Please tune in tomorrow (Friday) morning on WQXI 11Alive for a small reunion of a few Dirty Birds. Joining me tomorrow will be none other than Jessie “Hammer” Tuggle, Chuck Smith & OJ Santiago!

We will be on SUPER early (around 6:15am) with Karyn Greer of 11Alive! Been awhile since we all shared the camera together, and I cannot wait. Topics of discussion will be our Super Bowl, the upcoming Super Bowl & of course the Falcons.

Tune in if you can!

Thanks!

I will be appearing on CNN’s “Starting Point” with Sanjay Gupta around 7:30am today. Soleded O’Brien is the host. We’ll be discussing the reported targeting of Kyle Williams by the New York Giants based on Williams concussion history.

Additionally, we will discus the NFL’s ongoing issues with concussions, in general. Please tune in if your able.

Thanks!

Dirty Bird

You really couldn’t ask for a better situation tonight, if you were playing in this game! Showdown is correct, as the Falcons face the Saints tonight in the Superdome. They have secured playoff births, BUT, the division title is still on the line. In addition, Drew Brees is merely 305 yards from breaking Dan Marino’s single season passing record. All the elements are set for a great game.

No, 300 yards is not necessarily easy, but considering Brees has failed to reach that level only twice this year, it is a Brees norm. Therein lies the challenge for the Falcons, stopping Brees. Especially given the health of Brent Grimes, the Falcons premier corner. Clearly his return/health are key for the Dirty Birds. The other keys to victory for the Falcons against the Saints have not changed since the arrival of #9. Run the ball well (Turner/Rodgers) with Matt Ryan being sharpe, are a must. Of course, Stopping Brees means the defense must play well. The aforementioned Grimes, Sean Weatherspoon, and Abraham must play well.

Be clear, this is a heated rivalry that is only getting hotter lately as the teams are experiencing franchise first with respect to their level of victories, and notoriety.

We all know what occurred last time. If you’re a Falcon fan, a very disappointing 4th down failed conversion that cost you at home. Could there be anymore subplots tonight? The Saints & Brees are hot, and undefeated this year at home. However, the Falcons match up very well. A question of will, and who wants it more, and which teams star players shine brightest under the Monday night lights. The Falcons must be consistent all four quarters, and they must be the more physical team. MUST!

Saints vs Falcons, I am ready…..Are you?

Jam

Press conference prior to “Thriller in Manilla”.

That young man over Ali’s left shoulder is my father, James Anderson.

Now, the best of the rest for Week 3.

Jaguars vs Panthers

The rookie bowl! Blaine Gabbert takes the reigns for the first time against Cam Newton. Newton has erased all doubts about his ability to play QB in the NFL in two weeks. Yes, he can play. And Yes, he will get his first win. My pick: Panthers

49ers vs Bengals

I really want to pick the 49ers here, but something tells me last weeks lost might linger. Of course, a proper dose of Frank Gore could change this! Niners have to keep the Bengals rookies in check. My pick: 49ers

Dolphins vs Browns

This is game three for Miami, without much of Reggie Bush. Wonder if this will change? Reggie should be full go this weekend. Across the sideline you need not worry about the Brown running back. Peyton Hillis will bring his A game. My Picks: Browns

Lions vs Vikings

Normally, I would suggest that Adrian Peterson could help change the Vikings fortune. Well, he did, a week ago, and the Vikes still lost! The Lions are on a mission, why stop now… My Pick: Lions

Broncos vs Titans

Titans, I shall disrespect you no longer. Matt Hasselbeck has a little something going in Tennessee. Bravo Matt. And this, without a prolific Chris Johnson, so far..Yes, I am impressed. New Coach, New QB, New Wins. My pick: Titans

Chiefs vs Chargers

What an awful start to the season for the Chiefs, who were one of the surprise teams of 2010. Now, no Jamaal Charles, oh boy. Rivers, well, you already know I like this QB… My Picks: Chargers

Ravens vs Rams

Could be a long week for the Rams, the Ravens will be very motivated to bounce back. Ravens must keep Bradford in check to ensure the Rams start win less. My pick: Ravens

Cardinals vs Seahawks

You’ve got to believe that Pete Carroll has said to himself more than once that he could have stuck out the two years of probation at SC. On that note… My Pick: Cardinals

Steelers vs Colts

Well, anything is possible, right? As always the Steelers have to show up and play. Or, do they just have to show up?? Colts look lost. The Steelers will not help matter. My Pick: Steelers

** Special Thank you to Conn Jackson, and his excellent staff**

Enjoy the games!

Jam

Fortunately, I have consistently had a presence on the radio from the numerous call in’s I am requested to do. Always thankful to be invited as a guest, I certainly look forward to this opportunity now. Who know’s where this will lead? *Wink.

For those of you who are not in Atlanta, you can listen on the Internet 790TheZone

Let’s have some fun!

Tune in tomorrow, 10am. Thank you!

JAM

The other day on twitter I posted the picture above. I would like the further explain my thoughts on the picture.

During the NBA Lottery, I noticed two brothers sitting behind Dan Gilbert. I thought I recognized them, but until I saw another shot of them on TV, I wasn’t sure. I grabbed my remote, froze the screen, and sure enough it was Cribbs & Haden.

I know people have a lot to say about Dan Gilbert. I am not interested in visiting any of that, right now. I am pleased with Cribbs & Haden for being there for the city of Cleveland to show support. We all know what that city has been through. IN EVERY SPORT. Classy move by Josh Cribbs & Joe Haden.

I am certain the fans in Cleveland appreciate young stars of their city who actually support other home town teams.

Bravo Gentlemen!

JAM

The amount of money being generated by student athletes is staggering in this day and age. Guess where all that money goes?!? I do not want to spoil this for you. I implore you to please check this video out. Good word by PBS, however there needs to be more done to change the business of college athletics. This piece is manly on ” March Madness” and the unreal amount of money generated by the NCAA’s flagship tournament.

Watch the full episode. See more FRONTLINE.

I would love to hear what you think about this? Leave a comment.

Jam

First of all, this post IS not about the game. This is about the scene in Dallas, through my eyes….

Dallas, I feel for you, I do. Many years ago, my city was damaged just the same because of weather! We in Atlanta know how you feel. The Super Bowl was interesting, indeed. I have listened to different people talk about how awful it was in Dallas, because of the aforementioned weather. I have to admit, it was a little lifeless for a few days. Of course, nothing like the weekend to change that!

My events and appearances all went very well. Additionally, in typical Super Bowl fashion there were a lot of famous faces in the house. The largest sporting event in the United States definitely brings out the famous faces. This year was no different, despite the weather.

GMC hosted a suite at the Belmont Hotel. Anyone, who is ANYONE, was in the house. Highlight for me, besides the SUV’s, Stevie Johnson of the Bills breaking out the Dirty Bird! Johnson nearly did it better than me. During the event I got a chance to visit with Marlon Wayans, who also did a comedy show in Dallas that weekend. Willis McGahee, Maurice Jones-Drew, Cameron Wake were also in the tent, to name a few.

GMC Suite

I also bumped into the guy in the picture below.  I have to be honest, I have never watched an episode of the “Jersey Shore” and am from New Jersey. No matter, The Situation was a pretty cool dude, who is clearing enjoying his time in the sun.

The Situation & The Dirty Bird

Saturday afternoon I was fortunate enough to be asked to Host/MC the Players Inc. Celebrity Flag Football game! What a fun event loaded with Stars! The Best part, everyone was kind enough to walk around and sign autographs for all of the fans! Who was in the house? Try Ray Rice, Vivica Fox, Jermaine Dupri, Derrick Brooks, Regina King, Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), Selita Ebanks, John Cena, Roger Craig, Desmond Howard, Lorenzo Neale, Andre Rison, Jeff Blake, Brad Johnson & Tommy Maddox all participated. Chris McGree hosted with me, he was awesome.  Oh yeah, Desmond Howard came to the event fresh off his confrontation with Phil Simms. That was interesting.

**Update, Lamman Rucker, star of “Meet The Browns” was also in the Game. In fact, dude was ballin’ too.

Regina King & Vivica Fox

With Victoria Secrets Supermodel Selita Ebanks

Ray Rice & WWE Superstar John Cena

Good times, indeed. I have to say, the people in and around Dallas were awesome. They did their best  to host Super Bowl XLV, despite conditions.

Now, this last picture, well…. Only at Super Bowl, or Vegas!  To explain, I was on my way into an event, ran into Elvis squared on the carpet. Viva Las Dallas! Ha

Just a bit, on the scene at Super Bowl XLV. I hope you enjoyed. I certainly tried to….

JAM

]]> http://blog.jamalanderson.com/2011/02/10/xlv-the-scene/feed/ 0 http://blog.jamalanderson.com/2011/02/06/super-bowl-xlv-packers-v-steelers/ http://blog.jamalanderson.com/2011/02/06/super-bowl-xlv-packers-v-steelers/#comments Sun, 06 Feb 2011 21:49:24 +0000 Dirty Bird http://blog.jamalanderson.com/?p=1529

You know, I could bore you with a game break down of what to expect. What positions to watch for, who to key on. Of course, if you’re reading this, I am certain you have been inundated with plenty of Super Bowl break downs. Instead, let me just talk to you for a few….

I wonder what it must be like to be a Steeler, sometimes. The tradition, the history, the way they seem to rally around each other. It seems quite similar to a college atmosphere. Meaning, the teams, and success of those teams, is shared through generations. Winning titles breeds this, and the Steelers certainly win.

You can’t talk about a winner, without mentioning the Packers. The Trophy is an omnipresent reminder. I didn’t even mention the name of “The Trophy” and you got it? Exactly. I could copy and paste the above, and it applies. As much as I would have wanted my Birds in this Super Bowl, still grieving, this one doesn’t bother me. Two organizations that do it right.

Now, about that game…. The Packers are the better team to me. But, as we all know the better team doesn’t always win. The Steelers just get it done, don’t they? When it seems that they are out of it, they find a way to win.

Much is made of experience in this game today. Yes the Steelers have it, and I do believe that helps. I just don’t think it helps THAT much. I mean, leadership, determination, YOUR team matter more. The Steelers, and Packers have leaders. Players who have been through something, and now arrive at the NFL’s greatest stage. Rodgers, Roethlisberger, Matthews, Palamalu, to name a few.

Who will win? It almost feels like it is the destiny of the Steelers to win. However, what the Packers have over come this year, and how they have played lately, gives me cause. Cause to believe that this Super Bowl is theirs.

My pick: Packers