
This would be Ben’s third trip to the Super Bowl in just seven seasons, and the troubled quarterback is a win here away from tying the likes of Troy Aikman and Tom Brady, while bringing him a ring away from equaling Joe Montana and his famed predecessor in Pittsburgh, Terry Bradshaw. It’s time to start making the argument that Ben is, in fact, one of the best quarterbacks ever. His career stat line may not be as staggering as Brady’s or Peyton Manning’s, but Ben Roethlisberger has them trumped in another category: fourth quarter comebacks. Roethlisberger possesses 26 game winning drives, and 19 fourth quarter comebacks in his impressive career, including Super Bowl XLIII, when he found Santonio Holmes for the improbable touchdown. In 2010, Roethlisberger led four victories in the fourth quarter, including two over Baltimore (the December late comeback, and the playoff third down bomb to rookie Antonio Brown).

5. Which offensive player of Green Bay’s would be most effective?
My money would be on Greg Jennings. In three games this postseason, Jennings has put up 17 catches for 239 yards, albeit with zero touchdowns. That’s okay, because against Pittsburgh, getting downfield is a moral victory unto itself. Because let’s face it, trying to run on the Steelers is like running in concrete shoes. James Starks and Brandon Jackson, and even John Kuhn, are going to find themselves getting swarmed. Rodgers, if he can find time like he’s been able to, can sidestep as much of the rush as possible and start firing bullets downfield. Jennings is his ideal target in this situation; not many number one corners can shut him down completely. If Rodgers uses a deep passing game to at least enter the red zone, from there he has more options with the shorter field. An offense is more confident running the ball with daylight in their sights.

6. Which offensive player of Pittsburgh’s would be most effective?
This is where Rashard Mendenhall would come in handy. The Eagles and Falcons stupidly tried to force throws into Green Bay’s abyss of a zone defense. For as effective as the Packers zone is, you can burn them with runs. This is a defense that, during the regular season, was giving up 4.7 yards a rush. How can a team get away with that as a Super Bowl contender? That’s easy, getting turnovers. Green Bay’s zone employs some of the most complex and confusing blitzes that a quarterback will see, and the lack of comfort afforded him leads to blindly-thrown interceptions, and “never had a chance” fumbles. While Roethlisberger is known for his clutch capabilities and supreme confidence, it doesn’t mean that Pittsburgh won’t defer to Mendenhall early and often. After all, Pittsburgh challenged New York’s defense with that opening drive; expect them to try the same on Green Bay.

7. Which part of Green Bay’s defense matches up best with Roethlisberger?
Just about any quarterback would struggle to fight off Green Bay’s complicated blitz, given the layers of uniqueness that Dom Capers keeps adding to the charge. Clay Matthews, perhaps better than any Packers defender, stands the best chance of making Roethlisberger have to do it all himself. Despite the 4.7 yards per carry average that Green Bay allows, Matthews can still chase down the fastest running backs in the game. If you take the edge away from Mendenhall and Isaac Redman, that leaves the middle. Problem here is that Maurkice Pouncey may not be able to go with a busted ankle, and he’s been one of the difference makers for that offensive line. If he can’t go, or he’s less than optimally effective, that’s more pressure that the linebackers will be capable of bringing. Roethlisberger won’t mind throwing so much, but take away the run, and the Steelers become predictable.

8. Which part of Pittsburgh’s defense matches up best with Rodgers?
We may as well be living in a parallel universe, because Pittsburgh’s linebackers provide the most pop for their defense. I feel like I could rewrite the previous paragraph and just modify some of the names, but let’s keep this fresh. James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, James Farrior, and Lamar Woodley have a combined 30.5 sacks this season, and that’s in addition to helping the Steelers became the NFL’s most superior run stopping unit. Rodgers’ move is to scramble to his right to avoid pressure, and then make a quick read before throwing, and this is where Pittsburgh will do their most damage. Get to Rodgers early, and Green Bay has to readjust with tight end help. If you take away Rodgers’ various options deep, he needs to take a little longer to find a good read. I predict at 6 or 7 Rodgers passes will be thrown out of bounds.

9. What part of Pittsburgh can Green Bay exploit the most?
Since the Packers have been good at building early leads this playoffs, and the chances of them doing it on Pittsburgh’s defense are a little slimmer, it’s time for Pittsburgh to take advantage. While Green Bay has a crippling zone defense, their man to man coverage is, for whatever reason, flawed. Roethlisberger, if he can fight off the blitzes that’ll be thrown his way, needs to take advantage by completing his passes early. Anytime you can render a zone ineffective, you force a defense to either go deeper into the playbook to dig their heels in with unseen blitzes, or you force them to go man to man. Charles Woodson thrives on zone coverage, and that’s kept him playing at a high level. But get him man to man on Mike Wallace without a safety nearby, and that can become an easy six points. Point blank, Pittsburgh must score early.

10. What part of Green Bay can Pittsburgh exploit the most?
Green Bay’s calling card has been their ability to force turnovers. 24 interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries on the season means that my previous paragraph would be easier said than done for Roethlisberger. Baltimore had the right idea in round two, making Pittsburgh pay dearly for a pair of fumbles in their own territory. Green Bay simply cannot relent in their pass rush, as well as their run stopping. Keeping Roethlisberger off the field, especially taking him out after a turnover, is in Green Bay’s best interests. Much like Pittsburgh needs to build an early lead, as does the Packers. Their second half defenses have faltered (nearly coughing up the Eagles and Bears games), and Roethlisberger is not the guy to face in the fourth quarter. Getting to Roethlisberger early on would remedy the need to try and hang on late, and it keeps Aaron Rodgers in the driver’s seat.

ANALYSIS
While many are anticipating a low scoring, mud-slinging, defensive fight to the death, I truly believe we’re going to see something a bit closer to a shoot out, much like the Steelers-Cardinals Super Bowl of two years ago. If Green Bay can put up points early, they’re not out of the woods, because Roethlisberger seems to enter a cheat code in the fourth quarter that turns him into the Tasmanian Devil. Pittsburgh, should they exert themselves on Green Bay with high scoring early, have to know that if Mark Sanchez can lead a near comeback victory on them, Aaron Rodgers can most assuredly top it. It’s a game where both teams have to be on their toes for all sixty minutes. Both teams can force turnovers, and they can institute comebacks out of scratch. In the end, I predict a less-than-a-touchdown win for Pittsburgh, by holding off Aaron Rodgers late.

Super Bowl XLV Score: Pittsburgh 27, Green Bay 21

Justin Henry is the owner and (currently) sole writer of Couch Groove Football. He can be found on Facebook.com and Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/cynicjrh

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Super Bowl XLV betting players are anxiously awaiting the kickoff on Sunday, but until then, they’ll wade through an extraordinary amount of props while constantly checking the internet for any new injuries. Pittsburgh and Green Bay figure to be one exciting ending to the NFL season, and here is who we think will take it all.

Steelers Packers Betting – Sunday, 6:00 PM ET

The Steelers are looking at Friday for being the deadline for center Maurkice Pouncey, who will test out his injured ankle one more time to see if he can go. If he can’t, Pittsburgh is confident that they have Doug Legursky up to speed, or close to it, and they still have Ben Roethlisberger, who doesn’t put up gaudy numbers, but he makes plays when they need to be made.

He’ll be supported by Rashard Mendenhall, who gives the Steelers the NFL football betting edge when it comes to the running-back position, but receiver Mike Wallace has to step up. On the other side of the ball, Defensive Player of the Year Troy Polamalu marshals arguably the best defense in football.

Green Bay’s defense isn’t far behind, although they’re not as good as the Steelers when it comes to defending the run. Clay Matthews may use the Defensive Player of the Year snub as added motivation to have a big game, while B.J. Raji carries a big load in the middle up front. Offensively, Aaron Rodgers is favored to win the Super Bowl MVP award if he continues to play as he has, as Rodgers has been the best player in the playoffs so far, with help from Greg Jennings. The big question is, though, can undrafted rookie James Starks continue to carry the running game?

Pittsburgh is a 2.5-point underdog in your pay per head sportsbook, but we’re banking an “upset” and taking the Steelers to win their seventh Super Bowl. We think the difference in the game will be Mendenhall, who will allow the Steelers to control the clock, which keeps Rodgers and the high-flying Packers on the sidelines. Green Bay’s front seven is good, but they’re just not as good or experienced as the Steelers.

Even if Pouncey is on the sideline, the Steelers’ strength up front was always run blocking, and we all know Roethlisberger can make plays outside of the pocket. The Steelers, and Roethlisberger especially, have a lot to prove after missing the playoffs and having off-field troubles last season, and they’re determined to bring another Super Bowl to the Steel City. As for the weather, the roof will be closed, but it doesn’t matter as both teams are used to playing in the cold anyway. Look for Mendenhall, Roethlisberger and the Steelers to come away with the win if you’re betting online this weekend.

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