Super Sunday Slog: More Previews and Hall Of Fame

Ah...here we are.  We have finally reached the pinnacle of the NFL season.  Despite a bad economy and potential labor strife, The NFL had a very exciting and successful season in 2009.  We had two teams stay undefeated together at historically long stretches.  And now these two meet in the Super Bowl!

The Manning family has an interesting intersection for this year's Super Bowl because of papa Manning.  Archie Manning played for the Saints from 1970-82.  Peyton now will be playing against his daddy's team in the biggest game of all. Archie was very clear this week who his rooting interest will be (the Colts).

Something else interesting was said this week as former Colt coach Tony Dungy said the Colts would win easily.  I'm a little surprised Dungy would say this publicly, but I suppose in some ways, this is his team and I'm sure he still feels that connection in retirement....

I have already made my prediction and I'm sticking by it: Colts 35-31.  A sick part of me hopes this goes to overtime, so the world could see how absurd the NFL's overtime rules are.

Interesting law and order issues this week-featuring former University of Miami players (and the Game is being played in Miami by the way). Michael Irvin was charged with rape and Warren Sapp was charged with domestic violence.  Real winners we have here and, incidentally, both have lost their football related jobs (although I think Irvin still has one of them at this point; he lost his espn radio gig)

The Hall Of Fame inductees were announced and we have a big class this year.  I think the induction ceremony will last as long as the pre Super Bowl game day hype.  No less than seven players will be inducted in Canton, Ohio this summer.  As expected,  Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice are in. For the veterans group, Dick LeBeau and Floyd Little will be inducted.  For the other three, I was very surprised, as Rickey Jackson, Russ Grimm and John Randle were all elected.  I'm somewhat shocked that one of Cris Carter, Tim Brown or Andre Reed were not elected.  Could we have a repeat similar to Art Monk??  And for defense, I thought Richard Dent would have been elected, but I was wrong about that too...

Depending on mood, I will attempt a live blog for the game tonight, as I will use the commercials for my post writing.  Otherwise, enjoy the game!!

JP