The dynamic Tomlinson and San Diego Chargers all of a sudden seemed human. However, things eventually turned around.
The Chargers returned to their normal selves and finished the season 11-5 with another AFC West division title.
Despite giving their fans a scare, the Chargers would put on quite the show in the playoffs.
In the second round, the San Diego took on the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts.
Most football fans were hoping for another classic Manning vs. Brady showdown in the AFC Championship game. However, the Chargers had other plans.
San Diego went on to beat the Colts, 28-24, in Indianapolis, to advance to the AFC Championship against the undefeated New England Patriots.
Despite a long-fought battle, a series of injuries to Phillip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Antonio Gates caused the Chargers to fall short of the Super Bowl, losing, 21-12.
2. Brett Favre's last season in Green Bay turns out to be a magical one
For the past few seasons, it seems like we hear the same question: When is Brett Favre going to retire?
Brett Favre has always been an idol of mine. He is a role model to all athletes out there.
Most athletes these days want to play for big contracts. Every year during the start of training camp, we see a whole list of athletes that refuse to participate until they get what they want (Stephen Jackson, I'm talking to you!).
When I look back at all of the athletes I have seen play the game of football, nobody will ever be able to have as much love for the game as Brett Favre. The man holds off on retirement year after year just so he can play another season of the game he loves.
Even when we watch press conferences of Favre, I have never seen a man so emotional about the game.
On Dec. 22, 2003, Brett Favre had one of the most amazing performances that I will ever see in my life.
On the day after his father's death, Favre went on to throw for 399 yards and four touchdowns as the Packers defeated the Oakland Raiders, 41-7, in one of the best Monday Night Football games in the history of the NFL.
I have been a fan of football ever since I was a young kid. There is no doubt in my mind that I will see a Monday Night Football event like that game again.
Before last season, many fans of the NFL felt that Brett Favre's time was coming to an end. Not only were his numbers declining, but the Packers record wasn't so hot either.
After posting a 12-20 record over the last two seasons, Brett Favre led the Green Bay Packers to a 13-3 record and the NFC Championship Game.
Not only did Favre post numbers of 28 touchdowns and 4,155 yards passing, but he also passed Dan Marino on the all-time list for career passing yards (61,655) and touchdowns (442).
The 2007 season will always be a memorable one for Favre, as it ended up being his final season in Green Bay. After retiring from the game of football in March, it did not take him long to file for reinstatement. However, the Packers had already moved on with the Aaron Rodgers era. Green Bay traded Favre to the Jets back in August.
Obviously, those record-breaking numbers will change this season now that Favre is a Jet (does anybody else find it weird that Favre is on the cover of Madden 09 in a Packers jersey despite playing for the Jets?). The start of the Aaron Rodgers era begins in Green Bay this weekend.
1. Giant upset causes Patriots to fall just short of perfection
Before last season, Tom Brady never had any offensive "superstars" to play with on his Patriots squad. The brightest star on offense that Tom Brady has had in his career was probably Deion Branch, who is now on the Seattle Seahawks.
Last season, Brady received all of the offensive power he could ask for.
In the 2007 offseason, the Patriots loaded up on offense by signing Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Donte Stallworth as receivers. Tom Brady went on to throw for the NFL's first 50-touchdown season, with 21 of those touchdowns going to Randy Moss.
All season long, the Patriots were crushing team after team. Despite a few close games toward the end of the season, everybody knew the Patriots were the team to beat in the AFC.
When the last game of the season rolled around, the Patriots were flirting with perfection. They had posted a 15-0 record and were one game away from becoming the second team in NFL history to post a 16-0 record.
After a long battle, the Patriots ended up beating the New York Giants, 38-35, in the regular season finale to become the second team in history to finish the regular season undefeated.
Little did we know that this great regular season finale would end up being the Super Bowl matchup in February. The Patriots entered the game 18-0 on the season. All they had to do was win against the Giants and their historical team would be right up there with the 1972 Dolphins.
Unfortunately for the Pats, the Giants had different plans.
After scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter, New York ruined the Patriots' Cinderella season and won the Superbowl, 17-14. Eli Manning delivered the winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress with 35 seconds left to seal the win.
Even though they lost the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots gave us a season for the ages. The sensational passing from Brady to Moss was the best dynamic duo we have seen since Batman and Robin.
Even though Stallworth has departed to the Browns, expect the New England Patriots to put up superb numbers again this season. I am sure most of the team wants to fight for perfection again.
We'd like to send you the most entertaining NFL articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete