Donovan McNabb is headed to Washington in a surprising intra-divisional trade. (Photo: UPI)

The Washington Redskins have acquired quarterback Donovan McNabb from the Philadelphia Eagles for their 2010 2nd round pick (37th overall) and either a 3rd or 4th rounder in 2011.

When you compare that to what the Bears gave up to get Jay Cutler a year ago – Kyle Orton, their 2009 and 2010 1st round picks and a swap of their 2009 3rd for Denver’s 5th – it seems like the ‘Skins got a bargain deal.  Think the Eagles were desperate to move him?  It’s even more strange that they traded within their own division, so they’ll get to see him twice a year.

McNabb is 33 and his most productive years are likely behind him, but new Washington head coach Mike Shanahan and owner Daniel Snyder must be betting that they can put a Super Bowl run together with an aging backfield.

Why else would they get McNabb and every over-the-hill running back that’s on the open market?  Between Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, they’ve got more mileage than Jenna Jameson’s mattress (and with slightly less plastic surgery.  Have you seen her lately?  Even Ben Roethlisberger wouldn’t have anything to do with here.  Yikes!)

(more…)

White Meat Plays (guys I like)

1. Aaron Rodgers, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and Ryan Grant @ Detroit – Hell, I would probably also throw Jermichael Finley into this bunch…I think GB comes out and stomps Detroit.  I know Detroit plays tough on Turkey Day, because it is their birth right to host a game every year, but not this year my friends.  GB wins and wins big!!!
2. Marion Barber vs Oakland – Shocker, I am picking a RB to light up Oakland, but until they can stop anyone on the ground, I will keep picking against them.  The Oakland D is 30th against the run and they have allowed a league high 16 rushing TDs.  Surprisingly, they are not so bad against the pass, so I expect Barber to gain > 100yds on the ground and likely 2 TDs.
3. Brett Favre vs Bears - There is really no explanation needed.  The Beloved are hurting and Favre’s colors have changed, but the song remains the same.  Oh, and he has a pretty good running game to support a lot of play action over the top of our vaunted Tampa Two defense.
4. Whichever Cincy RB starts vs Cleveland - Whether it is Cedric Benson or Bernard Scott starting for Cincy, they should be starting for you.  They will light up Cleveland!!!

Dark Meat Plays (guys I don’t like)  (more…)

Despite the loss of the heart and soul of their defense Brian Urlacher, the Bears held the Steelers to 14 points and pulled off an improbable win.  Week 1 scapegoat Jay Cutler shined in the fourth quarter, leading the Bears to the win behind 10 unanswered points.  If you missed the game, you can check out the highlights here or better yet, go check out my live blog running account of the game at Bears Game Day on ChicagoNow.com.

The way the Steelers came out of the blocks, it appeared as though it was going to be a long day at the office for the Bears and their defense.  Ben Roethlisberger marched the Steelers on a 92-yard 5 minute scoring drive capped off by a TD pass to Matt Spaeth. 

(more…)

Day vs Night.  Black (and gold) vs White (and red).  Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader.  Offense vs Defense.   You might say that this game features contrasting styles.  The Steelers come in as the top defense from the regular season while the Cardinals come in with the second ranked passing offense and a Top 5 offense overall.  Arizona’s key to success in this improbable playoff run has been their defense. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has been doing what they do best: playing great defense.  It’s time to stop with all of the hype and parties and get down to the business of crowning a champion for the 2008-2009 NFL season.

Many believe that a win by the Cardinals will put a stamp on Kurt Warner’s ticket to the Hall of Fame.   This is his third go-around on football’s biggest stage, having won one and lost one.  Meanwhile Ben Roethlisberger has a ring of his own, but many critics say he need to redeem himself after a lackluster performance in the Steelers’ win in Super Bowl XL over the Seahawks.

Breakdown

Larry Fitzgerald has become the darling of these 2009 playoffs.  How can you argue with 419 yards and 5 TD’s?  Compare that to 665 yards and 3 TD’s by Chicago Bears #1 receiver Devin Hester.  Oh, did I forget to mention those stats were compiled over 15 games for the Windy City Flyer while Fitz has piled up those bawdy stats in 3 playoffs games?  Who says the Bears need a difference maker at the receiver position?  The Cardinal defense has been the surprise of the playoffs, forcing 12 turnovers and upsetting the likes of the Falcons, Panthers and  Eagles en route to their first ever Super Bowl appearance.

The Steelers come in a bit banged up, with receiver Hines Ward nursing a knee and recent reports that Big Ben might have gotten a bit more banged up in the AFC Championship than we’ve been led to believe.  But this isn’t about the Steelers’ offense as much as it is about their defense.  Look for the Steelers to pressure Warner from all angles and shut down the resurrected Cardinal running attack.  Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison leads the attacking Steeler defense.

Key matchup

Arizona Passing Attack vs Pittsburgh Pass D.  Call it Hairbangers Ball, as safety Troy Polamalu brings his flowing locks to try to help cover the dreadlocked receiving stud Larry Fitzgerald.  Fitzgerald has already set a playoff record for receiving yardage, breaking Jerry Rice’s postseason yardage record with a game left to play.   I don’t doubt that the Steelers will keep the resurgent Edgerrin James in check, but if they expect to win, they’ll need to do something that no one has figured out in this postseason and that’s slow down Fitgerald and company.

Sleeper

Willie Parker has been banged up for much of the season and missed a few games, but that just means he’s fresh for Big Game.   He was the game-breaker in 2006, tearing off a Super Bowl record 75 yard touchdown run against the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL to seal the victory for the Steelers.  If Fast Willie can take some pressure off Big Ben and keep the Cardinal D off balance, it will be a long day for Arizona fans.

Prediction

Arizona has reinvented itself with a running game and tough defense  while Pittsburgh has followed their usual blueprint.  In a game of this magnitude, I like the team that stays true to itself.  This game is my postseason tie-breaker, so this had better be good:

Steelers 27-21

Philadelphia at Arizona

In this unlikely matchup, the #4 seed Cardinals host the #6 Eagles, who benefit from the choke jobs by the Bucs (and now-fired coach Gruden) and the Bears (and D-coordinator on Sundays only Lovie Smith) to slide into the last playoff spot.  Goes to show, anything can happen if you can get into the playoffs.

Last meeting: The Eagles spoiled the Cardinals’ Thanksgiving with a 48-20 beatdown in Philly.  Philly was coming off the humbling loss to the Ravens in which Donovan McNabb was benched and the Eagles’ season appeared to be on life support.  Aside from stubbing their toe in Week 16 vs the Redskins, the Eagles have been perfect since.  McNabb rebounded with 4 TD against the Cards and been on a run ever since.

Breakdown: Philly comes in with the hot hand, while Arizona rides the momentum of two surprising wins and now a home playoff game.  Boldin’s hamstring injury could prove costly as the Cards need all the help they can get.   Look for Eagles D-coordinator Jimmy Johnson make Kurt Warner’s life miserable.  This is the 5th NFC Championship for Andy Reid’s squad and that experience will prove valuable versus the surprising Cardinals.

Key matchup: Arizona Run Defense vs Brian Westbrook

Prediction: The Cardinals get the home field, but that is where the advantage ends.  With McNabb at the top of his game, the Eagles soar to another Super Bowl.

Eagles 31- 21

Baltimore at Pittsburgh

Put the women and children to bed; this one’s not for the faint of heart as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens strap ‘em up for the third time this season.

Last meeting: The Steelers edged the Ravens 23-20 back in September and barely nipped them again in Week 15 on a controversial call where the leading TD crossed the plane of the end zone by thismuch.

Breakdown: The Ravens haven’t had a BYE since Week 2 and have been road warriors so far throughout the playoffs.  They follow the same formula as they had back in 2000, winning with defense and just enough offense from Joe Flacco to get the job done.  Pittsburgh’s defense is firing on all cylinders and have the experience in their corner.  Big Ben has been sharp and Willie Parker looks fresh after sitting a few weeks with injury.  The Ravens come in banged up with Terrell Suggs questionable and Samari Rolle doubtful while the Steelers look relatively healthy.

Key matchup: Baltimore pass defense vs Ben Roethlisberger

Prediction: With such a tight matchup, I’ll take the healthier, more rested team.  Pennsylvania Bowl, here we come.

Steelers 13-9