The State of Sports Jan. 13th

-Football

-Second Round of the NFL Playoff Preview: (NFC Teams)

-Washington at Seattle (Sat. 4:30) FOX
When I asked my friend Carmine who would win this game, his reply was : "If the Seahawks loose this game, they should be banished from the leauge for three seasons." His point while invalid right on the money, figuratively speaking. Fact of the matter is, Seattle has played to win games all season. They can run the ball down your throat with league MVP Shaun Alexander and quarterback Matt Hasselback knows how to spread the ball around. However, their defense is mediocre (17th in yards given up per game) and is overshadowed by their offense that puts points on the board.

The Redskins on the other hand have a defense that just is very physical. They are expected to give the Seahawks quite the game. Last week, they faced the second best defense in the league with Tampa Bay. They not only shut down the league rookie of the year, but the teams top receiver, Joey Galloway. In watching that game, it was a well defensive game played by Washington.

This game will be different. I dont think Clinton Portis will rush for more than 100 yards in this game. The Redskins might get in the redzone, but they will get stopped in the running game, forcing 'Skins QB to pass, and he will get stopped. The Seahawks will grind the clock down with drives, instead of just trying to rush, rush, and more rushing with Alexander. They will try to challenge this Redskins linebackers and secondary to stop him. The score wont even be close. The Seahawks are too good a team to get beaten.

-Pick- Seahawks, the spread is 9, id give them more


-Carolina at Chicago (Sun. 4:30) FOX
Chicago has the best defense in the NFL this year. Hands down, they can and will dominate the game with their starting defensive line, linebackers, and secondary. In fact, the Bears are in the top 5 in about every single category in defense. This includes sacks, interceptions, and tackles. Not only that, but they have the AP defensive player of the year, linebacker Brian Urlacher on their team. The only problem: The Bears are 28th in the league in total offense. And second to dead last in 3rd down conversions.

Maybe this is Delhommes game to shine. Last time these two teams faced off, he threw two picks and the Bears were up 10-0. According to John Clayton, of ESPN, the Bears have had 34 turnovers this season. Of those 34 turnovers, they have converted 104 points or 40% of thier total offense has come from turnovers. So the game plan for Carolina is very simple. Dont turn the ball over. I think the Bears will stop the run. My good freind Adam predicts Carolina killing Chicago with the running game. Deshaun Foster ran well last week, but that was versus a pretty banged up defense in the Giants. I really think they will pressure Delhomme to throw the ball downfield.

The Carolina defense is more than likely going to stop the pass and the run for the Bears. They are the Alabama Crimson tide of the NFL. The tide couldn't put up points, but they could stop you at the goal line at the 1, with fourth and goal. The Carolina defense is ranked 5th in points per game (16.2) and 3rd (behind Chicago) in yards given up per game. Carolina also stopped Eli Mannings high powered offense and held the #2 rushing yard running back to 13 rushes for 41 yards.

Despite what my friend Adam thinks will be a blowout, I think Rex Grossman has played more consistently in the past two weeks, and will spread the ball around just enough to keep a balanced running/pass attack. Who am I kidding with that statement? I also think the Bears will create turnovers, and make this game a field goal game.

-Pick- Chicago in a low scoring game