Sports Focus - NFL

June 23rd 09, 10:32

In what is proving to be a common trend in the NFL, this past season, like many before it, has had its share of controversy and intrigue. Brett Favre doing his very best to keep things interesting, popping out of retirement to sign for the New York Jets in a shocking move, going on to help their run at the post season...at least...right up until it really mattered when an unfortunate series of bad throws leading to the inevitable interceptions in the last few games of the season, meant that the 1 win Dolphins from the previous season, took the playoff berth in a dramatic turnaround, engineered by the firey Tony Sparano, utilising the versatile "Wildcat" offense to absolute perfection to record an 11-5 regular season record.

As it turned out though, the surprise package of the year had to be the Arizona Cardinals with inspired play from star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and veteran QB Kurt Warner, the Cards proved that a trip to the Super Bowl is not out of reach for any of the teams in NFL, even without much of a running game! Sadly for them the dream was ended by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who proved once again that defense wins championships and theirs, quite frankly, was scary at times. This was epitomised by stellar Linebacker James Harrison, known all season for blitzing the opposing QB into the turf, he appeared as if from nowhere inside his own endzone to pick off Warner and then run the ball the length of the field to score a touchdown, which some may argue was the significant turning point in the contest. Not to take anything away from Santonio Holmes magnificent diving catch which sealed the victory, but I think Steelers fans would be the first to admit that their defense came to the fore again, just when it was needed.

The international series game at Wembley Stadium was played out between the New Orleans Saints and the San Diego Chargers, with the Saints coming out victorious in a highly entertaining affair. In a game that featured two of the best offenses in the league, it was a Jonathan Vilma interception as the Chargers had been driving down the field which essentially sealed the win for the black and gold. Hopefully English NFL fans will be treated to an equally entertaining game in October this year, when the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccanneers come to town.....roll on next season...with a little less Brett Favre please!

Simon Evans
Account Director