February 06, 2011

Green Bay Packers are Super Bowl champions : The Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25, in Super Bowl XLV to claim football’s ultimate prize. It was the 13th NFL title for the storied franchise, and its first championship in 14 years.

posted by tommytrump to football at 10:36 PM - 75 comments

as a Steeler fan...deserved win and congrats to Rodgers. They should have won by much more if their receivers could catch. Ben stunk it up and once McFadden was out and Gay was in? That was the ballgame. If he's still on the ball club next year as even a 6th DB, I can't seen how I can root for them.

posted by bdaddy at 10:46 PM on February 06, 2011

Now Brett "The Perv" Favre can be officially forgotten and put to rest in every city he played in.

posted by dyams at 11:04 PM on February 06, 2011

Go Pack Go!

posted by fabulon7 at 11:08 PM on February 06, 2011

I would have lost my mind if this happened to me.

posted by grum@work at 11:26 PM on February 06, 2011

grum, I know of some Steelers fans who would have personally hunted down Jerry Jones and extracted the necessary revenge in that scenario.

That's pathetic.

A group of people cheated out of a once in a lifetime opportunity, some of whom probably over extended themselves just to be a part of the Dallas SB. They deserve some form of compensation, at the very least a fully paid trip to next years' bowl.

posted by cixelsyd at 11:55 PM on February 06, 2011

To me, it was a good not great game, mainly because I didn't think either team looked that sharp. Maybe it was with the weirdness surrounding the game, or the greatness of both defenses, or the stage. Both teams just looked off to me.

Nonetheless, congratulations to the Packers.

posted by Bonkers at 12:07 AM on February 07, 2011

I enjoyed the game, but after spending all season zooming through commercials but stopping to watch these, I can't believe how long that broadcast felt. The NFL is interminable.

That ticket disaster is unreal. Jerry Jones isn't an idiot -- anyone who has been in that stadium can attest to his ability to achieve something big. But there's no excuse for putting fans through that. I wonder if he'll get another bowl.

I think the play of the game was the Mendenhall fumble. It looked like the Steelers were going to take the lead on that drive and never give it back.

posted by rcade at 12:14 AM on February 07, 2011

Christina Aguilera's national anthem to remember.

posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 12:17 AM on February 07, 2011

Did the article text change or something, cixelsyd? Sounds like they weren't cheated but caught in an unfortunate mess that everybody regrets; the stadium did what they could by giving them passes to watch on big screens in a nice club inside the stadium, plus they got back a triple refund. Triple refund. Triple.

I mean it sucks they didn't get the seats, but their treatment is nothing like you describe. The article must have developed quite a bit since you read it.

posted by Hugh Janus at 12:17 AM on February 07, 2011

Yes, Jerry Jones' quest to set an attendance record backfired.

How do you not get those seats completed on time? How does it get to game time before a solution is worked out?

Triple their money back sounds great, but some may have paid close to that much for the tickets to begin with, plus travel expense, plus the anguish. They showed some of the people outside getting pretty heated over it. I'm a bit surprised someone didn't lose it.

posted by dviking at 12:20 AM on February 07, 2011

Yes, Jerry Jones' quest to set an attendance record backfired.

Ah, Jerry Jones, the kind of guy for whom the rule preventing Packers-style collective ownership was set in place.

Not a great game, the better team won, and the second half in particular had a strange vibe that comes from one side having a big lead but barely any momentum.

I also want to know what kind of superhard concrete is under the astroturf at that stadium, because it looked like two grass-turf teams were suffering a lot of injuries from hitting the deck.

posted by etagloh at 12:31 AM on February 07, 2011

It was worth it for the clip of Alex Rodriguez being hand-fed by Cameron Diaz.

posted by Rock Steady at 12:57 AM on February 07, 2011

Also the best halftime show I can remember, great music and a not over the top show. I heard the 2,000 kids who participated in the show had one practice due to the local weather. Great job by all!!

posted by gfinsf at 01:12 AM on February 07, 2011

Good game, but with the steelers not getting anywhere on the last drive it sorta fizzled. I thought Green Bay was a dropped pass away from running away with the game a couple of times.

With my team out I'm happy that no team led by Vick, Favre, or Roethlisberger won the super bowl. It's probably wrong of me to characterize whole teams because of one player, but if you're quarterback is a douchebag that unlikeable it's easy for me to do.

Speaking of Favre it didn't take long to find the talking heads kissing his ass and proclaiming how far Rodgers has to go to reach his level, and while true in many aspects, he's one super bowl win way from passing him in a very important category. What a terrible season for Favre. i've enjoyed it immensely.

Christina Aguilera's national anthem to remember.

And a halftime to forget.

posted by justgary at 01:25 AM on February 07, 2011

There seemed to be players slipping and sliding all over the place on Jerry's turf, too.

posted by Mookieproof at 01:25 AM on February 07, 2011

Christina Aguilera's national anthem to remember.

I was at a party up here in Canada. Everyone in the room did a double-take when she buggered up the lyrics. I guess that rules out any pre-taping and lip synching, unless everyone involved was too stupid to notice the mistake.

BTW, was her rendition of "...braaaaaaaaave!" below the mark set in Las Vegas for the over/under on how long she'd hold the note?

posted by grum@work at 01:27 AM on February 07, 2011

BorowitzReport:

The NFL says next year's halftime show will be Yoko Ono, a hyena, and two balloons rubbed together.

MVP: Right now it's a tossup between Aaron Rodgers and whoever told the Blackeyed Peas to stop.

Final Score: Blackeyed Peas One Zillion, Music 0

Heh.

posted by justgary at 01:39 AM on February 07, 2011

justgary, perhaps you could mention one halftime show you did enjoy, and I did like this one. Yes, they are all glitzy, but this had a theme and connection from the first song to last. Since you want to forget this one which one do you love to remember? Tell me so I can look it up and watch, I'd be interested in your taste of a good show.

posted by gfinsf at 05:50 AM on February 07, 2011

Some of the commercials were better than the halftime show and Christina A. No Betty White, but Darth Vader and Imported from Detroit were good.

posted by roberts at 06:49 AM on February 07, 2011

Super Bowl Slideshow

posted by tommybiden at 08:17 AM on February 07, 2011

Speaking of Favre it didn't take long to find the talking heads kissing his ass and proclaiming how far Rodgers has to go to reach his level

Those people are full of it.

A few times during the game, I found myself thinking: the Pack would not have the same chance of winning this thing if Favre (even prime Favre) were at QB. Rodgers played smart and was sharp. His receivers were not.

It's so great to watch the Packers offense without that sense of dread waiting for the QB to overreach and make the inevitable bonehead play. I am very tired of the excessive glorification of Favre. He is remarkable in many ways, but in terms of giving his team an optimal chance to win a big game, he is not top rank IMO.

Great play calling on the first two GB offensive TD's, striking from outside the 20 - using a longer field instead of methodically working it down close, where the Steelers are so hard to score on.

I thought it might eventually come down to Suisham having to nail a kick, and he was not having a good night. He was in that zone where you might even look for a missed PAT.

Hats off to the Packers D. They played smart, active football even after losing key people in the first half. Surprised that Pittsburgh didn't dial up a few more intermediate throws in the second half to get the ball beyond the linebacker level after the Packer DB's were knocked out of the game.

Hats off to the old guy Steeler wideouts - Ward and Randle-El. Nice to see them get that involved. Enjoyed the option pitch for the 2 point conversion.

And also kudos to Ben for his gritty mobility despite not being anywhere close to 100%. He was not sharp, but I'm wondering how many injuries he had going on that were not made known. He looked like a beat up guy out there.

Great to see the board chairman of a community owned team on the podium with the trophy. Poor old Ted Thompson really wanted no part of being up there.

And Staubach REALLY didn't want to be there. He handed the trophy to Goodell like it was radioactive and got off the stand and away from Bradshaw as quick as he could.

Best part about the halftime show was that it gave the Packers a few extra minutes to see if they could get some of their injured people able to play in the second half.

posted by beaverboard at 08:27 AM on February 07, 2011

The production around the Black Eyed Peas was cool -- loved the light people, the band descending from the sky and the dancing boxheads -- but overall they upheld the Super Bowl tradition of terrible medleys that go on forever. Fergie's more masculine take on "Sweet Child o' Mine" was an odd choice. Did anyone else think the music was too low and the singing too high? It made them sound shrill.

After seeing his Detroit car commercial and his recent performance on SNL, I'd like to see what Eminem would do with a halftime.

posted by rcade at 08:32 AM on February 07, 2011

I was so busy scoring and checking pools of all sorts that I never even glanced at the halftime show. After watching Aguilera butcher the national anthem, can't say I wanted to really see any performers anyways. All I can say is, it couldn't have happened to a "nicer" (bitch) person.

As for Rodgers, his skills, in my estimation, have surpassed those of Favre. If being open-assed on the football field is a skill, then maybe Rodgers has a way to go to catch him, but they guy is flat-out solid. Favre would have probably made this type of game more interesting because he would have evened out the turnover ratio between the teams on his own.

posted by dyams at 09:38 AM on February 07, 2011

Christina Aguilera's national anthem to remember.

Why even have a national anthem sung at a domestic sporting event ?

posted by tommybiden at 09:42 AM on February 07, 2011

I think the play of the game was the Mendenhall fumble.

I couldn't agree more. The Steelers had taken over the game, and that was the play the Packers needed to take it back.

posted by bender at 09:48 AM on February 07, 2011

I think the play of the game was the Mendenhall fumble.

What I hated about the fumble was listening to the guy at the party start screaming "He was due to fumble! I told you he was going to fumble some time!" and then almost throw out his shoulder trying to pat himself on the pack.

I think next year I'll just watch the game at home and not listen to endless rounds of "They need to run the ball more!" and "Blitz'em! BLITZ'EM!"

posted by grum@work at 11:03 AM on February 07, 2011

Why even have a national anthem sung at a domestic sporting event ?

It's what we do in (North) America thing.

posted by grum@work at 11:04 AM on February 07, 2011

Did the article text change or something, cixelsyd? Sounds like they weren't cheated but caught in an unfortunate mess that everybody regrets; the stadium did what they could by giving them passes to watch on big screens in a nice club inside the stadium, plus they got back a triple refund. Triple refund. Triple.

And I'm betting the triple triple triple (is there an echo in here?) refund either just barely covered or didn't cover the expense laid out by people traveling to the game -- plane tickets, hotels, time off work, making arrangements for kids, pets, houses, etc.

This wasn't like they bought stand-by tickets for a flight or festival seatinf to see The Who. This is a cock-up of the first magnitude that I would hope would affect Jones' ability to land another Super Bowl.

posted by wfrazerjr at 11:07 AM on February 07, 2011

All I can say is, it couldn't have happened to a "nicer" (bitch) person.

Not sure I follow.

posted by yerfatma at 11:13 AM on February 07, 2011

I really enjoyed seeing the Fox Theater again.

posted by NoMich at 11:17 AM on February 07, 2011

justgary, perhaps you could mention one halftime show you did enjoy, and I did like this one.

The best ever by a large margin was Michael Jackson. The best part of this one was the kids/dancers in lights. I think they should have just let Usher do the whole thing. The dancing would have been phenomenal. The acoustics almost always seem to be a problem in half-time shows. I have never seen the Black Eyed Peas live, but surely they normally sound better than that.

The Steelers had 3 turnovers, Roethlisberger played badly, and it still came down to the last drive. It seemed as if the Packers just fell apart after half time. And, the receivers dropping passes in the biggest games of their lives? They are lucky Rodgers didn't strangle one of them.

Oh, and a note to Cutler, watch Woodson. He knows how to look injured on the sideline.

posted by bperk at 11:35 AM on February 07, 2011

Of course all that is true, wfrazerjr. I simply meant to point out that a major ticketing fuck-up isn't cheating fans, and refunding triple the ticket price is some form of compensation.

posted by Hugh Janus at 11:38 AM on February 07, 2011

Rodgers played smart and was sharp. His receivers were not.

Aside from a couple drops, Jordy Nelson could just have easily been MVP.

As for play of the game, I would say a tie between the Mendenhall fumble and the 3rd and 10 to Jennings right after the false start penalty against Green Bay.

The Black Eyed Peas show was over produced to the point of being unwatchable. In their defense, most of these shows are. Long medleys tend to lose steam after 5 minutes and it just becomes background noise. Again, in their defense, they aren't my cup of tea. The Sweet Child of Mine rendition was horrible. In my defense, that is my cup of tea.

posted by Ricardo at 11:39 AM on February 07, 2011

Also the best halftime show I can remember, great music and a not over the top show.

My entire facebook feed was nothing but "Worst halftime ever!!!" A) I abhor autotune. I don't typically listen to pop in the first place (I'm not a hipster, I just prefer different genres now) which utilizes autotune the most, but it really makes my ear bleed. It's the reason I don't watch Glee- I enjoyed the first few episodes, but the autotune made me stop.
B) Sweet Child O' Mine. That was painful.
C) I've never liked Usher. I don't think he sucks or anything, he's just not my style.
D) I prefered Bruce Sprinsteen's halftime show. Then again, I'm a huge Boss mark.
To be fair, most of the halftime shows just flat out suck.

So ya, there was pretty much zero things for me to like about the shows. Though I was hoping Thirteen would show up during the Tron stage lighting.

posted by jmd82 at 11:49 AM on February 07, 2011

The gold standard for halftime shows is Prince. But Jackson did achieve the feat of outdrawing the game.

Aside from a couple drops, Jordy Nelson could just have easily been MVP.

Only if a halfback threw them. Rodgers' 304 yards gets even bigger with more Nelson catches.

I've never liked Usher. I don't think he sucks or anything, he's just not my style.

I think Usher could carry a halftime show, particularly if he keeps raiding Michael Jackson for dance moves.

posted by rcade at 11:56 AM on February 07, 2011

Guys, I was totally convinced that everyone called it Telemenjaro but when I named it at the Super Bowl party no one knew what I was talking about. A googling confirmed that it was a Spofi thing. It also showed up on something called a workbench or a 'Cadenhead'. Anyway, why isn't everyone calling it Telemenjaro? It's obviously the best possible moniker.

Also the best halftime show I can remember, great music and a not over the top show.

I can't think of any that I've actually liked. Maybe I should switch to the puppy bowl. Watching this year's halftime show just made me wish for a Daft Punk halftime show.

posted by tron7 at 12:15 PM on February 07, 2011

Can we just agree that we watch the Super Bowl for the game and not the halftime show? If I was in charge, there would be an awesome marching band, but since that's not going to happen, I can just accept the halftime show as the optimal opportunity to go to the bathroom and get another beer.

U2 some years ago wasn't bad, though.

posted by bender at 12:29 PM on February 07, 2011

Oh, and a note to Cutler, watch Woodson. He knows how to look injured on the sideline.

If Woodson was a Bear, Chicago fans would have accused him of faking too.

posted by cjets at 12:38 PM on February 07, 2011

Speaking of marching bands, I was a little upset that they showed about 30 seconds of the TCU band before the game and then cut to talking heads while there was a perfectly good show going on behind them.

I'd have to agree that the Prince halftime show was the best of the crop that I've seen, and light-years ahead of this year's farce. Wonder how much Slash got paid to sell his soul? Also, the only reason I'm thankful for auto-tune is because we didn't have to hear them actually sing. Fergie's shouting told me just how much they needed it.

Also, props to the Packers. Well played game, and coming through all the injuries near halftime was a great show of strength. Rodgers is pretty good, eh?

posted by boredom_08 at 12:51 PM on February 07, 2011

You know, I like to see the Packers win (unless they're playing the Patriots) and felt really good for the people of Green Bay. I always feel like they're winning one for their community and not for some millionaire owner. Congratulations, Green Bay and fans!

U2 some years ago wasn't bad, though.

The 9/11 tribute during that halftime was tastefully done.

Really, I like the simple half time shows. Tom Petty was very good. Prince was excellent. I thought Bruce Springsteen's was a little goofier than I'd have liked, but he's always an amazing performer.

Whenever I watch the Black Eyed Peas, I wonder what the two dudes who aren't Fergie or Wil.I.Am are there for. Other than a paycheck.

posted by Joey Michaels at 12:52 PM on February 07, 2011

Only if a halfback threw them. Rodgers' 304 yards gets even bigger with more Nelson catches.

I am definitely not saying Rodgers was unworthy of the title ... But ... Nelson dove out of bounds at the 2 or 3 yard line trying to reach the pylon ... easily could've been a TD. He also had another near catch in the corner of the end zone. There was the long throw he let go through his hands. He already had 140 yards. Another TD or two and another 40 or 50 yards, there could have been serious debate about who deserved it more.

And yes I realize another touchdown or two would've padded Rodgers stats a little more. To be sure Aaron Rodger played fantastic football for a good bit of the game.

posted by Ricardo at 12:55 PM on February 07, 2011

Sorry I steered you wrong, Tron7. Telemanjaro made me do it.

posted by rcade at 12:58 PM on February 07, 2011

A cogent analysis of the half-time show's failings. I'll agree with this article as well, in that it felt more like any show in a BEP tour than The Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Aside from a couple drops, Jordy Nelson could just have easily been MVP.

I was shocked to discover that he had over 100 yards receiving and 9 catches; I just didn't realize he was being so big a part of their game plan.

posted by Bonkers at 01:00 PM on February 07, 2011

The gold standard for halftime shows is Prince.

Amen, brother. There's just something about letting a talented musician show off his ability. I think on a grand stage like that, the striking mediocrity of the Peas has far too bright a light cast upon it. Not that they're the worst band ever, they just sound like a lounge act.

posted by tahoemoj at 01:08 PM on February 07, 2011

Why the league uses someone like Christina Aguilera to sing the anthem instead of some military quartet is beyond me. Why chance it for such a big game?

The halftime had some neat special effects (the lighted suits, and performers being lowered to the stage) but the sound seemed off, and song selection seems odd to me. Does the NFL pick the entertainment, or does the local organizers?

The fumble absolutely was the play of the game as the Steelers were in control at the point. And, yes, the announcer jinxing the play didn't help.

I know that some of you have made a hobby out of bashing Brett Favre, but the man did pretty well in his first Super Bowl as well. No interceptions. Brett of old, might have.

posted by dviking at 02:13 PM on February 07, 2011

All I can say is, it couldn't have happened to a "nicer" (bitch) person.

Not sure I follow.

Aguilera's nasty demeanor and horrible way of treating people, whether they are those who work with her, for her, fans, you name it, is pretty-well documented. I recently saw a clip of a time she was getting ready to perform outside during the Today Show (one of those shows), when a fan yelled, "I love you Christina," and Aguilera responded by spitting at the person.

What I meant is I'm sure there were many watching the game who were overjoyed when she messed the anthem up so badly.

posted by dyams at 02:37 PM on February 07, 2011

Thoughts on the Super Bowl from someone who really didn't care how it went, as long as it was a decent game:

I am in favor of a Constitutional Amendment that requires The Star Spangled Banner to be sung in less than 1:45. Anything more is unnecessary and usually results in a poorly sung version. The offense would be a felony, and the minimum sentence would be at least a ban of one year from using a microphone for anything.

Compensation of 3-times the seat price for those who had their seats disappear is far too little. Don't forget that a lot of those people had transportation costs, hotel rooms, meals, and the like. There are rumors that the league will provide free tickets to the Indianapolis event (if it happens), in addition to the refund, but even this might not be enough for some. Too bad there were no commercials for lawyers.

I did not watch the halftime festivities. The only thing Black Eyed Peas are good for is making "Hoppin' John".

The game itself wasn't bad. Green Bay used a strategy similar to New England's by using short, quick passes to multiple receivers in order to offset Pittsburgh's blitzes. It worked well for the most part. Having Clay Matthews "spy" Roethlisberger was not all that effective, and might have made Green Bay's defense a bit less effective. Nonetheless, Packers did quite well in that respect.

My wife had Green Bay 8, Pittsburgh 5 on a $250 "squares" sheet. When Green Bay made it 28-17, I told her that Pittsburgh needed a TD and 2-point conversion, and she'd be in great shape. Sure enough, it happened. Alas, it happened way too soon, and Green Bay messed it up with the late field goal. Oh well...

I was in favor of the final outcome. For many reasons I do not favor Pittsburgh, and Green Bay was a nice story about a quarterback reaching his potential and a team overcoming some adversity. So I'm happy about that. Otherwise, the event is far and away over-hyped, the side shows (halftime, commercials, media days, etc.) have become more important than the game, and there are too many talking heads making fools of themselves. Just play the game and shut up, please.

posted by Howard_T at 02:56 PM on February 07, 2011

BTW, was her rendition of "...braaaaaaaaave!" below the mark set in Las Vegas for the over/under on how long she'd hold the note?

The over/under I heard was 6 sec. She made it to 8 sec. But I believe she was under 2 min. for the anthem - of course dropping a line helps the cause.

posted by MrNix67 at 03:05 PM on February 07, 2011

I read somewhere else that the 400 folks who got shutout will attend next year's Super Bowl (assuming there is one) as "guests of the NFL." Cold comfort for sure (particularly if the aggrieved party's team does not get there again next year), and there is no recompense that could ever make these folks "whole," but a nice gesture on top of the 3x refund.

What I can't figure out is why there need to be so many non-fans in attendance. The overall attendance was 103,219, of whom 12,159 were credentialed workers. That's just under 12% who were media, NFL types, etc. Not sure how it breaks down in terms of credentialed media, but it seems to me that there were probably 400 people in that 12,159 who probably did not need to be there.

posted by holden at 03:14 PM on February 07, 2011

Aguilera's nasty demeanor and horrible way of treating people, whether they are those who work with her, for her, fans, you name it, is pretty-well documented. I recently saw a clip of a time she was getting ready to perform outside during the Today Show (one of those shows), when a fan yelled, "I love you Christina," and Aguilera responded by spitting at the person.

So well-documented it doesn't make her Wikipedia entry and so memorable you forgot it was gum or a cough drop, not spit, and you have no idea if she threw it at someone or not. I'm neither a fan or a hater of hers, just surprised by the level of vitriol for someone who would seem outside the typical Sportsfilterian's purview. To me, anyway.

posted by yerfatma at 04:04 PM on February 07, 2011

I am in favor of a Constitutional Amendment that requires The Star Spangled Banner to be sung in less than 1:45. Anything more is unnecessary and usually results in a poorly sung version. The offense would be a felony, and the minimum sentence would be at least a ban of one year from using a microphone for anything.

All sporting events should be required to use a recording of Marvin Gaye's rendition at the 1983 NBA all-star game.

posted by thewittyname at 05:07 PM on February 07, 2011

Why even have a national anthem sung at a domestic sporting event ?

This is a fair question.
It is easy to forget who it is being sung for, what it signifies, to the players and the fans. I think it is important that we, prior to engaging in aggressive, gladiator-style 'sporting' events for the enchanted masses, take a moment to remind all involved that what we are about to see is two teams representing unique regional segments, and sometimes actual ideologies, but that we are in fact, all on the same team.
We are the same.
The outcome of this event, from Pop Warner to the Super Bowl, is not more important than our civility to one another.
We've seen players get rabid and express desire to hurt other.
For those that are serving in the armed forces, those who have voluntarily agreed to put their lives on the line for their nation, take more than you might imagine from the singing of the national anthem. They feel involved, appreciated.
It is a nod to them, a tip of the cap.
Why not sing the national anthem before the game?

So that is what I think of it being sung.
A mistake was made. It wasn't some shrill, intentional disrespectful act. Roseanne Barr.
It was a mistake.

posted by geekyguy at 05:20 PM on February 07, 2011

Oh, I have family in New Glarus, Wisconsin, where the good beer comes from.
Congratulations to the Packers!

posted by geekyguy at 05:24 PM on February 07, 2011

Speaking of Telemanjaro:

Click to see it larger. Photo by Michael Ainsworth, my Pulitzer Prize-winning college pal, who contributes to the Dallas Morning News.

posted by rcade at 06:02 PM on February 07, 2011

I think, in some ways, the game was a microcosm of Green Bay's season. They are a world class team who struggled with injuries all season (15 players, 6 of them starters, on IR) but managed to make the playoffs.

In yesterday's game, they were struggling again after they lost Charles Woodson (2009 Defensive player of the year) Donald Driver and Sam Shields (though Shields did attempt to play through it). And then they struggled to find a way to win. One of the reasons Jordy Nelson had such a big game is that Driver was unavailable.

After the 2010 playoffs, Aaron Rodgers looks like the best QB in the game. Then again, that was said about Brees after last year's game (Not that Brees isn't good, he's great. But Rodgers looks otherworldly). I do love the exclamation point of Favre's career with the Packer. Buh Bye Brett.

As far as the half time show? I have never owned a BEP record and never will and I had zero expectations.

But, as viewed through my vodka goggles, I really enjoyed it. My seven year old was singing along. Seeing Slash was a bit of nostalgia and the whole thing was fun.

Contrast this with The Who last year. The Who are one of my all-time favorite bands and watching them last year was like watching Joe Namath stumble drunkenly on the sideline trying to kiss Suzy Kolber.

posted by cjets at 06:08 PM on February 07, 2011

justgary, perhaps you could mention one halftime show you did enjoy, and I did like this one.

Throw them all in a bag and pick one. Look, musical preference is a personal thing. You liked them, I didn't. I was looking forward to Springsteen and was disappointed. I thought the whole thing was corny. But I also remember being in the minority. Considering I hadn't heard anything from Prince that I've enjoyed since 1987, I thought he'd be a mistake. But I thought he was amazing (probably because he has more talent in his pinky than all the Peas put together).

I think the NFL had been playing it safe with older acts, and this year went with a younger act while still being safe. I'm all for getting more relevant acts, but next time might want to include one with talent.

The autotune was awful, and Fergie, even if I could get by how annoying I find her, simply can not sing. At all. Making it worse was the length of the show (not their fault) and the slash duet. Anyone not a fan of Axle's version should be now. I found it incredibly embarrassing for both Slash and Fergie.

Someone said their 7 year old was singing along. That sounds about right. When I was 7 I thought McDonalds was the greatest restaurant in the world. As I got older I realized they actually sucked (though some adults love McDonalds, and there's nothing wrong with that...).

and song selection seems odd to me.

It was a medley of their hits basically, the same thing almost every act does. It's just that with the Black Eyed Peas those hits are bland and forgettable.

I know that some of you have made a hobby out of bashing Brett Favre, but the man did pretty well in his first Super Bowl as well. No interceptions. Brett of old, might have.

I consider it more a duty than a hobby. You act as if Favre hasn't been responsible at all for his ridicule. Look at it this way, if Favre had taken the vikings to the super bowl this year it would be all Favre all the time right about now and you'd be in hog heaven.

Rodgers has a Super Bowl mvp. Here's hoping he has one more Super Bowl to go. You know, ONE better.

posted by justgary at 07:41 PM on February 07, 2011

Prince ...... has more talent in his pinky than all the Peas put together in the pod

Fixed that for ya !!

posted by tommybiden at 08:29 PM on February 07, 2011

You act as if Favre hasn't been responsible at all for his ridicule. Look at it this way, if Favre had taken the vikings to the super bowl this year it would be all Favre all the time right about now and you'd be in hog heaven.

WTF?

you really do have reading comprehension issues don't you? I was clearly, and merely, pointing out the facts that Brett Favre had a pretty impressive 1st Super Bowl as well. Then, just to placate you, I acknowledged that the current version of Brett Favre probably would have thrown a game losing interception. Back to your rant. When Rodgers passing the majority of Favre's records wake me up.

posted by dviking at 10:59 PM on February 07, 2011

I found it interesting that the NFL was so far behind the times.

The CFL had the Black-Eyed Peas as the half-time performer for the Grey Cup game...5 years ago.

I'm not a fan of them as a band, but I do have one of their songs on my iPod because it was a fitting song at a fitting time.

posted by grum@work at 12:08 AM on February 08, 2011

What's your second link, grum? I get a message that it contains content from CTV that is copyright protected.

I much prefer the Black Eyed Peas to the old rock stars. I thought those were torture. Still, I'd rather see some FAMU's marching band or something fun like that.

posted by bperk at 11:53 AM on February 08, 2011

When Rodgers passing the majority of Favre's records wake me up.

Well, he has as many road playoff wins and Super Bowl rings as Favre, so that's a start.

posted by drezdn at 01:34 PM on February 08, 2011

you really do have reading comprehension issues don't you?

It was in response to your 'some people make it a hobby', pointing out that you're ignoring that favre's past actions makes it pretty easy to pick on him. But I'll refrain from discussing your reading comprehension.

When Rodgers passing the majority of Favre's records wake me up.

Rodgers will probably never get close to Favre's records, but he could very well pass him in team accomplishments. I guess it depends on if you value personal or team records, or if you have his poster on your wall.

posted by justgary at 02:06 PM on February 08, 2011

I certainly look at my BF poster while I Favpe.

posted by Hugh Janus at 02:16 PM on February 08, 2011

When Rodgers passing the majority of Favre's records wake me up.

It appears passing those records requires hanging around well past your welcome and becoming a journeyman albatross to just rack up counting stats. There are plenty of guys with more hits than Ted Williams, but not many better hitters. Will you be impressed when he passes Favre's lifetime interceptions record?

posted by yerfatma at 02:45 PM on February 08, 2011

What's your second link, grum? I get a message that it contains content from CTV that is copyright protected.

Stupid copyright crap.

It's the interview with Sidney Crosby right after he scores The Golden Goal. In the background (and quite loudly) you can hear the Black-Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling", specifically the lyrics "Tonight's going to be a good night. Tonight's going to be a good, good night." And, yes, it was.

In a very Pavlovian way, I can't help but get all cheerful and excited when I hear that song.

posted by grum@work at 03:27 PM on February 08, 2011

The "some people make a hobby" line was a joke, and I have no problem with you picking on him, he currently deserves most of it.

Does he sell posters??? I should have bought one. I do have a #4 Jersey, but it's green and yellow, so I don't wear it much.

posted by dviking at 04:58 PM on February 08, 2011

Amusing how much discussion has been devoted to the halftime show. Ask any die-hard Packer fan what they thought of halftime and I would guess their answer would be the same: What goddamned halftime show? I for one was too busy trying to let my heart rate settle down, praying that Woodson and Driver would miraculously come back to play, hoping the guys didn't let their nerves get to them, wondering fearfully if the Steelers might actually come back from the deficit. Did I mention praying?

As a displaced Wisconsinite and lifelong Packer fan, I can't begin to describe how emotional this game was for me and so many others like me. Talking to my equally-far-flung family members reassured me that I was not alone, that their stomachs had been in knots all weekend too, that they could barely enjoy the game because it was so nervewracking and tense. After Woodson and Driver went out with injuries, I proceeded to spend the entire second half on my feet pacing with my hands clasped in prayer. I wanted it so badly for those guys, for Rodgers, for the team that came together when nobody thought they had a chance in hell at the playoffs, to show the world what they could do when the monkey of Brent was off their backs for good and the future was ahead of them.

And holy everliving fuck, did they deliver.

I still tear up thinking about it. It has been an emotional season for Packer fans, and a testament to the resilience of the team and the drive and passion to give it all they've got. I knew Rodgers was good when he stepped in for an injured Favre a few years back, but I didn't think he'd be able to take us so far so quickly. And next year, with Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley healthy again, among so many others... the new Packer dynasty is just beginning, folks.

posted by evixir at 10:14 PM on February 08, 2011

The "some people make a hobby" line was a joke

Guess I have reading comprehension issues too.

As a displaced Wisconsinite and lifelong Packer fan, I can't begin to describe how emotional this game was for me and so many others like me. Talking to my equally-far-flung family members reassured me that I was not alone, that their stomachs had been in knots all weekend too, that they could barely enjoy the game because it was so nervewracking and tense.

I spent the whole second half hoping my dad back in Wisconsin wasn't having a heart attack. I don't know if I've had a game that bothered me like that before. These days I mostly root for the Packers to make my family happy, which seems like a pretty good reason.

posted by tron7 at 01:11 AM on February 09, 2011

Ask any die-hard Packer fan what they thought of halftime and I would guess their answer would be the same: What goddamned halftime show?

I can remember what that was like, back in the distant era when the Cowboys played the Super Bowl.

Glad the Packers fans can enjoy the moment. Hard to believe it happened in Dallas, though. That's just wrong.

posted by rcade at 08:49 AM on February 09, 2011

And next year, with Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley healthy again, among so many others... the new Packer dynasty is just beginning, folks.

Just like the Saints dynasty.
Or the Buccaneer dynasty.
Or the Giants dynasty.
Or the Colts dynasty.
Or the Ravens dynasty.
Or the Rams dynasty.

It's a little early to be using the word dynasty.
Win a second Super Bowl in the next 3 years (and make the playoffs each time) and maybe they can start thinking about using that word.

posted by grum@work at 08:50 AM on February 09, 2011

The CFL had the Black-Eyed Peas as the half-time performer for the Grey Cup game...5 years ago.

I think that went along with the choice. They got a group considered more hip than previous acts, but also got a group that has done this type thing several times before. Only Up with People could have been safer.

Just like the Saints dynasty.

Too much can happen to start calling for a dynasty, but one advantage the Packers have over the Saints is Rodgers being considerably younger than Brees.

posted by justgary at 01:55 PM on February 09, 2011

Hard to believe it happened in Dallas, though.

Not in Dallas.

North Texas.

posted by grum@work at 02:00 PM on February 09, 2011

It's a little early to be using the word dynasty.

I'd agree with that. But I disagree with the notion that any of those teams, maybe with the exception of the Colts, were considered dynasty material, even in the days after their superbowl wins*

*Idiot broadcasters (I'm looking at you Chris Berman) on ESPN excluded.

posted by cjets at 02:09 PM on February 09, 2011

The Packers are a dynasty team now, even though it took them until the final week of the regular season to make the playoffs as a wild card? I was impressed they even won the Super Bowl as a wild card, but making "Dynasty" status as a wild card? Amazing.

posted by dyams at 04:17 PM on February 09, 2011

Rodgers will probably never get close to Favre's records, but he could very well pass him in team accomplishments

Perhaps. Given that Favre got the Packers back to the Super Bowl the next year after winning, we don't have to wait long for an early indication on this. (fully aware that not getting back in 2012 but doing some several times thereafter would noteworthy)

posted by dviking at 01:34 AM on February 10, 2011

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