Brady, Pats, treat Ravens like patsies!

I know the Baltimore Ravens have been an up-and-down roller-coaster ride of a team all season long after winning last season’s Super Bowl title, but I’m still surprised at the ease with which Tom Brady and the New England Patriots laid the smack down on Baltimore in what was a virtual must-win game for the defending champs.

The Pats treated the inconsistent Ravens like an afterthought in their emphatic 41-7 Week 16 blowout, leaving no doubt in my mind that the Ravens rare nothing more than mere patsies this season whether they reach the postseason or not. 

Harbaugh right about Patriots titles!

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh
says New England's Super Bowl titles are tainted.

I’m sick and tired of people from all walks of life, letting their true feelings be known – only to try and take it all back once they receive a wave of negative public backlash.

Such is the case with Baltimore Ravens head cach John Harbaugh, who came out last week and said the New England Patriots’ three Super Bowl titles are “tainted” because of their infamous Spygate scandal that came to light back in 2007.

The sad part in all of this is the fact that Harbaugh apparently feels pressured into taking back what he said about the Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick – even though he is 100 percent spot on with his comments about how the Pats are viewed in the court of public opinion.

Harbaugh made his comments in an interview on a Baltimore radio station.

"In the end, everything is brought before the light of day, when it's all said and done," Harbaugh said on "98 Rock" in Baltimore. "What happens, even the thing in New England, no matter whether those things had any impact on whether they won their championships or not, they got asterisks now. It's been stained.

"To me, it's never worth it. You have to figure out ways to use the rules to your advantage; you have to figure out ways to make the most of everything. We have new work rules here as far as what we can do and what we can't do with our players, and we're going to make the most of it. What we're finding is, 'Man, maybe we can do some things even better than we did before, because these rules make us focus more on some things that we didn't focus on before.' You just have to make them work for you. That's what success is in the world. You have to find a way to do things better than somebody else. But if you're cheating, in the end, you're going to get discredited. It's not worth it."

Later that day, Harbaugh tried to clean up his comments in a statement released by the Ravens.

"While on the 98 Rock show this morning to talk about the run to honor O.J. Brigance and raise funds for ALS research, I answered a question about playing within the rules and referred to the perception that the Super Bowl championships won by the Patriots and Saints have a stain. My reference was to the perception out there that came as the result of the league's actions," Harbaugh said in the statement.

"I could have been more clear that I was referring to those viewpoints. I totally believe that the Patriot and Saint coaches and players earned those championships. Bill [Belichick] and Sean [Payton] both know that."

Nice try John, but the fact of the matter is that most NFL fans, that aren’t loyal followers of the Patriots, already believe every single word you said – even though they didn’t have to be said.

Like I’ve always said since the incident took place five years ago, just think, ‘the Patriots won all three of their Super Bowl titles by an identical three points. If they gained an advantage for even one play because of their ability to ‘know’ the play or plays their opponents were going to run, then their cheating ways worked like a charm.

I see no need for anyone to bite their tongue on this issue. It’s pretty clear to me that John Harbaugh is right … no matter what transpires for the Patriots, Tom  Brady and Bill Belichick from here on out, their three Super Bowl titles will always be viewed with a ton of skepticism because of the events surrounding Spygate – and in the end, maybe that’s just what Belichick and the Pats deserve…an ‘unwritten’ asterisk next to their league titles.

R.I.P Junior Seau

          Former NFL linebacker junior Seau was a one-of-a-kind 

          player - and person - according to those that knew him best.

I don’t know whether or not Junior Seau’s suicide has anything to do with all of the years he played football or not, but what I do know is that he will be severely missed by millions of folks across the country, including the Eye On Sports staff of one.

Seau was truly an elite, Hall of Fame linebacker on the field and a gentle giant off of it, despite the alleged demons he faced in his personal life.

It is not my place – or anyone else’s for that matter – to judge how another person did or did not live their personal life and I have nothing but sympathy and compassion in my heart for Seau and both, his immediate and extended family members.

In closing, let me just say that should it turn out that Seau’s suicide was fueled by degenerative brain issues caused from playing in the NFL, the league had better start installing even more protective player rule changes, whether hard core fans like myself like them or not. 

Last but not least, I’ve got to share one of my favorite sports memories of all-time. One of the best signs I ever saw at any professional sporting event came one day when the San Diego Chargers were playing some opponent that I can’t remember any longer when I saw a sign that read, ‘Junior Makes You Say Ow!’.

Needless to say, not only was it a clever play on his last name, but more importantly, it was absolutely true…Junior did make opponents say ow!

Manning to Broncos doesn’t ensure anything!

Baltimore middle linebacker Ray Lewis.

Maybe it’s me Eye On Sports NFL football lovers, but I’m just not a huge believer that Peyton Manning is instantly going to turn the Denver Broncos into a legitimate Super Bowl title contender.

Yes, I know that playing in the mediocre AFC West will give him a chance to lead Denver to a division title and playoff berth every season, but I say it still doesn’t guarantee the Broncos much of anything – mostly because they’ll be trying to get past a trio of ‘better’ teams in New England, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu.

Besides, the aforementioned trio I also expect Houston and Cincinnati to be better than the Broncos moving forward into the next couple of seasons, with both teams having excellent defenses and very solid quarterbacks.

Hell, you also never know what the AFC West is going to bring each season – as Kansas City, San Diego and Oakland are all teams that could challenge for the division title.

While Peyton Manning signing with the Denver Broncos does make them a lot better on offense than they were a year ago, it certainly doesn’t ensure them of winning the AFC or a Super Bowl title. As a matter of fact, I believe Denver will be hard-pressed to win the AFC each and every season Manning remains with the Broncos.

Manning to suit up for Denver Broncos!

Peyton Manning (L) is in while Tim Tebow (R) is out!

The Denver Broncos officially landed future Hall of Fame inductee Petyon Manning on Tuesday by reaching an agreement on a five-year, $96 million contract with the beloved signal-caller that they hope puts the franchise back into perennial Super Bowl title contention.

The Broncos will now look to move blossoming young quarterback Tim Tebow, less than one season after the polarizing signal-caller led the team to a surprising playoff berth – and victory over the defending conference champion Steelers.

By all accounts, it was the influence of former franchise quarterback John Elway, now the team’s vice president of football operations that sealed the deal for Denver.

Manning will turn 36-years-old in just a few days and will look to rebound after missing the entire 2011 NFL season because of multiple neck operations, making him expendable to his former the rebuilding Indianapolis Colts.

It’s a Brees … but not for screwed-up Saints

The New Orleans Saints need to sign 

franchise quarterback Drew Brees 

to a long-term deal - immediately.

You know Eye On Sports NFL fans, some things in life are so simple that they require absolutely no thinking whatsoever.

Of course, I always say that sports mirrors everyday life in myriad facets and one of the age-old truths is that, when you have a true, Hall of Fame-caliber superstar that is equally as phenomenal off the playing field as on it, that you give him whatever he wants to remain the face of your franchise until he decides to call it quits.

Having said that pro football followers, it’s clear that the New Orleans Saints are absolutely ludicrous – and no – I’m not talking about their insane bounty-laden locker room.

I’m talking about the fact that the Saints want to keep pinching pennies when it comes to paying franchise-quarterback Drew Brees what he rightfully deserves.

When it comes to NFL quarterbacks, Brees is easily one of the top three signal-callers in the game today, joining the ranks of Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady as the game’s best triumvirate. Paying Brees an average of what Brady and soon-to-be-former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning make, is an absolute no-brainer, that the Saints should have taken care of a long time ago.

Now, they’ve used their franchise tag on Brees and he will make an average of about $16 million per season if he signs the deal. If not, he will hold out fr more money – and money I say he rightfully deserves after leading the formerly sad-sack franchise to its first Super Bowl title just a couple of years ago.

Now, in addition to having a mountain of bounty-related issues swirling about, the Saints have angered their team and community leader – and that was just ludicrous of GM Mickey Loomis and owner Tom Benson.

If the Saints don’t win more than eight or nine games in 2012, then don’t be surprised!

Harrison’s Right for a Change!

It’s not often that I agree with anything that comes out of the mouth of idiotic Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker

James Harrison, the NFL’s biggest bi**h – but as sad as it is to admit, I agree with Harrison’s feelings on the New England Patriots.

Shortly after (like, immediately) the New England Patriots lost to the New York Giants 21-17 in the Super Bowl 46 this past Sunday, Harrison made the following post on Twitter.

"Told you, cheaters never win!!!!!!!!!" 

After picking myself up off the floor from laughing so hard – all I can say is – good going James. I – and a whole lot of other people – share your feelings on the Pats wholeheartedly, including teammate Ryan Clark.

The Steelers’ talented safety added his own Tweet, saying, "0-2 [in Super Bowls] post spy gate! Just saying!!"

After receiving some criticism shortly after his post, Harrison followed up by adding, "Lol, I'm sorry I couldn't help it!!!" "Come on people love or hate me more!" 

Me, I’, choosing to love James on this one!

How about you Eye On Sports football fans?

Are the Patriots  bunch of cheaters – or should we just forget their past indiscretions?

Let me know one way or the other!

Karma’s A Bi**h Bill!

New England Patriots head coach
Bill Belichick got a big dose of karma
after cutting reserve wide receiver
Tiquan Underwood on the
eve of Super Bowl XLVI.  

It’s pretty funny how I just wrote about how wrong New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was for cutting reserve wide receiver Tiquan Underwood just 24 hours before the biggest game of his life in order to add defensive lineman Alex Silvestro from the team’s practice squad.

The only problem with Belichick’s nonsensical plan – and one that many, including myself expected – was that neither Underwood – or his replacement – Silvestro – would even see the playing field and sure enough, Silvestro never got in the game. Only two Patriots defenders didn't play in Super Bowl 46 and Silvestro was one of them.

To make a long story short Eye On Sports readers, Tiquan Underwood was released for absolutely nothing – and mostly because Bill Belichick had to show the world just how ‘ingenious’ he is.

Some random comments from around the Internet generally agree that Bellichick was wrong – and foolish for making the late switch.

Travis from Mississauga, Canada

Why not cut him last week ? You let him practice all week, fly his people in, go thru all the festivities to cut him the eve of ? I'm sorry you don't conduct business like that.... Let that man have some dignity... Very embarrassing

Luv1138 from Irvine, California

Messed up. Why hours before SB 46? The guy must be devastated. Good luck Underwood, I wish you the best.

22Thumbs UpThumbs Down1 from New York, New York

And couldn't they have just cut OchoStinko instead? He's the least useful player on the roster.

Jason from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The hell with Bill, he has never shown any class and cutting someone the night before is uncalled for. They had 2 weeks to figure it out, so either the Pats are way behind on their planning for the game or the coach is an #$%$ clown!

Travis from Las Vegas, Nevada

That's cold blooded Belichick. That's embarrassing not only to the player but his family.

Needless to say, maybe Belichick’s thinking about karma today!

Manningham’s Da’ Man!

 Giants' wide receiver Mario 

Manningham made a likely, 

game-saving catch late in the fourth quarter.

Four years ago, it was David Tyree making the catch of a lifetime to help the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII in one of the most thrilling Super Bowl contests in recent memory.

Manningham's catch will be
remembered for years to come.

On Sunday night, it was Mario Manningham playing the role of ‘Super Mario’ in making a huge, likely, game-saving 38-yard catch that came with 3:39 left in the fourth quarter and the Giants facing a two-point deficit on their own 12 yard-line, trailing by two points.

Quarterback Eli Manning threading the needle between two defenders to find Manningham deep along the left sideline and complete a play that turned out to be the longest play in Super Bowl XLVI.

"I knew I had to freeze my feet when the ball touched my fingertips," Manningham said. "Wherever I was at when the ball hit my fingertips, I just froze my feet and fell. I knew I was either going to get hit or hit the ground. I knew something was going to happen, but I knew that I couldn't let that ball go."

Manningham didn’t let go of the ball and now, he and his improbable catch are both a part of NFL Super Bowl lore.

"Words can't explain this,"  Manningham said. "Thank God I had great footwork and thank God for Eli's arm."

I Told You So!

Okay Eye On Sports football junkies, I hate to toot my own horn, but … I told you so!

 

If you played my money-making NFL title game picks this weekend at sportscapping.com, then you’re undoubtedly one happy camper, seeing as how I nailed both games to a tee, predicting three-point outcomes in each contest to boot.

Having said that, I can’t wait for this year’s Super Bowl rematch between the New York Giants and New England Patriots – and I’ve got a red-hot Super Bowl pick that will be forthcoming in the next day or two at best.

Tebow Learning the Hard Way!

Not since Jesus Christ himself walked the earth has one man caused so many people to get on one bended knee, but young Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow clearly has a lot to learn if he ever wants to become a successful passer in the NFL. Right now, Tebow’s shortcomings as a passer are quite evident. Still, I’m not putting anything past this kid, who is arguably the best role model for young athletes, nit just in the NFL, but in all of professional sports.

Patriots to Build on Dynasty?

Just like another Eye On Sports post that says the San Francisco 49ers look like they could very well win the NFC this season, I genuinely believe the same applies to the New England Patriots after seeing them demolish Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos 45-10 in their AFC divisional win on Saturday. Tom Brady and company looked like they’re going to be hard to stop – even against the Baltimore Ravens' stout defense.

Brady, Pats in Driver's Seat in AFC East

AFC East
After seeing Tom Brady and the New England Patriots dismantle the Philadelphia Eagles this past weekend, I’m back to believing they could potentially represent the AFC in this season’s Super Bowl. Then again, the Eagles are a pitiful team with no direction, so maybe this last game isn’t a very good measuring stick.

The New York Jets got a huge win by squeaking past the reeling Buffalo Bills this past weekend, but I’m going on record right now to say the J-E-T-S will not reach the AFC title game for the third straight season the way this teams offense – and quarterback Mark Sanchez – have looked this season.

The Miami Dolphins have played hard all season long for head coach Tony Sparano after getting off to an ugly start this season, but hey let’s keep it real and admit that there is no way in hell that Sparano is invited back for another season.

Talk about coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb! The Buffalo Bills had the look of a legitimate AFC playoff team through a half-dozen games this season. Unfortunately for Bills fans everywhere, Buffalo has reverted back to its formerly consistent losing ways ever since then.