Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Super Bowl LI Edition

Old dude, it is time to see which set of players is ready to feel the HYYYYYYYYPPPPEE of getting to celebrate and see their pretty faces on the big screen.

Have you seen those big screens? The one at the Vikings stadium makes each drop of sweat look like a small pond.

No it doesn't. And remember, outrageous statements are my department. It is the Super Bowl, and maybe this year we will actually have a good game and halftime show, unlike last year which was a very boring game.

I agree with that. The best part of last year was seeing Cam Newton look like Max Headroom after the game:

I'm not sure what you mean, but then again I wasn't around in the 80s. Usually you just show me those weird music videos. So anyway, what does this Max Headroom guy look like, anyway?







Like Cam, if Cam were a computer simulation, which I think he was for several weeks this season:

You continue to astound me with your Geritol flashbacks, old dude. Is that what happens when you start mainlining the Metamucil?

I guess so, but it's been a long time since those days. Just be glad I didn't post any of those videos.




I am. I guess maybe this year could be different. It is time to talk some football and it is time to watch me work.

New England Patriots (-3) vs. Hotlanta Falcons, in Houston. So, seeing New England back in the Super Bowl is not a huge surprise, because they clearly were the best team in the AFC. Atlanta though is a bigger surprise, though they did romp all over my Packers to get their ticket to Houston. It almost seems like New England is going to win, and that they can extend their dynasty. Well, not so fast. The Patriots have not been challenged in a while, and the danger I see is that Tom Brady might be too motivated by wanting to make the Roger "No Fun Allowed" Goodell hand him the trophy. Matt Ryan has the chance to prove that he really is at that top level of quarterbacks by getting a ring, but he is going to need at least 175 total yards of offense to come from his running backs. I expect Atlanta to pull an upset that will deflate New England fans all over the country, and Brady will never get blamed for another failure in a big game because Patriots fans never want to admit that Brady has flaws. Hotlanta 31, Shouldn't Dynasties Not Go A Decade Between Titles? 27.

Is that a rhetorical question? Wait, don't answer that. I definitely think Atlanta could win this game. They have an explosive offense and, generally speaking, they are difficult to stop. The genius of Belichick is his ability to take away something the opponent likes to do. I think the Patriots will find a way to keep Julio Jones under control. Can the other Patriot receivers do enough to compensate? And will Devonta Freeman stop grousing about his contract long enough to get in the end zone? On such questions championships are decided. Brady will be Brady and Belichick will be Belichick. I hope I'm wrong about this, but here you go:  Patriots 28, Falcons 24.


Enjoy the game. And to all the New England fans I just tweaked, ask yourself why Brady can seemingly do no wrong. Ben out!

That's Really Super, Super Bowl

Brief thoughts on the big game and the attendant hoopla:

• While Peyton Manning's courageous (but pedestrian) performance down the stretch of the season was a big story, I think the quarterback who mattered is John Elway. Elway saw his offensive juggernaut of two seasons ago get crushed by a strong Seattle defense and he determined that the Broncos should have a defense of similar talent and ferocity. He went out and acquired some tremendous talent to help MVP Von Miller succeed. You can win a championship in a number of ways, and it's easy to see the Broncos taking a step (or two) back next year, but winning a championship is the goal and the Broncos made it happen because they were willing to change.
• I'm not a fan of Cam Newton, but I would cut him some slack over his performance yesterday, both in the game and afterwards. He didn't have enough talent around him to win against the best defense he saw all season. I don't think any other team in the league could have handled that defense.
• The halftime show was just odd. I've heard most of the songs before, but it felt like a lot of sound and fury, signifying nothing. I suppose it was better than "Up With People," though.
• I don't have a lot to say about the commercials, either, although I was amused that NARAL got so upset about the Doritos ad with the ultrasound. Some unsolicited advice -- lighten up.
• Mostly a strong Hall of Fame class, although I continue to wonder why Eddie DeBartolo is going into the Hall -- his 49ers teams were great, but it's difficult to see what difference he made specifically. Brett Favre and Tony Dungy are the guys I'll be watching when the induction ceremony happens. Now we need to get going on Jerry Kramer for next year.
• And while it's a cold few weeks, pitchers and catchers report in about a week. Can't wait!