1/23: RIP Joe Pa, NFL, etc.

Greetings everyone... going to be hitting the top stories very quickly this morning...

• Joe Paterno has passed away at the age of 85. It is obviously so interesting to see the reaction to his passing simply due to the events of recent weeks and months, but without getting into all of that, it's sad to see him pass so quickly after "retirement". One of the greats in the history of the coaching profession, and he'll be remembered for that if nothing else.
• Giants 20, 49ers 17 (OT) - A couple of fantastic games on Sunday. The Giants took advantage of two special teams gaffes by Kyle Williams including the game-clincher on a fumbled punt return in OT that set-up the game-winning Lawrence Tynes field goal. These two teams had identical yardage totals in regulation (wow), and this is about as even a game as you'll ever see. Alex Smith sported 2 touchdowns and 0 INTs, but the failure of the Niners offense on third down (1 for 13, and the one was the final play of the game) did them in ultimately, and for the Giants, Eli Manning set a Giants record with 58 attempts, but took care of the ball, and in the end that was enough. Oh, and who is more unguardable: Victor Cruz or Vernon Davis?
• Patriots 23, Ravens 20 - In the interest of full disclosure, I didn't watch this game as I was in a van headed back from a weekend trip, but I hear Billy Cundiff missed a field goal? I did manage to catch the expedited NFL network version of this one, and was shocked at what I saw. Tom Brady was outplayed by Joe Flacco. Let me repeat. Tom Brady was outplayed by Joe Flacco. Never in my wildest dreams would I expect that but it happened. Flacco went for over 300 yards, 2 TDs, and only 1 INT vs. Brady's 239/0 TD/2 INT performance, and it's not that Brady was awful, but he wasn't Brady. That said, the Pats did a nice job of limiting Ray Rice (21 carries, 67 yards), and won the game despite losing the turnover battle 3 to 1. I feel like this will be the "Cundiff Game" for all time though, as 32-yarders shanked that badly don't happen in the NFL everyday, and I feel bad for the guy.
• For a brief moment last night, it looked as though Oregon's Chip Kelly was headed to Tampa to take over the Bucs, but as of Monday morning, ESPN is reporting that Kelly has passed on the job. I'd be very interested to see what would happen if he actually took it with that spread option offense and the tempo that he likes to play, but it looks like we may be waiting a while.
• NBA Box Score Roundup - Paul Pierce went for 34 and 10 assists as the Celtics get a road win against hapless Washington 100-94. The C's were without Rondo, and Ray Allen left the game early, but Pierce had his best game of the season and that was enough to outlast John Wall (27/10/7) and the Wiz. Mo Williams is on fire right now. The Clipper guard went for 26 last night for his 3rd straight good game, as the Clips sent Toronto to their 8th straight loss. Miami dropped a home game to the Bucks 91-82 thanks to typically stingy Bucks defense that held the heat to 37% shooting. Lebron managed 28 and 13, but the Heat got absolutely nothing from anyone not named James or Bosh. Brandon Jennings "led the way" with 23 for the Bucks, but shot 1 of 10 on threes. Stop. Shooting. And finally, the Pacers get a nice road win in LA over the Lakers 98-96. Roy Hibbert led the scoring for Indy with 18 and took a huge charge late to seal things. Kobe put up 33 and 8 for the Lakers, but it wasn't enough.

What to watch for on Monday...

• NBA - Magic @ Celtics - 7:30 NBA-TV - Boston is really struggling, but Pierce showed some life last night, and if they are full strength, they could beat Orlando.
  
• NBA - Hawks @ Bucks - 8:00 SportSouth - I honestly think Milwaukee is the better team when Atlanta is without Al Horford, but there are nights that the Bucks simply can't score, and that could rear its head tonight.
• NBA - Grizzlies @ Warriors - 10:30 NBA-TV - Every time the Dubs play at home, it's entertaining. Done.
• NCAAB - Syracuse @ Cincy - 7:00 ESPN - The Orange won't be Number 1 as of this afternoon after losing to ND this weekend, but this is a tough road test at any rate, and a nice Big Monday game.
  

Enjoy it...