I love men. G Men that is! And my dad!

It's been just over a year since I wrote about professional team sports and exactly a year since my dad died. It's hard to believe it's been that long since both these things occurred. Let's revisit them today.

As you must know, (televised) sports are a big part of my life, so for it to have been this long since I wrote about them is astounding. 

Or is it? While I haven't written about sports, I've read about them almost every day. Earth to Matilda, there is a lot of brilliant sports writing on the internet. So brilliant, it made me think, "What's the point of me writing about them?" This negative attitude was partly compounded by the unearthing of a story I wrote in 8th grade that is on par with my most recent prose, in  both style and complexity.

The other problem is the three teams I pretend to know anything about (Giants, Mets, Liverpool FC) are three of the most well covered and passionately supported teams in their respective sports. You could read about these teams in hundreds or even thousands of other places. In fact, the whole internet is saturated with inane blogs about God knows what, just like this one. So why write anything at all? Why do anything at all? It's all been done. 


Ah ha! Ah ha! 


That's the point. It hasn't all been done and said. The world changes every second and there's always another point of view. There's always another story to be told. Plus, I crave the spotlight, however dim. So let's go for it!


Last year, I predicted that the Giants would defeat the Eagles at home 31-24, clinching the NFC East. Of course, that was the Matt Dodge punting to DeSean Jackson game, and the Giants went on to squander their next to chances to make the playoffs.

Well this year we're in baby! 

Side note: Who runs New York?? Woo! I went to Giants/Jets on Christmas Eve and the vibe at MetLife was fairly good natured. At least before the game, since both sets of fans secretly felt like their team kinda sucked. It was slightly less good natured after the game when the Giants faithful got their swagger back. It really was great to shut Rex's fat mouth.

He's actually doing a Globtrotters-style slide dribble with Felix Jones as the ball.

Anyway, after beating Dallas, which was just as sweet, we're in baby! A year ago, I wrote that the Giants were running the ball and rushing the passer well. This year, we're rushing the passer well! Yes, the pass rush disappeared for about 5 games after a strong start, but it's back now. This can be attributed to the return of Osi (he's still good!) and the continuted growth of the man-child, Jason Pierre-Paul. What can I say about JPP that hasn't already been said? He's an athletic freak who had a huge breakthrough about half way through the season, and now he'll play in the Pro Bowl. And guess what: HE'S STILL LEARNING! He's sharpening his instincts like an adolescent wolf who just joined the hunt. 

In other team news,

Eli: Elite

Cruuuuuz: Sick

Nicks: Still sick, despite the drop against da Skinz and the way he holds the ball like loaf of bread when he's running.

Rookie FB Henry Hynoski: Sooo fucking sick. You see those first down catches and a hurdle against the Cowboys?

Bradshaw/Jacobs: Not too sick this year, but they're showing signs of sickness. I've been really unimpressed with new center David Baas and the run blocking overall. O-Line, LB, and the secondary need help. Even without the injuries that have crushed these areas, they need upgrades.

Following a similar game plan from last week, the Giants will beat the Falcons 27-20 on Sunday. Then on to Green Bay! Woop! Woop!


We'll save in depth analysis of the Mets and LFC for another time. I'm too depressed to talk about the Mets, but the Pool cruised to a 5-1 victory over Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup today, with captain Steven Gerrard scoring from the penalty spot and Steward Downing netting his first goal for the club.


In a silky-smooth segue, the old man passed a year ago yesterday (1/5). I can't talk about, or think about, or play sports without thinking of him. I mean, I can, but you get my point. There's a strong connection!

It's been kind of a weird year. I was pretty pumped on 2011, but got thrown off track, early on. I can't believe it's been over a year since I heard his voice. Here's something that sucks: I had old voicemails he'd left me, and I was going to listen to them when I was ready. But then I updated my phone and *poof! they were erased! Bummer! So I never got to hear those again. I didn't mourn Steve Jobs for this reason. Also because I never met him. I know he made great products, but dang.


So dad, I miss you. You're with me every time I play golf and despite iTunes updates, I can still hear your voice.