1.10.2009

Divisional Playoff Drinking

Stellar match-ups are on the schedule for the NFL playoffs this weekend! All 4 games feature rematches from earlier in the season, and I’m hoping at least The Bird can reverse the outcome of their first tilt with the Panthers – I could give a piss about the rest of the teams. That’s not to say I won’t be watching every snap of each game, I mean it is the playoffs, and the NFL season only has two more weekends of live games including the conference championships next week and the Super Bowl in February. Let’s look at the lineup for Saturday:

Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens – The first game of the weekend pits two bitter rivals against one another in what will be a battle of two of the best defenses in the league. If you’ve read here long enough you should know by now that none of the contributors care for the home state team. Strange, I know, especially given the drinking talent of drunken Titans QB Kerry Collins. Go figure. The Ravens have always been built around a strong D that can put up enough points to win a game on its own, and if their improved offense can add to the scoreboard they have a chance to go all the way to Tampa for the big game. It is going to be an awesome, physical game to watch.

What to drink – start with beer and plenty of snacks. You don’t want to get too wasted before the second game. Maybe do a shot in the second half to maintain your buzz.

Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals – The late game is being billed as the worst game of the weekend, with The Bird as double digit underdogs coming off an impressive win last weekend over Atlanta. I have to admit that they do face an uphill battle – they have lost all 5 games played on the east coast this year, sometimes in lopsided blowouts. The Panthers are undefeated at home and have a great 1-2 combo at the running back position with 28 rushing touchdowns. They also have Steve Smith, who is one of the best receives in the league that always torments the Cardinals when they play. But AZ has 2 pro bowl WRs and a third 1,000 yard receiver to lineup with gunslinger Jesus-freak Kurt Warner, so they have the tools to make a game of it if they show up and perform. Just like last week, they will need to start strong and keep it close early or it could be over well before half time.

What to drink – stay with beer to start, but keep the bourbon close by. After drinking all afternoon you may find yourself a bit bloated on beer and too much food. Kick your liver into gear with a belt straight from the bottle and continue as necessary.

Predictions

Tennessee defeats Baltimore 23-21



Arizona upsets Carolina 27-26!

1 comment: