Headline: WATCHING THE SUPER BOWL ALONE

By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com

Last year, during halftime of Super Bowl XLII, I received a text message from my sister. It read: I’m at a SB party and some girl here is acting like she’s a way bigger Pats fan than she really is. It’s pissing me off.

All I could do was smile.

“THAT’S why I’m watching alone,” I texted back.

Most people, when they find out I watch the Super Bowl alone, pity me. They find it sad. They never seem to believe me when I tell them that I choose to watch alone because I love watching alone. I watch most of my football alone. It enables me to follow the game closely, which helps me do my job. I also already enjoy the games as much as possible. So any additional company could only downgrade my enjoyment. After all, you can’t top perfection.

I understand the value of enjoying football with friends. But it’s not for me.

I’m always shocked by how people assume that, because the Super Bowl is the biggest game of the year, I’ll choose to suddenly change my style and watch it at a party with a big group. Why would I change for the biggest game? Are the Steelers going to suddenly switch to a 4-3 defense on Sunday?

Let’s say I do attend a Super Bowl party this year. Think of everything I’d have to deal with. First, there would be the fake fans like the one my poor sister encountered last year. There’s nothing worse than fake fans. They’re easy to spot. For starters – no offense ladies – fake fans are usually female. If they paint any part of their face – say, a little black and gold Number 7 on their cheek for Ben Roethlisberger? – or wear a pom-pom under a hat to make their hair look like the color of their “favorite team,” they’re almost certainly a fake fan. Fake fans are the ones who love their team but can’t name the head coach. Or, they’re the ones who suddenly love a team simply because they think they have a reason to hate the other team. (I love the Steelers because my ex-boyfriend is a Cardinals fan!)

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NFL Touchdown Super Bowl Matchup Breakdown

By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com

So many Super Bowl matchup features this week will breakdown how Ben Roethlisberger compares to Kurt Warner. Or how Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin compare to Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. The problem is, none of these things matter. The Cardinals don’t care how Fitzgerald stacks up against Ward. They care how Fitzgerald stacks up against Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor.

Here is Part I of a breakdown of the actual personnel matchups we’ll see on the field come Sunday.

Cardinal quarterback vs. Steeler safeties

Pittsburgh thrives on using superstar strong safety Troy Polamalu in a variety of ways. He is both the focal point and X factor in Dick LeBeau’s defense. However, no QB in football – other than Peyton Manning and Tom Brady – is as good at diagnosing a defense presnap as Kurt Warner. With two weeks to prepare, Warner shouldn’t have much trouble figuring out what the Steelers are doing with Polamalu on each play. Of course, once the ball is snapped, Warner will be facing not just the best strong safety in the game, but also one of the shrewdest free safeties (Ryan Clark). The seventh-year veteran Clark is rock solid and alert in coverage, and isn’t likely to give up anything deep.

Advantage: Push


Cardinal running backs vs. Steeler linebackers

The resurgence of Edgerrin James is a big reason why Arizona has won three consecutive games to reach the promise land. Youthful as James has looked in gaining 203 yards on the ground this postseason, he’s going up against perhaps the most physical quartet of linebackers in the NFL. James Harrison and LaMarr Woodely are primarily pass-rushers, but both men have enough speed to cover the flats against the run. Larry Foote is a demon against blockers inside, and his partner, James Farrior, is as smart as they come. The Cardinals won’t be able to get a lot of linemen to the second level against the Steeler front three, so the play of fullback Terrelle Smith will be critical. That is, when Arizona actually runs. Teams simply can’t move the ball on the ground against this Steeler defense. Expect James to play far more than Tim Hightower for pass-blocking purposes. But also, expect James to see no more than 11-13 carries in this game.

Advantage: Steelers


Cardinal receivers vs. Steeler cornerbacks

The unsung heroes of the league’s best defense are the cornerbacks. Veteran Ike Taylor drops interceptions but makes up for it with stifling, physical coverage. No. 2 starter Deshea Townsend is brilliant when he slides into the slot, and reserves Bryant McFadden and Willie Gay almost never get caught out of position. Best of all is that the Steeler corners can all thrive in man and zone coverage.

That said, there’s no defense for the way Larry Fitzgerald is playing right now. The Steelers are such a good tackling secondary that Anqaun Boldin, who led the league in average yards after the catch this season, should be contained fairly easily. And Pittsburgh has shown that they can eliminate just about any slot receiver if need be, so the speedy Steve Breaston doesn’t make many people nervous. But what to do about Fitzgerald?

Advantage: Cardinals

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10 SUPER BOWL STORYLINES THAT WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY

10 SUPER BOWL STORYLINES THAT WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com

No world event builds hype like the Super Bowl. The average NFL nationally televised game bringing in 10-15 million viewers; the Super Bowl attracts around 100 million. In the two weeks leading up to the game, the media feels obligated to bring the 80-85 non-football fans up to speed on all that’s been happening with the two final teams. Those of us who have followed the NFL all season will hear more Cardinals and Steelers stories repeated these next two weeks than we could have ever imagined.
Here are the 10 that will soon drive us absolutely crazy.
1. Underdog Story!
1947. 1947. 1947. 1947. 1947. The last time the Cardinals organization won a title. Nobody – nobody – expected the Cardinals to be here. And here they are, facing one of football’s most hallowed franchises, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The reality is that the Cardinals have never won anything because they’ve been a God-awful franchise. The Steelers have won throughout history because they’ve been a model franchise. But America won’t appreciate this. Instead, casual observers will root for the Cardinals because they’ll see it as a case of the little guy trying to overtake the big bully.
2. Kurt Warner
Football experts will pound his new Hall of Fame campaign into the ground. Okay, that’s fair. It’s an interesting debate (except nobody is going to argue on the anti-Warner side all week). But the non-football experts are going to rehash the Kurt Warner rags-to-riches story that we all grew tired of eight years ago. You know, the grocery store bagger turned Arena League star turned unknown backup turned savior in St. Louis turned goat turned backup in New York turned unexpected starter in Arizona turned savior again. That story.
3. Larry Fitzgerald
He’s known as the best receiver in football right now – and probably rightfully so. But come February, he’ll be known as the best human being since Jesus Christ. Get ready for hearing about how Fitzgerald’s dad is a sportswriter and how Fitzgerald was a ball-boy for the Minnesota Vikings during his early teenage years. Also, more than a few people will remind us that Fitzgerald has already broken Jerry Rice’s playoff receiving record and that, unlike most receivers, he doesn’t try to hog the spotlight and demand the ball.

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NFL Touchdown Championship Games Snide Remarks

By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com

Arizona Cardinals 32, Philadelphia Eagles 25
The story of this game was Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley out-coaching Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. Aside from the third quarter, Haley was one step ahead of Johnson’s blitzes all afternoon. Those who know Haley from his days as the receivers coach in Dallas can see that he has a far more authoritative demeanor on the sidelines. He’ll be the hottest head coaching candidate on the market this time next year…assuming he doesn’t get a new job before then.

Haley’s best move on the day was utilizing a two-tight end set late in the contest to help neutralize Philly’s blitz. Anquan Boldin wasn’t a big fan of it – Fox cameras caught the receiver bickering with the play-caller – but it was wildly successful.

I continue to be shocked – shocked – at how springy Edgerrin James looks.

One Cardinals lineman who has been good for several years but has never received proper recognition is Reggie Wells. His mobility is a big part of Arizona’s run-blocking scheme.

Brian Westbrook did not look like his usual self at all Sunday.

We talked about this a few months ago: one of the biggest differences in this Eagles offense down the stretch was Brent Celek replacing L.J. Smith in the lineup.

Maybe this is a cheap shot, but….do you think Andy Reid will one day be remembered not only as the Eagles head coach, but also as the NFC Pro Bowl team head coach?

Donovan McNabb had some accuracy issues in this game, and who knows, maybe it would have been a different outcome had all his passes been on target. But overall, I thought McNabb played well in the postseason, particularly in extending the play when he had to. Keep in mind, Philly’s offense had a lethargic rushing attack in the three playoff games, and the front five was, at times, inconsistent in pass protection.

Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie might be the biggest factor in Arizona’s stunning turnaround. The first-round rookie is almost a shutdown corner already (he gave up a few catches to DeSean Jackson in this game, though none of them were because of terrible coverage).

Another Cardinal who has really upped his game is Karlos Dansby. Once known for his maddening inconsistency, Dansby is now primed to earn a huge long-term contract this offseason.

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NFL Mock Draft - 1st Round

NFL Mock Draft   1st Round-Updated Jan. 17th 2009 JunkyardJake.Com

# 1 Matt StaffordQB
Big-time arm, good mechanics and played in pro-style offense. Good precision and zip on short and intermediate throws. Video

# 2 Andre SmithOT
Mammoth lineman with NFL-caliber physical attributes. Great pass-blocking technique and creates surge in the run game. Video

# 3 Michael CrabtreeWR
Two-time Biletnikoff winning sophomore. Rare size/speed package w/ ability to dominate smaller corners. Good work ethic.Video

# 4 Aaron CurryLB
Aggressive playmaker, who can play inside or outside. Great on blitz, covers well, and blows up blockers when playing the run. Video

# 5 Michael OherOT
Prototypical size for the left tackle spot, shows great quickness and athleticism. Dominant pass blocker.Video

# 6 Eugene MonroeOT
Solid anchor in the passing game, and hard-hitting run blocker. Effectively use hands to control rushers and has great agility.Video

# 7 Brian OrakpoDE
Disruptive pass rushing force with great burst off the snap, and impressive closing speed. Good awareness against run plays.Video

# 8 Malcolm JenkinsCB
Potential shutdown corner. Fast and instinctive in coverage, w/ good change of direction. Plays strong against the run.Video

# 9 Jason SmithOT
Slightly undersized former TE who has progressed quickly. Naturally athletic, with quick feet and decent power.Video

# 10 Mark SanchezQB
Makes quick reads, very decisive and has good mobility. Nice velocity on throws, delivers bullets with good accuracy.Video

# 11 Rey MaualugaLB
Tenacious, powerful, hard hitting LB with a quick first step, and the speed to make tackles sideline to sideline.Video

# 12 Knowshon MorenoRB
Shifty sophomore RB, with great speed. Shows good power for his size. Impressive vision, patience and cutting ability. Video

# 13 Chris WellsRB
Determined runner with rare vision, power and burst. Exploits inside lanes quickly, and has the speed to break outside.Video

# 14 Everette BrownDE
Junior. Explosive edge rusher, very quick off the snap. Devoured weaker opponents in 2008 on his way to 13.5 sacks.Video

# 15 James LaurinaitisLB
Impact LB who dissects plays quickly, and seems to always be around the ball. Great open field tackler.Video

# 16 B.J. RajiDT
Occupies a lot of space in middle, and effectively helps clogs inside run game. Impressive quickness and pass rush spin move.Video

# 17 Jeremy MaclinWR
Dynamic receiver/KR w/ elite speed, acceleration and cutting ability. Scored 17 times, and had 2,833 all-purpose yards in 2008. Video

# 18 Peria JerryDT
Shows great strength and power, with ability to collapse middle of the line and take on double teams. Good motor.Video

# 19 Brian CushingLB
Physical LB who plays with intensity and wraps up ball carriers quickly. Sheds blockers well. Has been a bit injury prone.Video

# 20 Brandon PettigrewTE
Huge target in the passing game (6-5, 260), and a willing and dominant run blocker. Soft hands, and tough to bring down.Video

# 21 Vontae DavisCB
Brother of Vernon Davis. Impressive speed, very physical and excellent in run support. Led Big Ten CBs with 78 tackles.Video

# 22 Percy HarvinWR
Electric speed, w/ rare 2nd gear once he gets to daylight. Used extensively as RB for Florida. Good hands, dangerous after catch.Video

# 23 Michael JohnsonDE
Tall (6-7), rangy, pass rush specialist. Shows speed of the edge, and good change of direction. Short resume, high potential.Video

# 24 Clint SintimLB
Uses his strength and decent speed to effectively rush the passer. Tackles well, but could struggle in coverage.Video

# 25 LeSean McCoyRB
Compiled 2,816 yrds/36 TDs in just 2 seasons. Very fluid, w/great burst, balance and vision. Homerun speed and catches well.Video

# 26 William MooreFS
Has the physical tools and instincts to become an impact safety. A sure tackler who plays the run well, w/ ball hawk potential.Video

# 27 D.J. MooreCB
Relatively short (5-10), but has top notch speed, agility and playmaking ability. Can also play WR and returns kicks.Video

# 28 Alphonso SmithCB
Fluid athlete w/ great speed. Shows good break on ball. He is short (5-8), but stocky and tackles well for his size.Video

# 29 Max UngerC
Smart center who depends more on style and technique than brute strength. Quick feet, maintains position and great use of hands.Video

# 30 Hakeem NicksWR
Junior. Big, physical receiver, shows good awareness and hands. Set school records in 2008 w/ 1222 yards and 12 TDs.Video

# 31 Tyson JacksonDE
Big and powerful presence who had 8.5 sacks in 2006, but has since been a disappointment. Probably best suited at tackle.Video

# 32 Aaron MaybinDE
Sophomore. Led team in sacks (12) and tackles for loss (20). Good height (6-4), but fairly light (240). Has the speed to convert to OLB.

Key Trait Of Final Four Teams

By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com

It’s only fair to warn you, what you are about to read is not glitzy. In fact, it’s dull. Dull to the point of boring. The names Kurt Warner, Ben Roethlisberger, Donovan McNabb, Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Larry Fitzgerald, Hines Ward and Brian Westbrook are all going to appear only once in this piece: right now. The rest is devoted to the 300-pound hogs who have chaperoned their respective teams to the Conference Championship round. The thesis is this: the strongest common thread between the NFL’s four remaining offenses is laudable front line play.
The Eagles, Cardinals, Steelers and Ravens do not have the best offensive lines in football. In fact, none of these teams even have the best offensive lines in their respective division (the Giants get the nod in Philly’s NFC East, a healthy Seahawks front five highlights Arizona’s NFC West and, although the evidence was not as explicit this season, most experts will tell you that, man-for-man, the Browns have the most talented O-line in the AFC North). But none of the final four teams would be here if they didn’t have an offensive line that – pardon the cliché – overcame obstacles and, more importantly, got better as the season wore on.
We’ll bring Arizona back into the picture in a minute. First, we need to recognize something. The Eagles, Steelers and Ravens all had to replace world-class offensive linemen this season. In Philadelphia, right guard Shawne Andrews battled depression and a slew of injuries and never got on the field in 2008. In Pittsburgh, the Steelers had to move on without seven-time Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca, who bolted for the big green in New York (interpret “big green” however you want). Equally as significant was the loss of right guard Kendall Simmons (torn Achilles) in early October and left tackle Marvel Smith (back) in December. That’s three first-tier veteran offensive linemen. Finally, in Baltimore, the Ravens had to fill the 6’9”, 350-pound void left by future Hall of Fame tackle Jonathan Ogden.
Fascinatingly, all three teams replaced their dominant former linemen from within. The Eagles asked undrafted 24-year-old Nick Cole to step away from the fringe and into the starting lineup at right guard. The Steelers turned to unknown Chris Kemoeatu to succeed Faneca, then surprised experts by replacing Simmons with untested Darnell Stapleton, rather than sliding right tackle Willie Colon inside. And, like last December, swing tackle Tra Essex once again filled in for an injured Smith. As for the Ravens, they rolled some very heavy dice by having gifted but green Jared Gaither step in at left tackle to protect franchise rookie Joe Flacco’s blindside.
With unproven commodities replacing formidable cogs, the Eagles, Steelers and Ravens all saw the same pattern unfold: their young replacements struggled early in the season but, thanks to the help of the veterans around them, and the team’s patience and commitment to its scheme, they ultimately prospered by winter time.
This brings us to the common thread of “significant improvement” that defines all four remaining teams. Take a look:

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The Fantasy Baseball Gurus Show Kicks off its 2009 Season Today!

Hey everyone. Get ready cause the big show is back for its second season. If you missed us last year, you missed some of the best award winning fantasy advice on Blog Talk Radio. Last season we gave so much great advice and analysis that my mother was proud. Whether it was strategy advice, debunking Sabermetrics, Albert Pujols, Jacoby Ellsbury, Ryan Braun, stoeln bases, closers, etc... We are coming back stronger then ever and funnier than we've ever been. Join me, Todd "The True Guru Farino", Ryan Hallam (http://www.fightingchancefantasy.com/), and RC Rizza (http://www.junkyardjake.com/) as we bring you no holds-barred fantasy baseball advice. We tell it like it is and don't kiss up to anyone. So bring your helmets and lets play ball tomorrow at 10pm EST at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru.

In our first show we will have special guest Cory Schwartz from MLB.com and we will discuss the impact of the off-season moves. We will also take you through our first round mock draft, and much more.

Join the Champion of the 2008 Fantasy Baseball Expert League Todd Farino and the runner-up RC Rizza and we lockup and entertain and inform for 90 minutes.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru

NFL TOUCHDOWN PLAYOFF KEYS

By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com

Pittsburgh Steelers
Key vs. San Diego
Offensive balance. The Steelers have not exactly been their usual running selves this season. They ranked 23rd in the league in rushing during the regular season. Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore, neither of whom is a power runner, combined for just 1,379 yards on the ground. Compensating for the mediocre run game is a Ben Roethlisberger-led passing attack that produced four players with over 500 yards receiving (Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Heath Miller and Nate Washington).
But Sunday against San Diego, the Steelers stayed vibrant through the air, and also pounded the rock consistently for four quarters, dominating the tempo in the second half (particularly the third quarter). Willie Parker looked fresh in gaining 146 yards on 27 carries. Obviously the Pittsburgh defense – which has carried the load all season – did its part, as well.

Baltimore Ravens
Key vs. Tennessee
Takeaways. It’s easy to look at Tennessee’s 12 penalties and three turnovers and say the Titans gave this game away. They didn’t; it was stolen from them by a furious Ravens defense. The three turnovers weren’t Titan giveaways – they were Raven takeaways. All three turnovers were a result of either ferocious hitting or savvy play-reading by Rex Ryan’s crew. Yes, Baltimore looked tired throughout this hard-hitting contest….and they still won.

Key to Ravens @ Steelers
Pittsburgh’s pass protection. It’s been the Steelers’ Achilles heal all season – Ben Roethlisberger was sacked more times than any AFC quarterback – mainly because all five members of the offensive line have had issues diagnosing opponents’ blitz schemes. Rex Ryan is not as heavy a blitzer as you would expect, simply because Baltimore’s pass-rush is so complex and star-studded that he doesn’t have to bring a fifth guy. If the Steelers can block the Ravens in the passing game, they’ll win. If they can’t, you’ll see more forced turnovers, and ultimately another victory, from arguably the nastiest team in football.

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Defense Wins Championships

By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com

You’ve heard the old adage that says “Defense wins championships.” Maybe it does. Or maybe it’s just defensive coaching. The most glaring commonality among the NFL’s final eight teams – and something that no one seems to have yet noticed – is that all eight have excellent defensive coordinators. Take a look:
New York Giants – Steve Spagnuolo
By far the most popular head coaching candidate on the market right now. Thanks to his aggressive and creative use of the front seven, Spagnuolo has received an enormous share of the credit for New York’s Super Bowl run last season. And he’s perhaps done an even better job this season.
Philadelphia Eagles – Jim Johnson
Arguably the preeminent defensive play-caller of this decade. Johnson’s quasi-46 scheme can give any offense fits, mainly because the master does such a tremendous job of customizing it for each opponent. Johnson also has a preternatural ability to spot and develop raw talent.
Arizona Cardinals – Clancy Pendergast
The Cardinals defense has been sub-par throughout most of this season, but experts will tell you that it’s not the coordinator’s fault. NFL inner-circles admire Pendergast for having such a variegated, flexible scheme. Apparently, so do the Cardinal; he was one of the few coaches on Ken Whisenhunt’s staff who was retained after Denny Green got fired.
Carolina Panthers – Mike Trgovac
The most unknown of the remaining D-coordinators just happens to have one of the steadiest records. Entering this season, the Panthers had finished ranked in the top 10 in defensive yardage four times in six years. They fell to No. 18 this season. However, as Carolina’s 12-4 record indicates, Trgovac may have his best defensive unit since the ’03 Super Bowl squad.
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NFL Touchdown Playoff Quick Keys

By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com

Arizona Cardinals
Key vs. Atlanta was…
The play of the Arizona front four. Rightfully maligned as an inconsistent and lethargic unit late in the season, Clancy Pendergast’s defensive line exploded against a somewhat undersized Falcons front five. Matt Ryan was pressured all day and sacked three times, and the league’s second leading rusher, Michael Turner, was held to just 42 yards on 18 carries.
Veteran defensive end Bertrand Berry was particularly effective working against rookie left tackle Sam Baker (who had been battling back problems in the weeks leading up to the game). The Falcons also made the mistake of not double-teaming defensive tackle Darnell Dockett. Instead, they singled him up with former undrafted free agent Harvey Dahl. Dockett is by no means a superstar, but his quick hands make him extremely dangerous in a three-technique. Plus, simple film study reveals that Dockett – who is by far Arizona’s most important D-lineman – dominates against single blocking, but disappears against double teams.

Key vs. Carolina will be…
Stopping one of the league’s best rushing attacks. Don’t expect the Cardinals to do it. As well as the front four played Saturday, it’s doubtful they can reenact the performance against an oversized and aggressive Carolina offensive line. A lot of responsibility will fall on the linebackers. Arizona will need Karlos Dansby to be in his brilliant mode (a tossup given the way Dansby’s week-to-week output fluctuates). It was shrewd of Pendergast to limit middle linebacker Gerald Hayes to one-gap responsibilities against Atlanta – watch Hayes on tape and you’ll quickly see that he’s a star when he does not have to think, but a liability when he does. Stopping the run is the first key for the Cardinals, but it might not be enough anyway. It remains to be seen whether Antrel Rolle is a good enough safety to help the corners contain Steve Smith.

Philadelphia Eagles
Key vs. Minnesota was…
Doing exactly what everyone thought they’d do: load the box to stop Adrian Peterson (20 carries, 83 yards, though only 43 yards on 19 carries if you take away his one big run), then blitz Tarvaris Jackson in third-and-long situations. Right now the Eagles front seven is as venomous as it’s ever been under Jim Johnson, and that’s saying a lot. Two players who have really emerged are middle linebacker Stewart Bradley and pass-rushing defensive end Chris Clemons.

Key vs. New York will be…
Letting the stars shine. It’s pretty simple when you’re facing a divisional rival for the third time this season, and fourth time in the postseason. Both sides know what the other side brings. For Philly, it will be about Andy Reid continuing to go to Brian Westbrook, and Donovan McNabb prioritizing speedy rookie receiver DeSean Jackson when making his reads. The Eagles will struggle to run against the Giants, just like they struggled to run against Minnesota. But slow developing plays – such as screens and draws – are always a way to isolate Westbrook’s skills. As for finding Jackson, Philly would be wise to get him the ball early and in space (end-arounds, bubble screens, etc.). This allows the rookie to be creative and search for the homerun. It’s important for Jackson to become the aggressor early, for he will have a tough time against the physical Giant cornerbacks, and the Eagles can’t afford to have him get rattled like he did against Washington.

For AFC Playoffs, visit www.NFLTouchdown.com

What We Learned From NFL MVP Voting

By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com

Fifty AP writers voted on the NFL’s 2008 MVP Award. Here’s how the voting broke down:
Peyton Manning: 32
Chad Pennington: 4
Michael Turner: 4
Philip Rivers: 2
Chris Johnson: 1
Kurt Warner: 1

Here’s what we know from the MVP voting:
Peyton Manning is beyond great. If you recall, the beginning of the season was a nightmare for the 32-year-old. Having just rushed back from offseason knee surgery, Manning was far less than 100 percent, both in his health and quarterbacking rhythm. Exacerbating matters was the fact that he was playing behind a makeshift offensive line, thanks to injuries to center Jeff Saturday, left tackle Tony Ugoh and left guard Ryan Lilja.
As the season wore on, Manning and the O-line got healthier. But the Colts never found their run game. And a dilapidating-Marvin Harrison never found his fountain of youth. Still, Indy finished 12-4 because they had a signalcaller who knew how to win ugly. And that is the difference between Manning’s record-tying third MVP award and his previous two: winning ugly. At times this year, the Colts offense has gone from Porsche to Pinto, but the man driving the car still got the team to its regular season destination.

What else we know…
Voters had no trouble forgetting about Albert Haynesworth. The MVP at the midway point battled some injuries down the stretch but only missed two games. You can’t blame Haynesworth’s voting snubs on the small Nashville market; one voter was either way too shallow or way too deep in their thinking, evidenced by their vote for Titans’ rookie running back Chris Johnson.

Haynesworth probably didn’t deserve anyone’s first-place vote, but for some reason, that’s the only vote that counts. Unlike the Heisman voting, NFL awards do not ask for second, third, fourth and fifth place finishes on their ballots. Having a five-slot ballot only makes sense. The AP (or NFL) needs to update its voting process.

Why only 50 voters anyway? Why not include qualified television analysts? It doesn’t seem right that a newspaper reporter can cast a vote, but Ron Jaworski or John Madden cannot.

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