Snowstorm during Super Bowl week hits New York

I've long campaigned that playing the Super Bowl only in domed or warm weather climates detracts from the character of the greatest show on earth.

Think of some of the more iconic moments in the NFL over the years, and some of the greatest images come from games where the elements have come into play. From the great Bears-Packers rivalry that regularly features games below freezing, the AFC championship game between Indianapolis and New England in 2003 in the snow, and the now infamous 'tuck rule' game between the Patriots and Oakland in 2002. Hey, even Santa getting pelted with snowballs in Philadelphia - it was all part of the game, and when you watch a retrospective on any of these moments, the weather simply adds to the memories.

The NFL insists that to host a superbowl, the city must have an average temperature of 50 degrees or more - or else be played in a dome. Whilst I don't have a problem with common sense being applied, it seems a shame that so many stadiums are automatically disqualified from selection on the grounds of their location. Ok, so playing in Lambeau or Soldier Field may be a stretch in February. We all know that secretly even the Packers and Bears players would rather be in a warmer climate, but it annoys me that other cities with more moderate weather are also excluded from the list.

The most obvious example would be Kansas City, who were forced to withdraw their bid to host the Super Bowl in 2015 because Arrowhead does not have a roof, and Jackson County narrowly denied the Chiefs funding to build one in time. The temperature in Missouri at this time of year is not particularly helpful to the cause, but should that prohibit a team from hosting the game? In my view, no.

New York (or New Jersey if we are going to be pedantic) is the next city to try it's luck at a Superbowl, with the new Giants/Jets stadium widely expected to bid for the big game in 2014 or 2015. There has been a massive investment in new stadia in the league in recent years, and the idea of Jerry Jones showcasing his new stadium in Dallas whilst the home of the Giants and Jets goes without is not something that sits well with those who have funded the plan.

Unfortunately, with no roof in place, the stadium faces an uphill struggle to convince the league that it is capable of hosting a superbowl with no disruption from inclement weather in the area. The problem is not just on the field, but the logistical issues that could arise in the event of a freak snowstorm on the east coast.

One such as hit yesterday, and is expected to hit New York today?

The timing could not be worse, coming as it does at the crucial point where the majority of fans will be arriving in the host city for the weekend. Of course, in my view, some snow should not detract from the bid, but an epic storm of this scale cannot help but place another element of doubt in the owners' minds that their biggest showcase event could become a farce - or even worse, be postponed - if New York hosts the game. Even the smallest amount of chance will likely count heavily against northern stadiums, so unfortunately, I don't envisage any situation where the league allows a cold weather city to host the game outdoors in the near future.

Not unless there's an awful lot of money changing hands somewhere...

Chiefs roll with Novak

With Kansas City never being the easiest place to kick, the team has gone through kickers at a semi-ridiculous rate over the last few years. Last year's 6th round selection Justin Medlock didn't even make it tgrough Training Camp, and it says a great deal that the team would probably take Lawrence Tynes back in a heartbeat.

This year, the team is relying on former Dallas Kicker Nick Novak to handle Field Goals, following the release of Rookie Connor Barth.

Novak, a third year player who was beaten out by Shaun Suisham in Washington during the 2006 season, has shown good leg strength and accuracy during his time in the league, but has struggled in the clutch. On the other hand, he has been pretty good in the preseason, and given the wind in Arrowhead stadum, it's often better to have an experienced head on the field.

Still, if a veteran kicker is released during today's cuts, don't be surprised to see the Chiefs bring in a little competition for Novak.

Cursed Chiefs?

After being projected with the best draft of all 32 teams by the media, the Kansas City Chiefs may have been wishing otherwise. Both first round picks, DT Glenn Dorsey and LT Brandon Albert suffered injuries in the last four days; Dorsey collided with a fellow player on Saturday and limped off the field, and Albert sprained his foot Thursday.

Head Coach Herm Edwards has said that Dorsey will undergo an MRI on his knee, and is listed as week to week, and that Albert's sprained foot is expected to be healed in a week, although may be entirely held out of the first preseason game to make sure he heals 100%.

Where will Favre go?

With the news that Brett Favre is seeking his release from the Green Bay Packers, the league will be buzzing with rumour and conjecture regarding Favre's final destination. For us the biggest question is whether Favre has the desire to play anywhere because he misses football, or if he wants to win another championship.

Here are our top 5 contenders for his signature:

New York Jets

The Jets have spent big money this off-season. They have invested in almost every position - except the one that matters. The QB battle between Kellen Clemens and Chad Pennington is likely to produce nothing concrete heading into this season - a season that will almost certainly decide the fate of coach Eric Mangini. The only question is whether they can afford Favre. If he still wants his $12.5m salary, the Jets will need to clear $3m of cap room, which they could only do by trading Pennington, realistically.

Minnesota Vikings

Obviously, there is one major sticking point in this situation, and that is the rivalry between the Vikes and the Packers. You could argue that if the Vikings are on this list, then why not Chicago? Well, the Vikings (like the Jets) have thrown money at their situation this spring, and again, their big question mark is at QB. The Bears have never thrown money at anything. Ever. It would be extremely unlikely that the Packers would ascede to Favre's demands to be released if they believed he would be playing against them twice next season. The other big question is how excited Favre could be to play with receivers Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice. It's certainly not the kind of receiving unit that delivers championships.

Tampa Bay Buccanneers

Bucs coach Jon Gruden is a well known advocate of veteran Quarterbacks, and currently has about 4,000 on his roster. Actually though, it would be interesting to see how this situation plays into the contract negotiations with Jeff Garcia. With a player of the same age - but greater talent available, Garcia should be aware that now is not the time to be playing hardball with your team. The Bucs have a mix of veterans and rookies at WR, but definately have considerable talent in Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, and Dexter Jackson. They also have an enormous amount of cap room, and really this could hinge on whether Gruden believes that Favre can deliver what Garcia cannot.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are probably slightly better than their record last year suggests. If anywhere makes sense on paper, it's Baltimore. At Quarterback, the Ravens would prefer not to start rookie Joe Flacco, but it's something they have had to seriously consider in the last few weeks. The otehr alternatives are Kyle Boller and Troy Smith, neither of which seems to be the long term answer. Apart from that, there are veteran receivers such as Derrick Mason, a great rushing attack, and a solid line, despite the retirement of Jonathan Ogden. One other thing - the Ravens Defence can create the kind of opportunities that Favre would relish.

Detroit Lions

Much like the Vikings, this could be a non-starter because of the fact that Favre would be coming back to haunt the Packers twice next year. On the other hand, the team has many ingredients that could make them an attractive proposition to a veteran Quarterback. The team has one of the best Receiving corps in football, with Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Shaun Macdonald, and Mike Furrey all capable of big plays. Questions do surround the running game, however, and Favre may be unwilling to play for a team that has rarely looked like coming out of a slump it has been in for 20 years.


Other teams in the mix:

Carolina Panthers - If Delhomme is fit, it's not happening
Kansas City Chiefs - No weapons = No playoffs
Chicago Bears - Not enough to make him public enemy no.1 in Green Bay
Atlanta Falcons - Unlikely, but he has been there before, and the Falcons may want to avoid blooding Matt Ryan early.

Tony Gonzalez quite the hero

In a welcome respite from the Brett Favre saga, it has been revealed that Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Tony Gonzalez saved the life of a football fan last Thursday night. During dinner at a California restaurant, local man Ken Hunter - A Superchargers fan - began choking on a piece of steak, and was given the Heimlich manoeuvre by one of the most famous men in Football. With one of the hottest wives.

According to Gonzalez, speaking on ESPN.com, he responded to a scream from the man's wife, before administering the technique, something Gonzalez said he has never done before. Gonzalez admitted it was a frightening moment, especially since according to eyewitnesses, the entire Restauraunt was sitting wide-eyed and staring while a man choked to death.

So well done Tony, another one for the list. We imagine Tony's blackboard looks pretty similiar to this:

Be good at Basketball
Be good at Football
Have ridiculously attractive wife
Save someone's life
Play for a good team

Joe Delaney: A tribute

It's been 25 years since Joe Delaney lost his life. Though his death was felt keenly by many at the time, he is hardly a household name these days. In an era where young guys such as Pacman Jones, Chris Henry et al tarnish the reputation of their fellow players, now is a good time to reflect on someone who's life took a very different road.

For those who don't know the name, we forgive you. His contribution to the NFL was cut short after just two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs - one of which was strike shortened. That he made the Pro Bowl as a Rookie is testament to Delaney's athletic ability, but it was his character that will be the enduring memory of the man.

On June 29th, 1983, Joe Delaney, while resting in a park, Joe Delaney heard screams. When he reached the source of those screams, he found that three young children had fallen into a water hole on a recently excavated construction site. Despite having, according to wife Carolyn 'never having stuck a toe in the water', Delaney dived in. The water was 20 feet deep, and despite saving one of the boys, Joe Delaney never re-surfaced after diving a second time for the two others. He was just 24 years old.

In today's NFL, perhaps we get so used to those who have wasted natural talent, those who's only desire is money, and of course, those who indulge in the kind of extra-curricular activities that incur the wrath of the local law, that we forget there are plenty of players who are doing justice to Joe Delaney's memory in their own ways.

In his last interview, Delaney told the Ruston Daily Leader that he wanted "...to be remembered as a good person, a family man."

Hopefully this article goes some way to helping Joe achieve his goals, and if it brings his name into the conciousness of a few more fans, it is the least that Joe deserves.