Sorry you weren't privileged enough to read my article last week. I was busy looking for the Patriots playoff game on television! No, really, I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but the Pats went from perennial Super Bowl contender to has-beens in less time than it took the Bruins to go from first to worst. This town is in such a sad state of affairs that the Jeremy Giambi signing stole the headlines in the Globe. What next, details of the Nomar-Mia wedding at 11?While we were all away attempting to check grades online, we happened to miss two of the greatest playoff comebacks of all-time during the NFL's Wildcard weekend. The Browns dismal breakdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers may not have grabbed the most headlines, but it surely proved to be a healthy appetizer to the New York Giant debacle. I am sure there are a dozen or so plays that may stick in your mind eternally, but personally I love when Michael "The Human Gap" Strahan, pointed to the scoreboard in the third quarter to remind Terrell "Touchdown" Owens that the game was in hand. The Giants proceeded to roll over while the 49ers continued to stick it to them. If only Frank Reich were quarterbacking San Francisco, the comeback would be complete.

My take on the final play? The holder should have paid attention to the details of the game and just thrown the ball away. The kick would have been automatic if the Giants' 41-year-old snapper could have gotten the ball where it needed to go. If that game forced Kerry Collins back to the bottle, you'd be hard pressed to blame him.

Now that the dust has finally settled, the Super Bowl picture is crystal clear. I know, I did predict Pittsburgh over San Francisco at year's beginning. Remember, though, I am not the Amazing Kretzkin! In case you haven't heard, this year's epic battle will feature the high-flying Oakland Raiders against the punishing defense of Tampa Bay. The game is atypical in that it features two drastic extremes pitteds against each other. This creates quite the conundrum for Las Vegas oddsmakers, as there is no obvious choice. Furthermore, the Vegas Super Bowl line will never be released as a pick'em.

So, where does all this babbling leave my pick? The Tampa Bay Bucs are led by the hotter quarterback. Now, you must be telling yourself, "Put down the paper. Ashin has gone nuts, insane. Must be all those late night trips to the casino." But, when you break down the numbers and Brad Johnson is at the helm, the supposedly inferior offense of the two has scored at least 27 points per game. Not too shabby. In addition, the Raiders defense couldn't keep a below average intramural team from getting into the end zone.

You also have to factor in Keyshawn Johnson. From day one, this is a man who has made numerous public statements declaring that his primary career goal is to win a Super Bowl. This is his one, and possibly only, chance to make good on that promise. Who am I to doubt this guy? All his life (cue soft, sad music now) he has defied the odds . From an underprivileged upbringing in South Central Los Angeles to stardom at the University of Southern California. I, for one, have always been a believer in K. Johnson, and wouldn't bet against him.

The coaching saga in this particular game will surely earn top billing. Jon Gruden facing his former team and rival owner hopefully won't diminish from what should be a thrilling game. I would hedge my bet that the teacher will dominate the student. In this case, that is Gruden's Bucs over Bill Callahan's Raiders in convincing fashion. So, for all you bettors, take the Bucs to cover and I would parlay that with the over. Final score: Tampa Bay 31, Oakland 20 . Brad Johnson is my MVP.