It's Super Bowl Week

The world's sports media descend on New Orleans this week (as I watch from my living room) for The Greatest Show on Earth. Over the next few days I will look at the two teams who have made the game - the AFC Champion Baltimore Ravens and the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers - their coaches - the first pair of brothers to coach opposite each other in a Super Bowl, John and Jim Harbaugh - the history of the game and the host city itself.

The P+T:3+G Super Bowl XLVII Preview week begins tomorrow with a look back at the history of the game.

Stay tuned!

College Football: The strange tale of Manti Te'o

The big emotional story of the college football season was Notre Dame's star linebacker Manti Te'o losing his grandmother and girlfriend within a 24 hour spell in September. Te'o's grandmother most certainly did pass away on September 11th 2012, but the news that his girlfriend Lennay Kekua did not die, and actually never even existed has come as a massive hoax, and has left everyone wondering how on Earth something like this could even happen.

The details are increasingly strange with every piece of information that comes out. The whole "meet-cute" story of Te'o and Kekua's eyes meeting across the room at a party following the Irish's game at Stanford in November 2009 (the game definitely happened by the way) was diminished to the two having a relationship purely over the phone and online when the hoax was broken by deadspin.com. The "relationship" began in early 2012 after being friends since the initial "meeting." The photos posted on Twitter and Instagram of "Lennay Kekua" have been ripped from the private Facebook of an unidentified California woman who has never attended Stanford, never had leukaemia and never met Te'o. The article at Deadspin goes into the details which we need not go into here.

The hoax appears to have been perpetrated by Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, a 22 year old musician, who was at the very least casually acquainted with Te'o. The main question is if Te'o was in on it? Was it a publicity stunt to drum up Heisman support? And if that was the case, would his grandmother dying not have been enough to gather any supposed sympathy vote. Te'o apparently found out about the hoax over the Christmas period and told the university on Boxing Day. Notre Dame's Vice President Dennis Brown released the following statement this week in response:

"On Dec. 26, Notre Dame coaches were informed by Manti Te'o and his parents that Manti had been the victim of what appears to be a hoax in which someone using the fictitious name Lennay Kekua apparently ingratiated herself with Manti and then conspired with others to lead him to believe she had tragically died of leukaemia. The University immediately initiated an investigation to assist Manti and his family in discovering the motive for and nature of this hoax. While the proper authorities will continue to investigate this troubling matter, this appears to be, at a minimum, a sad and very cruel deception to entertain its perpetrators."

Te'o later released his own statement which read:

"This is incredibly embarrassing to talk about, but over an extended period of time, I developed an emotional relationship with a woman I met online. We maintained what I thought to be an authentic relationship by communicating frequently online and on the phone, and I grew to care deeply about her. To realize that I was the victim of what was apparently someone's sick joke and constant lies was, and is, painful and humiliating. It further pains me that the grief I felt and the sympathies expressed to me at the time of my grandmother's death in September were in any way deepened by what I believed to be another significant loss in my life. I am enormously grateful for the support of my family, friends and Notre Dame fans throughout this year. To think that I shared with them my happiness about my relationship and details that I thought to be true about her just makes me sick. I hope that people can understand how trying and confusing this whole experience has been. In retrospect, I obviously should have been much more cautious. If anything good comes of this, I hope it is that others will be far more guarded when they engage with people online than I was. Fortunately, I have many wonderful things in my life, and I'm looking forward to putting this painful experience behind me as I focus on preparing for the NFL Draft."

Whether Te'o was in on the hoax or not is still up in the air. It seems unlikely that he could have been in the dark for such a long time over someone who he was supposedly in love with. But it also seems strange that in his first game following the "discovery," the BCS National Championship game, he had his worst game of the year, having played some of his best football after the "death." What is even stranger is that absolute no media outlets in the States checked any of the facts. Kekua's "death" was reported as gospel, as were funeral details and details of her student life. Details about a person that didn't exist. There's a bit of Stephen Glass about the whole thing.

There's something funny been afoot in the whole saga, and it looks like it may be some time before we find out exactly what. I still expect Te'o to be a first round draft pick, but this incident may have hurt his stock slightly if any teams have trust issues. I'm sure there’s more to come on this bizarre story.

Coming soon...

Pies and Tracksuits: 3rd and Goal will return tomorrow - January 19th - with a piece on the Manti Te'o saga, and NFL Conference Championship Previews on Sunday.

NFL Divisional Preview: Sunday

Wow. Saturday night's Divisional playoff games went above and beyond what was expected and gave us two of the most entertaining games of the season. I'll review the weekend as a whole tomorrow, and a tight schedule means I don't have time to properly preview today's two games. I expect Seattle to just about scrape past the number 1 seed Atlanta Falcons in the early game, and I expect the Patriots to race out to a massive lead over Houston, but the Texans to haul it back late and make it shaky.

A full Divisional round up tomorrow, as we get back to normal!

NFC Divisional Match: Seattle over Atlanta in overtime
AFC Divisional Match: New England over Houston by 7

NFL Divisional Playoffs - Saturday Preview

Despite what I may have predicted last week, it did pretty much go with the seedings in the NFL Wildcard Playoffs. Only Seattle went above their seeding, and they had actually won more games than their opponents anyway.

This week, the top seeds enter the race, and the participants in the Conference Championships will be decided. Who will be playing for a place in the Super Bowl next week?

Will this be Ray Lewis' last stand? The veteran linebacker will retire when the Ravens' post-season run is over, and he would love nothing more than a second Super Bowl, twelve years after his, and the Ravens' last. But last week's final home game seemed like a goodbye, not just to Baltimore, but to the league as well. The Ravens travel to Mile High to face Peyton Manning and his Broncos side who haven't lost since the first week in October. After starting the season 2-3, Denver have won 11 in a row, tying up the #1 overall seed in the process. Peyton Manning returned from missing the whole of last season with a neck injury to have an MVP candidate season in his first year in Denver, lifting the Broncos to their best season since winning the Super Bowl in the 1998 season.

The Ravens can't be counted out though, as good as the Broncos are. They haven't allowed a touchdown pass in their past 3 playoff games, with six interceptions in those three games. Indeed, since John Harbaugh took over in 2008, the Ravens have 18 post-season interceptions, no other team in the league has more than 16 overall turnovers. It should be noted that Peyton Manning is one of only 2 quarterbacks with more touchdown passes than interceptions against the Ravens in the postseason since 08. Joe Flacco had a very good game against the Colts last week and does come in with some good momentum. It should be a good game in Denver, but I fully expect to see the home side preparing Mile High for a championship game next weekend.

It's going to be a primetime showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick, and the winners will feel like they have a great chance of becoming the NFC Champions next week. The Packers overcame an understrength Minnesota Vikings last week, but looked a team in form when doing so. The 49ers lost two of their last five in the regular season, but have looked like a strong side throughout the year.

Aaron Rodgers is once again in the MVP frame, but the emergence of Colin Kaepernick has revitalised a 49ers offence that was beginning to stagnate with Alex Smith under centre. There is going to be a lot of offence in this game, as good as both teams' defences are, the quarterbacks coupled with the running games on both sides should light up the field. The 49ers win over the Packers in Week 1 can almost be written off as an irrelevance due to the way the Pack have come on since then. This is gonna be a classic.

Predictions
Saturday
AFC Divisional Match: Denver over Baltimore by 10
NFC Divisional Match: San Francisco over Green Bay by 3

NBA: Eastern Conference Mid-Term Report Card

When the Miami Heat won the NBA Championship in June, it looked like a dynasty could be being built. The finals the year before where they lost to an inspired Dirk Nowitski and the Dallas Mavericks, and then a crushing win over the brilliant Oklahoma City Thunder to take the title to South Beach, with the talented trio of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh at the heart, serious questions were asked of who could beat them over the season and in a seven game series. Has the first (almost) half of the 2012-13 changed opinions? Here we grade the 15 Eastern Conference teams' mid-season performance. Western Conference Reports are coming on Sunday.

Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics (18-17) The Celtics haven't had the best of starts to the season, but in an Eastern Conference that isn't as competitive as it could be, a .500 record will probably be enough to sneak into the playoffs. They're a team in transition, but could come good later in the season, especially if Rajon Rondo can turn on the style.
Grade: C+

Brooklyn Nets (20-15) The Nets first season in Brooklyn started off so well as they raced out to an 11-4 start. They struggled in December, but are currently riding a four game winning streak. The team has stabilised following the firing of Avery Johnson under the interim stewardship of PJ Carlesimo. They should be a postseason team for the first time since 2007.
Grade: B

New York Knicks (23-12) When was the last time the Knicks were this good? Probably 1994 when they reached the finals. This team looks better than their 1998-99 side who also made the finals, as it looks like the roster has clicked and the talents of Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler are working well together with the experience of Jason Kidd. There have been slip ups along the way, but the Knicks can count themselves genuine contenders.
Grade: A

Philadelphia 76ers (15-22) The Sixers have really struggled for consistency this year, and that comes as a disappointment after their solid playoff run last time round. With Andrew Bynum injured, Jason Richardson is struggling to carry the team on his own, and without some major improvement (or trades) post-season basketball won't be coming back to Philly this year.
Grade: C-

Toronto Raptors (13-22) No-one expected the Raptors to do anything this season, and the fact that they're only five games back from a playoff position is actually a pretty good place for them to be. Their young roster is going to take some shaping, and it's unlikely that they'll be bothering the playoff picture this year, but they are an improving side, who could be pushing in the next few seasons.
Grade: B-

Central Division
Chicago Bulls (19-14) The Bulls are really, really missing Derrick Rose. After finishing first in the Eastern Conference last year, they fell straight out of the playoffs when Rose got injured, and although they're well in the playoff hunt again, without Rose they don't seem the same team. Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah should have the talent to carry the team through, but the sooner they get Rose back, the better.
Grade: B-

Cleveland Cavaliers (9-28) It's becoming more and more obvious that Kyrie Irving is a very special player. It's also becoming more and more obvious that he needs some serious help to improve the Cavs. There is some serious young talent in the Cleveland locker room, but the team s failing to gel, and there's only so much Irving can do on his own. Big changes required.
Grade: D

Detroit Pistons (13-23) The Pistons are very clearly in a rebuilding season, carrying a league high five rookies on their roster and with just two signed players over the age of 30. There's signs that this could be a very good team, but it's just not happening yet. If the Pistons fans can cope with a couple of years rebuilding, there's nothing wrong with this approach, but it could be a long couple of seasons.
Grade: C

Indiana Pacers (22-14) The Pacers are having a great season. Tyler Hansbrough is playing as well as he has done since college, and the acquisition of his unheralded younger brother Ben has been an inspired piece of business. The Pacers lead the Central Division in just about every stat, and are putting together an excellent team, capable of challenging the big boys come the playoffs.
Grade: A-

Milwaukee Bucks (18-16) The Bucks could well make the playoffs this year, but it's more to do with the lack of strength in the teams below them in the standings than themselves being a particularly good team. There's not much actually wrong with the way that they're playing, but they don't look like a team who are likely to cause anyone any major problems in a seven game series. Decent, but could be better.
Grade: C+

Southeast Division
Atlanta Hawks (20-14) The Hawks are in a tough position being in the same division as the Heat. They can win games, go on great runs, but are always likely to play second fiddle to the big boys from South Beach. This is exactly what has happened this year, but it's actually suited them down to a tee. The Heat get all the attention and the Hawks just slide under the radar, quietly building themselves a fine record.
Grade: A-

Charlotte Bobcats (9-25) The Bobcats are hopeless. They've been hopeless since they entered the league in 2004 in all honesty - other than their 2009-10 playoff season, where they were pretty decent. They have won more games already this season than they did last, so that's something. But they'd be better off with their 49 year old owner Michael Jordan on the court than some of their current players. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist must wish he'd stayed in college another year.
Grade: D-

Miami Heat (23-11) The Heat lead the Eastern Conference, but they do so without actually being all that brilliant. When they've been at their best they have been excellent, but when they've been bad, they really have been awful. One of their losses was to the five win Wizards, something that shouldn't be happening to a title contender. But the Heat have done enough to show that they are one of the strongest teams in the NBA, and will be there or there abouts come championship time once again.
Grade: A-

Orlando Magic (12-23) They lost Dwight Howard, who was pretty much the only bright spot they had the past few years. There are two teams in Florida, and they are very much number two. Having seen the Magic a few times this year, it actually amazes me that they've even managed to win 12 games so far. Disappointing at best.
Grade: C-

Washington Wizards (5-28) Washington are on course to win 12 games this season. These Wizards need some magic.
Grade: F

NHL Season Preview

The NHL Lockout is almost over. The NHL Board of Governors have ratified the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and after a long, hockeyless winter, the CBA is now with the players association, who will vote today and tomorrow on whether to ratify the deal. If the players vote in favour - as they are expected to - training camps could open on Sunday, with a 48 game regular season facing off on January 19th. And while a 48 game schedule seems a little greedy - 40 or 42 would have made more sense in my eyes - it's great to have hockey back.

There will be no Winter Classic this year, as New Year's Day has come and gone, and the All-Star Festivities have also been scrapped (although I'm not sure that many will care about that.) No-one will be opening the season in Europe, it's straight down to business. As things stand, with the current 48 game plan, each team will play 24 games at home and 24 on the road, all within their own conference. Teams will play two divisional opponents five times, and the other two four times, and will play the other ten teams in their conference three times each to reach the 48 games. This will of course be the harshest on the Winnipeg Jets, still placed in the Southeast Division, as realignment hasn't been worked out for the second successive season. Cue many a long road trip for the Jets again this year.

The Los Angeles Kings go into the 2013 season as reigning Stanley Cup Champions, having won their first title back in June in six games against the New Jersey Devils. The Kings were a surprising champion, having finished in 8th place in the Western Conference regular season standings. They disposed of the Presidents' Trophy winning (and 2011 Stanley Cup Finalist) Vancouver Canucks by 4 games to 1 in the first round of the playoffs, before whitewashing the number 2 seeded St Louis Blues 4-0 in the Conference semi-finals. Their 4-1 win over the third seed Phoenix Coyotes in the Western Conference finals saw them reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the second time.

In the East, the New Jersey Devils were seeded six after the regular season and went through the Florida Panthers and Philadelphia Flyers before meeting their divisional rival New York Rangers in the conference finals. The number one seeded Rangers were beaten by 4 games to 2 by a surging Devils, who came up short when they met a Kings team in inspired form.

But what of this year? The Stanley Cup is notoriously difficult to win back to back. In fact, that last team to repeat were the 1997-98 Detroit Red Wings, and we can all agree that they were one of the finest teams ever to grace the ice. The Kings were no more than an average team for much of the 2011-12 season, but found their form in the last month of the regular season and the playoffs. And that's the thing with an 82 game schedule, the teams who end the season well tend to do well in the playoffs, whereas teams who race out to a great start and tie up playoff spots early have a tendency to fade away. It happened last year with the Canucks - and to a lesser extent the Rangers - and we've seen it happen so many times before in the NHL and the NBA.

But a 48 game season could be different. Of course a team ending the season well is going to carry momentum into the playoffs - how many times have we seen an NFL team rally late in the year and go to the Super Bowl? And that's on a 16 game schedule - but with 48 games instead of 82 there's less time to get complacent, less time to run up a massive head start and slow down. In a shortened season it’s less likely that a team will go on a late season streak like last years' Kings. The Kings will of course be a playoff threat, they're not suddenly going to become a bad team, but I don't see them back in the finals.

Then who are the contenders? The New York Rangers will look to build on their great 2011-12 which took them to the Eastern Conference Finals. They have the best goaltender in hockey in Henrik Lundqvist, who saves points on a frequent basis, and the highly impressive Ryan Callahan and Marian Gaborik on their roster. With Sidney Crosby finally fully fit after a nightmare two years, the Pittsburgh Penguins can once again look to be challengers for the Cup. The Penguins' blend of youth and experience should see them as definite contenders come June. And also from the East, the Boston Bruins can never be counted out. The Garden is one of the toughest road games in the league, and even at 35, Zdeno Chara is still a fearsome opponent. And the reduced schedule could see the Toronto Maple Leafs challenge. The Leafs tend to start well before fading away, and the shortened season could mean that this doesn't happen this time around.

Out West (well, in the Western Conference anyway), as well as the champion Kings, 3 names stand out. The Vancouver Canucks were the best team in the league through the regular season the last two years, and made the Stanley Cup Finals in 2011. The Sedin twins are still two of the best in the league, and the spread of talent that the Canucks possess means that they will almost certainly be challengers. The other two are West teams only in the sense of the NHL - both cities' NBA teams are Eastern Conference for example - and are the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings. The Blackhawks won the championship as recently as 2010, and although the roster has changed since then, a solid core remains. And the Red Wings won't want to give up their 21 year playoff streak. It's been five years since the last title came to the Joe Louis Arena, and the Detroit team looks as loaded with talent as it has since then.

It's great to have the NHL back. The Kings will open the season at home to the Blackhawks with a midday (PT) face-off at the Staples Center on Saturday January 19th.

Predictions:
Presidents' Trophy: Vancouver
Eastern Conference Champions: Pittsburgh
Western Conference Champions: Chicago
Stanley Cup Champions: Pittsburgh

NFL: Saints re-sign Payton

The New Orleans Saints have announced that Head Coach Sean Payton - suspended for the 2012 season as a sanction for the Saints bounty scandal - has signed a five year contract extension which will run through the 2017 season.

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said of Payton, “Sean has been a critical part of our success, getting him signed to a long-term deal is very important to our organization and we are pleased to have it finalized."

NFL: RG3 requires major surgery

He requires total reconstructive surgery and could miss the start of the 2013 season. Was it really worth risking Robert Griffin III for as long as the Washington Redskins did in their loss at home to Seattle on Sunday?

Sources close to the team confirmed that both the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments have been torn, as was originally feared. The ACL injury is a complete tear of the patella graft that was used to repair the previous tear in 2009 when Griffin was at Baylor. Dr James Andrews is expected to use a similar patella graft from Griffin's left knee to repair the new tear.

Team sources said that Griffin's recovery period is estimated at between six and eight months. The reconstruction of the LCL in addition to the ACL has been said to be "considered a complication" but it is expected to heal alongside the ACL. The rehab process will focus on strengthening Griffin's quadriceps muscles to help stabilise the knee. If there are no setbacks, Griffin is in the frame to participate in training camp to some extent and should be ready to start in week 1 of the regular season in September. Griffin tweeted "Thank you for your prayers and support. I love God, my family, my team, the fans, & I love this game. See you guys next season," this morning. He will undergo surgery today.

But even at that, was it really worth Mike Shanahan risking his prize asset in such a way? Griffin was clearly already hurt by the end of the fourth quarter, yet he played him throughout the second and third, and the start of the fourth although he was clearly getting worse as time went on. It looked just a matter of time before he blew the knee - which you have to remember was reconstructed previously - and it duly happened. Washington gave up the next two years' first round draft picks to get Griffin, to risk him in the way Shanahan did was inexcusable for that reason, and also that he was playing with the career of a 22 year old kid. A 22 year old kid who had been hurt before. A 22 year old kid he had risked even despite the team doctor not having cleared him to just weeks earlier. I'm fully aware that Shanahan wanted to win the match, but even if he had done, he would not have had Griffin to face the Atlanta Falcons this weekend anyway.

Shanahan made a big error in judgement, let's just hope Griffin recovers and it doesn't turn out to be catastrophic for everyone involved.

College Football: Roll Tide - 'Bama streak to consecutive National Titles

Make no bones about it. It's a dynasty down in Tuscaloosa.

The Crimson Tide were 28-0 up on the number 1 ranked Notre Dame at halftime at Sun Life Stadium. By the time Amari Cooper collected a 34 yard touchdown pass from AJ McCarron midway through the third quarter, the Irish were demoralised, dejected and completely out of a game that had promised so much, but had become yet another 'Bama blowout.

Irish coach Brian Kelly joked at halftime that the only way that they could get back into the game was if Alabama didn't show up for the second half. He may have been right. Eddie Lacy rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown, had 17 yards receiving and a further touchdown and walked away with the game MVP trophy. Quarterback AJ McCarron threw for 264 yards and four touchdowns and TJ Yeldon had 108 rushing yards and a touchdown. This was an utter domination from a team winning back to back national titles and their third in four years. Nick Saban has recruited a team capable of beating the best in college football year in year out. And the scary thing for everyone else is that they could get better. AJ McCarron is definitely returning for his senior season, TJ Yeldon is a freshman who will definitely return, as is Amari Cooper. Overall, 10 'Bama starters have confirmed to return for next season, including several of the offensive line who rejected Manti Te'o and the Notre Dame defence so spectacularly. Eddie Lacy, a junior, has not confirmed either way if he will return for his senior year or enter the NFL Draft.

In winning a seventh straight National Championship for the SEC, Alabama have not just confirmed themselves as a powerhouse school, but the SEC as THE powerhouse conference. Questions have now been asked about Notre Dame's status as the number 1 ranked team in the country. Yes, they had an undefeated season, but they only played four ranked teams in that time. Four weeks ago in the SEC title game, Georgia came within four points of Alabama, whereas Notre Dame were completely blown out by them on the national stage. No-one is suggesting that the SEC should have both entrants in the title game - 'Bama shutting out LSU last year showed that that doesn't necessarily mean a great game - but it does hint that they playoff system that will come into play the season after next is long, long overdue.

After all was said and done in Miami Gardens last night however, all that can be said is Roll Tide. Just try not to drop the trophy this year!

NFL Update: Griffin III has partial tears to ACL and LCL

Reports out of Washington on Monday have stated that the MRI done on Robert Griffin III's right knee following the Redskin's Wildcard loss to Seattle on Sunday has shown partial tears in the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments. Mike Shanahan, Redskins head coach said at a news conference on Monday that Griffin will be sent to highly regarded orthopaedic surgeon James Andrews for a further examinations following the MRI scan. 

Griffin, already nursing a sprain, further injured the knee stretching to recover a muffed snap in the fourth quarter against the Seahawks. The results of the MRI will ask yet more questions about the decision to keep him in the game, as if the results are as serious as first reported, Griffin could miss the start of the 2013 season.

NFL: Contrasting fortunes in Maryland on Wildcard Weekend

The Seattle Seahawks won a highly entertaining game in Landover, but the main story is why a clearly ailing Robert Griffin III was kept in the game for so long. Griffin, who was wearing a brace on his right knee after spraining it against Baltimore on December 9th and subsequently missed the next game against Cleveland, turned the knee over late in the first quarter and limped progressively worse for the rest of the game.

But it was following a bad snap in the fourth quarter when Griffin stretched to grab the loose ball that the knee buckled. Griffin lay in a heap on the mangled FedEx Field turf and was treated on the field for upwards of five minutes before - just about - managing to walk off of his own power. Griffin was taken into the big shed that doubles as a medical examination room, and though he eventually appeared back on the sidelines, Kirk Cousins closed out the game at quarterback for the Redskins. It had seemingly been apparent to everyone watching that Griffin should have been taken out of the game earlier than he was when limping heavily - everyone apart from Mike Shanahan and the Washington coaching staff. It has to be remembered that Griffin is a 22 year old rookie kid, playing in his first playoff game, and a brave kid at that, unlikely to want to take himself out of the game. His post game interview where he said that "I think I did put myself at more risk by being out there, but every time you get on the field, you're putting yourself on the line," seemed to confirm exactly those sentiments. The decision had to be made by the coaches, a decision that wasn't taken. Shanahan said after the game that when Griffin went down in the fourth that "If you didn't pull him out then, you should get fired," but acknowledging that just made it more apparent that it should have happened earlier. When so much was given up for Griffin in the first place, to risk him so heavily not only puts him at risk, but the entire franchise.

It had earlier transpired that Redskins team physician Dr James Andrews had not given medical clearance to return to the game against Baltimore where the initial sprain had occurred. Griffin went on to play an additional series before being replaced by Cousins. Griffin will now undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury, with Redskins fans hoping that it's not as bad as it looked.

As for the game itself, it was a highly entertaining contest that saw Washington race out to a 14-0 first quarter lead, with Griffin landing a pair of four yard touchdown passes to Evan Royster and Logan Paulsen. But following Griffin's injury, Washington's offence fell apart and Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch began to get it together. In fact, the final 3 quarters were an absolute blowout from Seattle as they stopped the Redskins from even reaching midfield, with the Seahawks outgaining the 'Skins by 371 yards to 74. Washington had 129 yards to Seattle's 9 in the first quarter. The Seahawks will now face the Falcons in Atlanta next Sunday.

Not many players stay in the NFL for 17 years. Of those who do, even fewer stay with the same team for the whole time. Ray Lewis was the second man to be drafted by the Ravens franchise, at number 26 in 1996, and has gone on to become a legend. He missed the last 10 weeks of the regular season with a triceps tear and announced earlier in the week that he'll retire at the end of the season. He came back from injury and started his last game in Baltimore. And had one of the games of his career. With 13 tackles, Lewis was larger than life against the Colts from his dance as he entered the field, through the entire game, and lining up on offence on a kneel down to end the game and dancing again. The Ravens had a great game, with Joe Flacco passing for 282 yards and two touchdowns, Bernard Pierce rushing for 103 yards and becoming the go to guy after Ray Rice fumbled twice, and Anquan Boldin having a monster second half to finish with 145 yards and a touchdown.

The Colts were dealt a blow before the game when offensive coordinator - and interim head coach for much of the season - Bruce Arians was hospitalised on Sunday morning. The team never really got going, and despite Andrew Luck throwing for 288 yards, they failed to score a touchdown, and when Adam Vinatieri missed a 40 yard field goal wide left early in the third quarter, it became clear it wasn't going to be their day. After forcing a Ray Rice fumble in the first quarter - Rice's two fumbles were more than he had in the entire regular season - Andrew Luck fumbled himself on the resulting drive. The first quarter finished scoreless, but the game was never anything less than captivating.

But at the end of the game, it was all about number 52. Lewis took the plaudits of the rabid home crowd, the original Raven playing at home for the last time. What odds on him bringing the Lombardi trophy back to M&T Bank Stadium in early February?

In the end, the playoffs probably came a year too early for Minnesota. With their steadily improving quarterback on the sidelines due to a freak injury - an elbow injured while passing a week ago - and Green Bay eventually managing to stop Adrian Peterson, it was down to backup Joe Webb to show what he could do. And beyond the first drive and a 50 yard touchdown in garbage time to boost his stats, that wasn't very much. There had been much talk of Webb moving to be a starter elsewhere next year, but on this showing, that may be a bit of a stretch. Webb was 11 for 30 passing for 180 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception and was sacked 3 times - including one that will be credited to Clay Matthews, who was lying face down on the turf at the time! Adrian Peterson was restricted to 99 yards on 22 carries as the Vikings fizzled out. A good draft and some shrewdness in free agency should see the Vikes be a real threat next year.

Aaron Rodgers was back to his clinical best after last week's blip. The MVP candidate - and remember that all ballots have already been returned - was 23 for 33 for 274 yards and a touchdown to John Kuhn. The Packers added two rushing touchdowns from Greg Jennings and Kuhn again to breeze into a divisional round matchup with San Francisco in California next weekend. The foot clearly came off the gas late in the game as the Pack prepared for that game which is set to be a classic shootout. The 49ers defeated the Packers 30-22 at Lambeau in week 1.

Houston limped to a wildcard victory over Cincinnati, in a game that they really should have had wrapped up by half time. Andy Dalton was restricted to 3 passing yards in the whole of the first half, and the Bengals had just 53 yards of total offence in the first, yet trailed just 9-7 at halftime thanks to a Leon Hall pick 6. Dalton eventually finished with just 127 yards with a 46% completion rate. Matt Schaub threw for 262 yards, but failed to throw a touchdown pass. The Texans only touchdown came on a one yard run from Arian Foster in the third quarter. Foster finished with 140 yards and became the first player to rush for 100+ yards in his first three playoff games. The Texans will travel to New England for the divisional round. The Patriots blew them out 42-14 in Foxboro on December 10th.

NHL and NHLPA agree deal to end lockout

Hockey is back.

After months of posturing, counter-posturing and a whole lot of "my dad could beat up your dad" nonsense, the NHL and NHLPA finally came to an agreement on Sunday. The agreement of a new collective bargaining agreement is verbal, tentative and requires clarification on certain legal and language points, but could be ratified and approved by the NHLPA membership and NHL board of governors by the middle of the week. 

IF the deal is ratified this week, it is likely that a 48 game schedule, similar to the 1994-95 lockout - which was 9 days shorter than the current lockout - will be adopted, although plans have also been drawn up for 44, 40 and 36 game seasons. It is also likely that the Stanley Cup playoffs will extend into late June to allow for the compressed schedule.

It's been a long winter without the NHL, let's hope the deal can be signed off.

College Football: BCS National Championship: Notre Dame vs Alabama

It's the penultimate season for the BCS, as the system will be replaced by a four team playoff in 2014. And while that's been a long time coming, the BCS National Championship game has created intrigue, controversy, and some really good games over the past 15 years.

Alabama are building a dynasty. National Championships in 2010 and 2012 have been followed by a third title game appearance in 4 years. The Crimson Tide finished 12-1 on their way to becoming SEC Champions, and were ranked #2 on all 3 polls this season. Their only loss came on November 10th to the Johnny Football led Texas A&M, and at that time, it looked like their chance at the title had gone. Back to back 49-0 wins over Western Carolina and Auburn in the Iron Bowl propelled them back onto contention after slip ups from Kansas State and Oregon. Their thrilling SEC Championship victory over Georgia cemented the Tide as number 2, and gave the SEC a chance for a seventh straight National Title for the powerhouse conference.

Coach Nick Saban is in his sixth year as Alabama coach, and could win his third National Title, which would make him a legend in Tuscaloosa. Junior quarterback AJ McCarron has already declared that he will return for the 2013 season, and the Tide's defence has once again been one of the best in Division I football (giving up just 10.7 points per game). History is also on 'Bama's side, as SEC teams are undefeated in BCS games when they are ranked No. 2 in the BCS standings.

Notre Dame are the first preseason unranked team to ever reach a BCS Championship Game. In Brian Kelly's 3rd season as head coach, the Irish, an 11 time national champion, have regained their prestige. The BCS Independent school make their first BCS Bowl appearance, and have the chance to win their first National Title since 1988.

Like the Tide, the Irish build on a great defence. While redshirt freshman quarterback Everett Golson has had a quietly efficient season, it's senior linebacker Manti Te'o who has led the team, finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting and won the Lott Trophy, the Maxwell Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Butkus Award, the Lombardi Award, and the Walter Camp Award. While Te'o became the most decorated college football player of all time with his haul, he has done it through adversity - losing both his grandmother and girlfriend to cancer in a 36 hour period in September - and become the face of the most famous name in college football. The Irish defence gave up just 10.3 points per game over the season.

Two of the best defences in college football collide, with both offences being free scoring powerhouses. Last year's defensive battle between Alabama and LSU was a bit of a damp squib, but it is highly unlikely that this year's title match will be similar. It's two of the most storied names in college football, going head to head in Miami for the right to be called the best team in the country. It's going to be a shootout, and it's going to be a great occasion.

Prediction

#2 Alabama over #1 Notre Dame by 6

NFL: Wildcard weekend could belittle the seedings

If last week taught us anything, it's that anything can happen when it comes to the playoffs. In the NFC in Week 17, there were what were effectively 2 playoff games already happening. The Minnesota Vikings had to win to get in, while their opponents, the Green Bay Packers were playing to secure themselves a bye week. Minnesota won, and in a twist straight out of Hollywood, the two teams will meet again this week in the Wildcard round, the Vikings buoyed by their victory.

And while the Packers may have the better record, are the higher seed, and be seen as the better team by many, the momentum is with the Vikings, the team led by the rushing leader and MVP candidate Adrian Peterson. In the two division games between the sides this year, Peterson has 409 yards rushing, two touchdowns and a further receiving touchdown. And despite knowing exactly what he's going to do, the Packers defence - a defence that includes Clay Matthews, BJ Raji and Charles Woodson - cannot figure out a way to stop him. It was Peterson's 27 yard run that set up the winning field goal as time expired a week ago, it was Peterson who ripped the Green Bay defence for an 82 yard touchdown in Week 13 and it was Minnesota who ensured that Green Bay would be playing football this week instead of resting up at home. Christian Ponder was limited in practice this week, but that's almost an irrelevance. The Packers can always rely on Aaron Rodgers, but they have to find a way to stop Peterson.

The regular season series was split 1-1, with both teams winning at home. The Packers were 7-1 at home this year, while the Vikings won just 3 out of 8 on the road. The Vikings haven't won at Lambeau since 2004. But that win was in the NFC Wildcard Round. It's going to be another tough battle of divisional rivals in the playoffs, and it's going to be another great game between the two. The Packers start favourites, but with AD on tap, never count out the Vikings.

The other "pseudo-playoff" game a week ago was the showdown in Landover, where Washington hosted Dallas. The rookie tandem of Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris tore the Cowboys apart and won the NFC East for the Redskins for the first time since 1999. Their reward, a home playoff game against the 5th seed. Who just happen to be a Seattle Seahawks side who have won more games than they have.

Seattle finished 11-5 for the season, their best mark since going 13-3 and making the Super Bowl in 2005. They went a perfect 8-0 at home and scored 50 points twice. Their third round rookie quarterback Russell Wilson has turned out to be one of the finds and stars of the season, with Marshawn Lynch finding his rushing form again. But going 8-0 at home means they went 3-5 on the road, and stepping into FedEx to face Griffin, Morris and co on a seven game winning streak is going to be no easy game. I do feel that Seattle are the stronger side, but with RG3, the Redskins can never be counted out. Expect a high scoring shootout late on Sunday.

Going into week 17, the playoff teams in the AFC were set. All that was left to figure out was the seedlings. Going into Week 16, Houston were 12-2, and sitting pretty for #1 and home field advantage. They lost to Minnesota, then lost to Indianapolis, finished 12-4 and had thrown away not just home field advantage, but their bye week as well. They go into the playoffs on a 2 game losing streak (where their starters played) and having lost 3 of their final 4. Contrast that with the Bengals who are riding a 3 game win streak, and managed to rest their starters for 3 quarters last week. The Texans should still have enough to beat the Bengals, but momentum has played a big part in Wildcard games in the past.

The final playoff game this weekend is between Baltimore and Indianapolis. It's a funny one because despite being 10-6, the Ravens haven't had a great season. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice have been inconsistent and in Flacco's case, unpredictable. Their defence has been beaten up - Ray Lewis, after being injured for a significant portion of the season has announced he's retiring once the Ravens are eliminated - six of their wins have been by seven points or less, and they've managed to lose five of their last six. The Colts on the other hand have had an 11-5 season, and it's been great. After finishing 2-14 last year, first overall draft pick rookie quarterback Andrew Luck has turned the team around. Despite head coach Chuck Pagano missing a large chunk of the season after being diagnosed with and treated for leukaemia, the Colts won 11 games, including against playoff teams Green Bay, Minnesota and Houston. Luck has made the difference in Indy, and if the ravens don't show up at their best, they will be eaten up by the Colts.

Whatever happens, it's set to be a great weekend of football, with New Orleans on February 3rd firmly in sight!


Saturday Predictions
AFC
#3 Houston over #6 Cincinnati by 7
NFC
#6 Minnesota over #3 Green Bay by 3

Sunday Predictions
AFC
#5 Indianapolis over #4 Baltimore by 6
NFC
#5 Seattle over #4 Washington by 12

NBA: Kobe shoots from the (broken) hip

Old as shit.

That's how Kobe Bryant described his LA Lakers team following their 103-99 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on New Years' Day. When asked about the reasons for the team's lack of energy, the 34 year old summed things up perfectly succinctly. He continued on to call the Lakers "slow" and "an old damn team," in an interview conducted after the game that saw the Lakers slip back below .500 at 15-16, an unfamiliar place to be with more than a third of the season played.

And Kobe has a point. Many observers noted before the season had even started that the Lakers were an old squad. Of their two big off season acquisitions, one was 38 year old Steve Nash - still a wonderful player, but undoubtedly in the twilight of his career - and the other was 26 (now 27) year old Dwight Howard. Howard should be in the prime of his career, but injuries have slowed the seven foot centre down, and he plays like a man five years older than his age suggests. The Lakers roster also boasts 32 year old Pau Gasol, 33 year old Metta World Peace (TAFKA Ron Artest) and 36 year old Antawan Jamison, all players who regularly play upwards of 20 minutes per game. Age brings experience, but when the young players expected to bring the speed and energy aren't up to the task, where does the team go?

When you look at the rosters (and specifically the regular starting 5) of the teams at the top of the standings, there’s a definite pattern. In the Lakers' own division, their city rivals the Clippers have 23 year olds Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe, and in his prime 27 year old Chris Paul with the experience of 33 year old Lamar Odom and 36 year old Chauncey Billups. In Oklahoma City, the Thunder have 23 year old Serge Ibaka and 24 year old pair Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, with 32 year old Nick Collison playing the old man role. The Knicks don't have any youngsters per-se, but JR Smith, Carmelo Anthony and Raymond Felton are all well under 30, while Amar'e Stoudemire is only 30 himself - 39 year old Jason Kidd plays the experienced role there. The Heat are in a similar position with LeBron James and Chris Bosh at 28, Dwayne Wade at 30 and Ray Allen at 37. The Spurs again have a similar spread.

All the top teams have that blend of youth and experience. The Heat, as defending champions, ironically are the closest of the league leaders to the Lakers' age, but they have a 23 year old Josh Harrellson getting plenty of minutes as well, without being one of the "big names."

Youth is clearly very highly regarded in the NBA right now. While just about everyone agrees that LeBron is by far the best player in the league, most lists of best players feature many under the age of 25. Durant, Westbrook and Griffin feature regularly, as do 24 year old Timberwolves forward Kevin Love, 23 year old Rockets guard James Harden, 20 year old Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, 19 year old Hornets forward Anthony Davis, 24 year old Warriors guard Stephen Curry and when fit, the Bulls' 24 year old point guard Derrick Rose, the league MVP in 2011. The US Men's Basketball team who won the gold medal at the London Olympics had just one player over 30 in the twelve man squad (Bryant) and five who were 23 or under. They won all eight of their games.

The Lakers may be old, but they still have talent. Steve Nash at 38 is still one of the best point guards in the game, and Kobe and Pau are still excellent players who will go down as two of the best of all time. But they need to bring in some young quality to supplement them and put a bit of spring back in their step. Mike D'Antoni has valuable trade assets at his disposal, and a trade may well be the best way to bring in some talent quickly. The 2013 draft class also looks like it could be quite special. The Lakers may be as Kobe put it "old as shit," but a few shrewd moves and all most certainly is not lost.

The Lakers "road" game with the Clippers tonight is by far the most exciting tie of a busy weekend in the NBA. The 25-8 Clippers are top of the Pacific Division, but have lost their lead of the Western Conference after losing their last 2 games following a 17 game winning streak. The pick of the other weekend games are Chicago's trip to Miami tonight, Boston visiting Atlanta tomorrow and Oklahoma City's trip north of the border at the Raptors on Sunday. The weekend predictions are below.

Friday
Sacramento at Toronto 
Brooklyn at Washington 
Cleveland at Charlotte
Atlanta at Detroit
Chicago at Miami 
Indiana at Boston
Portland at Memphis
Philadelphia at Oklahoma City 
Houston at Milwaukee
Utah at Phoenix
LA Lakers at LA Clippers 

Saturday
Boston at Atlanta
New York at Orlando
Milwaukee at Indiana
Sacramento at Brooklyn 
Houston at Cleveland
Portland at Minnesota
New Orleans at Dallas
Philadelphia at San Antonio 
Utah at Denver
Golden State at LA Clippers 

Sunday
Oklahoma City at Toronto
Washington at Miami 
Charlotte at Detroit
Memphis at Phoenix
Denver at LA Lakers

NFL: Black Monday roundup

Now that the regular season has ended, Black Monday has inevitably passed. Seven coaches lost their jobs on New Years Eve, four came as no surprise whatsoever, two were always pretty likely, while one was a bit of a shock.

Pat Shurmur of the Cleveland Browns went 9-23 in his two years with the organisation. No coach survives that sort of record, and especially not in Cleveland, where coaches have been binned at the end of the season in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2010. General Manager Tom Heckert also lost his job as new owner Jimmy Haslam, who only bought the franchise in October, cleaned house stating he was looking for "strong leadership." Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone will interview today, while Oregon's Chip Kelly and Alabama's Nick Saban will be contacted once their respective bowl games are over and done with. Several current NFL coordinators and assistants are also on the Browns shortlist.

With a 2-14 record, Romeo Crennel was never likely to last past his first full season in Kansas City. In a turbulent season overshadowed by the murder-suicide committed by linebacker Jovan Belcher, Crennel was subject to fan protests and almost constant speculation over his future. In a typically classy move from Crennel, his exit statement thanked the Chiefs owners for giving him the opportunity to coach there. General Manager Scott Pioli has kept his job for the time being. Dirk Koetter of the Atlanta Falcons has been given permission to interview, as has Falcons special teams coach Keith Armstrong.

After 14 years in Philadelphia, where he compiled a 130-93-1 record to become the coach with the most wins in franchise history, the Eagles parted company with Andy Reid after a dismal 4-12 2012 season. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said it was "time to move in a new direction," and called Reid "not only an outstanding coach, but an outstanding person." The Eagles players gave Reid a standing ovation in the locker room after a final meeting with his team. The Eagles are likely to take their time in making an appointment after having the same coach for 14 seasons, and some of the major names in college football have already been installed as favourites by the bookies, while the entire Falcons coordination unit are on the shortlist once again.

He never came close to repeating their team's 2008 Super Bowl appearance and that's what cost Ken Whisenhunt his job at the head of the Arizona Cardinals. GM Rod Graves has also been fired by the organisation. The Cardinals were 45-51 under Whisenhunt in his six years with the team, and the 2008 Super Bowl was their only ever trip to the "Greatest Show on Earth." Cardinals President Michael Bidwell ahs moved quickly to talk to fired Eagles coach Andy Reid, and will also interview Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and his own defensive coordinator Ray Horton.

Chan Gailey's three seasons in charge of the Bills also came to an end on Monday as he was fired along with his entire coaching staff. The status of GM Buddy Nix is still up in the air, and with Ralph Wilson having now handed control of the franchise over to former CEO and now President Russ Brandon, anything is possible. Gailey failed to deliver on his promise of turning the Bills into a playoff team after 3 losing seasons and posted a 16-32 record over his tenure. The usual suspects all look set to be interviewed, Chip Kelly, Doug Marrone and Bill O'Brien from college, as well as several NFL coordinators, and fired coaches Ken Whisenhunt and Lovie Smith. Whoever takes over may have one of the hardest jobs in football.

Missing the playoffs for the third successive season has meant that Norv Turner and GM AJ Smith have both been relieved of their duties in San Diego. After a highly disappointing 7-9 season, the Chargers hierarchy have decided that the time is right for a change. Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, who served as interim coach for much of 2012 while Chuck Pagano underwent treatment for leukaemia is a firm favourite for the job, but time will tell whether he leaves Indianapolis. Fired Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt is also in the frame, while there has been very little noise about any college coaches moving to the franchise. Whoever takes over will have to make many changes to appease the Chargers faithful - the team suffered four blackouts towards the end of the season as the fans stayed away.

On the surface, Lovie Smith losing his job as Chicago Bears coach looks like the biggest shock of all. And after a 10-6 season, it certainly is the harshest of the Black Monday firings. But for his Bears team to miss the playoffs for the fifth time in the past six years despite starting the season 7-1, it does become more apparent why the decision was taken. The Bears players expressed their disappointment en masse on Twitter and in radio interviews, and it seems unlikely that with six other head coaching positions available that Smith will be out of the game for long. As for Chicago, many of the same coordinators being lined up for interview by other teams are in the frame including Mike McCoy and Keith Armstrong. Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan has also been given permission to talk to the Bears.

The teams in search of a head coach were dealt a blow however, when the Falcons announced that Dirk Koetter will not pursue a head coaching vacancy this offseason. Koetter was in high demand, and his decision could mean a scramble from teams to get their preferred candidates.

Craig's coaching carousel predictions:
Cleveland: Lovie Smith (former Chicago Bears head coach)
Kansas City: Ray Horton (Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator)
Philadelphia: Chip Kelly (Oregon Ducks head coach)
Arizona: Andy Reid (former Philadelphia Eagles head coach)
Buffalo: Doug Marrone (Syracuse Orange head coach)
San Diego: Bruce Arians (Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator)
Chicago: Mike McCoy (Denver Broncos offensive coordinator)

NFL: AD = MVP?

(This blog was written on Monday 31st December but suffered "technical difficulties")

Adrian Peterson.

MVP. Surely. In rushing for 199 yards against a Green Bay Packers side who had to win to secure a first round bye he became only the seventh running back to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, moved to second in the all time single season rushing list, and missed out on the record by just 9 yards. And pretty much single handedly carried the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs for the first time since 2009 when Brett Favre had arguably the best season of his career. He did all of this after tearing both his ACL and MCL on the last day of last season, injuries that few running backs even come back from, never mind having their best ever season.

And arguments could be made for this being THE greatest season in NFL history. Since Eric Dickerson set the rushing record in 1984, the NFL has become so much more of a passing league. For a running back to carry a team in the way Peterson has this year is nothing short of remarkable, especially with all things considered. There's the aforementioned injuries that he's come back from, almost a superhuman effort on its own. There's the fact that he's playing behind an inconsistent second year quarterback who is still finding his feet in the pros. While there were 6 quarterbacks with over 4,500 passing yards, Peterson finished the season with 2,097 rushing yards, his nearest challenger for the rushing title was Alfred Morris of Washington. He had 1,613, just the 484 less!

Give Peyton Manning the Comeback Player of the Year award if you want, he's had a fantastic season, and deserves something for taking Denver to the #1 seed in the AFC. But there's only one choice for MVP. All Day.

And the game itself. Well it might just have been one of the games of the season. Minnesota raced out to a 20-10 half time lead, but Aaron Rodgers had that down to 20-17 within minutes of the restart. The Vikings edged ahead again only to be pegged back time and again. But in the closing seconds, Peterson broke free, rushed for 27 yards on his career high 34th carry of the game and set up outstanding rookie Blair Walsh for a 29 yard field goal as time expired to win the contest and send the Vikings to the playoffs - a trip to Lambeau next week for the wildcard round. Peterson finished with 199 yards rushing and a touchdown. He also finished with a 2 yard receiving touchdown on his only reception. AD was the Minnesota Vikings last night on the first anniversary of his reconstructive knee surgery, in what was a great NFL season closer.

The battle for the playoffs finished in Landover, Maryland late last night as the Washington Redskins won the NFC East for the first time since 1999. A 28-18 win over Dallas, led by the rookie tandem of Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris sealed the division and a home playoff game against Seattle next week. Morris ran for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. Griffin added 63 more rushing yards and a touchdown, and a further 100 passing yards. The vital touchdown came with just 69 seconds left to lift the Skins to an unassailable 10 point lead. Griffin and Morris were just 9 years old the last time the Redskins won their division. Now they will do battle in the postseason as division champions.

Green Bay's loss to Minnesota meant that the San Francisco 49ers will be the NFC's #2 seed behind the Atlanta Falcons. The 49ers eased past the 5-11 Arizona Cardinals 27-13 at Candlestick, with Colin Kaepernick throwing 2 touchdown passes. The Cardinals finished with the worst ever record for a team who started 4-0. The #1 Atlanta falcons kept their starters on the field for their entire home tie with Tampa Bay, and somehow managed to lose the game 22-17. Not a great omen for the playoffs. Seattle solidified their #5 seed with a hard fought 20-13 win over St Louis, who lost their first NFC West game of the year. Russell Wilson broke the record for most touchdown passes by a rookie in the third quarter and made sure that the award for Rookie of the Year will be a closely run thing between himself, Griffin and Andrew Luck.

Elsewhere in the NFC, Chicago's 26-24 win over Detroit wasn't enough to see them playoff bound with the Vikings win. Matt Stafford of the Lions broke the NFL record for most pass attempts in a season, but he failed to make 5,000 yards for the second consecutive year. The Giants ended their Super Bowl defence with a crushing 42-7 win over the Eagles in Andy Reid's last game in charge, and Carolina condemned New Orleans to a 7-9 season with a 44-38 win. Despite Drew Brees becoming the first player to have back to back 5,000 yard seasons and the first to pass 5,000 three times, the defence also broke a record for most yards allowed in a season. Sean Payton's return cannot come quick enough.

The Houston Texans managed to throw away not only home field advantage, but their first round bye as well with a 28-18 loss to the playoff bound Indianapolis Colts. The Colts scored a touchdown in every quarter, including a 102 yard kickoff return from Deji Karim and a 70 yard Andrew Luck pass to T.Y. Hilton. Luck will be one of three rookie quarterbacks leading his team into the playoffs alongside RG3 and Wilson.

The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots both took advantage of the Texans second loss on the bounce to clinch the AFC byes. The Broncos blew out the league worst Chiefs with a 38-3 win at Mile High, while the Pats scored 28 unanswered points at home to the Dolphins. The #6 seed Bengals beat the #4 seed Ravens 23-17 in Cincinnati as both teams rested many of their starters for much of the game.

The AFC season closed out with Buffalo hammering the Jets 28-9. Mark Sanchez looked like a child trying to learn how to play football as he threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, lost a fumble, completed just 17 of 35 passes and failed to score in what will likely be his last game as an NFL starter. Tennessee breezed past the jags in an entertaining game, the Steelers eased by the Browns, and San Diego sneaked past the Raiders 24-21.

With the regular season now finished, we can look forward to the playoffs. Bring on the Wildcard games!