NFL Overtime Format ... Just Fine

The National Football League has reportedly said they are discussing change in their current overtime format. Ultimately, this will not vastly change ratings, or the the people who follow the league (25 percent of America). But why -- repeat: WHY! -- change something that doesn't need repaired?

The statement was released earlier last night:

"Under the new format, both teams would get the ball at least once unless the first team to get the ball scores a touchdown, Greg Aiello said. If the first team to get the ball makes a field goal and the other team ties the game, action would continue until a team scores again."

"Under the current rules, the first team to score wins."

Personally, I prefer the current rules mainly because these guys are getting paid millions, and millions of dollars to stop the other team in the given time, or, simply, regulation time.

Furthermore, a coin toss does NOT determine the outcome of the game, ultimately. The fans sit through a three-and-a-half hour game; therefore, why not just get the game over with immediately. The format that's in place right now does just that -- lessens any chance of the fan sitting there for longer than another half hour.

Think about it: players have 60-minutes to make sure the other team does not score more points than them, three timeouts to use in cases of emergency, and multiple television timeouts to discuss more strategy. If a coach (and the players) cannot figure out how to win a football game in the alloted time, then flipping a coin should not create a tsunami of outrage to determine a football game. You had your chance. So, if you can't stop them now, you probably should not win anyway. For the love of God, we've been out here for almost four hours.

Roger Goodell -- in principle -- has been praised among many for his evolution of the National Football League. His intelligence and extrovert ego have evolved the game into a prevailing media franchise whose constant modifications are revolutionizing the game into an extraordinary powerhouse. But this idea is unwise ...

... Never tinker with a rule that truly does not take advantage of furthering the sport for the better or worse. Overtime is a minor blemish; the league does not need to infatuate themselves by trying to figure out how to fix this inconsequential conflict.

At the end of the day, it's still a debate. But so isn't Mike Vick having the chance to play again. So isn't the drug policy (players are rarely tested). So isn't the recent Dante Stallorth case (killed a man, spent 24 days in jail, and now is back to making millions of the gridiron). 'If it aint broke, don't fix it!'

Super Bowl XLIV

One might say Super Bowl XLIV is going to be a game for the ages. A game that features two high potent offenses that will burn out the lights on the scoreboard. A game that highlights two prolific quarterbacks -- one you might know, and one you will (hopefully) be acquainted with by the end of tonight. And lastly, a game that one team has almost the entire nation on its' back.

The game: Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints.

Obviously, you have been overwhelmed of T.M.I. (Too Much Information) by ESPN, the NFL Network, and the Internet. As always, I will formulate my pick by posting minimal statistics and few blah blah blah rants.

I start with this: All I have heard, and all the Saints have heard, is Peyton Manning this, Peyton Manning that ... I say 'WHO DAT?' All the Saints have heard is how soft their defense is due to Gregg William's (Saint defensive coordinator) schemes. And that there is no possibility of getting pressure on Manning, even though they are the second most blitzing team in the National Football League.

OK. The cat is out-of-the-bag. I am leaning Saints and there are 5 main reasons:

1) The Saints will be able to match up against the Colts offense, whether you believe it or not. I know, "But Jamie Manning is a cerebral quarterback that's not going to make any mistakes." Could not disagree more. He'll throw an interception or two. (A great prop bet for anyone out there.)

2) The Saints will be able to run the football because Saints head coach Sean Payton is not Paris Hilton; he actually has SOME brain cells. Even after he shotguns six beers before every game.

(Note: By the way, is it not obvious that Payton is at least a little buzzed before the game? I would have bet my life on it two weeks ago in the NFC Championship Game. During the National Anthem, Payton looked like he was going to fall over. Although, it might have been a combination of beer and lack of sleep. Who knows? But I guarantee one thing: Living in New Orleans, that guy can probably out-drink just about anyone.)

Speaking of Sean Payton ...

3) Sean Payton. Why? Can we start with the unlimited menu of plays he holds in his hand very week?

The last two are simple.

4) Drew Breeeeeeeeeeeeeeees.

5) .................................. 'WHO DAT!'

Super Bowl XLIV Prediction:

Saints 31

Colts 27

MVP: Drew Brees