Well, I (Henry) usually answer the questions. But on this Sunday, I will be asking the questions, and our 45-year-old football analyst will answer them.
1. What made you want to do this "Turn The Tables Edition"?
Sometimes I feel like I'm driving the discourse with my interview questions, so I wanted to give Henry the chance to set the agenda. Plus I'm always intrigued to see what emerges from The Mind of Hen.
2. As far as I know, Oakland hasn't hired a coach yet. But Tom Cable is the frontrunner. Is he right for the job?
Honestly, that job is so fraught with peril that if Tom Cable wants it, he should get it. You'll note that for all the recent coaching changes, not one of the top-tier candidates chose to meet with the Raiders. Because really, who wants to work for Crazy Al Davis?
3. On another topic, some think this Super Bowl is going to be one of the worst/lowest rated ever. Do you agree?
I do. I think that outside of Greater Phoenix, no one cares a whit for the Arizona Cardinals, no matter how inspiring The Kurt Warner Story is. We did that story ten years ago. The Steelers are always a good draw, but Pittsburgh isn't really a major market, and I'm sure the embittered Eagles fans on the other side of the state won't be watching.
It could be a good game, though, for the fourteen people who choose to tune in.
4. What do you think are the strengths of the Cardinals and Steelers?
I think the Steelers' primary strength is Ben Roethlisberger's ability to improvise. They have a lot of talent on the offensive side, and of course their defense has always been tough. But how many times this season did we see Big Ben make something out of nothing?
On the Cardinals' side of the ball, this team has confounded me again and again, because beyond Larry Fitzgerald they don't really seem to have Super-Bowl-caliber players. So I'd say their greatest strength is that people (like me) routinely underestimate them.
5. I didn't think the Cardinals would get this far when the playoff schedules were announced. Did you?
Not in a million, billion years. I think I've mentioned that Cris Collinsworth called them something like "the worst playoff team ever," and I was inclined to agree. Nobody, including me, saw them getting this far. And now Sports Illustrated is picking them to win!
6. The Steelers were under the radar for most of the season. They obtained a first-round bye, and beat the Chargers and Ravens, two strong teams. Did you notice how well they were doing?
Kind of. They were sort of bubbling under, while teams like the Falcons (with an exciting rookie) and Titans (ditto) and Ravens (ditto ditto) were getting all the press. I think the Steelers have become one of those teams like the Colts that we just expect to be good.
7. After the Cardinals did terribly at the end of the regular season, I'm sure you didn't think they would get to the Super Bowl. Why did you think that?
Bad logo. Seriously. I have never liked this team because of their logo. It is lame, and looks particularly bad against those white helmets. Thank goodness the Ravens aren't in the Super Bowl, because they're the only team in the league whose logo is worse.
By the way, good logos include the Cowboys (best in the league), Steelers, Chargers, Rams/Vikings and Browns (I'm not kidding).
8. Which quarterback will play better?
You know, in spite of what I said above, I might have to go with Kurt Warner. As exciting as Roethlisberger can be, he can also be streaky, while Warner tends to play with a veteran's steady precision.
9. Running back?
Willie Parker. I think Tim Hightower will succumb to rookie-in-the-Super-Bowl freakout and finish with like 32 yards.
10. Receiving corps?
Is Hines Ward playing? Is J.J. Arrington? I think this could be a wash. Weirdly, it might depend on whether Anquan Boldin gets over his bizarre anger issues; if so, that could give the Cards the edge.
11. Who do you think will win?
Just to make it interesting, I'm going to pick the Steelers. But I think it will be relatively low-scoring and fairly close.
12. And what do you think the score will be?
20-17 Steelers.
Bonus questions:
13. Do you approve of the 2010 Pro Bowl being played outside of Honolulu?
No, I don't. Why mess with tradition? It's fun to have the game in Hawaii. We see enough games in Miami.
14. And what about its being played before the Super Bowl?
Definitely no! Don't these people understand the psychology of NFL fans? We like that the Pro Bowl is a bonus game after the Super Bowl is over. Now the big game is the end of the entire season, and that is no good.
15. And now we're at the period where Tow gets to type whatever he wants.
I have a new appreciation for how hard Henry works on these weekly blogs. There's a lot more typing for the interviewee!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
NFL Week 20 - Championship Edition
Welcome back, folks, to the penultimate edition of our weekly football blog. Our resident 10-year-old analyst, armed with a rubber football he received as a birthday party favor this afternoon, is ready with his usual trenchant analysis.
1. Let's start with the blander of the two games, the late Baltimore/Pittsburgh contest. Was this one more lopsided than the 23-14 final would indicate?
I'd say it was. Joe Flacco played a terrible game.
2. I have to say, I expected a better game out of Huge Joe Flacco. Is this another case of a rookie QB freezing up under playoff pressure?
Either that, or the more likely answer, him being stifled by the Steelers defense.
3. What were the other keys to the Pittsburgh victory?
Honestly, they didn't do too well otherwise. But the passing game was pretty good.
4. Now, on to the early game, which actually looked like a bit of a contest in the second half. Arizona came out and dominated, just as they did last week, but Philly caught 'em in the second half and almost ran away with the game. Does this bode ill for the Cards' chances in the Super Bowl?
Especially against Pittsburgh, I'd say it does.
5. I'm still sort of at a loss as to why this Cardinal team is in the big game. Name three things they've got going for them.
Hmm...their running game, their experience on offense and their defense.
6. And over on the Steelers side, what are the three main things they have going for them?
Their defense, their receivers and their quarterback's ability to improvise.
7. Two experienced QBs will be facing off in two weeks. Which veteran has the edge?
You can't really call Ben Roethlisberger a veteran. He was drafted in '04. But this is a tough question. I'd say they're rather even, but will definitely throw some interceptions.
8. Speaking of edge (Edgerrin James left! Edgerrin James right! Edgerrin James up the middle!), the game will pit two teams with old-school, grind-it-out running attacks. Who's got the edge in this department, and why?
The Cardinals have the advantage, because the Steelers aren't actually built like that.
9. How about the passing game? Which team has more firepower in their receiving corps, and who are their stars?
I'd say Arizona, but only by a little. They have Larry Fitzgerald and some other consistent receivers. Pittsburgh has injured Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and some other consistent receivers.
10. And both teams have made it to the big dance on the strength of their defenses. Which one's tougher, and who are the standout players?
The Steelers. Troy Polamalu and some other lesser-known players anchor the defense.
11. So here we are with the Super Bowl nobody predicted -- except you, who told us last week that this was the way it was going to shake out. Are you still picking the Steelers to emerge victorious?
Yes.
12. Let's have a final score forecast.
Let's see...27-17 Pittsburgh.
13. So is this a blowout, or a game that comes down to a couple of critical plays?
The latter.
14. Turn on your psychic powers and tell us what one of those plays might be.
Some deep passes by both teams, or key turnovers.
15. Thanks, Hen. We'll look forward to your Super Bowl coverage in two weeks, at which time you will be an 11-year-old football analyst. Now comes the point where you get to type whatever you want.
"We'll look forward to your Super Bowl coverage in two weeks, at which time you will be an 11-year-old football analyst."
Barely. By one day.
1. Let's start with the blander of the two games, the late Baltimore/Pittsburgh contest. Was this one more lopsided than the 23-14 final would indicate?
I'd say it was. Joe Flacco played a terrible game.
2. I have to say, I expected a better game out of Huge Joe Flacco. Is this another case of a rookie QB freezing up under playoff pressure?
Either that, or the more likely answer, him being stifled by the Steelers defense.
3. What were the other keys to the Pittsburgh victory?
Honestly, they didn't do too well otherwise. But the passing game was pretty good.
4. Now, on to the early game, which actually looked like a bit of a contest in the second half. Arizona came out and dominated, just as they did last week, but Philly caught 'em in the second half and almost ran away with the game. Does this bode ill for the Cards' chances in the Super Bowl?
Especially against Pittsburgh, I'd say it does.
5. I'm still sort of at a loss as to why this Cardinal team is in the big game. Name three things they've got going for them.
Hmm...their running game, their experience on offense and their defense.
6. And over on the Steelers side, what are the three main things they have going for them?
Their defense, their receivers and their quarterback's ability to improvise.
7. Two experienced QBs will be facing off in two weeks. Which veteran has the edge?
You can't really call Ben Roethlisberger a veteran. He was drafted in '04. But this is a tough question. I'd say they're rather even, but will definitely throw some interceptions.
8. Speaking of edge (Edgerrin James left! Edgerrin James right! Edgerrin James up the middle!), the game will pit two teams with old-school, grind-it-out running attacks. Who's got the edge in this department, and why?
The Cardinals have the advantage, because the Steelers aren't actually built like that.
9. How about the passing game? Which team has more firepower in their receiving corps, and who are their stars?
I'd say Arizona, but only by a little. They have Larry Fitzgerald and some other consistent receivers. Pittsburgh has injured Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and some other consistent receivers.
10. And both teams have made it to the big dance on the strength of their defenses. Which one's tougher, and who are the standout players?
The Steelers. Troy Polamalu and some other lesser-known players anchor the defense.
11. So here we are with the Super Bowl nobody predicted -- except you, who told us last week that this was the way it was going to shake out. Are you still picking the Steelers to emerge victorious?
Yes.
12. Let's have a final score forecast.
Let's see...27-17 Pittsburgh.
13. So is this a blowout, or a game that comes down to a couple of critical plays?
The latter.
14. Turn on your psychic powers and tell us what one of those plays might be.
Some deep passes by both teams, or key turnovers.
15. Thanks, Hen. We'll look forward to your Super Bowl coverage in two weeks, at which time you will be an 11-year-old football analyst. Now comes the point where you get to type whatever you want.
"We'll look forward to your Super Bowl coverage in two weeks, at which time you will be an 11-year-old football analyst."
Barely. By one day.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
NFL Week 19 - Divisional Playoff Weekend
Welcome! It's back-to-school eve, and the end of an insane weekend of stunning upsets in the NFL. Let's check in with our ten-year-old sports analyst and get his take on all the exciting action.
1. For starters, I'm sure glad my office football pool was on hiatus this week, 'cause I would have blown all four games. Let's start with the big shocker, the continuing horror that is the Arizona Cardinals. They -- an 8-8 team with a miserable, non-threatening logo -- are going to host the NFC Championship game! Talk about three keys to this team's success.
• Their offense got them past Atlanta.
• Their defense intercepted Jake Delhomme four times.
• Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower both played well.
2. I know Jake Delhomme had a lousy birthday, but were his five turnovers the only problem with the Panthers on Saturday?
The Cardinals completely shut down Carolina. DeAngelo Williams was held to 63 yards, and 31 of them were on one carry.
3. On to the equally surprising Ravens, a leaden, plodding team that once again finds themselves a step from the Super Bowl. This time around, at least, they seem to have an actual quarterback. Is Huge Joe Flacco the main strength of this club, or does it lie elsewhere?
Their defense is definitely their strength, especially the secondary and linebackers.
4. I am sincerely stunned to see the Tennessee Titans out of it. Will they be competitive next year? And will the aging but still plucky Kerry Collins be their starter, or do they need to get on with the Vince Young Era?
They may be competitive next year, but most likely not with Vince Young. He could, however, improve in training camp.
5. On the other hand, I was really not that surprised to see the Eagles run all over the Giants. The Eagles seem to have tons of momentum right now. What's fueling their astonishing resurgence?
It's hard to tell, but DeSean Jackson and Brian Westbrook are helping a lot.
6. Everyone talks about the moment Andy Reid benched Donovan McNabb as the turning point of the season. Do you agree?
How is that the turning point? It was bad for the team.
7. It was a bad day for the Giants' Eli Manning, who reverted to his old Eli Bernstein ways with a particularly unmemorable performance. Will this team be competitive next season, or is this the start of a fall to mediocrity?
They'll definitely be competitive, but we don't know how competitive -- the last two seasons have been polar opposites.
8. Finally, Pittsburgh-San Diego. The Chargers seemed like another of those teams with a lot of momentum, but Pittsburgh handled them easily in the snow. What were the keys to the Steelers' victory?
San Diego was pretty competitive, but Ben Roethlisberger recovered very well.
9. Guess you're going to have to revise that prediction of a Giants/Titans/Panthers Super Bowl now that all of those teams have fallen. Give us your new pick for the matchup, and explain why.
Er... I'd say Steelers vs. Cardinals, going against your picks. The Cardinals have momentum, and Pittsburgh can overpower Baltimore.
10. And who's going to win that Super Bowl?
THE STEEL CURTAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11. Random question (and I don't think I've already asked you this): Which city should get the next new NFL franchise?
Los Angeles.
12. We'll see you next week for the championship round, folks. Now comes the point where Hen gets to type whatever he wants.
Super Bowl possibilities: (1 for impossible, 10 for certain)
Cardinals vs. Steelers (8/10)
Eagles vs. Steelers (7.5/10)
Cardinals vs. Ravens (7/10)
Ravens vs. Eagles (7.5/10)
All likely!
1. For starters, I'm sure glad my office football pool was on hiatus this week, 'cause I would have blown all four games. Let's start with the big shocker, the continuing horror that is the Arizona Cardinals. They -- an 8-8 team with a miserable, non-threatening logo -- are going to host the NFC Championship game! Talk about three keys to this team's success.
• Their offense got them past Atlanta.
• Their defense intercepted Jake Delhomme four times.
• Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower both played well.
2. I know Jake Delhomme had a lousy birthday, but were his five turnovers the only problem with the Panthers on Saturday?
The Cardinals completely shut down Carolina. DeAngelo Williams was held to 63 yards, and 31 of them were on one carry.
3. On to the equally surprising Ravens, a leaden, plodding team that once again finds themselves a step from the Super Bowl. This time around, at least, they seem to have an actual quarterback. Is Huge Joe Flacco the main strength of this club, or does it lie elsewhere?
Their defense is definitely their strength, especially the secondary and linebackers.
4. I am sincerely stunned to see the Tennessee Titans out of it. Will they be competitive next year? And will the aging but still plucky Kerry Collins be their starter, or do they need to get on with the Vince Young Era?
They may be competitive next year, but most likely not with Vince Young. He could, however, improve in training camp.
5. On the other hand, I was really not that surprised to see the Eagles run all over the Giants. The Eagles seem to have tons of momentum right now. What's fueling their astonishing resurgence?
It's hard to tell, but DeSean Jackson and Brian Westbrook are helping a lot.
6. Everyone talks about the moment Andy Reid benched Donovan McNabb as the turning point of the season. Do you agree?
How is that the turning point? It was bad for the team.
7. It was a bad day for the Giants' Eli Manning, who reverted to his old Eli Bernstein ways with a particularly unmemorable performance. Will this team be competitive next season, or is this the start of a fall to mediocrity?
They'll definitely be competitive, but we don't know how competitive -- the last two seasons have been polar opposites.
8. Finally, Pittsburgh-San Diego. The Chargers seemed like another of those teams with a lot of momentum, but Pittsburgh handled them easily in the snow. What were the keys to the Steelers' victory?
San Diego was pretty competitive, but Ben Roethlisberger recovered very well.
9. Guess you're going to have to revise that prediction of a Giants/Titans/Panthers Super Bowl now that all of those teams have fallen. Give us your new pick for the matchup, and explain why.
Er... I'd say Steelers vs. Cardinals, going against your picks. The Cardinals have momentum, and Pittsburgh can overpower Baltimore.
10. And who's going to win that Super Bowl?
THE STEEL CURTAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11. Random question (and I don't think I've already asked you this): Which city should get the next new NFL franchise?
Los Angeles.
12. We'll see you next week for the championship round, folks. Now comes the point where Hen gets to type whatever he wants.
Super Bowl possibilities: (1 for impossible, 10 for certain)
Cardinals vs. Steelers (8/10)
Eagles vs. Steelers (7.5/10)
Cardinals vs. Ravens (7/10)
Ravens vs. Eagles (7.5/10)
All likely!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
NFL Week 18 - Wild Card Weekend - Our 100th Post!
Welcome back! Here's hoping you all had a nice holiday. As for us... well, we almost did. Last summer I placed my customary bets in Las Vegas -- three $20 bets on the Seahawks, Dolphins and Raiders (our family's favorite teams) to win the Super Bowl. And at the time, that Dolphins bet was paying 500 to 1. So when the Dolphins utterly failed to show up against the Ravens today, that cost yours truly a cool $1,000. Sigh.
1. Let's start with that game. What happened to the steady Dolphins we saw throughout the season? Chad Pennington throwing interceptions right and left, the defense looking utterly porous... Was it just a case of playoff inexperience?
No. They just became demoralized after the thirteen unanswered points Baltimore scored on them.
2. What's ahead for the Dolphins? Do you think they'll be equally good next season?
I'm not sure. Playoff teams that aren't traditionally there tend to be flukey.
3. As for the Ravens, because they're so BORING, it's easy to forget that this is a team that won the Super Bowl a few years back. They always seem to come on strong toward the end of the season. Do these guys have what it takes to go deep into the playoffs?
No, because even if they beat Tennessee in the divisional round, the winner of Chargers-Steelers can beat them.
4. On to the Falcons... double sigh... yet another talented young team which utterly collapsed. Was this, again, a case of Matt Ryan's playoff inexperience catching up with him?
That, and the fact that the Arizona defense played incredibly well.
5. I think a lot of us can't take the Cardinals seriously because of that stupid logo, but they sure looked steady throughout that game. Especially the resurgent Kurt Warner. Do you think these guys have a chance against the Panthers?
It all depends on their run defense. Carolina could easily overwhelm them.
6. We didn't watch a lot of the Eagles/Vikings game, but it certainly didn't look like one for the ages. The Eagles have rebounded from a wobbly finish to a solid playoff appearance. What do you think of their chances against the Giants?
I think they're small. Not too small, but the Giants will be able to rebound from their loss at the end of the regular season.
7. Obviously the best game of the weekend was Colts/Chargers. That enraged look on Peyton Manning's face as he walked off the field, never having had a chance to lead his team in overtime... it was chilling. Is it time once again to talk about how Peyton, for all his talent, rarely succeeds in winning the Big One?
No. He's proven himself before, and he doesn't need to do it again.
8. What player has impressed you the most in this postseason thus far?
Edgerrin James. After his complaining about being forced to block, he had a great game against Atlanta.
9. How about coach?
Andy Reid. His Eagles played a great game against Minnesota.
10. Now you have a chance to forecast the Super Bowl matchup. Who are you picking?
Giants/Panthers vs. Titans.
11. And who's the winner?
Giants/Panthers.
12. Bonus question: I used to love "five dollar foot long," but now I hate it. Why do you think that is?
"FIVE!" "FIVE DOLLAR!" "FIVE DOLLAR FOOT LONG!"
13. Now comes the part where Hen gets to type whatever he wants.
SUBWAY! EAT FRESH!
1. Let's start with that game. What happened to the steady Dolphins we saw throughout the season? Chad Pennington throwing interceptions right and left, the defense looking utterly porous... Was it just a case of playoff inexperience?
No. They just became demoralized after the thirteen unanswered points Baltimore scored on them.
2. What's ahead for the Dolphins? Do you think they'll be equally good next season?
I'm not sure. Playoff teams that aren't traditionally there tend to be flukey.
3. As for the Ravens, because they're so BORING, it's easy to forget that this is a team that won the Super Bowl a few years back. They always seem to come on strong toward the end of the season. Do these guys have what it takes to go deep into the playoffs?
No, because even if they beat Tennessee in the divisional round, the winner of Chargers-Steelers can beat them.
4. On to the Falcons... double sigh... yet another talented young team which utterly collapsed. Was this, again, a case of Matt Ryan's playoff inexperience catching up with him?
That, and the fact that the Arizona defense played incredibly well.
5. I think a lot of us can't take the Cardinals seriously because of that stupid logo, but they sure looked steady throughout that game. Especially the resurgent Kurt Warner. Do you think these guys have a chance against the Panthers?
It all depends on their run defense. Carolina could easily overwhelm them.
6. We didn't watch a lot of the Eagles/Vikings game, but it certainly didn't look like one for the ages. The Eagles have rebounded from a wobbly finish to a solid playoff appearance. What do you think of their chances against the Giants?
I think they're small. Not too small, but the Giants will be able to rebound from their loss at the end of the regular season.
7. Obviously the best game of the weekend was Colts/Chargers. That enraged look on Peyton Manning's face as he walked off the field, never having had a chance to lead his team in overtime... it was chilling. Is it time once again to talk about how Peyton, for all his talent, rarely succeeds in winning the Big One?
No. He's proven himself before, and he doesn't need to do it again.
8. What player has impressed you the most in this postseason thus far?
Edgerrin James. After his complaining about being forced to block, he had a great game against Atlanta.
9. How about coach?
Andy Reid. His Eagles played a great game against Minnesota.
10. Now you have a chance to forecast the Super Bowl matchup. Who are you picking?
Giants/Panthers vs. Titans.
11. And who's the winner?
Giants/Panthers.
12. Bonus question: I used to love "five dollar foot long," but now I hate it. Why do you think that is?
"FIVE!" "FIVE DOLLAR!" "FIVE DOLLAR FOOT LONG!"
13. Now comes the part where Hen gets to type whatever he wants.
SUBWAY! EAT FRESH!
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