Wild Card Weekend

Seeing as Frankie took the time to post about tomorrow's Steelers-Broncos game, I figured I'd quickly give the other three games this weekend a little love and pick the outcomes. Five out of the last six Superbowls have featured a team who played on Wild Card Weekend, so is it possible one of these teams makes the Big Game? It's definitely a possibility, especially in the AFC. But the NFC could have a surprise in store as well. So, quickly, here's what I expect to see this weekend from the games not involving He Who Must Not Be Named.

Cincinnati 24, Houston 17

The Red Rifle Andy Dalton hooks up with AJ Green for a 80 yard bomb on the first play on offense. Cedric Benson then pounds two more in as TJ Yates and the Houston offense can't hold on to the ball long enough to give their defense a rest. Arian Foster's 130 yards on the ground aren't enough to keep the pressure off the passing game, and Houston laments what might have been had Matt Schaub stayed healthy. The Bengals take over late and head to the divisional round.

Detroit 41, New Orleans 38

In an instant classic, Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford put on a show that really ends in who has the ball last. Brees throws for four touchdowns and over 400 yards, but its just not enough to make up for the defense. Stafford grows up right before our eyes and leads a 1 minute drive to result in a pass to Megatron for the game winning touchdown. Who dat? Easy, it's the Motor City.

New York 24, Atlanta 13

The Giants' front seven shows up and pounds Matty Ice all day. Turner struggles to get going on the ground as well. Tony Gonzalez is able to catch yet another touchdown pass to further add to his hall of fame career, but the Giants and the Manning-Cruz connection pull away in the second half. Manning's two touchdowns and Bradshaw's lone score are the propellent for the Giants to the next round.

So there you have it from We're In This Thing: Steelers, Bengals, Lions, Giants. Take it to the bank.

Your Friendly Sports Update

There's not one thing going on that I'm really excited or disappointed about, so I'm going to take a page out of Frankie's book and discuss a few things in the wide world of sports that have caught some of my easily distracted attention.

James Harrison

If you want to discuss a guy getting a raw deal, you need look no further that one Mr. James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He put a big hit on Colt McCoy in last Thursday night's game. Commissioner Roger Goodell, in his infinite wisdom, as suspended him for one game, Monday's matchup against the 49ers. This is the first time in 25 years that a player has been suspended for a hit delivered during a live play. Watch it again. It was absolutely a brutal knock, but, it was clean. Football is a physical game. During the play, McCoy tucked the ball and began to run. He threw it just before he crossed the line of scrimmage. Harrison never had a chance to stop. Now watch again. Harrison didn't really lead with the head. He didn't really launch himself into the tackle. He made a tough tackle. I wouldn't want anything less from my All-Pro linebacker.

Why I'm Excited For This Weekend

Because you have to get excited for every weekend. It's the weekend. No cares or worries. Oh yeah, there's also plenty of time to watch sports. Namely football. But baseball too. September and October really are a magical time in the sports world. Baseball playoffs and the new car smell of the football season at the same time. In some ways, it's paradise.

Frankie and I have been talking a bit lately about the state of sports journalism, and how it has taken the turn for the sensationalist. So I'll try it out. Let's see if we're in this thing can generate that buzz we all want so very much.

So here you are, 5 reasons why I'm excited for this weekend.