Now we know why they call it Wildcard Weekend. The first round of the NFL playoffs was as good as advertised. Count me among the many fans who are thrilled that the New England Patriots are done. I was very surprised that the Pats lost their regular season game at home against Miami, but fully expected them to bounce back against Tennessee. I give the Titans, led by former Patriots great Mike Vrabel, a ton of credit for going into Foxboro and beating the Pats. I’m not ready to say that New England’s dynasty is over. As long as Bill Belichick is calling the shots on the sidelines the Patriots will be in the mix. As for Tom Brady, who knows? Father Time is still undefeated. Brady will be 43 when next season starts. I believe Brady will not want to end his career like this. I expect him to continue his career and remain the quarterback of the Patriots. I’m old enough to remember Joe Namath and Johnny Unitas ending their careers in a different uniform. I don’t see Brady doing that, even if he is clearly near the end of the line.
· Houston’s win over Buffalo was another great game. The Texans had to rally from 16 down to beat the Bills in overtime. It was nice to see JJ Watt back on the field for Houston. He’s one of the NFL’s best when healthy.
· I feel for my many friends in Louisiana who live and die with the Saints. I covered that team for fourteen years and never saw them win a playoff game. The Saints season is over after their overtime loss to Minnesota. New Orleans has now had three devastating losses in a row. They fell in the Minnesota Miracle two years ago and were cheated out of a Super Bowl appearance when the officials cost them in their loss to the Rams last year. I think the Saints have a good gripe with the officials again this year. It was clearly offensive pass interference on the winning touchdown by Minnesota. But I knew there was no way the NFL would overturn the call and they didn’t. I also don’t like the NFL’s overtime rule, even though it’s been changed from in the past. For the life of me I will never understand why each team isn’t guaranteed a possession in overtime. It happened to the Saints in this game, and it’s even happened in a Super Bowl. I wish the NFL would change the rule.
· Indiana will be well represented in the FCS national championship game next Saturday. Jameson Madison faces North Dakota state in a matchup of two heavyweights. James Madison is coached by former IUP head coach Curt Cignetti. Two of his biggest players, and I mean that literally and figuratively, are the Stapleton brothers, Riley and Dylan. I happen to know all three of these guys and am really pulling for them. I first got to know Curt when he was an assistant at NC State where I sold their sports sponsorships. I saw Riley and Dylan up close while manning the sidelines on the Indiana high broadcasts. Frank Cignetti took IUP to two national championship games but fell short both times. I would be thrilled to see Curt win it all for the Cignetti family. And I would be equally elated if Riley and Dylan get to walk off the field together as national champions.
· Just one week until college football’s national championship game. More on that next week. My friends in Louisiana have been asking me if I can help them find tickets to the game in the Dome. Unfortunately, I can’t help this year. I still like LSU to beat Clemson for all the marbles. Just wish I would be there in person to see it.
· Somehow some way the Pens keep plugging along. It’s almost unbelievable that they now have to carry on without Jake Guentzel. His injury is a real kick in the groin to a team that has had more injuries this year than I can remember a team having. Guentzel is special and will be missed. Hopefully he’s back for the playoffs.
· Renda Broadcasting is pleased to bring back the Pittsburgh Pirates to Indiana. The Pirates Caravan returns to the KCAC on January 22nd. The Buccos will bring some of their players and coaches. Play Ball Sports will again be our presenting sponsor. Once again we’ll have an informative question and answer period and autograph session. Plus, the IUP baseball and softball teams will assist with clinics. I hope you will join us again for this fun event for the entire family.
