What to Watch For

Are we there yet?

Almost, kids.

The longest week in the history of mankind is almost over.

Suit up.

 

It has dawned on me that this weekend will now become a test of my theory of curse-breaking. 

I’ve long held the theory that some of the great losing streaks (Fenway Red Sox, Wrigley Cubs, Astrodome Astros/Oilers, Superdome Saints, and even Indy Colts) have a lot do with their home field advantage being a huge disadvantage away from home – that a team built for success in a unique venue struggles to also win on the road.  When the Red Sox finally broke their curse they did it with speed and pitching – things they didn’t usually bring to the party. Think about Dave Robert’s stolen base, Johnny Damon’s role, and that bloody sock.

 

Now the Saints will be taking their traction offense on the road where two teams were slipping and sliding on a loose turf last week, a condition which the Bears, if they’re smart, have not remedied this week.  I expect the Bears’ ability to run the ball will actually be the key this weekend.  Their two running backs, tired of hearing about Deuce and Reggie, will be breaking out the “disrespected us” card and using their familiarity with the loose turf to gain an advantage.  The Saints will be trying to clamp the running gameso the Bears have to turn Air Grossman loose. So, watch the turf war early.  Everyone will be talking about catching the ball in the weather conditions.  I figure both teams will be dropping a few.  I think it may come down to who’s wearing the right cleats.  A track meet tips to the Saints, I think.

Slop favors da Bears.

 

We’ve all heard how hard it is for a dome team to go on the road and win a championship game – 0 and 9 I think I heard.  Hey, you, get off of my cloud.  I wish everyone hadn’t jumped on the Saints bandwagon just yet.  I’m sure the Bears bulletin board is overflowing right about now. 

 

Oddly, the second game may come down to the same thing.  Indy is a team built for the home dome advantage and maybe this is the year they take that advantage and blow out their opponent by 3 touchdowns.  If it were any other QB they were facing I’d be more confident, but I don’t think Brady can tackle like Roethlisberger, and this time they shouldn’t all be mouthing “He missed it” at the end of the game, which of course was another example of Peyton not being able to win the big one. 

 

Won’t it be strange but wonderful if Peyton is faced with the opportunity to put away all the family ghosts in a Super Bowl against the team where the haunting began? 

And wouldn’t it be wonderful if the haunting continued just one more year. 

Wonder who Archie’d root for?

 

 

RSVP if you haven’t already if you’re coming Sunday.  And be ready for a road trip to the Big Easy.   

 

Here’s hoping we can’t resist a 60 mile joy ride.