Monday Morning Placekicking

This weekend's NFL action left me in a pretty conflicted state of mind. I have been a Pittsburgh Steelers fan since birth, but I spent nine years in Indiana and the last two in Charlotte. So it's been impossible not to have followed both the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers over the years. The sad part is that I've seen both of these teams play more games in person than I have my beloved Steelers. Then again, getting a ticket to a Steelers game in Pittsburgh can be a pricey endeavor.

So the Colts and the Panthers headed into Sunday with a chance to meet each other in Super Bowl XXXVIII. In another odd twist, I was in Houston a few weeks back on business and the entire city is gearing up to host the big game on February 1st at Reliant Stadium. As it turned out, Peyton Manning's four interceptions cost the Colts a chance to make a late comeback, and Ricky Manning's three interceptions helped send the Panthers to their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

I suppose one out of two teams making it to the big game is good enough for me. But the New England Patriots are going to be a tough opponent. They have been on fire for most of the season, but you never know when they might falter. Carolina has been a huge unknown all season and they appear to be peaking at the right time. It should be a very good game.