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Stat of the Week
Week of January 28, 2008
(11)
World No. 1-ranked Roger Federer and world No. 2-ranked Rafael Nadal combined to win (11) consecutive Grand Slam titles during a stretch that began after Marat Safin won the 2005 Australian Open and ended when world No. 3-ranked Novak Djokovic captured his first career Grand Slam title with a win at the 2008 Australian Open on Saturday. Federer won eight grand slam titles during that stretch, capturing two Aussie Open titles, three Wimbledon titles, and three U.S. Open titles-and Nadal won three consecutive French Open titles during that same stretch. The streak ended during the semi-finals when Djokovic defeated Federer 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), and unseeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated Nadal 6-2, 6-3, 6-2. Djokovic became the first Serbian to win a Grand Slam singles title, and when asked what the reaction back home would be, he said, "I think it is a crazy house back in Serbia."
Honorable Mentions
(4)
In a remarkable run to the finals of the 2008 Australian Open unseeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated (4) players ranked among the top 14 in the world. Last year, when Roger Federer was in the midst of successfully defending his 2006 Australian Open title, Tsonga was ranked No. 338 in the world. This year, he defeated No. 9 ranked Andy Murray in the first round, No. 8 ranked Richard Gasquet in the fourth round, No. 14 ranked Mikhail Youzhny in the quarter-finals, and No. 2 ranked Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals as he made his first ever appearance in a finals match. Tsonga lost to Novak Djokovic 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-7 (2-7), but he is expected to become the No. 18 ranked player in the world when the new numbers are posted.
(5)
The number of NFL Wild Card teams (5) to capture a conference title game for a trip to the Super Bowl since 1997. The New York Giants took the same route as did Denver, Tennessee, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh in reaching the big game this year. Only Tennessee lost, so heading into this season's Super Bowl, three out of the last four Wild Card teams to play for it have won the Lombardi Trophy—which might serve to give Giants fans a little bit of hope, considering their team is a heavy underdog. Of course if you go back one more season to 1996, since then the Patriots have won five AFC titles and a total of three Lombardi Trophies. The NFC title is just the second for the Giants since 1990, and the first since 2000.
(17)
Maria Sharapova was only (17) years old when she beat Serena Williams in the Wimbledon finals in 2004 to capture her first Grand Slam title. Last week at the 2008 Australian Open, and still a few weeks shy of turning 21, the former world No. 1 captured her third career Grand Slam, and her first since winning the U.S. Open in 2006. Sharapova has now won 17 times on tour, but this one carries extra meaning because one year ago she was annihilated by Serena Williams in the finals of the Aussie Open. She was plagued by injuries the rest of the season, but she persevered and found redemption this year. Sharapova said afterwards, "When you're putting the work in it seems so hard, and you never know when that work is going to pay off."
(62)
In an ESPN on-line poll, approximately (62) percent of the first 228,000 responders predict that New England will win Super Bowl XLII. Of course the undefeated Patriots are heavy favorites, but talk about being confident in your hometown team, 90 percent of those responders who live in Massachusetts believe New England will win—but only 59 percent of those responders in New York, and just 53 percent in New Jersey, believe that the Giants can pull off an upset.
(617)
The kickoff time (6:17) for Super Bowl XLII. Giants' defensive end Michael Strahan told his teammates prior to an almost unbearably frigid NFC title game against the Packers that "weather is temporary—championships are permanent!" This will be his second shot at Super Bowl glory. He lost Super Bowl XXXV to the Baltimore Ravens 34-7, and as the minutes countdown to what may very well be his final shot at getting the penultimate ring, Strahan is hoping to ride out on top like John Elway and Jerome Bettis—and when asked what will happen come kickoff time on February 3, Strahan, proving himself to be more confident than the Giants hometown fans, said, "We expect to win."
Stat of the Week
Week of January 21, 2008
(47)
The length in yards (47) of the game-winning field goal for New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes to claim the NFC title game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Tynes, who is a native of Scotland, was a perfect 8 for 8 on attempts from 40-49 yards during the regular season—but he missed a 43 yard attempt with just under seven minutes left in regulation, and he missed a 36 yard attempt off a bad snap as time expired with the teams tied 20-20. Tynes got redemption in overtime though, as his first game-winning field goal of the season earned Coach Tom Coughlin and the Giants a trip to Glendale, Arizona for Super Bowl XLII.
Honorable Mentions
(10)
The number of consecutive wins (10) on the road for the New York Giants. They became the first team in NFL history to win ten road games in one season, let alone ten in a row, when they clinched the NFC title at Lambeau Field on Sunday. The Giants lost the season opener on the road in Dallas back on September 9, and then they got trounced during their home opener by the Packers during week two on September 16—but the Giants have won 13 of 17 since, including all ten away from the Meadowlands. New York won at Washington, Atlanta, Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Buffalo during the regular season, and then became just the third team in NFL history to reach the Super Bowl by winning three straight road playoff games, taking out Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Green Bay.
(14)
The number of points (14) that Las Vegas odds-makers immediately favored the Patriots to beat the Giants by in Super Bowl XLII. Eli Manning said after winning the NFC title game, “We haven’t been given a shot, but we’re here and I think we’re deserving of it... it’s just a matter of getting hot at the right time.” The Giants are in fact hot, and when asked about what kind of chance New York has at beating the Patriots, Packers quarterback Brett Favre replied, “They could win two weeks from now. I wouldn’t put it past them.”
(90)
The length in yards (90) of the touchdown pass from Brett Favre to Donald Driver that gave the Packers a second quarter lead during the NFC title game. Giants’ cornerback Corey Webster is the guy who got burned on the play, but he got his redemption before the game ended. Webster picked off a pass from Favre to Driver on the Packers second play from scrimmage during the overtime period, setting up the game-winning kick from Lawrence Tynes.
(154)
The number of receiving yards (154) for Plaxico Burress during the NFC title game. The total set a career high, as did the 11 receptions for the Giants wide receiver—and both totals also set franchise playoff records. His performance was all the more remarkable because he was up against the Packers Al Harris, who is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Burress, who will face the Patriots in his first career Super Bowl, the same team that beat him in the AFC title game when he was with the Steelers in 2001, said afterwards, “I told them [the Giants coaching staff] if I get this far again I was going to kick the door down... we just came out here and played our hearts out.”
(602)
The number of passing yards (602) for New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning during the Giants playoff victories against Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Green Bay. The fourth year player out of Mississippi has suffered more than his fair share of criticism as fans, teammates, and coaches have demanded the same kind of numbers as those posted by his older brother Peyton. It appears Eli has finally arrived. He connected on 21 of 40 attempts for 254 yards in the NFC title game, despite a wind chill of minus-23 degrees, and an actual temperature of minus-one degrees that made the game the third coldest in NFL history. Packers quarterback Brett Favre was picked off twice in the game, but for the third consecutive playoff game, Manning did not turn the ball over a single time. He had 23 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions during the regular season, but Manning has four touchdowns and no interceptions in the playoffs.
(1000)
The continued winning percentage (1.000) for the New England Patriots. They are the AFC champions yet again, thanks in large part to Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs, Rodney Harrison, and Tedy Bruschi, who all anchored a defensive unit that limited the Chargers to four field goals and no touchdowns, despite three trips by San Diego’s offensive unit inside the Patriots ten yard line. That proved to be the difference in the Patriots 21-12 victory, but you can’t discount the efforts of running back Laurence Maroney either. The second year player out of Minnesota rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown as he helped New England control time of possession in the second half. Lest we forget to mention quarterback Tom Brady, he now has at least one touchdown pass in 14 consecutive playoff games, although he was also picked three times after only missing on two attempts total last week against Jacksonville.
Stat of the Week
Week of January 14, 2008
(4)
The number of teams (4) to receive at least one vote for the top spot in the final AP Top 25 collegiate football poll of the season. Georgia, USC, and Kansas all got at least one vote each after winning their BCS bowl games, but of course only one team can earn the BCS national championship title, and for the second consecutive season the winner of the SEC title game trounced Ohio State to claim it. LSU quarterback Matt Flynn rallied the Tigers from a 10-0 deficit to a convincing 38-24 victory, passing for four touchdowns and earning offensive player of the game honors. The Buckeyes are now 0-9 against SEC opponents in bowl games. Chris Wells, who scored on a 65-yard run on the fourth play of the game to stake the Buckeyes to an early lead, said after the game, “It’s unbelievable to know you’ve failed two years in a row.”
Honorable Mentions
(2)
The number of fumbles (2) for Green Bay rookie running back Ryan Grant during the Packers first three plays from scrimmage in their divisional round showdown against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle turned the fumbles into 14 quick points, but veteran leader Brett Favre brought his team back and refused to let Grant dwell on his miscues. Favre connected on 18 of 23 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns, and perhaps more importantly, Grant recovered and went on to rush for 201 yards and three scores of his own as the Packers advanced to the NFC championship game with a 42-20 victory at snowy Lambeau Field.
(8)
The number of consecutive games (8) won by the San Diego Chargers after beginning the season at 5-5. The latest victim, the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. Despite injuries to stars LaDainian Tomlinson and Philip Rivers, the Chargers managed to pull an upset on the road in Indianapolis Sunday, stealing a 28-24 victory over the Colts. When Tomlinson was asked about his team’s chance next week in New England, he replied, “I’m pretty sure we’ll be huge underdogs.” You think?
(26)
The number of pass completions (26) for quarterback Tom Brady during the Patriots 31-20 victory over the Jaguars in their divisional round showdown in Foxborough. Brady was nearly perfect, completing his first 16 attempts and finishing 26 for 28 on the game, good for 262 yards and three touchdowns. In a season full of records for both Brady and the Patriots, his 92.9 percent completion rate set yet another. When asked about his record setting performance, Brady said “None of it matters—after 17 games, it all comes down to this [the AFC title game] and we were here last year. I hope we perform better.” Next up are the San Diego Chargers, a team looking to pull an upset in the AFC title game and ruin New England’s run at a 19-0 season.
(163)
The number of passing yards (163) for New York quarterback Eli Manning during the Giants 21-17 upset victory on the road against the Dallas Cowboys in their divisional round match-up. He was 12 for 18, including a 52-yard scoring strike to Amani Toomer to give the Giants an early 7-0 lead. Trailing by a touchdown, Manning again hit Toomer with just seconds remaining in the first half to draw the score even midway through the contest. Then down a field goal in the four quarter, Manning connected on 3 of 4 passes during a six play drive that culminated with Brandon Jacobs rushing into the end zone from one yard out for the go-ahead—and winning—score.
(310)
The number of career saves (310) for Rich “Goose” Gossage during his 22-year major league career. He saved a career high 33 games for New York in 1980, and won his only career World Series ring as a member of the Yankees 1980 ball club. Goose led the league in saves three times and earned the A.L. Rolaids Relief Man Award in 1978, but he received the highest honor bestowed upon any major league player when he was elected membership into the Baseball Hall of Fame this past week. Goose received 466 votes, and was named on 85.8 percent of the ballots. Players must appear on 75 percent of the ballots to earn membership. Players falling just short this year were notables Jim Rice (72.2), Andre Dawson (65.9) and Bert Blyleven (61.9). Gossage, who played for nine different teams in his career, elected to enter the Hall wearing Yankee pinstripes.
Stat of the Week
Week of January 7, 2008
(2)
The number of games (2) the Jacksonville Jaguars won on the road in Pittsburgh this season. In 75 years of franchise history the Steelers had never lost at home to the same team twice in one season—but Jacksonville beat the Steelers 29-22 at Heinz Field during the regular season on December 16, and then beat the Steelers 31-29 at Heinz Field during their AFC wild card match-up on Saturday. Next up for the Jags is a trip to Foxborough where they will try to end the Patriot’s perfect season.
Honorable Mentions
(3)
The number of sacks (3) for defensive end Marcus Howard during the Georgia Bulldogs 41-10 stomping of the previously unbeaten Hawaii Warriors at the Sugar Bowl. Howard, who also forced two fumbles, tipped a ball that led to an interception, and recovered one fumble for a touchdown, earned MVP honors for his performance. Heisman finalist Colt Brennan was held to 169 yards passing for Hawaii, less than half his season average of 348 yards per game, and was sacked a total of eight times.
(7)
The number of years (7) in the NFL for Chargers star running back LaDainian Tomlinson. The number of playoff wins for LT after Sunday’s 17-6 victory over the Tennessee Titans—one. San Diego was 0-2 during Tomlinson’s only other trips to the playoffs. He finally got to taste victory in the post-season, but next up for LT is a trip to Indianapolis where the Chargers face Peyton Manning and the defending Super Bowl champion Colts.
(15)
The number of consecutive seasons (15) that Virginia Tech has earned a bowl appearance. It is the fourth longest streak in the nation behind Michigan, Florida State, and Florida. Virginia Tech faced Kansas in the Orange Bowl, a team making only its eleventh bowl appearance in school history. The Jayhawks beat the Hokies 24-21, thanks in part to junior linebacker Joe Mortensen's block of a potential game-tying 25-yard field goal in the third quarter.
(349)
The number of rushing yards (349) for West Virginia against Oklahoma during the Fiesta Bowl. It was the highest total against the Sooners during a bowl game in school history. Quarterback Pat White led the Mountaineers with 150 yards rushing and Noel Devine added 108 yards and a pair of touchdowns as West Virginia embarrassed the Sooners 48-28. The Sooners, who lost the Fiesta Bowl in heartbreaking fashion last year to Boise State, have now lost four consecutive BCS bowl games.
(633)
The number of total yards (633) for USC against Illinois during the Rose Bowl. The total set a Rose Bowl record, as did the 49 points USC put on the board as the Trojans blew out the Illini 49-17. Joe McKnight, a freshman tailback, led USC with 170 total yards. McKnight rushed for 125 yards and totaled 45 more through the air on six catches.
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