Super Bowl Bound

Your predictions were as good as last week's, Dear Roxy. Just keep rooting the way you have and my team will be Super Bowl champions.

First off, congratulations to both the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints for winning the AFC and NFC Championships! Woo-hoo.

As far as the Jets and Vikings, they deserve all the credit in the world. Both teams played their hearts out and both Sanchez and Favre should be proud of their performance. Their cities, team and fans should be proud. Theres always next year - even for Favre, I think. He plays with a lot of heart, and he's far better than your regular twenty something.

But for now, it's all about Indy and New Orleans. And yes, it couldn't have happened to a better group of people, especially New Orleans, the city and its fans.

As far as the Super Bowl, you know who I'll be rooting for. However, I wish that after 10 extra innings, the Commissioner would call off the game and give two first-place finishes. How cool would that be? Ok, maybe not.

-Criss

Photo: Sun Sentinel

Lift That Head Up, Brett!

I'm out. I don't want to hear about football. I don't want to hear about the Super Bowl. I don't want to hear about the Manning-New Orleans connection. I don't care about any of it. And everyone needs to stop the Brett Favre hating unless they were once able to win a championship game on a busted leg, wrist and ankle with a lousy defense AND offense that needs super glue or pine tar to hold the ball. I think at least one of those hits was dirty. And how tacky was it for a New Orleans fan to throw his beer at Favre? Tacky, tacky, tacky.

I couldn't stand Favre for all of the '90s, but I've come to respect him and his talent this year. If he calls it a day now, he can hold his head up high. If he decides to come back, you'd be a fool not to take him.

Don't call me for a few months. Have fun in the freezing weather, Dear Criss. (It reflects my attitude.) You're crazy to have gone on that trip.

Roxy


AP photo

Skating and Football - Huh?

First of all, I was 1 for 4, hello! And finally, I can't stand your Jets or Colts. Brett Favre has a tough night ahead of him. I admit, I'm nervous. I'm not predicting anything there. But your game is about to begin soon. I think the obvious choice is the Colts, but what if the Jets cause an upset?

As for skating, since when is Sasha Cohen back? Let the other up-and-coming young girls take a shot now! There's some good talent, but it's not as exciting as previous games. I have to say that when the cameras panned over to the other skaters waiting for the final score of the night (Mirai Nagasu), they looked like villains in a movie. Cocked eyebrows set - might as well have been smoking those old cigarettes in Betty Davis movies. But seriously, Mirai Nagasu was amazing and very sweet.

And J. Bay is with the Mets now. Booooo.

Roxy


AP photo

For Blood

You were 0/4, Dear Roxy. I'm just glad you didn't "root" for the Vikings against the Cowboys. You know how I feel about them. I think I'll be good this weekend if you do the same thing this week.

Although I like Favre and his passion for the game, especially with his "Pants on the Ground" rendition, Drew Brees has been nothing short of spectacular this season, so I'll be rooting for him and the Saints.

And the other game, well, you know who I'll be biting my nails for. Peyton, Peyton, Peyton.

Sanchez and the Jets have been great; the surprise team of the season, but this guy is young and he'll have more chances. Just not this year (I hope).

In other news, the Winter Olympics are coming soon. Looking forward to it! Do you think we'll see Eruzione, Ramsey, Johnson, McClalahan, O'Callahan and company? It's time to play my favorite sports movie.

-Criss

Photo: Getty Images

Blog Hog: Jaw on the Ground

Clearly, I did a lousy job with my picks - oh, my! But one pick that I am happy with is Minnesota, Dear Criss. What a game! And with Brett Favre singing his American Idol (that general is too much) inspired "Pants on the Ground" song, how can you not root for that group? He's nuts. Some of those passes were nuts. But you know? He gets the job done. So on to New Orleans. Am I scared? A little. And your half is Colts-Jets. Whatcha gonna do now? Who will you root for? Imagine Favre-Manning. WHOA!!!! That's a Super Bowl.

Your opinion! I can't wait to hear it.

Roxy


Photo: The Canadian Press

Anyone's Pick

This weekend, anything can happen, Dear Criss. I'm struggling with my picks, but here I go:

Cowboys at Vikings
I know people are pointing out Brett Favre's record against the Cowboys, but these are not the Aikman Cowboys. About 100 years have passed, and I'm going with experience over a shaky Romo. Once upon a time, I hated these two teams more than having to eat liver as a child.

Ravens at Colts
Can't stand the Colts. Anyone but the Colts. I think the Ray Lewis Ravens want this, especially since they just can't get past Indy. Realistically, I know what you're thinking, and I partially agree, but there's no way I would admit it.

Cardinals at Saints
Kurt Warner doesn't blow this. He dreams of a re-do of last year's Super Bowl. He can taste it. Granted, he already has a Super Bowl win, so you want to root for Brees. And who doesn't enjoy Brees' huddle chants?

Jets at Chargers
Stinkin' Jets. They don't win this one on the road, all the way on the West Coast. I'm not saying the Chargers are strong right now, but I'm thinking about a rookie QB and a long trip for New York.

Give us the post-game break down on Monday!

Roxy


Image: Maps.Google.com

NFL Playoffs

You are more than welcome to join me in my room as you mourn the loss of your beloved Pats, Dear Roxy. I have tissues.

I couldn't be happier about that. But I know you already know that. And what a blow out it was! Ha, you knew that, too. But that wasn't the most impressive game; that game was the Packers-Cardinals game. What an unbelievable game. The effort put by both teams, unlike the Pats, was something to admire.

I can't be as excited about the Cowboys winning. Blah to Romo and those guys from Texas. And congrats to the Jets. Although I wanted the Jets to win (for NYC purposes only), I found myself rooting for Ocho Cinco and the Bengals. How can you not when you have a name like that?

So it's set - Ravens-Colts. I loved the way the Ravens played against the Pats, and the fact that they have "U" players there, but my cheering for them stops here. Not when they play the Colts. Sort of like you and the Dolphins-Steelers-Pats.

I'll see who I see myself rooting for on the other games. Tough call. All I know is that I won't be rooting for Dallas.

So sad football season's almost over. Basketball season just doesn't cut it for me.

I heard a rumor (#12,456,630) that Jeter is getting married in November. Let's see.

PS: The Miami Herald had a similar story to your Boston Globe one. It's good to know all these UM players are representing in the playoffs. And I second the Ray Lewis thing. I first heard about it from my coworker this morning.

-Criss

Photo: ESPN

Super-Duper Blog Hog: Amazing Sunday

Please reference my last post, Dear Criss. Did I not say the Pats would lose? Of course I want them to win, but I think it was clear for a while that it wouldn't happen. But, honestly, I expected the Pats to lose by 3-7 points not five million. What an embarrassment starting from the first two minutes. When the Ravens scored so quickly, I knew it was gloom and doom from that point on.

So let's look at the positive side. According to The Boston Globe, when Sunday began, there were 14 former players from "the U" ready to fight for the Lombardi trophy. Impressive. This includes Ray Lewis. I didn't know that. Great fact.

As for other NFL news, Pete Carroll potentially going to Seattle and Mike Shanahan going to Washington is interesting. Maybe someday, Carroll will end up back in New England? Don't know; that's just my disappointment talking.

Finally, Trot Nixon is retiring. Maybe we'll see him in some capacity with the Sox again. I'm such a daydreamer.

Where are you? Crying in your room since the Dolphins game?

Roxy

Photo: Getty Images

Super Blog Hog: Love Football

What a game! Right, Dear Criss? No, really - I mean it. The Dolphins fought right back against the Steelers. Of course, I felt bad rooting against the Dolphins. I really do support the home team as long as they aren't playing the Pats or Steelers. But if they win, I don't mind. Soft spot. It feels great to know that I got to see Ben Roethlisberger play during his career.

As for the Pats - oh my. Why did they let Welker blow his knee with torn everythings? The playoffs are officially over for New England. They don't get past the Ravens on Sunday.

And Beltre is now with the Sox. Eh. Not thrilled. Big names don't do well in Boston. It's the random guys that thrive.

Roxy


Photo: Getty Images

Blog Hog: Happy New Year!

The Bruins came back in overtime to win the Winter Classic at Fenway Park. And Chris Drury, former BU hockey star, was named to the Olympic team. It doesn't get better than that.

Sigh. Should have been there.

I saw "The Blind Side." Go see it - it's a great sports movie!

Happy New Year!

Roxy


Photo: Barry Chin, Boston Globe Staff