At the risk of sounding like I'm trolling you all, I will say this anyway.......

On my flight back from Chicago a couple of weeks ago, the guy sitting next to me was former Raider great linebacker Phil Villapiano (77 Super Bowl team). What a character. He was going to a celebrity golf torny in Monterrey.

Anyway, I asked him who he thought would be in the Super Bowl. He said it was wide open, but we could see an all Missouri Super Bowl. His buddy was a guy from the Giants that I didn't know. That guy thought that the Rams offense would have a hard time in Philly if it were cold.

It was interesting how Villapiano still hated the Steelers a lot.

I asked him what he thought of the Keyshawn Johnson situation. He said "Man, would I love to tackle THAT guy."

Also, I asked him if the Raiders were the first NFL team to use the 3-4 as a base defense. He said no, it was Denver. After the Raiders saw what it did to their offense, and the DL injuries, they adopted it next.

Damn, Phil Villapiano was one of the guys who defined the 3-4 Outside Linebacker position.

He didn't start talking to me until his laptop battery went dead. The movie was terrible. So, we were both glad to have a good conversation to get us thru the rest of the flight.

Are you sure you're a girl? We have a lot of trannys around.

UT, you're gonna scare the poor girl. But I like a woman that can talk football. That's why I love Rhoda so much. :joylove:

Keyshawn Johnson is a fucking liability. He's a good player, but he runs his mouth too damned much...and doesn't always live up to his own hype. Terrell Owens and Randy Moss are also in this vein. Owens and Johnson will probably not get their true value in the free agent market this winter, though I could see either of them winding up in St. Louis next year.

St. Louis seems to have a calming effect on sports figures--I present Kyle Turley (Rams) and Scott Rolen (Cardinals) as examples of headcases that have mellowed since moving to a St. Louis sports team. For that matter, you could throw in Keith Tkachuk (Blues) too, though he's mellowed as a whole since the '98 Olympics.

You do? Well, that explains a lot about Wolf. :3eye:

Wolf is all woman. In fact, far more woman than most of us can handle, I think. I have enormous respect for her because of this, and for Slang, as well...

This is one of the great things about The Cellar. We have women here who talk football, appreciate firearms, are willing to talk about piercings and other oddities...

This is a special place for both the gents and the ladies.

No, it doesn't.

I'm original equipment.

And straight.

uh, I think that slang is a boy, but I can't say for sure if he's too much woman for you to handle......


And I think I know his real name, too. Definately not a girl's name.


oh, you meant, that slang can handle wolf.....I didn;t know there was somthing going on there.

Yes, he's Permitted.

I think the most intriguing potential SB would be Colts v Packers. The changing of the guard as top NFL QB. That would be fun to watch.

Three out of four ain't bad.

My NFC picks stand. As for the AFC, since there are different matchups, I'll revise:

Indianapolis over Kansas City: Can I vote for a tie and some obscure NFL by-law that'd eliminate both teams? There are two AFC teams I wouldn't mind watching in the Super Bowl, and these aren't them.

I'll go with Indy, only because (a) I really don't like Kansas City and (b) if someone tells Indy's defense "To win, you'll have to shut down the offensive juggernaut that is Trent Green," they'll respond "Sure."

New England over Tennessee: I like the Titans a lot, but they're awfully banged up and that's got to come out somewhere. I think it'll be close, at least.

How impressive was Peyton Manning Sunday? That boy has a cannon for an arm! I was all happy watching Indy kick the livin doggie doo outta Denver until they started doing their little taunting dance during kickoffs. I hate that stuff. Makes me mad. I hated it when the Rams did their little end zone dance during the 99 Super Bowl run too. Not too professional. Hey, here's a thought, why don't you act like you've been there before?

One of the greatest joys of having Marcus Allen finish his career here in KC was the sheer, pure class of the man. He would make one of the most amazing touchdown runs I've ever seen, then simply trot over to the Ref and hand him the ball. No frigging dancing, no finger pointing, no jumping up and down and acting like he was the greatest thing since Jehovah decided to rape Mary.

They don't make 'em like Marcus any more. What the hell ever happened to humility?

i dont mind the dancing as much as the guys like james thrash who have to point at the sky and thank jesus for an 8 yard reception. gimme a break.

The humils died out because they couldn't get the girls.

I didn't see anything wrong with the Rams' Bob-n-Weave...it's not like they were taunting anybody, pulling Sharpies out of their sock, pulling cell phones out, or running to the middle of the opposing team's field. It was fun...and you don't see any other teams really doing that anymore.

If I were James Thrash, I'd probably give praise every time I caught a ball, too: A so-so receiver who attended a Div II school and now plays for one of the best teams in the NFL.

Wolf reminds me of one of my best friends growing up--Holly. Holly was the only gal in our group, out of the 8 or 9 of us regulars. She was all woman, but could easily hold her own with the guys. And Lord knows we gave her more than enough shit. :)

Yes. The performance speaks for itself. Leave the Sharpies and Cell Phones at home, boyz. Go for spontaneous celebration with your teammates; you didn't do it all by yourself.

Yep. The conservative pundants complain about liberal musicians and how they should just "Shut up and sing". Well, same goes for religious players: "Shut up and play".

The game is your employer's stage; you are paid to perform, not to steal a piece of the stage for your own politics, whatever that may be.

I think the reason you don't see it anymore is because the No Fun League made it illegal in 2000 to stop the Rams from doing it. You make a good point about it being better than some of the other things, but I still saw it as taunting the other team. For the record, I still live in St. Louis and am a Rams fan.

Joe Gibbs going back to coach the Redskins?!

Are you fucking serious?!

Jesus...that almost makes me want to like the Redskins again...except there's that whole Dan Snyder thing...

i used to hate him...and theisman...and riggs. since spurrier and turner have had the helm, they've been such a non factor, that the nfc east was a bit boring. i welcome him back, and just hope he hasn't lost what he had that made him so good. now if the Gints could get their shit together, the nfc east could be a whole lot of fun.

does he still do the race car thing?

Yes...from the Washington Post:

"But rest assured, I remain personally committed to Joe Gibbs Racing and each and every sponsor who supports the many employees of Joe Gibbs Racing."

I have just witnessed one of the most bizarre football games ever...

The Rams offense was good...except in the red zone. Couldn't score touchdowns. The Rams then took a page from the Baltimore Ravens playbook of old and were leading on field goals.

Carolina was running all over the place. Stephen Davis gets hurt. No problem...they use DeShaun Foster and Nick Goings. The Panthers make incredibly stupid mistakes...at one point, it's 1st and 35 for them. But the Rams can't get the ball into the end zone...and Bulger throws 2 interceptions. After a few lead changes on field goals, the Panthers score a TD. With just over 4 minutes left in the game, the Panthers are up by 11.

Suddenly, Marshall Faulk wills the Rams back to life. Finally, they score a touchdown. 23-20, Panthers, with 2 1/2 minutes left.

Jeff Wilkins makes an onside kick...and recovers it himself. The Rams get down to the Panthers 15 yard line with 23 seconds and one time out left. But Martz lets the clock run down to 3 seconds before calling a time out. Wilkins's kick is good. 23-23...we're going into overtime.

Panthers move the ball down to the Rams 21 yard line. They get pushed back a yard, and send John Kasay out to attempt a 40-yard field goal.

Delay of game on the Panthers. 5 yard penalty. After a couple of attempts to get more yardage, Kasay goes back on the field to attempt a 45-yard field goal.

Wide right.

Rams get the ball back and march down to the Panthers 35 yard line. Jeff Wilkins comes out to attempt a 53-yard field goal.

Just short.

Panthers get the ball back, but wind up punting in the end. Rams get the ball back and move it down to the Panthers 35 yard line. Bulger attempts to pass to Big Game Torry Holt...

Interception. After a couple of attempts by the Panthers to move the ball, the 1st overtime quarter is over.

The first play of the second overtime quarter: a 69-yard pass by Jake Delhomme to Steve Smith. Panthers 29, Rams 23.

My hopes for 2004:

--Mike Martz is fired...he's crazy.
--Marc Bulger is traded.
--Kurt Warner is given one more shot to return to his former glory.
--Lovie Smith stays in St. Louis and is named head coach.

At least now, I can root for the Eagles again...

My hearts throbbing.

I just knew that the Titans are the best team we have faced, all year.

Colts, no.... Chiefs, no .... You need to find some "D"

So, let me figure this out:

Next week is for the AFC Championship - and a trip to the Super Bowl.

Bring it on!

Go Pats!!!!!

I think what's good about Gibbs taking over is that "Dan from Bethesda" has finally found an owner that he can kowtow to. And I mean that in a good way.

Dan Snyder has finally found an owner that he can disagree with and accept it. THAT is what is different about Gibbs versus the other coaches Snyder hired. Snyder actually trusts Gibbs.

You hope...I still wouldn't trust Snyder any further than I can throw him.

The Chiefs should be expecting a very nice Xmas card from the Colts next year. They gift wrapped the game today and handed it to them.

Yep...the Chiefs' D just couldn't stop 'em.

First-down Freddie comes through on 4th and 26... Favre makes the worst decision of his entire life... Akers misses a close one in the wind and makes up for it with the game-tying FG AND the game-winning FG...

THIS is the team of destiny.

The Eagles will be sending Brett Favre lots of thank you cards this week. The Eagles found their game towards the end of the fourth quarter, but Favre's airball in OT made it possible for Akers's game-winning FG.

Bring on the Panthers!

"Why no Philadelphia Eagles, YOU go to the NFC Championship game. I INSIST." - Brett Favre.

That's it. Irrefutable proof that this season, the Eagles have initiated the largest systemized bribery ring in NFL history. Refs, Brian Mitchell, and now Favre.

Granted, the Eagles got lucky tonight...and have been fortunate in that they've weathered a so-so offense and a beat-up defense...but they're not THAT lucky. They're a good team. Good enough to beat Carolina next Sunday night.

Fourteen minutes in between my post and Syc's newest one...I suppose that's enough time to confirm that the check cleared.

Hmm...

I know...you're just mad b/c you're not getting the free cheesesteak I offered you at the beginning of the season.

I believe that Favre just made an abrupt on-the-field decision to change careers and cash out his pension plan. Not that I'm complaining, but QBs for Central Bucks West wouldn't have made that throw.

If the Eagles lose to Carolina, expect a razor-blade shortage in the Philly area, because _nobody_ will be able to handle it. ;)

I blame the Green Bay coaches for handing the game to the Eagles. The way the game was progressing, they should have continued to hammer Green down the Eagles' throats.

I believe that yesterday's game was a bit of social concern in the NFL, and that Favre and his coaches were very desirous of a black quarterback to do well. ;)

/fat gasbag

I still say that the Chiefs are the best half of a football team in the NFL.

But there won't be a Chiefs/Rams SuperBowl this year. :(

I want a Colts-Panthers SB. The Colts, because I picked them to win the thing, and the Panthers, because my faith in God's existence can only take so many body blows.

That was an ugly ugly game. Carolina was solid though, and they deserve that trip to Houston.

Nah. Nothing's proven. The Eagles just suck ass.

At least my sister, who lives in Rhode Island, will be spared the difficult decision of who to root for ...

Two teams I like facing each other in the Super Bowl... I must be living right. It's only happened a handful of times since the late seventies, which is when I started watching the game, and I had a stretch of nearly 20 consecutive years where the team I wanted to win the Super Bowl _always_ lost. XXXI (Green Bay - New England in '97) was the first time I didn't have an active rooting interest -- i.e. I didn't have a motherfucking Cowboys, Giants, motherfucking Raiders, Redskins, motherfucking 49ers or Steelers to root against.

'86 doesn't really count, because even the Patriots knew they didn't belong on the field against the Bears that year...

I'm actually getting excited this year. If the Pats and the Panthers bring the game they brought yesterday, we might actually see the first good Super Bowl since XXV (Giants-Bills).

Think about it. Tell me when, since XXV, there's been a Super Bowl that hasn't been decided by halftime. Hell, I'll be generous, decided before the fourth quarter.

the rams/titans wasn;t exciting? what was that 3 inches on the last play of the game?

I can't answer that, as that was the Super Bowl I didn't watch due to lack of someone to watch with and lack of interest in the outcome of the game.

No disrespect to those that like those teams/that game, I just heard "St. Louis Rams against the Tennessee Titans" and couldn't get excited over it.

Who the hell EVER watches it for the game? It's probably the worst football of the year.

It's all about the commercials!

Understandable. As stated, in the last 13 games, there's been only one (possibly two, I'ma check out that Titans/Rams one now) good one.

However...hope springs eternal.

Super Bowl 34 was a fantastic battle won only by a Mike Jones tackle and a sweet Isaac Bruce reception. Go check your history, fool!

Ya know, I'm glad that Carolina made the Super Bowl, since it's their first ever trip. But I could care less who wins at this point.

The following is an article posted in the Charolette Observer that a friend in North Carolina sent to me yesterday in an email. I could not verify it since you are required to log on and I was to lazy to do so. Since I am aware that there are many here from the Philly area, I include it for your amusement.

Posted on Tue, Jan. 20, 2004

COMMENTARY
Philly fans let the bad apples ruin the bunch
TOM SORENSEN


PHILADELPHIA - When their team loses, some people look at the sky and blame the Sports God. There is no Sports God. There is only a Sports Deity.

He is not affiliated with a particular religion. He works free-lance. His role is to favor those who deserve it and punish those who don't.

This explains why Philadelphia never wins anything.

Philadelphia doesn't deserve a championship in any of the major sports or hockey. I keep hearing about the long-suffering fans who give their hearts and souls to their team, and I kind of feel for them.

But the good fans allowed the bad fans to turn the Carolina Panthers' lopsided 14-3 victory at Lincoln Financial Field into White Trash on Sunday night.

I don't like to stereotype. Not every fan at the NFC championship was bitter. Perhaps no more than one in five was.

My wife, Sharon, sat with three other Panthers fans in a $105 (face value) seat. She had entire cups of beer thrown at her. Fans spit on her. And the only manifestation of her allegiance was her toes, which were painted blue and black and covered with layers of socks, foot-warmers and shoes.

Behind her sat a man who dared wear a Panthers cap. Before the game, an Eagles fan asked him what right he had to be at the stadium. The fan was serious.

Late in the game, a guy who had been taunting the Carolina fans, a skinny guy, hopped the security fence he had been standing behind, sprinted down the stairs, slapped the man in the Panthers cap in the back of the head and sprinted back up the stairs. It was a classic hit and run, something with which to amuse friends and family for years. Wait until the guy's parents find out.

So what you're telling me, son, is that you ran up, whacked him and ran off? We always knew you'd amount to something. The only thing that would make us prouder would be if you stopped spending your money, ours actually, on all things Eagles and get a job and perhaps an apartment.

The idea presumably was to entice the Panthers fan to chase the guy back over the fence, where friends waited. Security men tackled the whack-and-run guy before he could return to his seat.

Two Eagles fans in front of my wife fought each other. One of the guys was huge. To break up the fight, as many as seven security officials and police officers and a can of mace were required. To put this in perspective, Carolina running back DeShaun Foster did not break seven tackles on his 1-yard touchdown run.

Christy Burton, who is married to Carolina defensive tackle Shane Burton, sat near my wife. Burton is 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds. Christy is not. She, too, was treated to a shower of beer.

Fans above them threw quarters. The scariest incident was when a 10-year-old kid was hit from behind with a cup. Cups don't hurt much, but who knew what would be thrown next? Plus, kids lucky enough to have a ticket ought to have the right to feel safe.

It's fine to get your kicks vicariously through a team. But at some point you have to step back and, even though your heart might be broken, move on. If your team is the most important thing in your life, you might think about starting over.

You can lose yourself in Carolina's Super Bowl run, think about it every hour of every day. Charlotte has never buzzed and hummed like this. But if the Panthers lose, it doesn't mean the New England fan two rows in front of you no longer is entitled to wear his team's jersey.

Most of the fans at the Linc Sunday night were able to cheer for the Eagles without throwing beer or head-slaps at those who did not. Some even apologized for the behavior of the bottom-feeders, and went so far as to wish Panthers fans luck in the Super Bowl.

The bottom-feeders, meanwhile, were forced to return to their nasty little world without a football team to help them escape it.

There's a term for their predicament. It's called justice. Blame the Sports Deity. Or thank him. Tom Sorensen

Well, we are the only city that had to put a judge IN the stadium to deal with criminal charges resulting from stupid fan behavior.

One of my friends works at the First Aid Station at the Linc for all the Eagle's games.

One of the people he treated at the playoff game with Green Bay was a guy from Chicago who didn't know about Philly fans. Or maybe he heard, but didn't really believe it.

This guy made the ultimate mistake. You know, the one that involves wearing the opposing team's logowear?

He had on a suede Packers Jacket.

Things went well for him through most of the game. Late in the 4th Quarter, though, he went to the bathroom ... where he got jumped and had the shit kicked out of him.

Police escorted the poor guy out of the stadium. Not sure if they gave him transport to his hotel, though. He came via public transportation.

According to my friend he took the whole experience in stride ... was a lot calmer about it that I would expect someone who'd been rolled and kicked around the floor of a public restroom would be.

When people from North Carolina are calling US "white trash," that's pretty intensely ironic.

Cute line:

<i>Philadelphia doesn't deserve a championship in any of the major sports or hockey.</i>

Boy, those Carolina Hurricanes fans aren't fair-weather fans, are they?

(That's right, I forgot. Cross the Manson-Nixon line and the four major sports become (1) college basketball, (2) college basketball, (3) college basketball and (4) NASCAR.)

As a native of North Carolina who now lives in Philadelphia, I'll just say this guy is full of it anf leave it at that.

I will say that I can understand why he and his wife might consider hardcore Iggles fans to be very, very frightening.

That's because I'm a born-and-bred Philly-suburbs guy, and I consider hardcore Iggles fans to be very, very frightening.

I've been to one Eagles game in my life, in the 500-level of the Vet (against Atlanta, not what I would consider to be a major rivalry). I spent much of the game afraid of what might come flying from above and spooked by these people, <b>and I was rooting for the HOME team</b>.

I don't deny that, and I think it's icky--don't get me wrong. What I take issue with is the assumption that the other 31 NFL stadiums are chock full of choirboys.

Oh, sorry, the Eagles fans nailed Santa Claus. Never mind.

I probably posted this already sometime in history but hey. I was at the game that started the stadium court - the San Francisco Monday night game, which included at least 3 game interruptions by fans on the field, about 30 fights, and a flare gun shot by a fan, across the stadium to land in the 200 level seats.

I sat in a 200-level restricted view seat. Behind us was a mom with a 10-year-old. I think she lasted through to the half. What a trooper. In front of us were Marines, special invite tickets from the team; in full dress; they looked kinda nervous.

In the section to the right of us, trouble broke out with a minor scuffle. It didn't last long, but yellow-coated STAFFers surrounded the section to watch for everything to break out. Their presence basically ensured that it would; they were provoking it to happen so that they could enjoy being part of a scuffle.

You could say that the root cause was that Philly crowd having hours to get royally blitzed, but I know the real root cause: Rodney Peete. The Eagles stunk up the joint and could not move the ball 2 yards. The fans were furious. In the fourth quarter, they put in 3rd stringer Bobby Hoying, and the kid put together a drive and actually scored. There were no fights during the fourth quarter because the fans were suddenly entertained.

I didn't mean to hijack the thread, but unless you're a fan of cats or men in funny hats, not a whole lot to be said on this thread anymore. What the heck, my team is outta the running (Rams). Might as well stir up somethin'

You could stir up Brenda Warner's hair, except that someone beat you to it long ago.