Got Tickets?

I do! Going to see the Jags beat up on the Burros on October 10th! I can't wait.

Jaguars 20 - Patriots 31

The Total Package
That's what you need to win it all, either that or a whole truckload of luck. There were two upsets this weekend as the Colts and Cowboys lost. I had hoped for it but the Patriots simply have a team that isn't going to lose, you have to beat them. A fumble early on, an interception late and a couple crucial dropped passes by Jags receivers made the difference. On the other side, Brady was almost perfect. I expect the Pack and the Patriots to win next week and move on to the Super Bowl. At this point I have to root for the opportunity to watch an historical run. It pains me to say it at some level but I'd like to see the Pats go all the way... 19-0.

Jags have an excellent future - running game, QB, defense, pass protection. We just need some speedy receivers. I hope we can pick up a couple, that would give us the total package that we need.

As a side note, it definitely helps to win your division and get that first week bye.

Jaguars 31 - Steelers 29

What a game. It was enjoyable and relaxing in the second and third quarters but then the Steelers scored 19 points in the 4th to come back and take the lead by 1 point. Garrard won the game for them with a 4th and 2 play. Run up the middle for first down and more to put them in field goal range.

Next week it's either Pats or Colts. They better be ready! My friend in Dallas has a sports blog where he shows his picks every week and tracks them along with the major sports writers. He's always right up there with the best of them. But... here's Eddie Chinn's prediction about this game:

Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6): NBC, 8:00pm EST, Saturday - In regards to RB sensation Willie Parker being out for the year with a broken leg, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, "Whoever hoists that Lombardi Trophy in a month or so will have had injury issues and will have found ways to overcome it. We don't dwell on that. It's as much a part of the game as blocking and tackling. The healthy guys play and the standard of expectation doesn't change." Expectations will be sky high tomorrow night as Pittsburgh will look to exact revenge on J-town who throttled Pittsburgh 29-22 in Week 15. Jacksonville is hitting on all cylinders going in to Heinz Field, which shouldn't be in its "pending lawsuit" state, but the Steelers should be more than ready for them. Plus, history is on their side. Jacksonville has not won a playoff road game in eleven years, and no team has ever beaten Pittsburgh on its home turf twice in the same season in the 75-year history of the Black and Gold. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH

I put his comments in teal just to make a point. Revenge was not forthcoming even though the Steelers were poised to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the final minutes of the game. As far as history being "on their side", Pittsburgh can't rely on 75 years of history to defend their record, they have to go out every year and beat teams to keep that streak going. And this Jaguars team is not the team they have been for their entire history. It could be that this is the best and most complete team the Jaguars have ever fielded. If they can pick up a couple or three great receivers before next year they will be a dangerous team. They'll need to be at their best next week and have some luck on their side.

Jaguars 28 - Texans 42

I can't say that I completely understand the mentality of resting starters in the last game of the season but I guess that's what Del Rio decided. To me the fear of injury sets a certain tone for that first playoff game that I wouldn't want to have. But on the plus side Quinn threw 4 touchdowns, wow! He's been what you want to have in a backup this year. Nice job.

No matter who they play next week it should be a great game.

Christmas Eve

My girls on Christmas Eve. We got Jen a new DVD camcorder. Of course now we have to learn how to use it.

Raiders 11 - Jaguars 49

Clinched playoffs!!! Ranked 5th in the AFC but only because they didn't win their division. By wins they are 3rd. So the talk now is whether they will play the Steelers or the Browns in week one of the playoffs. If they win, they go to New England. What are their chances against a possibly unbeaten Patriots.

I like their chances. The Pats have a passing game. I've not been impressed with their running game by itself. They break away some good runs but it's entirely set up by the pass. That works unless the pass gets shut down. So, if the Jags can hold up and force them to run prematurely they can limit their production. The Jags have the total package this year, run, pass, defense and a mobile QB. Could make for an exciting game.

Mele Kalikimaka

Today we had a visit from some old friends. Our ex-neighbors from across the street, Steve and Krista Massarro came by. It was great to visit for a while. They moved to Hawaii a couple years ago. Their daughter, Julia, and Megan have been corresponding since they both learned to read and write. Not only is it good to see them keep their relationship alive, it's great motivation for Megan to practice writing.

It was fun to hear about their lives in Hawaii, to reconnect and to celebrate God's faithfulness over the past couple of years. What a wonderful addition to our Christmas season!