Week 2 of NFL playoffs gave us plenty to enjoy
The NFL playoffs last weekend played out a lot better than the first round.
With a record number of points, some controversial coaches decisions, some spotty officiating, and older stars leaving the playoffs scene as new stars were emerging — it made for one of the most entertaining weekends in sports.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning held up his end of the bargain by doing what he does better than anyone in the game — being one and done in the playoffs for the eighth time in 12 seasons.
No tears will be shed here for Broncos executive vice president of Football Operations John Elway, head coach John Fox or anyone else in the Denver organization who swiftly showed Tim Tebow the door last year at the end of the season.
Tebow got them just as far last year, and he should be sitting at home with a smirk.
Should Denver have lost that game? Of course not — but with 31 seconds left they gave up a touchdown that cost them the victory.
I’m sure Fox would love to blame Tebow in some way, but he better look in the mirror for the reason. It’s a different team but a familiar script for Manning.
Waiting for my call:I haven#146;t been contacted by the Chicago Bears for the head coaching position yet, and I#146;m really feeling left out because almost everyone else has been called. I had said if you are going to get rid of Lovie Smith you better have someone in mind. Well, it looks like they didn#146;t and still don#146;t and adding so many names can make it tougher with the selection process. There are two ways of looking at the situation: the Bears are taking their time because they#146;ve want to make sure they get it right, or they are crawling along because they are unsure. Either way, don#146;t panic if it#146;s a name we don#146;t recognize. There are plenty of coaches doing well that most fans probably never heard of before #151; like Mike Smith of the Atlanta Falcons or Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers. They have all done OK. The Bears#146; head coach selection is Phil Emery#146;s job and his only. He will sink or swim with it.Bulls don#146;t really disappoint:The Chicago Bulls are above .500 by more than a few games (20-15 going into Monday#146;s game), but the inconsistency of late has some people grumbling. Well don#146;t. Be happy with the way they are playing without their star, Derrick Rose. They have played well. Will Rose be back this year? Hopefully yes, but if not they will still be a playoff team and their roster is getting plenty of experience. Look, with no go-to guy, they will have some stinkers like they did the other day against the Phoenix Suns. If you are a realistic Bulls fan, you can#146;t be too disappointed.Congratulations:I want to congratulate Tom Les, head coach of Notre Dame College Prep#146;s basketball team, on the birth of his first grandchild, Parker Wiley.Program note: Look for me on Mancow on WPWR Ch. 50 at 6 a.m. Friday and Monday.Ÿ Mike North#146;s column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.