The first round of the NFL playoffs is usually my favorite sports weekend. It’s the time we find out which teams are just happy to be there – and which are real Super Bowl contenders ready to move on to the two top conference seeds. However, this year’s match-ups find me scratching my head regarding the NFL playoff structure.

First, I question how a team tied for the third best record in the NFL, and a better record than four teams in the playoffs, doesn’t make the 12-team cut.  The 11-5 Patriots are sitting home while we’re forced to watch the likes of San Diego (8-8), Arizona (9-7), Philadelphia (9-6-1), and Minnesota (10-6).  Secondly, how do the Chargers at 8-8 get home field advantage over the 12-4 Colts, or the 9-7 Cardinals get to host the 11-5 Falcons?

The NFL’s four divisions per conference is the first problem. It rewards teams in weak divisions and hinders the quality of depth in stronger divisions. By doing so, it lessens the importance of the regular season. This year is a prime example with two pathetic teams from the NFC and AFC west divisions in the tournament.

However, even if you’re happy with the qualification structure, teams in the playoffs should be seeded by record. Allowing San Diego to host Indy is crazy. The Colts are tied for the second best record in the league. That should be worth something.

This weekend I look for all the visiting teams to move on to the next round, with Minnesota the only home team with a shot at a W. However, it probably won’t matter, as the two top seeds in each conference should end up playing for a Super Bowl berth.

Can the winning continue in New England?

It’s an age-old question in sports…does the player make the coach, or the coach make the player? Would Auerbach have been as successful without Russell? How about Coach Wooden without Lew Alcindor and Walton – or Lombardi without Bart Starr and Paul Hornung?

That’s the question being asked today in New England, as the Brady-less Patriots take the field for the first time in 129 games without the MVP and all-world quarterback.

In case you’ve been in a coma the past few days, Tom Brady is out for the season with a knee injury that occurred in the first quarter of week-1 in the NFL. Since his insertion into the Patriots lineup, after a Bledsoe injury in 2001, Brady started 128 consecutive games – and won 81 percent of them. During that time, the Pats won 3-Super Bowls and played in 5 AFC Championship games. And, outside New England, the Pats became the most hated team in the NFL. Winning will do that.

As Brady’s career blossomed, the ongoing question was – did the Belichick “system” make Brady, or did Brady’s greatness make Belichick? We’ll soon find out.

While a huge fan of both Auerbach and Wooden, I think both men would admit that you can’t win without great players. Sure, with hard work, a coach can get lucky one year. However, to be an ongoing champion, a coach needs players. Great coaches are really good coaches with great players.

The Patriots have multiple great players, so winning should continue, albeit not at an 81 percent clip. However, make no mistake about it. The true greatness of the Patriots lay in Brady. Without him there will be no championship. Without him all the Belichick-haters will become vultures awaiting prey.

Belichick has been a great coach since 2001. He may return to being a good coach in 2008.

Let’s make one thing clear. The Super Bowl must always be played in the United States. This nonsense of playing America’s greatest sport spectacle in Europe is blasphemy.

So, that said, which U.S. cities are best suited to host America’s premier sporting event? Please note that I used the word “event” not game. As long as the city has a warm climate and a stadium with enough seats to fill the NFL’s wallet, the actual game-site is irrelevant to me. It’s the host city’s ambience and logistics that is critical to the overall Super Bowl experience. For those who have never been to a Super Bowl, trust me, the week-long events and party atmosphere leading up to the game are as important, if not more so, than the game itself.

A poll in HOFmagazine.com asks, which of the following five cities is the best location for the Super Bowl? Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, San Diego, or Tampa. I’ve been fortunate to spend much time in these great cities. I have some interesting stories from all, however, I’ll stick to just ranking them for Super Bowl purposes.

5. Los Angeles

What can be written about this city that hasn’t already been published? Most visitors either love it or hate it, but it should be on your Bucket List as a must see. As the host of Super Bowl I (which was actually called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game) in 1967 at the LA Memorial Coliseum - and subsequent Super Bowls at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl, it’s unquestionably one of America’s most fun cities. From Hollywood to Malibu - Santa Monica to Marina Del Rey - and down to Long Beach, there are plenty of great restaurants, bars, nightclubs, beaches, and beautiful people. But, it’s too spread out for my liking to host this event. Again, there’s no doubt you’d have fun here, but you’ll likely be hanging out with many people who have no idea a football game is in town. LA is simply too big and lacks logistics to get ranked higher.

4. Tampa

For those who travel to Florida via I-95 to their favorite east coast spots, try traveling I-75 for a change and enjoy the Gulf Coast. Your first stop should be the Tampa Bay area - home of some great beaches. However, this ranking isn’t about beaches. On a smaller scale, Tampa Bay runs into some of LA’s logistic problems - it’s too spread out. Basically, the area consists of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, hence, the term Tampa Bay. Obviously, the area has some great waterfront dining, but what gets Tampa the #4 rank is Ybor City. Located just northeast of Tampa - a streetcar ride away, Ybor City is known as Tampa’s Latin Quarter and is considered one of Florida’s top-ranked night spots. Stroll down La Setima - the main street of the Historic District, and you’ll find a variety of cuisine. But, it’s the nightlife that makes this a great attraction. Throughout the night, you’ll hear Jazz, Blues, Salsa, Reggae, and even hip-hop emanating from bars and nightclubs - making Ybor City a great consolidated area for Super Bowl partying.

3. San Diego

America’s Finest City. That’s how the city promotes itself - and you won’t get an argument from me. I’ve been to most major American cities, and San Diego is my favorite. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Mexico, deserts and mountains - and offering a consistent climate, you might wonder why San Diego only ranks #3. (Well, since I once lived there, maybe I just didn’t want to be accused of prejudice.) While there’s much fun along the 70-miles of beaches from Coronado and Mission Beach to La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas and Oceanside - it’s downtown San Diego that offers Super Bowl fans the ability to walk to all the shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs they need to keep them happy. Fans can enjoy the waterfront at Seaport Village - or walk up the street and party in the Gaslamp District with great music and beautiful people. San Diego is one of America’s nightlife hot spots - and provides a great Super Bowl atmosphere.

2. Miami

In 2010, the Miami-area will be hosting its 10th Super Bowl - most by any city. And why not? Forget that the stadium is a trek, get your butt to Miami Beach and, more specifically, South Beach - and you may never make it to the game! Hang out on Ocean Drive in the Art Deco District with a cocktail and just take in the view. From vintage cars, Harleys, celebrities and, oh yes, those beautiful models - you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven. Nightlife is ‘the-way-of-live’ on South Beach, so Super Bowl fans just need to get out of their hotel room and they’ll run into fun by accident. Food and drink is abundant but, if you like crab, be sure to head down to Joe’s Stone Crab - it’s the best. However, try to remember why you’re there - and set your alarm for the game. The beautiful people alone make Miami my #2 Super Bowl city.

1. New Orleans

This flamboyant city was made for the Super Bowl. As a matter of fact, many football “insiders” wouldn’t mind if the game were played there every year. Between its music, nightlife, unparallel cuisine, and convenient logistics, New Orleans and the Super Bowl is a match made in heaven. Head to Harrah’s Casino on Canal Street - then to the famous French Quarter, and you may never see your room - unless you need some privacy. However, I warn you, it’s a Marti Gras every night, so bring plenty of money and be ready to “rally” every day so you don’t miss anything. And here’s a recommendation: Be sure to take a few days off from work when you get home so you can recuperate! Without question, New Orleans is America’s #1 Super Bowl city.

Unfortunately - or maybe fortunately as I get a little long-in-the-tooth, this year I’ll be watching the big game from the comfortable confines of my home. However, as I hear about all the parties leading to the game, I’ll be reminded of some fun times spent during Super Bowl week - and all the great cities who have hosted it.

Only in America!

For those thankful to the Cleveland Indians for beating the Yankees in the MLB 2007 Division Series to save us from yet another Boston - New York confrontation … here we go again. But, this time, it’s the NFL and the biggest spectacle in sport. The Super Bowl.

Yes, America, those fanatic sports fans from Boston and New York, who have anointed themselves as the two greatest sports-towns in the country, will be going at it one more time. And, needless to say, one city will once again be hanging another championship banner. It’s the Patriots versus Giants, round 2.

So, which team do you hate more now…the Yankees or the Patriots? Just think, if the Patriots pull off the unbelievable task of a perfect 19-0 season, they will become the greatest team in NFL history. And with Brady a mere 30 years old, the Patriots’ organization will become the greatest all-time NFL franchise by the time he retires, if they’re not already.

Thank God for the Montreal Canadiens. Of the four major pro sports in North America, it appears only hockey eludes Boston and New York from holding the “grand-slam” of greatest sports organization crowns. The Yankees, with their 26 championships, have been the king of baseball since the days of Ruth and Gehrig - then DiMaggio, Mantle, and Jeter. The Celtics and their 16 championships have held the reign as the greatest NBA franchise due to the likes of Russell, Havlicek, Cowens, and Bird. Now the Patriots and Brady are on the threshold of becoming the elite of the NFL. As the saying goes, “the rich get richer.”

To make matters worse, if the Patriots win another Super Bowl this year, Boston teams will have won six championships in football and baseball combined during the last seven years. The Sox in 2004 and 2007, and the Patriots in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2007. And, to make matters worse, the Celtics are making noise again in the NBA.

So while most American sports fans are admitted New York-Boston haters, rest-assured, millions of them will be tuned-in Super Sunday to watch Super Bowl XLII. They just need to remember that Boston or New York will win another championship. Pick your poison.

My San Diego friends have experienced a whirlwind of emotions the past year. It began with the Chargers’ playoff loss to the Patriots last season. After that demoralizing game, fans called for coach Marty Schottenheimer’s head. Soon, thereafter, ownership disposed of Schottenheimer. Then, earlier this season, the Chargers proceeded to loose a few games, and fans sarcastically chanted Marty! Marty! Marty! at Qualcomm Stadium. Today they’re saying, Marty who?

While most NFL experts were anticipating the next Pats-Colts round, the Chargers put a damper on things. And while I can hear the cheering in southern California and see the smiles throughout New England, is a Patriots–Chargers game really what America wanted to see? I’m sure it’s not what CBS wanted – nor the millions of Patriots’ haters. Hell, I’ve already heard a friend of mine saying, “The Patriots just got a ‘free ride’ to another Super Bowl.”

Since they blew-out the Chargers, 38-14, earlier this season, I don’t expect the Patriots to falter this week on the road to perfection. However, I do expect a good game … for a half. Then it’s on to Glendale, Arizona for a chance to become the NFL’s greatest team ever.

By the way, there is another side of the playoff bracket. The Giants will have an uphill battle facing media-favorite Brett Favre and his Packers. New York’s win against Dallas wasn’t a big surprise for me, as I picked that one. But, I also picked the Seahawks, so Vegas isn’t calling me to help set any odds this week. However, no matter who wins in the “junior bracket” does anyone really think the NFC has a shot at a championship? Maybe – but, San Diego will have to come up with an even bigger upset this week for NFC fans to have hope.

So, to all my Chargers friends – congratulations and enjoy this week’s build-up to a game that could resemble the AFL Championship game played January 5, 1964 at San Diego’s Balboa Stadium, which was won by the Chargers in a blow-out against the (then) Boston Patriots 51-10. However, the victor will also be playing home this time – at Foxboro’s Gillette Stadium. And after the loss – please, no whining like last year. Also, don’t be calling for Norv Turner’s head. The Patriots are simply the better team.

Unless you’ve just awakened from a coma, you know the New England Patriots completed the first undefeated regular season in the National Football League since 1972. It’s an amazing accomplishment in professional sports. Hell, it’s a great feat at any level of sports. For those who have played on an undefeated team, you understand the feelings Patriots’ players are having – or will have as the years pass.

Granted, the Pats’ season will be considered a failure if they don’t close-out the year with a Super Bowl victory. Great pro teams don’t hang regular-season banners, or even division championship banners. Just ask the Yankees or Celtics. Being 16-0 will lose its luster unless it turns into 19-0. However, I can tell you first hand that even if the Patriots lose in the playoffs, each player will always remember his undefeated regular season and his teammates – especially as the players grow older. Age promotes nostalgia. Just ask the ’72 Dolphins.

Now, let me preface my undefeated experience by saying I never played professional sports. The comparison is regarding sentiment – not the level of performance.

The year was…well, you guess. A stamp cost a nickle. Gas was about 35-cents and bread a quarter. My favorite songs were Groovin’ by the Young Rascals, All You Need is Love by the Beatles, Light My Fire by the Doors, and Brown-Eyed Girl by Van Morrison. The number one song of the year was To Sir With Love by Lulu. Best movie was A Man For All Seasons, but mine was Cool Hand Luke.

It was my junior year, and I was the starting point-guard for a high school rich in basketball tradition. As the season began, we thought we’d be good and had hopes of making it to the state tournament, which required 14 wins. As practice commenced, there was absolutely no thought of going undefeated. So, we were obviously ecstatic and extremely proud to finish the regular-season 20-0.

There were many wonderful memories that year, but what I remember most is that as the year progressed, practice became more fun…and more intense. And, unlike the Pats, we began thinking and talking about an undefeated season around the tenth game. Hey, we were just kids getting caught up in all the hoopla at school, around town, and in the local newspaper. But, with all the attention came pressure. It mounted with every win.

As game 20 approached, the school and town were abuzz. I remember the excitement, but, mostly, I recall the tension. We were playing a non-league game against a very good team that featured an impressive record of their own at 16-3. One of their losses earlier in the year was against us in a close game, so this was no automatic win.

Needless to say, we won the game to finish our perfect regular season. And while I remember the joy, I also remember the relief that emerged. The pressure was much too great for any 16-year-old to endure. However, after winning, the excitement and shared feelings with teammates and coaches made it all worthwhile. It was a moment in my life that I will forever remember.

Like the Patriots, the story didn’t end with the regular season. 20-0 was great, but, unfortunately, we had little time to enjoy it. We returned to practice the day after our 20th win to prepare for the state tournament. I remember practice being more fun than focus. And while our coach let us enjoy ourselves, he reminded us at the end of the session that there was yet more to accomplish. Subsequent practices returned to normal, as we became focused on the next game and a state championship. We had to put 20-0 behind us.

We won our first game in the tournament and were only one victory away from playing at the legendary Boston Garden on the famous parquet floor. We were two victories away from the state finals – most likely versus a Catholic school from our local area and against friends with whom we had competed for years as kids in the playgrounds. The head-to-head battle was greatly anticipated by both schools and multiple communities. Remarkably, they also ended their regular season 20-0, so a championship game versus two undefeated teams was a high school basketball match-up for the ages in the state.

Unfortunately, the game never happened. We lost. What made it worse is we lost to a team from our league that we had beaten twice that year.

So, was our year a failure? At that moment it was. We were devastated. Being 20-0 meant little to me for a long time. However, as time passed, I quickly realized that the year would always be one of the most cherished of my life. I will always remember my teammates, plus the joy, hard work, and success we experienced together. We accomplished something very special. And despite the tournament loss, we will always be remembered as one of the great teams in our high school’s illustrious basketball history.

So, if the Patriots unexpectedly lose in the playoffs, I know they, too, will be devastated and consider the year a failure. But, I also know that as the years pass and they become nostalgic, they will eventually look back at this year with great pride – and remember the bond they’ve made with their teammates and coaches during their special undefeated regular season.

By the way, the year was 1967.