Carey

Meh. Drew will either make Cris Collinsworth look very good or very bad. For the record, Brees had this position available to him a year ago; Cris isn't going anywhere yet, at least for the 2021 season, which is a Super Bowl year for NBC. While it's likely Al retires after next season, I don't know about Collinsworth. He's in his early 60s I believe, but based on how well Brees does with Notre Dame games, it could be a similar situation that CBS had with Romo and Simms. Cris returns to the studio and Drew takes his spot teaming up with Tirico

Izzo and Boeheim wuz gifted. Syracuse definitely got gifted. That's for sure, and after Boeheim's comments on disrespecting short people, the committee had fuel to rob the Orange of a tourney bid. I guess they've messed with them so many times in the past that they decided to give them a pass. It also helped that Duke bowed out. OTOH, if the Cuse had to play a first four game, that would've been okay. People would still get mad but they'd still have to do more in order to make it to the meaningful field of 64. Michigan State? Meh. I think they defeated 3 of the four top teams this year, and they actually are playing in the First Four. That's fair enough. However, against UCLA? Wow!

Giving teams more time to show negative covid tests and qualify. The first round (field of 64) actually starts on Friday. So basically those that turn the dance into an annual 4 day weekend for college hoops from Thursday - Sunday might consider doing a more traditional Friday - Monday 4-day weekend

Yeah, they're done. At first, I figured that when the AD said that their season will be over effective immediately, they were assuming that there was no chance the committee would put them into the dance given their rare struggles coupled with a lot of what ifs. However, it turns out that Duke took themselves out of any future games for the remainder of the 2020-2021 season. Basically an opt-out. FWIW, Duke's women's team didn't play at all this year. Caught the news about Virginia before I wanted to find out. At this rate, it looks like tonight's game with North Carolina / Florida State is on pace to be "real" ACC Conference Final. Though it would be unique if Georgia Tech had a positive test a day after doing nothing ETA: Now ESPN reporting that Kansas vs Texas Big 12 tourney game has been cancelled. Not sure the official reason, as I had the TV on mute and nothing was mentioned on the Internet when I saw it. I guess it's yet another positive result. Or it could be none of that, but just a precaution since Kansas (and maybe Texas) doesn't (don't) need the Big 12 tournament to get into the NCAA Tournament

Man, I didn't even get a chance to "make a joke" out of the chance that Duke would miss out on the NCAA Tournament following an ACC finals loss courtesy of a buzzer-beater! That aside, I already made my comments about the chances of teams dealing with a positive test within the one's organization and the precautions necessary to best avoid it. Obviously it's a little different (maybe more difficult) for College Basketball compared to the NFL, but there are more responsible people, if not, more prominent folks to make the best decisions than yours truly. Or not, but nothing's my call. It will suck if and when Duke is left out this year. Same goes for everyone else as it relates to COVID and the pandemic. That's a tough way to end a season, whether you had a shot or not. Overall, the NCAA is in a better spot than a year ago, and like everything else, nothing is guaranteed. While people knew that it was a possibility, people did make sacrifices to pursue a title, so it'll sting a little. As for Duke, we'll never know if they would've made it, but I don't think they would've gotten past Florida State anyway, let alone whomever they would've faced on Friday or Saturday. FWIW, despite my so-called "joke" as mentioned, no way the committee would've left out Duke under that scenario. I think they definitely get in with a Finals loss within a possession. Heck, they might've gotten the nod if they had been blown out in a Championship Game!

I don't disagree, but other top-tier QBs could take a little bit less to allow their teams more financial flexibility. It's not like these guys are stuck in a situation where their only choices are either "break the bank" or "take peanuts." There's a middle ground. Take Dak as an example. (And keep in mind I don't like Jerry Jones at all, so I LOVE that Dak got way more money from the Cowboys now than he would've if they'd just signed him a few years ago.) But if Dak had signed for (say) 4 years and $140 million, I'm not sure losing the $20 million would make a huge difference for him--but it sure might help the Cowboys build a better team around him. Which is not to begrudge any player who wants to get paid the max they possibly can. I totally, totally get that, and frankly would probably be the same way as a player. But the numbers all pretty clearly indicate that it's virtually impossible to pay top dollar for a premium QB and win a Super Bowl. There were several pieces on it in the wake of this year's Super Bowl. So if the top QBs really, REALLY want to win a Super Bowl, they can help themselves by not being determined to be the next record-setter in terms of contract--since if you manage your money properly, one really good top-tier QB contract should more than set you up for life. Very well put. It's all about the middle-ground. No one in this sport should settle for the bare minimum, but given this is the NFL and not Major League Baseball, there is only so much a star can make. I get that the quarterback is the most important position. However, this isn't Tennis; it's football. It's a team sport. You have to take care of other parts of the team if you want to win. That, and you need very good coaching. Two folks come to mind when it comes to someone "getting theirs" and that would be Barry Foster and Rob Gronkowski. Unless I'm mistaken, the former only played half a decade at a position that resulted in a short life or short shelf-life. As of 1995, Barry spent (or saved) his money wisely and got out before it was too late. Looks like the guy was set for life (at the time, at the very least). IIRC, Gronk has been rather conservative with his spending habits as well. He could've quit after 2016 and still made it to Canton (maybe even in his first year of eligibility). He stuck around for 3 more seasons, each ending in him playing in the big game, and winning a couple of those. Needless to say, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is meaningless if Rob doesn't get in on his first year of eligibility. Anyway, the reason why I brought up those guys is because, IMO, you don't need to be married to someone like Gisele in order for your team to win. As Tom mentioned, it does help (and hats off to him actually saying it), but 1) It's not Brady's fault if no one else can settle down with someone else that's as successful as Bündchen, and 2) investing/saving is worth it (even though it's easier said than done. I listened to a local guy over the past day or two discussing people and their "brand" including some wide receivers. While I thought he would say it in advance, the best way to build one's brand, if not the one that produces the most accomplishments, is "winning", period. Not tic tok, not Instagram, but winning championship level games. While it's important to earn more when you can, it adds more respect when you do it on the field. Antonio Brown might be, or was part of the Social Media group, but in his defense, he actually produced on the field in a big, record-breaking win. More than enough to get to Canton, IMO. Now he has a Super Bowl title, and it looks like the chance of "repairing" the image is heading into the right direction. I don't know what'll happen in Dallas. The Cowboys weren't winning last year anyway, but Dak's absence was a big deal. Jerry probably overpaid him, but I guess Prescott deserved it. FWIW, as mentioned, the NFC East is not great so that helps Dallas at least win that division. I don't think the Cowboys can come out of the NFC unless someone, somehow takes out Green Bay & Tampa Bay in advance

Right now for me? I'm glad he is alive, and that the wreck and injuries were worse. It might be easy to say it this year given how I didn't think of him competing 2021 (at a high, championship level), but I think I'll worry about what's next after he overcomes this latest, unfortunate, and sad situation. It hurts now given the character change in a positive direction & coupled with his rehab in recovery with the hope of returning as soon as possible, but I'd still be saddened if it occurred previously within the past 12 years. I hope I'm wrong, and even though I'd be shocked if he never played "golf" again, as of February 23rd, 2021, I agree his career is done.

Looks like the two NFL State Farm spokespersons or spokespeople are headed toward the settled life. Well, one is settled and the other is "settling down" Patrick Mahomes is a dad and if all goes well there might be a new Mrs. Rodgers with Shailene Woodley. JJ Watt, who's settled, might be "settling down" soon enough, and maybe even Green Bay with Aaron! That would be nice! However, Watt is correct and that poster needs to relax. The new league year is a couple weeks away & nothing's official before then anyway

I'm not going to bet on Carson Wentz to persevere with Indianapolis on February 22nd, but I am optimistic. I think there isn't a more perfect situation for the Colts and for Wentz. I'm not sure we'll see 2017 Carson, but OTOH I don't think Indy has to. Given how great Philadelphia was in 2017, it probably is way too early to tell whether Indy will match that. They can only tie the Eagles from that year with a Super Bowl victory, so while that ain't happening (unless it does) they have a great chance at being Super Bowl contenders if not playoff contenders. Wentz just has to stay healthy, and he can with a much better O-Line complete with a run game. The defense is great; say what you will about Irsay but the reconnection with Reich is a big deal. That's the team without factoring in the draft. Indianapolis has a 2nd place schedule & they're in a division with Houston and Jacksonville. Tennessee should still be okay, but it's possible for the Colts to win the AFC South. They'll have to face Baltimore but then I think they get Las Vegas which evens things out. The NFC might wreck their final AFC placement as they'll have the West. Plus Tampa if everything adds up for a 2021 start of a 17-game season. Right now I'll say no to passing by Kansas City and Buffalo but I think Indy will be fine next year and improve over last year

I’m out of the loop on that. What happened? Sorry I missed this somehow...he was the head official for the 28-3 game

Here's some good news for Belichick as well as Buffalo: Both New England and the Bills will get their day against Tom Brady in 2021 (granted he doesn't retire or get hurt before the game). Patriots host Tampa so who knows. Meanwhile, the new and improve Bills, who got destroyed one win away from facing their nemesis, can get the last laugh against TB12. That Bills/Bucs game will be at Raymond James Stadium so maybe not. To comment on what ChitChat said about the atmosphere for Super Bowl in general a couple weeks back, I have to echo that. For me, that two-week period between the Title Games and the Big Game were a chance to catch my breath. I love football, but at that point I was ready for it to be over. Usually the Super Bowl week is something worth looking forward to, and then it's over until September. This year was different. I really never got into the week leading up to it. Even yesterday was sorta mild at best. I don't know; maybe the NFL tries to outdo itself and that's what causes the burnout. Either way, I'm looking forward to a nice break until Selection Sunday in terms of sports. Despite the six month wait, the NFL is a 365-day ordeal. I mean that; it's the only sport where I can't wait for the Schedule Release Show. In addition to that, Free Agency and the Draft. There won't be anymore games for 7 months, but there will be big breaking news throughout the off-season that's a bigger deal than some regular season game in another sport. As mentioned, hats off to the NFL for completely the season, all 269 games in full when it looked difficult to impossible to do so. Love them or hate them, I'm happy they found a way. It was complicated, but nothing was cancelled outright and that is a major plus. In case I don't get a chance, it's been a blast talking football this season. There were some disagreements, might've been heated, but from me to everyone, total respect on one's POV. If all goes well, it'll be great in 2021 and I hope to discuss all things NFL (and maybe even run that prediction game that went absent this year). As for Tom Brady being the GOAT after tonight: I'll disagree. If he is, I think he reached that status long before tonight, well before this season as a whole

It's been a long time, if ever. You'll have to go back to the glory days, and that wasn't even that bad. In the college game, it happened to Alabama (two years ago in the 2019 Title Game against Clemson)

I have the day off tomorrow, but I had the thought of rescinding it (which would be fairly easy this year given the remote nature). I will not as I need it for several things, not just the annual PTO day after the Super Bowl. To be clear, I might actually pass out by 10 PM EST and get a lot of sleep for the first time from a Sunday to Monday in a long time (since Labor Day, I believe). Probably could be up at 6-7, but 10-12 hours isn't far fetched. There is always something good to come out of "something bad" I take no pleasure in "predicting a blowout" but the reason why I even posted that was due to what the Buccaneers had coupled with what the Chiefs didn't have. Injures are a valid reason, and it'll give Patrick his first loss in regulation. However it is fair to say it's an excuse. Brady's last several Super Bowl wins came against people that were hurt or not there. However, he won four years ago without Gronk, and then Philadelphia managed to beat Tom and New England without their MVP candidate of a QB. It sucks to not enjoy this for the most part, and I say for the most part because Kansas City still employs Hill. There are some great people on that Tampa team, mainly the coaching staff. That is so lost in the story of how great this Bucs team is. TB12 definitely gets the credit and deserves it, but man, what an organization!

27 more points for Tampa coupled with keeping the Chiefs off the board and my "prediction" would hit

History says the Chiefs are fine, but maybe that halftime show was epic enough to wreck the power at Raymond James Stadium. Unfortunately, and somewhat related, a team kicking off in the second half is given the option of an onside kick, which would not be unprecedented

That first half has me wondering: it would've been better if Cleveland was here instead of Kansas City. The Browns fan might be wondering where that officiating was at the goal line during a head shot. OTOH, the right call there might've meant Buffalo being here where they'd put up a better fight

With a 14-3 deficit, you could say the Kansas City Chiefs have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers right where they want them

Just Budweiser. There was speculation earlier, but Bud Light will be business as usual

Well before I thought about and then considered not to tweet it, someone already tweeted the correct response for that Mountain Dew bottle count for $1,000,000

You know, I was getting ready to comment on Brady's lack of a 1st quarter TD in 10 appearances, and as I was tweeting that, Nantz commented on it, deep in Tampa's own territory. As was the custom, Romo called him on a possible jinx. Quite fitting it was to Gronk

Carl Cheffers! Last time he was the ref...well, you know!

You know Tom Brady's legacy has been more than validated when he's made more super bowls than number of seasons a WR played in the NFL prior to being selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility!

Couldn't disagree more. Somewhat on a related note, whoever voted for Gilmore for DPOY last year should have their voting privileges taken away forever coupled with a lifetime NFL ban. Alex Smith deserved the award over Ben and I would definitely have said that the voters got it wrong if they went with Big Ben. However, this time a year ago Roethlisberger was a lock to win the award with a return from a near career-ending injury suffered in 2019. The loss of Ben was felt in their final three games, even though they went 8-6 without him (8-3 through 14 NFL weeks). Alex Smith's injury, which turned into a life-threatening one, happened in 2018. Alex wins the award from taking one snap in any season. If he had returned in 2021, Von Miller or Barkley would not win it. If he had returned in 2019, Ryan Tannehill would not have won it. BTW, Tannehill winning it over Jimmy Garoppolo was very criminal. I understood the reasoning why Steelers fans were against giving the award to Alex Smith over those circumstances for one snap. I didn't agree with it, but I understood it. Pittsburgh has a history of getting hosed by the NFL throughout all the aspects of what goes on the league on an annual basis. Alex was the winner, period. No way I vote for Ben. I don't think it's a high crime like someone not voting for Derek Jeter to get into Cooperstown. Heck, Smith didn't even need to take a snap to win the award, IMO. Fortunately it was a moot point, given the fact that he played quite a bit. And get this: Washington beat Pittsburgh at their place!

It would suck if Kansas City didn't win over the distractions. OTOH, people might discredit Tampa Bay winning due to those distractions. Not being near RJS is an excuse. The Chiefs have been at home everytime during the Patrick Mahomes Era, it's a bad thing, this tragedy. It would've been nice if it didn't happen at all, but that could've happened two or three weeks ago. Just a bummer that it's Super Bowl Week. Given the haircut thing, I wonder if they would've been distracted in Tampa more. And that is surprising given the fact that they are still the champs. Yeah, I’m going with Tampa for the win tomorrow. I made my mind up to stick with the Buccaneers yesterday, well before the Reid stuff happened. Actually, I really sided with the Bucs the evening of and morning after the Conference Title Games. Much like the previous two games, I didn’t feel the need to go on the record. There was 2 weeks for anything to happen. Eric Fisher is missing in action. Tampa’s D-Line would have been good enough to get home even with Fisher. Kansas City’s defense is pretty good, but I don’t know if you can stop TB12 and company for 60 minutes. The Chiefs are the defending champion, but there a guy who’s 30-40 hours away from holding more rings than every franchise in the sport. Well, Super Bowl rings. I don’t know for sure if Green Bay has 9 rings prior to Season 47. Brady has championship experience and has the ability to spread that amongst his players. Not sure if Mahomes is 100 percent; if that toe injury is not a thing, then that may be a different story. I’m hoping for a good game, but I think Tampa Bay might need to try to win by 21 in order to survive against a team that can score in a hurry. The Bucs defense is underrated though; while I think the Chiefs will lose, I just don’t know by how much. It’ll be either 49-9 or 49-18. Just my opinion

Mahomes was slated to be at the front of the line, but he found out Kilgore was only getting the Rodgers Rate, and not the Patrick Prize. As a result, Pat was content on waiting in line