Two conference championship games, two overtime games. That’s a first in NFL playoff history, and probably the last time we’ll see that anytime soon. It’s the New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl. Though I’m no Pats fan, it’s hard to believe they’ll be back in the big game for the ninth time under Bill Belichick. A team that was written off many times this year, the Patriots finally won a big game on the road. They were better from start to finish. Truth be told, I can’t stand the Patriots, but I admire what they’ve done. Belichick is the greatest coach in NFL history and Tom Brady is the best ever to play the quarterback position. What these two have accomplished together is incredible.
* Andy Reid still can’t win the big one. He’s a heck of a coach, but has the reputation of coming up short when it counts. The Chiefs had every reason to think they’d win at home. This was supposed to be Reid’s redemption game. Instead, it adds to his legacy of not being able to win a championship game.
* I felt all year long that the Saints were the best team in football and would easily make it to the Super Bowl since home field advantage in NFC meant playing in the Superdome. So much for that wisdom on my part. The Saints had a chance to put the Rams away early but couldn’t do it. They clearly got hosed by the officials late in regulation when they were going in for what could have been the winning score. In this the year of horrible calls by NFL officials, that non call cost the Saints a trip to Atlanta. I have a lot of friends in Louisiana who live and die with the Saints. Tonight they are dying, and I don’t blame them for feeling that way.
* Steelers’ owner Art Rooney II made the media rounds this week, first with a question and answer session with some select print reporters followed by appearances on a few of Pittsburgh’s top radio stations. While Rooney didn’t say it, I sure got the feeling that Antonio Brown is long gone from the Steelers. I’d be shocked if the Steelers bring him back. Rooney was a little defensive about the turmoil that surrounded his team this past season. That’s his right to stick up for his team. That said, I expect changes from the top down this offseason and I’m guessing that Rooney will dictate those changes.
* Since we never got the snow the weather forecasters called for both the IUP men and women’s basketball teams got a few extra days of rest. They’ll each host Edinboro during a Monday matinee. If you haven’t had a chance to see either team you should. You might even be able to sneak out of work early to catch them in action. Just tell them Jack Benedict gave you permission.
* The Pens are probably glad to be home after their west coast road trip. The Penguins were just 2-3 on the trip and seemed to leave us with more questions than answers
after their inconsistent play. Coach Mike Sullivan sure didn’t seem pleased with how things went. He continues to be frustrated by all the odd-man rushes given up by his defense. He also has been puzzled by the play of Evgeni Malkin, who looks absolutely lost on the ice. When they’re good the Pens are one of the best teams in the league. On this trip, the Pens were far from their best.
* I enjoyed being part of the Pittsburgh Pirates radio affiliates seminar at Seven Springs last week. We had a chance to hear from Pirates team president Frank Coonelly and general manager Neal Huntington to get their thoughts on the upcoming season in an interesting panel discussion. We also heard from all of the team’s broadcasters. It’s always fun talking baseball with Greg Brown, Joe Block, Steve Blass, Bob Walk and John Wehner. Those guys really love the game and their Buccos. All five are really good on the air, and even better guys off the air. It’s always fun for me to talk about the great game of baseball with these five.
* Steve Blass announced last week that he will retire after the season, his 60th with the Pirates. Blass is a Pirates legend. I’ll never forget watching him pitch Game 7 of the 1971 World Series, a complete game victory. Blass actually won two games in the Series, but finished second in the MVP voting to the great Roberto Clemente, who put on a show that we still talk about all these years later. Blass will also be remembered for his many stories and fun he brought to the broadcast booth. He is a phenomenal storyteller. Blass was in rare form during the event at Seven Springs. Enjoy him while you can, Pirate fans.
* I hope Pirates fans in this area will join us this Thursday at the KCAC when the Pirates caravan returns to Indiana for the first time in several years. Renda Broadcasting is hosting the event along with our friends at Play Ball Sports. The night will include autographs, a question and answer period hosted by announcer Greg Brown and lots more. Come join us!
* Marty Brennaman, the legendary play by play man for the Cincinnati Reds also announced that the upcoming season will be his last in the booth. Marty is a Hall of Fame broadcaster and also one of the all-time great guys in the business. I have spent many a night listening to Marty call games on WLW in Cincinnati. I was even lucky enough to be invited to sit in the booth by Marty when he called a game at Three Rivers Stadium in the late 1970s. It was a heck of a thrill for the then college kid who wanted to get into broadcasting. Baseball will never be the same without the great Marty Brennaman.
