Any doubt that sports and politics don't mix?

Perhaps, you missed the usual pre-game shots of American troops in Iraq. Or the flyover by United States Air Force. Yeah, nothing like a bit of compulsory patriotism with your professional football.

And, just how American is the NFL?

If Left Field had the financial means to establish a professional football club with a desire to join the NFL, well, the league restricts the number of franchises (currently, 32), charges a multi-million dollar entry fee (Robert McNair paid a $700 million expansion fee for the Houston Texans to join the NFL in 1999), and does not allow multiple teams in markets (exception: New York) without compensation to an existing team.

18 AND ARIZONA

How good is New England? Well, Tom Brady throws three interceptions, Randy Moss is barely a mention in the game and yet the Patriots efficiently dismantle the San Diego Chargers, 21-12 in the AFC championship game. Kevin Faulk catches eight passes, Laurence Maroney rushes for 122 yards, including critical first downs on the clock-chewing final drive in the fourth quarter. Jabar Gaffney catches a touchdown pass, Wes Welker catches a touchdown pass. The ageless Junior Seau makes key defensive plays. Rodney Harrison pressures Philip Rivers. And, the offensive line continues to stake a case as the best in the NFL, whether run or pass blocking. Yeah, New England is that good.

ELI'S COMING

How improbable is winning three games on the road, including defeating not only the frequently sleeveless Green Bay Packers, but the ghosts of the legends oozing from the frozen tundra (minus one degree, the third coldest game in NFL post-season history) of Lambeau Field? Well, the New York football Giants (love the sound of that!) accomplished one of the most difficult feats in sports to reach their fourth Super Bowl and create the second consecutive championship game that features a Manning at quarterback.

 

The hole in the roof distilling the elements onto the artificial turf of Texas Stadium in Dallas, the prescription athletic turf in Foxboro, the sterile confines of the RCA Dome in Indianapolis - then, there is Green Bay. Real grass, deca des of championships, legends and history oozing from the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, a sea of green, cheeseheads, fans bundled in layers of warm clothing, snow, lots of snow on the ground-could you ask for a better setting for playoff football?

Typically, at this time of year, writers seek the shelter and comfort of Top 10 lists or the best of the year or some such low hanging literary fruit. Well, Left Field will not, dear readers, stoop so low to insult your good intelligence with such prosaic drivel!

We're stronger than the temptation. We're mightier than the outstretched fruit. We're...well, you get the point. Instead, we will succumb to the cosmic lure of cipher contentment.

Ah, yes, we do have a weakness. You see, by day, Left Field crunches numbers, devouring spreadsheets and databases with the glee of Jim Valvano winning an NCAA men's basketball championship. We are a sucker for digitalia. And here's what the numbers tell us about 2007.