ALIGNED, INDEED ...
Or so it would seem, following the Squeelers' victory over the Dolphins. But lest Mr. "Immaculate Perception" Kepple be too gratified, he should note that his team's victory has only served to embolden the mighty New England Patriots, who now hold a half-game lead over Miami in the AFC East, and are in a 3-way tie for first place!
posted by Chris Weinkopf @
12:13 AM
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9/8/2006  |
THE STARS ARE IN ALIGNMENT ...
... FOR THE Pittsburgh Steelers to achieve a sixth Super Bowl victory in early February. Oh, sure, no one other than Steelers fans think it can be done. But the same people who wrote off the Steelers when they were 7-5 are doing it yet again, and even now they suggest one of the other 31 NFL teams will somehow prevail in Super Bowl XLI. Lies and treachery!
Of course, even I realize the possibility -- however unlikely -- that Pittsburgh might somehow not win the Super Bowl again. This circumstance was made slightly more possible due to the Indianapolis Colts' acquisition of Adam Vinatieri, a move which will undoubtedly go down in football history as a "classic blunder" on the part of the New England Patriots. Oh, foolish Patriots! You have let Mr Clutch, a kicker so popular people actually wore his jersey, depart; and then you make Deion Branch, your best wide receiver, angry. These are not what one would call steps to victory. Also, you have no depth in your defense.
But anyway. The Colts' acquisition of Vinatieri may allow them to draw upon his crucial clutch reserve during key plays. As we saw last year, clutch kicking could have made a great difference in the way the playoffs turned out. So, on behalf of Steelers fans everywhere, I'd just like to say, thanks, New England! THANKS A LOT!
Of course, Indy's running game will stink to high heaven this year now that Edgerrin James left, and as a result, everyone will blitz Peyton Manning and cause him to throw interceptions. So it could be possible that teams OTHER than Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and New England will have a shot at the AFC title this year. However, I think all can agree the idea of such a thing happening is so disturbing and remote that no one could seriously entertain it.
posted by Benjamin Kepple @
5:36 PM
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9/5/2006 |
THE VINATIERI CURSE
Perhaps it's just that I'm in denial about the Patriots' losing Adam Vinatieri to the wicked and loathsome Indianapolis Dolts. Or maybe it's that I maintain my faith -- despite plenty of misgivings -- in the infallibility of Coach Belichick on matters of football and personnel. But for whatever reason, I nurse a belief that the team will somehow benefit from giving up the kicker that booted them two Super Bowl victories.
Thus, I point to Exhibit A from the Indy Star: Vinatieri practices, says he's ready to go.
See this? Adam missed three preseason games with an injury; he's playing this weekend, but not at 100%. Will he be good enough to keep making those clutch kicks, or did Belichick clairvoyantly foresee the kicker's demise, and cut loose at just the right moment?
On another note, anyone notice that the Pats' rookie kicker scored EVERY field goal he attempted in preseason?
"Adam who?" the MMPF asks, not sure whether he believes himself ...
posted by Chris Weinkopf @
5:02 PM
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THE POOL IS BACK! (see the spiffy new logo?)
... and why you ask, given how pitifully this blog has been updated in the past?
To which the only response I have is: Because it's fun to pick football games!
Besides, THIS year I tend to do a better job of making sure everyone can login to the blog, which will hopefully create a little more content on this site!
Also, I needed to send out this e-mail as a chance to offer (way) belated congratulations to last year's champion, JERSEY GIRL, the only 2-time champ in pool history! (See her name, TWICE, on the roster to the left!)
Now we all watch anxiously to see whether JG can score #3!
So whether you're a pool old-timer or never played before, please join in the fun!
I've sent this invitation to anyone in my address whom I though might be interested. But my address book is far from complete, and I know there are many friends I've missed. So I ask you to please pass this invitation around to any friends/family members who might be interested in joining, whether they know me or not. For sign up info, drop me an e-mail at email @ weinkopf.com (sans spaces). Once you're signed in, I'll get you blog login info.
Now: ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
Yours,
Chris, the Mighty Mighty Pats Fan
PS--In years past, many kids (even infants) have entered the pool. So by all means, encourage your kids to join. (Maybe we'll even set up a separate "kiddie pool" with its own champion.)
posted by Chris Weinkopf @
3:52 PM
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9/3/2006 |
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