We’ve had an eventful summer thus far with our women falling just short against a determined underdog. Kudos to Japan for showing true heart in upsetting three favorites in a row in one of the more improbable runs to the Women’s World Cup. If Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and favorite playmaker Megan Rapinoe got this country excited about soccer, then what of heroic performances from Homare Sawa and Ayumi Kaihori, who combined to stun the USA in a compelling final full of twists and turns? Sometimes, you get beat. Japan did it in miraculous fashion tying it late in regulation and then forcing it to kicks thanks to a remarkable deflection from Sawa. Credit a nation for coming together in the face of real adversity with what’s going on at home. Prayers go out to Japan after the latest natural disaster. They deserved something good, which wasn’t lost on our American women who were good sports. That should count for something too in today’s me-first world. They gave us a fun ride starting with Wambach’s own miraculous late heroics versus Brazil before Solo did the rest in kicks. Thank you for making this a better summer.

Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran deserve all the accolades for the years they’ve had. Who knows what’ll happen with Reyes past this weekend’s trade deadline but the electrifying All-Star shortstop finally showed what he can do when healthy. Whether he’s worth a long-term investment between 6-7 years remains to be seen. Beltran is a better story due to what he came back from. It’s not easy to make it back from chronic knees. To achieve All-Star status and lead the Mets in homers and RBI’s when many expected little and wanted to run him out of town, is a credit to his dedication. Assuming he moves on this week, enjoy his last game.

Congrats to Derek Jeter for reaching 3,000 career hits the only way he could. By doing the unthinkable with a home run putting an exclamation on a five hit day with our favorite Yankee also in the middle of delivering in the clutch for a win, which is what he’s always been about. Still, he probably should’ve let Christian Lopez have the ball even if the diehard Jetorian gave it to him. Francesa might be wrong about a lot of things but he’s dead on about all the money Jeter, Steiner Sports and the Yankees are making off that big hit. Sure. Tix the rest of the year, including playoffs are nice. But he could’ve kept the ball and paid off college tuition. No easy task today.

So, the NFL is Back! Hip hip hooray unless you’re a Big Blue supporter, who can’t wait to see what the Giants drop in our Christmas stocking for their latest collapse. Get the coal ready!

We could be looking at no NBA for a while. That one looks a long way off. Will it reach a boiling point? Are they really going to emulate the NHL lockout or will something change by say January ’12 like it did in ’99 during what turned out to be a wild ride for Knick fans. And of course Dolan is still asking Knicks subscribers to pay up for a season that has no chance of starting. What a jacka$$!

We’ll have a lot more in store. So tune in!

Eli Manning must be the Giant leader in what amounts to a huge game in Week Four against the undefeated Bears.

It’s hard to believe but the Giants are already facing a crisis in Week Four. After winning the first ever game at the new Giants Stadium in ugly fashion over lowly Carolina, Tom Coughlin’s bunch have dropped two straight in embarrassing fashion- getting smoked by the Peyton Manning Colts in Week Two and then self destructing in an even worse loss to the Titans.

Not shockingly, the lack of discipline drew the ire of Big Blue Faithful and the press, who are always chopping at the bit to throw someone under the bus. Anything to sell papers in this town. No question, New York’s tough on its teams and the Giants, who won a Super Bowl two years ago, are no exception.

What’s demoralizing is the amount of turnovers and large amount of penalties Coughlin’s crew are piling up. It’s led to the belief that perhaps the some players have tuned out the vet coach. Somewhat predictably, Tiki Barber wondered aloud if that indeed was the case, essentially concluding that his former coach’s job could be on the line. That the timing came in eerie fashion for the franchise running back leader, who’ll be among 30 players paid tribute to in a halftime Ring Of Honor ceremony- is typical of ME-ki. No doubt his contributions on the field for Big Blue were great. But why the need to again run his mouth when the organization is about to pay homage? Like Carl Banks said to Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts this morning on WFAN in New York, that’s just Tiki being Tiki.

Is he right though? Well, if this disturbing trend continues against the NFC’s only unbeaten team the Bears on Sunday Night Football, then we’ll have to agree. After how 2009 fell apart with the team lacking passion that even owner John Mara said he was embarrassed by the effort, they can’t continue to underperform this season.

Had they used their heads last week, we’d be talking about a 2-1 football team tied atop the NFC East with Mike Vick and the Eagles. Instead, they find themselves tied with the Cowboys at 1-2 in the basement.

No doubt an improved Chicago team featuring ex-Panther Julius Peppers up front and Jay Cutler clicking on all cylinders behind center, presents a stiff challenge this weekend. Do they want to suffer another humiliation on NBC like in the overdone “Manning Bowl?” The choice is theirs.

They must be more disciplined against an opportunistic opponent who feasted on Green Bay mistakes to steal a home win at Soldier Field. Cutler has done a good job staying in the pocket and taking hits to make the play. With virtually no run game to speak of, the Giant defensive plan should be simple. Attack the quarterback and cover the middle of the field. Do both without silly unsportsmanlike conducts and they should give the offense a chance to win.

Speaking of which, Eli Manning cannot have a repeat of last week’s failure to reach the end zone from inside the five. While it’s true most of his picks have been the fault of receivers, he can’t make poor decisions like the lefty throw that got intercepted, ending a drive without any points. The Super Bowl MVP knows better and must lead this team starting when they snap the ball two days from now.

They also better not allow Devin Hester to break loose on what’s been one of the most unreliable special teams thus far. That must change. If they want to turn their season around, the Giants must come ready to play big time football. Instead of being little giants, it’s time for the players to step up for the coach.

They say they care. It’s time to start acting like it.

Who Dat?!?!?!?!?! Get your parrttttyy on Mardi Gras. Your team did you all proud tonight, winning their first ever Super Bowl. Congrats to the New Orleans Saints on stunning the Colts 31-17 in SB XLIV.

You sure earned it, beating one of the best quarterbacks Peyton Manning. Instead of crowning the four-time league MVP and Super Bowl champ as the all-time greatest QB, they’ll be talking about SB XLIV MVP Drew Brees‘ memorable performance. The former Charger, who was in the MVP discussion this season leading the Saints to a 13-3 record and the NFC’s top seed produced one of the best games ever by a Super Bowl winning signal caller going 32-of-39 for 288 yards and two touchdowns. The 32 completions matched a game record set by New England’s Tom Brady.

“We just believed in ourselves and we knew that we had an entire city and maybe an entire country behind us,” an ecstatic Brees expressed on the podium where proud Super Bowl winning coach Sean Payton declared that his guy was also the MVP of the season. Hard to argue considering Brees’ season was just as special as Peyton’s, tossing for 4,388 yards, 34 scores and only 11 picks along with a 109.6 QB rating.

“What can I say? I tried to imagine what this moment would be like for a long time and it’s better than expected.”

The amazing aspect is that he delivered the franchise’s first championship by leading the Saints back from 10-0 down, outscoring the Colts 31-7 the rest of the way. Given how sluggish they started against what was thought to be an offensive machine, it makes it that much more incredible. How many would’ve predicted that? In fact, when they fell behind a dime so quickly, we were fairly certain Manning and Co. would run away with it. Especially the way Indy executed in the first quarter, getting big contributions from back Joseph Addai.

Despite a couple of shaky series, New Orleans hung around making it a game thanks to the leg of Garrett Hardley. Somewhat surprising considering field goals don’t usually work against the Colts, who never could extend their lead. With Brees finally in synch with a lethal offense which got overlooked, they had two big second quarter drives with the first resulting in a Hardley 46-yard field goal and the second stalling at the Indy 1. After being stopped on third down, Payton went for fourth down but Pierre Thomas got stuffed with under 2:00 left.

However, the Saints’ D held to get the ball back which proved crucial with the offense getting another Hardley kick to pull within four. How many would’ve given the five-point underdogs a chance if they had only six points at the half? But who would’ve called Payton’s gutsy call on-siding, stunning the Colts by getting the ball back to start the second half? In one of the craziest Super Bowl scenes, Hardley’s line drive kick went off Hank Baskett creating a mad scramble for the ball which Chris Reis came out with after it took the refs 10 years to separate the pile.

The former Giant offensive coordinator’s bold decision to not risk giving a regrouped Manning and Co. the ball back was pivotal and will be remembered as one of the big game’s greatest moments. Payton later told CBS’ Jim Nantz that he talked to his team during the break about going for the on-sider that swung the momentum. They executed perfectly. Less than four minutes into the second half, Brees hooked up with Thomas for a 16-yard TD that saw the back break at least three tackles for the Saints’ first lead.

“I just told our guys you’ve got to make me look good on this,” Payton pointed out. “That really becomes like a turnover.”

“We really felt as underdogs we had the better team. To be in that position where maybe a lot of people were picking against us, we liked the spot we were in.”

Manning responded by taking the Colts down the field with Addai’s score putting them back ahead 17-13. But a Brees’ led drive produced another Hardley kick to slice it to one. An Indy drive then stalled at the Saint 33 setting up another turning point when vet kicker Matt Stover just hooked a 51-yarder wide left with 10:39 left. Noteworthy was that Jim Caldwell’s team was faced with a fourth-and-11 when the rookie coach opted to try a long field goal with an old kicker rather than pin the Saints deep. Hell. Going for it would’ve made better sense.

Instead, it allowed the Saints to work with a short field. Something they took full advantage of with Brees ripping the Colts’ secondary apart going seven-for-seven, including ex-Giant Jeremy Shockey’s winning score. Ahead five, Payton predictably went for two with Lance Moore somehow hauling in a low Brees throw for the key conversion. Originally, it was ruled incomplete but a great challenge by Payton resulted in a reversal with the officials concluding that Moore did have control and got the ball to the plane- pushing the lead to 24-17 with 5:42 left.

“Four years ago who ever thought this would be happening when 85 percent of the city was under water from (Hurricane) Katrina?” Brees noted of the disaster which struck the city. “Most people not knowing if New Orleans would ever come back or if the organization and the team would come back. … This is the culmination of that belief and that faith.”

With Manning zipping a couple to open targets, it seemed likely that the Colts would tie it and possibly force the first ever sudden death in Super Bowl history. Instead at the New Orleans 26, the great quarterback who had a chance to really cement his legacy tossed a pick six to Tracy Porter for the crusher, stunning everyone for a 31-17 lead with just over three minutes to go.

“We weren’t the Aints,” Porter bragged of a former label they’ll never have to hear about again. “We were a team of destiny, a team that can make big plays.”

That he would throw a bad pass which Reggie Wayne may have ran the wrong route was unbelievable. Especially because he hasn’t made those mistakes since the Pats had his number. The classy QB wouldn’t comment on what went wrong, just giving credit to Porter for a great play.

“I certainly know how it was three years ago when we won,” a disappointed yet composed Manning said. “I know the people of New Orleans and the Saints have that same feeling right now.”

“It’s time for the Saints to celebrate. It’s their field and it’s their championship.”

Most startling was how rattled Manning and the Indy O looked. With three timeouts and a two-minute warning, some very odd calls led to virtually no chance of a comeback with valuable seconds winding down. When they were on the verge of finally scoring, an uncharacteristic 10-yard penalty pushed them back with the Colts’ franchise leader tossing two incompletions including one intended for Reggie Wayne which was broken up on fourth down, clinching it for a pumped up Saints sideline with 44 seconds remaining.

All that was left was for Brees to kneel down and then the Saints Gatoraded their winning coach, leading to a huge celebration. Perhaps there should be a nine-day Mardi Gras to commemorate the magic moment for the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana, which proud owner Tom Benson was quick to reference.

“Everybody back in New Orleans gets a piece of this trophy,” he boasted.

“I think I could kiss him,” Benson added of the SB winning MVP quarterback.

Perhaps linebacker Scott Fujita put it in proper perspective of their special run, defying cynics who gave them little shot after lucking out against the Vikings two weeks prior thanks to goat Bret Favre.

“Look around the stadium. “It was like 6- or 7-to-1 (Saints fans). The black and gold just poured into Miami.

“The whole world was behind us. This was bigger than just a game for the Saints. We are the world’s team.”

Jets coach Rex Ryan and his team have plenty to smile about these days.

It’s been way too long since I updated here. So, I’m finallllllly back!

-Got to start off with the Jets, who are on an improbable run a win away from the Super Bowl. While it’s true they’ve had things break right just getting in due to the Colts not going for it (yada yada yada) and the team they conquered Cinci laying down, who cares?!?!?!?!?! Sometimes in sports, you need breaks. So, what if Nate Kaeding saw his shadow from four years prior morphing into the new Tinman. Does it take away from the fact Rex Ryan’s hungry Gang Green beat up the San Diego frauds on both sides of the ball in the second half to string the 17-14 upset? Hell No! As the fun coach echoed, they’re here. No need to apologize. Can they do the impossible and upset Peyton Manning and those same Colts who will be going full throttle this time? No doubt it will be extremely tough. But this team has the same heart our Giants had. They’ll need a heavy dose of Thomas Jones and super rook Shonn Greene along with an efficient Mark Sanchez offensively while getting to Peyton. Plus the usual dominant coverage from real D MVP Darrelle Revis and clutch tackling like last Sunday. Speaking of which, did the Bolts break one tackle? It’ll be fun to see if the Jet D can keep Peyton, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark and Joseph Addai in check. To pull this off, they’ll have to play the perfect game. The 1990 Giants did it against the 49ers. That’s who they remind us of. Here’s their chance to silence everyone.

-LaDainian Tomlinson just went nowhere again.

-Is there a worse big game coach than Norv Turner? Yet the Chargers signed him for three more years. Same franchise that axed Marty Schottenheimer off a 14-2 season. Granted, Marty never won the big one either but he’s a better coach who’s much more proven.

-Did anyone see Shawne Merriman last week? Tila Tequila is more relevant.

-Someone should send the tape of that second half to the Giant D and entitle it, “Defense 101: The Art Of Tackling.”

-So, it’s Bret Favre aiming for another Super Bowl in those ugly Viking colors. Well, at least to Packer fans. Favre’s one of the all-time great QBs who had an amazing day in last week’s startling 34-3 rout of the Cowboys. But could he just show some class? Even if Keith Brooking came off like a bitch, he had a point. Especially with it already out of reach. What was the point of that last score to Sidney Rice? Did he have the over? Or did it come from the coach who in no uncertain terms, made it clear he didn’t like that many had the Boys rolling through. Who knows. I used to be a pretty big fan of Favre’s but as fun as he is to watch on the gridiron, he’s such a fraud off it. We’ll see how he and the rest of the Vikes fare in the battle of artificial turf against Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey this weekend.

-I’ve never been a fan of his but good on Wade Phillips getting two more years in Big D.

-Ain’t it great not to have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick around?

-If this is it for Kurt Warner, he’ll be missed. The classy man who took the league by storm leading the 1999 Rams to Super Bowl glory and then guided the Cardiac Cards in a SB epic last year before falling to Big Ben and the Steelers was one of the most accurate QBs ever. Just look at how prolific he still was in tearing apart the Packers in that unreal 51-45 OT wildcard thriller. Sick.  Two-time league MVP. SB MVP. Second most efficient QB in NFL history. Second highest average passing yards/game trailing only Peyton. Too many great achievments dignify Captain Kurt for Canton.

-Norv Turner just onsided with over two minutes left sealing his team’s fate again. How do you lose on your own home field against a team that went three-and-our the first four times?

-This idea that Phil Rivers is in the same class as Peyton, Brady, Favre and Warner is done. He is a very good QB who’s put up tremendous stats that overwhelm Big Ben and Eli from that same draft class. But until he delivers in a big spot, he can’t quite measure up. Especially given what’s around him.

-For everyone who wants to criticize a washed up Tomlinson for a dozen meaningless carries, it still doesn’t explain how Darren Sproles was reduced to a non-factor.

-So yeah. Brian and Rob “Kraze” Davis’ Bills hired <gulp> Chan Gailey. What. They couldn’t make contact with Tom Landry’s ghost.

-How badly do the Jets want it? Shaun Ellis came back and is playing with a busted hand.

-Three intriguing SB storylines:

A.Favre vs Peyton

B.Favre vs Jets

C.Brees vs Peyton

-Didn’t see this till now. Rex gave the game ball to Marty Schottenheimer, whose son Brian Schottenheimer is one of the best offensive minds. Pretty cool stuff.

1.Hard to believe Roger Federer was so shaky with more history up for grabs. Sure. The men’s grand slam record holder battled through his serve to grab a two sets to one lead over Juan Martin Del Potro even getting within two points of a sixth consecutive title which would’ve matched Bill Tilden and also become first player to win three in a row in one year since Rod Laver in 1969. But he never got untracked with the serve and made some uncharacteristic errors due in large part to Del Potro who deserves such kudos for fighting so hard to win a first slam.

2.Wonder what Andy Roddick thought?

3.Only the Bills could find a way to blow a 10-point lead with less than six minutes left in a game they owned in New England last night. I even said to my brother that they couldn’t blow it but again was proven wrong due to Leodis McKelvin’s foolishness. What was the point of trying for that extra yard on the kickoff? He had to know the situation that a desperate Pats special teams would be going for the strip. Like breaking that tackle for the extra yard really mattered. Unbelievable.

4.Kim Clijsters’ successful comeback winning her second Open beating both Williams sisters along the way while defeating a game Caroline Wozniacki was a feel good story. Who says Moms can’t do it?

5.Melanie Oudin’s run was special but do we really need to know about her parents’ divorce? She’s only 17. Leave her alone!

6.I love Derek Jeter and was very proud to see him get the Yankee hit record surpassing Lou Gehrig but that three hit barrage to tie last week in a comeback win over the Birds was the epitome of what makes the Yankee captain great. What a special year for the ageless 35 year-old shortstop who should have a few big swings left in the postseason. Whenever it’s over, next stop. Cooperstown.

7.He was money when it came to the big shot but why does Michael Jordan have to be so arrogant when he gets inducted into Springfield? Just enjoy the moment instead of taking shots for proving people wrong.

8.I still say it’s a great thing that NY Post hoops writer Peter Vecsey was included with Air Jordan, John Stockton and David Robinson because he’s damn good at what he does and not afraid to pull punches. One of our own made it.

9.Does anyone have a nicer smile than Wozniacki? She could sure light up even the darkest room. The 19 year-old Danish Princess can also play a little tennis and has a great demeanor.

10.If only we could say the same about Serena Williams who embarrassed herself in that semi loss to Clijsters. We really hope she learned a valuable lesson from that sad display and is really sorry. Even if it was a lousy call at an inopportune time, the 11-time slam winner must know better. Why can’t she be more like older/wiser sis Venus who is so elegant and handles herself well?

11.It’s early but Mark Sanchez didn’t intimidated against the Texans who once again are being overhyped in a tough division. Try telling that to all the so-called ‘experts.’

12.Eli Manning has some new receivers to play with. Hopefully, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks continue to develop. Big Blue must be glad to have Osi Umenyiora back. This week in Big D should be a good early test to see where they are.

13.Those four picks Jay Cutler threw in an inauspicious Bear debut. If you listened to the great insight Sunday night, you would’ve thought none were his fault.

14.Find me another athlete with as much heart as Rafael Nadal who only played with a possible torn abdominal muscle before succumbing to Del Potro in the semis. Even after getting dismantled in straights winning only six games, there was the charismatic 23 year-old Spaniard doing a brief interview and then signing autographs for the kids who will never forget that. The man gets it.

15.Michael Crabtree is holding out in case we didn’t know. What exactly has he proven? Does the name Mike Williams ring a bell?

16.Make me watch the VMAs. MTV hasn’t cared about music for years. Kanye West is a dog. Taylor Swift a sweetheart. Next.

17.Preseason puck at MSG tonight. Can hardly believe it!

18.Pretty fitting that Pedro Martinez would turn back the clock with a virtuoso performance fanning seven and tossing 130 pitches in a 1-0 win over the Mets eliminating them. But hey. They had Tim Redding and Livan Hernandez.

19.The Melk Man has quietly had a nice season playing center in the Bronx.

20.Why is it so hard for Phil Mushnick to only point out Mike Francesa’s shortcomings and not the WFAN vet talkie’s good side like what he did flashing back to 9/11? Because the NY Post columnist only writes what’s convenient.

21.Our Super Bowl pick is Eagles over Steelers. Yes. Those Eagles even though it looks like we jinxed them with Donovan McNabb already breaking a rib.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Zach Morris on Jimmy Fallon was indeed epic stuff. More so than meaningless June baseball in NYC.

It’s a cool June New York Wednesday with overcast skies that are threatening. Ah. Kinda sounds like a classic Jimi Hendrix tune.

So, what’s cooking? Oh. Plenty. Well, if you’re as baseball-sessed as the folks here. While there’s a Stanley Cup going to a Game 7 and an NBA Finals where the home team has won all three games thus far, they may as well not exist based on all the sports radio talk about the Yankees suffering their latest defeat to the Red Sox and the Mets actually giving a subpar Johan Santana enough run support to edge the Phillies.

So, here we are in the second week of June with still plenty of baseball left before we go crowning anyone. But that’s not the way it works around these parts. Where one week, the NY baseball teams stink and the next, they are virtual locks for the first Subway Series in nearly a decade. No. Not the fake half a dozen games we get in each new stadium with the Mets invading the real short porch later this weekend with the Bronx Bombers later doing the same at the much longer ballpark in Queens.

So, here are some random thoughts on the area locals and other big sporting events going on:

-If you ignored all the fun pie in the face stuff from A.J. Burnett, he’s been almost Carl Pavano-esque so far in his first Yankee season. Maybe it’s a 2003 Marlins thing. Speaking of DL Pavano, hasn’t he won like six games now with Cleveland or as many as he won in his Bronx stint? Amazing.

-If Santana really did show up Jerry Manuel when he pulled him last night in the eighth for Bobby Parnell which was the right thing to do, then maybe it’s time for someone to get in the ace’s face. This other thing about changing the bunt to a hit which worked out as an RBI double ain’t exactly too encouraging either. Sure. He’s a great pitcher but play by the same rules the rest of your teammates do.

-With him the majors’ first 10-game winner and finishing most of his games in a tougher hitting league, maybe we’d take Doc Halladay over Johan. The Jays ain’t exactly bad either these days. What with Adam Lind looking like an All-Star at second. Imagine if Alex Rios and Vernon Wells get going.

-Heard a fan call into Mike Francesa and compare Jose Reyes and Robinson Cano. Well, one’s a shortstop who bats leadoff and steals at least 60 bases and scores over 100 runs while the other’s a second baseman who hits for a higher average and drives in more. Still, we’d take Reyes over Cano because he can impact the game more. Both are outstanding at times defensively while there are other plays that make you scratch your head. Ditto for Reyes on the basepaths and Cano mailing it in last year. Just imagine if both played up to their full potential.

-When Big Papi goes yard and former castoff Nick Green drives in a pair while Josh Beckett silences the Yankee bats, you know the Red Sox are in their heads. Speaking of which, what will the run-o-meter look like when Chien-Ming Wang starts tonight versus Tim Wakefield?

-I’m more interested to see how Cole Hamels does against his favorite opponent.

-Raul Ibanez now has 20 homers and already speculation has begun about whether he’s on the juice. The Phillie slugging outfielder was far too pleased and even said he’d return every penny earned if found with a positive test. Damn. Maybe he should just take it to prove innocence and sue for libel. Not that it will ever happen.

-I don’t mind how emotional he gets after a save but what happens when K-Rod blows one? Does he still point up to the Heavens?

-Have you ever seen so much fuss made over Mo Rivera’s implosion against the Rays in a tie game? Not like we’ve never seen it before.

-Who has a better built-in excuse? J.J. Putz or Brad Lidge. I’m going with the guy who was a perfect 48 for 48 and won a world championship last year after coming over from Houston.

-I still say Francisco Cervelli should be the Yankee catcher and Jorge Posada the DH. Say bye to Godzilla already.

-David Wright, who hit his fourth homer and first in forever last night is right about Citi Field. But hey. He’s also much younger than Chipper Jones, who he joked to and is having a better year. Suck it up!

-Remember when Derek Jeter was done? Remember when the Yankee centerfield was a weakness? Next.

-I’ll take Carlos Beltran on my team but if he’s going to rip teammates for getting swept by the Pirates and then not bother hustling out of the box, what kind of leadership is that?

-The Stanley Cup rematch has been pretty good but badly needs a last second finish or sudden death. Cause aside from Game 7, what better drama is there than that?

-I like Kobe and he’s the best player on the planet but when he turns to the refs begging and getting a call in crunch time following a clean block by Dwight Howard, something’s very wrong.

-Still can’t believe the Magic rolled out Finals failure Nick Anderson to get the place jumping. What? Dennis Scott wasn’t available.

-There’s absolutely no way Sidney Crosby should be considered for the Conn Smythe given how mediocre he’s looked versus Henrik Zetterberg and Detroit. Our playoff MVP leading candidates:

1.Evgeni Malkin, Pit

2.Chris Osgood, Det

3.Henrik Zetterberg, Det

4.Johan Franzen, Det

If Malkin has a good game Friday and the Pens fall short, it should be enough for the league’s leading scorer to win the award. Only five times in NHL history has the Conn Smythe recipient come from a losing club (Roger Crozier 1966 Red Wings, Glenn Hall 1968 Blues, Reggie Leach 1976 Flyers, Ron Hextall 1987 Flyers, Jean-Sebastien Giguere 2003 Mighty Ducks).

-If Pavel Datsyuk had been totally healthy for this series, it would’ve already ended.

-Has anyone seen Marian Hossa? Please send whatever info you have to the Detroit Red Wings before 8 ET/5 PT Friday night.

-Still can’t believe the Magic shot 63 percent from the field and still had to hang on for dear life to get their first Finals win in seven tries. That isn’t too promising for the rest of the series.

-I really could do without the nauseating second and fourth quarter interviews with the coaches. Though we loved Phil Jackson’s response during the Game One blowout when asked about Kobe and he was like, ‘How about that game.’

-Kudos to Svetlana Kuznetsova on winning the French Open for her second grand slam title easily dispatchng Russian countrywoman Dinara Safina. The elder former U.S. Open winner played steady tennis from the baseline while young Safina melted down for a second consecutive slam final. Last time out down under, it was against Serena Williams, who Kuznetsova bested in three hard fought sets in the quarters at Roland Garros. Too bad she was a sore loser about it. Kuznetsova also went three sets coming back to beat Samantha Stosur in the semis. Congrats on the win and we think she should be ranked a little higher than five. Speaking of which, no player should ever be No.1 and still haven’t won a major. Sorry.

-It’s still great a few days later that Roger Federer finally conquered his Paris demons completing the career slam. Just wish it could’ve come against archrival Rafael Nadal, who we hope will be healthy enough to defend his title at Wimbledon in less than two weeks.

-I don’t care because it’s the story that won’t go away. But someone needs to tell Brett Favre just that.

-And finally, for your entertainment, the absolutely classic appearance by one Mark-Paul Gosselaar as none other than Saved By The Bell’s Zach Morris on Jimmy Fallon a couple of nights ago on Late Night:

Dude hasn’t aged and stayed totally in character which made it work. Full credit to Fallon for letting him do his thing for this anticipated reunion.

“750 Math. 752 Verbal. 1,502 combined score. Stansbury material.“

We’ll get to that later.

-Whether or not they deserve it, the Jets’ latest collapse is front and center with them falling in humiliating fashion to the three-win Seahawks 13-3 in snowy Seattle. Somehow, Eric Mangini’s club went from 8-3 and looking like a possible AFC Super Bowl representative following road wins over the Pats and Titans to 9-6 having dropped three of four- well it should’ve been all four if Dick Jauron wasn’t coaching Buffalo- having lost badly at home to a mediocre Bronco team along with a brutal performance at hapless San Francisco.

By falling yesterday to Seahawk backup quarterback Seneca Wallace and Maurice Morris in Mike Holmgren’s home swan song as Seattle coach, Gang Green discovered a new way to tease their fans. When WFAN midday host Joe Benigno goes into rant mode with partner Evan Roberts later today, the S.O.J. (Same Old Jets) mantra about how their coach made some baffling decisions such as not going for fourth and less than a yard from inside the five early on settling for a Jay Feely field goal.

In a game you need, you can’t play conservative. Especially with how poor the conditions were. The Jets had their only good drive where Brett Favre and the offense were in sync. So, why not go for the score when you’re at their 2 with a chance to set the tone? Especially when everyone knew this team was 0 for the West coast coming in having even lost to the woeful Raiders on a 55-yard Sebastian Janikowski kick.

Not this coach. If you thought that decision was bad, then what of the choice after a mistimed delay of game penalty negative a Feely 45-yard kick that would’ve cut the deficit to 10-6 opting instead to punt in the fourth quarter with it slipping away? Utterly ridiculous when Feely’s first kick had plenty of distance and the Jets desperately needed the three points just to give themselves a realistic chance on a day Favre looked every bit the age of 39 finishing with under a 50.0 rating tossing two interceptions including a dreadful throw which stood no chance.

If the QB is not throwing it well, then why did Thomas Jones carry the ball only 17 times for 67 yards? Even if the AFC rushing leader wasn’t chewing up chunks on the ground, that’s not enough carries for a team who much like the more reliable New York football team rely on a balance of running setting up the pass game. How is it possible that Morris got the ball 29 times for 116 averaging 4.0 yards to Jones’ 3.9?

What’s a better philosophy for winning in snowy windy cold conditions? Not the one the Jets employed with triple threat Leon Washington (3 rushes, 14 yds, no receptions) an afterthought.

Making matters worse, when they were facing fourth-and-two from their own 20 trailing by a TD with over two minutes left and all three timeouts, for some reason Mangini opted to go chancing it all and then watched helplessly as Favre’s best throw sailed off Laveranues Coles with his main target defended well by Kelly Jennings. He still could’ve made the catch but you have to wonder why it was thrown 30 yards on a short yardage play with it all hanging in the balance.

When they didn’t convert, it allowed the Seahawks to essentially run it three times forcing Mangini to use two timeouts before Olindo Mare drilled a 38-yard kick ending any chance of a Jets comeback.

And just like that, here are the Jets 9-6 a game behind Chad Pennington and the Dolphins and the Patriots, who will be pulling hard for a Jet win over their former QB while they probably destroy the Bills.

With the Colts already having locked up one wildcard and the Ravens after a great road win over Dallas a home win over Jacksonville away from clinching the remaining spot, the Jets essentially need a miracle to make January.

Someone might ask how is it possible? It’s the Jets. That’s how.

-As for the Giants, they stepped up after two poor showings in divisional losses to the Eagles and Cowboys by playing a great second half outscoring the Panthers 21-7 if you include Brandon Jacobs’ third TD of the night which sealed the deal finishing off a nice comeback win in front of their supporters on a cold windy night improving to 12-3.

They deserve a lot of credit because Carolina played very well getting four TDs from impressive rookie back DeAngelo Williams (24 rushes, 108 yds), who twice pulled away from Giant defenders with scores of 13 and 30. The difference was that Tom Coughlin never deviated from the gameplan despite falling behind 21-10 with the Panthers scoring TDs on their first three possessions due to a nice balanced attack with Jake Delhomme finding main target Steve Smith for key pickups.

The combination of Williams along with Jonathan Stewart was working well for John Fox’s club in the opening 30 minutes. But Big Blue also got back to what they do best running the ball with Jacobs who returned and ran for a hard 87 yards while teammate Ward (Wind) hammered the Panthers on the ground establishing a new career high 215 on only 15 carries.

It was as impressive a performance as you can have in a big spot on national TV with everyone watching. Certainly, the return of Kareem McKenzie to a strong offensive line which boasts Pro Bowlers Shaun O’Hara and Chris Snee helped the Giants get back on track after not being able to get a consistent ground attack the past two weeks while allowing eight sacks to Dallas including three by NFL sack leader DeMarcus Ware.

Instead, the line was back doing the job clearing space for Jacobs and Ward to do their thing while blocking well for Eli Manning, who managed the game well not making any mistakes going 17 of 27 for 181 yards with a TD pass to improving tight end Kevin Boss, who also did a solid job making holes for the two-headed run attack that roasted the Panthers for 301 yards.

If the Giant D was brutal in the first half unable to get stops, then they were much better after the half shutting out Smith while limiting the damage to allow Manning and Co. to comeback.

While many might point to the brilliant Jeff Feagles punt following a Julius Peppers sack where the Giant special teams came through pinning Carolina inside their own 2, perhaps the biggest play during the comeback was Manning’s patience on a critical third-and-long waiting for his blocking Boss to bounce away before finding him for a huge first down with the second-year player getting to the marker.

Afterwards, the Jints’ ground game along with some timely Manning completions allowed them to methodically drive down the field using almost nine minutes before Eli found Boss on third-and-goal from four yards out cutting it to 21-20. They had gotten a John Carney 35-yard kick before the half to make it an eight-point deficit. A workable margin considering how well their opponents played.

If they were going to give in following a great Williams 30-yard scamper putting them back down eight midway through the final quarter, the Giants never panicked with Manning doing some of his best work completing three passes including a couple on third down to move the chains to setup Jacobs from a yard out making it 28-26 with 3:21 remaining.

Needing a two-point conversion, he made no mistake using a perfect playfake to Jacobs before threading the needle to a wide open Domenik Hixon tying it.

Now it was up to the defense. One which saw leading rusher Justin Tuck hobbled on and off the field with the flu gutting it out. They hadn’t gotten much pressure on Delhomme but made enough tackles on the Panthers’ ground game to force Jon Kasay to attempt a 50-yard FG with nine seconds left. Certainly no gimme in these conditions. The reliable lefty kicker had the distance but the wind pushed it just wide right allowing the Giants to breathe a sigh of relief getting to sudden death.

In it, both offenses stumbled going three and out before the Giants got it back. With Manning going off, they stayed with Ward, who used three great blocks to pull away for a 51-yard dash inside the Carolina 40. A couple of more Ward double digit runs for first downs got the ball all the way to the 2 setting up Jacobs (Earth) to plow in from two yards out for the game-winner.

It was easily one of the most entertaining games of this regular season with two good NFC teams going toe to toe but in the end, the Giants were left standing thanks to Earth and Wind along with their line which wore down Carolina’s front.

A sharp contrast from the Jets who once again letdown their fans making it nearly impossible for them to make the cut. So much for that all New York Super Bowl.

-It could be worse. You could be a Lion fan where their team made history becoming the first in the NFL to lose its first 15 games in a season Sunday getting trounced 42-7 by the Saints. They can complete the first ever 0-16 season next week when they visit Lambeau Field and the Packers where they haven’t prevailed since 1991.

Just how sad is the franchise which went a preposterous 31-84 before Team President Matt Millen was axed following an 0-3 beginning? Even their own fans have created “Yes We Can” t-shirts with 0-16 on them believing and rooting for their own team to lose every game.

The only team in league history to go winless were the expansion Tampa Bay Bucs when they finished 0-14 in 1976. According to center Dominic Raiola, this dubious distinction would be much worse with him going on to say:

“It’s very real. It’s right there in front of us … It’s pretty sad that its come to this.“

“I didn’t know that. I’ve never been part of a tie. I never even knew it was in the rule book. I was looking forward to getting the opportunity to get out there and try to drive to win the game. But unfortunately with the rules, we settled with a tie. I guess we’re aware if it now.“

This is as bizarre as it gets. McNabb’s certainly been around the league long enough to know that ties exist in the rulebook. Instead, his porous play tossing three picks and losing a fumble helped contribute to the first NFL tie in six years when the Michael Vick led Falcons and Tommy Maddox Steelers hooked up in a much more exciting 34-34 classic nearly six years to the day with that one coming on Nov.12, 2002. Wonder what exactly that means for 2014?!?!?!?!?!

Though Philadelphia rallied from a 13-3 deficit with a McNabb four-year hookup with tight end L.J. Smith in the third quarter and a David Akers 27-yard field goal with 5:18 left in regulation, it wasn’t enough to beat a team that entered with only one win in its first nine weeks of play.

Just inexcusable for a team which badly needed the game to rebound from last week’s home defeat at the hands of the Giants. Especially with them battling the Redskins and now the Cowboys who saved their season by hanging on for a hard fought 14-10 road win in the nation’s capital last night. Dallas and Washington are now tied at 6-4 a half game ahead of the Eagles who had they won would’ve been in a three-way tie instead of sitting in last in the NFC East.

The Eagles have six weeks left to try to atone with it promising not to get much easier with a road visit to Baltimore, who should be fuming after giving up a season high 207 rushing yards to the three-headed monster Giant attack in a 30-10 loss Sunday.

In fact, Andy Reid’s embattled club doesn’t have any easy games left with Arizona, at the Giants, the Browns, at the Redskins and a potential wildcard match-up versus the ‘Boys in late December.

Sadly, the Eagles were fortunate to even come out with the tie as Bengals’ normally reliable kicker Shayne Graham missed from 47 yards with seven seconds to spare ensuring the tie. It was Graham’s first miss between 40 and 49 yards all season. He had been six for his previous six. So naturally, he came away disappointed as well:

“We didn’t win. We didn’t lose, either. But sometimes, tying stings a little more.”

Let’s put it this way. Tying sucks! Especially in the NFL. With the NHL doing away with ties by opting for the shootout to decide extra points, it’s pro football which can still have the rare tie. But it’s so rare that it’s not worth examining changing rules so there’s a winner. And let’s not forget that it takes a heck of a lot of poor execution to even reach that point when games require overtime.

That doesn’t say much for the Eagles, who in bizarre fashion a week after their coach was taken to task for running two straight with short yardage using Brian Westbrook to no avail with Big Blue’s stingy run D snuffing it out opted to pass on all 18 third down situations including three third-and-one’s. Not surprisingly, they converted just 3-of-18 summarizing a day of futility in which the two teams combined to go 7-for-38 putting the definition in yuck.

Utterly ridiculous and proof that the supersensitive Reid can’t coach to save his life in big game situations. How do you have McNabb throw the ball 58 times? We realize the Eagles don’t have a conventional ground game but that kinda one-dimensional strategy just won’t work. They become way too predictable.

They might’ve celebrated the Phillies second world championship and the city’s first pro sports franchise’s big win in 25 years since Doctor J’s 1983 76ers won the NBA Title but we’re a few weeks removed now and the Philly phanatic has every right to rip on the Eagles today.

Their team was expected to contend in the NFC but now is a very big question mark to even qualify for January thanks to the continued underachieving and exasperating playcalling.

Totally bizzare.

In any event, there are many happenings the last week or so. So let’s get to them in no short order:

-The Giants have proven that they’re still a team to be reckoned with this season. At 8-1 after getting past the Eagles by five in Philly thanks to a balanced run attack led by Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward with second-year speedster Ahmad Bradshaw chipping in late as the Giant offensive line dominated up front while Eli Manning was efficient not making any mistakes following an early deflected interception which the Eagles cashed for a score. Even in a game in which the D couldn’t get any pressure on Donovan McNabb, they still did an admirable job shutting down all-purpose back Brian Westbrook including the key tackles on second, third and fourth down when Andy Reid foolishly ran it the last two downs with short yardage when his team had a chance to steal it.

Kudos must also go out to Manning who sold Tom Coughlin on a key challenge in which they reversed what looked initially like a forward pass. Instead, the QB knew his back foot hadn’t crossed the line of scrimmage when he threw completing a key first down pass on third down to tight end Kevin Boss, who was a big target coming down with six receptions, a TD and 69 yards.

Big Blue also caught a big break when officials couldn’t overrule on a Jacobs’ touchdown in which the ball came out as he crossed the plane. Replays couldn’t really determine if the ball had come out before he reached the goal line. It was fortunate cause it really could’ve swung the momentum.

For the most part, the Giants deserved to win improving to 8-1 including a perfect 3-0 inside the division. However, had they not made key mistakes like Jacobs’ silly fumble while trying to take on the entire Eagle front when his team had scored 17 straight, it might not have been as close. That along with a late Sam Madison hit out of bounds allowed the Eagles to stay in the game giving them a chance.

As defensive leader Antonio Pierce (8 tackles) pointed out to WFAN’s Mike Francesa Monday, there’s no time for letup with the surprising 6-3 Ravens coming to town before a visit to The Desert against MVP candidate Kurt Warner and the Cardinals. It won’t get any easier with a stop at Washington at the end of the month before finishing up December with the Eagles, a visit at Dallas, home for Carolina and a stop in Minnesota who might need the game as they compete with the Bears and Packers for the NFC North.

Every opponent is good with winning records. Unlike the early portion of their sched, the G-Men now have the toughest schedule of any team which is kinda fitting considering they’re defending champs. So, if they are to earn the division and possibly home field in the NFC, they’ll have really earned it.

-Meanwhile, the Jets have rebounded winning three straight since the debacle at Oakland. Though it hasn’t always been pretty, they’ve responded well taking charge in a road win over the Bills and then blowing the doors off a bad Rams team 47-3 in which they led by a ridiculous 40-0 at the half.

They have to be very pleased with the running of Thomas Jones, who’s bounced back in a big way leading the AFC in rushing with 750 yards along with eight touchdowns including a franchise-tying three in the rout of St. Louis. The ex-Bear who the club acquired before last year already has seven more TDs than in 2007 and properly credits an improved offensive line which has done a solid job opening up holes for the gritty veteran back along with Mr. Everything Leon Washington.

Brett Favre has adjusted to the offense making good use of primary targets Jericho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles as well as rookie TE Dustin Keller, who continues to improve following his first ever 100-yard receiving game with an eight catch, 87-yard night including a huge third down and long conversion in OT to help lift Gang Green to a 34-31 road win over the rival Patriots at Gilette Stadium last night giving them their fourth consecutive win and moving into sole possession of first place at 7-3 with six games left.

The Jets were firmly in control leading the Patriots at one point 24-6 in the first half thanks to a Leon Washington kickoff return for a score and a Favre 15-yard TD strike to Cotchery. But the Pats rallied with Matt Cassel driving his team for a late first half score firing a 19-yard TD pass to Jabar Gaffney to cut it to 24-13.

New England’s D stepped up in the third quarter giving their offense every chance to comeback. Eventually, Cassel and Co. rebounded from a turnover when Tom Brady’s replacement hit TE Ben Watson from 10 yards out and then converted the two-point conversion to Gaffney making it just a field goal deficit at the end of the quarter.

With the Pats D up to the task keeping Favre and the Jets at bay, they got the ball back and then watched as Stephen Gostkowski booted a 47-yarder right down Broadway tying it with over 10 minutes to go in regulation. But when it looked like the Jets offense had gone into the tank teasing their fans, Favre stepped up driving them down the field even getting the benefit of a soft Mike Vrabel hold on third and goal that helped setup Thomas Jones from a yard out with 3:10 to go.

When the Jet D held forcing the Pats three and out, it looked like it might be sealed. However, Bill Belichick saved a timeout and had the two minute warning. His team just stopped the Jets on third down to get the ball back with under a minute and a half left.

You have to give credit to Cassel who showed tremendous poise getting his team in position without any timeouts completing the ball short to primary target Wes Welker,  Watson and Gaffney while Randy Moss was held in check by Ty Law. However, even with the best receiver in the game having been held to a deuce on 10 yards, you knew it would come down to him against the ex-Pat corner with fourth and 1 looming with eight seconds to spare.

One play basically to force overtime. And when Cassel rolled to the right buying himself time before stepping up, he made a seeing eye toss to the right front corner of the end zone where Moss was tightly covered by Law. It still didn’t matter as somehow, the ex-Viking All-World dove across snagging it and then miraculously dragging his feet in bounds to give his team the tying score with one second remaining.

This was just a money catch by a world class receiver. Law didn’t play him poorly but Moss made one heck of a play. And when Gostkowski hit the PAT, here came OT.

Jets 31 Patriots 31

By now you were wondering if the Jets would ever defeat the Belichick Patriots in a big spot. They had been owned aside from Eric Mangini’s successful winning visit a couple of years ago before his team lost handily in the playoffs.

But when the coin toss went Gang Green’s way landing on tails, it allowed them to get the ball and hand it to Favre- the veteran future Hall of Famer who they traded for these kinda big moments. Even on third and 15, he wasn’t going to let them down dialing it up for 13 to a wide open Keller, who did the rest breaking a tackle for the first down.

No.4 would hit Keller twice more to keep the drive moving before finding Coles across the seam for 16 inside the New England 25 with the Patriot D paying closer attention on Keller. Three more hard runs including two by workhorse Jones to the NE 18 and they were setup to win on the leg of Jay Feely. But as NFL Network/Giant radio man Bob Papa duly noted, it was no sure thing as the ex-Giant had missed a few kicks between 30 and 40 this year.

So, it was no sure thing from 34. But Feely’s kick sailed just inside the left post with 7:10 left in OT giving the Jets the big three-point victory and now allowing them to control their own destiny.

The final totals saw the Pats account for more than 500 yards of offense including 400 through the air from Cassel with three TDs on 51 passes. He also was his team’s leading rusher with 62 on the ground while specialty back Kevin Faulk got 38.

Meanwhile, the Jets got an efficient performance from Favre who didn’t turn the ball over while going 26-of-33 for 258 yards, two scores and a 119.8 QB rating. Exactly the kind of performance they needed to come out of New England with a victory.

On the ground, the AFC’s leading rusher Jones grinded out 104 yards on 30 carries with a TD while all-everything back and return specialist Washington got 18 adding another 17 and two catches out of the backfield including the game’s opening score from seven yards out.

It was enough to give Jet fans hope that maybe in a wide open AFC outside the unbeaten Titans, maybe their team can do something. Somehow, they’ve gone from losing to the lowly Raiders, edging Herm Edwards’ Chiefs thanks to their ex-coach handing them the game to reeling off four straight including big road wins over the Bills and Pats.

Who knows what’s going to happen the rest of the way but it sure could be a fun ride. Do we dare dream the impossible Giants-Jets Super Bowl? A lot still has to go right for that to even become a realistic possibility including both teams winning their divisions and earning at least a bye into the second round. Big Blue at 8-1 is better positioned a game ahead of the Panthers but with a very tough remaining sched.

The Jets have an easier road after a big visit to Tennessee next week with games against Denver, at San Francisco, Buffalo, at Seattle and a possible huge first place showdown with Chad Pennington and the Dolphins. Who would ever have believed that back in Week One? It just might happen. If you like drama and huge storylines, that’s one worth pulling for.

-If they were handing out league MVP now, it would go to Warner, who’s been unbelievable for the first place Cardinals who look like a real contender in the NFC with their air attack featuring the likes of Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston. Here’s the 37 year-old veteran former two-time MVP as well as Super Bowl MVP leading a franchise that’s never really been anything unless you count that one wild card field goal road win over Dallas a decade prior with Jake “The Snake” Plummer who’s since retired from football.

Warner can still sling it as good as anyone and ranks second in passing yards (2,760) second in TDs (19) and first in QB rating (106.4). In a season where nobody’s really dominated and you can’t even find a single MVP candidate on the two best teams (Titans and Giants), Captain Kurt deserves to win it hands down. He’s pretty much helped the Cards nail down their weak NFC West Division leading by a preposterous four games with the Seahawks, 49ers and Rams all in the tank.

Find me a better story than Warner. Yes. What another former Giant QB Kerry Collins has done with a dominant defense in Tennessee is pretty storybook in itself but he’s not often asked to carry the offensive load the way Eli’s former tutor is in The Desert. Special stuff.

-If you really examine the Knicks’ five wins, only one came against decent competition in a home triumph over Utah, who was without Deron Williams. Sure. They’re playing a more exciting brand of basketball these days but Mike D’Antoni’s team is a long way away from being a legit contender. And as long as they continue to dog Stephon Marbury instead of doing the decent thing and letting him go separate ways, Team Dumb and Dumber Clown Mgt 101 is going to continue to look bad despite the change in coach and GM.

-Speaking of which, whatever became of David Lee’s future with the Knicks? Amazing what a change in philosophy can do to a guy’s career. He’ll wind up somewhere helping someone out.

-When they dress Eddy “Fat Albert” Curry with a bum knee while a much more motivated Marbury remains in street atire, it doesn’t look good. Somebody relay the message to Clown Creator and Innovator Jim Dolan. Somewhere, in Walt “Clyde” Frazier would be proud of us.

-Man are the new Nets bad. Didn’t someone tell them you can’t possibly build a winner around Vince Carter?

-So far so good for No.1 overall pick Derrick Rose and the Bulls. The former Memphis star went for 16, 9 and 6 in a comeback win over the Mavs in which running mate Ben Gordon lit up Dallas for 35 on 12-of-21 shooting. Heck. The former Uconn standout even handed out four assists with investigations ongoing to seek out how this could’ve transpired. Luol Deng added 20 and even former lottery pick Tyrus Thomas came off the bench for eight, eight (5 Off.), 2 blocks and 2 steals.

The 4-5 Bulls will be without Kirk Hinrich a couple of months with a torn thumb ligament. So, they’ll continue to need huge contributions from the streaky Gordon.

-Nice to see Greg Oden return to the court the other night and at least get his first NBA points on what else but a monster throwback stuff. He finished with three points, 2 blocks and 2 boards in 16 minutes in Portland’s fourth straight triumph by a 104-96 count over the Heat. The most encouraging news was that the former 2007 No.1 overall selection didn’t get hurt. The ex-Buckeye remains a project under Nate McMillan on what’s a pretty formidable roster featuring former league ROY Brandon Roy, last season’s Most Improved LaMarcus Aldridge, athletic deluxe Travis Outlaw, long range bomber Steve Blake along with key sub Channing Frye.

And don’t forget about rookie Rudy Fernandez, who dropped a career high 25 on Miami including three from downtown and eight for eight from the charity stripe. The 23 year-old who starred for Spain in Beijing where they lost out on Olympic Gold to Team USA is averaging better than 15 a game while shooting over 48 percent including 45.7 from three. He was originally selected by the Suns in 2007 24th overall but eventually was traded to Portland along with James Jones for cash. Talk about a hoist of epic proportions.

He’s easily one of the best first-year players and should be in the running for top rookie along with Rose and Memphis’ O.J. Mayo plus Michael Beasley also in the mix playing in South Florida making this year’s rookie class one of the better ones to follow.

-I’m not keen on the Yankees dealing for Nick Swisher to solve their first base issue because while he’s only 27 going on 28 following Thanksgiving, he’s not a good contact hitter and strikes out a ton despite power. Maybe the thinking here is that due to his high percentage of walks, the former A slugger could morph into a Jason Giambi type despite coming off his worst career season hitting just .219 with 24 homers, 69 RBI’s striking out 135 times while seeing his on-base percentage drop from .381 to .332 in the one season with the White Sox.

The good news is the Yanks didn’t part with a lot giving up on pitching prospect Jeff Marquez, who struggled last summer after once being considered high on their list. Also moving to Chicago was utility man Wilson Betemit, who never really distinguished himself after coming over from Hollywood for Scott Proctor. He still was a decent power bat off the bench who could fill in around the infield when called upon and finished strong hitting .265 with six dingers and 25 RBI’s in 189 at bats despite seeing his OBP diminish due to lack of walks (12 in 124 games as Yankee).

At least the Yanks also swapped prospects as part of the trade sending minor league pitcher Jhonny Nunez for righty Kaneoka Texeira. Maybe that’s what sold them on the deal. If Brian Ca$hman couldn’t cough up the big bucks for Mark Teixeira, then why not acquire another Texeira only mispelled which kinda sums up the current state in the Bronx.

Still, expect the Bronx Bombers to make a ridiculous multi-year offer to Cash Cow Sabathia later today on the first big day of free agency. If I’m Sabathia and I prefer the laid back West coast style along with the NL where he had great success in leading the Brewers to their first postseason appearance in 26 years, I sign with the Dodgers or Giants instead. Would you want to come to a crowded AL East which includes the Rays, Red Sox and Blue Jays that the Yankees have to contend with?

If he wants to win, he’ll use his brain and take less. Something which rarely happens around this time of year. We’ll see what Sabathia chooses.

-I don’t care what any big New York columnist writes negatively about him but the Mets would be crazy not to go for Manny Ramirez. The guy’s a lot of things but he also knows how to win. So, the next time you read Joel Sherman, Bill Madden or Mike Lupica talking about how he weaseled his way out of Beantown (all sadly true), just remember that he also was a huge part of Boston winning their first two world championships since 1918 with that same “lazy” player taking home World Series MVP in 2004. Think his presence didn’t make a huge difference with David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis’ sudden rise to stardom? Think again!

Just imagine what Manny could do for David Wright, who didn’t exactly light the world on fire in crunch time for the Mets. Picture a Met lineup with Jose Reyes, David Murphy, Wright, Manny, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado assuming Omar Minaya doesn’t turn around and make the slick play for Teixeira and unload the older first base slugger to replenish his farm. Would you bet against that lineup with Ryan Church also part of it if Murphy goes to second?

For the naysayers, just remember your team fell short of October the last two seasons because your GM wasn’t willing to roll the dice despite adding one of the best starters in Johan Santana. How many championships have the Amazin’s won again? They don’t exactly have the reputation of the Yankees. So, what’s keeping them from taking their best shot and going for it all? Too often, you hear Met fans call up WFAN in New York playing “what if.”

What if Minaya was bold enough to see what a star like Manny in the twilight of his career looking for that one final payday could do for his roster? Almost doesn’t count. This is about delivering a championship and what better way than bringing in the former George Washington star as they open up Citi Field? At least they could justify the costs.

If I’m the Mets, I go for Manny, add another proven October performer Derek Lowe and save some money by going for Brian Fuentes than the overpriced K-Rod whose fastball isn’t what it once was relying already too much on his slider. Just ask Red Sox hitters including Ramirez how that worked out for the Angels the past two first rounds.

Adding a gritty veteran who knows a thing or two about winning also would be wise. David Eckstein, Ray Durham and Mark Loretta are all decent options. What about bringing in a professional hitter like Kevin Millar? Even Craig Counsell wouldn’t be a bad choice. This is all about having a reliable veteran leader who can fill a role coming off the bench. Are the Yankees paying attention cause it sure applies to them as well.

-There’s been some talk about the Yanks trading for veteran center fielder Mike Cameron who can still hit for decent power, steal bases and field his position. However, he’ll turn 36 next January and is a free swinging type who K’s a ton. Wouldn’t it be wiser to go for a younger player who won’t cost as much like Rocco Baldelli, who at 26 returned to Tampa Bay from chronic exhaustion and proved he still can contribute? The Yankee CF spot is one which the organization must be careful about due to also having Brett Gardner and prospect Austin Jackson still in their plans while Melky Cabrera could be moved.

Baldelli wouldn’t have to play everyday but is a solid defensive outfielder who does the little things well such as hitting in the gaps, stealing bases, moving runners over while still owning natural power which proved to still be there with a couple of homers in limited duty for the Rays versus the Red Sox and Phillies. It wouldn’t cost as much cause the former Rays’ 2000 No.1 pick is more of a risk. But he’s younger and possesses talent and could bring a winning formula that’s badly needed in the Land of Make Believe where a silly power struggle continues between each Steinbrenner along with evildoer Randy Levine haunting the franchise as they get ready to open their new Stadium.

-Kudos to Tim Lincecum on becoming just the third second-year pitcher since 1985 to take home the Cy Young easily outdistancing Brandon Webb (73 pts) and Johan Santana (55 pts) for tops among the Senior Circuit after posting an 18-5 record with a 2.62 ERA on the Giants while fanning a major league best 265. He joined the Mets’ Dwight Gooden and the Royals’ Bret Saberhagen as a second-year starter who took home the prestigious award receiving 23 of 32 first place votes totaling 137 points. Rounding out the top five were Phils’ perfect closer Brad Lidge and the Brew Crew’s C.C. Sabathia with Ryan Dempster finishing sixth.

-The AL Cy Young as expected went to the Indians’ Cliff Lee who went a MLB best 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA capping off a comeback season after toiling in the minors the previous year. After getting tattooed for 68 earned and 112 hits in 97-plus during 20 appearances (16 starts) to the tune of a 5-8 mark with a 6.29 ERA in 2007, the 30 year-old southpaw who came along with Grady Sizemore as part of the Bartolo Colon trade from the then Montreal Expos was dominant from the very beginning this past season winning his first six decisions while posting an 11-1 record before July.

All he did was win even though his team struggled all season eventually trading away Sabathia to the Brewers- a teammate he held in high regard who won the Cy the previous year when they went all the way to the ALCS before falling to the Red Sox in seven games. Lee finished second to runner-up Roy Halladay with four complete games and tied with the former Cy winner and six others including Sabathia with two shutouts pacing the AL. In 223.1 IP, Lee walked only 34 while striking out 170 for an impressive five to one ratio.

He became just the third Indians pitcher to take home the award joining Gaylord Perry (1972) and Sabathia by garnering 24 of 28 first place votes and 132 points to easily beat out Halladay (71 points) and Francisco Rodriguez (32 points).

-No surprise either that the Rookies of The Year went to Tampa’s Evan Longoria in the AL and the Cubs’ Geovany Soto in the NL. Both were dominant players who helped lead their clubs to division titles and each are primed to become elite players at their respective positions as well as MVP candidates. Heck. If Longoria hadn’t missed a month, who knows? Maybe he sweeps ROY and MVP which is most likely going to either Youkilis or Boston teammate Dustin Pedroia. Though you could make the argument that had Carlos Quentin not injured himself, he’d have won it.

-I don’t get the rationale of the Cubs trading for former Marlins’ closer Kevin Gregg, who bombed down the stretch costing them a shot at the playoffs. Unless they’re hell bent on handing the job over to flamethrower Carlos Marmol with Kerry Wood on the outs. Just remember. Closing is a lot different than setting up. We’ll see how it goes.

-They’re not playing great by any stretch but the Rangers sure look like the only sure thing to see the postseason out of the three locals with Martin Brodeur sidelined on a banged up Devil team which is struggling mightily. The Islanders are a rebuilding project who are more likely to compete for John Tavares.

-It’s still a little weird not seeing Marty in net versus the Rangers where he’d only missed three starts versus his favorite opponent since like his rookie season. That’s insanity but also points to just how unbelievably consistent and remarkable the future Hall of Famer who will resume his pursuit of Patrick Roy’s wins and games record as well as Terry Sawchuk’s shutouts mark when he returns in February.

For now, it’s a long road back after tearing his biceps and admittedly saying he’d played with it before needing to be helped off the ice for what Lou Lamoriello termed “a bruised elbow.” Gotta love those NHL injury reports as they’re always so honest. Just ask the Islanders about the latest setback for their franchise Rick DiPietro.

So, with no Marty and no DiPi, that means only Henrik Lundqvist remains in net healthy capable of backstopping his team up the standings despite something missing. It’s getting lonely in goal quickly here.

-First, it was the Patriots winning three times. Then it was the Red Sox winning twice. Then it was the Celtics winning last Spring with an assist from Kevin McHale. Gee. What a surprise. Now, it’s the Bruins who are starting to look like serious Stanley Cup contenders after dismantling the Canadiens 6-1 in what’s become the best division in hockey. We’re serious too here! What is it about Massachusetts sports teams? Is there something in the water or is it the Boston Lager? Inquiring minds want to know.

-Have you ever seen as exciting an NHL game as the Pens 7-6 comeback road win over the defending champion Wings exacting a little revenge thanks to a natural hat trick from Jordan Staal plus a primary helper on Ruslan Fedotenko’s OT winner? What a great game!

-They don’t get the play of the Cubs or even the revamped Bulls but the Blackhawks are one exciting hockey club. If you haven’t caught their act featuring some of the best young talent in Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Kris Versteeg, the once great Original Six franchise is back on the right track and ticketed for the postseason. They are also honoring their past including a very nice double-retirement ceremony we caught the other night honoring former great defensemen Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson while also reinviting former star and coach Denis Savard back as club ambassador. This is definitely a team to watch even if you’re not a big puck supporter. It’s nice to see them honoring their roots.

-I gotta admit it’s a little weird seeing AC/DC rocking out in school wear all these years later but how could you not admire their swagger? They’re still sticking with what got them at the pinnacle of the rock scene.

-It’s sad to note that the final member of The Jimi Hendrix Experience Mitch Mitchell passed away at the age of 62 joining the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding upstairs though the dynamic trio is probably up there making the same kind of electrifying music which produced amazing albums like Are You Experienced (1967)  Axis: Bold as Love (1967) and Electric Ladyland (1968).

Mitchell was the underrated drummer of The Experience while Redding played an exquisite bass and Jimi did his thing like few others redefining the way guitar was played. They might all be gone but their legacy shall live on forever because as we all know, truly great music is timeless.

Let’s honor and remember them the appropriate way:

I could watch/listen to this special array of talent forever.

There’s only one unbeaten in defensive minded Tennessee and the defending champion Giants are 6-1 just half a game in front of the surprising Redskins with every NFC East team including the banged up Cowboys who enter with five wins looking to pull a huge upset at East Rutherford. The Eagles must also not be forgotten at 4-3 with a very winnable road game in Seattle.

The question is is there a better division in football? Sure doesn’t seem like it despite Jerry Jones lurking around promising changes if his injured team doesn’t get going.

Meanwhile, the struggling Jets are at a crossroads somehow just a game behind the first place Bills as they enter a big divisional match-up at Ralph Wilson Stadium where the 5-2 Bills have yet to lose in three home games. They’re usually very tough to beat there as well getting great special teams, solid D and efficient QBing from second-year starter Trent Edwards.

So, can Brett Favre and a lost Gang Green team who squeaked by the lowly Chiefs last week thanks to the usual Herm Edwards “Play To Win Lose” philosophy get the ship righted and come away with a ‘W’ in Buffalo? All that and more shall get answered today.

NFL Week 9

Jets (4-3) at Bills (5-2)- It’s hard not to like Buffalo here. Especially after a bitter defeat in Miami last week in which they gave up the last 18 points. Sure. They’ve dropped two of three but every time this team is doubted, they step up with a good performance. The same can’t be said for the dysfunctional Jets who still don’t know what they are despite having a gunslinger. Does Favre respond? Something tells me this will be tight late.

Prediction: Jets 20  Bills 26

Jaguars (3-4) at Bengals (0-8)- Our Super Bowl pick is in huge trouble following a six point home loss to the Browns. They along with the Colts trail the Titans by a ridiculous four games. Right now, it’s just about Jack Del Rio’s inconsistent club staying afloat. He’s labeled Matt Jones their best receiver. Well, duh. They can’t afford to foul this up. So figure Jones to have a nice day and for the Jags to reestablish the ground game.

Prediction: Jags 27  Bengals 16

Ravens (4-3) at Browns (3-4)- Can anyone explain the up and down Browns who can destroy the Giants while losing a tight one to the Skins before rebounding in Jacksonville? They obviously are playing better. They’ll need to not turn it over against an opportunistic Raven D. Something tells me they get it done.

Prediction: Ravens 13  Browns 19

Texans (3-4) at Vikings (3-4)- Two teams with identical records but one hot having reeled off three straight while the other has been an enigma all season despite being a trendy pick. So, can Houston continue its resurgence in Minnesota? That’s usually a tough place to win. This might be close.

Prediction: Texans 17  Vikings 20

Lions (0-7) at Bears (4-3)- Did anyone have the Kyle Orton led Bears putting up 48 on the Vikes two weeks ago? Suddenly, they’re very much in play for the division with the Packers. So, this should be a no-brainer against a winless team Orton lit up once already. At least Daunte Culpepper has a day job again.

Prediction: Lions 13  Bears 27

Bucs (5-3) at Chiefs (1-6)- Jon Gruden’s team is coming off a disappointing 13-9 road loss to the Cowboys. So, figure them to be better this week against the lowly Chiefs who can’t possibly duplicate their performance from last week. The Bucs don’t score much but they’re much better coached than the Jets and need the game.

Prediction: Bucs 20  Chiefs 12

Cards (4-3) at Rams (2-5)- Two-time league MVP Kurt Warner returns to where it all started with the Rams when he led them to a Super Bowl win going from bagging groceries to one of the best stories. He’s having a very good season leading the high powered Cards into first. His former team is playing better under Jim Haslett. So, this won’t be easy. But I wouldn’t bet against Warner in this spot.

Prediction: Cards 31 Rams 24

Packers (4-3) at Titans (7-0)- Can anyone stop the Titans? Green Bay should be in this game but they better find a way to slow down Tennessee’s ground game or it could be a long day. Kerry Collins doesn’t have to be lights out due to the combo of Chris Johnson and LenDale White. He can pick his spots. Something tells me the Titans will blanket Ryan Grant getting to Aaron Rodgers.

Prediction: Packers 13  Titans 24

Dolphins (3-4) at Broncos (4-3)- Miami’s coming off a quality home win over Buffalo keeping them in the AFC East race a couple back of the Bills and Pats. Chad Pennington threw for over 300 yards and has been rejuvenated. Denver has dropped two straight but is coming off a bye and should be healthier. Figure Jay Cutler and their air attack to get back on track.

Prediction: Dolphins 20  Broncos 31

Cowboys (5-3) at Giants (6-1)- Let’s see. No Tony Romo. Check. No Felix Jones. Check. Probably no Jason Witten. Check. No Terrence Newman. Check. A 40 year-old immobile QB in Brad JohnsonMarion Barber forcing Johnson to beat them. The Giants meanwhile are much healthier and just need to do a better job in the red zone. starting against a super fast pass rushing D. Check. Despite all that, expect the Cowboys to stay in it because there’s too much at stake. They should play hard. But figure the Giants to concentrate on stopping

Prediction: Cowboys 17  Giants 26

Eagles (4-3) at Seahawks (2-5)- Donovan McNabb is motivated and Brian Westbrook is healthy. So, this shouldn’t be any cause for concern against a bad Seahawk team. Right? Figure the Eagle D to make life miserable for Matt Hasselbeck.

Prediction: Eagles 28  Seahawks 13

Falcons (4-3) at Raiders (2-5)- The Falcons suffered a 13-point loss to the Eagles last week and now visit The Black Hole looking for a bounce back performance. Expect rookie Matt Ryan to step up with a nice run game led by Michael Turner. A win keeps one of the league’s pleasant surprises right there for the NFC South.

Prediction: Falcons 24  Raiders 16

Patriots (5-2) at Colts (3-4)- The Pats somehow have five wins without Tom Brady because they blew the doors off Denver in a must win two weeks ago and held off a tougher Rams team. Now, they enter one of those old establishment match-ups in primetime against Peyton Manning and the struggling Colts. I just can’t see Manning letting his team lose this one. It’s too important.

Prediction: Pats 16  Colts 27

Steelers (5-2) at Redskins (6-2)- This is easily the best game of the week. Boy. Did ESPN luck out and you can’t always say that. So, how will they ruin it? Who had Washington with six wins already? Mean time, Big Ben tries to rebound from a pitiful performance against an attacking Giant D which sacked him five times forcing him into five turnovers. The Skins continue to play well getting inspired running from league leader Clinton Portis and efficient passing from Jason Campbell, who enters without an Int. A potential barn burner in the making between two good football teams.

Prediction: Steelers 17  Redskins 14