I’ve made some big blunders in my life — buying a Dodge Neon, putting scissors in an electrical outlet, having one more drink when it was time to go home. It happens, but we move on and learn from our bad decisions.
In August, I made a number of predictions to preview the 2008 NFL season for FoxNews.com. For the most part, my picks were solid. I may not have gotten all of the calls exactly right — ala Ed Hoculli — but I came close.
With it being less than a week away from the Super Bowl, I figured I’d take a look back at my predictions. This, after all, is a way for me to wipe the slate clean, admit my faults and put the crystal ball away for seven months.
MVP
AFC Picks: LaDainian Tomlinson, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning
Results: I’m not going to be too rough on myself over this one. After all, Manning did win the overall MVP award. As for the other two: the Lions’ Dan Orlovsky had a better shot of taking home this year’s trophy than Brady did. Tomlinson, meanwhile, ran for over 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns.
NFC Picks: Brian Westbrook, Tony Romo, Adrian Peterson
Results: The league only selects one MVP, so none of these guys had a shot with the year Manning put together. Westbrook remains one of the game’s most versatile backs, and he helped the Eagles get all the way to the NFC championship game. Romo didn’t have a bad year (3448 yards, 26 TD, 14 INT), but the Cowboys missed the playoffs. Of the three, Peterson had the best shot of bringing the MVP award back to the NFC. The 23-year-old Vikings back rushed for a league-leading 1760 yards and 10 touchdowns on the year.
ROOKIE TO WATCH
AFC Pick: Jerod Mayo, LB, New England
Result: Mayo was a beast this year and was recognized as the league’s top rookie defensive player. The linebacker started every game and finished with 128 tackles, good enough for 10th best in the NFL. Mayo’s strong presence on defense was a primary reason the Patriots defense finished in the Top 10.
NFC Pick: Felix Jones, RB, Dallas
Result: Jones was limited to just six games after suffering a torn hamstring against the Arizona Cardinals. During rehab, the former Arkansas Razorback tore some ligaments, which sidelined him for the rest of the year. Jones showed signs of brilliance when he did play, even taking over as the Cowboys’ primary punt returner. No question, however, that Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan deserves the top honor here.
PLAYOFF PICTURE
AFC Picks: New England, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (Wild Card), New York (Wild Card)
Results: San Diego beat the Colts in the first round before losing to the Steelers in the divisional playoffs. Pittsburgh is now headed to the Super Bowl. Overall: 3 of 6 correct.
NFC Picks: Dallas, Minnesota, New Orleans, Seattle, Philadelphia (Wild Card), New York (Wild Card)
Results: The Eagles beat the Vikings in round one and then bested the No. 1 seed Giants in the divisional playoffs. They lost, however, to the Arizona Cardinals in the conference championship. Overall: 3 of 6 correct.
SUPER BOWL
My Pick: San Diego over Dallas
Result: Completely wrong, and this is the one that mattered the most.
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lol I remember that San Diego pick on Sports Heaven also….. oh well it happens.
And for some reason picking the cowboys to win the super bowl has become the pre season norm over the last couple of years. it makes me very angry. Romo is terrible. Nobody should ever predict them to win the super bowl ever again.
Also good job picking the Jets as a wild card. Many people including myself were predicting the Jets at a solid 12-4 once they brought in Favre. But you were still wrong but closer than the rest of us so props to you.