Mark Henderson was a convict serving a 15 year sentence at the Norfolk State Penitentiary after being convicted of burglary. Let out of the pen on a work release program, he was assigned to operate a snowplow during a New England/Miami Dolphins game in Foxboro on December 12, 1982.

In a game of slips, slides, missed kicks and fumbles, both teams found it impossible to score in the 20 mile per hour winds and blizzard-like conditions.

With 4:32 left and the game still scoreless, the Pats decided to attempt a field goal. Henderson, as he had all game, was driving the plow across the field to clear a spot for the center to place the ball before the snap.

Under the direction of coach, Ray Meyer and holder Matt Cavanaugh, the jailbird darted around the Patriot’s huddle and cleared the spot where Cavanaugh would be spotting the ball for kicker John Smith. Here’s the video and all you millennials will get a peek at what a crappy TV with rabbit ears looked like:

Shula almost blew a gasket, protesting the move after the Pats kick was good and they went on to win the game 3-0.

Henderson who was interviewed later responded, “What were they gonna do, throw me in jail?” Years later, after his release from prison, Henderson was invited to a Patriots home game against the Dolphins where he reenacted his cheating snowplow maneuver.

FOXBOROUGH, MA. – The New England Patriots returned to the postseason for the first time since losing to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl two years ago, and suffered another defeat this time at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back, blowing out the Pats 33-14.

After winning the opening coin toss the Patriots and Bill Belichick deferred and elected to put the ball in the hands of the Ravens offense. On the first play from scrimmage, running back Ray Rice was handed the ball, saw an opening and left the Patriots’ defense in the dust, sprinting for an 83-yard touchdown and 7-0 lead.

On the Patriots’ first series, Tom Brady dropped back to pass but the ball was stripped and recovered by Terrrell Suggs. A few plays later Leron McClain plunged in from the one for another TD and a 14-0 lead, stunning the Patriots and silencing the Foxborough crowd.

The tone was set and from that point on, the Ravens defense owned the Patriots.

An interception led to another score and before the Patriots could catch their breath they were down 24-0 drawing boos from the Patriots fans. The Ravens defense led by All-Pro Ray Lewis forced three turnovers that produced 17 points in the first half. New England had only given up 44 points off turnovers during the entire regular season.

Playing without wide receiver Wes Welker, the only New England bright spot in the first half came on a 1 yard touchdown reception by Julian Edelman which cut the lead to 24-7 and at least assured the once-mighty Patriots that they would not be shutout.

The Ravens relied on their running game as Joe Flacco was unimpressive completing just 4-of-10 passes for 34 yards with one interception.

Ray Rice led the run attack gaining 159 yards taking two to the house. Willis McGahee added another 62 yards on the ground and one touchdown while fullback Leron McClain added another score giving the Ravens 4 rushing TDs on the day. This was a huge swing. In the previous three meetings between these same two teams, the Ravens failed to put the ball in the end zone via the run.

Tom Brady who was pressured much of the day by the aggressive stingy Raven defense was able to hook up with Julian Edelman for another touchdown in the second half giving Edelman his second score of the game. Edelman finished with 6 receptions for 44 yards and showed some promise for the future.

The loss was the first playoff loss for Brady on home field in his career. He finished 23-of-42 for 154 yards and 3 INTs.

After taking slack from the national media for going for it on 4th down while deep in his own end of the field against the Colts; a decision that led to a loss, you have to wonder if Bill Belichick is regretting not taking the ball when his team won the opening coin toss.

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Sanchez Sizzles as New York Jets Advance in Playoffs – Sports Climax

Cowboys Dominate Eagles for First Playoff Win Since 1996 – Sports Climax

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax

This weekends’ AFC wildcard playoff round has two great match-ups.

The New York Jets travel to Cincinnati for a rematch to face the Bengals who suffered a beat down of epic proportions at the hands of the Jets in Week 17. The Bengals, playing without running back Cedric Benson who was granted a day off for rest, were dominated on both sides of the ball that game and virtually smothered by the Jets’ defense.

Carson Palmer statistically had the worst day of his pro career, going 1-of-11, 0 yards, 1 INT. Chad Ochocinco played like his hands were tied behind his back as he was contained by the Jets shutdown corner Darrelle Revis and held without a single catch. The dismal Bengals offense were held to just 72 total yards.

On the other sideline, the Jets produced 257 yards of offense with their potent rushing attack led by Thomas Jones and Mark Sanchez did a great job managing the game without turning the ball over.

The Jets showed why they are one of the most feared defenses in the NFL. They lead the league in several main categories in defense and confused and dominated the Bengals. This weeks’ matchup of former USC quarterbacks may make believers out of Mark Sanchez doubters, including his ex-coach at USC, Pete Carroll.

After a solid 3-0 start, Sanchez came down to earth and started playing like a rookie until the end of the season when he finished with good performances down the stretch to help get the Jets into the playoffs.

Do not expect a repeat of that blowout last week. Cincinnati will be playing in front of a raucous home crowd with Benson back in the pads, which may prove to be difficult for even the Jets and their defense.

In the other AFC game, the Baltimore Ravens travel to New England to take on the Patriots.

Quarterback Tom Brady and his Pats will be without Wes Welker who suffered a left knee injury last week and has been put on the IR.

Look for Julian Edelman to step up in Welker’s absence. Edelman was drafted this year out of Kent State in the 7th round after being a three-year starter at quarterback.

As a senior he led the team in rushing with 1,551 yards on 215 carries and 7.5 yards per carry average, finding the end zone 13 times as a rusher and passing for another 13 touchdowns. These numbers set a record, surpassing Joshua Cribbs single season record for yards from scrimmage.

With Randy Moss drawing double coverage, this could leave Edelman the speedy receiver open downfield for a few big plays. If he is able to get open, Tom Brady should have no problem finding him and making the tough Ravens defense pay.

Expect this one to come down to whoever wins the turnover battle. A week after winning the comeback player of the year award, don’t expect Brady to have too many problems adjusting to life without Welker.

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax