Written by Maury Brown, Joe Tetreault, and Matthew Coller
Sunday, 07 February 2010 01:39
Main Entry: com·pe·ti·tion Pronunciation: \ˌkäm-pə-ˈti-shən\ Function: noun Etymology: Late Latin competition-, competitio, from Latin competere Date: 1579
1 : the act or process of competing : rivalry: as a : the effort of two or more parties acting independently to secure the business of a third party by offering the most favorable terms b : active demand by two or more organisms or kinds of organisms for some environmental resource in short supply 2 : a contest between rivals; also : one's competitors
PROLOGUE
(7:00am ET - Maury Brown) It's not every year that the Super Bowl sees the two top seeds in each conference square off over the pigskin, but that's what you're going to see today. On top of that, most that watch the game will turn it into a day-long endeavor bordering on religion. There will be the pre-game, the commercials, the coin-flip, the broadcasters, the halftime performance by The Who, the post-game, and, oh yeah.... the game itself.
Today,I, along with Business of Sports Network staff members Joe Tetreault, and Matthew Coller, will be covering the game from top to bottom. There will be a recap of key plays (of course any that result in scoring), but also all commentary on all the trimmings. There will be embedded commercials (if they are made available online), and a solid dose of humor to keep you hitting the refresh button all day long. Also, you can add your comments as we see this as an open thread discussion, as well.
Thanks for joining us,
Maury Brown President, Editor-in-Chief Business of Sports Network Bizball LLC
SELECT READ MORE TO SEE THE LIVE BLOG FOR SUPER BOWL XLIV
(11:00am ET - Maury Brown - Injury Report) For those wondering who is dinged-up heading into today's game, here is the official injury report from the NFL, as of Friday:
(12:25pm ET - Joe Tetreault - What We're Watching) A number of storylines are intersecting in Miami, and Maury, Matt and I will keep you up to date on all of them. Here's a quick sample of what we're watching with kickoff six hours away.
We have the developing story of Warren Sapp's suspension from the NFL Network following his arrest last night.
The dueling of the quarterbacks is not limited to the playing field as both are featured in ads set to air during the game. We'll be posting the ads and critiquing them as they come online.
And there's the game. Maury noted the pre-game injury report. So keeping our eye on the questionable status of Dwight Freeney will occupy much of our pre-game observations.
(1:13pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Celebrity Super Bowl Picks) Kenny Chesney just picked the Saints 34-31 over the Colts. Indianapolis Country Radio DJs vow Chesney will never be heard in Indy again.
(2:09pm ET - Joe Tetreault - What If Game) While watching ESPN's Super Bowl Sunday Countdown Chris Berman remarked on the lofty stratosphere that awaits Peyton Manning if he and the Colts win tonight.
And yeah, Berman said if about a dozen times. Still it is far too premature to rattle off all his standing among those who have won at least two Super Bowls before he actually wins his second one.
(2:23pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Boomer <3 Favre) Boomer Esiason just declared that the NFL is better with Brett Favre. If you took the Favre seal being broken after 2:30 eastern time, you lose. Over/Under of Favre references is 100.
(2:43pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Controversial Tim Tebow Ad Airs) World does not end.
(2:55pm ET - Joe Tetreault - CBS Golf Promos) Tiger Woods no where to be found. How the world of golf has changed in the last ten weeks.
(2:56pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Cooking up the Ritz) The Nabisco Cracker company would like you to eat even more today. Coach Cowher, JB, Shannon, Dan and Boomer are more than happy to oblige.
(3:25pm ET - Joe Tetreault - T-Minus Three Hours Link Round Up)
Speaking of Mannings, which is much of what we've been doing this week, Pro Football Weekly notes that the Colts are planning to open the vaults to reward Peyton, whatever tonight's outcome. Those reports of an uncapped year are looking to be more and more on the money.
Colts blogger Demond Sanders ponders the meaning of tonight's game should the Colts win. Answer This is gonna be great!
Pro-Football Talk gives a bundle of good news to the Colts with word that Dright Freeney limps no more. The CBS pre-game also note the DE is expected to play.
I know you love NFL Films. Over at the NFL network's blog Steve Sabol presents a pre-game treat a brief history of the Lombardi Trophy.
(3:40pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Sapp Update) Former Raider and Buc Warren Sapp has been released on bond according to NBC Sports. He may yet return to the NFL Network, according to PFT's Gregg Rosenthal. As previously mentioned he will not participate in the league's network's coverage of the Super Bowl.
(4:15pm ET - Maury Brown - TV Ratings Last Time the Colts Won the Super Bowl) - Last time the Colts won the Super Bowl, they beat the Bears in Super Bowl XLI, 29-17, at Dolphin Stadium. As a look back, here's the television ratings for the game
Date
Network
Rating
Share
Avg. Number of Homes (000)
Avg. Number of Persons 2+ (000)
Feb 4 2007 *
CBS
42.6
64
47,505
93,184
Source: Nielsen Media Research
(4:25pm ET - Joe Tetreault - T-Minue Two Hours Link Round Up)
PFT hears that Donte' Stallworth will not have a team when he's reinstated. The reason: He's due a roster bonus of $1 million on March 20th. If Cleveland follows through and dumps Donte' he'll be an unrestricted free agent in search of a team willing to give him a chance at redemption.
The NFL Network's Jason la Canfora hears from Bill Polian that Freeney will play in tonight's game.
CBS Sports' Chris Jones posts a snark-laden analysis of the game tonight. His insight is matched only by his decisiveness on predicting the outcome of the game.
(4:45pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Katie Couric Interviews President Obama) Your football related content will resume shortly. The President is weighing in on Healhtcare Reform and other domestic and foreign policy topics. His football pick "The Colts have to be favored." But he allows that Drew Brees is a class act and he has a soft spot for the Saints.
(4:57pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Steve Winwood) The variety show continues with an aging rocker performing a somewhat lazy rendition of one of his greatest hits. Your odds of Pete Townsend destroying a guitar get better with every mailed in performance in the pregame show.
(5:13PM et - Joe Tetreault - Lowes Jimmie Johnson Commercial) The narration is that of Academy Award winner Gene Hackman, who's absence from film is felt every time I go to the movies. Oh and Congrats, Jimmie, nice job with that whole NASCAR thing.
(5:25pm ET - Joe Tetreault - T-Minue one hour Link Round Up)
SI's Joe Posnanski ruminates before the big game. Munchkins and yellow brick roads play a prominent role.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports on the labor situation. CBS' pregame included a segment on Face the nation it seems. Florio suggests that the path to a labor solution is being paved by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's comments that despite the percentage decrease in the player's share of revenues, the aggregate value of their share will grow. That assumes continued growth in league revenues. A contraction due to a smaller television contract at renewal would sting the union for their magnanimous concession.
ESPN's Paul Kuharsky adds to Indy's good news. Freeney looks ready to go. Kuharsky thinks that Freeney will be in on clear pass rush situations. Colts coach Jim Caldwell talking to CBS' Steve Tasker emained non-committal on how much and in what way Freeney will be used.
NFL.com's Pat Kirwan expects both teams to go no-huddle early and throw a up tempo offensive attack at each other. Time of possession numbers will play a big part in determining tonight's outcome.
(5:36pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Conventional Wisdom's Folly) Boomer just told us on CBS that the stage is set for the biggest offensive Super Bowl ever. I'm think 17-14 grinder at this point. When everyone tells me one thing, I get more inclined to bet the other way.
(5:48pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Where'd I Put That Takeout Menu)So you're thinking a nice slice of pizza would be an ideal way to kick off the evening's festivities? Think again. Chicago area pizzerias suggest you better get your orders in an hour to an hour and a half before kickoff. Better luck before halftime.
(5:55pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Prediction Time) CBS' panel weighs in:
I'll stick with that 17-14 score, and I'll take the Saints. And if that's the halftime score, I'll update my prediction then.
(6:15pm ET - Matthew Coller - The Earth still revolves around Sun despite Tebow ad)
The Tebow ad aired, we've gotten a hold of it for those who haven't seen, here it is:
(6:26pm ET - Matthew Coller - LeBron no Jordan
Well, we can say this: LeBron and Dwight weren't wearing ugly work-out suits like Jordan was back in the day, but, can't say the ad was as entertaining. And, no matter how smooth you try to make the CGI, it still is really obvious that that isn't LeBron. I think that they didn't even need to use CGI with those two, they do crazy enough dunks on their own.
(6:42pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Stover Starts Us Off)
The oldest player to play in the Super Bowl starts off the scoring with a Field Goal. Colts up 3-0
(6:55pm ET - Matthew Coller - First ads)
Well, Tim Tebow ad ran again and once again, Hell didn’t freeze over. I was really confused by the ’85 Bears ad and kind of turned off by the “cheetah thong” part. And, not to be a Negative Nancy, but the Doritos ad was more disturbing than anything. Not sure what about a guy flopping around like Patrice Cormier just elbowed him makes me want to buy chips. Hopefully they are saving best for later. I will give credit to Betty White for a quality appearance on the Snickers ad, though. Got a chuckle out of me.
(7:00pm ET - Maury Brown - Betty White/Abe Vigoda Snickers Ad)
This one gets the early vote for best commercial of the Super Bowl
(7:10pm ET - Maury Brown - The Last Airbender)
This is a movie I've been waiting for. James Cameron registered the name before M. Night Shyamalan and Nickelodeon could. Trailer played during the Super Bowl. Here's the real Avatar (The Last Air Bender)
(7:13pm ET -Matthew Coller - Commercial Bowl)
There is something quite engaging to anyone who grew up in the 90s about The Simpsons, so I could say I was brought in by Coke’s ad. Maybe it’s childish, but I laughed pretty hard at the little beaver playing the violin.
(7:36pm ET - Matthew Coller - NFL ad)
NFL ran its 10-second ad about the Draft. They spent around $6 million for 2 minutes of advertising. They have grown completely obsessed with their super-slow motion. I will admit, the super-slow is dramatic. NFL wanted to promote to casual fans, not sure how Joe feels, but I think they have been and will continue to be incredibly successful. Absolute best marketing of any league.
(7:10 pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Manning to Garcon, Touchdown) With 42 seconds left int he first, Indy caps their second scoring drive with a 19 yard pass from Peyton to Pierre. Garcon was wide open in the end zone. (7:17 pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Saint on the Board) Dwight Freeney showed little ill-effects of his ankle injury sacking Drew Brees on third down making Garrett Hartley's field goal a trickyier 46 yard attempt. He nails it straight and true. (7:42 pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Saints Stuffed on 4th and Goal) The Saints knifed through Indy's defense to get into the Red Zone. But then the Colts came up big stopping New Orleans.
(7:49pm ET - Matthew Coller - Sexist ads reign supreme
Sexism is king in these commercials, wow. FloTV should be ashamed by Jim Nantz saying “change out of that skirt, Jason,” has to be offending women everywhere. There already was GoDaddy nakedness, then the Dodge ad with the list of nags men get from women and how men can break loose of their chains by buying a Dodge. Like I said before, the market is men, but I feel like you can do that without stereotyping women as annoying people.
(7:55pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Saints Close Within 4 at the Half) Garrett Hartley's second Field Goal - this one from 41 - gives the Saints another score as time expires. Onto The Who.
(8:12pm ET - Matthew Coller - The Who
Time for The Who. Interesting use of historical clips by FloTv leading in to The Who, still mad at them for the Nantz ad though….
Just thinking…would have liked to see some interesting new angles and sound for the Super Bowl Today half-time show.
I must say, The Who’s light show is unbelievable. They got off to a little bit of a tough start screwing up the harmony in Pinball Wizard and having a rough transition. Honestly, these abbreviated songs aren’t really my thing. Like, let’s play every hit we can fit into 10 minutes. I’d rather them play two full songs.
I know there are very few relevant bands out there, but, I wouldn’t mind seeing someone a little more modern next time. Maybe a band with all of its original members living. Maybe a band that has done something since the 60s. Can’t deny they put on a good show, it’s still cool to see the old windmill.
No way was that scream his voice. Sounded cool, but he isn’t reaching that note anymore.
(8:29pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Saints Take The Lead) Pierre Thomas finds the end zone grabbing a 16 yard pass from Drew Brees and all of a sudden, New Orleans is rolling. The Saints effectiveness on offense is pointing to a ball control, wear down the defense game plan. The Colts need to burn clock in their next drive, provided the Saints actually kick it away to them.
(8:36pm ET - Matthew Coller - Tweets about The Who)
Some of my favorite Tweets about The Who performance
OldHossRadbourn: Performing next year's half time show: Gilbert and Sullivan.
janesports: We got a few minutes of Jay-Z in the pre-game montage, and you know he should have done the half time show.
SI_RossTucker : Can't even imagine how disturbing it would have been if one of "The Who" band members had a "wardrobe malfunction"
Jeff_Erickson: Seriously, just roll Hootie and the Blowfish or Peter Cetera. It can't get much worse than this.
YahooSportsNFL: If Brett Favre is watching Pete Townsend right now, he may never retire.
Ledger_Yankees: Breaking news: NFL announces next year's Super Bowl halftime show to feature Lawrence Welk and his Orchestra
stevenjayl: When the Who had Keith Moon they didn't need fireworks.
JPosnanski : And now: The Who performing halftime. Question: What does Pete Townshend break tonight, his guitar or his hip?
(9:05pm ET - Maury Brown - Dave, Jay, and Oprah) - Most unexpected ad for the Super Bowl... ever
(8:37pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Addai Puts Colts Back on Top) A four yard camper caps a 76-yard drive chewing up 5:26 of clock.
(8:49pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Hartley Booms Another) Saints have scored on four consecutive drives and are within one. Hartley's 47 yarder makes him the first kicker to hit from forty plus yards three times in a Super Bowl.
(9:05 pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Stover Misses) Indy goes on fourth and one and Manning completes the pass for a big first down, but stopped on fourth and long with the next set of downs, out trots Matt Stover to try from 51. No good. Saints take over with good field position.
(9:10 pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Driving Saints) Reggie Bush catches a Brees pass to get to the 28 yard line. If New Orleans gets a TD on this drive, they are going for two.
(9:15pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Four Straight Saints Scoring Drives) Shockey pulls in the pass from Brees for the TD. The two point conversion attempt is ruled incomplete, but the Saints are challenging the ruling.
(9:18pm ET - Matthew Coller - Interesting article from USA Today about Super Bowl coverage)
This Super Bowl reminds me of NE vs. STL in ’01 where New England nickel and dimed the heck out of STL with short passes and played good defense.
On another note, Sports Television expert from USA Today has interesting column about Super Bowl coverage: http://tinyurl.com/ygj4wzf
(9:19pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Four Straight Saints Scoring Drives) The ruling ont he field is overturned and with under six minutes to go, the Saints have taken the lead back. Manning has time and will start from his 30. My what a game.
(9:24pm ET - Joe Tetreault - An Apt Comparison)
Matt, it feels more like Super Bowl XXV to me. Great, great game.
(9:27pm ET - Matthew Coller - Best commercial?
Peyton Manning hoping to do like his bro in ’07…looking to lead a comeback. Not the shootout we all thought, but this has been one entertaining game. We haven’t talked about the announcers much today, which I think is fantastic. Jim and Phil are guys who won’t thrill you with compelling information, more of the “good job,” type stuff, but they haven’t gotten in the way. For that, I give them props.
I must say, the 12-year old in me laughed at the Denny’s chickens. Joe, any thoughts on best commercial?
(9:28 pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Best Ad Thus Far?) I've been a bit underwheled thus far. I like the Hyundai commercial that featured fifty year old NFL MVP Brett Favre. Much as I hate to admit it.
(9:30 pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Cliche Alert) This is what they call a big third down in the business. And Manning gets picked by Tracy Porter who returns it for the score. Oh wow!
(9:40 pm ET - Maury Brown - Winning Ad, Denny's screaming chickens)
It's close, but I'm giving the best commercial of the Super Bowl to Denny'schickens ad. The close runner up is the Betty White/Abe Vigoda in the Snickers ad.
(9:42 pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Denying the Sideline) The Saints are allowing the catches over the middle and that's forcing the COlts to burn more clock than they want. Sean Payton's game plan to control the clock was inspired.
(9:44pm ET - Matthew Coller - Best Super Bowl Commercial
I can’t help but go with the chickens. I laughed at the beaver playing the violin for Monster.com. The Brett Favre was good, but kind of played out by Best Buy already.
(9:50pm ET - Matthew Coller - Good Game, Good Chat
Great chat, guys. Overall, I’d say a very good Super Bowl. Entertaining on-field, weak commercials for the most part, descent broadcast, OK half-time show and, Saints win. Didn’t think they had a shot. I’d say the biggest problem, as I mentioned before, is the commercials with really sexist messages. I mean, I should expect it, and I don’t want to be told to “pull up my skirt” or whatever, but just feel like those kind of commercials lack creativity.
So, it wasn’t the greatest of all-time anything, but, a solid way to end the season.
(9:55 pm ET - Joe Tetreault - Who Dat?) Super Bowl XLIV Champs Dat's Who! Congratulations to the Saints and their fans.
Matt, Maury, thanks for sharing the ride. This has been a blast.
Just wanted to say thanks to Matthew Coller for calling out the blatant sexism in this year's commercials. I enjoyed the game but hated the commercial breaks.
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Just wanted to say thanks to Matthew Coller for calling out the blatant sexism in this year's commercials. I enjoyed the game but hated the commercial breaks.