NFL Playoffs and the Issue of Hugging

Ok, so I am going to tackle two totally unrelated subjects within this one post. I apologize now if this becomes too long, or too boring.

I will start of with a few of my thoughts from the playoff games that have taken place this weekend. All my stats will be courtesy of nfl.com... because let's face it, I won't be able to remember this all off the top of my head. I am not that good.

Arizona Cardinals 14 @ New Orleans Saints 45:

This was obviously the game I was most interested in. The two hours leading up to this game were some of the most stressful I have ever experienced (in regards to football, of course). Watching the Cardinals and Packers game the week before made me realize that Arizona was going to be a worthy competitor. Logically, I knew the Saints were finally healthy and they are the highest scoring team in the league, but my emotions were everywhere. My family has been watching the Saints for about 43 years, and they have this amazing ability to loose. So, I knew I would not relax until the game was completely over. The first play of the game was a rushing touchdown by Hightower. My stomach turned. However, the Saints came back with furry. Drew Brees threw for 247 yards, had 23/32 completions- a completion rating of 79.1%, had 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 0 sacks and 0 fumbles. I couldn't have asked for more. Reggie Bush had, what I would classify as a breakout game. He has finally learned how to run 'north and south' and not 'east to west.' The result was awesome. He had one rushing TD, one punt return for a TD and 84 other yards. This is the Reggie Bush the Saints need. What I was the most pleased with is the fact that the Saints got back to their trademark of using ALL of their resources. They had five separate players (Hamilton, Bush, Shockey, Colston and Henderson) score touchdowns. The ability to do this is something other teams in the NFL lack. The Saints also had 27 first downs compared to the Cardinals 15. I do not say any of this to bash the Cardinals by any means. I respect them as a team, especially Kurt Warner. However, I can't help but brag on my team! :) This is a big deal to the city. I am so pumped for them.

Baltimore Ravens 3 @ Indianapolis Colts 20:

Again, I was clearly going for the Colts in this one. They maintained a solid lead throughout the game, but I did found this game to be rather boring. Maybe this is because I just come off the emotional rollercoaster that was the New Orleans game, but I couldn't stay engaged in this game. Peyton Manning completed 30/44 passes, threw for 246 yards, had 2 TD's and 1 interception. A good game, but not "great"... especially for Peyton Manning. Maybe I found this game to be somewhat boring because Baltimore did not do anything worth mentioning. It didn't feel like a playoff game by any means. Joseph Adai, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark all had solid games. The defense was able to come up with a fumble, and even cause a fumble on a ball that would have been a Manning interception. The Colts had 22 first downs whereas the Ravens only had 12. To me, this is an important stat in any game. Glad Peyton Manning and the Colts won!

Dallas Cowboys 3 @ Minnesota Vikings 34:

Out of respect to those of you who read this and cheer for the Cowboys, and out of a desire to maintain some class, I will keep my insults and my jokes between my family and I. It is no secret that I am very glad the Cowboys lost today, but I must say, I was disappointed that this wasn't much of a game. Dallas was not able to make it into the inzone during the entire game, which is somewhat unheard of for them. Romo was sacked 6 times, threw 1 interception and lost 2 of his 3 fumbles. With stats like that, the defense would have really needed to step up to give their team a chance, but alas, Brett Favre played the way he has for so many years and pulled off a big win. Brett had 4 touchdown passes of the game (although, I don't think the last one was at all necessary*), completed 15/24 of his passes and threw for 234 yards. That is a good game. Adrian Peterson wasn't able to get much down on the ground, but I suppose it wasn't really needed this game. My only hope is that the New Orleans offensive line will be able to hold up against this Minnesota defensive line next week!

* I found the last touchdown to be unnecessary because the Vikings had clearly one the game. Also, the pass was made on 4th down. I just feel like it was adding insult to injury. With that said, I don't play football, so I don't know what goes through players heads. I would assume that most players wouldn't turn down a touchdown possibility, no matter the score. I would assume its almost second nature to just go for the score. I really don't know.

New York Jets 17 @ San Diego Chargers 14:

This game has been the game I have been the least interested in. However, I am still watching it (as we speak the game is on, so forgive me if my verb tenses change half through this). I have never been a San Diego fan, so I decided to go for the J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets. Haha. Anyway, I don't really know what it is about the Chargers, and I don't hate them, but I have never liked them. Plus, I am kind of pulling for Mark Sanchez, seeing as how is a rookie and leading the 5th seed through, and frankly he is pretty decent looking ;). The jets were the only road team this week to win! I think that is pretty cool. This too was somewhat of a slow game. It took a while for Sanchez to get into the game, and even then he wasn't outstanding. But, he played a solid game and did what he needed to so that his team won, and I suppose that is all that counts. The stats aren't great for either team, so I will skip over all of that. I am happy for the Jets and looking forward to seeing them play the Colts. I am hoping they can put up a fight next week... simply for something entertaining to watch.

Now, for a change of pace, onto the issue of hugging. As most of you know, I think it is fair to say that my love language is touch. It is just how I roll. I like to show affection and love through acts of touching. Whether this be a hug or a simple pat on the shoulder, I often use touch to express myself. I also respond well to physical touch. Some of you know this based on my insistence that you hug me. If I am happy, I want to hug you. If I am crying, I want to you to hug me (although I might try and initially act tough and push you away... don't buy it, it's just a defense mechanism). I am stressed out and talking a mile a minute trying to figure everything out, I want a hug. To me, hugs say "I am here for you" or "don't worry, everything will be ok" or "I have missed you/I am really happy to see you/I am sad to see you go" or simply "I love you." For me, hugs are appropriate in most situations. One of the loneliest things about being at obu, is the lack of hugs I receive. There are days when I think to myself "if only I could have a hug." I look forward to getting home for this reason (and many others). There are days I wind up in Sarah's office just so I can get a hug. It does wonders for my spirit. Some would say that because I hug so often, I don't value them. On the contrary, my friend. I value hugging more than most I would dare to say. Just because I give/receive them a lot does not devalue them for me. Hugs often say more to me than words. I find that when I can't find the words for someone else, a hug seems to do the job. I am not trying to convince all of you non-huggers to change your ways (because that would mean changing everyone I know), but I want you to understand where I am coming from. However, with all of this being said, I too have my limits. There are some people I do NOT want hugging me. Just from church today, I have a few names that come to mind. ;). The number one rule with hugging (one in which I try my hardest to always respect) is that you are only allowed to hug another person if they are willing to accept the hug. A hug is something that should be desired by BOTH parties involved, not just one. Forcing a hug onto someone is not cool. I am generally too polite to simply say no, or go in for a handshake instead, so I often end up in a rather unpleasant situation. I guess I should learn to be a little more standoff-ish with certain people. If you are reading this blog, chances are I look forward to hugs from you, so don't worry. Plus, I am somewhat ok with initiating them when I feel I need to. I like hugs. That won't change. But I do not like being backed into a corner, so to speak, and being forced to hug someone I don't really want to ;).