January 10, 2009

FemmeFan Weekly

Underdog to the Rescue

You might remember a cartoon character with a big nose by the name of Underdog.
He was the epitome of the loser. Underdog wore a baggy superhero’s costume and was the antithesis of my favorite super hero; Super Man. Underdog’s alter ego was a humble, loveable Shoeshine Boy.
When Underdog went into action he would make a quick change from shoe shiner to superhero in a token phone booth, Then Underdog would pop a Super Vitamin Pill to rescue Polly Purebred as he flew away singing “Here I Come to Save the Day”.

I think Kerry Collins is this season’s NFL version of Underdog.

August 2008, Kerry Collins was the Titans backup to their young gun, Vince Young.
It was safe to assume that Collins would ride the bench the entire season behind Young.
But a funny thing happened on the way to the playoffs.

Kerry Collins has led the Titans to the playoffs as their starting quarterback and with the NFL’s best record. Collins and the Titans are just two wins away from the Super Bowl.
Kerry Collins is a 14 year veteran who has had to endure more than a few bumps in the road since he joined the NFL
He broke in with Carolina in 1995 before moving on to New Orleans, the New York Giants, Oakland and Tennessee. He signed as a free agent with Tennessee during the 2006 pre season; four months after the Titans drafted QB Vince Young. Early in his career Collins tasted success as he led Carolina to the 1996 NFC championship; it was his second year in the league and the Panthers’ second year of existence.

But things got rocky for Collins after that. He had to deal with alcohol problems. And in 1998 underwent alcohol rehabilitation after the season. He overcame his off-field troubles and led the Giants to the Super Bowl after the 2000 season.
But Baltimore’s punishing defense intercepted him four times in Super Bowl XXXV as the Giants fell 34-7 in Tampa, the site of this year’s Super Bowl.
Collins, 36, threw for more than 3,400 yards in 2004 and 2005 with Oakland, but the Raiders finished last in the AFC West Division during both seasons.

When he arrived in Nashville, it looked very much like he was there to help Vince Young learn the ropes and not much else. But Collins never gave up hope of returning to a starting role. He got his chance when Young injured his knee in the 2008 opener against Jacksonville. The former Penn State star led the Titans to a 10-0 start, the best in the 49-year history of

Back in August, it looked like Collins would be watching from the sideline if Tennessee made the playoffs. But a lot has changed since then, and the old man can’t wait to take the field in the postseason.

“I’m excited to see what happens with this team,” Collins said. “We put together a good regular season and put ourselves in a good position. Now we just need to continue the run in the playoffs.”
Look up in the sky. Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it’s Underdog, “Here to Save the Day”.

Ravens at Titans

These Ravens are planning to attack and maul Underdog with their ferocious defense. This could be one of the best games of the weekend, although I expect it will be a low scoring affair with a lot of hard hitting. The Titans running game will have to pound away at the Ravens defense to keep Underdog upright.  The Titans could rattle Flacco and make him cry for his mama.
I am torn between the two teams, but am going with the Ravens D.
Pick Ravens

Cardinals at Panthers

I’m familiar with the Cardinals since they play against my home team, the SF 49ers. They have long been a laughing stock but their big play potential reminds me of the Rams when they were the greatest show on turf. Boldin is an absolute monster wide receiver. Kurt Warner is another one of those old guys playing at an unbelievable level. However, the Panthers are a tough group with a very good running game and a savvy quarterback and Steve Smith is no slouch. The end of the playoff road ends in Carolina for the Cardinals.
Pick Panthers

Eagles at Giants

Wow. The underdog Eagles have made believers out of the folks in Philly who were ready to throw Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb into a Philly Cheese steak sandwich.
The NFC East is as tough a division as any in the NFC. The Eagles have a lot of momentum on their side. The G-Men have the title of Super Bowl Champs to defend and the home field advantage. I am a bit nervous about the G-Men this time. They can only beat these surging eagles if they can contain the run game and use Jacobs effectively to wear out a very effective Eagles D.
Pick G-Men

Chargers at Steelers

Another great story. The Chargers, much like the Eagles were left for dead early in the season. But here they are only one of the last eight standing. Everything that could have gone wrong this season for them seems to have gone wrong. LT is likely not going to play and I don’t believe that Darren Sproles will fool these Steelers. It could be a good day for Antonio Gates. I like the Bolts but have to go with the smash mouth home team.
Pick Steelers

It’s going to be a great weekend for Underdogs everywhere.

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