Buying Into The Indians: Literally

Mortimer, we're back!!!

As sports fans, we invest our time, money and emotions into our teams. Unless you're a Packers fan and Green Bay resident, though, you don't have an actual ownership share of your team. Thanks to a tip from a reader, this is no longer the case.

Into our lives stepped Randy Newsom via the New York Times Freakonomics blog. No, unfortunately we can't actually buy into the Cleveland Indians, but we can buy stock into one of the Tribe's minor league hurlers. By going here, anyone can snatch a few Randy shares and bet on his future major league earnings. A mere $20 for a piece of Randy's Major League pot at the end of the rainbow? The editorial staff at The Legend couldn't wait to jump on board (after a lengthy debate over whether I read about this in Moneyball or not).

The commenters on the Freakonomics NY Times blog don't seem to think much of Randy's chances to make the big leagues, but what do they know? What team doesn't have a need for a crafty submarining/sidewinding righty out of the pen? Eighteen saves in Akron last year? Our kind of player.

Sure, "Newsom does not have a blazing fastball, wipeout slider, or a knee-buckling curveball, but he is extremely intelligent, has moxie, commands his pitches well, has great makeup, and goes right after hitters. He should start the season in the Buffalo bullpen and could make his professional debut with the Indians sometime in 2008." Hear that? He's got moxie! Moxie!!

And we're going to be investment gurus. Every couple of weeks during the season we'll post a Newsom watch to chart Randy's progress. You, Legend faithful, will be able to see first hand whether our investment experiment booms or busts, at no cost to yourselves. All he has to do is make a cool $1.25 million and we're in the black. Eat your hearts out Stock Market Wizards.

Horribly Unfortunate Editor Update: Alas, we have moved to slow as Newman stock has flown off the shelves and is no longer available for purchase. At the very least, still a great publicity stunt, and we'll be watching.

Cornell Alum Goes from NFL Outhouse to Penthouse

"Wow, We're Sure Not in Ithaca Anymore..."

(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)

It's rare the editorial team here gets to talk about one of our fellow Cornell alums in the context of professional sports...much less the NFL...much less the Super Bowl. Today is one of those days.

Let's just say the Ivy League, and particularly the Mighty Big Red of Cornell, are not renowned for cranking out NFL prospects. Don't get us wrong, a few players have traveled the path from high above Cayuga's waters to the pro ranks (Chad Levitt and Seth Payne come to mind in recent years) but, shall we say, such a path is not "beaten."

Therefore, it gives us great pleasure that Kevin Boothe is drinking in the joys of a trip to the Super Bowl. He is also drinking in the splendor of Deal or No Deal's Claudia Jordan in the picture above. We do not blame him. Your cup runneth over, young man. Take it all in.

Boothe is getting a little love from some regional and national pubs, but we wanted to throw out some more here at the Legend. While the 6'6, 315-lb guard from Queens certainly deserves a hat tip for making it from the Ivies to the League, we're more enamored with his recent reversal of fortune. Boothe has gone, quite literally, from the NFL outhouse to the penthouse. In 2006, the rookie started 14 games at guard for the Oakland Raiders after being drafted in the sixth round.

For the most part, he and his line mates were pounded while trying to protect the hapless Josh McCown (and whoever else) during a miserable 2-14 season. Heading into the season, the Raiders, clearly stocked everywhere, decided to waive Boothe and go with high-priced bust extraordinaire Robert Gallery and others. No need to keep a low-budget Ivy Leaguer who worked his way into the starting lineup and suffered through 14 games around.

So, in September Boothe was picked up by the G-Men. For the rest of the season he largely sat on the bench. He is now in Glendale preparing for Sunday's Super Bowl.

Boothe sits behind Seubert and Snee on the depth chart and has a chance to get a ring. Hmmm....Oakland, losing, misery and beatdowns...New York, winning, sidelines and hotties at Super Bowl media day? Well-played Mr. Boothe. Enjoy the ride and go Big Red.

Mets + Santana = Three Stacks of High Society

Back in the Game

Simply put, we're back in the game. That's my immediate thought. No fancy pictures with this post. No out-of-control predictions or expectations. I've sat on the Johan news for a bit now just letting it marinate, trying to figure out how to articulate what this Mets fan is feeling. And I've again come to Rounders as my source of inspiration. Following the Metros epic collapse at end of last season, I likened my emotion to how Mikey McD must have felt after Teddy KGB cleaned him out for the first time.

Playing out the analogy, this off-season we spent our time riding around in Knish's truck generally feeling sorry for ourselves and not even bothering to try to get back in the game (that goes for fans and team management). As the winter meetings came and went, and we crawled into the New Year, we feebly put our chips cautiously on the table with a few moves here and there. But they weren't strong plays.

We talked about Livan Hernandez, Carlos Silva, Freddy Garcia. These guys were the equivalent of the golfers game or the one at the diner uptown. Basically, pretty depressing to even think about or discuss when not too long ago we were taking about sitting at the table with Johnny Chan. Know what we mean?

No, only one thing was going to get this team, and these fans, all the way back. We had to sit down across the table from our KGB. We had to put our chips on the table with some real scratch. It was Santana, and going all in, or we were going bust. And we finally did. We sat head-to-head and made a play. And, frankly, it feels like we managed to bring in the rake while still keeping a few proverbial chips in our back pocket.

It feels good. I'm not going to lie. But this one move does not a champion make. Now, we've simply got the credentials to take our trip to Vegas and sit at the table with the big boys. We've got three stacks of high society and now have a chance to make a play for it all. Mike McDermott was wondering if he had what it takes to take home the WSOP title, but he had three stacks of high society and was going to find out. Will the Mets eventually have what it takes to head to our world series in 2008? I don't know either. But, now we've got our three stacks back...and we're going to find out.

JOY TO THE WORLD. COME JOHAN. COME TO SHEA.

Oh, how fine you will look in blue in orange!! Yes, we shall welcome you with open arms and anxious hearts! Mr. Minaya you are temporarily absolved of any wrongdoing this offseason.

I need much more time to process this. So much more time...for now, guarded joy.

Remind me to throw up when his arm falls off in a year. But we'll worry about that down the line!

Required Reading: Victory and Ruins

Photo Courtesy of Seattle Times

It seems incredibly strange to post something so serious following a few of our previous musings, but this special series from the Seattle Times is getting a lot of deserved attention. Entitled "Victory and Ruins," it provides a deeper look at the 2001 Rose Bowl Champion Washington Huskies. According to the paper's Web site, it offers an "unprecedented look behind the scenes {and} reveals an unsettling level of criminal conduct that was often excused or overlooked." If you're a fan of sports, you need to read it (today the third installment of the four-part special was published).

We're not sure riveting is the right word...or mesmerizing...or unbelievable. The stories are probably a disturbing blend of all three of those adjectives. One thing is certain, though. If this endeavor succeeds in anything, it is reminding us in stark clarity that big-time college sports can be just as ugly, corrupt and deceptive just like any other giant corporation. And that the term student-athlete is becoming more and more of a farce in modern day major D1 sports. This team's exploits rival that of the famed Colorado Buffaloes squad under Bill McCartney.

I sincerely hope a lot of these players, coaches and adminstrators get a fresh dose of criticism that they seem to have inexplicably escaped for far too long. It also makes you think for a few minutes about Ty Willingham. Backers of Coach W. have pointed to the type of culture he is instilling at UW, a character that is, by many accounts, a reflection of the man. A man who was recently chosen by his peers to head the American Football Coaches Association.

It also makes you think about somebody like Ed Hansen, the millionaire lawyer who promised a hefty "bounty" if UW canned Willingham. I wonder if Mr. Hansen's been reading the paper this week. It might cause a rational man to re-think whether winning really is everything...

Pats Media Love Fest Perpetuates, Giant Maladies Apparently Nothing Compared to the Boot

What is Quickly Becoming the G-Men's Worst Enemy

From time to time we get a little tired of the Giants fans clamoring about the lack of respect their team receives. But, in this instance, the injustices and media bias are so great that even we can't turn our heads and ignore it.

We're talking of course about the media's general lack of attention to the six Giants players who've been battling the flu over the past few days. It's simply reprehensible. For the past week, we've incessantly heard about Tom Brady's famous ankle. We've seen pictures of him from nearly every venue and wearing every manner of footwear - Pradas, boot, cool-guy sneakers. Yet, what have we seen from reporters about the ailing Giants? Virtually nada. Zilch. Zippo.

What? Poop and vomit aren't of interest to you guys? Your "investigative reporting" doesn't extend to flu-like symptoms? Hogwash, we say. At least John Clayton paid enough respect to the fans of this nation to inform them that Aaron Ross puked on the plane in Newark causing a delay in the Giants departure. But have you seen one shot of the chunkage? We all know the answer.

Were any cameras in or around Madison Hedgecock's bedroom as he was laid up for two days with a high fever? Any bathroom reports on Michael Johnson or Manny Wright? Not big enough stars? How 'bout Strahan whose voice still hasn't recovered since the trip back from Green Bay? The answer to all of this questions is "no" and, to be honest, it's inexusable.

Hopefully, with bootgate wrapping up, the journalists will show their integrity and start getting some interviews from the can, some candids over a garbage can or two and even just a few quick clips of the G-Men in their PJs buried in Kleenex. Damn it, the Giants and their fans deserve it. Is it so hard to show a little sympathy to the underdogs?

Beware the Bespectacled: An Ode to Rec Specs, the Four-Eyed Athlete and a Dying Breed

We consider ourselves so much more than mere 30-something bloggers. Our mission is to not just share our perspectives on sports but educate and enlighten a younger generation of fans.

In that spirit, today, we honor the bespectacled. Yes, all you young whipper-snappers out there. Long before the import of blogs and other modern wiz-bang technology, something as seemingly benign as poor eyesight was a bit more difficult to address. And athletes were no different than the rest of us.

Before fancy sport-specific contact lenses and lasic surgery became commonplace, athletes had to go a less sophisticated route to see the ball, pitch or pass...they had to go four-eyes -- whether that meant sport goggles, good-ole fashioned eyeglasses or the infamous Rec Specs (modeled above).

Sure, there are a few "modern-day" athletes who rock fancy-schmancy tinted shades that are more aerodynamic than a spaceship. We see and hear you Bo Outlaw, Kelvim Escobar, Jose Vizcaino and Eric Gagne. But this here blog post is for the few, the proud, and the bespectacled of whom we have the fondest personal memories...those who really brought it in the realm of spectacles. Newbies, read and learn. As one purveyor of t-shirts decried, always fear the Rec Specs.

Eric Dickerson

Dickerson was solid gold for the Rams in the mid-80s, setting records and breaking off long runs where he seemed to effortlessly accelerate past DBs. Oh yes, he is also arguably the greatest NFL player to ever don eyewear in game action. 2-9 had the yellow-bordered old-school Rec Specs and didn't care what anyone thought. He also could make the All Soul-Glo team should we ever decide to put it together. By the way, did anyone else forget that Dickerson went to the Raiders and then Atlanta before calling it quits?

Kent Tekulve

In addition to packing enormous lippers, Tekulve was a submarine-style relief pitcher for the Bucos and a teammate of Legend namesake Cecilio Guante. He also wore big, dark shades at all times -- including on the mound. Besides the money glasses, Tekulve was cool to watch because his knuckles scraped the mound on every delivery.

Antoine Carr

'Toine was nicknamed the Big Dog and played for 16 years in the NBA on 75 different teams. At one point, he could score in the post. However, as Wikipedia accurately relates, Carr was "known for the sunglass shades he wore onto the court." Wikipedia also lists his weight as 225, which is only about 100 lbs off...

Charlie Kerfeld

As a Mets fan in the mid-80s, this man actually caused me some measure of trepidation, particularly in the 1986 NLCS. Kerfeld was a 6'6 dude who came out of the pen and threw pretty hard. However, apparently Kerfeld didn't scare anyone much after that season. Check out the stat line. Following Kerfeld's 11-2 '86 season, he didn't log more than 40 innings in any other season and toiled in the minors for three years before briefly re-surfacing in 1990 and then retiring.

Horace Grant

"Ho" Grant, as we was affectionately known, racked up three rings with a small bit of assistance from his airness, before leaving Chicago for that new NBA franchise in Orlando. Grant hit the boards hard, played solid D and could knock down an open jumper from 15 ft. and in. And how about those awesome sport goggles! He reminds me of one of those Wayans brothers in that movie Blankman. Speaking of brothers, Ho had one named Harvey who also played in the NBA. He did not rock awesome protective eyewear like his brother. Therefore, he is not pictured here.

Kurt Rambis

Say bespectacled athlete and most folks may conjure up an image of Kurt Rambis. Rambis sported the Ricky Vaughan-style black framed glasses. Kurt was nasty on the boards and also sported a porn mustache throughout his career. He's now cleaned up and on the sidelines as an assistant coach for the Lake show. BO-ring.

Mookie Wilson

Mookie was one of my favorite Mets. He was a tasmanian devil on the base paths and watching him leg out a triple was a thing of beauty. For you young bucks, imagine Jose Reyes. It was kind of like that. A flash, a flying helmet and a cloud of dust. As anyone who has the 1986 Year to Remember video (I know you're out there), you'll recall that Mookie also went all Maverick with the aviator shades. "Did it break the glass? Did it break the glass? Oh g-d, it did..."

Perhaps the most memorable of them all was Chris Sabo. The former Reds third baseman came out of nowhere to win the Rookie of the Year in 1988 before going on to make the All-Star team on three different occasions. Through it all, Sabo unabashedly wore his trademark Rec Specs. Apparently, they were from Lens Crafters. Wherever he got them, they looked gooood.



We're undoubtedly missing a ton of legends. Leave us your fondest four-eyed athletes in the comments. And keep the memory alive...think about the children.

The Super Bowl, Position By Position Break Down

Will there be too much Super Bowl Hype this week? Yes. The TV and radio stuff will be intolerable. Luckily, we have blogs who will find new slants and produce general entertainment such as the guy whose dog mutilated his Super Bowl tickets, which team is more likely to get in trouble before the Super Bowl, and even predicting what the hype will look like, as Cecilio's Scribe did a couple of weeks ago.

What will be tough to find, as you sort through the hype, is analysis of the actual game. While it'd be nice to get into how the Patriots offensive line stacks up against the Giants front 7 or how the Pats secondary matches up with Plaxico and crew, I just don't have access to the NFL game tapes like Ron Jaworski does, so I'll stick to who I'd rather have on the field at each position.

Quarterback: Who hasn't made fun of Eli Manning at some point this season? But, you gotta give the guy some props, he's stepped up big in the playoffs and he's led the G-men to the Super Bowl. Enough props to give him the nod over 3-time Super Bowl Champion and NFL MVP Tom Brady? No.

Edge: Patriots (Although I would take the Pillsbury Throw Boy over Matt Cassel between the back-ups. I love that nickname.)

Running Backs: While the Giants young backs Jacobs and Bradshaw have been lighting it up in the playoffs, I'm going to have to take the Pats combo of Maroney and Faulk here. Maroney is the most explosive back of the bunch, and Faulk's ability to catch the ball out of the backfield pushes the Patriots tandem over the top in this category.

Edge: Patriots

Offensive Line: Brady was only sacked 21 times this season, while Eli was only sacked 27 times. Both lines are solid. The Patriots line is just a little more solid.

Edge: Patriots

Tight Ends: As happy as Giants fans are that Shockey's out, I'll go with the combo of Benjamin Watson and Kyle Brady over Kevin Boss and Michael Matthews. Easy choice, I've heard of Benjamin Watson and Kyle Brady before, I had to look up Boss and Matthews names.

Edge: Patriots

Wide Receivers: Despite what Plaxico says, I refuse to think that anybody has a better receiving group than the Patriots. Plaxico has been off the hook in the playoffs, but even if you rate him ahead of Randy Moss (which I don't), the Wes Welker, Donte' Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney trio outshines Amani Toomer, Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss.

Edge: Patriots

Defensive Line: I like the Warren, Wilfork, Seymour and Green on the Pats line, but the G-men have them here. The Giants' big uglies are the strength of the team. Sack machines. This line is so good that it needs a cool nickname.

Edge: Giants

Linebackers: I like Antonio Pierce and Kawika Mitchell, but after that it's thin in the Giants linebacking corps. The Pats linebackers are old, but Seau, Bruschi, Vrabel, and Adalius Thomas sound like an alright group to me.

Edge: Patriots

Safeties: The Giants Gibril Wilson seems to be the real deal at free safety, but I lean towards the Patriots on this one, because Rodney Harrison is the only safety on either team that I've heard of. Crap, he's old as sh*t too, how about a push?

Edge: Push

Cornerbacks: I think both teams have good cornerbacks, but the Pats allowed 190.1 passing yards per game in the regular season, while the Giants allowed 207.3. That's enough to give the Pats the edge here.

Edge: Patriots

Special Teams: This fellow thinks that Domenik Hixon gives the Giants the edge in special teams. The same Giants special teams unit who's kicker Lawrence Tynes almost kicked away their chance at a Super Bowl in Green Bay? I'll settle for a push on this one.

Edge: Push

For those of you keeping score at home, The Legend's official scorecard has the Pats 7, the G-men 1, and 2 pushes. Looks grim for the G-men, but that's why they play the games. On any given Sunday.......

LeBron Is The Tits

LeBron goes left against 3 Lakers, giving the Cavs the lead

After watching the end of this afternoon's Lakers/Cavs game, I officially turned the page from football season to LeBron season (yes, the Super Bowl is next week, but if you aren't a Patriots or Giants fan, isn't it a bitter bitter game to watch? I'll watch it, but I'll be pissed the entire game). I turned the Cavs game on sometime in the third quarter, but flipped back and forth between the game and Ghostbusters until crunch-time. I was not following LeBron season at that moment, because he hadn't revealed that it had started yet.


With the clock winding down in the fourth quarter, The Choosen One let me know that it is time to start following LeBron season. He was locked in a head-to-head battle with Mr. Kobe Bean Bryant in The Staples Center, and the Cavs had battled back from 7 down earlier in the quarter.


The Cavs took the lead as Bron sliced through the the lane with using his left hand and laid it off the glass with 1:16 left. The Cavs were still up one at 94-93, when the King took Kobe one-on-one with a quick, indefensible jump shot from a step inside the three point line with 20 seconds left. The Cavs would need this cushion, because of a quick Lakers score and a wild melee after a Larry Hughes inbounds turnover (Daniel Gibson fell down on the play).


Somehow the Cavs came away with the ball and their one point lead in tact after the craziness, and Bron-Bron got fouled. Despite Lebron's maddening tendency to brick clutch free throws, he drained them both (maybe a new wrinkle in his game?), and the Lakers got the ball back with 9 seconds left. His Excellency led the defensive charge from there, and the Lakers didn't even get a shot off.


Basically LeBron took over the game and beat "the best player in the NBA" in the process. LeBron 41 points, Kobe Bean 33. Cavs: 98, Lakers: 95. If I sound like an unapologetic homer, it's because I am. The Cavs have won 10 of their last 12, and I'm damn glad that LeBron season is back. I am a Witness.

Wishing for the Day the Music Dies at NBA Arenas

Since When Did These Guys Become an NBA Arena Staple?

I don't want to hear Soulja Boy while my team is bringing the ball up the court. Techno beats are not necessary. Evanesence should not be played while a game is in progress (or probably ever for that matter). Leave the DJ spinning for the Knicks city dancers or other scantily-clad cheerleaders to dance around to during timeouts and halftime. But, for goodness sake already, somebody make the music die in NBA arenas.

This is my random weekend rant if you couldn't tell already. It's one of those things that's always been there but for some reason has only struck me of late. And now I can't get it out of my head. Whether you're in an NBA arena, or watching the action on TV, see how long you can count without hearing some brain-cluttering noise kicked in from the arena PA. It's absurd.

Now, granted we understand that teams are looking to fire up the fans, make their arenas loud and intimidating for opposing players and what-not. And, sure, it might be a little quiet when the speakers are turned off. But when did DJs become necessary in professional basketball? Would it be the worst thing ever for fans to hear the sounds of squeaking shoes? Maybe a coach barking out a play? Or, dare we say, some naturally-generated fan noise?

It's bad enough we are deemed dumb enough to need constant cues to chant "de-fense" or "charge!" every three minutes. But the good ole organ has a place in sports. But in between we now have to listen to 50 Cent and Paul Oakenfold? Don't get me wrong, I like the music. On my iPod. In my own ears.

Do you see this in football? Baseball? Hockey? We're OK with some Hells Bells before a big third down play at the Meadowlands. I'm even alright with the whole Final Countdown thing in the last few minutes of a tight game at the Garden. But this incessant, mind-numbing noise artificially pumped into NBA arenas has got to go.

And that's all I have to say about that. So, how's that for a random Saturday rant? Yes, we are entering that slow time in the world of sports. We're trying to battle through. Stick it out with us.

We Suspected, But Now It's Official: Al Davis Has Lost His Mind

Is This the Look of a Sane Man?

We're always pretty up front here. So, we'll be honest. We didn't watch the Oakland Raiders a whole lot this NFL season. That said, we don't think we're out of line to say that Al Davis is losing his grip on reality.

ESPN is reporting that Davis has sent a letter to rookie head coach Lane Kiffin asking for his resignation. Before we even get into the ridiculousness surrounding this...here's the part we like best so far. Kiffin is apparently refusing to give his walking papers. We're liking Lane a bit more than before.

NOW, as mentioned, Kiffin could very easily be another in a long line of college coaches who couldn't cut it in the NFL, but how can you judge a guy trying to turn around a franchise that's been putrid for the past four years and coming off at 2-14 season?? Not to mention the talent young Kiffen's been handed...let's just say his cup does not runneth over. To be honest, we're not sure if there's ANYTHING in the cup. Name a "star" on the Oakland Raiders. We'll wait...take your time...

If you answered Shane Lechler (their Pro Bowl punter), we'd be inclined to give you a great deal of credit, while also rolling our eyes at your ability to take sports dorkness to the next level. Chances are you drew a complete blank as we did. Think we're exaggerating? Peruse the roster. I feel like Major League: who are these guys??!!

Really, Mr. Davis? You hire a rookie coach to take over your 2-14, talent-lacking team...oh yea, and you equip him with leadership behind center of Josh McCown (a career bust), Daunte Culpepper (walking wounded) and JaMarcus Russell (still not sure which way to turn the playbook in order to read it). And you're surprised at the outcome?? You should be shocked Kiffin managed to double your win total from the previous year with this bunch.

Now, if it turns out there's some other non-performance related reason for Mr. Davis's request, we'll kindly apologize and rescind all these statements. If not, then he deserves heat. Kiffin is supposed to be an offensive guy. Why not at least let him have the keys to the new car (JaMarcus) and then see what you've got?

Our conclusion: Al Davis has officially lost it. Either way this goes, we feel for Raiders fans today.

Update: Apparently, Davis is considering hiring Dennis Green!!!!!!!! This keeps getting better. Now, we feel justified in our analysis. Davus = batsh*t crazy. Honestly, you couldn't make up a better storyline. I'm almost a little annoyed that this elaboration on the situation has taken place since my original posting. Talk about tailor-made for ridicule.

Graves Jersey Heading to Garden Rafters as Well

We admittedly don't post a whole lot about hockey up on this here blog, but today seemed an appropriate day to do so. In typical fashion of the players who made up those memorable mid-90s Rangers teams, Mess, Graves and Richter were on hand last night to honor their teammate Brian Leetch as his #2 was lifted to the rafters. Never too quick to put the spotlight on himself, Leetchy and the Rangers organization used one wonderful event to announce another.

I'm not embarrassed to admit that I spent a lot of my parents' money on fancy jerseys growing up. I only owned one hockey jersey...and I still have it today. It's the classic white New York Rangers sweater with R-A-N-G-E-R-S diagonally across the front. On the back, I (my mom) shelled out the extra bucks to get the embroidered number and name . At the time, I recall asking the salesman whether he thought Adam Graves would "be around awhile" following the departure of Bernie Nicholls (because this was a big investment and all).

Looks like I got more than I bargained for...congrats to #9. We're going to do our best to be in attendance next year for the festivities. It seems fitting that a man who played "in the shadows" of other more notable names for so many years will have a moment in the sun to shine -- alone.

Classic 80s/90s Sports Posters, Vol. IV: The Icons

When we first launched this series about a month ago, the vision was to honor those posters from our youth that were so awful that they were great. The images that made you cringe at their cheesiness factor, while simultaneously compellling you to stand up and applaud...and then go hunt for any remaining copies on eBay. That spirit will continue to guide future editions of this series. Today, though, we remember two icons.

In the midst of all the great and ridiculous submissions we've received, even those who clearly recognized the spirit of this series couldn't help but mention two REAL classics time and again. To say they were symbolic of an era would probably not be overstating too much. As a new member of the 30-something crowd, these images are instantly recognizable to any of us who loved sports, embraced popular culture and fun-taked anything to our bedroom walls.

I could probably utter the words "wings" and "Bo" without even having to show the pictures below. But we will, because they are classic. And by classic...we mean enduring...cool no matter what decade you're in...timeless...and, like, totally awesome! (in sing-songy 90s valley-girl voice)

Here's to Bo and MJ...and re-living our youth for a moment (or at least mine). Now, go scrape that blue glue sh*t off the walls!





Click below to view prior editions of the Classic 80s-90s Sports Poster Series. We'll be back next Friday with another installment. As always, keep the entries coming to legendofcecilioguante@gmail.com. Give us your name, along with a brief write-up about the image and any blog/site you'd like us to plug (and keep it relatively clean, y'all).

Volume I: The Reign Man

Volume II: Chicago Vice

Volume III: Air Raid

All Hail The Baylor Bears!!

How about those Baylor Bears and their 5 OT barnburner against Texas A&M last night? 5 OTs!! That's an eternity.

I love sports. And more than that I love fans that are as crazy or crazier than myself. My teams haven't won a championship since 1964. That's 4 favorite teams (NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL) and no titles in my lifetime. It's hard to be as insane as I am.

So when I got the following e-mail from my buddy Dimsdale, I could do nothing but smile. He uses the same sort of reaches and jumps in his logic that I use to make about 95% of my Browns, Cavs, Sabres or Indians arguments.

Erie's Scribe,

I was thinking about this and I think now (if ever) would be the time to write about the Bears....after all the abuse we've gotten over the years for our performances in football and basketball, it does feel damn good to be a Bear today.

Just think:

Mens basketball- Top 25, just won arguably one of the best b-ball games in history against our own perceived "rival." (A&M does not share our perception) Five OTs, sucka. (Think the Indians beat the Spankees in the playoffs last year!!)

Womens basketball- #6 in the country, recent national championship, perennial powerhouse.

Baseball- Pundits are talking about this team returning to Omaha. (Most pundits are talking the Browns returning to the playoffs in 2008)

Softball- #8 in the country

Tennis- Two of the best programs in the country.

Not to mention Baylor football is looking up with Art Briles on campus. Not too shabby at all for a little 'ol private school in Waco that they said couldn't compete....

--Dimsdale

A little background on Dimsdale and the Bears. Dimsdale is, to my knowledge, the biggest Baylor fan on the planet. As for the Bears, people probably remember them mostly for their basketball team's murder tragedy and the weird circumstances surrounding the murder. On the field, the Bears are like the Northwestern of the Big-12, but today, I say Sic 'em!

Stephen A. Smith Warmly Welcomed to Blogosphere: Our Early Top 10 Comments Ranking

For those of you not in the inner circle of the blogosphere, sh*t done blowed up today because evidence of a Stephen A. Smith blog hath surfaced.

Stephen A. has been one of those rare "mainstream" media personalities who has managed to incur the wrath of sports bloggers around the country. I've only been doing this whole blogging thing for about six months now. During that time, I've learned at least one thing. There is an unspoken bond between those of us who try to capture our rambling thoughts via new media platforms. If you say something derogatory about the lot, beware the fury.

Colin Cowherd was on the receiving end. Philly columnist Bill Conlin has endured similar torment. Those examples should've been ample warning. Don't make blanket statements about bloggers and expect to walk away unscathed. Oh yea, and another tip, don't do that particularly if you intend to someday blog yourself.

Can you see where we're going with this? Uh-oh. So, back a few months ago Stephen A. says the following about sports bloggers:

"And when you look at the internet business, what's dangerous about it is that people who are clearly unqualified get to disseminate their piece to the masses. I respect the journalism industry, and the fact of the matter is ...someone with no training should not be allowed to have any kind of format whatsoever to disseminate to the masses to the level which they can. They are not trained. Not experts."

He continues:

"Therefore, there's a total disregard, a level of wrecklessness that ends up being a domino effect. And the people who suffer are the common viewers out there and, more importantly, those in the industry who haven't been fortunate to get a radio or television deal and only rely on the written word. And now they've been sabotaged. Not because of me. Or like me. But because of the industry or the world has allowed the average joe to resemble a professional without any credentials whatsoever."

Now, the whole blogosphere got a kick out of this and, in particular, SAS's spelling of recklessness. But, now, these same "average Joes" are able to welcome Stephen A. to the online world. Predictably, the hospitality has been warm and gracious with many comments directed at SAS's referral to his "online blog." Our top 10 to date from actual comments to Stephen A. Smith's first blog post (note the names of posters...fantastic):

10. Posted by: Bill Walton January 23, 2008 at 04:52 PM
welcome to the ranks of the "unqualified, untrained, reckless, non-expert non-professionals.".

9. Posted by: Huddy January 23, 2008 at 04:09 PM
I think that riting a blog like this is just wreckless.

8. Posted by: SLAVA MEDVEDENKO January 23, 2008 at 05:56 PM
QUITE FRANKLY I'M AMAZED THAT YOUR BLOG ISN'T WRITTEN IN 50 POINT FONT!

7. Posted by: Al Gore January 23, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Please enlighten us with your expert political views Screamin' A! And remember, the louder you speak, the more correct your opinion. Tenets to live by.

6. Posted by: NHZ January 23, 2008 at 03:51 PM
I find it hard to believe that people exist who wish your voice would expand. Even your written word feels like you're yelling at me. But I'm sold. And I can't wait for entry #2.

5. Posted by: The412 January 23, 2008 at 03:42 PM
To subscribe to the Offline version of the Blog do I need to do anything besides unplug my internet connection?

4. Posted by: lozo January 23, 2008 at 03:50 PM
All these years my blog has been OFFLINE. No wonder those crackers at BallHype never recognized me!

3. Posted by: The Stephen A. Smith Heckling Society of Gentlemen January 23, 2008 at 04:21 PM
This is a great blog, ESPN should have never fired you because you were a terrible talk show host and no one watched.

2. Posted by: Rupert January 23, 2008 at 05:49 PM
I hate you. I mean it...I really, rwally hate you. I hate you more than I've ever hated anything in my life. If I was forced to choose between saving your life and the life of Osama Bin Laden, I'd choose Bin Laden. And then take him out drinking to celebrate your death. So what I'm really trying to say is your an ass and I along with the rest of the world hate you. I hope you get trampled to death by a herd of rampaging rhinos...because I hate you.

1. Posted by: Enrico Palazzo January 23, 2008 at 05:03 PM
I love this "Online Blog." I am reading it on my "PC Computer." When I get home, I will read it on my "Macintosh I Mac." Perhaps I will make it my "homepage website url." No, I think I will limit it to a "bookmark favorite." If I can't find it, I'm sure I could "Google Search" it. I will likely leave many "Reply comments." Thank you, Thanks.

Editor's Note 1/24: Quick one. According to the folks at Deadspin, the comments on Stephen A.'s blog have taken a turn for the worse (we've yet to read those comments and don't plan to). However, we'd like to echo Leitch's sentiments in that we're all for playful ribbing about the online blog and all, but there's no reason to go all nasty and inappropriate.

The Other Manning Graces SI Cover: Kiss of Death?

Chalk this one up in the category of things-I-never-believed-I-would-see-in-my-lifetime.

When subscribers open up their mailboxes this week, they'll be greeted by an unfamiliar sight. Eli Manning's on the cover. Now is not the time or place for a long diatribe on #10. We've been there and done that.

I've been down on the guy in the past, and blasted him pretty mercilessly. At those times, he deserved it. His recent body of work also merits some of the praise now heading his way.

So, congrats, young Eli. Giants fans everywhere are crossing their fingers that this whole SI jinx thing is all a bunch o' bunk.

We shall see.

Wednesday Links of Incredulousness

As ye Legend followers know, we try to throw up original content as frequently as our day jobs allow. However, once in a while, well, dumps happen. Here are a few of the things causing our eyebrows to furrow this morning.

VOLS LOSE

We were watching this game in the first half. Tennessee was by far the superior team. They should have played their uptempo game and run a young, not very poised Kentucky team out of the building. Such is what you do to prove you're an elite top 10 team worthy of final four chatter. Apparently, the Vols gave it away in the second half. Loser with Socks bemoaned the loss and gave a few reasons the committee may be kind to Kentucky come March. UT fans should calm themselves for a few days after this one.

SPYGATE2: GARDEN EDITION

Larry Brown Sports references a recent interview their namesake gave to Philadelphia Magazine in which Coach Brown claims Dolan and the Knicks had spies assigned to Brown during his season in New York. We are inclined to believe LB. This Garden management team (read: Dolan) is something else.

JACOBSON CUT OFF

Dana Jacobson, who co-anchors the putrid First Take show on ESPN, has been suspended for a week by the worldwide leader. The Big Lead provides a bit more background on the story. Apparently, DJ got a little liquored up at the Mike and Mike Roast in Atlantic City and maybe ran her mouth a bit. And??? That's why the thing wasn't televised to begin with. So people could get bombed and throw out some inappropriate stuff. Hence, ROAST. Think the same thing would've happened if it was Ditka who was bombed and spewing expletives? We're just sayin...

THE NATS WILL BE A FORCE IN THE A.L. WAIT, HUH?

East Coast Bias explains that even the Washington Nationals apparel gets no respect.

BASEBALL CONTRACTS CONTINUE TO DEFY LOGIC: OCTAVIO DOTEL

Former Mets and Astros closer Octavio Dotel (wait, he played for the Royals and Braves, too? riiiight), scooped up a cool $11M guaranteed for two years of potential service to the Chicago White Sox. Dotel was last healthy for a full year back in the Reagan administration. Healthy and dominant? I'd have to say...uhhh...never. The Detroit Tigers contingency at Construda would like to personally thank Sox GM Kenny Williams for his vision.

What's the Deal with Buck and Aikman? Seriously...

Alright, we were just going to chalk it up to the often too thoughtful meanderings of our mind and a slow sports day, but I heard similar sentiments from not one, not two, but three of my friends yesterday. Despite their disparate perspectives on many issues sports and otherwise, the question was the same: what's up with Buck and Aikman?

So, it got us to thinking that maybe we aren't nuts. Here's the deal. We don't care what you do off the set. We just don't like secrets, fellas. Maybe it was the way Joe so seductively blew out his breath to show Troy and the viewing audience just how cold it was (yes, Joe, we get it...you can see your breath! we kinda figured as much).

Or perhaps it is that adoring look and those batty eyes that Troy kept tossing Joe's way, as if he felt he didn't even belong in the same booth with such a seasoned pro. Any way you slice it, there's something a little out of the ordinary with the mutual love fest going on in the booth between Joe and Troy. Or perhaps we're just abusing our bloggertorial priveleges again to the detriment of all mankind.

But, then again, what other booth tandem do you see "popping corn" together off the set? As Warner Wolf used to say, let's go to the video tape!

Zeke Press Conferences are Must-See TV

You know how sometimes you'll have those friends who are always watching that hot new TV series on Showtime or HBO and tell you: "just watch one episode...trust me?" And most of the time, because you respect their opinion, you take their word and give it a try. Usually, you're glad you did. It's in this general manner that I've been drawn into Entourage, Californication, Rescue Me and the like. Word-of-mouth is a powerful thing.

That's why we want to take this moment to provide our readers in the New York metropolitan area with a quick TV tip (our apologies to those from elsewhere around this fine nation who don't have regular access to our regional cable networks). If you have any interest in sports (and we assume you do if you're reading this), schedule some time to check out an upcoming post-game press conference with Isiah Thomas, head coach of the New York Knickerbockers.

Frankly, we think MSG Network is missing a blinding opportunity to market the hell out of these things - on their own. Forget the game. They should have stand-alone promos..."tune in at 9:30 p.m. for the next episode of 'Conversations with Zeke: A Journey into the Unknown.'" All we can say to the uninitiated...trust us. Pick a night when the Knicks are playing. If so inclined, check out the final few minutes of the on-court action. Then, as T.O. would say, get the popcorn ready.

Without fail, Isiah will mesmerize you with his soft, feminine almost-whispering voice...a strange and somewhat frightening permagrin...and at least one to 12 references that will leave you in complete jaw-dropping awe. Following Monday's loss to the Celtics, it was Thomas's reply to a reporter who asked why Eddy Curry's play so lacked in the first half compared to his effort in the second half. After a long, and extremely awkward pause (permagrin unaffected during this time), Zeke gave the following logical answer:

“He’s a nice man, he’s a gentleman,” Coach Isiah Thomas said. “In his mind, he’s got to find the balance between his physicality and being a gentleman.”

Like so many other occasions with Zeke, I was left both perpelexed and highly amused. Conversations with Zeke frequently bring about bouts of laughter. We highly recommend giving the show a try. The Knicks play again on Friday versus the Sixers. Do yourself a favor. Make an appointment to sit down with Zeke post-game. You will not be disappointed. Trust us.

NFL Playoffs Help Identify Jets "Holes"

Define "Need"

Try as one may, the NFL playoffs sometimes cause fans to reflect on their own favorite team's previous season and future prospects. As we watch other teams and fans celebrate the inexplicably wonderful feeling of going to the Super Bowl (we've heard it's a great emotional high...still waiting to experience it), it is impossible not to reflect on our favorite team's roster and ponder what it might take to make the leap. Such is even more the case when the other team in your favorite team's market is heading to the big game. So it is with we NY-based Jets fans.

So, as many of our friends and neighbors bask in the bliss of the G-Men having punched their ticket to Glendale (I still cannot believe I am typing these words), I, as a member of the green-and-white nation have taken this moment to reflect on the J-E-T-S.

More specifically, after watching three weeks worth of NFL playoff action and seeing the elements necessary for success, I've used this knowledge to identify those one or two minor "holes" that might prevent the Jets from taking the next step. Here are those findings:

Necessary Element: A quality quarterback who is shifty in the pocket, possesses a strong arm and makes solid decisions. And, yes, Eli now somewhat unbelievably fits these criteria.
Jets Status: Uhhh, yea. We need this...neither Pennington nor Clemens currently fit the mold.

Necessary Element: At least one big-time, and preferably big-bodied, receiver who can stretch the field, make athletic plays on the ball and "save" the quarterback from time to time. See: Vincent Jackson, Donald Driver, Plaxico Burress, Randy Moss, et al.
Jets Status: 0-for-2. Coles and Cotchery are very nice possession receivers, and I like them very much. We could use a big play guy.

Necessary Element: One or more bad-ass looking mofos in the secondary who run around making plays and laying out opposing receivers. Wherever possible, this individual should don dreadlocks. See: Atari Bigby, Ashanti Samuel.
Jets Status: Is anyone else starting to notice a pattern? While Kerry Rhodes is a Pro Bowl safety (it's a travesty he's not going to Hawaii, again), there's nobody in the Jets secondary who would be classified as an intimidating run-stopper and/or guy you're afraid to go across the middle on. I'm not quite ready to bet the house on Abram Elam. Revis was a great pick, though.

Necessary Element: Ridiculous athletes at linebacker running around and making plays...causing havoc on the pass rush...covering sideline to sideline. See: Merriman, Phillips, Cooper, Hawk, Barnett, Pierce, Vrabel, Seau.
Jets Status: We have David Harris. So, we've got that going for us...which is nice.

Other necessary elements: A stout offensive line, big, run-stopping defensive line up the middle, athletic play-making tight ends, pass-rushing d-ends.
Jets Status: OK, so "no," followed by no, no and no.

So, based on this cursory analysis we have identified the Jets holes as "gaping" and "everywhere." We do not envy Tannenbaum, Mangini and crew heading into the draft and this offseason. Identifying the holes will not be an issue, the problem will be determining which to address first in an excruciatingly long list. We'd go with offensive and defensive line...after that we should have plenty of time to look at receiver, tight end, quarterback, linebacker and any other areas of need.

With that, I'm now going to stare at the covers of the Post and Daily News and cry myself back to sleep. Did pitchers and catchers report yet?

Weather Due to Warm Up for Giants-Pack...Into the Positive Single Digits

Honestly...remind me why on Earth one would willingly live in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Here's how we got here. I was reading an intriguing piece from the always-solid folks at Awful Announcing on how fluffy white snow on a football field seems to give fans a collective hard-on for some reason or another. Frankly, I can't lie in that I too get a bit aroused when there's enough of the white stuff on the field to necessitate shovels for identification of the yardlines and hashmarks. It might as well be viewers' crack. I can't take my eyes off it...it's mesmerizing...even the cover of SI this week...so...beautiful...

Where were we? Oh yes, the snow and Lambeau and the strange and wonderful allure and mystique of it all. Anyway, we were about to write about that and all the reasons we think we love snow games and decided to take a gander at the updated weather forecast for this Sunday in Green Bay. And then we spied the above...and then we fell down. Holy f-in shit! Are you for real? It gets this cold in the mainland United States? Are you sure this isn't Antarctica?

I'd heard plenty of talk about just how cold it would be come Sunday night, but for some reason it didn't register. Or more likely I mistakenly assumed that this was some sort of freakish abberation. But, apparently, Sunday should be the highlight of the weekend for local cheeseheads. Yes, today and tomorrow offer the joys of highs that fail to reach zero degrees. Sunday will be balmy by comparison. I'm not sure why this is striking me so profoundly today.

We tip our hats to you, Green Bay Packers faithful. And if anybody shows up on Sunday in cheese bras, they should be put in a straightjacket...for warmth and for their personal safety and that of others. Eli...uhhh...how do we say this? You might want to pack more than the gloves and that little hand warmer thing that goes around your waist. They say he doesn't like the cold...we're thinking arctic temperatures could be problematic.

For those watching from the comfort of a couch or a bar stool, let it snow. It makes for fine viewing.

Classic 80s/90s Sports Posters, Vol. III: Bernie Kosar Stars in "Air Raid"

Another Friday brings our third installment of the Classic 80s/90s Sports Poster series. Today, an image that will bring tears to the eyes of Brownies die-hard and Legend staffer Erie's Scribe.

Here is Bernie Kosar and "Air Raid" compliments of Legend reader Filtering Craig. Read more from FC at his blog, FilteringCraig.com , where Cleveland sports are frequently on the agenda.

Bernie Kosar Air Raid - I couldn't find a better picture of this poster, but you know as a Cleveland fan that your team probably needs a flashier celebrity when all you can come up with is a Top Gun ripoff poster of a cement-shoed, side-arming QB with a jeri-curl mullet and a pair of coveralls. Yes, this was Cleveland in the 80's and Kosar is still a local celebrity / legend to this day.

Knicks - Marbury = Not Completely Terrible?

Just Stay Right There...For Another 44 Games or So

OK, a break from football for a moment and a trip to semi-serious sports commentary. If you've noticed, and judging by the ratings you haven't, the woeful Knicks have managed to string a few together and are threatening to...

Yes, they are threatening to do absolutely nothing. Ad-libbing from the words of Vince Vaughan in Wedding Crashers in his kitchen confession, let's not kid ourselves folks, this team is f-ed six ways to Sunday. That said, for we Knicks fans -- the few, the proud, the masochistic -- the last three games (all victories) have been interesting for several reasons.

For starters, some strange things have happened including Quentin Richardson hitting a jump shot, Renaldo Balkman getting re-inserted in the regular rotation with predictably strong results (Isiah, in his usual infinite wisdom, mentioned before last night's game how it was "good to have" Balkman back in the rotation. Uhhh, hey Zeke, you were the guy making him a DNP) and Lil' Nate making, dare we say, some reasonably intelligent decisions.

However, all that is not what's caught our attention. Instead, we're fixated on the Stephon Marbury factor. And by factor we mean that the Knicks seems to play like shit when he's on the court, but are tolerable (at least recently) with him on the bench...or even better...not in the arena. This much we know:

Knicks Record with Marbury: 8-16

Knicks Record without Marbury: 6-8

Now, not for nuthin', but we're pretty sure this is not simply a coincidence. Anyone who's watched the last few games would attest to the night-and-day manner in which the ball is moving around the perimeter and the Knicks are finding open shots. Now, granted, it's one thing to have the looks and another to hit them, but this team looks...well, a heckuva lot more like a team without Starbury on the court.

We're anxious to see how they come through an upcoming three-in-four-night stretch at Washington, Miami and then home against the Celtics on Martin Luther King. What we're not looking forward to? Seeing Marbury back on the court in a Knicks uniform anytime soon. Luckily for us, it seems Steph's ankle is willing to oblige.

Fight Club: Pro-Athlete Edition

At The Legend, we love to debate who could kick who's ass in the world of sports. I have an ongoing argument with Cecilio's Scribe that has me siding with Ray Lewis and him siding with pre-broken leg Alvin Mack, the ESU middle linebacker in The Program.

Here are a few fights we'd like to see. Please let us know of any others you've debated. We picture these fights going down in an empty bar. The two athletes have just sat down for a couple of cold ones, and one informs the other that he has slept with the other's wife, sister, mother or all three. And just so the anger factor is even, it turns out that the other athlete has done the exact same thing.

Frank "The Big Hurt" Thomas vs. David "Big Poppy" Ortiz:

The tale of the tape has The Big Hurt owning both the height and weight advantage (6'-5," 275 vs. 6'-4," 230). Big Poppy is listed at 230 lbs.? If Poppy is 230, then The Fridge barely tops three bills. The only chance Big Poppy has in this fight is for a quick, devastating attack on The Big Hurt. The longer this one goes, the more The Big Hurt's vastly superior conditioning plays a role.

Shawn Bradley vs. Manute Bol:

7'-6" Bradley versus 7'-7" Bol, this could get awkward. Despite having seen Bradley get punched more than any NBA player ever, I'll take him over Manute. I think Bradley's a little thicker, and Bol looked so sluggish in Celebrity Boxing that I can't predict him to beat anybody.

Roger Clemens vs. Barry Bonds:

Roid rage alert, roid rage alert!! Now this would be entertaining. Two huge, angry dudes throwing down. It's tough to call, but I'm giving a slight edge to Clemens because of Barry's chronic knee problem. You know that Clemens would go straight after that knee.

Ron Artest vs. Dennis Rodman:

Obviously you got this sorts of crazy, and you've got a fight. I'm taking Artest in this one, because I think he can out crazy The Worm. I might be underestimating the skills Rodman learned during his time as a pro-wrestler.

David Eckstein vs. Jose Reyes:

Tough choice for me here. Reyes has height, weight and athleticism over Eckstein, but Eckstein has scrappiness. I usually never go against scrappiness, but I think Reyes works Eckstein over pretty good.

Wayne Gretzky vs. Tony Hawk:

Both elevated their respective sports/X-sports, living legends. Both hockey and skateboarding are tough on the body, no place for those afraid of pain. Both guys have the same build and kind of even look the same. I predict neither man walks out of the fight under his own power, but Gretzky gets the W.

Shaq vs. Lennox Lewis:

Heavyweight showdown here. I see Lewis pulling out his boxing crap, but the Diesel just tearing through him. Then, as Shaq stands over Lewis, he mocks Lewis's English accent and condescending attitude. There is justice, and Shaq doles it out.

Who else do you want to see beating the tar out of each other?

Forecasting the Super Bowl Hype Machine

Let the Fav-Ra Love Fest Begin

We've got NFL playoff fever, and we're overcompensating on the number of playoff-related blog posts to distract ourselves from thinking about the end of the football season. Deal with it.

As usual, the two weeks between conference championship weekend and the Super Bowl will be interminable and filled with predictable stories, ripe with cliches told to us ad nauseam. So, we started thinking about the potential stories we have not to look forward to and the match-ups we're hoping for. The bright side: no more chance of a Manning-Manning Super Bowl. I just threw up in a little bit in my mouth just thinking about it...

New England vs. Green Bay



Our Thoughts: Clearly, the game we would most like to see. Two high-powered offenses. Two superstar quarterbacks. The potential for a competitive shootout and a host of big name stars is pretty much all you can ask for come Super Bowl time (other than your team being in the big game).

The Hype Factor Down Side: If you think the Brady or Favre love fests are bad independently, imagine the power of the collective sports media crushes when you combine the two. Staggering.

Cue These Headlines:

"Will Favre Hang it Up with a Super Bowl Victory?"

"Out of Nowhere: A Year Removed from Retirement Contemplation, Favre Heading to Super Bowl"

"With Another Ring is Brady Deserving of Best Quarterback of All-Time?"

"Future Hall-of-Fame Quarterbacks Collide"

"Moss-Brady Drawing Comparions to Montana-Rice"

Break out the B-Roll:

Consider these clips as veritable locks for repeat coverage should these two teams collide in Phoenix.

- Randy Moss being introduced as a Pat

- Favre news conference where he talks about how much talent the team has at beginning of season

- Favre announcement that he's coming back for 2007 season

- Brady interview responses to Moss aquisition

- Post-spygate press conference from Belichick

- Wes Welker highlight reels galore

New England vs. New York



Our Thoughts: A huge step down in terms of interest level for us, but still more appealing than the other two options. Living in New York, it will also fuel non-stop debate about just how good this team is, which is sometimes fun.

The Hype Factor Downside: Do you think maybe the media might harken back to the week 17 match-up between these two? Ugh...

Cue These Headlines:

"Giants Prove There is No "I" in Team"

"Coughlin's Week 17 Decision Proves Clairvoyant"

"Young Manning Steps into the Spotlight"

"Eli's Maturity Forged in Heat of the Playoffs"

"Belichick to Apply Lessons Learned from Week 17"

Break Out the B-Roll:

- Video of Eli chucking interceptions left and right, sprinkled with multiple stills of the "Eli face"

(can't you just hear Tom Rinaldi with the voiceover..."Manning often appeared listless, uninterested and was under constant scrutiny from fans and the media for an apparent 'lack of fire," yet all that began to change in week 17 in NJ...)

- Giant injury montage including Ward, Shockey, Plaxico, Jacobs, O'Hara, etc.; fire up the cliches like "resiliency," "unheralded" and "stepped up"

- Ahmad Bradshaw profile

- Countless highlights of week 17 game, including late Eli pick

San Diego vs. Green Bay

Our Thoughts: This is one that would not excite us - at all. As documented, SD has somehow morphed for us from a very likable team to a squad we really can't bring ourselves to root for. Even L.T. is starting to wear on us. Plus, even after Indy, we're still not sold on the Bolts. Vincent Jackson? Really?

The Hypefactor Downside: Not only do we have to hear about Philip Rivers ascension to "leadership" of this team, but can you imagine the Norv Turner hype??!!

Cue These Headlines:

"Turner Quiets Critics with Trip to Super Bowl"

"Turner Puts Legacy of Losing Behind Him"

"L.T. Says He Would Gladly Give Up MVP Trophies for Super Bowl Ring"

"Favre Sees a Little of His Gunslinger Mentality in Rivers"
"Steroid-User Merriman Heads to Phoenix and Nobody Seems to Care" (sorry, we took some editorial license on that one)

Break Out the B-Roll:

- Clips of Tomlinson and Rivers going down against Indy, Volek Winning Drive

- Rivers shouting at fans, opposing players, refs and whomever else will listen (think words like "feisty" "competitive" and "exuberant" mixed with "annoying" "obnoxious" and "classless"...spurring debate)

- Schottenheimer firing, Turner hiring, headlines, sound bites and more!

- More FAVRE


San Diego vs. New York

Our Thoughts: By far, the game we'd be looking forward to the least. While we acknowledge the potential competitiveness, the two weeks prior to gameday would make us physically sick because...

The Hypefactor Downside: 2004. Draft.

Cue These Headlines:

"Years Removed from Draft Swap, Rivers and Manning's Careers Collide Again"

"Draft-Day Moves Look Good in Retrospect for Both Giants and Chargers"

"Rivers and Manning Look to Carry Mantle for Younger Generation of NFL QBs"

Break Out the B-Roll:

- Why even bother with anything else...just play the draft day footage over and over again...announcements of selections with Tagliabue...close-ups of Eli and Archie...jerseys on...jerseys off...can't...take...thinking...about it...

Signing off. Throw us some more predicted hype in the comments.