And then . . .delayed reaction depression set it.

The Seahawks in the Super Bowl is the only sporting event that comes close to the Orioles being in the World Series (it's been so long since that has happened I almost forget how high it can get me, and it looks like there is no relief in sight - this week it was revealed that they're trying to trade Eric Bedard, their ace, rather than give him the 5 year deal he deserves!)

The Hawks were eliminated weeks ago, but it's just now that it starts to sink in, as I'm forced to watch the press and hype surrounding the non-Seattle NFC participant in all the pre-Bowl activities. And to make matters worse - Holmgren announced that he will only be back for one more year. Now I know what you are thinking - "Sonny, you've wanted the Walrus out for years now, you should be happy that you are finally getting your wish." But it is a love-hate relationship that I enjoy, and will sorely miss as nobody is more fun to pick on in my columns than the Walrus, except for Marty, maybe, and that is where the fear factor enters this soon to be unfolding drama - Marty is still out there, and available (No, not Kitna.) I am rooting real hard for someone to sign Schott to a deal for the '08 season, because the last thing I want is him to be available in '09, and the Hawks bringing him in to ensure five more years of making it to round one of the playoffs and no further . . .

Super Bowl week means it's prop time, and I'll share the ones I have in pocket:

First, there is the old standby - over/under shortest TD of the game. I play this one every year, purely for entertainment value, though it does come with a decent chance of hitting and at nice odds - I only had to lay -125 for Under 1' yards. What you are looking for is a pass interference call in the end zone, giving you have first and goal from the one, and the ensuing four shots to put it in.

Second prop - Manning to throw an INT. We gotta lay some juice here, -220, but Manning has not thrown an interception in any of the three playoff games thus far. What are the odds Manning goes ANY four game stretch without tossing one to the other team? Slim to none, I figure, and the odds increase to our favor when you add the extra pressure due to the finality of this contest. Finally, I factor in one big difference between this game and the other three post season contests he has played in - they are not going to win this one. Which lends itself to an INT on his part.

Final prop - like above, this prop is based on the basic premise that New York is going to lose (not a stretch at all, sorry G-men backers but your coach is not named Bill, the opposing QB is not named Jim, and there will be no need for a last minute FG here.) For my best bet prop I am snagging a dog price and using Manning passing yards, Over 232' for +115 from Olympic. Let's break it down, again starting with the premise that NY's gonna lose: in their six losses in 2007 Manning threw for 312, 211, 236, 273, 184 & 251 yards. Now let's look closer at the two losses he didn't get to our number of  232'. In the 211 yard game he had a shoulder injury (week two, after the Cowboys roughed him up in the opener.) In the 184 yard game he was victimized by 8 dropped passes, in Washington.  In week 17, against New England, Manning had 251 yards - and that was when NY was ahead for much of the game! I don't see the Giants being ahead at all in this one, and certainly not for most of the second half as they were in the first meeting. With the Super Bowl Championship AND the undefeated season theirs for the taking, I look for Belichik to open it up in this one and go for the kill. NY will be behind this time and that means Eli will be passing, which lends itself to the Over.

For the game itself, I'm taking the Patriots. The Giants proved me wrong this season, as I thought they would not make the playoffs. Their road record is remarkable, and their playoff run has been amazing. But it's time to wake up, Dorothy, it's all been a pleasant dream. Beli and Brady have played a bit conservative in the playoffs thus far, but if he is one thing he is a master strategerizer (as Dubya' would say) - and having just seen the Giants a few weeks back I know Beli will make what will be half-time like adjustments to put a hurting on them. Finally, this week, we get to see again the Pats that the rest of the league feared going into the final weeks, before they came back down to earth. Remember that period in time where Super Bowl's were actually getting boring, because of all the blowouts that had the game all but over by half time? You will come Sunday. . .