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PFT: Irvin sues his accuser for $100 million

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PFT: Jimmy Johnson to ‘go long with ExtenZe’

With Super Bowl Weekend finally upon us, the next two days will drag. This is the weekend that pretty everybody who is anybody has been waiting for. Football fanatics, regular passive fans, the non-football fans, the clueless girlfriends, the clueless period. You get the idea. Pretty much everybody will be watching the Super Bowl this weekend, if not for the game itself, for the hilarious commercials, the halftime show, and the national anthem. The Super Bowl provides something for everyone, which is why it is so appealing to all of America. The Super Bowl may indeed, be the ONLY television broadcast where you cannot find the power within yourself, to get up off of your butt, to even get food, because of all of the features that go along with Super Bowl Sunday. Everything, and everyone involved in the Super Bowl hype is glamorous. The weeks leading up to the Super Bowl feature some of the biggest and best parties that you will find in the whole world. It also features some of the biggest media gatherings of the season, on Media Day. The fact that the NFL is the only league where the champion is decided with one game just adds to all of the excitement. Even the best of the best get nervous for the Super Bowl. This may be that players, or teams, only chance at being crowned as the best team in football ever. Look at some of the teams that have not even been close to a Super Bowl in their history: The Jacksonville Jaguars, the Houston Texans, even the New Orleans Saints have not tasted the success that one feels when finally getting to that Super Bowl. For the players that finally make it, it may very well be their only shot at getting a championship. The raw emotion that goes into the whole 60 minutes of play is what the true die-hards crave. This is what they do not get to see in the regular season, the two best teams in the league playing in the last game of the year, to be known as the best team in the league for that year. So you get the picture, the Super Bowl is the biggest, and baddest fad this nation has seen that is televised. So without further ado, let me take you on a tour of how I see the game, between the Indianapolis Colts, and the New Orleans Saints, and read, as I give you my take on the matchups, and who I think will get the win, and be crowned as this years champion of the NFL. Let’s first start off with the key injuries for both teams: Colts: Did not participate in practice: DE Dwight Freeney (ankle), CB Jerraud Powers (foot). Full participation in practice: RB Joseph Addai (shoulder), CB Antoine Bethea (back), LB Gary Brackett (knee), RB Donald Brown (foot), CB Melvin Bullitt (knee), OT Ryan Diem (knee), CB Aaron Francisco (hand), RB Mike Hart (ankle), DT Antonio Johnson (shoulder), OT Charlie Johnson (foot), DE Robert Mathis (shoulder), G Jamey Richard (shoulder), K Matt Stover (left calf), TE Jacob Tamme (ankle), OT Tony Ugoh (knee), K Adam Vinatieri (right hip), WR Reggie Wayne (knee). Saints: Probable: CB Randall Gay (foot/illness); CB Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring); DE Bobby McCray (back/ankle); S Pierson Prioleau (quad); WR Courtney Roby (knee); S Darren Sharper (knee); TE Jeremy Shockey (knee); DE Will Smith (groin); T Zach Strief (shoulder); LB Jonathan Vilma (knee); T Jermon Bushrod (thumb); LB Jonathan Casillas (ankle); TE Darnell Dinkins (foot); G Jahri Evans (foot); LB Scott Fujita (knee); CB Jabari Greer (groin); WR Robert Meachem (ankle); WR Lance Moore (ankle); CB Tracy Porter (knee) Questionable: RB Lynell Hamilton (ankle) Both teams have listed a lot of players that will be playing without a doubt, and will be playing as close to full speed as you can get. The serious injuries that fans should be worrying about is the ankle injury that Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney suffered in the AFC Championship game, and the injury to Colts corner Jerraud Powers. Michael Lombardi, from the NFL Post, is reporting that Freeney will likely only play in obvious pass situations, which limits the speed of the Colts densive line, which is arguably their biggest strength. The limited use of Freeney also allows the Saints offensive line to double team right end Robert Mathis, who is a good player in his own right, but is overshadowed by Freeney. Raheem Brock would likely get the reps in the absence of Freeney. In what will most likely be a shootout anyway, this gives New Orleans Sains All Pro Quarterback Drew Brees, even more time to get the ball out of his hands, and into the grasp of one of his many playmakers. It does not help the Colts defense that the Saints have one of the most physical pass protecting lines in the game. Passing is the Saints specialty, so they are used to pushing back the oncoming pass rush at this point in the season. Key Matchups: 5. Gregg Williams vs. Peyton Manning 4. Dallas Clark vs. Saints linebackers 3. Colts receivers vs. Saints cornerbacks 2. Saints offensive line vs. Colts pass rushers 1. Peyton Manning vs. Darren Sharper Keys To Game: The keys to the game will be as follows, first up is the Colts: First and foremost, the Colts will have to score on almost every possession. If they don’t, it could prove costly. While Peyton Manning is clutch in big time situations, I would not want Brees to be in the game come crunch time. If the Colts allow the Saints to hang around, it could prove to cost them the Super Bowl ring that they have worked so hard for. I believe the Saints have a better all around defense than the Colts, and that without Freeney, the Colts have a huge dent in their armor, which will allow Brees to run rapid all over the Colts secondary. To stop this of course, the Colts will need to get some hits on Brees, and get him on the ground. This may be easier said than done though. Brees has one of the quickest releases in the game, and he is more mobile than most quarterbacks in the league, especially Manning. If the Colts fail to get a good pass rush on Brees, and allow him to stand in the pocket for most of the game, Brees will torch the Colts, and win a no contest in getting his first ring. Next up is the Saints: The Saints will need to be able to run the ball successfully against the Colts defense. The Colts will be expecting the Saints to come out and pass the ball, and try to establish an early lead. What the Saints need to do is wear down the Colts defense, and run the ball down their throats, but at the same time, show that they can score on a moments notice, with a big play. Getting the run game going will be key for the Saints, as getting more run situations eliminates Dwight Freeney from the game, since he should only be on the field in passing situations. Finding a way to stop the Colts offense will be key for the Saints as well. If Manning breaks loose, and has a career day, the Saints will come away from the game losers. The Colts have a lot of options on offense, and while they put up some impressive offensive numbers against the league’s best defense in the AFC Championship game, the Saints defense is no slouch, especially when Gregg Williams in the evil genius behind it all. This will undoubtedly be a game for the ages, featuring a high scoring game, with both quarterbacks looking to outduel each other, and each team looking to prove who has the better offense. The team that shows that it can drive down the field and kill some clock, but still come away with some quick scores, will be the team that comes away with the victory, and in my mind, I see that team being the Saints. The Saints have the all around better coaching. The Saints have both defensive and offensive masterminds, and also have an offense to match the Colts. So the X-Factor then must be the defense in this game. This matchup goes to the Saints as well, which somehow force the unlikely turnovers. Peyton Manning is not invincible to throwing interceptions, he threw 3 in one game against the Denver Broncos this year. And if the Saints can get the pressure on Manning that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams would like, Manning will be in for a long night, and rest assured, will throw at least two picks. The Saints defense is no joke. They have some of the best ball hawks in the league, and one of the best matchups of the night will be Saints free safety Darren Sharper against Peyton Manning. This may go down as one of the best Super Bowls in history, and I predict that the Saints win in a shootout, 45-41, with Drew Brees getting the Super Bowl MVP award.

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DolphinsGab Weighs In On Super Bowl

Gab reader Michael Masson sent in this interesting piece leading up to Super Sunday: Saturday. I pack my #57 Rickey Jackson jersey with pride and care, and walk to my car on a cold Chicago morning. When I pull up to my brother’s house a few blocks away, we exchange cautiously optimistic looks. We’ve been in this position before. We all have, albeit only very recently. Dan hoists his suitcase – with his #9 Drew Brees jersey inside – in the trunk and we make our way to Chicago’s Midway airport. It’s the beginning of what we hope to be a memorable journey, in a good way. When the cabin door of the 737 opens, I’m hit with an immediate, familiar, and welcome rush of humidity. This is not my first time in New Orleans. I was born here, and spent the better part of my childhood exploring the city with my family and slopping through the bayou with my dog, Petey, next to the Pearl River in Slidell. Maybe humidity is the same everywhere. But I don’t think so. It’s lunch time. And although a trip to Mandina’s is in the game plan, I’m just too hungry to wait. So, Dan and I stop at the airport Acme and decide to split some red beans and rice while waiting for my Dad’s plane to land. It’s a good primer for the tour de feast I have planned, and it doesn’t disappoint. I’m pretty sure there’s no other airport on the planet with food like this. My Dad – a New Orleanian who transferred to Chicago in 1985 – gets on the ground and we hop on a shuttle to rent a car. It’s beautiful outside. Overcast, sure, but a vast improvement over the frozen midwest. After an obligatory joke with the Avis agent about the Saints’ futility and nervous laughter, we’re on the way to Mandina’s for gumbo and po boys. We talk about the big game and Dad says, “Oh well … I’m glad we came.” Its part of an inner conversation that escaped – the same conversation he’s been having with himself since booking the hotel in November. Of course, he wants the Saints to win as badly as anyone else. He’s an original season ticket holder. But 43 years of the Saints have a way of making you talk to yourself. Console yourself, rather. We drive past Lake Lawn Park Cemetery, where my grandfather rests. He was a life-long resident of this great city, and a hell-raiser. He used to own a bar. In that bar, my Dad would run drinks to the men in the back room who were betting on the races. That would constitute a “visit” – Grandma and Grandpa divorced when Dad was three years-old. Grandpa lost that bar in a poker game. A little further down the causeway and we drive past Grandma’s old apartment on Veteran’s Boulevard. She was a lifelong Saints fan … or sympathizer, at least. Katrina wrecked her place and stole most of her possessions. So, she moved to Chicago and settled in a nice retirement home where she lived her final few years fawning over her grandchildren and great-grandchild, playing Wii, and entertaining her friends with her southern style, dialect and disposition. She passed over a year ago. Unfortunately, she never saw the Saints get this far. But she did see her “boys in black and gold” win their first ever playoff game. Thanks, fellas. After Mandina’s and a ridiculous amount of delicious food, we make our way downtown. We pass through the remnants of a once-vibrant section of the city, past dilapidated relics of Dad’s childhood, including the site of his high school prom, where Professor Longhair provided the entertainment. We coast past a former Pontiac dealership where, Dad tells me, his grandmother used to buy all her cars. We come down Canal street and loop behind the hotel on Iberville where a Vikings fan, clad in a Favre jersey, hears two “Who Dat” chants from the other side of the street. It’s rather friendly taunting. Southern hospitality-hostility, I suppose. A quick tour of Bourbon Street is in order before dinner. In the doorway to my left is a pot-bellied stripper, chatting pleasantly with a New Orleans police officer. A little further down the street are a couple of painted men. The silver guy is familiar to me, but the gold guy is new. They put on their robotic show to amusement, some uneasiness and plenty of camera flashes. This is when I first notice the throngs of Saints jerseys around me. They are everywhere. Further on down we come across four tap-dancing boys (to be fair, one of them looked at least 21). They are working hard and earning a little cash. On the other side of the street is a lone boy. He’s not nearly as coordinated as the others, and his shoes don’t seem to make the same “click.” There’s considerably less money in his collection box. He must be earning his stripes, I guess. A turn down Toulouse, then Chartres, and we walk into The Napoleon House. It’s one of my favorites. The windows and doors are open and the air is sticky, and slightly scented of fresh horse manure from the street. The bartender is working fast, making Pimms and popping bottle tops. I choose to have a Sam Adams in Napoleon’s House and feel quite patriotic about it. I’m getting hungry again, so we head back to the hotel before dining at Mr. B’s. Some shrimp, redfish and bread pudding later, it’s time to turn in. Big day tomorrow. Sunday. It’s morning on game day. Milling around the hotel lobby are several jerseys – some black and gold, some purple and white. The bar is already filling up and mimosas and bloody mary’s are flowing freely. But we have more important affairs to attend to. We take a drive to Dad’s college roommate’s house. He has cancer and the diagnosis is not good. Still, he greets us at the door with a big smile, a handshake and, of course, is clad in his Drew Brees jersey. He’s lost weight and looks older than the last time I saw him at my Grandmother’s funeral. But he’s most definitely excited – talking to us while keeping one eye on the television for the latest news surrounding the game. He and Dad are sharing old stories and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a witness. We all talk about the game. We talk about the Saints teams of yore (if you can call them ‘teams’) and we laugh. On the TV, Tom Dempsey is recalling his record-setting field goal. Only when it comes to the Saints could a kicker be a legend. We shake hands again as we’re getting ready to leave and I can’t help but wonder if this is the last time I will see Dad’s friend. I’ve seen three people fight cancer. Here’s what I’ve learned: First, people who battle cancer are incredibly strong. Second, cancer is no match for the human spirit. It’s not even close. We are headed back to the hotel to get our gear on and make the pilgrimage to the dome. Dan and I have a surprise for Dad … a retro Archie Manning jersey, circa 1978. Putting the jersey on, you can see it in his eyes – this is real. There’s no turning back now. The Saints hold our hearts in their hands and there’s not a thing we can do about it. The walk to the dome is like a scene straight out of movie – the ones where a lone person starts walking and people slowly join in, to the point where it’s a massive crowd with a singular purpose. “Who Dat” is ringing freely, and impromptu street vendors are selling beers by the handful. So we grab a few $4 cans of beer and keep walking. Interestingly, the beers get cheaper the closer we get to the stadium, and this surprises me. The first guy told us they would be much more expensive … how interesting. Inside the dome, the atmosphere is tense. We all know something monumental is coming, for better or worse. Still, blind optimism abounds. There’s just no possible way our boys will let us down. Can’t happen. Impossible. The dome is rocking. Then a terrifying silence comes after the Vikings score first. It’s a slow start. I hear mutterings of “C’mon boys,” and “Settle down, boys.” Then an unlikely play – a screen pass for a touchdown – sends the dome into a frenzy. The upper deck sways with every movement of fans dancing to the adopted “Crunk” song. High-fives are flying. And these are hand-stinging, hard slaps. And it feels good. After a flurry of scoring, everything slows down and the punting begins. And before every Viking punt fans chant, “Reggie, Reggie, Reggie.” This is significant to understand and will play a big part in the game. You see, Saints fans have this inherent, unshakable faith in Reggie Bush. We want to believe that he’s everything we thought he would be. We want him to succeed and believe we can help him do just that. But Reggie hasn’t been able to turn those cheers into results yet. Then, as if on cue, our faith is tested yet again. Perhaps Reggie Bush became drunk on the crowd’s chants, because he fumbles a key punt. Only the Saints could pull a move like this. It’s late in the half and the Vikings are poised to capitalize on the mishap. It’s unraveling. But it doesn’t go down that way. On the next play, the Vikings fumble and we get the ball back. This is New Orleans. We’re the Saints, and someone is clearly looking out for us from above. The game carries on, and it’s intense. There are fumbles, missed opportunities, bad calls by the referees, and some missed calls. Favre is banged up, but won’t stay down. And that’s scary. He’s surely growing more determined with each hit he takes. Reggie makes an outstanding play for a touchdown, and the chants resume. Our faith is restored, yet again. Then, it begins. Time is running out in a tie game. Time is running out on the Saints. The Vikings and Brett Favre have the ball and are slowly, dreadfully moving down the field. They are in range to kick a game-winning, soul-crushing field goal. It’s quiet. The air is trapped in our lungs and you can see utter despair all around. But wait, the Vikings have too many men on the field and draw a crucial five-yard penalty. What? How is this possible? It’s the Saints. Anything – and everything – is possible. Brett Favre, one of the most revered, reviled and legendary men to ever play the game, needs a play. So he throws the ball and we can hardly watch. Interception! No … intervention. Divine intervention. I really believe that. The dome is on fire. The man in front of me is screaming so hard, he’s drooling on the #12 Colston jersey next to him. Naturally, overtime is grueling. It’s filled with challenges and a jittery fourth down plunge. There’s only one play left for a chance to go to the Saints’ first Super Bowl. This could very well be one of the most important events in the city’s rich history. At least, it feels that way. We have faith. Faith in a young, inexperienced kicker. It’s up and it’s true … it finally happens. After 43 years of torture, we have redemption! After the pleasant shock of disbelief wears off and a speech by Tom Benson and a few players, the gleeful exodus to Bourbon street begins. Who Dat Nation is beaming. We hide out in our hotel courtyard for a few minutes and light cigars we brought from Chicago. Our voices are raspy from shouting and swallowing hard throughout much of the game. No matter, we don’t need to talk right now. It sounds like a war zone down on Bourbon. There’s shouting, wailing sirens and hovering helicopters overhead. I recognize a few Vikings fans across the courtyard from earlier. They stopped upstairs to remove their jerseys. Of course, we must go to Bourbon street and celebrate. It’s packed – every bit as packed as the busiest day of Mardi Gras. In fact, Dad says, “It’s like Mardi Gras, except everyone likes everyone.” A woman I’ve never met before bumps into me at The Old Absinthe House and spills half of my beer on the ground. Instead of an apology, she just hugs me with tears in her eyes. Enough said. People are delirious and slightly cautious. We’re not quite relaxed. We’re not sure this is all real just yet … like it could be taken away from us at any moment. But it wont’ be taken away. This game, this night is for New Orleans. In the days ahead people will tell us they are happy for us. But it doesn’t matter. This is ours. We earned it, we deserve it and we’re grateful to our boys for giving it to us. Monday. It’s getaway day, so to speak. Time to head back to Chicago. But first, some coffee and beignets are in order. I love walking through the French Quarter early in the morning. Sure, I have to sidestep spraying hoses and, on this day, hop over the remains of someone’s over indulgence. But mornings in the Quarter are peaceful. The energy has dissipated, but there is most certainly a happy vibe pulsating off of the historic buildings and trodden sidewalks and streets. Cafe Du Monde is bathed in sunlight. The coffee is the best I’ve had since the last time I was here and the beignets are light and fluffy – the only place on earth where they come out that way. We talk about the game and I can overhear other people talking about the game too. Individual plays are recounted and near-tragedies are laughed off. A man plays a trumpet lightly as we get another coffee to go. As we walk out, he holds a single note for what seems like forever. Light applause follows and as I cross the street to Jackson Square, in the distance I hear the lasting memories of a joyous adventure … “Who Dat, Who Dat.” – Michael Masson is a writer living in Chicago, and the Saints are his boys.

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From Chicago, to New Orleans, to the Super Bowl

The Colts and their fans held their breath on Friday, as their best wide out, Reggie Wayne pulled up short on a pass route. Despite the injury, he is still expected to play in Sunday’s Super Bowl. The four-time Pro Bowl receiver left practice 20 minutes early after aggravating an injured right knee. Coach Jim Caldwell said Wayne hurt the soft tissue below his kneecap. Wayne is listed as probable and Caldwell plans on him playing against New Orleans. Wayne got through the injury most of the season.

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Colts WR Wayne Injures Right Knee; Leaves Practice 20 Minutes Early

A Facebook group called “4 MILLION VIKINGS FANS WANT BRETT FAVRE BACK IN MINNESOTA FOR 2010” has rented an electronic billboard in Favre’s offseason home of Hattiesburg, Miss., urging the quarterback to return.

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Facebook group rents billboard urging Brett Favre to return to Minnesota Vikings in 2010

When you combine microphones, an audience and the Super Bowl, be careful what you say.  Because the reality is, words tend to live in infamy. Whether it?s Joe Namath, Shannon Sharpe or Thomas ?Hollywood? Henderson, there?s been no shortage of jabs, insults and bulletin board material in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. Let?s take a

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All-Time Best Super Bowl Quotes

Drew Brees is the center of the Saints’ offensive constellation, with nine players orbiting around him. Defenses don’t know what Saint to stop. Solve one matchup problem, and another emerges. Predicting what supporting character will shine on any given Sunday is impossible.

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Rosenthal: Saints’ supporting cast ready for main stage

SEATTLE (AP) — U.S. customs officials say nearly 17,600 Fox Sports NFL robot action figures seized at the Seattle waterfront last month were contaminated with lead paint.

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Customs: Nearly 18K Fox Sports NFL toys seized

Joe Posnanski sought the help of the NFL’s newest p.r. tool of innovation — player/coach quotes sent to your phone! — to get a true sense of the buildup surrounding Super Bowl XLIV.

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Joe Posnanski: Getting to know the Saints and Colts — one quote sheet at a time