Blog Hog: Magic

Did anyone watch the Pro Bowl, Dear Criss? I think only the players' parents. Why did they move it in the first place?

Anyway, did you hear that Ochocinco (who's returning to his old name, Johnson) may be lobbying to get on the Pats? Hm. Not sure how I feel about that, but it's interesting.

Yesterday I watched the 30 for 30 DVD "Four Days in October." It took about 100 years for Amazon to send it to me, but I'm happy to have it. It has to be the best Red Sox video. It gave me goosebumps and made my stomach churn as if I was watching the games all over again. What a magical period. Makes me excited about the new season.

Roxy


AP photo

What Could Have Been

The pain is still there.

I'm telling you, when I saw that all my predictions were wrong, my knees were trembling going into that game, Dear Criss. (Now I hear Brady had surgery in his foot recently.) So, like I said, I'm not rooting for Pittsburgh anymore these days, but I do hope they beat the Jets. And I don't really want to hear about Jason Taylor's first real chance at a ring. Blah, blah, blah. Right now, it looks like Green Bay is going to the Super Bowl, which for me makes this a very boring matchup already. But wait, Chicago just scored and is one touchdown away from tying the game! I think I'd prefer Chicago to win.

Anyway, my mother broke the news to me that Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez will be back together again in - drum roll - TAMPA BAY. Barf! It's bad enough playing Tampa. At least we'll have Carl Crawford. Let's just hope he lives up to expectations.

Roxy


Photo: AP

Talk About a Spoiler!

Did you realize you were 0-4 on your predictions, Dear Roxy?

I'm sorry you feel bad about the whole J-E-T-S winning against your team, but I'm definitely not sorry about the outcome of said game. I missed all the trash talking during the week but I definitely heard the Jets' Bart Scott after-game interview where he pretty much told everyone off! Classic. I think there's still some trash talking going on.

This game was the most exciting game to watch. I was kind of scared because Brady is the comeback kid, but when he threw that interception, I knew it was over.

Anyway, the Jets knocked out Peyton and Brady, two of the best quarterbacks alive. Let's hope they can do the same with Big Ben as you know how I feel about him.

In other sports, the Heat hit a bump on the West Coast with a 3-game losing streak. It's time to change things up tomorrow night at the AAA.

-Criss

Blog Hog: Forlorn

What words do I have to express my feelings toward the post-playoff disaster that occurred at Gillette yesterday? I would say 20 percent of me was concerned about the Jets before the game, but after Brady pretty much opened with an interception, that level went up to 50 percent. Why, Dear Criss? Mainly because history has shown that if Brady makes a glitch like that early in the game, it's gonna be a long, and maybe not so good, day.

Am I down? I can't even watch SportsCenter. When I woke up, it was the first thing on my mind. It's rainy today, and it's so befitting of the situation. I imagine the city of Boston and New England region feels worse, as they are in the center of it.

So, probably like most Pats fans, I have no interest in who goes to the Super Bowl, except to say I hope it's not the stinkin' Jets.

Roxy

Photo: AP

Fun Times

I am so excited about this weekend. Pats-Jets? Let the trash talking begin. It's hilarious some of the things that I'm hearing. Among many expletives, Antonio Cromartie had other fabulously entertaining things to say, according to The Boston Globe:

“'Do I hate Tom Brady? Yes, I do,' Cromartie told reporters yesterday. The fifth-year former Pro Bowler, in his first season with the Jets after being traded by the Chargers, was asked what he thought Brady’s reaction might be. 'I don’t care,' he said. 'Next question.'"

Here are my predictions for this weekend:

Baltimore over Pittsburgh

Atlanta over Green Bay

Seattle over Chicago

New England over NY Jets

I wonder what you think, Dear Criss. Yes, I realize I have Baltimore moving on, which is a risky bet, going against Pittsburgh. But it's a risk I will take. What do I win?

Roxy


Photo: AP

I Discovered Orange Bowl

The whole Orange Bowl experience was an awesome one, Dear Roxy. Not only the game itself, but the pregame festivities which included the roaming jets and national anthem. Oh, and let's not forget my suite seats (food included) and 100 level seats. Yes, I did both.

I found myself rooting for the Hoakies, too. I mean, how can I root for a tree? A tree, Roxy! That has to be the worst unofficial team mascot... ever!

Anyway, in NFL football news, the Postseason is here! With that being said, my favorite team is out! I'm so sad and confused. The Colts out! I feel the same way about the Saints. These two teams were my favorite ones coming in and now they're gone.

I am rooting for the J-E-T-S next week against Brady and the Patriots. I have to. No way I'm not. Oh, and I'm rooting for the Ravens against the Steelers. Ha!

The Dolphins decided to keep Tony Sparano by offering him a two-year extension. I'm a little surprised, especially after the whole Stanford coach mess, but I'm glad for Tony. Believe it or not, I think he's a good fit. Let's see if I'm wrong about this one. Wouldn't be the first time, hehe.

In other sports, the Heat keep playing smart basketball. I think they've won 2o out of their last 21 games. Keep it up!

-Criss

Blog Hog: Queue the Rocky Music

A week off from football? Bye weeks are great for players but not for fans. As for ex-Pat Mike Vrabel, SportsCenter showed him at a NCAA basketball game. It's nice to see him again. I guess I could see him playing, but I'm not really willing to sit through Chief games, post-Montana. Plus, they don't even show them.

Hey, did you hear Adrian Beltre is no longer with the Sox? Why on Earth did they let him go? He was good. At least Okajima is coming back, but it's a one-year deal.

Where are you, Dear Criss? If you don't write this week, it means you love the Sox. Still waiting for Orange Bowl stories.

Roxy


Photo: AP

Now What?

Hello, Orange Bowl girl! You must share stories on your outing. I turned the game on and regretted declining your invite for about two minutes, Dear Criss. But ultimately, I really couldn't go and probably would have only lasted an hour. Who would I have rooted for?

Speaking of rooting, you poor thing rooting for the much-maligned Dolphins. I feel bad for the coach. Nobody does well with the Dolphins (post Shula). But my Pats did not disappoint, in fact, they embarrassed your Dolphins. Come on! At least try. I was glad that at least they scored once before the game ended. Do you think we'll see Pats-Steelers? That would be good.

This pics from last week, but hey, Belichick's not wearing his hoodie.

Roxy


Photo: Matthew J. Lee, The Boston Globe

Blog Hog from Criss...

This is the blog of the unknown as I have no idea what's going on is sports, Dear Roxy. Well, kind of.

In Miami football, when all else fails, as did the Canes and Dolphins, let's remember we still have the Golden Panthers! :) Congratulations to the young football team on their first ever bowl game and bowl win!

What can I say about the Canes? Every other Florida team made it to a bowl game and won. Everyone except them. They should have let Shannon coach the last game... for their sake.

And the Dolphins? The saying, "There's always next year" doesn't even begin to cover it. Today's game against the Pats was a joke! Needless to say, the team needs a lot of help.

The Heat keep on rolling. This is finally (keeping my fingers crossed) the team everyone was expecting to come out and play.

Orange Bowl tomorrow!

-Criss