The Pickings of Mittens

Well it was difficult week for my picks yet again, another 1-3 week that puts me at 2-6 for the post season. Last week I promised to pass the prognosticating duties to my cat Mittens if I didn't improve over week one and being a man or my word that is what I'll do. I made signs for each game and waited to see which one Mittens would choose, with each pick I will try to dig deep into her kitty brain and see why she made each choice. So without further ado here are Mittens selections, they can't be worse than mine, even though she is a fan of the Detroit Lions.

First up the AFC Championship game featuring the surprising New York Jets traveling to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. As I held up both signs for Mittens she cocked her head to the side and looked confused, I think it is because she was sure the Chargers would be playing in the game instead of the Jets. Much to my surprise though Mittens rubbed her head up against the Jets. She must think that the Jets defense will be able to stop Peyton Manning and the Colts offense much like they did to the Chargers this past weekend. Mittens isn't completely sold on Mark Sanchez, but thinks the running game can keep him from having to do anything but hand the ball off. Mittens thinks that Peyton Manning will be flat on his back quite a few times and wind up getting frustrated and throwing a couple of key interceptions, one being returned of a touchdown. Jets 16, Colts 13.

On to the NFC Championship game that has the Minnesota Vikings heading south to visit the New Orleans Saints. Mittens doesn't paws, (I had to do at least one horribly bad pun), as she selects the Saints. There is no question that both teams looked like well oiled machines this past weekend, but Mittens thinks the Vikings will miss being at home. Saints quarterback Drew Brees was impressive with 3 touchdowns, 247 yards and most importantly zero interceptions. Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was equally impressive with 4 touchdowns, 234 yards and zero interceptions. Mittens just believes that the Saints have more weapons on offense and the Vikings defense won't be able to just concentrate on shutting down one guy. Saints 31 Vikings 20.

Whatever happens both Mittens and I hope that whichever team comes out of the NFC will go on to win the Super Bowl. We don't like either the Jets or the Colts, but at least the Dallas Cowboys were eliminated.

The Song of the Blog: Continuing these week's theme I allowed Mittens to choose the song and she picked Harry Chapin's Cats in the Cradle. I tried to explain to Mittens that the song has nothing to do with cats, but she just stared at me and then started licking her paw. Cats in the Cradle, for those of you that don't know, is another 70's soft rock tune. The song tells the story of a father and son that just never quite have time for each other and life kind of passes them by.

To end this blog I will do my obligatory book plug. If you haven't checked out my baseball novel, 33 Summers, please do at: http://www.amazon.com/33-Summers-Darren-Pare/dp/1608602605/ref

Oh Brett!

Well Brett Favre will be back on a football field after all this season. He decided today to sign with the Minnesota Vikings after all his posturing and I am sure Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels are doing cartwheels right about now. Jackson and Rosenfels were going to battle to see who was to be the starting quarterback for the Vikings, but now the point is moot. I used to like Favre but these days he seems almost slimy. It is like he thinks he is so damn special that the world of the NFL revolves around him. I don't mind that the guy wants to continue playing just stop with the drama and the lies. If you want to retire stay retired, if you don't know tell us you don't know it is that simple, do you really need all the attention that ESPN gives you? Well one thing is for sure you are sure to take a beating in Green Bay and I'm not so sure you don't deserve it. Mr. Favre you are still one of the all time great quarterbacks, but these shenanigans have definitely tarnished your legend, so don't tell us any more lies and maybe someday we will remember you a the gunslinger you were instead of the bullslinger you have become.


You can find my new baseball novel 33 Summers at : www.amazon.com/33-Summers-Darren-Pare/dp/1608602605