But I was right about it being close and relatively low-scoring (23-19). In the end, I guess X-factor Dinwiddie can be scapegoated for his < 50% completion rate and giving up three interceptions.

It wasn’t actually a very exciting game to watch. I like high-octane offensive plays and teams trading scores. This Grey Cup was a testament to the old sports adage: defence wins championships. Well, special teams played a big part too. But neither QB had a good game. Kerry Joseph just gets to celebrate anyhow.

It’s pretty impressive that Johnson got all three interceptions, especially that one he ran back for a TD. Definitely deserving of MVP honours, particularly in a game where nobody really stood out offensively.

Anyhow, well, this should give those Calgarian members of Rider Nation something extra to cheer about next time they descend upon McMahon Stadium with their watermelons. Not that they really needed the encouragement…

Oh, final thought: Lenny Kravitz put on a pretty good halftime show. I’ve never been a huge Kravitz fan, because too many of his lyrical rhyming schemes are absolutely atrocious. “I wish that I could fly / Into the sky / So very high“. Seriously, what is this, grade 6 poetry class? :P

The man can definitely rock out on a guitar though. He just needs to stop writing his own lyrics…

But hey, American Woman* is classic. Especially for Canadians, haha.

* – It should be noted that it’s a Guess Who cover…

sparkle someone else’s eyes

(Like, who do I think I am, Chris Schultz?)

Well, first off, much to my chagrin the Stamps are not in this game, after losing the Western Semi (again). *Sigh* Not that I honestly expected Calgary to make it this far, but still, it’s disappointing. Maybe next year…

Anyhow, next season can wait. For now, let’s talk about today.

I’m kinda glad the Roughriders are in this. For one, it’s easier to bear your own team’s loss if their opponent ends up beating the next team too. Besides, it was an upset for B.C. to lose, and those sports fans in Saskatchewan deserve a break. After all, it’s not like they have much else to cheer for. Curling? C’mon.

The Riders are the obvious favourites coming into this game, and rightly so. I think about 80%+ of the TSN experts predicted a Saskatchewan victory. The biggest factor here is obviously having their main man at QB, league outstanding player and all-star Kerry Joseph. Their receiving corps is also doing pretty good right now, with Flick and Fantuz both very capable. I kinda wonder if RB Cates is fully healthy, although he’ll play… if he gets injured in the game it could possibly changes things.

For the Bluebombers, the big question is clearly the mysterious Ryan Dinwiddie. If he loses this game, it’ll be blamed on his inexperience. If he wins, it’ll definitely be impressive. Of course, Winnipeg could try to win the game without using Dinwiddie too much, and just run the ball a lot with Roberts. But then again, with their receiving top trio being good enough to help him out a lot, Dinwiddie might be able to get away with a few mistakes and still make big plays.

Defensively, the Bombers probably have the advantage. But without their starting QB, they might be contained, thus giving the Riders’ D the upper hand.

Of course, there’s always this photo to consider:

I mean, if the Dalai Lama wishes you victory…

I just hope it’s a good game. If Saskatchewan wins, I’ll tilt my hat to their fans, who admittedly are probably among the most dedicated in the country and kinda deserve another championship. (I attribute this to them not having much else to be excited about…) If Winnipeg wins, I think it’d make for a great sports story – untested QB comes in for the big game and wins.

Personally, I predict a close, relatively low-scoring game, with the Bombers winning by 7. Just because I love a good sports story.

everyone feels happy in a way they can’t explain today

Green Bay

Favre was huge in the Green Bay victory over Detroit, with 20 consecutive completions and 3 TDs – which is what I’d call a really, really good game. I’m pretty impressed that Favre is having such a great season and leading the Packers to serious Super Bowl contention. When I watch him play, I often think he makes really sketchy decisions, but then he’ll turn right around and be awesome. This season has definitely been more of the awesome.

I wouldn’t mind a cheesehead championship this year, with Favre being the Brady-slaying, perfect season spoiler. Of course, I’d also like to see a team go undefeated, because that would just be epic. Even if it’s the Patriots. What can I say, my NFL loyalties are fickle – I like high-powered, pass-dominated offensive teams that are exciting to watch. Preferably ones with some admirable main characters, of which Favre would certainly be one. Heh, case in point, this quote after the game:

“I threw it. They caught it. Nothing spectacular.”
- Favre

Ya, he’s the man. Scruffy grey beard and all.

Dallas

Interestingly enough, the Packers will next face the similarly 10-1 Cowboys, who sent the Jets crashing to the ground tonight in a one-sided game. Opening-drive TDs and interceptions returned for a score from halfway down the field are generally a sign of one team’s dominance. And what a game to do it in, as the Romo to Owens score late in the game ties a franchise record that he’ll almost certainly break next game. I’m definitely planning to watch the upcoming NFC showdown next week. Should be a good one.

Indy

Finally, Manning and the Colts overcame what looked like possible disaster, and avoided a third loss on the season by beating the oh-we-wish-we-still-had-Vick Falcons. I’m a Peyton fan, he’s an amazing player and seems like an all-around classy guy. His triple TDs tonight ensured that Indy is still a powerhouse team with an almost inevitable playoff date with destiny. Whether or not they can actually win that big playoff game is a big question – right now I’d say the Colts are looking like the 4th best team in the league, and they’re going to have to do better than that to beat the Patriots. Because we totally know that rematch is happening, again.

give a little love to get a little love