Final Thoughts on Chicago Sports

Who is this Chandler fella?

Since my last post about how lousy Tyson Chandler has been, he's been on fire.  Perhaps he reads this blog and took that kick in the pants to heart?  (as if.)  Whatever the case, nice to have you back, Tyson.  

If Chandler can maintain a 12 point, 10 rebound average for the rest of the season, the Bulls chances of making the postseason would be greatly improved.  (That's all we asked for, Chandler.  Nothing special, just do the dirty work.)  I know talk of postseason for this team seems ridiculous, but I seriously think it's a reasonable goal.  I was talking to my cousin the other day about the Bulls, and he'd rather have another lottery draft pick than a number eight seed, first-round blowout by the Pistons.  Not me, while getting swept by the Pistons wouldn't be fun to watch, I hate watching losers.  At the very least, the next few months would contain many meaningful, entertaining NBA games to watch.  I'll take the first round blowout, and still be happy with the Knicks high draft pick and free salary cap space this offseason. 

To be honest, though, I'm actually aiming a little higher.  I'm talking fourth or fifth seed.  Right now they're just a half game out of the 8th seed, and a mere three games away from the 5th seed.  Why can't these guys go on a little run and overtake the crappy inconsistent teams in front of them?  (Washington, Indiana, Philly, and Milwaukee.)  With Chandler and Gordon improving by the day, they certainly can.  (A trading deadline acquisition wouldn't hurt either.)  Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think this team is anywhere close to competing for a conference championship or NBA title.  That's crazy talk.  But if they can take the fifth seed, and actually win the first round, that would create extremely valuable playoff experience for this young team.  They got a taste last year, but unfortunately it was over in five games.  Get some more playoff experience under your belt, and it will pay off down the road.  The bottom line is I want to breed winners, not losers.  Losing sucks, and players can become content with it.  Win. Today. 

He didn't get a fair shake

Dick Jauron has been hired to become the next head coach of the Buffalo Bills.  To this I say, “Ha Ha!” like Nelson on The Simpsons.  I'm sorry, that's not very nice.  Dick Jauron was well-spoken and polite, and I'm sure if I met him that I'd come to the conclusion that he's a heck of a guy.  His record as a NFL head coach was pretty terrible, though.  Witness the carnage, courtesy pro-football-reference.com:

           +--------------+----------+
           | Reg. Season  | Playoffs |
+----------+--------------+----------+
| Year  TM |   W   L   T  |   W   L  |
+----------+--------------+----------+
| 1999 chi |   6  10   0  |   0   0  |
| 2000 chi |   5  11   0  |   0   0  |
| 2001 chi |  13   3   0  |   0   1  |
| 2002 chi |   4  12   0  |   0   0  |
| 2003 chi |   7   9   0  |   0   0  |
| 2005 det |   1   4   0  |   0   0  |
+----------+--------------+----------+
| TOTALS   |  36  49   0  |   0   1  |
+----------+--------------+----------+

If you were Marv Levy, the 81-year-old new GM of the Bills, what would make you think that this is the man to return the team to glory?  “He didn't get a fair shake with Chicago,” Marv said.  Oh, I'd say he got plenty of shake.  So what did they see in him?  Was it his sterling record with young Quarterbacks?  His ability to win in cold weather?  Was it the excellent defense the Lions had this year?  I don't get it. 

I've come to enjoy Chicago-native Marv Levy's analysis in recent years, but I wasn't a fan of him or his team back in the old days.  It goes back to Week 17 of the 1991 season.  Heading in to the weekend, the Bears and Lions were tied for the division lead with records of 11-4.  The Lions were at Buffalo on a Saturday and the Bears were at San Francisco on Monday.  With nothing to play for, Buffalo rested all of their starters and the Lions eeked out a 17-14 victory.  The 49ers, naturally, pummeled the Bears on that Monday night and Wayne Fontes lit up his victory cigar at half-time.  I can still vividly see Fred Flintstone and his stogey, and it made me want to puke.  The Lions got the bye week and the Bears ended up losing the Wild Card game to the upstart Cowboys.  The Bills, of course, ended up losing their second of four-straight Super Bowls, so I guess they got what was coming to them.  But still, I never liked Buffalo after that.  Enjoy your Jauron, Buffalo!

In progress: Seattle making the Bears look silly

Seattle is just killing the Panthers today, and they have completely shut down Steve Smith (except for the TD he scored on a punt return.)  This does not look like the team I saw manhandle the Bears last Sunday.  Watching the game, I had an epiphany.  If you double- and triple-team the other team's star player and only offensive threat, your chances of winning will be much higher.  Go figure.  Seattle certainly didn't use any Chris Thompsons in single coverage, that much is for certain.  And riddle me this, Batman.  Would it have killed Jake Delhomme to poop his pants in Chicago instead of waiting till he got to Seattle?  Jeez. 

Pittsburgh looked good in whipping the Broncos today, too.  Jake the Snake is back, baby!  It should be a good Super Bowl.  A number six seed in the AFC versus the number one seed from the NFC.  It should be an interesting game.  The only matchup that could have been more interesting is a matchup involving a team that starts with a C, ends with an O, and in the middle is HICAG. 

Life goes on

Though Chicago interest might be tepid, the NFL playoffs continue this week with the AFC and NFC Championship Games.  An evenly matched group of teams are left, and I wouldn't be surprised if any of the four wound up winning the Super Bowl.  I really don't have any vested interest in any of the teams, so let's figure out who to root for.

Seattle Seahawks
     Good:  Former Bear Bobby Engram was a fan favorite for a while.  Seattle has never won anything.  Matt Hasselbeck was the QB on my Fantasy team.  Shaun Alexander is a stud.  
     Bad:  Mike Holmgren is the former head coach of our Super-Bowl-winning arch nemesis.  They have ugly uniforms. 

Carolina Panthers
     Good:  Steve Smith is the most valuable player in football, despite who the voters picked, and is pretty amazing to watch.  
     Bad:  I think that's obvious.

Denver Broncos
     Good:  To see Eastern Illinois grad Mike Shanahan win a title without Elway.  Jake Plummer's beard.
     Bad:  Bear boobirds Todd Sauerbrun and David Terrell are on their roster.  They've already won two titles in the last ten years.  Jake Plummer's beard.

Pittsburgh Steelers
     Good:  To see good guy Bill Cowher finally win a title after 13 years on the job.  So Jerome Bettis can retire on a high note.  Ben Roethlisberger went to a MAC school.  They haven't won a Super Bowl since I was pre-kindergarten.
     Bad:  They did win four of them. 

By this logic, I'm pulling for a Seattle-Pittsburgh Super Bowl, with Pittsburgh coming out on top.  And to stay in tune with my optimist nature, at least when it comes to football, that's who I'm going to pick to win this week.  Seattle and Pittsburgh. 

Flash to the Rescue

Ben Gordon hit a 20-foot buzzer beater tonight to beat the Knicks in overtime by a score of 106-104.  This topped off a 14 of 28 performance for 32 points.  Not much in sports can compare to hitting a game-winning shot at the buzzer.  Nice job.

Now that the Bears' season has been ended so abruptly, it's time to check in on the Chicago Bulls.  Frankly, I don't like what I see.  After finishing last season with the 3rd best record in the Eastern Conference (and the fourth seed in the playoffs), I was expecting big things.  Their offseason moves looked pretty good on paper, and I expected the rookies and second-year players to take a step forward.  That's hardly been the case at all as inconsistency has been the Bulls mantra.  Their record sits at 16-22, good for last place in the tough Central Division.  (Despite their divisional standing, they surprisingly hold the 9th seed in the execrable Eastern Conference.)  So what's the problem?  Lets take a look.

Last offseason's moves appeared pretty solid.  They were forced to trade Eddy Curry, and I thought they got a pretty good return.  Mike Sweetney is the only player they have on the roster from the deal, and he's been pretty solid (if inconsistent.)  Jermaine Jackson was immediately released and Tim Thomas was asked to stay home till the Bulls found a willing trade partner.  I knew Thomas was a career underachiever, but I didn't think he was that bad.  I wonder if there's more to that story that we don't know.  In any case, the crown jewel of the deal will end up being the draft picks.  The Bulls are owed next year's number one and have the right to switch spots with the Knicks in 2007 as well.  With the way the Knicks are playing, they'll probably end up with two high lottery picks for Curry.  So the deal is definitely a good one for the long term.   As for how Eddy has been playing for the Knicks, he' been typical Eddy.  Great some nights while invisible on others.  The Bulls also lost Antonio Davis in the deal, and while his presence isn't felt on the stat sheet, I think he has been missed in the locker room.  (Speaking of, he walked into the stands tonight because some drunk asshole was picking on his wife.  He stared him down like Jules drinking his Sprite in Pulp Fiction.  Let's just say I wouldn't want to get on Antonio's bad side.
UPDATE - There are differing reports on what really happened here.  I'd like to withdraw the “drunk asshole” portion of that statement until the innocent have been proven guilty.  Back to the Bulls.) 

The Bulls didn't really make any other big moves of note in the offseason.  The biggest free agent they signed was Darius Songaila, and he's been alright.  The other free agents they signed haven't played enough to warrant analysis.  They did resign a few of their own free agents, of course, and here's one of the biggest problems.  Tyson Chandler, come on down!  The Bulls certainly weren't expecting him to turn into Tim Duncan overnight, but you'd have to think they expected more than 4.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks for 60 million dollars.  What a massive, massive disappointment.  His numbers are down 30-40% across the board.  Did somebody say Contract-itis B?  If he doesn't use his time on the DL (where he is now) to pull his head out of his ass, he's going to start getting the Corey Patterson treatment from the United Center faithful.  And it won't end as pretty.

He's not the only Bull that's underachieving.  Hinrich was having a real rough go of it earlier in the season, although he seems to have snapped out of it these past few weeks.  Gordon had a pretty awful start to the season as well, but he's been much better since Skiles put him in the starting lineup.  I'll tell you a guy who's legitimately taken a step forward this season, Andres Nocioni.  Points, rebounds, and his shooting percentage (especially on threes) are all up.  Keep it up. 

The Bulls biggest problem has been finding a consistent scorer.  They've got six guys averaging between 9.9 and 14.4 points per game.  It's nice to see them spread the ball around, but every good team needs a go-to guy.  Someone that can put 20 on the board, night in, night out.  They could also use some help on the boards.  They just don't have anyone that comes close to double-digit rebounds.  Chandler has the ability, and he came really close last season.  But we've already discussed him and I'll try to refrain from crapping on him any more for the rest of this post.  So who can the Bulls get that can help them score and rebound?  Hmmmm.....  Have you seen what he's been doing this year?  He's like Barkley in his prime and a legitimate MVP candidate.  25 and 11.  Wow.  Who did we trade him for again?  Oh yeah. 

One and Done, again

The Bears ended their season today by losing to the Carolina Panthers by a score of 29-21.  What an unsatisfying finish to a fun year.  I had pretty good seats for the game, and thanks to some gracious hosts, the tailgating beforehand was top notch.  Too bad the Bears defense decided to take a crap on my day.   You go through a whole season, win 11 games, the division, a first round bye...and it's all over in a little over three chilly hours.  It just feels so...empty.  Let's take a look at how it all shook out.

The defense was terrible.  Steve Smith shredded the Bears all friggin day.  He's a great player, but come on.  12 catches for 218 yards?  Mr. Tillman, I'd like to introduce you to number 89.  You know, the guy who's heels you've been chasing all day?  Why not try covering him.  The Bears chances at victory would be much greater if you did.  I gotta say, Peanut wasn't alone in sucking today.  The defensive line hardly laid a finger on quarterback Jake Delhomme, save for one measly sack.  Next time you shoot your mouth off, Adewale, please back up your words with a big game.  Then maybe you'll get some of that respect that you covet so much. 

Other than Brian Urlacher's sweet interception, the defense was atrocious.  Mike Brown limped off the field at half time, and the frequency of his injuries is starting to concern me.  And what was Chris Thompson doing in the game?  Let me rephrase.  What the hell was a rookie with about 25 NFL plays under his belt doing in a playoff game, providing single coverage on the best receiver in football?  I don't think Tillman and Vasher were hurt.  Did they pull a Thurman Thomas and misplace their helmets or something? 

The one thing the defense did today was prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they are not an all-time elite defense.  They are a very good defense, but they aren't in the same category as the '85 Bears or 2000 Ravens.  They're just another good D that couldn't finish the job.  I look forward to seeing some improvement next season.

Which brings me to the offense.  If you had told me before the game that Rex Grossman would lead the Bears on three 80-yard touchdown drives, and that he'd only have one interception, I'd have thought that the Bears would win in a laugher.  I can't find any fault in the offense, really.  They started out pretty shaky, and the pass-first play-calling was certainly questionable.  But the bottom line is they put 21 points on the board, and they shouldn't be held accountable for this loss. 

There isn't much to talk about on special teams, other than a few really lousy Brad Maynard punts.  What happened to that guy?  Our 2004 MVP.

As for coaching, my biggest complaint is the seeming abandonment of their bread and butter, the running game.  They were only down 7-0, and they came out slinging.  Not smart.  Luckily Grossman got hot in the second half, or this problem would be under the microscope right now.  I would have liked to have seen a few more blitzes, too, but with the blitz success rate (a sterling zero percent), I can understand why they didn't do it more.  (I guess Chico's not going to get that job in St. Louis after all.)

And so ends the 2005 season.  If there is a bright side, at least they made a game of it.  They had a chance to tie in the final minutes but came up just short.  Urlacher was right when he said “We're not the Giants.”  Nope.  The Bears offense actually put some points on the board.  Can't say much about the defense, though.  They were worse than the Giants. 

Wanna feel better?  Think how Indianapolis fans feel right now.  A 13-0 start, followed by all the undefeated talk, followed by a first-game exit like the Bears?  Sucks to be them.

Now that the Bears are done, I don't know who to root for next week.  Today's game left a sour taste in my mouth, and I'm just not in the mood for football.  A Seattle-Carolina NFC Championship game?  Pittsburgh-Denver?  Bleh. 

Pitchers and catchers report in three weeks.  Can't wait.

Time to send Jake Del-HOME

The Chicago Bears take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Divisional round of the playoffs this Sunday at 3:30 Central, and this happy blogger will be at Soldier Field to partake in the activities.  I don't know about you, but I am fired up for this game!  It's not every year that the Bears make the playoffs, you know.  So with that, on with the preview.

Since this game is a rematch, we have the luxury of knowing in advance how the teams match up.  In that regards, this game bodes well for the Bears.  In looking back at some of my old posts, it's kind of interesting to compare what I was saying before the last Panthers game to what I was saying afterwards.  The Carolina game, in fact, was the only time all season that I predicted a loss for our beloved.  After that boneheaded pick, I decided to stick with the boys in navy and orange for the rest of the way.  (What can I say?  Predicting a W is more fun.)  That game really was a turning point, though.  The rest of the league discovered that the Bears are, indeed, for real.  They dominated on both sides of the ball, and the game really wasn't as close as the final score.  So has anything changed since November?  Lets take a look.

Chicago Offense vs. Carolina Defense
The biggest difference between this game and the last is Rex Grossman will be taking over for Kyle Orton at Quarterback.  You're probably thinking this is a massive upgrade for the Bears, and well, you're probably right.  But don't forget that the Carolina game was perhaps Orton's finest as a pro.  Orton's final numbers weren't spectacular that day, but Muhsin Muhammad and Desmond Clark combined to drop five balls, including a sure TD.  Had those five completions been included in his stats, Orton's QB rating would have surpassed 100 (not to mention drives would have been extended and more points would have been put on the board.)   So with that in mind,  I'd be ecstatic if Grossman can simply duplicate Orton's Carolina performance. 

The offensive line did a tremendous job that day in November -- all season really -- and Carolina's stud Defensive End Julius Peppers and the rest of his crew were held in check.  Don't get me wrong, Carolina's defense is tough.  They ranked third in the league, and anyone that saw them last week should know that they aren't to be taken lightly.  That said, I think Eli Manning lost last week's game more than Carolina won it.  He was that bad, and I like to think that Grossman won't be that careless with the ball.  Look for the offense to put at least two TDs and a few FGs on the board.

Chicago Defense vs. Carolina Offense
Some of my happiest moments as a Bears fan were watching Jake Delhomme repeatedly getting pulverized by Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown on that dreary November day.  After Delhomme was peeled off the Soldier Field turf, I came to the conclusion that Jake wasn't that special.  He's got an outstanding receiver in Steve Smith, but he'll fall apart if you hit him hard enough.  I think the Bears got in his head that day.  They should send him a subtle reminder on the first series and blitz the crap out of him.  Hit him hard with Mike Brown, and hope the man-to-man can keep Smith in check.  Then back off into that cover-2 and let the line do the rest.  It worked the last time. 

A lot of people are picking the Panthers to win this game because of the emergence of DeShaun Foster in the last few weeks.  Sure, he ran for 151 yards against the Giants, but they were on their fifth string linebackers.  A few weeks ago, these guys were asking “paper or plastic?” and now they're starting linebackers for the G-men?  Foster's strength is getting outside and breaking some tackles.  That plays right into Chicago's hands, as they've got a pair of Pro Bowlers built to run these speedy guys down.  Doug Buffone said it best when he said he'd shove a lead pipe up his nose if Foster ran for more than 60 yards this Sunday.  I won't go quite that far, but I'd double down on  the Briggs and Urlacher combo. 

Coaching and Intangibles
John Fox is a good coach, but Lovie Smith is coach of the year.  I love the way Lovie handles this team.  He uses that southern Texas drawl to keep everybody calm yet everyone plays their balls off for him.  He's good with in-game decisions and strategy, too.  I can count on one hand how many times I disagreed with a play-call or really questioned his decision making.  Under the previous regime, I'd find five problems per quarter. 

The weather should be unseasonably warm, and while I'll probably find that enjoyable as a spectator, it eliminates the chance for “Bear Weather” and our supposed home field advantage.  I saw who cares.  Watching our guys chase around Jerome Bettis in the snow was about all the Bear Weather I needed to see this season.  This team is built for speed and the conditions should be optimal for them.  'Nuff said.

Finally, a prediction.  The Bears were embarassed by their early exit from the 2001 playoffs, and are looking for redemption.  The key to this game is getting out to an early lead.  Unlike the Brokeback Mountain boys, the Bears don't play well from behind.  If they go down by 10 or more early, this game will be over fast.  But if they can get out to an early lead,  they can sit on the ball and play their game.  Look for another early Vasher pick, and look for the Bears to win, 20-17.

PS.  In the other games this weekend, I expect the Seahawks, Patriots and Colts to advance. 

Another Cub makes the Hall

Former Cub Bruce Sutter was elected to the Hall of Fame today.  Congratulations to Bruce.  I was too young to remember him pitching for the Cubs, but I do remember him pitching for the Cardinals and Braves.  He was the premiere reliever in all of baseball for about six or seven years, was the first “closer” in a modern sense, and he's been credited for popularizing the split-fingered fastball.  Looking at his stats, though, I can't really figure out why he's been elected to the Hall ahead of a couple of other former Cubs relievers.  Goose Gossage and Lee Smith.  Gossage pitched much longer and had a longer period of dominance, and Smith is the all-time Saves leader.  They both deserve entry at least as much as Sutter, in my opinion. 

A couple of other retired Cubs deserve entry as well.  Andre Dawson and Ron Santo, chief among them.  Santo has to rely on the Veteran's committee for admission, but The Hawk will have another chance with the BBWAA next year.  61% of the voters etched his name down this year, while 75% is required to make the cut.  Better luck next year, Andre.

So Long, Fare Well

Corey Patterson has mercifully been traded by the Cubs to the Orioles for two marginal prospects.  Last year was a bad year for Corey.  He hit just .215 with only 13 homers last year, not to mention his complete inability to take a free pass.  He was so bad, he actually got demoted to AAA in August.  As a former number one draft pick, Patterson just never seemed to get it.  The Cubs wanted him to play winter ball to work on his swing and he refused.  Even his once-excellent defense was slipping.  Finally, he passed what I call the “Farnsworth Point.”  Essentially, I don't care if he ever realizes his potential elsewhere, nor do I care what we get for him.  He just needs to go. 

So what did the Cubs get for him?  Neither prospect is all that special.  One is a 20-year-old second baseman that hit well in A ball last year and he projects as a utility infielder.  The other is a 23-year-old left hander that pitched pretty well last year, also in A ball.  Both are a long ways from the majors.  But like I said, I don't really care what we got for Corey.  He's gone.  Time to move on. 

Bears vs. Panthers II - The Wrath of Delhomme

Ok, so I underestimated the Panthers a bit.  They looked pretty good today in shutting out Tiki Barber and the Giants, 23 to nothing.  Was it really that impressive, though?  Eli Manning basically just gave them the game.  Three interceptions and a fumble.  And these interceptions weren't fluke tips or Hail Marys.  They were across-the-field-what-the-hell-are-you-thinking interceptions.  The '85 Bears defense wouldn't be able to overcome such shenanigans let alone a Giants defense missing their top four linebackers.  Steve Smith was his usual brilliant self, but color me unimpressed by Jake Delhomme.  He just reminds me of a modern day Steve Bono.  Oh well.  Carolina at Chicago next Sunday.  I'll have more analysis later in the week.

As for the rest of the games this weekend, my predictions were spot on.  Jake Busey lookalike Chris Simms was overmatched by a tough Redskins defense as the Skins beat the Bucs 17-10.  The Redskins offense didn't do anything other than set a record for futility while the defense forced game-breaking turnovers.  (Think Kyle Orton on a bad day.)  Washington travels to Seattle next Saturday.  I'm rooting for the Skins in this one. 

Over in the AFC, the Pats and Steelers took care of business, as expected.  Too bad about Carson Palmer tearing his ACL on his first pass attempt of the day, as the outcome may have been different otherwise.  Also for Pittsburgh, The Bus likely made it's last stop today, as I don't expect Pittsburgh to do much with Indy next weekend.  Congrats on a hall-of-fame career.  The Patriots now take on Denver in the other AFC divisional round matchup. 

And so wraps up Wild Card weekend.  This marks two weeks in a row without “real” Bears football, and I'm hungry for some action.  I'm also looking forward to another Delhomme beating, courtesy Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  Go Bears!

Who to root for this weekend

Since they've earned a first round bye, the Bears have the luxury of relaxing this weekend and watching the first-round games on TV, along with the rest of us.   As the second seed, the Bears will play the highest seeded team to advance.  Basically, if Tampa beats Washington, the Bears play the Bucs.  Otherwise the Bears play the winner of Carolina/New York.  Here's to hoping Tampa kicks some ace.

Why would I rather face Tampa than Carolina or New York?  A multitude of reasons.  First of all, Tampa can't win in the cold.  They're something like 2 and 40 when the temperature is 32 degrees or less.  (Their first win coming against the Henry Burris-led Bears, and I don't think one that should count.)  Two weeks ago they travelled to New England and got whipped in the snow, 35-zip.  Cadillac Williams confessed that he had never even seen snow before; think he wants to travel to Soldier Field?  Second, Chris Simms is a rookie QB, on the road.  Suffice it to say, that generally isn't a recipe for success.  Finally, I'd like to see Washington eliminated as soon as possible.  As I mentioned in my previous post, Chicago's playoff history against Joe Gibbs is less than stellar. 

So if Tampa beats the Skins, root for the Giants on Sunday.  I think they have a better shot than Carolina of knocking off the Seahawks in Seattle.  If the Giants upset Seattle, Chicago (in beating Tampa) would earn a home NFC Championship game.  Think I'd ever say those words this preseason?  Of course not.

Then again, if Washington manages to beat Tampa on Saturday, we have to be rooting for Carolina on Sunday.  Personally, I think Carolina stinks.  The Bears completely manhandled them back in November, and Jake Delhomme is still probably trying shake off the beating that he took.  He'd wilt under the Bears pressure, and the game would practically be a lock. 

Over in the AFC, I'm not so concerned about Bears matchups.  I'd like to see good games, first and foremost, and good matchups down the road.  So in the interest of seeing another classic Colts-Pats matchup, go for the Pats over the disrespected Jaguars.  (Seriously, have you ever seen a 12-4 team get less respect?)  Then go for Cincy over Pittsburgh.  They're more fun to watch. 

Official predictions?  Washington, New England, New York, and Pittsburgh will advance.  It's not who I'm rooting for, but that's who I would pick if I were a gambling man.

Not much to say about this one

The Bears tied the Vikings 3-3 in just over 15 minutes of play today.  The Bears were a little short-handed, as several slightly injured players sat this one out.  Filling in for Grossman, Orton was his usual self.  I'll be glad to see Rex back in two weeks for the first playoff game.  Thomas Jones got his necessary yards for 1300 and looked good in the process, congrats to him on a fine season.  Brad Maynard had a nice throw on a fake punt for an 18 yard gain.  Nice way to mess with future opposing coach's heads, Lovie!  Oh, and Robbie Gould kicked a 52-yarder that unfortunately got nullified by a penalty.  If he could only do that outdoors, he'd be like butta.

As for the rest of the game, every single starter (except Justin Gage) got pulled at the start of the 2nd quarter.  Since the Vikings left all their starters in for the whole game, the results were predictable.  34-10 loss.  It wasn't fun to watch, but you've got to admire Lovie's thinking.  If he had kept the starters in the whole game, and they had lost to the Vikings, it would hurt momentum and morale (if not their bodies.)  Now they're fully healthy, and have the mindset that they would have won this game had the starters played the whole game.  It's unfortunate that they lost out on a few statistical milestones, but the starters probably feel that they now own those records anyways so who cares?  Plus the backups all got some valuable live reps, which can only help in case they're called upon in the future.  I never heard of some of these guys, and Lovie was using them liberally.  At one point he was using an offensive lineman named Friedman on defense and cornerback Rashied Davis on offense.  How very Belichick of him. 

The best part was watching the Vikings celebrate.  Beating our scrubs was their Super Bowl.  After one TD pass, Brad Johnson was pointing to the heaven's and jumping around like a little kid.  Congratulations, you just earned your coach a pink slip.  Feel free to stop by the house next week and watch the playoffs with me on the bigscreen.  Ciao!