FSH: MORE FOOTBALL

February 3rd, 2008 10:27pm PST


THE 2008 SEASON IN REVIEW
My Highlights

To be honest I would hardly call this an actual season in review, but more a reflection of the past NFL season, from the eyes, ears, nose, and throat of a true football-a-holic. Seriously, it's not like I don't try to watch every game, three to four TVs on Sunday, just as many computer monitors tracking as many games as I can possibly fathom, and thank goodness for DirecTV with NFL Short-cuts. A full game in less than 30-minutes. Seriously, rehab may not be enough to cure this lost soul.

I was so excited when the NFL season began back in September, like many football fans around this great big pigskin. And just like many fantasy football gamers around this great big gridiron, nothing brings about more excitement on a Sunday, than a full slate of NFL games. The morning was always the best with so many games, so many TVs, and so much football action.

Like any NFL season, anticipation is at a high when things get started. This past season was no different and watching the Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass for 343-yards with three touchdowns and wide receiver Andre Johnson catch 10 passes for 112-yards in Week one, was enough to tell me this season was going to be something special.

Sure this season didn't set many records by season's end, but by season's end there was plenty to remember.

In Week 2, the Bronco's Brandon Marshall reminded the fantasy world why we should all take notice with 18 catches for 166-yards. Not to be outdone two weeks later the Chiefs running back Larry Johnson broke loose for 198-yards rushing and two touchdowns against the same Bronco's.

In Week 5 a rising star in Atlanta, Roddy White erupted for his second 100-yard receiving game of the 2008 NFL season. White would finish Sunday with eight catches for 132-yards and a touchdown on his way to 99 receptions and 1,466-yards with eight touchdowns. By Week 8, the Redskins running back Clinton Portis had rushed for over 100-yards in five consecutive games while scoring four touchdowns.

While there were great performances highlighting this season, how could I forget the incredible run Tennessee was on winning 10 straight games to start their 2008 season. Equally as impressive were the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, starting their title defense with eleven wins in their first twelve contests.

Watching some teams never get out of first gear drew some interest of surprise, like the Seahawks (losing five of their first six) and the Bengals (losing their first eight). Of course I can not forget some the unforgettable collapses; the Bronco's lose three straight to miss the playoffs, the Bills start 5-1 and lose four of their last five, the Redskins start 6-2 to lose six of their last eight, and the Jets losing four of their last five to miss the playoffs.

Probably the biggest highlights or inspirations of the 2008 NFL season, were two teams, the 2007 1-15 Miami Dolphins (11-5) whose complete turnaround in 08 will forever be remembered as one of the most complete reversals in NFL history. The other team, was the Atlanta Falcons. A team that truly rose from the ashes to an 11-5 record and wildcard playoff bid.

Everyone loves a winner and for 2008, the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles were winners. Neither team finished the season quite the way each had hoped, but for these two franchises there was plenty to be proud of. The Giants, Titans, and Ravens all reached the post season in 2008 only to see their football dreams come crashing down with losses.

And while we love a winner, it's always difficult to turn away from a train wreck that is the Dallas Cowboys.

The Chargers four game winning streak earned them a division title and a home game in the first round of the playoffs. Unfortunately they had to take their post season run on the road where it would stop in the Steel City. The Eagles would meet the same fortune as San Diego watching their flight land in Arizona.

As the season that was came to a climatic finish with the Cards and the Steelers meeting in the 43rd Super Bowl, it only seemed appropriate that such an exciting and fun-filled season should finish with two outstanding teams battling for NFL supremacy. Two days ago the football world witnessed perhaps one of the best, if not the greatest Super Bowl ever played between the Cardinals and Steelers.

If this wasn't the best game you ever watched, I'm not sure you'll be able to find another close to it on such a grand NFL stage. It will definitely rank as one of my favorites and will likely be one that I will remember for quite some time.

The season may have ended, but football never dies. Long live football and bring on the 2009 season!


Check back tomorrow for more NFL news, notes, updates, and analysis.

~The Prodigy

FSH: SUPER BOWL WRAP UP

February 1st, 2008 10:27pm PST

SUPER BOWL WRAP-UP
Fantasy Spotlights

Final
Pittsburgh-27
Arizona-23


For any football fan watching, this game had to be a spectacle of gigantic proportion. Big time plays from big time players down the stretch for one of the most exciting finishes in Super Bowl history. Both teams played well in the final stanza, but the Steelers were able to make just enough plays to out-duel Kurt Warner and the Cardinals.

Led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Santonio Holmes the Steelers found magic on an eight play 78-yard drive capped by a spectacular toe-tapping 6-yard reception for a touchdown that required just two minutes and two seconds to give Pittsburgh the lead and ultimately the game.

If you had the opportunity to watch the game, like many other football fans, this one will be one you remember for a long time.

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STARS OF THE GAME

BEN ROETHLISBERGER:
The Steeler's quarterback played a great game, avoiding pressure and making plays with his feet. Big Ben was also impressive throwing the rock completing 21 of 30 passes for 256-yards with a touchdown. On the game winning drive Big Ben completed five of seven passes for 84-yards, including the game-winning 6-yard touchdown pass to Holmes.

SANTONIO HOLMES:
[Game MVP Winner]
The Steeler's wide receiver caught a game high nine passes for 131-yards and a touchdown. On the team's final game winning drive, Holmes caught four passes for 73-yards including the game-winning score.

KURT WARNER:
The Cardinal's quarterback started slow against the Steel Curtain, but finished strong completing 31 of 43 passes for 377-yards passing. The defense was not giving much, but Warner was able to finally connect with his favorite target, Fitzgerald down the stretch. In the final quarter Warner connected with Fitz for two of his three touchdown passes.

LARRY FITZGERALD:
The Cardinal's best receiver was held in check most of the game, but came to life in the 4th quarter. Fitzgerald had five of his seven receptions in the 4th quarter, including two touchdown catches. Fitz finished the game with seven catches for 127-yards and two touchdowns.

ANQUAN BOLDIN:
The Cardinal's receiver was solid catching a lot of the underneath stuff from Warner, but was not able to make any big plays. With the defense blanketing Fitz early, Boldin was able to make a few catches, but was never able to get going to make a big play. Boldin finished the night with eight catches for 84-yards.

WILLIE PARKER:
The Steeler's running back was not able to ever get it rolling, but he did keep the Cards defense busy all game long. The run game was relatively ineffective for the Steelers, but Parker still finished with 19 carries for 53-yards.

EDGERRIN JAMES:
The Cardinal's running back was bottled up all evening and once the team fell behind 20-7, he was basically taken out of the equation. James finished the game with just nine carries for 33-yards on the ground. James did get involved with a few early catches finishing with four receptions for 28-yards, but remained a non-factor.

HINES WARD:
The Steeler's wide receiver was able to contribute, but his counterpart pretty much stole the show. Ward coming off an MCL sprain did not show signs of any ill-effects, but was not much of a factor in the game's outcome. Ward did have two catches for 43-yards, including a timely third down pick-up early in the third quarter.




Check back for more NFL news, notes, updates, and analysis.

FSH: SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

January 30th, 2008 5:27pm PST

MY SUPER SUNDAY PREVIEW

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Super Bowl Sunday...

It took 22 weeks and 266 games later to finally get here, but here is where we are, "Super Bowl Sunday." Today the Arizona Cardinals roll into Raymond James Stadium having won four straight games and looking for their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. The Pittsburgh Steelers have won three straight and in their franchises storied history, they'll be looking for their sixth title.

This matchup today consists of two teams with quite different styles and when the Cardinals and Steelers square off, it will be interesting to see, who struggles and who is successful.


Arizona Offense vs Pittsburgh Defense!

When the Cardinals have the ball, there's no question that their strength is in the arm of quarterback Kurt Warner. The Steelers are going to come with pressure all day and if Warner is going to be effective, he'll need to get the ball out in a hurry. The Card's receivers Fitzgerald and Boldin are going to be primary targets the Steelers secondary will have to watch, but against the blitz, running back Tim Hightower and receivers Steve Breaston and Jerheme Urban could be huge keys. The Cardinals ranked 32nd running the ball this season and today they won't worry about trying to run the ball too much, they just need to be effective. The keys on the ground for Edgerrin James and Hightower, will be picking up good yards on 1st down and key short-yardage situations.

To be efffective against Warner and his quick release, the Steelers are going to have to bring lots of pressure up the middle. The defense will try to take away Warner's ability to step up and get rid of the ball quickly. Defensive lineman Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel will be key in clogging the middle and keeping the Cards in predictable long yardage situations.

If Harrison and Woodley get their names mentioned in the game often, Warner may not have a memorable Sunday. This is going to be a classic matchup of defense and offense, if Warner has protection, it could be a long day for the Steel Curtain and it's secondary.

Pittsburgh Offense vs Arizona Defense!

The Steeler's offense is more conventional and less complicated than the Arizona Cardinals. Just like the Steel city from which it hails, the offense is typically blue collar, run the ball between the tackles and the deep ball. Running back Willie Parker is going to be a big factor in today's game running the ball. The Steelers would like to get him 22-25 carries or more today. The more carries and closer he gets to these numbers will be in direct proportion to the teams success against the Cardinals defense. The Steeler's quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will rely heavily on a solid ground game to set up the pass. Roethlisberger has a big arm and will count on his nimble feet to give him the time needed to find Santonio Holmes downfield, who will be blanketed by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Hines Ward is playing today and Big Ben will be counting on him and his tight end Heath Miller to be open underneath in passing situations.

The Cardinal's defense is not a big blitzing unit. It will be key for the linebackers and safety Adrian Wilson to keep Parker in check today. They can not allow Fast Willie-P to get loose. If the defense can clog the line and keep the Steelers in long passing situations, pressure from Bertrand Berry, Antonio Smith, and timely blitzes will be huge in stiffling the Big Ben and the offense.

In his last Super Bowl appearance Big Ben was not particularly sharp, he'll need to play much better today for the Steelers to be successful, but key your eye out for Wilson and DRC who will be looking to make big plays.

WHO TO WATCH!!

Key Players:

KURT WARNER:

The Cardinal's veteran quarterback has been on the big stage a couple of times and has played well. He'll be no stranger to pressure and could be huge key to the Cards starting big and striking fast. He'll see plenty of pressure, but with his experience and savvy, he knows where he needs to go and has shown the ability to make good decision.
Prediction: 22 of 34 passing, 335-yards, three touchdowns, 1 interception.

WILLIE PARKER:

The Steelers running back could very well be the biggest key today. He'll need to run the ball effectively. If he can stay involved in the game plan, that could go a long way. The Steelers would like to see Fast Willie-P carry the ball around 25 times today and average close to four yards per carry, this will create plenty of play-action opportunities and open up the deep ball.
Prediction: 16 carries, 61-yards, no touchdowns.

LARRY FITZGERALD:

The Cardinal's wide receiver has been the talk of the town throughout the playoffs. It's not likely the Steelers will have an answer for him in the secondary because of his size and athletic ability, but will have to rely on forcing Warner to go elsewhere. Regardless, Fitz will still make plays today and be a huge factor.
Prediction: 7 receptions, 79-yards, 1 touchdown.

ANQUAN BOLDIN:

While Boldin drew much unwanted attention following the NFC championship, today the attention he'll receive will be warranted. The Steelers will likely key Fitzgerald and give Boldin plenty of single coverage to be effective and key in the Cardinal's passing game. Boldin is big strong and can make plays in both the pass and run game.
Prediction: 8 receptions, 101-yards, 1 touchdown, 3 carries 26-yards.

BEN ROETHLISBERGER:

The Steeler's quarterback has not played particularly well on the big stage and could feel a lot of pressure today to change that. He'll need his running game to get going to be effective. Big Ben has a tendency to hold the ball a little long trying to make plays downfield. He doesn't run a lot as compared to avoiding the pass rush, so his running numbers could have an adverse effect on the offenses effectiveness. This could be key, if the Steelers are not moving well on the ground.
Prediction: 18 of 38 passing, 245-yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, one fumble, 4 runs for 16-yards.

HINES WARD:

For the past two weeks, everyone has been asking about his knee and today we'll get all the answers we want. Ward suffered a sprained MCL two weeks ago, but he'll play today and should be effective. Ward is not going to beat you deep, but you will still have to cover him. He's Roethlisberger's most trusted receiving option, so expect to see him come up with big catches in critical situations today.
Prediction: 7 receptions, 65-yards, one touchdowns.

SANTONIO HOLMES:

While the Cards will focus on taking away the deep threat posed by Holmes, by shadowing him with Rodgers-Cromartie, expect to see Big Ben still take a few shots. Nate Washington will also warrant some attention downfield, but Holmes will be the primary deep threat. DRC has been solid in the post season and it could just come down to a jump ball between the two. Holmes has come up with big plays throughout the post season, but could struggle today.
Prediction: 4 receptions, 55-yards, no touchdowns.

EDGERRIN JAMES:

The Cardinals are not expecting a big game from their rushing attack today. They will be relying heavily on the Edge to be an effective runner, as well as Hightower when he's in the game. In short yardage situations, it will be key for James to pick up those needed yards as well as being effective on 1st down with 3 to 4-yard gashes to keep the Steelers defense in check. I would expect to see James not only used in blitz pick up situations, but also leaking out of the backfield. Prediction: 17 carries, 71-yards, 4 receptions, 22-yards, one touchdown.

THE CARDINALS DEFENSE:

The Cards defense is not a dominant group like their adversary. They will rely on control the line of scrimmage and not allow Big Ben to make big plays downfield. If the defense can keep Parker in check, this should allow Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast to be more effective with his play call in long yardage situations.

THE STEELERS DEFENSE:

While this defense has been plenty good this season and in particular the post season, they have yet to be challenged by an offense like the Cardinals. Against the Chargers, the defense was key applying the pressure and making plays. In the AFC championship facing a rookie quarterback, the defense was suffocating. Today, they'll face a seasoned veteran, who's not just playing well, but he's been here before and knows what he needs to do. Expect Defensive Coordinator to bring back "Blitzburgh" to new heights and bring pressure like no one has ever seen. It could be highly successful if they get to Warner, or completely disastrous it they don't.

Super Bowl Sunday is just hours away, god-bless both teams, all of their fans, all fans of the NFL, and everyone on such a Super Sunday!


By David G. Ortega