I think you only have to look at the Chicago Blackhawks recent history to know how much Rocky Wirtz’ involvement has increased their success. In their instance, the top down management made all the difference between a mediocre team and a winning team. Such a HUGE difference between him and his father who was quite the penny-pincher and curmudgeon.
My nightmare scenario is starting to shape up:
- The NY Giants, after a 2-3 start, round into shape at season-end led by their defense which seems to be improving week-by-week, and ride through the playoffs from the wild card to reach the Super Bowl.
- Meanwhile, in the AFC, the offensive juggernaut that is the Patriots runs the table for the #1 seed and coasts through the playoffs, leading to...
Patriots-Giants III.
Superman, meet kryptonite.
My hope is that the Giants’ mediocre offense (25th in points scored) is too feeble to overcome playoff-caliber defenses and somebody boots them out, and the Patriots defense (somehow 2nd in points allowed) manages to come up with a defensive stop in a critical situation.
@notrichenough:
All kinds of things can happen, but the fact that the Giants knocked off Dallas the way they did (10-7? Wow) says they could go on a long run because their defense right now is that good, even losing JPP, they have come together (the offense, on the other hand, is still suspect, the O line isn’t good, they can’t run very well, and if Eli is getting hit the receivers aren’t going to get thrown to). There are all kinds of wildcards out there in general, Green Bay is surging, and some other teams are making runs who looked like they were dead (on the other hand, Seattle is just plain weird, given they won’t get home field advantage during the playoffs likely if they make the playoffs, I can’t see them getting far). Kansas city is a possiblity, but if KC faced NE I think they would lose, the quality of the quarterback play and the offense is way over with NE, and quite honestly I think Andy Reid’s coaching all but guarantees NE will win, he will do bold but crazy things then coach like an accountant the rest of the game. I don’t think Denver is going to go that far, not with Semian, their D, as good as it is, simply cannot make up for a hole where the QB is, Texans same thing. Oakland is a possibility, but their last loss showed that the team has some shortcomings, and I think they won’t get to the Championship game, despite their record.
There’s 12 games’ worth (before the Giants-Cowboys game) of tape on Prescott, and I think you are going to see Dallas have trouble scoring points from here on out as teams have “solved” Prescott and he is not good enough yet to overcome his rookie-ness (no rookie qb has ever won a conference championship, and only 4 have even made it to the conference championship).
So I’m not quite ready to crown the Giants’ defense, and their offense is pretty bad, but it only takes lightning to strike once in a game to turn it. E.g., the helmet catch.
But the Giants are 7-1 in their last 8… hopefully this nightmare does not come to pass. Not sure I can survive another Pats-Giants super bowl. 
I’m six points up in my fantasy game, and a win puts me in the championship game. My opponent and I both have Washington WRs. Who will get the looks?
My Lions doing their best to get my hopes up… I hate when they do this.
My Boys are taking it easy on the Lions…
Ah there’s my Lions.
Squeeeeeaaaaalllll. Love my team,
Army beat N. Texas today in their minor bowl. The cadets will get another reward. Everyone happy in our house today. 
Anyone watching the OSU/Clemson game?
As a Michigander, I am contractually obligated to hate OSU. I am so ready for NOT Alabama/OSU so I can actually cheer for someone 
I want Clemson.
Watching Clemson Ohio State @romanigypsyeyes . Go Tigers!!!
Since the Dawgs lost, I’m all for Clemson. I loathe Ohio State and Alabama. At least UW scored on Alabama.
I have never seen OSU look this bad. :D/
I’d feel bad about hating OSU except that I have a good friend who was in the Michigan Marching Band who got spit on by OSU fans… more than once.
Woo Hoo, Tigers! Back to the Natty!
Hoping Lee Corso picks 'Bama on January 9th! 
First bowl shut out since 1920. First shut out ever for Meyer.
Go Clemson! Beat Bama!
For all you haters. Roll Tide!
Should be a good game next week. And while I’m ecstatic that Clemson one, I truly feel bad for Meyer.
What do you guys think about the Stanford and LSU running backs sitting out their bowl games to not risk injury and ruin their NFL opportunities?