NFL Playoffs and Awards, Big 10

The first week of the playoffs featured some very competitive games. The biggest surprise was the Arizona Cardinals. They didn’t look so great the last few games this season but I honestly think they were sand-bagging because they had the division wrapped up early. So in my personal opinion the real Cardinals came out fighting this last week. This week they get my Carolina Panthers. It should be a great game with Carolina coming out on top, hopefully. Also I was shocked to see a injury-filled Chargers team beat the Colts in overtime. The Chargers take on a questionable Pittsburgh Steeler team because of Big Ben’s injury in Week 17. The Eagles take on the Giants and the Ravens led by rookie phenom Joe Flacco take on the Tennessee Titans. I think this weeks match ups look great can’t wait for Saturday to come.

How about everyone who has gotten award so far in the NFL:
MVP- Peyton Manning
Rookie of the Year- Matt Ryan
Comeback Player of the Year- Chad Pennington
Offensive Player of the Year- Drew Brees
Defensive Player of the Year- James Harrison
Coach of the Year- Mike Smith.

Except for Harrison they all have one thing in common and that is they all got eliminated from the playoffs the first week. Or in Drew Brees case he didn’t make the playoffs. I think awards should be given out after the Super Bowl, at the Pro Bowl actually. The season goes beyond the 17 weeks, it goes all the way up to the Super Bowl. I think MVP should have been Kurt Warner, Rookie of the Year should have been Joe Flacco, Coach of the Year should have been Tony Sparano and Comeback Player of the Year should have been Jake Delehomme who came back from Tommy John’s Surgery. He is the first Quarterback to ever have it done and he’s had a great year.

The other thing I don’t understand is why the Pro Bowl is getting moved a week before the Super Bowl starting next year. It makes no sense. That means the players who are in the Super Bowl won’t be able to play. Is that really fair? No not really but it gives other players a chance to be in. I also think moving it to Miami from Hawaii is lame. I honestly don’t think the idea will work and they will be forced to go back to the way it is now.

The Big 10 has been really disappointing this year. Iowa is the only team the won a bowl game and they weren’t even suppose to win. Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State lost in ridiculous fashion. I really hope they start doing a better job of recruiting or something. I also honestly hope that U of M comes back strong next year. They had a lousy season and now it’s time to rebuild. It’s been a disappointing year for Big 10 in football. I hope basketball goes a lot better. Only time will tell.