Jeff Hart: Monday Linkfest for January 23, 2012

By: Jeff Hart | Posted: January 23, 2012

If looks could kill.

Before beginning two solid weeks of nothing but Giants/Patriots rematch talk, I’d like to try to pin down who was the biggest goat of yesterday’s Conference Championship games. Because I’m sure they don’t feel lousy enough already.

The obvious choice is Kyle Williams, who proved to be New York’s most productive weapon. Yet, according to a random internet commenter back in 2010, the 49ers should have seen Williams’ gaffes coming.

Perhaps the real blame for the 49ers loss belongs with Ed Hochuli. The beefy ref blew the whistle for forward progress before the Niners could finish what would have been a game-changing Ahmad Bradshaw mugging. Hochuli also flagged Vernon Davis for this badass TD celebration. Oh, and he talks way, way too much.

Over in the AFC, the obvious choice for goat is kicker Billy Cundiff who, after being passed over for a 50+ yard FG try a series earlier, proved to his coaches that he should be distrusted from any distance. Cundiff should be grateful that his shank didn’t retire Ray Lewis as the strict NFL disciplinary measures are the only thing keeping the linebacker from a murderous rampage.

Baltimore’s more saddening goat is Lee Evans, a guy who spent seven seasons (arguably his best years, when he still had game-changing speed) languishing in the post-season vacuum that is Buffalo. Finally, Evans escapes to Baltimore, only to have his chance for playoff immortality knocked out of his hands.

Perhaps I’m focusing too much on the negative. Instead of asking why the Ravens and 49ers lost, I should be asking why the Giants and Patriots won. In the case of the Giants, the answer is still Kyle Williams. But, with the Patriots, I bet the presence of Drew Bledsoe on the sidelines and his promise of a post-game euro-kiss had something to do with their performance.

Oh, and in case you’re bored with talk about two exciting Conference Championship games, here’s some Terrell Owens news to tide over your hunger for irrelevancy. Speaking of goats, right? 

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