“Super Mario” has become a sudden star thanks to the gushing of Cris Collinsworth, Al Michaels, and the need for NBC to find a David Tyree moment in Super Bowl 46.  Mario did make a great catch…of a magnificent throw.  In the third quarter Collinsworth had thrown Mario under the bus for his poor route running, something he had studied throughout the season, and we know all too well in New York.  The fact that NBC had a graphic all set to show how poor Manningham’s routes are run, shows it is a consistent problem.  Mario is a nice receiver that serves a purpose in the Giants offense.  He is the speed merchant, he draws coverages deep to open up routes for the other guys underneath.  He is not, and should not be, the top “Numbers” guy on anyone’s team.  This obsession with wanting the ball more is mind- boggling.  Here is a guy that caught a TD pass against Atlanta to seal the first playoff win.  He then caught a TD pass against Green Bay to send them home.  Next up San Francisco, and a crucial TD catch to keep the Giants in the game, and then three catches on a Super Bowl Winning Drive.  Is that not enough?  You want to go catch 10 balls a game for 8 yards each from Josh Freeman and finish 8-8? Why? I though it was all about winning?  Just say you want and deserve more money, and see where the market takes you.  Don’t knock the team that gave you chance after chance to stay on the team, and the opportunity to win a Super Bowl, on the way out the door. Mario had 160 catches in 4 years, not exactly number one stats.  How that attitude makes you attractive to other teams is beyond me.  You think that shows your desire to compete? You think it shows you have confidence in your ability?  It shows me you are selfish, and will become another WR complaining that your QB doesn’t look for you enough.  Mario has made some great catches, and has dropped a few key balls also in his time with the Giants.  If he thinks the grass is greener…God Bless..Have fun…See you when we see you.  There is no reason to say anything about this organization on the way out of town.

The other point that needs to be made about the catch in 46 is that there were 5 guys on the field that day that could have made that catch.  Nicks, Cruz, Welker, Hernandez, and a healthy Gronkowski.  There are 5 maybe 6 QB’s that could have made the throw in the League.  ”Super Mario” will win the Super Bowl Lottery this year.  It happens almost every year.  Gibril Wilson and Kavica Mitchell won it after Super Bowl 42…..Mario thinks it’s his turn, I wish him the best of luck.

We had a rough week last week going 9-7 thanks to some unexpected injuries, and some other strange happenings.  We stand at 130-63 for the season including Thursday nights win in Pittsburgh.  Here we go:

New England at Washington: The Redskin defense is pretty good, but still no match in the long run for the Patriots

PICK: NEW ENGLAND

Kansas City at New York Jets: The Jet offense will have it’s struggles again this week against a very strong K.C. defense.  However Tyler Palko won’t mature much against the Jet defense. PICK: JETS

Houston at Cincinnati: Cincy’s defense might be a little much for the beat up Texans.  I’m going with the home team with Cincy making it’s last stand at a playoff spot.  PICK: CINCINNATI

Indianapolis at Baltimore:  Even though Baltimore lost to Jacksonville earlier this year, I don’t think lightning strike twice, besdie The Ravens need to keep pace with the Steelers: PICK BALTIMORE

Minnesota at Detroit: Keep an eye on who is playing Qb for Minny this week.  Christian Ponder wasn’t practicing during the week and might be out for this game.  Joe Webb won’t scare the Lions and the Minnesota secondary allowed Tim Tebow to go 15-20!  PICK: DETROIT

Atlanta at Carolina: I have been a big fan of Cam Newton this year, but the rest of the team needs some help, as he noted this week in the media.  Atlanta needs to sew up the top Wild Card spot soon. PICK: ATLANTA

Philadelphia at Miami: Vick, Maclin, Matthews, all back….I’m guessing they need some time to get used to seeing each other again.  Miami playing very well especially at home.  PICK: MIAMI

Tampa Bay at Jacksonville: If Raheem Morris wants to have any sense of success this year, he needs to start winning again.  Jacksonville didn’t look much better last Monday with a new coach.  PICK: TAMPA BAY

New Orleans at Tennessee: New Orleans is on a roll. Tennessee coming off a good road win in Buffalo.  I don’t see N.O. missing a step here.  PICK: NEW ORLEANS

San Francisco at Arizona: Fantastic effort by Arizona last week beating the Cowboys in Overtime, and a nice pick by us.  I think they spent a lot on that game.  PICK: SAN FRANCISCO

Chicago at Denver: Chicago with no Qb and no RB…I’m not turing on Tebow now.  PICK: DENVER

Oakland at Green Bay: This one is actually a tough one.  The Green Bay defense could be susceptible to the Oakland running game and if Carson Palmer gets going with the Raider speed, there could be a lot of points scored here.  Still think Rodgers is too much for anyone to handle.  PICK: GREEN BAY

Buffalo at San Diego: San Diego needs this one, and all the rest. Buffalo blew their chances last week at home, this one across the country ends badly for them. PICK: SAN DIEGO

New York GIANTS AT DALLAS: I think the running game is back for the Giants and will help Eli exploit the Cowboy secondary.  Dallas offensive line still a work in progress. PICK: GIANTS

Just for the record…here is where I register my picks every Thursday. http://poolhost.com