Back to the Drawing Board posted by Amari Harris

It has been a while and I don’t really have an excuse for not posting anything the last couple weeks.  I guess since the Cowboys got trounced by the Minnesota Vikings I just haven’t had much inspiration.  But I’ve come out of my temporary depression and have officially transitioned to the off-season.  In between cartons of Ben & Jerry’s and episodes of Cash Cab I have thought long and hard about what the Cowboys need to do over the  next 6-7 months in order to take the next step from playoff team to Super Bowl contender.

The good thing about getting beat up on in the playoffs is that your flaws get exposed.  You definitely don’t leave with the feeling that you are one of the elite teams when you get beat 34-3.  For one, it would certainly help to secure one of those top seeds.  Having homefield advantage was huge in this years playoffs (unless you were the Jets) and the Cowboys could literally have homefield advantage for the entire playoffs and the Super Bowl  if they play their cards right.  The two top seeds faced each other in the big game this year and I’d be willing to bet that at least one #1 seed will be in the Super Bowl in 2011.  Now if the Cowboys want that #1 seed, they will have to improve on their performance from this season.  They may not need to make a lot of personnel changes but some things will need to be solidified. 

1.)    Offensive Line

Although I fully expect everyone on the offensive line to return next season, the Cowboys could definitely continue to build depth at that position.  Nearly every draft expert has the Cowboys picking an offensive tackle at #27 and I can’t disagree with that assessment.  Someone is probably going to get hurt on this aging line and you need a tackle for the future and the present.  It wouldn’t hurt to get a couple of interior guys either.

Sunday Proved That Tom Brady Is Better Than Peyton Manning posted by Colin Linneweber

Superstar quarterback Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts were defeated by the New Orleans Saints 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV Sunday at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida.

The game was ultimately decided by a crucial Manning miscue when his pass was intercepted and returned 74 yards for a touchdown by Saints cornerback Tracy Porter with only three minutes remaining in the decisive fourth quarter.

Manning, 33, a four-time AP NFL MVP and ten-time Pro Bowl selection, is rightfully considered one of the greatest signal-callers of all-time.

However, as this past weekend yet again proved, Manning is simply not a better player than New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Manning, who is now a mediocre 9-9 in the postseason, went 31 for 45 for 333 yards and a touchdown.

Unfortunately, despite his otherwise impressive numbers, Manning’s  most recent performance in “The Magic City” will mainly be recalled for his sloppy gaffe that cost the Colts the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The Colts selected Manning out of the University of Tennessee with the first overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft.

Essentially from the instant he made his debut with the Colts, Manning has been brilliant and he is expected to capture every vital league passing record before he eventually retires from the sport.

Regardless of his otherworldly statistics under center, Manning was long criticized by both fans and the media alike for his penchant to struggle in big games.

In stark contrast to their aforementioned .500 winning percentage in the playoffs, Manning and the Colts are an overwhelming 130-62 (67.7 percent) in the regular season.

Saints take advantage of Manning's mistake to capture first-ever Super Bowl posted by Joe Anello

If you're reading this, it means you're not among the thralls of New Orleans Saints fans in Louisiana or with the team in Miami that are just beginning what is sure to be a month-long party because their team just won their first ever Super Bowl. On a night thought by many to be Peyton Manning's coronation, Drew Brees ended up at the post-game podium as the MVP of the night after a 31-17 victory. Sunday's championship contest didn't get off to the most exciting of starts, but it sure finished with one.

After getting out to an early 10-0 lead, Peyton looked primed to make the Saints a footnote on his way to history. New Orleans kept it close with two field goals in the second quarter, even after failing a fourth down conversion down at the goal line. When the second half kicked off, it was all Saints. A surprising and successful onside kick led to a Pierre Thomas touchdown, signaling a momentum shift. 

In the fourth quarter, down seven after a Jeremy Shockey touchdown and reviewed two-point conversion, Peyton Manning had the ball in his hands heading down the field, a moment we all expected him to take head on. Then a poor throw fell into the hands of corner Tracy Porter, who promptly returned it 74 yards for the game-sealing score. The Saints victory party began with over 44 seconds left in the Super Bowl, as Manning led his team to the goal line and failed to convert on fourth down. 

Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44 Prop Bets posted by Joe Anello

Can't bet against the point spread? Feel too much pressure when deciding between your heart and your head? Vegas has you covered with these completely ridiculous prop bets, covered by Esquire. Here's a few choice selections and my useless advice.

How many times will The Who's Pete Townshend do his windmill move?
Line: 5.5

My take: The over! During these Super Bowl halftime medleys, every frontman pulls off his signature move at least once, like Springsteen's guitar catch or power slide, Mick Jagger's being creepy or Janet Jackson's being naked. (Snap.) Once you start the windmill, it's hard to stop. 

How many times will CBS cut to Archie Manning?
Line: 4

My take: Archie's obviously the father pf Peyton, but he's a New Orleans sports legend, as he's the most famous Saints QB ever. The line started at 2.5, making the over the safest bet in the history of gambling. At 4, it's still too low. Over and over again.

How many times will CBS cut to Kim Kardashian?
Line: 2.5

My take: Not quite the slam dunk of Archie, Kim's still pretty enough to make it on-screen at least three times. If boyfriend Reggie Bush has a great day or gets injured (either one is likely), the curvaceous Kim could garner enough screen time to be the MVP. (Her looks don't hurt either.)

Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44 posted by Joe Anello

The wait is over. Super Bowl 44 is nigh. Manning versus Brees starts in mere hours. After prepping you for the game yesterday with separate previews of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, it's time to bring the two together for my Super Bowl predictions. 

As you're enjoying commercials and stuffing your face with every snack food known to man, it's hard to remember there's a game to be watched. If you miss it, you could miss one of the most explosive Super Bowl match-ups in history. Behind Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, these offenses are always threats to hit the big play. That gives defensive coordinators headaches. Each defense will look to pressure the opposing QB early and often. Whoever best achieves that goal has the best chance to take home the coveted Lombardi Trophy.

Peyton Manning has evolved into a master of pass protection in the past few years, always knowing where the blitz is coming from and where to slide his linemen. New Orleans' front four won't be able to pressure Manning on their own, so mixing in blitzes effectively will be at the top of Saints coordinator Gregg Williams' to-do list. Unfortunately, Manning has the ability to expose any blitz at any time, taking those opportunities to hit a big play down the field. If the Saints can't surprise Manning with pressure, it will be a long day for that defense.

Unlike the Ravens or the Jets, the Saints defense can't shut down an offense. We saw it in the Minnesota game where their defense caused five turnovers but still gave up close to 500 yards of offense. Everyone has already mentioned it, but the Saints depend on turnovers. Peyton Manning won't give them the same chances that Brett Favre did. He always finds the open receiver, whether its superstar Reggie Wayne or rookie Austin Collie.

Big Daddy Gets You Ready For the Black ’n’ Gold Super Bowl posted by Les Leonard

     Did everyone recover from a wild weekend without Saints football? Big Daddy barely felt the Saints’ third bye week blow by thanks to Bobby Hebert honoring the Buddy “D” promise: to wear a dress if the Saints ever made it to the Super Bowl. Big Daddy wonders if seeing all those guys in dresses compelled the U.S. military to ponder abolishing their “don’t ask— don’t tell policy.”

     Where were you when you heard Jim Henderson’s immortal words: “Pigs have flown, Hell has frozen over, the Saints are on their way to the Super Bowl?” Big Daddy didn’t hear Henderson’s call live, but he caught it the first time on the Big 870 WWL Radio, listening to the Saints postgame show. Nothing ever sounded better.

     Judging from the Saints NFC Championship nail biter, Big Daddy hopes the Who Dat Nation stocked up on booze and tranquillizers for what’s about to transpire? In this special Black ’n’ Gold Super Bowl edition of the Section 645 Saints Beat, Big Daddy investigates Krewe du Vieux’s origin, visits the French Quarter for Buddy and Bobby’s Brawds Dress March, drives to Bay St. Louis for the Second Guess Show, recaps the Pro Bowl, unveils a winning approach to Super Bowl XLIV, and releases his World Famous Pregame Information.

     Carnival lovers have marked Krewe du Vieux Saturday on their calendars since 1987. From the ashes of the Krewe of Clones, who disbanded in 1986, due to a dispute between the Contemporary Arts Center’s leadership, City Hall, and the Krewe. The disagreement stemmed from the Clones’ intention to parade the night before Super Bowl XX (Chicago vs. New England) played in the Superdome. Who remembers Buddy D’s breaking news report about Chicago quarterback Jim McMahon calling the women of New Orleans sluts? Huh, Big Daddy didn’t realize BYU grads were such experts on the topic? Inspired by the Aug. 4 fire in the Krewe du Vieux den, 2010’s theme was “All Fired Up” with Dr. John reigning as king, while Mother Miriam Chamani from Rampart St.’s Voodoo Spiritual Temple served as the queen. Per tradition, the 17 sub-krewes rolled 18 days before Fat Tuesday with their mule driven hand made floats, marching jazz bands, and costumed sub-krewe members making their way up Royal, down Decatur, and then on to Frenchmen, throwing unique novelty trinkets to appreciative revelers, lining the parade route to check out the political satire and raunchy adult humor.

Joe's Opening Drive of Super Bowl 44: New Orleans Saints posted by Joe Anello

We are now a little more than a day away from the culmination of the 2009 NFL season. As we all have that inevitable Super Bowl party where no one else knows about football, I'm here to help you impress your friends with your gridiron knowledge. In this special edition of the Opening Drive I take a look at the NFC representative in SB XLIV, the New Orleans Saints.

Head Coach Sean Payton has taken this team from the bowels of the NFL to a legitimate contender. His offense put up a league-high 32 points a game during the regular season, making it one of the most prolific in history. But we all knew the Saints had a great offense. It was Payton's decision to bring in Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator (and give up part of his own salary to do so, as has been widely publicized) that propelled his Saints to the Super Bowl. While it wasn't dominating, Williams' pressure-filled defense created 39 takeaways during the regular season, second only to the Green Bay Packers. Who needs to stop the run when you'll simply force a turnover on the next the play? On the way to the big game, the Saints absolutely punished Kurt Warner and Brett Favre in their two victories. They want to repeat that result against Peyton Manning.

For all Payton's offensive genius, the man that makes the Saints who they are is quarterback Drew Brees. Barely six feet tall, Brees is accurate, unselfish and has no favorite targets. If you're open, he'll find you. Ten different receivers caught touchdown passes this season, making every Saint not part of the offensive line a threat to score. He may not be Peyton Manning (but who is?), but since he dropped down in New Orleans no one has played better than Brees. Winning a title would make him an elite quarterback of the era.

Big Daddy Finally Meets the Wizard posted by Les Leonard

     Who crunked it up deep into Monday morning? Big Daddy and the Who Dats showed tireless endurance to commemorate the Saints’ monumental achievement. Bourbon Street became ground zero as Saints fans taught national TV media outlets that they can no longer treat the Saints like they’re in Kansas. The all-night celebration has South Beach feeling pretty nervous. Over the Saints 43-year lifespan, traversing the yellow brick road brought some good times, and even though the Black ’ n’ Gold always fought hard, staying a loyal Saints through years of painful heartache was a true challenge. Forget wearing bags or being called Aints ever again! Now it’s our time to watch broadcasters get a little brown on their beaks complimenting Saints football. In this week’s edition of the Section 645 Saints Beat, Big Daddy sees $Thousand Dollar Car, tailgates at the Kingpin, feels the passion of Saints fans, reports from Section 645, recaps the NFC Championship, rides the ferry to cast his vote in the Mayor’s race, and releases his World Famous Pregame Information.

     Friday night, Le Bon Temps Roule hosted Kingpin regulars who came to pay homage to $Thousand Dollar Car. The happy crowd knew the words to their songs, so they sang along with band all night. To say the beers were going down easy, is more understated than seeing mayoral candidates avoiding an endorsement from C. Ray Nagin. The Car got Big Daddy’ s blood flowing like a Devery Henderson touchdown, when they broke into

Saints in the Super Bowl after 31-28 win over Favre and the Vikings posted by Joe Anello

Are you ready for two weeks of hype for a Brett Favre versus Peyton Manning Super Bowl?

Well TOO FREAKING BAD! The Saints were having none of it today. And what a coincidence that in a year marred by missed field goals, it was on the leg of lesser-known Saints kicker Garrett Hartley that the Saints earned a spot in their first ever Super Bowl with a 31-28 win over the Vikings.

With two minutes left to go in a 28-all tie, Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings marched the ball down the field in the hopes of setting up a game-winning field goal. A costly 12-man in the huddle penalty put the Vikes in a third and 15 situation, forcing Brad Childress to call a pass. It was there that the Brett Favre gunslinger of years past appeared on the field, throwing an interception to end any hopes of ending this game in regulation and to keep the Saints' hopes alive. And then there was overtime. The Vikings never saw the ball, so Favre's last play on the field as a Viking (this season, anyway) ended with an interception. The Saints started at the 39 and drove the length of the field, with three plays receiving lengthy reviews, ending in a 40-yard Hartley field goal.

It was a slug-fest all night long, with each team scoring 14 points in each half. Brett Favre was planed on the turf early and often, obviously a focal point of the Saints defensive strategy. The same passes Favre completed early while being hit were incomplete or intercepted as the game drew on. He simply could not stand up to the constant beating, despite never actually being sacked. Conversely, Brees also fumbled twice but didn't lose either and threw no interceptions. New Orleans' one turnover beats Minnesota's five. It was that simple.

Joe's Opening Drive: Conference Championship Sunday posted by Joe Anello

Here it is: the last weekend of real football. Conference Championship Sunday is here and isn't lacking for drama. From Brett Favre and Peyton Manning's legacy to the Jets' dominating defense or the surge in New Orleans, every team is a great story. Who do I think will make it to the Super Bowl in Miami? Read on in this edition of the Opening Drive!

New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts
2:00PM ET CBS

If the New York Jets weren't crazy enough already, just wait if they somehow manage to defeat Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. They will be insufferable for the two weeks heading into the Super Bowl, and I'm not even talking about the fans. That team is boisterous and confident thanks to their equally as cocky head coach Rex Ryan. All-Pro corner Darelle Revis will be locked against Reggie Wayne, leaving Dallas Clark for the Jet safeties or linebackers to handle. New York's defense should have no problems shutting down the Indy running game, so the pressure is on their secondary to cover Manning's complement of receivers. On the offensive side of the ball, Ryan must ensure rookie QB Mark Sanchez isn't put in dangerous situations. If all goes to plan the Jets will have 40-plus rushing attempts with Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones, keeping Sanchez somewhere in the 18-24 pass attempt range. Any more than that and the Jets cannot win. 

When Jim Caldwell decided to shut it down in week 16 against the Jets, I'm sure he didn't give it a second thought that he could see Rex Ryan's scrappy bunch again in the playoffs. Now Caldwell's highly criticized decision will be under the microscope again as his Colts welcome in the team they let into the postseason. Now we all know about the prolific offense powered by Peyton Manning's brilliance, but the Colt running game has been missing all season. They ran the ball a healthy 25 times last week but only managed 42 yards. They use the pass to set up the run, but Manning will have no problem slinging it all day long like he has all year. What hasn't been addressed enough is the stellar play of the Colt defense this year and in their playoff game from last week. While everyone wants to debate Indy's offense vs the Jet defense, the Colts defense is the real key. If they can hold up against the Jets ground and pound attack early and force a few punts, they can eventually force Mark Sanchez to throw the ball late. Against Dwight Freeney and that pass rush, that's exactly what the Colts want.

Browns sign LB Fujita, OL Pashos (AP)

The Cleveland Browns signed linebacker Scott Fujita and offensive lineman Tony Pashos, both unrestricted free agents, to multiyear contracts Sunday. Fujita (foo-JEE'-tah) is an eight-year veteran who helped lead the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory over the Indianapolis Colts last month. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Who Dat? Inc. sues NFL Properties, Saints

The company that made a 1983 recording of what became one of theNew Orleans Saints' most popular cheers has filed a trademark suitagainst the state and the team. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Saints to release starting DE Grant (AP)

Charles Grant, a starting defensive end for most of the New Orleans Saints' first championship season, will be released by the only club for which he's played in his eight-year career. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis announced on Thursday that Grant would be released when free agency begins on Friday. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Goodell given new contract until March 2015 (AP)

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Goodell gets new deal running into 2015 (AP)

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports