Back After A Long Hiatus

Jeez, what a season it has been.

I think it is time to look back at the season that was...so without further adiu, my season in review article.


Tom Brady: The reigning NFL MVP looked at the Kansas City Chiefs as an easy 5 TDs and a big win on their quest back to history. Instead, S Bernard Pollard of the Chiefs went crashing into Brady's knee, tearing his ACL. The Patriots went on to have a decent season, missing the playoffs by one game. Back up QB Matt Cassell will now look to become a very rich man after leading the Pats to a 11-5 record.

Brett Favre: After one of the craziest offseasons in recent memory, Brett Favre became a Jet. After his un-retiring, Favre went on to have a decent season, despite missing most of training camp. The "Bretts" got out to an 8-3 start, only to pretty much lose out and miss the playoffs. Much of the blame went to Brett, who struggled down the stretch, as he battled a torn bicep tendon. This all led to Jets coach Eric Mangini getting the axe, and Rex Ryan being hired.


Wildcat: The Miami Dolphins went from 1-15 to 11-5 in just one season. Most of this has to do with the great play of the offense, and the new "Wildcat" scheme that took the league by storm. Based around direct snaps to the RB, the Wildcat confused defences and helped lead Ronnie Brown to one of his best seasons. In a year with many negative storylines, the Dolphins season certainly was a great one.


Rookies: Jeez, what a class the 08 Draft produced after all. And, it wasn't even the Longs or Glenn Dorsey that led the charge. Guys like Joe Flacco, Chris Johnson and Tim Hightower were later picks that quickly developed into great starters. But, the story of the year was Falcons rookie QB Matt Ryan. He won the Rookie of the Year award on offense, and led the Falcons to the playoffs. Finally, the Falcons can get rid of their Mike Vick demons.


Steelers?: Well, it's officially being re-named the Steeler Bowl after Sunday. While the Steelers are taking on the Cardinals in the Super Bowl this year, it seems the battles will take place off the field as well. On the Pittsburgh side, you have head coach Mike Tomlin, who was charged with picking up where the great Bill Cowher left off. On the Arizona sideline, you have Ken Whisenhunt, who was the front-runner for the Pittsburgh job before Tomlin was brought in. Bad blood? You betcha.


Cowboys: O dear, where to begin with this one? The fall of Tony? TO and Pac Man's antics? Bad coaching decisions? All were very much a factor with this year's edition of the Dallas Choke-boys. Yes, they are my team, but there was no need for the absolute self-destruction that occurred.
The 9-7 record fell well-short of the Super expectations for the team, and that can't be sitting well with owner Jerry Jones. And, despite all of the problems, the team could have made the playoffs if it were not for a 44-6 loss to the Eagles in week 17.
I place most of the blame on the injury to Tony Romo, but you also have to focus on the rest of the team. If they would have beat the lowly Rams in Romo's first game on the bench, they would have made the playoffs.
Now, on top of this, they have announced two separate TV reality shows that will focus on parts of the team. First, they will be trying to find a new player on a reality show hosted by Michael Irvin. This could have mixed results.
Second, the media queen Terrell Owens will be making a show focusing on his life off the field. Ridiculous. Jerry Jones should be putting the ki-bosh on this before it ever happens. But, as we know about the Cowboys, they love being in the spotlight, and promptly dropping the ball.

Playoff Recap: Basically, every team that should have won...didn't. Steelers and Cardinals in the Super Bowl.

My prediction: Cardinals 31, Steelers 20.