Bill Romanowski | Romo

Watch for Fast Releases from the Indianapolis Colts’ Cool-Headed Peyton Manning and an Arsenal of Attacks from the New Orleans Saints’ Multi-Talented Offense.

In the Super Bowl, it always comes down to how well your quarterback plays under pressure.  Super Bowl XLIV will prove to be no exception, as evenly matched quarterbacks — Payton Manning and Drew Brees — go head to head. Defensive schemes, offensive diversity and injuries will also be a factor in who will leave Miami with the Vince Lombardi Trophy in their arms on Super Bowl Sunday.

Players to Watch:

In the Super Bowl, it always comes down to how well your quarterback plays under pressure. 

The Colts’ Peyton Manning is so quick with his decisions and his releases that it will be very tough for the Saints’ defense to get to him.  On the other hand, the Saints’ Drew Brees stats have been better all season; he has had fewer interceptions, a higher completion percentage, a higher quarterback rating (109.6), and he has thrown one more touchdown than Manning (99.9). 

Manning’s stats may have been improved if the Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell had not pulled him and other starters in the 3^rd quarter against the New York Jets on December 27^th, resulting in the Colts’ only loss for this season.  Stats aside, Manning has won a Super Bowl before and I think that ultimately puts experience on his side, giving him the upper hand.

Also watch for the Saints’ running backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas to be diverse point-scoring assailants against the Colts’ injury-plagued defense.  With the Colts’ star defensive end Dwight Freeney injured, as well as Colts’ corner back Bob Sanders, watch for Robert Mathis to try to step up to the challenge of hunting down Saints’ Brees, Bush, and Thomas. 

Plays to Watch:

One of the biggest questions lingering over Sunday’s Super Bowl game is whether the Colts’ all-time sacks leader Dwight Freeney will be playing or not.  His 3rd degree lower ankle basketball sprain basically translates to a complete tear of a ligament on the outer side of his ankle.  If he is playing, he will be battling pain, swelling, and instability, which mean we won’t see his trademark inside spin move or his quick explosiveness that puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks.  The Saints’ will attack and test Freeney early in the game by either running the ball at him or cutting him with a short passing game to see if how he can hold up.   If Freeney is out of the game, I don’t think the Colts’ backup Raheem Brock is up to the challenge of stopping the Saints’ Drew Brees, who has yet to throw an interception in this post-season, or Saints’ double talent running backs Bush and Thomas. 

There is no doubt that Peyton Manning will be playing fast, level-headed football and capitalizing on his strengths of picking apart the defensive schemes of any opponent, and the Saints will obviously be no exception.  He also has a strong triumvirate of receivers to throw to in Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon, Reggie Wayne, who were instrumental in beating the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game. 

Deciding Factors:

Like I said before, the Super Bowl always comes down to how well your quarterback plays under pressure.  Peyton Manning has done it before, he’s won it before.  And if Drew Brees wants to win, he’s going to have to play the game of his life.  He’s going to have to play mistake free football.  And because of the pressure of this game, many talented quarterbacks have choked. 

When you have the two of the best quarterbacks in the league going up against each other, the other deciding factor is whose defensive line and blitz schemes can get to the quarterback.  The Colts’ Defensive Coordinator, Larry Coyer, is truly one of the best.  But he’s one of the best because he’s got a great defensive team to execute his schemes, with it all starting in the defensive front and ending with a defensive line.  With Freeney at only fifty percent due to his ankle injury, it’s up to Raheem Brock as back up to execute.  I believe this will be one of the deciding factors in Sunday’s game. 

Finally, the Saints bring diversity to the table in the face of the Colts’ Manning-dependent offense and injury plagued defense.  The Saints have had 21 different players score points this season, showing they’ve got many cards to play out there and few injuries, which will stack up in their favor under pressure. 

Who Will Win:

This game reminds me of Super Bowl XXXII when the Denver Broncos played the Green Bay Packers.  We (Denver Broncos) were 13 point under dogs and the quarterbacks were John Elway ad Brett Favre.  We won because we outplayed them, we out hit them and John Elway played one of the greatest games of his life to prove himself to be the better quarterback that day. 

This game is not going to come down to stats, players on paper, schemes, or anything else predictable.   Just like Super Bowl XXXII, the hungriest team with the best quarterback and best blitz schemes will come out as the World Champions.   These quarterbacks are very evenly matched, but given the Saints’ offensive diversity against the Colts’ injured defense, I predict Saints to be the Super Bowl XLIV Champions after a very close game. 

The NFL playoffs are not only about playing hot football; they’re about playing the best football at the right time of the season. The playoffs are a time when Hall of Fame players make a name for themselves. It’s the time when the John Elways, Joe Montanas and Troy Aikmans come alive. It’s when the quarterbacks have to be ON — meaning ready to go — playing the best 60 minutes of their lives. The way I see it in AFC and NFC playoff football this week, the teams whose quarterback plays the best will win the games this weekend.

Here are the NFL playoffs games this weekend and how I see them going down:

Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts

I love the inspiration of Ray Lewis. I love the passion he brings to the game. I love the Baltimore Ravens defense. But your season is going to end this weekend. Congrats on getting this far! You played the Pats last week, and Tom Brady played the worst game of his life. Hats off to you guys, especially the way Ray Rice was running the football. Never have I seen a quarterback go 4-for-10 for 34 yards in the playoffs and win.

Joe Flacco, you have to step up your game. Your team is going to need you. The Indianapolis Colts will be hot, on fire and playing the best game of their lives. Peyton Manning is the best in times like this. And on top of this, Indianapolis has one of the best defensive coordinators in Larry Coyer. Get ready, Baltimore, because you’re going to have to put it up in the air on some big-time plays to your receivers in order to win.

My prediction: Indianapolis wins by two touchdowns.

San Diego Chargers vs. New York Jets

New York, just because you beat the Cincinnati Bengals doesn’t mean you can get too cocky when playing the best team in the NFL with the on-fire ability of quarterback Phillip Rivers. Darrelle Revis is going to cover Vincent Jackson, so watch for Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates to have a hay day. Coach Norv Turner knows how to protect the passers as well as anybody. San Diego will eat your blitzes alive, and they will be making big plays down the field.

My prediction: San Diego by one touchdown.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings

Brett Favre, I have drunk your Kool-Aid all year long. I love what you have done and I love your career. But watch out because Demarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and Jay Ratliff are going to be coming at you in a relentless fury. Tony Romo is playing great football because he’s not making mistakes, he’s not turning over the football and he is utilizing his weapons. Dallas has a great running attack with Felix Jones, Tashard Choice and Marion Barber — and that’s only the running backs. How about the receiving corps with Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton and Roy Williams?

I’m sorry, Minnesota, but Dallas has way too many weapons on offense for you to stop. Adrian Peterson, get ready because you are going to get pounded every time you get a hand on that football. This one is in the hands of Brett Favre. It’s going to be a hard-hitting game of smash-mouth football for all 60 minutes. It’s probably the best game of the weekend.

My prediction: Dallas wins with a field goal.

Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints

Kurt Warner played one of the best games I have seen a quarterback play in a long time when he beat the Packers last week, 51-45. Yes, it was an outstanding team effort. Yet neither team was able to stop the opposing offense. The two turnovers by the Green Bay Packers early in the game ended up being the deciding factor in Arizona’s win. Warner, you were incredible, and I saw that your goal was to put points on the board every time you touched that football.

New Orleans, try and stop the Cardinals. Good luck, Drew Brees! You’ve had a great season, but at the end of the year, when you have to be playing the best football, you just aren’t.

My prediction: Arizona by 10 points.

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Peace

This is where it all started!  Gotta watch the Friday night game of my high school alma mater!

My mom and me at her home in Connecticut celebrating her birthday! 

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We’re out of the pre-season and into the regular season. There’s been a lot going on around the league.  A lot of people say that pre-season doesn’t matter. . . well  guess what?  That’s like saying losing doesn’t matter.  That’s like saying winning doesn’t matter.  It does matter!  It’s an attitude. When you take the field whether it is the first, second, or third field, you want a certain brand to show up on the football field.  That’s guys flying around with a sense of urgency to come out on top.  I won four Super Bowls playing with the greatest teams, and every one of those teams played great during pre-season. 

Anyone who tries to tell you pre-season doesn’t matter is full of it.

Let’s break down divisions:

AFC East - Miami is 4 and 0 in the pre-season, New England is 4 and 1.  Those two teams will battle it out for the division.  The reason why Miami will be in the hunt will be because of their running game.  They are committed to running the ball.  NE is all about pass and flash with Tom Brady.  Be careful NE, if Miami wins the division.

AFC North - Once again the two rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh will be at the top once again.  Look for Baltimore to get the edge this year with Joey Falco at QB, and great defense.  Pittsburgh, because of disruptions, injuries, and lack of focus having won the super bowl, they might just be a little soft this year. 

AFC South - This is a three-team division: Tennessee, Indianapolis and Jacksonville.  And how I see it, it’s basically a toss up.  TN will play during the season and Kerry Collins will find a way to screw it up in the end.  Things will come down to Indianapolis or Jacksonville.

AFC West - Controversy:  there’s only one team that didn’t have any.  No disruptions down in San Diego.  Denver . . .a whirlwind, new coach, issues, got rid of franchise QB, they’ve got a coach with no personality.  I see too many disruptions for them to win the division.  Oakland has positives: Jamarcus Russell is playing good, consistent, error free football. Kansas City is up in the air, a new coach, they fired offensive coordinator, new QB.  It will take a few years for them to really get it figured out.  KC will be at the bottom once again this year.  You never know what is going to happen with the Raiders, they just might come together to beat San Diego to win the division. 

NFC East - Dallas, New York, Philly, a three team division with Washington not having a chance.  None of the teams did very well in pre-season but look for Philly and the Giants to come out on top at the end of the year. 

NFC North - Here we go again with another Brett Favre come back.  Minnesota will take the division this year.  Too bad Green Bay, Aaron Rogers is good but he still ain’t Brett Favre.  Chicago, you have a great QB in Jay Cutler but you don’t have any body for him to throw to. Detroit, number one draft pick Matthew Stafford. . . there will be growing pains and promise . . . You will win a couple games this year.  Be happy with that and start getting ready for next year.

NFC South - This will be a battle between New Orleans and Atlanta.  Atlanta with Matt Ryan at the helm with QB, a Rookie wonder last year, will come in with a tight end in Tony Gonzalez and they will win the division this year.

My prediction for the Super Bowl: Miami vs. the Minnesota Vikings.  That is subject to change.  We’ll keep you updated regularly throughout the season. 

Let’s get ready for some real football! Let’s get fired up and lets get ready to rock!

As you all know, or some of you may not know, “Two-a-Day’s” or “Daily Double” workouts are truly the most demanding time you can ever put on your body.  With that being said, this is a time when you really have to be smart and have to fuel and take care of yourself better than ever before.  Here are a few tips I’d like to share with you:

1. 120% on Every Play Until the Whistle Blows - It’s the guys who are standing around a pile that are the ones that get rolled on, or break an ankle, or tear out a knee. The ones who are doing the hitting and giving it everything they have with an intense motor are the ones who are staying healthy, preventing injuries and getting the playing time. Because coaches love guys with high motors out on the field.
2. Recovery and Feeling Good During Training Camp - Take a cold tub after each practice, ideally 40 degrees. If you can get a contrast in with a warm water tub, that’s even better, but if not just cold. Later in the day, try to find a swimming pool to chill out in for a half an hour. This will act almost like a message and really help you relax and recover.
3. Fuel the Right Way - Start with a big, healthy breakfast. I recommend oatmeal, plus 3-5 eggs. After your workout, be sure to help your recovery by using a protein supplement, like Lean1. If you can’t do a protein supplement, then get some good protein in meat, eggs, or lean, vegetarian option. Also, be sure to get a lot of high-glycemic carbohydrates in your body during and immediately after your workout. I recommend grape juice. For dinner, be sure to get lean proteins, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and lots of fresh veggies. Take a protein shake right before you go to bed.
4. Sleep - You have to get enough sleep to make strength gains during and after your Two-a-Days. You need 9-10 hours during this time, so if you have early morning practice, that means you’ve got to get to bed early. If you have trouble falling asleep, use a natural sleep supplement like Sleep1 or ZMA, or a calcium/zinc/magnesium formula to help you relax and repair your muscles while you sleep.
5. Remember You Are Building a Base for Your Regular Season - There will never be a demand during the regular season like the one you are putting on your body now, but this Two-a -Day is like putting deposits in your bank account. There will come a time in the season when you will need to cash in on this bank account, and it will be there because you have made those demands.
6. Get in the Weight Room - A lot of kids might avoid the weight room during this time. I think you should spend time in the weight room, lower reps but higher weight. Even if its two reps at a higher weight, so you can keep your strength up during this time. Yes you are tired, we all know you are tired, but this is when champions are made so suck it up.
7. Supplementation - Never a more important time to supplement with good quality protein, like Lean1 or another good whey isolate proteins. Try to get 2 grams per pound of body weight when you are training this hard. I also recommend creatine, your body needs it and it’s going to help you get stronger. Just make sure you are also supplementing with magnesium, so ideally use a magnesium creatine. Also load up on B-vitamins, like the kind in Neuro1, they are like gasoline for a car. You either have them or you don’t.
8. Stay Hydrated - This is probably the most important thing you can do for yourself. Fill up a gallon of water in the morning and make sure you drink that by the end of the day.
9. Invest in Your Team - They say that teams that work hard together, bleed together, hurt together really work together. The blood sweat and the tears in a time like training camp is a time when real tight bonds are created and forged. There is never a more important time than a time like this to bring a team together, to know that the guy next to you has got your back, to know that he’s been through the same thing you’ve been through.
10. Don’t Ever Tell Your Teammates How You Really Feel - Let the guy next to you know it’s a great day to be alive. How much greater can it be to be playing football with your buddies? Putting a football helmet and your shoulder pads in high school or college are some of the greatest memories you’ll ever have. As soon as you tell your buddy your shoulder is sore, he’s gonna start thinking about how his lower back is sore, and the next guy’s gonna have an injured ankle. Next thing you know, the entire team is wrecked. No pain, no gain, no game. With that said, make it a point to take care of your body and prevent injuries by recovering from your workouts, stretching, and talking to the trainer to stay healthy.

Good luck to all the players out there. Like I’ve said, this is the greatest time of your life. Love it, enjoy it.  Thrive don’t just survive. It’s all a mindset.  If you perceive it as tough and hard, it will be.  If you perceive it as a chance to become great, that’s what it will be.  Make it that and be the best.

Peace

Hi, someone shared this quotation with me a few years ago and it really resonated with me, and reminds me of the importance of teamwork.  So I wanted to share it with you all here:

“Never underestimate the ability of a small group of committed individuals to change the world. Indeed, they are the only ones who ever have.”