The Bird is the Word!
A Message to All Fans of FanTalk with Rob and Len:
I promised a story to you each week after the Playoffs, and I deliever this week’s scoop of the games with a heavy heart. Yes, my Giants did lose. Yes, they were outplayed. Yes, they were outcoached (surprisingly). And yes, The Philadelphia Eagles are moving on to Arizona to Play the NFC West Champion Arizona Cardinals. It’s 4 vs. 6 in the Conference Final, and here’s a some fun facts for you to absorb:
-Neither of these teams had Double-Digit wins this season.
-Neither of these teams were in the Postseason last year.
-The Cardinals won their 10th Postseason game in their Franchise’s history this week- that’s right, 10. (Just to give you a sense of how mediocre that is, the Giants won 4 Postseason games in 2007- A whopping 40% of Arizona’s playoff win total thus far).
-The Philadelphia Eagles tied the Cincinnatti Bengals this year. Although there is no significance to this, I just want it to be known that the Philadelphia Eagles tied the 4-11-1 Cincinnati Bengals this season, and this Sunday they can hoist the George S. Halas Trophy and represent the National Football Conference in Super Bowl XLIII.
As much as it pains me, I have to give Andy Reid , “Big Game Donovan”, and the rest of the Eagles credit for handing it to my New York Football Giants. Going into the Meadowlands TWICE (that’s right twice) and beating the G-Men is a tough feat to come by, but they did it and now they can reap the rewards this Sunday.
The AFC Championship is going to be, simply put, an AFC North Street Fight. Baltimore is riding high after first beating the Dolphins, and then going into the Music City and smacking the Number 1 Seed Titans in a Baltimore-esqe-Game, 13-10. They’ll be headed to Pittsburgh to play the reeling Steelers, who apparently proved that the bye week can help a team, silencing any chance the Chargers had of making a Super-Run with a convincing 35-24 game. The Ravens will head to Heinz Field in the Steel City to face Big Ben and his Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, with the winner hoisting up the Lamar Hunt Trophy and Representing the American Football Conference in Tampa.
Glendale, Arizona has a special place in my heart because of the events that took place on February 3rd, 2008. The thoughts of Plaxico’s tears (whether it be because of his Super Bowl Triumph or because he got a glimpse of the future) give me a special feeling that every fan loves- the feeling of being the best. Our city trumps your city, and that’s it- Until Next Year. In 2008, the Giants got a glimpse of what the other teams felt like last year, and will have to see another team hoist the Lombardi Trophy. But there’s always Next Year.
Until Next Week,
-Len
A Rebirth of Regular Season Matchups in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs
A Message to All Fans of FanTalk with Rob and Len
And then There were 8….
Eight Teams remain after last weekend’s Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs. On Saturday, the Cardinals and Chargers emerged victorious and live to play another game. On Sunday, the Eagles and Ravens survived as well. As for my prediction of the “Manning Bowl”- well, that’s why they play the game. Saturday Night’s game between the Chargers and Colts may have brought back some memories for some older Colts Fans:
On a Cold December Day in 1958, The New York Giants and the Baltimore Colts played a game at Yankee Stadium that is forever donned “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” It was said to put the NFL on the map, during a time where, believe it or not, the NCAA gained more notoriety than the NFL. What made this game famous, besides the 12 future Hall of Famers, was the fact that it was the 1st Championship Game in NFL History that was to be decided by a Sudden-Death Overtime. Unfortunately, the hometown Giants fell to Johnny Unitas and the Colts, 23-17.
On Saturday Night, once again the Colts participated in a Sudden-Death Overtime Playoff Matchup. Now, they know how it feels to be on the other end of the spectrum. San Diego won the toss, and never looked back, winning by a score of 23-17- Identical to that cold December day.
Well, I digress a bit- but it just goes to show how great this first round of Playoff football was. This year, the two “feel-good” stories in the NFL were Mike Smith of Atlanta and Tony Sparano of Miami, leading their teams to playoff berths. BUT, another first year head coach played last weekend as well- Mike Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens, and he’s the one who lives to see another day in the Playoffs.
Round Two of the Playoffs is set for this weekend, and all 8 of the teams playing will have familiar faces facing them when they take the field. This year, the Chargers played the Steelers, the Eagles played the Giants, the Titans played the Ravens, and the Panthers played the Cardinals. This Sunday, these teams will take the field against these same opponents, looking to breathe more life and punch their ticket one step closer to Tampa.
The Giants and Eagles split the season series, each team winning on the road. The Panthers came back and defeated the Cardinals at home. The Titans came back and defeated the Ravens in Baltimore, and finally, the Steelers squeaked by the Chargers, 11-10, in what will forever be known as the “Forward Lateral Game.” A game that had many fans (and officials) scratching their heads.
Well, watching game film will be easy for the teams this week. And with an average margin of victory being just under 5 points per game, as fans we truly are in for a great weekend of football- As always.
Until Next Week,
-Len
The NFL Playoffs Are Set!
A Message to all fans of FanTalk with Rob and Len:
Well, it didn’t get decided until the last game on the last week of the season, but the NFL playoff picture is finally set:
NFC
1) New York Giants (12-4)- Home Field Advantage Throughout, 1st Round Bye, NFC East Champions
2) Carolina Panthers (12-4) – 1st Round Bye, NFC South Champions
3) Minnesota Vikings (10-6) – NFC North Champions
4) Arizona Cardinals (9-7)- NFC West Champions
5) Atlanta Falcons (11-5)- Wild Card, 2nd Place, NFC South
6) Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1)- Wild Card, 2nd Place, NFC East
The New York Giants will face the Lowest Seeded Team remaining after the First Round of the Playoffs (3 vs. 6, 4 vs. 5)
The Carolina Panthers will face the Highest Seeded Team remaining of those games mentioned.
-Who’s Left on the Outside Looking In: Dallas (9-7), Chicago (9-7), Tampa Bay (9-7)
AFC
1) Tennessee Titans (13-3)- Home Field Advantage Throughout, 1st Round Bye, AFC South Champions
2) Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)- 1st Round Bye, AFC North Champions
3) Miami Dolphins (11-5)- AFC East Champions
4) San Diego Chargers (8-8)- AFC West Champions
5) Indianapolis Colts (12-4) – Wild Card, 2nd Place, AFC South
6) Baltimore Ravens (11-5)- Wild Card, 2nd Place, AFC North
The Tennessee Titans will face the Lowest Seeded Team remaining after the first Round of the Playoffs (3 vs. 6, 4 vs. 5)
The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Highest Seeded Team remaining of those games mentioned.
-Who’s Left on the Outside Looking In: New England (11-5), Denver (8-8), New York Jets (9-7)
There’s the Playoff Picture, Now It’s Time To Play
-Len
Time Really Does Tell
From FanTalk With Rob and Len-
Hello fans,
Although Season 1 of FanTalk is in the books, the posts will keep coming- just because sports never take a rest. The idea that I want you all to think about is a quote that I often used on the show- “Only Time Will Tell.” Well, because of the awesome guy that I am, I am going to tell you what we all thought 5 weeks ago, in the world of sports:
1. The Super Bowl was going to be the Battle of The Turnpike- NYG vs. NYJ
2. The Colts were dead where they stood
3. Atlanta was just a fluke- they have to fall eventually.
4. There will be no playoff football for LT and the rest of the Chargers this year.
5. Don’t worry, the Lions will win at least ONE!
6. Are we actually going to witness a “Patriot-less” Playoffs?
7. Miami is beating bad teams, and is destined to fall off the wagon with Atlanta.
8. You know, TO hasn’t really been complaining this year!
-That’s only EIGHT thoughts that ran through our heads 5 weeks ago. I am sure there were many more.
Well, the Giants look primed to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl- although Carolina gave them a fight at Giants Stadium. The Jets completely fell off the wagon, but look on the bright side, they are 9-2 when they aren’t on the West Coast. The Colts clinched a playoff spot after an 8-game winning streak (and counting), gotta love Peyton. As bad as the Chargers are (7-8, 2nd AFC West), this Sunday, with a win vs. Denver, will represent the AFC West in the Playoffs. Altanta is for real, and will be in the playoffs- and so is the Dolphins, who need a win vs. the Jets with a little help from Buffalo to play January football. The Pats control their own destiny, and actually need a Jet win to secure their division title- Gotta love Matt Cassel (he did go to USC, which breeds winners). TO complained about not getting the ball, but this isn’t new to all of us. And finally, The Detroit Lions are on the Pursuit of Imperfection. They are a dismal 0-15, and with a loss to the Packers in Lambeau next week, will be the first team to go winless in the 16-game season. For the record, I still think Rod Marinelli is a good defensive coach.
Oh well, it just goes to show how wrong we all were. What will happen in the playoffs? – Only time will tell.
-Len
Edit- If you want to win some money from these games without risking your own head over to Centsports.com.
He can haz nomination?
We all know Baruch College has been suffering from a severe case of lackus scholasticus spiritus. However, we at WBMB (the greatest organization in Baruch community) have got to get everyone else on our level (’cause you know we at WBMB reek of school spirit, right guys? RIGHT!?!?!). Lets teach them a thing or two by having one of our own be elected the next (well, technically the first) Mr. Baruch!!! I know the only reason you haven’t e-mailed your nomination for our dear GM, Marlon Oliva, is because you are just too damn lazy or your blackberry is broken, I don’t know. The point is, you guys are slacking.
E-mail your nominations for Marlon Oliva at lexicon@theticker.org with the body content just “Marlon Oliva”. We have enough people at WBMB that if we all send in a nomination, we can have him as a candidate for Mr.Baruch. So please, stop being lazy and get on it!
-MickaeJean
WBMB NEEDS A NEW BUTTON. YOU DECIDE.
We’re in need of some new button pins and so we’re holding a little internal contest for best design…
Rookie of the Year, ANDREW “The Park Slope Menace” TORREZZZZ will be squaring off with the infamous MARLON “THE GOOCH” OLIVAAAAA to see who will bring the HEAT 2 WBMB !!!
WILL THE ALL ENCOMPASSING EYE OF AESTHETICS PREVAIL?
-M.O.
or
WILL THE TECHNOCRATIC CODE MASTER DECIMATE THE OPPOSITION?
-A.T.
YOU DECIDE. (in 2 weeks.)
Jacko Is Having a Bad Month
Michael Jackson found himself in court today over a $7 million lawsuit. Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa claims Jackson took an advance on an album and autobiography that he never delivered. “The cost even included the expenses of brining out Mr. Jackson’s hairdresser,” Thanki told the AP. This follows the transfer of the deed to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch to the Sycamore Valley Ranch Company.
Common’s New CD is only 99 cents
In an interview with hiphopdx common was reported as saying:
“I originally was starting this album as an EP which was like a six song collection of songs. It was called Invincible Summer and I wanted to bring it out during the summertime. I did this film Terminator Salvation and I couldn’t finish the album in period I wanted to. I said, ‘Man Universal Mind Control is the perfect title for the sound of the music. UMC fits the theme of what the album is about. That sounds like something from back in the days to something futuristic. Check me out on the website Zune.net, y’all can get the whole album for 99 cents the day the album is released, y’all can’t beat that, my music is priceless. [Laughs]“
Now there is no reason not to buy this cd. You don’t even have to leave your house to buy it. Even if you don’t like it you only spent 99 cents on it.