Macca

Wow ! That is big news . Still nothing in this game at Houston . This drive will tell a story . If the Texans can get a score it will make it very hard for the Bengals . 9 minutes left .

Yep, there's more pressure on the Packers to win this game . So much is going to depend on the 1st quarter . Tight game in Houston . The Bengals can't get into the red zone but they're still in it .

They chased down over 400 in Perth in the 1st Test (?) in that series over here - wasn't good . South Africa would have been devastated just a few months later though . It's strange what you remember - we played them in 2 series over a period of 3 - 4 months but it's our series win over there which stands out in my memory . Probably because our loss here wasn't totally unexpected but the win over there was a complete surprise. In the recent series we were in a position to win both the 1st and 2nd test but couldn't get it done . Then they win the 3rd Test after our terrible 2nd day (in Perth) . The selectors mucked up the bowling rotations, though Pattinson breaking down in Adelaide didn't help . Edit : Pages 14 through to 23 of this thread cover both series - it's interesting picking up the mood of the people who posted during that time period .

Good get wisedog . I had no idea myself but you've twigged my memory . Johnno and Hughes played very well in that series and it was regarded as an unexpected series win by the Aussies . From memory Andrew McDonald picked up some vital wickets in that series as well .

It's all or nothing tomorrow hey 'cfh' ? . By 3.30pm or thereabouts one of us is gonna be elated, the other not so much ! I'll be kicking off from about 7.30 - 8.00 am (ish) . Good coffee and cinnamon donuts at the ready ! I can't find a definite winner out of any of the 4 games . Apparently it's going to be below freezing in Green Bay for the game .

It is a dead rubber though, Wyl . If we do lose this test it won't be remembered in future years . We used to lose the odd dead rubber when we were no.1 in the World but so what ? You never like to lose a test but we've won the series and this is in some ways a practice match . For instance, would the selectors have only played 5 specialist batsmen if it were a live rubber ? Play the extra spinner if you're going to experiment (as preparation for India) Now that was an error (in my opinion) . I'd like to see us chase down 250 odd though - for a few reasons . Edit : without the aid of google or 'Alto Vista',(yes, it still exists!) can anyone recall the last time we lost a dead rubber? Against which nation and where?

Yeah I like the way Wade sets himself for a decent score . If he gets in then he's quite capable of scoring heavily . And he's just turned 25 years old - we're starting to build our team for the future .

Here's the now 'infamous' Rex Ryan bicep tattoo . A picture of a woman who bears a striking resemblance to his wife in a Mark Sanchez jersey . A more bizarre sight I have never seen . Ridiculous (but highly amusing) Of course, it might be a fake . I hope it isn't though Here's Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless with their take on it ... Rex Ryan's tattoo - real or fake? This weekend's games ... Monday is part of the weekend in January right ? Sunday, Jan. 6 (wild card round) 8.30am — Cincinnati at Houston 12.00pm — Minnesota at Green Bay Monday, Jan. 7 (wild card round) 5:00am — Indianapolis at Baltimore 8:30am — Seattle at Washington

Well done Matthew Wade . Under the circumstances, a terrific ton . Siddle in particular gave great support . And another good declaration by Pup . I like his confidence - many skippers would have batted on to try and get 10 or 20 more .

South Africa win by an innings and 27 runs . One more test for the Kiwi's over there before Pakistan arrive for 3 Tests (in February) . Foxtel will probably be covering those Tests as well . There is so much cricket going on - Big Bash (it's kinda like cricket), International One-dayers start next week against Sri Lanka (5 games) They squeeze a couple of International t20's in late January before the Windies arrive here for 5 ODI's in early Feb . We then go to India for 4 Tests and a series of One-dayer's in Feb/March . All this and we then play 2 Ashes series (10 Tests in all) between July and xmas/New Year . That's a lot of cricket . Interesting day at the SCG today . Some soft dismissals means that we're not quite in a winning position .

Out of my league on the QB's 'cfh' . I occasionally tune into a College game but not with any real interest . It's unbelievably big over there isn't it ? Found this link for the top QB prospects but I know nothing about them . There's only a few on this list - lean year for QB's apparently .

My 'inside source' tells me that Reid and Vick might be a package deal ! No, seriously, I have no clue ! Be interesting if Reid and Vick end up at KC on a whole lot of levels ... Apart from anything else, what happens to Dappa Dan's avatar and does 'pantaloons' change his avatar to a photo of Vick ? A 'Changing of the Guard' (so to speak) I rate Reid as a coach (his overall record is hard to fault) and Vick will end up somewhere as a starter anyway . Both didn't have great year's but I reckon it's a good fit .

Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal's podcast can be found here . They review last week's games and preview the wild-card games (as well as trying to guess the lines) Sal is none too happy with his Cowboys, Tony Romo and Coach Garrett. Here's the complete playoff schedule again . All the wild-card games are being shown live on ESPN & OneHD and let's hope that continues right throughout the playoffs . All times are AEDT ... Sunday, Jan. 6 (wild card round) 8.30am — Cincinnati at Houston 12.00pm — Minnesota at Green Bay Monday, Jan. 7 (wild card round) 5:00am — Indianapolis at Baltimore 8:30am — Seattle at Washington Sunday, Jan. 13 (divisional round) 8:30am — Denver hosts its game against Baltimore/Indianapolis/Cincinnati 12:00pm — San Francisco hosts its game against Green Bay/Washington/Seattle Monday, Jan. 14 (divisional round) 5:00am — Atlanta hosts its game against Washington/Seattle/Minnesota 8:30am — New England hosts its game against Houston/Baltimore/Indianapolis Monday, Jan. 21 (championship games) 7:00am — NFC title game 10:30am — AFC title game Monday, Feb. 4 10:30am — Super Bowl

Maxwell could have been played at the expense of one of the quicks . With the tour of India coming up it was the perfect time to play 2 spinners (or a spinner and a spinning all-rounder) . I'm surprised Beer wasn't in the team but once Maxwell was in the squad then there wasn't room for Beer as well . We're 2 up in the series and there is very little chance of Sri Lanka winning this Test anyway . Great time for some experimentation . There's a reasonably good chance that Maxwell will be going to India so why not play him now ? Especially when you consider that we'll probably play 2 spinners in some or all of the Tests over there . 4 for 41 for Jackson Bird . His style of bowling could be invaluable in England .

No Doubt with 'Settle Down' ... Macca 11.9

Seems the Nets are sticking with P J Carlesimo for now . They are, however, seeking 'talks' with Phil - would be great for them if they could snag him . Here is the latest from 'Pro Basketball Talk' There are a number of teams (other than the usual suspects) who are doing quite well so far this season . The Knicks, Hawks, Grizzlies, Warriors and the Clippers are all faring well in the W/L column . Here are the current standings Still waiting on the Lakers though - with Nash back they should get on a bit of a run . Always good for the sport when the Lakers are firing and that rivalry with the Clippers will take on a different dimension if both teams are flying .

I see KC have 'moved on' Romeo Crennel (1 of 7 head coaches who have lost their job ) . Any news on his replacement? Would Lovie Smith or Andy Reid be a good fit ? You've got the no.1 pick in the draft so that's some consolation (wrong year? ) Could be worse pantaloons - imagine if you were a soccer fan as well and you followed QPR (they're currently 1-7-12)

Tough one against the Seahawks next week . Haven't heard much about Seattle's game against the Rams today (other than they got a late TD winner)

Here's the complete playoff schedule . All the wild-card games are being shown live on ESPN & OneHD and let's hope that continues right throughout the playoffs . All times are AEDT ... Sunday, Jan. 6 (wild card round) 8.30am — Cincinnati at Houston 12.00pm — Minnesota at Green Bay Monday, Jan. 7 (wild card round) 5:00am — Indianapolis at Baltimore 8:30am — Seattle at Washington Sunday, Jan. 13 (divisional round) 8:30am — Denver hosts its game against Baltimore/Indianapolis/Cincinnati 12:00pm — San Francisco hosts its game against Green Bay/Washington/Seattle Monday, Jan. 14 (divisional round) 5:00am — Atlanta hosts its game against Washington/Seattle/Minnesota 8:30am — New England hosts its game against Houston/Baltimore/Indianapolis Monday, Jan. 21 (championship games) 7:00am — NFC title game 10:30am — AFC title game Monday, Feb. 4 10:30am — Super Bowl

Yep, that was the one . It happens too many times for it to be just bad luck . A poor choice - just throw it out . Redskins win - the Seahawks to visit next week (Monday 8.30am) The 3 rookie QB's who are a chance for ROTY are going to be in the playoffs . And one of the favourites for MVP (Peterson) will be on show as well . RG3 took a hard hit late in the game but he seemed ok .

Ha ! Sav's just gone the big face mask - typical Collingwood

I thing that phrase is a universal one in sport ... Redskins now 11 points in front . What's the bet Dallas claw their way back into it and then find another freak way to lose?

Matthews seems to be ok - nothing on the fan site to indicate otherwise - they're in semi meltdown mode about McCarthy , Ponder , Peterson , our defence and a few other things Have no idea about playoff tickets for opposition fans - do they even let 'em in at Lambeau ?? I know there's at least a 20 year wait for a seasons ticket at Green Bay - it's like our MCC membership . Referring to the playoff games (post #654) - noon next Sunday is a good time for our game hey ? The cricket should be all over by then (3 days should be enough to knock over the Lankans) and we'll get a clear run for the playoffs ...I've added the following weeks match-ups as well (in that post) . If your blokes win next week you'll then go to Atlanta in week 2, whereas the Packers would go to San Francisco .

All times AEDT ... Wild-Card Weekend Schedule Sunday Jan 6 - 8.30am - (6) Cincinnati @ (3) Houston Sunday Jan 6 - Noon - (6) Minnesota @ (3) Green Bay Monday Jan 7 - 5.00am - (5) Indianapolis @ (4) Baltimore Monday Jan 7 - 8.30am - (5) Seattle @ (4) Washington Divisional Weekend Schedule Sunday Jan 13 - 8.30am - No. 4/5/6 winner @ (1) Denver Sunday Jan 13 - Noon - No. 3/4/5 NFC winner @ (2) San Francisco Monday Jan 14 - 5.00am - No. 4/5/6 NFC winner @ (1) Atlanta Monday Jan 14 - 8.30AM - No. 3/4/5 AFC winner @ (2) New England: 8.30 a.m.

Well I'm not so confident after today . Ponder is seen as the weak link in our match-up (as well as Green Bay's defence) and he could gain a fair bit of confidence out of today . It's almost like Rodgers and Peterson cancel each other out . Part of my reasoning about the Packers needing to play every week is our defence - it's 'dodgy' and a week off would not help . Any idea what time the game is and which day ? Edit : times and dates of next weeks playoff games in following post ...