Playoff Ramblings

-I understand that Rex Ryan has almost become a parody of himself at this point and feels the need to say at least one outrageous thing every press conference, but this afternoon he said the coaching match-up between him and Bill Belichick this Sunday will, "be personal." Dude, that's what you said last week about your match-up against Peyton Manning. Every game can't be personal, you know? At some point you're going to need a second adjective. Also, you've only been in the Patriots' division for two years, how much bad blood could have built up in that time? I get that Ryan is trying to deflect attention from his team and saying that if the Jets lose in Foxboro it will be his fault, but considering absolutely no one actually believes that it comes across as a transparent gesture.

-I'm all for homerism in sports, even among the team's broadcasters. When you spend that much time around the players and organization, you are bound to build up relationships. Not to mention, the team usually has final say over who calls their games on the local broadcast, so it is a smart career move to favor the team that is paying you on a broadcast. That being said, I heard the call of the Colts final play in which their local broadcaster was openly calling for either a bad snap or a blocked kick on the field goal attempt. With so much at stake, it came across as desperate. Buddy, you need to at least blame the refs or something. Even Tommy Heinsohn will acknowledge when the other team has outworked or outplayed the Celtics and that guy never will never be accused of being impartial. At some point homerism needs to take a backseat to dignity.

-The big feel-good story last week was that of Ted Williams, a homeless Ohio man with an unbelievable voice who became an Internet sensation and has since been offered lots of voice-over work and a chance to get back on his feet. Well, let me just say that before he does anything else he need to be brought to NFL film's studios to narrate Marshawn Lynch's game-clinching run from this weekend. That was awesome to see live. The only thing missing to make that a transcendent moment is some dramatic music and a kick-ass voice doing the narration.

-So, in advance of tonight's National Championship game, I'm picking the Auburn Tigers to win. I was going to go with the Oregon Ducks and the theory that they have the defensive speed to contain Cam Newton, but then it was pointed out that Oregon has only beaten three ranked teams all season (and USC should never had made the Top 25), while Auburn has beaten five (granted they beat South Carolina twice). I just think they are more ready having come out of the SEC. Pedigree alone has me thinking Auburn is going to hoist the trophy... for at least three years until the full Cam Newton story comes to light and they are forced to vacate their wins.