I haven't been following the NFL playoffs as much as I have in the past; I just haven't desired to spend my "husband points" watching three hours of football, especially as the Lions have stunk up the joint as of late. Not that I don't keep tabs on what's happening, but I don't have a rooting interest or much of an interest in rooting.
However, everyone (or almost everyone) starts to pay attention when the Super Bowl arrives. As is the tradition, Roman numerals are used; the 40th Super Bowl is XL; but then everything about most Super Bowls are super-sized and super-hyped. I still remember Duane Thomas' contrarian quip from the 70s-"If it is the ultimate game, how come they are going to play it next year?"
Seattle is the NFC rep. They quietly grabbed the best NFC record in the regular season, and took care of business at home.
There's something that doesn't quite ring right with the Seahawks; part of it their being an AFC team before coming over to the NFC a few years ago. It reminds me a bit of Penn State being in the Rose Bowl; you understand that they're in the conference, but it still doesn't seem right.
However, they do have Mike Holmgren running things; this will make two teams he's coached to the Super Bowl, putting him in an elite crowd. Shula and Vermeil are the two that come quickly to mind that also took two teams to a Super Bowl; IIRC, the Tuna left New England before joining that club.
Pittsburgh is the AFC rep, doing it the hard way with three road wins. I remember the last team to do that was the 1985 Patriots; they called it "the Victory tour" after the Jackson brother's 1984 vehicle. Of course, they got steamrollered by da Bears in SB XX.
The Steelers likely won't meet that fate. They have a solid club that was better than their record, and have Jerome Bettis coming to close out his career in his hometown of Detroit. They'll be the sentimental favorite if not the betting favorite. If only to be in solidarity with Kevin, I'll be rooting for them.
Real Men Wear Black.
Go Steelers!
Posted by: William Sulik | January 23, 2006 at 05:49 PM
Steelers all the way
Posted by: "davie d" | January 24, 2006 at 09:43 AM