T-I-T-A-N-S-

     This game was a case of who conserved more energy. It looked like the Colts were playing relaxed early and we were giving it our all, but in the second half it was obvious that we hid a LOT of energy, and a lot of plays. Our passing game, with our QB Kerry Collins, was fantastic. Kerry was spot on all night. The only reason there were so many incompletions was because our receivers couldn't catch a thing. The only reliable targets on our entire roster seemed to be, go figure, Oliver "Bo" Scaife and Brandon Jones. Kerry found Justin Gage an especially risky target, as he dropped 3 passes before the night was over. Justin McCareins, an unlikely model for consistent play, showed good possession receiving skills, something that seems to suit him better than the deep threat role he had taken many weeks before. Lavelle Hawkins has now been thrown at twice and has two catches and is proving to be a hidden gem in the often "dirty" WR corps of the Titans. Our running game struggled against the fast defense of the Colts, but as the game grew into the later minutes, it showed that the swift defense grew slower, and the Chris Johnson TD run sealed the game with a great showing of speed that was bottled earlier in the game. LenDale White found the endzone twice, as usual, and now leads the league in touchdowns other than passing with 10 TDs on the season, on track to 21 TDs. He's gained 1/2 of his TDs in the past two games and has accounted for many of our points. This game showed that Kerry Collins is our quarterback and likely still the best option under center for the Titans. It also showed that no matter how badly the Titans get in a hole, they'll always find their zone, and the found it in the second half tonight versus the division rival Colts. The Titans defense also showed that they're still tops as Chris Hope, the only player without an interception in the Titans starting secondary, found himself on the receiving end of two of Peyton Manning's off-target passes. The Titans defense now has 12 interceptions on the season, and no defensive back has intercepted less than 2 passes this year. Nick Harper certainly came to play deflecting two crucial passes, and Vincent Fuller, the nickel back, made a nice play on the ball as well. Peyton Manning did, however, seem to find his rhythm with key pass rusher Kyle Vanden Bosch out of the game and Albert Haynesworth drawing double teams, and found his old buddy Dallas Clark twice for touchdowns and took one in himself in garbage time. The Code Blue Titans fans certainly made some noise as their cheered for their team, and no viewer should be disappointed after watching a game of football like the one played in Tennessee tonight The Colts are certainly not out as a playoff team, but the prospect of a first week bye is fading as fast as the Nashville city lights as the Colts drove away from LP Field.

As I'm sure most of you have heard by now, Roger Goodell is in full support of a longer season, likely 18 games, for the NFL. While it is quite a sexy option, and who could say no to more football, at what cost, Commish? These players drop like flies, 3 or 4 big name players or so, in a 16-game season already. You want to put these guys through two more games against teams like my Titans, the Ravens, and Redskins? Teams who make you pay for wearing that jersey and set of pads every game day as it is? The Tennessee Titans have had 5 opposing players placed on Injured Reserve just in these beginning 6 games, (EJ Henderson, Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard, Maurice Williams, Vince Manuwai) and injured a few more. These teams can't take one game against a tough team, how can you expect them to withstand 18 games against even marginally tough teams? Roger Goodell certainly seems not to care. And to further my point, he has taken player celebration penalties to a new high, fining my own Chris Johnson $10,000 for playing the Bongos. I can remember a time when players would have fun playing football. Now a player can't celebrate or he loses the sum of money, along with a certain three-dimensional shape, an entire game show was based around in the 70's. These players aren't respected, yet they're expected to respect the NFL? When the NFL, along with Commissioner Goodell, actually starts respecting the players is when he can get respect back. How can a player feel good about playing in this league and think of it as a privilege when he can't celebrate without getting a fine? However insignificant finanicially, it still sends a message.

Roger Goodell: When you respect your players as people, not machine-like, grunt-level employees, you will earn their respect.

I've decided to return to CBS Sports, and I'll be staying this go around. Looking forward to posting and blogging with you in the future.

What happened to Shuless Joe's "while you were sleeping" installments? I loved being able to sift through the cream of the crop from yesterday's blogs, and sometimes getting a mention myself (the Super Bowl Series). Where's the love? I want Shulaces to feature "While You Were Sleeping" again...

Haha as a top 100 member I demand it! :P

The fact of the matter is, my opinion holds no weight anymore. The subject has become so grossly over-discussed that there is no black and white areas, there is only gray. I support Pacman Jones. The kid may or may not have done something, but i DO know he hasn't been convicted of anything. Throw as much legal jargon at me as you please, but this is not about the law, it's about the NFL. He hasn't been convicted of anything and has a marginally clean slate as of now. Will he be reinstated? Sure. Before the draft? Possibly not. I hate throwing conspiracies out, but Goodell certainly has a disdain for Pacman. And now what has happened? This has become a war. Pacthug versus Pacman. Pukeman vs Adam Jones. I want it all over. I want it to be done when this season rolls around and i want this to mark the moment Pacman starts his career as a top 3 Corner/Returner. The man has talent. The man had baggage for a while, but now all he has is talent again. And This is overshadowing more important things like the War in Iraq, the Genocide in Darfur, or at least, THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES. Let's talk sports, but let's try to keep things civil. Putting Pac's past behind us is a good step. Now Spygate, that's another issue....

Another day, another massive ice storm taking over the northeast, right? I didn't have time to type this up last night, so I'm typing this on borrowed time from Jack Frost considering my meeting with the Sandman last night... Anyway, as the ice surround my western Pennsylvania abode, I'll list some of the more interesting Super Bowl Trivia or oddities. Bring it up to your friends as Shuless Joe has advised, this sunday. It's less than 72 hours away!

The following trends occur regarding Super Bowl games:

• Teams scoring 30 or more points are currently 21-1 (.955). (Only such team to lose: Dallas in XIII.) Teams scoring fewer than 20 points are currently 4-31 (.114). (Last such team to win: Pittsburgh in IX.) More specifically, teams scoring 32 points or more are undefeated (18-0) and teams scoring fewer than 14 points are winless (0-17).
• Field goals have been converted in all but two Super Bowls (VII and IX).
  
• Teams leading at halftime are 32-7 (.821) (two Super Bowls, XXIII and XXXIX, have been tied at halftime).
• Teams shutout in the first half are 0-11; teams shutout in the second half are 1-7 (.125). (Only such team to win: Miami in VII.)
• Higher seeded teams are 13-11 (.542) and NFC teams are 6-2 (.750) in Super Bowls matching same-numbered seeds, which thus far have always been #1 vs. #1. Playoff seedings were first instituted in 1975.
  
• When the game matches two teams that played each other during the regular season, the team that lost the regular season meeting is 6-5 in the Super Bowl, including 4-1 the last five times this has happened. This record will be tested shortly, as this year's contest between the New England Patriots and New York Giants is a rematch of a game played on the final weekend of the regular season, won by New England.

<dl><dt>Notable stretches</dt></dl>

• 1969-81: AFL/AFC, 11-2
• 1982-97: NFC, 15-1
• 1998-Present: AFC, 8-2

<dl><dt>Longest winning streak</dt></dl>

• 13: NFC, 1985-97 (AFC's longest is 5, 1973-77)

By regular decades (based on regular season year, not Super Bowl calendar year)

• 1960s (I-IV): tied, 2-2
• 1970s (V-XIV): AFC, 8-2
• 1980s (XV-XXIV): NFC, 8-2
• 1990s (XXV-XXXIV): NFC, 8-2
• 2000s (XXXV-XLI): AFC, 6-1

In the history of the Super Bowl, the following "firsts" have yet to occur:

• Snowy Weather - While Super Bowl XLI was the first to feature rain, snow has yet to fall during the game. This is highly unlikely (barring a freak occurrence in Arizona, Florida or Southern California, or a malfunctioning retractable roof) since the NFL schedules the game only in stadiums that have roofs or that have warm, dry winter climates.
• An all-wild card matchup (teams who failed to win their divisions). - Nine wild card teams (since the 1970 merger) have won conference titles, but never two in the same season.
• A shutout- Every Super Bowl participant to date has scored. In three cases the offenses have been shut out while the special teams scored a single touchdown:
  • Super Bowl VII: The Washington Redskins returned a fumble for a touchdown after blocking field goal attempt.
  • Super Bowl IX: The Minnesota Vikings recovered a blocked punt in the end zone but missing the extra point.
  • Super Bowl XXXV: The New York Giants scored a 97-yard kickoff return.
  • Super Bowl VI: The Miami Dolphins finished with 3 points, the fewest in a Super Bowl.
• A punt return touchdown. - While many kickoffs have been returned for a touchdown, a punt has yet to be returned for one.
• Home Field Advantage (playing in one's own home stadium). - The closest instances to this have been Super Bowl XIV being played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena near the Rams' then-hometown of Los Angeles and Super Bowl XIX being played at Stanford Stadium which is about 25 miles south of the 49ers' home stadium, Candlestick Park. While many Super Bowls have occurred in the Miami and New Orleans areas, neither of the area's teams (the Dolphins and Saints, respectively) have ever taken advantage of these opportunities.
• Overtime - The narrowest margin of victory in a Super Bowl is one point, in Super Bowl XXV (1991). The closest instances to overtime, in which the result of the last play of the game could have realistically led to a tie and thus an overtime, have been:
  • Super Bowl V: Baltimore's Jim O'Brien kicked a game-winning field goal with :05 left.
  • Super Bowl XXXIV: Tennessee's Kevin Dyson was stopped one yard short of a tying touchdown.
  • Super Bowl XXXVI: New England's Adam Vinatieri kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired.
  • Super Bowl XXXVIII: New England's Adam Vinatieri kicked another game-winning field goal with :04 left.
• An appearance by every team. - Six teams have yet to reach their first Super Bowl: Arizona, Cleveland, Detroit,Houston, Jacksonville, and New Orleans.

This concludes my WEEKDAY Version of my Super Bowl Musings series. Have a good one as you watch the big game this weekend!

Another day, another blog, and, suprisingly, another mention on While You Were Sleeping. It's uncanny how i get in there while i take 30 minutes or so to do the blog itself. It's mostly research. Anyway, as promised, today will showcase the top ten most interesting super bowls. Obviously, this will be a different take on it than just a close game effect at times, but i want to provide a good product, and that's what i'll strive to do.

Top Ten Most Interesting Super Bowls

• 10 - Super Bowl XLI - Indianapolis Colts 29, Chicago Bears 17 - This is one of the more interesting Super Bowls simply because of the conditions, records broken, and competition. It was the very first Super Bowl to have rain. Also, on a thrilling showcase of talent, Devin Hester ran back the opening kickoff for a touchdown, the first time done in history, and set the tone for the game. Sadly, it didn't last long. Indianapolis found holes in the nigh-impenetrable Bears defense and the Bears simply couldn't keep up with Manning, the game's MVP.

• 9 - Super Bowl XXXIII - Denver 34, Atlanta 19 - This game earns a spot simply because of John Elway's absolutely triumphant end to his career. After a losing appearance, he came back to the big dance to win twice and earning MVP Honors in his final game. Denver's defense played well and Atlanta made a trip inside Denver's 30 7 times only to score 1 touchdown and 2 field goals. It all fell into place for Elway as Atlanta missed a field goal, threw two interceptions, and turned the ball over on downs on the other trips.

• 8 - Super Bowl XXXI - Green Bay Packers 35, New England Patriots 21 - This game slips on the list because one of the league's greatest quarterbacks only Super Bowl victory and the only case in which a special teams play earned MVP honors. Desmond Howard did so as he ran for a record 244 return yards. Brett Favre supplemented with 2 passing and 1 rushing TD.

• 7 - Super Bowl XII - Dallas Cowboys 27, Denver Broncos 10 - If there is any particular Super Bowl in which you could say it was a full defensive effort, It would be second earliest game on this list. League-first co-MVPs Harvey Martin and Randy White led a defensive unit that intercepted 4 passes and forced 4 fumbles. Dallas also shut out Denver in the first half 13-0, an interesting statistic in tomorrow's topic.
  

• 6 - Super Bowl VII - Miami Dolphins 14, Washington Redskins 7 - This game made the list because of it's huge meaning. This Super Bowl solidified the '73 Dolphins place in history as they finished 17-0, a record only recently broken by the 2008 New England Patriots, now 18-0. The Dolphins played great defense and the low score didn't begin to represent the dominance.

• 5 - Super Bowl XXV - New York Giants 20, Buffalo Bills 19 - This game shows that no matter how badly the other team is playing, you can never count them out. The Bills had the ball only 8 minutes in the first half but still closed the half at 12-10. New York possessed the ball over 40 minutes, 9:29 of it coming on a record drive covering 75 yards, ended by a Ottis Anderson touchdown. This game also had the closest score in any Super Bowl to date.

• 4 - Super Bowl XXII - Washington Redskins 42, Denver Broncos 10 - The Broncos had a nice start to the game getting out 10-0 but allowed 42 points unanswered as Doug Williams threw for a record-tying 4 TDs and record-breaking 340 yards.Sanders also broke the receiving record set by Lynn Swann by over 30 yards, 193 to 161. QB Doug Williams went on to win MVP honors, making him the first and only African-American quarterback to win such an honor.
  

• 3 - Super Bowl XXXIV - St. Louis Rams 23, Tennessee Titans 16 - Now you knew it was coming. You knew it'd be in the top ten. Though not score-wise, this had to have been one of THE closest games in Super Bowl history as a Kevin Dyson catch with the clock ticking came up exactly one yard short of score-tying TD. Two offensive juggernauts, these two teams duked it out to the very end. The Titans came in as an extremely well-rounded team with a top offense and even better defense, finished a league-high 13-3 that preceding regular season.
  

• 2 - Super Bowl XXVIII - Dallas Cowboys 30, Buffalo Bills 13 - This choice was odd to make, but the Super Bowl itself is dwarfed by it's circumstances. This is the only Super Bowl rematch to date. The Buffalo Bills found themselves in the final postseason game against the same opponents that beat them last year. Dallas struggled at first, but yet again the Cowboys prevailed. This gave the Cowboys four Super Bowl wins, tied for the record. It also gave the Bills their fourth Super Bowl loss, another record, tied with Minnesota and Oakland. Bills QB Jim Kelly also completed 31 passes, a Super Bowl record, out of 50 attempts.

• 1 - Super Bowl XXIV - San Francisco 49ers 55, Denver Broncos 10 - I chose this game simply because it showed the most athleticism, in my opinion, than any other Bowl. The niners completely dominated as Joe Montana threw for a current NFL record 5 TD passes. Jerry Rice showed he's still got some left in his tank, and Montana won his third Super Bowl, which, until recently, was an uncontested accomplishment. He also won 3 MVP awards, some thing that has yet to be even challenged.
  

As we reflect upon these great games, there is one thing to realize about Sunday. We can't even comprehend the significance of Super Bowl XLII. So many records already broken, so many about to be on the line. When Tom Coughlin and Bill Bellicheck walk out on to that field to shake hands, it will hit you like a ton of bricks. This is THE most interesting Super Bowl, no matter the outcome. These two teams will walk on to the field like it's any given sunday, and walk off like it was the last game they've played. What an amazing game. Is any one else HATING work/classes right around now? God Bless Football.